or_o donation_n which_o do_v not_o confer_v the_o benefit_n this_o i_o aver_v on_o occasion_n of_o your_o last_o letter_n where_o in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o former_a you_o confess_v the_o promise_n to_o the_o natural_a posterity_n of_o abraham_n gen._n 17._o and_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o israel_n at_o mount_n sinai_n and_o deut._n 29._o and_o a_o precept_n of_o circumcision_n and_o precept_n of_o god_n by_o moses_n of_o call_v the_o people_n and_o require_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n exod._n 19_o deut._n 29._o yet_o you_o do_v not_o conceive_v that_o the_o infant_n of_o israel_n be_v make_v visible_a church-member_n by_o the_o promise_n in_o the_o covenant_n or_o the_o precept_n forenamed_a if_o so_o then_o either_o you_o imagine_v that_o among_o all_o those_o precept_n and_o promise_n there_o be_v yet_o no_o promise_n or_o covenant_n that_o give_v they_o the_o benefit_n of_o church-membership_a or_o precept_n concern_v their_o entrance_n into_o that_o state_n or_o else_o you_o imagine_v that_o such_o promise_n be_v make_v but_o do_v not_o actual_o confer_v the_o benefit_n and_o such_o precept_n be_v make_v but_o do_v not_o actual_o oblige_v your_o word_n be_v so_o ambiguous_a in_o this_o that_o they_o signify_v nothing_o of_o your_o mind_n to_o any_o that_o know_v it_o not_o some_o other_o way_n for_o when_o you_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o particular_a promise_n concern_v infant_n visible_a church-membership_a or_o precept_n etc._n etc._n beside_o circumcision_n as_o in_o my_o book_n of_o baptism_n i_o assert_v who_o know_v whether_o that_o exception_n of_o circumcision_n be_v a_o concession_n of_o such_o a_o precept_n or_o promise_n in_o the_o case_n of_o circumcision_n or_o if_o not_o what_o sense_n it_o have_v and_o what_o you_o imagine_v that_o precept_n or_o promise_n to_o be_v which_o i_o assert_v and_o before_o the_o sense_n of_o your_o one_o syllable_n such_o be_v discern_v by_o try_v it_o by_o a_o whole_a volume_n i_o doubt_v you_o will_v make_v what_o you_o list_v of_o it_o however_o if_o you_o shall_v mean_v that_o such_o precept_n there_o be_v as_o have_v for_o their_o subject_n the_o avouch_v god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n the_o enter_v into_o covenant_n circumcision_n of_o infant_n but_o not_o their_o church-membership_a then_o 1._o i_o have_v prove_v the_o contrary_a to_o the_o negative_a before_o 2._o and_o more_o shall_v do_v anon_o 3._o and_o it_o be_v a_o palpable_a contradiction_n to_o the_o precedent_n affirmative_a but_o if_o you_o mean_v that_o church-membership_a of_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v the_o subject_n or_o part_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o those_o promise_n or_o precept_n and_o yet_o that_o infant_n be_v not_o make_v or_o confirm_v thereby_o it_o be_v the_o contrary_a that_o i_o be_o assert_v and_o i_o have_v no_o further_o need_v to_o prove_v than_o by_o show_v the_o contradiction_n of_o your_o opinion_n to_o itself_o for_o a_o actual_a covenant_n or_o promise_n that_o do_v not_o give_v right_a to_o the_o benefit_n promise_v according_a to_o its_o tenor_n and_o term_n be_v like_o a_o cause_n that_o have_v no_o effect_n a_o father_n that_o do_v never_o generate_v and_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v a_o gift_n or_o covenant_n which_o be_v no_o gift_n or_o covenant_n see_v the_o name_n be_v deny_v when_o the_o thing_n name_v and_o define_v be_v grant_v so_o a_o precept_n or_o law_n to_o enter_v infant_n solemn_o into_o church-membership_a which_o yet_o oblige_v none_o so_o to_o enter_v they_o be_v as_o gross_a a_o contradiction_n as_o to_o say_v the_o sun_n have_v not_o heat_n or_o light_n and_o yet_o be_v true_o a_o sun_n mr._n t._n here_o confess_v 2._o that_o the_o jew_n be_v god_n visible_a church_n not_o bare_o by_o god_n promise_n to_o they_o to_o be_v their_o god_n but_o by_o their_o promise_n to_o god_n god_n call_v of_o they_o make_v they_o his_o church_n and_o their_o promise_n to_o god_n with_o other_o act_n make_v they_o visible_o so_o reply_v reader_n be_v not_o all_o here_o unsay_v again_o by_o this_o concession_n unless_o he_o will_v say_v that_o this_o call_v and_o covenant_n and_o promise_v make_v they_o all_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o these_o but_o their_o birth_n and_o place_n make_v they_o member_n as_o if_o any_o thing_n make_v the_o whole_a church_n which_o make_v none_o of_o the_o part_n as_o such_o sect_n xxviii_o r._n b._n i_o come_v next_o to_o the_o six_o question_n whether_o indeed_o there_o be_v any_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n which_o without_o the_o causation_n of_o any_o promise_n or_o precept_n do_v make_v the_o israelite_n infant_n church-member_n this_o you_o affirm_v if_o you_o will_v be_v understand_v whether_o this_o your_o ground_n of_o infant_n church-membership_a or_o i_o be_v right_a i_o hope_v will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o another_o man_n of_o common_a capacity_n to_o discern_v by_o a_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n thus_o set_v as_o contradistinct_a to_o a_o law_n precept_n or_o promise_n either_o you_o mean_v the_o act_n of_o legislation_n and_o promise_n make_v or_o some_o other_o mere_o physical_a act_n if_o the_o former_a it_o be_v too_o ridiculous_a to_o be_v use_v in_o a_o serious_a business_n for_o you_o shall_v not_o put_v thing_n in_o competition_n exclude_v the_o one_o where_o they_o both_o must_v necessary_o concur_v the_o one_o stand_v in_o a_o subordination_n to_o the_o other_o be_v there_o ever_o a_o law_n or_o covenant_n make_v in_o the_o world_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o a_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n sure_o all_o legislation_n be_v by_o some_o signification_n of_o the_o sovereign_n will_n and_o the_o make_n of_o that_o sign_n be_v a_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n if_o it_o be_v by_o voice_n be_v not_o that_o transeunt_fw-la if_o by_o writing_n be_v not_o the_o act_n transeunt_fw-la if_o by_o creation_n itself_o the_o act_n be_v transeunt_fw-la though_o the_o effect_n be_v permanent_a and_o certain_o if_o legislation_n or_o promise_a be_v your_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n you_o do_v very_o absurd_o put_v it_o in_o opposition_n to_o a_o law_n or_o promise_n it_o be_v the_o make_n of_o such_o a_o law_n and_o the_o legislation_n do_v no_o way_n oblige_v the_o subject_n but_o by_o the_o law_n so_o make_v nor_o do_v the_o make_n of_o a_o promise_n grant_v or_o covenant_n confer_v right_a to_o the_o benefit_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o it_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o it_o be_v the_o make_n of_o that_o grant_n which_o shall_v so_o confer_v it_o as_o the_o make_n of_o a_o knife_n do_v not_o cut_v but_o the_o knife_n make_v and_o so_o of_o other_o instrument_n so_o that_o if_o the_o law_n oblige_v not_o or_o the_o grant_n confer_v not_o certain_o the_o legislation_n or_o promise-making_a can_v do_v it_o i_o can_v therefore_o imagine_v that_o this_o be_v your_o sense_n without_o charge_v you_o with_o too_o great_a absurdity_n as_o if_o you_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o the_o testator_n i._n e._n his_o testament_n that_o entitle_v the_o legatary_a to_o the_o legacy_n but_o it_o be_v the_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n of_o the_o testator_n in_o make_v that_o will_v or_o it_o be_v not_o the_o sovereign_n commission_n that_o authorize_v a_o judge_n soldier_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v the_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n of_o writing_n or_o make_v that_o commission_n it_o be_v not_o the_o sign_n that_o signify_v but_o the_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n of_o make_v that_o sign_n be_v not_o this_o a_o contemptible_a argue_v to_o charge_v you_o with_o this_o be_v to_o make_v you_o tantum_fw-la non_fw-la unreasonable_a and_o yet_o i_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v to_o you_o that_o be_v how_o to_o understand_v you_o for_o if_o you_o mean_v a_o mere_a physical_a transeunt_fw-la fact_n which_o be_v no_o such_o legislation_n or_o promise-making_a than_o it_o be_v far_o more_o absurd_a than_o the_o former_a for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sign_n of_o god_n will_v oblige_v to_o duty_n or_o confer_v benefit_n then_o can_v it_o not_o so_o oblige_v to_o duty_n nor_o confer_v benefit_n it_o be_v no_o other_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n but_o legislation_n that_o can_v oblige_v a_o subject_n to_o duty_n nor_o any_o other_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n but_o promise_n or_o other_o donation_n that_o can_v convey_v right_a to_o a_o benefit_n or_o oblige_v the_o promiser_n a_o moral_a or_o civil_a effect_n must_v be_v produce_v by_o a_o moral_a or_o civil_a action_n and_o not_o by_o a_o mere_a physical_a action_n which_o be_v unfit_a to_o produce_v such_o a_o alien_a effect_n and_o can_v go_v no_o high_o than_o its_o own_o kind_a what_o sense_n therefore_o i_o shall_v put_v on_o your_o word_n without_o make_v they_o appear_v unreasonable_a even_o much_o below_o the_o rate_n of_o ordinary_a rational_a people_n discourse_n i_o can_v tell_v for_o to_o say_v
