Confessions & Catechisms

The Cambridge Platform 1648

The setting forth of the public confession of the faith of churches hath a double end, and both tending to public edification. First the maintenance of the faith entire within itself: secondly the holding forth of any harmony, both amongst, and with other churches. Our churches here, as (by the grace of Christ) we believe and profess the same doctrine of the truth of the Gospel, which generally is received in all the reformed churches of Christ in Europe: so especially, we desire not to vary from the doctrine of faith and truth held forth by the churches of our native country. For though it be not one native country, that can breed us all of one mind; nor ought we for to have the glorious faith of our Lord Jesus with respect of persons: yet as Paul who was himself a Jew, professed to hold forth the doctrine of justification by faith, and of the resurrection of the dead, according as he knew his godly countrymen did, who were Jews by nature(Gal. 2:15; Acts 26:6,7), so we, who are by nature Englishmen, do desire to hold forth the same doctrine of religion (especially in fundamentals) which we see and know to be held by the churches of England, according to the truth of the gospel.
The more we discern (that which we do, and have cause to do with incessant mourning and trembling) the unkind, and unbrotherly, and unchristian contentions of our godly brethren and countrymen, in matters of church government: the more earnestly we desire to see them joined together in one common faith, and ourselves with them. For this end, having pursued the public confession of faith, agreed upon by the reverend assembly of divines at Westminster, and finding the sum and substance thereof ( in matters of doctrine) to express not their own judgments only, but ours also: and being likewise called upon by our godly magistrates, to draw up a public confession of that faith, which is constantly taught, and generally professed amongst us, we thought good to present unto them, and with them to our churches, and with them to all churches of Christ abroad, our professed and hearty assent and attestation to the whole confession of faith (for substance of doctrine) which the reverend assembly presented to the religious and honorable Parliaments of England: Excepting only some sections in the 25, 30 and 31st chapters of their confession, which concern points of controversy in church-discipline; Touching which we refer ourselves to the draft of church-discipline in the ensuing treatise.
The truth of what we here declare, mat appear by the unanimous vote of the Synod of the Elders and messengers of our churches assembled at Cambridge, the last of the sixth month, 1648: Which jointly passed in these words:

This Synod having perused, and considered (with much gladness of heart, and thankfulness to God) the confession of faith published of late by the reverend Assembly in England, do judge it to the very holy, orthodox, and judicious in all matters of faith: and do therefore freely and fully consent thereunto, for the substance thereof. Only in those things which have respect to the church government and discipline, agreed upon by this present assembly: and do therefore think it meet, that this confession of faith, should be commended to the churches of Christ among us, and to the Honored Court, as worthy of their due consideration and acceptance.

Howbeit, we may not conceal that the doctrine of vocation expressed in Chap.10. S I. and summarily repeated Chapt. 13 and I. passed not without some debate. Yet considering, that the term of vocation, and others by which it is described, are capable of a large, or more strict sense, and use, and that is not intended to bind apprehensions precisely in point of order or method, there hath been a general condescendancy thereunto.
Now by this our professed consent and free concurrence with them in all the doctrinal of religion, we hope it may appear to the world, that as we are a remnant of the people of the same nation with them: so we are professors of the same common faith, and fellowship heirs of the same common salvation. Yea moreover, as this our profession of the same faith with them will exempt us (even in their judgments) from suspicion of heresy: so (we trust) it may exempt us in the like sort from suspicion of schism: that though we are forced to dissent from them in matters of church discipline: yet our dissent is not taken up out of arrogance of spirit in ourselves (whom they see willingly condescend to learn of them): neither is it carried with uncharitable censoriousness towards them (both which are the proper and essential characters of schism), but in meekness of wisdom, as we walk along with them, and follow them, as they follow Christ: so where we conceive a different apprehension of the mind of Christ (as it falleth out in some few points touching church order) we still reserve due reverence to them (whom we judge to be, through Christ, the glorious lights of both nations ): and only crave leave (as in spirit we are bound) to follow the Lamb whither soever he goeth, and (after the Apostle’s example) as we believe, so we speak.
And if the examples of such poor outcasts as ourselves, might prevail if not with all (for that were to great a blessing to hope for) yet with some or other of our brethren in England, so far as they are come to mind and speak the same thing with such a dissent from them, we hope in Christ, it would not only moderate the harsh judging and condemning of one another in such differences of judgment, as may be found in the choicest saints: but also prevent (by the mercy of Christ) the peril of the distraction and destruction of all the churches in both kingdoms. Otherwise, if brethren shall go on to bite and devour one another, the Apostle feared
As we also, with sadness of heart do) it will tend to the consuming of them, and us all: which the Lord prevent.
We are not ignorant, that (besides these aspersions of heresy and schism) other exceptions are taken at our way of church government: but (as we conceive) upon as little ground.

As 1. That by admitting none into the fellowship of our church, but saints by calling, we rob many parish-churches of their best members, to make up one of our congregations: which is not only, to gather churches out of churches (a thing unheard of in Scripture): but also to weaken the hearts and hands of the best ministers in the parishes, by despoiling them of their best hearers.
2. That we provide no course for the gaining, and calling in, of ignorant, and erroneous, and scandalous persons, whom we refuse to receive into our churches, and so exclude from the wholesome remedy of church discipline.
3. That in our way, we sow seeds of division and hindrance of edification in every family: whilst admitting in to our churches any voluntaries, the husband will be of one church, the wife of another: the parents of one church, the children of another: the master of one church, the servants of another. And so the parents and masters being of different churches from their children and servants, they cannot take a just account of their profiting by what they hear, yea by this means the husbands, parents, and masters, shall be chargeable to the maintenance of many other churches, and church officers, besides their own: which will prove a charge and burden unsupportable.

But for answer, as to the first. For gathering churches out of churches, we cannot say, that is a thing unheard of in Scripture. The first Christian church was gathered out of the Jewish church, and out of many synagogues in that church, and consisted partly of inhabitants of Jerusalem, partly of the Galileans: who thought they kept some parts of public worship with the temple: yet neither did they frequent the sacrifices, nor repair to the Sanhedrim for the determining of their church-causes: but kept entire and constant communion with the Apostles’ church in all the ordinances of the gospel. And for the first Christian church of the Gentiles at Antioch, it appears to have been gathered and constituted partly of the dispersed brethren of the church at Jerusalem (whereof some were men of Cyprus, and Cyrene) and partly of the believing Gentiles. Acts 11:20,21.

