The rending church-member regularly call'd back to Christ and to his church, or, A sober answer to certain questions of a company of discontented and covenant-deserting brethren in which are laid down clear grounds of solid conviction ... / by Marmaduke Matthews ...

Dearely Beloved Dissenting Brethren, Grace, Truth, and Peace, be mani∣fested more and more to you, in you, and by you, and may God the Giver thereof be pleased to say, Amen.

TIs so, that perceiving you (at least some of you) to be in some good measure in∣form'd by him who teach∣eth his obedient Hearers to profit; how to argue a point in Controversie, according to Gods Sacred Oracles; I oft did, and do (through grace) find my heart stirr'd up to be prai∣sing the Lord, and to be petitioning for you; knowing that to discourse Argume∣tatively, is such a commendable course, as I both approve of very much, and practice

not a little; because I observe it to be a thing of good report amongst the emi∣nentest of the Saints, long before there were any Records of humane Learning in the world; as it plainly appeares by what is openly profest of the Patriarch Job, as well in his calling upon God, as in his con∣tending with men, in Job. 23.4. I would plead my cause before him, and fill my mouth with Arguments. So Job the 13. & 16. Now hear my disputation, and give ear to the Arguments of my lips. Whose guise (by this it seems) was to fill his mouth with Arguments, to own the forciblenesse of right reasoning; and withall, to abhorre such arguing, as being well weighed, would be found wanting: as you cannot chuse but know, if you can tell what is extant in his Book on that account.

Besides that, (which is more then that) Religious creatures are commissioned to reason in their Requests with their Creator; as he is pleased to inform us by the mouth of the Prophet Isaiah, Chap. 1.18. Come let us reason together, saith the Lord. So Chap. 43.26. Plead with me, &c. And to render a reason of their hope of happinesse, and of Heaven, to such of their neighbours as are dissatisfied with their behaviour, by

the Ministry of the Apostle Peter, 1 Pet. Chap. 3.13. Be ready to give an Answer alwaies to every man, that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meeknesse and re∣verence.

In spight then of all contradiction, it must be confest, that carnal and carelesse Gallio will rise up in judgment, and condemn all such Gospellers, as are regardlesse of reason or rule; as you have or may reade, Acts 18.14, 17. As Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, if it were a matter of wrong, or an evil deed; O ye Jews, I would according to reason main∣tain you—But Gallio cared nothing for these things, &c.

Although the Qustions which came from you, were not particularly directed to me, any more then to another man; yet, being perswaded, that 'tis some part of that duty I owe to my faithfull Creator, and fellow-creatures, to endeavour the reducing of such souls, as I discern to be gone after Satan, through his subtilty, their simplicity, and their ignorance of the Scriptures; which (as we are inform'd by the Lords own mouth) is the main in-let to monstrous er∣rours: as 'tis revealed to us, Mat. 22.29. Jesus answered, and said, Ye do erre not

knowing the Scriptures; neither the power of God. I conceived it not inconvenient (but Christian) to return to them (and so to you) this affirmative and infallible Answer; which is, That all persons, that would be esteemed Members of any reformed Church, are to be orderly Saints: witnesse what is written in 1 Cor. 14.33. God is not the Au∣thor of confusion, but of Peace, as in all the Churches of the Saints. And the 40 Verse, Let all things be done decently and in or∣der, &c.

The whole summe and substance of which Questions, (and what may be Christianly deduced therefrom, concerning your de∣serting the Society of your fellow-servants) may be gathered and wound up into this one Argument.

THAT Church and company of Go∣spel Professors, which doth not consist of circumspect walkers, and orderly Saints, is to be deserted and seperated from, as unclean.

BUT the Church and Company of Go∣spel Professors, which is at A, doth not consist of circumspect walkers, and regular Saints.

THEREFORE the Church or Company of Gospel Professors which is at A, is to be deserted and separated from, as unclean.

In which Argument, the Proposition or first part is such a piece of truth as is im∣pregnable, and undeniable, because it is a∣greeable to Scripture-rules; according to which every Gospel-speaker is enjoyned to speak, and every peaceable walker is war∣ranted to walk: as 'tis most evident in Exod. 23 13. And in all things that I have said unto you, be circumspect, and make no men∣tion of the names of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth. So Gal. 6.16. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy: and up∣on the Israel of God. And 1 Pet. 4.11. If any man speak, let him speak according to the Oracles of God.

That such Church-Members as are dis∣orderly walkers or irregular livers, are to be deserted and separated from, is such an expression as is above the reach of any ra∣tional contradiction; yea, 'tis such a preg∣nant position, as I cannot chuse but readi∣ly subscribe unto, not only by a down∣right affirmation, That it is so; but also by a five-fold confirmation, That it should not be otherwise. Whereof

• The first is in Acts 19.9. When divers were hardned and believed not, but spake evil of that Way before the multitude, he

• ...departed from them, and separated the Di∣sciples.
• The second, is in 1 Cor. 5.9, 11, 13. I wrote to you in an Epistle not to company with fornicators, or with the covetous, or a drunkard, with such a one not to eat. — Therefore put away from among your selves that wicked person.
• The third, is in 2 Cor. 6 17. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you.
• The fourth, is in 2 Thes. 3.6, 14. Now we commaad you Brethren, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw from every Brother that walkes disor∣derly.
• The fifth and last, is in 2 Timoth. Chap 3.1, 2, 3, 4, 5 verses. And this know also, that perilous times shall come in the last daies; for men shall be lovers of their own selves, cove∣tous, and lovers of pleasures more then lo∣vers of God; having a form of godlinesse, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Only let it be diligently observed, that he that would be found in the number of Christs faithfull Servants, is to have an eye both to the matter which he is to act in, and

also to the manner of his actings. In respect of the first, the Master requires his Servant to do THIS, namely, what he doth command; and in respect of the second, to do it THUS, namely, as 'tis com∣manded. THE ONE is no more then the body or outside of acceptable service, but the OTHER is the soul and inside of the same.

