THere having been some who have thought that th [...] Doctrine of the late Synod Book Concerning Bap­tism and the Communion or Consociation of Chur­ches is an Innovation and Apostacy from the first prin­ciples of New England. And inasmuch as it may be▪ a special Service for these Churches, both in present and in after times, that men should know what the first Principles touching these Controversies were, Considering also, that the Lords Servants and Messengers are much wronged when Apo­stacy is imputed to them, upon account of the Doctrine aforesaid▪ and tha [...] i [...] will be a thing very acceptable unto God (who is displea [...]ed and dishonoured when [...]is faithful ones are [...]raduced) that his Servants should be vindicated from such injurious Aspersions▪ upon the [...]e and the like Considerations, we shall e [...]deavour (as in the Lords holy [...]ear) to e [...]qui [...]e what were the fi [...]st Principles of New-England concerning the Subject of Baptism and Communion of Churches, and leave it to [Page 2] the Christi [...] world, and to Posterity to judge who are the Apostates.

Now this may be done by shewing, what was the judgement of the first Fathers of this Country, touching the questions in Controversy. And in this ensuing Collection of Testimonies we shall not mention any of those Reverend Elders that are yet surviving, nor all amongst our deceased worthies, only some of the Chief of the Fathers of this Country.

And first, concerning Baptism, we shall begin with the Judgement of that man of God deservedly famous in both Englande, viz. Mr. Iohn Cotton, late Teacher of the first Church in Boston. And what the Apprehension of that Seer was, is manifest from a Letter which is to be seen written with his own hands in the name, and with the unani­mous Consent of the whole Church, which then was in this Boston to the Church in Dorchester. Because the Letter is of Ancient date, and so giveth a great light towards the clearing of the matter, which is before us, we shall therefore here insert it, word for word as it is written with Mr. Cottons own hand, It is that which followeth.

Now this is a great Testimony, for if Anno 1634. which was amongst the Primitive Times of these Churches, if then a Grand Fa­ther, such Cautions being observed, as have been mentioned, being a member of a Church might claim the Priviledge of Baptisme to his grand Child, though his next Seed the Immediate Parents of the Child be not received themselves into full Communion, if then also it were true, that there is a difference between an Infidel and a Carnal Christian as then was amongst the Jews, a difference between an Hea­then and a Carnal Israelite, and that we may not account such Parents for Pagans and Infidels, and so not their Children for unclean, who are themselves baptized, and profess their belief of the Fundamental Arti­cles of the Christian Faith, and live without notorious scanda [...]s crime, though they give not clear Evidence of their Regenerate Estate, if this were true doctrine, Anno 1634. Posterity will see, who are the Apo­states from the first Principles of New-England, whether they whose Principles are for an Enlargement of Baptisme unto some, whose next [Page 5] Parents are not fit for the Lords Supper, or they that do oppose such a practice.

There is also to be seen anoth [...]r large and Judicious Letter of Mr. Cot­tons written with his own han [...] to a Friend of his in England touching accommodation and Communion between those of the Presbyterian, and Congregational persw [...]sion, The Letter bears date the 8.11. moneth 1648. and therein Mr. Cot [...]on delivers his judgement in twelve pro­positions, which are too large here to be inserted, only the eighth of these Propositions being directly to our purpose, we shall here trans [...]ribe it, The words of it are these, ‘If the godly members of a Congregation formerly Subject to Episcopacy, repenting of their sinful subordinati­on thereto shall be studious of Reformation, and shall solemnly Cove­nant to endeavour the same, and shall choose their former godly Mi­nisters, into the Pastors & Teachers office, it is not necessary they should take the ignorant or Car [...]al members of the Parish into the fellowship of this renewed Election of their Ministers, and yet it is not impro­bable, but the Ministers may perform some Ministerial acts to them, as not only to preach the word to them, but (happily) also to baptize their Children. For such members are like the Church members, with us baptized in their Infancy, yet not received to the Lords Sup­per, when they come to Age, nor admitted to fellowship of voting in Admissions, Elections, Censures, till they come to profess their faith, and repentance, and lay hold of the Covenant of their Parents before the Church. And yet they being not cast out of the Ch [...]rch, nor the Covenant thereof, their Children may be capable of the first Seal of the Covenant, so in this Case, till the Parents themselves grow Scandalous, and thereby cast off, out of the Covenant of the Church.’

Also to a Reverend person yet surviving in this Country, who in a Letter bearing date, 4.4 Moneth 1649 propounded this Question, A Father that was in the Iudgement of Charity ‘one that feared the Lord, but no Church member, dies and gives his Little Infant to a Church member and Brother of ours, which brother having no Child of his own gladly accepts it, the quest [...]on is whether such an adopted Child, may by the will of Christ be baptized or not. Mr. Cottons. An­swer was in these words, you [...] Case of baptizing of the Child, of one fearing God, and in his death giving his Child to a Chu [...]ch member, &c. I propounded to some of our fellow Elders, Mr. Wilson. Mr. Elio [...]. and I think Mr. Ma [...]her. and as I remember, they all incli­ned to the Affi [...]mative, their ground was the Text in Gen. 17.12, 13. for mine own part I lean to the Affirmative; as you put the Case, [Page 6] the Parent of this Child was not an Indian or Pagan, but a Christian, and baptized himself, and so confederate with such a Church as we renounce not, and I do not disswade the ministring of the Seal of the Covenant, where the Covenant it self is not wanting, &c.’

