the_o first_o principle_n of_o new-england_a concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n &_o communion_n of_o church_n collect_v partly_o out_o of_o the_o print_a book_n but_o chief_o out_o of_o the_o original_a manuscript_n of_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a father_n in_o the_o new-english_a church_n with_o the_o judgement_n of_o sundry_a learned_a divine_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n in_o england_n concern_v the_o say_a question_n publish_a for_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o rise_a generation_n in_o new_a england_n by_o increase_n mather_n teacher_n of_o a_o church_n in_o boston_n in_o new-england_n deut._n 32.7_o remember_v the_o day_n of_o old_a ask_v thy_o father_n and_o he_o will_v show_v thou_o thy_o elder_n &_o they_o will_v tell_v thou_o psal_n 102.18_o this_o shall_v be_v write_v for_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v nihil_fw-la mihi_fw-la authoritatis_fw-la assumo_fw-la sed_fw-la quae_fw-la ab_fw-la alijs_fw-la dispersa_fw-la velut_fw-la in_o ordinem_fw-la epitomata_n conscribo_fw-la veget._n l._n 1._o c._n 8._o cambridge_z print_v by_o samuel_n green_n 1671._o to_o the_o reader_n concern_v the_o ensue_a collection_n of_o testimony_n which_o be_v expressive_a of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o new_a english_a church_n as_o also_o of_o sundry_a other_o that_o be_v pillar_n among_o those_o of_o the_o true_a congregational_a way_n about_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n if_o any_o shall_v have_v scruple_n about_o the_o truth_n thereof_o they_o may_v easy_o in_o part_n satisfy_v themselves_o by_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o print_a book_n out_o of_o which_o these_o passage_n be_v faithful_o excerp_v and_o as_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o most_o of_o the_o subsequent_a collection_n be_v take_v from_o manuscript_n i_o have_v by_o i_o the_o original_a script_n only_o some_o few_o of_o they_o be_v in_o other_o hand_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o show_v they_o unto_o such_o if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v as_o shall_v hesitate_n touch_v the_o fidelity_n of_o this_o publication_n as_o to_o that_o matter_n therefore_o no_o more_o shall_v or_o needs_o to_o be_v say_v my_o design_n at_o pr_v send_v be_v only_o to_o commend_v a_o few_o thing_n to_o the_o serious_a and_o christian_a consideration_n of_o the_o antisynodalian_a brethren_n brethren_n i_o be_v once_o of_o your_o persuasion_n and_o thence_o can_v with_o the_o more_o love_n and_o compassion_n speak_v unto_o you_o what_o the_o argument_n be_v which_o cause_v i_o to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n be_v not_o here_o a_o place_n to_o relate_v but_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v if_o god_n permit_v elsewhere_o for_o the_o present_a let_v it_o suffice_v to_o be_v say_v that_o study_n and_o prayer_n and_o much_o affliction_n have_v bring_v i_o to_o be_v of_o another_o belief_n than_o once_o i_o be_v of_o touch_v the_o controvert_v question_n and_o unto_o you_o that_o be_v still_o of_o the_o antisynodalian_a persuasion_n i_o will_v in_o the_o bowel_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n say_v these_o few_o thing_n 1._o consider_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o you_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o your_o apprehension_n many_o thing_n may_v be_v mertion_v to_o you_o which_o ought_v to_o cause_n a_o humble_a jealousy_n in_o you_o lest_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v be_v there_o that_o only_a consideration_n that_o so_o many_o learned_a and_o ged_o man_n be_v oppose_v it_o ought_v to_o cause_n tremble_v and_o a_o holy_a fear_n in_o you_o lest_o your_o notion_n shall_v be_v erroneous_a it_o be_v a_o christian_a speech_n and_o spirit_n which_o bless_v burrough_n have_v in_o his_o excellent_a itenicum_n pag._n 89._o where_o he_o say_v he_o that_o differ_v in_o his_o judgement_n from_o ged_o learned_a man_n have_v need_n to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o prayer_n and_o humiliation_n before_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v a_o notable_a expression_n of_o basil_n cite_v in_o a_o epistle_n of_o luther_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o norimberg_n who_o be_v at_o variance_n variance_n one_o from_o another_o he_o who_o will_v separate_v from_o his_o brethren_n have_v need_n to_o consider_v many_o thing_n even_o to_o anxiety_n he_o have_v need_n break_v his_o sleep_n many_o night_n and_o seek_v of_o god_n with_o many_o tear_n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n thus_o he._n remember_v that_o those_o you_o differ_v from_o be_v under_o great_a advantage_n and_o probability_n to_o understand_v the_o truth_n than_o can_v be_v say_v concern_v yourselves_o for_o that_o many_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n call_v to_o answer_v the_o question_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n beside_o their_o eminent_a piety_n and_o enlarge_a understanding_n and_o capacity_n in_o those_o respect_n to_o discern_v the_o truth_n have_v bestow_v much_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o seek_v and_o search_v after_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n about_o these_o question_n can_v be_v deny_v for_o the_o most_o part_n when_o godly_a learned_a man_n miss_v of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v in_o point_n which_o either_o they_o have_v not_o at_o all_o or_o not_o thorough_o and_o impartial_o study_v when_o as_o the_o leader_n in_o the_o synod_n mention_v have_v most_o industrious_o and_o not_o without_o prayer_n and_o tear_n labour_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n concern_v these_o affair_n of_o his_o house_n and_o kingdom_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v forget_v how_o the_o lord_n do_v in_o his_o providence_n signal_o own_o that_o assembly_n for_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o second_o session_n there_o be_v a_o sore_a and_o threaten_a drought_n on_o the_o land_n whereupon_o that_o synod_n set_v a_o day_n apart_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o immediate_o upon_o those_o prayer_n do_v the_o lord_n give_v rain_n from_o heaven_n whereby_o he_o do_v from_o heaven_n own_o both_o his_o servant_n and_o the_o work_n which_o they_o be_v about_o and_o therein_o likewise_o we_o may_v observe_v a_o divine_a confutation_n of_o those_o spirit_n who_o impute_v our_o drought_n blast_n etc._n etc._n to_o that_o assembly_n or_o to_o the_o doctrine_n by_o they_o assery_v and_o propugn_v remember_v also_o that_o there_o have_v be_v very_o worthy_a man_n among_o who_o i_o who_o be_o conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o be_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n be_o no_o way_n worthy_a to_o be_v mention_v who_o be_v against_o such_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n as_o the_o synod_n plead_v for_o yet_o upon_o second_o and_o wise_a