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o be examined againfttlie iiext ^enerall tAIJemblic^. \

D I N B U R G H :

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A

CT

FOR C H U R C H G O V E R iN M E N T

AND

O R D I N A T I

minis'te

To be examined againfl: the next Generall Assembly.

The Treface.

no end his Kin

Efus Chrift upon whole flioulder the Government is , whofe Name is called Wondorfull, Counfellcr , the mighty God, the eVerlafting Father, the Prince of Peace •, of the encreafe of whofe Government and Peace there ihall bee who iits upon the Throne of pavid^znd upon dom to order it,and eflabhfli it with Judgement

and

and Judice , from henceforth even for ever : Having all power given unto him in Heaven and Earth by the Fa- ther who raifed him from the dead , and (et him at his own right hand, far above all PrincipaUtie , and Power, aiid Might, and Dominion^and every name that is named, not only in this world, but aUb in that which is^tocome-, and put all things under his feet , and gave him to be the Head over all things to the Church, Vvdiich is his Body, the fiilneffe of him that fiileth all in all • He being afcen- dcd up far above ail Heavcns^tlmt he might fill all things, received gifts for his Church , and gave all Oliicers ne- ceflary for the edification of his Churchj asd perfeding of his Saints.

Of the Church.

THere is one Generall Church vifible lield forth in the New Teftament,unto which Generall Church vifible, the Miniflery , Oracles, and Ordinances of the NewTeftament, aregivenby JefusChrifl, for the ga- thering and perfeding of the Saints in this life untill his fecond coming.

Particular vifible Chufchcs, members of the Generall Church, are alfo held forth in the New Tef1:ament .• which particular Churches in the primitive times , were made up of vifible Saints , w{,. of fuch as being of age, profefled Faith in Chrifl^and obedience unto Chrift (ac- cording to the rules of Faith afid Life taught by him and his Apoftles ) and of Eheir Children.

Of

(3)

Of the Officers of the Church.

Podles, Prophets, and Evangelids, were extraorcfi- nary Officers in the Church j and are ceai'ed.

J. he Pallor is an ordinary and perpetual Officer in the Church ; To whofe Office it belongeth to pray for; and with his Flocks To read the Scripture piibiikeiy in the Congregation; which is an holy Ordinance in Gods Churcb,aIthough there follow no immediate explication of what is read', To preach theWordjto be tndant in fea- 'fon5& out of feafon^To reprovejCorredjinflrud, rebuke, exhort, convince, and comfort : One elpeciall way of difcharging which work of Preaching, is, by a plain lay- ing down the firft principles of the Oracles of God, which is commonly called Catechifing^ to adminifter i\\t Sacramefif? ^ In the Name of God to bleile the people ; To take care for the poor : And he hath alfo a ruling power over the Flock as a Paicor.

In the Scripture we alfo finde the name and tide of Teacher, who is a Minifter of the Word,and hath power of adminiftiration of the Sacraments and Difcipline^ as Well as ehePaflor.

The Lord havin^ eiven different gifts, and divers ex- ercites according to thofe gifts \n the Minifters of the Word, though thefe different gifts may meet \n^ and ac- cordingly be exercikd by one and the fame Mlnifrer: yet where there be feverall MiniHers in the fame Congrega- tion , they may be deiignea so feverall imployirieius^ ac- cording to the different gifts wherein eacli of them doih excel! 5 And he who doth more excell in expoikion of Scripture ,, in Teaching • i,c«ipd ,D,@^riae , ,and in can-

E vincing

vincing gainfayers , then he doth m application , and is accordingly imployed therein, may be called a Teacher or Do6ior. NeverthelefTe where there is but one Minifter in a particular Congregation , he is to perFonn fo far as he is able, the whole work of the Miniftery.

A Teacher or Do6lor , is of mof]: excellent ufe in Schooles an^Univerficies , as of old in the Schooles of the Prophets, and at Jerufalem, where Gamal/el md others taught as Do(5i:ors.

It is likewife agreeable to , and warranted by the Word of God, that fome others befide the Miniftcrs of the Word , be Church Governours , to joyne wich the Minillers in che Government of the Churchy which Of- ficers, Reformed Churches commonly call Elders.

Theie Elders ought to be fuch as vire men of good un- derflinding in matters of Religion , found in the faith, prudent , dilcreet J grave 3 and of unblameable conr verfation.

Deacons alfo are diflincfl Officers in the Church : To whofe Office it belongeth not to preach the Word , or adminifter the Sacraments , but to take fpeciall care for the neceflities of the poor, by colleding for, and di- flributing to them with diredion of the Elderfhip , that none amongft the people of God be conflrained to bee beggers.

The Deacons muft be wife , fober , grave, of honeft report, and not greedy of filthy lucre.

Of Church (joipernmentandthefelperall forts of Affemblies for the fame.

CHrift hath inftituted a Government, and Gover- nours EccIcfiafticaU in the Church j And to that

purpofe

purpofe the Apoftles did immediatly receive the keyes from the hand of Jefus Chrift, and did ufe and exercife them in all the Churches of the World, upon all oc- caiions ; And Chrift hath from time to time fiirniihcd fome in his Church , with gifts for Government, and with Coramiffion to exercife the fame when called thereunto.

It is agreeable to , and warranted hy the Word of God , that fome others befides the Minifters of the Wordjbe Church Governours,as was memioned before.

It islawfull and agreeable to the Word of God, that the Church be governed by feverall forts of Aflera- blies-jWhich are Presbyteries andSynodSjOrAifemblies, Congregationall, Cla(Iicall,and SynodtcalJ. The Scripture doth hold out a Presbytery in a Churchy which Presbytery confifletlxof Minifters of the Word, and thofe other Church Officers who are to joyne with the Minifters in the Government of the Church. -

The Scripture doth hold out another fort of AfTem- blies for the Government of the Church , befides Cladicall and Congregational! , which wee call Sy- nodicall.,

Of the power in Common of all thefe (tA^JfemhUes :, and the order to be ohferved in them^.

