esau_n be_v not_o clear_a that_o they_o do_v excommunicate_v themselves_o but_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o the_o lord_n the_o curse_n of_o cain_n be_v to_o be_v a_o vagabond_n and_o fugitive_n in_o the_o earth_n which_o he_o understand_v of_o his_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n from_o thy_o face_n shall_v i_o be_v hide_v gen._n 4.14_o as_o for_o ishmael_n the_o case_n be_v plain_a that_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o abraham_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o of_o esau_n it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o when_o he_o will_v have_v inherit_v the_o blessing_n he_o be_v reject_v viz._n of_o isaac_n after_o which_o rejection_n he_o go_v away_o from_o the_o church_n in_o isaac_n family_n concern_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o abraham_n by_o keturah_n how_o long_o they_o continue_v to_o worship_n the_o true_a god_n or_o how_o they_o fall_v off_o who_o can_v say_v or_o prove_v that_o they_o excommunicate_v themselves_o without_o any_o act_n of_o god_n that_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o censure_n as_o for_o open_a and_o obstinate_a heretic_n and_o apostate_n which_o some_o call_n excommunicati_fw-la de_fw-la jure_fw-la that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v in_o fact_n also_o but_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o gospel-time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v so_o express_o institute_v church-censure_n for_o the_o save_n of_o offender_n and_o purge_v of_o his_o church_n and_o have_v confirm_v the_o same_o with_o such_o promise_n to_o bâ—nde_v and_o loose_a in_o heaven_n what_o be_v bind_v and_o lose_v on_o earth_n mat._n 18._o i_o conceive_v with_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o author_n allege_v that_o no_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v the_o power_n and_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n can_v so_o cut_v off_o his_o relation_n to_o that_o church_n actual_o but_o that_o the_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o dispense_v the_o censure_n to_o he_o as_o the_o case_n shall_v require_v my_o reason_n be_v reason_n 1_o 1._o from_o the_o end_n of_o church-discipline_n viz._n to_o reduce_v and_o save_v offender_n mat._n 18._o 1_o cor._n 5.5_o to_o purge_v the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 5.7_o to_o vindicate_v the_o name_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o bear_v fall_n testimony_n against_o scandal_n 2_o sam._n 12.14_o 2_o cor._n 7.11_o you_o have_v approve_v yourselves_o to_o be_v clear_a in_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o example_n and_o terror_n of_o other_o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o whence_o the_o reason_n stand_v thus_o if_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v betrust_v his_o church_n with_o the_o power_n of_o church-discipline_n for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a end_n than_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o put_v forth_o this_o power_n whensoever_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o end_n may_v be_v attain_v with_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o case_n can_v befall_v any_o church_n member_n wherein_o these_o or_o some_o of_o these_o end_n may_v not_o be_v attain_v for_o put_v case_n a_o member_n be_v turn_v arrian_n quaker_n turk_n and_o what_o you_o will_v yet_o the_o censure_n denounce_v will_v acquit_v the_o church_n vindicate_v the_o name_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o bear_v full_a testimony_n against_o such_o scandal_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o terror_n of_o other_o yea_o who_o know_v how_o far_o the_o lord_n may_v improve_v it_o upon_o the_o sinner_n for_o his_o good_a reason_n 2_o 2._o if_o in_o scripture-pattern_n the_o worst_a of_o heretic_n and_o blasphemer_n be_v lay_v under_o censure_n notwithstanding_o their_o suppose_a self-excommunication_n than_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v such_o pattern_n in_o all_o such_o case_n but_o such_o be_v the_o practice_n in_o scripture-example_n tit._n 3.10_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o 1_o cor._n 16.22_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n reason_n 3_o 3._o that_o position_n that_o open_v a_o door_n for_o church-member_n to_o evade_v and_o frustrate_v church-discipline_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v but_o this_o position_n do_v open_v a_o door_n to_o evade_v and_o frustrate_v church-discipline_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n any_o member_n in_o danger_n of_o church-censure_n may_v withdraw_v himself_o renounce_v the_o church_n and_o then_o they_o can_v proceed_v against_o he_o for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o cut_v off_o a_o member_n that_o have_v already_o excommunicate_v himself_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v sufficient_a punishment_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n to_o leave_v a_o man_n so_o to_o excommunicate_v himself_o ans_fw-fr but_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o church_n be_v discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o save_v the_o offender_n by_o excommunication_n that_o tend_v to_o destroy_v the_o flesh_n and_o save_v his_o soul_n i_o never_o read_v that_o god_n bless_a self-excommunication_n to_o that_o end_n yea_o by_o this_o position_n a_o wicked_a schismatical_a member_n shall_v take_v the_o key_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n and_o censure_v the_o whole_a church_n as_o oft_o they_o do_v and_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o lay_v any_o punishment_n upon_o he_o for_o it_o and_o hence_o those_o scripture_n allege_v hebr._n 10.21_o 1_o john_n 2.19_o may_v receive_v a_o just_a answer_n for_o that_o forsake_v of_o the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o and_o go_v out_o do_v not_o exempt_v they_o from_o church-censure_n or_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o before_o church-censure_n if_o the_o foot_n say_v i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o body_n be_v it_o therefore_o not_o of_o the_o body_n or_o can_v this_o withdraw_a discharge_n the_o church_n from_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n or_o exempt_v themselves_o from_o the_o just_a censure_n and_o punishment_n appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o such_o offender_n reas_n 5._o these_o adult_n person_n be_v member_n or_o non-member_n if_o non-member_n than_o a_o person_n admit_v a_o member_n and_o seal_v by_o baptism_n not_o cast_v out_o nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v may_v the_o church_n still_o remain_v become_v a_o non-member_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o unclean_a world_n which_o the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v not_o ans_fw-fr 1._o member_n and_o non-member_n be_v not_o opposite_n but_o with_o take_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o all_o opposite_n as_o in_o this_o case_n ad_fw-la idem_fw-la or_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n they_o may_v be_v non-member_n in_o full_a communion_n and_o yet_o member_n in_o parental_a right_n reply_n 1._o this_o distinction_n be_v not_o ad_fw-la idem_fw-la for_o the_o want_n of_o full_a communion_n be_v not_o such_o a_o respect_n as_o make_v a_o man_n a_o non-member_n for_o so_o a_o man_n under_o admonition_n for_o some_o scandal_n or_o in_o a_o frenzy_n shall_v be_v a_o non-member_n 2._o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o these_o be_v member_n in_o full_a communion_n but_o whether_o that_o membership_n which_o be_v seal_v up_o unto_o they_o in_o baptism_n do_v continue_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o this_o seem_v once_o more_o here_o to_o be_v grant_v ans_fw-fr 2._o they_o may_v deserve_v censure_n though_o not_o put_v upon_o they_o râ—ply_v this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o these_o member_n in_o question_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o they_o deserve_v censure_n yet_o no_o man_n be_v actual_o cut_v off_o till_o the_o censure_n be_v apply_v and_o if_o they_o may_v deserve_v censure_n then_o be_v they_o personal_a member_n under_o church-discipline_n chap._n v._o concern_v the_o four_o proposition_n propos_fw-fr 4._o these_o adult_n person_n be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v and_o continue_v member_n without_o such_o further_a qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v thereunto_o our_o brethren_n grant_v this_o proposition_n yet_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o five_o proposition_n be_v please_v by_o way_n of_o prevention_n to_o state_n this_o question_n viz._n whether_o there_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n such_o person_n as_o have_v public_o and_o personal_o covenant_v that_o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n the_o negative_a they_o prove_v reas_n 1._o because_o public_a and_o personal_a covenant_n be_v the_o formality_n of_o a_o church-member_n such_o have_v all_o the_o constituent_a cause_n and_o so_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o form_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o subject_a which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v full_a communion_n hence_o the_o form_n introduce_v and_o the_o covenant_n personal_o own_v do_v necessary_o imply_v all_o the_o privilege_n belongingâ—th_v reunto_o ans_fw-fr every_o public_a and_o personal_a covenant_n be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o church-membership_a the_o covenant_n be_v oft_o renew_v public_o own_v or_o enter_v into_o by_o such_o as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o as_o in_o deut._n 29._o and_o other_o scripture_n do_v appear_v and_o this_o be_v the_o
and_o join_v which_o have_v reference_n to_o their_o first_o join_v to_o the_o church_n not_o deny_v that_o be_v once_o regular_o join_v they_o may_v after_o have_v their_o seed_n baptise_a though_o they_o shall_v not_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a convert_v as_o for_o the_o objection_n and_o answer_n here_o bring_v in_o they_o be_v not_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o what_o be_v any_o way_n pertinent_a to_o our_o dispute_n may_v sufficient_o be_v take_v off_o by_o what_o be_v say_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v pass_v they_o by_o and_o i_o may_v the_o rather_o so_o do_v see_v our_o brethren_n in_o their_o three_o answer_n have_v yield_v the_o cause_n for_o if_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o the_o circumcision_n of_o his_o seed_n be_v appoint_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n that_o baptism_n be_v why_o shall_v not_o baptism_n be_v continue_v successive_o to_o the_o seed_n remain_v in_o the_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o circumcision_n chap._n iii_o concern_v our_o brethren_n note_n upon_o the_o first_o and_o second_o proposition_n in_o the_o first_o proposition_n our_o brethren_n only_o give_v a_o explication_n of_o the_o word_n visible_a church_n take_v the_o word_n church_n as_o a_o genus_fw-la of_o all_o particular_a church_n from_o which_o we_o dissent_n not_o in_o the_o second_o proposition_n viz._n that_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 and_o their_o infant-seed_n they_o have_v make_v divers_a note_n upon_o it_o 1._o that_o by_o visible_a believer_n they_o intend_v true_a believer_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n and_o herein_o we_o agree_v second_o note_v that_o visible_a believer_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n be_v right_o