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 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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 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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
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
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
and_o preserve_v church_n and_o their_o elder_n in_o their_o duty_n as_o that_o other_o of_o claim_n to_o a_o authoritative_a power_n ecclesiastical_a to_o excommunicate_v other_o church_n or_o their_o elder_n offend_v for_o if_o the_o one_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o other_o in_o a_o mire_n ecclesiastical_a notion_n that_o of_o excommunication_n pretend_v have_v but_o this_o more_o in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o delivery_n of_o whole_a church_n and_o their_o elder_n offend_v unto_o satan_n for_o which_o we_o know_v no_o warrant_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o church_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o power_n over_o other_o church_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o bind_a obligation_n both_o of_o the_o one_o way_n and_o the_o other_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o lie_v but_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o a_o warrant_n and_o injunction_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n to_o put_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o into_o execution_n and_o 2._o that_o man_n conscience_n be_v according_o take_v therewith_o so_o as_o to_o subject_v themselves_o whether_o unto_o the_o one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o for_o suppose_v that_o other_o principle_n of_o authoritative_a power_n in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n combine_v to_o excommunicate_v other_o church_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n yet_o unless_o it_o do_v take_v hold_v of_o man_n conscience_n and_o be_v receive_v among_o all_o church_n the_o offend_a church_n will_v slight_v all_o such_o excommunication_n as_o much_o as_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v our_o way_n of_o protestation_n and_o sentence_n of_o non_fw-fr communion_n on_o the_o other_o side_n let_v this_o way_n of_o we_o be_v but_o as_o strong_o entertain_v as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o way_n and_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n be_v heedful_o put_v in_o execution_n it_o will_v awe_v man_n conscience_n as_o much_o and_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o whicâ—_n we_o give_v as_o much_o and_z as_o we_o think_v more_o than_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o yield_v do_v buâ—_n assi_v and_o back_o the_o sentence_n of_o other_o church_n denounce_v this_o non_fw-fr communion_n against_o church_n miscarry_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o crime_n as_o they_o judge_v meet_v and_o as_o they_o will_v the_o sentence_n of_o chu_n che_v excommunicate_v other_o church_n in_o such_o case_n upon_o their_o own_o particular_a judgement_n of_o the_o cause_n then_o without_o all_o controversy_n this_o our_o way_n of_o church_n proceed_v will_v be_v every_o way_n as_o effectual_a as_o their_o other_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v and_o we_o be_v sure_o more_o brotherly_a and_o more_o suit_v to_o that_o liberty_n and_o equality_n christ_n have_v endow_v his_o church_n with_o but_o without_o the_o magistrate_n interpose_v their_o authority_n their_o way_n of_o proceed_v will_v be_v as_o ineffectual_a as_o we_o and_o more_o liable_a to_o contempt_n by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v more_o authorita_fw-la ive_z and_o to_o inflict_v more_o dreadful_a punishment_n which_o carnal_a spirit_n be_v seldom_o sensible_a of_o this_o for_o our_o judgement_n and_o for_o a_o eâ—l_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n both_o that_o this_o be_v then_o our_o judgement_n as_o likewise_o for_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o effectual_a success_n of_o such_o a_o course_n hold_v by_o church_n in_o such_o case_n our_o own_o practice_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n thereon_o may_v plead_v and_o testify_v for_o we_o to_o all_o the_o world_n the_o manage_n of_o this_o transaction_n in_o brief_a be_v this_o that_o church_n which_o with_o other_o be_v most_o scandalize_v do_v by_o letter_n declare_v their_o offence_n require_v of_o the_o church_n suppose_v to_o be_v offend_v in_o the_o name_n and_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o relieve_v the_o party_n wrong_v to_o yield_v a_o full_a and_o public_a hear_n before_o all_o the_o church_n of_o our_o nation_n or_o any_o other_o whosoever_o offend_v of_o what_o they_o can_v give_v in_o charge_n against_o their_o proceed_n in_o that_o deposition_n of_o their_o