THE RENDING CHURCH-MEMBER Regularly called Back, TO CHRIST, and to his CHURCH. OR, A Sober Answer to certain Questions of a Company of discontented and Covenant-deserting Brethren. IN Which are laid down clear Grounds of solid conviction, That whosoever doth wilfully neglect either to come to Christ and his true Combinational Church, or to continue with both, is not as yet in a capacity to observe any one of ten remarkable Gospel-Rules, or to partake of any one of ten precious Promises. Published, I. For the awakning of sleepy sinners. II. For the withholding of tottering Saints. III. For the winning of wretched backsliders. By Marmaduke Matthews, lately a Teaching-Elder of the Church of Maldon in New-England. JER. 8 5. Wherefore is this people sliden back, with perpetual backsliding, etc. JOH. 6.66, 67. From that time, many of his Disciples went back, and walked no more with him, and Jesus said, Will ye also go away, etc. JER. 6.8. Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul departed from thee, etc. London, Printed by A. M. for Simon Miller at the Star i● Pa●ls Churchyard 1659. THE PREFACE TO THE Religious READER. 'tIs an undeniable Truth, that experience (which is commonly called the Mistress of Fools, as well as the Axioms and Maxims of Philosophers) doth make it manifest, that the corruption of the best, (whether of Persons or things, Saints or Angels) is not the best, but the worst corruption. And that there may be the greatest abuse, of that which might be of the greatest use. As the sweetest Wines, through neglect of well-looking to, doth become the sourest Vinegar; so through the wiles of Satan, the wickedness of sinners, and the weakness of the Saints, the very grace of God, is oft turned to wantonness. And every one of the Gospel Privileges, and gracious Ordinances of Congregational Churches, do produce divers uncomfortable and unchristian contentions, among inconsiderate and ill-catechized Professors of Godliness: As the cause and occasion of the Composing of this present reconciling Treatise doth clearly declare. 'Tis remarkable, that the very first rise and reason of those Church-divisions, that threaten Church-desolation, is without dispute the raw and unripe entrance, or rather the rude and rash rushing of Church-observers into Church-estate, before they have been ashamed of, sorrowful for, and separated from, their Personal and Parental abominations; little considering or laying to heart, that such a sensible condition is loudly called for at their hands; and that from him; who is the Church's Head, as a necessary antecedent-qualification to a complete Church-Communion: as 'tis made known, Ezek. 43.10, 11. Show this House to the House of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their wickedness:— And if they be ashamed,— show them the form of the House. And Chap. 44.7, 9 Ye have brought into my Sanctuary, strangers uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, to pollute my House. And verse the 19th, Thus said the Lord, uncircumcised in heart, or uncircumcised in flesh, shall not enter into my Sanctuary. Next to this unwise and unwarrantable entrance unto Church fellowship, 'tis not difficult for to discern, that inconsiderate and uncircumspect combining, and covenanting with a Church of Saints, to watch one over another, and to walk one with another by Gospel-Rule, doth become in the conclusion a cruel snare to the souls and consciences of such Combiners; who (by reason of the remote distance of their several dwellings, being too many members very many miles from their public Meeting house) do impose upon themselves an utter impossibility of keeping that Covenant which they had bound their souls for to keep, in coming ordinarily to Public worship on Lords Days, in one place, according to the Pattern; in 1 Cor. 14.23. When the whole Church are come together in one place, etc. Certainly they cannot come together (without notorious inconveniency) every Sabbath day in one place, at morning Sacrifice, and evening Incense; I mean, at forenoon and afternoon Instituted worship, who are so fare from co-habiting in one Corporation, that they have not their abode in one County. And by necessary consequence, they must fall headlongly on one of the fierce horns of this fearful Dilemma; Either to be wanting in public, or to be wronging in private. If they carefully observe their watch, and keep their Covenant with their fellow-members abroad, than they must carelessly and cruelly neglect their watch, and break their Covenant with their own Families at home. When Professors are found thus to fail both in their Ingress to, and Progress▪ in Church-fellowship, 'tis no wonder at all, if their Egress therefrom be answerable; namely, injurious and scandalous to Brethren within, and to Neighbours without, by their hateful and horrible rejection of the heavenly Oracles, from being the Rule, Square, and Touchstone of their language, lives, and actions. As strong fences are made to restrain the extravagant wander of brutish Animals; so the Sacred Scriptures are appointed to curb and bridle the wild and wanton wits and spirits of the unruly reasonable creatures. When the Children of disobedience make bold to tread these fences down, who knows where or when they will stay or stand? When violent Torrents bear away and break down the withstanding banks and dams, who can tell at what time or place they will make a stop? When spiritual Passengers venture to spread the sails of their affections to the wind of their own wills, can they expect to Anchor any where this side the brink of the bottomless pit? For the preventing of the Shipwreck, of whose Faith and good Conscience, and for the further provoking of praying Persons, to Petition that God would persuade Japhet to dwell in the Tents of Shem; and cause the two sticks of Joseph and Judah, to become one in the hand of David our King; that they (speaking a pure language, and leading a pious life) may be in a capacity to serve the Lord with own shoulder, and own consent; is his aims in these endeavoures, who would be among those few that follow the Lord fully; and is unfeignedly thy fellow-servant MARMADUKE MATTHEWS. From my Study in Swansey the 12th instant of the 10th Month, 1658. Dear Beloved Dissenting Brethren, Grace, Truth, and Peace, be manifested more and more to you, in you, and by you, and may God the Giver thereof be pleased to say, Amen. 