refuser_n of_o christ_n and_o salvation_n when_o man_n do_v consent_n they_o be_v under_o his_o further_a administer_a law_n the_o say_v efficient_a cause_n be_v god_n action_n 1._o as_o omnipotent_a owner_n 2._o as_o benefactor_n 3._o as_o sapiential_a rector_n 1._o according_a to_o the_o first_o he_o give_v we_o our_o be_v and_o preserve_v it_o and_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o are._n 2._o as_o our_o benefactor_n antecedent_n to_o his_o administration_n he_o give_v the_o world_n a_o redeemer_n absolute_o and_o reprieve_v the_o world_n and_o we_o and_o give_v we_o all_o common_a antecedent_n mercy_n 3._o as_o the_o rector_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la of_o man_n not_o yet_o consent_v he_o make_v the_o law_n of_o grace_n absolute_o and_o antecedent_o to_o any_o condition_n of_o make_v it_o on_o our_o part_n this_o law_n have_v the_o preceptive_a part_n command_v consent_n faith_n and_o repentance_n 2._o the_o donative_n or_o promissory_a part_n give_v we_o christ_n in_o relation_n and_o right_a to_o his_o present_a benefit_n if_o we_o consent_v which_o be_v the_o condition_n 3._o and_o the_o penalty_n aforesaid_a the_o administration_n of_o the_o kingdom_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la be_v the_o efficient_a of_o the_o consent_a kingdom_n the_o administration_n or_o actual_a government_n of_o the_o consent_v kingdom_n be_v by_o legislation_n judgement_n and_o execution_n and_o the_o legislation_n be_v 1._o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o particular_a member_n that_o shall_v from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v add_v 2._o and_o the_o govern_n of_o they_o all_o now_o if_o god_n have_v make_v a_o law_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v receive_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n if_o they_o consent_v or_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o former_o to_o the_o israelite_n if_o they_o be_v consenter_n or_o their_o seed_n who_o consent_n by_o they_o than_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o distributive_a justice_n of_o god_n as_o judge_n to_o give_v these_o benefit_n to_o consenter_n and_o to_o contradistinguish_v a_o act_n of_o bounty_n unless_o he_o say_v mere_a bounty_n be_v intolerable_a for_o god_n govern_v we_o paternal_o as_o a_o regent-benefactor_n he_o never_o give_v reward_n to_o a_o creature_n man_n or_o angel_n which_o be_v not_o a_o gift_n as_o to_o the_o value_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o a_o reward_n only_o as_o to_o the_o ordo_fw-la conferendi_fw-la &_o ratio_fw-la recipiendi_fw-la it_o be_v madness_n to_o think_v that_o we_o can_v merit_v from_o god_n commutative_o and_o it_o be_v little_a better_a to_o think_v that_o bounty_n and_o distributive_a justice_n may_v not_o consist_v yea_o that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o right_a quoad_fw-la ordinem_fw-la distribuendi_fw-la from_o that_o justice_n which_o be_v not_o quoad_fw-la rem_fw-la donatam_fw-la from_o bounty_n it_o be_v sad_a therefore_o that_o the_o world_n must_v see_v that_o look_v all_o how_o to_o make_v good_a a_o espouse_a cause_n shall_v tempt_v so_o ancient_a and_o learned_a a_o divine_a to_o subvert_v the_o gospel_n and_o all_o christianity_n for_o what_o do_v he_o less_o if_o he_o talk_v only_o of_o member_n by_o obligation_n every_o live_a man_n be_v a_o member_n this_o he_o mean_v not_o if_o he_o talk_v only_o of_o consent_v voluntary_a member_n to_o say_v that_o god_n command_v none_o to_o be_v such_o be_v to_o say_v that_o he_o command_v none_o to_o be_v christian_n to_o repent_v believe_v or_o consent_v to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v make_v no_o promise_n or_o donative_n act_n in_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n that_o if_o you_o consent_v repent_n and_o believe_v you_o shall_v have_v union_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n or_o be_v member_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o very_a sum_n of_o all_o the_o gospel_n and_o baptism_n itself_o to_o say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o as_o judge_n execute_v his_o own_o law_n and_o promise_n give_v this_o union_n to_o consenter_n and_o deny_v it_o to_o refuser_n be_v to_o say_v that_o he_o will_v not_o as_o a_o judge_n absolve_v believer_n or_o condemn_v unbeliever_n o_o reader_n hate_v faction_n and_o partial_a dispute_n that_o can_v make_v man_n overthrow_v all_o christianity_n not_o know_v what_o they_o do_v 2._o and_o his_o deny_v that_o visible_a church-membership_a be_v a_o thing_n offer_v and_o right_o to_o be_v accept_v be_v the_o same_o even_o to_o deny_v that_o christ_n invit_v any_o infidel_n to_o become_v a_o christian_n or_o ever_o call_v or_o command_v heathen_n to_o believe_v or_o send_v his_o minister_n to_o compel_v they_o to_o come_v in_o that_o his_o house_n may_v be_v fill_v but_o his_o slander_n that_o i_o say_v all_o that_o man_n have_v from_o god_n be_v of_o debt_n be_v forge_v groundless_o i_o say_v god_n give_v some_o benefit_n antecedent_o and_o absolute_o and_o some_o consequent_o on_o condition_n by_o a_o law_n and_o none_o of_o they_o all_o be_v of_o debt_n as_o a_o workman_n deserve_v his_o wage_n with_o commutative_a justice_n it_o be_v his_o gross_a error_n that_o visible_a church-membership_a of_o infant_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n offer_v on_o condition_n of_o parent_n faith_n and_o to_o be_v accept_v or_o refuse_v but_o a_o state_n result_v from_o god_n fact_n he_o feign_v a_o church_n to_o be_v formal_o quid_fw-la physicum_fw-la sure_a he_o that_o will_v not_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n be_v by_o asa_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o be_v not_o circumcision_n a_o covenant_a act_n and_o do_v they_o not_o thereby_o profess_v to_o take_v god_n for_o their_o god_n or_o will_v god_n else_o have_v take_v they_o for_o his_o people_n and_o will_v not_o renounce_v god_n have_v cut_v they_o off_o and_o will_v their_o seed_n then_o have_v have_v any_o right_n for_o be_v they_o indeed_o it_o be_v disputable_a how_o far_o some_o ancestor_n or_o other_o proprietor_n may_v be_v a_o medium_n of_o right_a to_o such_o apostate_n seed_n but_o as_o they_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n sect_n xxiii_o r._n b._n i_o be_o next_o to_o prove_v the_o consequence_n that_o this_o right_n be_v confer_v by_o some_o grant_n promise_n or_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v as_o easy_a as_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o god_n power_n and_o efficiency_n or_o will_n or_o to_o prove_v that_o god_n be_v the_o owner_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o no_o man_n can_v receive_v they_o but_o by_o his_o gift_n 1._o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n possible_a for_o right_a to_o be_v convey_v from_o god_n to_o we_o but_o only_o by_o his_o grant_n promise_n