A53671:159
A brief instruction in the worship of God, and discipline of the churches of…
A brief instruction in the worship of God, and discipline of the churches of the New Testament, by way of question and answer with an explication and confirmation of those answers.
London : s.n., 1667
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
That the Lord Christ hath constituted such a Church-state as that which we enquire about, hath been proved already. Unto a Church so constituted, he hath also by his word and promise annexed all those privileges and powers, which we find a Church to be entrusted ⟨p. 109⟩withal. This he hath done by the standing and unalterable Law of the Gospel, which is the Charter of their spiritual society and incorporation. Neither are, nor can any persons be interested in the rights of a Church any otherwise, but by virtue of this Law and constitution. This therefore is first to be laid down, that the sole moral foundation of that Church-state which we enquire after, is laid in the Word, Law, and appointment of Christ. He alone hath authority to erect such a society, he is the builder of this house, as well as the Lord over it, Heb. 3.3, 6. neither without it, can all the authority of men in the World appoint such a state, or erect a Church, and all acceptable actings of men herein, are no other but acts of pure obedience unto Christ.
That the Lord Christ hath constituted such a Church-state as that which we enquire about, hath been proved already. Unto a Church so constituted, he hath also by his word and promise annexed all those priviledges and powers, which we find a Church to be entrusted ⟨p. 109⟩withall. This he hath done by the standing and unalterable Law of the Gospel, which is the Charter of their spiritual society and incorporation. Neither are, nor can any persons be interested in the rights of a Church any otherwise, but by virtue of this Law and constitution. This therefore is first to be laid down, that the sole moral foundation of that Church-state which we enquire after, is laid in the Word, Law, and appointment of Christ. He alone hath authority to erect such a society, he is the builder of this house, as well as the Lord over it, Heb. 3.3, 6. neither without it, can all the authority of men in the World appoint such a state, or erect a Church, and all acceptable actings of men herein, are no other but acts of pure obedience unto Christ.
Farthermore, We have declared that the Lord Christ by the dispensation of his word and spirit, doth prepare and fit men to be subjects of his Kingdom, Members of his Church; the work of sending forth the means of the conversion of the souls of men, of translating ⟨p. 110⟩them from the power of darkness into light, he hath taken upon himself, and doth effectually accomplish it in every generation. And by this means he builds his Church, Matth. 18.20. For unto all persons so called, he gives command that they shall do and observe whatever he hath appointed them to do, Mat. 28.20. in particular, that they profess their subjection to him, and their obedience, in joining themselves in that state wherein they may be enabled to observe all his other laws and institutions, with the whole worship of God required therein. Being converted unto God by his Word and Spirit, they are to consider, how they may now obey the Lord Christ in all things. Amongst his commands, this of joining themselves in Church societies wherein he hath promised his presence with them, Matth. 18.20. that is to dwell amongst them by his word and spirit, Isa. 59.21. is the very first. This by virtue of that command and promise of his they are warranted and enabled to do, nor do they need any other warrant. The authority of Christ is sufficient to bear ⟨p. 111⟩men out in the discharge of their duty to him. Being then made willing and ready in the day of his power, Psalm 110.3. they consent, choose, and agree to walk together in the observation of all his commands. And hereby do they become a Church. For their becoming a Church, is an act of their willing obedience unto Christ. This obedience is an act of their wills, guided by rule; for this also is necessary that they proceed herein according to the rules of his appointment afterwards to be unfolded. And herein, upon their obedience unto the commands of Christ, and faith in his promises, do Believers by virtue of his Law, and constitution, become a Gospel Church, and are really and truly interested in all the power, rights and privileges, that are granted unto any Church of Christ. For in this obedience they do these two things which alone he requires in any persons for the obtaining of an interest in these privileges. First, They confess him, his person, his authority, his law, his grace Secondly, They take upon themselves the observance of all his commands.
