who_o be_v dead_a yet_o live_v hence_o also_o when_o the_o parent_n be_v excommunicate_v the_o membership_n of_o the_o infant-childe_n be_v cut_v off_o because_o excommunication_n put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o outward_a covenant_n which_o death_n itself_o do_v not_o do_v and_o if_o the_o root_n be_v destroy_v the_o branch_n can_v live_v true_a it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v make_v much_o use_n of_o that_o distinction_n of_o immediate_a and_o mediate_v member_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o carry_v a_o mighty_a and_o constrain_a evidence_n of_o scripture-light_n along_o with_o it_o yea_o and_o so_o as_o to_o sâ—lve_v if_o right_o understand_v and_o manage_v the_o strong_a objection_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o the_o cause_n and_o truth_n we_o plead_v for_o and_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o church-member_n have_v be_v common_o distinguish_v into_o complete_a and_o incomplete_a and_o author_n who_o have_v be_v star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n if_o ever_o there_o have_v be_v such_o upon_o earth_n haâ—e_v make_v use_v thereof_o we_o may_v instance_n in_o that_o incomparable_a champion_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o nonconformist_n against_o prelacy_n mr._n robert_n les_fw-fr robert_n pâ—rker_n de_fw-fr â—â—l_fw-fr e_z les_fw-fr parker_n so_o likewise_o 13_o likewise_o ames_n mâ—d._n tâ—eâ—l_o l._n 1._o c._n 32._o tiâ—_n 13_o ames_n voetius_fw-la 356._o voetius_fw-la h_o rnâ—eâ—â—_n epâ—â—t_n ad_fw-la duraeum_n p._n 356._o hornbeck_n dr._n 9â—_n dr._n dr._n winter_n on_o actâ—_n â—_z 3â—_n p_o 9â—_n winter_n mr._n edit_n mr._n mr._n hâ—nmer_n exercit._n â—bout_fw-fr confirmation_n in_o postâ—â—r_n sâ—cond_o edit_n hanmer_n etc._n etc._n make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o distinction_n and_o the_o dissenter_n have_v prove_v it_o in_o their_o antisynodalia_fw-la three_o it_o be_v object_v against_o we_o that_o we_o maintain_v a_o strange_a opinion_n namely_o that_o a_o person_n who_o be_v a_o church-member_n may_v become_v no_o member_n by_o a_o act_n or_o a_o defect_n rather_o which_o may_v be_v call_v a_o act_n as_o sin_n of_o omission_n be_v term_v actual_a sin_n of_o his_o own_o without_o any_o church-act_n in_o censure_v of_o he_o answ_n most_o true_a it_o be_v that_o we_o do_v maintain_v this_o and_o must_v do_v so_o till_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_n prove_v neither_o do_v we_o know_v that_o this_o opinion_n contain_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o dissentany_a from_o scripture_n or_o good_a râ—â—son_n nor_o see_v we_o how_o some_o argument_n for_o the_o affirmative_a can_v faiâ—ly_o be_v answer_v suppose_v we_o a_o english_a fugitive_n that_o be_v become_v a_o priest_n in_o antwerp_n or_o a_o cardinal_n at_o rome_n or_o suppose_v we_o a_o turk_n who_o be_v a_o englishman_n by_o birth_n this_o turk_n be_v baptize_v a_o member_n of_o some_o parish-church_n which_o those_o that_o we_o dispute_v against_o maintain_v to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o we_o be_v far_o from_o deny_v of_o it_o universal_o and_o he_o be_v neveâ—_n censure_v by_o any_o church_n for_o his_o apostasy_n nâ—w_o we_o demâ—nd_v whetâ—er_v this_o turk_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yea_o or_o no_o to_o affirm_v it_o will_v be_v gross_a to_o say_v that_o turk_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v â—n_v truth_n to_o speak_v dagger_n when_o the_o arch-flamin_n whitgift_n say_v that_o papist_n and_o atheist_n may_v still_o remain_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n mâ—_n parker_n â—6_n parker_n de_fw-fr p_o 〈…〉_o l_o â—_o c._n â—6_n tell_v he_o that_o even_o a_o vorstius_n will_v condemn_v he_o anâ—_n it_o be_v no_o nâ—w_a doctrine_n in_o the_o school_n to_o say_v that_o 3._o that_o m_o rtâ—_n aâ—â—â—_n â—â—tho_fw-la paâ—_n 1._o l._n 1._o c._n 3._o a_o heretical_a apostate_n be_v no_o more_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o a_o wound_n a_o soâ—e_a or_o a_o brand_n be_v a_o man_n she_o of_o a_o man_n which_o none_o â—â—â—â—â—â—gine_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o none_o can_v doubt_v of_o that_o be_v mediocritèr_fw-la doctus_fw-la n_o scholastic_a l_o diviniâ—y_n therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o church-member_n may_v become_v no_o member_n by_o their_o own_o defection_n and_o we_o humble_o conceive_v though_o with_o submission_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o better_a judgement_n that_o thus_o much_o be_v hold_v forth_o by_o these_o scripture_n hebr._n 10.25_o 1_o joh._n 2_o 19_o judas_n ver_fw-la 19_o again_o how_o come_v esau_n to_o lose_v his_o membership_n we_o read_v not_o that_o he_o be_v excommunicate_a therefore_o it_o remain_v that_o he_o discovenanted_n and_o so_o dis-membered_n himself_o and_o how_o come_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n by_o keturah_n to_o lose_v their_o membership_n iâ—_n be_v not_o by_o censure_n in_o like_a sort_n when_o person_n under_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v abraham_n child_n by_o hold_v forth_o his_o faith_n and_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v just_o deem_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v just_o put_v themselves_o out_o of_o that_o covenant_n which_o their_o parent_n because_o of_o their_o then_o personal_a incapacity_n to_o act_v for_o themselves_o make_v for_o they_o alas_o that_o any_o shall_v look_v upon_o we_o as_o maintain_v dangerous_a opinion_n because_o of_o this_o wherefore_o that_o all_o may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o danger_n nor_o singularity_n in_o this_o our_o assertion_n that_o a_o church-member_n may_v possible_o become_v no_o member_n without_o any_o act_n of_o the_o church_n in_o formal_a censure_v of_o he_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o produce_v some_o testimony_n to_o prove_v it_o judicious_a and_o bless_a dr._n ames_n 8._o ames_n case_n consâ—_n l._n 5._o c._n 12._o in_o resp_n ad_fw-la quaest_n 4._o th._n 8._o say_v that_o in_o case_n of_o pertinacious_a separation_n such_o person_n though_o they_o may_v be_v of_o the_o invisible_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o word_n of_o the_o learned_a doctor_n do_v make_v the_o more_o for_o our_o purpose_n for_o that_o they_o be_v cite_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o 17._o the_o answ_n to_o quest_n 4._o p_o 17._o answer_n to_o the_o xxxii_o question_n our_o congregational_a savoy_n congregational_a preface_n to_o the_o declaration_n of_o faith_n &_o order_n at_o the_o savoy_n brethren_n in_o england_n do_v with_o one_o voice_n say_v that_o some_o church-member_n may_v be_v felone_n de_fw-fr se_fw-la such_o as_o may_v destroy_v their_o own_o membership_n yea_o and_o this_o be_v once_o sound_a doctrine_n in_o new-england_n bless_a mr._n cotton_n who_o name_n be_v and_o will_v be_v precious_a so_o long_o as_o the_o earth_n shall_v endure_v maintain_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n that_o 9_o that_o way_n of_o church_n p._n 9_o many_o in_o church_n have_v cut_v themselves_o off_o another_o testimony_n which_o we_o will_v produce_v be_v they_o discourse_n of_o the_o church-covenant_n of_o which_o the_o reverend_a mr._n question_n mr._n see_v preface_n to_o the_o answer_n to_o 21_o question_n richard_n mather_n be_v the_o sole_a author_n and_o the_o word_n be_v these_o follow_v 17._o follow_v discourse_v of_o church-covenant_n print_v an._n 1639._o p._n 17._o that_o if_o man_n have_v not_o promise_v and_o also_o perform_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o truth_n the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n they_o have_v not_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n but_o have_v discovenant_v themselves_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o father_n or_o other_o thus_o though_o god_n promise_v abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n