'tIs so, that perceiving you (at least some of you) to be in some good measure informed by him who teacheth his obedient Hearers to profit; how to argue a point in Controversy, according to God's Sacred Oracles; I oft did, and do (through grace) find my heart stirred up to be praising the Lord, and to be petitioning for you; knowing that to discourse Argumetatively, is such a commendable course, as I both approve of very much, and practise not a little; because I observe it to be a thing of good report amongst the eminentest of the Saints, long before there were any Records of humane Learning in the world; as it plainly appears by what is openly professed of the Patriarch Job, as well in his calling upon God, as in his contending with men, in Job. 23.4. I would plead my cause before him, and fill my mouth with Arguments. So Job the 13. & 16. Now hear my disputation, and give ear to the Arguments of my lips. Whose guise (by this it seems) was to fill his mouth with Arguments, to own the forcibleness of right reasoning; and withal, to abhor such arguing, as being well weighed, would be found wanting: as you cannot choose but know, if you can tell what is extant in his Book on that account. Besides that, (which is more than that) Religious creatures are commissioned to reason in their Requests with their Creator; as he is pleased to inform us by the mouth of the Prophet Isaiah, Chap. 1.18. Come let us reason together, saith the Lord. So Chap. 43.26. Plead with me, etc. And to render a reason of their hope of happiness, and of Heaven, to such of their neighbours as are dissatisfied with their behaviour, by the Ministry of the Apostle Peter, 1 Pet. Chap. 3.13. Be ready to give an Answer always to every man, that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and reverence. In spite then of all contradiction, it must be confessed, that carnal and careless Gallio will rise up in judgement, and condemn all such Gospelers, as are regardless of reason or rule; as you have or may read, Acts 18.14, 17. As Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, if it were a matter of wrong, or an evil deed; O ye Jews, I would according to reason maintain you— But Gallio cared nothing for these things, etc. Although the Qustions which came from you, were not particularly directed to me, any more than to another man; yet, being persuaded, that 'tis some part of that duty I own to my faithful Creator, and fellow-creatures, to endeavour the reducing of such souls, as I discern to be gone after Satan, through his subtlety, their simplicity, and their ignorance of the Scriptures; which (as we are informed by the Lords own mouth) is the main inlet to monstrous errors: as 'tis revealed to us, Mat. 22.29. Jesus answered, and said, Ye do err not knowing the Scriptures; neither the power of God. I conceived it not inconvenient (but Christian) to return to them (and so to you) this affirmative and infallible Answer; which is, That all persons, that would be esteemed Members of any reformed Church, are to be orderly Saints: witness what is written in 1 Cor. 14.33. God is not the Author of confusion, but of Peace, as in all the Churches of the Saints. And the 40 Verse, Let all things be done decently and in order, etc. The whole sum and substance of which Questions, (and what may be Christianly deduced therefrom, concerning your deserting the Society of your fellow-servants) may be gathered and wound up into this one Argument. THAT Church and company of Gospel Professors, which doth not consist of circumspect walkers, and orderly Saints, is to be deserted and separated from, as unclean. BUT the Church and Company of Gospel Professors, which is at A, doth not consist of circumspect walkers, and regular Saints. THEREFORE the Church or Company of Gospel Professors which is at A, is to be deserted and separated from, as unclean. In which Argument, the Proposition or first part is such a piece of truth as is impregnable, and undeniable, because it is agreeable to Scripture-rules; according to which every Gospel-speaker is enjoined to speak, and every peaceable walker is warranted to walk: as 'tis most evident in Exod. 23 13. And in all things that I have said unto you, be circumspect, and make no mention of the names of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth. So Gal. 6.16. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy: and upon the Israel of God. And 1 Pet. 4.11. If any man speak, let him speak according to the Oracles of God. That such Church-Members as are disorderly walkers or irregular livers, are to be deserted and separated from, is such an expression as is above the reach of any rational contradiction; yea, 'tis such a pregnant position, as I cannot choose but readily subscribe unto, not only by a downright affirmation, That it is so; but also by a confirmation, That it should not be otherwise. Whereof The first is in Acts 19.9. When divers were hardened and believed not, but spoke evil of that Way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the Disciples. The second, is in 1 Cor. 5.9, 11, 13. I wrote to you in an Epistle not to company with fornicators, or with the covetous, or a drunkard, with such a one not to eat.— Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. The third, is in 2 Cor. 6 17. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you. The fourth, is in 2 Thes. 3.6, 14. Now we commaad you Brethren, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw from every Brother that walks disorderly. The fifth and last, is in 2 Timoth. Chap 3.1, 2, 3, 4, 5 verses. And this know also, that perilous times shall come in the last days; for men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, and lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. Only let it be diligently observed, that he that would be found in the number of Christ's faithful Servants, is to have an eye both to the matter which he is to act in, and also to the manner of his actings. In respect of the first, the Master requires his Servant to do THIS, namely, what he doth command; and in respect of the second, to do it THUS, namely, as 'tis commanded. THE ONE is no more than the body or outside of acceptable service, but the OTHER is the soul and inside of the same. That nothing be done in Christ's Name, save only such a particular, for which there is an express Command, is the first, and Essential part of a Church-Members employment: as 'tis apparent to any that is versed in Scripture, Zach. 7.7. Should ye not hear the words of the Lord, which the Lord had cried unto you by the mouths of the former Prophets, etc. So Luke 5 5 At thy Command, Lord I'll let down the net, etc. And that it may be performed in no other way, then as 'tis commanded, is the other and best half thereof: as is testified in Rom. 14.23. Whatsoever is not of Faith, is sin. Unless there be a joint concurrence of these several parts in a Professors performances, the work is so fare from being a good work, as that it doth not (at all) excel that punishing of vice which was performed by Jehu (mentioned 2 King 10 16. And he said, Come and see my zeal for the Lord. But in Hos. 1.4. 