A57976:104
A peaceable and temperate plea for Pauls presbytery in Scotland, or, A modest and…A peaceable and temperate plea for Pauls presbyterie in Scotland, or, A modest and…
A peaceable and temperate plea for Pauls presbytery in Scotland, or, A modest and brotherly dispute of the government of the Church of Scotland wherein our discipline is demonstrated to be the true apostolic way of divine truth, and the arguments on the contrary are friendly dissolved, the grounds of separation and the independency [sic] of particular congregations, in defence of ecclesiastical presbyteries, synods, and assemblies, are examined and tried / by Samuel Rutherfurd ...A peaceable and temperate plea for Pauls presbyterie in Scotland, or, A modest and brotherly dispute of the government of the Church of Scotland wherein our discipline is demonstrated to be the true apostolick way of divine truth, and the arguments on the contrary are friendly dissolved, the grounds of separation and the indepencie [sic] of particular congregations, in defence of ecclesiasticall presbyteries, synods, and assemblies, are examined and tryed / by Samuell Rutherfurd ...
London: printed for John Bartlet, 1642London: printed for Iohn Bartlet, 1642
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.
Hence our 1. Conclusion. 1If we speak of a Christian primacy and eminency of grace,2 the Church of believers sincerely professing the faith and believing is the only first true visible Church.3 1. The essence and definition of a called and effectually translated company agreeth to them,4 and they are the called of God. 52.6 Because the promises made ⟨p. 32⟩to the redeemed, saved and washen Church belongeth to them; they are properly the Church builded on the rock, the loved and redeemed spouse of Christ. 2. This Church is the true body of Christ,7 which shall infallibly be glorified with the head Christ.8 The ministerial Church is his body also, on which he hath an influence bestowing upon them common gifts: but not a body which shall infallibly be glorified, but in so far as they are true members of the Church of believers. And here observe, our brethren have no cause to object to us, that there is not a place in all the old or new Testament, where the word (Church) signifieth only the presbytery or Eldership (the contrary whereof, God willing, I shall show) but I desire that they will produce a place in either the old or new Testament, where the word Church signifieth a governing multitude, or a ministerial company of only believers having power and use of the keys: yet this must be showed in this dispute, if their principles stand good.
Hence our 1. Conclusion. 1