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
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
contentious_a spirit_n i_o have_v conference_n with_o he_o about_o this_o matter_n in_o his_o life_n time_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o he_o have_v now_o write_v he_o then_o express_v and_o tell_v i_o withal_o that_o if_o a_o case_n shall_v be_v present_v to_o the_o church_n in_o any_o other_o way_n by_o the_o brethren_n he_o will_v refuse_v to_o act_v in_o it_o unless_o the_o church_n will_v first_o dispute_v the_o point_n which_o he_o will_v offer_v but_o act_n against_o his_o judgement_n he_o will_v not_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o rule_n require_v to_o tell_v the_o church_n in_o due_a order_n by_o the_o officer_n as_o he_o that_o command_v one_o to_o go_v into_o his_o house_n intend_v that_o he_o shall_v go_v in_o by_o the_o door_n the_o elder_n be_v captain_n and_o leader_n and_o ruler_n heb._n 13.17_o 1_o tim_n 5.18_o and_o therefore_o the_o brethren_n must_v not_o go_v before_o they_o a_o common_a soldier_n must_v not_o begin_v or_o make_v a_o attempt_n without_o the_o captain_n and_o the_o elder_n be_v leader_n and_o ruler_n they_o be_v to_o order_v all_o the_o public_a occasion_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o comely_a manner_n which_o they_o can_v do_v if_o the_o brethren_n have_v liberty_n at_o their_o pleasure_n to_o publish_v what_o seem_v best_a to_o themselves_o touch_v the_o desire_n of_o such_o member_n child_n as_o desire_v to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o i_o do_v not_o yet_o hear_v practise_v but_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o it_o can_v just_o be_v deny_v because_o their_o next_o parent_n however_o not_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n stand_v as_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n within_o the_o church_n covenant_n and_o so_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o baptism_n now_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o stand_a member_n their_o child_n also_o be_v member_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o parent_n covenant_n and_o membership_n as_o well_o as_o they_o themselves_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o covenant_n and_o membership_n and_o they_o have_v not_o renounce_v that_o covenant_n nor_o be_v just_o censure_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o covenant_n but_o do_v own_o and_o profess_v it_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o it_o to_o their_o child_n those_o child_n who_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o member_n of_o it_o baptism_n can_v be_v deny_v unto_o but_o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o member_n of_o it_o ergo_fw-la baptism_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o they_o the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v thus_o the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n as_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o church_n be_v themselves_o within_o the_o covenant_n of_o that_o church_n and_o so_o member_n but_o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n as_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o so_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v so_o themselves_o the_o proposition_n be_v clear_a because_o the_o parent_n covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o child_n deut._n 29._o from_o 10_o to_o 16._o ezek._n 16.8_o 13._o and_o god_n accept_v both_o gen._n 17.12_o 13._o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v faederal_o holy_a they_o be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o their_o father_n deut._n 29._o not_o partly_o or_o partial_o in_o covenant_n rom_n 9.3_o 4_o act_n 2.39_o and_o god_n style_v himself_o their_o god_n as_o well_o as_o their_o father_n gen._n 17.7_o 8_o 9_o and_o to_o have_v god_n to_o be_v our_o god_n be_v to_o be_v in_o complete_a church_n covenant_n with_o he_o the_o assumption_n be_v evident_a because_o else_o such_o their_o parent_n have_v not_o have_v right_o to_o baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o that_o they_o have_v right_a unto_o and_o so_o receive_v it_o and_o the_o same_o right_n they_o have_v the_o child_n have_v who_o be_v include_v in_o their_o father_n do_v express_o engage_v and_o covenant_n but_o these_o not_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o same_o force_n to_o bind_v and_o of_o the_o same_o extent_n in_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o explicite_fw-la and_o implicit_a be_v but_o adjunct_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o be_v not_o come_v into_o covenant_n the_o same_o way_n that_o their_o parent_n do_v viz._n by_o explicit_a personal_a covenant_v but_o be_v take_v in_o by_o the_o father_n covenant_v for_o they_o and_o themselves_o yet_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o they_o be_v not_o less_o true_o or_o less_o complete_o in_o covenant_n the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n guide_v we_o in_o those_o way_n i_o rest_v milford_n june_n 12._o 1651._o your_o love_a brother_n peter_n prudden_n unto_o these_o may_v have_v be_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o that_o reverend_n and_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n mr._n john_n wilson_n the_o first_o pastor_n of_o the_o first_o church_n in_o boston_n but_o his_o judgement_n touch_v the_o question_n in_o hand_n be_v know_v to_o all_o that_o know_v he_o and_o the_o reader_n be_v refer_v to_o his_o die_a spee_n his_fw-mi concern_v this_o matter_n which_o be_v insert_v in_o the_o book_n call_v new_a england_n memorial_n pag._n 183._o 184._o which_o because_o they_o be_v among_o the_o last_o word_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o man_n can_v without_o great_a sin_n be_v despise_v or_o disregard_v also_o we_o may_v have_v mention_v the_o judgement_n of_o reverend_a mr._n norris_n which_o that_o it_o do_v concur_v with_o what_o have_v be_v express_v be_v to_o be_v see_v from_o the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n in_o salem_n viz._n in_o their_o record_n of_o the_o 24_o of_o the_o first_o month_n and_o of_o the_o 9th_o of_o the_o five_o month_n and_o six_o month_n anno_fw-la 1654._o likewise_o we_o may_v have_v produce_v the_o judgement_n of_o mr._n philip_n sometime_o the_o faithful_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o watertown_n but_o the_o reader_n be_v for_o that_o refer_v to_o the_o preface_n in_o the_o synod_n book_n also_o that_o some_o godly_a and_o judicious_a of_o the_o congregational_a way_n in_o england_n be_v for_o a_o great_a latitude_n in_o the_o point_n of_o baptism_n than_o our_o dissent_v antisynodalian_a brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v be_v manifest_a from_o what_o â—undry_a learned_a man_n of_o that_o way_n have_v long_a sincâ—_n publish_v for_o doctor_n owen_n in_o his_o review_n of_o scâ—asmâ—_n pag_n 134_o thus_o express_v himself_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o confine_v baptism_n subjective_a y_o to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n that_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o any_o m_o mber_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v ever_o regular_o baptize_v baptism_n precede_v admission_n into_o church_n membership_n as_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o subject_a of_o it_o be_v profess_v believer_n and_o their_o seed_n as_o such_o they_o have_v right_a unto_o it_o whether_o they_o be_v join_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o no_o suitable_a to_o this_o judgement_n have_v be_v my_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a practice_n likewise_o doctor_n nathaniel_n homes_n in_o his_o defence_n of_o infant_n baptism_n against_o mr._n tomb_n have_v these_o word_n pag_n 193._o for_o baptise_v of_o believer_n infant_n several_a church_n of_o we_o do_v hold_n that_o we_o may_v baptize_v they_o though_o neither_o of_o their_o parent_n be_v of_o our_o particular_a church_n baptism_n as_o we_o conceive_v be_v a_o admission_n into_o the_o universal_a shall_fw-mi sinle_fw-mi church_n etc._n etc._n and_o again_o pag_n 217._o mr._n tomb_n have_v make_v this_o objection_n that_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n have_v occasion_v on_o uâ—neâ—essary_a dispute_n about_o baptise_v the_o infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n that_o be_v not_o member_n of_o gather_a church_n i_o never_o say_v doctor_n homes_n perceive_v the_o world_n trouble_v with_o this_o dispute_n divers_a church_n without_o dispute_n can_v practise_v the_o baptise_v of_o such_o etc._n etc._n thus_o he_o see_v also_o in_o the_o same_o book_n 207_o 208_o 215._o with_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n and_o the_o collector_n of_o these_o testimony_n have_v late_o receive_v letter_n from_o sundry_a eminent_a divine_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n in_o england_n declare_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o elder_n with_o they_o be_v general_o according_a to_o what_o have_v be_v now_o express_v by_o these_o thing_n therefore_o which_o have_v be_v thus_o far_o express_v it_o be_v very_o manifest_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n be_v no_o apostasy_n from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o new-england_n nor_o yet_o any_o declension_n from_o the_o congregational_a way_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o proceed_v
