A
brief
Narrative
of
some
Considerable
Passages
,
concerning
the
first
gathering
,
and
further
progress
,
of
a
Church
of
Christ
,
in
Gospel
Order
,
in
Boston
in
New-England
,
for
clearing
their
Innocency
from
the
Scandalous
things
laid
to
their
charge
.
IT
pleased
God
to
move
the
Hearts
of
some
of
his
dear
and
Precious
Servants
in
this
Wilderness
,
whom
he
had
by
his
good
Word
and
Spirit
taught
,
and
instructed
in
the
Way
and
Order
of
the
Gospel
,
to
agree
together
to
enter
into
Fellowship
as
a
particular
Body
,
or
Church
,
ingaging
one
to
another
in
a
Solemn
Covenant
,
in
the
name
of
the
Lord
Jesus
Christ
,
to
walk
in
fellowship
,
and
communion
together
,
in
the
practice
of
all
the
Holy
Appointments
of
Christ
,
which
he
had
,
or
should
further
make
known
unto
them
.
And
thus
they
became
a
visible
Church
of
Christ
,
walking
in
the
Practice
,
and
performance
of
the
holy
Ordinances
of
Christ
,
according
to
Divine
Institution
.
The
Persons
who
began
(
this
so
good
a
work
for
God
,
)
were
,
Thomas
Gold
,
Thomas
Osburne
,
Edward
Drinker
,
John
George
,
Richard
Goodal
,
William
Turner
,
Robert
Lambert
:
the
three
last
named
,
were
persons
whom
God
(
by
his
Providence
some
time
before
)
brought
out
of
Old
England
,
who
had
walked
with
the
Baptized
Churches
there
;
as
namely
Richard
,
Goodall
,
was
of
a
Church
in
London
,
of
which
Mr.
Kiffen
is
an
Officer
;
and
William
Turner
,
and
Robert
Lambert
,
were
of
a
Church
in
Dartmouth
,
of
which
one
Mr.
Stead
was
Officer
.
No
sooner
were
these
Servants
of
Christ
entred
upon
this
work
of
the
Lord
,
but
they
met
with
great
troubles
and
afflictions
,
as
hath
always
befallen
those
whom
the
Lord
hath
been
pleased
to
single
out
from
others
to
bear
witness
to
his
Truth
;
Much
Scandal
and
reproach
hath
been
cast
on
them
,
their
troubles
,
and
temptations
followed
,
one
upon
the
neck
of
another
,
like
the
waves
of
the
Sea
:
but
these
precious
Servants
of
the
Lord
having
in
some
good
measure
counted
the
Cost
before
hand
,
were
not
moved
for
any
of
these
things
,
but
were
chearfully
carryed
on
by
the
good
hand
of
the
Lord
upon
them
,
through
all
the
Afflictions
,
and
Reproaches
they
met
with
;
And
are
the
most
of
them
now
at
rest
with
the
Lord
,
having
served
the
Will
of
God
in
their
Generation
.
And
now
we
who
survive
,
considering
the
many
and
grievous
Scandals
that
have
bin
by
rugged
Spirits
cast
upon
these
first
Beginners
in
the
Church
of
Christ
,
that
are
renewed
,
and
augmented
from
time
to
time
upon
us
,
both
by
speaking
,
and
writing
;
And
that
on
purpose
to
render
us
odious
,
and
make
the
World
to
think
that
we
are
a
People
not
fit
to
live
;
as
indeed
we
were
not
,
if
we
were
as
vile
as
we
are
rendered
to
be
.
But
the
Lord
,
to
whom
we
do
both
desire
,
and
endeavour
to
approve
our selves
in
sincerity
,
will
one
day
clear
our
Innocency
,
as
the
light
at
noon-day
.
Considering
what
is
premised
,
we
think
our selves
concerned
and
obliged
,
for
the
sake
of
Christ
,
and
his
truth
that
we
do
profess
,
and
bear
Witness
to
,
To
give
some
brief
account
of
things
,
for
the
clearing
our selves
of
those
heinous
things
laid
to
our
charge
.
As
to
the
manifold
Sufferings
we
have
undergone
in
our
Persons
,
Estates
and
Liberties
,
we
shall
not
give
a
Particular
account
at
this
time
;
only
this
in
general
,
That
soon
after
our
first
beginning
,
some
of
us
were
oft-times
brought
before
Councils
,
and
Courts
,
threatned
,
fined
,
our
Estates
taken
away
,
Imprisoned
,
and
Banished
;
but
notwithstanding
it
hath
pleased
the
Lord
still
to
uphold
us
,
in
the
midst
of
all
these
sore
troubles
,
that
instead
of
being
weakened
and
diminished
,
we
have
bin
further
strengthened
,
and
increased
.
Thus
wonderful
doth
the
Lord
appear
from
time
to
time
to
assist
poor
weak
Instruments
in
doing
and
suffering
what
he
call's
them
to
for
his
Name
sake
.
Now
as
touching
what
we
have
suffered
,
and
still
do
suffer
in
our
names
,
by
reason
of
those
Scandalous
things
laid
to
our
Charge
,
which
are
as
followeth
;
Schismatical
,
Scandalous
Persons
,
Disorderly
Disturbers
of
the
Peace
;
Underminers
of
the
Churches
,
Neglecters
of
the
Publick
Worship
of
God
on
the
Lord's-days
,
Idolaters
,
Enemies
to
Civil
Government
,
&c.
To
these
we
shall
give
some
brief
Reply
.
Charge
1.
That
we
are
a
Schismatical
Company
,
who
have
rent
our selves
from
the
Churches
of
Christ
,
and
do
receive
into
our
Society
such
who
have
through
Discontent
,
disorderly
left
the
Churches
with
whom
they
have
walked
.
Ans.
To
which
we
answer
,
That
this
is
a
mistake
in
those
that
so
charge
us
.
For
,
First
;
As
to
the
first
Beginners
,
who
are
before
named
,
Three
of
them
,
viz.
Richard
Goodal
,
William
Turner
,
and
Robert
Lambert
,
were
Persons
who
had
walked
in
the
same
way
and
order
,
in
the
Churches
in
Old
England
,
who
were
by
the
Providence
of
God
,
brought
into
this
Land
,
and
had
Letters
of
Recommendation
from
the
Churches
to
whom
they
did
belong
.