If it be said the first Christian church at Jerusalem, and that at Antioch were gathered not out of any Christian church, but out of the Jewish temple and synagogues, which were shortly after to be abolished: and their gathering to Antioch, was upon occasion of dispersion in time of persecution.

We desire, it may be considered, 1. That the members of the Jewish church were more strongly and straitly tied by express holy covenant, to keep fellowship with the Jewish church, till it was abolished, than any members of christian parish-churches are wont to be tied to keep fellowship with their parish-churches. The episcopal canons, which bind them to attend their parish church, it is likely satisfied (as we conceive) if they attend upon the worship of God in any other church though not within their own parish. But no such like covenant of God, nor any other religious tie lieth upon the Jews to attend upon the worship of God in their temple and synagogues.
2. Though the Jewish temple church at Jerusalem was to be abolished, yet that doth not make the desertion of it by the members, to be lawful, till it was abolished. Further abolition is no warrant for present desertion: unless it be lawful in some case whilst the church is yet in present standing to desert it; to wit, either for avoiding of present pollutions, or for hope of greater edification, and so for better satisfaction to conscience in either. Further events (or foresight of them) do not resolve present relations. Else wives, children, servants, might desert their husbands, parents, masters, when they be mortally sick.
3. What the members of the Jewish church did, in joining to the church at Antioch in time of persecution, it may well be conceived the members of any Christian church may do the like, for satisfaction of conscience. Peace of conscience is more desirable than the peace of the outward man: and freedom from scruples of conscience is more comfortable to a sincere heart than freedom from persecution.

If it be said, these members of the Christian church at Jerusalem, that joined to the church at Antioch, removed their habitations together with their relations: which if the brethren of the congregational way would do, it would much abate the grievance of their departure from their presbyterial churches.

We verily could wish them so to do, as well approving the like removal of habitations, in case of changing church-relations (provided, that it may be done without too much detriment to their outward estates) and we for our parts, have done the same. But to put a necessity of removal of habitation in such a case, it is to foment and cherish a corrupt principle of making civil cohabitation, if not a formal cause, yet at least a proper adjunct of church-relation; which the truth of the Gospel doth not acknowledge. Now to foment an error to the prejudice of the truth of the Gospel, is not to walk with a right foot according to the truth of the Gospel, as Paul judgeth. Gal. 2:14.
4. We do not think it meet, or safe, for a member of a presbyterial church, forthwith to desert his relation to his church, betake himself to the fellowship of a congregational church, though he may discern some defect in the estate, or government of his own.

For 1. Faithfulness of brotherly love in church-relation requireth, that the members of the church should first convince their brethren of their sinful defects, and duly wait for their reformation, before they depart from them. For if we must take such a course for the healing of a private brother, in a way of brotherly love, with much meekness, and patience: how much more ought we so to walk with like tenderness towards a whole church.
Again 2. By the hasty departure of sound members from a defective church, reformation is not promoted, but many times retarded, and corruption increased. Whereas on the contrary, while sincere members breathing after purity of reformation abide together, they may (by the blessing of God upon their faithful endeavors) prevail much with their elders and neighbors towards a reformation; it may be, so much, as that their elders in their own church shall receive none to the seals but visible saints: and in the classis shall put forth no authoritative act (but consultative only) touching the members of other churches: nor touching their own, but with the consent (silent consent at least) of their own church: which two things, if they can obtain with any humble, meek, holy, faithful endeavors, we conceive to continue their relation with their own presbyterial church without scruple.

5. But to add a word farther, touching the gathering of churches, what if there were no express example of such a thing extant in the Scriptures? that which we are wont to answer the Anti-paedobaptists, may suffice here: it is enough, if any evidence thereof may be gathered from just consequence of Scripture light. Dr. Ames’ judgment concerning this case, passeth (for aught we know) without exception, which he gave in his 4th book of conscience in answer to question 3.

If any (he says) wronged with unjust vexation, or providing for his own edification or in testimony against sin depart from a church where some evils are tolerated, and join himself to another more pure, yet without condemning of the church he leaveth, he is not therefore to be held as a schismatic, or as guilty of any other sin.

Where the Tripartite disjunction, which the judicious Doctor putteth, declareth the lawfulness of the departure of a church-member from his church, when either through weariness of unjust vexation, or in way of provision for his own edification, or in testimony against sin, he joineth himself to another congregation more reformed. Any one of these, he judgeth a just and lawful cause of departure, though all of them do not concur together. Neither will such a practice despoil the best ministers of the parishes of their best hearers.

For 1. Sometimes the ministers themselves are willing to join with their better sort of hearers, in this way of reformation: and then they and their hearers continue still their church relation together, yea and confirm it more straightly and strongly, by an express renewed covenant, though the ministers may still continue their wonted preaching to the whole parish.
2. If the ministers do dislike the way of those, whom they otherwise count their best members, and so refuse to join with them therein; yet if those members can produce some other ministers to join with them in their own way, and still continue their dwelling together in the same town, they may easily order the times of public assembly, as to attend constantly upon the ministry of their former Church: and either after or before the public assembly of the parish take an opportunity to gather together for the administration of sacraments, and censures, and other church ordinances amongst themselves. The first apostolic church assembled to hear the word with the Jewish church in the open courts of the temple: but afterwards gathered together for breaking of bread, and other of church-order, from house to house.
3. Suppose presbyterial churches should communicate some of their best gifted members towards the erecting and gathering of another church: it would not forthwith be their detriment, but may be their enlargement. It is the most noble and perfect work of a living creature (both in nature and grace) to propagate, and multiply his kind: and it is the honour of the faithful spouse of Christ, to set forward the work of Christ as well abroad as at home. The church in Cant. 8: 8-9, to help forward her little sister-church, was willing to part with her choice-materials, even beams of cedar, and such precious living stones, as were fit to build a silver palace. In the same book, the church is compared sometime to a garden, sometime to an orchard, Cant. 4:12,13. No man planteth a garden, or orchard, but seeketh to get the choicest herbs and plants of his neighbors, and they freely impart them: nor do they count it a spoil to their gardens, and orchards, but rather a glory. Nevertheless, we go not so far: we neither seek nor ask the choice-members of the parishes but accept them being offered.

