Another essay for investigation of the truth, in answer to two questions, concerning I.…

Reply. Before I proceed to argue upon these Propositions, some things should be premised, in way of Enquiry, that the terms may be rightly understood. Qu•re. Whether, by mutual and solemn Agreement, they mean a Vow? It seems by the Texts alleged by them, in the first Proof of the sixth Proposition, that they mean so; and therefore I shall take it for granted that that is their meaning. 2. When they say, This solemn Agreement or Covenant must be made with special reference to Churches in vicinity: Qu•re. 1. How many Churches in Vicinity or Neighbour-Churches, must thus Covenant together? 2. Whether they must have set times of Meeting for this purpose? and who are to meet? Whether Elders alone? or others also sent from the Churches with them? and how frequent these Meetings must be? and whether the set times must be kept constantly, though they have no present need of counsel from another? 3. Whereas they speak of Liberty reserved, without offence, to make use of others, as the nature of the case, &c. may lead thereunto. Qu•re. How they may avoid giving offence to Neighbour-Churches, if they use the help of Churches more remote? Whether they must have their consent thereunto before they use them? 4. Concerning the end and issue of this Consociation of Churches; Whether ⟨p. 57⟩they are bound thereby to acquiesce in the judgement and determinations of those Neighbour-Churches, and to practice accordingly, whether they see convincing light in the Scriptures, or Arguments propounded to them, or not, under a Penalty of being judged by the rest to be Obstinate in Error and Scandal, and accordingly in time to have all holy communion with them withdrawn from them? It seemeth, by what was before said in the sixth Act of Communion for Answer to the first Question, pag. 31. that this will be the end and issue of this Consociation unto any Church that shall dissent from the rest. This Consociation they endeavour to prove to be a duty incumbent upon the Churches in New-England. I shall briefly weigh their Reasons.

Reply. Before I proceed to argue upon these Propositions, some things should be premised, in way of Enquiry, that the terms may be rightly understood. Qu•re. Whether, by mutual and solemn Agreement, they mean a Vow? It seems by the Texts alledged by them, in the first Proof of the sixth Proposition, that they mean so; and therefore I shall take it for granted that that is their meaning. 2. When they say, This solemn Agreement or Covenant must be made with special reference to Churches in vicinity: Qure. 1. How many Churches in Vicinity or Neighbour-Churches, must thus Covenant together? 2. Whether they must have set times of Meeting for this purpose? and who are to meet? Whether Elders alone? or others also sent from the Churches with them? and how frequent these Meetings must be? and whether the set times must be kept constantly, though they have no present need of counsel from another? 3. Whereas they speak of Liberty reserved, without offence, to make use of others, as the nature of the case, &c. may lead thereunto. Qure. How they may avoid giving offence to Neighbour-Churches, if they use the help of Churches more remote? Whether they must have their consent thereunto before they use them? 4. Concerning the end and issue of this Consociation of Churches; Whether