B20727:78
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.
CHAP. IIII. Of the subject to whom the key of Church privilege, power, or Liberty is given.
CHAP. IIII. Of the subject to whom the key of Church priviledge, power, or Liberty is given.
This key is given to the Brethren of the Church: for so saith the Apostle, in Gal. 5.13. (in the place quoted and opened before) Brethren, you have been called to liberty.
THis key is given to the Brethren of the Church: for so saith the Apostle, in Gal. 5.13. (in the place quoted and opened before) Brethren, you have been called to liberty.
And indeed, as it is the [Greek or Hebrew], & [Greek or Hebrew] of a Common-wealth, the right and due establishment and balancing of the liberties or privileges of the people (which is in a true sense, may be called a power) and the authority of the Magistrate: so it is the safety of Church estate, the right and due settling and ordering of the holy power of the privileges and liberties of the Brethren, and the ministerial authority of the Elders. The Gospel alloweth no Church authority (or rule properly so called) to the Brethren, but reserveth that wholly to the Elders; and yet preventeth the tyranny and oligarchy, and exorbitancy of the Elders, by the large and firm establishment of the liberties of the Brethren, which ariseth to a power in them. Bucers axiom is here notable; Potestaspenes omnem Ecclesiamest; Authoritas ministerii penes Presbyteros & Episcopos. In