The Divine Right of Church Government by Sundry Ministers Of Christ Within The City Of London by Unknown
page 274 of 411 (66%)
page 274 of 411 (66%)
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2. To what end hath the Holy Ghost so carefully recorded a pattern of the state and government of the primitive churches in the first and purest times, but for the imitation of successive churches in after times? "For whatsoever things wore written aforetime, were written for our learning," or instruction. But what do such records instruct us? Only _in fact_, that such things were done by the first churches? or _of right_ also, that such things should be done by the after churches? Surely, this is more proper and profitable for us. 3. If such patterns of Christ's apostles, disciples, and primitive churches in matters of the government will not amount to an obligatory rule for all following churches, how shall we justify sundry other acts of religion commonly received in the best reformed churches, and founded only or chiefly upon the foundation of the practice of Christ's apostles and the apostolical churches? As the receiving of the Lord's supper on the Lord's days, Acts xx. 7, &c.; which notwithstanding are generally embraced without any considerable opposition or contradiction, and that most deservedly. CHAPTER XIV. _Of the Divine Right of Synods, or Synodal Assemblies._ Thus far of the ruling assemblies, which are styled presbyterial; next come into consideration those greater assemblies, which are usually |
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