A30136:125
A confession of my faith and a reason of my practice
A confession of my faith and a reason of my practice, or, With who, and who not, I can hold church-fellowship, or the communion of saints
London: printed for Francis Smith, 1672
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Secondly, then, I dare have communion; Church communion with those that are visible Saints by calling; with those that by the word of the Gospel, have been brought over to faith and holiness And it maketh no matter to me, what their life was ⟨p. 66⟩heretofore, if they now be washed, if they be sanctified. if they •e justified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Cor. 6.9, 10, 11. Now in order to the discovery of this faith and holiness, and so to fellowship in Church communion: I hold it requisite that a faithful relation be made thereof by the party thus to be received; yea if need be by witnesses also, for the satisfaction of the church, that she may receive in faith and judgment, such as best shall suit her holy profession. Acts 9.26, 27, 28. 1 Cor. 16.10. 2 Cor. 8.23. Observe it; these Texts do respect extraordinary officers; and yet see, that in order to their reception by the Church, there was made to them a faithful relation, of the faith and holiness of these very persons; For no man may intrude himself upon, or thrust himself upon, or thrust himself into a Church of Christ: without the ⟨p. 67⟩Church have first the knowledge, and liking of the person to be received; If otherwise there is a door opened for all the heretics in the world; yea for Devils also if they appear in humane shapes. But Paul shows you the manner of receiving, by pleading (after some disgrace thrown upon him by the false Apostles) for his own admission of his companions: Receive us, saith he, we have wronged no man; we have defrauded no man; we have corrupted no man: and so concerning Timothy; If Timothy come, saith he, see that he may be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. 2 Cor. 7.2. 1 Cor 16 10. Also when Paul supposed that Titus might be suspected by some; see how he pleads for him: If any do enquire of Titus; he is my partner, and fellow helper, concerning you; or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the Churches, and the glory