A Booke of the forme of common prayers, administration of the sacraments, &c. agreeable to Gods Worde, and the vse of the reformed churches. To this fourth editiŏ is added the maner of ordination and admission of a pastor to his charge, according to the maner of the reformed churches. The contents of this booke, are conteyned in the page following..

OF THE PASTORS, THEIR OF∣fice, election, and ordination.

What things are chieflie required in the Pastors.

THE church that is destitute of a Pastor, isa 1.1 first diligentlie to consider, that he which is to be chosen Pastor, be not foundb 1.2 culpable of anie such faultes as S. Paule reprehendeth in a man of that vocatiō: but cōtrariwise, indued with such vertues, that he may be able to vndertake his charge & diligentlie execute the same. Secondlie, that he ought toc 1.3 distribute faithfullie the Worde of God, & minister the Sacraments sincerelie, euerd 1.4 carefull not onlie to teach his flocke publikelie, but also vpon cause, priuatelie to admonish them: remembring alwayes that if anie thinge 1.5 perish through his default, the Lorde will require it at his hande.

ANd because the charge of the Worde of God is of greaterf 1.6 importance,* 1.7 then that anie man is able to dispense therwith: and Saint Paule exhorteth to esteeme them

as ministersa 1.8 of Christ, & disposers of Gods mysteries: notb 1.9 lordes or rulers, as S. Peter saith, ouer the flocke: The Church is ther∣fore to cōsider, that the Pastors chief office standeth inc 1.10 preaching the worde of God, and ministring the Sacramentes: So that in consultations, iudgementes, elections, and other ecclesiasticall affaires, hisd 1.11 counsell rather then authoritie, taketh place.

And if so be the Congregation by the ad∣uise of the Elders, vpon iust cause agree to excommunicate, then it belongeth to the Minister, according to theire 1.12 generall de∣termination, to pronounce the sentence, to the end that all thinges may bee donef 1.13 or∣derlie, and without confusion.

ANd therefore the Elders of the vacant Congregation and certeine Pastors ap∣pointed by the next Cōference to it (whose assistance the saide Elders are to seeke and desire of that Conference) at such time are to assemble the Congregation hauing before appointed a day for fasting & pray∣er,* 1.14 to exhort them to pray, that God would direct the election to bee made, as may bee most agreeable to his will, and most profi∣table for that Church. Then after they are to meete by them selues, and to aduise of one fitt for the place that is vacant, whom that assemblie of the Elders and such Pa∣stors

are to prooue and examine.

First, as touching“ 1.15 Doctrine, whether he that should be Pastor, haue good & sounde knowledge in the holy Scriptures, and fitt and apt giftes to communicate the same to the edification of the people. For the triall whereof, they are to propose him a theame to be treated priuatelie, and to take such o∣ther triall, whereby his abilitie may the more manifestlie appeare vnto them. Se∣condlie, they are to inquire of his life and conuersation, if he haue in times past liued without slaunder, and gouuerned him self in such sorte as the worde of God hath not heard euill,* 1.16 or bene slaundred through his occasion, which being seuerally done, they signifie to the congregation that they finde his giftes meete and profitable for that mi∣nisterie: appointing also by a generall con∣sent twentie dayes, that euerie man may di∣ligentlie inquire of his life & maners: with warning that if in that time no iust excep∣tion be taken, their silence shalbe accoūted as their free consent: in which time he is to preach in the cōgregatiō, that they may al∣so discerne of his fitnes, to cōmunicate his giftes with thē. And if in the meane season any thing be brought against him, wherby he may be foūd vnworthie by lawful proof thē is he to be dismissed, & some other pre∣sented.

If no sufficient matter be alleadged against him within the time appointed, thē one of the Ministers afore the morning Ser¦mon, declaring no iust exception to be ta∣ken against the presented, and therfore the partie as chosen with free cōsent of the Mi∣nisters, Elders, and the whole cōgregation, to be ordained, is to frame his Sermon, or some part thereof, to the setting foorth of the duetie of the Minister and the Church: & so giueth“ 1.17 thanks to God, with request of such thinges as shalbe necessarie for his office. After that, he is to bee ordained by the laying on of the handes of the Elder∣ship of that Cōgregation, & the Ministers apointed for that purpose, wherof one is to pronoūce these wordes: According to this lawfull calling, agreeable to the worde of God, whereby thou art chosen Pastor in the name of God, stand thou charged with the Pastorall charge of this people, ouer which the holy ghost hath made thee ouer seer,* 1.18 to gouuerne the flocke of God, which he hath purchased with his bloud.

This done, the people are to sing a Psalme and so to depart. And the next time of the whole assemblie of the Cōgregatiō, the Pa∣stor so ordeined, is to begin the executiō of his office, being broght to the place where he is to doe it, by the Elders of the same.

THE MANNER OF OR∣DAINING MINISTERS OF the Worde, and establishing them in their Churches.

