A GUIDE UNTO ZION. OR Certain Positions, concerning a true visible Church. Wherein The nature of a true Church is so plainly described, as all men may easily decern the same from false assemblies. Written by a learned and judicious divine. Jer. 50. 5. They shall ask the way to Zion, with their faces thitherward, saying: come and let us join ourselves to the Lord, in a perpetual Covenant, that cannot be forgotten. Printed at Amstelredam, in the year 1638. A GUIDE UNTO ZION. OR Certain Positions, concerning a true visible Church. THis our English word Church, through custom of speech is commonly used for the Temple or place where people come together for the worship of God; but they that are any thing exercised in religion, know, that it also signifieth the People▪ which gather together for divine service, and this is the first and proper meaning of the word Church, as it is used to express the original Scripture terms, Kahal & Ecclesia. 2. This name Church, we Englishmen (which came of the Saxons) have received from the Saxon, German, and Dutch names Cyric, Kirch, Kerck; whereby those nations now, do usually call their Temples or meeting-places: but the people which come together in them, they call the Gemeine, and the Gemeinte, that is to say, the Comunialtie; and we in our first English Bible's called it, the Congreation. 3 As all religion is learned out of holy scriptures, so the name and doctrine of the church, is from thence to be deduced; and there the Church is called in Hebrew a Deut. 5. 22 Kahal or b Deut. 33 4 Kehillah, which signifieth a Convocation or Assembly of people, & c Exod. 16. 1. Psal. 111. 1. Ghnedah, that is to say a Congregation: in Greek it is named d Math. 16 18. Act. 7 38. Ecclesia, that is in like manner, a Convocation, or people called forth to an assembly, and sometime e ●am. 2. 2. and in the Greek of the old Test. often Deut. 5. 22. Exod. 16. 3. etc. Synagogue, that is a Congregation: which word is also used for the f Luk. 7. 5 Act. 18. 7. place wherein the people assembled. 4. The Hebrew word Kahal is diversely used; sometimes more generally for a great or universal multitude, as g Gen. 35. 11. ●er 50. ● of nations and h Gen. 48 4 Ezek. 〈…〉. 24 of peoples; sometimes more particularly for an assembly of one nation, as of i Exod. 12. 6. the Israelites; sometimes for a part of them, as k 1. Chrm. 13. 1. 2 4. 5 and 29. 1. 6. 2. Chron. 1. 2. 3. the Elders and Governors; of some l 2. Chron. 20. 4. 5. of the tribes of Israel a part; or some m 2. Chron. 30. 10. 13. 25 of all the tribes, even n Ezra. 10 I. men women and children: o Gen. 49. 6. and indifferently for any assembly, and this not only of God's people, but of p Ezek. 27. 27 and 32. 22. & 38. 4. 7. etc. heathens also and infidels. 5. Likewise the Greek word Ecclesia is of as large extent and signification; used sometime for q Ephe. 5. 23. &c Heb 12. 23. the Church generally; sometime for a r 1. Cor. 1. 2 particular church or congregation in a city; sometimes more particularly in s Rom. 16. 5. 1. Cor. 16. 19 Colos. 4 15. a house or family; sometimes (in the Greek version of the old testament) for an assembly t 2 Chron. 1. 3. etc. of Governors, or company u 1. Sam. 19 20. of Prophets, or congreation x Psal. 107. 32. of the people: and finally for y Ezek. 32. 3 Act. 19 32 39 41. any assembly lawful or unlawful, of good men or of z Psal. 26. 5. evil. 6. These words thus general, are in more special sort both by the scriptures, & by use of speech among all religious people, restrained and appelied to such Assemblies and Congregations as are called and gathered for divine exercises: and so our English name of Church is attributed peculiarly to spiritual or religious assemblies, called ecclesiastical, and not to any other assemblies civil or political. 7. Of religious or ecclesiastical assemblies generally considered, there any many sorts in the world; all disallowed of God, save one sort only which he acknowledgeth to be his, & hath separated to himself from all the rest. 8. The many false sorts, may be reduced unto fowr; 1. The assemblies of Pagans or heathen people, which profess some God, Gods, or Goddesses, whom they do worship, ignorantly, having a Rom. 1. 25. changed the truth of God into a lie, and so serving creatures, not (in deed) the creator, which is blessed for ever, Amen. 2 The assemblies of jews, who profess the true God (after a sort) and allow the writings of Moses and the Prophets, but abhor Christ jesus our Saviour, and reject the new Testament: 3 The assemblies of Mahometists, as Persians, Turks, Moors, etc. Which profess also after their manner, that b Alkoran; one true God of whom Moses and the Prophets wrote, and acknowledge c Azoar 4. Azor 2. & 4. & 11. Christ to be a Prophet sent of God, yea and the breath or Spirit of God, yet believe they not that he is d Azoar 12. etc. God, or the e Azo. 19 ●0. son of God, or Saviour of the world, but follow the lies and fabels of their false Prophet Mahomet. 