gen._n 17.7_o yet_o the_o ishmaelite_n and_o edomite_n descend_v from_o abraham_n be_v discovenant_v by_o not_o promise_v nor_o perform_v those_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n require_v on_o the_o people_n part_n and_o the_o same_o truth_n be_v hold_v forth_o by_o the_o same_o author_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o xxxii_o â—_z bef_a remention_v this_o be_v â—he_v main_a thing_n wherein_o we_o dissent_n from_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o synod_n now_o if_o this_o be_v truth_n in_o the_o year_n 1639._o as_o it_o then_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o elder_n hereabouts_o wâ—_n see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v truth_n in_o the_o year_n 1662._o for_o veritas_fw-la in_o omnem_fw-la partem_fw-la svi_fw-la semper_fw-la eadem_fw-la est_fw-la either_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n then_o or_o else_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n at_o this_o day_n here_o let_v we_o add_v the_o word_n of_o mr._n cotton_n in_o his_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o church-member_n which_o be_v these_o follow_v 41._o follow_v mr_n cotton_n hâ—â—â—neâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d chur_n h-member_n p._n 19_o â—_o 41._o such_o as_o be_v bear_v and_o
baptise_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o orderly_o continue_v and_o confirm_v member_n unless_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n they_o do_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n profess_v their_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o renown_v parker_n speak_v of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o those_o word_n lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o heb._n 6.2_o cite_v many_o judicious_a writer_n who_o judgement_n he_o express_v in_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n 13._o purpose_n pâ—rker_n â—e_v pâ—â—_n f_o â—les_v in_o â—ap_n â—e_a 〈◊〉_d e_o lesia_n 〈◊〉_d seâ—â—_n 9_o â—_o 13._o that_o they_o who_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o minority_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o after_o that_o the_o church_n have_v approve_v their_o faith_n by_o the_o symbol_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n they_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v according_a to_o sound_a doctrine_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n as_o parker_n say_v now_o we_o demand_v how_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v as_o member_n who_o be_v already_o as_o complete_a and_o perfect_a member_n as_o any_o in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n wâ—s_v tertullian_n wâ—s_v tertullian_n antiquissimum_fw-la uâ—issimum_fw-la that_o child_n who_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o minority_n after_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o profess_v their_o faith_n so_o as_o to_o be_v accept_v of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v admit_v as_o member_n therefore_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n such_o child_n be_v not_o as_o complete_a and_o perfect_a member_n as_o any_o in_o the_o church_n yea_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n in_o case_n they_o do_v not_o by_o hold_v forth_o faith_n and_o repentance_n join_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o then_o they_o â—o_o not_o retain_v their_o membe_fw-mi ship_n whicâ—_n tâ—ey_n have_v in_o minority_n four_o it_o have_v beâ—n_n obâ—_n ct_v that_o we_o will_v not_o suffer_v child_n to_o come_v under_o the_o watch_n and_o care_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v of_o that_o opinion_n aâ—_n thâ—t_v we_o very_o fear_v there_o be_v great_a guilt_n lie_v upon_o thâ—_n church_n â—â—câ—use_n â—hey_n have_v neglect_v their_o duty_n towards_o the_o child_n in_o question_n iâ—_n be_v as_o clear_v to_o we_o as_o the_o light_n at_o noon_n or_o to_o use_v tertullia_n pâ—r_a sâ—_n as_o if_o it_o be_v write_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n thâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d special_a care_n even_a church-care_n and_o inspection_n be_v due_a over_o those_o child_n that_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o gate_n of_o zion_n hâ—ppy_a â—ight_n it_o be_v for_o we_o all_o if_o the_o issue_n of_o these_o troublesome_a controversy_n may_v be_v only_o to_o awaken_v church_n to_o strict_a watch_n and_o diligence_n in_o overseeing_a those_o child_n that_o be_v in_o minority_n only_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o watch_n over_o they_o be_v to_o be_v mediate_v according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o their_o membership_n the_o church_n be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o parent_n do_v their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n in_o bring_v they_o up_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n 〈…〉_o lord_n 〈…〉_o and_o if_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v adult_n they_o do_v not_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n than_o as_o the_o figtree_n which_o do_v not_o bear_v fruit_n be_v to_o be_v cut_v down_o the_o church_n be_v to_o disow_v they_o as_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o declare_v that_o they_o by_o their_o unbelief_n have_v discovenant_v themselves_o but_o we_o see_v not_o sufficient_a warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o proceed_v to_o a_o formal_a excommunication_n of_o the_o child_n in_o question_n because_o that_o be_v applicable_a unto_o none_o but_o those_o who_o have_v be_v in_o full_a communion_n now_o if_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v strive_v after_o that_o church-children_n may_v be_v bring_v under_o church-watch_n why_o sâ—ould_v the_o contention_n of_o brethren_n be_v like_o the_o bar_n of_o a_o castle_n that_o can_v yield_v last_o it_o have_v be_v object_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o dissent_v from_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v weakness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o mere_a wilfulness_n in_o that_o we_o can_v bring_v no_o argument_n but_o what_o be_v sufficient_o refute_v answ_n the_o very_a same_o thing_n have_v be_v say_v of_o those_o worthy_a champion_n who_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o congregational-way_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o assembly_n at_o westminster_n that_o â—â—_o that_o see_v tâ—esâ—_n wordâ—_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d against_o 〈…〉_o p._n p_o 21_o â—â—_o their_o argument_n be_v weak_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o have_v be_v confute_v and_o sufficient_o answer_v and_o that_o themselves_o be_v self-conceited_a and_o obstinate_a but_o these_o crimination_n be_v unworthy_a calumniation_n it_o be_v a_o common_a reproach_n cast_v upon_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a that_o they_o be_v all_o weak_a and_o unlearned_a man_n which_o make_v i_o write_v that_o book_n de_fw-fr viris_fw-la illustribus_fw-la so_o stapleton_n make_v no_o bone_n to_o call_v whitaker_n a_o ass_n and_o a_o fool._n and_o the_o same_o hiss_v of_o the_o serpent_n have_v we_o see_v in_o the_o prelate_n against_o the_o renown_a nonconformist_n but_o we_o suppose_v their_o say_n so_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o be_v so_o nevertheless_o we_o be_v content_a to_o accept_v of_o the_o charge_n when_o we_o be_v charge_v with_o weakness_n and_o folly_n let_v we_o be_v fool_n for_o christ_n sake_n or_o for_o his_o truth_n let_v we_o fall_v so_o the_o truth_n may_v rise_v let_v we_o sit_v in_o the_o dust_n so_o that_o truth_n may_v sit_v in_o the_o throne_n we_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v otherwise_o esteem_v then_o as_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n itself_o yet_o let_v we_o not_o be_v repute_v obstinate_a and_o such_o as_o be_v and_o will_v be_v blind_a because_o we_o dare_v not_o