weep_v in_o secret_a for_o your_o pride_n and_o that_o god_n may_v not_o resist_v &_o reject_v you_o as_o a_o generation_n of_o his_o wrath_n oh_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v pour_v out_o a_o spirit_n of_o humiliation_n &_o repentance_n upon_o all_o the_o young_a sort_n in_o the_o country_n yea_o &_o upon_o elder_a too_o for_o our_o neglect_n from_o dan_n to_o beersheba_n oh_o that_o we_o may_v meet_v at_o bochim_n because_o so_o many_o canaanue_n of_o unsubdued_a yea_o grow_a corruption_n be_v find_v among_o we_o let_v it_o not_o be_v say_v that_o when_o the_o first_o &_o best_a generation_n in_o new-england_n be_v gather_v to_o their_o father_n there_o arise_v another_o generation_n after_o they_o that_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n behold_v the_o lord_n have_v a_o delight_n in_o your_o father_n to_o love_v they_o and_o he_o have_v choose_v you_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o to_o enjoy_v these_o liberty_n &_o opportunity_n as_o it_o be_v this_o day_n circumcise_v therefore_o the_o foreskin_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v no_o more_o stiff-necked_a but_o yield_v yourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o order_n of_o his_o sanctuary_n to_o seek_v he_o and_o wait_v on_o he_o in_o all_o his_o way_n with_o holy_a fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a and_o will_v not_o turn_v away_o his_o face_n from_o you_o if_o you_o return_v unto_o he_o if_o you_o seek_v he_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o you_o but_o if_o you_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v cast_v you_o off_o for_o ever_o we_o shall_v conclude_v when_o we_o have_v give_v the_o reader_n a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o work_n ensue_v the_o proposition_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n be_v after_o much_o discussion_n and_o consideration_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n vote_v and_o conclude_v by_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o particular_a term_n as_o they_o be_v here_o express_v the_o argument_n then_o use_v for_o their_o confirmation_n be_v draw_v up_o by_o some_o depute_v thereunto_o after_o they_o have_v be_v several_a time_n read_v and_o consider_v in_o the_o assembly_n be_v voted_n and_o consent_v to_o as_o to_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n thereof_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o question_n be_v here_o give_v with_o great_a brevity_n partly_o because_o so_o much_o be_v already_o say_v thereabout_a in_o the_o foresay_a platform_n of_o discipline_n and_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o great_a strait_n of_o time_n but_o what_o be_v here_o present_v be_v the_o joint_a conclusion_n of_o the_o synod_n a_o preface_n be_v desire_v by_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v prefix_v by_o some_o appoint_v thereunto_o which_o be_v here_o according_o by_o they_o perform_v now_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n &_o peace_n guide_v we_o &_o all_o his_o people_n in_o the_o way_n &_o give_v we_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o help_v we_o to_o feed_v his_o flock_n and_o his_o lamb_n &_o to_o be_v feed_v by_o he_o as_o the_o sheep_n of_o his_o pasture_n that_o when_o the_o chief-shepherd_n shall_v appear_v we_o may_v receive_v together_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o &_o may_v enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o those_o that_o have_v neither_o despise_v his_o little_a one_o nor_o deny_v to_o be_v our_o brother_n keeper_n but_o have_v faithful_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v the_o continuation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n &_o communion_n of_o his_o people_n may_v rest_n &_o reign_v with_o all_o saint_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o glory_n unto_o who_o be_v glory_n in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n jesus_n throughout_o all_o age_n world_n without_o end_n the_o answer_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o other_z messengers_z of_o the_o church_n assemble_v at_o boston_n in_o the_o year_n 1662._o to_o the_o question_n propound_v to_o they_o by_o order_n of_o the_o honour_a general_z court_z 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 brief_o confirm_v from_o the_o scripture_n 1_o they_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n 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_o e._n child_n in_o minority_n who_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n 3_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o confederate_n visible_a believer_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o when_o grow_v up_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n 4_o these_o adult_n person_n be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v and_o continue_v member_n without_o such_o further_a qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v thereunto_o 5_o church-member_n who_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v 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 have_v so_o act_v their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v 7_o the_o member_n of_o orthodox_n church_n be_v find_v 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 wither_v 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 subject_n 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 unto_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v regular_o fit_a for_o the_o same_o the_o confirmation_n of_o these_o proposition_n from_o the_o scripture_n follow_v proposition_n first_o they_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o follow_a evidence_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o when_o christ_n say_v go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v or_o as_o the_o greek_a be_v disciple_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o mat._n 28.19_o he_o express_v the_o adequate_a subject_n of_o baptism_n to_o be_v disciple_n or_o disciple_v once_o but_o disciple_n there_o be_v the_o same_o with_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v christ_n school_n wherein_o all_o the_o member_n stand_v relate_v and_o subject_v to_o he_o as_o their_o master_n and_o teacher_n and_o so_o be_v his_o scholar_n or_o disciple_n and_o under_o his_o teach_n as_o verse_n 20._o and_o it_o be_v that_o visible_a spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o there_o from_o his_o kingly_a power_n ver_fw-la 18._o send_v they_o to_o set_v up_o and_o administer_v in_o ver_fw-la 19_o the_o subject_n whereof_o be_v under_o