Essay Towards Brotherly Peace and Union, Essay · Chapter 4

Essay Towards Brotherly Peace and Union · Essay · Chapter 4

p. 19CHAP. IV. Of Church-officers and their Ordination.

Queſtion. 1.

WHat need is there of Officers in the Church of Chriſt?

Anſw. Though Officers be not neceſſary to the ſimple, being of Churches when they be called,Platforme of Diſcipline from N. E. yet ordinarily to their calling they are, and to their well-being; and therefore the Lord Jeſus out of his tender compaſſion hath appointed and ordained officers, which he would not have done, if they had not been uſeful and needful for the Church. Platform of diſcipline from New England, chap. 6. ſect. 2.

Queſt. 2. What officers then hath Christ appointed and ordained in the Church?

Anſw. Theſe officers were either extraordinary, or ordinary; extraordinary, as Apoſtles, Prophets, and Evangeliſts, or ordinary as Elders and Deacons. Platform of diſcipline, chap. 6. ſect. 3.

Queſt. 3. How many ſorts of Elders hath Chriſt appointed in his Church?

Anſw. Of Elders (who are alſo in Scripture called Biſhops) there are two ſorts;Platforme of Diſcipline from N. E. ſome attend chiefly to the Miniſtry of the p. 20Word, as the Paſtors and Teachers, others attend eſpecially unto rule, who are therefore called ruling-Elders. Platform of diſcipline Chap. 6. ſect. 4.

Queſt. 4. Have the Paſtor and Teacher a like power in the Miniſtry of the Word?

Anſw. They are alike charged with the preaching of the Word,Platforme of Diſcipline from N. E. and the application thereof, and either of them to adminiſter the ſeals of the covenant unto the diſpenſation whereof they are alike called, as alſo to execute the cenſures, being a kind of application of the Word. Platform of diſcipline, chap. 6. ſect. 5.

Queſt. 5. Is there any ſuch thing as an outward call neceſſary to the conſtituting of a Paſtor or Teacher?Mr. Hooker.

Anſw. 1. It is a ſtanding and a ſtaple rule, No man taketh this honour to himſelf, Mr. Hooker.but he that is called, is Aaron, Heb. 5.9. Mr. Hookers Surney of diſcipline, part. 2. pag. 42. line 33.

2. Without this call none can warrantably do any act that belongs to any officer. Ibid. pag. 45. line 28.

3. Without this whatever is done in that behalf is void and of none effect. Ibid. line 30.

Queſt. 6. May none then preach the Word and adminiſter the Sacraments in the Church, but the Paſtor or Teachers?

Mr. Cotton.Anſw. We are far from allowing that ſacrilegious uſurpation of the Miniſters office which we hear of, (to our grief) to be practiſed in ſome places, that private Chriſtians ordinarily take upon them to preach the Goſpel publickly, and to miniſter the Sacraments. Mr. Cotton of the Keys. pag. 6. line 33. It is a frenzy of the Anabaptiſts that begins to labour with the loathſomneſſe of it ſelf, that any Chriſtian gifted, who can teach or miniſter a word of inſtruction to win a Diſciple after him, that he in a corner may baptize him alſo whom he hath won to his opinion. But as Paul ſaid of Jannes and Jambres, their madneſſe is made appear to all who are not willing to ſhut their eyes againſt the Sunne when it ſhines in its beauty.

For if the Lord Chriſt in his infinite wiſdome and Kingly care, conceived it neceſſary for the honour of the place, and the execution of the work of the Deacon to appoint choice men, and ſolemn ordination to authorize them to the work, that they being called and fitted to the work, might be accepted therein of p. 21the people, and bleſſed of him who did appoint them to the employment. In reaſon, what greater need is there that perſons who are peculiarly gifted, and furniſhed with grace and abitity, ſhould be called to this work of preaching and diſpenſing theſe holy myſteries, a ſervice above all other of greateſt weight and worth.

Adde hereunto that the Apoſtle, as by a flaming Sword doth ſtop the way to all pretenders, and therefore layes in this prohibition. No man taketh this honour to himſelf, but he that is called of God, as Aaron, he muſt have a ſpecial call from God, who muſt dare to meddle with a ſervice which is of ſuch peculiar eminence in the houſe of God; yea, the Lord himſelf doth appropriate this, and that to ſome perſons whom he puts in place. He gave ſome to be Paſtors and Teachers, Epheſ. 4.11. Are all Apoſtles? are all Governours? are all Teachers? 1 Cor. 12.29. This would bring confuſion, and ſo deſtruction to the whole. Mr. Hookers Survey of Diſcipline. part 3. pag. 9. line 8, &c. and part 2. page 42. line 23.