betray_v the_o truth_n and_o sin_n against_o our_o conscience_n for_o our_o weighty_a reason_n never_o be_v answer_v unto_o any_o tolerable_a satisfaction_n even_o to_o this_o day_n if_o it_o be_v demand_v here_o what_o our_o reason_n be_v why_o we_o accord_v not_o with_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o synod_n we_o shall_v by_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n declare_v what_o our_o chief_a reason_n be_v which_o cause_v our_o dissent_n which_o when_o they_o be_v answer_v we_o shall_v lay_v down_o our_o opinion_n as_o know_v that_o it_o be_v nullus_fw-la pudor_fw-la ad_fw-la meliora_fw-la transire_fw-la 1._o the_o synod_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v true_a save_a faith_n in_o the_o parent_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o rational_a charity_n or_o else_o the_o child_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v we_o entreat_v and_o urge_v again_o &_o again_o that_o this_o which_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v be_v a_o principle_n of_o truth_n may_v be_v set_v down_o for_o a_o conclusion_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v all_o agree_v but_o those_o reverend_a person_n against_o who_o we_o placid_o dispute_v will_v not_o consent_v to_o this_o though_o our_o unity_n lie_v at_o the_o stake_n for_o it_o 2._o we_o have_v not_o warrant_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n to_o apply_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n unto_o those_o child_n who_o parent_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unfitness_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n those_o act_v 2.41_o who_o be_v baptise_a continue_v break_v bread_n also_o ver_fw-la 42._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o those_o child_n be_v circumcise_a among_o the_o jew_n who_o parent_n be_v for_o a_o time_n debar_v from_o the_o passeover_n but_o that_o be_v only_o upon_o accident_n of_o ceremonial_a uncleanness_n which_o alter_v not_o the_o case_n for_o unless_o the_o father_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o fitness_n for_o the_o passeover_n he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o have_v his_o child_n circumcise_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o gospel-passeover_n and_o the_o gospel-circumcision_n neither_o do_v we_o read_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n baptism_n be_v of_o a_o great_a latitude_n as_o to_o the_o subject_a thereof_o than_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o the_o contrary_n the_o 19_o the_o catechun_v any_o ad_fw-la baptisterium_fw-la nunquam_fw-la admittendi_fw-la sunt_fw-la council_n araus_n c._n 19_o catechumeni_fw-la be_v not_o to_o be_v baptise_a before_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o thence_o when_o through_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o time_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o administer_v except_o at_o easter_n as_o it_o be_v call_v the_o 4._o the_o council_n gern_fw-ge do_v 4._o baptism_n of_o the_o catechumeni_fw-la be_v defer_v until_o then_o also_o in_o the_o dawning_n of_o reformation_n in_o england_n our_o juell_n can_v plead_v against_o harding_n that_o 553._o that_o juels_n reply_n to_o harding_n p._n
2._o position_n 1_o the_o rule_v give_v of_o christ_n concern_v the_o communion_n of_o christian_a church_n be_v 1._o concern_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o be_v their_o spiritual_a union_n under_o one_o head_n christ_n eph._n 1.22_o 23._o in_o one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o and_o they_o must_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n eph._n 4.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o as_o they_o have_v one_o common_a faith_n tit._n 1.4_o so_o they_o must_v contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n once_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n judas_n ver_fw-la 3._o they_o have_v also_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n gal._n 6_o 16._o the_o same_o officer_n in_o all_o church_n tit._n 1.5_o the_o same_o ordinance_n and_o decree_n 1_o cor._n 7.17_o &_o 16.1_o act_n 16.4_o the_o same_o order_n col._n 2.5_o the_o same_o doctrine_n 1_o cor._n 4.17_o &_o 15.11_o gal._n 1.7_o which_o all_o the_o church_n must_v hold_v fast_o rev._n 3.3_o and_o renounce_v all_o other_o doctrine_n gal._n 1.8_o 9_o 1_o tim._n 1.3_o &_o 6.3.14_o 2._o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o for_o as_o the_o church_n general_o consider_v be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a gal_n 4.26_o so_o particular_a church_n be_v sister_n each_o to_o other_o cant._n 8.8_o and_o there_o be_v a_o brotherhood_n of_o visible_a saint_n throughout_o the_o world_n 1_o pet._n 5.9_o hence_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o communion_n must_v be_v social_a as_o between_o equal_n none_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n over_o another_o par_fw-fr in_fw-la parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la the_o give_v of_o law_n to_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n prerogative_n iâ—m_n 4.12_o who_o have_v also_o commit_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o each_o particular_a institute_v church_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o each_o church_n within_o itself_o without_o dependence_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o church_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la mat._n 16.19_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o 3._o concern_v the_o thing_n wherein_o this_o communion_n must_v be_v exercise_v 1._o in_o general_n in_o mutual_a helpfulness_n according_a to_o god_n by_o mutual_a care_n one_o of_o and_o for_o another_o 1_o cor._n 10.24_o phil._n 2.20_o 21._o 2._o particular_o 1._o by_o spiritual_a helpfulness_n and_o care_v exercise_v 1._o in_o mutual_a prayer_n and_o endeavour_n for_o their_o edification_n cant._n 8.8_o 9_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 7._o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11._o and_o for_o their_o confirmation_n and_o establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n act_v 15.41_o &_o 16.4_o 5._o and_o for_o strengthen_v each_o other_o in_o the_o regular_a application_n of_o church-censure_n to_o their_o delinquent_a member_n 2_o thess_n 3.14_o 2_o tim._n 4.15_o 2._o by_o outward_a supply_n unto_o their_o necessity_n act_n 11.29_o rom._n 15.26_o 27._o 2_o cor._n 8.2_o etc._n etc._n throughout_o that_o chapter_n 3._o by_o their_o mutual_a care_n to_o avoid_v offence_n 1_o cor._n 10.32_o 4._o that_o when_o a_o church_n find_v need_n in_o respect_n of_o want_n of_o light_n or_o of_o competent_a consent_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o seek_v help_n by_o the_o counsel_n of_o some_o other_o church_n or_o church_n and_o the_o other_o church_n or_o church_n ought_v to_o give_v it_o in_o a_o brotherly_a way_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o by_o the_o elder_n apart_o but_o in_o the_o presence_n and_o with_o concurrence_n of_o the_o brethren_n act_n 15.4_o 22_o 23._o nor_o may_v they_o bind_v such_o a_o church_n to_o rest_v in_o their_o determination_n further_o than_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v find_v upon_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o seem_v gâ—od_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o act_v 15.28_o or_o if_o neighbour-churchâ—s_a find_v it_o necessary_a to_o offer_v their_o helpfulness_n to_o a_o church_n in_o case_n of_o the_o officer_n maladministration_n or_o of_o error_n and_o scandal_n and_o schism_n and_o the_o like_a case_n to_o prevent_v the_o infection_n of_o themselves_o or_o to_o remove_v corruption_n from_o such_o a_o church_n which_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o way_n seek_v not_o for_o help_v the_o neighbour-churche_n ought_v to_o exercise_v the_o communion_n of_o church_n by_o inquire_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o admonish_v the_o