spirit_n of_o meckness_n and_o love_n there_o do_v grow_v dissension_n in_o any_o church_n as_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n about_o circumsision_n the_o church_n so_o divide_v shall_v do_v wise_o and_o safe_o not_o to_o proceed_v to_o determine_v the_o case_n by_o a_o major_a vâ—te_n to_o the_o unsatisfaction_n and_o offence_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n among_o themselves_o or_o the_o offence_n of_o other_o church_n but_o ought_v rather_o to_o bring_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o hear_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n who_o be_v desire_v aught_o ready_o to_o meet_v together_o and_o serious_o as_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o case_n search_v out_o by_o the_o word_n what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n therein_o by_o themselves_o if_o present_a or_o otherwise_o by_o letter_n and_o messenger_n to_o declare_v to_o the_o church_n what_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o shall_v walk_v by_o which_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o all_o due_a respect_n according_a to_o god_n act_v 15._o proposition_n viii_o as_o there_o be_v a_o brotherhood_n of_o member_n in_o the_o same_o church_n so_o there_o be_v a_o brotherhood_n of_o church_n be_v all_o fellow_n member_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o so_o bind_v to_o have_v a_o mâ—utal_a care_n one_o of_o another_o cant._n 8_o 8._o it_o be_v therefore_o meet_a and_o requiste_v that_o in_o case_n any_o church_n shall_v fall_v into_o any_o scandalous_a error_n or_o offence_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n than_o the_o neighbour_n church_n or_o church_n shall_v advertise_v convince_v and_o admonish_v such_o a_o church_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o after_o due_a conviction_n by_o a_o neighbour_n church_n and_o again_o by_o more_o church_n the_o offend_a church_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v require_v may_v at_o length_n withdraw_v the_o church_n with_o sufficient_a partience_n will_v not_o yet_o hearken_v to_o their_o brethren_n then_o withdraw_v from_o that_o church_n or_o at_o least_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o refuse_v to_o be_v heal_v such_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o as_o otherwise_o church_n usual_o do_v afford_v to_o each_o other_o proposition_n ix_o in_o case_n any_o member_n shall_v be_v lay_v under_o censure_n in_o a_o church_n by_o the_o major_a part_n with_o the_o offence_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n thereof_o or_o when_o any_o whole_a church_n shall_v seem_v to_o have_v consent_v corrupt_o to_o such_o a_o censure_n upon_o complaint_n of_o the_o grieve_a part_n attest_v by_o the_o dusent_a brethren_n or_o in_o the_o other_o case_n by_o other_o credible_a person_n it_o be_v free_a yea_o requisite_a that_o other_o church_n or_o church_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meckness_n desire_v to_o know_v the_o reason_n or_o their_o censure_n which_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v clear_v up_o to_o be_v just_a than_o the_o other_o church_n or_o church_n ought_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o their_o proceed_n and_o to_o persuade_v the_o censure_v and_o dissent_v part_n of_o the_o submit_v and_o give_v satisfaction_n but_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v refuse_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o procceeding_n or_o not_o final_o clear_v up_o the_o justice_n thereof_o nor_o ease_v the_o grieve_a party_n it_o will_v then_o be_v equal_a for_o any_o other_o church_n to_o receive_v the_o censure_v part_n to_o their_o covenant_n or_o communion_n for_o so_o christ_n receive_v the_o blind_a man_n after_o he_o be_v unjust_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o synogogue_n jobâ—_n 9_o the_o unjust_a act_n of_o any_o church_n can_v appear_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n out_o rather_o in_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o name_n and_o power_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o bind_v in_o heaven_n clavis_fw-la errans_fw-la von_n ligat_fw-la proposition_n x._o as_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o godly_a christian_n in_o the_o church_n without_o any_o scruple_n and_o with_o much_o edification_n and_o increase_n of_o love_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o convenient_a number_n or_o family_n at_o set_a time_n house_n by_o house_n to_o exercise_v that_o christian_a communion_n which_o the_o moral_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v for_o 1_o thes_n 5.11_o col._n 3.16_o heb._n 3_o 13._o and_o so_o 24._o so_o also_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n beside_o other_o it_o will_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n conduce_v much_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o unity_n the_o spiritual_a edification_n of_o many_o by_o mutual_a faith_n of_o each_o other_o to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n do_v meet_v together_o church_n by_o church_n in_o convenient_a number_n at_o set_a time_n not_o to_o exercise_v any_o jurisdiction_n over_o any_o but_o to_o enjoy_v and_o practise_v church_n communion_n by_o prayer_n together_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o conference_n about_o such_o gas_n and_o question_n of_o conscience_n as_o shall_v be_v find_v useful_a or_o needful_a for_o the_o edification_n and_o comfort_n and_o peace_n of_o every_o church_n or_o any_o of_o the_o brethren_n thereof_o and_o this_o course_n may_v tend_v much_o to_o satisfy_v the_o spirit_n of_o divers_a godly_a brethren_n who_o have_v think_v that_o we_o