B20736:135
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 4
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.
When therefore any of the Churches are destitute of any of these Officers, the Brethren of the Church (according to the Apostles advice, in defect of Deacons, and so in defect of all other Officers) they look out from amongst themselves, such persons as are in some measure qualified according to the direction of the Word; Elders according to 1 Tim. 3.2. to 7. Tit. 1.6. to 9. Deacons according to Acts 6.3. 1 Tim. 3.8. to 12. For the Church hath not absolute power to choose whom they list, but ministerial power only, to choose whom Christ hath chosen, hath gifted and fitted for them. If the Church can find out none such in their own body, they send to any other Church for fit supply, and each Church looketh at it as their duty to be mutually helpful one to another, in yielding what supply they may, without too much prejudice to themselves, according to Cant. 8.8, 9. Such being recommended to them for such a work, they take some time of trial of them, partly by their own observation and communion with them, partly by consultation with the Elders of other Churches (continuing there) in so great a work; to fulfil the command of the Apostle, Lay hands suddenly on no man, 1 Tim. 3.22. For every man of good gifts is not always endowed with an honest and good ⟨p. 40⟩heart; and every good heart is not fitted to close (so fully as were meet) with every good people: Every key is not fit to open every Lock; nor every good mans gift fit to edify every people: But when upon trial, the Church doth find every mans spirit among them desirous of the fellowship of the man, and his gifts; then they agree amongst themselves upon a certain day, wherein in a solemn manner they intend to Elect him to office amongst themselves. Of this they give notice to all the near adjoining Churches, whom, and when, and to what office they intend to choose such a man, whom they nominate to them, entreating their presence, and brotherly counsel, and assistance at the day appointed: They give notice also thereof unto the Governor, and such other of the Magistrates, as are near to them, that the person to be chosen meeting with no just exception from any, may find the greater encouragement and acceptance from all.