offend_a church_n in_o a_o brotherly_a way_n whereunto_o that_o church_n ought_v to_o submit_v according_a to_o god_n râ—m_n 16.17_o gâ—l_n 2_o 11-14_a and_o if_o it_o obstinate_o persi_v in_o scandalous_a evil_n after_o convince_a light_n hold_v forth_o the_o offend_a church_n may_v renounce_v communion_n with_o they_o to_o avoid_v fellowship_n in_o their_o sin_n eph._n 5.11_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o position_n 12_o the_o rule_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o christiâ—n_a church_n in_o the_o premise_n and_o the_o lâ—ke_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v obey_v as_o his_o law_n and_o commandment_n who_o be_v our_o â—ne_a lawgiver_n in_o observe_v whereof_o and_o not_o otherwise_o the_o purity_n and_o peace_n of_o christian_a church_n will_v â—e_v preserve_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o câ—rist_n jam_fw-la 4.12_o mat_n 28.20_o 1_o câ—â—_n 14.37_o 1_o tim._n 6_o 13._o gal_n 6_o 16._o these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v general_a principle_n of_o truth_n the_o particular_a determination_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o the_o two_o â—_z be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o they_o and_o so_o far_o and_o no_o further_o to_o be_v approve_v and_o receâ—ved_v as_o a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o they_o with_o these_o may_v be_v clear_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n right_o inform_v which_o may_v be_v manifest_v by_o a_o right_a application_n and_o compare_v they_o together_o 2._o the_o application_n of_o the_o former_a thesis_n or_o posiâ—ions_n to_o the_o â—_z and_o answer_n as_o they_o be_v state_v and_o express_v by_o the_o reverend_a elder_n in_o their_o print_a book_n follow_v the_o first_o question_n propound_v to_o they_o by_o the_o honour_a general_n court_n be_v quest_n 1._o who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n answ_n the_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v in_o the_o follow_a proposition_n which_o be_v seven_o in_o number_n propos_fw-fr 1_o they_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visib_n e_o church_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n propos_fw-fr 2._o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n in_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n i._n e._n child_n in_o minority_n who_o nexâ—_n parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n reply_n i_o can_v approve_v the_o two_o first_o proposition_n without_o some_o change_n of_o the_o term_n in_o the_o first_o thus_o they_o that_o accord_v to_o christ_n ordinance_n be_v regular_a and_o actual_a member_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o thus_o the_o actual_a and_o regular_a member_n of_o thâ—_n visible_a church_n accord_v to_o christ_n ordinance_n arâ—_n etc._n etc._n the_o necessity_n of_o this_o alteration_n will_v appear_v if_o either_o the_o p_o emise_v position_n be_v due_o co_z sidere_v wherewith_o these_o proposit_a onâ—_n wâ—ll_n not_o otherwise_o agree_v or_o if_o the_o proof_n allege_v by_o they_o from_o scripture_n for_o confirmation_n of_o these_o two_o proposition_n be_v due_o examine_v oâ—_n if_o what_o be_v hereafter_o to_o be_v reply_v unto_o the_o follow_a proposition_n shall_v be_v due_o weigh_v propos_fw-fr 3._o thâ—_n infant-seed_n f_o confederate_a visible_a believer_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parentâ—_n and_o when_o grow_v up_o be_v person_n l_o under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n this_o proposition_n consi_v of_o two_o part_n both_o which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v distinct_o 1_o thâ—t_a â—hey_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n wiâ—h_v heir_n parent_n this_o may_v pass_v in_o a_o rig_n t_o sense_n be_v understand_v of_o mediate_v member_n in_o and_o by_o thâ—ir_a parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n i_o shall_v no_o oppose_v it_o 2_o that_o when_o hâ—y_o be_v g_o own_o uâ—_n hey_o be_v pe_z sâ—n_o l_o under_o the_o wâ—â—ch_n d_o scipline_n aâ—d_a government_n of_o the_o churâ—â—_n this_o expression_n câ—llâ—_n for_o serious_a consideration_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o â—eâ—uiâ—e_v due_a exâ—â—inaâ—ion_n 1._o f_o r_o the_o expression_n the_o meaning_n of_o â—t_a â—â—â—ms_n to_o be_v this_o that_o when_o the_o child_n that_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o minority_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o discretion_n or_o become_v man_n they_o be_v member_n or_o as_o they_o speak_v afterwâ—rd_n 〈◊〉_d member_n and_o by_o that_o membership_n be_v under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o what_o
if_o not_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v declare_v that_o all_o may_v know_v where_o to_o stop_v and_o to_o understand_v that_o this_o privilege_n be_v not_o to_o exceed_v the_o three_o generation_n again_o if_o not_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o a_o child_n shall_v be_v beget_v or_o bear_v of_o a_o member_n and_o yet_o itself_o be_v no_o member_n or_o if_o a_o member_n have_v no_o right_n to_o baptism_n 2._o if_o so_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v by_o what_o right_a or_o where_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o right_n to_o baptism_n not_o in_o the_o grandfather_n or_o great-grandfather_n that_o be_v general_o dislike_v and_o the_o second_o proposition_n do_v limit_v it_o otherwise_o but_o in_o the_o immediate_a parent_n i_o suppose_v but_o how_o be_v the_o right_n of_o these_o child_n baptism_n found_v upon_o he_o not_o upon_o his_o personal_a confederate_n for_o it_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v none_o nor_o upon_o his_o own_v the_o covenant_n of_o his_o father_n for_o his_o father_n make_v no_o covenant_n he_o do_v only_o own_o the_o covenant_n of_o his_o parent_n and_o that_o give_v the_o right_n of_o baptism_n to_o his_o child_n as_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o this_o parent_n of_o the_o three_o generation_n do_v own_o what_o his_o parent_n of_o the_o second_o generation_n he_o can_v go_v no_o high_a have_v do_v and_o what_o be_v that_o he_o enter_v not_o into_o covenant_n but_o only_o own_v the_o covenant_n that_o his_o father_n enter_v into_o and_o thus_o these_o last_o child_n who_o be_v of_o the_o four_o generation_n do_v come_v to_o have_v right_a to_o baptism_n not_o by_o their_o parent_n confederation_n as_o the_o second_o sort_n mention_v in_o the_o second_o proposition_n nor_o by_o their_o parent_n own_v their_o father_n covenant_n as_o the_o three_o sort_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n but_o by_o these_o parent_n of_o the_o three_o generation_n own_v their_o parent_n of_o the_o second_o generation_n own_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n of_o the_o first_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o uncouth_a way_n and_o very_o unpleasant_a divinity_n vii_o the_o six_o proposition_n i_o look_v at_o as_o a_o exception_n to_o the_o five_o otherwise_o it_o be_v cross_v unto_o it_o and_o against_o it_o to_o this_o i_o say_v 1._o if_o there_o be_v any_o weight_n in_o the_o argument_n use_v under_o the_o six_o consideration_n against_o the_o baptise_v of_o child_n to_o who_o the_o five_o proposition_n do_v allow_v baptism_n then_o they_o be_v likewise_o of_o force_n against_o the_o baptise_v of_o child_n mention_v in_o this_o six_o proposition_n 2._o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o membership_n all_o give_v right_o to_o baptism_n two_o in_o the_o second_o proposition_n a_o three_o in_o the_o five_o a_o four_o in_o the_o six_o and_o if_o membership_n without_o personal_a confederation_n by_o the_o seed_n of_o confederate_a visible_a believer_n do_v not_o end_n in_o the_o three_o generation_n than_o there_o be_v a_o five_o and_o a_o six_o sort_n of_o membership_n and_o all_o these_o be_v differ_v one_o from_o the_o other_o the_o two_o first_o be_v of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o