his_o law_n and_o government_n verse_n 20._o which_o subject_n or_o member_n of_o that_o kingdom_n i.e._n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v term_v disciple_n verse_n 19_o also_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o story_n of_o their_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o commission_n disciple_n be_v usual_o put_v for_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n act_v 1.15_o in_o the_o mid_n of_o the_o disciple_n who_o with_o other_o add_v to_o they_o be_v call_v the_o church_n act_v 2_o 47_o the_o member_n whereof_o be_v again_o call_v disciple_n act_n 6_o 1_o 2._o act_n 9_o 1_o against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n i._n e_o against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 15_o 9_o gal._n 1.13_o act_n 9_o 26_o he_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n the_o disciple_n at_o lystra_n iconiem_n and_o antioch_n act_v 14_o 21_o 22_o be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o each_o of_o those_o place_n verse_n 23_o so_o the_o church_n verse_n 27_o the_o disciple_n verse_n 28._o act_n 18.22_o the_o church_n at_o caesarea_n act_v 21.16_o the_o disciple_n of_o caesarea_n so_o act_v 18_o 23_o with_o chap._n 15.41_o and_o gal._n 1.2_o act_n 18.27_o and_o
chap._n 20_o 1_o with_o verse_n 17.28_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o disciple_n in_o mat._n 28.19_o and_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v term_n equivalent_a and_o disciple_n be_v there_o by_o christ_n himself_o make_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n 2._o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o first_o entrance_n or_o admission_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o appear_v from_o those_o text_n 1_o cor_n 12_o 13._o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n i_o e._n our_o entrance_n into_o the_o body_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v seal_v by_o baptism_n and_o rom_n 6_o 3_o 5_o gal._n 3_o 27._o where_o it_o be_v show_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o union_n or_o of_o engraft_v into_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o consequent_o into_o the_o church_n his_o body_n &_o from_o the_o apostle_n constant_a practice_n in_o baptise_v person_n upon_o their_o first_o come_v in_o or_o first_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o act_n 8.12_o &_o 16.15_o 33._o &_o 18.8_o and_o in_o act_n 2.41_o 42._o they_o be_v baptize_v at_o their_o first_o add_v to_o the_o church_n or_o admission_n into_o the_o apostle_n fellowship_n wherein_o they_o afterward_o continue_v and_o from_o its_o answer_v unto_o circumcision_n which_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o initiation_n or_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n hence_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o and_o only_o those_o that_o be_v enter_v into_o that_o be_v within_o or_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 3._o they_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o be_v in_o corenant_n for_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o constitute_v the_o church_n deut_n 29.12_o 13._o they_o must_v enter_v into_o covenant_n that_o they_o may_v be_v establish_v the_o people_n or_o church_n of_o god_n now_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n be_v affix_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o appoint_v to_o run_v parallel_n therewith_o gen._n 17.7_o 9_o 10_o 11._o so_o circumcision_n be_v and_o hence_o call_v the_o covenant_n gen._n 17.13_o act_n 7.8_o and_o so_o baptism_n be_v be_v in_o like_a manner_n annex_v to_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o and_o be_v the_o seal_n that_o answer_v to_o circumcision_n col_n 2.11_o 12._o 4._o christ_n do_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v the_o church_n by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n i_z e_z by_o baptism_n eph._n 5.25.26_o therefore_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o so_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o who_o be_v also_o say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 1_o cor_n 1.2_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n and_o although_o it_o be_v the_o invisible_a church_n unto_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a whereof_o this_o and_o all_o other_o ordinance_n last_o have_v respect_n and_o which_o the_o place_n mention_v in_o eph_n 5._o may_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n look_v unto_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n that_o be_v the_o next_o and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o the_o administration_n thereof_o for_o the_o subject_n of_o visible_a external_a ordinance_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v visible_a and_o so_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a sundry_n person_n who_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a but_o not_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n as_o simon_n magus_n anamias_n and_o sapphira_n and_o other_o and_o these_o be_v visible_o purchase_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n act_v 2d_o 28_o heb_fw-mi 10.29_o therefore_o the_o visible_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o cleanse_v by_o christ_n blood_n belong_v to_o they_o 5._o the_o circumcision_n be_v often_o put_v for_o the_o whole_a jewish_a church_n or_o for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n those_o within_o be_v express_v by_o the_o circumcise_a and_o those_o without_o by_o the_o uncircumcised_a rom_n 15.8_o &_o 3.30_o eph_n 2_o 11._o judge_n 14.3_o &_o 15.18_o 1_o san_n 14.6_o &_o 17.26_o 36._o jer_n 9_o 25_o 26._o hence_o by_o proportion_n baptism_n which_o be_v our_o gospel_n circumcision_n col_n 2.11.12_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n actual_a and_o personal_a circumcision_n be_v indeed_o proper_a to_o the_o male_n of_o old_a female_n be_v but_o inclusive_o and_o virtual_o circumcise_v and_o so_o count_v of_o the_o circumcision_n but_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o that_o difference_n now_o and_o appoint_a baptism_n to_o be_v personal_o apply_v to_o both_o sex_n act_n 8.12_o &_o 16.15_o gal_n 3_o 28._o so_o that_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v now_o a_o subject_n of_o baptism_n we_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o baptism_n pertain_v to_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n and_o to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o therein_o and_o to_o no_o other_o proposition_n 2d_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 