THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH, To which is committed the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Wherein is demonstrated by way of Question and Answer, what a visible Church is, according to the order of the Gospel: And what Officers, Members, Worship, and Government Christ hath ordained in the New Testament. By that Reverend and learned Divine Mr. Jo. Cotton, B.D. and Teacher of the Church at Boston in New-England. The Third Edition: More exactly corrected, the Marginal proofs in the former Edition misplaced, being herein placed more directly; and many other faults both in the Line and Margin, are here Corrected. Ezek. 43.10, 11. Thou Son of man, show the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities, and let them measure the pattern. And if they he ashamed of all that they have done, show them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the go out thereof, and the come in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof: and writ it in their sight, that they may learn the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them. Ier 6.16 Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old, paths, etc. Jer. 50.5. They shall ask the way to Zion, with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual Covenant, that shall not be forgotten. London, Printed for Ben: Allen, and are to be sold in Popes-head Alley. 1644. THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH, And its GOVERNMENT. 1 Question, WHat is the Church of the New Testament? Answer. The Church is a mystical body a Ephes. 5.30, 31, 32. 1 Cor. 12.27. Rom. 12.4, 5. , whereof Christ is the Head b Ephes. 1.22. & 5.23. , the Members be Saints c 1 Cor. 1.2, 9 & 14.23, 33. Col. 1.2, 12. & 2.5. 1 Thes. 1.1, 3, 7. & 2.14. Act. 17.1, 4. , called out of the world d 1 Cor. 1.2, 9 & 5.10, 11, 12. 2 Cor. 6.16, 17. Joh. 15.19. 1 Kin. 8.53. Levit. 20.25, 26. Act. 19.1, 8, 9 , and united together into one Congregation e 1 Cor. 11.18, 20. & 14.23, 33, 34. & 16.1, 16. , by an holy Covenant f Exod. 19 5, 6. & 24.3, 7 Deut. 5.2, 27. with Act. 7.38. Deut. 29.1, 9 to 25. Jer. 50.5. Amos 3.3. Isa. 62.5. with Mal. 2.14. , to worship the Lord, and to edify one another, in all his holy Ordinances g Act. 2.42. 1 Cor. 9.2. Mat. 28.19, 20. Joh. 25.14. . 2 Qu. What sort of members * Rom. 12.4, 5. 1 Cor. 12 14. to 27. hath God set in his Church? Ans. Some that are Ministers a 1 Cor. 4.1. Ephes. 4.12. Col. 4.17. Rom. 12 7. or Officers b 1 Tim. 3.1, 10, 13. Rom. 11.13. in the Church; others commonly called by the general name, which belongeth to all the Members, Brethren c Act 15.22, 23. Col. 1.2. Rom. 16.17, 23. and Saints d Col. 1.2. 1 Cor. 14.33. . 3 Qu. What sorts of Ministers or Officers hath God set in his Church? Ans. Some extraordinary, as Apostles, Prophets and Evangelists a Ephes. 4.11. 1. Cor 12.28. : Some ordinary and perpetual, as Bishops and Deacons b Phil. 1.1. 1 Tim 3.1, 2, 8. . 4 Qu. What manner of men are to be called to the Office of a Bishop, or Elder of the Church? Ans. A Bishop or Elder of the Church, must be in himself a blameless man for holiness and righteousness, and for freedom from passions and lusts: Also a vigilant man, and of good behaviour. Moreover, he must be in his family a man of good government, and of good hospitality: In his name, a man of good report, even of those that are without: In his profession, not a young plant, but holding fast the faithful word; apt to teach it, and able to maintain it a 1 Tim. 2.2. to 7. Tit. 1.6. to 9 . 5 Qu. What sorts of Bishops or Elders hath God ordained in his Church? Ans. Of Bishops, who were also called Elders, God hath ordained two sorts, Ruling Elders, and such as labour in the word and doctrine a 1 Tim. 5.17 1 Cor 12 28. Rom. 12.7, 8. Act. 20.28. Tit. 1.5, 7. , commonly called Pastors b Ephes. 4.11. and Teachers c Act. 14.23. & 20.17, 28. Phil. 1.1. Tit. 1.5.7. : all of them are to watch over one certain Flock, the Church of a particular Congregationd. 