A80640:638
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 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.
Object. 3. Our Brethren prove the Keys to be a part of the liberty of redeemed Ones; but counterfeit Professors are not redeemed Ones: nor have they that liberty purchased to them in Christ.
Object. 3. Our Brethren prove the Keys to be a part of the liberty of redeemed Ones; but counterfet Professors are not redeemed Ones: nor have they that liberty purchased to them in Christ.
Answ. It is true, the Keys are a part of the liberty of redeemed ones. For the Keys hold forth an Ecclesiastical power, and all power in heaven and earth was given to Christ upon his resurrection from the dead, Mat. 28.18. And though counterfeit professors be not the redeemed ones of Christ (properly so called:) yet for the sake of the redeemed ones, counterfeit Professors have that liberty purchased to them by Christ, as to partake in the power of the Keys. Otherwise what can be said of hypocritical elders, of whom M. Rutterford doubteth not, they have received the power of the Keys: and yet though their persons be not the redeemed ones of Christ, yet they have this liberty, or service rather purchased to them by Christ, as to be serviceable t• the Church in the administration of the power of the Keys. The spiritual gifts (though common) whereby Apostates are said to be sanctified, were purchased to them by the blood of Christ. Heb. 10.29. And yet the power whereby hypocrites or Apostates