thought_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v see_v cause_n to_o change_v their_o opinion_n this_o be_v true_a concern_v some_o now_o at_o rest_n with_o christ_n and_o sundry_a among_o who_o as_o i_o say_v i_o reckon_v not_o myself_o yet_o survive_v yea_o it_o be_v true_a concern_v some_o judicious_a of_o the_o congregational_a way_n in_o england_n as_o well_o as_o in_o new-england_n it_o be_v a_o good_a observation_n which_o i_o remember_v mr_n cotton_n have_v in_o his_o letter_n to_o m._n williams_n pag._n 12._o where_o he_o argue_v that_o the_o way_n of_o the_o rigâ—â—â—epaâ—â—tion_n be_v not_o of_o god_n because_o those_o who_o in_o simplicity_n and_o tenderness_n 〈◊〉_d conscience_n have_v be_v draw_v into_o the_o error_n of_o that_o way_n yet_o when_o they_o have_v grow_v in_o grace_n they_o have_v also_o grow_v to_o discern_v the_o error_n of_o the_o separation_n the_o same_o thing_n â—e_n may_v say_v in_o this_o case_n some_o who_o do_v once_o conscientious_o and_o humble_o according_a to_o their_o present_a light_n dissent_v from_o the_o late_a synod_n yet_o as_o they_o have_v grow_v in_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n and_o ripeness_n for_o heaven_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o for_o to_o see_v that_o their_o rigidity_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v a_o fail_v moreover_o two_o be_v a_o rule_n as_o true_a as_o ancient_n and_o common_a that_o whatever_o opinion_n do_v drive_v the_o maintainer_n of_o it_o to_o any_o absurdity_n be_v to_o be_v suspect_v and_o reject_v as_o erroneous_a it_o be_v everlasting_o certain_a that_o a_o false_a conclusion_n can_v never_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o true_a premise_n ex_fw-la â—ero_fw-la nil_fw-la nisi_fw-la verum_fw-la now_o some_o that_o with_o the_o high_a confidence_n have_v oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n to_o uphold_v their_o no_o lion_z have_v be_v force_v to_o embrace_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v very_o irrational_a alâ—_n these_o thing_n be_v put_v together_o be_v enough_o to_o brâ—â—d_v a_o humble_a and_o a_o holy_a jealousy_n over_o your_o own_o apprehension_n that_o then_o be_v the_o first_o word_n i_o will_v serious_o and_o affectionate_o commâ—nd_v to_o your_o consideration_n the_o second_o word_n be_v this_o consider_v that_o if_o you_o be_v mistake_v your_o error_n have_v as_o thing_n be_v
circumstance_v no_o little_a evil_n and_o danger_n in_o it_o for_o if_o you_o be_v mistake_v than_o you_o oppose_v a_o cause_n of_o divine_a grace_n which_o to_o do_v be_v sad_a since_o god_n look_v upon_o his_o grace_n as_o his_o glory_n eph._n 1.14_o as_o god_n holiness_n be_v dear_a to_o he_o and_o thence_o any_o way_n to_o oppose_v that_o be_v dangerous_a the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v concern_v his_o grace_n and_o if_o you_o be_v mistake_v you_o oppose_v a_o cause_n of_o god_n covenant_n now_o god_n covenant_n be_v marvellous_a dear_a unto_o he_o and_o no_o man_n can_v dash_v himself_o against_o a_o interest_n of_o the_o covenant_n without_o great_a hazard_n and_o if_o you_o be_v mistake_v you_o oppose_v a_o interest_n yea_o and_o a_o great_a interest_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n now_o that_o must_v needs_o displease_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a tâ—at_a christ_n be_v never_o so_o angry_a as_o his_o own_o dear_a disciple_n as_o theâ—_n when_o â—hâ—y_o do_v rigid_o withhold_v somâ—_n that_o be_v child_n oâ—_n thâ—_n kingdom_n from_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mark_n 10_o 13_o 14_o why_o so_o even_o because_o his_o own_o interest_n be_v therein_o concern_v meâ—_n be_v soon_o mouâ—d_v when_o their_o own_o interest_n be_v strike_v at_o so_o be_v the_o holy_a heart_n of_o christ_n much_o move_v because_o when_o child_n â—eâ—e_v kâ—â—t_o from_o he_o his_o own_o interest_n be_v prejudice_v brethren_n if_o so_o it_o be_v that_o thâ—_n doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n he_o truth_n you_o that_o oppose_v it_o do_v what_o in_o you_o be_v ope_v juâ—â—ce_fw-la a_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o so_o christ_n be_v not_o well_o please_v â—ith_n you_o for_o this_o thing_n there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o awful_a scripture_n in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o god_n theâ—_n that_o where_o it_o be_v say_v concern_v christ_n kingdom_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v fall_v on_o this_o stone_n shall_v be_v break_v mâ—â—â—_n 21.44_o brethren_n one_o word_n let_v i_o in_o the_o bowâ—s_n of_o the_o lord_n saâ—â—o_v you_o and_o i_o speak_v it_o not_o with_o a_o desire_n to_o grieve_v or_o â—ffend_v any_o of_o you_o but_o if_o my_o heart_n deceive_v i_o not_o loyâ—_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o you_o and_o to_o the_o succeed_a generation_n in_o new-england_n cause_v i_o to_o speak_v it_o it_o be_v only_o this_o oh_o tremble_v lest_o this_o very_a error_n of_o you_o prove_v the_o break_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o your_o poor_a posterity_n they_o be_v solemn_a and_o weighty_a word_n and_o i_o must_v confess_v have_v always_o have_v a_o awful_a impression_n upon_o my_o conscience_n which_o the_o elder_n have_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o late_a synod_n book_n pag._n 12._o shall_v say_v they_o the_o church_n 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 infeasable_a or_o ineffectual_a shall_v they_o live_v as_o lamb_n in_o a_o large_a pasture_n for_o want_n of_o your_o agreement_n to_o own_v they_o of_o the_o flock_n we_o beseech_v you_o consider_v how_o uncomfortable_a the_o account_n hereof_o will_v be_v another_o day_n true_o when_o i_o think_v and_o i_o often_o think_v of_o it_o serious_o and_o sad_o with_o myself_o that_o in_o a_o plantation_n of_o religion_n for_o such_o new-england_n be_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o infidel_n that_o the_o posterity_n of_o a_o people_n profess_v godliness_n yea_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a professor_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v in_o our_o age_n be_v as_o infidel_n even_o not_o so_o much_o as_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o have_v the_o livery_n and_o character_n belong_v to_o christian_n upon_o they_o whereby_o such_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o infidel_n and_o pagan_a world_n what_o it_o have_v to_o other_o i_o know_v not_o but_o to_o i_o it_o have_v a_o most_o formidable_a appearance_n remember_v also_o that_o the_o light_n have_v be_v forth_o in_o which_o respect_n now_o for_o you_o to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n after_o that_o convince_v testimony_n have_v be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o the_o lord_n servant_n will_v be_v far_o more_o dangerous_a and_o provoke_a to_o the_o lord_n then_o in_o former_a time_n among_o we_o when_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o be_v so_o full_o inquire_v into_o as_o of_o late_a