B20727:55
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.
This distribution though it go for current both amongst Protestants and Papists, yet we crave leave to express, what in it doth not fully satisfy us. Four things in it seem defective to us: 1. That any key of the kingdom of heaven should be left without power. For here in this distribution, the key of knowledge is contradistinguished from a key of power.
This distribution though it goe for current both amongst Protestants and Papists, yet wee crave leave to expresse, what in it doth not fully satisfie us. Foure things in it seeme defective to us: 1. That any key of the kingdome of heaven should be left without power. For here in this distribution, the key of knowledge is contradistinguished from a key of power.
2. There is a real defect in omitting an integral part of the keys, which is that key of power or liberty, which belongeth to the Church it self. But no marvel, though the Popish Clergy omitted it, who have oppressed all Church-liberty: and Protestant Churches, having recovered the liberty of preaching the Gospel, and ministry of the Sacraments, have been well satisfied therewith, so as some of them have looked no farther, nor so much as discerned their defect of Church-power, or liberty due unto them in point of discipline: and others finding themselves wronged in withholding a key or power, which belongs to them, have wrested to themselves an undue power, which belongs not to them, the key of authority.
2. There is a reall defect in omitting an integrall part of the keys, which is that key of power or liberty, which belongeth to the Church it self. But no marvell, though the Popish Clergie omitted it, who have oppressed all Church-libertie: and Protestant Churches, having recovered the libertie of preaching the Gospel, and ministery of the Sacraments, have been well satisfied therewith, so as some of them have looked no farther, nor so much as discerned their defect of Church-power, or liberty due unto them in point of discipline: and others finding themselves wronged in withholding a key or power, which belongs to them, have wrested to themselves an undue power, which belongs not to them, the key of authority.