WElbeloued Brethren in the Lord, it is knowen to you all, that wee haue three or foure times propoūded vnto you the name of our deare brother N. heere present, to know whether anie man had to except against him cōcerning his doctrine and conuersation, whereby he were to bee helde vnfit for the Ministerie in this Con∣gregation. But so it is, that no man appea∣reth, to alleadge anie lawfull exception a∣gainst him: wherfore we are at this present time to proceed in the Name of the Lorde to his institution. For the which cause, you N. & all that be heere present, are to heare a short declaration out of the Scripture, concerning the institution and charge of the Ministers of the worde: Namelie, that our heauēlie Father, purposing to call and gather out of mankinde, being corrupted, a Church vnto life euerlasting, doeth by a speciall grace vse therevnto the labour of men: as S. Paule teacheth vs Ephe. 4. That the Lord Christ gaue some to be Apostles, & some Prophetes, and some Euangelistes, &

some Pastors and Teachers: for the gathe∣ring together of the Saints, for the worke of the Ministerie, and for the edification of the body of Christ. Heere wee see plainlie a∣mong other things, that the Pastors office is an institution of Iesus Christ. Nowe to know what belōgeth to this holy charge, wee may easilie gather out of the name it selfe. For as the duetie of a common Pastor or Sheepheard is to feede, to leade, to de∣fende and gouerne the flock that is cōmit∣ted vnto him: so doeth it also stande with those spirituall sheepheardes, set ouer that Cōgregation, the which God calleth vnto saluation, and holdeth to be the sheepe of his pasture. Which pasture to graze these sheepe withall, is nothing els but the prea∣ching of Gods word, with the annexed ad∣ministration of prayers and of the holie Sacramentes. The same worde is also that staffe, whereby this flocke is guided and gouerned. Consequentlie it is plaine, that the charge of Pastours or Ministers consi∣steth therein:

First, that they are vppon good ground, soundlie to deliuer vnto the people the worde of the Lotd, cōtained in the bookes of the Prophetes and Apostles: and to ap∣plie the same both in general and particu∣lar, to the vtilitie & profit of the hearers,

by instructing, admonishing, comfortinge and rebuking them, according as the ne∣cessitie of euerie one requireth: preaching conuersion vnto God, and reconciliation with him through faith in Iesus Christ, & refuting by the holy Scriptures all errours & heresies that are repugnāt to this sound doctrine. All which is taught vs plainlie in the holy Scriptute. For the Apostle Saint Paule saith, That these doe labour in the worde. And elswhere:* 1.19 That it is to be done according to the measure or rule of faith. Moreouer,* 1.20 that a Pastor must hold fast that faithfull worde according to doctrine, and deuide the same aright. Also, He that pro∣phecieth (that is that preacheth the word) speaketh vnto men to edifying,* 1.21 and to ex∣hortation, & to comfort. In an other place he doeth set downe him self for a patron vnto all Pastors, declaring that openlie and throughout the houses, hee hath taught repentance towards God, and faith toward our lord Iesus Christ. But specially he doth deliuer vnto vs a notable description of the charge of a Preacher of the Gospell 2. Cor. 5.17.* 1.22 All thinges (saith hee) are of God, which hath reconciled vs vnto himselfe by Iesus Christ, and hath giuen vnto vs (name∣lie Apostles and Pastors) the ministerie of reconciliation. For God was in Christ recon∣ciling

the word to himselfe, not imputing their sinnes vnto them: and hath committed vnto vs the worde of reconciliation. Now then are wee Ambassadours for Christ: as though God did beseech you through vs, wee pray you in Christes steade, that ye be re∣conciled to God. Concerning the refuting of false doctrine, the same Apostle saith Tit. 1.9. that a Minister must hold fast the word of God, that he may convince them that speake against it.

Secondlie, the Pastors charge is, to make publike prayers in the behalf of the whole church, for that which the Apostles say, Act. 6.4. we will giue our selues cōtinually to prayer, & to the ministery of the word, is cōmen to al Pastors.* 1.23 Therfore S. Paul saith to Timothe, J exhort, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thankesgiuings be made for all men, &c.

Thirdlie, they are to administer the Sacra∣ments,* 1.24 which the Lord hath ordained to be seals of his grace, as it appeareth by the cō∣mandmēt that Christ gaue to his Apostles, belonging also to all other Pastors, Baptise them in the name of the Father, and of the Sonne, & of the holy Ghost. Also 1 Cor. 11 I haue receaued of the Lorde that which I also deliuered vnto you, to wit, That the Lorde Iesus in the night when hee was be∣trayed,

tooke bread, &c.

Finally, the Pastors ought to maintaine & gouerne the church of God in good disci∣pline, after the maner that the Lorde hath appointed. For Christ Math. 1••.1••. hauing spoken of the Christian censures, saith to his Apostles, What soeuer ye shal binde vpō earth, shall be bound in heauen. And Paule will haue the Ministers to bee able to gou∣uerne well their own house,* 1.25 because other∣wise they should not be able to rule the Church of God.* 1.26 Therefore are the Pastors called in the Scriptue Stewards & Bishops, that is to say, Ouerseers & Watchmen, be∣cause they haue the ouersight ouer the house of God in the which they conuerse, to the end that all things may be done in it orderlie, decentlie, and honestlie: and that by the keyes of the kingdome of heauen,* 1.27 that are committed vnto them, the shut∣ting and opening may be practised, accor∣ding to the charge that God hath giuen them.

