A Man may be a member of the visible Church and no member of the Catholique Church, Iohn 17, 12. Gen. 4, 11, 1 [...], Heb. 12, 1 [...], 2 Sam. 7.15.

A man may be a member of the Catholique church & no member of the visible church. 1 King, 14, 13. Rev. 18, 4. Rom. 11.4 1. King. 19, 18.

The Catholique church is the company of the Elect. Iohn. 1 [...].20. & it is invisible. Col. 1.20.

The visible church is a visible communion of saints. Mat 13.12. Act. 2. [...].41.42.46. & 1.15. & 19.7. 1 Cor. 1, 2. Phil. [...], 1. al which are to be accounted faithful and elect: Eph. 1, 1, 4, 5, 7, 1 [...], 13, 14 til they by obstinacy in sin and apostacy declare the contrary. 1 Iohn. 2, 19.2 Tim, [...].10 &. 1.1, 19.20.2. Thes, 3.14.15.2. Tim. [...].17.18-21.

It is one thing to be a Saint, another thing to be of the visible communion of Saints. 1 King. 14, 13. compared with 2. Chron. 13, 8-12,

The communion of Saints is either Invi­sible or visible, Eph. 3.17. Mat. 18.10. Heb. 1.14. 1 Cor. 3.13.9.13.

The invisible cō ­munion is with

• Christ 1 Cor. 15.28. Eph
• Elect 1.17.1. Cor. 13.13.

Invisible communion vvith Christ is by the spirit and faith, Eph. 3.17. and 4.4. and 2.22.

Invisible cōmunion vvith the Elect.

• Men Heb. 1.14.
• Angels 1 Cor. 13.13

Men Elect are

• Dead Elect living are uncalled
• Living Elect living are called.

Communion with the Elect living is prayer proceeding from love, Iohn. 17 20.

For them that are uncalled that they may be called, Rom. 10.1.

For them that are called that they may be confirmed, Col. 1.9.12.

Communion with the Elect Angels is the help of their ministery. Mat 18, 10 Heb. 1, 14. Gen. 28 12. & 32.1 2. Psal, 34, 7. reverence of them 1. Cor. 11.10. & love unto them. 1 Cor. 13, 13.

A visible communion of Saints is of two, three, or moe saincts ioyned together by cove­nant with God & themselves, freely to use al the holy things of God according to the word, for then mutual edification, & Gods [Page]glory. Mat. 18.20. Deut, 29, 12. &c. Psal. 147.19 & 149, 6-9. Rev. 1.16.

This visible communion of Saincts is a visi­ble Church. Mat. 18.20, Act. 1.15. & 2.1.41.42.46.

The visible church is the only religious so­cietie that God hath ordeined for men on earth. Iohn. 14.6. Mat. 18, 20. & [...], 13.14. 2. Chron. 13.8.12. Act. 4.12. Rev. 18.4. 2. Cor 6.16-18.

All religious societies except that of a vi­sible church are unlawful: as Abbayes, mo­nasteries, Nunries, Cathedrals, Collegiats, pa­rishes.

The visible church is Gods ordinance & a means to worship god in. Eph. 4, 6.-6, Mark. 13.34. 2. Chron. 13.10.11. Heb. 3.6. com­pared with Heb. 8.5. & 3.2.-6.

No religious communion to be had, but with members of a visible church Mat. 18.17.20. 1. Cor. 5, 12. Act. 4.11.12. 2. Cor. 6.16-18. Rev, 18.4.

Whatsoever companie or communion of men, do worship God, being not of the com­munion of a visible church, sinne. 2. Chron. 13.9.10. Mat. 15.9, 1. Cor. 5.12.13.

The true visible church is the narrow way that leadeth to life with few find Ioh. 14.6. Mat. 7.14.

Other religious communions are the broad [Page]way that leadeth to destruction which many find: Mat. 7.13. Acts. 4.12.

Gods word doth absolutely describe unto us the only true shape of a true visible church Mark. 13.34. 1, Cor. 12.5 Heb. 8.5. & 3.2.6▪ Rev. 22.18, 19.2. Tim. 3, 16, 17. Rom. 14.23. Heb. 11 6,

There is one only true shape or portraiture of a the visible church for there is onely one faith & trueth in everie thing. Ioh: 14.6, Eph. 4, 4, 5. 1 Cor 1.10.13. I h. 17.17.

Formes, or shapes, of visible churches or re­ligious communions, to worship God in or by, devised by men are intellectuall Idols, or mental Idolatry. Exod 20.4, 5, Mat, 15, 9.2. Coron 17, 8, 12. 1 King. 12.33.

Visible Churches or religious communions constituted according to the forged devise of men are reall Idols, and to joyne to them and to worship God in them is to joyne to Idols, or to worship God in or by Idols, by conse­quent from the former.

