spirit_n of_o meckness_n and_o love_n there_o do_v grow_v dissension_n in_o any_o church_n as_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n about_o circumsision_n the_o church_n so_o divide_v shall_v do_v wise_o and_o safe_o not_o to_o proceed_v to_o determine_v the_o case_n by_o a_o major_a vâ—te_n to_o the_o unsatisfaction_n and_o offence_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n among_o themselves_o or_o the_o offence_n of_o other_o church_n but_o ought_v rather_o to_o bring_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o hear_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n who_o be_v desire_v aught_o ready_o to_o meet_v together_o and_o serious_o as_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o case_n search_v out_o by_o the_o word_n what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n therein_o by_o themselves_o if_o present_a or_o otherwise_o by_o letter_n and_o messenger_n to_o declare_v to_o the_o church_n what_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o shall_v walk_v by_o which_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o all_o due_a respect_n according_a to_o god_n act_v 15._o proposition_n viii_o as_o there_o be_v a_o brotherhood_n of_o member_n in_o the_o same_o church_n so_o there_o be_v a_o brotherhood_n of_o church_n be_v all_o fellow_n member_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o so_o bind_v to_o have_v a_o mâ—utal_a care_n one_o of_o another_o cant._n 8_o 8._o it_o be_v therefore_o meet_a and_o requiste_v that_o in_o case_n any_o church_n shall_v fall_v into_o any_o scandalous_a error_n or_o offence_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n than_o the_o neighbour_n church_n or_o church_n shall_v advertise_v convince_v and_o admonish_v such_o a_o church_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o after_o due_a conviction_n by_o a_o neighbour_n church_n and_o again_o by_o more_o church_n the_o offend_a church_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v require_v may_v at_o length_n withdraw_v the_o church_n with_o sufficient_a partience_n will_v not_o yet_o hearken_v to_o their_o brethren_n then_o withdraw_v from_o that_o church_n or_o at_o least_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o refuse_v to_o be_v heal_v such_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o as_o otherwise_o church_n usual_o do_v afford_v to_o each_o other_o proposition_n ix_o in_o case_n any_o member_n shall_v be_v lay_v under_o censure_n in_o a_o church_n by_o the_o major_a part_n with_o the_o offence_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n thereof_o or_o when_o any_o whole_a church_n shall_v seem_v to_o have_v consent_v corrupt_o to_o such_o a_o censure_n upon_o complaint_n of_o the_o grieve_a part_n attest_v by_o the_o dusent_a brethren_n or_o in_o the_o other_o case_n by_o other_o credible_a person_n it_o be_v free_a yea_o requisite_a that_o other_o church_n or_o church_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meckness_n desire_v to_o know_v the_o reason_n or_o their_o censure_n which_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v clear_v up_o to_o be_v just_a than_o the_o other_o church_n or_o church_n ought_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o their_o proceed_n and_o to_o persuade_v the_o censure_v and_o dissent_v part_n of_o the_o submit_v and_o give_v satisfaction_n but_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v refuse_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o procceeding_n or_o not_o final_o clear_v up_o the_o justice_n thereof_o nor_o ease_v the_o grieve_a party_n it_o will_v then_o be_v equal_a for_o any_o other_o church_n to_o receive_v the_o censure_v part_n to_o their_o covenant_n or_o communion_n for_o so_o christ_n receive_v the_o blind_a man_n after_o he_o be_v unjust_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o synogogue_n jobâ—_n 9_o the_o unjust_a act_n of_o any_o church_n can_v appear_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n out_o rather_o in_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o name_n and_o power_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o bind_v in_o heaven_n clavis_fw-la errans_fw-la von_n ligat_fw-la proposition_n x._o as_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o godly_a christian_n in_o the_o church_n without_o any_o scruple_n and_o with_o much_o edification_n and_o increase_n of_o love_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o convenient_a number_n or_o family_n at_o set_a time_n house_n by_o house_n to_o exercise_v that_o christian_a communion_n which_o the_o moral_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v for_o 1_o thes_n 5.11_o col._n 3.16_o heb._n 3_o 13._o and_o so_o 24._o so_o also_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n beside_o other_o it_o will_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n conduce_v much_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o unity_n the_o spiritual_a edification_n of_o many_o by_o mutual_a faith_n of_o each_o other_o to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n do_v meet_v together_o church_n by_o church_n in_o convenient_a number_n at_o set_a time_n not_o to_o exercise_v any_o jurisdiction_n over_o any_o but_o to_o enjoy_v and_o practise_v church_n communion_n by_o prayer_n together_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o conference_n about_o such_o gas_n and_o question_n of_o conscience_n as_o shall_v be_v find_v useful_a or_o needful_a for_o the_o edification_n and_o comfort_n and_o peace_n of_o every_o church_n or_o any_o of_o the_o brethren_n thereof_o and_o this_o course_n may_v tend_v much_o to_o satisfy_v the_o spirit_n of_o divers_a godly_a brethren_n who_o have_v think_v that_o we_o so_o much_o mind_n the_o distinction_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o fellow_n member_n in_o the_o same_o that_o we_o lose_v much_o of_o the_o comfort_n of_o love_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o we_o may_v enjoy_v and_o that_o we_o fall_v short_a in_o some_o brotherly_a love_n which_o we_o owe_v mutual_o to_o our_o dear_a brethren_n of_o several_a church_n for_o the_o better_a improvement_n of_o such_o a_o conference_n 1._o it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o number_n of_o church_n so_o to_o meet_v be_v regulate_v according_a to_o the_o nearness_n or_o distance_n of_o church_n and_o as_o other_o convenience_n or_o inconvenience_n shall_v require_v 2._o for_o the_o time_n of_o meeting_n it_o may_v seem_v best_a to_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o each_o society_n of_o church_n to_o meet_v more_o frequent_o or_o seldom_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n 3._o concern_v their_o exercise_n it_o be_v meet_v that_o the_o elder_n of_o each_o church_n where_o the_o conference_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v shall_v choose_v with_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n some_o other_o elder_a as_o they_o see_v best_a who_o they_o may_v entreat_v to_o preach_v at_o their_o meeting_n and_o also_o to_o desire_v some_o to_o moderate_v in_o the_o conference_n and_o agree_v upon_o such_o question_n as_o they_o see_v fit_a three_o or_o four_o and_o send_v they_o to_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n at_o least_o fourteen_o day_n before_o the_o time_n of_o their_o assembly_n 4._o for_o the_o order_n of_o the_o time_n it_o may_v be_v fit_a that_o the_o sermon_n shall_v end_v at_o eleven_o a_o clock_n and_o after_o it_o the_o conference_n follow_v and_o continue_v so_o long_o as_o shall_v be_v find_v meet_a and_o seasonable_a now_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o counsellor_n the_o everlasting_a father_n and_o prince_n of_o peace_n grant_v unto_o all_o his_o church_n truth_n and_o peace_n always_o and_o â—y_a all_o mean_n and_o he_o counsel_v and_o guide_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n to_o discern_v and_o embrace_v all_o such_o way_n as_o himself_o have_v sanctify_v to_o those_o holy_a ends._n amen_n thus_o far_o mr._n cotton_n and_o that_o this_o be_v according_a to_o congregational_a principle_n be_v evident_a from_o other_o testimony_n for_o the_o messenger_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o congregational_a church_n who_o meet_v at_o the_o savoy_n in_o london_n anno_fw-la 1658._o do_v in_o their_o declaration_n of_o the_o order_n appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n thesis_n 26._o thus_o declare_v in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n or_o difference_n either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o in_o administration_n wherein_o either_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v concern_v or_o any_o one_o church_n in_o their_o peace_n union_n and_o edification_n or_o any_o member_n or_o member_n of_o any_o church_n be_v injure_v in_o or_o by_o any_o proceed_n in_o censure_n not_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n and_o order_n it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o many_o church_n hold_v communion_n together_o do_v by_o their_o messenger_n meet_v in_o a_o synod_n or_o council_n to_o consider_v and_o give_v their_o advice_n in_o or_o about_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n etc._n etc._n and_o doctor_n owen_n who_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o
