A Model of the Primitive Congregational Way, Chapter 1

A Model of the Primitive Congregational Way · Chapter 1

p. 1CHAP. I. That there is under the New Teſtament, a ſacred viſible Church-ſtate, order, or politie, inſtituted and appointed by Jeſus Chriſt, and him only: to the obſervation of which believers are every where bound willingly to ſubmit and ſubject themſelves.

THis Propoſition, and the next that followes in the ſecond Chapter, are as the two great Pillars, or ground-worke and baſis, upon which the weight of the whole diſcourſe (in this ſmall Treatiſe) lyes: And therefore I ſhall ſtudy to be the more punctuall, in clearing of them up, and giving ſatisfaction to thoſe that enquire concerning the truth of them.

As for the firſt of theſe Propoſitions, (viz.) that I have now in the firſt place laid down, I ſhall do theſe foure things.

1. Shew that there is ſuch a ſacred viſible Church-ſtate, order, and politie, under the New Teſtament.

2. That this is inſtituted and ordained by Jeſus Chriſt, and him only.

3. That Believers every where are bound willingly to ſubmit and ſubject themſelves thereunto.

p. 24. Take occaſion to diſcover and confute the errours of thoſe tha… are contrary minded.

Touching the firſt of theſe particulars; That there is ſuch a ſacred viſible Church-ſtate, &c. b…fore I come to the evincing the truth of it, I ſhall crave leave to premiſe thus much.

1. That I do not lay this down by way of oppoſition to, but only in diſtinction from, that which is internall and inviſible.

2. Neither as the chiefeſt, moſt excellent and glorious, but only as that which I find in the number of thoſe Credenda & facienda, i. e. thoſe truths of Chriſt, which by his Word and Spirit, he hath given out to us, to be believed, and practiſed, and which (I have conceived to be (at this time more eſpecially) ſeaſonable and uſefull to the Saints in a way of honouring of Chriſt, and advantaging their own ſoules.

Now this being briefly premiſed, I come to the proofe of the firſt branch of the former Propoſition, and this I ſhall do, theſe three wayes.

1. From Scripture.

2. From Examples.

3. From Reaſons and Arguments.

For the firſt of theſe. The Scriptures that make out this truth, are partly from the old Teſtament, and partly from the New.

1. The places from the**In ſpe…it movendem hic iterum eſt, de N. Teſt. actis & cultu, in Eccleſia Chriſti Deo preſtando, non raro alluſiones fieri allegoricas, ad ea, qu…e Veteri Teſtam. propria ſunt, & ab his illorum deſcriptiones ſumi. Glaſſ. Philo. Sac. Vol. 3 p. 496. old Teſtament, may be referred to promiſes, and propheſies of this ſacred viſible Church-ſtate under the Goſpell: now among others, (for the old Teſtament is rich and plentifull this way) take theſe few. 1. That of Pſal. 110.3. Thy People ſhall be willing in the day of thy power, in the **In o…natibus ſanctitatis, as Avenar. renders the word, from foreign ornavit, and ſo Buxto. ph. Pagaine, and others alſo, becauſe, as I conceive, the viſible worſhip & ordinances of God, are to his Church, as the hangings to the houſe, the beauty and ornament of the houſe, not the houſe it ſelfe: and ſo the holy Ordinances of Worſhip in the Church are not the Church, but a part of the beauty and glory of the Church, as Chriſt by his Spirit ſhines forth in them where they are purely adminiſtred.beauties of holines: now theſe beauties of holines can be underſtood, of no other, then that viſible worſhip, or holy ordinances, wherein the Saints have communion, and fellowſhip with Chriſt in his Church; according to Eſay 33.17. Hence it is, that we find this title given to the Church, Pſal. 29.2. Worſhip the Lord in the beauty of holines; p. 3becauſe the beauty and glory of the Lord, ſhines forth moſt ſplendently in the Churches and Congregations of the Saints, where this worſhip is viſibly performed: As Pſal. 27.4. Pſal. 63.2. as it is noted in the margent.

2. That of the Prophet Eſay, chap. 2.2, 3. And it ſhall come to paſſe in the laſt dayes, that the mountaine of the Lords houſe ſhall be eſtabliſhed in the top of the mountaines, and ſhall be exalted above the hils. Meaning the viſible Kingdome and Church of Chriſt, which ſhould be enlarged by the Preaching of the Goſpel; to which the Nations ſhould**Mo…e fluminis Oecolampad. flow, and they ſhall ſay, Come let us go up to the mountaine of the Lord, to the houſe of the God of Jacob; alluding to mount Sion, where the viſible Church then was: as Pſal. 48.1.2.

3. That of Eſay 4.5. And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Sion, and upon her Aſſemblies a cloud, and ſmoak by day, and the ſhining of a flaming fire by night, for upon all the glory ſhall be a defence: Which place clearly ſpeaks out to us, not only the truth of this viſible Church-ſtate under the Goſpell,Calv. Maeſc. Oecolamp. & alii quamplurimi in loc. but the excellent and glorious priviledges alſo, that attend it; alluding to Gods carefull protection over his Church, in his going before them, and carrying them through the waſte and howling wildernes. Deut. 32.9.10.

4. That of Eſay 9.6, 7. And the government ſhall be upon his ſhoulders, &c. of the increaſe of his government and peace there ſhall be no end: Ʋpon the throne of David, and upon his Kingdome, to order it, and to eſtabliſh it with judgement and juſtice from henceforth, even forever. By all which can be meant no other then the power of Ieſus Chriſt, extending it ſelfe both to internals, and externals. By the firſt he rules internally in the ſoules of men, by grace and holines: And by the ſecond, he rules externally the outward man, with the inward, in his viſible worſhip and ordinances.

5. That of Ezech. **Adnuncietur igitur his, qui in Babylone ſub Antichriſto, quanta futura gloria in Chriſti templo, & quā nos gloriam expectamus quam caput multitudinis templum, quam illuſtratum luce, quam fundatum in petra, quam ornatum doctoribus & turribus, quanta varietas auditorum, qui tamen omnes ad cognitionem Dei contendent. Oecolamp. in loc.43.10, 11. And if they be aſhamed of all they have done, ſhew them the forme of the houſe, and the faſhion thereof, and the goings out thereof, and the commings in thereof, and all the formes thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the lawes thereof, and write it in their ſight, that they may keepe the whole forme p. 4thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and doe them. Which Scripture looks to the times of the**Vid. Gl…ſſ. Philog. Sac. vol. 3. p. 563, 564. Goſpell, and dayes of Chriſt, by whom the glory of the new Temple or ſpirituall Church of God, ſhould be erected and ſet up, as Interpreters for the moſt part agree.

6. Laſtly, (though many more might be added) take only that of the Prophet Zachary, chap. 6.13. Even he (ſpeaking of Jeſus Chriſt) ſhall build the Temple of the Lord, and he ſhall beare tbe glory, and he ſhall ſit and rule upon his throne: Now it muſt of neceſſity be granted, that the Prophet here underſtands the**Fu…t quidem Ch…iſtus ipſe Templis quoad corpus, quia in eo habitavit plenitudo divinitatis: ſed aedificatur Templum Deo Patri, dum erexit ubique purum cultum, ſuperſtitionibus in nibilum redactis: & dum nos conſecravit etiam in regale ſacerdotium. Calv. in loc. Church-work which the honour of was fit for none, but Chriſt himſelfe, becauſe none but Ieſus Chriſt could bring to paſſe, as I ſhall abundantly prove, from the next particular.

2. Come wee in the next place to the new Teſtament, and there we ſhall find plentifull teſtimonies to this purpoſe.

I ſhall referre all (for method ſake) to two heads.

1. To what we find from Chriſt himſelfe.

2. To what we find to this purpoſe from his Apoſtles that ſucceeded him.

1. Thoſe Scriptures that reſpect Chriſt himſelfe, are of two ſorts.

1. Before his death, as Math. 16 18, 19. And I ſay unto thee, that thou art Peter, & upon this rock will I build my Church & the gates of Hell ſhall not prevaile againſt it: and I will give unto thee the Keys of the Kingdome of heaven, and whatſoever thou ſhalt bind on earth, ſhall be bound in heaven. Now this muſt be underſtood of the viſible Church-ſtate, and order we are ſpeaking to, which the Saints enjoy here on earth; becauſe Chriſt did not give any power to Peter to bind in the world, for the Kingdome of Chriſt is not of the world, Ioh. 18.36. But by binding and looſing on earth, muſt needs be underſtood the executing of the cenſures and ordinances of the viſible Church of Chriſt on earth, which is diſtinct from that Kingdome of glory in heaven.