IT islawfull and agreeable to the Word of God, that the (everall AfTemblies before mentioned do convent md call before them any perfon within their (everall joundSjWhom the Ecclefiafticall bufinefle which is be-

E 2 fore?

(6)

fore them Oiall concerne, either as a party, or a vvitnefTe, or other '^'ife , and to txamine them according ro the na- ture of the bufinede. And that they do hear and deter- mine fuch caufes and differences as fhall ordeily conne before them, and accordingly difpence Church cen- fures.

It II mofl: expedient that m thefe meetings, ojie whofe' Ofiice is to labour in the Word and Dodrine^do mo- i derjite in their proceedings , who is to vote as well as the reft ot' the members j To begin and end every meeting with prayer; To propofc queftions , gather the votes, pronounce the Relolves .• But not to do any aifi: of Go^.; vernment , unlefle in and joyntly with the Ailemblyl whereof he is Moderator, O

All the members of thefe Aflemblics refpedivelyjOire ' to attend on the appointed dayes of their meetings, or to fend the reafon of their ableace to bee judged by . tli& Aflcmbly where they ought to meet. ! • ' t :;3

The finall refolutions fliali be by the Major part of the votes ol thofe members who are prefent.

Of Particular congregations. ''^'

T is expedient that particular Congreg^^tions be^ fix- ^edjbc^th in their Officers and members , which are to meet- in the fa-me A ilembly: ordinarily for publikc Wordiip.

When their number is great, that they cannot con- veniently meet in one place, it is expedient that they be divided according to the refpe«^ive bounds of theii* dwellings int^o diffcind and fixed Cofigr]egation'^,for (be. better adminiftration of fiUfh.O«iioaiice> a^ Wong unift;

; .. them.

(7) them , and the difcharge of mutuall duties , wherein

all, according to their feverall places and callings, are to

iabour'to promote whan ever appertaines to the power

of Godlinefle and credit of Religion, that the whole

Land in the full extent of it, may become the Kitig-

,dom€ of the Lord and of his Chrift.

Parochiall Congregatioas in this Kiiigdome , coii- fifting of iMinifters and People , who profe^e faith in Chrift>and obedience unto Chrift, accoi'ding to the rules of Faith and Life taught by Him ^nd his Apoftles, and joyne together in th-e publike VVorililp of Hearing, Praying, and adminiftration of the Sacraments , ace Churches truely eonftituted.

If any Perfon or Perfons in the Congregation, do not anfwer his or their profefifion , but by open fin and wic- kednefle erode and deny it .• or if there bee a want of fome Officers , or a finlull negle(fi of Officers in the due execution of Difcipline : yet this doth n©t make that Congregation ceafe to be a Church: but requires that there fliould be a fuppiy of Officers which are wanting.- and acarefuU endeavour for the Reformation of the of- fending Perfon or Perfons, and of negligent Officers by juft cenfures , according to the nature of the caufe.

Communion and Memberiliip in Congregations thus conftituted,notwichlhnJingtheforementioneddefe(ffj, is not unlawfull. And to refufe or renounce member- fhip and Church-communion , or to feparate from Church-communion with Congregations thus confti- tuted , as unlawfull K) be joyned with, in regard of their conPciauion, isnot warranted ky the Word of God. " Separation from a Church thus Gonftitmed, whei^ the Governiuent is law|ul],upan an.oginioiithat ic is un-

E s bwfull

lawful! 3 and that therefore all the godly arc alfo bound to feparate from all fuch Churches fo conftituted and governed, and to joyn thcmfelves to anotherChurch of another Conftitutien and Government , is not warran- ted by the Word of God, but contrary to it.

To gather Churches into an independent forme of Government out of Churches of a Prcbbyteriall forme of Government, upon an opinion that the Presbyteriall Government is unlawfull, is not lawful! or warranted by the Word of Godt, Norisitlawiull for any mem- ber of a Parochial! Congregation, if the Ordinances be there adminiflred in purity, to go and leek them el fc where ordinarily .

Of ordinances in a particular ' Congregation.

ORdinanccs in a particular Congregation, arc Pray- er, Thankfgiving , fingingofPialmes, reading of the Word , Preaching and Catechifing, adminiftring the Sacraments, bleflfrng the People in the Name of God , and colledion for the Poor. As f ©r Difcipline, wee referre our felves to what wee have ellcwhere cxprefTed.

. i

Of the Officers of a particular Congregation.

IN the Congregation there mufl be fome who are fee apart to bear Office: One at the leaft to labour in the Word and Dodirine ^ and to rule .• And let others bee

chofen

chofen ruling Elders to joyne with him in Govern- ment.

When any ruling Elder is to bee chofen , where an Elderfhip is conftituted, let it bee done by them , with the confenc and approbation of the people of thatCon- oregation, and that not for a limited time ; Yet the ex- ercife of their Office may be (o orde.red by the Elder- lliip, as that their civill imploymentsbee leafl: hinde- red thereby.

Where diere are many ruling Officers in a particular Congregation , let fome of them more efpecially attend the infpedion of one part, fomc of another, as may be moft convenient; and let them at fit times vifit the feve- rall Families for their fpirituall good.

Let there be alfo Deacons to take fpeciall care for the relief of the poor, who are likewife to be chofen by the Elderfliip, with the confent of the people of that Con- gregation 5 and the continuance of them in that Office is to be determined by the Elderfhip , with theconlcnc of the Congregationj fo as may leafi hinder their civill Employment.

