A85312:26
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.
Let me leave with our Brethren a few lines which I received a few weeks since from that learned and godly Divine Mr. Norton, [Teacher of the Church in Boston in N. England] in a Letter to me. The Association you mention amongst the Ministers we much rejoice in, I never thought it better then human, but oftentimes worse, that the Presbyterian and Congregational men cannot close together in Brotherly Communion. The power of godliness interest us in the affections of the godly, above the notions of either of them considered apart therefrom. I believe the Congregational way to be the truth: yet I think better of many Presbyterians then of many Congregational men. 'Tis no wonder if Independents are unruly, for I distinguish between Independents and Congregational men; or rather such [call themselves as they please] that will not acknowledge the rule of the Presbytery, and the order of Councils Thus far this reverend and great Divine. I am sure our Association reaches no higher then a Council.
Let me leave with our Brethren a few lines which I received a few weaks since from that learned and godly Divine Mr. Norton, [Teacher of the Church in Boston in N. England] in a Letter to me. The Association you mention amongst the Ministers we much rejoyce in, I never thought it better then human, but oftentimes worse, that the Presbyterian and Congregational men cannot close together in Brotherly Communion. The power of godliness interest us in the affections of the godly, above the notions of either of them considered apart therefrom. I believe the Congregational way to be the truth: yet I think better of many Presbyterians then of many Congregational men. 'Tis no wonder if Independents are unruly, for I distinguish between Independents and Congregational men; or rather such [call themselves as they please] that will not acknowledge the rule of the Presbytery, and the order of Councils Thus far this reverend and great Divine. I am sure our Association reaches no higher then a Council.
As for our Brethren who will not Associate till they see the Civil Magistrate set his stamp of Authority upon this way of Association, whatever the late Instrument made by the Parliament allows us, though they see Anabaptists and Congregational Churches, and ⟨image 5⟩