A quære concerning the church-covenant practised in the separate congregations sent with a letter thereunto annexed, from J.G. to T.G., wherein is proved that there is much evill and manifold inconveniences in the exacting and urging such a covenant.
         Goodwin, John, 1594?-1665.
      
       
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             A quære concerning the church-covenant practised in the separate congregations sent with a letter thereunto annexed, from J.G. to T.G., wherein is proved that there is much evill and manifold inconveniences in the exacting and urging such a covenant.
             Goodwin, John, 1594?-1665.
             T. G.
          
           [2], 14 p.
           
             For John Bellamie and Ralph Smith, and are to be sold at their shop ...,
             Printed at London :
             1643.
          
           
             Signed: J.G.
             Attributed to John Goodwin. Cf. NUC pre-1956.
             "Imprimatur, Ja. Cranford"
             Reproduction of original in Union Theological Seminary Library, New York.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Covenants (Church polity)
        
      
    
       A41501  R1173  (Wing G1195).  civilwar no A quære, concerning the church-covenant, practised in the separate congregations. Sent with a letter thereunto annexed, from J.G. to T.G. Wh Goodwin, John 1643    6641 1 30 0 0 0 0 47 D  The  rate of 47 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           A
           QVAERE
           ,
           CONCERNING
           THE
           CHVRCH-COVENANT
           ,
           PRACTISED
           IN
           THE
           
             SEPARATE
          
           CONGREGATIONS
           .
           Sent
           with
           a
           Letter
           thereunto
           annexed
           ,
           from
           
             J.
             G.
          
           to
           
             T.
             G.
             Wherein
             is
             proved
             that
             there
             is
             much
             evill
             and
             manifold
          
           inconveniences
           in
           the
           exacting
           and
           urging
           such
           a
           Covenant
           .
        
         
           
             
               
                 
                   Jmprimatur
                   ,
                
                 
                   
                     Ja.
                     Cranford
                  
                
              
            
          
        
         
           Printed
           at
           
             London
          
           for
           
             John
             Bellamie
          
           and
           
             Ralph
             Smith
             ,
          
           and
           are
           to
           be
           sold
           at
           their
           shop
           ,
           at
           the
           three
           Golden
           Lions
           in
           
             Cornhill
          
           neare
           the
           Royall
           Exchange
           .
           1643.
           
        
      
    
     
       
       
       
         
           A
           Quaere
           concerning
           the
           Church-Covenant
           ,
           practised
           IN
           THE
           SEPARATE
           CONGREGATION
        
         
           
             By
             what
             warrant
             of
             Scripture
             or
             otherwise
             ,
             can
             any
             Church
             of
             Christ
             impose
             any
             such
             expresse
             and
             formall
             covenant
             upon
             those
             that
             desire
             membership
             with
             them
             ,
             as
             a
             peremptory
             condition
             of
             their
             admittance
             ,
             as
             is
             now
             generally
             practised
             in
             all
             your
             Churches
             ;
             We
             conceive
             the
             Scripture
             no where
             justifieth
             these
             proceedings
             ,
             but
             rather
             judge
             there
             is
             much
             evill
             ,
             and
             manifold
             inconveniences
             in
             the
             exacting
             and
             urging
             such
             a
             covenant
             .
          
        
         
           
             FIRST
             ,
          
        
         
           COnfident
           we
           are
           (
           as
           confidence
           it selfe
           can
           make
           us
           )
           that
           there
           is
           no
           Commandement
           given
           to
           the
           Churches
           for
           exacting
           any
           such
           Covenant
           of
           those
           that
           are
           to
           bee
           admitted
           into
           Church-fellowship
           with
           them
           ,
           so
           that
           we
           conceive
           any
           such
           exaction
           to
           bee
           a
           meere
           humane
           invention
           ,
           and
           a
           straine
           of
           that
           wisedome
           that
           desires
           not
           only
           to
           exalt
           it selfe
           above
           all
           that
           is
           practised
           by
           men
           ,
           but
           above
           that
           which
           is
           written
           by
           God
           himselfe
           ;
           yea
           ,
           though
           instances
           &
           
           examples
           could
           be
           produced
           of
           such
           Covenants
           both
           demanded
           and
           given
           ,
           yet
           this
           may
           stand
           without
           any
           warrant
           of
           lawfulnesse
           ,
           much
           more
           without
           the
           imposition
           of
           any
           necessity
           upon
           Churches
           at
           this
           day
           to
           make
           the
           like
           demand
           of
           their
           intended
           members
           ;
           and
           most
           of
           all
           it
           may
           stand
           without
           any
           necessity
           lying
           upon
           Churches
           ,
           to
           make
           the
           demand
           as
           of
           a
           duty
           of
           absolute
           necessitie
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           no
           example
           bindeth
           but
           by
           vertue
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           strength
           of
           some
           commandement
           ,
           &
           if
           there
           were
           any
           thing
           necessary
           to
           be
           done
           which
           is
           not
           commanded
           by
           God
           ,
           then
           must
           there
           be
           found
           weakenesse
           &
           imperfection
           in
           his
           Law
           ;
           therefore
           to
           make
           any
           thing
           necessary
           which
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           maketh
           not
           necessary
           ,
           
             is
             not
             to
             keepe
             the
             Law
             ,
             but
             (
             as
             James
          
           saith
           )
           
             to
             judge
             it
             .
          
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           there
           be
           examples
           found
           of
           many
           things
           done
           by
           many
           Christians
           (
           yea
           by
           whole
           Churches
           )
           in
           the
           primitive
           times
           ,
           not
           onely
           lawfully
           but
           with
           high
           and
           speciall
           approbation
           ,
           the
           doing
           whereof
           in
           these
           times
           is
           not
           onely
           no
           wayes
           necessary
           ,
           but
           lyable
           to
           much
           question
           ,
           whether
           lawfull
           or
           convenient
           .
           The
           selling
           of
           lands
           and
           houses
           ,
           by
           those
           that
           were
           the
           possessors
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           bringing
           and
           laying
           downe
           the
           money
           at
           the
           Apostles
           feet
           ,
           was
           practised
           (
           we
           know
           )
           in
           the
           Apostles
           times
           ,
           
             Act.
          
           4.
           34
           ,
           35.
           
           And
           
             as
             Tertullian
             witnesseth
             ,
             continued
          
           200.
           
             yeeres
             together
             in
             the
             Church
             .
          
           But
           I
           know
           no
           man
           now
           that
           pleads
           for
           the
           necessity
           of
           any
           such
           practice
           ,
           yea
           whether
           it
           would
           not
           bee
           much
           inexpedient
           for
           the
           Gospell
           ,
           (
           and
           consequently
           in
           some
           degrees
           unlawfull
           )
           if
           now
           put
           in
           practice
           ,
           a
           few
           thoughts
           would
           sufficiently
           discover
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           and
           lastly
           ,
           There
           is
           no
           question
           to
           be
           made
           ,
           but
           that
           many
           times
           the
           diversification
           of
           circumstances
           ,
           and
           aspects
           of
           things
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           course
           of
           Gods
           providence
           ,
           have
           not
           onely
           a
           lawfull
           power
           of
           dissolving
           the
           binding
           force
           and
           authority
           of
           many
           examples
           ,
           but
           of
           suspending
           our
           obedience
           to
           many
           rules
           ,
           precepts
           ,
           and
           exhortations
           :
           as
           for
           example
           ,
           that
           kinde
           of
           salutation
           betweene
           men
           mentioned
           ,
           
             Gen.
             27.
             26.
             1
             
             Sam
             ,
          
           20.
           41.
           and
           oft
           elsewhere
           ,
           being
           generally
           left
           and
           out
           of
           use
           ;
           those
           injunctions
           of
           
             Paul
             ,
             Rom.
             16.
             16.
             1
             Cor.
          
