2. This name Church , we Englishmen ( which came of the Saxons ) have received from the Saxon , German , and Dutch names Cyric , Kirch , Kerck ; whereby those nations now , do usually cal their Temples or meeting-places : but the people which come togither in them , they cal the Gemeine , and the Gemeinte , that is to say , the Comunialtie ; and we in our first English Bibles caled it , the Congreation .

3 As all religion is learned out of holy scriptures , so the name and doctrine of the church , is from thence to be deduced ; and there the Church is called in Hebrew a a Deut. 5. 22 Kahal or b b Deut. 33 4 Kehillah , which signifieth a Convocation or Assemblie of people , & c c Exod. 16. 1. Psal. 111. 1. Ghnedah , that is to say a Congregation : in Greek it is named d d Math. 16 18. Act. 7 38. Ecclesia , that is in like maner , a Convocation , or people called forth to an assembly , and sometime e e ●am. 2. 2. and in the Greek of the old Test. often Deut. 5. 22. Exod. 16. 3. &c. Synagogue , that is a Congregation : which word is also vsed for the f f Luk. 7. 5 Act. 18. 7. place wherein the people assembled .

4. The Hebrue word Kahal is diversly used ; sometimes more generally for a great or universal multitude , as g g Gen. 35. 11. ●er 50. ● of nations and h h Gen. 48 4 Ezek. 〈…〉 . 24 of peoples ; sometimes more particularly for an assembly of one nation , as of i i Exod. 12. 6. the Israelites ; sometimes for a part of them , as k k 1. Chrm. 13. 1. 2 4. 5 and 29. 1. 6. 2. Chron. 1. 2. 3. the Elders and Governours ; of some l l 2. Chron. 20. 4. 5. of the tribes of Israel a part ; or some m m 2. Chron. 30. 10. 13. 25 of all the tribes , even n n Ezra . 10 I. men women and children : o o Gen. 49. 6. and indifferently for any assembly , and this not onely of Gods people , but of p p Ezek. 27. 27 and 32. 22. & 38. 4. 7. &c. heathens also and infidels .

5. Likewise the Greek word Ecclesia is of as large extent and signification ; used sometime for q q Ephe. 5. 23. &c Heb 12. 23. the Church generally ; sometime for a r r 1. Cor. 1. 2 particular church or congregation in a citie ; sometimes more particularly in s s Rom. 16. 5. 1. Cor. 16. 19. Colos. 4 15. a house or familie ; sometimes ( in the Greek version of the old testament ) for an assemblie t t 2 Chron. 1. 3. &c. of Governours , or company u u 1. Sam. 19. 20. of Prophets , or congreation x x Psal. 107. 32. of the people : and finally for y y Ezek. 32. 3 Act. 19. 32 39. 41. any assembly lawful or unlawful , of good men or of z z Psal. 26. 5. evil .

6. These words thus general , are in more special sort both by the scriptures , & by use of speach among all religious people , restreyned and appelied to such Assemblies and Congregations as are called and gathered for divine exercises : and so our English name of Church is attributed peculiarly to spiritual or religious assemblies , called ecclesiastical , and not to any other assemblies civil or political .

7. Of religious or ecclesiastical assemblies generally considered , there any many sorts in the world ; all disallowed of God , save one sort onely which he acknowledgeth to be his , & hath separated to him self from all the rest .

8. The many false sorts , may be reduced unto fowr ; 1. The assemblies of Pagans or heathen people , which professe some God , Gods , or Goddesses , whom they do worship , ignorantly , having a a Rom. 1. 25. changed the truth of God into a lie , and so serving creatures , not ( in deed ) the creator , which is blessed for ever , Amen . 2 The assemblies of Iewes , who professe the true God ( after a sort ) and allow the writings of Moses and the Prophets , but abhorre Christ Iesus our Saviour , and reject the new Testament : 3 The assemblies of Mahometists , as Persians , Turks , Moores , &c. Which professe also after their manner , that b b Alkoran ; one true God of whom Moses and the Prophets wrote , and acknowledge c c Azoar 4. Azor 2. & 4. & 11. Christ to be a Prophet sent of God , yea and the breath or Spirit of God , yet beleeve they not that he is d d Azoar 12. &c. God , or the e e Azo . 19. ●0 . sonne of God , or Saviour of the world , but follow the lies and fabels of their false Prophet Mahomet . 4. Finally the church or assemblies of false Christians , which professe God and his sonne Christ , into whose name they are baptised ; but by their works doe deny him , and by their errours & heresies , doe overthrow the truth of religion .