By these things ye may see, what an excel∣lent work the Pastors office is, seeing ther∣by so great thinges are brought to passe: yea how necessarie it is in all respectes, to bring men vnto saluatiō. For which cause the Lord willeth y^e same to remain alwayes: seeing he said to his Apostles, when he sent

them out to execute this holie ministerie, Lo I am with you alway vnto the end of the world.* 1.28 Whereby he sheweth his will is, that his holie Ministerie (considering the Apo∣stles could not liue vntill the ende of the world) from time to time should be main∣tained vpon earth. Therefore Paul also ad∣monisheth Timothe, That what thinges he had heard of him,* 1.29 he should deliuer to faith∣full men, that were able to teach others like∣wise. And hauing ordained Titus to bee a Pastor,* 1.30 commaundeth him further to or∣daine Elders in euerie Cittie.

Considering then that we also, to entre∣taine the same Ministerie in the Church of God, doe ordaine or admit this our“ 1.31 bro∣ther N. & haue hetherto sufficientlie spo∣ken of his chariage: You therfore N. shall aunswere vpon that which I am to pro∣proud vnto you, to the end that euerie one may vnderstand that you are minded to accept the same charge in a conuenient manner.

First I aske you, whether you feele in your heart that you are called lawfullie by the church of God, and consequentlie by God himselfe, to this holie ministerie?

Secondlie, whether you hold the bookes of the old and new Testament to be the onlie word of God & the perfect doctrine

of saluation: and doe forsake all doctrines repugnant vnto the same:

Thirdlie, whether you promise to exe∣cute your charge as before it is described, with all fidelitie according to the same do∣ctrine: and to execute & accompanie your instructions with a godlie life: as also to submit your self to the Church-censures, according to the common order of the Churches, if it happē that you should mis∣carie your selfe either in doctrine or life?

Vpon this he aunswereth.

Yea with all my heart.

Then shall the Minister who hath asked him these questions (or an other Minister when there are more) lay their "handes vpō his head, and speake thus:* 1.32 "handes vpō his head, and speake thus:

God our heauenlie father who hath cal∣led you to this holy calling, illuminate you by his Spirit, strengthen you by his hande, and so direct you in your Ministerie, that you may walke in the same orderlie, faith∣fullie and fruitefullie, to the praise of his holy name, and the furthering and increa∣sing of the kingdome of his Sonne IESVS Christ, Amen.

After this shall the Minister from the Pulpit admonish in this sorte both the con∣firmed Minister, and the people:

You therefore welbeloued Brother and

fellow Minister in Christ, take heed vnto your selfe, and vnto all the flocke, whereof the holy Ghost hath made you Ouerseer, to feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his owne bloud. Loue Christ, and feede his sheepe, hauing a care of them, not by constraint, but willinglie: not for filthie lucre, but of a readie minde: not as though you were a Lorde ouer the people committed vnto you, but as beeing become a paterne vnto the flocke. Be an ensample vnto them that beleeue, in word, in conuersation, in loue, in spirit, in faith, and in purenesse: giue attendance to rea∣ding, to exhortation, and to doctrine, and neglect not the gift that is giuen you: exer∣cise these things, and giue your selfe vnto them, that it may bee seene how you doe profit among all men. Take heede vnto learning, and continue therein. Beare pa∣tiently all gainsaying & reproch, as a good souldior of Christ. Doeing this you shall saue your selfe and those that heare you: And when the chiefe Pastor shall appeare, you shall receyue the incorruptible crown of glorie.

You likewise deare brethrē, receyue this your Minister in the Lord, with all ioy, and make much of such: thinke that God him selfe doeth speake by them vnto you, and

pray you. Embrace the Worde which hee (according to the Scripture) is to deliuer, and that not as any mans word, but (as it is in deed) the worde of God. Let the feete of them that publish peace, and declare good things, be beautifull and acceptable vnto you. Obey them that haue the ouersight of you: for they watch for your soules, as they that must giue account: that they may doe it with ioy, and not with griefe: for that is vnprofitable for you. By doeing so, the peace of God shall enter into your houses, & you receyuing this man in the name of a Prophete, shall receyue the rewarde of a Prophete: and by his worde, beleeuing in Christ, shall inherite life euerlasting. Not∣withstanding, seeing no man is fit to anie of all these thinges of himself, let vs call vnto God with thankesgiuing in this ma∣ner:

O mercifull Father, we thanke thee that it hath pleased thee, out of mankinde that is corrupted, to gather thee a Church vnto life euerlasting, by the ministerie of man, and that so mercifullie thou hast prouided the Church here of a faithfull and trustie Minister: wee beseech thee heauenlie Fa∣ther, to make him by thy spirit, more and more fitt for that seruice wherevnto thou hast called him, giuinge him wisedome

to vnderstand thy holy Scripture, and vt∣terance to open his mouth boldly, and pu∣blish the mysterie of the Gospell. Endue him with wisedome & courage, to rule a∣right and maintaine in Christian peace the people committed vnto him, and that thy Church vnder his administration & good ensample may increase in multitude & true godlines. Graunt him a good hearte in all troubles and crosses that may meete him in his charge, that beeing strenghtened by the comfort of thy Spirit, and continuing cōstantlie vnto the end, he with all thy true seruants may be receaued into the ioyes of thee his Lord God. Likewise shew mercie to this people, that they may behaue them∣selues reuerently towards this their Pastor, acknowledging him to be sent vnto them from thee, receauing his doctrine with all respect and honour, & submitting them∣selues vnto his exhortations, that they by his word beleeving in Christ, may be made partakers of life euerlasting. Heare vs ô Fa∣ther through thy welbeloued Sonne, who hath taught vs thus to pray:

Our Father, &c.

THE MANNER OF OR∣DAINING ELDERS AND DEACONS, either iointly, or each of them seuerallie.

WElbeloued in the Lorde, you know that wee haue at diuers times pro∣pounded and declared vnto you the names of our brethen here present, who are cho∣sen to execute the charge of Eldership and Deaconship in this Congregation, to know whether anie thing could bee produced why they ought not to bee ordained in the said calling. Whervpon seeing that no mā hath appeared before vs, alleadging anie lawfull exception against them: Therefore we are at this present time to proceede in the name of the Lord to their ordination.

To this effect, you“ 1.33 brother, who must be ordained, and all beside that be heere pre∣sent, are to heare out of the worde of God a short declaration of the institution and charge of Elders and Deacons. Cōcerning the Elders, wee must note that the worde Elder or Auncient (beeing taken from the old Testament, and signifying a person e∣stablished in some honorable callinge for the gouerning of others) is attributed vn∣to two maner of persons that serue in the Church of Christ. For the Apostle saieth: The Elders that rule well,* 1.34 let them bee had

in double honour, especiallie they which la∣bour in the worde and doctrine. Heere wee see in the Apostolike Church to haue bene two sortes of Elders, whereof the first did labour in the worde and doctrine, and the other not. The first were Ministers of the Word, and Pastors: who preached the Go∣spell and administred the Sacraments: but the other who laboured not in the worde, & yet were likewise seruing in the church, had a speciall office, namelie the ouersight of the Church, and the ruling of the same together with the Ministers of the Worde. For Paule hauing spoken of the offices of teaching,* 1.35 and of distributing or Deacon∣ship, speaketh afterward of this office spe∣ciallie, saying: He that ruleth, let him doe it with diligence.* 1.36 Likewise in an other place among the giftes and offices whiche the Lorde hath ordained in his Church, he doeth mention Gouuernours or Rulers. This sorte then of Church-Officers, were to helpe and assist the other that Preached the Gospell, as in the Old Testament the cōmon Leuites were ioyned to the Priestes in the Ministerie of the Tabernacle, to bee their helpers in thinges which the Priestes alone, were not able to performe: remay∣ning alwayes offices distinct and seuerall. Moreouer, it is good that such fellow ru∣lers

bee ioyned with the Ministers of the worde, to the end that hereby all tyrannie and dominion may more easilie bee bani∣shed out of the Church of God, the which may breake in the sooner, when the gou∣uernement consisteth but in one or verie fewe persons. So that the Ministers of the worde and the Elders togeather, make one fellowship, beeing as a Church-councill, & representing the whole Church. Wher∣vpon the Lorde Christ hath regard, when he sayeth, Tell it vnto the Church.* 1.37 The which can not be vnderstood of all and e∣uerie member of the Church seuerallie, but most fitlie of those that gouuerne the Church, by the which they are elected.

First, there is required of the Elders, to haue with the Ministers of the worde, an ouersight of the Church, that is cōmitted vnto them: carefullie to looke that euerie one behaue him selfe convenientlie in his profession and conuersation, To admo∣nishe those that giue offence: and to pro∣uide, as much as is possible, that the Sacra∣ments be not prophaned. Likewise, accor∣ding to the Christian discipline, to deale against the impenitent, and receiue againe the penitēt into the bosome of the church: as not onely it is made plaine by the for∣mer sentence of Christ, but also by other

testimonies of Scripture,* 1.38 that these things stande not by one or two persons only, but by manie that are appointed fot it.

Secondlie, seeing the Apostle comman∣deth that all thinges amonge Christians,* 1.39 shall be done comelie and by order, and that no mā without lawfull calling, ought to serue in the Church of Christ, as Chri∣stian order requireth: It belongeth also to the Elders to looke to this, and in all mat∣ters that fall out appertayning to a good constitution & order of the Church, with good coūsell to assiste the Ministers of the worde: yea with counsell and comfort to serue the whole Congregation.