           16.
           20.
           and
           elsewhere
           ,
           Greet
           yea
           one
           another
           with
           an
           holy
           kisse
           ,
           impose
           no
           such
           literality
           upon
           the
           Saints
           in
           these
           dayes
           as
           they
           did
           ,
           when
           they
           were
           written
           ;
           neither
           doe
           I
           conceive
           (
           nor
           I
           suppose
           you
           )
           that
           the
           Elders
           of
           the
           Church
           are
           now
           bound
           to
           annoint
           the
           sick
           with
           oyle
           ,
           because
           this
           is
           commanded
           ,
           
             James
          
           5.
           14.
           neither
           doe
           I
           conceive
           
           that
           the
           French
           Churches
           lye
           under
           any
           guilt
           of
           sin
           ,
           for
           suffering
           their
           teachers
           to
           have
           their
           heads
           covered
           in
           their
           publicke
           ministry
           notwithstanding
           that
           rule
           or
           direction
           of
           
             Paul
             ,
             1
             Cor.
          
           11.
           4.
           
           Every
           man
           praying
           or
           preaching
           having
           any
           thing
           on
           his
           head
           ,
           dishonoureth
           his
           head
           ,
           because
           that
           topicall
           custome
           amongst
           the
           
             Grecians
             ,
          
           upon
           which
           
             Paul
          
           built
           this
           rule
           or
           assertion
           ,
           is
           wholly
           disused
           by
           their
           Nation
           ,
           and
           the
           contrary
           generally
           practised
           amongst
           them
           .
           Though
           I
           doe
           not
           thinke
           this
           Scripture
           is
           to
           be
           restrained
           to
           the
           teacher
           only
           ,
           but
           to
           concerne
           as
           well
           the
           whole
           Assembly
           of
           men
           present
           ,
           who
           are
           all
           here
           said
           to
           pray
           or
           prophecy
           in
           a
           passive
           sense
           ,
           (
           as
           women
           also
           are
           )
           that
           is
           ,
           to
           partake
           of
           these
           ordinances
           with
           the
           teacher
           :
           Other
           like
           instances
           might
           be
           given
           .
           And
           doubtlesse
           the
           rule
           that
           
             Cameron
          
           gives
           ,
           who
           was
           a
           man
           of
           as
           much
           learning
           ,
           sharpenesse
           of
           wit
           ,
           and
           happinesse
           in
           opening
           the
           Scriptures
           as
           any
           the
           reformed
           Churches
           in
           
             France
             ,
          
           yea
           I
           may
           say
           in
           any
           part
           of
           the
           world
           have
           enjoyed
           of
           latter
           times
           ,
           is
           most
           true
           .
           
             There
             are
             many
             things
             commanded
             in
          
           Pauls
           
             Epistles
             ,
             whereof
             there
             is
             no
             use
             at
             this
             day
             ,
          
           (
           viz.
           as
           touching
           the
           literall
           and
           precise
           observation
           )
           as
           is
           that
           of
           prophecying
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           14.
           and
           concerning
           the
           habit
           of
           women
           prophecying
           ,
           which
           belong
           not
           to
           our
           times
           ;
           but
           concerning
           prophecying
           wee
           shall
           God
           willing
           move
           some
           speciall
           Quere's
           afterward
           .
           And
           I
           verily
           beleeve
           ,
           that
           
             one
             maine
             reason
             and
             grand
             occasion
             of
             all
             separation
             from
          
           us
           ,
           (
           on
           that
           hand
           you
           are
           gone
           )
           is
           ,
           
             because
             the
             words
             of
             the
             sacred
             text
             fitted
             to
             particular
             occasions
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             condition
             of
             the
             times
             wherein
             they
             were
             written
             ,
             are
             taken
             and
             applyed
             by
             such
             men
             to
             themselves
             and
             others
             ,
             as
             they
             find
             them
             ,
             without
             due
             respect
             had
             to
             those
             weighty
             and
             materiall
             differences
             that
             are
             between
             one
             and
             the
             other
             :
          
           as
           might
           be
           demonstrated
           at
           large
           ,
           (
           if
           it
           were
           any
           part
           of
           our
           present
           purpose
           .
           )
           In
           the
           meane
           time
           evident
           it
           is
           by
           what
           hath
           beene
           said
           ,
           that
           though
           particular
           instances
           could
           be
           produced
           ,
           wherein
           the
           Covenant
           so
           much
           magnified
           ,
           so
           indispensably
           urged
           by
           your
           Churches
           (
           generally
           )
           upon
           their
           members
           before
           their
           particular
           admission
           ,
           yea
           by
           some
           Masters
           of
           your
           way
           defended
           in
           writing
           as
           the
           
             very
             forme
             and
             essence
             of
             a
             true
             Church
             ,
          
           (
           the
           writing
           here
           hath
           gone
           a
           long
           time
           under
           your
           owne
           name
           ,
           but
           of
           late
           I
           heare
           you
           have
           disclaimed
           it
           )
           hath
           beene
           practised
           by
           former
           Churches
           and
           put
           upon
           those
           which
           
           desired
           membership
           with
           them
           ,
           yet
           there
           is
           no
           sufficient
           ground
           to
           conclude
           a
           necessity
           now
           lying
           upon
           all
           Churches
           to
           doe
           the
           like
           ,
           except
           there
           be
           a
           precept
           or
           command
           found
           for
           the
           doing
           of
           it
           ,
           no
           nor
           yet
           to
           prove
           a
           lawfulnesse
           of
           doing
           it
           ,
           except
           circumstances
           lye
           cleare
           and
           faire
           for
           the
           doing
           it
           ,
           nay
           a
           precept
           or
           command
           it selfe
           will
           not
           evince
           a
           necessity
           hereof
           ,
           if
           any
           master
           or
           grand
           circumstance
           be
           now
           changed
           or
           altered
           ,
           upon
           which
           the
           precept
           was
           given
           :
           but
           yet
           notwithstanding
           I
           adde
           ,
           in
           the
           Second
           place
           ,
           neither
           doe
           the
           Scriptures
           afford
           
             any
             instance
             or
             example
             ,
          
           wherein
           any
           such
           Covenant
           hath
           ever
           
             been
             demanded
             or
             exacted
          
           by
           any
           particular
           Church
           of
           those
           who
           desired
           fellowship
           with
           it
           :
           But
           
             many
             instances
          
           there
           are
           wherein
           
             onely
             upon
             a
             sober
             profession
          
           of
           their
           faith
           in
           Christ
           and
           entertainement
           of
           the
           Gospell
           ,
           men
           have
           beene
           received
           into
           Churches
           
             without
             the
             least
             noise
             or
             mention
             of
             any
             such
             Covenant
             .
             Act.
          
           2.
           41.
           
           They
           that
           
             gladly
             received
             his
             word
             were
             Baptized
             ,
          
           and
           the
           same
           day
           there
           were
           added
           unto
           [
           the
           Church
           ]
           about
           three
           thousand
           soules
           :
           some
           of
           your
           judgements
           strongly
           conceite
           that
           they
           espy
           their
           Covenant
           in
           these
           words
           [
           were
           added
           ;
           ]
           but
           surely
           if
           they
           were
           assisted
           by
           the
           same
           imagination
           they
           might
           as
           soone
           discover
           it
           in
           those
           words
           ,
           
             Gen.
          
           1.
           