2.
Two
of
the
other
four
;
Viz
.
Edward
Drinker
,
and
John
George
,
were
Persons
that
were
never
joyned
to
any
Church
before
,
who
were
Persons
of
good
repute
,
for
their
sober
and
honest
Conversations
.
3.
The
other
two
;
Viz
.
Thomas
Gold
,
and
Thomas
Osburne
,
had
walked
some
years
together
in
Fellowship
with
a
Church
,
in
the
Congregational
way
,
as
it
is
called
,
and
were
reputed
by
all
that
know
them
,
to
be
very
Godly
Men
,
Men
of
Holy
and
blameless
Conversations
,
until
such
time
as
they
came
to
question
the
Baptizing
of
Infants
,
not
seeing
any
light
for
it
from
the
Word
of
God
,
and
that
Baptism
should
be
administred
to
visible
professing
Believers
;
Whereupon
,
Tho
.
Gold
did
withhold
his
Children
from
Baptism
,
(
as
it
is
called
)
&
also
did
manifest
his
dissent
from
the
Church
in
this
practice
,
at
such
times
when
they
did
Sprinkle
their
Children
,
by
sitting
down
:
both
which
was
greatly
offensive
to
the
Church
.
For
which
cause
the
Church
dealt
with
him
,
and
he
remaining
unconvinced
,
they
proceed
to
lay
him
under
Admonition
,
and
wholly
denied
him
Communion
with
them
;
Whereas
he
could
then
have
freely
held
Communion
with
them
,
if
they
would
have
born
with
his
dissenting
in
that
one
particular
of
Infant
Baptism
.
And
under
this
Admonition
he
continued
7
or
8
Years
,
living
without
the
injoyment
of
the
Ordinances
of
Christ
;
about
which
time
our
Church
was
gathered
.
And
likewise
Thomas
Osburn
,
for
his
not
seeing
light
for
the
Baptizing
of
Infants
,
dissenting
from
it
;
and
as
also
his
withdrawing
communion
from
the
Church
,
being
dissatisfied
with
that
rugged
frame
of
Spirit
in
them
towards
those
that
differed
from
them
,
as
also
because
he
could
not
in
joy
all
the
Ordinances
of
Christ
with
them
;
for
which
cause
the
Church
dealt
with
him
,
and
laid
him
under
Admonition
.
So
that
they
did
not
rend
from
the
Church
,
so
as
to
become
guilty
of
Schism
,
but
were
shut
out
by
them
,
from
Communion
with
them
,
and
that
for
no
other
cause
,
then
hath
been
already
expressed
.
4.
As
to
our
receiving
into
our
Society
such
who
have
disorderly
rent
themselves
from
the
Church
,
we
answer
;
That
there
have
bin
since
the
beginning
of
this
Church
,
about
4
or
5
Persons
that
have
left
the
Churches
they
had
walked
with
,
and
have
joyned
themselves
unto
us
,
the
most
of
them
being
Persons
of
good
repute
for
Godliness
,
both
before
,
and
since
,
that
could
never
be
justly
charged
with
any
thing
of
a
Scandalous
Nature
.
The
grounds
of
their
leaving
or
withdrawing
themselves
from
the
Churches
of
whom
they
were
,
are
chiefly
these
two
:
1.
Their
not
seeing
light
for
the
Baptizing
of
Infants
,
as
also
being
convinced
,
that
themselves
were
Unbaptized
;
And
that
it
was
their
duty
to
seek
to
enjoy
it
,
the
which
they
could
not
obtaine
in
those
Churches
;
neither
would
these
Churches
admit
them
to
hold
Communion
with
them
,
if
they
did
obtain
it
else
were
,
and
were
contented
to
remain
with
them
;
for
this
hath
bin
tried
.
2.
Their
dissatisfaction
in
respect
of
that
bitterness
of
Spirit
in
them
,
to
those
that
in
these
respects
did
differ
from
them
,
and
therefore
could
not
with
freedom
of
Spirit
continue
with
them
.
And
further
,
for
the
most
part
of
them
,
they
did
not
come
off
,
before
they
had
used
means
to
obtain
free
leave
,
and
liberty
from
the
Churches
to
which
they
did
belong
;
but
all
means
used
not
being
successful
to
obtain
it
,
then
they
took
it
.
So
that
it
appears
that
it
was
not
for
any
sinful
Distemper
of
Discontent
,
or
because
they
were
weary
of
the
Yoke
of
Christ
,
or
that
they
would
be
more
at
liberty
from
under
the
Discipline
and
Government
of
Christ
,
but
out
of
tenderness
of
Conscience
,
because
of
some
things
practised
,
which
they
could
not
see
light
for
;
As
also
because
they
could
not
injoy
all
the
Ordinances
of
Christ
with
them
;
and
that
they
might
injoy
all
the
Ordinances
of
Christ
with
more
purity
,
and
worship
him
more
according
to
Gospel-institution
.
Now
whether
this
be
to
be
accounted
Schism
,
we
leave
to
the
judgment
of
sober
Christians
.
Charge
2.
That
we
are
Scandalous
persons
,
and
that
in
these
three
respects
;
(
1
)
That
the
foundation
was
laid
with
excommunicate
Persons
.
(
2
)
In
that
we
called
such
to
Administer
the
holy
things
of
God
among
us
,
who
were
justly
for
Scandal
cast
out
of
the
other
Churches
.
And
(
3
)
for
receiving
such
into
our
Society
.
Ans.
This
is
a
gross
mistake
;
for
first
,
As
to
those
who
were
the
first
beginners
of
this
Church
,
who
were
Seven
in
Number
,
all
of
them
Men
of
good
repute
for
Godliness
among
their
Neighbours
,
but
two
of
them
were
excommunicate
Persons
,
viz.
Thomas
Gold
,
and
Thomas
Osburne
,
of
whom
there
hath
been
some
account
given
,
in
pag
.
2.
And
concerning
whom
we
shall
give
some
further
account
.
