WEll met friend SILVANUS, I have often thought of our discourse when we were last together.

Sir, I am glad if it have given you occasion for your better meditations, that Truth and the God thereof, may have any glory by my poore endeavours.

I must confesse that I have reviewed it since it hat [...] beene published; and I am perswaded your discription both of [...] Christian in particular, and the true Church in generall, is a­greeable to Gods Word: and that the promises to the Patriarch Prophets, and Apostles are truly expounded, of which I desire [...] have further conference hereafter.

It is but a breviation of those many particulars mentioned, but if the Scriptures be examined it will make the truth more manifested.

You have spoken nothing of the outward condition of the Church, neither of Minister nor people, which are things I would faine have your judgment in.

The true and inward Christian onely knowes how rightly and truely to order, state, and dispose of ou [...]ward things; and the Christian without or outwardly knowes not how to order one or other, as Saint Paul saith, the spi­rituall man or he that is spirituall discerneth all things, 1 Cor. [...]2.15.

I would pray you to resolve me of those foure particu­lars that concerne the outward estate of the Church: First, of the Ministers, Officers, and people, of each Congregation or Pa­ [...]rish: Secondly, of the time or times of Gods publick worship: Thirdly, the place or places for their meetings: Fourthly the worship it selfe, both for the matter and manner?

Expresse your meaning in the first question.

For as much as you deny that the people are to call their Minister, shew me how they should be called by the Scriptures?

It seemes by calling of Ministers, you meane ordi­nation of Ministers, and so I understood you the last time we spake of your new fashion in New England.

Yes that is my meaning.

We finde it written, that our Lord Himselfe, Marke 3.14. Ordained, that is, sent his Twelve Apostles: and Saint Luke saith, he gave them power and authoritie, &c. and sent them to preach the kingdome of God, Luke 9.1. 2. And this Evangelist sa [...]h, the Lord appointed or sent other seventy also, and further teacheth us to pray there­fore the Lord of the Harvest, that he would send forth la­bourers [Page]into his harvest, ver. 2. So likewise after Christ, Assension, the Apostles that were sent by himselfe, sent o­thers: And so this same Evangelist witnesses in the Acts that the Apostles prayed and laid their hands on Stephe [...] and Philip and others, and did thereby ordaine and sen [...] them into the ministery, as well as into the Deaconshi [...] Acts 6.6. And indeed, wonderfull and powerfull they wer [...] in their Ministerie, as he afterwards sheweth: so the Apo­stle Paul affirmeth, that Timothie received the gift and au­thoritie to preach, thorow the laying on the hands of t [...] Ministers; which he there calls the Presbyterie, 1 Timo [...] 4.14, 15. And so also himselfe the same Apostle in par [...] ­cular speakes to Timothy, 1 Tim. 1.6. Wherefore I [...] put thee in remembrance, that thou stirre up the gift of G [...] that is in thee, by the putting in of my hands: and so [...] Apostle gives him direction also for his ordayning ot [...] Ministers, 1 Timothy 5.22. Lay thy hands suddenly on [...] man, neither bee partaker of other mens sinnes, keepe thy [...] pure.

According to these Scriptures the Church of Eng [...] hath ordained and appointed, that none but such me [...] are ordained Ministers, shall have power and authorit [...] the ordination of Ministers.

These Scriptures you alleadge now, and that befor [...] our first conference, Acts 14.23. And they ordained them E [...] in every Church, that is, Preachers as you there observed, [...] Yet not one nor all those places doe shew the forme they [...] though they prove the thing they practised.

Neither doe the Scriptures lay downe the f [...] of Marriage, although it bee honoured beyond con [...] by God Himselfe in Paradice, Gen. 2.22. As also b [...] Lords first miracle, Iohn 2.1, 11. And the author [...] [Page] [...]ebrewes layes it down as an Ordinance for ever: Marriage [...] honourable in all, Hebr. 13.4. and yet in all the Scrip­ [...]es old or new, we doe not finde a forme for the manner, [...]or persons appoined to celebrate the matter, but some [...]nes wee finde the Parents did performe it in the Patri­ [...]hs times, and in the Iudges times, the Magistrates; and [...] other places it is said, they tooke unto them Wives as [...] they married themselves; for so it is said, Gene. 6.3. [...]ow because there is not a forme of words in Scripture, [...]he holy ordinance of Marriage waste and voyd? No, [...]inke none will be so voyd of Religion to say so, but [...] it not rather prove that it is left by the Authoritie Gods Word to the liberty of Christs Church, to de­ [...]ine, assigne, and order in every Countrey, as I shall [...] anon, an Act of Parliament of this Church in ano­ [...] case.

But hath the Church of England appointed a forme [...]rdination, as it hath done for Marriage?

Yes, such holy exhortations, divine instructions, [...]ffectuall expressions, as there cannot be better thought [...]

I pray let me heare your knowledge of it?

As the ignorance of Scriptures is the cause of all [...] and faction, so also the ignorance of those whole­ [...] Lawes and Ordinances which the Church hath pro­ [...] in many particulars, makes many have a worse opi­ [...] of the government of the Church, then otherwise [...]ould possibly have.

[...]nnot but admire the solemne, grave, and honou­ [...] [...]orme of Matrimony, the Scriptures for instru­ [...] [...]ppointed to be read, the holy exhortations and ad­ [...]ons, the union pronounced in the name of the Fa­ther, [Page]the Son and the Holy Ghost, the concluding the ord­nance with pertinent blessings; I say, I cannot chose but mor [...] and more admire it, because now a many of unadw [...] ­sed Ministers, use unworthy and unwarrantable forme thereby couzening and cheating those they pretend t [...] Marry, for except the words are used in the manner ap­pointed by the Law, the Law knowes them not marrie [...] but the Wife in the sence of the Law is accounted a who [...] and the Children Bastards, and the next of kinne will [...] cover all personall estate, and inheritance: And the re [...] ­son is cleare, because the Law knowes nor allowes of a [...] other forme for Marriage but that enacted. Oh, woe [...] to such unwise Ministers, that have done this wrong a [...] injury to the Children unborne, by seducing their ignor [...] Parents.

