chap._n 20_o 1_o with_o verse_n 17.28_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o disciple_n in_o mat._n 28.19_o and_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v term_n equivalent_a and_o disciple_n be_v there_o by_o christ_n himself_o make_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n 2._o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o first_o entrance_n or_o admission_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o appear_v from_o those_o text_n 1_o cor_n 12_o 13._o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n i_o e._n our_o entrance_n into_o the_o body_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v seal_v by_o baptism_n and_o rom_n 6_o 3_o 5_o gal._n 3_o 27._o where_o it_o be_v show_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o union_n or_o of_o engraft_v into_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o consequent_o into_o the_o church_n his_o body_n &_o from_o the_o apostle_n constant_a practice_n in_o baptise_v person_n upon_o their_o first_o come_v in_o or_o first_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o act_n 8.12_o &_o 16.15_o 33._o &_o 18.8_o and_o in_o act_n 2.41_o 42._o they_o be_v baptize_v at_o their_o first_o add_v to_o the_o church_n or_o admission_n into_o the_o apostle_n fellowship_n wherein_o they_o afterward_o continue_v and_o from_o its_o answer_v unto_o circumcision_n which_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o initiation_n or_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n hence_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o and_o only_o those_o that_o be_v enter_v into_o that_o be_v within_o or_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 3._o they_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o be_v in_o corenant_n for_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o constitute_v the_o church_n deut_n 29.12_o 13._o they_o must_v enter_v into_o covenant_n that_o they_o may_v be_v establish_v the_o people_n or_o church_n of_o god_n now_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n be_v affix_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o appoint_v to_o run_v parallel_n therewith_o gen._n 17.7_o 9_o 10_o 11._o so_o circumcision_n be_v and_o hence_o call_v the_o covenant_n gen._n 17.13_o act_n 7.8_o and_o so_o baptism_n be_v be_v in_o like_a manner_n annex_v to_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o and_o be_v the_o seal_n that_o answer_v to_o circumcision_n col_n 2.11_o 12._o 4._o christ_n do_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v the_o church_n by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n i_z e_z by_o baptism_n eph._n 5.25.26_o therefore_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o so_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o who_o be_v also_o say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 1_o cor_n 1.2_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n and_o although_o it_o be_v the_o invisible_a church_n unto_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a whereof_o this_o and_o all_o other_o ordinance_n last_o have_v respect_n and_o which_o the_o place_n mention_v in_o eph_n 5._o may_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n look_v unto_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n that_o be_v the_o next_o and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o the_o administration_n thereof_o for_o the_o subject_n of_o visible_a external_a ordinance_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v visible_a and_o so_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a sundry_n person_n who_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a but_o not_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n as_o simon_n magus_n anamias_n and_o sapphira_n and_o other_o and_o these_o be_v visible_o purchase_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n act_v 2d_o 28_o heb_fw-mi 10.29_o therefore_o the_o visible_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o cleanse_v by_o christ_n blood_n belong_v to_o they_o 5._o the_o circumcision_n be_v often_o put_v for_o the_o whole_a jewish_a church_n or_o for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n those_o within_o be_v express_v by_o the_o circumcise_a and_o those_o without_o by_o the_o uncircumcised_a rom_n 15.8_o &_o 3.30_o eph_n 2_o 11._o judge_n 14.3_o &_o 15.18_o 1_o san_n 14.6_o &_o 17.26_o 36._o jer_n 9_o 25_o 26._o hence_o by_o proportion_n baptism_n which_o be_v our_o gospel_n circumcision_n col_n 2.11.12_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n actual_a and_o personal_a circumcision_n be_v indeed_o proper_a to_o the_o male_n of_o old_a female_n be_v but_o inclusive_o and_o virtual_o