Thirdlie, it is their charge to haue a spe∣ciall regarde of the doctrine and life of the Ministers of the worde, to the end that all thinges be seruing for the edifying of the Church: and that no straung doctrine be taught, as we see the Apostle doeth ex∣horte,* 1.40 that diligent watch bee held against the wolues that might enter into the sheep∣coat of Christ. For the performing where∣of, the Elders are bound carefully to search the word of God, & to exercise themselues continuallie in the meditation of the my∣steries of faith.

Concerning the Deacons, we may reade of their originall & institution in the Actes* 1.41

of the Apostles. For there we doe finde that in the beginning the Apostles themselues, ministred to the poore, at whose feete the price of the sold goodes were brought, and the distribution was done to euerie one ac∣cording as his necessitie required. But be∣cause after this there arose a murmuringe, for that the widowes of the Graecians were neglected in the daylie ministring: By the admonitiō of the Apostles, certain men were chosen to supplie this busines of prouidinge for the poore, that the Apostles might giue themselues continuallie to prayer and to the ministration of the word. From which time this hath bin obserued in the Church, as ap∣reth by Paul the Apostle,* 1.42 who speaking of this charge, saith: That he who distributeth, shall doe it with simplicitie. And els where speaking of the HELPERS,* 1.43 he vnderstan∣deth those that are appointed to helpe the poore and afflicted, in their neede. Which places do sufficientlie shew what the office is of the Deacons: Namelie first, That they with fidelitie & carefulnesse doe gather and keepe the almes and goodes which are giuen to the poore: yea labour besides with all dili∣gence, that many good meanes may be found for the reliefe of the poore. The second parte of their charge consisteth in the distribution: wherevnto is requisit, not onelie discretion

& prudencie, least they should giue where is no need: but also a ioyfull mind & simplici∣tie, to helpe the poore with a cheerefull and mercifull heart,* 1.44 as the Apostle requireth. To which purpose it is verie good, that they succcour the poore & afflicted,* 1.45 not only with outwarde giftes, but likewise with comfor∣table consolations out of the word of God.

To the end therefore, deare brethren, N. N. that each one of you here present, may vnderstande that your intention is to em∣brace, receyue, and faithfullie execute the foresaide“ 1.46 charge [namelie each of you his owne] you are to answere to these que∣stions:

First, I aske you Elders, and Deacons, whether you doe not feele in your heartes, that you are by the Church of God, and consequentlie by God him selfe, seuerallie called to this holy charge, [or charges?]

Secondlie, whether you holde the Scri∣pture of the Old and New Testament, to be the onelie worde of God, and the per∣fect doctrine of saluation, and doe reiect all doctrine contrarie vnto the same?

Thirdlie, whether you promise to admi∣nister your charge (as before it is described out of the said doctrine) with all fidelitie, according to your power: namely you El∣ders N.N, in the church gouernement, to∣geather

with the Ministers of the worde, And you Deacons N. N. in the ministring of the poore? Likewise whether all of you, doe promise to liue in a godlie conuersati∣on, & to submit your selues to the church∣lie admonitions and censures, if you at any time offend against the good order of the Church?

Vpon this they shall answer:

Yea, that we doe.

Then the Minister sayeth:

The Almightie God and Father, graunt vnto you all his grace, that in this your charge you may behaue your selues faith∣fullie and fruitfullie with comfort, Amen.

Then shall he admonish them and the Congregation in this maner:

Looke then ye Elders that ye be diligent in gouerning the Church that which (to∣gether with the Ministers of the worde) is committed vnto you. Be also good watch∣men ouer the house and citie of God, to admonish euerie one faithfully, and warne him of his destructiō. Haue a care to main¦taine the purenes of doctrine, and the inte∣gritie of life in the Church of the Lord.

And you Deacons, be carefull in the gathe∣ring of the Almes, circumspect and cheere∣full in bestowing them: helpe the distressed, prouide for the right Widowes and orphans:

doe good vnto all men, but speciallie vnto them which are of the housholde of faith.

Be all of you faithfull and trustie in your charge: and hold the mysterie of faith in a pure conscience, shewing good exāple vnto all the people. So shall you get to your sel∣ues a good degree and great libertie in the faith which is in Christ Iesus, & hereafter enter into the ioye of your Lord.

