A modell of the government of the church under the gospel, by presbyters, proved out of the holy scriptures, to be that one, onely uniform government of the universall visible church, and of all nationall, provinciall, classicall and congregationall churches: which is according to the will and appointment of Jesus Christ. Which may serve to stay such as are doubting, with hope of full satisfaction, and clear demonstration of this truth, shortly to be made by the reverend Assembly of Divines. / Composed by a Presbyterian minister of the city of London, and approved by divers of his learned brethren, and at their request published.
         Walker, George, 1581?-1651.
      
       
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             A modell of the government of the church under the gospel, by presbyters, proved out of the holy scriptures, to be that one, onely uniform government of the universall visible church, and of all nationall, provinciall, classicall and congregationall churches: which is according to the will and appointment of Jesus Christ. Which may serve to stay such as are doubting, with hope of full satisfaction, and clear demonstration of this truth, shortly to be made by the reverend Assembly of Divines. / Composed by a Presbyterian minister of the city of London, and approved by divers of his learned brethren, and at their request published.
             Walker, George, 1581?-1651.
          
           [8], 28 p.
           
             Printed for Tho. Vnderhill, and are to be sold at his shop at the signe of the Bible in Woodstreet.,
             London, :
             1646.
          
           
             A Presbyterian minister = George Walker, who has signed "The epistle dedicatory": G.W.
             Annotation on Thomason copy: a caret after 'Composed by', and "Mr George Walker" inserted; "June 29".
             Reproduction of the original in the British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Church of England -- Government -- Early works to 1800.
           Westminster Assembly (1643-1652) -- Early works to 1800.
           Presbyterianism -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
       A96941  R200927  (Thomason E342_3).  civilwar no A modell of the government of the church under the gospel,:  by presbyters, proved out of the holy scriptures, to be that one, onely uniform Walker, George 1646    14639 1 10 0 0 0 0 8 B  The  rate of 8 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           A
           MODELL
           OF
           THE
           Government
           of
           the
           Church
           under
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           by
           Presbyters
           ,
           Proved
           out
           of
           the
           holy
           Scriptures
           ,
           to
           be
           that
           one
           ,
           onely
           uniform
           Government
           of
           the
           universall
           visible
           Church
           ,
           and
           of
           all
           Nationall
           ,
           Provinciall
           ,
           Classicall
           and
           Congregationall
           Churches
           :
           which
           is
           according
           to
           the
           will
           and
           appointment
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           .
           Which
           may
           serve
           to
           stay
           such
           as
           are
           doubting
           ,
           with
           hope
           of
           full
           satisfaction
           ,
           and
           clear
           demonstration
           of
           this
           truth
           ,
           shortly
           to
           be
           made
           by
           the
           Reverend
           Assembly
           of
           Divines
           .
        
         
           Composed
           by
           a
           Presbyterian
           Minister
           of
           the
           City
           of
           
             London
             ,
          
           and
           approved
           by
           divers
           of
           his
           learned
           Brethren
           ,
           and
           at
           their
           request
           Published
           .
        
         
           
             LONDON
             ,
          
           Printed
           for
           
             Tho.
             Vnderhill
             ,
          
           and
           are
           to
           be
           sold
           at
           his
           shop
           at
           the
           signe
           of
           the
           Bible
           in
           Woodstreet
           .
           1646.
           
        
      
       
       
       
         
           To
           the
           Honourable
           City
           of
           London
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           Inhabitants
           thereof
           ,
           who
           sincerely
           seek
           and
           desire
           a
           true
           reformation
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           .
        
         
           GIve
           me
           leave
           ,
           most
           famous
           and
           renowned
           City
           ,
           and
           ye
           the
           Right
           Honourable
           Lord
           Major
           ,
           the
           Right
           Worshipfull
           Aldermen
           ,
           and
           religious
           Common-Councell
           and
           Commoners
           ,
           to
           congratulate
           and
           rejoice
           with
           you
           ,
           for
           that
           honour
           which
           the
           Lord
           hath
           laid
           on
           you
           in
           these
           daies
           of
           great
           confusion
           .
           You
           ,
           under
           God
           ,
           have
           been
           the
           guard
           of
           this
           present
           Parliament
           ,
           by
           which
           so
           great
           things
           have
           been
           done
           for
           the
           safety
           and
           defence
           of
           three
           Kingdoms
           .
           Your
           free
           contributions
           of
           your
           wealth
           and
           substance
           ,
           have
           been
           the
           sinews
           of
           this
           warre
           ,
           undertaken
           for
           the
           defence
           of
           our
           Religion
           ,
           Laws
           and
           Liberties
           .
           Few
           Counties
           in
           this
           Kingdom
           have
           been
           able
           to
           defend
           themselves
           ,
           much
           lesse
           to
           help
           others
           ,
           except
           those
           whom
           you
           have
           encouraged
           ,
           and
           set
           on
           work
           by
           your
           example
           ,
           and
           to
           whom
           you
           have
           been
           a
           bulwark
           against
           the
           enemies
           ,
           who
           by
           you
           have
           been
           terrified
           from
           invading
           them
           .
           All
           the
           associated
           Counties
           have
           cause
           to
           blesse
           God
           for
           the
           vicinity
           and
           neighbour-hood
           of
           
             London
             .
          
           And
           all
           the
           rest
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           may
           say
           ,
           If
           the
           Lord
           had
           not
           helped
           us
           by
           the
           Forces
           ,
           Arms
           ,
           and
           supplies
           of
           men
           and
           money
           from
           
             London
             ,
          
           we
           had
           been
           
           utterly
           destroied
           and
           laid
           waste
           .
           But
           the
           chief
           glory
           bestowed
           on
           you
           by
           God
           ,
           is
           your
           courage
           for
           the
           truth
           ,
           and
           true
           Christian
           Religion
           ;
           your
           earnest
           study
           ,
           and
           constant
           endeavour
           for
           promoting
           an
           happy
           Reformation
           of
           the
           Church
           in
           Religion
           ,
           Dostrine
           ,
           Worship
           ,
           and
           Discipline
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ;
           your
           zeal
           against
           Sectaries
           ,
           Schismaticks
           ,
           Hereticks
           ,
           and
           Blasphemers
           ,
           who
           labour
           cunningly
           to
           corrupt
           your
           servants
           ,
           to
           steal
           away
           the
           hearts
           of
           your
           wives
           and
           children
           ,
           to
           pull
           many
           fair
           feathers
           out
           of
           your
           wings
           ,
           and
           to
           draw
           Disciples
           after
           them
           ,
           and
           your
           standing
           steadfast
           in
           the
           old
           paths
           ,
           and
           walking
           in
           that
           good
           way
           ,
           
             Ier.
          
           6.
           16.
           which
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           by
           his
           Apostles
           hath
           praescribed
           to
           the
           Vniversall
           Church
           ;
           In
           which
           all
           the
           pure
           primitive
           Churches
           of
           old
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           best
           reformed
           Churches
           have
           walked
           from
           the
           daies
           of
           your
           Fathers
           ,
           untill
           this
           day
           .
           God
           hath
           inabled
           you
           wonderfully
           by
           his
           grace
           ,
           to
           resist
           the
           subtle
           temptations
           of
           the
           world
           and
           the
           Devil
           .
           I
           know
           when
           you
           were
           courted
           with
           offers
           of
           greatest
           honours
           and
           priviledges
           ,
           to
           withdraw
           you
           from
           your
           purpose
           and
           resolution
           ,
           of
           standing
           for
           the
           common
           weal
           of
           State
           and
           Church
           ,
           and
           of
           supporting
           and
           upholding
           of
           the
           props
           and
           pillars
           of
           this
           Land
           ,
           when
           it
           trembled
           ,
           and
           was
           ready
           to
           be
           dissolved
           .
        
         
           I
           cannot
           forget
           that
           sad
           time
           ,
           full
           of
           fears
           and
           dangers
           ,
           when
           (
           the
           chief
           command
           of
           your
           City
           ,
           being
           in
           the
           hand
           and
           power
           of
           Malignants
           ,
           who
           had
           also
           a
           strong
           faction
           ,
           by
           which
           they
           attempted
           to
           overthrow
           you
           )
           it
           was
           the
           opinion
           and
           profession
           of
           some
           of
           the
           most
           faithfull
           Patriots
           ,
           and
           wise
           members
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           that
           unlesse
           God
           did
           put
           into
           your
           hearts
           a
           resolution
           to
           stand
           up
           for
           them
           ,
           they
           had
           small
           hope
           of
           saving
           either
           the
           Church
           and
           Kingdom
           from
           ruine
           ,
           or
           our
           Religion
           ,
           Laws
           ,
           Liberties
           ,
           and
           their
           
           own
           lives
           from
           destruction
           ;
           and
           in
           that
           juncture
           of
           time
           the
           Lord
           did
           put
           such
           a
           spirit
           of
           courage
           ,
           fortitude
           and
           holy
           zeal
           into
           you
           ,
           who
           were
           the
           main
           body
           of
           the
           City
           ,
           that
           you
           stood
           up
           ,
           and
           appeared
           openly
           for
           the
           worthy
           Patrons
           of
           your
           Religion
           ,
           Laws
           and
           Liberties
           ,
           whereby
           they
           were
           animated
           to
           proceed
           vigorously
           in
           their
           wonted
           course
           of
           justice
           ,
           to
           the
           terrour
           and
           astonishment
           of
           all
           the
           enemies
           and
           disturbers
           of
           our
           peace
           .
           After
           this
           you
           have
           been
           strongly
           assaulted
           by
           spirituall
           wickednesses
           divers
           waies
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           by
           cunning
           seducers
           ,
           who
           usurping
           the
           name
           and
           outward
           shew
           of
           rare
           Saints
           ,
           have
           stollen
           away
           the
           hearts
           of
           many
           ,
           and
           with
           feigned
           sanctity
           and
           large
           promises
           of
           a
           pure
           platform
           and
           modell
           of
           Church-Discipline
           and
           perfect
           Reformation
           ,
           according
           to
           Christs
           own
           institution
           ,
           have
           drawn
           them
           into
           Schisme
           ,
           and
           separation
           from
           their
           own
           Congregations
           .
           But
           you
           ,
           by
           your
           wisdom
           have
           quickly
           smelled
           out
           their
           fraud
           ,
           and
           vain
           boasting
           of
           great
           things
           ,
           which
           they
           can
           never
           perform
           and
           bring
           to
           passe
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           you
           have
           been
           tried
           ,
           (
           when
           Scriptures
           failed
           them
           ,
           and
           favoured
           not
           their
           modell
           )
           with
           bold
           pretences
           of
           new
           lights
           ,
           which
           you
           have
           scorned
           ,
           as
           wise
           men
           are
           wont
           to
           scorn
           ,
           and
           not
           vouchsafe
           to
           look
           after
           those
           
             ignes
             fatuos
             ,
          
           wandring
           lights
           and
           night
           fires
           ,
           by
           which
           fools
           ,
           who
           follow
           them
           in
           the
           dark
           ,
           are
           lead
           into
           dangerous
           pits
           ,
           boggs
           ,
           ditches
           ,
           and
           downfalls
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           they
           have
           represented
           unto
           you
           Presbyterian
           Government
           as
           a
           Bugbear
           ,
           and
           cruell
           monster
           ,
           worse
           then
           Popery
           and
           Prelacy
           ,
           unto
           which
           if
           you
           submit
           ,
           you
           and
           your
           children
           are
           made
           slaves
           for
           ever
           ,
           to
           the
           lust
           of
           proud
           ,
           peevish
           ,
           tyrannicall
           Priests
           ;
           And
           allthough
           many
           credulous
           
           fools
           ,
           and
           unstable
           souls
           ,
           are
           hereby
           terrified
           and
           skared
           out
           of
           their
           wits
           ,
           and
           run
           wilde
           after
           severall
           dangerous
           sects
           ,
           and
           know
           not
           where
           to
           rest
           :
           Yet
           you
           are
           no
           such
           strangers
           to
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           nor
           so
           little
           acquainted
           with
           the
           Scriptures
           of
           the
           New
           Testament
           ,
           as
           to
           be
           moved
           with
           such
           skarecrowes
           ;
           but
           rather
           by
           such
           rabid
           railing
           against
           Government
           of
           the
           Church
           by
           Classicall
           Presbyteries
           ,
           you
           have
           been
           moved
           and
           stirred
           up
           (
           after
           serious
           consideration
           ,
           and
           consultation
           had
           with
           your
           godly
           Pastours
           ,
           and
           Teachers
           ,
           diligent
           searching
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           good
           assurance
           of
           understanding
           of
           divine
           truth
           gained
           to
           your selves
           )
           to
           be
           more
           earnest
           and
           importunate
           in
           promoting
           that
           Presbyterian
           Government
           ,
           besides
           which
           there
           is
           no
           mention
           of
           any
           other
           in
           all
           the
           writing
           of
           the
           Apostles
           ;
           nor
           any
           other
           acknowledged
           or
           received
           ,
           in
           any
           well
           reformed
           Churches
           in
           all
           the
           Christian
           world
           .
        
         
           The
           Apostolicall
           Church
           at
           
             Jerusalem
             ,
          
           consisting
           of
           many
           thousands
           and
           ten
           thousands
           of
           beleevers
           ,
           and
           so
           many
           particular
           Congregations
           ,
           was
           altogether
           governed
           by
           the
           Apostles
           and
           Presbyters
           ,
           Assemblies
           ,
           Synods
           and
           Presbyteries
           ,
           as
           appears
           ,
           
             Act.
             11.
             30.
             and
             15.
             6.
             and
          
           21.
           18.
           
           The
           Christian
           Church
           of
           the
           
             Gentiles
          
           gathered
           unto
           Christ
           in
           severall
           Nations
           ,
           Countries
           and
           Cities
           by
           
             Paul
          
           and
           
             Barnabas
             ,
          
           had
           every
           one
           their
           Presbyters
           ,
           ordained
           to
           have
           rule
           over
           them
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           
             Acts
          
           14.
           23.
           
        
         
           The
           Church
           of
           
             Ephesus
             ,
          
           that
           great
           City
           of
           
             Asia
             ,
          
           had
           also
           divers
           Presbyters
           ,
           whom
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           had
           made
           overseers
           to
           watch
           in
           common
           over
           it
           ,
           
             Acts
          
           20.
           17
           ,
           28.
           
           And
           of
           them
           S.
           
             Paul
          
           speaks
           ,
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           5.
           17.
           saying
           ,
           
             Let
             the
             Elders
             that
             rule
             well
             ,
             be
             counted
             worthy
             of
             
             double
             honour
             .
          
           Also
           S.
           
             Paul
          
           left
           
             Titus
          
           in
           
             Creet
             ,
          
           and
           appointed
           him
           to
           ordain
           Presbyters
           in
           every
           City
           ,
           and
           such
           overseers
           as
           were
           fit
           to
           rule
           the
           Church
           ,
           
             Tit.
             1.
             5.
             
             Peter
          
           and
           
             Iohn
          
           were
           Presbyters
           ,
           and
           called
           themselves
           so
           ,
           as
           they
           with
           others
           governed
           severall
           Churches
           ,
           
             1.
             Pet.
             5.
             1.
             
             John
             2.
             1.
          
           and
           
             John
             3.
             1.
             