Thefe Officers are to meet together at convenient and fet times for the well ordering of the affaires of that Constegation, each according to his Office.

The number of Elders and Deacons in each Con- gregation 5 is to be proportioned according to the con- dition of the Congregation.

Of

(lo;

Of (^ongregationall Elderfhips^ or

(t^JJcmblies for Cfovernin^ in

a particular Congregation.

THE Congregational! Elderniipconfiflingof the Minifter, or Minin:ers,andchc other ruling Offi- cers of that Congregation, hath power as they Ihall fee juftoccafion to enquire into the knowledge and fpiritu- all eftate of any member of the Congregation: To admonilli and rebuke j To fufpend from the Lords table; though the perfon be not yet caft out of the Church* All which is agreable to the Word of God : Although the truth of converfion and regeneration bee necefl'a- ryto every worthy communicant for his own comfort and benefit , yet thofe onely are to bee by the Elderfhip excluded, or fufpended from the Lords Table , who arc found by them to be ignorant or fcandalous.

Whercthereare more fixed Minifters then one in a Congregation, it is expedient, that they n^oderatc by courfe in that Elderfhip.

Of Clafsicall <tAJ[emblies.

WHen Congregations are divided and fixed, they need all mutuall help one from another, both in regard of their intrinficall weaknefle, and mutual depen- - dance : as alfo m regard of Enemies from without.

The Scripture doth hold forth, that many particu- lar Congregations may bee under one Presbyteriall Go- vernment.

A

(n)

A Clafficall Presbytery is an AlT^mbly inade up of Miniftcrs of the Word , and othel* ruling Officers be- longing unto (evcrall Neighbouring Gongregitiohs, and doth ordinarily confift of ^11 the Paftorls and Teachers belonging;tliore (everall Congregations fo af- ;^ciated , and of one of the other ruling Officers at the lead from every of thefc Congregacioas , to be knt by their refpedive Presbyteries.

Let them meet once every Moneth, or oftner , as oc- calion (hall requirCjin fuch place as they fliall judge mofl convenient. And before they iic about other bu- iincfle, let there be a Sermon or expolition 6i Scripture made by fome Minifter of that Clailis or E^ipedaat^ ai they ibail agree amongft themfclves.

For the more orderly managing of fu<:h affaires as ^ome before tbem 5 let tl^ere bee one Moderator chofeh bytheClaflis at every meeting out of the Minifters of the Word , who Hiali continue till the next meeting.

To the enabling them to performe any Clafficall ad^ ©f Goverraent or Ordination, there fliali bee there pr'e- fcnt ama^jor part atleaftof the Minivers of thev/hok Ciailis.

// bdongeth untoCUfsiatll Preshjterks^

To confider of , to deb?.te and to refolve according fo Gods Word iuch cafes of confcience , or other duU- culties inDo(:^rine5 as are brought unto them oat of their affociation , accordinp^as thev ffiall EndQ needfull for the good of the C huTchcs.

To examine and cenfure according to the Word any erronious Dodrines, which have been ekher pubhkcly or privatlyveated within their affociation, to the cor-

F rupting

niptjng^of the judgements of men, and to endeavour the converting and reducing of Rccufants, or any others in Errour or Schifmc.

To order all Ecclcfiafticall matters of common con- cernment within the bounds of their afTociation.

To take cognizance of caufcs omitted or neglcifted in particular Congregations, and to receive appeals from them.

To difpence cenfures in cafes wkhin their cognizance, by Admoniiion, Sufpenfion, or Excommunication.

To ad iioniflior further to cenlure fcandalous Mini- flers whaher in Life or Dodrine , according to the na- ture oF the oifence , and that not only for fuch offences, for which any other Member of the Congregation (hall incurre any ccnfure of the Church ( in which cafe he is to be cen'ured by the Claffis with the like cenfure for the likeolTcncc) but like wife particularly for Simony, en*- tering into any Minifteriall charge , without allowance of authority , falfe Dodrine, aflfeded lightnefTe and va- nity in Preaching, willfull ncgled of Preaching, or flight performance o'r it, wilfull Non-refidence from his Charge without c:ill or caufc approved by the Chlfis , negled of admtniftration of the Sacraments or other Minifterialldueties required of him inthe Diredory of Worfliip , depraving and fpeaking reproachfully againfl the whoiefame orders by authority fctled in the Churchy cafling reproich upon the power of GodlincfTe , which he by his office ought chcifly to promote. Yet Co as thatnoMinin:erbs depofed , but by the refolution of a Synode. -

To examine, ordain, and admit Miniflers for the Con- gregatioiisrefpedively therein adbciated , according to

the.

(13) the advice formerly Tent up to the honourable ^oufes of Parliament.

Of Sjnodicall Ajjemblies,

SYnodicall Adcmblies do condd; of Pafi:ors,Teachers, Church' Governours^and other fie Perions ( when it ihail be deemed expedient ) where they have a lavvfaU calling thereunto.

Thefe AfTemblieshave Eccle{iaftic3ll power and au- thority to judge and determine controverlies of Faith -and cafes of Confcience according to the Word.

They may alio lawfully excommunicate and difpence other Church cenfures. r

Synodicall Adembliesaseof feverallforts^ vil{. Pro- vincial!, Natiooall, OecumcnicalL

OfTrovinciall J/Jemblies.

