A PLATFORM OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE GATHERED OUT OF THE WORD OF GOD: AND AGREED UPON BY THE ELDERS: AND MESSENGERS OF THE church's ASSEMBLED IN THE SYNOD OF CAMBRIDGE IN NEW ENGLAND. To be presented to the Churches and general Court for their consideration and acceptance, in the Lord.  
The Eight month Anno 1649  Psal: 84 1. 
How amiable are thy Tabernacles O Lord of Hosts?  Psal: 26. 8. 
Lord I have loved the habitation of thy house & the place where th●…ne honour dwelleth.  Psal: 27. 4. 
One thing have I desired of the Lord that will I seek after, ●…hat I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to behold the Beauty of the Lord & to inquire in his Temple.  
Printed by S G at Cambridge in New England and are to be sold at Cambridge and Boston Anno Dom: 1649.   

THE PREFACE  
THE setting forth of the public Conf●…ssion of the Faith of Church●… at●… a 〈◊〉 ●…d, 〈◊〉 b●…h ten●…ing to puplic. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of the fa●…h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 se●…f: secondly th●… holding 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Un●…ty & Harm●…, both amongst, & with other Churches. Our Chu●…es h●…e, as (●…y the grace of Chr●…st) we believe & profess the sam●…▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…e 〈◊〉 ●…f ●…he gospel, which generally is received in ●…ll the reformed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…st in ●…rope: so 〈◊〉, we desire not to vary f●…om the ●…octrine of f●… 〈◊〉 ●…eld fo●… by ●…he churches of our nat●…ve country. For though it be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that can breed us 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 min●…; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 w●…e for to hav●… the glor●…ous fa●…h of our Lord Jesus w●…th respect of persons: yet as P●…ul who wa●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, ●…rofessed to hold forth the doctrine of just●…fication by faith, & of th●… 〈◊〉 of the de●…, 〈◊〉 as he know his godly countrymen did, who were ●…wes by nature (Gala●…. 2. 15. Acts 26. 6, 7.) so we, who are by nature; Eng●…sh m●…n, d●… d●…sire to hold forth the s●…me 〈◊〉 of religion (especially 〈◊〉 〈◊〉) wh●… we see & kn●…w to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by th●… churches of England, accor●…g to the truth of the gospel  
The more we 〈◊〉, (that which we do, & have cause to do with incessant 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉) he 〈◊〉, & unbr●…therly, & unchristian contentions of our godly brethr●…n, & countrymen, ●…n matters of church-government: he more ern●…stly do●… we desire to see th●…m joined together in one common faith, & ourselves w●… 〈◊〉. For th●…s ●…nd, h●…ng perused the publ●…k confession of faith, agreed uponly the Reverend assembly of D●…ines at 〈◊〉, & find●…ng the sum●… & su●…stance thereof (in matters of doctrine) to express not th●… own judgements o●…ly, 〈◊〉 o●…rs also: and being likewise called upon by our godly Mag●…strates, to d●…w up a public 〈◊〉 of that f●…ith, which is constan●…ly taught, & genera●…y 〈◊〉 amongst us, we thought good to p●…esent ●…nto them, & with them to our 〈◊〉, & w●…h them to all the church●…s of Christ abroad, our prof●…ssed & hearty 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 to th●… whole 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 faith (f●…r 〈◊〉 of d●…ctrine) which 〈◊〉 Reverend 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 H●…nourable 〈◊〉 of Engl●…: Excep●…ing only some 〈◊〉 in the 25 30 & 31. chapters of their conf●…ssion, whic●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of con●…roversie in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; 〈◊〉 whi●… we ref●…re our selves to the draught of church-discipline in the ensueing treatise.  
The truth of what we here declare, may appear by the unanimous vo●…e of the Synod of the Elders & messengers of our churches assembled at Cambridg, the last of the sixth month, 1648: wo●…ch jointly passed in these words; This Synod having perused, & considered (with much gladness of heart, & thankfulness to God) the confession of faith published ●…f late by the Reverend Assembly in England, do judge it to be very holy, orthodox, & judicious in all matters of faith: & do therefore freely & fully consent thereunto, for the substance thereof. Only in those things which have respect to church government & discipline, we refer ourselves to the platform of church-discipline, agreed upon by this present assē●…ly: & do therefore think it meet, that this confession of faith, should be commended to the churces of Christ amongst us, & to the Honoured Court, as worthy of their due consideration & acceptance. Howbe●…, we may not conceal, that the doctrine of vocation expressed in Chap 10. S 1. & summarily repeated, Chap 13. & 1. passed not without some debate. Yet considering, that the term of vocation, & others by which it is described, are capable of a large, or more strict sense, & use, and that it is not intended to bind apprehensions precisely in po●…t of order or method, there hath been a general condescendency thereunto.  
Now by this our professed consent & free concurrence with them in all the doctrinals of religion, we hope, it may appear to the world, that as we are a remnant of the people of the same nation with them: so we are professors of the same common faith, & fellow heirs of the same common salvation. Yea moreover, as this our profession of the same faith with them, will exempt us (even in their judgments) from suspicion of heresy: so (we trust) it may exempt us in the like sort from suspicion of schism: that though we are forced to dissent from them in matters of church-discipline: Yet our dissent is not taken up out of arrogancy of spirit in ourselves (whom they see willingly condescend to learn of them:) neither is it carried with uncharitable censoriousness towards them (both which are the proper, & essential characters of schism) but in meekness of w●…sdom, as we walk along w●…th them, & follow them, as they follow Christ: so where we 〈◊〉 a ●…fferent apprehension of the mind of Christ (as it faileth out in some few points 〈◊〉 church-order) we still reserve due reverence to them (whom we judge to be, th●…ough Chr●…st, the glorious l●…ghts of both nations:) & only crave leave (as in spirit we are bound) to follow the Lamb w●…thersoever he goeth, & (after the Apostles example) as we bele●…ve, so we speak.  
And if the example of such poor outcasts as ourselves, might prevail if not with all (for that were too great a blessing to hope fo●…) yet with some or other of our brethren in England, so far as they are come to ●…ind & speak the same thing with such as dissent from them, we hope in Christ, it would not only moderate the harsh judging and condemning of one another in such differences of judgement, as may be found in 〈◊〉 ch●…ysest sa●…nts: but also preven (●…y the mercy of 〈◊〉) the peril of the distraction & 〈◊〉 of all the church's 〈◊〉 both k●…ngdoms. Otherwise, if brethren shall go on to bite & devour one another, the Apo●… feare●… (as we als●…, ●…th s●…dness of 〈◊〉 a●…) 〈◊〉 will tend to the 〈◊〉 of them, & 〈◊〉 wh●…ch t●…e Lo●…d prevent.  
we are not ignorant, that (besides these 〈◊〉 of Heresy & Schis●…) other exceptions also are tak●…n at our w●…y of church govern●…: 〈◊〉 (as we conce●…) u●… as li●…le 〈◊〉.  
As 1 That by admitting none into the fellowship of our Church, but saints by c●…lling, we 〈◊〉 p●…sh-churches of th●… b●…st 〈◊〉, to make up one of o●…r cong●…gations: which is not o●…ly, to gather churches o●…t of churches (a th●…ng 〈◊〉 ●…f ●…n Sc●…pture:) but also to weaken the hearts & hands of the best ministers ●…n th●… par●…shes, by d●…spoyling them of th●…●…st ●…earers.  
2 That we provide no course for the gaining, & 〈◊〉 in, of ignorant, & erroneous, & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, whom we 〈◊〉 to receive into our churches, & so exclude from the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉.  
3 That in our way, we sow seed●… of division & h●…ndrance of edificat●…ō in every f●…ly: whilst admitting into our churches only voluntar●…es, the husband w●…ll be ●…f on●… church, the wife of another: the parent, of one church, the children of 〈◊〉 the ma●…ster of one ch●…rch, the servant, of another. And so the parent & Masters being of d●…fferent churches from their child●…n & servants, t●…ey cannot take a j●…st ●…ccount of their profiting by what they hear, yea by this 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉, parents, & maters, shall be chargeable to t●…e 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 other churc●…es & church-officer●…, besides their own: which will prove a charge & b●…rden unsuppo●…ble.  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, as to 〈◊〉. Fo●… 〈◊〉 churches out of churches, we cannot s●…y t●… it is a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. The ●…st 〈◊〉 church was 〈◊〉 out ●…f the Iew●…sh 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that church, & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…f 〈◊〉, part●…y of 〈◊〉 Ga●…leans: who though t●…y k●…pt some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 parts of pu●…k 〈◊〉 wi●…h the T●…ple: yet 〈◊〉 th●… 〈◊〉 th●…y frequen●… th●… 〈◊〉, no●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for the 〈◊〉 of their 〈◊〉 causes, b●…t 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with the Apostles c●…ch ●…ll ●…he ord●…nances of the gos●…. And for the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 church of the 〈◊〉 at Antoch, it appe●…reth 〈◊〉 ●…ve ●…een g●…hered & 〈◊〉 partly of the ●…sed b●…hren of the 〈◊〉 at Ierus●…lem (whe●…of so●… were men of Cyprus, and 〈◊〉) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Acts. ●…1. 20, 21.  
If it be sa●…d the fi●…st christ●…an church at Ierus●…lem, & that at Antioch were gathered not out of any ch●…stian church, but out of the Jewish 〈◊〉 and Synagogues, which were shortly aft●…r to be abolished: & their gathering to Ant●…och, was upon occasion of dispersion in time of persecution.  
we d●…sire, it may be considered, I That the members of the Jewish Church were more strongly and st●…tly tied by express holy covenant, to keep fellowsh●…p with the Jewish church, t●…ll it was abol shed, than any members of christian parish-churches are wont to be tied to keep fellowsh●…p with their par●…sh-churches. The episcopal Canon●…, which bind them to attend on th●…er parish church, it is likely they a●…e now abolished with the Episcopa●…y. The common Law ●…f the Land is satisfy a (as we conceive) if they attend upon the worship of God in any other church though not 〈◊〉 their own parish. But no such like covenant of God, nor any other religious 〈◊〉 upon them to attend the worship of God in their own par●…sh church, as did lie up●…n the Jews to attend upon the wo●…ship of God in their Temple and Synagogue.  
2 T●…ugh the Iew●…sh Temple Church at Ierus●…em was to be abolis●…, yet that doth not make the desertion of it by the members, to be lawful, ●…ll 〈◊〉 was al●…o she●…. Future abolition is now errant for present dese●…o: unless it be lawful ●…n some case 〈◊〉 the chu●…chis yet in present sta●…ding to 〈◊〉; to wit, either for avoiding of present pollutions, or for hope of greater 〈◊〉, and so f●…r better 〈◊〉 to conscience in either future events (〈◊〉 for●… of 〈◊〉) to not ●…olve present relat●…on. Else wives, children, servants, might desert 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, pa●…ents, ●…asters, when they be mortally sick.  
3 What the members of the Jewish ch●…ch did, 〈◊〉 to the church a●… Antioch, in time of persecution, it may w●…ll be con●…ved, ●…e 〈◊〉 of any christ an church may d●… the like, for satisfaction of con●…. Pe●…ce of 〈◊〉 is m●…re 〈◊〉 than the pe●…ce of the outwa●…d 〈◊〉 ●…nd 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of cons●…ēce is m●…re 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to a sincere hea●…, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉.  
If it be s●…d, these members of the Christ an Ch●…ch at 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that joined to the church at Antioch, removed their 〈◊〉 together with th●…r relations: which ●…f the brethren of the 〈◊〉 way 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, it w●…ll much abate the grievance of their depart●… from their presbyter all churche●….  
we verily could w●…sh them ●…o to a●…, as ●…ll approv●…ng the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…bitation, ●…n case of ch●…ging church-relation●… (〈◊〉, that it may be done wi●…hout too much ●…riment to their outward estate) ●…nd w●… for our pa●…tes, have done t●…e same. But to put a necessi●…y of removal of habi●…●…n in such 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 is to fo●…nt and cherish a corrupt principle of making civ●…l ●…ation, if ●…ot a 〈◊〉 cause, yet at least a proper adjunct of church-relation; which the truth of the Gospel do●…h no●… ackno●…ledg. Now to 〈◊〉 an error to the prejudice of the tr●…th of the gospel, is no●… to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to the truth of the G●…pel, as Paul 〈◊〉, Galat. 2. 14.  
4 we do not think it meet, or safe, for a me●…ber of a presbyterial Church, fo●… with to desert his relation to his Church, betake himself to the fellowship of a 〈◊〉 Church, though he may d●…scern some def●…ct in the estate, or government of his own.  
For 1 faithfulness of brotherly love in Church-relation, requireth, that the members of the Church sh●…ld first convince their brethren of their sinful defects, & duly wait for their reformation, bef●…re they depart from them. For if we must take such a course for the healing of a private brother, in a way of brotherly love, with much ●…eekness, & patience: how more more ought we so to walk with like tendrness, towards a whole church.  
Again 2 By the hasty departure of ●…ound members from a defective church, refo●…mation is not promoted, but many times retarded, & corruption increased. Whereas ●…n the contrary, while sincere members breathing after purity of reformation abide together, they may (by the blessing of God upon their faithful endeavours) preva●…le much with their Elders, & neighbours towards a reformation; ●…t may be, so 〈◊〉, as that their Elders in their own church shall receive none to the Lord▪ table, ●…ut visible saints: & in the Classis shall put forth no authoritive ●…ct but c●…tive only) touching the members of other churches: nor touching their own but 〈◊〉 the consent (Silent consent at least) of their own church: which two things, 〈◊〉 t●…ey can ●…bteyn with any humble, meek, holy, faithful endeavours, we 〈◊〉, they might (by the grace of Christ find liberty ●…f consc●…ce to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 relation with their own pre●…byteriall church, w●…hout scru●…le  
