while_o they_o be_v such_o leave_v his_o adult_n child_n to_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o if_o he_o have_v any_o such_o child_n when_o himself_o enter_v into_o covenant_n 2._o adam_n covenant_n be_v only_o with_o the_o lord_n not_o with_o any_o church_n as_o the_o covenant_n of_o confederate_a parent_n be_v and_o therefore_o if_o adam_n have_v stand_v his_o posterity_n have_v not_o be_v church-member_n thereby_o as_o the_o infant_n of_o church-confederates_a 3._o nor_o do_v the_o parent_n break_v his_o covenant_n make_v his_o child_n heir_n of_o condemnation_n as_o adam_n do_v all_o mankind_n so_o that_o this_o example_n of_o adam_n be_v impertinent_o produce_v in_o this_o case_n of_o infant_n and_o their_o parent_n confederate_v for_o they_o not_o as_o their_o public_a person_n but_o as_o undertaker_n for_o their_o infant-seed_n by_o god_n institution_n nor_o indeed_o be_v any_o to_o be_v account_v a_o public_a person_n as_o adam_n be_v but_o jesus_n christ_n for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o he_o rom._n 5.14_o to_o 20._o nor_o do_v their_o similitude_n of_o a_o prince_n give_v land_n to_o a_o man_n and_o his_o heir_n successive_o while_o they_o continue_v loyal_a suit_n the_o case_n in_o question_n concern_v infant_n who_o can_v be_v visible_o disloyal_a nor_o that_o concern_v adult_a person_n not_o regular_o join_v to_o the_o church_n as_o immediate_a member_n who_o parent_n be_v godly_a when_o they_o covenant_v for_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n for_o they_o have_v cut_v off_o the_o entail_v of_o the_o covenant_n from_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n by_o their_o personal_a disloyalty_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v give_v to_o they_o and_o they_o by_o their_o covenant_n which_o they_o presume_v to_o usurp_v without_o warrant_n from_o god_n they_o say_v true_a that_o a_o member_n be_v one_o who_o according_a to_o rule_v or_o according_a to_o divine_a institution_n be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o that_o refute_v nothing_o that_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v mediate_a and_o immediate_a member_n for_o both_o be_v within_o the_o church_n according_a to_o rule_n and_o divine_a institution_n though_o both_o have_v not_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o all_o ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o all_o adult_n person_n who_o be_v immediate_a member_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a right_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o they_o frame_v a_o objection_n thus_o obj._n if_o child_n be_v complete_a and_o immediate_a member_n as_o their_o parent_n be_v than_o they_o shall_v immediate_o have_v all_o church-priviledge_n as_o their_o parent_n have_v without_o any_o further_a act_n or_o qualification_n and_o they_o answer_v it_o thus_o ans_fw-fr it_o follow_v not_o all_o privilege_n that_o belong_v to_o member_n as_o such_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o child_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o parent_n but_o all_o church-priviledge_n do_v not_o so_o a_o member_n as_o such_o or_o all_o member_n may_v not_o partake_v of_o all_o privilege_n but_o they_o be_v to_o make_v progress_n both_o in_o memberly_n duty_n and_o privilege_n as_o their_o age_n and_o capacity_n and_o qualification_n do_v fit_a they_o for_o the_o same_o reply_n the_o intendment_n of_o the_o objection_n as_o i_o apprehend_v be_v to_o show_v that_o complete_a and_o immediate_a membership_n as_o such_o do_v infer_v complete_a and_o immediate_a communion_n in_o all_o church-priviledge_n but_o child_n in_o minority_n have_v not_o complete_a and_o immediate_a communion_n in_o all_o church-priviledge_n without_o some_o further_a act_n or_o qualification_n therefore_o such_o child_n be_v not_o complete_a and_o immediate_a member_n as_o such_o now_o to_o this_o their_o answer_n be_v insufficient_a for_o the_o best_a member_n have_v need_v to_o make_v progress_n in_o memberly_n duty_n and_o qualification_n to_o fit_v they_o more_o and_o more_o for_o church-priviledge_n yet_o all_o have_v that_o communion_n that_o suit_v their_o membership_n infant_n in_o baptism_n the_o watch_n prayer_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o adult_n person_n orderly_a and_o regular_o join_v by_o their_o personal_a covenant_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o seal_n vote_v and_o censure_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o such_o member_n nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n any_o where_o allow_v the_o church_n to_o admit_v any_o one_o by_o personal_a covenant_v for_o themselves_o and_o they_o into_o any_o other_o membership_n then_o complete_a and_o immediate_a but_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o