'tis counted cruelty, I will avenge the blood of Jezrel upon the House of Jehu.) or that provoking to virtue, which was expressed by Judas, and such as he, in Mat. 7.22 Many will say, Lord, Lord, have we not in thy Name cast out Devils, and by thy Name done many great works, etc. In short, 'tis such an abominable Sacrifice, as is the shedding of man's blood, if the blessed God be worthy to be believed in what he saith in Isaiah 1.15. When ye make many Prayers, I will not hear,— your hands are full of blood. And Chap. 66.3. He that kills an Ox, is, as if he he slew a man, he that sacrifizeth a Lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offers an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth Incense, as if he blesseth an Idol. Yea, they have chose their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations. As 'tis a truth that none dare deny, that separation from profane sinners (though professing Saints) is such a service for the MATTER of it, as Christ doth command; as 'tis to be seen by what is already shown. So 'tis no falsehood to affirm, That such a separation for the MANNER thereof, is not a Christian or commendable separation, ●f it be not carried on according to Scripture Precepts or Patterns: as 'tis most clear by what is expressly required by the Almighty himself in several places: as Act 7.44. & Heb. 8.5. See that thou do all things according to the pattern shown thee in the Mount. And 1 Cor. 14.40. Let all things be done decently and in order. And wast never observed by any of you, that though Vzza, and Vzziah, did observe a right ORDINANCE, in the carriage of the Ark, and offering of Incense; yet, the one was destroyed, and the other disgraced, and degraded, for the mere miscarriage that was manifested thereabouts, in not observing a right ORDER; as all may see in that terrible-treble Looking glass that is left for Church-Ministers, for Court-Magistrates, and for Church Members to look upon, in 1 Chron. 15.13. The Lord our God made a breach upon us, because we sought him not after the due order. And 2. Chron. 26.16. But when Vzziah was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction; for he transgressed against the Lord his God, and went into the Temple of the Lord, to burn Incense on the Altar of Incense. So Chap 30.18, 20. For a multitude of the people even many of Ephraim and Manasseth, Izz●char and Zebulon, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the Passover otherwise than 'twas written. But Hezekiah praye● for them, saying, The good Lord pardon every one.— And the Lord harkened to Hezekiah and healed the people. Or can it be but confessed and acknowledged by all of you, that the only Orthodox Order, in making of separation from Church-Communion, is, That it may not be, till after the first and second Admonition be administered, and that by such 〈◊〉 power as is superior to to the party offending; except you disapprove (which God forbidden) of what Christ doth prescribe▪ Mat. 18.15, 16, 17. If thy Brother's sha●● trespass against thee, go and tell him his faul● between thee and him alone, and if he he●● thee, thou hast gained him. So Joh. 8.17. 'Tis also written in your Law, that the Testimony of two witnesses is true. So 2 Cor. 13.1. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. And Tit. 3.10. A man that is an Heretic, after the first and second Admonition, reject. And for the Assumption (which is the second part of the Argument, which by your Questions you seem to urge) 'tis utterly destitute of any proof; whether you mean the whole body of the Congregational▪ Church, whereof ye are Members, and which was for a long time owned (as by others, so especially) by yourselves, to be one of those reformed Churches of Christendom, which in Scripture-language, are called Queens, as in Cant. 6.8. There are threescore Queens, and fourscore Concubines, and Virgins without number. And therefore know it, and that not so much from the Pen of a dying man, as from the Spirit of the living God, That no Queen (or such a Church) is by deffamation, or any other way, to be defiled by any person, upon pain of dreadful destruction to the defiler: witness what is on Record on that account, 1 Cor. 3.17. If any man defile the Temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the Temple of God is holy, which Temple ye are. That is to say, the Church of Corinth. Or whether you would be understood by your writing, to point at some of the particular Members of that Political body; 'tis very apparent (I think) that orderly proof of any disorderly practice among them was never yet produced. Is it not rational and regular, that they should have a fair and open trial, together with a clear conviction, that the accused ones are barren branches, Joh. 15. and 26▪ Twice dead trees, Jud. 12. Rotten Members, Gal. 5.12. Choking thorns, Mat. 13.22. Or wallowing swine, 2 Pet. 2.22. before they can with any good grounds, good conscience, or according to Christ, be disfranchized of their Citizen's freedom, deprived of their Church-Priviledges; much less dismembered from the body, supplanted from the Vineyard, rooted from the Field, drived from the Fold, and Flock to which they do relate, and belong: lest of all is the whole Body, Field, or Fold, to be deserted, but bo●h the one and the other is to be participated with, in what is of good report; and faithfully and frequently provoked to what is good, by all such of their fellow, members, as would not be esteemed wilful villifiers of Christ's blood, disobeyers of his directions, despisers and despiters of his holy Spirit. From all which, the good Lord deliver us, lest otherwise we might perish with the Apostates, which you read are indicted, arraigned, and threatened to be executed, in Heb. Chap. 10 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 verses. Not forsaking the assembling ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching; for if we sinne wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more Sacrifice, but a certain direful looking for of vengeance, and fiery indignation which devours the Adversaries.— Of how much more sore punishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the Covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done despite to the Spirit of grace. Therefore the Conclusion (which is the last part of the Argument, which was urged concerning Church-members qualification, and Communion) concludes nothing more than this one thing, viz That the charity of some old, and sundry young Professors of Christianity is so little, that 'tis scarce visible to ordinary eyes; and that Christianity itself, is less legible in their lives, who walk so quite contrary to Christ's Church ways: as 'tis mavelous plain by this one eminent particular, which is such a piece of inaequity (that I say not iniquity) that if my heart were not very bad, it would wish that it might even weep tears of blood to think thereupon, knowing by experience, that such of your Church-neighbours, as have but so much humanity or civil honesty as was in the former Pharisees, the contemners of Christ, who did not, do not, dare not, (for their very necks) take from the worst of their foes, as much as will amount to the value of thirteenpence halfpenny, contrary to the Laws of the Land. Yet, not a few (as I have been faithfully informed) of the Church-members that have left the Church with you, who had publicly bound their souls (if not explicitly yet) implicitly by a Curse, and by an Oath, to be Covenant-keepers with Christ and with his Church, in the presence of God, Angels, and men (as you cannot choose