So that of Math. 18.17, 18. And if he ſhall neglect to heare them, tell it to the Church: But if he neglect to heare the Church, let him be unto thee as an Heathen, and a Publican: Verily I ſay unto you, whatſoever ye ſhall bind on earth, ſhall, &c. Which place, though there be ſome difference between the Claſſicall and Congregationall Divines, whether by Die Eccleſiae, be meant the claſſicall Presbytery, p. 5or the Congregationall, yet they both, and all of all ſorts agree in this, that it is meant of the viſible Church-ſtate under the New Teſtament; which is ſ…fficient for us in this place to have granted, becauſe it anſwers the end for which it is alleadged.

2. After Chriſts reſurrection, when he had made a glorious conqueſt over all the powers of darknes, and as the true Sampſon, the mighty one, had carried away the gates, i. e. all the powers of death and hell on his ſhoulders, then (by his own mouth) he declares this truth, as in Math. 28.18.19.20. And Ieſus came and ſpake unto them, ſaying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth, go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghoſt; teaching them to obſerve all things whatſoever I have commanded you: and ſo I am with you alway, even to the end of the world. This is ſo plain to the buſines in hand, that there needs no explaining of it. And that of Act. 1.3. ſpeaking to them of the things pertaining to the Kingdome of God.

In the next place we come to what we find delivered by the Apoſtles of Chriſt, to whom he gave order, to ſee his Will, in this, as well as other things fulfilled, and whom he qualified in an extraordinary manner, for the very purpoſe, that it might be put into execution.

Now the Scriptures that hold this forth from the Apoſtles, may be referred to two heads.

1. To their own practiſe.

2. To their declaring it to others.

1. Their own practiſe, as will appeare throughout the hiſtory of the Acts of the Apoſtles, chap. 1. and chap. 2.42. And they continued ſtedfaſtly in the Apoſtles doctrine and fellowſhip, (viz. Church fellowſhip) and in breaking of bread, and prayers: and ver. 46.47. ſo chapters 4, 5, 6, 11, 14, 15, &c.

2. Their declaring it to others, whereſoever they went to gather and plant Churches, and this I ſhall make out foure wayes.

1. By inſtructing them in it, Rom. 12.1, 2, 6, 7, 8. 1 Cor. 12.28. Epheſ. 4.11, 12. Heb. 3.1, 2, 3, 6. and 7.12. and 10.1.

2. By preſſing them to it, as 1 Cor. 14. per totum, Col. 2.6, 7, 8. and 2 Theſ. 2.15. and 3.4, 6.

3. By prayſing and commending them for it, as 1 Cor. 11.2. Col. 2.5.

p. 64. By admoniſhing them about it, as the Apoſtle did Timothy, 1 Tim. 6.14. and this he doth two wayes.

1. Partly from feare of their being ſeduced, 2 Cor. 11.2, 3.

2. Partly that he might prevent their ſeducing, Col. 2.4, 18, 19. and ſo much for Scripture.

2. For examples: We may reduce all to three heads.

1. To what hath been.

2. To what now is.

3. To what ſhall be.

1. To what hath been, and ſo two wayes.

1. To the Apoſtles times: As the Churches of Corinth, Rome, Ieruſalem, Antioch, 7. Churches of Aſia, the Churches of Iudea, Macedonia, Galatia.

2. Next after the Apoſtles death, which we find recorded in the works of…uſeb. Hiſt. …l. l. 4. c. 22. …6. …r. l 7. c. 26. …t. in pluri… ſuis opuſc. …or. in Epiſt. …b. de habit. …. …. Hom. 5. l. … de morib. …eſ. …om. li. 5. c. … with many …rs that have …e collect…y Daneus … other Mo…e Authors …eir ſyſtems …ivinity. Euſebius, and other Eccleſiaſticall writers, and were in the dayes of Ignatius, Iuſtin Martyr, Ireneus, Tertullian, Origen, Cyprian and others, all which were under this viſible Church order, and politie, wee ſpeak of.

2. What now is, not only in this Kingdome, but in New-England, and other reformed Churches abroad in the world.

3. What ſhall be, and cannot be farre of, when the Iewes ſhall be called, and the fullnes of the Gentiles brought in, which the Scriptures ſpeake out abundantly.

3. For reaſon and Argument to cleare this point, I ſhall referre all to theſe ſix heads.

1. Becauſe it is agreeable to the Law of nature and nations: for we find by experience, that there is ſcarce in the whole world any Nation, whether Turks, Indians, Romans, but they have ſtill had their externall and viſible order of worſhip and government, they have their Temples, Prieſts, Lawes, Ordinances, Sacrifices, Ceremonies, which they viſibly obſerve, and conforme themſelves to the obſervation of. Now doubtleſſe Ieſus Chriſt is not behind heathens in his Church and Kingdome.

2. This is no other then is ſuitable to the practiſe of the Church of God, in all ages, and conditions before the comming of Chriſt.

1. In Paradiſe, before the fall of Adam, there were two ſacramentall trees, the tree of life, and the tree of knowledge of good and evill: which were not ſimple trees, but trees ſet a part by Gods p. 7appointment, and divine inſtitution; as water in Baptiſme, &c.

2. After the fall, before the Law was given, while the Church of God was in Families, then they had externall worſhip, ſacrifices, Prieſthood, firſt borne, &c.

3. When the Law was given, in the wildernes, there was an externall forme of worſhip and Ordinances ſuteable to their condition, a moving Tabernacle, &c. and after the Iſraelites came into Canaan, there was a fixed Temple at Ieruſalem, and a compleate forme of Worſhip in externals, that God had preſcribed to Moſes, and after revealed to David by the Spirit, 1 Chron. 28.11.12.19. Anſwerable to which, (though in another kind) Ieſus Chriſt hath laid downe, and given out to his Saints, a platforme of Church order under the Goſpell, as the Apoſtle holds forth plainly, in his Epiſtle to the Hebrewes, as Heb. 7.12. where he ſhewes that the old Law, will not ſerve a new order, but we muſt have a new one, and he proves tha… Moſes and Aaron are met together in Chriſt: For Chriſt is not only a Prieſt, as Aaron, but a law-giver, as Moſes, and he did both their works; a high Prieſt to ſucceed Aaron, and an Apoſtle to ſucceed Moſes: as Heb. 3.1. Chriſt is Aaron in point of offering up ſacrifice, and Moſes, in point of preſcribing lawes, for holy worſhip. With many other places.

3. This Church order, and ſacred politie, is moſt conſonant to the Church of Chriſt, as tis his viſible Kingdome, City, Houſe, or Temple: Now a viſible Kingdome, and Houſe, or City, muſt have an order, and government equivalent, as all men grant**Eccleſia eſ… domus Dei, ait Paulus, 1 Tim. 3.15 atque in dom… Dei nihil foreign & conf… fieri debet, i… docet idē Pa… lus, 1 Cor. 1… 40. ſed omni… foreign, e… politia aliqu… in ea opus e… ut decenter ordine omni… fiant & ger… tur. Daneus Eccleſ.1 Tim 3:151 Cor 1:40.

4. It is requiſite in reference to Chriſt himſelfe, the maſter of this houſe, and King of this Kingdome, in which the glory of his power, wiſdome, and goodnes, abundantly ſhines forth, even to the am…zement of men and Angels.

5. It is neceſſary in reſpect of the Saints fellowſhip and communion together in the worſhip and ſervice of God:

1. In reſpect of the exerciſe of their graces, which cannot ſo well, nor ſo conveniently, and with that advantage to one another be performed, as in this order, as the Apoſtle holds forth in 1 Cor. 14. per totum. For as it is in Civill ſociety or Politie, ſo it is in Eccleſiaſticall. Now in Civill Government, that Politicall vertue that is in a man, cannot be ſo wel exerciſed and managed in a confuſed multitude alone by himſelfe, as in a ſociety: So here, theſe p. 8gifts and graces which Chriſt hath beſtowed by his Spirit on the Saints, cannot be ſo well exerciſed ſingly by themſelves alone, as when they are united together into a Church ſtate and order, as 2 Cor. 12.7.

2. In reſpect of their enjoying the ordinances, for its worth our ſerious knowledge and obſervation, that the ordinances of Chriſt are not due to Chriſtians meerly as Chriſtians or Beleevers, but to Beleevers as in a Church State, for a Beleever is to come under a double conſideration, as a man is. Now a man is conſidered two wayes, either as foreign, or as foreign, that is, as he is rationall, or politicall, that is, as he is a man by himſelfe, or as he is joyned to ſome ſociety, or Corporation: So a believer is to be lookt upon, either as a believer, or member of Chriſt ſingly by himſelfe, or as a member of ſome viſible Church of Chriſt: and in this latter ſence only is he capable of enjoying fellowſhip with Chriſt in his viſible ordinances and worſhip. The reaſon is this, becauſe the ſame Chriſt, that inwardly unites him by the Spirit, and faith to himſelf, doth outwardly alſo call him to his body, the Church, to worſhip, and ſerve him in the uſe of his Ordinances.