These
Persons
as
aforesaid
,
being
(
by
the
Church
to
whom
they
did
belong
)
laid
under
Admonition
,
and
wholly
shut
out
from
Communion
with
them
in
the
Ordinances
of
Christ
;
and
one
of
them
,
namely
,
Thomas
Gold
,
having
so
remained
for
7
or
8
Years
;
in
which
space
of
time
he
was
brought
before
seven
or
eight
Courts
,
and
in
some
of
them
to
be
tryed
in
order
to
Banishment
,
And
for
no
other
crime
,
then
withholding
his
Childe
from
being
sprinkled
;
who
,
after
so
long
waiting
,
could
have
no
help
in
the
case
,
but
was
like
so
to
continue
all
his
days
,
without
the
injoyment
of
the
Ordinances
of
Christ
.
And
further
,
being
convinc'd
that
it
was
his
duty
himself
to
be
Baptized
according
to
the
Institution
of
Christ
,
and
there
being
a
competent
number
of
them
thus
inclined
,
and
agreed
in
their
principles
;
(
viz.
the
Persons
named
in
pag
.
1.
)
They
took
it
into
their
Consideration
to
gather
themselves
into
a
Church-state
,
that
so
they
might
be
in
the
practice
and
enjoyment
of
all
the
precious
Ordinances
and
Appointments
of
Christ
,
according
to
the
will
of
their
Lord
and
Master
;
which
they
did
undertake
,
after
many
Consultations
about
it
,
and
many
Solemn
seekings
of
the
Lord
for
direction
in
so
great
an
Undertaking
.
Upon
which
proceeding
of
theirs
,
so
soon
as
known
,
the
Church
with
which
Thomas
Gold
and
Thomas
Osburn
had
formerly
walked
,
sent
for
them
,
to
deal
further
with
them
;
who
at
first
thought
not
to
have
gone
,
being
now
not
of
them
;
but
on
further
consideration
,
and
being
sent
for
(
the
second
time
)
they
determined
to
go
to
them
,
and
give
them
a
hearing
,
but
told
the
Messengers
that
were
sent
to
them
,
that
they
could
not
come
on
that
day
they
required
,
because
it
was
the
day
they
had
appointed
to
break
Bread
,
but
they
would
come
the
next
day
,
if
the
Lord
did
permit
them
:
but
Notwithstanding
,
they
not
coming
on
the
day
that
they
required
them
(
though
they
could
not
,
for
the
reason
before
mentioned
)
the
Officer
of
the
Church
proceeds
to
cast
them
unto
Satan
,
grounding
his
proceeding
on
that
in
Mat
.
18.
Not
hearing
the
Church
;
but
their
crime
was
no
other
then
what
hath
bin
already
declared
.
So
that
from
hence
,
two
things
are
to
be
observed
,
(
1
)
That
their
Excommunication
by
the
Church
,
with
whom
they
had
formerly
walked
,
was
some
considerable
time
after
they
had
been
gathered
into
Church-Society
,
which
was
a
long
time
after
they
had
been
denyed
Communion
with
them
,
especially
one
of
them
,
(
namely
)
Thomas
Gold
.
(
2
)
That
this
Excommunication
was
not
for
any
Scandalons
sin
,
committed
,
and
persisted
in
by
them
;
which
if
it
had
,
then
their
Excommunication
had
been
just
;
(
Unless
a
Diligent
endeavour
to
injoy
Christ
in
the
way
of
his
Ordinances
,
according
to
Divine
Institution
,
be
a
Scandalous
evil
:
)
But
because
they
did
not
hear
the
Church
.
And
this
not
hearing
the
Church
,
was
no
other
then
not
coming
,
when
the
Church
sent
for
them
,
i.e.
on
that
day
they
required
them
:
though
their
answer
was
,
not
that
they
would
not
come
,
but
that
they
could
not
come
on
that
day
,
but
did
promise
that
they
would
come
.
Now
whether
this
Excommunication
were
Just
,
We
leave
it
to-the
Judgment
of
all
sober
,
unbyassed
Christians
.
2.
The
second
thing
for
which
we
are
rendered
Scandalous
,
is
for
calling
to
office
,
such
who
had
bin
for
Scandal
justly
delivered
unto
Satan
.
To
which
we
answer
,
that
there
was
never
but
one
that
was
called
to
office
among
us
,
who
had
any
such
Censure
passed
on
him
,
viz.
Thomas
Gold
,
concerning
whom
you
have
had
a
true
account
given
.
In
whose
Excommunication
there
appeared
no
just
objection
against
his
being
called
to
Office
,
he
being
also
a
man
who
was
in
some
good
measure
fitted
,
and
qualified
with
the
gifts
and
graces
of
the
Spirit
of
God
,
for
such
a
work
;
and
indeed
proved
an
Eminent
Instrument
in
the
hand
of
the
Lord
,
for
the
carrying
on
this
work
of
God
in
its
low
and
weak
beginings
,
when
exposed
to
great
sufferings
.
The
third
thing
for
which
we
are
rendered
Scandalous
,
is
,
the
receiving
into
our
Society
those
,
who
for
moral
Evils
have
bin
justly
cast
out
of
the
Churches
.
Ans.
To
which
we
answer
,
That
since
the
first
gathering
of
this
Church
,
which
was
on
the
28th
of
the
3d
Mon.
1665.
there
have
bin
added
about
sixty
Persons
or
more
,
of
which
number
,
there
have
bin
but
two
,
that
were
cast
out
of
other
Churches
,
viz.
Thomas
Foster
,
and
John
Farnum
,
concerning
whom
we
shall
give
some
brief
account
.
(
1
)
As
for
Thomas
Foster
,
the
ground
and
cause
for
which
the
Church
to
whom
he
did
belong
,
did
first
deal
with
him
,
was
only
his
dissenting
from
them
in
Infants-Baptism
:
he
not
seeing
any
light
from
the
Word
of
God
for
it
,
did
shew
his
Dissent
,
in
departing
the
Meeting
when
that
was
perform'd
;
for
until
this
time
he
was
in
repute
among
them
for
a
very
Godly
man
,
and
is
so
to
this
day
among
the
generality
of
people
to
whom
he
is
known
;
and
we
doubt
not
but
that
he
is
so
still
in
the
Consciences
of
those
that
have
proceeded
against
him
,
who
indeed
is
an
aged
,
grave
,
sober
Christian
.
