B20736:414
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.
12. Where the people in a Congregation are generally ignorant and profane, it were necessary godly Preachers were sent forth with countenance from the King and State, to preach unto them, till they were brought on to knowledge, and to some measure of gracious reformation. Thus Jehoshaphat sent forth Priests and Levites, to teach in the Cities of Judah, and certain Princes and Nobles with them, to countenance the good work in their hands, 2 Chron. 17.7, 8, 9.
12. Where the people in a Congregation are generally ignorant and profane, it were necessary godly Preachers were sent forth with countenance from the King and State, to preach unto them, till they were brought on to knowledge, and to some measure of gracious reformation. Thus Jehosaphat sent forth Priests and Levites, to teach in the Cities of Judah, and certaine Princes and Nobles with them, to countenance the good worke in their hands, 2 Chron. 17.7, 8, 9.
13. Till the people be in some sort duly prepared, and grown up to some measure of knowledge, and grace, it were neither meet to receive them to a renewing of their Covenant formerly made at their Baptism, or to the seals of it. But after they have been wrought upon by the Ministry of the Word, to lament after the Lord; as the Israelites did when the Ark had been long absent from them, 1 Sam. 7.29. then let them proceed as other godly Christians were directed to do, Propos. 2, 3, &c. for renewing of their Covenant, for choice of their Ministers, and Officers, and for Communication in all the liberties of the Church of God.
13. Till the people be in some sort duly prepared, and growne up to some measure of knowledge, and grace, it were neither meet to receive them to a renewing of their Covenant formerly made at their Baptisme, or to the seales of it. But after they have been wrought upon by the Ministery of the Word, to lament after the Lord; as the Israelites did when the Arke had been long absent from them, 1 Sam. 7.29. then let them proceed as other godly Christians were directed to doe, Propos. 2, 3, &c. for renewing of their Covenant, for choice of their Ministers, and Officers, and for Communication in all the liberties of the Church of God.