A80640:556
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 I willingly admit which he saith; That the ordination of Pastors by the Church of Believers, is not an official, nor properly an Authoritative Act of Power. For the election of a Pastor by the Brethren of the Church, is an higher Act of power then their ordination is: As the Election of a King is an Act of higher Power, then his Coronation. And yet the Election of a Pastor, is not an Act of official, or Authoritative power: no more then the Election of a King by a free People is an Act of official, or Authoritative Sovereignty.
But this I willingly admit which he saith; That the ordination of Pastors by the Church of Believers, is not an official, nor properly an Authoritative Act of Power. For the election of a Pastor by the Brethren of the Church, is an higher Act of power then their ordination is: As the Election of a King is an Act of higher Power, then his Coronation. And yet the Election of a Pastor, is not an Act of official, or Authoritative power: no more then the Election of a King by a free People is an Act of official, or Authoritative Soveraingtie.
As for the public Teaching of a private man endued with gifts and zeal, I know not why it may not be allowed, not only in case of extreme necessity, but in some cases of expediency, as when his gifts are to be proved, before he be called into office.
As for the publik• Teaching of a private man indued with gifts and zeal, I know not why it may not be allowed, not only in case of extreme necessitie, but in some cases of expediency, as when his gifts are to be proved, before he be called into office.
In the third conclusion, M. Rutterford telleth us, That as a Reasonable man is the first, immediate, and principal subject of Aptitude to laugh, and the mediate and secondary subjects are Peter and John, and such particular men: So it is the order of Nature to give Church properties, and powers, first to the Species and common Nature of the Church, and not to this or that particular Church.