The glory of a true church, and its discipline display'd wherein a true gospel-church is described : together with the power of the keys, and who are to be let in, and who to be shut out / by Benjamin Keach.
         Keach, Benjamin, 1640-1704.
      
       
         
           1697
        
      
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             The glory of a true church, and its discipline display'd wherein a true gospel-church is described : together with the power of the keys, and who are to be let in, and who to be shut out / by Benjamin Keach.
             Keach, Benjamin, 1640-1704.
          
           iv, 5-69 [i.e. 72] p.
           
             [s.n.],
             London :
             1697.
          
           
             Reproduction of original in British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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         eng
      
       
         
           Church discipline -- Early works to 1800.
           Baptists -- Government.
           Baptists -- Doctrines.
        
      
    
     
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           THE
           GLORY
           OF
           A
           TRUE
           CHURCH
           ,
           And
           its
           Discipline
           display'd
           .
           Wherein
           a
           true
           Gospel-Church
           is
           described
           .
           Together
           with
           the
           Power
           of
           the
           Keys
           ,
           and
           who
           are
           to
           be
           let
           in
           ,
           and
           who
           to
           be
           shut
           out
           .
        
         
           By
           
             BENJAMIN
             KEACH
          
           .
        
         
           
             
               Mat.
               18.18
            
             .
          
           
             Whatsoever
             ye
             shall
             bind
             on
             Earth
             ,
             shall
             be
             bound
             in
             Heaven
             ;
             and
             whatsoever
             ye
             shall
             loose
             on
             Earth
             ,
             shall
             be
             loosed
             in
             Heaven
             .
          
        
         
           LONDON
           ;
           Printed
           in
           the
           Year
           1697.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           To
           the
           Baptized
           Churches
           ,
           particularly
           to
           that
           under
           my
           Care.
           
        
         
           
             My
             Brethren
             ,
          
        
         
           EVery
           House
           or
           Building
           consisteth
           both
           of
           Matter
           and
           Form
           :
           And
           so
           doth
           the
           Church
           of
           Christ
           ,
           or
           House
           of
           the
           Living
           God.
           
        
         
           The
           Matter
           or
           Materials
           with
           which
           it
           is
           built
           are
           
             Lively
             Stones
             ,
             ●
             .
             e.
          
           Converted
           Persons
           :
           Also
           the
           Matter
           and
           Form
           must
           be
           according
           to
           the
           Rule
           and
           Pattern
           shewed
           in
           ●he
           Mount
           ,
           I
           mean
           Christ's
           Institution
           ,
           and
           the
           Apostolical
           Churches
           Constitution
           ,
           and
           not
           after
           Mens
           Inventions
           .
        
         
           Now
           some
           Men
           ,
           because
           the
           Ty●ical
           Church
           of
           the
           Jews
           was
           Na●ional
           ,
           and
           took
           in
           their
           Carnal
           Seed
           (
           as
           such
           )
           therefore
           the
           same
           Mat●er
           and
           Form
           they
           would
           have
           under
           the
           Gospel
           .
        
         
           But
           tho
           a
           Church
           be
           rightly
           built
           in
           both
           these
           respects
           ,
           i.e.
           of
           fit
           Matter
           and
           right
           Form
           ,
           yet
           without
           a
           regular
           and
           orderly
           Discipline
           ,
           it
           will
           
           soon
           lose
           its
           Beauty
           ,
           and
           be
           polluted
           .
        
         
           Many
           
             Reverend
             Divines
          
           of
           th●
           
             Congregational
             way
          
           ,
           have
           written
           most
           excellently
           (
           it
           is
           true
           )
           upon
           th●●
           Subject
           ,
           I
           mean
           on
           Church-Discipline
           ;
           but
           the
           Books
           are
           so
           voluminou●
           that
           the
           Poorer
           Sort
           can't
           purchas●
           them
           ,
           and
           many
           others
           have
           not
           Tim●
           or
           Learning
           enough
           to
           improve
           them
           to
           their
           Profit
           ;
           and
           our
           Brethren
           th●
           Baptists
           have
           not
           written
           (
           as
           I
           ca●
           gather
           )
           on
           this
           Subject
           by
           it self●
           Therefore
           I
           have
           been
           earnestly
           desired
           by
           our
           Members
           ,
           and
           also
           by
           on●
           of
           our
           Pastors
           ,
           to
           write
           a
           small
           and
           plain
           Tract
           concerning
           the
           Rules
           〈◊〉
           the
           Discipline
           of
           a
           Gospel-Church
           that
           all
           Men
           may
           not
           only
           know
           our
           Faith
           ,
           but
           see
           our
           Order
           in
           this
           cas●
           also
           .
           True
           ,
           this
           (
           tho
           plain
           )
           is
           bi●
           short
           ,
           but
           may
           be
           it
           may
           provoke
           som●
           other
           Person
           to
           do
           it
           more
           fully
           .
           Certainly
           ,
           ignorance
           of
           the
           rules
           of
           Discipline
           causes
           no
           small
           trouble
           and
           disorders
           in
           our
           Churches
           ;
           and
           if
           this
           may
           be
           a
           Prevention
           ,
           or
           prove
           profit
           able
           to
           any
           ,
           let
           God
           have
           the
           Glory
           ,
           and
           I
           have
           my
           End
           :
           Who
           am
           ,
           Yours
        
         
           
             
               
                 Aug.
                 ●●
                 ▪
                 1697.
              
               
            
          
           
             Benj.
             Keach
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
         
         The
         Glory
         of
         a
         Gospel-Church
         ,
         and
         the
         true
         Orderly
         Discipline
         thereof
         explain'd
         .
      
       
         
           Concerning
           a
           True
           and
           Orderly
           Gospel-Church
           .
        
         
           BEfore
           there
           can
           be
           any
           Orderly
           Discipline
           among
           a
           Christian
           Assembly
           ,
           they
           must
           be
           orderly
           and
           regularly
           constituted
           into
           a
           Church-state
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Institution
           of
           Christ
           in
           the
           Gospel
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           A
           Church
           of
           Christ
           ,
           
           according
           to
           the
           Gospel-Institution
           ,
           is
           a
           Congregation
           of
           Godly
           Christians
           ,
           
           who
           as
           a
           Stated-Assembly
           (
           being
           first
           baptized
           upon
           the
           Profession
           of
           Faith
           )
           do
           by
           mutual
           agreement
           and
           consent
           give
           themselves
           up
           to
           
           the
           Lord
           ,
           
           and
           one
           to
           another
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Will
           of
           God
           ;
           
           and
           do
           ordinarily
           meet
           together
           in
           one
           Place
           ,
           
           for
           the
           Publick
           Service
           and
           Worship
           of
           God
           ;
           
           among
           whom
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           and
           Sacraments
           are
           duly
           administred
           ,
           
           according
           to
           Christ's
           Institution
           .
        
         
           
           2.
           
           The
           Beauty
           and
           Glory
           of
           which
           Congregation
           doth
           consist
           in
           their
           being
           all
           Converted
           Persons
           ,
           
           or
           
             lively
             Stones
          
           ;
           being
           by
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           ,
           
           united
           to
           Jesus
           Christ
           the
           Precious
           Corner-Stone
           ,
           and
           only
           foundation
           of
           every
           Christian
           ,
           
           as
           well
           as
           of
           every
           particular
           Congregation
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           whole
           
             Catholick
             Church
          
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           That
           every
           Person
           before
           they
           are
           admitted
           Members
           ,
           in
           such
           a
           Church
           so
           constituted
           ,
           must
           declare
           to
           the
           Church
           (
           or
           to
           such
           with
           the
           Pastor
           ,
           that
           they
           shall
           appoint
           )
           what
           God
           hath
           done
           for
           their
           Souls
           ,
           
           or
           their
           Experiences
           of
           a
           Saving
           work
           of
           Grace
           upon
           their
           Hearts
           ;
           and
           also
           the
           Church
           should
           enquire
           after
           ,
           
           and
           take
           full
           satisfaction
           concerning
           their
           Holy
           Lives
           ,
           
           or
           Good
           Conversations
           .
           
        
         
         
           And
           when
           admitted
           Members
           ,
           before
           the
           Church
           they
           must
           solemnly
           enter
           into
           a
           Covenant
           ,
           to
           walk
           in
           the
           Fellowship
           of
           that
           particular
           Congregation
           ,
           
           and
           submit
           themselves
           to
           the
           Care
           and
           Discipline
           thereof
           ,
           and
           to
           walk
           faithfully
           with
           God
           in
           all
           his
           Holy
           Ordinances
           ,
           and
           there
           to
           be
           fed
           and
           have
           Communion
           ,
           and
           worship
           God
           there
           ,
           
           when
           the
           Church
           meets
           (
           if
           possible
           )
           and
           give
           themselves
           up
           to
           the
           watch
           and
           charge
           of
           the
           Pastor
           and
           Ministry
           thereof
           :
           the
           Pastor
           then
           also
           signifying
           in
           the
           name
           of
           the
           Church
           their
           acceptance
           of
           each
           Person
           ,
           and
           endeavour
           to
           take
           the
           care
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           watch
           over
           them
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           (
           the
           Members
           being
           first
           satisfied
           to
           receive
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           Communion
           with
           them
           .
           )
           And
           so
           the
           Pastor
           to
           give
           them
           the
           right
           Hand
           of
           Fellowship
           of
           a
           Church
           ,
           or
           
             Church
             Organical
          
           .
        
         
           
           A
           Church
           thus
           constituted
           ought
           forthwith
           to
           choose
           them
           a
           Pastor
           ,
           Elder
           or
           Elders
           ,
           and
           Deacons
           ,
           (
           we
           reading
           of
           no
           other
           Officers
           ,
           or
           Offices
           abiding
           in
           the
           Church
           )
           
           and
           what
           kind
           of
           Men
           they
           ought
           to
           be
           ,
           
           and
           how
           qualified
           ,
           is
           laid
           down
           by
           Paul
           to
           Timothy
           ,
           
           and
           to
           Titus
           .
           Moreover
           ,
           they
           are
           to
           take
           special
           care
           ,
           that
           both
           Bishops
           ,
           Overseers
           ,
           or
           Elders
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           the
           Deacons
           ,
           have
           in
           some
           competent
           manner
           all
           those
           Qualifications
           ;
           and
           after
           in
           a
           Day
           of
           solemn
           Prayer
           and
           Fasting
           ,
           
           that
           they
           have
           elected
           them
           ,
           
           (
           whether
           Pastor
           ,
           &c.
           or
           Deacons
           )
           and
           they
           accepting
           the
           Office
           ,
           must
           be
           ordained
           with
           Prayer
           ,
           and
           laying
           on
           of
           Hands
           of
           the
           Eldership
           ;
           being
           first
           prov'd
           ,
           and
           found
           meet
           and
           fit
           Persons
           for
           so
           Sacred
           an
           Office
           :
           Therefore
           such
           are
           very
           disorderly
           Churches
           who
           have
           no
           Pastor
           or
           Pastors
           ordained
           ,
           they
           acting
           not
           according
           to
           the
           Rule
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           having
           something
           wanting
           .
        
      
       
         
           Of
           the
           work
           of
           a
           Pastor
           ,
           Bishop
           or
           Overseer
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           THe
           work
           of
           a
           Pastor
           is
           to
           preach
           the
           Word
           of
           Christ
           ,
           or
           to
           feed
           the
           Flock
           ,
           
           and
           to
           administer
           all
           the
           Ordinances
           of
           the
           Gospel
           
           which
           belong
           to
           his
           Sacred
           Office
           ,
           
           and
           to
           be
           faithful
           and
           laborious
           therein
           ,
           studying
           to
           shew
           himself
           approved
           unto
           God
           ,
           
           
             a
             Work-man
             that
             needeth
             not
             be
             ashamed
             ,
             rightly
             dividing
             the
             Word
             of
             Truth
             .
          
           
           He
           is
           
             a
             Steward
             of
             the
             Mysteries
             of
             God
             ,
          
           
           therefore
           ought
           to
           be
           a
           Man
           of
           good
           Understanding
           and
           Experience
           ,
           being
           sound
           in
           the
           Faith
           ,
           and
           one
           that
           is
           acquainted
           with
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           the
           Gospel
           :
           
           Because
           he
           is
           
             to
             feed
             the
             People
             with
             Knowledg
             and
             Vnderstanding
             .
          
           He
           must
           be
           faithful
           and
           skilful
           to
           declare
           the
           Mind
           of
           God
           ,
           
           and
           diligent
           therein
           ,
           also
           to
           
             preach
             in
             season
             and
             out
             of
             season
          
           ;
           God
           having
           committed
           unto
           him
           the
           Ministry
           of
           Reconciliation
           ,
           
           a
           most
           choice
           and
           sacred
           Trust.
           What
           Interest
           hath
           God
           greater
           in
           the
           World
           which
           he
           hath
           committed
           unto
           Men
           than
           this
           ?
           Moreover
           ,
           he
           must
           make
           known
           the
           whole
           Counsel
           of
           God
           to
           the
           People
           .
           
        
         
           2.
           
           A
           Pastor
           is
           to
           visit
           his
           Flock
           ,
           
           to
           know
           
             their
             state
          
           ,
           
           and
           to
           
             watch
             over
             them
          
           ,
           to
           
             support
             the
             weak
          
           ,
           and
           to
           
             strengthen
             the
             feeble-minded
          
           ,
           and
           
           succour
           the
           tempted
           ,
           and
           to
           reprove
           them
           that
           are
           unruly
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           To
           pray
           for
           them
           at
           all
           times
           ,
           and
           with
           them
           also
           when
           sent
           for
           ,
           and
           desired
           ,
           and
           as
           Opportunity
           serves
           ;
           and
           to
           sympathize
           with
           them
           in
           every
           State
           and
           Condition
           ,
           with
           all
           Love
           and
           Compassion
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           And
           to
           shew
           them
           in
           all
           respects
           ,
           as
           near
           as
           he
           can
           ,
           
           a
           good
           Example
           
             in
             Conversation
             ,
             Charity
             ,
             Faith
             and
             Purity
          
           ;
           that
           his
           Ministry
           may
           be
           the
           more
           acceptable
           to
           all
           ,
           and
           the
           Name
           of
           God
           be
           glorified
           ,
           and
           Religion
           delivered
           from
           Reproach
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           He
           must
           see
           he
           carries
           it
           to
           all
           with
           all
           Impartiality
           ,
           
           not
           preferring
           the
           Rich
           above
           the
           Poor
           ,
           
           nor
           lord
           it
           over
           .
           
           God's
           Heritage
           ,
           nor
           assume
           any
           greater
           Power
           than
           God
           hath
           given
           him
           ;
           but
           to
           shew
           a
           humble
           and
           meek
           Spirit
           ,
           nay
           to
           be
           
             clothed
             with
             Humility
          
           .
        
      
       
         
           The
           Office
           and
           Work
           of
           Deacons
           .
        
         
           
           THE
           Work
           of
           Deacons
           is
           to
           serve
           Tables
           ,
           
           viz.
           to
           see
           to
           provide
           for
           the
           Lord's
           Table
           ,
           the
           
           Minister's
           Table
           ,
           
           and
           the
           Poor's
           Table
           (
           1.
           )
           They
           should
           provide
           Bread
           and
           Wine
           for
           the
           Lord's
           Table
           .
           (
           2.
           )
           See
           that
           every
           Member
           contributes
           to
           the
           Maintenance
           of
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           
           according
           to
           their
           Ability
           ,
           and
           their
           own
           voluntary
           Subscription
           or
           Obligation
           .
           (
           3.
           )
           That
           each
           Member
           do
           give
           weekly
           to
           the
           Poor
           ,
           as
           God
           has
           blessed
           him
           .
           (
           4.
           )
           Also
           visit
           the
           Poor
           ,
           and
           know
           their
           Condition
           as
           much
           as
           in
           them
           lies
           ;
           
           that
           none
           ,
           especially
           the
           aged
           Widows
           ,
           be
           neglected
           .
        
      
       
         
           Of
           the
           Duty
           of
           Church-Members
           to
           their
           Pastor
           .
        
         
           1
           st
           .
           'T
           IS
           the
           Duty
           of
           every
           Member
           to
           pray
           for
           their
           Pastor
           and
           Teachers
           .
           Brethren
           ,
           
           
             pray
             for
             us
          
           ,
           that
           the
           Word
           of
           the
           Lord
           may
           run
           
             and
             be
             glorified
          
           .
           Again
           ,
           saith
           
             Paul
             ,
             Praying
             also
             for
             us
             ,
             that
             God
             would
             open
             unto
             us
             a
             door
             of
             utterance
             ,
          
           
           
             to
             speak
             the
             Mystery
             of
             Christ.
             Prayer
             was
             made
             without
             ceasing
             of
             the
             Church
             unto
             God
             for
             him
             .
          
           They
           that
           neglect
           this
           Duty
           
           seem
           not
           to
           care
           either
           for
           their
           Minister
           ,
           or
           their
           own
           Souls
           ,
           or
           whether
           Sinners
           be
           converted
           ,
           and
           the
           Church
           edified
           or
           not
           .
           They
           pray
           for
           their
           daily
           Bread
           ,
           and
           will
           they
           not
           pray
           to
           have
           the
           Bread
           of
           Life
           plentifully
           broken
           to
           them
           ?
        