           In
           the
           beginning
           God
           made
           Heaven
           and
           Earth
           ;
           for
           to
           any
           reasonable
           and
           disingaged
           apprehension
           ,
           that
           word
           [
           were
           added
           ]
           with
           the
           number
           of
           converts
           joyned
           with
           it
           ,
           onely
           expresseth
           the
           exceeding
           great
           worke
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           making
           so
           great
           an
           enlargement
           or
           addition
           to
           his
           Church
           in
           so
           short
           a
           time
           :
           and
           doubtlesse
           a
           man
           must
           get
           a
           dispensation
           for
           his
           understanding
           ,
           to
           enable
           him
           to
           thinke
           or
           beleeve
           that
           within
           the
           compasse
           of
           halfe
           a
           day
           ,
           or
           little
           more
           at
           the
           most
           ,
           perhaps
           somewhat
           lesse
           ,
           (
           for
           the
           former
           part
           of
           the
           day
           was
           well
           spent
           before
           
             Peter
          
           began
           his
           Sermon
           ,
           
             vers.
          
           15.
           and
           how
           long
           he
           continued
           the
           Preaching
           is
           uncertain
           ,
           it
           seemes
           he
           was
           not
           very
           briefe
           ,
           
             vers.
          
           40.
           )
           three
           thousand
           persons
           should
           particularly
           and
           distinctly
           one
           after
           another
           in
           the
           same
           place
           and
           before
           the
           same
           persons
           being
           examined
           and
           tryed
           ,
           take
           a
           solemne
           Covenant
           repeating
           the
           Contents
           and
           words
           thereof
           ;
           doubtlesse
           the
           art
           and
           method
           of
           such
           dispatch
           is
           utterly
           lost
           and
           perished
           at
           this
           day
           ,
           either
           the
           Covenant
           they
           made
           was
           very
           briefe
           ,
           and
           but
           an
           act
           to
           yours
           ,
           or
           else
           the
           motion
           of
           their
           tongues
           in
           speaking
           was
           much
           swifter
           
           then
           our
           thoughts
           :
           you
           must
           favour
           your selfe
           beyond
           al
           reason
           in
           both
           these
           suppositions
           ,
           or
           else
           suppose
           no
           longer
           your
           Covenant
           here
           .
           Besides
           evident
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           these
           that
           were
           added
           to
           the
           Church
           ,
           were
           baptized
           before
           ;
           this
           is
           affirmed
           of
           them
           :
           Now
           being
           baptized
           ,
           and
           that
           in
           an
           orderly
           and
           right
           way
           ,
           as
           you
           will
           not
           deny
           ,
           this
           did
           immediately
           qualifie
           them
           for
           Church
           fellowship
           according
           to
           your
           owne
           grounds
           ,
           and
           the
           truth
           it selfe
           ,
           therefore
           they
           needed
           not
           the
           mediation
           of
           a
           Covenant
           to
           make
           them
           capable
           hereof
           :
           so
           that
           you
           see
           an
           impossibility
           of
           any
           Covenant
           to
           be
           emplyed
           here
           .
           And
           if
           you
           be
           not
           relieved
           at
           this
           doore
           ,
           there
           is
           little
           hopes
           to
           find
           more
           charity
           in
           this
           kind
           at
           others
           :
           
             Philip
          
           required
           no
           other
           Covenant
           or
           condition
           of
           the
           
             Eunuch
          
           to
           qualifie
           him
           for
           baptisme
           ,
           and
           thereby
           to
           give
           him
           entrance
           into
           the
           Church
           ,
           but
           onely
           to
           beleeve
           in
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           with
           all
           his
           heart
           ,
           and
           to
           professe
           it
           to
           him
           ,
           
             Act.
          
           8.
           37.
           
           When
           
             Saul
          
           assayed
           to
           joyne
           himselfe
           with
           the
           Disciples
           at
           Hierusalem
           ,
           
             Act.
          
           9.
           26.
           the
           reason
           why
           they
           declined
           him
           for
           a
           time
           ,
           was
           not
           because
           they
           tendered
           a
           Covenant
           to
           him
           and
           he
           refused
           it
           ,
           but
           because
           they
           were
           all
           afraide
           of
           him
           and
           beleeved
           not
           that
           he
           was
           a
           Disciple
           ;
           implying
           that
           had
           they
           beleeved
           this
           concerning
           him
           that
           he
           had
           beene
           a
           Disciple
           ,
           a
           beleever
           ,
           they
           would
           have
           received
           him
           without
           any
           more
           adoe
           ;
           yea
           upon
           
             Barnabas
          
           his
           meere
           Testimony
           of
           him
           without
           any
           Covenant
           subscribed
           ,
           confession
           made
           ,
           or
           word
           spoken
           by
           himselfe
           ,
           he
           was
           received
           ,
           
             vers.
          
           27.
           28.
           
           So
           againe
           
             Act.
          
           11.
           24.
           there
           is
           mention
           made
           of
           many
           that
           were
           added
           or
           joyned
           to
           the
           Lord
           ,
           
             i.
             e.
          
           were
           immembred
           into
           the
           Church
           ,
           but
           no
           more
           words
           of
           any
           such
           Covenant
           as
           you
           urge
           ,
           then
           
             a
             deafe
             man
             may
             heare
             :
          
           If
           you
           peruse
           the
           passages
           of
           the
           New
           Testament
           further
           ,
           you
           will
           espie
           many
           more
           Starres
           of
           the
           constellation
           ,
           neither
           can
           you
           here
           have
           recourse
           to
           those
           Covenants
           mentioned
           in
           the
           Old
           Testament
           ,
           
             Ezra
          
           10.
           3.
           
             Nehem.
          
           9.
           38.
           to
           patterne
           you
           withall
           ,
           for
           then
           you
           flee
           to
           a
           
             Sanctuary
             which
             your selfe
             have
             polluted
             ,
          
           by
           destroying
           all
           sympathy
           and
           agreement
           betweene
           a
           nationall
           Church
           and
           that
           which
           you
           call
           instituted
           or
           particular
           :
           and
           besides
           to
           forsake
           the
           guidance
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           under
           the
           New
           Testament
           ,
           to
           seeke
           to
           make
           out
           our
           thoughts
           by
           the
           old
           ,
           is
           to
           aske
           
             the
             
             twilight
             in
             the
             Evening
             ,
             whether
             it
             were
             light
             at
             noone
             day
             .
          
           Moreover
           if
           desire
           of
           brevity
           (
           for
           the
           present
           )
           did
           not
           binde
           my
           hands
           ,
           it
           were
           easie
           to
           demonstrate
           unto
           you
           what
           a
           solemne
           disagreement
           there
           is
           many
           wayes
           betweene
           these
           Covenants
           and
           yours
           ,
           and
           particularly
           in
           that
           precise
           circumstance
           which
           must
           have
           relieved
           you
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           To
           me
           there
           is
           no
           imaginable
           use
           or
           necessity
           of
           this
           your
           Covenant
           ,
           because
           beleevers
           ,
           willing
           ,
           or
           agreeing
           ,
           to
           live
           together
           in
           the
           same
           body
           are
           bound
           by
           greater
           bonds
           a
           thousand
           fold
           then
           any
           Covenant
           they
           can
           make
           betweene
           themselves
           ,
           to
           performe
           mutually
           all
           ,
           and
           all
           manner
           of
           love
           ,
           service
           and
           Christian
           duties
           whatsoever
           ,
           
             Christ
             himselfe
             is
             the
             greatest
             of
             bands
          
           and
           of
           all
           manner
           of
           obligements
           or
           ingagements
           whatsoever
           both
           to
           knit
           and
           hold
           Christians
           together
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           them
           of
           one
           heart
           and
           of
           one
           Soule
           ,
           and
           to
           keepe
           them
           so
           :
           by
           whom
           (
           by
           Christ
           )
           
             all
             the
             body
             being
             coupled
             and
             knit
             together
             by
             every
             joynt
             ,
          
           &c.
           