membership_n without_o some_o further_a personal_a act_n and_o qualification_n when_o they_o shall_v become_v adult_n therefore_o their_o infant-membership_a be_v not_o complete_a and_o immediate_a 3._o that_o their_o membership_n still_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o cease_v not_o with_o their_o infancy_n appear_v 1._o because_o scripture_n person_n be_v break_v off_o only_o for_o notorious_a sin_n or_o incorrigible_a impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n not_o for_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_v age_n rom._n 11.20_o reply_n 1._o when_o i_o affirm_v that_o their_o mediate_a membership_n continue_v during_o their_o minority_n while_o they_o be_v under_o the_o institution_n and_o government_n of_o parent_n etc._n etc._n i_o deny_v that_o that_o membership_n continue_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o when_o they_o be_v at_o their_o own_o disposal_n or_o have_v child_n of_o their_o own_o to_o covenant_n for_o because_o then_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o mediate_a membership_n cease_v they_o be_v by_o age_n capable_a of_o covenant_v for_o themselves_o 2._o their_o first_o reason_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o membership_n of_o all_o baptize_v in_o infancy_n continue_v in_o adult_n age_n for_o the_o text_n allege_v speak_v only_o of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v receive_v into_o complete_a and_o immediate_a membership_n regular_o by_o their_o personal_a faith_n and_o covenant_v with_o the_o church_n visible_o who_o be_v break_v off_o either_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n as_o the_o unbelieve_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v or_o by_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o our_o question_n be_v not_o of_o such_o but_o of_o adult_a person_n that_o break_v off_o themselves_o from_o the_o covenant_n by_o profane_a neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o the_o ordinance_n or_o unsuitable_a conversation_n who_o ever_o say_v that_o any_o be_v break_v off_o for_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_v age_n such_o intimation_n shall_v be_v forbear_v by_o godly_a man_n 2._o the_o jew_n child_n circumcise_v do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v member_n by_o grow_v up_o but_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n bind_v unto_o various_a duty_n and_o in_o special_a unto_o those_o solemn_a profession_n that_o pertain_v unto_o adult_n member_n not_o as_o then_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a membership_n but_o as_o make_v progress_n in_o memberly_n duty_n deut._n 26_o 2-10_a &_o 16.16_o 17._o with_o gal._n 5.3_o reply_n 1._o that_o the_o jew_n child_n circumcise_v be_v bind_v to_o various_a duty_n and_o to_o those_o solemn_a profession_n that_o pertain_v to_o adult_v member_n when_o themselves_o be_v grow_v up_o be_v clear_a enough_o by_o the_o text_n allege_v and_o sundry_a other_o whereunto_o i_o willing_o add_v that_o baptism_n also_o bind_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o confederate_n to_o various_a gospel-duty_n and_o especial_o this_o of_o use_v all_o mean_n that_o faith_n may_v be_v wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n unto_o obey_v the_o call_n of_o god_n and_o then_o hold_v forth_o their_o faith_n unto_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o they_o and_o so_o become_v complete_a and_o immediate_a member_n but_o 2._o it_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o those_o text_n that_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n they_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a membership_n rather_o the_o contrary_n appear_v in_o deut._n 26.17_o 18._o for_o they_o enter_v into_o that_o covenant_n personal_o and_o immediate_o not_o in_o and_o by_o their_o parent_n as_o they_o do_v in_o infancy_n gen._n 17.7_o if_o convenant_v be_v the_o form_n of_o church-membership_a which_o they_o affirm_v then_o a_o different_a form_n of_o covenant_v make_v a_o different_a kind_n of_o church-membership_a immediate_n covenant_v make_v immediate_a member_n mediate_v covenanting_a make_v mediate_v member_n their_o three_o reason_n be_v those_o relation_n of_o born-servant_n and_o subject_n which_o the_o scripture_n make_v use_v of_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o child_n in_o the_o church_n by_o leu._n 25.41_o 42._o ezek._n 37.25_o do_v not_o as_o all_o man_n know_v cease_v with_o infancy_n but_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n whence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o one_o special_a end_n of_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n be_v to_o leave_v person_n under_o engagement_n to_o service_n and_o subjection_n to_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n when_o grow_v up_o when_o they_o be_v fit_a
