A discovery OF NEW LIGHT OR Ancient truths revived. Containing principles and inferances of a Church way. Matth. 22.19. Ye are deceived, not knowing the scriptures. 1. Cor. 14.38. If any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. job. 19 verse 4. Though I had indeed erred, mine error remaineth with me. Vers. 19 All my secres friends abhorred me, and they whom I loved are turned against me. Printed in the year Anno 1641. The Author to the Reader. LO here gentle Reader a short description of the new Testament which was once established by the blood of Christ: after that the old testament by the blood of that his cross was disannulled: Remember that there be always a difference put betwixt the covenant of grace, and the manner of dispensing it, which is twofold: the form of administering the covenant before the death of Christ, which is called the old testament; and the form of administering the covenant since the death of Christ, which is called the new Testament or the kingdom of heaven. In this little treatise the ordinances of Christ for the dispensing of the covenant since his death are described: read, consider, compare the truth here expressed with the frame, ministry and government of the assemblies of the land: & accordingly give sentence, judge righteous judgement, and let practise answerable to the truth follow thereupon: fear not the face of man, love not the world, be not deceived with the shapes of Angels of light, cast away all prejudice against the truth, remember that Antechristianisme is a mystery of iniquity and that it began to work early during the Apostles life, and so grew by little & little to this strength & exaltation from which it shall decline by degrees even till the man of sin be destroyed, whom the L. shall consume wit● the brightness of his coming, for God which condemneth the whore of Babylon is a strong Lord: Far well. The Author entreateth the gentle Read not to cavil or wrangle at the contents of this present Treatise nor to traduce or calumniate his person in secret, but by writing to discover the errors thereof which he desireth may be manifested to him, remembering that therein he shall perform a charitable work: for he that converteth a sinner from going astray out of his way shall save a soul from death, & shall hid a multitude of sins. jam 5.20 A discovery of New Light, or ancient truths revived, Containing principals and inferences of a churchway. A Man may be a member of the visible Church and no member of the Catholic Church, john 17, 12. Gen. 4, 11, 1●, Heb. 12, 1●, 2 Sam. 7.15. A man may be a member of the Catholic church & no member of the visible church. 1 King, 14, 13. Rev. 18, 4. Rom. 11.4 1. King. 19, 18. The Catholic church is the company of the Elect. john. 1●. 20. & it is invisible. Col. 1.20. The visible church is a visible communion of saints. Mat 13.12. Act. 2. ●. 41.42.46. & 1.15. & 19.7. 1 Cor. 1, 2. Phil. ●, 1. all which are to be accounted faithful and elect: Eph. 1, 1, 4, 5, 7, 1●, 13, 14 till they by obstinacy in sin and apostasy declare the contrary. 1 john. 2, 19.2 Tim, ●. 10 &. 1.1, 19.20.2. Thes, 3.14.15.2. Tim. ●. 17.18-21. It is one thing to be a Saint, another thing to be of the visible communion of Saints. 1 King. 14, 13. compared with 2. Chron. 13, 8-12, The communion of Saints is either Invisible or visible, Eph. 3.17. Mat. 18.10. Heb. 1.14. 1 Cor. 3.13.9.13. The invisible communion is with Christ 1 Cor. 15.28. Eph Elect 1.17.1. Cor. 13.13. Invisible communion with Christ is by the spirit and faith, Eph. 3.17. and 4.4. and 2.22. Invisible communion with the Elect. Men Heb. 1.14. Angels 1 Cor. 13.13 Men Elect are Dead Elect living are uncalled Living Elect living are called. Communion with the Elect living is prayer proceeding from love, john. 17 20. For them that are uncalled that they may be called, Rom. 10.1. For them that are called that they may be confirmed, Col. 1.9.12. Communion with the Elect Angels is the help of their ministry. Mat 18, 10 Heb. 1, 14. Gen. 28 12. & 32.1 2. Psal, 34, 7. reverence of them 1. Cor. 11.10. & love unto them. 1 Cor. 13, 13. A visible communion of Saints is of two, three, or more saints joined together by covenant with God & themselves, freely to use all the holy things of God according to the word, for then mutual edification, & God's glory. Mat. 18.20. Deut, 29, 12. etc. Psal. 147.19 & 149, 6-9. Rev. 1.16. This visible communion of Saints is a visible Church. Mat. 18.20, Act. 1.15. & 2.1.41.42.46. The visible church is the only religious society that God hath ordained for men on earth. john. 14.6. Mat. 18, 20. & ●, 13.14. 