V. 34. Neither was there any among

hena that lacked : for as many as vere possessors of lands or houses old them, and brought the prices of he things that were sold, Ver. S.'i. \xiCi laid them down at the apostles' eet ; and distribution was made un- 0 every man, according as he had Ver. 30'. And Joses, who by apostles was surnamed Barnabas, ich is, beirg interpreted, 'I'he of consolation,) a Levite, and of country' of Cyprus, Ver. 37. Ha- land, sold it, and brought the ey, and laid it at the apostles* et. Acts vi. 'J. Then the twelve ailed the multitude of the disciples nto them, and ^aid, It is not reason bat we should leave the word of Jod, ai>d serve tables. Ver. 3.
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest re- port, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. Ver. 4. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 1 Cor. xvL 1. Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Ga- lutia, even so do ye. Ver. 2. Upon the first day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. Ver. 3. And when I come, whomso- ever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your li- berality unto Jerusalem. Ver. 4. And if it be meet that I go ^Iso^ th^ y shall 2Q v::lli mc. Gal. ii. 9. And when James, Ct^plias, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, tliey gave to me and Uarnabas the right hands of fellowsliip; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Ver. 10. Only they would that we should remember th« poor; the same which I also was for- ward to do.
t 1 Tim, v. 17. I>et the elders that ruk- well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doc- trine. Acts XX. 1 7. And from Ali- letus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. Ver. 28. Take
570
The Form of Church-Go vernmeiit.
Teacher or Doctor,
nrHE scripture doth hold out the name and title of teacli- •*- er, as well as of the pastor ".
"Who is also a minister of the word, as well as the pastor, and hath power of administration of the sacraments.
The Lord havmg given different gifts, and divers exer- cises according to these gifts, in the ministry of the word ''' ; though these different gifts may meet in, and accordingly be exercised by, one and the same minister''; yet, where be several ministers in the same congregation, they may be de- signed to several employments, according to the different
gifts
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you over- seers, to feed the church of God, ■which he hath purchased with his own blood. 1 Thess. v. 12. And we beseech you, brethren^ to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the I^ord, and ad- monish you. Heb. xiii. 7. Remem- ber them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God : whose faith follow, considering the end of their conver- sation. Ver. 17. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves ; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account; that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unpro- fitable for you.
"1 Cor. xii. 28. And God hath set some ia the church ; first, apostles ; secondarily, prophets ; thirdly, teachers ; after that mi- racles ; then gifts of healings, hel}js, governments, diversities of tongues. Eph. iv. 11. And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.
^ Rom. xii. G. Having then gifts, differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the pro- portion of faith ; Ver. 7. Or mini- stry, let us wait en our ministering ; or he that teacheth, on teaching; Ver. 8. Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation : he that giveth, let him do it with simplicitj^; he that ruleth, with diligence ; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 1 Cor. xii. 1. Now concerning spiritual gifts, brechren, I would not have you ignorant. Ver. 4. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the s.-.me Spirit. Ver. 5. And there art differences of administrations, but the same Lord. Ver. 6. And there are diversities of operations, but it i; the same God, which v/orketh all ir all. Ver. 7. But the manifestatioi; of the Spirit is given to every mar to profit withal.
^ 1 Cor. xiv. 3. But he thai pn^phesieth, speaketh unto men tc eu (ication, and exhortation, anc comfort. 2 Tim. iv. . 2. Preach the word, be instant in season, oui of season ; reprove, rebuke, ex hort, with, all long-suffering u'.x doctrine
Tlie Form of Church-Government.
571
5ifts in which each of them doth most excel y. And he hat (loth more excel in exposition of scriptures, in teach- :\g sound doctrine, and in convincing gainsavers, than he ioth in aj)j)lication, and is accordingly employed therein, iiay be called a teacher, or doctor, (the places alleged by he notation of the word do prove the proposition.)
