" [Footnote: _Order of the
Gospel_, pp. 8, 9.] He assured his hearers that a "wandering Levite"
like Colman was no more a pastor than he who "has no children is a
father," [Footnote: _Idem_, p. 102.] he was shocked at the
abandonment of the relation of experiences, and was so scandalized at
reading the Bible without comment he could only describe it as "dumb." In
a word, there was nothing the new congregation had done which was not
displeasing to the Lord; but if they had offended in one particular more
than another it was in establishing a man in "the pastoral office without
the approbation of neighbouring churches or elders." [Footnote:
_Idem_, p. 8.] To this solemn admonition Colman and William Brattle
had the irreverence to prepare a reply smacking of levity; nevertheless,
they began with a grave and noble definition of their principles. "The
liberties and privileges which our Lord Jesus Christ has given to his
church ... consist ... in ... that our consciences be not imposed on by
men or their traditions." "We are reflected on as casting dishonour on our
parents, & their pious design in the first settlement of this land....
Some have made this the great design, to be freed from the impositions of
men in the worship of God.... In this we are risen up to make good their
grounds." [Footnote: _Gospel Order Revived_, Epistle Dedicatory.
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