The True Form of Church Government, Chapter 14
CHAP. XIIII.
THere ought to be in every congregation, an Eldership, consisting of a Pastor or Pastors▪ Doctor (if there be any) and Elders, whose authoritie Christ hath ordained to be perpetuall in his Church, to govern the same onelyonly by the rules of Gods Word: T.C. 1. book, pag. 175. Discip. Ecclesiast. 123. which containeth these 3. particular propositions, defended by us, and gainsaid by the Bb. and their adherents.
1 The Eldership ought to be in every congregation.
2 The office of the Eldership is perpetuall.
3 The Church must be governed, onelyonly by the rules of Gods Word.
The proofe of the 11. proposition.The first is denied by them, Whitgift pag. 627. and by their practise, in tying the government of many Churches to the Bb. sea, it is thus proved.
1 Whatsoever Chr…st hath ordained, as a means, to keep men in obedience to the Gospel, that same must be in everie congregation, for particular men are in particular congregations: But Christ hath ordained the Eldership for that end, as appeareth, Matth. 18.15. &c. where Chrysost ▪ expoundeth: Tell the Church: that is, saith he, the governours of the Church: Therefore the Eldership ought to be in every Church.
2 Where all sorts of Elders ought to be, there must be also the joyning of their offices in one, for the good of that congregation over which they are placed: But all sorts of Elders ought to be in every congregation, as is proved in the 10. chap. for Bishops, the 12. for Elders, &c. Therefore there must be an Eldership in every congregation.
3 If no particular congregation have greater priviledges given thereunto by the Word of God then others have, then must there either be no Eldership at all (which is false, in that Elders are proved to be by the Word of God in the Church) or else it must be in every congregation: But every congregation is of like priviledge, which appeareth by this, that it is a perfect body of it self: Therefore there must be an Eldership in everie congregation.
4 The same warrant that is in the Word of God, for to have an Eldership in one place, is a warrant for it in all; for the Word of God tyeth it, not to Churches in cities, but indefinitely to the Church: But there is warrant for it out of the Word to be some where, as appeareth by this, tha… the Apostles are said to establish it, and make mention of it: Therefore it must be in every congregation.
Therefore, if the Eldership be ordained by Christ,The Conclusion. as a means to keep men in obedience unto the Gospel; if all sorts of Elders must be in every Church; if every congregation be of equall priviledges; lastly if there be the like warrant for it in every Church, that is in any: then must it needs follow, that there ought to be an Eldership in every congregation.
Whatsoever is objected against this, that hath any shew in it, is answered in the 12. chap. of Elders.
The office of the Eldership is ordained by Christ to be perpetuall, and ordinarie for the government of his Church,The 2. proposition. T. C. 1. book, 177. denied by them▪ Whitgift, 627. and by their practice in keeping it out: but the truth of it appeareth by these reasons that do follow.
1 If the causes why Christ would have an Eldership in his Church be perpetuall,See the answer to D. Bridges, pag. 132. then must also the thing it self be perpetuall: But the causes are perpetuall, which be to govern the Church by the rules of his Word, and that ecclesiastically: Therefore the Eldership is perpetuall.
2 If Christ be the author of the Eldership, and left it by the Apostles to be established in the Church, then it is perpetuall; for his commission given to the Apostles, is to be observed unto the end of the world: But Christ is the author of it, as appeareth both by his giving of the gifts for the particular members thereof, and the whole body of it; as also in that the Apostles did establish it in the Church, who went not from their commission, 1. Cor. 11.12. Therefore the Eldership is perpetuall.
3 Whatsoever is the commandment of God, once delivered by him, is never repealed again, and to be acknowledged of every spirituall man; that same is to be received by the Church of God to be perpetuall: But such is the government of the Church by Pastors, Doctors, and Elders, and so of the whole Eldership, as appeareth in that they are all mentioned in the writings of S. Paul, which are so esteemed: 1. Corinth. 14.37. Therefore the government of the Church by an Eldership is perpetuall.
4 That whose severall parts is perpetuall, and which hath perpetuall gifts given, for the furnishing thereof for ever; that same must needs be perpetuall: But the severall parts of the Eldership, as Pastor, Doctor▪ and Elders, be perpetual, as is proved in the 10. & 12 chap. Therfore the Eldership is perpetual.