to_o the_o other_o question_n about_o communion_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n now_o concern_v that_o it_o be_v less_o needful_a to_o produce_v many_o testimony_n that_o there_o in_o the_o synod_n introduce_v not_o any_o innovation_n for_o some_o that_o dissent_v from_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n about_o baptism_n yet_o in_o this_o last_o concur_v yea_o there_o be_v a_o unanimous_a and_o universal_a assent_n to_o the_o answer_v give_v to_o this_o second_o question_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o antisynodalia_fw-la americanâ—_n do_v acknowledge_v where_o pag._n 12._o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o second_o question_n we_o do_v full_o agree_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o all_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o about_o it_o together_o with_o the_o proof_n thereof_o we_o shall_v therefore_o among_o our_o new_a english_a worthy_n only_o mention_v the_o judgement_n of_o mr._n cotton_n concern_v this_o question_n which_o what_o it_o be_v may_v be_v see_v large_o express_v in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o key_n pag._n 54_o etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v those_o that_o will_v remember_v that_o when_o that_o eminent_a minister_n of_o christ_n mr._n mitchel_n be_v ordain_v pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o cambridg_n mr._n cotton_n give_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o messenger_n of_o church_n the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n serious_o advise_v he_o to_o endeavour_v and_o that_o faithful_a man_n be_v ever_o mindful_a of_o that_o solemn_a advice_n that_o that_o ordinance_n of_o consociation_n of_o church_n may_v be_v due_o practise_v great_o bewail_v the_o defect_n of_o these_o church_n as_o to_o that_o particular_a yea_o mr._n cotton_v heart_n be_v much_o upon_o this_o thing_n in_o his_o latter_a time_n foresee_v that_o without_o it_o these_o church_n and_o the_o congregational_a way_n can_v not_o stand_v he_o do_v therefore_o not_o long_o before_o his_o decease_n draw_v up_o some_o proposition_n which_o be_v expressive_a of_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o this_o consociation_n plead_v for_o which_o because_o they_o be_v as_o be_v write_v by_o his_o hand_n they_o can_v but_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o worth_n we_o shall_v therefore_o here_o insert_v and_o publish_v they_o proposition_n concern_v consociation_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n tender_v to_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o consideration_n and_o acceptance_n according_a to_o god_n proposition_n i._n every_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n viz._n a_o particular_a congregation_n furnish_v with_o a_o presly_n ery_z and_o walk_a in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n full_a power_n ecclesiastical_a within_o itself_o both_o of_o liberty_n to_o receive_v she_o own_o member_n to_o choose_v she_o own_o officer_n and_o the_o like_a and_o also_o of_o authority_n to_o administer_v sacrament_n censure_v she_o own_o offender_n and_o restore_v penitent_n mat._n 18_o 18_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5._o act_n 6.2_o etc._n etc._n and_o 14_o 23._o so_o as_o this_o consociation_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n but_o only_o by_o counsel_n from_o the_o word_n to_o direct_v and_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o right_a administration_n thereof_o upon_o all_o just_a occasion_n proposition_n ii_o althought_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v independent_a on_o each_o other_o and_o have_v equal_o the_o high_a power_n ecclesiastical_a under_o christ_n and_o be_v lead_v with_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o yet_o paul_n with_o barnabas_n and_o titus_n go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o by_o revelation_n not_o only_o to_o confer_v and_o consult_v with_o the_o apostle_n about_o his_o doctrine_n leave_v he_o have_v or_o shall_v run_v in_o vain_a gal_n 2.1_o 2._o but_o also_o consociate_v or_o make_v agreement_n with_o they_o by_o mutual_a give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n to_o dispose_v the_o course_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o provision_n for_o the_o poor_a that_o so_o they_o may_v procure_v the_o more_o free_a and_o effectual_a passage_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v much_o rather_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o also_o very_o profitable_a and_o needful_a for_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o church_n though_o equal_a in_o power_n want_v that_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o comer_n and_o consult_v and_o consociate_v or_o agree_v together_o about_o all_o such_o weighty_a matter_n in_o which_o counsel_n and_o concurrence_n to_o avoid_v suspicion_n of_o prejudice_n and_o partiality_n and_o so_o to_o expedite_v the_o free_a passage_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o all_o proposition_n iii_o if_o when_o peter_n give_v offence_n at_o antioch_n the_o apostle_n paul_n take_v liberty_n to_o rebuke_v he_o before_o they_o all_o though_o he_o be_v his_o equal_a in_o place_n and_o power_n and_o that_o no_o doubt_n out_o of_o that_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n which_o he_o owe_v unto_o he_o and_o to_o the_o truth_n peter_n also_o submit_v thereunto_o than_o it_o may_v well_o stand_v with_o the_o equality_n of_o church_n out_o of_o their_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o admonish_v each_o other_o in_o case_n of_o public_a offence_n and_o submit_v to_o such_o admonition_n from_o the_o word_n in_o meckness_n of_o wisdom_n as_o to_o the_o will_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v such_o satisfaction_n as_o the_o rule_n do_v require_v proposition_n iu._n out_o of_o question_n the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o bode_n king_n and_o compassionate_a high_a pâ—â—â—st_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n have_v as_o great_a a_o love_n and_o care_n of_o the_o purity_n peace_n and_o edisocation_n of_o whole_a church_n as_o of_o particular_a saint_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o those_o epistle_n send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n galatia_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o heal_v the_o public_a error_n diffention_n and_o other_o corruption_n find_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o certain_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o sanctify_v some_o sufficient_a mean_a to_o preserve_v their_o purity_n and_o peace_n to_o heal_v and_o help_v the_o evil_n and_o distemper_n of_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o of_o particular_a believer_n now_o then_o since_o apostle_n and_o other_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v cease_v that_o have_v power_n in_o all_o church_n and_o only_a love_n remain_v what_o