That nothing be done in Christs Name, save only such a particular, for which there is an expresse Command, is the first, and Essential part of a Church-Members im∣ployment: as 'tis apparent to any that is verst in Scripture, Zach. 7.7. Should ye not hear the words of the Lord, which the Lord had cried unto you by the mouthes of the for∣mer Prophets, &c. So Luke 5 5 At thy Command, Lord I'le let down the net, &c.

And that it may be performed in no o∣ther way, then as 'tis commanded, is the o∣ther and best half thereof: as is testified in Rom. 14.23. Whatsoever is not of Faith, is sinne.

Unlesse there be a joynt concurrence of these several parts in a Professors performan∣ces, the work is so farre from being a good work, as that it doth not (at all) excell

that punishing of vice which was performed by Jehu (mentioned 2 King 10 16. And he said, Come and see my zeal for the Lord. But in Hos. 1.4. 'tis counted cruelty, I will a∣venge the blood of Jezrel upon the House of Je∣hu.) or that provoking to vertue, which was expressed by Judas, and such as he, in Mat. 7.22 Many will say, Lord, Lord, have we not in thy Name cast out Devils, and by thy Name done many great works, &c.

In short, 'tis such an abhominable Sa∣crifice, as is the shedding of mans blood, if the blessed God be worthy to be believed in what he saith in Isaiah 1.15. When ye make many Prayers, I will not hear,—your hands are full of blood. And Chap. 66.3. He that kills an Ox, is, as if he he slew a man, he that sacrifizeth a Lamb, as if he cut off a dogs neck; he that offers an ob∣lation, as if he offered swines blood; he that burneth Incense, as if he blesseth an Idoll. Yea, they have chose their own waies, and their soul delights in their abominations.

As 'tis a truth that none dare deny, that separation from prophane sinners (though professing Saints) is such a service for the MATTER of it, as Christ doth command; as 'tis to be seen by what is already shewn.

So 'tis no falshood to affirm, That such a separation for the MANNER thereof, is not a Christian or commendable separation, ••f it be not carried on according to Scrip∣ture Precepts or Patterns: as 'tis most clear by what is expressly required by the Al∣mighty himself in several places: as Act 7.44. & Heb. 8.5. See that thou do all things according to the pattern shewed thee in the Mount. And 1 Cor. 14.40. Let all things be done decently and in order.

And wast never observed by any of you, that though Ʋzza, and Ʋzziah, did ob∣serve a right ORDINANCE, in the car∣riage of the Ark, and offering of Incense; yet, the one was destroyed, and the other disgrac't, and degraded, for the meer mis∣carriage that was manifested thereabouts, in not observing a right ORDER; as all may see in that terrible-treble Looking glass that is left for Church-Ministers, for Court-Magistrates, and for Church Members to look upon, in 1 Chron. 15.13. The Lord our God made a breach upon us, because we sought him not after the due order. And 2. Chron. 26.16. But when Ʋzziah was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction; for he transgrest against the Lord his God, and went into the Temple of the Lord, to burn

Incense on the Alter of Incense. So Chap 30.18, 20. For a multitude of the people even many of Ephraim and Manasseth, Izz••∣char and Zebulon, had not cleansed them∣selves, yet did they eat the Passover otherwis•• then 'twas written. But Hezekiah praye•• for them, saying, The good Lord pardon every one.—And the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah and healed the people.

Or can it be but confest and acknowledg∣ed by all of you, that the only Orthodox Order, in making of seperation from Church-Communion, is, That it may not be, till after the first and second Admoni∣tion be administred, and that by such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 power as is superior to to the party offend∣ing; except you disapprove (which God forbid) of what Christ doth prescribe▪ Mat. 18.15, 16, 17. If thy Brothers sha•••• trespasse against thee, go and tell him his faul•• between thee and him alone, and if he he•••• thee, thou hast gain'd him. So Joh. 8.17. 'Tis also written in your Law, that the Testi∣mony of two witnesses is true. So 2 Cor. 13.1. In the mouth of two or three wit∣nesses shall every word be establ••shed. And Tit. 3.10. A man that is an Heretick, after the first and second Admonition, re∣ject.

And for the Assumption (which is the second part of the Argument, which by your Questions you seem to urge) 'tis utterly destitute of any proof; whether you mean the whole body of the Congrega∣tional▪ Church, whereof ye are Members, and which was for a long time owned (as by others, so especially) by your selves, to be one of those reformed Churches of Christendome, which in Scripture-language, are called Queens, as in Cant. 6.8. There are threescore Queens, and fourscore Concu∣bins, and Virgins without number.

And therefore know it, and that not so much from the Pen of a dying man, as from the Spirit of the living God, That no Queen (or such a Church) is by deffama∣tion, or any other way, to be defiled by any person, upon pain of dreadfull destru∣ction to the defiler: witnesse what is on Record on that account, 1 Cor. 3.17. If any man defile the Temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the Temple of God is holy, which Temple ye are. That is to say, the Church of Corinth.

Or whether you would be understood by your writing, to point at some of the par∣ticular Members of that Political body; 'tis very apparent (I think) that orderly

proof of any disorderly practice among them was never yet produced.

