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Univerfal Concord.
the firft fart.
THE
Sufficient TERMS
(Propofed for the life ofthofe chat
have liberty to ufe them : And as
the Authors Profeflion of his own
Religion, in a contentious , dividing
Age.
if
By Richard Baxter.
The Fir ft and General Part, is prepara-
tory to the Second Part , containing the
Particular Terms of Reconciling the fc-
ver#l differing Parties that arc Recon-
cileable.
LONDON ,
Printed by R. W. for Nevil Simmons , Book-
feller in Kederminfier , I 6 6 o.
ft
yi u,
lAfT**^
*s
To the Reader.
Cbriftiax Reader,
• Mnft acquaint thee, What it
is that is here offered thee,
• and To what ufe and parpofc.
Here is, i. The Articles or
Summe of the Chriftian
Religion, both briefly in the
Antient Creeds, and more
Largly and Explicitly in a Trofejfion , i. Of
Chnftian Belief, 2. Confent, 3. And Obedi-
ence.
2. Here is a Perm of Agreement for the
Paftors of fuch Churches as are left to Volun-
tary AfTociations and Communion.
3 . Here is a larger Defcription of the Mi-
nifterial Offices and Church-Ordinan-
ces.
The firft of thefe ( which was formerly
publifhed as a Catechifm , and is now cor-
A 3 tefted)
t efted ) was to rnc a work of greater difficul
ty than greater Volumes •, which thofc will
understand , that have tryed what it is to
avoid DtfeBivtncJs , 'Redundances , and Dif-
crdcrs in fuch a draught , ( which yet I know
I have notperfeftly attained). Tbellfes to
which it was intended are thefe. i . Whereas
Mr. fohn Dnry ( who hath laboured above
thirty years {or the healing the Divifibns
among the Protcftant Churches) did fend to
theMiniftersof this County of Worcefier, to
give him their advice and aififtance in that
mod dcfireablc work •, and whereas one prin-
cipal part of our Advice Was , that the
Churches {hould hold their Vnitj and Con-
cord in Neceffary things, and Liberty in things
not neceffary , and Charity in both, and that
they (hould each fend to other a Confejfion of
their Faith, containing only fuch Ntcefary
things , and thereupon defire the Acknow-
ledgement and Communion of their Bre-
thren : This Profefionis purpofely fitted to
that Vfe ^ containing as much as neighbour-
Churches (hould require, in order to that
diftant Communion with us or others, which
feveral Churches are capable of 5 and con-
taining nothing but what all Chriftian
^htircbes are agreed in. And whereas many
have
have faid, that it is defe&ive" becaufe it con-
taineth nothing but what a Papift will fub-
fcribe ^ I anfwer, It is fomuch the better .•
The Churches had a perred or fufficienc
SymboleorConfeffionof Faith , before Po-
pery f Name or Thing) was known in the
world : And they are not bound to alter and
enlarge it, as oft aserroursfhall arife : The
Rule muftftill remain the fame, and [A Re-
jection of alkthat is contrary to this Rule ]
is that which wc muft do in oppofition to Hc-
refies and Errours.We have no new Religion,"
but the fame ancient Faith which was before
Popery was conceived. If we have, nothing
but what they confefs to be true , then eur
Faith is juftified by them, ( and fo wc are on
the furer fide) : but they having much which
we deny, their Faith as Popfi* is condemned
by us, though their Faith us Chrlfiian we ap-
prove.
2. Another ufe of this Profejfion is to be a
Efficient teft for particular Church-Commu-
nion ^ ( where Authority leaveth it to the
Church. ) I will not rejeft him as defe&ive in
the Articles of his Belief, who belie veth but
what is comprehend in this Summe.
3. Itisalfoufefulfor tt* Catechising of
the Ignorant, and the clear explication or the
A 3 Creeds
Creeds and the ten Commandements" to the
underftandingsof the weak. I know it is an
inconvenience to children , to have Anfwers
Co hng to fome of the Queftions : Which I
would have rcdreffed^ if I could have done
it without greater inconveniences. And I
know that there are hundreds of Catechifms
abroad already : But if I could have told
where to have found one that had contained
as much as this doth, in as few ifrords , and no
worfe order, I had ("pared this labour. Since
the firft Edition of this, I received the exaft-
eft that I have taken notice of, in certain Pro-
pofition*, from the moft Learned Author
Mr. Thomas Greaves, much fuited to the fame
defigns as this.
To this laft ufe fome will think that there
is wanting the Definition of the Sacraments
of Baptifm and the Lords Supper ; But to
them I fay , i. The antient Church did pur-
pofely conceal the myfterie of the Eucharift
from the Catechuraenes , till they were ba-
ptized. 2, And then it was by fight and ob-
servation of the adual celebration, that they
firft and chiefly learned the nature of it.
3. And he that nameth them with their Vfes
and Ends^ ( as Iltove here done ) fuppoling
that he fpeaketh to fuch as have feen the Ad-
miniftration f
niniftration,may perhaps efcape the cenfure
)f omitting any thing that is of true Necef-
ity •, the Doftrine and Thing fignified by
hem being before explained. 4. But yes I
lave afterwards given a Description of them,
)ug. 29. &46. The/. 8. & 34. from whence
t may be fetched for the uic of the Cate-
:hized.
4. It is alfo ufeful to my felf, and othersin
ny cafe, that have fwarmsof malicious ae-
cufers , tbat would fain be queftioning the
bundnefs of our Faith, and accufingus of
irrours ; and that have need to make ic
mown what indeed is our Religion to Magi-
braces or Brethren, for their fatisfa&ion and
)nr juft defence. If any queftion , What is
My Religion ? It is here exprefed: Itcon-
lfteth in Q my Belief of all that God reveal-
'thtome^ and my Love of G&din him/elf and
n aH the appearances of his Goodnefs ; my
Truft in his fidelity, and Hope of all his Pro-
mfed Mercies • and my Obedience t* him in all
his Laws ; My Affent and Confent in Gene-
ral to all the Will of Godrevealed in Nature
or the Holy Scriptures, as far as I can undcr-
(land them : and in particular and more di-
Qinftly to all the parts of this Profejfion.^\
This is my Religion-^ I doubt not but this much
will
will bs acceptable with God, and fufficlcnt to)
felvatio : If it be not acceptable to men J
nor lufficient to my being Reputed Ortho-
dox , and accepted into their Communion ,
the Day it at hand that (hall reveal , whether
the fault was theirs or mine. I will rcjed no*
man of this Religion from my Charity or
Communion : I will cenfure , or raoleft , or
perlecute nonefuch : If they will do other-
wife by me, the fuffcring will at laft be great-
eft , where the fault was greatcft.
And yet ('though I adhere to the antient
fimplicity) I will not be wanting to facisfie
any as far as I am able : And therefore I have
added the other two parts : The Agreement
of the Affociated Minifiers , is intended for
nothing elfe but a diffident enumeration of
all thofe things which paftors, being left to fo
much liberty by the Magistrate, (hould Agree
in voluntarily among themfelves ; But ob-
ferve chat it is only for fuch times and places
of liberty ; ( and there it may ferve inftcad
of all the Volumes of Canons and Decrees: )
But in places and times of greater ftri&nef$ *
where the Civil Rulers grant no fuch Liber-
ty to the Churches, much of the Articles of
Agreement are in vain t and not to be pra-
difed ^ efpecially much in the fixth and fe-
venth
renth Articles : And as we juftly fwear in th$ t
Oath of Supremacy, that the King is the only
Jupream Governour of this Realm , in all
^aufes Spiritual or Ecclefiaftical ( that is, as
o all Coercive Government abent fuch Catifes %
iiftinft from Spiritual Government by the
Kejes of the Word upon mens Conferences ) fo
ve mull accordingly obey him ^ and no
Agreements, or Covenants, or Canons of
:>ur own or others , without a true and cer-
:airt prohibition from the Law of God, mud
)e pretended againft our obedience to lawful
cowers. For Gods Law having already
bound us to obey our Rulers , we cannot by
my Power, or Covenants, or Agreenjents of
)ur own,difoblige our felvcs : Otherwise men
night evade a great part of their duty ^ and
while they pretend to difpencc with the Laws
:>f God, they (hould, in a fort, fee up them-
iclves as above him. But if man command us
:odifobey our Maker, we muftdifobey that
:ommand, though with patient fubmiffion to
fa ffcrings, 'without refiftance, or reproaching
}f our Governours.
And becaufe fome men of narrow prin-
ciples, arc calling for AfTent to many more
particulars (cfpecially about Church-Offices,
andWorfhip, and Difcipline) and will not
bear
bear with thofejthat in fmaller things diflent {
from them t especially if Minifters ^ I have!
added 80. Thefts about the Offices of the ]
Minifters of Chrift, containing fuch things']
as one would think,for Number and Quality 9 \
might be taken as fuffioentfor our Concord'
and Communion with thofe whofe Opinions]
hinder not the profperity of their Charity j
and of the Church.
And now cali meby what Name or Title
thou feeft caufe ^ here thou haft my Profejfion
and my Judgement about the matters of the
Church : If thou defire to fee the practical
part that will bear it , exemplified in any
Forms ^ I (hould not refufe to give thee fuch
Jarisfaftion upon any juft occafion. I know
of no Title that well agreeth co the nature of
that Rdigtin which indeed I bold, and which
I have here propofed s and which I think
would be fit for the Churches to agree in, but
CHRISTIAN&CATH*)L1KE %
andchefelown ; If thou give me any other,
let him that maketh or ufcth it, be refponfible
for it.
Underftand alfo that this General Part ,
containing the Pefitives of the C at holikf Rt- L
ligion y and fit materials of Cdtholike Concord %
is Wat the fir fi Part of the Boek, the fecond in
tended
tended being iomewhat large ^ as containing
the particular terms on which the Abaffines,
Armenians, Greeks, Romanifts, Lutheranes ,
Calvinifts, Arminians,Contra-remonftrsnts ,
Epifcopal, Presbyterian, Independents, and
moderate Anabaptifts (hoald be agreed ; and
difcovcring that with rnoft of the parties, the
jprcfent difagreements arc not fuch as (hould
break Communion, and caufe them to rejeft
each other as too many uncharitably do.
I conclude with one neceflary Adver-
tifement to thee, that if thou wouldft noc
be cheated of thy Religion by thofe thac
are ftill p^rfwading men that the effentials
or Fundamentals of Religion asjdiftind
from the Integral parts cmnot be known,
becaufc no one certain perfed form of words
is given to the Church which containeth
thofe and none but thofe, remember that it is
the matter and fence believed, Loved and
Obeyed that is the efTence of Religion and
necefTary to falvation for it felf-, but the
Words art only Nee jfarj&s revealing or ex-
prefiing the Matter : And therefore t ! >e
fame form of Voords or fentences is not Ne-
ceffarj alike to all.The molt General ^ordsjxtc
inoft compre hen five, and moft certainly ta^e
in all the matter : But then the panic filar
things
things which muft neceflarUy be underftood,
arc not alike conceived of by all men by th6
helpe or ufe of General expreffions : A
wife underflanding Chriftian when he faith
but £ I believe in God the Father , the Son,
and the Hoi) Ghift,'] doth djftinftly con-
ceive of all thofe things that effentially con-
ftitute fuch a true belief •, when perhaps an
ignoranter weaker perfon muft have thofe
Generals opened by more diftinft expreffions,
and more particularly, before he can have a
true apprehenfion of fuch effentials. And
therefore the more Ignorant any perfon is,
( c&teris paribus) the more large, diftinft
and particular his Creed or Profejfion fhould
be ; becaufe he conceiveth of nothing but
by very particular diftind: expreffions, when
the judicious by a few words conceive of. as
touch as the ignorant by many.
Though much of the fecmd Part of this
Treatife be long fincc prepared, yet fo great
arethethreatningsof God to deprive me of
opportunities of publike ferving him, and fo
wonderful is the impatience of men againft
Peace makers, ( as crofting their opinions^ in-
terefts and dejignes) that I have great reafon
to queftion whether ever it will fee the
light : And therefore I intreat thee at the
prefent
prefent to accept of this imperfeft piece
alone, from hinuhat is refolved by the help
of Chrift, and in confidence on his promife,
Afatth.5.9. to continue his endeavours
fthoiagh weak and unfuccesful) for the Chur-
ckes Peace ,t hough it coll him a thoufand mere
injuries and flanders, and all that furious
profperous malice can inflift,as being
His fervant who will beare our
charges, and fave us harmlefs
in his work.
Rich. 'Baxter.
Er-
i
Errata*
PAg. 4. 1. it. for [ tbefeventh dxy ] read [ the Sab*
batbday]. pag. 10, 11. Thofe that would hare
more brevity, may blot out [ to reconcile And Win?
*ie ttnto God ] and all after [ Sanftifier ] to the end
°f that Paragraph. Pag. 24. 1. 12. blot out [ and
Cenfent] Pag. 61. 1. 1. blot out [ any] Pag. 68. 1. 3.
for I great'] r. [ argent 3 and 1. 6* for I omit] r.
I over-pafs ]
The neceflary Grounds, Ends and
Principles of a Univerfal Concord*
between all faithful Paftors and
Churches according to their capacity
of Communion,
OR our grounds.
I. We take the Word of God
for the Rule of our Faith,
and Law of the Church, faf-
ficientlj determining .of all
that is of Standing , Vnivcrfal Necejftty or
Duty, in order to Salvation and the Plcafing
of God; and giving us f efficient General Pre
tepts and Directions, for the determining of
all foch circumftances in Worjhip and Holy
Obedience^ as are not of flanding, univerial
iNeccflity or Duty, but are mutable and va*
riable: It is therefore none of our intent to
make any Laws for our Brethren, or impofc
any thing as Duty that God hath not ita-
?ofed.
(a) [IWc
II. We here fappofe and include the La*
ef Nature and Revelation of the will of God
by his works when we fpeak of the fufficien-
cyof his Word.
III. We fuppofc the Neceflity of Reafon
and Illumination t zn& theufc of Means both
Jnftituted, NaturaUndoi Arts, forthright
undemanding of the Word ef Go i : and there-
fore (hall take*////?./* for our Rule, which by
thefe Helps and Means may be fuffitiently
proved to be the fenfe of the Word or Work*
ef God.*
I V.Becaufe we are affured that the Primi-
tive Churches were acquainted with the mind
of God, in all the points of Necejfitj, about
his Worfbip and the Government ofehe Church 9
and becaufc we bear a reverence to thofe
times,and are not willing needlefly to fwerve
from their example* -, we (hall therefore put
nothing into this our Agreement as a ftand*
ing % neceffary Duty^ in which we have not
the confenc of thofe Ant ient Churches.
V. Though our minift^rial Duty and Au-
thority do arife from the Laws of Chrift
himfelf-, yet in fubordination to him, we
fubmic to the jufi commands of Magiftra\es %
and thankfully accept of their encourage
raenc aad Help, even in the matters of the
houft
feoufe and worflup of the Lord. And ther?
fore we refolve to keep as neer their Directi-
ons andLaws as we can, in congruence- with
fcur Divine and princif*l Rule and grounds;
and Ends, and in all things lawful to obey
them.
VT. And becaufe we are not Lords but
Minifters, and have no forcible, Magifterial
Power, but a Minifierial Authority to di-
reft, perfwade and command as fervants in
our Mafters name, and cannot govern people
as their Paftors againft their wills, we (hall
therefore expeft the Confent of our people,
and not prefume to take them as members of
our Churches and fpecial charge ; and bring
them under the yoak of Difcipline, without
their confent 9 or againft their minds and
wills.
VII. Becaufe we are all imperfeft, and
heed the Advice and Help of others, and
becaufe it is the will of God that his Churches
and Servants live in Unity, we (hall, in cafes
of Difficulty, and where the concurrence of
our Brethren may promote our work, con-
fult with them, and do as much of our work
as we can, by their Advite and in a way of
Ccnccrd.
And thus we may confidently proceed as
(a 2} gouig
going upon fare grounds, and expeft the con-
currence of ourBrethen, and be out of the
reach of rational calumny, while we have
the Holy Scripture, or the Law of Nature,
difcerncd by Illuminated Reafon, for what we
do : while we have the leading judgement of
the Ancient Churches, the command, allow-
ance, encouragement or permiflion of the Ma-
gifirate, the confent of pur People % and oui
Mrethrens concord and Advice.
2. (f~\lh Ends in this Agreement, are,
\*J\. Ultimately the pleafing and Glori-
fying of God. II. The faving our own and
peoples fouls. III. The winning of unfan-
dificd fouls to God. IV. The Prefervation
and Edification, and obedient, fruitful, ex-
emplary lives of thofe that are fandified.
V. The fruitful and comfortable communion
of Saints. VI* The right adminiftration of
holy things, that Ordinances may be owned
by God and profper. VII. The maintaining of
Union and CommuniQn among the Chur-
ches and miniftcrs ©f Chrift with more
fuch like, which will be after menti-
oned,
3. The
3. tT^He Pri»ciples which we proceed on ia
•*■ order to the following Practices, are
thcfe, andfachas thele.
I. We are agreed that it is the. Dr;y of
Ministers to Treath the Werd, ?,;iCl be iiRanE
infeafon and out of feafon, and a* teach and
endeavour to win as many to Chrift • as they
can .• especially thole in their feveral Pa-
rishes, for whole inftmftion rhcy. are ap-
pointed by the magistrate, and have the pub-
like maintenance.
n. We are agreed that all members of the
Vnivtrjal Church, that have opportunity
ihould joyn themlelvcs as members to fome
Particular Churches, for ordinary commu-
nion of Saints, in pubhke worftup, and for
the helping of each other in holy Obedience, '
andagainllfin , and that rhey (hould know
their own Pattors, and the Pallors know their
proper flock, as far as may be, in order to
Ehe faithful difcharge of their great truft,
Atts 14. 23. Titos I. 5. I Thetfal. 5.