so_o much_o mind_n the_o distinction_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o fellow_n member_n in_o the_o same_o that_o we_o lose_v much_o of_o the_o comfort_n of_o love_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o we_o may_v enjoy_v and_o that_o we_o fall_v short_a in_o some_o brotherly_a love_n which_o we_o owe_v mutual_o to_o our_o dear_a brethren_n of_o several_a church_n for_o the_o better_a improvement_n of_o such_o a_o conference_n 1._o it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o number_n of_o church_n so_o to_o meet_v be_v regulate_v according_a to_o the_o nearness_n or_o distance_n of_o church_n and_o as_o other_o convenience_n or_o inconvenience_n shall_v require_v 2._o for_o the_o time_n of_o meeting_n it_o may_v seem_v best_a to_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o each_o society_n of_o church_n to_o meet_v more_o frequent_o or_o seldom_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n 3._o concern_v their_o exercise_n it_o be_v meet_v that_o the_o elder_n of_o each_o church_n where_o the_o conference_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v shall_v choose_v with_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n some_o other_o elder_a as_o they_o see_v best_a who_o they_o may_v entreat_v to_o preach_v at_o their_o meeting_n and_o also_o to_o desire_v some_o to_o moderate_v in_o the_o conference_n and_o agree_v upon_o such_o question_n as_o they_o see_v fit_a three_o or_o four_o and_o send_v they_o to_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n at_o least_o fourteen_o day_n before_o the_o time_n of_o their_o assembly_n 4._o for_o the_o order_n of_o the_o time_n it_o may_v be_v fit_a that_o the_o sermon_n shall_v end_v at_o eleven_o a_o clock_n and_o after_o it_o the_o conference_n follow_v and_o continue_v so_o long_o as_o shall_v be_v find_v meet_a and_o seasonable_a now_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o counsellor_n the_o everlasting_a father_n and_o prince_n of_o peace_n grant_v unto_o all_o his_o church_n truth_n and_o peace_n always_o and_o â—y_a all_o mean_n and_o he_o counsel_v and_o guide_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n to_o discern_v and_o embrace_v all_o such_o way_n as_o himself_o have_v sanctify_v to_o those_o holy_a ends._n amen_n thus_o far_o mr._n cotton_n and_o that_o this_o be_v according_a to_o congregational_a principle_n be_v evident_a from_o other_o testimony_n for_o the_o messenger_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o congregational_a church_n who_o meet_v at_o the_o savoy_n in_o london_n anno_fw-la 1658._o do_v in_o their_o declaration_n of_o the_o order_n appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n thesis_n 26._o thus_o declare_v in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n or_o difference_n either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o in_o administration_n wherein_o either_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v concern_v or_o any_o one_o church_n in_o their_o peace_n union_n and_o edification_n or_o any_o member_n or_o member_n of_o any_o church_n be_v injure_v in_o or_o by_o any_o proceed_n in_o censure_n not_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n and_o order_n it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o many_o church_n hold_v communion_n together_o do_v by_o their_o messenger_n meet_v in_o a_o synod_n or_o council_n to_o consider_v and_o give_v their_o advice_n in_o or_o about_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n etc._n etc._n and_o doctor_n owen_n who_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o
that_o assembly_n in_o his_o catechism_n concern_v church_n discipline_n pag._n 224_o 226_o 227._o thus_o express_v his_o judgement_n church_n be_v gather_v and_o settle_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o preserve_v a_o mutual_a holy_a communion_n among_o themselves_o and_o to_o exercise_v it_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o those_o duty_n whereby_o their_o mutual_a good_a and_o edification_n may_v be_v promote_v in_o desire_v or_o make_v use_n of_o the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n of_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n whether_o doctrinal_a or_o practical_a as_o may_v arise_v in_o any_o of_o they_o act_v 15.2_o 6._o and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o case_n any_o church_n either_o by_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o precipitation_n or_o mistake_v in_o other_o administration_n do_v give_v offence_n unto_o other_o church_n those_o other_o church_n may_v require_v a_o account_n from_o they_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o fault_n and_o withhold_v communion_n from_o they_o in_o case_n they_o persist_v in_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o that_o because_o in_o their_o difficulty_n and_o before_o their_o miscarriage_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o have_v desire_v the_o advice_n counsel_n and_o assistance_n of_o those_o other_o church_n which_o be_v neglect_v by_o they_o the_o other_o be_v to_o recover_v the_o end_n of_o it_o unto_o their_o utmost_a ability_n gal_n 2.6_o 11._o and_o hence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o that_o be_v right_o and_o just_o censure_v in_o any_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o church_n what_o ever_o both_o because_o of_o their_o mutual_a communion_n and_o because_o it_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v presume_v until_o the_o contrary_n be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o in_o case_n there_o have_v be_v any_o difficulty_n or_o doubt_n in_o the_o proceedure_n of_o the_o church_n they_o will_v have_v take_v the_o advice_n of_o