If it be said, they are not offered by the ministers, nor by the parish churches (who have most right in them) but only by themselves.

It may justly be demanded, what right, or what power have either the ministers, or parish church over them? Not by solemn church covenant: for that, for that, though it be the firmest engagement, is not owned, but rejected. If it be, by their joining with the parish, in the calling and election of a minister to such a congregation at his first coming, there is indeed just weight in such an engagement: nor do we judge it safe for such to remove from such a minister, unless it be on such grounds as may justly give him due satisfaction. But if the union of such members to a parish church, and to the ministry thereof, be only by cohabitation within the precincts of the parish, that union, as it was founded upon human law: so by human law it may easily be released. Or otherwise, if a man remove his habitation, he removeth also the bond of his relation, and the ground of offense.
4. It need not to be feared, that all the best hearers of the best ministers, no, nor the most of them, will depart from them upon point of church government. Those who have found the presence and power of the spirit of Christ breathing in their ministers, either to their conversion, or edification, will be slow to change such a ministry of faith, and holiness, for the liberty of church order. Upon which ground, and sundry other such like, there be doubtless sundry godly and judicious hearers in many parishes in England that do and will prefer their relation to their ministers (though in a presbyterial way) above the congregational confederation.
5. But if all, or the most part of the best hearers of the best ministers of parishes, should depart from them, as preferring in their judgements, the congregational way: yet, in case the congregational way should should prove to be of Christ, it will never grieve the holy hearers of godly ministers, that their hearers should follow after Christ: yea many of themselves (upon due deliberation) will be ready to go along with them. It never grieved nor troubled John Baptist, that his disciples departed from him to follow after Christ, John 3. But in case the congregational way should prove to be, not the institution of Christ (as we take it) but the invention of men: then doubtless, the presbyterial form ( if it be of God) will swallow up the other, as Moses’ rod devoured the rods of the Egyptians. Nor will this put a necessity upon both the opposite parties, to shift for themselves, and to seek to supplant one another: but only, it will call upon them alhyeueiu eu agaph to seek and follow the truth in love, to attend in faithfulness each unto his own flock, and to administer to them all the holy things of God, and their portion of food in due season: and as for others, quietly to forbear them, and yet to instruct them with meekness that are contrary minded: leaving it to Christ (in the use of all good means) to reveal his own truth in his own time: and meanwhile endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Phil. 3: 15,16; Eph. 4: 3. To the second exception, that we take no course for the gaining and healing and calling in of ignorant, and erroneous, and scandalous persons, whom we refuse to receive into our churches and so exclude them from the remedy of church-discipline.

We conceive the receiving of them into our churches would rather lose and corrupt our churches, than gain and heal them. A little leaven laid in a lump of dough, will sooner leave the whole lump, than the whole-lump will sweeten it. We therefore find it safer, to square rough and unhewn stones, before they be laid into the building, rather than to hammer and hew them, when they lie unevenly in the building.
And accordingly, to means to us we gain and call in such as are ignorant or scandalous. 1. The public ministry of the word, upon which they are invited by counsel, and required by wholesome laws to attend. And the word it is, which is the power of God to salvation, to the calling and winning of souls. 2. Private conference, and conviction by the elders, and other able brethren of the church: whom they do the more respectively hearken unto, when they see no hope of enjoying church-fellowship, or participation in the sacraments for themselves, or their children, till they approve their judgements to be sound and orthodox, and their lives subdued to some hope of godly conversation. What can classical discipline, or excommunication itself do more in this case?

The 3rd exception wraps up in it a threefold domestical inconvenience: and each of them meet to be eschewed. 1. Disunion in families between each relation: 2. Disappointment of edification, for want of opportunity of opportunities in the governors of families to take account of things heard by their children and servants. 3. Disbursements of chargeable maintenance to the several churches, whereto the several persons of their families are joined.

All which inconveniences either do not fall out in congregational-churches; or are easily redressed. For none are orderly admitted into congregational-churches, but such as are well approved by good testimony, to be duly observant of family-relations. Or if any otherwise disposed should creep in, they are either orderly healed, or duly removed in a way of Christ. Nor are they admitted, unless they can give some good account of their profiting by ordinances, before the elders and brethren of the church: and much more to their parents, and masters. Godly tutors in the university can take an account of their pupils: and godly householders in the city can take account of their children and servants, how they profit by the word they have heard in several churches: and that to the greater edification of the whole family, by the variety of such administrations. Bees may bring honey and wax into the hive, when they are not limited to one garden of flowers, but may fly abroad to many.
Nor is any change expected from wives, children, or servants to the maintenance of congregational churches, further than they be furnished with personal estates, or earnings, which may enable them to contribute of such things as they have, and not of such things as they have not. God accepteth not robbery for a sacrifice. And though a Godly householder may justly take himself bound in conscience, to contribute to any such church, whereto his wife, or children, or servants do stand in relation: yet that will not aggravate the burden of his charge, no more than if they were received members of the same church whereto himself is related.
But why do we stand thus long to plead exemptions from exceptions? The Lord help all his faithful servants (whether presbyterial, or congregational) to judge and shame ourselves before the Lord for all our former compliances to greater enormities in church government, than are to be found either in the congregational or presbyterial way. And then surly, either the Lord will clear up his own will to us, and so frame and subdue us all to one mind, and one way (Ezek. 43: 10,11) or else we shall learn to bear one another’s burdens in a spirit of meekness. It will then doubtless be far from us, so to attest the discipline of Christ, as to detest the disciples of Christ, for to contend for the seamless coat of Christ, as to crucify the living members of Christ, so to divide ourselves about church communion, as through breaches to open a wide gap for a deluge of Antichristian and profane malignity to swallow up both church and civil state.
What shall we say more ? Is difference about church order become the inlet of all the disorders in the kingdom ? Has the Lord indeed left us to such hardness of heart, that Church government shall become a snare to Zion (as sometimes Moses was to Egypt, Ex. 10:7) that we cannot leave contesting and contending about it, till the kingdom be destroyed ? Did not the Lord Jesus, when he dedicated his sufferings for his church, and his also unto his father, make it his earnest and only prayer for us in this world, that he (whom the Father heard always, John 11:42) should not have this last most solemn prayer heard, and granted ? or, shall it be granted for all the saints elsewhere, and not for the saints in England; so that amongst them disunion shall grow even about church-union, and communion ? If it is possible, for a little faith (so much as a grain of mustard seed) to remove a mountain: is it not possible, for so much strength of faith, as is to be found in all the godly in the kingdom, to remove those images of jealousy, and to cast those stumbling-blocks out of the way, which may hinder the free passage of brotherly love amongst brethren ? It is true indeed, the National covenant doth justly engage both parties, faithfully to endeavor the utter extirpation of the Antichristian hierarchy, and much more of all blasphemies, heresies, and damnable errors.
Certainly, if the congregational discipline be independent from the inventions of men, is it not much more independent from the delusions of Satan ? What fellowship hath Christ with Belial ? light with darkness ? truth with error ? The faithful Jews needed not the help of the Samaritians, to re-edify the temple of God: yea they rejected their help when it was offered, Ezra 4. 1-3. And if the congregational way be a way of truth (as we believe) and if the brethren that walk in it be zealous of the truth, and hate every false way (as by the rule of their holy discipline they are instructed, 2 John 10:11) then verily, their is no branch in the national covenant that engageth the covenanters to abhor either congregational churches, or their way: which being duly administered, do not less effectively extirpate the Antichristian hierarchy, and all blasphemies, hiersies, and pernicious errors, than the other way of discipline doth, which is more generally and publicly received and ratified.
But the Lord Jesus commune with all our hearts in secret: and he who is the King of his Church, let him be pleased to exercise his kingly power in our spirits, that so his kingdom may come into our churches in purity and peace. Amen. Amen.