12, 13.
III. We are agreed that it is the duty of
Pallors to Teach and Rule (or Guide) the
Bocks, and to go before them as the Mini-
(a 3) ftcrs
Jlefs of Chrift, in the publike Adminiflnu
tion of his holy Ordinances : And that it is
the peoples duty to joyn with them in thi$
pablike worlhip, and fubmit to their due
Adminlftrations, to hear them, and obey
jthem,and to honour them and highly cfteera
them in Love for their work and matters
fake, and to be at peace among themfelvcs.
IV. We are agreed that the Baptifm of
Infants, giveth none a Right to the Church
memberftiip and Priviledges of the Adult,
unlc/s they add a perfonal profeffion (clear
orobfeure) of their own faith.
V, We are agreed that this Profeffion
mud be Credible ; and therefore muft feem
Vnderfl*nding % Deliberate , Voluntary^Serid$u 9
net Nullified or made invalid by a contra-
ditting tongue er Life ; and that it muft Mate*
riallj contain the whole effence rf Chriftia-
pity : And that in order to their admittance
to Church communion, men are not the fete
Judges of their o^n profeffion, but it muft be
Credible to them to whom it belongeth to ad-
mit them to Communion.
y I. We are agreed that ordinarily none art
tQ be refufed Communion, that make fjtch 4
frefefjfion of Chriftianity, as above faid, and
dejire Communion^ and confent to be members
of
of the Churches where they live, and to futr
mit to Minifterialoverfight and Government*
and to do the duty of fellow-members unto
others • Yea though they arc weak in know-
ledge and Grace, and duty , and want convenu
ent expreflions.
We (hall take up with a credible Profeffi-
on ("that is[fuch as feemeth to be under-
ftanding, deliberate, voluntary and ferious,
not nullified by contrary words or deeds )
notwithftanding the weaknefTes of men.
i. Becaufe we are not fearchers of the heart,,
and therefore mud believe a credible perfon,
till we can difprove him. 2. Becaufe we
find the Scripture example guiding us in this
way, jta. 2. 37, 38,4i- & 4- 4- &8. 13,37.
& 16.33. Matth. IS.3,5, 6 . Rom. 10. 9. ;
3. -Becaufe we find that God doth much
lay mens good or evil upon their own choice.
4. Becaufe we muft be tender of refufing the
weakeft that Chrift doth not refufe, or of
wronging men in fo great a matter as the
Helps of their Salvation are.
And yet we (hall receive no other, nor
promifcuoufly admit all of our Pariflics in
Common as now they are 1. Becaufe we
know to our forcow too many of them to
bcgrojlj ignerant of the Eficntids ef ChrU
(a 4 5 JfrVwwj.
fitfiitj. 2. And too many of them deny
(in many places) thefaid cffentials. 3. And
many of them never made a perfonal profejjion
of Faith and Holinefs, for ought we know
(and we cannot judge of latent things : )
4. Many of them nullify their Profejfionsand
inake them utterly incredible by notorious un-
godly lives, and violating their Baptifmal
covenant. 5. If they refufc cetfem, they
refufe their own mercies •, and God or the
Church do not give fuch priviledges to re-
fuferss or non accepters. 6. If we take all
thefc and fuch other as are unfit into the
Church, and put them under Difcipline, that
cannot bear it, we take the way to undo them
•for ever, by making them defperatc enemies
of the truth. For as their reigning fin is like
to harden them againft reproof, and bring
them under publike cenfure, fo when they
find themfelves fhamed and caft out, they
aremoft likely to hate the Minifter and his
teaching, and ndver more to be profited by
hirn : when as in the ftate of catechumens ,they
would have remained lefs irritated, and fo
rnore teachable and in. hope. 7. We can-
not fpiritually£#»7/r and gevern* men againft
their mils : and therefore cannot be their
$aftmi nor undertake to doit againft their
wills
will**, or without their own confenr. 8. We
have eaufcto judge that men would take it
as a heynous injury, if we bring chem under
this difpleafing Discipline without their own
confent. 9. They canr ot perform th e Duty
of Church members to God^ the Paflors or
their Brethren^ without their owr* confentT
and therefore they are not to be numbred
ivith adult Church-members , nor re-
ceive the Prrvilcdges o\ fuch. 10. The ex-
cellent ends of Church Holinefs by Difcipline
before cxp will be fruftrate, and the
contrary n brought upon the Chur-
hes which are and great. 11. The
Rubrick and Canons direct us to deny the&t-
:ranjsnt to the fear we refolve ther?-
ore in fubordina: word of God to
haverefpect to thefe directions of our Go«
ycrnours. The powers both Civil and Ecclc-
iaftical, did command and order in the book
)f Common Prayer £ that none be admitted
9 the holy communion, till they tun fay the
^atechifm, and be confirmed. ] And they give
:hefe Reafor.s for confirmation at full age
" (t 1. Becaufe rhan wl^n children come to
'years of difcretion and have !earned what
c their God- fathers and God-mothers pro-
'raifed for them in Baptifm, they may then
"them.
€C thernfeLves with their own mouth and their
€c own confent t openly before the Church ,
"ratifie and confirm the fame • and alfo
"promife that by the Qrace of God they
<c will evermore endeavour themfelves faith-
" folly to obferve and keep fach things as
" they by their own mouth and confeffion
<c have affirmed unto. 3 . For that it is agree-
c< able with theufagcof the Church in times
<c paft : whereby it was ordained thatcon-
" formation fhould be rainiftred to them that
V were of perfed age , that they being in-
truded in Chrifts Religion, (hould openly
<c profefs their own Faith, and promife to be
cc obedient to the Willof God.] We fo far
reverence the antient Church, and the Au-
thority that cftablfhcd this in England , that
we (hall not cauflcfly negled fo much of this
as we can perform.
VII. We are agreed that it is the will of
Chrift that holy Difcipline or Government
be ordinarily exercifed in the Churches : That
thegrofs andfcandalous (inners be reproved,
and the unreformed and impenitent, after
due means and pasjpnee, be put away from
the Communion of the Church , and the
penitent abfolved ; And that wilfully to neg
led: this holy Order and Work, is ahainous
fin
C
fin : Fori I. It is neceffary by Precept * as
| thefe Canons teftifie: Lev. 19-17. M*tth.
18. 15, 16, 17,18. 1 Or. 5. Tit. 1. 13. &
2.15.&3. 10. 1 Ti^iii'% X S- & 5- '9 ? 20 t
21,22,24/2 77w. 3 -5- & 4.2. 2 77^/3.6,14.
2. It maketh for the honour of God, that
his Hofincfs may be feen in the face of the
Church, which he hath chofen to be a glafs to
reprefent it to the world , and men may not
reproach him with the impurities of his
Church • And it is ncceflary to the honour
of our Redeemer , the Head and Saviour of
the Church, that he be not reproached with
the lofs of his labour, and the deformities o£
his body : As alfo it is needful to the honour
of our SanSifier, that the world may fee that
Holinefs is a real thing , and leaves not Saints
as defiled as the world.
3. It it needful alfo to the honour of the
Church, which is the Garden, and Vineyard,
and Family of God • a peculiar people , a
royal Priefthood, a holy Nation 5 and not to
be like the common Wildernefs , but fitted
for the praife of him that called thera,and the
Communion of Saiitfs.
4. It is a part of the very office and work
of Paftors : the power is effential to them ,
and the exercife ordinarily their duty.
5- It
$. It condueeth to the conviftion andfal- .
vationof the unbelieving world, who are not I
capable of judging of our dodrine by it felf, J
but will judge of it by the quality of the"
Church that doth profefs it. If the Chnrch *
be impure, they will fly from Chrift and the "
Gofpel as impure : And nothing is more like ^
to win them , then a vifibh innocency and 1 s '
cleannefs in the Church.
6. It tendethalfo to the convincing andf
converting of notorious ungodly people I
among- our felves , when there is a vifible
difference between them and the Churches.
7. And it tendeth to the bruifing the head 1
of the Serpent, by calling an open ihame on
fin.
8. It condueeth alfo to the honour of ho-
linefs, when it is thus folemnly exalted , and
the precious feparated from the vile : And fo
men will be encouraged to own it , againft
the reproach that is caft upon it in the
world.
9. It tendeth alfo to the prefervation of
the Church from thevenome and infe&ion of
herefieand fenfuality, vd the imitation of
the ungodly in theiriin , that a little of their
leaven do not leaven the whole lump.
10. It tendeth alfo to the comfortable
Com-
Communion of the Saints", and the maintain-
ngof brotherly Love and Charity : Where-
is if the Church be conftituted of notorious
wgedljmen^ the faithful cannot Love them
vith the facial Love that is due to Saints, nor
ommmicate to them as fuck ; but will take
jp with a common Love and Communication f
tfhich is fitter in the world then in the
Zhurcb.
1 1 . It will prcferve the Churches beautiful
md acceptable in the eyes of God , that fo
le may delight in them , and own his Ordi-
lances with the more plenteous blefiing ; and
n the Church there will be as a reprefentati-
>n of the Judgement to come (pra judicium
'uturi JHaiciifUt Tcrtull.) when theimpuri-
y of it by the negleft of Difcipline , may
)roYoke him to punifh the Church for the
ins which they connive at , and to with-
iraw his Grace and difown his Ordinan-
es.
12. Laftly, Difcipline is neceffary for the
[capable J offendor himfelf , to fharne and
irive him from his fin : andto the Penitent
hat by that comfortable Ordinance of Ab-
folution, they may be aflifted in applying the
promifcto thcmfclves, and may be revived
by hearing the voice of peace from the rcouth
of
of an authorized Meffenger of Chrlft. Thefe
great and manifold ends and ufes to which
God hath appointed the cxercife of the
Key es, and the Government and holy Order
of his Church, will cry out againft us, as great
tranfgreffors, if we (hall wilfully neglcft fuch
a needful work, having undertaken the Office!
SO which it doth belong.
V 1 1 L Yet we arc agreed that Difciplind
muft not be made -a pretence to any unjufi
cenforioufnefs, or rigor f much lefs to tjrannie
or revenge : Nor mull we bring men to open
fhame t or caft them out of our Gommuniori
for fin repented of, confefedtndforfaken ^ nor
yetforthemeer infirmities of Believers, or
fins that are not fcandalons or grofs ; Nor
muft Paftors prefumc by excommunicating
Kings and Rulers, to difhonour them and en
danger Obedience and Qvil peace.
IX. We are agreed that as there muft be a
perfonal communion of Christians for the
worfhipping of God* and for holy walking in
a particular Church, fo there muft be a com-
munion of Churches, as far as nccclficy dotf|
require, aod our capacity will allow : That fo
they may communicate the truths and mer-
cies which they receive % and may know how
to receive or rcfufe fuch, as are received 01
rejedei
reje&ed by any of the Churched ThePaftors
therefore ( with other meet perfons) (hould
npcet together ('having leave granted by
the Civil Chriftian Magiftrate ) and
hold correfpondency. to thefc ends as oft as
they well can : As alfo for the helping and
ftrcngtheningof each other, and doing the
work of God in Concord, and other ends to
be mentioned anon.
X. Into this Communion we arc agreed,'
that all fuch true Pafiors ( and Churches )
are to be admitted , as make a credible fre*
fejfion of Faith and Holinefs •, and that fuch
as deny this,ov are Heretickj, or of Jcandalota
ungodly lives , rauft after a firft and fecond
admonition , be reje&ed by the reft of the
Pafiors and the Churches. ( So as in the man-
ner they make no disturbance of Civil obedi-
ence or Peace.)
THE
Chriftian Religion.
ExprefTed I. briefly, in the
ancient Creeds, the ten Com-
mandments y and the Lords
Prayer.
And tt more largely in a Trofefsi-
on taken out of the holy Scriptures $
Containing 1. The Articles ot the
Chriftian Belief. 2. Our Confent to
the Gofpel Covenant. 3 . The fum of
Chriftian Duty.
According to the Primitive Simplicity,
Purity, and Pra&ice : Pitted to the right
Inftru&ingof the Ignorant, the promo-
ting of Holinefs, and the Charitable
Concord of all true Believers.
Which whofoever fincerely Believeth,Cohfen-
teth to, and Pn &il'ct!i 3 (lull certain y uC faved.
It h alfo by prefixed Jgjteflio'is, made a Cuechifm.
By Richard Baxter.
London Primed, 1660.
T
To fill up this vacant Page.
*&E Vapifls Confefsion of the fufficiency of our Belief.
Concil. Bafil. Orac. Raguf. Bin. p. 29?. [ The Holy
Scripture in the literal I fcnfe,foundly and well under flood, is
the Infallible and mofi fufficicnt Rule of faith. ]
Bcllarm. dc verbo Dei, L 4.C. 11. I In the Christian doftrint
both of Faith and Manners, fome things are, [imply necejjary to faU
vation, to all-, as the knowledge of the Articles of the Apoftles Creel
of the ten Commandments , and of fome Sacraments : The reft are nek
fo Necejjary, that a man cannot be faved without the explicite $nor*
ledge, belief and profejfion of them — The fe things that arefimpl}
neceffary,and are Profitable to all, the Apoftles pre ached to aSL
All things are written by the Apoftles which are Necejfary 1 al%
*U which they openly preacht to all ] ( See the place. ) V
•
Coftenus Encbirid. c. i.p. 49. Non inficiamur praecipua Hlafi
dei capita quae omnibus Chriftianis cognitu funt ad falutem ua At
ccflaria, perfpicue fatis effe Apoftolicis fcriptis comprchenfa
Tht
The ChrifHan Religiw. I
The Ancient Creed.
I Believe in God the Father
Almighty, MtMer of
Heaven and Earth: And
in fefus Chrifi his only
Son our Lord, who was
conceived by the Holy
\Chofi y born of the Virgin
Mary • fuffered under
Pontius Pilate,
I Believe in one God the Father
Almighry^nuker of Heaven
and earn , and of aU things
vifibie and invisible ; and in one
Lord JefusChrift the only breot-
ten So»f God, be-otten or his
Fathen^f ;re all worlds, God of
God, Ughtof Light, very God of
very God^begotren not made, be-
ing of one fubftance with the Fa-
ther, by whom all things were
made : who for us men, and for
ypOA Cru- ! our kl vat i° B came down from
" ' heaven , and was incarnate bv the
holy Ghoit of the virgin Mary,
and was made man, and was cruci-
fied alfo for us under Ponnu* Pi-
cified , dead and buried
he descended into Hell
the third day he rofe again . late. He fuffered and was buried.
■A,„**, +L» A* * A L „r^.«> ! and the third day he rofe again
from the dead; he afcenA accordin . to thr ; scnpr B re s , ani
dedinto Heaven,and [ittteth] afcended into heaven, and frtcth
*L ~l*. I J f sv J at the right hand of the Fathers
m the right hand of God And helhall ccme a^ain with
the Father Almighty, from glory to judge bo'h the quick and
i i n n • J the dead ; whofe kingdom (hail
thence he JballcometO judge \ ha veno end. And I believe in
he quick and the dead. lbe-\ * he holy Ghoft , the Lord and
heve tn the Holy Uhvjt ; the ; from the Father and the Son, who
holy Cathclick Churchy thl\ with the Father and the Son to-
u. J . y . 7 , gcther is wortnipped and glorifij
Communion of SatntS \ the] td, who fpake by the Prophets.
c ornvenefs ef fins ; ' the a** 1 believe oBeCatholike and
/? [ J r i /j Apoftolike Chuich > I acknow-
"efurreCTlon of the body A ledge one Baptifm for the rcmiiE,
%na tne itje ivertejtwg,\ rcfurreaion of lhcJc ad,and the
imen, I Ufc of clac world to come. %A*»<n±
%*
2 "the Chriflian Religion.
T jit / Hofoevcr will be favcd : before all things, it is necef-
Y/ Y/ fary that he ho'd the Catholike faith.
Which faith except every one do keep wholly and
undefiled : without doubt he fliall pciiili everlaftingly.
And the Catholike faith is this : that we worftiip one God in
Trinity, and Trinity in Unity :
Neither confoundin^the perfons : nor dividing the fubftance.
For there is one perfon of the Father, another of the Son, and '
another of the holy Ghoft.
But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the holy
Ghoft, is all one : the ^lory equal, the Majefty cdeternal.
Such as the Father i§fuch is the Son:& fuch is the holy Ghoft.
The Father uncreate, the Son uncreate, and the holy Ghoft I
uncreate. -
The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and
the holy Ghoft incomprehenfiole.
The Father eternal,the Son eternal,and the holyGhoft eternal.
And yet they are not three eternals .• bur one eternal.
As alfo there be not three inco^ -prehenfiblc s, nor three uncrc- ;
ated : but one r.ncreated, and one ificoruoiehcn^ble.
■ So likewife the Father is Almighty, viz Son Almighty, and ^
the Holy Ghoft Almighty.
And yet they are not three Almighties : but one Almighty. *
So the Father is God,the Son is God,& the holy Ghoft is God, <j
And yet they arc not three Gods : but one God,
So likewife the Father is Lord, the Son Lord , and the hoi) f
Ghoft Lord, : *
And yet not three Lords : but one Lord. '
For like as we be compelled by the Chriflian verity , t< P
acknowledge every perfon by himfelf to be God and Lord.
So are w forbidden by the Catholike Religion, to fay thcrtf 1
be three God±> or rhiee Lords.
The Fachcr is made of none : neither Created, nor begotten, h
The Son is of the Father alone : not made, nor created, bu *U
begotten. F
The holy Ghoft is of the Father,and of the Son;neither made U
por created; nor begotten, but proceeding.
