A34674:481
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.
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.
Object. 3. The judgement of the question in our Synods or Assemblies, ordinarily proceeds jointly from the Messengers of all Churches; at least the major part of them. But the judgement concerning matters agitated in that Synod, Acts 15. seems to proceed from one part thereof only, namely the Church of Jerusalem, as appears by the Letters sent from thence, not mentioning any part of that judgement, as proceeding from the Church Messengers of Antioch.
Object. 3. The judgement of the question in our Synods or Assemblies, ordinarily proceeds joyntly from the Messengers of all Churches; at least the major part of them. But the judgement concerning matters agitated in that Synod, Acts 15. seems to proceed from one part thereof onely, namely the Church of Jerusalem, as appears by the Letters sent from thence, not mentioning any part of that judgement, as proceeding from the Church Messengers of Antioch.
Resp. 1. We may distinguish between the Synods passing for acts of judgement upon the Question discussed, and the sending of that judgement passed by the Synod. That the Messengers of the Church of Antioch did judge jointly with the Church of Jerusalem, concerning ⟨p. 60⟩the matters agitated in that Synod, appears thus: In every regular discharge of the duty of the Church-messengers in a Synod where there is a concurrence of ability, right, and duty, to pass an actual judgement, as declarative to the truth, there was an actual judgement.
Resp. 1. We may distinguish between the Synods passing for acts of judgement upon the Question discussed, and the sending of that judgement passed by the Synod. That the Messengers of the Church of Antioch did judge joyntly with the Church of Jerusalem, concerning