B20736:96
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.
The 4th and last interpretation of these words in Timothy (which we see taketh with the most judicious amongst the adversaries of this Ordinance) is, that here not two sorts of Elders, but two parts of the office of preaching Elders are set forth: The one, good life and good government; and the other, good doctrine and painfulness therein; and this latter preferred before the other, as more worthy of due honour and recompense.
The 4th and last interpretation of these words in Timothy (which wee see taketh with the most judicious amongst the adversaries of this Ordinance) is, that here not two sorts of Elders, but two parts of the office of preaching Elders are set forth: The one, good life and good government; and the other, good doctrine and painfulnesse therein; and this latter preferred before the other, as more worthy of due honour and recompence.
Now for answer hereunto, it may be considered, that good government, either of a mans life, or of the people, or as the Apostles words be, their ruling well, may either be taken properly and strictly, as rule is distinguished from ministry of the Word and Sacraments; or more largely for the whole office of a good Elder, Been praeesse, to be a good president. If to rule well, be taken in the former sense properly, then it acknowledgeth Elders that attend to rule, to be worthy of double honour, without respect to their labour, in the ministry of the Word, which is the sense of the place that we build upon; for if it should be said, that the Apostle speaketh of Ministers or Preachers, that they ruling well, are worthy of double honour, though they do not labour in Word and Doctrine; the wiser sorts of opposites do discern that would not suite with the Apostles mind, who would be so far from thinking, that well ruling, but not painful preaching Ministers should be worthy of double honour, that he would account them worthy of little or no honour at all. And they fitly quote for this purpose, the place before alleged, 1 Thes. 5.12. where when the Apostle calleth for singular love, and honour to their overseers, for their works sake, he putteth in there, Labouring amongst them (to wit, in the Word) without wch no such respect were due to them. They therefore take the Apostles words in the latter sense; understanding by well ruling, the whole office, even all the duties of good presidents: As if the Apostle had said, the Elders that rule well, that is, who are good rulers, and presidents, They are worthy of double honour; chiefly they who labour in preaching the Word. And they