A briefe narration of some church courses held in opinion and practise in the churches lately erected in New England.: Collected out of sundry of their own printed papers and manuscripts with other good intelligences. Together with some short hints (given by the way) of their correspondence with the like tenents and practises of the separatists churches. And some short animadversions upon some principall passages for the benefit of the vulgar reader. Presented to publike view for the good of the church of God by W. R.

CHAP. IIII.

Of the Forme of the true visible Church.

1. THey hold the Forme of a true visible Church of Christ is that which they call theu 1.1 Church-Cove∣nant, whereby all the members of the Societie are united to Christ and one to another, which therefore they count ab∣solutely necessarie, essentiall and constitutive to and of the true Church. Discourse of Cov. p. 5-15. Ans. to 32. q. p. 9, 39. Apol. p. 6, 9, 17, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 38, 39. Cott. cat. p. 4.

Without this no true Church, nor true Church members, but all are harlots and concubines. Apol. p. 20, 24. Discourse of Cov. p. 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24.

Without it all men are without the Church, (for which they usually cite 1 Cor. 5.12.) and uncapable of any Church priviledge, Apol. p. 6, 11, 13, 19, 20, 24, 25, 27, 38, 39, 42. Dis∣course of Cov. p. 17, 22, 28. Ans. to 32. q. p. 11, 21, 24, 38. Ans. to 9. Pos. p. 69.

So the Separatists. Rob. justif. p. 75, 79, 56, 81, 82, 85, 86, 110, 210, 207, 231, 257, 351.

2. No other tye, nor all others imaginable without this, they conceive are not sufficient to knit men together into one Church, nor is there any other way of admission into the Church but by this. Not visible profession and practise of truth and holinesse (though never so compleat and sin∣cere.) Therefore they say* 1.2 Job and Melchisedek (with others such eminently Godly) were yet no members of the visible Church, because not within this Church covenant. Ans. to 9. Pos. p. 66. Discourse of Cov. p. 14. Ans. to 32. q. p. 28, 37. Norx 1.3 Baptisme. Ans. to 32. q. 12. Nor coha∣bitation. Discourse of Cov. p. 14, 20. Nor voluntary and usuall frequenting the same place of worship, subjecting a mans selfe to the same officers and lawes of government, nor joyning himselfe in all holy fellowship both publike and private with the same societie. Discourse of Cov. p. 21. Nor the law of the land made by the Magistrates authoritie, with our own implicite consent in Parliament, appointing that all Professours of Religion that sit down within such and such precincts, shall be of such a Societie or Church. Apol. p. 14. Nor all these together without the Church covenant, which only is sufficient to doe it. Ans. to 32. q. p. 24. Dis∣course of Cov. p. 5, 14, 18-21, 24, 25. Apol. p. 19, 24.

3. This covenant they hold to be distinct from they 1.4 Co∣venant of Grace; so, as that many which are within the Covenant of Grace (i.e. effectually, yea, and visibly called too) are not within the Church Covenant, and so not with∣in

the visible Church, as Job, Melchizedek, &c. of whom before. And again, many are within the Church covenant, and so within the visible Church, that are not within the Co∣venant of Grace, as hypocrites in the Church. Apol. p. 5, 6, 14 Discourse of Cov. p. 3.16.

4. Yet sometimes they tell us, it is not distinct altoge∣ther, or in substance, but in some respects onely, as a part from the whole, this being a branch of that. Discourse of Cov. p. 3, 7, 8, 12, 26, 28. Apol. p. 8, 31, 43. A volun∣tary

profession ofz 1.5 subjection thereunto. Apol. p. 22, 24. Discourse of Cov. p. 18. especially to that part thereof which concernes Churcha 1.6 fellowship, and Church duties. Discourse of Cov. p. 4, 7, 8, 26. Ans. to 9. Pos. p. 75. with application to this particular Churchb 1.7 onely, to which one is now to be joyned by this covenant. Discourse of Cov. p. 10, 15, 28. Ans. to 9. Pos. p. 75.

5. And this covenant is made by every member, both with God, and the Church, and by the Church also backe againe with every member. Discourse of Cov. p. 4, 10, 12. J.W. ans. to 10. quest. R.M. to W.R.

6. And thus they define it.c 1.8 'Its a solemne and publike Promise before the Lord and his people, whereby a compa∣nie of Christians called (by the power and mercie of God)

to the fellowship of Christ, and (by his providence) to dwell together, and (by his Grace) to love and cleave together in the unitie of faith and brotherly love, and desirous to partake (according to the will of God) in all the holy Ordinances of God together in one Congregation, doe bind themselves to the Lord to walke in all suchd 1.9 wayes of holy worship to him, and of edification one towards another, as God him∣selfe hath required in his word of every Church of Christ and the members thereof. Apol. p. 5. Discourse of Cov. p. 3. Apol. p. 5.