      
       
         
           Motives
           to
           this
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Ministers
           Work
           is
           great
           :
           
             Who
             is
             sufficient
             for
             these
             things
             ?
          
           
        
         
           
           2.
           
           The
           Opposition
           is
           not
           small
           which
           is
           made
           against
           them
           .
        
         
           
           3.
           
           God's
           loud
           Call
           is
           (
           as
           well
           as
           Ministers
           themselves
           )
           for
           the
           Saints
           continual
           Prayers
           and
           Supplication
           for
           them
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Their
           Weakness
           and
           Temptations
           are
           many
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           The
           Increase
           and
           Edification
           of
           the
           Church
           depends
           upon
           the
           Success
           of
           their
           Ministry
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           If
           they
           fall
           or
           miscarry
           ,
           God
           is
           greatly
           dishonoured
           ,
           and
           his
           Ways
           and
           People
           reproached
           .
        
         
           2
           dly
           .
           They
           ought
           to
           shew
           a
           reverential
           Estimation
           of
           them
           ,
           
           being
           Christ's
           Ambassadors
           ,
           also
           called
           Rulers
           ,
           Angels
           ,
           &c.
           they
           that
           honour
           them
           ,
           and
           receive
           them
           ,
           
           honour
           and
           receive
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
           
             Esteem
             them
             very
             highly
             in
             Love
             for
             their
             Work
             sake
             .
          
           Again
           ,
           he
           saith
           ,
           
             Let
             the
             Elders
             that
             rule
             well
             ,
          
           
           
             be
             accounted
             worthy
             of
             double
             Honour
             ,
             especially
             they
             who
             labour
             in
             Word
             and
             Doctrine
             :
          
           that
           is
           ,
           as
           I
           conceive
           ,
           such
           that
           are
           most
           laborious
           .
        
         
           3
           dly
           .
           'T
           is
           their
           Duty
           to
           submit
           themselves
           unto
           them
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           in
           all
           their
           Exhortations
           ,
           good
           Counsels
           and
           Reproofs
           ;
           and
           when
           they
           call
           to
           any
           extraordinary
           Duty
           ,
           as
           Prayer
           ,
           Fasting
           ,
           or
           days
           of
           Thanksgiving
           ,
           if
           they
           see
           no
           just
           cause
           why
           such
           days
           should
           not
           be
           kept
           ,
           they
           ought
           to
           obey
           their
           Pastor
           or
           Elder
           ,
           as
           in
           other
           cases
           also
           .
           
           
             Obey
             them
             that
             have
             the
             Rule
             over
             you
             ,
             and
             submit
             your selves
             .
          
        
         
           4
           thly
           .
           It
           is
           their
           Duty
           to
           take
           care
           to
           vindicate
           them
           from
           the
           unjust
           Charges
           of
           evil
           Men
           ,
           or
           Tongue
           of
           Infamy
           ,
           
           and
           not
           to
           take
           up
           a
           Reproach
           against
           them
           by
           report
           ,
           nor
           to
           grieve
           their
           Spirits
           ,
           
           or
           weaken
           their
           Hands
           .
        
         
           5
           thly
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           Duty
           of
           Members
           to
           go
           to
           them
           when
           under
           Trouble
           or
           Temptations
           .
        
         
         
           6
           thly
           .
           It
           is
           their
           Duty
           to
           provide
           a
           comfortable
           Maintenance
           for
           them
           and
           their
           Families
           ,
           sutable
           to
           their
           State
           and
           Condition
           .
           
             Let
             him
             that
             is
             taught
             in
             the
             Word
             ,
          
           
           
             communicate
             to
             him
             that
             teacheth
             ,
             in
             all
             good
             things
             .
             Who
             goeth
             a
             Warfare
             at
             his
             own
             Charge
             ?
          
           
           
             who
             planteth
             a
             Vineyard
             ,
             and
             eateth
             not
             of
             the
             fruit
             thereof
             ?
          
           &c.
           
             Even
             so
             hath
             the
             Lord
             ordained
             ,
          
           
           
             that
             they
             that
             preach
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             should
             live
             of
             the
             Gospel
             .
          
           
           
             If
             we
             have
             sown
             unto
             you
             spiritual
             things
             ,
             is
             it
             a
             great
             thing
             if
             we
             shall
             reap
             your
             carnal
             things
             ?
          
           They
           should
           minister
           to
           them
           chearfully
           with
           all
           readiness
           of
           Mind
           .
           
           Ministers
           are
           not
           to
           ask
           for
           their
           Bread
           ,
           but
           to
           receive
           it
           honourably
           .
           The
           Ministers
           Maintenance
           ,
           tho
           it
           is
           not
           by
           Tythes
           ,
           &c.
           as
           under
           the
           Law
           ,
           yet
           they
           have
           now
           as
           just
           a
           right
           to
           a
           comfortable
           Maintenance
           as
           they
           had
           then
           ,
           the
           equity
           of
           the
           Duty
           is
           the
           same
           :
           Our
           Saviour
           ,
           
           saith
           Dr.
           Owen
           ,
           and
           the
           Apostles
           plead
           it
           from
           grounds
           of
           Equity
           and
           Justice
           ;
           and
           all
           kind
           of
           Laws
           and
           Rules
           of
           Righteousness
           among
           Men
           of
           all
           sorts
           calls
           for
           it
           .
        
         
         
           7
           thly
           .
           It
           is
           their
           Duty
           to
           adhere
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           abide
           by
           them
           in
           all
           their
           Trials
           and
           Persecutions
           for
           the
           Word
           .
           
           
             Ye
             were
             not
             ashamed
             of
             me
             in
             my
             Bonds
             ,
          
           &c.
           
        
         
           8
           thly
           .
           Dr.
           
           Owen
           adds
           another
           Duty
           of
           the
           Members
           to
           their
           Pastor
           ,
           viz.
           to
           agree
           to
           come
           together
           upon
           his
           Appointment
           :
           
             When
             they
             were
             come
          
           ,
           
           
             and
             had
             gathered
             the
             Church
             together
             ,
          
           &c.
           
        
         
           Query
           ,
           
             Are
             there
             no
             ruling
             Elders
             besides
             the
             Pastor
             ?
          
        
         
           Answ.
           There
           might
           be
           such
           in
           the
           Primitive
           Apostolical
           Church
           ,
           but
           we
           see
           no
           ground
           to
           believe
           it
           an
           abiding
           Office
           to
           continue
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           but
           was
           only
           temporary
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Because
           we
           have
           none
           of
           the
           Qualifications
           of
           such
           Elders
           mention'd
           ,
           or
           how
           to
           be
           chosen
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Because
           we
           read
           not
           particularly
           what
           their
           Work
           and
           Business
           is
           ,
           or
           how
           distinct
           from
           preaching
           Elders
           ;
           tho
           we
           see
           not
           but
           the
           Church
           may
           (
           if
           she
           sees
           meet
           )
           choose
           some
           able
           and
           discreet
           Brethren
           to
           be
           
             Helps
             in
             Government
          
           :
           
           We
           have
           the
           Qualifications
           of
           Bishops
           
           and
           Deacons
           directly
           laid
           down
           ,
           
           and
           how
           to
           be
           chosen
           ,
           and
           their
           Work
           declared
           ,
           
           but
           of
           no
           other
           Office
           or
           Officers
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           but
           these
           only
           .
        
         
           Quest.
           
             May
             an
             Elder
             of
             one
             Church
             if
             called
             ,
             warrantably
             administer
             all
             Ordinances
             to
             another
             ?
          
           
        
         
           Answ.
           No
           surely
           ;
           for
           we
           find
           no
           warrant
           for
           any
           such
           Practice
           ,
           he
           being
           only
           ordained
           Pastor
           or
           Elder
           of
           that
           particular
           Church
           that
           chose
           him
           ,
           
           &c.
           and
           hath
           no
           Right
           or
           Authority
           to
           administer
           as
           an
           Elder
           in
           any
           other
           where
           he
           is
           not
           so
           much
           as
           a
           Member
           .
        
         
           Quest.
           
             May
             a
             Church
             call
             out
             a
             Teacher
             that
             is
             no
             ordained
             Elder
             to
             administer
             all
             Ordinances
             to
             them
             ?
          
        
         
           Ans.
           You
           may
           as
           well
           ask
           ,
           May
           a
           Church
           act
           disorderly
           ?
           Why
           were
           Ministers
           to
           be
           ordained
           ,
           if
           others
           unordained
           might
           warrantably
           do
           all
           their
           Work
           ?
           if
           therefore
           they
           have
           no
           Person
           fitly
           qualified
           for
           that
           Office
           ,
           they
           must
           look
           out
           from
           abroad
           for
           one
           that
           is
           .
           Yet
           (
           as
           we
           say
           )
           Necessity
           has
           no
           Law
           ;
           provided
           therefore
           they
           can't
           do
           either
           ,
           it
           is
           better
           their
           Teacher
           
           be
           called
           to
           do
           it
           ,
           than
           that
           the
           Church
           should
           be
           without
           their
           Food
           ,
           and
           Church-Ordinances
           neglected
           ;
           yet
           let
           all
           Churches
           take
           care
           to
           organize
           themselves
           ,
           and
           not
           through
           Covetousness
           ,
           or
           neglect
           of
           Duty
           ,
           rest
           incompleat
           Churches
           ,
           and
           so
           under
           Sin.
           
             God
             is
             the
             God
             of
             Order
             ,
             and
             not
             of
             Confusion
             ,
          
           
           
             in
             all
             the
             Churches
             of
             the
             Saints
             .
          
           And
           how
           severely
           did
           God
           deal
           of
           old
           with
           such
           that
           meddled
           with
           the
           Priests
           Work
           and
           Office
           ,
           who
           were
           not
           of
           the
           Priesthood
           ,
           nor
           called
           by
           him
           to
           administer
           in
           holy
           things
           !
        
      
       
         
           Of
           the
           reception
           of
           Members
           .
        
         
           Quest.
           
             WHat
             is
             the
             Order
             of
             receiving
             Members
             into
             the
             Church
             ,
          
           
           
             that
             were
             no
             Members
             any
             where
             before
             ?
          
        
         
           Answ.
           1.
           
           The
           Person
           must
           give
           an
           account
           of
           his
           Faith
           ;
           
           and
           of
           the
           Work
           of
           Grace
           upon
           his
           Soul
           before
           the
           Church
           ;
           
           and
           also
           a
           strict
           Enquiry
           must
           be
           made
           about
           his
           Life
           and
           Conversation
           :
           
           but
           if
           through
           Bashfulness
           the
           Party
           cannot
           speak
           before
           the
           Congregation
           ,
           
           the
           Elder
           and
           two
           or
           three
           more
           Persons
           may
           receive
           an
           account
           of
           his
           or
           her
           Faith
           ,
           and
           report
           it
           to
           the
           Church
           .
           
           But
           if
           full
           Satisfaction
           by
           the
           Testimony
           of
           good
           and
           credible
           Persons
           is
           not
           given
           of
           the
           Party's
           Life
           and
           Conversation
           ,
           
           he
           must
           be
           put
           by
           until
           Satisfaction
           is
           obtained
           in
           that
           respect
           .
           Moreover
           ,
           when
           the
           Majority
           are
           satisfied
           ,
           and
           yet
           one
           or
           two
           Persons
           are
           not
           ,
           the
           Church
           and
           Elder
           will
           do
           well
           to
           wait
           a
           little
           time
           ,
           and
           endeavour
           to
           satisfy
           such
           Persons
           ,
           especially
           if
           the
           Reasons
           of
           their
           dissent
           seem
           weighty
           .
        
         
           Quest.
           
             What
             is
             to
             be
             done
             when
             a
             Person
             offers
             himself
             for
             Communion
             from
             a
             Church
             that
             is
             corrupt
             ,
             or
             erroneous
             in
             Principles
             ?
          
        
         
           Answ.
           1.
           
           The
           Church
           ought
           to
           take
           an
           account
           of
           his
           Faith
           in
           all
           Fundamental
           Points
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Work
           of
           Grace
           upon
           his
           Heart
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           And
           if
           satisfied
           ,
           then
           to
           send
           also
           to
           that
           corrupt
           People
           ,
           to
           know
           whether
           they
           have
           any
           thing
           or
           not
           against
           his
           Life
           and
           Conversation
           :
           If
           satisfied
           in
           both
           these
           respects
           ,
           the
           Church
           may
           receive
           him
           .
        
         
         
           Quest.
           
             To
             whom
             is
             it
             Members
             ●oin
             themselves
             ?
             is
             it
             to
             the
             Elder
             ,
          
           
           
             or
             to
             the
             Church
          
           ?
        
         
           Answ.
           They
           are
           joined
           to
           the
           whole
           Community
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           
           being
           incorporated
           as
           Members
           thereof
           ,
           and
           thereto
           abide
           ,
           tho
           the
           Pastor
           be
           removed
           by
           Death
           .
        
      
       
         
           The
           Power
           of
           the
           Keys
           ,
           with
           Church
           —
           Discipline
           ,
           and
           Members
           Duties
           one
           to
           another
           .
        
         
           
           1.
           
           WE
           judg
           it
           necessary
           that
           a
           Day
           monthly
           be
           appointed
           particularly
           for
           Discipline
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           manage
           such
           Affairs
           on
           the
           Lord's-day
           ,
           which
           should
           be
           spent
           ●n
           the
           publick
           Worship
           of
           God
           ,
           of
           ●
           different
           nature
           :
           besides
           ,
           such
           ●hings
           may
           (
           on
           the
           account
           of
           Discipline
           )
           come
           before
           the
           Church
           which
           may
           not
           be
           expedient
           to
           be
           ●eard
           on
           the
           Lord's-day
           ,
           lest
           it
           ●isturb
           the
           Spirits
           of
           any
           Members
           ,
           and
           hinder
           their
           Meditation
           ●n
           the
           Word
           which
           they
           have
           ●ewly
           heard
           :
           tho
           in
           small
           Congregations
           
           perhaps
           a
           day
           in
           two
           or
           three
           Months
           may
           be
           sufficient
           .
        
         
           
           2.
           
           The
           Power
           of
           the
           Keys
           ,
           or
           to
           receive
           in
           and
           shut
           out
           of
           the
           Congregation
           ,
           is
           committed
           unto
           the
           Church
           :
           The
           Political
           Power
           of
           Christ
           ,
           
           saith
           Dr.
           Chauncy
           ,
           is
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           
           whereby
           it
           is
           exercised
           in
           the
           Name
           of
           Christ
           ,
           having
           all
           lawful
           Rule
           and
           Government
           within
           it self
           ,
           which
           he
           thus
           proves
           ,
           viz.
           
        
         
           
             1.
             
             The
             Church
             essential
             is
             the
             first
             Subject
             of
             the
             Keys
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             They
             must
             of
             necessity
             to
             their
             Preservation
             ,
             purge
             themselves
             from
             all
             pernicious
             Members
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             They
             have
             Power
             to
             organize
             themselves
             with
             Officers
             .
             Yet
             I
             humbly
             conceive
             I
             may
             add
             ,
             that
             the
             Concurrence
             of
             the
             Presbytery
             is
             needful
             hereunto
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             If
             need
             be
             that
             they
             call
             an
             Officer
             from
             without
             ,
             or
             one
             of
             another
             Church
             ,
             they
             must
             first
             admit
             him
             a
             Member
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             ordain
             their
             Officer
             from
             among
             themselves
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             They
             have
             Power
             to
             reject
             a
             scandalous
             Pastor
             from
             Office
             and
             Membership
             .
          
        
         
         
           '
           This
           Power
           of
           Christ
           is
           exerted
           as
           committed
           to
           them
           by
           the
           Hands
           of
           the
           Elder
           appointed
           by
           Christ
           ,
           
           the
           due
           management
           whereof
           is
           in
           and
           with
           the
           Church
           to
           be
           his
           Care
           and
           Trust
           ,
           as
           a
           Steward
           ,
           whereof
           he
           is
           accountable
           to
           Christ
           and
           the
           Church
           ,
           not
           lording
           it
           over
           God's
           Heritage
           .
           And
           that
           the
           Power
           of
           the
           Keys
           is
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           appears
           to
           me
           from
           Mat.
           18.
           
           
             If
             he
             will
             not
             hear
             the
             Church
          
           ;
           it
           is
           not
           said
           ,
           if
           he
           will
           not
           hear
           the
           Elder
           ,
           
           or
           Elders
           .
           As
           also
           that
           of
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           in
           directing
           the
           Church
           to
           cast
           out
           the
           Incestuous
           Person
           ,
           he
           doth
           not
           give
           this
           Counsel
           to
           the
           Elder
           or
           Elders
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           
           but
           to
           the
           Church
           ;
           so
           he
           commands
           the
           Church
           to
           withdraw
           from
           every
           Brother
           that
           walks
           disorderly
           .
           