             Ephes.
          
           4.
           16.
           
           And
           where
           the
           Scripture
           speakes
           of
           other
           bands
           with
           him
           and
           besides
           him
           ,
           (
           yet
           all
           relating
           to
           him
           )
           indearing
           and
           binding
           Christians
           together
           as
           close
           as
           ever
           their
           hearts
           and
           soules
           will
           packe
           or
           worke
           into
           one
           ,
           amongst
           them
           all
           your
           Covenant
           commeth
           not
           into
           any
           mention
           or
           remembrance
           ,
           There
           is
           one
           body
           ,
           one
           Spirit
           ,
           even
           as
           ye
           are
           called
           in
           one
           hope
           of
           your
           vocation
           ,
           There
           is
           one
           Lord
           ,
           one
           faith
           ,
           one
           baptisme
           ,
           one
           God
           and
           Father
           of
           all
           ;
           surely
           if
           they
           had
           beene
           joyned
           and
           joynted
           together
           by
           any
           such
           Covenant
           as
           you
           speake
           of
           ,
           and
           this
           Covenant
           beene
           of
           divine
           justification
           ,
           and
           of
           that
           high
           and
           Soveraigne
           consequence
           as
           to
           give
           them
           their
           very
           life
           ,
           being
           and
           subsistence
           as
           a
           Church
           or
           body
           ,
           the
           Apostle
           could
           not
           have
           so
           farre
           forgot
           himselfe
           as
           not
           to
           have
           inventoried
           it
           amongst
           its
           fellowes
           ,
           especially
           there
           being
           no
           place
           (
           that
           I
           can
           readily
           call
           to
           mind
           )
           more
           commodious
           throughout
           all
           his
           writings
           to
           have
           made
           a
           particular
           and
           an
           expresse
           mention
           hereof
           then
           here
           :
           And
           for
           my
           part
           I
           freely
           and
           ingenuously
           and
           in
           the
           simplicity
           of
           my
           heart
           professe
           unto
           you
           ,
           that
           I
           neither
           know
           what
           further
           or
           greater
           duty
           or
           service
           of
           love
           in
           any
           kind
           I
           can
           desire
           or
           wish
           of
           those
           my
           brethren
           in
           Christ
           ,
           upon
           whom
           the
           providence
           of
           God
           together
           with
           my
           owne
           voluntary
           election
           either
           hath
           or
           hereafter
           shall
           cast
           me
           in
           
           Church-fellowship
           ,
           then
           what
           they
           stand
           bound
           by
           the
           common
           band
           of
           our
           mutuall
           interest
           in
           the
           same
           God
           ,
           in
           the
           same
           Lord
           ,
           in
           the
           same
           baptisme
           ,
           in
           the
           same
           faith
           ,
           in
           the
           same
           hope
           ,
           &c.
           to
           exhibit
           ,
           tender
           ,
           and
           performe
           unto
           mee
           without
           the
           expresse
           of
           any
           such
           covenant
           made
           with
           or
           unto
           me
           ;
           nor
           yet
           can
           I
           conceive
           how
           possibly
           I
           should
           have
           any
           better
           ,
           richer
           or
           stronger
           assurance
           from
           them
           for
           the
           performance
           hereof
           unto
           me
           by
           the
           vertue
           or
           aide
           of
           any
           such
           covenant
           above
           what
           I
           have
           by
           the
           power
           of
           that
           grace
           and
           godlinesse
           which
           (
           as
           farre
           as
           I
           am
           able
           to
           judge
           )
           worketh
           effectually
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           subjecteth
           them
           to
           all
           the
           said
           bands
           and
           obligations
           ;
           nor
           can
           I
           thinke
           that
           he
           
             whose
             strength
             to
             doe
          
           evill
           will
           serve
           to
           
             trample
             under
             feet
             the
             blood
             of
             the
             Lord
             Christ
             ,
             to
             cast
             the
             Commandements
             of
             the
             glorious
             God
             behind
             his
             backe
             to
             betray
             the
             hope
          
           of
           his
           owne
           peace
           and
           glory
           ,
           will
           ever
           be
           kept
           in
           a
           Christian
           compasse
           towards
           me
           by
           any
           promise
           ,
           band
           ,
           or
           covenant
           of
           his
           owne
           ,
           I
           know
           not
           how
           to
           thinke
           it
           a
           sinne
           in
           me
           not
           to
           desire
           or
           exact
           a
           greater
           securitie
           for
           my
           portion
           in
           the
           Saints
           then
           God
           himselfe
           hath
           given
           me
           ,
           and
           established
           me
           in
           :
           I
           heare
           your
           answer
           bee
           ,
           that
           your
           covenant
           respecteth
           as
           well
           every
           mans
           faithfulnesse
           towards
           God
           as
           discharge
           of
           dutie
           towards
           one
           another
           ,
           and
           therefore
           in
           this
           regard
           (
           at
           least
           )
           there
           may
           be
           a
           necessitie
           of
           it
           .
           To
           this
           I
           make
           answer
           in
           few
           words
           ;
           First
           ,
           why
           is
           not
           then
           the
           unnecessary
           part
           ,
           at
           least
           of
           your
           Covenant
           (
           which
           I
           conceive
           is
           the
           greatest
           )
           
             viz.
          
           that
           which
           concernes
           the
           Covenanters
           dutie
           towards
           his
           fellow
           struck
           off
           ?
           Secondly
           ,
           if
           such
           a
           Covenant
           as
           this
           ,
           with
           or
           towards
           God
           bee
           so
           necessary
           a
           dutie
           ,
           why
           is
           the
           place
           of
           it
           no where
           to
           be
           found
           amongst
           all
           the
           Commandements
           of
           God
           ?
           doubtlesse
           God
           requires
           it
           not
           at
           our
           hands
           ,
           
             to
             be
             either
             more
             provident
             or
             zealous
             for
             his
             glory
             then
             he
             is
             himselfe
             .
          
           Thirdly
           and
           lastly
           ,
           it
           is
           neither
           lawfull
           before
           baptisme
           ,
           nor
           necessary
           after
           ;
           therefore
           the
           necessitie
           of
           it
           falls
           to
           the
           ground
           ,
           and
           is
           not
           defensible
           ;
           that
           it
           is
           not
           lawfull
           before
           baptisme
           is
           evident
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           not
           lawfull
           for
           a
           Church
           to
           receive
           the
           unbaptized
           into
           fellowship
           with
           them
           as
           members
           of
           that
           body
           ,
           neither
           is
           there
           example
           or
           appearance
           of
           warrant
           in
           Scripture
           for
           such
           a
           thing
           .
           As
           evident
           it
           is
           that
           after
           baptisme
           it
           is
           altogether
           unnecessary
           ,
           because
           baptisme
           doth
           immediately
           qualifie
           ,
           for
           Church
           fellowship
           ,
           (
           as
           hath
           beene
           sayd
           ,
           your
           owne
           principles
           not
           gainesaying
           )
           and
           the
           Church
           it selfe
           ,
           by
           admitting
           any
           to
           her
           baptisme
           ,
           
             (
             ipso
             facto
             )
          
           admits
           into
           her
           fellowship
           and
           communion
           .
           Therefore
           I
           adde
           :
        
         
           4.
           