But to give you satisfaction in that you desire concer [...] ­ing Ordination of Ministers, the Church hath appoint [...] a very good rule and forme for it; many pithy and apt pr [...] ­ers unto God for His blessiing, many Scriptures to bee r [...] agreeing to the Ordinance. As Saint Pauls counsell to [...] ­mothy, and the words and gesture the Apostles used wh [...] they ordained Stephen and the rest, Acts 6. as also [...] words of our Lord, Iohn 10.

And diverse questions are made to them that are to [...] ordained such as these; are you assured or doe you bele [...] you are inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to take up [...] you this office and ministration, to serve God for the p [...] ­moting his glory, and the edifying his people? And he [...] ­swers, I beleeve so.

Also hee is askt, doe you thinke you are truly called [...] ­cording to the will of our Lord Iesus Christ; doe [...] unfainedly beleeve all the Canonicall Scriptures of [...] [Page] [...]ld and New Testament, and will you apply your selfe to [...]udy, read, and preach the same; they promise they will. [...] And further also, to lay aside the studies of the World [...] the flesh, & to endeavour by good life and holy exam­ [...]e, to edifie Christs flock: These and many more are the [...]questions and exhortations; then doth the Minister ordain­ [...]ng speake to the whole Congregation, declaring to them [...]e Ordination; and there being no cause shewed against [...]y the people, hee proceeds in prayer, and layes on his [...]d upon him, thereby giving him power to preach and [...]ficiate in all other administrations.

This forme is very good, and seems to mee warran­ [...]e, but what rule hath the Church of England for ordination [...]other Officers?

For such as have the place of ruling Elders, com­ [...]only called Church-wardens, and for such as receive and [...]tribute to the necessity of the poore, commonly called [...]erseers, the Minister and Congregation doe choose [...]m together by most voyces, according to Act of Par­ [...]ment.

But how are the people or Congregation ordered?

All Parishes, or Congregations, are [...]orporated and Ordayned by Act of Parliament: [...]e law gives power to the Minister and Church­ [...]ficers to examine, and see that obedience by yeelded to [...] such things as concerne the time, the place, the manner [...] matter of Gods worship in publick, and accordingly [...]acquit them if innocent, or to indite or present them [...]uiltie. Anno 1. Edw. 6. Anno 1. Eliz. 2.

I pray Sir, resolve mee in my second question, how a [...]e may be commanded, for it seemes to me, the Apostles doct­ [...] teacheth otherwise, Galath. 4.10, 11. Where he saith, Yee [...]ve dayes and moneths and times and yeares, I am afraid of [Page 7]of you lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vaine.

The Apostle being rightly understood, doth not write to the Galatians against a time or times to be appoin­ted by authority for the publick worship of God, but hee teacheth against the use of such Ceremonies, that the cleare and open manifestation of the Truth and substance thereof made weake, beggerly, and uselesse: and more principal­ly, hee directly preacheth against them, as some thereby and in Obedience to sought life and justification; against this the Apostle concludes peremptorily to the Romans, Romans 3 28. in these words, Wee conclude therefore that a man is justified by faith without the workes of the Law: and hee accepts none to the Galatians, but affirmeth, that who­soever seeks justification by the Law, he is fallen from Grace, Gala. 5.4. And aggravates it by reduplications as most certaine, and a thing never to be questioned; the holy Ghost bearing witnesse with him, and therefore speakes in a phrase never to be repealed, for by the workes of the Law shall no flesh be justified, Gal. 2, 16.

What rule have you then for the time and times of Gods publick worship?

The first day of the week, and all other dayes and times are by Ordinance of the Church appointed, this hath beene the judgement of former times, amongst the Fathers, as Hierome, Austine, and Tertullian; Master Frith, and Master Tindall, amongst the Martyrs: Master Calvin and many others in the book called the Harmony of con­fessions of most or all reformed Churches, p. 473, and pag. 499. And it is an Act and Statute Law in our Church of England, Anno 5. & 6. of Edw 6th. Chap. the third, in these very words, Neither is it to be thought, that there is any certaine time or definite number of days prescribed in holy [Page 8]Scripture, but that the appointment both of the time, and also of the number of days is left by the authority of Gods Word, to the liberty of Christs Church, to be determined and assigned, orderly in every Country by the discretion of the Ministers and Rulers thereof, or as they shall judge most expedient in the true setting forth of Gods glory, and the edification of the people: And it followes, be it ther­fore enacted by the King our Soveraign Lord with the assēt of the Lords, &c. and the Commons in this present Par­liament assembled, and by the authority of the same, that all the dayes hereafter mentioned shall bee kept and com­manded to be kept Holy-dayes, and none other, that is to say, all Sundaies in the yeare, &c. and so nameth all the rest particularly.

But you have not a Scripture for this day, nor any of the rest?

For the first day of the weeke called Sunday, wee have Apostolicall and Primitive example for it, Acts 24.7.

You know, examples without precepts, binde not in Divine things.

Therefore I have shewed you before, the Act of Parliament, the command of the Church: And where Mans Ordinance is not against Gods command, there St. Peter commends subjection, in these words, Submit your selves to every Ordinance of man for the Lords sike, 1 Peter 2.13. There is no word in Scripture to command you to fast the last Wednesday of every moneth, yet your practice sh [...]wes, you thinke you ought so to doe, it being commanded.

You have fully satisfied mee by Scripture, And the Churches Ordinance for the time and times commanded for Gods publick worship.

Now pray resolve my next question, and shew me what warrant there is for commanding a place where to meet.

Authority commanding one for the publick, doth not forbid any for the private; And therefore theres much cause and reason for it, for if there be no place, there can be no meeting.

I thinke the Scripture speakes against the appointment of a place, Iohn 4.21. You shall neither in this mountaine nor at Ierusalem worship the Father.

