N01544:38
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.
It has been objected, that this Principle will make way for Ignorant Mechanics to Carry it in Synods against their Learned Pastors. The Jesuit Saunders raveth at the Centuriators, because they affirmed, (and most truly) that in the Primitive Churches, others besides Clergy-Men were Members in Synods: He says, that none but Mad-men will believe that Mechanics should Sit in Council with Bishops, about Ecclesiastical Affairs. But why not? As for the name of Mechanics, although' it is Contemptible with us, it is not so in all Nations. It was not so among the Jews. The most Learned Rabbi's have not thought themselves dishonoured by Learning (i)a Trade. In their Writings we read of Rabbi Jose, a Skinner; Rabbi John a ⟨p. 18⟩Shoe-maker; Rabbi Jude a Baker, Rabbi Meir a Scrivener. And we know that the Apostle Paul, notwithstanding his being a great Scholar, had learned to be a Tent-maker; and Aquila, a man mighty in the Scriptures, was of the same Craft. Acts 18. 3. It was frequent among the Ministers of Bohemia, to be well skilled in some Mechanical Operations. It is not then enough to Unqualify a Man for a Synod, that he is a Mechanic; Nor are any Ministers among us (although' Prelatists are) of that Opinion: Nor have I written this, as if I thought Every Brother in a Church, were fit to be Chosen a Member of a Council. Churches ought to be careful in that matter. If they send Ignorant and Unqualified Persons to be their Delegates, the fault is in the Church that does so, and not in the Principle, that has been maintained. The Judicious Author of a little Book, with the Title of, Puritanismus Anglicanus, affirms, that it is not disparagement to a Church, if some who Exercise Mechanic Arts, are Chosen Ruling Elders therein, provided they are Men of Understanding, and of Exemplary ⟨p. 19⟩Piety. Then why may not such be Delegates of Churches. I shall further add, that there are Mechanics, who although' they do not Excel in that which is called Humane Learning, they are well Versed and Learned in the Scriptures, spending much time in Consulting those Oracles of God, and being Men of great Piety, and Excellent Natural Accomplishments, they may be very Useful in Synods Ecclesiastical Historians, give a Remarkable Account of what happened in the Nicene Synod.