Farthermore, We have declared that the Lord Christ by the dispensation of his word and spirit, doth prepare and fit men to be subjects of his Kingdom, Members of his Church; the work of sending forth the means of the conversion of the souls of men, of translating ⟨p. 110⟩them from the power of darkness into light, he hath taken upon himself, and doth effectually accomplish it in every generation. And by this means he builds his Church, Matth. 18.20. For unto all persons so called, he gives command that they shall do and observe whatever he hath appointed them to do, Mat. 28.20. in particular, that they profess their subjection to him, and their obedience, in joyning themselves in that state wherein they may be enabled to observe all his other laws and institutions, with the whole worship of God required therein. Being converted unto God by his Word and Spirit, they are to consider, how they may now obey the Lord Christ in all things. Amongst his commands, this of joyning themselves in Church societies wherein he hath promised his presence with them, Matth. 18.20. that is to dwell amongst them by his word and spirit, Isa. 59.21. is the very first. This by virtue of that command and promise of his they are warranted and enabled to do, nor do they need any other warrant. The authority of Christ is sufficient to beare ⟨p. 111⟩men out in the discharge of their duty to him. Being then made willing and ready in the day of his power, Psalm 110.3. they consent, choose, and agree to walk together in the observation of all his commands. And hereby do they become a Church. For their becoming a Church, is an act of their willing obedience unto Christ. This obedience is an act of their wills, guided by rule; for this also is necessary that they proceed herein according to the rules of his appointment afterwards to be unfolded. And herein, upon their obedience unto the commands of Christ, and faith in his promises, do Believers by virtue of his Law, and constitution, become a Gospel Church, and are really and truly interested in all the power, rights and priviledges, that are granted unto any Church of Christ. For in this obedience they do these two things which alone he requires in any persons for the obtaining of an interest in these priviledges. First, They confess him, his person, his authority, his law, his grace Secondly, They take upon themselves the observance of all his commands.
Thus did God take the children of Israel into a Church-state of old. He proposed unto them the Church obedience that he required of them, and they voluntarily and freely took upon themselves the performance of it, Exod. 24.3. And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgements, and all the people answered with one voice, and said, all the words which the Lord hath said, will we do. So Deut. 5.7. and hereby they had their solemn admission into their Church-state, and relation unto God. And the like course they took when ever there was need of renewing their engagements, Josh. 24.18, 21, 22. And the people said we will serve the Lord, for he is our God; and Joshua said unto the people ye are witnesses against your selves, that ye have chosen the Lord to serve him, and they said we are witnesses. This was the covenant, that was between God and that people which was solemnly renewed, so often as the Church was eminently reformed. Now although the outward solemnity and ceremonies of this covenant were peculiar unto that ⟨p. 113⟩people, yet as to the substance and nature of it in a sacred consent for the performance of all those duties towards God and one another which the nature and edification of a Church do require, it belongs to every Church as such even under the Gospel.
Thus did God take the children of Israel into a Church-state of old. He proposed unto them the Church obedience that he required of them, and they voluntarily and freely took upon themselves the performance of it, Exod. 24.3. And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgements, and all the people answered with one voice, and said, all the words which the Lord hath said, will we do. So Deut. 5.7. and hereby they had their solemn admission into their Church-state, and relation unto God. And the like course they took when ever there was need of renewing their engagements, Josh. 24.18, 21, 22. And the people said we will serve the Lord, for he is our God; and Joshua said unto the people ye are witnesses against your selves, that ye have chosen the Lord to serve him, and they said we are witnesses. This was the covenant, that was between God and that people which was solemnly renewed, so often as the Church was eminently reformed. Now although the outward solemnity and ceremonies of this covenant were peculiar unto that ⟨p. 113⟩people, yet as to the substance and nature of it in a sacred consent for the performance of all those duties towards God and one another which the nature and edification of a Church do require, it belongs to every Church as such even under the Gosple.
And this is the way whereby Believers or the Disciples of Christ, do enter into this state, the formal constituting cause of any Church. This account doth the Apostle give of the Churches of the Macedonians, 2 Cor. 8.5. And this they did, not as we hoped but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. before the performance of other duties, and in order thereunto, they first gave themselves to the Lord Jesus Christ, or took upon themselves the observance of his commands and institutions, which is the intendment of that expression. Among these commands one was that they should give up themselves to the Apostles doctrine, Rule and government in the order by Christ prescribed, that is in Church order. This therefore they did by the will of God, according to his ⟨p. 114⟩will, and appointment. This description doth the Apostle give of the way whereby the Believers of Macedonia were brought into Churches. It was by their own obedience unto the will of God, consenting, agreeing, and taking upon themselves the observation of all the commands and institutions of Christ, according to the direction and guidance of the Apostles. So did the Believers at Jerusalem, Acts 2.41, 42. Being converted by the word, and making profession of that conversion in their Baptism, they gave up themselves to a steadfast continuance in the observation of all other Ordinances of the Gospel.
