A Free, Plain, and Just Way Concerning Communion and Excommunication, At, Or from The Lord's Table. With A Christian Account Concerning the same. With Answers to the Objections to the contrary.  
In which is showed, that the Church to day hath no more power to excommunicate from the Lords Table, than it had yesterday power to separate from the Altar, unto which sinners were exhorted by the Church to go; whereby their praises and repentance. And that the pretended differences in Baptism, are no just ground of separation.  
Written by Willam Kaye, with Christians approbation, with submission to the general Oversight.  
He taketh away the first, [the sacrifice of the Altar] that he might establish a second [Christ's sacrifice held forth at the Lords Table.]  
Having therefore boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us through the veil which is his flesh, Heb. 10.1, 2, 8, 9, 19, 20.  The bread which we break, is it not the Communion of the body of Christ, etc. 1 Cor. 10.16. 
Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat, etc. 1 Cor. 11.28.  
Printed in the year, 1655.   

A Christian account concerning the acknowledgement of Communion and Excommunication.  
Humbly presented to all Christians to judge thereof, and to undeceive such as have heard of it as falsely reported.  
TO persevere in the Christian profession, moderation, truth, and unity, speaks so much your experience in your effectual calling, as that you know that it is not so much a matter of admiration, to find out the strait way of Reformation, by following of Christ in the forsaking of Antichrist, as it is to finish our Course, faithfully, and orderly; for if the spirit of Core, and Demas, have more place left in them for schism, pride and worldlyness, as a bow over bent they will break, start a side, or shipwreck their professions.  
Not then to please men, but God, is to fight with the wolf, which would devour the sheep, and red Dragon which doth watch to destroy the truths which are to be brought forth, as the food for the souls of Gods elect people; so that a faithful pastor must stand as a Rock, against which the waves of the envious sea of reproaches may break itself, as not able to break down the standard of sincere professors, for whose sake it is the specicall duty, of ever Gospel-minister, not only Christ-like, to be sanctified, but also even to dare to be sacrificed, John. 10.  
To suffer then any of the flock of Christ to want their most precious food, as I judge myself, were justly to condemn me to be either mercienarily unfaithful, or politicly subtle, contrary to self-denial, and simplicity, the shining jamage of Christiantie, that all stumbling stones might be cast out of the way of God's people, I having earnestly sought God, to make the way to his supper plain before me.  
As the Lord hath returned, I most humbly present this Christian consent, concerning Communion and Excommunication as the Lords Table; with my sermon Entitled the Doctrine of the martyrs Remembered, and a Declaration, both holding foth in part, the Doctrine with some discoveries of undew, negligent administrations, and causeless separation.  
And now I do most humbly appeal unto you in every respect fit judges, whether any Christian that desires to be honest and faithful to the profession which according to his light he doth acknowledge in Baptism, hath any just occasion to complain, that this way is too strict, or that he is debarred from Receiving.  
Or that any aught to judge one an others conscience for out submiting unto Baptism as they acknowledge it.  
And further, in that we profess to worship, Praise, renew ourselves as we have sinned against our Creator, and merciful Father, in going unto the throne of Grace, as from the beginning, held forth in the new and Living way, as in Christ revealed, and in that we profess to judge no man's light, Jew nor Gentile, so as to persecute them, nor to separate from any Christian that shall according to his light, that is in him, walk up to the rule in acknowledging his Baptism as he hath atained.  
And in that we profess, as from the beginning, the Magistrates power in the Church, and avoid all schisms and factions.  
Therefore we call the world to witness, whether we hereby give any occasion, or provoke any man though of contrary judgement to persecute or Reproach us, if they be either honest or reasonable, we desiring to be informed (all seeing but in part) wherein we are erring from the primitive Churches: we desiring, That the communion of Saints is an Article of Faith, by which God is the Father of all believers.  
W. Kaye.   

A Free, Plain, and Just Way Concerning Communion and Excommunication, At, Or from The Lord's Table.  

1. Concerning admission into Church-Communion to the Lords Table.  
ALL Christians that shall willingly acknowledge their Baptism, according to the measure of Light that they have 
* Phil. 3.16. comp. with Rom. 14.14, 15.  attained to, holding forth their belief in Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and shall desire also to receive the Lords Supper 
* 1 Cor. 11.28.  upon examination of themselves, through Gospel-repentance, and to 
* 1 Cor. 11.29.  discern the Lords Body, for the strengthening of their Faith, to endeavour, to 
* Mat. 5.16.  glorify God in the observation of prayer in private with 
* Mat. 6.6. Act. 10.2. Christians profess prayer both in private and public.  Lords Day-worship, reading and hearing the Scriptures read in public, with prayer, preaching, 
* Act. 7.20. Act. 16.13, 14.  singing of Psalms, Fasting, and Church-Government, with approbation and submission to the 
* Mat. 26.30.  Magistrates power therein, as well as in civil jurisdiction: That an orderly, honest, sober, peaceable, 
* 1 Tim. 1.9, 10.2 Theff, 2.4.  and humble conversation towards all men, might be preserved; aught to break Bread together with God's people, at the Lords Table.   