through_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o divine_a providence_n it_o have_v be_v a_o three_o word_n which_o i_o will_v say_v be_v study_v well_o the_o point_n of_o infant_n baptism_n acquaint_v yourselves_o with_o the_o scripture_n proof_n for_o that_o ordinance_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o that_o have_v be_v no_o small_a confirmation_n to_o i_o this_o i_o find_v that_o there_o be_v haraly_a a_o argument_n produce_v against_o such_o enlargement_n as_o be_v by_o the_o synod_n assert_v but_o what_o the_o antipaedo-baptists_n wake_v use_n of_o to_o serve_v their_o tuâ—n_n also_o that_o the_o argument_n which_o do_v demonstrate_v paedobaptism_n in_o general_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n prove_v that_o baptism_n ought_v to_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o latitude_n which_o the_o synod_n plead_v for_o the_o last_o word_n which_o i_o shall_v say_v be_v this_o use_v all_o mean_n of_o god_n appoint_v that_o you_o may_v come_v to_o understand_v the_o truth_n in_o this_o matter_n there_o have_v be_v some_o to_o my_o knowledge_n and_o because_o i_o know_v there_o have_v be_v some_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v there_o may_v be_v many_o more_o than_o i_o know_v of_o that_o have_v exclaim_v much_o against_o the_o synod_n book_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o apostasy_n and_o impurity_n etc._n etc._n that_o yet_o upon_o examination_n have_v confess_v that_o they_o never_o read_v the_o book_n much_o less_o have_v they_o read_v other_o thing_n write_v in_o defence_n thereof_o and_o how_o far_o then_o have_v they_o be_v from_o read_v these_o thing_n with_o prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o humiliation_n before_o the_o lord_n oh_o if_o brethren_n will_v prove_v all_o thing_n and_o pray_v incessant_o over_o what_o they_o do_v and_o add_v deep_a humiliation_n to_o their_o prayer_n and_o depend_v upon_o christ_n for_o light_n we_o may_v hope_v that_o god_n will_v either_o discover_v his_o truth_n to_o they_o in_o the_o very_a thing_n they_o be_v search_v after_o or_o in_o some_o other_o matter_n better_o for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n help_v they_o to_o carry_v it_o with_o that_o christian_a moderation_n that_o become_v saint_n prov._n 2.3_o 4_o 5._o ezek._n 43.11_o phil._n 3.15_o 16._o as_o for_o the_o reason_n which_o have_v induce_v i_o to_o this_o ensue_a collection_n beside_o those_o general_a motive_n mention_v in_o the_o introduction_n the_o special_a consideration_n which_o have_v prevail_v with_o i_o be_v first_o that_o i_o may_v please_v god_n in_o obey_v the_o five_o commandment_n by_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o my_o father_n 2_o dly_a in_o that_o a_o special_a advantage_n have_v be_v put_v into_o my_o hand_n for_o this_o undertake_n by_o reason_n of_o my_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o manuscript_n of_o both_o my_o father_n i_o mean_v my_o father_n cotton_n and_o my_o father_n mather_n from_o whence_o these_o testimony_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n produce_v 3_o d_o my_o father_n when_o he_o be_v leave_v the_o world_n do_v commend_v it_o as_o his_o die_a counsel_n to_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v the_o good_a of_o the_o rise_a generation_n in_o this_o country_n and_o in_o special_a that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n and_o when_o grow_v up_o and_o qualify_v as_o be_v in_o the_o late_a synod_n book_n express_v have_v baptism_n for_o their_o child_n what_o impression_n those_o word_n since_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o a_o father_n and_o of_o such_o a_o father_n and_o die_a word_n also_o have_v have_v upon_o my_o heart_n be_v know_v to_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n who_o only_o search_v heart_n and_o converse_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n nor_o be_o i_o able_a to_o utter_v it_o 4_o lie_v it_o be_v know_v unto_o those_o few_o in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o so_o obscure_a and_o inconsiderable_a a_o person_n as_o myself_o that_o i_o have_v of_o late_o be_v near_o unto_o death_n god_n have_v bring_v i_o back_o again_o as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o grave_a i_o must_v needs_o have_v have_v many_o thought_n with_o myself_o what_o i_o shall_v do_v for_o god_n and_o for_o his_o people_n yea_o for_o his_o people_n who_o prayer_n have_v save_v my_o life_n now_o i_o will_v fain_o hope_v what_o be_v here_o do_v will_v be_v a_o service_n for_o christ_n and_o for_o these_o his_o church_n and_o for_o that_o generation_n whereof_o
i_o be_o when_o i_o shall_v sleep_v with_o my_o father_n there_o be_v also_o publish_v herewith_o the_o substance_n of_o a_o letter_n write_v by_o mr._n mitchel_n late_o faithful_a and_o famous_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o cambridg_n although_o i_o can_v say_v but_o that_o i_o be_v albeit_o he_o know_v not_o that_o when_v that_o letter_n be_v send_v to_o i_o incline_v to_o the_o same_o apprehension_n about_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n which_o at_o present_a i_o be_o of_o yet_o the_o argument_n therein_o suggest_v be_v i_o must_v confess_v weighty_a and_o powerful_a consideration_n with_o i_o and_o i_o believe_v will_v be_v so_o to_o other_o that_o due_o weigh_v matter_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n for_o which_o cause_n principal_o i_o have_v thus_o expose_v it_o to_o public_a view_n also_o i_o have_v partly_o do_v it_o honoris_fw-la gratia_fw-la that_o i_o may_v testify_v my_o deep_a respect_n to_o that_o bless_a man_n concern_v who_o i_o may_v say_v as_o sometime_o bâ—za_n concern_v calvin_n now_o mitchel_n be_v dead_a life_n be_v less_o sweet_a and_o death_n will_v be_v less_o bitter_a unto_o i_o once_o for_o all_o let_v i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n that_o i_o do_v not_o by_o this_o collection_n concern_v myself_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o every_o notion_n or_o argument_n or_o principle_n that_o be_v by_o any_o of_o those_o worthy_n insist_v on_o but_o my_o only_a design_n therein_o be_v to_o show_v that_o such_o inlargment_n of_o baptism_n and_o that_o consociation_n of_o church_n which_o be_v in_o the_o synod_n book_n assert_v be_v no_o apostasy_n from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o new-england_n nor_o yet_o any_o declension_n from_o the_o congregational_a way_n now_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o have_v promise_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n shall_v come_v and_o shall_v guide_v into_o all_o truth_n fulfil_v his_o good_a word_n even_o the_o lord_n send_v out_o of_o his_o light_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o let_v they_o lead_v we_o let_v he_o grant_v that_o there_o may_v be_v peace_n and_o truth_n in_o our_o day_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v may_v praise_v the_o lord_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o his_o