etc._n but_o also_o secondary_o for_o the_o power_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v etc._n etc._n reply_n i_o grant_v that_o 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 but_o what_o if_o the_o member_n of_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v send_v do_v not_o find_v they_o consonant_n to_o the_o word_n right_o understand_v and_o apply_v be_v they_o nevertheless_o still_o bind_v to_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o synod_n direction_n and_o determination_n because_o the_o synod_n couclude_v that_o they_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o word_n i_o suppose_v no_o orthodox_n synod_n in_o these_o time_n will_v arrogate_v to_o itself_o such_o infallible_a assistance_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v assemble_v with_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v act_v 15._o though_o they_o argue_v and_o conclude_v only_o from_o scripture_n yet_o that_o council_n can_v not_o err_v in_o their_o understanding_n and_o apply_v scripture_n have_v such_o guide_v as_o the_o apostle_n be_v but_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o may_v err_v in_o their_o understanding_n and_o apply_v the_o scripture_n whereupon_o they_o seem_v to_o grind_v their_o direction_n and_o determination_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o to_o examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n whatsoever_o direction_n or_o determination_n be_v propound_v by_o the_o synod_n if_o they_o find_v that_o they_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n authority_n to_o receive_v they_o with_o reverence_n and_o submission_n if_o otherwise_o wrought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n act_n 5.29_o 2._o this_o power_n of_o the_o synod_n though_o they_o say_v it_o be_v but_o secondary_a and_o that_o it_o be_v for_o their_o agreement_n with_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a ground_n thereof_o and_o without_o which_o their_o direction_n and_o determination_n bind_v not_o at_o all_o yet_o they_o make_v so_o bind_v that_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v refuse_v to_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o synod_n though_o they_o have_v strong_a ground_n of_o dis-satisfaction_n about_o the_o synod_n interpretation_n and_o application_n of_o the_o scripture_n allege_v by_o they_o they_o will_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o communion_n with_o they_o whether_o such_o a_o authoritative_a urge_v their_o counsel_n upon_o church_n be_v warrant_v by_o scripture_n let_v the_o reader_n inquire_v and_o consider_v and_o whether_o it_o will_v agree_v with_o what_o themselves_o before_o declare_v concern_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n and_o whether_o there_o be_v need_n of_o it_o to_o cure_v emergent_a church-difficulty_n and_o difference_n see_v all_o that_o be_v godly_a will_v ready_o close_v with_o such_o direction_n and_o determination_n of_o synod_n as_o be_v clear_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o any_o obstinate_o will_v persist_v in_o their_o own_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n hold_v forth_o to_o they_o by_o the_o synod_n the_o civil_a power_n be_v god_n ordinance_n for_o punishment_n of_o such_o evil_a doer_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v keep_v pure_a and_o peaceable_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-communion_n among_o themselves_o in_o a_o brotherly_a way_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o impediment_n to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o the_o declaratory_a sentence_n of_o a_o synod_n that_o be_v after_o due_a conviction_n of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v heretical_a schismatical_a apostatical_a or_o the_o like_a with_o due_a patience_n exercise_v to_o withdraw_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n from_o such_o as_o make_v themselves_o worthy_a by_o their_o obstinacy_n against_o the_o light_n clear_o hold_v forth_o from_o scripture_n to_o be_v reject_v as_o not_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n yet_o this_o they_o may_v not_o regular_o do_v mere_o for_o their_o dissent_v from_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o synod_n upon_o conscientious_a ground_n and_o in_o lesser_a matter_n what_o be_v before_o express_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n have_v be_v already_o examine_v propos_fw-fr 8._o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o exercise_v and_o practise_v that_o communion_n which_o this_o consent_n and_o agreement_n special_o tend_v unto_o which_o they_o say_v may_v be_v by_o make_v use_n occasional_o of_o elder_n