6 Qu. What is the office, or work of the Pastors and Teachers? Answ. The Pastor's special work * Special work. is to attend upon Exhortation, and therein to dispense a word of Wisdom: The Teacher is to attend upon Doctrine, and therein to dispense a word of Knowledge a Rom. 12.7, 8. 1 Cor. 12.8. . 7 Qu. What is the office, or work of the Ruling Elders? An. Seeing the Kingdom of Christ is not of this world, but heavenly and Spiritual a john 18.36. , and the Government of his Kingdom is not Lordly, but Stewardly and Ministerial b Mat 20.25, 26. Luk. 12.42. 1 Cor. 4 1. , and to labour in the Ministry of Exhortation and Doctrine, is the proper work of the Pastor and Teacher c 1 Tim. 5.17. Rom. 12.7, 8 , it remaineth therefore to be the part and Office of the Ruling Elders, to assist * or join with the Pastor and Teacher in diligent attendance unto all other acts of rule besides, as becometh good Stewards of the household of God d 1 Tim. 3.5. & 5.17. Rom. 12.8. 1 Thes. 5.12. . As, First, to open and shut the Doors of God's House, e Mat. 16.19. 2 Chron. 23.19. by admission of Members f Acts 17.28, 29 Ezek. 22.26. , by Ordination of Officers g 1 Tim. 4 14. Acts 6.2.3, 5. , Excommunication of notorious & obstinate offenders h Mat. 16.19. & 18.17, 18. . Secondly, to see that none in the Church live either inordinately without a calling, or idly in their calling i 2 Thes. 3.6.10, 11, 12. . Thirdly, to prevent and heal such offences in life and doctrine, as might corrupt either their own Church a Revel. 2.4, 14 15.20. , or other Churches, if their counsel be required b Acts 15.2, 6. . Fourthly, to prepare matters beforehand for the Church's consideration c Acts 21.18, 19 Pro. 24.27. . And fifthly, to moderate the carriage of all matters in the Church assembled d Acts 6.2, 3. Heb. 13.7.17. , as to propound matters to the Church, and to order the season of speech and silence in the Church e Act. 13.15. . Sixtly, to feed the Flock of God with a word of admonition f 1 Thes. 5.12. Acts 20.28.31. Admonition is an act of rule, if set on with authority, Gen. 19.7, 8. , and as they shall be called for to visit and pray over their sick Brethren g Jam. 5.14. . 8. Qu. What manner of men hath God appointed to be called to the Deacons office? An. Men of gravity and of good report, not given to dissembling, nor to wine; nor given to covetousness, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, and holding fast the mystery of Faith in a pure Conscience; keeping their houses in good rule, and enjoying such Wives, as may neither dishonour nor corrupt their Office; no slanderers, but grave and sober, and faithful in all things a 1 Tim. 3.8. to 12. Act. 6.3. . 9 Qu. What is the Office of the Deacons? An. To receive the offerings of the Church brought unto them and laid down before them a Act 4.34, 35 , and therewith to serve Tables b Acts 6.2. , distributing with simplicity c Rom. 12.8. , not only to the Ministers of the Church d Gal. 6, 6. in Gr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 put into the the common sto●k. , but to any other of the Brethren, as they shall have need e Acts 4.35. . 10. Qu. But is it not the Office of Deacons to show mercy with cheerfulness? An. Yes verily, to their Brethren in misery a Rom. 12.8. , but that part of their Office they do chief perform by the hand of the Widows, chosen into their number, who are therefore called the Deacons or Servants of the Church b Rom. 16.1. . 11. Qu. What manner of Widows hath God allowed to be taken into this number? An. Ancient women of sixty years of age, well reported of for good works, for nourishing their Children, for lodging of Strangers, for washing the Saints feet, for relieving the afflicted, for following diligently every good work a 1 Tim. 5.9, 10. , 12. Qu. What manner of men hath God appointed to be received as Brethren and Members of his Church? An. Such as are called of God out of the world to the fellowship of Christ a Rom. 1.6, 7. 1 Cor. 1.2.9. Act. 2.38, 39, 40, 41, 47. , and do willingly offer and join themselves first to the Lord b Acts 9.26. Psal. 110.3. Isa. 1 56.6, 7. jer. 50.5. , and then to the Church c Acts 2.41.47. & 8.26, 27, 28. , by confessing of their sins d Mat. 3.6. Acts 19.18. , by profession of their Faith e Act. 8.36, 37. , and by taking or laying hold of his Covenant f Isa. 56.6, 7. . 