3. In reſpect of thoſe many ſingular helps, and encouragements that in this Church-ſtate they enjoy, as I ſhall hereafter in particular ſhew: Which without it they are deprived of; for a man cannot poſſibly be ſo happy alone, as he is in company, eſpecially when that ſociety proves a helpe, not a hinderance to him, as this doth we now ſpeake of: We find that in the very ſtate of innocency, God ſaw, that it was not beſt for Adam to be alone; now if ſociety were good for man in a perfect ſtate, how much more then in an unperfect ſtate, as the Saints are now in, whiles they are here below, and abſent from the Lord? And the truth of this is further evident from the many enemies the Saints meet with in their walking with God, where they have all the powers of darknes ſet againſt them. Now union together in this Church-ſtate, is a ſingular remedy againſt thoſe temptations they thus meet withall; we know by experience, that company in travelling makes the way both ſweeter and ſafer, whereas travelling alone ſingly by a mans ſelf, is not only the more tedious, but dangerous: ſo here: and therefore without all controverſie, this condition of the Saints in this way of the Goſpell was foreſeen of Ieſus Chriſt, as moſt neceſſary and uſefull.

p. 96. If we looke to the Ordinances of Chriſt, we ſhall find the truth of this particular very cleare; the reaſon is, becauſe they cannot well ſubſiſt but in this Church-ſtate and order, eſpecially ſince the Apoſtles times, as I ſhall ſpeake more fully to, in the following diſcourſe.

1. The office of a Paſtor, how can it be executed but in this Church-ſtate and order? A Shepherd we know cannot be a Shepheard, but to a flock, nor a ſteward be a ſteward but to a family: So here to be a Miniſter in office requires a particular ſociety of believers, to which he muſt ſtand in relation.

2. The adminiſtration of the ſeales, how can they take place, where there is no Church-ſtate? I am not of their mind that ſay they are ordained to make believers, but rather to confirme and build up thoſe that are believers, when they are brought into Church-fellowſhip, as we find in the Primitive Churches. The word is to plant Churches, and the Seales to build and ſtabliſh them.

3. The cenſures, which are the Keys of Chriſts Kingdome; we know they reach not any till they be in a Church-ſtate, 1 Cor. 5.12. for by being without, there, is properly meant of a viſible Church-ſtate. And ſo much for the firſt branch.

2. In the next place we come to the proof of the 2. branch of the former Propoſition, which is this. That this ſacred viſible Church ſtate, order, and politie, under the New Teſtament, is inſtituted and appointed by Ieſus Chriſt, and him only. No created power in heaven or earth is exalted to this dignity beſides himſelfe, nor hath a hand with him in it.

Now this I ſhall endeavour, (being a truth of great importance, eſpecially at this time) to make out fully.

Much might be ſaid from the Prophets(a)(a)Eſay 9 6. Zech. 6.12, 13▪ Micah 5.2.Isa 9:6Zech 6:12Zech 6:13Mic 5:2 foretelling it: from the Churches(b)(b)Eſay 33.22 James 4.12. Rev. 5.12, 13. & 15.4.Isa 33:22Jas 4:12Rev 5:12Rev 5:13Rev 15:4 acknowledging it: from the Angell Gabriels (c)(c)Luk. 1.31, 32, 33.Luke 1:31Luke 1:32Luke 1:33meſſage to the virgin Mary: from Chriſts(d)(d)Phil. 2.8, 9Phil 2:8Phil 2:9 right to it, and publiſhing of it.(e)(e)Mat. 28.18, 19, 20.Matt 28:18Matt 28:19Matt 28:20 But I ſhall paſſe by theſe, and endeavour to cleare it by …heſe ſix things only.

1. From God the Fathers deſigning him alone, to this honourable worke and employment, he hath ſet no other apart to it beſides Ieſus Chriſt: David was a glorious type of this, and Solomon, and ſo was Eliakim, Eſay 22.20, 21, 22, 23, 24. and therefore p. 10the Father is ſaid to commit all judgement in to his hands, Ioh. 5.22. and to put all things under his feet, and crowne him with honou… and glory, Heb. 2.7, 8. and to make him head over all things to his Church, Epheſ. 1.22. Col. 2.10. 1 Pet. 3.22. and to give him a name above every name, Phil. 2.9.

2. From God the Fathers qualifying him for it, above all others; Chriſt was anointed for this worke above all his f…llowes, whether Kings, Prieſts, Prophets, or Saints in common: as we ſee in Pſal. 45.6, 7. Heb. 1.8, 9. Now Chriſt was qualifyed with eminency of power from the Spirit for this worke, above all others in a ſevenfold reſpect.

1 In reſpect of the greatnes, ſtrength, glory, and Majeſty of it: No other created power can compare with Chr ſt in this: All the power and dominion of men and Angels, is only a finite power & dominion, the power of a poore creature: but this in Chriſt, as he is Mediator, foreign, God-man, is above a meer creature, and ſo infinite; and therefore when the holy Ghoſt ſpeaks of the power and authority of Chriſts K…ngly office and government, he ſets it forth by the titles of Wonderfull, Counſellor, the mighty God, the everlaſting Father, the Prince of peace, Eſay 9.6.

And though other created powers, as men and Angels, are ſometime in the Scriptures called Gods, yet have they not the nature of God, but ſhall dye like men, Pſal. 82.6, 7. but Chriſt hath both name and nature alſo.

2. In reſpect of the latitude and extent of it, it hath no limits or bounds, all the power and authority of men and Angels, is a limited and confined power and authority: like the proud waves of the Sea, thus farre ſhalt thou go, ſaith the Lord, but no further: but now the power of this Monarch is univerſall, it extends to heaven and earth, not only to the perſons and eſtates of men, but to their hearts and conſciences alſo, Dan. 4.34, 35. Pſal. 45.11.

3. In reſpect of the equity, juſtice, and integrity of it, all other power and authority is ſubject to flawes in it, to injuſtice, and ſin, the beſt Magiſtrates and Miniſters, the beſt Church and ſtate may poſſibly be corrupted, Humanum eſt errare, but now, the Scepter of Chriſt is a righteous Scepter, tis not poſſible for him to be unholy, unjuſt, &c. Pſal. 45.6, 7.

4. In reſpect of the ſolenes of it, he is alone of himſelfe without p. 11the creature in his power: all other powers on earth are mined powers, they have others joyned with them in commiſſion, as the King and Parliament together, the Lord Major of the City, and Common-councell together, the Paſtor and People together: But now Jeſus Chriſt is Solus in thronum, he is alone of himſelfe, the Father hath put all power into his hands alone, without joyning Angels or men in commiſſion with him, he depends not on any of them, but they all d…pend upon him: As he is by himſelfe alone, ſo he is of himſelfe alone, without the helpe of others: All other created powers are beholding to him, but he to none of them.

5. In reſpect of the abſolutenes of it, he is exalted to be Lord and King over his Church, to gov…rn it, ſo that he can do whatſoever he pleaſeth: but it is not ſo with Angels or men, they cannot pro arbitrio command and enjoyne to the Saints what they pleaſe in matters of Gods worſhip, they have no abſolute jurisdiction, they are only foreign, Miniſters, not Lords, ſervants to Chriſt and his Church; they can act no further then by vertue of leave from him, and they ſhall one day be accountable to Chriſt for what they now doe.

6. In reſpect of the fulnes, compleatnes and perfection of it; all created power is defective, and full of weakenes and imp…rfections: But in Chriſt there are none, for in him there is foreign, all fulnes, and in him are hid foreign all treaſures of wiſdome, Col. 2.3. which cannot be ſaid of the creature; what they have is but a drop, to his Ocean, and that little they have, is from him alſo.

7. Laſtly, in r…ſpect of the duration and perpetuity of it: All other power is periſhable, uncertaine, and fading. The Monarchs of the world cannot ſay of their power and authority that it is everlaſt…ng, as Jeſus Ch…iſt can, … Dan. 4.34, 35. and Eſay 9▪ 6 7. Of the encreaſe of his government there is no end. Now if Chriſt be ſo …inently qualifyed for this worke, no wonder if it be put altogether into his hands.