Is it not rational and regular, that they should have a fair and open tryal, together with a clear conviction, that the accused ones are barren branches, Joh. 15. and 26▪ Twice dead trees, Jud. 12. Rotten Members, Gal. 5.12. Choaking thornes, Mat. 13.22. Or wallowing swine, 2 Pet. 2.22. before they can with any good grounds, good consci∣ence, or according to Christ, be disfran∣chized of their Citizens freedome, deprived of their Church-Priviledges; much lesse dis∣membred from the body, supplanted from the Vineyard, rooted from the Field, dri∣ved from the Fold, and Flock to which they do relate, and belong: least of all is the whole Body, Field, or Fold, to be deser∣ted, but bo••h the one and the other is to be participated with, in what is of good report; and faithfully and frequently provok't to what is good, by all such of their fellow, members, as would not be esteemed wilfull villifiers of Christs blood, disobeyers of his directions, despisers and despiters of his holy Spirit. From all which, the good Lord deliver us, least otherwise we might perish with the Apostates, which you read are indicted, arrained, and threatned to

be executed, in Heb. Chap. 10 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 verses. Not forsaking the assembling our selves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching; for if we sinne wilfully after that we have receiv'd the knowledge of the truth, there remaines no more Sacrifice, but a certain direfull looking for of vengeance, and fiery indig∣nation which devoures the Adversaries.— Of how much more sore punishment suppose ye shalle he be thought worthy, who hath trod∣den under foot the Son of God, and hath count∣ed the blood of the Covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done de∣spight to the Spirit of grace.

Therefore the Conclusion (which is the last part of the Argument, which was urg'd concerning Church-members qualification, and Communion) concludes nothing more then this one thing, viz That the charity of some old, and sundry young Professors of Christianity is so little, that 'tis scarce visible to ordinary eyes; and that Christi∣anity it self, is lesse legible in their lives, who walk so quite contrary to Christs Church waies: as 'tis mavelous plain by this one e∣minent particular, which is such a piece of inaequity (that I say not iniquity) that if

my heart were not very bad, it would wish that it might even weep teares of blood to think thereupon, knowing by experience, that such of your Church-neighbours, as have but so much humanity or civil honesty as was in the former Pharisees, the contem∣ners of Christ, who did not, do not, dare not, (for their very necks) take from the worst of their foes, as much as will amount to the value of thirteenpence halfpenny, contrary to the Lawes of the Land.

Yet, not a few (as I have been faithfully informed) of the Church-members that have left the Church with you, who had publique∣ly bound their souls (if not explicitely yet) implicitely by a Curse, and by an Oath, to be Covenant-keepers with Christ and with his Church, in the presence of God, Angels, and men (as you cannot chuse but acknow∣ledg and confesse, in case you have any more then ordinary acquaintance with the Name and Nature of a Church-Covenant: as 'tis held out for our Information and Imitation, in Deut. 29.12. That thou shouldest enter in∣ter into Covenant with the Lord thy God, and into his Oath, which the Lord thy God maketh with thee. So Ezek 20.37. I will bring you into the bond of the Covenant. Also Jer. 50.5. They shall ask the way in Zion, with their faces

thither-ward, saying, Come let us joyn our selves to the Lord, in a perpetual Covenant that shall not be forgotten. And Neh. 10.29. They clave to enter into a Curse, and into an Oath to walk in Gods Law, &c.) Who not∣withstanding all their such Bonds and Obli∣gations, make no bones of bereaving, I know not how may of their best friends and Bre∣thren in fellowship, of their good Names, which are rated above riches or Inheritance, and that in the judgment of the Eldest Sonne of wisdom. Prov. 22.1. A good Name is rather to be chosen then great riches.

When I am given to understand, that you (in conformity to the counsell of the won∣derfull Counsellor, Joh. 8.46. Which of you convinceth me of sinne. So Mat. 7 5. Thou Hippocrite, first cast out the beame from thine own eye▪ and then shalt thou clear∣ly see the mote in thy Brothers. And Gal 6.1. If a man be overtaken, restore him in the spirit of meeknesse.)

I say, when I am given to understand, that you in conformity to these Scripture Rules, do study and strive to restore such of your Covenant-Brethren, as you con∣ceive to be Covenant-breakers; by con∣vincing them solidly, that this or that PRACTICE, is a regulary condemn'd

sin, and that this or that PERSON among them, is a regulary accus'd sinner; then (Christ asisting me) I shall desire and indeavour openly to appear to be one that is engaged to approve of, and to plead for such a Christian proceeding.

In the mean time, I beseech you to bear with me for my taking so much boldnesse, as (out of my inward loyalty to my glo∣rious Saviour, and out of my unfeigned love to your precious souls) to bear wit∣nesse that ye are (as yet) so farre from being very regular walkers, as that as long as ye continue either against Church-Covenant, or out of Church-Communi∣on, so long you cannot be groundedly conceived to be in a capacity to keep any one of ten remarkeable Rules of Christ, which we are commanded to keep as heed∣fully as we should the Apple of our eye, Prov 7.2. And for the presumptuous break∣ing of the least of them, we should ex∣pose our selves, to be not only very con∣temptible persons, but also, which is farre worse, to be found notorious guilty ones, and lawlesse livers: as 'tis to be seen by what is testified in Mat 5.19. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least Comman∣dements, and shall teach men so, he shall be call'd

the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. So James 2.10. He that keepes the whole Law, and of∣fends in one point, he is guilty of all.

And least I should seem to slander you, (or any other) by affirming, That such Professors of Christianity, as knowingly re∣fuse, either to come into Church-Covenant, or to continue in Church-Communion, are (as yet) not in a capacity to obey any one of ten very remarkeable Commands, which all that would be blessed, and regular walkers are found to walk by; consider seriously how I confirm that Affirmation. Oh, that you were but half so well pleased to peruse and ponder upon them, as I am willing to take the paines to point them out, and to penne them for you!

