N02341:34
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.
But certainly, there is a General Agreement among them in these Articles.
First. A People resolving to adhere unto the Maxims of the Everlasting Gospel, and live unto GOD according to all the Rules of Incontestable PIETY, and appearing in a competent and a convenient Number, to form an Assembly for the Worship of GOD our SAVIOUR, in all His Institutions, may Associate for that Purpose; ⟨p. 9⟩and (if their Assembling will be no evident Prejudice unto the Kingdom of GOD, and Welfare of Men, in Societies already formed for that Purpose, whereof they ought to be the Members,) they have a Right so to do.
First. A People resolving to adhere unto the Maxims of the Everlasting Gospel, and live unto GOD according to all the Rules of Incontestible PIETY, and appearing in a competent and a convenient Number, to form an Assembly for the Worship of GOD our SAVIOUR, in all His Institutions, may Associate for that Purpose; ⟨p. 9⟩and (if their Assembling will be no evident Prejudice unto the Kingdom of GOD, and Welfare of Men, in Societies already formed for that Purpose, whereof they ought to be the Members,) they have a Right so to do.
Secondly. A Body of such People, so Associating, are an Instituted Church, and have all the Rights of a particular Church belonging unto them; A Spiritual Corporation, which has Power to observe the Appointments of our SAVIOUR, and Elect what Officers He has appointed for them, and Censure such Offenders as may prove Roots of Bitterness unto them.