3. F…om Chriſt u…dertaking and perfo…ming it, as in Mat. 16. and …8.17 18. Mat. 28 19, 20. Ioh. 20.21. Epheſ. 4.10, 1…, 12. 1 Cor. 11.23. and 12.28. In wh…c… plac…s we find a Church ſtate appointed by Chriſt, with offices, officers, gifts, ordinances, and government correſpondent.

p. 124. From the Apoſtles their diſclayming this power and authority, profeſſing their work was meerely a**foreign. Miniſtery; not a Lordſhip, Act. 17. and that they were the ſervants not only of Chriſt, but of the Churches alſo, 2 Cor. 4 5. Rom. 15.31. and that they had no power or dominion over the faith or conſciences of the people, but helpers of their joy, 2 Cor. 1. ult.

5. From the inſufficiency of all humane abilities to accompliſh this worke, which I ſhall make out three wayes:

1. From want of wit and skill to do it.

2. From want of a mind and will to do it.

3. From want of power nd ſtrength to do it.

1. Men have no wit nor skill for this worke: all the abilities of the creature are too low to reach ſuch Myſteries as theſe: what could Moſes, or David, or Solomon do, towards the building the viſible Tabernacle and Temple of old, with the ordinances of worſhip thereunto appertaining, if God had not firſt made them acquainted with it by his Spirit? So what could the Prophets and Apoſtles have done towards the building the living Temple of Chr…ſts Church under the New Teſtament, if Jeſus Chriſt had not acquainted them with the order and manner of it from his owne mouth? Who hath known the mind of the Lord? 1 Cor. 2. ult. Doubtleſſe if Chriſt had left this work to the wit and diſcretion of men, we ſhould have had ſorry Church worke. Whence is it that there are ſo many diviſions and differences amongſt men in the world in the matters of Gods houſe and worſhip, but this, that men are darke and ignorant, and not acquainted with the mind of Chriſt revealed in the word?

2. As men have no wit nor skill for this buſines, ſo neither have they a mind and will to do it. Looke we narrowly into the diſpoſitions of men, and we ſhall find how backward they are this w…y: As the Apoſtle ſpake in his Epiſtle to the Church at Philippi, Phil. 2.21. All ſeeke their owne, but few the things of Ieſus Chriſt, men are ſo taken up with the building their owne houſes, that they care not what becomes of Gods houſe, as thoſe in the Prophet Haggai…s Hag. ….2.dayes, every man ſaid, The time is not yet come to build the houſe of the Lord. And doubtleſſe if Jeſus Chriſt did not carry on the building of his temple further then men are diſpoſed thereunto, he might ſtay long enough for it. We are all of us, even the p. 13beſt of the Saints, of Cranzius diſp…ſition and temper, who anſwered Luther, it were to be wiſh…d, that ſuch a work were done he ſpake to him about. We could wiſh that Antichriſt were down, and J…ſus Chriſt exalted on his throne; but where is the man that is of Luthers ſpirit in the things of God? Chriſt and his Cauſe may ſink for ought that men doe, to put themſelves forward in preſerving and forwarding of it. And if at any time men doe begin to ſet upon this worke, doe we not ſee how ſoone they are diſcouraged, and draw back, and are ready to ceaſe and give over, as it was with thoſe Jewes that God brought out of Babylon to Jeruſalem: after they had begun to build, how long was it before they finiſhed? neere as many yeeres by computation in building the Temple, as they had been in Babylon from the Temple. There was little heart, little ſtomach in them to this worke. Yea though many of them were good men as well as great men, every ſmall threat of their adverſaries was enough to make them ceaſe building, ſo that the Lord was faine to ſend Prophet after Prophet to them, to ſpurre and excite them forward to their worke they were called unto. And is it not ſo now in theſe dayes? how long have we beene building Gods houſe? what murmuring, what repining, what objections, what excuſes, what carnall reaſonings? Every man is ready to ſay, The time is not yet come; and ſo ſad conſequences come of it, and ſadder yet are like to come I feare; and all this I ſay for want of a will, of a heart in Gods owne people to this worke. And therefore without controverſie this is a truth, that further then Jeſus Chriſt acts in us by his Spirit, men have no mind to the work.

3. From want of power and ſtrength to doe it. If men had skill and wit for the work, yet ſo long as they want power, how ſhould they bring it to paſſe? Now that men want power and ſtrength for this worke, is evident from hence.

1. In that there are many and mighty enemies to be throwne downe, when this Church-ſtate is to be ſet up: great and high Mountaines that muſt be made Plaines. What a great mountaine was there of a Samaritan faction, joyned with the power of the Perſian Monarchy, before Zerubbabel, when he c…me in the name of the Lord to build his houſe that had been laid waſte? And what a great mountaine is the Romane Empire, and that Antichriſtian p. 14State, which now oppoſeth, and who ſhall be able to dry up th great river Euphrates, Rev. 16.12. that the way of the Kings of the Eaſt may be prepared? By which River, ſome underſtand the Monarchy on which it borders, which is the Turkiſh Empire. Now this men cannot doe, the ſtilling the rage of adverſaries is beyond the power of men: He that ſhakes the Nations when he comes to this worke, Hag. 2.7. he onelyonly can build this houſe amidſt all thoſe commotions and tumults that are made in the world againſt it. This work is the work of a God, and not a poore ſilly worme, as Man is: And therefore ſaith the Lord to Zerubbabel, Zech. 4.6. Not by might, nor by power, but by my ſpirit. And againe, in Pſal. 2 6. Yet have [I] ſet my King upon my holy hill of Sion. It is the work therefore of God, and not of men. If the Lord ſhould leave this wo…k to the creature, when would his great name be hallowed? when would his kingdome come? or when would his will be done this way?

2. In that there is much rubbiſh to be caſt out that ſtands in the way of building and ſetting up this work of the Lord, as there was at the building of the wall of Jeruſalem, Neh. 4.10. a kingdome within us, as well as without us to be ſubdued, bef…re this worke of the Lord can take place. What foreign, what ſtrange holds of carnall imaginations and reaſonings are there in the hearts of men againſt this worke of the Lord,foreign, places of defence, of foreign, ſafe. as the Apoſtle calls them, 2 Cor. 10.4, 5. How doe men love the reliques of Baal, long after the fleſh-pots of Egypt, their old ſuperſtitious wayes of worſhip they have been accuſtomed unto? how doe they to this day mourne for Tammuz? Tis no eaſie matter to prepare the hearts of the people to meet the God of their Fathers, and before this be done, it will be hard to build this houſe and Church of God, and to doe this, the arme of the eternall God muſt appeare, or elſe all is in vaine, as the Pſalmiſt hath it, Pſal. 127.1. Except the Lord build the houſe, they labour in vaine that build it: So here eſpecially this houſe of God, that cannot be ſet up before the hearts of men be prepared Doe not we ſee by ſad experience to this day, that people look upon the right order of the Goſpel, as a light, vaine, novell thing, & thoſe too, that pretend to great knowledge? Now this very opinion of novelty that men have touching this way of Chriſt, is ſuch a hindrance to this work, that unleſſe the Lord put forth his power on p. 15the ſpirits of men, tis not all the men in the world are able to bring them to embrace Reformation, and therefore doubtleſſe this is Chriſts work, and not the creatures; Gods, and not mans.

6. Laſtly, to adde no more to what hath been laid down for the clearing of this truth, take this onelyonly, That the Scriptures do wholly exclude and ſhut out the Creature from having a hand in this buſineſſe, and attribute all to the Lord: and this I ſhall make out I h…pe very plainly, and to abundant ſatisfaction.

1. It is evident, that the Scriptures never ſpeake in the plurall number of Heads over the Church, primary and ſecundary, but only in the ſingular number of one Head, viz. Chriſt, who hath abſolute and ſole power, ju…iſdiction and authority in the matters of R…ligion and Worſhip, as Epheſ. 1.22.5.23. Col. 1.18. & 2.10, 19. and therefore they ſpeak onelyonly of one Law-giver, James 4.12. and the government on his ſhoulders onelyonly, and not on any other with him, Eſay 9 6. & 22.21, 22, 23.

2. It is evident, that the Scriptures deny all headſhip and Lordſhip to any other beſides Chriſt in the Church, 1 Pet. 5.3. Pſal. 45.11.

3. Our Saviour himſelfe forbids it to his Diſciples and Apoſtles that were to follow him, Mar. 10.42. Luk. 22.25. Mat. 23.8. to 13. & Mat. 28.20.

4. The Apoſtles themſelves after his departure, (who had moſt right of all other to this power) altogether diſclaim it, 2 Cor. 1. ult. profeſſing their work was meerly a ſervice and miniſtery, Act. 1.17. not a Lordſhip, as we have noted before. And therefore when you meet in reading the Scriptures with ſuch places as theſe, as I ordaine, and as I give order in the Churches, you are not to underſtand it of any abſolute, but onelyonly a derived power from Chriſt, to eſtabliſh in the Churches what Chriſt commanded, and gave them in commiſſion, nothing of their owne, but as 1 Cor. 11.23. that they received from the Lord, that they delivered to the Saints.

