Quest.

WHat is the Church?

Ans. The Church is a Mysticall body Eph. 5.30, 31, 32. Rom. 12.4, 5. 1 Cor 12.28. whereof Christ is the Head Eph. 2.22. & 5.23. the members and Saints 1 Cor. 2.12 Col. 1.2. called out of the World 1 Cor. 2.2.9. and united together into one Congregation 1 Cor. 11.18. & 14.23. by an holy Covenant Exo. 19 5. & 24.3.7. Deu. 5.2.27. and 29.2.9. to 15. to worship the Lord, and to edifie one another in all his holy Ordinances 1 Cor. 5.4 1 Cor. 14.26.

Quest. What sort of Members hath God set in his Church?

Ans. Some that are Ministers 1 Cor 4 17 Eph. 4.12. Col 4.17. Rom. 12 7 or Officers 1 Tim. 3.2.10.13. Rom. 11.3 Psal. 109.8. in the Church, others commonly called by the generall [Page 2]name that belongeth, to all the members, Brethren, Act. 15.22 23. Rom. 16 3 and Saints. Paul. 2.2

Quest. What sorts of Ministers or Officers hath God set in his Throne?

Ans. Some extraordinary, as Apostles, Prophets, and Evangelists Eph. 4.11 1 Cor 12.28. some ordinary and perpetuall, as Bishops and Deacons. Phil. 2 2 1 Tim. 3.1, 2 3

Quest. What manner of men are to be called to these Offices, to be Bishops, or Elders in the Church?

Ans. A Bishop or Elder in the Church, must be in himselfe a blamelesse man for Holinesse, and Righte­ousnesse, and for freedome from passions and lusts, al­so a vigilant man, and of good behaviour. Moreover, he must bee in his Family a man of good Government, and of good Hospitality; in his Name a man of good Report even of those that are without; in his Profes­sion not a young Plant, but holding fast the faithfull Word, apt to teach it, and able to maintaine it 1 Tim. 2.2 to 7. Tit. 1.6. to 9.

Quest. What sorts of Bishops or Elders hath God ordained in his Church?

Ans. Of Bishops who are also called Elders, God hath ordained two sorts: Ruling Elders, and such as labour in word and in Doctrine 1 Tim. 5 17 1 Cor. 12.28. Rom. 12.6, 7, 8. Acts 20.28. Tit. 1.5.7. commonly called Pastors and Teachers Eph. 4.11. all of them to watch over one certaine Flocke, the Church of a particular Con­gregation. Act. 14 23 and 20.17. with 28. Phil. 1.1. Tit. 1.5

Quest. What is the Office, or worke of the Pastors or Teachers?

Ans. The Pastors worke is to attend upon Exhor­tation, and therein to dispence a word of wisedome; the Teacher is to attend upon Doctrine, and therein to dispence a word of knowledge. Rom, 12.7, 8. 1 Cor. 12.28.

Quest. What is the Office of the Ruling Elders?

Ans. Seeing the Kingdome of Christ is not of this World, but Heavenly and spirituall Ioh 18 36 and the Go­vernment of his Kingdome is not Lordly, Mat. 20 25 26. but Steward­ly, and Ministeriall Luk 12 42 and to labour in the ministry [Page 3]of Exhortation, and Doctrine is the proper work of the Pastor and Teacher 1 Tim. 5.17. it remaineth therefore to bee the part, and Office of the ruling Elders, to assist the Pastor and Teacher in all other Acts of Rule be­sides, as becommeth good Stewards of the Houshold of God Rom. 12 8. as first to open, and shut the doores gf Gods House Math. 16.19 by admission of Members Acts 20.28 29. by ordina­tion of Officers 1 Tim. 4.14. by excommunication of notorious and obstinate offenders Math. 18.17, 18.

Secondly, to see that none without the Church live either inordinately without a calling, or Idly in their calling 2 Thes. 3.10, 11, 12. thirdly to prevent and heale such offences in life, and Doctrine as might corrupt either their owne Church Rev. 22 14, 15.20. or other Churches if their Counsel be re­quired Act. 15.2.6. Fourthly, to prepare matters before hand for the Churches consideration Acts 21 18. and to moderate the carriage of all matters in the Church assembled Act. 6 2. as to propound matters to the Church Act. 6 2 3 and to or­der the season of speech and silence in the Church Acts 13 15. Fifthly, to feed the flock of God with a word of admo­nition 1 Thes. 5.12. Acts 20.31. and as they shall be called for to visite & pray over their sick brethren Iam. 5.14.