5 ●…t to add a word farthe●…, 〈◊〉 the gathering of C●…urches out of Ch●…rches, what ●…f the●…e we●…e ●…o express examp●…●…f such a 〈◊〉 extant in the Script●…? 〈◊〉 wh●… w●… 〈◊〉 w●… to 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, may suffice hear: it is 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 th●… of may be gathered from just 〈◊〉 of Scripture 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…ase, 〈◊〉▪ for aught we know) w●…thout ex 〈◊〉, w●…ch he g●…e 〈◊〉 4 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ans to 2 Qu: C 14. Nu●… 16.  
If any (faith he) wronged with unj●…st vexation, or providing for his own 〈◊〉 or in test●…ony against sin depart from a church where some evils are tolerated, & join himself to another more p●…re, yet without condemning of the chu●…ch he l●…veth, he is not therefore to be h●…ld as a schismatic, or as guilty of any other sin. Whe●…e the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which the 〈◊〉 doctor putteth, declareth the lawf●…llness of the dep●…ture of a Church-me●…er from his church, when e●…ther through w●… 〈◊〉 of unjust vexation, or 〈◊〉 way of pr●…sion for h●…s own edification, or in test●…ny 〈◊〉 sin, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 co●…gtion mo●…e reformed. Any one ●…f 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 c●…use of de●…re, Though all of them do not concur together. Neither will such a practice despoil the best ministers of the p●… she's of the●… best he●…ers.  
For 1 sometimes the Masters themselves are willing to join with their better sort of hearers, in this way of reformation: & then they & their hearers cont●…nue still their Ch●…ch relati●… together, ye●… & confirm●…t more 〈◊〉 & strongly, by an express re●…ewed covenant, th●…h the Ministers may still continue their w●…ted pre●…ching to the w●…le p●…sh.  
2 If the M●…ster, d●… 〈◊〉 the way of those, w●…om they otherwise 〈◊〉 their best members, & so refuse to join with them therein; yet ●…f those members can procu●…e s●…e other Mi●…ster, to join with them in their ow●… way, & st●…ll 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the same town, they may easily order the times of the 〈◊〉 assembly, as to attend constantly upon the 〈◊〉 of their former Church: & either after or before the public assembly of the parish take an opportunity to gather together for t●…e 〈◊〉 of Sacraments, & Censure●…, & other church ordinances amongst themselves. The fi●…st Apostolic 〈◊〉 assembled to hear the word with the Jewish church in the open courts of the Temple: but 〈◊〉 gathered together for 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉, & other acts of church-order, from house to house  
3 Suppose, Pre●…byteriall churches should communicate so●…e of their best gifted members toward the erecting & gathering of another 〈◊〉: ●…t would not forthwith be their detriment, but may be their 〈◊〉. It is the most noble & perfect work of a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (bot●… 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉) 〈◊〉 ●…gate, & multiply his kind●… & t●… t●…e honour of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…t, to set forward the wor●… of Ch●…st 〈◊〉 well 〈◊〉 as at home. The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. the 8●… 8. to help forw●…rd he●… little ●…-church▪ w●… 〈◊〉 t●… 〈◊〉 ●…th he●… ch●…yse-materiall, even be●…es of Ced●…r, & such pretio●… living 〈◊〉, ●…s wee●… fit to build a Silver pall●…ce In the same book, the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 comp●…ed some●…e to a 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 to an orchard, Cant 4. 1●… 13. No 〈◊〉 plant to a garden, or orchard, but seeketh to get the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, & plant, of his neighbours, & they freely imp●…rt them: nor do they accoūt●…t 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to their garden, & orchards, but rat●… 〈◊〉. Nevertheless we go not so far: we ne●…ther seek, nor ●…alk the choyse-members of the parishes but accept them being offered.  
If it be sa●…, ●…hey are not offered by the ministers, nor by the par●…sh churc●…s (who have most right in them) but only by themselves.  
It may j●…stly be dema●…nded what right, or what power have either the ministers, or parish church over them. Not by solemn church coven●…nt: for that, though it be the fi●…est engagement, is not owned, but rejected. If it be, by Their joining with the parish, in the calling & election of a minister to such a congregation at his first coming, there is indeed just weight in such an engagement: nor do we judge it safe for such to remove from such a minister, unless it be upon such grounds, as may justly give him due satisfaction. But if the union of such members to a parish Church, & to the ministry thereof, be only by cohabitation within the precincts of the parish, that union, as it was founded upon human law: so by human law it may easily be released. Or otherwise, if a man remove his habitation, he removeth also the bond of his relation, & the ground of offence.  
4 It need not to be feared, that all best hearers of the best ministers, no nor the most of them, will depart from them upon point of church-government. Those who have found the presence & power of the spirit of Christ breathing in their ministers, either to their conversion, or edification, will be slow to change such a ministry of faith, & holiness, for the liberty of church-order. Upon which ground, & sundry other such like, their be doubtless sundry godly & judicious hearers in many parishes in England that do & will prefer their relation to their ministers (though in a presbyterial way) above the Congreg●…tionall confederation.  
5 But if all, or the most part of the best hearers of the best ministers of parishes, should depart from them, as preferring in their judgements, the congregational way: yet, in case the congregational way should prove to be of Christ, it will never greiv the holy hearts of godly ministers, that their hearers should follow after Christ: yea many of themselves (upon due deliberation) will be ready to go along with them. It never grieved, nor troubled John Baptist that his best disciples, departed from him to follow after Christ. Joh. 3. But in case the congregational way should prove to be, not the institution of Christ (as we take it) but the invention of men: then doubtless, the presbyterial form (if it be of God) will swallow up the other●… as Moses rod devoured the rods of the Egyptians. Nor will this put a necessity upon both the opposite parties, to sh●…ft for themselves, & to seek to supplant one another: but only, it will call upon them {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} to seek & to follow the truth in love, to attend in faithfulness each unto his own flock, & to administer to the●… all the holy things of God, & their portion of food in due season: & as for others, quietly to forbear them, & yet to instruct them with meekness that are contrary minded: leaving it to Christ (in the use of all good means) to reveal his own truth in his own time: & mean while endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 〈◊〉 p. 3. 15, 16. Ephesians. 4. 3.  
To the 2 Exception, That we take no co●…rse for the gaining & healing & 〈◊〉 in of ignorant & erroneous, & scandal●…s persons, whom we refuse to receive into our churches & so exclude them from the remmidy of church 〈◊〉  
we conceive the receiving of them into o●…r 〈◊〉 w●…d ●…ather loose 〈◊〉 cor●…pt our Churches, ●…hen gain & heal the●…. A little 〈◊〉 laid in a lump of dough, will sooner le●…n the whole lump, than the whole l●…mp w●…ll sw●…eten i●…. We therefore find it safer, to squ●…re rough & unhew 〈◊〉, bef●…e he ●…e laid n o the buil●…ing; rath●…r than ●…o h●…nimer & hew the●…, ●…hen ●…hey lie ●…renly ●…n the build●…ng.  
And accordingly, w●… means (w●…e u●…e y●… & 〈◊〉 such ●…s are ignorant or scandalous. 1 The public min●…stery of the w●…, ●…pon w●…ch they are invitedly counsel, & required by wholesome l●…wes 〈◊〉. A●… the word it is, wh●…ch is the power of God to salvation, to the calling & 〈◊〉 ●…f sou●…. 2 P●…ivate conferr●…nce, & conviction by the Elders, & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…f 〈◊〉 church: whom they do the ●…ore respectively heark●…n unto, wh●…n they see no 〈◊〉 ●…f enjoying church-fellowship, or participation in the Sacraments for 〈◊〉, or their 〈◊〉, till they approve their judgements to be sound & or●…hodox, & th●… lives ●…ubdued to some hope of a godly 〈◊〉. Wh●…t can Classical 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 selfe do more 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 case.  
The 3 Exception wrapp●…th up in ●…t a three fold domestical inconvenience: & each o●… them meet to be eschewed. 1 Disunion in families between each rel●…tion: 2 D●…sappointmēt of 〈◊〉, for want of opportunity in the governors of families to take account of th●… heard by the●…r children & servants. 3 Disoursments of chargeable maintenance to the several churches, whereto the 〈◊〉 persons of their families are joined.  
All which inconveniences either do no●… fall out in congregationall-church●…; or are easily redressed. For none are o●…derly admitted into congregational-churches bu●… such as are well approved by good testimony, to be duly observant of familyrelations. Or if any otherwise disposed should creep in they are either orde●…ly heal●…, or d●…ly removed in a way of 〈◊〉. Nor are they admitted, unl●…ss they can g●…e some good account of their pr●…iting by 〈◊〉, ●…fore the Elders & brethren of the church: & much more to their 〈◊〉, & masters. Godly Tutors in the university can t●…ke an account of their pupils: & godly 〈◊〉 in the C●…ty can take account ●…f their children & servants, how they profit by the wo●…d they have heard in several churches: & that to the greater ed●…fication of the whole f●…mily, ●…y the variety of such administrations. Bees may bring the more honey, & wax into the hive, when they are not l●…mited to one garden of flowers, but may fly abroad to man●….  
No●…●…s any ch●…rge expected from 〈◊〉, children, or servants to the 〈◊〉 of congregational churches, 〈◊〉 her th●…n they ●…e 〈◊〉 w●…h personal 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, wh●…h may enable th●… to 〈◊〉 of su●…h 〈◊〉 as they ha●…e, & 〈◊〉 Such as they have not. God accepteth not Robbery for a sacrific●…. And though a godly householder may j●…stly take himself bound in conscience, to cr●…tybute to any such Church, whereto 〈◊〉 wife, or children, or servants do stand in relation: yet that will not aggr●…ate the burden of his charge, no more than if they were received members of the same Church whereto himself is related.  
But why do we stand thus long to plead exemptions from exceptions? the Lord help all his faithful servants (whe●…her presbyterial, or congregational.) to judge & shame ourselves before the Lord for all our former compliances to greater enormity●… in Church-government, then are to be found either in the congregational, or presbyterial way. And then surely, either the Lord will clear up his own will to us, & so frame, & subdue us all to one mind, & one way, (Ezck. 43. 10, 11.) or else we shall learn to bear one another's burdens in a spirit of meekness. It will then doubtless be far from us, so to attest the discipline of Christ, as to detest the disciples of Christ: so to contend for the seameless coat of Christ, as to crucifi●… the living members of Christ so to divide ourselves about Church communion, as through breaches to open a wide gap for a deluge of Antichristian & profane malignity to swallow up both Church & civil stat●….  
What shall we say more? is difference about Church-order beco●… the inlett of all the disorders in the kingdom? hath the Lord indeed left us to such hardness of heart, that Church-government shall become a snare to Z●…on, (as sometimes Moses was t●… Egypt, Exod. 10. 7.) that we cannot leave 〈◊〉 & contending about it, till the kingdom be destroyed? did not the Lord Jesus, when he dedicated his sufferings for his church, 〈◊〉 his also unto his Father, make it his earnest & only p●…ayer for us in this world, that we all might be one in him? John. 17. 20, 21, 22, 23. And is it possible, that he (whom the Father ●…eard alway●…, John. 11. 42.) should not have this last most solemn prayer heard, & granted? or, shall it be granted for all the saints elsewhere, & not for the saints in England; so that amongst them disunion sh●…ll grow even about Church-union, & communion? If it be possible, for a little faith (so much as a grain of mustardse●…d) to remove a mountain: is it not possible, for so much strength of faith, as is to be found in all the godly in the kingdom, 〈◊〉 remove those Images of jealousy, & to cast those stumbling-blocks out of the way, which may hinder the free passage of brotherly love amongst brethren? It is true indeed, the National covenant doth justly engage both parties, faithfully to endeavour the utter extirpation of the Antichristin Hierarchy, & much more of all blasphemies, Heresies, & damnable errors. Certainly, if congregational discipline be Independent from the inventions of men, is it not much more Independent from the delusions of Satan? what fellowship hath Christ with Belial? light with darkness? truth with error? the faithful Jews needed not the help of the 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…y the Temple of God: yea they rejected their help when it w●… offered, 〈◊〉 4. the 1, 2, 3. A●…d if the congregational w●…y be a way of truth (as we believe) & if the brethren that walk in it be zealous of the truth, & hate every false way (as by the rule of their ho●…y discipline they are instructed, 2 John. 10, 11.) then verily, there is no branch in the national coven●…, that engageth the covenanters to abh●…re either congregational Churches, or their way: which being duly administered, do no less effectually extirpate the A●…christian Hierarchy, & all Blasphemies, heresies, & perni●…ous errors, than the other way of discipline doth, which is more generally & publicly received & ratified.  
But the Lord Jesus 〈◊〉 with ●…ll ou●… h●…ts in ●…ret: & ●…e 〈◊〉 is the King of his Ch●…ch, let him ●…e ple●… to excer●…ise his Kingly power in our spirits, th●…t so his k●…ngdome may come into our Churches in P●…rity & Peace.  
Amen Amen   