ay_o e_o child_n in_o minority_n who_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n sundry_a particular_n be_v comprise_v in_o this_o proposition_n which_o we_o may_v consider_v and_o confirm_v distinct_o adult_a person_n who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n partic_a 1_o be_v by_o rule_n confederate_a visible_a believer_n act_n 5.14_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n the_o believe_a corinthian_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n there_o act_v 18_o 8_o with_o 1_o cor_fw-la 1.2_o &_o 12.27_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n write_v to_o church_n and_o call_v the_o member_n thereof_o sant_n and_o faithful_a show_v the_o same_o thing_n eph_n 1.1_o phi_n 1.1_o col_fw-fr 1.2_o and_o that_o consederation_n i_fw-it e._n covenant_v explicit_a or_o implicit_a the_n latter_a preserve_v the_o essence_n of_o confederation_n the_o former_a be_v duty_n and_o most_o desirable_a be_v necessary_a to_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n appear_v 1._o because_o the_o church_n be_v constitute_v by_o covenant_n for_o there_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n the_o mutual_a engagement_n and_o relation_n of_o king_n and_o subject_n husband_n and_o spouse_n this_o can_v be_v but_o by_o covenant_n internal_a if_o you_o speak_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n external_a of_o the_o visible_a a_o church_n be_v a_o company_n that_o can_v say_v god_n be_v our_o god_n and_o we_o be_v his_o people_n this_o be_v from_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o deut_n 29_o 12_o 13_o ezek_n 16_o 8._o 3._o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o covenant_n gen_n 17_o deut_n 29_o and_o be_v reform_v still_o by_o renew_v of_o the_o covenant_n 2_o chron_n 15_o 12._o &_o 23_o 16_o &_o 34_o 31_o 32_o neh_n 9_o 38_o now_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n stand_v upon_o the_o same_o basis_n or_o root_n with_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n &_o therefore_o be_v constitute_v by_o covenant_n as_o that_o be_v rom_n 11.17.18_o eph_n 2_o 11_o 12_o 19_o &_o 3_o 6._o heb_fw-mi 8_o 10_o 3._o baptism_n enter_v we_o into_o the_o church_n sacramental_o ay_o e_o by_o seal_v the_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n therefore_o be_v that_o which_o constitute_v the_o church_n and_o infer_v membership_n and_o be_v the_o vow_n in_o baptism_n common_o speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v such_o as_o be_v confederate_a in_o particular_a church_n partic_a 2_o it_o may_v be_v mind_v that_o we_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o member_n so_o state_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o that_o they_o be_v subject_n to_o who_o church_n ordinance_n may_v regular_o be_v administer_v and_o that_o according_a to_o ordinary_a dispensation_n for_o be_v it_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n do_v sometime_o baptise_v such_o as_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n yet_o their_o extraordinary_a office_n large_a power_n and_o commission_n render_v they_o not_o imitable_a therein_o by_o ordinary_a officer_n for_o than_o they_o may_v baptise_v in_o private_a without_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o christian_a assembly_n as_o philip_n do_v the_o eunuch_n but_o that_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v such_o as_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n appear_v 1._o because_o the_o visible_a believer_n that_o profess_o covenant_n with_o god_n do_v therein_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o wait_v on_o god_n in_o all_o his_o ordinance_n deut_n 26_o 17_o 18._o math_n 28_o 19_o 20._o but_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v only_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o how_o often_o do_v
these_o two_o object_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 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 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 capacity_n and_o qualification_n do_v fit_a they_o for_o the_o same_o 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 in_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 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 personal_a profession_n that_o pertain_v to_o adult_v member_n not_o as_o then_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a membership_n but_o as_o make_v a_o 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 3._o 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_o 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 for_o it_o and_o have_v most_o need_v of_o it_o 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 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 admiteed_o a_o member_n and_o seal_v by_o baptism_n not_o cast_v out_o nor_o deserve_v so_o 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 now_o if_o the_o parent_n stand_v member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o child_n be_v a_o member_n also_o for_o now_o the_o root_n be_v holy_a therefore_o so_o be_v the_o branch_n rom._n 11.16_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o the_o parent_n be_v in_o covenant_n therefore_o so_o be_v the_o child_n gen._n 17.7_o and_o if_o the_o child_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o he_o be_v a_o subject_n of_o baptism_n according_a to_o propos_fw-fr 1._o proposition_n 6_o t._n 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 have_v so_o act_v their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a this_o be_v manifest_a 1._o because_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o child_n to_o privilege_n remain_v viz_o god_n institution_n and_o the_o force_n of_o his_o covenant_n carry_v it_o to_o the_o generation_n of_o such_o as_o continue_v keeper_n of_o the_o covenant_n i._n e._n not_o visible_o breaker_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o institution_n and_o covenant_n the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v member_n and_o their_o membership_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o parent_n membership_n cease_v not_o but_o continue_v notwithstanding_o the_o parent_n decease_n or_o necessary_a absence_n and_o if_o member_n than_o subject_n of_o baptism_n 2._o because_o the_o parent_n not_o do_v what_o be_v require_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n be_v through_o want_n of_o oppotunity_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v as_o their_o guilt_n so_o as_o to_o be_v a_o bar_n to_o the_o child_n privilege_n 3._o god_n reckon_v that_o be_v do_v in_o his_o service_n to_o