4. Finally the church or assemblies of false Christians, which profess God and his son Christ, into whose name they are baptised; but by their works do deny him, and by their errors & heresies, do overthrow the truth of religion. 9 The first three sorts, Pagans, Jews, and Mahometists, because of their so open and manifest denial of Christ and salvation by him; are generally of Christians reputed as no Churches; the latter are reputed no true but false Churches, and so also do they esteem of true Christians, and one of another. Hereupon is continual controversy between true and false Christians, which is the true Church, and how it may be known. 10. To help the weak and doubtful in this case, I will so truly and plainly as by the grace of God I can, describe the true Church, which in holy Scriptures is called the Congreation and Church f Nehem. 13. 1. 1 Tim. 3. 5. 14. of God, consisting of godly & holy people named g 1. Cor 1. 2. Psal. 89 5. & 149. 1 Saints; opposed to the wicked or h Psal. 26 5 malignant churches, the i Rev 2 9 Synagogues of Satan. 11. The true Church is a People k 1 Pet. 2. 9 called of God by l 2 Thes. 2 14. the Gospel, m john 17. 6. 9 14 & 15. 19 from the world, unto the n I Cor. 1. ● Communion or followship of his Son jesus Christ, in whom they are o Ephe. 2. 21. 22. coupled and built together, to be the habitation of God by the spirit. 12. The Church is said to be a people, p 1 Pet. 2. 9 nation or generation, because it consisteth of many persons, or of a multitude little or great: for though a particular Christian is called, & of the church; yet no one man is a church or congregation. 13. It is a people called; q Ephe. 4. 1 Heb. 9 15. because every concourse or assembly is not a true Church: none of themselves can come unto this estate, unless they be r Rome 9 11 12. 24. Song. 1. 3. called or drawn thereunto: and they are said to be called of God; because he s joh 6. 44 only calleth and draweth men unto Christ with a t 2. Tim. 1. 9 holy calling; and addeth them u Act. 2. 47. to his Church; x 2 Chron 30. 6. 10. 12 Rom. 8. 30. no humane power or authority is able to do it. 14. The Gospel z 2 Thes. 2 2●. noted to be the means of our calling, he maketh known unto his people outwardly by his a Cor. 5. 19 word b Act. 5. 20. spoken and c 〈◊〉 20. 31. written, and inwardly by d Nehem. 9 20. 1 Cor 2. 10 12 his holy spirit: and thus the Church are all e joh. 6 45. the taught of God. 15. The estate out of which the Church is called, is said to be out of or from the f ●●h. 15. 19 & 17. 69 world; whereby is meant, first Satan the g joh. 12. 31. Prince of this world, from whose power they are h Act. 26. 18. turned unto God; Secondly, the wicwicked people of the world, called the i 10. Children of the Devil, from whose communion and followship k Exo. 34 15. Prov. 15. 8 Psal. 16. 4 Eph. 5. 11. 2. Cor. 6. 17. in their religion, and all other wicked actions, we must be separated; thirdly the corruption of nature in ourselves, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and pride of life, l joh. 2. 16 all which are of the world, and which we must m Rom. 7. 15. Judas. 23. hate and n Gal. 6. 14. crucify, and so turn and become o Mat. 18. 3 like little children, even born again, that we may see the kingdom of God. 16. The estate whereunto God calleth his church in this life, p joh. 3. 3. is generally q 1. Cor 1 9 to the Communion (or followship) of his Son jesus Christ, as being their only mediator and Saviour, the Prophet Priest and King of the Church; which they believing and professing, are also made partakers (in a proportion & in their measure) of these three offices with him. 17. jesus Christ is the r Deut. 1 15. 18. Act. 3. 22. 26. Prophet raised up of God unto his people, to teach them all that God commanded him: which also he did, both by s Mat. 2. 5. &c himself, and by the Ministry of his servants t joh. 13. 20. sent of him, And as u Col. 2. 3. all the treasures of wisdom & knowledge are hid in him, so him the Church must x Mat. 17. 5 hear; for all y Joh. 3. 13 & 6. 68 Rev. 5. 1. 5 heavenly wisdom and knowledge is to be learned of him; and every person which shall not hear this Prophet, z Act. 3. 23. shall be destroyed out of the people. 18. This Prophetical office of Christ, he bathe communicated with the church, by giving a Psa. 147 19 20. Jsa. 59 21 Rom. 15. 4 to the same his word for their instruction and comfort, and b jam. 1. 21. grafting the same within them, his spirit also as an c 1 Joh. 2. 20. 27. Anointing to reach them all things; giving d Ephe. 4. 8. 11. 1. Cor. 12. 28. gifts also, or ministers, to open and apply the same unto their souls, likewise power and freedom by e Jsa. 43. 10. witness f 2 Cor 4. 13 profession and g Mat. 28 practice, to h Phil. 2. 