A43343:91
A brief enquiry into the true nature of schism
A brief enquiry into the true nature of schism: or a persuasive to Christian love and charity. Humbly submitted to better judgments; by M.H. Licensed Jan. 8. 1689/90
London: printed for Tho. Parkhurst, 1690
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.
So, if I be a Minister, and as such obliged to Preach the Gospel, yet kept out from the public exercise of my Ministry by such Terms and Conditions, Oaths and Subscriptions as I judge sinful, in such a case surely it is lawful for me with Eldad and Medad to prophesy in the Camp, since in my Judgment the door of the Tabernacle is made straiter than my Master hath appointed it to be made. What should hinder but that as a Minister of Christ I may administer all the Ordinances according to Christs Institution to those who are willing to join with me, and put themselves under my Conduct (such as it is) in those administrations. If God have given though but one talent, it must be traded with, or else there will be an uncomfortable reckoning shortly, especially when we look abroad and consider how the apparent necessities of precious Souls call for our utmost diligence in our Masters work, and indeed ⟨p. 28⟩there's work enough for us all if God would give us hearts to be serious and unanimous in it.
So, if I be a Minister, and as such oblig'd to Preach the Gospel, yet kept out from the publick exercise of my Ministry by such Terms and Conditions, Oaths and Subscriptions as I judge sinful, in such a case surely it is lawful for me with Eldad and Medad to prophesy in the Camp, since in my Judgment the door of the Tabernacle is made straiter than my Master hath appointed it to be made. What should hinder but that as a Minister of Christ I may administer all the Ordinances according to Christs Institution to those who are willing to joyn with me, and put themselves under my Conduct (such as it is) in those administrations. If God have given though but one talent, it must be traded with, or else there will be an uncomfortable reckoning shortly, especially when we look abroad and consider how the apparent necessities of precious Souls call for our utmost diligence in our Masters work, and indeed ⟨p. 28⟩there's work enough for us all if God would give us hearts to be serious and unanimous in it.