A vindication of the essence and unity of the church catholike visible, and the priority thereof in regard of particular churches in answer to the objections made against it, both by Mr. John Ellis, Junior, and by that reverend and worthy divine, Mr. Hooker, in his Survey of church discipline / by Samuel Hudson ...

Concerning private members.

1. Particular converts are first converted into the Church-Ca∣tholike Entitive, and secondarily conjoyned into particular con∣sociations, for the more oppurtune enjoyment of Ordinances a∣ctually and constantly.

2. Every member of a particular Congregation is a member of the Church-Catholike Entitive, and that relation doth pri∣marily belong unto him.

3. External profession of the true faith, and subjection to Gods Ordinances, is enough to make a man capable of be∣ing a member of the Church-Catholike visible, and so also of

a particular Congregation, quoad externam formam.

4. By Baptism members are visibly and ministerially admitted into the Church-Catholike visible.

5. By excommunication rightly administred an offender is cast out of the Church-Catholike visible, as much as out of a particu∣lar Congregation.

6. Federal holinesse belongs to none primarily, because born of members of a particular Congregation, but of the Church-Catholike.

7. They that are only in the Church-Catholike visible, are not without in the Apostles sense.

8. Children of beleeving parents have right to Baptism, though their parents were not members of any particular Con∣gregation, and are debarred from their due, if denyed it.

9. Every visible beleever is or ought to be a member of the par∣ticular Church, wherein and among whom he dwelleth.

10. The being in the general Covenant gives right to the Or∣dinances, and not any particular Covenant, neither do we finde any mention in Scripture of any particular Covenant either urged or used at admission of members into a particular Congregation, or at the constitution thereof.

11. The invisible members of the Church which have internal communion with Christ, are also visible members, and have ex∣ternal communion in external Ordinances.

12. The departure of a member from a particular Congrega∣tion, and removal to another for convenience, or by necessity, is no sin, but departing from the Church-Catholike, and ceasing to be a member thereof, is a sin.

* 1.1I know it is not usual to make uses and applications to Theses of this nature, and should I enter thereinto, I might drown my self in sorrow, to bewail the rents, not in Christs seamlesse coat, but in his body the Church, which Christ preferred in some regards before his natural body, for he assumed his natural body for their sakes, and was willing to be crucified for their sakes.

The divisions of the Church are of three sorts, in judgement, in affection, and in way or practice.

For judgement, First come the Romists, and they rend away the second commandment: then come the Antisabbatarians, and they rend away the fourth, though placed in the heart of the Decalogue, and so extraordinarily fenced by God, and a memento set before it, and so many arguments after it: then come the Antinomians, and they pluck away the whole Law from us, denying it both punitive, coactive, and directive power, and so render it wholly dead and uselesse to Christians: then come the Socinians, and they quench the Deity of Christ, and the holy Ghost, and deny our redemption by the bloud of Christ, and so consequently would deprive us of the benefit of the New Testament: then come the Anabaptists, and they deny, and de∣ride our Baptism, and render us and our children no better then heathens: then come the Separatists, and they would pluck up our Church by the roots, and call us Rome, Aegypt, Sodom, Ba∣bylon, and so consequently call their mother whore, for if they have had any conversion, they had it in the bosome of our Church. Of whom that is too true which the Psalmist saith, Psa. 50.20. Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother, and hast slan∣dered thine own mothers son. Then come the Antiscripturists and they cashier both Old and New Testament. And then come the Ante-Trinitarians, and they blaspheme rhe whole Trinity: And then come the Familists, and they leave the sure rule of the word, and trust to Satanical delusions and revelations.

Yea, there be others of our honoured and beloved brethren, whom I forbear to name among the former, who, though they acknowledge us true Churches, yet deny us to be one Church, and would have us rent into a thousand pieces and parcels, and these to stand as so many entire, compleat bodies, without any coordination, as so meny Spouses of Christ, as so many Queens appointing their own orders and Officers, with liberty to censure both Officers and members within themselves, by the votes of the whole body; and not to be except arbitrarily. Not endeavouring with us to reform our Churches, but to gather Churches out of our Churches, by gathering our best members out of our Churches, and uniting them into several bodies by a particular Covenant, though distant far in habitation. But if the

cream of our Congregations be fleeted off, our wheat trans∣planted by it self into other mens folds, who sowed it not, our fattest sheep gathered into mens folds, it will be very sad for Gods Ministers to have none but the tares, and goats, and lees, and dregs of men left them to look after.