2. Chron. 13.8.12. Act. 4.12. Rev. 18.4. 2. Cor 6. 16-18. All religious societies except that of a visible church are unlawful: as abbeys, monasteries, Nunneries, Cathedrals, Collegiates, parishes. The visible church is God's ordinance & a means to worship god in. Eph. 4, 6. 6, Mark. 13.34. 2. Chron. 13.10.11. Heb. 3.6. compared with Heb. 8.5. & 3. 2.-6. No religious communion to be had, but with members of a visible church Mat. 18.17.20. 1. Cor. 5, 12. Act. 4.11.12. 2. Cor. 6. 16-18. Rev, 18.4. Whatsoever company or communion of men, do worship God, being not of the communion of a visible church, sin. 2. Chron. 13.9.10. Mat. 15.9, 1. Cor. 5.12.13. The true visible church is the narrow way that leadeth to life with few find joh. 14.6. Mat. 7.14. Other religious communions are the broad way that leadeth to destruction which many find: Mat. 7.13. Acts. 4.12. God's word doth absolutely describe unto us the only true shape of a true visible church Mark. 13.34. 1, Cor. 12.5 Heb. 8.5. & 3.2.6 Rev. 22.18, 19.2. Tim. 3, 16, 17. Rom. 14.23. Heb. 11 6, There is one only true shape or portraiture of a the visible church for there is only one faith & truth in every thing. Ioh: 14.6, Eph. 4, 4, 5. 1 Cor 1.10.13. I h. 17.17. Forms, or shapes, of visible churches or religious communions, to worship God in or by, devised by men are intellectual Idols, or mental Idolatry. Exod 20.4, 5, Mat, 15, 9.2. Coron 17, 8, 12. 1 King. 12.33. Visible Churches or religious communions constituted according to the forged devise of men are real Idols, and to join to them and to worship God in them is to join to Idols, or to worship God in or by Idols, by consequent from the former. Visible churches or religious communions are either true or false, joh. 14.6. Psal. 119, 28 2 Chro 1, 8, 12. Eph. 4, 4, 5, 6. True visible churches are such as have the true essential causes and properties, which Gods word ascribeth to the true visible Church, from the definition thereof. False churches are the contrary to the true by portion. To a true visible Church are requisite three things 1 True matter. 2. true form. 3. true properties. The true matter of a true visible Church are Saints, Exod. 28, 9, 10, 15-21. compared with Rev. 11, 11-21. & 1 King's ●, 17, compared wi●h 1 Pet. 2.5, Levit. 1●. 〈◊〉 1●, ●● 4●, compared with Rev 18, 2, 1 Pet. 2, De●. 1●, ● ●om 1, 7, 1 Cor. 1, 2. Eph 1, 1, Phil. 1, 1, 1 Pet. 1, 2, Heb. 3, 1. Saints are men separated from all known sin, practising the whole will of Go● knowle unto them Col. 1, 2. & 2, 11-1●. Rom. 17. and 6.2.12.22 growing in grace and knowledge. 2. Pet. 3.18. continuing to the end 1. joh. 2.19. The true form of a true visible Church is partly inward partly outward. The inward part of the fo●me consisteth in 3. things 1. the Spirit. 2 Faith. 3 love. The Spirit is the soul animating the whole body Ephe. 4 4. 1 Cor. 12. 4.11-13.7-10. 1 Cor. 6.17. Faith uniteth the members of the body to the head Christ: Eph. 3.1 & 4.13.15. & 5.30. 23. 1 Cor. 6.17. Love uniteth the members of the body each to other. Eph. 2.20.21. & 4.16.3. Col. 3.14.15. The outward part of the true form of the true visible church is a vow, promise, oath, or covenant betwixt God and the Saints: by proportion from the inward form: see also Gen. 17.1.2. and 15, 18. Deut. 29.1 9-13. 2. Chron. 29.10, & 34.30.32. Psal. 119.106. Nehem. 9, 38. & 10.29. 1. Cor 12.25.26. Rom. 12, 5.15.16. Mat. 18.15.17. This covenant hath 2 parts. 1. respecting God and the faithful. 2. respecting the faithful mutually. Mat. 18 20. The first part of the covenant respecting God is either from God to the faithful, or from the faithful to God 2. Cor 6, 16 From God to the faithful. Mat, 22.3.2. the sum whereof is expressed. 2. Cor. 6.16. I will be their God. To be God to the faithful is 1. to give Christ, 2. with Christ all things else Esay 9.6. 1. Tim. 4.8.2. Pet. 1.3. Rom. 8.32. 1. Cor. 3. 21-13. From the faithful to God 2. Cor. 6.16. the sum whereof is to be God's people, that is to obey all the commandments of God. Deut. 29.9. The second part of the covenant respecting the faithful mutually, containeth all the duties of love whatsoever Levit. 19.17 Mat. 18.15, 16, 1. Thes. 5.14. Mat. 22.39.2. Thes, 3, 14.45. Heb. 3.13 & 10, 24 25. The true properties of a true Church visible are two. I communion in all the holy things of God. 2, the power of our Lord jesus Christ, 1 joh. 1, 5. 