circumcise_v and_o so_o count_v of_o the_o circumcision_n but_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o that_o difference_n now_o and_o appoint_a baptism_n to_o be_v personal_o apply_v to_o both_o sex_n act_n 8.12_o &_o 16.15_o gal_n 3_o 28._o so_o that_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v now_o a_o subject_n of_o baptism_n we_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o baptism_n pertain_v to_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n and_o to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o therein_o and_o to_o no_o other_o proposition_n 2d_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n in_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n ay_o e_o child_n in_o minority_n who_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n sundry_a particular_n be_v comprise_v in_o this_o proposition_n which_o we_o may_v consider_v and_o confirm_v distinct_o adult_a person_n who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n partic_a 1_o be_v by_o rule_n confederate_a visible_a believer_n act_n 5.14_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n the_o believe_a corinthian_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n there_o act_v 18_o 8_o with_o 1_o cor_fw-la 1.2_o &_o 12.27_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n write_v to_o church_n and_o call_v the_o member_n thereof_o sant_n and_o faithful_a show_v the_o same_o thing_n eph_n 1.1_o phi_n 1.1_o col_fw-fr 1.2_o and_o that_o consederation_n i_fw-it e._n covenant_v explicit_a or_o implicit_a the_n latter_a preserve_v the_o essence_n of_o confederation_n the_o former_a be_v duty_n and_o most_o desirable_a be_v necessary_a to_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n appear_v 1._o because_o the_o church_n be_v constitute_v by_o covenant_n for_o there_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n the_o mutual_a engagement_n and_o relation_n of_o king_n and_o subject_n husband_n and_o spouse_n this_o can_v be_v but_o by_o covenant_n internal_a if_o you_o speak_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n external_a of_o the_o visible_a a_o church_n be_v a_o company_n that_o can_v say_v god_n be_v our_o god_n and_o we_o be_v his_o people_n this_o be_v from_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o deut_n 29_o 12_o 13_o ezek_n 16_o 8._o 3._o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o covenant_n gen_n 17_o deut_n 29_o and_o be_v reform_v still_o by_o renew_v of_o the_o covenant_n 2_o chron_n 15_o 12._o &_o 23_o 16_o &_o 34_o 31_o 32_o neh_n 9_o 38_o now_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n stand_v upon_o the_o same_o basis_n or_o root_n with_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n &_o therefore_o be_v constitute_v by_o covenant_n as_o that_o be_v rom_n 11.17.18_o eph_n 2_o 11_o 12_o 19_o &_o 3_o 6._o heb_fw-mi 8_o 10_o 3._o baptism_n enter_v we_o into_o the_o church_n sacramental_o ay_o e_o by_o seal_v the_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n therefore_o be_v that_o which_o constitute_v the_o church_n and_o infer_v membership_n and_o be_v the_o vow_n in_o baptism_n common_o speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v such_o as_o be_v confederate_a in_o particular_a church_n partic_a 2_o it_o may_v be_v mind_v that_o we_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o member_n so_o state_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o that_o they_o be_v subject_n to_o who_o church_n ordinance_n may_v regular_o be_v administer_v and_o that_o according_a to_o ordinary_a dispensation_n for_o be_v it_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n do_v sometime_o baptise_v such_o as_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n yet_o their_o extraordinary_a office_n large_a power_n and_o commission_n render_v they_o not_o imitable_a therein_o by_o ordinary_a officer_n for_o than_o they_o may_v baptise_v in_o private_a without_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o christian_a assembly_n as_o philip_n do_v the_o eunuch_n but_o that_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v such_o as_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n appear_v 1._o because_o the_o visible_a believer_n that_o profess_o covenant_n with_o god_n do_v therein_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o wait_v on_o god_n in_o all_o his_o ordinance_n deut_n 26_o 17_o 18._o math_n 28_o 19_o 20._o but_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v only_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o how_o often_o do_v
