A80639:65
The true constitution of a particular visible church, proved
The true constitution of a particular visible church, proved by Scripture. Wherein is briefly demonstrated by questions and answers what officers, worship, and government Christ hath ordained in his church. / By that reverend and learned divine, Mr. John Cotton, B.D. and pastor of Boston in New England.The true constitution of a particular visible church, proved by Scripture. Wherein is briefly demonstrated by questions and answers what officers, worship, and government Christ hath ordained in his church. / By that reverend and learned divine, Mr. Iohn Cotton, B.D. and pastor of Boston in New England.
London: printed for Samuel Satterthwaite, 1642
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.
Quest. How is the Government of the Church in ⟨p. 9⟩the hand of the Church Stewardly or Ministerial?
Quest. How is the Governement of the Church in ⟨p. 9⟩the hand of the Church Stewardly or Ministeriall?
Answ. Because the end of the Government of the Church is spiritual and heavenly(1) as is the building of Christs Kingdom, and saving of souls(2) it is not in the power of men to ordain, or provide means or helps to such ends, but only for him that can work upon the soul and conscience(3) and therefore it is not in the hand of the Church, to make Laws or ordinances, to choose Officers or Members, to administer Sacraments or Censures or any part of worship or Government of their own heads, but to receive all as from the hand of Christ, and to dispense all according to the will of Christ revealed in his Word(4)
Answ. Because the end of the Government of the Church is spirituall and heavenly(1) as is the building of Christs Kingdome, and saving of soules(2) it is not in the power of men to ordaine, or provide means or helpes to such ends, but onely for him that can worke upon the soule and conscience(3)