or_o covenant_n which_o we_o call_v donation_n and_o be_v a_o moral_a civil_a action_n than_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n that_o it_o be_v convey_v but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o possible_a way_n of_o such_o conveyance_n ergo_fw-la we_o have_v no_o right_a till_o god_n give_v we_o right_n his_o will_n signify_v creat_v our_o right_n no_o man_n can_v have_v right_a to_o that_o which_o be_v whole_o and_o absolute_o another_o but_o by_o his_o consent_n or_o will_n this_o will_n be_v no_o way_n know_v but_o by_o some_o sign_n of_o it_o these_o sign_n of_o such_o a_o will_n for_o conveyance_n of_o right_a to_o a_o benefit_n be_v a_o civil_a moral_a action_n call_v a_o donation_n or_o gift_n simple_o if_o the_o sign_n be_v in_o writing_n we_o common_o call_v it_o a_o deed_n of_o gift_n if_o it_o be_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n confer_v a_o present_a right_n we_o call_v it_o a_o verbal_a grant_n or_o gift_n if_o it_o confer_v only_o a_o future_a right_n we_o call_v it_o a_o promise_n and_o sometime_o a_o covenant_n and_o sometime_o the_o word_n covenant_n signify_v both_o that_o act_n which_o give_v a_o present_a right_n and_o promise_v a_o continuance_n of_o it_o right_o be_v a_o moral_a or_o civil_a thing_n can_v be_v no_o way_n convey_v but_o by_o a_o moral_a or_o civil_a action_n a_o gift_n that_o be_v never_o give_v be_v a_o contradiction_n so_o that_o this_o part_n of_o our_o controversy_n be_v as_o easy_a as_o whether_o two_o and_o two_o be_v four_o mr._n t._n visible_a church-membership_a be_v not_o a_o right_n but_o a_o state_n of_o be_v as_o to_o be_v strong_a healthy_a rich_a etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o give_v by_o a_o civil_a moral_a action_n but_o by_o providence_n of_o god_n act_v physical_o as_o the_o sovereign_a disposer_n of_o all_o i_o deny_v therefore_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o promise_n reply_v reader_n it_o be_v not_o long_o of_o i_o that_o this_o learned_a ancient_n divine_a know_v not_o what_o a_o church-member_n be_v or_o else_o what_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o ethic_n or_o politic_n and_o physics_n but_o it_o be_v our_o shame_n that_o a_o preacher_n in_o england_n shall_v be_v sound_a so_o ignorant_a god_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o nature_n and_o omnipotent_a lord_n of_o all_o be_v indeed_o the_o first_o
you_o bestow_v some_o more_o diligence_n to_o inform_v we_o and_o not_o put_v we_o off_o with_o the_o raw_a name_n of_o a_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n oppose_v to_o these_o certain_o if_o it_o be_v a_o civil_a or_o legal_a action_n the_o product_n or_o effect_v of_o it_o be_v jus_o or_o debitum_fw-la some_o due_a or_o right_n and_o that_o be_v either_o 1._o a_o dueness_n of_o somewhat_o from_o we_o which_o be_v either_o somewhat_o to_o be_v do_v or_o somewhat_o to_o be_v give_v 2._o or_o a_o dueness_n of_o something_o to_o we_o which_o be_v either_o of_o good_a or_o evil_n if_o good_a it_o be_v either_o by_o contract_n or_o donation_n whether_o by_o a_o testament_n praemiant_a law_n or_o the_o like_a if_o evil_a it_o be_v either_o by_o some_o penal_a law_n or_o voluntary_a agreement_n now_o which_o of_o these_o be_v it_o that_o your_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n produce_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o society_n take_v god_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o take_v by_o he_o for_o his_o special_a people_n the_o act_n which_o make_v each_o member_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o make_v the_o society_n the_o relation_n then_o essential_o contain_v 1._o a_o right_a to_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o god_n sovereignty_n over_o man_n christ_n headship_n and_o that_o favour_n protection_n provision_n and_o other_o blessing_n which_o be_v due_a from_o such_o a_o powerful_a and_o graciou_n sovereign_a to_o such_o subject_n and_o from_o such_o a_o head_n to_o his_o member_n as_o also_o a_o right_a to_o my_o station_n in_o the_o body_n and_o to_o the_o inseparable_a benefit_n thereof_o 2._o it_o contain_v my_o debt_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n acknowledge_v and_o promise_v actual_o or_o virtual_o real_o or_o reputative_o now_o for_o the_o first_o how_o can_v god_n be_v relate_v unto_o i_o as_o my_o god_n or_o christ_n as_o my_o saviviour_n and_o i_o to_o he_o as_o one_o that_o have_v such_o right_n to_o he_o and_o his_o blessing_n by_o any_o other_o way_n than_o his_o own_o free_a gift_n this_o gift_n must_v be_v some_o signification_n of_o his_o will_n for_o his_o secret_a will_n be_v not_o a_o gift_n but_o a_o purpose_n of_o give_v this_o way_n of_o give_v therefore_o be_v by_o a_o civil_a or_o moral_a action_n which_o be_v a_o signify_v of_o the_o donor_n will_v and_o can_v be_v by_o no_o way_n but_o either_o pure_a donation_n contract_n testament_n or_o law_n in_o our_o case_n it_o must_v needs_o partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o these_o it_o be_v not_o from_o one_o in_o any_o equality_n nor_o capable_a of_o any_o oblige_a compensation_n or_o retribution_n from_o we_o be_v therefore_o from_o a_o absolute_a dis-engaged_n benefactor_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v by_o pure_a donation_n or_o it_o can_v be_v we_o yet_o as_o he_o be_v please_v as_o it_o be_v to_o oblige_v himself_o by_o promise_n or_o by_o his_o word_n and_o also_o to_o call_v we_o to_o a_o voluntary_a acceptance_n and_o engagement_n to_o certain_a fidelity_n gratitude_n and_o duty_n â—nd_v so_o be_v the_o stipulator_n and_o we_o the_o promiser_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o action_n it_o be_v therefore_o just_o call_v a_o contract_n or_o covenant_n though_o indeed_o the_o word_n covenant_n frequent_o signify_v god_n own_o promise_n alone_o as_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o death_n of_o the_o testator_n in_o natural_a moral-reputative_a be_v so_o it_o be_v call_v a_o testament_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o a_o roll_a benefactor_n give_v this_o benefit_n to_o the_o govern_v to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o oblige_v to_o duty_n thereby_o so_o it_o partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o law_n the_o common_a scripture_n name_n for_o this_o act_n be_v god_n covenant_n or_o promise_n and_o sometime_o his_o gift_n which_o all_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n here_o it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o either_o by_o god_n take_n israel_n to_o be_v his_o people_n you_o mean_v some_o civil_a political_a action_n as_o a_o covenant_n promise_v or_o the_o like_a collation_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o then_o you_o assert_v the_o thing_n which_o you_o deny_v or_o else_o you_o know_v not_o what_o you_o mean_v nor_o can_v make_v another_o know_v it_o without_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o church-membership_a the_o profess_a duty_n of_o man_n to_o god_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a 1._o that_o god_n law_n oblige_v we_o to_o that_o duty_n 2._o and_o oblige_v all_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n to_o consent_v to_o the_o obligation_n and_o so_o to_o re-engage_a themselves_o 3._o that_o this_o actual_a consent_n profess_v do_v therefore_o double_a the_o obligation_n and_o thus_o by_o a_o mutual_a contract_n covenant_n or_o consent_n whereof_o our_o part_n be_v first_o require_v by_o a_o law_n be_v the_o relation_n of_o church-membership_a contract_v now_o to_o lay_v by_o and_o deny_v all_o this_o and_o give_v we_o the_o general_a naked_a name_n of_o take_v for_o god_n people_n be_v mere_o delusory_a see_v that_o take_v mean_v this_o which_o you_o exclude_v or_o it_o mean_v nothing_o that_o be_v true_a and_o reasonable_a and_o therefore_o tell_v we_o better_v what_o it_o mean_v as_o for_o the_o text_n you_o cite_v deut._n 4.34_o &_o levit._n 20.24_o 26._o 1_o king_n 8.53_o isai_n 43.1_o in_o deut._n 4._o be_v mention_v not_o the_o moral_a act_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o