christian_a but_o a_o heathen_a people_n let_v i_o add_v this_o far_a consideration_n all_o disciple_n or_o act_n 11.26_o christian_n be_v by_o christ_n enjoin_v to_o be_v baptize_v math_n 28.19_o act_n 11.26_o state_n it_o upon_o theâ—e_n people_n that_o be_v call_v name_n or_o count_v christian_n i_o know_v these_o be_v that_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n who_o be_v manifest_v anti-christians_a as_o papist_n atheist_n etc._n etc._n these_o may_v be_v exclude_v but_o those_o who_o in_o regard_n both_o of_o their_o belief_n and_o practice_n do_v just_o and_o right_o retain_v the_o reputation_n of_o christian_n as_o they_o that_o be_v describe_v in_o our_o five_o proposition_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n in_o this_o country_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o do_v sure_o christ_n injunction_n do_v include_v they_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o congregational_a man_n in_o england_n be_v not_o without_o thought_n and_o study_n for_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n doctor_n owen_n in_o his_o late_a catechism_n be_v plain_o with_o we_o in_o the_o main_a substance_n of_o the_o cause_n viz._n the_o baptise_v of_o those_o we_o plead_v for_o though_o it_o seem_v be_v will_v have_v they_o baptize_v in_o another_o notion_n for_o when_o as_o in_o question_n 38_o he_o make_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n to_o be_v profess_v believer_n and_o their_o infant_n seed_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o intend_v baptism_n to_o many_o who_o according_a to_o his_o platform_n be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n or_o may_v not_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n nay_o be_v not_o with_o he_o so_o much_o as_o join_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a or_o institute_v church_n but_o be_v only_a professor_n of_o the_o faith_n compare_v question_v 19_o 39_o 47_o 49._o and_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v expression_n to_o that_o purpose_n in_o other_o writing_n of_o he_o which_o i_o have_v not_o now_o by_o i_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v contain_v under_o the_o expression_n at_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o savoy_n in_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n chap._n 29._o thes_n 4._o the_o infant_n of_o one_o or_o both_o believe_a parent_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v use_v therein_o the_o word_n of_o the_o assembly_n confession_n and_o we_o know_v in_o how_o large_a a_o sense_n they_o take_v the_o word_n believe_v when_o as_o they_o say_v in_o chap._n 26._o thes_n 2._o the_o whole_a body_n of_o man_n throughout_o the_o world_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n by_o christ_n according_a unto_o it_o not_o destroy_v their_o own_o profession_n by_o any_o error_n evert_v the_o foundation_n or_o unholiness_n of_o conversation_n be_v and_o may_v be_v call_v the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ._n how_o plain_a be_v it_o that_o the_o person_n who_o child_n we_o will_v have_v baptize_v be_v profess_v believer_n according_a to_o doctor_n owen_n expression_n believe_v parent_n in_o the_o assembly_n sense_n and_o such_o professor_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o obedience_n to_o god_n as_o do_v not_o otherwise_o destroy_v that_o profession_n all_o which_o say_v the_o savoy_n meeting_n be_v of_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n and_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v not_o have_v any_o part_n of_o christ_n visible_a church_n leave_v unbaptise_v it_o be_v true_a they_o say_v this_o visible_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n as_o such_o be_v not_o entrust_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o any_o ordinance_n but_o they_o may_v mean_v as_o many_o do_v express_o hold_v that_o the_o pâ—â—â—on_n administer_a baptism_n must_v be_v a_o officer_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n though_o the_o subject_n baptize_v may_v be_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n however_o such_o catholic_n professor_n as_o they_o here_o describe_v be_v qualify_v for_o baptism_n if_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v in_o their_o mind_n further_o needful_a we_o do_v that_o you_o may_v hereby_o perceive_v that_o you_o stand_v almost_o alone_o while_o you_o be_v against_o the_o baptise_v of_o such_o as_o be_v describe_v in_o ouâ—_n five_o proposition_n whether_o they_o shall_v be_v baptize_v as_o in_o a_o catholic_n or_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n state_n be_v another_o question_n and_o i_o confess_v myself_o not_o altogether_o so_o peremptory_a in_o this_o latter_a as_o i_o be_o in_o the_o thing_n itself_o viz._n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v yet_o still_a i_o think_v that_o when_o all_o stone_n be_v turn_v it_o will_v come_v to_o this_o that_o all_o the_o baptize_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v under_o discipline_n in_o particular_a church_n yourself_o and_o those_o few_o in_o the_o ministry_n here_o that_o descent_n do_v bear_v a_o great_a weight_n than_o it_o may_v be_v you_o be_v aware_a of_o for_o the_o people_n in_o the_o country_n have_v in_o a_o manner_n no_o argument_n to_o object_v but_o this_o some_o of_o yourselves_o some_o of_o the_o