LEt Provincial! AfiTemblies generally be bounded ac- cording to the civil! divifion of the Kingdome, into Counties : and where any very great Counties are divi- ded within themfelves, lettlie Provincial! AlTcmbiies follow thefe divifions , as in the Ridings of Torkflire,

Provincial! AfTerabliesconfi ft of Delegits fent from Several! Clafles within that Province 5 whofe number fnall exceed the number of any one Clatlicall Presbytery within that Province .* And to that end , there ihall bee at the lead two Minifters, and two ruling Elders out of every Ciaffis , and whereit fb ill appear necedary to en- cjeafe the number, ler it not exceed fix of each from any one Claflis.

F 2 Let

(14) ■

Let thefe AfTemblies meet twice every year: And for enabling them unto any ad of Government, let there be a major part at leaflrof the Minifters delegated from the feverall Claffes.

Of the !h(ationall J/femt^lj'.

THe Nationall AfTembly confifVs of Minifters and Ruling Elders delegated from each Provincial! Afle'mbly. The number of which delegats fhall bee- three Midifters and three Ruling Elders out of every, Province, and five Learned and Godly Perfons from each Univerfity.

Let this Afltmbly meet once every year, andoftner if there flrtllbecaule.

The firf^ time to bee appointed by the Honourable Houfes of Parliament*

Of the. Jiibordination of thefe. JJJemblies.

IT is lawfull and agreeable to the Word of Go i , that- therebeafubordinationof Congregadonall , Clafli-- call, Provinciall, and Narionalt AfTemblies for the Go-^; vcrnmcnt of the Church , that fo appeals may bee made from the inferiour to the luperiour rcfpedively.

TheProvincialland Nationall AfTemMieSjareto haver the fame power in all points of Government and cen* fures, brought before them within their feverall bounds^' refpedively , as is before exprefTed to belong to Clafli-^ call Presbyteries within their feverall aflbciat-ions.

The

(15}

The "DI^ECTO^jr for

Church cenfiires.

[Hurch ccnfurcs and DifcipHne , for judging. I and rcraoving;Of offeriGes, being of great ufc and neceility in the Church , thac the Name" of God 5 by reafon of ungodly and wicked perfons living in the Church be not blafphcmedjnor his wrath provoked againft his people •, that the Godly be not leavened with, but preferved from the contagion ,, asid ftricken with fear v and that the iinners who are to b£.c€nfured, nvay beafhareed , to the deftrudion of the flefh, and (avingof the Spirit m the day of the Ldrd Je- fus 5 Weiudgc this courfe of proceeding therein to be requisite ►

The order of proceeding mth ofen^ ders who he fore excommunication manifejl Repentance.

W Hen the offence is private, the order of admbiii^ tionprefcribedi by our Lord , cMaf, 1 8 v 1 5 . is in- aU wifdome and -love to bee obfervfed , that the offender may either be recovered by Repentance ; Or, if he adde obftinacie or contempt to hisfsiult, he may be cut ofj by Excommunication.

Ifthcfinnebee publifcely fcand&lous,' and the (inner being examined , bee judged to have the fignes of un-

V 3,, feigned

leigned Repentance , and nothing joflly ol>ie*5leJ aaainft itj when made known to the people , let him be admit- ted to pubHkeconfefllonof hi*; (inne , and maniteftution gI his Repentance betorethe Congregation.

When the penitent is brought before the Congregati- on , the Minifter is to declare his ftnne, whereby hee hath provoked Gods wrath and otfended his People, hisconfclTionot it^and profefllonof unfeigned Repen- tance for it J and of his refolution ( through the fbcngth of Chrift) to finne no more, and his defire of their Prayers for mercy , and grace to bee kept from falling againe into that or any tne like finne : Of all which the penitent alfo is to make a full and free expreffion, accor- ding to his ability.

Which being done, the Minifter, after prayer to God for the penitent , is to admoniih him to walk circum- fpedly, and the people to make a right ufe of his fall, and rifing again •, And fo, to declare that the Congre- gation refteth fatisfied.

T^he order of proceeding to Ex^ communication.

Excommunication being a {Glutting out of a Perfon from the Communion of the Church ( and there- iore thegreateft and laft cenfureof the Church ) ouehc not to be inflided without great and mature deliberati- on , nor till all other good meancs have been afTayed.

Such errors as fubvertthe Faith , or any other errors which overthrow the power of Gocjlinefle, if the par- ty who holds tiiem , fpread them , fecking to draw

others

Others after hlm^ and fuch. (lanes in pra(flire , as caufe theNameand Truethof God to bee blafphcmed, and cannot (tand with the power of Godiinefie •, and fuch pndifesasintheir own nacure rnanifeftly fubvert that Order, Unity, and Peace, which ChriO: hath eftablifhed in his Church-, Tho'c being publikely known, to the juft fcandall of the Church, the kntmcQ of Excon:irau- nication Uiall proceed according to the Dire(5tQry.

But che Perlons who hold other errours in judgement about points wherein Learned and Godly men poilibly may, or dodifiRjr, and which fubvert not the Faich, nor are deftiudive to GodlinefTci Or that bee guilty of fuch finnesof infirmity, as are commonly found in the Chil- dren of God j Or.being otherwife found in the Faith and holy in Life ( and (o not falling under cenfure by the former Rules ) endeavour to keep the Unity of the Spi- rit in the bond of Peace, and do yet out of Confcience not come up to theobfervation of all thofe Rules, which are or (liall be eflibliilied by Authority for regulating the outward Worfliip of God , and Government of his Church 5 wee doe not dccerne to be fuch againft whom the fmtmcQ of Excommunication for thefe caulcs fliould be denounced.

When the finne becomes publike and juftly fcand^L- lous, the offender is to bee dealt with by the Elderfhlp, to-bring him to Repentance, and to fucba maniteftation thereof , as that his Repentance may bee publike as the fcandall ; But K he rem^ine obftinate , he is at laff to be Excommunicated , and in the meane time to bee fufpen- dcd from the Lords Supper.

