A92138:905
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.
Ans. That they hold forth no such thing, is evidently proved, for how were they to cast him out and judge him? And how was Paul to pardon him, and they and Paul to confirm their love? 2. When Peter saith, 1 Pet. 1. 7. That your faith may be found unto praise, honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ? were all these presently? Because Paul and the faithful Philippians were waiting for their Saviours second coming, who should change their vile bodies, were they to die presently? When Paul prayeth, that Onesiphorus may find mercy in that day, 2 Tim. 1. 18. I pray you, will it follow that Onesiphorus was presently to die?
Ans. That they hold forth no such thing, is evidently proved, for how were they to cast him out and judge him? And how was Paul to pardon him, and they and Paul to confirme their love? 2. When Peter saith, 1 Pet. 1. 7. That your faith may be found unto praise, honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ? were all these presently? Because Paul and the faithfull Philippians were waiting for their Saviours second coming, who should change their vilde bodies, were they to die presently? When Paul prayeth, that Onesiphorus may finde mercy in that day, 2 Tim. 1. 18. I pray you, will it follow that Onesiphorus was presently to die?
Erastus. The word [Greek or Hebrew] rebuke, doth not signify rejecting from the Sacraments, 1. Rejecting from the Sacraments is never put for punishment1 in Scripture. 2. It is but a rebuke inflicted by many; and Paul, 2 Cor. 2. absolveth him from this as a sufficient punishment, a rebuke is no punishment.