therein_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o hence_o the_o covenant_n run_v to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o seed_n after_o we_o in_o their_o generation_n to_o keep_v in_o the_o line_n and_o under_o the_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o the_o church_n glory_n to_o cut_v it_o off_o and_o disavow_v it_o cut_v off_o the_o prosperity_n of_o zion_n &_o hinder_v it_o from_o be_v as_o in_o the_o most_o glorious_a time_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o eternal_a excellency_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o many_o generation_n this_o progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n establish_v the_o church_n deut._n 29_o 13._o jer._n 30.20_o the_o contrary_a therefore_o do_v disestablish_v it_o this_o oblige_v and_o advantage_v to_o the_o conveyance_n of_o religion_n down_o to_o after-generation_n the_o care_n whereof_o be_v strict_o command_v and_o high_o approve_v by_o the_o lord_n psal_n 78.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o gen._n 18.19_o this_o continue_v a_o nursery_n still_o in_o christ_n orchard_n or_o vineyard_n isa_n 5.1_o 7._o the_o contrary_a neglect_v that_o and_o so_o let_v the_o whole_a run_v to_o ruin_v sure_o god_n be_v a_o holy_a god_n and_o love_v the_o purity_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o then_o he_o go_v in_o this_o way_n of_o a_o successive_a progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o that_o end_n jer._n 13.11_o if_o some_o do_v then_o or_o do_v now_o decline_v to_o unbelief_n and_o apostasy_n that_o do_v not_o make_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n in_o his_o covenant_n of_o none_o effect_n or_o the_o advantage_n of_o interest_n therein_o inconsiderable_a yea_o the_o more_o holy_a reform_v and_o glorious_a that_o the_o time_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o eminent_o be_v a_o successive_a continuation_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o church_n therein_o design_v promise_a and_o intend_v isa_n 60.15_o &_o 59.21_o ezek._n 37.25_o 28._o ps_n 102_o 16-28_a jer._n 32.39_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v personal_a immediate_a argum_fw-la 6_o and_o yet-continuing_a member_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v personal_a member_n or_o member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n appear_v 1._o because_o they_o be_v personal_o holy_a 1_o co._n 7_o 14._o not_z parent_n only_o but_o your_o child_n be_v holy_a 2._o they_o be_v personal_o baptize_v or_o have_v have_v baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o membership_n apply_v to_o their_o own_o person_n which_o be_v regular_o do_v be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n that_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o person_n member_n of_o the_o church_n 3_o they_o be_v personal_o under_o discipline_n and_o liable_a to_o church-censure_n in_o their_o own_o person_n vide_fw-la propos_fw-fr 3._o 4._o they_o be_v personal_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o a_o visible_a state_n of_o salvation_n to_o say_v they_o be_v not_o member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n but_o in_o their_o parent_n will_v be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v they_o be_v save_v in_o their_o parent_n and_o not_o in_o their_o own_o person_n 5._o when_o they_o commit_v iniquity_n they_o personal_o break_v the_o covenant_n therefore_o be_v personal_o in_o it_o jer._n 11.2_o 10._o ezek._n 16._o 2._o by_o the_o like_a reason_n it_o appear_v that_o child_n be_v immediate_a member_n as_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o membership_n i._n e._n that_o they_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o person_n be_v the_o immediate_a subject_n of_o this_o adjunct_n of_o church-membership_a though_o they_o come_v to_o it_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o parent_n covenant_v for_o as_o touch_v that_o distinction_n of_o mediate_a and_o immediate_a as_o apply_v to_o membership_n which_o some_o urge_v we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v 1._o between_o the_o efficient_a and_o the_o essence_n of_o membership_n 2._o between_o the_o instrumental_a efficient_a or_o mean_v thereof_o which_o be_v the_o parent_n profession_n and_o covenant_v and_o the_o principal_a efficient_a which_o be_v divine_a institution_n they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v mediate_v or_o rather_o mediate_o member_n as_o they_o become_v member_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o parent_n covenant_v as_o a_o instrumental_a cause_n thereof_o but_o that_o do_v nothing_o vary_v or_o diminish_v the_o essence_n of_o their_o membership_n for_o divine_a institution_n give_v or_o grant_v a_o real_a and_o personal_a membership_n unto_o they_o as_o well_o