keep_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o bring_v up_o his_o grandchild_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o live_v and_o walk_v as_o himself_o do_v as_o one_o of_o god_n people_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n from_o whence_o the_o conclusion_n evident_o follow_v that_o therefore_o baptism_n may_v there_o be_v administer_v to_o seal_v up_o the_o covenant_n where_o the_o grandfather_n receive_v the_o covenant_n &_o undertake_v to_o bring_v up_o his_o grand_a child_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o covenant_n against_o this_o argument_n it_o be_v object_v by_o some_o what_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1_o cor._n 7.14_o where_o if_o both_o the_o husband_n and_o the_o wife_n who_o be_v the_o next_o parent_n of_o the_o child_n be_v unbelieving_a the_o child_n be_v pronounce_v unclean_a and_o therefore_o uncapable_a of_o the_o holy_a covenant_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a seal_n of_o it_o whereto_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o word_n in_o the_o tex_n translate_v unbelieving_a be_v in_o the_o original_a infidel_n now_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o on_o infidel_n and_o a_o carnal_a christian_a as_o then_o be_v among_o the_o lewes_z a_o difference_n between_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o carnal_a israelite_n though_o the_o child_n be_v unclean_a where_o both_o the_o parent_n be_v pagan_n and_o infidel_n yet_o we_o may_v not_o account_v such_o parent_n for_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n who_o be_v themselves_o baptize_v and_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o live_v without_o notorious_a scandalous_a crime_n though_o they_o give_v not_o clear_a evidence_n of_o their_o regenerate_a estate_n nor_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o church_n covenant_n after_o this_o answer_n give_v there_o be_v no_o father_n reply_v against_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a some_o of_o the_o brethren_n express_v their_o consent_n with_o addition_n of_o other_o reason_n and_o all_o of_o they_o by_o their_o silence_n we_o do_v therefore_o profess_v it_o to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n and_o as_o we_o believ_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o caution_n be_v observe_v as_o have_v be_v mention_v that_o the_o grandfather_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o baptism_n to_o his_o grandchild_n though_o his_o next_o seed_n the_o parent_n of_o the_o child_n be_v not_o receive_v themselves_o into_o church_n covenant_n wherein_o nevertheless_o we_o desire_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v not_o as_o presume_v to_o judge_v other_o who_o happy_o may_v be_v of_o different_a opinion_n in_o this_o point_n or_o to_o direct_v you_o who_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n give_v to_o you_o able_a to_o direct_v yourselves_o and_o we_o also_o in_o the_o lord_n but_o as_o willing_a in_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n to_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n with_o you_o and_o in_o brotherly_a love_n to_o satisfy_v your_o request_n and_o demand_v touch_v this_o question_n now_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o go_v on_o to_o build_v up_o his_o holy_a kingdom_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o in_o the_o gracious_a administration_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n among_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o who_o we_o rest_v your_o love_a brethren_n john_n cotton_n tho._n oliver_n tho._n leveret_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n boston_n decemb._n the_o 16_o 1634._o now_o this_o be_v a_o great_a testimony_n for_o if_o anno_fw-la 1634._o which_o be_v among_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o these_o church_n if_o then_o a_o grand_a father_n such_o caution_n be_v observe_v as_o have_v be_v mention_v be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n may_v claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o baptism_n to_o his_o grand_a child_n though_o his_o next_o seed_n the_o immediate_a parent_n of_o the_o child_n be_v not_o receive_v themselves_o into_o full_a communion_n if_o then_o also_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o a_o infidel_n and_o a_o carnal_a christian_a as_o then_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n a_o difference_n between_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o carnal_a israelite_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o account_v such_o parent_n for_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n and_o so_o not_o their_o child_n for_o unclean_a who_o be_v themselves_o baptize_v and_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o live_v without_o notorious_a scandalous_a crime_n though_o they_o give_v not_o clear_a evidence_n of_o their_o regenerate_v estate_n if_o this_o be_v true_a doctrine_n anno_fw-la 1634._o posterity_n will_v see_v who_o be_v the_o apostate_n from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o new-england_n whether_o they_o who_o principle_n be_v for_o a_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n unto_o some_o who_o next_o patent_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o they_o that_o do_v oppose_v such_o a_o practice_n there_o be_v also_o to_o be_v see_v another_o large_a and_o judicious_a letter_n of_o mr._n cotton_v write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o a_o friend_n of_o he_o in_o england_n touch_v accommodation_n and_o communion_n between_o those_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o congregational_a persuasion_n the_o letter_n bear_v date_n the_o 8._o 11._o month_n 1648._o and_o therein_o mr._n cotâ—on_n deliver_v his_o judgement_n in_o twelve_o proposition_n which_o be_v too_o large_a here_o to_o be_v insert_v only_o the_o eight_o of_o these_o proposition_n be_v direct_o to_o our_o purpose_n we_o shall_v here_o transcribe_v it_o the_o word_n of_o it_o be_v these_o if_o the_o godly_a member_n of_o a_o congregation_n former_o subject_a to_o episcopacy_n repent_v of_o their_o sinful_a subordination_n thereto_o shall_v be_v studious_a of_o reformation_n and_o shall_v solemn_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v the_o same_o and_o shall_v choose_v their_o former_a godly_a minister_n into_o the_o pastor_n &_o teacher_n office_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a they_o shall_v take_v the_o ignorant_a or_o carnal_a member_n of_o the_o parish_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o this_o renew_a election_n of_o their_o minister_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o the_o minister_n may_v perform_v some_o ministerial_a act_n to_o they_o as_o not_o only_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o they_o but_o happy_o also_o to_o baptize_v their_o child_n for_o such_o member_n be_v like_o the_o church_n member_n with_o we_o baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n yet_o not_o receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n