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 in 2012 with funding from 
 
 Princeton Theological Seminary Library 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/directoryfoOOwest 
 
A 
 
 DIREC TORY 
 
 For the Publique 
 
 JVorfhip of Cjfod 
 
 Throughout the three King* 
 domes oF England, Scotland, 
 
 and Ireland, 
 
 Together with an Ordinance of 
 
 Parliament for the taking away 
 
 of the Book of 
 
 COM MO N-T <KAYER 
 
 And for efcablifh fng and obferving 
 of this prefent THT{E CTORT hreugb- 
 om the ^iigdesje of England ana 
 Dominion of Wiles. 
 
 WITH A 
 
 "ROPOSITIONSl 
 
 Concerning 
 
 Church'(jovernment\ 
 
 And Ordination of MINISTERS; ) 
 
 London, P intcd by T. /?. aid E, M. for the 
 Company of Stationers. 1 65 1. 
 
(O 
 
 3k Vemis j. Jattu&ru i *44. 
 
 An Ordinance of Parliament; for the taking 
 away oftheBook of Common- Prayer, 
 and for the eftabliftiwg and putting in 
 execution oUhz'Directorj for the Pubiick 
 WorfhipofGGD. 
 
 T$&£$B* awn ComtwmraCtem&te]) to par. 
 Itauunt.mWngtntofeiiouB cor.fiotja I u tfce 
 ncnifsia jjiiCcBDcnienctjei ttist feauc aitftn bp 
 tfi?7Boo&of<£omraon*pjaf er in t|U fttrgscflu^uB 
 WColiljrg, acceding to tfctir Covenant topfcrme 
 wtigion acceding to tlj* mo& of #oD> ana t&e 
 ijctrnplt of i%t betl rcfrjmea Cfjari^ss , (ato &ene 
 faltea mft r$c teuereuB 5 ^ioaes auc fcta/nea £>U 
 fcfm $ cfri:e& tog? ii.^r *o t$at purpofg^ua to junge 
 ft necrtfary tfmi tl* fats Tooofc ot <E jmrcoB.pmpet 
 fee otiDUil;co <, aniiUic Drcdory £ej rfce puMtcfc 
 ZWoxfyip of €>o&, fj:r€fnatotncr,t{oscB 6* ffla* 
 fcUrtjJBana o&fsrfcea in all tjjs Cbwcges tottijui 
 t&i* fefngacait ; tsc it t&errfo;e gDiaeinxft fcg tu* 
 Mortis amiCottiBumaaCtembttB fojp3rt!amM!t,rbat 
 tftc <§>:atat* sf tbt feeonfc asta tuiro peer w of Wv% 
 BlAa at§2 Stt$,?ii?ituiei7,3L$ep?staUv fontotuftag 
 Uatfajouti? oJ^it»tf«,ai!B asu-lsmraticn cf<& la- 
 ment, $r. &aa ;tit<§rafut?-6f rtie fift& ana 8jct& 
 ff ertg of toe lame &*u#> JiiHteaU d, Cttfojmtt? of 
 I9;a?*r, ana Ja.oa.f<il3vaifon of ^st* anient*, fljall 
 fa aft a in $% & feasts &k\j fo ainc& of tfji^atutt af 
 
 a x tfjt 
 
(') 
 
 tTjf foff vcrreof Q'.ifcnti eaberfujntftuTeD^njfte 
 njci([b-:CtiHfuu!u^Dfp;aver,5iiT>acp,tiUft!a ion if 
 ^).icta«uasa,fle micetns tf> CaiCB 'ok ofCti-ommon 
 pane, anD the tfuifojinftp'of p;aj?cr. anDattrlif* 
 tiraciciT of tfn&^uaw.t ■■\t91Qiira roinucb of toe <g>tj* 
 turc of rfie fifcuyrcrc of tbeiamt-oeen , tfmttolcD, 
 ^y? to&ofc £);S:r,:!;e ^fble rna TSooft o'vL» am o;i s 
 P*a?er tyall bcfcfar,fl.4teotMo tl)c asttlrf^ogur, 
 as concerns toe Booi of coiimio.j piayer : ^CriO (0 
 niucfj of t&c Statute of t&e ertrntb peer? of trje fame 
 ^i ifcn,5?irtt£u(to ? 3tl^€ts maDc lip?mp pcttcDfinre 
 p imo hiiz. fot tlje confeetattng. 31niKftin£, 9f* of 
 an? ^tcbofiTjop?oi "^tBjop , $Alt utgooBraecor* 
 terns 13c fatauoofc-, beanarrahu fiomocncefojitotc* 
 prafro, uotti, ann of none rfFccrto all intents, coi;* 
 ftcuc tons annpurpofes U'i;2ffotort: anD tfcat toe 
 fain book of cSominott (Ojagfri u.aU not remain ox 
 be tioin fcciittfoicb itfeo in an? CJjttteij 0; G£f>appef, 
 0: t-laceof publick tiffliojfl/tp , loUUn tbc&fngoomc 
 
 of n«lind,o;DJW(K!oilof«Va|esanT>tftat rftt'Di e« 
 do tv for ;.<ub ten uQl^ip^erUn fcr fe^cfi.Oiall tie 
 l)encc vo:rtj n r eD p utucD anD obrerocD-afrori -1113 to 
 tbt true intent ano me an ins of this <D/Dfnai?ce , f« 
 alrjccrcifeaof the piittlrka3ro;<Mpot4pob,tntOfrg 
 Contrrega i m,(£rjiiveri(£i)appe?,a!iD piece of otib* 
 I ck fflAoVbtU) tefcfcln i&u EtnnrDcwe rf Erg and, 
 £;rD 0?m(R«on of vVik s ; lofcfcb Df.crorp for the 
 piiblfcK aat-Jiiljtpjf 9oD, telto f!;e preface tfce^ecf 
 foliattutb.&iD itlafortQcrojDafntobptbe 9utl»;* 
 tft?nr"orcfato> i£tet i&rie (ball be prow'DeD at the 
 c')arg:of eoer? I'arfft) 0* £b*ppr'ry fn tfyfa realm 
 or ngani.anD Dominion of Wa'es, a fair regiller; 
 iiooH of Uffott to be kept dp toe spfoifler anD ce&er 
 ©fFirtreofffjeQ£»)nrcb,atftttbattbc Barnes of alt 
 c ntlcreriD tnynfeo, anD oftb/fc pircntf, anD of t!;c 
 tii»to F tbrfr bfrtb ann bsutirflng (ball be nnfttin $ 
 fosoton b? tt)e e^fnfPcr tbtretn : anD a!fo tbe 
 ftnmM ofal'oerfim g£arr(en t&ere, *nD ttje ttwt 
 of cbc£ r$J irr*a 51: anD alto tbe jQameif of af ( pe/fons 
 fcutltD in t!;as parfilj 1 anD c&t time of ttjcir ce ati> 
 
 ano 
 
ant) taftff$3&nQ r^af t^talD hmk ny\l It ?&$m$ 
 .hv m% as rfrp tl>« fniiC to nV 'vtrfe,\s xt-,l n !)»?» 
 .Scfirnft. ro (met) for tat bh-?]j,ba-p ilirvg 3 £pm$e£$ 
 rr mirror ajn> prrfm tfj>wt» «*#f?r*r$ crr'a u> 
 
 THE 
 
(4) 
 
 «& i- © $ fe <$ -$»$ <$ **ft g, •&$,,£ $ <f»$ •$$& *» 
 
 THE 
 
 PRE F AC E- 
 
 M the beginning of the blef- 
 fed Refofgnation,our yife and 
 pious Anceftourstook care to 
 fet forth anOrder for redrefle 
 of many things , which they, 
 then,by the Word difcovered 
 to be Vain Erroneous , Super- 
 Ititious, and Idolatrous in the 
 Pit'olickWorjhipof God. This occaGoned many 
 Cod y and Learned mento rejoyce much in the 
 Book of Common P.ayer, at that time ft forth ; 
 Becau(e the Made , and th~ reft of the Latine 
 Service be; n g renoved,the Publick Worfhip was 
 celebrated in our own Tongue ; many of the 
 Common people alfo received beneficby hearing 
 thz Scriptures read in their own Language, 
 which formerly were unto th:m as a Book that 
 is r caled . 
 
 Hawbeit/iong: mi fad experience hath made it 
 maaifeft, > hit the Lkurgieufed in the' hurch 
 ot*£^/»i (notwithftand-ng all the pa'ns and 
 cligioas intentions of the 'compiler of i ) hath 
 ev :4 n of.- \:: 1 no; o a\Y to many of th: god- 
 ly 
 
The Preface. % 
 
 Jyathome, brtalfo to the Reformed Churches 
 abroad For, not to fpeak of urging theReading of 
 all die prayers, which very greatly increafed the 
 burden of it, the many unprofitable and burden- 
 fome Ceremonies, contained in it ,have occasioned 
 much mTchie(,as well by difquieting t K . coaicien- 
 eesofmany Godly Mini iters & people, w ho could 
 not yeeld unto them, as by depriving them of the 
 Ordinances of God, which they might not enj )y 
 without conforming or fubferibmg tothofe Cere- 
 monies. Sundry good Chriftians have been by 
 meanes thereof kepc from the Lords Table, & di- 
 vers able and faithfullMinifters departed from tha 
 exercifeoftieir Minift.y to the endangering of 
 many thoufand foils, in a time of fuch .carcity of 
 faithfull Pailo s, & fpoiied o: their livelyhood,f:^ 
 the undoing of them and their families! Prelates 
 and their Fa&ion.have laboured to taiferh; cfti- 
 mition of it to itch an helg'Ujas if there were no 
 otlur Worth p,or way of W3rih : p r ofGid auiongffc 
 us,bat only th: Service B ;>ok • to th- great hin-ie- 
 rance of the Preaching of thj Word,and ( in fome 
 places, efpecially of iate):o the j iflllng of it out, 
 as unneceftaryi or (at beft ) as far inferiour to rh* 
 reading of r ommon player, which was made no 
 better then an tiol by many ignorant and fuper- 
 flitious people, who plealing themfelves in their 
 prefence at that Service^ and their Lp- labour in 
 bearing a part in it^have thereby hardened thenf* 
 feT^es in theic ignorance, and carelefnefs of faying 
 knowledge a.d true piety. 
 
 J& ,tji$ nieaa time Papifts boaftcd,, that the 
 A- 4. Boo! 
 
P T be V re face. 
 
 Bd k wjsaro npliinee w'th rbem in a great part 
 of their fcrvicc, and fj were not a little confi med 
 in thcic ftiperftltion and Idolatry, cxpeSing rather 
 cur return to tbem, tlenendenouring he Refer- 
 ma-ion cf thcmfelves: In which expiation they 
 were of lare very much encoursgeJ, when, upon the 
 pretended warr nrablenefTeofimp fingof the for- 
 mer Ceremonies, new ones w.rc cUiy obtruded 
 upon ifccCbur b, 
 
 Addc hereunto (*bkh was not fore-.een , b«t 
 fincc bathe -m; to f\jflc) that the Lftufgte huh 
 been igre3t means, as on the one h^nd to mike 
 and iacrraf: an idk and unedifying Ministry, 
 which c n emed itfelf wii'h fee Formes m .de to 
 their binas by others, without putting forth 
 thcmfelvesto cxeicifethe j>ift of prayer, with 
 which our Lord Jefus Chrift pleafe h ro fyrnirfi 
 ail his imams whom he calls to that Office; So on 
 the ether fide i; bath been f and ever would be , if 
 continued ) a matt Jr of endlefle flrifc and conun- 
 tion in the ?butch,ind a fnare both to many godly 
 and fauhiu.U Minirters , who have been perfecuted 
 nod filenredup' n that occaficn.ai d to oth<n cf 
 hope full parts, mny of which have b.-en^nd m >fc 
 iiili woulJ bt Evened from all thought cftheM'- 
 rullcry to t ther ft^c'ksj efpecially thefe liter 
 times, wherein God \o\ chfafe'b to bis People more 
 and be-tcr means for the difco ery of Errour and 
 SupjrftWon, and for attaining of knowledge in the 
 fcjyftfries of Gc dinette , and gifts in Preaching 
 and Player. 
 
 ** on thefe, and many the hkt wxigh*- confide- 
 
 tationr, 
 
^heTreface. j 
 
 rations , in reference to the. .wh*&; Boot in ge ; 
 
 n-r al and tecaufe of diver, jSasriKulats eon-tat- 
 ncd-in k; not from any love to Novekv ;oi ■inten- 
 tion to dilpargc our M Reformers ; (otwnGai. 
 we arc p.rfwaded, that, were cley now a ne, 
 they would joyn with us in this wo.k, and whom; 
 we acknowledge as excellent inftrumencs , ia:Ld; 
 by God to begin the purging and bu.Wing ot- 
 his.rioufe,8c ckuVcthey may be had of us and our 
 l'ofterirv n everiaft'n g remembrance^ t-nthank- 
 Vulncifcand honour;; but that we may m Some 
 nscafure answer the gracious Providence oi God, 
 which at this arc called upon us for further 
 Keferrartion j and may fatisfieour own Conici- 
 ences, andanfwer the expectation of other Re-; 
 formed t hurches, and thtfdcfires of miny or f he 
 godly among ourfelves , " and whha 1 give fore 
 pubhckTtftimonyofour endeavours f,r llr.for- 
 mi y m Divine Worfhip, which wc-ha^e promiicd 
 in our folemne League and Covenant ; We have, 
 after earneft snd frequent calling upon the Nan e 
 of God , and after much confutation , noc with 
 flefh and blood , but with his Holy Word , 
 reiolved to lay afide the former Liturgie , 
 with the many Rites and Ceremonies formerly 
 ufed in the Worfhip of God, And haveagued 
 upon this following Tfremiy for ail the ports of 
 I J ublickWpr{Jiip~ac ordinary and extraordinary 
 times. ' 
 
 Wherein our eare hath Seen to hold forth fuch 
 
 things as are of divine Inftitution in every Ordi- 
 
 nancej ar^ other things we have endeavoured to 
 
 A 5 fee 
 
T^ Preface. 
 ft rth according to zhz Rales of Chriftian Pru- 
 deace, agreablc 10 C >e general Rules of the Word 
 ot vj-'x.vj a ai-i ,mg therein being only that the 
 generals heads, tne fence and fc-jpe of the Prayers 
 and other pi tsor jpubl.qie YVo t ih p beingkown 
 to all,thete may be a conient or" all the Churches, 
 in th<>fethingr~that contain .he fubftance o: the 
 Service and Worth. p of G >d g And the Minifters 
 maybe hereby dire&edin their Adrainiftration* to 
 keep like foundnelfe in Dactrine and Prayer^and 
 may, if needbe,have fome help and furniture: 
 Aud yet fo , a s they become not hereby flothf all 
 and negligent in ftirring up the gifts or Chnft in 
 them : B u,thateach one by medttation,by r aking 
 heedtohmfclf and the Flock of God committed 
 to him aad by Wi fe obferving the wayes of Divine 
 Providence 3 may be carefull to furnilh his heart 
 and tongue with further , or other materialis of 
 Prayer and Exhartacioa ,as (hall beneedfuli up- 
 on all occafiorw. 
 
 A'DEKECTO- 
 
(9) 
 
 A DIRECTORY. 
 
 FOR 
 
 Pl blick Prpy-er , Reading the Holy 
 
 Scriptures , Singing of P falms PEeachiRg 
 
 of the War.} , Ad-ninifttatioti of tee 
 
 S.C-* icnts > and otlscr pft r* of the 
 
 Publck Wo fh p of Goi , 
 
 Oidinary and Exra- 
 
 ordmsr/. 
 
 OftbeaffcmblingofTbe Cwgregzwv * andtbct r 
 btbiviouY tn ibe Public k Wj'fhip ef God. 
 
 Hen t'arC^ng^fa'ion is co 
 -msec for puj ick W arfhip ? the 
 people (^avuig before pfepire^J 
 their hearts tfceFeimto) oa^hc 
 all to come an : joyn t herein : 
 not a n'en^ng thenrfclvcs from 
 w tht pu.ilick Ordinances, t-hrougb 
 neglgnce, or upon Pr tcn^tof ptivatemeetings. 
 Ltt all enter the AtfembU, vet irreverently, lue 
 in a grave and feemly winner, t ke ercir feats or 
 places withour Ado.ation, or -Bowbg t^emfelves 
 8€war<?l on; place or other, 
 
 Th« Congregation bring a&mbkd 3 the Ma- 
 
 n;tt- 
 
l o The ss4Jfcmb!yQfthe,&c, 
 
 rifle, aftberfolemn a!li< g them to the Wfrr&fffc, 
 ping of t eg cat name of Goa , is to b^in with 
 P;ayer ; 
 
 la *ll R verence *nd Httmi/iy at\ fa' edging 
 tbe bump b nfibU Grcdtnefle r.gd m j-fiy of the 
 Lord ( in r*ho(e,r, fence the, do xben in a (ft hll 
 wanner appear) and xhti- ewn viiene'fe and un wor- 
 tbintfs to apfvdb fo near b w, witb tbiir utter ina 
 bil\) ofibemf Ives to fo grett a wor^ : And humbly 
 bifecbmgbm for par don y Affiance , and ACtep- 
 ance m the wbele Service tb n to be performed j 
 end for ablef/itigon tbta particular portion of his 
 Word then to be read : and aU in the name tnl me- 
 diat ion of tbe Lo,d fcf.'u Chrii. 
 
 The publick woiili p being begun, tbe People 
 3'C i»h)ll io attend upon it 5 fo be ring to read 
 any thing , <x cpt wnat tbe N iniitct is ihi,n read- 
 ing or citing 5 and abftaining much nooie from ail 
 private whifptriri£S > con'erence< > fzlu:a:ions,o 1 - do- 
 ing reverence to any Pcrfons prefenr, or coming ioj 
 as alfofrom all g ling 1 , fieepirg , and other unde- 
 eent beaviour , wKiich may diitur.bthe A/inifier or 
 PiOp!c,or hii dcFthcmfelves or othtrs io the fervk.e 
 of God. 
 