which_o there_o be_v manifest_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v albeit_o the_o act_n of_o it_o be_v hinder_v as_o in_o david_n to_o build_v the_o temple_n 1_o kings8_n 18_o 19_o in_o abraham_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n heb._n 11._o 17._o according_a to_o that_o in_o 2_o cor._n 8.12_o where_o there_o be_v a_o willing_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v not_o which_o be_v true_a of_o this_o church-duty_n as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o of_o alms._n it_o be_v a_o usual_a phrase_n with_o the_o ancient_n to_o style_v such_o and_o such_o martyr_n in_o voto_fw-la and_o baptize_v in_o voto_fw-la because_o there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o desire_n that_o way_n though_o their_o desire_n be_v not_o actual_o accomplish_v 4._o the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n import_n that_o in_o charity_n that_o be_v here_o do_v interpretative_o which_o be_v mention_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n express_o proposition_n 7_o the_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 baptise_a 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 subject_n 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 baptise_a it_o be_v the_o church_n duty_n to_o receive_v such_o unto_o comminion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v regular_o fit_a for_o the_o same_o 1._o such_o member_n of_o other_o church_n as_o be_v here_o describe_v occasional_o come_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v 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 1._o because_o he_o that_o be_v regular_o a_o member_n of_o a_o true_a particular_a church_n be_v a_o subject_n of_o baptism_n according_a to_o propos_fw-fr 1_o st_o &_o 2_o d._n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o parent_n here_o describe_v be_v such_o according_a to_o proposition_n 5_o the_o &_o 6_o the_o therefore_o they_o be_v meet_v and_o lawful_a subject_n of_o baptism_n or_o have_v right_a to_o be_v baptize_v and_o communion_n of_o church_n infer_v such_o act_n as_o this_o be_v viz_o to_o baptize_v a_o fit_a subject_n of_o baptism_n though_o a_o member_n of_o another_o church_n when_o the_o same_o be_v orderly_o desire_v see_v platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 15._o sect_n 4._o for_o look_v as_o every_o church_n have_v a_o double_a consideration_n viz._n 1._o of_o its_o own_o constitution_n and_o communion_n within_o itself_o 2._o of_o that_o communion_n which_o it_o hold_v and_o aught_o to_o maintain_v with_o other_o church_n so_o the_o officer_n the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n thereof_o be_v there_o set_v 1._o to_o administer_v to_o this_o church_n constant_o 2._o to_o do_v act_n of_o communion_n occasional_o viz_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o his_o office_n as_o baptise_v do_v respect_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n with_o who_o this_o church_n hold_v or_o aught_o to_o hold_v communion_n 2._o 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 but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o have_v communion_n with_o it_o in_o those_o act_n that_o be_v good_a and_o pious_a then_o in_o none_o at_o all_o total_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n be_v unlawful_a but_o to_o deny_v communion_n in_o good_a action_n be_v to_o make_v a_o total_a separation_n now_o to_o baptize_v a_o fit_a subject_n as_o be_v the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v a_o lawful_a and_o pious_a action_n and_o therefore_o by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o case_n mention_v to_o be_v attend_v and_o if_o baptism_n lawful_o administer_v may_v and_o
aught_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o for_o our_o child_n in_o another_o true_a church_n where_o providence_n so_o cast_v we_o as_o that_o we_o can_v have_v it_o in_o our_o own_o as_o doubtless_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v then_o also_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o in_o like_a case_n to_o dispense_v baptism_n when_o desire_v to_o a_o man_n and_o lawful_a subject_n be_v a_o member_n of_o another_o church_n to_o deny_v or_o refuse_v either_o of_o these_o will_v be_v a_o unjustifiable_a refuse_v of_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o tend_v to_o sinful_a separation_n 2._o such_o as_o remove_v their_o habitation_n ought_v orderly_o to_o covenant_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n where_o they_o setlle_n their_o abode_n and_o so_o their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v 1._o because_o the_o regular_o baptize_v be_v disciple_n and_o under_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o that_o be_v absolute_o remove_v from_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v so_o as_o to_o be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v under_o discipline_n there_o shall_v be_v under_o it_o no_o where_o if_o not_o in_o the_o church_n where_o they_o inhabit_v they_o that_o will_v have_v church-priviledge_n aught_o to_o be_v under_o church-power_n but_o these_o will_v be_v under_o no_o church-power_n but_o as_o lamb_n in_o a_o large_a place_n if_o not_o under_o it_o there_o where_o their_o settle_a abode_n be_v 2._o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o covenant_n for_o himself_o and_o his_o child_n or_o profess_o to_o give_o up_o himself_o and_o he_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o than_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o ordinance_n deut._n 26_o 17._o &_o 12.5_o and_o explicit_a covenant_n be_v a_o duty_n especial_o where_o we_o be_v call_v to_o it_o and_o have_v opportunity_n for_o it_o nor_o can_v they_o well_o be_v say_v to_o covenant_v implicit_o that_o do_v explicit_o refuse_v a_o profess_a covenant_v when_o call_v thereunto_o and_o especial_o this_o covenant_v be_v a_o duty_n when_o we_o will_v partake_v of_o such_o a_o church-priviledge_n as_o baptism_n for_o our_o child_n be_v but_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n will_v now_o be_v profess_v covenanter_n no_o where_n if_o not_o in_o the_o church_n where_o their_o fix_a habitation_n be_v therefore_o they_o ought_v orderly_o to_o covenant_n there_o and_o so_o their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v 3._o to_o refuse_v covenant_v and_o subjection_n to_o christ_n government_n in_o the_o church_n where_o they_o live_v be_v so_o remove_v as_o to_o be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o it_o elsewhere_o will_v be_v a_o walk_a disorderly_a and_o will_v too_o much_o favour_n of_o