The Chriflian Religion. 3
So there is one Father, not three Fathers $ one Son, not three
Sons j one holy Ghoft,noi three holy G-ofts
And in this Trinity none is afore or after o:her, nor.e is great-
r or lefs then another.
But tta whole three perfons be coetern.il together,and cc?quaL
So that in all things, as is aforefaid, che Unity in Frinity and
he Trinity in Unity is to be worfhi \^d.
1 He therefore that will be faved: e Trinity,
Furthermore, it is neceffary to everl&ftin* fa ! varion ; that he
Ifo believe rightly in the incarnation ci our Lord JefusChrlft,
For the right faith is, that we believe andctJhfefs : that oar
ord Jefus Chrift the Son of God, is God and man,
God of the fubftance of the Fathcr,begotten before the worlds:
nd man of the fubftance of his mother, born in the world.
Perfect God and perfect man : of a reafonable foul, and hu-
lane flefh fubfiiting.
Equal to the Father as touching his Godhead : and inferiour
) the Father touching his manhood.
Who although he be God and man : yet he is not two 3 Wt one
thrift.
One, not by Convcrfion of the Godhead into fle(h,butby
tking of .le manh od Into God.
One altogether , not by confufion of fubitance 3 but by unity of
:rfon.
For as the reafonable foul and flefh is one man : fo God and
lan is one Chnft.
Who fuflfcred for our falvation, defcended into hell, *ofe again
Le third day from th- dead.
He afcended into hiiven, and fitteth on the right hand o^the
srther, God almighty, from whence he fhall come to judge the
aick and the dead
At whofe coming all men fhall rife again with their bodies :
j id (hall give account for their own wo
And they that haV^ done good- (hal 1 ft cverlafting :
}d they that have dene evif, into everlafUng Sre.
^This is the Catholike faith: which except a man belie Y«
j ^thfully, he cannot be faYed.
4 7 be chnflian Religton.
The ten Commandments, Exod. 20.
Gg)DfpafeeatttbefetBotf0,fapinff> 3 am tbe Lotfi tbp ©ou »
toMcbbaDeb;misbctbeeo*ieoftbetonD of Cgypt> out of tbe
joule of boufca e.
Slbou \Wt b*tjc no otber ocoto befojte me.
©jen fbaft not mafee unto tbee anp graven image* ox anp lifce*
ttCf« ©fany thin- than is ttti&eamtt abobe* Ql tljat tf III tilt ^art&
bcncatlb o* tbat is in tbe toater tinner He eartb > &boH fealt not
boto Bourn tfouelf to tfam? no* ferbe tbeni; fojt3 tbe lotfi tbp
^otiam aieaUras #et^ toiftring tbe fntqufcte« of t&e JFat^rs
upon tie cuilbjm* nnto the tbteo anafourtb generation of tbein
I t*)*t bate me ^ ana tbetomg mere? unto tyoufann* of tbem tbat
lotieme^anD fceepmPcommanDments.
Ebou (bait noc rake t&e name 0' tbe LojtD tbP 45o& in bain ; fc;t
t&e Lot* tottl not bolD bun guiltlefs tbat taketb bis naim in bain*
Remember tbe feabbatb Dav to Iteep tt boll? : fit &ap* ajalt
tbou Iabour>a.iD 00 all tbp tuoifc s but tbefetantb Dap 19 tbe^ab*
Ibatboftb^G^tJtbv^ocij in it tljou fljalt not Do ant> tuo^ 5 tbou>
not tfep foujnoM^ Daiubter? tbpmamfenjant, no* tby matD*
fenmnt, iwtbp cattebnoi tbe ftranotei* tbat tsUrtbtn tbygate*:
%o% in fie Dav* tbe LojtD maDe beaten anD eartb ? tlje fea>
ana all that tn tbem is? anD refteD tbefetoentbDaps toberefoje
tbe to*D btefca tijc $etoent& Dat> antj ballotoeD it.
honour rbp fatber anD tbv motber, tbat tbP Dags map be
fong upon tbe lann u>bicbtbeLojDtbp©oD gibetbtbee.
C&ouftalt not full.
fTbou ibaltnot commit aDulterp*
Cbeuiljat not (Teal.
C&on foait not bearfrrtfc tomtefaa<xatnntbp0eifl;blJour*
feoon fbnrlt norco^et tb^net&b^ouiBbomeitboutoitnot cobet
t&p neigblwii** Mfo noibisman-fenjant^no* bie mat'Merbant,
toot big o^noji 6.0 atejnw an? tbtug tbat i* tb? neigbbours.
The Lords Prayer, Mai . 6,
OSR fatber tobiebatt in E;eaben, ballotocbbe tty J5ame:
&bp Stfn«Dom come : Wtt will be Done in eartb as it i*i«
fceafcen : ©toe tcsr tbis Day our DatlpbjeaD ? anb fmgibe 110
3ttr urjbtsr > a? toe fojgibe our tiebtojia > 3n& lean n^ not into
temptation > bnt neliber u^ from e*ri! > fo* tbine te tbe King*
8om> anD tbe $otm> anD tbe ©io^p 3 f^ eber> Amen,
The Chriftlan Relight*.
The Profession of the
Ch r i s t i a n Religion.
I. The Articles of the Chrifiian Belief.
It is a Cc-tecbifm if y§u prefix to every Article, the
JVueftiov, ao&at DOpou bclietoe i
i . T>Here is one only God (*) Or
i.OfGoD. I ^y m three perfon$ * che fubfiftcn-
Father, Son and Holy Ghoft (b) : Who is SJ'iCor.
Infinite in Being,Power,Wifdom and Good- 8.4,$. "
nefs (c) : The Creator of all things (d)-,Our (b) Mat.
moft abfolute Lord, moft Righteous Go- 28 _ **•
vernour , and moft gracious Father(e).
1 17. Pfal. 139. 7, 8, 9. & 147. j . Ifa. 40. 17. (d) Neh. 5. ۥ
Cc)Rcv.4.8.8ciy.3.Ex.34.^.Ezck.iS.4.Pfal.47.7. & 119. *3.
Be I4<<9-
■ , > ' 2. God made man for /n ~„
I °f theC /T n A himfelf ( f ) in his own £ 7°*'
Lmm J image (g) ; with Reafon (g) Gen.
and freewill (h): endued ****•
with wifdom and holinefs (i) . and put under ( h ) Dcuc *
him the inferior creatures,for his ufc(k) :and 2?j ^oi,
3. 10. Ecclcf.7.29. (k) Pal 8. j 3 tf.
B 4 bound
6 ' ThfChrifiian Religion.
(1) Mar. bound him by the Law of Nature to adhere
DcutV V t0 Gocl hlS Maker \ t0 BellCve h>m,fear him,
^ IO ,'.; love him, honour him and obey him with all
& 1.32. his powers (I): Moreover forbidding him to
(m; Gen. eat of the tree of Knowledge upon pain of
a. i* 5 17- death (m).
^aM&V. ^ «ii j 3- Man being tempted
Johns 4 l ^7/^ by Satan,did wilfully fin,
Ro.^^12,^^^^ and lo tell from God
?8 Gcn.3. andHappincfs,under the
<b) Rom. wrath ofGod(a),the curie of his Law(b)and
\*9#9frl* l ^ c P ower ofthe Devil (c); And hence we
■ &6.z$. are all conceived in fin, and prone to evil,
(c) Afts (d) and condemnation is pafied upon all
t.6< .18. / c j an( j no mecr creature is able to deli-
Epn, 2.2 /r\
Hcb.i.i 4 . verus C0.
(d)Pfal.j MRom ^.iiEph.i.2,3^ Ifa 48.4. Job i4.4.&2?.4,;
Gen.^.j.Hof n.7.(e) Rom.j. 18,19.(0 Rom.5.6310. Afts 4.12.
, • % t. „ 4. God fo loved the world
isiu & t ° f ^T that he pave his only Son to be
4 4*- /i brift. the ^ Redeemer (a)- who be-
%. F? h *•*• ing God, and One with the
Rot/ * 11 father (b) did take our nature, and become
)bh.xajd man 5 being conceived by the Holy Ghoft,
(c; 1 Tim. in the Virgin Mary, and born of her, and
2 : 5.Heb.2. called Jefus C hnk (c^ and being free from
\\ 16 ' fin, he conquered the tempter, fulfilled all
\Zu'^ ri £ ht ^oufnefs (d), revealed the Gofpel,and
Mat. 1,20 S 2i. (d) Heb.4. 15. Mat, 4. Heb.7.26. Mat.3. 17.
confirmed
The cbriftiart Religion 7
confirmed it by Miracles (e)- 5 and gave him- (c) Ads ».
felfa facrificeforour fins,and aranfomefor zz - Heb - :
us, in fufferingdearhon the crofs,to recon- 3 ' 4 "
I cile us unto God (f) • and'was buried, and ^^ cb,f *
went among the dead(q)*) * ' T £f*
•Or [**£**- and Rofe again the third ^ " 6
ed fouls Oi\to the j t • j • V ^
$tbcr world.} da Y> havin g conquered (3) 1 Co,
death, (h)- andatterward JV>*
attended into Heaven (i) where he remain- pjy |#^
eth God and Man, in one perfon(k), and is 10 1 Pet.
Lord of all, in glory with the Father (1). the 3.18,19.
chief Prieft, and Prophet, and King of his OviTim
Church (m)- interceding for us -, and teach- I§ IO '*l^
ingand ruling us, by his Spirit, Minifters, *[**
and Word (n). OJA&2.9
(k) Afts 3 ii. Rom. 9«j. Heb.7. 24. (1J A<fts 2. 36". & 10. 36,
(m) Heb. 3. 2. & 10. 21. Afts 3. 23. & *. 31. (ri) Heb. 7. 2?
Rom. 8.34. Eph.4. 8 3 ii 5 12, 13. Rom.8.^. 1 Thef. j. u,
5. The Lord JefusChrift , 1H , .
l-oftbiVewTeflj- hath ordained in hisTefta- ,K
mat or Covenant of 1 ,, 1 1 V J I
Gr/ue* ment, that ail they that iz.&j.i*. 1
receive him by a true ef- *&***.
fcftual faith, and by true Repentance do l^'^t
turn from the flelh, the world % and the De- ^ & ^ J
viluntoGod,(hall freely receive the pardon 19. & 20I
of their ftns(a),and (hall become the Sons of *i. Rom. I
God,and heirs ofeverlaftingLife,(b) & the ^ Ij }?• 1
Spirit ofChrift (hall dwell within them(c), JSj^jl
*f>l7« (0 Oal.4.6. John 3.6". 1 Cor.6*.i7.Rotn.8. Eph.i.ig.n.l
and
8 The Chriflian Religion.
'd)Rev.x. and all that overcome and perfevere to
F3- Co1 * the death , (hall live with Chrift in endlefs
Icb'iK. S' 01 T fd): But the Unbelievers, impenitent
z) Ma'-/ and unholy (hall be condemned to everlaft-
?i6.Loh. ing fire (ej. And this he hath commanded
*rf*3^ his Ministers to preach to all the world (f) :
Ihcf I4# And hath t0 '^ us 5 ^ iat: AH that are given
9. &2,. him of the "Father, (hall come to him, and
:. Luke that he will in no wife caft them out, nor
; 3 • fhall any pluck them out of his hands, (g)
Mat. 18.
Mar. 16. i? 3 i6. aCor.$. 19* (g) Joh.tf.37 & 10. 28,29;
'jjoh .14. 6. The Holy Ghoft
.&ij. 6. of the Holy f oft pr0C eeding from the
xPcc.x. revealing and confirm* t h I ? h - jj
ix, 12. ingthe Gofpel. hattier and the Son, did
I 'et.i.n. lnipire and guide the
Tim. 3/ Prophets, Apoftles, and Evangelifts, that
! Johi^. t h e y m ight truly and fully reveal thedo-
.Eph.3. ft r j ne f chrift, and deliver it in Scripture
t'gio? ' to the Church as the rule of our faith and
f T.ia." life (a): and by abundance of Evident
> 19. uncontrouledMiracles.andwonderfull gifts,
Hm. 6. to be t h e g re at witnefs of C hrift^and of the
•J- 1 *! truth of his holy word (b).
* 29*3 *•
) Adsi. Z2. 4. & 5. 32. & 19. n> 19. Heb. 2. 3^4. Gal, 3.1,
$$• job. 14. 12.&3.2. 1 Cor. 14.
7. Where
7 SeCbrifiidn Religion. 6
7. Where the Go- (a) Ads
l0 f onr Smmfiemon fpel is ma£ j e known zj.i 7 ,i%.
fSSlfiffiZ ^eHoly Ghoft by ic Jgfc
fanfcfied. cloth enlighten the i6 I4 ioh.
minds of all that (hall 6. 44 . Eze.
be faved, and opening and foftening their 3&*$.Gal.
hearts, doth draw them to believe in Chrift ^Aa
(a) and turneth them from the power of l8%
Satan unco God (b): Whereupon they arc (c)Col.i.
joyned to Chrift the Headend into one ho- i*Eph.$.
lyCatholick Church which is his Body, con- 3°>3i>32-
fitting of all true believers (c): and are free- x qoJ.h.
lyjuitified, and made the Sons of God (d)-, 12,13,17/
and a fan&ified peculiar people unto him(c), (djRom.3.
and do Love him above all, and ferve him 24«&4« 2 4*
fincerelyin holinefs and righteoufnefs (i) 9 ^YT\t\\
Loving and defiring the Communion of the j 4 .
Saints (g)- Overcoming the Fle(h,the World (f)Rom.?.
and the Devil (hj, and Hoping for Chrifts 5. Mat -i°-
fecond coming, and for everlalting life (\). 3 7 ' l Cor '
D > D v ' £. 11.
J-uke 1. 75. (2) 1 John 3. 14. 1 Per. 1. iz. Afts 14.2. (h)Gal.
5.17,14. 1 John 1.15. (i) 1 Cor. 1, 7. z Pet. 3. il 3 li. Tit.
1.2. & 3. 7.
8. At Death the (a) Luke
i.Ofthe Judgment and fouls of the Juftified 2 3- 43. &
execution. go to happinefs with \ 6 ^
Chrift,ahd the fouls of g PhiUi!'
the wicked to Mifery (a); And at the end of 13. 1 Pet.
this world the Lord Jefus Chrift will come 3-19- Luke
again j 16 - z6 **-
I o The ChriflUn Religion.
dCb) Afts i. again , and will raife the bodies of all men
: ii. i Cor. f rom t fe dead- and will judge all according L
. x *• J°h. $. tQ their works ^ And che Righteous fhall L
initio go into everlafting life, and the reft into
tlxCor. j. everlafting punifhment (c): AH this I do
j £°* , nnfeiqnedh ^believe.
U(c) Mat. J A J
la?. & 13. 41*42,4$. 2 Tim. 4.83 18. iThef. 1 8, 9, 10. &
ii. John 17. x4.
•
II. 0/*r Confent to the G off el Covenant,
with God the Father , Son and Holy Ghofi^ by
which we are Chrifiians, and members of the
Catholic!^ Church.
Queft. A-{t yon willing ani refolved to Give up your
, 5 ( felfto Godtbe Father, Son and Holy Gbojl, accord-
!~ ing to the Gofpel dottrine which you pofefs ?
(a; Luke yj Epenting of my fins, and renouncing
;J 5 j"'&7. XV the FL*(h;the V/orld and the Devil
I j 9 . Rom 8. fa), I do take this one God to be my only
.^3. Luke God (b) 5 and do heartily give up my felf un-
wTh'f t0 ^ m ( c ) ' -^ ven t0 X ^ e ^ ut ^ er -> (<0 as m y
^\b) Exod.' Creator and Reconciled Father in Chrifi :
' 2,0.3. Deut. And to his Son fefpu Chrifi, as my Lord, and
y6 i7.Jof. only Stvioptr, to Reconcile, and bring me
ji4« * *• t0 unto God (e) : And to the Holy Ghofi as my
to.
V) 2 Cor. 8.$. (d) John 17. 3. 1 Cor.8.6. 2 Cor. 6. 17, 18.
• John 1.3. Eph.4^6. (c) John 14.6. Luke 5, 14. & 14.26.
f\fts9- tf.Rom, 6.12,16. Luke 19. 27. John?. 19.
Santtifier -,
The CbrtftUn Relighn. 1 1
Santlifier •, that he may further illuminate, (f) Mat.
fandiHe and confirm me,and I may hold faft * 8 -* *•
and obey the doftrine of Chrift, which was ^ £'***
revealed by his infpiration ? and witneffed by I3 ^ i 4 /x8.
his gifts and Miracles, and is now contained Rom. 8. 9*
in the Holy Scriptures h and that he may be l 3> ****■
in me the earnelt of my everlafting Happi- x ^
nefs with God (f). "ig^».
& 3.;$, i*. 2 Cor. 1.22. & 5 -j. Ifa. 4 4, 3,435. Rom, i$. f.
III. Thefttmm efCkriftianDutj.
Qucft. what are
_ ( . 1. /^Hrift hath appointed ,., *,
,. Tfc j# (^ that fe ffien ^ all be * M
mean^ and da- ^ . . . .* w . . n •?/»
thsQjHoimefs. Ordained his Mmiiters , to (b)Rom.
preach theGofpelto theNa- J^ 7 ' 14 '
tions of the world (a), and make them his 2 xim 4 2?
Difciples,Baptizing them in the name of the Afts 13.1!
