A85312:130
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.
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.
1. Not without due use of all means to remove the impurities. I am sure amongst those means this is one, for these to bear witness against the scandalous members, and labour in their places to get them removed regularly; those then who never deal with any of these in a ⟨p. 37⟩Church-way, who will not bear witness against them to the Eldership, but when their Pastor have asked them, Will you prove against these. &c. answer, No, not they. These use means well, yet such separate.
1. Not without due vse of all means to remove the impurities. I am sure amongst those means this is one, for these to bear witness against the scandalous members, and labour in their places to get them removed regularly; those then who never deal with any of these in a ⟨p. 37⟩Church-way, who will not bear witness against them to the Eldership, but when their Pastor have asked them, Will you prove against these. &c. answer, No, not they. These use means well, yet such separate.
Also how some of the Congregational Ministers, who have had their hands in these separations, have used all means, when as they never went to the Ministers; when they encouraged the people in their separation to speak with them, I know not. I have heard two Ministers of note complain of this unkind dealing.
2. Not presently, but they must use prudence, patience, and long-suffering. Those Ministers and Churches who have found these in those who separated from them, may testify for them if they can.