N02341:228
Ratio disciplinae fratrum Nov-Anglorum. A faithful account of the discipline professed and practised; in…
Ratio disciplinae fratrum Nov-Anglorum. A faithful account of the discipline professed and practised; in the churches of New-England. : With interspersed and instructive reflections on the discipline of the primitive churches. : [Seven lines from Ezekiel]
Boston: printed for S. Gerrish, 1726
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. Accordingly, the Usages of these American Churches, may be truly reported in the Words used by Origen concerning the Primitive; After those that are converted, make such Proficiency that they appear to be sanctified by the Divine Word, and unto the utmost of their Power live in a better Manner, then at length we call them to our Mysteries. Or in those Words with which that Father Vindicates those Churches from the Reproaches of Celsus, about the Qualification of their Communicants; The Christians do ΠΡΟΒΑΣΑΝΙΖΕΙΝ ΤΑΣΨΥΧΑΣ exquisitely search the Souls of their Hearers, in order to their Admission to full Communion.
Indeed there is a Variety both of Judgment and Practice in the Churches of New-England upon this Matter; However it produces no troublesome Variance or Contention among them.
Some eminent Pastors (and some of their Churches) are of the Apprehension; That the Terms of Communion are an Ordinance of Christ, and must have a Word of Institution to Warrant them. And according to the Gospel, Orthodoxy in the Profession of the Truths of the Christian Religion, under which is comprised a Knowledge of these Truths, and this attended with a Conversation that becomes the Gospel of Christ, is that which is the Ground of reputing them to be Believers, and Receiving them into our Fellowship; and whatsoever more is required as a Test, is Supra Statutum. Yet there are some things, which though not regularly Required, may without Sin be Complied withal.
Some eminent Pastors (and some of their Churches) are of the Apprehension; That the Terms of Communion are an Ordinance of Christ, and must have a Word of Institution to Warrant them. And according to the Gospel, Orthodoxy in the Profession of the Truths of the Christian Religion, under which is comprized a Knowledge of these Truths, and this attended with a Conversation that becomes the Gospel of Christ, is that which is the Ground of reputing them to be Believers, and Receiving them into our Fellowship; and whatsoever more is required as a Test, is Supra Statutum. Yet there are some things, which though not regularly Required, may without Sin be Complied withal.