          
           Wherefore
           ,
           ô
           
             London
             ,
          
           thou
           that
           hast
           chosen
           the
           best
           part
           ,
           rejoice
           in
           the
           Lord
           thy
           God
           ,
           who
           hath
           made
           his
           glory
           to
           rise
           upon
           thee
           ,
           and
           his
           light
           to
           shine
           upon
           thy
           grave
           Senatours
           ,
           thy
           religious
           Common-Councell
           ,
           and
           all
           thy
           true
           hearted
           Citizens
           ;
           and
           hath
           led
           them
           into
           those
           waies
           which
           be
           in
           Christ
           ,
           which
           Saint
           
             Paul
          
           taught
           every where
           ,
           and
           in
           every
           Church
           ,
           
             1
             Cor.
             4.
             17.
             
          
           For
           the
           encouraging
           of
           you
           ,
           worthy
           Citizens
           ,
           in
           your
           constancy
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           confirming
           of
           them
           that
           are
           weak
           and
           wavering
           ,
           I
           have
           framed
           out
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           this
           brief
           discourse
           ,
           concerning
           that
           one
           uniform
           Church-Government
           ,
           which
           Christ
           by
           his
           Apostles
           ordained
           ,
           and
           appointed
           to
           be
           set
           up
           in
           the
           whole
           universall
           Church
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           observed
           in
           all
           other
           Churches
           ,
           members
           of
           the
           universall
           .
           Here
           you
           have
           the
           Heavenly
           patern
           shadowed
           out
           in
           a
           small
           compasse
           ,
           of
           that
           Government
           ,
           for
           the
           establishment
           whereof
           in
           this
           City
           and
           Kingdom
           ,
           you
           have
           stood
           up
           and
           appeared
           openly
           at
           severall
           times
           .
           If
           the
           Lord
           be
           pleased
           to
           blesse
           you
           with
           courage
           for
           his
           truth
           ,
           and
           with
           constancy
           and
           perseverance
           till
           you
           obtain
           your
           desire
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           desire
           also
           of
           all
           Orthodox
           faithfull
           Ministers
           in
           the
           Land
           ,
           then
           shall
           
             London
          
           be
           called
           ,
           The
           City
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           the
           
             Zion
          
           of
           the
           holy
           one
           of
           
             Israel
             ;
          
           And
           they
           who
           despise
           her
           and
           stand
           up
           against
           her
           ,
           to
           hinder
           the
           work
           of
           God
           in
           her
           hands
           ,
           shall
           bow
           down
           at
           the
           soles
           of
           her
           feet
           ,
           and
           her
           
           enemies
           shall
           lick
           the
           dust
           ,
           even
           lick
           up
           the
           dust
           of
           her
           feet
           ,
           for
           they
           shall
           not
           be
           ashamed
           who
           wait
           for
           the
           Lord
           ,
           
             Isa.
          
           49.
           23.
           
        
         
           This
           is
           the
           praier
           of
           
             your
             servant
             in
             the
             work
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             humble
             suppliant
             for
             your
             prosperity
             at
             the
             throne
             of
             grace
             .
             G.
             W.
             
          
        
      
    
     
       
       
         
           A
           Modell
           of
           the
           Government
           of
           the
           Church
           under
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           by
           Presbyters
           proved
           out
           of
           the
           holy
           Scriptures
           ,
           to
           be
           that
           one
           ,
           onely
           uniform
           Government
           of
           the
           universall
           visible
           Church
           ,
           and
           of
           all
           Nationall
           ,
           Provinciall
           ,
           Classicall
           and
           Congregationall
           Churches
           :
           which
           is
           according
           to
           the
           will
           and
           appointment
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           .
        
         
           THe
           holy
           Scriptures
           of
           the
           New
           Testament
           do
           speak
           most
           plainly
           of
           a
           Church
           Government
           ,
           and
           of
           ruling
           and
           rulers
           ,
           which
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           hath
           appointed
           to
           be
           in
           his
           Church
           visible
           on
           earth
           in
           the
           times
           under
           the
           Gospel
           :
           the
           patern
           and
           platform
           of
           this
           Government
           ,
           together
           with
           a
           commission
           to
           govern
           the
           universall
           Church
           in
           all
           Nations
           according
           to
           it
           ,
           he
           gave
           to
           his
           Apostles
           by
           word
           of
           mouth
           in
           the
           time
           of
           his
           life
           (
           as
           the
           Gospel
           in
           divers
           passages
           doth
           testifie
           )
           and
           after
           his
           passion
           ,
           when
           he
           shewed
           himself
           alive
           unto
           them
           ,
           and
           was
           seen
           of
           them
           fourty
           daies
           ,
           speaking
           the
           things
           pertaining
           to
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           God
           ,
           
             Act.
          
           1.
           3.
           
           And
           that
           the
           Apostles
           by
           word
           and
           writing
           ,
           and
           by
           their
           example
           and
           practice
           ,
           might
           infallibly
           instruct
           all
           Churches
           by
           them
           ,
           gathered
           unto
           him
           in
           all
           Nations
           ,
           and
           might
           deliver
           unto
           them
           ,
           so
           as
           they
           had
           received
           from
           the
           mouth
           of
           him
           the
           supream
           Lord
           ,
           that
           one
           uniform
           Government
           :
           He
           filled
           them
           with
           extraordinary
           gifts
           ,
           and
           sent
           unto
           them
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           ,
           the
           Comforter
           ,
           to
           lead
           them
           into
           all
           truth
           ,
           
             Joh.
          
           16.
           13.
           to
           teach
           them
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           to
           bring
           all
           things
           to
           their
           remembrance
           ,
           whatsoever
           he
           had
           said
           unto
           them
           ,
           
             Joh.
          
           14.
           26.
           
           And
           that
           Government
           ,
           which
           they
           partly
           by
           word
           and
           writing
           ,
           
           and
           partly
           by
           their
           example
           and
           practice
           ,
           did
           prescribe
           uniformly
           in
           all
           Churches
           ,
           is
           of
           divine
           instution
           :
           and
           to
           it
           all
           Orthodox
           reformed
           Churches
           in
           all
           the
           Christian
           world
           at
           this
           day
           ,
           have
           submitted
           themselves
           ,
           acknowledging
           it
           to
           be
           the
           onely
           Government
           Ecclesiasticall
           which
           is
           
             Jure
             divino
             ,
          
           and
           by
           the
           will
           and
           appointment
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           .
           And
           yet
           in
           this
           unstable
           and
           wavering
           age
           and
           generation
           ,
           and
           in
           this
           unsetled
           state
           ,
           and
           land
           full
           of
           confusion
           ;
           as
           the
           giddy-headed
           multitude
           ,
           which
           are
           like
           clouds
           without
           water
           ,
           carried
           about
           with
           every
           winde
           of
           Doctrine
           ,
           and
           dream
           of
           new
           lights
           beginning
           to
           appear
           ,
           do
           call
           into
           question
           the
           saving
           doctrines
           of
           aeternall
           truth
           ,
           and
           the
           chief
           Articles
           of
           the
           Christian
           faith
           ,
           firmly
           beleeved
           ,
           constantly
           professed
           ,
           and
           never
           doubted
           of
           by
           any
           true
           Christians
           :
           So
           also
           many
           of
           the
           wisest
           Statesmen
           ,
           who
           are
           esteemed
           the
           pillars
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           ,
           and
           the
           stay
           of
           the
           State
           ,
           do
           doubt
           and
           make
           question
           ,
           whether
           there
           be
           any
           Church
           Government
           
             Jure
             Divino
             ,
          
           and
           by
           the
           will
           and
           appointment
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ?
           What
           that
           Government
           is
           ?
           Who
           are
           the
           Governours
           ?
           And
           by
           what
           rules
           and
           laws
           they
           ought
           to
           govern
           ?
           And
           how
           farre
           ,
           and
           in
           what
           things
           ,
           matters
           and
           causes
           ,
           power
           is
           given
           to
           them
           by
           Christ
           to
           rule
           and
           govern
           in
           the
           Church
           ?
           For
           the
           answering
           of
           all
           such
           questions
           ,
           and
           removing
           of
           all
           such
           doubts
           and
           scruples
           ,
           I
           will
           endeavour
           ,
           out
           of
           love
           to
           the
           truth
           ,
           and
           zeal
           to
           the
           honour
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           advancement
           of
           his
           Kingly
           power
           in
           his
           Church
           ,
           to
           lay
           down
           some
           sure
           grounds
           of
           Doctrine
           ,
           gathered
           out
           of
           holy
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           proved
           by
           clear
           testimonies
           of
           Gods
           spirit
           ,
           speaking
           in
           the
           infallible
           written
           word
           .
        
         
           And
           first
           ,
           I
           take
           this
           as
           an
           undeniable
           principle
           ,
           That
           whatsoever
           Christ
           hath
           with
           his
           own
           mouth
           commanded
           ,
           or
           by
           his
           spirit
           moved
           his
           Apostles
           to
           teach
           by
           writing
           and
           word
           ,
           or
           by
           example
           and
           practice
           ,
           concerning
           the
           well
           ordering
           and
           Government
           of
           his
           Church
           in
           any
           place
           ,
           which
           is
           as
           usefull
           in
           all
           places
           ,
           and
           the
           reason
           of
           it
           stands
           firm
           in
           all
           ages
           ,
           and
           it
           may
           be
           practised
           profitably
           by
           ordinary
           Pastours
           :
           Also
           whatsoever
           is
           necessarily
           presupposed
           ,
           or
           included
           in
           any
           thing
           ,
           which
           Christ
           in
           the
           Gospel
           commandeth
           ,
           or
           of
           necessity
           must
           follow
           thereupon
           ,
           is
           
             Jure
             divino
             ,
          
           and
           by
           the
           will
           and
           appointment
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           .
        
         
         
           Secondly
           ,
           because
           the
           main
           question
           which
           comes
           to
           be
           answered
           ,
           upon
           which
           all
           the
           rest
           do
           depend
           ,
           is
           ,
           Whether
           there
           be
           any
           proper
           and
           particular
           Church-Government
           distinct
           from
           Civill
           Government
           :
           The
           answer
           is
           easy
           ,
           and
           such
           as
           may
           fully
           satisfie
           any
           reasonable
           Christian
           .
           For
           first
           ,
           in
           every
           Nation
           ,
           Kingdom
           ,
           and
           state
           wherein
           Christian
           Religion
           is
           publikely
           and
           generally
           professed
           ,
           all
           the
           people
           are
           to
           be
           considered
           two
           waies
           .
           First
           ,
           as
           men
           and
           members
           of
           a
           civill
           society
           or
           Common
           Wealth
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           as
           Christian
           men
           and
           members
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           the
           mysticall
           body
           of
           Christ
           .
           As
           they
           are
           members
           of
           the
           Common-wealth
           ,
           they
           are
           to
           be
           ruled
           by
           the
           laws
           of
           men
           which
           are
           there
           in
           force
           ,
           and
           do
           binde
           them
           to
           obedience
           in
           temporall
           things
           to
           their
           Kings
           and
           Civill
           Magistrates
           ,
           and
           to
           good
           order
           and
           behaviour
           among
           themselves
           ,
           for
           the
           peace
           and
           safety
           of
           humane
           society
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           civill
           State
           .
           And
           this
           Government
           may
           be
           among
           them
           who
           are
           
             Turks
             ,
          
           Heathens
           and
           nor
           Christians
           ,
           for
           it
           is
           common
           to
           all
           men
           of
           all
           Nations
           ,
           States
           and
           Kingdoms
           .
           But
           as
           they
           are
           Christians
           and
           members
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           Christs
           mysticall
           body
           ,
           so
           they
           are
           to
           be
           governed
           by
           the
           law
           of
           Christ
           ,
           which
           bindes
           them
           to
           the
           obedience
           of
           him
           in
           all
           things
           ,
           which
           concern
           their
           spirituall
           estate
           ,
           heavenly
           life
           ,
           and
           blessednes
           ,
           and
           to
           holy
           communion
           among
           themselves
           in
           spirituall
           things
           .
           These
           two
           States
           and
           Governments
           are
           so
           distinct
           and
           different
           ,
           that
           either
           of
           them
           may
           stand
           alone
           without
           the
           other
           .
           There
           are
           and
           have
           been
           divers
           earthly
           Kingdoms
           well
           ordered
           ,
           and
           wisely
           governed
           in
           all
           outward
           temporall
           things
           ,
           in
           which
           Christ
           hath
           had
           no
           Church
           ,
           neither
           was
           Christianity
           known
           or
           professed
           .
           And
           again
           ,
           Christ
           hath
           had
           a
           Church
           well
           governed
           ,
           and
           flourishing
           in
           Religion
           ,
           grace
           ,
           and
           godlines
           ,
           when
           there
           was
           no
           civill
           Government
           ,
           King
           ,
           or
           Civill
           Magistrate
           to
           help
           or
           uphold
           it
           ,
           but
           all
           set
           against
           it
           ,
           to
           persecute
           ,
           vex
           ,
           and
           make
           havock
           of
           it
           ;
           as
           it
           was
           in
           the
           daies
           of
           Christ
           and
           of
           his
           Apostles
           ,
           and
           in
           divers
           ages
           after
           :
           And
           yet
           Christ
           was
           the
           King
           ,
           and
           the
           Church
           was
           his
           Kingdom
           in
           which
           he
           ruled
           ,
           and
           is
           called
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           God
           ,
           
             Matth.
          
           12.
           28.
           and
           that
           Kingdom
           of
           heaven
           ,
           
             Matth.
          
           3.
           2.
           
           &
           4.
           14.
           
           Now
           a
           Kingdom
           is
           not
           an
           Anarchy
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           a
           confused
           multitude
           without
           Government
           ;
           but
           a
           Monarchy
           ,
           in
           which
           there
           is
           one
           King
           
           who
           is
           supream
           Governour
           .
           And
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           which
           is
           Gods
           holy
           hill
           ,
           and
           spirituall
           
             Zion
             ,
          
           Christ
           alone
           is
           the
           King
           ,
           
             Psal.
          
           2.
           6.
           
           &
           
             Zech.
             9.
             9.
             
             Joh.
          
           12.
           15.
           and
           the
           head
           ,
           and
           sole
           ruler
           ,
           
             Mat.
             2.
             6.
             
             Ephes.
          
           1.
           22.
           and
           the
           Government
           is
           on
           his
           shoulder
           ,
           
             Isa.
          
           9.
           6.
           
           He
           also
           alone
           is
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           Law-giver
           ,
           
             Isa.
             33.
             22.
             
             Iam.
          
           4.
           12.
           and
           his
           Word
           is
           the
           law
           and
           rule
           of
           Government
           ,
           
             Isa.
          
           2.
           3.
           yea
           the
           law
           ,
           and
           rule
           by
           which
           the
           spirit
           ruleth
           ,
           
             Rom.
          
           8.
           2.
           and
           to
           which
           he
           is
           limited
           in
           moving
           and
           working
           ,
           
             Ioh.
          
           16.
           13.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           But
           that
           Church-Government
           may
           be
           more
           clearly
           and
           distinctly
           understood
           :
           we
           are
           further
           to
           distinguish
           between
           the
           supreme
           power
           of
           Government
           ,
           which
           is
           onely
           in
           the
           hand
           of
           Christ
           ;
           and
           the
           delegated
           power
           ,
           which
           he
           hath
           given
           to
           his
           Ministers
           ,
           to
           exercise
           under
           him
           a
           subordinate
           and
           minesteriall
           Government
           .
        
         
           The
           supreme
           Government
           which
           is
           in
           the
           hand
           of
           Christ
           is
           Monarchicall
           :
           For
           to
           him
           alone
           all
           power
           is
           given
           in
           heaven
           and
           in
           earth
           ,
           
             Math.
          
           28.
           18.
           and
           he
           is
           set
           at
           Gods
           right
           hand
           ,
           far
           above
           all
           principalitie
           ,
           and
           power
           ,
           and
           might
           and
           dominion
           ,
           and
           every
           name
           that
           is
           named
           both
           in
           this
           world
           ,
           and
           in
           that
           which
           is
           to
           come
           .
           And
           God
           hath
           put
           all
           things
           under
           his
           feet
           ,
           and
           gave
           him
           to
           be
           head
           over
           all
           things
           to
           the
           Church
           which
           is
           his
           body
           ,
           
             Ephes.
          
           1.
           21.
           22.
           
           And
           this
           power
           of
           Government
           is
           proper
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           he
           reserves
           it
           to
           himself
           .
           But
           the
           subordinate
           and
           Ministeriall
           power
           of
           Government
           ,
           he
           gave
           to
           his
           Apostles
           and
           to
           their
           Successours
           ,
           
             Mark
             .
             16.
             15.
             
             Joh.
          
           20.
           21.
           where
           he
           said
           ,
           As
           my
           father
           hath
           sent
           me
           ,
           so
           send
           I
           you
           .
           Go
           into
           all
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           preach
           the
           Gospell
           to
           every
           Creature
           .
           And
           promised
           to
           be
           with
           them
           alwayes
           to
           the
           end
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           
             Math.
          
           28.
           20.
           
           And
           lest
           any
           should
           thinke
           that
           this
           rule
           and
           Government
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           was
           limited
           to
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           and
           was
           to
           dye
           ,
           and
           and
           to
           expire
           with
           them
           :
           The
           Scriptures
           do
           fully
           prove
           ,
           and
           plainly
           demonstrate
           ,
           that
           it
           was
           also
           by
           Gods
           appointment
           imparted
           to
           others
           in
           the
           Apostles
           dayes
           ,
           as
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           12.
           28.
           where
           the
           Apostle
           writes
           ,
           that
           God
           hath
           set
           in
           his
           Church
           ,
           not
           onely
           Apostles
           ,
           Prophets
           and
           others
           of
           extraordinary
           gifts
           ;
           but
           also
           teachers
           ,
           helps
           ,
           and
           Governments
           .
           And
           
             Rom.
          