16. hold forth that word of life as lights in the world: thereby to i Act. 8. 4. preach unto others the faith of Christ, to k 1. Thes. 5. 11. edify and build up one an other daily therein; to l Heb. 10. 24. provoke unto love and to good works; to m Rome 15. 14. a admonish and n Levit. 19 17. reprehend for evil and iniquity; to o Lnk. 17. 3. forgive and p 1. Thes. 4. 18. comfort one another in the bowels of Christ; whose word therefore all aught to labour that it may q Col. 3. 16. dwell plenteously in them; that if any man speak, it may be r 1. Pet. 4. 11. as the words of God. 19 jesus the Son of God, is also the s Heb. 4. 14. 20. Rom. 5. 19 great high priest or Sacrificer of the Church; by whose obedience, and sacrifice or oblation of t Heb. 10. 5. 10. his own body and blood, the church is cleansed u 1 joh 1. 7 from all sin, and x Rom. 5. 10. reconciled to God; by whose intercession the church, with the holy actions and oblations of the same, are y Heb. 7. 25. and 9 24. and 13. 15. Rev. 8. 3. 4. accepted of God, and made heirs of blessing. 20. And this his Priestly office, is so imparted to his church, as they have not only interest in his z Isa. 53. 5. Rom. 5. 8. 10. death and sufferings whereby they are reconciled to God, but also are themselves made a 1. Pet. 2. 5. a holy priesthood, to offer up spiriutal sacrifices acceptable to God by him: giving up b Rom. 12. 1 their own bodies a living sacrifice; c Col. 3. 5. mortifying their members which are on earth, and d Gal 5. 24 crucifying the flesh with th'affections and lusts; offering up e Psal. 51. 17. contrite & broken hearts, with f Heb. 13. 15. sacrifices of confession to his name; and praying not only every man for himself, but g Ephe. 6. 18 one for another, h Heb. 13. 16. doing and distributing to the necessities of the Saints; i 2 Tim 2. 3. 9 suffering affliction for the Gospel; and finally, if they be called thereunto, pouring out their souls unto k Heb. 12. 4 2 Tim, 4. 6 death for the truth's sake. 21. The Lord jesus Christ, is also the l Mat. 2. 6 governor and m John. 12 and 15. king over Zion God's holy mount, and sitteth at his Father's right hand and n 1 Cor. 15. 25. reigneth till all his enemies be made his foot stool, being o Jsa. 33. 22. a King judge, and lawgiver to his people, p Mat. 28 20. commanding & ruling them by his word and spirit, q Psal. 72. judging them in justice and equity, preserving and defending them by his almighty power, r john. 10. 28. & 16. 33. Rev 19 11. 21. from all their enemies. 22. And this his kingly office he so communicateth with his church, as they are by him preserved and defended from all adversary power; freed from the dominion a Rom. 6. 14. of sin, and tyranny of b 1. Joh 5. 18 Rom. 16. 70. Satan; from subjection to c 1. joh. 5. 4. the world, and servitude d 1. Cor. 7. 23. unto men: and restored to the joyful liberty of the children of God, e 1 Cor. 3. 22. the world and all things in it made theirs: that housoever they have still to combat f 1 Pet 5. 8. 9 with the Devil, to g Ephe. 6. 12. wrestle against principalities and powers; to suffer h Joh. 15. 19 & 16. 32. hatred and affliction of the world; and to war with the fleshly lusts i 1. Pet. 2. 11. which fight against the soul: yet neither k Rom. 8. 38. 39 death; nor life, nor Angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate them from the love of God which is in Christ jesus our Lord; who hath l Rev. 1. 6. made them Kings & priests unto God even his Father, and they shall m Rev 5. 10 reign on the earth; till having served here their time, they come to n 2 Tim. ● 12. joh. 17 24. 1 Thes. 4. 17. reign with him in glory, in the heavens for ever. 23. Unto the participation of these promises and heavenly graces, are o Mat. 28. 19 Rom. 16. 26. all people provoked by the Gospel preached; and such as obey the calling of God, and come unto Christ, are united to him their head & mediator, from whom proceedeth the justification & sanctfication of the church. 24. justification is the partaking of Christ's p Phil. 3. 9 justice or righteousness, in his fulfilling & obeying q Rom. 5. 19 the law of God, and discharging r Joh. 1. 7. all our debts and trespasses by his death; so freeing us s Gal. 3. 13. from the curse, and setting us in full favour t Rom. 5. 10 with God and under his u Gal. 3. 9 14. blessing: which righteousness of Christ's, is fully made ours, & imputed to us x Rom. 3. 25. 30. & 4. 24. 25. by faith for our justification. 25. Sanctfication is the partaking of Christ's holiness, by being y Rom. 6. 5. grafted with him to the similitude of his death and resurrection; whereby the corruption of nature or z verse. 6 old man in us, becometh crucified & a avers. 4. buried with him, and the b Ephe. 4. 22. 24. Col. 3. 10. new man or image of God is put on and renewed daily in a holy conversation. 26. Hitherto of the Church's union and communion with Christ her head: now followeth the union of the church's members one with another: which is their c Ephe. 2. 