right_a to_o baptism_n for_o their_o child_n and_o yet_o themselves_o not_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o lord_n table_n if_o six_o and_o twenty_o year_n ago_o this_o be_v write_v in_o a_o book_n who_o whole_a design_n be_v to_o justify_v the_o way_n of_o these_o church_n how_o then_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o present_a plead_n for_o such_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n be_v any_o apostasy_n from_o primitive_a principle_n also_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v assert_v and_o urge_v by_o this_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o model_n of_o church_n government_n present_v to_o the_o synod_n anno_fw-la 1647._o and_o in_o the_o year_n 1648._o and_o 1649._o he_o do_v frequent_o in_o his_o public_a ministry_n in_o dorchester_n thus_o instruct_v his_o people_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o sermon_n notes_n leave_v write_v propria_fw-la manu_fw-la and_o in_o the_o year_n 1653._o this_o question_n be_v full_o large_o and_o elaborate_o discuss_v by_o the_o same_o author_n also_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n bear_v date_n 30_o 5_o month_n 1651._o he_o thus_o express_v himself_o for_o my_o part_n my_o thought_n have_v be_v this_o long_a time_n that_o our_o church_n in_o general_n do_v fall_v short_a in_o their_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o the_o rule_n require_v in_o this_o particular_a which_o i_o think_v aught_o to_o be_v thus_o viz._n that_o the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n by_o a_o act_n of_o their_o own_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o man_n and_o woman_n estate_n aught_o to_o be_v watch_v over_o as_o other_o member_n and_o to_o have_v their_o infant_n baptize_v but_o themselves_o not_o to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n nor_o to_o vote_v in_o the_o church_n till_o by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n they_o shall_v approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o same_o but_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o thus_o practise_v but_o be_v now_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n and_o of_o send_v to_o other_o church_n for_o advice_n help_v we_o i_o pray_v you_o with_o your_o prayer_n that_o we_o may_v have_v grace_n to_o discern_v and_o do_v the_o lord_n mind_n and_o will_v herein_o so_o that_o in_o the_o year_n 1651._o it_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v the_o judgement_n of_o this_o seer_n that_o some_o have_v right_a to_o baptism_n for_o their_o child_n that_o yet_o have_v not_o right_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o themselves_o but_o against_o this_o testimony_n some_o may_v object_v a_o passage_n in_o mr._n mather_n print_v catechism_n pag._n 91._o this_o holy_a man_n be_v sensible_a that_o some_o do_v take_v advantage_n from_o a_o expression_n therein_o to_o impute_v unto_o he_o a_o change_n of_o judgement_n touch_v this_o question_n which_o have_v it_o be_v so_o indeed_o ad_fw-la meliora_fw-la transiâ—e_fw-la nullus_fw-la pudor_fw-la it_o be_v no_o dishonour_n to_o any_o man_n to_o change_v for_o the_o better_a but_o concern_v this_o question_n that_o reverend_a man_n alter_v not_o but_o be_v all_o along_o of_o the_o same_o apprehension_n wherefore_o know_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o very_a same_o judgement_n when_o that_o catechism_n be_v write_v as_o in_o his_o last_o year_n he_o be_v of_o he_o therefore_o leave_v a_o manuscript_n in_o his_o study_n to_o clear_v himself_o from_o such_o a_o imputation_n which_o for_o his_o vindication_n we_o shall_v therefore_o here_o insert_v and_o publish_v the_o word_n be_v as_o follow_v this_o question_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v thus_o answer_v in_o a_o catechism_n viz._n man_n of_o year_n when_o once_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o such_o infant_n who_o parent_n both_o or_o one_o of_o they_o be_v so_o convert_v and_o join_v the_o question_n therefore_o now_o be_v whether_o this_o answer_n if_o sound_n and_o true_a do_v infer_v that_o the_o child_n of_o person_n convert_v and_o join_v to_o the_o church_n be_v now_o adult_n and_o have_v child_n may_v not_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o to_o have_v these_o their_o child_n baptise_a afore_o they_o who_o be_v now_o the_o parent_n be_v fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o if_o he_o that_o answer_v the_o question_n in_o the_o catechism_n as_o above_o do_v think_v they_o may_v do_v not_o this_o infer_v a_o change_n in_o that_o man_n apprehension_n from_o what_o it_o former_o be_v answer_n it_o seem_v not_o at_o all_o to_o infer_v any_o such_o change_n 1._o because_o these_o apprehension_n be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o one_o another_o nor_o at_o all_o inconsistent_a for_o if_o a_o man_n say_v that_o the_o child_n last_o mention_v may_v be_v baptize_v this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o infer_v that_o man_n of_o year_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o join_v to_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v baptize_v nor_o that_o such_o infant_n may_v not_o be_v baptize_v who_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v so_o convert_v and_o join_v nor_o if_o a_o man_n answer_v that_o such_o as_o the_o catechism_n speak_v of_o may_v be_v baptize_v do_v this_o infer_v that_o those_o other_o may_v not_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n sure_a no_o just_a ground_n for_o such_o consequence_n no_o more_o than_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o such_o as_o be_v become_v believer_n by_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v be_v to_o be_v baptize_v which_o be_v a_o very_a truth_n act._n 2.41_o and_o 8.12_o 37._o and_o 18_o 8._o it_o can_v thence_o be_v prove_v that_o no_o infant_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v as_o not_o be_v become_v believer_n at_o least_o not_o by_o that_o mean_n of_o hear_v preach_v this_o will_v in_o no_o sort_n follow_v from_o the_o other_o as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o such_o as_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n shall_v enter_v into_o heaven_n &_o that_o such_o as_o feed_v christ_n when_o hungry_a clothe_v he_o be_v naked_a shall_v be_v save_v in_o heaven_n which_o be_v very_o true_a matth._n 7.21_o and_o 25.34_o etc._n etc._n do_v this_o prove_v that_o little_a infant_n and_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n must_v not_o be_v save_v because_o the_o one_o through_o imbecility_n of_o age_n and_o the_o other_o through_o want_n of_o opportunity_n do_v not_o perform_v the_o thing_n mention_v it_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o at_o all_o but_o that_o salvation_n in_o heaven_n may_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o these_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o other_o even_o so_o though_o such_o as_o the_o catechism_n speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v it_o do_v noâ—_n thence_o follow_v but_o that_o the_o ordinance_n may_v be_v dispense_v to_o the_o infant_n of_o such_o member_n child_n as_o be_v mention_v and_o though_o it_o be_v dispense_v to_o such_o this_o be_v no_o denial_n but_o that_o such_o as_o the_o late_a catechism_n speak_v of_o may_v be_v baptize_v so_o that_o here_o be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o the_o thing_n allege_v but_o that_o both_o may_v be_v true_a and_o consist_v together_o 2_o dly_z it_o the_o word_n in_o the_o catechism_n have_v any_o exclusive_a particle_n in_o they_o there_o have_v be_v some_o more_o ground_n or_o colour_n for_o the_o inference_n as_o if_o the_o word_n have_v be_v thus_o only_o these_o or_o none_o but_o these_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_v but_o any_o such_o exclusive_a or_o negative_a particle_n there_o be_v none_o and_o therefore_o the_o collection_n or_o inference_n from_o they_o which_o be_v make_v be_v groundless_a 3_o the_o author_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a catechism_n which_o be_v print_v in_o the_o year_n 1650._o have_v sundry_a time_n before_o in_o the_o year_n 1646._o 1648._o 1649._o public_o deliver_v his_o judgement_n both_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o by_o write_v that_o such_o child_n of_o church_n member_n may_v have_v their_o infant_n baptize_v though_o themselves_o be_v not_o yet_o receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o so_o divers_a time_n again_o in_o the_o year_n follow_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o what_o be_v express_v in_o the_o say_a catechism_n shall_v be_v intend_v by_o he_o to_o have_v such_o a_o meaning_n as_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o himself_o have_v public_o deliver_v both_o before_o and_o after_o and_o that_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o several_a way_n 4_o lie_n other_o author_n of_o much_o worth_n for_o holiness_n and_o learning_n who_o never_o mean_v to_o deny_v baptism_n to_o such_o child_n of_o church_n member_n dear_o spoke_v of_o yet_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v baptise_v or_o to_o who_o be_v baptism_n to_o be_v administer_v have_v express_v themselves_o in_o term_n not_o far_o unlike_a to_o those_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a catechism_n mr._n ball_n word_n be_v these_o
debet_fw-la nam_fw-la quod_fw-la illius_fw-la sc_fw-la adami_n voluntas_fw-la fuit_fw-la nostra_fw-la &_o nos_fw-la in_o illo_fw-la uâ—luimus_fw-la verum_fw-la est_fw-la sedâ—atiâ—_n huius_fw-la veritatis_fw-la nulla_fw-la est_fw-la preter_fw-la quam_fw-la voluntas_fw-la creaâ—oris_fw-la nunquam_fw-la aliter_fw-la intelliges_fw-la jâ—sâ—um_fw-la fuisse_fw-la nos_fw-la omnes_fw-la nasci_fw-la miseros_fw-la p_o opter_fw-la umus_fw-la hominis_fw-la peccatum_fw-la 2._o from_o the_o lordship_n of_o god_n who_o may_v impose_v upon_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n whatsoever_o duty_n he_o please_v 3._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o creature_n which_o owe_v unto_o god_n what_o duty_n he_o will_v call_v for_o 4._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o community_n where_o the_o absent_a yea_o thâ—se_a that_o be_v unborn_a be_v oblige_v by_o the_o deed_n of_o their_o pleniâ—otentiary_n act_v legal_o 2_o sam._n 21_o 1._o joshua_n 9.7_o 15_o 18._o joshuâ—â—s_n covenant_n with_o the_o gib_n onite_n bound_n saul_n proposition_n ii_o child_n by_o divine_a institution_n have_v confederated_a and_o do_v still_o confederate_a in_o their_o parent_n as_o public_a person_n 1._o mankind_n consider_v in_o adam_n gen._n 2.17_o rom._n 5.12_o 1_o cor._n 15.22_o 2._o abraham_n child_n bear_v in_o his_o house_n and_o also_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n confederate_v in_o abraham_n gen._n 17.7_o 25.27_o 3._o the_o posterity_n of_o israel_n enter_v into_o convenant_n in_o the_o act_n of_o their_o progenitor_n in_o horeb_n soon_o after_o their_o come_n out_o of_o egypt_n ezk._n 16_o 60._o the_o abient_fw-la and_o child_n yet_o unborn_a renew_v convenant_n in_o the_o act_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n deut._n 29._o 4._o child_n under_o the_o gospel_n confederate_a in_o their_o parent_n because_o to_o the_o child_n of_o parent_n in_o covenant_n that_o promise_n gen._n 17.7_o do_v belong_v act_v 2.39_o because_o they_o be_v holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o which_o hosmel_n can_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v any_o but_o external_a holiness_n nor_o can_v that_o external_a be_v reasonable_o interpret_v of_o any_o but_o church_n holiness_n suitable_a to_o the_o like_a phrase_n rom._n 11.16_o because_o child_n be_v baptize_v which_o baptism_n in_o the_o gospel_n circumcision_n