CHAPTER I. Of the form of Church-Government; and that it is one, immutable, and prescribed in the Word of God.  
1 ecclesiastical Polity or Church Government, or discipline is nothing else, but that form & order that is 
Ezek 43. 1●… Col. 2. 5 1 Tim 3 15  to be observed in the Church of Christ upon earth, both for the Constitution of it, & all the Administrations that therein are to be performed.  
2 Church-Government is Considered in a double respect either in regard of the parts of Government themselves, or necessary Circumstances thereof. The parts of Government are prescribed in the word, because the Lord Jesus Christ the King and lawgiver of his 
Heb●… 3. 5. 〈◊〉  Church, is no less faithful in the house of God then was Moses, who 
Exod 25 40  from the Lord delivered a form & pattern of Government to the Children of Israel in the old Testament: And the holy Scriptures are now 
2 Tim 3 16  also so perfect, as they are able to make the man of God perfect & throughly furnished unto every good work; & therefore doubtless ●…o the well ordering of the house of God  
3 The parts of Church-Government are all of them exactly described 
〈◊〉 Tim 3 1●… 1 Chron ●…5 13. Ex 20 4 1 Tim 6 13 v 16. Heb 1●… 27 28. 1 Cor 15 24.  in the word of God being parts or means of Instituted worship according to the second commandment: & therefore to continue one & the same, unto the apearing of our Lord Jesus Christ as a kingdom that cannot be shaken, until he shall deliver it up unto God, even the Father. So that it is not left in the power of men, officers, 
Deut 12 32. Ezek 43 8. 1 King's 12, 31 32 33  Churches, or any state in the world to add, or diminish, or alter any thing in the least measure ther●…in.  
4 The necessary circumstances, as time & place etc belonging unto order and decency, are not so left unto men as that under pretence 
1 King ●…2 v 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  of them, they may thrust their own Inventions upon the Churches 
Is●…i. 2●… 13. C●…l 2 ●…2 〈◊〉 Act●… 15 2●…  Being Circumscribed in the word with many general ●…imitations, where they are determined in respect of the matter to be neither worship itself, nor Circumstances separable from worship in respect of 
M●…tt 15 9 〈◊〉 Cor 1●… 23 〈◊〉 8 34.  their end, they must be done unto edification: in respect of the manner, decently, and in order, according to the nature of the things themselves, 
1 Cor 14 26 1 Cor 14 40 1 Cor 11 14 〈◊〉 Cor 11 16 1 Cor 14 12 19 Acts ●…5 28.  & civil, & Church Custom. doth not even nature itself teach you? ye●… they, are in some sort determined particularly, namely that they be done in such a manner, as all Circumstances considered, is most expedient for edification: so, as if there be no error of man concerning their determination, the determining of them is to be accounted as if it were divine.   

CHAP: II. Of the nature of the Catholic Church in general, & in special, of a particular visible Church.  
THe Catholic Church, is the whole company of those that 
●…ph 1 22 23 & 5 25 26 30. Heb ●…2 23.  are elected, redeemed, & in time effectually called from the state of sin & death unto a state of Grace, & salvation in Jesus Christ. 
〈◊〉 v. 〈◊〉   
2 This church is either Triumphant, or Militant. Triumphant, the number of them who are glorified in heaven: Militant, the 
〈◊〉 ●…7: 2 Tim 2 12 C 〈◊〉 8. Eph 6 〈◊〉 ●…3.  number of them who are conflicting with their enemies upon earth.  
3. This Militant Church is to be considered as Invisible, & Visible. Invisible, in respect of their relation wherein they stand to Christ, as a body unto the head, being united unto him, by the spirit 
2 Tim 2 19 Rev 217. 1 Cor 6 17. Eph 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Rom 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 1 ●…hes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Is●… 2. 2 〈◊〉 Tim 6 ●…2.  of God, & faith in their hearts: Visible, in respect of the profession of their faith, in their persons, & in particular Churches: & so there may be acknowledged an universal visible Church.  
4 The members of the Militant visible Church, considered either as not yet in church-order, or as walking according to the 
Acts 19 〈◊〉. Colos 2. 5. Matt 1●… 17. 〈◊〉 Co●… 〈◊〉 12.  church-order of the Gospel. In order, & so besides the spiritual union, & communion, common to all belivers, they enjoy more over an union & communion ecclesiastical-political: so we deny an universal visible church.  
5 The state of the members of the Militant visible church walking in order▪ was either before the law, Oeconomical, that is 
Gen. 18. 19  in families; or under the law, National: or, since the coming of Christ, only congregational. (The term Independent, we approve 
Exod: 〈◊〉 6.  not:) therefore neither national, provincial, not classical. 
1 Cor. ●…4. 23 1 Cor. 14. 36 1 Cor. 〈◊〉 2. 1 Cor: ●…2 27. Exo 〈◊〉 19: 〈◊〉 6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: 1. & 9 to 〈◊〉. Acts. 2. 42. 1 Cor 14 26.   
6 A Congregational-church, is by the inst●…titution of Christ a part of the Militant-visible-church, consistin●… of a company o●… Saints by calling, un●…ed into one body by 〈◊〉 holy covenant, for the public worship of God, & th●… mutual edification one of another, in the Fellowship o●… the Lord Jesus.   

