A92138:733
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.
2. The Prophets expound it so, Ezek. 36. 25. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean. From all your filthiness, and all your Idols will I cleanse you. Hath he not a clear reference to the water of Separation, Num. 19.? With this water the unclean person, and his clothes were washed, yea, the Tents and the Vessels, ver. 17, 21. According to which, saith Paul, 2 Cor. 7. 1. Having therefore these promises (dearly beloved,) let us cleanse our selves, from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit: Here a clear Allusion to Ceremonial filthiness bodily, and of the flesh▪ and of Tents and Vessels, Heb. 10. 22. To both these washings there is a reference. Let us draw near, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. And Heb. 9. 13. If the blood of bulls and goats, and the ashes of an heifer (mingled with running water, Num. 19. 17. which purged vessels that were but capable of Ceremonial uncleanness) sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh. 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ,—purge your conscience from dead works? It is clear also, that the unclean were separated and the Leper put out of the camp, so as the children of Israel might not touch any thing Ceremonially unclean, and all unclean persons were put out of the Congregation. Hence the Hypocrites word alluding to that separation, Esa. 64. 5. Stand by thy self, come not near to me; for I am holier then thou. So was Miriam removed, and leprous King Uzziah out of the Congregation of the Lord.
2. The Prophets expound it so, Ezek. 36. 25. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and yee shall be clean. From all your filthinesse, and all your Idols will I cleanse you. Hath he not a cleare reference to the water of Separation,