The first principles of New-England concerning the subject of baptism & communion of churchesThe first principles of New-England concerning the subject of baptisme & communion of churches

Moreover, that the practice of Congregationals, ha's been according to this Profession, may be seen in the Apologetical Narration published by Doctor Goodwin. Mr. Philip Nigh, Mr. Sydrach Simpson. Mr. Burroughs and Mr. Bridge. In as much as those famous Apologists (as Paul speaks concerning James, Cephas and John amongst the Apostles) seem to be Pillars, [and worthily are they so accounted) amongst Congregationals. Since also that Apologetical Narration (though printed) is in the hands of but few with us, we shall therefore here transcribe and insert some pages of it. And therein they thus declare [see pag. 15. to pag. 22.] And whereas [say they] the Common prejudice and exception laid into all mens thoughts against us, and our opinions is, that in such Congregational Government thus entire within it self, there is not allowed sufficient remedy for miscarriages, though never so gross, no relief for wrongful Sentences, or persons injured thereby, no room for Complaints, no powerful or effectual means to reduce a Church, or Churches that fall into Heresy, Schism, &c. but every one is left, and may take Liberty without control, to do what is good in their own eyes, we have [through the good Providence of God upon us] from the avowed declarations of our Judgements among our Churches mutually during our Exile, and that also confirmed by the most solemn Instance of our practice, wherewith to vindicate our selves and way in this particular, which upon no other occasion we should ever have made thus public. God so ordered it, that a Scandal and offence fell out, between those very Churches, whilst living in this Banishment, [whereof we our selves that write these things were then the Ministers] one of our Churches having unhappily deposed one of their Ministers, the others judged it not only too sudden an act, [having proceeded in a matter of so great moment without consulting their Sister Churches, as was publicly professed, we should have done in such Cases of concernment] but also in the proceedings thereof, as too severe, and not managed according to the Rules laid down ⟨p. 36⟩in the Word.

Moreover, that the practice of Congregationals, ha's been according to this Profession, may be seen in the Apologetical Narration published by Doctor Goodwin. Mr. Philip Nye, Mr. Sydrach Simpson. Mr. Burroughs and Mr. Bridg. In as much as those famous Apologists (as Paul speaks concerning Iames, Cephas and Iohn amongst the Apostles) seem to be Pillars, [and worthily are they so accounted) amongst Congregationals. Since also that Apologetical Narration (though printed) is in the hands of but few with us, we shall therefore here transcribe and insert some pages of it. And therein they thus declare [see pag. 15. to pag. 22.] And whereas [say they] the Common prejudice and exception laid into all mens thoughts against us, and our opinions is, that in such Congregational Government thus entire within it self, there is not allowed sufficient remedy for miscarriages, though never so gross, no relief for wrongful Sentences, or persons injured thereby, no room for Complaints, no powerful or effectual means to reduce a Church, or Churches that fall into Heresie, Schisme, &c. but every one is left, and may take Liberty without controul, to do what is good in their own eyes, we have [through the good Providence of God upon us] from the avowed declarations of our Judgements among our Churches mutually during our Exile, and that also confirmed by the most solemn Instance of our practice, wherewith to vindicate our selves and way in this particular, which upon no other occasion we should ever have made thus publick. God so ordered it, that a Scandal and offence fell out, between those very Churches, whilst living in this Banishment, [whereof we our selves that write these things were then the Ministers] one of our Churches having unhappily deposed one of their Ministers, the others judged it not only too suddain an act, [having proceeded in a matter of so great moment without consuiting their Sster Churches, as was publickly professed, we should have done in such Cases of concernment] but also in the proceedings thereof, as too severe, and not managed according to the Rules laid down