           12.
           8.
           
           The
           Church
           is
           compared
           to
           a
           naturall
           body
           ,
           and
           the
           severall
           members
           thereof
           ,
           having
           gifts
           differing
           according
           to
           the
           grace
           that
           
           is
           given
           them
           ,
           are
           commanded
           to
           exercise
           their
           gifts
           ,
           and
           to
           wait
           on
           their
           severall
           offices
           ,
           as
           Prophets
           on
           prophesying
           ;
           Ministers
           on
           ministering
           ;
           Teachers
           on
           teaching
           ,
           and
           he
           that
           ruleth
           on
           ruling
           with
           diligence
           .
           And
           1
           
             Thess.
          
           5.
           12.
           the
           brethren
           are
           intreated
           to
           know
           them
           that
           labour
           among
           them
           and
           are
           over
           them
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           admonish
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           esteem
           them
           very
           highly
           in
           love
           for
           their
           works
           sake
           :
           and
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           5.
           17.
           
           Let
           the
           Elders
           that
           rule
           well
           (
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           )
           be
           counted
           worthy
           of
           double
           honour
           ,
           especially
           they
           that
           labour
           in
           the
           word
           and
           doctrine
           :
           and
           
             Heb.
          
           13.
           7.
           
           He
           inioynes
           the
           brethren
           to
           remember
           them
           that
           have
           the
           rule
           over
           them
           :
           and
           vers.
           17.
           to
           obey
           them
           and
           submit
           themselves
           ,
           because
           they
           watch
           for
           their
           soules
           ,
           as
           they
           that
           must
           give
           account
           :
           and
           vers.
           24.
           he
           saith
           ,
           Salute
           them
           that
           have
           the
           rule
           over
           you
           .
           All
           which
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           many
           others
           ,
           wherein
           severall
           acts
           of
           Government
           are
           commanded
           to
           be
           done
           by
           Pastours
           and
           overseers
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           other
           acts
           of
           discipline
           commended
           ,
           when
           they
           were
           done
           ,
           and
           the
           neglect
           of
           them
           blamed
           ,
           do
           prove
           a
           Ministeriall
           Government
           in
           the
           hand
           of
           Church
           rulers
           
             Jure
             divino
             ,
          
           and
           by
           the
           appointment
           of
           Christ
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           The
           subordinate
           and
           Ministeriall
           Government
           which
           Christ
           hath
           set
           up
           in
           his
           Church
           ,
           is
           not
           Monarchical
           ,
           as
           that
           supreme
           Government
           is
           which
           he
           reserves
           to
           himself
           ;
           Neither
           is
           it
           Civil
           ,
           left
           to
           Civil
           Magistrates
           ,
           who
           judge
           and
           rule
           over
           men
           in
           Civil
           states
           ,
           and
           societies
           ,
           and
           about
           temporal
           and
           worldly
           affaires
           of
           this
           life
           ,
           such
           judging
           and
           dividing
           our
           Saviour
           disclaymed
           ,
           
             Luke
             .
          
           12.
           14.
           saying
           ,
           Who
           made
           me
           a
           judge
           or
           a
           divider
           over
           you
           ?
           when
           a
           man
           requested
           him
           to
           speak
           to
           his
           brother
           to
           divide
           the
           inheritance
           with
           him
           .
           And
           he
           told
           
             Pilat
             ,
          
           that
           his
           kingdom
           was
           not
           of
           this
           world
           .
           
             John
             .
          
           18.
           36.
           
           They
           who
           rule
           under
           him
           in
           his
           Church
           must
           meddle
           onely
           with
           spiritual
           things
           which
           concerne
           mens
           spiritual
           estates
           ,
           and
           eternal
           life
           and
           the
           salvation
           of
           their
           soules
           .
           And
           they
           are
           all
           equal
           in
           title
           ,
           honour
           and
           office
           ,
           even
           Elders
           ,
           stewards
           and
           dispensers
           of
           holy
           things
           .
           There
           is
           no
           one
           cheif
           Lord
           above
           the
           rest
           in
           the
           whole
           Church
           on
           earth
           ,
           or
           in
           any
           part
           thereof
           ,
           whether
           National
           ,
           Provinciall
           or
           Classical
           Church
           .
           But
           of
           the
           Apostles
           who
           were
           the
           chief
           Pastours
           and
           rulers
           in
           his
           Church
           ,
           he
           said
           ,
           Whosoever
           will
           be
           great
           
           among
           you
           ,
           let
           him
           be
           your
           minister
           .
           
             Math.
          
           20.
           26.
           and
           
             Luk.
          
           22.
           26
           ,
           And
           as
           
             Peter
          
           received
           this
           lesson
           from
           his
           Lord
           ,
           so
           he
           gave
           charge
           to
           all
           Presbyters
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           fellows
           in
           the
           Presbytery
           with
           himself
           ,
           that
           they
           must
           take
           the
           oversight
           of
           the
           flock
           ,
           and
           not
           be
           as
           Lords
           over
           Gods
           inheritance
           ,
           but
           as
           ensamples
           to
           the
           flock
           ,
           1
           
             Pet.
          
           5.
           3.
           
           The
           authority
           and
           title
           of
           Lords
           our
           Saviour
           will
           have
           left
           to
           the
           Kings
           and
           Rulers
           of
           states
           and
           Kingdoms
           on
           earth
           ,
           
             Luk.
          
           22.
           25.
           
        
         
           5.
           
           The
           Government
           of
           the
           Church
           which
           is
           Ecclesiasticall
           ,
           our
           Saviour
           gave
           in
           common
           to
           all
           his
           Apostles
           ,
           who
           were
           the
           Pastours
           of
           the
           Church
           universall
           ,
           and
           the
           first
           teachers
           of
           all
           Nations
           ,
           who
           had
           a
           charge
           and
           Commission
           from
           Christ
           to
           gather
           and
           build
           up
           Churches
           in
           all
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           to
           teach
           and
           instruct
           all
           people
           to
           observe
           all
           things
           whatsoever
           he
           had
           commanded
           them
           ,
           as
           we
           see
           in
           the
           Scriptures
           before
           named
           ,
           
             Math.
          
           28.
           19.
           20.
           
           
             Mark
             .
          
           16.
           15.
           
           
             John
             .
          
           20.
           23.
           and
           in
           other
           places
           ,
           where
           the
           exercise
           of
           the
           power
           of
           the
           Keyes
           of
           the
           kingdome
           of
           heaven
           ,
           which
           was
           given
           to
           Peter
           as
           the
           mouth
           of
           the
           rest
           ,
           
             Math.
          
           16.
           19.
           is
           also
           given
           in
           common
           to
           them
           all
           ,
           as
           they
           were
           the
           Church
           representative
           ,
           and
           stood
           in
           the
           place
           of
           all
           Pastours
           and
           Teachers
           to
           the
           end
           of
           the
           world
           .
           In
           so
           much
           as
           if
           any
           two
           or
           three
           of
           them
           were
           gathered
           together
           in
           his
           Name
           ,
           he
           promised
           to
           be
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           them
           ,
           
             Mat.
          
           18.
           17.
           18.
           20.
           and
           
             Joh.
          
           20.
           23.
           
           And
           as
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           gave
           this
           power
           to
           the
           Apostles
           ;
           so
           they
           exercised
           it
           sometimes
           in
           common
           all
           together
           in
           the
           generall
           Assembly
           of
           the
           Disciples
           ,
           Brethren
           and
           Elders
           ,
           as
           
             Act.
          
           1.
           15.
           in
           the
           election
           of
           an
           Apostle
           in
           the
           place
           of
           
             Iudas
             ,
          
           and
           
             Act.
          
           6.
           2.
           about
           the
           election
           ,
           and
           Ordination
           of
           the
           seven
           Deacons
           ,
           and
           
             Act.
          
           15
           6.
           about
           the
           deciding
           of
           a
           great
           controversie
           concerning
           Circumcision
           and
           other
           legall
           rites
           not
           to
           be
           imposed
           on
           the
           believing
           Gentiles
           .
           And
           sometimes
           two
           or
           three
           of
           them
           ,
           as
           
             Peter
          
           and
           
             Iohn
          
           when
           they
           were
           sent
           to
           Samaria
           to
           confirme
           the
           Church
           there
           ,
           
             Act.
          
           8
           14.
           
           And
           
             Barnabas
          
           and
           others
           who
           were
           sent
           to
           confirme
           the
           first
           Church
           called
           Christian
           at
           Antioch
           ,
           
             Act.
          
           11.
           22.
           23.
           
           And
           
             Paul
             ,
          
           and
           
             Barnabas
          
           and
           
             Silas
          
           in
           ordaining
           Elders
           in
           every
           Church
           by
           them
           converted
           to
           Christ
           ,
           
             Act.
          
           14.
           23.
           
           But
           yet
           they
           altogether
           ,
           and
           everie
           one
           or
           two
           by
           themselves
           exercised
           ,
           and
           commended
           to
           the
           Evangelists
           
           and
           Presbyters
           by
           them
           ordained
           ,
           the
           same
           uniforme
           government
           ,
           and
           the
           same
           way
           in
           Christ
           both
           for
           Doctrine
           and
           Discipline
           .
           So
           the
           great
           Apostle
           of
           the
           Gentiles
           plainly
           testifieth
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           4
           17.
           writing
           thus
           ,
           
             for
             this
             cause
             have
             I
             sent
             to
             you
             Timotheus
             ,
             who
             is
             my
             beloved
             sonne
             and
             faithfull
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             who
             shall
             bring
             you
             into
             remembrance
             of
             my
             waies
             which
             be
             in
             Christ
             ,
             as
             I
             teach
             every where
             in
             every
             Church
             ,
          
           and
           1
           
             Cor.
             7.
             17.
             
             So
             ordain
             I
             in
             all
             Churches
             .
          
           And
           he
           who
           had
           the
           care
           of
           all
           the
           Churches
           (
           as
           he
           saith
           ,
           )
           2
           
             Cor.
          
           11.
           28.
           keeps
           them
           to
           the
           same
           custome
           ,
           as
           is
           implied
           ,
           2
           
             Cor.
          
           11.
           16.
           where
           speaking
           of
           new
           fashions
           for
           which
           some
           are
           ready
           to
           contend
           ,
           he
           saith
           ,
           
             If
             any
             man
             seem
             to
             be
             contentious
             ,
             we
             have
             no
             such
             custome
             ,
             nor
             the
             Churches
             of
             God
             .
          
        
         
           6.
           
           Now
           this
           ministeriall
           uniforme
           government
           setled
           by
           Christ
           and
           his
           Apostles
           in
           all
           Churches
           ,
           Nationall
           ,
           and
           Provinciall
           ,
           and
           Classicall
           in
           every
           Circuit
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           in
           the
           hands
           of
           the
           Pastours
           ,
           Presbyters
           and
           overseers
           ,
           so
           it
           was
           Aristocraticall
           .
           But
           as
           the
           whole
           Church
           and
           multitude
           of
           believers
           had
           liberty
           in
           elections
           to
           nominate
           such
           as
           they
           found
           most
           fit
           to
           be
           overseers
           and
           officers
           ,
           and
           orderly
           to
           give
           their
           approbation
           of
           the
           Acts
           of
           the
           Elderships
           ,
           so
           it
           is
           in
           some
           part
           Democraticall
           .
           As
           we
           see
           in
           the
           election
           of
           the
           seven
           Deacons
           ,
           
             Act.
          
           6.
           
           The
           twelve
           Apostles
           appointed
           that
           seven
           men
           of
           honest
           report
           ,
           and
           full
           of
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           should
           be
           ordained
           .
           The
           multitude
           chose
           them
           ;
           and
           set
           them
           before
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           who
           ordained
           them
           with
           prayer
           and
           imposition
           of
           hands
           .
           So
           also
           
             Act.
          
           15.
           
           The
           Apostles
           and
           Elders
           came
           together
           ,
           to
           consider
           of
           a
           matter
           ,
           and
           to
           decide
           a
           Controversie
           brought
           unto
           them
           from
           the
           Church
           of
           Antioch
           ,
           vers.
           6.
           
           
             Peter
          
           and
           
             Iames
          
           debated
           the
           businesse
           and
           gave
           the
           sentence
           ,
           together
           with
           the
           Elders
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           brethren
           ,
           even
           the
           whole
           Church
           approved
           the
           sentence
           given
           by
           
             Iames
             ,
          
           and
           thereupon
           a
           decree
           was
           framed
           in
           the
           name
           of
           them
           all
           ,
           vers.
           23.
           
           And
           in
           the
           ordaining
           of
           Presbyters
           in
           everie
           Church
           ,
           
             Act
             ,
          
           14.
           23.
           
           As
           the
           Apostles
           
             Paul
             ,
          
           and
           
             Barnabas
          
           with
           
             Silas
          
           prayed
           and
           layd
           on
           their
           hands
           ,
           so
           the
           people
           holding
           up
           their
           hands
           ,
           approved
           the
           election
           and
           ordination
           .
           These
           examples
           and
           these
           practices
           of
           Church
           government
           in
           Synods
           and
           greater
           Presbyteries
           performed
           by
           men
           who
           had
           received
           instructions
           
           from
           Christs
           owne
           mouth
           ,
           and
           were
           inspired
           and
           moved
           there
           unto
           by
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           ,
           and
           the
           reason
           of
           them
           still
           standing
           in
           force
           ;
           they
           do
           shew
           that
           such
           Synods
           and
           acts
           of
           Church-Government
           are
           according
           to
           the
           will
           and
           appointment
           of
           Christ
           and
           are
           usefull
           and
           necessary
           to
           the
           end
           of
           the
           world
           .
           And
           all
           Churches
           ought
           to
           conforme
           unto
           this
           speciall
           Government
           .
        
         
           
             Ob.
          
           But
           some
           do
           object
           ,
           that
           the
           Apostles
           were
           men
           of
           extraordinary
           gifts
           and
           calling
           ,
           and
           had
           an
           infallible
           assistance
           of
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           ,
           which
           did
           lead
           them
           into
           all
           truth
           ,
           and
           could
           do
           in
           their
           Synods
           and
           Assemblies
           things
           ,
           which
           ordinarie
           Pastours
           and
           teachers
           cannot
           do
           ,
           they
           could
           say
           ,
           It
           seemed
           good
           to
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           and
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           could
           take
           upon
           them
           the
           care
           and
           oversight
           of
           all
           Churches
           .
           But
           now
           it
           is
           well
           if
           one
           or
           two
           of
           the
           wisest
           Ministers
           can
           teach
           or
           rule
           one
           particular
           Congregation
           ;
           It
           is
           too
           much
           for
           them
           to
           meddle
           with
           the
           common
           Government
           of
           many
           particular
           Churches
           .
           And
           therefore
           the
           examples
           of
           the
           Apostolicall
           Churches
           do
           not
           binde
           the
           Churches
           of
           these
           times
           .
        
         
           
             Ans.
          
           To
           this
           I
           answer
           ,
           First
           ,
           that
           it
           was
           necessary
           ,
           that
           the
           Apostles
           and
           Evangelists
           should
           be
           extraordinarily
           called
           ,
           inspired
           and
           assisted
           by
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           lead
           them
           into
           all
           truth
           ,
           and
           call
           to
           their
           remembrance
           all
           things
           whatsoever
           Christ
           had
           taught
           them
           ,
           and
           commanded
           them
           to
           be
           observed
           in
           all
           Churches
           to
           the
           end
           of
           the
           world
           ;
           otherwise
           they
           could
           not
           have
           been
           the
           infallible
           penmen
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           which
           are
           the
           certain
           rule
           both
           of
           Doctrine
           ,
           and
           Discipline
           ,
           Neither
           could
           their
           example
           and
           practice
           have
           been
           an
           heavenly
           paterne
           of
           Divine
           Authority
           ,
           to
           all
           succeding
           ages
           .
           But
           after
           the
           publishing
           of
           the
           Gospell
           by
           them
           to
           all
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           their
           writing
           of
           the
           holy
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           leaving
           them
           recorded
           for
           a
           sure
           rule
           of
           teaching
           and
           ruling
           to
           all
           Christian
           Churches
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           more
           need
           of
           any
           such
           extraordinary
           calling
           and
           gifts
           in
           their
           Successours
           ,
           but
           ordinary
           Pastours
           ,
           and
           Teachers
           ,
           by
           the
           ordinary
           light
           and
           direction
           of
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           ,
           who
           hath
           made
           them
           Overseers
           over
           the
           Church
           ,
           may
           be
           as
           able
           to
           exercise
           Discipline
           and
           censures
           ,
           as
           to
           preach
           and
           propound
           sound
           and
           saving
           Doctrine
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           out
           of
           the
           holy
           Scriptures
           
           of
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           which
           are
           as
           plain
           a
           rule
           ,
           and
           as
           certain
           a
           direction
           for
           ruling
           as
           they
           are
           for
           preaching
           .
           And
           to
           confirm
           us
           in
           this
           assurance
           ,
           we
           have
           the
           promise
           of
           Christ
           ,
           that
           he
           will
           be
           with
           his
           Ministers
           in
           all
           ages
           to
           the
           end
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           as
           he
           was
           with
           his
           Apostles
           ,
           not
           only
           in
           teaching
           and
           Baptizing
           people
           ,
           but
           also
           making
           them
           observers
           of
           all
           things
           whatsoever
           he
           had
           commanded
           ,
           
             Matth.
          
