The Divine Right of Church Government: Wherein it is proved that the Presbyterian government, by preaching and ruling elders, in sessional, Presbyterial and synodical assemblies, may lay the only lawful claim to a divine right, according to the Holy Scriptures
Religion
The Divine Right of Church Government: Wherein it is proved that the Presbyterian government, by preaching and ruling elders, in sessional, Presbyterial and synodical assemblies, may lay the only lawful claim to a divine right, according to the Holy Scriptures
Presbyterian Church -- Government
II. The advantage which may probably accrue hereupon, we hope shall be
manifold: For, 1. Who can tell but that some of them, that in some
things are misled and contrary-minded, may be convinced and regained?
and it will be no small reward of our labors if but one erring brother
may be brought back. 2. Some satisfaction may redound to such as are of
doubtful, unresolved minds, by removing of their doubts and scruples,
and ripening of their resolutions, to settle more safely in point of
church government. 3. Those that as yet are unseen in the matter of
church government, or that want money to buy, or leisure to read many
books upon this subject, may here have much in a little, and
competently inform themselves of the whole body of the government. 4.
Consequently upon the attaining of the former ends, the work of
reformation will be much facilitated and smoothed, the hearts of the
people being prepared for the Lord and his ordinances. 5. The present
attempt (if it reach not to that completeness and satisfactoriness which
is desired) may yet incite some of our brethren of more acute and
polished judgments to embark themselves in some further discoveries for
the public benefit of the Church. 6. But though it should fall out that
in all the former we should be utterly disappointed, we shall have this
peace and comfort upon our own spirits, that we have not hid our talent
in the earth, nor neglected to bear witness to this part of Christ's
truth, touching the government of his Church, by his kingly power,
wherein Christ was opposed so much in all ages, Psalm ii. 1, 2, 3; Luke
xix. 14, 27; Acts iv., and for which Christ did suffer so much in a
special and immediate manner, as[1] some have observed. For this end
Christ came into the world, (and for this end we came into the
ministerial calling,) to bear witness to the truth.
III. Finally, the present opportunity of publishing a treatise on this
subject doth much incite and encourage us therein. For at this time we
are beginning, in this province of London, (and we hope the whole
kingdom will, with all convenient speed, and due caution, second us,) to
put that covenanted church government into actual execution, which we
have a long time intended in our deliberate resolutions. So that
generally we shall be engaged in the government one way or other, either
as acting in it as the church officers, or as submitting to it as church
members: now, how shall any truly conscientious person, either act in
it, or conform and submit unto it with faith, judgment, and alacrity,
till he be in some competent measure satisfied of the divine right
thereof?
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