1. The first, is about the avouching of the God of Christ, and of the Church, to be your God in Covenant, by your presence and profession in the publique Congregati∣on: according to the commendable pattern, in Deut 26 17, &c. Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God, and to walk in his waies; and he hath avouched thee, &c. So Isaiah 44.5. One shall say, I am the Lords, and another shall call himself by the Name of Jacob, and another shall subscribe with his own had to the Lord, and sirname himself by the

name of Israel. Also Jerem. 50.5. Ezek. 20. & the 37. Acts 2.46, 47. Rom. 12.1. & 2 Cor. 8 5. &c.

Is't possible for any person to discharge that publique duty, that doth ordinarily de∣cline the publique Meeting-place?

2. The second, is that which binds Belie∣vers to be admitting such as be in the Faith, into Church-fellowship; in conformity to Christs command, in Rom. 14.1, 3. Him that is weak in the Faith receive, but not to doubt∣full disputation, for God hath received him.

Where Christ doth enjoyn this service, what Christian dares omit the same, either to neglect to offer his own self to Christ and to the Church, or to be absent when he should be present at the receiving of others that Christ hath received? Only such a one as domineering Diotrephes dares to do so. Joh 9 10. I wro••e to the Church, but Diotre∣phes, who loves to have the preheminence a∣mong them, receives us not, &c.

3. The third is concerning the Electing of Church Officers, by lifting up of the hand, as oft as occasion requires, viz. of TEACHERS, PASTORS, RULERS, and DEACONS; in immitation of those cir∣cumspest Walkers, recorded Acts 1.23. And they appointed two. &c. So Act. 6.3. Where∣fore

fore Brethren, look ye out among you, &c. And verse 5. The saying pleased the multitude, and they chose Stephen. And Chap. 14.23. (Ac∣cording to the Queens translation) And when they had ordained them Elders by E∣lection in EVERY Church, and prayed and fasted, they commended them to the Lord in whom they believed. So 1 Tim 3.10 Let these also be first proved, then let them use the Office of a Deacon.

Are they capable to have a lifted up hand in the Church-Officers Election, who have no heart to continue in Church-ordered Communion?

4. The fourth, is that which doth declare a Christians duty to be duly edifying some Church of Christ by his personal presence, Prayers, and paines: as 'tis clearly manifest by what is written in 1 Cor. 14.1. Follow af∣ter charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesie. And verse 12. Seek that ye may excell to the edifying of the Church. So Eph. 2. verse the 19, 20, 21, 22. Ye are fellow-Citizens with the Saints, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Pro∣phets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner-stone, in whom all building is fitly framed, and growth together unto an holy Temple. In whom ye are also builded togethe

for an habitation of God through the Spirit. So 1 Pet. 2 5. Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house; an holy Priesthood, to offer up spiritual Sacrifice acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. And Jud. 20. Building up your selves on your most holy Faith, praying in the holy Spirit.

Are they in a capacity to conform to these commands, who do not close with, and conjoyn in the Church-covenant? You know that they are farre from being Church-edifiers who are Church defamers, much more Church-despisers, which I trust you are not; or at leastwise, you should abhor to be.

5. The fifth, is that which exhorts and necessitates a Christian to be informing the Church in their solemn Meetings, of the ob∣stinacy of an offending Church Member; in order to that memorable instruction, M••t. 18 17. But if he shall neglect to hear them then tell it to the Church.

Can any be commissioned to be a witnesse as upon Oath, against wrongfull walking, who is himself an Alien or an unworthy and unwarrantable walker?

6. The sixth, is that which fairely and fully institutes Christs Covenant-servants, to be spirituall Judges of such souls as are either

to be excommunicated from Church-conso∣ciation, or else to be absolved from Church-excommunication: as it appeares by what is extent, Psal 149 8. To bind their Kings with chains, and their Nobles with sletters. So 1 Cor 5.12. Do you not judge them that are within. So 2 Cor. 10.6. Having in readi∣nesse to revenge all disobedience, when your obe∣dience is fulfilled, &c. And Chap. 2.6. Suffi∣cient to such a man is this punishment.

Is't possible that such a person should be in a capacity to partake of such high honour, as hath not a nail or Name in Christs house, no more then Sanballat the Horonite, or To∣biah the Ammonite, noted with a black coal, in Neh. 2.19.20. But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the Ammonite, and Ge∣shem the Arabian heard it, the laught us to scorn, and despised us, &c.

7. The seventh, is that which goades and spurres faithfull Parents to offer their In∣fants to fellowship with the Church, in the first Seal of the Covenant of Grace, which doth seal their grafting into Christ, as it ap∣peares by many memorable prescriptions and Praedictions, as Cant. 1.8. Feed thy Kids by the Tents of the Shepherds. So Chap. 47. Thy teeth are like a flock of Sheep, whereof every one brings forth twinnes. And Chap. the

6. & 5 The same words. So Isaiah the 49.22. They shall bring thy Sons in their arms, any thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. And Chap. 59 21. My Spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put into thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seeds seed. Mark. 10.14, 15. But Jesus said, Suffer little Children to come unto me, for of such is the Kingdom of God. And Act. 15.10. Now certain arose, saying, That 'twas needfull to circumcise. But Peter said unto them, Why tempt ye God to put a yoke upon the neck of the Disciples. Note that Children of eight daies old, are here called Disciples of Christ, and 'tis granted by all, that Disciples of Christ may be bapti∣zed.

Are not the Infants of Believers, to be accounted believing Infants, seeing he stiles them so, who spake as never man spake? Is there not a passive, as well as an active Faith? I•• not the first before the second, in all Christs Flock; yea, in young Infants, as well as in old folks? Hath he not told and taught you, that 'tis by such a Faith as is in Believers Infants (which is a passive Faith) that the Kingdom of God is received?