Likevise in another Letter, which is extant, under Mr. Cottons own hand writing, to one who thus objected, Carnal children are not fit to renew their Covenant, whilst they are unfit to partake in the Seal of the Covenant, &c. He replies in these words, ‘Though they [...]e not fit to make such profession of visible faith, as to admit them to the Lords Table, yet they may make profession full enough to receive them to Baptisme, or to the same esta [...]e Ishmael stood in after Cir­cumcission.’

And to one who complained of being in the dark about the truth asserted in Mr. Cottons printed Book concerning the Baptisme of In­fants, and that amongst other made this Objection, ‘when (said that Scrupler) a child comes to know that his Parents are no visible Saints, but appear to be contrary both in Life and Doctrine, and the children had only words and water poured on them, how came these persons to have right to it, the Parents having no visible faith to act in that Ordinance, and their children likewise being uncapable, to hold forth the acts of faith before men. He thus Answereth, Iero­boam and his wife were neither of them visibl [...] Saints, in your Sense, but appeared to be contrary both in Life and Doctrine, yet the Cir­cumcision of their Son was not in vain to him, 1 Kings 14.13. In this Case when the faith of the Parents is wanting, and yet they still live within the Pale of the Church, though the Church be Corrupt, and the Parents also, yet here the S [...]eech of the Apostle takes place, what though some believed not, shall their unbelief make the faith of God of none effect, God forbid, Rom. 3.3, 4. now the Faithfulness of God who keepeth Covenant and mercy to thousands, supplies the de­fect of the Faith of the next Parents, and maketh good his Covenant to the Children in respect of the Faith of their former Ancestors in Elder Ages.’

But against this some may object a passage in Mr. Cottons Book of the way of the Churches, pag. 81. where it is said, where neither of the Parents can claim right to the Lords Supper, their Infants cannot claim right to Baptisme, therefore it may seem, that Mr. Cottons Iudgement was not as hath been now declared. Unto this, let the judicious Reader attentively hear the Answer, which is, (1.) In that very Book of Mr. Cot­tons, there are sundry passages which plead for an Enlargement of Bap­Baptisme, [Page 7] further then to the Immediate Children of persons in full Communion, even to the Children of such Parents who have such a faith a [...] ▪ denominateth them Christian Believers in opposition to Pagan Infi­dels, yea, if there be a Christian Sponsor for the Child of a Stranger, or wicked man, it may be baptized, see the way, pag. 87.88.106, 115.

2 dly. That Book of the way was printed from an imperfect Copy, in which respect it is not to be wondred at, if there be therein some pas­sages contradictory to Mr. Cottons known Iudgement. (3.) Mr. Cotton himself was much troubled when he saw that Book come forth, and was desirous that the Reader should understand that his Judgement i [...] such things, wherein the Book of the way is discrepant from that of the Keyes, should be sought for, not in the Book of the way, but in that of the Keys. And that no one may think that these things are Imaginary, or conjectural only, let us hear Mr. Cotton speaking in his own words in his printed defence against the Imputations of Mr. Cawdrey written not long before his death, and Published by Doctor Owen, In which Book pag. 36.37, 38, 39. ‘The truth is (saith Mr. Cotton) that ma­ny years ago I was seriously moved by some of our Brethren and Fellow Elders here to draw up an Historical narration of our Church way, together with some familiar Grounds of the same briefly. In short time as God helped, I dispatched it, which when our Brethren had perused it; I saw they did not close with it, yet a Brother going fo [...] England, got some where, a Copy of it, and presented it to some of the Congregational way there, and I afterwards heard, neither did they close with it, and in particular not with that passage which is here recited— which since appeareth more openly, by the Aste­risk put upon that passage, and upon sundry other in the Book, but before I saw that, and had only heard, that they did not fully ac­cord, I hoped that it had met with a timely Suppression, rather then an Impression, for I heard no more of it, for two or three years after, mean while perceiving that one main point of dissatisfaction, was the Authority gi [...]n to the Fraternity, I consiered more se [...]iously and d [...] ­stinctly o [...] the whole power of the Keys, and expressed my apprehen­sion [...] in that treatise of the Ke [...]s which our Brethren here did well ac­cept, and so did the Brethren of like Judgement in England, and some of them were pleased to attest it, with the Preface that is now Extant before it▪—This was sundry years after the Trea­tise of the way had been finished, and carryed to England, and as I ho­ped suppressed, but it seemeth some Brother there- caused his Copy, which was indeed abrupt in the Entrance, and imperfect▪ otherwise [Page 8] to be published in print, which when I saw, it troubled me not a lit­tle, as knowing that the discrepant Expressions in the one, and in the other, might trouble Friends, and give Advantages to Adversaries. I suffered both to stand as they did, especially, seeing I could not help it, the Book of the way being published without my Consent, and both the way and the Keys past my revoking, so that if the Replier find some discrepancy in one of these Books from the other, Let him know that the Doctrine of the way, in such few points, wherein it differs from the Keys, was not mine, when the Keys was publi­shed, much less when the way was published, which was many years after, though it had been penned many years before.’

