A53671:215
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.
Seventhly, when as Elders they do, or declare any thing in the name of the Church, they do not, as such, put forth any authority committed unto them from and by the Church, but only declare the consent and determination of the Church in the exercise of their own liberty and privilege; but the authority which they act by, and which they put forth, is that which is committed to themselves as such by Jesus Christ.
Seventhly, when as Elders they do, or declare any thing in the name of the Church, they do not, as such, put forth any authority committed unto them from and by the Church, but only declare the consent and determination of the Church in the exercise of their own liberty and priviledge; but the authority which they act by, and which they put forth, is that which is committed to themselves as such by Jesus Christ.
Eighthly, this authority is comprised in the Law and constitution of Christ which themselves exert only ministerially; and therefore when ever they act any thing authoritatively, which they are not enabled for, or warranted in by the word of the Gospel, or do any thing without, or contrary unto rule, all such actings as to any spiritual effect of the Gospel, or obligation on the consciences of Men, are Ipso facto null, and are no way ratified in Heaven, where all their orderly actings are made valid; ⟨p. 149⟩that is, by Christ himself in his Word.
Ninthly, The reason therefore why the consent of the Church is required unto the authoritative acting of the Elders therein; is not because from thence any authority doth accrue unto them anew, which virtually and radically they had not before; but because by the rule of the Gospel this is required to the orderly acting of their power, which without it would be contrary to rule, and therefore ineffectual; as also it must needs be from the nature of the thing it self; for no act can take place in the Church without or against its own consent, whilst its obedience is voluntary and of choice.