7. The properties hereof: 1. It is sacred not civill. Dis∣course of Cov. p. 3, 4. 2. It must be publike before all the Church. Discourse of Cov. p. 4, 17, R.M. to W.R. 3. Vo∣call and expresse. J.W. ans. to 10. quest. Apol. p. 45. 4. So firmely binding, as that it cannot be loosed without the con∣sent of the Church. Of which see more after.

8. After all this rigourous exacting of this Covenant, sometimes they mollifie the matter, and tell us, That ane 1.10 agreement or consent to be members of this or that socie∣tie, and to walk with them in Church fellowship will serve and is equivalent. Apol. p. 32, 44. Discourse of Cov. p. 21, 22, 23. T.G. to J.G. And sometimes in stead of exacting this covenant, they onely inquire what is mens intention, whether they intend to doe so or no, and if they intend it, that sufficeth. M^r W. to M^r P. And as for us, they sometimes acknowledge, that ourconsent to the law of the land made by King and Parliament, appointing that all such as sit down within such precincts, shall be of this or that Parish or Church, is an implicite covenant. Apol. p. 14. and some∣times that our promise to beleeve & walk according to our Articles of Religion is sufficient. Discourse of Cov. p. 40.

9. This Covenant amongst them, though for substance of matter it be all one, in all their Churches, yet in forme of words it is divers in divers Churches, but in the same Church it is ever in one and the samef 1.11 Forme of words, as well as matter, and therefore put in writing, and when any one is admitted it is then read, either by the party himselfe that is admitted, or else unto him by some other man, whereunto he is to give his assent. R.M. to W.R. Apol. p. 5.

10. One or two of their formes I will here insert, that the Reader may the better by example take up their sense touch∣ing this Covenant.

1. The Covenant of the English Church at Roter∣dame (as is reported to us) renewed when M^r H.P. was made their Pastour, was to this effect.

WE whose names are here-under written, having a long time found by sad experience how uncomfortable it is to walk in a disordered and unsetled condition, &c. 1.g 2.1 Doe renue our Covenant in Baptisme, and avouch God to be our God. 2. We resolve to cleave to the true and pure wor∣ship of God, opposing to our power all false wayes. 3. We will not allow our selves in any known sin, but will renounce it, so soon as it is manifested from Gods Word so to be: the Lord lending us power. 4. We resolve to carry our selves in our severall places of government and obedience with all good conscience, knowing we must give an account to God. 5. We will labour for further growth in grace, by hearing, reading, prayer, meditation, and all other wayes we can. 6. We meane not to over-burthen our hearts with earthly cares, which are the bane of all holy duties, the breach of the Sabbath, and the other Commandements. 7. We will wil∣lingly and meekly submit to Christian Discipline, without

murmuring, and shall labour so to continue, and will ende∣vour to be more forward, zealous, faithfull, loving and wise in admonishing others. 8. We will labour by all our abi∣lities for the furtherance of the Gospell as occasion shall be offered to us. 9. We promise to have our children, servants, and all our charge taught the wayes of God. 10. We will strive to give no offence to our brethren by censuring them rashly by suspitions, evill speakings, or any other way. 11. Lastly, we doe protest not onely against open and scan∣dalous sins, as drunkennesse, swearing, &c. but also against evill companie, and all appearance of evill to the utmost of our power.

Per me F.H.

2. The Covenant of the Church of Christ at Salem was renewed to this effect.

WE whose names are here-under written,* 3.1 members of the present Church of Christ at Salem, &c. solemnly in the presence of God, &c. renew that Church Covenant which we find this Church bound unto at their first beginning, viz. We covenant with the Lord, and one with another, and do binde our selves in the presence of God to walk together in all the wayes of God, according as he is pleased to reveale himselfe to us in his Word. And doe more explicitely in the fear of the Lord professe and protest to walk as followeth.