5. The Scriptures in an expreſſe manner forbid Beleevers to be the ſervants of men in this point, as to bow our conſciences to their injunctions in the matters of Worſhip. 1 Cor. 7.23. in Civil things we may and ought, but not in divine and ſpirituall things, there Chriſt alone muſt have active obedience, Pſal. 45.11. and hence it p. 16is that the Scriptures doe charge us, not to ſerve God after the traditions, doctrines, and commandements of men, let them pretend never ſo much holines and zeale for the glory of God, Mat. 15.9. Col. 2.7▪ 8 20, 21. the reaſon is, becauſe God will be worſhip…d after his own mind and will, revealed to us in the Scriptures, and not after the wiſdome of men.

6. The Scriptures reprove and ſharply rebuke ſuch as ſtoop and bowe their conſciences to the precep…s and commands of men, in ſerving and worſhipping of God, as Hoſ. 5.11. Eſay 29.13. Gal. 4.9, 10.

7. The Scriptures hold it forth as matter of commendation to the Saints, when they have withſtood the authority of men in the matters of Gods worſhip, and rather ſuffered their bodies to die, then their conſciences to be defiled by ye…lding to their humane injunctions, as the three Children, Dan. 3. Revel. 3.4. & 14.4.

8. The Scr…ptures hold it forth as a property and character of Antichriſt, to make Lawes, and impoſe them on the conſciences of m…n, 2 Theſ. 2.4. and ſo Rev. 13.16, 17.

9. The Scriptures take away whatſoever may be thought to be a warrant for us from men to worſhip God by, beſides which, Jeſus Chriſt hath left us a rule to walk by in his written Word.

1. They take away the wiſdome of men, as a warrant for us in the worſhip of God, as 1 Cor. 3.20. Coloſſ. 2.20, 21, 22, 23.

2. They take away whatſoever ſeemeth good in our own eyes, Deut. 12.8. Eſay 66 3.

3. T ey take away mens traditions and cuſtomes, Mar. 7.9. Coloſ. 2.8. Act. 21.21. Deut. 18.9. Levit. 18. ult. Jerem. 10.3. and whatſoever inventions of men, as Pſal. 1…6.29, 39. Pſ. 99.8. Deut. 4.2. & 12.32. Prov. 30.6.

4. T ey take away the very will and commands of men, as Hoſ. 5.11. Amos 4.4. Mat. 15.9. Mar. 7.7. Col. 2.22. Tit. 1.14. Eſay 29.13.

5. They take away whatſoever word or doctrine comes from Miniſters, or any other, which cannot be reſolved into the written word of Chriſt, as in Ezek. 13.3, 7. Eſay 8.20. Gal. 1.8 9. 1 Cor. 4.6.

6. They take away all good intentions of men in this buſineſſe, as …o 2 Sam. 6.7. & 1 Sam. 13.9, 10, 13. 1 Chro. 15.13. & 2 Chro. 26.16.

p. 177. It takes away all examples of men, though never ſo eminent, Ezek. 20 18. 1 Cor. 11.1.

8. It rebukes the counſels of States for their boldneſſe this way, and layes it as a blot on t…em, ſhewing that by this means people have been brought to Idolatry, as 1 King. 12.26, 27, 28, 29 30. & 2 Chron. 25.16. Jer. 19.5, 7. Mich. 6. ult.

9. It takes away from men all power to make Lawes to binde the Conſci…nces of Beleevers, ſo much as in things that are indifferent.**Vid. M. Burr. Heart-Diviſions, p. 159, 160, 161. where he diſcourſeth excellently to this point. For where Chriſt hath left men free, there they are not to be bound. Now if they deny men power for the leſſer, then doubtleſſe much more for the greater: but the firſt is true, therefore the latter. And leſt Chriſtians ſhould abuſe this liberty of theirs in the uſe of things indifferent, he himſelfe hath provided divers rules for this purpoſe in the Word. Rom. 14.19. & 15.2. 1 Cor. 6 12, 23. 1 Cor. 10.32. 1 Cor. 14 40 Rom. 14.13.

10. It takes away from men the very power of tempting and enticing their brother to follow after their wayes and counſels in this buſineſſe of Worſhip, as Deut. 13.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 7, 8.

10. The Scriptures hold forth, that the greateſt Powers on earth are to ſubj…ct themſelves to thoſe very Lawes and Ordinances for Worſhip that Jeſus Chriſt hath already made and enjoyned, and not to make lawes to themſelves or others, as they themſelves thinke beſt, P…al. 45.11. Pſal. 2.10, 11, 12 Mat. 28.20. Phil. 2.7, 8 9. 1 Pet. 3 22.

11. The Scriptures ſhew us, that our duty is to heare what the Spirit ſaith to the Churches, after they are conſtituted and planted, and not what Angels or men ſay, as Rev. 2.7, 11 17 & 3.6, 13, 22. ſo that men have nothing at all to doe with theſe matters, e…her in the beginning or carrying on of this Church-work, but we are to reſt ſatisfied in what the Spirit by the Word holds forth to us, Eſay 8.20.

12. The Scr…ptures ſhew that the Saints have a liberty of rejecting and refuſing whatſoever they ſhall find is not agreeable to the revealed mind and will of Chriſt in the Word, when it is charged on them as matters of faith, and req…ired in conſcience to yeeld ſubjection thereto, as 1 Theſ. 5.22. Col. 2.20, 21, 22. 1 Ioh. 4.1.2. Act 17 11. Gal. 5.1.

13. The Scriptures forbid us to turne to the right hand or to p. 81the left in matters of Gods worſhip, Deut. 5.32. & 18.19. Joſh. 1.7. Prov. 4 27. and there is a p…omiſe to prevent it, Eſay 30.21. and a bleſſing to the obſervation of it in Ioſh. 1.7.

15. The Scriptures cha…ge us, upon paine of death, not ſo much temporall as eternall, not to adde to, or diminiſh from what God hath ſet down in his written Word touching the matter and mannee of his worſhip, Deut. 4.1. & 12.32. Prov. 30.6. Revel. 22.14, 19. The reaſon of it may be this, becauſe to adde thereunto, argues Gods word to be defective and inſufficient, and to diminiſh from it, argues it to be ſuperfluous: wh…ch for men to doe is abominable, and for which we ſhall be proceeded againſt as lyars, Prov. 30 6.

15. The Scriptures ſhew us that God rejects whatſoever he commandeth not in his Worſhip, Levit. 10.1. Ierem. 7.31. & 19 5.

16. Laſtly, to adde no more, the Scriptures ſhew us the honour that attends this worke, is proper onelyonly to Jeſus Chriſt, and fitteſt for him, who is the builder of his owne houſe himſelfe, and not the creature, as Zech. 6.13. and Pſal. 22.27, 28 29, 30. and to ſpeak as the thing is, this honour and glory that attends the forming of this Church-ſtate, and right order of worſhipping JEHOVAH in the dayes of the New Teſtament, is a Crowne that becomes not the head of Angels or men, but Chriſts alone. And therefore let them all vaile Bonnet to him, and cry out with thoſe ten thouſand times ten thouſand, and thouſands of thouſands, Rev. 5.11, 12. and ſay, Worthy is the Lambe that was ſlaine, to receive power, and riches, and wiſdome, and ſtrength, and honour, and glory, and bleſſing. Ver. 13. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and ſuch as are in the ſea, and all that are in them, heard I, ſaying, Bleſſing, honour, glory and power, be unto him that ſitteth on the throne, and to the Lambe for ever and ever. Ver. 14. And the foure beaſts ſaid, Amen. And the 24 Elders fell downe and worſhipped him that liveth for ever and ever. And ſo let all thoſe doe that love the Lord Jeſus Chriſt in ſincerity. Amen. And ſo much for the ſecond branch.

3. Now I come to the third branch of the Propoſition, which is this: That Beleevers are bound every where to obſerve what Jeſus Chriſt hath done this way, and to ſubmit and ſubject themſelves willingly thereunto.

p. 19This I need not be large in the proofe of, ſeeing the Scripture is ſo cleare for the truth of it.