And whereas there bee divers and various judgements touching the power of Excommunication and the pro- per:

ri8)

per fubjeiS thereof, we conceive that for clearing of dif- ficulties, avoiding of offences, prefervation ot Peace and (uch like, thcfe folio win gDire(5tions ar« fictobce obferved.

In the great and difficult cafes of Exconiniunication, whether concerning Dodtrincorconverfation,the ClaU licall Presbytery upon the knowledge thereof, may ex- amine the perfon , confider the nature of the offence, with the aggravations thereof : and as they fhall fee juft caufe 5 may declare and decerns that he is to be e»com'- municated, which (hall be done by the Eldcrfliip of that Congregation whereof hee is a member , with the confent of the Congregation, in this or the like manner.

As there ihall bee caufe , feverall publick admoniti- ons (hall bee given to the offender ( it bee appear ) and prayers made for him.

When the offence is fo hainous that it cryes to Hea- ven for vengeance, wafteth the confcience, and is gene^ rally fcandalous, the ccnfures of the Church may pro- ceed with more expedition*

In the admonitons , let the hd: bee charged upon the offender, with thecleare evidence of his guiltthercof^ Then, let the nature of hisfinne, the particular aggrava- tions of it , the punifliments and curfes threatned againft it, the danger of impenitcncy , efpecially after fuch meanes ufed, the wofuU condition of them caft out from the favour of God and communion of the Saints , the great mercy of God in Chrift to the penitent, how ready and willing Chrift is to forgive, and the Church to accept him upon his ferious repentance ♦, Let thefe, or the like particulars be urged upon him , out of feme fu- table places of the holy Scriptures.

The

Speak this in

third Per- son, if ch* pirty bee

(19)

The fame particulars may be mentioned In Prayer, wherein the Lord is to be increaced cobleffe this admo- nition to him , and to ^ffedl his heart with the conOde- yation of theie things , thereby to bring him unto true Repentance.

If upon the lad admonition and Prayer there be no evidence nor iigne of his P^epeniance, les the drea/rj^nli fcntence oi Excommuriication be pronounced , wkh calhng upon the name of God, in thefe or the like ex- preilions.

Whereas thou N. hafl been by jujfi- ,n cient proof econv'iBed ofQhere mention the fonri/^he dtnj and^after aue admonition and pray ^^^^^^n. erremainejl objlinate ^ vp'tthout any evi^ . denceorjtgne oftrue%efentance'^here-' fore ;, in the ^S(ame of the Lord lefus Chrift^ and before this Congregation^ I ■pronounce and declare thee N* Excom^ mmiicatedy and /hut out from communion of the Faithfiili. - f

Let the prayer accompanying Sentence be to this efi^ed,

^ Tht Gsd\vhd hAth Affomted this frmUc SiMe^^efor removing 6^tnc&$ , mm reducing of objlinate pnners,

G would

v^mld hipnfefH rvhh (hrs hh Brdiifance t6 m^ke ft effeCfu-

all to all tlTt(e holy ends , fot which h^ hath afpomedifi

ihdt this retamng ofthS dffe/klers ftme , and jjmthg

him out of the Churchy may fill hint rvithfeare and (lume^

hreakc his objlinate heart , and be a meanes to dcfiroj the

fiejh\ and to recover him from the power of the dive U^t hat

iifSpir/t way yet hefaved-^ that othnsalfo ryiay hcflrick^tf

mth feare , and not dare tofinnc jo ^rejumpuGfifly , and

that all fich corrupt leavers befyig pureed out of thg>

church (rvhich is the houfe of Cod )J'ejiis Chrtft^ may ds4

light to dwell tn t he midj} of them .

Afrer the denimriation of this Sentence the people

are t;0 be warned , that they hold him to be caO: out of

the com;nunion of the Church,ahd to (liim all commti-

nionwtth him. Nevertheleile, Excomunication di^oXi

veth net the bonds of civil or naturall relations , nor

exempt from the duties belonging to tliem,

• This Sentence is likcvvife to be made kn6vvne , Not

only tdthat , but to any other Claflis or Congregation,

as occafion (liall require, by reafon of his abode or con-

verfing With them.

^h^ order of proceeding ta Mjohttion.

IF after excommunicjition, the figiies of Repentance ap- pear in the Excommunicated Pcrfort , fuch as gcdly {orrow for fin, as having thereby incurred Gods heavy difpleafui-e^occafioncdgriefe to his brethren j^nd juftly provoked them to cafl him out of theii communion-, to- gether with a full purpofe of heart to turne from his fin unto God, and to feforme what hath been amifle in him •, With aft humble defi're of recovering his peace

with

with God and his People, asad eo be refior^d to the liglit of Gods coimtenance,&thecommimionofth'e Church; H^lsitpis^ bK>iiigli^ bo^m^ tl]ie C^ngr^ga^i^n, and there alfo EO make free confelTion of his finne with forrow k)X kj to call upon Gad formercy in ChriH , to leek to be redored tothccommuulonof the Chuich^ proQii- fing to God new ol:>€dkinQe.'and tojtb^iiamiore holy aad circiiffifped ^va.!king as beLCOUieth the Qofp^l; He is xp be proaounced in t|ie uame of Cbiiri abfolved and free ffoauhecenfures dfthe.CliUtch , and deckixed to have right toall tl>e ordinances of Ch|i!l:, 5 with praiiiiig of jGodforhis Graces and Prayer chat he fnay be fully ac- cepted to his favour and he:ire joy an,d gl]idr.es ., to this

To Fraijt Cod rvho dcU^ntW liofiniht dvath tf a fnmtr^ lut that hee, majrcfrnp i-wdiiine^ for bk(fing the wdinAnccof ^xcommunicntion :, and makingit ejfecimll b'^ his Sprttto the recovering of this offender , To magmjit the 7nercj of ^otdthr^^gh fefys Ckriji' ifff%f4o^ing kp^ reeeifui^ to Jjt^ favour, th{ mofi gricveus offenders, tvh-enfoever the^ unfair ^ediyrcfent and forfdke their jimes.