profaneness_n and_o separation_n and_o hence_o to_o administer_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o stand_v in_o that_o way_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 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 let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n quest_n ii_o whither_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 brief_o give_v in_o the_o proposition_n follow_v 1._o every_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n of_o visible_a saint_n in_o gospel-order_n be_v furnish_v with_o a_o presbytery_n 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 have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n full_a power_n and_o authority_n ecclesiastical_a within_o itself_o regular_o to_o administer_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v not_o under_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n whatsoever_o for_o to_o such_o a_o church_n christ_n have_v give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o what_o they_o bind_v or_o loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v or_o loose_v in_o heaven_n matt._n 16.19_o &_o 18.17_o 18._o elder_n be_v ordain_v in_o every_o church_n act_n 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o and_o be_v therein_o authorize_v official_o to_o administer_v in_o the_o word_n prayer_n sacrament_n and_o censure_n mat._n 28_o 19_o 20._o act_n 6.4_o 1_o cor._n 4.1_o &_o 5.4_o 12._o act_n 20.28_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o &_o 3.5_o the_o reprove_v of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o of_o the_o asian_a church_n several_o import_v they_o have_v power_n each_o of_o they_o within_o themselves_o to_o reform_v the_o abuse_n that_o be_v among_o they_o 1_o cor._n 5._o rev._n 2_o 14_o 20._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o to_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n but_o by_o counsel_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o direct_v and_o strengthen_v the_o same_o upon_o all_o just_a occasion_n 2._o the_o church_n of_o christ_n do_v stand_v in_o a_o sisterly_a relation_n each_o to_o other_o cant._n 8.8_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o order_n eph._n 4.5_o col._n 2.5_o to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n phil._n 3.16_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n for_o the_o same_o end_n eph._n 4_o 11_o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 16.1_o under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o political_a head_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n eph._n 1.22_o 23._o &_o 4.5_o rev._n 2.1_o which_o union_n infer_v a_o communion_n suitable_a thereunto_o 3._o communion_n of_o church_n be_v the_o faithful_a improvement_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o his_o service_n and_o glory_n and_o their_o mutual_a good_a and_o edification_n according_a to_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11._o 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 7._o &_o 10.24_o 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22._o cantic_a 8.9_o rom_n 1.15_o gal._n 6.10_o 4._o act_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o hearty_a care_n and_o prayer_n one_o for_o another_o 2_o cor._n 11.28_o cant._n 8.8_o rom._n 1.9_o coloss_n 1.9_o eph._n 6.18_o 2._o to_o afford_v relief_n by_o communication_n of_o their_o gift_n in_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a necessity_n rom._n 15.26_o 27._o act_n 11.22_o 29._o 2_o cor._n 8.1_o 4_o 14._o 3._o to_o maintain_v unity_n and_o peace_n by_o give_v account_n one_o to_o another_o of_o their_o public_a action_n when_o it_o be_v orderly_o desire_v act_v 11.2_o 3_o 4-18_a josh_n 22.13_o 21_o 30._o 1_o cor._n 10_o 32._o and_o to_o strengthen_v one_o another_o in_o their_o regular_a administration_n as_o in_o special_a by_o a_o concurrent_a testimony_n against_o person_n just_o censure_v act_v 15.41_o &_o 16.4_o 5._o 2_o tim._n 4.15_o 2_o thess_n 3.14_o 4._o to_o seek_v and_o accept_v help_n from_o and_o give_v help_v unto_o each_o other_o 1._o in_o case_n of_o division_n and_o contention_n whereby_o the_o peace_n of_o any_o church_n be_v disturb_v act_v 15.2_o 2._o in_o matter_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a importance_n prov._n 24.6_o &_o 15.22_o as_o ordination_n translation_n and_o deposition_n of_o elder_n and_o such_o like_a 1_o tim._n 5.22_o 3_o in_o doubtful_a and_o difficult_a question_n and_o controversy_n doctrinal_a or_o practical_a that_o may_v arise_v act_v 15_o 2_o 6._o 4._o for_o the_o rectify_v of_o mal-administrations_a and_o heal_v of_o error_n and_o scandal_n that_o be_v unhealed_a among_o themselves_o 3_o john_n ver_fw-la 9_o 10._o 2_o cor._n 2_o 6-11_a 1_o cor._n 15._o rev_n 2_o 14_o 15_o 16._o 2_o cor._n 12.20_o 21._o &_o 13_o 2._o church_n now_o have_v need_n of_o help_n in_o like_a case_n as_o well_o as_o church_n then_o christ_n care_n be_v still_o for_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o for_o particular_a person_n and_o apostle_n be_v now_o cease_v there_o remain_v the_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o mutual_a care_n and_o helpfulness_n incumbent_a upon_o church_n especial_o elder_n for_o that_o end_n 5._o in_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n error_n and_o scandal_n of_o another_o church_n and_o to_o administer_v help_n when_o the_o case_n manifest_o call_v for_o it_o though_o they_o shall_v so_o neglect_v their_o own_o good_a and_o duty_n as_o not_o to_o seek_v it_o exod._n 23.4_o 5._o prov._n 24.11_o 12._o 6._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 and_o oft_o due_a mean_n with_o patience_n use_v to_o withdraw_v from_o a_o church_n or_o peccant_a party_n therein_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o error_n or_o scandal_n as_o in_o the_o platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 15._o sect_n 2._o partic_a 3._o be_v more_o at_o large_a declare_v gal._n 2_o 11-14_a 2_o thess_n 3.6_o rom._n 16.17_o 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 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 opportunity_n may_v lead_v thereunto_o 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 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 â—0_n 28_o 29._o 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 3._o those_o general_a scripture-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 &_o 20_o 18._o &_o 24.6_o eccles_n 4.9_o 10_o 12._o 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 5._o concurrence_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o gospel_n time_n be_v not_o obscure_o hold_v