           28.
           20.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           This
           objection
           is
           of
           no
           more
           force
           against
           the
           imitation
           of
           the
           Apostles
           in
           their
           practice
           ,
           and
           acts
           of
           Church
           Government
           in
           Synods
           ,
           and
           greater-Presbyteries
           :
           then
           it
           is
           against
           preaching
           their
           doctrine
           contained
           in
           their
           writings
           .
           For
           they
           were
           men
           of
           extraordinary
           calling
           and
           gifts
           ,
           in
           teaching
           as
           well
           as
           in
           ruling
           .
           And
           if
           that
           be
           a
           good
           reason
           against
           ruling
           after
           their
           example
           :
           It
           is
           so
           also
           against
           preaching
           of
           the
           same
           word
           and
           doctrine
           which
           they
           wrote
           and
           preached
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Although
           the
           Pastours
           and
           Teachers
           which
           succeed
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           are
           unable
           to
           work
           miracles
           ,
           and
           to
           write
           infallible
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           give
           unchangeable
           rules
           to
           all
           Churches
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostles
           did
           ,
           because
           they
           have
           not
           such
           extraordinary
           gifts
           and
           calling
           :
           Yet
           in
           things
           which
           are
           in
           the
           power
           of
           ordinary
           Presbyters
           and
           Pastours
           ,
           as
           meeting
           many
           together
           in
           Synods
           and
           Presbyteriall
           Assemblies
           ,
           to
           decide
           and
           determine
           controversies
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           thing
           as
           easy
           and
           ordinary
           for
           them
           wherein
           to
           imitate
           them
           :
           as
           for
           many
           Lords
           and
           Commons
           to
           meet
           in
           a
           Parliament
           ,
           to
           remove
           grievances
           in
           the
           Common-wealth
           .
           And
           certainly
           so
           farre
           as
           God
           makes
           us
           able
           ,
           we
           are
           bound
           to
           follow
           their
           practice
           and
           examples
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           The
           more
           extraordinary
           gifts
           that
           the
           Apostles
           had
           ,
           the
           lesse
           need
           they
           had
           to
           meet
           in
           Synods
           and
           Assemblies
           ,
           either
           all
           ,
           or
           divers
           of
           them
           together
           .
           
             Paul
          
           and
           
             Barnabas
          
           had
           an
           infallible
           spirit
           ,
           and
           did
           dispute
           against
           the
           errour
           at
           
             Antioch
             ,
          
           and
           condemned
           it
           by
           as
           infallible
           a
           sentence
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostles
           did
           at
           
             Jerusalem
             ,
          
           And
           yet
           for
           a
           paterne
           to
           all
           succeeding
           Churches
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           the
           judgement
           and
           determination
           of
           more
           authority
           in
           all
           Churches
           of
           beleeving
           Jews
           and
           Gentiles
           ,
           and
           to
           shew
           the
           unity
           of
           spirit
           and
           uniformity
           of
           doctrine
           and
           discipline
           among
           them
           all
           ,
           an
           appeal
           was
           made
           to
           a
           generall
           
           Synod
           ,
           of
           all
           the
           Apostles
           and
           Elders
           at
           
             Jerusalem
             .
          
           And
           therefore
           (
           the
           necessary
           use
           and
           reason
           of
           such
           Synods
           and
           Classicall
           Presbyteries
           ,
           being
           still
           the
           same
           in
           all
           ages
           ;
           And
           ordinary
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           having
           more
           need
           of
           common
           help
           and
           assistance
           ,
           because
           many
           eies
           see
           more
           then
           one
           ,
           and
           many
           heads
           consulting
           together
           ,
           will
           better
           search
           out
           the
           truth
           and
           true
           sense
           of
           Scripture
           in
           doubtfull
           matters
           ,
           and
           of
           great
           concernment
           )
           The
           objection
           doth
           make
           more
           for
           the
           confirmation
           of
           the
           doctrine
           ,
           to
           wit
           ,
           that
           the
           practice
           and
           examples
           of
           the
           Apostles
           in
           the
           manner
           of
           governing
           the
           Church
           ,
           is
           of
           divine
           authority
           ,
           and
           ought
           to
           be
           esteemed
           the
           will
           and
           appointment
           of
           Christ
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           Now
           out
           of
           these
           points
           plainly
           proved
           by
           cleer
           texts
           of
           holy
           Scripture
           ;
           We
           may
           easily
           raise
           a
           perfect
           definition
           or
           description
           of
           that
           Government
           partly
           Ecclesiasticall
           ,
           which
           Christ
           as
           King
           of
           his
           Church
           ,
           hath
           set
           up
           therein
           ,
           namely
           this
           ,
           That
           it
           is
           the
           exercise
           of
           power
           and
           authority
           in
           matters
           spirituall
           ,
           which
           concern
           the
           salvation
           of
           souls
           ;
           given
           by
           Christ
           to
           the
           Pastours
           and
           Elders
           of
           his
           Church
           ,
           for
           the
           gathering
           ,
           building
           up
           ,
           and
           well
           ordering
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           perfecting
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           the
           members
           thereof
           .
           For
           the
           confirmation
           of
           this
           definition
           in
           every
           part
           and
           member
           of
           it
           ,
           we
           have
           expresse
           words
           of
           holy
           Scripture
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           the
           Commission
           which
           Christ
           the
           supream
           Lord
           gave
           to
           his
           Apostles
           ,
           and
           to
           their
           successours
           in
           all
           ages
           to
           the
           end
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           was
           not
           only
           by
           preaching
           the
           Gospel
           to
           make
           men
           Disciples
           ,
           but
           also
           to
           open
           the
           kingdom
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           by
           Baptisme
           to
           admit
           beleevers
           and
           Disciples
           into
           it
           ,
           and
           to
           teach
           them
           to
           observe
           all
           things
           ,
           whatsoever
           he
           had
           commanded
           them
           ,
           
             Matth.
          
           28.
           19
           ,
           20.
           
           But
           to
           shut
           out
           unbeleevers
           as
           being
           under
           damnation
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           kingdom
           of
           Satan
           ,
           
             Mark
             .
          
           16.
           16.
           
           And
           that
           by
           this
           Commission
           not
           only
           power
           and
           authority
           was
           given
           them
           to
           propound
           the
           word
           by
           way
           of
           doctrine
           ;
           but
           also
           to
           use
           the
           rod
           of
           discipline
           ,
           and
           to
           correct
           and
           censure
           all
           such
           as
           were
           offenders
           ,
           untractable
           and
           puffed
           up
           :
           the
           Apostle
           
             Paul
          
           sheweth
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           4.
           20
           ,
           21.
           
           Where
           he
           saith
           ,
           that
           when
           he
           cometh
           to
           
             Corinth
          
           he
           will
           know
           ,
           not
           the
           speech
           of
           them
           that
           are
           puffed
           up
           ,
           but
           the
           power
           ,
           
             For
             the
             kingdom
             of
             God
             is
             not
             in
             word
             ,
             but
             
             in
             power
             ,
          
           even
           to
           use
           the
           rod
           of
           correction
           ,
           and
           sharp
           censure
           ,
           as
           the
           next
           words
           shew
           ,
           
             viz.
          
           What
           will
           you
           ?
           Shall
           I
           come
           to
           you
           with
           a
           rod
           ?
           or
           in
           love
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           spirit
           of
           meeknes
           ?
           And
           what
           this
           rod
           is
           ,
           the
           next
           chapter
           immediatly
           declares
           ;
           in
           which
           he
           gives
           them
           a
           charge
           ,
           In
           the
           name
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           to
           excommunicate
           in
           their
           solemne
           Assembly
           the
           incestuous
           person
           .
           And
           2
           
             Cor.
          
           10.
           8.
           and
           Chap.
           13.
           10.
           
           He
           doth
           plainly
           affirm
           ,
           that
           to
           him
           and
           his
           fellow-Ministers
           ,
           the
           Lord
           hath
           given
           power
           and
           authority
           even
           to
           use
           sharpnesse
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           That
           this
           power
           is
           not
           carnall
           ,
           nor
           exercised
           about
           worldly
           matters
           :
           but
           is
           spirituall
           and
           mighty
           through
           God
           ,
           exercised
           in
           pulling
           down
           the
           strong
           holds
           of
           sin
           and
           Satan
           ,
           casting
           down
           imaginations
           ,
           and
           every
           high
           thing
           which
           exalteth
           it self
           against
           the
           knowledge
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           bringing
           into
           captivity
           every
           thought
           ,
           to
           the
           obedience
           of
           Christ
           ;
           The
           Apostle
           affirms
           ,
           2
           
             Cor.
          
           10.
           4
           ,
           5.
           
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           This
           power
           and
           authority
           is
           given
           to
           be
           exercised
           for
           edification
           ,
           not
           for
           destruction
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           teacheth
           ,
           2
           
             Cor.
          
           10.
           8.
           
           &
           13.
           10.
           
             even
             for
             the
             perfecting
             of
             the
             Saints
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             edifying
             of
             the
             body
             of
             Christ
             ,
          
           Ephes.
           4.
           12.
           
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           The
           exercise
           of
           this
           power
           and
           authority
           is
           uniform
           ,
           and
           the
           waies
           of
           it
           the
           same
           in
           all
           Churches
           :
           No
           supreme
           Magistrate
           hath
           power
           to
           alter
           it
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           to
           be
           usurped
           ,
           nor
           contended
           for
           by
           any
           to
           whom
           God
           hath
           not
           given
           abilities
           ,
           nor
           called
           thereunto
           .
           It
           belongs
           to
           the
           Pastours
           and
           Teachers
           who
           have
           a
           calling
           to
           expound
           publikely
           the
           Word
           and
           law
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           to
           their
           assisting
           Elders
           who
           are
           fit
           to
           judge
           accordingly
           .
           For
           such
           the
           Apostles
           appointed
           to
           be
           their
           successours
           ;
           and
           not
           civill
           Magistrates
           which
           were
           not
           known
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           till
           many
           years
           after
           the
           days
           of
           the
           Apostles
           .
           And
           to
           the
           Apostles
           and
           their
           successours
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           gave
           this
           power
           to
           rule
           his
           Church
           ,
           and
           it
           continued
           in
           their
           hands
           in
           all
           the
           Apostolicall
           Churches
           :
           The
           same
           waies
           which
           the
           great
           Apostle
           of
           the
           Gentiles
           observed
           himself
           ,
           he
           taught
           in
           every
           Church
           ,
           every where
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           4
           17.
           and
           so
           he
           ordained
           in
           all
           Churches
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           7.
           17.
           
           And
           when
           any
           swerved
           from
           the
           institution
           of
           Christ
           in
           the
           use
           of
           the
           ordinances
           ,
           and
           contended
           for
           forms
           and
           fashions
           ,
           differing
           from
           the
           common
           rule
           and
           custom
           ;
           The
           Apostle
           reproved
           
           and
           blamed
           them
           ,
           as
           appears
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           11.
           16
           ,
           17.
           
           The
           Pastours
           ,
           Elders
           ,
           and
           Teachers
           who
           labour
           in
           the
           Word
           and
           Doctrine
           ,
           and
           watch
           for
           the
           souls
           of
           the
           people
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           are
           made
           overseers
           over
           the
           flock
           ,
           are
           the
           Governours
           ,
           and
           rule
           over
           them
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           they
           ought
           to
           submit
           themselves
           to
           be
           ruled
           and
           guided
           by
           them
           ,
           as
           being
           the
           stewards
           of
           Gods
           house
           ,
           his
           Church
           ,
           and
           dispensers
           of
           the
           mysteries
           of
           Christ
           ,
           as
           these
           places
           following
           do
           shew
           ;
           Act.
           20.
           28.
           
           
             Take
             heed
             to
             your selves
             ,
             and
             to
             all
             the
             flock
             over
             the
             which
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             hath
             made
             you
             overseers
             ,
             to
             feed
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             .
          
           And
           1
           Cor.
           4.
           1.
           
           
             Let
             a
             man
             so
             account
             of
             us
             ,
             as
             of
             the
             Ministers
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             stewards
             of
             the
             mysteries
             of
             God
             .
          
           And
           1
           Thes.
           5.
           12.
           
           
             We
             beseech
             you
             ,
             brethren
             ,
             to
             know
             them
             that
             labour
             among
             you
             ,
             and
             are
             over
             you
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             admonish
             you
             :
             And
             to
             esteem
             them
             very
             highly
             in
             love
             for
             their
             works
             sake
             .
          
           And
           1
           Tim.
           5.
           17.
           
           
             Let
             the
             Elders
             that
             rule
             well
             ,
             be
             counted
             worthy
             of
             double
             honour
             ,
             especially
             they
             who
             labour
             in
             the
             word
             and
             doctrine
             .
          
           And
           Heb.
           13.
           7.
           
           
             Remember
             them
             who
             have
             the
             rule
             over
             you
             ,
             who
             have
             spoken
             to
             you
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             :
          
           and
           vers.
           17.
           
           
             Obey
             them
             that
             have
             the
             rule
             over
             you
             ,
             and
             submit
             your selves
             ,
             for
             they
             watch
             for
             your
             souls
             ,
             as
             they
             that
             must
             give
             account
             .
          
           These
           and
           divers
           other
           Scriptures
           do
           clearly
           shew
           what
           that
           Government
           is
           ,
           which
           Christ
           hath
           appointed
           in
           his
           Church
           .
        
         
           8.
           
           The
           next
           part
           to
           be
           considered
           is
           ,
           to
           whom
           Christ
           Jesus
           first
           committed
           this
           Government
           ,
           and
           where
           he
           first
           setled
           it
           ,
           and
           in
           what
           Church
           ,
           from
           whence
           it
           is
           derived
           ,
           propagated
           and
           communicated
           to
           all
           other
           Churches
           which
           shall
           be
           in
           all
           ages
           .
           And
           in
           this
           the
           Gospell
           is
           very
           clear
           .
           For
           it
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           he
           first
           and
           immediately
           committed
           it
           to
           his
           Apostles
           as
           they
           were
           to
           teach
           all
           Nations
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           the
           Pastours
           of
           the
           universall
           visible
           Church
           .
           In
           their
           hands
           and
           in
           that
           Church
           he
           first
           setled
           it
           ,
           for
           the
           use
           of
           all
           the
           members
           thereof
           ,
           even
           all
           Nationall
           ,
           Provinciall
           ,
           Classicall
           and
           particular
           Churches
           ,
           gathered
           by
           the
           Gospell
           preached
           in
           every
           Nation
           ,
           Countrey
           ,
           State
           ,
           City
           ,
           and
           Circuit
           .
           That
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           ,
           having
           all
           power
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           earth
           given
           unto
           him
           ,
           did
           give
           Authority
           to
           the
           Apostles
           to
           preach
           the
           Gospell
           to
           all
           Nations
           ,
           to
           baptize
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           teach
           them
           to
           observe
           all
           things
           ,
           whatsoever
           he
           had
           
           commanded
           them
           ,
           I
           have
           before
           shewed
           out
           of
           the
           Gospell
           ,
           
             Math.
          
           28.
           19.
           20.
           
