Genealogical notes of Barnstable families - citizen hylbom blog

182 GENEALOGICAL NOTES OF BARNSTABLE FAMILIES.
from his essay and his practice is, that the baptized infant was
saved, the unbaptized was not.*
Whatever exceptions we may take to Mr. Lothrop's theological
opinions, all must admit that he was a good and true man, an
independent thinker, and a man who held opinions in advance of
his times. Even in Massachusetts a half century has not elapsed
since his opinions on religious toleration have been adopted by
the legislature, accepted by the people, and incorporated into the
organic law of the State. Respecting faith "the world will disagree."
It is spiritual in its essence, seen only by God, and He
alone is its judge, and in His hands we may safely commit its
keeping. Legislation never did, never can restrain errors of
opinion. Truth and free discussion are the only weapons that
will avail, in banishing error from the world.
Mr. Lothrop fearlessly proclaimed in Old and in New England,
the great truth that man is not responsible to his fellowman
in matters of faith and conscience, a truth that lies at the
foundation of religious and political liberty. Differences of opinion
he tolerated, he kindly reproved the wayward, and gently
led the lambs of his flocks. During the fourteen years that he
was pastor of the Barnstable church, such was his influence over
the people that the power of the civil magistrate was not needed
to restrain crime. No pastor was ever more beloved by his
people, none ever had a greater influence for good.
The line to which the power of the magistrate and of the
church extends, is clearly defined in his records of church discipline.
It is the acts of the individual which makes him responsible.
Business men never rely on professions, why should magistrates
or pastors? The greatest sinner will assume to be the
greatest of saints, in order to compass his ends. The only safe
rule for all is, "by their fruits ye shall know them."
To become a member of Mr. Lothrop's church no applicant
was compelled to sign a creed or confession of faith ; he retained
his freedom ; he professed his faith in God ; and promised that it
should be his constant endeavor to keep His commandments, to
live a pure life, and to walk in love with the brethren.
On minor points of doctrine much freedom of opinion was
permitted. The subject of baptism, as already stated, was from
the first a cause of uneasiness in the church. About the year
1644 Mr. Lothrop, or some of his friends, published a tract of
seven pages, written by him. I have not seen the original. It
was written in catechetical form. Hanbury, in his work, furnishes
the following synopsis. I should much prefer an exact copy.
*This I belieTe to be a true statement of the line of argument adopted by Mr. Lothrop.
Of its soundness I express no opinion. The facts in the case I feel confident are these. The
kindly spirit of Mr. Lothrop rejected the horrid doctrine of infant damnation, and to avoid
it he maintained that the infant was saved by the faith of the parent, and through the good
leasure of the Father.