â—ol_n 2.11_o 12._o therefore_o in_o church_n covenant_n but_o covenant_n they_o do_v not_o not_o then_o proper_a person_n therefore_o in_o their_o public_a person_n viz._n their_o pâ—ents_n 5._o either_o child_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v confederate_a in_o their_o parent_n or_o child_n â—ay_v not_o be_v baptize_v or_o non-member_n maâ—_n be_v baptize_v but_o child_n be_v to_o bâ—_n baptize_v and_o non-member_n be_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v therefore_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v with_o we_o grant_v that_o non_fw-la member_n be_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v appear_v thus_o external_n baptism_n be_v a_o external_a seal_n of_o the_o external_a not_o only_o of_o the_o internal_a covenant_n baptism_n as_o touch_v the_o substantial_a part_n thereof_o succeed_v circumcision_n in_o place_n and_o use_v as_o therefore_o circumcision_n be_v apply_v only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o covenant_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o baptism_n 2_o they_o who_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o church_n government_n have_v no_o right_n to_o church_n privilege_n of_o which_o baptism_n be_v a_o principal_a one_o but_o non_fw-la member_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o church_n government_n therefore_o &c_n &c_n three_o they_o with_o who_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v have_v no_o right_n to_o that_o thing_n which_o can_v only_o be_v do_v in_o a_o church_n as_o such_o but_o with_o non-member_n the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v 1_o cor._n 5.12_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n 4_o if_o to_o baptize_v in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n be_v only_o a_o shepardly_a office_n act_n then_o to_o be_v baptize_v be_v the_o privileage_n only_o of_o the_o flock_n but_o to_o baptize_v be_v in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n only_o a_o shepardly_a office_n act_n math_n 28.19_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v shepard_n and_o flock_n be_v relative_n and_o relatorum_fw-la mutuuâ—est_fw-la ambitus_fw-la the_o walk_n of_o relate_v be_v of_o equal_a extent_n 5_o if_o infant_n non-member_n have_v right_a to_o baptism_n then_o adult_a non-member_n if_o so_o then_o why_o may_v not_o non-member_n come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n proposition_n iii_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o confederation_n child_n be_v make_v church-member_n 1._o that_o in_o child_n which_o give_v that_o foâ—m_n of_o member_n ship_n make_v child_n church_n member_n but_o confederation_n give_v the_o form_n of_o church_n membership_n therefore_o confederation_n make_v child_n church_n member_n 2_o that_o whereupon_o god_n declare_v child_n to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o be_v holy_a and_o to_o have_v right_a unto_o church_n privilege_n make_v child_n to_o be_v church_n member_n but_o upon_o confederation_n god_n declare_v child_n to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o be_v holy_a and_o to_o have_v right_a to_o church_n privilege_n gen._n 17._o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o act_n 2.39_o therefore_o confederation_n make_v child_n to_o be_v church_n member_n 3_o that_o which_o distinguish_v between_o child_n in_o church_n estate_n and_o child_n not_o in_o church_n estate_n make_v child_n chureb_n member_n but_o confederation_n distinguish_v between_o child_n in_o church_n estate_n and_o child_n not_o in_o church_n estate_n therefore_o confederation_n etc._n etc._n 4_o either_o child_n be_v member_n by_o confederation_n or_o there_o may_v be_v give_v some_o other_o way_n of_o their_o membership_n or_o all_o child_n be_v non-member_n but_o neither_o can_v there_o be_v give_v any_o other_o way_n of_o their_o membership_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o true_a proposition_n that_o all_o child_n be_v non-member_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n proposition_n iu._n this_o distinct_a membership_n give_v they_o a_o proper_a right_n unto_o baptism_n so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o baptise_v by_o the_o right_n of_o their_o parent_n but_o by_o their_o own_o right_n 1._o such_o as_o their_o membership_n be_v such_o be_v their_o right_n unto_o baptism_n but_o their_o membership_n as_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v be_v distinct_a therefore_o their_o right_n to_o baptism_n be_v distinct_a two_o that_o covenant_n which_o contract_v upon_o the_o â—â—â—â—quent_a a_o proper_a guilt_n in_o order_n unto_o punishment_n convey_v upon_o the_o obedient_a a_o proper_a right_n and_o in_o order_n unto_o privilege_n but_o the_o covenant_n of_o infant_n contract_v upon_o they_o delinquent_n a_o proper_a guilt_n in_o order_n unto_o punishment_n ezâ—k_v 16.59_o therefore_o it_o confer_v upon_o the_o obedient_a a_o proper_a right_n in_o order_n unto_o privilege_n three_o it_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o covenant_n bid_v a_o proper_a right_n to_o circumcision_n than_o their_o child_n of_o believer_n in_o covenant_n have_v a_o proper_a right_n to_o baptism_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o covenant_n have_v a_o proper_a right_n to_o circumcision_n in_o case_n of_o the_o parent_n ceremonial_a uncleanness_n the_o parent_n notwithstanding_o their_o membership_n be_v suspend_v from_o communion_n in_o the_o holy_a thing_n yet_o be_v the_o child_n even_o then_o notwithstanding_o the_o parent_n suspension_n to_o be_v circumcise_a the_o eight_o day_n 4_o if_o confederate_a child_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v notwithstanding_o the_o parent_n be_v not_o member_n than_o they_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v not_o by_o their_o parent_n but_o be_v their_o own_o membership_n but_o confederate_a child_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v notwithstanding_o their_o parent_n be_v not_o member_n as_o in_o case_n of_o the_o parent_n death_n or_o censure_n fall_v out_o after_o their_o child_n being_n and_o before_o the_o time_n of_o their_o baptism_n therefore_o child_n be_v baptize_v by_o their_o own_o membership_n though_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o parent_n be_v by_o divine_a institution_n instrumental_a to_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o child_n for_o god_n institute_n such_o only_a to_o be_v public_a person_n yet_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o child_n remain_v though_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o parent_n cease_v paul_n freedom_n by_o birth_n live_v after_o his_o father_n death_n act_v 22.28_o the_o effect_n continue_v though_o the_o instrument_n be_v extinct_a 1._o object_n in_o case_n the_o parent_n themselves_o be_v not_o admit_v to_o full_a communion_n or_o that_o they_o lie_v under_o offence_n it_o seem_v then_o their_o child_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v baprize_v answ_n we_o must_v careful_o distinguish_v between_o the_o parent_n stand_v as_o a_o public_a person_n and_o between_o the_o parent_n stand_v as_o a_o single_a person_n the_o child_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o parent_n only_o when_o he_o stand_v as_o a_o public_a person_n not_o when_o he_o stand_v as_o a_o single_a person_n hence_o only_a the_o confederation_n not_o the_o condition_n or_o conversation_n of_o the_o parent_n be_v impure_v to_o the_o child_n as_o adam_n be_v
positive_o reject_v the_o gospel_n and_o that_o the_o membership_n of_o child_n have_v no_o tendency_n in_o it_o to_o pollute_v the_o church_n any_o more_o now_o then_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o child_n be_v under_o church_n discipline_n and_o that_o some_o person_n adult_n may_v be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n etc._n etc._n the_o whole_a letter_n be_v already_o publish_v we_o shall_v not_o here_o insert_v it_o or_o any_o thing_n further_o concern_v it_o only_o assure_v the_o reader_n that_o the_o letter_n itself_o even_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v still_o to_o be_v see_v as_o it_o be_v write_v by_o mr._n shepherd_n own_o hand_n also_o the_o same_o author_n in_o his_o print_a defence_n of_o the_o nine_o position_n pag._n 143._o do_v maintain_v the_o church_n membership_n of_o child_n and_o their_o subjection_n to_o discipline_n in_o the_o year_n after_o these_o mention_v viz._n anno_fw-la 1636._o hear_v arrive_v two_o other_o of_o new-englands_n worthy_n mr._n partridge_n and_o mr._n roger_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n namely_o mr._n ralph_n partridge_n and_o mr._n nathaâ—â—el_n rogers_n as_o for_o mr._n partridge_n sometime_o faithful_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o duxberry_n in_o plymouth_n colony_n what_o his_o judgement_n be_v touch_v the_o present_a controversy_n be_v to_o be_v see_v from_o that_o model_n of_o church_n discipline_n when_o be_v by_o he_o compose_v and_o present_v to_o the_o synod_n at_o cambridg_n anno_fw-la 1648._o and_o which_o be_v still_o extant_a under_o the_o hand_n write_v of_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o which_o manuscript_n be_v these_o word_n the_o person_n unto_o who_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v dispense_v and_o as_o we_o conceive_v aught_o to_o be_v be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o year_n and_o convert_v from_o their_o sin_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v join_v in_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n as_o also_o the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n or_o parent_n as_o have_v lay_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v in_o a_o visible_a covenant_n with_o his_o church_n and_o all_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o that_o cast_v not_o off_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n by_o some_o scandalous_a and_o obstinate_a go_v on_o in_o sin_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o math._n 28.19_o and_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o with_o gen._n 17_o etc._n etc._n compare_v thus_o for_o mr._n partridge_n his_o judgement_n concern_v mr._n nathaniel_n rogers_n late_o eminent_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ipswich_n in_o new-england_n that_o his_o judgement_n do_v concur_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n touch_v baptism_n be_v certain_a from_o what_o himself_o do_v public_o teach_v some_o year_n before_o his_o decease_n also_o from_o a_o letter_n of_o his_o write_v to_o the_o reverend_n mr._n richard_n mather_n some_o year_n before_o mr._n rogers_n go_v to_o his_o rest_n which_o letter_n still_o remain_v under_o the_o author_n own_o hand_n write_v we_o shall_v therefore_o insert_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o which_o follow_v reverend_a and_o dear_a sir_n i_o receive_v a_o letter_n with_o a_o book_n from_o you_o and_o do_v return_v you_o this_o testimony_n of_o my_o most_o thankful_a acceptance_n of_o your_o kindness_n and_o good_a will_v both_o in_o your_o letter_n and_o worthy_a treatise_n of_o justification_n which_o as_o you_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v be_v nervous_a and_o this_o be_v compendious_a in_o a_o special_a manner_n and_o yet_o perspicuous_a i_o see_v my_o defect_n in_o hen._n den_n matter_n supply_v by_o your_o diligence_n to_o the_o question_n concern_v the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n i_o have_v nothing_o to_o oppose_v and_o i_o wonder_v any_o shall_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v member_n they_o be_v member_n in_o censa_fw-la ecclesiastico_fw-la god_n so_o call_v they_o the_o church_n be_v so_o to_o account_v thew_v and_o when_o they_o be_v adulia_n