           
             Purge
             out
             the
             old
             Leaven
             ,
             that
             you
             may
             be
             a
             new
             Lump
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           Of
           Church-Censures
           .
        
         
           NOW
           as
           to
           Church-Censures
           I
           understand
           but
           two
           besides
           Suspension
           ,
           
           viz.
           (
           1.
           )
           Withdrawing
           from
           a
           Member
           that
           walks
           
           disorderly
           .
           (
           2.
           )
           Casting
           out
           ,
           o●
           Excommunicating
           such
           that
           are
           e●ther
           guilty
           of
           notorious
           or
           scanda●lous
           Crimes
           ,
           of
           Heresy
           ,
           &c.
           o●
           of
           contemning
           the
           Authority
           o●
           the
           Church
           .
        
         
           Briefly
           to
           each
           of
           these
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Suspension
           is
           to
           be
           when'●
           Member
           falls
           under
           Sin
           ,
           and
           th●
           Church
           wants
           time
           fully
           to
           hea●
           the
           matter
           ,
           and
           so
           can't
           withdraw
           from
           him
           ,
           or
           cast
           him
           out
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           If
           any
           Member
           walks
           disorderly
           ,
           tho
           not
           guilty
           of
           gross
           scandalous
           Sins
           ,
           he
           or
           she
           ,
           as
           soon
           as
           it
           is
           taken
           notice
           of
           ,
           ought
           to
           be
           admonished
           ,
           and
           endeavours
           to
           be
           used
           to
           bring
           him
           to
           Repentance
           :
           
           
             For
             we
             hear
             that
             there
             are
             some
             which
             walk
             disorderly
             ,
             not
             working
             at
             all
             ,
             but
             are
             busy-bodies
             .
          
           Such
           as
           meddle
           with
           Matters
           that
           concern
           them
           not
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           (
           instead
           of
           following
           their
           Trade
           and
           Business
           )
           they
           go
           about
           from
           one
           Member's
           House
           to
           another
           ,
           telling
           or
           carrying
           of
           Tales
           and
           Stories
           of
           this
           Brother
           ,
           or
           of
           that
           Brother
           or
           Sister
           ,
           which
           perhaps
           may
           be
           true
           ,
           or
           perhaps
           false
           ,
           and
           
           may
           be
           too
           to
           the
           Reproach
           or
           Scandal
           of
           some
           Member
           or
           Members
           ,
           which
           ,
           if
           so
           ,
           it
           is
           back-biting
           ;
           and
           that
           is
           so
           notorious
           a
           Crime
           ,
           that
           without
           Repentance
           they
           shall
           not
           ascend
           God's
           holy
           Hill.
           
           Back-biting
           is
           a
           diminishing
           our
           Neighbours
           ,
           or
           Brother's
           good
           Name
           ,
           either
           by
           denying
           him
           his
           due
           Praise
           ,
           or
           by
           saying
           any
           thing
           to
           his
           Charge
           falsely
           or
           irregularly
           ,
           or
           without
           sufficient
           cause
           or
           evidence
           ,
           
             Thus
             our
             Annotators
          
           .
           But
           this
           of
           disorderly
           walking
           does
           not
           amount
           to
           such
           a
           Crime
           ,
           but
           Evils
           not
           so
           notorious
           ;
           
           
             Now
             them
             ●●at
             are
             such
             ,
             we
             command
             and
             exhort
             by
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             that
             with
             quietness
             they
             work
             ,
             and
             eat
             their
             own
             Bread.
          
           They
           must
           be
           admonished
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           An
           Admonition
           is
           a
           faithful
           Endeavour
           to
           convict
           a
           Person
           of
           a
           Fault
           ,
           both
           as
           to
           Matter
           of
           Fact
           and
           Circumstance
           ;
           and
           this
           Admonition
           must
           be
           given
           first
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           private
           ,
           by
           that
           Brother
           that
           knows
           or
           has
           knowledg
           of
           the
           Fault
           or
           Evil
           of
           the
           Person
           offending
           ,
           whether
           the
           Elder
           ,
           or
           Member
           ;
           for
           
           any
           private
           Brother
           ought
           to
           admonish
           such
           with
           all
           care
           and
           faithfulness
           before
           he
           proceeds
           farther
           .
           But
           if
           it
           be
           publick
           ,
           th●
           Church
           ought
           to
           send
           for
           the
           Offender
           ,
           and
           the
           Pastor
           must
           admonish
           him
           before
           all
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           But
           if
           after
           all
           due
           Endeavours
           used
           he
           is
           not
           reclaimed
           ,
           bu●
           continues
           a
           disorderly
           Person
           ,
           the
           Church
           must
           withdraw
           from
           him
           .
           
             Now
             we
             command
             you
             Brethren
          
           ,
           
           is
           
             the
             Name
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
          
           
           
             that
             you
             withdraw
             from
             every
             B●●ther
             that
             walketh
             disorderly
             ,
             and
             not
             after
             the
             Traditions
             he
             received
             from
             us
             .
          
           This
           is
           not
           a
           delivering
           up
           to
           Satan
           ,
           Excommunicating
           of
           dismembring
           the
           Person
           ;
           for
           this
           sort
           are
           still
           to
           be
           owned
           as
           Members
           ,
           tho
           disorderly
           ones
           :
           the
           Church
           must
           note
           him
           ▪
           so
           as
           not
           to
           have
           Communion
           or
           Company
           with
           him
           in
           that
           sense
           ;
           
           
             yet
             court
             him
             not
             as
             an
             Enemy
             ,
             but
             exhort
             him
             as
             a
             Brother
             :
             if
             any
             Man
             obey
             not
             our
             Word
             ,
             note
             that
             Man.
          
           It
           appears
           that
           such
           who
           refuse
           to
           adhere
           to
           what
           the
           Pastor
           commands
           and
           exhorts
           to
           ,
           in
           the
           Name
           
           of
           Christ
           ,
           are
           to
           be
           deemed
           disorderly
           Persons
           ,
           
           as
           such
           are
           who
           meet
           ●ot
           with
           the
           Church
           when
           assembled
           together
           to
           worship
           God
           ,
           or
           ●hat
           neglect
           private
           or
           family
           Prayer
           ,
           or
           neglect
           their
           attendance
           on
           the
           Lord's-Supper
           ,
           or
           to
           contribute
           to
           the
           necessary
           Charges
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           or
           suffer
           any
           Evils
           unreproved
           in
           their
           Children
           ;
           all
           such
           may
           be
           lookt
           upon
           disorderly
           Walkers
           ,
           and
           ought
           to
           be
           proceeded
           against
           according
           to
           this
           Rule
           ,
           or
           divulge
           the
           private
           Resolves
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           in
           many
           like
           cases
           .
        
      
       
         
           Of
           private
           Offences
           of
           one
           Brother
           against
           another
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           AS
           touching
           private
           Offences
           ,
           
           the
           Rule
           Mat.
           18.
           is
           to
           be
           observed
           ,
           only
           this
           by
           the
           way
           must
           be
           premised
           ,
           viz.
           if
           but
           one
           Brother
           or
           two
           have
           the
           knowledg
           of
           some
           Members
           Crime
           ,
           yet
           if
           it
           be
           publickly
           known
           to
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           the
           Name
           of
           God
           be
           reproached
           ,
           
           it
           being
           an
           immoral
           Act
           ,
           〈◊〉
           private
           Brother
           is
           not
           to
           proceed
           with
           such
           an
           Offender
           ,
           according
           to
           Mat.
           18.
           but
           forthwith
           to
           brin●
           it
           to
           the
           Church
           ,
           that
           the
           public●
           Scandal
           may
           be
           taken
           off
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           But
           if
           it
           be
           a
           private
           Offenc●
           or
           Injury
           done
           to
           a
           Brother
           〈◊〉
           Sister
           in
           particular
           ,
           and
           not
           bei●●
           a
           notorious
           scandalous
           Sin
           ,
           tha●
           Brother
           must
           not
           mention
           it
           to
           one
           Soul
           ,
           either
           within
           ,
           or
           without
           the
           Church
           ,
           until
           he
           hath
           proceeded
           according
           to
           the
           Rule
           .
        
         
           (
           1.
           )
           He
           must
           tell
           his
           Brother
           his
           Fault
           .
           
           
             Moreover
             ,
             if
             thy
             Brother
             shall
             trespass
             against
             thee
             ,
             go
             and
             tell
             him
             his
             fault
             betwixt
             thee
             and
             him
             alone
             ;
             if
             he
             shall
             hear
             thee
             ,
             thou
             hast
             gained
             thy
             Brother
             .
          
        
         
           Thou
           must
           labour
           in
           Love
           and
           all
           Affections
           to
           convince
           him
           o●
           his
           Fault
           ;
           but
           if
           he
           will
           not
           hea●
           thee
           ,
        
         
           (
           2.
           )
           Thou
           must
           take
           one
           or
           two
           more
           ,
           but
           be
           sure
           see
           they
           are
           discreet
           Persons
           ,
           and
           such
           that
           ar●
           most
           likely
           to
           gain
           upon
           him
           ;
           and
           they
           with
           thee
           are
           to
           labour
           with
           all
           Wisdom
           to
           bring
           him
           to
           the
           
           sense
           of
           his
           Fault
           :
           't
           is
           not
           iust
           to
           speak
           to
           him
           ,
           as
           if
           that
           were
           enough
           ;
           no
           ,
           no
           ,
           but
           to
           take
           all
           due
           Pains
           ,
           and
           to
           strive
           to
           convince
           him
           ,
           that
           so
           the
           matter
           may
           be
           issued
           ,
           and
           the
           Church
           not
           troubled
           with
           it
           :
           
           
             But
             if
             he
             will
             not
             hear
             thee
             ,
             take
             one
             or
             two
             more
             ,
             that
             in
             the
             mouth
             of
             two
             or
             three
             Witnesses
             every
             word
             may
             be
             established
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           But
           if
           he
           will
           not
           hear
           them
           after
           all
           due
           Means
           and
           Admonitions
           used
           ,
           then
           it
           must
           be
           brought
           to
           the
           Church
           ;
           and
           if
           he
           will
           not
           hear
           the
           Church
           ,
           he
           must
           be
           cast
           out
           :
           
           The
           Elder
           is
           to
           put
           the
           Question
           ,
           whether
           the
           offending
           Brother
           be
           in
           their
           Judgments
           incorrigible
           ,
           and
           refuseth
           to
           hear
           the
           Church
           ;
           which
           passing
           in
           the
           Affirmative
           by
           the
           Vote
           of
           the
           Congregation
           ,
           
           or
           the
           Majority
           of
           the
           Brethren
           by
           the
           lifting
           up
           of
           their
           Hands
           ,
           or
           by
           their
           Silence
           ;
           the
           Pastor
           after
           calling
           upon
           God
           ,
           and
           opening
           the
           nature
           of
           the
           Offence
           ,
           and
           the
           Justness
           of
           their
           Proceedings
           ,
           in
           the
           Name
           and
           by
           the
           Authority
           of
           Christ
           ,
           
           pronounces
           the
           Sentence
           of
           E●
           communication
           to
           this
           effect
           .
        
         
           
           That
           A.
           B.
           
             being
             guilty
             of
             great
             Iniquity
             ,
             and
             not
             manifesting
             ●●feigned
             Repentance
             ,
             but
             refusing
             to
             hear
             the
             Church
             ,
             I
             do
             in
             the
             Name
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             Authority
             of
             Christ
             committed
             unto
             me
             as
             Pastor
             of
             this
             his
             Church
             ,
             pronounce
             and
             declare
             that
             he
             is
             to
             be
             ,
             and
             is
             hereby
             excommunicated
             ,
             excluded
             or
             cast
             out
             of
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             and
             no
             longer
             to
             be
             owned
             a
             Brother
             ,
          
           
           
             or
             a
             Member
             of
             this
             Church
             ;
             and
             this
             for
             the
             destruction
             of
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             that
             his
             Spirit
             may
             be
             saved
             in
             the
             day
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             .
          
        
         
           And
           this
           we
           believe
           is
           the
           substance
           of
           that
           which
           the
           Apostle
           calls
           a
           delivering
           up
           to
           Satan
           ,
           he
           being
           cast
           into
           the
           World
           ,
           which
           is
           called
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           Satan
           ,
           where
           he
           rules
           and
           reigns
           .
        
         
           
             The
             delivery
             unto
             Satan
             (
             saith
             Dr.
             Chauncy
             )
             signifies
             only
             the
             solemn
             Exclusion
             of
             a
             Person
             from
             the
             Communion
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             
             the
             visible
             Kingdom
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             disinfranchizing
             him
             ,
             or
             divesting
             him
             of
             all
             visible
             Right
             to
             Church
             Privileges
             ,
             casting
             
             him
             into
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             where
             the
             Prince
             of
             Darkness
             rules
             in
             the
             Children
             of
             disobedience
             .
          
           And
           this
           being
           done
           ,
           he
           is
           to
           be
           esteemed
           to
           be
           no
           better
           than
           an
           Heathen
           Man
           ,
           
           or
           Publican
           ,
           or
           as
           an
           evil
           Person
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           have
           so
           much
           as
           intimate
           civil
           Communion
           withal
           .
        
      
       
         
           Of
           Scandalous
           Persons
           guilty
           of
           gross
           Acts
           of
           Immorality
           .
        
         
           IF
           any
           Member
           fall
           into
           any
           gross
           Acts
           of
           Sin
           ,
           
           as
           
             Swearing
             ,
             Lying
             ,
             Drunkenness
             ,
             Fornication
             ,
             Covetousness
             ,
             Extortion
             ,
          
           or
           the
           like
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           known
           and
           publickly
           spread
           abroad
           to
           the
           great
           scandal
           and
           reproach
           of
           Religion
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Holy
           Name
           of
           God
           ,
           his
           Church
           ,
           and
           People
           ;
           the
           said
           Offender
           so
           charged
           ,
           the
           Church
           must
           send
           one
           or
           two
           Brethren
           to
           him
           to
           come
           before
           the
           Congregation
           :
           if
           he
           will
           not
           come
           ,
           but
           doth
           slight
           and
           contemn
           the
           Authority
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           that
           will
           bring
           farther
           Guilt
           upon
           him
           ,
           for
           which
           Offence
           he
           incurs
           
           the
           Censure
           before
           -
           mentioned
           But
           if
           he
           doth
           appear
           ,
           his
           Charge
           is
           to
           be
           laid
           before
           him
           ,
           and
           the
           Witnesses
           called
           ;
           and
           after
           he
           ha●
           made
           his
           Defence
           ,
           and
           said
           all
           he
           hath
           to
           say
           ,
           and
           the
           Congregation
           finds
           him
           Guilty
           ,
           
           then
           the
           same
           Censure
           is
           to
           pass
           upon
           him
           ,
           to
           the
           end
           he
           may
           be
           brought
           to
           unfeigned
           Repentance
           ,
           and
           the
           Name
           of
           God
           cleared
           ;
           and
           some
           time
           must
           be
           taken
           to
           make
           it
           appear
           that
           he
           hath
           true
           Repentance
           ,
           by
           the
           Reformation
           of
           his
           Life
           and
           holy
           walking
           afterwards
           ,
           before
           he
           be
           received
           again
           ,
           and
           the
           Censure
           of
           the
           Church
           in
           a
           solemn
           manner
           be
           taken
           off
           .
        
         
           
           Dr.
           Chauncy
           puts
           this
           Question
           ,
        
         
           
             Quest.
             How
             is
             a
             Church
             to
             proceed
             in
             case
             of
             open
             and
             notorious
             Scandals
             ?
          
           
             The
             Answer
             is
             ,
             '
             the
             matter
             of
             Fact
             ,
             as
             such
             ,
             being
             beyond
             all
             question
             ;
             the
             Church
             is
             to
             proceed
             immediately
             to
             censure
             ,
             to
             vindicate
             the
             Honour
             of
             Christ
             and
             his
             Church
             ,
             and
             to
             manifest
             
             to
             the
             World
             their
             just
             Indignation
             against
             such
             Notorious
             Offenders
             ,
             
             and
             wait
             for
             a
             well-grounded
             and
             tryed
             Evidence
             of
             his
             true
             Repentance
             under
             that
             Ordinance
             of
             Christ
             which
             is
             appointed
             to
             that
             end
             .
             
          
        
         
           Observe
           ,
           It
           is
           the
           opinion
           of
           the
           Doctor
           ,
           that
           tho
           the
           Person
           be
           penitent
           ,
           yet
           because
           his
           Sin
           is
           open
           and
           scandalous
           ,
           he
           ought
           to
           be
           cast
           out
           to
           vindicate
           the
           Honour
           of
           Christ
           and
           the
           Church
           ,
           as
           part
           of
           his
           just
           Punishment
           (
           that
           being
           one
           reason
           of
           the
           Ordinance
           of
           Excommunication
           )
           as
           well
           as
           to
           bring
           the
           Person
           to
           thorow
           Repentance
           ;
           and
           we
           are
           of
           his
           Mind
           .
           Paul
           takes
           no
           notice
           in
           the
           case
           of
           the
           
             Incestuous
             Person
          
           of
           his
           immediate
           Repentance
           ;
           or
           if
           he
           repent
           not
           ,
           then
           ,
           &c.
           