Although our Lord did know, and fore-tell to the woman the destruction of Ierusalem, and the dispersion of both Iewes and Samaritants, and that it should be done by Gods enemies, and Idoll worshippers, so that there should be no true worshippers, to worship in those places, which were the usuall places of their publick worship, intimated in these words, verse 21. Woman beleeve me the houre com­meth when yee shall neither in this mountaine, nor yet at Ierusa­lem worship the Father; Yet it doth not follow, but that in other places the true worshippers might and should worship God in spirit and in truth, for so much our Lord saith ver. 23. The houre commeth, and now is when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seek­eth such to worship him: we reade that Our Lord came of­ten to the Temple, daily teaching the people, often wor­shipping in the Mount of Olives, Hee appointed an upper roome for the celebration of the Passeover with his Disci­ples, so it is said, when the Eleven were together, Christ cmae amongst them; And also that they were altogether in the Mount of Olives at our Lords Assension into Hea­ven, and they were not to depart from Ierusalem, but there to waite for the promise of the Father; And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord [Page 10]in one place. Peter & Iohn went up together into the Tem­ple at the houre of prayer; wee finde Paul often in the Sy­nagogue, and abundance more instances to prove the pub­lick places that Gods people met into worship.

But wee have no command for any in the New Testa­ment.

No more you have for the time as before is shewed, nor for the Femall Sex, or Children of either Sex to be bap­tized, it is warrant sufficient, that authority commands them all.

I pray what reason is there to call the place appointed, for publick worship the Church? for you have proved before in our fir [...] [...]nference, Peter 5. That the Elect of God called and sanctified are the Church of God; And I am sure that is true, but that wood and stone should be so called, it seems strange to me.

It is strange [...]mee that you should be such a stran­ger to the Scriptures [...]r the Scriptures often give the name of the thing signified to the signification of it; so our Lord calls the signification of his body, His body it selfe, in the words, Take eate, this is my body, Matth. 26.21. So Moses and Abraham both call the signe of the Covenant Circum­cision, the Covenant it selfe, Genesis 17.10, 11. this is my covenant, &c.

Salomon also calls the house hee built for Gods publick worship, the Temple, 2 King. 11. And the Temple of the Lord, 2 Chro. 26.16. when it is not so properly but by way of allusi­on and resemblance only. For the regenerated ones, the tru­ly faithful men (are Gods house his habitation and dwelling place, as the Scripture speakes, Yee are the Temple of God, 1 Cor. 3.16. and againe, for the Temple of God is holy, which Temple yee are, ver. 17. So likewise the materiall house is [Page 11]called the Church, or the Temple of God also: because it is appoynted and set apart onely for the holy services of this spirituall Temple, there to converse with God in his holy Ordinances of praying and preaching, and all other his holy services: and in this respect hath beene, and may be called a holy place. And such Vessells and Vestments holy, in re­gard of the holy use they are sanctified or set apart for. Not that stones, wood, mettalls, or cloathes are capable of holi­nesse; but they are in Scripture called holy, in regard they are assigned to serve about Gods holy worship: Now as the Temple, and all Vessells and Vestments are called holy, in re­gard of their holy imployment: so also they are called ho­ly, in regard of Gods holy presence, who is more manifested present, in the place of the administration of his Ordinan­ces, than in any other place, and so the place is called holy, Exodus 31. 1. and Vestments likewise. And so is the ground also, Exodus 3.5. The place where thou standest is holy ground. And therefore we ought to have them in a reverent esteeme and respect: Pull off thy shoes, saith the Angel to Moses; Those places and things therefore are not to be com­mon, as other things and places: wherefore our Ministers are to be blamed, that they doe not informe the people with the truth of this Doctrine, our Lords owne practice, that onely and alone act of corporall punishment, that first exe­cution of Iustice, aggravates and argues the fault of the people abundantly, in making the Temple a Market-place. Saint John saith, John 2.15. our Lord made a scourge of small cords, and drove them all out of the Temple, and the Sheep, and the Oxen, and poured out the Chan­gers money, and overthrew their Tables, and said unto them that sold Doves, take these things hence, make not my Fathers house a house of Merchandize. Marke how [Page 12]exact and particular he is in every thing, and how reverently he speakes of the materiall Temple, and calls it his Fathers house, and by Saint Matthew, The Temple of the Lord: And it is further to be noted, that all the foure Evangelists testifie to this act of our Saviour, which wrought so up­on their affections, that it is said, And his Disciples remem­bred that it was written, The zeale of thy house hath eaten me up, John 2.17.

I thanke you for this satisfaction; for these passages of our Lord are very considerable in all the circumstances.

I pray let me heare your judgement also of the last question, the worship it selfe both for matter and manner.

For the matter of Gods worship it is clearly set down in both the parts of it by our Lord himselfe to the Samari­tan woman, John 4.23. The houre commeth, and now is, when the true Worshippers, shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth.

God is worshipped in [...]irit and in truth, when Gods Word is read, and the tru [...]nse and meaning opened and made knowne: So Ezra the Scribe, and the other Priests did truely worship God. Ezra 8.8. The Text saith thus, So they read in the book in the Law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. And Saint James preaching to the Church at Jerusalem saith, For Mo­ses of old time hath in every City them that preach him, being read in the Synagogues every Sabbath day, Acts 15.21. To this purpose speaks our Saviour of the Pharisees, Matth. 15.9. But in vaine doe they worship me, teaching for Doctrine the Commandments of men, undenyably proving, they had worshipped God truely, if they had taught for Doctrines the Commandments of God.

It is cleare, and proved plainly, that Reading [Page 13]and preaching Gods Word, are materiall parts of Gods worship, but what are the rest?

Prayer and prayses are other parts of Gods pub­like worship, to be performed in the Temple; and espe­cially Prayer; and therefore all the rest are included in that denomination of prayer; As the Lord saith, It is written, my house shall be called a house of prayer, Matth. 21.13. Not­withstanding it was also the house of preaching and read­ing, and praysing, offering Incense, and Sacrifice; and of blessing God and the people. And to prove prayses a part of Gods worship, David is excellent, Psal. 149. Sing un­to the Lord, Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his prayse in the Congregation of Saints. And Psalme 150. Prasse yee the Lord; And that's not enough, but he appoynts the place too, Praise God in his Sanctuary: yea, his expressions are so full of excel­lent variety, Psalme 100. Enter into his Gates with thankes-giving, and into his Courts with prayse, bee thankfull unto him, and blesse his name. And in another place, My praise shall bee of thee in the great Congregation, I will pay my vowes before them them that feare him, Psalme 22.25. Yea, this worship is so acceptable both in publike and in private, that the Holy Ghost beareth witnesse that whosoever offereth praise, glo­rifieth God. Psal. 50.22.