1, Cor 10 16 & 5.4.5. Mat, 18.20. Esay 55, 3 Act 13, 34. The holy things of God are 1. Christ. 2. benefits by Christ. Rom, 8.32 The true Church hath title, possession, and use of Christ. Esa. 9 6, Song 2 16. Mat. 18.20. 1. Cor. 3 21.23. Eph 5 30 The benefits which the true Church hath by Christ are the means of salvation and alms, 1 Tim 14 8, 2 Pet. 1, 3. The means of salvation are the word, Sacraments, prayers. Censures, and the ordinances of Christ for the dispensing of them all, Rom. 3, 2, & 4, 11. Luk 19 46, Mat. 18, 15, 17. Act. 2, 42, 1 Cor. 11, 23, 26, Mat. 28, 19, Psal. 149, 6, 9 Alms are the works of mercy yielded to the Saints in distress. Act. 2, 44, 45, & 5, 4, Mat. 25, 34, 40, Heb. 13, 1, 3, 1 Tim. 3, 2, & 5, 10. The power of the Lord jesus Christ given to the church hath three parts. viz. power to 1. receive in. joh. 10.3. Ast. 9, 26.27. & 18, 27. & 6, 5. 2 preserve and keep within 1 john. 2, 19 1 Pet, 1, 5. 3. to cast out 1 Cor 5, 13. The true visible Church hath power to ceive in 〈◊〉 Members into communion. Act 2, 41, and 18, 27, and 9, 26, 27. & 2. officers into office Act 6.5. & 14, 23. The way or door whereby both members and officers enter in, is Christ, that is the way taught by Christ in his word. joh, 14, 6. & 17.17. Marc. 13, 34, ●7. The way of receiving in of members is faith testified by obedience. Act 8 36, 37. Mat, 3, 6. Luke 7, 29.30. Faith is the knowledge of the doctrine of salvation by Christ. 1 C●r, 12, 9 Gal, 3, 2. Obedience is a godly, righteous and sober life Tit. 2, 11, 12, Rom, 5. Members thus received into communion are of two sorts. 1 Prophets a private persons 1 Cor, 14.24. 1 Sam. 19, 24, 23. Prophet's are men endued with gifts apt to utter matter fit to edification, exhortation, and consolation. 1 Cor, 14, 3. Act, 13, 1. Rom 12, 6. These persons must first be appointed to this exercise by the Chu ch, 1 Cor 14 49. Act. 13, 1. The Prophet's care must be to prophesy according to the proportion of faith. Rom, 12, 6, 1 Cor 14, 26. Let the Prophets speak two or three and let the rest judge. ● C●r. 14, 29 If any thing be revealed to him that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 1 Cor 14, 30, 40. All that have gifts may be admitted to prophesy. 1 C●r, 14, 31. Private persons are a men 2. women. Private men present at the exercise of prophecy may modestly propound their doubts which are to be resolved by the Prophets: Luk, 2, 46.47, 1 Sam, 19, 20, 23 1 Cor. 4, 30. Women are not permitted to speak in the church in time of Prophecy 1 Cor 14, 34. 1 Tim. 2, 12, Revel, 2 20. If women doubt of any thing delivered in time of prophecy and are willing to learn, they must ask them that can teach them in private, as their husbands at home if they be faithful▪ or some other of the Church, 1 Cor, 14, 35, 1 Tim, 2 12. To this exercise of Prophecy may be admitted unbelievers or they that are without. 1 Cor 14, 24. Act, 2, 6, 13. The exercise of prophecy, and the preaching of the word by them that are sent, is that ordinary means God hath appointed to convert men. 1 Cor. 14, 24, 25. Rom, 10, 14 14. They are sent by God to preach whom the church sendeth. Act 13, 2, 4, & 8, 14, 15. If any man be converted by other means it is not ordinary. Rom 10, 14, 15. john, 4, 39, 41. Act 9 5, 6 Therefore they that are converted in false Churches, are not converted by ordinary means. 1 King 14.13. & 19.18 Rom. 11.3.4 Rev. 18.4. The way of receiving officers into office is, 1 Election, 2 Approbation, 3 Ordination: which must be performed with fasting & prayer, Act. 6, 5. & 14, 23. 1 Tim. 3.10. & 5.22. & 4.14. Tit. 1.5. Act. 13.3. The person to be admitted into office must first be a member of that visible church whence he hath his calling, Act. 1, 21, 22, and 6, 3, 5. & 18, 27, 28, 1 Cor. 11, 12, and 3, 6, 1 Tim. 3, 2, 3, 10. Election is by most voices of the members of the Church in full communion. Act. 6.5. & 14.23. Quaere: whether women, servants and children admitted into full communion, yet under age may not give voice in elections, excommunications, and other public affairs of the Church, 1 Pet. 3.7. Ephes. 4.4. 1 Tim 5.9.10. Num. 30. 5-10-16. 1 Cor. 14.34. Gen. 3.16. 1 Cor. 11.3.10. Gen. 18.19. josh. 24.15. Approbation is the examining & finding the officer elect, to be according to the rules of his office, 1 Tim. 3.10. & 5.9.10. Act. 6.3. In approbation every member is bound to object what he can, especially they that denied their voices, Act. 15, 37, 38. 