           But
           says
           he
           ,
           
             deliver
             such
             a
             one
             to
             Satan
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           Saith
           the
           Lord
           ,
           
           
             if
             her
             Father
             had
             but
             spit
             in
             her
             Face
             ,
             should
             she
             not
             be
             ashamed
             seven
             Days
             ?
             Let
             her
             be
             shut
             out
             from
             the
             Camp
             seven
             Day
             :
          
           (
           speaking
           of
           Miriam
           )
           
             and
             after
             that
             let
             her
             be
             received
             in
             again
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           Of
           dealing
           with
           Hereticks
           and
           Blasphemers
           .
        
         
           
           AS
           touching
           Hereticks
           or
           Heresy
           ,
           the
           same
           Censure
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           convicted
           ,
           ought
           to
           pass
           against
           them
           ;
           Heresy
           is
           commonly
           restrained
           to
           signify
           any
           perverse
           Opinion
           or
           Error
           in
           a
           fundamental
           Point
           of
           Religion
           ,
           as
           to
           deny
           the
           Being
           of
           God
           ,
           or
           the
           Deity
           of
           Christ
           ,
           or
           his
           Satisfaction
           ,
           and
           Justification
           alone
           by
           his
           Righteousness
           ,
           or
           to
           deny
           the
           Resurrection
           of
           the
           Body
           ,
           or
           eternal
           Judgment
           ,
           or
           the
           like
           .
           
           Yet
           our
           Annotators
           say
           ,
           the
           Word
           signifies
           the
           same
           thing
           with
           Schism
           and
           Divisions
           ;
           which
           if
           so
           ,
           such
           that
           are
           guilty
           of
           Schism
           or
           Divisions
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           ought
           to
           be
           excommunicated
           also
           .
           Heresies
           are
           called
           Damnable
           by
           the
           Apostle
           Peter
           ;
           without
           Repentance
           such
           cannot
           be
           saved
           ,
           
           
             as
             bring
             in
             Damnable
             Heresies
             ,
             denying
             the
             Lord
             that
             bought
             them
             .
          
        
         
           Two
           things
           render
           a
           Man
           an
           Heretick
           according
           to
           the
           common
           
           signification
           of
           the
           Word
           .
           
           1.
           
           An
           Error
           in
           matters
           of
           Faith
           ,
           Fundamental
           or
           Essential
           to
           Salvation
           .
           2.
           
           Stubbornness
           and
           Contumacy
           in
           holding
           and
           maintaining
           it
           .
           
             A
             Man
             that
             is
             an
             Heretick
             ,
          
           
           
             after
             the
             first
             and
             second
             Admonition
             reject
             .
          
           Now
           that
           this
           Rejection
           is
           all
           one
           with
           Excommunication
           ,
           appears
           by
           what
           Paul
           speaks
           ,
           1
           Tim.
           1.20
           .
           
             Of
             whom
             is
             Hymeneus
             and
             Alexander
             ,
          
           
           
             whom
             I
             have
             delivered
             unto
             Satan
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             learn
             not
             to
             Blaspheme
             .
          
           Their
           Heresy
           ,
           or
           Blasphemy
           was
           in
           saying
           the
           Resurrection
           was
           past
           .
        
         
           Some
           would
           have
           none
           be
           counted
           an
           Heretick
           but
           he
           who
           is
           convicted
           and
           condemned
           so
           to
           be
           in
           his
           own
           Conscience
           ,
           mistaking
           
           Paul's
           Words
           ,
           
             Knowing
             that
             he
             that
             is
             such
             ,
             is
             subverted
             ,
             being
             condemned
             of
             himself
             .
          
           He
           may
           be
           condemned
           of
           himself
           ,
           tho
           not
           for
           his
           Heresy
           ,
           yet
           for
           his
           spending
           his
           Time
           about
           Questions
           ,
           and
           strife
           of
           Words
           ,
           to
           the
           disquieting
           the
           Peace
           of
           the
           Church
           ;
           or
           tho
           not
           condemned
           of
           himself
           directly
           ,
           yet
           indirectly
           ;
           according
           
           to
           the
           Purport
           of
           his
           own
           Notion
           ,
           or
           what
           he
           grants
           about
           the
           Point
           in
           Debate
           ,
           &c.
           
           Else
           the
           Apostle
           refers
           to
           some
           notable
           and
           notorious
           self-condemned
           Heretick
           .
           It
           is
           a
           great
           question
           ,
           whether
           Hymeneus
           and
           Alexander
           we●●
           condemned
           in
           their
           own
           Consciences
           ,
           about
           that
           Heresy
           charged
           upon
           them
           ,
           and
           yet
           were
           delivered
           up
           to
           Satan
           .
           However
           the
           Rule
           is
           plain
           ,
           respecting
           any
           that
           are
           subverted
           ,
           and
           resolutely
           maintain
           any
           Heretical
           Notion
           ,
           
             i.
             e.
          
           after
           he
           hath
           been
           twice
           (
           or
           oftner
           )
           admonished
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           after
           all
           due
           means
           used
           ,
           and
           pains
           taken
           with
           him
           ,
           to
           convince
           him
           of
           his
           abominable
           Error
           ;
           and
           yet
           if
           he
           remains
           obstinate
           ,
           he
           must
           
             be
             delivered
             up
             to
             Satan
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           righteous
           censure
           of
           the
           Church
           must
           pass
           upon
           him
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           case
           of
           other
           notorious
           Crimes
           .
           Heresy
           is
           a
           Work
           of
           the
           Flesh
           :
           and
           hence
           some
           conceive
           such
           ought
           to
           be
           punished
           by
           the
           Civil
           Magistrate
           .
        
         
         
           Quest.
           
             What
             is
             an
             Admonition
          
           ?
        
         
           Answ.
           It
           is
           a
           faithful
           endeavour
           to
           convict
           a
           Person
           of
           a
           Fault
           both
           as
           to
           matter
           of
           Fact
           ,
           
           and
           his
           Duty
           thereupon
           ,
           charging
           it
           on
           his
           Conscience
           in
           the
           Name
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           with
           all
           Wisdom
           and
           Authority
           .
        
         
           Quest.
           
             What
             is
             a
             Church
             Admonition
          
           ?
        
         
           Answ.
           When
           an
           offending
           Brother
           rejecting
           private
           Admonition
           by
           one
           ,
           or
           by
           two
           or
           three
           Persons
           ;
           the
           complaint
           being
           brought
           to
           the
           Church
           by
           the
           Elder
           ,
           the
           offending
           Member
           is
           rebuked
           and
           exhorted
           in
           the
           Name
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           to
           due
           Repentance
           ;
           and
           if
           convicted
           ,
           and
           he
           repents
           ,
           the
           Church
           forgives
           him
           ,
           otherwise
           casts
           him
           out
           ,
           as
           I
           before
           shewed
           .
        
         
           Quest.
           
             May
             a
             Church
             admit
             a
             Member
             of
             another
             Congregation
             to
             have
             Communion
             with
             them
             ,
             without
             an
             orderly
             receiving
             him
             as
             a
             Member
             ?
          
        
         
           Answ.
           If
           the
           Person
           is
           well
           known
           by
           some
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           
           that
           he
           is
           an
           orderly
           Member
           of
           〈◊〉
           Church
           of
           the
           same
           Faith
           ,
           he
           being
           occasionally
           cast
           among
           them
           ▪
           they
           may
           admit
           him
           to
           transie●●
           Communion
           for
           that
           time
           ;
           but
           i●
           he
           abides
           in
           that
           Town
           or
           City
           remote
           to
           the
           Church
           to
           whom
           he
           belongs
           ,
           he
           ought
           to
           have
           his
           regular
           dismission
           ,
           and
           so
           be
           delivered
           up
           to
           the
           care
           and
           watch
           of
           the
           Church
           where
           he
           desires
           to
           communicate
           .
        
         
           Quest.
           
             If
             an
             Excommunicated
             Person
             hath
             obtained
             of
             God
             true
             Repentance
             ,
             and
             desires
             to
             be
             restored
             to
             the
             Church
             ,
             what
             is
             the
             manner
             of
             his
             Reception
             ?
          
           
        
         
           Answ.
           Upon
           his
           serious
           ,
           solemn
           and
           publick
           Acknowledgment
           thereof
           before
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           due
           Satisfaction
           according
           to
           the
           nature
           of
           his
           Offence
           being
           given
           ,
           the
           Elder
           solemnly
           proceeds
           and
           declares
           in
           the
           Name
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           
           that
           the
           sentence
           which
           A.B.
           was
           laid
           under
           (
           upon
           his
           unfeigned
           Repentance
           )
           is
           taken
           off
           ,
           
           and
           that
           he
           is
           received
           again
           a
           as
           Member
           ,
           
           &c.
           
           To
           the
           Praise
           and
           Glory
           of
           God.
           
        
         
         
           Q.
           How
           ought
           a
           Pastor
           to
           be
           ●●●lt
           withal
           ,
           if
           he
           to
           the
           knowledge
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           or
           any
           Mem●ers
           thereof
           ,
           walketh
           disorderly
           ,
           ●nd
           unworthily
           of
           his
           Sacred
           Of●ice
           ,
           and
           Membership
           ?
        
         
           
             Take
             the
             Answer
             of
             another
             Author
             here
             .
          
        
         
           Answ.
           '
           Those
           Members
           ,
           to
           whom
           this
           is
           manifestly
           known
           ,
           
           ought
           to
           go
           to
           him
           privately
           ,
           and
           unknown
           to
           any
           others
           ,
           (
           and
           with
           the
           
             Spirit
             of
             Meekness
             ,
             in
             great
             Humility
          
           )
           lay
           his
           Evil
           before
           him
           ,
           and
           intreat
           him
           as
           a
           Father
           ,
           and
           not
           rebuke
           him
           as
           there
           Equal
           ,
           much
           less
           as
           their
           Inferiour
           ;
           and
           if
           they
           gain
           upon
           him
           ,
           then
           to
           receive
           him
           into
           their
           former
           Affection
           and
           Esteem
           ,
           for
           ever
           hiding
           it
           from
           all
           others
           .
           But
           if
           after
           all
           tender
           intreaties
           ,
           he
           prove
           Refractory
           and
           Obstinate
           ,
           then
           to
           bring
           him
           before
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           there
           to
           deal
           with
           him
           ;
           they
           having
           Two
           or
           Three
           Witnesses
           in
           the
           face
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           to
           testify
           matter
           of
           Fact
           against
           him
           to
           their
           personal
           Knowledge
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           
             But
             before
             he
             be
             dealt
             with
             they
             must
             appoint
             one
             from
             among
             themselves
             ,
             qualifyd
             for
             the
             work●●
             a
             Pastor
             ,
             to
             execute
             the
             Church
             Censure
             against
             him
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           Yet
           n●
           doubt
           ,
           
           the
           Church
           may
           Suspend
           him
           from
           his
           Communion
           ,
           &
           exercisin●
           of
           his
           Office
           presently
           ,
           upon
           hi●
           being
           fully
           Convicted
           .
           But
           seeing
           in
           the
           multitude
           of
           Counsel
           there
           i●
           safety
           ,
           sure
           no
           Church
           would
           so
           proceed
           without
           the
           advice
           of
           the
           Presbytery
           ,
           or
           of
           a
           Sister
           -
           Church
           at
           least
           .
        
         
           Q.
           Suppose
           a
           Member
           should
           think
           himself
           Oppressed
           by
           the
           Church
           ;
           or
           should
           be
           Unjustly
           dealt
           with
           ;
           either
           Withdrawn
           from
           ,
           or
           Excommunicated
           ,
           has
           he
           no
           Relief
           left
           him
           ?
        
         
           Answ.
           We
           believe
           he
           hath
           Relief
           ;
           
           and
           also
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           Church
           infallible
           ,
           but
           may
           E●●
           in
           some
           points
           of
           Faith
           ,
           as
           wel●
           as
           in
           Discipline
           .
           And
           the
           way
           proposed
           ,
           and
           agreed
           to
           ,
           in
           a
           general
           Assembly
           ,
           held
           in
           London
           ,
           1692.
           of
           the
           
             Elders
             ,
             Ministers
          
           ,
           and
           Messengers
           of
           our
           Churches
           ,
           we
           approve
           of
           ,
           which
           is
           this
           ;
           
             viz.
             The
             grieved
             or
             injured
             Person
             may
             make
             his
             Application
             to
             a
             Sister
             ▪
             
             Church
             for
             Communion
             ;
             and
             that
             Church
             may
             send
             some
             Brethren
             in
             their
             names
             ,
             to
             that
             Congregation
             that
             have
             dealt
             with
             him
             ,
             and
             they
             to
             see
             if
             they
             can
             possibly
             restore
             him
             to
             his
             place
             ;
             but
             if
             they
             cannot
             ,
             then
             to
             report
             the
             matter
             charged
             ,
             with
             the
             Proofs
             ,
             to
             the
             Church
             that
             sent
             them
             :
             and
             if
             that
             Congregation
             shall
             ,
             after
             a
             full
             Information
             ,
          
           &c.
           
             be
             perswaded
             the
             Person
             was
             not
             orderly
             dealt
             with
             ,
             they
             may
             receive
             him
             into
             their
             Communion
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           Of
           such
           that
           cause
           Divisions
           ;
           or
           Vnduely
           separate
           themselves
           from
           the
           Church
           .
        
         
           THis
           I
           find
           is
           generally
           asserted
           by
           all
           Congregational
           Divines
           ,
           
           or
           worthy
           men
           ,
           
             i.
             e.
          
           That
           no
           person
           hath
           power
           to
           dismember
           himself
           :
           
             i.
             e.
          
           He
           cannot
           ,
           without
           great
           Sin
           ,
           translate
           himself
           from
           one
           Church
           to
           another
           ;
           but
           ought
           to
           have
           a
           Dismission
           from
           that
           Church
           where
           he
           is
           a
           Member
           :
           
           provided
           that
           Church
           is
           orderly
           constituted
           ,
           nothing
           being
           wanting
           as
           to
           any
           Essential
           of
           Salvation
           ;
           or
           of
           Church-Communion
           :
           But
           if
           not
           ,
           yet
           he
           ought
           to
           indeavour
           
           to
           get
           his
           orderly
           Di●mission
           .
        
         
           Nor
           is
           every
           small
           Differenc●
           in
           some
           points
           of
           Religion
           ,
           (
           o●
           Notions
           of
           little
           moment
           ,
           )
           an●
           grounds
           for
           him
           to
           desire
           his
           Dismission
           .
        
         
           That
           he
           cannot
           ,
           nor
           ought
           no●
           to
           Translate
           himself
           ,
           see
           what
           〈◊〉
           Reverend
           Writer
           saith
           :
           
        
         
           
             He
             cannot
             ,
             
               saith
               he
            
             ,
             for
             many
             Reasons
             :
          
           
             1.
             
             It
             is
             not
             Decent
             ,
             much
             le●
             an
             Orderly
             going
             away
             ;
             but
             very
             unmannerly
             ,
             and
             a
             kind
             o●
             running
             away
             .
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Such
             a
             Departure
             is
             not
             approved
             of
             in
             Families
             ,
             or
             Civi●
             Societies
             .
             
          
           
             3.
             
             It
             destroys
             the
             Relation
             o●
             Pastor
             and
             People
             :
             For
             wha●
             may
             be
             done
             by
             one
             individua●
             Person
             ,
             may
             be
             done
             by
             all
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             What
             Liberty
             in
             this
             kin●
             belongs
             to
             the
             Sheep
             ,
             belongs
             t●
             the
             Shepherd
             ;
             much
             more
             he
             ma●
             then
             also
             leave
             his
             Flock
             at
             h●
             Pleasure
             ,
             without
             giving
             notice
             o●
             reason
             thereof
             to
             the
             Church
             .
          
           
             
             5.
             
             It
             is
             breaking
             Covenant
             wit●
             
             Christ
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             and
             therefore
             a
             great
             Immorality
             ;
             he
             being
             under
             Obligation
             to
             abide
             stedfastly
             with
             the
             Church
             ;
             
               i.
               e.
            
             till
             the
             Church
             judge
             he
             hath
             a
             lawful
             Call
             to
             go
             to
             another
             Congregation
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             It
             's
             a
             Schism
             :
             For
             if
             there
             be
             any
             such
             thing
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             
             it
             's
             of
             particular
             Societies
             .
             
          
           
             7.
             
             It
             is
             a
             despising
             the
             Government
             of
             the
             Church
             .
          
           
             
             8.
             
             It
             is
             a
             particular
             Member's
             assuming
             to
             himself
             the
             use
             of
             the
             Keys
             ;
             or
             rather
             stealing
             of
             them
             .
          
           
             9.
             
             There
             is
             as
             much
             reason
             Persons
             should
             come
             into
             a
             Church
             when
             they
             please
             ,
             without
             asking
             Consent
             ,
             as
             depart
             when
             they
             please
             .
          
           
             10.
             