aâ—atis_fw-la though_o have_v do_v no_o personal_a act_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v member_n still_o until_o after_o due_a call_v upon_o they_o shall_v refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o own_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o content_n thereof_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v deny_v the_o church_n may_v cashier_v or_o disow_v they_o now_o for_o practice_n i_o confess_v i_o account_v it_o a_o great_a default_n that_o we_o have_v make_v no_o more_o real_a distinction_n between_o these_o and_o other_o that_o they_o have_v be_v no_o more_o attend_v as_o the_o lamb_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n and_o woeful_a defection_n of_o our_o youth_n disquiri_fw-la permittimus_fw-la we_o be_v this_o week_n to_o meet_v in_o the_o church_n about_o it_o and_o i_o know_v nothing_o but_o we_o must_v speedy_o fall_v to_o practice_n if_o we_o in_o this_o shall_v be_v leader_n i_o pray_v beg_v wisdom_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o he_o who_o be_v our_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o our_o right_a cousness_n i_o commit_v you_o to_o the_o bless_a communion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o rest_n you_o in_o he_o cordial_o n._n rogers_n xi_o 18._o 1652._o these_o testimony_n be_v more_o than_o abundant_o sufficient_a to_o evince_v that_o the_o first_o fa_n hers_z of_o this_o country_n be_v for_o that_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n which_o the_o late_a synod_n book_n plead_v for_o and_o that_o therefore_o such_o a_o practice_n be_v no_o apostasy_n from_o our_o primitive_a principle_n yet_o further_a testimony_n may_v be_v superad_v unto_o these_o for_o mr_n hâ—nr_n sm_n â—h_a sometime_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n at_o wethersfield_n on_o connecticot_n in_o a_o letter_n of_o his_o date_a august_n 23._o anno_fw-la 1647._o which_o letter_n be_v also_o write_v to_o mr._n mather_n thus_o express_v himself_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o our_o part_n about_o member_n child_n be_v receive_v into_o communion_n because_o it_o be_v undetermined_a in_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o at_o the_o synod_n our_o thought_n here_o be_v that_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o confederate_n gen._n 17._o take_v in_o all_o child_n of_o confederate_a parent_n whether_o baptize_v here_o or_o else_o where_o whether_o young_a or_o elder_a if_o they_o do_v either_o express_o or_o otherways_o may_v be_v conceive_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o consent_v thereunto_o now_o because_o many_o have_v child_n grow_v up_o which_o be_v bear_v in_o england_n who_o will_v glad_o express_v their_o consent_n and_o desire_v to_o their_o parent_n covenant_n only_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o walk_v alone_o in_o the_o thing_n we_o can_v hearty_o wish_v we_o have_v the_o concurrence_n of_o your_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n thus_o mr._n smith_n likewise_o mr._n prudden_n late_o faithful_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o milford_n in_o new-haven_n colon_n in_o new-england_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o same_o reverend_a person_n which_o the_o last_o mention_v be_v send_v unto_o do_v not_o only_o express_v his_o own_o thought_n but_o give_v reason_n for_o his_o belief_n concern_v the_o question_n under_o agitation_n with_o who_o testimony_n we_o shall_v conclude_v and_o because_o his_o letter_n be_v of_o weighty_a and_o worthy_a consideration_n consideration_n albeit_o part_n of_o it_o as_o of_o that_o of_o mr._n rogers_n be_v already_o publish_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o synod_n book_n yet_o we_o shall_v here_o insert_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o which_o now_o follow_v dear_a brother_n i_o be_v glad_a at_o the_o receipt_n of_o your_o letter_n but_o i_o be_o sorry_a to_o hear_v of_o such_o breach_n in_o church_n and_o no_o way_n nor_o mean_n find_v out_o and_o apply_v for_o heal_v which_o i_o fear_v with_o you_o do_v strengthen_v the_o presbyterian_a objection_n against_o our_o congregational_a way_n when_o the_o writing_n of_o some_o for_o our_o defence_n and_o our_o practice_n agree_v not_o in_o that_o particular_a i_o think_v with_o you_o that_o man_n to_o be_v much_o bless_a who_o god_n shall_v make_v helpful_a in_o those_o thing_n though_o as_o he_o have_v but_o little_a encouragement_n to_o attempt_v it_o so_o can_v he_o expect_v less_o thanks_o from_o man_n who_o possible_o may_v have_v err_v but_o loath_a to_o be_v judge_v so_o to_o have_v do_v touch_v your_o own_o exercise_n you_o be_v not_o alone_o in_o they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o prepare_v matter_n of_o offence_n and_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o church_n have_v be_v much_o question_v by_o some_o but_o methinks_v hat_n which_o mr_n hooker_n have_v write_v in_o the_o case_n survey_v pt_n 3d._n pag._n 33._o shall_v satisfy_v those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o a_o
unfit_a to_o partake_v in_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n he_o reply_v in_o these_o word_n though_o they_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o make_v such_o profession_n of_o visible_a faith_n as_o to_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n yet_o they_o may_v make_v profession_n full_a enough_o to_o receive_v they_o to_o baptism_n or_o to_o the_o same_o estate_n isâ—mael_n stand_v in_o after_o circumcission_n and_o to_o one_o who_o complain_v of_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a about_o the_o truth_n assert_v in_o mr._n cotton_v print_v book_n concern_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n and_o that_o among_o other_o make_v this_o objection_n when_o say_v that_o scrupler_n a_o child_n come_v to_o know_v that_o his_o parent_n be_v no_o visible_a saint_n but_o appear_v to_o be_v contrary_a both_o in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o child_n have_v only_a word_n and_o water_n pour_v on_o they_o how_o come_v these_o person_n to_o have_v right_a to_o it_o the_o parent_n have_v no_o visible_a faith_n to_o act_v in_o that_o ordinance_n and_o their_o child_n likewise_o be_v uncapable_a to_o hold_v forth_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n before_o man_n he_o thus_o answer_v jeroboam_fw-la and_o his_o wife_n be_v neither_o of_o they_o visible_a saint_n in_o your_o sense_n but_o appear_v to_o be_v contrary_a both_o in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n yet_o the_o circumcision_n of_o their_o son_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a to_o he_o 1_o king_n 14.13_o in_o this_o case_n when_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o parent_n be_v want_v and_o yet_o they_o still_o live_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n though_o the_o church_n be_v corrupt_a and_o the_o parent_n also_o yet_o here_o the_o speech_n of_o the_o apostle_n take_v place_n what_o though_o some_o believe_v not_o shall_v their_o unbelief_n make_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n god_n forbid_v rom._n 3._o 3_o 4._o now_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n who_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n to_o thousand_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o next_o parent_n and_o make_v good_a his_o covenant_n to_o the_o child_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o former_a ancestor_n in_o elder_a age_n but_o against_o this_o sâ—me_n may_v object_v a_o passage_n in_o mr._n cotton_v book_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n pag._n 81._o where_o it_o be_v say_v where_o neither_o of_o the_o parent_n can_v claim_v right_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n their_o infant_n can_v claim_v right_o to_o baptism_n therefore_o it_o mâ—y_v seem_v that_o mr._n cotton_v judgement_n be_v not_o as_o haâ—h_v be_v now_o declare_v unto_o this_o let_v the_o judicious_a reâ—der_n attentive_o hear_v the_o answer_n which_o be_v 1._o in_o that_o very_a book_n of_o mr._n cotton_v there_o be_v sundry_a passage_n which_o plead_v for_o a_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n further_o than_o to_o the_o immediate_a child_n of_o person_n in_o full_a communion_n even_o to_o the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n who_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o denominate_v they_o christian_n believer_n in_o opposition_n to_o pagan_a infidel_n yea_o if_o there_o be_v a_o christian_a sponsor_n for_o the_o child_n of_o a_o stranger_n or_o wicked_a man_n it_o may_v be_v baptize_v see_v the_o way_n pag_n 87._o 88_o 106_o 115._o 2_o that_o book_n of_o the_o way_n be_v print_v from_o a_o imperfect_a copy_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o there_o be_v therein_o some_o passage_n contradictory_n to_o mr._n cotton_v know_v judgement_n 3._o mr._n coâ—ton_n himself_o be_v much_o trouble_v when_o he_o see_v that_o book_n come_v forth_o and_o be_v desirous_a that_o the_o reader_n shall_v understand_v that_o his_o judgement_n in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o the_o book_n of_o the_o way_n be_v discrepant_a from_o that_o of_o the_o key_n shall_v be_v seek_v for_o not_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o way_n but_o in_o that_o of_o the_o key_n and_o that_o no_o one_o may_v think_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v imaginary_a or_o conjectural_a only_a let_v we_o hear_v mr._n cotton_n speak_v in_o his_o own_o word_n in_o his_o print_a defence_n against_o the_o imputation_n of_o mr._n cawdrey_n write_v not_o long_o before_o his_o death_n and_o publish_v by_o doctor_n owen_n in_o which_o book_n pag._n 36._o 37_o 38_o 39_o the_o truth_n be_v say_v mr._n cotton_n that_o many_o year_n ago_o i_o be_v serious_o move_v by_o some_o of_o our_o brethren_n and_o fellow_n elder_n here_o to_o draw_v up_o a_o historical_a narration_n of_o our_o church_n way_n together_o with_o some_o familiar_a ground_n of_o the_o same_o brief_o in_o short_a time_n as_o god_n help_v i_o dispatch_v it_o which_o when_o our_o brethren_n have_v peruse_v it_o i_o see_v they_o do_v not_o close_o with_o it_o yet_o a_o brother_n go_v for_o england_n get_v some_o where_o a_o copy_n of_o it_o and_o present_v it_o to_o some_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n there_o and_o i_o afterward_o hear_v neither_o do_v they_o close_v with_o it_o and_o in_o particular_a not_o with_o that_o passage_n which_o be_v here_o recite_v which_o since_o appear_v more_o open_o by_o the_o asterisk_n put_v upon_o that_o passage_n and_o upon_o sundry_a other_o in_o the_o book_n but_o before_o i_o see_v that_o and_o have_v only_o hear_v that_o they_o do_v not_o full_o accord_v i_o hope_v that_o it_o have_v meet_v with_o a_o timely_a suppression_n rather_o than_o a_o impression_n for_o i_o hear_v no_o more_o of_o it_o for_o two_o or_o three_o year_n after_o mean_a while_n perceive_v that_o one_o main_a point_n of_o dissatisfaction_n be_v the_o authority_n give_v to_o the_o fraternity_n i_o consier_v more_o serious_o and_o distinct_o of_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o express_v my_o apprehension_n in_o that_o treatise_n of_o the_o key_n which_o our_o brethren_n here_o do_v well_o accept_v and_o so_o do_v the_o brethren_n of_o like_a judgement_n in_o england_n and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v please_v to_o arrest_v it_o with_o the_o preface_n that_o be_v now_o extant_a before_o it_o this_o be_v sundry_a year_n after_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o way_n have_v be_v finish_v and_o carry_v to_o england_n and_o as_o i_o hope_v suppress_v but_o it_o seem_v some_o brother_n there_o cause_v his_o copy_n which_o be_v