N00041:29
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.
CERTAIN POSITIONS Out of the HOLY SCRIPTURES, Premised to the whole ensuing DISCOURSE.
WE may fitly begin this Discourse, with what the Reverend Elders say (in their Preface to […] Printed Book) That the Prayer of Ep•ph•a for the […], ought to be the Prayer and Labour of us all, viz. That we may […] perfect and comp•a in all the will of God. And it is a good Profession which they make, saying, We trust it is our sincere desire, that his will, all his will, and nothing but his will may be done among us. To the Law and to the Testimony we do wholly refer our selves; and if any thing in the following Conclusions be indeed found not to speak according thereunto, […] it be rejected. This doth encourage me to join with them, in seeking, the right path in this unfrequented way▪ so far as the Glory of Gods Holiness and Grace, together with the honour of his Truth, may be manifested to be dearer to us then all Creature concernments and Self-respects. In order whereunto, I conceive our principal inquiry should be, what those more general Principles of Truth are, which lie in the things cont•o•e•ted, and how they may be rightly applied: using •ere•n only such Light as the Scripture affordeth, by comparing one Text with another, and depending on God in Christ for supply and assistance of the Spirit of Truth to lead us into these Principles, and to teach us by them; that thereby we may be brought to an universal harmony ⟨p. 2⟩of Truth; all the Lines of Truth (however separated in the Circumference) meeting together in these Principles, as in their Centre, and becoming one Point. The finding out of such Principles, and rightly applying them, would make the way to Truth shorter, the mystery of Truth clearer, and the united force of Truth stronger against Error, a sweeter closing of Spirits among good men, and the examining of other mens Opinions easier, then walking after the larger Circumference of the voluminous Writings of men, which lead us further from these Principles, then the Scripture alone. This is that which I would attain, and am pressing after, as in other Controversies, so in these Questions. For clearing the truth wherein, I shill first propound certain Theses, or Positions: Secondly apply them, in a way of Replying to their Propositions.