The Scriptures thus consorting, methinks makes a sweet harmony; and excellent are these considerations from them; but I pray proceed to shew the other parts of Gods publike worship.

Friend at this time I will speak onely of the Ordi­nance of the Lords Supper, because the time will not per­mit me else to make you answer concerning the manner of these perticulars in their administrations. Now the commu­nion of the body of the Lord, as the Apostle calls it, is one of the parts of that dayes publick worship, Acts 20.7. [Page 14]where he proves all that I have said in every particular, to the office of administration to that hee himselfe was ordai­ned, as hee proves to Timothy, 1 Tim. 2.7. whereunto saith he, I am ordained a Preacher and an Apostle: And be­cause of the greatnesse and verity of the office, he there­fore speaks with the greater testimony, saying, I speake the truth in Christ and lye not, a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity: And in the faithfull administration of the Gospell, comming to Troas, Verse 6. met together with the Disciples upon the first day of the week, there is the time: And the place is said to bee an upper chamber, where they came together, verse 8. And the matter of their worsh [...] [...]nd service is expressed to bee preaching and breaking of br [...] and conference. And that which is in­cluded, is prayer, [...] giving of thanks; for so the same A­postle doth prove to the Church of Corinth, that our Lord did first institute the S [...]ent with prayer, 1 Cor. 11.23. saying, the Lord Iesus the [...]he night hee was betrayed, took bread, and when he had g [...]n thanks he brake it, and sayd, Take eate, &c. Yea, praying and blessing at the Commu­nion was this Apostles practice in this Church of Corinth, as in all other Churches, for so he testifieth himself in imi­tation to the first institution, 1 Cor. 10.16. The cup of bles­sing which we blesse, is it not the Communion of the bloud of Christ; the bread which we break, is it not the Communion of the body of Christ.

These are all cleared and manifested by plain Scripture: I pray is not the manner of the administration of these particular Ordinances prescribed in the Scripture also?

As I have shewed before, that I find no forme in the Scriptures for Ordination; neither can I find any Rule prescribed for the time when to receive the Lords Supper, [Page 15]nor the place where, nor the manner how, nor the parti­cular kind of Wine; nor bread of what graine; nor who shall provide them ready; nor the gesture of giving, nor receiving; and yet without these we cannot Communi­cate in them.

Some say there is a word for all these things, an [...] urge it upon this Scripture, Hebrewes 1.2, 3. Wherefor [...] holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, conside [...] the Apostle and high Priest of our profession, Christ I [...] ­sus, who was faithfull to him that appoynted him; as al [...] Moses was faithfull in all his house.

Silv; If there were a word in the Scripture, they shoul [...] doe a good office to Gods people, to shew them whe [...] they may finde them written: I am sure there is no such thir [...] in those words you have read: I know the bold audacio [...] Brownists, and the ignorant seduced Annabaptists, a [...] both as one enemy, grossely falsifie and abuse, wrong a [...] spoyle this holy testimony, by affirming that Christ is m [...] perfect and exact in prescribing an outward forme for [...] particulars in Gods publick worship under the Gospell [...] Christians, than Moses was under the Law to the Iewes, [...] making and ordering every particular, according to [...] perfect platforme and patterne which was shewed him [...] the Mount, Exodus 25.9. The Holy Ghost proves ind [...] that Moses was a faithfull servant of God, to heare [...] doe the Commandement, the worke of the Sanctua [...] the Tabernacle, and all the instruments, and every ve [...] from the least to the greatest, even to every pinne th [...] of, Exodus 27.19. And in this comparison Moses was fa [...] full in all his house: that is, to make the materiall, or ea [...] ­ly Tabernacle; that was but a shadow, a representation, [...] figure of that spirituall, heavenly, true and everlas [...] [Page 16]Tabernacle, which Christ made or built, purchased and sanctified with his owne bloud; wherein Christ our Lord was much more faithfull, as a Sonne to make, to redeem, [...]o blesse and save his owne house. And the Apostle to the Hebrewes shewes what this house of the Sonne is, saying, whose house we are, If wee hold fast the confidence: and [...]ejoycing of the hope firme unto the end, Hebrewes 3.6. Marke how the Apostle excells in expressing this spirituall House, as wee made a descrption in our first conference [...]pon Saint Peters words, Page 10. where the Apostle [...]alls the building living stones; and the house it selfe, a spi­ [...]tuall house. 1 Pet. 2.5.

It appeares there is not any such thing in the Text, as [...]e Separatists [...] [...]abaptists doe affirme from it, for the out­ [...]ard Order and [...] of the Church.

This mak [...] [...] [...]he Separatists bold and auda­ [...]ous; because, that like the [...]otten-hearted Pharisees, they [...]stifie themselve [...] for a [...]-side of their owne fancy, [...]d so in word onely, never [...] nor heard of in the Scrip­ [...]es; and neglect the inwa [...]grace, the truth, and pow­ [...], that whosoever hath not, shall perish, Luke 13. and [...]ark 16, and 16. And notwithstanding our Saviours [...]unsell is, Make cleane the in-side; and the out-side [...]ll bee cleane also. Matthew 23.26. And therefore I call [...] Anabaptists ignorant, and seduced, because all this [...]ile they have not learned the difference between that [...]tizme, the putting away the filth of the flesh, which [...]an may have and perish: And that Baptisme, the an­ [...]r of a good Conscience unto God, that whosoever is [...]tized with, shall be saved: the one being called the fi­ [...]e or outward figne; the other the substance that saveth, [...]ward grace. 1 Pet. 3.21. which substance indeed is [Page 17]the pu [...]ifying the heart by Faith, as before I shewed at our first Conference, Page 8, 9. And so speaketh the Apostle Paul clearly to the Galatians; for you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Iesus, for as many as have been Baptized into Christ, have put on Christ, Chapter 3.26, 27.

Doubtlesse these Scriptures must be thus under­stood. I pray Sir informe me what ground the Church of Eng­land hath to prescribe a rule for the time, and the rest that con­cernes the manner of Celebrating the Lords Supper.