his_o word_n the_o rest_n be_v not_o viii_o the_o last_o proposition_n seem_v to_o open_v a_o very_a wide_a gate_n in_o the_o church_n wide_a than_o god_n do_v allow_v isa_n 26.2_o for_o though_o it_o require_v qualification_n in_o such_o member_n who_o claim_v right_a to_o baptism_n for_o their_o child_n in_o other_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o church-communion_n yet_o it_o be_v altogether_o silent_a of_o the_o qualification_n of_o such_o church_n themselves_o only_o they_o must_v be_v orthodox_n that_o respect_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n alone_o there_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v attend_v a_o church_n may_v be_v orthodox_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n yet_o scandalous_a in_o practice_n a_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v under_o scandal_n as_o well_o as_o a_o particular_a person_n and_o in_o that_o case_n another_o church_n may_v withdraw_v from_o it_o and_o have_v no_o communion_n either_o with_o it_o or_o its_o member_n and_o this_o be_v not_o long_o since_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a church_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o bay_n again_o a_o church_n may_v believe_v the_o main_a article_n of_o faith_n yet_o be_v so_o defective_a in_o discipline_n yea_o so_o opposite_a to_o christ_n government_n as_o to_o lay_v aside_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n and_o set_v up_o the_o invention_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o likewise_o may_v have_v such_o a_o corrupt_a constitution_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o matter_n open_v scandalous_a liver_n and_o likewise_o of_o form_n no_o visible_a express_a covenant_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o communion_n hold_v and_o maintain_v with_o such_o a_o church_n or_o her_o member_n hold_v communion_n with_o it_o as_o be_v express_v in_o this_o seven_o proposition_n without_o manifest_a disobedience_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o place_n rev._n 18.4_o 2_o cor._n 6.17_o eph._n 5.11_o if_o the_o member_n of_o orthodox_n church_n may_v upon_o the_o term_n express_v in_o the_o seven_o proposition_n claim_v baptism_n for_o their_o child_n in_o our_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o church-communion_n than_o themselves_o have_v right_a to_o communicate_v with_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o then_o what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o that_o we_o may_v by_o virtue_n of_o church-communion_n occasional_o come_v to_o any_o of_o these_o orthodox_n church_n have_v our_o child_n baptize_v in_o such_o a_o church_n and_o ourselves_o partake_v in_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o if_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o remove_v our_o habitation_n to_o such_o a_o place_n where_o such_o a_o orthodox_n church_n be_v why_o may_v we_o not_o join_v unto_o it_o and_o have_v fellowship_n with_o it_o and_o if_o we_o may_v so_o do_v new-england_n christian_n be_v of_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n most_o miserable_a and_o foolish_a we_o have_v suffer_v many_o thing_n in_o vain_a in_o leave_v such_o a_o country_n for_o this_o our_o estate_n friend_n comfort_n there_o to_o enjoy_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o our_o conscience_n in_o the_o congregational-way_n in_o a_o low_a afflict_a condition_n in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o so_o many_o year_n together_o and_o now_o we_o must_v lose_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v wrought_v and_o may_v return_v to_o our_o former_a state_n when_o we_o please_v which_o the_o lord_n preserveus_fw-mi from_o finis_fw-la there_o be_v now_o in_o the_o press_n a_o small_a treatise_n entitle_v a_o discourse_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n on_o matth._n 25.31_o to_o the_o end_n etc._n etc._n by_o mr._n samvel_n whiteing_n pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o lynne_n which_o will_v short_o be_v extant_a
his_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n whereof_o baptism_n be_v one_o and_o see_v god_n have_v appoint_v we_o to_o worship_v he_o both_o in_o it_o and_o in_o all_o other_o public_a duty_n and_o service_n so_o as_o we_o may_v please_v he_o therein_o it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o he_o require_v true_a visible_a faith_n in_o all_o who_o he_o privilege_v to_o baptize_v their_o infant_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o express_o require_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n nor_o interpretative_o in_o this_o propos_fw-fr 7._o the_o member_n of_o orthodox_n church_n be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o present_v due_a testimony_n thereof_o these_o occasional_o come_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptize_v in_o the_o church_n whither_o they_o come_v by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o if_o they_o remove_v their_o habitation_n they_o ought_v orderly_o to_o covenant_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n where_o they_o settle_v their_o abode_n and_o so_o their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v it_o be_v the_o church_n duty_n to_o receive_v such_o into_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v regular_o fit_a for_o the_o same_o reply_n the_o regular_a communion_n of_o approve_a church_n i_o look_v at_o as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o 11_o and_o 12_o posiâ—ions_n premise_v but_o this_o proposition_n be_v so_o ambiguous_o express_v that_o it_o leave_v i_o in_o the_o dark_a till_o some_o question_n be_v answer_v that_o the_o extent_n and_o compass_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o may_v be_v better_o clear_v they_o distribute_v it_o into_o two_o part_n which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v several_o but_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v sufficient_o explain_v in_o the_o first_o part_n i_o inquire_v what_o church_n they_o account_v orthodox_n whether_o such_o only_a as_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o heterodoxy_n and_o error_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n viz._n church_n that_o be_v heretical_a or_o such_o also_o which_o be_v right_a in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o church-order_n for_o both_o these_o the_o church_n at_o coloss_n be_v praise_v by_o paul_n in_o col_n 2.5_o 6._o 2._o what_o course_n the_o church_n where_o the_o member_n of_o such_o church_n desire_v to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v do_v take_v to_o know_v that_o such_o member_n be_v sâ—und_v in_o the_o fâ—ith_n for_o a_o member_n of_o a_o orthodox_n church_n may_v hold_v and_o maintain_v dangerous_a error_n contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n 1_o cor._n 15.12_o 3._o who_o they_o account_v to_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n whether_o only_o such_o as_o fall_v not_o under_o the_o censure_n of_o civil_a court_n or_o also_o such_o as_o be_v just_o offensive_a to_o god_n people_n by_o their_o sinful_a and_o disorderly_a walk_v for_o they_o say_v in_o their_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o to_o administer_v baptism_n to_o such_o as_o walk_v in_o disorder_n will_v be_v to_o administer_v christ_n ordinance_n to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o disorder_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v 2_o thess_n 3.6_o 1_o chron_n 15.13_o and_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o that_o rule_n 1_o cor._n 14.40_o 4._o what_o they_o account_v due_a testimony_n whether_o that_o which_o be_v give_v of_o they_o by_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v or_o only_o that_o which_o they_o may_v have_v from_o some_o in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v and_o have_v be_v but_o a_o little_a while_n whether_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o