Father, Son and Holy Ghoft (b): and to &2.41.
congregate his Difciples (c), and to over- (0 Afts *••
fee and Guide the feveral Congregations, /|\^ 6 ' 1#
and each member thereof (d): Particularly, 7 ^ 8# '
to Teach them the word of God(e)^to Pray 1. Tim.*,
and Praife God with them and for them (f): 17-Tit.L
(e)Afts 20.20,31. Col. 1,28- Eph 4. 11,12,13. Mal.2.7. \ Tim.
S 17.rO 1 Cor.i4.i^,26.Afts20.7,3^James$.i4. Afts^.4,&
a.4i.Phil.i.4.Nch.ii.24.& 1x17.8c ?.$. & 8.4,^.
to
12 The ChriftUn Religion.
to adminifter the Lords Supper in remcm*
(g)iCor; b rance of him (g)* (h) Efpecially on the
io.i^ 4 " - Lords Day, which he hath appointed for
(h)Heb.7. holy communion in fuch works ( i) : Alfo to
7 . Numb. Rebuke with authority the fcandalous and
*; M- unruly (k) •, and to bind andrejed thofe
^i^A*" r ^ at: are °^ n ^ te 'y impenitent , and unre-
ao.7°iCor! formed^ and to Abfolve and Reftore the Pe-
*6.z. nitent, and confirm the weak (1).
(k)Tit.2,
i5.&i.9,iM Tim.j.i^.&3.j.fl)Mat. i8.i7^S.Tit.3. 10
! 1 Cor 5. 4,5, 11,13.
(a) Afts 2. it is therefore the Peoples Duty to joyn
*\- T . with fuch Churches, for the aforefaid Wor-
5.17! Hcb. # ^P of God (a) • and to know, hear, fubmit
137. 17/ to 5 and obey thefe theirGuides that are over
24,1 Thef. them in the Lord •, (b) and to avoid Divifion
5- 12 '' *3- and Difcord, and to live in Unity, Love
\£* ui6 - and Peace (c).
(c) 1 Cor. 1. 10. & 3. 3. Rom. 16. 17. Eph. 4. 3, 15, itf. Phil
2.1,2,3. Rom. 1 j. 6.
2. The fecret Duties of
2. The fecret Du- Holmfs are thefe ; The ex-
j (a) Jude ues ofHolmefs. emfe of raith ,R e pcntance,
' aI '?*l ** Love, Hope, Delight in God, and all other
1 j 1 " 2 graces (a) ; The mortifying of our fins-,efpe
1 1 Tim.4.7. C{ ^y Atheifm, Unbelief, and unholinefs ^
1 lfa.*4v7.' hardnefs of heart, difobedience and un-
tbankfulnefs,
The ChrifttAn Rdtgton. 1 3
thankfnlnefs, flefh-pleafing , covetoufnefs,
and Pride, (b): The diligent: Examining of 0>) Afts
our own hearts, about our Eftates,our Du- z *' 16 -
ties,and our fins(cj -.Medicating upon God, R° m 3 g *
and his word and works •, efpecially of our Heb/3. 11
Redemption by JefusChrift ., and of Death, 13. Mat
J udgement,Heaven,and Hell (d) • Watching * 5 •'%> *
diligently over our Thoughts, Affeftions, Luk ****
Words and Aftions(e): Refifting Tempta- j 1 .,.^'
tions (f): And frequent and fervent Pray- 1 Cor. 3.
cr to God, in the name of Chnft, with *&.
Confeffion,Thankfeiving 3 and cheerful Prai- ( c )^^ v
C~* f«\ l °> * Cor,
fes (8>, M . 5 .Gal
6. 3, 4. Pfal. 4. 4. (d) Pfal.104. 34. & 1. 2. & 11^.^7,09,
Gen. 24. 6$.Eph. 3. i8 5 19- Pfal. 90. 12. Luke 12. 3*. 2 Vet
n, 12. (e) Luke 21. 36. Pfal. 141. 3. 1 Cor. 10. 12. Pfal.39.1
Prov. 4.23. (f) Eph. 6. 10. to i£. i Pet.5.9^ Jam^.7. (g)PfalJ
34. i.& 145. 2. 1 Thef5.17.Phil. 4. 6. John 16. 23.
3 .Parents and Mafters
STbePnvateDHties muft diligently teach fa)Erf|#6#
Ltio,is to others. their children and fer- 4 , 9 .Deut.
vants, the word and fear 6 «ii 3 »a. •
of God (a), and Pray with them, and for ^A&fo!
them, and hinder them from fin (b),and ufe ' p rov ]
all their power that they and their houfe- 12.6,15.8c
holds may ferve the Lord (c): children and *3- *3*
fervants muft willingly learn and obey(d): P^-ior.
We muft feek inftruftion in the matters of * am - *•
(c; Gen.13.1j.J0fh. 24.15. Cd)Col.3. 10.12, Eph.6. Deut.2i.i$ #
our
1 4 7 he Chri'fiian Kelt gt on.
F^mY*' ° Ur ^™ t{0n >^P- C] ^Y ofour Teathers(eJ:
{% i Cor wemuft take heed ot chc company of temp t-
i 4 35. " in 8> * nd ungodly perfons, and delight in
[ffjPfal; the company and help of the Godly: We
!x.i.& t*. muft lovingly andfaithfully give,and chank-
|4. & 119. f u lly receive admonitions and exhortations
13. 2o? V# (0 ; Confeflingourfaulsonetoanother(g):
Eph.5.^7, and ^ 7 Prayer, Pfalms, and edifying confe-
11. Lev. rcnce,anda holy converfation, provoking
t* J 7. one another toLove^and to good works(h).
Mat. 18. &
15. Heb. 3. IV Jam. ?. 20. 1 Pet. f, 5. <g) Jam.?. 16. (hj Col.
3. 1 6, 17. Atts iz. 12. & 16. x5. Eph. 4. 29. 1 Pec. 4. n.&
3. 2. Jam. 3. 13.C0I.1.3.&4. 3.Hcb.io. 24.
(aj Deut. 4. Superiors muft rule
I- I?i 4. Jfc »«J« O'- f or God and the common
2. Chron P ice <m& Chanty to- . . , T iY . ' ,
ti 6 7 *W* «* g°° d > Wlth J UlhCe and
Jofli. 1.8. Mercy f a):Inferiors muft
Ha.56.1. honour and obey them in the Lord (bj.-We
(b) Rom. muft not injure, but preferve the Life, Cha-
13 i> *>3* ftity^Eftate^ame^and Rights of our Neigh-
Eph^iV bour(c^) .-Notfeekingour 0w*agamfthis
(c) Exod! welfare ( d^but doing as we would be done
20. Mat.?, by (e)-, forbearing and forgiving (f) •, and
17. to 48. loving our neighbour as our felvesYg) : Yea
W Dcut. Joying our enemies; and doing good to all
5.21. Phil. s. ' / l X D °
J Zt . . according to our power (h).
1 Cor, 10. H> 3 3 . 6c 13 . 5. (e) Mat.7. 12. f) Col. 3. 13*
(g)Mat.i9.i?.& 22.39. (h) Mat. 5.44.Gal.6.io. Heb.13.1tf.
The
Tta Agreement of the Affbciated
PASTORS.
I, T ;\ 7 E do each one for • Aft - '• Fof
VVhimfelf, profefs jf*" * JJ' •JJ'f*
6urRefolution,intheitrength Aa. zo i8./i
of Chrift , to be faithful and i Tim. 412,
diligent in the works of our i3»i4>*5>i*-
Miniftry • and to live an holy an( i V *' &Ct
and exemplary life, in Piety , T p e ' tt , z ,
Juftice and Charity , accord-
ing to the meafurc of our abilities • Efpeci-
ally watching againft thofe fins that tend to
the corrupting or dividing of the Church,
and to the hindring of our Miniftry • and
to thedifronourof the Gofpel,aud ot our
holyprofefiion.
II. We do profefs our Agreement and Arc, 2. For
Refolution in the ftiength of Chrift , to be r ^ c f ^ c
faithful and diligent in puHick Pleaching fi^fr
the Gofpcl ; And in the perfonal inftrud-
ingof all in our Parifhes, or undertaken
limits 5 that will fubmit thereto ^ teaching
the Ignorant the Principles of Religion }
G endea-
1 6 The Agreement of the
endeavouring in Love, Corripaflion and
Meeknefs, and yet with fcrioulnefs and zeal,
to convince the erroneous and oppofcrs , to
awaken the prefumptuous and fecure, and
help them io try the ftate of their fouls,
and co fee and feel cheir fin and mifery, and
return to God by Chrift that they may live ;
to ftrengthen the weak; to raife the fain ^
to edifie and confirm the ftrong ^ and to
comfort fuch as need confolation •, and to
help them all to prepare for death and
judgement, and for everlafting life : And
all this, as frequently , conftantly and or-
derly, as ourftrength,and time, and greater
duties will permit.
An. 3. Tor 1 1 j. That the Churches may be capable
af omtof° { the Difci P line of Chrift > and conftituted
*r£~a-!lVL afl d m ^d according to the Word of God ,
to be made an d the ends ot our Office and Labours may
byalltha be attained, vye are Agreed and Refolved toj
mil be ta~ take none for Adult members of the Chur-
d*ltmm- c ^ es comm *tted to our [fecial charge, nor ad-
bers," and nm them, as fuch, to Church-Communion
partake of and Priviledges , but thofe that have firil
their corn- made fome perfonal credible Profeffion of
rnimwi. true chriftianity, that is, of Faith and Obe-
dience, and as members of thofe Churches,
iubmit to our Paftoral over-fight according
to the Word of God, But all that make
this
jffociated Paftors. 17
this Profefllon of Chriftianity and Confent
to live in Communion with th£ Church, and
under the Miniftry and Dilcipline of Chrift,
we {hall receive , though they be weak in
knowledge, and utterance, and duties •, and
lhall faithfully imploy our Minifterial abili-
ties and care for their edification andfalva-
tion.
I V. We are Agreed and Refolved in the Arc. 4, F:r
ftrength of Chrift, while we have ability P H ^ ! jfi
and opportunity,to Congregate the people, wr ' ^
and hold conilant Affemblies, efpeoally on
theLords-Dayes ^ and therein faithfully to
perform the works of our office , in Read-
ing the holy Scripture, Preaching, Praying ,
Baptizing , Praifing God , celebrating the
Sacrament of the Lords Supper, and guid-
ing the people in the whole publick worfhiji
of God : And to manage our work wich
as much prudence, and reverence, and love
and compaffion to the peoples fouls, and
with as much plainnefs and convincing evi-
dence, authority, ferioufnefs, and zealous
.importunity as we can ; Avoiding asfaras
we are able, fuch things as corrupt and dis-
honour Gods Ordinances, and tend to cor-
rupt the peoples rtiincs with errour, pre-
fumption , deadnefs, negligence , or other
diftempers, difpleafing to the Lord,
1 8 The Agreement of the
Art j.F#v v. Por the ends of our Office,in obedi-
Vifapline. ence t0 t h e Lord^ we Agree and Refolve in
theftrengthof Chrift, to exercif- (o much
of Church-Government and Diftipline, in
the Churches committed to our charge , as
we difcern to be our certain duty • that is
to keep order and decency in the holy Af-
femblies, and fee that all be done to edifica-
tion : Convi&ing feducers, and flopping
the momhes of perverfe gain-fayers ^ Over-
feeing the feveral members of our charge -
and requiring them to walk obediently to
Chrift , and do their duties towards each
other ; to Reprove the grofs and fcanda-
lous offenders : and if they continue impe-
nitent or unrcformed , to tell the Church,
or rebuke them before all •, ( and publickly
pray for their recovery ) ; And if they
hear not the Church, but remain impeni-
tent and unreformed, after fufficient re-
proof and patience, to put away fuch per-
sons from among us, declaring againft
them ihe threatnings of the Lord , and re-
quiring them to forbear Communion with
the Church , and requiring the Church to
avoid them, and have no familiarity or
communion with them , as peripns unmeet
for the communion of Saints. And thofe
that credibly profels Repentance, we are to
Abfolvc
jiffociattd Pajtors. jg
AbfolveMinifterially in the name of Chrift,
and comfort with thepromifes of Grace-
receiving them, and requiring the people to
receive them, as Brethren, into their Com-
munion : but warning them to watch and
fin fo no more, left worfe befall them. This
holy Difcipline , by the help of God, we
(hall exercife faithfully and impartially ■, but
yet with caution and moderation ^ negled-
ing no neceffary confultations with other
Paftors , or concurrence of the Church :
and confentin'g to be refponfible formale-
adminiftrations.
V I. For the Communion of Churches, Ait. 6. Fit
and the ftrengthening our felves for the C r m ^ d ™
work of God , and helping one another °L A f^J m
therein, and maintaining Unity, Love znd tions.
Concord ^ We do Content to hold a Bro-
therly communion and correfpondency ;
And to that end, when neceffity or greater
duty hindreth us not, we (hall meet at fuch
convenient times and places, as (hall be ap-
pointed or agreed on from time to time-,
and (hall labour to improve thefe meetings
to our mutual edification, in fuch confulta-
tions, conferences or other holy exerciles ,
as our preient cafe (hall moft require. And
we confent to deal faithfully inadvifing and
adiuonifliing one another - and for the fatif-
C 3 fa&ion
iO The Agreement of the
faftion of ihi Brethren ( to the fore-tnen-
tioned ends ) to be refponhble, if any (hall
charge us with Herefie, fcandal, fchilm, of
male-adminiftration : And forbearing mat-
ters without our line, toftudyand endea-
Tour the promoting ot Truth, and Holinefs,
and Unity among our felves , and with
other Church. s, as we have a call.
And alfo we agree by communicatory
Letters upon all needful occafions,to certifie
our Brec hren and ocher Churches of the
ftate of our affairs, and of particular mem-
bers, that thofe chat juftly have communion
in one Church, or are excluded , may haye
communion with other Churches, or be re-
fufed by them accordingly , when there is
juft occafion.
And if any Brethren or Churches be pre-
vailed over lo far by temptation, as un juftly
to deny us their communion, in this way of
AfTociation, Aflemblies,or Correfpondency,
we fhail not therefore deny them to be our
Brethren, or Churches of Chnft , but fhall
Love and Own them , and have fo much
Communion with them, as their diftance
fhall leave them capable of , if they joyn
with us in the Profeflipn and Practice of
true Chriftianity, and of the points that are
necejOfary to Church-conftitmion and com-
munion ,
A(JocUted P *(tcrs . 2 1
munion, and are not proved guilty of
herefie , ungodlinefs, or fuch kind of fchifai
or fcandalous fins , for which the Scripture
commandeth us to rejed men, and avoid
them. But fuch as are thus guilty ( though
they offer themfelves to affociate with us)
we (hall refiife to hold communion with, till
they credibly profefs Repentance , and ma-
nifeft a Reformation.
V 1 1. Becaufe it is a matter of great con- A ^. 7- of
cernment to the honour of Chrift, the pro- °><b mtim
pagation of the Gofpel, and ^heencreafe^^.^^
and welfare of the Church, that there be a Mi/ufters*
Provifion of able, faithful Minifters, and
that unworthy perfons be kept out • and be-
caufe deceivers and unworthy men are for-
ward to intrude, and the people ordinarily
are inefficient of themfelves to make fuch
tryal of mens ability and foundfiefs as is
requifice co thefafctyof the Church- and
the Church m silages hath received Mini-
fters by the Ordination oi ocher Minrfl
of Chnlt : We do therefore Agree to be
careful and faithful in the au^harge of our
duties hereabout , fo far as we can difcern
them, Refolving chat if any vacant Church
defire us to recommend a fit perfon to be
their Paftor , or to Judge of any recom-
mended to them, we will not recommend .
C4 or
% % The Agreement ef the
or approve of any , but fuch as we judge
molt agreeable to the will of Chrift •, nor
will we prefer lefs fit and worthy men , for
friendftiipor any carnal intereftor refpeft.
And if any intollerably unworthy perfon be
about to intrude, or have intruded, or any
neighbour Church be about to choofe, or
have chofen fuch, if we have opportunity.
we (hall faithfully acquaint them with their
fin and danger , and perfwade them to a
better courfe. And if we (hall be called to
inveft any by folemn Ordination in the fa-
cred office of the Miniftry , we (hall per-
form it, as near as we are able, according to
the directions of the Word of God ; ad-
mitting none that Chrift excludeth : And if
it may be, we ft all do it in that Congrega-
tion which the perfon is to Over-fee, that fo
we may the better difcern their mutual
Cosfenr, inculcate their duties, and engage
them to a faithful performance thereof.
And whereas it is much controverted of
late, Whether the Power of Ordination be
given to the people, or the Paftors of a par-
ticular Church, or the Affociated neighbour
Paftors , and whether a ftated Prefident
among thefe {hquld not have a negative
voice herein •, We are Agreed, that leaving
the people their due Liberty of Confent in
the
Jffidated Pajlors • 23
the reception of their proper Pallors, We
will none of us fingly Ordain, without the
afliftance of other Pallors : Nor will we
joyn with any Hereticks or others, in un juft
and impious Ordinations , that tend to the
corrupting or dividing of the Churches.
And to avoid Divifion upon a tolerable
difference of Opinions, where we may agree
in Pradice , we Confent that the AfTociati-
ons that have no Hated Prefidents ' or that
give not to fuch a Negative voke, fhall re-
ceive into their Communion thofethat are
of the contrary opinion •, giving them
leave, if they defire it, to profefs or record
their opinion in that particular, fo they will
afterward walk among them in Love and
Peace. And that the AfTociations that
choofe a dated Prefident , and give him a
Negative voice in Ordination- , (hall in like
manner , and on like terms , receive into
their Communion , fuch as dilflfent in that
particular, and having profeffed or record-
ed their diffent , will walk fubmiffively in
Lave and Peace. Which liberty alfo of pro-
filing and recording their different prin-
cples, we defire may be allowed them, that
pyn in c ynods , as being only for Commu-
lion of Churches, and them that joyn in
:hcm, as having a dired fuperiour Govern-
ing
34 7 he Agreement of^ &c.
ing Power over the particular Pallors of
the Churches.
