A85312:143
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.
Part 1 › Chapter 2: Concerning the Parochial Congregations in England.
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.
3. Though many members be corrupt in doctrine and manners, yet they do not take away the truth of a Church. Corinth had too ⟨p. 41⟩many of these, and the officers might be faulty in tolerating of them, but yet a true Church; and I hardly think that Paul would have refused communion with the Church. I doubt not but other Churches also had bad members. The Churches which lived under Heathenish persecution were true Churches; yet there are foul scandalous sins reported of some of the members.
4. Reality of grace, though desirable, O very desirable, yet is not absolutely requisite to the making of a visible Church; though I think it is hard to find such a Church, yet I know not but according to the rules we must go by in admitting of Church-members, there may be a true visible Church where there is not one real true Saint. Dare any Congregational Minister avouch the true grace of all the members of his Church? will any Church excommunicate a person for want of true grace? Did the Apostles when they admitted members search narrowly for the truth of grace?
4. Reality of grace, though desireable, O very desireable, yet is not absolutely requisite to the making of a visible Church; though I think it is hard to find such a Church, yet I know not but according to the rules we must go by in admitting of Church-members, there may be a true visible Church where there is not one real true Saint. Dare any Congregational Minister avouch the true grace of all the members of his Church? will any Church excommunicate a person for want of true grace? Did the Apostles when they admitted members search narrowly for the truth of grace?