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
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
either_o in_o way_n of_o synod_n or_o colloquy_n and_o with_o freedom_n and_o candour_n verbal_o and_o full_o discourse_v the_o matter_n and_o agree_v to_o some_o orderly_a conclusion_n as_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o cause_n wherein_o we_o have_v engage_v i_o be_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o confirm_v that_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o that_o wherein_o not_o a_o little_a of_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v lay_v up_o i_o have_v hear_v you_o intimate_v as_o if_o there_o be_v fail_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o call_v and_o the_o manage_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n and_o you_o speak_v of_o your_o expunge_v some_o passage_n in_o what_o pass_v the_o press_n which_o will_v have_v discover_v the_o nakedness_n of_o the_o contrary_n mind_v though_o i_o suppose_v if_o they_o have_v be_v print_v they_o will_v have_v discover_v more_o the_o nakedness_n of_o the_o author_n or_o author_n then_o of_o the_o subject_n of_o those_o expression_n and_o information_n and_o i_o once_o have_v a_o intimation_n as_o if_o some_o have_v gather_v up_o a_o narrative_a of_o matter_n that_o will_v shame_v we_o much_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v publish_v to_o all_o which_o i_o will_v say_v i_o do_v not_o know_v of_o any_o such_o great_a matter_n that_o can_v be_v object_v or_o of_o aught_o considerable_a that_o will_v seem_v strange_a if_o thing_n be_v right_o represent_a among_o man_n of_o infirmity_n as_o we_o all_o be_v and_o some_o of_o we_o be_v not_o slow_a in_o the_o open_a synod_n and_o other_o way_n to_o own_v ourselves_o such_o and_o to_o crave_v the_o candour_n and_o forbearance_n that_o be_v needful_a for_o such_o which_o one_o will_v think_v christian_n and_o ingenious_a spirit_n shall_v have_v be_v satisfy_v with_o but_o if_o there_o be_v more_o to_o be_v object_v that_o way_n than_o there_o be_v be_v that_o any_o argument_n against_o the_o matter_n and_o cause_n itself_o luther_n refo_n ma_fw-fr ion_fw-fr may_v be_v condemn_v upon_o that_o ground_n for_o all_o know_v that_o he_o want_v not_o many_o fail_n in_o the_o management_n thereof_o god_n love_v to_o humble_a instrument_n and_o to_o leave_v matter_n of_o humble_v upon_o they_o even_o when_o they_o be_v carry_v on_o his_o own_o good_a work_n but_o i_o shall_v be_v sorry_a if_o there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v with_o we_o the_o tyth_n of_o irregularity_n that_o abound_v among_o our_o anti_fw-la synod_n alien_a people_n in_o the_o countâ—_n who_o slick_a not_o to_o despise_v reproach_n and_o distaste_n synod_n and_o minister_n and_o all_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o this_o matter_n whereby_o i_o wish_v the_o lo_n d_o be_v not_o provoke_v unto_o anger_n and_o how_o far_o those_o few_o in_o the_o ministry_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o opposition_n may_v have_v be_v accessary_a thereunto_o i_o have_v rather_o they_o will_v serious_o confider_v between_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n than_o i_o go_v about_o to_o determine_v we_o have_v be_v reflect_v upon_o by_o some_o as_o seek_v ourselves_o and_o drive_v on_o i_o know_v not_o what_o design_n and_o i_o can_v ready_o imagine_v what_o self_n interest_n or_o self_n end_v we_o here_o shall_v be_v lead_v by_o in_o this_o matter_n sure_o i_o be_o for_o my_o own_o part_n that_o i_o prejudice_v myself_o much_o as_o to_o name_n interest_n ease_n etc._n etc._n for_o my_o appear_v in_o this_o cause_n neither_o be_v i_o so_o insensible_a as_o not_o to_o feel_v it_o from_o the_o first_o i_o know_v myself_o to_o be_v a_o poor_a vile_a sinful_a creature_n and_o can_v with_o some_o ceiling_n say_v chief_a of_o sinner_n and_o least_o of_o saint_n but_o in_o this_o particular_a matter_n i_o have_v often_o say_v i_o wish_v my_o brethren_n can_v see_v through_o i_o for_o i_o know_v not_o any_o design_n or_o desire_v i_o have_v in_o it_o in_o all_o the_o world_n but_o only_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n may_v be_v do_v among_o we_o his_o kingdom_n be_v advance_v these_o church_n settle_v on_o right_a base_n and_o flourish_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n purity_n and_o peace_n and_o that_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v be_v promote_v both_o in_o this_o and_o after_o generation_n i_o be_o sorry_a to_o sphnd_v thus_o many_o line_n about_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o the_o cause_n the_o prejudices_fw-la