Chapter 1

Of the form of Church Government; and that is one, immutable, and
prescribed in the Word of God

1. Ecclesiastical polity or church government, or discipline is nothing else, but that form and order that is to be observed in the church of Christ upon earth, both for the constitution of it, and all the administration that therein are to be preformed.
2. Church government is considered in a double respect either in regard of the parts of government themselves, or necessary circumstances thereof. The parts of government are prescribed in the word, because the Lord Jesus Christ, the King and Law-giver of his church, is no less faithful in the house of God than was Moses, who from the Lord delivered a form and pattern of government to the children of Israel in the Old Testament: And the Holy Scriptures are now also so perfect, as they are able to make the man of God perfect and thoroughly furnished unto every good work; and therefore doubtless to the well ordering of the house of God.
3. The parts of church government are all of them exactly described in the word of God being parts or means of instituted worship according to the second Commandment: and therefore to continue one in the same, unto the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ as a kingdom that cannot be shaken, until he hall deliver it up unto God, even the Father. So that it is not left in the power of men, officers, churches, or any state in the world to add, or diminish, or alter anything in the least measure therein.
4. The necessary circumstances, as time and place, ect. belonging unto order and decency, are not so left unto men as that under pretense of them, they may thrust their own inventions upon the churches: Being circumscribed in the Word with many general limitations; where they are determined in respect of the matter to be neither worship itself, nor circumstances separable from worship: in respect of their end, they must be done unto edification: in respect of the manner, decently, and in order, according to the nature of things themselves, and civil, and church custom, doth not even nature itself teach you? Yea, they are in some sort determined particularly, namely that they be done in such a manner, as all circumstances considered, is most expedient for edification: so, as if there be no error of man concerning their determination, the determining of them is to be accounted as if it were divine.

Chapter II

Of the Nature of the Catholic Church in general, and in special, of a
Particular Visible Church

The Catholic Church is the whole company of those that are elected, redeemed, and in time effectually called from the state of sin and death unto a state of grace, and salvation in Jesus Christ.
2. This church is either triumphant, or militant. Triumphant, the number of them who are glorified in heaven: militant, the number of them who are conflicting with their enemies upon earth.
3. This militant church is to be considered as invisible, and visible. Invisible, in respect of their relation wherein they stand to Christ, as a body unto the head, being united unto him, by the spirit of God, and faith in their hearts: Visible, in respect of the profession of their faith, in their persons, and in particular churches: and so there may be acknowledged a universal church.
4. The members of the militant visible church considered either as not yet in church order, or as walking according to the church order of the gospel. In order, and so besides the spiritual union, and communion, common to all believers, they enjoy moreover an union and communion ecclesiastical-political: so we deny an universal visible church.
5. The state the members of the militant visible church walking in order, was either before the law, economical, that is in families; or under the law, national: or, since the coming of Christ, only congregational. (The term independent, we approve not). Therefore neither national, provincial, nor classical.
6. A congregational church, is by the institution of Christ a part of the militant visible church, consisting of a company of saints by calling, united into one body, by a holy covenant, for the public worship of God, and the mutual edification one of another, in the fellowship of the Lord Jesus.

Chapter III

Of the matter of the visible church both in respect of quality and quantity

The matter of a visible church are saints by calling. By saints, we understand,
1. Such, as not only have attained the knowledge of the principles of religion, and are free from gross and open scandals, but also do together with the profession of their faith and repentance, walk in blameless obedience to the word, so as that in charitable discretion they may be accounted saints by calling (though perhaps some or more of them be unsound, and hypocrites inwardly): because the members of such particular churches are commonly by the Holy Ghost called saints and faithful brethren in Christ, and sundry churches have been reproved for receiving, and suffering such persons to continue in fellowship amongst them, as have been offensive and scandalous: the name of God also by this means is blasphemed: and the holy things of God defiled and profaned, the hearts of the godly grieved: and the wicked themselves hardened: and helped forward to damnation; the example of such doth endanger the sanctity of others. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
2. The children of such, who are also holy.
3. The members of churches though orderly constituted, may in time degenerate, and grow corrupt and scandalous, which though they ought not to be tolerated in the church, yet their continuance therein, through the defect of the execution of discipline and just censures, doth not immediately dissolve the being of the church, as appears in the church of Israel, and the churches of Galatia and Corinth, Pergamus, and Thyatira.
4. The matter of the church in respect of its quantity ought not to be of greater number than may ordinarily meet together conveniently in one place: nor ordinarily fewer than may conveniently carry on church-work. Hence when the Holy Scriptures maketh mention of the saints combined into a church-estate, in a town or city, where was but one congregation, it usually calleth those saints the church in the singular number, as the church of the Thessalonians, the church of Smyrna, Philadelphia, and the like: But when it speaketh of the saints in a nation, or province, wherein there were sundry congregations, it frequently and usually calleth them by the name of the churches, in the plural number, as the churches of Asia, Galatia, Macedonia, and the like: which is further confirmed by what is written of sundry of those churches in particular, how they were assembled and met together the whole church in one place, as the church at Jerusalem, the church at Antioch, the church at Corinth, it being the port thereof, and answerable to a village, yet being a distinct congregation from Corinth, it had a church of its own as well as Corinth had.
5. Nor can it with reason be thought but that every church appointed and ordained by Christ, had a ministry ordained and appointed for the same: and yet plain it is, that there were no ordinary officers appointed by Christ for any other than congregational churches: elders being appointed to feed, not all flocks, but the particular flock of God over which the Holy Ghost had made them the overseers, and that flock they must attend, even the whole flock: and one congregation being as much as any ordinary elders can attend, therefore there is no greater church than a congregation, which may ordinarily meet in one place.