righteousness_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o his_o salvation_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n amen_o and_o a_o man_n this_o be_v the_o heart_n desire_v and_o prayer_n of_o he_o from_o my_o study_n in_o boston_n n.e._n 1._o of_o 3_o d_o month_n 1671._o who_o be_v less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o god_n mercy_n and_o saint_n increase_v mather_n errata_fw-la p._n 2._o l._n 11._o for_o hand_n r._n hand_n p._n 4._o l._n 28._o for_o then_o r._n there_o p._n 16._o l._n 24._o add_v deus_fw-la dicit_fw-la p._n 21._o l._n p._n nult_n r._n parent_n p._n 32._o l._n 32._o for_o so_o 24._o r._n hebr._n 10.24_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o new_a england_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n there_o have_v be_v some_o who_o have_v think_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n book_n concern_v baptism_n and_o the_o communion_n or_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v a_o innovation_n and_o apostasy_n from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o new_a england_n and_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o may_v be_v a_o special_a service_n for_o these_o church_n both_o in_o present_a and_o in_o after_o time_n that_o man_n shall_v know_v what_o the_o first_o principle_n touch_v these_o controversy_n be_v consider_v also_o that_o the_o lord_n servant_n and_o messenger_n be_v much_o wrong_v when_o apostasy_n be_v impute_v to_o they_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n aforesaid_a and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o thing_n very_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n who_o be_v displease_v and_o dishonour_v when_o his_o faithful_a one_o be_v traduce_v that_o his_o servant_n shall_v be_v vindicate_v from_o such_o injurious_a aspersion_n upon_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v as_o in_o the_o lord_n holy_a fear_n to_o erquire_v what_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o new-england_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o to_o posterity_n to_o judge_v who_o be_v the_o apostate_n now_o this_o may_v be_v do_v by_o show_v what_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o first_o father_n of_o this_o country_n touch_v the_o question_n in_o controversy_n and_o in_o this_o ensue_a collection_n of_o testimony_n we_o shall_v not_o mention_v any_o of_o those_o reverend_n elder_n that_o be_v yet_o survive_v nor_o all_o among_o our_o decease_a worthy_n only_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o father_n of_o this_o country_n and_o first_o concern_v baptism_n we_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o man_n of_o god_n deserve_o famous_a in_o both_o england_n viz._n mr._n john_n cotton_n late_a teacher_n of_o the_o first_o church_n in_o boston_n and_o what_o the_o apprehension_n of_o that_o seer_n be_v be_v manifest_a from_o a_o letter_n which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n in_o the_o name_n and_o with_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o then_o be_v in_o this_o boston_n to_o the_o church_n in_o dorchester_n because_o the_o letter_n be_v of_o ancient_a date_n and_o so_o give_v a_o great_a light_n towards_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v before_o we_o we_o shall_v therefore_o here_o insert_v it_o word_n for_o word_n as_o it_o be_v write_v with_o mr._n cotton_v own_o hand_n it_o be_v that_o which_o follow_v to_o our_o reverend_n and_o belove_a brethren_n the_o elder_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o dorchester_n grace_n and_o peace_n from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n the_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o you_o propound_v to_o our_o consideration_n to_o wit_n whether_o a_o grand_a father_n be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n may_v claim_v baptism_n to_o his_o grandchild_n who_o next_o parent_n be_v not_o receive_v into_o church_n covenant_n have_v be_v deliberate_o treat_v of_o in_o our_o church_n assemble_v together_o public_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o upon_o due_a and_o serious_a discourse_n about_o the_o point_n it_o seem_v good_a unto_o we_o all_o with_o one_o accord_n and_o agreeable_a as_o we_o believe_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o grandfather_n may_v lawful_o claim_v that_o privilege_n to_o his_o grandchild_n baptize_v by_o right_a of_o the_o grandfather_n covenant_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o grand_a father_n education_n for_o as_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n undertake_v to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o the_o believer_n and_o his_o seed_n so_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o relative_n the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n require_v that_o the_o believer_n do_v undertake_v that_o himself_o and_o his_o seed_n do_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o become_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o can_v undertake_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o seed_n unless_o they_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o education_n 2._o this_o other_o caution_n also_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v requisite_a that_o the_o parent_n of_o the_o child_n do_v not_o thereby_o take_v occasion_n to_o neglect_v the_o due_a and_o seasonable_a preparation_n of_o themselves_o for_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o his_o church_n these_o caution_n premise_v and_o observe_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o grandchild_n by_o right_a of_o his_o grandfather_n covenant_n we_o believe_v to_o be_v warrant_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o this_o reason_n where_o there_o be_v a_o stipulation_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n and_o restipulation_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o man_n part_n there_o may_v be_v a_o obsignation_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o both_o part_n or_o in_o plain_a word_n where_o there_o be_v a_o offer_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n and_o a_o receive_n and_o undertake_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o man_n part_n there_o may_v be_v a_o seal_n of_o it_o on_o both_o part_n but_o here_o be_v a_o offer_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n gen._n 17.7_o where_o god_n say_v that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n that_o be_v to_o the_o believer_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o by_o seed_n be_v not_o there_o mean_v the_o next_o seed_n only_o but_o seed_n seed_n also_o to_o many_o generation_n isai_n 59.21_o and_o here_o be_v likewise_o a_o receive_n and_o undertake_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o man_n part_n see_v the_o grandfather_n receive_v the_o covenant_n by_o his_o faith_n and_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o by_o his_o desire_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n and_o he_o undertake_v also_o the_o