Object. 1. But doth not the Apoſtle, 1 Cor. 14.31. ſay, you may all propheſie one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

Anſw. 1. That place in the Corniths doth not ſpeak of ordinary private members,Mr. Cotton. but of men furniſhed with extraordinary gifts, the Members of the Church of Corinth, (as of many other Churches in the primitive times) were enriched with all knowledge, and in all utterance, 1 Cor. 1.5. and the ſame perſons which had the gift of propheſie in the Church of Corinth, had alſo the gift of tongues, which put upon the Apoſtle a neceſſity to take them off from their frequent ſpeaking with tongues, by preferring propheſie before it, 1 Cor. 14. from ver. 2. to 24. ſo that though all they might propheſie having extraordinary gifts for it, yet the like liberty is not allowed to them that want the like gifts.

In the Church of Iſrael, none beſides the Prieſts and the Levites did ordinarily propheſie, either in the Temple, or in the Synagogues, unleſſe they were either furniſhed with extraordinary gifts of Propheſſie, as the Prophets of Iſrael; or were ſet apart, and train'd up to prepare for ſuch a calling as the ſons of the Prophets. When Amos was forbidden by the high p. 22Prieſt of Bethel to propheſie at Bethel, Amos doth not alledge nor plead the liberty of an Iſraelite to propheſie in the holy Aſſemblies, but alledgeth only his extraordinary calling, Amos 7.14,15. It appears alſo that the ſons of the Prophets, that is, that men ſet apart and train'd up to prepare for that calling, were allowed the like liberty.

2. But neither the ſons of the Prophets, nor the Prophets themſelves were wont to offer ſacrifices in Iſrael, (except Samuel and Elias by ſpecial direction) nor did the extraordinary Prophets in Corinth take upon them to adminiſter the Sacraments. Mr. Cotton of the Keyes. page 20. line 16.

Object. 2. But if the Prophets in the Church of Corinth had been ended with extraordinary gifts of Propheſie, they had not been ſubject to the judgment of the Prophets, which theſe are directed to be, 1 Cor. 14.22.

Anſw. It follows not; for the people of God were to examine all Propheſies by the Law and Teſtimony,Mr. Cotton. and not to receive them but according to that rule, Iſa. 8.20. Yea, and Paul himſelf referred all his doctrine to the Law and the Prophets, Acts 26.22. And the Bareans are commended for examining Pauls doctrine according to the Scripture. Idem. pag. 21. line 14.

Queſt. 7. But though every private Chriſtian may not, yet may not the Magiſtrate either inferiour or ſupreme, preach and adminiſter the Sacraments? hath not he a power Paramount?

Anſw. As it is unlawful for Church-Officers to meddle with the Sword of the Magiſtrate,Platforme of Diſcipline from N. E. ſo it is unlawful for the Magiſtrate to meddle with the work proper to Church-Officers; the acts of Moſes and David who were not only Princes, but Prophets, were extraordinary, therefore not imitable. Againſt ſuch uſurpation the Lord witneſſed, by ſmiting Uzziah with leproſie for preſuming to offer incenſe. Platforme of Diſcipline from New Engl. chap. 17. ſect. 5.

Imberare, (that is to rule) and praedicare, (that is to preach) are not compatible, (that is, cannot agree to one and the ſame perſon) hath been a ruled caſe, admitting no contradiction in an ordinary way. Mr. Hookers Survey of Diſcipline. part 1. page 13. line 25.

p. 23Queſt. 8. You we even now mentioning Ordination, are then theſe Officers which Christ hath appointed in his Church, to be ordained to their Office?

Anſw. Church-Officers are not only to be choſen by the Church,Platforme of Diſcipline. but alſo to be ordained by impoſition of hands and prayer, with which, at the Ordination of Elders, faſting alſo is to be joyned. Platforme of Diſcipline from New England. chap. 9. ſect. 4.

Queſt. 9. But is not Election alone enough without Ordination?

Anſw. No; for as Dr. Ames ſaith, Election gives jus ad rem; Ordination gives jus in re. Mr. Hooker.Mr. Hookers Survey of Diſcipilne. part 2. page 40. line penult.

Queſt. 10. Is then the right of Ordination immutable?

Anſw. That which is a fundamental point of Religion,Mr. Hooker. that hath divine inſtitution, and ſo becomes immutable, unleſſe Chriſt himſelf repeal it. Mr. Hookers Survey of Diſcipline. part 1. page 7. line 21.

But Ordination is a fundamental point of Religion, Heb. 6. Laying on of hands, being by a Metonymie of the adjunct, put for Ordination. Mr. Hooker. part 1. pag. 7. l. 21.

Queſt. 11. To whom then doth the power of ordaining Officers. in the Church of Chriſt belong?