1 Tim. 3.2.3, 10. Act. 6.3. Approbation must be after election, lest without cause the infirmities of the brethren be discovered: for there are faults disabling men to offices which do not disable them to be members of the church Ezek 44.9, 15. Act. 15. ●7. 38. Mat. 18.21.22. compared with Prov. 10 12. 1 Pet. 4.8. If the things objected bear weight against the officer elect, the election is void and they must proceed to the choice of another. 1 Tim. 3, 4, 5. & 5.11. Act. 15, 37, 38. Ezee. 44.10. 2 King. 23.9. Defects or faults that cast men out of office. are sufficient to hinder men from entering into office: by proportion. If the things objected be frivolous the election is approved. 1 Tim. 3.10. and they that dissented are to consent to the rest that so the whole church may agree in one person. 1 Cor. 1.10. Eph. 4.3 compared with Act 1.26. If the parties objecting still dissent without an approved reason, they are to be reform by censure. 1 Cor. 11, 17, 18. Mat. 18 15, 17. Ordination is the dedication of the officer thus approved, to his office Exod. 29 44. & 40, 12, 16. Nomb, 8, 6, 15. Heb. 5, 4, 5, Mat, 3. 1● 17 Act 13, 3, 4. 1 Tim, 4, 14. Heb. 6, 2. Ordination hath three parts. The first is the power which the Church committeth to the officer approved: to administer according to his office joh. 20, 21, 23, Mat. 1● 1● 20, compared with Exod. 29, 1, 38 N●mb 8.10.11. Act, 6, 3 5 & 14, 23, & 20, 28 ● Tim. 4.14. 2 Tim 1, 6, 14. The second is prayer made by the whole church for the officer invested with this power that he may faithfully administer Act 6, 6, and 13, 1, & 14, 13 1 Cor 4, 2. The 3. is a charge given to the officer thus admitted to look unto his office in all the parts th●●eo●. Mat, 28, 18 19 1 Tim 5, 21. 1 Pet, 5, 1, 2, 1 Tim 6, 13, 14, compared with Deut 1.16. The ceremony used by the Apostles in ordination is imposition of hands: which ceremony first of all was used in the old testament, Num 8, 10. then in the new by Christ in praying for children. Mar 10, 16. by God the Father in ordaining Christ to his office of Mediator. Luke 3, 21, 22 by Christ in ordaining the Apostles. Act 2, 3, 4, & 1, 4.8, by the Apostles in giving the holy Ghost Act 8, 15, 17, in ordaining Evangelists 2 T●m, 1 6, & in ordaining ordinary ministers: Act 6 6, & 14, 23, by the Eldership or church in ordaining officers Act 13 3. 1 Tim. 4, 4. by the Evangelists in ordaining officers. 1 Tim, 22 Tit, 1 5. & so may lawfully be retained and used in the church still. Heb, 6, 2. The use of imposition of hands, is two fold. First to point out the officer in time of prayer made for him, as if it should be said: this is the man by proportion from 1. Sam. 10, 24. Math. 3.17. Secondly to signify and to assure the officer to be ordained that the Lord by the church giveth him power to administer, Act. 13, 3.4. & 20, 28. joh, 20, 21. Ordination and so imposition of hands appertaineth to the whole church as doth election and approbation, Act. 13, 3. Num. 8, 9, 10. yet for order sake the fittest members lay on hands and perform all other particulars of ordination for & in the name of the whole church, 1 Cor. 14.40 compared with Num. 8, 9.10. & Act. 13.3, & 1 Tim, 4, 14. & by proportion from Leu. 4.15. The fittest persons are Elders when the church hath them. 1 Tim. 4.14. when the church wanteth Elders, men of best gifts appointed by the church. Num. 8.9.10. Thus after the apostasy of Antichrist ariseth a true Ministry in the church. Revel. 18.4. The officers of the true visible church thus admitted, are then to administer faithfully. 1 Tim. 3.10, 1 Cor, 4, 2. The officers of the true visible Church are all absolutely described in the word of God, Heb. 3, 2, 5. and 8, 5. Rom 12, 7.8. Mark. 13, 34. These officers are of two sorts: 1 Bishops, 2 Deacons, Phillip 1, 1. The Bishops are also called Elders or Presbyters. Act. 20, 17.28, 1 Pet. 5, 1. The Bishops or Elders jointly together are called the Eldership or Presbytery, 1 Tim. 4, 14. and 5, 17. compared. The Eldership consisteth of 3 sorts of persons or officers: viz. the Pastor, Teacher, Governor, 1 Tim. 4.14, & 5, 17. All the Elders or Bishops must be apt to teach, 1 Tim. 3, 2. Tit. 1 9 The Pastor is a Bishop excelling in the word of wisdom or exhortation: Rom. 12, 8. 1 Cor. 12, 8. he is called the Angel of the church, Rev. 2, & 3 The Teacher is a Bishop excelling in the word of knowledge or doctrine, Rom. 12, 7. 