B20736:281
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 4 › Section 5
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.
3. It is a public offence, that in their parish Communion, (which not communion of spirit, but co-habitation begetteth) they partake with all ignorant and scandalous persons, not excluding drunkards, whoremongers, profane swearers, covetous worldlings, Atheists, Papists, and the like; whereby it cometh to pass, that not a little leaven, but a great mass of leaven hath deeply leavened the whole lump.
3. It is a publick offence, that in their parish Communion, (which not communion of spirit, but co-habitation begetteth) they partake with all ignorant and scandalous persons, not excluding drunkards, whoremongers, prophane swearers, covetous worldlings, Atheists, Papists, and the like; whereby it cometh to passe, that not a little leaven, but a great masse of leaven hath deeply leavened the whole lump.
4. It is a public offence, that they have worshipped God according to the precepts and inventions of men, both in prescript forms of Liturgy, and Litanies, and in such ceremonies, as which though they be not ordained of God, yet are publicly enjoined, as neither dark, nor dull, but apt to stir up the dull mind of man to the remembrance of duty to God by some notable and special signification, by which he may be edified.
4. It is a publike offence, that they have worshipped God according to the precepts and inventions of men, both in prescript formes of Liturgie, and Letanies, and in such ceremonies, as which though they be not ordained of God, yet are publickly enjoyned, as neither darke, nor dull, but apt to stirre up the dull mind of man to the remembrance of dutie to God by some notable and speciall signification, by which he may be edified.