Quest. What manner of men hath God appointed to be called to the Deacons Office?

Answ. Men of gravity and of good report not given to dissembling, nor to Wine, nor to covetousnesse, ful of the holy Ghost and wisedome, holding forth the mistery of the faith in a pure conscience, keeping their houshold in good Rule and enjoying such wives as may neither dishonour nor corrupt their Office, not slanderers (but) brave and sober and faithfull in all things (1) 1 Tim. 3.8. to 12. Act 6.3.

Quest. What is the office of the Deacons?

Answ. To receive the offrings of the Church brought unto them and laid downe before them Acts 4 34 35. and there­with to serve Tables Acts 6.2. distributing with simplici­ty Rom. 12.8. not onely to the Ministers of the Church Gal. 6.6 but to any other of the brethren as they shall have need Act. 4 35

Quest. But is it not the Office of the Deacons to shew mercy with cheerfulnesse?

Answ. Yes verily, to their Brethren in misery Rom 12.8 but that part of their office they do chiefly performe by the hand of the widdowes, chosen into their number, who are therefore called the Deacons or servants of the Church Rom. 16 1

Quest. What manner of widdowes hath God al­lowed, to be taken into this number?

Answ. Ancient women, well reported of for good workes, for nursing her children, for lodging of Stran­gers, for washing the Saints feet, for relieving the affli­cted, for following diligently every good work 1 Tim, 5 9 10,

Quest. What manner of men hath God appointed, to be received as Brethren and members of his Church:

Answ. Such as are called of God out of this world to the fellowship of Christ Rom. 1.6, 7 1 Cor. 2.9. Act. 2.38, 39, 40. Math. 33 11.12 and do willingly ofter and joyne themselves, first to the Lord Act 2 41. Psal 110 3. Esay 56.6, 7 and then to the Church Act 24 47 & 8.6, 27, 28. by confession of their sins Math [...].6. Acts 19.18. by profes­sion of their faith Act 8 36.37 and by taking or laying hold of his Covenant Esa 56.6, 7

Quest. What is the Office or duty which God cal­leth the Brethren unto the members of the Church?

Answ. To brotherly love 1 Pet. 2.17 & 2.8. Col 3.14. 1 Thes. 4 9. Heb 13.1. and the fruits therof brotherly unity Ephes, 4.3 Psal. 1; 3 1. Col. 3 15. Acts 7.26. brotherly equality 1 Cor. 8 14. Math. 23.8. Deu. 17 20. & bro­therly communion Act 2.42. & 4.32. 1 Cor. 1.10

Quest. Wherein standeth brotherly unity which we are to hold one with another?

Answ. To be perfectly joyned together in one mind and one judgement in one truth Phil. 2.1, 2. Ephes. 4 15 and where wee cannot bee of one judgement yet still to be of one heart Phil 4 2. Act. 4.32. not provoking nor envying one another Gal. 5.26. but forbearing and forgiving Ep. 4.2 33 not judging nor despising one another in differences of weakenesse Rom 41.3. but so far as we are come to walke together by the same Rule Phil. 3 16. To teach and learne one of another the way of God more perfectly Act. 8 26. Till we all grow up in the unity of [Page 5]the faith, unto a perfect man in Christ Iesus Ephes 4.3.

Quest. Wherein standeth brotherly equallity which we are to hold one with another?

Answ. In committing a like unto all Gods Ordinan­ces, and enjoying alike all Christian Liberties Gal. 3.28. Iam. 1.9.10. Deut. 17.20. Ezek. 46.10. In preferring others before our selves Phil. 2, 3. Rom. 12.10. and seeeking one anothers wellfare 1 Co. 10 24 Phill p. 2.4. Gal 5.13. and feeling their estates, as our owne Heb. 13.3 1. Rom. 12, 15. in bearing the burdens one of another im­posing no burdens, Gal. 1.2. but in equall proportion 2 Cor. 8.13.14.

Quest. Wherein standeth brotherly communion, which we are to hold one with another?