distinguish_v and_o so_o far_o we_o agree_v also_o that_o they_o be_v person_n distinct_o and_o several_o covenant_v with_o by_o the_o lord_n not_o wrap_v up_o in_o their_o parent_n as_o they_o speak_v but_o whereas_o they_o distinguish_v they_o from_o their_o parent_n as_o not_o be_v believer_n never_o so_o call_v in_o scripture_n how_o can_v they_o believe_v that_o know_v not_o the_o right_a hand_n from_o the_o left_a they_o have_v no_o faith_n actual_a or_o habitual_a nor_o can_v have_v without_o a_o miracle_n and_o we_o hold_v miracle_n be_v cease_v ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o great_a objection_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n against_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n and_o what_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o note_n be_v here_o i_o know_v not_o except_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v they_o any_o actual_a and_o personal_a membership_n in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o their_o next_o note_n i_o shall_v therefore_o speak_v the_o more_o full_o to_o it_o and_o first_o it_o appear_v the_o scripture_n number_n they_o among_o believer_n if_o it_o do_v not_o also_o express_o call_v they_o so_o mat._n 18.6_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o which_o some_o interpret_v of_o infant_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15._o where_o all_o in_o the_o church_n be_v call_v believer_n in_o opposition_n to_o infidel_n and_o no_o doubt_n paul_n will_v not_o allow_v any_o of_o these_o to_o marry_v with_o infidel_n when_o grow_v up_o by_o that_o rule_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o reckon_v they_o as_o believer_n 2._o to_o make_v a_o person_n a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o matter_n be_v not_o whether_o he_o have_v faith_n and_o grace_n real_o or_o not_o if_o he_o have_v such_o qualification_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n accept_v for_o faith_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o can_v go_v no_o further_o this_o be_v clear_a and_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v in_o respect_n of_o adult_n person_n if_o a_o man_n profess_v he_o do_v believe_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n as_o the_o eunuch_n act_v 8._o and_o nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a if_o a_o man_n appear_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n glad_o receive_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n as_o those_o act_n 2._o god_n rule_n accept_v of_o such_o as_o believer_n and_o so_o must_v the_o church_n though_o the_o lord_n see_v that_o some_o it_o may_v be_v many_o such_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o truth_n for_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v and_o however_o they_o may_v afterward_o discover_v themselves_o as_o ananias_n simon_n magus_n etc._n etc._n yet_o all_o will_v grant_v these_o be_v right_o receive_v as_o visible_a believer_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v the_o case_n of_o infant_n the_o matter_n be_v not_o whether_o they_o have_v true_a faith_n or_o not_o in_o the_o act_n or_o habit_n so_o they_o have_v such_o qualification_n as_o god_n accept_v of_o to_o receive_v their_o person_n into_o his_o covenant_n and_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o suffice_v though_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n or_o grace_n real_o now_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v so_o accept_v of_o they_o into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o as_o believer_n appear_v 1._o because_o he_o do_v account_v they_o holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o be_v it_o foederal_n or_o covenant-holiness_n this_o imply_v that_o god_n be_v their_o god_n and_o if_o god_n give_v himself_o unto_o they_o sure_o he_o accept_v they_o as_o believer_n he_o be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o infidel_n who_o be_v without_o god_n ephes_n 2.12_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o with_o parent_n and_o their_o seed_n and_o therefore_o god_n accept_v they_o as_o such_o as_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n 2._o this_o appear_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4._o when_o god_n appoint_v this_o seal_n to_o be_v set_v upon_o infant_n sure_o god_n number_v they_o with_o believer_n so_o when_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v baptise_a into_o christ_n can_v there_o be_v any_o union_n with_o christ_n without_o faith_n as_o no_o real_a union_n without_o true_a faith_n so_o no_o visible_a union_n without_o that_o which_o be_v accept_v as_o faith_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n say_v of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n belong_v to_o unbeliever_n if_o it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v their_o parent_n faith_n that_o be_v accept_v for_o they_o not_o any_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o person_n i_o answer_v if_o so_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v the_o parent_n faith_n and_o profession_n in_o their_o name_n and_o stead_n as_o a_o public_a person_n covenant_v for_o they_o yet_o this_o be_v god_n free_a and_o prevent_a grace_n towards_o the_o seed_n and_o do_v engage_v their_o person_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o avouch_v god_n for_o their_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v actual_o and_o personal_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n 3._o i_o add_v further_o that_o as_o we_o must_v rest_v in_o such_o sign_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o rule_n require_v though_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v there_o so_o also_o we_o must_v in_o charity_n judge_v the_o best_a and_o walk_v towards_o such_o as_o visible_a believer_n till_o by_o impenitency_n in_o sin_n the_o church_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o count_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n so_o phil._n 1.7_o it_o be_v meet_v i_o shall_v think_v thus_o of_o you_o all_o because_o you_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n love_n and_o church-charity_n shall_v reach_v far_o especial_o to_o member_n of_o a_o church_n regular_o receive_v because_o the_o lord_n do_v give_v faith_n to_o some_o and_o who_o have_v faith_n in_o truth_n who_o not_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o judge_v and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o such_o member_n as_o come_v in_o in_o their_o infancy_n we_o know_v the_o lord_n give_v faith_n and_o grace_n to_o some_o betimes_o as_o to_o samuel_n timothy_n and_o other_o yea_o in_o all_o elect_a infant_n that_o die_v in_o minority_n no_o doubt_n god_n give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o which_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o in_o charity_n we_o be_v to_o look_v at_o they_o as_o believer_n till_o for_o impenitency_n in_o sin_n the_o church_n shall_v â—ount_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n their_o three_o note_n be_v that_o though_o they_o be_v member_n in_o general_a yet_o infant-seed_n be_v only_o federal_o holy_a other_o that_o have_v take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 1_o cor._n 6.11_o these_o have_v a_o parental_a and_o partial_a right_n nor_o complete_a and_o perfect_a thus_o the_o lord_n speak_v deut._n 4_o 37._o &_o 10.15_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o so_o dr._n ames_n distinction_n into_o perfect_a and_o imperfect_a medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o sect._n 13._o ans_fw-fr 1._o let_v it_o here_o be_v apply_v what_o be_v say_v of_o their_o
animadversion_n upon_o the_o antisynodalia_fw-la americana_fw-la a_o treatise_n print_v in_o old_a england_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n in_o the_o synod_n hold_v at_o boston_n in_o new_a england_n 1662._o tend_v to_o clear_a the_o elder_n and_o church_n of_o new_a england_n from_o those_o evil_n and_o declining_n charge_v upon_o many_o of_o they_o in_o the_o two_o preface_n before_o the_o say_a book_n together_o with_o a_o answer_n unto_o the_o reason_n allege_v for_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o a_o reply_n to_o such_o answer_n as_o be_v give_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n by_o john_n allin_n pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o dedham_n in_o n._n england_n rom._n 3.1_o 2._o what_o advantage_n then_o have_v the_o jew_n or_o what_o profit_n be_v there_o of_o circumcision_n much_o every_o way_n chief_o because_o that_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n gal._n 3.27_o 28._o for_o as_o many_o of_o you_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n there_o be_v neither_o jew_n nor_o greek_a there_o be_v neither_o bond_n nor_o free_a there_o be_v neither_o male_a nor_o female_a for_o you_o be_v all_o one_o in_o christ_n jesus_n heb._n 12.15_o 16._o look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o man_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n leave_v any_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o trouble_v you_o and_o thereby_o many_o be_v defile_v lest_o there_o be_v any_o fornicator_n or_o profane_a person_n as_o esau_n who_o for_o a_o morsel_n of_o meat_n sell_v his_o birthright_n cambridge_n print_v by_o s.g._n and_o m._n j._n for_o hezekiah_n usher_n of_o boston_n 1664._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n such_o be_v the_o infirmity_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n purity_n and_o peace_n and_o the_o holy_a and_o just_a dispensation_n of_o god_n permit_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n to_o his_o most_o glorious_a end_n that_o frequent_a experience_n show_v how_o hard_o it_o be_v for_o a_o people_n desirous_a to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o steer_v a_o right_a course_n between_o the_o gulf_n of_o profane_v the_o ordinance_n by_o a_o overloose_a dispensation_n thereof_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o rock_n of_o rigid_a separation_n anabaptism_n and_o the_o like_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o hence_o it_o may_v seem_v the_o less_o strange_a that_o notwithstanding_o the_o eminent_a light_n we_o have_v have_v hold_v forth_o the_o covenant-interest_n of_o the_o church-seed_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o church_n to_o improve_v the_o ordinance_n for_o their_o good_a yet_o the_o practice_n hereof_o have_v not_o obtain_v in_o many_o of_o our_o church_n that_o this_o case_n be_v now_o become_v matter_n of_o public_a dispute_n between_o the_o late_a synod_n and_o some_o dissent_v brethren_n though_o it_o be_v cause_n of_o humiliation_n yet_o we_o desire_v herein_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n hope_v and_o wait_v upon_o he_o to_o see_v the_o improvement_n thereof_o for_o good_a and_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v up_o unto_o we_o what_o be_v his_o good_a perfect_a and_o acceptable_a will_n in_o this_o case_n when_o these_o antisynodalia_fw-la of_o our_o brethren_n come_v to_o our_o hand_n and_o another_o essay_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v here_o publish_v some_o godly_a and_o wise_a christian_n advise_v the_o elder_n to_o let_v they_o â—ass_v in_o silence_n conceive_v that_o they_o will_v not_o so_o take_v with_o the_o people_n as_o to_o hinder_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o that_o a_o reply_n will_v occasion_v further_a dispute_n and_o contest_v but_o upon_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n by_o divers_a elder_n meet_v to_o that_o end_n the_o reason_n on_o the_o other_o side_n do_v preponderate_a such_o as_o these_o 