Visible churches or religious communions are either true or false, Ioh. 14.6. Psal. 119, 28 2 Chro 1, 8, 12. Eph. 4, 4, 5, 6.

True visible churches are such as have the true essential causes and properties, which Gods word ascribeth to the true visible Church, from the definition thereof. False churches are the contrary to the true by portion.

To a true visible Church are requisite three things 1 True matter. 2. true forme. 3. true properties.

The true matter of a true visible Church are Saints, Exod. 28, 9, 10, 15-21. compared with Rev. 11, 11-21. & 1 King [...], 17, compared wi [...]h 1 Pet. 2.5, Levit. 1 [...]. [...] 1 [...], [...] 4 [...], compared with Rev 18, 2, 1 Pet. 2, De [...]. 1 [...], [...] [...]om 1, 7, 1 Cor. 1, 2. Eph 1, 1, Phil. 1, 1, 1 Pet. 1, 2, Heb. 3, 1.

Saints are men seperated from all knowne sin, practising the whol will of Go [...] kn [...]w [...]e unto them Col. 1, 2. & 2, 11-1 [...]. Rom. 17. and 6.2.12.22 growing in grace and know [...]edg. 2. Pet. 3.18. continuing to the end 1. Ioh. 2.19.

The true form of a true visible Church is partly inward partly outward.

The inward part of the fo [...]me consisteth in 3. things 1. the Spirit. 2 Faith. 3 love.

The Spirit is the soule animating the whole body Ephe. 4 4. 1 Cor. 12.4.11-13.7-10. 1 Cor. 6.17.

Faith uniteth the members of the body to the head Christ: Eph. 3.1 & 4.13.15. & 5.30. 23. 1 Cor. 6.17.

Love uniteth the members of the body each to other. Eph. 2.20.21. & 4.16.3. Col. 3.14.15.

The outward part of the true forme of the [Page]true visible church is a vow, promise, oath, or covenant betwixt God and the Saints: by pro­portion from the inward forme: see also Gen. 17.1.2. and 15, 18. Deut. 29.1 9-13.2. Chron. 29.10, & 34.30.32. Psal. 119.106. Nehem. 9, 38. & 10.29. 1. Cor 12.25.26. Rom. 12, 5.15.16. Mat. 18.15.17.

This covenant hath 2 parts. 1. respecting God and the faithful. 2. respecting the faithful mutually. Mat. 18 20.

The first part of the covenant respecting God is either from God to the faithful, or from the faithful to God 2. Cor 6, 16

From God to the faithfull. Mat, 22.3.2. the sum wherof is expressed. 2. Cor. 6.16. I wil be their God.

To be God to the faithful is 1. to give Christ, 2. with Christ al things els Esay 9.6. 1. Tim. 4.8.2. Pet. 1.3. Rom. 8.32. 1. Cor. 3.21-13.

From the faithful to God 2. Cor. 6.16. the summe whereof is to be Gods people, that is to obey al the commandements of God. Deut. 29.9.

The second part of the covenant respecting the faithful mutually, conteineth all the duties of love whatsoever Levit. 19.17- Mat. 18.15, 16, 1. Thes. 5.14. Mat. 22.39.2. Thes, 3, 14.45. Heb. 3.13 & 10, 24 25.

The true properties of a true Church visible [Page]are two. I communion in all the holy things of God. 2, the power of our Lord Iesus Christ, 1 Ioh. 1, 5. 1, Cor 10 16 & 5.4.5. Mat, 18.20. Esay 55, 3 Act 13, 34.

The holy things of God are 1. Christ. 2. bene­fits by Christ. Rom, 8.32

The true Church hath title, possession, and use of Christ. Esa. 9 6, Song 2 16. Mat. 18.20. 1. Cor. 3 21.23. Eph 5 30

The benefits which the true Church hath by Christ are the meanes of salvation and almes, 1 Tim 14 8, 2 Pet. 1, 3.

The meanes of salvation are the word, Sa­craments, prayers. Censures, and the ordi­nances of Christ for the dispensing of them all, Rom. 3, 2, & 4, 11. Luk 19 46, Mat. 18, 15, 17. Act. 2, 42, 1 Cor. 11, 23, 26, Mat. 28, 19, Psal. 149, 6, 9.

Almes are the works of mercy yeelded to the Saincts in distresse. Act. 2, 44, 45, & 5, 4, Mat. 25, 34, 40, Heb. 13, 1, 3, 1 Tim. 3, 2, & 5, 10.

The power of the Lord Iesus Christ given to the church hath three parts.

viz. power to

• 1. receive in. Ioh. 10.3. Ast. 9, 26.27. & 18, 27. & 6, 5.
• 2 preserve and keep within 1 Iohn. 2, 19. 1 Pet, 1, 5.
• 3. to cast out 1 Cor 5, 13.