5 Whatsoever is grounded upon the generall commandments, and rules of the Scriptures, that same is perpetual: But the governing of the Church by the Eldership, is such, as hath partly been proved in election and ordination, and execution of the severall Church officers, which is the greatest part of government, and shall further appear, in the censures of the Church hereafter: Therefore the government of the Church by the Eldership, is perpetuall.
6 Whatsoever manner of government hath sufficient power, and that from God, to begin, continue, and strengthen, both the governors of the Church in their callings, and the people in the course of obedience unto Christ; that same government is to be perpetuall: But such is the government by the Eldership, as appeareth by this, that the Apostles used no other: Therefore the Eldership is to be perpetuall.
7 That government which the 12 Apostles, and Paul ▪ before they consulted together, did uniformly ag…e in, that same must needs be of God, and consequently perpetuall, unlesse the repealing of it do appear: but such is the government by the Eldership, (for all the adversaries thereunto, confesse that it was in the Apostles time:) Therefore it is perpetuall.
8 Whatsoever hath the same grounds, that the preaching of the Wo…d and ministration of the Sacraments have, the same is perpetuall: But such is the government of the Eldership, for it is grounded upon the commandments of Christ▪ and practise of the Apostles: Therefore it is perpetuall.
9 That which hath the like grounds to be perpetuall, that the Apostles, Prophets, and Evangelists, had to be for a time, the same is perpetuall: But such is the government of the Church by an Eldership, which appeareth by this, that they are therefore ceased, because their gifts of immediate calling, &c. be gone, and the gifts of these, joyntly and severally do remain: Therefore it is perpetuall.
10 Whatsoever is the perpetuall and ordinarie remedie to cure diseases of the Church, and strengthen the health of the same, that same is perpetuall: But such is the government by the Eldership, as appeareth by the necessitie, and profit of the severall offices thereof, and of this, that we are still to observe in causes of extremities: Tell the Church, Matth. 18.17. Therefore it is perpetuall.
11 That government which was in the Church appointed of God under the Law, and continued (in respect of the substance) by Christ and his Apostles, and bettered (in respect of the accedents) by them, that same is perpetuall: But such is the government by the Eldership, as appeareth in the 12. reason of the 1 chap. Therefore it is perpetuall.
12 If there be any reason why this government should be alterable (being once set in the Church by Christ) it is either in respect of the extraordinarie offices ceased, or the addition of the Magistrate: But not of the former, because the Church hath never had any need of extraordinary gifts, but God hath given them, and so will he ever: nor of the latter, for that the Magistrates office is to defend the building of the Church by that order which Christ hath set downe, and not to alter any thing therein: Therefore it is perpetuall.
13 Either this government is the best and perpetuall, or els there is none, and so Christ should be thought to have left his Church without a government, which is disproved in the 7 and 8 reasons in the first chap. for this was once established by Christ, and so was no other: But some government must needs be the best and perpetuall: Therefore this is perpetuall.
Conf. Helvet. T…ur. Bern. Ge…ev…, Pelo…, H…rgari…, Scotland, cap. 18. Calvin Instit. lib. 4. cap. 3. sect. 8. P. Martyr upon R…. 3. Bu…er de reg. Ch…ist. 15.14 No man may justly forbid (speaking of the Church-government) to returne to the old constitution of the Church of God, and to receive it before the custome of men.
15 Experience teacheth this order (speaking of the Church government) was not for one age, but necessary to all ages.
16 Though the Common-wealth change her government, yet the Church must keepe hers still.
17 Lamenteth, that some were found among them that are esteemed forwardest, which would not have the same discipline used now adayes, that was in the Apostles times, objecting the difference of times and men.
Mr. Whitaker against Duraeas.18 The Apostles have written these Lawes, (speaking of Discipline) not for a day, or for the first age, but to endure for all times to come; and therefore have ratified them with a most earnest obtestation: 1 Tim. 6.14. that these commandements should be kept untill the day of the Lord.