as_o unto_o their_o parent_n and_o make_v the_o parent_n a_o public_a person_n and_o so_o his_o act_n they_o to_o that_o end_n hence_o the_o essence_n of_o membership_n i._n e._n covenant-interest_n or_o a_o place_n and_o pâ—â—tion_n within_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v real_o proper_o personal_o and_o immediate_o the_o portion_n of_o the_o child_n by_o divine_a gift_n and_o grant_n josh._n 22_o 25_o 27._o their_o child_n have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n there_o and_o church-membership_a or_o membership_n in_o israel_n be_v term_n equivalent_a now_o the_o child_n there_o and_o a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n be_v subject_a and_o adjunct_n which_o nothing_o come_v between_o so_o as_o to_o sever_v the_o adjunct_n from_o the_o subject_a therefore_o they_o be_v immediate_a subject_n of_o that_o adjunct_n or_o immediate_a member_n again_o their_o visible_a engraff_n into_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o so_o into_o the_o church_n his_o body_n be_v seal_v in_o their_o baptism_n but_o in_o engraff_n nothing_o come_v between_o the_o graft_n and_o the_o stock_n their_o union_n be_v immediate_a hence_o they_o be_v immediate_o insert_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o immediate_a member_n thereof_o the_o little_a child_n in_o deut_n 29.11_o be_v personal_o and_o immediate_o a_o part_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n to_o be_v in_o covenant_n or_o to_o be_v a_o covenantee_n be_v the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la of_o a_o church-member_n if_o one_o come_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n one_o way_n and_o another_o in_o another_o but_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n or_o covenantee_n i._n e._n party_n with_o who_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v and_o who_o god_n take_v into_o covenant_n as_o the_o child_n here_o be_v gen._n 17.7.8_o than_o both_o be_v in_o their_o own_o person_n the_o immediate_a subject_n of_o the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la of_o membership_n and_o so_o immediate_a member_n to_o act_v in_o covenant_v be_v but_o the_o instrumental_a mean_n of_o membership_n and_o yet_o child_n be_v not_o without_o this_o neither_o for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o parent_n their_o public_a person_n be_v account_v they_o and_o they_o be_v say_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n deut._n 29.11_o 12._o so_o that_o what_o be_v it_o that_o child_n want_v unto_o a_o actual_a complete_a proper_a absolute_a and_o immediate_a membership_n so_o far_o as_o these_o term_n may_v with_o any_o propriety_n or_o pertinency_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n be_v it_o covenant-interest_n which_o be_v the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la of_o membership_n no_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n be_v it_o divine_a grant_n and_o institution_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a efficient_a no_o he_o have_v clear_o declare_v himself_o that_o he_o grant_v unto_o to_o the_o child_n of_o his_o people_n a_o portion_n in_o his_o church_n and_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v member_n thereof_o be_v it_o a_o act_n of_o covenant_v which_o be_v the_o instrumental_a mean_n no_o they_o have_v this_o also_o reputative_o by_o divine_a appointment_n make_v the_o parent_n a_o public_a person_n and_o account_v they_o to_o covenant_n in_o his_o covenant_v a_o different_a manner_n and_o mean_n of_o convey_v the_o covenant_n to_o we_o or_o of_o make_v we_o member_n do_v not_o make_v a_o different_a sort_n of_o membership_n we_o now_o be_v as_o true_o personal_o and_o immediate_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o fall_a mankind_n and_o by_o nature_n heir_n of_o the_o condemnation_n pertain_v thereto_o as_o adam_n be_v though_o he_o come_v to_o be_v so_o by_o be_v own_o personal_a act_n and_o we_o by_o the_o act_n of_o our_o public_a person_n if_o a_o prince_n give_v such_o land_n to_o a_o man_n and_o his_o heir_n successive_o while_o they_o continue_v loyal_a the_o follow_a heir_n be_v a_o true_a and_o immediate_a owner_n of_o that_o land_n and_o may_v be_v personal_o do_v inherit_v if_o disloyal_a as_o well_o as_o his_o father_n before_o he_o a_o member_n be_v one_o that_o be_v according_a to_o rule_v or_o according_a to_o divine_a institution_n within_o the_o visible_a church_n thus_o the_o child_n be_v proper_o &_o personal_o or_o immediate_o paul_n ea_v all_o man_n into_o two_o sort_n those_o within_o and_o those_o without_o i.e._n member_n and_o non-member_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o it_o seem_v he_o know_v of_o no_o such_o distinction_n of_o mediate_a and_o immediate_a as_o put_v a_o medium_n between_o
