B20736:347
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. The multitude of Brethren are governed by the Elders, so long as they rule aright, to wit, whilst they hold forth the Word and voice of Christ, which the sheep of Christ are wont to hear, Joh. 10.4. But in case the officers do err, and commit offence, they shall be governed by the whole body of the Brethren; though otherwise the Brethren are bound to obey and submit to them in the Lord, Heb. 13.17.
Answ. The multitude of Brethren are governed by the Elders, so long as they rule aright, to wit, whilest they hold forth the Word and voyce of Christ, which the sheep of Christ are wont to heare, Joh. 10.4. But in case the officers do erre, and commit offence, they shall be governed by the whole body of the Brethren; though otherwise the Brethren are bound to obey and submit to them in the Lord, Heb. 13.17.
Object. 3. A democratical government might do well in Athens, a city fruitful of pregnant wits, but will soon degenerate to an Anarchy (a popular tumult) amongst rude common people.
Object. 3. A democraticall government might do well in Athens, a city fruitfull of pregnant wits, but will soone degenerate to an Anarchie (a popular tumult) amongst rude common people.
Answ. 1. It is unworthy the spirit of so godly learned a man as maketh this objection, to prefer Athens before Jerusalem, pregnant wits before sanctified hearts.