Thus much may suffice for the clearing of Mr. Cottons Iudgement, concerning the Subject of Baptisme. In the same year, and in the same Vessel, with Mr. Cotton came into this Country that famous Mr. Thomas Hooker late Pastor of the Church in Hartford upon Conne­cticot. Now that in Mr. Hookers Iudgement, the Children concerning whom the Question is, have a continued standing, and membership in the visible Church (upon which hinge the Controversy about the En­largement of the Subject of Baptisme turns) is evident from a passage in his most Judicious and accurate Survey of Church Discipline, in which Book ‘pag. 48. are these words, in some Cases▪ (saith Mr. Hooker) an Implicit Covenant, may be fully Sufficient, as Suppose a whole Congregation should consist of such, who were Children to the Parents now d [...]ceased, who were C [...]nfederate, their children were true members, according to the R [...]es of the Gospel by pro­fessing of their Fathers Covenant, though they should not make any personal and vocal Expression of their Engagement, as the Fathers did.’ Also he lays it down for a Maxim that faederati sunt baptizandi pro­ving by several Arguments that Confederates are the proper Subject of Baptisme, see in the same Book, pa [...]t 3. pag. 11.12. Now if they that are Confederate, and members of the visible Church, have a right to Baptisme, and if also the Children in Question are Confederate, and members of the visible Church, both which are affirmed by Mr. Hook­er, it must needs be that in his Judgement, the Children in Question have right to Baptisme.

At the same Time, and in the same Vessel with Mr. Cotton and Mr. H [...]oker, there came the godly, learned, Mr. Samuel Stone, late Teacher of the Church in Hartford, concerning whom, what his Judge­ment was, touching the now agitated Controversies, is known from his practice in the last years of his Life. And that his Judgement was [Page] [...]uitable to that practice many years before his decease, appears from a Letter of his written to the Reverend Mr. Mather of Dorchester, and bearing date Iune 6. 1650. In which Letter he thus expresseth him­self. ‘I Conceive, (saith Mr. Stone) that Children of Church mem­bers have right to Church membership by virtue of their Fathers Co­venant, it being granted that they are in Abrahams Covenant, they have Membership by Birth, Gal. 2.15. (2 dly.) God is their God, Gen. 17.7. (3 dly.) They are Branches, Rom. 11. (4.) they are Subjects of Christs visible Kingdome, Ezek. 37.25.’ Hence,

‘1. If they be presented to a Church, and Claim their Interest, they cannot be denyed, according to the Rules of the Gospel:’

‘2. Hence there hath been a sinful neglect in New-England of such Children who have either not been presented, or not Received, when they have claimed their right. I spake with Mr. Warham, and we question not the right of Children, but we Conceive it would be Comfortable to have some Concurrence, which is that we have waited for a Long Time. And I think unless there may be some Conference of Elders this year in the Bay about it, that we may see some Reason to the Contrary, our Churches will Adventure to practice according to their Judgement, i. e. take in all such Chil­dren as members, I much desire that there may be some meeting of the Elders this year, that these things may be Considered and setled in the Churches, according to the mind of Christ, &c.’ These things do sufficiently manifest what was the Judgement of Mr. Cotton, Mr. Hooker, and Mr. Stone, who all three (as was Intimated) Came in­to New-England in the same Vessel, Anno 1633. And they may justly be reckoned amongst the first three of New-Englands Worthies.

In the year 1635. God brought into this Country three more of our Worthies: Another Tr [...]um [...]irate not unlike the former, viz. Mr. Ma­ther, Mr. Norton and Mr. Shepard, whose Judgement touching the Question before us, that it did Concur with the Doctrine of the late Sy­nod, will appear from the Sequel.

As for Mr. Mather late Teacher of the Church in Dorchester, what the Apprehensions of that Reverend man of God were Concerning the present Controversie in his Latter Time is well known. The Anci [...]nts had an opinion that the [...] dying words of worthy men were Oraculous, because the Soul near its transmigra [...]ion groweth more Divine. Be that Notion as it is, yet the dying Counsel of that blessed man to his Son, is of weighty Consideration. And that Mr. Ma­ther did not take up his perswasion concerning the Enlargement of [Page 10] Baptisme, in his last years only, but that he was of the same Judge­ment four and twenty years and more, before his decease, is evident from some Manuscripts of his left written with his own hand. For that Roverend Author did in the year 1645, prepare for the Press an elabo­rate discourse which he entituleth, A plea for the Churches of Christ in New-England, and in the second part of that discourse, which con­tains positive grounds from Scripture and Reason for the Iustification of the way of the Churches of Christ in New-England, there is this Question propounded.

‘Quest. When those that were baptized in Infancy by the Cove­nant of their Parents being come to Age, are not yet found fit to be re­ceived to the Lords Table, although they be married and have Chil­dren, whether are those their Children to be baptized or no. The Answer is in these words, I propound to Consideration this Reason for the Affirmative, viz. That the Children of such Parents ought to be baptized: the Reason is, the Parents as they were born in the Covenant, so they still continue therein, being neither cast out, nor deserving so to be, and if so, why should not their Children be bapti­zed, for if the Parents be in Covenant, are not the Children so like­wis [...]? Is not the Tenour of the Covenant, I will be a God to thee and to thy Seed? Is not the Text plain? Act. 2.39. the promise is to you and to your Children. And if these Children be in the Covenant, why should they no [...] be admitted to the Seal of the Covenant, Sith they are partakers of that, which is one main ground, why other In­fants are admitted thereto? doth it not seem unreasonable that these Infants being partakers of the ground of Baptisme as well as others, that nevertheless others should be admitted and these be refused? If other Infants were admitted to Baptisme upon some ground, whereof these were not partakers, then there might be Reason to make a diffe­rence between these Infants and others, but if the ground & Reason of admitting others, be Common to these as well as to others, it seems then to be Reasonable, that these as well as others should share in the priviledge. If their Parents were cast out of the Church by Censures, or fall [...] away from the same by wilful Apostacy and Schisme, or deserving to be Cast out by reason of Scandal, then there were more Reason that their Infants should be excluded from the Seal: But sith no such thing can be said of the Parents of whom we speak, a good Reason should be given, why their Infants are debarred? for if it be said the Parents are not Confirmed members, nor have yet been found fit for the Lords Table, I conceive this needs not to hinder [Page 11] their Infants from Baptisme so long as they, I mean the Parents do neither renounce the Covenant, nor doth the Church see just Cause to Cast them out from the same: for it is not the Parents fitness for the Lords Supper, that is the ground of baptizing their Children, but the Parents and so their Children being in the Covenant, this is that which is the main ground thereof; and as long as this doth Conti­nue, not dissolved by any Church Censure against them, nor by any Scandalous Sin of theirs, so long the Children may be baptized.’