not_o 5._o what_o they_o mean_v by_o their_o occasional_o come_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o whether_o they_o take_v a_o due_a course_n to_o know_v that_o their_o occasion_n of_o come_v be_v approve_v by_o the_o church_n whence_o they_o come_v or_o not_o 6._o when_o they_o say_v they_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptize_v in_o the_o church_n whither_o they_o come_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n quaere_fw-la 1._o whether_o they_o have_v letter_n of_o recommendation_n from_o the_o church_n whence_o they_o come_v whereby_o that_o church_n desire_v this_o fruit_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o they_o will_v have_v their_o child_n baptize_v or_o not_o that_o be_v the_o orderly_a way_n of_o exercise_v communion_n among_o church_n rom._n 16.1_o 2._o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o 3_o joh._n ver_fw-la 9_o 12._o and_o whether_o the_o infant_n must_v be_v baptize_v as_o a_o member_n in_fw-la and_o by_o his_o parent_n covevenant_v for_o he_o of_o that_o church_n whence_o his_o parent_n come_v or_o as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o be_v baptize_v and_o where_o the_o parent_n be_v not_o a_o member_n but_o only_o have_v this_o benefit_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n that_o himself_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la and_o his_o child_n to_o baptism_n in_o a_o transient_a way_n when_o these_o and_o the_o like_a question_n be_v answer_v i_o shall_v better_o know_v what_o to_o say_v to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n than_o now_o i_o do_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o the_o first_o proof_n thereof_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v in_o my_o reply_v to_o propos_fw-fr 1._o &_o 2._o &_o 5._o &_o 8._o 2._o to_o clear_v their_o meaning_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o proposition_n quaere_fw-la 1._o whether_o such_o remover_n have_v a_o orderly_a dismission_n from_o the_o church_n whence_o they_o come_v or_o not_o 2._o whether_o the_o church_n where_o they_o settle_v their_o abode_n do_v subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n or_o not_o 3._o whether_o all_o refuse_v to_o covenant_n with_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o where_o they_o be_v necessita_fw-it ed_z to_o settle_v their_o abode_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v disorderly_o walk_v and_o to_o savour_v of_o profaneness_n and_o separation_n 4._o whether_o if_o the_o church_n in_o that_o place_n refuse_v to_o receive_v they_o into_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v regular_o fit_a for_o the_o same_o or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o dwell_v it_o bâ—ing_v not_o to_o be_v approve_v do_v this_o their_o not_o be_v join_v debar_v their_o child_n from_o be_v baptize_v in_o another_o church_n that_o be_v approve_v these_o and_o the_o like_a question_n be_v clear_o answer_v i_o shall_v understand_v the_o true_a and_o full_a sense_n of_o this_o proposition_n and_o what_o to_o say_v to_o it_o so_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o present_a for_o reply_v to_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n quest_n ii_o whether_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o consociation_n of_o church_n and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o answ_n the_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v in_o the_o proposition_n follow_v reply_n the_o proposition_n follow_v be_v eight_o as_o for_o the_o first_o four_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o full_a power_n and_o authority_n ecclesiastical_a within_o itself_o of_o each_o particular_a congregation_n of_o visible_a saint_n in_o gospel-order_n furnish_v at_o least_o with_o a_o teach_v elder_a and_o walk_v together_o in_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o the_o second_o concern_v the_o sisterly_a relation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n each_o to_o other_o and_o the_o three_o concern_v the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n and_o the_o four_o concern_v the_o act_n of_o communion_n i_o full_o close_a with_o as_o well_o agree_v with_o the_o 11_o and_o 12_o position_n premise_v except_v only_o the_o six_o act_n of_o communion_n and_o that_o but_o in_o one_o part_n of_o it_o for_o to_o admonish_v one_o another_o when_o there_o be_v need_n and_o cause_n for_o it_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o communion_n and_o which_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o gal._n 2.11_o 24._o by_o proportion_n but_o for_o that_o other_o part_n of_o it_o to_o withdraw_v from_o a_o church_n or_o peccant_a party_n therein_o after_o due_a mean_n with_o patience_n use_v obstinate_o persist_v in_o error_n or_o scandal_n this_o must_v be_v take_v with_o a_o grain_n of_o salt_n they_o refer_v we_o to_o the_o platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 15._o sect._n 2._o partic._n 3_o where_o they_o fetch_v a_o proof_n for_o this_o withdraw_a from_o mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o by_o proportion_n but_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o threefold_a dispr_fw-la portiâ—â—_n between_o that_o and_o this_o for_o 1._o there_o the_o withdraw_a be_v a_o consequent_a and_o ff_a ct_n of_o tâ—e_v church_n authoritative_a censure_n of_o aâ—_n obstinate_a offender_n after_o the_o first_o
and_o second_o and_o three_o admonition_n the_o offender_n be_v a_o member_n and_o so_o under_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v so_o censure_v by_o the_o church_n to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v â—he_n key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o have_v ordain_v that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v for_o his_o obstinacy_n in_o offence_n whâ—ch_n be_v material_o of_o a_o lesser_a kind_n but_o by_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o delinquent_n after_o secret_a priva_fw-la e_fw-la and_o public_a admonition_n against_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o his_o reclaim_n become_v formal_o a_o heinous_a scandal_n but_o the_o wi_n hdraw_v of_o other_o church_n from_o a_o church_n which_o they_o account_v peccant_a be_v a_o act_n of_o different_a nature_n and_o kind_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o public_a authority_n of_o such_o church_n over_o that_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n give_v to_o any_o synod_n or_o council_n of_o neighbour-churche_n as_o they_o themselves_o confess_v in_o their_o first_o proposition_n for_o answer_n to_o this_o second_o question_n 2._o the_o step_n whereby_o they_o proceed_v to_o this_o withdraw_a be_v 1._o that_o one_o church_n admonish_v another_o 2._o if_o the_o church_n under_o offence_n do_v not_o hearken_v to_o that_o admonition_n the_o offend_a church_n be_v to_o acquaint_v other_o neighbour-churche_n with_o that_o offence_n and_o with_o their_o neglect_n of_o that_o admonition_n whereunto_o those_o other_o church_n be_v to_o join_v in_o second_v the_o admonition_n former_o give_v and_o if_o stâ—ll_v the_o offend_a church_n continue_v in_o obstinacy_n and_o impenitency_n they_o may_v forbear_v communion_n with_o they_o reply_n this_o be_v not_o by_o proportion_n according_a to_o matth._n 18._o for_o there_o christ_n do_v not_o allow_v they_o who_o have_v proceed_v in_o admonish_v but_o to_o the_o second_o step_n to_o forbear_v communion_n with_o the_o delinquent_n whereas_o these_o neighbour-churche_n be_v but_o in_o the_o second_o step_n yet_o they_o say_v they_o may_v forbear_v communion_n with_o they_o then_o they_o ascend_v to_o the_o three_o step_n to_o proceed_v to_o make_v use_n of_o a_o synod_n or_o council_n of_o neighbour-churche_n walk_v orderly_o if_o a_o great_a can_v convenient_o be_v have_v for_o their_o conviction_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o synod_n the_o synod_n have_v declare_v they_o to_o be_v obstinate_a particular_a church_n