forth_o in_o isa_n 19.23_o 24_o 25._o zeph_n 3.9_o 1_o cor._n 11.16_o &_o 14.32_o 36._o 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 without_o which_o we_o shall_v also_o want_v a_o expedient_a and_o sufficient_a cure_n for_o emergent_a church-difficulty_n and_o difference_n with_o the_o want_n whereof_o our_o way_n be_v charge_v but_o unjust_o if_o this_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o be_v due_o practise_v 7._o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n agreement_n herein_o or_o enter_v into_o this_o consociation_n may_v be_v by_o each_o church_n open_a consent_n unto_o the_o thing_n here_o declare_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o 2_o d._n question_n as_o also_o to_o what_o be_v say_v thereabouts_o in_o chap._n 15._o &_o 16._o of_o the_o platform_n of_o discipline_n with_o reference_n to_o other_o church_n in_o this_o colony_n &_o country_n as_o in_o propos_fw-fr 5_o the_o be_v before_o express_v 8._o the_o manner_n of_o exercise_v and_o practise_v that_o communion_n which_o this_o consent_n or_o agreement_n special_o tend_v unto_o 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 finis_fw-la
the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n unto_o a_o thousand_o generation_n if_o the_o successive_a parent_n do_v but_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n show_v themselves_o to_o be_v lover_n of_o god_n and_o keeper_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o commandment_n so_o as_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v never_o reject_v they_o till_o they_o reject_v he_o exod_a 20.6_o deut._n 7.9_o psal_n 105.8_o 9_o rom._n 11_o 16-22_a hence_o we_o dare_v not_o with_o the_o antipaedobaptist_n exclude_v the_o infant-children_n of_o the_o faithful_a from_o the_o covenant_n or_o from_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o consequent_o not_o from_o baptism_n the_o seal_n thereof_o neither_o dare_v we_o exclude_v the_o same_o child_n from_o membership_n or_o put_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o while_o they_o so_o walk_v and_o act_n as_o to_o keep_v their_o stand_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o same_o god_n own_v they_o still_o and_o they_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n own_o he_o god_n reject_v they_o not_o and_o therefore_o neither_o may_v we_o and_o consequent_o their_o child_n also_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v shall_v we_o reject_v or_o exclude_v any_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v shorten_v and_o straiten_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n covenant_n more_o than_o god_n himself_o do_v and_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o put_v they_o from_o under_o those_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v state_v upon_o the_o visible_a church_n whereby_o the_o child_n of_o god_n visible_a people_n be_v successive_o in_o their_o generation_n to_o be_v train_v up_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n whither_o the_o elect_a number_n shall_v still_o be_v bring_v in_o the_o way_n of_o such_o mean_n and_o wherein_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o officer_n and_o church_n a_o solemn_a charge_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_z train_z up_o such_o as_o a_o part_n of_o his_o flock_n to_o that_o end_n say_v to_o they_o as_o sometime_o to_o peter_n if_o you_o love_v i_o feed_v my_o lamb_n in_o obedience_n to_o which_o charge_n we_o hope_v it_o be_v the_o we_o be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a though_o with_o the_o inference_n of_o no_o small_a labour_n and_o burden_n to_o ourselves_o to_o commend_v these_o truth_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o all_o the_o flock_n even_o the_o lamb_n thereof_o be_v due_o state_v under_o pastoral_a power_n we_o may_v after_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v up_o our_o account_n another_o day_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o find_v and_o keep_v the_o right_n middle_a way_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v know_v to_o all_o that_o be_v aught_o acquaint_v with_o the_o controversy_n thereabout_a as_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o believe_v we_o have_v speak_v but_o not_o without_o remembrance_n that_o we_o be_v poor_a feeble_a frail_a man_n and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o be_v conversant_a herein_o with_o much_o humility_n and_o fear_n before_o god_n and_o man_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o variety_n of_o judgement_n concern_v this_o subject_a which_o notwithstanding_o with_o all_o due_a reverence_n to_o dissenter_n after_o religious_a search_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v here_o offer_v what_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o have_v the_o full_a evidence_n of_o light_n from_o thence_o if_o more_o may_v be_v add_v and_o may_v be_v find_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o shall_v be_v no_o prejudice_n thereunto_o hence_o also_o we_o be_v far_o from_o desire_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o rigorous_a imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n especial_o as_o to_o what_o be_v more_o narrow_a therein_o and_o more_o controversal_a among_o godly_a man_n if_o the_o honour_a court_n see_v meet_v so_o far_o to_o add_v their_o countetenance_n and_o concurrence_n as_o to_o commend_v a_o serious_a consideration_n hereof_o to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o secure_v those_o that_o can_v with_o clearness_n of_o judgement_n practise_v according_o from_o disturbance_n that_o in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o tolerate_v or_o to_o desire_v a_o toleration_n of_o damnable_a heresy_n or_o of_o subverter_n of_o the_o fundamenta_n of_o faith_n or_o order_n be_v a_o irreligious_a inconsistency_n with_o the_o love_n of_o true_a religion_n but_o to_o bear_v one_o with_o another_o in_o lesser_a difference_n about_o matter_n of_o a_o more_o difficult_a and_o controversal_a nature_n and_o more_o remote_a from_o the_o foundation_n and_o wherein_o the_o godly-wise_a be_v not_o like-minded_n be_v a_o duty_n necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o religion_n while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o infirmity_n in_o such_o thing_n let_v not_o he_o that_o practise_v despise_v he_o that_o forbear_v and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o forbear_v judge_v he_o that_o practise_v for_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o but_o as_o we_o do_v not_o thus_o speak_v