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THe common and popular disci∣pline consists chiefly in these par∣ticulars; First as to the ground-work, that when any one is received into the Church, that he learn to know God & Christ, call upon him, & un∣derstand what his commands are; This is performed by Catechising,
whereby the summe of Christ an Reli∣gionis taught: being thus instructed, he is to professe his faith before the whole Church, and to promise obe∣dience to Christ and his Church ac∣cording to the doctrine of the Go∣spel.* 1.1 Secondly, because not to pro∣ceed in the way of God is to relapse, therefore to the end the godly may make good progresse in piety, they ought to meet together in holy As∣semblies at appointed times and pla∣ces, and apply themselves to the hearing of the word of God, to joyn in Prayer with others, and exercise charity towards the poor by contri∣buting their offerings liberally. Thirdly, in regard that in this pro∣gresse we oftentimes fall, some more grievously and with greater scandall to the Church others lesse hainously, therefore there is another particular consisting in the Censure of man∣ners;* 1.2 to wit, that every one do sub∣mit himself to their Censure, even to the end of his life, and admit of bro∣therly correction. And if any one happen to fall into some notorious offence manifest to the Church, and
being reproved, do not repent there∣of, for which reason he deserves to be suspended from the Sacrament for the time, untill he give publick testimony to the Church of his true repentance; such a brother is to be excommunicated from holy things and bound; neverthelesse upon his repentance he is to be loosed, recei∣ved again into favour, & be admitted to communion. This is the first kind of discipline; the end whererof is, that every one might live unto God, and at last die in the Lord Jesus.
Rom. 10.10. Mat. 28.20.
Matt. 18 15. &c. 1 Tim. 5.20.