or_o able_a brethren_n of_o other_o church_n or_o by_o the_o more_o solemn_a meeting_n of_o both_o elder_n and_o messenger_n in_o lesser_a or_o great_a council_n as_o the_o matter_n shall_v require_v such_o meeting_n for_o the_o end_n specify_v be_v right_o order_v and_o carry_v on_o in_o a_o brotherly_a way_n by_o man_n sincere_o affect_v to_o establish_v truth_n with_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v give_v unto_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n i_o do_v full_o approve_v as_o of_o profitable_a use_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n the_o reverend_a author_n postscript_n christian_n reader_n these_o line_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n i_o trust_v to_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o his_o subject_n and_o law_n i_o leave_v with_o thou_o with_o the_o wise_a perusal_n and_o consideration_n of_o they_o the_o issue_n and_o success_n i_o commit_v unto_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n and_o our_o father_n in_o jesus_n christ_n desire_v all_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o may_v come_v to_o receive_v nothing_o say_v by_o i_o further_o than_o they_o shall_v find_v it_o consonant_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n special_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o if_o they_o dissent_v in_o any_o particular_n they_o will_v gratify_v i_o with_o notice_n thereof_o together_o with_o their_o reason_n who_o they_o shall_v find_v thankful_a for_o such_o help_n and_o ready_a to_o embrace_v any_o truth_n that_o be_v yet_o hide_a from_o i_o and_o that_o no_o man_n will_v suspect_v that_o i_o seek_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o essay_n but_o truth_n with_o peace_n lest_o they_o become_v judge_n of_o evil_a thought_n farewell_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n let_v his_o good_a spirit_n lead_v we_o and_o all_o his_o church_n and_o people_n into_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o establish_v our_o go_n in_o those_o way_n amen_n your_o assure_a friend_n and_o brother_n j._n d._n consideration_n upon_o the_o seven_o proposition_n conclude_v by_o the_o synod_n sit_v at_o boston_n june_n 10_o 1662._o by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n nicholas_n street_n teacher_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o new-haven_n i._o this_o phrase_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o first_o proposition_n i_o take_v to_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o second_o proposition_n ii_o by_o this_o phrase_n in_o the_o second_o proposition_n their_o infant-seed_n i_o suppose_v be_v mean_v only_o their_o legitimate_a infant-seed_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o illegitimate_a child_n against_o which_o a_o strong_a argument_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o deut._n 23.2_o iii_o the_o second_o proposition_n do_v seem_v to_o distinguish_v of_o member_n in_o particular_a church_n some_o be_v say_v to_o be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n whereby_o i_o suppose_v be_v mean_v such_o as_o have_v immediate_o and_o personal_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n themselves_o both_o for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o seed_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v make_v contradistinct_a to_o a_o infant-seed_n that_o can_v thus_o do_v some_o be_v say_v to_o be_v their_o infant-seed_n i_o child_n in_o minority_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o come_v these_o to_o be_v member_n the_o last_o word_n in_o the_o proposition_n do_v show_v which_o be_v who_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n which_o do_v imply_v at_o least_o that_o they_o become_v member_n in_o and_o by_o their_o next_o parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o hence_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o distinction_n of_o membership_n into_o immediate_n and_o mediate_v be_v very_o clear_a the_o argument_n may_v be_v thus_o frame_v such_o as_o be_v the_o ratio_fw-la formalin_n of_o the_o membership_n such_o be_v the_o membership_n so_o may_v it_o be_v distinguish_v and_o denominate_v but_o confederation_n which_o be_v the_o ratio_fw-la formalin_n of_o the_o membership_n be_v immediate_a in_o the_o parent_n in_o the_o childemediate_v ergo._n a_o difference_n in_o membership_n be_v grant_v both_o in_o this_o second_o proposition_n and_o some_o other_o after_o and_o if_o this_o distinction_n to_o express_v the_o difference_n be_v not_o proper_a let_v some_o better_o be_v lay_v down_o that_o do_v more_o apt_o and_o full_o suit_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o we_o shall_v receive_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a
