A34673:214
The covenant of Gods free grace most sweetly unfolded and comfortably applied to a…
The covenant of Gods free grace most sweetly unfolded and comfortably applied to a disquieted soul from that text of 2 Sam. 23. Ver. 5. : also a doctrinal conclusion that there is in all such who are effectually called, in-dwelling spiritual gifts [sic] and graces wrought and created in them by the Holy Ghost / by that reverend and faithful minister of Gods word, Mr. John Cotton, Teacher of the Church at Boston in New-England ; whereunto is added, A profession of faith, made by the reverend divine, Mr. John Davenport, in New-England, at his admission into one of the Churches there.The covenant of Gods free grace most sweetly unfolded and comfortably applied to a disquieted soul from that text of 2 Sam. 23. Ver. 5. : also a doctrinall conclusion that there is in all such who are effectually called, in-dwelling spirituall gifs [sic] and graces wrought and created in them by the Holy Ghost / by that reverend and faithful minister of Gods word, Mr. John Cotton, Teacher of the Church at Boston in New-England ; whereunto is added, A profession of faith, made by the reverend divine, Mr. John Davenport, in New-England, at his admission into one of the Churches there.
London: printed for John Hancock, 1645London: printed for Iohn Hancock, 1645
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
18. Concerning the Communion of Churches.
That although particular Churches be distinct and several Independent bodies, every one as a city compact within it self, without subordination under, or dependence upon any other but Jesus Christ, yet are all Churches to walk by one and the same rule, and by all means convenient, to have the counsel and help one of another, when need requireth, as members of one body, in the common faith under Christ their only Head.
That although particular Churches be distinct and severall Independent bodies, every one as a city compact within it self, without subordination under, or dependence upon any other but Jesus Christ, yet are all Churches to walk by one and the same rule, and by all means convenient, to have the counsell and help one of another, when need requireth, as members of one body, in the common faith under Christ their only Head.
19. Concerning Church-officers.
That Christ, when he ascended up on high, gave gifts unto men, and disposed of them in several functions, and for public ordinary ministry, he gave Pastors, Teachers, Elders, Deacons, helpers for the instruction, government, and service of his Church, to the worlds end; and that none may usurp or execute a Ministry in the Church, but such as are rightly called by the Church, whereof they stand Ministers, and being so called, they ought to give all diligence to fulfil their Ministry, and to be found faithful, and unblamable in all things: And that this ministry is alike given to every Church of Christ, with like and equal power, and commission to have and enjoy the same as God offereth fit men, and means, and the same rules are given to all for the election and execution thereof in all places: which rules & laws it is not lawful for those Ministers, or for the Church, wittingly to neglect or transgress in any part. And those Ministers thus chosen, and executing their office faithfully, every Church is bound to have them in singular love for their works sake, to reverence them according to the dignity of their office wch they execute, and to provide for them, that they be not entangled with the cares of this life, according to the Law of Christ: And this to do, not as in way of courtesy or mercy, but out of duty to them in the Lord; and having hope in God, that the resurrection shall be of the just and of the unjust; of the just, to the resurrection of life, and of the unjust, to the resurrection of condemnation.