Thirdly, Whereas he saith, that coming nearer to the Brownists in this question about Baptism, then to us, it is therefore the less marvel &c. I answer. 1. Himself, in diverse places of his book, freeth me from any such affection to the Brownists, ⟨p. 10⟩as might cause me to wright against him, in favour of them. Therefore herein he contradicteth himself. 2. Nearness to, or distance from the Brownists is but a false rule whereby to try trueth or error. If the Brownists be nearer to the trueth, in this matter, then this Answerer why should not I come nearer to them then to him? Is it not safe to come nearer to the Brownists in holding a truth, then to the Libertines, in a dangerous error? Will he say, the Brownists hold no trueth? or, that we may not lawfully hold the trueth with them, that it may appear we differ from them? or, that no man can wright in defence of any trueth which they hold, without siding against him? 3. It would be known whom he meaneth by [us] when he saith, nearer to the Brownists then to us? 1. If he mean the Elders of his Church; his own words will contradict himself. For of them he saith; these three have diverse times professed themselves to be of the same opinion with Mr. D. touching the Baptism of infants. 1If he mean the subscribers, which, with the Elders, are the best part of his Church; their complaint against him, for this difference, showeth how far they differ from him herein. 3. If he mean the Classis; the writing of the five Dutch Preachers, which, he saith, was by all the Ministers of the Classis, 2with one consent, afterwards approved and confirmed, will witness against him. For there they thus express themselves. We do greatly approve of his good Zeal and care of having some precedent private examination of the parents and sureties of these Children in the Christian religion. 3And a little after. We do so judge that this fore said examination be ordained, so far as may stand with the edification of the English Church. Thus far they agree wholly with me; how soever in the words following (being abused by causeless jealousies and suspicions suggested by the Answerer,) they concluded, according to his mind.
Thirdly, Whereas he sayth, that comming nearer to the Brownists in this question about Baptisme, then to us, it is therefore the lesse marvayle &c. I answer. 1. Himselfe, in diverse places of his booke, freeth me from any such affection to the Brownists, ⟨p. 10⟩as might cause me to wright against him, in favour of them. Therefore herein he contradicteth himselfe. 2. Nearenes to, or distance from the Brownists is but a false rule whereby to trye trueth or errour. If the Brownists be nearer to the trueth, in this matter, then this Answerer why should not I come nearer to them then to him? Is it not safe to come nearer to the Brownists in holding a truth, then to the Libertines, in a danberous errour? Will he say, the Brownists hold no trueth? or, that we may not lawfully hold the trueth with them, that it may appeare we differ from them? or, that no man can wright in defense of any trueth which they hold, without siding against him? 3. It would be knowne whom he meaneth by [us] when he sayth, nearer to the Brownists then to us? 1. If he meane the Elders of his Church; his owne words will contradict himselfe. For of them he sayth; these three have diverse times professed themselves to be of the same opinion with Mr. D. touching the Baptisme of infants. 1If he meane the subscribers, which, with the Elders, are the best part of his Church; their complaint against him, for this difference, sheweth how farr they differ from him herein. 3. If he meane the Classis; the wrighting of the five Dutch Preachers, which, he sayth, was by all the Ministers of the Classis, 2with one consent, afterwards approved and confirmed, will witnes against him. For there they thus expresse themselves. We doe greatly approve of his good Zeale and care of having some precedent private examination of the parents and suretyes of these Children in the Christian religion. 3And a litle after. We doe so judge that this fore said examination be ordayned, so farr as may stand with the aedification of the English Church. Thus farr they agree wholy with me; how soever in the words following (being abused by causeles jealousies and suspitions suggested by the Answerer,) they concluded, according to his mind.
- 1Sect. 23. Ans. 5.1. p. 63.
- 2Sect. 19.
- 3Sect. 12.