But
the
Church
dealing
with
him
for
the
crime
above
mentioned
,
and
not
being
able
to
convince
him
from
the
Word
of
God
,
but
that
he
still
held
his
Judgment
in
that
matter
,
they
proceeded
to
lay
him
under
Admonition
,
and
wholly
debarr'd
him
Communion
with
them
;
until
such
time
as
he
should
repent
,
and
reform
;
(
though
he
then
could
,
and
would
have
gladly
held
Communion
with
them
,
if
they
would
have
borne
with
him
in
that
one
particular
)
but
lying
under
this
Admonition
for
some
time
,
and
seeing
no
hope
of
reconciliation
,
unless
he
would
act
against
his
own
Conscience
;
And
also
being
further
convinced
,
that
it
was
his
duty
to
be
Baptized
,
(
according
to
both
the
precept
and
example
of
our
Lord
Jesus
Christ
,
)
he
applyed
himself
to
us
,
by
whom
he
was
baptized
,
and
received
into
fellowship
.
Which
being
some
time
after
taken
notice
of
,
the
Church
to
which
he
did
belong
,
did
proceed
,
from
their
Admonition
to
Excommunication
,
and
delivered
him
unto
Satan
,
rendering
the
matter
,
or
cause
,
for
for
which
they
dealt
with
him
,
from
first
to
last
,
to
be
the
breach
of
4
of
the
moral
Precepts
;
viz.
the
2.3.4
.
and
5.
But
had
not
any
thing
to
lay
to
his
charge
,
from
first
to
last
,
but
what
hath
been
before
delivered
,
excepting
any
thing
of
infirmity
that
might
appear
in
him
,
in
the
managing
of
this
difference
,
by
which
any
advantage
might
be
taken
.
1.
From
whence
we
observe
these
two
things
,
(
1
)
That
the
grounds
of
the
Churches
proceeding
against
him
from
first
to
last
,
was
not
for
any
Scandalous
or
moral
Evils
,
but
for
matter
of
Conscience
in
things
wherein
he
did
differ
from
them
.
2.
That
this
Excommunication
was
some
considerable
time
after
his
being
received
into
fellowship
with
us
,
and
was
not
under
the
sentence
of
Excommunication
when
we
received
him
.
Now
whether
the
receiving
of
this
person
into
fellowship
be
matter
of
Scandal
,
We
leave
to
the
Consideration
of
the
wise
and
Sober
Christian
.
In
the
next
place
come's
in
Consideration
the
case
of
John
Farnum
,
who
was
under
the
sentence
of
Excommunication
when
he
was
received
by
us
into
fellowship
,
and
he
is
all
that
ever
we
did
receive
,
that
stood
in
such
a
Capacity
.
Now
concerning
this
man
,
whilest
he
did
walk
in
fellowship
with
the
Church
by
whom
he
was
Excommunicated
,
he
was
in
repute
among
them
for
a
very
Godly
Man
,
and
was
deputed
by
them
to
be
a
Deacon
.
But
when
he
came
to
dissent
from
the
Church
in
the
Baptizing
of
Infants
,
then
they
became
disaffected
towards
him
;
and
he
being
also
dissatisfied
with
his
own
Baptism
that
he
had
in
his
Infancy
,
and
looking
on
himself
Unbaptized
,
and
being
also
dissatisfied
with
the
rugged
Spirit
,
that
did
so
much
appear
in
the
Church
towards
those
that
did
in
these
things
differ
from
them
,
he
did
then
withdraw
from
Communion
with
them
,
and
did
often
frequent
our
Meeting
,
which
was
one
thing
for
which
the
Church
did
proceed
in
dealing
with
him
;
unto
which
were
gathered
divers
other
things
,
and
laid
to
his
Charge
,
which
had
a
face
of
Scandal
on
them
,
as
they
were
taken
,
and
construed
:
But
his
un-christian
carriage
towards
them
,
in
the
time
of
their
dealing
with
him
,
was
considerable
,
and
therefore
in
the
receiving
of
this
man
into
fellowship
,
We
must
acknowledg
that
there
was
a
defect
,
but
yet
not
a
wilful
defect
,
however
it
may
be
rendred
by
our
Opponents
.
Was
there
ever
any
Church
so
perfect
in
all
their
Actions
(
especially
in
their
first
and
weak
beginnings
)
as
to
be
free
from
all
defect
,
and
not
to
have
done
any
thing
that
they
might
see
cause
afterwards
to
judge
it
had
been
better
left
undone
?
The
Church
was
then
under
manifold
Temptations
and
Distractions
,
by
reason
of
the
opposition
they
met
with
;
but
not
long
since
,
about
some
2
or
3
years
past
,
there
being
a
great
Clamour
revived
,
and
renewed
upon
us
,
for
receiving
of
persons
excommunicated
for
moral
Evils
,
and
that
in
the
issue
it
centered
chiefly
on
this
Man
,
we
were
much
dissatisfied
,
and
determined
to
make
diligent
search
to
know
the
truth
of
it
,
that
we
might
clear
our selves
.
The
which
accordingly
we
did
,
and
sent
Messengers
to
the
Officer
of
the
Church
by
whom
he
was
cast
out
,
and
procured
under
his
hand
from
the
Church
Records
,
a
copy
of
their
Proceedings
with
him
,
and
the
ground
thereof
;
which
having
obtained
,
and
diligently
perused
,
did
find
that
his
Carriage
,
and
Behaviour
towards
the
Church
in
the
time
of
their
dealing
with
him
,
were
justly
offensive
,
unchristian
like
,
and
much
unbecoming
the
Gospel
,
which
was
the
chief
matter
of
fact
we
could
find
in
all
their
Charges
.
Whereupon
we
then
laboured
to
convince
him
of
the
evil
of
them
,
and
kept
him
off
from
Communion
,
until
he
should
give
Satisfaction
,
wherein
he
had
miscarried
;
who
did
in
a
short
time
fall
under
his
offences
,
and
gave
us
good
satisfaction
,
and
tendered
the
same
unto
the
Church
,
by
whom
he
was
excommunicated
;
by
which
they
were
well
satisfied
,
excepting
one
,
who
would
not
be
satisfied
unless
he
would
come
and
joyn
with
them
again
,
but
that
he
could
not
yield
to
.
This
hath
bin
affirmed
by
some
of
their
Members
to
some
of
us
.