           That
           he
           gave
           to
           them
           the
           keyes
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           power
           to
           open
           and
           shut
           ,
           to
           binde
           and
           lose
           ,
           to
           remit
           and
           retaine
           sins
           ,
           it
           is
           manifest
           ,
           
             Math.
          
           16.
           19.
           
           Where
           he
           said
           to
           
             Peter
             ,
          
           (
           when
           he
           answered
           in
           the
           name
           ,
           and
           as
           the
           mouth
           of
           all
           the
           rest
           ,
           Thou
           art
           Christ
           the
           Son
           of
           the
           living
           God
           .
           )
           
             I
             will
             give
             to
             thee
             the
             keyes
             of
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             whatsoever
             thou
             bindest
             one
             earth
             ,
             shall
             be
             bound
             in
             heaven
             ,
             and
             whatsoever
             thou
             shalt
             lose
             on
             earth
             shall
             be
             losed
             in
             heaven
             :
          
           and
           
             Math.
          
           18.
           18.
           where
           he
           gave
           the
           same
           power
           to
           them
           all
           againe
           :
           and
           
             Iohn
             .
             20.
             23.
             
             Whosesoever
             sins
             ye
             remit
             ,
             they
             are
             remitted
             to
             them
             ,
             and
             whosesoever
             sins
             ye
             retaine
             ,
             they
             are
             retained
             .
          
           And
           that
           they
           ordained
           Presbyters
           ,
           Bishops
           ,
           Pastours
           and
           Teachers
           in
           the
           name
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           Authority
           which
           he
           gave
           them
           ,
           it
           appeares
           ,
           
             Act.
          
           14.
           23.
           where
           it
           is
           written
           that
           
             Paul
          
           and
           
             Barnabas
          
           ordained
           Presbyters
           in
           every
           Church
           of
           the
           converted
           Gentiles
           :
           and
           
             Act.
          
           20.
           28.
           where
           
             Paul
          
           admonisheth
           the
           Presbyters
           whom
           he
           had
           ordained
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           
             Ephesus
             ,
          
           to
           take
           heed
           to
           the
           flock
           over
           which
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           had
           made
           them
           Bishops
           ,
           that
           is
           overseers
           .
           And
           they
           appointed
           the
           same
           order
           and
           forme
           of
           Government
           in
           all
           Nationall
           and
           Provinciall
           Churches
           ,
           and
           in
           every
           Classis
           and
           particular
           Congregation
           ,
           as
           in
           
             Iudea
          
           and
           
             Ierusalem
             ,
          
           so
           in
           
             Corinth
             ,
             Ephesus
             ,
             Asia
             ,
             Galatia
             ,
             Macedonia
             ,
             Creet
          
           and
           the
           rest
           ,
           as
           divers
           Scriptures
           ,
           (
           besides
           those
           before
           named
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           4.
           17.
           and
           2
           
             Cor.
          
           10.
           8.
           and
           13.
           10.
           
           )
           do
           abundantly
           testifie
           ,
           as
           
             Ephes.
          
           4.
           12.
           where
           Pastours
           and
           Teachers
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           Apostles
           ,
           are
           said
           to
           be
           given
           by
           Christ
           ,
           for
           the
           perfecting
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           for
           the
           worke
           of
           the
           Ministery
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           edifying
           of
           the
           body
           of
           Christ
           :
           and
           1
           
             Thess.
          
           5.
           12.
           where
           he
           mentioneth
           some
           who
           laboured
           among
           them
           ,
           and
           were
           over
           them
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           
             Act.
          
           15.
           6.
           where
           we
           read
           of
           a
           generall
           assemblie
           of
           Apostles
           and
           Presbyters
           gathered
           to
           consider
           a
           great
           matter
           and
           to
           decide
           a
           controversie
           ,
           and
           send
           out
           their
           decree
           to
           all
           Churches
           ,
           and
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           3.
           1.
           2.
           
           &c.
           where
           the
           office
           of
           a
           Bishop
           ,
           that
           is
           a
           Pastour
           or
           overseer
           ,
           is
           commended
           for
           a
           good
           worke
           ,
           and
           the
           qualification
           and
           ordination
           of
           such
           after
           triall
           and
           examination
           is
           described
           ,
           as
           also
           of
           Deacons
           .
           and
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           5.
           17.
           where
           mention
           is
           made
           of
           ruling
           
           by
           Elders
           ,
           and
           by
           them
           who
           labour
           in
           the
           Word
           and
           Doctrine
           :
           and
           vers.
           22.
           of
           ordaining
           by
           laying
           on
           of
           hands
           :
           and
           also
           Chap.
           4.
           14.
           
           And
           
             Tit.
          
           1.
           5.
           and
           1
           
             Pet.
          
           5.
           1.
           2.
           and
           
             Iames
             .
          
           5.
           14.
           where
           Elders
           of
           the
           Church
           and
           their
           worke
           and
           behaviour
           is
           prescribed
           .
           In
           all
           these
           places
           we
           have
           Church
           Government
           set
           forth
           in
           Presbyteries
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           hands
           of
           Presbyters
           ,
           and
           Presbyteriall
           Bishops
           ,
           Pastours
           and
           Teachers
           lawfully
           called
           ,
           and
           upon
           due
           triall
           ordained
           by
           imposition
           of
           hands
           ,
           as
           being
           that
           Government
           appointed
           by
           Christ
           ,
           and
           observed
           in
           all
           Churches
           .
           But
           of
           no
           other
           forme
           of
           Government
           do
           we
           read
           in
           any
           writings
           of
           the
           Apostles
           and
           Evangelists
           in
           the
           New
           Testament
           .
           For
           as
           there
           is
           but
           one
           God
           and
           Father
           of
           all
           ,
           and
           one
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           one
           faith
           ,
           one
           Baptisme
           and
           one
           whole
           universall
           Church
           ,
           which
           is
           but
           one
           body
           ,
           moved
           and
           informed
           by
           one
           Spirit
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           8.
           5.
           and
           
             Ephes.
          
           4.
           4.
           5.
           
           So
           every
           member
           of
           this
           one
           body
           in
           every
           Nation
           ,
           City
           and
           Countrey
           ,
           and
           every
           Congregation
           of
           Christians
           ,
           whether
           Jewes
           or
           Gentiles
           ,
           is
           informed
           ,
           moved
           and
           guided
           by
           that
           one
           spirit
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           testifieth
           ,
           
             Rom.
          
           12.
           5.
           and
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           12.
           12.
           13.
           as
           Pastours
           and
           Teachers
           :
           so
           also
           governments
           are
           set
           in
           the
           Church
           by
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           spirit
           distributeth
           gifts
           to
           them
           as
           he
           himselfe
           will
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           12.
           11.
           and
           28.
           
           And
           there
           is
           but
           one
           law
           to
           all
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           word
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           is
           called
           the
           law
           of
           Christ
           ,
           
             Gal.
             6.
             2.
             and
             the
             law
             of
             the
             spirit
             of
             life
             ,
             Rom.
          
           8.
           2.
           because
           the
           spirit
           speakes
           to
           none
           ,
           neither
           doth
           move
           or
           guide
           any
           Christian
           but
           by
           this
           word
           and
           law
           of
           Christ
           ,
           
             Iohn
             .
          
           16.
           13.
           14.
           
           (
           as
           was
           before
           shewed
           )
           What
           Church
           soever
           doth
           swerve
           or
           decline
           in
           any
           materiall
           or
           substantiall
           point
           of
           Doctrine
           or
           Discipline
           from
           that
           one
           law
           ,
           and
           rule
           of
           Christ
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           heavenly
           paterne
           shewed
           to
           us
           in
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           as
           the
           Paterne
           of
           the
           Tabernacle
           was
           shewed
           to
           
             Moses
          
           in
           the
           mount
           ,
           
             Exod.
          
           25.
           40.
           
           That
           Church
           comes
           so
           much
           short
           of
           Apostolicall
           perfection
           ,
           and
           hath
           in
           it
           too
           much
           mixture
           of
           humane
           policy
           and
           infirmity
           .
           Whatsoever
           new
           light
           ,
           proud
           ,
           vaine
           ,
           foolish
           and
           fanaticall
           persons
           may
           pretend
           :
           all
           sound
           and
           stable
           Christians
           both
           ought
           ,
           and
           will
           looke
           to
           the
           law
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           testimony
           of
           Christ
           ;
           
             and
             if
             any
             speake
             not
             according
             to
             this
             word
             it
             is
             because
             there
             is
             no
             light
             in
             them
             ,
             Isa.
          
           8.
           20.
           
           In
           respect
           of
           this
           our
           uniforme
           Government
           by
           one
           law
           the
           
           word
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           one
           spirit
           ,
           the
           soule
           and
           life
           of
           the
           whole
           visible
           Church
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           body
           uniforme
           ,
           
             homogeneall
             and
             similar
             .
          
           And
           as
           in
           all
           naturall
           uniforme
           bodies
           ,
           every
           part
           hath
           the
           same
           name
           with
           the
           whole
           ,
           as
           every
           particular
           part
           of
           aire
           is
           called
           aire
           ,
           and
           every
           river
           ,
           fountaine
           and
           drop
           of
           water
           is
           ,
           water
           and
           is
           so
           called
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           the
           whole
           element
           :
           Even
           so
           every
           Nationall
           ,
           Provinciall
           ,
           Classicall
           and
           particular
           congregation
           in
           every
           Nation
           ,
           City
           ,
           and
           circuit
           ,
           is
           a
           Church
           and
           is
           so
           called
           ,
           as
           the
           Church
           of
           
             Judea
             ,
             Act.
          
           11.
           22.
           26.
           the
           Church
           of
           
             Antioch
             ,
             Act.
          
           13.
           1.
           the
           Church
           of
           
             Corinth
             ,
             1
             Cor.
          
           1.
           2.
           and
           of
           
             Thessalonica
             ,
             1
             Thess.
          
           1.
           1.
           and
           the
           Churches
           of
           
             Galatia
             ,
             Gal.
          
           1.
           2.
           yea
           and
           the
           particular
           Congregation
           in
           the
           house
           of
           
             Aquila
             ,
             and
             Priscilla
             ,
             Rom.
          
           16
           ,
           15.
           and
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           16.
           19.
           and
           in
           the
           house
           of
           
             Nymphas
             ,
             Coloss.
          
           4.
           15.
           and
           of
           
             Philemon
             ,
          
           vers.
           2.
           are
           every
           one
           called
           the
           Church
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           the
           universall
           body
           is
           called
           the
           Church
           ,
           
             Math.
             16.
             18.
             
             Ephes.
             1.
             22.
             
             Coloss.
          
           1.
           24.
           and
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           3.
           15.
           
        
         
           9.
           
           The
           principall
           parts
           of
           this
           Government
           of
           Christ
           which
           allwayes
           ought
           to
           go
           together
           ,
           and
           are
           inseparable
           in
           every
           well
           ordered
           and
           constituted
           Church
           ,
           are
           two
           .
           First
           ,
           Doctrine
           ,
           which
           the
           Apostle
           calls
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           Discipline
           ,
           which
           he
           calls
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           .
           2
           
             Tim.
          
           3.
           16.
           which
           our
           Saviour
           in
           allusion
           to
           other
           Scriptures
           ,
           calls
           
             the
             keyes
             of
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             heaven
             ,
             Math.
          
           16.
           19.
           
           For
           as
           keyes
           do
           open
           and
           shut
           the
           doore
           of
           an
           house
           :
           so
           do
           both
           Doctrine
           ,
           and
           Discipline
           open
           and
           shut
           the
           Kingdome
           of
           heaven
           ,
           Christ
           his
           true
           Church
           .
           They
           open
           it
           to
           believers
           ,
           and
           to
           humble
           and
           paenitent
           persons
           ;
           and
           shut
           it
           against
           unbelievers
           ,
           and
           scandalous
           obstinat
           sinners
           ,
           who
           continue
           in
           their
           impenitency
           after
           conviction
           .
           And
           for
           this
           cause
           our
           Saviour
           calls
           Doctrine
           and
           Teaching
           by
           expounding
           that
           word
           and
           law
           aright
           ,
           
             the
             key
             of
             knowledge
             ,
             Math.
          
           23.
           13.
           and
           Discipline
           he
           calls
           
             the
             key
             of
             David
             ,
             Revel.
          
           3.
           7.
           alluding
           to
           the
           words
           of
           the
           prophet
           
             Isa.
          
           22.
           22.
           where
           the
           Lord
           saith
           ,
           
             that
             he
             will
             lay
             the
             key
             of
             the
             house
             of
             David
             upon
             the
             shoulder
             of
             Eliakim
             ,
             so
             he
             shall
             open
             ,
             and
             none
             shall
             shut
             ,
             and
             he
             shall
             shut
             ,
             and
             none
             shall
             open
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           I
           will
           commit
           the
           Government
           into
           his
           hands
           (
           as
           the
           words
           before
           shew
           )
           to
           rule
           the
           house
           of
           
             Juda
          
           as
           a
           Father
           .
           The
           preachers
           of
           the
           word
           by
           convincing
           Doctrine
           do
           wound
           the
           wicked
           ,
           and
           are
           said
           to
           ,
           
           
             root
             out
             ,
             to
             pull
             ,
             and
             throw
             down
             ,
             and
             to
             destroy
             ,
          
           Jer.
           1.
           10.
           
           Yea
           and
           to
           torment
           the
           world
           ,
           to
           smite
           the
           earth
           with
           plagues
           ,
           and
           to
           shut
           heaven
           ,
           
             Revel.
          
           11.
           6
           ,
           10.
           
           And
           by
           the
           converting
           word
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           the
           ministery
           of
           reconciliation
           ,
           to
           heal
           the
           broken
           in
           heart
           ,
           to
           open
           the
           prisons
           ,
           and
           to
           set
           captives
           at
           liberty
           ,
           
             Isa.
             61.
             1.
             
             And
             to
             build
             and
             to
             plant
             ,
          
           Jer.
           1.
           10.
           
           
             And
             to
             open
             the
             right
             way
             into
             the
             sheepfold
             ,
          
           Joh.
           10.
           16.
           
           The
           key
           of
           discipline
           also
           doth
           by
           censures
           ,
           which
           are
           according
           to
           the
           infallible
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           shut
           out
           ignorant
           and
           scandalous
           persons
           from
           Communion
           with
           the
           children
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           ,
           purgeth
           out
           the
           old
           leaven
           ,
           and
           so
           bindeth
           the
           obstinate
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           bound
           in
           heaven
           ,
           
             Matth.
          
           18.
           18
           
           &
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           5.
           7
           ,
           13.
           
           But
           by
           declaring
           in
           the
           name
           and
           word
           of
           Christ
           absolution
           and
           remission
           of
           sins
           to
           persons
           penitent
           ,
           it
           opens
           the
           door
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           ,
           and
           receives
           into
           Christs
           sheepfold
           such
           as
           are
           brought
           back
           from
           going
           astray
           ,
           and
           loseth
           such
           as
           are
           bound
           ,
           2
           
             Cor.
          
           2.
           10.
           
           The
           exercise
           of
           the
           power
           of
           these
           two
           keys
           ,
           consists
           in
           divers
           publike
           acts
           done
           with
           authority
           ,
           by
           commission
           from
           Christ
           .
           First
           ,
           the
           main
           act
           of
           doctrine
           is
           preaching
           the
           Word
           ,
           as
           the
           mouth
           of
           God
           to
           the
           people
           ,
           and
           applying
           it
           fitly
           to
           all
           sorts
           of
           persons
           ,
           instructing
           the
           ignorant
           ,
           discovering
           to
           them
           the
           corruption
           of
           their
           nature
           by
           which
           they
           are
           Children
           of
           wrath
           ,
           
             Eph.
          
           2.
           1
           ,
           2
           ,
           3.
           and
           so
           humbling
           them
           in
           their
           own
           eyes
           ,
           driving
           them
           out
           of
           themselves
           ,
           drawing
           them
           to
           Christ
           by
           the
           promises
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           wooing
           them
           ,
           and
           as
           Ambassadours
           for
           Christ
           ,
           praying
           them
           in
           Christs
           stead
           to
           be
           reconciled
           unto
           God
           ,
           2
           
             Cor.
          
           5.
           20.
           and
           espousing
           them
           to
           Christ
           ,
           2
           
             Cor.
          
           11.
           2.
           
           And
           on
           the
           other
           side
           ,
           reproving
           ,
           rebuking
           ,
           and
           admonishing
           with
           authority
           ,
           as
           messengers
           of
           God
           ,
           all
           sinners
           and
           transgressours
           ,
           2
           
             Tim.
          