           That
           the
           requiring
           and
           
             exacting
             of
             such
             a
             Covenant
          
           of
           men
           ,
           and
           
           the
           imparting
           of
           Church
           fellowship
           upon
           it
           ,
           I
           conceive
           it
           to
           be
           
             an
             unchristian
             usurpation
             upon
             the
             consciences
             of
             men
             ,
          
           and
           
             a
             tempting
             of
             God
             ,
          
           by
           laying
           such
           a
           burden
           upon
           his
           people
           ,
           which
           he
           must
           give
           strength
           (
           more
           then
           otherwayes
           were
           necessary
           )
           to
           beare
           ,
           or
           otherwise
           they
           must
           suffer
           (
           at
           least
           )
           (
           if
           not
           fall
           )
           under
           it
           ;
           and
           I
           beleeve
           ,
           I
           know
           some
           worthy
           every
           wayes
           of
           the
           honour
           (
           according
           to
           the
           line
           of
           men
           )
           who
           desirous
           of
           entrance
           into
           some
           of
           your
           Churches
           were
           turned
           back
           ,
           by
           dislike
           of
           that
           new
           doore
           of
           your
           Covenant
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           And
           lastly
           ,
           We
           conceive
           the
           exacting
           and
           giving
           of
           such
           a
           Covenant
           is
           not
           onely
           a
           thing
           unnecessary
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           as
           
             something
             above
             any
             thing
             that
             is
             written
             ,
          
           but
           of
           worse
           inconvenience
           also
           ,
           (
           at
           least
           ,
           as
           many
           of
           those
           that
           are
           ingaged
           in
           it
           ,
           are
           wont
           to
           interpret
           and
           draw
           the
           importance
           hereof
           )
           for
           many
           looke
           upon
           a
           Covenant
           they
           have
           made
           with
           a
           particular
           Church
           as
           a
           partition
           wall
           wholly
           to
           separate
           them
           in
           care
           ,
           affection
           ,
           dependance
           ,
           and
           from
           all
           other
           Churches
           and
           the
           Saints
           of
           God
           throughout
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           take
           it
           for
           an
           authenticall
           discharge
           ,
           and
           release
           from
           heaven
           from
           troubling
           themselves
           any
           wayes
           with
           the
           affaires
           of
           other
           Churches
           as
           ministring
           unto
           their
           necessities
           at
           any
           times
           .
           It
           was
           not
           much
           short
           of
           this
           which
           a
           great
           defender
           of
           you
           faith
           professed
           plainely
           unto
           me
           not
           long
           since
           ,
           and
           that
           before
           some
           witnesses
           .
           
             Calvin
          
           well
           observes
           upon
           
             Rom.
          
           16.
           16.
           that
           
             Pauls
          
           study
           and
           desire
           was
           by
           his
           carefull
           remembrance
           and
           sending
           the
           mutuall
           salutations
           and
           greeting
           of
           one
           Church
           to
           another
           ,
           
             quantum
             in
             se
             est
             ,
             mutuo
             amoris
             nexu
             devincire
             inter
             se
             omnia
             Christi
             membra
             :
          
           As
           far
           as
           it
           lay
           in
           his
           power
           ,
           to
           bind
           all
           members
           of
           Christ
           whatsoever
           in
           one
           and
           the
           same
           mutuall
           band
           of
           affection
           together
           .
           Now
           if
           
             Paul
          
           herein
           did
           the
           will
           and
           Commandement
           of
           God
           ,
           (
           which
           I
           cannot
           thinke
           you
           will
           deny
           )
           then
           as
           your
           Saviour
           charged
           the
           Scribes
           and
           Pharisees
           ,
           that
           they
           had
           made
           the
           Commandement
           of
           God
           of
           none
           effect
           (
           they
           had
           taken
           a
           course
           to
           doe
           it
           ,
           they
           had
           done
           that
           which
           directly
           tended
           thereunto
           )
           by
           their
           traditions
           ,
           so
           (
           we
           conceive
           )
           we
           may
           justly
           challenge
           your
           
             Covenant
          
           for
           an
           
             ill
             looke
             ,
          
           or
           
             maligne
             aspect
             ,
          
           upon
           that
           part
           of
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           wherein
           he
           desires
           that
           all
           beleevers
           ,
           the
           world
           over
           should
           desire
           to
           maintaine
           a
           free
           intercourse
           of
           the
           dearest
           love
           and
           tenderest
           affections
           one
           towards
           another
           .
        
      
       
       
         
           A
           LETTER
           SENT
           From
           I.
           G.
           to
           T.
           G.
           
        
         
           
             My
             deare
             Friend
             ,
          
        
         
           WHom
           I
           love
           and
           honour
           ,
           if
           not
           enough
           ,
           yet
           (
           certaine
           I
           am
           )
           very
           exceeding
           much
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           I
           am
           sorry
           there
           being
           differences
           betweene
           us
           otherwise
           ,
           that
           in
           this
           wee
           should
           so
           perfectly
           and
           so
           long
           agree
           ,
           neither
           to
           send
           so
           much
           as
           a
           small
           peece
           of
           his
           minde
           to
           other
           for
           a
           love-token
           ;
           upon
           which
           of
           us
           the
           Law
           of
           love
           and
           Christian
           acquaintance
           rather
           imposed
           it
           ,
           to
           have
           first
           appeared
           in
           breaking
           this
           agreement
           ,
           the
           same
           Law
           prohibites
           to
           dispute
           .
           Whether
           it
           will
           ease
           the
           burthen
           on
           my
           part
           or
           no
           ,
           I
           leave
           to
           your
           ingenuitie
           to
           consider
           and
           determine
           ;
           but
           this
           I
           may
           truely
           say
           unto
           you
           ,
           that
           I
           have
           had
           many
           thoughts
           from
           time
           to
           time
           since
           your
           departure
           from
           us
           ,
           that
           have
           deerely
           longed
           after
           your
           bosome
           ,
           and
           would
           hardly
           have
           beene
           kept
           from
           their
           longing
           till
           now
           ,
           but
           by
           a
           strong
           hand
           of
           some
           indispensable
           occasions
           ,
           and
           imployments
           otherwise
           ;
           And
           if
           my
           respects
           unto
           you
           did
           not
           command
           me
           to
           intreat
           you
           more
           gently
           in
           this
           behalfe
           ,
           I
           might
           truely
           charge
           upon
           your selfe
           (
           in
           part
           )
           the
           occasion
           of
           my
           silence
           hitherto
           ,
           your
           authority
           ,
           grace
           ,
           learning
           ,
           parts
           ,
           judgement
           &
           example
           ,
           have
           made
           the
           stone
           of
           separation
           among
           us
           so
           massie
           and
           heavy
           that
           we
           are
           constrained
           to
           be
           at
           double
           paines
           and
           labour
           in
           removing
           and
           rolling
           it
           from
           the
           consciences
           of
           men
           .
           A
           great
           part
           
           of
           our
           imployment
           is
           to
           stanch
           the
           issue
           of
           that
           fountaine
           of
           blood
           ,
           which
           you
           (
           I
           presume
           in
           simplicity
           of
           heart
           for
           your
           part
           )
           have
           opened
           in
           the
           wombe
           of
           our
           Churches
           here
           ;
           wee
           hoping
           againe
           your
           re-union
           with
           us
           and
           returne
           unto
           us
           ,
           through
           the
           power
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           
             who
             is
             is
             able
             to
             give
             you
             light
             to
             comprehend
             your
             darkenesse
             in
             those
             things
             lying
             yet
             under
             dispute
             betweene
             us
             ,
          
           are
           willing
           to
           save
           you
           what
           sorrow
           we
           can
           against
           the
           time
           of
           your
           returne
           ,
           and
           for
           this
           purpose
           endeavour
           our selves
           to
           make
           your
           mistakes
           as
           innocent
           as
           may
           be
           ,
           and
           to
           keepe
           as
           many
           as
           we
           can
           from
           falling
           thereby
           .
           Deare
           brother
           that
           there
           were
           a
           heart
           in
           us
           to
           lay
           our
           heads
           together
           to
           finde
           out
           (
           if
           possible
           )
           some
           course
           
             that
             the
             Sword
             may
             not
             alwayes
             thus
             devoured
          
           doubtlesse
           there
           are
           waters
           to
           be
           found
           that
           will
           much
           asswage
           the
           heate
           ,
           if
           not
           wholly
           quench
           the
           flames
           of
           these
           contentions
           and
           divisions
           .
           How
           greatly
           is
           it
           to
           be
           lamented
           that
           he
           by
           whom
           
             God
             hath
             reconciled
             the
             world
             to
             himselfe
             ,
             should
             be
             made
             a
             meanes
             of
             dividing
             this
             reconciled
             world
             between
             themselves
             !
          