 Iftny tbrca»h ncaffitr b: bi'nired from being 
 erefcnt at tbe beginning, tbey ought not, when they 
 coin;; in o t' e Congregation , to betake themfeives 
 to their private devotions, but rcve/erriy to compofe 
 tbemfe ves to joyn with the affcmbly in that Ordi- 
 nance of Gcd which is ihcn la haai 
 
 ef 
 
(II.) 
 
 Qf*Fublisk&e*dirg tfibt Hoy Scriptures, 
 
 REa irsg of c c word ii the Co greg tion , 
 being pare of the • f ubl.'qu: VVorlh p of 
 God 3 ffib einweje no lec'gj our depen- 
 dance upon bir. , an 1 iibj dioa 10 bim ) and 
 one mean* lan6 ifi 'd by Mm for ib; tdifyi g of his 
 Peop t is to be p'rforcred by the PaH^is and 
 T cachet s 
 
 Hortbdc foch as intend the Minfery, may ce« 
 ctfiona'ly both :eai .he Wcri , and cS&tfe their 
 gift in Prcac'i g «q the Coi gr<g ti^> , if allowed 
 by the PrcsS.tt' y chcreunm. 
 
 Aitth CtnOiical Socks of the O'dand N.w 
 T-itament, (but no e of 'thofe wk'cb a e com- 
 monly called >.p crvpha ) ("hah i c pl| jqurfy 
 rcu in tibcvuLar tongue, ou of the i eft allc w?d 
 Tra? flition , diftir.dly 3 that all may kear ani 
 Binder itand. 
 
 Ho* large a p:rrcn fhi^i be res^ a- on ce/s fe r t 
 to the Wifdocne of the M<ni#e.. : Bu it is convc- 
 i- ient, tbat crdi;v. ril)y on e CbapOrof eacVM efta- 
 ment be read sr every me<ting$ and fomeumes 
 ir)ore,fvhcre t HeC hapters-be fhert, or t{ e coherence 
 ofinirerrfquirethit 
 
 Itisrequi lite that all the CinorJe.:l £orfc?s b? 
 Fead over in order, that the People a>a* be let, 
 txt acqua ntel with the who e body of the Scri- 
 ps e: And ordinarily, v*he;e to.- nadi- gon eiih : r 
 Ttftam neend-timi one Lortfidiy, icis to begin 
 sacaezu 
 
I * OfpHblicJ^ reading the H. Scriptures* 
 
 Wecommena alb the more f rv t KelJir g 
 of ,uch$cr p ures, as-hettnt a cth tha'l thin* 
 b*A £cr education of iji.ikaiir 5 a ibe Book of 
 P aims, an J uxiLkr. 
 
 VVn.-n the Mi ,ift:r , uho r. a icta, ftal 1 Hdfce 
 itnecffr/ to cxpuin.i any par of, -I a is ici j 
 J't icno: be done u^till the wbjl? t.amr or 
 P alfl blended : .and r gi d *s alway o be 
 fetluu athe tim?, thacre tb r iv ciingo? vuhcr 
 P dioances be i.raitntd , o r^artd ledicus 5 
 whefc . ole is 10 be oblCi wed k\ a.i otner publuk 
 r«f<) m ncet. 
 
 £ fi fe p'jbli.k Reading cf the brly Scrip. urr, 
 *very pe f jntikCca;i read, s .0 be exhorted to te*4 
 tb: S.r jKurrs p«i#j fly ( 2a d -til othc s hat can- 
 not rca u if n m d.ftbl d py »{*: or ort.crwi'e , ar:i 
 lkjttir to be .xh«;?d to!c*rotp jcad^ar.^ito 
 ha«e*2Kbl«. 
 
 OfVufa\ T a yixbifm t\t Sr/vunt. 
 
 i 
 
 AFter ReuLtag of 'he Word ^ and ^0£irg *>* 
 thepfalm )t e Mi via who is ta f Ma-cb, 13 
 to«nd«a*oart g t Liso<«n »r\d tearcirs bea tsto 
 be rigktly affcA . mitb fcjr fins , t£it rber may 
 al >nuarn in Unc- ; ereo' before the Ixnd a and 
 banger and tbUft «foe -the race of God n Jefus 
 Cbris* 3 bT .procoedioj .0 a more full Confcfiion of 
 ill nt.h fti me a id holy confufion of face £iad ,.0 
 -call upon the Lord to this effeft. 
 
( f P ray ir before the Sermon* * 3 
 
 1o acknowledge ou^ great fin fuimfjky R«?/l y bjf 
 reafon, of Original fin , which ( bifida the guilt 
 tbit raises us Uible to evifUfting damnation ) is 
 the feed o c aU other fin , hath depraved azd poyjo4ed 
 all the faculties and powers of font and body , doth 
 defile our b$b actions , and ( sense it n-n re\t< aw- 
 ed, as our beam renewed by SrAce ) woidi brc&\ 
 jor h imumtrihle tranfgrefims , and greatefl re* 
 be'diens ag •&$ the Lord^ that evir wae committed 
 by the vilest of ' ihi fo.-is of men. And next by rea" 
 [on of aft uxU fins, our own fins the fins of Magi- 
 firates, vf Mimfrers , and of the whole Nation, 
 unto wbuh we are mmy wiyes accejfary. which 
 fi -is of ours receive many fearfuU Aggravations , wfi 
 biv'm^brd'ien ill ibe commandments of [be botj,jx!l 
 Adn good Law of Go { 9 doing that wbub is jorbii* 
 ^den, and Uaving undone what is enjoysed^ and that 
 mt onely ou of ignorance and infirmity , but ilfo 
 more prefumptuo,ifly againft the tight of our mind-, 
 checks of our confeiences, and motions of his own 
 b)'y Spirit t9 the contrary , fo that we have no clonk 
 for our fins, Ye*, n t onelf deffifagtbe iiches of 
 Oods godnefie, forbearance jtnd long-fuffmng , but 
 poinding out againjt many invitations and offers of 
 Grace in the G ofp.' I, not endeavouring m arte ought, 
 to receive (jvnfi into cm hearts byfwb, of io waUi 
 -worthy of him in our lives. 
 
 To bewail our blindfieffe of tmnd , hardnefe »f 
 heart, unbelief, impenkency, fecurky ,{ukwam$ae§ % , 
 bmemtfs,ouf mt end* avowing after monifiation 
 & newnefs ofUfs, nor after the exercife efgodltnefs 
 intbepwr tbsmfy-mi that the be$ of m have 
 
 •not 
 
I 14 Qf^r/tyer before the Sermon. 
 
 1 not fo (ledfaflly walked with ^ od^cpl our gm mivitl 
 fo ujifpottccf, nor been foyaloui 0/ his glory „nd the 
 good if other*, as we ought, and to itrttirn over futh 
 other fins its the Congregation is particularly gutity 
 of', noiwi;hflandi;g iht ma .if old and great mercies 
 oj o<r Cod, the hjeye of Cbr (I , the Ugh t of the 
 Co/pit, and lifarrr.ai'wi oj Religion, our own Pu<~- 
 pofes, tromifis,zowsfrol mne Covenant 5 and other 
 Ipeciatt obligations to the contrary. 
 
 To ac\nowl dge and conffi ,'h.;t, as we a r c con- 
 vinced of out guilt - y ft out a dep finfi thereof 
 we judge our /elves unno' thy of th. I malic fl befttjhty 
 nioft worth? of Cod 1 fitrcdi wrath , and oj all the 
 Curfesofthc Lnw 9 and hcavkji Judgements infli* 
 fled upon the rru\t nbcliious fmn rs; and V at hs 
 wight moS jusll. xa\e his Kjngdome and Cofpel 
 from us pUgue us v.-iih all fans of faint nail and 
 temporal judgements in this lv~c , ad after cafl us 
 into utter dar^m [ft, in the take ihxt buraeth with 
 fire and br'mfltn'', where is weeping and gnrfhir.g of 
 teeth for cvertxorc, 
 
 Notvrithsiat:ding all which , to draw near » the 
 Throne Grace, encouraging our [elves with h oe 
 of a gracious Anfwcr of our Tiayers , in thetuv-.s 
 und alfufficiencf of that D>.ly one oblation , the [a- 
 tis f aCiion and inter ciffion of the Lurd Jtfii* 
 thrift, at the rtgH b.indof: his Father , and oar 
 Fatbe-i land in confidence of the exceeding great and 
 precious From:fts of mercy and grace in the , New 
 Covnant , through the fame Medial our thereof y 
 to deprecate the heavy wrath and irttfe of God, 
 which &e ate not able to avoids or hc&r 3 asdhnm- 
 
Cffrayer he fore the Sermon. I % 
 
 bly \ and errncfrly to fupplicatefor mercy in the free 
 mdfuttremifsionof alt our fins 3 and that on'y for 
 
 the bitter fuff.rings, and precious merits oj that cur 
 only Saviour jefusCh rill. 
 
 That the Lo d would vouchfafe to find abroad his 
 love in our hearts by ihe Haly Ghoft 9 feal unto us by 
 th-2 fime Spirit of Ad optionee full /iff uranct of out 
 harden and Reconciliation^ comfort all that mourn 
 in Syon, (peak P^ ce to the wounded ani troubled 
 [p'rh' y am hinde up the broken hearted : And as 
 for (ecure ani prefumptmus finnersjhat hz would 
 open ihcir eyes, convince their Confdenc scandium 
 tfcmfrom d \r\mft unto light f and f om the gower 
 o ' Satan unto God, that they alfo may receive for* 
 givemfie of fin y and an inheritance am/ag theft lhat 
 fivefiinclified by F«ith in Cbufl Jefu . 
 With Kemifsion of fin through the blood ofcbnft 3 
 To p ay^o fan edification by hh Jpirii: the Morti- 
 fication o' fin dwliing in , and many times tyrinm- 
 <?lng ever us the qacfyiing of our dead fp tits with 
 the li e of God in Chiisi, grace to fit and enable 
 for all du'ies of conversion, and calling- towards 
 Godandmcn* sir cngth cgamfr temptations the fan* 
 & fied ufe ol blefsings and cre%h, and per fever ance 
 injaitb, rod obedience unto the end. 
 
 To pray 'or the propagation o the Gofpel &Kj*g' 
 dom o Christ to all nations for the conv rfions o the 
 Jews the lu'mfi: o c the Gentile > y ihj&U o r Ami- 
 chriH, gni the baHning o r t':ep x cPnd coming oj our 
 Lord; for the delverancs of the dif}r<(jed churches 
 abroad from the tyranny o r ihe Antichnflian faftion 
 and, romthi cruel op?} ef> ions & blasphemies o' the 
 
 • — Zurlii 
 
1 5 Of Prayer before the Serns on. 
 
 Tur\ : for the b'ejjtng ofGoi vpoa aII [the reformed 
 
 Cburcbes -e foe tally upon ibe iburiha ani K* g- 
 
 deme tfEi%\ind, Scovzup, a <;/ f, ebn<I, now mot 
 
 Jliittlj and r digit uflj un.teJ1.4t.be foiemte Hitio- 
 
 tiatl Lejgue tnd Cohewfic s aui for our planti>i>n>n 
 
 the remote pirts of the wvrui : m» e pa* tuitUr lifts 
 
 that Church's ini Kjn^domz #be'e<fw: are Mam • 
 
 btrs 3 tbit thsfiinGod vould eftablfb Tezce and 
 
 Truth} the purity u f a u fa Ordinances , and the 
 
 power 0} GodlinejZe ; prevent and remove Hrifie , 
 
 Scbsft&e, profatsaeefs.S .pefthloi- S ecu it ^ini ms- 
 
 fruitfuhrjfs ml r ibe mc^ns cf Grace 9 bt.al a'l our 
 
 rent, ani divifhn , and pftfjprpeM front breach rf 
 
 eur ColmnzOvmiut, 
 
 To praj for all in a iihoAty. efnesially for ib» Kjn&l 
 M.j.jesly,tbat God wva'.i mr\t h rnri.b in blefifilt f 
 L'Q.b in bis perfoi an I \e>jirqmeni ; pjltf rfi hs 
 Throne in J^eli^on aid KiM&wfoi&t^ five h.m 
 from evilco;inp:U an\ mh him x b/cjj'ti aidgl^ 
 riom fa/frument for the to . fervtuhn itid propa&a* 
 tionrfi.be Gofpil, f,r <h> t.r.s.ir.v^cmnl andp o- 
 teck 09 ofioe/a tbxt do ¥dl 9 the terrour of A'l *bit 
 do evil, did the grett gosd of the robo'e Chu ch y 
 ani of aM hi Rjngioma > for ibt confer f on ofibz 
 £>Hzcn,cbe reh^iws education gf the Prince , 1*4 
 tb: ftk rf the Roy a I f:ej j for the cmfomng of 
 tbezfflM->J £!^:cnofMsmii , jUtr nhtr Sove- 
 rttfft, aid for (be restitution ani editil'jhnent of 
 tbc UU'iiriou* V ince Cbi le:. tl> :pr P / tre of 
 tin ■? h '*c, tt Ml bis D -iin:oMi c. n i r JL i ■ f , for 
 a bUtfi gupon tbe H gb fyurt of ^^lUvt.u; .. (rp'^n 
 fittiU£hanj oftbife fyigltm*^ refperfive.y ) the 
 
 Hobiliij 
 
Of Tray er before the Sermon 1 7 
 
 Nobility, the fubordinate Judges and Magiflrat eh 
 the Gentry and all 1 he Commonalty ; For ell Pallor* 
 and Teachers, thzt God would fill them with his 
 Spirit,m -\e them exemplary holy^ fober,ji$, l seace» 
 able , and gracious in the^r lives , found, faitbfull 
 and powerful! in their mhiflry , and follow all their 
 laboirs with abundance of fucceffe and bleffing; and 
 give unto all his people Paftours according to his 
 own heart -, For the vnniver fides , and all Schools, 
 and Religio m femin irks of Church md Common- 
 wealth, thxtthi miy flourifh more and mo-re in 
 Learning and Piety , for the pirticuhr City of 
 Congregation, that God would pour out a bkffing 
 upon the Miriiflry of the Word, Sacraments and D> 
 fcipline, upon the Civil Government, and all the fe* 
 verall faml'ies and perfons therein ; For mercy to 
 the a ffl Bei under any raw ri or outwzrd di- 
 slreff'e; r or feafbtuble w ather and ft mf Wife a fans, 
 as the ti*ne may require-, fir avertitg the judge, 
 meats that we either feel or fta- , or are Hah U 
 unto, as famine, fafliU'ace 9 the Svord , and fuch 
 like. - 
 
 Ati, with anfidev.ee of his mercy to his whole 
 Church 3 and the acceptance of our perfons through 
 the ments and mediation of <u? great Hif^h PrieH 
 the Lrd Jtfm, to p offj'e th -t it is the defire of our 
 fou's to hav* ftllowjbip wjthGodin the reverent 
 ani confc'ionahle ufeofhkhly d nines , and to 
 thit p'Jrt)o r c to pray earn-ft'y fir hi* k*ace and 
 tff ct alia fjil race to the Iw^ificfioii rfhii hny 
 Sz'b.uh, the Lords nay, in a the dutit>- th "reo^ 
 piib'ic'i m i private, both to cis ■ fives ? and to aU 
 
 tither 
 
1 8 Cf prayer before the Sermcn. 
 other Congregations of 'bit V 'top U , accord, ng to tb 
 Riches mi rxalltny oftbiGJpd tbii day cikbrat 
 tdaitden]>ynid. 
 
 ^ zfnd, iifcuu'ewe have hecn unprofitable bearers 
 in times pc8,jni now. cannot of our f elves receive 
 as ivejboxld, the deep thing- < if God , the mifierie* 
 °f 7'f kS Cbnfty which rtq.ir. a fpMtuall dtii rn« 
 ing 9 to pray that the Led who ttxibeih to p-.ofi', 
 would grucioujly pi af'c to po r out tb$ Spirit of 
 G ice , together wlib ihi outward meant thereof, 
 c<;nf;ng us 10 atta-n fuih a meafure of the excellen- 
 cy of the {vow.'eJge of C'.rli j<fuj our Lori^ tnd in 
 hm of the things which btUg tcoir ?cd:e , 'bat 
 ws may account all things bui a dreffi in toMfat'f 
 ft i (fb m ; And that we, t.ftitg the fit SI fruin of 
 the glcy thatis to ba cvuUd t m >y lung for i m>rc 
 full a,.d\cfcCi Communion w tb h m , vat where 
 be is vet may be alfo, and enjey the fnln,ffe of tbofe 
 jys undptiafurei, w'i'ub art at bis rig t bund for 
 tvirmu. 
 
 AUrepir hull !y , tb i God would in fpeeull 
 manner f urn f\) his Servant 3 (rgvtf called to iifoetce 
 the bread of life unto bisbo-JJ) ld 9 ) wi h wifdmc, 
 file my, \'il aid utterance j that be my d viae + 
 the W.r » of G d a ij:-t , w evey one /;;i portion 
 in eviUen.e and demnft ration of the Spit avd 
 Paiver\a»d \h t the Lo/d would circumcije the 
 tires andbearu of the Haters^ to hear , love and 
 receive w,.b mnktufft the ingrafted Word^wbicb is 
 able to [ave their fouls jnalet thenar good g>o ,rd to 
 recrivsintbt g*od feed of the wird ar.d [trcngibm _ 
 tbem again'i the temptations of sum t ;be ca*e> of 
 
 tbt 
 
Cf prayer be fore -the Sermon. 19 
 
 the World , the hardntfe of iheir own hearts , and 
 rohjj(ocvtrelfe may binder their profitable and fa- 
 wn? hearing ; that fo Cbrift may be fo formed in 
 them and live in ib.m'tbU all their thoughts may 
 be ki ought into captivity , to the obedknee o f C^'ifU 
 and their heart, cfiabifyedin every goodwood and 
 voi-i for ever 
 
 .We judge this to be a convenient Order, 
 in the ordinary publick Prayers 3 yet To, as the 
 Minifter may deferre(as in Prudence he fha:l rhink 
 meet) fome part of th.fe Petitions, till after his 
 Sermon, or offer up to God fome of the Thankf- 
 givings, hereafter appointed, in his prayer before 
 hitSermon. 
 
