A80640:548
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.
But this question, so far as it concerneth my Proposition, (to speak with leave and due Reverence) is as ungrounded as the former. For the Proposition speaketh not of a Church that wanteth all Officers, but of a Church that having received Officers from Christ, hath power to Administer all the Public worship, and Ordinances of Christ. This point and my plain meaning therein, is more fully and distinctly opened in the small treatise of the Keys. ⟨p. 22⟩But for the present stating of the question, our judgement is expressed in two Conclusions; which so far as they are controverted, are to be cleared.
But this question, so far as it c•ncerneth my Proposition, (to speak with leave and due Reverence) is as ungrounded as the former. For the Proposition speaketh not of a Church that wanteth all Officers, but of a Church that having received Officers from Christ, hath power to Administer all the Publick worship, and Ordinances of Christ. This point and my plain meaning therein, is more fully and distinctly opened in the small treatise of the Keyes. ⟨p. 22⟩But for the present stating of the question, our judgement is expressed in two Conclusions; which so far as they are controverted, are to be cleared.
First that the Church of Believers destitute of Officers, hath received some part of the Power of the Keys: as Power to receive Members, to elect Officers, and to do such other Church Acts, as do not require Office-Rule, or Office-Power.
First that the Church of Believers destitute of Officers, hath received some part of the Power of the Keyes: as Power to receive Members, to elect Officers, and to do such other Church Acts, as do not require Office-Rule, or Office-Power.