An answer to two treatises of Mr. John Can, the leader of the English…An answer to two treatises of Mr. Iohn Can, the leader of the English…

Thus I might dismiss your first band, as being put to flight already. But I will spend a little time to examine both propositions. And for the first it is to be noted, that the word Church (to let pass other significations) is taken: First, For the community of the faithful few or many, two, three, or more, men or women, without guides or officers; for believers dispersed and scattered by persecution, spoiled of their guides, or such as being newly called never had guides set over them, are yet the true Church of Christ. Secondly, The society of the faithful, joining together in the ordinances of worship under a lawful Pastor is a true Church, though defective in many officers and ordinances required to the perfection of the Church. Thirdly, A ^ccompetent number of faithful people joined in society under lawful Pastors, Teachers, and Elders, to watch over, rule, feed and guide them in the ways of God, are a true and complete constituted Church of Jesus Christ.

Thus I might dismisse your first band, as being put to flight already. But I will spend a little time to examine both propositions. And for the first it is to be noted, that the word Church (to let passe other significations) is taken: First, For the communitie of the faithfull few or many, two, three, or more, men or women, without guides or officers; for beleevers dispersed and scattered by persecution, spoyled of their guides, or such as being newly called never had guides set over them, are yet the true Church of Christ. Secondly, The societie of the faithfull, joyning together in the ordinances of worship under a lawfull Pastour is a true Church, though defective in many officers and ordinances required to the perfection of the Church. Thirdly, A ^ccompetent number of faithfull people joyned in societie under lawfull Pastours, Teachers, and Elders, to watch over, rule, feed and guide them in the waies of God, are a true and compleat constituted Church of Jesus Christ.

1. cBilson. ibid. ca. 1. The internal regiment that God hath by his Spirit and truth in the hearts of the faithful, is the true kingdom of christ, cannot be varied, is not questioned in the Church of England. But there is a necessity also of external government, which respecteth the appointing of meet men, and repelling of unmeet, to be trusted with the heavenly treasures of the Word and Sacraments. As also the good using and right dividing of so precious Jewels committed to their charge.