The Bloody Tenant of Persecution for the Cause of Conscience, Part 4 · Chapter 135
CHAP. CXXXIV.
Peace.
I Cease to urge this further; and, in the last place, marvell what should be the reason of that Conclusion, viz. There is no power of determination in any of these meetings, but that all must be left to the particular determination of the Churches.
Truth.
At the meeting at Ierusalem, Acts 15. commonly misapplied.when Paul and Barnabas and others were sent thither from the Church of Christ at Antioch, the Apostles and Elders did not only consult and advise, but particularly determined the Question which the Church of Antioch sent to them, about Acts 15. and send their particular determinations or decrees to the Churches afterward.
So that if these Assemblies were of the nature of that pattern or president (as is generally pretended) and had such a promise of the assistance and concurrence of the Spirit, as that Assembly had, they might then say as that Assembly did, Acts 15. It seemeth good to the holy Spirit and to us: and should not leave particular determinations to the particular Churches, in which sometimes are very few able Guides and Leaders.
Peace.
But what should be the Reason to perswade these worthy men to conceive the particular Congregations or Churches to be more fit and competent Iudges in such high points, then an Assembly of so excellent and choice persons, who must only consult and advise,Christs promise and presence only makes an Assembly blessed &c.?
Truth.
Doubtlesse there is a strong conviction in their Soules of a professed promised presence of the Lord Iesus in the midst of his Church gathered after his mind and will, more then unto such kind of Assemblies, though consisting of far more able persons, even the flower and creame of all the Churches.
Peace.
It is generally conceived, that the promise of Christs presence to the end of the World (Matth. 28.) is made to the Church.
Truth.
There is doubtlesse a promise of Christs presence in the midst of his Church and Congregation, Matth. 18. but the promise of Christs presence, Matth. 28. cannot properly and immediately belong to the Church constituted and gathered,The promise of Christs presence, Mat. … 8. distinct from that, Mat. 28. but to such Ministers or Messengers of Christ Iesus, whom he is pleased to imploy to gather and constitute the Church by converting and baptizing: unto which Messengers (if Christ Jesus will be pleased to send such forth) that passage, Acts 15. will be presidentiall.
Peace.
The 14. generall head is this,14. Position examined. viz. What power particular Churches have particularly over Magistrates.
First (say they) they may censure any Member (though a Magistrate) if by sinne he deserve it.
First, because Magistrates must be subject to Christ, but Christ censures all offenders, 1 Cor. 5. 45.
Secondly, Every Brother must be subject to Christs censure, Mat. 18. 15, 16, 17. But Magistrates are brethren, Deut, 17. 15.
Thirdly, They may censure all within the Church, I Cor. 5. 12. But the Magistrates are within the Church, for they are either without, or within, or above the Church: not the first, nor the last, for so Christ is only above it.
Fourthly, The Church hath a charge of all the Soules of the members, and must give account thereof, Heb. 13. 17.
Fifthly, Christs censures are for the good of Soules, I Cor. 5. 6. but Magistrates must not be denied any priviledge for their Soules, for then they must lose a priviledge of Christ by being Magistrates.
Sixthly, In Church priviledges Christians are all one, Gal. 2. 28. Col. 3. 11.
2. Magistrates may be censured for apparent and manifest sinne against any Morall Law of God, in their judiciall proceedings, or in the execution of their office. Courts are not Sanctuaries for sin; and if for no sin, then not for such especially.
First, because sinnes of Magistrates in Court are as hatefull to God. 2. And as much spoken against, Isa. 10. 1. Mic. 3. 1. Thirdly, God hath no where granted such immunity to them. Fourthly, what a brother may doe privately in case of private offence, that the Church may doe publikely in case of publike scandall. But a private brother may admonish and reprove privately in case of any private offence, Mat. 18. 15. Luc. 19. 17. Psal. 141. 5.
Lastly, Civill Magistracy doth not exempt any Church from faithfull watchfulnesse over any member, nor deprive a Church of her due power, not a Church member of his due priviledge, which is to partake of every Ordinance of God, needfull and requisite to their winning and salvation. Erg…,