But before I shew you that, wee will take a brief [...] view, how particular Moses was to give direction, for every circumstance, as well as for the substance in Circumcision and the Paschall Lambe: And then consider what rules ou [...] Lord and his Apostles have given for Baptisme, and th [...] Lords Supper, which are significations and outward signe [...] of the same substance and grace under the Gospell, as th [...] other were Ceremonies, Types and Figures of the sam [...] heavenly truth under the Law: Therefore the Apostl [...] Paul to the Collossians uses both the termes of Circumcisi [...] on and Baptisme, expressing one and the same life an [...] grace in Christ, in whom saith hee, yee are Circumcise [...] with the Circumcision made without hands in putting [...] the body of the sinnes of the flesh by the Circumcisio [...] of Christ buried with him in Baptisme, wherein also yo [...] are risen with him through the faith of the operation [...] God, &c. Colos. 2.11, 12. Now Moses speaking of [...] braham, gives rules for Circumcision, for the parties wh [...] shall be circumcised; that is, all the Males: And the tim [...] when, at eight dayes old, Genesis 17.12. And the pla [...] or part of the body, the fore-skin, Verse 11. And th [...] parties who shall doe it, Abraham the Father, Verse 2 [...] [Page 18]and Joshuah the Magistrate, Jos. 5.3. Also for the Passeover, which was the same to the Jewes, as the Lords Supper is to the Christians: He appoynts the time, the tenth day of the moneth, and it shall be kept till the 14. day of the same moneth; and then appoynts who shall kill it, the whole Congregation: and what time of the day, the evening; and who shall provide it, that is every house; and if the houshold bee too little, then two Families shall joyne toge­ther; he appoynts what it shall be for the kind of it, that is, a Lambe; and not every Lambe, but a Lambe without blemish; and not Male or Female, but Male onely; and not of any age, but a Lambe of a yeare old: Also he pre­scribes the manner of dressing it, not cut to pieces, but whole, his body with his Legges, and with the purte­nances thereof [...] must not be boyled, or baked, but roasted with [...], and yee shall eate the flesh in that night; And hee prescribe the manner and gesture how they shall eate it, saying thus shall you eate it, with your Loynes gir­ded, your shooes on your feet, and your staffe in your hand; and you shall eate it in haste, &c. Exod. 12. ult. For it is the Lords Passeover.

Moses hath beene very particular in Gods dire­ction to Abraham concerning Circumcision; and abundant in the Paschall Lambe; for every Circumstance. I pray shew me how the Scriptures in the new Testament give rules for the Celebration of Baptisme, and the Lords Supper.

All the rule wee finde for Baptisme is in these words, Goe yee therefore, and teach all Nations, Baptizing them in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, Matth. 28.19.

Here is a plaine direction for the forme of words that are to be used, but none for the Action of the Baptizer, nor [Page 19]for the gesture of the baptized: so wee read the Eunuch went downe into the water; but which part of the bodie Philip washed is not mentioned: neither is there directi­on for the Sex, nor the age, neither for eight dayes, nor eight yeares; nor of time, place, nor of what sort of Water, salt, or fresh. So for the Lords Supper, the words in the Institution are these, Iesus tooke bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave to his Disciples, and said, Take, eate, this is my body: And hee took the Cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drinke yee all of it, for this is my blond of the new Testament, which is shed for many, for the remission of sinnes. Yet in all these words here is no com­mission for his Disciples, as there is for Baptisme: Yet Saint Paul saith, hee hath received Commission from the Lord, concerning the Lords Supper, 1 Corinth. 11.23. But wee find it not in the Scripture what it should bee: Yea, as I sayd before, we finde no direction for the Sa­crament it selfe, nor for any circumstance that concernes the Celebration of it; neither for time, place, nor manner. And shall wee say therefore that Moses is more faithfull than Christ; No sure, for that I have proved to bee another thing before. But it proves this rather, that under the cleare light of the Gospell, the truth and substance of things fore-spoken by the Patriarchs and Pro­phets are so evident and apparent, that there needes no such particular directions and shadowes, as the dimme and darke Ceremoniall Law required: And that it is left unto the discretion of such as are in Authority, rule and government, to appoynt and regulate, as may be most for the glory of God, and best for the convenience of the place and people.

What Rule then hath the Church of England for [Page 20]these Ordinances, and all the rest wee have spoken of?

The Statute Law doth order particularly every thing as I have shewed you before, of the Ministers, Of­ficers, the time, and the worship it selfe; and of the name of the place: so now I shall shew you that the Sta­tutes appoynt the publike place it selfe, and for the order and manner of the rest of the particulars; and how all is agreeable with the word of God, in the Statutes made in the second and third yeare of King Edward the sixth: and the first Chapter, the affection of this religious King is there recorded to be such, that hee had an eye and re­spect to the most sincere and pure Christian Religion, taught by the Scriptures, as also to the usages of the Pri­mitive Chur [...] advising with his most learned and godly Minist [...], ob [...]ving the prudent judgement of his beloved Vncl [...] the [...]rd Protector, the best assistance of his Privie and great Councell of Parliament, with the ayd of the Holy Ghost, and with one uniforme agree­ment is of them concluded, set forth and delivered to his great comfort and satisfaction of minde, a composer containing rules and orders for the regulating of the man­ner of Gods publick worship, in a Booke intituled, the Booke of the Common Prayer, and administration of the Sacraments; and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church: as in this, so in other Acts, the times and pla­ces are appoynted, the Persons to officiate and admini­ster, in Praying, praysing, and reading, and preaching Gods word, the people to assemble on Sundayes and Ho­ly-dayes, upon penalty to bee inflicted by Officers Tem­porall or Ecclesiasticall; and that none shall deprave, that is, speak ill of, or condemne this Order. 1 Elizabeth 2. Elizabeth 2.23. Iacob. 4. And that the Congregation [Page 21]shall behave themselves quietly, and with civill demeanor and orderly all the time of Gods publike worship. Anno primo Marioe, the third Chapter, and also the rules and order for the particulars for Baptisme, and the Lords Sup­per, are contained in the Statutes, that Children of belee­ving Parents shall be baptized, and that there shall be wit­nesses to testifie so much, and also to promise a Christian endeavour for religious instruction and education, the form of words that contained in the Commission given to the Apostles before mentioned, the manner appoynted, Dip­ping in, or sprinkling with water: And so also for the Sup­per of the Lord, the Elements, Bread and Wine to be pro­vided by the Church-wardens, at the charges of the Pa­rishoners, the time to be appoynted by the Minister, and the people to have notice of it by his directions: An [...] as the former, so this, to bee blessed and administred by the Pastor, or Minister, in the words of our Lords first Institu­tion, and the people to receive in a praying gesture, both Ordinances being communicated with prayer and thanks­giuing: for the Vestments of the Ministers, and gesture o [...] both Minister and People are ordered also.