13. Qu. What is the Office or duty which God calleth the Brethren unto, the members of the Church? Ans. To brotherly love a 1 Pet. 2.17. & 3.8. Col. 3.14. 1 Thes. 4.9. Heb. 13.1. , and to the fruits thereof, Brotherly unity b Eph. 4.3. Psal. 13.3. 1 Col. 3.15. Acts 7.26. , Brotherly equality c 2 Cor. 8.14. Mat. 23.8. Deut. 7.20. , and Brotherly communion d Acts 2.42. & 4.32. . 14. Qu. Wherein standeth the Brotherly unity we are to hold one with another? Ans. To be perfectly joined together in one mind, and one judgement, and one speech, in one truth a 1 Cor. 1.10. Phil. 2.1, 2. Ephes 4.15. : And where we cannot be of one judgement, yet still to be of one heart b Phillip 4 2. & 3.15, 16. Act. 4.32. , not provoking nor envying one another c Gal 5.26. , but forbearing and forgiving d Ephes. 4.2, 32. Col. 3.12, 13. , not judging nor despising one another in differences of weakness e Rom. 14.1.3. , but so fare as we are come to walk together by the same rule f Phil. 3.16. , to teach and to learn one of another the way of God more perfectly g Act. 18.26. , till we all grow up in the unity of the faith, unto a perfect man in Christ Jesus h Ephes. 4.13. . 15. Qu. Wherein standeth the brotherly equality which we are to hold one with another? Ans. In submitting alike unto all God's Ordinances, and enjoying alike all Christian liberties a Gal. 3.28. Jam. 1.9, 10. Deut. 17.20. Ezek. 46.10. , in preferring others before ourselves b Phil. 2.3. Rom. 12.10. , and seeking one another's welfare c 1 Cor. 10.24. Phil. 2.4. Gal. 5.13. , and feeling their estates as our own d Heb. 13.3. Rom. 12.15. , in bearing the burdens one of another e Gal. 6.2. , and imposing no burdens, but in equal proportion f 2 Cor. 8.13, 14. . 16 Qu. Wherein standeth the brotherly Communion which we are to hold one with another? Ans. In our steadfast and continual fellowship in the Apostles doctrine, and worship, and ministration a Act. 2, 42. & 6.1. ; and for this end to dwell together b Psal. 133.1. & 122.1, 3. , to watch over one another c Heb. 10.24. & 3.12, 13. & 12.15. Mat. 18.15. , to resort together to the public assemblies d Heb. 10.25. Psal. 110.3. & 122.1. Act. 20.20. , and there to join in all holy duties, with one accord e Isa. 60.8. Act. 1.14. & 4.24. 1 Cor. 14.16, 26. , and every Lord's day, as God hath prospered us, to lay up in store for the supply of the Saints f 1 Cor. 16.1, 2. 2 Cor. 9.12. . 17 Qu. How is the public worship of God to be ordered and administered in the Church? Ans. All the members of the Church being met together as one man a Ezek. 46.10. 1 Cor. 11.33. , in the sight of God b Act. 10.33. , are to join together in holy duties, with one accord c Act. 4.24. 1 Cor. 14.16, 26. , the men with their heads uncovered, the women covered d 1 Cor. 114. to 16. . 18 Qu. What part of public worship is first to be administered? Ans. The Apostle exhorteth that first of all, all manner of prayers be made for all men, even for Kings, and all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty a 1 Tim. 2.1, 2 Ezra 6.10. . 19 Qu. Whether are not set forms of public Prayer, devised and ordained by men, an acceptable sacrifice unto the Lord? Ans. If such set forms had been an Ordinance of the Lord, and a Worship acceptable unto him, the Lord himself, or at least some of the Apostles and Prophets would not have held back that part of God's counsel from the Church a Act. 20.26, 27. . Besides, public Prayer is as well a part of public Ministry, as Prophecy is b Gen. 20 7. Nehem. 9.6. 1 Cor. 14.16. ; and the forms of one might as justly be taught by the precepts of men, as the other c Isa 29.13. Mat. 15.6, 9 ; and both of them are alike the gifts of the holy Spirit, to whom it belongeth as well to teach us what to pray, as how to pray d Rom. 8.26. . Nor will it well stand with the holy gesture, very usual in Prayer, which is to lift up our eyes to heaven, to cast down our eyes, and so fix them upon a book e Joh 11.41. & 17.1. Psal. 121.1. & 123.1. . 