A53671:202
A brief instruction in the worship of God, and discipline of the churches of…
A brief instruction in the worship of God, and discipline of the churches of the New Testament, by way of question and answer with an explication and confirmation of those answers.
London : s.n., 1667
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.
Qu. 28. Wherein principally doth the authority of the Elders of the Church consist?
An. (1) In that the Rule of the Church and the guidance thereof in things appertaining unto the worship of God, is committed unto them. And therefore (2) Whatever they do as Elders in the Church according unto rule, they do it not in the name or authority of the Church by which their power is derived unto them, nor as Members only of the Church by their own consent or covenant, but in the name and authority of Jesus Christ, from whom by virtue of his Law and Ordinance their ministerial office and power is received; so that (3) In the exercise of any act of Church power, by and with the consent of the Church, there is an obligation, thence proceeding, which ariseth immediately from that authority which they have received of Jesus Christ, which is the spring of all rule and authority in the Church. (1) Acts 20.28. Heb. 13.7, 17. 1 Pet. 5.2. 1 Cor. 12.28. (2) 1 Tim. ⟨p. 144⟩3.5. Coloss. 4.17.