But how can you prove to mee that those Ac [...] and Ordinances are agreeable, and warrantable by the Word [...] God?

Such Ordinances of men that are not against th [...] Word of God, I am warranted by the Word of God [...] obey, but the Traditions and Ordinances of the Chur [...] are no wayes opposite, or contrary to GODS Wor [...] therefore GODS Word injoynes Christians obedie [...] thereunto.

The generall Rules in Scripture of Traditions for [...] ­der and Decency in the Churches, were onely for [...] [Page 22]things as concerne the publick worship of God; which rules are not found exprest and determined in the Scripture; therefore the Apostle 2 Thes. [...]. [...]. speakes to the Church of Thessalonica, in words of Dignity, and Authority saying, Now wee command you brethren, in the Name of our Lord Ie­sus Christ, that you withdraw your selves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the Traditions which hee recei­ved of us. Observe the holy Apostles extraordinary ex­pressions, and likewise how hee ingages the Lord Ie­sus Christ in the cause, that Order should be observed, ac­cording to Traditions given, which Traditions were not written Scriptures, but things of like nature, as the Apostle to the Corinthians speakes of, 1 Cor. 14. And although of much variety in the Church, yet hee thus would have all [...]hings regulated, Let all things be done decently, and in Order: And the [...]der and decency is exprest through­out the Chapter A [...] [...]eaching, verse 3.4. which is decla­red by speaking, by Revelation, by Knowledge, or by Do­ctrine: And that preaching, and praying, singing, and giving thanks are to be in a knowne tongue, to the edifying of the Church, verse 12.15. 17. That also the Prophets doe beake one by one, that all may learne, and all may be com­ [...]orted, verse 31. And just so it was with the Church at Ie­ [...]usalem, Acts 15.7. The Church being met together, it is [...]yd, Peter rose up and spake unto them, as in the 8, 9, 10, [...]1 Verses. And in the twelfth Verse it is sayd, the multi­ [...]de kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul: [...]nd after they had held their peace, Iames answered saying, Men and Brethren hearken unto me, v. 13. so that 4. Apostles [...]one meeting prophecyes, but in order, one after another: [...]d to this the Apostle speakes fully to the Church of Co­ [...]h, for God is not the Author of confusion or tumults, [Page 23]or unquietnesse, but of peace, as in all Churches of the Saints. 1 Cor. 13.33. So also in the next Chapter he gives generall rules to all Churches, Let your women keep silence in the Churches; for it is not permitted to them to speake: And in another place directions are given for womens habits, that their heads be covered, 1 Cor. 11.6 So in the Chap­ter following he gives many rules about preparation before the sacrament, as concerning our carriage in communi­cating, where you come together (saith he) to eate, tarry one for another: So hee requires knowledge to discerne the Lords body: So Temperance and modesty of beha­viour, that the Communion may be answerable to the thing Communicated in; and thus concludes, And the rest will I set in order when I come: as doing it by that place and senio­rity he had in the Church: And therefore he speaks in the singular number, I will, and not in the plurall: and so in ano­ther place he speaks, as if the care of all the Churches lay upon him, 2 Cor 11.28. And as the care was specially in ga­thering and edifying the Churches by Doctrine; so also in ordering; therefore he saith, as he had given order to the Church of Galatia about things that had not beene or­dered by the Scriptures, even so doe yee, saith hee to the Church of Corinth, 1 Cor. 16.1. And he rejoyceth in the holy Order that was in the Church of Collossia, being much comforted in the order, as well as in the grace it self; in these words; for though I be absent in the flesh; yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your Or­der, and the stedfastnesse of your faith in Christ, Col. 2.5. And this was not Saint Pauls practice alone, but generall in all Churches by other Apostles, Elders, and Evangelists, as appeares by his Epistle to Titus, saying; For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things [Page 24]that are wanting, and ordaine Elders in every City, as I had appoynted thee, Titus 1.5. All which in totall, in what hath beene said, the Apostle to the Thessalonians makes a conclusion without any exception, in these words, There­fore Brethren stand stast, and hold the traditions which yee have beene t [...]ught, whether by word or by our Epistle, 2 Thes. 2.15.

These Scriptures doe clearly shew that the Church hath power to prescribe Order, and make rules for such things as Gods word doth not particularize, so that the traditions be con­sonant thereunto.

That the rule for reading the Scriptures is agreeable to the Word, I have sufficiently proved before; but that you may beyond all exception be satisfied here, what the A­postle saith to [...] [...]hurches of Collosse and and Laodicea: And when th [...] [...] is read amongst you cause that it be also read in the Church of the Laodiceans, Col. 4.16. And the command of our Lord Christ, to search the Scriptures is to read the Scriptures, Iohn 5.39. Accor­ding to that Matthew 29. Let him that readeth consi­der, as also blessed is hee that readeth; and they that here the words of this prophesie, and keep those things that are written therein, Rom. 1.

But what warrant is there for the reading of those parts of the Scriptures appoynted of the Psalmes, the Chapters, the Epistles and Gospels?