other_o ecclesiastical_a help_n be_v there_o leave_v without_o infringe_v the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o brotherly_a love_n mutual_a watchfulness_n brotherly_a care_n and_o counsel_n which_o elder_n and_o church_n ought_v therefore_o to_o practise_v towards_o each_o other_o in_o this_o way_n of_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o assistance_n on_o all_o just_a occasion_n proposition_n v._n upon_o these_o and_o other_o scripture_n ground_n and_o example_n and_o for_o the_o end_n above_o say_v it_o be_v very_o meet_a and_o requisite_a according_a to_o our_o present_a practice_n that_o when_o any_o company_n of_o christian_n intend_v to_o unite_v themselves_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o a_o church_n or_o be_v in_o a_o church_n state_n to_o elect_v and_o ordain_v any_o elder_n over_o they_o that_o in_o due_a time_n they_o signify_v their_o intention_n to_o the_o neighbour_a church_n walk_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o such_o may_v be_v have_v desire_v their_o presence_n assistance_n and_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n that_o as_o a_o church_n be_v a_o city_n set_v upon_o a_o hill_n so_o the_o act_n thereof_o may_v not_o be_v as_o a_o light_n put_v under_o a_o bushel_n but_o may_v so_o shine_v forth_o to_o all_o other_o church_n behold_v and_o approve_v their_o orderly_a proceed_n as_o they_o may_v the_o more_o ready_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o walk_v with_o more_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n in_o brotherly_a love_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n proposition_n vi._n in_o such_o matter_n of_o public_a censure_n wherein_o through_o the_o obscenity_n and_o difficulty_n thereof_o or_o otherwise_o there_o do_v arise_v difference_n tend_v to_o dangerous_a division_n and_o distraction_n in_o the_o church_n or_o offence_n to_o other_o church_n in_o all_o such_o caâ—es_v it_o be_v meet_v and_o requisite_a that_o the_o church_n proceed_v advise_o with_o the_o counsel_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o elder_a or_o elder_n with_o other_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a brethâ—â—â—_n of_o other_o church_n clear_v up_o from_o the_o word_n what_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v do_v proposition_n vii_o not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o censure_n but_o also_o in_o other_o case_n of_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n wherein_o for_o want_v of_o light_n or_o of_o the_o
spirit_n of_o meckness_n and_o love_n there_o do_v grow_v dissension_n in_o any_o church_n as_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n about_o circumsision_n the_o church_n so_o divide_v shall_v do_v wise_o and_o safe_o not_o to_o proceed_v to_o determine_v the_o case_n by_o a_o major_a vâ—te_n to_o the_o unsatisfaction_n and_o offence_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n among_o themselves_o or_o the_o offence_n of_o other_o church_n but_o ought_v rather_o to_o bring_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o hear_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n who_o be_v desire_v aught_o ready_o to_o meet_v together_o and_o serious_o as_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o case_n search_v out_o by_o the_o word_n what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n therein_o by_o themselves_o if_o present_a or_o otherwise_o by_o letter_n and_o messenger_n to_o declare_v to_o the_o church_n what_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o shall_v walk_v by_o which_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o all_o due_a respect_n according_a to_o god_n act_v 15._o proposition_n viii_o as_o there_o be_v a_o brotherhood_n of_o member_n in_o the_o same_o church_n so_o there_o be_v a_o brotherhood_n of_o church_n be_v all_o fellow_n member_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o so_o bind_v to_o have_v a_o mâ—utal_a care_n one_o of_o another_o cant._n 8_o 8._o it_o be_v therefore_o meet_a and_o requiste_v that_o in_o case_n any_o church_n shall_v fall_v into_o any_o scandalous_a error_n or_o offence_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n than_o the_o neighbour_n church_n or_o church_n shall_v advertise_v convince_v and_o admonish_v such_o a_o church_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o after_o due_a conviction_n by_o a_o neighbour_n church_n and_o again_o by_o more_o church_n the_o offend_a church_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v require_v may_v at_o length_n withdraw_v the_o church_n with_o sufficient_a partience_n will_v not_o yet_o hearken_v to_o their_o brethren_n then_o withdraw_v from_o that_o church_n or_o at_o least_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o refuse_v to_o be_v heal_v such_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o as_o otherwise_o church_n usual_o do_v afford_v to_o each_o other_o proposition_n ix_o in_o case_n any_o member_n shall_v be_v lay_v under_o censure_n in_o a_o church_n by_o the_o major_a part_n with_o the_o offence_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n thereof_o or_o when_o any_o whole_a church_n shall_v seem_v to_o have_v consent_v corrupt_o to_o such_o a_o censure_n upon_o complaint_n of_o the_o grieve_a part_n attest_v by_o the_o dusent_a brethren_n or_o in_o the_o other_o case_n by_o other_o credible_a person_n it_o be_v free_a yea_o requisite_a that_o other_o church_n or_o church_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meckness_n desire_v to_o know_v the_o reason_n or_o their_o censure_n which_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v clear_v up_o to_o be_v just_a than_o the_o other_o church_n or_o church_n ought_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o their_o proceed_n and_o to_o persuade_v the_o censure_v and_o dissent_v part_n of_o the_o submit_v and_o give_v satisfaction_n but_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v refuse_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o procceeding_n or_o not_o final_o clear_v up_o the_o justice_n thereof_o nor_o ease_v the_o grieve_a party_n it_o will_v then_o be_v equal_a for_o any_o other_o church_n to_o receive_v the_o censure_v part_n to_o their_o covenant_n or_o communion_n for_o so_o christ_n receive_v the_o blind_a man_n after_o he_o be_v unjust_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o synogogue_n jobâ—_n 9_o the_o unjust_a act_n of_o any_o church_n can_v appear_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n out_o rather_o in_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o name_n and_o power_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o bind_v in_o heaven_n clavis_fw-la errans_fw-la von_n ligat_fw-la proposition_n x._o as_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o godly_a christian_n in_o the_o church_n without_o any_o scruple_n and_o with_o much_o edification_n and_o increase_n of_o love_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o convenient_a number_n or_o family_n at_o set_a time_n house_n by_o house_n to_o exercise_v that_o christian_a communion_n which_o the_o moral_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v for_o 1_o thes_n 5.11_o col._n 3.16_o heb._n 3_o 13._o and_o so_o 24._o so_o also_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n beside_o other_o it_o will_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n conduce_v much_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o unity_n the_o spiritual_a edification_n of_o many_o by_o mutual_a faith_n of_o each_o other_o to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n do_v meet_v together_o church_n by_o church_n in_o convenient_a number_n at_o set_a time_n not_o to_o exercise_v any_o jurisdiction_n over_o any_o but_o to_o enjoy_v and_o practise_v church_n communion_n by_o prayer_n together_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o conference_n about_o such_o gas_n and_o question_n of_o conscience_n as_o shall_v be_v find_v useful_a or_o needful_a for_o the_o edification_n and_o comfort_n and_o peace_n of_o every_o church_n or_o any_o of_o the_o brethren_n thereof_o and_o this_o course_n may_v tend_v much_o to_o satisfy_v the_o spirit_n of_o divers_a godly_a brethren_n who_o have_v