nor_o admit_v to_o fellowship_n of_o vote_v in_o admission_n election_n censure_n till_o they_o come_v to_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o lie_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n before_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o covenant_n thereof_o their_o child_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o the_o first_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o in_o this_o case_n till_o the_o parent_n themselves_o grow_v scandalous_a and_o thereby_o cast_v off_o out_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o church_n also_o to_o a_o reverend_a person_n yet_o survive_v in_o this_o country_n who_o in_o a_o letter_n bear_v date_n 4.4_o month_n 1649._o propound_v this_o question_n a_o father_n that_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n one_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n but_o no_o church_n member_n die_v and_o give_v his_o little_a infant_n to_o a_o church_n member_n and_o brother_n of_o we_o which_o brother_n have_v no_o child_n of_o his_o own_o glad_o accept_v it_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o such_o a_o adopt_a child_n may_v by_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n be_v baptize_v or_o not_o mr._n cotton_v answer_n be_v in_o these_o word_n youâ—_n case_n of_o baptise_v of_o the_o child_n of_o one_o fear_v god_n and_o in_o his_o death_n give_v his_o child_n to_o a_o church_n member_n etc._n etc._n i_o propound_v to_o some_o of_o our_o fellow_n elder_n mr._n wilson_n mr._n eliot_n and_o i_o think_v mr._n maâ—her_n and_o as_o i_o remember_v they_o all_o incline_v to_o the_o affirmative_a their_o ground_n be_v the_o text_n in_o gen._n 17.12_o 13._o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o lean_a to_o the_o affirmative_a as_o you_o put_v the_o case_n the_o parent_n of_o this_o child_n be_v not_o a_o indian_a or_o pagan_n but_o a_o christian_a and_o baptize_v himself_o and_o so_o confederate_a with_o such_o a_o church_n as_o we_o renounce_v not_o and_o i_o do_v not_o dissuade_v the_o minister_a of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n where_o the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v not_o want_v etc._n etc._n likewise_o in_o another_o letter_n which_o be_v extant_a under_o mr._n cotton_v own_o hand_n write_v to_o one_o who_o thus_o object_v carnal_a child_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n whilst_o they_o be_v
3._o pag._n 11._o 12._o now_o if_o they_o that_o be_v confederate_a and_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n and_o if_o also_o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v confederate_a and_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n both_o which_o be_v affirm_v by_o mr._n hooker_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o in_o his_o judgement_n the_o child_n in_o question_n have_v right_a to_o baptism_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o vessel_n with_o mr._n cotton_n and_o mr._n hooker_n there_o come_v the_o godly_a learned_a mr._n samuel_n stone_n late_a teacher_n of_o the_o church_n in_o hartford_n concern_v who_o what_o his_o judgement_n be_v touch_v the_o now_o agitate_a controversy_n be_v know_v from_o his_o practice_n in_o the_o last_o year_n of_o his_o life_n and_o that_o his_o judgement_n be_v suitable_a to_o that_o practice_n many_o year_n before_o his_o decease_n appear_v from_o a_o letter_n of_o his_o write_v to_o the_o reverend_n mr._n mather_n of_o dorchester_n and_o bear_v date_n june_n 6._o 1650._o in_o which_o letter_n he_o thus_o express_v himself_o i_o conceive_v say_v mr._n stone_n that_o child_n of_o church_n member_n have_v right_a to_o church_n membership_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o father_n covenant_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v in_o abraham_n covenant_n they_o have_v membership_n by_o birth_n gal._n 2.15_o 2_o dly_a god_n be_v their_o god_n gen._n 17.7_o 3_o dly_a they_o be_v branch_n rom._n 11._o 4._o they_o be_v subject_n of_o christ_n visible_a kingdom_n ezek._n 37.25_o hence_o 1._o if_o they_o be_v present_v to_o a_o church_n and_o claim_v their_o interest_n they_o can_v be_v deny_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o hence_o there_o have_v be_v a_o sinful_a neglect_n in_o new-england_n of_o such_o child_n who_o have_v either_o not_o be_v present_v or_o not_o receive_v when_o they_o have_v claim_v their_o right_n i_o speak_v with_o mr._n warham_n and_o we_o question_v not_o the_o right_a of_o child_n but_o we_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v comfortable_a to_o have_v some_o concurrence_n which_o be_v that_o we_o have_v wait_v for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o i_o think_v unless_o there_o may_v be_v some_o conference_n of_o elder_n this_o year_n in_o the_o bay_n about_o it_o that_o we_o may_v see_v some_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a our_o church_n will_v adventure_v to_o practice_n according_a to_o their_o judgement_n i._n e._n take_v in_o all_o such_o child_n as_o member_n i_o much_o desire_v that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o meeting_n of_o the_o elder_n this_o year_n that_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n do_v sufficient_o manifest_v what_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o mr._n cotton_n mr._n hooker_n and_o mr._n stone_n who_o all_o three_o as_o be_v intimate_v come_v into_o new-england_n in_o the_o same_o vessel_n anno_fw-la 1633._o and_o they_o may_v just_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o first_o three_o of_o new-englands_n worthy_n in_o the_o year_n 1635._o god_n bring_v into_o this_o country_n three_o more_o of_o our_o worthy_n another_o triumvirate_n not_o unlike_o the_o former_a viz._n mr._n mather_n mr._n norton_n and_o mr._n shâ—pard_n who_o judgement_n touch_v the_o question_n before_o we_o that_o it_o do_v concur_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o sequel_n as_o for_o mr._n mather_n late_a teacher_n of_o the_o church_n in_o dorchester_n what_o the_o apprehension_n of_o that_o reverend_a man_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v the_o present_a controversy_n in_o his_o latter_a time_n be_v well_o know_v the_o ancient_n have_v a_o opinion_n that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d die_a word_n of_o worthy_a man_n be_v oracutous_a because_o the_o soul_n near_o its_o transmigration_n grow_v more_o divine_a be_v that_o notion_n as_o it_o be_v yet_o the_o die_a counsel_n of_o that_o bless_a man_n to_o his_o son_n be_v of_o weighty_a consideration_n and_o that_o mr._n mather_n do_v not_o take_v up_o his_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o enlargenent_n of_o baptism_n in_o his_o last_o year_n only_o but_o that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n four_o and_o twenty_o year_n and_o more_o before_o his_o decease_n be_v evident_a from_o some_o manuscript_n of_o his_o left_a write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n for_o that_o roverend_a author_n do_v in_o the_o year_n 1645_o prepare_v for_o the_o press_n a_o elaborate_a discourse_n which_o he_o entitle_v a_o plea_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o new-england_n and_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o that_o discourse_n which_o contain_v positive_a ground_n from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o the_o justification_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o new-england_n there_o be_v this_o question_n propound_v quest_n when_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o infaney_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n be_v come_v to_o age_n be_v not_o yet_o find_v fit_a to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n although_o they_o be_v matried_a and_o have_v child_n whether_o be_v those_o their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v or_o no._n the_o answer_n be_v in_o these_o word_n i_o propound_v to_o consideration_n this_o reason_n for_o the_o affirmative_a viz._n that_o the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v the_o reason_n be_v the_o parent_n as_o they_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o covenant_n so_o they_o