On the other side welbeloued Christians, receaue these men as the seruants of God. Estime the Elders that rule well worthy of double honor: submit your selues willing∣lie to their ouersight and rule: Prouide and furnish the Deacons of good meanes for the helping of the poore: Bee beneficiall ye that are rich, giue liberallie and impart readilie: And ye that are poore, be poore in spirit, & carie your selues reuerentlie towardes your prouiders: be thankefull towards them, and murmure not: follow Christ for the foode of the soule, and not for bread sake. Let him that hath stolen, or bene burthensome to his neighbour, steale no more, but let him rather labour and worke with his handes the thing which is good, that he may haue to giue vn∣to him that needeth. Doing so, each for his owne parte, you shall receaue of the Lorde the reward of righteousnesse. But seeing of our selues we are vnfit for this, let vs call

vpon the Almightie God in this sorte:

Lord our God and mercifull Father, we render thee thankes, because it hath plea∣sed thee for the better furtheringe of thy Church, to appoint in the same, besides the Ministers of the worde, Rulers, & Hel∣pers, Whereby thy Congregation might be maintained in good peace and prospe∣rous estate, and the poore people relieued: and that presentlie in this place thou hast graunted vnto vs men of good testimonie, and endued with thy Spirit: Wee beseeche thee, furnish them more and more of such giftes as they haue neede of in their admi∣nistration, namelie, the gift of wisedome, readines, and of discerning, as also of be∣neficence, to the ende that euery one may behaue him selfe duelie in his charge, the Elders in hauing a carefull regarde to do∣ctrine and conuersation, to the keeping out the wolues from the sheepe-folde of thy welbeloued Sonne, & in admonishing and reproving the disorderlie and vnrulie. Likewise the Deacons in collecting careful∣lie, and in bestowing liberally & prudently the almes of the poore, as also in comforting them with thy holie word. Graunt both vn∣to the Elders and vnto the Deacons, thy grace, that they may goe on constantlie in their faithfull worke, and that they neuer

waxe slow by reason of whatsoeuer paine, grief, trouble, or persecution of the world: Graunt likewise thy diuine blessing vnto this people especiallie, cōmitted vnto their charge, that they submit them selues wil∣linglie to the good admonition of the El∣ders, and giue due honour vnto them for their office sake. Graunt vnto the rich, li∣berall heartes, towardes the poore: and vnto the poore a thankefull spirit towards those that helpe and minister vnto them. In such sorte, that euerie one discharging himselfe in his callinge, thy holie Name thereby may be magnified, and the kingdome of Iesus Christ aduanced: In whose Name we conclude our prayer, sayinge, Our Father which art, &c.

OF TEACHERS, THEIR OFFICE, ELECTION, AND ORDINATION.

THere is also another sorte of Ministers of the Worde, called Doctors or Tea∣chers, whose office is to instruct, & teache Doctrine, by expounding the Worde, tea∣ching the principall points of religion: & prouiding with all diligence, that the pu∣ritie of the Gospell bee not corrupted, ei∣ther through ignorance, or euill opinions.

The Doctours election and ordination, is as the Pastors: sauing that if there bee a Pastor of that cōgregation, he is to be vsed with the Pastors of the next Conference: and chieflie for that which otherwise is to be done by one of them: and that the pray∣er, triall, and wordes of ordination, are to respect his speciall office.

OF ELDERS, THEIR OF∣FICE ELECTION, AND ORDINATION.

THe Elders must be men of good life,* 1.47 & godly conuersation, without blame, & all iust suspicion, carefull for the flocke, wise, and aboue all things, fearing God.

Whose office standeth in gouerning with the rest of the Ministers, in consulting, ad∣monishing,

correcting, and ordering all things appartayning to the comelie direc∣tion of the cōgregation. They differ from the Ministers, in that they preache not the worde, nor minister the Sacraments. In as∣sembling the people, neither they without the Ministers, nor the Ministers without them, may attempt any thing. The electiō and ordination is to be as the Pastors at the first establishing of them in anie Congre∣gation.

After, if anie of the number shall want, then it may suffice to be ordered by the El∣dership of the congregation, in such sorte, for other circūstances then are here men∣tioned, as in the election and ordination of the Ministers of the worde: the prayer, triall wordes of ordinatiō respecting their speciall office.

OF THE DEACONS, THEIR OFFICE, ELECTION, AND ORDINATION.

THE Deacons must bee men of good estimation and report, discreete, of good conscience,* 1.48 charitable, wise, and fi∣nallie indued with such vertues,* 1.49 as Saint Paule requireth in them. Their office is to gather the almes diligentlie & faithfullie,

to distribute it, with the consent of the Mi∣nisters, and Elders. Also, to prouide for the sicke and impotent persons, hauing euer a diligent care, that the charitie of godlie men, bee not wasted vpon* 1.50 loyterers and idle vagabondes. Their election is to bee made by the Eldership, in such sort as hath bene afore rehearsed in the Elders, & their ordination with prayer, and by wordes, re∣specting their speciall office.

THE DEPOSITION OF Church officers, vpon iust causes.

COncerning the Church officers, be∣cause Christ reproueth them that espie a moate in another mans eye, and will not see a beame in their owne: and for that the eye should be clearer then the rest of the bodie, the Minister of the word can not be criminous, but to the great hurt of the Church. Therefore it is to be vnderstood, that there be certaine faultes which if they be found in a Minister, by like authoritie as he was elected, he is to be deposed: as for example, for papistrie, or other heresie, A∣nabaptistrie: for adulterie, felonie: for be∣ing a drunkarde, an vsurer, a gamester, or giuen to filthie lucre, &c.