If it be a truth, that the least Child is a ra∣tional creature, as well as the eldest man, though not in respect of the act or exercise, yet in regard of the habit and root of reason, which is a reasonable Spirit.

Is't not as true, that the least child of the Covenant of Grace, is to be acknowledged a Christian, and a gracious child, although not for, or from any act or exercise of grace of Christianity, yet for and from the root and ground thereof, which is the gracious spirit of Christ?

If he emboldneth to bring such Babes to himself, who dares withhold them from him? Or are they in a capacity to present their seed to the Church, who absent themselves from the same?

8. The eighth, is that which helps feeble and forgetfull Saints to encrease in heavenly-mindednesse, and in holinesse, by eating often of Christ body by Faith, at the Love-Feast of the Lords-Supper, which is the Seal that Seals their growth in grace; to which end 'tis ordained to be used and observed, Luk. 22.19. And he took the bread, and gave thankes and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which was given for you, this do in remembrance of me: Likewise also the Cup, saying, This is the Cup of the

New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you. So Joh. 6.53. Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. And 1 Cor. 11. the 24, 25, 26 verses, After the same manner, he took the Cup saying, This Cup is the New Testament in my blood; this do yet as often as ye drink it. So verse 26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, &c.

Can such persons be deemed fit guests, at such Church-Feasts, which have not admit∣tance and abode in Church-fellowship? And how can the eat often at the Lords Table, who do not eat once in a year, or in their life time?

9. The ninth, is that which interests Christs Members in voting about sending of Church-Messengers, and in writing of Church-Letters; which in such cases ought to be conformed unto, by all conformable Christians: as most evidently appears by what way practised, Act. 13.22, 23. Then it pleased the Apostles and Elders, with the WHOLE Church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch, and wrote Letters after this manner, &c. So 2 Cor. 3.1. Need we (as others) Epistles of commendation.

Can one be a chuser of Church-Messen∣gers, that is not himself chosen to be a Church-member?

Or hath he a vote in writting of Church-Letters, who hath no name in Christs Church-Book of life, which is the honour of holy ones? Isa. 4.3. He that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem. And Rev. 22.19. And if any man shall take away from the words of the Book of this Prophesie, God shall take his part out of the Book of life, and out of the holy City, and out from the things that are written in this Book.

10. The tenth and last, is that which knocks loudly at the gates of godly hearts, to be weekly contributing, and openly bring∣ing their Tribute, royal rent, and spiritual Subsides, to the Lord of their soil and souls, on the Lords day, as they are directed to do, who would be deemed free Members of a re∣formed Church, in the Scriptures of truth. Deut. 16.10, 16, And thou shalt keep the Feast of weeks unto the Lord thy God, with a Tribute of a free will-offering of thy hand which thou shalt give to the Lord thy God, ac∣cording as he hath blessed thee. And verse 16. They shall not appear before the Lord empty. Also 1 Cor. 16.1, 2. Let every one upon the first day of the week, lay by him in store as God hath prospered him. And vers. the 1?

As I have given order to the Churches of Gal∣latia, so do you.

Is not Jesus Christ the King of the blessed Gentiles, as well as of the believing Jews? And is not he as worthy of Subsidy as of Sovereignty? Or are those persons likely to present him with voluntary contribution, that do not list themselves among his skir∣mishing and contending Souldiers, or sworn Subjects in his visible Camp and Kingdom?

As 'tis prov'd that none but such believing Christians, as come under the bond of the Covenant, amongst Church Members, are in an uncondemnable posture, or as yet in a ca∣pacity to observe and keep, either every one, or any one of those ten aforementioned re∣markeable Gospel Precepts; so 'tis as plain, that all those Persons, which are not com∣pleatly come to that promotion, together with such Professors of godlinesse, as do not firmly continue, and persevere in that place; cannot warrantably (without presumpti∣on) make use of, as to apply to themselves, any one of ten mercifull and memorable Go∣spel Promises: although there case and con∣dition should never so much require, or their souls desire the same.

They are these: (1.) The Promise of a Place among excelling Saints. (2.) Of pardon

of sin under Seal. (3.) A princely prizing of Christians as Christians (4.) Prosperity of Spi∣rit (5) Freedom from fear. (6.) A New Name. (7) Childrens good education. (8.) Spiri∣tual Joy. (9.) Outward goods. (10 and lastly,) A Promise of a true title to Divine Teachers, and reformed Pastors.

The first whereof, is the Promise of a place amongst Saints that excell in vertue, such as Christ doth professe his delight is in: as 'tis shewn in that golden prophetick Psalm, Psal. 16.3. concerning which happinesse he hath past his Royal Word in both his Testaments, namely, in Isaiah 56.3, &c. Let not the son of the stranger, that hath joyned himself to the Lord, say, The Lord hath separated me from his people: nor let the Eunuch say, I am a dry tree: For thus saith the Lord to the Eunuches that keep my Sabboths, and chuse the things that please me, and take hold on my Covenant, even unto them will I give in mine House, and within my walls a Place, &c.

Is the preferring to such a place such a Pri∣viledge, and appertaining to such contrite-hearted persons, as do so take hold on Christ, who is the summe and substance, as w••ll as the Surety of the Covenant of Grace, as that they both make and keep Cov••n•••••• with God among his holy and Houshold Servants,

then (tell me, I pray) what evil else, or lesse then downright exclusion, or direfull keep∣ing out, and staying off, from coming to Christs Church-Camp, can be the expecta∣tion of carelesse wretches, and unclean wai∣ters among Church-neighbours? according to that awkening and wounding Commina∣tion, Rev. 21.27. There shall not enter into it (i. e. the reformed Church) any thing that defileth, nor any thing that worketh abomina∣tion, or maketh a lye.