proposition_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n collect_v and_o confirm_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o a_o synod_n of_o elder_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n in_o massachusets-colony_n in_o new-england_n assemble_v at_o boston_n according_a to_o appointment_n of_o the_o honour_a general_z court_n in_o the_o year_n 1662._o at_o a_o general_z court_z hold_v at_o boston_n in_o new-england_n the_o 8_o the_o of_o october_n 1662._o the_o court_n have_v read_v over_o this_o result_n of_o the_o synod_n judge_v meet_v to_o commend_v the_o same_o unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o this_o jurisdiction_n and_o for_o that_o end_n do_v order_n the_o print_n thereof_o by_o the_o court_n edward_n rawson_n secret_n '_o cambridge_n print_v by_o s._n g._n for_o hezekiah_n usher_n at_o boston_n in_o new-england_n 1662._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o church_n of_o massachusets-colony_n in_o new-england_a that_o one_o end_n design_v by_o god_n all-disposing_a providence_n in_o lead_v so_o many_o of_o his_o poor_a people_n into_o this_o wilderness_n be_v to_o lead_v they_o unto_o a_o distinct_a discern_a and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o way_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o house_n according_a to_o scripture-pattern_n may_v seem_v a_o observation_n not_o to_o be_v despise_v that_o we_o be_v fit_a or_o able_a for_o so_o great_a a_o service_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o feebleness_n forbid_v we_o to_o think_v but_o that_o we_o have_v large_a and_o great_a opportunity_n for_o it_o none_o will_v deny_v for_o beside_o the_o useful_a labour_n and_o contemplation_n of_o many_o of_o the_o lord_n worthy_n in_o other_o place_n and_o in_o former_a time_n contribute_v to_o our_o help_n and_o show_v our_o principle_n to_o be_v neither_o novel_a nor_o singular_a the_o advantage_n of_o experience_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o occasion_n thereby_o give_v for_o daily_o search_v into_o the_o rule_n be_v considerable_a and_o he_o that_o have_v make_v the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a as_o the_o shine_a light_n be_v wont_v still_o to_o give_v unto_o they_o further_o light_n as_o the_o progress_n of_o their_o path_n require_v further_a practice_n make_v his_o word_n a_o lantern_n to_o their_o foot_n to_o show_v they_o their_o way_n from_o step_n to_o step_v though_o haply_o sometime_o they_o may_v not_o see_v far_o before_o they_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o humble_v to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v make_v no_o better_a improvement_n of_o our_o opportunity_n this_o way_n but_o some_o fruit_n god_n have_v give_v and_o be_v to_o be_v praise_v for_o in_o former_a year_n and_o while_o sundry_a of_o the_o lord_n eminent_a servant_n now_o at_o rest_n from_o their_o labour_n be_v yet_o with_o we_o a_o platform_n of_o church-discipline_n comprise_v the_o brief_a sum_n thereof_o especial_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n which_o be_v our_o first_o work_n when_o we_o come_v into_o this_o wilderness_n be_v agree_v upon_o by_o a_o synod_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n from_o which_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n thereof_o we_o yet_o see_v no_o cause_n to_o recede_v some_o few_o particular_n refer_v to_o the_o continuation_n and_o combination_n of_o church_n need_v yet_o a_o more_o explicit_a state_v and_o reduce_v unto_o practice_n for_o though_o the_o principle_n thereof_o be_v include_v in_o what_o be_v already_o publish_v yet_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o defect_n in_o practice_n especial_o since_o of_o late_a year_n there_o be_v more_o occasion_n for_o it_o be_v too_o too_o apparent_a for_o the_o rectify_v whereof_o a_o more_o particular_a explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n also_o about_o these_o thing_n be_v now_o necessary_a in_o order_n hereunto_o by_o the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o honour_a general_n court_n call_v upon_o all_o the_o church_n of_o this_o colony_n to_o send_v their_o elder_n and_o messenger_n this_o synod_n be_v assemble_v who_o after_o earnest_a supplication_n for_o divine_a assistance_n have_v consult_v the_o holy_a scripture_n touch_v the_o question_n propose_v to_o they_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o follow_a issue_n hope_v that_o if_o it_o may_v seem_v meet_a to_o the_o father_n of_o light_n to_o guide_v the_o church_n unto_o a_o right_a