N00041:182
Another essay for investigation of the truth, in answer to two questions, concerning I.…
Another essay for investigation of the truth, in answer to two questions, concerning I. The subject of baptism. II. The consociation of churches. / By John Davenport B. of D. and Pastor of the Church of Christ, at New-Haven, in New-England. ; [Twenty-four lines of quotations]
printed by Samuel Green and Marmaduke Johnson, 1663
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.
Propos. 5. Consociation of Churches, is their mutual and solemn Agreement to exercise communion in such acts as aforesaid, among themselves, with special reference to those Churches, which by Providence are planted in a convenient vicinity, though with liberty reserved, without offence, to make use of others, as the nature of the case, or the advantage of the opportunity, may lead thereunto. Propos. 6. The Churches of Christ in this Country, having so good opportunity for it, it is meet to be commended to them as their duty thus to consociate: For, 1. Communion of Churches being commanded, and Consociation being an Agreement to Practise it, this must needs be a Duty also, Psal.119.106. Neh.10.28,29.
Reply. Before I proceed to argue upon these Propositions, some things should be premised, in way of Enquiry, that the terms may be rightly understood. Qu•re. Whether, by mutual and solemn Agreement, they mean a Vow? It seems by the Texts alleged by them, in the first Proof of the sixth Proposition, that they mean so; and therefore I shall take it for granted that that is their meaning. 2. When they say, This solemn Agreement or Covenant must be made with special reference to Churches in vicinity: Qu•re. 1. How many Churches in Vicinity or Neighbour-Churches, must thus Covenant together? 2. Whether they must have set times of Meeting for this purpose? and who are to meet? Whether Elders alone? or others also sent from the Churches with them? and how frequent these Meetings must be? and whether the set times must be kept constantly, though they have no present need of counsel from another? 3. Whereas they speak of Liberty reserved, without offence, to make use of others, as the nature of the case, &c. may lead thereunto. Qu•re. How they may avoid giving offence to Neighbour-Churches, if they use the help of Churches more remote? Whether they must have their consent thereunto before they use them? 4. Concerning the end and issue of this Consociation of Churches; Whether