             It
             is
             very
             evil
             and
             unkind
             in
             another
             Church
             ,
             to
             receive
             such
             an
             one
             ,
             as
             
               not
               doing
               as
               they
               would
               ,
               or
               should
               be
               dealt
               with
               .
            
          
           
             11.
             
             Such
             Practices
             can
             issue
             in
             nothing
             else
             than
             the
             breach
             and
             confusion
             
             of
             all
             particular
             Churches
             ;
             and
             make
             them
             like
             Parishes
             .
          
           
             12.
             
             Such
             Departures
             cannot
             be
             pleaded
             for
             in
             the
             least
             ,
             but
             upon
             
             the
             notion
             of
             a
             Catholick
             visible
             Church
             ,
             wherein
             all
             Members
             and
             Officers
             are
             run
             into
             one
             
               Organized
               Church
            
             ,
             which
             will
             ,
             and
             must
             introduce
             ,
             a
             Co-ordinate
             (
             if
             not
             a
             Subordinate
             )
             Pastoral
             Government
             ,
             by
             combination
             of
             Elders
             ,
             over
             all
             the
             Churches
             ;
             and
             therefore
             by
             Synods
             and
             Classes
             .
          
           
             13.
             
             It
             is
             like
             a
             Leak
             in
             a
             Ship
             ,
             which
             ,
             if
             not
             speedily
             stopped
             ,
             will
             Sink
             at
             last
             .
          
           
             14.
             
             It
             tends
             to
             Anarchy
             ,
             putting
             an
             
               Arbitrary
               Power
            
             in
             ev'ry
             Member
             .
          
           
             15.
             
             It
             breaks
             all
             Bonds
             of
             Love
             ,
             and
             raiseth
             the
             greatest
             Animosities
             between
             Bretheren
             and
             Churches
             .
          
           
             16.
             
             It
             is
             a
             great
             Argument
             of
             some
             Guilt
             lying-on
             the
             Party
             .
          
        
         
           Thus
           the
           Dr.
           
        
         
           Again
           he
           saith
           ,
        
         
           
             It
             is
             no
             more
             in
             the
             just
             Power
             of
             a
             particular
             Member
             to
             dissolve
             his
             Church-Relation
             ,
             than
             in
             a
             Man
             to
             kill
             himself
             :
             but
             by
             his
             said
             withdrawment
             he
             doth
             Schismatically
             rend
             himself
             from
             his
             Communion
             ,
             and
             
             so
             Separate
             himself
             Sinfully
             .
             ★
          
           
             Quest.
             
               What
               is
               the
               just
               Act
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               that
               cloathes
               this
               irregular
               Separation
               ,
               with
               the
               Formality
               as
               it
               were
               of
               an
               Excomcommunication
               .
            
          
           
             
               He
               Answers
            
             .
             (
             Calling
             )
             this
             a
             mixt
             Excommunication
             
               i.
               e.
            
             Originally
             proceeding
             from
             ,
             and
             consists
             in
             ,
             the
             act
             of
             the
             Brother
             himself
             ,
             and
             is
             the
             Formality
             of
             his
             Offence
             ;
             upon
             which
             proceeds
             the
             just
             and
             unviolable
             act
             of
             the
             Church
             .
          
           
             The
             Judgment
             of
             the
             Church
             publickly
             declared
             by
             the
             Elder
             of
             the
             Congregation
             ;
             as
             the
             Dr.
             words
             it
             ;
             viz.
             
          
           
             That
             A.
             B.
             
               having
               so
               and
               so
               irregularly
               and
               sinfully
               withdrawn
               himself
               from
               the
               Communion
               of
               the
               Congregation
               ,
            
             
             
               we
               do
               now
               adjudge
               him
               a
               Non-member
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               one
               that
               is
               not
               to
               Communicate
               with
               the
               Church
               ,
               in
               the
               special
               Ordinances
               of
               Communion
               ,
            
             
             
               till
               due
               Satisfaction
               is
               given
               by
               him
               .
            
          
        
         
           Yet
           we
           believe
           ,
           as
           the
           Dr's
           Opinion
           is
           ,
           that
           a
           Church
           may
           ,
           (
           if
           they
           find
           the
           Case
           to
           be
           warranted
           
           by
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ;
           or
           as
           it
           may
           be
           circumstanced
           )
           give
           a
           dismission
           to
           a
           Member
           ,
           when
           insisted
           on
           ,
           to
           another
           regular
           Church
           ,
           tho
           not
           in
           every
           case
           of
           small
           Offence
           ,
           or
           dissent
           in
           some
           small
           points
           of
           different
           Notions
           ,
           
           or
           from
           Prejudice
           ;
           for
           ,
           that
           may
           tend
           soon
           to
           dissolve
           any
           Church
           :
           For
           what
           Church
           is
           it
           ,
           where
           every
           Member
           is
           of
           one
           mind
           in
           every
           particular
           case
           and
           thing
           about
           Notions
           of
           Religion
           ?
        
         
           And
           such
           that
           make
           Divisions
           ,
           and
           cause
           Schisms
           ,
           or
           Discord
           among
           Brethren
           ,
           
           to
           disturb
           the
           Peace
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           if
           they
           cannot
           be
           reclaimed
           ,
           
           must
           be
           marked
           ,
           and
           dealt
           with
           as
           great
           Offenders
           :
           
           It
           being
           one
           of
           those
           things
           that
           God
           hates
           ,
           and
           is
           an
           abomination
           to
           him
           .
        
         
           Quest.
           
             What
             is
             a
             full
             and
             lawful
             Dismission
             of
             a
             Member
             to
             another
             Church
             ,
             upon
             his
             removing
             his
             Habitation
             ,
             or
             on
             other
             warranted
             Cases
             .
          
        
         
           Answ.
           VVe
           answer
           a
           Letter
           Testimonial
           ,
           
           or
           Recommendation
           of
           the
           Person
           ;
           and
           if
           he
           intends
           to
           abide
           there
           wholly
           ,
           to
           give
           him
           
           up
           to
           that
           Communion
           ,
           and
           Fellowship
           ,
           
           to
           be
           watched
           over
           in
           the
           Lord.
           
           
        
      
       
         
           Of
           Disorders
           ,
           or
           causes
           of
           Discords
           ,
           and
           how
           to
           be
           prevented
           ,
           corrected
           ,
           and
           removed
           .
        
         
           I.
           ONE
           cause
           of
           Discord
           is
           ,
           through
           the
           Ignorance
           in
           some
           Members
           of
           the
           Rules
           of
           Discipline
           ,
           
           and
           right
           Government
           ;
           
           particularly
           when
           that
           Rule
           in
           Matth.
           18.
           is
           not
           followed
           .
        
         
           But
           one
           Person
           ●●kes
           up
           an
           Offence
           against
           another
           ,
           and
           speaks
           ,
           of
           it
           to
           this
           or
           that
           Person
           ,
           before
           he
           hath
           ,
           told
           the
           Brother
           offending
           ,
           of
           it
           ;
           which
           is
           a
           paspable
           Sin
           ,
           and
           a
           direct
           violation
           of
           Christ's
           holy
           Precept
           :
           and
           such
           must
           ,
           as
           Offenders
           themselves
           ,
           be
           in
           a
           Gospel
           way
           dealt
           with
           .
        
         
           To
           prevent
           this
           ,
           the
           Discipline
           ,
           of
           the
           Church
           should
           be
           taught
           ;
           and
           the
           Members
           informed
           of
           their
           Duties
           .
        
         
           II
           Another
           thing
           that
           causes
           Trouble
           and
           Disorder
           in
           a
           Church
           ,
           
           is
           want
           of
           Love
           ,
           and
           tender
           Affections
           to
           one
           another
           ;
           as
           also
           not
           having
           a
           full
           sight
           and
           sense
           of
           the
           great
           evil
           of
           breaking
           
             the
             Bonds
             of
             Peace
             ,
             and
             Vnity
             :
          
           
           O
           that
           all
           would
           lay
           this
           abominable
           Evil
           to
           Heart
           ,
           how
           base
           a
           thing
           it
           is
           to
           break
           the
           Peace
           of
           a
           private
           Family
           ,
           or
           Neighbourhood
           ;
           but
           much
           more
           sinful
           to
           disturb
           the
           Peace
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           the
           living
           God
           ,
           and
           
             break
             the
             bonds
             of
             the
             Vnity
             thereof
             .
             Behold
             ,
             how
             good
             ,
             and
             how
             pleasant
             it
             is
             ,
             for
             Brethren
             to
             dwell
             together
             in
             Vnity
             !
          
           But
           ,
           
           O
           how
           ugly
           and
           hateful
           is
           the
           contrary
           !
           
        
         
           III.
           Another
           disorderly
           Practice
           is
           this
           ,
           When
           one
           Member
           or
           another
           knows
           of
           some
           sinful
           act
           ,
           or
           evils
           done
           by
           one
           or
           more
           Members
           ,
           
           and
           they
           conceal
           it
           ;
           or
           do
           not
           act
           according
           to
           the
           Rule
           ;
           
           pretending
           they
           would
           not
           be
           lookt
           upon
           as
           Contentious
           Persons
           :
           but
           hereby
           they
           may
           become
           guilty
           of
           other
           Mens
           Sins
           ,
           and
           also
           suffer
           the
           Name
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Church
           ,
           to
           lye
           under
           Reproach
           ,
           and
           all
           thro
           their
           neglect
           .
           This
           is
           a
           great
           Iniquity
           .
        
         
         
           IV.
           When
           an
           Elder
           ,
           or
           Church
           shall
           know
           that
           some
           persons
           are
           Scandalous
           in
           their
           Lives
           ,
           or
           Hereretical
           in
           Judgment
           ,
           and
           yet
           shall
           bear
           or
           connive
           with
           them
           .
        
         
           V.
           When
           Members
           take
           liberty
           to
           hear
           at
           other
           Places
           ,
           
           when
           the
           Church
           is
           assembled
           to
           worship
           God
           :
           this
           is
           nothing
           less
           than
           a
           breaking
           their
           Covenant
           with
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           may
           soon
           dissolve
           any
           Church
           :
           For
           by
           the
           same
           Rule
           ,
           one
           may
           take
           that
           liberty
           ,
           another
           ;
           nay
           ,
           every
           Member
           may
           .
           Moreover
           ,
           it
           casts
           a
           Contempt
           upon
           the
           Ministery
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           tends
           to
           cause
           such
           who
           are
           Hearers
           to
           draw
           off
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           Disaffected
           with
           the
           Doctrine
           taught
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           (
           they
           knowing
           these
           Dissenters
           do
           belong
           unto
           it
           .
           )
           I
           exhort
           therefore
           ,
           in
           the
           Name
           of
           Christ
           ,
           this
           may
           be
           prevented
           :
           And
           any
           of
           you
           that
           know
           who
           they
           are
           ,
           that
           take
           this
           Liberty
           ,
           pray
           discover
           them
           to
           the
           Church
           .
           We
           lay
           no
           restraint
           upon
           our
           Members
           from
           hearing
           such
           ,
           who
           are
           sound
           in
           the
           Faith
           at
           other
           times
           .
        
         
         
           VI.
           The
           Liberty
           that
           some
           take
           to
           hear
           Men
           that
           are
           corrupt
           in
           their
           Judgments
           ;
           and
           so
           take
           in
           unsound
           Notions
           ,
           and
           also
           strive
           to
           distil
           them
           into
           the
           Minds
           of
           others
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           were
           of
           great
           Importance
           .
           Alas
           ,
           how
           many
           are
           Corrupted
           in
           these
           days
           ,
           with
           
             Arminianism
             ,
             Socinianism
          
           ,
           and
           what
           not
           !
           This
           causes
           great
           trouble
           and
           disorder
           .
        
         
           
           VII
           .
           When
           one
           Church
           shall
           receive
           a
           Member
           or
           Members
           of
           another
           Congregation
           without
           their
           Consent
           or
           Knowledge
           :
           Nay
           such
           that
           are
           Disorderly
           and
           may
           be
           loose
           Livers
           ,
           or
           cast
           out
           for
           Immorality
           ;
           or
           Persons
           filled
           with
           Prejudice
           without
           cause
           .
           This
           is
           enough
           to
           make
           Men
           Atheists
           ,
           or
           contemn
           all
           Church
           Authority
           ,
           and
           Religion
           :
           For
           hath
           not
           one
           regular
           Church
           as
           great
           Authority
           from
           Christ
           as
           another
           .
        
         
           VIII
           .
           Another
           disorder
           is
           ,
           when
           Members
           are
           received
           without
           the
           general
           Consent
           of
           the
           Church
           ;
           
           or
           before
           good
           Satisfaction
           is
           taken
           of
           their
           Godly
           Lives
           ,
           and
           Conversations
           :
           Or
           when
           a
           Church
           is
           too
           remiss
           in
           the
           reception
           of
           her
           Members
           .
        
         
         
           IX
           .
           Another
           disorder
           is
           ,
           when
           a
           Church
           shall
           receive
           a
           charge
           against
           a
           Member
           ,
           (
           it
           being
           an
           Offence
           between
           Brother
           and
           Brother
           )
           before
           an
           orderly
           proceed
           has
           been
           made
           by
           the
           offended
           Person
           .
           
        
         
           X.
           When
           Judgment
           passes
           with
           Partiality
           ;
           some
           are
           connived
           at
           ,
           out
           of
           favour
           or
           affection
           :
           Levi
           was
           not
           to
           know
           his
           Father
           or
           Mother
           in
           Judgment
           .
        
         
           XI
           .
           
           When
           Members
           do
           not
           constantly
           and
           early
           attend
           our
           publick
           Assemblies
           ,
           
           and
           the
           worship
           of
           God
           on
           the
           Lord's-day
           especially
           ,
           
           but
           are
           remiss
           in
           that
           matter
           :
           This
           is
           a
           great
           Evil.
           
        
         
           XII
           .
           When
           part
           of
           a
           Church
           shall
           meet
           together
           as
           dissatisfied
           ,
           to
           consult
           Church-matters
           ,
           without
           the
           knowledge
           or
           consent
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           or
           Pastor
           :
           
           This
           is
           disorderly
           ,
           
           and
           tends
           to
           division
           ;
           and
           such
           should
           be
           marked
           .
        
         
           XIII
           .
           Another
           thing
           that
           tends
           to
           disquiet
           the
           Peace
           of
           the
           Church
           is
           ,
           when
           there
           are
           any
           undue
           heats
           of
           Spirit
           ,
           or
           Passion
           shewed
           
           in
           the
           Pastor
           ,
           
           or
           others
           ,
           in
           managing
           the
           Discipline
           of
           the
           Church
           .
           Have
           we
           not
           found
           by
           experience
           the
           sad
           effect
           of
           this
           ?
           Therefore
           things
           must
           be
           always
           managed
           with
           coolness
           ,
           and
           sweetness
           of
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           moderation
           ;
           every
           Brother
           having
           liberty
           to
           speak
           his
           mind
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           be
           interrupted
           ,
           until
           he
           has
           done
           ;
           nor
           above
           one
           speak
           at
           once
           .
        
         
           XIV
           .
           When
           one
           Brother
           or
           more
           Dissents
           in
           the
           sentiments
           of
           their
           Minds
           from
           the
           Church
           ,
           in
           any
           matters
           circumstantial
           ;
           either
           in
           repect
           of
           Faith
           ,
           
           Practice
           ,
           or
           Discipline
           ,
           and
           will
           not
           submit
           to
           the
           Majority
           ,
           but
           raise
           Feuds
           ;
           
           nay
           ,
           will
           rend
           themselves
           from
           the
           Church
           ,
           rather
           than
           consent
           .
        
         
           
             I
             Quaery
          
           ,
           what
           reason
           ,
           or
           ground
           ,
           hath
           any
           Man
           to
           refuse
           Communion
           with
           a
           Church
           that
           Christ
           hath
           not
           left
           ,
           but
           hath
           Communion
           with
           ?
        
         
           XV.
           When
           any
           Member
           shall
           divulge
           ,
           or
           make
           known
           to
           Persons
           ,
           not
           of
           the
           Congregation
           ,
           nor
           being
           concerned
           in
           those
           matters
           
           what
           is
           done
           in
           Church-meetings
           ,
           the
           Church
           in
           this
           respect
           (
           as
           well
           as
           in
           others
           )
           is
           to
           be
           as
           a
           
             Garden
             inclosed
             ,
             a
             Spring
             shut
             up
             ,
             a
             Fountain
             sealed
             .
          
           This
           oft
           times
           occasions
           great
           Grief
           ,
           
           and
           the
           disorderly
           Person
           should
           be
           detected
           .
           Is
           it
           not
           a
           shame
           to
           any
           of
           a
           private
           Family
           ,
           to
           divulge
           the
           Secrets
           of
           the
           Family
           ?
           But
           far
           greater
           shame
           do
           these
           expose
           themselves
           unto
           .
        