           The
           heavens
           (
           I
           doubt
           not
           )
           will
           accord
           us
           ,
           yet
           were
           it
           our
           greater
           comfort
           and
           glory
           if
           they
           might
           be
           prevented
           herein
           by
           the
           earth
           .
           I
           verily
           beleeve
           it
           would
           strike
           a
           great
           stroake
           in
           compremising
           this
           contention
           ,
           if
           the
           
             great
             men
             and
             chiefe
             leaders
          
           on
           both
           sides
           could
           be
           perswaded
           but
           to
           take
           fast
           hold
           upon
           this
           free
           and
           noble
           resolution
           ,
           which
           yet
           I
           suppose
           we
           all
           intend
           to
           doe
           ,
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           
             rather
             to
             do
             sacrifice
             to
             the
             truth
             then
             to
             be
             in
             bondage
             to
             suppostions
             .
          
           I
           know
           not
           how
           to
           open
           my
           mouth
           wide
           enough
           to
           shew
           you
           the
           inlargement
           of
           my
           heart
           unto
           you
           ,
           if
           wee
           saw
           the
           truth
           clearely
           with
           you
           ,
           
             you
             should
             not
             raigne
             alone
             ,
          
           wee
           would
           doubtlesse
           at
           once
           divide
           such
           a
           kingdome
           with
           you
           .
           Many
           indeed
           of
           your
           partie
           are
           ready
           to
           say
           in
           effect
           ,
           that
           as
           it
           is
           heaven
           that
           separated
           you
           from
           us
           ,
           so
           it
           is
           the
           world
           that
           separates
           us
           from
           you
           :
           But
           if
           you
           have
           the
           truth
           with
           you
           (
           which
           indeed
           if
           you
           have
           at
           least
           in
           many
           of
           your
           beloved
           Maximes
           ,
           woe
           to
           my
           wits
           ,
           reason
           and
           understanding
           ;
           never
           poore
           man
           so
           strangely
           misused
           by
           such
           friends
           in
           this
           world
           )
           it
           would
           never
           bee
           a
           debtor
           to
           such
           interpretors
           or
           agents
           for
           it
           .
           As
           for
           the
           world
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           as
           little
           on
           that
           side
           the
           Sea
           as
           it
           is
           on
           this
           ,
           it
           will
           never
           be
           so
           much
           as
           a
           moate
           in
           your
           eye
           to
           hinder
           you
           from
           seeing
           any
           truth
           of
           God
           clearely
           .
           But
           as
           little
           as
           it
           is
           with
           us
           ,
           we
           thinke
           it
           
             too
             great
             and
             too
             good
             to
             be
             sacrificed
             upon
             the
             service
             of
             an
             errour
             at
             any
             time
             .
          
           Otherwise
           I
           doubt
           not
           but
           the
           Saints
           of
           God
           in
           England
           tread
           as
           light
           upon
           the
           earth
           ,
           as
           you
           doe
           in
           Holland
           ,
           and
           are
           as
           ready
           to
           buy
           the
           truth
           and
           give
           as
           good
           rates
           for
           it
           as
           the
           best
           Merchants
           among
           you
           ,
           but
           howsoever
           I
           knew
           
           that
           this
           left-handed
           spirit
           rules
           much
           in
           men
           of
           your
           way
           ,
           
             who
             not
             ontent
             to
             make
             our
             standing
             naught
             ,
             labour
             much
             to
             make
             us
             worse
             then
             our
             standings
             ,
          
           yet
           I
           make
           no
           question
           but
           your
           anointing
           teacheth
           you
           better
           ,
           and
           more
           Christian
           thoughts
           concerning
           us
           .
           And
           if
           wee
           judged
           it
           any
           advantage
           to
           the
           truth
           and
           cause
           we
           maintaine
           against
           you
           ,
           wee
           durst
           view
           morall
           imputations
           with
           you
           ,
           and
           are
           confident
           that
           wee
           could
           assigne
           and
           suggest
           against
           you
           both
           as
           many
           and
           as
           likely
           indirect
           and
           fleshly
           grounds
           for
           your
           departure
           from
           us
           as
           you
           can
           against
           us
           for
           keeping
           our
           first
           standing
           and
           profession
           .
           But
           the
           truth
           will
           never
           be
           made
           great
           by
           such
           demonstrations
           or
           arguments
           as
           these
           on
           either
           side
           ,
           
             sometimes
             the
             truth
             is
             there
             where
             a
             man
             for
             many
             reasons
             would
             thinke
             there
             were
             least
             hope
             to
             find
             it
             ,
             and
             againe
             many
             times
             faire
             overtures
             ,
             and
             many
             pleasing
             inducements
             will
             but
             deceive
             and
             disappoint
             men
             in
             this
             kind
             .
          
           And
           as
           for
           that
           kind
           of
           truth
           which
           wee
           inquire
           after
           and
           toyle
           in
           the
           fire
           of
           contention
           to
           find
           out
           ,
           
             viz.
          
           spirituall
           and
           divine
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           substantiall
           and
           satisfying
           meanes
           for
           the
           discovery
           of
           it
           ,
           but
           by
           a
           holy
           ,
           humble
           and
           unpartiall
           consultation
           with
           the
           oracles
           of
           God
           ,
           yea
           if
           it
           be
           of
           that
           species
           or
           especiall
           kind
           of
           truth
           which
           is
           not
           spread
           (
           like
           the
           Mannah
           )
           upon
           the
           face
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           but
           lyeth
           low
           amongst
           the
           deepe
           things
           of
           God
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           2
           ,
           10.
           as
           it
           seemeth
           your
           truth
           in
           those
           questions
           depending
           betweene
           us
           in
           part
           doth
           ;
           now
           it
           is
           not
           sufficient
           simply
           to
           consult
           or
           aske
           (
           as
           it
           were
           )
           the
           Scriptures
           concerning
           them
           ,
           but
           they
           must
           be
           examined
           and
           re-examined
           againe
           and
           againe
           ,
           both
           solitary
           and
           in
           consort
           ,
           they
           must
           bee
           put
           home
           to
           it
           ,
           and
           urged
           ,
           and
           pressed
           close
           together
           before
           they
           will
           speake
           their
           mind
           plainely
           in
           this
           case
           or
           deliver
           out
           any
           of
           this
           treasure
           ,
           yea
           in
           many
           cases
           a
           man
           must
           be
           content
           to
           goe
           to
           one
           end
           of
           the
           Scripture
           to
           know
           what
           they
           meane
           in
           the
           other
           ,
           yea
           (
           that
           which
           is
           much
           considerable
           ,
           and
           I
           feare
           wants
           that
           which
           belongs
           to
           it
           )
           they
           may
           seeme
           to
           deliver
           many
           pleasing
           and
           plausible
           answers
           under
           the
           shadow
           whereof
           the
           judgements
           and
           consciences
           of
           men
           be
           much
           refreshed
           for
           a
           season
           ,
           so
           that
           they
           may
           be
           ready
           to
           shoute
           for
           joy
           ,
           and
           congratulate
           themselves
           with
           his
           acclamation
           that
           said
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           he
           had
           found
           ,
           he
           had
           found
           ,
           and
           yet
           none
           of
           these
           answers
           ,
           neither
           be
           the
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           the
           true
           direct
           and
           bottome
           meaning
           of
           them
           :
           As
           
             Sampson
          
           gave
           
             Dalilah
          
           answer
           upon
           answer
           to
           her
           question
           or
           demand
           ,
           which
           pleased
           her
           for
           a
           time
           carrying
           a
           semblance
           of
           realitie
           and
           truth
           in
           them
           ,
           but
           still
           her
           experience
           discovered
           the
           insufficiency
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           then
           she
           rejected
           them
           and
           would
           not
           give
           over
           till
           shee
           had
           the
           true
           answer
           indeed
           ,
           
             Judg.
          