for_o it_o and_o have_v most_o need_v â—f_n it_o reply_n 1._o those_o relation_n of_o bear_a servant_n and_o subject_n in_o the_o text_n allege_v d_o have_v do_v fferent_a respect_n that_o leu._n 25._o be_v typical_a figurin_o the_o time_n of_o grace_n whereby_o now_o christ_n have_v free_v you_o f_o o_fw-fr the_o servitude_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n 〈◊〉_d 8.32_o 36._o râ—â—_n 6.14_o 18._o to_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n rom._n 6_o 22._o 1_o c_o r._n 7.23_o parent_n and_o child_n so_o far_o aâ—_n they_o have_v inâ—â—râ—st_v in_o the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v free_v by_o he_o from_o other_o lord_n so_o they_o be_v bind_v thereby_o serve_v he_o all_o the_o dayeâ—_n of_o their_o lâ—fâ—_n luke_n 1.74_o 75._o therefore_o this_o relation_n do_v not_o cease_v with_o infancy_n but_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n but_o this_o do_v nothing_o concern_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n concern_v m_o diate_a membershi_n the_o other_o text_n in_o ezek._n 37.25_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o elect_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o difference_n between_o which_o and_o the_o christian_a gentile_n now_o i_o have_v former_o show_v so_o that_o neither_o do_v â—hat_n fit_v the_o question_n but_o 2._o i_o grant_v though_o not_o as_o follow_v thence_o that_o one_o special_a end_n of_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n be_v to_o leave_v person_n under_o engagement_n to_o service_n and_o subjection_n to_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n when_o grow_v up_o when_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o and_o have_v mâ—st_a need_n of_o it_o the_o engagement_n be_v strong_a both_o on_o the_o parent_n to_o train_v up_o their_o child_n from_o their_o infancy_n in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n eph._n 6.4_o and_o upon_o the_o child_n to_o know_v the_o god_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o with_o a_o willing_a mind_n 1_o chron._n 28.9_o and_o upon_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v their_o watchfulness_n that_o both_o parent_n and_o child_n do_v their_o duty_n help_v they_o also_o therein_o with_o their_o instruction_n and_o prayer_n and_o power_n which_o be_v give_v for_o edification_n as_o the_o case_n may_v require_v yet_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v neither_o can_v the_o parent_n nor_o the_o church_n give_v grace_n unto_o the_o child_n that_o when_o they_o become_v adult_n they_o may_v be_v spiritual_o fit_a for_o personal_a and_o immediate_a membership_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o it_o without_o such_o fitness_n visible_o be_v to_o profane_v the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o pollute_v the_o lord_n sanctuary_n reas_n 4._o there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a way_n of_o cessation_n of_o membership_n but_o by_o death_n dismission_n excommunication_n or_o dissolution_n of_o the_o society_n none_o of_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n in_o question_n reply_n this_o enumeration_n be_v insufficient_a there_o be_v another_o ordinary_a way_n of_o cessation_n of_o membership_n i._n e._n desertion_n thus_o esau_n membe_n she_o p_o cease_v and_o so_o may_v the_o membership_n of_o other_o though_o they_o abide_v in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o church_n â—s_v yet_o if_o be_v adult_n they_o regard_v nâ—t_v to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n by_o their_o personal_a â—nd_n immediate_a confederâ—tion_n nor_o to_o fit_v themselves_o for_o it_o these_o despise_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o if_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o deprive_v thâ—se_a of_o all_o hurch_n priv_fw-mi ledg_n s_o who_o be_v before_o in_o personal_a and_o immediate_a church_n fellowsh_n p_o when_o they_o forsake_v it_o 1_o job_n 2.19_o much_o more_o those_o who_o never_o have_v such_o membership_n nor_o have_v approve_v their_o spirituâ—l_a fitness_n for_o it_o to_o the_o church_n charitable_a judgement_n nor_o true_o desire_v and_o end_v aâ—our_n so_o to_o do_v what_o can_v the_o mediate_v membership_n whâ—ch_v such_o have_v in_o infancy_n advantage_n they_o for_o continue_v thereby_o still_o in_o membership_n when_o be_v adult_n they_o live_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o be_v leave_v under_o engagement_n in_o their_o infancy_n unto_o service_n and_o subjection_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n reas_n 5._o either_o they_o be_v when_o adult_n member_n or_o non-member_n if_o non-member_n than_o a_o person_n admit_v a_o member_n and_o seal_v by_o baptism_n not_o cast_v out_o nor_o deserve_v to_o be_v may_v the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v