These words are to be seen written with Mr. Mathers own hand, Anno 1645. Now if six and twenty years ago in a Book written i [...] defence of the Churches in New England,When this Collection of Test [...]monies was first composed, it was but 26 years but now it is 29 years since that Book was written. and in justification of th [...] way of [...]hese Churches, it were true Doctrine that persons might have right to Baptisme for their Children, and yet themselves not be fit for the Lords Table: If six and twenty years agoe, this was written in a Book, whose whole designe was to Justifie the way of these Churches, how then can it be said, that the present pleading for such Enlarge­ment of Baptisme is any Apostacy from Primitive Principles? Also the same thing was Asserted and urged by this Reverend Author in his Model of Church Government presented to the Synod, Anno 1647. And in the years 1648. and 1649. he did frequently in his publick Ministry in Dorchester thus instruct his people as is to be seen in the Sermon Notes left written propri [...] manu. And in the year 16 [...]3. this Question was fully, largly, and Elaborately discussed by the same Author. Also in a Letter to a Friend, bea [...]ing date 30th. 5 Moneth 1651. He thus expresseth himself, ‘for my part my thoughts have been this long Time, that our Churches in general do fall short in their practice of that which the Rule requires in this particular, which I think ought to be thus, viz. that the Children of Church members submitting themselves to the Discipline of Christ in the Church, by an act of their own, when they are grown up to mens and womens Estate, ought to be watched over as other members, and to have their Infants baptized, but themselves not to be received to the Lords Table, nor to voting in the Church, till by the ma [...]festa­tion of Faith and Repentance, they shall approve themselves to be fit for the same. But we have not yet thus practiced, but are now Considering of the matter, and of sending to other Churches for ad­vice. Help us I pray you with your prayers that we may have grace to discern, and do the Lords mind and will herein.’ So that in the year 1651. it bad for a long Time been the Judgement of this S [...]er, that some have right to Baptisme for their Children, that yet have not [Page 12] right to the Lords Supper for themselves. But against this Testimony some may object a passage in Mr. Mathers printed Catechisme, pag. [...]1. This holy man was sensible that some did take Advantage from an Expression therein, to impute unto him a change of Iudgement, touching this Question, which had it been so indeed, Ad meliora transire [...]ullus pud [...], it is no dishonour to any man to change for the better, but concerning this Question, that Reverend man altered not, but was all along of the same Apprehension, wherefore knowing in his own heart that he was of the very same Judgement, when that Ca­techisme was written, as in his last years he was of, he therefore left a Manuscript in his Study to clear himself from such an Imputation, which for his Vindication, we shall therefore here Insert and publish▪ The words are as follow.

This which ha's been expressed, may be suffieient for the vindication of that Reverend and Honoured person.

We proceed rherefore to Mr. Nortons Iudgement concerning the present Controversy, and that the Apprehensions of that Iudicious and Eagle eyed Seer did Concur with those Servants of the Lord, which have been mentioned, is apparent, both from what himself did often publickly teach, not only in Boston, but in Ipswich; and from a Script composed Anno 1654. by that learned hand, which because it is a­cute, clear, and distinct, (according to the wonted manner of that great Author) and because it was never yet published, we shall therefore here Insert it: It is that which follows.

More needs not to be said of Mr. Nortons Iudgement concerning this Subject, we come to Mr. She [...]ards, sometime Pastor of the Church in Cambridg in New-England, who besides his eminent abilities, was a man of much real and living Communion with God, and therefore more like to know the mind of Christ, then many others▪ Now in a Letter of his (Dated Iune 1649. which was not three monethe before his decease) ‘he does assert and prove, that Children are members of the visible Church, and that their membership continues when Adult, and that the Children of Believers are to be accounted of the Church until they positively reject the Gospel, and that the membership of Chil­dren hath no tendency in it, to pollute the Church any more now, then under the Old Testament, and that children are under Church discipline, and that some persons Adult may be admitted to Bap­tisme, and yet not to the Lords Supper, &c.’ The whole Letter being already published, we shall not here insert it, or any thing further con­cerning it, only assure the Reader that the Letter it self (even the [...]) is still to be seen, as it was written by Mr. Shepards own hand. Al [...]o the same Author in his printed defence of the nine po­sitions, pag. 143. does maintain the Church membe [...]ship of child [...]en and their Subjection to Discipline. In the year after these mentioned, viz. Anno 1636. here arrived two other of New-Englands Worthies. [Page 23] Namely, Mr. Ralph Partrich, and Mr. Nathaniel Rogers. As for Mr. Partrich sometim [...]s faithful Pastor of the Church in Duxberry in Plimouth Colony, what his Judgement was touching the present con­troversy, is to be seen from that Model of Church Discipline, which was by him composed and presented to the Synod at Cambridge, Anno 1648. and which is still ex [...]ant under the hand writing of the Reverend Author, in which Manuscript are these words. ‘The persons unto whom the Sacrament of Baptisme is dispensed (and as we conceive ought to be) are such as being of years, and converted from their Sins to the Faith of Jesus Christ, do joyn in Communion and Fellowship with a parti­cular visible Church, as also the children of such Parents or Parent, as having laid hold of the Covenant of grace (in the judgement of Cha­rity) are in a visible Covenant, with his Church and all their Seed af­ter them that cast not off the Covenant of God by some Scandalous and obstinate going on in Sin, as may appear by Math. 28.19. and 1 Cor. 7.14. with Gen. 17, &c. compared.’

