B20736:150
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 7
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. 1. Though the office of a Pastor in general be immediately from Christ, and the authority from him also, yet the application of this office, and of this authority to this elect person, is by the Church; and therefore the Church hath sufficient and just warrant, as to elect and call a Presbyter unto office, so to ordain him to it, by imposition of hands: They that have Power to elect a King, have power also to depute some in their name to set the Crown upon his head.
Answ. 1. Though the office of a Pastor in generall be immediately from Christ, and the authoritie from him also, yet the application of this office, and of this authoritie to this elect person, is by the Church; and therefore the Church hath sufficient and just warrant, as to elect and call a Presbyter unto office, so to ordaine him to it, by imposition of hands: They that have Power to elect a King, have power also to depute some in their name to set the Crowne upon his head.
Answ. 2. As the Authority of the Pastor, and other Elders, is not from the Church, but from Christ; so neither is their Office and Authority from the Bishop, nor from the Presbytery, nor from the Classis of Presbyteries; If therefore that were a just impediment, why the Church should not lay hands upon their elect Pastors or Elders, because neither their office, nor their Authority, is from the Church, then neither may the Bishop, nor the Presbytery, nor the Classis lay their hands upon them; because their office and Authority is no more (nor so much) from them, as from the Church; nor by this Argument might the Apostles themselves (if they were present) ordain Officers, because neither the office nor the Authority is from the Apostles, but from Christ only. Neither will it follow from hence (as some object) that if the Elders received their ordination from the Church, then they should execute their office in the Churches name, or that then they may be more or less diligent in their office at the Churches appointment, or that then the Church hath a Lord-like power over them, or that then the Elders must receive their errand from the Church, as an Ambassador doth from him from whom he receiveth his Commission; or that then the Church, in defect of all Officers, may perform all duties of their Officers, (as to administer Sacraments, and the like.)