At.s. of vi II. Though it be the fureftway to*
° b M*™ C Peace an Concorc '5 t0 take U P Wit ^ '^efe
firatelf' ^cceffary things, and we cannot approve of
th^ narrow dividing principles of thofe
men that will impofe rhings upneceffary, to
the excluding of the necefTary ^ yet if our
lawful Rulers (hall command it , or the
peace of the Church, through the diftem-
pers of the Brethren fnail require it, we
(hall obey, and confeni in things that God
hath not forbidden • anrd if we fuffer for
well-doing, and for obeying God rather
then men, we (hall endeavour to imitate our
Lord, who being reviled, reviled not again,
and when he fuffered, threatned not • but
committed all to him that judgeth righte.
oufly, i 7ei.2.23.
Tke
The Offict of Chrifts Mwiflers
mere largely opened.
i. *TTHE Lord JefusCh rift having piir-
I chafed our Salvation by his blood,
and ftablifhed his Teitarnent or Covenant
of Grace, and left us his example of perfeft
holinefs, afcended to theFather,and is there
the Glorified Lord of all, and Head overall
things to his Church, all power being given
him in Heaven and Earth ^ that interceding
for us with the Father,he might be the Trea-
fury of oar Light and Life • and offering
falvation to the miferable world, might ga-
thered cleanfe 5 and fave the Churcb,which
is his Body ^ Communicating to them that
grace that is here neceffary to them, in their
way and warfare, and perfecting ch'em in
Glory with himfelf, when their warfare is
accomplifhed.
2. Chrift Being thus invifible to us, in
Glory with the Father , pertormeth not
thefe works below, by himfelf in perfon,
immediately and alone-, but by his Spirit,
Minifters, and Word. The Holy Ghoft
being his Advocate or Agent to thefe ends ^
and His Minifters the Inftruments ufed by his
Spirit
*5
%6 7 be office ofChrifts Miniflers
Spirit and himfclf : to indite and bear ynXm
nefs to his word, and to Preach it to the
world, as that infallible Truth which mull
guide them to Salvation.
3. The firft Prophetical and Apoftolical
Minifters, being fent by himielf, and quali-
fied by the infpiration, conduftand miracu-
lous gifts of the Holy Ghoft, did found the
Church, and enlarge it unto many nations of
the world ,and left them the holy Scriptures,
which contain the doftrine which they
preached,that it might be certainly and fully
preserved, and propagated till the coming
of Chriit. And they fetled by the appoint-
ment of Chrilt and his Spirit, an ordinary
miniftry to fucceed them, not to deliver a
new Law" or Gofpel,but to preferve and
preach the doftrine which in the holy Scri-
ptures ( and conjunctly at firft alfo from
the mouths of the Apoftlcs) they had
received as once delivered to the Saints,
and to guide the Churches by it to the
end.
4. Though Chrift appointed Ministers
that fhould have fo far a charge or care
of the whole Church, as not to be limited to
any one part, but to extend their labour and
overfight , as far as their capacity and
opportunities would permit:yet did he never
make
mcYt Urgly opened. 27
make any man his Vicar or Vicegerent,- as
Head of the univcrfal Church ; nor lay
upon any one, whether Peter , PahIj or any
other , the charge and overfight of the
whole ; nor did ever peter or any one
Apoitle excrcife fuch anOffice,in governing
all the Catholike Church : efpecially when
it ceafed to be coRfined to Jcrttfalem and
the adjacent parts , and was diiperfed
through the world. Never did the Apo-
ftles receive their Commiflions from Peter :
or all theMiniftersthenin the world, per-
form their work by hisCommiffion, or by
any power received from him, nor were
accountable to him, and judged by him for
what they did. Muchlefs is this unrverfal
Head-lhip, committed to the Pope of Romt
through all ( or any ) generations : But
becaufe a certain Primacy of Order was
granted him by Etnperours and Councils,
within the limits of the Roman Empire, long
after the Apoftles days : therefore doth he
take advantage thence, to pretend a Title to
theuniverfal Head-fhip ; As if the Roman
and the Chnftian world had been the fame ;
or theEmperor and his Clergy had been che
Rulers of all the Chriftian fubjefts of all
other Princes or paftors upon earth : and
his limited Primacy had been anumverfal
Soveraignty.
a 8 The Of pee of Chrtfts Mwifters
Soveraignty. This claim of the Pope of
jRjome to be the Vice-Chrift , or univerfaf
Paftor of all the Chriftian world, is a tyran-
nical, impious, irrational ufurpation •, con-
trary to the holy Scripture, and the Hate of
the Primitive Church, and contrary to na-
ture and common fenfe, which declare his
incapacity of the work • far more then any
Prince is uncapable of being the univerfal
Monarch of the world •, And therefore all
Chriftians fliould abhor this proud and im-
pious ufurpation, and fly from the guilt of
that horrible fchifm, and thofe corruptions
in do&rine , worfhip and government,
which it hath introduced.
5. Chrift calleth his ordinary minifters
to that office, by enduing them with his
gifts,and difpofing them thereunto,and mo-
ving the hearts of the people to confent,and
by ordination of the fenior Paftors • and gi-
ving them opportunities for the work : and
fometime the Magiftrates command hath a
hand in the obligation.
6. It belongeth to the Office of the
Minifters of Chrift to Preach the Gofpel
to the nations of the world, and make
them Chrifts Difciples, Baptizing them in
the name of the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Ghoft.
7. This
more largely opived. 29
7. This Preaching or publishing the Go-
fpel, is done by voice or by writing: that
by voice, is done by Reading, by publike
Sermons, or interlocutory conference : that
by writing is either by tranflating the holy
Scriptures into the languages ufed by the
Nations, or by expounding and applying
them. So that the holy Scriptures in the
original languages^ are the word of God,
both as to the terms and.fenfe Grammatical
and Dottrinal: The fame Scriptures in a
Translation are the word of God as to the
fenfi r both Grammatical and Dcttrinal ^ but
not as to the Terms : The holy do&rine of
the Scriptures delivered in the writings \ and
Sermons Jind conferences of the Preachers of
the Gofpel, is the word of God,as to the
DoBrinalfenfe •, but not as to the terms or
Grammatical fenfe, except when they recite
the Scripture words, as in the original or
tranflated.
8. Baptifm is a holy Sacrament inftituted
byChrift, in which a perfonprofeffingthe
Chriltian faith (orthelnfantoffuchaPro-
feflbr ) is ( regularly by a minilter of
ChriftJ baptized in water into the name
of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghoft,
infignification and folemnization of the ho.
ly Covenant,in which as a Penitent Believer
for
30 The Office of Chrtfts Mtniflers
(or the feed of fucb ) he giveth uphimfelf
(oris by the Parent given up) to God the
Father, Son and Holy Ghoft, from hence-
forth (or from the time of natural capacity ,)
to Believe in, Love, and ferve this blefled
Trinity, againftxheplefti, the World, and
Devil, and this efpecially on the account of
Redemption : and (if hefincerely make this
Covenant) is folemnly entred a member of
Chrift and his Church, a juftified reconciled
Child of God, and an heir of Heaven ; all
which, with the other prefent benefits of
the Covenant , he is hereby inflated (or in-
vefted) in ^ they being thus folemnly deli-
vered to him by the Promife thus fealed,and
applyed by an appointed Minifter of
Chrift.
Or if feme of us doutt whether thefe
fpecial benefits of the Covenant are deliver-
ed thus to all the Infants that are fineerely
dedicated unto God • yet we are all agreed,
that they are affured to them as foon as they
believe : and in the interim of their incapa-
city, they have a general promife that God
will be their God, and his mercy fhall be to
them.
9. It is a notable part of the minifterial
Office to Baptize : and consequently to try
and judge of their Proteffion who are thus
foiemnlj
more Urgely opened.
folemnly to be admitted into the Church,
and eftated by Baptiim in thefe benefits :
Therefore hath Chrift given the Keys of his
Kingdom to their truft, both that his holy-
Church may be preferred from the unjtift
intrufions of uncapableperfons : and that
the faithful Covenanters may have the ful-
ler confolation, by receiving afealed pro-
mife and pardon,from the hand of a miniiter
of Chrift,commanded by him to feal and de-
liver it in his name.
i o. We are perfwaded that it is the Will
of Chrift that the Infants of the faithful
fhall be dedicated to him in Baptifm, and
engaged in his Covenant, and made mem-
bers of his vifible Church, becaufewe find
that under the promife before thrifts Incar-
nation it was their duty to devote and
engage their Children to God in the holy
Covenant, and that God did accept therri
as vifible members of his Church-, And we
never find where Chrift had difcharged
Parents from this duty, or turned all Infants
out of his Church, and reverfed this blef-
fing of their Church-memberfliip \ but con«
trarily we find him offering to have taken
thcjewhfh Nation to beftill his Church, if
they would have taken him for their Savi-
our ^ and telling us that it was for Unbelief
D that
3i 7^ Of pee oj chrtjts Mwtjtirs
that they were broken off ^ and that it is but
fome of the branches that were broken off,
and we are graffed in amongft them into
the fame Olive-tree, and that all Ifrael (hall
be faved, when the fulnefs of the Gentiles is
come in ^ And we find (Thrift rebuking his
Difciples for hindering little Children from
being offered to him, and that he charged
them to forbid it no more, and that he re-
ceived and bleffed them himfelf, and tels
us that of fuch is the Kingdom of God ^ and
we find it the Commiflion given to his Mi-
nifters, that they were to Difciple the Na-
tions, Bapti7ing them. All which, and
much more ( especially having not the leaft
intimation of his Will againlt that which
was even then the Duty andFra&ice of the
Parents, and the Infants benefit,) do deter
us from forbidding the dedication of Chil-
dren unto Chrift, and receiving them into
his Church by Baptifm.
ii. Baptifm being fo great a work
ftiould be deliberately, ferioufly and reve
rently performed, if it may be, publikely
before the Church, where the perfon ( or
Parent ) (hould make their folcmn pro-
feffion, and be received with the joy and
prayers of the Church ^ whether Infant or
1 Adult.
12. The
«t
more hrgely oftnti* 33
12. The Catholick Church confifteth of
all the Christians in the world ; Thofe that
have the fan&ifying Spirit of Chrift are the
living members : Thofe that openly profefs
Chriftianity, and enter into Covenant
with Chrift, and are not yet Baptized, are
vifible members initially, but the folemni-
zation and inveftiture is defective > If it
be where Baptifm cannot be had, the de-
fed is innocent * If where it may be had,
it is finful ; but yet not fuch as nullifieth
the perfons vifible Chriftianity. And no
errours, offences or differences do exclude
any totally from the Carholick Church,
while all the effentials of Chriftianity are
kept.
13. It is the will of Chrift that all Chri-
ftians that have opportunity, be members
of fome particular Church, as well as of the
univerfal : that he may have the honour,
and they the great and neceffary benefits,
that by the Miniftry, Ordinances and
Communion of Saints, is there to be ex-
pefted.
14. A particular Chriftian Church ;
A competent number of Chriftians coha-
biting, who by the appointment of Chrift.
and their own expreffed Confcnt, are uni-
ted ( or aflbciated ) under one or more
■ Dz Paftors,
34 The Ojpcc of Chrijts Mmjters
Paftors,for the right worfhippingof God in
publike,and the Edification of the members,-
in Knowledge and Holinefs, and the main-
taining of their obedience toChrift, for the
fafety, ftrength and beauty of the fociety,
and thereby the Glorifying and pleafing of
the Lord.] It is a Political organized
fociety, that is here defined, and not a mcer
Community that is incapable of the Sacra-
ments and other Ordinances , and the
benefits of 'them , for want of Over-
feers.
15. Thofc Minifters that are placed in
Parifhes, where are many forts of people,
fome Ignorant of the effentials of Chriftia-
nity, fome Apoftates, fome impious and of
wicked lives, and fome that confent not to
be members of their Paftoral charge,
fhould teach them all that will fubmit and
learn : For we are called to it by the
Magiftrate and obliged by the publikc
maintenance which we receive to that
end • and engaged by the general com-
mand of improving our talents, and
' the fpecial opportunity that we have there-
unto.
1 6. This teaching of all our Parifhioners
that will fubmit, muft be both perfonally
andpublikely, as far as we have ability and
opportunity.
more largely opened. 3 j
opportunity. The former muft be by Cate-
chizing,' and conference • wherein we muft
teach them firft the eflential points of Chri-
ftianity, and labour to help them to the
cleareft underftanding of the doftrine
of Salvation •, and prefs it on their affe-
&ions, and help them to difcern their fin
and mifery, and do all that we can to •
procure their conversion or edification,
according to their feveral ftates ^ manage-
ing the whole work with thofe holy affe-
ftions , that the weight of it doth re-
quire.
17. The great neceffity of our neigh-
. bours, and the advantages of this familiar
way, do tell us that this work of catechizing
and conference is fo great a part of our
duty , that we (hould doit with much dili-
gence, prudence and conftancy.And the ge-
neral precepts of doing all to edification and
in order, oblige us ordinarily to appoint a
ftated time and place where every family
may come in order • And if we are able we
(hould go to them, that cannot or will not
eometous, if they will but hear us.
18. Thofe that are Baptized in Infancy,
and there engaged to God in the holy Co-
' venant, (hould with all poffible care and
diligence, be educated by the Parents, or
Dj any
The Of pee oj cnrtjts Mimjters
any that have the tuition of them, in the
Nurture ana admonition of the Lord, and
taught betimes to know the doftrine of the
Gofpel, and to believe in the Lord Jefus
Chriit, and to Love God above all, and
their neighbours as themfelves, and to hate
iniquity, and live to God,andfirft to feek
his Kingdom and righteowfnefs • To which
end Parents ihould Catechize their Chil-
dren, and daily be teaching them the word
of God, and acquainting them with his fear
and holy worfhip. And miniilers muft
with fpecial care and diligence overfee the
feveral families of their charge, and excite
the Parents to this neceffary duty. And ,
alfo ihould themfelves affiil them herein,
and Catechize fuch youth ( as well as all
others that are Ignorant ) as often as they
can ^ efpecially where Parents do neg-
leftit.
19. AsTnfants are by baptifm admitted
among the Infant-members of the Church,
upon their Parents profeflionof Chriftiani-
ty, and dedicating them to God-, fo muft
they personally make a profeffion of their
own faith, and own their baptifmal Cove-
nant, and give up themfelves to God the
Pather,Son and Holy Ghoft, before they are
to be admitted into the number and Com-
munion
more Urgely opened. 2 7
munion of the Adult members of the
Church ^ Which profeffion is to be tryed
and approved of by the Paftors of the
Church : And fo excellent a duty, to be
carefully, and ferioufly, and folemnly per-
formed, that the tranfition into the
ftateand communion of the Adult, may ap-
pear to be fo great and obfervable a thing,
as may excite all to an anfwerabie care and
diligence, in preparation thereunto, and to
look after that faving faith and holineft,
which they mult fo folemnly profefs. A: d
Minifters (hould have a fpecial care, that
they take nothing for a credible profef-
fion, that is not fo : and corrupt not the
Church by letting in uncapabie members,
that muft either be caft out a^ain, to the
grievous exaiperating them agamft -he
Church and way of God, and fo to the
apparent hazzard of their fouls ; or elfe
muft live ungoverned in their wickednefs,
to the great difhonour of God, and the
provocation of his wrath againft them and
the Church.
20. For the publike worfhiping of God,
and our own Edification , the Paftors,
where there is opportunity,muft congregate
the people inafolemn Affembly in a con-
venient place and time. And all that can
D4 muft
3 8 7 be Office of Chrijts CWimflers
muft conftantly there attend, preferring
the publike worfhip of God before the
private : much more before their world-
ly bufineffes, that are not of flat neceflity
to themfelves or others.
2i. In thefe publike Affemblies it is
lawful for us to admit , even y Infidels
to be prefent, and fuch Catechumen's as
are yet unfit to be members of the Church,
and there to teach , reprove and ex-
hort them, and pray for them according
to their ftate • though we may^ not re-
ceive them to be members of the'Church,
nor admit them to our fpecial com*
munion.
22. Becaufe it is the holy Scriptures that
eontaine that Gofpel of which we are Mi-
nifters ^ and becaufe the honour of Gods
holy word is to be preferred, and the people
to beinftrufted in it, and taught to know it ^
it is therefore our duty in the folemn Af*
femblies to read the word of God to the
people, in a known tongue \ ( as Mofes and
the Prophecs were read every Sabbath day
in the Synagogues of the Jews. ) Such
portions b'eing chofen, and order obferved,
as the Paftors difcern to be moft for edifica-
tion.
2$. Our publike preaching of the Go-
fpel
more largly opened.
fpel (hould be from faith and holy expe-
rience, with plainnefs, and perfpicuity, with
reverence and gravity, with convincing
evidence and authority, with fervent zeal,
and perfwading importunity, with the ten-
dered love and melting compaflion, with
faithfulnefs , impartiality and prudence,
fuiting both matter and manner to the
neceflity of the hearers, arid with frequency
and unwearied patience, waiting on God
for the fuccefs.
24. The Paftor is to lead, and the peo-
ple to confent and joynin heart in the pub-
like prayers, and unanimoufly to pour out
their fouls unto the Lord in penitent con-
fefiion of fin, and fervent petition, and
joyful thankigiving and praife; and this
according to the direftion <jf the holy Scri-
ptures ^ and efpecially of the Lords prayer:
which is the moil perfeft, comprehenfive
fummary, form and pattern of our pray-
ers.
