N01348:84
A treatise I. Of faith. II. Twelve fundamental articles of Christian religion. III. A…
A treatise I. Of faith. II. Twelve fundamental articles of Christian religion. III. A doctrinal conclusion. IV. Questions and answers upon church-government. Taken from written copies long since delivered by the late Reverend Mr. John Cotton, teacher of the First Church in Boston, in New-England.
Boston: printed by Bartholemew Green?, 1713
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Part 4: Questions and Answers upon CHURCH-GOVERNMENT: By Mr. John Cotton. Begun 25.11 m. 1634.
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.
A. Yes verily, to their Brethren in Misery; but that part of their Office, they chiefly perform by the hand of the Widows, which are Chosen into their number, who are therefore called Deaconess, or Servant of the Church, Rom 12.8 Mic 7.18
Q. What manner of Widows hath God allowed to be Chosen into this number?
A. Ancient Women, of Sixty Years of Age, well reported of for good works, for nursing their Children, lodging Strangers, washing the Saints Feet, for Relieving the Afflicted, and following diligently every good work, 1 Tim 5.9, 10 Rom 6.
Q What manner of men are they whom God hath appointed to be received as Brethren and Members of the Church?
A. Such as are Called of God out of the World, unto the Fellowship of Jesus Christ; and do willingly offer and join themselves, first to the Lord, and then to the Church, by Confession of their Sins, by profession of their Faith, and by laying hold of his Covenant, 1 Cor 1.2, 9 Isa 56.6 Psal 110.2,