1. We avow the Lord to be our God, and our solves his peo∣ple, in the truth and simplicitie of our spirits. 2. We give up our selves to the Lord Jesus Christ, and the word of his Grace, for the teaching, sanctifying, and ruling of us in matters of worship and conversation, resolving to cleave to him alone for life and glorie, and oppose all contrary wayes, canons and constitutions of men in his worship. 3. We promise to walk with our brethren and sisters in this Con∣gregation with all watchfulnesse, and tendernesse, avoiding all jealousies, suspitions, backbitings, censurings, provo∣kings, secret risings of spirit against them, but in all offen∣ces to follow the rule of the Lord Jesus, to bear and forbear, give and forgive, as he hath taught us. 4. In publike or private we will willingly do nothing to the offence of our Church, but will be ready to take advice for our selves and ours, as occasion shall be presented. 5. We will not in the Congregation be forward either to shew our own gifts or parts in speaking, or scrupling, or there to discover the failings of our brethren or sisters,* 3.2 but attend an orderly call thereunto: knowing how much the Lord may be dishonou∣red, &c. by our distempers, and weaknesses in publike. 6. We binde our selves to studie the advancement of the Gospell in all truth and peace, both in regard of those that are within and without, no way slighting our Sister-churches, but using their counsell, as need shall be, not laying a stumbling block before any. 7. We hereby promise to carry our selves in all lawfull obedience to those that are set over us in Church and Common-wealth, knowing how wel-pleasing it will be to the Lord, &c. 8. We resolve to approve our selves to the Lord in our particular callings, shunning idlenesse as the bane of any state, nor will we deal hardly or oppressing∣ly with any. 9. We will also to our best abilities teach our children and servants the knowledge of the Lord, and his will, that they may serve him also.

O. H.

11. This Covenant (thus distinguished from the Cove∣nant of Grace) they hold to be that Covenant which ish 3.3

sealed by the Sacraments, and for the sealing and ratifying of which the Sacraments were principally ordained of God, and therefore to be administred only to such as are first en∣tred into this Covenant, as seales thereof. Apol. p. 15, 19, 31. Ans. to 9. Pos. p. 63, 66. And therefore, that such persons as (by their condition) cannot joyne in Church Covenant, nor live in Church fellowship with a set societie, are not bound to partake in Sacraments. Apol. p. 39, 41.

See Robins. justif. p. 80, 110. Though I doe not find the Brownists so solicitously to distinguish between the Church covenant, and the covenant of Grace, as these our brethren doe.

12. Such as were admitted into their Churches infants by the covenant of their parents, are not yet permitted to receive the Lords Supper, when they come to yeares, untill they have first run through all the foresaid course ofi 3.4 publike and private examination, profession of faith, declaration of the manner of their conversion, and personall, vocall, expresse entring into the same covenant, as others of yeares have be∣fore them done, and as if they had never been received mem∣bers before. Ans. to 32. q. p. 20, 21.

Notes

• u 1.1

  This point of church covenant is worthy of deepe consideration, for it will touch the free-hold (not onely of our English Chur∣ches, but also) of all the Churches in the world, if this be the rule to try all Chur∣ches by.
• * 1.2

  A strange, yet bold, assertion, spoken with∣out proofe of Scrip∣ture, consent of other Authours, or good shew of reason, Mel∣chizedek was a Priest, and therefore prayed, preached, and offered sacrifice, but did he this by himselfe, and for himselfe alone? Can there be a Priest by office, without a people?
• x 1.3

  Robins. justif. p. 230, saith, 'its an Anabap∣tillicall errour to hold that Baptisme con∣stitutes the visible Church: I suppose his sense is the same with theirs, when they say that Baptisme admits not into the visible Church; The contrary whereunto, I conceive, is neither Popish nor Anabapt. but may well passe for Orthodoxe (as usually it doth amongst Divines) it we doe but distinguish between admission into the Ch. reall and formall, between the substance of the thing and the ceremonie, or formalitie thereof. The substance and reall admission indeed usually goes before Bap••. For infants of parents within the Church, are born within the Church, and so really within it before they be haptized. And beleevers of age, ma∣king open profession of their faith and repentance, are ipso facto made members of the visible church by their visible profession. But the formall admission of both in the solemne perfor∣mance of it, is both acted and sealed at once in Baptisme, which is (as it were) a Christians for∣mall matriculation or inrollment amongst the members of the visible Church. It this be not so, then let them tell me what and when is the formall admission of infants into the visible Church, or are they never formally admitted untill they come to age?
• y 1.4