Thus for Mr. Partrich his Judgement. Concerning Mr. Nathaniel Rogers late eminent Pastor of the Church of Ipswi [...]h in New-England, that his Judgement did concur with the Doctrine of the late Synod touch­ing Baptisme; is certain from what himself did publickly teach some years before his Decease. Also from a Letter of his written to the Reve, rend Mr. Richard Mather some years before Mr. Rogers went to his Rest, which Letter still remains under the Authors own hand writing, we shall therefore insert, the substance of it, which followeth.

These Testimonies are more then abundantly sufficient to evince that the first Fathers of this Country were for that Enlargement of Baptisme, which the late Synod Book pleads for, And that therefore such a practice is no Apostacy from our Primitive Principles: yet further Testimonies might be superadded unto these, for Mr. Henry Sm [...]h some­time [...] Minister of the Word at Wethersfield on Connecticot; In a Letter of his dated August 23. Anno 1647. (which Letter was also written to Mr. Mather) thus expresses himself, ‘we are at a Loss in our parts about members Children, being received into Communion, because it is undetermined, in the extent of it, at the Synod, our thoughts here are that the promise made to the Seed of Confederates, Gen: 17. takes in all Children of Confederating Parents, whether baptized here, or else where, whether younger or Elder, if they do either ex­pressly or otherwayes may be Conceived in the Judgement of Cha­rity to Consent thereunto. Now because many have Children grown up, which were born in England, who would gladly expres [...] their Consent, and desire to their Parents Covenant, only we are loth to walk alone, in the thing; we could heartily wish we had the Concurrence of your Judgement, &c.’ Thus Mr. Smith·

Likewise, Mr. Prudden late faithful Pastor of the Church in Milford in New-Haven Colony in New-England in a Letter to the same Reverend person, which the last mentioned was sent unto, does not only express his own thoughts, but gives Reason for his belief, concern­ing the Question under Agitation, with whose Testimony we shall con­clude, And because his Letter is of Weighty and worthy Conside­Consideration, [Page 25] albeit part of it (as of that of Mr. Rogers) is already published in the Preface to the Synod Book yet) we shall here insert, the substance of it, which now follows,

Unto these might have been added the Testimony of that Reverend and faithful Servants of Christ Mr. Iohn Wilson, the first Pastor of the [Page 27] first Church in Boston. But his Judgement touching the question in hand is known to all that knew him. And the Reader is referred to his dy­ing Speeches, concerning this matter which are inserted in the Book called New Englands memorial. (pag. 183.184.) which because they were amongst the last words of so holy a man, cannot without great sin be despised or disregarded. Also we might have mentioned the Judge­ment of Reverend Mr. Norris; which that it did Concur with what hath been expressed, is to be seen from the Records of the Church in Salem, viz. in their Records of the 24th. of the first Moneth: And of the 9th. of the fifth Moneth and sixth Moneth, Anno 1654. Likewise we might have produced the Judgement of Mr. Philips sometimes the faithful Pastor of the Church in Watertown, but the Reader is for that referred to the Preface in the Synod Book.

Also that some godly and Iudicious of the Congregational way in England, are for a greater Latitude in the point of Baptisme, then our dissenting Antisynodalian Brethren do acknowledge, is manifest from what sundry Learned men of that way have long since published. For Doctor Owen in his review of Schisme, pag 134 thus expresses himself, ‘I am so far from confining Baptisme subjectively to a particu­lar Congregation, that I do not believe that any m [...]mber of a particular Church was ever regularly baptized; baptisme precedes Admission in­to Church membership as to a particular Church, the Subject of it is professing Believers and their Seed, as such, they have right unto it, whether they be joyned to any particular Church, or no, suitable to this Judgement ha's been my Constant and uninterrupted practice.’