Anſw. 1. Ordination is an act of rule,Mr. Cotton. and pertains to the Presbyters. Mr. Cotton way. pag. 49. l. 4.

2. When the Churches are rightly conſtituted and compleated with all the orders and officers of Chriſt, the right of Ordination belongs to the teaching Elders, the act appertains to the Presbytery conſtituted of teaching and ruling Elders. Mr. Hookers Survey of Diſcipline. part 2. pag. 76. l. 1.

Queſt. 12. But what if there be no Elders in the Church, who ſhall ordain the Officers then?

Anſw. In ſuch Churches where there are no Elders, and the Church ſo deſire,Platforme of Diſcipline. we ſee not why impoſition of hands may not be performed by the Elders of other Churches. Platforme of Diſc. from N. E. chap. 9. ſect. 5.

Queſt. 13. Are the Word and Sacraments to be diſpenſed by the Miniſters thereof, only in publick or in private alſo?

p. 24Anſw. They muſt be diſpenſed publickly in the preſence,Mr. Hooker. and with the concurrence of the Church ſolemnly aſſembled. It is not in the power of the Church to confine preaching to corners; for wiſdome cryeth openly in the ſtr…ets, Prov. 8.2, 3. And of old, the Church of the Jewes erected Synagogues in every City, beſides the Temple at Hieruſalem, for the hearing and preaching of the Word. And the Apoſtle, as he compares the Supper of the Lord to their ordinary ſupper; ſo he oppoſeth manifeſtly the Church or Congregation to the private houſe, and declareth that the Lords Supper ſhould be celebrated in the Congregation, as the banquet ſhould be kept in their private houſe. Yea, the ſcope and nature of the Ordinance calls for ſuch an adminiſtration, for ſince the Sacraments are badges to ſhew our ſeparation from all other profane ſocieties, and to ſignifie our communion one with another, viſibly in the profeſſion and confeſſion of the faith, as our ſpiritual union and communion with Chriſt our head myiſtcally; therefore the adminiſtration of them ſhould be ſuch as ſhould ſuit the nature of the Ordinances, and ſerve the end of it. And therefore it is that in times of perſecution when the Church dares not, nor is meet ſhe ſhould ſhew her ſelf to the enemy; yet not then is the Word nor Sacraments privately preached nor adminiſtred neither, yet ought to be; for though they be done in the houſe of a private man, yet becauſe they are and ought to be adminiſtred in the preſence of the Congregation, there is neither private preaching, nor private celebrating of the Sacrament. Mr. Hookers Survey of Diſcipline. part 3. pag. 28. line 15, &c.

Queſt. 14. To whom are the Paſtors and Teachers of the Church to diſpenſe the Sacraments.

Anſw. A perſon hath his firſt right to a Sacrament, becauſe he hath an intereſt in the Covenant of the Goſpel,Mr. Hooker. of which it is a ſeal; but he muſt come to it in a right order of Chriſt; that is, the party muſt be a Member of a viſible Congregation, becauſe the ſeals can there only be rightly and orderly adminiſtred. I ſay it is ſufficient the party be a member of a viſible Congregation, not this or that particular. Mr. Hookers Survey of Diſcipline. part 2. pag. 65. l. 26.

Yet it is requisite that ſuch members of a particular Church as were baptized and received their memberſhip in their infancy p. 25ſhould come to their tryal and examination, and manifeſt their faith and repentance by an open profeſſion thereof, before they come to the Lords Supper, or elſe not be admitted thereunto. Platforme of Diſcipline from New England. chap. 12 ſect. 7.

Queſt. 15. How is this tryal and examination to be made?

Anſw. In caſe any through exceſſive fear or other infirmity,Platforme of Diſcipline. be unable to make the relation of their ſpiritual eſtate in publick, it is ſufficient that the Elders having received private ſatisfaction, make relation thereof in publick, before the Church, they teſtifying their aſſent thereunto; this being the way that tendeth moſt to edification. Platforme of Diſcipline. chap. 12. ſect. 4.

And this is neceſſary for ſome, and warrantable for all, (women) it is moſt without exception to receive all, (women after the ſame manner) Mr. Hookers Survey of Diſcipline. part 3. pag. 6. line 37.

Quest. 16. But may thoſe that are members of one Church partake of the Sacraments in another?

Anſw. The members of one Church occaſionally coming to another,Platforme of Diſcipline. we willingly admit them to partake with us at the Lords Table, it being the ſeal of our communion, not only with Chriſt, nor only with the members of our own Church, but with all the Churches of the Saints. Platform of Diſcipline. chap. 15. ſect. 4.

Queſt. 17. But this priviledge is reſtrained only to members of gathered Churches, is it not?