1._o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o not_o find_v any_o weight_n in_o those_o tractate_v to_o change_v our_o judgement_n it_o seem_v to_o we_o that_o by_o silence_n we_o shall_v be_v sinful_o want_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n a_o present_a truth_n that_o many_o godly_a one_o be_v inquire_a into_o and_o to_o the_o just_a interest_n of_o the_o church-seed_n 2._o this_o truth_n be_v assert_v in_o so_o solemn_a a_o ordinance_n viz._n the_o assembly_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o other_o messenger_n of_o so_o many_o church_n after_o solemn_a seek_v the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o much_o search_n into_o the_o scripture_n with_o large_a dispute_n about_o the_o same_o our_o silence_n in_o this_o case_n will_v not_o only_o render_v that_o ordinance_n useless_a and_o vain_a at_o present_a but_o also_o discourage_v the_o church_n in_o aftertime_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o for_o their_o necessary_a establishment_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n 3._o we_o see_v evident_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n give_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o antipoedobaptist_n which_o if_o we_o be_v silent_a will_v tend_v much_o to_o their_o encouragement_n and_o increase_n to_o the_o hazard_n of_o our_o church_n 4._o these_o treatise_n come_v into_o the_o people_n hand_n if_o no_o answer_n shall_v be_v return_v will_v much_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o such_o as_o be_v dissenter_n and_o discourage_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o the_o good_a of_o posterity_n 5._o those_o unjust_a aspersion_n cast_v upon_o many_o of_o the_o elder_n and_o church_n of_o new-england_n in_o the_o two_o preface_n to_o the_o antisynodalia_fw-la do_v tend_v much_o to_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o dispensation_n and_o will_v lay_v they_o under_o much_o scandal_n in_o old-england_n and_o new_a shall_v not_o a_o just_a apology_n and_o answer_n be_v make_v thereunto_o for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a reason_n it_o be_v think_v necessary_a to_o return_v a_o just_a answer_n to_o these_o book_n publish_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n but_o that_o my_o brethren_n shall_v have_v any_o eye_n upon_o myself_o to_o undertake_v this_o part_n of_o the_o work_n viz._n to_o examine_v and_o make_v reply_n to_o these_o antisynodalia_fw-la be_v very_o far_o from_o my_o thought_n yet_o when_o i_o can_v by_o no_o persuasion_n and_o entreaty_n prevail_v with_o they_o to_o call_v out_o some_o other_o more_o able_a for_o this_o work_n whereof_o we_o have_v choice_n i_o consider_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o deny_v assistance_n to_o such_o as_o he_o call_v forth_o to_o any_o service_n yea_o that_o he_o delight_v to_o show_v his_o strength_n in_o weakness_n in_o hope_n hereof_o i_o have_v by_o his_o grace_n and_o help_v run_v through_o these_o antisynodalia_fw-la in_o my_o plain_a and_o homely_a manner_n love_v always_o to_o speak_v to_o vulgar_a capacity_n wish_v hearty_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o some_o better_a hand_n that_o may_v have_v perform_v it_o more_o thorough_o this_o only_a i_o have_v to_o say_v for_o myself_o that_o i_o have_v not_o willing_o decline_v any_o seem_a strength_n of_o reason_n nor_o seek_v by_o shift_n and_o evasion_n to_o darken_v any_o seem_a light_n of_o truth_n hold_v forth_o in_o these_o antisynodalia_fw-la but_o have_v candid_o according_a to_o my_o measure_n search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o i_o have_v believe_v so_o have_v i_o speak_v as_o i_o find_v in_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n so_o have_v i_o write_v what_o weakness_n and_o defect_n may_v be_v discover_v by_o a_o more_o judicious_a eye_n i_o hope_v through_o grace_n i_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o see_v and_o reform_v upon_o intimation_n thereof_o only_o let_v no_o truth_n herein_o hold_v forth_o be_v the_o less_o esteem_v for_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o instrument_n i_o shall_v commit_v this_o case_n of_o the_o church-seed_n unto_o that_o god_n who_o of_o his_o rich_a grace_n have_v undertake_v to_o be_v their_o god_n beseech_v he_o to_o make_v his_o way_n plain_a before_o the_o face_n of_o his_o people_n and_o to_o improve_v these_o dispute_n to_o common_a edification_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n thou_o in_o the_o lord_n john_n allin_n from_o my_o study_n in_o dedham_n in_o n.e._n 6_o day_n 11_o mon._n 1663._o animadversion_n upon_o the_o antisynodalia_fw-la americana_fw-la chap._n i._o be_v animadversion_n upon_o the_o two_o preface_n the_o first_o to_o the_o reader_n the_o second_o to_o the_o honour_a general_n court_n it_o be_v no_o good_a sign_n that_o the_o publisher_n of_o these_o antisynodalia_a do_v so_o foul_o stumble_v at_o the_o threshold_n in_o his_o first_o step_v forth_o into_o this_o business_n for_o where_o
as_o he_o pretend_v as_o a_o lover_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o publish_v this_o treatise_n without_o any_o commission_n from_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o he_o desire_v they_o not_o to_o be_v offend_v with_o and_o affirm_v it_o as_o a_o truth_n that_o the_o person_n engage_v in_o this_o dissent_n have_v much_o rather_o this_o treatise_n be_v suppress_v and_o as_o a_o untimely_a birth_n to_o have_v be_v bury_v in_o everlasting_a darkness_n the_o contrary_a hereunto_o be_v evident_o evince_v by_o the_o whole_a preface_n follow_v which_o speak_v no_o more_o in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o publisher_n but_o of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o wherein_o they_o endeavour_v to_o answer_v four_o objection_n against_o the_o publish_v thereof_o and_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o ill_a consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v they_o declare_v a_o resolution_n to_o have_v it_o publish_v whatever_o shall_v follow_v conclude_v in_o the_o word_n of_o esther_n if_o i_o perish_v i_o perish_v beside_o it_o be_v well_o know_v here_o how_o earnest_a and_o resolute_a one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o be_v to_o have_v it_o publish_v concern_v the_o objection_n here_o mention_v the_o three_o first_o from_o the_o sâ—a_fw-la consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n hereby_o and_o from_o the_o novelty_n of_o their_o opinion_n i_o know_v not_o of_o any_o that_o make_v these_o objection_n sure_o that_o language_n be_v not_o hear_v in_o the_o synod_n but_o their_o own_o reason_n may_v object_v such_o thing_n the_o four_o objection_n be_v a_o pretend_a concurrence_n of_o all_o other_o congregational_a church_n they_o know_v of_o to_o countenance_v their_o cause_n but_o without_o any_o sufficient_a proof_n thereof_o but_o see_v it_o be_v now_o publish_v though_o uns_fw-mi asonable_o as_o be_v confess_v i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o and_o the_o reader_n about_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n but_o apply_v myself_o to_o wipe_v off_o those_o uncharitable_a and_o unjust_a aspersion_n that_o in_o this_o preface_n be_v cast_v upon_o many_o of_o the_o elder_n and_o church_n of_o new-england_n wherein_o that_o i_o may_v not_o wrong_v any_o of_o our_o belove_a brethren_n the_o dissenter_n i_o must_v say_v this_o on_o their_o behalf_n that_o some_o of_o they_o do_v profess_v that_o they_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o this_o first_o preface_n nor_o in_o the_o publish_v thereof_o nor_o any_o knowledge_n thereof_o and_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v so_o of_o other_o of_o they_o who_o i_o hope_v have_v other_o thought_n of_o their_o brethren_n than_o this_o preface_n hold_v forth_o so_o that_o so_o far_o as_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o one_o of_o they_o only_o or_o chief_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o seven_o imputation_n cast_v upon_o we_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o 1._o the_o author_n of_o this_o preface_n complain_v of_o the_o course_n entertainment_n of_o their_o tenent_n both_o in_o the_o synod_n and_o in_o the_o general_n court_n where_o they_o expect_v more_o patron_n than_o do_v appear_v ans_fw-fr that_o none_o may_v hence_o judge_v otherwise_o then_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o synod_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n be_v placid_o full_o and_o oft-ove_a debate_v all_o their_o argument_n weigh_v all_o write_n present_v be_v read_v consider_v and_o some_o public_o answer_v so_o that_o all_o the_o course_n entertainment_n be_v that_o their_o tenent_n be_v not_o embrace_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o as_o for_o the_o honour_a general_n court_n if_o they_o be_v so_o far_o satisfy_v with_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o synod_n to_o that_o question_n about_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n propound_v by_o they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a in_o their_o wisdom_n to_o countenance_n and_o encourage_v a_o party_n rise_v up_o in_o opposition_n thereto_o as_o tend_v to_o division_n and_o disturbance_n among_o we_o they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o for_o such_o course_n entertainment_n if_o they_o will_v so_o account_v of_o it_o but_o to_o aggravate_v this_o course_n entertainment_n he_o add_v though_o it_o be_v no_o other_o doctrine_n then_o of_o all_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o holland_n england_n ireland_n and_o new-england_n and_o also_o in_o new-haven_n and_o plymouth_n jurisdiction_n yea_o and_o also_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n and_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o bay_n some_o few_o inconsiderable_a except_v for_o thirty_o year_n ans_fw-fr here_o be_v a_o great_a pretence_n of_o general_a concurrence_n with_o their_o tenent_n but_o without_o proof_n and_o beyond_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o make_v the_o number_n seem_v the_o great_a beside_o new-england_n he_o add_v and_o also_o new-haven_n plymouth_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o these_o be_v not_o new-england_n church_n as_o for_o those_o foreign_a church_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v whether_o as_o yet_o many_o of_o they_o at_o least_o have_v declare_v their_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n yea_o i_o have_v hear_v from_o one_o of_o good_a note_n that_o know_v many_o of_o those_o church_n who_o upon_o the_o question_n answer_v that_o this_o case_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v consider_v in_o many_o of_o those_o church_n and_o if_o their_o practice_n have_v not_o yet_o suit_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n we_o know_v by_o our_o own_o experience_n how_o many_o hindrance_n there_o may_v be_v of_o that_o though_o their_o judgement_n be_v for_o it_o but_o concern_v the_o judgement_n of_o new-england_n elder_n and_o church_n let_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o synod_n be_v read_v by_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o most_o eminent_a elder_n in_o the_o most_o considerable_a church_n and_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n be_v general_o for_o this_o doctrine_n in_o the_o synod_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o that_o passage_n of_o famous_a hooker_n who_o praise_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o who_o may_v know_v as_o much_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o congregational_a church_n as_o another_o it_o be_v not_o