  Were the question only of the Covenant of Grace to be either entred into, or renew∣ed again and again at the constitution or re∣stitution of Churches, the matter were soon at an end; that would be easily granted to be necessary, yea, es∣sentiall: And such on∣ly were all the Scripture Covenants, which are usually cited by them to prove their Church covenant. But that will not serve their turn. 2. Or were it of a covenant between the offi∣cers and their people, I conceive, there would be no strife, this being tacitely implyed in their mutuall choice each of other. You shall be our pastour, &c. and we will be your people; Pro∣vided 1. it be not obtruded as essentiall, or absolutely necessary to have it expresse. 2. that it be understood with a salvo jure, not onely to that particular church and members, nor only to that particular officer, but also to all other Churches, who have a common interest each in other, for the good of all, most of all to God himselfe. 3. Yea, if it were of a covenant between the church and her members, and each member with another of remaining together as a fixed so∣ciety, till death (without extraordinary impediment) as a thing in it selfe arbitrary and occi∣sionall only, upon some particular reasons calling for it. I speake what I thinke, This also would not be denyed. 4. Or (which is all that can with any colour of reason be defined) if it were of an ecclesiasticall constitution only, binding the members to the Discipline and Co∣vernment of such a church (during mens convenient abode with it) as a thing expedient only for the better being and better governing of the church, I say, an Ecclesiasticall constitution, con∣sonant to generall Rules of Scripture, though not precisely commanded therein: And which may therefore be intended, temitted, or altered pro re natâ, according to the generall Rules of Scripture at the Churches discretion; Such as are the covenants or promises required of the members of the Dutch and French Churcher; There would not have been many adversaries. But when an expresse vocall covenant is held forth, and with all eagernesse pressed on us, and on all churches as a Divine Ordinance particularly commanded in Scripture, absolutely ne∣cessary, essentiall and constitutive to a true church; without which there is no true church, but all societies are whores and concubines, and without which there is no right unto, nor orderly participation of any Church dutie or ordinance: And this so obligatory that it is piaculum to remove from that societie, with which one is in covenant, without their generall consent, sought at least (as after is shewed.) And not only so, but also letters are sent over with strong lines, to disswade our people from living any longer in the way they have done, out of Church order, because out of church covenant. Sermons are likewise preached, bookes printed, and private discourses made, and in all these arguments artificially used, and possionately and perswasive∣ly urged, yea, the Scriptures themselves forced to speake for their Church covenant as a Divine Ordinance, &c. I say, when it is thus held forth and urged on us, no marvell if it be not en∣tertained without much agitation, yea, if it meet with much opposition, and that amongst the godly and learned both persons and Churches.
• z 1.5

  If this Church cove∣nant be but the cove∣nant of Grace, then surely we have it, and renew it daily, in Bap∣tisme, at the Lords Table, on our solemn Fasts, &c. why call they then so eagerly for that we have, as if we wanted it? 2. If it be but the Covenant of Grace, what absolute necessity can there be of repeating and renewing it expressely, and reciprocally, at every admissi∣on of a new member?
• a 1.6

  If it be a covenant of Church duties only, and to this society only, what needs a repetiti∣on of the whole covenant of Grace, at least as essentiall to this covenant, and to Church consti∣tution, and to Church membership, more then to a marriage covenant, or any other holy cove∣nant? It may be done at a wedding; true, but to make it essentiall to it, would marre many a lawfull marriage. Nor can it be judged essentiall that the particulars of the covenant of Grace, so farre as they concerne church duties should be (and that so oft) repeated. If two parties intending to marry each other, should doe it in this generall forme only (or the like) he saying to her, Ile be thy husband; and she to him, Ile be thy wife, if there were no defect in the covenant, or otherwise; but want of mentioning the mutuall duties that by Gods law belong to married persons, I beleeve that would never make it null: nor would that their covenant the lesse bind them to such mutuall duties, because the particulars were not exprest in the covenant at the marriage-making.
• b 1.7

  As this covenant is destructive to our Churches, so is it apt to cause schismes and separa∣tions of one Church from another even amongst themselves. Its a partition wall (as one cals it) built up to hinder that communion that ought to be among Churches, and that care that one Church and member ought to have of another. Here being so strict a tye to the duties belon∣ging to our own Church, and the members thereof, but not a word of any dutie to be perfor∣med to other Churches, or their members. So that if a member of the same Church with my selfe want watching, counsell, reproofe, &c. my covenant binds me to performe accordingly. But if one of another Church doe need as much, and I have fit opportunitie, &c. yet by this co∣venant I have nothing to doe with him, he is without to me, 1 Cor. 5.12.
• c 1.8

  All the middle part of this definition ex∣plaines the matter of a true Church: Of which in the former Chapter: onely the beginning and end doe shew the nature of the Cove∣nant (which they call the Forme) of which here in this Chapter.
• d 1.9