The true visible Church hath power to [Page]ceive in [...] Members into communion. Act 2, 41, and 18, 27, and 9, 26, 27. & 2. officers into office Act 6.5. & 14, 23.

The way or doore whereby both mem­bers and officers enter in, is Christ, that is the way taught by Christ in his word. Ioh, 14, 6. & 17.17. Marc. 13, 34, [...]7.

The way of receiving in of members is faith testified by obedience. Act 8 36, 37. Mat, 3, 6. Luke 7, 29.30.

Faith is the knowledge of the doctrine of salvation by Christ. 1 C [...]r, 12, 9 Gal, 3, 2.

Obedience is a godly, righteous and sober life Tit. 2, 11, 12, Rom, 5.

Members thus received into communion are of two sorts. 1 Prophets a private per­sons 1 Cor, 14.24. 1 Sam. 19, 24, 23.

Prophets are men endued with gifts apt to utter matter fit to edification, exhortation, and consolation. 1 Cor, 14, 3. Act, 13, 1. Rom 12, 6.

These persons must first be appointed to this exercise by the Chu ch, 1 Cor 14 49. Act. 13, 1.

The Prophets care must be to prophecy according to the proportion of faith. Rom, 12, 6, 1 Cor 14, 26.

Let the Prophets speake two or three and let the rest iudge. [...] C [...]r. 14, 29

If any thing be revealed to him that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 1 Cor 14, 30, 40.

All that have gifts may be admitted to pro­phecy. 1 C [...]r, 14, 31.

Private persons are a men 2. women.

Priuate men present at the exercise of pro­phecy may modestly propound their doubts which are to be resolved by the Prophets: Luk, 2, 46.47, 1 Sam., 19, 20, 23 1 Cor. 4, 30.

Women are not permitted to speake in the church in time of Prophecy 1 Cor 14, 34. 1 Tim. 2, 12, Revel, 2 20.

If women doubt of any thing delivered in time of prophecy and are willing to learne, they must aske them that can teach them in private, as their husbands at home if they be faithfull▪ or some other of the Church, 1 Cor, 14, 35, 1 Tim, 2 12.

To this exercise of Prophecy may be ad­mitted unbeleevers or they that are without. 1 Cor 14, 24. Act, 2, 6, 13.

The exercise of prophecy, and the preach­ing of the word by them that are sent, is that ordinary meanes God hath appointed to con­vert men. 1 Cor. 14, 24, 25. Rom, 10, 14 14.

They are sent by God to preach whom the church sendeth. Act 13, 2, 4, & 8, 14, 15.

If any man be converted by other meanes it is not ordinarie. Rom 10, 14, 15. Iohn, 4, 39, 41. Act 9 5, 6

Therefore they that are converted in false Churches, are not converted by ordinary [Page]meanes. 1 King 14.13. & 19.18. Rom.11.3.4. Rev. 18.4.

The way of receiving officers into office is, 1 Election, 2 Approbation, 3 Ordination: which must be performed with fasting & pray­er, Act. 6, 5. & 14, 23. 1 Tim. 3.10. & 5.22. & 4.14. Tit. 1.5. Act. 13.3.

The person to be admitted into office must first be a member of that visible church whēce he hath his calling, Act. 1, 21, 22, and 6, 3, 5. & 18, 27, 28, 1 Cor. 11, 12, and 3, 6, 1 Tim. 3, 2, 3, 10.

Election is by most voyces of the members of the Church in full communion. Act. 6.5. & 14.23.

Quaere: whether women, servants and chil­dren admitted into full communion, yet under age may not give voyce in elections, excom­munications, and other publique affaires of the Church, 1 Pet. 3.7. Ephes. 4.4. 1 Tim 5.9.10. Num. 30.5-10-16. 1 Cor. 14.34. Gen. 3.16. 1 Cor. 11.3.10. Gen. 18.19. Iosh. 24.15.

Approbation is the examining & finding the officer elect, to be according to the rules of his office, 1 Tim. 3.10. & 5.9.10. Act. 6.3.

In approbation every member is bound to obiect what he can, especially they that denied their voices, Act. 15, 37, 38. 1 Tim. 3.2.3, 10. Act. 6.3.

Approbation must be after election, least with­out cause the infirmities of the brethren be discovered: for there are faults disabling men to offices which do not disable them to be members of the church Ezek 44.9, 15. Act. 15. [...]7.38. Mat. 18.21.22. compared with Prov. 10 12. 1 Pet. 4.8.

If the things objected beare weight against the officer elect, the election is void and they must proceed to the choise of another. 1 Tim. 3, 4, 5. & 5.11. Act. 15, 37, 38. Ezee. 44.10. 2 King. 23.9.

Defects or faults that cast men out of office. are sufficient to hinder men from entring into office: by proportion.