1. Tis clee…e by way of Propheſie, that they ſhall doe ſo, as in Pſal. …10.3. They ſhall be a willing people in the day of his power, in the beauties of holineſſe: and**Et haec eſt dignitas Eccleſiae, quod voluntario confluit non tyrannide coacta. Ibunt dicit, non trahentur vi, neque bellis adigentur, ſed ſua ſponte & voluntarii aud…to Evangelio ibunt, tracto nimirum occulto illo & paterno tractu, hilares & non metu, ſed amore evocati. Ibunt, non ſubſiſtent ad vocationem Dei, non moras trahent, &c. Oecolampad. in loc. Eſay 2 2, 3, 4. Jer. 50.4, 5. They ſhall not be forc…d by outward violence to this worke, nor have their excuſes to delay their comming, as thoſe Luk. 14.

2. By way of precept and injunction, Pſalm. 45.11. Mat. 28.20.

3. By way of threatning, Pſal. 2.12. Kiſſe the Sonne leſt he be angry, and ye periſh from the way. So Luke 19.23. But thoſe mine enemies which would not that I ſhould raigne over them, bring hither, and ſlay them before me.

4. By way of encouragement, from the many and ſingular priviledges which ſuch ſhall have that thus honour Jeſus Chriſt, as their onelyonly Lord and King: which priviledges I ſhall not here ſet downe, but refer them to their proper place in Chap. 5. where I lay downe ſeverall Arguments to work and win over the Saints to the practice of their duty this way. And ſo much for the 3. branch.

4. Now for the diſcovering and confuting of thoſe that are contrary minded, there are divers ſorts of men that more eſpecially oppoſe this former Truth.

The firſt ſort are thoſe that affirme there is no ſuch externall viſible politicall Church-order, that Chriſt hath inſtituted,1. Such as de… Divine Goſpe… Inſtitutions appointed by Jeſus Chriſt fo… his Saints to obſerve in the dayes of the New Teſt. to which the Saints ought to conforme and ſubject themſelves: But all the government that Chriſt hath in beleivers, is only internall by the ſpirit. As for externalls (as officers, ordinances and government) either they looke on them as forms & ſhadows that are to vaniſh and have no more being ſince the comming of Chriſt but are ſwallow'd up in the ſubſtance, & ſo deny them altogether: or els as things that are left indifferent to the diſcretion of the Saints which they may uſe, if they ſhall thinke fit, or forbeare if they pleaſe. Now how fully is this errour confuted by the truth that hath beene formerly laid down. For if Chriſt hath inſtituted (as p. 20we have ſhewed) ſuch an externall Church politye, for his Saints to obſerve to his comming again, how then dare men deny it? may they not as well deny the ſcriptures themſelves, by placing all in the office and worke of the ſpirit within us, without the uſe of any externall rule or meanes to worſhip God by? And the truth is, that to this at laſt men come, ſpeaking very baſely and unworthily, if not blaſphemouſly of the ſcriptures. But before I leave thoſe men▪ (if it may pleaſe the Lord to ſh…w them the ev…ll of their way) I would faine know of them whether it were not the practice of Jeſus Chriſt himſelfe in the dayes of his fl ſh, and his Apoſtles after him, (whom he ſubſtituted in his roome, and appointed to give out his divine will concerning the ordinances of his kingdome) to live in the uſe and practic… of outward worſhip and ordinances. Did not Chriſt himſelfe pract ce preaching, praying, Baptiſme, Supper, &c. and ſo the Apoſtles after him? and did they not give the Churches this in charge, that they ſh…uld tread in their ſteps, and be followers of them, as they were of Chriſt? and can it be denyed, that the O…dinan…es of God are thoſe ſacred things, in and by which the Saints come to have lively fellowſhip and communion with God? N…ither let men think it ſufficient to ſay, that they have fellowſhip with God without and above ordinances, for then it would follow, that men ſhould live in fellowſhip with God without worſhipping and ſerving of him in that way he hath preſcribed, (viz.) by obſerving thoſe duties and ordinances which Jeſus Chriſt hath inſtituted and commanded in his Word, as preaching, prayer, ſinging, receiving the Sacraments, executing the cenſures, &c. in Church fellowſhip, as hath been and ſhall be farther noted in the following diſcourſe. And therefore if theſe men deſire to be found in the number of thoſe that Chriſt calls his friends,…hn 14.15. let them labour to doe what he hath commanded them, and not ſlight the way of his viſible worſhip and ordinances, which he hath inſtituted for his Churches to walk in, till his comming againe, when he ſhall deliver up the Kingdome to his Father, and have put downe all rule, and authority, and power, in 1 Cor. 15.14.

2. The other ſort of men, contrary minded to this bleſſed truth, are thoſe that teach and write for ſound doctiine, that Jeſus Chriſt hath not ſole power of headſhip over the Church in appointing p. 21and ordering this viſible Church-ſtate, for all Nations to obſerve and ke…p, but it is in the power of men alſo to appoint and ſet up a frame of Church-Government, and order for men to ſerve and worſhip God by, according to the nature and frame of thoſe States and Kingdomes wherein they live: and the foundation they build on, is by diſtinguiſhing betweene a Supreame principall headſhip, and a Miniſteriall ſubordinate headſhip: They doe not deny, but Chriſt is the ſupreame Head over all, but then they would faine make the world believe (if it lay in their power) that there is a ſecondary and ſubordinate headſhip, which Ieſus Chriſt hath deligated in his room, and hath left power and authority with, to make lawes to his Church: and they ſay, that this Miniſteriall headſhip may ſtand wel enough with the Principal and Supream, as a Vice-Roy may ſtand with a King, but I utterly deny it, affirming it to be a diſtinction coined in the Popes conclave at Rome, and holy Baines in his Commentary on Col. 2.19. ſhews it to be altogether unſound.

1. Becauſe it is contradictory, for it is ſuch an eſſentiall property of an head, to be principall, and have rule, that what is not thus, is not an head.

2. Who ever heard of any ſecundary miniſteriall head in a naturall body without deformity? Now it is a naturall body, with which Chriſt doth compare himſelfe in this reſpect.

3. That which is a miniſteriall head, muſt doe the work of an head, but that none can doe: the work is double, internall or externall influence, regiment or direction. Of the firſt it is granted: for the other of Regiment, The Apoſtle themſelves w… not Heads of but ſervants … the Churche… Id. ibid.the Scripture denyeth it to any but Chriſt the Prince of Paſtors, leaving to all other a power miniſteriall onelyonly to ſerve the Churches as ſuperior unto them.

4. No Direction which is dependent is the direction of an Head, as the hand leading and drawing up the foot, directeth it, but is not an head to it, becauſe the direction of the hand commeth from the principality of the head reported unto it. As for thoſe inſtances that are brought for the upholding of the former diſtinction, he anſwers them cleerly, and ſhews, that the union of the Church, the Scripture teacheth to depend on Chriſt and his S…irit, and not on a viſible head. Men may have many names properly attributed to them, but this improperly. Kings may ſuffer men to be called Noble, Wiſe, Rich, p. 22but to be called Kings within his Dominion, is not permitted, becauſe there is nothing more derogatory from the glory of his Crowne. So here. And what this l…arned man hath ſpoken in the former place, is confirmed both by Ancient and Moderne Divines againſt the Papiſts, as is eaſie to prove: And ſufficient might be added from the Sermons which have been pr…ached for theſe ſeverall yeeres before the Honourable Houſes of Parliament, by learned men of all ſorts: but I ſuppoſe it is needl…s in a buſines ſo cleere and palpable.

Now if Jeſus Chriſt be ſole Head, and none joyned in commiſſion with him, for the ordering of theſe affaires that concerne his own, and his Fathers ſpiritu…ll and eternall Kingdom, then doubtleſſe no Powers on earth, Civill or Eccleſiaſticall, can challenge that honour and authority to themſelves, which is onelyonly p…oper to Jeſus Chriſt, and which he hath reſerved to himſelfe alone, and is communicable to none other beſides him. Now there are ſome things which Chriſt hath reſerved to himſelfe: as for example, to erect a ſpirituall Church and Kingdome to himſelfe, like himſelfe. 2. To appoint a miniſtery & worſhip, order & government, both internall and externall, ſutable thereunto. 3. To give out glorious Goſpell truths and doctrines of ſalvation for the Saints to belleeve, and practiſe. 4. To raign and rule in and over the hearts and conſciences of the Saints, by the mighty Scepter of his Word and Spirit. 5. To forgive ſinnes, to heale diſeaſes, to bleſſe O…dinances, to c…allenge praiſes, command homage, duty, ſervice of the whole man from ſinners, theſe and the like things are proper to J…ſus Chriſt, as he is the great high Prieſt, Prophet, and King of his Church, and not communicable to Angels or men: and therefore let not humane powers take that to them, which is none of their due but belongs to Chriſt alone.

Queſt. What is their due then?

