A80640:509
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.
Answ. 2. I dare not say that the Particular Visible Church is never called the Kingdom of Heaven. For when Christ went out to hire labourers into his Vineyard, it was into this or that Particular Church, respectively. And this Vineyard thus destitute of Labourers or Officers, and distinguished from them, is called the Kingdom of Heaven, Matth. 20.1.
Again, when the Kingdom of Heaven is compared to ten Virgins, five wise, and five foolish, (Matth. 25.1, 2.) this is a description of the estate of each Particular Church, respectively; without respect to their Officers. Besides, when the Kingdom of God is said to be within us, (Luke 17.21. And all the faithful are said to be made Kings and Priests unto God (Rev. 1.6.) Even a Kingdom of Priests (1 Pet. 2.9.) can it then be termed an improper speech to call a Particular Church of Believers, the Kingdom of Heaven?
Yes, they are but a Member, or Corporation of the Kingdom: and it were improper to call London the Kingdom of England.