N01544:35
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.
But this was done in the name of the Brethren, as well as of the Pastors. Now then, if the major Part of all those who have in common the power of a definitive Sentence Concur, the Act of the Council is Valid, and ought to be decisive. It has been objected, that in Acts 1• ▪ 4. 'tis said, that the Synodal Decrees were ordained by the Apostles and Elders, without any mention of ⟨p. 11⟩the Brethren, therefore it may seem that the Brethren had not a Vote therein. To this both Dr. Whitaker, and our Learned Parker (e)Reply, that by a Synecdoche (very usual in the Scripture) the Apostles and Elders, being a chief part of the Assembly, are put for the whole, the Brethren being included, and are expressly mentioned in the former Chapter. It is past doubt that the Question was brought to the Multitude, Acts 15. 12, 13. (Gr. Plethas unde Plebs) and they had their part in disputing and discussing the Question then to be decided. Dr. Owen (f)speaks the truth, when he says, that it is not necessary that Pastors only should be delegated by the Churches, but may have others joined with them; and had so, until Prelatic Usurpation overturned their Liberties; therefore there were others besides Paul and Barnabas sent from Antioch to Jerusalem, and the Brethren of the Church (says the Doctor) whatever is impudently pretended to the contrary, ⟨p. 12⟩Concurred in the Decree and Determination there made. I suppose there are no Ministers in New-England, excepting a Conformist or two, but what is in this, of Dr. Owen's Judgment; yet there are some in the World will be ready to say, Dr. Owen was indeed a Man of great Learning, but he was an Independent, and wrote like himself; But Dr. Whitaker Lived before the Name of Presbyterian and Independent was heard of; yet he speaks in an higher strain than the other Doctor has done. This Doctor