think_v that_o we_o so_o much_o mind_n the_o distinction_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o fellow_n member_n in_o the_o same_o that_o we_o lose_v much_o of_o the_o comfort_n of_o love_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o we_o may_v enjoy_v and_o that_o we_o fall_v short_a in_o some_o brotherly_a love_n which_o we_o owe_v mutual_o to_o our_o dear_a brethren_n of_o several_a church_n for_o the_o better_a improvement_n of_o such_o a_o conference_n 1._o it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o number_n of_o church_n so_o to_o meet_v be_v regulate_v according_a to_o the_o nearness_n or_o distance_n of_o church_n and_o as_o other_o convenience_n or_o inconvenience_n shall_v require_v 2._o for_o the_o time_n of_o meeting_n it_o may_v seem_v best_a to_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o each_o society_n of_o church_n to_o meet_v more_o frequent_o or_o seldom_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n 3._o concern_v their_o exercise_n it_o be_v meet_v that_o the_o elder_n of_o each_o church_n where_o the_o conference_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v shall_v choose_v with_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n some_o other_o elder_a as_o they_o see_v best_a who_o they_o may_v entreat_v to_o preach_v at_o their_o meeting_n and_o also_o to_o desire_v some_o to_o moderate_v in_o the_o conference_n and_o agree_v upon_o such_o question_n as_o they_o see_v fit_a three_o or_o four_o and_o send_v they_o to_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n at_o least_o fourteen_o day_n before_o the_o time_n of_o their_o assembly_n 4._o for_o the_o order_n of_o the_o time_n it_o may_v be_v fit_a that_o the_o sermon_n shall_v end_v at_o eleven_o a_o clock_n and_o after_o it_o the_o conference_n follow_v and_o continue_v so_o long_o as_o shall_v be_v find_v meet_a and_o seasonable_a now_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o counsellor_n the_o everlasting_a father_n and_o prince_n of_o peace_n grant_v unto_o all_o his_o church_n truth_n and_o peace_n always_o and_o â—y_a all_o mean_n and_o he_o counsel_v and_o guide_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n to_o discern_v and_o embrace_v all_o such_o way_n as_o himself_o have_v sanctify_v to_o those_o holy_a ends._n amen_n thus_o far_o mr._n cotton_n and_o that_o this_o be_v according_a to_o congregational_a principle_n be_v evident_a from_o other_o testimony_n for_o the_o messenger_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o congregational_a church_n who_o meet_v at_o the_o savoy_n in_o london_n anno_fw-la 1658._o do_v in_o their_o declaration_n of_o the_o order_n appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n thesis_n 26._o thus_o declare_v in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n or_o difference_n either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o in_o administration_n wherein_o either_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v concern_v or_o any_o one_o church_n in_o their_o peace_n union_n and_o edification_n or_o any_o member_n or_o member_n of_o any_o church_n be_v injure_v in_o or_o by_o any_o proceed_n in_o censure_n not_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n and_o order_n it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o many_o church_n hold_v communion_n together_o do_v by_o their_o messenger_n meet_v in_o a_o synod_n or_o council_n to_o consider_v and_o give_v their_o advice_n in_o or_o about_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n etc._n etc._n and_o doctor_n owen_n who_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o
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
who_o ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v answ_n infidel_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o infant_n of_o one_o or_o both_o christian_a parent_n catechism_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n speak_v thus_o quest_n unto_o who_o be_v baptism_n to_o be_v admin_n stâ—ed_v answ_n baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v to_o any_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o visivie_a church_n and_o so_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n till_o they_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o but_o infant_n descend_v from_o parent_n either_o both_o or_o but_o one_o of_o they_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v in_o that_o respect_n within_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o be_v baptize_v large_a catechism_n these_o word_n we_o see_v be_v not_o far_o unlike_a to_o those_o in_o the_o catechism_n before_o mention_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o collection_n far_o from_o their_o meaning_n to_o gather_v from_o these_o word_n that_o none_o shall_v have_v baptism_n for_o their_o child_n except_o themselves_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n sure_o such_o a_o apprehension_n be_v never_o teach_v nor_o intend_v by_o they_o why_o then_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v to_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a catechism_n or_o deduct_v from_o they_o when_o as_o the_o word_n there_o and_o in_o these_o reverend_a author_n be_v so_o very_o like_a even_o so_o very_o like_a that_o the_o collection_n or_o deduction_n mention_v be_v either_o sound_n and_o just_a from_o both_o or_o from_o neither_o 5_o lie_n if_o the_o parent_n speak_v of_o may_v notwithstanding_o their_o unfitness_n for_o that_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n yet_o be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o join_v to_o the_o church_n than_o the_o appearance_n of_o contradiction_n be_v at_o a_o end_n now_o for_o the_o one_o of_o these_o qualification_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n if_o faith_n be_v take_v as_o it_o often_o be_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n as_o act._n 6.7_o jud._n 3._o than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o parent_n speak_v of_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o this_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o that_o they_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o and_o if_o faith_n be_v take_v for_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v say_v to_o have_v faith_n in_o this_o sense_n also_o see_v it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o that_o beside_o their_o understanding_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o their_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o that_o they_o must_v also_o not_o be_v scandalous_a in_o life_n but_o solemn_o own_o the_o covenant_n and_o therein_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v not_o this_o imply_v some_o beginning_n of_o faith_n can_v person_n have_v all_o these_o qualification_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o seem_v not_o suitable_a to_o charity_n to_o judge_v so_o and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o man_n have_v neither_o faith_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o good_a be_v by_o nature_n therefore_o they_o that_o have_v it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v convert_v to_o it_o and_o so_o the_o parent_n the_o baptise_v of_o who_o child_n be_v in_o question_n be_v not_o without_o the_o one_o of_o the_o qualification_n mention_v in_o the_o catechism_n viz._n of_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o for_o the_o other_o viz._n of_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n this_o can_v be_v deny_v touch_v these_o parent_n for_o as_o much_o as_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o take_v in_o parent_n and_o child_n they_o have_v be_v either_o bear_v in_o the_o church_n or_o take_v in_o in_o their_o infancy_n and_o so_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n if_o so_o they_o continue_v still_o be_v neither_o cast_n out_o nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o their_o infant_n be_v the_o child_n of_o parent_n join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n in_o their_o infancy_n and_o minority_n yet_o now_o be_v adult_n they_o fall_v out_o or_o go_v out_o by_o their_o own_o default_n in_o neglect_v the_o duty_n pertain_v to_o the_o adult_n therefore_o for_o the_o