If the things obiected be frivolous the e­l [...]ction is approved. 1 Tim. 3.10. and they that dissented are to consent to the rest that so the whole church may agree in one person. 1 Cor. 1.10. Eph. 4.3 compared with Act 1.26.

If the parties objecting still dissent without an approved reason, they are to be reformed by censure. 1 Cor. 11, 17, 18. Mat. 18 15, 17.

Ordination is the dedication of the officer thus approved, to his office Exod. 29 44. & 40, 12, 16. Nomb, 8, 6, 15. Heb. 5, 4, 5, Mat, 3.1 [...] 17 Act 13, 3, 4. 1 Tim, 4, 14. Heb. 6, 2. Or­dination hath three parts.

The first is the power which the Church committeth to the officer approved: to ad­minister [Page]according to his office Ioh. 20, 21, 23, Mat. 1 [...] 1 [...] 20, c [...]mpared with Exod. 29, 1, 38 N [...]mb 8.10.11. Act, 6, 3 5 & 14, 23, & 20, 28 [...] Tim. 4.14. 2 Tim 1, 6, 14.

The second is prayer made by the whole church for the officer invested with this power that he may faithfully administer Act 6, 6, and 13, 1, & 14, 13 1 Cor 4, 2.

The 3. is a cha [...]ge given to the officer thus admitted to look unto his office in all the parts th [...]eo [...]. Mat, 28, 18 19 1 Tim 5, 21. 1 Pet, 5, 1, 2, 1 Tim 6, 13, 14, c [...]mpared with Deut 1.16.

The ceremony used by the Apostles in ordination is imposition of hands: which cere­mony first of all was used in the old testament, Num 8, 10. then in the new by Christ in pray­ing for children. Mar 10, 16. by God the Fa­ther in ordeining Christ to his office of Media­tor. Luke 3, 21, 22 by Christ in ordeining the Apostles. Act 2, 3, 4, & 1, 4.8, by the Apostles in giving the holy Ghost Act 8, 15, 17, in ordeining Evangelists 2 T [...]m, 1 6, & in ordeining or­dinary ministers: Act 6 6, & 14, 23, by the El­dership or church in ordeining officers Act 13 3. 1 Tim. 4, 4. by the Evangelists in ordeining officers. 1 Tim, 22 Tit, 1 5. & so may lawfully be reteined and used in the church stil. Heb, 6, 2.

The use of imp [...]sition of hands, is two fold.

First to point out the officer in time of pray­er made for him, as if it should be said: this is [Page]the man by proportion from 1. Sam. 10, 24. Math. 3.17.

Secondly to signifie and to assure the of­ficer to be ordeined that the Lord by the church giveth him power to administer, Act. 13, 3.4. & 20, 28. Ioh, 20, 21.

Ordination and so imposition of hands ap­perteineth to the whole church as doth electiō and approbation, Act. 13, 3. Num. 8, 9, 10. yet for order sake the fittest members lay on hands and perform all other particulars of ordination for & in the name of the whole church, 1 Cor. 14.40 cōpared with Num. 8, 9.10. & Act. 13.3, & 1 Tim, 4, 14. & by proportion from Lev. 4.15.

The fittest persons are Elders when the church hath them. 1 Tim. 4.14. when the church wanteth Elders, men of best gifts ap­pointed by the church. Num. 8.9.10.

Thus after the apostacy of Antichrist ariseth a true Ministerie in the church. Revel. 18.4.

The officers of the true visible church thus admitted, are then to administer faithfully. 1 Tim. 3.10, 1 Cor, 4, 2.

The officers of the true visible Church are all absolutely described in the word of God, Heb. 3, 2, 5. and 8, 5. Rom 12, 7.8. Mark. 13, 34.

These officers are of two sorts: 1 Bishops, 2 Deacons, Phil 1, 1.

The Bishops are also called Elders or Presby­ters. [Page]Act. 20, 17.28, 1 Pet. 5, 1.

The Bishops or Elders joyntly together are called the Eldership or Presbyterie, 1 Tim. 4, 14. and 5, 17. compared.

The Eldership consisteth of 3 sorts of per­sons or officers: viz. the Pastor, Teacher, Go­vernour, 1 Tim. 4.14, & 5, 17.

Al the Elders or Bishops must be apt to teach, 1 Tim. 3, 2. Tit. 1 9.

The Pastor is a Bishop excelling in the word of wisdom or exhortation: Rom. 12, 8. 1 Cor. 12, 8. he is called the Angel of the church, Rev. 2, & 3

The Teacher is a Bishop excelling in the word of knowledge or doctrine, Rom. 12, 7. 1 Cor 12, 8.

The Governour is a Bishop excelling in the quality of wise government, 1 Tim. 5, 17. Rom. 12 8.

The Pastor and Teacher have also power to administer the Sacraments. Mat. 28, 19. Ephes. 4, 12. 1 Cor. 11, 23.