Likewise Doctor Nathaniel Homes in his defence of Infant Baptisme against Mr. Tombs, ha's these words, (pag. 193.) ‘for baptizing of Believers Infants, several Churches of us do hold, that we may bap­tize them, though neither of their Parents be of our particular Chur­ches. Baptisme as we conceive being an Admission into the univer­sal visible Church, &c.’ And again, (pag. 217.) Mr. Tombs having made this Objection, ‘that the baptizing of Infants ha's occasioned an unnecessary dispute about baptizing the Infants of believing Parents, that are not members of gathered Churches. I never (saith Doctor Homes) perceived the world troubled with this dispute, divers Chur­ches without dispute can practice the baptizing of such, &c.’ Thus he. See also in the same Book, 207, 208, 215. with his Epistle to the Reader. And the Collector of these Testimonies hath lately received Letters from su [...]dry eminent Divines of the Congregational way in Eng­land, declaring that the Iu [...]gement of the Elders with them is generally [Page 28] according to what hath been now expressed. By these things there­fore, which have been thus far expressed, it is very manifest that the doctrine of the late Synod concerning the Subject of Baptisme is no A­postacy from the first Principles of New-England, nor yet any declension from the Congregational way. It remaineth that we proceed to the other Question about Communion and Consocia [...]ion of Churches. Now concerning that, it is less needful to produce many Testimonies, that there in the Synod Introduceth not any Innovation. For some that dissent­ed from the Answer to the first Question about Baptisme, yet in this last concurred yea, there was an unanimous and universal Assent to the An­swer given to this second Question, as the Author of the Antisynodalia Americana does acknowledge, where (pag. 12.) it is said in the second Question we do fully agree with the rest of the Synod, in all the Propositions [...]aid down about it together with the Proofs thereof, we shall therefore amongst our New English Worthies, only mention the Judgement of Mr. Cotton concerning this Question, which what it is may be seen larg­ly expressed in his Book of the Keyes, pag. 54, &c. And there are those that will remember, that when that eminent Minister of Christ Mr. Mitchel was ordained Pastor of the Church in Cambridg, Mr. Cotton giving in the Name of the Messengers of Churches, the right hand of Fellowship, seriously advised him to endeavour (And that faithful man was ever mindful of that solemn Advice) that that Ordinance of Conso­ciation of Churches might be duly practised, greatly bewailing the de­fect of these Churches, as to that particular, yea, Mr. Cotton [...] heart was much upon this thing, in his latter time; foreseeing that without it, these Churches and the Congregational way could not stand; He did therefore not long before his decease, draw up some Propositions which are expressive of the way and manner of this Consociation pleaded for, which because they are (as being written by his hand, they cannot but be) of great weight and worth, we shall therefore here insert and pub­lish them.

Thus farr Mr. Cotton. And that th [...]s is according to Congregatio­nal Principles, is evident from other Testimonies; [...] the Messengers of an hundred and twenty Congregational Churches, who [...] at the Sa­voy in London, Anno 1658. do in their declaration of the order ap­appointed [Page 34] in the Churches of Christ (Thesis 26.) thus declare. ‘In Case of difficulties or differences either in point of doctrine, or in Administra­tions, wherein either the Churches in general are concerned, or any one Church in their Peace, Vnion, and Edification, or any mem­ber, or members of any Church are injured in, or by any proceeding in Censures not agreeable to Truth and Order: It is according to the mind of Christ, that many Churches holding Communion together, do by their Messengers meet in a Synod or Council to Consider and give their Advice in or about the matter in difference, &c.’ And Doctor Owen (who was a great part of that Assembly) in his Ca [...]e­chisme concerning Church discipline, (pag. 224, 226, 227.) thus ex­presses his Judgement. ‘Churches being gathered and setled accord­ing to the mind of Christ, ought to preserve a mutual holy Communi­on amongst themselves, and to exercise it in the discharge of those du­ties, whereby their mutual good and Edification may be promoted. In desiring or making use of the Counsel and advice of one another in such Cases of doubt and difficulty, whether Doctrinal or practical, as may arise in any of them, Act [...] 15.2, 6. And from hence it follows, that in Case any Church either by error in Doctrine, or praecipitation, or mistake in other Administrations, do give offence unto other Churches, those other Churches may require an account from them, admonish them of their faults, and withhold Communion from them, in Case they persist in the error of their way, and that because in their difficulties, and before their miscarriages, they were bound to have desired the advice, Counsel, and Assistance of those other Churches, which being neglected by them; the other are to recover the end of it unto their utmost ability, Gal. 2.6, 11. And hence also it follows, that those that are rightly and justly Censured in any Church ought to be rejected by all Churches what ever, both because of their mutual Communion, and because it is, and ought to be presumed, until the contrary be made to appear, that in Case there had been any difficul­ty or doubt in the proceedure of the Church, they would have taken the advice of those Churches, with whom they were obliged to Con­sult.’ Thus far Doctor Owen. Likewise Doctor Th [...]mas Goodwin. and Mr. Philip N [...]e in that worthy Epistle which they have prefixed be­fore Mr. Cotton [...] book of the Keyes, (in which Epistle the Congregatio­nal way is truly stated and asserted, as it differs from both the extreams, viz. from P [...]esbyterianisme on the one, and Bro [...]nis [...] on the other hand) do declare their Concurrence with him in acknowledging ‘that an Association or Communion o [...] Churches sending their Elde [...] and [Page 35] Messengers into a Synod, is an Ordinance of Christ, unto whom Christ hath (in Relation to rectifying male Administrations, and healing Dissentions in particular Congregations, and the like Cases) com­mitted a due and just measure of power suited and proportioned to those [...]nds, and furnished them not only with ability to give Coun­sel and Advice, but further upon such like occasions, with Ministeri­al power and Authority to determine, declare, and injoyne such things as may tend to the reducing Congregations to right order and Peace, see pag. 4. 6, 7, 10.’