Chapter IV

Of the form of a visible Church and of Church Covenant

Saints by calling, must have a visible political union amongst themselves, or else they are not a particular church: as those similitudes hold forth, which Scripture makes use of, to show the nature of particular Churches: as a body, a building, or house, hands, eyes, feet, and other members must be united, or else, remaining separate are not a body. Stones, timber, though squared, hewn and polished, are not an house, until they are compacted and united: so saints or believers in judgement of charity, are not a church, unless orderly knit together.
2. Particular churches cannot be distinguished one from another but by their forms. Ephesus is not Smyrna, and Pergamus Thyatira, but each one a distinct society of itself, having officers of their own, which had not the charge of others: virtues of their own, for which others are not praised: corruptions of their own for which others are not blamed.
3. This form is the visible covenant, agreement, or consent whereby they give up themselves unto the Lord, to the observing of the ordinances of Christ together in the same society, which is usually called the Church-Covenant; for we see not otherwise how members can have church-power one over another mutually.
The comparing of each particular church unto a city, and unto a spouse, seemeth to conclude not only a form, but that that form, is by way of a covenant.
The covenant, as it was that which made the family of Abraham and children of Israel to be a church and people unto God, so it is that which now makes the several societies of Gentile believers to be churches in these days.
4. This voluntary agreement, consent or covenant (for all these are here taken for the same): although the more express and plain it is, the more it puts us in mind of our mutual duty, and stirreth us up to it, and leaveth less room for the questioning of the truth of the church-estate of a company of professors, and the truth of membership of particular persons: yet we conceive the substance of it is kept, where there is a real agreement and consent of a company of faithful persons to meet constantly together in one congregation, for the public worship of God and their mutual edification: which real agreement and consent they do express by their constant practice in coming together for the public worship of God, and by their religious subjection unto the ordinances of God there: the rather, if we do consider how scripture covenants have been entered into, not only expressly by word of mouth, but by sacrifice; by hand writing, and seal; and also sometimes by silent consent, without any writing, or expression of words at all.
5. This form then being mutual covenant, it followeth, it is not faith in the heart, nor the profession of that faith, nor cohabitation, nor baptism; 1. Not faith in the heart; because that is invisible: 2. Not a bare profession; because that declareth them no more to be members of one church than of another: 3. Not cohabitation; atheists or infidels may dwell together with believers: 4. Not baptism; because it presupposeth a church estate, as circumcision in the Old Testament, which gave no being unto the church, the church being before it, and in the wilderness without it. Seals presuppose a covenant already in being, one person is a complete subject of baptism: but one person is incapable of being a church.
6. All believers ought, as God giveth them opportunity thereunto, to endeavor to join themselves unto a particular church and that in respect of the honour of Jesus Christ, in his example and institution, by the professed acknowledgement of, and subjection unto the order and ordinances of the Gospel: as also in respect of their good of communion, founded upon their visible union, and contained in the promises of Christ’s special presence in the church: whence they have fellowship with him, and in him one with another: also, for the keeping of them in the way of God’s commandments, and recovering of them in case of wandering (which all Christ’s sheep are subject to in this life), being unable to return of themselves; together with the benefit of their mutual edification, and of their posterity, that they may not be cut off from the privileges of the covenant. Otherwise, if a believer offends, he remains destitute of the remedy provided in that behalf, and should all believers neglect this duty of joining to all particular congregations: it might follow thereupon, that Christ should have no visible political churches upon earth.

Chapter V

Of the first of Church Power or, to whom Church Power doth first belong

The first subject of church power, is either supreme, or subordinate and ministerial. The supreme (by way of gift from the Father) is the Lord Jesus Christ. The ministerial, is either extraordinary; as the Apostles, prophets, and evangelists, or ordinary; as every particular congregational church.
2. Ordinary church power, is either the power of office, that is such as is proper to the eldership: or, power of privilege, such as belongs unto the brotherhood. The latter is in the brethren formally, and immediately from Christ, that is, so as it may according to order be acted or exercised immediately by themselves: the former, is not in them formally or immediately, and therefore cannot be acted or exercised immediately by them, but is said to be in them, in that they design the persons unto office, who only are to act, or to exercise this power.