         
           XVI
           .
           Another
           disorderly
           Practice
           is
           this
           ;
           viz.
           When
           a
           Member
           shall
           suggest
           ,
           and
           seem
           ●o
           insinuate
           into
           the
           minds
           of
           other
           Members
           some
           evil
           against
           their
           Pastor
           ,
           
           yet
           will
           not
           declare
           what
           it
           is
           ;
           
           and
           may
           only
           be
           evil
           Surmisings
           ,
           
           &
           out
           of
           Prejudice
           ;
           and
           yet
           refuses
           to
           acquaint
           the
           Pastor
           with
           what
           it
           is
           :
           This
           is
           very
           abominable
           ,
           
           and
           a
           palpable
           violation
           of
           the
           Rule
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           Duty
           of
           Members
           to
           their
           Minister
           .
           Such
           a
           person
           ought
           to
           be
           severely
           rebuk'd
           ,
           and
           if
           he
           confess
           not
           his
           Evils
           ,
           and
           manifesteth
           unfeigned
           Repentance
           ,
           to
           be
           dealt
           with
           farther
           .
           Moreover
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           great
           evil
           
           in
           another
           to
           hear
           such
           base
           ▪
           Insinuations
           ,
           and
           neither
           rebuke
           the
           Accuser
           ,
           and
           so
           discharge
           his
           Duty
           ,
           nor
           take
           two
           or
           three
           more
           to
           bring
           the
           Person
           to
           Repentance
           .
           
           If
           he
           deal
           thus
           by
           a
           private
           Brother
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           great
           Evil
           ,
           but
           far
           worse
           to
           an
           Elder
           ,
           whose
           Name
           and
           Honour
           ,
           ought
           with
           all
           Care
           and
           Justice
           ,
           to
           be
           kept
           up
           ,
           as
           being
           more
           Sacred
           .
        
         
           XVII
           .
           Another
           disorderly
           Practice
           is
           ,
           
           (
           which
           causes
           much
           trouble
           )
           When
           the
           publick
           Charges
           of
           a
           Church
           are
           not
           equally
           born
           ;
           but
           some
           too
           much
           burdened
           ,
           when
           others
           do
           but
           little
           or
           nothing
           .
        
         
           
           And
           also
           ,
           when
           every
           one
           does
           not
           Contribute
           to
           the
           Poor
           ,
           as
           God
           has
           blessed
           them
           ,
           on
           every
           Lord's
           day
           ,
           or
           first
           day
           of
           the
           Week
           ,
           as
           he
           hath
           Commanded
           .
        
         
           XVIII
           .
           Another
           disorder
           is
           this
           ▪
           When
           Members
           refuse
           to
           communicate
           with
           the
           Church
           at
           the
           Lord's
           table
           ,
           because
           some
           person
           ,
           or
           persons
           ,
           they
           think
           are
           guilty
           of
           Evil
           ,
           
           and
           yet
           they
           have
           not
           proceeded
           with
           them
           according
           to
           
           Rule
           :
           These
           either
           Excommunicate
           the
           Church
           ,
           or
           themselves
           ,
           or
           those
           Persons
           at
           least
           ,
           they
           censure
           unwarrantably
           .
        
         
           I
           beseech
           you
           for
           Christ's
           sake
           ,
           that
           this
           may
           never
           be
           any
           more
           among
           you
           :
           You
           ought
           not
           to
           deal
           thus
           with
           them
           ;
           or
           refuse
           your
           Communion
           ,
           (
           tho
           faulty
           )
           until
           the
           Church
           has
           dismember'd
           ,
           or
           withdrawn
           from
           them
           ;
           or
           at
           least
           Suspended
           them
           .
        
         
           XIX
           .
           When
           one
           Member
           ,
           shall
           believe
           ,
           or
           receive
           a
           report
           against
           another
           ,
           
           before
           he
           knows
           the
           truth
           of
           the
           matter
           .
        
         
           XX.
           When
           an
           Accusation
           is
           brought
           against
           an
           Elder
           ,
           contrary
           to
           the
           Rule
           ,
           which
           ought
           not
           be
           without
           two
           or
           three
           Witnesses
           ,
           
           as
           to
           the
           matter
           of
           Fact.
           
        
         
           XXI
           .
           When
           the
           word
           of
           God
           is
           not
           carefully
           attended
           upon
           ,
           
           on
           Week
           ,
           or
           Lecture-days
           ,
           
           by
           the
           Members
           generally
           ;
           tho
           the
           said
           Meeting
           being
           appointed
           by
           the
           whole
           Church
           .
           
        
         
           XXII
           .
           VVhen
           Days
           of
           Prayer
           and
           Fasting
           ,
           
           and
           of
           publick
           Thanksgiving
           ,
           
           or
           when
           days
           of
           Disciplining
           are
           not
           generally
           attended
           upon
           .
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           VVhen
           Gifted
           Brethren
           are
           not
           duely
           encouraged
           :
           First
           privately
           to
           exercise
           their
           Gifts
           ;
           and
           being
           in
           time
           approved
           ,
           called
           forth
           to
           Preach
           or
           Exercise
           in
           the
           Church
           :
           And
           when
           encouragment
           is
           not
           given
           to
           bestow
           Learning
           also
           upon
           them
           ,
           for
           their
           better
           Accomplishment
           .
           What
           will
           become
           of
           the
           Churches
           in
           time
           to
           come
           ,
           if
           this
           be
           not
           prevented
           with
           speed
           ?
        
      
       
         
           What
           tends
           to
           the
           Glory
           and
           Beauty
           of
           a
           true
           Gospel-Church
           .
        
         
           
           I.
           THat
           which
           Primarily
           tends
           to
           the
           Glory
           of
           a
           Church
           is
           the
           Foundation
           on
           which
           it
           is
           Built
           ,
           
           which
           is
           Jesus
           Christ.
           Now
           this
           is
           a
           blessed
           and
           glorious
           Fou●dation
           .
        
         
           I.
           In
           respect
           of
           God
           the
           Father
           ,
           who
           laid
           this
           Foundation
           in
           his
           eternal
           Purpose
           ,
           Counsel
           ,
           and
           Decree
           ;
           
           
             Behold
             I
             lay
             in
             Sion
          
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           as
           the
           result
           of
           his
           
           infinite
           Wisdom
           ,
           Love
           ,
           and
           Mercy
           to
           his
           Elect.
           
        
         
           II.
           In
           respect
           had
           unto
           Christ
           himself
           ,
           who
           is
           this
           Foundation
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           He
           is
           a
           Suitable
           Foundation
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           In
           respect
           to
           the
           Glory
           of
           God
           in
           all
           his
           Attributes
           .
        
         
           2ly
           .
           In
           respect
           to
           our
           Good
           ;
           he
           answering
           all
           our
           wants
           ,
           who
           are
           united
           to
           him
           ,
           or
           built
           upon
           him
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           In
           respect
           of
           the
           preciousness
           of
           Christ
           ,
           as
           a
           Foundation
           ;
           a
           Stone
           ;
           a
           
             precious
             Stone
          
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           In
           respect
           to
           the
           Durableness
           of
           it
           
             i.
             e.
             a
             tryed
             Stone
          
           ;
           
           a
           sure
           Foundation
           .
        
         
           Brethren
           ,
           a
           Foundation
           of
           a
           House
           must
           of
           necessity
           be
           laid
           ;
           no
           House
           can
           be
           built
           without
           a
           good
           Foundation
           ,
           that
           will
           stand
           firm
           ,
           and
           unmovable
           ;
           it
           is
           the
           strongest
           part
           of
           the
           Building
           ,
           and
           it
           beareth
           all
           the
           weight
           of
           the
           whole
           Superstructure
           :
           So
           doth
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           III.
           The
           Beauty
           and
           Glory
           of
           a
           true
           Church
           ,
           consists
           in
           the
           true
           and
           regular
           ,
           or
           right
           Constitution
           of
           it
           ;
           nothing
           being
           wanting
           
           that
           is
           Essential
           to
           it
           ,
           upon
           this
           account
           .
        
         
           IV.
           It
           consisteth
           in
           the
           Excellency
           ,
           Glory
           ,
           and
           Suitableness
           of
           the
           materials
           't
           is
           Built
           with
           ,
           answering
           to
           the
           Foundation
           ;
           all
           
             precious
             Stones
             ,
             lively
             Stones
             ;
             all
             regenerated
             Persons
             .
          
           
        
         
           V.
           In
           that
           all
           the
           Stones
           be
           well
           Hewed
           and
           Squared
           ;
           all
           made
           fit
           for
           the
           Building
           ,
           before
           laid
           in
           .
           VVere
           it
           thus
           ,
           there
           would
           not
           be
           so
           great
           a
           Noise
           of
           the
           Hammer
           and
           Ax
           ,
           in
           Church
           Discipline
           ,
           
           as
           indeed
           there
           is
           .
           It
           was
           not
           thus
           in
           the
           Type
           ,
           I
           mean
           in
           Solomon's
           Temple
           .
        
         
           VI.
           It
           's
           Beauty
           and
           Glory
           consisteth
           in
           that
           all
           the
           Stones
           being
           not
           only
           united
           by
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           to
           
             Christ
             the
             Foundation
          
           ,
           but
           also
           to
           one
           another
           in
           sincere
           Love
           and
           Affection
           .
           
             In
             whom
             all
             the
             Building
             ,
             fitly
             Framed
             together
             ,
             groweth
             up
             unto
             an
             holy
             Temple
             in
             the
             Lord.
             
          
           
        
         
           VII
           .
           It
           consisteth
           in
           the
           Holiness
           and
           Purity
           of
           the
           Lives
           and
           Conversations
           of
           all
           the
           Members
           :
           
             Be
             ye
             Holy
          
           ,
           
           
             for
             I
             am
             Holy
             .
             
             Holiness
             becomes
             thy
             House
             ,
          
           
           
             O
             God
             ,
             for
             Ever
          
           .
        
         
           VIII
           .
           It
           consisteth
           in
           that
           sweet
           Union
           and
           Concord
           that
           ought
           to
           be
           in
           the
           Church
           ;
           all
           like
           the
           
             Horse
             :
             in
             Pharoah's
             Chariot
          
           ,
           
           
             drawing
             together
             :
             Endeavouring
             to
             keep
             the
             Vnity
             of
             the
             Spirit
             in
             the
             Bond
             of
             Peace
             .
             By
             this
             shall
             all
             Men
             know
             ye
             are
             my
             Disciples
             ,
             if
             you
             Love
             one
             another
             .
          
        
         
           IX
           .
           In
           their
           having
           the
           divine
           Presence
           with
           them
           :
           
           Or
           when
           the
           Glory
           of
           God
           fills
           his
           Temple
           .
        
         
           X.
           In
           keeping
           out
           all
           unsanctified
           ,
           or
           unclean
           Persons
           ,
           or
           if
           they
           get
           in
           ,
           to
           purge
           them
           out
           by
           a
           strict
           and
           holy
           Discipline
           ,
           or
           else
           it
           will
           soon
           loose
           it's
           Beauty
           .
           
        
         
           XI
           .
           In
           that
           Zeal
           and
           Equality
           that
           should
           be
           shewed
           in
           all
           to
           keep
           up
           the
           Honour
           ,
           Peace
           ,
           
           and
           Comfort
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           the
           Ministery
           thereof
           .
        
         
           XII
           .
           In
           the
           Administration
           of
           right
           Discipline
           ;
           to
           see
           no
           neglect
           nor
           delaying
           of
           Justice
           ,
           thro
           carelesness
           ,
           or
           Partiality
           :
           (
           1.
           )
           No
           ways
           partaking
           of
           other
           Mens
           Sins
           ;
           which
           may
           be
           done
           by
           
           Conniving
           at
           it
           ;
           (
           2.
           )
           By
           Lessening
           or
           Extenuating
           of
           it
           (
           3.
           )
           By
           Countenancing
           ,
           or
           any
           ways
           Incouraging
           any
           in
           Sin.
           (
           4.
           )
           By
           not
           Restoring
           a
           Brother
           ,
           that
           confesses
           his
           Sin
           when
           overtaken
           .
           (
           5.
           )
           Not
           bringing
           in
           a
           just
           Charge
           against
           an
           Offender
           ,
           nor
           rebuking
           him
           ;
           and
           yet
           have
           Communion
           with
           him
           .
        
         
           2ly
           .
           Not
           to
           wrest
           Judgment
           ,
           out
           of
           it's
           true
           and
           right
           Channel
           :
           Nor
           to
           inflict
           a
           greater
           censure
           than
           the
           Law
           of
           Christ
           requires
           on
           any
           .
        
         
           3ly
           .
           Timely
           to
           acquit
           ,
           and
           discharge
           a
           penitent
           Person
           .
        
         
           4ly
           .
           Not
           to
           do
           any
           thing
           on●
           of
           Prejudice
           ,
           but
           in
           Love
           ,
           and
           Bowels
           ,
           of
           affection
           ;
           and
           to
           do
           all
           in
           Christ's
           Name
           ,
           or
           by
           his
           authority
           .
        
         
           XIII
           .
           To
           Sympathize
           with
           the
           
             Afflicted
             ,
             Succour
          
           the
           Tempted
           ,
           and
           Relieving
           the
           Poor
           and
           
             Distressed
             :
             Rejoicing
          
           with
           them
           that
           Rejoice
           ,
           and
           Mourning
           with
           them
           that
           Mourn
           .
        
         
           XIV
           .
           
             To
             speak
             evil
             of
             no
             Man
          
           ;
           not
           only
           speaking
           no
           evil
           of
           their
           
           Brethren
           ,
           but
           of
           no
           Man
           ,
           to
           his
           hurt
           or
           injury
           ,
           detracting
           from
           his
           Worth
           and
           Honour
           :
           See
           
             Sirach
             ,
             Whether
             it
             be
             to
             Friend
             or
             Foe
             ,
             talk
             not
             of
             other
             Men's
             Lives
             ;
             and
             if
             thou
             canst
             ,
          
           
           
             without
             Offence
             ,
             reveal
             them
             not
             .
          
           We
           must
           not
           discourse
           his
           Faults
           ,
           unless
           in
           a
           Gospel-way
           ;
           and
           that
           too
           ,
           to
           amend
           the
           Person
           ,
           and
           not
           out
           of
           Passion
           ,
           or
           Prejudice
           to
           expose
           him
           ,
           but
           out
           of
           Love
           to
           his
           Soul.
           Yet
           we
           may
           speak
           of
           the
           evils
           of
           others
           ,
           (
           1.
           )
           When
           called
           to
           do
           it
           ,
           in
           a
           Legal
           or
           Gospel-way
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           a
           Sin
           then
           to
           conceal
           his
           Crime
           .
           (
           2.
           )
           Or
           when
           it
           is
           to
           prevent
           another
           ,
           who
           is
           in
           danger
           to
           be
           Infected
           by
           his
           Company
           ,
           or
           ill
           Example
           .
           (
           3.
           )
           Or
           in
           our
           own
           just
           Defence
           and
           Vindication
           .
           Moreover
           ,
           consider
           the
           evil
           of
           Reproaching
           of
           others
           .
        
         
           First
           as
           to
           the
           causes
           why
           some
           do
           it
           .
        
         
           I.
           One
           Cause
           is
           from
           want
           of
           Love
           :
           Nay
           from
           Malice
           ;
           and
           Hatred
           .
        
         
         
           1.
           
           From
           the
           Baseness
           ,
           ill
           Nature
           ,
           and
           Cruelty
           of
           the
           accusers
           Disposition
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           'T
           is
           occasioned
           from
           that
           itch
           ,
           of
           talking
           and
           medling
           in
           the
           Affairs
           of
           other
           Men.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           Or
           perhaps
           to
           raise
           their
           own
           Esteem
           and
           Honour
           ,
           some
           Degrade
           their
           Brother
           ;
           which
           is
           Abominable
           .
        
         
           Consider
           it
           is
           Theft
           ,
           or
           Robbery
           ;
           nay
           ,
           and
           't
           is
           worse
           than
           to
           Rob
           a
           Man
           of
           his
           Goods
           ,
           because
           thou
           takest
           away
           that
           which
           perhaps
           thou
           canst
           not
           restore
           again
           .
        
         
           Moreover
           consider
           ,
           That
           such
           who
           reproach
           others
           ,
           lay
           themselves
           open
           thereby
           to
           Reproach
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Moreover
           know
           ,
           he
           that
           Receives
           ,
           or
           Hearkens
           to
           the
           Scandal
           ,
           is
           as
           Guilty
           as
           the
           Accuser
           ;
           he
           is
           like
           a
           Person
           that
           receives
           Stolen
           Goods
           ,
           and
           so
           is
           as
           bad
           as
           the
           Thief
           .
        
         
           This
           being
           one
           of
           the
           Grand
           and
           Notorious
           Evils
           of
           these
           Days
           I
           speak
           the
           more
           to
           it
           .
        
         
           If
           you
           abominate
           this
           evil
           ,
           and
           avoid
           it
           ,
           you
           will
           shine
           in
           Grace
           
           and
           Vertue
           the
           more
           clearly
           .
        