9. The first three sorts , Pagans , Jewes , and Mahometists , because of their so open and manifest denyall of Christ and salvation by him ; are generally of Christians reputed as no Churches ; the latter are reputed no true but false Churches , and so also do they esteem of true Christians , and one of another . Hereupon is continual controversie between true and false Christians , which is the true Church , and how it may be knowen .

10. To help the weak and doubtfull in this case , I will so truly and plainly as by the grace of God J can , describe the true Church , which in holy Scriptures is called the Congreation and Church f f Nehem. 13. 1. 1 Tim. 3. 5. 14. of God , consisting of godly & holy people named g g 1. Cor 1. 2. Psal. 89 5. & 149. 1 Saints ; opposed to the wicked or h h Psal. 26 5 malignant churches , the i i Rev 2 9 Synagogues of Satan .

11. The true Church is a People k k 1 Pet. 2. 9 called of God by l l 2 Thes. 2 14. the Gospel , m m Iohn 17. 6. 9. 14 & 15. 19 from the world , unto the n n I Cor. 1. ● Communion or followship of his Son Iesus Christ , in whom they are o o Ephe. 2. 21. 22. coupled and built togither , to be the habitation of God by the spirit .

12. The Church is said to be a people , p p 1 Pet. 2. 9 nation or generation , because it consisteth of many persons , or of a multitude little or great : for though a particular Christian is called , & of the church ; yet no one man is a church or congregation .

13. It is a people called ; q q Ephe. 4. 1 Heb. 9. 15. because every concourse or assemblie is not a true Church : none of themselves can come unto this estate , unlesse they be r r Rom 9. 11 12. 24. Song . 1. 3. called or drawen thereunto : and they are sayd to be called of God ; because he s s Ioh 6. 44 onely calleth and draweth men unto Christ with a t t 2. Tim. 1. 9. holy calling ; and addeth them u u Act. 2. 47. to his Church ; x x 2 Chron 30. 6. 10. 12 Rom. 8. 30. no humane power or authority is able to doe it .

14. The Gospel z z 2 Thes. 2 2● . noted to be the meanes of our calling , he maketh knowen unto his people outwardly by his a a Cor. 5. 19 word b b Act. 5. 20. spoken and c c 〈◊〉 20. 31. written , and inwardly by d d Nehem. 9. 20. 1 Cor 2. 10 12 his holy spirit : and thus the Church are all e e Ioh. 6 45. the taught of God .

15. The estate out of which the Church is called , is sayd to be out of or from the f f ●●h. 15. 19 & 17. 69 world ; whereby is meant , first Satan the g g Ioh. 12. 31. Prince of this world , from whose power they are h h Act. 26. 18. turned unto God ; Secondly , the wicwicked people of the world , called the i i 10. Children of the Devil , from whose communion and followship k k Exo. 34 15. Prov. 15. 8 Psal. 16. 4 Eph. 5. 11. 2. Cor. 6. 17. in their religion , and all other wicked actions , we must be separated ; thirdly the corruption of nature in our selves , the lust of the flesh , the lust of the eyes , and pride of life , l l Ioh. 2. 16 all which are of the world , and which we must m m Rom. 7. 15. Jude . 23. hate and n n Gal. 6. 14. crucifie , and so turn and become o o Mat. 18. 3 like litle children , even born agayn , that we may see the kingdome of God .

16. The estate whereunto God calleth his church in this life , p p Ioh. 3. 3. is generally q q 1. Cor 1 9 to the Communion ( or followship ) of his Son Iesus Christ , as being their onely mediator and Saviour , the Prophet Priest and King of the Church ; which they beleeving and professing , are also made partakers ( in a proportion & in their mesure ) of these three offices with him .