 .Of the Preaching eftbe Word, 
 
 P Reaching of the Word , being the power 0*" 
 God unto falvation, and one of th" greateft 
 and moll excellent Works belonging tc the Mi- 
 niftry of the G jfpel, mould be fo performed , that 
 the Workman need not be afhaifted , but may 
 fave himfelf, f.nd thofe that hear him. 
 
 It is prefuppo fed (according to the Rules for 
 Ordination ) that the Minifter of Cbrift is in fome 
 gocd meafure gifted for lo weighty a fcryice by his 
 skill in the Origin all I anguages, and infueh Arts 
 and Sciences as are handmaids unto Divinity, 
 by his knowledge : n the whole body or Theo- 
 logy * but 'mo ft. of all in the holy Scriptures, ha- 
 ving bis fenfes and heart exercifed in thera above 
 
 the 
 
lO Of the preaching of the Word. 
 
 the common fort of Believers, and by the illu- 
 mination of Gods Spirit, and ether gifts of 
 edification, which, ( together with reading and 
 ftudyingofthe Werd )he ought (till tofeek by 
 Pia)er,and an hun.ble heart , refolving to admit 
 and receive any truth n#t yet attained , when 
 ever God (hall make it known umo him. All 
 which he is to make ufeof, and approve in his 
 private preparations, before he deliver in pubLck 
 what he hath provided. 
 
 Ordinarily , the fubjedof his Sermon is to be 
 fome Text or Scripture, holding forth Ibme prin- 
 ciple or head of Religion} or iuitable to fome fpe- 
 cia occaiicn emergent 5 or he may go on in feme 
 i hapter , Pfalme. or Book of the Scrirture, as he 
 fhall fee fit. 
 
 Let the Introduction to his Text re brief and 
 per fpicuous, drawn from the text it felf , or con- 
 text , or fome paiaiel place of generall kntencc 
 of Scripture. 
 
 If the Text be long (as in Hiftcricsravd para- 
 bles it fbmetime; mult be) let himgve a brief 
 fum of it ; ifihorra paraphrafc ihereof,if need b«: 
 in both,looking diligently to the fcopeof tht'Text, 
 and pointing at the chief heads and grounds ef 
 Do&rlne, which he is to raife from it. 
 
 In Analyfing and dividing his Text,he is te re- 
 gard more the order of matter , then of words > 
 and neither to burden'the memory of the hearers 
 in the begining, with too many members of Di» 
 virion , nor to trouble their minds with ebfeure 
 •ermcsofArt. ' 
 
 In 
 
Of 'preaching of the Word, j 
 
 In railing Doctrines from the Text , his care 
 ought to be, Firft, that the matter be the truth of 
 Hod. Secondly , that it be a truth contained in or 
 grounded on that T.xt, that the hearers may dif* 
 cem how Q od teacheth it from thence : Thirdly, 
 that he chiefly iniift upon tfeofe Dcdrines which 
 are principally intended, and make inoft for the 
 edification of the hearers 
 
 The Dc&rine is to be expreffed in plan terms • 
 or if any thing in it need explication, it is to be <£ 
 pened,ond he confequence alfo tromthe Text 
 e'eared. The paralel places of Scripture confirm- 
 ing the Dodrine, are rather to be plain and per- 
 tiuent,then many, and (if need be) fomewhac 
 jnfifted upon, and applied to the purpole in 
 hand. r 
 
 The argun.fnts or reafonsare tobefo'id; and, 
 as much as may be, convincing. The Hluftrations 
 of what kind foever, or give to be full of light,and 
 luch as may convey the truth into the hearers 
 heart with fpirituall delight. 
 
 If any doub^obvious from Scripture, Re afon or 
 Prejc -di4fc of the hearers, ie<ra to arife,itis very 
 rcquiiite to rrmeve it,by reconciling the feeming 
 difcencc^an^e^ the reafons,and difcoveriaf 
 and raking awa> the caufes of prejudice & miftake. 
 Otherwileit is not fit to detain the hearers with 
 propounding oi anfwering win and wicked cavils, 
 wh_ch,as they are endiefs,lo the propounding and 
 anfwering of them do h more hinder then pro- 
 moee edification. " 
 
 MelMi©t*ord* in g«a«raJ Doftrine, although 
 
 »tv«r 
 
2 Qf f reaching of the Word, 
 
 never f? much cleared and confuted ,buc to brir 
 it home to fpect'all Ufc , by applicaton ro h 
 bearers : Wh?ch albeit it prove a work of grc; 
 difficulty to himfelf, squiring much prudence, ze 
 ai:d meditation, a< d to the namrali and corruj 
 inw y will be be very unpleafant j yet be is to tndci 
 Vout lopenorm it in fuch a minner,that bis At! 
 dicours may feA the word of God to be quick mA 
 power full, and a eftfeerner of tl.c thoughts and in 1 
 tents of ibe b arc j and if that any unbeliever oJ 
 ignorant perfon b? p eferir,he may ha>-e the fecre s 
 tf bis heart made manifcit , and give glory to 
 God. 
 
 Intbe Vfeof inftru&ion or Infoimation in the 
 knowledge of fome tiuth, which is a conl'equcnce 
 from bis Doctrines, he may ( when convenient^ 
 conSrm it by a few fitme Arguments frcm the text 
 in hand, and other places ot feoipture, or from the 
 nature of chat corrmon place of Divinity, whereof 
 (ha; truth is a branch. 
 
 In Confutaci >n of falfc Dc&rines, he is neither 
 to raile an old Hcrefic from the grave- nor ro men- 
 lion a bUfphemcus Opinion uuweceiTa ily : But 
 if the People b; in dinger of an crrour , be is 
 to confute it foundlyi and rndcavour to fati'he 
 their judgements and confidences : gsinit all eje- 
 ctions. 
 
 In exhorting to duties, he is, a* he ftetb cau'e 9 
 to te'ch a.i ; the oua.is that fcelp to the perfor- 
 mance of them. 
 
 In D.borcation y Reprtheniion, in publick 
 Admonition (which require ipeculi wii«k»nc , ) 
 
 let 
 
Cftke breaching of the 'Word. 2 g 
 
 let him, as there {hall becaufe, not cn!y difcov^c 
 the nature and greatnefle of the fin, with the 
 inifery attending it , but alfo (hew the danger his 
 heares are in,to be overtaken and furprized by it, 
 together with the remedies and beft way to avoid 
 ir. 
 
 In applying comfort, whether general agahft 
 all tcmations , or paukular againft leme fpecial 
 troubles and terrours,te is earefuJl to anlwer iuch 
 objections , as a troubled heart and affiicttd fpiik 
 may fuggeft to the contrary. 
 
 It is a±fo femetimes requisite to give fomeNo:es 
 of trial .(which is very profitable, especially when 
 performed by able and exreriencedMiniftenjwkh 
 circumffe&ion and pruder.ce,and thefignes cleat- 
 ly grounded on the holy Scripture, ) whereby the 
 Hearers may be able to examine themfelves,whe- 
 ther they have attained thofe Graces, and perfor- 
 med thole duties to wLch he exhorteih, or be 
 guilty of ihe finne reprehended, and in danger of 
 thejudgemeuts threatned,or arc fuch to whom the 
 Coniolaticns propounded do belcr.g 3 that accor- 
 dingly they may be quictned and excited to. Du- 
 ty^ humbled for their Wants and Sjines, afte&ed 
 with their Darger, and flrergthened with Com- 
 fort, as their condition upon examination ihaJI 
 require. 
 
 And, as he needcth not alwayes to profecute 
 every Dcftrine which lies in his text , fo is he 
 wifely to make choke of fuch llfes , as by his re- 
 (idence and converfing wiihhis fiock hefindeth 
 nioft necdfull and reafonable : and, amongft 
 B # thefc 
 
 
2 4 Of : he preach i *g of the Wo rd . 
 r l cfc 3 fuchas may moft draw their fouls to 
 C h; ift , the tountain of light , holinetfe cad com- 
 iort. 
 
 This Method 's not prescribed as necefiary for 
 every man , or upon evety text ; but onely 
 recommended, as being found by experience to 
 be very muck blefled of God, and very help- 
 ful for the peoples underftandings and memo- 
 ries. 
 
 Bjt the fervant of Chrift, whatever his Method 
 be, is to perfom his whole Miniftry. 
 
 i . Painfully, not doing the woik of the Lord 
 negligently. 
 
 z. Plain ly , that the rneaneft may underftand, 
 delivering the truth 3 not in the entifing words of 
 mars wifdom,but in deraonftration of the Spirit 
 and Power , left the Croffc ofChrift mould be 
 made of none effect ; Abftainingalfo.from an ub- 
 profitable ufe of unknown tongues, ftrange phra- 
 fes , and cadences of founds and words, fparingly 
 citing fentenccs of Ecclefiaftical, or other humane 
 writers ancient or moderne, be they never fo 
 eleganr. 
 
 3. Faithfully, looking at the honour ofChrift, 
 the converfion , edification and falvation of the 
 people not at his own gain or g'ory : Keeping no- 
 thing back which may promote thofc holy end*, 
 giuing to every one his own portion , and bearing 
 indifferent refpeft unto all , without ncgle&irg 
 the rneaneft, or fparingthe greateft in their 
 fins. 
 
 4, Wifely , framing all his Do&rines } Exhor- 
 
 tations, 
 
Of ike preaching ofths Word: 2 $ 
 rations, and efpecialty his RepiOors,in fuch a man- 
 ner as may be raoft likely to prevail, {hewing all 
 • due refped t« each mans Perlon and Place, and 
 roc mixing his own paflion or hi terr.efle. 
 
 ?. Gravely, as becomech the Word of God, 
 fhunning all fuch geflurc, voice and cxpreffions,^ 
 may occafion the corruptions of men to defpife 
 him and his Minifiry. 
 
 6. With loving affection that the People may 
 fee all com'ng frem his godly Zealand hearty de- 
 fire t© do them good. And, 
 
 7. As taight«f God,andperfwadedinhisown 
 heart, that all that he teaeheth is the truth of 
 Chriit : and walking before his flock as an exam- 
 ple to them in private • earneftly, both in private 
 and publick,recommending his labours to theblef- 
 fing of GodjSnd watchfully looking to himfelf and 
 the flock, whereof the Lord hath made him over- 
 feetjSo {hall the doctrine of truth be preferved un- 
 corrupt, many fouls converted and built up, and 
 himfelf receive manifold comforts of his labours s 
 even in his life, and afterward the £rown of glory 
 laid up for him in the world to come. 
 
 Where there are more Minifters in a Congrega- 
 tion then one,and they of different gifts ,each may 
 more fpecialiy apply himfelf to^DocVme or ex- 
 hortation, according to the gift wherein he molt 
 excelleth, and as they mail agree between them- 
 felyes . 
 
 s % of 
 
(itf) 
 
 Of Prayer after the Semox* 
 
 T^he Jermon bring ended the Minifter is, 
 
 To the thirds for the great love of God , it 
 fending bis Scnrtt Jtfus chrtfl uvto us ? For ibe 
 Communication cfbisbly Spirit • for the hgbt and 
 liberty of the gloriomCfpcl, and the ricb andbea- 
 ven'y bleffmgi revealed therein } as namely, Election, 
 Vocfitien, Ad option, Justification, Sat.tTification, And 
 hope ef Glory, Far the admirable goodveffe of God in 
 freeing tbe Land from tAmchnflun 7)arknefjc and 
 Tyranny, and fv all dber Hationall Deliverances ; 
 For i be T{tformatim of Religion > For tbe covenant ; 
 and for many temporali blefjmgs* 
 
 To pray for tbe Continuance of ibe Gefpel , ani 
 all Ordinances thereof , in their purity , power, and li- 
 btrty. 
 
 To tun the chief and mrjl ufefi.il beads of 
 ibe Setmn into feme ft* Veiitins*, and to pray 
 that it may abide in their heart, and bring forth 
 fruit. 
 
 To pray for preparation for death and judgement, 
 end a wanking for the earning of our Lord Jefus 
 Cbrift. To imrcat »f God tbe forgivenffe if the 
 iniquities of cur holy things, and tbe acceptation of 
 cur fpirituall fa',r\ fee, through the merit and media- 
 tion of our great higb-Prieft and Saviour, tbe Lord 
 Jefus Cbrift. 
 
 And becaufc the prayer w hich Chrift tirghc 
 
 Lit 
 
Of P rajtr after ths Sermon. 1 7 
 
 his Difciples is not onely a pattern of prayer, Hut 
 it felfamoft comprehenfiVe prayer, we recom- 
 mend it alfo to be ufed in the prayer of the 
 Church. 
 
 And whereas at the admin titration of the Sa- 
 craments, the holding publick Fafts arid dayes of 
 Thankfgiving,and othsrfpecial occafions, which 
 may afford matter of fpecialPecitions andThankl- 
 givings,it is requ'.foe to exprelB fbmewhat in our 
 publick Prayers (as at thistrm- , it is our du:y to 
 pray for a bleffing upon the AiTembly of Divines , 
 the Armies by Sea and Land', for the defence of 
 the King,Parliamenr,and Kingdoms.) Every Mi- 
 nister h-rein is to apply himfeif in his Prayer be- 
 fore,or after his Sermon to thofe occafions; but for 
 manner he is left to his liberty as God fhall direct 
 and enable him,in piety and wifdome to difcharge 
 kis duty. 
 
 Ths Prayer ended , let a P.alm be fung if wi th 
 conveniency it may be done. After which (unlefle. 
 fome other Ordinance of Chrift that concerneth 
 the congregation at that time be to follow ) let 
 the Minifter difmilie the congregation with a fo- 
 kmn bieffing. 
 
 B y THE: 
 
 
The Adminiftrarion 
 Of The 
 
 SACRAMENTO: 
 
 And fiill of 
 
 "9^ A P T I S M E, As it is not unneceflarily to be 
 delayed, fo is it not to be adaainiftred in any' 
 ©afc by any private perfon j bat by a Miniftcr of 
 Chrift , called to be the ftcward of the myfttries 
 of Gad. 
 
 Nor is tobw adminiftred in private places , or 
 privately, but io the place of public k Woriliip and 
 in the bee of the Ongreqatlon , where the Peo- 
 ple may mod conveniently fee and hear j and not 
 in the places where Fonts in the time of Popery 
 were unfit'y and fuperftitioufly placed. 
 
 The child to be baptized , after notice given 
 to the Minifter the day before 3 is to be presented 
 by the Father , (or in ca r e of his neceiVary ab- 
 fence,) by fome Chriftian friend in his-place, pro- 
 fcfling his earneft defire that the child may be 
 bapr'zed. 
 
 Before Bjptlfme 5 the Minifter istoufe fome 
 
 Words 
 
Words of inftiudipn , touchng the Inft rut'on , 
 Nature Ule, and ends of this S-ttaniem ; Shew- 
 ing. ;. 
 
 i fatif irjnftituud by our Lordleftis Chaj > 
 That it is a Seal of the Covenant cf grace, of our 
 ing--afjhg into Christ , and of our "union tvfib &$?, 
 of rcmtfjion of fins , Regeneration , Adoption , and 
 pfe eternal ffbalhtbe water in Baptifme repejeni- 
 eth and fignlfieth , both the blond ofchnfl, which' 
 Utytb a ray all guilt- of 'fin ,. original and acluat, 
 and the fan&vjt^ venue of ibe Sprit of Cbri(f, 
 againft.tbidowmonofjfnyand the Ctfrtiplim of 
 our fin full nature : Thai Bapti^g; or Spinhr 
 iingandvttfhwg with Water , firmfieib ;he clean- 
 fingfrom finne by the Blood and far the Mant of 
 Cbrifl, together ivkh the Mortification tffin> a *d 
 rifingfrom fin to newaeje of life , by vertne of ihg 
 Death & RcfurreffionofChrifl-, That the T.omife 
 is made to title ever s and their feed, and that the 
 feed and poflenty of the faichfull , born within the 
 Cbmtb 3 have by I irth ', inter eft in the cove- 
 nant 3 and right to the Seal of it , and to the out- 
 ward Privilcdges of the Church under the Gofpely 
 no kffe then the thildrin of Abraham in the time 
 ofihe Old Ti ft iment ythe Covenant of grace , for 
 fubftance, being the fame-, and the grace ofG)d, 
 and the Confolatim of Bekevers 3 more plentifoH 
 thin before % That the Sonne 0, God admnted 
 little children into his prefence , embracing and 
 buffing them, faying, for of fuch is the Kingdom* 
 ofG'd : That children by Baptifme are foltmnly 
 received into the, bourne of the vifiibk Church , dk 
 &~* dm 
 
9o Of Rip if me. 
 
 (Unguifhed from the world, mi them that are I 
 
 reUbout, and', Halted with bekvers , ani th.it all 
 
 Tvbj arc Baptised in the Name of cbrifl , do re^ 
 
 noun e y and by their Baptifme are bound to fight 
 
 'Tagalnft the Devi!, Lbs Wsrtd, and th: Flejh. Tb.it 
 
 -?tbey are Cbri(iiar.s a.id federally holy b fore Bap* 
 
 *tifm? 9 ani t he-re fore are They baptised, that the 
 
 °» inward grace and virtue o r B.iftifmeit not tied to 
 
 that v?ry moment of time wherein it is aimhiiflrcd, 
 
 and that the fruit aud power thereof, xcacbttb 
 
 to the rokole courfe of our /j j» • and tbit outward 
 
 Batufmeis not f$n ccfjary that through lb: want 
 
 thereof tbe Infant is in danger <f damnation, or tbe 
 
 Parents guilty , ifibeido not contemne $' neglect 
 
 the Ordinance ofCbrift y wben and wbe< e it may be 
 
 bad. 
 