indeed_o abrupt_a in_o the_o entrance_n and_o imperfect_a otherwise_o to_o be_v publish_v in_o print_n which_o when_o i_o see_v it_o trouble_v i_o not_o a_o little_a as_o know_v that_o the_o discrepant_a expression_n in_o the_o one_o and_o in_o the_o other_o may_v trouble_v friend_n and_o give_v advantage_n to_o adversary_n i_o suffer_v both_o to_o stand_v as_o they_o do_v especial_o see_v i_o can_v not_o help_v it_o the_o book_n of_o the_o way_n be_v publish_v without_o my_o consent_n and_o both_o the_o way_n and_o the_o key_n past_o my_o revoke_v so_o that_o if_o the_o reply_o find_v some_o discrepancy_n in_o one_o of_o these_o book_n from_o the_o other_o let_v he_o know_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o way_n in_o such_o few_o point_n wherein_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o key_n be_v not_o i_o when_o the_o key_n be_v publish_v much_o less_o when_o the_o way_n be_v publish_v which_o be_v many_o year_n after_o though_o it_o have_v be_v pen_v many_o year_n before_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o mr._n cotton_v judgement_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n in_o the_o same_o year_n and_o in_o the_o same_o vessel_n with_o mr._n cotton_n come_v into_o this_o country_n that_o famous_a mr._n thomas_n hooker_n late_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o hartford_n upon_o connecticot_n now_o that_o in_o mr._n hooker_n judgement_n the_o child_n concern_v who_o the_o question_n be_v have_v a_o continue_v stand_v and_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n upon_o which_o hinge_n the_o controversy_n about_o the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n turn_v be_v evident_a from_o a_o passage_n in_o his_o most_o judicious_a and_o accurate_a survey_n of_o church_n discipline_n in_o which_o book_n pag._n 4â—_n be_v these_o word_n in_o some_o case_n say_v mr._n hooker_n a_o implicit_a covenant_n may_v be_v full_o sufficient_a as_o suppose_v a_o whole_a congregation_n shall_v consist_v of_o such_o who_o be_v child_n on_o to_o the_o parent_n now_o decease_v who_o be_v confederate_a their_o child_n be_v true_a member_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o profess_v of_o their_o father_n covenant_n though_o they_o shall_v not_o make_v any_o personal_a and_o vocal_a expression_n of_o their_o engagement_n as_o the_o father_n do_v also_o he_o lay_v it_o down_o for_o a_o maxim_n that_o faederati_fw-la sunt_fw-la baptizandi_fw-la prove_v by_o several_a argument_n that_o confederate_n be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n see_v in_o the_o same_o book_n part_v
who_o ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v answ_n infidel_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o infant_n of_o one_o or_o both_o christian_a parent_n catechism_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n speak_v thus_o quest_n unto_o who_o be_v baptism_n to_o be_v admin_n stâ—ed_v answ_n baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v to_o any_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o visivie_a church_n and_o so_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n till_o they_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o but_o infant_n descend_v from_o parent_n either_o both_o or_o but_o one_o of_o they_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v in_o that_o respect_n within_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o be_v baptize_v large_a catechism_n these_o word_n we_o see_v be_v not_o far_o unlike_a to_o those_o in_o the_o catechism_n before_o mention_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o collection_n far_o from_o their_o meaning_n to_o gather_v from_o these_o word_n that_o none_o shall_v have_v baptism_n for_o their_o child_n except_o themselves_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n sure_o such_o a_o apprehension_n be_v never_o teach_v nor_o intend_v by_o they_o why_o then_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v to_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a catechism_n or_o deduct_v from_o they_o when_o as_o the_o word_n there_o and_o in_o these_o reverend_a author_n be_v so_o very_o like_a even_o so_o very_o like_a that_o the_o collection_n or_o deduction_n mention_v be_v either_o sound_n and_o just_a from_o both_o or_o from_o neither_o 5_o lie_n if_o the_o parent_n speak_v of_o may_v notwithstanding_o their_o unfitness_n for_o that_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n yet_o be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o join_v to_o the_o church_n than_o the_o appearance_n of_o contradiction_n be_v at_o a_o end_n now_o for_o the_o one_o of_o these_o qualification_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n if_o faith_n be_v take_v as_o it_o often_o be_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n as_o act._n 6.7_o jud._n 3._o than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o parent_n speak_v of_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o this_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o that_o they_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o and_o if_o faith_n be_v take_v for_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v say_v to_o have_v faith_n in_o this_o sense_n also_o see_v it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o that_o beside_o their_o understanding_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o their_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o that_o they_o must_v also_o not_o be_v scandalous_a in_o life_n but_o solemn_o own_o the_o covenant_n and_o therein_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v not_o this_o imply_v some_o beginning_n of_o faith_n can_v person_n have_v all_o these_o qualification_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o seem_v not_o suitable_a to_o charity_n to_o judge_v so_o and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o man_n have_v neither_o faith_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o good_a be_v by_o nature_n therefore_o they_o that_o have_v it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v convert_v to_o it_o and_o so_o the_o parent_n the_o baptise_v of_o who_o child_n be_v in_o question_n be_v not_o without_o the_o one_o of_o the_o qualification_n mention_v in_o the_o catechism_n viz._n of_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o for_o the_o other_o viz._n of_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n this_o can_v be_v deny_v touch_v these_o parent_n for_o as_o much_o as_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o take_v in_o parent_n and_o child_n they_o have_v be_v either_o bear_v in_o the_o church_n or_o take_v in_o in_o their_o infancy_n and_o so_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n if_o so_o they_o continue_v still_o be_v neither_o cast_n out_o nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o their_o infant_n be_v the_o child_n of_o parent_n join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n in_o their_o infancy_n and_o minority_n yet_o now_o be_v adult_n they_o fall_v out_o or_o go_v out_o by_o their_o own_o default_n in_o neglect_v the_o duty_n pertain_v to_o the_o adult_n therefore_o for_o the_o prevent_n of_o this_o it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o they_o solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n and_o therein_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o personal_a and_o public_a act_n of_o their_o own_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n by_o their_o own_o act_n with_o a_o subjection_n of_o themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o as_o these_o parent_n be_v in_o the_o church_n in_o their_o minority_n and_o be_v never_o since_o cast_v out_o so_o neither_o be_v they_o fall_v out_o by_o their_o own_o neglect_n but_o do_v manifest_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o covenant_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a act_n and_o so_o the_o other_o qualification_n of_o parent_n who_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v which_o the_o catechism_n mention_v be_v find_v in_o the_o parent_n speak_v of_o viz_o that_o they_o be_v person_n join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o affirm_v than_o these_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptize_v do_v not_o contradict_v the_o forementioned_a catechism_n at_o all_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o catechism_n against_o the_o baptise_v of_o these_o child_n this_o which_o have_v be_v express_v may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o vindication_n of_o that_o reverend_n and_o honour_a person_n we_o proceed_v â—herefore_o to_o mr._n nortons_n judgement_n concern_v the_o present_a controversy_n and_o that_o the_o apprehension_n of_o that_o judicious_a and_o eagle_n eye_v seer_n do_v concur_v with_o those_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o have_v be_v mention_v be_v apparent_a both_o from_o what_o himself_o do_v often_o public_o teach_v not_o only_o in_o boston_n but_o in_o ipswich_n and_o from_o a_o script_n compose_v anno_fw-la 1654._o by_o that_o learned_a band_n which_o because_o it_o be_v acute_a clear_a and_o distinct_a according_a to_o the_o wont_a manner_n of_o that_o great_a author_n and_o because_o it_o be_v never_o yet_o publish_v we_o shall_v therefore_o here_o insert_v it_o it_o be_v that_o which_o follow_v quest_n whether_o the_o child_n of_o parent_n in_o church_n covenant_n be_v church_n member_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v baptize_v answ_n child_n of_o parent_n in_o church_n covenant_n be_v church_n member_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v baptize_v this_o answer_n stand_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o these_o five_o proposition_n 1._o child_n be_v capable_a of_o confederate_v in_o a_o public_a pâ—â—â—_n 2._o child_n by_o divine_a institution_n have_v confederated_a and_o do_v still_o confederate_a in_o their_o parent_n as_o public_a person_n 3._o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o confederation_n child_n be_v make_v church_n member_n 4._o the_o membership_n of_o child_n confederate_v in_o their_o parent_n be_v a_o distinct_a membership_n from_o the_o membership_n of_o their_o parent_n 5._o this_o distinct_a membership_n give_v they_o a_o proper_a right_n unto_o baptism_n so_o as_o they_o be_v baptize_v by_o their_o own_o right_n and_o not_o by_o the_o right_n of_o their_o parent_n proposition_n i._o 1._o child_n be_v capable_a of_o confederate_v in_o a_o public_a person_n a_o public_a person_n be_v when_o some_o one_o of_o a_o society_n do_v by_o the_o law_n in_o such_o a_o act_n stand_v for_o the_o whole_a society_n so_o he_o that_o be_v but_o one_o person_n physical_o be_v political_o as_o many_o person_n as_o the_o law_n make_v he_o since_o religion_n and_o reason_n both_o allow_v and_o require_v humane_a law_n to_o create_v such_o public_a person_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o community_n much_o more_o may_v we_o see_v cause_n why_o they_o may_v be_v constitute_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n of_o he_o who_o sole_a prerogative_n it_o be_v that_o he_o may_v do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v 2._o that_o child_n though_o they_o be_v uncepable_a of_o confederate_v in_o their_o proper_a person_n yet_o be_v capable_a of_o confederate_v in_o a_o public_a person_n appear_v 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o will_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o rule_n and_o reason_n of_o all_o reason_n â—_o bradward_n de_fw-fr causa_fw-la dei_fw-la l._n 1_o corol._n 32_o polan_n synt._n l._n 6._o c._n â—_o none_o cuilibet_fw-la christiano_n imo_fw-la &_o profane_a pro_fw-la demonstâ—atione_fw-la sâ—fficere_fw-la
