(1.) It is granted that all church power and authority, for the ad- ministration of all the ordinances and institutions of the gospel, is intrusted with a particular congregation.
(2.) That there is no judicature, no church assembly, vested with church power and authority, without, above, or beyond a particular church, that should either contribute authority unto such a church for its actings, or authoritatively control it in its actings, to order or change its proceeding in any thing, as by virtue of any authority re- ceived unto that purpose.
(3.) That in case any person be not satisfied with the administra- tion of the church whereof he is a member, but finds himself ag-
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grieved thereby, he cannot appeal unto any church, or churches, or assembhes of churches, as havhig power or authority to revoke or disannul the sentence or act of the church wherewith he is offended, either in pretence that the church without their concurrence and consent had not power to pass any such act, or that they have autho- rity to control their acts, or can on any account authoritatively in- terpose in their administrations.
(4.) It is granted, then, that the power of excommunication, in the preceding acts unto it and full execution of it, is placed in a particu- lar congregation, without respect unto any superior authority but that of Christ and his word. These things are acknowledged. But that it should hence follow, that, in case of supposed maladministration of ordinances, and the complaint of persons pretending to be injured thereby, other churches are not, by virtue of Scripture rules, institu- tion of our Lord Jesus, warrant of the light of nature, on their com- munion and common interest, to inquire into the matter and take cognizance of it, that no offence be given or taken,. that they may know how to discharge aright their duty towards both the church and the persons aggrieved, and give their advice in the common con- cernment of all the churches, there is no pretence to surmise. And for a church to say that because they have power to do what they do, they will therefore in such things neither desire advice, nor take advice, nor hearken unto counsel, nor give account of their proceed- ings to them that are or may be offended or that require an account of them, is scarce agreeable to the Spirit of Christ or the rule of his word.
Obj. 8. This is the way to frustrate the sentence of excommunica- tion, and to prevent the due efhcacy of it upon the persons censured, yea, to harden them in their sin and offence.
Ans. 1. Concerning whom are these things feared? Were the advice mentioned, and the counsel to be had and given, to be among heathens, enemies of the church or of the ways of Christ, or of the especial way and order of church-fellowship which in this discourse is supposed, such events might be feared : but to pretend to fear that other churches of Christ, walking in the same order and commu- nion with ourselves, and whom we ought to look on in all things as like-minded with ourselves, as to their aim at the glory of God and edification of the church, should, by their counsel and advice, frustrate the end of any ordinance of Christ, is a surmise that ought not to be indulged unto; yea, we have herein cause to admire the wisdom and bless the care of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath provided this help for us, to strengthen and confirm us in the ways of truth and right- eousness, or to direct us where we are or may be mistaken.
2. Where excommunication is not administered but in a due man-
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ner and for just causes, there will appear little 'trouble or difficulty in this matter. Let the cause or matter of it be as it ought to be, — such a sin or sins as the mind or conscience of a believer, of an en- lightened person, free from open prejudices, will at first view condemn in himself and others,- and this or these sins persisted in after due admonition, — and there will indeed be left no pretence of grievance or complaint in those that are censured. But if it be administered in dubious cases, we shall find that this way of counsel is so far from being an obstruction of its efficacy as that it is the only means to render it effectual.
3. No man will complain, or address himself unto the relief declared, if he be convinced in his conscience that he is not injured, but that he is indeed guilty of the crimes charged on him, and that by Scrip- ture rule they are such as deserve that censure. In this case no man will be so foolish or obstinate as to seek for relief; and if he should do so, he can possibly expect nothing but to have his bands made strong. But now suppose that a person be not so convinced, neither before nor after sentence denounced against him, but looks on himself as innocent and injured, either in part or in whole, in matter or manner of proceeding, — what effect can be expected of his excommunication? We are deceived if we look that this ordinance should have any effect upon men but by the conviction of their minds and consciences. It worketh doctrinally only, though peculiarly by virtue of especial institution. And in this case it is evident how this way may further, and that it cannot possibly obstruct, the effects of this censure ; as was in part before declared.