Chapter VI

Of the Officers of the Church, and especially of Pastors and Teachers

A church being a company of people combined together by covenant for the worship of God, it appearth thereby, that there may be the essence and being of a church without any officers, seeing there is both the form and matter of a church, which is implied when it is said, the Apostles ordained elders in every church.
2. Nevertheless, though officers not be absolutely necessary to the simple being of churches, when they be called: yet ordinarily to their calling they are, and to their well being: and therefore the Lord Jesus out of his tender compassion hath appointed and ordained officers which he would not have done, if they had not been useful and needful for the church; yea, being ascended into heaven, he received gifts from men, and gave gifts to men, whereof officers for the church are justly accounted no small parts; they being to continue to the end of the world, and for the perfecting of all the saints.
3. The officers were either extraordinary, or ordinary: extraordinary, as apostles, prophets, evangelists; ordinary, as elders and deacons.
The apostles, prophets, and evangelists, as they were called extraordinarily, by Christ, so there office ended with themselves whence it is that Paul directing Timothy how to carry along church administrations, giveth no direction about the choice or course of apostles, prophets, or evangelists, but only of elders and deacons, and when Paul was to take his last leave of the church of Ephesus, he committed the care of feeding the church to no other, but unto the elders of that church. The like charge doth Peter commit to the elders.
4. Of elders (who are also in scripture called bishops) some attended chiefly to the ministry of the word, as the pastors and teachers; others attend especially unto rule, who are therefore called ruling elders.
5. The office of pastor and teacher appears to be distinct. The pastor’s special work is, to attend to exhortation: and therein to administer a word of wisdom: the teacher is to attend to doctrine, and therein to administer a word of knowledge and either of them to administer the seals of that covenant, unto the dispensation whereof they are alike called; as also to execute the censures, being but a kind of application of the word, the preaching of which, together with the application thereof, they are alike charged withal.
6. And forasmuch as both pastors and teachers are given by Christ for the perfecting of the saints, and edifying of his body, which saints, and body of Christ in his church. Therefore we account pastors and teachers to be both of them church officers; and not the pastor for the church, and the teacher only for the schools, though this we gladly acknowledge, that schools are both lawful, profitable, and necessary for the training up of such in good literature, or learning, as may afterwards be called forth unto office of pastor or teacher in the church.

Chapter VII

Of Ruling Elders and Deacons

The ruling elder’s office is distinct from the office of pastor and teacher. The ruling elders are not so called to exclude the pastors and teachers from ruling, but because ruling and governing is common to these with the other; whereas attending to teach and preach the word is peculiar unto the former.
2. The ruling elder’s work is to join with the pastor and teacher in those acts of spiritual rule which are distinct from the ministry of the word and sacraments committed to them. Of which sort, these be, as followeth:
I. To open and shut the doors of God’s house, by the admission of members approved by the church: and by restoring of penitents, forgiven by the church: and by excommunication of notorious and obstinate offenders renounced by the church.
II. To call the church together when there is occasion, and seasonably to dismiss them again. III. To prepare matters in private, that in public they may be carried to an end with less trouble, and more speedy dispatch.
IV. To moderate the carriage of all matters in the church assembled, as, to propound matters to the church, to order the season of speech and silence: and to pronounce sentence according to the mind of Christ, with the consent of the church. V. To be guides and leaders to the church, in all matters whatsoever, pertaining to church administrations and actions.
VI. To see that none in the church live inordinately out of rank and place; without a calling, or idly in their calling. VII. To prevent and heal such offences in life, or in doctrine; as might corrupt the church. VIII. To feed the flock of God with a word of admonition. IX. And as they shall be sent for, to visit, and pray over their sick brethren. X. And at other times as opportunity shall serve thereunto.
3. The office of a deacon is instituted in the church by the Lord Jesus; sometimes they are called helps.
The scripture telleth us, how they should be qualified: grave, not double tongued, not given too much to wine, not given to filthy lucre. They must first be proved and then use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
The office and work of the deacon is to receive the offerings of the church, gifts given to the church, and to keep the treasury of the church: and therewithin to serve the tables which the church is to provide for: as the Lord’s table, the table of the ministers, and of such as are in necessity, to whom they are to distribute in simplicity.
4. The office thereof being limited unto the care of the temporal good things of the church, it extends not unto attendance upon, and administration of the spiritual things thereof, as the word, and sacraments, or the like.
5. The ordinance of the apostle, and practice of the church, commends the Lord’s day as a fit time for the contribution of the saints.
6. The instituting of all these officers in the church, is the work of God himself; of the Lord Jesus Christ; of the Holy Ghost, and therefore such officers as he hath not appointed, are altogether unlawful either to be placed in the church, or to be retained therein, and are to be looked at as human creatures, mere inventions and appointments of man, to the great dishonor of Jesus Christ, the Lord of his house, the king of his church, whether popes, patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops, lordbishops, archdeacons, officials, commissaries, and the like. These and the rest of that hierarchy and retinue, not being plants of the Lord’s planting, shall all certainly be rooted out, and cast forth.
7. The Lord hath appointed ancient widows (where they may be had) to minister in the church, in giving attendance to the sick, and to give succor unto them, and others in the like necessities.

Chapter VIII

Of the Election of Church Officers

No man may take the honour of a church-officer unto himself, but he that was called of God, as was Aaron.
2. Calling unto office is either immediate, by Christ himself: such was the call of the apostles, and prophets: this manner of calling ended with them, as hath been said: or mediate, by the church.
3. It is meet, that before any be ordained or chosen officers, they should be tried and proved; because hands are not suddenly to be laid upon any, and both elders and deacons must be of honest and good report.
4. The things in respect which they are to be tried, are those gifts and virtues which the Scripture requireth in men, that are to be elected into such places, viz. that elders must be blameless, sober, apt to teach, and endued with such other qualifications as are laid down, I Tim. 3:2; Tim. I: 6-9. Deacons to be fitted, as is directed, Acts 6:3; I Tim. 3: 8-II.
5. Officers are to be called by such churches, whereunto they are to minister; of such moment is the preservation of this power, that the churches exercised it in the presence of the apostles.
6. A church being free cannot become subject to any, but by a free election; yet when such a people do choose any to be over them in the Lord, then do they become subject, and most willingly submit to their ministry in the Lord, whom they have so chosen.
7. And if the church have power to choose their officers and ministers, then in case of manifest unworthiness and delinquency they have power also to depose them. For to open, and shut: to choose and refuse; to constitute in office, and remove from office: are acts belonging unto the same power.
8. We judge it much conducting to the well-being, and communion of churches, that where it may conveniently be done, neighbor churches be advised withal, and their help made use of in the trial of church officers, in order to their choice.
9. The choice of such church officers belongeth not to the civil magistrates, as such, or diocesan bishops, or patrons: for of these or any such like, the Scripture is wholly silent, as having any power therein.