Nevertheless, where is but one minister in a particular ongregation, he is to perform, so far as he is able, the
ivhole work of the ministry ^ A teacher, or doctor, is of most excellent use in schools
fmd universities ; as of old in the schools of the prophets, and
[it Jerusalem, where Gamaliel and others taught as doctors.
Other Church'Govemors.
A S there were in the Jewish church elders of the people ^^ joined with the priests and Levites in the government jf the church ' ; so Clirist, who hath instituted government,
and
loctrine. Tit. i. 9. Holding fast the 'aithful word, as he hath been taught, :hat he may be able by sound doc- rine both to exhort and to contince iie
gciinsayers.
y [Sec /;; letUr ^ immediatelif pre reding.] 1 Pet. iv. 10. As every man laih received the gift, even so mini- ter the same one to another, as good tewards of the manifold grace of Jod. Ver. II. If any man speak, et him speak as the oracles of God ; Fany man minister, let him do it as if the ability which God giveth : har God in all things may be glori- ied through Jesus Christ ; to whom •e praise and dominion for ever and ytr. ..men.
=* 2 Tim. iv. 2. Preach the word, « instant in season, out of season ; eprove, rebuke, exhort, with all* JrvT-sutfering and doctrine. Tit. i. 9. loldi.ng fast the faithful word, as he ath been tau!;ht, that he may be ble by sound doctrine both to ex-
1 Tim. vi. 2. And they that have believing masters, let them not de • spise them, because they are brethren : but rather do tliem service,, because they are faithful and beloved, par- takers of the benefit. These things tcsch zv.i ^hor*t
* 2 Chron. xix. 8. Moreover in Jerusalem did Jchoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the Lord, and for con- troversies, when they returned to Je- rusalem. Ver. 9. And he charged them, saying. Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord, faithfully, and with a perfect heart. Vcr. 10. And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, be- tween law and commandment, and statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them, that they trespass not against the l^oid, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren ; this do, and ye shall not trespass.
b Rom.
572 The Form of Church-Government.
and governors ecclesiastical in the church, hath furnished some in his church, beside the ministers of the word, with gifts for government, and with commission to execute the same when called thereunto, who are to join with the mi- nister in the government of the church ^. Which oflicers reformed churches commonly call Elders.
Deacojis.
nnTIE scripture doth hold out deacons as distinct officers -*- in the church ^
Whose office is perpetual ^. To whose office it belongs not to preach the word, or administer the sacraments, but to take special care in distributing to the necessities of the poor ^
I
Of particular Congregation.
T is lawful and expedient that there be fixed congrega- tions, that is, a certain company of Christians to meet in cwie assembly ordinarily for publick worship. When
believers
t> Rom. ili.^ 7. Or ministry, let us tongued, not given to much wine,
Wdit on our ministering ; or he that not greed of filthy lucre. [^See in
teacheth, on teaching; Ver. 8. Or he the Bible to Ver. 15.1 Acts vi. 1. And
that exhorteth, on exhortation : he i>i tliose days, when the number of
that giveth, let him do it with sim- the disciples was multiplied, there
plicity ; he that ruleth, with dili- arose a murmuring of the Grecians
gence; he that sheweth mercy, with against the Hebrews, because their
C^heerfulness. 1 Cor. xii. 28. And widows were neglected in the daily
God hath set some in tlie church ; ministration. Ver. 2. Then the
first* apostles ;-secondarily, prophets; twelve called the multitude of the
thirdly, teachers; after that miracles; disciples unto them, and said, It is
then gifts of healings, helps, govern- not reason that we should leave the
ments, diversities of tongues. word of God, and serve tables.