approve_v and_o accept_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v to_o declare_v the_o sentence_n of_o non-communion_n respective_o concern_v they_o and_o thereupon_o out_o of_o a_o religious_a care_n to_o keep_v their_o own_o communion_n pure_a they_o may_v just_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o participation_n with_o they_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o from_o such_o other_o act_n of_o holy_a communion_n as_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n do_v otherwise_o allow_v and_o require_v thus_o they_o speak_v in_o that_o platform_n but_o be_v this_o in_o proportion_n according_a to_o mat._n 18._o that_o the_o neighbour-churche_n may_v first_o withdraw_v and_o then_o a_o synod_n or_o council_n of_o neighbour-churche_n must_v be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o their_o conviction_n and_o if_o the_o synod_n declare_v they_o to_o be_v obstinate_a particular_a church_n be_v to_o declare_v the_o sentence_n of_o non-communion_n and_o then_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o all_o act_n of_o holy_a communion_n till_o they_o can_v produce_v a_o clear_a rule_n for_o warrant_n of_o such_o a_o proceed_n i_o can_v look_v at_o this_o otherwise_o then_o as_o a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n 3._o though_o church_n may_v withdraw_v from_o a_o church_n that_o be_v obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a in_o some_o case_n without_o any_o such_o solemn_a sentence_n of_o non-communion_n declare_v by_o a_o synod_n yet_o not_o for_o such_o cause_n as_o a_o delinquent_a brother_n may_v be_v excommunicate_v by_o a_o church_n according_a to_o mat._n 18._o for_o there_o though_o the_o offence_n be_v in_o some_o lesser_a matter_n and_o private_a between_o two_o at_o first_o yet_o by_o obstinacy_n against_o convince_a light_n hold_v forth_o in_o those_o three_o step_n of_o proceed_v it_o become_v a_o public_a and_o heinous_a scandal_n and_o so_o the_o delinquent_n must_v be_v at_o last_o excommunicate_v by_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n in_o obedience_n to_o christ_n who_o have_v for_o such_o end_n give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n unto_o they_o but_o neighbour-churche_n may_v not_o withdraw_v from_o a_o true_a church_n for_o every_o error_n and_o scandal_n though_o persist_v in_o and_z in_o their_o opinion_n obstinate_o for_o 1._o it_o may_v be_v the_o error_n of_o neighbour-churche_n to_o think_v that_o to_o be_v light_n from_o scripture_n which_o they_o hold_v forth_o for_o their_o conviction_n when_o it_o be_v not_o from_o scripture_n right_o understand_v and_o right_o apply_v if_o the_o synod_n by_o who_o this_o book_n be_v publish_v shall_v conclude_v any_o church_n to_o walk_v in_o error_n and_o scandal_n and_o obstinate_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v convince_v from_o what_o light_n they_o have_v here_o hold_v forth_o nor_o practise_v according_o till_o what_o be_v reply_v ad_fw-la oppositum_fw-la be_v sound_o refute_v and_o their_o allegation_n and_o application_n of_o scripture_n more_o convince_o and_o irrefragable_o clear_v and_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o after_o the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o admonition_n and_o if_o any_o neighbour-churche_n for_o this_o or_o the_o like_a cause_n shall_v withdraw_v from_o communion_n with_o they_o after_o the_o admonition_n of_o one_o church_n and_o after_o that_o of_o other_o neighbour-churche_n they_o shall_v great_o sin_v in_o so_o do_v and_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n in_o their_o second_o proof_n of_o their_o 7_o proposition_n for_o answer_n to_o this_o second_o question_n pag._n 28._o where_o they_o say_v to_o refuse_v communion_n with_o a_o true_a church_n in_o lawful_a and_o pious_a action_n be_v unlawful_a and_o just_o account_v schismatical_a for_o if_o the_o church_n be_v true_a christ_n hold_v some_o communion_n with_o it_o therefore_o so_o must_v we_o now_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n be_v approve_v by_o their_o neighbour-churche_n to_o be_v true_a church_n by_o their_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o a_o error_n in_o lesser_a matter_n though_o persist_v in_o against_o their_o admonition_n which_o may_v be_v from_o want_n of_o convince_a light_n do_v not_o make_v any_o of_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o all_o holy_a communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n for_o such_o a_o cause_n be_v total_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n which_o themselves_o say_v be_v unlawful_a ibid._n 2._o the_o case_n wherein_o communion_n may_v be_v regular_o withdraw_v from_o a_o church_n or_o person_n be_v only_o such_o as_o subvert_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n and_o be_v obstinate_o persist_v in_o against_o due_a mean_n regular_o use_v with_o patience_n for_o their_o conviction_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n once_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v be_v just_o denominate_v heretical_a tit._n 3.10_o 11._o 2_o joh._n ver_fw-la 10_o 11._o or_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v be_v just_o style_v schismatical_a rom._n 16.17_o 18._o or_o to_o both_o be_v fall_v from_o the_o truth_n once_o receive_v from_o whence_o they_o be_v just_o call_v apostatical_a 2_o tim_n 4.10_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o case_n of_o like_a heinousness_n but_o in_o case_n of_o lesser_a importance_n church_n and_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v exhort_v to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o their_o call_n with_o all_o lowliness_n and_o meekness_n with_o long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n &c_n &c_n eph._n 4.1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n conclude_v with_o bless_a paul_n that_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o religion_n be_v provide_v for_o and_o secure_v for_o lesser_a matter_n if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o phil._n 3.15_o for_o in_o such_o matter_n godly_a man_n do_v frequent_o differ_v and_o be_v not_o easy_o convince_v some_o from_o the_o strength_n other_o f_z they_z the_o weakness_n of_o their_o intellectual_n and_o the_o bâ—st_v â—now_v â—ut_v in_o part_n i_o have_v be_v the_o large_a in_o clear_v this_o point_n for_o necessary_a cause_n have_v thus_o speak_v to_o tâ—e_v four_z first_o proposition_n i_o proceed_v to_o tâ—e_v fifâ—h_o and_o sixâ—h_o proposition_n propos_fw-fr 5._o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v their_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a agreement_n to_o exercise_v communion_n in_o such_o act_n as_o
become_v a_o classical_a or_o presbyterian_a church_n and_o the_o member_n by_o consent_v thereunto_o become_v member_n of_o a_o classical_a church_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o it_o and_o be_v not_o this_o consociation_n to_o be_v look_v at_o as_o a_o snare_n to_o the_o church_n which_o 1._o transform_v they_o from_o congregational_a church_n into_o a_o classical_a church_n and_o 2._o subject_n they_o under_o the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n of_o that_o classical_a church_n and_o 3._o without_o any_o warrant_n of_o christ_n institution_n let_v we_o see_v if_o there_o be_v more_o in_o their_o second_o proof_n 2._o paul_n a_o apostle_n seek_v with_o much_o labour_n the_o conference_n concurrence_n and_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n of_o other_o apostle_n and_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o church_n have_v not_o less_o need_v each_o of_o other_o to_o prevent_v their_o run_n in_o vain_a gal._n 2.2_o 6_o 9_o reply_n 1._o this_o necessity_n be_v proper_a to_o paul_n case_n who_o do_v not_o converse_v with_o christ_n on_o earth_n as_o the_o other_o apostle_n do_v but_o be_v as_o one_o bear_v out_o of_o due_a time_n 1_o cor._n 15.8_o and_o so_o be_v more_o liable_a to_o be_v object_v and_o except_v