the_o question_n say_v he_o whether_o wicked_a member_n while_o they_o be_v sinful_o tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n they_o and_o their_o seed_n may_v partake_v of_o privilege_n for_o this_o be_v beyond_o question_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v or_o ever_o hear_v it_o deny_v by_o any_o of_o we_o survey_v part_n 3_o chap._n 2._o pag._n 11._o whereby_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o a_o general_a confession_n on_o all_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n in_o the_o outward_a covenant_n that_o give_v right_a to_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n whereas_o the_o tenent_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v that_o member_n of_o the_o church_n admit_v in_o minority_n and_o have_v the_o covenant_n seal_v by_o baptism_n if_o be_v adult_n they_o hold_v not_o forth_o save_v faith_n and_o repentance_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n even_o so_o as_o to_o come_v into_o full_a communion_n neither_o they_o nor_o their_o seed_n may_v partake_v of_o privilege_n they_o be_v felones_n de_fw-fr se_fw-la self-mâ—rtherers_a discovenant_v of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o federal_o holy_a so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v out_o of_o their_o nonage_n as_o will_v appear_v after_o which_o tenent_n i_o can_v believe_v will_v be_v own_v by_o most_o of_o the_o church_n name_v if_o by_o any_o of_o they_o this_o author_n add_v further_a that_o yet_o now_o this_o tenent_n be_v lade_v with_o reproach_n of_o antichristianism_n and_o anabaptism_n ans_fw-fr if_o a_o argument_n or_o two_o be_v use_v in_o the_o synod_n take_v from_o such_o consequence_n be_v this_o ground_n enough_o to_o say_v it_o be_v lade_v with_o such_o reproach_n and_o other_o ground_n i_o know_v none_o yet_o for_o that_o of_o anabaptism_n it_o will_v appear_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o dissenter_n be_v so_o near_o a_o kin_n if_o not_o the_o same_o with_o they_o that_o we_o can_v but_o fear_v a_o great_a tendency_n thereunto_o and_o what_o encouragement_n they_o take_v from_o thence_o we_o be_v very_o sensible_a second_o in_o answer_v the_o first_o objection_n this_o prefacer_n take_v occasion_n upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n to_o charge_v the_o bay_a church_n with_o a_o sin_n which_o he_o can_v see_v how_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n in_o leave_v their_o former_a practice_n in_o dispense_n the_o seal_n and_o take_v up_o a_o new_a manner_n thereof_o yea_o a_o grievous_a sin_n in_o deprive_v so_o many_o infant_n of_o baptism_n for_o thirty_o year_n yea_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o somewhat_o worse_o
in_o the_o visible_a church_n clear_v up_o these_o two_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a controversy_n be_v issue_v to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v premise_v three_o thing_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v make_v my_o way_n plain_a and_o easy_a through_o all_o these_o antisynodalia_fw-la propos_fw-fr 1_o that_o however_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v convey_v to_o they_o by_o their_o parent_n instrumental_o yet_o it_o flow_v from_o and_o be_v ground_v upon_o god_n institution_n as_o the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n thereof_o who_o be_v please_v to_o extend_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o covenant_n not_o only_o to_o the_o parent_n but_o also_o to_o their_o seed_n god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o he_o be_v their_o god_n they_o be_v his_o people_n this_o be_v evident_a gen._n 17_o 7._o i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o at_o eight_o day_n old_a they_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a as_o a_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o ver_fw-la 11_o 12._o deut._n 29_o 11_o 12._o their_o little_a one_o stand_v before_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n to_o be_v establish_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o what_o can_v be_v speak_v more_o plain_o and_o full_o to_o this_o purpose_n act_n 2.39_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o your_o child_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o your_o child_n be_v holy_a and_o indeed_o what_o can_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o parent_n faith_n profession_n or_o covenant_v to_o bring_v in_o their_o seed_n but_o it_o depend_v whole_o upon_o god_n freegrace_n ordain_v his_o covenant_n so_o to_o be_v dispense_v and_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o infant-seed_n be_v in_o their_o own_o person_n actual_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v actual_o in_o this_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o his_o people_n and_o he_o their_o god_n and_o have_v the_o covenant_n in_o their_o flesh_n the_o seal_n of_o it_o apply_v to_o their_o person_n and_o hence_o they_o can_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o his_o covenant-priviledge_n but_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o he_o have_v ordain_v which_o in_o gospel-time_n be_v by_o church-censure_n mat._n 18._o 1_o cor._n 5._o propos_fw-fr 2_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o his_o visible_a church_n 1._o outward_a and_o visible_a by_o which_o the_o lord_n bestow_v upon_o his_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n his_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n as_o they_o become_v capable_a thereof_o and_o wherein_o he_o tender_v unto_o they_o the_o save_v benefit_n thereof_o with_o many_o mean_n to_o bring_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o the_o embrace_v thereof_o this_o be_v evident_a they_o have_v all_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o god_n people_n his_o child_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n holy_a nation_n saint_n etc._n etc._n gen._n 6.2_o exod._n 19.5_o 6._o deut._n 32.9_o isa_n 1.1_o 2._o psal_n 50.1_o 2._o mat._n 15.26_o and_o the_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v they_o rom._n 3.1_o 2._o &_o 9.4_o so_o in_o the_o new-testament_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n be_v call_v saint_n and_o faithful_a in_o christ_n the_o seven_o church_n rev._n 1._o be_v call_v golden_a candlestick_n though_o there_o be_v corrupt_a member_n in_o they_o and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o other_o ordinance_n belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n ephes_n 4.11_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o mat._n 18._o 1_o cor._n 5._o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o officer_n be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o heal_n and_o save_v the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o more_o inward_a spiritual_a and_o save_v dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o such_o as_o true_o believe_v and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o heart_n god_n have_v circumcise_v according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n deut._n 30.6_o ezek._n 36._o from_o this_o different_a dispensation_n it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n though_o he_o require_v of_o all_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n etc._n etc._n deut._n 10.12_o 13._o and_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n with_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o reprove_v the_o wicked_a for_o take_v his_o covenant_n into_o their_o mouth_n psal_n 50._o reject_v their_o sacrifice_n isa_n 1._o &_o 58._o call_v they_o uncircumcised_a ethiopian_n etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n of_o any_o inward_a and_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o still_o he_o ow_v they_o as_o his_o people_n saint_n in_o covenant_n with_o he_o psal_n 50.1_o and_o follow_v they_o with_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n 2_o chron._n 36._o this_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o afterward_o propos_fw-fr 3_o there_o be_v a_o different_a rule_n and_o reason_n of_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o continuation_n of_o they_o in_o it_o be_v regular_o admit_v in_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o church_n we_o just_o look_v for_o such_o positive_a qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v viz._n a_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o adult_n person_n and_o foederal_n holiness_n in_o infant_n we_o well_o approve_v that_o say_v of_o chamier_n quote_v by_o our_o brethren_n no_o man_n can_v disallow_v such_o diligence_n to_o prevent_v the_o profane_v of_o holy_a thing_n and_o lest_o such_o as_o simon_n magus_n shall_v lie_v hide_v but_o to_o cast_v out_o such_o as_o be_v regular_o admit_v we_o must_v have_v positive_a impenitency_n in_o sin_n as_o a_o ground_n to_o count_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n mat._n 18._o and_o that_o after_o due_a patience_n towards_o they_o for_o even_o a_o heretic_n may_v have_v two_o admonition_n before_o rejection_n tit._n 3.10_o or_o at_o least_o some_o notorious_a scandalous_a sin_n as_o some_o conceive_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o these_o thing_n premise_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o next_o thing_n in_o order_n which_o be_v our_o brethren_n answer_n to_o the_o main_a â—_z viz._n who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n to_o which_o their_o answer_n iâ—_n this_o that_o visible_a believer_n and_o convert_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v together_o with_o their_o next_o seed_n in_o minority_n be_v the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o baptism_n as_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o they_o refer_v to_o the_o place_n before_o allege_a mat._n 28.19_o 20._o mark_v 16.16_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o their_o large_a discourse_n i_o pass_v by_o though_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v matter_n of_o dispute_n but_o i_o will_v decline_v all_o impertinency_n and_o come_v to_o their_o reason_n gather_v out_o of_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v this_o those_o be_v proper_a and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o baptism_n to_o who_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-institution_n have_v appoint_v it_o but_o visible_a believer_n and_o convert_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v the_o person_n be_v unbaptise_v to_o who_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-institution_n of_o baptism_n have_v appoint_v it_o therefore_o visible_a believer_n etc._n etc._n the_o great_a weight_n or_o stress_n of_o this_o argument_n lie_v upon_o that_o place_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o and_o i_o see_v our_o brethren_n put_v much_o confidence_n in_o it_o affirm_v that_o the_o minor_a be_v express_v scripture_n and_o therefore_o though_o many_o be_v unwilling_a it_o shall_v be_v true_a and_o will_v cavil_n against_o it_o it_o will_v be_v find_v true_a at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr god_n forbid_v that_o in_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n we_o shall_v cavil_v at_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o add_v to_o it_o or_o take_v from_o it_o but_o whether_o the_o minor_a will_v prove_v true_a or_o not_o we_o need_v not_o stay_v till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n will_v easy_o decide_v it_o and_o i_o will_v direct_o deny_v the_o minor_a for_o none_o of_o those_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o that_o i_o know_v of_o will_v prove_v that_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v requisite_a to_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n much_o less_o that_o