1 Cor 12, 8. The Governor is a Bishop excelling in the quality of wise government, 1 Tim. 5, 17. Rom. 12 8. The Pastor and Teacher have also power to administer the Sacraments. Mat. 28, 19 Ephes. 4, 12. 1 Cor. 11, 23. All the Bishop's deal by office in the government of the church, 1 Tim. 5.17, & are conversant about the soul and spiritual part, joh. 18, 36. 2 Cor, 10, 3. The Deacons are officers occupied about the works of mercy respecting the body or outward man Act. 6.2. The Deacons are 1 men, 2 or women deacons' or widows, Act. 6.2. Rom. 16.1. Men Deacons collect and distribute with simplicity the church's treasury, according to the church's necessities, & the Saints occasions. Rom. 12, 8. 2 Cor. 8, 2.8. 1 Cor. 16.2.3. The church's treasury, is silver gold or money worth, freely given by the members of the visible church for the common good. Leu. 27. toto. 2. King. 12. ●4-16. Luke 21.4. Act. 4.34, 35. 2 Cor 8, 2-8. & 9.7. The church's treasury is holy. Mat. 27.6. Luke 21.4. Quaere. None of those that are without may cast of their goods into the treasury, lest the treasury be polluted. 2 Cor. 8, 4, josh. 6, 17-19 Q●aere. Nothing that is gotten by fraud, violence, or any wicked means, may be cast into the church's treasury. Deut. 23.18. Micah 1, 7. Esa. 67, 3. The use of the church's treasury is peculiar to the Saints: and it consisteth in provision for holy things, or holy persons. Deut. 14, 2.5.21. Exod. 30. 12-16. Quaere. Holy things: as bread and wine for the Lords Supper, places and instruments serviceable to holy uses Exod. 25, 2, 8. Mat. 27.7. per contrarium. Holy persons: as the maintenance of church officers and the poor brethren either of that particular visible church or of any other true church 1 Cor. 10, ●. 2. 2 Cor. 8, 7. 1 Cor. 9.6.14. 1 Tim. 5, 17, 18. In the necessity of the church, if they that are without bestow any thing upon the Saints, they may receive & use it with thanksgiving. 1 Cor 10, 25, 26. If it be manifested by evidence, that the goods of them that are without offered to the Saints be the treasures of wickedness, the Saints are not to receive & use them to avoid offence, 1 Cor. 10, 28 29. womans deacons' or widows are of 60 years of age, qualified according to the Apostles rule, 1 Tim. 5 9 relieving the bodily infirmities of the Saints with cheerfulness, Rom. 12, 8, and 16, 1. Hitherto of the church's power of receiving in: now followeth the church's power of preserving & keeping within. The power of preserving within, is manifested by the heedful use of all the holy things of God by the whole church jointly, and by every member particularly, Mark. 13, 33-37 Heb. 10 24, 1 Thes. 5, 14, Mat. 18, 15.17. Act. 6, 1. The Pastor's chief endeavour must be to make the church zealous holy and obedient, Rom. 12.8. 1 Cor. 12, 8. Apoc. 3, 19, by proportion. The Teachers chief care must to be preserve the church from ignorance and error 1 Cor. 12, 8. Rom. 12, 7. 1 Cor 3, 10, 12. compared with Tit. 1, 9 The chief office of the governor's consisteth in preserving peace and order in the Church, 1 Cor. 14.40, Rom. 12.8. 1 Tim. 5, 17. The Deacons chief care must be that none of the Saints want bodily necessaries, and that due provision be made for holy things and persons, Rom. 12, 8. john. 13, 29. and that with simplicity john 12.6. The widow's chief office is to visit and relieve the widow fatherless, sick, lame, blind, impotent, women with child, and diseased members of the Church, 1 Tim. 5, 9, Rom. 12.8, Mat. 15, 35-40. The care of the Eldership must be the order, direct & moderate the public actions of the church. 1 Cor. 14, 40. 1 Tim. 5.17. The prophets chief care must be to resolve doubts, difficulties, and dark places, and to give true expositions, translations, & reconciliations of scripture. 1 Cor. 14, 29, 30. Luk. 2.46, 47. The office of the pastor and teacher in the exercise of prophecy is to moderate and determine all matters out of the word. 1 Cor. 14 32. 1 Sam. 19, 20. The care of the whole church jointly, must be to keep her power given her by Christ, and not to suffer any open known sin, or any tyranny or usurpation over them. Mat. 18, 15-17. Mark. 13, 37. Col. 4, 17. 3 john 9, 10. Rev. 2, 2. Gal, 1, 8.9. The chief care of every member must be to watch over his brother Mark. 13, 37. Heb. 10, 24. in bearing one another's burden Gal. 6, 2, 1 Cor. 10, 24.28, 29 admonishing the unruly, comforting the feeble minded. 