prevent_n of_o this_o it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o they_o solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n and_o therein_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o personal_a and_o public_a act_n of_o their_o own_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n by_o their_o own_o act_n with_o a_o subjection_n of_o themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o as_o these_o parent_n be_v in_o the_o church_n in_o their_o minority_n and_o be_v never_o since_o cast_v out_o so_o neither_o be_v they_o fall_v out_o by_o their_o own_o neglect_n but_o do_v manifest_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o covenant_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a act_n and_o so_o the_o other_o qualification_n of_o parent_n who_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v which_o the_o catechism_n mention_v be_v find_v in_o the_o parent_n speak_v of_o viz_o that_o they_o be_v person_n join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o affirm_v than_o these_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptize_v do_v not_o contradict_v the_o forementioned_a catechism_n at_o all_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o catechism_n against_o the_o baptise_v of_o these_o child_n this_o which_o have_v be_v express_v may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o vindication_n of_o that_o reverend_n and_o honour_a person_n we_o proceed_v â—herefore_o to_o mr._n nortons_n judgement_n concern_v the_o present_a controversy_n and_o that_o the_o apprehension_n of_o that_o judicious_a and_o eagle_n eye_v seer_n do_v concur_v with_o those_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o have_v be_v mention_v be_v apparent_a both_o from_o what_o himself_o do_v often_o public_o teach_v not_o only_o in_o boston_n but_o in_o ipswich_n and_o from_o a_o script_n compose_v anno_fw-la 1654._o by_o that_o learned_a band_n which_o because_o it_o be_v acute_a clear_a and_o distinct_a according_a to_o the_o wont_a manner_n of_o that_o great_a author_n and_o because_o it_o be_v never_o yet_o publish_v we_o shall_v therefore_o here_o insert_v it_o it_o be_v that_o which_o follow_v quest_n whether_o the_o child_n of_o parent_n in_o church_n covenant_n be_v church_n member_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v baptize_v answ_n child_n of_o parent_n in_o church_n covenant_n be_v church_n member_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v baptize_v this_o answer_n stand_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o these_o five_o proposition_n 1._o child_n be_v capable_a of_o confederate_v in_o a_o public_a pâ—â—â—_n 2._o child_n by_o divine_a institution_n have_v confederated_a and_o do_v still_o confederate_a in_o their_o parent_n as_o public_a person_n 3._o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o confederation_n child_n be_v make_v church_n member_n 4._o the_o membership_n of_o child_n confederate_v in_o their_o parent_n be_v a_o distinct_a membership_n from_o the_o membership_n of_o their_o parent_n 5._o this_o distinct_a membership_n give_v they_o a_o proper_a right_n unto_o baptism_n so_o as_o they_o be_v baptize_v by_o their_o own_o right_n and_o not_o by_o the_o right_n of_o their_o parent_n proposition_n i._o 1._o child_n be_v capable_a of_o confederate_v in_o a_o public_a person_n a_o public_a person_n be_v when_o some_o one_o of_o a_o society_n do_v by_o the_o law_n in_o such_o a_o act_n stand_v for_o the_o whole_a society_n so_o he_o that_o be_v but_o one_o person_n physical_o be_v political_o as_o many_o person_n as_o the_o law_n make_v he_o since_o religion_n and_o reason_n both_o allow_v and_o require_v humane_a law_n to_o create_v such_o public_a person_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o community_n much_o more_o may_v we_o see_v cause_n why_o they_o may_v be_v constitute_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n of_o he_o who_o sole_a prerogative_n it_o be_v that_o he_o may_v do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v 2._o that_o child_n though_o they_o be_v uncepable_a of_o confederate_v in_o their_o proper_a person_n yet_o be_v capable_a of_o confederate_v in_o a_o public_a person_n appear_v 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o will_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o rule_n and_o reason_n of_o all_o reason_n â—_o bradward_n de_fw-fr causa_fw-la dei_fw-la l._n 1_o corol._n 32_o polan_n synt._n l._n 6._o c._n â—_o none_o cuilibet_fw-la christiano_n imo_fw-la &_o profane_a pro_fw-la demonstâ—atione_fw-la sâ—fficere_fw-la
a_o public_a person_n in_o the_o first_o transgression_n therefore_o the_o first_o transgression_n be_v impute_v to_o his_o posterity_n not_o only_o to_o he_o rom._n 5.12_o but_o in_o his_o after_o transgression_n he_o be_v in_o this_o respect_n but_o a_o single_a not_o a_o public_a person_n therefore_o they_o be_v impute_v only_o unto_o he_o and_o not_o to_o his_o posterity_n 2_o object_n member_n be_v complete_a or_o incomplete_a child_n be_v member_n incomplete_a not_o complete_a answer_v 1_o do_v this_o distinction_n hold_v yet_o that_o the_o incompleatness_n of_o child_n membership_n be_v not_o such_o why_o they_o shall_v be_v hinder_v from_o be_v baptize_v be_v clear_a from_o pedobaptisme_n 2_o member_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v either_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o communion_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o membership_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o communion_n they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v complete_a or_o incomplete_a because_o communion_n receive_v more_o or_o less_o and_o may_v be_v enjoy_v either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n but_o if_o member_n be_v consider_v in_o respect_n of_o membership_n which_o be_v the_o present_a query_n than_o they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v complete_a or_o incomplete_a because_o membership_n be_v a_o relation_n do_v not_o receive_v more_o or_o less_o as_o a_o little_a member_n be_v as_o true_o a_o member_n as_o the_o great_a the_o hand_n of_o a_o child_n be_v true_o a_o hand_n and_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o man_n object_n 3._o membership_n be_v immediate_a viz_o when_o these_o that_o be_v adult_a confederate_n in_o their_o own_o person_n mediate_v viz_o when_o infant_n confederate_a in_o a_o public_a person_n as_o mankind_n confederate_v in_o adam_n 1_o answer_n though_o adam_n confederate_v in_o his_o own_o person_n i_o e._n although_o it_o be_v the_o person_n of_o adam_n that_o confederate_v yet_o adam_n himself_o confederate_v not_o as_o a_o single_a person_n but_o as_o a_o public_a person_n so_o as_o though_o adam_n and_o the_o parent_n of_o child_n confederate_a immediate_o i._n e._n in_o their_o own_o person_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o confederate_a as_o single_a person_n in_o this_o notion_n scil._n of_o not_o confederate_v as_o single_a person_n the_o condition_n of_o both_o mediate_a and_o immediate_a member_n be_v alike_o 2_o the_o validity_n of_o membership_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o instrument_n or_o medium_n to_o wit_n the_o parent_n stand_v as_o a_o public_a person_n in_o the_o act_n of_o confederation_n but_o upon_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o value_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o effect_n here_o can_v depend_v upon_o the_o medium_n which_o be_v itself_o also_o a_o arbitrary_a effect_n but_o upon_o the_o supreme_a and_o independent_a cause_n the_o membership_n of_o a_o male_a child_n confederate_v mediate_o i._n e._n in_o the_o public_a person_n of_o the_o moâ—â—â—r_n excel_v the_o membership_n of_o the_o mother_n confederate_v immediate_o in_o hâ—r_n own_o person_n because_o the_o mother_n though_o shâ—_n be_v a_o church_n member_n yeâ—â—s_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v a_o member_n constituent_a oâ—_n the_o church_n for_o only_a brethren_n constitute_v a_o church_n in_o that_o they_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n 1_o cor._n 14.34_o 1_o tim._n 2.12_o so_o as_o shall_v the_o brethren_n die_v the_o sister_n survive_v can_v not_o continue_v a_o church_n but_o will_v immediate_o