N01544:13
A disquisition concerning ecclesiastical councils. Proving, that not only pastors, but brethren delegated by…
A disquisition concerning ecclesiastical councils. Proving, that not only pastors, but brethren delegated by the churches, have equally a right to a decisive vote in such assemblies. : To which is added, proposals concerning consociation of churches, agreed upon by a synod, which convened at Boston, in New-England. : With a preface, containing a further vindication of the Congregational discipline. / By Increase Mather. D.D. ; [Ten lines of quotations]
Boston: printed for N. Boone, 1716
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.
THAT Controversies about Forms of Ecclesiastical Discipline, concern not the Essentials of Religion, but that G••d Men may be of various Sentiments about them; Salva Fide, et Carit•t•, is readily acknowledged. Nevertheless, there ought to be a singular Regard unto Truths of this Nature, by us in New-England, above what may be affirmed of Men in any other Part of the World, since our Fathers were Persecuted out of their Native Land, and fain to fly into the Wilderness, for their Testimony thereunto: great were the Difficulties and T•mptation•, and Straits, which they for some time conflicted ⟨p. ii⟩with, and all upon no other Account, but that so they might enjoy a pure Discipline and Church state, exactly conformable to the Mind of Christ, revealed in the Holy Scriptures. On which Account, for their Posterity to depart from what their Fathers have with so much Clearness of Scripture Light, taught and practised, and confirmed with so great Sufferings; must needs be a greater Sin and Provocation to the Eyes of his Glory, than may be said of any other People on the Face of the Earth.
THAT Controversies about Forms of Ecclesiastical Discipline, concern not the Essentials of Religion, but that G••d Men may be of various Sentiments about them; Salva Fide, et Carit•t•, is readily acknowledged. Nevertheless, there ought to be a singular Regard unto Truths of this Nature, by us in New-England, above what may be affirmed of Men in any other Part of the World, since our Fathers were Persecuted out of their Native Land, and fain to fly into the Wilderness, for their Testimony thereunto: great were the Difficulties and T•mptation•, and Straits, which they for some time conflicted ⟨p. ii⟩with, and all upon no other Account, but that so they might enjoy a pure Discipline and Church state, exactly conformable to the Mind of Christ, revealed in the Holy Scriptures. On which Account, for their Posterity to depart from what their Fathers have with so much Clearnes of Scripture Light, taught and practised, and confirmed with so great Sufferings; must needs be a greater Sin and Provocation to the Eyes of his Glory, than may be said of any other People on the Face of the Earth.