Anſw. The members that come commended from the faithful Congregations in England to ours here,Mr. Hooker. ſo that it doth appear to the judgment of the Church whence they come, that they are by them approved, and not ſcandalous, they ought to be received into Church communion with us, as members of other Churches in New Engl. in like caſes ſo commended and approved. Hookers Survey. Preface. A. 3.

Queſt. 18. Are the adminiſtrations of men outwardly called to the work of the Miniſtry, valid though the perſons themſelves be deſtitute of inward ſanctity and ſaving grace?

p. 26Anſw. Who ever in a regular way hath received this outward call,Mr. Hooker. is a compleat and true officer, and may act any part of his office, though not inwardly graced, and fitted worthily for ſuch a place and work by God. The Scribes and Phariſees ſit in Moſes Chaire, had this outward call to that office, therefore they muſt be heard by Gods own charge, though they were moſt unworthy men, had neither ſufficiency of parts to do the work of the place, nor yet ſincerity of heart and life to endeavour, much leſſe to diſcharge the weight of the ſervices which ſhould be done by them, being blinde guides, painted ſepulchres, groſſely hypocritical, and ſcandalouſly vile in their general courſe, corrupting the Law by their falſe and unlearned gloſſes, and perverting the ſimple by their lewd carriages, polluting all Gods Ordinances by their corrupt handling, and adminiſtration thereof. Mr. Hookers Survey of Diſcipline. part 2. pag. 45. line 34.

Queſt. 19. Is the office of the ruling Elder diſtinct from the Paſtour and Teacher?

Anſw. The ruling Elders office is diſtinct from the office of the Paſtour and Teacher.Platforme of Diſcipline. Platform of Diſcipline from N. E. chap. 7. ſect. 1.

Queſt. 20. Why is this officer called a ruling Elder?

Anſw. The ruling Elders are not ſo called to exclude the Paſtors and Teachers from ruling;Platforme of Diſcipline. but becauſe ruling and governing is common to theſe with the other, whereas attending to teach and preach the Word is peculiar to the former. Platform of Diſc. chap. 7. ſect. 1.

Queſt. 21. How do you prove that there is ſuch an Office as a ruling Elder appointed by Chriſt in the Church?

Anſw. That there is ſuch an office and officer appointed by Chriſt,Mr. Hooker. as the Scriptures are plain to him whoſe ſpirit and apprehenſion is not pre-poſſeſſ't and fore-ſtalled with prejudice, ſo this hath been maintained by many of Chriſts worthies of former and of later times.

So that we have no controverſie here but with hierarchical perſons, the force of whoſe argument lies eſpecially in a purſevant and a priſon, armed with authority of a high Commiſſion. Mr. Hookers Survey of Diſcipline. part 2. p. 8. l. 11.

p. 27Queſt. 22. But what Scripture have you to bottome this office upon?

Anſw. The firſt argument we have from Rom. 12.7.Mr. Cotton. He that ruleth with diligence. Mr. Hooker part 2. p. 8. l. 28.Mr. Hooker. Mr. Cotton of the way of the Churches, pag. 13. line 31.

The ſecond argument is taken from 1 Cor. 12.28. God hath ſet in his Church governments. Mr. Hooker part 2. page 10. line 15. Mr. Cotton of the way of the Churches. page 15. line 29.

A third argument is taken from that famous place which is full to the purpoſe; Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, 1 Tim. 5.17. Mr. Hookers Survey. part 2. page 11. line 25. Mr. Cottons way. page 19. line 17.

Queſt. 23. What is the work of the ruling Elder?

Anſw. The ruling Elders work is to joyn with the Paſtour and Teacher in thoſe acts of ſpiritual rule which are diſtinct from the Miniſtery of the Word and Sacraments committed to them,Platforme of Diſcipline. of which ſort are theſe that follow.

1. To open and ſhut the doors of Gods houſe by admiſſion of members, ordination of officers, excommunication of offenders, reſtoring of penitents.

2. To call the Church together when there is occaſion, and ſeaſonably to diſmiſſe them again.

3. To prepare matters in private, that in publick they may be carried on with leſſe trouble and more ſpeedy diſpatch.

4. To moderate the carriage of all matters in the Church aſſembled, to propound matters to the Church, to order the ſeaſon of ſpeech and ſilence, to pronounce ſentence according to the minde of Chriſt with the conſent of the Church.

5. To be guides and leaders to the Church in all matters whatſoever pertaining to Church-adminiſtrations and actions.

6. To ſee that none in the Church live inordinately, and out of rank and place, without a calling, or idly in their calling.

7. To prevent and heal ſuch offences in life or doctrine which might corrupt the Church.

8. To feed the flock of God with a word of admonition.

p. 289. And as they ſhall be ſent for to viſit and pray over their ſick brethren.