2. Concerning Separation or Excommunication.  
ALl such Christians, as are or shall be admitted, as abovesaid, ought not to be excommunicated, or separated from the Lords Table for any sin or error, by which they shall be overtaken (for which there remaineth a 
* Mat. 18.15, 16, 17.  sacrifice) If they shall either by 
* Heb. 10.26.  private, or public Christian exhortation or advice be gained, so as not wilfully to refuse to receive the Supper of the Lord, by which Christian Ordinance they have a blessed opportunity, to 
* Mat. 18. Praises and repentance are perfected by the discovering of Christ's body,  perfect their Praises and Repentance.   

3. The ground why any should receive, that graciously desire it.  
ALl Christians that would walk according to the light that's in them, by which a sacrifice for sin as in Cain and Abel was held forth from the beginning, must expect that Christ be the same to us to day, as he was yesterday to our forefathers, with further improvement of light and liberty. Therefore though by Christ the Only 
* Heb. 10.1, 2, etc. 8, 9, 19, 29.  Sacrifice for our sins, the sacrifices of Beasts as a shadow thereof are totally abolished, yet hath he established a second in his Supper, to hold forth his Body by the blessed Bread and Wine, as the Commemoration of his sacrifice, which therefore ought often to be administered in every private Oversight, with the submission to the General, for the soul-uniting, reforming, and comforting of God's people, wherein they Jeeking the welfare of their souls, ought no more to be deprived of this hidden Manna, then to have their Bodily food taken from them. Objections to the contrary answered.  
Object. 1. With contrary judgements in respect of Baptism there is no Communion.  
Answ. If men's judgements only differ, in not attaining to the same measure of knowledge in all circumstances concerning Baptism (defects and imperfections in prayers, singing and in the Lord's Supper, arising either through ignorance or frailty, being made perfect as well as the imperfections in Baptism, through Christ's Mediatorship) therefore though with the Apostle we may condemn each others opinion, and say we know and perceive by the Lord Jesus, that it is 
* Rom. 14.14, 15.  nothing, yet must we not notwithstanding, as the Apostle teacheth us; we cannot condemn any man's conscience in his endeavouring to submit, as he hath 
* Phil. 3.16.  attained unto the rule: to measure then ourselves by ourselves, and so compare ourselves by ourselves, so as to set at nought our Brethren, whom God commands us not to judge, looking after the rule, as they have attained, is not equal. Or it is not the mind of Christ in respect of difference of judgement in attaining to the rule to separate or refer to Communicate with such as walk in imitation of Christ in all his commandments.  
Object. 2, The Church of Cornith did Excommunicate the incestuous person; and we are required, that if a brother be a drunkard, an idolater, an adulterer, a covetous person, or extortioner, not to eat or drink with him, or bear him company.  
Answ. The Church of Cornith, or private brethren, had not power of Excommunication, and therefore Paul not leaving it to them to judge, bade them, as he had already judged, to put away the wicked person, as he wished in another place they were cut off that troubled the Church; which putting away, and and cutting off, must not be done without a fair trial by witnesses and judgement in case of denial, or not except they shall not be gained upon admonition; for none can be excommunicated without lawful proceeding, according to the rule, 
An Heretic was to have two admonitions, Tit. 3.10.  or appointment of Jesus Christ, as he hath ordered to judge any offender which is to be admonished by one or more, if by the first he be not in a private way grieved; and then to tell it to the Church, which Church by the mouth of their Pastor or Angel, is in the name of Christ, and in Christ's stead to exhort, allure and persuade the offending Brother to be reconciled to God by the blood of Christ's Sacrifice, held forth in the Lord's Supper; 
A man must not be excluded for impenitency, till he rejectth the means whereby he may be penitent, or refuse to look up to Christ, as by the brazen Serpent.  so that the Church must not Excommunicate before a man do wilfully refuse to profess Repentance, or to Communicate: for as it was never so from the beginning, so it is unreasonable for the Church to Excommunicate a man from the Lords Supper, if he shall be penitent; as it were for a man to withhold his neighbour, that is both wounded and besmeared, to go to the Physician and fountain to be washed and cured. The Church than cannot Excommunicate a sinner that thirsts after reconciliation, or deprive any Christian of his spiritual food, and garment of Righteousness; seeing Christ is preached to such, offered to such, invites such, and says that he will not in any wise cast away any that cometh unto him.  
Object. 3. If men be not excluded for the breach of their profession in Baptism, but may have liberty to profess repentance, they may run from sin to sin, and so continue without repentance.  
Answ. This conjecture is as unreasonable, as it is to suppose that to suffer a man to hear the word preached, were the cause of unbelieving, though it be true that all that hear become not believers: therefore if we have the Spirit of Jesus, we must not be offended with unprofitable hearers, because it is their right and the means appointed for their salvation; which to oppose them in, is to shut the Kingdom of Heaven against men. So in the like manner we must not be offended, though these that profess their Baptism, and so are admitted to the Lords Table, shall often receive without visible fruit of Reformation, because it is their privilege and means of heart-Reformation and Christian communion: for if they belong unto God, they shall in his appointed time become worthy partakers; and if not, the Devil Judas-like will enter into their hearts, whereby they shall persecute or forsake their profession, or the external judgement of God will fall upon them, as it did on some of the Corinthians, so that they shall not, as is objected, long continue; for the Devil cannot endure to be long tormented with the blood of Christ held forth in this Ordinance.   