cease_v to_o the_o church_n member_n yet_o her_o male_a child_n be_v not_o only_o a_o church_n member_n but_o be_v also_o capable_a of_o be_v a_o member_n constituent_v of_o the_o church_n 3_o dly_z the_o cause_n why_o a_o member_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o such_o and_o such_o communion_n be_v not_o any_o defect_n in_o membership_n but_o some_o defect_n concern_v the_o qualification_n of_o the_o member_n the_o mother_n notwithstanding_o her_o membership_n be_v inferior_a to_o the_o membership_n of_o her_o male_a child_n she_o be_v as_o be_v say_v before_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o a_o member_n constituent_v of_o a_o church_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o supper_n yeâ—_n the_o child_n be_v not_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n adult_n confederate_v in_o their_o own_o person_n immediate_o upon_o some_o offence_n possible_o fall_v out_o or_o discover_v between_o their_o admission_n and_o intend_a baptism_n may_v not_o be_v baptize_v where_o as_o a_o child_n confederate_v in_o his_o public_a person_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v object_n 4._o child_n in_o their_o nonage_n be_v by_o their_o parent_n only_o material_o and_o not_o by_o themselves_o formal_o and_o actual_o member_n answ_n member_n potential_o be_v such_o only_a in_o possibility_n but_o aâ—_n yet_o non-member_n actual_o membership_n be_v have_v two_o wayeâ—_n either_o by_o confederate_v in_o a_o public_a person_n or_o by_o confederate_v in_o our_o own-person_n child_n be_v actual_o and_o formal_o member_n by_o confederation_n in_o their_o public_a person_n not_o in_o their_o own_o person_n they_o who_o have_v the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o membership_n be_v actual_o member_n child_n confederate_a in_o their_o parent_n have_v the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o membership_n viz._n holiness_n mal._n 2.15_o rom._n 11_o 16._o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o and_o confederation_n in_o their_o parent_n as_o their_o public_a person_n gen_n 17._o act_n 2.39_o therefore_o infant_n confederate_a in_o their_o parent_n w_z re_fw-mi actual_o and_o formal_o not_o potential_o cirumcised_a under_o the_o law_n they_o be_v actual_o &_o formal_o not_o potential_o baptize_v under_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o they_o be_v actual_o and_o formal_o and_o not_o only_o potential_o member_n if_o mankind_n confederate_v actual_o in_o adam_n their_o public_a person_n when_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o exist_v in_o their_o proper_a person_n then_o may_v child_n actual_o exist_v in_o their_o proper_a person_n actual_o confederate_a in_o their_o public_a person_n but_o mankind_n not_o yet_o exist_v in_o their_o proper_a person_n confederate_v in_o adam_n their_o public_a person_n peccatum_fw-la alâ—â—i_fw-la non_fw-la fuit_fw-la alienum_fw-la sâ—deâ—am_fw-la no_o strum_fw-la peccatâ—m_fw-la adami_n fuit_fw-la volunt_fw-la â—â—ium_fw-la 〈◊〉_d modo_fw-la respectu_fw-la nostâ—i_fw-la quia_fw-la ut_fw-la fuimus_fw-la in_o adamo_n nostâ—o_fw-la pa_n entes_fw-la it_o a_o volâ—â—mus_n in_o iâ—lo_fw-la 105._o vedelius_fw-la de_fw-la deâ—_n &_o create_v qu._n 105._o sâ—u_fw-la voluntas_fw-la illa_fw-la adami_n fuit_fw-la voluâ—tas_fw-la totiu_fw-la maâ—sae_fw-la that_o speech_n of_o thomas_n though_o use_v by_o he_o to_o another_o purpose_n may_v apt_o be_v apply_v here_o peccatum_fw-la adami_n fuit_fw-la gravius_fw-la nostris_fw-la secundum_fw-la circumsiantiam_fw-la personae_fw-la non_fw-la autem_fw-la secundum_fw-la speciâ—m_fw-la .163.3_o â—om_n 〈…〉_o .163.3_o if_o child_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o exist_v be_v actual_o guilty_a of_o a_o covenant_n break_v than_o child_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o exist_v be_v capable_a of_o actual_o confederate_v break_v of_o a_o covenant_n suppose_v the_o be_v of_o a_o covenant_n that_o can_v be_v break_v that_o never_o have_v a_o be_v abâ—â—st_fw-la tertii_fw-la adjecti_fw-la ad_fw-la est_fw-la secundi_fw-la adjecti_fw-la valet_fw-la consequentia_fw-la but_o child_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o exist_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o covenant_n break_v witness_v original_a sin_n actual_o inflict_v upon_o child_n as_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o adam_n god_n do_v not_o punish_v actual_o such_o as_o be_v only_a sinner_n potential_o but_o as_o yet_o have_v not_o actual_o sin_v neither_o do_v child_n incapacity_n to_o exert_v church_n act_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v actual_o church_n member_n for_o then_o brethren_n under_o offence_n before_o any_o censure_n brethren_n infirm_v by_o some_o sinless_a accident_n yea_o brethren_n when_o asleep_o shall_v all_o of_o they_o be_v potential_o only_a and_o not_o actual_o church_n member_n nor_o do_v child_n incapacity_n to_o vote_n or_o constitute_v a_o church_n deny_v they_o to_o be_v actual_o church_n member_n for_o thence_o iâ—_n will_v follow_v that_o the_o sister_n be_v only_o potential_o and_o not_o actual_o church_n member_n more_o need_v not_o to_o be_v say_v of_o mr._n nortons_n judgement_n concern_v this_o subject_a we_o come_v to_o mr._n shepherd_n sometime_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o cambridg_n in_o new-england_n who_o beside_o his_o eminent_a ability_n be_v a_o man_n of_o much_o real_a and_o live_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o more_o like_a to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n than_o many_o other_o now_o in_o a_o letter_n of_o his_o dated_n june_n 1649._o which_o be_v not_o three_o monethe_n before_o his_o decease_n he_o do_v assert_v and_o prove_v that_o child_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o their_o membership_n continue_v when_o adult_n and_o that_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v account_v of_o the_o church_n â—â—til_o they_o
positive_o reject_v the_o gospel_n and_o that_o the_o membership_n of_o child_n have_v no_o tendency_n in_o it_o to_o pollute_v the_o church_n any_o more_o now_o then_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o child_n be_v under_o church_n discipline_n and_o that_o some_o person_n adult_n may_v be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n etc._n etc._n the_o whole_a letter_n be_v already_o publish_v we_o shall_v not_o here_o insert_v it_o or_o any_o thing_n further_o concern_v it_o only_o assure_v the_o reader_n that_o the_o letter_n itself_o even_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v still_o to_o be_v see_v as_o it_o be_v write_v by_o mr._n shepherd_n own_o hand_n also_o the_o same_o author_n in_o his_o print_a defence_n of_o the_o nine_o position_n pag._n 143._o do_v maintain_v the_o church_n membership_n of_o child_n and_o their_o subjection_n to_o discipline_n in_o the_o year_n after_o these_o mention_v viz._n anno_fw-la 1636._o hear_v arrive_v two_o other_o of_o new-englands_n worthy_n mr._n partridge_n and_o mr._n roger_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n namely_o mr._n ralph_n partridge_n and_o mr._n nathaâ—â—el_n rogers_n as_o for_o mr._n partridge_n sometime_o faithful_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o duxberry_n in_o plymouth_n colony_n what_o his_o judgement_n be_v touch_v the_o present_a controversy_n be_v to_o be_v see_v from_o that_o model_n of_o church_n discipline_n when_o be_v by_o he_o compose_v and_o present_v to_o the_o synod_n at_o cambridg_n anno_fw-la 1648._o and_o which_o be_v still_o extant_a under_o the_o hand_n write_v of_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o which_o manuscript_n be_v these_o word_n the_o person_n unto_o who_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v dispense_v and_o as_o we_o conceive_v aught_o to_o be_v be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o year_n and_o convert_v from_o their_o sin_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v join_v in_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n as_o also_o the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n or_o parent_n as_o have_v lay_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v in_o a_o visible_a covenant_n with_o his_o church_n and_o