but acknowledge and confess, in case you have any more than ordinary acquaintance with the Name and Nature of a Church-Covenant: as 'tis held out for our Information and Imitation, in Deut. 29.12. That thou shouldest enter inter into Covenant with the Lord thy God, and into his Oath, which the Lord thy God maketh with thee. So Ezek 20.37. I will bring you into the bond of the Covenant. Also Jer. 50.5. They shall ask the way in Zion, with their faces thither-ward, saying, Come let us join ourselves to the Lord, in a perpetual Covenant that shall not be forgotten. And Neh. 10.29. They clavae to enter into a Curse, and into an Oath to walk in God's Law, etc.) Who notwithstanding all their such Bonds and Obligations, make no bones of bereaving, I know not how may of their best friends and Brethren in fellowship, of their good Names, which are rated above riches or Inheritance, and that in the judgement of the Eldest Son of wisdom. Prov. 22.1. A good Name is rather to be chosen then great riches. When I am given to understand, that you (in conformity to the counsel of the wonderful Counsellor, Joh. 8.46. Which of you convinceth me of sin. So Mat. 7 5. Thou Hippocrite, first cast out the beam from thine own eye▪ and then shalt thou clearly see the mote in thy Brothers. And Gal 6.1. If a man be overtaken, restore him in the spirit of meekness.) I say, when I am given to understand, that you in conformity to these Scripture Rules, do study and strive to restore such of your Covenant-brethrens, as you conceive to be Covenant-breakers; by convincing them solidly, that this or that PRACTICE, is a regulary condemned sin, and that this or that PERSON among them, is a regulary accused sinner; then (Christ assisting me) I shall desire and endeavour openly to appear to be one that is engaged to approve of, and to plead for such a Christian proceeding. In the mean time, I beseech you to bear with me for my taking so much boldness, as (out of my inward loyalty to my glorious Saviour, and out of my unfeigned love to your precious souls) to bear witness that ye are (as yet) so fare from being very regular walkers, as that as long as ye continue either against Church-Covenant, or out of Church-Communion, so long you cannot be groundedly conceived to be in a capacity to keep any one of ten remarkable Rules of Christ, which we are commanded to keep as heedfully as we should the Apple of our eye, Prov 7.2. And for the presumptuous breaking of the least of them, we should expose ourselves, to be not only very contemptible persons, but also, which is fare worse, to be found notorious guilty ones, and lawless livers: as 'tis to be seen by what is testified in Mat 5.19. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least Commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. So James 2.10. He that keeps the whole Law, and offends in one point, he is guilty of all. And lest I should seem to slander you, (or any other) by affirming, That such Professors of Christianity, as knowingly refuse, either to come into Church-Covenant, or to continue in Church-Communion, are (as yet) not in a capacity to obey any one of ten very remarkable Commands, which all that would be blessed, and regular walkers are found to walk by; consider seriously how I confirm that Affirmation. Oh, that you were but half so well pleased to peruse and ponder upon them, as I am willing to take the pains to point them out, and to pen them for you! 1. The first, is about the avouching of the God of Christ, and of the Church, to be your God in Covenant, by your presence and profession in the public Congregation: according to the commendable pattern, in Deut 26 17, etc. Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways; and he hath avouched thee, etc. So Isaiah 44.5. One shall say, I am the Lords, and another shall call himself by the Name of Jacob, and another shall subscribe with his own had to the Lord, and surname himself by the name of Israel. Also Jerem. 50.5. Ezek. 20. & the 37. Acts 2.46, 47. Rom. 12.1. & 2 Cor. 8 5. etc. Is't possible for any person to discharge that public duty, that doth ordinarily decline the public Meeting-place? 2. The second, is that which binds Believers to be admitting such as be in the Faith, into Church-fellowship; in conformity to Christ's command, in Rom. 14.1, 3. Him that is weak in the Faith receive, but not to doubtful disputation, for God hath received him. Where Christ doth enjoin this service, what Christian dares omit the same, either to neglect to offer his own self to Christ and to the Church, or to be absent when he should be present at the receiving of others that Christ hath received? Only such a one as domineering Diotrephes dares to do so. Joh 9 10. I wro●e to the Church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the pre-eminence among them, receives us not, etc. 3. The third is concerning the Electing of Church Officers, by lifting up of the hand, as oft as occasion requires, viz. of TEACHERS, PASTORS, RULERS, and DEACONS; in imitation of those circumspest Walkers, recorded Acts 1.23. And they appointed two. etc. So Act. 6.3. Wherefore fore Brethren, look ye out among you, etc. And verse 5. The saying pleased the multitude, and they chose Stephen. And Chap. 14.23. (According to the Queen's translation) And when they had ordained them Elders by Election in EVERY Church, and prayed and fasted, they commended them to the Lord in whom they believed. So 1 Tim 3.10 Let these also be first proved, then let them use the Office of a Deacon. Are they capable to have a lifted up hand in the Church-Officers Election, who have no heart to continue in Church-ordered Communion? 4. The fourth, is that which doth declare a Christians duty to be duly edifying some Church of Christ by his personal presence, Prayers, and pains: as 'tis clearly manifest by what is written in 1 Cor. 14.1. Fellow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. And verse 12. Seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the Church. So Eph. 2. verse the 19, 20, 21, 22. Ye are fellow-Citizens with the Saints, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief Cornerstone, in whom all building is fitly framed, and growth together unto an holy Temple. In whom ye are also builded togethe for an habitation of God through the Spirit. So 1 Pet. 2 5. Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house; an holy Priesthood, to offer up spiritual Sacrifice acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. And Jud. 20. Building up yourselves on your most holy Faith, praying in the holy Spirit. Are they in a capacity to conform to these commands, who do not close with, and conjoin in the Church-covenant? You know that they are fare from being Church-edifiers who are Church defamers, much more Church-despisers, which I trust you are not; or at leastwise, you should abhor to be. 5. The fifth, is that which exhorts and necessitates a Christian to be informing the Church in their solemn Meetings, of the obstinacy of an offending Church Member; in order to that memorable instruction, M●t. 18 17. But if he shall neglect to hear them then tell it to the Church. Can any be commissioned to be a witness as upon Oath, against wrongful walking, who is himself an Alien or an unworthy and unwarrantable walker? 