17. Iesus Christ is the r r Deut. 1 15. 18. Act. 3. 22. 26. Prophet raised up of God unto his people , to teach them all that God commanded him : which also he did , both by s s Mat. 2. 5. &c himselfe , and by the Ministery of his servants t t Ioh. 13. 20. sent of him , And as u u Col. 2. 3. all the treasures of wisedome & knowledge are hid in him , so him the Church must x x Mat. 17. 5 heare ; for all y y Joh. 3. 13 & 6. 68. Rev. 5. 1. 5 heavenly wisedome and knowledge is to be learned of him ; and every person which shall not hear this Prophet , z z Act. 3. 23. shall be destroyed out of the people .

18. This Propheticall office of Christ , he bath communicated with the church , by giving a a Psa. 147 19. 20. Jsa. 59. 21 Rom. 15. 4 to the same his word for their instruction and comfort , and b b Iam. 1. 21. grafting the same within them , his spirit also as an c c 1 Joh. 2. 20. 27. Anoynting to reach them all things ; giving d d Ephe. 4. 8. 11. 1. Cor. 12. 28. gifts also , or ministers , to open and apply the same unto their sowles , likewise power and freedome by e e Jsa. 43. 10. witnes f f 2 Cor 4. 13 profession and g g Mat. 28 practise , to h h Phil. 2. 16. hold forth that word of life as lights in the world : therby to i i Act. 8. 4. preach unto others the faith of Christ , to k k 1. Thes. 5. 11. edify and build up one an other dayly therein ; to l l Heb. 10. 24. provoke unto love and to good works ; to m m Rom 15. 14. a admonish and n n Levit. 19. 17. reprehend for evil and iniquity ; to o o Lnk. 17. 3. forgive and p p 1. Thes. 4. 18. comfort one another in the bowels of Christ ; whose word therefore all ought to labour that it may q q Col. 3. 16. dwel plenteously in them ; that if any man speak , it may be r r 1. Pet. 4. 11. as the words of God .

19. Iesus the Son of God , is also the s s Heb. 4. 14. 20. Rom. 5. 19. great high priest or Sacrificer of the Church ; by whose obedience , and sacrifice or oblation of t t Heb. 10. 5. 10. his owne body and blood , the church is clensed u u 1 Ioh 1. 7 from all syn , and x x Rom. 5. 10. reconciled to God ; by whose intercession the church , with the holy actions and oblations of the same , are y y Heb. 7. 25. and 9. 24. and 13. 15. Rev. 8. 3. 4. accepted of God , and made heires of blessing .

20. And this his Priestly office , is so imparted to his church , as they have not onely interest in his z z Isa. 53. 5. Rom. 5. 8. 10. death and suffrings wherby they are reconciled to God , but also are themselves made a a 1. Pet. 2. 5. a holy priesthood , to offer up spiriutal sacrifices acceptable to God by him : giving up b b Rom. 12. 1 their own bodies a living sacrifice ; c c Col. 3. 5. mortifying their members which are on earth , and d d Gal 5. 24 crucifying the flesh with th' affections and lusts ; offring up e e Psal. 51. 17. contrite & broken harts , with f f Heb. 13. 15. sacrifices of confession to his name ; and praying not onely every man for himselfe , but g g Ephe. 6. 18 one for another , h h Heb. 13. 16. doing and distributing to the necessities of the Saincts ; i i 2 Tim 2. 3. 9. suffring affliction for the Gospel ; and finally , if they be called thereunto , powring out their sowles unto k k Heb. 12. 4 2 Tim , 4. 6 death for the truthes sake .

21. The Lord Iesus Christ , is also the l l Mat. 2. 6 governour and m m John . 12 and 15. king over Sion Gods holy mount , and sitteth at his Fathers right hand and n n 1 Cor. 15. 25. reigneth til all his enemies be made his foot stool , being o o Jsa. 33. 22. a King judge , and law-giver to his people , p p Mat. 28 20. commanding & ruling them by his word and spirit , q q Psal. 72. judging them in justice and equity , preserving and defending them by his almighty power , r r Iohn . 10. 28. & 16. 33. Rev 19. 11. 21. from all their enemies .