those_o church_n with_o who_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o consult_v thus_o far_o doctor_n owen_n likewise_o doctor_n thomas_n goodwin_n and_o mr._n philip_n nye_n in_o that_o worthy_a epistle_n which_o they_o have_v prefix_v before_o mr._n cotton_v book_n of_o the_o key_n in_o which_o epistle_n the_o congregational_a way_n be_v true_o state_v and_o assert_v as_o it_o differ_v from_o both_o the_o extreme_n viz._n from_o presbyterianisme_n on_o the_o one_o and_o brownism_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n do_v declare_v their_o concurrence_n with_o he_o in_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o association_n or_o communion_n of_o church_n send_v their_o elder_n and_o messenger_n into_o a_o synod_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n unto_o who_o christ_n have_v in_o relation_n to_o rectify_v male_a administration_n and_o heal_a dissension_n in_o particular_a congregation_n and_o the_o like_a case_n commit_v a_o due_a and_o just_a measure_n of_o power_n suit_v and_o proportion_v to_o those_o end_n and_o furnish_v they_o not_o only_o with_o ability_n to_o give_v counsel_n and_o advice_n but_o further_a upon_o such_o like_a occasion_n with_o ministerial_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o determine_v declare_v and_o enjoin_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o reduce_v congregation_n to_o right_a order_n and_o peace_n see_v pag._n 4._o 6_o 7_o 10._o moreover_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o congregationals_n have_v be_v according_a to_o this_o profession_n may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o apologetical_a narration_n publish_v by_o doctor_n goodwin_n mr._n philip_n nye_n mr._n sydrach_n simpson_n mr._n burrough_n and_o mr._n bridg._n in_o as_o much_o as_o those_o famous_a apologist_n as_o paul_n speak_v concern_v james_n cephas_n and_o john_n among_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o be_v pillar_n and_o worthy_o be_v they_o so_o account_v among_o congregationals_n since_o also_o that_o apologetical_a narration_n though_o print_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o but_o few_o with_o we_o we_o shall_v therefore_o here_o transcribe_v and_o insert_v some_o page_n of_o it_o and_o therein_o they_o thus_o declare_v see_v pag._n 15._o to_o pag._n 22._o and_o whereas_o say_v they_o the_o common_a prejudice_n and_o exception_n lay_v into_o all_o man_n thought_n against_o we_o and_o our_o opinion_n be_v that_o in_o such_o congregational_a government_n thus_o entire_a within_o itself_o there_o be_v not_o allow_v sufficient_a remedy_n for_o miscarriage_n though_o never_o so_o gross_a no_o relief_n for_o wrongful_a sentence_n or_o person_n injure_v thereby_o no_o room_n for_o complaint_n no_o powerful_a or_o effectual_a mean_n to_o reduce_v a_o church_n or_o church_n that_o fall_v into_o heresy_n schism_n etc._n etc._n but_o every_o one_o be_v leave_v and_o may_v take_v liberty_n without_o control_n to_o do_v what_o be_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n we_o have_v through_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o from_o the_o avow_a declaration_n of_o our_o judgement_n among_o our_o church_n mutual_o during_o our_o exile_n and_o that_o also_o confirm_v by_o the_o most_o solemn_a instance_n of_o our_o practice_n wherewith_o to_o vindicate_v ourselves_o and_o way_n in_o this_o particular_a which_o upon_o no_o other_o occasion_n we_o shall_v ever_o have_v make_v thus_o public_a god_n so_o order_v it_o that_o a_o scandal_n and_o offence_n fall_v out_o between_o those_o very_a church_n whilst_o live_v in_o this_o banishment_n whereof_o we_o ourselves_o that_o write_v these_o thing_n be_v then_o the_o minister_n one_o of_o our_o church_n have_v unhappy_o depose_v one_o of_o their_o minister_n the_o other_o judge_v it_o not_o only_o too_o sudden_a a_o act_n have_v proceed_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n without_o consuit_v their_o sâ—ster_n church_n as_o be_v public_o profess_v we_o shall_v have_v do_v in_o such_o case_n of_o concernment_n but_o also_o in_o the_o proceed_n thereof_o as_o too_o severe_a and_o not_o manage_v according_a to_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o word_n in_o this_o case_n our_o church_n do_v mutual_o acknowledge_v and_o submit_v to_o this_o as_o a_o sacred_a and_o undoubted_a principle_n and_o supreme_a law_n to_o be_v observe_v among_o all_o church_n that_o as_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o apostolical_a command_n church_n as_o well_o as_o particular_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v no_o offence_n neither_o to_o jew_n nor_o gentile_a nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n they_o live_v among_o so_o that_o in_o all_o case_n such_o offence_n or_o difference_n by_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o common_a law_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o common_a they_o hold_v forth_o the_o church_n or_o church_n challenge_v to_o offend_v or_o differ_v be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o upon_o the_o challenge_n of_o the_o offence_n or_o complaint_n of_o the_o person_n wrong_v to_o the_o most_o full_a and_o open_a trial_n and_o examination_n by_o other_o neighbour_n church_n offend_v thereat_o of_o what_o ever_o have_v give_v the_o offence_n and_o further_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o and_o like_a law_n of_o not_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n the_o church_n offend_v may_v and_o aught_o upon_o the_o impenitency_n of_o those_o church_n persist_v in_o their_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n to_o pronounce_v that_o heavy_a sentence_n against_o they_o of_o withdraw_a