B20736:407
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.
5. The people having called or chosen their Minister (one or more) unto office in a day of humiliation, let them in the presence of the Ministers of other Churches depute some of the gravest and godly members of the Church, to lay their hands upon him, with prayer over him in the name of the Lord, setting him apart to that office. The whole Congregation are said to anoint Zadok to the office of an high Priest, as well as Solomon to be King, 1 Chron. 29.22. Which is a sacred right, as Imposition of hands; and this the whole body of them could not do, but by deputing some eminent persons amongst them to the performance thereof: But after they be furnished with Elders, (a Presbytery of their own) let Imposition of hands be given by them (according to 1 Tim. 4.14.) to such as for the future shall be ordained.
5. The people having called or chosen their Minister (one or more) unto office in a day of humiliation, let them in the presence of the Ministers of other Churches depute some of the gravest and godly members of the Church, to lay their hands upon him, with prayer over him in the name of the Lord, setting him apart to that office. The whole Congregation are said to anoint Zadok to the office of an high Priest, as well as Solomon to be King, 1 Chron. 29.22. Which is a sacred right, as Imposition of hands; and this the whole body of them could not doe, but by deputing some eminent persons amongst them to the performance thereof: But after they be furnished with Elders, (a Presbytery of their owne) let Imposition of hands be given by them (according to 1 Tim. 4.14.) to such as for the future shall be ordained.
6. For the making up of a Presbytery, in stead of Parson and Vicar (wherewith some Congregations are endowed) let them choose Pastors and Teachers; and Ruling Elders, in stead of those who crept into their room, viz. the Church-wardens, and Sidesmen. But let them choose and ordain them in a day of humiliation (according to