22. And this his kingly office he so communicateth with his church , as they are by him preserved and defended from all adversarie power ; freed from the dominion a a Rom. 6. 14. of syn , and tyranny of b b 1. Joh 5. 18 Rom. 16. 70. Satan ; from subjection to c c 1. Ioh. 5. 4. the world , and servitude d d 1. Cor. 7. 23. unto men : and restored to the joyfull libertie of the children of God , e e 1 Cor. 3. 22. the world and all things in it made theirs : that housoever they have still to combate f f 1 Pet 5. 8. 9 with the Divil , to g g Ephe. 6. 12. wrastle against principalities and powers ; to suffer h h Joh. 15. 19. & 16. 32. hatred and affliction of the world ; and to warre with the fleshly lusts i i 1. Pet. 2. 11. which fight against the sowl : yet neyther k k Rom. 8. 38. 39. death ; nor life , nor Angels , nor principalities , nor powers , nor things present , nor things to come , nor height nor deepth , nor any other creature , shall be able to separate them from the love of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord ; who hath l l Rev. 1. 6. made them Kings & priests unto God even his Father , and they shall m m Rev 5. 10 reigne on the earth ; till having served here their tyme , they come to n n 2 Tim. ● 12. Ioh. 17 24. 1 Thes. 4. 17. reign with him in glory , in the heavens for ever .

23. Vnto the participation of these promises and heavenly graces , are o o Mat. 28. 19. Rom. 16. 26. all people provoked by the Gospell preached ; and such as obey the calling of God , and come unto Christ , are united to him their head & mediator , from whom proceedeth the Iustification & sanctfication of the church .

24. Iustification is the partaking of Christs p p Phil. 3. 9. justice or righteousnes , in his fulfilling & obeying q q Rom. 5. 19. the law of God , and discharging r r Joh. 1. 7. all our debts and trespasses by his death ; so freeing us s s Gal. 3. 13. from the curse , and setting us in full favour t t Rom. 5. 10 with God and under his u u Gal. 3. 9 14. blessing : which righteousnes of Christs , is fully made ours , & imputed to us x x Rom. 3. 25. 30. & 4. 24. 25. by faith for our justification .

25. Sanctfication is the partaking of Christs holynes , by being y y Rom. 6. 5. grafted with him to the similitude of his death and resurrection ; whereby the corruption of nature or z z verse . 6 old man in us , becommeth crucified & a a auers . 4. buried with him , and the b b Ephe. 4. 22. 24. Col. 3. 10. new man or image of God is put on and renewed dayly in a holy conversation .

26. Hitherto of the Churches union and communion with Christ her head : now followeth the union of the churches members one with another : which is their c c Ephe. 2. 21. Rom 12. 4 5. couplin● togither as one body by the communion 〈◊〉 one & the same d d 1. Cor. 12. 4. 8. 9. 11. 12. 13. Ephe. 4. 4. 5. 15. 16. spirit , faith , & love .

27. The union of the members one wit● another is to be considered generally o● totally ; and particularly . Generally as the church is called universall or catholik , comprehending the a a Ephe. 3. 15. whol family of God i● heaven and in earth , and the b b 1. Pet. 5. 9. fraternity o● brotherhood of all Christians which are is the world ; in whom there is but c c Eph. 4. 5. one faith , in d d 1 Cor 8. 6. & 12. 4. 5. &c. Eph. 2. 18. & 4. 4. 5. 6. one and the same God by that one Lord Iesus Christ , through one Spirit . Thu● have they all one Father which is God , one mother , e e Gal. 4. 26. Ierusalem which is above ; and by the mediation of Christ are all made f f Iohn . 17. 21. one , baptized by one spirit into g g 1 Cor , 12. 13 one body , and al● made to drink into one spirit .