10. And at other times as opportunity ſhall ſerve thereunto. Platforme of Diſcipline from New▪ England. chap. 7. ſect. 2. Mr. Cotton of the way. Mr. Cottonpag. 36. line 20. Idem. of the Keys. pag. 20, &c. Mr. Hookers Survey of Diſcipline. part 2. page 16.

11. And by the ſame parity of reaſon if any want comfort, ſinking under diſcouragements and ſadneſſe of ſpirit, or through ignorance are not able to underſtand the things delivered, they may call for the help of the Elder in private, that they may be informed and comforted by him. And hence it follows,

12. That he hath power to enquire into the condition, and take account of the ſpecial ſtate of ſuch of the members; for elſe how ſhould he be able to adminiſter ſeaſonable and ſutable ſupport? Mr. Hookers Survey of Diſcipline. part 2. pag. 17. line 33.

And that theſe eſpecially the laſt mentioned, are works belonging to the Ruling Elder, the nature of the thing would eaſily perſwade a mans reaſon to yield thereunto; for how unequal and unreaſonable would it ſeem to a man acquainted with the weight and work of the Miniſtery, that when the Paſtor or Teacher ſhould be attending upon reading and ſearching the ſenſe and minde of God in his Word, and the myſteries of God therein, (who is ſufficient for theſe things) that they ſhould be then taken off their ſtudies, and forced to attend upon mens ſpecial weakneſſes and wants in private, when they ſhould prepare for the publick diſpenſations, ſo that the one muſt of neceſſity be neglected, or they diſtracted in both. Whereas this appointment of our Saviour provides for both without prejudice or diſadvantage to either. Mr. Hookers Survey. part 2. page 18. line 24.

Queſt. 24. You have ſhewn fully what is the work of the Ruling Elders; but I pray tell me what is that power they are cloathed with in th…ſe acts of theirs.

Anſw. 1. Negatively it is not. 1. Any Lordly pompous power.Mr. Shepherds. 2. It is not any Antichriſtian unlimited power. Nor. 3. Is it and Magiſterial power. Mr. Shepherds wholeſome caveat for a time of liberty. pag. 97.98, 99.

p. 29But poſitively.

1. They have power given them of ruling and governing from Chriſt by the people; hence they are called Rulers, and have a ſtrict charge and command from the Lord to rule. Idem. page 99.

Hence thoſe caſt off the Lords government over then who will have no Rulers nor Governours in the Church, but leave all to themſelves and their liberty, and ſo by this means they are not only ſingle members or officers, but Paſtor, Teacher and Elder, and all. This generation of men, ſons of Korah, are riſen up in theſe later times, eſpecially among Anabaptiſts and rigid Separatiſts, whoſe condemnation ſleeps not, Satan carrying them to extreams, and pride lifting them up above themſelves, above men, above Officers, above Ordinances, above God. Idem. page 100. line 4.

2. This power which the Ruling-Elder hath, is more than any one member hath which is not an Officer. It would be a moſt ſimple ridiculous thing if there ſhould be Election, Ordination, many prayers, much tryal of men to rule and guide and govern, ſeparation from the reſt, and yet to have no more power than any other private member; therefore ſaith the Apoſtle, ſubmit to them that are over you, 1 Theſſ. 5.12. Obey them that rule over you, Heb. 13.17. Maſter Shepherds wholſome caveat, &c. page 100. line 28.

Hence thoſe that do acknowledge Gevernours in the Church for names ſake, but they are ſuch as have no more power than a private brother: They are to watch, ſay they, ſo are private members, to admoniſh, ſo is every private member, &c. theſe allow the name, but deny the thing. Idem. page 101. line 8.

Hence alſo when men ſhall cry for liberty to ſpeak, an Elder forbids it; what may not the Church have liberty? yes true, but you are not the Church. An Elder reproves, they will reprove again; what ſhall not the Church have liberty? An Elder gives reaſons ſtrong and unanſwerable for ſomething to be done, a young fellow ſteps up and ſaith without ground or ſhew of it, that is your light, and mine is otherwiſe; what may not the Church have liberty? yes, but you are not the Church. This is very ſad, and hath been a root of greateſt ſcandal that ever Gods wayes had. Idem. page 102. line 9, &c.

p. 303. In the execution of their office according to Chriſt, they are over the whole Church, Heb. 13. Obey them that rule you; he ſpeaks to the whole Church. Mr. Shepherds wholeſome caveat. pag. 102. line 26. Their power rightly executed is the power of Chriſt. Hence refuſe it, you refuſe to be ſubject to him, if men will not be ruled by ordinances, but will rule ordinances, they go about to rule Chriſt. Ibid. pag. 104. line 28.