minister_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o open_a trial_n and_o review_v of_o all_o those_o forepast_a carriage_n that_o concern_v that_o particular_a which_o they_o most_o cheerful_o and_o ready_o according_a to_o the_o forementioned_a principle_n submit_v unto_o in_o a_o place_n and_o state_n where_o no_o outward_a violence_n or_o any_o other_o external_a authority_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a will_v have_v enforce_v they_o thereunto_o and_o according_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n offend_v with_o other_o two_o gentleman_n of_o much_o worth_n wisdom_n and_o piety_n member_n thereof_o be_v send_v as_o messenger_n from_o that_o church_n and_o at_o the_o introduction_n and_o entrance_n into_o that_o solemn_a assembly_n the_o solemnity_n of_o which_o have_v leave_v as_o deep_a a_o impression_n upon_o our_o heart_n of_o christâ—_n dreadful_a presence_n as_o ever_o any_o we_o have_v be_v present_a at_o it_o be_v open_o and_o public_o profess_v in_o a_o speech_n that_o be_v the_o preface_n to_o that_o discussion_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o to_o be_v abhor_v maxim_n that_o any_o religion_n have_v ever_o make_v profession_n of_o and_o therefore_o of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o contradictory_n and_o dishonourable_a unto_o that_o of_o christianity_n that_o a_o single_a and_o particular_a society_n of_o mâ—n_z profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o saâ—e_v body_n and_o society_n within_o themselves_o shall_v further_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o a_o exemption_n from_o give_v account_n or_o be_v censurable_a of_o any_o other_o either_o christian_a magistrate_n above_o they_o or_o neighbour_n church_n about_o they_o so_o far_o be_v our_o judgement_n from_o that_o independent_a liberty_n that_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o then_o when_o we_o have_v least_o dependency_n on_o this_o kingdom_n or_o so_o much_o as_o hope_n ever_o to_o abide_v therein_o in_o peace_n and_o for_o the_o issue_n and_o success_n of_o this_o agitation_n after_o there_o have_v be_v for_o many_o day_n as_o judiciary_n and_o full_a a_o charge_n trial_n and_o deposition_n of_o witness_n open_o before_o all_o comer_n of_o all_o sort_n as_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o any_o court_n where_o authority_n enjoin_v it_o that_o church_n which_o have_v offend_v do_v as_o public_o acknowledge_v their_o sinful_a aberration_n in_o it_o restore_v their_o minister_n to_o his_o place_n again_o and_o order_v a_o solemn_a day_n for_o fast_v to_o humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n and_o man_n for_o their_o sinful_a carriage_n in_o it_o and_o the_o party_n also_o which_o have_v be_v depose_v do_v acknowledge_v to_o that_o church_n wherein_o he_o have_v likewise_o sin_v so_o that_o these_o godly_a learned_a writer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v a_o popedom_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o deem_v it_o a_o abhor_a maxim_n to_o affirm_v that_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v unaccountable_a to_o or_o not_o censurable_a by_o neighbour_n church_n about_o they_o they_o therefore_o that_o do_v reject_v the_o coâ—nsociation_n or_o communion_n plead_v for_o want_v that_o which_o be_v one_o specifical_a character_n of_o a_o true_a congregational_a man_n whereby_o such_o be_v distinguish_v from_o brownist_n and_o morellian_n who_o principle_n have_v ever_o be_v disow_v and_o disavow_v by_o congregationals_n who_o have_v also_o think_v themselves_o not_o a_o little_a inâ—ured_v when_o they_o have_v be_v represent_v as_o the_o same_o else_o how_o have_v hornebeck_n summa_fw-la controversiaruâ—_n de_fw-fr brownishis_n and_o baily_n dissuasive_a and_o other_o writing_n ej_v â—fde_v in_o commatis_fw-la be_v so_o distasteful_a and_o dissatisfactory_a to_o all_o of_o that_o way_n who_o understand_v what_o principle_n they_o go_v upon_o moreover_o that_o our_o congregational_a brethren_n be_v for_o such_o communion_n of_o church_n as_o be_v by_o the_o late_a synod_n assert_v be_v yet_o far_o more_o evident_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o bless_a burrough_n in_o his_o excellent_a treatise_n about_o heart_n division_n see_v pag._n 84._o and_o 163._o and_o in_o pag._n 43_o 44._o there_o be_v these_o word_n 1._o those_o in_o the_o congregational_a way_n acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o give_v account_n of_o their_o way_n to_o church_n about_o they_o or_o to_o any_o other_o who_o shall_v require_v it_o this_o not_o in_o a_o arbitrary_a way_n but_o as_o a_o duty_n that_o they_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man_n 2_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o synod_n of_o other_o minister_n and_o elder_n about_o they_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n