To ;^ay far Affn ancx .of mer-cj md (.orglven-effe to ihis Penitent , and fotohlrje htsOrdindncc of Ahfohtion^ that he ma] pide hrcffslf loofe-4-thefd>iy^ndt-l9Mihc Lrn'Mivsidd hencfforth fo f^ka/d ,^ipi jh-engthcj^ hsmb^ his Sfi/Jt.^ ,^hat hing fomdinth .F-aitb , and kd^ it^ 4JI ir.Anncr of Con- %,>£rfMioM 9 Gsd-^mj I'-e^fi^nptfied ^ th^ Chmyh .ed;fi^4fi0PA ^jmfelf [Ape^d-i^shda'pof th^horif^efm, ^\ff}ff'ff

0 % T[

len

Xlien fliafl follow the fentence of Ab^^ folution^ in tliefe or the like words, h

fVhereas thou N. haft for thy Jinne, been JJout out from the Communion, of the F ait h full y and haft now manifefted thy ^K^pentance y ivherein the Church refleth fattsfedjn the 5\(ame offefm Chnfty be-^^ fore thts Con^^regation , I prononuce. and declare thee abjohed. from the fentencd of Excommunication formerly denounced again ft thee , And do receit'e thee to the Communion of the (^hurch ^ and the free nje of all the Ordinances of Chrift , that thou may eft be partal^eroj allhk benefts to thy eternallfahation. .

Afcwthls Sentence of Abrolutionjthe Minider fpea* j keth to him as to a Brother , exhorting him to vvatcH ' and pray, or comforting him if there be need-, the elders i embrace him , and the whole Congregation holdcth i communion with him as one of their own.

Although it be the duety of Paftors and other ruling ofiicers to ufe all diligence and vigiUncy both by Doc-

trine

in)

trine and Dlfcipline refpedively for the preventing and purging out fuch Errors, Herefies , Schilmes , and Ican- dals , as tend to the detriment and difturbance of the Church: Yet becaufe it may fall out through the pride and ftubbornneffe of offenders , that thefe meanes alone will not be efFe«5tuall to that purpofe •, It is therefore ne- cefTary, after all this , to implore the aide of the Civil Magiftrate,who ought to ufe his coercive power for the {uppreifing of all fuch offences , and vindicating the .difcipUneofthe Church from contempt.

Of Ord'tnation ofMinijlers,

Ecaufe no man ought to take upon him the office of

la Minifler of the Word v/ithout a lawfull Call,

therefore , Ordination which is the (olemne letting apart of a perfon, unto fomepublick Church office, is "ulwaies to be continued in the Church.

When he who is tobc ord;iinedMinifl:er,hathbeen firft 'duely examined touchinghrs fitnes,both forlife andMt- nifteriall abilities , according to the rules ofthe Apoff le, by thofe whoarc to ordaine him , and hath been by them approved , Hec is then to bee ordained by impofi- tion of hands and prayer with faffing. Butifariy perion be found unfit he is not to be ordanied.

Tt is agreeable to the word and very expedient, that fuch as are to bee ord-ained Miniflers be defigned to iome particular Church50r other Minifteriall charge.

Ordination isthe acft of a Presbyterie unto which the power of ordering the whole worke belongs r, yet fo as thatthe preachingPresbyters orderly aflbciated either in Cities.jOrin neighbouring villagesjare thofe to whomthe

G 3 impofition

(h)

impofitlon of hands doth appertrm , for fhofe Congre- gations within their bounds refpedively. And there- fore it is very requifice that no fingle Congregitio^ innhicii C3.n conveniently afTociate, doe aJTumc to it felfc., all and (ole power in Ordination.

No Pcrion or Perfons may or ought to nominare, appoint, or ctioofe any man to be^a Minitler for a Con- gregation, wh'O'is not fit and able for tluc worke : And if any unfit man be nominated to the Ckflicall Pref- i byterie, they are to refufe to admit him.

When any Minifter is to be ordained far a par:i:u\ar Congregation , or tranflated from one place to another, the people of that Con^^regationto which heeis t-o hoc ordiined oradmitted^fliill have notice of it jand if they fliew juft caufe of exception againft him , hee is not to be ordained or admitted. And in the meane time till one be admitted 5 the Presbyttrie (hill provide forihe fupplyofthe Congregation.

The Congregation , if they conceive themftlye,s wronged by any ad of the Presbyterie, fliall have liber- :tie to appeal to the next Sy node 5 which upon hearing ,of tlie matter fiiall judge as the caufe flull require. ,

7he T)ireB'Ory for Ordination

of Adirii/iers.

IT betr^g manifeft by the word of God that no man ought to take upon him the office of a Minifter oithe Gofpel untlll he be lawfully calkd and ordained there- Uf^to, and that the work of Ordination is to be perfdr^ j;!ii6d- with. all due cjtce, wifdome, gravity ^and Cq lemmry ^

wee

(25)

wee humbly rGfiderihefe Dircdions as requiilte to be obrefvcd.

He cku is to be ordsiined , being either nominated by i. the people, or other wt(e cam mended to the Presbytery for any place , nnuft addre0'e himfeU to the Presbyterie, and bring with him ateilimoniall of his taking the Co- venmi oT the three Kingdomes , ot his diligeiice and proficiency in his Studies , what degrees bee hath taken intheUniverfity , and what hath been the time of his abode there , and withall of his age, which is to be four andtwemieyeares , butefpecialiy of his life and ccn- verfation.