           4.
           2.
           
           &
           
             Tit.
          
           1.
           13.
           
           Threatning
           and
           denouncing
           judgements
           ,
           hell
           ,
           and
           damnation
           against
           all
           that
           are
           hard
           hearted
           and
           impenitent
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostles
           did
           ,
           
             Act.
          
           8.
           23.
           and
           13.
           10.
           
           
             Rom.
             2.
             1
             ,
             2
             ,
             5.
             1
             Cor.
             6
             9.
             
             Heb.
             20.
             26
             ,
             29.
             
             Iam.
             5.
             1.
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             13.
             
             Iude
             vers.
          
           4.
           11
           ,
           14
           15.
           
        
         
           These
           acts
           of
           doctrine
           private
           Christians
           may
           perform
           mutually
           among
           themselves
           ,
           and
           according
           to
           the
           measure
           of
           grace
           ,
           which
           God
           hath
           destributed
           to
           every
           one
           ,
           they
           are
           in
           brotherly
           duty
           ,
           and
           in
           Christian
           zeal
           and
           charity
           ,
           bound
           to
           perform
           them
           
           privately
           .
           But
           publike
           Ministers
           only
           ,
           called
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           sent
           to
           preach
           ,
           can
           do
           them
           with
           power
           and
           authority
           ,
           as
           Gods
           mouth
           ,
           and
           Christs
           Ambassadours
           :
           and
           their
           word
           is
           to
           be
           received
           as
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           1
           
             Thes.
          
           2.
           13.
           and
           as
           a
           message
           from
           heaven
           ,
           with
           fear
           ,
           reverence
           ,
           and
           trembling
           ,
           
             Isa.
          
           66.
           5.
           
        
         
           The
           acts
           of
           discipline
           which
           are
           to
           be
           performed
           by
           Gods
           Ministers
           also
           ,
           not
           as
           preachers
           in
           the
           pulpit
           before
           all
           the
           Congregation
           ,
           but
           as
           Presbyters
           in
           the
           Consistory
           ,
           are
           divers
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           receiving
           accusations
           before
           witnesses
           ,
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           5.
           19.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           publike
           admonition
           ,
           and
           personall
           reproof
           ,
           and
           rebuke
           of
           such
           as
           are
           convicted
           of
           offence
           and
           scandall
           ,
           by
           two
           or
           three
           witnesses
           ,
           1
           
             Tim.
             5.
             20.
             
             Tit.
          
           3.
           10.
           
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           after
           admonition
           condemned
           and
           scorned
           ,
           and
           the
           authority
           of
           the
           Eldership
           despised
           and
           sleighted
           ,
           these
           scorners
           are
           to
           be
           refused
           and
           rejected
           ,
           
             Tit.
          
           3.
           10.
           which
           cannot
           be
           ,
           if
           they
           be
           admitted
           to
           the
           holy
           Communion
           .
           The
           Apostle
           injoins
           every
           faithfull
           Minister
           to
           withdraw
           himself
           from
           perverse
           persons
           of
           corrupt
           mindes
           ,
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           6.
           5.
           
           And
           he
           commands
           the
           brethren
           in
           the
           name
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           that
           they
           withdraw
           themselves
           ,
           from
           every
           brother
           that
           walketh
           disorderly
           ,
           2
           
             Thes.
          
           3.
           6.
           
           Certainly
           he
           is
           blinde
           ,
           and
           hath
           the
           eye
           of
           his
           reason
           put
           out
           ,
           who
           doth
           not
           in
           these
           forenamed
           places
           see
           and
           understand
           ,
           that
           all
           scandalous
           ,
           perverse
           and
           stubborn
           persons
           are
           by
           the
           Commandement
           of
           Christ
           ,
           which
           is
           
             Jus
             divinum
             ,
          
           to
           be
           refused
           ,
           and
           not
           admitted
           into
           holy
           Communion
           ,
           which
           is
           
             Excommunicatio
             minor
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           lesser
           excommunication
           .
        
         
           The
           fourth
           act
           of
           discipline
           is
           ,
           the
           censure
           of
           the
           greater
           Excommunication
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           utmost
           censure
           of
           a
           Church
           member
           ,
           even
           casting
           him
           out
           of
           Church
           communion
           for
           his
           obstinacy
           in
           his
           scandalous
           sins
           ,
           and
           refusing
           to
           hear
           ,
           and
           obey
           the
           Church
           .
           After
           this
           sentence
           given
           against
           any
           person
           ,
           he
           is
           in
           our
           Saviours
           phrase
           to
           be
           esteemed
           as
           an
           heathen
           man
           ,
           who
           is
           no
           member
           of
           the
           Church
           for
           the
           present
           ,
           but
           shut
           out
           of
           Gods
           Kingdom
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Apostles
           phrase
           he
           is
           delivered
           to
           Satan
           ,
           and
           taken
           captive
           by
           the
           Devil
           ,
           and
           held
           in
           his
           snare
           ,
           2
           
             Tim.
          
           2.
           26.
           
        
         
           This
           censure
           is
           according
           to
           the
           will
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           appointment
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           
             Matth.
          
           18.
           17.
           
           Where
           he
           saith
           of
           him
           who
           will
           
           not
           hear
           nor
           obey
           the
           Church
           .
           
             Let
             him
             be
             to
             thee
             as
             an
             heathen
             and
             as
             a
             Publican
             .
          
           The
           Apostle
           in
           the
           name
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           commanded
           the
           Elders
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           
             Corinth
          
           by
           this
           censure
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           power
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           to
           proceed
           against
           the
           incestuous
           person
           ,
           to
           put
           him
           away
           from
           among
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           diliver
           him
           unto
           Satan
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           5
           ,
           5
           ,
           13.
           
           And
           he
           himself
           delivered
           unto
           Satan
           
             Hymenaeus
          
           and
           
             Alexander
             ,
          
           1
           Tim.
           1.
           20.
           
           And
           these
           acts
           of
           discipline
           are
           not
           punishments
           of
           revenge
           ,
           not
           execution
           of
           justice
           in
           a
           rigid
           sense
           ;
           but
           Medicinall
           corrections
           of
           mercy
           ,
           and
           fatherly
           chastisements
           laid
           on
           the
           person
           censured
           ,
           not
           in
           hatred
           to
           hurt
           him
           ,
           nor
           in
           rigour
           to
           satisfie
           the
           law
           :
           But
           in
           love
           ,
           hope
           ,
           desire
           ,
           and
           godly
           zeal
           for
           a
           three-fold
           end
           and
           use
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           For
           the
           mortification
           ,
           humiliation
           ,
           and
           repentance
           of
           the
           obstinate
           sinner
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           be
           made
           sensible
           of
           his
           danger
           ,
           and
           ashamed
           of
           his
           sin
           ,
           and
           heartily
           sorrowfull
           for
           it
           ,
           and
           full
           of
           contrition
           :
           this
           is
           intimated
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           where
           he
           saith
           ,
           that
           delivering
           unto
           Satan
           ,
           is
           for
           the
           destruction
           of
           the
           flesh
           ,
           (
           that
           is
           fleshly
           corruption
           by
           mortification
           )
           that
           the
           spirit
           may
           be
           saved
           in
           the
           day
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           5.
           5.
           
           &
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           1.
           20.
           he
           saith
           that
           he
           delivered
           unto
           Satan
           
             Hymeneus
          
           and
           
             Alexander
             ,
          
           that
           they
           might
           learn
           not
           to
           blaspheme
           ,
           and
           2
           
             Thes.
          
           3.
           14.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           For
           the
           preserving
           of
           the
           body
           and
           the
           rest
           of
           the
           members
           from
           infection
           ,
           for
           obstinate
           scandalous
           sinners
           will
           infect
           others
           :
           this
           the
           Apostle
           sheweth
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           5.
           6
           ,
           7.
           
           Saying
           ,
           
             Know
             ye
             not
             that
             a
             little
             leaven
             leaveneth
             the
             whole
             lump
             ?
             purge
             out
             therefore
             the
             old
             leaven
             .
          
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           For
           vindicating
           the
           Church
           and
           Christian
           Religion
           from
           reproach
           and
           scandall
           ,
           and
           all
           shew
           and
           appearance
           of
           countenancing
           and
           cherishing
           vile
           sin
           and
           wickednes
           ,
           which
           will
           raise
           an
           ill
           report
           commonly
           ,
           that
           Christian
           Religion
           is
           worse
           then
           Gentilisme
           ,
           and
           tolerats
           sins
           ,
           the
           names
           of
           which
           are
           loathed
           among
           civill
           heathen
           .
           This
           the
           Apostle
           implies
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           5.
           1.
           saying
           ,
           
             It
             is
             commonly
             reported
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             fornication
             among
             you
             ,
             &
             such
             fornication
             as
             is
             not
             so
             much
             as
             named
             among
             the
             Gentiles
             .
          
           And
           certainly
           the
           Jews
           who
           were
           ,
           according
           to
           their
           law
           ,
           so
           strict
           in
           keeping
           from
           the
           Passeover
           ,
           all
           such
           as
           had
           any
           uncleannes
           on
           them
           ,
           might
           justly
           reproach
           Christians
           ,
           
           if
           they
           should
           admit
           scandalous
           sinners
           spiritually
           leprous
           and
           unclean
           to
           the
           Lords
           Supper
           ,
           and
           into
           holy
           communion
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           not
           cast
           them
           out
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           besides
           those
           censures
           before
           named
           ,
           another
           most
           dreadfull
           censure
           mentioned
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           called
           by
           the
           name
           of
           
             Anathema
             Maranatha
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           cursed
           untill
           the
           Lord
           cometh
           .
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           16.
           22.
           
           This
           is
           a
           curse
           which
           the
           Church
           denounceth
           against
           desperate
           back-sliders
           ,
           and
           Apostates
           ,
           who
           after
           illumination
           ,
           profession
           of
           love
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           a
           taste
           of
           the
           good
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           power
           of
           the
           world
           do
           come
           ,
           do
           sin
           against
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           ,
           and
           fall
           away
           into
           hatred
           and
           despight
           against
           the
           truth
           ,
           of
           which
           the
           spirit
           hath
           convinced
           their
           consciences
           ,
           into
           malignant
           persecution
           of
           all
           true
           godlines
           ,
           and
           into
           an
           impossibility
           of
           being
           renewed
           by
           repentance
           ,
           
             Heb
          
           6.
           4.
           
           This
           censure
           (
           to
           speak
           no
           more
           of
           it
           )
           is
           a
           sentence
           and
           judgement
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           declaring
           and
           pronouncing
           ,
           that
           such
           persons
           are
           reprobates
           and
           desperate
           enemies
           of
           God
           ,
           finally
           accursed
           ,
           past
           hope
           of
           recovery
           ,
           given
           up
           to
           the
           judgement
           of
           the
           last
           day
           ,
           when
           the
           Lord
           shall
           come
           to
           render
           vengeance
           in
           flaming
           fire
           ,
           to
           all
           them
           that
           hate
           him
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           are
           to
           be
           shunned
           and
           abhorred
           as
           fire
           brands
           of
           hell
           .
           Of
           this
           curse
           we
           have
           divers
           examples
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           as
           that
           which
           God
           laid
           upon
           
             Cain
             ,
             Gen.
          
           4.
           
           That
           which
           
             Enoch
          
           denounced
           against
           the
           old
           world
           ,
           of
           which
           
             Jude
          
           in
           his
           Epistle
           makes
           mention
           ,
           
             vers.
          
           14.
           
           That
           of
           
             David
          
           against
           
             Doeg
          
           and
           other
           enemies
           ,
           and
           against
           the
           traitour
           
             Judas
             ,
             Psal.
          
           109.
           and
           that
           wherewith
           the
           Lord
           cursed
           the
           reprobate
           Jews
           ,
           when
           he
           forbad
           the
           Prophet
           
             Jeremy
             ,
          
           to
           pray
           for
           them
           
             Jer.
          
           7.
           16.
           
           &
           11.
           14.
           
           &
           14.
           11.
           
           For
           there
           is
           a
           sin
           unto
           death
           ,
           namely
           the
           sin
           of
           Apostasy
           ,
           and
           rebellion
           against
           the
           light
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           prayed
           for
           ,
           as
           S.
           
             Iohn
          
           saith
           ,
           1
           
             Ioh.
          
           5.
           16.
           
        
         
           Besides
           these
           acts
           of
           Government
           before
           named
           ,
           we
           read
           of
           three
           others
           .
        
         
           The
           first
           is
           ,
           Ordination
           of
           Ministers
           ,
           which
           properly
           belongs
           to
           the
           preaching
           Presbyters
           ,
           who
           are
           to
           examine
           them
           ,
           try
           their
           gifts
           ,
           and
           inquire
           into
           their
           lives
           first
           ,
           and
           after
           proof
           made
           of
           their
           abilities
           ,
           and
           godly
           conversation
           ,
           to
           ordain
           them
           with
           praier
           and
           imposition
           of
           hands
           :
           of
           this
           we
           read
           ,
           
             Act.
             13.
             2
             ,
             3.
             1
             Tim.
             3.
             2
             ,
             3
             ,
             4
             ,
             &c.
          
           &
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           4.
           14.
           
           &
           5.
           22.
           
           
             Tit.
          
           1.
           5.
           
        
         
         
           The
           second
           is
           ,
           Choosing
           and
           appointing
           of
           Church
           Officers
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           common
           act
           of
           the
           whole
           Eldership
           ,
           together
           with
           the
           people
           ,
           as
           appears
           ,
           
             Act.
          
           6.
           3
           ,
           5.
           
           &
           
             Act.
          
           14.
           23.
           
        
         
           The
           third
           is
           ,
           Setting
           of
           things
           in
           good
           order
           ,
           and
           appointing
           that
           all
           things
           be
           done
           decently
           and
           in
           order
           in
           the
           Church
           :
           this
           
             Paul
          
           injoined
           the
           Elders
           of
           
             Corinth
          
           to
           do
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           14
           40.
           and
           he
           promised
           to
           assist
           them
           therein
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           11.
           34.
           and
           laid
           this
           charge
           on
           
             Titus
             ,
             Tit.
          
           1.
           5.
           
        
         
           From
           this
           discourse
           framed
           out
           of
           the
           infallible
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           expresse
           testimonies
           of
           holy
           Scriptures
           ,
           divers
           Corollaries
           and
           necessary
           conclusions
           do
           issue
           ,
           which
           remove
           the
           doubts
           ,
           and
           answer
           the
           questions
           ,
           which
           doubting
           scrupulous
           persons
           shall
           propound
           concerning
           Church-Government
           ,
           whether
           it
           be
           in
           whole
           ,
           or
           part
           
             Jure
             divino
             ,
          
           and
           by
           the
           will
           and
           appointment
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           
             Conclus
             .
          
           That
           there
           is
           one
           uniform
           Government
           in
           the
           whole
           universall
           Church
           ,
           and
           in
           every
           part
           thereof
           
             Jure
             divino
             ,
          
           and
           by
           the
           will
           and
           appointment
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           which
           ought
           to
           be
           observed
           in
           all
           National
           ,
           Provinciall
           ,
           Classicall
           and
           Congregationall
           Churches
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           parts
           and
           members
           of
           the
           Church
           universall
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           mysticall
           body
           of
           Christ
           .
           Proved
           ,
           Section
           3.
           and
           5.
           and
           6.
           and
           8.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           As
           there
           is
           but
           one
           law
           to
           all
           Christians
           ,
           even
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           perfect
           rule
           of
           Government
           in
           all
           Orthodox
           ,
           and
           well
           constituted
           Churches
           :
           So
           ought
           the
           Government
           to
           be
           one
           ,
           and
           the
           same
           in
           them
           all
           among
           themselves
           ,
           and
           in
           every
           particular
           Congregation
           .
           Proved
           
             Sect.
          
           8.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           supream
           Magistracy
           in
           every
           Nation
           ,
           Countrey
           ,
           and
           State
           ,
           being
           Christians
           ,
           is
           in
           duty
           bound
           to
           be
           as
           a
           nursing
           father
           to
           the
           Church
           of
           Christ
           ,
           to
           set
           up
           and
           maintain
           Preachers
           ,
           who
           may
           by
           preaching
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           gather
           their
           people
           and
           subjects
           into
           Congregations
           ,
           and
           set
           up
           Elders
           in
           every
           one
           according
           to
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ;
           And
           parochiall
           ,
           or
           particular
           Congregations
           so
           gathered
           ,
           and
           Elderships
           set
           up
           in
           them
           by
           the
           dictate
           and
           direction
           of
           Christ
           are
           
             Iure
             divino
             :
          
           The
           appointment
           of
           the
           Civill
           Magistrate
           is
           onely
           a
           civill
           sanction
           ,
           it
           doth
           not
           make
           them
           to
           be
           
             Iure
             divino
             .
          
