The Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: And Power thereof, According to the Word of God

I have absolutely loved this work by John Cotton! I originally bought it for some research for a paper and had low expectations, but this work really is timeless for those who wish to read about Congregationalism.

John Cotton was considered the greatest seventeenth century American (colonial) theologian. He was the teacher of First Church Boston and was appointed by the Commonwealth Parliament to the Westminster Assembly in London (which he declined to attend). Cotton was a Puritan of the Independent or Congregational persuasion (which is different from a modern day congregationalist), yet much of what he discusses would be highly appreciated by Presbyterians. As a Presbyterian minister, I consider this work the BEST general work on Church polity. If you do not mind the archaic type face, get and read this book.