such_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n thereof_o as_o if_o such_o and_o only_o such_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a this_o of_o full_a communion_n our_o brethren_n think_v will_v advantage_v their_o cause_n and_o so_o have_v put_v it_o in_o but_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a addition_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o whole_o fail_v they_o of_o any_o proof_n yea_o make_v evident_o against_o they_o in_o that_o principal_a place_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v baptise_a before_o their_o full_a communion_n for_o 1._o peter_n call_v they_o to_o be_v baptise_a upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o promise_n ver_fw-la 38._o 2._o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n before_o full_a communion_n ver_fw-la 41_o 42._o 3._o it_o have_v be_v very_o preposterous_a to_o put_v they_o into_o full_a communion_n before_o union_n with_o the_o church_n seal_v by_o baptism_n for_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o union_n with_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o which_o must_v go_v before_o communion_n but_o they_o seem_v to_o suppose_v at_o least_o that_o some_o in_o full_a communion_n may_v be_v unbaptise_v by_o that_o word_n be_v unbaptise_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o our_o brethren_n confidence_n in_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v find_v so_o great_o to_o fail_v they_o that_o while_o by_o it_o they_o seek_v to_o straiten_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n beyond_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n they_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o the_o whole_a subject_n itself_o of_o baptism_n because_o there_o will_v never_o be_v find_v any_o such_o person_n according_a to_o gospel-rule_n which_o they_o call_v so_o much_o for_o and_o appeal_v unto_o that_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v i_o will_v be_v a_o little_a bold_a with_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o case_n to_o challenge_v they_o to_o produce_v any_o rule_n or_o example_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o any_o person_n that_o either_o be_v or_o by_o rule_n may_v be_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v i_o hope_v this_o answer_n be_v plain_a and_o no_o cavil_v yet_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v up_o of_o this_o answer_n i_o shall_v remove_v what_o may_v be_v further_o say_v by_o our_o brethren_n object_n though_o those_o in_o act_n 2._o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n actual_o before_o baptism_n yet_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o state_n and_o right_a to_o full_a communion_n by_o their_o baptism_n which_o these_o child_n in_o question_n be_v not_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o state_n or_o right_a the_o baptise_a be_v partaker_n of_o as_o a_o consequent_a fruit_n of_o baptism_n receive_v but_o what_o it_o be_v that_o constitute_v a_o person_n to_o be_v a_o fit_a subject_a to_o be_v baptise_a to_o describe_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n by_o the_o consequent_a fruit_n of_o it_o and_o not_o by_o the_o precedent_a cause_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n be_v very_o improper_a and_o preposterous_a if_o the_o question_n be_v who_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o church-membership_a we_o say_v confederate_v visible_a believer_n and_o their_o seed_n for_o this_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o and_o bring_v they_o into_o such_o a_o relation_n but_o shall_v any_o answer_n that_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o church-membership_a be_v a_o person_n in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n or_o one_o that_o be_v under_o the_o teach_v and_o rule_n of_o church-officer_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o church-membership_a receive_v who_o do_v not_o see_v the_o weakness_n of_o such_o a_o answer_n and_o the_o like_a be_v this_o case_n baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o his_o church_n whereby_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o one_o body_n 2._o although_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o the_o church_n can_v actual_o enjoy_v full_a communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n as_o their_o parent_n do_v yet_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n set_v they_o in_o a_o state_n and_o right_a to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o as_o they_o become_v fit_a for_o they_o as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n for_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o parent_n and_o seed_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o same_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v the_o same_o right_n to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o come_v up_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n and_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o blessing_n in_o adult_n member_n it_o be_v so_o who_o be_v under_o admonition_n for_o scandal_n or_o in_o a_o frenzy_n or_o the_o like_a case_n though_o they_o partake_v not_o of_o all_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o their_o right_n remain_v so_o here_o when_o the_o seed_n grow_v up_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o also_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n not_o by_o any_o new_a covenant_n or_o membership_n but_o by_o the_o right_n of_o that_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o they_o and_o seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o afterward_o 2._o i_o shall_v add_v further_o it_o be_v true_a that_o to_o admit_v adult_a person_n into_o the_o church_n and_o to_o baptism_n visible_a faith_n be_v require_v and_o so_o much_o the_o text_n allege_v prove_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n in_o dispute_n between_o we_o but_o about_o person_n already_o in_o the_o church_n and_o baptise_a whether_o in_o such_o the_o ground_n of_o baptise_v their_o seed_n be_v faith_n and_o grace_n make_v visible_a in_o the_o same_o manner_n or_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o conclude_v the_o question_n put_v case_n any_o of_o those_o visible_a believer_n and_o convert_n act_n 2._o shall_v afterward_o discover_v by_o their_o worldliness_n looseness_n or_o other_o way_n that_o there_o be_v in_o they_o no_o sap_n or_o savour_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n even_o to_o the_o charitable_a judgement_n of_o most_o in_o the_o church_n my_o question_n be_v whether_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n their_o infant-seed_n shall_v not_o be_v baptise_a if_o it_o be_v grant_v than_o it_o be_v not_o such_o visible_a faith_n and_o grace_n but_o the_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n that_o give_v right_o to_o baptism_n and_o so_o to_o these_o church-member_n in_o question_n if_o this_o be_v deny_v let_v there_o be_v one_o tittle_n of_o scripture-rule_n or_o example_n produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a having_n answer_v their_o reason_n i_o shall_v present_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o same_o text_n to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o promise_n act_v 2.39_o be_v that_o covenant-promise_a which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o parallel_n place_n act_v 3._o where_o for_o 19_o peter_n exhort_v to_o repentance_n as_o in_o chap._n 2.38_o and_o chap._n 3.25_o he_o use_v the_o same_o reason_n in_o other_o word_n you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o our_o father_n the_o substance_n whereof_o all_o grant_n to_o be_v this_o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n although_o the_o apostle_n there_o make_v use_v of_o another_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n concern_v christ_n that_o feed_v in_o who_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o his_o people_n now_o the_o reason_n stand_v thus_o if_o the_o covenant-promise_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v a_o ground_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptizse_v in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n than_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o his_o visible_a church_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n but_o the_o covenant-promise_n be_v a_o ground_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a in_o gospel-dispensation_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o with_o chap._n 3.19_o 25._o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o his_o visible_a church_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n thus_o much_o to_o their_o scripture-argument_n to_o which_o our_o brethren_n add_v the_o testimony_n of_o mr._n richard_n mather_n well_o agree_v with_o this_o say_v they_o be_v the_o answer_n of_o reverend_a mr._n mather_n in_o his_o catechism_n ans_fw-fr but_o by_o their_o leave_n it_o differ_v from_o their_o answer_n in_o the_o main_a thing_n that_o touch_v the_o cause_n in_o hand_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o full_a communion_n in_o he_o which_o they_o put_v into_o they_o 2._o that_o reverend_a and_o learned_a author_n speak_v only_o what_o adult_n person_n shall_v be_v in_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o so_o convert_v
they_o may_v yea_o ought_v to_o own_o they_o as_o member_n when_o they_o own_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v not_o desert_v the_o church_n i_o can_v but_o make_v a_o little_a pause_n here_o before_o i_o pass_v on_o and_o serious_o entreat_v our_o dear_a brethren_n and_o all_o of_o their_o mind_n to_o consider_v well_o how_o the_o lord_n be_v wont_a to_o deal_v with_o his_o visible_a church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o compare_v therewith_o this_o their_o respect_n and_o care_n of_o the_o lamb_n of_o christ_n flock_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v once_o strike_v a_o covenant_n with_o his_o people_n take_v in_o their_o seed_n with_o the_o parent_n gen._n 17.7_o deut._n 29.10_o 11._o 1._o what_o abundant_a mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n do_v he_o ordain_v and_o cause_n diligent_o to_o be_v improve_v to_o that_o end_n cain_n and_o abel_n both_o admit_v to_o sacrifice_n abraham_n command_n be_v to_o his_o whole_a family-church_n gen._n 18._o the_o daily_a ordinary_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o more_o solemn_a and_o extraordinary_a be_v for_o the_o whole_a congregation_n leu._n 4.14_o 21._o numb_a 15.24_o 25._o to_o israel_n pertain_v the_o adoption_n the_o glory_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n rom._n 94._o and_o how_o do_v the_o lord_n follow_v his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n by_o his_o prophet_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n yea_o when_o go_v after_o baal_n to_o reduce_v they_o by_o elijah_n how_o affectionate_o do_v the_o lord_n by_o they_o plead_v with_o his_o people_n jer._n 2._o &_o 3_o micah_n 6._o psal_n 81.8_o etc._n etc._n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o other_o ordinance_n be_v give_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o their_o salvation_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephes_n 4.11_o etc._n etc._n and_o discipline_n to_o reduce_v and_o save_v offender_n 2._o consider_v the_o wonderful_a patience_n of_o god_n in_o seek_v the_o salvation_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n when_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o god_n