21. Rome 12. 4 5. coupling together as one body by the communion 〈◊〉 one & the same d 1. Cor. 12. 4. 8. 9 11. 12. 13. Ephe. 4. 4. 5. 15. 16. spirit, faith, & love. 27. The union of the members one wit● another is to be considered generally o● totally; and particularly. Generally as the church is called universal or catholic, comprehending the a Ephe. 3. 15. whole family of God i● heaven and in earth, and the b 1. Pet. 5. 9 fraternity o● brotherhood of all Christians which are is the world; in whom there is but c Eph. 4. 5. one faith, in d 1 Cor 8. 6. & 12. 4. 5. etc. Eph. 2. 18. & 4. 4. 5. 6. one and the same God by that one Lord jesus Christ, through one Spirit. Thu● have they all one Father which is God, one mother, e Gal. 4. 26. jerusalem which is above; and by the mediation of Christ are all made f john. 17. 21. one, baptised by one spirit into g 1 Cor, 12. 13 one body, and al● made to drink into one spirit. 28. More particularly, they that are called of God, and members of the Church universal, are united and gathered into many g churches or congregation, in h Reu 1. 11. several cities & countries i Act. 2. 41. 42. 47. & 5. 13. Heb. 10. 25. every of which curche being joined together in the profession & practice of the Gospel of Christ, k 1 Cor. 5. 4. have his 〈◊〉 power and l Mat. 18. 20. presence with them, and is convene or come m 1 Cor. 11. 20. 33. & 4. 5. together in one, for the worship of God, & performance of public duties. 29. Whatsoever promise or blessing of God, is bestowed on the church on earth generally considered: the same may be apprehended and enjoyed by every particular Church, (though not in like measure by all:) as the q Exod. 20 24. Mat. 18. 20. Jsa. 4. 5. promises general, and examples particular of the Church r 1. Cor. 3. 22. 23. & 1. 7. 30. etc. Rev. 2. and 3. in Corinth, and others mentioned in the Scripture, do confirm. 30. The Testament of Christ showeth us no Provincial national, Imperial, or other like Church, having several meetings or assemblies, and special Pastors over the same: neither, since th' Apostles, Prophets and Evangelists were taken from this world, are there any other lawful Bishops or church-governors, than Bishops or Overseers s Act. 20. 17. 28. Phil. 1. 1. 1 Pet 5. 1. 2 of the particular churches; neither ever was there other lawful Head, Lord, or Lords spiritual, of the church, than t Col. 1. 18. I Cor. 8. 6. and 12; 5. jesus Christ alone. 31. Unto the Church are to be admitted, all unto whom the covenant and promise of God doth appertain; and they are so ma●y a Act. 2. as the Lord our God shall call; and all those are called (in the judgements of man,) which having b Rom. 10 17. Eph. I 13. heard the word of God, do profess c Act. 2. 38. 41. & 8. 37. repentance from dead works and faith in God, by jesus Christ the alone Saviour of the world, and promise d Exod. 19 5. 8. 2. Chron. 34. 31. Luk. 1. 17. joh. 2. 26. Rom. 1. 5. Mic. 5. 4. obedience to the word, through the holy Ghost the sanctifier of the elect. Such of e Gal. 3. 28 all sorts and estates of people in the world, are with their f Gen. 17. 7. 1. Cor. 7 14. lead to be received into, and nourished in the church; their ignorance being holpen by g Goal. 1. 28. & 3 16. instruction, their weakness h Rom. 15. 1. etc. born by lenity, their faults corrected i Gal. 6. 1. Lnvit. 19 2. 17. with love and meekness; and their feeble consciences k 1 Thes 5. 14. comforted with the promise of God. 32. Out of the Church are l Mat. 3. 7 2. Cor. 6. 14. etc. 27. & 22. 15. Isa. 35. 8. 9 Zach. 14. 21. all such to b● kept, as are profane, worldly and wicked, u●till they be called of God unto repentance and faith in his promise; for every Church rightly constituted, must consist of faithful and holy persons. Our reasons are these. 1. The Scriptures m Rev. 21. Mat. 18. 17. 1. Cor. 5. 5. 11. 12. Tit. 3. 10. Num. 15. 30. 31. every where so teach 2. All wicked men are forbidden expres●● by tthe word of God, n johoa. 17. 20. etc. from meddling wit● his covenant, or ordinances, 3. they have no● Christ for their head o 1. Cor. 14. 36. and therefore cannot be of his body. 4, The godly and wicked are contraries, guided and let by different causes: now two contraries are not capable of one and the same form. Gal. 5. 17 5. Only faithful men worship God aright, please him, are accepted of him, and have right to the covenant of grace and seals thereof. The ordinary officers, perpetually be longing to all true Churches. Are Pastors Teachers Elders Deacons and Helpers The election and ordination of them must be made by the free chose of the congregation f Act. 6, and 14, 13 and 15, 2. 3, 22. 2 Cor. 8, 19 of which they are members, and wherein they are to administer. And this is clear. 1. Because the Apostles g Act. 1, 15. 24, & chap. 6, 2, 3, 4. 1 Timot. 3 2. 