Now
from
what
we
have
said
in
this
matter
,
this
is
to
be
observed
,
That
though
there
was
an
oversight
in
the
receiving
this
Man
;
and
that
the
Church
was
not
so
careful
to
inquire
how
things
were
,
or
were
hard
to
give
credit
to
what
they
might
have
reported
of
his
Miscarriage
to
the
Church
,
as
things
were
then
circumstanced
;
it
being
designed
by
our
opposites
to
cast
all
the
reproach
on
us
that
they
could
any
manner
of
way
,
to
make
us
vile
in
the
Eyes
of
the
People
,
hoping
thereby
to
prevent
(
at
least
)
our
increasing
.
Yet
we
have
now
cleared
our selves
from
being
of
such
principles
,
as
to
receive
any
Scandalous
person
or
persons
,
justly
excommunicated
for
moral
Evils
,
by
what
we
have
done
,
and
the
pains
we
have
taken
in
this
matter
,
as
hath
bin
declared
;
and
therefore
how
unjust
a
thing
it
is
still
to
lay
such
things
to
our
Charge
,
to
scandalize
our
Name
,
as
hath
been
done
of
late
in
their
Printed
Book
,
viz.
The
Conclusions
of
the
late
Synod
,
and
also
in
a
Book
newly
printed
,
entituled
,
The
divine
Right
of
Infant
Baptism
;
we
leave
to
consideration
.
Charge
.
3.
Another
thing
laid
to
our
Charge
is
,
That
we
are
disorderly
persons
,
and
walk
disorderly
.
Ans.
This
is
also
a
mistake
:
for
our
practice
,
and
walking
,
is
according
to
,
and
agreeable
with
the
Orders
of
the
Lord
Jesus
Christ
,
therefore
orderly
:
for
we
walk
in
Church-fellowship
together
;
and
continue
in
the
Apostles
Doctrine
,
Fellowship
,
breaking
Bread
,
and
Prayer
,
Act.
2.
and
that
on
the
first
day
of
the
week
,
by
Persons
elected
,
and
ordained
to
Office
,
for
the
Administration
of
the
holy
Ordinances
of
Christ
.
Charge
4.
Another
thing
we
are
charged
with
is
,
That
we
are
disturbers
of
the
Publick
Peace
.
Ans.
We
have
never
yet
been
found
making
any
disturbance
,
by
raising
any
Tumults
,
or
causing
any
Sedition
,
either
in
Church
or
Commonwealth
;
nor
are
those
that
accuse
us
,
able
to
prove
the
things
whereof
they
do
accuse
us
.
Indeed
after
the
way
that
is
called
Heresie
,
so
worship
we
the
God
of
our
Fathers
,
believing
all
things
which
are
written
in
the
Law
,
and
the
Prophets
;
and
have
hope
towards
God
of
the
Resurrection
of
the
Dead
,
both
of
the
just
,
and
unjust
,
and
herein
do
exercise
our selves
always
,
to
have
a
Conscience
void
of
offence
towards
God
,
and
towards
Man
,
Act.
24.13
,
14
,
15
,
16.
We
peaceably
follow
our
lawful
Imployments
,
disturbing
no
Man
,
being
desirous
to
have
peace
with
all
Men
.
Charge
5.
We
are
charged
to
be
underminers
of
the
Churches
.
This
is
also
a
great
mistake
:
we
never
designed
,
neither
do
to
this
day
design
any
such
thing
,
but
heartily
desire
and
daily
pray
for
the
well-being
,
flourishing
,
and
Prosperity
of
all
the
Churches
of
Christ
,
that
the
Lord
would
more
and
more
appear
among
them
,
to
revive
the
life
and
power
of
Godliness
in
them
,
to
make
known
more
of
his
Mind
and
Will
unto
them
,
to
reform
what
ever
is
amiss
among
them
;
to
continue
his
gracious
Presence
in
the
mid'st
of
them
,
and
his
Fatherly
Protection
round
about
them
;
And
desire
that
our selves
may
have
a
peaceable
living
by
them
,
as
Christians
.
Whereas
it
is
said
,
that
our
Principles
and
Practices
are
destructive
to
their
Churches
.
We
answer
;
That
the
utmost
Tendency
our
Principles
,
and
practices
can
have
with
respect
to
their
Churches
,
is
but
to
reduce
them
to
a
nearer
conformity
to
the
will
of
Christ
,
but
not
to
destroy
them
;
and
there
is
a
great
difference
between
Reduction
and
Destruction
.
Charge
.
6.
Another
thing
we
are
charged
with
,
is
,
Neglecting
the
Publick
Worship
of
God
on
the
Lord's
day
.
Ans.
This
is
utterly
untrue
;
Though
this
hath
bin
the
crime
that
we
have
usually
from
time
to
time
bin
presented
to
Court
for
,
and
have
b●
Courts
been
punished
for
.
But
it
is
well
known
that
we
do
constantly
meet
on
the
first
Day
of
the
Week
,
to
worship
the
Lord
,
and
attend
on
him
in
all
his
holy
Ordinances
,
and
therefore
why
we
should
be
so
charged
,
and
dealt
withal
,
there
is
no
reason
.
If
it
be
said
that
we
do
absent
from
the
Publick
Assemblies
,
and
meet
by
our selves
in
private
houses
,
and
therefore
it
is
not
Publick
worship
.
We
answer
,
That
we
do
meet
together
by
our selves
,
and
ought
so
to
do
,
being
an
intire
Church
,
and
body
by
our selves
,
and
therefore
cannot
meet
in
their
Assemblies
.
And
there
was
a
necessity
of
congregating
together
by
our selves
;
Because
they
would
not
admit
of
us
to
Communion
with
them
in
all
the
Ordinances
of
God
,
but
shut
us
out
,
and
would
allow
us
no
more
priviledge
among
them
,
then
they
would
allow
to
a
Heathen
,
or
Publican
,
viz.
to
come
and
hear
in
their
Assemblies
.
For
some
who
have
desired
to
joyn
with
them
,
after
they
were
Baptized
,
have
bin
denyed
,
and
that
for
no
other
reason
then
this
,
that
they
had
submitted
to
Baptism
according
to
the
Command
of
Christ
,
and
could
see
no
light
for
Infant
Baptism
.
And
secondly
,
for
our
meeting
in
Private
Houses
:
It
is
true
we
have
done
so
,
for
we
must
meet
in
such
Houses
as
we
have
to
meet
in
.