The Conclusion.Therefore, if the causes of once ordaining an Eldership, be perpetuall, if Christ be the Author of it, and left it in the Church by the Apostles; if it be Gods commandement, not yet repealed; if the parts of it, and gifts for it be perpetuall; if it be grounded upon the generall commandements and rules of the Scriptures; if it have sufficient power from God, to begin, continue, and confirme a Church; if it was agreed upon by the twelve Apostles and Paul, before they met together; if it have the same grounds with the preaching of the Word; if it have as good grounds to be perpetuall as the Apostles, &c▪ to be for a time; if it be the perpetuall remedy against all the diseases of the Church; if it was under the Law, and inriched by Christ and his Apostles under the Gospell; if it be neither alterable in respect of the extraordinary offices ceased, nor the Magistrate added to the Church; if it be the onelyonly government, that challengeth authoritie from God; if no man may justly forbid it, if it be necessary for all times; if the commonwealth may change her government, but not the Church; if the difference of times and men be nothing against it; lastly▪ if the rules that the Apostles gave for it, be confirmed with a charge, to be kept untill the comming of Christ: then must it needs follow, that the government of the Church by an Eldership, ought to be perpetuall.
They object, that many inconveniences would follow upon this government, which are severally to be answered.
1 Objection. By this every Parish shall follow their Seniors,Objections against the perpetuitie of the Eldership, and answers to the same. and then there will be so many Elderships, so many divers fashions, seeing one may not meddle with another.
Answer. The government desired is uniforme for every Church, and admitteth no change, no not in outward ceremonies, without a Synode of the choyce men of severall Elderships.
2 Objection ▪ If they being all meane men, chuse an Earle, he may not refuse, but be at their bo…k and commandment.
Answer. No man that is chosen is compelled to an office against his will, but he that despiseth to consult with others in Gods matters, because they be poore, reproacheth God that made them, Pro. 17.5.
3 Objection. It overburdeneth the Parish, to provide for the nourishment of so many Church-Officers.
Answer. It is not necessary that they should provide for any moe of them, saving those that are exercised in the ministery of the Word, unlesse any of the rest may need the liberalitie of the Church.
4 Objection. It bringeth in a new Popedome and tyranny into the Church.
Answer. It is blasphemie to tearme the government of Christ so, because we refuse the tyranny of the Pope, shall we therefore doe what we list, and …o… yeeld obedience to the Scepter of Christ.
5 Objection. It is a kinde of Donatisme to challenge such authoritie over Princes.
Answer. And it is flattery to suffer Princes to do what they list; this is the objection of Gualter, who is a professed enemy to discipline.
6 Objection. It taketh away Princes authoritie in causes Ecclesiasticall.
Answer. No more than it did from David in his time, nor so much as the Bb. doe now▪ for the Prince requireth but this, to see the Church well ordered, which the Eldership alloweth and craveth.
7 Objection. It transformeth the state of the Commonwealth, into a meere popularitie, and will alter the government thereof.
Answer. It neither transformeth nor altereth any thing in it, for let it be shewed what damage would come by this discipline to any Magistracy, from the Princes throne, to the office of the headborough.
8 Objection. It will breed contention and partialitie in judgement.
Answer. Where can be greater contention than the Bb. maintaine for their kingdome, or greater partialitie than in them, to their kinsfolks, servants, Sycophants, &c.
9 Objection. It will be contemned, and so good order neglected.
Answer. None ever deserved more contempt, than the Bb. and their officers doe, for all their pompe: but God whose ordinance it is, will procure sufficient awe unto it; mark how these Objections stand together, in the fourth it was tyranny, and here it is too contemptible; these be contrary.
10 Objection. All alterations be dangerous.
Answer. Never (where we change from the obedience of Antichrist, to the service of the living God) was it ever dangerous to amend things amisse, by that course which is described of God: if it were, let the particular of it appeare, this might well have beene Stephen Gardiners reason for Popery, in the time of King Henry the eight.
The thi…d proposition.The Church must be governed onelyonly by the rules of Gods Word, this is in effect, the proposition of the first Chapter, whereunto all those reasons there alledged may be referred; there is advouched generally, the certain grounds of the whole discipline, against the imagined libertie left to the Church: here is affirmed the particular direction of the Church-government, by the authoritie of the Eldership, to proceed according to the rules of Gods revealed will, and not by that cursed and monstrous Cannon Law, which is made manifest unto us by these reasons.
