N02341:443
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 if he be so self-willed, that he will not appoint a Church-Meeting, the Dissatisfied Brethren, do set apart some time together to call upon the Glorious GOD for His Direction and Compassion, in the Grievous Case now come upon them, and privately advise with some of the Pastors in the Neighbourhood; Whereupon they write Letters unto some of the Neighbouring Churches, wherein they signify, that some unhappy Offences have arisen among them, for the managing and composing whereof, the help of a Council appears to be necessary; for which Cause they humbly pray, that the Churches would express their Love and Care for them and send their Pastors and other Delegates (at the Time and Place intimated) effectually to advise them what may be their Duty on so sad an Occasion.
Or, if at the Church-Meeting, he and they cannot agree; nay, tho' he should hook in the Major part unto a Palliation of the Matters, and there be no more than two or Three that remain still aggrieved; the Dissatisfied Brethren make a Tender to join with him in calling of a Council: which if he refuse, then these do it without him: Only they still give Notice unto him (and his Party if he have any,) what they do.
When the Council arrives, they first more privately form themselves into Order, by choosing a Moderator, and speaking with all Persons concerned so far as they count it needful, by way of Preparation for their Business. Then they pass ⟨p. 166⟩to the Meeting-House; where being first conveniently seated, all Persons that will may see and hear all that is done. Prayers are made; the Offender is called for; the Dissatisfied Brethren produce their Grievances, with their Evidences; and all that can be said on both sides is considered.
When the Council arrives, they first more privately form themselves into Order, by chusing a Moderator, and speaking with all Persons concerned so far as they count it needful, by way of Preparation for their Business. Then they pass