still_o continue_v therein_o be_v neither_o cast_n out_o nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v and_o if_o so_o why_o shall_v not_o their_o child_n be_v baptize_v for_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v in_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o child_n so_o likewise_o be_v not_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n be_v not_o the_o text_n plain_a act._n 2.39_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n and_o if_o these_o child_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n sith_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o which_o be_v one_o main_a ground_n why_o other_o infant_n be_v admit_v thereto_o do_v it_o not_o seem_v unreasonable_a that_o these_o infant_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o nevertheless_o other_o shall_v be_v admit_v and_o these_o be_v refuse_v if_o other_o infant_n be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n upon_o some_o ground_n whereof_o these_o be_v not_o partaker_n than_o there_o may_v be_v reason_n to_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o these_o infant_n and_o other_o but_o if_o the_o ground_n &_o reason_n of_o admit_v other_o be_v common_a to_o these_o as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o it_o seem_v then_o to_o be_v reasonable_a that_o these_o as_o well_o as_o other_o shall_v share_v in_o the_o privilege_n if_o their_o parent_n be_v east_n out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o censure_n or_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o same_o by_o wilful_a apostasy_n and_o schism_n or_o deserve_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o scandal_n than_o there_o be_v more_o reason_n that_o their_o infant_n shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o seal_n but_o since_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o parent_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v a_o good_a reason_n shall_v be_v give_v why_o their_o infant_n be_v debar_v for_o if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o parent_n be_v not_o confirm_v member_n nor_o have_v yet_o be_v find_v fit_a for_o the_o lord_n table_n i_o conceive_v this_o need_v not_o to_o hinder_v their_o infant_n from_o baptism_n so_o long_o as_o they_o i_o mean_v the_o parent_n do_v neither_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n nor_o do_v the_o church_n see_v just_a cause_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o from_o the_o same_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o parent_n fitness_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o baptise_v their_o child_n but_o the_o parent_n and_o so_o their_o child_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n thereof_o and_o as_o long_o as_o this_o do_v continue_v not_o dissolve_v by_o any_o church_n censure_n against_o they_o nor_o by_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n of_o they_o so_o long_o the_o child_n may_v be_v baptize_v these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v see_v write_v with_o mr._n mather_n own_o hand_n anno_fw-la 1645._o now_o if_o six_o and_o twenty_o year_n ago_o in_o a_o book_n write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new_a england_n write_v when_o this_o collection_n of_o testimony_n be_v first_o compose_v it_o be_v but_o 26_o year_n but_o now_o it_o be_v 29_o year_n since_o that_o book_n be_v write_v and_o in_o justification_n of_o tho_o way_n of-hese_a church_n it_o be_v true_a doctrine_n that_o person_n may_v have_v
right_a to_o baptism_n for_o their_o child_n and_o yet_o themselves_o not_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o lord_n table_n if_o six_o and_o twenty_o year_n ago_o this_o be_v write_v in_o a_o book_n who_o whole_a design_n be_v to_o justify_v the_o way_n of_o these_o church_n how_o then_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o present_a plead_n for_o such_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n be_v any_o apostasy_n from_o primitive_a principle_n also_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v assert_v and_o urge_v by_o this_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o model_n of_o church_n government_n present_v to_o the_o synod_n anno_fw-la 1647._o and_o in_o the_o year_n 1648._o and_o 1649._o he_o do_v frequent_o in_o his_o public_a ministry_n in_o dorchester_n thus_o instruct_v his_o people_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o sermon_n notes_n leave_v write_v propria_fw-la manu_fw-la and_o in_o the_o year_n 1653._o this_o question_n be_v full_o large_o and_o elaborate_o discuss_v by_o the_o same_o author_n also_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n bear_v date_n 30_o 5_o month_n 1651._o he_o thus_o express_v himself_o for_o my_o part_n my_o thought_n have_v be_v this_o long_a time_n that_o our_o church_n in_o general_n do_v fall_v short_a in_o their_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o the_o rule_n require_v in_o this_o particular_a which_o i_o think_v aught_o to_o be_v thus_o viz._n that_o the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n by_o a_o act_n of_o their_o own_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o man_n and_o woman_n estate_n aught_o to_o be_v watch_v over_o as_o other_o member_n and_o to_o have_v their_o infant_n baptize_v but_o themselves_o not_o to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n nor_o to_o vote_v in_o the_o church_n till_o by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n they_o shall_v approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o same_o but_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o thus_o practise_v but_o be_v now_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n and_o of_o send_v to_o other_o church_n for_o advice_n help_v we_o i_o pray_v you_o with_o your_o prayer_n that_o we_o may_v have_v grace_n to_o discern_v and_o do_v the_o lord_n mind_n and_o will_v herein_o so_o that_o in_o the_o year_n 1651._o it_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v the_o judgement_n of_o this_o seer_n that_o some_o have_v right_a to_o baptism_n for_o their_o child_n that_o yet_o have_v not_o right_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o themselves_o but_o against_o this_o testimony_n some_o may_v object_v a_o passage_n in_o mr._n mather_n print_v catechism_n pag._n 91._o this_o holy_a man_n be_v sensible_a that_o some_o do_v take_v advantage_n from_o a_o expression_n therein_o to_o impute_v unto_o he_o a_o change_n of_o judgement_n touch_v this_o question_n which_o have_v it_o be_v so_o indeed_o ad_fw-la meliora_fw-la transiâ—e_fw-la nullus_fw-la pudor_fw-la it_o be_v no_o dishonour_n to_o any_o man_n to_o change_v for_o the_o better_a but_o concern_v this_o question_n that_o reverend_a man_n alter_v not_o but_o be_v all_o along_o of_o the_o same_o apprehension_n wherefore_o know_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o very_a same_o judgement_n when_o that_o catechism_n be_v write_v as_o in_o his_o last_o year_n he_o be_v of_o he_o therefore_o leave_v a_o manuscript_n in_o his_o study_n to_o clear_v himself_o from_o such_o a_o imputation_n which_o for_o his_o vindication_n we_o shall_v therefore_o here_o insert_v and_o publish_v the_o word_n be_v as_o follow_v this_o question_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v thus_o answer_v in_o a_o catechism_n viz._n man_n of_o year_n when_o once_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o such_o infant_n who_o parent_n both_o or_o one_o of_o they_o be_v so_o convert_v and_o join_v the_o question_n therefore_o now_o be_v whether_o this_o answer_n if_o sound_n and_o true_a do_v infer_v that_o the_o child_n of_o person_n convert_v and_o join_v to_o the_o church_n be_v now_o adult_n and_o have_v child_n may_v not_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o to_o have_v these_o their_o child_n baptise_a afore_o they_o who_o be_v now_o the_o parent_n be_v fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o if_o he_o that_o answer_v the_o question_n in_o the_o catechism_n as_o above_o do_v think_v they_o may_v do_v not_o this_o infer_v a_o change_n in_o that_o man_n apprehension_n from_o what_o it_o former_o be_v answer_n it_o seem_v not_o at_o all_o to_o infer_v