Other are not so grieuous, if so bee that after brotherlie admonition hee amende them: as for example, straunge and vnpro∣fitable fashion in preaching, and handling the Scriptures, curiositie in seeking vaine questions, negligēce as well in his sermons & in studying the scriptures, as in all other things concerning his vocatiō: scurrilitie, flattring, lying, backbiting, wantō words, deceit, couetousnes, taunting, dissolution in apparell, gesture, and other his doeings: which vices as they be odious in all men, so in him that ought to be as an* 1.51 example to others, they are in no wise to be suffered. And if so bee that accordinge to Christes rule,* 1.52 beeing brotherlie aduertised, hee ac∣knowledge not his faulte, and amende, hee is to be deposed. The same rule is to be fol∣lowed in like causes with the rest that haue charge in the Church.

THE ORDER OF THE ECCLESIASTICALL DISCIPLINE.

* 1.53AS no Citie, Towne, House, or Fami∣lie, can mainteine their estate, and prosper without policie & gouerne∣ment,

euen so the Church of God, which requireth more purelie to bee gouerned then any Citie or familie, can not without spirituall policie, and ecclesiasticall Disci∣pline, continue, increase, and flourish. And as the Worde of God is the life and soule of this Church,* 1.54 so a godlie order of Disci∣pline, is as it were sinewes in the bodye, which knit and ioyne the members toge∣ther with decent order and comelines: It is a bridle to stay the wicked from their mis∣chief: it is a spurr to pricke forward such as bee slow and negligent: yea and for all men it is the fathers rodde, euer in a readi∣nes to chastise gentlie the faults commit∣ted, and to cause them afterward to liue in more godlie feare and reuerence. Finallie,* 1.55 it is an order left by the Lord our God vnto his Church, whereby men learne to frame their willes and doeings, according to the lawe of God, by instructing and admoni∣shing: yea, and by correcting and puni∣shing all obstinate rebelles and cōtemners of the same.

There are three causes chieflie whiche should moue the church of God to the ex∣ecuting of Discipline. First,* 1.56 that men of euill conuersation be not numbred among Gods children, to their fathers reproch,* 1.57 as if the Church of God were a sanctuarie

for noughtie and vile persons. Secondlie, that the good be not infected with accom∣panying the euil: Which thing Saint Paule foresawe, when he commaunded the Co∣rinthians to banish from among them the incestuous adulterer,* 1.58 saying: A litle leauen maketh soure the whole lumpe of dowe. Thirdlie, that a man thus corrected or ex∣communicated, might bee ashamed of his fault, and so through repentance come to amendment:* 1.59 the which thing the Apostle calleth deliuering to Satan, that his spirit may be saued in the day of the Lord: mea∣ning that hee might be punished with ex∣communication, to the intent his soule should not perish for euer.

This censure, corrction or discipline, may rise either vppon priuate or publike occasion: priuate, as if a man offend either in manners or doctrine against thee, to ad∣monish him brotherlie betweene him and thee: if so be he stubburnlie resist thy cha∣ritable aduertisemens, or by continuance in his fault, declare that he amendeth not, then, after he hath bene the seconde time warned in presence of two or three witnes∣ses, and continueth obstinatelie in his fault, he ought, as out Sauiour Christ cō∣mandeth, to be disclosed & manifested to the Church, so that according to publike

discipline, he either may bee reformed, or else be punished, as his fault requireth.

Touching priuate admonition, three things are to bee obserued: First, that the admonitions proceed of a godlie zeale and conscience, rather seeking to winne our brother, then to slaunder him. Next, that we be assured, that his fault be reproueable by Gods worde. And finallie, that wee vse such modestie and wisedome, that if wee somewhat doubt of the matter, wherof we admonish him, yet with godlie exhortati∣ons, he may be brought to the knowledge of his faulte.

Besides priuate admonition, hauinge great vse to reforme offendours in publike Discipline, the Eldership hath power of Ecclesiasticall censures, to bee vsed accor∣ding as the qualitie of the offence shall re∣quire.

These censures are, Admonition, Sus∣pension, excommunication: which in all tender regard and godlie zeale of preser∣ving the members of Christ from infectiō of sinn, they are to vse, if they perceiue any euiil in anie man, either offensiue in exam∣ple, or slaunderous in manners, or vnwor∣thie his profession. As for example. If there ba anie person disobedient, trayterous, se∣ditious, or couetous, an adulterer, or for∣nicator,

forsworne, theefe, bryber, false witnes bearer, blasphemer, drunkard, slaū∣derer, vsurer, or dissolute: Any heresie or secte, as papisticall, Anabaptisticall, and such like: brieflie, whatsoeuer it bee that might sport the Christian Congregation,* 1.60 yea rather whatsoeuer is not to edification, ought not to escape eyther admonition or punishment.

