we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n or_o meet_v as_o a_o congregational_a particular_a church_n for_o the_o observation_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o ordinance_n act_n 2_o 1_o 44_o 46._o &_o 4_o 31_o &_o 11.26_o &_o 20_o 7._o 1_o cor_fw-la 5_o 4._o &_o 11.18.20_o 33_o &_o 14_o 23._o ______o 2._o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o epistle_n write_v to_o saint_n or_o believer_n write_v to_o they_o as_o in_o particular_a church_n 1_o cor_fw-la 1_o 2._o eph_n 1._o 1._o phil_n â—_o 1._o col._n 1.2_o and_o when_o the_o story_n of_o the_o act_n speak_v of_o disciple_n other_o place_n show_v that_o those_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v member_n of_o particular_a church_n act_n 18.23_o with_o gal_n 1_n 2._o act_n 21_o 16._o with_o chap_n 18_o 22_o act_n 11.26_o &_o 14_o 22_o 23,27,28_o all_o which_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v no_o settle_a orderly_a estate_n of_o visible_a believer_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n but_o only_o in_o particular_a church_n 3._o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v disciple_n as_o be_v above_o clear_v now_o disciple_n be_v under_o discipline_n and_o liable_a to_o church-censure_n for_o they_o be_v state_v subject_n of_o christ_n law_n and_o government_n mar_n 28.19_o 20._o but_o church_n government_n and_o censure_n be_v extant_a now_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n only_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n mat_n 18.17_o 1._o cor_n 5.4_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o confederate_n visible_a believer_n be_v also_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n partic_a 3_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o scripture_n and_o reason_n follow_v 1_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n thereof_o viz_o argum_fw-la 1_o that_o whereby_o god_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o faithful_a &_o their_o seed_n gen_n 17.7_o continue_v under_o the_o gospel_n as_o appear_v 1_o because_o the_o believe_v inchurch_v gentile_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v stand_v upon_o the_o same_o root_n of_o covenant_v abraham_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v break_v off_o from_o rom_n 11_o 16_o 17_o 18._o 2_o because_o abraham_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v make_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n gen_n 17.4_o 5._o even_o of_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n under_o new-testament_n as_o well_o as_o old_a rom_n 4.16_o 17._o gal_n 3_o 29_o i_fw-it e_o in_o abraham_n as_o a_o pattern_n and_o root_n god_n not_o only_o show_v how_o he_o justify_v the_o believer_n gal_n 3_o 6_o 9_o rom_n 4._o but_o also_o convey_v that_o covenant_n to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n in_o all_o nation_n luk_n 19.9_o if_o a_o son_n of_o abraham_n than_o salvation_n ay_o e_o the_o covenant-dispensation_n of_o salvation_n be_v come_v to_o his_o house_n 3._o as_o that_o covenant_n be_v communicate_v to_o proselyte_n gentile_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o its_o communication_n to_o the_o inchurch_v gentile_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v clear_o heldforth_o in_o diverse_a place_n gal_n 3.14_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n comprise_v both_o the_o internal_a benefit_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n &c_n &c_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v there_o treat_v of_o and_o the_o external_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o the_o faithful_a &_o their_o seed_n gen_n 28_o 4._o but_o the_o whole_a blessing_n of_o abraham_n and_o so_o the_o whole_a covenant_n be_v come_v upon_o the_o genitle_n through_o jesus_n christ_n eph_n 2.12_o 19_o they_o have_v be_v stranger_n but_o now_o be_v no_o more_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n i_o e_o from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o have_v be_v often_o renew_v especial_o with_o abraham_n and_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o have_v be_v in_o the_o external_a dispensation_n of_o it_o their_o peculiar_a portion_n so_o that_o the_o ephesian_n who_o be_v a_o far_o off_o be_v now_o call_v and_o make_v nigh_o v._o 13-17_a they_o have_v the_o promise_n or_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n according_a to_o act_n 2_o 39_o and_o so_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n that_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o eph_n 3,6_o the_o inchurch_v gentile_n be_v put_v into_o the_o same_o inheritance_n for_o substance_n both_o as_o to_o invisible_a &_o visible_a benefit_n according_a to_o their_o respective_a condition_n be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o promise_n with_o the_o jew_n the_o child_n of_o abraham_n of_o old_a the_o same_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o gen_n 9_o 27._o mat_n 8_o 11_o &_o 21_o 43.4_o sundry_a scripture_n which_o extend_v to_o gospel-time_n do_v confirm_v the_o same_o interest_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n and_o consequent_o do_v confirm_v the_o continuance_n of_o