A letter to the author of the pamphlet called An answer [sic] to the…A letter to the author of the pamphlet called An answeer [sic] to the…

You suppose that what we plead for is directly contrary to congregational Principles, in that it renders the Government of our Churches not Congregational but Classical; but we think that it is no more Classical or contrary to the congregational Scheme, than the Consociation of Churches is, which the Synod speaks of as what the Word of GOD commands: You cite their Words, as supposing that they will justify what you have done; they say, Tho' in this there should be special Reference to those Churches that are planted in a convenient Vicinity, yet there should be Liberty without Offence, to make Use of others, as the Nature of the Case and the Advantage of Opportunity may lead thereto. But, Sir, we apprehend that you pervert those Words to a Purpose that is quite beside the Design of them: There is nothing in the Words that in the least imports that the neighbour Churches should ever be set aside, in order to the making Use of others; but that there should ever be a special Reference to them; tho' sometimes there should be Liberty as the Nature of the Case and Advantage of Opportunity should lead thereto, to join others with them: But it seems plain to us that the Synod had no Thought of setting aside neighbour Churches, as being unfit to be concerned, but that there should still be a special Reference to them, and the Management of such Affairs should especially be left in their Hands, tho' there might be Liberty without Offence, to join some others upon particular Occasions: This seems evident, because 1st. The Synod, by their Manner of expressing themselves, seem to direct to have a special Reference to neighbour Churches, in the same Affair, and at the same time that they make Use of other Churches; the latter therefore is plainly mentioned not as that which sets the former aside, but what may consist with it.

You suppose that what we plead for is directly contrary to congregational Principles, in that it renders the Government of our Churches not Congregational but Classical; but we think that it is no more Classical or contrary to the congregational Scheme, than the Consociation of Churches is, which the Synod speaks of as what the Word of GOD commands: You cite their Words, as supposing that they will justify what you have done; they say, Tho' in this there should be special Reference to those Churches that are planted in a convenient Vicinity, yet there should be Liberty without Offence, to make Use of others, as the Nature of the Case and the Advantage of Opportunity may lead thereto. But, Sir, we apprehend that you pervert those Words to a Purpose that is quite beside the Design of them: There is nothing in the Words that in the least imports that the neighbour Churches should ever be set aside, in order to the making Use of others; but that there should ever be a special Reference to them; tho' sometimes there should be Liberty as the Nature of the Case and Advantage of Opportunity should lead thereto, to joyn others with them: But it seems plain to us that the Synod had no Thought of setting aside neighbour Churches, as being unfit to be concern'd, but that there should still be a special Reference to them, and the Management of such Affairs should especially be left in their Hands, tho' there might be Liberty without Offence, to join some others upon particular Occasions: This seems evident, because 1st. The Synod, by their Manner of expressing themselves, seem to direct to have a special Reference to neighbour Churches, in the same Affair, and at the same time that they make Use of other Churches; the latter therefore is plainly mention'd not as that which sets the former aside, but what may consist with it.