CHAP: III. Of the matter of the visible Church Both inr●…spect of Quality and Quantity.  
THe matter of a visible church are Saints by calling. 
〈◊〉 Cor: 1 2 I●…phe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.   
2 By Saints, we understand,  
1 Such, as have not only attained the knowledge of the principles 
Hebr: 6. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 Cor. 1 〈◊〉. Rom. ●…5 ●…4. Is●… 1●… 16- 17. Ac●… 〈◊〉. M●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Rom. 6 17. 1 Cor. 〈◊〉 2. Phi●…lip. 1 〈◊〉. Collo●… 〈◊〉 2.  of Religion, & are free from gr●…s & open scand●…ls, but also do together with the profession of their faith & Repentance, walk i●… blameless obedience to the word, so as that in charitable discretion they may be accounted Saints by calling, (though perhaps some or more of them be unsound, & hypocrites inwardly●…) bec●…se the members of such particular churches are commonly by the holy ghost called Saints & faithful brethren in Christ, and sundry c●…ch 
●…phes. 〈◊〉 1. 〈◊〉 Co: 5▪ 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 14 15 & 20. Ezek. 4●…. 7 & 9 〈◊〉 ch●…p. 2●… 3●… 〈◊〉. Num 〈◊〉 & 20. ●…gg. 2 13 14. 1 Cor. 1●… 27 29 Ps●…l. 37 21: 1 Cor. 5 〈◊〉 1 Cor. 7: & 14. Ier. 2 21. 1 Cor. 〈◊〉 1: Ier. 14. G●… 5 4. 2 Co●…. 12 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 1●… 1●…. 〈◊〉: 2●… 21●…  es have been reproved for receiving, & suffering such persons to c●…ntinu in fellowship amongst them, as have been offensive & scandalous: the name of God also by this means is Blasphemed: & the holy things of God defiled & profaned, the hearts of godly gri●…ved: & the wicked themselves hardened: & holpen forward to ●…nation. the example of such doth endanger the sanctity of others. A little Leaven Leaveneth the whole lump.  
2 The children of such, who are also holy.  
3 The members of churches though orderly constituted, may in time degenerate, & grow corrupt & scandalous, which though they ought not to be ●…olerated in the church, yet their continu●…ce ●…erein, through the defect of the execution of discipline & Ju●… 〈◊〉, doth not immediately d●…ssolv the being of the church, as appears in the church of Israel, & the churches of G●…latia, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, & 〈◊〉.   

yet we conceive, the substance of it is kept, where there is 〈◊〉 real Agreement & consent, of a company of faithful persons to meet constantly together in one Congregation, for the public worship of God, & their mutual edification: which real agreement & consent they do express by their constant practice in coming together for the public worship of God, & by their religious subjection unto the ordinances of God the●…e: the rather, if we do consider how 
〈◊〉 19 5 〈◊〉 8 〈◊〉 & 24 3 1●…. 〈◊〉 24 ●…8 to 24 Ps●…l 50 5. 〈◊〉 38 〈◊〉 10 〈◊〉. Gen 17. Deum 29.  Scripture covenants have been entered into, not only expressly by word of mouth, but by s●…crifice; by hand writing, & seal; & also sometimes by silent co●…sent, without any writing, or expression of words at all.  
5 This form then being by mutual covenant, it followeth, it is not faith in the heart, nor the profession of that faith, nor cohabitation, nor baptism; 1 Not faith in the heart? because that is invisible: 2 not a bare profession; because that declareth them no more to be members of one church then of another: 3 not Cohabitation; atheists or Infidels may dwell together with believers: 4 not Baptism; because it presupposseth a church estate, as circumcision in the old Testament, which gave no being unto the church, the church being before it, & in the wilderne, without it seals presuppose a covenant already in being, one person is a complete subject of Baptism: but one person is uncapable of being a church.  
6 All believers ought, as God giveth them opportunity there 
Act 2 47. & 〈◊〉 26. Matt 3 13 14 15. & 28 1●… 20. Psal 〈◊〉 2 3 & 87 〈◊〉 Matt 182●…. 1 John 1 3.  unto, to endeavour to join themselves unto a particular church & that in respect of the honour of Jesus Christ, in his example, & Institution, by the professed acknowledgement of, & subjection unto the order & ordinances of the Gospel: as also in respect of their good of communion founded upon their visible union, & contained in the promises of Christ's special presence in the thurch: whence they have fellowship with him, & in him one with another: also for the keeping of them in the way of God's commandm●…nts, & recovering 
〈◊〉 119 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pet 2. 25▪ Eph 4 16 ●…oh 22 24 25 〈◊〉 25 16 1●….  of them in case of wandering, (which all Christ's sheep are subject to in this life), being unable to return of themselves; together with the benefit of their mutual edification, and of their posterity, th●…t they may not be ●…ut of from t●…e privileges of the covenan●…, otherwise, if a believer offends, he remains destitute of the remedy provi●…ed in that behalf, & should all believers neglect this duty of ●…yning to all particular congregations: it might follow thereupon, that 〈◊〉 should h●…ve no visible political c●…rches upon earth,   

CHAP V. Of the first subject of church power or, to whom church power doth first 〈◊〉. 
M●…tt 28 〈◊〉 Rev 3 〈◊〉. Is●… 9 〈◊〉. John 2●… 〈◊〉 ●…3. 1 Cor 14 32. ●…tus. 1 5. 〈◊〉 Cor. 〈◊〉 12.   
THe first subject of church power, is either supreme, or Subordinat, & Ministerial. the supreme (by way of gift from the father) is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Ministerial, is either extraordinary; as the Apostles, Prophets, & Evangilists: or Ordinary; as every particular Congregational church.  
2 Ordinary church power, is either the power of office, that is such as is proper to the eldership: or, power of privilege, such as be longs unto the brotherhood▪ the latter, is in the brethren formally, & immediately from Christ, that is, so as it may according to order 
Ro●…●…4 〈◊〉. Acts 1 23 〈◊〉 6 3 4 〈◊〉 14 23▪ 1 Co●… 29 3●….  be acted or exercised immediately by themselves: the former, is not in them form●…lly or immediately, & therefore cannot be acted or exercised immediately by them, but is said to be in them, in that they design the persons unto office, who only are to act, or to excercise this power.   

CHAP VI. Of the Officers of the Church, & especially of Pastors & Teachers.  
A Church being a company of people combined together by covenant for the worship of God, it appeareth thereby, that there 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  may be the 〈◊〉 & being of a church without any officers, seeing there is bot●… 〈◊〉 and matter of a church, which is employed, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉  when it i●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ordained elders in 〈◊〉 ●…urch,  
2 〈◊〉, though 〈◊〉 be not 〈◊〉 necess●…ry, to 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3 15 〈◊〉 Cor 〈◊〉 28, ●…phe 4 〈◊〉 Psal 68 18●…. Eph 4. 8 11  the simple being of churches, when th●…y be 〈◊〉: yet ordinarily to their calling they are; and to their well being: and therefore the Lord Jesus out of his tender compassion hath appointed, and ordained officers which he would not have done, if they had not been useful & need full for the church; yea, being Ascended into heaven, he received gifts 
●…ph 4 12 ●…3  for men, and gave gifts to men, whereof officers for the church are Justly accounted no small parts; they being to continue to the end 
1 C●… 12 〈◊〉 Eph 4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Act 8 6 〈◊〉 19 〈◊〉 11 28 Rom 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  of the world, and for the perfecting of all the Saints.  
3 These officers were either extraordinary, or ordinary, extraordinary as Apostles, Prphets', Evangilists, ordinary as Elders & 〈◊〉.  
The Apostles, Prophets, & Evangelists, as they were called extraordinarily by Christ, so their office ended with themselves whence it is, that Paul directing Timothy how to carry along Church-Administrations, 
1 Co●… 4 9  Giveth no direction about the choice or course of Apostles, Prophe●…, or Evange●…sts, but only of Elders, & Deacons. 
1 Tim●… 1, 2 〈◊〉, 8 to 13 Tit 1. 5. ●…ct 20 17 28 1 pet 〈◊〉 1 2 3.  & when Paul was to take his last leave of the church of Ephe●…s, he committed the care of feeding the church to ●…o there, but unto the Elders of that church. The like c●…rge doth 〈◊〉 commit to the Elders.  
4 Of 〈◊〉 (who are also in Scripture called ●…shops) Some 
1 Tim 2 2 Phil 1 1. Acts 20 19 〈◊〉. 1 Tim 5 29.  attend chiefly to the ministry of the word, A●… the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Teachers Others, attend especially unto R●…le, who are therefore called Rul●…ng Elders.  
5 The office of Pastor & Teacher, appears to be distinct. 
Sph 4 11. ●…om 12 7●…, 1 Cor 12 8  The Pastors special work is, to attend to exh●…tation: & therein to Administer a word of Wisdom the Teacher is to attend to D●…mo, & therein to Administer a word of knowledge: & either of them to administer the seals of that Covenant, unto the dispensation whereof the are alike called: as also to execute the Censu●…e, being but a kind of 
2 Tim 41 2 ●…it 〈◊〉 9  application of the word, the preaching of which, together with the application thereof they are alike charged withal.  
6 And for as much as both Pastors & Teachers are given by Christ for the perfecting of the Saints, & edifying of his body, which 
Eph 4 11 12 Cap 1 22 23  Saints, & body of Christ is his church; therefore we account Pastors & Teacher, to be both of them church-officers, & not the Pastor for the church: & the Teacher only for the Schools, Though this we gladly acknowledge, that school, are both lawful, profitable, & necessary for the training up of such in good literature, or learning, 
〈◊〉 ●…am 10 12 〈◊〉 10 20 2 king 23 〈◊〉 15.  as may afterwards be called forth unto office of Pastor or Teacher in the church.   