Anſ. M. Sprig in his Ancient Bounds hath ſpoken ſo much, and ſo …ully to this particular, that I need not ſay any thing; however bec…uſe ſomething will be expect…d, I ſhall referre all to theſe five he…ds, which I deſire may be candidly interpreted, as ſeriouſly co…ſid…ed.

1. T…y are bound by diligent ſtudy (in their own proper perſons) … enquire after, and acquaint themſelv…s with, what the eternall God by Ieſus Chriſt hath already revealed in his word p. 23touching the right order of government in his Church, and manner of his viſible worſhip among the Saints, which he hath given them in charge to obſerve and practiſe; and not to take up theſe ſacred things by cuſtome or tradition, or depend altogether upon the judgement and information of others: as is evident from Deut. 17.19, 20. And it ſhall be when he ſitteth upon the throne of his Kingdome, that he ſhall write him a coppy of this law in a booke, out of that which is before the Prieſts, the Levites, and it ſhall be with him, and he ſhall read them all the dayes of his life, that he may learn to feare the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law; and theſe Statutes, to do them, that his heart be not lifted up above his bretheren, and that he turne not aſide from the Commandement, to the right hand or to the left, &c. This indeed muſt be granted, that the ſupream Magiſtrate may crave the helpe and aſſiſtance of counſels and Synods, for information and counſell herein, but not wholly depend and reſt on them, to neglect his own perſonall endeavours: and the reaſon is, becauſe no Councels or Synods can now ſay, that they are ſo immediately and infallibly guided, and aſſiſted from heaven, as that we may build upon their determinations, without further enquiry, but are ſubject to errours in the matters of Religion as wel as others; as Hiſtories abundantly make manifeſt.**Vid. Cranm… who ſuffered martyrdome for Jeſus Ch… in Qu. Mar… dayes, in his Treatiſe, called, A Confutation of unwritten Verities, againſt the Papiſts, wh… he proves this abundantly from Euſeb. Greg. Naz. Auguſt. Panormitan. &c So Doctor Whit… ſometimes profeſſ. of Di. in Cambr. de Concil. p. 12 concilia generalia poſſe errare et falſa… … piniones amplecti, nam concilium Antiochenum veritatem damnavit, et hereſin apertam prop… navit: Similiter Ariminenſe et Epheſinum ſecundum, ex quo patet veritatem non eſſe metiend… ex numero Epiſcoporum. And this he proves at large, p. 248. ad finem, from Scripture, Reaſ… Examp. & teſt. of Fathers. And though he ſpoke much in the commendations of right gathe… Councels, yet in diverſe places of the Treatiſe, he delivers theſe ten things concerning them. 1. That their calling together, is quiddam foreign, p. 35. et humanum inventum, p. … that is meerely humane. 2. That they cannot frame Articles of faith to bind the conſcien… p. 19. 3. That their end in comming together, is not to feed as Paſtors, but to con… what is beſt for the Churches. p. 85. 4. That they are not ſimply neceſſary. p. 23. 5. That they do not give authority to the Scripture, p. 242, 243. 6. That their dec… are not foreign, that is, immediately inſpired by the holy Ghoſt, p 262, 263. 7. T… the ultimate determination and judgement of a Generall Councell may be falſe, p. 231. 8. That there is no judgement of a Councell properly in matters of faith, p. id. 9. T… the truth of things determined in Councels, may afterwards be called into queſtion, and aga… diſputed, p. 283. 10. That the Churches of Chriſt h…ve been kept found in faith with them, for the firſt three hundred yeares, p. 23. And to this agrees M. Owen, a mode… and learned Presbyterian in his Country Eſſay for Church government, annexed to his Ser… preached before the honourable Houſe of Commons, p. 72. his words (among others) are theſe. … Iudge of hereſy ſince the Apoſtles dayes, but have been obnoxious to errour in that judgement, …d thoſe that have been forwardeſt to aſſume a Iudicature and power of diſcerning between …th and e… our, ſo as to have others …egulated the…eby, have erred moſt foulely: Of old it was …erally con…eived to be in Councels. Now I ſhould acknowledge my ſelfe oblieged to any man …t would direct me to Councell (ſince that of Acts 15.) which I may not be forced from the …ord to aſſert, that it (in ſomething or other) went aſtray, and he produceth teſtimonies to …s purpoſe from Luthe…, Beza, Nazian. &c …. Luther, (he ſhewes) did not feare to affirm of the very firſt and beſt of generall Synods, …t he underſtood not the holy Ghoſt to ſpeake in them, and that their Cannons were but plain …y and S…ubble. …. Beza, that ſuch was the folly, ignorance, ambition, wickednes of many Biſhops in the beſt …es, that you would have ſuppoſed the Devill to have been Preſident in the…r Aſſemblies. …. Nazianzene, That he complained, he never ſaw good end of any Councell; and affirmed …t he was re…olved n…ver to come at them more; with much more that he hath in that place … this purpoſe. So that although Synods and Councels of learned and godly men, are not wholly to be re…ted or deſpiſed, yet they are not ſo to be depended upon, as the Scriptures are, which we …e comm…nded by Chriſt to ſearch, Joh. 5.39. and which alone in themſelves are the rule of …th, and Iudge of controverſies, as all Prot…ſtant Divines do grant.Acts 15John 5:39

p. 242. When God hath ſo bleſſed their endeavours, as to reveale and make known his will unto them laid downe in the Scriptures, they are bound to publiſh and declare the ſame to their Subjects, and require them for the honour and glory of God, to yeeld willing ſubjection and obedience thereunto, according to the practiſe of religious Princes of old, as Aſa, in 2 Chron. 14.4. who commandded Iudah to ſeeke the Lord God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandement: and ſo Iehoſhaphat after him, 2 Chro. 17.7.8.9 and Hezekiah, and Ioſiah, and ſo did David, and Solomon before them.

3. They are not to reſt here, but the better to encourage their Subjects, th y are to go before them in exemplary practiſe, requiring no more of them, then they are forward and willing themſelves to do; according to the famous examples of Moſes, Ioſhuah, and Samuel And the rather, becauſe that hereby they ſhall not only publiſh to men and Angels, that they acknowledge the ſupremacy and ſoveraignty of Ieſus Chriſt over themſelves, though the greateſt on earth, but alſo engage him to the preſerving …nd proſpering of them in all their undertakings: as the Prophet told K…ng Aſa. 2 Chro. 15.1.

4. They are bound to countenance and encourage all thoſe, that p. 25they find the Lord to make a willing people in the wayes of his worſhip, by granting them their liberty, though they be the feweſt and meaneſt, and never ſo much contemned and deſpiſed in and by the world; and though they alſo differ and vary, (through their weakenes) in ſome ſmall circumſtantialls about the worſhip of God, among themſelves, yet ſo long as they hold the head, and ſtrive after the life and power of Godlines, in their walking, and ſubmitt to Civill government, they are to be protected, becauſe herein they do well, and ſo come within the compaſſe of the Magiſtrates countenance, encouragemen…, and protection, as Rom. 13.3, 4. Eſay 49.23. whereas on the contrary, if they ſhould be diſcouraged, by denying them their liberty, and expoſing them to the rage and fury of malevolent ſpirits, they ſhould never enjoy the end of their prayers to God, in the behalfe of the magiſtrate, which is, That they may under them, lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godlines and honeſty, 1 Tim. 2.2.

5. Laſtly they are bound to the utmoſt of their ſtrength and authority, to uphold and maintaine thoſe ſacred Lawes and Ordinances of Chriſt given to the Saints, in their purity, power, and liberty, againſt all ſuch as by force, or fraud, ſhall endeavour the extirpation and overthrow of them: and this they are to doe, theſe three wayes.

1. By declaring openly againſt all ſuch known and manifeſt errours, that fight againſt Chriſt and his truth, and are condemned in the Scripture.

2. By reſtraining of all ſuch exorbitant and apparant wicked practiſes, whereby men do openly reſiſt, and make oppoſition againſt thoſe precious wayes of the Lord, and his people, that are in the religious practiſe of them.

3. By inflicting puniſhment on the perſons of ſuch as ſhall obſtinately perſiſt in their oppoſition, and wil not take notice of the laws either of God or man to ſubject themſelves unto them,**Such as the Apoſtle ſtiles 1 Tim. 1.9. foreign, qui …ugum om… excutiunt; ta… quam ferae indomitae ad ſu… cupiditates e… plendas curre… tes. Nam ex lo… ille proprie dicitur, qui refu… git ſubjici r… cuſat que pare… ac repagula omnia t…anſili… Anton. Fa…u… in loc.1 Tim 1:9 theſe are evill doers, Filii foreign, qui nullius ſunt uſus, aut frugis, foreign & foreign, fighters againſt Chriſt and God, and ſo come within the compaſſe of juſtice to be executed on them; otherwiſe the Magiſtrate ſhould beare the Sword in vain, which would be his ſinne, becauſe he is appointed for the puniſhment of evill doers, as well as the praiſe and encouragement of them that do well, p. 26Rom 13.3, 4. good and evill actions being the proper object of the Mag ſtrates power.