still_o remain_v become_v a_o non-member_n and_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o unclean_a world_n which_o the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v not_o reply_n a_o freeman_n child_n suppose_v of_o london_n or_o any_o other_o corporation_n be_v freeborn_a and_o might_n in_o his_o minority_n trade_n under_o his_o father_n yet_o be_v grow_v up_o he_o must_v personal_o enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n of_o freeman_n and_o be_v accept_v of_o the_o company_n as_o his_o father_n be_v unto_o all_o duty_n and_o liberty_n of_o that_o society_n in_o his_o own_o person_n else_o he_o may_v not_o trade_v for_o himself_o if_o it_o be_v say_v why_o so_o either_o he_o be_v a_o freeman_n or_o a_o non-freeman_n it_o will_v be_v ready_o answer_v he_o be_v a_o non-freeman_n and_o that_o by_o his_o own_o default_n if_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v free_a by_o his_o father_n copy_n and_o be_v not_o dis-franchised_n by_o any_o public_a censure_n nor_o have_v deserve_v so_o to_o be_v may_v such_o a_o one_o the_o society_n whereof_o he_o be_v still_o remain_v become_v a_o non-freeman_n and_o out_o of_o that_o society_n &_o c_o the_o answer_n will_v easy_o and_o ready_o be_v give_v he_o have_v lose_v his_o freedom_n by_o not_o enter_v in_o his_o own_o person_n into_o the_o common_a engagement_n of_o freeman_n to_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o all_o freeman_n be_v personal_o bind_v so_o and_o much_o more_o just_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n a_o adult_n person_n make_v himself_o to_o become_v a_o non-member_n as_o to_o privilege_n by_o not_o perform_v the_o duty_n whereunto_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o his_o parent_n covenant_n for_o he_o in_o his_o minority_n and_o by_o his_o not_o regular_o covenant_v as_o his_o parent_n do_v and_o he_o be_v according_a to_o scripture_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o circumcision_n receive_v in_o baptism_n may_v become_v by_o his_o own_o fault_n be_v adult_n no_o circumcision_n rom._n 2.25_o those_o text_n in_o rom._n 11.16_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v not_o applicable_a to_o the_o adult_a person_n in_o question_n but_o only_o to_o infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n propos_fw-fr 6._o such_o church-member_n who_o either_o by_o death_n or_o some_o other_o extraordinary_a providence_n have_v be_v inevitable_o hinder_v from_o public_a act_n as_o aforesaid_a yet_o have_v give_v the_o church_n cause_n in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o look_v at_o they_o as_o so_o qualify_v and_o such_o as_o have_v they_o be_v call_v thereunto_o will_v so_o have_v act_v their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v reply_n this_o proposition_n may_v not_o be_v grant_v for_o 1._o it_o grant_v the_o privilege_n of_o church-membership_a to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o actual_o and_o regular_o church-member_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n ordinance_n whereby_o baptism_n be_v a_o public_a church-ordinance_n be_v due_a only_a to_o they_o who_o have_v a_o public_a state_n and_o interest_n such_o be_v only_o the_o member_n of_o the_o public_a ecclesiastical_a body_n the_o church_n hence_o 1._o a_o ordinary_a minister_n can_v orderly_o perform_v a_o act_n proper_a to_o his_o office_n in_o reference_n to_o church-communion_n to_o any_o that_o be_v not_o regular_o and_o actual_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o great_a usurpation_n as_o if_o a_o man_n do_v a_o work_v proper_a to_o magistracy_n to_o one_o that_o be_v not_o under_o his_o magistratical_a power_n he_o be_v a_o usurper_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n of_o a_o minister_n to_o administer_v baptism_n be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o office-power_n if_o he_o administer_v baptism_n to_o child_n who_o parent_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o church-order_n in_o so_o do_v why_o may_v not_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o be_v a_o usurper_n suppose_v a_o unbaptised_a person_n profess_v his_o faith_n and_o qualify_v according_a to_o the_o description_n in_o the_o six_o proposition_n yet_o defer_v for_o some_o probable_a cause_n to_o adjoyn_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o present_a shall_v desire_v baptism_n of_o any_o of_o these_o minister_n who_o frame_v this_o proposition_n shall_v they_o administer_v it_o to_o he_o and_o so_o do_v a_o proper_a work_n of_o their_o office_n upon_o he_o if_o yea_o if_o they_o admit_v he_o to_o baptism_n why_o not_o to_o the_o lord_n
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