4. They have power to overſee when they ſee cauſe, Act. 20.28. and to enquire into the ſtate of the flock, to know their ſpiritual condition. Mr. Shepherd pag. 105. line 20. Hence men caſt off the government of Chriſt when they will not have their ſpiritual condition ſearched into; the Elders foot is now too great for his ſhoe. I am to give an account to God, ſo are they alſo of theirs. Now thou canſt not give it if thou enquireſt not how thy condition ſtands, neither can they with comfort, unleſs thou telleſt them how it ſtands with thee. Ibid. pag. 106. l. 3. The Miniſters charge is to caſt the ſeed, the Elders duty is to enquire after the fruit in the husbandry of Chriſt; but you can quarrel and ſnap at the Elders when they come to enquire of your condition; and why do you enquire? you take too much upon you. Ibid.

5. They have power to guide counſel, and warn the Church, at leaſt in all weighty affairs which may concern them and their common good, Heb. 13.17. Malac. 2.7. Mr. Shepherd pag. 106. Hence for men in matters of great and weighty affairs which concern the good of the whole Church, nay all Churches, never to enquire at Abel, is a caſting off the Lord: as in election of Officers in the Church, or Magiſtrates in the Commonwealth. Hence to receive any opinion different from all the Elders in the Church, and never ſo much as ſpeak, much leſs come to a ſad debate about it, is to caſt off this yoak: Hence to propoſe a doubtful queſtion to the Church which may trouble or bring an offenders ſin to the Church without councel of the Elders; hence when men will not take warning from the Elders of evil to come, it is a caſting off the Lords yoke, Ibid. pag. 107.

6. They have power of publike reproof of any member of the Church, in caſe of plain, open, and publike offences, others without leave cannot nor ought not. Reproofs are part of the power peculiar to the Governors in any ſociety where Governors p. 31are preſent and at hand. In a family no wiſe man will ſuffer brawles among children and ſervants, but ſaith he, Tell me, 1 Tim. 5.20.

Now this is ſad when a man cannot bear reproof of others, nor bear reproofs of Elders, but turns again and will be judge in his own caſe, though never ſo groſs; a ſign of an extream froward high ſpirit. Mr. Shepherd pag. 108.

7. They are to feed in power, as the word foreign ſignifies, every one in their places. Hence when men deſpiſe their food, and they are poor things they ſpeak, and they can ſee no matter in them (and that after ſtudy, prayers and tears) and ſo caſt it by, that is to caſt off the Lord; when men grow glutted and full, that they eat not a bit, theſe things call for chains. Mr. Shepherd, pag. 109.

Queſt. 25. But why are you thus large in ſetting out the work and power of the ruling elder?

Anſw. 1. Becauſe the Apoſtle in many of his Epiſtles lays a ſpecial charge upon the people to have a care of the Officers, Mr. Shepherd.and obey them, Heb. 13.7, 17. It is twice repeated; firſt leaſt officers be ſadded in their work that is heavy. Secondly, leaſt it be unprofitable for you; you think to get this and that good by it, but it will be nothing in the concluſion.

2. Becauſe we lye under the ſlander of many, and that godly, as if Elders in Churches were but onelyonly ciphers.

3. Becauſe people begin to run into extreams, Elders taking all to themſelves, and people all to themſelves.

4. Becauſe if here be not attendance, you will quickly ſee the miſerable ruine and fall of Churches more ſad than the burning of Solomons temple. It is obſerved of Jeroboam that when he ſtretched out his hand againſt the Lords Prophet it was withered, but not when he ſacrificed; for the Lord will not bear here; they may be deſpiſed and you may think your ſelves Kings without them, 1 Cor. 4.8. and men will ſay ſo, they may rule as they will, but you will do as you liſt, but the Lord will be provoked for this. Mr. Shepherd his wholeſome caveat for a time of liberty, pag. 109, 110.

Queſt. 26. But ſeeing there is ſuch plain ground in Scripture for the office of the ruling Elder, and ſeeing it is ſo uſeful and neceſſary in the Church, what is the reaſon there is ſo much gainſaying and oppoſing this office?

p. 32Anſw. 1.Mr. Hooker. It is no wonder to ſee the contention grow ſo hot touching a ruling Elder, becauſe if he be confined within his compaſs, the wings of the Pope and Prelate will be exceedingly clipped, arid their power empeached. Mr. Hookers Survey of diſcipline, part 2 pag. 12. line 8.

2. All Satans ſubtilty lies here, Diſgrace the Elder ſaith one, divide them ſaith another, pull them down ſaith a third, that there may be no King in Iſrael, no nor in Sion, that we may do what is right in our own eyes. Mr. Shepherds wholeſome caveat, pag. 110. line 19.

Queſt. 27. What ſay you of the other Officers called Deacons?