minister_n be_v against_o it_o i_o have_v late_o in_o course_n of_o exposition_n go_v over_o exod._n 4_o 24._o as_o former_o over_o gen_n 17_o 9_o 14._o and_o the_o more_o i_o look_v into_o such_o texâ—s_n as_o those_o the_o more_o awful_a they_o be_v to_o i_o to_o make_v i_o fear_v lest_o we_o shall_v be_v want_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o lest_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v thereby_o displease_v and_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o we_o do_v not_o our_o duty_n while_o we_o let_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n and_o of_o such_o public_a and_o practical_a concernment_n as_o this_o be_v lie_v by_o from_o year_n to_o year_n without_o use_v more_o mean_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o issue_n and_o to_o come_v to_o some_o settlement_n therein_o thus_o you_o see_v with_o what_o freedom_n i_o have_v open_v somewhat_o of_o my_o heart_n to_o you_o about_o this_o matter_n have_v i_o not_o be_v confident_a of_o your_o candid_a acceptation_n thereof_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v do_v it_o i_o do_v affectionate_o thank_v you_o for_o your_o remembronce_n of_o i_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o desire_v a_o continue_a share_n therein_o hope_v that_o i_o be_o not_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o my_o poor_a measure_n uâ—â—nindful_a of_o you_o who_o i_o have_v a_o real_a respect_n for_o and_o do_v hearty_o love_v in_o the_o lord_n i_o be_o not_o without_o hope_n that_o we_o may_v be_v yet_o of_o one_o mind_n before_o we_o die_v an_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o think_v that_o we_o have_v be_v so_o ere_o this_o if_o you_o have_v be_v please_v to_o attend_v and_o pursue_v a_o free_a candid_a and_o through_o debate_n of_o matter_n veybal_o and_o happy_o if_o some_o such_o course_n be_v yet_o â—â—ken_v among_o we_o that_o live_v here_o about_o it_o may_v effect_v a_o accord_n but_o however_o i_o hope_v we_o shall_v meet_v there_o ubi_fw-la luthero_n cum_fw-la zuinglio_fw-it optimè_fw-la jam_fw-la convenit_fw-la the_o lord_n direct_v all_o our_o path_n for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n to_o his_o glory_n the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o rejoice_v of_o our_o own_o soul_n in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o i_o be_o you_o unfeigned_o jonathan_n mitchel_n cambridg_n december_n 26._o 1667._o finis_fw-la
i_o be_o when_o i_o shall_v sleep_v with_o my_o father_n there_o be_v also_o publish_v herewith_o the_o substance_n of_o a_o letter_n write_v by_o mr._n mitchel_n late_o faithful_a and_o famous_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o cambridg_n although_o i_o can_v say_v but_o that_o i_o be_v albeit_o he_o know_v not_o that_o when_v that_o letter_n be_v send_v to_o i_o incline_v to_o the_o same_o apprehension_n about_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n which_o at_o present_a i_o be_o of_o yet_o the_o argument_n therein_o suggest_v be_v i_o must_v confess_v weighty_a and_o powerful_a consideration_n with_o i_o and_o i_o believe_v will_v be_v so_o to_o other_o that_o due_o weigh_v matter_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n for_o which_o cause_n principal_o i_o have_v thus_o expose_v it_o to_o public_a view_n also_o i_o have_v partly_o do_v it_o honoris_fw-la gratia_fw-la that_o i_o may_v testify_v my_o deep_a respect_n to_o that_o bless_a man_n concern_v who_o i_o may_v say_v as_o sometime_o bâ—za_n concern_v calvin_n now_o mitchel_n be_v dead_a life_n be_v less_o sweet_a and_o death_n will_v be_v less_o bitter_a unto_o i_o once_o for_o all_o let_v i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n that_o i_o do_v not_o by_o this_o collection_n concern_v myself_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o every_o notion_n or_o argument_n or_o principle_n that_o be_v by_o any_o of_o those_o worthy_n insist_v on_o but_o my_o only_a design_n therein_o be_v to_o show_v that_o such_o inlargment_n of_o baptism_n and_o that_o consociation_n of_o church_n which_o be_v in_o the_o synod_n book_n assert_v 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 now_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o have_v promise_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n shall_v come_v and_o shall_v guide_v into_o all_o truth_n fulfil_v his_o good_a word_n even_o the_o lord_n send_v out_o of_o his_o light_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o let_v they_o lead_v we_o let_v he_o grant_v that_o there_o may_v be_v peace_n and_o truth_n in_o our_o day_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v may_v praise_v the_o lord_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o his_o righteousness_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o his_o salvation_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n amen_o and_o a_o man_n this_o be_v the_o heart_n desire_v and_o prayer_n of_o he_o from_o my_o study_n in_o boston_n n.e._n 1._o of_o 3_o d_o month_n 1671._o who_o be_v less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o god_n mercy_n and_o saint_n increase_v mather_n errata_fw-la p._n 2._o l._n 11._o for_o hand_n r._n hand_n p._n 4._o l._n 28._o for_o then_o r._n there_o p._n 16._o l._n 24._o add_v deus_fw-la dicit_fw-la p._n 21._o l._n p._n nult_n r._n parent_n p._n 32._o l._n 32._o for_o