 In thefe or the like inftm&ions , the Mmifter 
 is to ufe his own liberty , and godly Wiidome , 
 as the ignorance of Errous in the Dofrrine of 
 Baptifme, and the edification of thepeople {hall 
 require. 
 
 He is alfo to a-dmonifh. all that are pre- 
 fent. 
 
 To loo\ b ack to their Baptifmc : to repent of their 
 fins .igaini their Covenant with Goi, to (lirreup 
 their faith , to improve ani mty the right ufe of 
 tbir'Mtptijfme j and o r the Covenant fealcd thereby 
 bei wixt God and the ix fouls. 
 He is to "cshortthe Parent. 
 To confider the great mercy of God to him and 
 fas child-, To bring W) the child e in the \now. 'edge 
 of the e rounds of the Qlmfiim Religion , . ani 
 
 in. 
 
Of Bapttfme. j<p 
 
 hib* mtttm and admonition of tbe Lord, and to la* 
 him tyo™ the danger of Cods wra h to himfeifandS 
 Wild, if be be negligent: requiring bis folemn Pro* 
 mifefrr the performance of bis duty. 
 
 This being done, Player is to be joyned w'tfe >. 
 the Word ot Inftitudon, for fan&ifying the water' 
 to' his IpintuaH ufe , and the Mnifter is to pray to 
 this or the like effcclj 
 
 That the Lord , who hath net le r t us as fir angers 
 without tbe Covenant of 'promife, but called lists 
 the Privi'edges of bis Ordinances, would gracioufly 
 vouch fafe tofanclifie and blcfe his own Ordinance 
 ofBaptifme at this time i That he would jeyn the 
 inward Baptifme of his Spirit mtb the outward 
 Baptijme of water; maty tins Baptifme of ihe Infant* 
 n-Scal of adoption ■, Kemijfitnof Sin, Regeneration 
 and eternal life 9 and <*■/ all other promifes of tbe Co- 
 -vrnait of Grace; Tbit the child may be planted into* 
 tbe l<\enefs of the deatb& Kcfurrcclicn cfclfrift,&"- 
 thit the body of Sin, bring de&royed in him, be may 
 ferve God innewnejje of life, all bisdayes. 
 
 Then the Minifter is to demand the Name o£<i 
 the chikl, which being told feir% heis to fay f cal- 
 ling the child by his Name ) 
 
 J Bapti^thee in tbe name- of 'tf?j} Father, of 'tbeSon s s 
 and of the holy Gboft. 
 
 As he pronounceth thefe Words , he is tona* 
 ptize the child with water : which fot the man** 
 a«Gf doing it^sftotenely lawfully fo&cieii^ 
 
> i Of Bap i fine. 
 
 andmoft expedient to be, by powringor fpr ink- 
 ling of the water on the face ot the child, without 
 adding any other ceremony. 
 
 This done, he is to give thanks and pray, to" 
 this or the hke purpofe : 
 
 Adyioveledgmg with all tbankfulncffe that the 
 Lord is true and faiihfiUl in peeping Covenant and 
 mercy. That he is good an i gracious, not only in that 
 be numbrctb us among his %iints, but is pleafcd alfo 
 to bellow upon our children ibis fingular totyn and 
 b^dge of his love in Chrift : lh*t in his Truth anl 
 fpcciall providence, he daily bringetb fomc into ike 
 bofome o; his church, to be partakers of his imsli- 
 rnable benefits , purchafed by the blond of his dear 
 Son, for the continuance and incrcafe of bis 
 Church. 
 
 And praying that t' e lord would sliU continue, 
 and daily confirm mere and more thh his unjpeak- 
 able favour : That he would receive the Infant now 
 baptised, and folemnly entrcd into the Iwi/Jhalrf of 
 jait'\y into bis fatherly tuition and defence s and 
 remember him with the favour that hefljeweth to 
 his people. That if he (hall be ta\m out of this life 
 in his infancy, the Lord, who is ;ich in mercy, 
 would be pleafcd to receive him up into glory ; ani 
 if he live ani attain the years of difcretion, that 
 the Lord would fo teach him by his Word andSpirit, 
 and mafe his Bapt fmefftttuall to hlm>& fo uphold, 
 him by his divine power and grace, tb.it by Fath 
 be may prevail again ft the Devil, the world and 
 the FU[h,tillin the end be obtain a full and final! 
 littery, and fo be {ept by the power pf God through 
 
 faith 
 
Cf the Lords b tip ftr.- 3 ; 
 
 faith unto fdvatio ft through Ufus. Qbrisl ou r 
 Lord. 
 
 OfthecekbrAtion^Oftbe Communion or Sacramtnt 
 of the Lnds Supper. 
 
 7 He Communion, or Supper of the Lord is 
 frequently to be Celebrated*. But how often, 
 may be confi^eredand determined by theMinifters 
 and other Church governours of each Congrega- 
 tion, as they mail findmoft convenient for the 
 comfort & edification of the people committed to 
 their charge. And when it (hall be adminiftied, 
 we judge it convenient to be done after the mor- 
 ning Sermon. 
 
 The ignorant and the fcandalous are net fit to 
 receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper. 
 
 Where this Sacrament cannot with convenien- 
 cy be frequently adminiftred, it is requisite that 
 publique warning be given the Sabbath day be- 
 fore the adminiftration thereof 3 and that either 
 then, or on fome day of that week, fomething 
 concerning that ©rdinance, and the due Prepa- 
 ration thereunto, and participation thereof be 
 taught, that by the diligent ufe of all me^ns fan • 
 citified of God to that end, both in publiqueand 
 private all may come better prepared to that hea» 
 yenly Fcafr. 
 
 When the day is come for Adminiftrati#n 3 the 
 Minifter having ended his Sermon and. Prayer 
 {hall make a ihon exhortation 5 
 
3^ Of'tfie Lords Sxpper* 
 
 Expreffi/ig the inefiimable benefit we have by 
 this Sacrament ; together with the ends and ufe 
 tbcreaf, (ttting forth the great neceffi y of hiving-- 
 our comforts and (irength renewed thereby in this 
 cur Pilgrimage and warfare. How necefjary it is 
 tbac we corns unto it wth knowledge, Faith, Rcpcn- 
 tance^Loy, and with hungring and th'ir ingjouls 
 a!ter chr'rft and his benefits ', How great the danger 
 ioeat and t\rin\ unworthily* 
 
 Next, be is in the ntme ofChri(l on the one part, 
 to warn allfuch as are Ignorant. Scandalous, *P r 0« 
 fane y or that live in any fin or offence aga'mft their 
 knowledge or confeience, that they pre/ unit not to 
 come to that holjtTable, fhewingthem, that he that 
 eatcth and d;in\eth unworthV-y, eattth and drin^- 
 ttb judgement unto bimfelf; and on thz other 
 fart ybeisinefpeclall manner to invite ani encvu- 
 r-ge all that labour under the (en fe of the burden 
 of their fins , and fear of 'wrath , and de fire to 
 reach out watflA greater Progrefie in grac, then- 
 yet they an attan uwo^.to come to the Lords 
 Table; afl'tidng themin the fame name of eafe, re* 
 f rifting and ftren gib to their wea\ and wearied 
 foul,-, 
 
 A'ter this Exhortation , Warding and invi* 
 tation the Table being befoie decent *y covered, 
 and l<> conveniently placed, that the Communi- 
 cants may orderly fie about it, or at it ; The Mi- 
 iVfter is to begin the aftion with fanctifying and' 
 bJcffing the elements of Bread and Win efet be- 
 fore him (the Bread in comely and convenient 
 Vii£ls 3 fo prepare^ that being brek«a by him 
 
 and 
 
Of the Lords S tipper* ^j 
 
 ! & given it nr*y be diftriauted amongft the Com- 
 municants : The wine alfoin large Cup^having' 
 .fir ft in a few words ike wed : That thofe elements 
 ©therwife common, are now fee apart and fan&i- 
 fied to this holy ufe^by the word of Inftirution and 
 Prayer. 
 
 Let the words of Infticution be read out of the 
 Evangelifts, or out of the firft Epiille of the npo- 
 ftle Paul to the Corinthians, ch.i t . vcrf.2 ? . I have 
 received of the Lord. &c.to the 27. verf which 
 the Minifter may when he feeth requifite, explain 
 and apply. 
 
 Let the prayer,Thankfgiving or Bleflingofthe 
 Bread and Wine be to this erfed. 
 
 With bumble a^d hearty acknowledgement 
 of the greatnejjl' of our mftry ; ft om -which 
 neither man nor Angel was able to deliver u<, and 
 of our great uiwortbinefje of the least of all Gads 
 tnerciesyto give tba?j\sto God for aU bis beneutr\ 
 tndefpeciatty for that great benefit of our Rd*m>- 
 ftion, the love of God the Father, the fufftrivgs and 
 tnmtsof the Lord lefus Cmft the Son of God, hy 
 which we are delivered ; and for all meanes of 
 Grace ,tbe words and Sicaments.and for this Sura* 
 went in particular , by which Chrisl and aU bis bene*, 
 fits are applied and pealed up unto us, which not* 
 with (landing the deniaUoftbem unto others, are to 
 great mercy continued unto us, after fa much And long 
 abufe of them aU. 
 
 Toproftfis that there is no othrr name under hea- 
 ^en,by which we can b&faved, but the nime of~ 
 Ufa Chriftj by whjm dm we receiving liberty* 
 
1 6 (ffhe Lords Supper. 
 
 and life halt accifj'e toih: th one of Grace ,are ai~ 
 muted to cat and drmk at bis oven Table, t nd art 
 JcaUd up by his Spirit tu an cijnrance of bappmefl'e 
 and ever taping life; 
 
 Earr^ft.'y pray to God the father of all mercies, and,. 
 God of all Cc?ifcUtu,n, tc vouchfafe bit gracious pee* 
 jence,&the (ffitiua'4 ixo>kjng of his fpirit inns, 
 and jo to janftifie thefe Elements both of Bread aid 
 Wine, and to bltfj'chis own Ordinance, that wc nuy 
 receive by Faith the Body and Blond of hfus Chi i ft 
 crucified for us, and fo to feed upon bimjbai be may 
 be one with us and me with him. that he may live 
 in us,andwetn him, and to him, who hark loved 
 us , end given him ft If for us. 
 
 All which he is to endeavour to perform with 
 fuitable affctf ions anfwerablc to fuch an holy a£ti- 
 ca^ and to fur up the like in the people. 
 
 The Elements being now fanctified by the 
 Word and prayer , the Minifter being at the 
 Table is to take the bread in hi* hand, and fay 
 in thefe expreffions : (or other the like, ufed 
 by Chrifl or his ApofUe upon this occa li- 
 on. 
 
 Acco v ding to tie holy inflitution, command an 
 example of our BlefJ'ed Saviour lefus chrifl, I 
 take this bread, and having given thanks , J Break 
 it and give it unto you. ( There the Miniffcer, who 
 is alfohirnfelf to communicate, is to break the 
 Bread, and give it to the Cemmunicants : ) 
 Take ye, eate ye, this is tut body of Chrifl which 
 h broken fir you, do tbis in remembrance ef 
 him. 
 
 U 
 
* OfthetordsSttfyer* f| 
 
 In like manner theMlnifier is to cake the cup, 
 and fay in thefe expreffions (or other the like, 
 ufed by Chilft ©r the Apoftle upon the fame occa - 
 fion;) 
 
 According to theinslitution^commciv.d & example 
 of our LardlefusChriftil ta\c this c up, & give itira- 
 Poyou (Here he give it unto the Communicants : ) 
 77 is cup is the NevtTtftamtnt in the bicod ef Christ, 
 which is jhed for the rmiflion of the §ns of many i 
 Drink ye all of it. 
 
 After all have communicated, the Minifter may 
 in a tew words put them in mind. 
 
 Of the grace of God m fefusChrifl held 
 forth in this Sacrament , and exhort them to 
 wali^worthy of it. 
 
 The Minifter is to A 've folemn thanks to G od, 
 
 for his rteh mercy and invaluable good" 
 ncjfe vottchfafed to them in that Sacrament , 
 and to intreat for far don for the effefts of the 
 whole fervice, and for the gracious af si fiance 
 of his good Spirit , whereby they maybe cna- 
 bled to walkjn the ftrength of that Grace ,aj 
 becometh thofe who have received fo great 
 pledges offalvation t 
 
 The collection for the poor is fo to be ordered, 
 that no part ofthepublick Worfhip be thereby 
 hindred. 
 
 •f 
 
C f the Sattffificatiax. 
 
 Of the Sati&ficatiottofthu Lrrds day. 
 
 yHE Lords <hy ought to be: rcmembrcd be- 
 •■ forehand, as that all worldly bufineiVc of our 
 ordinary callings may be foordcred,and fo timely 
 and feafonably laid a fide, as ihey may not le impe- 
 diments to the due fantfifyingof the Day when it 
 comes. 
 
 The whole Day is to be celebrated as holy to 
 the Lord, both in puhiick and private , as being 
 the £hriftian Sabbath. To which end it is requi- 
 site, that there be a holy ceflation } or rcfting 
 allthe day, from all unnccefiary labours, and an 
 abstaining, not only firm, all fports and paf~ 
 times, but alfo from all wordly words and 
 thoughts. 
 
 Thst the Diet on that Day be fo ordered, as 
 that neither Servants be unnectifarily detained 
 from the publick worfh'p of God , novar\y other 
 Peifcns hindered from the ianftifying that 
 Day. 
 
 That there be private preparation of every 
 perfon or family by prayer for themfelves , and 
 for Godsaffiflance of theMinifter. and for a blef- 
 fmg upon his Miniftery , and by fuch holy exer- 
 €ifes, as may further difpofe them to a snore com- 
 fortable Communion with God in his pubjick 
 Ordinances. 
 
 That all the people meet timely for pub- 
 licjj.worfhip 3 that the whole Congregation may 
 
 be 
 
" Of the Lords 'Day. 59 
 
 be prefeat at the banning , and with one heart 
 folemnly joyi together in all pares of the pub- 
 ffgue wormip ; and not depart till after the blef- 
 fing. 
 
 Tha: what timeis vatanr, be:.veen orafcer 
 the fo-lermm:eting of the Congregation in 
 publiqae, be fpent in Read ng, Meditation. Re<< 
 petition of Sermon* , (efp *cially by calling their 
 families to an account of what they have heard, ) 
 and Catechifing of them , ho'y conferences, 
 Prayer for a bleffing upon the publiqae Ordi* 
 nances, fiiging of Pfalmes, vifit'ng the iick , 
 relieving the poor , and fu:h like d i:ie> of pie;:/, 
 charity and mercy , accounting the Sahba:h ade- 
 %ht . 
 
 Thi So'cmii\it\on of At irrixre, 
 
 A Lthough Marriage be no Sacrament , nor 
 *• ^peculiar to thi Charchof Gad, bat com- 
 mon to mankind, and of publiqie i itereft in 
 every Com n 0:1 wealth, yetbecaufe fuchasmirry 
 are to marry in the Lord , and have fpeciall 
 need of infbruAion , Direction and exhortation, 
 from the word of God as their en-cring into fuch 
 anew condition ; and of the bleffing of God up- 
 on them therein; we judge it expedient , that 
 Marriage be foiemoized by a lawfull Mnifter of 
 the Word that he may accordingly counfell them 
 and p:ay for a bleffing upon them. 
 
 Mir. 
 
40 Cfthe [§Ummz*&tion of Marriage. 
 
 Marriage is to be betwixt one man and one wo- 
 man oniy , and they, fuch as a;e within the 
 degrees of C onfangu.nity or Affi.ity prohibited 
 by cbe word of God. And ihe parties are to 
 b^ or yeares of dicrecion , tir to make the'.r own 
 choice, or upon goodgtoundito ghe their ^mutu- 
 al I confent. 
 
 Bel-ore the folemnizng ofMarriage between any 
 Perfom, their purpofe of Marriage fnall be publi- 
 m:d by the M.nifter three fcveral Sabbath dayes 
 in he Cong negation , at tlie place or places of 
 their n oft uiual and conftant abode refpective'y. 
 And of ihis publication the M'nifier , who is to 
 jo\n them in Marriage .{hall have fufficientTe- 
 ft imony, before he proceed to lolemnize the Mar- 
 riage 
 
 Before that Publication of fuch their purpofe 
 (if the parties be under agefthe confent of the Pa- 
 rents, or others under whofe power they are, (in' 
 cafe the Parents be dead ( is to be made known to 
 theChurh Officers or that Congregation to be 
 Recorded. 
 
 The like is to be obferved in the proccdings. ot 
 all others, although of age, thofe Parents are li- 
 ving, for their fi, ft Marriage. And inatter Mar- 
 riages of either ot thole parties, they {hall be ex- 
 horted not to contra ft Marriage, without firftac- 
 quanting thciiParcnts with it,(if wichconvenien- 
 cy it may be done,) endeavouring to obtain their 
 cor.fent. 
 
 Parents ought not to force their children to 
 marry without theit free content^ nor deny their 
 
 own t 
 
Of the Solemniz.dtienofLfl'fatriage. 4 1 
 
 own confeat without juft caufe. 
 
