N01544:51
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.
2. Although ordinarily it is most proper, yet nevertheless, it is not always necessary no• proper for those who need Counsel, to address themselves to such as are nearest to them. Antioch was about 260 miles distant from Jerusalem; and yet for the reason beforementioned, ⟨p. 33⟩with other Considerations, they passed by many Churches which were nearer to them, and went to Jerusalem. It is possible, that the nearest Churches may be prejudiced, or pre-engaged, and therefore not so proper to be Concerned in a Council, as some others more remote. Our Synod in 62 recommends a special reference to Churches, which are by Providence in a convenient Vicinity, but ('tis said) with Liberty reserved to make use of others as the nature of the Case, or the advantage of opportunity may lead thereunto.
2. Altho ordinarily it is most proper, yet nevertheless, it is not always necessary no• proper for those who need Counsel, to address themselves to such as are nearest to them. Antioch was about 260 miles distant from Jerusalem; and yet for the reason beforementioned, ⟨p. 33⟩with other Considerations, they passed by many Churches which were nearer to them, and went to Jerusalem. It is possible, that the nearest Churches may be prejudiced, or pre-ingaged, and therefore not so proper to be Concerned in a Council, as some others more remote. Our Synod in 62 recommends a special reference to Churches, which are by Providence in a convenient Vicinity, but ('tis said) with Liberty reserved to make use of others as the nature of the Case, or the advantage of opportunity may lead thereunto.
3. It belongs not to Ministers Authoritatively to direct or to impose upon any aggrieved Persons, to whom or to what Churches they shall address themselves for Counsel. Especially 'tis improper for such Ministers as have already been Concerned to nominate a future Council, who will be like to nominate such as they apprehend will Confirm what they themselves have done.