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
3._o pag._n 11._o 12._o now_o if_o they_o that_o be_v confederate_a and_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n and_o if_o also_o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v confederate_a and_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n both_o which_o be_v affirm_v by_o mr._n hooker_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o in_o his_o judgement_n the_o child_n in_o question_n have_v right_a to_o baptism_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o vessel_n with_o mr._n cotton_n and_o mr._n hooker_n there_o come_v the_o godly_a learned_a mr._n samuel_n stone_n late_a teacher_n of_o the_o church_n in_o hartford_n concern_v who_o what_o his_o judgement_n be_v touch_v the_o now_o agitate_a controversy_n be_v know_v from_o his_o practice_n in_o the_o last_o year_n of_o his_o life_n and_o that_o his_o judgement_n be_v suitable_a to_o that_o practice_n many_o year_n before_o his_o decease_n appear_v from_o a_o letter_n of_o his_o write_v to_o the_o reverend_n mr._n mather_n of_o dorchester_n and_o bear_v date_n june_n 6._o 1650._o in_o which_o letter_n he_o thus_o express_v himself_o i_o conceive_v say_v mr._n stone_n that_o child_n of_o church_n member_n have_v right_a to_o church_n membership_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o father_n covenant_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v in_o abraham_n covenant_n they_o have_v membership_n by_o birth_n gal._n 2.15_o 2_o dly_a god_n be_v their_o god_n gen._n 17.7_o 3_o dly_a they_o be_v branch_n rom._n 11._o 4._o they_o be_v subject_n of_o christ_n visible_a kingdom_n ezek._n 37.25_o hence_o 1._o if_o they_o be_v present_v to_o a_o church_n and_o claim_v their_o interest_n they_o can_v be_v deny_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o hence_o there_o have_v be_v a_o sinful_a neglect_n in_o new-england_n of_o such_o child_n who_o have_v either_o not_o be_v present_v or_o not_o receive_v when_o they_o have_v claim_v their_o right_n i_o speak_v with_o mr._n warham_n and_o we_o question_v not_o the_o right_a of_o child_n but_o we_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v comfortable_a to_o have_v some_o concurrence_n which_o be_v that_o we_o have_v wait_v for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o i_o think_v unless_o there_o may_v be_v some_o conference_n of_o elder_n this_o year_n in_o the_o bay_n about_o it_o that_o we_o may_v see_v some_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a our_o church_n will_v adventure_v to_o practice_n according_a to_o their_o judgement_n i._n e._n take_v in_o all_o such_o child_n as_o member_n i_o much_o desire_v that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o meeting_n of_o the_o elder_n this_o year_n that_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n do_v sufficient_o manifest_v what_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o mr._n cotton_n mr._n hooker_n and_o mr._n stone_n who_o all_o three_o as_o be_v intimate_v come_v into_o new-england_n in_o the_o same_o vessel_n anno_fw-la 1633._o and_o they_o may_v just_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o first_o three_o of_o new-englands_n worthy_n in_o the_o year_n 1635._o god_n bring_v into_o this_o country_n three_o more_o of_o our_o worthy_n another_o triumvirate_n not_o unlike_o the_o former_a viz._n mr._n mather_n mr._n norton_n and_o mr._n shâ—pard_n who_o judgement_n touch_v the_o question_n before_o we_o that_o it_o do_v concur_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o sequel_n as_o for_o mr._n mather_n late_a teacher_n of_o the_o church_n in_o dorchester_n what_o the_o apprehension_n of_o that_o reverend_a man_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v the_o present_a controversy_n in_o his_o latter_a time_n be_v well_o know_v the_o ancient_n have_v a_o opinion_n that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d die_a word_n of_o worthy_a man_n be_v oracutous_a because_o the_o soul_n near_o its_o transmigration_n grow_v more_o divine_a be_v that_o notion_n as_o it_o be_v yet_o the_o die_a counsel_n of_o that_o bless_a man_n to_o his_o son_n be_v of_o weighty_a consideration_n and_o that_o mr._n mather_n do_v not_o take_v up_o his_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o enlargenent_n of_o baptism_n in_o his_o last_o year_n only_o but_o that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n four_o and_o twenty_o year_n and_o more_o before_o his_o decease_n be_v evident_a from_o some_o manuscript_n of_o his_o left_a write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n for_o that_o roverend_a author_n do_v in_o the_o year_n 1645_o prepare_v