And what, save disconsolate excommuni∣cation from Communion and continuance in Christs spiritual Kingdom, will be the Por∣tion of unconstant and unconscionable wal∣kers therein? If Christs own mouth may be credited, which doth manifest as much, Mat 8.11, &c. Many shall come from the East, and West, and shall sit down with Abraham, Isa∣ac, and Jacob, in the Kingdom of Heaven. Is't no grief to non-comers to any Church of Christ, that they have no place there? Or is't no disgrace to non-continuers in Church-communion, that the red Dragon, and rend∣ing Devil, hath with his fawning tayl, or fro•••••••••• teeth, drawn or drag'd them thence?

2. The second, is the Promise of pardon under Seal, or a feeling assurance of for∣givenesse

of sins; which is sweetly spoken of in several Scriptures: as Isaiah 33.20, 24. Look upon Zion, the City of our Solemni∣ties, their eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habi∣tation, and the Inhabitants shall not say, I am sick; the people that dwell therein, shall be forgiven their iniquities. Of which special favour Christ himself speaks very fully, Mat. 26.26, &c. And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, &c. And he took the cup—and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the New-Testament, which is shed for many, for the remission of sinnes.

Is such an unfeigned assurance ordinarily found in any souls, save only in such as have a name or a nail in Christs spiritual House, whereof his loyal and visibly holy Houshold Servants are the lively stones? Would you (O my friends) have Christ to give you a full and free forgivenesse of all your former sinnes, while you sinfully and wilfully with∣hold or withdraw your personal presence from the Lords soul-feasting Supper? Can ye possibly receive Christs sealed pardon, and withall keep your selves out of the reach of Christs sealing appointments? Can you procure under his hand, a non-obstante, or to∣leration for your absence from his House,

and non-appearance at his door posts? Farre be it from you to confound the Ordinances of the Lord, with the Lord of Ordinances, and to say, That the creating-Ruler, and his created Rules, are not to be distinguished, but are the same. I do beseech you for his sake, whose your souls are, let that be the frantick conception (if they will needs have and hold it) only of those deplorable Objects of pitty; I mean, the CONFOUNDERS; and of such unreasonable fel∣lows as have no Faith, or are worse then Infidels in forsaking the Faith which they professe to have. God forbid that you should be any of that sort or sect, that dare apply the sacred Institution of that setling and confirming Seal, the Lords Supper unto themselves; before they be set and seated in the Lords House, and have it regularly, with the allowance, and by the hands of the Stewards of his House; whose Office it is to give their fellow-servants their several Portions in due seasons. For I presuppose that ye dare not say, That any ought to administer these Mysterious things, save only they that are solemnly call'd thereunto, as was Aaron, Heb. 5.4.

3. The third, is that which promiseth a princely prizing of Christians as Christi∣ans, and acceptance to ones person and performances; although he were the Off∣spring of infamous Ancestors: as 'tis ap∣parent by what is prophesied Isaiah 56.4, 5, 6 verses, Let not the son of the stranger, which is joyned to the Lord, say, The Lord hath seperated me utterly from his people: nor let the Eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree: For thus saith the Lord, to the Eu∣nuches that keep my Sabboths, and chuse the thing that pleaseth me, and take hold on my Covenant, even unto them will I give a Name, better then the Name of Sons and Daughters, and make them joyfull in the House of Prayer, &c.

If joyfull admittance and acceptance be a priviledge that pertains to all those persons that take hold on Christ, who is the Surety of the better Covenant, by making and keeping it with God, and marching to the holy Mountain of his Meeting-House: as is expressly mentioned in Ezek. 20 37. And I will cause you to passe under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the Covenant. And the 40 verse, I will chuse you out from among the Re∣bels, in the high Mountain of Israel, saith

the Lord God then shall the House of Is∣rael, and all the Land serve me, there will I accept them.

What then, but disacknowledgement, disregard, and exclusion from coming with∣in Christs gates, can be the expectation of those persons, that have so long neglected Christs House, or else have behaved them∣selves badly there? What else can they think to have, then non-acceptance of their persons and performances? What other complement can their eares expect to hear from Christs most sacred mouth, then a Verily, verily, I know you not? Mat. 25.11. What other Ceremony can they imagine they shall be received with, then a Depart from me ye cursed, Mat. 25.41. And what greater acceptance can they look for at the Servants hands, then that which they had of the Master? Surely, Christs retinue and attendance may not respect those whom their Lord and Master doth disrespect?

4. The fourth, is that which assureth Prosperity of the soul, and a flourishing e∣state, whereof the antient Saints did use to sing in the Psalm for the Sabboth. Psal. 92.12, 13. The righteous shall flourish like a Palme Tree, and shall grow like a Ce∣dar in Lebanon: Such as be planted in the

House of the Lord, shall flourish in the Courts of our God.

Have the forsakers of Gods House and Gospel-Institutions, any grounded hope that they shall graciously flourish? Who need to fear their flourishing, if not such forsakers? Who for such acts, are esteemed in∣veterate enemies, as Psal. 74.4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Thine Adversaries rore in the midst of thy Con∣gregation, and set up banners for signes.— But now they break down the Carved work thereof, with axes and hammers: They have cast thy Sanctuary into the fire, and rast it to the ground, and have destil'd thy dwelling place, and said, Let us de∣stroy them altogether, they have burn't all the Sinagogues of God in the Land. And Psal. 83.2. Let us take to our selves the Houses of God in possession.