           Proved
           
             Sect.
          
           3.
           and
           4.
           
        
         
           4.
           
           Though
           all
           Nationall
           Churches
           rightly
           constituted
           ,
           and
           
           formed
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           are
           of
           equall
           authority
           ,
           not
           any
           one
           superiour
           to
           another
           ;
           and
           likewise
           all
           Provinciall
           ,
           Classicall
           and
           Parochiall
           Churches
           alike
           well
           formed
           ,
           are
           equall
           :
           No
           Provinciall
           superiour
           to
           another
           Provinciall
           :
           Nor
           any
           Classicall
           Eldership
           to
           another
           Classicall
           ;
           Yet
           the
           deciding
           of
           a
           controversy
           in
           point
           of
           Doctrine
           ,
           or
           any
           sentence
           ,
           or
           censure
           issuing
           out
           ,
           and
           published
           from
           a
           greater
           Assembly
           or
           Eldership
           ,
           as
           from
           a
           Nationall
           ,
           Provinciall
           ,
           or
           Classicall
           ,
           is
           generally
           of
           more
           authority
           ,
           and
           more
           to
           be
           respected
           in
           all
           Churches
           ,
           then
           the
           same
           sentence
           and
           determination
           proceeding
           from
           the
           Eldership
           of
           a
           lesser
           or
           particular
           Congregation
           ,
           as
           we
           see
           ,
           
             Act.
          
           15.
           
           Where
           the
           decree
           of
           the
           Apostles
           and
           Elders
           in
           a
           Nationall
           ,
           or
           rather
           Oecumenicall
           Synod
           at
           
             Ierusalem
             ,
          
           was
           of
           more
           authority
           in
           all
           Christian
           Churches
           ,
           then
           if
           it
           had
           proceeded
           from
           the
           Eldership
           of
           
             Antioch
             ,
          
           in
           which
           were
           
             Paul
          
           and
           
             Barnabas
             ,
          
           the
           two
           great
           Apostles
           of
           the
           Gentiles
           ,
           who
           were
           able
           to
           decree
           infallibly
           the
           same
           things
           ,
           and
           appealed
           to
           
             Ierusalem
             ,
          
           not
           to
           learn
           ,
           but
           to
           make
           their
           doctrine
           of
           more
           authority
           ,
           as
           appears
           ,
           
             Gal.
          
           2.
           2.
           6.
           
           Proved
           
             Sect.
          
           5.
           6.
           
        
         
           5.
           
           All
           Elderships
           consisting
           of
           preaching
           Presbyters
           and
           other
           Elders
           who
           do
           rule
           well
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           members
           of
           such
           Elderships
           are
           
             Jure
             Divino
             ,
          
           and
           by
           the
           will
           and
           appointment
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           5.
           17.
           and
           the
           acts
           of
           Government
           done
           by
           assisting
           Elders
           ,
           together
           with
           preaching
           Presbyters
           ,
           who
           by
           their
           office
           and
           calling
           have
           authority
           and
           ability
           to
           expound
           the
           word
           and
           law
           ,
           the
           infallible
           rule
           of
           Government
           ,
           are
           certainly
           according
           to
           the
           will
           and
           appointment
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           being
           conformed
           to
           the
           rule
           ,
           are
           ratified
           in
           heaven
           .
           
             Math.
          
           18.
           18.
           
        
         
           6.
           
           All
           superiour
           Elderships
           and
           greater
           Assemblies
           ,
           whether
           Nationall
           ,
           Provinciall
           or
           Classicall
           ,
           consisting
           of
           preaching
           Presbyters
           ,
           successours
           of
           the
           Apostles
           and
           Evangelists
           ,
           and
           of
           other
           assisting
           Church
           Elders
           ,
           who
           are
           chosen
           members
           of
           the
           universall
           Church
           ,
           unto
           the
           common
           Pastours
           ,
           whereof
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           Christ
           immediatly
           committed
           the
           Government
           of
           the
           whole
           Church
           ,
           and
           by
           them
           to
           the
           Presbyters
           ,
           who
           do
           succeed
           them
           in
           severall
           Nations
           ,
           Provinces
           ,
           Cities
           and
           circuits
           ,
           are
           by
           the
           superiour
           Assemblies
           and
           Synods
           held
           by
           the
           Apostles
           and
           
           Elders
           gathered
           together
           at
           Jerusalem
           about
           matter
           of
           greater
           concernment
           
             Act.
          
           6.
           2.
           and
           15.
           6.
           and
           21.
           18.
           warranted
           ,
           and
           declared
           to
           be
           
             Jure
             Divino
             ,
          
           and
           by
           the
           will
           and
           appointment
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           .
           Proved
           Sect.
           8.
           
        
         
           7.
           
           The
           Appeals
           from
           Congregationall
           Elderships
           to
           Classicall
           ,
           and
           from
           Classicall
           to
           Provinciall
           and
           Nationall
           ,
           are
           by
           the
           Appeal
           of
           the
           Church
           Presbyters
           ,
           and
           the
           two
           great
           Apostles
           
             Paul
          
           and
           
             Barnabas
          
           at
           
             Antioch
          
           to
           the
           high
           Synod
           at
           
             Ierusalem
             ,
          
           warranted
           and
           demonstrated
           to
           be
           
             Iure
             Divino
             ,
          
           and
           by
           the
           will
           and
           appointment
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           and
           their
           powers
           also
           .
        
         
           8.
           
           Occumenicall
           or
           universall
           Assemblies
           ,
           consisting
           of
           Pastours
           and
           Elders
           chosen
           out
           of
           all
           true
           Orthodox
           Christian
           Churches
           ,
           and
           sent
           as
           delegates
           from
           every
           Nationall
           Church
           ,
           are
           warranted
           by
           that
           Synod
           at
           
             Ierusalem
             ,
             Act.
          
           15.
           
           In
           which
           the
           Apostles
           there
           residing
           together
           with
           the
           two
           great
           Pastours
           of
           all
           the
           Churches
           of
           the
           
             Gentiles
             ,
             Paul
          
           and
           
             Barnabas
             ,
          
           and
           the
           Elders
           in
           
             Ierusalem
             ,
          
           and
           delegates
           from
           
             Antiochia
             ,
             Syria
             ,
          
           and
           
             Cilicia
             ,
          
           were
           assembled
           to
           decide
           a
           Controversie
           ,
           which
           concerned
           the
           universall
           Church
           of
           Christ
           ;
           And
           cannot
           with
           any
           good
           reason
           be
           denyed
           to
           be
           
             Iure
             Divino
             ,
          
           and
           by
           the
           will
           and
           appointment
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           .
        
         
           9.
           
           Though
           notorious
           scandalous
           offences
           ,
           for
           which
           persons
           thereof
           guilty
           ,
           are
           to
           be
           kept
           from
           the
           Sacrament
           of
           the
           Lords
           supper
           ,
           untill
           they
           professe
           repentance
           ,
           and
           promise
           amendment
           ,
           are
           easie
           to
           be
           discerned
           ,
           and
           noted
           by
           the
           generall
           multitude
           ,
           who
           may
           privatly
           judge
           them
           to
           be
           such
           :
           Yet
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           in
           his
           word
           ,
           gives
           power
           and
           authority
           to
           none
           ,
           by
           vertue
           of
           their
           office
           and
           calling
           ,
           to
           judge
           ,
           and
           declare
           by
           publike
           sentence
           ,
           what
           scandalous
           offences
           are
           worthy
           of
           such
           a
           censure
           ,
           and
           to
           keepe
           persons
           guilty
           of
           them
           from
           the
           holy
           Communion
           ;
           But
           onely
           Elderships
           Congregationall
           ,
           Classicall
           or
           others
           meerely
           Ecclesiasticall
           ,
           in
           which
           there
           are
           preaching
           Presbyters
           ,
           who
           are
           able
           ,
           and
           have
           a
           publike
           calling
           from
           Christ
           ,
           to
           expound
           the
           word
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           law
           and
           rule
           by
           which
           scandalous
           sinnes
           must
           be
           judged
           ,
           and
           censures
           given
           and
           executed
           .
           For
           on
           their
           persons
           ,
           and
           consciences
           ,
           the
           scandall
           ,
           and
           guilt
           will
           lye
           heavy
           ,
           if
           they
           profane
           the
           holy
           Sacrament
           
           by
           giving
           it
           wittingly
           to
           such
           as
           will
           eat
           and
           drinke
           unworthily
           ,
           and
           be
           guilty
           of
           the
           body
           and
           blood
           of
           Christ
           .
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           11.
           17.
           
           Proved
           sect.
           3.
           and
           5.
           
        
         
           10.
           
           There
           are
           certain
           particular
           rules
           (
           as
           the
           Scriptures
           cited
           in
           this
           foregoing
           discourse
           ,
           and
           divers
           others
           do
           shew
           )
           some
           openly
           expressed
           in
           the
           word
           of
           God
           ;
           others
           by
           necessary
           consequence
           from
           thence
           diducted
           ,
           which
           sufficiently
           direct
           all
           Elderships
           ,
           and
           all
           persons
           ,
           who
           are
           Elders
           in
           them
           ,
           in
           the
           exercise
           of
           the
           power
           Ecclesiasticall
           before
           mentioned
           ,
           and
           in
           performing
           all
           necessary
           acts
           of
           Church
           Government
           ,
           as
           receiving
           accusations
           ,
           publike
           admonition
           ,
           reproofe
           ,
           rebuke
           ,
           refusing
           to
           communicate
           with
           ,
           or
           to
           admit
           to
           the
           holy
           Communion
           sinners
           convicted
           of
           scandalous
           sins
           ,
           and
           persisting
           therein
           without
           repentance
           ,
           Excommunication
           ,
           and
           casting
           out
           of
           the
           Church
           them
           who
           refuse
           to
           be
           ashamed
           and
           reclaimed
           by
           the
           former
           meanes
           used
           ;
           and
           continue
           in
           contumacie
           ,
           disobedience
           ,
           scorne
           and
           contempt
           of
           the
           Churches
           iudgement
           ,
           and
           proceeding
           with
           them
           in
           the
           Name
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           Power
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           .
           Proved
           Sect.
           9.
           
        
         
           11.
           
           Although
           the
           Scriptures
           give
           great
           power
           to
           Christian
           Kings
           ,
           and
           Supreme
           Magistrates
           over
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           in
           their
           dominions
           ,
           and
           the
           civill
           Government
           thereof
           is
           in
           their
           hands
           .
           And
           all
           Christians
           ,
           and
           Ecclesiasticall
           persons
           of
           all
           orders
           ,
           and
           degrees
           are
           bound
           in
           Civill
           matters
           to
           be
           subject
           to
           them
           ,
           
             and
             to
             obey
             and
             honour
             them
             .
             Rom.
          
           13.
           1.
           
             Tit.
          
           3.
           1.
           and
           
             Pet.
          
           2.
           13.
           
           
             And
             as
             nursing
             fathers
             to
             the
             Church
             ,
             Isai.
          
           49.
           23.
           they
           have
           the
           power
           which
           
             David
             ,
             Solomon
             ,
             Asa
             ,
             Iehoshaphat
             ,
             Hezekiah
             ,
          
           and
           
             Iosiah
          
           exercised
           in
           purging
           and
           reforming
           the
           Church
           ,
           in
           commanding
           Ministers
           of
           the
           word
           ,
           and
           Church
           officers
           to
           execute
           their
           offices
           faithfully
           ;
           in
           punishing
           with
           Civill
           censures
           ,
           and
           deposing
           such
           as
           are
           scandalous
           and
           incorrigible
           ;
           in
           providing
           maintenance
           and
           setting
           up
           able
           Ministers
           to
           teach
           ,
           and
           instruct
           their
           subjects
           ,
           and
           allotting
           Gods
           portion
           to
           maintain
           his
           worship
           ,
           and
           service
           in
           his
           Church
           ;
           in
           granting
           liberty
           to
           all
           to
           professe
           true
           Christian
           religion
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           lawes
           for
           the
           punishing
           and
           restraining
           of
           wicked
           profane
           persons
           from
           disturbing
           their
           people
           in
           the
           holy
           service
           of
           God
           :
           Yet
           seeing
           the
           exercise
           of
           Government
           meerly
           Ecclesiasticall
           ,
           
           and
           the
           administration
           of
           holy
           ordinances
           is
           by
           Christ
           committed
           to
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           and
           their
           successours
           ,
           Pastours
           ,
           Teachers
           ,
           and
           Church
           officers
           ,
           with
           promise
           to
           be
           with
           them
           to
           the
           end
           of
           the
           world
           :
           And
           the
           office
           and
           authority
           of
           expounding
           the
           word
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           law
           and
           rule
           of
           Ecclesiasticall
           Government
           ,
           is
           left
           in
           their
           hands
           ,
           without
           mention
           of
           Civill
           magistracie
           ,
           which
           neither
           then
           was
           Christian
           ,
           nor
           for
           many
           ages
           after
           ,
           and
           yet
           the
           Church
           was
           well
           Governed
           ,
           encreased
           mightily
           and
           flourished
           in
           all
           piety
           ,
           religion
           and
           godlinesse
           .
           Therefore
           the
           supreme
           Magistracie
           is
           not
           allowed
           ,
           nor
           warranted
           by
           Scripture
           ,
           but
           excluded
           from
           intruding
           into
           the
           administration
           of
           holy
           Church
           ordinances
           ,
           and
           must
           leave
           the
           power
           of
           judging
           and
           determining
           of
           all
           things
           which
           concerne
           the
           publike
           worship
           and
           service
           of
           God
           to
           the
           infallible
           word
           of
           Christ
           ,
           the
           holy
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           to
           those
           who
           are
           by
           God
           set
           apart
           ,
           and
           furnished
           with
           gifts
           ,
           and
           abilities
           ,
           and
           ordained
           according
           to
           Christs
           institution
           unto
           the
           office
           of
           expounding
           the
           word
           and
           ministring
           in
           all
           holy
           things
           in
           the
           Church
           the
           house
           of
           God
           ,
           of
           which
           they
           are
           stewards
           ,
           officers
           and
           Ministers
           ,
           Proved
           Sect.
           3.
           and
           5.
           
        
         
           12.
           
           Church
           Discipline
           without
           sound
           Doctrine
           is
           a
           body
           without
           a
           soule
           .
           The
           key
           of
           Doctrine
           is
           the
           soul
           ,
           life
           ,
           guid
           ,
           and
           direction
           of
           Discipline
           ,
           and
           those
           two
           keys
           of
           the
           Kingdome
           of
           Heaven
           are
           inseparably
           tyed
           together
           ,
           and
           committed
           by
           Christ
           to
           the
           same
           hands
           .
           Discipline
           hath
           no
           power
           ,
           nor
           authority
           over
           the
           conscience
           ,
           but
           from
           the
           word
           rightly
           applyed
           .
           They
           who
           are
           bound
           and
           loosed
           on
           earth
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           infallible
           word
           ,
           are
           also
           bound
           and
           loosed
           in
           heaven
           :
           And
           Censures
           erring
           from
           the
           word
           are
           void
           in
           heaven
           .
           Sect.
           9.
           
        
         
           13.
           
           Civill
           Magistrates
           ,
           &
           other
           grave
           ,
           godly
           ,
           wise
           and
           discreet
           men
           ,
           are
           not
           excluded
           ,
           but
           may
           be
           chosen
           assisting
           Church
           Elders
           ,
           and
           together
           with
           preaching
           Presbyters
           may
           rule
           and
           Govern
           in
           those
           Elderships
           ,
           whereof
           they
           are
           Elders
           ,
           and
           have
           power
           and
           authority
           by
           the
           word
           of
           God
           to
           judge
           and
           determine
           in
           the
           Presbytery
           together
           with
           the
           Pastours
           (
           and
           not
           otherwise
           )
           who
           are
           scandalous
           offenders
           ,
           unworthy
           for
           the
           present
           to
           be
           admitted
           to
           the
           Lords
           table
           .
           For
           the
           word
           expounded
           by
           Ministers
           thereunto
           lawfully
           called
           ,
           is
           the
           law
           and
           perfect
           
           rule
           of
           all
           acts
           of
           Church
           Government
           and
           Censures
           .
        
