B20736:79
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 2 › Section 2
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. Not so, for no offices are ceased, but such as had their chief use, not for believers in the Church, but unbelievers out of the Church; but governments are of perpetual necessary use in the Church, even as teachers and helpers, unless we shall say that Anarchy were fitter for a settled Church-government.
Answ. Not so, for no offices are ceased, but such as had their chiefe use, not for beleevers in the Church, but unbeleevers out of the Church; but governments are of perpetuall necessary use in the Church, even as teachers and helpers, unlesse wee shall say that Anarchy were fitter for a setled Church-government.
Object. 3. But why may not these Governors be the Pastors in the church, who have received an ordinary power of Government in the Church?
Object. 3. But why may not these Governours be the Pastors in the church, who have received an ordinary power of Government in the Church?
Answ. The order in which the Apostle reckoneth these governments, will not suffer that; for here the Apostle reckoneth five several ranks, the former expressly precedent in order before the other; God (saith he) hath set in his Church; First, Apostles; secondly, Prophets; thirdly, Teachers; after that Miracles, which is a fourth rank; then in the fifth place, gifts of healing, and helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Now if by Government, had been meant Pastors, he would not have reckoned them in a lower order, so far after Teachers, seeing they are of the same rank with them.
Answ. The order in which the Apostle reckoneth these governments, will not suffer that; for here the Apostle reckoneth five severall rankes, the former expresly precedent in order before the other; God (saith he) hath set in his Church; First, Apostles; secondly, Prophets; thirdly, Teachers; after that Miracles, which is a fourth ranke; then in the fift place, gifts of healing, and helpes, governments, diversities of tongues. Now if by Government, had been meant Pastors, he would not have reckoned them in a lower order, so farre after Teachers, seeing they are of the same rank with them.