for_o the_o press_n a_o elaborate_a discourse_n which_o he_o entitle_v a_o plea_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o new-england_n and_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o that_o discourse_n which_o contain_v positive_a ground_n from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o the_o justification_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o new-england_n there_o be_v this_o question_n propound_v quest_n when_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o infaney_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n be_v come_v to_o age_n be_v not_o yet_o find_v fit_a to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n although_o they_o be_v matried_a and_o have_v child_n whether_o be_v those_o their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v or_o no._n the_o answer_n be_v in_o these_o word_n i_o propound_v to_o consideration_n this_o reason_n for_o the_o affirmative_a viz._n that_o the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v the_o reason_n be_v the_o parent_n as_o they_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o covenant_n so_o they_o still_o continue_v therein_o be_v neither_o cast_n out_o nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v and_o if_o so_o why_o shall_v not_o their_o child_n be_v baptize_v for_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v in_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o child_n so_o likewise_o be_v not_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n be_v not_o the_o text_n plain_a act._n 2.39_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n and_o if_o these_o child_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n sith_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o which_o be_v one_o main_a ground_n why_o other_o infant_n be_v admit_v thereto_o do_v it_o not_o seem_v unreasonable_a that_o these_o infant_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o nevertheless_o other_o shall_v be_v admit_v and_o these_o be_v refuse_v if_o other_o infant_n be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n upon_o some_o ground_n whereof_o these_o be_v not_o partaker_n than_o there_o may_v be_v reason_n to_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o these_o infant_n and_o other_o but_o if_o the_o ground_n &_o reason_n of_o admit_v other_o be_v common_a to_o these_o as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o it_o seem_v then_o to_o be_v reasonable_a that_o these_o as_o well_o as_o other_o shall_v share_v in_o the_o privilege_n if_o their_o parent_n be_v east_n out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o censure_n or_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o same_o by_o wilful_a apostasy_n and_o schism_n or_o deserve_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o scandal_n than_o there_o be_v more_o reason_n that_o their_o infant_n shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o seal_n but_o since_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o parent_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v a_o good_a reason_n shall_v be_v give_v why_o their_o infant_n be_v debar_v for_o if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o parent_n be_v not_o confirm_v member_n nor_o have_v yet_o be_v find_v fit_a for_o the_o lord_n table_n i_o conceive_v this_o need_v not_o to_o hinder_v their_o infant_n from_o baptism_n so_o long_o as_o they_o i_o mean_v the_o parent_n do_v neither_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n nor_o do_v the_o church_n see_v just_a cause_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o from_o the_o same_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o parent_n fitness_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o baptise_v their_o child_n but_o the_o parent_n and_o so_o their_o child_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n thereof_o and_o as_o long_o as_o this_o do_v continue_v not_o dissolve_v by_o any_o church_n censure_n against_o they_o nor_o by_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n of_o they_o so_o long_o the_o child_n may_v be_v baptize_v these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v see_v write_v with_o mr._n mather_n own_o hand_n anno_fw-la 1645._o now_o if_o six_o and_o twenty_o year_n ago_o in_o a_o book_n write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new_a england_n write_v when_o this_o collection_n of_o testimony_n be_v first_o compose_v it_o be_v but_o 26_o year_n but_o now_o it_o be_v 29_o year_n since_o that_o book_n be_v write_v and_o in_o justification_n of_o tho_o way_n of-hese_a church_n it_o be_v true_a doctrine_n that_o person_n may_v have_v