         
           Alas
           ,
           in
           our
           days
           ,
           some
           that
           would
           be
           thought
           to
           be
           great
           Professers
           stick
           not
           to
           vilifie
           Christ's
           Ministers
           ,
           even
           some
           of
           the
           best
           of
           Men
           ;
           and
           are
           so
           full
           of
           Malice
           ,
           they
           care
           not
           what
           wrong
           they
           do
           to
           their
           Brethren
           ,
           nor
           to
           the
           truth
           it self
           ,
           or
           interest
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           so
           expose
           themselves
           to
           a
           lasting
           shame
           ,
           and
           their
           Spirit
           ,
           
           and
           Practice
           ,
           to
           an
           abhorrance
           ;
           they
           are
           like
           cursed
           Cham
           who
           discovered
           his
           Fathers
           nakedness
           ;
           
           these
           persons
           violate
           all
           Laws
           ,
           both
           Humane
           and
           Divine
           .
        
         
           3ly
           .
           When
           they
           bear
           one
           anothers
           Burdens
           ,
           
           
             and
             so
             fulfil
             the
             Law
             of
             Christ
             :
          
           And
           that
           you
           may
           do
           this
           ;
           consider
           where
           is
           that
           Church
           in
           which
           there
           are
           no
           Burdens
           to
           be
           Born.
           
        
         
           [
           
             Motives
             thus
             to
             do
          
           .
           ]
        
         
           1.
           
           Consider
           what
           a
           Burden
           Jesus
           Christ
           hath
           born
           for
           thee
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           What
           a
           Burden
           thou
           hast
           to
           bear
           of
           thine
           own
           .
           
        
         
         
           3.
           
           Mayst
           not
           thou
           in
           some
           things
           be
           a
           Burden
           to
           thy
           Brethren
           ?
        
         
           4.
           
           Wouldst
           thou
           not
           have
           others
           bear
           thy
           Burden
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           May
           not
           God
           cause
           thee
           to
           bear
           a
           more
           heavy
           Burden
           ;
           because
           thou
           canst
           not
           bear
           thy
           Brother's
           ?
        
         
           
           6.
           
           'T
           is
           a
           fulfilling
           the
           Law
           of
           Love
           ,
           nay
           the
           Law
           of
           Christ.
           
        
         
           XV.
           The
           Glory
           and
           Beauty
           of
           a
           Congregation
           ,
           is
           the
           more
           manifest
           ,
           when
           the
           Authority
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           the
           Dignity
           of
           the
           Pastoral
           Office
           is
           maintained
           .
           How
           great
           was
           the
           
             Evil
             of
             the
             gain-saying
             of
             Corah
             ?
          
           The
           Apostles
           speaks
           of
           some
           that
           are
           
             Selfwilled
             ,
             Presumptious
          
           ,
           
           
             who
             are
             not
             afraid
             to
             speak
             evil
             of
             Dignities
             .
          
        
         
           God
           has
           put
           a
           Glory
           and
           high
           Dignity
           upon
           the
           Church
           and
           in
           it's
           Authority
           and
           Power
           ;
           
             Whom
             ye
             bind
             on
             Earth
             shall
             be
             bound
             in
             Heaven
             .
          
           
        
         
         
           Moreover
           ,
           the
           Pastoral
           Office
           ,
           is
           an
           Office
           of
           Dignity
           ;
           
           they
           are
           called
           
             Rulers
             ,
             Angels
             ,
             Fathers
          
           :
           
           For
           any
           therefore
           to
           cast
           contempt
           on
           the
           Church
           ,
           or
           Pastor
           ,
           is
           a
           great
           evil
           ,
           and
           a
           reproach
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           tends
           to
           Disorder
           and
           Confusion
           .
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           When
           Holiness
           ,
           Righteousness
           ,
           
           Charity
           ,
           Humility
           ,
           and
           all
           true
           Piety
           is
           prest
           upon
           the
           Consciences
           of
           every
           Member
           ,
           and
           appears
           in
           the
           Minister
           :
           also
           that
           all
           strive
           to
           excell
           therein
           ,
           with
           their
           uttermost
           Care
           and
           Diligences
           .
        
      
       
         
           The
           Conclusion
           .
        
         
           KNow
           my
           Brethren
           ,
           
           That
           
             God
             loves
             the
             Gates
             of
             Sion
             more
             than
             all
             the
             dwelling
             places
             of
             Jacob
             :
          
           Therefore
           the
           publick
           Worship
           of
           God
           ought
           to
           be
           preferred
           before
           private
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           This
           supposeth
           there
           must
           be
           a
           visible
           Church
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           And
           that
           they
           frequently
           meet
           together
           to
           worship
           God.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           That
           they
           have
           an
           orderly
           Ministery
           and
           one
           ordained
           Elder
           ,
           at
           least
           ,
           to
           administer
           all
           Publick
           Ordinances
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Moreover
           ,
           that
           all
           Persons
           have
           free
           liberty
           to
           assemble
           with
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           to
           partake
           of
           all
           Ordinances
           ,
           save
           those
           which
           peculiarly
           belong
           to
           the
           Church
           ;
           as
           the
           Lord's
           Supper
           ,
           
           holy
           Discipline
           ,
           and
           days
           of
           Prayer
           and
           Fasting
           .
           Then
           the
           Church
           of
           Old
           separated
           themselves
           from
           all
           Strangers
           .
        
         
           
           Yet
           others
           may
           attend
           on
           all
           other
           publick
           Ordinances
           with
           the
           Church
           ;
           as
           publick
           Prayer
           ,
           Reading
           ,
           and
           Preaching
           the
           Word
           and
           in
           Singing
           
           God's
           Praises
           ,
           as
           hath
           formerly
           been
           proved
           .
           May
           others
           my
           Brethren
           ,
           join
           in
           Prayer
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           not
           praise
           God
           with
           us
           ▪
        
         
           But
           ,
           O
           my
           Brethren
           !
           let
           me
           beseech
           you
           to
           shew
           your
           high
           
           Value
           ,
           and
           Estimation
           for
           the
           publick
           Worship
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           [
           
             Motives
             hereunto
          
           .
           ]
        
         
           1.
           
           Since
           God
           prefers
           it
           thus
           :
           Or
           has
           so
           great
           Esteem
           of
           his
           publick
           Worship
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Because
           he
           is
           said
           to
           dwell
           in
           
             Sion
             ;
             It
             is
             his
             Habitation
             for
             ever
             .
          
           The
           place
           ,
           
           where
           his
           Honour
           dwells
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Here
           God
           is
           most
           Glorified
           .
        
         
           In
           his
           Temple
           every
           one
           speaks
           of
           his
           Glory
           ;
           
             My
             Praise
             shall
             be
             in
             the
             great
             Congregation
             .
          
           
        
         
           4.
           
           Here
           is
           most
           of
           God's
           gracious
           presence
           (
           as
           one
           observes
           it
           .
           )
        
         
           1.
           
           His
           effectual
           Presence
           ,
           
             in
             all
             Places
          
           ;
           
           
             Where
             I
             record
             my
             Name
             ,
             thither
             will
             I
             come
             ;
             and
             there
             will
             I
             bless
             thee
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           Here
           is
           More
           of
           his
           intimate
           presence
           
             :
             Where
             two
             or
             three
             are
             gathered
             together
             in
             my
             Name
             ,
          
           
           
             there
             am
             I
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             them
             .
          
           
           He
           walks
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           the
           seven
           
             Golden
             Candlesticks
          
           .
           
        
         
           5.
           
           Here
           are
           the
           clearest
           manifestations
           of
           God's
           Beauty
           ,
           which
           made
           holy
           David
           desire
           
             to
             dwell
             there
             for
             ever
          
           .
           See
           the
           appearance
           of
           Christ
           to
           the
           Churches
           ,
           
           Rev
           ,
           2.
           cap.
           3.
           
        
         
           6.
           
           In
           that
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           that
           those
           that
           should
           be
           Saved
           ,
           in
           the
           Apostles
           days
           ,
           God
           added
           unto
           the
           Church
           .
           
        
         
           7.
           
           Here
           is
           most
           Spiritual
           Advantage
           to
           be
           got
           :
           
             Here
             the
             Dews
             of
             Hermon
             fall
             ,
             they
             descend
             upon
             the
             Mountain
             of
             Sion
             .
             Here
             God
             commands
             the
             Blessing
             ,
          
           
           
             even
             Life
             for
             evermore
             .
             I
             will
             abundantly
             bless
             her
             Provision
             ,
          
           
           
             and
             satisfie
             her
             Poor
             with
             Bread.
          
           Here
           
           David's
           Doubt
           was
           resolved
           .
           
        
         
           
           8.
           
           Here
           you
           received
           your
           first
           spiritual
           Breath
           ,
           or
           Life
           ,
           many
           Souls
           are
           daily
           Born
           to
           Christ.
           That
           good
           which
           is
           most
           Diffusive
           ,
           is
           to
           be
           Preferred
           ;
           but
           that
           good
           which
           most
           partake
           of
           ,
           is
           most
           Diffusive
           ;
           
             O
             magnifie
             the
             
             Lord
             with
             me
             !
             let
             us
             exalt
             his
             Name
             together
             .
          
           Live
           Coals
           separated
           ,
           
           soon
           die
           .
        
         
           9.
           
           Brethren
           (
           as
           a
           worthy
           Divine
           observes
           )
           the
           Church
           in
           her
           publick
           Worship
           is
           the
           nearest
           Resemblance
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           especially
           in
           Singing
           God's
           Praises
           .
           What
           Esteem
           also
           had
           God's
           Worthies
           of
           old
           ,
           for
           God's
           publick
           VVorship
           ?
           
             My
             Soul
             longeth
             ,
             yea
          
           ,
           
           
             even
             fainteth
             for
             the
             Courts
             of
             the
             Lord.
             How
             amiable
             are
             thy
             Tabernacles
             ,
             O
             Lord
             of
             Hosts
             !
          
        
         
           10.
           
           See
           how
           the
           Promises
           of
           God
           run
           to
           Sion
           ,
           or
           to
           his
           Church
           :
           
           
             He
             will
             bless
             thee
             out
             of
             Sion
             .
          
           
           O
           let
           nothing
           discourage
           you
           in
           your
           waiting
           at
           the
           Posts
           of
           Christ's
           Door
           :
           
           David
           desired
           
             Rather
             to
             be
             a
             Door-Keeper
             in
             the
             House
             of
             God
             ,
             than
             to
             Dwell
             in
             the
             Tents
             of
             Wickedness
             .
          
           
           Yet
           nevertheless
           do
           not
           neglect
           ,
           for
           the
           Lord's
           sake
           ,
           private
           Devotion
           ;
           viz.
           Secret
           ,
           and
           Family-Prayer
           :
           O
           pray
           to
           be
           fitted
           for
           publick
           Worship
           !
           
           Come
           out
           of
           
           your
           Closets
           to
           the
           Church
           ?
           
           What
           signifies
           all
           you
           do
           in
           Publick
           ,
           if
           you
           are
           not
           such
           that
           keep
           up
           the
           Worship
           of
           God
           in
           your
           own
           Families
           ?
        
         
           O
           neglect
           not
           Prayer
           ,
           Reading
           ,
           and
           Meditation
           !
           And
           take
           care
           also
           to
           Educate
           and
           Catechise
           your
           Children
           ;
           and
           live
           as
           Men
           and
           Women
           
             that
             are
             dead
             to
             this
             World
             :
          
           
           and
           walk
           for
           the
           Lord's
           sake
           as
           becomes
           the
           Gospel
           .
        
         
           See
           that
           Zeal
           and
           Knowledge
           go
           together
           ;
           a
           good
           Conversation
           .
           and
           a
           good
           Doctrine
           go
           together
           These
           Two
           together
           ,
           are
           better
           than
           One.
           
        
         
           Brethren
           ,
           he
           that
           makes
           the
           VVord
           of
           God
           his
           Rule
           ,
           in
           whatsoever
           he
           doth
           ,
           
           and
           the
           Glory
           of
           God
           his
           end
           in
           what
           he
           doth
           ,
           shall
           have
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           to
           be
           his
           strength
           .
           This
           is
           like
           
           Solomon's
           Three-fold
           Cord
           ;
           that
           will
           be
           One
           ,
           or
           it
           will
           be
           Three
           ;
           it
           can't
           be
           Two
           ;
           not
           can
           it
           be
           broken
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           The
           Solemn
           Covenant
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           Christ
           ,
           meeting
           in
           White-street
           ,
           at
           it's
           Constitution
           ;
           June
           ,
           5.
           1696.
           
        
         
           WE
           who
           desire
           to
           walk
           together
           in
           the
           Fear
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           do
           ,
           through
           the
           Assistance
           of
           his
           Holy
           Spirit
           ,
           profess
           our
           deep
           and
           serious
           Humiliation
           for
           all
           our
           Transgressions
           .
           And
           we
           do
           also
           solemnly
           ,
           in
           the
           Presence
           of
           God
           ,
           of
           each
           other
           ,
           in
           the
           Sense
           of
           our
           own
           Vnworthiness
           ,
           
           give
           up
           our selves
           to
           the
           Lord
           ,
           in
           a
           Church
           state
           according
           to
           the
           Apostolical
           Constitution
           that
           he
           may
           be
           our
           God
           ,
           and
           we
           may
           be
           his
           People
           ,
           through
           the
           Everlasting
           Covenant
           of
           his
           Free
           grace
           ,
           in
           which
           alone
           we
           hope
           to
           be
           accepted
           by
           him
           ,
           through
           his
           blessed
           Son
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           whom
           we
           take
           to
           be
           our
           High
           Priest
           ,
           to
           justify
           and
           sanctify
           us
           ,
           and
           our
           Prophet
           to
           teach
           us
           ;
           and
           to
           subject
           to
           him
           as
           our
           Law-giver
           ,
           and
           the
           King
           of
           Saints
           ;
           and
           to
           conform
           to
           all
           his
           Holy
           Laws
           and
           Ordinances
           ,
           
           for
           our
           growth
           ,
           Establishment
           ,
           and
           Consolation
           ;
           that
           we
           may
           be
           as
           a
           Holy
           Spouse
           
           unto
           him
           ,
           and
           serve
           him
           in
           our
           Generation
           ,
           and
           wait
           for
           his
           second
           Appearance
           ,
           as
           our
           glorious
           Bridegroom
           .
        
         
           Being
           fully
           satisfied
           in
           the
           way
           o●
           Church-Communion
           ,
           
           and
           the
           Trut●
           of
           Grace
           in
           some
           good
           measure
           upon
           one
           anothers
           Spirits
           ,
           we
           do
           solemnly
           join
           our selves
           together
           in
           a
           Holy
           Vnion
           and
           Fellowship
           ,
           humbly
           submitting
           to
           the
           Discipline
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           
           and
           all
           Holy
           Duties
           required
           of
           ●
           People
           in
           such
           a
           spiritual
           Relation
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           We
           do
           promise
           and
           ingage
           to
           walk
           in
           all
           Holiness
           ,
           
           Godliness
           ,
           Humility
           ,
           and
           Brotherly
           Love
           ,
           as
           much
           as
           in
           us
           lieth
           to
           render
           our
           Communion
           delightful
           to
           God
           ,
           comfortable
           to
           our selves
           ,
           
           and
           lovely
           to
           the
           res●
           of
           the
           Lord's
           People
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           We
           do
           promise
           to
           watch
           over
           each
           others
           Conversations
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           suffer
           Sin
           upon
           one
           another
           ,
           
           so
           far
           ●
           God
           shall
           discover
           it
           to
           us
           ,
           or
           any
           ●
           us
           ;
           and
           to
           stir
           up
           one
           another
           to
           L●●●
           and
           good
           Works
           ;
           
           to
           warn
           ,
           rebuke
           ,
           a●●
           admonish
           one
           another
           with
           Meekness
           according
           to
           the
           Rules
           left
           to
           us
           of
           Christ
           in
           that
           Behalf
           .
        
         
           
           3.
           
           We
           do
           promise
           in
           an
           especial
           manner
           to
           pray
           for
           one
           another
           ,
           and
           
           for
           the
           Glory
           and
           Increase
           of
           this
           Church
           ,
           
           and
           for
           the
           Presence
           of
           God
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           the
           pouring
           forth
           of
           his
           Spirit
           on
           it
           ,
           and
           his
           Protection
           over
           it
           to
           his
           Glory
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           We
           do
           promise
           to
           bear
           one
           anothers
           Burdens
           ,
           
           to
           cleave
           to
           one
           another
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           a
           Fellow-feeling
           with
           one
           another
           ,
           in
           all
           Conditions
           both
           outward
           and
           inward
           ,
           as
           God
           in
           his
           Providence
           shall
           cast
           any
           of
           us
           into
        
         
           5.
           
           We
           do
           promise
           to
           bear
           with
           one
           anothers
           Weakeness
           ,
           
           Failings
           ,
           and
           Infirmities
           ,
           with
           much
           Tenderness
           ,
           not
           discovering
           to
           any
           without
           the
           Church
           ,
           nor
           any
           within
           ,
           unless
           according
           to
           Christ's
           Rule
           ,
           and
           the
           Order
           of
           the
           Gospel
           provided
           in
           that
           case
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           We
           do
           promise
           to
           strive
           together
           for
           the
           Truths
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           
           and
           Purity
           of
           God's
           Ways
           and
           Ordinances
           ,
           to
           avoid
           Causes
           ,
           and
           Causers
           of
           Division
           ,
           endeavouring
           to
           keep
           the
           Vnity
           of
           the
           Spirit
           in
           the
           Bond
           of
           Peace
           ;
           Ephes.
           4
           3.
           