that_o covenant_n as_o exod_a 20_o 6._o there_o in_o the_o sanction_n of_o a_o moral_a and_o perpetual_a commandment_n and_o that_o respect_v ordinance_n the_o portion_n of_o the_o church_n god_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o mercy_n to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o to_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n consonant_n to_o gen_n 17.7_o compare_v herewith_o psal_n 105.8_o 9_o &_o deut._n 7.9_o deut._n 30.6_o the_o grace_n signify_v by_o circumcision_n be_v there_o promise_v to_o parent_n and_o child_n import_v the_o covenant_n to_o both_o which_o circumcision_n seal_v gen_n 17._o and_o that_o be_v a_o gospel-promise_n as_o the_o apostle_n cite_v part_n of_o that_o context_n as_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n show_v rom_n 10_o 6-8_a with_o deut_n 30_o 11-14_a and_o it_o reach_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n ver_fw-la 15_a isay_n 65_o 23._o in_o the_o most_o glorious_a gospel-state_n of_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 17-19_a the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o promise_a portion_n of_o the_o offspring_n or_o child_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o faithful_a parent_n so_o isay_n 44.3_o 4._o ______o isai_n 59.20_o 21._o ezek_n 37_o 25_o 26._o at_o the_o future_a call_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o those_o text_n have_v reference_n to_o rom_n 11.26_o ezek_n 37_o 19-22_a 23_o 24._o their_o child_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n of_o special_a grace_n to_o be_v convey_v to_o they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n isai_n 59.21_o and_o be_v subject_n of_o david_n ay_o e_o christ_n their_o king_n ezek_n 37.25_o and_o have_v a_o portion_n in_o his_o sanctuary_n vers_fw-la 26._o and_o this_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o ancient_a covenant_n of_o abraham_n whereby_o god_n will_v be_v their_o god_n viz._n both_o of_o parent_n and_o child_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v his_o people_n vers_n 26,27_o now_o although_o more_o abundant_a fruit_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v see_v in_o those_o time_n and_o the_o jew_n then_o may_v have_v more_o abundant_a grace_n give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o they_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n yet_o the_o tenor_n and_o frame_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n under_o the_o new-testament_n gal_n 3.28_o coll_n 3.11_o ______o heb._n 8.10_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n ay_o e_o the_o church_n of_o god_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v that_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n which_o be_v a_o renew_n of_o that_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n in_o gen_n 17._o as_o the_o same_o be_v very_o often_o over_o in_o those_o term_n renew_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o law_n gal_n 3_o 16_o 17._o heb_fw-mi 8.9_o wherein_o be_v imply_v god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o the_o seed_n as_o well_o as_o parent_n and_o take_v both_o to_o be_v his_o people_n though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v even_o as_o it_o be_v often_o plain_o imply_v in_o that_o expression_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n deut._n 29.13_o jer._n 31.1_o &_o 32.38_o 39_o &_o 24_o 7._o &_o 30_o 22_o 20._o ezek_n 37.27_o 25._o also_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o heart_n in_o heb_fw-mi 8_o 10._o be_v that_o heart_n circumcision_n which_o deut_n 30_o 6._o extend_v both_o to_o parent_n and_o seed_n and_o the_o term_n house_n of_o israel_n do_v according_a to_o scripture-use_a fit_o express_v and_o take_v in_o especial_o as_o to_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n both_o parent_n and_o child_n among_o both_o which_o be_v find_v that_o elect_a and_o save_v number_n that_o make_v up_o the_o invisible_a israel_n compare_v jer_n 13.11_o &_o 9.26_o isai_n 5_o 7._o hos_fw-la 1.6_o ezk_n 39.25_o neither_o may_v we_o
exclude_v the_o least_o in_o age_n from_o the_o good_a of_o that_o promise_n heb_fw-mi 8_o 11_o they_o be_v sometime_o point_v to_o by_o that_o phrase_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a jer._n 44.12_o with_o verse_n 7._o no_o more_o than_o the_o least_o in_o other_o respect_n compare_v isa_n 54.13_o in_o act_n 2.39_o at_o the_o pass_n of_o those_o jew_n into_o new_a testament_n church_n estate_n the_o lord_n be_v so_o far_o from_o repeal_n the_o covenant-interest_n that_o be_v grant_v unto_o child_n in_o the_o former_a testament_n or_o from_o make_v the_o child_n there_o loser_n by_o their_o parent_n faith_n that_o he_o do_v express_o renew_v the_o old_a grant_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n for_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o covenant_n be_v term_n that_o do_v mutual_o infer_v each_o other_o compare_v act_n 3.25_o gal._n 3.16_o 17_o 18_o 29._o rom._n 4.16_o heb._n 6_o 17_o be_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n and_o the_o same_o be_v assert_v to_o be_v the_o appoint_a portion_n of_o the_o far_o off_o