unfit_a to_o partake_v in_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n he_o reply_v in_o these_o word_n though_o they_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o make_v such_o profession_n of_o visible_a faith_n as_o to_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n yet_o they_o may_v make_v profession_n full_a enough_o to_o receive_v they_o to_o baptism_n or_o to_o the_o same_o estate_n isâ—mael_n stand_v in_o after_o circumcission_n and_o to_o one_o who_o complain_v of_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a about_o the_o truth_n assert_v in_o mr._n cotton_v print_v book_n concern_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n and_o that_o among_o other_o make_v this_o objection_n when_o say_v that_o scrupler_n a_o child_n come_v to_o know_v that_o his_o parent_n be_v no_o visible_a saint_n but_o appear_v to_o be_v contrary_a both_o in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o child_n have_v only_a word_n and_o water_n pour_v on_o they_o how_o come_v these_o person_n to_o have_v right_a to_o it_o the_o parent_n have_v no_o visible_a faith_n to_o act_v in_o that_o ordinance_n and_o their_o child_n likewise_o be_v uncapable_a to_o hold_v forth_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n before_o man_n he_o thus_o answer_v jeroboam_fw-la and_o his_o wife_n be_v neither_o of_o they_o visible_a saint_n in_o your_o sense_n but_o appear_v to_o be_v contrary_a both_o in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n yet_o the_o circumcision_n of_o their_o son_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a to_o he_o 1_o king_n 14.13_o in_o this_o case_n when_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o parent_n be_v want_v and_o yet_o they_o still_o live_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n though_o the_o church_n be_v corrupt_a and_o the_o parent_n also_o yet_o here_o the_o speech_n of_o the_o apostle_n take_v place_n what_o though_o some_o believe_v not_o shall_v their_o unbelief_n make_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n god_n forbid_v rom._n 3._o 3_o 4._o now_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n who_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n to_o thousand_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o next_o parent_n and_o make_v good_a his_o covenant_n to_o the_o child_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o former_a ancestor_n in_o elder_a age_n but_o against_o this_o sâ—me_n may_v object_v a_o passage_n in_o mr._n cotton_v book_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n pag._n 81._o where_o it_o be_v say_v where_o neither_o of_o the_o parent_n can_v claim_v right_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n their_o infant_n can_v claim_v right_o to_o baptism_n therefore_o it_o mâ—y_v seem_v that_o mr._n cotton_v judgement_n be_v not_o as_o haâ—h_v be_v now_o declare_v unto_o this_o let_v the_o judicious_a reâ—der_n attentive_o hear_v the_o answer_n which_o be_v 1._o in_o that_o very_a book_n of_o mr._n cotton_v there_o be_v sundry_a passage_n which_o plead_v for_o a_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n further_o than_o to_o the_o immediate_a child_n of_o person_n in_o full_a communion_n even_o to_o the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n who_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o denominate_v they_o christian_n believer_n in_o opposition_n to_o pagan_a infidel_n yea_o if_o there_o be_v a_o christian_a sponsor_n for_o the_o child_n of_o a_o stranger_n or_o wicked_a man_n it_o may_v be_v baptize_v see_v the_o way_n pag_n 87._o 88_o 106_o 115._o 2_o that_o book_n of_o the_o way_n be_v print_v from_o a_o imperfect_a copy_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o there_o be_v therein_o some_o passage_n contradictory_n to_o mr._n cotton_v know_v judgement_n 3._o mr._n coâ—ton_n himself_o be_v much_o trouble_v when_o he_o see_v that_o book_n come_v forth_o and_o be_v desirous_a that_o the_o reader_n shall_v understand_v that_o his_o judgement_n in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o the_o book_n of_o the_o way_n be_v discrepant_a from_o that_o of_o the_o key_n shall_v be_v seek_v for_o not_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o way_n but_o in_o that_o of_o the_o key_n and_o that_o no_o one_o may_v think_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v imaginary_a or_o conjectural_a only_a let_v we_o hear_v mr._n cotton_n speak_v in_o his_o own_o word_n in_o his_o print_a defence_n against_o the_o imputation_n of_o mr._n cawdrey_n write_v not_o long_o before_o his_o death_n and_o publish_v by_o doctor_n owen_n in_o which_o book_n pag._n 36._o 37_o 38_o 39_o the_o truth_n be_v say_v mr._n cotton_n that_o many_o year_n ago_o i_o be_v serious_o move_v by_o some_o of_o our_o brethren_n and_o fellow_n elder_n here_o to_o draw_v up_o a_o historical_a narration_n of_o our_o church_n way_n together_o with_o some_o familiar_a ground_n of_o the_o same_o brief_o in_o short_a time_n as_o god_n help_v i_o dispatch_v it_o which_o when_o our_o brethren_n have_v peruse_v it_o i_o see_v they_o do_v not_o close_o with_o it_o yet_o a_o brother_n go_v for_o england_n get_v some_o where_o a_o copy_n of_o it_o and_o present_v it_o to_o some_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n there_o and_o i_o afterward_o hear_v neither_o do_v they_o close_v with_o it_o and_o in_o particular_a not_o with_o that_o passage_n which_o be_v here_o recite_v which_o since_o appear_v more_o open_o by_o the_o asterisk_n put_v upon_o that_o passage_n and_o upon_o sundry_a other_o in_o the_o book_n but_o before_o i_o see_v that_o and_o have_v only_o hear_v that_o they_o do_v not_o full_o accord_v i_o hope_v that_o it_o have_v meet_v with_o a_o timely_a suppression_n rather_o than_o a_o impression_n for_o i_o hear_v no_o more_o of_o it_o for_o two_o or_o three_o year_n after_o mean_a while_n perceive_v that_o one_o main_a point_n of_o dissatisfaction_n be_v the_o authority_n give_v to_o the_o fraternity_n i_o consier_v more_o serious_o and_o distinct_o of_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o express_v my_o apprehension_n in_o that_o treatise_n of_o the_o key_n which_o our_o brethren_n here_o do_v well_o accept_v and_o so_o do_v the_o brethren_n of_o like_a judgement_n in_o england_n and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v please_v to_o arrest_v it_o with_o the_o preface_n that_o be_v now_o extant_a before_o it_o this_o be_v sundry_a year_n after_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o way_n have_v be_v finish_v and_o carry_v to_o england_n and_o as_o i_o hope_v suppress_v but_o it_o seem_v some_o brother_n there_o cause_v his_o copy_n which_o be_v indeed_o abrupt_a in_o the_o entrance_n and_o imperfect_a otherwise_o to_o be_v publish_v in_o print_n which_o when_o i_o see_v it_o trouble_v i_o not_o a_o little_a as_o know_v that_o the_o discrepant_a expression_n in_o the_o one_o and_o in_o the_o other_o may_v trouble_v friend_n and_o give_v advantage_n to_o adversary_n i_o suffer_v both_o to_o stand_v as_o