from_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n here_o deliver_v paul_n know_v where_o the_o truth_n lie_v and_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o rom._n 14.14_o yet_o he_o can_v love_o bear_v a_o dissenter_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n shall_v we_o so_o we_o do_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o christ_n jesus_n command_v the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o several_a church_n what_o be_v here_o offer_v be_v far_o from_o be_v any_o decline_v from_o former_a principle_n it_o be_v rather_o a_o pursuance_n thereof_o for_o it_o be_v all_o include_v in_o or_o deducible_a from_o what_o we_o unanimous_o profess_v and_o own_a in_o the_o forementioned_a platform_n of_o discipline_n many_o year_n since_o there_o it_o be_v assert_v that_o child_n be_v church-member_n that_o they_o have_v many_o privilege_n which_o other_o not_o church-member_n have_v not_o and_o that_o they_o be_v under_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n chap._n 12._o sect_n 7._o and_o that_o will_v infer_v the_o right_n of_o their_o child_n they_o continue_v to_o walk_v orderly_o and_o the_o other_o matter_n of_o consociation_n or_o exercise_v of_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v large_o hold_v forth_o chap._n 15._o &_o 16._o it_o may_v be_v a_o objection_n lie_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o and_o which_o many_o may_v desire_v a_o full_a answer_n unto_o that_o these_o thing_n or_o some_o of_o they_o be_v innovation_n in_o our_o church-waye_n and_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n be_v worthy_n in_o new-england_n who_o be_v now_o with_o god_n do_v never_o teach_v not_o hold_v and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v we_o now_o after_o so_o many_o year_n fall_v upon_o new_a opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o this_o a_o decline_a from_o our_o first_o purity_n and_o a_o unblamable_a alteration_n to_o this_o although_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o say_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n not_o so_o much_o what_o have_v be_v hold_v or_o practise_v as_o what_o shall_v be_v and_o what_o the_o word_n of_o god_n prescribe_v aught_o to_o be_v our_o enquiry_n and_o our_o rule_n the_o people_n in_o nehemiah_n time_n be_v commend_v for_o do_v as_o they_o find_v write_v in_o the_o law_n though_o from_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n the_o son_n of_o nun_n unto_o that_o day_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v not_o do_v so_o nehem._n 8.14_o 17._o see_v the_o like_o 2_o chron._n 30.5_o 26._o 2_o king_n 23.21_o 22._o they_o do_v not_o tie_v themselves_o to_o former_a use_n and_o custom_n but_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n write_v word_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o it_o be_v thyatira_n praise_n that_o their_o good_a work_n be_v more_o at_o the_o last_o then_o at_o the_o first_o rev._n 2.19_o the_o lord_n be_v humble_a and_o faithful_a servant_n be_v not_o go_v to_o be_v forward_o to_o think_v themselves_o perfect_a in_o their_o attainment_n but_o desirous_a rather_o to_o make_v a_o progress_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o god_n holy_a will._n if_o therefore_o the_o thing_n here_o poopound_v concern_v the_o child_n of_o church-member_n and_o the_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o hope_v the_o discourse_n ensue_a will_v show_v they_o to_o be_v that_o do_v sufficient_o bespeak_v their_o entertainment_n although_o they_o have_v not_o former_o be_v hold_v or_o hear_v of_o among_o we_o yet_o this_o must_v not_o be_v grant_v the_o contrary_a be_v the_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o point_n herein_o which_o may_v be_v most_o scruple_v by_o some_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o these_o church_n for_o many_o year_n and_o of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v of_o most_o eminent_a esteem_n among_o we_o as_o beside_o what_o be_v before_o mention_v from_o the_o platform_n of_o discipline_n may_v appear_v by_o the_o
cause_n for_o it_o many_o of_o the_o elder_n in_o these_o church_n both_o such_o as_o be_v now_o live_v and_o sundry_a who_o be_v now_o decease_v do_v declare_v their_o judgement_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o this_o many_o year_n ago_o second_o touch_v consociation_n of_o church_n take_v these_o few_o testimony_n in_o stead_n of_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v allege_v mr._n cotton_n keyes_n p._n 54_o 55._o it_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o wholesome_a and_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o particular_a church_n to_o join_v together_o in_o holy_a covenant_n or_o communion_n &_o consociation_n among_o themselves_o to_o administer_v all_o their_o church-affair_n which_o be_v of_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a and_o common_a concernment_n not_o without_o common_a consultation_n and_o consent_n of_o other_o church_n about_o they_o and_o how_o it_o be_v so_o he_o there_o show_v in_o all_o the_o particular_n see_v also_o p._n 24_o 25_o 47_o 59_o mr._n hooker_n survey_v see_v part_n 4._o p._n 1_o 2._o &_o p._n 45._o and_o in_o the_o preface_n he_o profess_v his_o consent_n with_o mr._n r._n that_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a that_o when_o cause_n be_v difficult_a and_o particular_a church_n want_v light_a and_o help_v they_o shall_v crave_v the_o assistance_n of_o such_o a_o consociation_n that_o church_n so_o meeting_n have_v right_a to_o counsel_n rebuke_v etc._n etc._n as_o the_o case_n do_v require_v and_o in_o case_n any_o particular_a church_n shall_v walk_v pertinacious_o either_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o error_n or_o sinful_a practice_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v their_o counsel_n they_o may_v and_o shall_v renounce_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n with_o they_o and_o after_o he_o set_v down_o this_o of_o consociation_n of_o church_n among_o other_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o profess_v the_o joint_a judgement_n of_o all_o the_o elder_n upon_o the_o river_n of_o new-haven_n guildford_n milford_n stratford_n fairfield_n and_o most_o of_o the_o elder_n in_o the_o bay_n by_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o point_n of_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v no_o new_a invention_n of_o these_o time_n but_o be_v teach_v and_o profess_v in_o new-england_n many_o year_n ago_o for_o so_o it_o be_v we_o see_v in_o mr._n hooker_n time_n and_o it_o