28. More particularly , they that are called of God , and members of the Church universal , are united and gathered into many g churches or congregation , in h h Reu 1. 11. several cities & countries i i Act. 2. 41. 42. 47. & 5. 13. Heb. 10. 25. every of which curche being joyned togither in the profession & practise of the Gospell of Christ , k k 1 Cor. 5. 4. have his 〈◊〉 power and l l Mat. 18. 20. presence with them , and is convene or come m m 1 Cor. 11. 20. 33. & 4. 5. togither in one , for the worship of God , & performance of publick duties .

29. Whatsoever promise or blessing of God , is bestowed on the church on earth generally considered : the same may be apprehended and injoyed by every particular Church , ( though not in like measure by all : ) as the q q Exod. 20 24. Mat. 18. 20. Jsa. 4. 5. promises generall , and examples particular of the Church r r 1. Cor. 3. 22. 23. & 1. 7. 30. &c. Rev. 2. and 3. in Corinth , and others mentioned in the Scripture , do confirme .

30. The Testament of Christ sheweth us no Provinciall Nationall , Emperial , or other like Church , having several meetings or assemblies , and speciall Pastors over the same : neyther , synce th' Apostles , Prophets and Evangelists were taken from this world , are there any other lawfull Bishops or church-governours , then Bishops or Overseers s s Act. 20. 17. 28. Phil. 1. 1. 1 Pet 5. 1. 2 of the particular churches ; neyther ever was ther other lawfull Head , Lord , or Lords spiritual , of the church , then t t Col. 1. 18. I Cor. 8. 6. and 12 ; 5. Iesus Christ alone .

31. Vnto the Church are to be admitted , all unto whom the covenant and promise of God doth apperteyn ; and they are so ma●y a a Act. 2. as the Lord our God shall call ; and all those are called ( in the judgements of man , ) which having b b Rom. 10 17. Eph. I 13. heard the word of God , do professe c c Act. 2. 38. 41. & 8. 37. repentance from dead works and faith in God , by Iesus Christ the alone Saviour of the world , and promise d d Exod. 19. 5. 8. 2. Chron. 34. 31. Luk. 1. 17. Ioh. 2. 26. Rom. 1. 5. Mic. 5. 4. obedience to the word , through the holy Gost the sanctifier of the elect . Such of e e Gal. 3. 28 all sorts and estates of people in the world , are with their f f Gen. 17. 7. 1. Cor. 7 14. leed to be received into , and nourished in the church ; their ignorance being holpen by g g Gole . 1. 28. & 3 16. instruction , their weaknes h h Rom. 15. 1. &c. born by lenity , their faults corrected i i Gal. 6. 1. Lnvit . 19. 2. 17. with love and meeknes ; and their feeble consciences k k 1 Thes 5. 14. comforted with the promise of God .

32. Out of the Church are l l Mat. 3. 7 2. Cor. 6. 14. &c. 27. & 22. 15. Isa. 35. 8. 9. Zach. 14. 21. all such to b● kept , as are profane , wordly and wicked , u●till they be called of God unto repentance and faith in his promise ; for every Churc● rightlie constituted , must consist of faithful● and holy persons . Our reasons are these . 1. The Scriptures m m Rev. 21. Mat. 18. 17. 1. Cor. 5. 5. 11. 12. Tit. 3. 10. Num. 15. 30. 31. every where so teac● 2. All wicked men are forbidden expres●● by tthe word of God , n n Iohoa . 17. 20. &c. from medling wit● his covenant , or ordinances , 3. they have no● Christ for their head o o 1. Cor. 14. 36. and therefore cannot be of his bodie . 4 , The godly and wicked are contraries , guided and let by different causes : now two contraries are not capable of one and the same forme . Gal. 5. 17 5. Only faithfull men worship God aright , please him , are accepted of him , and have right to the covenant of grace and seales thereof .