 After ibe purpofe or contrad of Marriage hath 
 'been thus publifhed, the Marriage is not to be 
 itng deferred. Therefore the Minifter, having had 
 con venicnt warning,& nothing being objected to 
 hinder it, is publicity tolfolemnize st in the place 
 appointed 6y Authority for publick Worfhij>, be- 
 fore a competent number of credible witneiies 3 at 
 fomc convenient hour of the day, at any time of 
 the year, except on a day of publick Humiliation, 
 and weadvife that i t be not, on the Lordxday, 
 
 And becauTeaTT Relations are flanSified by he 
 Word an4 Prayer, the Minifter is to pray for a 
 b'efSng upoft them to this effect ; 
 
 Acknowledging our fins whereby we have mi r e 
 cur [elves lejje tfan the lea (I cfallthe mercies of God 
 andprovokdhimto imbitttr all out c$m[onsear^ 
 ncjlly hi the Name of Cbrift to.intre&t the Lvd 
 (whofi pre fi nee and favour is the bappinefjl of ever* 
 couditisn, and fme tins every Relation, 10 be their 
 portion, to own and accept them in Chuff, who are 
 now to be joyncd m tb: Honourable Eflate of Mat- 
 riage, the Covenant if their God. A?d that as he 
 hath brought ihm together by his providence be 
 would fan elify item by his Spirit, gwhig them a 
 now fame of heart fit for their new ettate-, enrich- 
 ing them with all Graces ^whereby they mxy perform 
 the duties, enjoy the comforts, under go e the care, 
 and refiji the tempiatins which accompany (hit con- 
 dition is becometb Cbri(iiats, 
 
 The prayer being ended 3 it is convenient that 
 
 the 
 
42 OftheSoIemnizstticyiofLMArriage. 
 
 the Miniftcr do briefly d«cU:e u.ico them out of thi 
 
 Scnp:Lre. 
 
 T^c Itffli'tt't/oa, vfeani en is ifM&riigt % uhb 
 the conjugdU duties , which in all faiibfitlneffe they 
 are to perform each to other , extorting them u {ti- 
 dy thiboIyVfordofQii, that thy miy lurn to live 
 by faith, ani to be content in tbim&Q of the Mirri* 
 age cites and troubles fantfifying G>ds name in a 
 tbtn\fulli fober and holy ufc of id conjugal comforts 
 prying much with and for ato'her 9 witching ov?r, 
 and prdvofitrg each other to love and god rvi ^ mi 
 to live together as the heirs of the Grace of life. 
 
 After folemn charging of the ptrfons to be marrie \ \ 
 before that great God 3 wa >fearcbcth ill hearts, aid 
 to whom they maftgiy* i ftri&accountat the ij~$ 
 Day , that if either of tbtm know any caufe by pre- 
 CJtitraft or othcrwifc, why tbey may not lawfully 
 proceed to mirriage, that they nawdifcovcr it: Th« 
 Minifler (if n o impediment be acknowledged) shall 
 cataO, fi-lt, the man to tike the woman by the right 
 hand, frying thefe words. 
 
 I. N.. do u\t i\$>c tf. to be my married Wife, ani 
 do » in the preface of Go { , ani before this Congregfr 
 lion , p/omife ani couenmt to hi a loving asdftuk- 
 full flu bini untj ibee , wall Giiflullfeparatc us 
 byiw.h. 
 
 Then the wamin shall take the man by his right 
 handjini fay thefe wjrds. 
 
I Cfthe Solemnization of {JMarr'tage , 4 % 
 
 I.N. do take thee NJO be mymtrried huibtiid \ani 
 
 do in tbs ft? fence of God^ ar.d before this Cwg e» 
 
 \iiiioVy promife avd covin nt to be a Uvi g,faithfull 
 
 nd obedient Wife unto the , untili God full (tp&ratc 
 
 ! j by death. 
 
 Then witt out any father ceremony the Minifter 
 hill in the race of tbeCongrtgation , pronounce 
 h m to be Husband and Wite , according to Gc ds 
 3 dinance, and (0 conclude the adion with prayer 
 this effect. 
 
 That the Lord would be plea fed to t< company bis 
 wn Ordinance with bis bUffing , befeecbing bim to 
 nrub tbe peyfans now married? as with other pti dgis 
 fbis levejoparticuhrly with tbe comforts and fruits 
 f marriage, to the praife oj bis abundant mercy , in 
 nd through Cbrifl Jefus. 
 
 A Regifter is to be carefully kept , whefein the 
 Mames of the parties fo married , with the time of 
 heir marriage, are forthwith to be fairlyRecorded in 
 . Book provided for that purpofc ,for the perufall of 
 11 whom it may concern. 
 
 Concerning Vifititimoftbc Sick* 
 
 [T i$ the duty of the Minifter , not onely to 
 teach tbe people committed to bis charge, in 
 >ublick , but privaeely , and particularly to ad- 
 nonidi , exhort., reprove and corcf ^rc them , up- 
 m all the fcajbnablt oceans fo farrc as bis time, 
 
4 4 Of the Vtfit at i oh oft he Jickj 
 ftrengtb and perfonall faftty will pcimit. 
 
 He is to admon (h thcra, ia rime or health te 
 prepare for death; and for that purpefe they 
 are cfcea to conierre with their Minifter about the 
 eftate «t tkeir fo*lc6 : and in times of fickneffe to 
 defirc his advice and help, tin eJy aid feafonable 
 before their ftiength and undcrftanding fail 
 them. 
 
 Times of ficknefle and affliction , arc fpcciall 
 ©pportun.ties put m:o his hand by God, to mi- 
 nifter a word in feafon to weary foules : b-.caufe 
 then the Confciences of men are , or {hould be 
 more awakened, to bethink themfelves of their 
 fpirituall eftates for Eternity; and Satan a!o 
 takes advantage then , to load ttum more with 
 fare and heavy temptations. Therefore the Mi- 
 nifter being fent for, and repairing to the fick 3 is 
 to apply hirnfelf with air tenderneile and love, to 
 admmifter fome fpirituall good to his foul, to this 
 effca : 
 
 He may, from the confideation of the prefent 
 fickneflr; infl* uft him »ut of Scripture, that dif- 
 eafes come no: by chance or by diftempers of bor 
 dy only, but by the wife and orderly guidance 
 of the go©d hand of God to every particular per- 
 fon fmitten by them And that whether it be laid 
 upon him out of difpleafure for fin, for his cor-, 
 reftion and amendment, or for tryall and ex- 
 erches of his grace?, or for ether fpeciall and ex- 
 cellent ends, all his furTerings (hall turn to his 
 ptofit,and work together for his good, if he fln- 
 cerely labour to make a lan&ified ufe of Gods 
 
 vifi- 
 
Of the V i fiction ofih, r ckj- 4I 
 
 vificauon , neither defpifing his.chaftening 3 nor 
 waxing weary of h.s correction. 
 
 if lie lufpecth'm of ignorance, fee {hall exa- 
 mine him in the Principles of Religion , efpccially 
 touching Repentance and Faith 5 and ashefeeth 
 caufe, inftruCt him in the nature, ufe, excellency, 
 and neceflny cf thofe graces; as alfo touching the 
 Covenant ot Grace, and thrift the Con of God, 
 the Mediatour of it, and concerning remiffion of 
 fins by faith in him. 
 
 He (hall exhort the fick perfon to examine him- 
 felf,tofearch and try his former vvayes, and his 
 eftate towards God. 
 
 And if the fick ferfon mall'declare any fcruple, 
 doubter temptat'en, that is upon him , Inftru- 
 cYion and refolutions Ihall beg'ven to fatisfy and 
 fettle him. 
 
 If it appear that he hath not a dae fenfe of his 
 fins, endeavours ought to beufed to convince 
 him of his fins, of the guilt and defert of them, 
 of the filth and pollution which the foul 
 contracts , by them and of the curfe of the 
 Law, and wrath of God due to them; that 
 he may be tru'y affected with , and humbled 
 for them ; and withall to make known the dan- 
 ger oftfceferring Repentance , and of negie&ing 
 falvation at any time offered, to awakea his Con- 
 fidence and rouz him out of a ftup'.d and wJ%,<.h of 
 condition , to apprehend the juftice and fcJure 
 God, before whom none can ft and 3 but he that 
 being loft ia himfclf , layethhold upon Chrift 
 by Faith. 
 
 If 
 
4 6 Of the Vifitatiou oft hejickj 
 
 If be have endeavoured to walk in the waves 
 otholintfie, and to kiveGod in uprlghincilc, 
 although rot wiihcut many failings and inhina.-' 
 tics, onf his fpirit be brok&n with the knee of 
 fin , or call c!ov\n thoiow want ofthelcnfe of 
 Gods favour, then it wiil befit to raife him up , 
 by letting before him ibe frcefitfle and {ulnd:e 
 or Gods grace, the f ffic entcy cf r gvheoufnciTe 
 in thrift, ihe grac.out t-ftc. sinthe Gofpel ,that 
 all who itpti.t ar.d beleeve with all thir heart 
 in Gods n eicy throi g! thrift , renct ncirg their 
 own Righieouii.eLe , ihaL rme Jifc and falvaticn 
 in him. 
 
 It may be alfo ufeful to flew him , that death 
 hath in it no Spiritual tvill to be feared by thoft 
 thatarein Chuf 5 bccaukfin, the ftingot death, 
 istaken away ty C hriftj who hath delivered alJ 
 that are his fiom the bondage of the fear of 
 deaih , triumphed oyer the grave , given us vi- 
 ctory , is himfelf entred into glory, to prepaie 
 a place for his people : So that neither life nor 
 death {hall be able to feparate them from Gods 
 Jove in thrift , iajphona fuch are fuch 3 though 
 row they muft be laid in the duft , to obtain ai 
 joy full and glorious Rcftirre&icn to eteina 1 
 Jifc. 
 
 Advice alfo may be given,as to heware of an i'l 
 grot nded perfwafion tn mercy 3 or on the good- 
 nefle of his condition for Heaven » foto dlfciaime 
 all merit in himfelf, andtocaft himfelf wholJj 
 upon God lor mercy in the fole Merits and Me- 
 diation ©fjefus Cbrift 3 who hath engaged him- 
 
OftheViJitationoftktSick. 47 
 
 (elites it cocaft offthm, who in truck and Sinceri- 
 ty come unto him. Care alfornufi be taken , \hic 
 the (ick pcrfon be not call down into difyair by 
 fuch at feverc reprefemation of the wrath of G d 
 due to him for his Ci cms. as is rot mollified by 
 t feafonablc propounding of chrifl: and his Merit t 
 for a door of hope to every penitent believer. 
 
 When th* fick man is belt compofed s may be 
 Ica# diftutbed, and other necefiary offices about 
 him lcaft hinderedjtbc Minifbcr.if deu\-ed,faall pray 
 with him, and for him to this effecx 5 
 
 Ccnf if fing and bewailing of fin OriginaU and 
 ARuall, the mifenble condition of all by nature^ 
 as bung Children of Wrath, and under tbc Cur ft 9 
 acknowledging that aliVifeafeSy Sichpeffes^ Death 2 
 and Hell it (elf, are the iffues and cfeftt 
 thereof 1 Imploring Cjodi mercy for the fick perfoft 
 through the bloud of Chrifl , beseeching that God 
 would open bis eyes, difcover unto him bis fins , caufe 
 him to fee bimf elf loft in himfelfy mafe k**wn to 
 him the caufe vby God ffnitetb bins 3 reveal Jefus 
 Cbnfi to his foul for Rigbteoufntjfc and Life , give 
 unto bim bis holy Spirit to create and strengthen 
 faith ta lay bold upon Cbr in , to vo,t\m hint com- 
 fortable evidtnees of bis love , to aim him agajnjl 
 tempt ttions 9 to taty of his heart from the world > to 
 fanftifie bisprefent vifitations, to furnijb him with 
 patience and flrengtb to bear it, and to give bim 
 per fever ance in faith to the enL 
 
 TbatifGod (billpleafetoaddetobis dayes , he 
 
 mutt VQHohfafe to blefl'e and fmftifie Ml means of 
 
 C £/l 
 
48 Of the Vifitation of tkefick* 
 
 bis \etevery toremove the difeafe , renew hist 
 strength and enable him to wdk worthy of God, by\ 
 a faiibfu'l remembrance, and diligent ebferving o/\ 
 fucb vowts and premifes of holnujfe and obedience , 
 as min arc apt to mafe in timet offu\ntffi, that be 
 may glorifie God in theremaimg part of hii life. 
 
 •And if God have determined to fimfhhis dayes 
 ly the prefent Vifitauon, be may find fuch tvidence 
 of the parden of hii fwi> of his inter eft in Christy 
 eternal! life by Chri(t,as may eaufe bis inward man 
 to be renewed while hit iutward man deayeth % tbat 
 be may behold death without fear>ca& bimfelf whol- 
 ly upon Chrifi without doubting, defire to be dijfol- 
 ved, and to be with CbriH , and fo receive tfce end of 
 bis faith, the falvaticn of his foul, through the orly 
 merits and intercefiion ofibe Lord Jefus Cbrifl, our 
 a'one Sauiour and Alfuffisient Redeemer. 
 
 The Mint fie: ft all admonish him alfo ( as there 
 ftaU be caufe) to (It bis honfe in order, thereby to 
 prevent inconveniences, to take care for the pay- 
 ment of bis debts, and to make rtftitution or fatis- 
 f adioA where he hath done any wi on j,to b: rccon « 
 ciled to thofe with whom he harh been at variance, 
 and fully to forgive all men their trefpafles again ft 
 him, as he espe&s fo givenefle at the bandofGod. 
 
 Laftly/.he Minifter may improve the prefent 
 occafion to exhort thofe about the fick pcrfon, to 
 confider tbeir own mortality , to return to the 
 Lord and make peace with him; in health to 
 prepare for ficknetfe, death, and judgement , tn i 
 all the da yes of their appointed time, to to wait 
 
 i) will 
 
(49) 
 
 untiil their change come, that when ChrJfr, who k 
 our life fhall appear; they may cppear with him ia 
 glory. 
 
 Concerning Burkll of the dead. 
 
 WHen any Perfon departeth this life, let 
 the dead body,upon the d:y of Burial, 
 • be decently attended from the houfc 10 
 the houfe appointed tor publkk Burial,and there 
 immediately interred without any ceremony. 
 
 And becaufe the cuftcmes of kneeling dowa 
 and praying by, or towards the dead corps,and o- 
 ther fuch ufages in the piace where it lics,before it 
 be carried to £urial ; are fuperftitious : & fonhat, 
 praying, reading, and Zinging both in going to. 
 and at the grave have been grcfly abufed,are no 
 way beneficial to the deadend have proved many 
 waves hurtfull to the living, therefore let all fuch 
 things be laid afide. 
 
 Howbeit we judge it very convenient, that the 
 Chriftian fricnds 3 which accompany the dead body 
 to the place appointed for publickBurialido apply 
 themieJves 10 meditations & conferences fultafeie 
 to the occafionj and that the Minifter, as upon o» 
 ther ©ccafions, fo at this time, if he be>prefent,ma.y 
 put them tn remembrance of theif tluty, 
 
 That this (hall not extend to deny any civil re- 
 rpec^Fs or differences at the Bu'ial, fuuable to the 
 rank and condition of the Party deccafed whiles 
 
 re was Hying, 
 
50 CfVublickJtfting. 
 
 Gmtrnivg Fublitk Solemn Fafthg. 
 
 WHcn fome great and no. able ju 'gement! 
 are ticher inflicted upon a People o a p. 
 ptrcntly imn»inenr,or by fome extraordinary pro- 
 vocations notoriouily defcrvedj as alfo , * hen foon 
 fpeciall bleffing is to be fought and obtained , Pa- 
 blick fd.mn failing ( wb ch is to coninie the 
 whole da>) is aDuty that God espc&ch from a 
 Nation, o People. 
 
 A Religious Faft requires totall abftfncr oe not 
 only from all food CunlciTe bodily weaknefle do 
 manifcftly di fable from holding ouc rill the Faft 
 6c ended, in wbLh cafe fonewhat maybe taken 
 yet very Sparingly, to fwppert nature when ready to 
 fainri)but alio from all worldly labour, difcoui fes % 
 and thoughts , and from all bodily delights , ( aU 
 though ae other times lawfully rich apparel , orna- 
 ments and fucb like, during tbe F*ft 5 and much 
 mere from wbatfocver is* in the nature , or ufe , 
 fcsndalous or ojffendve; as 5 gariin attire , hfci vious 
 habits and gcfturcs,and ciher vanities of eith r lex, 
 which we recommend to all Minifters in their pla- 
 ces, diligently and «aloasIy to reprove, as at other 
 tfmes, foefpccaliy at a Fait, without ttfpcd 
 'of perfons, as there mall bt occaiien 
 
 Before the pubKck meeting, each Family and 
 Perfon apart, are privately to ufe all religious care , 
 to prepare their beam to fucb a folemn work , and 
 to becarly at the Conjugation . 
 
 So large a portion of (he D> y , as coayeniently 
 
 may 
 
Of PHhlickJafimg. $ f 
 
 may be , it tO be fpent in publick Reading , a id 
 .prrac .ingoftbe Wo'd , with -£nging of Pfalmes 
 lit to qu cken afcd'o^s, fuita -le to (uca a Da. 
 ty luTcfpcciall/in P ayer to this or the lite ef- 
 
 fca. 
 
 Givng glory ts tbe great Majesly of God , the 
 Creatour , Treferver, a*dfupreme7{ulerofaUthe 
 World, t be better to affeft us t berebj 4 veltb a boty 
 reverence and awe of Him. Acltnwtedging kit 
 manifold, great and tender mercies tfltcitlly H 
 the Cb mb and Hmion , the more effectually to fof- 
 ten and abate our beam before him. Humbly con- 
 feffing of fins of all forts >witb tbeit fevtrall aggfa- 
 vitions: falifiing Gsds righteous judgements >*t 
 being fam lege tbtnowt fnsde defervs^yec humby 
 *nd eameftly imploring bis mercy and g'&ce for our 
 felvts % tbt Cburcb and Nation, 'for our K'*g **& *M 
 in Autbority s andfr all others f*r wbm we art 
 bound to prsy,( according as tbe pre feat exigent re* 
 qwetb(mtb more fpeiiall importunity and enUrg* 
 mint tben at other times . Applying byfaitb tbe Pro- 
 mifes andGaodneffi of God y for Pardon, Help and 
 Deliverance fom tbe evils f<lt> feared,or deserved > 
 and for obtaining tbe blejjings wbicb vte need aid 
 expeft togitbet witb a gving up of our felves wbolly 
 and for ever unto tbe Lord. 
 