any_o such_o change_n 1._o because_o these_o apprehension_n be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o one_o another_o nor_o at_o all_o inconsistent_a for_o if_o a_o man_n say_v that_o the_o child_n last_o mention_v may_v be_v baptize_v this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o infer_v that_o man_n of_o year_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o join_v to_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v baptize_v nor_o that_o such_o infant_n may_v not_o be_v baptize_v who_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v so_o convert_v and_o join_v nor_o if_o a_o man_n answer_v that_o such_o as_o the_o catechism_n speak_v of_o may_v be_v baptize_v do_v this_o infer_v that_o those_o other_o may_v not_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n sure_a no_o just_a ground_n for_o such_o consequence_n no_o more_o than_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o such_o as_o be_v become_v believer_n by_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v be_v to_o be_v baptize_v which_o be_v a_o very_a truth_n act._n 2.41_o and_o 8.12_o 37._o and_o 18_o 8._o it_o can_v thence_o be_v prove_v that_o no_o infant_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v as_o not_o be_v become_v believer_n at_o least_o not_o by_o that_o mean_n of_o hear_v preach_v this_o will_v in_o no_o sort_n follow_v from_o the_o other_o as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o such_o as_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n shall_v enter_v into_o heaven_n &_o that_o such_o as_o feed_v christ_n when_o hungry_a clothe_v he_o be_v naked_a shall_v be_v save_v in_o heaven_n which_o be_v very_o true_a matth._n 7.21_o and_o 25.34_o etc._n etc._n do_v this_o prove_v that_o little_a infant_n and_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n must_v not_o be_v save_v because_o the_o one_o through_o imbecility_n of_o age_n and_o the_o other_o through_o want_n of_o opportunity_n do_v not_o perform_v the_o thing_n mention_v it_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o at_o all_o but_o that_o salvation_n in_o heaven_n may_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o these_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o other_o even_o so_o though_o such_o as_o the_o catechism_n speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v it_o do_v noâ—_n thence_o follow_v but_o that_o the_o ordinance_n may_v be_v dispense_v to_o the_o infant_n of_o such_o member_n child_n as_o be_v mention_v and_o though_o it_o be_v dispense_v to_o such_o this_o be_v no_o denial_n but_o that_o such_o as_o the_o late_a catechism_n speak_v of_o may_v be_v baptize_v so_o that_o here_o be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o the_o thing_n allege_v but_o that_o both_o may_v be_v true_a and_o consist_v together_o 2_o dly_z it_o the_o word_n in_o the_o catechism_n have_v any_o exclusive_a particle_n in_o they_o there_o have_v be_v some_o more_o ground_n or_o colour_n for_o the_o inference_n as_o if_o the_o word_n have_v be_v thus_o only_o these_o or_o none_o but_o these_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_v but_o any_o such_o exclusive_a or_o negative_a particle_n there_o be_v none_o and_o therefore_o the_o collection_n or_o inference_n from_o they_o which_o be_v make_v be_v groundless_a 3_o the_o author_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a catechism_n which_o be_v print_v in_o the_o year_n 1650._o have_v sundry_a time_n before_o in_o the_o year_n 1646._o 1648._o 1649._o public_o deliver_v his_o judgement_n both_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o by_o write_v that_o such_o child_n of_o church_n member_n may_v have_v their_o infant_n baptize_v though_o themselves_o be_v not_o yet_o receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o so_o divers_a time_n again_o in_o the_o year_n follow_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o what_o be_v express_v in_o the_o say_a catechism_n shall_v be_v intend_v by_o he_o to_o have_v such_o a_o meaning_n as_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o himself_o have_v public_o deliver_v both_o before_o and_o after_o and_o that_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o several_a way_n 4_o lie_n other_o author_n of_o much_o worth_n for_o holiness_n and_o learning_n who_o never_o mean_v to_o deny_v baptism_n to_o such_o child_n of_o church_n member_n dear_o spoke_v of_o yet_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v baptise_v or_o to_o who_o be_v baptism_n to_o be_v administer_v have_v express_v themselves_o in_o term_n not_o far_o unlike_a to_o those_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a catechism_n mr._n ball_n word_n be_v these_o
positive_o reject_v the_o gospel_n and_o that_o the_o membership_n of_o child_n have_v no_o tendency_n in_o it_o to_o pollute_v the_o church_n any_o more_o now_o then_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o child_n be_v under_o church_n discipline_n and_o that_o some_o person_n adult_n may_v be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n etc._n etc._n the_o whole_a letter_n be_v already_o publish_v we_o shall_v not_o here_o insert_v it_o or_o any_o thing_n further_o concern_v it_o only_o assure_v the_o reader_n that_o the_o letter_n itself_o even_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v still_o to_o be_v see_v as_o it_o be_v write_v by_o mr._n shepherd_n own_o hand_n also_o the_o same_o author_n in_o his_o print_a defence_n of_o the_o nine_o position_n pag._n 143._o do_v maintain_v the_o church_n membership_n of_o child_n and_o their_o subjection_n to_o discipline_n in_o the_o year_n after_o these_o mention_v viz._n anno_fw-la 1636._o hear_v arrive_v two_o other_o of_o new-englands_n worthy_n mr._n partridge_n and_o mr._n roger_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n namely_o mr._n ralph_n partridge_n and_o mr._n nathaâ—â—el_n rogers_n as_o for_o mr._n partridge_n sometime_o faithful_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o duxberry_n in_o plymouth_n colony_n what_o his_o judgement_n be_v touch_v the_o present_a controversy_n be_v to_o be_v see_v from_o that_o model_n of_o church_n discipline_n when_o be_v by_o he_o compose_v and_o present_v to_o the_o synod_n at_o cambridg_n anno_fw-la 1648._o and_o which_o be_v still_o extant_a under_o the_o hand_n write_v of_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o which_o manuscript_n be_v these_o word_n the_o person_n unto_o who_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v dispense_v and_o as_o we_o conceive_v aught_o to_o be_v be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o year_n and_o convert_v from_o their_o sin_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v join_v in_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n as_o also_o the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n or_o parent_n as_o have_v lay_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v in_o a_o visible_a covenant_n with_o his_o church_n and_o all_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o that_o cast_v not_o off_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n by_o some_o scandalous_a and_o obstinate_a go_v on_o in_o sin_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o math._n 28.19_o and_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o with_o gen._n 17_o etc._n etc._n compare_v thus_o for_o mr._n partridge_n his_o judgement_n concern_v mr._n nathaniel_n rogers_n late_o eminent_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ipswich_n in_o new-england_n that_o his_o judgement_n do_v concur_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n touch_v baptism_n be_v certain_a from_o what_o himself_o do_v public_o teach_v some_o year_n before_o his_o decease_n also_o from_o a_o letter_n of_o his_o write_v to_o the_o reverend_n mr._n richard_n mather_n some_o year_n before_o mr._n rogers_n go_v to_o his_o rest_n which_o letter_n still_o remain_v under_o the_o author_n own_o hand_n write_v we_o shall_v therefore_o insert_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o which_o follow_v reverend_a and_o dear_a sir_n i_o receive_v a_o letter_n with_o a_o book_n from_o you_o and_o do_v return_v you_o this_o testimony_n of_o my_o most_o