This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1893 edition. Excerpt: ...practise of all the Wayes and Ordinances of his House according to Seripturepattern, may seem an Observation not to be despised. That we are fit or able for so great a service, the sense of our own feebleness forbids us to think. But that we have large and great opportunity for it, none will deny. For, besides the useful Labours and Contemplations of many of the Lords Worthies in other places, and in former times, contributing to our Help, and shewing our Principles to be neither novell nor singular, the advantage of Experience and Practise, and the occasion thereby given for daily searching into the Rule, is considerable. And He that hath made the path of the just as a shining' light, is wont still to give unto them further light, as the progress of their path requires further practise, making his Word a Lanthorn to their feet, to shew them their way from step to step, though haply sometimes they may not see far before them. It is matter of humbling to us, that 7(.e have made no better improvement of our opportunities this way; but some Fruits God hath given, and is to be praised for. 1 This l'reface was prepared after the close of the Synod, by order of the Massachusetts General Court, by the Committtee appointed by the Synod to report the results to the Court. It is probably from the pen of Jonathan Mitchell. See ante, p. 269. In former years, and while sundry of the Lords eminent Servants, now at rest from their labours, were yet with us, A Platform of Church-Discipline, comprizing the brief sum me thereof, especially in reference to the Constitution of Churches which was our first work when we came into this Wilderness) was agreed upon by a Synod held at Cambridge, and published to the world: From which (as to the substance thereof)...