and_o renounce_v all_o christian_a communion_n with_o they_o until_o they_o do_v repent_v and_o further_o to_o declare_v and_o protest_v this_o with_o the_o cause_n thereof_o to_o all_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o like_a and_o what_o further_a authority_n or_o proceed_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a of_o one_o or_o many_o church_n towards_o another_o whole_a church_n or_o church_n offend_v either_o the_o scripture_n do_v hold_v forth_o or_o can_v rational_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n without_o the_o magistrate_n interpose_v a_o power_n or_o another_o nature_n unto_o which_o we_o upon_o his_o particular_a cognizance_n and_o examination_n of_o such_o cause_n profess_v ever_o to_o submit_v and_o also_o to_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o for_o our_o part_n we_o see_v not_o then_o nor_o do_v yet_o see_v and_o likewise_o we_o do_v then_o suppose_v and_o do_v yet_o that_o this_o principle_n of_o submission_n of_o church_n that_o miscarry_v unto_o other_o church_n offend_v together_o with_o this_o other_o that_o it_o be_v a_o command_n from_o christ_n enjoin_v to_o church_n that_o be_v final_o offend_v to_o denounce_v such_o a_o sentence_n of_o non_fw-fr communion_n and_o withdraw_n from_o they_o whilst_o impenitent_a as_o unworthy_a to_o hold_v forth_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n these_o principle_n be_v receive_v and_o general_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o mutual_a duty_n as_o strict_o enjoin_v they_o by_o christ_n as_o any_o other_o that_o these_o will_v be_v as_o effectual_a mean_n through_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n to_o awe_n
for_o the_o help_a the_o church_n against_o error_n schism_n and_o scandal_n 3_o that_o these_o synod_n may_v by_o the_o power_n they_o have_v from_o christ_n admonish_v man_n or_o church_n in_o his_o name_n when_o they_o see_v evil_n continue_v in_o or_o grow_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o their_o admonition_n carry_v with_o they_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 4_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v cause_n they_o may_v declare_v man_n or_o church_n to_o be_v subverter_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o otherwise_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n to_o shame_v they_o before_o all_o the_o church_n about_o they_o 5_o they_o may_v by_o a_o solemn_a act_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n refuse_v any_o further_a communion_n with_o they_o till_o they_o repent_v 6_o they_o may_v declare_v also_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o these_o err_a people_n or_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o fellowship_n with_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n you_o will_v say_v what_o if_o they_o care_v not_o for_o all_o this_o answ_n that_o be_v as_o if_o you_o shall_v say_v what_o if_o they_o be_v not_o conscientious_a what_o if_o nothing_o can_v prevail_v with_o conscience_n if_o you_o say_v private_a brethren_n may_v admonish_v and_o declare_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v more_o than_o if_o any_o private_a brethren_n shall_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o a_o synod_n be_v a_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o officer_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o again_o pag._n 47._o he_o have_v these_o word_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v but_o sure_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v so_o far_o they_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o these_o six_o thing_n mention_v to_o that_o i_o answer_v i_o do_v not_o in_o these_o deliver_v only_o i_o own_o judgement_n but_o by_o what_o i_o know_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o those_o brethren_n with_o who_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o converse_v by_o conference_n both_o before_o and_o since_o i_o stand_v charge_v to_o make_v it_o good_a to_o be_v their_o judgement_n also_o yea_o it_o have_v be_v they_o and_o i_o for_o divers_a year_n even_o then_o when_o we_o never_o think_v to_o have_v enjoy_v our_o own_o land_n again_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o let_v the_o lord_n be_v judge_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n for_o those_o loud_a and_o grievous_a outcry_n there_o have_v be_v against_o we_o in_o this_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d postscript_n since_o the_o composure_n of_o this_o collection_n of_o testimony_n it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o take_v unto_o himself_o another_o of_o our_o ancient_a stud_n viz._n worthy_a and_o reverend_a mr._n allin_n of_o dedham_n who_o apprehension_n touch_v the_o controvert_v question_n be_v sufficient_o know_v likewise_o not_o many_o week_n before_o his_o death_n he_o read_v this_o script_n and_o express_v his_o judgement_n thereon_o in_o word_n follow_v reverend_a and_o dear_a brother_n i_o salute_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n i_o humble_o bless_v god_n for_o your_o fruitful_a labour_n in_o this_o your_o collection_n and_o in_o other_o matter_n perform_v by_o you_o concern_v which_o in_o general_a i_o think_v it_o be_v worthy_a serious_a consultation_n among_o your_o friend_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o season_n to_o publish_v the_o same_o 1._o we_o see_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n touch_v the_o church_n seed_n be_v lay_v asleep_o this_o may_v awaken_v our_o drowsiness_n we_o see_v also_o the_o great_a disorder_n in_o church_n for_o want_n of_o seasonable_a help_n from_o neighbour_a church_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o