resolve_v to_o destroy_v all_o flesh_n yet_o he_o spare_v they_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n send_v noah_n a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n to_o seek_v their_o good_a genes_n 6._o and_o how_o great_a be_v his_o patience_n to_o israel_n and_o judah_n send_v his_o prophet_n early_a and_o late_o out_o of_o his_o compassion_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n 2_o chron._n 36._o so_o the_o lord_n jesus_n send_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o heal_v their_o corruption_n and_o though_o he_o threaten_v to_o come_v quick_o yet_o spare_v they_o many_o year_n 3._o see_v with_o what_o compassion_n and_o bowel_n of_o humane_a affection_n as_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n express_v himself_o when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o cast_v off_o a_o people_n he_o have_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o how_o shall_v i_o give_v thou_o up_o o_o ephraim_n etc._n etc._n my_o repenting_n be_v kindle_v together_o hos_fw-la 11.8_o so_o christ_n o_o jerusalem_n how_o oft_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o as_o a_o hen_n her_o chicken_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 23.37_o how_o do_v he_o weepover_v jerusalem_n say_v o_o that_o thou_o have_v know_v at_o least_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n etc._n etc._n luke_n 19.41_o this_o be_v god_n way_n but_o what_o be_v our_o brethren_n way_n to_o these_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o who_o they_o confess_v the_o promise_n do_v belong_v act_n 2.39_o 1._o though_o god_n have_v strike_v his_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o seal_v it_o to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o own_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v they_o actual_a personal_a member_n but_o in_o effect_n distinguish_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n 2._o they_o allow_v they_o no_o more_o act_n of_o church-watch_n and_o discipline_n then_o may_v reach_v a_o infidel-servant_n and_o excommunication_n the_o most_o effectual_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o destroy_v the_o flesh_n and_o save_o the_o soul_n must_v not_o touch_v they_o 3._o so_o quick_a they_o be_v that_o if_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o please_v to_o give_v they_o save_v faith_n and_o grace_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v to_o adult_v age_n disow_v they_o as_o no_o member_n and_o so_o let_v they_o go_v now_o how_o far_o unlike_o this_o be_v to_o god_n way_n who_o do_v not_o see_v and_o i_o must_v confess_v this_o be_v to_o i_o one_o great_a argument_n that_o the_o way_n of_o these_o brethren_n be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o proceed_v our_o brethren_n to_o clear_v this_o coast_n think_v fit_a to_o answer_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o synod_n to_o prove_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o reader_n must_v note_v that_o those_o argument_n be_v not_o apply_v to_o this_o proposition_n in_o hand_n here_o be_v eight_o reason_n to_o prove_v they_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o touch_v by_o they_o but_o the_o reason_n that_o our_o brethren_n here_o speak_v unto_o be_v those_o bring_v by_o the_o synod_n to_o prove_v the_o last_o branch_n of_o the_o six_o argument_n for_o the_o five_o proposition_n viz._n that_o church-member_n admit_v in_o minority_n understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n that_o their_o membership_n still_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o cease_v not_o with_o their_o infancy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v note_v because_o if_o their_o answer_n suit_v not_o the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n than_o they_o be_v not_o pertinent_a to_o take_v off_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o synod_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o be_v answer_v to_o these_o reason_n though_o out_o of_o their_o place_n reas_n 1._o because_o in_o scripture_n person_n be_v break_v off_o only_o for_o notorious_a sin_n or_o incorrigible_a impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n not_o for_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_v age_n rom_n 11.20_o ans_fw-fr our_o brethren_n answer_v not_o simple_o for_o grow_v up_o but_o for_o such_o accessary_n as_o may_v attend_v adult_a age_n rom._n 11.20_o do_v not_o say_v only_o for_o notorious_a sin_n etc._n etc._n negative_a unbelief_n neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n not_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o may_v give_v cause_n of_o break_v off_o and_o to_o such_o though_o our_o patience_n and_o expectation_n ought_v to_o be_v large_a and_o long_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v tire_v out_o at_o last_o and_o come_v to_o a_o period_n reply_n 1._o if_o our_o brethren_n will_v out_o hold_v to_o this_o it_o will_v tend_v much_o to_o our_o desire_a unity_n for_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o their_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n do_v continue_v in_o adult_n age_n until_o such_o accessary_n do_v appear_v and_o till_o the_o patience_n of_o the_o church_n be_v tire_v out_o 2._o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o negative_a unbelief_n manifest_v by_o neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n not_o profess_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o might_n after_o long_a patience_n give_v just_a cause_n to_o break_v they_o off_o yet_o by_o this_o rule_n the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v break_v off_o for_o they_o do_v profess_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o by_o a_o life_n free_a from_o scandal_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n or_o at_o least_o such_o as_o these_o be_v still_o object_n of_o the_o church_n patience_n and_o therefore_o not_o break_v off_o and_o see_v our_o brethren_n come_v thus_o far_o i_o shall_v willing_o meet_v they_o here_o and_o confess_v that_o if_o negative_a unbelief_n be_v manifest_v by_o neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n not_o profess_v of_o the_o faith_n be_v orderly_o call_v thereunto_o by_o the_o church_n and_o continuance_n impenitent_o in_o such_o neglect_v after_o due_a mean_n with_o due_a patience_n use_v by_o the_o church_n this_o will_v give_v the_o church_n just_a cause_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o for_o this_o be_v incorrigible_a impenitency_n in_o sin_n and_o oh_o that_o we_o may_v meet_v here_o but_o when_o i_o consider_v many_o other_o expression_n in_o this_o treatise_n i_o fear_v my_o desire_n will_v fail_v for_o if_o no_o act_n of_o church-government_n may_v be_v put_v forth_o upon_o their_o person_n immediate_o but_o by_o their_o parent_n how_o shall_v the_o church_n come_v
as_o that_o other_o expression_n and_o do_v include_v satisfaction_n for_o offence_n that_o be_v fall_v into_o obj._n 4._o in_o the_o former_a be_v say_v they_o shall_v own_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n here_o only_o the_o covenant_n which_o may_v extend_v to_o grandfather_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr i_o wonder_v how_o our_o brethren_n can_v make_v to_o themselves_o such_o a_o block_n as_o this_o be_v to_o stumble_v upon_o when-as_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v so_o express_v to_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o second_o proposition_n which_o affirm_v that_o this_o right_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v convey_v only_o by_o the_o next_o parent_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o if_o man_n have_v a_o lust_n to_o contend_v and_o raise_v objection_n they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v object_v against_o the_o former_a phrase_n the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n for_o be_v not_o grandfather_n parent_n also_o these_o thing_n say_v our_o brethren_n thus_o weigh_v may_v suffice_v to_o discover_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o just_a cause_n for_o we_o to_o deny_v our_o consent_n to_o such_o kind_n of_o member_n as_o these_o ans_fw-fr but_o these_o thing_n weigh_v over_o again_o by_o the_o equal_a balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o right_a reason_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o judicious_a reader_n will_v see_v how_o light_a they_o be_v and_o unworthy_a to_o sway_v the_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o our_o brethren_n be_v but_o they_o add_v as_o they_o have_v need_v other_o reason_n of_o their_o denial_n reas_n 2._o because_o this_o cross_v the_o two_o former_a proposition_n which_o make_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n confederate_a visible_a believer_n and_o their_o seed_n whereas_o these_o though_o so_o qualify_v be_v not_o neither_o parent_n nor_o child_n visible_a believer_n for_o the_o vile_a person_n may_v have_v these_o rom._n 2.18_o &_o 10_o 19_o 21._o yea_o they_o that_o commit_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n may_v have_v these_o heb._n 10.26_o there_o be_v wash_v swine_n 2_o pet._n 2.20_o etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr 1._o these_o parent_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v they_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n he_o be_v their_o god_n god_n accept_v they_o as_o his_o people_n his_o child_n the_o lord_n have_v seal_v to_o they_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n baptise_a they_o into_o christ_n and_o they_o own_o this_o god_n submit_v to_o his_o rule_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n they_o be_v visible_a believer_n 2._o here_o be_v a_o very_a palpable_a fallacy_n in_o cite_v these_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o contrary_n the_o vile_a person_n say_v they_o may_v have_v these_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n prove_v that_o some_o vile_a person_n may_v have_v some_o one_o of_o these_o as_o rom._n 2._o prove_v that_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v knowledge_n but_o these_o have_v knowledge_n and_o also_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o rest_n but_o which_o of_o these_o or_o any_o other_o do_v prove_v that_o such_o person_n as_o have_v all_o these_o qualification_n conjunct_o be_v vile_a person_n or_o not_o visible_a believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n or_o in_o scripture_n account_n and_o not_o true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o such_o as_o these_o may_v fall_v away_o and_o become_v vile_a heb._n 10_o 26._o but_o may_v not_o such_o as_o come_v into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o fair_a profession_n of_o faith_n prove_v so_o vile_a also_o and_o be_v they_o therefore_o no_o visible_a believer_n before_o such_o a_o fall_n 3._o these_o very_a scripture_n or_o most_o of_o they_o here_o allege_v speak_v of_o such_o person_n though_o so_o vile_a as_o be_v say_v who_o be_v adult_a child_n of_o the_o church_n do_v yet_o continue_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n partake_v of_o privilege_n and_o therefore_o such_o scripture_n can_v reach_v this_o case_n to_o disprove_v the_o membership_n of_o these_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n because_o they_o be_v not_o visible_a believer_n these_o be_v far_o better_a member_n than_o those_o be_v and_o i_o wonder_v that_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o observe_v it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v why_o shall_v they_o allege_v such_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n object_n but_o their_o give_v up_o