^ Phil. i. 1.. Paul and Timotheus, Ver. 3. Wherefore, brethren, look
the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the ye out a*.nong you seven men of
saints in Christ Jesus which are- at honest report, full of the Holy Ghost
Philippi, with' the bishops and and wisdom, whom we may appoint
deacons. 1 Tim. iii. 8. Likewise over this business. Ver. 4. But we
must the deacons be grave, not double will give ourselves continually to
tongued, not given to much wine, not prayer, and to the ministry of the
greedy of filthy lucre. word.
d 1 Tim. iii. 8. Likewise must ^ Acts vi. 1, — 4. [Sa hforc in\
the deacons be grave, not double- /r.'/c-r d."] j
f 1 Cor,
I^Srers i
Tht Farm of Church-Gavernmcnt,
i73
ers multiply to such a number, that they cannot con- leniently meet in one ])lace, it is lawful and expedient that they should he divided into distinct and fixed congrega- tions, for the better administration of such ordinances as [jelong unto them, and the discharge of mutual duties ^
The ordinary way of diviuiiig Chiistians into distinct congregations, and most expedient for edification, is by the respective bounds of their dwellings.
Firsts Because they wlio dv/ell togetlier, being bound to fdl kind of moral duties one to another, have the better f)pportu)iity thereby to discharge them ; which moral tye is tierpetual ; for Christ came not to destroy the law, but to uliil it ^
Secondly, The communion of saints must be so order- ed, as may stand with the most convenient use of the ordi- lances, and discharge of moral duties, without respect of >ersons ''.
T/iirdlj/, The pastor and people must so nearly cohabit ogether, as that they may mutually perform their duties iach to other with most conveniency.
In this company some must be set apart to bear office.
Of
f 1 Cor. xiv. 2G. — Let all things be one to edifying^. Ver. iV.i. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Ver. 40. Let all things be done decently, and in order.
6 Deut. XV. 7. If there be among jrou a poor man of one of thy bre- thren within any oi thy gates, in the land which the Lord thy God givtih thee, thou shalt rot harden thy heart, nor sliut thine hand from thy poor brother. Ver. 1 1. For the poor hall never cease out of the land : thtTi'tore I civrir.and thee, saying. Thou shiilt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor and to thy ntedy in thy Liid. Mat xxii. 39. A.i;d the second is like-u ito it. Thou ihak love thy neighbour as thyself.
Mat. V. 17. Tlunk not that I am come to destroy the law or the pro- phets ; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
h 1 Cor. xiv. 20. — Let all thing* be done to edifying. Heb. x. 24. And let us consider one ai.other, to pi .yoke unto love, and to good works : Ver. 25. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselvfs together, as the manner of some is; hut exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Janus ii. L My brethrtn, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. Ver. 2. For if there come into your assenr.biy a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor mail in vile
raiment. ■
i Prov.
574 The Form of Church-Govenwient,
Of the Officers of a particular Congregation.
■rOR officers in a single congregation, there ought to be ^ one at the least, both to laboiu' in the word and doc- trine, and to rule '.
It is also requisite that there should be others to joiii in government \
And likewise it is requisite that there be others to take special care for the relief of the poor '.
The number of each of which is to be proportioned ac- cording to the condition of the congregation.
These officers are to meet together at convenient and set times, for the well ordering of the affairs of that con- gregation, each according to his office.
It is most expedient that, in these meetings, one whose office is to labour in the word and doctrine, do moderate in their proceedings •".
T
Of the Ordinances in a particular Congregation,
HE ordinances in a single congregation are, prayer, thanksgiving, and singing of psalms ", the word read, (although there follow no immediate explication of what is read,) the word expounded and applied, catechising, the sacraments administered, collection made for the poor, dismissing the people with a l)lessing.