6. The sixth, is that which fairly and fully institutes Christ's Covenant-servants, to be spiritual Judges of such souls as are either to be excommunicated from Church-consociation, or else to be absolved from Church-excommunication: as it appears by what is extent, Psal 149 8. To bind their Kings with chains, and their Nobles with sletters. So 1 Cor 5.12. Do you not judge them that are within. So 2 Cor. 10.6. Having in readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled, etc. And Chap. 2.6. Sufficient to such a man is this punishment. Is't possible that such a person should be in a capacity to partake of such high honour, as hath not a nail or Name in Christ's house, no more than Sanballat the Horonite, or Tobiah the Ammonite, noted with a black coal, in Neh. 2.19.20. But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian heard it, the laughed us to scorn, and despised us, etc. 7. The seventh, is that which goads and spurs faithful Parents to offer their Infants to fellowship with the Church, in the first Seal of the Covenant of Grace, which doth seal their grafting into Christ, as it appears by many memorable prescriptions and Predictions, as Cant. 1.8. Feed thy Kids by the Tents of the Shepherds. So Chap. 47. Thy teeth are like a flock of Sheep, whereof every one brings forth twins. And Chap. the 6. & 5 The same words. So Isaiah the 49.22. They shall bring thy Sons in their arms, any thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. And Chap. 59 21. My Spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put into thy mouth, shall not departed out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seeds seed. Mark. 10.14, 15. But Jesus said, Suffer little Children to come unto me, for of such is the Kingdom of God. And Act. 15.10. Now certain arose, saying, That 'twas needful to circumcise. But Peter said unto them, Why tempt ye God to put a yoke upon the neck of the Disciples. Note that Children of eight days old, are here called Disciples of Christ, and 'tis granted by all, that Disciples of Christ may be baptised. Are not the Infants of Believers, to be accounted believing Infants, seeing he styles them so, who spoke as never man spoke? Is there not a passive, as well as an active Faith? I● not the first before the second, in all Christ's Flock; yea, in young Infants, as well as in old folks? Hath he not told and taught you, that 'tis by such a Faith as is in Believers Infants (which is a passive Faith) that the Kingdom of God is received? If it be a truth, that the least Child is a rational creature, as well as the eldest man, though not in respect of the act or exercise, yet in regard of the habit and root of reason, which is a reasonable Spirit. Is't not as true, that the least child of the Covenant of Grace, is to be acknowledged a Christian, and a gracious child, although not for, or from any act or exercise of grace of Christianity, yet for and from the root and ground thereof, which is the gracious spirit of Christ? If he emboldeneth to bring such Babes to himself, who dares withhold them from him? Or are they in a capacity to present their seed to the Church, who absent themselves from the same? 8. The eighth, is that which helps feeble and forgetful Saints to increase in heavenly-mindedness, and in holiness, by eating often of Christ body by Faith, at the Love-Feast of the Lords-Supper, which is the Seal that Seals their growth in grace; to which end 'tis ordained to be used and observed, Luk. 22.19. And he took the bread, and gave thanks and broke it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which was given for you, this do in remembrance of me: Likewise also the Cup, saying, This is the Cup of the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you. So Joh. 6.53. Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. And 1 Cor. 11. the 24, 25, 26 verses, After the same manner, he took the Cup saying, This Cup is the New Testament in my blood; this do yet as often as ye drink it. So verse 26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, etc. Can such persons be deemed fit guests, at such Church-Feasts, which have not admittance and abode in Church-fellowship? And how can the eat often at the Lords Table, who do not eat once in a year, or in their life time? 9 The ninth, is that which interests Christ's Members in voting about sending of Church-Messengers, and in writing of Church-Letters; which in such cases ought to be conformed unto, by all conformable Christians: as most evidently appears by what way practised, Act. 13.22, 23. Then it pleased the Apostles and Elders, with the WHOLE Church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch, and wrote Letters after this manner, etc. So 2 Cor. 3.1. Need we (as others) Epistles of commendation. Can one be a chooser of Church-Messengers, that is not himself chosen to be a Church-member? Or hath he a vote in writing of Church-Letters, who hath no name in Christ's Church-Book of life, which is the honour of holy ones? Isa. 4.3. He that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem. And Rev. 22.19. And if any man shall take away from the words of the Book of this Prophecy, God shall take his part out of the Book of life, and out of the holy City, and out from the things that are written in this Book. 10. The tenth and last, is that which knocks loudly at the gates of godly hearts, to be weekly contributing, and openly bringing their Tribute, royal rent, and spiritual Subsides, to the Lord of their soil and souls, on the Lord's day, as they are directed to do, who would be deemed free Members of a reformed Church, in the Scriptures of truth. Deut. 16.10, 16, And thou shalt keep the Feast of weeks unto the Lord thy God, with a Tribute of a free will-offering of thy hand which thou shalt give to the Lord thy God, according as he hath blessed thee. And verse 16. They shall not appear before the Lord empty. Also 1 Cor. 16.1, 2. Let every one upon the first day of the week, lay by him in store as God hath prospered him. And vers. the 1? As I have given order to the Churches of Gallatia, so do you. Is not Jesus Christ the King of the blessed Gentiles, as well as of the believing Jews? And is not he as worthy of Subsidy as of Sovereignty? Or are those persons likely to present him with voluntary contribution, that do not list themselves among his skirmishing and contending Soldiers, or sworn Subjects in his visible Camp and Kingdom? As 'tis proved that none but such believing Christians, as come under the bond of the Covenant, amongst Church Members, are in an uncondemnable posture, or as yet in a capacity to observe and keep, either every one, or any one of those ten aforementioned remarkable Gospel Precepts; so 'tis as plain, that all those Persons, which are not completely come to that promotion, together