B20727:171
The keys of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof according to the word…The keyes of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof according to the word…
The keys of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof according to the word of God / by Mr. John Cotton ...The keyes of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof according to the word of God / by Mr. Iohn Cotton ...
London: printed by M. Simmons for Henry Overton, 1644
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. Now, the second branch of the Proposition was, That the Elders of the church of a particular Congregation, are the first subject of rule or authority, in that church (or congregation) over which the Holy Ghost hath made them over-seers.
1. From the charge of rule over the Church committed to them immediately from Christ: For though the Elders be chosen to their office by the church of Brethren, yet the office it self is ordained immediately by Christ, and the rule annexed to the office, is limited by Christ only. If the Brethren of the church should elect a presbytery to be called by them in the Lord, this will not excuse the Presbyters in their neglect of rule, either before the Lord, or to their own consciences. For thus runneth the Apostles charge to the Elders of Ephesus, (Act. 20.28.) Take heed to your selves, and to the whole flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you over-seers.
1. From the charge of rule over the Church committed to them immediatly from Christ: For though the Elders be chosen to their office by the church of Brethren, yet the office it self is ordained immediatly by Christ, and the rule annexed to the office, is limited by Christ only. If the Brethren of the church should elect a presbyterie to be called by them in the Lord, this will not excuse the Presbyters in their neglect of rule, either before the Lord, or to their own consciences. For thus runneth the Apostles charge to the Elders of Ephesus, (Act. 20.28.) Take heed to your selves, and to the whole flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you over-seers.