Anſw. Mr. Cotton.All men do acknowledge them both to be inſtituted by Chriſt in the Scriptures, Act. 6. 1 Tim. 3. and continued in the Church throughout all ages. Mr. Cotton of the way, pag. 38. line 7. Mr. Hookers Survey, part 2. 32. Platform of diſcipline, chap. 7. ſect. 3, 4, &c.

Queſt. 28. VVhat is the Deacons office?

Anſw. His Office is to attend tables, i. e. to lay out the treaſury and revenue of the Church as may be behoveful. 1. For to provide elements for the Lords table when that ſhould be attended. 2. For the table of the poor for all their wants that they may be ſupplied (whether of their own bodie or ſtrangers.) Mr. Cotton of the way, pag. 38. line 26.3. For the table of the Miniſter, whatever proviſion the Church ſhall put into their hands to be adminiſtred to them according to that debt which the Church owes them in way of wages. Mr. Hookers Survey, part 2. pag. 38. line 3.

Queſt. 29. Is then the Miniſters maintenance and the Poors to come all out of one ſtock or common treaſury?

Anſw. Mr. Hooker.1. No: for firſt all are not bound to pay it to the treaſury of the poor, but all are bound to pay to the maintenance of the Miniſter, Gal. 6.6.

2. People are bound to make their teachers partakers of all their good things: not ſo the poor.

3. This coupling of the poor and Miniſters in one common treaſury, confounds the works of Juſtice and Mercy. Mr. Hookers Survey of diſcipline. part. 2. pag. 30. line 23.

Queſt. 30. VVhat was the chief aim of our Saviour in ſetting theſe officers in his Church?.

p. 33Anſw. The chief aim of our Saviour (under the glory of his name) was to provide for the eſpecial good of his elect; yet becauſe thoſe his elect were mingled here with the wicked in the world; nay, many an elect child proceeds of a reprobate parent, and becauſe it is impoſſible for the eye of man to ſearch into heart ſecrets and inward ſincerity which is covered there, but muſt judge of men, and diſpenſe Ordinances unto men according to the limits and laws of rational charity; therefore it is that our Saviour hath beſtowed theſe Offices as a royall gift upon the viſible Church over whom he is a head Political by outward guidance and government, as well as a head myſtical by his ſpecial and ſpiritual conveyance of his grace. Mr. Hookers Survey of diſcipline, part. 2. pag. 2. line 29.

Hitherto of Church Officers, &c. now to draw ſome poſitions out of theſe particulars with inferences thereupon.

1. Officers are ordinarily neceſſary to the calling of a Church, and to the well-being of it, when called, Chap. 5. queſt. 1. anſw. Therefore the way of gathering or calling Churches as it is uſed here in England, is prepoſterous where the Church calls and conſtitutes it ſelf firſt, and then afterwards conſtitutes an Officer or Officers.

2. None can warrantably do any act that belongs to an office without a call to that office; and if he do, it is void and of none effect. Yea, it is a ſacrilegious uſurpation, an Anabaptiſtical frenzy for private Chriſtians to take upon them ordinarily to preach the Goſpel publikely, &c. Chap. 5. queſt. 4, 5. Therefore let the brethren of the Church-way conſider their practice of ſending out their private brethren and members to preach ordinarily in the Country Pariſhes, how warrantable it is: and if every act of an office done without a Call to the office, be void and null, whether ſuch publike preaching of private Chriſtians, be not a taking Gods name in vain, a mocking of God and the ſouls of his people, and ſacriledge inſtead of ſacrifice.

p. 343. That famous text, 1 Cor. 14.31. gives no countenance at all to preaching of private men, and ſuch as are not in office. to queſt. 5. Obj. 1.

4. Chriſt hath appointed in his Church not one but many Officers, Paſtors, Teachers, Rulers, and Deacons, and none of theſe ſuperfluous, but all uſeful and needful, all given in wiſdom and compaſſion to his Church. queſt. 1, 2. 3. Therefore how thoſe Churches can be ſaid to come neereſt the rule, and walk cloſeſt to the rule, who either have no officers at all, as the Church of H. and the Church of N. or elſe content themſelves with one officer, a Paſtor, having neither Teacher, Ruler, nor Deacon, as moſt of the gathered Churches in England; is this to walk according to rule? is not this either to ſlight the compaſſion of Chriſt in giving theſe officers, or to contradict the wiſdom of Chriſt, and proclaim thoſe offices needleſs and uſeleſs, which Chriſt judged needful and uſeful, and therefore appointed in his Church?

5. Ordination is a fundamental in Church diſcipline, and gives the officer right in his office, jus in re. See queſt. 9, 10. Therefore ordination is more than election, which onelyonly gives jus ad rem; And quaere how many Miniſters of our gathered Churches can have a full right and authority to adminiſter all ordinances, having onelyonly election of the people, which gives but jus ad rem, and not ordination which give jus in re.