20 Qu. What part of public worship is next to be administered? Ans. Before Prophecy it will be seasonable to sing a Psalm a 2 Kin 3.15. Col. 3.16. , and then by some of the Teachers of the Church to read the word, and therewith to preach it, by giving the sense, and applying the use b Nehem. 8.8. Acts 15.22 Luke 14.21, 23, to 28. : In dispensing whereof they were wont to stand above all the people in a pulpit of wood, & the Elders on both sides c Nehem. 8.4. , whilst the people harkened to them with reverence & attention d Neh 8.5, 6, 7. Luke 4 16 17, 20. . Where there be more Prophets besides the Elders, they may prophesy two or three e Nehem. 8.7. 1 Cor. 14.29, 31. 1 Thes. 5.20. , if the time permit, the Elders calling to them, whether of the same Church or others, if they have any word of exhortation for the people to say on f Acts 13.15. 1 Cor. 14.31: , and for the better edifying of a man's self or others, it may be lawful for any young or old (save * 1 Cor. 14.34, 35. only for women) to ask Questions at the mouth of the Prophets g Mal. 2.7. Lu. 2.46. . 21. Qu. After the Ministry of the Word, what part of God's public worship is next to be administered? Ans. After the Word (which is the Covenant of God) the seals of the Covenant are next to be administered, Baptism and the Lords Supper a Acts 16.14, 15. . And as for Baptism, it is to be dispensed by a Minister of the Word b Acts 16.14, 15, 31, 32, 33. , unto a believer, professing his repentance, and his Faith c Mat. 28.19. Mat. 3 6. , being a member of the same Church body d Lu. 3.5.12 8 , as also unto his seed e Act. 8.36.37 Gen. 17.23. Acts 16.15.33 1 Cor. 7.14. , presented by the Parents to the Lord, and his Church f Luk. 2.21.22 , at which time the Minister calleth upon the Parents to renew his Covenant with God for himself, and his seed g Gen. 17.27.18.19. , and calls upon God (as the nature of the Ordinance requireth) for the pardon of original sin, and of the sin of the Parents, and for a blessing upon the Ordinance and Infant h Mat 3.11. 1 Tim 4.5. ; and then the Child being called by the name which the Parent hath given it, for the his own edification, and the child's i Luk. 1.59 to 63. & 2.21. Mat. 3.6, 16. john 3.23. Acts 8.38, 39 Rom. 6.4. , he Baptizeth it into Name of the Father, & of the Son, & of the holy Ghost k 1 Cor. 10.2. Heb. 10.22. Mat. 28.19. . 22. Qu. How is the Lords Supper to be administered? Ans. The Supper of the Lord is to be dispensed by the Minister of the Word a 2 Cor. 30.17. and 35.5, 6. , unto the faithful of the same Body b 1 Cor. 10.17, & 12, 13, 14. , or commended to them by a like Body c Rom. 16.1, 2. , having examined and judged themselves d 1 Cor. 11.28. to 31. , and sitting down with him at the Lords Table ᵉ, before whom the Minister taketh the Bread, and blesseth it, breaketh it, and giveth it to the Brethren, with this commandment once for all, To take and eat it as the body of Christ broken for them, and this to do in remembrance of him. In like manner also he taketh the Cup, and having given thanks, he poureth it forth, and giveth it to them, with a commandment to them all, To take, and drink it as the blood of Christ shed for them, and this also to do in remembrance of Him f Mat. 26.26.27, 28. Luke 22.19, 20. 1 Cor. 11.23, 24, 25. Mat. 26.30. Mar. 1426. Greek, as Herald 2.12. from Psal. 22.22. . After all have partaken, thanksgiving is ended with singing a Psalme*. 23. Q. After the Ministry of the Word, and the seals thereof, how is the Collection for the Saints to be administered? Ans. The collection for the Saints was by the Apostles ordinance, to be made: for the time, every. Lord's day a 1 Cor. 16.1. 2. Deut. 16.10.16. ; for the measure, as God hath prospered every man b 1 Cor. 16.2 2 Cor. 8.3. ; for the manner, not of constraint, but freely and willingly c 2 Cor. 9.5.7. , brought by the givers as an Offering to the Lord, and laid down d Acts 434.35 Mat. 1●. 42 2 Chro. 29.17 , as at first before the Apostles, so afterwards by their appointment before the Deacons of the Church as into a common Treasury e Acts 4 35. with ch. ● 2. to 8. 1 Cor. 16.2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. put into the common stock, Gal. 6.6. