II. The way and order laid down is directed unto, warranted, and confirmed, by general rules of the Scripture.
1. On the part of the church supposed to err in its administrations. There are sundry general rules Avhich declare it to be their duty to give an account unto other churches of their proceedings therein, and to consider their advice. Some of these may be named, as, —
(1.) That they " give none offence to the church of God," 1 Cor. X. 82. " Give no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed," 2 Cor. vi. 3. Upon a supposition, or information, or com- plaint of maladministration of any ordinance, offence may be taken, and that, if accompanied (as it may be) with much appearing evi- dence, justly. And in this case the church hath no way to clear itself from having indeed given offence but by giving an account of their proceedings, and the reason thereof And without this it can- not be avoided but that offences will be multiplied amongst the churches of Christ, and that to the utter ruin of their mutual com- munion. Thus when Peter, by the special command and direction of God, went and preached the gospel to the Gentiles, many, not knowing the grounds of his so doing, nor his warrant for it, took of- fence at it, and charged him with irregular walking, Acts xi. 2, 3. In this case, he doth not defend himself by his apostolical authority and privilege, nor in a few words tell them he had a warrant for what he did ; but, to remove all doubts, questions, and causes of of- fence, he distinctly repeats the whole matter, and all the circum- stances of it ; — an example of so great importance, that the Holy Ghost thought meet at large to express his account and defence, though the matter of it was set down immediately before. Acts x., xi.
(2.) That they " be ready always to give an answer" (that is, an account) " to every man that asketh them a reason of the hope that is in them" (and, consequently, of their practice suitable thereunto) "with meekness and fear," 1 Pet. iii. 15. This proves it " a minora ad majus;" if they should be ready thus to answer every man, much more many churches of God, and that in and about things of their mutual edification.
(8.) That, in particular, they clear themselves when suffering under any imputation, or being in danger of so doing: " What care- fulness it wrotight in you, what clearing of yourselves! In all things
OF CHURCH-CENSUKES. 229
ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter," 2 Cor. vii. 11. And this on many accounts is the duty of a church in the case proposed. The glory of God, the honour of Christ, their own peace and edification, with the peace and credit of all other churches, re- quire it of them. Nor can this duty be any otherwise performed but by this giving an account of their own proceedings, and receiv- ing the advice of other churches therein. And if this be not done freely, with readiness and submission of mind, there is no way left to preserve the peace and communion of churches. Those who sup- pose they may in such cases act in a way of jurisdiction and church- power can attain the end by them aimed at, by virtue of the censures which they do administer. Bat in this way of counsel and advice, unless those who are concerned to give an account of themselves will do it with meekness, gentleness, mutual trust and confidence, suit- able unto the conduct of the Spirit of Christ, in obedience unto his institutions, the whole end of it will be in danger to be frustrated.
2. On the part of other churches.
(1.) All churches walking in the same order and fellowship of the gospel are mutually debtors to each other for their good and edifica- tion: "Their debtors they are," Rom. xv. 27. And this debt, in this case, can no otherwise be paid but by the way prescribed.
(2.) What the apostles did, might do, and ought to do, towards one another, who were all equal by virtue of their common interest in the same work, that one church may do, and ought to do, towards another, or many churches towards one; but one apostle might take cognizance of the ways and walking of another, and withstand, ad- vise, or reprove him, if in any thing he failed, and walked not with a right foot, Gal. ii. 11, 14.
Gorol. General rules, containing the grounds and reasons of parti- cular institutions, are sure guidance and direction in and unto their observation.
III. The way and order expressed is warranted by necessity, as that without which the peace of communion and edification of the churches cannot be preserved and carried on ; as, —
1. On the part of the church whose administrations are questioned. The persons censured (which is ordinary) may, in their own vindica- tion, or by way of undue reflection, not to be discovered without a just examination, impair their reputation with other churches, or many members of them, whei'eby they may suffer and be exposed to sundry inconveniences. In this case, a church can have no relief but by reporting the matter unto other churches, so seeking their advice and counsel ; whereby they may receive great encouragement, comfort, and boldness in the Lord, if found to have proceeded ac- cording unto rule.