contentious_a spirit_n i_o have_v conference_n with_o he_o about_o this_o matter_n in_o his_o life_n time_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o he_o have_v now_o write_v he_o then_o express_v and_o tell_v i_o withal_o that_o if_o a_o case_n shall_v be_v present_v to_o the_o church_n in_o any_o other_o way_n by_o the_o brethren_n he_o will_v refuse_v to_o act_v in_o it_o unless_o the_o church_n will_v first_o dispute_v the_o point_n which_o he_o will_v offer_v but_o act_n against_o his_o judgement_n he_o will_v not_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o rule_n require_v to_o tell_v the_o church_n in_o due_a order_n by_o the_o officer_n as_o he_o that_o command_v one_o to_o go_v into_o his_o house_n intend_v that_o he_o shall_v go_v in_o by_o the_o door_n the_o elder_n be_v captain_n and_o leader_n and_o ruler_n heb._n 13.17_o 1_o tim_n 5.18_o and_o therefore_o the_o brethren_n must_v not_o go_v before_o they_o a_o common_a soldier_n must_v not_o begin_v or_o make_v a_o attempt_n without_o the_o captain_n and_o the_o elder_n be_v leader_n and_o ruler_n they_o be_v to_o order_v all_o the_o public_a occasion_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o comely_a manner_n which_o they_o can_v do_v if_o the_o brethren_n have_v liberty_n at_o their_o pleasure_n to_o publish_v what_o seem_v best_a to_o themselves_o touch_v the_o desire_n of_o such_o member_n child_n as_o desire_v to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o i_o do_v not_o yet_o hear_v practise_v but_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o it_o can_v just_o be_v deny_v because_o their_o next_o parent_n however_o not_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n stand_v as_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n within_o the_o church_n covenant_n and_o so_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o baptism_n now_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o stand_a member_n their_o child_n also_o be_v member_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o parent_n covenant_n and_o membership_n as_o well_o as_o they_o themselves_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o covenant_n and_o membership_n and_o they_o have_v not_o renounce_v that_o covenant_n nor_o be_v just_o censure_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o covenant_n but_o do_v own_o and_o profess_v it_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o it_o to_o their_o child_n those_o child_n who_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o member_n of_o it_o baptism_n can_v be_v deny_v unto_o but_o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o member_n of_o it_o ergo_fw-la baptism_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o they_o the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v thus_o the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n as_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o church_n be_v themselves_o within_o the_o covenant_n of_o that_o church_n and_o so_o member_n but_o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n as_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o so_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v so_o themselves_o the_o proposition_n be_v clear_a because_o the_o parent_n covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o child_n deut._n 29._o from_o 10_o to_o 16._o ezek._n 16.8_o 13._o and_o god_n accept_v both_o gen._n 17.12_o 13._o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v faederal_o holy_a they_o be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o their_o father_n deut._n 29._o not_o partly_o or_o partial_o in_o covenant_n rom_n 9.3_o 4_o act_n 2.39_o and_o god_n style_v himself_o their_o god_n as_o well_o as_o their_o father_n gen._n 17.7_o 8_o 9_o and_o to_o have_v god_n to_o be_v our_o god_n be_v to_o be_v in_o complete_a church_n covenant_n with_o he_o the_o assumption_n be_v evident_a because_o else_o such_o their_o parent_n have_v not_o have_v right_o to_o baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o that_o they_o have_v right_a unto_o and_o so_o receive_v it_o and_o the_o same_o right_n they_o have_v the_o child_n have_v who_o be_v include_v in_o their_o father_n do_v express_o engage_v and_o covenant_n but_o these_o not_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o same_o force_n to_o bind_v and_o of_o the_o same_o extent_n in_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o explicite_fw-la and_o implicit_a be_v but_o adjunct_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o be_v not_o come_v into_o covenant_n the_o same_o way_n that_o their_o parent_n do_v viz._n by_o explicit_a personal_a covenant_v but_o be_v take_v in_o by_o the_o father_n covenant_v for_o they_o and_o themselves_o yet_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o they_o be_v not_o less_o true_o or_o less_o complete_o in_o covenant_n the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n guide_v we_o in_o those_o way_n i_o rest_v milford_n june_n 12._o 1651._o your_o love_a brother_n peter_n prudden_n unto_o these_o may_v have_v be_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o that_o reverend_n and_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n mr._n john_n wilson_n the_o first_o pastor_n of_o the_o first_o church_n in_o boston_n but_o his_o judgement_n touch_v the_o question_n in_o hand_n be_v know_v to_o all_o that_o know_v he_o and_o the_o reader_n be_v refer_v to_o his_o die_a spee_n his_fw-mi concern_v this_o matter_n which_o be_v insert_v in_o the_o book_n call_v new_a england_n memorial_n pag._n 183._o 184._o which_o because_o they_o be_v among_o the_o last_o word_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o man_n can_v without_o great_a sin_n be_v despise_v or_o disregard_v also_o we_o may_v have_v mention_v the_o judgement_n of_o reverend_a mr._n norris_n which_o that_o it_o do_v concur_v with_o what_o have_v be_v express_v be_v to_o be_v see_v from_o the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n in_o salem_n viz._n in_o their_o record_n of_o the_o 24_o of_o the_o first_o month_n and_o of_o the_o 9th_o of_o the_o five_o month_n and_o six_o month_n anno_fw-la 1654._o likewise_o we_o may_v have_v produce_v the_o judgement_n of_o mr._n philip_n sometime_o the_o faithful_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o watertown_n but_o the_o reader_n be_v for_o that_o refer_v to_o the_o preface_n in_o the_o synod_n book_n also_o that_o some_o godly_a and_o judicious_a of_o the_o congregational_a way_n in_o england_n be_v for_o a_o great_a latitude_n in_o the_o point_n of_o baptism_n than_o our_o dissent_v antisynodalian_a brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v be_v manifest_a from_o what_o â—undry_a learned_a man_n of_o that_o way_n have_v long_a sincâ—_n publish_v for_o doctor_n owen_n in_o his_o review_n of_o scâ—asmâ—_n pag_n 134_o thus_o express_v himself_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o confine_v baptism_n subjective_a y_o to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n that_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o any_o m_o mber_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v ever_o regular_o baptize_v baptism_n precede_v admission_n into_o church_n membership_n as_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o subject_a of_o it_o be_v profess_v believer_n and_o their_o seed_n as_o such_o they_o have_v right_a unto_o it_o whether_o they_o be_v join_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o no_o suitable_a to_o this_o judgement_n have_v be_v my_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a practice_n likewise_o doctor_n nathaniel_n homes_n in_o his_o defence_n of_o infant_n baptism_n against_o mr._n tomb_n have_v these_o word_n pag_n 193._o for_o baptise_v of_o believer_n infant_n several_a church_n of_o we_o do_v hold_n that_o we_o may_v baptize_v they_o though_o neither_o of_o their_o parent_n be_v of_o our_o particular_a church_n baptism_n as_o we_o conceive_v be_v a_o admission_n into_o the_o universal_a shall_fw-mi sinle_fw-mi church_n etc._n etc._n and_o again_o pag_n 217._o mr._n tomb_n have_v make_v this_o objection_n that_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n have_v occasion_v on_o uâ—neâ—essary_a dispute_n about_o baptise_v the_o infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n that_o be_v not_o member_n of_o gather_a church_n i_o never_o say_v doctor_n homes_n perceive_v the_o world_n trouble_v with_o this_o dispute_n divers_a church_n without_o dispute_n can_v practise_v the_o baptise_v of_o such_o etc._n etc._n thus_o he_o see_v also_o in_o the_o same_o book_n 207_o 208_o 215._o with_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n and_o the_o collector_n of_o these_o testimony_n have_v late_o receive_v letter_n from_o sundry_a eminent_a divine_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n in_o england_n declare_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o elder_n with_o they_o be_v general_o according_a to_o what_o have_v be_v now_o express_v by_o these_o thing_n therefore_o which_o have_v be_v thus_o far_o express_v it_o be_v very_o manifest_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n be_v no_o apostasy_n from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o new-england_n nor_o yet_o any_o declension_n from_o the_o congregational_a way_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o proceed_v
to_o the_o other_o question_n about_o communion_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n now_o concern_v that_o it_o be_v less_o needful_a to_o produce_v many_o testimony_n that_o there_o in_o the_o synod_n introduce_v not_o any_o innovation_n for_o some_o that_o dissent_v from_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n about_o baptism_n yet_o in_o this_o last_o concur_v yea_o there_o be_v a_o unanimous_a and_o universal_a assent_n to_o the_o answer_v give_v to_o this_o second_o question_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o antisynodalia_fw-la americanâ—_n do_v acknowledge_v where_o pag._n 12._o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o second_o question_n we_o do_v full_o agree_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o all_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o about_o it_o together_o with_o the_o proof_n thereof_o we_o shall_v therefore_o among_o our_o new_a english_a worthy_n only_o mention_v the_o judgement_n of_o mr._n cotton_n concern_v this_o question_n which_o what_o it_o be_v may_v be_v see_v large_o express_v in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o key_n pag._n 54_o etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v those_o that_o will_v remember_v that_o when_o that_o eminent_a minister_n of_o christ_n mr._n mitchel_n be_v ordain_v pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o cambridg_n mr._n cotton_n give_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o messenger_n of_o church_n the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n serious_o advise_v he_o to_o endeavour_v and_o that_o faithful_a man_n be_v ever_o mindful_a of_o that_o solemn_a advice_n that_o that_o ordinance_n of_o consociation_n of_o church_n may_v be_v due_o practise_v great_o bewail_v the_o defect_n of_o these_o church_n as_o to_o that_o particular_a yea_o mr._n cotton_v heart_n be_v much_o upon_o this_o thing_n in_o his_o latter_a time_n foresee_v that_o without_o it_o these_o church_n and_o the_o congregational_a way_n can_v not_o stand_v he_o do_v therefore_o not_o long_o before_o his_o decease_n draw_v up_o some_o proposition_n which_o be_v expressive_a of_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o this_o consociation_n plead_v for_o which_o because_o they_o be_v as_o be_v write_v by_o his_o hand_n they_o can_v but_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o worth_n we_o shall_v therefore_o here_o insert_v and_o