Others would wrest the keys of the Church out of the hands of the Church-Officers, and hang them at the girdle of the civil Magistrate; but seeing God made civil and Ecclesiastical Offi∣cers differing in kinde, the one entrusted with a civil Magistracy, the other with an Ecclesiastical Ministry, as it is an usurpation for the Church-Officers, as such, to claim the power of the Magistrate, so I fear it will prove but sacriledge for the civil Magistrate, as such, to claim the power of the Ministry. If 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 was so great a fault, I fear 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 will be as great.

Others there are who plead for liberty of judgement, conscience and practice, that every one may hold, and hold forth what opi∣nions he please, and be of what religion and sect he pleaserh, be∣cause judgement and conscience cannot be forced, but must be left to God only, as they say: and thereby they would make England another Amsterdam of all sects and religions: and some flown so high already as to name that City for an example and pattern of the model they would have in England: but I must clear our brethren in New-England from this, and commend them for banishing the Familists, &c. from amongst them, who would otherwise have utterly overthrown the peace and truth in their Churches.

Yea, generally men cover new opinions, and account it their glory to differ from others in judgement, and he is no body that hath none but old truths; and so men under the colour of new light and new truths, rake up a multitude of old errors.

Secondly, Our divisions are in heart and affections: for dif∣ference in judgement causeth alienation of affections, and great thoughts of heart: so that if there prove once a clashing and cros∣sing in opinions, though they were never so neer allied, or well acquainted and familiar, yet then they grow strange, and fall out, and oppose, and censure each other deeply: then they are super∣stitious, or Antichristian, or enemies to Christs kingly office, and hence come so many invectives in Pulpit and Presse.

Thirdly, Our divisions and differences are in way: for as mens judgements differ, so do their waies. Some are for one way of worship, some for another; some for one way of discipline, some another; some for one way of constituting Churches, some another; some are for gathering of new Churches out of old, and yet let the o••d ones stand as mock-Churches, when they have gleaned all that are good out of them: they would take all the golden and silver vessels, vessels of honour, and leave none but of wood and stone, vessels of dishonour; And some are for separation wholly, and so turn all the rest over to An∣techrist: yea, some so violent, as that they would pluck down our very meeting-houses (tropically called Churches) which they deride by the name of Steeple-houses. And all are in waies of con∣tention, so that we are like Sampsons foxes tyed together by the tayls with firebrands between them, to burn up the standing corn.

I shall conclude with an earnest desire of, and exhortation to unity and peace. The unity of the Church should be a strong motive to unity in judgement, heart, and way. It is that the A∣postle presseth, Eph. 4.3, 4. Endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace: for there is one body, and one spirit, &c. This spiritual unity is that which Christ so earnestly and often prayed for in that short praier, Joh. 17.21, 23. That they may be one as we are one, that they all may be one, that they also may be one in us, that they may be made perfect in one. And this was Pauls prayer, Rom 15.5, 6. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like minded one towards another, according to Christ Jesus, that ye may with one minde and one mouth glorifie God, &c. And this was Pauls earnest request, 1 Cor. 1.10. Now I beseech you brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you: but that you be perfectly joyned together in the same minde, and the same judgement. And again 2 Cor. 13.11. It is one of the last things he concludes his Epistle with, Finally brethren, farewel, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one minde, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you. And Phil. 1.27. He presseth it as the only thing he desired of them, Only let your conversation be as becometh the Gospel of Christ, that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in

one spirit with one minde, striving together for the faith of the Gospel. Certainly unity of judgement is of more importance then we are aware of, else the Apostle would not presse it with such solemn adjurations and entreaties, so often as he doth. Yea, when there were but two men that differed in opinion (as it is conceived) the Apostle thought it beseeming Apostolical gra∣vity, and the holy Ghost judged it meet for a piece of canoni∣cal Scripture to take notice of it, and compose it. Phil. 4.2. I be∣seech Evodias, and beseech Syntiche that they be of the same minde in the Lord, Though it might seem but womens brabbles, yet we know how great a matter a little fire kindleth, a little strife and er∣rour will encrease to more ungodlinesse.

Consider we, that there is but one truth, and that is of God, and God is truth, and error is of the devil.

Consider, that the understanding is the highest and foremost faculty of the soul, it is as the forehorse in the teem, the lead∣ing faculty; and as that is enformed, so the will and consci∣ence, and affections must needs work, and follow that, and if that be led into errour, it must necessarily misleade the whole man.