           16.
           
           7.
           8.
           so
           doubtlesse
           the
           Scriptures
           may
           in
           many
           places
           (
           to
           our
           apprehensions
           )
           affirme
           many
           things
           ,
           and
           deliver
           out
           many
           notions
           of
           choyse
           approbation
           to
           us
           for
           a
           time
           ,
           the
           weakenesse
           and
           effects
           whereof
           notwithstanding
           farther
           time
           &
           experience
           and
           a
           clearer
           light
           may
           discover
           ,
           yea
           there
           may
           from
           the
           same
           Scripture
           rise
           up
           many
           meanings
           and
           interpretations
           before
           us
           one
           after
           another
           ,
           that
           may
           bee
           in
           our
           eyes
           as
           
             Eliah
             Jesses
             eldest
             sonne
             was
             in
             Samuels
          
           (
           when
           hee
           was
           sent
           to
           annoynt
           one
           of
           his
           sonnes
           for
           King
           )
           surely
           (
           so
           he
           looking
           on
           
             Eliab
             )
          
           the
           Lords
           annointed
           ,
           is
           before
           him
           ,
           but
           he
           was
           yet
           a
           great
           way
           off
           from
           the
           Lords
           annointed
           there
           was
           
             Elihah
             ,
             Abinabad
             ,
          
           and
           
             Shannuah
             ,
          
           and
           more
           then
           as
           many
           more
           presented
           before
           him
           ,
           before
           
             David
          
           came
           in
           sight
           ,
           who
           was
           the
           Lords
           annointed
           indeed
           ,
           he
           was
           behind
           and
           a
           great
           way
           off
           in
           the
           field
           ,
           and
           must
           be
           sent
           for
           before
           he
           comes
           :
           so
           the
           annointed
           sense
           and
           meaning
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           may
           yet
           bee
           farre
           off
           when
           we
           perswade
           our selves
           with
           the
           greatest
           confidence
           it
           is
           before
           us
           :
           And
           as
           he
           said
           of
           benefits
           ,
           
             Multa
             perdenda
             sunt
             ut
             semel
             ponas
             bene
             ,
             A
             man
             must
             bestow
             many
             amisse
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             bestow
             one
             well
             ;
          
           so
           many
           times
           a
           man
           must
           cast
           away
           many
           interpretations
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           (
           and
           those
           sometimes
           such
           as
           otherwise
           he
           would
           not
           wittingly
           part
           with
           )
           that
           he
           may
           interpret
           at
           last
           as
           he
           ought
           to
           doe
           .
           I
           make
           no
           question
           but
           you
           have
           had
           experience
           hereof
           in
           your selfe
           more
           then
           once
           ;
           for
           my
           part
           I
           confesse
           it
           hath
           beene
           a
           very
           frequent
           thing
           with
           me
           in
           the
           course
           of
           my
           studies
           and
           meditations
           ,
           to
           meet
           with
           both
           from
           the
           pens
           or
           mouthes
           of
           others
           ,
           and
           by
           mine
           owne
           conceptions
           also
           ,
           some
           interpretations
           which
           have
           much
           affected
           me
           upon
           the
           first
           greeting
           ,
           yea
           which
           for
           a
           time
           I
           have
           nourished
           in
           my
           bosome
           ,
           and
           have
           treasure
           of
           ,
           and
           yet
           afterward
           have
           apparently
           seene
           ,
           that
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           .
           my
           rejoycing
           was
           not
           good
           ,
           and
           by
           a
           strong
           hand
           of
           superior
           conviction
           have
           beene
           compelled
           to
           call
           that
           darkenesse
           ,
           and
           so
           to
           east
           it
           from
           me
           which
           sometimes
           I
           called
           light
           ,
           &
           kept
           close
           unto
           .
        
         
           Wherefore
           I
           beseech
           you
           by
           the
           tender
           mercies
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           glory
           of
           those
           many
           talents
           given
           unto
           you
           ,
           the
           strength
           wherof
           ,
           methinkes
           ,
           should
           so
           worke
           ,
           as
           to
           breake
           through
           a
           napkin
           and
           disdaine
           so
           weake
           and
           contemptible
           an
           inclosure
           ,
           once
           more
           to
           survey
           with
           a
           single
           ,
           unpartiall
           and
           disingaged
           eye
           ,
           your
           present
           thoughts
           and
           apprehensions
           concerning
           these
           things
           which
           have
           removed
           you
           from
           off
           
             an
             English
             Table
             ,
          
           and
           put
           you
           under
           
             a
             Holland
             Bushell
             .
          
           Confident
           I
           am
           that
           there
           is
           a
           light
           beyond
           your
           light
           in
           these
           matters
           ,
           and
           which
           you
           are
           very
           capable
           of
           ,
           if
           your
           eye
           by
           your
           long
           slumber
           
           be
           not
           over
           heavy
           to
           open
           .
           I
           professe
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           God
           ,
           &
           in
           as
           great
           singlenesse
           and
           simplicity
           of
           heart
           as
           ever
           man
           in
           this
           world
           spake
           word
           unto
           you
           ,
           that
           I
           doe
           as
           clearely
           apprehend
           error
           and
           mistake
           throughout
           the
           greatest
           part
           of
           your
           way
           ,
           as
           I
           doe
           in
           this
           conclusion
           ,
           that
           twice
           two
           makes
           foure
           .
           The
           necessity
           of
           your
           
             Covenant
             ,
             Prolix
             confession
             of
             faith
             putting
             men
             to
             deliver
             their
             judgements
             in
             points
             of
             doubtf●●●
             disputations
             upon
             and
             before
             their
             admission
             into
             your
             Churches
             ;
          
           the
           power
           of
           the
           Keyes
           and
           of
           ordination
           of
           Pastors
           to
           be
           the
           right
           and
           inheritance
           of
           the
           whole
           body
           of
           the
           Congregation
           and
           of
           every
           member
           indifferently
           ,
           and
           promiscuously
           ,
           the
           divine
           institution
           or
           peremptory
           necessity
           of
           your
           ruling
           Elders
           ,
           the
           necessity
           of
           widowes
           as
           Officers
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           the
           absolute
           necessity
           of
           one
           and
           the
           same
           government
           or
           discipline
           in
           all
           particulars
           whatsoever
           for
           all
           Churches
           ,
           in
           all
           times
           and
           places
           ,
           a
           full
           and
           peremptory
           determination
           of
           all
           things
           whatsoever
           appertaining
           to
           the
           worship
           of
           God
           ,
           with
           divers
           such
           like
           positions
           (
           which
           are
           the
           very
           life
           ,
           soule
           ,
           and
           substance
           of
           your
           way
           )
           I
           am
           at
           perfect
           peace
           in
           my
           thoughts
           that
           you
           will
           never
           be
           able
           to
           demonstrate
           or
           prove
           from
           the
           Scriptures
           to
           any
           sober
           minded
           or
           considering
           man
           ,
           I
           am
           loath
           to
           overcharge
           you
           with
           words
           or
           writings
           ;
           To
           desire
           you
           to
           returne
           and
           to
           repaire
           the
           breach
           you
           have
           made
           upon
           us
           ,
           I
           confesse
           were
           a
           hard
           mention
           ,
           and
           of
           slender
           hope
           to
           be
           obtained
           ,
           were
           it
           not
           made
           to
           a
           truely
           great
           and
           noble
           spirit
           :
           and
           