All the Bishops deale by office in the go­vernment of the church, 1 Tim. 5.17, & are conversant about the soule and spiritual part, Ioh. 18, 36. 2 Cor, 10, 3.

The Deacons are officers occupied about the works of mercy respecting the body or outward man Act. 6.2.

The Deacons are 1 men, 2 or women dea­cons [Page]or widowes, Act. 6.2. Rom. 16.1.

Men Deacons collect and distribute with simplicity the churches treasury, according to the churches necessities, & the Saints occa­sions. Rō. 12, 8. 2 Cor. 8, 2.8. 1 Cor. 16.2.3.

The churches treasurie, is silver gold or money worth, freely given by the members of the visible church for the common good. Lev. 27. toto. 2. King. 12. [...]4-16. Luke 21.4. Act. 4.34, 35. 2 Cor 8, 2-8. & 9.7.

The churches treasurie is holy. Mat. 27.6. Luke 21.4. Quaere.

None of those that are without may cast of their goods into the treasurie, lest the treasury be polluted. 2 Cor. 8, 4, Iosh. 6, 17-19 Q [...]aere.

Nothing that is gotten by fraud, violence, or any wicked meanes, may be cast into the churches treasury. Deut. 23.18. Micah 1, 7. Esa. 67, 3.

The use of the churches treasurie is peculiar to the Saints: and it consisteth in provision for holy things, or holy persons. Deut. 14, 2.5.21. Exod. 30.12-16. Quaere.

Holy things: as bread and wine for the Lords Supper, places and instruments servicea­ble to holy uses Exod. 25, 2, 8. Mat. 27.7. per contrarium.

Holy persons: as the maintenance of church officers and the poor brethren either of that particular visible church or of any other true [Page]church 1 Cor. 10, [...].2. 2 Cor. 8, 7. 1 Cor. 9.6.14. 1 Tim. 5, 17, 18.

In the necessitie of the church, if they that are without bestow any thing upon the Saints, they may receive & use it with thanksgiving. 1 Cor 10, 25, 26.

If it be manifested by evidence, that the goods of them that are without offered to the Saints be the treasures of wickednesse, the Saints are not to receive & use them to avoid offence, 1 Cor. 10, 28 29.

Women deacons or widowes are of 60 yeeres of age, qualified according to the A­postles rule, 1 Tim. 5 9. releeving the bodily infirmities of the Saints with cheerfulnes, Rom. 12, 8, and 16, 1.

Hitherto of the churches power of receiving in: now followeth the churches power of pr [...]serving & keeping within.

The power of preserving within, is manifested by the heedful use of al the holy things of God by the whole church joyntly, and by every member particularly, Mark. 13, 33-37 Heb. 10 24, 1 Thes. 5, 14, Mat. 18, 15.17. Act. 6, 1.

The Pastors chiefe endeavour must be to make the church zealous holy and obedient, Rom. 12.8. 1 Cor. 12, 8. Apoc. 3, 19, by proportion.

The Teachers chiefe care must to be pre­serve the church from ignorance and error 1 Cor. 12, 8. Rom. 12, 7. 1 Cor 3, 10, 12. compared with Tit. 1, 9.

The chiefe office of the governours consi­steth in preserving peace and order in the Church, 1 Cor. 14.40, Rom. 12.8. 1 Tim. 5, 17.

The Deacons chiefe care must be that none of the Saints want bodily necessaries, and that due provision be made for holy things and per­sons, Rom. 12, 8. Iohn. 13, 29. and that with simplicity Iohn 12.6.

The widowes chiefe office is to visite and relieve the widow fatherlesse, sick, lame, blind, impotent, women with child, and diseased members of the Church, 1 Tim. 5, 9, Rom. 12.8, Mat. 15, 35-40.

The care of the Eldership must be the or­der, direct & moderate the publique actions of the church. 1 Cor. 14, 40. 1 Tim. 5.17.

The prophets chiefe care must be to resolve doubts, difficulties, and dark places, and to give true expositions, translations, & reconciliations of scripture. 1 Cor. 14, 29, 30. Luk. 2.46, 47.

The office of the pastor and teacher in the exercise of prophecie is to moderate and de­termine all matters out of the word. 1 Cor. 14 32. 1 Sam. 19, 20.

The care of the whole church joyntly, must be to keep her power given her by Christ, and not to suffer any open known sinne, or any ty­ranny or usurpation over them. Mat. 18, 15-17. Mark. 13, 37. Col. 4, 17. 3 Iohn 9, 10. Rev. 2, 2. Gal, 1, 8.9.

The chiefe care of every member must be to watch over his brother Mark. 13, 37. Heb. 10, 24. in bearing one anothers burden Gal. 6, 2, 1 Cor. 10, 24.28, 29 admonishing the unruly, comforting the feeble mynded. 1 Thes. 5, 14, admonishing the excommunicate 2 Thes. 3, 15, restoring them that are fallen. Gal. 6.1.