Answ. In our stedfast and continuall fellowship in the Apostles Doctrine and worship: and ministration Act. 2.42. & 6 1. and for this end to dwell together Psal. 133.1 & 122.123. and to watch over one another Heb. 10.24 3.12, 13. to resort together to the publike assembly Heb. 10.25. Psal 110.3. & 122.1. Isay 60.8. and there to joyne in all holy duties with one accord Act. 1.14. & 4.24. 1 Cor. 14.16.26. 1 Cor. 16.1, 2. 2 Cor. 9, 12. and every Lords day to lay up in store for the supply of the Saints (6)

Quest. How is the publike worship of God to bee ordered, and administred in the Church?

Answ. All the Members of the Church being met to­gether as one man Ezek. 46.10 1 Cor. 11 33. in the sight of God Act. 10 33 are to joyne together in holy duties with one accord Deut. 4 24. 1 Cor. 14.16. 1 Cor 11.4. to 6 the men with their heads uncovered the women covered (4)

Quest. What part of publike worship is first to bee administred?

Answ. The Apostle exhorteth that first of all: All manner of prayers be made for all men, for Kings, and all in authority, that we may leade a quiet and a peacea­ble lift, in all godlinesse and honesty 1 Tim. 2.12 Ezra 6.10.

Quest. Whither are set forms of publique worship, devised and ordained by men an acceptable worship unto the Lord?

Answ. If such set formes had beene an ordinance of the Lord, and a worship acceptable to him, the Lord himself, or at least some of the Apostles, or Prophets, [Page 6]would not have held back that part of Gods Counsell, from the Church Act. 20.26 27. Besides, publique prayer is as well a part of publique Ministry, as Prophesie is Gen. 20.7. Neb. 8.6. 1 Cor. 14.16. and the formes of one might as justly be taught, by the precepts of men as the other Isay. 29 13 and both of them are alike the gifts of the Holy Ghost, to whom it belongeth as well to teach us what to pray, as how to pray Rom. 8.26 nor will it well stand with the holy gesture of Prayer, which is to lift up our eyes to Heaven Ioh. 11.41 and 17.1. to cast downe our eyes upon a Booke [...]s. 121.1. and 123.1.

Quest. What part of publique worship is next to be administred?

Answ. Before Prophecying it will bee seasonable to sing a Psalme 2 Kin. 3.15. Coll. 3 16. and by some of the Tea­chers of the Church to Reade the Word, and there­with to Preach it, by giving the sence, and applying the use Neh 8.8. Act. 15.21. Luk. 4.21 23. to 28. In dispensing whereof the Minister was wont to stand above all the people in a Pulpit of wood and the Elders on both sides Neh. 8.4.5 while the people harkned unto them with Reverence and Attention Neh. 8.5. Luke 2.29. where there be more Prophets, as Pastors and Tea­chers, they may Prophesie two or three Neh. 8.7. 1 Cor. 14.29. and if the time permit, the Elders may call any other of the Bre­thren, whither of the same Church or any, to speake a word of Exhortation to the people Act. 13.15. 1 Cor. 14.31. and for the better edifying of a mans selfe or others, it may be lawfull for any (young or old) save onely for Women, to aske questions at the mouth of the Pro­phets Luk. 2.46. 1 Cor. 14.35.

Quest. After the Ministry of the Word, what part of Gods publique worship is next to be administred?

Ans. After the Word (which is the Covenant of God) the Seales of the Covenant are next to bee admi­nistred; Baptisme, and the Lords Supper Act. 16.14 1 [...].31, 32, 33. and as for Baptisme, 1 Cor. 12.13. it is to bee dispenced by a Minister of the Word Mat. 28 19 unto a Beleever professing his Repentance, Gen. 17.23 Act. 8.36.37. Mat. 3.6. and his Faith Acts 8.36 37. Mat. 3.6. being a member of the same Church [Page 7]body 1 Co. 12 13 as also unto his seed Gen 17.23 Act. 16 15.33. 1 Cor. 7.14. presented by the Pa­rent to the Lord, & his Church Luk 2.22. at which time the Minister in Gods roome calleth upon the parent to re­new his Covenant with God for himselfe & his seed Gen. 17.1 2, 3.7.8. and calleth upon God as the nature of the Ordinance re­quireth' for the pardon of originall finne, and for the sin of the parents and for a blessing upon the Sacrament and Infant Mat. 3.11 1 Timot. 4 5. and then calling the childe by the name, which the Parent hath given it, for his owne edification, and the Childes Luk. 1.59 to 63. & 2 21 he baptizeth it either by dipping Mat. 3.16 Iohn 3 33. Acts 8 38. Rom 6.40. or sprinkling 1 Cor. 10.2 Heb 20 22. into the name of the Father the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Mat. 28.19

Quest. How is the Lords Supper to be administred?