 In a 1 thc f e 4 th: Minifters, who arc the mout'is 
 ©ftheP.opleuntoGoi, ou^ht fo to fpca't from 
 their hems upo.ifHous, and throvgS pr an 'di- 
 ction of them, that both thimfdvcs and their 
 Peooie may b; muCA affe&ed, «nd even melted 
 thereby: efpedilly w.thforrowfor their finnes, 
 ' r 2 C 3 that 
 
that it may be indeed a day of deep Humiliation at 
 afHi&ing of the foul. 
 
 Special! choke is to be made of fucb Scriptures t 
 be rend,and of fuch texts for preaching, as miy be 
 work the hearts of tbe bearers to the fprci^Il bufipt 
 of the day, and muft d fpofe tbrm to Humi'iatio 
 and Repentance; infixing moft on tbofe particular: 
 which eich Minifters obfervation and experience tel 
 feiai are molt conducing to tbe Edification and Re 
 formation of that Congregation to which be preach 
 eth. . 
 
 Before tbe dofe of the publick duties the Mini 
 -for is in bis own and the peoples name, to eng^g 
 las and their heats to be the Lord?, with profeffci 
 purpofeand refoiucton to reform whatever is amiffc 
 among them, and m»re particularly fuch iianesaj 
 i bey have been more remarkably guilty of 5 and tc 
 idfaw nearer unto G^aad to walk more clofely and 
 ■faithfully with him in new obedience then ever be- 
 fore. 
 
 He is alfo to admontth the people with all im 
 porturWty, that the work of the diydoth not end 
 #iththe pubiick duties of it, bit th;t they are fo 
 10 improve the remainder of the day and of their 
 whole life, in re-enforcing upon tbemfcives an- 
 eheir families in private, all tbofe godly affe&i- 
 oas and refolutions wti.ta they profeflVd in pub- 
 lick, as that th<y may b: fettled in their hearc 
 forever, ana themfeives may more fenfibly fird 
 chat God hath fmclc a fwect favour in Chrilt 
 from" their performances, and is pacified towards 
 ehem by anfwers of Grace, in pardoning offiftn, 
 
 ~~ ia 
 
13 
 
 *n removing of jjJgements,in averting or prevent- 
 i ? g ^f plague-, and in Conferring of b'effi gs^im- 
 8i> L-co?hec)\iditions *nd pr fc y i* of his pto^le 
 bj ]th\s Gbrilt. 
 
 jB^fidc folemn snd general! F^fts enfoyned by 
 authority, we judge that at othc£times G 'ngieja- 
 rioas may keep Dayes of Faftiag s as divine Provi- 
 dence flnlladmimftsr unto them fpwcialcccjfians. 
 And alfo that Families ma> do tae fame, fo it be 
 not on D-aycs wherein tht C ngregation to which 
 t he/ «?o belong fsro meet fj: Fating, or other 
 pu >iick duties oiWodhip. 
 
 G0 ncerninz the obfc vuion of the Da Us of 
 
 TrtbUcktktokfgivwg- 
 J//H a any fuch Da/ is to bs kept, let notice 
 ^ te given of it, and of the occasion thereof, 
 fome convenient time before, that the people nay 
 the bsttcr p/epire themfelvts thereunto. 
 
 Th:Ea/bang come, and the Congregniort 
 C fcer private prepita:ions}bJnga{FembleS, the 
 Minifter is to b:gin with a word or exhortation to 
 ft;r up ihe People to this dnty for which thy a*e 
 met, and with a short prayer for Gods asfiftance 
 a \d b'e li §, fas at other Conventions for pablick 
 Worship, according to the radicular ccc*fion of 
 their meeting, 
 
 Let him th:n m k: fome pithy narra-ion of the 
 d Iterance obraincd,or m *rcy received ,or cf what- 
 ever huh occaii wed that aflembling of the Gon- 
 grfguion, that all m^y better underftani it, or b* 
 minded of it > and more afk&ed ythh it. 
 
 G 4 and 
 
54 Of Pa '$ of P ubf'c k ThAtfksgivifig. 
 
 And becaufe finging ofPfalms is of all other the 
 moft p. oper Ordinance for expreffing ofloy and 
 Thflukfglving.let Come pert'nent Pialm or Pfalms 
 be fung for that purpofe,befere or after the read- 
 ing fome portion of the Word,fuitableto the pre- 
 fent bufinefle. 
 
 Then let the M'nifter who is to preachy proceed 
 •o further exhortation and prayer before his Ser- 
 mon 3 with fpeciall reference to the prefent work • 
 after wh ch let him preach upon fome tew of 
 S.ripture pertinent to the occafion. 
 
 The Sermon ended, let him onely pray^as at o- 
 ther times after preaching is direct 'd,with remiii- 
 branre of the neceffities of the Church, Kiag 3 and 
 Siate(if before the Sermon they were omitted) but 
 mlarge himfelf in due and folemn Thankfgiving 
 for former mercies & deliverances, but mere espe- 
 cially for that which at the prefent calls them to- 
 gcther to give thanks • with humble Petition for 
 the conrinuaace and renewing of Gods wonrcd 
 tnercies,as need fhall bc>and for fan&ifyirg grace 
 to make a right ufe thereof. And fo having lung 
 another Pfalm fuitab'e to the mercy,let him di? 
 milTethc Congregation witti a blefTing, that they 
 may have fome convenient time for their repaft 
 and rcfreihirg. 
 
 But the Minifter( before their difmiflion^'j 
 fblemnly to admonifti them to beware of all cx- 
 eefieand riot, tending to gluttony or drunken- 
 nefie, and much more of thefc fins themfclves,. 
 in their eating and refreihing, and to take care 
 lhat their mirth and rejoycing be notcamall but 
 
 fpiri- 
 
Of ddjres of PMickThanksgtvmg,. $5 
 fpirituillj which may make>Gods pnife to be glo- 
 rious, and therafelves humble and foberj and that 
 barb their reading and rcjoycing may render them 
 more chearrall, & inlsrged further to csicbratc bis 
 praifes in the midft of the congregation when they 
 return unto it, in the rcmiining part of that day. 
 
 When the Congregation fliiU be again aflem- 
 bled, the like courfc in praying) reading, preaching, 
 fing'ng of Pfalmes, and oflfering up of more Prai/c 
 and TbanksgVing , that is before directed for the 
 morning, is to be renewed and continued fo far re as 
 the time will give leave. 
 
 At one or both of the Publick meetings that 
 day, a C >\ 1 & i on is to be made for the poor, f and i 
 in the itkemanner upon the diy of Publick Humi- 
 liation; that their loyns may bleflc us , and rejoyce - 
 the more with as. Aid the People are to be exhor- 
 ted, at the end of the latter meeting, to fpend the 
 refidue of that day in holy duties', and teftificati- 
 ons of chriftian love and charity one towards an- 
 other, ml of rcjoycing more and more in the 
 lord; as becommeta thofi who make the joy of the 
 L«g their ilrengtb. 
 
 Of finging ofTftlmes. 
 |Tistbec\ity of cbriftians to praife God pub* 
 1 lick by finging of Pfalmes together in the con- 
 gregation, and alfo privately in the Family. . 
 
 In finging ofTfaicnsf be voice is to be tuneable 
 and gravely ordered : but the chief care muft be , 
 to fing with understanding, and with Grace in tfeg * 
 ii«art, miking melody unco the Lord, 
 
$ 6 Of Swgtog ofVfalmt 
 
 That the whole Congregation may joyn here 
 5« , every one that can read is to have a Pfalm- 
 fcook,and all otW«,not difabled by age or others 
 •wife, are to be exhorted to learn to read. But for 
 the prefent, where many in the congregation can- 
 snot read jit is convenient that the M'nifter.or fome 
 *.ther fit perfon appointed by him and the otber- 
 i\uling officcrs,do read the Pfalm,line by line be*} 
 bore the fing'mg thereof. 
 
 At appendix touching Daycs and 'Plates for 
 
 Vablick v'orfh'p 
 
 *T Here Is no P^y commanded in Scriprure to be 
 
 kept holy und.r ths Gofpel , but the Lords* 
 Day , which is the Chriftian Sabbath. 
 
 Feftivall dayes, vulgarly called Holy dayes, ha- 
 ving no warrant ia the VVord of God 3 are not to 
 he continued. 
 
 Nevertheleffe, k is lawfull and neceilary, upoa 
 special emergent occafions , to feparate a day sr 
 «tayes for publick Failing or Thankfgiving,as the 
 feveral eminent and extraordinary difpenlations 
 ©f Gods Providence (hall adrainifter caufe and 
 opportunity to his People. 
 
 As no place is capable of any holinefs under pre- 
 tence of whatfbever Dedication orGonfecratk>n > 'o 
 neither is it fubjeft tofuch pollution by any fu-per- 
 ifition formerly ufed and now laidafide , as may 
 render it unlawfulor inconvenienr/orGhriftians 
 to meet together therein for the publick VVorftv p 
 of GodfcAnd therfore we hold it re .uifite that the 
 pla-ces of publkk affembling for VVorfliip among 
 u?,(hould be continued and imploycd to lh«U life, 
 HN.I S. 
 
(17) 
 
 To the Right Honourable 
 
 The Lords and Commons 
 
 AHemMed in (parliament \ 
 The humble Advice of the Affetn* 
 
 bly of Divmcs, now fitting by Ord;~ 
 'nance of Parliament at 1VeSmlft(kr 7 , 
 concerning 
 
 (,burcb»GoVernment» 
 
 The Preface. 
 
 JEfus Chrift,upon whofe moulders the Govern* 
 meat is,whofe name is called Wondeful 5 Coun- 
 fe!lour } the Mighty God a the E verlaftingEather 3 
 the Prince of Peace , of the increafeof whofe Go« 
 vernmenr & Peace there fhall be no end, who fits 
 upon the Throne of David, and upon 
 hisK>ngdometoorderit 3 aodtoefta- f^ 8 4 ' l8i 
 blifh it with Iudgement, and luftice, E? h '• »«*«* 
 
 r « r i to r i • 21-12. cempt* 
 
 from hencefcrch even for ever, having red with Bph* 
 all power givea unto him in Heaven JjJlJjSjJ 
 and in earth by the Father , who raifed 
 him from the dead 5 ani fet him on his own Right . 
 hand ; for. above all P* in§ipal^ies 3 aji«l Power, an ^ 
 
[58] 
 M*ght and D^ainon and every Name that is 
 named, not one!y in this World, but alfointbac 
 which is to come.and put all all things under his leer, 
 and gave him to be the head over all things to the : 
 Chjrtb, which is his B >dy,thc fulncffc of him that 
 fillethallin all; He b ing attended up fir above 
 allH ayenSjthathe might fill all things, received 
 gif:s of his Cfcu ch, and gave offices neeeffary for 
 edification of his Clurcb , and perfecting of his 
 Saintf. 
 
 Oftht Church. 
 
 THere isanc Genera! 1 Church vifib'e , he'd forth 
 in the new Teftamenr. i c>r. r i.i* > 13, a§, 
 tp^etber with the rc# of the chip er. 
 
 The Miniftery, Oracles ar.tl Ordinances of the 
 New Teflarncnt, arc given by Jefus Cbrift to the 
 Generall Church vifib'e, for the gathering and per- 
 fecting of it in this life urn ill his fecond coming. 
 iCcr r ix. 18 Ef^.4. 4,5. compared with vtr* 1© 
 1 J, 1 a. 1 3,14,^ Sr 6\ the fame Chapter. 
 
 f^rticu ar vi; b!e Churches, MearbttSoftbeGe* 
 neraK Church, are alfo held forth in the New 
 Tcihment. Gal. i.ia, 22. Rev. 1. 4, 20. and 
 kfiv,i,\. Particular Churches in the primitive 
 times were made up of vifible Saints. ii^. Of fuch - 
 as bei'g of age, piofeflcd faith inCbritt, and obe» 
 diende unto Chrift 5 according to the Rule of 
 F J h and Life t a ugh by thrift and his Apoftles $ 
 And of their children. Afts a. 38,41. Acl%% s 
 verf.ltft, compared with Afti %. 1 4. iCoy. X* t m [ 
 compared with a Co/ t 9, , 1$. Afts 2. 39* * C ° Y » 
 7,1 4. Km, 1 1 J$. and fo forward Mark 10. 14. 
 
 com- 
 
r 5 ?> 
 
 compared 'vlthMtttb. 19* ver, 13, 14, £,»(*- ift;, 
 
 ver. 1 5» *rf. 
 
 Of ike officers oftbeCburcb., 
 
 T He Officers which Chrift bath appointed fo* 
 the edification of his Church, and the perfect- 
 ing of the Saints, are, 
 
 Some extraordaary, as Apoftles , Evan§cli&s s 
 and Prophits which arc ceafed. 
 
 Others ordinary and perpetual},** 7a£ors, Tea* 
 chers, and other ChurckgoYcrnouts and Deacons. 
 
 THe Paftorisaa ordinary and perpetuall . Offi- 
 
 ■ cerinthe Church Xer. 3. 15, 16,17. frophe- 
 
 e*!ng of the time of the Gofpel. i P<f. 5, 1,3,4, 
 
 Firft, it belongs to his office ,• 
 
 To pray for and with his fiock, as the mouth of 
 the people unto God ^4fts 6 , a 5 $ ,4. and 10. 3 6, 
 Wfcere Preaching and Praye r arcjoynedas feverall 
 pirts of the fame Office. Jam $. 14, 1?. The 
 Office of the Eider,thac is the Paftor, is to pray for 
 tb« fick, even in private, to which a bleffiu £ is cfpe- 
 cially promifed, much more therefore ought he to 
 perform this in the publick execution of his Office 
 asa parr thereof. iG«*.i J. 16. [ 
 
 To read the Scripture publick'yj For the pnoo f 
 ©f which 1 , 
 
 1 . That the priefts and Levies in the Jewifh 
 Church were trufted with the publick reading of 
 the Word, as is proved^ Dsutsr, 31, 9,10,11, 
 
 *. This 
 
(6o) 
 
 2. That the Mlniftew of the Gofp^l have as 
 amp-lc a Charge and Comm'ffion to difpence the 
 Word as well as other Ordinances , as ibe Priefts 
 aadlevites had under the Law provedj/a. 66.x i. 
 Math, 23. 34. Where ojr Saviour intituleth the 
 Officers of the new Teftament , whom he will 
 fend forth by the fame names of the Teachers of 
 the Lord. 
 
 Which Proportions prove, that therefore (the. 
 duty being of a moral nature,) t folioweth by juft 
 confeqaence,thatthe publurk reading of the Scrip- 
 tures belongcth to the Paftors Office. 
 
 To feed the flock by preach'ng of the Word, ac- 
 cording to which he is to teach } coi vince,reprove, 
 exhort and comfort,** -Tin. 3.1. iT»», 3- 1 6 ) 17. 
 Tit. 1 9 . 
 
 To Catechife , which is a plain laying down 
 the principles ©f the Oracles of God, Hebr. 5 v, i 2. 
 or of the doctrine of Chrift , and is a part of 
 preaching. 
 
 To difpence other divine Myfierics,i Cor, 4.1,2, 
 
 To adminifter the Sacraments, Mat. 18; 9,20. 
 Mark itf. 15,16. 1 CO/.II. 23, 24,25. compared 
 with 1 Cor. 10.16. 
 
 To blefle the people from God, Num. 6.23,24. 
 25,16. compared with R^.14. 5. ( where the fame 
 bleflmgs and perfons from whom they come are 
 exprefly mentioned.) Tfa.66.i^. hereunder the 
 names of the Priefts and Levkes.to be continued 
 under the Gofpel,aie meant Evangelical Paftors, 
 who therefore are by Office to blefle the p:ople, 
 Pm. 10,8,2, £«\i$J4. fyh t i t i. 
 
 Xp 
 
1*0 
 
 To take care of the poor, ^icis it. 30,1 nd 4* 34r 
 Mj3^37.and 6. 3, 4 x CotM.iylA* Gri.z.910. 
 
 An i he hath alio a ruling power over the Ilock 
 4saPaftor,i Ttm.5i7.AMs 10.17. & 28. 1 Tbef± 
 5 1 z. Heb.ij.jji'j* 
 
 Ttacher'orDoftor. 
 
 *J He Scripture doth hold out the Name and Ti- 
 tle of a Teacher^as well as of the Paftor^i Cor, 
 ■ «•*.: 8. £pJS?.4.u. 
 
 Who isalfo a Minifter of the Word as well as 
 the Paftor , and hatb power of adminiftration . ot 
 the Sacraments. 
 
 The Lord having given different gifts, & divers 
 txercifes according to thefe gifts in the M^niftry of 
 the Word, Rom.iz 6.7,8. iCor. iz. i,4j*A7* 
 Though thefc differenc gifts may meet in, and ac- 
 cordingly be exercifed by one and the fame Mini- 
 frer, 1 Cor. 14 .3. z Tim. 4.. z Tic. 1. 9. yet where 
 there befeveralMinifters in the fameGongregati- 
 ©n,th-y may be defigned to feveral employment 
 according to the different gifts in which each of 
 tkem doth excel , \om. iM,7,8. l P?M Io j 11 . 
 And he that doth more excel in expofition of Scri* 
 pture 5 in teaching found doe~trine>and in convin- 
 cing gain fayers^then he doth in appiication.and is 
 accordingly employed therein , may be called a 
 Teacher or Do£tor,(the place alledged by the No. 
 tation of the. word doth prove the ProponY.onme, 
 verthelefsjwhere is but oneMinifter in a particular' 
 congregauopj-hc is to perform/oXaj as be is able. 
 