3, 4, 5. who only taught Christ's commandments▪ so established the primitive churches. 2. The people amongst whom they have been conversant can best judge of their fitness both in ●espect of their persons and families. 3. It ●●rtheretn much the diligence and faithfulness of the minister, that they whose minister ●s have freely chosen him, as unto whom under Christ they commit the most precious treasure of their soul: as also it binds the people to greater love and conscience of obedience of him and his ministry whom themselves have made choice of. 4. The Church being a most free corporation, spiritual under Christ the Lord, is in all reason and equity to choose her ministers and servants under him, unto whom also, she is. to give wages for their service and labour. 34. The Pastor must be apt to teach, a 1 Tim. 3. 1. no young scholar, able to divide the word a right; b 2 Tim. 2, 15. he must be a man that loveth goodness; c Tit. 1, 9 he must be wise righteous, holy, temperate; he must be of life unreprovable, as God steward; d 2 Tim. 4, 2, Tit. 17, 8. he must be generally well reported of and one that ruleth his own house hold under obedience with all honesty, he must be modest e Numb. 12. 3, 4. Esa. 50, 4, 56, jer. 3, 15, Eze. 34, 18. 1 Tim 5. 21. humble, meek, gentle, & loving: he must be a man of great patience, compassion, labour, and diligence: feed the sheep of Christ in green and wholesome pastures of the word: pray for them, seal up to them the promises of God by the Sacraments: He must always be careful and watchful over the Flock of Christ, f Ps. 23. Levit. 10, 10. defend it from ravenous beasts, g loh. 10, 11, 12. Song. 2, 15 and the wolf, and take the little Foxes: discern men's diseases, and apply the word according to every disease, and every time and occurrant: And these things he must do with all willingness and cheerfulness, not holding his office in respect of persons, but doing his duty to every soul, as he will answer before the chief Shepherd, etc. 35. The Doctor * 1 Tim. 3. chap. Tit. 1, cha. 2 Tim. 2, 15. 1 Cor. 1, 17, and. 2, 4. 1 Cor. 3, 11, 12, Mal. 2 6, Ephes. 2, 20. Heb 6 1. 1 Cor. 1, 17. 1 Tim. 4. 16, and 6, 20. or Teacher must be a man apt to teach, mighty in the Scriptures, able to convince the gainsayers: He must be of life unreprovable, one that can govern his own househould, he must be of manners sober, temperate, modest, gentle, and loving: He must take diligent heed to keep the Church from errors: preserve knowledge, build upon the rock (which is jesus Christ) gold, silver, and precious stones, that his work may endure the trial of the fire, and by the light of the same fire, reveal the timber, hay, and stubble of false Teachers: And further, he must deliver his doctrine pure, sound, & plain, not with curiosity or affectation, but so that it may edify the most simple, approving it to every man's conscience, that the Church may increase with the increasing of God, and grow up unto him which is the head Christ jesus. 36. That this is an Office different from that of the Pastor, is manifest by these reasons. 1. The Apostle doth so distinguish them one from another. Rom. 12, 7, 8. Ephes. 4, 11. 2. Their gifts appear to be diverse, 1 Cor. 12, 8. 3. The Pastor is commanded to take one course in Teaching, the Doctor another, Rom. 12, 7, 8. 4. This distinguishing of them makes more for the building of the Church, then to unite and make them one. 37. The third Officers, † 1 Tim. 3 & 5. chap. Num. 12. 24 25. 2 Chro. 10 8, Act. 15, Numb 11 16, Deu 1 13, and 18. Exo. 39, 42 1 Tim. 3, 15, Gal. 2, 45, Colos. 4 16, 17 Rome 12, 8 1 Cor. 11. 16 & 14 33. Act 20, 1 Pet. 51 Heb 54 are Governors, or Ruling Elders; These men must be of life likewise unreprovable, sober, gentle, loving, temperate: Governing their own Families orderly: they must be men of wisdom, knowledge, and sound judgement, able to discern between cause and cruse, between plea and plea, and accordingly to prevent and redress evils. Their especial care must be to see the Ordinances of God truly taught and practised, as well by the officers in doing their duties uprightly, as to see the people obey willingly & readily: It is their duty to see the congregation holily and quietly ordered, and no way disturbed by the contentious and disobedient, froward and obstinate: Not taking away the liberty of the least, but uphoulding the right of all, wisely judging of times and circumstances. They must be ready assistants to the Pastor and Teacher, helping to bear their burden, but not intruding into their office. 38. It is necessary that these Officers be perpetually resident upon their charge. For 1. a Minister is a Shepherd, and his charge a Flock; now a shepherd hath a flock to feed it continually. 2. Wheresoever God placeth a man, there is daily need of his labour and care. 3. The people are in danger of harm if they be not watched over day and night. 