publish_v they_o proposition_n concern_v consociation_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n tender_v to_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o consideration_n and_o acceptance_n according_a to_o god_n proposition_n i._n every_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n viz._n a_o particular_a congregation_n furnish_v with_o a_o presly_n ery_z and_o walk_a in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n full_a power_n ecclesiastical_a within_o itself_o both_o of_o liberty_n to_o receive_v she_o own_o member_n to_o choose_v she_o own_o officer_n and_o the_o like_a and_o also_o of_o authority_n to_o administer_v sacrament_n censure_v she_o own_o offender_n and_o restore_v penitent_n mat._n 18_o 18_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5._o act_n 6.2_o etc._n etc._n and_o 14_o 23._o so_o as_o this_o consociation_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n but_o only_o by_o counsel_n from_o the_o word_n to_o direct_v and_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o right_a administration_n thereof_o upon_o all_o just_a occasion_n proposition_n ii_o althought_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v independent_a on_o each_o other_o and_o have_v equal_o the_o high_a power_n ecclesiastical_a under_o christ_n and_o be_v lead_v with_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o yet_o paul_n with_o barnabas_n and_o titus_n go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o by_o revelation_n not_o only_o to_o confer_v and_o consult_v with_o the_o apostle_n about_o his_o doctrine_n leave_v he_o have_v or_o shall_v run_v in_o vain_a gal_n 2.1_o 2._o but_o also_o consociate_v or_o make_v agreement_n with_o they_o by_o mutual_a give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n to_o dispose_v the_o course_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o provision_n for_o the_o poor_a that_o so_o they_o may_v procure_v the_o more_o free_a and_o effectual_a passage_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v much_o rather_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o also_o very_o profitable_a and_o needful_a for_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o church_n though_o equal_a in_o power_n want_v that_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o comer_n and_o consult_v and_o consociate_v or_o agree_v together_o about_o all_o such_o weighty_a matter_n in_o which_o counsel_n and_o concurrence_n to_o avoid_v suspicion_n of_o prejudice_n and_o partiality_n and_o so_o to_o expedite_v the_o free_a passage_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o all_o proposition_n iii_o if_o when_o peter_n give_v offence_n at_o antioch_n the_o apostle_n paul_n take_v liberty_n to_o rebuke_v he_o before_o they_o all_o though_o he_o be_v his_o equal_a in_o place_n and_o power_n and_o that_o no_o doubt_n out_o of_o that_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n which_o he_o owe_v unto_o he_o and_o to_o the_o truth_n peter_n also_o submit_v thereunto_o than_o it_o may_v well_o stand_v with_o the_o equality_n of_o church_n out_o of_o their_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o admonish_v each_o other_o in_o case_n of_o public_a offence_n and_o submit_v to_o such_o admonition_n from_o the_o word_n in_o meckness_n of_o wisdom_n as_o to_o the_o will_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v such_o satisfaction_n as_o the_o rule_n do_v require_v proposition_n iu._n out_o of_o question_n the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o bode_n king_n and_o compassionate_a high_a pâ—â—â—st_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n have_v as_o great_a a_o love_n and_o care_n of_o the_o purity_n peace_n and_o edisocation_n of_o whole_a church_n as_o of_o particular_a saint_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o those_o epistle_n send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n galatia_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o heal_v the_o public_a error_n diffention_n and_o other_o corruption_n find_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o certain_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o sanctify_v some_o sufficient_a mean_a to_o preserve_v their_o purity_n and_o peace_n to_o heal_v and_o help_v the_o evil_n and_o distemper_n of_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o of_o particular_a believer_n now_o then_o since_o apostle_n and_o other_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v cease_v that_o have_v power_n in_o all_o church_n and_o only_a love_n remain_v what_o other_o ecclesiastical_a help_n be_v there_o leave_v without_o infringe_v the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o brotherly_a love_n mutual_a watchfulness_n brotherly_a care_n and_o counsel_n which_o elder_n and_o church_n ought_v therefore_o to_o practise_v towards_o each_o other_o in_o this_o way_n of_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o assistance_n on_o all_o just_a occasion_n proposition_n v._n upon_o these_o and_o other_o scripture_n ground_n and_o example_n and_o for_o the_o end_n above_o say_v it_o be_v very_o meet_a and_o requisite_a according_a to_o our_o present_a practice_n that_o when_o any_o company_n of_o christian_n intend_v to_o unite_v themselves_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o a_o church_n or_o be_v in_o a_o church_n state_n to_o elect_v and_o ordain_v any_o elder_n over_o they_o that_o in_o due_a time_n they_o signify_v their_o intention_n to_o the_o neighbour_a church_n walk_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o such_o may_v be_v have_v desire_v their_o presence_n assistance_n and_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n that_o as_o a_o church_n be_v a_o city_n set_v upon_o a_o hill_n so_o the_o act_n thereof_o may_v not_o be_v as_o a_o light_n put_v under_o a_o bushel_n but_o may_v so_o shine_v forth_o to_o all_o other_o church_n behold_v and_o approve_v their_o orderly_a proceed_n as_o they_o may_v the_o more_o ready_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o walk_v with_o more_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n in_o brotherly_a love_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n proposition_n vi._n in_o such_o matter_n of_o public_a censure_n wherein_o through_o the_o obscenity_n and_o difficulty_n thereof_o or_o otherwise_o there_o do_v arise_v difference_n tend_v to_o dangerous_a division_n and_o distraction_n in_o the_o church_n or_o offence_n to_o other_o church_n in_o all_o such_o caâ—es_v it_o be_v meet_v and_o requisite_a that_o the_o church_n proceed_v advise_o with_o the_o counsel_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o elder_a or_o elder_n with_o other_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a brethâ—â—â—_n of_o other_o church_n clear_v up_o from_o the_o word_n what_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v do_v proposition_n vii_o not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o censure_n but_o also_o in_o other_o case_n of_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n wherein_o for_o want_v of_o light_n or_o of_o the_o
spirit_n of_o meckness_n and_o love_n there_o do_v grow_v dissension_n in_o any_o church_n as_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n about_o circumsision_n the_o church_n so_o divide_v shall_v do_v wise_o and_o safe_o not_o to_o proceed_v to_o determine_v the_o case_n by_o a_o major_a vâ—te_n to_o the_o unsatisfaction_n and_o offence_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n among_o themselves_o or_o the_o offence_n of_o other_o church_n but_o ought_v rather_o to_o bring_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o hear_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n who_o be_v desire_v aught_o ready_o to_o meet_v together_o and_o serious_o as_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o case_n search_v out_o by_o the_o word_n what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n therein_o by_o themselves_o if_o present_a or_o otherwise_o by_o letter_n and_o messenger_n to_o declare_v to_o the_o church_n what_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o shall_v walk_v by_o which_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o all_o due_a respect_n according_a to_o god_n act_v 15._o proposition_n viii_o as_o there_o be_v a_o brotherhood_n of_o member_n in_o the_o same_o church_n so_o there_o be_v a_o brotherhood_n of_o church_n be_v all_o fellow_n member_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o so_o bind_v to_o have_v a_o mâ—utal_a care_n one_o of_o another_o cant._n 8_o 8._o it_o be_v therefore_o meet_a and_o requiste_v that_o in_o case_n any_o church_n shall_v fall_v into_o any_o scandalous_a error_n or_o offence_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n than_o the_o neighbour_n church_n or_o church_n shall_v advertise_v convince_v and_o admonish_v such_o a_o church_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o after_o due_a conviction_n by_o a_o neighbour_n church_n and_o again_o by_o more_o church_n the_o offend_a church_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v require_v may_v at_o length_n withdraw_v the_o church_n with_o sufficient_a partience_n will_v not_o yet_o hearken_v to_o their_o brethren_n then_o withdraw_v from_o that_o church_n or_o at_o least_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o refuse_v to_o be_v heal_v such_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o as_o otherwise_o church_n usual_o do_v afford_v to_o each_o other_o proposition_n ix_o in_o case_n any_o member_n shall_v be_v lay_v under_o censure_n in_o a_o church_n by_o the_o major_a part_n with_o the_o offence_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n thereof_o or_o when_o any_o whole_a church_n shall_v seem_v to_o have_v consent_v corrupt_o to_o such_o a_o censure_n upon_o complaint_n of_o the_o grieve_a part_n attest_v by_o the_o dusent_a brethren_n or_o in_o the_o other_o case_n by_o other_o credible_a person_n it_o be_v free_a yea_o requisite_a that_o other_o church_n or_o church_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meckness_n desire_v to_o know_v the_o reason_n or_o their_o censure_n which_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v clear_v up_o to_o be_v just_a than_o the_o other_o church_n or_o church_n ought_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o their_o proceed_n and_o to_o persuade_v the_o censure_v and_o dissent_v part_n of_o the_o submit_v and_o give_v satisfaction_n but_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v refuse_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o procceeding_n or_o not_o final_o clear_v up_o the_o justice_n thereof_o nor_o ease_v the_o grieve_a party_n it_o will_v then_o be_v equal_a for_o any_o other_o church_n to_o receive_v the_o censure_v part_n to_o their_o covenant_n or_o communion_n for_o so_o christ_n receive_v the_o blind_a man_n after_o he_o be_v unjust_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o synogogue_n jobâ—_n 9_o the_o unjust_a act_n of_o any_o church_n can_v appear_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n out_o rather_o in_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o name_n and_o power_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o bind_v in_o heaven_n clavis_fw-la errans_fw-la von_n ligat_fw-la proposition_n x._o as_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o godly_a christian_n in_o the_o church_n without_o any_o scruple_n and_o with_o much_o edification_n and_o increase_n of_o love_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o convenient_a number_n or_o family_n at_o set_a time_n house_n by_o house_n to_o exercise_v that_o christian_a communion_n which_o the_o moral_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v for_o 1_o thes_n 5.11_o col._n 3.16_o