A92138:1270
The divine right of church-government and excommunication
The divine right of church-government and excommunication: or a peaceable dispute for the perfection of the holy scripture in point of ceremonies and church government; in which the removal of the Service-book is justified, the six books of Tho: Erastus against excommunication are briefly examined; with a vindication of that eminent divine Theod: Beza against the aspersions of Erastus, the arguments of Mr. William Pryn, Rich: Hooker, Dr. Morton, Dr. Jackson, Dr. John Forbes, and the doctors of Aberdeen; touching will-worship, ceremonies, imagery, idolatry, things indifferent, an ambulatory government; the due and just powers of the magistrate in matters of religion, and the arguments of Mr. Pryn, in so far as they side with Erastus, are modestly discussed. To which is added, a brief tractate of scandal ... / By Samuel Rutherfurd, Professor of Divinity in the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Published by authority.The divine right of church-government and excommunication: or a peacable dispute for the perfection of the holy scripture in point of ceremonies and church government; in which the removal of the Service-book is justifi'd, the six books of Tho: Erastus against excommunication are briefly examin'd; with a vindication of that eminent divine Theod: Beza against the aspersions of Erastus, the arguments of Mr. William Pryn, Rich: Hooker, Dr. Morton, Dr. Jackson, Dr. John Forbes, and the doctors of Aberdeen; touching will-worship, ceremonies, imagery, idolatry, things indifferent, an ambulatory government; the due and just powers of the magistrate in matters of religion, and the arguments of Mr. Pryn, in so far as they side with Erastus, are modestly discussed. To which is added, a brief tractate of scandal ... / By Samuel Rutherfurd, Professor of Divinity in the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Published by authority.
London: printed by John Field for Christopher Meredith, 1646
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Paul indeed rejoiced that Christ was preached, though out of envy, Phil. 1. but by men called and gifted of God to preach, and therefore ought not to be forbidden to preach, while the Church, for their scandalous life do cast them out; say they are called Ministers once, the Church is not to cast them out, for this or that particular sin, if they be not contumacious, and Paul, saith he, Rejoiceth that Christ was preached; but he saith not, he rejoiced that they preached Christ, tali modo, out of contention, thinking to add affliction to his bonds. Yet God forbiddeth the external act of preaching in those that hateth to be reformed, Psal. 50. 16, 17. and forbiddeth the Church to lay hands on, or to call to the Ministry, wicked men that hateth to be reformed, or to keep them in the Ministry; and this hindereth not, but Paul might rejoice at the consequent of their Ministry, to wit, at the preaching of the Gospel, so long as they remained in the Ministry: as we may rejoice in that Christ was crucified for sinners, and not allow that Herod and Pilate did with wicked hands crucify the Lord of Glory, nor yet ⟨p. 463⟩are we to rejoice in their sin. But all this hindereth not, but he that is at wrath with his brother, and known to be so by the Priests, should be hindered to offer his gift while he be reconciled to him. 8. We are not to hinder acts of external worship, as praying, praising, preaching; nor can the Church forbid them, except where God by his Commandment require that we do them wi•h a special visible qualification and order: As first, be reconciled to your brother, first examine your self, and then of•er your gift, and come and eat and drink at the Lords table: and in Negatives, Come to my Temple, but come not that very day you killed your sons to Molech, while ye repent and be humbled for that sin.
Paul indeed rejoyced that Christ was preached, though out of envy, Phil. 1. but by men called and gifted of God to preach, and therefore ought not to be forbidden to preach, while the Church, for their scandalous life do cast them out; say they are called Ministers once, the Church is not to cast them out, for this or that particular sinne, if they be not contumatious, and Paul, saith he, Rejoyceth that Christ was preached; but he saith not, he rejoyced that they preached Christ, tali modo, out of contention, thinking to add affliction to his bonds. Yet God forbiddeth the externall act of preaching in those that hateth to be reformed,