N01544:52
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.
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.
3. It belongs not to Ministers Authoritatively to direct or to impose upon any agrieved 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.
4. We have lately seen a miserably divided Church at Hull, very happily restored to Peace, by the blessing of God ⟨p. 34⟩the Endeavours of a Council from Neighbour Churches; which would not have been obtained, if the Method proposed in this Question had been followed.
Thus have I impartially declared my Judgment on the Controverted Questions. Whether the Arguments which satisfy me, will satisfy others, I must Leave with the Divine Providence: Some I believe will on Second Thoughts Change their Sentiments. I come now to that which was the main thing Inducing me to this Disquisition. I would not by what I have written be misunderstood, as if I were disaffected to the Consociation of Churches, in order to the preservation of the Faith and Order of the Gospel professed by them. I know no man that has appeared in this Cause more than I have done. For as to the Consociation of Churches, agreeing among themselves, that no new Churches shall be owne by them, or Pastor Ordained or Deposed, or the like matters of Common Concernment done without the approbation of Neighbouring Pastors and Churches: I have more than once declared publicly my