rejection_n of_o counsel_n without_o convince_a their_o sentence_n of_o error_n 2_o dly_z we_o see_v how_o our_o present_a doctrine_n be_v reject_v as_o a_o novel_a innovation_n differ_v from_o first_o and_o primitive_a principle_n 3._o who_o know_v how_o far_o god_n may_v bless_v this_o treatise_n to_o the_o recovery_n of_o some_o if_o not_o many_o from_o their_o erroneous_a opinion_n about_o these_o truth_n i_o conceive_v also_o some_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o cleave_v to_o these_o first_o way_n of_o christ_n in_o new_a england_n may_v be_v seasonable_o add_v i_o rest_v you_o in_o our_o lord_n john_n allin_n a_o letter_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n write_v by_o that_o eminent_a minister_n of_o christ_n mr_n jonathan_n mitchel_n late_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o cambridg_n in_o new_a england_n reverend_a and_o dear_a sir_n i_o have_v deliberate_o read_v over_o mr._n dâ—_n essay_n and_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n which_o i_o now_o return_v to_o you_o with_o thanks_o for_o the_o loan_n of_o it_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v i_o see_v not_o matter_n of_o conviction_n in_o it_o his_o answer_n be_v already_o give_v i_o pag._n 35_o if_o man_n shut_v their_o eye_n when_o the_o light_n be_v hold_v out_o to_o they_o they_o may_v true_o say_v they_o see_v not_o or_o in_o pag._n 6._o they_o that_o inquire_v of_o god_n with_o a_o idol_n in_o their_o heart_n shall_v be_v paenal_o answer_v by_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o counsel_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v need_v labour_n to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n when_o we_o meet_v with_o such_o sharp_a censure_n from_o man_n but_o the_o r._n a._n can_v hardly_o expect_v we_o shall_v find_v conviction_n here_o see_v he_o build_v all_o upon_o this_o distinction_n of_o immediate_a and_o mediate_a membership_n which_o with_o the_o consectary_n he_o deduce_v from_o it_o be_v the_o prora_fw-la &_o puppis_fw-la of_o his_o whole_a discourse_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o distinction_n himself_o in_o pag._n 34_o 35._o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o his_o former_a essay_n neither_o have_v i_o observe_v much_o more_o in_o this_o writing_n towards_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o than_o we_o have_v have_v before_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v not_o see_v it_o as_o by_o he_o explain_v and_o improve_v to_o be_v evident_a before_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a if_o we_o do_v not_o see_v it_o now_o if_o it_o must_v be_v impute_v to_o our_o blindness_n yea_o wilful_a and_o penal_a blindness_n that_o we_o see_v it_o not_o we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o bear_v it_o as_o we_o may_v also_o when_o he_o affirm_v over_o and_o over_o pag._n 75_o 83_o 92_o 103_o 131_o 145_o 152._o that_o we_o ourselves_o confess_v the_o parent_n in_o question_n have_v not_o faith_n or_o be_v not_o visible_a believer_n the_o contrary_a whereunto_o we_o have_v plain_o assert_v and_o how_o many_o time_n over_o do_v he_o say_v it_o we_o call_v they_o mere_a member_n which_o we_o have_v disclaim_v and_o do_v not_o so_o call_v they_o but_o member_n not_o in_o full_a communion_n yea_o he_o say_v in_o pag._n 49._o we_o grant_v that_o the_o person_n in_o question_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v church_n member_n etc._n etc._n how_o shall_v we_o receive_v conviction_n from_o such_o discourse_n if_o his_o meaning_n be_v by_o so_o often_o reflect_v on_o our_o mere_a member_n as_o he_o call_v they_o to_o deny_v that_o distinction_n of_o member_n into_o such_o as_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n that_o will_v seem_v strange_a for_o how_o can_v that_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o padâ—baptists_n and_o he_o seem_v to_o approve_v it_o in_o pag._n 35._o yea_o he_o seem_v sometime_o to_o grant_v that_o some_o when_o adult_n do_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o admit_v to_o full_a communion_n pag._n 76._o 99_o yet_o he_o call_v for_o a_o rule_n for_o two_o such_o sort_n of_o adult_n member_n pag._n 73._o but_o i_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o discourse_n of_o particular_n nor_o be_o i_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o answerer_n it_o be_v casie_a to_o observe_v a_o great_a sharpness_n in_o his_o expression_n to_o i_o then_o else_o where_o in_o this_o book_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v consider_v as_o i_o be_o able_a what_o i_o find_v in_o this_o or_o other_o discourse_n about_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o i_o be_v convince_v of_o error_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_v it_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o issue_v the_o controversy_n but_o by_o such_o voluminous_a writing_n and_o if_o every_o passage_n be_v not_o speak_v to_o he_o count_v himself_o neglect_v or_o unanswered_a and_o that_o which_o he_o have_v before_o say_v stand_v still_o firm_a and_o good_a as_o to_o that_o purpose_n he_o speak_v in_o this_o book_n above_o twenty_o time_n i_o have_v little_a hope_n to_o see_v a_o issue_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v i_o see_v any_o likely_a way_n for_o a_o issue_n unless_o we_o can_v meet_v