1. All governours are to execute their authoritie, by the same warrant from which they have it: But the governours of the Church of God, have their warrant to be gove…nours onelyonly from the Word, 1 Cor. 12.28. Therefore they must govern… the Church onelyonly by the Word.
2. The Church is to be governed by that which the Ministers may teach unto the same, for they are taught to the end that they may obey, and so be governed by the same: But the Ministers may teach nothing but the Word of God. 1 Cor. 11.23. Therefore the Church is to be governed onelyonly by the word of God.
3. That which maketh the Church obedient unto Christ, must be the direction whereby it is to be governed: OnelyOnly the Word of God maketh the Church obedient unto Christ: Therfore it is to be governed by the rules of Gods Word.
4. Every kingdome or houshold, must be governed onelyonly by the Lawes of the King, or orders of the housholder: The church is the kingdome and house of God, and his Word is the onelyonly Law that he hath given for the same: Therefore it must be governed onelyonly by the Word of God.
5. That which was ordained to destroy the church of God, cannot be a good rule to governe the same by: But such is the cannon law, for it was ordained to strengthen the kingdome of Antichrist▪ Abstract. Therefore it cannot be a good rule to direct the Church by, and consequently, it must be governed by the Word, for no other rule is offered unto us, but the one of these twaine.
6. That which was invented by the Dragon, that persecuteth the woman and her childe, that same cannot be good for the Church, which is that woman: But such is the cannon law▪ for it was invented by Antichrist, which is that dragon: Therefore it cannot be good for the ruling of the Church, and consequently, &c.
7. That which strengtheneth the power of darknesse and ignorance, cannot be good to guide them, that must walk in light and knowledge: But the cannon law strengtheneth the power of darknesse and ignorance, for it increaseth Popery, as appeareth by this, that there is scarce an Officer towards it, in these dayes of knowledge, but he is a Papist: Therefore it cannot be good to guide the Church of God.
8. That which destroyeth the Church of God, cannot be good to rule the same: But the cannot law destroyeth it, for it crosseth every faithfull Minister in the discharge of his dutie, and every go…d Christian, walking in the wayes of godlinesse, and nippeth in the head every good action, as experience teacheth us: Therefore it cannot be a good rule to governe the Church by.
9. That which hath bred moe trayterous Papists in England, than the Seminaries at Rom… and Rhemes ▪ that same cannot be good to governe the Church of God: But such is the cannon law, for it hath kept out discipline, nourished ignorance, and fostered superstition and popery, in all estates of people, that never came at those Seminaries: Therefore it cannot be a good rule to governe the Church of God by.
10. That which nourisheth the hope of Antichrist to returne hither againe, cannot be good to direct in the government of the Church: But such is the cannon law, for it keepeth the cages for those uncleane birds; as Archb. and L. Bb. seas, arches, cathedrall Churches, &c. Therefore it cannot be a good rule for the direction of the Church.
11. That which all the Churches have cast off, as unfit for the government of the Church, cannot be good for the same: But all the Churches, that have forsaken the Pope (yea they that have not received the discipline of Christ wholly) have cast off the cannon law: Therefore it cannot be good for the same.
12. Yea, we our selves mislike it, as appeareth by a statute made under Edw. 6.
The Conclusion.Therefore, if Governours are to rule by the same authoritie whereby they are governours; if the Church must be governed, by that which the Ministers may teach; if the Word of God onelyonly, make the Church obedient unto Christ; if every Kingdome must be ruled by the lawes of their King; and if the cannon law be ordained to destroy the Church; if it was invented to persecute the Church; if it strengthen the power of darknesse and ignorance; if it kill the Church of God; if it breed moe traiterous Papists, than the Seminaries at Rome and Rhemes; if it nourish the hope of Antichrists returne: lastly, if all the Churches that have forsaken the Pope, have cast it off also; yea, if we our selves doe mislike it: then must it needs follow, that the Church ought to be governed, onelyonly by that golden rule of Gods Word, & not by that leaden lump of the cannon law.