Obj. 4. This is an easy way, or openeth the door too wide, or giveth too much liberty.  
Ans. It is no more easy than our fathers that lived under the Law enjoyed, save that they were burdened with ceremonial cleansings, and sacrificing of their flocks, whereby they gave the meat from their mouths, and we may have by Bread and Wine the sanctified refreshments both of body and soul; and therefore that the yoke is made easy to be born, is not to be objected against, but to be highly prized.   

Obj. 5. How can it be proved that the Lords Supper in all intents doth succeed the use of the Altar which is abolished?  
Ans. Though he hath taken away the first, the Sacrifies of the Law offered on the Altar, yet hath he established a second, Heb. 10.9, 10. the sacrificing of Christ himself held forth in the Lord's Supper, the New and Living way to go to the Holiest by his blood, Heb. 13.9, 10. 
The Altar and the Lords Table compared.  For as they that went to the Altar perfected their repentance and praises, to strengthen their faith in the belief of Christ the Lamb, slain from the beginning, with further expectation that Christ should be revealed; so in this every one that is to come to the Lords Supper is in like manner, 1. 
* 1 Cor. 11.28.  To exaime themselves to the reforming of their lives, or perfecting of repentance. 2. To 
* 1 Cor. 11.  discern the Lords Body, once sacrificed for them. 3. To have their faith strengthened in the remembrance of his second coming. And 4. To celebrate praise, a 
* 1 Cor. 11.26.  feastival; so that the Doctrine of the Altar, 
* 1 Cor. 5.  and the Lords Supper held forth in the second, succeedeth the first, or the sacrifice of the Altar, in all uses, and intentions.   

Obj. 6. This brings us unto the old way again.  
Ans. If by the old way be meant that we should observe that old way that Christ and his Apostles, and Primitive Churches, and their successors for six hundred years after Christ observed, when were Golden Pastors, 
Golden Pastors and wooden Cups.  and Christians did often receive with gladness of heart, praising God, living in simplicity, sincerity, and holiness; it were a mercy then to see this good and old path, for which our Martyrs contended for, restored: 
Note.  For as we have more and more digressed from the old way, we have by little and little, run into the ways of Schism, causeless separation, errors and profaneness, so that Christianity is almost brought to prophesy in sackcloth, and that he that opposeth error maketh himself a prey, if not a sign and wonder. Therefore if God intent to bless this Nation with his wont presence, when Christians unitedly, and faithfully according to their light did communicate, than we shall see the old way again restored, and so we shall be called the repairers of the Breaches.   

Obj. 7. We know none but you that hold this opinion.  
Ans. Then are you not acquainted with many solid, 
Artic. 28.  sober and zealous Christians, the Ancient Fathers, and Modern Divines, and ignorant of the Doctrine or Article of the Church of England, that have made free passage to the Supper of the Lord, as ever God made to the Altar for the humble, thirsty, and penitent, so far from drawing back, 
Mr. Prinns Separation separated.  as that they did rather through zeal to their souls, compel them to communicate. But especially you have not seen Mr. Prinns Book, our zealous and faithful witness of the Truth, who hath very notably defended a new way to the Lords Table, so that I know none that held the contrary opinion, but Tyrannical Antichrist and some professing Saints, for whom I mourn to see them write after Rome's copy, in their private Church-discipline of exclusion from the Lords Table: As though the Church Keyes were turned into Door-bolts; and the sweet honey of the Kingdom of Heaven should be changed into the juice of sour Grapes of the Degenerated vineyard, in that penitent groans are slighted by Politic suspensions, though they have not a letter or consequence of Scripture, to judge of their brethren's hearts, for the space of a week, day, or hour in respect of repentance, whereby to exclude them from the Lords Supper, which is not only called the sign of that love which Christians should have one to another; 
Doct. of the Church of England.  but it is called the Sacrament of our Redemption; In which way to see it freely and duly administered to the glory of God in the unity and consolation of all Saints and poor sinners, is the way that is only aimed at: for the profession of which I eat my hidden Manna, in suffering the hatred and reproach of some persecuting spirits.   

Obj. 8. It appertaineth not to the Magistrate to have to do in Church Government.  
Ans. Though it be well known that the Magistrate had ever supreme power in the Church, and that the Gospel-disciples than might and were owned till Antichrist opposed them, yet it cannot be proved, that either under the Law or in the New Testament that private Brethren of any Church, aught to Judge, or rule in matters of Excommunication, or matters of Law; for than they should be Rulers and not ruled. To have then a Magistrate to appeal unto, and that the Magistrate with the Ministers take the General oversight, 
See more of this in my Declaration.  and judge all private oversights, is to make them Nursing Fathers, and the Churches to grow in Grace, Truth, and Unity.  
FINIS.