Chapter IX

Of Ordination, and Imposition of hands

Church officers are not only to be chosen by the church, but also to be ordained by imposition of hands, and prayer, with which at ordination of elders, fasting also is to be joined.
2. This ordination we account nothing else, but the solemn putting of a man into his place and office in the church whereunto he had right before by election, being like the installing of a magistrate in the common wealth.
Ordination therefore is not to go before, but to follow election. The essence and substance of the outward calling of an ordinary officer in the church, doth not consist in his ordination, but in his voluntary and free election by the church, and in his accepting of that election, whereupon is founded the relation between such a minister and such a people.
Ordination doth not constitute an officer, nor give him the essentials of his office. The apostles were elders, without imposition of hands by men: Paul and Barnabas were officers, before that imposition of hands, Acts 13:3. The posterity of Levi were priests, and Levites, before hands were laid on them by the children of Israel.
3. In such churches where there are elders, imposition of hands in ordination is to be preformed by those elders.
4. In such churches where there are no elders, imposition of hands may be preformed by some of the brethren orderly chosen by the church thereunto. For if the people may elect officers, which is the greater, and wherein the substance of the office consists, they may much more (occasion and need so requiring) impose hands in ordination, which is the less, and but the accomplishment of the other.
5. Nevertheless in such churches where there are no leaders, and the church so desire, we see not why imposition of hands may not be preformed by the elders of other churches. Ordinary officers laid hands upon the officers of many churches: the presbytery of Ephesus laid hands upon Timothy an evangelist. The presbytery at Antioch laid hands upon Paul and Barnabas.
6. Church officers are officers to one church, even that particular, over which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers. Insomuch as elders are commanded to feed, not all flocks, but that flock which is committed to their faith and trust, and dependeth upon them. Nor can constant residence at one congregation, be necessary for a minister, no, nor yet lawful, if he be not a minister to one congregation only, but to the church universal: because he amy not attend one part only of the church, whereunto he is a minister, but he is called to attend unto all the flock.
7. He that is clearly loosed from his office-relation unto that church whereof he was a minister, cannot be looked at as an officer, nor preform any act of office in any other church, unless he be again orderly called unto office: which when it shall be, we know nothing to hinder, but imposition of hands also in his ordination ought to be used towards him again. For so Paul the apostle received imposition of hands twice at least, from Ananias, Acts 9:17 and Acts 13:3.

Chapter X

Of the Power of the Church, and its Presbytery

Supreme and lordly power over all the churches upon earth, doth only belong unto Jesus Christ, who is King of the church, and Head thereof. He hath the government upon his shoulders, and hath all the power given to him, both in heaven and earth.
2. A company of professed believers ecclesiastically confederate, as they are a church before they have officers, and without them; so even in that estate, subordinate church power under Christ delegated to them by him, doth belong to them, in such a manner as is before expressed, and as flowing from the very nature and essence of a church: it being natural to all bodies, and so unto a church body, to be furnished with sufficient power, for its own preservation and subsistence.
3. This government of the church, is a mixed government (and so hath been acknowledged long before the term of independency was heard of:) in respect of Christ, the head and king of the church, and the sovereign power residing in him, and exercised by him, it is a monarchy. In respect of the body, or brotherhood of the church, and power from Christ granted unto them, it resembles a democracy, in respect of the presbytery and power committed to them, it is an aristocracy.
4. The sovereign power which is peculiar unto Christ, is exercised,
1. In calling the church out of the world into holy fellowship with himself
2. In instituting the ordinances of his worship, and appointing his ministers and officers for the dispensing of them. 3. In giving laws for the ordering of all our ways, and the ways of his house: 4. In giving power and life to all his institutions, and to his people by them. 5. In protecting and delivering his church against and from all the enemies of their peace.
5. The power granted by Christ unto the body of the church and brotherhood, is a prerogative or privilege which the church doth exercise: 1. In choosing their own officers, whether elders, or deacons.
2. In admission of their own members and therefore, there is great reason they should have power to remove any from their fellowship again. Hence in case of offense any one brother hath power to convince and admonish an offending brother: and in case of not hearing him, to take one or two more to set on the admonition, and in case of not hearing them, to proceed to tell the church: and as his offense may require the whole church hath power to proceed to the public censure of him, whether by admonition, or excommunication: and upon his repentance to restore him again unto his former communion.
6. In case an elder offend incorrigibly, the matter so requiring, as the church had power to call him to office, so they have power according to order, the council of other churches where it may be had, directing thereto, to remove him from office: and being now but a member, in case he add contumacy to his sin, the church that had power to receive him into their fellowship, hath also the same power to cast him out, that they have concerning any other member.
7. Church government, or rule, is placed by Christ in the officers of the church, who are therefore called rulers, while they rule with God: yet in case of maladministration, they are subject to the power of the church, according as hath been said before. The Holy Ghost frequently, yea always, where it mentioneth church rule, and church government, ascribeth it to elders: whereas the work and duty of the people is expressed in the phrase of obeying their elders; and submitting themselves unto them in the Lord: so as it is manifest, that an organic or complete church is a body politic, consisting of some that are governors, and some that are governed, in the Lord.
8. The power which Christ has committed to the elders, is to feed and rule the church of God, and accordingly to call the church together upon any weighty occasion, when the members so called, without just cause, may not refuse to come: nor when they are come, depart before they are dismissed: nor speak in the church, before they have leave from the elders: nor continue so doing, when they require silence, nor may they oppose nor contradict the judgement or sentence of the elders, without sufficient and weighty cause, because such practices are manifestly contrary unto order, and government, and inlets of disturbance, and tend to confusion.
9. It belongs also unto the elders to examine any officers, or members, before they be received of the church: to receive the accusations brought to the church, and to prepare them for the church’s hearing. In handling of offences and other matters before the church they have power to declare and publish the counsel and will of God touching the same, and to pronounce sentence with the consent of the church. Lastly they have power, when they dismiss the people, to bless them in the name of the Lord.
10. This power of government in the elders, doth not any wise prejudice the power of privilege in the brotherhood; as neither the power of privilege in the brethren, doth prejudice the power of government in the elders; but they may sweetly agree together, as we may see in the example of the apostles furnished with the greatest church power, who took in the concurrence and consent of the brethren in church administrations. Also that Scripture, 2 Cor. 2:9 and chap. 10:6 do declare, that what the churches were to act and do in these matters, they were to do in way of obedience, and that not only to the direction of the apostles, but also of their ordinary elders.
11. From the premises, namely, that the ordinary power of government belonging only to the elders, power of privilege remaineth with the brotherhood (as power of judgement in matters of censure, and power of liberty, in matters of liberty): it followeth, that in an organic church, and right administration, so as no church act can be consummated, or perfected without the consent of both.