The ordinarie officers , perpetuallie be longing to all true Churches . Are Pastors Teachers Elders Deacons and Helpers

The election and ordination of them must be made by the free chose of the congregation f f Act. 6 , and 14 , 13 and 15 , 2. 3 , 22. 2 Cor. 8 , 19. of which they are members , and wherein they are to administer . And this is cleare . 1. Because the Apostles g g Act. 1 , 15. 24 , & chap. 6 , 2 , 3 , 4. 1 Timot. 3 2. 3 , 4 , 5. who only taught Christs commandements ▪ so established the primitive churches . 2. The people amongst whome they have been conversant can best judge of their fitnes both in ●espect of their persons and families . 3. It ●●rtheretn much the diligence and faithfulness of the minister , that they whose minister ●s have freely chosen him , as unto whome under Christ they commit the most pretious treasure of their soule : as also it bindes the people to greater love and conscience of obedience of him and his ministry whome themselves have made choice of . 4. The Church beeing a most free corporation , spirituall under Christ the Lord , is in all reason and equity to chuse her ministers and servants under him , unto whome also , she is . to giue wages for their service and labour .

34. The Pastor must be apt to teach , a a 1 Tim. 3. 1. no young scholer , able to divide the word a right ; b b 2 Tim. 2 , 15. he must be a man that loveth goodnes ; c c Tit. 1 , 9. he must be wise righteous , holy , temperate ; he must be of life unreproveable , as God steward ; d d 2 Tim. 4 , 2 , Tit. 17 , 8. he must be generally wel reported of and one that ruleth his owne house hould under obedience with all honestie , he must be modest e e Numb. 12. 3 , 4. Esa. 50 , 4 , 56 , Ier. 3 , 15 , Eze. 34 , 18. 1 Tim 5. 21. humble , meeke , gentle , & loving : he must be a man of great patience , compassion , labour , and diligence : feed the sheep of Christ in green and wholesome pastures of the word : pray for them , seale up to them the promises of God by the Sacraments : He must alwayes be carefull and watchfull over the Flock of Christ , f f Ps. 23. Levit. 10 , 10. defend it from ravenous beasts , g g loh. 10 , 11 , 12. Song . 2 , 15 and the wolfe , and take the little Foxes : discerne mens deseases , and apply the word according to every disease , and every time and occurrant : And these things he must doe with all willingnes and chearfulnes , not holding his office in respect of persons , but doing his duty to every soule , as he will answer before the chiefe Shepheard , &c.

35. The Doctor * * 1 Tim. 3. chap. Tit. 1 , cha. 2 Tim. 2 , 15. 1 Cor. 1 , 17 , and. 2 , 4. 1 Cor. 3 , 11 , 12 , Mal. 2 6 , Ephes. 2 , 20. Heb 6 1. 1 Cor. 1 , 17. 1 Tim. 4. 16 , and 6 , 20. or Teacher must be a man apt to teach , mighty in the Scriptures , able to convince the gainsayers : He must be of life unreproveable , one that can governe his owne househould , he must be of manners sober , temperate , modest , gentle , and loving : Hee must take diligent heed to keepe the Church from errours : preserve knowledge , build upon the rock ( which is Iesus Christ ) gould , silver , and pretious stones , that his worke may endure the triall of the fire , and by the light of the same fire , reveale the timber , hay , and stubble of false Teachers : And further , hee must deliver his doctrine pure , sound , & plaine , not with curiosity or affectation , but so that it may edifie the most simple , approving it to every mans conscience , that the Church may increase with the increasing of God , and grow up unto him which is the head Christ Iesus .

36. That this is an Office different from that of the Pastor , is manifest by these reasons . 1. The Apostle doth so distinguish them one from another . Rom. 12 , 7 , 8. Ephes. 4 , 11. 2. Their gifts appeare to be divers , 1 Cor. 12 , 8. 3. The Pastor is commaunded to take one course in Teaching , the Doctor another , Rom. 12 , 7 , 8. 4. This distinguishing of them makes more for the building of the Church , then to unite and make them one .