make_v they_o his_o people_n or_o take_v they_o for_o his_o own_o and_o found_v the_o relation_n but_o the_o natural_a action_n whereby_o he_o rescue_v they_o from_o the_o egyptian_a bondage_n and_o take_v they_o to_o himself_o or_o for_o his_o use_n service_n and_o honour_n out_o of_o that_o land_n but_o i_o think_v sure_a they_o be_v his_o people_n and_o all_o their_o infant_n be_v church-member_n before_o that_o take_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o former_a covenant-taking_a as_o to_o levit._n 20._o god_n do_v perform_v a_o twofold_a work_n of_o separation_n for_o israel_n 1._o by_o his_o covenant_n and_o their_o enter_a covenant_n with_o he_o 2._o by_o local_a separation_n of_o their_o body_n from_o other_o it_o be_v the_o first_o that_o make_v they_o his_o people_n and_o church-member_n and_o not_o the_o last_o the_o last_o be_v only_o a_o favourable_a deal_n with_o they_o as_o his_o belove_a the_o same_o i_o say_v to_o the_o other_o two_o text_n sure_o you_o can_v think_v that_o corporal_a separation_n make_v a_o church-member_n what_o if_o a_o egyptian_a that_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o covenant_n have_v pass_v out_o with_o the_o israely_n and_o get_v with_o they_o through_o the_o red_a sea_n do_v you_o think_v he_o have_v be_v therefore_o a_o church-member_n suppose_v god_n have_v make_v no_o promise_n or_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n or_o his_o seed_n but_o only_o take_v they_o out_o of_o chaldea_n into_o canaan_n and_o thence_o into_o egypt_n and_o thence_o into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o thence_o into_o canaan_n again_o do_v you_o think_v this_o much_o have_v make_v they_o church-member_n then_o if_o the_o turk_n conquer_v greece_n or_o the_o tartarian_n conquer_v china_n they_o be_v become_v church-member_n because_o this_o seem_v as_o great_a a_o temporal_a prosperity_n at_o least_o and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v past_a doubt_n that_o lot_n be_v a_o church-member_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o sodom_n and_o the_o israelite_n in_o egypt_n before_o they_o be_v bring_v out_o as_o true_o as_o after_o as_o to_o gen._n 12.1_o act_n 7.2_o nehem._n 9.7_o which_o you_o also_o cite_v as_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o that_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n that_o infant-church-membership_a than_o begin_v so_o i_o shall_v further_o inquire_v anon_o whether_o they_o contain_v any_o covenant_n or_o promise_n so_o exod._n 19.4_o 5._o have_v no_o word_n that_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n that_o god_n by_o that_o act_n of_o take_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n do_v make_v israel_n a_o church_n or_o the_o infant_n or_o any_o other_o member_n of_o it_o but_o only_o that_o by_o fulfil_v a_o former_a promise_n in_o the_o deliverance_n of_o a_o people_n former_o his_o own_o he_o lay_v further_a obligation_n to_o duty_n on_o they_o by_o redouble_v his_o mercy_n the_o same_o i_o say_v of_o levit._n 11.45_o neh._n 1.10_o i_o will_v not_o believe_v yet_o but_o that_o you_o believe_v yourself_o that_o the_o israelite_n and_o their_o infant_n be_v as_o true_o church-member_n before_o as_o after_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o methinks_v the_o text_n you_o cite_v may_v put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n what_o if_o god_n say_v hos_fw-la 11.1_o when_o israel_n be_v a_o child_n i_o love_v he_o and_o call_v my_o son_n
act_n in_o baptism_n than_o one_o god_n by_o his_o minister_n express_v his_o covenant-gift_n and_o consent_n and_o deliver_v it_o seal_v to_o the_o receiver_n by_o the_o institute_v invest_v symbol_n the_o party_n receive_v express_v his_o consent_n and_o this_o the_o parent_n have_v power_n and_o trust_v to_o do_v for_o the_o child_n as_o you_o may_v take_v a_o lease_n for_o your_o child_n can_v the_o parent_n do_v this_o and_o so_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o reception_n without_o be_v a_o minister_n sect_n lxxix_o to_o lxxxvi_o r._n b._n the_o promise_n to_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n infant_n and_o all_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n a_o kingdom_n of_o priest_n and_o a_o holy_a nation_n exod_v 19.5_o 6._o you_o can_v deny_v this_o be_v a_o promise_n and_o not_o a_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n which_o make_v no_o promise_n and_o the_o people_n be_v call_v to_o keep_v god_n covenant_n that_o they_o may_v have_v this_o promise_v fulfil_v to_o they_o yea_o if_o you_o have_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a transeunt_fw-la covenant_n or_o promise_n reach_v but_o to_o the_o person_n then_o existent_a and_o die_v with_o they_o though_o you_o have_v speak_v more_o sense_n yet_o no_o more_o truth_n than_o when_o you_o deny_v the_o law_n and_o promise_n and_o substitute_v a_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v express_o a_o promise_n de_fw-fr futuro_fw-la to_o a_o nation_n 2._o yea_o and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n give_v the_o same_o title_n to_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n intimate_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o promise_n even_o to_o they_o as_o the_o promise_n to_o abraham_n be_v to_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v his_o uncircumcised_a seed_n however_o here_o be_v a_o covenant_n grant_v by_o way_n of_o confirmaon_n the_o blessing_n of_o church-membership_a to_o infant_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o israel_n for_o certain_o this_o peculiarity_n and_o holiness_n and_o priesthood_n here_o mention_v contain_v their_o church-membership_a it_o be_v undeniable_a therefore_o that_o such_o church-membership_a be_v here_o grant_v by_o promise_n or_o covenant_n not_o as_o a_o thing_n then_o beginning_n but_o by_o way_n of_o confirmation_n of_o the_o like_a former_a grant_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o though_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o all_o israel_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v fulfil_v to_o any_o of_o they_o but_o on_o condition_n that_o they_o obey_v god_n voice_n and_o keep_v his_o covenant_n vers_fw-la 5._o on_o which_o condition_n also_o any_o other_o may_v have_v then_o enjoy_v the_o same_o blessing_n and_o therefore_o so_o may_v do_v now_o in_o deut._n 17.1_o 2._o the_o infant_n with_o the_o rest_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o a_o holy_a and_o peculiar_a people_n to_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o deut._n 26.14_o 18._o the_o covenant_n be_v express_v thou_o haste_v avouch_v the_o lord_n this_o day_n to_o be_v thy_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o keep_v his_o statute_n and_o his_o commandment_n and_o his_o judgement_n and_o to_o hearken_v to_o his_o voice_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v avouch_v thou_o this_o day_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n as_o he_o have_v promise_v thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v a_o holy_a people_n etc._n etc._n be_v here_o no_o promise_n when_o the_o promise_n be_v express_v and_o be_v here_o no_o covenant_n where_o the_o mutual_a covenant_n be_v describe_v and_o i_o think_v you_o grant_v that_o infant_n be_v include_v so_o deut._n 28.4_o 9_o where_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o nation_n be_v that_o if_o they_o harken_v to_o god_n voice_n and_o observe_v his_o commandment_n they_o shall_v be_v bless_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o body_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v establish_v they_o a_o holy_a people_n to_o himself_o as_o he_o have_v swear_v unto_o they_o here_o be_v not_o only_o a_o covenant_n and_o promise_n for_o the_o future_a but_o also_o a_o oath_n confirm_v it_o as_o annex_v to_o the_o same_o before_o be_v this_o establish_n covenant_n on_o promise_n but_o a_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n or_o do_v not_o this_o confirm_v their_o right_n to_o the_o benefit_n promise_v which_o be_v receive_v before_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o