Consider, that a chief part of the image of God in man consist∣eth in knowledge, and so is upon the understanding, which by errour is defaced.

Remember, the solemn caveats given by the Apostle, Rom. 16.17. I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them. For they that are such serve not the Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by good words, and blessed or fair speeches de∣ceive the hearts of the simple. And Eph. 4.14. That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every winde of doctrine, by the slieght of men, and cunning craftinesse (or after the methods of errour) whereby they lie in wait to deceive. Christ himself tels us, that false Prophets shall come that shall de∣ceive (if it were possible) the very elect. Behold, I have told you before, Mat. 20.30, 31. And Paul tels us, Of your selves shall men arise speaking perverse things, to draw disciples after them, There∣fore watch, Act. 20.30, 31. Therefore hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, saith Paul, 2 Tim. 1.13. They

that coin new words, and new strange expressions to amaze the people, it is a sign, as Calvin tels us, that they have some new o∣pinion upon the Anvil.

O let us labour to be of one heart, seeing we are all but one body, and have but one head, and one spirit, and because we are all brethren, children of the same heavenly Father. This is that which God hath promised his people, Ezek. 11.19. I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. And we finde Christ inculcating this exhortation, Joh. 13.34. A new Commandement I give unto you, that ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye love one another, Joh. 13.34, 35. Again, This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you, Joh. 15.12. and vers. 17. These things I command you that you love one another. And this I finde practised, Act. 4.31. And the multitude of them that beleeved were of one heart and one soul. And this Paul exhorteth to, Rom. 12.10. Be kindely affe∣ctioned one to another with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another. And we finde the unity both of judgement and heart exhorted unto, 1 Pet. 3.8. Finally, be ye all of one minde, ha∣ving compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be cour∣teous.

Division is the devils musick, but that which makes the devil laugh, should make us cry. O what a solemn obsecra∣tion is that of Paul, Phil. 2.1, 2. If there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spi∣rit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye may be like minded, having the same love, bring of one accord, of one minde.

O that we might labour to be of one way also. This is that which God promised his people, Jer. 32.39. I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them. And Zep. 3.9. Then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord with one consent, or one shoulder. And this was the blessing that God gave He∣zekiah in his people, 2 Chron. 30.12. Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to doe the commandment

of the King, and of the Princes by the word of the Lord.

Certainly there is but one rule for doctrine, worship, dis∣cipline. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and on all the Israel of God, Gal. 6.16. And this is the Apostles exhortation, Roman. 15.6. That ye may with one minde and one mouth glorifie God, Yea, though we be not of the same judgement in every thing, yet as it is Philip. 3.16. Whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us minde the same things.

And this unity in way is that which we have sworn unto, and covenanted in our late National League and Covenant, in the first branch of it. That we shall endeavour to bring the Churches of God in the three Kingdomes of England, Scotland and Ireland, to the nearest conjunction and unifor∣mity in Religion, Confession of Faith, Form of Church-go∣vernment, Directory for Worship and Catechizing; That we and our posterity after us may as brethren live together in faith and love, and that the Lord may delight to dwell in the midst of us, And we shall all be forsworn, if we endeavour it not.

All the members of the same body natural agree to goe the same way, Yea, the strength, health, and beauty of the body natural, consisteth in the fast knitting of all the members together to each other, and to the head, and the luxation thereof is dangerous: so and much more it is in a body poli∣tick or Ecclesiastical. And though the divisions in our civil e∣state be very sad, and might deserve tears of bloud to bewail them, yet I look upon the divisions in the Church as a matter of more sad and doleful consequence, and I fear (but wish I might be mistaken) that when the breaches of the Common-wealth shall be closed, the breaches in the Church may grow wider, and the differences rise higher: and such errours are sown among us as will not be plucked up again in our age: which having seized upon the understandings and consciences of men, cannot be composed by commands, nor clubbed down by force. Only here is my comfort, that though our condition is such, that we know not what to ask, yet God is wise, and knows what to bestow. And this is my hope herein, that he

which found a way to reconcile God and man, when they were at enmity, can finde way to reconcile man and man, though they be at difference. Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great shepheard of the sheep, through the bloud of the everlasting Covenant, make us perfect in every good work to doe his will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Iesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. {inverted ⁂}

Notes

• * 1.1

  Sect. 8.