1 Thes. 5, 14, admonishing the excommunicate 2 Thes. 3, 15, restoring them that are fallen. Gal. 6.1. Here special care must be had of admonition, Mat. 18. 15-17. Admonition must be administered with prayer and in love, 1 Tim. 4, 5, Gal. 6, 1, Leu. 19, 17, 1 Tim. 1, 5, Rom. 13, 8. Prayer is needful that it may please God to give his blessing to the admonition administered, Mat. 7, 7, 8. jam. 1, 5, & 4, 2.3. Love must be manifested to the offender that he may be the better won. Eph. 4, 2. Col. 3.14, Leu. 19, 17, 1 Pet. 4, 8. Admonition is either private or public. Mat. 18, 15, 17. Private admonition is either solitary or before witnesses, ibidem. Private admonition is performed by one particular brother offended, to another brother offending, and that in secret, Mat 18, 15. The admonisher must not tell the fault of the offender to another, but himself must admonish the offender, Psal. 15, 3. 1 Pet 4, 8, Pro. 25, 9 If the offender repent upon admonition, the fault must be covered Pro. 10.12. if not the admonisher must proceed to the second degree of admonition: viz. to admonish the offender before witness. Mat. 18.16, The fittest witnesses must be chosen. 1 King. 21.10.13. Mat. 26-59-61. & 28. 12-15. the fittest witnesses for the most part are the Elders, who for their wisdom & authority can best sway with the delinquent. If the offender repent upon admonition before witness, the fault must yet be covered also Prov. 10.12. 1. Pet, 4, 8, jam 5.20. If the offender admonished before witness deny the fact, than protestation or an oath of God must end the matter, Exod. 22.11. Though the admonisher know the fact to be so▪ and the offender deny the fact before witness, yet the admonisher is not to forsake the offender's communion. john. 5.31. & 13.26. notwithstanding he must still seek to bring him to repentance Levit. 19.17. If the offender acknowledge the fact and repent not, the admonisher and witnesses must bring the matter to the church. Mat. 18, 17. In bringing the matter to the church if the Elders be not already interessed in the cause, it is meet to use the advice and help of the Eldership who are fittest to deal in all public businesses, 1 Cor. 14, 33, 40. 1 Tim. 5, 17. The matter being before the Church the offender is to be dealt with by all possible means, that he may come to repentance, as by admonition, by threat, by entreaty, by prayer for him etc. Gal. 6.1. 2 Cor. 2.6. If the offender repent upon the Church's admonition, he is still to be continued, and accounted a brother. 2 Cor. 2.6. Mat, 18, 17. Thus the church & all the members thereof shall be preserved & kept pure within, & their communion shallbe holy: Leu. 19.17. 1. Tim. 5.22. 1 Cor. 5, 20. & 5.6. and so shall increase with the increasing of God. 1 Cor. 11, 17. 2 Pet. 3.18. All the degrees of admonition must be administered upon the offender before the Church have any communion with him: Mat, 18, 15-17, 1 Cor. 11.17, 1 Tim. 5, 22. Levit, 19.18. Mat. 22 29. If a man see his brother sin, and admonish him not, but suffer his sin unreproved he is defilled therewith. Levit. 19, 17. Mat. 18.15. & 22.33. 1 Tim. 5.22. In solitary admonition, if the admonisher stay in the first degree of admonition, the offender not repenting he is defiled with the sin: In admonition before witness, if the admonishers cease & stay in the second degree of admonition the offender not repenting, they are defiled with the sin. In admonition before the church if the church bear with the party offending and bring him not to repent: but leave him in sin and impenitency, and yet hold him still in communion, than the whole church is defiled: and so that is verified, a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. 1 Cor. 5.6 & 11, 17. Mat. 13.33. If a sin be publicly known in a church, or if more sins be openly known & suffered: the whole church is defiled and leavened. Ibidem. No communion can be had with, nor no joining can be to, a church thus leavened without manifest consenting to sin, Ibidem. Therefore if the church will not reform open known corruptions after due proceeding separation must be made from it till reformation come. Therefore separation may be made from true churches for incorrigible corruptions, and to separate from a defiled church that is incorrigible, is not to forsake the communion of holy things, but the pollution and profanation of holy things. Thus much for the second part of the church's power of preserving and keeping within. The church's power of casting out followeth, which is twofold. First of officers out of office, Act, 14.23, compared with Colos. ●. 