ezra_n 9.2_o they_o be_v call_v the_o holy_a seed_n of_o that_o in_o deut._n 29._o i_o have_v former_o speak_v enough_o it_o be_v call_v a_o covenant_n all_o israel_n with_o their_o little_a one_o do_v enter_v the_o covenant_n and_o the_o oath_n with_o god_n and_o which_o he_o make_v to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n to_o establish_v they_o for_o a_o people_n to_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v to_o they_o a_o god_n as_o he_o have_v before_o say_v and_o swear_v it_o be_v a_o covenant_n make_v even_o with_o they_o that_o stand_v not_o there_o whether_o it_o be_v mean_v only_o of_o the_o successive_a israelite_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o a_o transeunt_fw-la covenant_n or_o of_o all_o people_n whoever_o that_o will_v accept_v of_o the_o same_o term_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o israel_n it_o be_v a_o covenant_n not_o make_v to_o they_o as_o mere_a israelite_n but_o as_o obedient_a to_o the_o covenant_n term_n and_o covenant_n break_v will_v cut_v they_o off_o vers_n 19_o 20_o 21_o 23_o 25_o 26._o be_v not_o church-membership_a contain_v in_o god_n be_v their_o god_n and_o take_v they_o for_o his_o people_n thus_o in_o covenant_n do_v not_o the_o promise_n give_v they_o a_o establish_a right_n in_o this_o blessing_n be_v all_o this_o then_o no_o promise_n but_o a_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n deut._n 30.19_o there_o be_v a_o law_n and_o promise_n choose_v life_n that_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n may_v live_v this_o be_v the_o same_o covenant_n which_o asa_n cause_v the_o people_n to_o enter_v 2_o chron._n 15._o and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o law_n for_o it_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o penalty_n and_o then_o he_o will_v not_o have_v make_v it_o death_n to_o withdraw_v it_o be_v the_o same_o covenant_n which_o josiâ—h_v cause_v the_o people_n to_o enter_v 2_o king_n 23.2_o 3._o 2_o chron._n 34.31_o 32._o of_o levit._n 25.41_o 54_o 55._o i_o have_v speak_v elsewhere_o and_o of_o some_o other_o text_n mr._n t._n for_o the_o sole_a efficient_a cause_n be_v actual_o put_v as_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o parent_n believe_v be_v deut._n 29._o the_o effect_n must_v be_v in_o act_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o unborn_a therefore_o the_o covenant_n and_o parent_n faith_n be_v not_o the_o sole_a efficient_a so_o that_o though_o the_o covenant_n give_v a_o right_n to_o a_o blessing_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o make_v actual_o visible_a church-member_n without_o some_o other_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n reply_v the_o rest_n let_v the_o reader_n make_v his_o best_a of_o we_o be_v it_o seem_v by_o this_o time_n in_o a_o fair_a way_n of_o agreement_n and_o have_v almost_o do_v our_o work_n it_o seem_v by_o this_o time_n he_o can_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o grant_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o efficient_a cause_n though_o not_o the_o sole_a efficient_a well_o we_o will_v not_o stick_v on_o that_o god_n love_n and_o revelation_n and_o christ_n merit_n shall_v be_v antecedent_n chief_a efficient_n and_o he_o seem_v now_o instead_o of_o say_v still_o that_o it_o be_v only_o by_o the_o physical_a transeunt_fw-la fact_n to_o be_v content_a if_o we_o will_v say_v it_o be_v not_o till_o or_o without_o that_o fact_n that_o be_v that_o man_n be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n till_o they_o be_v man_n we_o will_v not_o be_v so_o sour_a as_o to_o deny_v he_o that_o much_o and_o indeed_o be_v this_o all_o at_o the_o upshot_n but_o i_o will_v not_o grant_v he_o the_o logical_a notion_n too_o easy_o though_o we_o will_v not_o quarrel_v about_o it_o i_o think_v a_o cause_n material_o may_v long_o exist_v before_o the_o effect_n though_o it_o be_v not_o formaliter_fw-la causa_fw-la till_o it_o effect_n and_o i_o think_v that_o god_n conditional_a covenant_n or_o promise_n be_v but_o causa_fw-la virtualis_fw-la &_o aptitudinalis_fw-la till_o it_o effect_v and_o yet_o may_v be_v the_o sole_a proximate_n efficient_a of_o our_o right_n afterward_o i_o think_v the_o child_n be_v bear_v do_v not_o effect_v his_o right_n to_o church_n relation_n nor_o do_v our_o faith_n now_o nor_o the_o parent_n faith_n or_o consent_n but_o only_o as_o a_o condition_n make_v man_n capable_a recipient_n and_o i_o think_v the_o effect_n may_v begin_v de_fw-fr novo_fw-la without_o any_o change_n in_o the_o efficient_a upon_o a_o change_n in_o the_o recipient_a and_o that_o the_o sun_n unchanged_a be_v the_o proximate_a efficient_a of_o motion_n light_n and_o heat_n to_o the_o next_o existent_a wight_n that_o receive_v not_o his_o influx_n before_o it_o do_v exist_v and_o the_o covenant_n or_o
out_o of_o egypt_n be_v it_o easy_a hence_o to_o prove_v that_o call_v he_o out_o of_o egypt_n do_v make_v he_o his_o son_n that_o be_v none_o before_o or_o to_o prove_v that_o israel_n be_v god_n son_n before_o he_o call_v he_o out_o of_o egypt_n if_o you_o shall_v maintain_v the_o former_a i_o may_v expect_v that_o you_o shall_v say_v the_o like_a of_o christ_n himself_o to_o who_o the_o evangelist_n apply_v this_o text_n and_o so_o you_o may_v prove_v as_o fair_o that_o christ_n be_v none_o of_o god_n son_n till_o he_o be_v call_v out_o of_o egypt_n but_o be_v make_v his_o son_n by_o that_o call_n certain_o the_o text_n term_v he_o god_n son_n that_o be_v call_v as_o be_v so_o before_o that_o call_n by_o this_o time_n i_o be_o well_o content_a that_o any_o wake_a man_n do_v compare_v your_o doctrine_n and_o i_o and_o try_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n or_o a_o law_n and_o covenant_n that_o make_v infant_n and_o all_o other_o church-member_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o admire_v that_o ever_o a_o learned_a man_n shall_v harbour_v such_o a_o conceit_n as_o you_o and_o that_o ever_o a_o godly_a man_n shall_v build_v such_o a_o weight_n on_o it_o and_o go_v so_o far_o on_o such_o a_o ground_n yea_o and_o that_o ever_o ordinary_a godly_a people_n shall_v be_v so_o blind_v with_o such_o palpable_a nonsense_n or_o absurdity_n then_o let_v they_o still_o follow_v you_o in_o the_o dark_a for_o i_o expect_v not_o that_o reason_n shall_v recover_v they_o reply_n to_o all_o this_o i_o find_v nothing_o say_v that_o need_v any_o further_a reply_n sect_n xliv_o xlv_o r._n b._n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o eight_o question_n that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o point_n which_o you_o propound_v you_o urge_v i_o to_o cite_v to_o you_o the_o particular_a text_n that_o contain_v this_o law_n ordinance_n precept_n or_o covenant_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v thus_o 1._o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o law_n one_o which_o first_o make_v a_o duty_n the_o other_o which_o suppose_v it_o so_o make_v and_o do_v only_o call_v for_o obedience_n and_o excite_v thereto_o or_o prescribe_v somewhat_o as_o a_o mean_n in_o order_n thereunto_o if_o i_o can_v show_v you_o no_o write_a law_n or_o promise_n as_o first_o constitute_v the_o duty_n or_o grant_v the_o privilege_n of_o church-membership_a it_o be_v not_o the_o least_o disparagement_n to_o my_o cause_n as_o long_o as_o i_o can_v show_v you_o those_o follow_a law_n which_o presuppose_v this_o you_o know_v the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v live_v about_o 2000_o year_n without_o any_o write_a law_n that_o we_o know_v of_o where_o then_o be_v god_n will_n manifest_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o this_o but_o in_o tradition_n and_o nature_n if_o moses_n then_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o 2000_o year_n do_v find_v this_o tradition_n and_o find_v all_o the_o infant_n of_o church-member_n in_o possession_n of_o this_o benefit_n then_o what_o need_v he_o make_v a_o new_a law_n about_o it_o or_o why_o shall_v god_n promise_v it_o as_o a_o new_a thing_n i_o confess_v if_o i_o shall_v find_v by_o any_o new_a law_n or_o promise_n that_o it_o do_v