of_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o god_n imply_v faith_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o ans_fw-fr our_o brethren_n grant_v that_o it_o may_v imply_v faith_n but_o in_o person_n no_o better_o qualify_v it_o can_v imply_v it_o there_o be_v a_o give_v up_o of_o the_o first-born_a of_o man_n and_o beast_n to_o god_n exod._n 13.2_o 12._o &_o 22.29_o reply_n to_o say_v that_o in_o such_o person_n no_o better_o qualify_v it_o can_v imply_v faith_n and_o that_o without_o any_o reason_n render_v be_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o love_n that_o hope_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v hope_v as_o this_o be_v confess_v to_o be_v viz._n that_o it_o may_v imply_v iâ—_n no_o doubt_n a_o person_n thus_o qualify_v in_o knowledge_n and_o conversation_n may_v give_v up_o himself_o to_o god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o the_o most_o discern_a church_n will_v receive_v he_o as_o a_o true_a visible_a believer_n into_o full_a communion_n regular_o the_o eunuch_n confession_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v just_o take_v for_o true_a faith_n to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o give_v up_o of_o the_o first-born_a of_o man_n and_o beast_n to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o scoff_n it_o argue_v a_o very_a slight_a thought_n of_o so_o solemn_a a_o profession_n before_o god_n and_o his_o people_n for_o what_o comparison_n be_v there_o between_o these_o two_o reas_n 3._o where_o there_o be_v no_o foederal_n holiness_n there_o be_v no_o right_a to_o baptism_n but_o where_o neither_o parent_n be_v a_o believer_n there_o be_v no_o covenant-holiness_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o where_o not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o parent_n must_v be_v in_o covenant_n but_o a_o believer_n that_o the_o child_n be_v federal_o holy_a neither_o be_v it_o right_o object_v that_o a_o believer_n be_v oppose_v there_o to_o a_o infidel_n for_o the_o child_n be_v not_o upon_o their_o cease_v to_o be_v infidel_n believer_n so_o that_o themselves_o be_v believer_n or_o their_o child_n federal_o holy_a they_o be_v catechumeni_fw-la and_o competentes_fw-la before_o fideles_fw-la ans_fw-fr 1._o do_v the_o primitive_a church_n receive_v any_o that_o be_v not_o visible_a believer_n into_o the_o church_n sure_o in_o the_o apostle_n account_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n be_v all_o one_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o so_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o colosse_n be_v call_v saint_n and_o faithful_a in_o christ_n ephes_n 1_o 1._o col._n 1_o 2._o why_o thâ—n_n be_v it_o say_v that_o the_o parent_n must_v be_v not_o only_o in_o church-covenant_n but_o also_o believer_n as_o if_o the_o one_o do_v not_o necessary_o suppose_v and_o infer_v the_o other_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v right_o say_v that_o in_o cease_v to_o be_v infidel_n they_o be_v believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o infidel_n and_o unbeliever_n be_v the_o same_o in_o scripture-phrase_n and_o both_o oppose_v to_o believer_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15._o be_v not_o unequal_o yoke_v with_o unbeliever_n that_o be_v with_o infidel_n as_o appear_v ver_fw-la 15._o what_o part_n have_v a_o believer_n with_o a_o infidel_n now_o i_o appeal_v to_o our_o brethren_n whether_o this_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n will_v allow_v the_o parent_n in_o question_n describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n to_o marry_v with_o a_o heathen_a indian_a or_o like_o infidel_n if_o not_o then_o in_o the_o scripture_n account_v he_o be_v a_o believer_n for_o otherwise_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v unequal_o yoke_v with_o such_o a_o one_o 3._o as_o for_o that_o distinction_n of_o catechumeni_fw-la competentes_fw-la and_o fideles_fw-la the_o scripture_n know_v no_o such_o thing_n for_o lydia_n and_o her_o house_n be_v baptise_a together_o act_v 16.15_o and_o the_o jailor_n and_o his_o house_n straightway_o that_o distinction_n come_v into_o the_o church_n afterward_o and_o be_v apply_v to_o new_a convert_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o church-seed_n but_o our_o brethren_n add_v further_o that_o else_o or_o otherwise_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a can_v be_v mean_v only_o of_o infidel_n for_o so_o we_o may_v make_v mad_a work_n of_o scripture_n as_o deut._n 4.29_o jehovah_n be_v god_n and_o none_o else_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v there_o may_v be_v another_o god_n to_o the_o gentile_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a exception_n so_o rev._n 2.15_o repent_v or_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o shall_v another_o church_n say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o with_o we_o ans_fw-fr that_o to_o be_v unclean_a
be_v mean_v the_o uncleanness_n of_o infidel_n be_v clear_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n for_o if_o to_o be_v holy_a be_v mean_v of_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o to_o be_v unclean_a be_v the_o uncleanness_n of_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v infidel_n eph._n 2.12_o and_o what_o be_v the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o have_v both_o parent_n unbeliever_n but_o infidel_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n but_o for_o that_o inference_n that_o by_o like_a reason_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o that_o proposition_n there_o be_v no_o god_n else_o that_o there_o may_v be_v another_o god_n to_o the_o gentile_n i_o confess_v my_o shallow_a understanding_n can_v see_v any_o comparison_n between_o those_o two_o proposition_n but_o only_o that_o the_o word_n else_o be_v in_o they_o both_o the_o one_o be_v a_o disjunct_a axiom_n your_o child_n be_v clean_a or_o else_o unclean_a and_o the_o other_o a_o simple_a axiom_n where_o the_o word_n else_o be_v of_o another_o use_n and_o sense_n then_o in_o the_o former_a but_o be_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v so_o sad_a a_o exception_n from_o a_o general_a proposition_n jehovah_n be_v god_n and_o none_o else_o to_o say_v yet_o there_o may_v be_v another_o god_n to_o the_o gentile_n or_o to_o say_v the_o threaten_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n yet_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o our_o brethren_n may_v then_o consider_v when_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o church-member_n your_o child_n be_v holy_a to_o make_v such_o a_o exception_n and_o say_v not_o so_o but_o only_o the_o child_n of_o member_n in_o full_a communion_n be_v holy_a whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o sad_a exception_n also_o reas_n 4._o the_o be_v in_o covenant_n do_v not_o privilege_n to_o baptism_n without_o visible_a repentance_n in_o parent_n acts._n 2.38_o 39_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o covenant_n and_o prick_v to_o the_o heart_n yet_o they_o be_v open_o call_v to_o repent_v so_o john_n baptist_n think_v mat._n 3.8_o 9_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o jew_n be_v in_o covenant_n do_v privilege_v their_o child_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o covenant_n they_o be_v in_o viz._n circumcision_n the_o sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o but_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n they_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o repentance_n when_o they_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v grow_v so_o corrupt_a and_o those_o in_o act_n 2._o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o john_n be_v send_v to_o prepare_v a_o people_n for_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n but_o when_o philip_n have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o eunuch_n a_o godly_a proselyte_n he_o only_o call_v he_o to_o faith_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o though_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o a_o visible_a profession_n thereof_o be_v require_v at_o the_o first_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n yet_o these_o be_v not_o require_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o person_n regular_o admit_v to_o privilege_v their_o seed_n to_o baptism_n what_o rule_n or_o example_n require_v a_o church-member_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o visible_a faith_n and_o repentance_n so_o oft_o as_o he_o have_v a_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a or_o in_o case_n a_o church-member_n decline_v and_o give_v cause_n of_o much_o doubt_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n what_o rule_n will_v debar_v his_o child_n from_o baptism_n so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n now_o our_o question_n be_v of_o person_n regular_o admit_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n reas_n 5._o the_o covenant_n be_v limit_v to_o such_o as_o obey_v god_n and_o therefore_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n deut._n 7.9_o neh._n 1.5_o dan._n 9.5_o he_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o frequent_a mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o outward_a privilege_n thereof_o the_o first_o god_n perform_v to_o such_o as_o love_v and_o obey_v he_o sincere_o yet_o the_o other_o he_o continue_v to_o all_o such_o as_o do_v not_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o covenant_n take_v these_o scripture_n name_v do_v not_o church-priviledge_n belong_v to_o all_o israel_n when_o moses_n speak_v that_o word_n deut._n 7.9_o that_o god_n keep_v mercy_n and_o covenant_n to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o yet_o he_o give_v a_o sad_a testimony_n of_o they_o chap._n 9.24_o you_o have_v be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o lord_n ever_o since_o i_o know_v you_o so_o in_o nehemiahs_n time_n do_v not_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o holy_a seed_n enjoy_v church-priviledge_n when_o nehemiah_n spâ—ke_v that_o word_n chap._n 1.5_o and_o yet_o the_o story_n speak_v of_o many_o evil_n among_o they_o that_o show_v they_o be_v scandalous_a in_o life_n which_o these_o be_v not_o and_o have_v many_o other_o good_a qualification_n beside_o that_o also_o reas_n 6._o from_o the_o tenor_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n nehem._n 9.8_o when_o god_n see_v his_o heart_n faithful_a before_o he_o so_o gen._n 17.1_o 7._o walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v upright_o and_o i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n with_o the_o former_a build_v upon_o the_o same_o mistake_v and_o may_v have_v the_o same_o answer_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o all_o that_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n ought_v to_o love_v he_o obey_v he_o walk_v upright_o before_o he_o and_o what_o be_v say_v gal._n 3.7_o 9_o that_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n be_v bless_v with_o faithful_a abraham_n faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o church-member_n for_o want_v whereof_o he_o fall_v short_a of_o all_o the_o save_v blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o such_o as_o be_v in_o church-covenant_n and_o do_v not_o perform_v thâ—se_a duty_n be_v thereby_o deprive_v of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o before_o they_o be_v regular_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v there_o not_o many_o corrupt_a member_n in_o the_o church_n not_o only_o of_o israel_n but_o also_o in_o gospel-churche_n as_o of_o corinth_n galatia_n the_o church_n of_o asia_n rev._n 2._o &_o 3._o who_o do_v enjoy_v church-priviledge_n