thankful_a acceptance_n of_o your_o kindness_n and_o good_a will_v both_o in_o your_o letter_n and_o worthy_a treatise_n of_o justification_n which_o as_o you_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v be_v nervous_a and_o this_o be_v compendious_a in_o a_o special_a manner_n and_o yet_o perspicuous_a i_o see_v my_o defect_n in_o hen._n den_n matter_n supply_v by_o your_o diligence_n to_o the_o question_n concern_v the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n i_o have_v nothing_o to_o oppose_v and_o i_o wonder_v any_o shall_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v member_n they_o be_v member_n in_o censa_fw-la ecclesiastico_fw-la god_n so_o call_v they_o the_o church_n be_v so_o to_o account_v thew_v and_o when_o they_o be_v adulia_n aâ—atis_fw-la though_o have_v do_v no_o personal_a act_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v member_n still_o until_o after_o due_a call_v upon_o they_o shall_v refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o own_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o content_n thereof_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v deny_v the_o church_n may_v cashier_v or_o disow_v they_o now_o for_o practice_n i_o confess_v i_o account_v it_o a_o great_a default_n that_o we_o have_v make_v no_o more_o real_a distinction_n between_o these_o and_o other_o that_o they_o have_v be_v no_o more_o attend_v as_o the_o lamb_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n and_o woeful_a defection_n of_o our_o youth_n disquiri_fw-la permittimus_fw-la we_o be_v this_o week_n to_o meet_v in_o the_o church_n about_o it_o and_o i_o know_v nothing_o but_o we_o must_v speedy_o fall_v to_o practice_n if_o we_o in_o this_o shall_v be_v leader_n i_o pray_v beg_v wisdom_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o he_o who_o be_v our_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o our_o right_a cousness_n i_o commit_v you_o to_o the_o bless_a communion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o rest_n you_o in_o he_o cordial_o n._n rogers_n xi_o 18._o 1652._o these_o testimony_n be_v more_o than_o abundant_o sufficient_a to_o evince_v that_o the_o first_o fa_n hers_z of_o this_o country_n be_v for_o that_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n which_o the_o late_a synod_n book_n plead_v for_o and_o that_o therefore_o such_o a_o practice_n be_v no_o apostasy_n from_o our_o primitive_a principle_n yet_o further_a testimony_n may_v be_v superad_v unto_o these_o for_o mr_n hâ—nr_n sm_n â—h_a sometime_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n at_o wethersfield_n on_o connecticot_n in_o a_o letter_n of_o his_o date_a august_n 23._o anno_fw-la 1647._o which_o letter_n be_v also_o write_v to_o mr._n mather_n thus_o express_v himself_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o our_o part_n about_o member_n child_n be_v receive_v into_o communion_n because_o it_o be_v undetermined_a in_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o at_o the_o synod_n our_o thought_n here_o be_v that_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o confederate_n gen._n 17._o take_v in_o all_o child_n of_o confederate_a parent_n whether_o baptize_v here_o or_o else_o where_o whether_o young_a or_o elder_a if_o they_o do_v either_o express_o or_o otherways_o may_v be_v conceive_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o consent_v thereunto_o now_o because_o many_o have_v child_n grow_v up_o which_o be_v bear_v in_o england_n who_o will_v glad_o express_v their_o consent_n and_o desire_v to_o their_o parent_n covenant_n only_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o walk_v alone_o in_o the_o thing_n we_o can_v hearty_o wish_v we_o have_v the_o concurrence_n of_o your_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n thus_o mr._n smith_n likewise_o mr._n prudden_n late_o faithful_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o milford_n in_o new-haven_n colon_n in_o new-england_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o same_o reverend_a person_n which_o the_o last_o mention_v be_v send_v unto_o do_v not_o only_o express_v his_o own_o thought_n but_o give_v reason_n for_o his_o belief_n concern_v the_o question_n under_o agitation_n with_o who_o testimony_n we_o shall_v conclude_v and_o because_o his_o letter_n be_v of_o weighty_a and_o worthy_a consideration_n consideration_n albeit_o part_n of_o it_o as_o of_o that_o of_o mr._n rogers_n be_v already_o publish_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o synod_n book_n yet_o we_o shall_v here_o insert_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o which_o now_o follow_v dear_a brother_n i_o be_v glad_a at_o the_o receipt_n of_o your_o letter_n but_o i_o be_o sorry_a to_o hear_v of_o such_o breach_n in_o church_n and_o no_o way_n nor_o mean_n find_v out_o and_o apply_v for_o heal_v which_o i_o fear_v with_o you_o do_v strengthen_v the_o presbyterian_a objection_n against_o our_o congregational_a way_n when_o the_o writing_n of_o some_o for_o our_o defence_n and_o our_o practice_n agree_v not_o in_o that_o particular_a i_o think_v with_o you_o that_o man_n to_o be_v much_o bless_a who_o god_n shall_v make_v helpful_a in_o those_o thing_n though_o as_o he_o have_v but_o little_a encouragement_n to_o attempt_v it_o so_o can_v he_o expect_v less_o thanks_o from_o man_n who_o possible_o may_v have_v err_v but_o loath_a to_o be_v judge_v so_o to_o have_v do_v touch_v your_o own_o exercise_n you_o be_v not_o alone_o in_o they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o prepare_v matter_n of_o offence_n and_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o church_n have_v be_v much_o question_v by_o some_o but_o methinks_v hat_n which_o mr_n hooker_n have_v write_v in_o the_o case_n survey_v pt_n 3d._n pag._n 33._o shall_v satisfy_v those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o a_o
contentious_a spirit_n i_o have_v conference_n with_o he_o about_o this_o matter_n in_o his_o life_n time_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o he_o have_v now_o write_v he_o then_o express_v and_o tell_v i_o withal_o that_o if_o a_o case_n shall_v be_v present_v to_o the_o church_n in_o any_o other_o way_n by_o the_o brethren_n he_o will_v refuse_v to_o act_v in_o it_o unless_o the_o church_n will_v first_o dispute_v the_o point_n which_o he_o will_v offer_v but_o act_n against_o his_o judgement_n he_o will_v not_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o rule_n require_v to_o tell_v the_o church_n in_o due_a order_n by_o the_o officer_n as_o he_o that_o command_v one_o to_o go_v into_o his_o house_n intend_v that_o he_o shall_v go_v in_o by_o the_o door_n the_o elder_n be_v captain_n and_o leader_n and_o ruler_n heb._n 13.17_o 1_o tim_n 5.18_o and_o therefore_o the_o brethren_n must_v not_o go_v before_o they_o a_o common_a soldier_n must_v not_o begin_v or_o make_v a_o attempt_n without_o the_o captain_n and_o the_o elder_n be_v leader_n and_o ruler_n they_o be_v to_o order_v all_o the_o public_a occasion_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o comely_a manner_n which_o they_o can_v do_v if_o the_o brethren_n have_v liberty_n at_o their_o pleasure_n to_o publish_v what_o seem_v best_a to_o themselves_o touch_v the_o desire_n of_o such_o member_n child_n as_o desire_v to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o i_o do_v not_o yet_o hear_v practise_v but_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o it_o can_v just_o be_v deny_v because_o their_o next_o parent_n however_o not_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n stand_v as_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n within_o the_o church_n covenant_n and_o so_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o baptism_n now_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o stand_a member_n their_o child_n also_o be_v member_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o parent_n covenant_n and_o membership_n as_o well_o as_o they_o themselves_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o covenant_n and_o membership_n and_o they_o have_v not_o renounce_v that_o covenant_n nor_o be_v just_o censure_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o covenant_n but_o do_v