If you grant it is warrantable to read them, Order and conveniency calls to authority to appoynt which, and how much, for all the Scriptures cannot be read at one time; therefore it was well done of the Church to divide the Pro­phesies of each Prophet that are long, and the History of the Evangelists, and the Epistles of the Apostles into seve­rall [Page 25]parts or Chapters: and in the use we find it profitable, and therefore warrantable, though there be no rule for it in Scripture, but meerely of humane Order: And for the Epistles and Gospells, they are but parts of the Chap­ters for the most part of them, but such portions of Scrip­tures as doe most fit the occasion, and the time of solemne Feasts, and dayes of humiliation: According to our Sa­viour Christs example, Luke 4.17. It is said, there was gi­ven unto him the Book of the Prophet Esayas: And when he had opened the book, hee found the place wherein it was written, The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath aunoynted me to preach the Gospell to the poore, he hath sent me to heale the broken hearted, &c. to preach the acceptable yeare of the Lord. And when he had read this portion of Scripture, hee closed the book, and gave it againe to the Minister: By which it is plaine, our Saviour Christ sought in the Prophesie for that part; and such a part it was that fitted the particular occasion, as himselfe saith, verse 21. This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your eares.

I must confesse this is cleare to me: But pray shew how the Statutes and the Scriptures agree in appointing set formes for prayer and prayses in the Congregation.

Authority in appoynting a forme for prayer and prayses doth not require nothing but set formes for the publick, for before and after Sermons; their prayers are left to their owne ordering: and each man is free in regard of any forme imposed. But the Church, for the better directi­on of the Minister, and edification of the many, doth ap­poynt, and command some to be used; but they are such as are both for matter and manner without just exception [...] onely observing there in words of Truth to the onely tru [...] God; to which we adding our spirituall affections, make [Page 26]up the true Worship of God, in every part of it, as our Lord hath taught us. God is is a spirit, and hee that wor­ships God must worship him in Spirit and Truth: Iohn 4.29.

T The brevity, shortnesse, and exactnesse of these formes [...]f prayer following, are agreeable to the wisedome of So­ [...]omon his Order, for Gods publike worship: When thou goest (saith he) into the house of God, bee not rash with thy mouth, &c. for God is in heaven, therefore let thy words be few. Eccles. 5.1, 2. And such is the councell of the King of Kings, the wisedome of wisedome, Matth. 6.7. When yee pray, use no vaine repetition, as the heathen doe, &c. for your father knoweth what things you have need of before you aske him: According to which, see and read the generall Confession of sinnes; and that, O God which art the Author of peace, and lover of concord, &c. As also O Lord our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, which hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day, &c. with the rest, examine and see how plain and full the expressions are; so briefe, pithy, and pertinent as words can possibly bee thought of, termes of such excel­lent, yet plaine meaning, that the lowest and meanest ca­pacity, may joyne in affection, that a sweet harmony may be made by the supplication of the whole Congregation in truth, to the God of Truth. Now to prove that such set-formes of words are lawfull to pray and invocate God by, the Scriptures are plentifull, both in the Old and new Testament, as Luke 11.2. The Disciples desiring the Lord to teach them to pray, as Iohn taught his Disci­ples, our Lord saith unto them, when yee pray, say, Our Father which art in Heaven, &c. And he gives them a perfect forme of words. And the example of our Blessed Lord himselfe is left written for our example, Matthew 26.44. [Page 27]that he prayed the third time the same words: Marke it, here is a large consideration in a short Petition, excellent in brevity, pertinency, fervencie, and importunity: all the men in the world cannot answer this command and exam­ple of our Saviour Christ; which gives warrant without controule, that God may be worshipped truely in a set-form of words. I make a generall demand to all opposites, whosoever, If there be any thing alike authentick to the precept and example of our Blessed God. Oh how are those men therefore to bee reproved, even withstood to their faces, that have, and doe preach, that all set-formes of Prayer are from the Devill, and first invented and found out by him; when that holy man Moses, being led by the Holy Ghost every day, morning and evening, when the Congregation journyed, used these very words constant­ly, when they took up the Arke in the morning, thus hee prayed, Num. 10.35, 36. Rise up Lord, and let thine enemies bee scattered, and let them that hate thee flye before thee. And every evening when they set downe the Arke, or rested, he said, Returne, ô Lord, to the many thousands of Israel: and the very words of Moses, the Prophet David writes downe for a forme to be used, and sung in the Temple, many a hundred yeares afterwards, Psalme 68.1. And the Lord Iehovah com­mands Moses, even his servant Moses to give to Aaron, and his Sonnes a set forme of words to blesse the Congregation with, Num. 6.22. And the Lord spake to Moses, saying, speak unto Aa­ron, and to his sonnes, saying. you shall blesse the Children of Is­rael, saying unto them, The Lord blesse thee and keep thee, the Lord Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee, the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and grant thee peace: Here the Lords Name is three times used in one forme of blessing: And yet I hope none is so ignorant, as [Page 28]to say it is vaine repitition: So in 150. Psalme, Prayse God and Praise him, is used thirteene times in sixe verses: so in 126. Psalme to the praise of God these words, For his mer­cy endureth for ever, are used or repeated twenty and six times: so in 107. Psalme, O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodnesse, and for his wonderfull workes for the Chil­dren of men, where the Prophet in this Psalme repeats the same words foure times: And the Apostle for the Ro­mans prayes thus, The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ bee with you, Rom. 16.23. and so for the Corinthians, 1 Cor. 16.23. 2 Cor. 13.14. and so for the Galatians, Gal. 6.18. and so for the Philippians, Phil. 4.13. and so for the Thessaloni­ans, 1 Thes. 5.28. 2 Thes. 3.18. And also for the Church in Philemons house, Phil. 25. using the same words of pray­er and blessing eight times for six severall Churches: Thus, even thus the Old and New Testament agree together in this one truth, as the holy Prophet gives direction, 1 Chron. 16.3. 5. Say yee, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the Heathen, that wee may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise.

That a forme may bee lawfully used in Gods publicke worship of prayer and prayse, is a truth so fully proved by you, that men nor Angels cannot gain-say to disprove: But I have heard a Minister preach it is unlawfull to use the Lords prayer, because we find no example for it in any of the Apostles.

We doe not read that any of the Apostles in the act of Baptisme, repeated all the words commanded by our Lord in the forme of Baptisme, which are these, Baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost: is it therefore unlawfull for Ministers to use the words, or the Church, to enjoyne them? and is it therefore unlawfull for the Minister to use the words of our Lord, which he used [Page 29]at the institution of the Lords Supper, because wee doe not read the Apostles did use them at the administration there­of? They doe no lesse than the Pharisees their Fathers in denying the lawfull use of the Lords Prayer, to make the Commandment of God of none effect by their contra­ry Traditions, Matth. 15.6. And these are the last dayes, and perillous men and times the Apostle fore speaks of, 2 Tim. 3. and Saint Iude in his generall Epistle.