they_o do_v especial_o see_v i_o can_v not_o help_v it_o the_o book_n of_o the_o way_n be_v publish_v without_o my_o consent_n and_o both_o the_o way_n and_o the_o key_n past_o my_o revoke_v so_o that_o if_o the_o reply_o find_v some_o discrepancy_n in_o one_o of_o these_o book_n from_o the_o other_o let_v he_o know_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o way_n in_o such_o few_o point_n wherein_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o key_n be_v not_o i_o when_o the_o key_n be_v publish_v much_o less_o when_o the_o way_n be_v publish_v which_o be_v many_o year_n after_o though_o it_o have_v be_v pen_v many_o year_n before_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o mr._n cotton_v judgement_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n in_o the_o same_o year_n and_o in_o the_o same_o vessel_n with_o mr._n cotton_n come_v into_o this_o country_n that_o famous_a mr._n thomas_n hooker_n late_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o hartford_n upon_o connecticot_n now_o that_o in_o mr._n hooker_n judgement_n the_o child_n concern_v who_o the_o question_n be_v have_v a_o continue_v stand_v and_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n upon_o which_o hinge_n the_o controversy_n about_o the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n turn_v be_v evident_a from_o a_o passage_n in_o his_o most_o judicious_a and_o accurate_a survey_n of_o church_n discipline_n in_o which_o book_n pag._n 4â—_n be_v these_o word_n in_o some_o case_n say_v mr._n hooker_n a_o implicit_a covenant_n may_v be_v full_o sufficient_a as_o suppose_v a_o whole_a congregation_n shall_v consist_v of_o such_o who_o be_v child_n on_o to_o the_o parent_n now_o decease_v who_o be_v confederate_a their_o child_n be_v true_a member_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o profess_v of_o their_o father_n covenant_n though_o they_o shall_v not_o make_v any_o personal_a and_o vocal_a expression_n of_o their_o engagement_n as_o the_o father_n do_v also_o he_o lay_v it_o down_o for_o a_o maxim_n that_o faederati_fw-la sunt_fw-la baptizandi_fw-la prove_v by_o several_a argument_n that_o confederate_n be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n see_v in_o the_o same_o book_n part_v
to_o the_o other_o question_n about_o communion_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n now_o concern_v that_o it_o be_v less_o needful_a to_o produce_v many_o testimony_n that_o there_o in_o the_o synod_n introduce_v not_o any_o innovation_n for_o some_o that_o dissent_v from_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n about_o baptism_n yet_o in_o this_o last_o concur_v yea_o there_o be_v a_o unanimous_a and_o universal_a assent_n to_o the_o answer_v give_v to_o this_o second_o question_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o antisynodalia_fw-la americanâ—_n do_v acknowledge_v where_o pag._n 12._o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o second_o question_n we_o do_v full_o agree_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o all_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o about_o it_o together_o with_o the_o proof_n thereof_o we_o shall_v therefore_o among_o our_o new_a english_a worthy_n only_o mention_v the_o judgement_n of_o mr._n cotton_n concern_v this_o question_n which_o what_o it_o be_v may_v be_v see_v large_o express_v in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o key_n pag._n 54_o etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v those_o that_o will_v remember_v that_o when_o that_o eminent_a minister_n of_o christ_n mr._n mitchel_n be_v ordain_v pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o cambridg_n mr._n cotton_n give_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o messenger_n of_o church_n the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n serious_o advise_v he_o to_o endeavour_v and_o that_o faithful_a man_n be_v ever_o mindful_a of_o that_o solemn_a advice_n that_o that_o ordinance_n of_o consociation_n of_o church_n may_v be_v due_o practise_v great_o bewail_v the_o defect_n of_o these_o church_n as_o to_o that_o particular_a yea_o mr._n cotton_v heart_n be_v much_o upon_o this_o thing_n in_o his_o latter_a time_n foresee_v that_o without_o it_o these_o church_n and_o the_o congregational_a way_n can_v not_o stand_v he_o do_v therefore_o not_o long_o before_o his_o decease_n draw_v up_o some_o proposition_n which_o be_v expressive_a of_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o this_o consociation_n plead_v for_o which_o because_o they_o be_v as_o be_v write_v by_o his_o hand_n they_o can_v but_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o worth_n we_o shall_v therefore_o here_o insert_v and_o publish_v they_o proposition_n concern_v consociation_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n tender_v to_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o consideration_n and_o acceptance_n according_a to_o god_n proposition_n i._n every_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n viz._n a_o particular_a congregation_n furnish_v with_o a_o presly_n ery_z and_o walk_a in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n full_a power_n ecclesiastical_a within_o itself_o both_o of_o liberty_n to_o receive_v she_o own_o member_n to_o choose_v she_o own_o officer_n and_o the_o like_a and_o also_o of_o authority_n to_o administer_v sacrament_n censure_v she_o own_o offender_n and_o restore_v penitent_n mat._n 18_o 18_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5._o act_n 6.2_o etc._n etc._n and_o 14_o 23._o so_o as_o this_o consociation_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n but_o only_o by_o counsel_n from_o the_o word_n to_o direct_v and_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o right_a administration_n thereof_o upon_o all_o just_a occasion_n proposition_n ii_o althought_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v independent_a on_o each_o other_o and_o have_v equal_o the_o high_a power_n ecclesiastical_a under_o christ_n and_o be_v lead_v with_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o yet_o paul_n with_o barnabas_n and_o titus_n go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o by_o revelation_n not_o only_o to_o confer_v and_o consult_v with_o the_o apostle_n about_o his_o doctrine_n leave_v he_o have_v or_o shall_v run_v in_o vain_a gal_n 2.1_o 2._o but_o also_o consociate_v or_o make_v agreement_n with_o they_o by_o mutual_a give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n to_o dispose_v the_o course_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o provision_n for_o the_o poor_a that_o so_o they_o may_v procure_v the_o more_o free_a and_o effectual_a passage_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v much_o rather_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o also_o very_o profitable_a and_o needful_a for_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o church_n though_o equal_a in_o power_n want_v that_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o comer_n and_o consult_v and_o consociate_v