A80640:504
The way of Congregational churches cleared in two treatises. In the former, from the…
The way of Congregational churches cleared in two treatises. In the former, from the historical aspersions of Mr. Robert Baylie, in his book, called, A dissuasive from the errors of the time. In the latter, from some contradictions of Vindicæ Clavium : and from, some mis-constructions of learned Mr. Rutherford in his book entitled The due right of presbyteries. / By Mr. John Cotton, sometime preacher at Boston in Lincoln-shire, and now teacher of the Church at Boston, in New-England.The way of Congregational churches cleared in two treatises. In the former, from the historical aspersions of Mr. Robert Baylie, in his book, called, A disswasive from the errors of the time. In the latter, from some contradictions of Vindicæ Clavium : and from, some mis-constructions of learned Mr. Rutherford in his book intituled The due right of presbyteries. / By Mr. John Cotton, sometime preacher at Boston in Lincoln-shire, and now teacher of the Church at Boston, in New-England.
London: printed by Matthew Simmons for John Bellamie, 1648
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.
For first, When I wrote that Proposition (in the first words ⟨p. 12⟩of the Way) it was not then in my mind to understand any other Particular Congregation to which Christ had committed all ordinary Church Power, and the administration thereof, but to a Congregation of Believers furnished with Officers. For I spake of such a Church whereof Peter was one; and he was an Officer. Though I perceive M. Rutterford understood me otherwise, (as you also do:) and so from thence raiseth his first controversy: Whether the Church of Believers destitute of the Eldership, have the power of the Keys?
For first, VVhen I wrote that Proposition (in the first words ⟨p. 12⟩of the Way) it was not then in my mind to understand any other Particular Congregation to which Christ had committed all ordinary Church Power, and the administration thereof, but to a Congregation of Believers furnished with Officers. For I spake of such a Church whereof Peter was one; and he was an Officer. Though I perceive M. Rutterford understood me otherwise, (as you also do:) and so from thence raiseth his first controversie: Whether the Church of Believers destitute of the Eldership, have the power of the Keyes?
Which (to avoid misconstruction) I expressed more distinctly in the Tract of the Keys. But yet, take it as he doth, for a Church of Believers without Officers; They have received some part of the Power of the Keys formally, as the election of Officers, &c. and the whole ordinary Power of the Keys, radically and virtually. The stock of the Vine (which groweth in the bulk from the root) hath not immediate power to bring forth Grapes; but yet it hath power to produce branches, which do bring forth Grapes: So the Body of the Church of Believers, though they have not immediate power of rule authoritatively to dispense the Word, or to administer Sacraments at all: yet they have power to produce such Officers as may perform the same.