Pray let me see how the Ordinances for the Sacraments appoynted by authority agree with the Scriptures?

The Traditions and Order that the Church hath prescribed for the manner of celebrating the Sacraments, are very agreeable to the Scripture, as I have before shewed in the manner of the celebration of both, and that there is no circumstance added the Scripture omits; neither in the admonitions and exhortations appoynted to bee read before the Communion or Baptisme; nor any thing that concernes Ministers nor people in the communicating of one, or either, nor the blessing in dismissing the Assem­blies, as in particular before instanced, but what stands with the holy honour and dignity of the ordinances themselves, and the glory of God. And therefore our Obedience there­to falls in with this generall rule of the Apostle, whether therefore yee eate or drink, or whatsoever you doe, do all to the glory of God, 1 Cor. 10.31.

Some Ministers will not administer the Lords Supper to any but such as are regenerated, that so by faith they may eate Christs body, and drinke his bloud.

For any man to preach that none ought to commu­cate of the communion of the signes of the Lords body, but such as have justifying faith, by which they are incorpo­rated into his body, they erre not knowing the Scriptures, [Page 30]nor the power of God, as the Anabaptists doe in poynt of Baptisme, for our Saviour himself gave it to Iudas that never had the faith that justifieth: so the Apostles never denyed the preaching the Word, nor the participation of the Sacra­ments to any that received the common faith, as Circum­cision; and the Passeover was not to be denyed to any that became Proselites, nor to the Children of such as did be­lieve. Now I have shewed before, that the Passeover was the same in signification to the Iewes, as the Lords Supper is to the Christians; and it is as lawfull for Christians to re­ceive the Sacrament, as to heare the Word; for as by the Word preached the eare is instructed in the Gospell & way of Life, so by the Lords Supper, Christ Crucified is taught visibly to the eye: Now a the Word and Sacrament have a teaching faculty, or operation, so also they have a nourish­ing, strenthening and confirming faculty, or operation to teach grace where it is not, and to confirme and increase it where it is. And there is no rule in all the Scripture to ex­clude a common Christian from these common Ordinan­ces but in such cases as concerne the censure of excommu­nication, within which, a true beleever, through weaknesse, may fall, aswell as an ordinary or common beleever: and he doth discerne the Lords body, that rightly understands the Sacrament in one sence, thereby to bee brought to Christ, as hee that by faith eates Christs flesh, and drinks his bloud, in a saving and spirituall sense: and the word preached to the disobedient, is the savour of death unto death, as is the Ordinance of the Supper of the Lord, to them that never attaine to eate by faith, aswell as by sence.

And thus I conclude, that no believing man is to be de­nyed communication in the Supper of the Lord, except in such cases as the Scripture, and so also the Traditions of [Page 31]the Church hath made exception, according to the exhor­tation before the Communion.

I am fully satisfied hitherto, I pray let me crave you [...] opinion but in one thing more at this time, and that is concerning singing of Psalmes, as it is used in the Church of England.

This part of Gods publick worship, as it is used i [...] our Church, is the most corrupt of all other; for althoug [...] the Church allowes Psalmes to be sung, yet the Statute-La [...] doth not justifie and warrant the Meeter of Thomas Stern [...] hold and Iohn Hopkins, and others, for they are very corrupt­ly done, and very false, and contrary to the prose, if you compare one with another: as Psalme 103. verse 19. wher [...] the Meeter saith, The heavens are the Lords foot-stoole: bu [...] the Prose saith not so; and other Scriptures saith, The hea­vens are his Throne, and the earth his foot-stoole. Not only fal [...] ­fying the text, but also that wherein it doth agree in ma [...] places, the phrases & expressions in the Meeter are imperti­nent, & not proper. And yet I have heard many Ministe [...] after they have in their Sermons, for an houre together e [...] ­veighed against all formes of prayers, and condemned it Hell, that they themselves have called for a Psalme to b [...] sung, which is no other than presently to do the same thi [...] themselves, they did condemne others for an houre toge­ther: And in this case the Apostle speaks expressely, th [...] art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art, it matters no [...] whether thou art a Preacher, or a Hearer, yong, or old, ric [...] or poore that judgest: for wherein thou judgest anothe [...] thou condemnest thy selfe; for thou that judgest, dost t [...] same things. Rom. 2.1. For a Psalme is a prayer, or a pray [...] and he that condemnes others in praying a form, condem [...] himselfe in singing a forme.

I pray shew me how the Scriptures speak of this part Gods worship.

The Scriptures declare it to bee a speciall part of [...]ods worship, both publick and private, the Apostle ad­monisheth the Church of the Ephesians to bee filled with [...] spirit, speaking to your selves (saith he) in Psalmes and [...]nes, and spirituall songs, singing, and making melody in your [...] to the Lord, Ephes. 5.18, 19. And David, that holy Pro­phet made Psalmes for the prasse and glory of God, in sun­dry respects and occasions of prayers and prayses, and gave [...]mes to the sonnes of Korah to sing in the Temple, and [...]ngs of degrees, Psalme 123. and Psal. 84.

It is a spirituall service: and the Apostle to the Corinthi­ans seems to speak of it, as of other ministeriall gifts for the [...]ifying of the Church, 1 Cor. 13.26. when yee come toge­ [...]er, every one of you hath a Psalme, a Doctrine, hath a [...]ongue, hath a Revelation, hath an interpretation: let all [...]ings be done to edifying: by which it appears that Psalms [...] spiritual songs, are of continuall study, practice and use the Churches; and that such as have gifts therein, may impose formes even for the publike use of the Churches, [...] Gods worship. Paul and Sylas prayed at mid-night, and [...]g Psalmes and prayses unto God in Prison, Acts 16.25. [...]nd Saint Iames his generall rule is, is any among you afflict­ [...] let him pray: is any merry? let him sing Psalmes, Iames 5. [...] must for this time take my leave, friend Hymeneus; the Lord blesse unto us the consideration of these things, and all other truthes, to whom be glory, world without end.

AMEN.