the_o first_o principle_n of_o new-england_a concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n &_o communion_n of_o church_n collect_v partly_o out_o of_o the_o print_a book_n but_o chief_o out_o of_o the_o original_a manuscript_n of_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a father_n in_o the_o new-english_a church_n with_o the_o judgement_n of_o sundry_a learned_a divine_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n in_o england_n concern_v the_o say_a question_n publish_a for_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o rise_a generation_n in_o new_a england_n by_o increase_n mather_n teacher_n of_o a_o church_n in_o boston_n in_o new-england_n deut._n 32.7_o remember_v the_o day_n of_o old_a ask_v thy_o father_n and_o he_o will_v show_v thou_o thy_o elder_n &_o they_o will_v tell_v thou_o psal_n 102.18_o this_o shall_v be_v write_v for_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v nihil_fw-la mihi_fw-la authoritatis_fw-la assumo_fw-la sed_fw-la quae_fw-la ab_fw-la alijs_fw-la dispersa_fw-la velut_fw-la in_o ordinem_fw-la epitomata_n conscribo_fw-la veget._n l._n 1._o c._n 8._o cambridge_z print_v by_o samuel_n green_n 1671._o to_o the_o reader_n concern_v the_o ensue_a collection_n of_o testimony_n which_o be_v expressive_a of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o new_a english_a church_n as_o also_o of_o sundry_a other_o that_o be_v pillar_n among_o those_o of_o the_o true_a congregational_a way_n about_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n if_o any_o shall_v have_v scruple_n about_o the_o truth_n thereof_o they_o may_v easy_o in_o part_n satisfy_v themselves_o by_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o print_a book_n out_o of_o which_o these_o passage_n be_v faithful_o excerp_v and_o as_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o most_o of_o the_o subsequent_a collection_n be_v take_v from_o manuscript_n i_o have_v by_o i_o the_o original_a script_n only_o some_o few_o of_o they_o be_v in_o other_o hand_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o show_v they_o unto_o such_o if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v as_o shall_v hesitate_n touch_v the_o fidelity_n of_o this_o publication_n as_o to_o that_o matter_n therefore_o no_o more_o shall_v or_o needs_o to_o be_v say_v my_o design_n at_o pr_v send_v be_v only_o to_o commend_v a_o few_o thing_n to_o the_o serious_a and_o christian_a consideration_n of_o the_o antisynodalian_a brethren_n brethren_n i_o be_v once_o of_o your_o persuasion_n and_o thence_o can_v with_o the_o more_o love_n and_o compassion_n speak_v unto_o you_o what_o the_o argument_n be_v which_o cause_v i_o to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n be_v not_o here_o a_o place_n to_o relate_v but_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v if_o god_n permit_v elsewhere_o for_o the_o present_a let_v it_o suffice_v to_o be_v say_v that_o study_n and_o prayer_n and_o much_o affliction_n have_v bring_v i_o to_o be_v of_o another_o belief_n than_o once_o i_o be_v of_o touch_v the_o controvert_v question_n and_o unto_o you_o that_o be_v still_o of_o the_o antisynodalian_a persuasion_n i_o will_v in_o the_o bowel_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n say_v these_o few_o thing_n 1._o consider_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o you_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o your_o apprehension_n many_o thing_n may_v be_v mertion_v to_o you_o which_o ought_v to_o cause_n a_o humble_a jealousy_n in_o you_o lest_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v be_v there_o that_o only_a consideration_n that_o so_o many_o learned_a and_o ged_o man_n be_v oppose_v it_o ought_v to_o cause_n tremble_v and_o a_o holy_a fear_n in_o you_o lest_o your_o notion_n shall_v be_v erroneous_a it_o be_v a_o christian_a speech_n and_o spirit_n which_o bless_v burrough_n have_v in_o his_o excellent_a itenicum_n pag._n 89._o where_o he_o say_v he_o that_o differ_v in_o his_o judgement_n from_o ged_o learned_a man_n have_v need_n to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o prayer_n and_o humiliation_n before_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v a_o notable_a expression_n of_o basil_n cite_v in_o a_o epistle_n of_o luther_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o norimberg_n who_o be_v at_o variance_n variance_n one_o from_o another_o he_o who_o will_v separate_v from_o his_o brethren_n have_v need_n to_o consider_v many_o thing_n even_o to_o anxiety_n he_o have_v need_n break_v his_o sleep_n many_o night_n and_o seek_v of_o god_n with_o many_o tear_n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n thus_o he._n remember_v that_o those_o you_o differ_v from_o be_v under_o great_a advantage_n and_o probability_n to_o understand_v the_o truth_n than_o can_v be_v say_v concern_v yourselves_o for_o that_o many_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n call_v to_o answer_v the_o question_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n beside_o their_o eminent_a piety_n and_o enlarge_a understanding_n and_o capacity_n in_o those_o respect_n to_o discern_v the_o truth_n have_v bestow_v much_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o seek_v and_o search_v after_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n about_o these_o question_n can_v be_v deny_v for_o the_o most_o part_n when_o godly_a learned_a man_n miss_v of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v in_o point_n which_o either_o they_o have_v not_o at_o all_o or_o not_o thorough_o and_o impartial_o study_v when_o as_o the_o leader_n in_o the_o synod_n mention_v have_v most_o industrious_o and_o not_o without_o prayer_n and_o tear_n labour_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n concern_v these_o affair_n of_o his_o house_n and_o kingdom_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v forget_v how_o the_o lord_n do_v in_o his_o providence_n signal_o own_o that_o assembly_n for_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o second_o session_n there_o be_v a_o sore_a and_o threaten_a drought_n