Answ. The Supper of the Lord is to be dispensed by the Minister of the Word 1 Chr. 30.17 & 35.5, 6. unto the faithfull of the same body 1 Cor. 10.17. & 12, 13, 14 or commended to them by a like body Rō. 16.1, 2 having examined and judged themselves 1 Cor. 11.28 to 31. & sitting down with him at the Lords Table Mat. 26.20 Lu 22.27. to 30 before whom the Minister taketh the bread and blesseth it, breaketh it, and giveth it to the brethren with this com­mandement once for all, to take and eate it, as the body of Christ broken for them, and this doe in remembrance of him, in like manner also he taketh the cup, and having given thanks, he powreth it forth, and giveth it to them, with a commandement to them all, to take and drink it at the bloud of Christ shed for them, and this also to do in Remembrance of him Mat 26.26 27, 28. Lu. 22.19, 20. 1 Cor. 11.23, 24 25. and after all thansgiving is ended with singing a Psalm Ma. 26.30, Mar. 14.26.

Quest. After the Ministery of the Word and the Seales thereof, how is the Collection for the Saints to be adminished?

Answ. The Collection for the Saints was by the A­postles Ordinance to be made for the time every Lords day 1 Cor. 16.1, 2 Deut. 16.16. for the measure as God had prospered every man 1 Cor. 16.2. 2 Cor. 8.3. for the manner, not of constraint but freely, 2 Cor. 9.5.7. brought by the givers as an offering to the Lord, & said down Act. 4.34, 35. Mark 12.42. 1 Chr. 19.17 as at first before the Apostles, so after­wards [Page 8]by their appointment, before the Deacons of the Church, as into a common Treasurie Act. 4.35. 1 Cor 16.2. with 6.2.8. by them to be distributed to the supply of the Ministery and of the poore Saints according to their need and of all the out­ward Service of the Church. 1 Tim 5 7 18 Gal. 6.6. Acts 5.35. & 6 1, 2, 3. Rom. 15.26.

Quest. What duty of Gods worship is to be perfor­med in dismissing the assembly?

Answ. After all parts of Gods publique worship have been performed by the Minister Num. 6.23. or any of the Prophets is to dismis the Assembly with a word of bles­sing: offering up blessings unto the Lord 1 King 8.15 and put­ting a blessing upon the people 2 Sam. [...].8 1 K 8 5 [...]. to 8. Num. 6.23 to 27 2 Thes. 3.17.18. 2 Cor. 13, 18.

Quest. In what manner are all duties of Gods wor­ship to be administred?

Ans. In Spirituall simplicity without affectation of legall shadowes Iohn [...].26 of worldly pomp or carnall excel­lencie 2 Cor. 2 17 & 18.22. 1 Co 2.1, 2. 6 13 decently Cor 14.40 and in order 1 Co. 14.40 and to edi­fication 1 Cor 4.26

Quest. What forme of Government is the Governe­ment of the Church.

Answ. The government of the Church is in Christ our head Kingly or regal Psalm 2.6. Isay 33.12 but in the Church Stew­ardly and Ministeriall M [...] 16.19. 1 Cor. 4.11. 1 Pet 4.10. and in both of them Spiritu­all and heavenly Ioh. 18.36

Quest. How doth Christ exercise his Kingly Go­vernment or power in the Church?

Answ. By calling the Church into holy fellowship with himselfe, and one with another Psal. 74.2. by ordaining Officers and Governours in his Church with their cal­lings and gifts Ep. 4.8.11. 1 Cor. 12 28 by giving Lawes and ordinances to his Church, for the whole government of it Isa. 3 [...].2. Tim 4 12. 2 Tim. 3.6, 7 By putting life and power, even the power of his spirit in all his Ordinances, for the edifying of his body unto perfe­ction Mat. 18 18 20 & 28.20. Iohn 1 [...].7. to 11.12.14 and finally by subduing our enemies, and protecting our selves in his peace to his heavenly King­dome Rom. 16 2 [...]. Iohn 14 27. 1 Tim. 4.8.

Quest. How is the Governement of the Church in [Page 9]the hand of the Church Stewardly or Ministeriall?