But
our
Meeting
was
Publick
,
any
one
,
that
would
,
might
come
;
and
since
we
have
for
our
convenience
,
and
to
take
off
the
aspersions
cast
on
us
for
meeting
in
Private
Houses
,
obtained
a
Publick
House
,
or
a
House
on
purpose
for
that
use
,
we
are
become
more
offensive
to
some
then
we
were
before
,
so
that
we
cannot
give
content
to
some
one
way
nor
other
;
for
we
have
been
shut
out
of
our
Publick
House
,
and
the
Doors
nayled
up
,
and
have
bin
forced
to
meet
without
in
the
open
air
on
a
very
cold
day
.
Though
by
the
next
day
they
were
open
again
,
we
know
not
how
,
but
do
yet
question
whether
we
shall
injoy
the
liberty
of
our
House
for
Publick
Worship
or
no
;
so
that
from
what
hath
been
said
,
it
appears
,
that
we
are
much
wronged
in
this
Charge
.
Charge
.
7.
That
we
are
Idolaters
,
and
therefore
not
to
be
suffered
,
as
in
the
late
Synod
Book
is
concluded
.
And
the
Scriptures
they
bring
to
prove
it
,
are
these
;
Josh
.
22.19
.
Psa
.
99.8
.
Ezek
.
43.8
.
Hos
.
11.6
.
Ans.
The
Lord
God
of
Gods
knows
,
and
Israel
shall
know
that
we
are
innocent
in
this
matter
,
Josh
.
22.21
,
22
,
23.
and
that
what
we
have
done
,
is
not
in
rebellion
,
nor
transgression
,
to
turn
from
following
the
Lord
,
or
worshipping
him
according
to
his
own
Appointments
,
but
that
we
may
with
more
freedom
of
Spirit
worship
the
Lord
together
in
purity
.
We
do
believe
that
it
will
appear
one
day
that
what
we
profess
and
practise
,
are
not
our
own
Inventions
,
not
our
own
threshold
,
but
God's
threshold
:
nor
is
there
such
difference
between
us
,
and
those
that
do
thus
accuse
us
,
as
that
we
should
be
thus
rendred
;
we
hope
that
we
all
agree
in
the
same
foundation
,
Christ
Jesus
,
and
all
own
the
same
Word
for
our
Rule
:
though
we
are
imperfect
in
our
understandings
,
and
so
are
they
,
and
who
is
not
?
the
Lord
forgive
them
,
we
desire
to
forgive
them
,
and
pray
for
them
.
Charge
8.
We
are
charged
to
be
Enemies
to
Civil
Government
.
Ans.
We
know
no
reason
why
we
should
be
charged
with
this
,
not
in
the
least
degree
.
(
1
)
It
is
directly
against
our
Principles
,
and
contrary
to
what
we
asserted
in
a
Confession
of
Faith
,
that
we
formerly
gave
into
the
Court
,
as
also
to
that
Confession
of
Faith
lately
put
forth
by
our
Brethren
in
Old
England
,
which
Confession
we
own
in
every
particular
.
(
2
)
Our
continual
Prayers
to
God
for
them
,
according
to
1
Tim
.
1.1
,
2.
will
witness
against
this
charge
.
(
3
)
Our
constant
subjection
,
and
obedience
to
all
their
Laws
,
both
actively
(
as
far
as
we
can
with
a
good
Conscience
)
and
wherein
we
could
not
Actively
,
there
we
have
been
Passively
obedient
;
in
suffering
what
hath
bin
inflicted
on
us
,
without
seeking
any
revenge
in
the
least
.
Fourthly
.
In
paying
all
due
demands
whatsoever
;
not
being
desirous
to
withhold
from
Caesar
at
any
time
,
any
of
his
dues
.
In
a
word
both
our
Persons
and
Estates
are
alwaies
ready
at
command
to
be
serviceable
in
the
defence
of
the
Authority
,
and
Country
,
yea
and
have
bin
voluntarily
offered
on
the
high
places
of
the
Field
in
the
time
of
the
Countrey's
greatest
Extremity
;
we
have
not
thought
our
lives
too
dear
,
to
put
in
our
hands
in
the
defence
of
the
Countrey
.
For
divers
of
us
did
with
some
others
,
freely
offer
our selves
for
the
service
of
the
Countrey
against
the
Indians
,
even
in
the
time
of
their
greatest
distress
;
Among
whom
was
William
Turner
,
whom
they
pleased
to
make
Captain
of
that
Company
,
who
had
bin
one
of
the
greatest
Sufferers
among
us
,
for
the
profession
of
Religion
.
He
was
a
very
worthy
man
for
Souldiery
;
And
Edward
Drinker
,
who
had
bin
another
sufferer
,
whom
they
pleased
to
make
Lieutenant
;
And
by
the
presence
of
the
Lord
with
them
,
they
were
made
instruments
of
the
preservation
of
one
Town
from
the
rage
of
the
Heathen
,
who
did
violently
beset
it
,
and
break
into
it
,
but
they
being
there
,
beat
them
out
,
and
after
this
by
Captain
Turner
(
who
was
Commander
in
chief
at
that
time
)
as
an
Instrument
in
the
hand
of
the
Lord
,
was
the
greatest
blow
given
to
the
Indians
of
any
they
had
received
;
for
after
this
they
were
broken
and
scattered
,
so
that
they
were
overcome
,
and
subdued
with
ease
.
In
this
Fight
did
good
Captain
Turner
lose
his
Life
.
Here
it
is
to
be
observed
that
those
that
had
suffered
so
much
from
the
Country
,
and
have
been
Scandaliz'd
as
Enemies
to
the
Country
,
and
their
Priviledges
,
freely
offering
themselves
in
the
service
of
the
Country
,
have
been
(
through
the
Lord's
presence
with
them
)
some
of
the
principal
Instruments
to
subdue
the
Barbarous
Heathen
,
and
to
deliver
the
Countrey
from
its
great
distress
;
which
may
stand
as
a
witness
of
our
Fidelity
to
the
Government
to
the
World's
End.
Thus
have
we
bin
vilified
,
and
greatly
reproached
,
and
are
still
to
this
day
.