Moreover, that the practice of Congregationals, ha's been according to this Profession, may be seen in the Apologetical Narration published by Doctor Goodwin. Mr. Philip Nye, Mr. Sydrach Simpson. Mr. Bur­roughs and Mr. Bridg. In as much as those famous Apologists (as Paul speaks concerning Iames, Cephas and Iohn amongst the Apostles) seem to b [...] [...]iliars, [and worthily are they so accounted) amongst Con­gregationals. Since also that Apologet [...]cal Narration (though printed) is in the hands of but few with us, we shall therefore here transcribe and insert some pages of it. And therein they thus declare [see pag. 1 [...]. to pag. 22.] ‘And whereas [say they] the Common prejudice and exception said into all mens thoughts against us, and our opinions is, tha [...] in such Congregational Government thus entire within it self, there is not allowed sufficient remedy for miscarriages, though never so gross, no relief for wrongful Sentences, or persons injured thereby, no room for Complaints, no powerful or effectual means to reduce a Church, or Churches that fall into Heresie, Schisme, &c. but every one is left, and may take Liberty without controul, to do what is good in their own eyes, we have [through the good Providence of God up­on us] from the avowed declarations of our Judgements among our Churches mutually during our [...], and that also confirmed by the most sol [...]mn Instance of our practice, wherewith to vindicate our selves and way in this particular, which upon no other occasion we should ever have made thus publick. God so ordered it, that a Scandal and [...]ffence fell [...]ut, between those very Churches, whilst living in this Ba­nishment, [whereof we ou [...] selves that write these things were then the Minis [...]s] one of our C [...]u [...]ches having unhappily deposed one of their Ministers, the others judged it not only too suddain an act, [having [...] a m [...]ter of so great moment without consult­ing their [...], as was publ [...]k [...]y pro [...]ssed, we should have d [...]ne in [...] Cases [...]] but [...] in the proceedings there­of, as too [...]evere, and not manag [...]d according to the Rules laid down [Page 36] in the Word. In this Case our Churches did mutually acknowledge and submit to this, as a Sacred and undoubted Principle, and Supream Law to be observed amongst all Churches, that as by virtue of the Apostolical Command Churches as well as particular men, are bound to give no offence, neither to Iew nor Gentile, nor the Churches of God they live amongst. So, that in all Cases such offence or differences by the Obligation of the Common Law of Communion of Churches, and for the Vindication of the glory of Christ which in Common they hold forth, the Church or Churches challenged to offend or differ, are to submit themselves (upon the Challenge of the offence or Complaint of the person wronged) to the most full and open tryal and ex­amination by other Neighbour Churches offended thereat, of what ever ha's given the offence. And further, that by virtue of the same and like Law of not partaking of other mens sins, the Church of­fended may, and ought upon the Impenitency of those Churches per­sisting in their Errors and miscarriage to pronounce that heavy Sen­tence against them of withdrawing and Renouncing all Christian Com­munion with them, until they do repent, and further to declare and protest this with the Causes thereof to all other Churches of Christ, that they may do the like. And what further Authority or proceed­ings purely Ecclesiastical of one or many Churches towards another whole Church, or Churches offending; either the Scriptures do hold forth, or can rationally be put in Execution (without the Magistra [...] interposing a power of another nature, unto which we upon his parti­cular Cognizance and Examination of such Causes, prosess ever to submit, and also to be most willing to have recourse unto) for our parts we saw not then, nor do yet see. And likewise we did then Suppose, (and do yet) that this Principle of Submission of Churches that miscarry, unto other Churches offended, together with this other that it is a Command from Christ enjoyned to Churches that are finally offended to denounce such a Sentence of non Communion and withdrawing from them whilst Impenitent, as unworthy to hold forth the Name of Christ, (these Principles being received and generally acknowledged by the Churches of Christ to be a mutual duty as strictly enjoyned them by Christ as any other) that these would be as effectu­al means through the blessing of Christ to awe and preserve Churches and their Elder [...] in their duties, As that other of Claim to an Au­thoritative Power Ecclesiastical to Excommunicate other Churches, or their Elders offending; for if the one be compared with the other, in [...] meer Ecclesiastical Notion, that of Excommunication pretended, [Page 37] hath but this more in it, that it is a Delivery of whole Churches and their Elders offending unto Satan, (for which we know no warrant in the Scriptures that Churches should have such a power over other Churches.) And then as for the binding Obligation, both of the one way and the other, it can be supposed to lye but in these two things.’