Answ. Because the end of the Government of the Church is spirituall and heavenly Ioh. 18.36. as is the buil­ding of Christs Kingdome, and saving of soules Mat. 26 19 1 Cor 5 5. it is not in the power of men to ordaine, or provide means or helpes to such ends, but onely for him that can worke upon the soule and conscience 2 Cor 1 24 1 Corm. 3.5.6.7. and therefore it is not in the hand of the Church, to make Lawes or or­dinances, to chuse Officers or Members, to administer Saeraments or Censures or any part of worship or Go­vernement of their own heads, but to receive all as from the hand of Christ, and to dispense all according to the will of Christ revealed in his Word Heb 8 5. 1 King 13 33. & 12 33. Ier. 7.31.

Quest. How is the government of the Church Spi­rituall and heavenly?

Answ. The government of the Church though it be not altogether inward but partly outward Luk. 17.20 21. Esay 2, 3. as bee­ing administred by open and known Officers Isa. 30.20. with­audable and lively voice Rev. 1.16. in the open face of the bre­thren of the Congregation Mat 18 15 1 Tim 5 20. yet is it in it selfe not of this world but Spirituall and heavenly Ioh. 18 30 as being ordained, not by the wisedome and power of this world but of Christ 1 Cor. 2.6, 7 8. and administred not according to the precepts of men but his Commandoments Mat 28.20 not by earthly weapons, but by the Word and Sacraments, and other Spirituall Ordinances 2 Cor. 10.4 not working upon the bodyes, or outward estates of men by fines or imprison­ments losse of limbes or lives, but upon their soules and consciences, by the evidence of the Spirit Heb 13.7 2 Cor 10.5. 1 Cor. 2 4. Iohn 16.33 Rom. 14.17. finally not aiming at worldly peace wealth or honour, but at the Righteousnesse of faith, peace of conscience, and joy in the Holy Ghost(10)

Quest. To whom hath Christ committed the Go­vernment of his Church?

Ans. Partly to the Body of the Church, in respect of the state or frame of it Math. 16.19. and 18.17. Psal. 45.19. but principally to the Presbitery, in respect of the Order or Administration of it 1 Tim. 5.17 & 4.14. 1 Thes. 5.12. Heb. 13.7 1 Cor. 12.28.

Quest. What power of Government is committed to the body of the Church? Act. 1.23.26. & 14 33 & 6.3.5. & 16 10. & 9.26, 27.

Ans. The body of the Church hath power from Christ to choose, and call her owne Officers, and mem­bers, to send forth any of them, for her service 2 Cor. 8.19.25. to inquire and heare and assist in the Judgment of all pub­licke scandalls Act. 11 23 Math. 18.17. 1 Cor. 5.4, 5. Act. 15.33.4

Quest. What power of Government is committed to the Presbitery?

Ans. To call the Church together Act. 6 [...]2. Ioh 1.13, 14. and to deliver the Counsell of God to them with all Authority Tit. 2.15. to prepare matters for the Churches hearing Act. 21.18 and to propound and order them in the Assembly Act. 1.15 to ad­minister Ordinations 1 Tim 4.14. and Censures 1 Tim. 1.20. and to dismisse the Assembly, with a blessing in the Name of the Lord Num. 6.23.

Quest. But hath not Christ committed some power of Gouernment to every private member of the Church?

Ans. Yes verily, there is a power of edification. 1 Cor 16.8. & 13 10. Mat. 16.18.19 which the Lord hath given, to any member of the Church to excercise mutualy one over another Iude 20. 1 Thes. 5 11. 1 Co [...]. 1 [...].17. to save some with compassion, others with feare Iude 21 22, 23. by a word of Instruction, Admonition, Exhortation and comfort Act. 18 26 Mat. 8.15. Col. 3.16. Thes 14.11

Quest. How is Ordination to bee administred?

Ans. When the Church hath chosen and called an Officer, they present him to the Elders Act 6.5, 6 who doe ordaine him if he be a Deacon with Praye [...], and imposi­tion of hands Act. 6 6. and with fasting also is to bee an Elder Act. 14.33

Quest. How are the Censures of the Church to bee administred?