so_o 24._o r._n hebr._n 10.24_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o new_a england_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n there_o have_v be_v some_o who_o have_v think_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n book_n concern_v baptism_n and_o the_o communion_n or_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v a_o innovation_n and_o apostasy_n from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o new_a england_n and_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o may_v be_v a_o special_a service_n for_o these_o church_n both_o in_o present_a and_o in_o after_o time_n that_o man_n shall_v know_v what_o the_o first_o principle_n touch_v these_o controversy_n be_v consider_v also_o that_o the_o lord_n servant_n and_o messenger_n be_v much_o wrong_v when_o apostasy_n be_v impute_v to_o they_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n aforesaid_a and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o thing_n very_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n who_o be_v displease_v and_o dishonour_v when_o his_o faithful_a one_o be_v traduce_v that_o his_o servant_n shall_v be_v vindicate_v from_o such_o injurious_a aspersion_n upon_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v as_o in_o the_o lord_n holy_a fear_n to_o erquire_v what_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o new-england_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o to_o posterity_n to_o judge_v who_o be_v the_o apostate_n now_o this_o may_v be_v do_v by_o show_v what_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o first_o father_n of_o this_o country_n touch_v the_o question_n in_o controversy_n and_o in_o this_o ensue_a collection_n of_o testimony_n we_o shall_v not_o mention_v any_o of_o those_o reverend_n elder_n that_o be_v yet_o survive_v nor_o all_o among_o our_o decease_a worthy_n only_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o father_n of_o this_o country_n and_o first_o concern_v baptism_n we_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o man_n of_o god_n deserve_o famous_a in_o both_o england_n viz._n mr._n john_n cotton_n late_a teacher_n of_o the_o first_o church_n in_o boston_n and_o what_o the_o apprehension_n of_o that_o seer_n be_v be_v manifest_a from_o a_o letter_n which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n in_o the_o name_n and_o with_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o then_o be_v in_o this_o boston_n to_o the_o church_n in_o dorchester_n because_o the_o letter_n be_v of_o ancient_a date_n and_o so_o give_v a_o great_a light_n towards_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v before_o we_o we_o shall_v therefore_o here_o insert_v it_o word_n for_o word_n as_o it_o be_v write_v with_o mr._n cotton_v own_o hand_n it_o be_v that_o which_o follow_v to_o our_o reverend_n and_o belove_a brethren_n the_o elder_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o dorchester_n grace_n and_o peace_n from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n the_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o you_o propound_v to_o our_o consideration_n to_o wit_n whether_o a_o grand_a father_n be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n may_v claim_v baptism_n to_o his_o grandchild_n who_o next_o parent_n be_v not_o receive_v into_o church_n covenant_n have_v be_v deliberate_o treat_v of_o in_o our_o church_n assemble_v together_o public_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o upon_o due_a and_o serious_a discourse_n about_o the_o point_n it_o seem_v good_a unto_o we_o all_o with_o one_o accord_n and_o agreeable_a as_o we_o believe_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o grandfather_n may_v lawful_o claim_v that_o privilege_n to_o his_o grandchild_n baptize_v by_o right_a of_o the_o grandfather_n covenant_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o grand_a father_n education_n for_o as_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n undertake_v to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o the_o believer_n and_o his_o seed_n so_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o relative_n the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n require_v that_o the_o believer_n do_v undertake_v that_o himself_o and_o his_o seed_n do_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o become_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o can_v undertake_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o seed_n unless_o they_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o education_n 2._o this_o other_o caution_n also_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v requisite_a that_o the_o parent_n of_o the_o child_n do_v not_o thereby_o take_v occasion_n to_o neglect_v the_o due_a and_o seasonable_a preparation_n of_o themselves_o for_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o his_o church_n these_o caution_n premise_v and_o observe_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o grandchild_n by_o right_a of_o his_o grandfather_n covenant_n we_o believe_v to_o be_v warrant_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o this_o reason_n where_o there_o be_v a_o stipulation_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n and_o restipulation_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o man_n part_n there_o may_v be_v a_o