A vindication of the government of New-England churches. Drawn from antiquity; the light of nature; Holy Scripture; it's noble nature; and from the dignity Divine Providence has put upon it.

Wise, John, 1652-1725., Higginson, John, 1616-1708., Hubbard, William, 1621 or 2-1704., Wise, John, 1652-1725. Churches quarrel espoused., White, John, 1677-1760. New England's lamentations. Selections., Cambridge Synod (1646-1648 : Cambridge, Mass.) Platform of church discipline., Boston Synod (1679-1680). Confession of faith.

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The constitution of New-England CHURCHES, as settled by their Platform, may be fairly justified, from Antiqui|ty; the Light of Nature; Holy Scripture; and from the Noble and Excellent Nature of the Constitution itself. And lastly from the Providence of GOD dignifying of it.

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CHAP. I.

THE divine establishment in providence of the fore|named churches, in their order is apparently the royal assent of the supreme monarch of the churches, to the grave decisions of reason in favour of mans natural Page 21 state of being, and original freedom. For if we should make a new survey of the constitution before named under the brightest light of nature, there is no greater example of natural wisdom in any settlement on earth; for the present and future security of human beings in all that is most valuable and grand, than in this. That it seems to me as though wise and provident nature by the dictates of right reason, excited by the moving suggestions of humanity; and awed with the just demands of natural liberty, equity, equal|ity, & principles of self-preservation originally drew up the scheme, and then obtained the r•l approbation. And certainly it is agreable that we attri•te it to God whether we receive it nextly from reason or revelation, for that each is equally an emanation of his wisdom, Prov. 20.27. The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching 〈◊〉 the inward parts of the belly. There be many larger vo|lumes in this dark recess called the belly to be read by that candle God has lighted up. And I am very well assured the forenamed constitution as a transcript out of some of their pages, John 1.4, 9. And the life was the light of men, which lighteth every man which cometh into the world. This admirable effect of Christ's creating power in hanging out so many lights to guide man through a dark world, is as applicable to the light of reason, as to that of revelation. For that the light of reason as a law and rule of right, is an effect of Christ's goodness, care and creating power, as well as of revelation; though revelation is natures law in a fairer and brighter edition. This is granted by the London ministers, p. 8. C. 3. 'That, that which is evident by, and consonant to the true light of nature, or natural rea|son, is to be accounted, Jure Divine, in matters of religion. But in the further and more distinct management of this plea; I shall,

1. Lay before the reader several principles of natural knowledge.
2. Apply or improve them in ecclesiastical affairs.
3. Infer from the premises, a demonstration that these churches, if not properly formed; yet are fairly established in their present order by the law of nature.

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