B20736:31
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
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.
PROPOS. 5.
To the erecting of a Church, as the presence of Christ is necessary for the acceptance of it, so the presence of neighbouring Churches and Brethren, is requisite to cry, Grace, Grace unto it; For if Davids advertisement be (as it is) necessary, and of important weight, Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it, Psal. 127.1. how much more important is it that the Lord ⟨p. 6⟩(who alone buildeth his own Jerusalem, Psal. 147.2.) be sought unto with unfeigned humiliation and fervent prayer, for his presence with his people, and acceptance of them in such a work; and if the Apostle Paul thought it requisite to communicate with the Apostles at Jerusalem about his Apostolical doctrine, and proceedings, partly to prevent suspicion of dissent between him and them, lest by any means he should run in vain; partly to hold forth mutual communion with them, in giving and taking the right hand of fellowship, Gal. 2.2.9. How much more requisite will it be, for such as go about to gather together scattered Christians into a Church estate, to communicate with the Elders and Brethren of other Churches, craving their presence, and counsel, and communion in so great a work? And seeing Christian Magistrates being also Brethren and members of Churches, are called of God to be Nursing Fathers unto the Church, Isa. 49.23. it cannot but encourage them to take the more special notice and care of every Church, and to provide and assign convenient allotments of land for the maintenance of each of them, when in times of peace they are made acquainted with the persons and proceedings of such as gather into Church-fellowship, under the wing of their Government: And yet seeing the kingdom of Christ is not of this world, nor regulated by the wisdom of this world, we do not doubt but that a Church may be clearly gathered, and rightly ordered, though they want opportunity, or omit to acquaint the Magistrates with their proceedings, especially when Magistrates are not acquainted with the Laws of Christs kingdom.