B20727:42
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.
The keys of the kingdom are the Ordinances which Christ hath instituted, to be administered in his Church; as the preaching of the Word, (which is the opening and applying of it) also the administering of the Seals and censures: For by the opening and applying of these, both the gates of the Church here, and of heaven hereafter, are opened or shut to the sons of men.
The keys of the kingdom are the Ordinances which Christ hath instituted, to be administred in his Church; as the preaching of the Word, (which is the opening and applying of it) also the administring of the Seals and censures: For by the opening and applying of these, both the gates of the Church here, and of heaven hereafter, are opened or shut to the sons of men.
And the giving of these keys, implieth, that Christ investeth those to whom he giveth them, with a power to open, and shut the gates of both. And this power lieth partly in their spiritual calling (whether it be their office, or their place and order in the Church:) and partly in the concurse and co-operation of the Spirit of Christ, accompanying the right dispensation of these keys; that is, of these Ordinances according to his will.
And the giving of these keyes, implyeth, that Christ investeth those to whom he giveth them, with a power to open, and shut the gates of both. And this power lyeth partly in their spirituall calling (whether it be their office, or their place and order in the Church:) and partly in the concurse and co-operation of the Spirit of Christ, accompanying the right dispensation of these keyes; that is, of these Ordinances according to his will.
Moreover, these keys are neither Sword nor Sceptre; No Sword, for they convey not civill power of bodily life and death; nor Sceptre, for they convey not Sovereign or Legislative power over the Church, but stewardly and ministerial. As the key of the House of David was given to Hilkiah (