             (
             Caeteris
             paribus
             )
          
           the
           request
           were
           more
           reasonable
           from
           you
           to
           me
           ,
           and
           others
           with
           mee
           to
           goe
           over
           to
           you
           then
           ,
           that
           wee
           should
           desire
           you
           to
           returne
           back
           unto
           us
           ,
           because
           you
           have
           suffered
           already
           (
           at
           least
           in
           the
           thoughts
           of
           many
           )
           under
           the
           disparagement
           of
           some
           inconstancy
           ,
           and
           equall
           it
           is
           when
           there
           is
           not
           some
           over-ruling
           reason
           to
           the
           contrary
           ,
           that
           burdens
           should
           not
           be
           doubled
           ,
           but
           rather
           divided
           .
           But
           herein
           I
           beseech
           you
           consider
           your
           advantage
           is
           the
           greater
           ,
           you
           have
           by
           this
           meanes
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           
             a
             greater
             and
             better
             sacrifice
             ,
          
           to
           offer
           upon
           the
           service
           of
           the
           truth
           and
           Gospell
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           then
           wee
           ,
           if
           you
           can
           apprehend
           the
           truth
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           deny
           your selfe
           the
           second
           time
           in
           comming
           over
           to
           us
           .
           And
           yet
           give
           me
           leave
           to
           say
           this
           unto
           you
           ,
           though
           your
           restitution
           to
           us
           be
           one
           of
           the
           first
           borne
           of
           my
           joy
           in
           this
           worlds
           wishes
           ,
           &
           the
           dayther
           of
           would
           be
           unto
           me
           above
           the
           dayes
           of
           the
           yeare
           ,
           yet
           had
           I
           rather
           mourne
           over
           your
           absence
           still
           ,
           then
           bring
           you
           hither
           any
           other
           wayes
           then
           by
           an
           Angell
           of
           light
           ,
           I
           relish
           no
           satisfaction
           to
           any
           my
           requests
           from
           any
           ,
           but
           what
           I
           purchase
           more
           by
           reasoning
           ,
           then
           by
           requesting
           ;
           and
           for
           your
           part
           I
           know
           that
           innovations
           
           of
           this
           nature
           ,
           
             a
             friend
             and
             a
             feather
             are
          
           alike
           ,
           except
           reason
           make
           the
           difference
           ,
           I
           have
           made
           upon
           some
           words
           of
           encouragement
           from
           your
           mouth
           (
           related
           unto
           me
           by
           
             D.
             P.
             )
          
           and
           propound
           a
           Quere
           unto
           you
           concerning
           the
           head
           of
           your
           way
           ,
           your
           Church
           Covenant
           ,
           with
           some
           reasons
           hereof
           ;
           If
           you
           be
           willing
           to
           treat
           with
           your
           old
           friend
           in
           a
           way
           of
           this
           commerce
           ,
           I
           shall
           hereafter
           (
           God
           willing
           ,
           as
           health
           and
           liberty
           agree
           )
           desire
           like
           satisfaction
           of
           you
           in
           some
           other
           particulars
           of
           your
           way
           ,
           if
           the
           motion
           dislike
           you
           ,
           neither
           have
           I
           any
           further
           pleasure
           in
           it
           ,
           if
           you
           shall
           suspend
           your
           answer
           ,
           give
           mee
           leave
           so
           farre
           to
           please
           my selfe
           ,
           as
           to
           interpret
           your
           silence
           a
           ground
           of
           hope
           that
           your
           owne
           comming
           is
           not
           farre
           off
           ;
           or
           otherwise
           if
           your
           answer
           bee
           too
           strong
           for
           me
           ,
           and
           able
           to
           remove
           my
           mountaines
           out
           of
           my
           way
           ,
           they
           are
           not
           Seas
           that
           shall
           keepe
           friends
           asunder
           any
           longer
           ;
           I
           am
           yours
           (
           if
           you
           care
           to
           owne
           me
           )
           send
           mee
           over
           the
           silver
           and
           bright
           shining
           wings
           of
           truth
           ,
           and
           upon
           these
           I
           come
           flying
           over
           to
           you
           out
           of
           hand
           ,
           I
           would
           be
           as
           glad
           of
           a
           bargaine
           of
           truth
           at
           any
           rate
           whatsoever
           as
           another
           ,
           God
           having
           taught
           me
           how
           to
           drowne
           the
           world
           in
           the
           least
           drop
           of
           the
           water
           of
           life
           :
           onely
           this
           I
           desire
           may
           be
           the
           Law
           of
           dispute
           betweene
           us
           ,
           that
           since
           the
           strength
           of
           the
           confidence
           of
           your
           way
           is
           such
           as
           to
           breake
           out
           into
           a
           departure
           from
           us
           (
           and
           I
           
             conceive
             double
             light
             is
             required
             for
             separation
             in
             any
             kind
             ,
             whereas
             single
             light
             sufficeth
             for
             any
             man
             continuing
             in
             his
             standing
             )
          
           you
           will
           goe
           to
           
             worke
             as
             a
             Prince
             and
             not
             as
             a
             begger
             ,
          
           and
           command
           the
           truth
           which
           you
           hold
           and
           practise
           in
           opposition
           to
           us
           ,
           by
           a
           high
           hand
           of
           pregnant
           and
           expresse
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           not
           beg
           any
           thing
           by
           any
           loose
           or
           faint
           interpretation
           or
           supposition
           ;
           wee
           looke
           for
           ,
           letter
           for
           letter
           ,
           word
           for
           word
           ,
           and
           little
           for
           little
           ,
           to
           the
           proofe
           of
           all
           you
           maintaine
           against
           us
           ,
           and
           judge
           it
           somewhat
           hard
           to
           be
           forsaken
           in
           such
           a
           manner
           ,
           onely
           
             because
             our
             logique
             is
             more
             dull
             and
             lesse
             piercing
             then
             yours
             ;
          
           I
           have
           used
           the
           more
           libertie
           of
           speech
           unto
           you
           because
           I
           know
           you
           are
           able
           to
           beare
           it
           ,
           and
           pity
           it
           is
           but
           a
           good
           paire
           of
           shoulders
           should
           now
           and
           then
           bee
           ballanced
           .
           The
           mightie
           God
           and
           Father
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           teach
           us
           how
           to
           make
           something
           out
           of
           nothing
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           use
           of
           a
           miserable
           distracted
           and
           broken
           world
           ,
           how
           we
           may
           compasse
           and
           setch
           in
           the
           dayes
           of
           Eternitie
           ;
           Grace
           ,
           Peace
           ,
           and
           Truth
           be
           multiplyed
           unto
           you
           and
           yours
           ,
           from
           the
           great
           fountaine
           of
           these
           heavenly
           treasures
           .
        
         
           
             Yours
             in
             the
             Lord
             for
             the
             greatest
             services
             of
             Christian
             love
             and
             acquaintance
             .
             J.
             G.
             
          
        
      
       
         FINIS
         .