N02149:14
Parentator. Memoirs of remarkables in the life and the death of the ever-memorable Dr.…
Parentator. Memoirs of remarkables in the life and the death of the ever-memorable Dr. Increase Mather. Who expired, August 23. 1723. : [One line from II Kings]
Boston: printed by B. Green for Nathaniel Belknap, 1724
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.
A CHURCH, wherein the Excellent Wisdom found in the Servants of GOD, which upon just occasions knows how to Bury in Oblivion the lesser Differences arising on Various Temptations, and coalesce in the Common Cause of all True Protestants, has in it something that is Great and Just and Generous, and not every where to be met withal, Where is the place of such understanding, which is hid, from the Eyes of almost all the Living.
And where is the Church under Heaven that can show a MINISTRY, more Faithful, more Painful, more Zealous, or under a Stricter Government? Unto which doubtless, the Abdication of an Uninstituted and Unwarrantable Oversight, and of that whereof our Wycliffe long ago declared, That ⟨p. IV⟩it was not only contrary to the New-Testament; but also the Effect of Imperious Pride, may, (as it has done in other places also that have Dethroned that Idol) more than a little Contribute.
And where is the Church under Heaven that can shew a MINISTRY, more Faithful, more Painful, more Zealous, or under a Stricter Government? Unto which doubtless, the Abdication of an Uninstituted and Unwarrantable Oversight, and of that whereof our Wickliff long ago declared, That ⟨p. IV⟩it was not only contrary to the New-Testament; but also the Effect of Imperious Pride, may, (as it has done in other places also that have Dethroned that Idol) more than a little Contribute.
A CHURCH, which that so nothing that would add unto the Perfection of its Beauty may be wanting, improves continually in a Spirit of kind Forbearance, and sweet Charity, and Brotherly Affection towards Dissenters in smaller matters, while Genuine PIETY is Conspicuous in them: and goes further than some others who boast they have need of nothing, in Conforming to that Golden Rule, To Receive all that CHRIST receives to the Glory of GOD. Indeed, what can be more Unexceptionable than a Sanctuary measured by the Golden Reed, which knows no other Measures for Admission, but only that PIETY, which Qualifies for the Kingdom of GOD, and wherein all the Children of GOD are United Brethren!