4. The Church requireth an Officers residency with her, as a duty of him. 5. If they do otherwise, they cannot give their people a good example, neither will there belove & familiarity between them. 39 Deacons * Act. 6, 3 1 Tim. 3, 8, 9 Rome, 12, 8 must be men of honest report, endued with the Holy Ghost, they must be grave, temperate, not given to excess, nor to filthy lucre: Faithfully ought they to gather and collect by the Ordinance of the Church, the goods and benevolence of the faithful, and by the same direction diligently and trustily to distribute them according to the necessity of the Saints. Further, they must inquire and consider of the portion and the wants both of the Officers and other poor, and accordingly relate to the Church that provision may be made. 40. That the Deacons Office is not to meddle with the Word and Sacraments, but only to collect the benevolence of the faithful, and faithfully to distribute the same: is clear by these reasons. 1. It is an Apostolical institution, that these should attend upon the provision for the poor, Act. 6, 4. 2. The Scripture maketh it an ordinary and distinct Office from others in the Church, and not to be mingled with any other, Rom. 12, 8. 3. No man can in any tolerable measure discharge the Office of a Minister and a Deacon also, Act. 6, 2. 4. The Ministeries of the Word are perfect without it. 41. This Office was instituted, 1. That the faithful might be the more free from fear, and follow their own callings diligently. 2. That the Church might be the more enriched with Heavenly and Spiritual blessings, for the receives grace and gifts, for the discharge of each calling. 3. To stir men up to help the poor the more willingly, considering that the Lord hath appointed a special office for that purpose. 4. That there should be no complaints, but that all the poor might be comforted against their poverty & wants. Lastlie, to show that as God hath created soul and body, so he takes care for both. 42. The Widows a 1 Tim. 5 9 10. Rom. 12, 8 or Deaconesses must be Women of 60, years of age at the least. For avoiding of inconveniences: they must be well reported of for good works, such as have nourished their Children, such as have been harberous to strangers, diligent and serviceable to the Saints, compassionate and helpful to them in adversity, given to every good work, continuing in supplications and prayer day and night: They must minister to the sick, lame, weary and defeated such helpful comforts as they need, by watching, tending and helping them. Further, they must show good example to the young women, in sober, modest, and godly conversation, avoiding idleness, vain talk, and light behaviour. 43. These are the necessary and only ordinary functions, * 1 Cor. 1● 28. Rom. 12, 8▪ 9 Ephes. 4.8, 11, 12 13. and offices, which our Saviour hath ordained in his Church, unto the due administration whereof, he hath promised his blessing to the end of the world. And these are perpetual and to continue for ever, and beside these it is unlawful for men (following the devises of their own brain) to institute or ordain any in the Churches of God. 44. These offices though they be diverse & several, yet are they not severed, lest there should be a division in the body: a Luk 9, 46, 47. joh. 13. 12 17. 1 Cor. 12. 12. 25, 28 Ephes. 4, 11. 12. 13. 16. but they are as members of the body, having the same care one of another, jointly doing their several duties to the service of the saints: neither can any of these offices be wanting without grievous lament and apparent deformity of the body, yea violent injury to the head Christ jesus. 45. As every Christian Congregation hath power and commandment to elect & ordain their own Ministers according to the rule in God's word prescribed: So right and power to practise all other ordinances of the Lord, & namely to b Mat. 18 17 18. 1 Cor. 5, 4. 5. 2 Thes. 3. 5. with Levit. 24 14. 15. 16 ●3. cut of any memfrom the body: provided, that holy order of proceeding be kept, which Christ in his will and Testament hath left us. 46. The rule of Christ for excommunication is thus: If the fault be private, holy and loving admonition and reproof is to be used, with an inward desire and earnest care to win their brother: But if he will not hear, yet to take two or three other brethren with him, whom he knoweth most meet for that purpose, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be confirmed: And if he refuse to hear them, then to declare the matter to the church, which ought severally and sharply to reprehend, gravely to admonish, and lovingly to persuade the party offending: showing him the heinousness of his offence, and the danger of his obstinacy, and the fearful judgements of the lord Leu. 19 17. 18. Mat. 18. 15. Deut. 19 15. Mat. 18. 16. 