Here special care must be had of admoni­tion, Mat. 18.15-17.

Admonition must be administred with pray­er and in love, 1 Tim. 4, 5, Gal. 6, 1, Lev. 19, 17, 1 Tim. 1, 5, Rom. 13, 8.

Prayer is needfull that it may please God to give his blessing to the admonition admini­stred, Mat. 7, 7, 8. Iam. 1, 5, & 4, 2.3.

Love must be manifested to the offender that he may be the better wonne. Eph. 4, 2. Col. 3.14, Lev. 19, 17, 1 Pet. 4, 8.

Admonition is either private or publique. Mat. 18, 15, 17.

Private admonition is either solitarie or before witnesses, ibidem.

Private admonition is performed by one particular brother offended, to another brother offending, and that in secret, Mat 18, 15.

The admonisher must not tel the fault of the offender to another, but himself must admo­nish the offēder, Psal. 15, 3. 1 Pet 4, 8, Pro. 25, 9.

If the offender repent upon admonition, the fault must be covered Pro. 10.12. if not the [Page]admonisher must proceed to the second degree of admonition: viz. to admonish the offender before witnesse. Mat. 18.16,

The fittest witnesses must be chosen. 1 King. 21.10.13. Mat. 26-59-61. & 28.12-15. the fittest witnesses for the most part are the Elders, who for their wisdom & authority can best sway with the delinquent.

If the offender repent upon admonition be­fore witnesse, the fault must yet be covered also Prov. 10.12. 1. Pet, 4, 8, Iam 5.20.

If the offender admonished before witnesse deny the fact, then protestation or an oth of God must end the matter, Exod. 22.11.

Though the admonisher know the fact to be so▪ and the offender deny the fact before witnesse, yet the admonisher is not to forsake the offenders communion. Iohn. 5.31. & 13.26. notwithstanding he must stil seek to bring him to repentance Levit. 19.17.

If the offender acknowledg the fact and re­pent not, the admonisher and witnesses must bring the matter to the church. Mat. 18, 17.

In bringing the matter to the church if the Elders be not already interessed in the cause, it is meet to use the advise and help of the El­dership who are fittest to deal in all publique businesses, 1 Cor. 14, 33, 40. 1 Tim. 5, 17.

The matter being before the Church the of­fender is to be dealt with by all possible means, [Page]that he may come to repentance, as by admo­nition, by threat, by intreatie, by prayer for him &c. Gal. 6.1. 2 Cor. 2.6.

If the offender repent upon the Churches admonition, he is stil to be continued, and ac­counted a brother. 2 Cor. 2.6. Mat, 18, 17.

Thus the church & al the members thereof shall be preserved & kept pure within, & their cōmunion shalbe holy: Lev. 19.17. 1. Tim. 5.22. 1 Cor. 5, 20. & 5.6. and so shal increase with the encreasing of God. 1 Cor. 11, 17. 2 Pet. 3.18.

All the degrees of admonition must be ad­ministred upon the offender before the Church have any communion with him: Mat, 18, 15-17, 1 Cor. 11.17, 1 Tim. 5, 22. Levit, 19.18. Mat. 22 29.

If a man see his brother sinne, and admo­nish him not, but suffer his sinne unreproved he is defilled therewith. Levit. 19, 17. Mat. 18.15. & 22.33. 1 Tim. 5.22.

In solitarie admonition, if the admonisher stay in the first degree of admonition, the of­fēder not repēting he is defiled with the sinne:

In admonition before witnesse, if the admo­nishers cease & stay in the second degree of admonition the offender not repenting, they are defiled with the sin.

In admonition before the church if the church bear with the partie offēding and bring him not to repent: but leave him in sin and [Page]impenitency, and yet hold him still in commu­nion, then the whole church is defiled: and so that is verified, a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. 1 Cor. 5.6 & 11, 17. Mat. 13.33.

If a sinne be publickely knowne in a church, or if more sinnes be openly known & suffered: the whole church is defiled and leavened. Ibi­dem.

No communion can be had with, nor no joyning cā be to, a church thus leavened with­out manifest consenting to sinne, Ibidem.

Therefore if the church will not reforme open knowne corruptions after due proceed­ing separation must be made from it till refor­mation come.

Therefore separation may be made from true churches for incorrigible corruptions, and to separate from a defiled church that is incor­rigible, is not to forsake the communion of holy things, but the pollution and prophana­tion of holy things.

Thus much for the secōd part of the churches power of preserving and keeping within.

The churches power of casting out follo­weth, which is twofold.

First of officers out of office, Act, 14.23, com­pared with Colos. [...].17. Rev, 2 2, Gal. 1.8.9.