 Tl>6 
 
the whole work of the Miniftry , as appcaretb in 
 xTiw. 4. 2. Tit. i,9. before alleadjed. I Tim.6 t -i m 
 A Teacher or Dodtotsr is of moft excellent ufc in 
 Schools and Vniveriities , as of old in the Schoolcs 
 of the Prophets,and at Jerufilem , wberr Gm*titl 
 and others taught as Do&o.s. 
 
 Other Church govemun. 
 
 jlS there were in the Jcwifli Church Elders of 
 X* the People, joyned with the Priefts and Le- 
 vies in the Government of the Church, as appear- 
 ethin iCb/on. i«.8,o } ro,J SoChrift, who hath 
 inftituted a Government, and Governors Cccieii. 
 afticall in the church, hith furatfhed f me in bis 
 church, befide the Minftters of the Word with 
 gifts for Government, and with commiffion to exe- 
 cute the fame when called thereunto , who are to 
 joyn with the minifter in the Government oftbe 
 Church, 7^w. i a, 7,8. iCw.17, to wh.ch Officers 
 reformed Churches commonly call Elders, 
 
 Peicm. 
 
 THe Scripture doth bold out deacons as <ii~ 
 ftind Officers iotbe Church Vhil. i.t.i. Tim a ., 
 3.8, whofc Office is perpetual, 1 Tim $.8. to verf* 
 if. A tils 6. 1,2, ?, 4. To wbofe ofhee it belongs 
 hoc to preach the Word or adminiiter the Sacra- 
 ments, but to take fpecial care in diftributingtc 
 cbe neceffariesofthepoorjv4tf;6',S;i > 9 i 4,and the 
 vetoes following* 
 
C*§) 
 
 Of particular Congregation'. 
 
 J T is lawful! and expedient that there be fixed 
 Congregation s> that is, a certain company of 
 Chriftians to meet in one Affcmbly ordinarily for 
 publick Worfbip.When believers inult'ply to fuch 
 a number, that they cannot conveniently meet in 
 one place, it is lawful] and expedient that they 
 tfjould be divided int# fiftinft and fixed Congre- 
 gations, for the better adminiftration of fuchOr- 
 dinances as belong unto thcm } & the difchargeof 
 mutuall duties, i Cor. 14. 16. Let all things be dene 
 unto edifying, and verfes 33, 40. 
 
 The or inary way of dividing Chriftians into 
 dftind Congregations, and molt exped'cnt for 
 edification, is by the refpectiye bounds of their 
 dwellings. 
 
 Firft, becaufe they who dwell together, being 
 bound to all kind of Moral duties p^ ik.1 it* 
 one to another, have the better Mattb. 2a." xq. 
 opportunity thereby to difcharge^^^ $t l? \ 
 theni,whichMoral ty is perpetual, 
 for Chrift came not to deftroy the Law, but to 
 fulfill it. 
 
 Secondly the Communion of Saints muft be 
 fo crdered,as may {land with themoft convenient 
 ufe of the Ordinances, and difcharge of Moral du- 
 ties without refpeft of Perfons, \&or J 4. 16. L't 
 $11 tb 'ngs be done unto edifying. Heb. 10, 24, 1 5 » 
 James 1. 1 3 7. • 
 
 Thirdly, the Paftor & People muft fo nearly coha- 
 bite together, as that they may mutually perform 
 their duties each toother with raoft conveaiency. 
 
 la 
 
In this company fomemuH be fct apart to bear 
 OHice. 
 
 Of the Officers of apanicutar Coig'C^iintit 
 
 FO: Officers in a (Ingle Congregation , there 
 ought to be one at the leait, bstb to labour in, 
 the Word and ©od ine, and to rule, Pro.19 18. 
 1 Tim ?, 17. Heb. $.7. 
 
 ItisaUorcquifi^e thatihcre fh*ald be others to 
 joyninG >vemment, iCor.n.ig. 
 
 And likcwife it is recraifite, that there ftnuld be 
 others to tjke fpec alcarcfortheidiefof ihe pojr 3 
 
 A 6.*3 
 
 The nu nber of each of wS ieh is to be pr >portL- 
 oned According to the condition of the Congre- 
 gation. 
 
 ThefeOfhcers ate to m;et together at convenient 
 and fet times fjr the well-ordering of the affairs 
 of the Co: g eguion, each a ceding to his ofrce. 
 
 It is rr»o,t expedient thit in th.femeetings,one, 
 w^ofe office is to labour in the Word and Do- 
 &rine,do moderate in their proceedings,!!^. 5.17. 
 
 Of the Otitninte of aortic ilar Congrtg urn. 
 
 THe O dimncej in a tingle G ing r egation , 
 jr : Prayer, Thankfgmng, and fi^gT.g of 
 Palmes, iTim a. 1. i Cor. 14. 15, \6 t Tee 
 
 V Vora read (a'thoujh there follow no immediate 
 explication of what is rt a (Jche^VVord ctpouni- 
 eiani applied, Gr.ec&iiinj % the Sacraments 
 
 admir.U 
 
(6$) 
 
 admlniftred Golle&ion made for the poor, difmlf- 
 Zing the people with a blefsing. 
 
 Of Church G overimm', and the fever at forts ${ 
 AffdmblUs for the f aunt, 
 
 CHrift hath inftkuted a Government , and 
 Governours Ecelefiafticalinthe Church , to 
 that purpofe the Apoftles did immediately 
 receive the keyes from the hand oflefug Chrift, 
 and did ufe^and exercile them in all the Churches 
 of the world upon all •ccafions. 
 
 And thrift hath fin«s continually furniih:d 
 fo.ne in his Cnurch with gifts of G^vernm^nc, 
 and wi:h Gommiflion to execute the fam2 wh:n 
 called thereunto. 
 
 it is lawfull and agreeable to the word of God , 
 that the Church be governed by feveral forts of 
 AfTemblies , which are congregational, Clafsical, 
 and Synodlcal. ' 
 
 Of the Vomr in common of all thefe Aflemblks. 
 Vltis lawfulland agreable to the Word of God a 
 j[that the feveral AiTemblies before mentioned 
 
 have power to convent and call before them any 
 Perfon within their feveral bounds, whom the 
 Ecclefiafticafl bufine'Ve, which is before them doth 
 concern, proved by M*t.i%. 
 
 They have power to hear & determine fuch cau- 
 
 fes & differences as do o"de ly come before them. 
 
 It is lawfull and agreeable to the wo;d of God, 
 
 that all the faid Aflemblies have fome powe. to 
 
 difpence Church cenfures, 
 
 Of 
 
Of Coifrtg*tUn*ll AffwliiutbM is>Tbe mteft*? 
 
 ofih ' \ulhg Off. trs of 4 parriwhr Congre- 
 gate* for the Governmnt tbinof. 
 TH Rihrt $ O facers of ipirtiGUlar Cong re|i, 
 ion hire pow<r autboricitirely,tocall before 
 them my number of tb.C jngr gition,as the/ foil 
 fee juft o:cafion. 
 
 Tc cnaaire xnt« the knowWg; and fpirituall 
 eftateof tHcCcvrrU members of thcCongrrguioru 
 
 To admonifh and rebuke. 
 
 Which tb^ee branches are proved by Heb. 1 }. x 7 
 l Tbef.1, ujs, £^14-4. 
 
 Authoritative fuf penfion from the LcrJsTablc 
 ©f a p«: f^n not yet r a t out of thtCaurch is agree- 
 able to the Scripture. 
 
 F r b , because tb': O. dir a ice it felf mufc not be 
 prothane^. 
 
 Secondly, be d ife we are charged to withi!* v 
 fram thefe char walk difc rJerly. 
 
 Th r lly,becaafr. of the g tat fin. & < J a ger both 
 *ohim«h«corn.:*'jnworthily>&ilfototae whole 
 CiirAMtt. 74.i r bef.i.6j\4yii.xCo,\li.i7* 
 tbe enioftbe chip.compit d with/*. v. 2$. iTim* 
 j. iz. An J tn?re wa? po«tr ind ajthoncy under 
 tbe OldTcftk'»ieat,to Ircvp unckai perfoa* from 
 holy thingi.Lfi/.ij.r, Nm 1 *.?. 7. iCbrenii-K)* 
 Tb: I ke power a \c srith w ky by wa / of Analo - 
 |y continues tt.ukr-be New Te*-»mtnr. 
 
 Tks ruling O^ers of a particular £osg-ega^ 
 ttOA,hayepoW2iaut-haritad/eiy to rtrTpend from 
 the Lor is Tableaptrfon nor yetcaft oat of the 
 cburca. 
 
 Firft 
 
(*0 
 
 firH.Jbecaufe tbofc who fcave autboiicy to jud-ge 
 of, and admit fuch as arc £t to rec ive the Sicra«« 
 ment have Authority to fc?ep t ack fuch an &ali be 
 found unworthy. 
 
 $f condty, bccaufe *t is an Eccle£a fJ ical faafinefs 
 of ordinary pi aclife belonging to that Cofitre- 
 g-ition. 
 
 When Congregations a- e divided and £ xed they 
 med all mutual! heip one feo^i. another Loth in 
 regard of their intrinfecai weakness, and mutual 
 dependences As alio in regara Of enemies from 
 without. 
 
 efChffmUAjfmhUts. 
 
 re Set ip ore ^oth hold cut a Presbytery i 1 a- 
 Cfcurch, both intfce firft Epiftlr of Timoik) 
 tbap. t.virfe 14, and in A6t% i.x,4,£. 
 
 A Pitsbytery confifeth of Mniflers of the 
 Word, and fuch other publick Officers as are a- 
 greeable to, and Warranted by the Word of God 
 tobeCbucchgovernours,to joyn with the Mini' 
 ffec rs in the Government of chc Churches appears, 
 
 The scripture doth hold forth, that many parti^ 
 cular Congregations may be under one Prcsbyteri- 
 ah Govetnmtfit. 
 
 This proportion is proved by inftancs, 
 
 %fi?*t m tbe Church of ?<™M» which 
 
 eonhiteih of moje Congregations then one, and 
 all thefe Congregations were under one Presbnc- 
 rial Government. 
 
 This appeireth thus. 
 f • J !«*a Toe^hurch *ffiruf*tcm congfteth of 
 
 more 
 
(<58) 
 
 rrore Congregations trenene, as it is manifeft 
 firft, 
 
 By the multitude of Believers mentioned in di- 
 vers. 
 
 Both before the difpeificn of the Believers there 
 by means of the pcrfecution, ) mentioned in the 
 Atts of theApoftles.<i?<i.8.in the beginning there- 
 ofjwknefle chap, i.ver. n.and i iiy.O. 46, 47. 
 snd 4. 4, and 5. 14 and chap, of the fame book of 
 the Ads vcrf> 17. 
 
 And alfo after the difperfion, A Si s 9:31. chap t 
 Jz. 14, and chap. 11. ver.io. of the fame book. 
 
 Secondly by the many Apoftks & other Preach- 
 ers in the £"hurch of lerkfalefB 3 and if there were 
 but one Congregation theie, then each Apoflle 
 preached but feldcm ; which will not confift with 
 chip. 6, ver, i.ofthehmebookofthe Alls of the 
 Apoftles. 
 
 Thirdly, the diverfity of Languages amongft 
 the Believers, mentioned both in thefecond and 
 fixth chapter of the ^#Sjdoth argue more Con- 
 gregations then one in that Church. 
 
 2.Seccndly,All thof* Congregations were under 
 the Prcsbytcrial Governntnt,becaufe :Firft,they 
 werecne Crurchy4tf; 8. i.andtb. 2.47 .compared 
 
 with ch,$ 11 and ia.5.andi 5.4 of the fame book. 
 Scccndly,The Elders of the Church are menti- 
 ontd.AcHs 11. 3o.and ij.4 3 6,zi,and 11.17,18 of 
 the fame book. 
 
 Thirdly/The Apoftles did the srdinary Afts of 
 ^P resbyters as Preshytcis in that Kirk, which pro« 
 
 veth a Presbyterial Church before the difpeiijon, 
 W#jtf, Fourthly* 
 
Fourthly, the feveral Congregations \njeru[a~ 
 km being one Church, the tlders of that Church 
 arc men^oned as meeting together, for A&s of 
 Government, Afts 11.30. and 1 ?. 4 6 3 22.8c .11. 
 17,1s. and fo forward,which proves that thofe fe-« 
 veral Congregations were under one Presbyterial 
 Government. 
 
 And whether thefeCongrcgations were fixed, or 
 net fixed,in regard of Officers or Members, it is 
 all one as to the truth of the Proportion. 
 
 Nor doth there appear any material difference 
 betwixt the fever ail Congregations in Ierufalem, 
 and the many Congregations now in the ordinary 
 condition of the Chuich,as to the point of fixed- 
 neffe required of Om\ ers or Members. 
 
 3. Thirdly, Therefore the Scripture doth hold 
 fonh,that many Congregations may be under one 
 Presbyteriall Government. 
 
 II. Secondly.,by the inftance of the Church of 
 Epbejus, for, 
 
 1. That there were more Congregations then 
 one in the Church otEpbefiis, appears by ^4tts 
 zo.ver. 3 1. where is mention of Pauls continuance 
 at Ephejus, in preaching for thefpace of three 
 years,and ^iBs 19.18,19,20. where the fpeciall 
 effed of the Word is mentioned, and verfe 10, 
 and 17 of the fame Chapter, where is a diftin&i- 
 on of lews and Greeks 9 and 1 Cor^ i£.8, 9,where is 
 
 reafon of Pauls ftay at Ephefus untill Penteco% 
 and verfe io. where is mention of a particular 
 Church in the houfe of Aquila and ^nfciUa^ then 
 at £/>&>/«;, as appcars^^ 48, i? 3 14, 2.6. All 
 
 which 
 
which laid together doth provf,thit th* m >ltltuies 
 of B .let vers did make more congrejicioas then 
 ene i i the church of Ep'efus. 
 
 a. T-iat there were many Elders over the fe miny 
 congtcgu ons, as one Flock, appearctb, AClt :o. 
 17^^,10 36,37. 
 
 $. ihitthcfe many Congregations were o e 
 Ghurcb ; and that they were under one Pre sbyterial 
 Government, appearethRcv.a.the firft fix verfet, 
 joyned wit h A8s 10. 1 7,1 8. 
 
 Of Sy nodical! AjJ'emblict. 
 '"FHe Scripture doth hold out another fort of Af- 
 femblies for the Government of the Ghurcb, 
 betide clafficill and Congregational , all which we 
 call Synodical!,/*tfj 1. Piftorsand Teachers, and 
 Ovhcr Church governours, fas alio other fit Pr- 
 fons, when it (Kill be deemed expedient ) are Mem- 
 bers of thofe Affcmbiies which we call Synodicail, 
 where they have a lawfull calling thereunto. 
 
 Synodical ArTemblies may lawfully be of feve* 
 ral forts, as Provincial!, National, and Oecu- 
 menical. 
 
 It is lawfull and agreeable to the Word of God 9 , 
 that there be a fubordination of Congregational, 
 GlatficaU, Provincial, and Nation ill Afremblies foe 
 the Government of the Church. 
 
 ^ — ————— — — — » ' 1 ■ 1 1 m m i^—W 
 
 OfOriimm ofMiniftcrs. 
 llHdetthe Head of Ordination of Ministers is 
 ^ to be confidered either the Do&rinc of Ordi- 
 nati^or the power of it. 
 
(70 
 
 Touching th? Docirine of Ordination. 
 
 NO man ought to take upon him the Office of 
 a Mini ft er of the Word without a lawfull cal- 
 ling,^** 3. 27. Rom. 10. *4. ij.Jer. 14. 14. 
 fiM>. ?. 4. 
 
 Ordination is alwayes to be continued in the 
 Church. Titm 1. 5. iTi#?i ?. ii } 22.. 
 - Ordination is the folemn letting apart of a per- 
 fontofome publick Church ofnce 3 2V/*ro. 8. io^i 3X4. 
 19,22. ^Y/i 6$. 5. 6. 
 
 Every Minifttr of the Word is to be ordained 
 by impofition of hands 3 and Prayer with Fading, 
 _ by thofe preaching Presbyters to whom it doah be- 
 ta n g> x Tim*$. 22. Acts 14. 23. <rf#j 13. 3. 
 ! It is agreeeble to the Word of God, and very 
 (expedient that fuch as are to be ordained Minifies, 
 j pe defigned to Tome particular Church or other 
 1 (minilterial charge 3 Affis 14. 23. Tit.l. f.Afis ac« 
 7; and 28. 
 He that is to be ordained M'nifter 3 muft be duly 
 qualified both for life and Minifterial abilites , ac- 
 cording to the rules of the Apoftle, 1 Tim.?* 1,3 3 4^ 
 1)4. andTif. 1. 8;9. 
 
 He is to be examined and approved by thofe by 
 whom he is to be ordained, 1 Tim. 3, 7, 10, and 
 chap. ?, 2 1. 
 
 No man is to be ordained a Mini iter for a par- 
 ricular Congregation } if they of that Congregation 
 can (hew jjft caufe of exception agamfthim,! Tim. 
 3^*Tit. 1. 7. 
 
 Touching the power of Ordination. 
 
 ORdination is the Ad of a Presbytery, r Tim. 
 4. 14. D "Toe 
 
&») 
 
 The power of ordering the whole wo.k of Or- 
 dination is in the whole Piesbytery, which , whn 
 it is over more Congregations then one, whether 
 thofe Congregations be fixedor not fixed, in re- 
 gard or officers or members, it is indifferent as to 
 the point of Ordination, i T w.4. 14. 
 