         
           14.
           
           Provision
           of
           Commissioners
           who
           are
           no
           Church
           Elders
           ,
           and
           who
           are
           authorised
           onely
           by
           the
           Civill
           Magistracy
           to
           judge
           who
           are
           scandalous
           offenders
           ,
           not
           fit
           to
           receive
           the
           holy
           Sacrament
           ,
           is
           in
           the
           judgement
           of
           the
           best
           Divines
           of
           the
           reformed
           Churches
           ,
           and
           appeares
           by
           Scriptures
           before
           alledged
           ,
           to
           be
           a
           meere
           invention
           of
           humane
           policie
           ,
           which
           hath
           no
           example
           or
           warrant
           in
           Gods
           word
           ,
           and
           a
           manifest
           usurpation
           ,
           and
           giving
           of
           that
           power
           to
           others
           ,
           which
           Christ
           hath
           appropriated
           to
           the
           Apostles
           and
           Presbyters
           of
           his
           Church
           ,
           and
           so
           is
           contrary
           to
           the
           will
           and
           appointment
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           .
           Godly
           ministers
           generally
           are
           of
           this
           judgement
           ,
           that
           their
           approving
           and
           yeelding
           to
           the
           practice
           thereof
           ,
           is
           a
           breach
           of
           the
           Nationall
           league
           and
           Covenant
           .
           King
           
             Vzziah
          
           was
           plagued
           by
           God
           with
           an
           incurable
           leprosie
           ,
           for
           medling
           in
           the
           administration
           of
           holy
           ordinances
           ,
           and
           in
           so
           doing
           his
           heart
           was
           lifted
           up
           to
           his
           destruction
           ,
           and
           he
           transgressed
           against
           the
           Lord
           his
           God
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           26.
           16.
           
           In
           many
           men
           ,
           who
           highly
           applaud
           ,
           extoll
           and
           vehemently
           urge
           this
           new
           device
           and
           practice
           ,
           it
           favours
           too
           much
           of
           scorne
           ,
           contempt
           ,
           envy
           and
           a
           most
           uncharitable
           opinion
           conceived
           against
           the
           godly
           ,
           learned
           ,
           faithfull
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           watchfull
           Pastours
           of
           his
           Church
           ,
           and
           brands
           both
           them
           and
           all
           those
           who
           are
           to
           be
           set
           up
           hereafter
           in
           all
           places
           of
           the
           land
           ,
           (
           if
           the
           godly
           reformation
           desired
           ,
           be
           really
           intended
           ,
           and
           sincerely
           prosecuted
           )
           with
           insufficiency
           ,
           and
           want
           of
           grace
           to
           do
           the
           worke
           unto
           which
           God
           hath
           called
           them
           .
           It
           seemes
           to
           call
           in
           question
           the
           faithfullnesse
           of
           Christ
           ,
           who
           hath
           promised
           to
           be
           with
           them
           allwayes
           even
           unto
           the
           end
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           
             Math.
          
           28.
           20.
           
           Many
           wise
           and
           godly
           people
           hold
           it
           a
           perverse
           imagination
           ,
           and
           a
           thing
           unreasonable
           to
           thinke
           ,
           that
           wise
           ,
           discreet
           and
           godly
           men
           ,
           being
           chosen
           Elders
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           joyned
           in
           Elderships
           with
           learned
           and
           faithfull
           Ministers
           ,
           who
           can
           expound
           the
           word
           ,
           and
           give
           them
           the
           true
           sense
           of
           the
           law
           of
           Christ
           ,
           shall
           or
           will
           not
           be
           more
           able
           to
           judge
           of
           scandalls
           ,
           and
           what
           persons
           are
           fit
           or
           unfit
           to
           be
           admitted
           to
           the
           Lords
           Supper
           ,
           then
           the
           same
           persons
           being
           commissioners
           by
           themselves
           .
           As
           if
           Christ
           were
           not
           able
           ,
           ready
           ,
           and
           willing
           to
           give
           grace
           and
           assistance
           to
           them
           which
           are
           his
           chosen
           servants
           ,
           and
           ministers
           of
           his
           Church
           in
           things
           spirituall
           
           all
           ,
           as
           the
           supreme
           magistracy
           is
           to
           give
           to
           his
           new
           formed
           Creatures
           ,
           who
           are
           never
           owned
           by
           Christ
           in
           all
           the
           new
           Testament
           .
           Surely
           no
           rationall
           man
           will
           so
           much
           as
           dreame
           ,
           That
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           ,
           who
           are
           able
           to
           teach
           the
           supreme
           Magistrate
           his
           duty
           ,
           how
           to
           be
           just
           ,
           and
           to
           rule
           over
           men
           in
           the
           feare
           of
           God
           ,
           are
           not
           able
           to
           rule
           their
           owne
           flock
           ,
           over
           which
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           made
           them
           overseers
           ;
           or
           that
           Church
           Government
           in
           their
           hands
           to
           whom
           Christ
           hath
           committed
           it
           ,
           will
           prove
           more
           arbitrary
           ,
           irregular
           ,
           unlimited
           ,
           and
           tyrannicall
           then
           the
           Government
           both
           of
           Commonwealth
           and
           Church
           in
           the
           hands
           of
           Civill
           Magistrates
           ,
           seeing
           Ministers
           and
           Church
           Elders
           have
           a
           certaine
           and
           infallible
           rule
           ,
           the
           word
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           which
           alone
           they
           are
           limited
           ,
           and
           by
           which
           the
           spirit
           of
           God
           is
           promised
           to
           direct
           them
           in
           all
           Censures
           ,
           and
           Church
           Government
           .
           But
           civill
           Magistrates
           have
           no
           such
           speciall
           promise
           of
           assistance
           from
           Christ
           ,
           and
           they
           rule
           by
           the
           uncertain
           lawes
           of
           men
           ,
           and
           have
           an
           arbitrary
           power
           to
           make
           lawes
           which
           are
           sometimes
           found
           contrary
           to
           the
           word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           therefore
           unjust
           and
           tyrannicall
           over
           the
           Consciences
           of
           Christians
           ,
           till
           they
           be
           repealed
           and
           declared
           to
           be
           void
           .
        
         
           And
           there
           can
           be
           no
           just
           suspition
           or
           feare
           of
           tyranny
           in
           the
           Government
           of
           the
           Church
           left
           in
           the
           hands
           of
           Church
           Elders
           ,
           where
           Christ
           hath
           placed
           it
           ;
           seeing
           the
           supreme
           Magistracy
           ,
           (
           as
           keeper
           of
           both
           tables
           ,
           in
           all
           Christian
           Kingdomes
           and
           states
           )
           hath
           as
           much
           Civill
           power
           to
           curb
           ,
           and
           punish
           them
           for
           male-administration
           of
           Church
           Government
           ,
           abuse
           of
           their
           power
           ,
           and
           manifest
           corruption
           of
           Christs
           ordinances
           ,
           and
           to
           depose
           and
           cast
           them
           out
           of
           their
           office
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           scandallous
           and
           incorrigible
           ;
           as
           they
           have
           to
           reprove
           him
           by
           Gods
           word
           ,
           for
           any
           notorious
           scandallous
           sinnes
           ,
           to
           admonish
           him
           of
           his
           duty
           ,
           to
           threaten
           him
           from
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           lay
           his
           judgements
           close
           to
           him
           ,
           when
           he
           goeth
           on
           in
           his
           sins
           of
           injustice
           ,
           profanenes
           ,
           licentiousnes
           and
           the
           like
           .
        
         
           And
           now
           I
           will
           conclude
           all
           with
           some
           breif
           answers
           to
           the
           grievous
           accusations
           ;
           and
           loud
           clamours
           raised
           against
           the
           Ministery
           in
           generall
           ,
           as
           if
           the
           staine
           ,
           and
           guilt
           of
           all
           those
           errours
           ,
           and
           scandallous
           vices
           of
           pride
           ,
           covetousnes
           ,
           ambition
           and
           ignorance
           ,
           envy
           and
           cruelty
           ,
           which
           were
           found
           heretofore
           in
           the
           corrupt
           Popish
           and
           Prelaticall
           Clergy
           ,
           did
           still
           cleave
           to
           
           all
           Presbyters
           and
           Pastours
           of
           Christs
           Church
           ,
           and
           were
           hereditary
           to
           them
           .
        
         
           We
           meet
           with
           this
           accusation
           and
           calumnie
           now
           adayes
           allmost
           in
           every
           company
           ,
           and
           at
           every
           rich
           mans
           table
           ,
           and
           in
           every
           libellous
           Printed
           pamphlet
           ,
           set
           forth
           weekly
           by
           Newes
           Mongers
           :
           That
           Presbyterians
           are
           as
           proud
           as
           Prelates
           ;
           and
           if
           Ministes
           get
           into
           their
           hands
           Church
           Discipline
           ,
           they
           will
           tyrannize
           ,
           and
           Lord
           is
           over
           their
           flocks
           ,
           and
           the
           same
           spirit
           of
           pride
           ,
           envy
           ,
           covetousnes
           ,
           errour
           and
           cruelty
           ,
           will
           worke
           in
           them
           ,
           which
           ruled
           in
           the
           Prelates
           ,
           and
           in
           popish
           Bishops
           formerly
           .
        
         
           To
           these
           I
           answer
           ,
           first
           ,
           That
           if
           we
           search
           all
           histories
           of
           the
           Church
           in
           all
           ages
           ,
           we
           shall
           never
           finde
           in
           any
           Church
           or
           Kingdom
           ;
           so
           many
           godly
           ,
           learned
           ,
           faithfull
           ,
           and
           sincere
           Ministers
           ,
           holding
           so
           fast
           their
           integrity
           of
           life
           ,
           and
           purity
           of
           doctrine
           under
           so
           great
           corruption
           of
           Government
           ,
           both
           in
           Church
           and
           State
           ,
           and
           after
           so
           great
           tyranny
           raging
           in
           both
           ;
           together
           with
           so
           many
           temptations
           ,
           hatred
           ,
           and
           persecution
           of
           godly
           and
           zealous
           Preachers
           ,
           and
           so
           open
           countenancing
           of
           prophanenes
           ,
           errour
           ,
           and
           heresie
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           had
           of
           late
           years
           ,
           and
           have
           at
           this
           day
           ;
           whom
           neither
           persecution
           ,
           losse
           of
           goods
           and
           estates
           ,
           nor
           bonds
           ,
           nor
           imprisonment
           ;
           no
           nor
           hopes
           and
           offers
           of
           preferment
           ,
           honour
           or
           riches
           could
           move
           from
           their
           stedfastnes
           .
           And
           yet
           all
           this
           cannot
           stop
           the
           mouths
           of
           the
           sons
           of
           
             Belial
             ,
          
           whose
           hearts
           are
           hardened
           ,
           and
           their
           tongues
           set
           on
           fire
           of
           hell
           ,
           to
           revile
           the
           Ministers
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           whose
           blamelesse
           lives
           convince
           them
           of
           malicious
           slander
           ,
           lying
           and
           impudency
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           is
           manifest
           to
           all
           equall
           and
           judicious
           men
           ,
           that
           the
           supreme
           Magistracy
           hath
           been
           the
           cheif
           cause
           of
           such
           an
           ungodly
           and
           scandallous
           Ministery
           ,
           pestring
           this
           Kingdome
           of
           late
           yeares
           .
           For
           who
           ,
           like
           
             Jeroboam
             ,
          
           did
           preferre
           the
           basest
           of
           the
           people
           to
           be
           Priests
           of
           the
           high
           places
           ,
           namely
           Court
           flatterrers
           ,
           ambitious
           bribers
           ,
           importunate
           beggers
           ,
           Simoniacks
           ,
           and
           slaves
           to
           great
           mens
           lusts
           ,
           but
           the
           suprem
           Magistracy
           ,
           licentious
           Nobility
           ,
           profane
           gentry
           ,
           and
           covetous
           patrons
           of
           benefices
           ?
           Who
           ,
           but
           the
           supreme
           Magistracy
           hindred
           the
           lawfull
           ordination
           of
           Ministers
           by
           Presbyteries
           ,
           after
           strict
           examination
           ,
           and
           tryall
           had
           of
           their
           learning
           and
           gifts
           ,
           and
           upon
           testimony
           and
           experience
           of
           their
           honest
           life
           and
           conversation
           ;
           and
           gave
           
           the
           sole
           power
           thereof
           into
           the
           hands
           of
           those
           who
           commonly
           hated
           true
           godlines
           ,
           and
           either
           carelessely
           ,
           or
           corruptly
           ,
           and
           of
           purpose
           admitted
           vile
           unworthy
           persons
           into
           the
           holy
           calling
           of
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           who
           were
           either
           unlearned
           and
           not
           gifted
           ;
           or
           if
           learned
           ,
           and
           men
           of
           parts
           ,
           were
           vicious
           ,
           men
           of
           corrupt
           minde
           ,
           prone
           and
           strong
           to
           do
           mischeif
           ?
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           the
           supreme
           Magistracy
           by
           robbing
           the
           greatest
           part
           of
           parish
           Churches
           ,
           and
           selling
           away
           all
           impropriat
           Benefices
           to
           the
           Nobility
           and
           Gentrie
           ,
           and
           they
           covetously
           retaining
           them
           in
           their
           possession
           ,
           have
           made
           the
           Churches
           and
           Ministery
           base
           ,
           contemptible
           ,
           and
           beggerly
           .
           And
        
         
           Lastly
           it
           seemes
           to
           reflect
           upon
           the
           supreme
           Magistracy
           in
           these
           dayes
           ,
           That
           there
           is
           such
           a
           scarcity
           of
           profitable
           pr●●●chers
           ,
           and
           that
           many
           Congregations
           are
           wholly
           unprovided
           ,
           and
           others
           are
           out
           of
           necessity
           forced
           to
           content
           themselves
           with
           soule-starving
           shepherds
           ,
           and
           many
           young
           men
           ,
           of
           learning
           ,
           and
           of
           hopefull
           gifts
           ,
           finding
           no
           lawfull
           way
           of
           entering
           into
           the
           Ministery
           ,
           and
           terrified
           with
           the
           intolerable
           taxes
           ,
           and
           other
           great
           grievances
           ,
           and
           discouragments
           under
           which
           many
           Ministers
           of
           great
           worth
           do
           lye
           groaning
           ,
           are
           moved
           to
           withdraw
           their
           mindes
           from
           the
           study
           of
           Divinity
           ,
           and
           betake
           themselves
           to
           other
           callings
           .
           This
           certainly
           is
           not
           the
           fault
           of
           the
           learned
           Presbyters
           of
           this
           time
           ,
           who
           earnestly
           desire
           ,
           and
           have
           petitioned
           for
           liberty
           by
           the
           civill
           sanction
           ,
           to
           joyne
           together
           in
           Classicall
           Presbyteries
           ,
           and
           to
           ordaine
           Ministers
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           advice
           of
           the
           Reverend
           Assembly
           ,
           and
           the
           rules
           by
           them
           gathered
           out
           of
           Gods
           holy
           word
           .
           It
           remaines
           therefore
           ,
           that
           they
           and
           all
           the
           godly
           in
           the
           land
           ,
           do
           cry
           mightily
           unto
           God
           in
           dayly
           prayer
           ,
           that
           he
           would
           pour
           out
           his
           spirit
           upon
           the
           high
           Court
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           and
           incline
           the
           heart
           of
           the
           supreme
           Magistracy
           to
           yeeld
           to
           the
           petitions
           and
           importunity
           of
           the
           City
           ,
           of
           the
           Assembly
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Ministers
           of
           the
           Countrey
           ;
           and
           to
           be
           intreated
           in
           so
           necessary
           ,
           pious
           ,
           profitable
           and
           religious
           a
           request
           ,
           so
           easily
           granted
           ,
           to
           satisfie
           the
           longing
           desires
           ,
           and
           hungring
           ,
           and
           thirsting
           soules
           of
           all
           godly
           people
           ,
           that
           they
           and
           we
           may
           rejoyce
           together
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           may
           blesse
           his
           holy
           name
           ,
           for
           the
           abundance
           of
           peace
           extended
           to
           us
           like
           a
           river
           ,
           and
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           may
           be
           our
           King
           ,
           and
           his
           Name
           one
           in
           all
           the
           three
           Kingdomes
           .
        
         
           FINIS
           .