Second of members out of communion Mat. 18.1 [...]. 1 Cor. 5, 4, 5. 2 Thes. 3.6.14, 1 Tim, 1.20.

The cause of casting officers out of office, are [Page]apostacy or disability. Ezec. 44, 10. Nom. 8, 23-26.

Apostacy is when the officers shal fall to open Idolatrie, Atheisme, heresy, or other sins equipollent of the first or second table: Ezech. 44.10, & by proportion drawne from 2 King. 23.9 1 Tim. 3.2, Lev. 22.1-5 & 21, 16, 24, Ezra 2, 61, 62.

The officer upon repentance after apostacy or sin equipollent therto may be reteyned as a member of the church, but not as an officer. Eze 44, 13, 14, Mat. 26, 69-75. compared with Iohn 21, 15-18. Act. 15, 38. Quaere

Disabilitie is eyther of age, or sicknes, or mayming, &c

Disabilitie of age is when the officer can no longer by reason of old age discharged the works of his office: then he may reteyn his dignity & ought to be honored of all, Num. 8, 23,-26. Philemon 9.

Disability by sicknes, as frenzie, Madnes, Melancholie, or by mayming as losse of the tong in the pastor or teacher &c. or by any other infirmitie disabling him to the actions of his office, Lev. 16-24, compared with 1 Tim. 3, 2, Tit. 1, 6, 9, Quaere, Whither an officer may refuse an office imposed upon him by a lawfull calling. Exod, 4, 14, Ier. 1.6, 7, 17.

Quaere, Wether the church may suffer her officer to be translated from her self to other [Page]churches upon any ground, Act. 20, 28, 1 Pet. 5 2, Act 13.4. yea though it be granted that she have members as fit for offices as her offi­cers are in present? yea though the life of the officer be endaungered, Act. 9, 25. Mat. 10, 23 1 King. 18 4.

The cause of casting members out of com­munion is only one: viz. sin obstinately stood in without repentance and confession after due conviction, Mat. 18, 17. Iob 31, 33. Prov. 28, 13.

Due conviction is the discovery of the sinne by manifest evidence, Iob. 19, 4, & 32.12.13, & 39, 37.

Manifest evidence is either to the fact, or sinfulnes of the fact.

The fact is evident either by confession of the partie that committed the fact: or by sufficient witnesse, Mat. 26.65. Deut 19, 15, Iohn 5, 31.

Quaere, whether the testimony of them that are without, is sufficient or no.

The sinfulnesse of the fact is evident either by direct Scripture, or by necessary consequence from the scripture. Mat. 22, 31, 32, & 4, 4.

Due conviction is perceived two wayes, first by the delinquents shifting, cavils, excur­sions, tergiversations &c. 1 Tim 1.6, Tit, 3, 11, Secondly by the conscience of them that have power to censure the fact. Psal. 36, 1, Prov, 17, 19. Tit, 3, 10. 1 Cor, 2, 15 & 12, 10.

Obstinacy in sin is the refusing of confessing [Page]and forsaking the crime. Pro. 28.13. Mat. 18, 17. Ioth. 7, 1, 9.

If the matter be not evident, but doubtfull and controversall, communion still must be preserved peaceably, notwithstanding diversity of iudgement, till the trueth be discovered. Phil. 3, 15 16. 1 Cor. 13.49.7.9.

Persons that differ in iudgement are either strong or weake. Rom. 15.1

The strong must not maintaine controver­sies with the weake, nor despise them, but beare their infirmitie and burden, Rom. 15, 1 & 14.1, 3. Gal. 6, 2. 1 Cor 13, 5, 7. & 9, 22, & 10, 23.34.

The weak must not censure or judg the strong as delinquents, but meekly desire instruction and satisfaction, Rom. 14.3. Mat. 7, 1-3.

Thus must men walke in diversity of opini­on, during which time, all men must carefully search out the trueth, & labour for informati­on 1 Cor. 1.10. 2 Pet. 3.18. Phil. 3.15, Iam. 1.5.

The power given the Church for casting out obstinate convicted offenders is the power of excommunication. 2 Cor. 18.3 6. & 1, 5, 4, 5, 1 Tim, 1.20. Gal. 5, 12, 2 Thess. 3, 6, 14. Mat. 18.17.

Quaere, whether delivering to Satan be not, or conteine some bodily punishment inflicted upon the offender. see. Act. 5, 5, 10, 1. Cor. 12.10.

Excommunication is the depriving of the offender of the visible communion of Saints, and the benefit of the holy things of God gi­ven to the Church. 1 Cor. 5.4, 5, 11, 13.2. Thess. 3, 6, 14. Mat. 18.17.

Quaere, Whether separating, withdrawing, turning away from false teachers and wicked liver [...], be the same with excommunication, 2 Thes 3, 6. 1 Tim. 5, 6. and 2, 3, 5. Mat 18, 17. 1 Cor. 5, 4, 5.

