A92138:266
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.
Morton, 16. It was Lawful upon common equity, considering Gods mercy to him, in subduing his enemies, and that he dwelt in Cedars, whereas God wanted an house, but he could not actually perform it, without Gods word: So Burges.
Morton, 16. It was Lawfull upon common equity, considering Gods mercy to him, in subduing his enemies, and that he dwelt in Cedars, whereas God wanted an house, but he could not actually perform it, without Gods word: So Burges.
Ans. 1. The consequence without Gods word, is as good to conclude, that David might actually build Gods house, as to will and purpose to build it: Because the word is a perfect rule to our thoughts and purposes, no less then to our actions; if to build without Gods Word was unlawful: Ergo, to purpose this without Gods Word was unlawful. A purpose of sin, as of Adultery, is sin, a purpose of will worship, is will-worship and sin. 2. A man of blood is as unfit to purpose to be a type of a peaceable Saviour, as to be a type of a Saviour, 3. If God reprove Samuel's light for judging according to the eye, 1 Sam. 16. 7. Far more he rebuketh his purpose to Anoint a man without his word, Who giveth Kingdoms to whom he pleaseth: Yet Samuel had a good intention, and Gods word in general, that one of Jesse's Sons should be King. 4. I• that good purpose had remained with David deliberately to build the Lords house, after the Lord had said, Solomon, not David, must build the house, it would have been sinful; yet the reasons upon common equity, and a general warrant that God would have an house, had been as good as before: if Mortons consequence be once good, its ever good. 5. By this, without the warrant of the Word, we may purpose to glorify God: The Baptist without Gods warrant, may purpose a New Sacrament, Caiaphas may purpose that he shall be the man who shall dye for the people: I may purpose to glorify God, by a thousand new means of worshipping: Papists have good intentions in all they do. 6. A purpose of heart is an inward substantial worship warranted by Gods Word,