understanding_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o will_n in_o these_o thing_n also_o the_o beauty_n of_o christ_n way_n and_o spiritual_a kingdom_n among_o we_o will_v be_v see_v in_o some_o more_o compleatness_n then_o former_o for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o epaphras_n for_o the_o colossian_n aught_o to_o be_v both_o the_o prayer_n and_o labour_n of_o we_o all_o viz._n that_o we_o may_v stand_v perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o we_o trust_v it_o be_v our_o sincere_a desire_n that_o his_o will_n all_o his_o will_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o his_o will_n may_v be_v do_v among_o we_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n we_o do_v whole_o refer_v ourselves_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o follow_a conclusion_n be_v indeed_o find_v not_o to_o speak_v according_a thereunto_o let_v it_o be_v reject_v we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o this_o our_o labour_n will_v by_o divers_a be_v diverse_o censure_v some_o will_v account_v we_o too_o strict_a in_o the_o point_n of_o baptism_n and_o other_o too_o lax_n and_o large_a but_o let_v the_o scripture_n be_v judge_n between_o we_o all_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n the_o honour_n whereof_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n dear_a to_o god_n and_o which_o he_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v wrong_v in_o viz._n his_o holiness_n and_o his_o grace_n the_o scripture_n be_v often_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n how_o much_o the_o lord_n love_v holiness_n and_o that_o in_o his_o house_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n thereof_o and_o how_o he_o abhor_v the_o contrary_a malipiero_n 2.11_o psal_n 93.5_o &_o 2.6_o leu._n 11.44_o 45._o ezek._n 22.26_o &_o 44.7_o 8._o and_o hence_o neither_o dare_v we_o admit_v those_o unto_o the_o holy_a table_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v short_a of_o scripture-qualifications_a for_o it_o viz._n ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n nor_o yet_o receive_v or_o retain_v those_o in_o church-estate_n and_o own_v they_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o lord_n holy_a people_n that_o be_v visible_o and_o notorious_o unholy_a wicked_a and_o profane_a such_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o put_v away_o from_o among_o we_o 1._o cor._n 5.13_o and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o continue_v among_o we_o neither_o may_v we_o administer_v baptism_n to_o those_o who_o parent_n be_v not_o under_o any_o church-power_n or_o government_n any_o where_o to_o baptize_v such_o will_v be_v to_o give_v the_o title_n and_o livery_n to_o those_o that_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n disciple_n and_o to_o put_v the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o touch_v who_o we_o can_v have_v no_o tolerable_a security_n that_o they_o will_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n or_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o god_n holy_a will._n baptism_n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o membership_n in_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o engage_v sign_n import_v we_o to_o be_v the_o devote_a subject_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o all_o his_o holy_a government_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v a_o common_a thing_n nor_o to_o be_v give_v to_o those_o between_o who_o and_o the_o god-less_a licentious_a world_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a difference_n this_o will_v be_v a_o provocation_n and_o dishonour_n to_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v very_o tender_a of_o his_o grace_n that_o he_o delight_v to_o manifest_v and_o magnify_v the_o riches_n of_o it_o and_o that_o he_o can_v endure_v any_o straighten_n or_o eclipse_v whereof_o which_o be_v both_o deshonourable_a unto_o god_n and_o injurious_a unto_o man_n gal._n 2.21_o eph._n 2.7_o &_o 3.2_o 6_o 8._o rom_n 11.1_o 5._o act_n 15.10_o 11._o &_o 10.15_o &_o 20.24_o 26_o 27._o and_o in_o special_a he_o be_v large_a in_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o his_o visible_a church_n and_o people_n and_o tender_a of_o have_v the_o same_o straighten_a hence_o when_o he_o take_v any_o into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o he_o will_v not_o only_o be_v their_o god_n but_o the_o god_n of_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n genes_n 17.7_o 9_o and_o although_o the_o apostate_n wicked_a parent_n that_o reject_v god_n and_o his_o way_n do_v cut_v off_o both_o himself_o and_o his_o child_n after_o he_o exod._n 20.5_o &_o 34.7_o yet_o the_o mercy_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v extend_v to_o