obsignation_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o both_o part_n or_o in_o plain_a word_n where_o there_o be_v a_o offer_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n and_o a_o receive_n and_o undertake_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o man_n part_n there_o may_v be_v a_o seal_n of_o it_o on_o both_o part_n but_o here_o be_v a_o offer_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n gen._n 17.7_o where_o god_n say_v that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n that_o be_v to_o the_o believer_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o by_o seed_n be_v not_o there_o mean_v the_o next_o seed_n only_o but_o seed_n seed_n also_o to_o many_o generation_n isai_n 59.21_o and_o here_o be_v likewise_o a_o receive_n and_o undertake_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o man_n part_n see_v the_o grandfather_n receive_v the_o covenant_n by_o his_o faith_n and_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o by_o his_o desire_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n and_o he_o undertake_v also_o the_o
keep_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o bring_v up_o his_o grandchild_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o live_v and_o walk_v as_o himself_o do_v as_o one_o of_o god_n people_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n from_o whence_o the_o conclusion_n evident_o follow_v that_o therefore_o baptism_n may_v there_o be_v administer_v to_o seal_v up_o the_o covenant_n where_o the_o grandfather_n receive_v the_o covenant_n &_o undertake_v to_o bring_v up_o his_o grand_a child_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o covenant_n against_o this_o argument_n it_o be_v object_v by_o some_o what_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1_o cor._n 7.14_o where_o if_o both_o the_o husband_n and_o the_o wife_n who_o be_v the_o next_o parent_n of_o the_o child_n be_v unbelieving_a the_o child_n be_v pronounce_v unclean_a and_o therefore_o uncapable_a of_o the_o holy_a covenant_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a seal_n of_o it_o whereto_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o word_n in_o the_o tex_n translate_v unbelieving_a be_v in_o the_o original_a infidel_n now_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o on_o infidel_n and_o a_o carnal_a christian_a as_o then_o be_v among_o the_o lewes_z a_o difference_n between_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o carnal_a israelite_n though_o the_o child_n be_v unclean_a where_o both_o the_o parent_n be_v pagan_n and_o infidel_n yet_o we_o may_v not_o account_v such_o parent_n for_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n who_o be_v themselves_o baptize_v and_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o live_v without_o notorious_a scandalous_a crime_n though_o they_o give_v not_o clear_a evidence_n of_o their_o regenerate_a estate_n nor_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o church_n covenant_n after_o this_o answer_n give_v there_o be_v no_o father_n reply_v against_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a some_o of_o the_o brethren_n express_v their_o consent_n with_o addition_n of_o other_o reason_n and_o all_o of_o they_o by_o their_o silence_n we_o do_v therefore_o profess_v it_o to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n and_o as_o we_o believ_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o caution_n be_v observe_v as_o have_v be_v mention_v that_o the_o grandfather_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o baptism_n to_o his_o grandchild_n though_o his_o next_o seed_n the_o parent_n of_o the_o child_n be_v not_o receive_v themselves_o into_o church_n covenant_n wherein_o nevertheless_o we_o desire_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v not_o as_o presume_v to_o judge_v other_o who_o happy_o may_v be_v of_o different_a opinion_n in_o this_o point_n or_o to_o direct_v you_o who_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n give_v to_o you_o able_a to_o direct_v yourselves_o and_o we_o also_o in_o the_o lord_n but_o as_o willing_a in_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n to_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n with_o you_o and_o in_o brotherly_a love_n to_o satisfy_v your_o request_n and_o demand_v touch_v this_o question_n now_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o go_v on_o to_o build_v up_o his_o holy_a kingdom_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o in_o the_o gracious_a administration_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n among_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o who_o we_o rest_v your_o love_a brethren_n john_n cotton_n tho._n oliver_n tho._n leveret_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n boston_n decemb._n the_o 16_o 1634._o now_o this_o be_v a_o great_a testimony_n for_o if_o anno_fw-la 1634._o which_o be_v among_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o these_o church_n if_o then_o a_o grand_a father_n such_o caution_n be_v observe_v as_o have_v be_v mention_v be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n may_v claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o baptism_n to_o his_o grand_a child_n though_o his_o next_o seed_n the_o immediate_a parent_n of_o the_o child_n be_v not_o receive_v themselves_o into_o full_a communion_n if_o then_o