begin_v but_o in_o moses_n day_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o some_o abatement_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o cause_n though_o yet_o i_o think_v there_o will_v enough_o remain_v 2._o there_o be_v yet_o high_o two_o sort_n of_o law_n the_o one_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n itself_o the_o other_o for_o the_o administration_n or_o government_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v so_o constitute_v the_o former_a be_v call_v by_o some_o fundamental_a law_n as_o lay_v the_o frame_n and_o form_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o material_n etc._n etc._n i_o think_v indeed_o that_o as_o constitutive_a of_o the_o form_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n these_o be_v scarce_o proper_o call_v law_n though_o as_o they_o look_v forward_o oblige_v to_o duty_n and_o prohibit_v alteration_n they_o may_v but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o law_n they_o be_v somewhat_o high_o and_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o law_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o be_v law_n eminenter_fw-la &_o virtualiter_fw-la though_o not_o actual_o and_o formal_o and_o in_o our_o case_n as_o this_o constitution_n do_v subject_v we_o to_o god_n make_v it_o our_o duty_n ever_o after_o to_o obey_v he_o so_o do_v it_o oblige_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o subjection_n and_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o act_n of_o high_a beneficence_n and_o perform_v by_o the_o fundamental_a grant_n or_o covenant_n now_o if_o this_o covenant_n and_o constitution_n can_v not_o express_o be_v show_v in_o writing_n it_o be_v no_o diminution_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o see_v among_o man_n fundamental_o be_v seldom_o write_v and_o when_o they_o be_v it_o be_v only_o as_o law_n oblige_v the_o subject_n to_o maintain_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o first_o constitution_n as_o long_o therefore_o as_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o successive_o infant_n shall_v be_v church-member_n it_o no_o whit_n invalidate_n the_o cause_n if_o we_o can_v not_o show_v the_o original_a constitution_n in_o writing_n yet_o somewhat_o we_o shall_v attempt_v 3._o we_o have_v full_a proof_n of_o infant_n church-membership_a by_o law_n and_o covenant_n concern_v it_o ever_o since_o the_o time_n that_o there_o be_v a_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o can_v fetch_v it_o no_o high_o have_v premise_v this_o i_o come_v near_o to_o the_o question_n the_o first_o institution_n of_o infant_n church-membership_a de_fw-fr jure_fw-la upon_o supposition_n of_o their_o existence_n be_v in_o god_n first_o constitution_n of_o the_o republic_n of_o the_o world_n when_o he_o become_v man_n governor_n and_o determine_v of_o his_o subject_n and_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n which_o republic_n be_v sacred_a and_o devote_v to_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n be_v true_o a_o church_n of_o which_o god_n be_v head_n this_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o first_o law_n and_o covenant_n make_v either_o in_o or_o upon_o man_n creation_n that_o such_o a_o covenant_n or_o promise_n of_o felicity_n be_v make_v by_o god_n to_o innocent_a man_n almost_o all_o divine_n agree_v but_o because_o it_o be_v rather_o imply_v than_o express_v in_o moses_n brief_a history_n some_o few_o caviller_n do_v therefore_o contradict_v we_o but_o 1._o the_o threaten_n of_o death_n for_o sin_n seem_v to_o imply_v a_o promise_n of_o life_n if_o he_o sin_v not_o 2._o and_o the_o new_a testament_n afford_v we_o divers_a passage_n that_o yet_o plain_o prove_v it_o which_o to_o you_o i_o need_v not_o recite_v but_o whether_o this_o promise_n of_o life_n be_v natural_a as_o the_o threaten_n of_o death_n be_v or_o only_o positive_a and_o more_o arbitrary_a divine_n be_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o those_o that_o say_v it_o be_v free_a and_o positive_a give_v this_o reason_n that_o god_n can_v not_o natural_o be_v oblige_v to_o bless_v or_o felicitate_a the_o most_o innocent_a or_o perfect_a creature_n nor_o any_o creature_n merit_n of_o god_n those_o that_o think_v it_o natural_a as_o the_o threaten_n be_v say_v it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n can_v not_o be_v proper_o oblige_v because_o he_o be_v under_o no_o law_n no_o more_o be_v he_o oblige_v to_o punish_v but_o only_a man_n oblige_v to_o suffer_v if_o he_o inflict_v it_o and_o it_o be_v true_a that_o man_n can_v strict_o merit_v of_o god_n but_o yet_o say_v they_o as_o man_n may_v have_v a_o natural_a aptitude_n for_o such_o felicity_n so_o god_n have_v a_o natural_a propensity_n to_o do_v good_a according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o his_o work_n do_v oblige_v he_o improper_o in_o point_n of_o fidelity_n and_o immutability_n as_o well_o as_o his_o word_n so_o that_o their_o reason_n be_v these_o follow_v 1._o because_o god_n be_v as_o natural_o prone_a to_o do_v good_a to_o the_o good_a as_o to_o do_v evil_a to_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v to_o reward_v as_o to_o punishment_n as_o his_o name_n proclaim_v to_o moses_n exod._n 34._o show_n 2._o because_o god_n make_v man_n capable_a of_o a_o high_a felicity_n and_o principling_n he_o with_o inclination_n thereto_o and_o give_v he_o desire_n love_n and_o other_o affection_n for_o that_o bless_a end_n even_o the_o everlasting_a fruition_n of_o god_n therefore_o they_o say_v god_n do_v in_o this_o frame_n of_o his_o nature_n give_v he_o ground_n to_o expect_v such_o a_o felicity_n if_o he_o sin_v not_o for_o else_o all_o these_o inclination_n and_o affection_n shall_v have_v be_v in_o vain_a but_o god_n make_v not_o so_o noble_a a_o creature_n with_o vain_a inclination_n and_o affection_n to_o act_v fallacious_o and_o false_o also_o god_n work_n
donative_n instrument_n of_o god_n which_o say_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v justify_v may_v effect_v my_o justification_n when_o i_o believe_v and_o not_o before_o though_o my_o faith_n effect_v it_o not_o at_o all_o but_o dispose_v the_o recipient_a but_o i_o deny_v that_o the_o parent_n faith_n be_v put_v all_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o recipient_a be_v put_v even_o when_o he_o be_v bear_v for_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o parent_n to_o consent_v for_o himself_o and_o not_o for_o his_o child_n and_o to_o devote_v himself_o and_o not_o his_o child_n to_o god_n part_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o reception_n be_v want_v as_o far_o as_o i_o perceive_v can_v i_o but_o hope_v to_o be_v so_o happy_a a_o disputant_n as_o to_o convince_v mr._n t._n that_o church-membership_a visible_a be_v any_o benefit_n at_o all_o itself_o or_o be_v to_o the_o israelite_n he_o will_v grant_v i_o all_o that_o i_o plead_v for_o of_o the_o conveyance_n of_o it_o by_o covenant_n and_o if_o i_o can_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n sect_n lxxxvi_o r._n b._n the_o second_o commandment_n exod._n 20.5_o 6._o deut._n 5.9_o 10._o i_o think_v be_v a_o law_n and_o contain_v a_o promise_n or_o premiant_a part_n wherein_o he_o promise_v to_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o generation_n or_o child_n of_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n of_o which_o i_o have_v also_o speak_v elsewhere_o to_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o here_o be_v a_o stand_a promise_n and_o discovery_n of_o god_n resolution_n concern_v the_o child_n of_o all_o that_o love_v he_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n to_o who_o this_o commandment_n belong_v nor_o to_o doubt_n whether_o this_o mercy_n imply_v church-membership_a and_o that_o this_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o very_a gracious_a nature_n of_o god_n i_o find_v in_o his_o proclaim_v his_o name_n to_o moses_n exod._n 34.6_o 7._o mr._n t._n if_o this_o mercy_n here_o imply_v church-membership_a to_o the_o infant_n of_o they_o that_o love_v he_o to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n