25. Confeffion is to be made, both of
our own fin ,and the fins of the Church and
Nation, of Magiftrates, Minifters and Peo-
ple: yet fo as that we turn it not into a
reproaching and difhonouring of our fu-
periours, or an abufing of mens perfons, by
venting our malice or diflempered paflions,
or
39
40 The Office ofChrifls Mimfters
or uncharitable ccnfurcs againft them • wc
muft confefs our original: and aftual fin :
The great corruption of our hearts and
lives : our finful thoughts, affe&ions,
words and aftions: our privative and po-
fitive fin : our omiffions and commiflions ;
our fecret andunknown fins in general,and;
our known and open fins by name : our
fins of ignorance^ and fins againft know-
ledge : our fins before and fince converfion:
our fins againft the Lord hiirfelf, confifting
in our unholinefs, contrary to thefirft ca-
ble j and our unjuftice and uncharitable-
nefs againft our neighbour • and our folly
and injury againft our felves : The fins of
our relations, and of our more private life :
our fins againft the light and law'bf nature ^
and our fins againft the Gofpel and grace
of a Redeemer : Againft the outward
means of*Grace, and againft the inward
motions of the Spirit , and of our confid-
ences : againft mercies and judgements ;
againft the examples of Chrift andhisfer-
vants, and the warning- falls of others-^
efpecially thofe fins by which we have moft
diftionoured God and our holy profeffion ^
and have moft fcandalized, hardened o
tempted others : And all our confefiions
fhould proceed from true contrition and
hatred of the fin. 26. Our
%
?
fc
A
more Urgly opened. 41
26 • Our petitions muft be only for things
agreeable to the revealed will of God : And
principally fcr the hallowing of his name,
land the coming of his Kingdom, and the t
doing of his will, in earth ,as it is in heaven ;
And thereforewe muft have companionate
thoughts of the dark and miferable parts of
the world, where by Heathenifm, Infideli-
ty and Mahometanilm, the name of God
s grievotfly dlfhonoured, and his Sove-
aignty denied or rejected , and Satans
Kingdom doth prevail , and where the will
)fGod is partly unknown, and partly will-
ully difobeyed : And our eye and heart
nuft be on the fta r e of the univerfal
Church, that all this intereft of God-in-
thrift, may be there preferved and ad-
/anced. And in order to th^fe blefTed
?nds, we muft beg fuch neceffaries of our
ife, as the fupportation of our natures for
he work of God requireth : And thefor-
'ivenefs of all our fins through Chrift
'which yet we cannot expeft to receive, if
ve from our hearts forgive not others : )
\nda gratious prefervation from tempta-
ions, or the power of them, and from Satan
md (in the greateft evils ; That fo the holi-
lefs of our hearts and lives may (hew that
ve are the loyal fub jefts of the Kingdom of
our
4* The Office ef Chrifts Minifters
our Lord, and that we acknowledge and
magnifie his Soveraign power, and live as a
people devoted to his glory. Anfl all this we
mull: beg in an humble fenfe of our great
unworthinefs, mifery, neceflity and infuffi-
- ciency to help our felves •, and in the name
of Chrift, inunderftandingand faith (and 1
therefore not in a tongue that we under-
ftand not) and with fervency and unceffant
importunity , as direfted , excited and
ftrengthened by the Spirit of Chrift.
27. Our thankfgiving unto God rauft
not be like the Pharifees, in hypocrifie and
pride, or to make often tation of things that
we never had, but in humility and holy
joyfulnefs of mind , we muft declare our
thankfulnefs, for our Creation, Redempti-
on, Juftification and Reconciliation with
God, our San&ification, and all the parts
thereof, and helps thereunto : For the Go-
fpel and Miniftery ^ and the plantation ,
prefervation and propagation of the Church
thereby : for common and fpecial works of
providence, for the good of the Church,our$
brethren or our felves « for mercies ordi^-p
nary or extraordinary : fpiritual or corpo
ral ; for prevention of evils, or removing
them: for the quality and degree, the fuita-
blendfs and feafonablenefs of all our mer-
cies
a;
more largely ofentd* 43
cies, with the reft of their aggravations:
cfpecially for thofe that molt promote our
everlaftinghappinefs, and the publike good
and glory of the Lord.
28. The matter of our holy praifes of the
Lord, muft be his blefled and infinite Being
and Nature, and all his Attributes: hisin-
inite Power, and Wifdom, and Goodnefs :
lis Truth, and Holinefs, and Love : hisab-
folute Dominion, hisSoveraignty, and Fa-
therly benignity : his Juftice and his Mercy:
even as they are revealed in the works of
the Creation, and in the glafs of the holy
Scripture, and in the perfon of Jefus Chrift,
and in the Image of God upon his Saints •
And all thefehis works alfo muft be praifed
in fubferviency to his praife. And becaufe
it is a moft high and excellent duty to praife
the Lord, we muftftrive to do it with all
the faith, and reverence, and admiration,
and love, and delight, and joy, and cheer-
fulnefs that poflibly we can attain ; and this
with conftancy as our daily work, with our
?ye on heaven, where we (hall do it in per-
fection to all eternity.
29. As the holy Scriptures {hould be
read in a tongue that the people under-
hand, fo (hould the pureft exafteft tranfla-
tion of them be ufed that can be had : And
though
^4 The Office of Ch rifts Minifters
though it be not of abfolute neceflity to the
communion or peace ot the Churches ^ yet
it is to be defired and endeavoured , that all
neighbour Churches that are of one lan-
guage do all agree in the ufe of that one
tranflation.
30. Though in cafes of neceflity the Go-
fpel may be publikely expounded and ap-
plied by the reading of the Expositions and
Sermons of others , yet as it is meet that the
Preachers of the Gofpel be able to perform
this work themklves, by the abilities given
them from God, in the ufe of juft and edi-
fying means-, foit is meet that by diligent
itudying, meditation and prayer, thefe
abilities be improved $ and that from this
holy and fpiritual treafure within them, the
Minifters of Chnft do draw forth found
Explication,with pertinent lively Applicati-
on of the truth.
3 1 . So alfo in the publike prayers,though
it be lawful (in it felf) to read the words of
prayer prefcribcd us by others •, yet as all
Minifters (hould be able to pray themfelves
from the knowledge and feeling of their
own and the peoples wants, fo it is meet
that their graces and holy abilities be ordi-
narily exercifed in fuch prayer, and that
they be not reftrained from fpeaking to
God
more largely opened. 45
God in fuch found and meet exprefiions,as
fhall either prefently, or by the means of
their preparations, proceed from the fenfe
of the matter of their prayers, excited and
drawn forth by the affiftance of the Spirit
of Chrilt. But whether any particular Pa-
llor (hould ufe a {tinted form of words
impofed by others, or invented by himfelf,
or whether he (hall pray without fuch (tint-
ed forms, or both, by turns, is a point co be
determined according to his own abilities,
and the (late of his flock, and other ac-
cidents : but it is not to be made a matter
of fuch neceflity in it felf, as to lay the unity
or peace of the Churches, or the liberty of
the Paftors and Worfhippers of Chnft up-
on it.
32. The Pnblike Pralfes of God muft
[be exprefTed by the Paitor in fuch words
las are produced by that holy knowledge,
faith, admiration, love and delight, with
which his foul (hould be poffeffed that is fo
nigh to God ^ andalfo by the recitation of
facred Pfalms and Hymns , and by the
cheerfull finging of fuch by the Church .*
wherein the melody muft be fpiritually, and
not carnally uled: for theafiifting of our
FduIs in the exercife of that holy alacrity
nd joy that is required in fo high a work ^
4 n/i
46 The Office tfChrip Miniflers
and not to draw off our minds from the
matter, nor to ftop at the pleafing of our
ears. Such Pfalms alfo may be recited or
fung, as contain matter of confeflion of fin,
petition, thankfgiving, and fuch narratives
as tend topraife.
33. The form of words to befaid and
lung, muft be taken efpecially out of the
holy Scriptures: to" which ufe we have the
Pfalms of David and other Hymns : And
alfo we may ufe fuch as have been or fhall be
compofed by wife and holy men, agreeable
to the doftrine of the Scripture, and iuited
tojhe Gofpel frame of worfhip,and as far as
may be, even in Scripture phrafe. And
though it be not meet to infiftupona con-
cord in lejflfer things, when it cannot be at-
tained without the violation of concord in
greater things • yet is it much to be defired
and endeavoured that all the Churches of
the fame language (efpecially that are near
and in the fame dominions J ftiould agree in
ufing the fame Pfalms and Hymns for mat-
ter and meeter 5 and that the verfion fo
agreed on, be the belt that they can
have.
34. The Euchariftor Supper of the Lord
is £a holy Sacrament inftituted by Chrift,
wherein bread and wine being firft by con-
ifl/^fn nfWk
mdre Urgelj epened. 4*7
fetation made Sacramencally or reprefen-
tamely the Body and Blood of Chrift, they
fed by breaking and pouring out, to
re> efent and commemorate the facrifice of
Cb^M Body and Blood upon the Crofs,
onct ^tfered up to God for fin : and are
given in the name of Chrift unto the
Church, to fignific and folemnize the re-
newal of his holy Covenant with them, and
fealing it unto them, and the giving of him-
felf to them to expiate their (ins by his fa-
crifice, and fanftifie them further by his
Spirit, and confirm their right toeverlaft-
ing life : and they are received, eaten and.
drunk by the Church, toprofefs that they
willingly receive Chrift himfelf to the ends
aforefaid, (their Juftification, Sanftification
and Glorification) and to fignifie and fo-
lemnize the renewal of their Covenant with
him, and their holy Communion with him,
and with one another.]
35. The Sacrament of the Lords Supper
containeth in it thefe three parts. 1. The
Corporation of the Bread and Wine.
2. The Representation and Commemora-
tion of the Sacrifice of Chrift. 3 . And the
giving to, and participation by the Church.
The Confecration hath chief refped unto
God the Father ; the Reprefentation and
£ Com-
48 The Office efchrifls Ul£ini{lcr$
Commemoration to the Son as facrificed:
and the Giving and Participation, to the
applying operations of the Holy Gboft.
As it muftfirft be the Body and Blood of
Chrift before it be facrificed, and firft offer-
ed in facrifice to God, before it is offered
for nouriftiment and falvation unto men ^
fo is it in the order of Sacramental represen-
tation.
36 The Confecration is performed by
the Churches offering up the Creatures of
Bread and Wine to God to be accepted to
this holy ufe : and by Gods acceptance of
them,as dedicated thereunto. The Churches
dedication is expreffed by the prefent a&i-
on, and Gods acceptance is expreffed by his
command and promife, and the minifterial
acceptioaand benedi&ion. The Minifter
in this a&ion is the agent of the people in
offering or dedicating thefe creatures unto
God, and he is Gods Agent or Minifter in
receiving and blefling them.
37. In this dedication of the Bread and
Wine to God to be the confecrated .matter
of the commemorative repre tentative fa-
crifice , the Church acknowledgeth the
three grand relations of God to his people.
1. We acknowledge him the Creator and.
Owner of all the Creatures. 2. We ac- 1
know-
more largely opened. $$
knowledge him our Righteous Soveraign
Ruler, whofe Law we have offended, and
who hath received the attonement , and
whofe Laws we do herein obey. And,
3. We acknowledge him our Father, or
bounteous benefaftor , by whom we are
fuftained, and whofe love we have forfeited,
and with whom we defire by Chrift to be
reconciled.
38. This confecration maketh not the
Bread to be no Bread, or the Wine to be no
longer Wine ; nor dorh it make any addition
to, or change upon the glorified real Body
of Chrift^ but it maketh the Bread to be
Sacramentally thrifts Body 3 and the Wine
to be Sacramentally his Blood 5 that is re-
prefentatively : as an A&or in a Tragedy is
the perfon whom he reprefenteth : or as
in Inveititures, a fword is the honour of
Knighthood, or a key is the houfe, or a twig
or turf is the land,
39. Becaufe Chrift was to be invifibleto
is, and the heavens muft receive him till the
eltoration of all things, therefore as he
lathfent his Spirit within to be his Agent
n his members ^ fo hath he appointed his
Ordinances without, and efpecially this vi-
ble folemn Reprefentation and Comme-
'Inoration of his facrifice-, that our faith
jo The Office of Chrifls Mhifters
* might hereby be helped ,and our fouls might
beraifed tofuch apprehenfions of his love
and the mercy of our Redemption, as if we
had even feen him crucified before our eyes,
and this till his glorious return, when
we (hall enjoy himvifibly in his glory.
40. As Chrift in his Interceffion, as our
highPrieft in the heavens, procureth and
conveyeth his benefits of falvation upon the
account of his facrifice once offered on the
Crofs •, fo doth the Church in this Com-
memoration, prefent him unto God the
Father, as the faerificed Lamb, in whom,
they profefs themfelves to believe, and by
whom alone they expeft falvation, and all
the bleffings tending thereunto.
.41. In this Commemoration the Mini-
fter is chiefly the Agent of Chrift, in repre-
fenting his voluntary offering up himfelf
unto the Father in facrifice for fin : And
lie is the Agent of the people, in that part
of the Commemoration, in which they pro-
fefs their Believing in a crucified Chriit, and
thankfulnefs for him, and dependance on
him as their hope.
42. Jefus Chrift having finiftied the
work of Redemption, which he was to do
on earth, in the days of his flefh, afcended
and is glorified-with the Father, and being
become!
more Urgely eycnea^^^^^^f
become the pcrfcft head and treafure of the
Church, hath in his Teftament or new Co-
venant made a free gift of himfelf and life
to all that will receive him as he is offered .
and he hath appointed his Minifters not on-
ly to proclaim this gift unto the world, but
alfo in his name to deliver it to the Church :
And it is a great encouragement and com-
fort to Believers, that it is aMinifteror
Agent of Chrift himfelf, that by his com-
mand, and in his name doth fay to them
[[Take ye, eat ye, this is my Body which is
broken for you.]] And £ this is my Blood of
the New Teftament, which is (hed for you,
drink ye all of it J • Chrift himfelf with his
faving benefits , being herewith as truly
offered to tbeir faith, as the iigns and re-
prefentations are offered to their hands and
mouths. Though it be ftill bur (confecrat-
cd) bread and wine that doth reprefent, yet
is it the very Body and Blood or Chrift that
is reprefented • and Chrift himfelf as the
Head of the Church, and fountain of our
renewed life, and as our fpiritual nourifti-
tnent, that is truly given us, and received
by us.
43. It is therefore unmeet for any but a
lawful Minifter of Chrift, who is authorized
hereunto, to adminifter this holy Sacra-
E 3 ment:
^J imOjfice of thrifts Mintjtcrs
merit: bothbecaufe no other are called to
it in the holy Scripture, nor can (hew any
warrant for fuch an undertaking -, and be-
caufe it is very injurious to the comfort of
the Church, when they know not that the
perfon hath any authority to deliver them
fo great a mercy from tne Lord, nor whe-
ther Chrift will own his miniftration.
44. The Minifters muft partake of this
holy Sacrament with the Church ; not as
they are the Agents of Chrift for the delive-
ry of ir, but as they themfelves are his Difcu
pies and members of the Chruch.
45. Before the receiving of this holy
Sacrament we ought to examine our felves,
that we may come preparedly with repen-
tance for all known fin, and faith in Chrift,
and an humble feeling of our own neceffi-
tics, and a thankful fenfe of the love of God
exprefled in our redemption by Chrift, and
a hungnng and thirfting after him and his
righceoufnefs, and with an unfeigned love
unco our brethren, and a high eftimation of
the union and communion of the Saints,
iandwith arefointion to walk in holy obe-
dience to God, in patient hope of the com-
ing of Chrift, and of the everlafting King-
dom, where we (hall be perfedly in him
united: which holy affe&ions arcalfo to
be
be cxercifed in the time of our Communion
in this Sacrament, and afterwards upon the
review of what we have here received and
done.
46. The Word and Prayer muft be joyn-
ed with the Sacrament, The nature and
ufe of it muft be opend,"and the people ex-
cited to the exercife of the duties before
mentioned. Sin muft be confefled and -la-
mented, and mercy implored,and thankfully
acknowledged, and the goodnefs of God,
efpecialty manifefted in the work of our
Redemption, muft with thegreateft admi-
ration, alacrity and joy that we can attain
to, be magnified and praifed , till rhis un-
fpeakable love of God in Chrift hath drawn
out our hearts in fervent love to him again.
And it will be molt fuitable to this Eucha-
riltical Ordinance, that the Church do fing
fome Pfalm or Hymn of praife to God, for
the mercies of our Redemption.
47. Thofeare to be invited to the Sup.
per of the Lord that have thefe neceflary
qualifications, in fome degree, and the reft
to be acquainted with the danger of eating
and drinking unworthily. Thofe only
are to be admitted to the Table of the
Lord that have the ufe of reafon, and
can examine themfclves, and are members
E 4 of
74 The °tP ce °J Chn P Mimpers
of the Church, and have made a perfonal
credible profeflion of faith and holinefs,
and are not juftly,for herefie or any fcanda-
lous fin, removed from prefent communion
with the Church.
48. The ufing or not ufing of forms of
prayer in the adminiftration of this Sacra-
ment, is to be determined of, as aforefaid
in the other parts of worlhip, according to
the different abilities of Minifters, and ftate
of the feveral congregations, and other ac-
cidents that fhould weigh in fuch indifferent
things. But as in the Adminiftration of
Baptifm, it is ordinarily meeteft and moft
fafe • to ufe the exprefs form of words
which Chrift hathdirededusto, and the
Church hath ftill ufcd, viz.. [I Baptize thee
in the name of the Father, Son and Holy
Ghoft] : fo in the Adminiftration of the
Sacrament of the Lords Supper, it is fafeft
and meeteft that we ufe the words that
Chrift by his example hath dirc&ed us to
nfe. As Matth. 26. 26, 27, 28 . Lu\^ 22.
