B20736:124
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.
5. It is the Ruling Elders office to prepare matters for the Congregation, as much as may be, to prevent their trouble, by keeping out such complaints, and other matters, as are not yet ripe for the Churches cognizance; And by ordering such things as are to be presented to them; Paul consulteth with the Elders as well as with the Apostles at Jerusalem, before he presented himself to the agitation of the Church, Act. 21.18. to 24.
5. It is the Ruling Elders office to prepare matters for the Congregation, as much as may be, to prevent their trouble, by keeping out such complaints, and other matters, as are not yet ripe for the Churches cognizance; And by ordering such things as are to be presented to them; Paul consulteth with the Elders as well as with the Apostles at Jerusalem, before he presented himselfe to the agitation of the Church, Act. 21.18. to 24.
6. It belongeth to the Ruling Elders (as well as to the Teachers) to moderate the carriage of all matters in the Congregation Assembled, as to call on Strangers of other Churches or members to speak upon occasion, Act. 13.15. And such as may call men forth to speak, may call for silence when speech is unseasonable.
7. Those Elders of Ephesus, whom Paul sent for, to wit, both the Teaching and Ruling Elders, (Acts 20.17.) those he commands to feed the flock of God, ver. 28. which implieth they should be able, not only to rule, but to instruct the people, though not by attending to a word of Exhortation, (which is the Pastors office) nor by attending to a word of doctrine, (which is the Teachers office) yet by attending to a word of Admonition; For the Apostle maketh Admonition the work of them that are over the Church in the Lord,