Chapter XI

Of the Maintenance of Church Officers

The apostle concludes, that necessary and sufficient maintenance is due unto the ministers of the word: from the law of nature and nations, from the law of Moses, the equity thereof, as also the rule of common reason. Moreover the Scripture doth not only call elders laborers, and workmen but also speaking of them doth say, that the labourer is worthy of his hire: and requires that he which is taught in the Word, should communicate to him, in all good things; and mentions it as an ordinance of the Lord, that they which preach the gospel, should live of the gospel; and forbiddeth the muzzling of the mouth of the ox, that treadeth out of the corn.
2. The Scriptures alleged requiring this maintenance as a bounden duty, and due debt, and not as a matter of alms, and free gift, therefore people are not at liberty to do or not to do, what and when they please in this matter, no more than any other commanded duty, and ordinance of the Lord: but ought of duty, to minister of their carnal things to them that labour amongst them in the Word and doctrine, as well as they ought to pay any other workman their wages, or to discharge and satisfy their other debts, or to submit themselves to observe any other ordinance of the Lord.
3. The apostle, Gal. 6:6, enjoying that he which is taught communicate to him that teacheth in all good things: doth not leave it arbitrary, what or how much a man shall give, or in what proportion, but even the latter, as well as the former, is prescribed and appointed by the Lord.
4. Not only members of churches, but all that are taught in the Word, are to contribute unto him that teacheth, in all good things. In case that congregations are defective in their contributions, the deacons are to call upon them to do their duty: if their call sufficeth not, the church by her power is to require it of their members, and where church power through the corruption of men, doth not, or cannot attain the end, the magistrate is to see ministry duly provided for, as appears from the commended example of Nehemiah. The magistrates are nursing fathers, and nursing mothers, and stand charged with the custody of both tables; because it is better to prevent a scandal, that it may not come and easier also, than to remove it when it is given. It is most suitable to rule, that by the church’s care, each man should know his proportion according to rule, what he should do, before he do it, that so his judgement and heart may be satisfied in what he doth, and just offense prevented in what is done.

Chapter XII

Of Admission of Members into the Church

The doors of the churches of Christ upon earth, do not by God’s appointment stand so wide open that all sorts of people good or bad, may freely enter therein at their pleasure; but such as are admitted thereto, as members ought to be examined and tried first; whether they be fit and meet to be received into church society, or not. The eunuch of Ethiopia, before his admission was examined by Philip, whether he did believe on Jesus Christ with all his heart. The angel of the church at Ephesus is commended, for trying such as said they were apostles and were not. There is like reason for trying of them that profess themselves to be believers.
The officers are charged with the keeping of the doors of the church, and therefore are in a special manner to make trial of the fitness of such who enter. Twelve angels are set at the gates of the temple, lest such as were ceremonially unclean should enter thereinto.
2. The things which are requisite to be found in all church members, are, repentance from sin, and faith in Jesus Christ. And therefore these are the things whereof men are to be examined, at their admission into the church and which then they must profess and hold forth in such sort, as may satisfy rational charity that the things are there indeed. John the Baptist admitted men to baptism, confessing and bewailing their sins: and of others it is said, that they came, and confessed, and showed their deeds.
3. The weakest measure of faith is to be accepted in those that desire to be admitted into the church: because weak Christians if sincere, have the substance of that faith, repentance and holiness which is required in church members: and such have most need of the ordinances for their confirmation and growth in grace. The Lord Jesus would not quench the smoking flax, nor break the bruised reed, but gather the tender lambs in his arms, and carry them gently in his bosom. Such charity and tenderness is to be used, as the weakest Christian if sincere, may not be excluded, nor discouraged. Severity of examination is to be avoided.
4. In case any through excessive fear, or other infirmity, be unable to make their personal relation of their spiritual estate in public, it is sufficient that the elders having received private satisfaction, make relation thereof in public before the church, they testifying their assents thereunto; this being the way that tendeth most to edification. But whereas persons are of better abilities, there it is most expedient, that they make their relations, and confessions personally with their own mouth, as David professeth of himself.
5. A personal and public confession, and declaring of God’s manner of working upon the soul, is both lawful, expedient, and useful, in sundry respects, and upon sundry grounds. Those three thousand (Acts 2:37,41) before they were admitted by the apostles, did manifest that they were pricked in their hearts at Peter’s sermon, together with earnest desire to be delivered from their sins, which now wounded their consciences, and their ready receiving of the word of promise and exhortation. We are to be ready to render a reason of the hope that is in us, to every one that asketh us: therefore we must be able and ready upon any occasion to declare and show our repentance for sin, faith unfeigned; and effectual calling, because these are the reason of a well-grounded hope. I have not hidden thy righteousness from the great congregation, Ps. 40:10.
6. This profession of faith and repentance, as it must be made by such at their admission, that were never in church-society before: so nothing hindereth but the same may also be preformed by such as have formerly been members of some other church, and the church to which they now join themselves as members, may lawfully require the same. Those three thousand (Acts 2 ) which made their confession, were members of the church of the Jews before, so were they that were baptised by John. Churches mat err in their admission: and persons regularly admitted, may fall into offence. Otherwise, if churches might obtrude their members, or if church members might obtrude themselves upon other churches, without due trial, the matter so requiring, both the liberty of churches would hereby be infringed, in that they might not examine those concerning whose fitness for communion they were unsatisfied: and besides the infringing of their liberty, the churches themselves would unavoidably be corrupted, and the ordinances defiled, whilst they might not refuse, but must receive the unworthy: which is contrary unto the Scripture teaching that all churches are sisters, and therefore equal.
7. The like trial is to be required from such members of the church, as were born in the same, or received their membership, and were baptised in their infancy, or minority, by virtue of the covenant of the parents, when being grown up unto years of discretion, they shall desire to be made partakers of the Lord’s Supper: unto which, because holy things must not be given to the unworthy, therefore it is requisite, that these as well as others, should come to their trial