17. Rev, 2 2, Gal. 1.8.9. Second of members out of communion Mat. 18. 1●. 1 Cor. 5, 4, 5. 2 Thes. 3.6.14, 1 Tim, 1.20. The cause of casting officers out of office, are apostasy or disability. Ezec. 44, 10. Nom. 8, 23-26. Apostasy is when the officers shall fall to open Idolatry, Atheism, heresy, or other sins equipollent of the first or second table: Ezech. 44.10, & by proportion drawn from 2 King. 23.9 1 Tim. 3.2, Leu. 22. 15 & 21, 16, 24, Ezra 2, 61, 62. The officer upon repentance after apostasy or sin equipollent thereto may be retained as a member of the church, but not as an officer. Eze 44, 13, 14, Mat. 26, 69-75. compared with john 21, 15-18. Act. 15, 38. Quaere disability is either of age, or sickness, or maiming, &c disability of age is when the officer can no longer by reason of old age discharged the works of his office: then he may reteyn his dignity & aught to be honoured of all, Num. 8, 23, 26. Philemon 9 Disability by sickness, as frenzy, Madness, Melancholy, or by maiming as loss of the tongue in the pastor or teacher etc. or by any other infirmity disabling him to the actions of his office, Leu. 16-24, compared with 1 Tim. 3, 2, Tit. 1, 6, 9, Quaere, Wither an officer may refuse an office imposed upon him by a lawful calling. Exod, 4, 14, jer. 1.6, 7, 17. Quaere, Weather the church may suffer her officer to be translated from herself to other churches upon any ground, Act. 20, 28, 1 Pet. 5 2, Act 13.4. yea though it be granted that she have members as fit for offices as her officers are in present? yea though the life of the officer be endangered, Act. 9, 25. Mat. 10, 23 1 King. 18 4. The cause of casting members out of communion is only one: viz. sin obstinately stood in without repentance and confession after due conviction, Mat. 18, 17. job 31, 33. Prov. 28, 13. Due conviction is the discovery of the sin by manifest evidence, job. 19, 4, & 32.12.13, & 39, 37. Manifest evidence is either to the fact, or sinfulness of the fact. The fact is evident either by confession of the party that committed the fact: or by sufficient witness, Mat. 26.65. Deut 19, 15, john 5, 31. Quaere, whether the testimony of them that are without, is sufficient or no. The sinfulness of the fact is evident either by direct Scripture, or by necessary consequence from the scripture. Mat. 22, 31, 32, & 4, 4. Due conviction is perceived two ways, first by the delinquents shifting, cavils, excursions, tergiversations etc. 1 Tim 1.6, Tit, 3, 11, Secondly by the conscience of them that have power to censure the fact. Psal. 36, 1, Prov, 17, 19 Tit, 3, 10. 1 Cor, 2, 15 & 12, 10. Obstinacy in sin is the refusing of confessing and forsaking the crime. Pro. 28.13. Mat. 18, 17. joth. 7, 1, 9 If the matter be not evident, but doubtful and controversal, communion still must be preserved peaceably, notwithstanding diversity of judgement, till the truth be discovered. Phil. 3, 15 16. 1 Cor. 13.49.7.9. Persons that differ in judgement are either strong or weak. Rom. 15.1 The strong must not maintain controversies with the weak, nor despise them, but bear their infirmity and burden, Rom. 15, 1 & 14.1, 3. Gal. 6, 2. 1 Cor 13, 5, 7. & 9, 22, & 10, 23.34. The weak must not censure or judge the strong as delinquents, but meekly desire instruction and satisfaction, Rom. 14.3. Mat. 7, 13. Thus must men walk in diversity of opinion, during which time, all men must carefully search out the truth, & labour for information 1 Cor. 1.10. 2 Pet. 3.18. Phil. 3.15, jam. 1.5. The power given the Church for casting out obstinate convicted offenders is the power of excommunication. 2 Cor. 18.3 6. & 1, 5, 4, 5, 1 Tim, 1.20. Gal. 5, 12, 2 Thess. 3, 6, 14. Mat. 18.17. Quaere, whether delivering to Satan be not, or contain some bodily punishment inflicted upon the offender. see. Act. 5, 5, 10, 1. Cor. 12.10. Excommunication is the depriving of the offender of the visible communion of Saints, and the benefit of the holy things of God given to the Church. 1 Cor. 5.4, 5, 11, 13.2. Thess. 3, 6, 14. Mat. 18.17. Quaere, Whether separating, withdrawing, turning away from false teachers and wicked liver●, be the same with excommunication, 2 Thes 3, 6. 1 Tim. 5, 6. and 2, 3, 5. Mat 18, 17. 