And this is the way whereby Beleivers or the Disciples of Christ, do enter into this state, the formal constituting cause of any Church. This account doth the Apostle give of the Churches of the Macedonians, 2 Cor. 8.5. And this they did, not as we hoped but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. before the performance of other duties, and in order thereunto, they first gave themselves to the Lord Jesus Christ, or took upon themselves the observance of his commands and institutions, which is the intendment of that expression. Among these commands one was that they should give up themselves to the Apostles doctrine, Rule and government in the order by Christ prescribed, that is in Church order. This therefore they did by the will of God, according to his ⟨p. 114⟩will, and appointment. This description doth the Apostle give of the way whereby the Believers of Macedonia were brought into Churches. It was by their own obedience unto the will of God, consenting, agreeing, and taking upon themselves the observation of all the commands and institutions of Christ, according to the direction and guidance of the Apostles. So did the Believers at Jerusalem, Acts 2.41, 42. Being converted by the word, and making profession of that conversion in their Baptism, they gave up themselves to a stedfast continuance in the observation of all other Ordinances of the Gospel.
Besides the Church is an house, a Temple, the house of God, 1 Tim. 3.15. The house of Christ, Heb. 3.6. The Temple of God; Ephe. 2.21, 22. Believers singly considered are stones, living stones; 1 Peter 2.5. Now how shall these living stones come to be an house, a Temple? can it be by occasional occurrences, civil cohabitation in political precincts, usage or custom of assembling for some parts of worship ⟨p. 115⟩in any place? these things will never frame them into a house or Temple. This can be no otherwise done but by-their own voluntary consent and disposition. Ephe. 2.19, 20, 21, 22. Ye are fellow-Citizens with the Saints, and of the household of God, and are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone, in whom all the building fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy Temple, in the Lord; in whom you also are builded together for an habitation of God through the spirit. Chap. 4.16. From whom the whole body fitly joined together, and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of it self in love. From these and sundry other places, it is manifest, that the way and means of Believers coalition into a Church-state, is their own obedience of faith, acting it self in a joint voluntary consent to walk together in an holy observation of the commands of Christ, whence the being and union of a particular Church is given ⟨p. 116⟩unto any convenient number of them by his Law and constitution.
Besides the Church is an house, a Temple, the house of God, 1 Tim. 3.15. The house of Christ, Heb. 3.6. The Temple of God; Ephe. 2.21, 22. Believers singly considered are stones, living stones; 1 Peter 2.5. Now how shall these living stones come to be an house, a Temple? can it be by occasional occurrences, civil cohabitation in political precincts, usage or custome of assembling for some parts of worship ⟨p. 115⟩in any place? these things will never frame them into a house or Temple. This can be no otherwise done but by-their own voluntary consent and disposition. Ephe. 2.19, 20, 21, 22. Ye are fellow-Citizens with the Saints, and of the household of God, and are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone, in whom all the building fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy Temple, in the Lord; in whom you also are builded together for an habitation of God through the spirit. Chap. 4.16. From whom the whole body fitly joyned together, and compacted by that which every joynt supplyeth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of it self in love. From these and sundry other places, it is manifest, that the way and means of Believers coalition into a Church-state, is their own obedience of faith, acting it self in a joynt voluntary consent to walk together in an holy observation of the commands of Christ, whence the being and union of a particular Church is given ⟨p. 116⟩unto any convenient number of them by his Law and constitution.
Qu. 21. Seeing the Church is a society or spiritual incorporation of persons under rule, government or Discipline, declare who or what are the rulers, governors or Officers therein under Jesus Christ?
An. They have been of two sorts (1) extraordinary appointed for a season only, and (2) ordinary to continue unto the end of the World.
Qu. 22. Who are the extraordinary Officers or Rulers or Ministers of the Church appointed to serve the Lord Jesus Christ therein for a season only?
An. (1) The Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, with (2) the Evangelists and Prophets endowed with extraordinary gifts of the holy Ghost, associated with them, and employed by them in their work and Ministry. (1) Math. 10.2, 3. Acts 1.26. 1 Cor. 12.28. Ephe. 4.11. (2) Luke 10.1. 2 Tim. 4.5. Titus. 1.5. Acts 11.27, 28. Acts 21.9, 10, 11. 2. Cor. 1.1.
An. (1) The Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, with (2) the Evangelists and Prophets indowed with extraordinary gifts of the holy Ghost, associated with them, and employed by them in their work and Ministry. (1) Math. 10.2, 3. Acts 1.26. 1 Cor. 12.28. Ephe. 4.11. (2) Luke 10.1. 2 Tim. 4.5. Titus. 1.5. Acts 11.27, 28. Acts 21.9, 10, 11. 2. Cor. 1.1.
Explication.
That the Church is a Spiritual corporation, attended with rule and government, is evident from the nature of the thing it self and testimonies of Scripture. Only as the Kingdom of Christ is not of this World, or Worldly, so this rule and government of the Church is not merely external, and secular, but spiritual. Neither doth this rule at all belong unto it, merely as materially considered, in men yielding obedience unto the call which is the foundation of the Church, nor absolutely as it is formally constituted a Church by the consent and agreement described, but moreover it is required that it be organically complete with Officers or rulers; now to the constitution of such a society or corporation there is required.
