A81977:38
The profession of the faith of that reverend and worthy divine Mr. J. D.…
The profession of the faith of that reverend and worthy divine Mr. J. D. sometimes preacher of Stevens Coleman-street. London. Made publicly before the congregation at his admission into one of the churches of God in New-England. Containing twenty several heads as it was drawn from his own copy. viz. 1. Concerning the scriptures. 2. Concerning the Godhead in the unity of essence, and trinity of persons. 3. Concerning the decrees of God. 4. Concerning creation, and providence. 5. Concerning the fall of man and original sin. 6. Concerning mans restitution. 7. Concerning the person and natures in Christ. 8. Concerning the offices of Christ. 9. Concerning Christs prophetical office. 10. Concerning the priesthood of Christ. 11. Concerning Christs kingly office. 1. in general. 12. Concerning his kingdom. 2. In special. 13. Concerning the application of redemption. 14. Concerning a particular instituted church, and the privileges thereof. 15. Concerning the manner of gathering a church. 16. Concerning the sacraments. 17. Concerning the power of every church. 18. Concerning the communion of churches. 19. Concerning church officers. 20. Concerning giving every man his due.The profession of the faith of that reverend and worthy divine Mr. J. D. sometimes preacher of Stevens Coleman-street. London. Made publiquely before the congregation at his admission into one of the churches of God in New-England. Containing twenty severall heads as it was drawn from his own copy. viz. 1. Concerning the scriptures. 2. Concerning the Godhead in the unity of essence, and trinity of persons. 3. Concerning the decrees of God. 4. Concerning creation, and providence. 5. Concerning the fall of man and originall sin. 6. Concerning mans restitution. 7. Concerning the person and natures in Christ. 8. Concerning the offices of Christ. 9. Concerning Christs propheticall office. 10. Concerning the priesthood of Christ. 11. Concerning Christs kingly office. 1. in generall. 12. Concerning his kingdom. 2. In speciall. 13. Concerning the application of redemption. 14. Concerning a particular instituted church, and the priviledges therof. 15. Concerning the manner of gathering a church. 16. Concerning the sacraments. 17. Concerning the power of every church. 18. Concerning the communion of churches. 19. Concerning church officers. 20. Concerning giving every man his due.
London: printed for John Handcock, 1642
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.
18. Concerning the Communion of Churches.
That although particular Churches be distinct and several independent bodies, every one as a city compact within its self, without subordination under or dependence upon any other but Jesus Christ, yet are all Churches to walk by one and the same rule, and by all means convenient to have the counsel and help one of another when need requireth, as members of one body in the common faith under Christ their only head.
That although particular Churches be distinct and severall independant bodies, every one as a city compact within its self, without subordination under or dependance upon any other but Jesus Christ, yet are all Churches to walk by one and the same rule, and by all means convenient to have the counsell and help one of another when need requireth, as members of one body in the common faith under Christ their onely head.
19. Concerning Church Officers.
That Christ when he ascended up on high gave gifts unto men, and disposed of them in several functions, and for public ordinary ministry, he gave Pastors, Teachers, Elders, Deacons, helpers, for the instruction, government, and service of his Church to the worlds end; and that none may usurp or execute a Ministry in the Church, but such as are rightly called by the Church, whereof they stand Ministers, and being so called they ought to give all diligence to fulfil their ministry, and to be found faithful, and unblameable in all things: And that this ministry is alike given to every Church of Christ, with like and equal power, and commission to have and enjoy the same as God offereth fit men, and means, and the same rules are given to all for the election and execution thereof in all places: which rules and laws it is not lawful for those Ministers, or for the Church, wittingly to neglect, or transgress in any part. And those Ministers thus chosen, and executing their office faithfully; every Church is bound to have them in singular love for their works sake, to reverence them according to the dignity of their office which they execute, and to provide for them that they be not entangled with the cares of this life, according to the law of Christ: And this to do not as in way of courtesy or mercy, but out of duty to them in the Lord; and having hope in God that the resurrection shall be of the just and of the unjust; of the just, to the resurrection of life, and of the unjust to the resurrection of condemnation.