19,20. 1 Cor. 11.24,25. viz. [Take ye,
eat ye, this is my Body which i* broken for
A 7 ou, this do in remembrance of me^ and
L This is the Blood of Chrift, even of the
NewTeftament (or this is theNewTefta-
ment in the Blood of Chrift) which islhed
i* for
•mon larglj opened. ^^^^f$
for many for the rcmiffion of fins •, drink
ye all of it in remembrance of him.]
49. As it is not unmeet for the Church
at other times when they afTcmble, to make
a folcmn profeffion of the Chriftian faith
and of holy obedience, to manifcft their
conftancy therein ^ and to declare what
do&rine it is chat we afTcmble to profefs,
and topreferve it in the minds of all ; fo is
it more efpecially meet, that at Baptifm and
the Lords Supper, when we are folemiriy
to renew our Covenant with the Lord, the
Covenanters do renew this folemn Profeffi-
on : To which end it is moft lafe to make
ufe of the ancient forms of Confeffion,
called, The Apoftles Creed, and the Nicene
Creed- and alfo to recite the Ten Com-
mandments, with a profeffion ofourcon-
fent to the terms of the Covenant with God
the Father, Son and Holy Ghoft. To which
if we (at left fometimesj adjoyn fome fuller
Explication of the Creed and Decalogue
(fuch as is our Profeffion here before fet
downj it will not be unprofitable or un-
meet. And in fuch manner it may all be
managed, and fuch figns or expreffions of
confent required, as the Paftors (hall jadge
meet for the attainment of the defircd ends,
with liberty for fuch variations , as are
neceffary
5 6 The Office ofChrifts Minifiers
neceffary to prevent a dead formality,
50. At the difmiffion of the Affembly,
it is meet that thePaftor do folemnly blefs
them in the name of Chrift, to which he is
authorized as an ad of his Minifterial
Office.
51. Deacons are Church-Officers infti-
tuted by the Holy Ghoft to be ferviceable
to the Paftorsand the Church, by the diftri-
bution of the Creatures dedicated to the
Church-Communion, and taking care for
the fupplying of the necefficies of the
poor, out of the contributions or flock of tc
the Church.
52. The fir ft day of the week isappoint-
ed or feparated by the Holy Ghoft for the
holy AfTemblics and publike worlhip of the
Church and other holy exercifes * and is
herein to be improved to the honour of
God, and the edification of our felves and
others : and all other imployments are
therein to be avoided that any way hinder
the holy duties of the day-, except fuch as
become a greater duty, upon the account of
Piety, Juftice or Mercy. That fome ftated
time
more largely ofened. 57
time be feparated to the publike fervice of
God and the benefit of our fouls, is a thing
that the law of Nature doth command ^
that this ftated time (hould be at leaft one
day in feven , the reafon and equity (at
leaft ) of the fourth Commandment doth
acquaint us : that this day {hould be every
firft day of the week, the Holy Ghoft in the
New Teftament hath revealed to us • ac-
quainting us with Chrifts nfing on that
day (which laid the foundation of the
change ) and of the AfTembling of his Difci-
ples on that day , and his owning their
Affcmbly by his appearing to them, and
teaching them, and bleiling them, and
giving them their commiffion and the Holy
Ghoit, fob. 20. 1 9, to 24. The fame they
did the next firft day, where he again ap-
peared and owned their Affembly, and re-
vealed himfelf unto them, fob. 20. 26,27.
And that this was the pradiceof the Apo-
ftles and the Primitive Chriftian Churches
direded by them,appeareth ^#.20.7,8.
Ji Cor. 16. 1,2. fo that it was called the
Lords Day ,as the laft day before was called
:he Sabbath, Rev.i.io. And to put us out
of all doubt of the matter of /ad:, and con-
fequentlyof the meaning ofthefe texts of
Scripture ^ the certain Tradition and mod
Concor-
Concordant hiftory of the Church affureth
us, that ever fincethe days of the Apoftles,
the univerfal Church in all parts of the
world, hath conftantly obferved the Lords
Day in Commemoration of the Refurre
dion of Chnft : which it is not poflible that
they could have done, without contradi'
dion and rebukes from the Apoftles them
felves or fome of the Churches which they
planted, if it had not been a certain truth.
Thofe therefore that will be againft the
holy obfervation of the Lords Day, muft
either impudently deny the Teftimony of
all Church Hiftory and Tradition, which
with one confent affure us that it was ob-
ferved univerfally in the Chriftian
Churches from the Apoftles daies, as a
thing by them eftablifhed and praftifed ^
or eile they mult imagine that all the
diiperfed Churches through the worlds
confpired in the teaching and pradifing.
of fuch an error without any known re-<
buke, wherein it had been moft eafie for any
to have convided them to be flanderers of;
the Apoftles, or the Ages that were before
them. Having therefore fo much in Na-
ture, in the fourth Commandment , in the
New Teftament, and the Dodrine and
Pradice of the univerfal Church, for our
holy
more UrgeJy opened. 5 9
holy obfervation of this day- it illbefeems
any Chriftian to forfake all or any of thefe,
and think now in the end of the world to
find out the certain praftice of the Apo-
files, better then all the Churches which
they planted.
53. Seeing the Lords Day is purpofely
fet apart for the celebrating of the memori-
all of the Refurre&ion of Chrift, and fo of
the work of our Redemption (as the Sab-
bath was for the Commemorating of the
work of Creation) , the work of the day
muft be very muchEuchariftical, and the
Church (hould be taken up in the thankful
admiration of the myfterie and mercy of
our Redemption, and in the affe&ionatc
praifesofthe Lord our Redeemer, and an
afpiring after the everlafting Reft, which he
hath purchafed,and promifed,and prepared
foruswithhimfelf.
54. Minifters muft not only perform the
publike worftiip of God upon this day, but
alfo exhort the people to improve the
reft of it in private, by prayer,and medita-
tion, and holy conference, and calling to
mind the Word which they have heard •
efpecially the Parents and Matters of fami-
lies, who muft inftrud their children and
feryants, and watch over them,and reftrain
them
hanK
Bnfc
So The Office of Chrtfts Mtniflers
them from the violation of the day, and
call them to an account of the dodxine
they have heard, and the duties to be per- ^
forxred.
55. It is lawful, and a duty on other daie$
alfo, according to our necefiities and op-
portunities, to Redeem fome time for the
publikc worfliip of God. And whenever ||
thePaftors (hall call the Church together,
to hear the Word,or perform holy worfhip,
it is the peoples duty obediently and gladly
to attend, if greater duties do not prohibit
them.
56. When great affli&ions lie upon the
Church, or anyufeful members of it ^ or
when any great fins have been committed
among them, it is meet that in publike by
fafting and prayer we humble our felves
before the Lord, for the averting of his
difpleafure. And on fuch oceafions it is
the Paftors duty to confefs his own and the
peoples fins, with penitence and tendernefs
of heart, and by his dodrine and exhorta-
tion to endeavour effedually to bring the
people to the fight and fenfe of their fin,and
thedeferts of it, and to a firm refolution
of better obedience for the time to
come •, being importunate with God in
Prayer for pardon and renewed Grace.
57. Upon
mm largely opened. JT
57. Upon the receipt of any notable ex-
raordmary mercies , the Church having
pportunity, (hould Aflemble for publike
'hankfgiving unto God : wherein the
aftors (hould ftir them up to the livelyeft
snfe of the grcatnefs of their mercies, and
ttd them in a joyful celebration of tbe
raifes of their bountiful benefa&or. And it
s lawful on thefe da ; cs to exprefs our joy
n feafting and outward figns of mirth ^
>rovided that they be moderately and
piritually ufed, and not to gratifie our fen-
ual defires •, and that we relieve the poor
n their ncceffities (which alfo on daies of
humiliation and other feafons we rauft not
brget.)
5 8. It is not unlawful or unmeet to keep
an anniverfary commemoration of fome
great and notable mercies to the Church,
the memory whereof (hould be tranfmitted
topofterity.
59. In all the modes and circumftances of
worftiip which God himfelf hath left unde-
termined, all Chriftians muft take heed of
miking unneceflary things to be neceffary,
and laying the unity and peace of the
Church on things indifferent, and laying
fnares for the confeiences of others ^ but
mutt leave much to the prudence of the
particular
6z The Of pee of Chrtjts Mintfters
particular Paftors that are upon the place,
to whom it belongs to fit fuch circum-
ftantial^ to their peoples ftate ^ and the
Churches in fuch things wherein they may
fafely differ, muft be left to their liberty :
Long and fad experience having taught us,
that the violent impofing of unnecefTary
things, is the engine of the Devil to tear the
Church.
60. The marriage of Chriftians being a
work of great concernment to themfelves*
and meet to be publikely performed, and
accordingly to be fanftified by the Word
and Prayer •, it is convenient that it be
folemnized by the Minifter, or at lealt that
hecounfelland exhort them,and pray for a
blefling on them : being firft fufficiently
fatisfied of their capacity and necefTary pre-
parations. Herein he is to acquaint them
with the Inftitution, Nature and Ends of
their Relations •, and the duties feverally
and joyntly by them to be performed ., and
the difficulties and temptations to be ex-
pefted and provided for. Efpecially they
are to be direfted to live together in holi-
nefs,as the heirs of life, and to be very care-
full and diligent in the holy education of
their children, and governing their families
for the Lord ; and to ufe the world as not
abufing
more largely ofened. 6$
abufing it, reraembring their approaching
fcparation by death. And he is to fee
that they folemnly enter into the Ma-
trimonial Covenant, engaging themfelves
to conjugal fidelity to each other, until they
arefeparated by death.
61. The Paftors of the Churches muft
not only Teach the people , and guide
them in the publike worfhip ; but alfo muft
faithfully Overfee them in private, endea-
vouring to know and watch over each mem-
ber of their flock, preferving them from he-
refies, errours, and divifions : defending the
Truth, confuting gainfayers and feducers •
inftrufting the Ignorant, exciting the neg-
igcnt • encouraging the defpondent ■ com-
Porting the afflidted, confirming the weak,
rebuking and admonifhing the diforderly
and fcandalous, and direding all accordi-
ng to their needs, in the matters of their
salvation. And the people in fuch needs
fhould have ordinary recourfe to them, as
the Officers of Chrift, for guidance and re-
folution of their doubts, and for affiftance
n making their Salvation fure, and pro-
:uring, maintaining or reftoring the peace
p of
64 The office of Chrifts Mixiflers
of their confciences, and fpiritual confola-
tion.
62. Thofe perfons that are known te
commit any grofs and fcandalous fin ,
fhould firft by private reproof and admoni-
tion (uftleft wheVe the notorioufnefs and
iheinoufnefs of the crime doth prefently call
for publike reproof) be called to Repen-
tance: And if they hear not the Repro-
vers, or will not Reform, the Church muft
be told of it ; and therein it \i moft conve-
nient, that tfie Paftors be firft acquainted
with the cafe ( to avoid contention and
confufion^ ) before it be brought into the
publike a/Tembly : And to that end it is
convenient that there be ftated meetings
where the Paftors and fome chofen members
of the Church, (not as Officers 7 but the
Deputies or Truitecs of the reft) fhould ju
in their feveral capacities take cognizance
of fuch offences -, that fo a unity and full fcj
correfpondence may be held between the
Paftors and the flock, and all things may be
\ione advifedly, orderly, arid concordant-
ly ; but where this cannot wellbe done, the
B&ftor or paftors muft do their work with-
out kv
63. Thofe perfons that by more private
means will not be brought to neceflary J), r ;
Repentance
lis
lie
Si
tIJC;
ko
mil
■gi
aii
more Urgelj opened. 6 5
Repentance and Reformation, muft by the
Paflor be publikely reproved and admo-
nilhed before the Churchy and there called
to Repentance by the opening of their fin,
and the judgements of the Lord, and plead.
ing with them thofe Gofpel mercies and
motives that fhould melt them into contri-
tion. Andiftheluccefsdo not appear, ic
is ordinarily meet that the Church fhould
joyn in prayer for the offender, that God
would give him repentance unto Hie.
64. If after fufficient waiting in the ufe
)f thefe means, the offender ftili ren;a : n
mpenitenr, ic is the duty of the Church ;q
ejed him out of their communion. V?
n the Pallors muft compaffionately di
fe offence 1 hnpenicency , and
[udgements that God hatb rfi
, <>^d the Laws of Chrift &
he Church to put fuch from amor g t
ihd avoid them, and have no company with
qem, that chty may be afhamed, or to D
hem as Heart en Publicans : .
nuft accordingly declare the perfon off
ng to be unmeet for -Chriftian C * n,
nd charge the people to aVoi. nd
laveno tellowftip with him, and
o forbear the Comnaunic
finding him over to anfwer it at I
Yz Chi
66 The Office dfchifis tMiniflers
Chrift. Which fentence muft be accord-
ingly executed by the Paftors, in refufing
him the Ordinances proper to the Church,
and by the people in avoiding familiari-
ty and communion with him, till he bere-
flored upon his Repentance.
65. It muft be a credible Profejfion of Re-
pentance only that muft be accepted by the
. Church either for the preventing of fuch
a rejeftion^ or for reftoring the reje&ed.
And ufually when the cafe is heinous and
notorious, or the Church hath had the pub-
like cognizance of it, they muft alfo have
publike notice of the penitence of the offen-
dor ; wholhouldwithremorfeof confeience
and true contrition confefs his fin before the
Congregation, and heartily lament it, and
crave the prayers of the Church co God for
pardon and reconciliation through Chrift,
and alfo crave an Abfolution by the Mini*
fter,andareftoration into the communion
of theChurch.-Eut becaufe it much depend-
eth on circumftances of the -cafe whether
the Confeffion fliould be publike or pri-
vate, or in what manner made, it is there*
fore to be much left to the Prudence of the.
Pallors, whom the people in fuch cafes arcj
commanded to obey.
66. When a credible Profe/fion of Rej
pentanct
u
more largely opened. B^
pentanceis made ( whether voluntarily by
the Converted, or upon the Churches ad-
monition by the fcandalous, or after ex-
communication ) it is the duty of the Pa-
llors to declare fuch Penitents in the name
of Chrift to be pardoned and abfolved, and
Minifterially to give them this Mercy from
the Lord, in cafe their Repentance be fin-
cere as they profefs ; And if the perfon
were excommunicate, it is the duty of the
Paftor to declare him again meet for the
Communion of the Church, and require the
Church to receive him with joy as a return-
ing {inner, and not to reproach him with
I his falls, but to forgive him, as Chrift for-
giveth him •, all which they arc accordingly
to perform • and the Penitent with Joy to
receive his absolution, and to return to the
Communion of the Church , and to a
more holy careful obedient life.
67. When any by frequent Covenant-
breaking, have forfeited the Credit of their
words, the Church muft have teftimonyof
the attual Reformation of fuch perfon s, be-
fore they can receive their profeflions and
promifes as credible any more. Though
yet there is fo great difference here in per-
lons and offences, that the particular cafes
fnuft be much left to the prudence of the
"F 3 Paflorr
68 The Office rf Chrtjts t^iinifters
Paftors that are prefent, and know the per-
fons and the whole cafe.
68. So great is the neceflity of the fick,
and fo feafonable and advantagious the
opportunity, that Minifters fhould not neg-
ligently omit them,but in Love and tender-
nefs inftrud: them, according to then* fevc-
ral conditions : endeavouring the Conver-
fion of the ungodly, and the ftrengthening
of the weak, and comforting fuchasneed
Confolation \ dire&ing them how to im-
prove their affti&ion ^ and helping them
to be truly fenfible of the evil of fin, the
mifcarriages and negligences of their lives ^
the vanity of the world •, the neceflity and
fufficiency of Chrift, and the certainty and
excellency of the everlafting Glory : Pcr-
fwading them to a pious, juft and charitable
difpofal of their worldly eftate •, and to
forgive fuch as have wronged them, and to
be reconciled to thofe with whom they have
been at variance-, and believingly to hope
for that life with Chrift, which he hath pro-
mifedtoall that are fanftified by his Spirit,
and comfortably to commit their fouls to
their Redeemer,and quietly reft in the Will,
and Love, and Promiles of God • Refolving
if God fhould recover them to health, to
Redeem their time, and live as a people de-
voted
more largely opened.
voted to his Glory. It is meet alfo that
the Pallors pray for the ikk, boeh privately
and publikely when it is deiired and thought
fit.
69 The Burial of Christians fhould be
decent and honourable, and chough it bs
a thing indifferent in it felf, whether Ex-
hortations, Funeral Sermons or Prayers be
then ufed, yet becaufe the feafon is very
advantagious for mens reception of holy
inftruftions, it is convenient ( at leaft when
defired ) that the Minifter do take that
feafon as often as he can, to mind people
pf their mortality , and the neccflity of a
fpeedy preparation for their change : fo
prudently managing all his Exhortations
and Prayers, that the due end may be at-
tained, and theabufe prevented as far as
maybe.
70. The lives of Chrifts Minifters (hould
be conformable to their holy dodxine : and
fo exemplary in InnocencyJ.ove, Humility,
Mceknefs,Patience, Contempt of the world,
crucifying the defires of the flefh, and in
a zealous heavenly converlation ; 'andin all
works of Piety, Juftice and Charity, within
their power, that the mouths of the enemies
may bcilopped,andthe people ma
and be convinced and dtre&ed, even by
1'
i^ ujpcc oj lwijis MMjicrs
their holy examples, and our felves may le
faved, and the Chhftian Church and do-
ftrine may be honoured, to the giory of the
Holy Ghoft and of our Redeemer, and our
heavenly Father.