Yea also, for their unwillingnesse to be ruled by Christs Institutions, are to be open∣ly slain before Christs own eyes: as is most evident in Luke 19.27. Moreover those mine enaemies, that would not that I should reign over them, bring them hither, and sl••y them before me.

5. The fifth, is that which warrants purifying of souls from slavish feare, dread of death, and is as Flaggons of

Wine of consolation, to conscientious wal∣kers in Christ Church-waies: as is promi∣sed in Isaiah 25.6. And in this moun∣tain (to wit, the Church) shall the Lord of Hosts make unto all people a Feast of fat things, a Feast of Wines on the Lees, of fat things full of marrow, of Wine on the Lees well refined. He will destroy in this Mountain, the face of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all Nations, and swallow up death in victo∣ry. So Heb. 12.18. For ye are not come into the Mount, that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blacknesse, darknesse, and tempest.—So terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I was exceedingly afraid, and quak't. But we are come to mount Zion, and unto the City of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and an innu∣merable company of Angels: To the gene∣rall Assembly, and Church of the first born which are written in Heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect: And to Jesus Christ, the Mediatour of the New Covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things then that of Abel.

Is't probable that they shall partake of such a peculiar mercy of God, who will

not appear in the open Mount of publique Means of Grace?

Is this Wine, or any part of all this pro∣vision, promised to, or prepared for, persons that will not be perswaded to wait at the door-posts of the House of Wisdome?

Do we dare to believe, that they have as yet attain'd unto either blessed bolduesse, or any other endlesse benefit, by the sprink∣ling of the blood of Christ, who do not endeavour nor desire to Covenant with, or conform to the obedient members of the Church of the first born.

6. The sixth, is that which assures a Christian that he hath a claim to an admi∣rable Apellation, or New Name, Isa. 62.2. And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousnesse, and all Kings thy glory. — And thou shalt be called by a new Name: Thou shalt also be a Crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a Royal Diadem in the hand of thy God. It shall be no more said unto thee, Forsaken, nor to thy Land, Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hepzibah, and thy Land Beulah, for the Lord delights in thee. So Rev. 3.12. Him that overcomes, will I make a Pillar in the Temple of my God, and he shall go no more out. And I will write upon him the

Name of my God, and the Name of the Ci∣ty of my God, which is the New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of Heaven, and I will write upon him a New Name.

Can any have an approved Interest in Christs Name or Nature, that care not (by converting and confirming grace)▪ to be knit to Christ himselef, and his Congre∣gational Church in a Conjugell Covenant? Without conversie, they will be made known to be vile and notoriously vitious Citizens, who have no Name in any visible City, as were those gracelesse companions that are condemned in the Gospel of Luke, 19.14.

7. The seventh, is that which assures con∣verted Parents must evidently of the hope∣full Education, and heavenly Election of their Children: as 'tis apparently promised in Isa. 65 19 22. And I will rejoyce in Je∣rusalem, and joy in my people; and the voice of crying shall be no more hoard: f•••• as the daies of the tree are the daies of my people, and mine Elect shall enjoy in old age the work of their hand; they are the s•••••• of the blessed of the Lord, and their buds with them.

Who can affirm, that those Infants d•• relate to Christs Elect Flock, whose Father

have relinquish't Christs Fould? and do love to live out of it. Shall not the sinnes of such Parents be visited upon their chil∣dren, when his sanctifying Spirit that is in his Covenant-Servants, shall rest in their seed, and seeds seed, from generation to generation? according to what is recorded, Isa. 44.34. I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thy Off-spring, and they shall spring as among the grasse, as willows by the water-courses. So Chap. 54.13. And all thy Children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy Children. And Chap 59.20. The Redeemer shall come to Zion, and to them that turn from transgression in Ja∣cob.—For this is my Covenant with them, saith the Lord, my Spirit that is upon thee, and my words that I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seeds seed, saith the Lord.

But if the Mother live a Jezallells life, will not Christ kill her Children with death? and cause ALL the Churches thereabouts, to know, that he himself hath been the searcher for the foul of∣fences of such Mothers or Fathers, as

are Church desi••ers: as 'tis threatned in Rev. 2.22, 23.

8. The eighth, is that whereby God is engaged to free from forrow, and to fill with Joy, the souls of his Covenant-Ser∣vants, in Church-fellowship: as 'tis to be seen in expresse termes, Isa 65 13, 14, 17, 18, 19. Beh••••••, my S••rvants shall rejoyce, but ye shall be ashamed: they shall sing for joy of h••••••••▪ but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and howle for vexation of spirit. Be glad and rejoyce for ever, in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoycing, and her people a j••y, and the voice of we••pin•• ••••all be no more heard, nor the voice of crying &c.

Have they either Rule or Reason to re∣joyce, that refuse to relate to the heaven∣ly Jerusalem, or to spend their whole time in his spiritual Temple, with the e∣minent triumphers, mentioned in Revel. 7.9 10, 15, 17. After this, I beheld a great multitude which no man could number, of all Nations, ••nd Kindred, and people, and tongues, stood before the Throne, and before the Lamb, cloathed with White Robes, and Palmes in their hands, crying with a loud voice, Salvation to our God. There∣fore they are before the Throne of God, and

serve him day and night, and God shall wipe away all teares from their eyes. So Chap. 12.12. Rejoyce therefore ye Heavens, and ye that dwell therein.

Who besides notorious flatterers, dare affirm that they are heavenly Christians; or perswaded with Japhet, to dwell in the Tents of Sh••m with Christ, who dare af∣front and disobey his Combinational Churches? May they be said to be regular rejoycers in the King of Saints, who refuse either to walk with, or work among his conformable Subjects? Truly those, and only those children of men that dare give the lye to God, will stand to such an Asser∣tion.