Q,
I Prov. xxix. 18. Where there is healings, helps, governments, divcrsl
no vision, the people perish : but ties of tongues. he that keepeth the law, happy ' Acts vi. 2. Then the twelve ca
is he. 1 Tim. v. 17. Let the ed the multitude of the disciples unt(
elders that rule vfell be counted them, and said, It is not reason that wi
worthy of double honour, espe- should leave the word of God, an*
cially they who labour in the word serve tables. Ver. 3. Wherefore, bre
and doctrine. Heb. xiii. 7. Remem- thren, look ye out among you sevei
ber rhem which have the rule over men of honest report, full of the Hoi
you, who have spoken unto you the Ghost and wisdom, whom we ma
word of God ; whose faith follow, appoint over this business, considering the end of their conver- ™ 1 Tim. v, 1 7. Let the elders tha
sation. rule well be counted worthy of doubl
k 1 Cor. xii. 28. And God hath set honour, especially they who labou
some in ,the church ; first, apostles ; in the word and doctrine, secondarily, prophets; thirdly, teach- " 1 Tim. ii. 1. I exhort thert
era; after that miracks; then gifts of fore, that, first of all, supplicj
The Form of Chuixh-Goiernment. 575
[)f Church-Government, and the several saints of Assemblies fur the same.
CHRIST hatii instituted a government, and governors ecclesiastical in tlie church: to that purpose, the .postles did immediately receive the keys from the hand of Jesus Christ, and did use and exercise them in all the [•hurchcs of the world upon all occasions.
And Christ hath since continually furnished some in his i!liurch with gifts of government, and with commission to xecute the same, when called thereunto.
It is lawful, and agreeable to the word of God, that the i?hurch be governed by several sorts of assemblies, which lue congregational, classical, and synodical.
Of the Power in common of all these. Assemblies.
TT is lawful, and agreeable to the word of God, that the * several assemblies before mentioned have power to con- vent, and call before them, any person within their several bounds, whom the ecclesiastical business which is before them doth concern ".
■ They
tions, prayers, intercessions, and thee one or two more, that in the
giving of thanks, be made for all mouth of two or three witnesses
men. 1 Cor. jtiv. 15. What is it every word may be established,
then ? I wiil pray with the spirit, Ver. 17. And if he shall neglect to
and I will pray with the understimd- hear them, tell it unto the church :
ing also: I will sing with the spirit, but if he neglect to hear the church,
and I will sing witli the understand- let him be unto thee as an heathen
ing also, Ver. 16. Else, when thou man, and a publican. Ver. 18. Verily
shalt bless with the spirit, how shall I say unto you. Whatsoever ye shall
he that occupieth the room of the bind on earth, shall be bound in
unlearned say Amen at thy giving of heaven ; and whatsoever ye shall
thanks, seeing he understandeth not loose on earth, shall be loosed in
what thou sayest ? • • heaven. Ver. 1 9. A^ain, I say unto
'■^ Mat. xviii. 15. Moreover, if you, That if two of you shrdl agree
thy brother shall trespass against on earth, as touching any thing that
thee, go and tell him h« fault they shall ask, it shall be done for
between thee and him alone : if them of my Father which is in hea-
he shall hear thee, thou hast gain- ven. Ver. 'JO. For where two or
ed thy broGier. Ver. 16. But if he three are gathered togerher in my
will not hear thee, then take with name, there am I in the midst of them.
10 P Heb.
576 The Form of Chirch-Governnient.
They have power to hear and determine such cause?) and diflTerences as do orderly come before them.
It is lawful, and agreeable to the word of God, that all the said assemblies have some power to dispense church-censures.
Of Congregational Jftsemhlies, that ?>, the Meeting of the ruling Officers of a j)articidar Congi^egation, for thi Government thereof
npHE ruling officers of a particular congregation have "*" power, authoritatively, to call before them any mem- ber of the congregation, as they shall see just occasion.
To enquire into the knowledge and spiritual estate of the several members of the congregation.
To admonish and rebuke.
Which three branches are proved by Heb. xiii. 17. 1 Thess. V. 12, 13. Ezek. xxxiv. 4. p.
Authoritative suspension from the Lord's table, of a person not yet cast out of the church, is agreeable to the scripture t
First, Because the ordinance itself must not be profaned.
