A34674:341
The Covenant of Grace
The covenant of grace discovering the great work of a sinners reconciliation to God / by John Cotton ... ; whereunto are added Certain queries tending to accommodation [sic] between the Presbyterian and Congregational churches ; also a discussion of the civill magistrates power in matters of religion ; by the same author.The covenant of grace discovering the great work of a sinners reconciliation to God / by John Cotton ... ; whereunto are added Certain queries tending to accommodadation [sic] between the Presbyterian and Congregationall churches ; also a discussion of the civill magistrates power in matters of religion ; by the same author.
London: printed by M.S. for Francis Eglesfield and John Allen, 1655
Title page typeset from the transcription.
The Result of the Disputations of the Synod, or Assembly, at Cambri… › Part › Question 1
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.
1 Hence he is not to mould up and impose what Erastian form of Church polity he pleaseth; because if there be ⟨p. 4⟩but one form commanded now of God, he cannot therefore command what form he will.
1 Hence he is not to mould up and impose what Erastian forme of Church polity he pleaseth; because if there be ⟨p. 4⟩but one form commanded now of God, he cannot therefore command what forme he will.
2 Hence he is not to force all persons into the Church, or to the participation of the seals; because he is not thus commanded.
3 Hence he is not to limit to things indifferent, which are neither commanded, nor forbidden in the word, without apparent expediency or inexpediency of attending the same. By that expression [clearly] commanded or forbidden in the word, we understand that which is clear, either by express words, or necessary Consequence from the Scripture; and we say clearly commanded or forbidden in the word. Not simply that which the Magistrate or others think to be clearly commanded or forbidden; for they may think things commanded, to be forbidden, and things forbidden, to be commanded; but that which is in it self in such sort clear in the word, de jure, the Civil Magistrate in these days since Christs ascension, may and ought to command and forbid such things so cleared in the word, albeit de facto, oft-times he do ⟨p. 5⟩