9. The ninth, is that which laies down a ground of hope, for to enjoy a considerable quantity of outward goods, and earthly com∣forts: as 'tis found, affirm'd, and con∣firm'd, Psal. 23. the 1, 5, 6, verses, The Lord is my Sheapherd, I shall not want. — Thou preparest a Table before me, thou a∣nointest my head with oyl; my Cup runnes over. Surely goodnesse and mercy shall follow me all the daies of my life: and I will dwell in the House of the Lord for ever. So Isa. 65.21. They shall build Houses, and inhabit them; they shall plant Vineyards,

and eat the fruit thereof—They shall not build, and another inhabit, they shall not Plant and another eat. And Ezek. the 34.25, 26. They shall dwell safely in the wil∣dernesse, and sleep in the woods, and I will make them, and the places round about them, blessing, and will cause the shower to come down in his season: there shall be showers of blessing.

Though sometimes the best of the Lords Covenant Servants, as Elias, and Paul, may be brought to a very low ebbe for the things of this life, yet was there ever any want of food convenient, or any other ne∣cessary good, to such as were faithfull dwel∣lers, that is to say, weldoers, in the House of God?

Although the Dew of Heaven, and the fatnesse of the Earth, doth often fall out to be the share of an Esau, who falls away from Christs little Flock in Isacc's Family, for to live alone as an out cast Cain in in Mount Seir, or the Land of Nod, which is the place of Vagrants; yet is't not easie to observe, that that large cut, that is so carved to him and his, is such an unsatisfied superfluity, as doth but fatten them for the day of slaughter? And such persons prosperity, is an usuall fore runner

of sore perdition: as it appears Psal. 73 12. Prov. 1.32.

Doth God at any time shower down his true blessings, but about the blessed Sheap∣herds Tents, where his tame and tractable Sheep and Lambs have their abode?

Can you shew, that any persons are so persued with such devouring distresses, such perplexing poverty, such fearfull Afflicti∣ons, as unthankfull Church Members, and evil Church-neighbours are? It being but the fearfull fulfilling of what was fiercely foretold in Deut. 28.47, 48. Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyful∣nesse of heart, for the abundance of all things, thou shalt serve thine enemies, in hunger, thirst, and nakednesse, and in want of all things. So Isa. 8 21, 22 When they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their King, and their God. They shall look to the earth, and behold trouble and darknesse, dimnesse of anguish. So Jer. 12.13, 14. They have sown Wheat, but shall reap thornes, and put themselves to pain, but shall not profit, because of the fierce anger of the Lord; And they shall be ashamed of your revenues. Thus saith the Lord God a∣gainst his evil NEIGHBOƲRS.

10. The tenth and last of those Gospel-Promises, which persons that are out of Church-Covenant, are not in a capacity to close with, or to take comfort from, is, the Promise of an undoubted title to Divine Teachers, and an unfeigned propriety to reformed and reforming Pastors: of which singular mercy solemn mention is made in both Testaments, as in Isa. 30.20. Thy Teachers shall not be removed any more into a corner, but thine eyes shall see thy Teach∣ers. So Jer. 3.15. I will give you Pastors according to my own heart, who shall feed you with understanding and knowledge. And 1 Cor. 3.5, 9, 22. Who is Paul, and who is Apollo, but Ministers by Whom ye be∣lieved?—For we are Labourers together with God, ye are Gods Husbandry, ye are Gods Building. —Whether Paul, or Apollo, or Ce∣phas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come, all are yours, and ye are Christs, and Christ is Gods. So Heb. 13.17. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit your selves, for they watch over your souls, as they that must give an account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief, for that is, not profitable for you.

Is't probable that their souls shall be pre∣served from going astray after Satan, who unthankfully refusing to attend on the teaching of publique Teachers, do reject Gods ordinary means of preservation? Are they not to this day running on in A∣postacy, who are not related to any Pa∣stors?

Or is't any wonder, that they dare so wretchedly to wrest the Sacred Scriptures, and to wallow in open sinnes, who will have no Church Officers to watch over their souls.

NOW I appeal to any professing person, that is endued either with conscience or common sense, whether it be not a known duty, which is due to Christ, from all those creatures, who would be accounted Chri∣stians, both to obey these Ten memorable Precepts, and also to embrace these Ten mercifull Promises that are pointed at in this present Paper; and whether any one of all the children of Adam, is in a ca∣pacity to answer his expectation in any measure (in an ordinary manner) that is not either in very deed, or at least, in de∣sire and endeavour both converted to Christ, and also in Covenant with some one or other of his Congregational Churches.

Thus not doubting any thing at all, but that every one of you, that is well gather∣ed to Christ, and well grounded on Christ, will be very willing to be guided and govern∣ed by Christ. This labour, and these lines of love, are left with you all, and all of you with the Lord, by him who is

Yours to be commanded in any service that shall be according to Christ, MARMADUKE MATTHWS.

ANd now let me implore and request e∣very one of you, to be so far tender of Gods not to be stained Honour, and that glorious Profession you have taken upon you, as to eschew both the Name and Nature of a RENDING CHURCH-MEMBER, its repute as well as the real∣lity,

Resolving, by Gods assistance, for the future, to be rebuilding, not rending Christs growing Temple; and in the first place, to suffer your selves to be REGULARLY RE∣CAL'D, and in the interim, to joyn both heart and band, in sending up unanimous Ejaculations, to petition his Divine Ma∣jesty, that himself will be pleased to con∣descend so low, as to bow the Heavens, and to put unto these uncomfortable beginnings, a comfortable

END.

Notes

• These creatures, when they came first swarming from the North, were called Qua∣kers.