against_o than_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o have_v more_o need_n to_o be_v countenance_v among_o man_n by_o they_o than_o they_o by_o he_o whence_o he_o wise_o seek_v approbation_n from_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n each_o of_o they_o have_v be_v approve_v by_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n give_v to_o they_o by_o other_o church_n at_o their_o first_o gather_v and_o at_o the_o ordination_n of_o their_o teach_v and_o ruling-elders_a 2._o paul_n do_v thus_o not_o by_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o consociation_n of_o church_n as_o be_v here_o describe_v but_o for_o other_o reason_n 3._o the_o run_v in_o vain_a of_o any_o elder_n and_o church_n have_v be_v hitherto_o prevent_v by_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n regular_o exercise_v and_o still_o may_v be_v 3._o those_o general_a rule_n touch_v the_o need_n and_o use_v of_o counsel_n and_o help_v in_o weighty_a case_n concern_v all_o society_n and_o polity_n ecclesiastical_a as_o well_o as_o civil_a prov._n 11.14_o &_o 15.22_o etc._n etc._n r_o ply_v it_o be_v true_a and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o in_o obedience_n and_o with_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n as_o need_n require_v when_o they_o want_v light_n or_o consent_v within_o themselves_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n without_o such_o a_o consociation_n as_o they_o describe_v 4._o the_o pattern_n in_o act_n 15._o hold_n forth_o a_o warrant_n for_o council_n which_o may_v be_v great_a or_o lesser_a as_o the_o matter_n shall_v require_v reply_n but_o 1._o not_o with_o special_a respect_n to_o the_o vicinity_n of_o church_n for_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o the_o messenger_n fâ—om_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n pass_v through_o other_o church_n near_o to_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n for_o counsel_n 2._o nor_o by_o virtue_n of_o such_o a_o consociation_n of_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n with_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n but_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n 5._o concurrence_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o gospel-time_n be_v not_o obscure_o hold_v forth_o in_o isa_n 19_o 23_o 24_o 25._o zeph._n 3.9_o 1_o cor._n 11.16_o &_o 14.32_o 36._o r_o ply_v some_o of_o those_o text_n note_v only_o a_o communion_n of_o saint_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n 2._o none_o of_o they_o hold_v forth_o a_o consociation_n of_o church_n as_o they_o describe_v 6._o there_o have_v constant_o be_v in_o these_o church_n a_o profession_n of_o communion_n in_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n at_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o ordination_n of_o elder_n which_o import_v a_o consociation_n and_o oblige_v to_o the_o practice_n thereof_o reply_n together_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o communion_n have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o these_o church_n but_o that_o this_o communion_n import_v such_o a_o consociation_n as_o they_o describe_v and_o obligation_n to_o the_o practice_n thereof_o be_v not_o express_v nor_o understand_v worthy_a mr._n cotton_n who_o name_n ought_v to_o be_v honourable_a among_o the_o saint_n both_o in_o old_a england_n and_o new_a in_o that_o book_n which_o he_o entitle_v the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n the_o six_o chapter_n speak_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o show_v seven_o way_n whereby_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o be_v in_o these_o church_n exercise_v they_o do_v as_o i_o apprehend_v reach_v all_o the_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o church-communion_n mutual_o by_o each_o other_o but_o of_o this_o consociation_n as_o it_o be_v here_o describe_v he_o speak_v not_o a_o word_n nor_o i_o believe_v do_v apprehend_v any_o necessity_n of_o it_o or_o rule_n in_o scripture_n for_o it_o therefore_o when_o they_o say_v without_o this_o we_o shall_v want_v a_o expedient_a and_o sufficient_a cure_n for_o emergent_a church-difficulty_n and_o difference_n the_o constant_a experience_n of_o these_o church_n from_o their_o beginning_n to_o this_o day_n evince_v the_o contrary_a and_o though_o our_o way_n be_v charge_v with_o the_o want_n hereof_o yet_o it_o be_v unjust_o and_o by_o such_o as_o will_v bring_v we_o into_o their_o way_n of_o classical_a church_n which_o be_v not_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o this_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v and_o have_v be_v find_v effectual_a by_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o will_v be_v still_o and_o though_o this_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o call_v it_o concern_v such_o a_o consociation_n it_o be_v not_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v never_o practise_v in_o these_o church_n for_o without_o it_o the_o church_n either_o have_v be_v or_o may_v have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v hereafter_o keep_v in_o purity_n and_o peace_n with_o brotherly_a love_n among_o themselves_o mutual_o by_o the_o regular_a improve_n the_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o be_v manifest_v to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v give_v we_o perfect_a rule_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o order_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o attainment_n of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v it_o according_a to_o the_o second_o three_o four_o eleven_o and_o twelve_o position_n premise_v with_o which_o if_o this_o way_n of_o consociation_n of_o church_n shall_v be_v clear_o prove_v to_o agree_v which_o i_o do_v not_o find_v to_o be_v yet_o do_v i_o shall_v ready_o and_o hearty_o close_a with_o it_o and_o submit_v unto_o it_o for_o it_o be_v only_o the_o truth_n that_o i_o search_v for_o and_o desire_v to_o bear_v witness_n unto_o that_o when_o my_o time_n shall_v come_v to_o lay_v down_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n which_o i_o expect_v daily_o i_o may_v give_v up_o my_o account_n with_o joy_n 2._o and_o if_o any_o church_n be_v refractory_a we_o have_v the_o help_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n for_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o those_o that_o do_v evil_a whether_o in_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n rom._n 13._o every_o ordinance_n of_o god_n have_v god_n blessing_n annex_v which_o we_o can_v expect_v in_o this_o way_n till_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o do_v propos_fw-fr 7._o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n agreement_n herein_o may_v be_v by_o the_o church_n open_v consent_v unto_o the_o thing_n here_o declare_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o second_o question_n as_o also_o to_o what_o be_v say_v thereabouts_o in_o chap._n 15_o 16._o of_o the_o platform_n of_o discipline_n with_o reference_n to_o what_o be_v before_o express_v in_o proposition_n 5_o reply_n if_o the_o church_n do_v express_v their_o agreement_n herein_o open_o they_o do_v voluntary_o engage_v themselves_o and_o covenant_n to_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o thing_n declare_v not_o only_o in_o the_o point_n of_o church-communion_n but_o also_o of_o such_o consociation_n as_o be_v here_o express_v which_o they_o have_v need_v to_o see_v to_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n if_o they_o will_v act_v according_o in_o faith_n know_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14.23_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o platform_n chap._n 15_o have_v be_v in_o part_n examine_v before_o in_o chap._n 16.5_o they_o say_v the_o synod_n direction_n and_o determination_n so_o far_o as_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o reverence_n and_o submission_n not_o only_o for_o their_o agreement_n therewith_o etc._n