 It is very requilite that no fingle Congregation 
 that can conveniently aifociate,do alTume to it felf 
 all andfole power in Ordination. 
 
 1. Becaufe there is no example in Scripiure i that 
 any fingleCongregation which might conveniently 
 aflbciate, did aliume to it felf all and fo^ power in 
 Ordination, neither is there any rule which may 
 warrant fuch a pra&ife. 
 
 a, Becaufe there is in Scripture example of an Or- 
 dination in a Presbytery over divers congregations, 
 as in the C hurch of Jemfzlcr??, where were many 
 congregations, thefe many congregations were un- 
 der one Presbytery,& this Presbytery did ordain. 
 
 The Preaching Presbyters orderly aifoclated 
 either in Cities or neighbouring Vil ages, are thofe 
 to whom the imposition of Hands doth appertain 
 for thofe Congregations within their bounds re- 
 spectively. 
 
 Some other ptrticulars concerning Church Govern' 
 tnmt do yet remain unfinifhed , which Jhali be 3 
 •which all convenient fpeed, prepared and pre- 
 fated to this honourable Hwfe % ± 
 
 To 
 
(r:0 
 
 To the Right Honourable 
 
 T#£ Z^n/j 1 and (jommon$ 
 
 Aflembled in Parliament 5 
 
 The humble Advice of the AfTem; 
 
 bly of Divines now filing at Wtft- 
 
 minfteV) Concerning 
 The Doftrinatt fart of Ordination of 
 M 17i I ST E R m S. 
 
 ixtO man aught to take upon him the office of 
 J\ a Minifter of the Word without a lawful* 
 calling, jdbr.iAj, Rom. 10.14,154 Jer. 14. *4« 
 Heb. f 4* 
 
 2. Ordination is alwaks to be continued in the 
 Church, Titus 1. 5. 1 Tim. 5. 21,2 . 
 
 3. Ordination is the folemn letting apart of a 
 perfon to forae publique Church Office, Numb. 8i 
 10, i«, 14, 19, 12, A&> Gr. h'$y*- 
 
 4 Every Minifter of the Word is to be ordai- 
 ned by irnpoiition of hands 5 and Prayer with Fall- 
 ing, b^ the e preaching Presbyters to whom it doth 
 belong, 1 Tim. 5. 22. 4<3j 14. 23, ^ 13. 3. 
 
 5 The power of ordering the whole woik of Or- 
 dination, is m the who'e Presbytery .which, when 
 it is over more Congregations then one, whether 
 thofe Congregations, be fixed or not fixed , in re^ 
 D 2 ^ard 
 
(74) 
 g3rd of Officers or Members, it is indifferent as t 
 the point of Ordination. 1 Tim. 4. 14. 
 
 6. It is agreeable to the Word of God, and ve- 
 ry expedient, that fuch as are to be ordained Mini- 
 (ters, be defined to fome particular Church or o- 
 therm'nifterial charge, Afts 14. 13, Tit, 1. $,A£ts 
 20. 17. & i« 
 
 7 He that is to be ordained Minifter , muft be 
 duly qualified both for life and Minifterial abilities, 
 according to the rules of the Apoftle, 1 Tim. }. 2, 
 !,«, 5 f*T#fe 1. 5, ^,7,8,9. 
 
 8 He is to be examined 3nd approved by thofe 
 by whom he is to be ordained, 1 Tim.7,. 7,io.&5,ii 
 
 9. No man is to be ordained a minifler for a par- 
 ticular Congregation, if they of that Congregation 
 can fliew juft caufe of exception againft him, \T\m* 
 J. x. Tit. 1. 7. 
 
 10 Preaching Presbyters orderly affociated, z'u 
 ther in Cities, or neighbouring Villages, are thofe 
 to whom the impofition of hands doth appertain, 
 for thefe Congregations within their bounds refpe- 
 cti ely, 1 T.m. 4. 14. 
 
 'i. In extraordinary cafes, fnmething extraor- 
 dinary may be done, unt".\l a fctled order may be 
 had, yet kcenirg as near ps pcfhble may be to the 
 rule,iCfV«?2 19 34, ;5, 36. 2 [hrm 30. 2, } 4, ?. 
 
 iz. There is at this time ( as we humbly con- 
 ceive ) an extraordinary occafion for a way of Or- 
 dination for the prefent fupply of Minifters. 
 
 Tbj Directory for Ordination of -Minifler-. 
 IT being maniteA by the Word of God that no 
 man ought to take upon him the Of&cc of a Mi- 
 
 niftcr 
 
 • 
 
(7 5) 
 nifter of the GofpeJ, until! he be lawfully called & 
 ordained therunto : And that the work of Grdi- 
 nat'on is to be performed Mith all due ca:e , wif- 
 dome, gravity and folemnity 3 we humbly tender 
 thefe Directions as requifite to be obferved. 
 
 i» He that is to be ordained, being either nomi- 
 nated by the people, or otherwifc commended to 
 the Presbytery for any place, mu ft addreffe himfelf 
 to the Presbytery, and bring with him a Teflimo- 
 nial of his taking the Covenant of the three King- 
 doms.of his diligence and proficiency in his Studies . 
 What degrees he hath taken in the Qr.iveifity , and 
 what hath been ihe time of his abode there 5 and 
 withall or h!s agc,which is to be twenty four ycarr.,. 
 bwt efpecially of his life and converiat'.on. 
 
 Which being confidered by the P A esbytery 5 they 
 are to proceed 3 to enquire touching the Grace of' 
 God in him ; and whether he be of ftTeb holinevVb o£ 
 life as is rtquifite in a Miniiter of cheG.>fpel.and to 
 examine him touching bis learning and fumciency 3 
 and touching the evidence of his caUlng.to the holy 
 miniftry, and in particular his fair end'ducci Cal- 
 ling to that place. 
 
 The Rules for Examination are thefe,: 
 . 1* 7 hat the party examined be dealt withal. in &, 
 brotherly way, with mtdniffe of fph'k, and with fpt- 
 cklirefptcito the.gravity 3 modefly 3 ,end qualhvef. 
 every one. . 
 
 a*. HeJh.iU be examined touching his $&U hi. the 
 Original! Tongue? 3 and his try all to be made by nn- 
 ffog the Heb;cw-^ Greek Teflametts a tn& mi • 
 
j string fome port ton of fome into Ltzm; and if be be 
 defective in th m , inquiry \haU be made the more 
 
 j Strictly after bis other learning, and -whether be hath 
 
 I styll in Logick and Philofophy. 
 
 3» What Authors in Divinity he hath read, and is 
 be (I acquainted with, and DutifbiU be wade in his 
 knowledge of the grounds of Religion, and ability to 
 defend the Orthodox Doftrine contained in them, 
 *gain(l allunfound and err onto Us -opinions , cfpccialiy 
 thefeoftheprcfentage, of his sf(ili in the fenje and 
 meaning of fuch places of Scripture as fhali be pro*\ 
 fojed unto him in cafes of Confcicnce, and in the 
 Chronology of the Scripture , and the Ecclcfiafticall 
 Hiftory. 
 
 4. if he hath not before preached in publ'ique, with 
 approbation offuch as are able toj"dgr y he fhiU , at 
 * competent time affigne d him s irpound before' the 
 Fresbytcry fuch a place of Scripture as fiali be given 
 torn. 
 
 5. He [hall alfo, "within a competent time, frame a 
 difcourfe in Lac'n upon fa ch a common place or Con- 
 trovexfie in Divinity asfbiUbe affigncd bim, and ex- 
 bihite to the Presbytery fuch Tbcfes as cxpnfle the 
 fum thereof, and rn.iinta.in a Difpute upon them. 
 
 6> He (ball preach before the people, the Presbytery, 
 ir fome of the 3HmHers of the vArd appointed by 
 ibem 9 being prefent. 
 
 fq The proportion of his gifts in relation to the 
 place unto which be is called, (ball be considered, 
 
 t.BeJide the tryall of bis gifts in Preaching , be-all 
 undergo an examination in the Premifti two fever all 
 dayes % and more tf the Presbytery fhall judge it necef- 
 
(77) 
 
 $.A?id as [or Kim that hath been formerly ordain* 
 ed a Minifter y and u to be removed to another Char* 
 ge, he [hall bring a TeftwoniaU of his Ordination^ 
 and cfhis abilities and Convcrfation y whereupon hit 
 fitnejj'e for that place (hall be try ed by his Preaching 
 there, (ifitfljili be judged nccejiary) by a further ex- 
 amination of Urn. 
 
 $ .In all wh'.ch he being approved, he is to b: fenc 
 to the Church where he is to ferve,there to preach 
 three feverall dayes,and to converfc with the peo- 
 ple, thit they may have tryall or his g'.fts for their 
 edification j and may have time and occafion to en- 
 quire into, and the better to know his life and con- 
 vention. 
 
 4. In rhe laft of thefc three dayes, appointed for 
 the tryall of hi- gifts in preachii g , there fhallbe 
 fentfiom the Presbytery to the Congregation, a 
 publike intimation in writing, which (hall be pub- 
 likely read before the people j and after affixed to 
 the Church door, to fignifie , thatfucha day a 
 competent number of the Members of that Con-? 
 gregation nominated by themfelves > {hall appear 
 before the Presbytery, to give their confent and 
 approbation to fuch a man to be their Miniiler, 
 orotherwifetoput in with all chriftian difcreti- 
 on and meeknefle what exceptions they have a- 
 gainft him, and if upon the day appointed there 
 be no juft exception again ft him , but the people 
 give their confent , then the Presbytery (hall pro- 
 ceed to Ordination. 
 
 5. Upon the day appointed for Ordination, 
 \ D 4 :.. which 
 
 ■2 
 
(78) 
 
 which is to be performed in rhat Church 3 where 
 he that is to be orda ned iito ferve 5 a folemn Fail 
 (hall be kept by the Congregation , that they may 
 the more cane ftly joyn in" Prayer for a bleffing 
 Ufon ths Ordinance of thrift , and the labours 
 of his Servant for their good. The Presbytery 
 fha!l come to the place, oratleaft three or fourc 
 Miniftcrsofthe Word (hall be fent thithei from 
 the Presbytery ; of which one appointed by the 
 Presbytery, mail preach to the People , concerning 
 the office and duty of Minifters of Chrift, and 
 how the People ought to receive them for their 
 work fake. 
 
 6, After the Sermon , the Minifter who hath 
 preached 3 fhall in the {ace of the congregation 
 demand of him who is now to be ordained con- 
 cerning h s faith in thrift fefus , and his pcxfwa- 
 fion of the truth of the Reformed Rehg on accor- 
 ding to the Scripture; His finccre intentions and 
 ends in defirjng to enter into this Calling ; His 
 diligence in Praying, Reading, Meditation, Plea- 
 ching, Miniftring the Sacrament, Dilcipline. and, 
 doing all Minifterial Duties towards his Charge j 
 His Zeal and Faitbfulnefle in maintaining the 
 Truth of the Gofpel, and Unity of the Church, 
 againft Error and Schifm •, Hs care that -himfe If 
 and his Family may be unblaraeable and examples 
 to the Flock j His willingnefle and humility m 
 meeknefle of Spirit^to lubmit unto the admonitions 
 of of his Brethren , and discipline of the Church; . 
 And his refolution to continue in bis duty againft. 
 aU ucwbk end perfecution.. 
 
 7«I- r - 
 
(79) 
 
 j. In all which having declared himfelf, profef- 
 fed his willing neife j andpromifed his endeavours 
 by the help of God ; The Minifter likewife {hall 
 demand o: the p.ople , concerning their willing- 
 neile to receive and acknowledge him as the Mi* 
 nifter of Chrift 5 and to obey and fubmit unto him 3 
 as having rule over them in the Lord>and to main- 
 *taine 5 encourage and affift him in all the parts of 
 his Oifice, 
 
 Which being mutually promifedby the people I 
 the Presbyteiy, or the Minifters fent from them for 
 Ordination, lhall folemnly fet him apart to the 
 Office and work of the Miniftry, by laying their 
 handionhim , which is to be accompanied with 
 a fhort Prayer or Bleffing, to this effect. 
 I %Jh auk fully acknowledging the great mercy of 
 Godwin fending J efus Chriflfor the redemption of 
 his people , and for his afcenfion to the right hand of 
 Cod the father, and thmcejouring out his Spirit , 
 and giving gifts to Men, Apo(iles, Evangdifts, Pro* 
 pbetSy'PaflorsandTeaclxrs, for the gathering and 
 building up of his Church, vnd for fitting end m~ 
 dining this man to this great work>. To entreat hin 
 to fit him with his holy Spirit to give him (who in 
 his name we thus fet Apart to this holy ferv'm) to. 
 fiilpUrt\}-sn'ori{(fhii Mmijlery'm all things, that he 
 miy bothfave him f If and his people committed to 
 his charge. 
 
 9. This or the like form Prayer and Blefling be- 
 ing ended, let the Minifter who preached , briefly 
 exr^oithira to confider of the greatnefie of his 
 Grace and Work, the danger of negligence both 
 I > to 
 
(8o) 
 
 'ohimfelf and his people, theblcffing wftch wil 
 
 accompany his faithfulneife in this life , and tha» 
 
 tocomcjandwithairexhort the people to carrj 
 
 thcmlelves to him as to the:r Minifter in the Lord, 
 
 accord ng tothcit folemn promife made before;! 
 
 an d fo by Prayers commending both him and his; 
 
 Flock to the Grace of Go d ; after ringing of a 
 
 Pfalm, Jet the Aflembly be difmiiled withaBletf-l 
 
 fin £- I 
 
 io. If a Minifter be defigned to a Congregation, d 
 who hath been formerly ordained Prefb^ter accor- j 
 d'.ng to the torm of Ordination which h .th been in I 
 the Church of England , which wee hold tor fub- 1 
 fiance to be valid, and not to be disclaimed by any 
 who ha v.- received it; Then there being a ca. tious- 
 proceeding in makers of Exa n jatipn , let him be 
 admitted without any ik d- at on 
 
 n. And in cafe any pc Jon already ordained 
 Minifter in Scotland, Or in any other reformed 
 Church, be defigned to a .'ongregation in Eng- 
 land t he is to bring r rom the. h j ch to that Pcef- 
 byte yhere, w.thin v.^ii-h that Congregation is, a 
 foffivient teftimoniall of his Odinsro-ijOf his life 
 and convenor on whi he lived* with them, and of 
 the caufes of his removal and to undergo fuch 
 atryalofh's fr.ncffe and fufficiency, and ro have 
 the fa<^e courfe held w'.th h'.m, in other particulars 
 as is fet d->wn in th* r.-le immediately going before 
 touching Examinnien and Admiffion. 
 
 it. That Records be carefully kept in the feve- 
 rall Presbyteries, oft h nimes of the Per ions or » 
 damedj with their teftimonials, the time and place 
 
 cf 
 
 %^p a* 
 
 ^-«, 
 
(8«) 
 
 of their Ordination, of the Presbyters who did im* 
 pole hands upon them, and of the charge to which 
 they are appointed. 
 
 13. That no money or gifts of what kind foe* 
 ver, mall be received from the Perfon to be ordai- ; 
 ned, or from any on his behalf, for Ordination or 
 ought el fe belonging to it,by any of thePiesbycery 3 
 ■ftr any appertaining to any of them, upon what pre* 
 tence foever. 
 
 Thus far cf ordinary ruUs and courfe of Ordinom 
 tion in the ordinary way, That which concerns 
 the extraordinary way, rcquifite to*be now fra~_ 
 ttifed, follow th. 
 
 i. In thefe prefent exigences, while wee cannot 
 have any Presbyteries formed up to their whole j 
 power and work, and that many Minifters are to y 
 be ordained for the fcrvlce of the Armies and * 
 Navy, and tco many Congregations where there 
 is no Minifter at all; and where (by reafon of the 
 publike troubles) the people cannot either them- 
 Selves enquire out and find out one who may be 
 a faithfull {Snifter (or them , or have any with 
 fafcry fent unto them for fuch a folemn tryall as 
 was before mentioned in the ordinary Rules, e- 
 Jpecially when there can be no Presbytery near 
 unto them to whom they may addreffc themfelves s 
 or which may com e or fend to them a fit man to 
 be ordained in that Congregation , and for that 
 people; And yet notwithftanding , it is requifite j 
 that Minifters be ordained for them , by fome 
 who being fet apart themfelves for the work of 
 l the Miniftry , have power to ioyn in the letting 
 
 ar> * 
 
i 
 
 ■ 
 
 (8.) 
 
 apart of others, wr.o arc found fit 2nd worthy, 
 tbofe cafes, untiJl by Gods b.'eiTwg the aiord 
 difficulties may be in fome good me a fur e removil 
 let feme godly Minifters in or about t'ue City] 
 London-ybc deigned by publick authority; vu 
 being aflociated.may ordainMiniftersfor the Cit| 
 and Vicinity,kcepirg as near to the ord.nary Ru 
 forementioned, as poffiblethey may j And let tn 
 affociation be for no other intent or purpofe 3 a 
 one ly for the work of Ordination. 
 
 z. Let thelike aflociationbemadcby the far! 
 authority in great Towns, and the neighbours 
 Parifhes in the fever all Counties , which are at tj 
 prefent quiet and undifturbedjto do thelike for tl 
 ^arts adjacent. 
 
 3. Letfuchasare chofen or appointed for t T 
 fervice of the Armies or Navy be ordained , a? 
 forefaid,by the afibciated Minifters of London 3 
 fomc others in the Country, 
 
 4. Let them do the like , when any man ft.» 
 duly and lawfully be recommended to them 
 die Min'.ftery of any Congregation , who cannc 
 enjoy liberty to have a tryall of his parts 
 ries,and defire the help of fuch Minifters : 
 ted, for the better furniihing of them with 
 Perfon,as by them {hall be judged fit for 
 Of that Church and People. 
 
 VI N I S. 
 
 J 
 

 
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