on_o the_o land_n whereupon_o that_o synod_n set_v a_o day_n apart_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o immediate_o upon_o those_o prayer_n do_v the_o lord_n give_v rain_n from_o heaven_n whereby_o he_o do_v from_o heaven_n own_o both_o his_o servant_n and_o the_o work_n which_o they_o be_v about_o and_o therein_o likewise_o we_o may_v observe_v a_o divine_a confutation_n of_o those_o spirit_n who_o impute_v our_o drought_n blast_n etc._n etc._n to_o that_o assembly_n or_o to_o the_o doctrine_n by_o they_o assery_v and_o propugn_v remember_v also_o that_o there_o have_v be_v very_o worthy_a man_n among_o who_o i_o who_o be_o conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o be_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n be_o no_o way_n worthy_a to_o be_v mention_v who_o be_v against_o such_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n as_o the_o synod_n plead_v for_o yet_o upon_o second_o and_o wise_a thought_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v see_v cause_n to_o change_v their_o opinion_n this_o be_v true_a concern_v some_o now_o at_o rest_n with_o christ_n and_o sundry_a among_o who_o as_o i_o say_v i_o reckon_v not_o myself_o yet_o survive_v yea_o it_o be_v true_a concern_v some_o judicious_a of_o the_o congregational_a way_n in_o england_n as_o well_o as_o in_o new-england_n it_o be_v a_o good_a observation_n which_o i_o remember_v mr_n cotton_n have_v in_o his_o letter_n to_o m._n williams_n pag._n 12._o where_o he_o argue_v that_o the_o way_n of_o the_o rigâ—â—â—epaâ—â—tion_n be_v not_o of_o god_n because_o those_o who_o in_o simplicity_n and_o tenderness_n 〈◊〉_d conscience_n have_v be_v draw_v into_o the_o error_n of_o that_o way_n yet_o when_o they_o have_v grow_v in_o grace_n they_o have_v also_o grow_v to_o discern_v the_o error_n of_o the_o separation_n the_o same_o thing_n â—e_n may_v say_v in_o this_o case_n some_o who_o do_v once_o conscientious_o and_o humble_o according_a to_o their_o present_a light_n dissent_v from_o the_o late_a synod_n yet_o as_o they_o have_v grow_v in_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n and_o ripeness_n for_o heaven_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o for_o to_o see_v that_o their_o rigidity_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v a_o fail_v moreover_o two_o be_v a_o rule_n as_o true_a as_o ancient_n and_o common_a that_o whatever_o opinion_n do_v drive_v the_o maintainer_n of_o it_o to_o any_o absurdity_n be_v to_o be_v suspect_v and_o reject_v as_o erroneous_a it_o be_v everlasting_o certain_a that_o a_o false_a conclusion_n can_v never_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o true_a premise_n ex_fw-la â—ero_fw-la nil_fw-la nisi_fw-la verum_fw-la now_o some_o that_o with_o the_o high_a confidence_n have_v oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n to_o uphold_v their_o no_o lion_z have_v be_v force_v to_o embrace_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v very_o irrational_a alâ—_n these_o thing_n be_v put_v together_o be_v enough_o to_o brâ—â—d_v a_o humble_a and_o a_o holy_a jealousy_n over_o your_o own_o apprehension_n that_o then_o be_v the_o first_o word_n i_o will_v serious_o and_o affectionate_o commâ—nd_v to_o your_o consideration_n the_o second_o word_n be_v this_o consider_v that_o if_o you_o be_v mistake_v your_o error_n have_v as_o thing_n be_v
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
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
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
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
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
christian_a but_o a_o heathen_a people_n let_v i_o add_v this_o far_a consideration_n all_o disciple_n or_o act_n 11.26_o christian_n be_v by_o christ_n enjoin_v to_o be_v baptize_v math_n 28.19_o act_n 11.26_o state_n it_o upon_o theâ—e_n people_n that_o be_v call_v name_n or_o count_v christian_n i_o know_v these_o be_v that_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n who_o be_v manifest_v anti-christians_a as_o papist_n atheist_n etc._n etc._n these_o may_v be_v exclude_v but_o those_o who_o in_o regard_n both_o of_o their_o belief_n and_o practice_n do_v just_o and_o right_o retain_v the_o reputation_n of_o christian_n as_o they_o that_o be_v describe_v in_o our_o five_o proposition_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n in_o this_o country_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o do_v sure_o christ_n injunction_n do_v include_v they_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o congregational_a man_n in_o england_n be_v not_o without_o thought_n and_o study_n for_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n doctor_n owen_n in_o his_o late_a catechism_n be_v plain_o with_o we_o in_o the_o main_a substance_n of_o the_o cause_n viz._n the_o baptise_v of_o those_o we_o plead_v for_o though_o it_o seem_v be_v will_v have_v they_o baptize_v in_o another_o notion_n for_o when_o as_o in_o question_n 38_o he_o make_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n to_o be_v profess_v believer_n and_o their_o infant_n seed_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o intend_v baptism_n to_o many_o who_o according_a to_o his_o platform_n be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n or_o may_v not_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n nay_o be_v not_o with_o he_o so_o much_o as_o join_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a or_o institute_v church_n but_o be_v only_a professor_n of_o the_o faith_n compare_v question_v 19_o 39_o 47_o 49._o and_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v expression_n to_o that_o purpose_n in_o other_o writing_n of_o he_o which_o i_o have_v not_o