be_v now_o above_o fifteen_o year_n since_o he_o depart_v this_o life_n to_o these_o of_o our_o own_o minister_n we_o shall_v only_o add_v a_o passage_n in_o the_o apologetical_a narration_n of_o dr._n goodwin_n mr._n nye_n mr._n sidrach_n simpson_n mr._n burroughes_n and_o mr._n bridge_n wherein_o beside_o much_o more_o to_o this_o purpose_n touch_v the_o remedy_n provide_v in_o the_o congregational-way_n for_o mal-administrations_a or_o other_o miscarriage_n in_o church_n p._n 16-21_a they_o set_v it_o down_o in_o p._n 27._o as_o their_o past_a and_o present_a profession_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o to_o be_v abhor_v maxim_n that_o any_o religion_n have_v ever_o make_v profession_n of_o and_o therefore_o of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o contradictory_n and_o dishonourable_a unto_o that_o of_o christianity_n that_o a_o single_a and_o particular_a society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o society_n within_o themselves_o shall_v further_o arrogate_v unto_o themselves_o a_o exemption_n from_o give_v account_n or_o be_v censurable_a by_o any_o other_o either_o christian_a magistrate_n above_o they_o or_o neighbour-churche_n about_o they_o see_v also_o mr._n burroughes_n heart-divis_a pag_n 43_o 47._o brethren_n bear_v with_o we_o be_v it_o for_o our_o own_o sake_n or_o name_n or_o interest_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v solicitous_a to_o beg_v charity_n of_o you_o with_o we_o it_o be_v a_o small_a thing_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n day_n but_o it_o be_v for_o your_o sake_n for_o your_o child_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n that_o we_o entreat_v for_o a_o charitable_a candid_a and_o considerate_a acceptation_n of_o our_o labour_n herein_o it_o be_v that_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v establish_v before_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o and_o of_o their_o child_n after_o they_o do_v we_o herein_o seek_v ourselves_o our_o own_o advantage_n ease_n or_o glory_n sure_o we_o feel_v the_o contrary_a what_o be_v it_o we_o desire_v but_o that_o we_o may_v do_v our_o utmost_a to_o carry_v your_o poor_a child_n to_o heaven_n and_o that_o we_o may_v see_v these_o church_n bind_v up_o together_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n forgive_v we_o this_o wrong_n but_o shall_v the_o church-education_n of_o your_o child_n be_v by_o the_o want_n of_o your_o hearty_a concurrence_n render_v either_o unfeizible_a or_o ineffectual_a shall_v they_o live_v as_o lamb_n in_o a_o large_a place_n for_o want_v of_o your_o agreement_n to_o own_v they_o of_o the_o flock_n we_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v how_o uncomfortable_a the_o account_n hereof_o will_v be_v another_o day_n we_o pray_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o you_o do_v no_o evil_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v appear_v approve_v but_o that_o you_o shall_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o right_n though_o we_o be_v reject_v for_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o this_o also_o we_o wish_v even_o your_o perfection_n 2_o cor._n 13.7_o 8_o 9_o however_o we_o hope_v after-age_n will_v bear_v witness_n that_o we_o have_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n faithful_a to_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o this_o part_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n also_o in_o our_o generation_n but_o we_o may_v not_o let_v pass_v this_o opportunity_n without_o a_o word_n of_o caution_n and_o exhortation_n to_o the_o youth_n of_o the_o country_n the_o child_n of_o our_o church_n who_o interest_n we_o have_v here_o assort_v be_v not_o you_o puff_v up_o with_o privilege_n but_o humble_v rather_o in_o the_o awful_a sense_n of_o the_o engagement_n duty_n and_o danger_n that_o do_v attend_v they_o it_o be_v a_o high_a favour_n to_o have_v a_o place_n in_o bethel_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a place_n god_n will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o all_o that_o come_v nigh_o he_o a_o place_n nigh_o unto_o god_n or_o among_o his_o people_n who_o be_v near_o to_o he_o ps_n 148.14_o be_v a_o place_n of_o great_a fear_n psa_n 89.7_o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o when_o own_a as_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n deut._n 27.9_o 10._o lest_o there_o shall_v be_v among_o you_o any_o root_n that_o bear_v gall_n and_o wormwood_n take_v heed_n that_o you_o do_v not_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n or_o of_o vanity_n and_o slightness_n either_o challenge_n or_o use_v any_o of_o your_o privilege_n think_v not_o to_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n without_o bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n remember_v that_o all_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o people_n do_v come_v load_v with_o duty_n and_o all_o gospel-duty_n must_v be_v do_v in_o humility_n the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o the_o humble_a and_o serious_a shall_v walk_v in_o they_o but_o proud_a transgressor_n shall_v fall_v therein_o be_v not_o son_n of_o belial_n that_o can_v bear_v no_o yoke_n learn_v subjection_n to_o christ_n holy_a government_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o way_n thereof_o be_v subject_n to_o your_o godly_a parent_n be_v subject_n to_o your_o spirtival_n father_n and_o pastor_n and_o to_o all_o their_o instruction_n admonition_n and_o exhortation_n be_v subject_n unto_o faithful_a brethren_n and_o to_o word_n of_o counsel_n and_o help_v from_o they_o you_o young_a submit_v yourselves_o unto_o the_o elder_a and_o to_o that_o end_n be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n lie_v under_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n as_o dispense_v and_o convey_v to_o you_o by_o all_o his_o appoint_a instrument_n in_o their_o respective_a place_n break_v not_o in_o upon_o the_o lord_n table_n or_o upon_o the_o privilege_n of_o full_a communion_n without_o due_a qualification_n and_o orderly_a admission_n thereunto_o lest_o you_o eat_v and_o drink_v your_o own_o damnation_n be_v order_v and_o take_v not_o upon_o you_o to_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o god_n family_n that_o be_v not_o the_o place_n of_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o but_o in_o the_o state_n of_o initiation_n and_o education_n in_o the_o châ—rch_n of_o god_n carry_v it_o in_o all_o thing_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o humility_n modesty_n sobriety_n and_o fear_n that_o our_o soul_n may_v not_o