N02341:495
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.
Dr. John Owen also in his Treatise of a Gospel Church, commends a constant Actual Communion of the Churches within the Limits of the same Supreme Civil Government, in Councils. And he adds, I cannot see how it can be any Abridgement of the Liberty of particular Churches, or interfere with any other of their Rights, which they hold by Divine Institution, if through more constant Lesser Synods for Advice, there be a Communication of their mutual Concerns, unto those that are Greater, until if Occasion require, and it be expedient, there be a General Assembly of them all, to advise about any thing wherein they are, all concerned.
Dr. John Owen also in his Treatise of a Gospel Church, commends a constant Actual Communion of the Churches within the Limits of the same Supream Civil Government, in Councils. And he adds, I cannot see how it can be any Abridgment of the Liberty of particular Churches, or interfere with any other of their Rights, which they hold by Divine Institution, if through more constant Lesser Synods for Advice, there be a Communication of their mutual Concerns, unto those that are Greater, until if Occasion require, and it be expedient, there be a General Assembly of them all, to advise about any thing wherein they are, all concerned.
Under the Influence of such Thoughts, it began to be proposed, That the Associated Pastors of every Vicinity, with a proper Number of other Delegates (chosen once a Year at least) from their several Churches, might be formed into stated Councils; to consult and advise upon such Affairs as might be proper Matter for the Consideration of an Ecclesiastical Council.
The Opinion of Mr. John Norton being much received, That SYNODS are so necessary, ut Ecclesia salutari hoc Remedio non posset carere, sine insigni ⟨p. 183⟩