circumstance_v no_o little_a evil_n and_o danger_n in_o it_o for_o if_o you_o be_v mistake_v than_o you_o oppose_v a_o cause_n of_o divine_a grace_n which_o to_o do_v be_v sad_a since_o god_n look_v upon_o his_o grace_n as_o his_o glory_n eph._n 1.14_o as_o god_n holiness_n be_v dear_a to_o he_o and_o thence_o any_o way_n to_o oppose_v that_o be_v dangerous_a the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v concern_v his_o grace_n and_o if_o you_o be_v mistake_v you_o oppose_v a_o cause_n of_o god_n covenant_n now_o god_n covenant_n be_v marvellous_a dear_a unto_o he_o and_o no_o man_n can_v dash_v himself_o against_o a_o interest_n of_o the_o covenant_n without_o great_a hazard_n and_o if_o you_o be_v mistake_v you_o oppose_v a_o interest_n yea_o and_o a_o great_a interest_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n now_o that_o must_v needs_o displease_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a tâ—at_a christ_n be_v never_o so_o angry_a as_o his_o own_o dear_a disciple_n as_o theâ—_n when_o â—hâ—y_o do_v rigid_o withhold_v somâ—_n that_o be_v child_n oâ—_n thâ—_n kingdom_n from_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mark_n 10_o 13_o 14_o why_o so_o even_o because_o his_o own_o interest_n be_v therein_o concern_v meâ—_n be_v soon_o mouâ—d_v when_o their_o own_o interest_n be_v strike_v at_o so_o be_v the_o holy_a heart_n of_o christ_n much_o move_v because_o when_o child_n â—eâ—e_v kâ—â—t_o from_o he_o his_o own_o interest_n be_v prejudice_v brethren_n if_o so_o it_o be_v that_o thâ—_n doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n he_o truth_n you_o that_o oppose_v it_o do_v what_o in_o you_o be_v ope_v juâ—â—ce_fw-la a_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o so_o christ_n be_v not_o well_o please_v â—ith_n you_o for_o this_o thing_n there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o awful_a scripture_n in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o god_n theâ—_n that_o where_o it_o be_v say_v concern_v christ_n kingdom_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v fall_v on_o this_o stone_n shall_v be_v break_v mâ—â—â—_n 21.44_o brethren_n one_o word_n let_v i_o in_o the_o bowâ—s_n of_o the_o lord_n saâ—â—o_v you_o and_o i_o speak_v it_o not_o with_o a_o desire_n to_o grieve_v or_o â—ffend_v any_o of_o you_o but_o if_o my_o heart_n deceive_v i_o not_o loyâ—_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o you_o and_o to_o the_o succeed_a generation_n in_o new-england_n cause_v i_o to_o speak_v it_o it_o be_v only_o this_o oh_o tremble_v lest_o this_o very_a error_n of_o you_o prove_v the_o break_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o your_o poor_a posterity_n they_o be_v solemn_a and_o weighty_a word_n and_o i_o must_v confess_v have_v always_o have_v a_o awful_a impression_n upon_o my_o conscience_n which_o the_o elder_n have_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o late_a synod_n book_n pag._n 12._o shall_v say_v they_o the_o church_n education_n of_o your_o child_n be_v by_o the_o want_n of_o your_o hearty_a concurrence_n render_v either_o infeasable_a or_o ineffectual_a shall_v they_o live_v as_o lamb_n in_o a_o large_a pasture_n for_o want_n of_o your_o agreement_n to_o own_v they_o of_o the_o flock_n we_o beseech_v you_o consider_v how_o uncomfortable_a the_o account_n hereof_o will_v be_v another_o day_n true_o when_o i_o think_v and_o i_o often_o think_v of_o it_o serious_o and_o sad_o with_o myself_o that_o in_o a_o plantation_n of_o religion_n for_o such_o new-england_n be_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o infidel_n that_o the_o posterity_n of_o a_o people_n profess_v godliness_n yea_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a professor_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v in_o our_o age_n be_v as_o infidel_n even_o not_o so_o much_o as_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o have_v the_o livery_n and_o character_n belong_v to_o christian_n upon_o they_o whereby_o such_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o infidel_n and_o pagan_a world_n what_o it_o have_v to_o other_o i_o know_v not_o but_o to_o i_o it_o have_v a_o most_o formidable_a appearance_n remember_v also_o that_o the_o light_n have_v be_v forth_o in_o which_o respect_n now_o for_o you_o to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n after_o that_o convince_v testimony_n have_v be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o the_o lord_n servant_n will_v be_v far_o more_o dangerous_a and_o provoke_a to_o the_o lord_n then_o in_o former_a time_n among_o we_o when_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o be_v so_o full_o inquire_v into_o as_o of_o late_a