1. ‘In a warrant and injunction given by Christ to his Churches, to put either the one or the other into Execution. And 2. That mens Consciences be accordingly taken therewith, so as to Subject themselves whether unto the one way or the other. For suppose that other Princi­ple of Authoritative Power in the greater part of the Churches com­bined to Excommunicate other Churches, &c. To be the Or­dinance of God, yet unless it do take hold of mens Consci­ences, and be received amongst all Churches, the offending Chur­ches will slight all such Excommunications, as much as they may be supposed to do our way of protestation and Sentence of non Commu­nion. On the other side, Let this way of ours be but as strongly enter­tained, as that which is the way and Command of Christ, and upon all occasions be heedfully put in Execution, it will awe mens Consci­ences as much, and produce the same Effects. And if the Magistrates Power (to which we give as much and (as we think) more, then the Principles of the Presbyterial Government will suffer them to yield,) do but assist and back the Sentence of other Churches denouncing this Non Communion against Churches miscarrying according to the na­ture of the Crime as they judge meet, and as they would the Sentence of Churches Excommunicating other Churches in such Cases upon their own particular Iudgement of the Cause, then without all Con­troversy, this our way of Church proceeding, will be every way as ef­fectual, as their other can be supposed to be; and we are sure more brotherly and more suited to that Liberty and equality Christ hath en­dowed his Church with. But without the Magistrates interposing their Authority, their way of proceeding will be as ineffectual as ours, and more liable to Contempt by how much it is pretended to be more Authoritative, and to inflict more dreadful punishment which carnal Spirits are seldom sensible of. This for our Judge­ments And for a real evidence and demonstration; both, that this was then our Judgements, as likewise for an instance of the effe­ctual Success of such a Course held by Churches in such Cases, our own practic [...] and the blessing of God thereon may plead and testify for us to all the world.’ The m [...]age of this Trans [...]ction in brief was this: ‘That Church which with others was most Scandaliz [...]d, did by Letters [Page 38] declare their offence, requiring of the Church suposed to be offend­ing, in the Name, and for the vindication of the honour of Christ, and the relieving the party wronged, to yield a full and publick bearing be­fore all the Churches of our Nation, or any other whomsoever of­fended, of what they could give in Charge against their proceedings, in that deposition of their Minister, and to submit themselves to an open Tryal and review of all those forepassed Carriages that concerned that particular: which they most chearfully and readily (according to the forementioned Principles) submitted unto in a place and state, where no outward violence or any other external Authority either Ci­vil or Ecclesiastical would have enforced them thereunto. And ac­cordingly the Ministers of the Church offended, with other two Gentlemen of much worth, wisdom and Piety, members thereof, were sent as Messengers from that Church; and at the Introduction and enterance into that Solemn Assembly, (the Solemnity of which ha's left as deep an Impression upon our hearts of Christ [...] dreadful pre­sence, as ever any we have been present at.) It was openly and pub­lickly pro [...]essed in a Speech that was the Preface to that discussion to this Effect, that it was the most to be abhorred maxime, that any Reli­gion ha's ever made profession of, and th [...]refore of all other the most contra­dictory and dishonourable unto that of Christianity, that a single, and par­ticular Society of men professing the Name of Christ, and pretending to be en­dowed with a power from Christ to judge them that are of the same body, and Society within themselves, should further arrogate to themselves an exemp­tion from giving account, or being Censurable of any other either Christi­an Magistrate above them, or Neighbour Churches about them. So far [...] were our Iudgements from that Independent Liberty that is imputed to us, then, when we had least dependency on this Kingdome, or so much as hopes ever to abide therein in peace.’

‘And for the Issue and Success of this agitation after there had been for many dayes as Judiciary and full a Charge, tryal and deposition of witnesses openly before all Comme [...]s of all Sorts as can be expected, in any Court where Authority enjoyns it, that Church which had of­fended did as publickly acknowledge their sinful aberration in it, re­stored their Minister to his place again, And ordered a Solemn day for fasting, to humble themselves before God and men for their sin­ful Carriage in it, and the party also which had been deposed, did ac­knowledge to that Church, wherein he had likewise sinned,’

So that these Godly Learned Writers, were so far from making a Popedome of a particular Church that they deemed it an abhorred max­maxime [Page 39] to affirme that a particular Church is unaccountable to, or not Censurable by Neighbour Churches about them; They therefore that do reject the Consociation or Communion pleaded for, want that which is one Specifical Character of a true Congregati [...]nal m [...]n, whereby such are distinguished from Brownists and Morellians, whose Principles have ever been disowned and disavowed by Congregationals, who have also thought themselves not a little injured, when they have been represent­ed as the same, else how have Horneb [...]cks Summa Controversiarum de Brownis [...]is, and Bailies disswasive, and other writings, e [...]sdem commatis been so distastful and dissatisfactory to all of that way, who understand what Principles they go upon.

Moreover that our Congregational Brethren are for such Communi­on of Churches as is by the late Synod asserted, is yet farr more evi­dent from the Testimony of blessed Bur [...]oughs in his Excellent Treatise about heart Divisions s [...]e pag. 84. and 163. And in pag. 43, 44. The [...]e are these words. (1) ‘Those in the Congregational way acknowledge that they are bound in Conscience to give account of their wayes to Churches about them, or to any other who shall require it, this not in an Arbitrary way, but as a duty that they owe to God and man.’

2 dly. ‘They acknowledge that Synods of other Ministers and Elders about them are an Ordinance of Jesus Christ for the helping the Church against Errors, Schismes, and S [...]andals.’

3 dly. ‘That these Synods may by the Power they have from Christ admonish men or Churches in his Name, when they see evils Conti­nuing in, or growing upon the Church, and their Admonitions car­ry with them the Authority of Jesus Christ.’

4 ly. ‘As there shall be cause they may declare men or Churches, to be Subverters of the Faith, or otherwise, according to the nature of the offence, to shame them before all the Churches about them.’

5 ly. ‘They may by a Solemn act in the Name of Jesus Christ refuse any further Communion with them till they repent.’

6 ly. ‘They may declare also in the Name of Christ that these erring people, or Churches are not to be received into Fellowship with any of the Churches of Christ, nor to have Communion with one another in the Ordinances of Christ.—You wi [...]l say, what if they care not for all this? Answ. That is, as if you should say, what if they be not Conscientious, what if nothing can prevail with Conscience? if you say, p [...]ivate Brethren may admonish and declare in the Name of Christ. This is more then if any private Brethren sh [...]uld do the same thing; For a Synod is a Solemn Ordinance of Christ, and the [Page 40] Elders are to be looked upon as the Officers of Jesus Christ. And again, pag. 47. he ha's these words, If it shall be said, But surely they do not agree so farr, they do not come up to these six things mention­ed? To that I Answer, I do not in these deliver only mine own Judge­ment, but by what I know of the Judgements of all those Brethren, with whom I have occasion to Converse by Conference, both before, and since, I stand Charged to make it good, to be their Judgements also, yea, it hath been theirs and mine, for divers years, even then when we never thought to have enjoyed our own Land again. And if it be so, then let the Lord be Judge between us and our Brethren, for those loud and grievous out-Cries, there ha's been against us in this thing.’