aforesaid_a among_o themselves_o with_o special_a reference_n to_o those_o church_n which_o by_o providence_n be_v plant_v in_o a_o convenient_a vicinity_n though_o with_o liberty_n reserve_v without_o offence_n to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o case_n or_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o opportunity_n may_v lead_v thereunto_o propos_fw-fr 6._o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o country_n have_v so_o good_a opportunity_n for_o it_o it_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v commend_v to_o they_o as_o their_o duty_n thus_o to_o consociate_v for_o 1._o communion_n of_o church_n be_v command_v and_o consociation_n be_v a_o agreement_n to_o practise_v it_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o duty_n also_o psal_n 119.106_o neh._n 10_o 28_o 29._o reply_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o argue_v upon_o these_o proposition_n some_o thing_n shall_v be_v premise_v in_o way_n of_o enquiry_n that_o the_o term_n may_v be_v right_o understand_v quaere_fw-la whether_o by_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a agreement_n they_o mean_v a_o vow_n it_o seem_v by_o the_o text_n allege_v by_o they_o in_o the_o first_o proof_n of_o the_o six_o proposition_n that_o they_o mean_v so_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o that_o be_v their_o meaning_n 2._o when_o they_o say_v this_o solemn_a agreement_n or_o covenant_n must_v â—e_v make_v with_o special_a reference_n to_o church_n in_o vicinity_n quaere_fw-la 1._o how_o many_o church_n in_o vicinity_n or_o neighbour-churche_n must_v thus_o covenant_n together_o 2._o whether_o they_o must_v have_v set_v time_n of_o meet_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o who_o be_v to_o meet_v whether_o elder_n alone_a or_o other_o also_o send_v from_o the_o church_n with_o they_o and_o how_o frequent_a these_o meeting_n must_v be_v and_o whether_o the_o set_a time_n must_v be_v keep_v constant_o though_o they_o have_v no_o present_a need_n of_o counsel_n from_o another_o 3._o whereas_o they_o speak_v of_o liberty_n reserve_v without_o offence_n to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o case_n etc._n etc._n may_v lead_v thereunto_o quaere_fw-la how_o they_o may_v avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o neighbour-churche_n if_o they_o use_v the_o help_n of_o church_n more_o remote_a whether_o they_o must_v have_v their_o consent_n thereunto_o before_o they_o use_v they_o 4._o concern_v the_o end_n and_o issue_n of_o this_o consociation_n of_o church_n whether_o they_o be_v bind_v thereby_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o those_o neighbour-churche_n and_o to_o practice_v according_o whether_o they_o see_v convince_a light_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o argument_n propound_v to_o they_o or_o not_o under_o a_o penalty_n of_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v obstinate_a in_o error_n and_o scandal_n and_o according_o in_o time_n to_o have_v all_o holy_a communion_n with_o they_o withdraw_v from_o they_o it_o seem_v by_o what_o be_v before_o say_v in_o the_o fixth_n act_n of_o communion_n for_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n pag._n 31._o that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o end_n and_o issue_n of_o this_o consociation_n unto_o any_o church_n that_o shall_v dissent_v from_o the_o rest_n this_o consociation_n they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n i_o shall_v brief_o weigh_v their_o reason_n for_o 1._o communion_n of_o church_n be_v command_v and_o consociation_n be_v but_o a_o agreement_n to_o practice_v it_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o duty_n also_o psal_n 119.106_o nehem._n 10.28_o 29._o reply_n it_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v till_o they_o have_v prove_v that_o consociation_n of_o church_n by_o a_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n be_v command_v as_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v nor_o do_v the_o text_n allege_v prove_v it_o in_o psal_n 119.106_o david_n swear_v to_o keep_v god_n righteous_a judgement_n and_o will_v perform_v it_o because_o though_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o swear_v yet_o he_o have_v voluntary_o swear_v it_o and_o so_o be_v under_o a_o double_a bond_n to_o perform_v it_o for_o both_o his_o keep_a god_n righteous_a judgement_n and_o his_o perform_v that_o vow_n be_v command_v of_o god_n deut._n 10.13_o with_o psal_n 76.11_o 2._o and_o his_o vow_n be_v private_a betwixt_o god_n and_o himself_o hence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o consociate_v with_o a_o vow_n or_o covenant_n after_o the_o manner_n here_o describe_v which_o be_v not_o prove_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o may_v be_v unsafe_a for_o particular_a church_n that_o covenant_n in_o neh._n 