also_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o a_o infidel_n and_o a_o carnal_a christian_a as_o then_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n a_o difference_n between_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o carnal_a israelite_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o account_v such_o parent_n for_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n and_o so_o not_o their_o child_n for_o unclean_a who_o be_v themselves_o baptize_v and_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o live_v without_o notorious_a scandalous_a crime_n though_o they_o give_v not_o clear_a evidence_n of_o their_o regenerate_v estate_n if_o this_o be_v true_a doctrine_n anno_fw-la 1634._o posterity_n will_v see_v who_o be_v the_o apostate_n from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o new-england_n whether_o they_o who_o principle_n be_v for_o a_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n unto_o some_o who_o next_o patent_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o they_o that_o do_v oppose_v such_o a_o practice_n there_o be_v also_o to_o be_v see_v another_o large_a and_o judicious_a letter_n of_o mr._n cotton_v write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o a_o friend_n of_o he_o in_o england_n touch_v accommodation_n and_o communion_n between_o those_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o congregational_a persuasion_n the_o letter_n bear_v date_n the_o 8._o 11._o month_n 1648._o and_o therein_o mr._n cotâ—on_n deliver_v his_o judgement_n in_o twelve_o proposition_n which_o be_v too_o large_a here_o to_o be_v insert_v only_o the_o eight_o of_o these_o proposition_n be_v direct_o to_o our_o purpose_n we_o shall_v here_o transcribe_v it_o the_o word_n of_o it_o be_v these_o if_o the_o godly_a member_n of_o a_o congregation_n former_o subject_a to_o episcopacy_n repent_v of_o their_o sinful_a subordination_n thereto_o shall_v be_v studious_a of_o reformation_n and_o shall_v solemn_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v the_o same_o and_o shall_v choose_v their_o former_a godly_a minister_n into_o the_o pastor_n &_o teacher_n office_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a they_o shall_v take_v the_o ignorant_a or_o carnal_a member_n of_o the_o parish_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o this_o renew_a election_n of_o their_o minister_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o the_o minister_n may_v perform_v some_o ministerial_a act_n to_o they_o as_o not_o only_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o they_o but_o happy_o also_o to_o baptize_v their_o child_n for_o such_o member_n be_v like_o the_o church_n member_n with_o we_o baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n yet_o not_o receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n nor_o admit_v to_o fellowship_n of_o vote_v in_o admission_n election_n censure_n till_o they_o come_v to_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o lie_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n before_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o covenant_n thereof_o their_o child_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o the_o first_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o in_o this_o case_n till_o the_o parent_n themselves_o grow_v scandalous_a and_o thereby_o cast_v off_o out_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o church_n also_o to_o a_o reverend_a person_n yet_o survive_v in_o this_o country_n who_o in_o a_o letter_n bear_v date_n 4.4_o month_n 1649._o propound_v this_o question_n a_o father_n that_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n one_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n but_o no_o church_n member_n die_v and_o give_v his_o little_a infant_n to_o a_o church_n member_n and_o brother_n of_o we_o which_o brother_n have_v no_o child_n of_o his_o own_o glad_o accept_v it_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o such_o a_o adopt_a child_n may_v by_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n be_v baptize_v or_o not_o mr._n cotton_v answer_n be_v in_o these_o word_n youâ—_n case_n of_o baptise_v of_o the_o child_n of_o one_o fear_v god_n and_o in_o his_o death_n give_v his_o child_n to_o a_o church_n member_n etc._n etc._n i_o propound_v to_o some_o of_o our_o fellow_n elder_n mr._n wilson_n mr._n eliot_n and_o i_o think_v mr._n maâ—her_n and_o as_o i_o remember_v they_o all_o incline_v to_o the_o affirmative_a their_o ground_n be_v the_o text_n in_o gen._n 17.12_o 13._o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o lean_a to_o the_o affirmative_a as_o you_o put_v the_o case_n the_o parent_n of_o this_o child_n be_v not_o a_o indian_a or_o pagan_n but_o a_o christian_a and_o baptize_v himself_o and_o so_o confederate_a with_o such_o a_o church_n as_o we_o renounce_v not_o and_o i_o do_v not_o dissuade_v the_o minister_a of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n where_o the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v not_o want_v etc._n etc._n likewise_o in_o another_o letter_n which_o be_v extant_a under_o mr._n cotton_v own_o hand_n write_v to_o one_o who_o thus_o object_v carnal_a child_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n whilst_o they_o be_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
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