N02341:496
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.
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⟩Veritatis, Pietatis, et Concordiae Detrimento; It was esteemed a Dictate of common Sense, that it would be for the Interest of Truth, and Peace, and Piety, to have the Remedy always in Readiness; and put the Churches into such Order that they may go most regularly and reasonably to work, in the Application thereof.
It was also considered, That when Councils are called by Litigant Parties in Churches, upon Emergencies, it had been hitherto in the Liberty of each Party, to Choose and Call their own Council, where they pleased; which left Room for much Partiality to operate, and One Council to succeed and oppose another, with an Endless Confusion, more proper for a Babel, than a City of GOD. Through' the Gracious and Watchful Providence of GOD their SAVIOUR, the Churches had not in Fact seen much of this Confusion; and it may be the Prudent Servants of GOD had it more in Fear than there was a Real need of. Nevertheless, 'twas thought that Prudence called for a more effectual Provision.
It was also considered, That when Councils are called by Litigant Parties in Churches, upon Emergencies, it had been hitherto in the Liberty of each Party, to Chuse and Call their own Council, where they pleased; which left Room for much Partiality to operate, and One Council to succeed and oppose another, with an Endless Confusion, more proper for a Babel, than a City of GOD. Thro' the Gracious and Watchful Providence of GOD their SAVIOUR, the Churches had not in Fact seen much of this Confusion; and it may be the Prudent Servants of GOD had it more in Fear than there was a Real need of. Nevertheless, 'twas thought that Prudence called for a more effectual Provision.