all_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o that_o cast_v not_o off_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n by_o some_o scandalous_a and_o obstinate_a go_v on_o in_o sin_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o math._n 28.19_o and_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o with_o gen._n 17_o etc._n etc._n compare_v thus_o for_o mr._n partridge_n his_o judgement_n concern_v mr._n nathaniel_n rogers_n late_o eminent_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ipswich_n in_o new-england_n that_o his_o judgement_n do_v concur_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n touch_v baptism_n be_v certain_a from_o what_o himself_o do_v public_o teach_v some_o year_n before_o his_o decease_n also_o from_o a_o letter_n of_o his_o write_v to_o the_o reverend_n mr._n richard_n mather_n some_o year_n before_o mr._n rogers_n go_v to_o his_o rest_n which_o letter_n still_o remain_v under_o the_o author_n own_o hand_n write_v we_o shall_v therefore_o insert_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o which_o follow_v reverend_a and_o dear_a sir_n i_o receive_v a_o letter_n with_o a_o book_n from_o you_o and_o do_v return_v you_o this_o testimony_n of_o my_o most_o thankful_a acceptance_n of_o your_o kindness_n and_o good_a will_v both_o in_o your_o letter_n and_o worthy_a treatise_n of_o justification_n which_o as_o you_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v be_v nervous_a and_o this_o be_v compendious_a in_o a_o special_a manner_n and_o yet_o perspicuous_a i_o see_v my_o defect_n in_o hen._n den_n matter_n supply_v by_o your_o diligence_n to_o the_o question_n concern_v the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n i_o have_v nothing_o to_o oppose_v and_o i_o wonder_v any_o shall_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v member_n they_o be_v member_n in_o censa_fw-la ecclesiastico_fw-la god_n so_o call_v they_o the_o church_n be_v so_o to_o account_v thew_v and_o when_o they_o be_v adulia_n aâ—atis_fw-la though_o have_v do_v no_o personal_a act_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v member_n still_o until_o after_o due_a call_v upon_o they_o shall_v refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o own_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o content_n thereof_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v deny_v the_o church_n may_v cashier_v or_o disow_v they_o now_o for_o practice_n i_o confess_v i_o account_v it_o a_o great_a default_n that_o we_o have_v make_v no_o more_o real_a distinction_n between_o these_o and_o other_o that_o they_o have_v be_v no_o more_o attend_v as_o the_o lamb_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n and_o woeful_a defection_n of_o our_o youth_n disquiri_fw-la permittimus_fw-la we_o be_v this_o week_n to_o meet_v in_o the_o church_n about_o it_o and_o i_o know_v nothing_o but_o we_o must_v speedy_o fall_v to_o practice_n if_o we_o in_o this_o shall_v be_v leader_n i_o pray_v beg_v wisdom_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o he_o who_o be_v our_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o our_o right_a cousness_n i_o commit_v you_o to_o the_o bless_a communion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o rest_n you_o in_o he_o cordial_o n._n rogers_n xi_o 18._o 1652._o these_o testimony_n be_v more_o than_o abundant_o sufficient_a to_o evince_v that_o the_o first_o fa_n hers_z of_o this_o country_n be_v for_o that_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n which_o the_o late_a synod_n book_n plead_v for_o and_o that_o therefore_o such_o a_o practice_n be_v no_o apostasy_n from_o our_o primitive_a principle_n yet_o further_a testimony_n may_v be_v superad_v unto_o these_o for_o mr_n hâ—nr_n sm_n â—h_a sometime_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n at_o wethersfield_n on_o connecticot_n in_o a_o letter_n of_o his_o date_a august_n 23._o anno_fw-la 1647._o which_o letter_n be_v also_o write_v to_o mr._n mather_n thus_o express_v himself_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o our_o part_n about_o member_n child_n be_v receive_v into_o communion_n because_o it_o be_v undetermined_a in_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o at_o the_o synod_n our_o thought_n here_o be_v that_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o confederate_n gen._n 17._o take_v in_o all_o child_n of_o confederate_a parent_n whether_o baptize_v here_o or_o else_o where_o whether_o young_a or_o elder_a if_o they_o do_v either_o express_o or_o otherways_o may_v be_v conceive_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o consent_v thereunto_o now_o because_o many_o have_v child_n grow_v up_o which_o be_v bear_v in_o england_n who_o will_v glad_o express_v their_o consent_n and_o desire_v to_o their_o parent_n covenant_n only_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o walk_v alone_o in_o the_o thing_n we_o can_v hearty_o wish_v we_o have_v the_o concurrence_n of_o your_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n thus_o mr._n smith_n likewise_o mr._n prudden_n late_o faithful_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o milford_n in_o new-haven_n colon_n in_o new-england_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o same_o reverend_a person_n which_o the_o last_o mention_v be_v send_v unto_o do_v not_o only_o express_v his_o own_o thought_n but_o give_v reason_n for_o his_o belief_n concern_v the_o question_n under_o agitation_n with_o who_o testimony_n we_o shall_v conclude_v and_o because_o his_o letter_n be_v of_o weighty_a and_o worthy_a consideration_n consideration_n albeit_o part_n of_o it_o as_o of_o that_o of_o mr._n rogers_n be_v already_o publish_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o synod_n book_n yet_o we_o shall_v here_o insert_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o which_o now_o follow_v dear_a brother_n i_o be_v glad_a at_o the_o receipt_n of_o your_o letter_n but_o i_o be_o sorry_a to_o hear_v of_o such_o breach_n in_o church_n and_o no_o way_n nor_o mean_n find_v out_o and_o apply_v for_o heal_v which_o i_o fear_v with_o you_o do_v strengthen_v the_o presbyterian_a objection_n against_o our_o congregational_a way_n when_o the_o writing_n of_o some_o for_o our_o defence_n and_o our_o practice_n agree_v not_o in_o that_o particular_a i_o think_v with_o you_o that_o man_n to_o be_v much_o bless_a who_o god_n shall_v make_v helpful_a in_o those_o thing_n though_o as_o he_o have_v but_o little_a encouragement_n to_o attempt_v it_o so_o can_v he_o expect_v less_o thanks_o from_o man_n who_o possible_o may_v have_v err_v but_o loath_a to_o be_v judge_v so_o to_o have_v do_v touch_v your_o own_o exercise_n you_o be_v not_o alone_o in_o they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o prepare_v matter_n of_o offence_n and_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o church_n have_v be_v much_o question_v by_o some_o but_o methinks_v hat_n which_o mr_n hooker_n have_v write_v in_o the_o case_n survey_v pt_n 3d._n pag._n 33._o shall_v satisfy_v those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o a_o