CHAP VII. Of Ruling Elders & Deacons.  
THe Ruling Elders office is distinct from the office of Pastor & 
Rom 119 〈◊〉 9 1 Tim 5 17. 1 Cor 1●… 23.  Teacher. The Ruling Elders are not so called to exclude the Pastors & Teachers from Ruling, because Ruling & Govern●…ng is common to these with the other; whereas attending to teach and 
〈◊〉 13 17 1 Tim 5 17  preach the word is peculiar unto the former.  
2 The Ruling E●…er, work is to join with the Pastor & 
〈◊〉 Tim 5. 17.  Teacher in those acts of spiritual Rubc which are distinct from the ministry of the word & Sacraments committed to them. of which sort, these be, as followeth. 1 to open & 
2 Chro. 23 19 Rev 2●… 12. 1 Tim 4 14. M●… 18 17. 2 Cor 2 7. 8 Act 2. 6  shut●… the doors of God's house, by the Admission of members approved by the church: by Ordination of officers chosen by the church: & by excommunication of notorious & obstinate offenders renounced by the church: & by restoring of poenitents, forgiven by the church. II To call the church together when there is occasion, & seasonably to dismiss them again. III To prepare matters in private, that in 
Acts 〈◊〉. 1●… 22. 23.  public they may be carried an end with less trouble, & more speedy dispatch. IV To moderate the carriage of all matter, in the church assembled. as, to propound matters to the church, to Order 
Acts 6. 2. 3 c. 13. 〈◊〉 15 2 Cor 8. 10 Heb 13. 7, 7 2 Thes 2. 10 11. 12  the season of speech & silence; & to pronounce sentence according to the mind of Christ, with the consent of the church. V To be Guides & leaders to the church, in all matters whatsoever, pertaining to church administrations & actions. VI To see that none in the church live inordinately out of rank & place; without a calling, or idly in their calling. VII To prevent & heal such offences in life, 
Acts 20. 28 v 32. 〈◊〉 Thes 5. 12. Jam. 5. 14 Acts 20. 20  or in doctrine; as might corrupt the church. Jix To feed the flock of God with a word of admonition. ix. And as they shall be sent for, to visit, & to pray over their sick brethren. X & at other times as opportunity shall serve thereunto.  
3 The office of a Deacon is Instituted in the church by the 
Act 6. 〈◊〉. v 6 Pail 1. 1 1 Tim 3. 8 1 Cor 12. 28 1. Tim 3. 8. 9  Lord Jesus. sometime they are called Helps.  
The Scripture telleth us, how they should be qualified: Grave, not double tougued, not given to much wine, not given to filthy. lucre. they must first be proved & then use the office of a Deacon, being found Blameless.  
The office and work of the Deacons is to receive the offerings of the 
Acts 4. 〈◊〉 c 6. 2. 3 c 6. 2  church, gifts given to the church, & to keep the treasury of the church: & therewith to serve the Tables which the church is to provide for: as the Lord's Table, the table of the ministers, & of such 
Rom. 22. 8.  as are in necessity, to whom they are to distribute in simplicity.  
4 The office therefore being limited unto the care of the temporal good things of the church, it extends not unto the attendance 
1 Cor 9 〈◊〉  upon, & administration of the spiritual. things thereof, as the word, and Sacraments, or the like.  
5 The ordinance of the Apostle, & practice of the church, 
1 C. 16. 1. 2. 3  commends the Lord's day as a fit time for the contributions of the Saints.  
6 The Instituting of all these officers in the Church, is the 
1 Cor 11. 28 Eph 4. 8. 11 Acts 20. 28  work of God himself; of the Lord Jesus Christ; of the holy Ghost. & therefore such officers 〈◊〉 he hath not appointed, are altogether unlawful either to be placed in the church, or to be retained therein, & are to be looked at as human creatures, mere Inventions & appointments of man, to the great dishonour of Christ Jesus, the Lord of his house, the King of his church, whether Popes, patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Lord 〈◊〉, Arch-●…eacons, Officials, Commissaries, & the like. These & the rest of that Hierarchy & Retinue, not being plants of the Lord's planting, shall all be certainly 
Matt 15. 13  be rooted out, & cast forth.  
7 The Lord hath appointed ancient widows, (where they may be had) to minister in the church, in giving attendance to the 
〈◊〉 Tim 5. 9 10.  sick, & to give succour unto them, & others, in the like necessities.   

CHAP: jix. Of the election of Church-Officers.  
NO man may take the honour of a Church-Officer unto himself, 
Heb. 5. 4  but he that was called of God, as was Aaron.  
2 Calling unto office, is either Immediate, by Christ himself: such was the call of the Apostles, & Prophets this manner of calling 
Galat 〈◊〉. 1 Acts 14. 23 cap 6. 3  ended with them, as hath been said: or Mediate, by the church.  
3 It is meet, that before any be ordained or chosen officers, they should first be 〈◊〉 & prove●…; because hands are n●…t suddenly 
〈◊〉 Tim 5. 22 c p 7 10 Acts 16. 2 cap 6. 3  to be laid upon any, & both Elders & Deacons must be of honest & good repo●…t.  
4 The things in respect of which they are to be tried, are those gif●…s & virtues which the Scripture requireth in men, that are to be elected into such places. viz, that Elders must be blameles●…, sober, apt to teach & endued with such other qualifications as are laid down, 1 Tim: 3 & 2. T●…t: 1. 6 to 9 Deacons to be fitted, as is directed, Acts. 6, 3. 1 Tim: 3. 8, to 11.  
5 Officers are to be called by such Churches, whereunto they 
Act 14. 23 c 1. 23. c 6 3. 4. 5.  are to min●…ster. of such moment is the preservation of this power, that the churches exercised it in the presence of the Apostles.  
6 A Church being free cannot become subject to any, but by 
gall 5. 13  a free election; Yet when such a people do choose any to be over them in the Lord, then do they becom●… subject, & most willingly submit to their ministry 
Hebr. 13. 17  in the Lord, whom they have so chosen.  
7 And if the church have power to choose their officers & ministers, 
Rom. 16. 19  than in case of manifest unworthiness, & delinquency they have power also to depose them. For to open, & shut: to choose & refuse; to constitute in office, & remove from office: are acts belonging unto the same power.  
8 we judge it much conducing to the well-being, & communion 
Cant. 8. 8. 9  of churches, that where it may conveniently be done, neighbour-churches be adv●…sed withal, & their help made use of in the trial of church-officers, in order to their choice.  
9 The choice of such Church-officers belongeth not to the civil-magistrates, as such, or diocesan-bishops, or patroness: for of these or any such like, the Scripture is wholly silent, as having any power therein.   

CHAP: ix.. Of Ordination, & Imposition of hands.  
CHurch-officers are not only to be chosen by the Church, but also 
Acts. 1●…. 〈◊〉 cap 14. 23 1 Tim. 5. 22  to be ordained by Imposition of hands, & prayer. with which at the ordination of Elders, fasting also is to be joined.  
2 This ordination we account nothing else, but the solemn 
N●…m. 8. 10 Act 6. 5. 6 cap 13. 2. 3  putting of a man into his place & office in the Church whereunto he had right before by election, being like the installing of a magistrate in the common wealth.  
Ordination therefore is not to go before, but to follow election, 
Acts. 6. 5. 6 cap 14. 23  the essence & substance of the outward calling of an ordinary officer in the Church, doth not consist in his ordination, but in his voluntary & free election by the Church, & in his accepting of that election, whereupon is founded the relation between Pastor & flock, between such a minister, & such a people.  
Ordination doth not constitute an officer, nor give him the essentials of his office. The Apostles were elders, without Imposition of hands by men: Paul & Barnabas were officers, before that Imposition of hands. Acts. 13. 3. The posterity of Levi were Priests, &   

the Church that had power to receive him into their fellowship, hath also the same power to cast him out, that they have concerning any 
Matt. 18. 17  other member.  
7 Church-government, or Rule, is placed by Christ in the 
1 Tim. 5. 17 Hebr. 13. 17 〈◊〉 Thes. 5. 12  officers of the church, who are therefore called Rulers, while they rule with God: yet in case of maladministration, they are subject to the power of the church, according as hath been said before. the Holy Ghost frequently, yea always, where it mentioneth Church-Rule, 
Rom. 12. 8 1 Tim. 〈◊〉. 17 〈◊〉 Cor. 12. 28 29. Hebr. 13 7. 17.  & church-government, ascribeth it to Elders: whereas the work & duty of the people is expressed in the phrase of obeying their Elders; & submiting themselves unto them in the Lord: so as it is manifest, that an organic or complete church is a body politic, consisting of some that are Governors, & some that are governed, in the Lord.  
8 The power which Christ hath committed to the Elders is to feed & rule the church of God, & accordingly to call the church 
Acts. 20. 28 cap 6. 2 Num. 16. 12 Ezek. 46. 10 Acts. 13. 15  together upon any weighty occasion, when the members so called, without just cause, may not refuse to come: nor when they are come, depart before they are dismissed: nor speak in the church, before they have leave from the elders: nor continue so doing, when they 
●…osh. 4. 4.  require silence, nor may they oppose nor contradict the judgement or sentence of the Elders, without sufficient & weighty cause because such practices are manifestly contrary unto order, & government, & inlets of disturbance, & tend to confusion.  
9 It belongs also unto the Elders to examine any officers, or 
Rev. 2. 2 1 Tim. 5. 19 Acts. 21. 18 22. 23 〈◊〉 Cor. 5. 4. 5  members, before they be received of the church: to receive the accusations brought to the Church, & to prepare them for the churches hearing. In handling of offences & other matters before the Church they have power to declare & publish the counsel & will of 
Num. 6. 23. ●…o 26.  God touching the same, & to pronounce sentence with consent of the Church: Lastly they have power, when they dismiss the people, to bless them in the name of the Lord.  
10 This power of Government in the Elders, doth not any wise prejudice the power of privilege in the brotherhood; as neither the power of privilege in the brethren, doth prejudice the power of government in the Elders; but they may sweetly agree together, 
Acts. 14. 15 vi. 2●…. c 6. 2 〈◊〉 Cor. 5. 4 2 Cor. 2. 6. 7  as we may see in the example of the Apostles furnished with the greatest church-power, who took in the concurrence & consent of the brethren in church-administrations.  
Also that Scripture, 2 Cor 2. 9 & chap 10: 6. do declare, that what the churches were to act & do in these matters, they were to do in a way of obedience, & that not only to the direction of 
Hebr. 13. 〈◊〉  the Apostles, but also of their ordinary Elders.  
11 From the premises, namely, that the ordinary power of Government belonging only to the elders, power of privilege remaineth with the brotherhood, (as power of judgement in masters of censure, & power of liberty, in matters of liberty:) It followeth, that in an organic Church, & right administration; all church acts, proceed after the manner of a mixed administration, so as no church act can be consummated, or perfected without the consent of both.   