own_o and_o profess_v it_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o it_o to_o their_o child_n those_o child_n who_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o member_n of_o it_o baptism_n can_v be_v deny_v unto_o but_o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o member_n of_o it_o ergo_fw-la baptism_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o they_o the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v thus_o the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n as_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o church_n be_v themselves_o within_o the_o covenant_n of_o that_o church_n and_o so_o member_n but_o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n as_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o so_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v so_o themselves_o the_o proposition_n be_v clear_a because_o the_o parent_n covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o child_n deut._n 29._o from_o 10_o to_o 16._o ezek._n 16.8_o 13._o and_o god_n accept_v both_o gen._n 17.12_o 13._o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v faederal_o holy_a they_o be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o their_o father_n deut._n 29._o not_o partly_o or_o partial_o in_o covenant_n rom_n 9.3_o 4_o act_n 2.39_o and_o god_n style_v himself_o their_o god_n as_o well_o as_o their_o father_n gen._n 17.7_o 8_o 9_o and_o to_o have_v god_n to_o be_v our_o god_n be_v to_o be_v in_o complete_a church_n covenant_n with_o he_o the_o assumption_n be_v evident_a because_o else_o such_o their_o parent_n have_v not_o have_v right_o to_o baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o that_o they_o have_v right_a unto_o and_o so_o receive_v it_o and_o the_o same_o right_n they_o have_v the_o child_n have_v who_o be_v include_v in_o their_o father_n do_v express_o engage_v and_o covenant_n but_o these_o not_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o same_o force_n to_o bind_v and_o of_o the_o same_o extent_n in_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o explicite_fw-la and_o implicit_a be_v but_o adjunct_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o be_v not_o come_v into_o covenant_n the_o same_o way_n that_o their_o parent_n do_v viz._n by_o explicit_a personal_a covenant_v but_o be_v take_v in_o by_o the_o father_n covenant_v for_o they_o and_o themselves_o yet_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o they_o be_v not_o less_o true_o or_o less_o complete_o in_o covenant_n the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n guide_v we_o in_o those_o way_n i_o rest_v milford_n june_n 12._o 1651._o your_o love_a brother_n peter_n prudden_n unto_o these_o may_v have_v be_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o that_o reverend_n and_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n mr._n john_n wilson_n the_o first_o pastor_n of_o the_o first_o church_n in_o boston_n but_o his_o judgement_n touch_v the_o question_n in_o hand_n be_v know_v to_o all_o that_o know_v he_o and_o the_o reader_n be_v refer_v to_o his_o die_a spee_n his_fw-mi concern_v this_o matter_n which_o be_v insert_v in_o the_o book_n call_v new_a england_n memorial_n pag._n 183._o 184._o which_o because_o they_o be_v among_o the_o last_o word_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o man_n can_v without_o great_a sin_n be_v despise_v or_o disregard_v also_o we_o may_v have_v mention_v the_o judgement_n of_o reverend_a mr._n norris_n which_o that_o it_o do_v concur_v with_o what_o have_v be_v express_v be_v to_o be_v see_v from_o the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n in_o salem_n viz._n in_o their_o record_n of_o the_o 24_o of_o the_o first_o month_n and_o of_o the_o 9th_o of_o the_o five_o month_n and_o six_o month_n anno_fw-la 1654._o likewise_o we_o may_v have_v produce_v the_o judgement_n of_o mr._n philip_n sometime_o the_o faithful_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o watertown_n but_o the_o reader_n be_v for_o that_o refer_v to_o the_o preface_n in_o the_o synod_n book_n also_o that_o some_o godly_a and_o judicious_a of_o the_o congregational_a way_n in_o england_n be_v for_o a_o great_a latitude_n in_o the_o point_n of_o baptism_n than_o our_o dissent_v antisynodalian_a brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v be_v manifest_a from_o what_o â—undry_a learned_a man_n of_o that_o way_n have_v long_a sincâ—_n publish_v for_o doctor_n owen_n in_o his_o review_n of_o scâ—asmâ—_n pag_n 134_o thus_o express_v himself_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o confine_v baptism_n subjective_a y_o to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n that_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o any_o m_o mber_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v ever_o regular_o baptize_v baptism_n precede_v admission_n into_o church_n membership_n as_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o subject_a of_o it_o be_v profess_v believer_n and_o their_o seed_n as_o such_o they_o have_v right_a unto_o it_o whether_o they_o be_v join_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o no_o suitable_a to_o this_o judgement_n have_v be_v my_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a practice_n likewise_o doctor_n nathaniel_n homes_n in_o his_o defence_n of_o infant_n baptism_n against_o mr._n tomb_n have_v these_o word_n pag_n 193._o for_o baptise_v of_o believer_n infant_n several_a church_n of_o we_o do_v hold_n that_o we_o may_v baptize_v they_o though_o neither_o of_o their_o parent_n be_v of_o our_o particular_a church_n baptism_n as_o we_o conceive_v be_v a_o admission_n into_o the_o universal_a shall_fw-mi sinle_fw-mi church_n etc._n etc._n and_o again_o pag_n 217._o mr._n tomb_n have_v make_v this_o objection_n that_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n have_v occasion_v on_o uâ—neâ—essary_a dispute_n about_o baptise_v the_o infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n that_o be_v not_o member_n of_o gather_a church_n i_o never_o say_v doctor_n homes_n perceive_v the_o world_n trouble_v with_o this_o dispute_n divers_a church_n without_o dispute_n can_v practise_v the_o baptise_v of_o such_o etc._n etc._n thus_o he_o see_v also_o in_o the_o same_o book_n 207_o 208_o 215._o with_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n and_o the_o collector_n of_o these_o testimony_n have_v late_o receive_v letter_n from_o sundry_a eminent_a divine_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n in_o england_n declare_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o elder_n with_o they_o be_v general_o according_a to_o what_o have_v be_v now_o express_v by_o these_o thing_n therefore_o which_o have_v be_v thus_o far_o express_v it_o be_v very_o manifest_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n be_v no_o apostasy_n from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o new-england_n nor_o yet_o any_o declension_n from_o the_o congregational_a way_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o proceed_v
