B20736:334
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.
Answ. We willingly grant, it will be orderly to tell any offence to the Elders of the Church, before it be presented to the multitude of the Church, both because they are the mouths and guides of the Church: and also meet it is all things be prepared by them for the Churches cognizance, that so the Church be not cumbered, (as sometimes it might) with unnecessary and frivolous agitations. ⟨p. 98⟩But though the Elders in such a case have power to direct and persuade what were best to be done, yet not power to judge and determine public Cases, without the consent of the Church; unless the Brother offended be satisfied in their advise.
Answ. Wee willingly grant, it will be orderly to tell any offence to the Elders of the Church, before it be presented to the multitude of the Church, both because they are the mouths and guides of the Church: and also meet it is all things be prepared by them for the Churches cognizance, that so the Church be not cumbered, (as sometimes it might) with unnecessary and frivolous agitations. ⟨p. 98⟩But though the Elders in such a case have power to direct and perswade what were best to be done, yet not power to judge and determine publick Cases, without the consent of the Church; unlesse the Brother offended be satisfied in their advise.
Answ. 2. When a whole multitude is assembled in a body, any offence may be orderly and ordinarily told unto them, by a complainant; especially in case any Officer amongst them shall call him forth to tell his complaint: As the Levite orderly told his complaint to the whole multitude of the Congregation of Israel assembled at Mispah, Judg. 20.3, 4, &c.