10.28_o 29._o be_v their_o church-covenant_n renew_v and_o explain_v and_o so_o be_v a_o mutual_a solemn_a engagement_n by_o enter_v into_o a_o curse_n and_o into_o a_o oath_n to_o which_o form_n we_o be_v not_o bind_v and_o church-covenanting_a be_v god_n ordinance_n isa_n 19.21_o &_o 56.4_o to_o 8._o &_o 62.5_o all_o which_o be_v prophecy_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o between_o the_o covenant_n of_o a_o church_n within_o itself_o and_o such_o a_o covenant_v as_o this_o for_o the_o consociate_a of_o church_n there_o be_v considerable_a difference_n 1._o because_o this_o want_n warrant_v from_o the_o scripture_n which_o that_o have_v there_o be_v neither_o any_o precept_n in_o scripture_n command_v it_o nor_o any_o pattern_n among_o the_o primitive_a church_n plant_v or_o approve_v by_o the_o apostle_n command_v it_o unto_o we_o 2._o nor_o be_v there_o like_a reason_n for_o such_o consociation_n of_o church_n by_o a_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a agreement_n or_o covenant_n between_o church_n in_o a_o vicinity_n as_o be_v for_o a_o church-covenant_n within_o itself_o for_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v necessary_a because_o without_o it_o the_o end_n of_o church-fellowship_n can_v be_v attain_v for_o 1._o each_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a corporation_n which_o therefore_o must_v receive_v its_o be_v from_o a_o spiritual_a combination_n or_o foederal_n engagement_n 2._o by_o virtue_n hereof_o they_o that_o have_v no_o natural_a impression_n to_o subject_v they_o to_o other_o or_o to_o give_v they_o power_n over_o they_o have_v mutual_a power_n each_o over_o other_o to_o command_v &_o constrain_v as_o the_o case_n require_v of_o which_o power_n they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n without_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o engagement_n 3._o hereby_o they_o come_v to_o enjoy_v such_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastic_a privilege_n unto_o which_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v without_o the_o approbation_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o whole_a which_o necessary_o require_v this_o engagement_n to_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v by_o covenant_n thus_o mr._n hooker_n argue_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o church-covenant_n survey_v part_n 1._o chap._n 4._o p._n 50_o to_o 55._o but_o the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n which_o be_v mutual_a helpfulness_n by_o counsel_n may_v be_v attain_v without_o such_o a_o consociation_n by_o mutual_a engagement_n by_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o of_o itself_o without_o any_o other_o engagement_n give_v church_n a_o right_a and_o interest_n in_o another_o way_n mutual_o for_o their_o help_n by_o counsel_n when_o their_o need_n require_v it_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n have_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n find_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n for_o settle_v truth_n and_o peace_n among_o they_o without_o such_o a_o consociation_n and_o may_v so_o still_o 3._o such_o a_o agreement_n between_o church_n will_v become_v a_o snare_n unto_o they_o by_o straighten_v they_o in_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o their_o church-power_n within_o themselves_o in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la 1._o if_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o they_o may_v not_o administer_v church-censure_n within_o themselves_o without_o concurrence_n of_o neighbour-churche_n or_o elder_n approbation_n seek_v and_o attain_v thereunto_o before_o or_o 2._o if_o thereby_o they_o stand_v bind_v under_o the_o forenoted_n penalty_n to_o rest_v in_o and_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o advice_n of_o such_o church_n have_v sufficient_a light_n and_o consent_n within_o themselves_o without_o they_o 3._o mr._n rutherfurd_n affirm_v that_o a_o convenient_a number_n of_o church_n have_v ordinary_o converse_v one_o with_o another_o shall_v voluntary_o combine_v themselves_o in_o one_o society_n this_o last_o give_v in_o the_o formality_n of_o classical_a membership_n lib._n 2._o p._n 320._o he_o add_v when_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o combine_a member_n now_o by_o institution_n of_o one_o presbyterian_a church_n not_o of_o another_o though_o by_o ordinary_a converse_n with_o other_o church_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n his_o example_n may_v prove_v prejudicial_a and_o infestuous_a to_o other_o yet_o this_o presbytery_n must_v proceed_v in_o excommunication_n against_o he_o because_o he_o be_v combine_v with_o they_o thus_o you_o see_v by_o this_o voluntary_a combination_n of_o church_n a_o church_n