B20736:304
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 6
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.
Object. It is yet further objected, We must always put a difference between persons Excommunicate, which do not make separation from the Church, (though they be grievous offenders) and open Apostates (which join themselves with the enemies of the Church, to the ruin and overthrow of the Gospel,) and between Turks and Infidels, that are forth of the Covenant, and never belonged to Christ.
Object. It is yet further objected, Wee must alwayes put a difference between persons Excommunicate, which doe not make separation from the Church, (though they be grievous offenders) and open Apostates (which joyne themselves with the enemies of the Church, to the ruine and overthrow of the Gospel,) and between Turkes and Infidels, that are forth of the Covenant, and never belonged to Christ.
Answ. We willingly put a difference between the Excommunicate persons and Apostates, and Turks; to wit, in such things wherein they differ. Excommunicate persons are nearer to help and means of conversion then Turks; For Excommunication it self is a means of salvation, 1 Cor. 5.5. and Turks are nearer then Apostates; For better it were never to have known the way of righteousness, then after they have known it, to turn away from the holy Commandment given unto them, 2 Pet. 2.21. But yet in this they all agree, they are all of them as Heathens, Mat. 18.17. And therefore neither the Parents to be admitted to the Lords Table, nor their children to Baptism.
Answ. Wee willingly put a difference between the Excommunicate persons and Apostates, and Turkes; to wit, in such things wherein they differ. Excommunicate persons are neerer to helpe and meanes of conversion then Turkes; For Excommunication it selfe is a means of salvation, 1 Cor. 5.5. and Turkes are nearer then Apostates; For better it were never to have knowne the way of righteousnesse, then after they have knowne it, to turne away from the holy Commandement given unto them,