Which being considered by the Presbyterie, they 2. ar&to proceed to enquire touching the Grace of God in him , and whether he be of fuch hoHnefle of life as is re - quifice in a Minifter ot the Gofpd : And to examine him touching his learning and fuificiency : and couching the evidences of his calling to the holy Miniftery, and in particular his fair and dmd: calling to that place.

The Rules for examination are thefe.

1. That the fart^ be dealt with in a Brotherlj rvay , >vlth raildncffs of [fir it , and with [peciall rej feet to the gravis tic , modefiy^ and quality of every one,

2 . Hefhall be examined touching his skill in the Ori^rinall tongues y and the try all to be made bj reading the Hebrew and GtCQkTeJlaments ^ and rendring fome portion of them into Latine*, And if he he defective in them^ enquiry f])all bee made the more flrictly after his other learning , And whether he hath skill in Logick and Phylolophie.

3 . what Authors in Div inity he hath read^and is heji ac- quainted with '^ Andtrjallflullbemadeof his knowledge m

the

the chief grounds of Religion^ and of his abilit'j to defend the Orthodox Doctrine contained in them ^Againfl allunfoHnd and erromoiis opinions , efpeciallj tho[e of the prefent age: of his skill in the fenfe and meaning of [iich places of Scripture^ a^s fihill be propoft'dto him^ in cafes of Confcience^inthe Chro^ nologieof Scripture, and the Ecclefiajlicall lliftory.

4. If he hdth not preached in puhlick , ^vith approha- tion of flic h a^s nre able to judge , he jhall at a competent time ajsigncd him^ expound before the Presbyterj juch a place of Script we as {hall be given him, .^

5 . He pjail aljo rvii hin a competent time ^ frame a difconrft in Laliiit uponfnch a Common place or Contr over fie in Dtvt- mty as fbalibe ajsigned him , and exhibit e to the Presbyter ie fuch Thcfes as expre(Je the fumme thereof^ and maintaine 4P Difpute upon them.

6. He fl)all Preach before the People y the Presbyterie or feme of the Miniflers of the- Word appointed by them , ^?-» ing prefent. ' ^

7. The proportion of his gifts in relation to the place unti which he is called, flhxllbe confideved.

8. Befide the trtall of his gifts in Preaching y hcfballtm- dergoe an examination in the premiffes two fever all dayes or more^ if the Presbyterie (lull judge it neceffary,

9. t^ fid as for him that hath beene formerly ordained 4 Minifler^ and is to bee removed to another charge , hee fJjall bring a Teflimoniall of his Ordination , and ef his abtli- ties and Converfation , whereupon his fitneffe for that place jhall bee fryed by his Preaching there ^ and (if it[i)alibee judged necejjary ) by a further examination of him.

In all which he being approved , he is to bee Tent to the Church where he is to Icrve , there to Preach three

feveraii

/ /

feverall (iayes , and to converfc wkh the people, ihat they may have tryall of his gifts for their edification^ and-may have time and occafion ^o inquire into, and the better to knovv his hfe and converfation.

In the lad of thefe three dayes appointed for the tryall 4* of his gifts in Preaching, there fnall bee fent from the Presbytery to the Congregation a publike intimati- on in writing , which (liali be publikely read before the people and after affixed to the Church door, To fignific that fuch a day a compecent number or the Members of . that Congregation nominated by thtmfelves, fhall ap- pear before the Presbytery , to give their confent and approbation to fuch a Man to bee their Minifter : Or otherwifeco put in with all Chriflian difcretion and mecknefle, what exceptions they hav^e againfl him. And if upon the day appointed , there be no juft excep- tion againft him, but the people give their confentjthen the Presbytery ill Ul proceed to Ordination.

Upon the day appointed for Or&^ination, which is to 5*

■ be performed in thit Church where hethat isto be or- dained , is to ferve , A fule nne fad (liall be kept by the Congregation ^ that they may the more earn&illy joyne in prayer tor a blefingupon the ordin.ince ot ChriO:, and the labours of his Servant for their good. The Presbytery Hull come to the place, or at lead three or four Minifters of the Word fliiii bee (eat thither from " the Presbytery , of which one appointed by -the Prcf-

l bytery, fliall Pi each to the people concerning tl e office and duety of the Miniilers of Chrifc, and. how the

, people ought to receive tliem for their works rake.

I After the Sermv^Mi, the Miniiler who hath Preached, ^•

_^' ill all lathe nee of the CongiegA'ion demand of him

Hi who

( 25; who IS now to be ordained concerning his faith inChrifl Jei'us, and his perl ivafion of the Truth ot the Refor- med Religion according to the Scripture •, his fincerc intentions and ends in dcliring to enter int'b this Callings his diligence in Prayer , Reading, Meditation, Preach- ing 5 Mijiiflcring the Sacraments, DifciplinCjand d^O' ing all other Minifteriall duties tow^id his charge 5 bis zeal and faichtulnelTe in maintaining the Truth ot the Gofpel and Unity of the Church againd Errour and Schifrfle-, his care that him felf and his Family may be unblameable and examples to the flock • his wiliing- nslT'e and humility in meeknelle of Spirit to fubiriii: un- to the admonitions of his Brethren and DKcipline of the Church , and his refolution to continue in his dutie againft all troubles and perfecution.