follow_a testimony_n from_o sundry_a eminent_a and_o worthy_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o new-england_n who_o be_v now_o with_o god_n first_o touch_v the_o child_n of_o church-member_n mr._n cotton_n have_v this_o say_n the_o covenant_n and_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v that_o which_o we_o plead_v for_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v come_v upon_o we_o gentile_n gal._n 3.14_o which_o admit_v the_o faithful_a and_o their_o infant-seed_n not_o during_o their_o life_n in_o case_n their_o life_n shall_v grow_v up_o to_o apostasy_n or_o open_a scandal_n but_o during_o their_o infancy_n and_o so_o long_o after_o as_o they_o shall_v continue_v in_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o faith_n and_o religion_n of_o their_o father_n otherwise_o if_o the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a grow_v up_o to_o apostasy_n or_o any_o open_a scandal_n as_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n do_v as_o they_o be_v then_o so_o such_o like_a now_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o seal_n thereof_o ground_n and_o end_n of_o baptism_n of_o child_n p._n 106._o see_v also_o p._n â—â—_o 3â—.34_n again_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o israelite_n though_o many_o of_o they_o be_v not_o sincere_o godly_a yet_o while_o they_o hold_v forth_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o god_n people_n deut._n 26_o 3-11_a and_o continue_v under_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o ordinance_n they_o be_v still_o account_v a_o holy_a seed_n ezra_n 9.2_o and_o so_o their_o child_n be_v partaker_n of_o circumcision_n yea_o further_o though_o themselves_o be_v sometime_o keep_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o passeover_n for_o some_o or_o other_o uncleanness_n yet_o that_o debar_v not_o their_o child_n from_o circumcision_n against_o this_o may_v it_o not_o seem_v vain_a to_o stand_v upon_o a_o difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o our_o church_n of_o the_o new-testament_n for_o the_o same_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o national_a church_n of_o israel_n and_o their_o seed_n it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o for_o substance_n and_o none_o other_o which_o the_o lord_n make_v with_o any_o congregational_a church_n and_o our_o seed_n quaery_n 9_o of_o accommodation_n and_o communion_n of_o presbyt_fw-la and_o congregal_a church_n and_o the_o same_o for_o substance_n with_o those_o query_n be_v deliver_v by_o he_o in_o 12._o proposition_n as_o mr._n tho_n allen_n witness_v in_o epist_n to_o the_o reader_n before_o treat_v of_o covenant_n and_o those_o query_n now_o in_o the_o 8_o of_o those_o proposition_n he_o have_v these_o word_n the_o child_n of_o church-member_n with_o we_o though_o baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n yet_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n they_o be_v not_o receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n nor_o admit_v to_o fellowship_n of_o vote_v in_o admission_n election_n censure_n till_o they_o come_v to_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n before_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n nor_o from_o the_o covenant_n thereof_o their_o child_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n they_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o first_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n last_o speak_v to_o that_o objection_n that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n overthrow_n and_o destroy_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o holy_a temple_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o time_n it_o will_v come_v to_o consist_v of_o natural_a and_o carnal_a member_n and_o the_o power_n of_o government_n rest_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a he_o answer_v that_o this_o put_v a_o fear_n where_o no_o fear_n be_v or_o a_o causeless_a fear_n and_o in_o prosecution_n of_o his_o answer_n he_o have_v these_o word_n let_v the_o primitive_a practice_n be_v restore_v to_o its_o purity_n viz._n that_o due_a care_n be_v take_v of_o baptize_v member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o fit_v for_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o fear_n of_o pester_v church_n with_o a_o carnal_a generation_n of_o member_n baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n then_o of_o admit_v a_o carnal_a company_n of_o hypocrite_n confess_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o congregation_n either_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o