through_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o divine_a providence_n it_o have_v be_v a_o three_o word_n which_o i_o will_v say_v be_v study_v well_o the_o point_n of_o infant_n baptism_n acquaint_v yourselves_o with_o the_o scripture_n proof_n for_o that_o ordinance_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o that_o have_v be_v no_o small_a confirmation_n to_o i_o this_o i_o find_v that_o there_o be_v haraly_a a_o argument_n produce_v against_o such_o enlargement_n as_o be_v by_o the_o synod_n assert_v but_o what_o the_o antipaedo-baptists_n wake_v use_n of_o to_o serve_v their_o tuâ—n_n also_o that_o the_o argument_n which_o do_v demonstrate_v paedobaptism_n in_o general_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n prove_v that_o baptism_n ought_v to_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o latitude_n which_o the_o synod_n plead_v for_o the_o last_o word_n which_o i_o shall_v say_v be_v this_o use_v all_o mean_n of_o god_n appoint_v that_o you_o may_v come_v to_o understand_v the_o truth_n in_o this_o matter_n there_o have_v be_v some_o to_o my_o knowledge_n and_o because_o i_o know_v there_o have_v be_v some_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v there_o may_v be_v many_o more_o than_o i_o know_v of_o that_o have_v exclaim_v much_o against_o the_o synod_n book_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o apostasy_n and_o impurity_n etc._n etc._n that_o yet_o upon_o examination_n have_v confess_v that_o they_o never_o read_v the_o book_n much_o less_o have_v they_o read_v other_o thing_n write_v in_o defence_n thereof_o and_o how_o far_o then_o have_v they_o be_v from_o read_v these_o thing_n with_o prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o humiliation_n before_o the_o lord_n oh_o if_o brethren_n will_v prove_v all_o thing_n and_o pray_v incessant_o over_o what_o they_o do_v and_o add_v deep_a humiliation_n to_o their_o prayer_n and_o depend_v upon_o christ_n for_o light_n we_o may_v hope_v that_o god_n will_v either_o discover_v his_o truth_n to_o they_o in_o the_o very_a thing_n they_o be_v search_v after_o or_o in_o some_o other_o matter_n better_o for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n help_v they_o to_o carry_v it_o with_o that_o christian_a moderation_n that_o become_v saint_n prov._n 2.3_o 4_o 5._o ezek._n 43.11_o phil._n 3.15_o 16._o as_o for_o the_o reason_n which_o have_v induce_v i_o to_o this_o ensue_a collection_n beside_o those_o general_a motive_n mention_v in_o the_o introduction_n the_o special_a consideration_n which_o have_v prevail_v with_o i_o be_v first_o that_o i_o may_v please_v god_n in_o obey_v the_o five_o commandment_n by_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o my_o father_n 2_o dly_a in_o that_o a_o special_a advantage_n have_v be_v put_v into_o my_o hand_n for_o this_o undertake_n by_o reason_n of_o my_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o manuscript_n of_o both_o my_o father_n i_o mean_v my_o father_n cotton_n and_o my_o father_n mather_n from_o whence_o these_o testimony_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n produce_v 3_o d_o my_o father_n when_o he_o be_v leave_v the_o world_n do_v commend_v it_o as_o his_o die_a counsel_n to_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v the_o good_a of_o the_o rise_a generation_n in_o this_o country_n and_o in_o special_a that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n and_o when_o grow_v up_o and_o qualify_v as_o be_v in_o the_o late_a synod_n book_n express_v have_v baptism_n for_o their_o child_n what_o impression_n those_o word_n since_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o a_o father_n and_o of_o such_o a_o father_n and_o die_a word_n also_o have_v have_v upon_o my_o heart_n be_v know_v to_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n who_o only_o search_v heart_n and_o converse_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n nor_o be_o i_o able_a to_o utter_v it_o 4_o lie_v it_o be_v know_v unto_o those_o few_o in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o so_o obscure_a and_o inconsiderable_a a_o person_n as_o myself_o that_o i_o have_v of_o late_o be_v near_o unto_o death_n god_n have_v bring_v i_o back_o again_o as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o grave_a i_o must_v needs_o have_v have_v many_o thought_n with_o myself_o what_o i_o shall_v do_v for_o god_n and_o for_o his_o people_n yea_o for_o his_o people_n who_o prayer_n have_v save_v my_o life_n now_o i_o will_v fain_o hope_v what_o be_v here_o do_v will_v be_v a_o service_n for_o christ_n and_o for_o these_o his_o church_n and_o for_o that_o generation_n whereof_o
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