CHAP: XI. Of the maintenance of Church Officers.  
THe Apostle concludes, that necessary & sufficient maintenance is due unto the ministers of the word: from the law of nature 
1 Cor. 9 9●… 15. Matt. 9●… 38. c 10. 1●… 1 Tim. 5. 18  & nations, from the law of Moses, the equity thereof, as also the rule of common reason, moreover the scripture doth not only call Elders labourers, & workmen, but also speaking o●… them doth say, 
Gala. 6. 6.  that the labourer is worthy of his hire: & requires that he which is taught in the word, should communicate to him, in all good things; 
1 Cor. 9 〈◊〉 vers. 14. 1 Tim. 5. 18  & mentions it as an ordinance of the Lord, that they which preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel; & forbiddeth the muzl●…ng of the mouth of the ox, that treadeth out the corn.  
2 The Scriptures alleged requiring this maintenance as a bounden duty, & du●…●…eci, & not as a matter of alms, & free gift therefore people are not at liberty to do or not to do, what & when they pleas in this matter, no more than in any other commanded duty, & ordinance of the Lord: but ought of duty, to minister of their ca●…ail ●…ngs to them, that labour amongst them 
Rom 15. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 Cor. 9 11.  in the word & doctrine, as well as they ought to pay any other work men their wages, or to discharge & satisfy their other debts, or to submit themselves to observe any other ordinance of the Lord.  
3 The Apostle, Gal: 6, 6. enjoining that he which is taught 
Gala. 6. 〈◊〉  communicate to him that teacheth ●…ad good things: doth not leave it arbitrary, what or how much a man shall give, or in what prop●…on.  
but even the later, as well as the former, is prescribed & appointed by the Lord. 
〈◊〉 Cor. 16. 2   
4 Not only members of Churches, but all that are taught in in the word, are to contribute unto him that teacheth, in all good 
Galat. 6. 6  things. In case that Congregations are defective in their contributions, the Deacons are to call upon them to do their duty: if their call 
Act. 6. 3. 4  sufficeth not, the church by her power is to require it of their members, & where church-power through the corruption of men, doth not, or cannot attain the end, the Magistrate is to see ministry be duly provided for, as appears from the commended example of Nehemiah. 
Neh. 13. 1●…  The Magistrates are nursing fathers, & nursing mothers, & stand charged with the custody of both Tables; because it is better to prevent 
●…say. 49. 23  a scandal, that it may not come & easier also, then to remove it when it is given. It's most suitable to Rule, that by the church's care, 
〈◊〉 Cor. 8. 13 〈◊〉,  each man should know his proportion according to rule, what he should do, before he do it, that so his judgement & heart may be satisfied in what he doth, & just offence prevented in what is done.   

CHAP: XII. Of Admission of members into the Church.  
THe doors of the Churches of Christ upon earth, do not by God's 
2 Chron. 23. 19 Mat. 13. 25. & 22. 12  appointment stand so wide open, that all sorts of people good or bad, may freely enter therein at their pleasure; but such as are admitted thereto, as members ought to be examined & tried first; whether they be fit & meet to be received into church-society, or not. The eunuch of Aethiopia, before his admission was examined by 
Acts. 8. 37  Philip, whether he did believe on Jesus Christ with all his heart the 
Rev. 2. 2  Auged of the church at Ephesus is commended, for trying such as said they were Apostles & were not. There is like reason for trying 
Acts 9 2●…  of them that profess themselves to be believers.  
The officers are charged with the keeping of the doors of the Church, & therefore are in a special manner to make try all of the fitness 
Rev. 2●…. 1●… 2 Ch●… 23. 19  of such who enter. Twelve Angels are set at the gates of the Tem i'll, lest such as were Ceremonially unclean should enter thereinto. 
Act 2. 38 1●… 〈◊〉. c 8 37   
2 The things which are requisite to be found in all church members, are, Repentance from sin, & saith in Jesus Christ. And therefore these are the things whereof men are to be examined, at their admission into the church, & which then they must profess & hold forth in such sort, as may satisfy rational charity, that the things are there indeed. John Baptist admitted men to Baptism, confessing 
Matt 3. 6.  & bewailing their sins: & of other it is said, that they came, & 
Acts 19: 5.  confessed, & showed their deeds.  
3 The weakest measure of faith is to be accepted in t●…ose that desire to be admitted into the church: because weak christians if sincere, have the substance of that faith, repentance & holiness which 
Ro●… 14. 2  is required in church members: & such have most need of the ordinances for their confirmation & growth in grace. The Lord Jesus 
Matt 12. 20.  would not quench the smoking flax, nor break the bruised reed, 
isaiah 4●…. 15.  but gather the tender lambs in his arms, & carry them gently in his bosom. Such charity & tenderness is to be used, as the weakest christian if sincere, may not be excluded, nor discouraged. Severity of examination is to be avoided.  
4 In case any through excessive fear, or other infirmity, be unable to make their personal relation of their spiritual estate in public, it is sufficient that the Elders having received private satisfaction, make relation thereof in public before the church, they testifying their assents thereunto; this being the way that tendeth most to edification. But whereas persons are of better abilities, there it is most expedient, that they make their relations, & confessions personally with 
psa●…●…6. 16  their own mouth, as David professeth of himself.  
5 A personal & public confession, & declaring of God's manner of working upon the soul, is both lawful, expedient, & useful, in sundry respects, & upon sundry grounds. Those three thousands. Acts. 2. 37. 41. Before they were admitted by the Apostles, did manifest that they were pricked in their hearts at Peter's sermon, together with earnest desire to be delivered from their sins, which now wounded their consciences, & their ready receiving of the word of promise and exhortation. We are to be ready to ●…der a reason of the hope that is in us, to every one that asketh us: th●…fore 
1 Pe●…●…3. 〈◊〉,  we must be able and ready upon any occasion to declare & show our repentance for sin, faith unfamed; & effectual calling, because these are the reason of a well grounded hope. I have not hidden 
●…ebr 11. 〈◊〉 ●…phe 1. 〈◊〉.  thy righteousness from the great congregation. Psal: 40. 10.  
6 This profession of faith & repentance, as it must be made by such at their admission, that were never in Church-society before: so nothing hindereth, but the same way also be performed by such as have formerly been members of some other church, & the church to which they now join themselves as members, may lawfully require the same. Those three thousand. Acts. 2. which made their confession, were members of the church of the Jews before, so were they that were baptised by John. Church's may err in their admission: 
Matt. 3. 5, 6 Gallat. 2. 4 〈◊〉 Tim. 5. 24  & persons regularly admitted, may fall into offence Otherwise if Churches might obtrude their members, or if church-members might obtrude themselves upon other churches, without due trial, the matter so requiring, both the liberty of churches would hereby be infringed, in that they might not examine those, concerning whose fitness for communion, they were unsatisfied: & besides the infringing of their liberty, the churches themselves would unavoidably be corrupted, & 
C●…nt. 8. 8  the ordinances defiled, whilst they might not refuse, but must receive the unworthy: which is contrary unto the Scripture, teaching that all churches are sisters, & therefore equal.  
7 The like trial is to be required from such members of the church, as were born in the same, or received their membership, & were baptised in their infancy, or minority, by virtue of the covenant of their parents, when being grown up unto years of discretion they shall desire to be made partakers of the Lord's supper: unto which, because holy things must not be given unto the unworthy, therefore it 
Matt. 7. 6 〈◊〉 Cor. 11. 27  is requisite, that these as well as others, should come to their trial & examination, & manifest their faith & repentance by an open profession thereof, before they, are received to the Lord's supper, & otherwise not to be be admitted there unto.  
Yet these Church-members that were so born, or received in their childhood, before they are capable of being made partakes of fall communion, have many privileges which others, not church-members) ha●…not; they are in covenant with God; have the seal thereof upon th●… 〈◊〉 baptism; & so if not regenerated, yet are in a more hopeful way of attaining regenerating grace, & all the spiritual blessings both of the covenant & seal; they are also under C●…rch-watch, & consequently subject, to the reprehensions, ad non●…tions, & censures thereof, for their healing and amendment, as need sh●…ll require.   

CHAP: XIII. Of Church-members their removal from one Church to another, & of letters of recommendation, & dismission.  
CHurch-members may not remove or depart from the Church, & so one from another as they please, nor without just & weighty 
Hebr. 10. 2●…  cause but aught to live & dwell together: for as much as they are commanded, not to forsake the assembling of themselves together. Such departure▪ tends to the dissolution & ruin of the body: as 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉  the pulling of stones, & pe●…ces of timber from the building, & of members from the natural body, tend to the destruction of the 
.  whole.  
2 It is thenrfore the duty of Church-members, in such times & places when counsel may be had, to consult with the Church whereof they are memmbers, about their removal; that accordingly 
Prov. 11. 14  they having their approbation, may be encouraged or otherwise desist. They who are joined with consent, should not depart without consent, except forced thereunto.  
3 If a members departure be manifestly unsafe, and sinful, the church may not consent thereunto: for in so doing, they should 
Rom 14. 〈◊〉. 1 Tim 5. 22. Acts 21. 14.  not act in saith: & should partake with him in his sin. If the case be doubtful, & the person not to be persuaded, it seemeth best to leave the matter unto God, & not forcibly to detayn him.  
4 Just reasons for a members removal of himself from the church are, I If a man cannot continue without partakig in sin. II In case 
Ephe. 〈◊〉. 1●… Acts 9 2●…. & ver 29. ●…0 chap 8 ●…1  of personal persecution, so Paul departed from the desciples at Damascus. Also, in case of general persecution, when all are scattered. III In case of real, & not only pretended, want of competent subsistence, 
Nehe ●…3. 10  a door being opened for better supply in another place, together with the means of spiritual edification. In these, or like cases, a member may lawfully remove, & the church cannot lawfully detain him.  
5 To separate from a Church, either out of contempt of their holy fellowship, or out of 〈◊〉 or for greater enlargements 
2 Tim 4. 1●…  with just grief to the church; or out of 〈◊〉, or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; & out of a spirit of 〈◊〉 in respect of some unkindness, or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 
R●…m 16. 17 Jude. 19  only concei●…ed, or indeed, in the Church which might & should be tolèrated & heard with a spirit of meekness, & of which evil the church is not yet convinced, 
〈◊〉. 4. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3. 13 〈◊〉 6. 1▪ 〈◊〉  (though perhaps himself be) nor admonished: for these or like reasons to withdraw from public communion, in word, or seals, or censures, is unlawful & sinful.  
6 Such members as have orderly removed their habitation ought to join themselves unto the church in order, where they do 
Is●…y 56. 8 Acts 9 26  inhabit if it may be otherwise, they can neither perform the duties, nor receive the privileges of members; such an example tolerated in some, is apt to corrupt others; which if many should follow, would threaten the dissolution & confusion of churches, contrary to 
〈◊〉 Cor. ●…4. 3●…  the Scripture.  
7 Order requires, that a member thus removing, have letters 
〈◊〉. ●…8. 27  testimonia●…; & of 〈◊〉 from the church whereof he yet is, unto the church whereunto he desireth to be joined, lest the church sh●…uld be deluded; that the church may receive him in faith; & not be corrupted by receiving deceivers, & false brethren. Until the person dismissed be received into another church, he ceaseth ●…ot by his letters of dismission to be a member of the church whereof he was. The church cannot make a member no member but by excommunication.  
8 If a member be called to remove only for a time, where a Church is, letters of Recommendation are requisite; & sufficient for 
Rom 16. 1. 2 〈◊〉 C●…r. 3. 〈◊〉  communion with that church, in the ordinance, & in their watch: as Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenc●…ea, had letters written for her to the church of Rome, that she might be received, as becō●…eth saints.  
9 Such letters of Recommendation & 〈◊〉 were written for Apollo's: For Marcus to the Col●…siā; for Phoebe to the Romāe●…; for sundry others to other churches, & the Apostle telleth u●…, that some 
〈◊〉. 1●…. 27 Co●…l 4. 10. Rom. 16. 1  persons, not sufficiently known otherwise, have special need of such letter●…, though he for his part had no need thereof The u●…e of them ●…s to be a benefit, & help to the party for whom they are written; & for 
〈◊〉 C●…r. 3. 1.  the furthering of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 amongst the Saints in the pl●… whe●…to 〈◊〉 goeth; & the d●…e sat●…faction of them in their receiving of h●…m.   