Excommunication duely administred is ratified and confirmed in heaven. Mat. 18.18. Iob. 20.23.

Therefore the partie excommunicate is in the hands of Sathan, and out of the Lords protection and blessing, being deprived of all the publicke meanes of salvation. Mat. 18, 17. Cor. 5.5. Esay 4.5, 6.

In excommunication consider two things: first the decreing of it, which must be done by the whole church. 1 Cor. 5 4, wherein the church must proceed as in approving her offi­cers. Secondly the pronouncing of excommu­nication which must be performed by the fit­test person deputed thereto by the Church. 1. Cor. 14, 40.

The end of excommunication is not the destruction of the offender, but the mortifica­tion of his sinne, and the salvation of his soule 1 Cor. 5.5.2. Thes. 3.14.15. 1 Tim. 1, 23,

The partie excommunicate is not to be [Page]counted as an enemy, but to be admonished as a brother, 2. Thess. 5.15. Quaere,

The members of the church are to avoid all religious and civil communion with him that is excommunicate, Mat, 18.1 [...]. 1 Cor 5, 11, except that subjects, servants, children, parents, wise or husband &c. that are bound to him may performe civil and naturall offices to him. 1. Cor. 7 5, 12.13, and by proportion.

The partie excommunicate upon repentance is to be admitted againe into the communion of the visible Church. 2 Cor. 2.6-8. yet so as that the Church alwayes have an especiall eye to him, as being a suspitious person that durst despise the Church, Mat. 18.17. Ezech. 4 [...], 10. 2 Pet. 2.22. Heb. 10.26. by proportion.

Quaere, Whether an officer excommunicate, upon repentance may be again admitted into office: & whether must he have new vocation by election approbation, ordination yea or nay?

The visible Church walking in this holy order hath in it the presence and protection of Christ. Esa. 4.5.6. Mat 28 20. & 18.20.

To this visible Church must al sorts of per­sons resort that desire to be saved. Act. 4, 12. Mat. 7.13.14. Ioh 1 [...].6.

True visible churches are of two sorts: first pure where no open known sinne is suffred. Rev. 2.7-13. & 3.8-11. second corrupt, wherein some one or more open knowne sin is [Page]tolerated. Rev. 3.1.6. 1 Cor. 11.17.21.22.

True visible Churches are so far forth good as they agree to the paterne of the word: Heb. 8.5. Rev. cap. 2. & 3.1 Cor. 1, 2, 17.22.

Every true visible Church hath title to whole Christ and al the holy things of God. Esa. 9.6, 7. Song. 2.16. Ephe. 1.22.23.

Every true visible Church is of equal power with all other visible Churches. Apoc. cap. 2. & 3. 1. Cor. 5. and hath power to reforme al a­buses within it self 1 Cor. 11.2.17. which pow­er is spirituall as is Christs kingdom not world­ly, bodily, nor carnal, Ioh. 18, 36, 2 Cor. 10, 3.5.

The erecting of visible churches apper­teyneth to princes and private persons.

Princes must erect them in their dominions & command all their subjects to enter into them, being first prepared and fitted thereto. 2. Chron. 29. & 34. and 17.

Private persons separating from all sinne, and joyning together to obey Christ their king, priest and prophet, as they are bound, are a true visible Church, & have a Charter given them of Christ thereto, being but two or three. Mat. 18, 20. Act. 14, 19, 20. Heb. 11.38. and further powre then to reforme themselves they have none.

Every man is bound in conscience to be a member of some visible church established into this true order. Mat. 7.13. Rev. 18.4.

Because every man is bound to obey Christ in his kingdome and spiritual regiment and no other Luk. 19, 14, 27 and the true visible church is Christs kingdome and house Mark 13.34. with Luk 19, 14.27, Act. 1, 3. Heb 12, 28, & 3, 6,

Therfore they that are not members of this visible church, are no subjects of Christs king­dome Luk. 19.17, 1 Cor, 5.12.

This true visible church is called Christ. 1 Cor. 12.12.

Thus much concerning the true church: the false church of Antichrist followeth to be considered.

Whatsoever thing is contrarie to this order of the visible church is Antichristian, by no­tation of the word compared with 1. Cor. 12.12.

Whosoever taketh upon him to erect new forme or shappes of visible churches, and to appoint new officers, lawes, ministerie, wor­ship, or communion in the church is Anti­christ. 1. Iohn. 4 3. 2 Thes. 2.4 Rev. 13.16.17.

Whosoever yeeldeth or submitteth to any o­ther constitution, lawes, officers, ministery or worship then that of Christs appoyntement is the subjecte, servant of Antichrist, by neces­sary consequēce from the former. & Rom. 6.16.

A man cannot be both the servant of Christ and of Antichrist. Mat. 6, 24.