71. As we have all one God, oneChrift,
one Spirit, one Faith,andHope, and Love,
one Covenant, and one Catholike Church/o
fhould the Communion of Saints extend as
far 3$ their capacity and opportunities will
allow. And as particular perfons muft
Aflbciate for perfonal Communion in pub-^
like worfhip, fo particular Churches fhould
affociate for fuch Brotherly correfpondency
and communion, as they are capable of, and
their needs require ^ That by communica-
ting the Truths and Mercies which they
have received, and advifing together, and
by a brotherly collation of their appr^hen-
fioos, and improvement of their feveral
gifts, the unity of the Churches may beprc-
ferved, and difcords and uncharitablenefs
may be avoided , and the beauty and
ftrength of the Churches maintained. And
therefore the Paftors of the neighbour
Churches fnot excluding others that are &t)
fhould meet as frequently, and at fuch times
and
more largely ofenea.
and places, as the ends and works of tfi.e
Affociation do require.
72. Into thefe AfFociations fueh Paftors
and Churches (hould be received that make
a credible Profeflion of Faith and Holinefs,
and no other : And they that areHereticks,
or of fcandalous ungodly lives, muft after
a firft and feeond admonition, if they re-
main impenitent , be rejected and dif-
owned by the Faithful Paftors and Chur-
ches.
73. Where the fixing of a Hated Prefi-
dent in each of thefe AfTociation9 is rcquifite
for the peace and edification of the Bre-
thren, it may well be yielded to : but how-
ever a fpecial care muft be had to prevent
contentions and divifions : and therefore
perverfe difputings muft befuppreffed • and ,
proud, felf-conceited, domineering perfons,
and fuch as are of fiery, turbulent, conten-
tious fpirits, and alio fubtile hereticks and
dividers, muft be watched againft as the
plague of the Churches, and all poflible
charity, humility , meeknefs, felf-denyal,
and zeal for holy concord, muft be exer-
cifed.
74. Thofethat through diftance or im-
pediments cannot, or through miftakes or
peeviftinefs will not joyn in fuch ftated bro-
therly
7* Toe Office of Chrtfis Mtmfters
thcrly Affotiacions and AfTemblies, arc yet
to be allowed the due eftimation and affedi-
on of Brethren; and fo much Communion as
at a diftance they are capable of, if they do
but agree with us in a found profeflion of
the fauh,and a holy converfation,and Mini-
ftcrial fidelity in the main : but yet we mult
difown the fin of their dividing, or negled,
and as we have opportunity teftifie againft
it.
75. Thefe Churches that cannot hold lo-
cal Communion with one another through
differences that deitroy not the EfFentials-
of Chriftianity, (hould yet maintain a dear
and tender Chriftian Love to one another,
and profefs their owning each other as
Chriftians, and Churches of Jefus Chrift,'
and fhould agree together upon certain
Jutland equal Rules for the management
of their unavoidable differences, fo as may
leaft prejudice charity and common good,
and leaft harden the ungodly, or grieve the
weak, or difhonour God, or hinder the
fuccefs of Common, great and neceffary
Truths upon the fouls of men ; contriving
and amicably promoting the Caufe of Chri-
ftianity, and every part of it, in which they
are agreed 3 and fhould open their difagree-
ments to the people as little as they can.
76. In
more Urgly opened. jy
76. In cafes of tolerable difference, as
Minifters and People muft maintain a fpeciai
holy Love., and Communion as far as their
differences will admit • fo muft they defire
the well-fare and the Peace of one another,
and not ftir up hatred or perfecution,againft
each other, by odious nick-names, orex-
afperatingthe Magiftrateor people againft
diffenters ^ but fhould confent to the
Liberty of each other, and help&o take off
unjuft hatred, and to hinderal! unmerciful
violence or rigor againft one another -, And
all of us (hould watch againft and abhor that
proud, felf-conceiced, domineering difpoli-
tion that would make us cenforious, malici-
ous, or cruel againft the weakeft fervantsof
the Lord.
77. Yet muft we not under pretence of
Charity, confent to any fuch noxious Liber-
ty, as plainly tendeth to the wrong of
the Church, and the poyfoning of the fouls
of others 5 nor yet muft we confent to the
errours of the beft. Though we are not
the judges of the fearers of mens hearts, nor
may not deal uncharitably with any, yet
muft not heretical felf-conceited perfons
be tolerated in the obftinate difperfing of
their errours, to the definition or danger
of mens fouls, nor to reproach and fpeak
againft
74 The ofjce ofchrifls Minifters
againft the weighty necefTary truths of
God : Nor fhould &ny be tolerated to
kindle the flames of uncharitablenefs and
contentions in the Churches, by railing, re-
proachful language againft the tolerable dif-
fenters : But a healing, merciful, and profi-
table , and not a deftruftive Toleration
fhould be promoted,
78.The Paftorsof the Churches of Chrift
have the power of the Keys of the Kingdom
of Heaven, but not of the Temporal fword
on earth : And though we determine not
whether in cafes of Neceffity, it be lawful
for Paftors to be alfo Magiftrates • yet it is
certain that without Neceflity it fhould not
be allowed ( their work requiring all their
time and ftrength) and that as Paftors it
belongeth not to them • But as the Magi-
ftrate is the appointed officer of God, to
Govern even Churches, Paftors, and Peo-
ple, in the way of outward force, and Pa-
ftors are his Officers to govern them by Spi- |
ritual Condud ^ fo muft we be fo far from
defiring to ufurp a fecular power, that we
fhould ftill advife the Magiftrate to keep
the fword in his own hand,and to take heed
of putting compulfive power in the hands of
Paftors, or enabling them to execute their
paffionate difpleafure againft their bre-
thren?
more largely oytnta. 7 j
thren- And as the Magiftrate muft not ufurp •
the Paftors office, but only fee that we per-
form itourfelves,and pumfhusif wedo not:,
fo muft not the Paftors ufurp the Magiftrates
office, but humbly and modeftly teach and
advife him from the word of God, and re-
prove him, and threaten him,and in cafes of
extremity denounce the Wrath of Goda-
gainft him,, and bind him over to the Tribu-
nal of Heaven, to anfwer for his obftinate
impenitent contempt • and then leave all
the matter to that bar, and patiently fuffer
if we be perfecuted by him •, Not doing any
thing in the management of any ot our
work,without a diae refpeft and reverence
to his Authority, and a care of the common
good that dependeth on his honour,but re-
membring what is meet for him to hear,and
for us as MefTengers of Chrift to fpcak.
79. Thofe Churches of feveral Nations
that through diftance a»4 diverfity of fecu-
Jar Governours, are uncapable of pergo-
nal or local Communion with others,{hould
yet confent as neer as may be in their holy
profeffions, and praftifes \ not tying each
other to any of their unncceffaty modes
or forms, nor uncharitably cenfuringany
tolerable diflenters , but owning thofe
Churches that agree with them in the great
and
rjs The Of ft ce ef Chrijts Mtmftcrs
* and neceflary things, & holding fuch corre-
fpondence with rhem by Meffengers,as lhall
he needful to the promoting of their Unity,
Love and Peace, and of the Gofpel and
common caufc of Chrift, and the defence of
each other againft the common enemies of
thcfe, as emergent occafiors fhall require
and direft ehem.
80. To the aforefaid ufes,the Councils
or Synods of Paftors are lawful and conve-
nient in cafes chat require them, where the
Paftors of feveral Churches and Nations
may diliberate and determine in order to
their Unity, of Doftrines and Practices- to
be Agrreed in, and may ftrengthen the
hands of one another. But yet, the Canons
of fuch Councils are rather Agreements ,
then proper Laws, to their feveral members
3r ablent Brethren ; and bind in order to
Unity and Concord by vertue of thofe Ge-
neral Commands that require us to do the
work of God in fuch Unity and Concord,
and not by vertue of any proper fuperior
Regimental power, which that Council hath
' over the particular Bilhopsof the Churches
of Chrift. And as for General Councils, as
we fhould to the forementioned ends regard
and honour them above all other, if really
fuch were lawfully aflembled • fo in this
enlarged
more large ij uyewca. <jy
enlarged and difperfed ftate of the Militant
Church, we may eafily fee , that full and
proper Univerfal Councils, are neither the
State<TGovernors of the Univerfal Church,
nor neceffary to its well-being, no nor Law-
ful to be attempted, as a Courfe that would
certainly deftroy or grievoufly wrong the
Churches, by the death and long abfence of
the Pallors, through fo many hundred and
thoufand miles travail, and fo long attend-
ing, which the itate and work of proper
Univerfal Councils will require : Yea the
faiddiftance, with the age and weaknefsof
the Paftors, and the different languages,
and the poverty of many difabling them
from fuch tedious voyages and journies,
and the diffent of the Princes (many of
hem Heathens, Infidels, Mahometans) un-
der whofe Government they live, or
:hrough whole dominions they muft pafs,
hefe with many the like Impediments do
nakea true Univerfal Council! (like an Uni-
verfal Parliament or Senate J to be fo far
rom neceffary, or defmble, as to be Mo-
aiLy lmpoffible,or next to ImpoffibJe, as to
he very Being of it. * .
The way that'O pointed for
-hur< contro-
iftrates
,ern
75 The Of pee of Chrijts Mimfttrs
govern by the fword or force, and judge
who are fit to be Punifhed by the fword
x ( And though mod Princes on the earth by
, Infidelity have made themfelves uncapable
of this part of the work of their Office, yet
cannot that difoblige them from the Com-
mands of God, or free them from his pu-
nifhments for not performing them, nor
make the Office of Magiftrates another
thing, nor difable Chriftian Princes and
Magiftrates, or difoblige them who have
not made themfelves uncapable.) 2. That
thefe Princes and Governors of feveral Na-
tions, do hold a Loving Chriftian Corre-
fpondency, for the management of their
affairs, and Government of the Churches
under them,fo as may be moft to the advan-
tage of the Caufe of Chrift, and the union,
ftrengthand defence of Chriftians ^ (The
General Rules, and Ends of their Truft an<J
Power, do oblige them to hold fuch AfTem-
blies by their Meffengers as are needful for
their Agreement and the Unity and Safety
of the Churches under them, as well as they
oblige Paftors to fuch neceffary correfpon-
dencies. ) 3 . That the Paftors of particular
Churches be the Governors of thofe Chur-
ches by the word and holy Difcipline (not
having the power of the fword or violence)
and
. more largely eftnedl 7$
and that they Judge who is fit or unfit for
Commanion with that Church which each ■
or any of them over-fee, and who is to be
thence Excommunicated, or there Abfolved.
4. ThatthefeBifhops, Paftors , or Elders of
particular Churches, fhould hoid Commu-
nion among themfelves with all their Bre-
thren of other Churches, as far as their na-
tural capacity will allow , and the need or
benefit of the Churches require it : and that
they handle in common the caufes that be-
long to all in common , and fettle and main- *
t&v\ Agreements for the Unity and Commu-
nion of the Churches ; And they arc Judges
(as Affeciare^ who is to be- received into
their Aflbciate Communion ; and who to be
excluded from it \ and what Paflors or
Churches they fhould hold fuch Commu-
nion with as they are capable of •, and which
they fhould admonifh, or renounce. 5, The
Chriilian people have allowed them a Judge-
ment of Difcretion , by which they mull:
prove all things , and hold faft that which
is good : and mutt difcern and obey the
Lawfull commands and directions of their
Magiftrates and Paftors. 6. And as Men
have thus their feveral (hares alloted them
in Government, Judgement, and decifions,
iimiccdly,andnot Abfolutcly judging, even
G to
io The office of Chrlfts Mlniflers&c.
to the Execution which belongs to their fcve-
ral Judicatures : So the Finall Abfolute
Judgement , and Decifion of all Concrover-
fies and Caufes , is referved to the dread-
full Tribunal of the Lord , to which wc
may make oar laft Appeal , Where all the
world (hall be judged in Righteoufnefs , and
all the Judgements of men be themfelves
Judged , and Truth and Error , Good and
Evil, Right and Wrong will be more perfe<9>
ly manifcfted unto all •, and it (hall be irre-
veriibly determined by Jefus Chrift,who (hall
go into Life Everlafting^and who to everlaft-
ing puniftiment.
Cewe Lord Jcfus, Come quick]].
Novemb. 1 6.
1658.
THE Author thought it not unfit here to annex the
Defcription of that Order and Difcipline which
h cxercifedby him, with his Afftjlant fiUow-Ta-
flors, in the Parifh-Churcti of Kederminfter 5 m Ajfo-
ciation with many Taftors of thsfe parts, who have Agreed
to exercife fo much of the Mlnificrial Office , m by the
Confetf of the Epifcopaly Trcsbyteriah, and Congregation
na& s be[oagethtotbem. uhich being pkklijbed ^.i. May
prevent mens injurious mif-reports of .9-4,7 Aflociatiens 5
and Xifcipline, which they may be drawn to by fallacious
fame. 2. Ani may be an example for thofe Churches tba:
by the Mdgip&tis art left at liberty , teworfb'p GoA in that
Communion and Order which they judge mod agreeable to
the v'ord of God, and the Vmverfal Confcit and Practice
of the Primitive Church.
The Order and Difcipline of this
Qhurch agreeable to the Word of
God.
I. \V7 E are willing to Teach all in our
™ Tarifi, thedoftrineof Life , that:
are willing to learn : Anddefire them all to
bear the Word publikely preached , and to
come to us to be Catechized or Inftrudcd.
1 1. Wc own all thofe as vifibleChriftians
G 2 and
and members of the Umvcrfal Church, that
make a credible Profcffionof Chriftiantty ,
and deftroy it not by Heretie , or ungodly
lives.
I IT. So many of thefeas alio Confentto
hold Communion with this Cliurch as mem-
bers of. it, fubmitting to the Minifters and
Difcipltnc of Chrift, we (hail efteem our flock
and fpecial charge, and faithfully perform the
duties of our Office for cheir^good, as we are
able.
IV. We defire that all the Youth of the
Parifh will learn the principles of the Chriftia*
Religion : and as foon as they underhand it ,
and are heartily refolved to give tip themfclvcs
to Gadin Chrift through the ffirit, and to lctd
a holy life, that they will come and acquainz
us with their Faith and Refolution ; and be-
fore the Church will make afolemn profefli-
on thereof, and give up themselves to God in
the ptrfonal owning their Baptifmal Covenant ;
cither reciting the fore-going Creed or Pro-
fe(fion,or, if they are unfit for publike fpeak-
.'* n g>kv Conferring when we propound it u
them ; or by any other fit expreffions. That
fo we may publikcly pray for their confirma-
tion •
tion ; and if they Confent aifo to hold Com-
munion with this Church , we may know
them as our Charge , and Regiftcr their
names.
V. Thofe Parifhoners that defire us to
Baptize their children, or to be themfelves
admitted to the Lords Supper , and are noE
members of this Church, ( becaufe they will
noc) , we defire to come to us, fomc dayes
before •, that fo we may be fatisfied of their
Faith and Life : And if they feem true Chri-
ffUns , and either bring a Certificate that
they are members of any other fhurch, with
which we are to hold Communion , or fhew
that it is not from ungtrdlinefs that they refufe
to live under Order and Difciplme, we (hall
Baptize their children , and occasionally ad-
mit them to our Communion. But if they
*refcxndaloH4, we (hall require them firft to
Profcfs their feriopu Repentance : And if they
'eturn to fcandal^t fhall after (lay rill we fee
:heir Refurmacion (or of one of the parents
fa cafe of Baptiim. )
VI. If any member of this Church do
differ from us about the geflure in the Lords
Supper (or any fuckCircumftanee) WC de-
G 3 fa*
fire them firft to cometouj^ and hear our
Reafons : and if wc cannot fatisfie them, we
will n&i hinder them from receiving it in any
decent gefture they defire.
VII. All members of the Church muft or-
dinarily hold Communion with it, in the;
Lords Supper and all Ordinances: and if a
Brother grofly offend, they muft orderly and ,
prudently admonilh him ^ and if he hear thera
not, tell the Church.
VIII. Once a Moneth we have a meeting
of the Magnates, Minifters, Deacons, and
above twenty perfons chofen annually by the
Church, as their Truftees or Deputies : Here
the offendours muft be accufed, and heard,
and dealt with f before the cafe be opened in
the Church. And any that are juftly offended
with any member , miy have Churchrjuftice.
( The Magiftrates prefence being only ad me-
litis ejfe) and the chofen Truftces or Depu-
ties beingno Ecclefiaftical Officers , nor pre-
tending to Divine Inftitution as (uch : but
only the fitted: of the people chofen to do
thofe things which belong to the people (who
cannot all fo frequently meet ) and having no.
authoritative ruling Votes.
IX. Thofe
I X. Thofc that Repent not upon publike
r Admonition t muft be caft out of our Commu-
nion , and avoided as Heathens : But rhofe
that are Penitent, muft be Abfolved , and lo-
vingly received.
X. If any of our People be offended at any
th.ng in our Do&rine or Life, wc defire them
before they vent their offence behind our
backs,to come and lovingly tell it us,and hear
us fpeak* And if we do not fatisfie x them, we
defire chem to open the matter before the
Mintftersof this Affociation, who are here
Affembled every Moneth. And we (hall be-
fore them, be refponfible, for our Doftrine,
(for /^dminiftrations, and oar Lives. ( As we
are alfo willing to be to the Magistrate , who
only hath the power of the fword, even over
the Paftors of the Church , and whom in all
things Lawful we muft obey, and ngtrefift.)
FINIS.
k
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