A80640:574
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.
To them (saith he) are the Keys promised, who are the Stewards of the mysteries of God. 1 Cor. 4.1. and servants of the house by Office, 2 Cor. 4.5. and by office to open the doors, and behave themselves aright in Gods house, 1 Tim. 3.16. and to divide to those of the house their portion of meat in due season, Mat. 24.45. and to cut out the Word. 2 Tim, 2.15. But a Company of Professing Believers, joined together in Church Covenant, and destitute of Officers, are not stewards by office, nor servants over the house. &c.
To them (saith he) are the Keys promised, who are the Stewards of the mysteries of God. 1 Cor. 4.1. and servants of the house by Office, 2 Cor. 4.5. and by office to open the dores, and behave themselves aright in Gods house, 1 Tim. 3.16. and to divide to those of the house their portion of meat in due season, Mat. 24.45. and to cut out the Word. 2 Tim, 2.15. But a Company of Professing Believers, joyned together in Church Covenant, and destitute of Officers, are not stewards by office, nor servants over the house. &c.
The Assumption Mr Rutterford taketh for granted, and so he well may; unless office be taken in a large sense (as it i• in Tully's Offices) for a duty, which we owe to every one in his place respectively; and as he saith (ad Terent.) In Familia been instituta, dicimus omnes in officio esse opportere. In which sense also the Translators take it in