and_o preserve_v church_n and_o their_o elder_n in_o their_o duty_n as_o that_o other_o of_o claim_n to_o a_o authoritative_a power_n ecclesiastical_a to_o excommunicate_v other_o church_n or_o their_o elder_n offend_v for_o if_o the_o one_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o other_o in_o a_o mire_n ecclesiastical_a notion_n that_o of_o excommunication_n pretend_v have_v but_o this_o more_o in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o delivery_n of_o whole_a church_n and_o their_o elder_n offend_v unto_o satan_n for_o which_o we_o know_v no_o warrant_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o church_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o power_n over_o other_o church_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o bind_a obligation_n both_o of_o the_o one_o way_n and_o the_o other_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o lie_v but_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o a_o warrant_n and_o injunction_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n to_o put_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o into_o execution_n and_o 2._o that_o man_n conscience_n be_v according_o take_v therewith_o so_o as_o to_o subject_v themselves_o whether_o unto_o the_o one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o for_o suppose_v that_o other_o principle_n of_o authoritative_a power_n in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n combine_v to_o excommunicate_v other_o church_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n yet_o unless_o it_o do_v take_v hold_v of_o man_n conscience_n and_o be_v receive_v among_o all_o church_n the_o offend_a church_n will_v slight_v all_o such_o excommunication_n as_o much_o as_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v our_o way_n of_o protestation_n and_o sentence_n of_o non_fw-fr communion_n on_o the_o other_o side_n let_v this_o way_n of_o we_o be_v but_o as_o strong_o entertain_v as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o way_n and_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n be_v heedful_o put_v in_o execution_n it_o will_v awe_v man_n conscience_n as_o much_o and_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o whicâ—_n we_o give_v as_o much_o and_z as_o we_o think_v more_o than_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o yield_v do_v buâ—_n assi_v and_o back_o the_o sentence_n of_o other_o church_n denounce_v this_o non_fw-fr communion_n against_o church_n miscarry_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o crime_n as_o they_o judge_v meet_v and_o as_o they_o will_v the_o sentence_n of_o chu_n che_v excommunicate_v other_o church_n in_o such_o case_n upon_o their_o own_o particular_a judgement_n of_o the_o cause_n then_o without_o all_o controversy_n this_o our_o way_n of_o church_n proceed_v will_v be_v every_o way_n as_o effectual_a as_o their_o other_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v and_o we_o be_v sure_o more_o brotherly_a and_o more_o suit_v to_o that_o liberty_n and_o equality_n christ_n have_v endow_v his_o church_n with_o but_o without_o the_o magistrate_n interpose_v their_o authority_n their_o way_n of_o proceed_v will_v be_v as_o ineffectual_a as_o we_o and_o more_o liable_a to_o contempt_n by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v more_o authorita_fw-la ive_z and_o to_o inflict_v more_o dreadful_a punishment_n which_o carnal_a spirit_n be_v seldom_o sensible_a of_o this_o for_o our_o judgement_n and_o for_o a_o eâ—l_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n both_o that_o this_o be_v then_o our_o judgement_n as_o likewise_o for_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o effectual_a success_n of_o such_o a_o course_n hold_v by_o church_n in_o such_o case_n our_o own_o practice_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n thereon_o may_v plead_v and_o testify_v for_o we_o to_o all_o the_o world_n the_o manage_n of_o this_o transaction_n in_o brief_a be_v this_o that_o church_n which_o with_o other_o be_v most_o scandalize_v do_v by_o letter_n declare_v their_o offence_n require_v of_o the_o church_n suppose_v to_o be_v offend_v in_o the_o name_n and_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o relieve_v the_o party_n wrong_v to_o yield_v a_o full_a and_o public_a hear_n before_o all_o the_o church_n of_o our_o nation_n or_o any_o other_o whosoever_o offend_v of_o what_o they_o can_v give_v in_o charge_n against_o their_o proceed_n in_o that_o deposition_n of_o their_o minister_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o open_a trial_n and_o review_v of_o all_o those_o forepast_a carriage_n that_o concern_v that_o particular_a which_o they_o most_o cheerful_o and_o ready_o according_a to_o the_o forementioned_a principle_n submit_v unto_o in_o a_o place_n and_o state_n where_o no_o outward_a violence_n or_o any_o other_o external_a authority_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a will_v have_v enforce_v they_o thereunto_o and_o according_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n offend_v with_o other_o two_o gentleman_n of_o much_o worth_n wisdom_n and_o piety_n member_n thereof_o be_v send_v as_o messenger_n from_o that_o church_n and_o at_o the_o introduction_n and_o entrance_n into_o that_o solemn_a assembly_n the_o solemnity_n of_o which_o have_v leave_v as_o deep_a a_o impression_n upon_o our_o heart_n of_o christâ—_n dreadful_a presence_n as_o ever_o any_o we_o have_v be_v present_a at_o it_o be_v open_o and_o public_o profess_v in_o a_o speech_n that_o be_v the_o preface_n to_o that_o discussion_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o to_o be_v abhor_v maxim_n that_o any_o religion_n have_v ever_o make_v profession_n of_o and_o therefore_o of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o contradictory_n and_o dishonourable_a unto_o that_o of_o christianity_n that_o a_o single_a and_o particular_a society_n of_o mâ—n_z profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o saâ—e_v body_n and_o society_n within_o themselves_o shall_v further_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o a_o exemption_n from_o give_v account_n or_o be_v censurable_a of_o any_o other_o either_o christian_a magistrate_n above_o they_o or_o neighbour_n church_n about_o they_o so_o far_o be_v our_o judgement_n from_o that_o independent_a liberty_n that_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o then_o when_o we_o have_v least_o dependency_n on_o this_o kingdom_n or_o so_o much_o as_o hope_n ever_o to_o abide_v therein_o in_o peace_n and_o for_o the_o issue_n and_o success_n of_o this_o agitation_n after_o there_o have_v be_v for_o many_o day_n as_o judiciary_n and_o full_a a_o charge_n trial_n and_o deposition_n of_o witness_n open_o before_o all_o comer_n of_o all_o sort_n as_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o any_o court_n where_o authority_n enjoin_v it_o that_o church_n which_o have_v offend_v do_v as_o public_o acknowledge_v their_o sinful_a aberration_n in_o it_o restore_v their_o minister_n to_o his_o place_n again_o and_o order_v a_o solemn_a day_n for_o fast_v to_o humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n and_o man_n for_o their_o sinful_a carriage_n in_o it_o and_o the_o party_n also_o which_o have_v be_v depose_v do_v acknowledge_v to_o that_o church_n wherein_o he_o have_v likewise_o sin_v so_o that_o these_o godly_a learned_a writer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v a_o popedom_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o deem_v it_o a_o abhor_a maxim_n to_o affirm_v that_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v unaccountable_a to_o or_o not_o censurable_a by_o neighbour_n church_n about_o they_o they_o therefore_o that_o do_v reject_v the_o coâ—nsociation_n or_o communion_n plead_v for_o want_v that_o which_o be_v one_o specifical_a character_n of_o a_o true_a congregational_a man_n whereby_o such_o be_v distinguish_v from_o brownist_n and_o morellian_n who_o principle_n have_v ever_o be_v disow_v and_o disavow_v by_o congregationals_n who_o have_v also_o think_v themselves_o not_o a_o little_a inâ—ured_v when_o they_o have_v be_v represent_v as_o the_o same_o else_o how_o have_v hornebeck_n summa_fw-la controversiaruâ—_n de_fw-fr brownishis_n and_o baily_n dissuasive_a and_o other_o writing_n ej_v â—fde_v in_o commatis_fw-la be_v so_o distasteful_a and_o dissatisfactory_a to_o all_o of_o that_o way_n who_o understand_v what_o principle_n they_o go_v upon_o moreover_o that_o our_o congregational_a brethren_n be_v for_o such_o communion_n of_o church_n as_o be_v by_o the_o late_a synod_n assert_v be_v yet_o far_o more_o evident_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o bless_a burrough_n in_o his_o excellent_a treatise_n about_o heart_n division_n see_v pag._n 84._o and_o 163._o and_o in_o pag._n 43_o 44._o there_o be_v these_o word_n 1._o those_o in_o the_o congregational_a way_n acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o give_v account_n of_o their_o way_n to_o church_n about_o they_o or_o to_o any_o other_o who_o shall_v require_v it_o this_o not_o in_o a_o arbitrary_a way_n but_o as_o a_o duty_n that_o they_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man_n 2_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o synod_n of_o other_o minister_n and_o elder_n about_o they_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n
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