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 1 Tim. 5.17, 18. Gal 6.6. Acts 4.35. & 6.1, 2, 3. Rom. 15.25, 26. Acts 1.28, 29, 30. , by them to be distributed to the supply of the Ministry, and of the poor Saints, according to their need, and of outward service of the Churchf. 24 Qu. What duty of God's worship is to be performed in dismissing the Assembly? Ans. After all other parts of God's public worship have been performed, the Minister a Num. 6.23. , or any of the Prophets, is to dismiss the Assembly with a word of blessing b 1 Sam. 6.18. 1 King. 8.14. and 8.55, 10.61. , offering up blessing unto the Lord, and putting a blessing upon the People c Num. 6.25. to 27. 2 Thes. 3.17, 18. 2 Cor. 13.14. . 25. Qu. In what manner are all the duties of God's worship to be administered? Ans. In spiritual simplicity, without affectation of legal shadows a john 4.24. , of worldly pomp, or carnal excellency b 2 Cor. 2.17. & 1.12. 1 Cor. 2.1, 2, 6, 13. , decently c 1 Cor. 14.40. , and in order d Idem. , and to edification e 1 Cor. 14.26. . 26. Qu. What form of Government is the Government of the Church? Ans. The Government of the Church is in Christ our head kingly or royal a Psal. 2.6. Isa. 33.22. & 9.6 , but in the Church Stewardly and Ministerial b Mat. 16.19 1 Cor. 4.1, 4. 1 Pet. 4.10. & 5.1, 2, 3. , and in both of them spiritual and heavenly c John 18 36. 27. Qu. How doth Christ exercise his Kingly government (or power) in the Church? Ans. By calling the Church into holy fellowship with himself, and one with another a Psal. 74.2 & 76.1, 2 , by ordaining Officers and Governors in his Church, with their callings and gifts b Eph. 4.8, 11 1 Cor. 12.28 , by giving Laws and Ordinances to his Church, for the whole Government of it c Isa. 33.22 Jam. 4.12 , by putting life and power, even the power of his Spirit, into all his Ordinances, for the edifying of his body unto perfection d 2 Tim. 3.16 17. Mat. 18.18, 20. & 28 20. john 16 7, to 11, 13, 14. , and finally by subduing our enemies, and perfecting ourselves in his peace to his heavenly kingdom e Rom. 16.20. john 14.27. 2 Tim. 4.18 . 28 Qu. How is the Government of the Church in the hand of the Church, Stewardly or Ministerial? Ans. Because the end of the Government of the Church is spiritual and heavenly a john 18.36 Mat. 16.19 , as is the building up of Christ's kingdom, and the saving of souls b 1 Cor. 5.5 . It is not in the power of men to ordain or provide means or helps to such ends; but only for him that can work upon the soul and conscience c Eph. 4.11, 12 1 Cor, 1.24 & 3.5, 6, 7 : and therefore it is not in the hand of the Church to make Laws or Ordinances, to choose Officers or Members, to administer Sacraments, or Censures, or any part of Worship or Government, of their own heads, but to receive all as from the hand of Christ; and to dispense all according to the will of Christ, revealed in his word d Heb. 8.5 1 Kin. 13.33 & 12.33. jer. 7.31. Num. 15.39. Deut. 12.1, 4, 31.32. . 29. Qu. How is the Government of the Church spiritual and heavenly? Ans. The Government of the Church, though it be not altogether inward, but partly outward a Luk. 17.20, 21. Isa. 2.2. , as being administered by open and known Officers b Isa. 30.20. , with an audible and lively voice c Rev. 1.16. , in the open face of the Brethren of the Congregation d Mat. 18.15, 16, 17. 1 Tim. 5.20. , yet it is in itself not of this world, but spiritual and heavenly e Joh. 18.36. , as being ordained not by the wisdom of this world, but of Christ f 1 Cor. ● 6, 7, 8. Mat. 28.20. ; and administered, not according to the precepts of men, but his commandments g Mat. 15.6, 9 ; not by earthly weapons, but by the Word, and seals of the Covenant, and other spiritual Ordinances h 2 Cor. 10.4 Isa. 11.4. ; not working upon the bodies or outward estates of men by fines, or imprisonments loss of limbs, or of life; but upon their souls and consciences by the evidence of the Spirit i Heb. 13.17 2 Cor. 10 5. 1 Cor. 2.4. : Finally, not aiming at worldly peace, wealth and honour, but at the righteousness of faith, peace of conscience, and joy in the holy Ghost k Joh. 16 33 Rom. 14 17 . 