The power of Congregational churches asserted and vindicated in answer to a treatise of…

Reas. 2 The second Reason is, from their duty to take up offences among Brethren, which cannot be ended privately, Mat. 18.17, 18. which implieth two things. 1. That the ⟨p. 56⟩Church must consist of more than two or three: for though two or three may watch over one another, admonish one another; and, in case of obstinacy, withdraw from a convicted delinquent: and, though two or three praying together, may expect the presence and blessing of Christ, as v. 19, 20. upon their admonition; yet two or three cannot issue the matter completely, in way of Church-censure, but must tell the Church: Therefore the Church must necessarily consist of a greater number. Again, how can two or three choose the four sorts of Officers amongst themselves, which are described by four living creatures, in Rev. 4.6, 7. viz. Pastor, Teacher, Ruling Elder, and Deacon? 2. That they must not exceed the quantity and compass of one Congregation. For the Church must meet ordinarily together with their Officers, for these purposes. Therefore the Scripture showeth that the whole Church did meet together to choose and ordain Officers, as Deacons, Act. 6.2, 3, 5. Elders; Act. 14.23. to receive and admit Members, Act. 9.26. for Prophesying, 1 Cor. 14.23. for the Seals, 1 Cor. 11.20. and for Censures, 1 Cor. 5.4. and to release from censures. 2 Cor. 2.6, 7. So much for proof of the point. The Con••ctaries are these.

Reas. 2 The second Reason is, from their duty to take up offences among Brethren, which cannot be ended privately,