37. The third Officers , † † 1 Tim. 3 & 5. chap. Num. 12. 24 25. 2 Chro. 10 8 , Act. 15 , Numb 11 16 , Deu 1 13 , and 18. Exo. 39 , 42 1 Tim. 3 , 15 , Gal. 2 , 45 , Colos. 4 16 , 17 Rom 12 , 8 1 Cor. 11. 16 & 14 33. Act 20 , 1 Pet. 51 Heb 54 are Governours , or Ruling Elders ; These men must be of life likewise unreproveable , sober , gentle , loving , temperate : Governing their owne Families orderly : they must bee men of wisedome , knowledge , and sound judgement , able to discerne betweene cause and cruse , betweene plea and plea , and accordingly to prevent and redresse evils . Their especiall care must be to see the Ordinances of God truly taught and practised , as well by the officers in doing their duties uprightly , as to see the people obey willingly & readily : It is their dutie to see the congregation holily and quietly ordered , and no way disturbed by the contentious and disobedient , froward and obstinate : Not taking away the liberty of the least , but uphoulding the right of all , wisely judging of times and circumstances . They must be readie assistants to the Pastor and Teacher , helping to beare their burden , but not intruding into their office .

38. Jt is necessarie that these Officers bee perpetuallie resident upon their charge . For 1. a Minister is a Shepheard , and his charge a Flock ; now a shepheard hath a flock to feed it continually . 2. Wheresoever God placeth a man , there is daylie need of his labour and care . 3. The people are in daunger of harme if they be not watched over day and night . 4. The Church requireth an Officers residencie with her , as a dutie of him . 5. If they doe otherwise , they cannot give their people a good example , neither will there belove & familiarity between them .

39. Deacons * * Act. 6 , 3 1 Tim. 3 , 8 , 9. Rom , 12 , 8 must be men of honest report , indued with the Holy Ghost , they must be grave , temperate , not given to excesse , nor to filthy lucre : Faithfully ought they to gather and collect by the Ordinance of the Church , the goods and benevolence of the faithfull , and by the same direction diligently and trustily to distribute them according to the necessitie of the Saints . Further , they must inquire and consider of the portion and the wantes both of the Officers and other poore , and accordingly relate to the Church that provision may be made . 40. That the Deacons Office is not to meddle with the Word and Sacraments , but onely to collect the benevolence of the faithfull , and faithfully to distribute the same : is cleare by these reasons . 1. It is an Apostolicall institution , that these should attend upon the provision for the poore , Act. 6 , 4. 2. The Scripture maketh it an ordinarie and distinct Office from others in the Church , and not to be mingled with any other , Rom. 12 , 8. 3. No man can in any tollerable measure discharge the Office of a Minister and a Deacon also , Act. 6 , 2. 4. The Ministeries of the Word are perfect without it .

41. This Office was instituted , 1. That the faithfull might bee the more free from feare , and follow their owne callings diligently . 2. That the Church might be the more enriched with Heavenly and Spirituall blessings , for the receives grace and gifts , for the discharge of each calling . 3. To stirre men up to helpe the poore the more willingly , considering that the Lord hath appointed a speciall office for that purpose . 4. That there should bee no complaints , but that all the poore might be comforted against their povertie & wants . Lastlie , to shew that as God hath created soule and body , so hee takes care for both .

42. The Widowes a a 1 Tim. 5 9. 10. Rom. 12 , 8 or Deaconesses must be Women of 60 , yeares of age at the least . For avoyding of inconveniences : they must be well reported of for good workes , such as have nourished their Children , such as have beene harberous to strangers , diligent and serviceable to the Saints , compassionate and helpefull to them in adversitie , given to every good worke , continuing in supplications and prayer day and night : They must minister to the sicke , lame , weary and defeated such helpefull comforts as they need , by watching , tending and helping them .

Further , they must shew good example to the young women , in sober , modest , and godly conversation , avoyding idlenes , vaine talke , and light behaviour .

43. These are the necessarie and onely ordinarie functions , * * 1 Cor. 1● 28. Rom. 12 , 8 ▪ 9 Ephes. 4.8 , 11 , 12 13. and offices , which our Saviour hath ordained in his Church , unto the due administration whereof , he hath promised his blessing to the end of the world . And these are perpetuall and to continue for ever , and beside these it is unlawfull for men ( following the devises of their owne braine ) to institute or ordaine any in the Churches of God .

