A50206:130
The first principles of New-England concerning the subject of baptism & communion of churchesThe first principles of New-England concerning the subject of baptisme & communion of churches
The first principles of New-England concerning the subject of baptism & communion of churches : collected partly out of the printed books, but chiefly out of the original manuscripts of the first and chief fathers in the New-English churches : with the judgment of sundry learned divines of the congregational way in England, concerning the said questions : published for the benefit of those who are of the rising generation in New-England / by Increase Mather ...The first principles of New-England concerning the subject of baptisme & communion of churches : collected partly out of the printed books, but chiefly out of the original manuscripts of the first and chiefe fathers in the New-English churches : with the judgment of sundry learned divines of the congregational way in England, concerning the said questions : published for the benefit of those who are of the rising generation in New-England / by Increase Mather ...
printed by Samuel Green, 1675
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.
POSTSCRIPT
Since the Composure of this Collection of Testimonies, it hath pleased the Lord to take unto himself another of our Ancient Studs, viz. worthy and Reverend Mr. Allin of Dedham, whose Apprehensions touching the Controverted Questions is sufficiently known. Likewise not many weeks before his death, he read this Script, and expressed his judgement thereon in words following.
SInce the Composure of this Collection of Testimonies, it hath pleased the Lord to take unto himself another of our Antient Studs, viz. worthy and Reverend Mr. Allin of Dedham, whose Apprehensions touching the Controverted Questions is sufficiently known. Likewise not many weeks before his death, he read this Script, and expressed his judgement thereon in words following.
Reverend and dear Brother, I salute you in the Lord. I humbly bless God for your fruitful Labours in this your Collection, (and in other matters performed by you) concerning which in general, I think it is worthy serious Consultation amongst your Friends, whether it be not a Season to publish the same. (1.) We see the work of Christ touching the Church Seed is laid asleep, this might awaken our drowsiness, we see also the great disorders in Churches for want of seasonable help from Neighbouring Churches, and by Reason of the rejection of Counsel without convincing their Sentence of error. 2 dly. We see how our present doctrine is rejected as a Novel Innovation, differing from first and primitive Principles. (3.) Who knoweth how far God may bless this Treatise to the recovery of some if not many, from their Erroneous Opinions about these Truths. I Conceive also some serious Exhortation to cleave to these first ways of Christ in New England, might be seasonably added, I Rest Yours in our Lord, John Allin.