The questions between the conformist and nonconformist, truly stated, and briefly discussed Dr. Falkner,…

Suppose, say you, an adult person to be baptized, and immediately after Baptism to be admitted a member of an Independent Church, and the ceremony of this admission to be, holding up of the hand, in token of his owning the Church-Covenant, &c.

Now, Sir, let me suppose (as you do suppose) that the Pastors of the Independent Churches should baptize several persons, but never admit them into their Churches, by this ceremony of holding up the hand; let them baptize many thousands, and these thousands choose other Pastors who are rightly qualified, and ordained by Prayer, Fasting, and Imposition of hands of the Eldership: The Independents cannot charge these Churches with schism, and separation from their Churches, for they never admitted them by that ceremony and rite of Admission, of holding up the hand into their Churches.

Now, Sir, let me suppose (as you do suppose) that the Pastors of the Independent Churches should baptize several persons, but never admit them into their Churches, by this ceremony of holding up the hand; let them baptize many thousands, and these thousands chuse other Pastors who are rightly qualified, and ordained by Prayer, Fasting, and Imposition of hands of the Eldership: The Independents cannot charge these Churches with schism, and separation from their Churches, for they never admitted them by that ceremony and rite of Admission, of holding up the hand into their Churches.

Now, Sir, apply it; for about twenty years there was public Baptism administered, but not by your Liturgy, much less with the Cross. How many thousands do you think in the space of so many years may be baptized, none of these were ever admitted into your Church by those words, We receive this child, &c. and sign him with the sign of the cross. But of many such do our Congregations consist, who were never your members; why then do you call them separatists from you?