It
being
without
any
just
reason
laid
on
us
,
that
we
are
one
chief
cause
of
all
the
Judgments
of
God
on
the
Countrey
.
We
do
not
excuse
our selves
,
as
not
to
have
share
,
or
part
in
many
of
the
Sins
that
have
provoked
the
Lord
against
Poor
New-England
;
Neither
have
we
been
freed
from
having
part
with
others
in
the
general
Calamities
that
God
hath
brought
on
this
poor
place
.
Yet
it
is
observable
how
graciously
the
Lord
hath
dealt
with
us
;
that
in
the
time
of
great
Mortality
by
the
Small-pox
,
when
so
many
hundreds
dyed
,
though
many
of
us
were
visited
with
that
Visitation
,
yet
not
one
of
our
Society
was
removed
by
it
:
but
it
was
not
for
any
thing
in
us
,
that
the
Lord
spared
us
,
but
for
his
Name
sake
,
that
the
Mouth
of
our
Adversaries
might
be
silent
.
But
thus
injuriously
to
be
dealt
with
,
is
no
new
thing
.
How
often
have
the
most
Innocent
and
Harmless
bin
rendred
the
most
Vile
,
and
Odious
?
God's
poor
Servants
must
not
think
much
at
these
things
;
It
is
the
way
their
Lord
and
Master
hath
gone
in
before
them
,
and
no
other
then
he
hath
foretold
them
,
that
they
must
meet
with
;
Luke
21
,
12.
Jo
.
16.33
.
And
here
we
cannot
but
take
some
notice
of
a
Book
lately
put
forth
by
Mr.
Mather
,
entitled
the
Divine
right
of
Infant
Baptism
;
(
sooner
said
then
proved
.
)
The
Book
it self
will
sufficiently
satisfy
any
sober
unbyassed
Christian
that
shall
peruse
it
,
what
was
the
main
,
or
at
least
one
main
design
of
the
Author
of
it
,
which
no
doubt
was
(
what
ever
is
pretended
)
to
render
us
as
odious
as
he
could
,
and
not
onely
us
here
,
but
all
those
of
God's
people
the
World
over
,
that
pass
under
that
nickname
of
Anabaptists
:
a
very
unhappy
design
,
and
especially
in
such
a
day
as
this
,
when
the
Common
Adversary
is
too
busy
.
No
doubt
,
Satan
and
his
Instruments
are
much
gratifyed
by
it
,
the
Common
Adversary
will
make
himself
Sport
with
it
,
and
the
more
that
such
a
thing
should
be
done
in
New-England
.
But
we
desire
to
lament
that
there
should
be
such
a
Spirit
breathing
in
Gods
people
one
against
another
.
We
blame
not
the
Author
for
disputing
for
what
he
believes
to
be
a
truth
in
the
point
of
Baptism
,
but
for
casting
so
much
dirt
,
and
filth
on
those
of
the
Lord's
People
,
who
are
not
of
his
mind
in
that
particular
;
neither
shall
we
,
nor
have
we
time
now
to
take
up
the
Arguments
,
to
make
any
reply
to
them
,
they
are
no
new
Arguments
,
but
such
as
have
been
oft-times
sufficiently
answered
.
As
to
the
strange
stories
that
be
in
it
,
we
know
not
whether
they
be
true
,
or
false
;
we
may
have
as
much
ground
to
question
them
,
as
to
believe
them
:
but
if
we
grant
they
may
be
true
,
and
that
to
the
utmost
extent
of
what
they
are
set
out
to
be
;
it
makes
us
,
nor
the
Truth
we
profess
,
never
the
worse
,
though
it
may
cause
us
,
and
the
Truth
to
be
evil
spoken
of
by
some
,
as
the
miscarriages
of
the
professors
of
Truth
,
do
cause
the
Truth
they
profess
,
and
the
innocent
professors
thereof
,
to
be
evil
spoken
of
:
but
those
that
profess
the
fear
of
God
should
know
better
then
so
to
practise
.
And
may
not
he
that
hath
a
mind
to
it
,
write
a
great
Volumn
of
most
Hideous
Crimes
,
Abominations
,
Murthers
,
Cruel
Massacres
,
Uncleanness
,
and
fearfull
Debaucheries
yea
Horrid
Seditions
,
and
Insurrections
,
that
have
from
time
to
time
been
perpetrated
,
by
a
very
great
,
yea
by
the
greatest
number
of
those
that
are
for
Infants
Baptism
?
and
would
it
be
well
taken
,
and
favour
of
a
good
Spirit
,
to
charge
all
these
evils
upon
all
those
that
are
for
Infant
Baptism
;
and
make
it
an
Argument
to
condemn
them
;
and
their
practice
,
as
the
Author
of
this
Book
hath
done
on
the
otherhand
?
But
we
shall
not
dabble
our selves
with
such
dirty
work
,
wickedly
to
injure
those
who
are
Holy
,
and
Innocent
,
though
we
may
judge
them
to
be
in
an
error
,
as
they
may
judge
also
of
us
;
it
is
better
to
pray
one
for
another
,
that
we
all
may
be
led
into
all
Truth
,
by
the
Spirit
of
Truth
.
We
shall
speak
particularly
(
only
)
to
what
he
saith
in
the
close
of
his
Book
,
in
page
26
;
where
first
he
is
pleased
to
say
we
are
combin'd
in
opposition
to
the
Churches
of
Christ
in
New-England
,
this
hath
bin
sufficiently
answer'd
in
the
foregoing
discourse
.
Secondly
.
He
chargeth
us
with
the
Sin
of
Jeroboam
,
in
making
of
the
lowest
of
the
people
Priests
.
We
easily
understand
what
he
meaneth
in
this
;
our
Evil
in
this
respect
,
is
our
calling
to
office
those
that
have
not
bin
bred
up
in
Colledges
,
and
taught
in
other
Tongues
,
but
have
bin
bred
up
to
other
Callings
,
but
it
is
not
because
we
are
against
Learning
;
for
we
do
esteem
it
,
and
honour
it
in
its
place
;
and
if
we
had
such
among
us
,
and
that
they
were
,
together
with
that
,
otherwise
duly
qualified
for
the
work
of
the
Ministry
,
we
should
readily
improve
them
.
