A61661:109
The doctrine of instituted churches explained and proved from the word of God
The doctrine of instituted churches explained and proved from the word of God by Solomon Stoddard ...
London: printed for Ralph Smith, 1700
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.
All other Ordinances are appointed for Regeneration, Prayer, hearing the Word, Baptism; so likewise the censures are, that the Soul may be saved in the Day of the Lord Jesus; they are to further Mens Regeneration, in case they be not Converted already, and it would be strange if the Lords Supper alone should not be appointed for that end, whereas it hath a proper tendency thereunto, and many that come to that Ordinance by the appointment of Christ, stand in as much need of it, as those that partake of other Ordinances.
A sixth part of the Worship is Ecclesiastical censures, these were appointed in the time of the Old Testament, and are to continue in use unto the end of the World, it doth evidently appear, both from the Writings of the Jews and likewise from the Scripture, that the Jews did make use of Ecclesiastical censures, John 4.34,35. John 3.22. and 12.42. And it is evident, that these censures were according ⟨p. 23⟩to Divine Institution, from Matth. 16.17,18. Christ doth not here make a new Institution for the Gospel Church, for that Church was not yet in Being, but he urges them to the practise of an Old Institution; if it be enquired where we find any such Institution in the Old Testament, I Answer, in that expression which we often find in the Old Testament, that they should be cut off from Israel, Gen. 17.14. Exod. 12.14. When one Brother is required to reprove another, and in case of Incorrigibleness to complain to the Church, that command doth not only bind the Brethren of the same Congregation, but also the Brethren of any other Congregation; for there lies the same Bond upon us according to opportunity, not to suffer sin in others, as well as in the Members of the same Congregation.