covenant_n will_v sanctify_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o baptize_v infant_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o his_o table_n or_o else_o he_o will_v discover_v their_o hypocrisy_n and_o profaneness_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o church_n before_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o so_o prevent_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o partake_n in_o they_o ground_n and_o end_n of_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n p._n 161_o 163._o see_v also_o holiness_n of_o church-member_n p._n 41_o 51_o 56_o 57_o 63_o 87._o bloody_a tenent_n wash_v p._n 44_o 78._o mr._n hooker_n say_v suppose_v a_o whole_a congregation_n shall_v consist_v of_o such_o who_o be_v child_n to_o parent_n now_o decease_v who_o be_v confederate_a their_o child_n be_v true_a member_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o father_n covenant_n though_o they_o shall_v not_o make_v any_o personal_a and_o vocal_a expression_n of_o their_o engagement_n as_o the_o father_n do_v survey_v part_v 1._o p._n 48._o again_o we_o maintain_v according_a to_o truth_n that_o the_o believe_a parent_n covenant_n and_o confess_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n and_o this_o covenant_v then_o and_o now_o be_v the_o same_o for_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o part_n 3._o p._n 25._o see_v p._n 17_o 18._o &_o part_v 1._o p._n 69_o 76_o 77._o and_o in_o the_o preface_n fetch_v down_o sundry_a thing_n wherein_o he_o consent_v with_o mr._n r._n he_o express_v this_o for_o one_o that_o infant_n of_o visible_a church_n bear_v of_o wicked_a parent_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v baptize_v in_o these_o say_v he_o and_o several_a other_o particular_n we_o fally_o accord_n with_o mr._n r._n and_o part_v 3._o p._n 11._o it_o be_v not_o then_o the_o question_n whether_o wicked_a member_n while_o they_o be_v tolerate_v sinful_o in_o the_o church_n they_o and_o their_o child_n may_v partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n for_o this_o be_v beyond_o question_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v nor_o yet_o ever_o hear_v it_o deny_v by_o any_o of_o we_o mr._n philip_n speak_v of_o a_o people_n make_v partaker_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n outward_o belong_v thereto_o he_o say_v themselves_o and_o all_o that_o ever_o proceed_v from_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o state_n parent_n and_o child_n successive_o so_o long_o as_o the_o lord_n continue_v the_o course_n of_o his_o dispensation_n nor_o can_v any_o alteration_n befall_v they_o whereby_o this_o estate_n be_v dissolve_v but_o some_o apparent_a act_n of_o god_n break_v they_o off_o from_o he_o reply_v p._n 126._o again_o speak_v of_o that_o holiness_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o he_o say_v i_o take_v it_o of_o foederal_a holiness_n whereby_o the_o child_n be_v with_o the_o believe_a parent_n take_v by_o god_n to_o be_v his_o and_o by_o he_o put_v under_o his_o covenant_n and_o so_o they_o continue_v when_o man_n of_o year_n though_o they_o never_o have_v any_o further_a grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o nor_o have_v any_o other_o state_n upon_o they_o than_o what_o they_o have_v when_o they_o be_v bear_v ibid._n p_o 131._o again_o a_o company_n become_v or_o be_v a_o church_n either_o by_o conversion_n and_o initial_a constitution_n or_o by_o continuance_n of_o the_o same_o constitute_v church_n successive_o by_o propagation_n of_o member_n who_o all_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church-state_n and_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o be_v a_o church_n successive_o so_o long_o as_o god_n shall_v continue_v his_o begin_a dispensation_n even_o as_o well_o &_o as_o full_o as_o the_o first_o ibid._n p._n 145._o mr._n shepard_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o nine_o position_n p_o 143._o have_v the_o expression_n concern_v the_o infant_n of_o church-member_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o censure_n whensoever_o they_o offend_v the_o church_n as_o other_o be_v though_o so_o long_o as_o they_o live_v innocent_o they_o need_v they_o not_o and_o in_o the_o year_n 1649._o not_o three_o month_n before_o his_o death_n he_o wrot_v unto_o a_o friend_n a_o large_a letter_n yet_o extant_a under_o his_o own_o hand_n concern_v the_o membership_n of_o child_n wherein_o he_o prove_v by_o sundry_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v member_n and_o answer_v sundry_a objection_n against_o it_o and_o show_v at_o large_a what_o great_a good_a there_o be_v in_o child_n membership_n in_o which_o