A92138:700
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.
Erastus. John Baptist refused Baptism to none willing to be baptized, and referred the inward Baptism, by the Spirit and fire to Jesus Christ.
Erastus. Iohn Baptist refused Baptisme to none willing to bee baptized, and referred the inward Baptisme, by the Spirit and fire to Iesus Christ.
Ans. John baptized those who confessed their sins, and professed their Repentance; and the like we crave of those that are admitted to the other Sacrament. And the instance of John or an Apostles baptizing, cannot warrant the Baptizing of all Murderers, Idolatrous persons, or the wickedst living, as Erastus saith, and the vilest on earth, if they should but desire Baptism, and give no confession of their Faith, nor profession of their Repentance.
Ans. Iohn baptized those who confessed their sinnes, and professed their Repentance; and the like we crave of those that are admitted to the other Sacrament. And the instance of Iohn or an Apostles baptizing, cannot warrant the Baptizing of all Murtherers, Idolatrous persons, or the wickedst living, as Erastus saith, and the vildest on earth, if they should but desire Baptisme, and give no confession of their Faith, nor profession of their Repentance.
Erastus. Christ who rebuked many abuses, and cast the buyers and sellers out of the Temple, would have rebuked the pollution of the Sacraments also; but that he never did: and Christ said that Peter should forgive his offending Brother often in one day, if he but say, It repenteth me: and he saith, This transaction shall be ratified in heaven. Will you be more cruel then God? Do not we often lie to God in our Confession to God? He meaneth well, who desires to come to the Supper: Be not Judges of mens Conscience.