with such Professors of godliness, as do not firmly continue, and persevere in that place; cannot warrantably (without presumption) make use of, as to apply to themselves, any one of ten merciful and memorable Gospel Promises: although there case and condition should never so much require, or their souls desire the same. They are these: (1.) The Promise of a Place among excelling Saints. (2.) Of pardon of sin under Seal. (3.) A princely prising of Christians as Christians (4.) Prosperity of Spirit (5) Freedom from fear. (6.) A New Name. (7) children's good education. (8.) Spiritual Joy. (9) Outward goods. (10 and lastly,) A Promise of a true title to Divine Teachers, and reformed Pastors. The first whereof, is the Promise of a place amongst Saints that excel in virtue, such as Christ doth profess his delight is in: as 'tis shown in that golden prophetic Psalm, Psal. 16.3. concerning which happiness he hath passed his Royal Word in both his Testaments, namely, in Isaiah 56.3, etc. Let not the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the Lord, say, The Lord hath separated me from his people: nor let the Eunuch say, I am a dry tree: For thus saith the Lord to the Eunuches that keep my Sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold on my Covenant, even unto them will I give in mine House, and within my walls a Place, etc. Is the preferring to such a place such a Privilege, and appertaining to such contrite-hearted persons, as do so take hold on Christ, who is the sum and substance, as w●ll as the Surety of the Covenant of Grace, as that they both make and keep Cov●n●●● with God among his holy and Household Servants, than (tell me, I pray) what evil else, or less than downright exclusion, or direful keeping out, and staying off, from coming to Christ's Church-Camp, can be the expectation of careless wretches, and unclean waiters among Church-neighbours? according to that awkening and wounding Commination, Rev. 21.27. There shall not enter into it (i. e. the reformed Church) any thing that defileth, nor any thing that worketh abomination, or maketh a lie. And what, save disconsolate excommunication from Communion and continuance in Christ's spiritual Kingdom, will be the Portion of unconstant and unconscionable walkers therein? If Christ's own mouth may be credited, which doth manifest as much, Mat 8.11, etc. Many shall come from the East, and West, and shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the Kingdom of Heaven. Is't not grief to non-comers to any Church of Christ, that they have no place there? Or is't no disgrace to non-continuers in Church-communion, that the red Dragon, and rending Devil, hath with his fawning tail, or fro●●●●● teeth, drawn or dragged them thence? 2. The second, is the Promise of pardon under Seal, or a feeling assurance of forgiveness of sins; which is sweetly spoken of in several Scriptures: as Isaiah 33.20, 24. Look upon Zion, the City of our Solemnities, their eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, and the Inhabitants shall not say, I am sick; the people that dwell therein, shall be forgiven their iniquities. Of which special favour Christ himself speaks very fully, Mat. 26.26, etc. And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, etc. And he took the cup— and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the New-Testament, which is shed for many, for the remission of sins. Is such an unfeigned assurance ordinarily found in any souls, save only in such as have a name or a nail in Christ's spiritual House, whereof his loyal and visibly holy Household Servants are the lively stones? Would you (O my friends) have Christ to give you a full and free forgiveness of all your former sins, while you sinfully and wilfully withhold or withdraw your personal presence from the Lords soul-feasting Supper? Can ye possibly receive Christ's sealed pardon, and withal keep yourselves out of the reach of Christ's sealing appointments? Can you procure under his hand, a nonobstante, or toleration for your absence from his House, and non-appearance at his door posts? Fare be it from you to confound the Ordinances of the Lord, with the Lord of Ordinances, and to say, That the creating-Ruler, and his created Rules, are not to be distinguished, but are the same. I do beseech you for his sake, whose your souls are, let that be the frantic conception (if they will needs have and hold it) only of those deplorable Objects of pity; I mean, the * These creatures, when they came first swarming from the North, were called Quakers. CONFOUNDERS; and of such unreasonable fellows as have no Faith, or are worse than Infidels in forsaking the Faith which they profess to have. God forbidden that you should be any of that sort or sect, that dare apply the sacred Institution of that settling and confirming Seal, the Lords Supper unto themselves; before they be set and seated in the Lord's House, and have it regularly, with the allowance, and by the hands of the Stewards of his House; whose Office it is to give their fellow-servants their several Portions in due seasons. For I presuppose that ye dare not say, That any aught to administer these Mysterious things, save only they that are solemnly called thereunto, as was Aaron, Heb. 5.4. 3. The third, is that which promiseth a princely prising of Christians as Christians, and acceptance to ones person and performances; although he were the Offspring of infamous Ancestors: as 'tis apparent by what is prophesied Isaiah 56.4, 5, 6 verses, Let not the son of the stranger, which is joined to the Lord, say, The Lord hath separated me utterly from his people: nor let the Eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree: For thus saith the Lord, to the Eunuches that keep my Sabbaths, and choose the thing that pleaseth me, and take hold on my Covenant, even unto them will I give a Name, better than the Name of Sons and Daughters, and make them joyful in the House of Prayer, etc. If joyful admittance and acceptance be a privilege that pertains to all those persons that take hold on Christ, who is the Surety of the better Covenant, by making and keeping it with God, and marching to the holy Mountain of his Meetinghouse: as is expressly mentioned in Ezek. 20 37. And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the Covenant. And the 40 verse, I will choose you out from among the Rebels, in the high Mountain of Israel, saith the Lord God then shall the House of Israel, and all the Land serve me, there will I accept them. What then, but disacknowledgement, disregard, and exclusion from coming within Christ's gates, can be the expectation of those persons, that have so long neglected Christ's House, or else have behaved themselves badly there? What else can they think to have, than non-acceptance of their persons and performances? What other compliment can their ears expect to hear from Christ's most sacred mouth, than a Verily, verily, I know you not? Mat. 25.11. What other Ceremony can they imagine they shall be received with, than a Depart from me ye cursed, Mat. 25.41. And what greater acceptance can they look for at the Servants hands, then that which they had of the Master? Surely, Christ's retinue and attendance may not respect those whom their Lord and Master doth disrespect? 