than_o it_o imply_v it_o to_o all_o the_o infant_n in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o mercy_n must_v be_v church-membership_a or_o that_o it_o must_v be_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o they_o that_o love_n god_n or_o that_o it_o must_v be_v to_o they_o in_o infancy_n i_o incline_v to_o conceive_v this_o a_o promise_n of_o temporal_a mercy_n chief_o to_o the_o israelite_n reply_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o of_o temporal_a mercy_n the_o word_n love_n and_o hate_n as_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o parent_n seem_v to_o prove_v and_o the_o join_v the_o child_n to_o the_o parent_n in_o the_o retribution_n and_o all_o the_o term_n seem_v above_o such_o a_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o revenge_n of_o a_o jealous_a god_n on_o idolater_n and_o mercy_n to_o his_o lover_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o the_o join_v this_o command_n to_o the_o first_o which_o settle_v our_o relation_n to_o god_n with_o the_o law_n annex_v in_o deut._n for_o the_o cut_n off_o whole_a city_n parent_n and_o child_n that_o turn_v from_o god_n to_o idol_n show_v that_o it_o reach_v to_o church-communion_n and_o life_n 2._o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o the_o israelite_n whatever_o you_o chief_o mean_v be_v prove_v both_o in_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o decalogue_n and_o the_o proclaim_a name_n of_o god_n exod._n 34.5_o 6._o and_o exemplify_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o extent_n we_o can_v hardly_o expect_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v endure_v a_o thousand_o generation_n therefore_o it_o can_v mean_v but_o that_o god_n who_o bound_v the_o punishment_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o generation_n will_v set_v no_o bound_n to_o the_o succession_n of_o his_o mercy_n while_o our_o capacity_n continue_v and_o whatever_o the_o mercy_n be_v the_o exposition_n of_o this_o continuance_n concern_v you_o as_o much_o as_o i_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o condition_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o suppose_v that_o the_o child_n at_o age_n imitate_v the_o parent_n in_o their_o love_n or_o hatred_n duty_n or_o sin_n and_o that_o if_o on_o repentance_n the_o parent_n be_v forgive_v his_o sin_n may_v not_o be_v visit_v to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o and_o if_o a_o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n turn_v wicked_a the_o right_n be_v intercept_v 4._o but_o the_o commandment_n with_o the_o foresay_a exposition_n show_v that_o god_n mean_v that_o his_o retribution_n to_o parent_n that_o love_n or_o hate_v he_o shall_v extend_v to_o their_o child_n as_o such_o unless_o they_o interrupt_v it_o at_o age_n by_o their_o own_o act_n and_o if_o to_o their_o child_n qua_fw-la tale_n then_o to_o infant_n and_o it_o speak_v such_o a_o state_n of_o mercy_n as_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v conceive_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o without_o and_o can_v mean_v no_o less_o than_o god_n visible_a favour_n by_o which_o the_o church_n be_v difference_v from_o the_o world_n when_o lover_n and_o hater_n be_v distinguish_v side_n and_o when_o god_n have_v record_v this_o decree_v grant_v distinguish_v mercy_n to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o such_o in_o the_o table_n of_o stone_n sure_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a notification_n which_o will_v make_v they_o visible_a favourite_n and_o church-member_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o visible_o exist_v and_o the_o quatenus_fw-la seem_v to_o i_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a because_o it_o be_v to_o they_o as_o such_o but_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o it_o must_v extend_v to_o they_o all_o alike_o as_o to_o equal_a mercy_n nor_o yet_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o parent_n after_o may_v make_v no_o kind_n of_o forfeiture_n but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v say_v more_o in_o my_o christian_a directory_n sect_n lxxxvii_o to_o xciv_o r._n b._n in_o psal_n 102.28_o it_o be_v a_o general_a promise_n the_o child_n of_o thy_o servant_n shall_v continue_v and_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v establish_v before_o thou_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o express_v god_n favour_n by_o temporal_a blessing_n more_o than_o in_o the_o gospel_n but_o yet_o still_o they_o secure_v we_o of_o his_o favour_n as_o i_o will_v not_o fail_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o may_v secure_v joshua_n more_o than_o we_o of_o temporal_a success_n and_o yet_o not_o more_o of_o god_n never_o fail_a favour_n there_o be_v a_o stable_a promise_n to_o all_o god_n people_n in_o general_a that_o have_v child_n psal_n 103.17_o but_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o his_o righteousness_n unto_o child_n child_n and_o to_o be_v secure_v by_o promise_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o righteousness_n be_v the_o state_n of_o none_o without_o the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n i_o scarce_o think_v that_o child_n will_v be_v call_v a_o heritage_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o womb_n his_o reward_n psal_n 127.3_o nor_o the_o man_n happy_a that_o have_v his_o quiver_n full_a of_o they_o nor_o will_v the_o suck_a child_n be_v call_v as_o part_v of_o the_o solemn_a assembly_n to_o the_o humiliation_n joel_n 2.16_o 2_o chron._n 20.13_o there_o be_v a_o stand_a promise_n to_o all_o the_o just_a prov._n 20.7_o the_o just_a man_n walk_v in_o his_o integrity_n his_o child_n be_v bless_v after_o he_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n without_o the_o church_n that_o be_v pronounce_v bless_v in_o scripture_n a_o bless_a people_n be_v god_n people_n and_o those_o be_v the_o church_n separate_v from_o the_o curse_a world_n one_o low_a blessing_n will_v not_o denominate_v a_o man_n or_o society_n a_o bless_a man_n or_o society_n if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n then_o deut._n 4.37_o because_o he_o love_v thy_o father_n therefore_o he_o choose_v their_o seed_n after_o they_o than_o it_o be_v good_a still_o as_o to_o favour_v in_o general_n so_o deut._n 10.15_o psal_n 69.36_o prov._n 11.21_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v deliver_v in_o psal_n 37.26_o there_o be_v a_o general_a promise_n to_o or_o declaration_n of_o the_o righteous_a that_o his_o seed_n be_v bless_v and_o then_o they_o be_v church-member_n in_o isa_n 61.8_o 9_o it_o be_v promise_v i_o think_v of_o gospel_n time_n i_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v know_v among_o the_o gentile_n and_o their_o offspring_n among_o the_o people_n all_o that_o see_v they_o shall_v acknowledge_v they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v and_o cap._n 62.12_o they_o shall_v call_v they_o the_o
