Page 45
The second point of difference: in the Letter.
2. WE had learned, that every true Church of Christ, hath this power to cast out obstinate synners from amongst them, & this not onely when it hath officers, but also when it want∣eth them: but now we were taught, that a people without officers have not power to cast out obstinate synners. Which doctrine amongst other evils, overthroweth the constitution of the Church that so taught; for it was gathered and constituted by Christians without officers, re∣ceiving in the repentant, and casting out the disobedient, wheras by this opinion, they had power from Christ to doe neyther; for they that cannot cast out, cannot receiv in, one power is for both.
With this they joyn out of the printed copy.
6. The 33. article [in our Confession] which our Apologie also con∣firmeth, pag. 45. professeth that people being come forth of the Antichri∣stian estate &c. are willingly to joyn togither in Christian communion and orderly covenant, and to unite themselves into peculiar and visible congregations &c. These have pleaded, that al are bound to communi∣on by vertue of their baptisme received in the Church of Rome, or other Antichristian assemblies.
These things are confirmed by Mat. 18.17.—20. with 28.20. 1. Cor. 5.4.5. and 12.27. & 1.2. Rom. 12.5. Heb. 12.22.28. Mat. 5.14. Phil. 1.1.5- Act. 2.41.42.47. & 17.4. The latter is also confirmed with sundry scriptures and reasons expressed in our foresayd Apologie.
Against this their former profession, these men now thus write.
1. Where find we in the scriptures, that God hath thus layd upon the people without officers to excōmunicate? where is the precept for it? which be the ex∣amples of it? or what are the grounds requiring & bearing it out?
I answer, 1. First as their manner is, they would put others to prove, that which by others and themselves hath been proved and approved; and is not as yet by them or any taken away. It is easy for any to dispute and trouble men after this manner. 2. Secondly in that place of their Treatise on Mat. 18. they quote Mat. 2••.20. as alleged for a ground: yet they give not any answer to that scripture, but stil call upon us to answer their questions, & write more. Wheras Christ there encōmendeth to his disciples of all nations to the worlds end the observing of all things whatsoever he cōmanded th'Apostles. And excommunication was one of those