now_o by_o i_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v contain_v under_o the_o expression_n at_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o savoy_n in_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n chap._n 29._o thes_n 4._o the_o infant_n of_o one_o or_o both_o believe_a parent_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v use_v therein_o the_o word_n of_o the_o assembly_n confession_n and_o we_o know_v in_o how_o large_a a_o sense_n they_o take_v the_o word_n believe_v when_o as_o they_o say_v in_o chap._n 26._o thes_n 2._o the_o whole_a body_n of_o man_n throughout_o the_o world_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n by_o christ_n according_a unto_o it_o not_o destroy_v their_o own_o profession_n by_o any_o error_n evert_v the_o foundation_n or_o unholiness_n of_o conversation_n be_v and_o may_v be_v call_v the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ._n how_o plain_a be_v it_o that_o the_o person_n who_o child_n we_o will_v have_v baptize_v be_v profess_v believer_n according_a to_o doctor_n owen_n expression_n believe_v parent_n in_o the_o assembly_n sense_n and_o such_o professor_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o obedience_n to_o god_n as_o do_v not_o otherwise_o destroy_v that_o profession_n all_o which_o say_v the_o savoy_n meeting_n be_v of_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n and_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v not_o have_v any_o part_n of_o christ_n visible_a church_n leave_v unbaptise_v it_o be_v true_a they_o say_v this_o visible_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n as_o such_o be_v not_o entrust_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o any_o ordinance_n but_o they_o may_v mean_v as_o many_o do_v express_o hold_v that_o the_o pâ—â—â—on_n administer_a baptism_n must_v be_v a_o officer_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n though_o the_o subject_n baptize_v may_v be_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n however_o such_o catholic_n professor_n as_o they_o here_o describe_v be_v qualify_v for_o baptism_n if_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v in_o their_o mind_n further_o needful_a we_o do_v that_o you_o may_v hereby_o perceive_v that_o you_o stand_v almost_o alone_o while_o you_o be_v against_o the_o baptise_v of_o such_o as_o be_v describe_v in_o ouâ—_n five_o proposition_n whether_o they_o shall_v be_v baptize_v as_o in_o a_o catholic_n or_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n state_n be_v another_o question_n and_o i_o confess_v myself_o not_o altogether_o so_o peremptory_a in_o this_o latter_a as_o i_o be_o in_o the_o thing_n itself_o viz._n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v yet_o still_a i_o think_v that_o when_o all_o stone_n be_v turn_v it_o will_v come_v to_o this_o that_o all_o the_o baptize_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v under_o discipline_n in_o particular_a church_n yourself_o and_o those_o few_o in_o the_o ministry_n here_o that_o descent_n do_v bear_v a_o great_a weight_n than_o it_o may_v be_v you_o be_v aware_a of_o for_o the_o people_n in_o the_o country_n have_v in_o a_o manner_n no_o argument_n to_o object_v but_o this_o some_o of_o yourselves_o some_o of_o the_o minister_n be_v against_o it_o i_o have_v late_o in_o course_n of_o exposition_n go_v over_o exod._n 4_o 24._o as_o former_o over_o gen_n 17_o 9_o 14._o and_o the_o more_o i_o look_v into_o such_o texâ—s_n as_o those_o the_o more_o awful_a they_o be_v to_o i_o to_o make_v i_o fear_v lest_o we_o shall_v be_v want_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o lest_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v thereby_o displease_v and_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o we_o do_v not_o our_o duty_n while_o we_o let_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n and_o of_o such_o public_a and_o practical_a concernment_n as_o this_o be_v lie_v by_o from_o year_n to_o year_n without_o use_v more_o mean_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o issue_n and_o to_o come_v to_o some_o settlement_n therein_o thus_o you_o see_v with_o what_o freedom_n i_o have_v open_v somewhat_o of_o my_o heart_n to_o you_o about_o this_o matter_n have_v i_o not_o be_v confident_a of_o your_o candid_a acceptation_n thereof_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v do_v it_o i_o do_v affectionate_o thank_v you_o for_o your_o remembronce_n of_o i_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o desire_v a_o continue_a share_n therein_o hope_v that_o i_o be_o not_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o my_o poor_a measure_n uâ—â—nindful_a of_o you_o who_o i_o have_v a_o real_a respect_n for_o and_o do_v hearty_o love_v in_o the_o lord_n i_o be_o not_o without_o hope_n that_o we_o may_v be_v yet_o of_o one_o mind_n before_o we_o die_v an_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o think_v that_o we_o have_v be_v so_o ere_o this_o if_o you_o have_v be_v please_v to_o attend_v and_o pursue_v a_o free_a candid_a and_o through_o debate_n of_o matter_n veybal_o and_o happy_o if_o some_o such_o course_n be_v yet_o â—â—ken_v among_o we_o that_o live_v here_o about_o it_o may_v effect_v a_o accord_n but_o however_o i_o hope_v we_o shall_v meet_v there_o ubi_fw-la luthero_n cum_fw-la zuinglio_fw-it optimè_fw-la jam_fw-la convenit_fw-la the_o lord_n direct_v all_o our_o path_n for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n to_o his_o glory_n the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o rejoice_v of_o our_o own_o soul_n in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o i_o be_o you_o unfeigned_o jonathan_n mitchel_n cambridg_n december_n 26._o 1667._o finis_fw-la