The Half-Way Covenant of 1662: Some New Evidence.

In 1662, representatives of Massachusetts churches held a series of meetings to discuss baptism of infants and church membership. New documents on the debates during the 1662 synod have been uncovered at the American Antiquarian Society. Written by observers and participants, these shed additional light on New England Puritanism and on the discussions and controversies that occurred at the synod, especially the Half-Way Covenant. They indicate opposition to government use of force on issues where there was no consensus.