6. Ordination is an act of rule, and pertaines to the Presbytersy or Presbytery Que. 11. Therefore not to the fraternity or body of the people.

7. The Word and Sacraments are to be diſpenſed in publike.

Queſt. 1…. Therefore why do many of the Church-way ſo frequently baptize children in private?

8. The Sa…raments are badges to ſhew our ſeparation from all profane Societies, and to ſignifie our communion one with another in the profeſſion and confeſſion of the faith, as our ſpiritual union and communion with Chriſt our head myſtically. See qu…ſt. 13. anſw. Therefore the Sacraments are notes of the true Church, as the Proteſtant writers have alwayes maintained againſt the Papiſts.

9. A perſon hath his firſt right to the Sacrament, becauſe he hath an intereſt in the covenant of the Goſpel, of which it is p. 35a ſeal. Queſt. 14. Therefore the Church covenant, as they call it, gives not a man his firſt right to the Sacrament, for that is not the covenant of the Goſpel, nor is the Sacrament a ſeal of that.

10. For the receiving of the Sacrament in a right order of Chriſt, it is ſufficient that the party be a member of a viſible Congregation, not this or that particular. Queſt. 14. Therefore whether the Congregation be conſtituted after this or that form, by expreſs covenant or not, whether it be an Independent Congregation or a Claſſical Congregation, it is all one if a man be a member of a viſible Congregation, he comes in a right order of Chriſt.

11. It is requiſite that thoſe who were baptized and received their member-ſhip in their infancy, ſhould come to their tryal and examination, before they be admitted to the Supper; and this examination may be made by the Elders, yea in ſome caſes it is neceſſary it ſhould be ſo; and for all women it is moſt warrantable and moſt without exception. Therefore ſuch examination in Presbyterian Churches, is not ſinful and unlawful, nor deſerves ſo much ignominy and ſcorn, as ſome have caſt upon it.

12. The Sacraments are ſeals not onelyonly of our communion with Chriſt, and with the members of our own Church, but with all the Churches of the Saints. See quest. 16. Therefore they who will partake with none but the members of their own Church, or a Church of the like conſtitution, nor ſuffer their members to partake in none but their own Churches, are guilty of the greateſt breach of Chriſtian love that can be, unſainting and unchurching all the Churches that Chriſt hath upon the earth but themſelves, and with a kinde of Papal pride, judging and (as much as in them is) excommunicating all other Churches, contrary to their own principles that ſay, No one Church hath power over another.

13. The wickedneſs of a Miniſter does no wayes make void the acts of his Miniſtry, nor give the people a diſpenſation to contemn it. See queſt. 18.

14. The ruling Elders office is ſo clearly and fully grounded in Scripture, as none can controvert it, but he whoſe ſpirit and apprehenſion is prepoſſeſt and foreſtalled with prejudice. Queſt. 21.22.

p. 3615. The power and work of the ruling Elder, is very great, and his office very needful in the Church. Queſt. 23, 24. Therefore they that will have none of theſe ruling Elders over them, but leave all to themſelves and their liberty, and by this means are not onelyonly ſingle members or officers, but Paſtors and Teachers and Elders and all; This generation of men caſt off the Lords government, are ſons of Korah, whoſe condemnation ſleeps not, &c. Queſt. 24. anſw. 1. Quaere, whether ſome others be not guilty of this as well as Anabaptiſts, Familiſts, &c.

16. If the ruling Elder be confined within his compaſs, the wings of the Pope and Biſhop will be clipt, and their power exceedingly impeached. Queſt. 25. Therefore there is neither truth or modeſty in them that ſay the Presbyterian Government which is managed by ruling Elders as well as the Congregational, is as tyrannical as Prelacy, and as Antichriſtian as Popery.

17. It is the divels ſubtilty to diſgrace, divide, pull down the ruling Elder. Queſt. 23. Let them therefore conſider whoſe work they do, and what reward (without repentance) they are like to have who drive ſuch a deſign.

18. Deacons are officers inſtituted by Chriſt, and needful to be continued in the Church. Queſt. 26.

19. The maintenance of Miniſters is an act of juſtice, not mercy; debt, not almes. Queſt. 28.

20. Officers and Ordinances are beſtowed upon the viſible Church, not for their ſake, but for the ſake of the elect that are among them whoſe good (next under his own glory) Chriſt principally intended. Queſt. 29. Therefore the viſible Church is not firſt in Chriſts intention. Therefore the viſible Church, eſpecially the Church of a particular Congregation, as ſuch, hath no reaſon to boaſt her ſelf in her priviledges, as the Spouſe, and Lacy, and Queen of Chriſt, ſeeing theſe and all other priviledges are given her, not for her own ſake, but for the ſake of the elect.