4. The fourth, is that which assureth Prosperity of the soul, and a flourishing estate, whereof the ancient Saints did use to sing in the Psalm for the Sabbath. Psal. 92.12, 13. The righteous shall flourish like a Palm Tree, and shall grow like a Cedar in Lebanon: Such as be planted in the House of the Lord, shall flourish in the Courts of our God. Have the forsakers of God's House and Gospel-Institutions, any grounded hope that they shall graciously flourish? Who need to fear their flourishing, if not such forsakers? Who for such acts, are esteemed inveterate enemies, as Psal. 74.4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Thine Adversaries roar in the midst of thy Congregation, and set up banners for signs.— But now they break down the Carved work thereof, with axes and hammers: They have cast thy Sanctuary into the fire, and razed it to the ground, and have destiled thy dwelling place, and said, Let us destroy them altogether, they have burnt all the Synagogues of God in the Land. And Psal. 83.2. Let us take to ourselves the Houses of God in possession. Yea also, for their unwillingness to be ruled by Christ's Institutions, are to be openly slain before Christ's own eyes: as is most evident in Luke 19.27. Moreover those mine enaemies, that would not that I should reign over them, bring them hither, and sl●y them before me. 5. The fifth, is that which warrants purifying of souls from slavish fear, dread of death, and is as Flagons of Wine of consolation, to conscientious walkers in Christ Church-ways: as is promised in Isaiah 25.6. And in this mountain (to wit, the Church) shall the Lord of Hosts make unto all people a Feast of fat things, a Feast of Wines on the Lees, of fat things full of marrow, of Wine on the Lees well refined. He will destroy in this Mountain, the face of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all Nations, and swallow up death in victory. So Heb. 12.18. For ye are not come into the Mount, that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, darkness, and tempest.— So terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I was exceedingly afraid, and quaked. But we are come to mount Zion, and unto the City of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and an innumerable company of Angels: To the general Assembly, and Church of the first born which are written in Heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect: And to Jesus Christ, the Mediator of the New Covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things then that of Abel. Is't probable that they shall partake of such a peculiar mercy of God, who will not appear in the open Mount of public Means of Grace? Is this Wine, or any part of all this provision, promised to, or prepared for, persons that will not be persuaded to wait at the door-posts of the House of Wisdom? Do we dare to believe, that they have as yet attained unto either blessed bolduesse, or any other endless benefit, by the sprinkling of the blood of Christ, who do not endeavour nor desire to Covenant with, or conform to the obedient members of the Church of the first born. 6. The sixth, is that which assures a Christian that he hath a claim to an admirable Apellation, or New Name, Isa. 62.2. And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all Kings thy glory.— And thou shalt be called by a new Name: Thou shalt also be a Crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a Royal Diadem in the hand of thy God. It shall be no more said unto thee, Forsaken, nor to thy Land, Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hepzibah, and thy Land Beulah, for the Lord delights in thee. So Rev. 3.12. Him that overcomes, will I make a Pillar in the Temple of my God, and he shall go no more out. And I will write upon him the Name of my God, and the Name of the City of my God, which is the New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of Heaven, and I will write upon him a New Name. Can any have an approved Interest in Christ's Name or Nature, that care not (by converting and confirming grace)▪ to be knit to Christ himselef, and his Congregational Church in a Conjugell Covenant? Without conversie, they will be made known to be vile and notoriously vicious Citizens, who have no Name in any visible City, as were those graceless companions that are condemned in the Gospel of Luke, 19.14. 7. The seventh, is that which assures converted Parents must evidently of the hopeful Education, and heavenly Election of their Children: as 'tis apparently promised in Isa. 65 19 22. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people; and the voice of crying shall be no more hoard: f●● as the days of the tree are the days of my people, and mine Elect shall enjoy in old age the work of their hand; they are the s●●● of the blessed of the Lord, and their buds with them. Who can affirm, that those Infant's d● relate to Christ's Elect Flock, whose Father have relinquished Christ's Fould? and do love to live out of it. Shall not the sins of such Parents be visited upon their children, when his sanctifying Spirit that is in his Covenant-Servants, shall rest in their seed, and seeds seed, from generation to generation? according to what is recorded, Isa. 44.34. I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thy Offspring, and they shall spring as among the grass, as willows by the watercourses. So Chap. 54.13. And all thy Children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy Children. And Chap 59.20. The Redeemer shall come to Zion, and to them that turn from transgression in Jacob.— For this is my Covenant with them, saith the Lord, my Spirit that is upon thee, and my words that I have put in thy mouth, shall not departed out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seeds seed, saith the Lord. But if the Mother live a Jezallells life, will not Christ kill her Children with death? and cause ALL the Churches thereabouts, to know, that he himself hath been the searcher for the foul offences of such Mothers or Fathers, as are Church desi●ers: as 'tis threatened in Rev. 2.22, 23. 8. The eighth, is that whereby God is engaged to free from sorrow, and to fill with Joy, the souls of his Covenant-Servants, in Church-fellowship: as 'tis to be seen in express terms, Isa 65 13, 14, 17, 18, 19 Beh●●●, my Servant's shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: they shall sing for joy of h●●●●▪ but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and howl for vexation of spirit. Be glad and rejoice for ever, in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a j●y, and the voice of we●pin●●●all be no more heard, nor the voice of crying etc. Have they either Rule or Reason to rejoice, that refuse to relate to the heavenly Jerusalem, or to spend their whole time in his spiritual Temple, with the eminent triumphers, mentioned in Revel. 