for_o the_o help_a the_o church_n against_o error_n schism_n and_o scandal_n 3_o that_o these_o synod_n may_v by_o the_o power_n they_o have_v from_o christ_n admonish_v man_n or_o church_n in_o his_o name_n when_o they_o see_v evil_n continue_v in_o or_o grow_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o their_o admonition_n carry_v with_o they_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 4_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v cause_n they_o may_v declare_v man_n or_o church_n to_o be_v subverter_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o otherwise_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n to_o shame_v they_o before_o all_o the_o church_n about_o they_o 5_o they_o may_v by_o a_o solemn_a act_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n refuse_v any_o further_a communion_n with_o they_o till_o they_o repent_v 6_o they_o may_v declare_v also_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o these_o err_a people_n or_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o fellowship_n with_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n you_o will_v say_v what_o if_o they_o care_v not_o for_o all_o this_o answ_n that_o be_v as_o if_o you_o shall_v say_v what_o if_o they_o be_v not_o conscientious_a what_o if_o nothing_o can_v prevail_v with_o conscience_n if_o you_o say_v private_a brethren_n may_v admonish_v and_o declare_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v more_o than_o if_o any_o private_a brethren_n shall_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o a_o synod_n be_v a_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o officer_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o again_o pag._n 47._o he_o have_v these_o word_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v but_o sure_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v so_o far_o they_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o these_o six_o thing_n mention_v to_o that_o i_o answer_v i_o do_v not_o in_o these_o deliver_v only_o i_o own_o judgement_n but_o by_o what_o i_o know_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o those_o brethren_n with_o who_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o converse_v by_o conference_n both_o before_o and_o since_o i_o stand_v charge_v to_o make_v it_o good_a to_o be_v their_o judgement_n also_o yea_o it_o have_v be_v they_o and_o i_o for_o divers_a year_n even_o then_o when_o we_o never_o think_v to_o have_v enjoy_v our_o own_o land_n again_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o let_v the_o lord_n be_v judge_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n for_o those_o loud_a and_o grievous_a outcry_n there_o have_v be_v against_o we_o in_o this_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d postscript_n since_o the_o composure_n of_o this_o collection_n of_o testimony_n it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o take_v unto_o himself_o another_o of_o our_o ancient_a stud_n viz._n worthy_a and_o reverend_a mr._n allin_n of_o dedham_n who_o apprehension_n touch_v the_o controvert_v question_n be_v sufficient_o know_v likewise_o not_o many_o week_n before_o his_o death_n he_o read_v this_o script_n and_o express_v his_o judgement_n thereon_o in_o word_n follow_v reverend_a and_o dear_a brother_n i_o salute_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n i_o humble_o bless_v god_n for_o your_o fruitful_a labour_n in_o this_o your_o collection_n and_o in_o other_o matter_n perform_v by_o you_o concern_v which_o in_o general_a i_o think_v it_o be_v worthy_a serious_a consultation_n among_o your_o friend_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o season_n to_o publish_v the_o same_o 1._o we_o see_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n touch_v the_o church_n seed_n be_v lay_v asleep_o this_o may_v awaken_v our_o drowsiness_n we_o see_v also_o the_o great_a disorder_n in_o church_n for_o want_n of_o seasonable_a help_n from_o neighbour_a church_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o rejection_n of_o counsel_n without_o convince_a their_o sentence_n of_o error_n 2_o dly_z we_o see_v how_o our_o present_a doctrine_n be_v reject_v as_o a_o novel_a innovation_n differ_v from_o first_o and_o primitive_a principle_n 3._o who_o know_v how_o far_o god_n may_v bless_v this_o treatise_n to_o the_o recovery_n of_o some_o if_o not_o many_o from_o their_o erroneous_a opinion_n about_o these_o truth_n i_o conceive_v also_o some_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o cleave_v to_o these_o first_o way_n of_o christ_n in_o new_a england_n may_v be_v seasonable_o add_v i_o rest_v you_o in_o our_o lord_n john_n allin_n a_o letter_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n write_v by_o that_o eminent_a minister_n of_o christ_n mr_n jonathan_n mitchel_n late_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o cambridg_n in_o new_a england_n reverend_a and_o dear_a sir_n i_o have_v deliberate_o read_v over_o mr._n dâ—_n essay_n and_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n which_o i_o now_o return_v to_o you_o with_o thanks_o for_o the_o loan_n of_o it_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v i_o see_v not_o matter_n of_o conviction_n in_o it_o his_o answer_n be_v already_o give_v i_o pag._n 35_o if_o man_n shut_v their_o eye_n when_o the_o light_n be_v hold_v out_o to_o they_o they_o may_v true_o say_v they_o see_v not_o or_o in_o pag._n 6._o they_o that_o inquire_v of_o god_n with_o a_o idol_n in_o their_o heart_n shall_v be_v paenal_o answer_v by_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o counsel_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v need_v labour_n to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n when_o we_o meet_v with_o such_o sharp_a censure_n from_o man_n but_o the_o r._n a._n can_v hardly_o expect_v we_o shall_v find_v conviction_n here_o see_v he_o build_v all_o upon_o this_o distinction_n of_o immediate_a and_o mediate_a membership_n which_o with_o the_o consectary_n he_o deduce_v from_o it_o be_v the_o prora_fw-la &_o puppis_fw-la of_o his_o whole_a discourse_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o distinction_n himself_o in_o pag._n 34_o 35._o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o his_o former_a essay_n neither_o have_v i_o observe_v much_o more_o in_o this_o writing_n towards_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o than_o we_o have_v have_v before_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v not_o see_v it_o as_o by_o he_o explain_v and_o improve_v to_o be_v evident_a before_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a if_o we_o do_v not_o see_v it_o now_o if_o it_o must_v be_v impute_v to_o our_o blindness_n yea_o wilful_a and_o penal_a blindness_n that_o we_o see_v it_o not_o we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o bear_v it_o as_o we_o may_v also_o when_o he_o affirm_v over_o and_o over_o pag._n 75_o 83_o 92_o 103_o 131_o 145_o 152._o that_o we_o ourselves_o confess_v the_o parent_n in_o question_n have_v not_o faith_n or_o be_v not_o visible_a believer_n the_o contrary_a whereunto_o we_o have_v plain_o assert_v and_o how_o many_o time_n over_o do_v he_o say_v it_o we_o call_v they_o mere_a member_n which_o we_o have_v disclaim_v and_o do_v not_o so_o call_v they_o but_o member_n not_o in_o full_a communion_n yea_o he_o say_v in_o pag._n 49._o we_o grant_v that_o the_o person_n in_o question_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v church_n member_n etc._n etc._n how_o shall_v we_o receive_v conviction_n from_o such_o discourse_n if_o his_o meaning_n be_v by_o so_o often_o reflect_v on_o our_o mere_a member_n as_o he_o call_v they_o to_o deny_v that_o distinction_n of_o member_n into_o such_o as_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n that_o will_v seem_v strange_a for_o how_o can_v that_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o padâ—baptists_n and_o he_o seem_v to_o approve_v it_o in_o pag._n 35._o yea_o he_o seem_v sometime_o to_o grant_v that_o some_o when_o adult_n do_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o admit_v to_o full_a communion_n pag._n 76._o 99_o yet_o he_o call_v for_o a_o rule_n for_o two_o such_o sort_n of_o adult_n member_n pag._n 73._o but_o i_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o discourse_n of_o particular_n nor_o be_o i_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o answerer_n it_o be_v casie_a to_o observe_v a_o great_a sharpness_n in_o his_o expression_n to_o i_o then_o else_o where_o in_o this_o book_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v consider_v as_o i_o be_o able_a what_o i_o find_v in_o this_o or_o other_o discourse_n about_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o i_o be_v convince_v of_o error_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_v it_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o issue_v the_o controversy_n but_o by_o such_o voluminous_a writing_n and_o if_o every_o passage_n be_v not_o speak_v to_o he_o count_v himself_o neglect_v or_o unanswered_a and_o that_o which_o he_o have_v before_o say_v stand_v still_o firm_a and_o good_a as_o to_o that_o purpose_n he_o speak_v in_o this_o book_n above_o twenty_o time_n i_o have_v little_a hope_n to_o see_v a_o issue_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v i_o see_v any_o likely_a way_n for_o a_o issue_n unless_o we_o can_v meet_v