B20736:328
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 5 › Section 4
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.
SECT. IV.
IN these transactions we know not what might be subject to exception, or controversy; but only that we allow to the people so much power in the censures of the Church, both in binding an offender to admonition and excommunication, and in loosing of penitents from the same. But the Reasons that prevail with us to take this course, seems to us to have evident ground from Scripture-light; and therefore may excuse us from following the pattern of such Churches as rather consult with humane wisdom then divine institution in this case.
IN these transactions wee know not what might be subject to exception, or controversie; but only that we allow to the people so much power in the censures of the Church, both in binding an offender to admonition and excommunication, and in loosing of penitents from the same. But the Reasons that prevail with us to take this course, seems to us to have evident ground from Scripture-light; and therefore may excuse us from following the pattern of such Churches as rather consult with humane wisdome then divine institution in this case.
Our first Reason is taken from the royal rule of Love and Wisdom, in healing offences, given by our Saviour, Matth. 18.17. where he directeth a Brother offended, for the healing of the spirit of an offender, finally to refer the matter to the Church. Tell (saith he) the Church. Now we cannot find throughout the new Testament, that ever the word Church is taken any otherwise then for the Society and Congregation of the faithful; unless it be once, where it is taken for a civill Assembly, Act. 19.41. But never for one Bishop, or Counsellor, or Archdeacon; for neither doth the Scripture acknowledge any of these offices in the Church at all, (as hath been showed above) taking a Bishop, as now they stand; nor can the Church, which is a word of multitude, hold forth a Bishop or his Commissary, who is but one person: For, though one person may represent a whole Church when he is sent forth in the Churches name, with instructions from the Church; yet such is not the case