1 Cor. 5, 4, 5. Excommunication duly administered is ratified and confirmed in heaven. Mat. 18.18. job. 20.23. Therefore the party excommunicate is in the hands of Satan, and out of the Lords protection and blessing, being deprived of all the public means of salvation. Mat. 18, 17. Cor. 5.5. Esay 4.5, 6. In excommunication consider two things: first the decreing of it, which must be done by the whole church. 1 Cor. 5 4, wherein the church must proceed as in approving her officers. Secondly the pronouncing of excommunication which must be performed by the fittest person deputed thereto by the Church. 1. Cor. 14, 40. The end of excommunication is not the destruction of the offender, but the mortification of his sin, and the salvation of his soul 1 Cor. 5.5.2. Thes. 3.14.15. 1 Tim. 1, 23, The party excommunicate is not to be counted as an enemy, but to be admonished as a brother, 2. Thess. 5.15. Quaere, The members of the church are to avoid all religious and civil communion with him that is excommunicate, Mat, 18. 1●. 1 Cor 5, 11, except that subjects, servants, children, parents, wise or husband etc. that are bound to him may perform civil and natural offices to him. 1. Cor. 7 5, 12.13, and by proportion. The party excommunicate upon repentance is to be admitted again into the communion of the visible Church. 2 Cor. 2. 6-8. yet so as that the Church always have an especial eye to him, as being a suspicious person that durst despise the Church, Mat. 18.17. Ezech. 4●, 10. 2 Pet. 2.22. Heb. 10.26. by proportion. Quaere, Whether an officer excommunicate, upon repentance may be again admitted into office: & whether must he have new vocation by election approbation, ordination yea or nay? The visible Church walking in this holy order hath in it the presence and protection of Christ. Esa. 4.5.6. Mat 28 20. & 18.20. To this visible Church must all sorts of persons resort that desire to be saved. Act. 4, 12. Mat. 7.13.14. joh 1●. 6. True visible churches are of two sorts: first pure where no open known sin is suffered. Rev. 2. 7-13. & 3. 8-11. second corrupt, wherein some one or more open known sin is tolerated. Rev. 3.1.6. 1 Cor. 11.17.21.22. True visible Churches are so far forth good as they agree to the pattern of the word: Heb. 8.5. Rev. cap. 2. & 3.1 Cor. 1, 2, 17.22. Every true visible Church hath title to whole Christ and all the holy things of God. Esa. 9.6, 7. Song. 2.16. Ephe. 1.22.23. Every true visible Church is of equal power with all other visible Churches. Apoc. cap. 2. & 3. 1. Cor. 5. and hath power to reform all abuses within itself 1 Cor. 11.2.17. which power is spiritual as is Christ's kingdom not worldly, bodily, nor carnal, joh. 18, 36, 2 Cor. 10, 3.5. The erecting of visible churches appertaineth to princes and private persons. Prince's must erect them in their dominions & command all their subjects to enter into them, being first prepared and fitted thereto. 2. Chron. 29. & 34. and 17. Private persons separating from all sin, and joining together to obey Christ their king, priest and prophet, as they are bound, are a true visible Church, & have a Charter given them of Christ thereto, being but two or three. Mat. 18, 20. Act. 14, 19, 20. Heb. 11.38. and further power then to reform themselves they have none. Every man is bound in conscience to be a member of some visible church established into this true order. Mat. 7.13. Rev. 18.4. Because every man is bound to obey Christ in his kingdom and spiritual regiment and no other Luk. 19, 14, 27 and the true visible church is Christ's kingdom and house Mark 13.34. with Luk 19, 14.27, Act. 1, 3. Heb 12, 28, & 3, 6, Therefore they that are not members of this visible church, are no subjects of Christ's kingdom Luk. 19.17, 1 Cor, 5.12. This true visible church is called Christ. 1 Cor. 12.12. Thus much concerning the true church: the false church of Antichrist followeth to be considered. Whatsoever thing is contrary to this order of the visible church is Antichristian, by notation of the word compared with 1. Cor. 12.12. Whosoever taketh upon him to erect new form or shapes of visible churches, and to appoint new officers, laws, ministry, worship, or communion in the church is Antichrist. 1. john. 4 3. 2 Thes. 2.4 Rev. 13.16.17. Whosoever yields or submitteth to any other constitution, laws, officers, ministry or worship then that of Christ's appointment is the subject, servant of Antichrist, by necessary consequence from the former. & Rom. 6.16. A man cannot be both the servant of Christ and of Antichrist. Mat. 6, 24. FINIS.