And because it commeth to passe some time in the church of Christ, that when o∣ther remedies assayed, profit nothing, they must proceede to the Apostolicall rod and correction, which is, excommunication: It is ordeyned, that nothing be attempted in that behalfe without the determination of the whole Congregation: wherin also they are to beware & take good heede, that they seeme not more readie to expell from the Congregatiō, then to receiue againe those in whom they perceiue worthie fruites of repentance to appeare: neither yet to for∣bid him the hearing of Sermons,* 1.61 which is excluded from the Sacramentes and other benefites of the Church, that he may haue libertie and occasion to repente: finallie, that all punishmentes, corrections, cen∣sures, and admonitions stretch no further, then Gods word with mercie may lawful∣lie beare.* 1.62

For the better execution of this holie Discipline, the Eldership of euerie parti∣cular Congregation, is euerie weeke to as∣semble for the ouersight and guidance of that church, that all thinges may be done to the furtherance of pietie and true Reli∣gion, and for the correction and punish∣ment of offences to the contrarie.

¶ This may be sufficient for particular Congregations: for the visitation whereof and decision of causes, which can not bee ended in them and such like: Meetinges, Conferences, and Synodes of Ministers and Elders, chosen by particular Churches and Meetings, are to be helde as the Mini∣sters for time and place and other circum∣stances shall thinke meete.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Act. 1.13.
• b 1.2

  1 Tim. 3. 2 Tim. 2.4. Ezech. 33 Ier. 3. Iohn 2 Isa. 62 1 Cor. 9.
• c 1.3

  2 Tim. 2 1 Cor. 4 Mat. 25.
• d 1.4

  Act. 2•• 2 Tim. 4.
• e 1.5

  Ezec. 3. 2 Cor. 2.
• f 1.6

  1 Cor. 9. Act. 6.
• * 1.7

  The Pastors duetie.
• a 1.8

  1. Cor. 4. 2 Cor. 4.
• b 1.9

  1. Pet. 5. 2. Cor. 1. Mat. 20.
• c 1.10

  Mat. 26. Mall. 2. 1. Pet. 4. Act. 3.16. 1. Cor. 1.15
• d 1.11

  Actes 20. 2. Cor. 4.
• e 1.12

  1 Cor. 5.
• f 1.13

  1. Cor. 15.
• * 1.14

  The election and ordina∣tion of Pa∣stors.
• “ 1.15

  2 Tim. ••. Tit. 1.
• * 1.16

  Rom. 1. Iames 1. 1. Sam. 2.
• “ 1.17

  1 Thes. 3. Colos. 4. Ephe. 5. Phil. 3.
• * 1.18

  Act. 20.
• * 1.19

  1 Tim. 5.17 Rom. 12.3.
• * 1.20

  Tit. 1.9. 2 Tim. 2.15 1 Cor. 14.3
• * 1.21

  Act. 20.20.
• * 1.22

  2 Cor. 5.17.
• * 1.23

  1 Timo. 2.
• * 1.24

  Math. 28.
• * 1.25

  1. Tim. 3.5
• * 1.26

  Tit. 1.7.
• * 1.27

  Mat. 16.19.
• * 1.28

  Matth. 28.
• * 1.29

  2. Timo. 2.2
• * 1.30

  Tit. 1.5.
• “ 1.31

  or brothers
• * 1.32

  NOTE, That this ce¦remonie is not vsed in the cōfirma∣tion of those that haue bin orday∣ned before: but onelie the geuing of hands af∣ter the acti∣on.
• “ 1.33

  or brothers if there be-more then one to be or∣dayned.
• * 1.34

  1 Tim. 5.1••
• * 1.35

  Rom. 12.8.
• * 1.36

  •• Cor. 12.2
• * 1.37

  Mat. 18.17
• * 1.38

  1 Cor. 5.4 2 Cor. 2.6.7
• * 1.39

  Cor. 14.40.
• * 1.40

  Act. 20.28.29.
• * 1.41

  Act. 6.1.5.
• * 1.42

  Rom. 12.8.
• * 1.43

  1 Cor. 12.28.
• * 1.44

  Rom. 12.8
• * 1.45

  2 Cor. 9.7.
• “ 1.46

  or charges.
• * 1.47

  Nom. 11. Act. 14. Rom. 11. Ephe. 4. 1 Cor. 12. Iames. 5. 1. Pet. 5.
• * 1.48

  Acts. 6.
• * 1.49

  1. Tim. 3. Rom. 1.
• * 1.50

  •• Thes. 3.
• * 1.51

  Mat. 5. Mark. 9.
• * 1.52

  Mat. 8. Luke. 17. Iames. 5.
• * 1.53

  The neces∣sitie of dis∣cipline.
• * 1.54

  Ephe. ••.
• * 1.55

  what Dis∣cipline is.
• * 1.56

  For what causes it ought to be vsed.
• * 1.57

  Ephe. ••.
• * 1.58

  1 Cor. 5. Galat. 5.
• * 1.59

  2 Thes. 3. 1. Cor. 5.
• * 1.60

  Ephe. 5.
• * 1.61

  Rigour in punishmēt ought to be auoy∣ded.
• * 1.62

  Gods word is the onely rule of dis∣cipline.