heb._n 3_o 13._o and_o so_o 24._o so_o also_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n beside_o other_o it_o will_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n conduce_v much_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o unity_n the_o spiritual_a edification_n of_o many_o by_o mutual_a faith_n of_o each_o other_o to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n do_v meet_v together_o church_n by_o church_n in_o convenient_a number_n at_o set_a time_n not_o to_o exercise_v any_o jurisdiction_n over_o any_o but_o to_o enjoy_v and_o practise_v church_n communion_n by_o prayer_n together_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o conference_n about_o such_o gas_n and_o question_n of_o conscience_n as_o shall_v be_v find_v useful_a or_o needful_a for_o the_o edification_n and_o comfort_n and_o peace_n of_o every_o church_n or_o any_o of_o the_o brethren_n thereof_o and_o this_o course_n may_v tend_v much_o to_o satisfy_v the_o spirit_n of_o divers_a godly_a brethren_n who_o have_v think_v that_o we_o so_o much_o mind_n the_o distinction_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o fellow_n member_n in_o the_o same_o that_o we_o lose_v much_o of_o the_o comfort_n of_o love_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o we_o may_v enjoy_v and_o that_o we_o fall_v short_a in_o some_o brotherly_a love_n which_o we_o owe_v mutual_o to_o our_o dear_a brethren_n of_o several_a church_n for_o the_o better_a improvement_n of_o such_o a_o conference_n 1._o it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o number_n of_o church_n so_o to_o meet_v be_v regulate_v according_a to_o the_o nearness_n or_o distance_n of_o church_n and_o as_o other_o convenience_n or_o inconvenience_n shall_v require_v 2._o for_o the_o time_n of_o meeting_n it_o may_v seem_v best_a to_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o each_o society_n of_o church_n to_o meet_v more_o frequent_o or_o seldom_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n 3._o concern_v their_o exercise_n it_o be_v meet_v that_o the_o elder_n of_o each_o church_n where_o the_o conference_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v shall_v choose_v with_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n some_o other_o elder_a as_o they_o see_v best_a who_o they_o may_v entreat_v to_o preach_v at_o their_o meeting_n and_o also_o to_o desire_v some_o to_o moderate_v in_o the_o conference_n and_o agree_v upon_o such_o question_n as_o they_o see_v fit_a three_o or_o four_o and_o send_v they_o to_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n at_o least_o fourteen_o day_n before_o the_o time_n of_o their_o assembly_n 4._o for_o the_o order_n of_o the_o time_n it_o may_v be_v fit_a that_o the_o sermon_n shall_v end_v at_o eleven_o a_o clock_n and_o after_o it_o the_o conference_n follow_v and_o continue_v so_o long_o as_o shall_v be_v find_v meet_a and_o seasonable_a now_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o counsellor_n the_o everlasting_a father_n and_o prince_n of_o peace_n grant_v unto_o all_o his_o church_n truth_n and_o peace_n always_o and_o â—y_a all_o mean_n and_o he_o counsel_v and_o guide_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n to_o discern_v and_o embrace_v all_o such_o way_n as_o himself_o have_v sanctify_v to_o those_o holy_a ends._n amen_n thus_o far_o mr._n cotton_n and_o that_o this_o be_v according_a to_o congregational_a principle_n be_v evident_a from_o other_o testimony_n for_o the_o messenger_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o congregational_a church_n who_o meet_v at_o the_o savoy_n in_o london_n anno_fw-la 1658._o do_v in_o their_o declaration_n of_o the_o order_n appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n thesis_n 26._o thus_o declare_v in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n or_o difference_n either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o in_o administration_n wherein_o either_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v concern_v or_o any_o one_o church_n in_o their_o peace_n union_n and_o edification_n or_o any_o member_n or_o member_n of_o any_o church_n be_v injure_v in_o or_o by_o any_o proceed_n in_o censure_n not_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n and_o order_n it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o many_o church_n hold_v communion_n together_o do_v by_o their_o messenger_n meet_v in_o a_o synod_n or_o council_n to_o consider_v and_o give_v their_o advice_n in_o or_o about_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n etc._n etc._n and_o doctor_n owen_n who_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o
that_o assembly_n in_o his_o catechism_n concern_v church_n discipline_n pag._n 224_o 226_o 227._o thus_o express_v his_o judgement_n church_n be_v gather_v and_o settle_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o preserve_v a_o mutual_a holy_a communion_n among_o themselves_o and_o to_o exercise_v it_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o those_o duty_n whereby_o their_o mutual_a good_a and_o edification_n may_v be_v promote_v in_o desire_v or_o make_v use_n of_o the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n of_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n whether_o doctrinal_a or_o practical_a as_o may_v arise_v in_o any_o of_o they_o act_v 15.2_o 6._o and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o case_n any_o church_n either_o by_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o precipitation_n or_o mistake_v in_o other_o administration_n do_v give_v offence_n unto_o other_o church_n those_o other_o church_n may_v require_v a_o account_n from_o they_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o fault_n and_o withhold_v communion_n from_o they_o in_o case_n they_o persist_v in_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o that_o because_o in_o their_o difficulty_n and_o before_o their_o miscarriage_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o have_v desire_v the_o advice_n counsel_n and_o assistance_n of_o those_o other_o church_n which_o be_v neglect_v by_o they_o the_o other_o be_v to_o recover_v the_o end_n of_o it_o unto_o their_o utmost_a ability_n gal_n 2.6_o 11._o and_o hence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o that_o be_v right_o and_o just_o censure_v in_o any_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o church_n what_o ever_o both_o because_o of_o their_o mutual_a communion_n and_o because_o it_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v presume_v until_o the_o contrary_n be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o in_o case_n there_o have_v be_v any_o difficulty_n or_o doubt_n in_o the_o proceedure_n of_o the_o church_n they_o will_v have_v take_v the_o advice_n of_o those_o church_n with_o who_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o consult_v thus_o far_o doctor_n owen_n likewise_o doctor_n thomas_n goodwin_n and_o mr._n philip_n nye_n in_o that_o worthy_a epistle_n which_o they_o have_v prefix_v before_o mr._n cotton_v book_n of_o the_o key_n in_o which_o epistle_n the_o congregational_a way_n be_v true_o state_v and_o assert_v as_o it_o differ_v from_o both_o the_o extreme_n viz._n from_o presbyterianisme_n on_o the_o one_o and_o brownism_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n do_v declare_v their_o concurrence_n with_o he_o in_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o association_n or_o communion_n of_o church_n send_v their_o elder_n and_o messenger_n into_o a_o synod_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n unto_o who_o christ_n have_v in_o relation_n to_o rectify_v male_a administration_n and_o heal_a dissension_n in_o particular_a congregation_n and_o the_o like_a case_n commit_v a_o due_a and_o just_a measure_n of_o power_n suit_v and_o proportion_v to_o those_o end_n and_o furnish_v they_o not_o only_o with_o ability_n to_o give_v counsel_n and_o advice_n but_o further_a upon_o such_o like_a occasion_n with_o ministerial_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o determine_v declare_v and_o enjoin_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o reduce_v congregation_n to_o right_a order_n and_o peace_n see_v pag._n 4._o 6_o 7_o 10._o moreover_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o congregationals_n have_v be_v according_a to_o this_o profession_n may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o apologetical_a narration_n publish_v by_o doctor_n goodwin_n mr._n philip_n nye_n mr._n sydrach_n simpson_n mr._n burrough_n and_o mr._n bridg._n in_o as_o much_o as_o those_o famous_a apologist_n as_o paul_n speak_v concern_v james_n cephas_n and_o john_n among_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o be_v pillar_n and_o worthy_o be_v they_o so_o account_v among_o congregationals_n since_o also_o that_o apologetical_a narration_n though_o print_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o but_o few_o with_o we_o we_o shall_v therefore_o here_o transcribe_v and_o insert_v some_o page_n of_o it_o and_o therein_o they_o thus_o declare_v see_v pag._n 15._o to_o pag._n 22._o and_o whereas_o say_v they_o the_o common_a prejudice_n and_o exception_n lay_v into_o all_o man_n thought_n against_o we_o and_o our_o opinion_n be_v that_o in_o such_o congregational_a government_n thus_o entire_a within_o itself_o there_o be_v not_o allow_v sufficient_a remedy_n for_o miscarriage_n though_o never_o so_o gross_a no_o relief_n for_o wrongful_a sentence_n or_o person_n injure_v thereby_o no_o room_n for_o complaint_n no_o powerful_a or_o effectual_a mean_n to_o reduce_v a_o church_n or_o church_n that_o fall_v into_o heresy_n schism_n etc._n etc._n but_o every_o one_o be_v leave_v and_o may_v take_v liberty_n without_o control_n to_o do_v what_o be_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n we_o have_v through_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o from_o the_o avow_a declaration_n of_o our_o judgement_n among_o our_o church_n mutual_o during_o our_o exile_n and_o that_o also_o confirm_v by_o the_o most_o solemn_a instance_n of_o our_o practice_n wherewith_o to_o vindicate_v ourselves_o and_o way_n in_o this_o particular_a which_o upon_o no_o other_o occasion_n we_o shall_v ever_o have_v make_v thus_o public_a god_n so_o order_v it_o that_o a_o scandal_n and_o offence_n fall_v out_o between_o those_o very_a church_n whilst_o live_v in_o this_o banishment_n whereof_o we_o ourselves_o that_o write_v these_o thing_n be_v then_o the_o minister_n one_o of_o our_o church_n have_v unhappy_o depose_v one_o of_o their_o minister_n the_o other_o judge_v it_o not_o only_o too_o sudden_a a_o act_n have_v proceed_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n without_o consuit_v their_o sâ—ster_n church_n as_o be_v public_o profess_v we_o shall_v have_v do_v in_o such_o case_n of_o concernment_n but_o also_o in_o the_o proceed_n thereof_o as_o too_o severe_a and_o not_o manage_v according_a to_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o word_n in_o this_o case_n our_o church_n do_v mutual_o acknowledge_v and_o submit_v to_o this_o as_o a_o sacred_a and_o undoubted_a principle_n and_o supreme_a law_n to_o be_v observe_v among_o all_o church_n that_o as_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o apostolical_a command_n church_n as_o well_o as_o particular_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v no_o offence_n neither_o to_o jew_n nor_o gentile_a nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n they_o live_v among_o so_o that_o in_o all_o case_n such_o offence_n or_o difference_n by_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o common_a law_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o common_a they_o hold_v forth_o the_o church_n or_o church_n challenge_v to_o offend_v or_o differ_v