Ans. The Censures of the Church are ordained by Christ, for the removall of scandalls out of the Church, Mat 1.8.6. to 15. Luk. 17.1, 2, 3 which if they be private, (one Brother offending another) the Offendor is to goe and acknowledge his [Page 11]Repentance of it unto his Brother Mat. 5.23, 24. who is then to forgive im Luk. 17 4 but if the Offendor neglect to doest the Brother offended is to goe, and admonish and con­vince him of it, betweene themselves privately: If there­upon the Offendor be brought to Repent of his offence the Admonisher hath won his Brother But if the Of­fender heare not his Brother, the Brother offended is to take with him one or two more that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established, whether the word of Admonition, if the Offendor re­ceive it, or the word of complaint to the Church if hee refuse it, the offended Brother is to tell the Church, if he refuse to heare the Church, then is he to bee accounted as an Heathen, and Publican Luk. 17.3 Math. 18.15.16, 17.

Quest. What if the Scandalls or Offences bee pub­lick, how are they to be removed?

Ans. By publick Reproofe 1 Tim. 5.20 Gal. 2.14. and if the offences be not onely publick but haynous, then the Church is to remove the offence, by Excomunicating the Offendor out of the Church 1 Cor. 5.15 1 Tim. 1.20.

Quest. How is Excomunication to be administred?

Ans. When the offence of any Brother is publick, and haynous, or being private is through the Offendors ob­stinacy become publickly scandalous; the Church being met together, is in the Name and Power of the Lord Iesus, and with his Spirit, are to deliver such an one to Sathan for the destruction of the Flesh, and the Sal­vation of his Soule, in the day of the Lord Jesus 1 Cor 5.1.4. 5, 11, 12. 2 Thes. 3.14. Mat. 18.17.

Quest. Is there no use of Suspension in the Church?

Ans. Not as a Church Censure or as an Act of power, but as an Act of discretion in the Church Officers, dis­cerning the uncleane from the cleane, untill they bee cleansed Lev. 10.10

Quest. What is Anathama Maranatha?

Ans. It is the utmost Censure of the Church, whereby a Brother falling from the love of Christ, into hatied a­gainst him, is cut off from fellowship with Christ, for [Page 12]ever even to the comming of the Lord 1 Cor. 16.22.

Quest. Having seene what power of Government the Church hath received, and exerciseth within it selfe. Tell me now whither one Church hath power of Go­vernment over another?

Ans. No Church hath power of Government over another, but each of them hath chiefe power within it selfe, and all of them equall power one with another, e­very Church hath received alike the power of binding and loosing, opening and shutting the Kingdome of Heaven Mat 18.17, 18. but one to another all of them are Sisters; Cant. 8.8. all of them Sarahs, all of them Queenes, none Hagar, none of them Concubines Gal. 4.26. Cant. 6.8. but by their owne corruption or usurpation of others Rev 18.17. Finally, all of them, are Candlesticks of the same precious met­tell, and in the middest of them all Christ equally walketh Rev. 1.12, 13.

Quest. But if one Church have no power of Govern­ment over another, what course is there left to Reforme such corruptions, as may arise in any Church, whether in Doctrine or practise.

Ans. The corruptions that are found in any Church, doe either infect part of the Church, or the whole body; if part onely, then the part remaining sound may either convince and reforme their Brethren themselves if they be able, or if they be not able they may at least prevaile so farre with them, as to send for light to some other Church, as they of Antioch did to the Church at Jeru­salem. But if the Corruptions found in a Church doe infect the whole Body, yet still there is hope in Israel concerning this, for though one Church have not power of Government over another, subordinate to them, yet every Church hath equall power one with another, as coordinate with them: And therefore looke what po­wer one Brother hath over another in the same Church, the same power hath one Church over another in Bro­therly communion; as if one Church shall heare of any [Page 13]offence in another, they may enquire the certainty of it, and thereupon send Letters and Messengers to convince and admonish them of it. If the Church offending doe heare the Church admonishing, they have gained their Brethren, and their owne desire: If the Church heare them not, then the Church may take one or two Chur­ches more to assist them, in the conviction of that sin: if yet the Church heare them not, then (upon due notice given) all the Churches thereabouts may meete toge­ther, and after judicious inquiry into the Cause, may by the Word of God confute and condemne such Errours, in Doctrine or practice, as are found oftensive: to pre­vent the spreading, either of the Gangreene of Heresie, or of the Leprosie of sin, and if the Church offending shall not yet hearken to their Brethren, though the rest of the Churches have no power to deliver them to Sa­than, yet they have power to withdraw from them, the right hand of Fellowship, and no longer to hold them in the Communion of Saints, till they approve their Repentance. By pro­portion, from Mat. 18, 15.16, 17. 2 Thes. 3.6.