CHAP: XIV. Of excommunication & other Censures.  
THe Censures of the church, are appointed by Christ, for the prevent●…ng, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  removing, & healing of offences in the Church: for the reclaiming & gaining of offending brethren: for the deterring of others from the like o●…eces: 
Jude. 29. D●…ut. 13. 11 1 Cor. 5. 6 R●…m. 2. 2●…  for purging out the leaven which may infect the whole lump: for vindicating the honour of Christ, & of his church, & the holy profession of the gospel: & for preventing of the wrath of God, that may 
Rev. 2. 14. 15. 16. & 2●…  justly fall upon the church, if they should suffer his covenant, & the s●…ales thereof, to be profaned by notorious & obstinate offenders.  
2 If an offence be priv●… (one brother offending another the offender is to go, & acknowledge his repentance for it unto his offended 
Mat. 5. 23, 〈◊〉 Lu●…. ●…7. 3. 〈◊〉  brother, who is then to forgive him, but if the ●…ffender neglect or refu●…e to do it, the brother offended is to go, & convince & admonish him of it, between themselves privately: ●…f thereupon the offender be 
Matt. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉  brought to repent of his offence, the admonisher hath won his brother, but if the offender hear not his brother, the brother offended is to take with him one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three Witnese, 
v 〈◊〉  every word may be established, (whether the word of admonition if the offender receive it, or the word of complaint, if he refuse it:) for if hè refuse it, the offended brother is by the mouth of the Elders to tell 
v 〈◊〉  the church. & if he hear the church. & declare the same by pe●…tēt confession, he is recovered & gained; & if the church discern him to be willing to hear, yet not fully cōv●…ced of his offence, as in case ●…f 
Tit. 〈◊〉. 1●…  heresy; They are to dispense to him a public admonition; which declaring the offender to lie under the publ●…ck offence of the church, doth t●…e by withhold or suspend him from the holy fellowsh●…p of the Lord's s●…pper, till his offence be removed by penitent confession. If he 
Matt. 18. 〈◊〉  ●…ll 〈◊〉 obstinate they are to call him out by exconn unic●…tion.  
3 But if the offence be more 〈◊〉 at first, & of a more ●…ous 〈◊〉, to wit, such as are condē●…ed by the light of nature; 
1 Cor 5. 〈◊〉 5. & v 〈◊〉  then the church w●…thout such gradual proceeding, is to cast out the offender, from ther●… holy communior, for the further mortifying of his 〈◊〉 & the healing of his soul, in the day of the Lord Jesus.  
4 In dealing with an offender, great care is to be taken, that we be neither overstrict or rigorous, nor too indulgent or remiss: our proceeding here●… ou●…ht to be with a spirit of ●…ekness, considering our 
Galat. 6. 〈◊〉.  selves l●…st we also be tempted; & that the best of us have need of much forge 〈◊〉 from the Lord. Yet the winning & healing of the offender's soul, 
Matt 1●…. 34▪ ●…5. 〈◊〉. 1 〈◊〉 E●…ek 13. 1●… Jer. 〈◊〉. 14  being the end of the●…e endeavours, we must not daub with untempered mortar, nor heal the wounds of our brethren slightly. on some have comp●…ō others save with fear.  
5 While the offender remains excommunicate, the Church is to 
Matt 18. 17. 〈◊〉 Co●…. 5. 11 2 The. 3. 6. 14  refrain from all memberlike communion with him in spiritual things, & also from all familiar communion with him in civil things, farther than the necessity of natural, or domestical, or civil relations do require: & are therefore to for bear to eat & drike with him, that he may be 〈◊〉.  
6 Excommunication being a spiritual punishment, it doth not prejudice the excommunicate in, nor deprive him of his civil rights, & therefore toucheth not princes, or other magistrates, in point of their civil dignity or authority. And, the excommunicate being but as a 
1 Cor 14, 24 25.  publican & a heathen, heathens being lawfully permitted to come to hear the word in church assemblies; we acknowledge therefore the like liberty of hearing the word, may be permitted to persons excommunicate, 
2 Thes. 3. 14  that is permitted unto heathen. And because we are not without hope of his recovery, we are not to account him as an enemy 
〈◊〉  but to admonish him as a brother.  
7 If the Lord sanctify the censure to the offender, so as by the 
〈◊〉  grace of Christ, he doth testify his repentance, with humble confession of his sin, & judging of himself, giving glory unto God; the Church 
2 Cor 2. 7, 8  is then to forgive him, & to comfort him, & to restore him to the wonted brotherly communion, which formerly he enjoyed with them.  
8 The suffering of profane or scandalous livers to continue in fellowship, & partake in the sacraments, is doubtless a great sin in those that have power in their hands to redress it; & do it not. Nevertheless, 
●…ev 〈◊〉. 14, ●…5. ver. 20  inasmuch as Christ & his Apostles in their times, & the 
Mat 23. 3. Acts 3. 〈◊〉  Prophets & other godly in theirs, did lawfully partake of the Lord's commanded ordinances in the Jewish church, & neither taught nor practised separation from the same, though unworthy ones were permitted therein; & inasmuch as the faithful in the church of Corinth, wherein were many unworthy persons, & practices, are never commanded to absent themselves from the Sacraments, because of the 
〈◊〉 Cor. 6 chap 15. 1●…  same: therefore the godly in like cases, are not presently to separate.  
9 As separation from such a Church wherein pr●…phāe & scandalous livers are tolerated, is not presently necessary: so for the members thereof, otherwise worthy, hereupon to absta●…n from communicating with such a church, in the participation of the Sacraments, is unlawful. For as it were unreasonable for an innocent person to be 
2 Chron. 30 18. Gen 18. 2●….  punished, for the faults of other, wherein he hath no hand, & whereunto he gave no consent: so is it more unreasonable, that a godly man should neglect duty, & punish himself in not coming for his 
●…t  portion in the blessing of the seals, as he ought, because others are suffered to come, that ought not: especially, considering that himself doth neither consent to their sin, nor to their approaching to the ordinance in their sin, nor to the neglect of others who should put them away, & do not: but on the contrary doth heartily mourn for 
Ezek 9▪ 〈◊〉  these things, modestly & seasonably stir up others to do their duty. If the Church c●…nnot be reformed, they may use their liberty, as is specified, chap 13. sect: 4. But this all the godly are bound unto, even every one to do his endeavour, according to his power & place, that the unworthy may be duly proceeded against, by the Church to whom this matter doth appertain.   

CHAP: XV. Of the communion of Churches one with another.  
ALthough Churches be distinct, & therefore may not be confounded one with another: & equal, & therefore have not dominion one 
Rev 1. 4 C●…nt. 8. 8. Rom 16. 16. 1 Cor 16. 〈◊〉 Acts 15. 2●… Rev 2. 〈◊〉  over another: yet all the churches ought to preserve Church-communion one with another, because they are all united unto Christ, not only as a mystical, but as a political head; whence is derived a communion suitable thereunto.  
2 The communion of Churches is exercised sundry ways.  
I By way of mutual care in taking thought for one another's 
C●…nt 8. 8.  welfare..  
II By way of Consultation one with another, when we have occasion to require the judgement & counsel of other churches, touching any person▪ or cause wherewith they may be better acquainted then ourselves. As the church of Antioch consulted with the Apostles, & Elders of the church at Jerusalem, about the question of circumcision of the gentiles, & about the false teachers that broached that doctrine. 
Act●… 15. 〈◊〉  In which case, when any Church wanteth light or peace amongst themselves, it is a way of communion of churches (according 
Acts 15. 6.  to the word) to meet t●…ether by their Elders & other messengers in a synod, to consider & argue the points in doubt, or d●…fference, & 
ver: 22. 〈◊〉  having found out the way of truth & peace, to commend the same by their letters & messengers to the churches, whom the same may concern. But if a Church be rent with divisions amongst themselves, or lie under any open scandal, & yet refuse to consult with other churches, for healing or removing of the same; it is a matter of just offence both to the Lord Jesus, & to other churches, as bewraying too much want of mercy & faithfulness, not to seek to bind up the breaches & wounds of the church & brethren; & therefore the state of such a church calleth 
Ezek 34. 4.  aloud upon other churches, to excercise a fuller act of brotherly communion, to wit, by way of admonition.  
III A third way then of communion of churches is by way of admonition, to wit, in case any public offence be found in a church, which they either discern not, or are slow in proceeding to use the means for the removing & healing of. Paul had no authority over Peter, yet 
G●…ll 2. 〈◊〉 ●…o 14.  when he saw Peter not walking with a right foot, he publicly rebuked him before the church: though churches have no more authority one over another, than one Apostle had over another; yet as one Apostle might admonish another, so may one church admonish another, & yet without usurpation. In which case, if the church that lieth under offence, do not hearken to the church which doth admonish her, the church is to aquait other neighbour-churches with that offence, 
Math 18. 15. 16. 17. by ●…portion  which the offending church still lieth under, together with their neglect of the brotherly admonition given unto them; whereupon those other churches are to join in seconding the admonition formerly given: and if still the offending church continue in obstinacy & impenitency, they may forbear communion with them; & are to proceed to make use of the help of a Synod, or counsel of neighbour-churches walkig orderly (if a greater cannot conveniently be had) for their conviction. If they hear not the Synod, the Synod having declared them to be obstinate, particular churches, approving & accepting of the judgment of the Synod, are to declare the sentence of non-communion respectively concerning them: & thereupon out of a religious care to keep their own communion pure, they may justly withdraw themselves from participation with them at the Lord's table, & from such other acts of holy cōm●…ion, as the communion of churches doth otherwise allow, & require. Nevertheless, if any members of such a church as lieth under public offence; do●… not consent to the offence of the church, but do in due sort bear witness against it, they are still to be received to wonted communion: for it is not equal, that the in●…cent 
Gen 18. 25.  should suffer with the offensive.  
Yea furthermore; if such innocent members after due waiting in the use of all good means for the healing of the offence of their ●…wn church, shall at last (with the allowance of the counsel of ne gh●…our-churches) withdraw from the fellowship of their own ch●…ch 〈◊〉 offer themselves to the fellowship of another; we judge it lawll for the other church to receive them being otherwise fit) as if they had been orderly dismissed to them from their own churc●….  
IV A fourth way of communion of churches, is by way of particip●…n: the members of one church occasion●…lly coming unto another, we willingly admit t●…em to 〈◊〉 with us at the Lord's t●…le, it being the seal of our communion not only with Christ, nor o●…ly with the members of our own church, but also with all the churches of the saints: in which regard, we refuse not to baptize 
1 Cor 1●…. 13  their children presented to us, if either their own minister be absent, or such a fruit of holy fellowsh●…p be desired with us. In like case s●…ch churches as are furnished with more ministers than one, do willingly afford one of their own ministers to supply the place of an absent or s●…ck minister of another church for a needful season.  
V A fifth way of Church-communion is, by way of ●…mendation when a member of one church hath occasion to reside in another 
Rom 16. 1.  church; if but for a season, we commend him to their watchf●…ll ffellowsh●…p by letters of recommendation: but if he be 〈◊〉 to settle his abode there, we commit him according to h●…s desire, to the ffellowship 
Acts 18. 27  of their covenant, by letters of d●…smission.  
VI A sixt way of Church-communion, is in case of Ne●…, to minister relief & succour one unto another: 〈◊〉 of able members 
Acts 11. 22  to furnish them with officers: or of outward ●…pport to the necessities 
vers 20. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 13. 26. 27.  of poorer churches; as did the 〈◊〉 of the Gentiles contribute liberally to the poor s●…ints at Jerusalem.  
3 When a company of believers purpose to gather into church fellowship, it is requisite for their sa●…er proceeding, & the maintaining of the communion of churches, that they sign●…fie their intent unto the neighbour-churches, walking according unto the order of the 
〈◊〉 2. 1. 2. & 9 by proportion  Gospel, & desire their presence, & help, & right hand of fellowship which they ought readily to give unto them, when their is no just cause of excepting against their proceedings.  
4 Besides these several ways of communion, there is also a way of propagation of churches; when a church shall grow too numerous, it is a way, & fit season, to propagate one Church out of an 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…0. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 8, 9  other, by sending forth such of their members as are willing to remove, & to procure some officers to them, as may enter with them into church-estate amongst themselves: as Bees, when the hive is too full, issue forth by swarms, & are gathered into other hives, so the Churches of Christ may do the same upon like necessity; & therein hold forth to them the right hand of fellowship, both in their gathering into a church; & in the ordination of their officers.   