30 Qu. To whom hath Christ committed the Government of his Church? Ans. Partly to the body of the Church, in respect of the state or frame of it a Mat. 16.19 & 18.17. Psal. 45.16. & 149 8, 9 , but principally to the Presbytery * Or Eldership. in respect of the order or administration of it b 1 Tim. 5.17. & 4.14. 1 Thes. 5.12. Heb. 13.17. 1 Cor. 12.28 . 31 Qu. What power of Government is committed to the body of the Church? Ans. The body of the Church hath power from Christ to choose and call her own Officers and Members a Act. 1.23, 26 & 14.23. & 6.3, 5. & 9.26, 27. , to send forth any of them for his service b 2 Cor 8.10, 23. Phil. 2.25. , and to inquire, & hear, & assist, in the judgement of all public scandals c Act. 11.2, 3, 18. Mat. 18.17. 1 Cor. 5.4, 5, 12. Act. 5.23. Col. 4.17 . 32 Qu. What power of Government is committed to the * Or Eldership (of the same Church) 1 Tim. 4.14. Old Translation. Presbytery? Ans. To call the Church together a Act. 6.2. & 14.27. Joel 1 13, 14. , and to deliver the counsel of God to them with all authority b Tit. 2.15. , to prepare matters for the Churches hearing c Act. 21.18, 19 , and to propound and order the assembly d Act. 13.15 , and to administer Ordinations e 1 Tim. 4.14 , and Censures f 1 Tim. 1.20. , and to dismiss the people with a blessing in the name of the Lord g Num. 6.23. . 33. Qu. But hath not Christ committed some power of Government to every private Member of the Church? Ans. Yes verily, there is a power of edification a 1 Cor. 10.23 24. Mat. 16.18, 19 & 17.15, 16. , which the Lord hath given to every Member of the Church, to exercise mutually one over another b jude 20. 1 Thes. 5 5.11. 1 Cor. 12 7. , to save some with compassion, others with fear c jude 21, 22, 23. , by a word of instruction, Admonition, Exhortation, and Comfort d Acts 18.26. Mat. 18.15. Col. 3 16. 1 Thes. 5.14 11. . 34. Qu. How is Ordination to be administered? Ans. When the Church hath chosen and called on Officer, they present him to the Elders a Acts 1.23. & 6.5, 6. , who do ordain him, if he be a Deacon, with Prayer, and Impositian of hands b Acts. 6.6. , and with Fasting also, if he be an Elder c Acts 14.23. . 35. Qu. How are the Censures of the Church to be administered? Ans. The Censures of the Church are ordained by Christ for the removing of scandals out of the Church a Mat. 18.16. to 15. Luk. 17.1, 2, 3. , which if they be private (one Brother offending another) the offender is to go and acknowledge his repentance of it unto his Brother b Mat. 5.23, 24 , who is then to forgive him c Luk. 17.14. , but if the offender neglect to do it, the Brother offended is to go and admonish him, and convince him of it between themselves privately. If thereupon the offender be brought to repent of his offence, the Admonisher hath won his Brother: but if the offender hear not his brother, the brother offended is to take with him one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established; whether the word of admonition, if the offender receive it, or the word of complaint to the Church, if he refuse it: for if he refuse it, the offended brother is to tell the Church, and if he refuse to hear the Church, than he is to be counted as an Heathen and Publican d Luke 17.3. Mat. 18.15, 16, 17. . 36. Qu. What if the scandals (or offences) be public, how are they to be removed? Ans. By public reproof a 1 Tim. 5.20. Gal. 2.14. , and if the offences be not only public but heinous, than the Church is to remove the offence by Excommunicating the offender out of the Church b 1 Cor. 5.1.5. 1 Tim. 1.20. . 37. Qu. How is Excommunication to be administered? Ans. When the offence of any Brother is public and heinous, or being private, is by the obstinacy of the offender become publicly scandalous, the Church being met together, is in the name and power of the Lord Jesus, and with his Spirit, to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, and the salvation of his soul in the day of the Lord Jesus a 1 Cor. 5.1.4, 5. Mat. 18.17. 1 Tim. 1.20. 2 Tim. 3.2, 5. Tit. 3.10, 11. . 