Yet herein I deſire I may not be miſtaken, as if I would have the civill Magiſtrate to proceed ſo farre in the inflicting of corporall puniſhment on the perſons of men, as the late Printed Paper entituled An Ordinance for the preventing and ſpreading of hereſies, &c. would have him: for I cannot ſee how …he ſentence of blood can be pronounc…d in the caſe of ſpirituall & mentall evils, as ſimple hereſie, or misbelieving any point of Chriſtian faith, where men are otherwiſe peaceable in the ſtate: And that tis not my judgement or the judgement of thoſe that are called Independents alone, I ſhall referre the Reader to M. Owen mentioned before, in his Country Eſſay, for the practiſe of Church government, annexed to his excellent S…rmon preached before the Houſe of Commons, Aprill 29 1646. p. 76. 77. 78. where he hath much to this purpoſe, and to the purpoſe: I… would be ſeriouſly conſidered (ſaith he) upon a view of …h… ſtate and condition of Chriſtians, ſince their name was known in the world, whether this doctrine of puniſhing errin… perſons with death, impriſonment, baniſhment, and the like, …der the name of heretiques, hath not been as uſefull and advantag…ous for error as truth? Nay, whether it hath not appeared the moſt pernicious invention that ever was broached. In the firſt, ſecond, and third Ages, we heare little of it, nothing for it, ſomething againſt it; much afterwards againſt it in Auſtin, and others: Marlinus that famous French Biſhop (he ſhewes) rejected the communion of a company of his aſſociated Biſhops, becauſe they had conſented with Maximus the Emperour, unto the death of the Priſcilianiſts, as vile heretiques as ever breathed. I know the uſuall pretences, (ſaith he) ſuch a thing is blaſphemy, but ſearch the Scripture, looke upon the definitions of Divines, and by all mens conſent, you will find hereſy, in what head of Religion ſo ever it be, and blaſphemy properly ſo called, to be exceedingly diſtant: Let a blaſphemer undergo the law of blaſphemy: but yet I thinke we cannot be too cautious how we place men in that damnable ſeries, calling heaven and earth to witnes the contrary.

Obj. To ſpread ſuch errors will be deſtructive to ſoules.

Anſ. So are many things, which yet are not puniſhable with forcible death, let him that thinks ſo, go kill Pagans, and Mahumetans, p. 27as ſuch hereſy is a canker, but a ſpirirituall one, let it be prevented by ſpirituall meanes: cutting off mens heads, is no proper remedy for it: if State-phyſitians thinke otherwiſe (and I may adde, thoſe that take themſelves to be Church-phyſitians) I ſay no more, but that I am not of the Colledge: This, and a great deale more, hath that judicious Author.

3. A third ſort of men that walke contrary to the former truth, are ſuch as not onelyonly refuſe to ſubſcribe to the former truth, in lifting up the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, as the ſole orderer and inſtituter of this viſible Church-ſtate, order, and politie; but quarrell with thoſe of the Congregationall way, for their forwardnes and faithfullnes in ſo doing, nick-naming them Independents, as if ſelfe and creature deniall, and lifting up the name and authority of Ieſus Chriſt, in the forementioned things, were blaſphemy, and to be numbred among one of the ſeven deadly ſinnes:foreign. Indeed if ſuch falſe accuſers, fierce ones, deſpiſers of them that are good, as the Apoſtle cals them, 2. Tim. 3.3. having a form of godlines, but denying the power thereof, v. 5. could juſtly lay to thoſe of the Congregational way this lofty title of Independency (proper only to the moſt high God) as men turned in upon themſelves, regarding only themſelves, living to themſelves, depending on themſelves, their own wiſdom, underſtanding, councell, judgement, and ſtrength, ſleighting and rejecting him, who is ſtiled Jam. 4.12. foreign, That one Lawgiver, who is able to ſave and to deſtroy: it were another matter: or elſe if it could be clearely evinced by any of the Congregationall mens words or writings, opinions, or practiſes in old England, or new: Firſt that they do altogether exclude the advice and counſell of the ſervants of Chriſt in neighbour Churches, when there is occaſion for it: or, ſecondly, That they refuſe to be accountable for their actions unto thoſe, who ſhall in a faire and orderly way, according to the rule of the Goſpell in the name of Chriſt deſire them. Or thirdly, deny appeales unto men, as they will appeale to Chriſt in the Scriptures, as the only Umpire and Iudge, in matters controverſall and dubious. Or Laſtly, ſcorne to accept from men what they bring to them, with the Image and Superſcription of Chriſt upon it, the Lord helping them by his Spirit, with the eyes of their own underſtanding to ſee it, I ſay if theſe things could be fairly made out againſt thoſe p. 82of the Congregationall way, it were ſomething; then I confeſſe our brethren (as in words they profeſſe themſelves) might juſtly accuſe us before heaven and earth, of Pride, and Arrogancy, of preſumption, Blaſphemy, and impudency, as they are pleaſed many of them in the heate of their wrath and indignation to do: but (for ever bleſſed be the Lord) this they cannot do. Wherefore is it then that the furnace of their diſpleaſure is ſeven times more heated againſt thoſe of the Congregationall way, then formerly, and this title of Independency ſo abuſively given them? For my own part, (all unavoidable infirmities incident to man excepted) I know no other reaſons then theſe, either becauſe they wil not ſubject themſelves to their high Presbytery, to their Claſſicall, provinciall, and National Churches, and their abſolute power of government, over ſingle Congregations of Saints: or ſecondly, becauſe they will not ſay God ſpeed to all ſuch as bring the doctrines of blind obedience, and teach the fear of God by the precepts of men, to them. For as for thoſe foule aſperſions which are caſt on the prime aſſertors of the Congregationall way, by the ſonnes of the high and lofty Presbytery, v…z. of error, hereſie, blaſphemy, &c. are they not well known to truly ingenuous and ſober minded men, to be no other then the fruit that comes from the wombe of envy, hatred, and diſcontent? Do not they themſelves know (what ever they beare the world in hand to the contrary) that neither Antipaedobaptiſme, Rebaptiſme, Antinomianiſme, Arminianiſme, Arianiſme, &c. (that are made the common evils of the times) can juſtly be laid to the charge of the former perſons, in old England or New? no not all this while they have appeared in this cauſe of Chriſt: Let the records of the Aſſembly be ſearcht, or any other places, and ſee whether any thing of this nature can be found againſt the diſſenting bretheren, living or dead, or thoſe that are of the ſame judgement with them, touching the right order of the Goſpell, and point of viſible Church-fellowſhip and government: What though divers that are erroneous, and hold ſuch Tenets as are deſtructive to Church and State, do ſhelter themſelves under the name of Congregationaliſts, ſhall the way therefore, and thoſe that are the chiefe aſſertors, and practiſers of it, ſuffer for it? Is this faire and honeſt dealing? there are many now poſſibly among the multitude that are for the Claſſicall way, that are abominable p. 29livers, Drunkards, Swearers, Extortioners, Oppreſſors, Perſecutors, Scoffers, if not exact malignants, and ſome of them it may be alſo hold as groſſe errors as any of the former, if not groſſer: ſhall we therefore preſently condemne thoſe that are the great Champions for it, to be ſuch? Would not the world cry ſhame of us, as of men wanting both Reaſon and Religion? And yet thus the precious ſervants of Jeſus Chriſt muſt be dealt with, that are aſſerters of the Congregational way, by thoſe that are Presbyterians,It ſeems thoſe Presbyterians that are now ſo hot and violent againſt thoſe that are not of their own tribe, have forgotten the Prelats practice to themſelves of late. and yet men will not ſee the unreaſonablenes and irreligiouſneſſe of their proceding in this manner: But certainly, (if they belong to Chriſt) he will bring them to ſee it, and make them aſhamed of all their hard Speeches they have uttered this way.

Wherefore to cloſe this Chapter, however wee ſhall be dealt withall by the Tongues and Pennes (or any other wayes) of our oppoſers, wee ſhall not be diſcouraged, but ſit down with our aflictions as with our Crown, bleſſing Jehovah, that he will count us worthy to ſuffer for his Name, and Sonnes ſake: Being aſſured that thoſe that ſuffer with him, ſhall alſo raign with him, but thoſe that deny him, ſhall be denyed of him at the laſt day. 2 Tim. 2.12.