  The words are good and faire; but he that takes this covenant had need to consider that in the sense of them that give it, The waies of God, are their wayes of Church con∣stitution, and popular Government, which if he be not upon good ground satisfied that they are indeed the wayes of God, then how can he safely ingage himselfe to them by this covenant, and that not only to be a patient, to tolerate what he cannot mend, but even to act with them also in the same? Our brethren conceive that a Minister in swearing canonicall obedience, in omnibus licitis & honestis, to a Bishop, did thereby justifie Episcopacie; And doe not by the same reason, all that take this covenant justifie popularitie and independencie.
• e 1.10

  If so little wil serve, what need such out∣cries for more, and the truth of all Chur∣ches to be questioned, such sharpe contenti∣ons amongst brethren to be raised, and sad separations of one Church and Christian from another to be made about and for want of an express covenant as essentiall and absolutely neces∣sary to Church estate?
• f 1.11

  Here we have a set forme of holy Cove∣nant in the Church, (a principall part of wor∣ship) invented by one or more men (perhaps of a former age) and imposed upon others, even as many as shall enter into that Church, read also upon a book; And what is this better or more lawfull then such a set forme of Prayer, especially since this covenant is imposed as an Ordinance of God, and absolutely necestarie, so as no book prayer is, And seeing the matter is confest to be all one in all Churches, why may not the forme also be lawfully all one by mutuall agreement; And if one forme of covenant be lawfull for all the Churches consociated? why not one forme of Leitourgy, or Directorie for worship also?
• g 2.1

  All things in these two formes, in a fait construction, are very good, but some things are subject to an harsh construction: as, where they promise to submit to Christi∣an Discipline without murmuring, i.e. as some would thinke without complaining: But what if he receive wrong, may he not or∣derly complain either to his owne Church, or to the neighbour Churches for redresse? Especially that clause seemes to be of a very large extent, where they promise to be rea∣dy to take their Chur∣ches advice for them∣selves and theirs, as occasion shall be pre∣sented: which will reach (if extended to the utmost) not only to restrain their liber∣tie of removall from that Church, without their consent (which yet were too much) but also in other things, as in marrying a mans daughter, changing a mans ser∣vant, taking a journey, making a bargain, &c. 2. Here are many good duties promised, and sins protested against, but the most of them are common to all men, at least to all Christians (not to Church-members only.) But by the same reason that its needfull and usefull to expresse these particulars, 'its needfull and usefull to expresse many more: as they protest against op∣pression, idlenesse and earthly cares, may they not as justly adde non-payment of debts, wast∣fulnesse by pride, apparell, and riot in wines, and the like? 3. The former covenant mentions little or nothing of that for which the Church-covenant is so pressed as essentiall, &c. viz. Church-fellowship in Church-duties with approptiation to this particular Church: And may be as sit at a wedding as at the constitution of a visible Church, for ought I know. 4. The latter tyes strictly to duties to their own Church, but no word of watching over, admonishing, com∣forting, releeving the members of other Churches, or Christians that are no members. Charitie, they say, begins at home, but it should not stay there. It seekes not its own things only, but also the good of its neighbour, of as many as possibly it can.
• * 3.1

  5. We have in the lat∣ter a particular pro∣mise, not to be for∣ward in speaking in publike, or scrupling: By which it appeares that they are allowed (when called) pub∣likely both to speake (that is as I under∣stand it, to prophecie) and to scruple (that is, to propound questi∣ons, make objections, &c.) else what need a law to restrain them from doing it uncal∣led? And if it were not for some such law to restrain them, there must needs be much consusion where each member hath equall power, if he had equal liberty to exercise that power when he plea∣sed. But what differs this law (in force) from an Ecclesiasticall Canon? but that Ca∣nons are now grown out of request, that Church Covenants may bee the better cryed up.
• * 3.2

  6. In this latter also here is a strict tye or bond of walking to∣gether in Church-fel∣lowship, and mutuall watchfulnesse, one o∣ver another: But how can they do that, that live farre asunder, and never see one another but at publike mee∣tings? and some of them that live some thousands of miles a∣sunder, and perhaps being Ministers of Churches there, yet accept of fixed im∣ployments, even the charge of soules here. How can these watch over one another?
• h 3.3

  Here is a piece or two of such Divinitie as I never heard or read before: but uno absurdo dato, mille se∣quuntur.
• i 3.4

  What if upon exami∣nation they prove nei∣ther cōvincingly gra∣cious, as wanting ex∣pected evidences, nor yet openly scandalous, as being over-powred with Gods ordinan∣ces, and good educa∣tion and government? what shall become of them then, admitted as members to the Lords Supper they shall not be; and excommunicated, I trow, they cannot justly be; By this rule they must remain in a middle condition, neither of the Church, nor without the Church; And what warrant have we for this?