no_o efficient_a but_o a_o recipient_a cause_n of_o it_o as_o even_o they_o confess_v that_o call_v it_o a_o receive_v instrument_n and_o yet_o we_o have_v it_o not_o till_o we_o believe_v or_o consent_v who_o will_v have_v think_v that_o such_o a_o mâ—n_z as_o you_o have_v take_v your_o own_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o efficient_a cause_n of_o your_o own_o justification_n and_o so_o that_o you_o justify_v yourself_o and_o what_o if_o one_o give_v land_n to_o you_o and_o your_o heir_n it_o be_v none_o of_o they_o till_o they_o be_v in_o be_v and_o yet_o their_o birth_n be_v no_o efficient_a cause_n but_o only_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o subject_n receptive_a capacity_n i_o be_o ashamed_a that_o you_o put_v i_o thus_o to_o catechise_v you_o mr._n t._n 5._o if_o visible_a church-membership_a be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o interest_n a_o person_n have_v in_o the_o covenant_n than_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o but_o etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la answ_n the_o word_n interest_n may_v signify_v the_o interest_n that_o fall_v mankind_n have_v in_o the_o covenant_n as_o conditional_a antecedent_n to_o man_n consent_n and_o thus_o i_o suppose_v neither_o you_o nor_o i_o here_o speak_v of_o it_o but_o if_o by_o my_o interest_n you_o mean_v that_o i_o be_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o covenant_n give_v a_o present_a right_n to_o its_o benefit_n i_o answer_v some_o benefit_n follow_v long_o after_o but_o when_o i_o consent_v than_o i_o be_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o covenant_n give_v a_o present_a right_n to_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o instant_a and_o consequent_o with_o his_o church_n or_o body_n in_o the_o second_o so_o that_o here_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o your_o feign_a membership_n before_o covenant_n interest_n that_o be_v before_o a_o right_n to_o that_o relation_n by_o god_n donation_n and_o as_o 〈…〉_z former_a dream_n that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o right_a anâ—_n moral_a effect_n but_o a_o physical_a it_o be_v yourself_o and_o not_o i_o that_o subject_v you_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o such_o a_o assertion_n which_o i_o will_v no_o more_o confute_v mr._n t._n 6._o if_o the_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o only_a 〈…〉_z buy_v orphan_n of_o turk_n whole_o at_o our_o dispose_n be_v no_o visible_a member_n etc._n etc._n answ_n no_o friend_n of_o truth_n will_v run_v into_o the_o dark_a with_o a_o controversy_n and_o argue_v à _fw-la minus_fw-la notis_fw-la many_o judicious_a divine_n think_v that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n infant_n bear_v in_o his_o house_n prove_v that_o two_o thing_n go_v to_o make_v up_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o infant_n for_o baptism_n 1._o that_o he_o be_v his_o own_o and_o at_o his_o dispose_n who_o offer_v he_o to_o god_n 2._o that_o he_o be_v offer_v or_o dedicate_v by_o a_o consent_v owner_n now_o their_o reason_n be_v because_o if_o they_o be_v our_o own_o we_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o they_o for_o their_o good_a and_o our_o will_n be_v they_o but_o the_o case_n be_v most_o clear_a about_o those_o that_o by_o generation_n be_v our_o own_o and_o dark_a about_o those_o that_o be_v by_o adoption_n or_o purchase_v our_o own_o now_o here_o you_o do_v nothing_o but_o deny_v the_o darker_n which_o you_o can_v disprove_v and_o thence_o the_o plain_a which_o we_o have_v full_o prove_v mr._n t._n 7._o if_o the_o covenant_n oâ—_n law_n with_o the_o parent_n actual_a faith_n without_o profession_n make_v not_o the_o parent_n a_o visible_a church-member_n neither_o do_v it_o the_o child_n but_o ergo._fw-la answ_n i_o grant_v both_o major_a and_o minor_a he_o that_o be_v not_o know_v to_o have_v faith_n be_v not_o a_o visible_a adult_n member_n and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o know_v to_o be_v the_o just_o repute_v child_n of_o a_o profess_a believer_n be_v 〈◊〉_d a_o infant_n church-member_n and_o what_o be_v this_o 〈◊〉_d our_o controversy_n heart_n consent_n make_v a_o mystical_a or_o invisible_a christian_n and_o member_n and_o profess_a belief_n that_o be_v believe_v consent_n make_v a_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o parent_n and_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o visible_a membership_n of_o the_o child_n if_o i_o may_v call_v that_o make_v they_o which_o be_v but_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o material_a receptive_a constitutive_a cause_n it_o be_v pity_n we_o shall_v have_v need_n to_o talk_v at_o this_o rate_n mr._n t._n 8._o if_o person_n be_v visible_a church-member_n and_o not_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o christ_n by_o his_o law_n or_o covenant_n be_v the_o sole_a efficient_a of_o visible_a church-membership_a the_o minor_a be_v prove_v in_o judas_n and_o hypocrite_n answ_n 1._o they_o be_v not_o the_o sole_a efficient_a god_n love_n and_o mercy_n also_o be_v efficient_a 2._o you_o profess_v yourself_o that_o the_o name_n christian_n and_o church-member_n be_v equivocal_a as_o to_o the_o sincere_a and_o the_o hypocrite_n if_o they_o be_v not_o the_o same_o thing_n no_o wonder_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o cause_n that_o donation_n or_o covenant_n may_v be_v the_o sole_a near_a instrumental_a efficient_a of_o true_a membership_n and_o yet_o not_o of_o equivocal_a 3._o god_n who_o be_v our_o paternal_a beneficent_a ruler_n do_v give_v some_o of_o his_o benefit_n by_o his_o law_n or_o covenant_n absolute_o and_o antecedent_o to_o man_n condition_n and_o some_o consequent_o as_o reward_n and_o god_n law_n have_v first_o a_o preceptive_a part_n as_o well_o as_o a_o donative_n or_o premiant_a a_o right_o may_v accrue_v in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la to_o a_o hypocrite_n from_o that_o precept_n as_o e._n g._n god_n antecedent_o do_v by_o his_o covenant_n give_v the_o world_n a_o impunity_n as_o to_o the_o punishment_n of_o drown_v it_o and_o so_o by_o his_o common_a law_n of_o grace_n he_o give_v the_o world_n many_o common_a mercy_n by_o a_o redeemer_n and_o perhaps_o many_o by_o that_o you_o call_v a_o physical_a act_n immediate_o and_o by_o his_o law_n he_o have_v give_v a_o conditional_a pardon_n and_o life_n to_o all_o command_v his_o minister_n to_o offer_v it_o and_o all_o man_n to_o accept_v it_o and_o his_o minister_n to_o judge_v by_o man_n profession_n and_o to_o use_v profess_a accepter_n as_o real_a because_o we_o can_v see_v the_o heart_n this_o be_v so_o when_o the_o hypocrite_n profess_v his_o consent_n the_o law_n oblige_v the_o minister_n and_o church_n to_o receive_v it_o by_o which_o in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o his_o church_n station_n and_o christ_n himself_o call_v judas_n and_o send_v he_o out_o to_o preach_v and_o his_o mandate_n be_v as_o law_n so_o that_o the_o right_n that_o a_o hypocrite_n have_v he_o have_v by_o the_o law_n which_o oblige_v the_o church_n to_o use_v he_o as_o a_o true_a believer_n upon_o his_o profess_v to_o be_v such_o none_o of_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o judas_n be_v call_v immediate_o by_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o follow_n i_o be_v a_o precept_n which_o give_v he_o a_o right_n to_o his_o relation_n mr._n t._n 9_o if_o infant_n be_v visible_a member_n by_o the_o covenant_n on_o condition_n that_o the_o parent_n etc._n etc._n then_o either_o the_o next_o parent_n or_o in_o any_o generation_n precedent_n etc._n etc._n answ_n the_o next_o parent_n that_o be_v owner_n of_o the_o child_n and_o have_v the_o trust_n and_o power_n of_o dispose_n of_o he_o or_o covenant_v for_o he_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o have_v 1._o that_o propriety_n and_o 2._o that_o trust_n and_o power_n mr._n t._n 10._o if_o a_o infant_n visible_a church-membership_a be_v by_o the_o covenant_n on_o the_o parent_n actual_a believe_v and_o not_o a_o bare_a profession_n than_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v know_v etc._n etc._n answ_n i_o pity_v reader_n that_o must_v be_v trouble_v with_o such_o kind_n of_o talk_n 1._o the_o right_n of_o the_o child_n be_v upon_o the_o believe_a parent_n dedication_n of_o that_o child_n to_o god_n by_o consent_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o mutual_a covenant_n 2._o heart_n consent_v know_v only_o to_o god_n give_v no_o right_a coram_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la know_v to_o man_n but_o only_o to_o such_o mercy_n as_o god_n who_o only_o know_v it_o give_v without_o the_o church_n judgement_n 3._o believe_v and_o profession_n qualify_v for_o right_a in_o the_o judgement_n both_o of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o church_n 4._o profession_n without_o consent_v faith_n qualifi_v for_o right_n in_o the_o church_n judgement_n according_a to_o god_n command_n who_o bid_v they_o so_o judge_v and_o do_v wrangle_v not_o against_o plain_a truth_n mr._n t._n 11._o if_o other_o christian_a privilege_n be_v not_o convey_v by_o a_o covenant_n upon_o the_o parent_n faith_n without_o the_o person_n own_o act_n and_o consent_n than_o neither_o