Secondh/, Because we are charged to withdraw from those that walk disorderly.
Thirdli/, Because of the.great sin and danger, both to him that comes unworthily, and also to the whole church ''. And
there
P Heb. xiii. 1 7. Obey them that that which was broken, neither harei
have the rule over you, and submit ye brought again that which was
yourselves : for they watch for your driven away, neither have ye sought
souls as they that must give account, that which was lost ; but with force
that they may do it with joy, and and with cruelty have ye ruled them,
rot v.ith grief: for that is unpro- 'l Mat, vii, 6. Give not that
firable for you. 1 Thess. v. 12. And which is holy unto the dogs, nei-
\ve beseech you, brethren, to know ther cast ye your pearls liefore
them which labour among you, and swine, lest they trample them under
are over you in the Lord, and admo- their feet, and turn again and
rish you; Ver. 13. Ann to esteem rend you. 2 Thess. iii. 6. Now
them very highly in love for their we command you, brethren, in the
work's sake. And be at peace among name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
yourselves. Ezek. xxxiv. 4. The that ye withdraw yourselves from
diseased have ye not strergrhened, every brother that walketh disor-
neither have ye healed tJiat >\ hich derly, and not after the tradition
was sick, neither have ye bound up which ye received of us. Ver. 14.
1 1 And
The Form of Church-Goccrnment. .,, ,
icre was power and authority, under the Ohl Testament, ) keep unclean persons from holy things ^
The like power and authority, by way of analogy, con- nues under the New Testament.
The ruling officers of a particular congregation have ower authoritatively to susj^end from the Lord's table a erson not yet cast out of the church :
/7/\s/, Because those who have authority to judge of, lid admit, such as are fit to receive the sacrament, have uthority to keep back such as shall be found unworthy.
Secondly/, Because it is an ecclesiastical business of ordi- ary practice belonging to that congregation.
W^n congregations are divided and fixed, they need 11 mutual help one from another, both in regard of their istrinsical weaknesses and mutual dependence, as also in jgard of enemies from without.
Of Classical Assenihlies.
plIE scripture doth hold out a presbytery in a church - ^ A presbytery consisteth of ministers of the word, and icli other publick officers as are agreeable to and warranted
by
nd if any man obey not our word at a stay, and the plague spread
this epistle, note that man, and not in the skin ; then the priest
ive no company with him, that he shall shut him up seven days more.
ay be ashamed. Ver. 15. Yet count Numb. ix. 7. And those men said
ni not as an enemy, but admonish unto him, W« are defiled by the
m as a brotlier. 1 Cor. xi. 27. dead body of a man : wherefore
'hercfore, whosoever sliall eat this are we kept back, that we may
:ad, and drink this cup of the I.ord, not offer an offering of the Lo'rd
iworthily, shall be guilty of the in his appointed season among the
)dy and blood of the Lord. Ste on children of Israel? *J Chron. xxiii. 1 9.
//;. aid cf the Chapter. Compared And he set the porters at the gates
ith Jude, Ver. 23. And others save of the house of the Lord, that none
ith fear, pulling them out of the that was unclean in any thing should
e ; hating even the garment spot- enter in,
d by the flesh. 1 Tim. v. 22. Lay » 1 Tim. iv. 14. Neglect not tho
mds suddenly on no man, neither gift that is in thee, which was gi-
p art aker of other men's sins; keep ven thee by prophecy, with the
yself pure. laying on of the hands of the pres-
■^ Lev. xiii. 5. And the priest shall bytery. ^Vcts xv. 2. When there-
ok on him the seventh day : and, fore Paul and Barnabas had no small
:holJj if the plague in his sight be dissension and disputation with them,
B b tl^ey
578
The Form of Church-Government,
by the word of God to be church-governors, to join with the ministers in the government of the church ^
The scripture doth hold forth, that many particular con- gregations may be under one presbyterial government.
This proposition is proved by instances :