A80640:576
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 take office properly, for a calling invested with Power to perform special Acts of public service to the Church; so indeed it implieth a contradiction, That the Church should be its own officer. For the very term of officer implieth subordination: and Mr Rutterford speaketh properly; That they are servants of the House by Office, whom he putteth for the Officers of the ⟨p. 29⟩House. Now the Church cannot be her own servant.
But take office properly, for a calling invested with Power to perform special Acts of publike service to the Church; so indeed it implyeth a contradiction, That the Church should be its owne officer. For the very terme of officer implyeth subordination: and Mr Rutterford speaketh properly; That they are servants of the House by Office, whom he putteth for the Officers of the ⟨p. 29⟩House. Now the Church cannot be her owne servant.
But yet this giveth the more just ground of denying the Major Proposition. That to them only are the Keys promised, who are the stewards and servants of the House by Office. The Matter familias in the House, hath Keys of power over her children, and servants, and yet is neither steward nor servant of the House.
But yet this giveth the more just ground of denying the Major Proposition. That to them only are the Keyes promised, who are the stewards and servants of the House by Office. The Mater familias in the House, hath Keyes of power over her children, and servants, and yet is neither steward nor servant of the House.
It is true, the Keys are a symbol of power. And power is either Supreme, and Sovereign; or Subordinate, and Subservient. Sovereign power in the Church belongeth to the Lord Jesus, who is therefore said to have the Key of David, to open and none to shut; to shut, and none to open.