44. These offices though they be divers & severall , yet are they not severed , least there should be a division in the body : a a Luk 9 , 46 , 47. Ioh. 13. 12 17. 1 Cor. 12. 12. 25 , 28 Ephes. 4 , 11. 12. 13. 16. but they are as members of the body , having the same care one of another , joyntly dooing their severall duties to the service of the saints : neither can any of these offices bee wanting without grevious lamenes and apparent deformitie of the body , yea violent iniury to the head Christ Iesus .

45. As every Christian Congregation hath power and commandement to elect & ordaine their owne Ministers according to the rule in Gods word prescribed : So right and power to practice all other ordinances of the Lord , & namely to b b Mat. 18 17 18. 1 Cor. 5 , 4. 5. 2 Thes. 3. 5. with Levit. 24 14. 15. 16 ●3 . cut of any memfrom the body : provided , that holy order of proceeding bee keept , which Christ in his will and Testament hath left us .

46. The rule of Christ for excommunication is thus : If the fault be private , holy and loving admonition and reproof is to be vsed , with an inward desire and earnest care to winne their brother : But if hee will not heare , yet to take two or three other brethren with him , whome he knoweth most meet for that purpose , that by the mouth of two or three witnesses , every word may be confirmed : And if he refuse to heare them , then to declare the matter to the church , which ought severally and sharpely to reprehend , gravely to admonish , and lovingly to perswade the partie offending : shewing him the heynousnes of his offence , and the danger of his obstinacie , and the fearfull judgments of the Lord. Lev. 19. 17. 18. Mat. 18. 15. Devt . 19. 15. Mat. 18. 16.

47. All this notwithstanding the Church is not to hold him as an enemie , but to admonish him and pray for him as a Brother ; prooving if at any time the Lord will give him repentance . For this power is not given them to the distruction of any , but to the edification of all . 2. Thes. 3. 15. 2. Cor. 10. 8. & 13. 10.

48. If this preveale not to draw him to repentance , then are they in the Name and power of the Lord IESVS with the whole Congregation , reverently in prayer to proceed to excommunication , that is unto the casting him out of their congregation and fellowship , covenant and protection of the Lord , for his disobedience & obstinacie , and committing him to Sathan , for the destruction of the flesh , that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Iesus , if such be his good wil and pleasure , Mat. 18. 17. 1 Cor. 5. 11.

49. If the offence be publike , the partie is publiquely to be reproved , and admonished : if he then repent not , to proceed to excommunication , as aforesaid . 1. Tim. 5 , 20. Gal. 2. 14. Ios. 7. 19. 2 Cor. 7. 9.

50. Further they are to warn the whole congregarion and all other beleevers to hold him as a Heathen and Publican , Mat. 18. 17. 1. Cor. 11. and to withdraw themselves from him , from all spirituall communion , and civil familiaritie , so farre as may be without the violation of any naturall or civil bond .

51. That obstinate sinners after due conviction and patience , must be censured appeareth 1. By the commandement of Christ a a Mat. 18 & practice of the Apostolicall b b 1. Cor. 5. churches . 2. That the worship & service of God may c c Hag. 2. 13. be kept & preserved from pollution , contempt and prophanation . 3. That the sinner may se his fault , be humbled d d 1 Cor. 5. 9. 2. Thes. 2. 14. 2. Cor. 6. for it , and so saved in the day of the Lord . 4. That the honour and good name of the church may be preserved , the which would be lost e e Rev. 2. 14. 15. if vile persons were suffered therein . 5. To prevent the infection f f Heb. 12 15. of others . 6. That by the zeale , e and holynes of the church , they without g g Mat. 5. 16. may be gained to the Gospell . 7. To glorifie Gods great name which is much impeached h h Eze. 36 20 , 23. by the unholy walking of those which professe his truth . 8. That others may feare , i i Deut 17. 12. 13. for if this course be omitted , it may be a meanes to embolden many to doe the like .