A80640:636
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. The Keys are given to Believers, because they are Believers, making public confession of their faith. To hypocrites they are given, not for their hypocrisy, but for the truth of that faith which they do profess in common with sincere Believers: and for the sake of those true Believers who do communicate with them, and for whose sake the whole Body is united to Christ, and his Spouse, though adulterous in heart.
Answ. The Keyes are given to Believers, because they are Believers, making publike confession of their faith. To hypocrites they are given, not for their hypocrisie, but for the truth of that faith which they do profess in common with sincere Believers: and for the sake of those true Believers who do communicate with them, and for whose sake the whole Body is united to Christ, and his Spouse, though adulterous in heart.
Object. 2. Then the Author of the Way saith amiss, That the Church instituted by Christ, is a company of Believers, faithful and godly men; for a company of hypocrites are not such.
Answ. The Author of the Way speaketh of the Church as it ought to be, and as it is in outward visible profession. Hypocrites in outward profession and appearance, go for faithful and godly, and such in truth they ought to be, as well as in appearance.