47. All this notwithstanding the Church is not to hold him as an enemy, but to admonish him and pray for him as a Brother; proving if at any time the Lord will give him repentance. For this power is not given them to the destruction of any, but to the edification of all. 2. Thes. 3. 15. 2. Cor. 10. 8. & 13. 10. 48. If this preveale not to draw him to repentance, then are they in the Name and power of the Lord JESUS with the whole Congregation, reverently in prayer to proceed to excommunication, that is unto the casting him out of their congregation and fellowship, covenant and protection of the Lord, for his disobedience & obstinacy, and committing him to Satan, for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord jesus, if such be his good will and pleasure, Mat. 18. 17. 1 Cor. 5. 11. 49. If the offence be public, the party is publicly to be reproved, and admonished: if he than repent not, to proceed to excommunication, as aforesaid. 1. Tim. 5, 20. Gal. 2. 14. jos. 7. 19 2 Cor. 7. 9 50. Further they are to warn the whole congregarion and all other believers to hold him as a Heathen and Publican, Mat. 18. 17. 1. Cor. 11. and to withdraw themselves from him, from all spiritual communion, and civil familiarity, so far as may be without the violation of any natural or civil bond. 51. That obstinate sinners after due conviction and patience, must be censured appeareth 1. By the commandment of Christ a Mat. 18 & practice of the Apostolical b 1. Cor. 5. churches. 2. That the worship & service of God may c Hag. 2. 13. be kept & preserved from pollution, contempt and profanation. 3. That the sinner may see his fault, be humbled d 1 Cor. 5. 9 2. Thes. 2. 14. 2. Cor. 6. for it, and so saved in the day of the Lord. 4. That the honour and good name of the church may be preserved, the which would be lost e Rev. 2. 14. 15. if vile persons were suffered therein. 5. To prevent the infection f Heb. 12 15. of others. 6. That by the zeal, e and holiness of the church, they without g Mat. 5. 16. may be gained to the Gospel. 7. To glorify Gods great name which is much impeached h Eze. 36 20, 23. by the unholy walking of those which profess his truth. 8. That others may fear, i Deut 17. 12. 13. for if this course be omitted, it may be a means to embolden many to do the like. 52. The repentance of the party must be proportionable to the offence, viz. If the offence be public, public: If private, private: Humbled, submissive, sorrowful, unfeigned, giving glory to the Lord. Leu. 19, 17, 18. Pro. 10. 12. Rom. 12. 19, and 13, 10, and 14. 1. 53. There must great care be had of admonitions, that they be not captious or curious, finding fault where none is; neither yet in bitterness or reproach: For that were to destroy and not to save our brother: But they must be carefully done, with prayer going before, they must be seasoned with truth, gravity, love and peace. Mat. 18, 15. and 26, 8. Gal. 6, 1, 2. 2 Tim, 2, 24. Mark. 9, 50. Ephes, 4, 29, jam. 5, 15, 19, 20. 54. More over, the Scripture shows us, that discreet, faithful and men able to speak unto edification exhortation and comfort, (though not yet in office of ministry) may open & apply the Scriptures in the church, for. 1. In the jewish Church a Luk. 2. 42. 46. 47. & cap. 4. 16. 17. 18 Act. 8. 4. & cap. 11. 19 20. 21 & cap. 13. 14. 15. & cap. 18. 24. 25. men out of office had liberty either in the Temple or Synagogue, publicly to use their gifts. 2. In the time of the Apostles b Act. 19 18. 24. & cap. 18. 24 25. and primitive churches men so preached, and the Lord himself approved it, and that without any exception or prohibition to the contrary 3. Christ commanded c Luk. 9 1 & cap. 10. 1. d this thing: and so did his Apostles afterward. 4. d Rom. 12. 9 1. Pet. 4 10. 11. 1 Cor. 14. 34. 35. The prohibiting of women e 1 Timot. 2. 11. 12. 1 Cor. 14. 34. 35. (not extraordinary inspired) to speak in the Church: clearly imports a liberty therein given unto men their husbands and others. 5. Otherwise it would follow, either that the people should be untaught f Pro. 29. 18 Rom. 10. 17. 1. Cor. 1. 17. Rome 14 6. 7. Or that now (after the general apostasy of Anti-christ) g 2 Thes. 2. 4. Rev. 18. 4. & 14. 12 there might be lawful Pastors and ministers had, before there were a church to choose them, or a flock for them to watch over; or that unlawful ministeries h Pro. 9 3. 2 Kiug. 23. 5. jer. 51. 26. Zach. 13. 4. Act. 14. 13. Ezr. 2. 6. 63. might be reteynd & executed, for bringing men to the knowledge & obedience of the Gospel: all which are against the word of God. Lastly much good comes by this means, as. 1. the glory of God, in the manifestation i Pet. 4. 10. 1 1. of his manifold graces 2. That the gifts in men be not quenched. 3. For the fitting and trying of men for the ministry. 4. k 1 Thes. 5. 19 For the preserving pure of the Doctrine of the Church; l 1 Tim. 3 2. 1 Cor. 14. 35. which is more in danger, if some one or two alone only be heard and speak. 