7.9 10, 15, 17. After this, I beheld a great multitude which no man could number, of all Nations, ●nd Kindred, and people, and tongues, stood before the Throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with White Robes, and Palms in their hands, crying with a loud voice, Salvation to our God. Therefore they are before the Throne of God, and serve him day and night, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. So Chap. 12.12. Rejoice therefore ye Heavens, and ye that dwell therein. Who besides notorious flatterers, dare affirm that they are heavenly Christians; or persuaded with Japhet, to dwell in the Tents of Sh●m with Christ, who dare affront and disobey his Combinational Churches? May they be said to be regular rejoicers in the King of Saints, who refuse either to walk with, or work among his conformable Subjects? Truly those, and only those children of men that dare give the lie to God, will stand to such an Assertion. 9 The ninth, is that which lays down a ground of hope, for to enjoy a considerable quantity of outward goods, and earthly comforts: as 'tis found, affirmed, and confirmed, Psal. 23. the 1, 5, 6, verses, The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.— Thou preparest a Table before me, thou anointest my head with oil; my Cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the House of the Lord for ever. So Isa. 65.21. They shall build Houses, and inhabit them; they shall plant Vineyards, and eat the fruit thereof— They shall not build, and another inhabit, they shall not Plant and another eat. And Ezek. the 34.25, 26. They shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods, and I will make them, and the places round about them, blessing, and will cause the shower to come down in his season: there shall be showers of blessing. Though sometimes the best of the Lords Covenant Servants, as Elias, and Paul, may be brought to a very low ebb for the things of this life, yet was there ever any want of food convenient, or any other necessary good, to such as were faithful dwellers, that is to say, weldoers, in the House of God? Although the Dew of Heaven, and the fatness of the Earth, doth often fall out to be the share of an Esau, who falls away from Christ's little Flock in Isacc's Family, for to live alone as an out cast Cain in in Mount Seir, or the Land of Nod, which is the place of Vagrants; yet is't not easy to observe, that that large cut, that is so carved to him and his, is such an unsatisfied superfluity, as doth but fatten them for the day of slaughter? And such persons prosperity, is an usual fore runner of sore perdition: as it appears Psal. 73 12. Prov. 1.32. Doth God at any time shower down his true blessings, but about the blessed Sheapherds Tents, where his tame and tractable Sheep and Lambs have their abode? Can you show, that any persons are so pursued with such devouring distresses, such perplexing poverty, such fearful Afflictions, as unthankful Church Members, and evil Church-neighbours are? It being but the fearful fulfilling of what was fiercely foretold in Deut. 28.47, 48. Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness of heart, for the abundance of all things, thou shalt serve thine enemies, in hunger, thirst, and nakedness, and in want of all things. So Isa. 8 21, 22 When they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their King, and their God. They shall look to the earth, and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish. So Jer. 12.13, 14. They have sown Wheat, but shall reap thorns, and put themselves to pain, but shall not profit, because of the fierce anger of the Lord; And they shall be ashamed of your revenues. Thus saith the Lord God against his evil NEIGHBOURS. 10. The tenth and last of those Gospel-Promises, which persons that are out of Church-Covenant, are not in a capacity to close with, or to take comfort from, is, the Promise of an undoubted title to Divine Teachers, and an unfeigned propriety to reformed and reforming Pastors: of which singular mercy solemn mention is made in both Testaments, as in Isa. 30.20. Thy Teachers shall not be removed any more into a corner, but thine eyes shall see thy Teachers. So Jer. 3.15. I will give you Pastors according to my own heart, who shall feed you with understanding and knowledge. And 1 Cor. 3.5, 9, 22. Who is Paul, and who is Apollo, but Ministers by Whom ye believed?— For we are Labourers together with God, ye are God's Husbandry, ye are God's Building.— Whether Paul, or Apollo, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come, all are yours, and ye are Christ's, and Christ is Gods. So Heb. 13.17. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves, for they watch over your souls, as they that must give an account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief, for that is, not profitable for you. Is't probable that their souls shall be preserved from going astray after Satan, who unthankfully refusing to attend on the teaching of public Teachers, do reject Gods ordinary means of preservation? Are they not to this day running on in Apostasy, who are not related to any Pastors? Or is't any wonder, that they dare so wretchedly to wrest the Sacred Scriptures, and to wallow in open sins, who will have no Church Officers to watch over their souls. NOW I appeal to any professing person, that is endued either with conscience or common sense, whether it be not a known duty, which is due to Christ, from all those creatures, who would be accounted Christians, both to obey these Ten memorable Precepts, and also to embrace these Ten merciful Promises that are pointed at in this present Paper; and whether any one of all the children of Adam, is in a capacity to answer his expectation in any measure (in an ordinary manner) that is not either in very deed, or at least, in desire and endeavour both converted to Christ, and also in Covenant with some one or other of his Congregational Churches. Thus not doubting any thing at all, but that every one of you, that is well gathered to Christ, and well grounded on Christ, will be very willing to be guided and governed by Christ. This labour, and these lines of love, are left with you all, and all of you with the Lord, by him who is Yours to be commanded in any service that shall be according to Christ, MARMADUKE MATTHWS. ANd now let me implore and request every one of you, to be so far tender of Gods not to be stained Honour, and that glorious Profession you have taken upon you, as to eschew both the Name and Nature of a RENDING CHURCH-MEMBER, its repute as well as the reality, Resolving, by God's assistance, for the future, to be rebuilding, not rending Christ's growing Temple; and in the first place, to suffer yourselves to be REGULARLY RECALLED, and in the interim, to join both heart and band, in sending up unanimous Ejaculations, to petition his Divine Majesty, that himself will be pleased to condescend so low, as to bow the Heavens, and to put unto these uncomfortable beginnings, a comfortable END.