B20736:190
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 3 › Section 3
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.
For the first, though we willingly admit all comers to the hearing of the Word with us (as the Corinthians admitted Infidels, 1 Cor. 14.24, 25.) yet we receive none as members into the Church, but such as (according to the judgement of charitable Christians) may be conceived to be received of God into fellowship with Christ, the head of the Church.
For the first, though wee willingly admit all commers to the hearing of the Word with us (as the Corinthians admitted Infidels, 1 Cor. 14.24, 25.) yet wee receive none as members into the Church, but such as (according to the judgement of charitable Christians) may be conceived to be received of God into fellowship with Christ, the head of the Church.
Our Reasons be;
First, From the near relation between Christ Jesus, and the Church; as also between the Church and the other persons in the Trinity: the Lord Jesus is the head of the Church, even of the visible Church; and the visible Church is the body of Christ Jesus, 1 Cor. 12.27. The visible Church is said to be the habitation of God by the Spirit, Eph. 2.22. to be the Temple of the holy Ghost, and the Spirit of God to dwell in them, 1 Cor. 3.16, 17. to be Espoused to Christ as a chaste Virgin,