In all which having declared himfelf, profeiTed his

'* willingnefTe , and proraifed his endeavours by the help

of God , The Minifter likewife fhall demand of the

people concerning their willingnefle to receive and ac-

. knowledge him as the Minifter of Chrift , and to obey

■ and (ubmit unto him , as having rule over them In the

. Xord, aadto maintalne, encourage, and affift him in all

the parts of his office.

g Which being mutually promifed by the people , tb«

Presbytery, or the Minifters fent from them for OivH

nation, fliall folemr.ly iet him apart to the Office and

Work of theMiniPjry, by laying their hands on hitii;

which is to be accompanied vvicha (liort PrayerjOr Bkf-

fing to this effeifi.

Tl:

oanl's^

{19)

ThanJ{ftilly a€knor>pledging the great mercy of (jod^ in jendingfefus Chrijl for the Redemption of hu "People^ and for . his ajcenfon to the right hand of the Father y and thence pouring out his Spi- rit^ and giving gifts to Men ^ Apofiles^ Eyangelifts ^ Trophets , Tafiors , and ^eachtrs ^ for the gathering and building UP of his Church , and for fitting and in-- clinmg this man to this great Wor)^ • 7 a entreat him to fill him with his holy Spirit ^ iogiye him ( i^hom in his S\(ame i^e thus fet apart to this holy Service } to fulfill the fVor/^of his tS\^linifirj in all things ^ that hee maj both faye himfelf and the Teople committed to his charge.

This, or the like forme of Prayer or BleiTing being ended ,kE che Minifter who Preached,briefly exhort him to coniiJ.er the greatneile of his Office and Work^the danger of negligence both to himfelf and his people, the BleiTing which will accornpafiy his faithfalnede ia this life and that to come; And withall" exhort the People to carry thcmklvcs to him as to their MiniHier in

H 2 the

(50) tlie Lord , according to their folemne promifc made before. And lb by prayer both con:imenc;ing Him and his Flock to the grace of God , After the finging of a Pfahne , let the AlTerably bee difmilTed with a Blelnng.

10. If aMiJiiflerbe defigned to a Congregation , who hath been formerly ordiined Presbyter according to the iorm&.0'f Ordination which h ith been in the Church of England , which we hold for fubftance to be vaHde, and nottobedird-iimcdby any who have received it- Then there being a cautious proceeding in matter of examination, let him bee admitted without any new Ordination.

iLi. And in cafe any Perfon already ordained Minifler in ScAtUnd^ orin any other Reformed Church,be deligned to a Congregation in England , he is to bring from that Church to the Presbytery here, within which that Congregation is, a fufficient Teftimoniall of his Ordi- nation 5 of his life and converfaiion while hee lived with them, and of the caufes of his rcmovcall , And to undergo fuch a tryall of his fitneffe and fufficiency 5 And to have the fame courfe held with him in other par- ticulars , as is fet down in the rule immediatly going be- fore touching examination and admiffion.

X2. That Records be carefully kept in the fcverall Pref- byteries of the Names of the Perfons ordained Vv'ith^ their Teftimonials , the time and place of their Ordi- nation , of the Presbyters who did impofe hands upon them, and of the charge to which they are appointed.

1 3. That no Money or gift of what kinde foever fliall be received from the Perfon to bee ordained , or from any on his behalf for Ordination , or ought elfe belonging

to

toir 5 by any of the Presbyterie, or atiy appertaining t^ any of them, upon what pretence foever.

Thu-s far the ordinary -rules arJ courfe of Ordij^a- tio'/9 in the ordi'.iarj xvap T^at which concerns the extraordmir'j w.ty ^ requijiteio be ??&w praa^f^^ jftlloweth. In thefe prefent exigences, while we cannot have any Presbyteries formed up to their whole power and work, and that many Minifters are to be ordained for the Se r- \ict of the Armies and Navie.and to many Congregati- ons \vhcre there is no Miriiflv-^rav all,and where(by reafon of the publike troubles ) the people cannot either them - felves enquire out and ^ndt one, who may be a hiihfiill Minifter for them, or have any with fafety Tent unto them for fuch a folemn tryall as was before mentioned in the ordinary ruleSjCfpeciaUy when there can bee no , Presbytery neer unto them, to whom they may ad- dreflfe them felves , or which may comc or fend to them a fit man to be ordained in that Congregation, and for y;hat People. And yet notwithffanding it is requifitc that Minifters be ordained for them, by feme who be- ing fee-apart themfelves for the Work of the Miniftry, have powerio joyne in the fetting apart of others who are found fie and worthy •• In thefe cafes y untill by Gods bleifing the afore kid diffictrlties may bee in fomc good meafure removed , let fome godly Minifl:ers in or about the City of London^ be defigned by publike authority; v/ho being aflociated may ordaine Miniffers for the City , and the Vicinity , keeping as neer to the ordinary rules forementioned as pofTibly they may. And let this affocia-Jon be for no other intent or pur- pofe, but onely for the work of Ordination.

H 3 Let

a. Let the like\'ifroclation be made by the fame iiitho- nty in gveac Towns and the hJeighbouring Parifhcs irt'^ the iev-rall C.oundes,vvhich are at the prelent quiet and' uri<jiGurbed, codoche like for the pivts adjacentr

Lee fuch as are chofen or appointed for the fervice of the Armies or Navie bee ordained as abovefaid by the adbciated Minifters o^ London ^ot fome others in the Countries..

Let them do the like when any man fl^all duely and , lawfully be recommended to them for the Miniftery o^ any Congregation, who cannot enjoy liberty to have a tryall of his parts and abilities , and dcfire the help of , (uch Minifters fo adbciated for the better furnidiing of them with a Perfon, as by them (hall bee judged fit for the fervice of that Church and People.

Or;?^//^/ B^r^w Prolocutor, pro tempore. Henrj Roborough^ Scrib. Adomra'?7 B^jidd Scnh*

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