But
we
do
not
think
that
the
Spirit
of
God
is
locked
up
within
the
narrow
limits
of
Colledge-Learning
,
that
there
are
none
fit
to
be
called
to
Office
in
a
Church
but
such
,
nor
that
all
such
are
fit
for
such
a
Work
,
be
they
never
so
great
Scholars
;
neither
doe
we
think
that
all
those
that
have
not
that
Learning
,
are
to
be
accounted
the
lowest
of
the
People
.
God
had
indeed
bounded
the
Priesthood
to
the
Tribe
of
Levi
;
He
had
set
apart
that
Tribe
for
that
Work
by
a
Divine
Institution
.
But
we
cannot
find
that
the
Lord
(
by
Divine
Institution
)
hath
tyed
the
Work
of
the
Ministry
unto
men
of
such
Learning
only
,
but
whom
he
will
,
he
fits
and
qualifies
for
that
work
.
Neither
are
we
left
without
plain
Rules
in
the
new
Testament
to
direct
us
in
this
matter
.
Thirdly
;
He
chargeth
us
with
a
pernicious
Principle
in
the
Confession
of
our
Faith
;
(
that
is
)
that
Believers
baptized
,
are
visible
Saints
,
and
fit
matter
for
a
visible
Church
.
But
who
dares
deny
this
to
be
a
sound
Truth
?
which
he
is
pleased
to
call
a
pernicious
Principle
.
As
for
the
Conclusion
he
draws
from
thence
,
viz.
That
there
are
no
visible
Believers
but
those
that
are
Baptized
,
is
his
own
,
and
not
ours
;
the
improvement
that
he
makes
of
it
,
and
not
what
we
make
of
it
.
Far
be
it
from
us
to
judge
all
that
are
not
Baptized
,
not
to
be
visible
Saints
:
for
we
judge
that
the
Lord
hath
many
precious
People
in
the
World
that
are
not
baptized
,
according
to
or
in
the
manner
that
we
Baptize
;
and
further
we
judge
they
should
be
visible
Saints
,
before
,
Baptized
,
or
else
they
have
no
right
to
Baptism
,
for
it
is
not
Baptism
that
can
make
Saints
.
And
as
for
our
esteeming
,
and
looking
on
Infant
Baptism
as
nothing
,
or
a
nullity
,
that
is
true
;
and
we
can
look
on
it
no
otherwise
,
till
we
see
light
to
own
it
to
be
that
which
he
thinks
of
it
,
viz.
of
Divine
Right
,
which
we
cannot
see
any
ground
from
the
Word
of
God
to
do
.
And
as
for
not
owning
their
Churches
to
be
the
Churches
of
Christ
,
we
never
yet
denyed
them
to
be
Churches
of
Christ
.
It
is
enough
for
every
one
to
prove
his
own
Work
.
But
we
have
own'd
them
as
Churches
of
Christ
,
and
do
look
at
them
as
such
:
for
where
there
is
true
matter
joyned
together
in
the
bond
of
a
Holy
Covenant
,
they
may
be
looked
at
as
a
true
Church
,
though
they
may
be
defective
in
some
things
;
and
for
not
owning
it
,
when
put
to
it
in
a
Publick
Assembly
,
there
might
be
good
reason
for
that
;
but
it
was
not
denyed
then
.
Christ
himself
did
not
answer
Questions
put
to
him
sometimes
,
when
he
knew
they
were
proposed
for
an
evil
end
.
Again
,
he
seems
to
take
some
notice
of
the
time
that
we
chose
to
make
our
disturbance
in
,
(
as
he
call's
it
)
and
the
Animator
thereof
.
We
know
not
well
what
he
means
by
it
,
and
therefore
do
not
well
know
what
to
say
to
it
.
But
as
to
the
reflection
of
making
disturbance
,
he
seems
as
though
he
would
make
the
World
to
believe
that
we
had
caused
some
Tumult
,
or
Sedition
,
or
made
some
Insurrection
.
But
the
thing
he
means
,
was
the
Act
of
our
first
gathering
into
a
Church-state
,
which
was
not
openly
done
,
whereby
there
should
be
any
disturbance
caused
;
neither
was
there
any
,
neither
have
we
from
first
to
last
ever
made
or
caused
any
disturbance
;
but
the
truth
is
,
we
have
suffered
very
much
disturbance
,
and
have
seldom
been
suffered
to
be
at
rest
,
or
quiet
,
though
none
more
desirous
to
be
at
peace
then
we
.
But
who
have
bin
the
principal
cause
of
our
trouble
and
disturbance
,
we
shall
not
here
name
;
It
is
well
enough
known
who
they
are
,
and
how
much
disturbance
we
have
met
with
,
how
often
our
Meetings
have
been
disturbed
by
Constables
,
and
Marshals
.
Further
,
as
to
the
other
two
things
:
viz
Calling
to
Office
one
that
was
under
Church-Censure
,
and
also
the
receiveing
of
such
who
for
Scandal
were
justly
excommunicated
,
they
have
been
already
fully
answered
;
and
therefore
we
shall
not
speak
further
to
it
here
.
Oh
what
matter
of
Lamentation
is
it
,
that
there
should
be
such
a
Spirit
breathing
among
those
that
profess
Godliness
,
and
such
bitterness
springing
up
,
and
that
in
New-England
!
Can
the
like
be
parallel'd
in
the
whole
Christian
World
,
That
a
People
that
fled
from
Oppression
,
into
this
Wilderness
for
Liberty
of
Conscience
,
should
become
such
great
Oppressors
of
others
for
their
Conscientiousness
to
the
Lord
in
the
matters
of
his
Worship
?
Yea
,
even
such
who
are
one
with
them
too
,
in
all
the
main
points
of
Religion
?
Surely
this
cannot
but
be
greatly
provoking
to
the
Eyes
of
the
Lord
,
and
doubtless
hath
had
,
among
other
Sins
,
a
great
hand
in
pulling
down
all
the
sore
Judgments
of
the
Lord
on
this
poor
place
.
O
New-England
!
cease
any
longer
to
smite
thy
Fellow-Servants
,
lest
he
that
hath
already
removed
four
of
thy
Candle-Sticks
,
whilst
thou
hast
been
labouring
(
though
yet
in
vain
)
to
remove
one
,
come
and
remove
all
the
rest
,
and
make
thy
Habitation
a
Desolation
for
ever
.
FINIS