That the Church is a Spiritual corporation, attended with rule and government, is evident from the nature of the thing it self and testimonies of Scripture. Only as the Kingdome of Christ is not of this World, or Worldly, so this rule and government of the Church is not mearly external, and secular, but spiritual. Neither doth this rule at all belong unto it, merely as materially considered, in men yielding obedience unto the call which is the foundation of the Church, nor absolutely as it is formally constituted a Church by the consent and agreement described, but moreover it is required that it be organically compleat with Officers or rulers; now to the constitution of such a society or corporation there is required.
First, that the persons whereof it is constituted do consent together into it for the attaining of the ends which they design. Without this no society of any kind can exist. This is the form of mens coalescencie into societies. And ⟨p. 118⟩that there is in the Church such a consent and agreement hath been showed.
First, that the persons whereof it is constituted do consent together into it for the attaining of the ends which they design. Without this no society of any kind can exist. This is the form of mens coalescencie into societyes. And ⟨p. 118⟩that there is in the Church such a consent and agreement hath been shewed.
Secondly, that there be Rules or Laws for the guidance and direction of all the Members of the society, in order to their pursuit of the proper ends of it. That such Rules or Laws are given and prescribed by the Lord Christ unto the Church, will afterwards appear in our consideration of them in particular; so that the Church is a society of men walking according unto Rule or Law for the attaining of the ends of the society.
Secondly, that there be Rules or Laws for the guidance and direction of all the Members of the society, in order to their pursuit of the proper ends of it. That such Rules or Lawes are given and prescribed by the Lord Christ unto the Church, will afterwards appear in our consideration of them in particular; so that the Church is a society of men walking according unto Rule or Law for the attaining of the ends of the society.
Thirdly, that there be Authority instituted for to see to the due Observation of these Rules and Laws of the society, which consists in this; (1) That some be appointed to Rule and Govern in the Church. (2) Others, to Obey and be Ruled or Governed; both according to the Laws of the society and not otherwise. And both these are eminently found in this Church-state as we shall see in the ensuing Question with their Answers and Explications.
Thirdly, that there be Authority instituted for to see to the due Observation of these Rules and Lawes of the society, which consists in this; (1) That some be appointed to Rule and Govern in the Church. (2) Others, to Obey and be Ruled or Governed; both according to the Laws of the society and not otherwise. And both these are eminently found in this Church-state as we shall see in the ensuing Question with their Answers and Explications.
Now that these Officers, or Rulers, should be of two sorts, both the nature ⟨p. 119⟩of the thing it self required, and so hath our Lord Jesus Christ appointed. For when the Church was first to be called, gathered, and erected, it was necessary that some Persons should […] extraordinarily employed in that work▪ for ordinary Officers, antecedent unto the calling and erection of the Church, there could be none. And therefore these persons were in an extraordinary manner endowed with all that power which afterwards was to reside in the Churches themselves▪ and moreover with that, which was peculiarly needful unto the discharge and performance of that special duty and work that they were appointed unto. But when Churches were called, gathered▪ erected, and settled for continuance▪ there was need of Officers suited to their state and condition, called in an ordinary way; that is in a way appointed for continuance unto the end of the World; and to be employed in the ordinary work of the Church, that is the duties of it, which were constantly incumbent on it by virtue of the command and appointment of Christ.
Now that these Officers, or Rulers, should be of two sorts, both the nature ⟨p. 119⟩of the thing it self required, and so hath our Lord Jesus Christ appointed. For when the Church was first to be called, gathered, and erected, it was necessary that some Persons should 〈…〉 extraordinarily employed in that work▪ for ordinary Officers, antecedent unto the calling and erection of the Church, there could be none. And therefore these pesons were in an extraordinary manner endowed with all that power which afterwards was to reside in the Churches themselves▪ and moreover with that, which was peculiarly needful unto the discharge and performance of that special duty and work that they were appointed unto. But when Churches were called, gathered▪ erected, and setled for continuance▪ there was need of Officers suited to their state and condition, called in an ordinary way; that is in a way appointed for continuance unto the end of the World; and to be employed in the ordinary work of the Church, that is the duties of it, which were constantly incumbent on it by virtue of the command and appointment of Christ.
Quest. 23. Who are the ordinary Officers or Ministers of Christ in the Church to be always continued therein?
Quest. 23. Who are the ordinary Officers or Ministers of Christ in the Church to be alwayes continued therein?