be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o upon_o the_o challenge_n of_o the_o offence_n or_o complaint_n of_o the_o person_n wrong_v to_o the_o most_o full_a and_o open_a trial_n and_o examination_n by_o other_o neighbour_n church_n offend_v thereat_o of_o what_o ever_o have_v give_v the_o offence_n and_o further_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o and_o like_a law_n of_o not_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n the_o church_n offend_v may_v and_o aught_o upon_o the_o impenitency_n of_o those_o church_n persist_v in_o their_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n to_o pronounce_v that_o heavy_a sentence_n against_o they_o of_o withdraw_a and_o renounce_v all_o christian_a communion_n with_o they_o until_o they_o do_v repent_v and_o further_o to_o declare_v and_o protest_v this_o with_o the_o cause_n thereof_o to_o all_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o like_a and_o what_o further_a authority_n or_o proceed_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a of_o one_o or_o many_o church_n towards_o another_o whole_a church_n or_o church_n offend_v either_o the_o scripture_n do_v hold_v forth_o or_o can_v rational_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n without_o the_o magistrate_n interpose_v a_o power_n or_o another_o nature_n unto_o which_o we_o upon_o his_o particular_a cognizance_n and_o examination_n of_o such_o cause_n profess_v ever_o to_o submit_v and_o also_o to_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o for_o our_o part_n we_o see_v not_o then_o nor_o do_v yet_o see_v and_o likewise_o we_o do_v then_o suppose_v and_o do_v yet_o that_o this_o principle_n of_o submission_n of_o church_n that_o miscarry_v unto_o other_o church_n offend_v together_o with_o this_o other_o that_o it_o be_v a_o command_n from_o christ_n enjoin_v to_o church_n that_o be_v final_o offend_v to_o denounce_v such_o a_o sentence_n of_o non_fw-fr communion_n and_o withdraw_n from_o they_o whilst_o impenitent_a as_o unworthy_a to_o hold_v forth_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n these_o principle_n be_v receive_v and_o general_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o mutual_a duty_n as_o strict_o enjoin_v they_o by_o christ_n as_o any_o other_o that_o these_o will_v be_v as_o effectual_a mean_n through_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n to_o awe_n
for_o the_o help_a the_o church_n against_o error_n schism_n and_o scandal_n 3_o that_o these_o synod_n may_v by_o the_o power_n they_o have_v from_o christ_n admonish_v man_n or_o church_n in_o his_o name_n when_o they_o see_v evil_n continue_v in_o or_o grow_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o their_o admonition_n carry_v with_o they_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 4_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v cause_n they_o may_v declare_v man_n or_o church_n to_o be_v subverter_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o otherwise_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n to_o shame_v they_o before_o all_o the_o church_n about_o they_o 5_o they_o may_v by_o a_o solemn_a act_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n refuse_v any_o further_a communion_n with_o they_o till_o they_o repent_v 6_o they_o may_v declare_v also_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o these_o err_a people_n or_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o fellowship_n with_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n you_o will_v say_v what_o if_o they_o care_v not_o for_o all_o this_o answ_n that_o be_v as_o if_o you_o shall_v say_v what_o if_o they_o be_v not_o conscientious_a what_o if_o nothing_o can_v prevail_v with_o conscience_n if_o you_o say_v private_a brethren_n may_v admonish_v and_o declare_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v more_o than_o if_o any_o private_a brethren_n shall_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o a_o synod_n be_v a_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o officer_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o again_o pag._n 47._o he_o have_v these_o word_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v but_o sure_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v so_o far_o they_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o these_o six_o thing_n mention_v to_o that_o i_o answer_v i_o do_v not_o in_o these_o deliver_v only_o i_o own_o judgement_n but_o by_o what_o i_o know_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o those_o brethren_n with_o who_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o converse_v by_o conference_n both_o before_o and_o since_o i_o stand_v charge_v to_o make_v it_o good_a to_o be_v their_o judgement_n also_o yea_o it_o have_v be_v they_o and_o i_o for_o divers_a year_n even_o then_o when_o we_o never_o think_v to_o have_v enjoy_v our_o own_o land_n again_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o let_v the_o lord_n be_v judge_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n for_o those_o loud_a and_o grievous_a outcry_n there_o have_v be_v against_o we_o in_o this_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d postscript_n since_o the_o composure_n of_o this_o collection_n of_o testimony_n it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o take_v unto_o himself_o another_o of_o our_o ancient_a stud_n viz._n worthy_a and_o reverend_a mr._n allin_n of_o dedham_n who_o apprehension_n touch_v the_o controvert_v question_n be_v sufficient_o know_v likewise_o not_o many_o week_n before_o his_o death_n he_o read_v this_o script_n and_o express_v his_o judgement_n thereon_o in_o word_n follow_v reverend_a and_o dear_a brother_n i_o salute_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n i_o humble_o bless_v god_n for_o your_o fruitful_a labour_n in_o this_o your_o collection_n and_o in_o other_o matter_n perform_v by_o you_o concern_v which_o in_o general_a i_o think_v it_o be_v worthy_a serious_a consultation_n among_o your_o friend_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o season_n to_o publish_v the_o same_o 1._o we_o see_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n touch_v the_o church_n seed_n be_v lay_v asleep_o this_o may_v awaken_v our_o drowsiness_n we_o see_v also_o the_o great_a disorder_n in_o church_n for_o want_n of_o seasonable_a help_n from_o neighbour_a church_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o rejection_n of_o counsel_n without_o convince_a their_o sentence_n of_o error_n 2_o dly_z we_o see_v how_o our_o present_a doctrine_n be_v reject_v as_o a_o novel_a innovation_n differ_v from_o first_o and_o primitive_a principle_n 3._o who_o know_v how_o far_o god_n may_v bless_v this_o treatise_n to_o the_o recovery_n of_o some_o if_o not_o many_o from_o their_o erroneous_a opinion_n about_o these_o truth_n i_o conceive_v also_o some_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o cleave_v to_o these_o first_o way_n of_o christ_n in_o new_a england_n may_v be_v seasonable_o add_v i_o rest_v you_o in_o our_o lord_n john_n allin_n a_o letter_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n write_v by_o that_o eminent_a minister_n of_o christ_n mr_n jonathan_n mitchel_n late_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o cambridg_n in_o new_a england_n reverend_a and_o dear_a sir_n i_o have_v deliberate_o read_v over_o mr._n dâ—_n essay_n and_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n which_o i_o now_o return_v to_o you_o with_o thanks_o for_o the_o loan_n of_o it_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v i_o see_v not_o matter_n of_o conviction_n in_o it_o his_o answer_n be_v already_o give_v i_o pag._n 35_o if_o man_n shut_v their_o eye_n when_o the_o light_n be_v hold_v out_o to_o they_o they_o may_v true_o say_v they_o see_v not_o or_o in_o pag._n 6._o they_o that_o inquire_v of_o god_n with_o a_o idol_n in_o their_o heart_n shall_v be_v paenal_o answer_v by_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o counsel_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v need_v labour_n to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n when_o we_o meet_v with_o such_o sharp_a censure_n from_o man_n but_o the_o r._n a._n can_v hardly_o expect_v we_o shall_v find_v conviction_n here_o see_v he_o build_v all_o upon_o this_o distinction_n of_o immediate_a and_o mediate_a membership_n which_o with_o the_o consectary_n he_o deduce_v from_o it_o be_v the_o prora_fw-la &_o puppis_fw-la of_o his_o whole_a discourse_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o distinction_n himself_o in_o pag._n 34_o 35._o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o his_o former_a essay_n neither_o have_v i_o observe_v much_o more_o in_o this_o writing_n towards_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o than_o we_o have_v have_v before_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v not_o see_v it_o as_o by_o he_o explain_v and_o improve_v to_o be_v evident_a before_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a if_o we_o do_v not_o see_v it_o now_o if_o it_o must_v be_v impute_v to_o our_o blindness_n yea_o wilful_a and_o penal_a blindness_n that_o we_o see_v it_o not_o we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o bear_v it_o as_o we_o may_v also_o when_o he_o affirm_v over_o and_o over_o pag._n 75_o 83_o 92_o 103_o 131_o 145_o 152._o that_o we_o ourselves_o confess_v the_o parent_n in_o question_n have_v not_o faith_n or_o be_v not_o visible_a believer_n the_o contrary_a whereunto_o we_o have_v plain_o assert_v and_o how_o many_o time_n over_o do_v he_o say_v it_o we_o call_v they_o mere_a member_n which_o we_o have_v disclaim_v and_o do_v not_o so_o call_v they_o but_o member_n not_o in_o full_a communion_n yea_o he_o say_v in_o pag._n 49._o we_o grant_v that_o the_o person_n in_o question_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v church_n member_n etc._n etc._n how_o shall_v we_o receive_v conviction_n from_o such_o discourse_n if_o his_o meaning_n be_v by_o so_o often_o reflect_v on_o our_o mere_a member_n as_o he_o call_v they_o to_o deny_v that_o distinction_n of_o member_n into_o such_o as_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n that_o will_v seem_v strange_a for_o how_o can_v that_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o padâ—baptists_n and_o he_o seem_v to_o approve_v it_o in_o pag._n 35._o yea_o he_o seem_v sometime_o to_o grant_v that_o some_o when_o adult_n do_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o admit_v to_o full_a communion_n pag._n 76._o 99_o yet_o he_o call_v for_o a_o rule_n for_o two_o such_o sort_n of_o adult_n member_n pag._n 73._o but_o i_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o discourse_n of_o particular_n nor_o be_o i_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o answerer_n it_o be_v casie_a to_o observe_v a_o great_a sharpness_n in_o his_o expression_n to_o i_o then_o else_o where_o in_o this_o book_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v consider_v as_o i_o be_o able_a what_o i_o find_v in_o this_o or_o other_o discourse_n about_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o i_o be_v convince_v of_o error_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_v it_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o issue_v the_o controversy_n but_o by_o such_o voluminous_a writing_n and_o if_o every_o passage_n be_v not_o speak_v to_o he_o count_v himself_o neglect_v or_o unanswered_a and_o that_o which_o he_o have_v before_o say_v stand_v still_o firm_a and_o good_a as_o to_o that_o purpose_n he_o speak_v in_o this_o book_n above_o twenty_o time_n i_o have_v little_a hope_n to_o see_v a_o issue_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v i_o see_v any_o likely_a way_n for_o a_o issue_n unless_o we_o can_v meet_v