till_o they_o be_v cast_v ouâ—_n or_o till_o god_n actual_o remove_v their_o candlestick_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o sin_n reprove_v to_o suffer_v such_o but_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v suffer_v they_o regular_o enjoy_v the_o outward_a privilege_n here_o our_o brethren_n endeavour_v to_o answer_v two_o objection_n obj_fw-la 1._o the_o covenant-blessing_n be_v convey_v with_o circumcision_n successive_o to_o the_o follow_a generation_n ans_fw-fr we_o must_v consider_v that_o gal._n 3.14_o that_o be_v express_v to_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n that_o shall_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n not_o the_o covenant_n of_o jacob_n as_o mr._n cotton_n have_v judicious_o note_v upon_o the_o place_n now_o abraham_n covenant_n and_o the_o blessing_n thereof_o be_v confirm_v only_o to_o those_o that_o walk_v upright_o with_o god_n as_o abraham_n do_v reply_n that_o difference_n mr._n cotton_n put_v between_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n may_v hold_v in_o this_o that_o god_n continue_v all_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n and_o their_o posterity_n in_o the_o covenant_n not_o so_o of_o abraham_n ishmael_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o the_o son_n of_o keturah_n be_v not_o so_o and_o so_o esau_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o posterity_n of_o isaac_n be_v reject_v and_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o speech_n of_o jacob_n gen._n 49.26_o that_o his_o blessing_n prevail_v above_o the_o blessing_n of_o his_o progenitor_n but_o this_o difference_n can_v hold_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n for_o ishmaâ—l_n though_o graceless_a be_v take_v into_o abraham_n covenant_n and_o continue_v in_o it_o till_o for_o his_o sin_n he_o be_v cast_v out_o so_o esau_n in_o covenant_n till_o for_o his_o profaneness_n he_o be_v reject_v heb._n 12._o be_v not_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n the_o performance_n of_o god_n everlasting_a covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o his_o seed_n afâ—er_v he_o in_o their_o generation_n as_o be_v evident_a exod._n 3.15_o &_o 6.3_o 4._o be_v there_o ever_o any_o covenant_n make_v with_o jacob_n and_o his_o seed_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n then_o
christ_n for_o they_o come_v in_o by_o the_o gospel-covenant_n as_o our_o brethren_n grant_v from_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o and_o be_v not_o christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o that_o covenant_n yea_o be_v they_o not_o baptise_a into_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o blood_n and_o benefit_n of_o christ_n scale_v up_o to_o they_o in_o baptism_n but_o our_o brethren_n seem_v whole_o to_o forget_v that_o or_o to_o make_v a_o nothing_o of_o it_o 2._o when_o this_o covenant_n which_o be_v call_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n gal._n 3.17_o be_v solemn_o own_a by_o they_o wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n be_v there_o nothing_o of_o christ_n in_o all_o this_o 3._o the_o danger_n of_o want_v the_o wedding-garment_n be_v as_o great_a to_o such_o as_o come_v in_o with_o the_o fair_a profession_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o these_o and_o be_v the_o church_n unblamable_a for_o admit_v such_o because_o their_o danger_n be_v so_o great_a when_o such_o want_v the_o wedding-garment_n but_o see_v our_o brethren_n urge_v so_o much_o joh._n 10._o let_v they_o consider_v for_o 13._o the_o hireling_n care_v not_o for_o the_o sheep_n we_o have_v more_o cause_n to_o fear_v how_o we_o shall_v answer_v for_o our_o careless_a neglect_n of_o these_o lamb_n of_o christ_n then_o for_o our_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o we_o have_v our_o warrant_n from_o christ_n and_o withal_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o weighty_a charge_n heb._n 12.15_o 16._o look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o fail_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n lest_o there_o be_v a_o profane_a person_n as_o esau_n who_o for_o a_o morsel_n of_o meat_n sell_v his_o birthright_n it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n do_v think_v there_o be_v a_o precious_a birthright_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o look_v diligent_o to_o the_o preservation_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o let_v we_o then_o take_v heed_n we_o do_v not_o take_v it_o from_o they_o before_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n do_v require_v it_o by_o this_o whole_a discourse_n and_o by_o these_o ten_o reason_n we_o may_v now_o full_o see_v upon_o what_o principle_n our_o brethren_n ground_n their_o antisynodalia_a or_o their_o position_n wherein_o they_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o prefacer_n complain_v that_o their_o tenent_n be_v lade_v with_o reproach_n of_o anabaptism_n i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n before_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o present_v unto_o their_o serious_a consideration_n what_o advantage_n they_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n who_o i_o fear_v will_v make_v such_o use_n hereof_o as_o our_o brethren_n will_v not_o willing_o allow_v they_o to_o do_v it_o be_v true_a that_o our_o brethren_n confess_v with_o we_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o gospel-covenant_n and_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o but_o do_v they_o not_o with_o their_o distinction_n in_o effect_n take_v away_o what_o they_o have_v give_v they_o they_o be_v member_n in_o general_a say_v they_o but_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a and_o it_o be_v only_o as_o wrap_v up_o in_o their_o parent_n covenant_n they_o be_v not_o actual_a or_o personal_a member_n and_o that_o membership_n in_o their_o parent_n and_o their_o foederal_n holiness_n reach_v no_o further_a than_o their_o minority_n pag._n 37._o and_o what_o church-ordinance_n be_v they_o capable_a of_o in_o that_o time_n especial_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o some_o suggest_v that_o ishmael_n come_v into_o the_o church_n by_o profession_n of_o faith_n as_o a_o adult_n member_n at_o thirteen_o year_n of_o age_n and_o if_o at_o adult_n age_n they_o come_v not_o up_o by_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n to_o enter_v into_o personal_a covenant_n and_o so_o to_o a_o new_a membership_n hey_o have_v no_o right_a â—o_o church-priviledge_n and_o may_v not_o a_o convert_n out_o of_o paganism_n upon_o such_o term_n enjoy_v as_o much_o as_o this_o and_o as_o for_o church-watch_n and_o government_n it_o can_v reach_v they_o but_o by_o their_o parent_n as_o it_o may_v reach_v a_o infidel-servant_n and_o when_o their_o parent_n be_v dead_a and_o they_o leave_v to_o the_o care_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n how_o shall_v it_o then_o touch_v they_o at_o all_o and_o when_o their_o own_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v account_v the_o form_n of_o their_o membership_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v a_o nullity_n of_o their_o covenant_n seal_v in_o baptism_n so_o that_o it_o will_v i_o fear_v seem_v to_o the_o anabaptist_n that_o to_o baptise_v infant_n be_v to_o set_v a_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a or_o to_o a_o covenant_n of_o no_o use_n to_o they_o again_o when_o our_o brethren_n so_o oft_o deny_v the_o visible_a covenant_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o to_o such_o as_o want_v the_o inward_a grace_n and_o affirm_v that_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o be_v limit_v to_o those_o that_o with_o abraham_n walk_v with_o god_n who_o heart_n be_v faithful_a who_o love_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n pag._n 29._o will_v not_o the_o anabaptist_n be_v ready_a to_o infer_v therefore_o infant_n want_v that_o grace_n etc._n etc._n have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o covenant_n or_o to_o baptism_n the_o privilege_n of_o it_o again_o when_o our_o brethren_n so_o oft_o confound_v the_o outward_a and_o inward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n allege_v the_o scandalous_a sin_n of_o church-member_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o these_o in_o question_n be_v self-excommunicated_n and_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o outward_a covenant_n or_o privilege_n thereof_o be_v not_o this_o a_o mistake_v which_o they_o will_v make_v advantage_n of_o last_o when_o they_o say_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o five_o proposition_n expose_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o contempt_n baptism_n to_o be_v profane_v bring_v pollution_n into_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v the_o reason_n for_o say_v they_o it_o impart_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o visible_a believer_n set_v the_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a sever_v baptism_n from_o the_o stipulation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n bring_v the_o uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n into_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o they_o oft_o confess_v that_o infant_n have_v no_o faith_n they_o be_v a_o carnal_a seed_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o just_a fear_n that_o the_o anabaptist_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o infer_v therefore_o to_o baptize_v infant_n be_v to_o expose_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o contempt_n &_o c_o i_o know_v our_o brethren_n will_v say_v we_o do_v not_o require_v faith_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o infant_n but_o in_o the_o parent_n only_o but_o yet_o when_o general_o we_o ground_n the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n to_o the_o parent_n and_o their_o seed_n gen._n 17._o act_n 2._o 1_o cor._n 7._o and_o prove_v they_o be_v disciple_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v baptise_a i_o wish_v our_o brethren_n may_v consider_v how_o great_o this_o ground_n be_v weaken_v by_o denial_n of_o god_n covenant_n to_o their_o person_n and_o only_o as_o in_o their_o parent_n and_o by_o make_v it_o so_o slight_a a_o matter_n as_o to_o wear_v out_o with_o their_o minority_n etc._n etc._n and_o also_o let_v they_o consider_v how_o suitable_a their_o notion_n and_o principle_n beforenamed_n be_v to_o the_o argument_n and_o ground_n of_o denial_n of_o baptism_n to_o all_o infant_n as_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o antipoedobaptist_n these_o thing_n i_o mention_v that_o our_o brethren_n may_v keep_v further_o off_o from_o this_o danger_n which_o themselves_o count_v a_o reproach_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o answer_n of_o our_o brethren_n to_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o five_o proposition_n arg._n 1._o these_o child_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o baptise_v any_o child_n whatsoever_o and_o neither_o the_o parent_n nor_o the_o child_n do_v put_v in_o any_o bar_n to_o hinder_v it_o this_o ground_n be_v the_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n gen._n 17.7_o 9_o 10_o 11._o act_n 2.39_o col._n 2.10_o 11._o ans_fw-fr they_o answer_v in_o general_a that_o faith_n be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o baptism_n rom._n 4.11_o act_n 8.37_o &_o 19.4_o reply_n 1._o here_o be_v no_o answer_n to_o the_o scripture_n allege_v which_o be_v very_o full_a gen._n 17.10_o 11._o this_o be_v my_o covenant_n which_o you_o shall_v keep_v every_o male-child_n shall_v be_v circumcise_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o you_o