A53671:284
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.
Explication.
It hath been showed that this power is granted unto the Church by virtue of the Law and constitution of Christ. Now this Law assigns the means and way whereby any persons do obtain an interest therein; and makes the just allotments to all concerned in it. What this Law, Constitution or Word of Christ assigns unto any, as such, that they are the first seat and subject of, by what way or means soever they come to be entrusted therein. Thus that power or authority which is given unto the Elders of the Church, doth not first formally reside in the body of the Church unorganized ⟨p. 184⟩or distinct from them, though they are called unto their Office by their suffrage and choice; but they are themselves as such, the first subject of Office power; For so is the Will of the Lord Christ. Nor is the interest of the whole Church in this power of discipline whatever it be, given unto it by the Elders, but is immediately granted unto it, by the will and Law of the Lord Jesus.
It hath been shewed that this power is granted unto the Church by virtue of the Law and constitution of Christ. Now this Law assigns the means and way whereby any persons do obtain an interest therein; and makes the just allotments to all concerned in it. What this Law, Constitution or Word of Christ assigns unto any, as such, that they are the first seat and subject of, by what way or means soever they come to be intrusted therein. Thus that power or authority which is given unto the Elders of the Church, doth not first formally reside in the body of the Church unorganized ⟨p. 184⟩or distinct from them, though they are called unto their Office by their suffrage and choice; but they are themselves as such, the first subject of Office power; For so is the Will of the Lord Christ. Nor is the interest of the whole Church in this power of discipline whatever it be, given unto it by the Elders, but is immediately granted unto it, by the will and Law of the Lord Jesus.