CHAP: XVI. Of Synods.  
SYnods orderly assembled, & rightly proceeding according to the pattern, Acts. 15. we acknowledge as the ordinance of 
Acts 15. 2. 1●… 1●….  Christ: & though not absolutely necessary to the being, yet many times, through the iniquity of men, & perverseness of times necessary to the well-being of churches, for the establishment of truth, & peace therein.  
2 Synods being spiritual & ecclesiastical assemblies, are therefore made up of spiritual & ecclesiastical causes. The next efficient cause of them under Christ, is the power of the churches, sending forth their Elders, other messengers; who being met together in the name of Christ, are the matter of the Synod: & they in argueing, 
Acts 15 2, 3  debating & determining matters of religion according to the 
●…cts 6.  word, & publishing the same to the churches whom it concerneth, 
●…cts 7. to 23  do put forth the proper & formal acts of a Synod; to the conviction 
vers 31. Acts 164. 15  of errors, & heresies, & the establishment of truth & peace in the Churches, which is the end of a Synod.  
3 Magistrates, have power to call a Synod, by calling to the Churches to send f●…rth their Elders & other messengers, to counsel & assist them in matters of rel●… 〈◊〉: ●…t ye●…t the constituting of a 
〈◊〉 Chron ●…9 4. 5. to 11.  Synod, is a church act & may be t●…d by the churches, even when civil magistrates may be enemies to churches & to churchassemblyes. 
Acts 15.   
4 It bel●…ngeth unto Synod, & counsel●…, to debate & determine controversies of faith, & ca●… of cons●…; to clear from the 
Acts 15. 1, 2 6. 〈◊〉 1 Cl●… 1●…. 1●….  word holy directions for the ●…ly worsh●…p of God, & good government of the church; to bear wit●… against ●…al administration & Corruption in doctrine or manners in any particular Church, & to 
〈◊〉 Ch●… 9 〈◊〉 7. Act. 15. 24 vers 〈◊〉. 29  give directions for the reformation thereof: Not to exercise Church-censures in way of discipline, nor any other act of church-authority or jurisdiction: which that presidential Synod did forbear.  
5 The Synod●… directions & determinations, so far as consonant to the word of God, are to be received with reverence & submission; not only for their agreement therewith which is the ●…ncipall ground thereof, & without which they bind not at all:) ●…t also second●…ly, for the power whereby they are made, as being an ordinance 
Acts. 15.  of God appointed thereunto in his word.  
6 B●… is d●…ficult, if not impossible, for many churches to c●… altogether in one place, ●…n all their●…●…rs universally: therefore they may assemble by their delegates o●… messengers, as the church of Antioch went not all to Jerusalem, but some select men for that purpose. 
Acts 1●….  Because none are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be more fit to know the state of the churches, not to advise of ways for the good thereof then Elders; therefore it is fit that in the choice of the messengers for such assemblies, they have special respect unto such. Yet in as much as not only Paul & Barnabas, but certain others also were sent to Jerusalem 
Acts 15 〈◊〉 vers 22, 23.  from Antioch. Acts 15. & when they were come to Jerusalem, not only the Apostles & Elders, but other brethren also do assemble, & meet about the matter; therefore Synods are to consist both of Elders, & other church-members, endued with gifts, & sent by the churches, not excluding the presence of any brethren in the churches.   

CHAP: XVII Of the Civil Magistrates power in matters E●…c●…es●…l.  
IT is lawful, profitable▪ & necessary for christians to gather themselves into Church estate, & therein to exercise all the ord●… of chr●…st according unto the word, although the consent of 
Act 2. ●…1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2, 3  Magistrate could not be had thereunto; because the Apostles & christ●…ans in their time did frequently thus practise, when the Magistrates being all of them Jewish or pagan, & mostly persecuting enemies, would give no countenance or consent to such matters.  
2 Church-government stands in no opposition to civil gove●…ment of common-welths, nor any intrencheth upon the authority of 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  Civil Magistrates in their jurisdictions; nor any whit weakeneth their 
John 1●…. ●…6 Acts 25. 8.  hand●… in governing; but rather strengtheneth them, & farthereth the people in yielding more hearty & consc●…onable obedience ūt●… the●…, whatsoever some ill affected persons to the ways of Christ have suggested, to alienate the affections of Kings & Princes from the ordinance of Christ; as if the kingdom of Christ in his church could not rise & stand, without the falling & weakening of their government, which is al●…o of Christ: whereas the contrary is most true, that they may both stand together & flourish the one being helpful unto the 
Is●…y 49. 23.  other, in their distinct & d●… administrations.  
3 The power & authority of Magistrates is not for the restra●…ing of churches, or any other good works, but for helping in & furthering thereof; & therefore the consent & countenance of Magistrates 
Rom 13. 4. 〈◊〉 Tim 2. 2.  when it may be had, is not to be ●…ghted, or lightly esteemed; but on the contrary; it is part of that hon●…ur due to christian Magistrates to desire & crave their consent & approbation therein: which being obtained, the churches may then proceed in their way with much more encouragement, & comfort.  
4 It is not in the power of Magistrates to compel their s●…bjects to become church-members, & to partake at the Lord's table: for the priests are reproved, that brought ●…worthy ones into the ●…tuarie: 
●…ek 44. 7. 9  then, as it was unlawful for the priests, so it is as unlawful to be done by civil Magistrates. Those whom the church is to cast out 
〈◊〉 Cor 5. 11  if they were in, the Magistrate ought not thrust into the church, nor to hold them therein.  
5 As it is unlawful for church-officers to meddle with the sword of the Magistrate, s●… 〈◊〉 it ●…wfull for the Magistrate to meddle with the work p●…per to c●…ch officers▪ the Acts of Mo●… & Dav●…d, 
Matth 20. 25, 26.  who were not only P●…, but P●…, were ex●…; therefore not ●…ble. Ag●…●…n 〈◊〉 the L●…d wit●…, by 〈◊〉 
〈◊〉 C●… 26 16. 17.  Uzz●…h w●… 〈◊〉, for 〈◊〉 to offer 〈◊〉  
6 It is the duty of the Ma●…, to take ●…e of matters of rel●…gion, & to ●…nprove his ●…l autho●…ty for the oble●…ing of the duties commanded in the first, is well as for observing of the duties 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 2.  commanded in the second table They are called Gods. The end of the Magistrate●… office, is not only the q●… & p●…ble l●…fe of the subj●…t, in 〈◊〉 of rig●… & ho●…ty, but also in matter, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 1●…  of ●…ss yea of all 〈◊〉 M●… j●…, D●…, S●…, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Josiah, are much commended by the 
1 Kings 15. 14. c 22. 43 〈◊〉 King 12. 3 c 14. 4. c 15. 35. 1 King's ●…0. 42. Job 29. 25. c 31. 26. 2●…. Ne ●…3 Jon 〈◊〉 3. 7. Ezr●… 7. D●…n 3. 2●….  Holy Ghost, for the putting forth their authority in matters of religion: on the contrary, such Kings as have been failing this way, are frequently taxed & reproved by the Lord. & not only the Kings of Judah, but also Job, Nehe●…h, the king of Nin●…veh, Darius, Artaxerxes, Nebucad●…ezar, whom none looked at as types of Christ, (thouh were it so, there were no place for any just objection,) are commended in the book of God, for exercising their authority this way.  
7 The object of the power of the Magistrate, are not things merely inward, & ●…o not subject to his cogni●…ance & view, as unbelief hardness of heart, erroneous opinions not vented; but only such things as are acted by the outward man; neither is their power to be exercised, in commanding such acts of the outward man, & punnishig the neglect thereof, as are but mere inventions, & devices of men; 
1 Kings 20. 2●…. vers 42.  but about such acts, as are commanded & forbidden in the word; yea such as the word doth clearly determine, though not always clearly to the judgement of the Magistrate or others, yet clearly in itself. In these he of right aught to put forth his authority, though ofttimes actually he doth it not. 
Deut 13. 1 King's 2●…. 2●…. vers 42. D●… 〈◊〉. 29. Z●…ch 13. 3. Neh 13. 21. 1 Tim 2. 2. Ro●… 13. 4.   
8 Idolatry, B●…phemy, Heresy, venting corrupt & pernicious opinions, that destroy the foundation, open contempt of the word preached, profanation of the Lord's day, disturbing the peaceable administration & exercise of the worship & h●…ly things of God, & the like, are to be restrained, & punished by civil authority.  
9 If any church one or more shall grow sc●…smaticall, rending itself from the communion of other churches, or shall walk incor●…gibly or obstinately many corrupt way of their own, contrary to the rule of the word; in such case the Magistrate is to put forth his co●…ve power, as the matter shall require The tribes on this side 
Jo●… 22.  〈◊〉 intended to make war against the other tribes, for bu●… the altar of witness, whom they suspected to have turned away therein from following of the Lord.  
FINIS