or_o agree_v together_o about_o all_o such_o weighty_a matter_n in_o which_o counsel_n and_o concurrence_n to_o avoid_v suspicion_n of_o prejudice_n and_o partiality_n and_o so_o to_o expedite_v the_o free_a passage_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o all_o proposition_n iii_o if_o when_o peter_n give_v offence_n at_o antioch_n the_o apostle_n paul_n take_v liberty_n to_o rebuke_v he_o before_o they_o all_o though_o he_o be_v his_o equal_a in_o place_n and_o power_n and_o that_o no_o doubt_n out_o of_o that_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n which_o he_o owe_v unto_o he_o and_o to_o the_o truth_n peter_n also_o submit_v thereunto_o than_o it_o may_v well_o stand_v with_o the_o equality_n of_o church_n out_o of_o their_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o admonish_v each_o other_o in_o case_n of_o public_a offence_n and_o submit_v to_o such_o admonition_n from_o the_o word_n in_o meckness_n of_o wisdom_n as_o to_o the_o will_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v such_o satisfaction_n as_o the_o rule_n do_v require_v proposition_n iu._n out_o of_o question_n the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o bode_n king_n and_o compassionate_a high_a pâ—â—â—st_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n have_v as_o great_a a_o love_n and_o care_n of_o the_o purity_n peace_n and_o edisocation_n of_o whole_a church_n as_o of_o particular_a saint_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o those_o epistle_n send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n galatia_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o heal_v the_o public_a error_n diffention_n and_o other_o corruption_n find_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o certain_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o sanctify_v some_o sufficient_a mean_a to_o preserve_v their_o purity_n and_o peace_n to_o heal_v and_o help_v the_o evil_n and_o distemper_n of_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o of_o particular_a believer_n now_o then_o since_o apostle_n and_o other_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v cease_v that_o have_v power_n in_o all_o church_n and_o only_a love_n remain_v what_o other_o ecclesiastical_a help_n be_v there_o leave_v without_o infringe_v the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o brotherly_a love_n mutual_a watchfulness_n brotherly_a care_n and_o counsel_n which_o elder_n and_o church_n ought_v therefore_o to_o practise_v towards_o each_o other_o in_o this_o way_n of_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o assistance_n on_o all_o just_a occasion_n proposition_n v._n upon_o these_o and_o other_o scripture_n ground_n and_o example_n and_o for_o the_o end_n above_o say_v it_o be_v very_o meet_a and_o requisite_a according_a to_o our_o present_a practice_n that_o when_o any_o company_n of_o christian_n intend_v to_o unite_v themselves_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o a_o church_n or_o be_v in_o a_o church_n state_n to_o elect_v and_o ordain_v any_o elder_n over_o they_o that_o in_o due_a time_n they_o signify_v their_o intention_n to_o the_o neighbour_a church_n walk_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o such_o may_v be_v have_v desire_v their_o presence_n assistance_n and_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n that_o as_o a_o church_n be_v a_o city_n set_v upon_o a_o hill_n so_o the_o act_n thereof_o may_v not_o be_v as_o a_o light_n put_v under_o a_o bushel_n but_o may_v so_o shine_v forth_o to_o all_o other_o church_n behold_v and_o approve_v their_o orderly_a proceed_n as_o they_o may_v the_o more_o ready_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o walk_v with_o more_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n in_o brotherly_a love_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n proposition_n vi._n in_o such_o matter_n of_o public_a censure_n wherein_o through_o the_o obscenity_n and_o difficulty_n thereof_o or_o otherwise_o there_o do_v arise_v difference_n tend_v to_o dangerous_a division_n and_o distraction_n in_o the_o church_n or_o offence_n to_o other_o church_n in_o all_o such_o caâ—es_v it_o be_v meet_v and_o requisite_a that_o the_o church_n proceed_v advise_o with_o the_o counsel_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o elder_a or_o elder_n with_o other_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a brethâ—â—â—_n of_o other_o church_n clear_v up_o from_o the_o word_n what_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v do_v proposition_n vii_o not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o censure_n but_o also_o in_o other_o case_n of_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n wherein_o for_o want_v of_o light_n or_o of_o the_o
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 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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
either_o in_o way_n of_o synod_n or_o colloquy_n and_o with_o freedom_n and_o candour_n verbal_o and_o full_o discourse_v the_o matter_n and_o agree_v to_o some_o orderly_a conclusion_n as_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o cause_n wherein_o we_o have_v engage_v i_o be_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o confirm_v that_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o that_o wherein_o not_o a_o little_a of_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v lay_v up_o i_o have_v hear_v you_o intimate_v as_o if_o there_o be_v fail_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o call_v and_o the_o manage_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n and_o you_o speak_v of_o your_o expunge_v some_o passage_n in_o what_o pass_v the_o press_n which_o will_v have_v discover_v the_o nakedness_n of_o the_o contrary_n mind_v though_o i_o suppose_v if_o they_o have_v be_v print_v they_o will_v have_v discover_v more_o the_o nakedness_n of_o the_o author_n or_o author_n then_o of_o the_o subject_n of_o those_o expression_n and_o information_n and_o i_o once_o have_v a_o intimation_n as_o if_o some_o have_v gather_v up_o a_o narrative_a of_o matter_n that_o will_v shame_v we_o much_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v publish_v to_o all_o which_o i_o will_v say_v i_o do_v not_o know_v of_o any_o such_o great_a matter_n that_o can_v be_v object_v or_o of_o aught_o considerable_a that_o will_v seem_v strange_a if_o thing_n be_v right_o represent_a among_o man_n of_o infirmity_n as_o we_o all_o be_v and_o some_o of_o we_o be_v not_o slow_a in_o the_o open_a synod_n and_o other_o way_n to_o own_v ourselves_o such_o and_o to_o crave_v the_o candour_n and_o forbearance_n that_o be_v needful_a for_o such_o which_o one_o will_v think_v christian_n and_o ingenious_a spirit_n shall_v have_v be_v satisfy_v with_o but_o if_o there_o be_v more_o to_o be_v object_v that_o way_n than_o there_o be_v be_v that_o any_o argument_n against_o the_o matter_n and_o cause_n itself_o luther_n refo_n ma_fw-fr ion_fw-fr may_v be_v condemn_v upon_o that_o ground_n for_o all_o know_v