that_o be_v thence_o take_v up_o against_o it_o have_v draw_v i_o thus_o far_o but_o touch_v the_o matter_n itself_o that_o have_v be_v in_o debate_n between_o we_o which_o i_o have_v rather_o be_v discourse_v of_o you_o may_v please_v to_o consider_v at_o leisure_n which_o of_o these_o three_o proposition_n you_o will_v deny_v 1._o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v 2._o if_o a_o man_n be_v once_o in_o the_o church_n whether_o admit_v at_o age_n or_o in_o infancy_n nothing_o less_o than_o censurable_a evil_n can_v put_v he_o out_o 3_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n his_o infant_n child_n be_v so_o also_o the_o first_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o synod_n first_o proposition_n the_o second_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o current_n of_o scripture_n and_o confirm_v under_o the_o new-testament_n beside_o other_o reason_n from_o the_o carriage_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n towards_o the_o jew_n who_o come_v into_o the_o church_n by_o a_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n the_o three_o must_v be_v own_v by_o all_o but_o antipâ—do_n baptist_n the_o frame_n of_o the_o covenant_n gen_n 17._o inferrt_n it_o and_o mr._n d._n imprint_v essay_n pag_n 23._o grant_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n doâ—s_v not_o stop_v at_o the_o infant_n cold._n these_o three_o thing_n be_v all_o of_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o our_o great_a divine_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v to_o mâ—â—_n confirmation_n to_o observe_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o in_o the_o way_n of_o successive_a baptising_n in_o child_n of_o all_o that_o have_v a_o stand_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n though_o with_o too_o much_o laxeness_n and_o corruption_n for_o want_v of_o discipline_n the_o lord_n have_v continue_v religion_n among_o christian_a people_n from_o age_n to_o age_n whereas_o the_o like_a continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o true_a religion_n can_v not_o have_v be_v hope_v for_o not_o propable_a in_o the_o contrary_a way_n it_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n from_o abraham_n to_o this_o day_n since_o god_n appoint_v a_o enter_a sign_n or_o such_o a_o livery_n to_o be_v wear_v by_o his_o people_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o world_n that_o a_o people_n do_v continue_v for_o any_o length_n of_o time_n to_o be_v religious_a who_o be_v either_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o uncircumcised_a or_o unbaptise_v the_o lay_v aside_o of_o circumcision_n among_o the_o midianite_n for_o that_o they_o do_v betimes_o lay_v it_o aside_o may_v be_v plain_o gather_v from_o exod._n 4.24_o 25_o 26._o be_v quick_o follow_v with_o the_o utter_a loss_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n among_o they_o and_o other_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n and_o keturab_n i_o know_v the_o bare_a have_v of_o baptism_n do_v not_o always_o keep_v true_a religion_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o the_o want_n of_o it_o will_v quick_o lose_v religion_n among_o a_o people_n to_o say_v that_o a_o people_n may_v be_v religious_a well_o enough_o without_o baptism_n will_v be_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n in_o appoint_v such_o a_o external_a sign_n of_o christianty_n which_o sure_o be_v no_o needless_a thing_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v that_o in_o the_o way_n yourself_o and_o some_o other_o go_v the_o big_a hâ—lf_n of_o the_o people_n in_o this_o country_n will_v in_o a_o little_a time_n be_v unbaptise_v mr._n d._n say_v in_o his_o essay_n pag._n 55._o that_o out_o mere_a member_n as_o he_o call_v they_o will_v soon_o be_v a_o far_o great_a number_n than_o his_o sheep_n and_o lamb_n i._n e._n then_o his_o immediate_a and_o mediate_a member_n both_o of_o they_o and_o all_o the_o generation_n of_o these_o mere_a member_n as_o he_o call_v they_o he_o will_v have_v unbaptise_v now_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o consideration_n how_o subversive_a to_o religion_n this_o will_n soon_o be_v as_o also_o how_o absurd_a a_o thing_n that_o a_o christian_a profess_v people_n yea_o eminent_o profess_v and_o of_o a_o more_o reform_a temper_n then_o ordinary_o the_o world_n hâ—th_v know_v as_o through_o grace_n the_o body_n of_o people_n of_o this_o country_n yea_o and_o of_o our_o member_n not_o in_o fâ—ll_a communion_n yet_o be_v shall_v so_o soon_o be_v the_o body_n of_o they_o unbaptise_v as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o a_o