A85312:13
Of schism. Parochial congregations in England, and ordination
Of schism. Parochial congregations in England, and ordination by imposition of hands. Wherein Dr. Owen's discovery of the true nature of schism is briefly and friendly examined, together with Mr. Noyes of New England his arguments against imposition of hands in ordination. / By Giles Firmin, sometime of new England, now pastor of the Church at Shalford in Essex.
London: printed by T.C. for Nathanael Webb, 1658
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Dedication: To the Reverend the Associated Ministers in the County of Essex.
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.
It is not to be forgotten how the good hand of God went along with us; for though we were men of different principles who were chosen to draw up the agreement, and we met near twenty times before we could finish, yet no unbrotherly clashing was heard amongst us; but so soon as we saw each others principles to be fixed, presently we were called off from Disputing, and the next words were, Come, let us see how we can Accommodate; let the blessing of Matth. 5.9. fall upon such hearts.
It is not to be forgotten how the good hand of God went along with us; for though we were men of different principles who were chosen to draw up the agreement, and we met neer twenty times before we could finish, yet no unbrotherly clashing was heard amongst us; but so soon as we saw each others principles to be fixed, presently we were called off from Disputing, and the next words were, Come, let us see how we can Accommodate; let the blessing of Matth. 5.9. fall upon such hearts.
Were it true that uniting with our Brethren in this Association, were a dividing of our hearts from God, as one of our Congregational Brethren did intimate in a Sermon of his upon Hos. 10.2. then I wonder not though he so soon deserted us, and that others stand off from us. For this he said was one note of the heart divided from God, when the heart did not fully come up to God: and under this head brought in such who did fashion and mould themselves in State and Church according to the Mode of the Times, though contrary to their own principles and light, cross to [or laying by] the Institutions of Christ, when as ⟨image 3⟩the Text saith, Jer. 15.19. If thou separate the precious from the vile, &c. our Brothers aim was understood by divers in the Congregation, and unto him I shall return this answer.