that_o he_o want_v not_o many_o fail_n in_o the_o management_n thereof_o god_n love_v to_o humble_a instrument_n and_o to_o leave_v matter_n of_o humble_v upon_o they_o even_o when_o they_o be_v carry_v on_o his_o own_o good_a work_n but_o i_o shall_v be_v sorry_a if_o there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v with_o we_o the_o tyth_n of_o irregularity_n that_o abound_v among_o our_o anti_fw-la synod_n alien_a people_n in_o the_o countâ—_n who_o slick_a not_o to_o despise_v reproach_n and_o distaste_n synod_n and_o minister_n and_o all_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o this_o matter_n whereby_o i_o wish_v the_o lo_n d_o be_v not_o provoke_v unto_o anger_n and_o how_o far_o those_o few_o in_o the_o ministry_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o opposition_n may_v have_v be_v accessary_a thereunto_o i_o have_v rather_o they_o will_v serious_o confider_v between_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n than_o i_o go_v about_o to_o determine_v we_o have_v be_v reflect_v upon_o by_o some_o as_o seek_v ourselves_o and_o drive_v on_o i_o know_v not_o what_o design_n and_o i_o can_v ready_o imagine_v what_o self_n interest_n or_o self_n end_v we_o here_o shall_v be_v lead_v by_o in_o this_o matter_n sure_o i_o be_o for_o my_o own_o part_n that_o i_o prejudice_v myself_o much_o as_o to_o name_n interest_n ease_n etc._n etc._n for_o my_o appear_v in_o this_o cause_n neither_o be_v i_o so_o insensible_a as_o not_o to_o feel_v it_o from_o the_o first_o i_o know_v myself_o to_o be_v a_o poor_a vile_a sinful_a creature_n and_o can_v with_o some_o ceiling_n say_v chief_a of_o sinner_n and_o least_o of_o saint_n but_o in_o this_o particular_a matter_n i_o have_v often_o say_v i_o wish_v my_o brethren_n can_v see_v through_o i_o for_o i_o know_v not_o any_o design_n or_o desire_v i_o have_v in_o it_o in_o all_o the_o world_n but_o only_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n may_v be_v do_v among_o we_o his_o kingdom_n be_v advance_v these_o church_n settle_v on_o right_a base_n and_o flourish_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n purity_n and_o peace_n and_o that_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v be_v promote_v both_o in_o this_o and_o after_o generation_n i_o be_o sorry_a to_o sphnd_v thus_o many_o line_n about_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o the_o cause_n the_o prejudices_fw-la that_o be_v thence_o take_v up_o against_o it_o have_v draw_v i_o thus_o far_o but_o touch_v the_o matter_n itself_o that_o have_v be_v in_o debate_n between_o we_o which_o i_o have_v rather_o be_v discourse_v of_o you_o may_v please_v to_o consider_v at_o leisure_n which_o of_o these_o three_o proposition_n you_o will_v deny_v 1._o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v 2._o if_o a_o man_n be_v once_o in_o the_o church_n whether_o admit_v at_o age_n or_o in_o infancy_n nothing_o less_o than_o censurable_a evil_n can_v put_v he_o out_o 3_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n his_o infant_n child_n be_v so_o also_o the_o first_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o synod_n first_o proposition_n the_o second_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o current_n of_o scripture_n and_o confirm_v under_o the_o new-testament_n beside_o other_o reason_n from_o the_o carriage_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n towards_o the_o jew_n who_o come_v into_o the_o church_n by_o a_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n the_o three_o must_v be_v own_v by_o all_o but_o antipâ—do_n baptist_n the_o frame_n of_o the_o covenant_n gen_n 17._o inferrt_n it_o and_o mr._n d._n imprint_v essay_n pag_n 23._o grant_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n doâ—s_v not_o stop_v at_o the_o infant_n cold._n these_o three_o thing_n be_v all_o of_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o our_o great_a divine_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v to_o mâ—â—_n confirmation_n to_o observe_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o in_o the_o way_n of_o successive_a baptising_n in_o child_n of_o all_o that_o have_v a_o stand_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n though_o with_o too_o much_o laxeness_n and_o corruption_n for_o want_v of_o discipline_n the_o lord_n have_v continue_v religion_n among_o christian_a people_n from_o age_n to_o age_n whereas_o the_o like_a continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o true_a religion_n can_v not_o have_v be_v hope_v for_o not_o propable_a in_o the_o contrary_a way_n it_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n from_o abraham_n to_o this_o day_n since_o god_n appoint_v a_o enter_a sign_n or_o such_o a_o livery_n to_o be_v wear_v by_o his_o people_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o world_n that_o a_o people_n do_v continue_v for_o any_o length_n of_o time_n to_o be_v religious_a who_o be_v either_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o uncircumcised_a or_o unbaptise_v the_o lay_v aside_o of_o circumcision_n among_o the_o midianite_n for_o that_o they_o do_v betimes_o lay_v it_o aside_o may_v be_v plain_o gather_v from_o exod._n 4.24_o 25_o 26._o be_v quick_o follow_v with_o the_o utter_a loss_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n among_o they_o and_o other_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n and_o keturab_n i_o know_v the_o bare_a have_v of_o baptism_n do_v not_o always_o keep_v true_a religion_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o the_o want_n of_o it_o will_v quick_o lose_v religion_n among_o a_o people_n to_o say_v that_o a_o people_n may_v be_v religious_a well_o enough_o without_o baptism_n will_v be_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n in_o appoint_v such_o a_o external_a sign_n of_o christianty_n which_o sure_o be_v no_o needless_a thing_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v that_o in_o the_o way_n yourself_o and_o some_o other_o go_v the_o big_a hâ—lf_n of_o the_o people_n in_o this_o country_n will_v in_o a_o little_a time_n be_v unbaptise_v mr._n d._n say_v in_o his_o essay_n pag._n 55._o that_o out_o mere_a member_n as_o he_o call_v they_o will_v soon_o be_v a_o far_o great_a number_n than_o his_o sheep_n and_o lamb_n i._n e._n then_o his_o immediate_a and_o mediate_a member_n both_o of_o they_o and_o all_o the_o generation_n of_o these_o mere_a member_n as_o he_o call_v they_o he_o will_v have_v unbaptise_v now_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o consideration_n how_o subversive_a to_o religion_n this_o will_n soon_o be_v as_o also_o how_o absurd_a a_o thing_n that_o a_o christian_a profess_v people_n yea_o eminent_o profess_v and_o of_o a_o more_o reform_a temper_n then_o ordinary_o the_o world_n hâ—th_v know_v as_o through_o grace_n the_o body_n of_o people_n of_o this_o country_n yea_o and_o of_o our_o member_n not_o in_o fâ—ll_a communion_n yet_o be_v shall_v so_o soon_o be_v the_o body_n of_o they_o unbaptise_v as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o a_o