B20736:118
The way of the churches of Christ in New-England, or, The way of churches…The vvay of the churches of Christ in New-England, or, The vvay of churches…
The way of the churches of Christ in New-England, or, The way of churches walking in brotherly equality, or co-ordination, without subjection of one church to another measured and examined bight golden reed of the sanctuary, containing a full declaration of the church-way in all particulars / by Mr. J. Cotton ...The vvay of the churches of Christ in New-England, or, The vvay of churches walking in brotherly equalitie, or co-ordination, without subjection of one church to another measured and examined bythe golden reed of the sanctuary, containing a full declaration of the church-way in all particulars / by Mr. J. Cotton ...
London: printed by Matthew Simmons, 1645
THE Way of the Churches of Christ in NEW-ENGLAND, Measured by the G… › Chapter 2 › Section 2
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.
Answ. The word of God hath clearly enough limited the bounds of a Ruling Elders Calling, and the work of his Rule: For since all Ecclesiastical power, is the power of the keys; (not of the Sword, Matth. 16.19.) And, the Kingdom of Christ is not of this world, Joh. 18.36. It is plain, no Church-Governor may take up the power of the sword, to wit, Civill Jurisdiction, without ⟨p. 36⟩usurpation; The power of the sword is Princely, Lordly; But the power of the Keys is only Stewardly and Ministerial; For so it is said, the Keys of the House of David to Eliakim, Isa. 22.22. And, he was over the House, Ver. 15. Which phrase of being over the House, is translated properly, Gen. 43.19. Steward of the House. Seeing then the Kingdom of Christ is spiritual, and not worldly, and the Government of his Kingdom is not Lordly, but Stewardly and Ministerial, evident it is that these Ruling Elders in the Church, may only attend to works of spiritual and ministerial Rule: And further, because such acts of spiritual Rule, as are dispensed in the preaching of the Word, the Ruling Elders are not called to attend unto, but that work is left unto Pastors and Teachers; Therefore plain it is, that what acts soever of spiritual Rule and Government, Christ hath committed to his Church over and above the Ministry of the Word and Sacraments: All such acts of Rule are committed to the Ruling Elders, and none but such.
Answ. The word of God hath clearly enough limited the bounds of a Ruling Elders Calling, and the worke of his Rule: For since all Ecclesiasticall power, is the power of the keyes; (not of the Sword, Matth. 16.19.) And, the Kingdome of Christ is not of this world, Joh. 18.36. It is plaine, no Church-Governour may take up the power of the sword, to wit, Civill Jurisdiction, without ⟨p. 36⟩