5. For debating and satisfying of doubts if any arise. 6. For the edifying of the Church and conversion of others. 55. As Christ (our Heavenly Prophet) hath set forth unto us in the New Testament the manner and form of the gathering and Constitution of the visible Church: So he requires every faithful Christian, to make himself a member of some particular Congregation, and there to present their bodies and souls, and to bring the gifts which God hath given them. Our reasons are these: 1. Otherwise they are not to be admitted unto the Holy Sacraments, a Mat. 26. 26. ●9 and 28. 19 20. Exo. 12. 43. 48. and 20. 7. Ast. 2. 38 41. and 8. 36. 37. Gen. 17. the seals of God's Covenant: For these ought not to be administered unto any, except they be added unto some visible Church: unto which the public ordinances and ministry doth appertain. 2. Because of the presence of God b Rev. 1. 13. 1 Tim. 3. 5. Psal. 65. 5. & Christ: If we will come to God, we must come to that place where his presence is in a special manner, and where he is to be found, of all such as seek him with their whole heart. 3. c Psal. 119 6. Luk. 1. 5 How else have we respect to all the Commandments. 4. That the Saints may mutually edify each other, d jud. 20. Rom. 1. 12 1 Cor. 11. 27. and this follows upon their joining together in the fellowship of the Gospel. 5. To consider e 1. Thes. 5. 14. Heb. 3 12, 13. & 1. 24. 25 , or observe our Brethren as we ought, watch over them, and seek to reduce them unto a straight walking when they go astray. 6. Because of God's Covenant f Psal. 133 3. Esa. 60, 15. Deut. 4. 12, 13 and promise: For those which are in the Church, are directly (as it were) joined to his blessings and graces, the which are poured forth there abundantly. 56. Such as join themselves unto true visible Churches ought first to go unto the a 1 Cor. 14 ult. Elders, that by them their cause may be propounded to the whole Congreg: afterward they are to come into the public assembly, and there make confession b Act. 19, 18. Rom. 15. 9 10. Psal. 18. 49. of their faith openly, and promise to walk in the obedience of Christ: and thus being found worthy, by the consent of the whole Church they are joyfully to be received into the holy communion of Saints. 57 As every established Church, hath power and liberty to choose their own spiritual and Ecclesiastical Officers: So, be it observed, that these Officers are tied unto that only Congregation * Act. 20, 28. 1 Cor. 7, 17. of which they are members, and by which they were elected into office, and ought not to bear any Ecclesiastical Office in another, neither can they administer the holy things of God, as Officers and by virtue of a ministerial calling any where, but in their own Congregation; No. More than a Major or Bailiff can execute civil justice out of the limits and bounds of their own privileged Corporation. 58. It is sure, that Christ Jesus hath not subjected any Church or congregation, of his, to any other superior Ecclesiastical jurisdiction, then unto that which is within itself: a Gal. 5. 1. Mat. 3. 2. Eph. 2. 19 1 Cor. 12. 20. so that if a whole Church or congregation shall err in any matter of faith or religion, no other Church, or Church-officers, have (by any warrant from the word of God) power to censure, punish or controile the same, but are only to advise them: and so to leave their souls to the immediate judgement of Christ. 58. It is the duty of every Christian congregation to be careful, that no infant be admitted unto Baptism a whose parenn (one at least) are not members of some particular Church. For. Act. 2. 38. 39 & 16. 15. 33. Mat. 28. 19 20 Gen. 17. 7 8. 12. Eolos. 2. 12 13. Rom. 9 41. Cor. 7. 14. 1. If they do b Ex. 20. , by this means God's name is taken in vain 2. c Mal. 1. 7 12. Heb. 10. 29. Hag. 2. 14. 5. Ezech. 44 7. The holy Sacrament profaned, ᵈ 3. The Church of God de filled: d. 4. The minister a covenant breaker. e Mal. 28. 5. There is no precept nor example in the Scripture for it. 6. Such a practice hindereth many parents from embracing the way and order of the Gospel, and causeth them to live and die libertines. 7. It induceth ignorant people to conceive such an absolute necessity of Baptism, as that men cannot be saved without it. 58. All Christians are bound to practice God's ordinances for his visible Church under the Gospel although the Magistrate, * Act. 4. 19 20. Danil. 6. 9 10. Mat. 10. 28. Rev. 2. 3. Cap. allow not thereof, yea forbid them upon pean of death: For as the opprobation of men and Angels; makes not the ways of God, and works of religion never a whitt the more lawful, but only, the more free from bodily danger: so neither can their disallowance make unlawful such duties of religion as the word of God, approveth, not can they give pispensation to any person, to for bear the practice thereof. There is more of this subject shortly to be published. FINIS.