A discourse concerning evangelical love, church-peace and unity with the occasions and reasons of…

Fourthly, Hereunto also belongeth the due exercise of Gospel Discipline, according to the mind of Christ. It is indeed by some called into question, whether there be any Rule or Discipline appointed by Christ to be exercised in his Churches. But this doubt must respect, such outward forms and modes of the Administration of these things, which are supposed, but not proved necessary. For whether the Lord Christ hath appointed some to Rule, and some to be ruled; whether he hath prescribed Laws or Rules, whereby the One should govern, and the other obey; whether he hath determined the Matter, Manner, and End of this Rule and Government, ⟨p. 124⟩cannot well be called into Controversy by such as profess to believe the Gospel. Of what nature or kind these Governors or Rulers are to be, what is their Office, how they are to be invested therewith, and by what Authority, how they are to behave themselves in the Administration of the Laws of the Church, are things determined by him in the Word. And for the Matters about which they are to be conversant, it is evidently declared of what nature they are, how they are to be managed, and to what end. The Qualifications and Duties of those who are to be admitted into the Church, their deportment in it, their removal from it, are all expressed in the Laws and Directions given unto the same end. In particular it is ordained, That those who are unruly or disorderly, who walk contrary unto the Rules and ways of holiness prescribed unto the Church, shall be rebuked, admonished, instructed; and if after all means used for their amendment they abide in impenitency, that they be ejected out of Communion. For the Church, as visible, is a Society gathered and erected to express and declare the Holiness of Christ, and the power of his Grace, in his Person and Doctrine: And where this is not done, no Church is of any advantage unto the interests of his Glory in this World. The Preservation therefore of Holiness in them, whereof the Discipline mentioned is an effectual means, is as necessary, and of the same importance with the preservation of their Being. The Lord Christ hath also expressly ordained. That in case Offences should arise in and among his Churches, that in and by them they should be ⟨p. 125⟩composed, according to the Rules of the Word, and his own Laws;

Fourthly, Hereunto also belongeth the due exercise of Gospel Discipline, according to the mind of Christ. It is indeed by some called into question, whether there be any Rule or Discipline appointed by Christ to be exercised in his Churches. But this doubt must respect, such outward forms and modes of the Administration of these things, which are supposed, but not proved necessary. For whether the Lord Christ hath appointed some to Rule, and some to be ruled; whether he hath prescribed Lawes or Rules, whereby the One should govern, and the other obey; whether he hath determined the Matter, Manner, and End of this Rule and Government,