38. Qu. Is there no use of Suspension in the Church? Ans. There may, to Members lying under the apparent guilt of sin, after the admonition of the Church a 1 Cor. 5.11. 2 Thess. 3.14. , discerning the unclean from the clean, until they be cleansed b Deu. 10.10. Eze. 22, 26. jer. 15.19. . 39 Qu. What is Anathema Maranatha? Ans. It is the utmost Censure of the Church, whereby a Brother falling from the love of Christ into hatred against him, is cut off from fellowship with Christ for ever, even to the coming of the Lord a 1 Cor. 16.22. . 40. Qu. Having seen what power of Government the Church hath received and exercised within itself: tell me now whether any Church hath power of government over another? Ans. No Church hath power of Government over another, but each of them hath chief power within itself, and all of them equal power one with another; every Church hath received alike the power of binding, and losing, opening and shutting the Kingdom of heaven a 1 Mat. 18.17 18. . But one to another, all of them are Sisters b Cant. 8, 8. Gal. 4.26.31 , all of them Concubines c Cant. 6.8. , but by their own corruption or usurpation of others d Revel. 18.2. : finally all of them are Candlesticks of the same precious metal, and in the midst of them all Christ equally walketh e Revel. 1.12, 13. & 2.1. . 41. Qu. But if one Church have no power of Government over another: what course then is there left to reform such corruptions as may arise in any Church, whether in Doctrine or practice? Ans. The corruptions that are found in any Church do either infect part of the Church, or the whole body: if part only, than the part remaining sound, may either convince and reform their Brethren themselves, if they be able; or if they be not able, they may at least prevail so fare with them, as to send for light from some other Church, as they of Antioch did to the Church of Jerusalem a Acts 15.2. . But if the corruptions found in a Church do infect the whole body, Ezra 10.2. yet still there is hope in Israel concerning this. For though one Church hath not power of Government over another, as subordinate to them: yet every Church hath equal power one with another, as coordinate with them. And therefore look what power one Brother hath over another in the same Church, the same power hath one Church over another in Brotherly communion. As if one Church shall hear of any offence in another, they may inquire the certainty of it b Deut. 13.14. , and thereupon send letters and messengers, to convince and admonish them of it. If the Church offending do hear the Church admonishing, they have gained their Brethren and their desire: if the Church hear them not, then that other Church may take one or two Churches moe, to assist them in the conviction of that sin. If yet the Church hear them not, then upon due notice thereof given, all the Churches thereabout may so meet together, and after judicious enquiry into the cause, may by the word of God confute and condemn such errors in doctrine or practice, as are found offensive, to prevent the spreading either of the gangrene of heresy c 2 Tim. 2.17, 18. , or of the leprosy of sin d 1 Cor. 5.6, 7 . And if the Church offending shall not yet hearken to their Brethren, though the rest of the Churches have not power to deliver them to Satan, yet they have power to withdraw from them the right hand of fellowship, and no longer to hold them in communion of Saints, till they approve their repentance e By proportion, from Mat. 18.15, 16, 17. 2 Thes. 3.6. . Isa. 33.22. The Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King; he will save us. A Conclusion. J. C. THe Kingdom of Christ, whether in the hearts of his servants, or in Church State, and all the Administrations thereof, See Mr. Taylor on Tit. 1.5. dispensed according to the Rule of the Gospel, doth not disturb the State, or Peace of earthly Kingdoms, or Commonwealths; And therefore, the gathering of Saints or Churches, according to the order of Christ, and the guidance and walking of both according to his will, is no just offence to the Civil Magistrate. Gal. 6.16. As many as walk according to this Rule, peace be on them and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. FINIS.