        
         
           7
           We
           do
           promise
           to
           meet
           together
           on
           Lord's
           Days
           ,
           
           and
           ●●●ther
           times
           ,
           as
           the
           Lord
           shall
           gi●●
           〈◊〉
           Opportunities
           ,
           to
           serve
           and
           glorify
           God
           in
           the
           
           〈◊〉
           his
           Worship
           ,
           
           to
           edify
           one
           〈…〉
           and
           to
           contrive
           the
           g●●●
           〈…〉
           Church
           .
        
         
           8.
           
           We
           do
           promise
           according
           to
           our
           Ability
           (
           or
           as
           God
           shall
           bless
           us
           with
           the
           good
           things
           of
           this
           World
           )
           to
           Communicate
           to
           our
           Pastor
           of
           Minister
           ,
           
           God
           having
           ordained
           that
           they
           that
           Preach
           the
           Gospel
           should
           live
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
           
           (
           And
           now
           can
           any
           thing
           lay
           a
           greater
           obligation
           upon
           the
           Conscience
           ,
           
           than
           this
           Covenant
           ,
           what
           then
           is
           the
           Sin
           of
           such
           who
           violate
           it
           ?
           )
        
         
           These
           and
           all
           other
           Gospel-Duties
           we
           humbly
           submit
           unto
           ,
           promising
           and
           purposing
           to
           perform
           ,
           not
           in
           our
           own
           Strength
           ,
           being
           consciou●
           of
           our
           own
           Weakness
           ,
           but
           in
           th●
           Power
           ,
           and
           Strength
           of
           the
           Blessed
           God
           ,
           whose
           we
           are
           ,
           and
           whom
           we
           desire
           to
           serve
           :
           To
           whom
           be
           Glory
           now
           and
           for
           evermore
           .
           Amen
           .
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
         
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A47522-e320
           
             Act.
             2.41
             ,
             42
             ,
             43
             ,
             44.
             
          
           
             Act.
             8.14
             .
             Act.
             19.4
             ,
             5
             ,
             6.
             
             Eph.
             ●
             .
             1
             ,
             2.
             and
             ●
             .
             12
             ,
             13
             ,
             19.
             
          
           
             Col.
             1.2
             ,
             4
             ,
             12.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             2.5
             .
          
           
             Act.
             5.13
             ,
             14.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             6.17
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             6.1
             ,
             2.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             6.3
             ,
             4
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             2.4
             ,
             5
             ,
             6.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             2.20
             ,
             21.
             
          
           
             Col.
             2.19
             .
          
           
             Psa.
             66.16
             .
             Act.
             11.4
             ,
             5
             ,
             6
             ,
             &c.
             23
             ,
             24.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             3.15
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             8.5
             .
          
           
             Jer.
             50.5
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             13.17
             .
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             5.1
             ,
             2.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               an
               Organical
               Church
            
             .
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             3.2
             ,
             3
             ,
             4
             ,
             5
             ,
             6
             ,
             7.
             
          
           
             Tit.
             1.5
             ,
             6
             ,
             7
             ,
             8
             ,
             9
             ,
             10.
             
          
           
             Tit.
             1.7
             .
             Act.
             6.6
             .
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             5.22
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A47522-e960
           
             1
             Cor.
             9.16
             ,
             17.
             
          
           
             Act.
             20.31
             35.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             2.15
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             4.1
             ,
             2.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             3.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             3.15
             .
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             4.2
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.19
             
          
           
             Act.
             20.20
             ,
             27.
             
          
           
             Pro.
             27.23
             .
          
           
             1
             Thess.
             5.15
             .
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             4.12
             .
          
           
             Jam.
             2.4
             .
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             5.21
             .
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             5.3
             .
             and
             5.6
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A47522-e1430
           
             
               The
               Deacons
               Work.
            
             
          
           
             Act.
             6.1
             ,
             2
             ,
             3
             ,
             5
             ,
             7
             ,
             8
             ,
             9
             ,
             10.
             
          
           
             Acts
             5.7
             ,
             8
             ,
             9
             ,
             10.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             16.2
             .
          
           
             Acts
             6.1
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A47522-e1570
           
             1
             Thess.
             ●
             .
             25
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             13.18
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A47522-e1700
           
             2
             Cor.
             2.16
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             16.9
             .
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             4.3
             ,
             4
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             3.19
             ,
             20.
             
          
           
             1
             Thess.
             3.13
             .
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             5.17
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             13.5
             ,
             17.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             20.10
             .
             Zeph.
             2.8
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             11.21
             ,
             23.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             6.6
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             9.7
             ,
             8.
             
          
           
             ver
             .
             14.
             
          
           
             ver
             .
             11.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             10.9
             ,
             10.
             
          
           
             
               See
               Dr.
            
             Owen
             '
             
               s
               Eshod
            
             ,
             p.
             21
             ,
             22.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             4.16
             ,
             17
             ,
             18.
             
          
           
             Eshod
             ,
             pag.
             27.
             
          
           
             Act.
             14.27
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             12.8
             .
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             3.
             
          
           
             Tit.
             1.5
             ,
             6
             ,
             7.
             
          
           
             Act.
             20.17
             ,
             27
             ,
             28.
             
          
           
             Tit.
             1.5
             .
             1
             Cor.
             14.40
             .
             1
             Tim.
             3.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             14.33
             ,
             38.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A47522-e2820
           
             Of
             the
             reception
             of
             Members
             into
             the
             Church
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             66.16
             .
          
           
             Acts
             9.26
             ,
             27.
             
          
           
             3
             Joh.
             9
             ,
             10.
             
             Rom.
             14.17
             ,
             19.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             3.15
             .
             
             1
             Cor.
             14.40
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             15.1
             ,
             2.
             
          
           
             Acts
             11.2
             ,
             3
             ,
             4
             ,
             5
             ,
             6.
             
          
           
             To
             whom
             Members
             join
             themselves
             .
          
           
             Act.
             2.47
             .
             &
             5.11
             ,
             15.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A47522-e3170
           
             
               A
               monthly
               day
               to
               be
               appointed
               for
               Discipline
               .
            
          
           
             
               The
               Power
               of
               the
               Keys
               committed
               to
               the
               Church
               .
            
          
           
             Acts
             16.5
             .
          
           
             2
             Thess.
             1.3
             ,
             6.
             
          
           
             Dr.
             
               Chauncy
               on
               the
               Power
               of
               the
               Keys
               ,
            
             p.
             335.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             5.4
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             2
             Thess.
             3.6
             ,
             14.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             5.7
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A47522-e3490
           
             
               Of
               Church-Censures
            
             .
          
           
             2
             Thess.
             3.11
             ,
             12.
             
          
           
             Psa.
             15.1
             ,
             3.
             
          
           
             2
             Thess.
             3.12
             .
          
           
             2
             Thess.
             2.6
             .
          
           
             Disorderly
             Members
             only
             to
             be
             withdrawn
             from
             .
          
           
             2
             Thess.
             2.14
             ,
             15.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.25
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A47522-e3810
           
             
               Of
               private
               Offences
               between
               Brother
               and
               Brother
               .
            
          
           
             Mat.
             18.15
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             18.16
             .
          
           
             Dr.
             Chauncy
             ,
             p.
             345.
             
          
           
             
               The
               Sisters
               are
               not
               to
               vote
               in
               the
               Church
               .
            
          
           
             The
             Act
             of
             Excommunication
             or
             Church-Censure
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             5.
             
          
           
             Pag.
             345.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             18.17
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A47522-e4160
           
             
               Of
               Scandalous
               Crimes
               or
               Evils
            
             .
          
           
             
               The
               Church
               Censure
               on
               notorious
               Offenders
               is
               the
               same
               with
               that
               in
            
             Mat.
             18.
             
          
           
             Pag.
             343.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Tim.
             5.24
             .
             Act.
             5.11
             .
             Jud.
             23.
             1.
             
             Cor.
             5.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             7.11
             .
          
           
             Numb
             .
             12.14
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A47522-e4500
           
             
               Of
               dealing
               with
               Hereticks
            
             .
          
           
             See
             Pool's
             
               Annot.
               on
            
             1
             Cor.
             11.19
             .
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2.1
             .
          
           
             
               Who
               is
               an
               Heretick
            
             .
          
           
             Tit.
             3.10
             .
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             1.19
             ,
             20.
             
          
           
             
               What
               an
               admonition
               is
            
             .
          
           
             
               The
               manner
               of
               the
               Reception
               of
               a
               communicate
               Person
               .
            
          
           
             Mat.
             13.18
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             2.6
             ,
             7.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             5.
             
          
           
             How
             to
             proceed
             against
             a
             Scandalous
             Pastor
             .
          
           
             ●
             see
             not
             if
             they
             have
             none
             fitly
             qualified
             ,
             but
             the
             Church
             may
             cast
             him
             out
             ,
          
           
             Relief
             for
             a
             Member
             unjustly
             dealt
             with
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A47522-e5410
           
             The
             cause
             of
             Disorders
             in
             the
             Church
             .
          
           
             Rom
             ,
             6
             ,
             17.
             
             Heb
             ,
             6
             ,
             2
             ,
             3
             
          
           
             Dr.
             Chauncy
             pag.
             337.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             1.27
             .
             Tit.
             2.10
             .
          
           
             The
             great
             Danger
             of
             making
             a
             Rent
             in
             a
             Church
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             1.31
             .
          
           
             Acts
             2.42
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             12.6
             ,
             14.7.5.1.20
             ,
             21
             ,
             25.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             10.25
             .
             Jude
             ,
             19.
             
          
           
             ☞
             
          
           
             ★
             Jude
             19.
             1
             
             Cor.
             1.10
             .
             &
             3.3
             .
             &
             11.18
             .
             Heb.
             10.22.23
             ,
             25.
             
          
           
             Mixt
             Excommunication
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             19.17
             ,
             18.
             2
             
             Thess.
             3.6.14
             ,
             15.
             
          
           
             Jude
             12.
             
          
           
             Let
             none
             call
             the
             Church
             a
             Prison
             ,
             since
             all
             do
             voluntarily
             Covenant
             with
             it
             ,
             and
             't
             is
             dangerous
             to
             break
             Christ's
             bonds
             .
          
           
             2
             Timo.
             2.23
             .
          
           
             2
             Thess.
             3.14
             .
          
           
             Prov.
             6.16
             .
          
           
             Of
             a
             Let●er
             of
             Re●ommenda●ion
             .
          
           
             Rom
             16.1.2
             .
          
           
             Acts
             18.27
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A47522-e6440
           
             Mat.
             18.15
             .
          
           
             Disorders
             Corrected
             &
             Removed
             .
          
           
             Iohn
             13.12
             ,
             17
             ,
             Eph.
             4.3
             .
             Heb.
             13.1
             .
             Eph.
             4.31
             ,
             32.
             &
             cap.
             5.2
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             132.1
             .
          
           
             Jam.
             3.16
             .
          
           
             Acts
             5.3.8
             .
          
           
             Levit.
             19.17
             .
          
           
             Acts
             ,
             4.23
             .
          
           
             Pet.
             2.2
             .
          
           
             Acts
             9.27
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             18.15
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             63.1
             .
          
           
             Cant.
             7.12
             .
          
           
             Mark
             16.1
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             1●
             25.
             
          
           
             Romans
             16.17
             .
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             2.25
             .
          
           
             Jude
             ,
             19.
             
          
           
             Jam.
             3.14.16
             .
          
           
             Cant.
             4.12
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             1.29
             .
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             6.4
             .
          
           
             Zech.
             7.10
             .
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             5.19
             
          
           
             1
             Timo.
             5.19
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             8.14
             .
          
           
             ●
             Cor.
             16.2
             .
          
           
             Math.
             18.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             20.10
             .
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             5.19
             .
          
           
             Isa.
             55.
             
             ●
             .
          
           
             Acts
             2
             ,
             1
             ,
             2.
             
          
           
             Acts
             ,
             10
             ,
             33.
             
          
           
             Ioel
             2
             ,
             1●
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A47522-e7210
           
             What
             tends
             to
             the
             Glory
             of
             a
             Church
             of
             Christ.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             3
             ,
             4.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             28.16
             .
          
           
             Isa.
             28.16
             .
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             2
             ,
             5
             ,
             6.
             
          
           
             1
             Kings
             6
             ,
             7.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             2.19
             ,
             20
             ,
             21.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet
             ,
             1
             ,
             16
             ,
          
           
             Psalm
             93.5
             .
          
           
             Cant.
             1.9
             .
             Eph.
             4.3
             .
          
           
             Exod.
             20.24
             .
             Mat
             ,
             18
             ,
             20
             ,
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             5.5
             ,
             6.7
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             8.14
             .
             Tit.
             3.2
             .
          
           
             Eccl.
             19.8
             .
             Apoc.
             
          
           
             3
             Iohn
             9
             .
             1●
             .
          
           
             Gen.
             9.22
             .
          
           
             Gal.
             6.2
             .
          
           
             2
             Gal.
             ●
             .
             ●
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             3.10
             .
          
           
             Iude
             ,
             11.
             
             Numb
             .
             22.7
             ,
             21.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             ●
             .
             10
             
          
           
             Rev.
             2.1
             .
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             3.5
             .
             Act.
             23
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             110.3
             .
             1
             Pet.
             1.25
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A47522-e8460
           
             Psal.
             87.2
             .
          
           
             Neh.
             1.2
             .
          
           
             How
             should
             Sinners
             else
             be
             Converted
             ,
             and
             the
             Church
             increased
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             132.13
             .
             Psal.
             26.8
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             29.9
             .
          
           
             Exod.
             20.24
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             18.20
             .
          
           
             Rev.
             1.13
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             27.4
             .
          
           
             Acts
             2.47
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             132.3
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             130.15
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             73.16
             .
             ●7
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             87.5
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             34.3
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             84.1
             ,
             2.
             
          
           
             Isaiah
             35.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             128.3
             .
          
           
             Isai.
             51.3
             .
             Prov.
             8.34
             .
             Psal.
             26.14
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             87.4
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             6.6
             .
          
           
             Jer.
             10.25
             .
          
           
             Eph.
             6.4
             .
             Phil.
             1.27
             .
          
           
             Eccl.
             4.9.10.11.12.13
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A47522-e9390
           
             Ezek.
             16.6
             ,
             8.
             2
             
             Cor.
             8.5
             .
             Hos.
             2.23
             .
             2
             Cor.
             6.16
             .
          
           
             Church-Communion
             proved
             .
          
           
             Exod.
             26.3.4
             ,
             6.
             
             Isa.
             62.5
             .
             Psal.
             122.3
             .
             Eph.
             2.23
             .
             Eph.
             4.16
             .
             1
             Pet.
             2.5
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             93.5
             .
             Isa.
             55.8
             .
             Luke
             1.74.75
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             7.1
             .
             1
             Tim.
             6.11
             .
             2
             Pet.
             ●
             .
             6
             ,
             7.
             
          
           
             Act.
             20.19
             .
             Phil.
             2.3
             .
             Ioh
             ,
             13
             ,
             34
             ,
             and
             15
             ,
             12
             ,
          
           
             1
             Pet
             ,
             1
             ,
             22
             ,
             Lev.
             19
             ,
             17
             ,
             Heb
             ,
             10
             ,
             24
             ,
             25
             ,
          
           
             1
             Thess
             ,
             5
             ,
             14
             ,
             15
             ,
             Rom
             ,
             15
             ,
          
           
             Eph.
             6.18
             .
             Iam.
             5.16
             .
          
           
             Col
             ,
             4
             ,
             12.
             
          
           
             Gal
             ,
             6
             ,
             2
             ,
             Heb
             ,
             12
             ,
             12
             ,
             Heb
             ,
             13
             ,
             31
             Rom
             ,
             12
             ,
             15
             2
             Cor
             ,
             11
             ,
             29
             ,
          
           
             1
             Iohn
             3.17
             ,
             18
             ,
             Gal
             6
             ,
             1
             ,
             1
             Thess
             ,
             5
             ,
             14
             ,
             Rom
             ,
             15
             ,
             12
             ,
             Eph
             ,
             4
             ,
             31
             ,
             32
             ,
          
           
             Iude
             ,
             v
             ,
             3
             ,
             Gal
             ,
             5
             ,
             1
             ,
             Tit
             ,
             3
             ,
             9
             ,
             10
             ,
             2
             Iohn
             v
             ,
             10
             ,
          
           
             Heb
             3
             ,
             10
             ,
             and
             10
             ,
             25
             ,
             Mal
             ,
             3
             ,
             16
             ,
             Rom
             ,
             14
             ,
             18
             and
             15
             ,
             16
             ,
          
           
             〈…〉
             26
             ,
          
           
             ●
             Cor
             ,
             9
             ,
             7
             ,
          
           
             ●
             ,
             9
             ,
             -12
             ,
             13
             
          
           
             Gal
             ,
             6
             ,
             6
             ,