gentile_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n gen._n 17.7_o whereby_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n continue_v under_o the_o gospel_n now_o if_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v still_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n than_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 1._o because_o that_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n gen._n 17.7_o be_v proper_o church-covenant_n or_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o his_o visible_a church_n i._n e._n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n consider_v in_o the_o external_a dispensation_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o privilege_n that_o belong_v to_o that_o dispensation_n for_o many_o be_v take_v into_o that_o covenant_n that_o be_v never_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o by_o that_o covenant_n the_o family_n of_o abraham_n as_o also_o by_o the_o renew_n thereof_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n afterward_o be_v establish_v the_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n gen._n 17._o and_o deut._n 29_o 12_o 13._o and_o from_o that_o covenant_n man_n may_v be_v break_v off_o gen._n 17_o 14._o rom._n 11.17_o 19_o and_o to_o that_o covenant_n circumcision_n the_o badge_n of_o church-membership_a be_v annex_v therefore_o the_o covenantee_n therein_o be_v &_o be_v church-member_n 2._o because_o in_o that_o covenant_n the_o seed_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o term_n describe_v or_o infer_v church-membership_a as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n for_o they_o have_v god_n for_o their_o god_n and_o be_v his_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n gen._n 17_o 7_o 8._o with_o deut_n 29_o 11_o 13._o they_o have_v the_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o deut_n 29_o 14_o 15._o and_o the_o covenant_n be_v say_v to_o be_v between_o god_n &_o they_o between_o i_o &_o thou_o and_o between_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o so_o the_o hebrew_n run_v gen_n 17_o 7._o they_o be_v also_o in_o that_o covenant_n appoint_v to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o seal_n of_o membership_n gen._n 17_o 9_o 10_o 11._o therefore_o the_o seed_n be_v according_a to_o that_o covenant_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n such_o seed_n or_o child_n be_v federal_o holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o argum_fw-la 2_o the_o word_n holy_a as_o apply_v to_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v never_o in_o scripture_n use_v in_o a_o low_a sense_n than_o for_o federal_n or_o covenant-holiness_n the_o covenant-holiness_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o very_o often_o in_o that_o sense_n ezra_n 9_o 2._o deut_n 7_o 6._o &_o 14_o 2_o 21_o &_o 26_o 19_o &_o 28_o 9_o exod_n 19_o 6_o dan_o 8_o 24_o &_o 12_o 7_o rom_n 11_o 16_o so_o that_o to_o say_v they_o be_v holy_a in_o this_o sense_n viz._n by_o covenant-relation_n and_o separation_n to_o god_n in_o his_o church_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v they_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o member_n of_o it_o from_o mark_n 10_o 14_o 15_o 16_o mat_n 19_o 14_o argum_fw-la 3_o child_n membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v either_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a sense_n of_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o so_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaver_n or_o of_o god_n be_v not_o rare_o use_v in_o other_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o visible_a church_n or_o church-estate_n mat._n 25_o 1_o &_o 21_o 43_o &_o 8.11_o 12_o or_o it_o evident_o follow_v from_o any_o other_o sense_n that_o can_v rational_o be_v give_v of_o the_o word_n for_o those_o may_v not_o be_v deny_v a_o place_n and_o portion_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n who_o christ_n affirm_v to_o have_v a_o portion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n either_o of_o invisible_a grace_n or_o of_o eternal_a glory_n nor_o do_v any_o in_o ordinary_a course_n pass_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n hereafter_o but_o through_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n here_o add_v also_o that_o christ_n there_o gracious_o invite_v and_o call_v little_a child_n to_o he_o be_v great_o displease_v with_o those_o that_o will_v hinder_v they_o assert_v they_o notwithstanding_o their_o infancy_n to_o be_v exemplary_a in_o receive_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n embrace_v they_o in_o his_o arm_n and_o bless_v they_o all_o which_o show_v christ_n dear_a affection_n to_o and_o own_v of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o part_n of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o we_o therefore_o may_v not_o disow_v lest_o we_o incur_v his_o displeasure_n as_o the_o disciple_n do_v such_o seed_n or_o child_n be_v disciple_n according_a to_o mat_n 28_o 19_o argum_fw-la 4_o as_o appear_v 1._o because_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v equivalent_a with_o disciple_n there_o as_o the_o frame_n of_o that_o text_n show_v verse_n 18_o 19_o 20._o but_o such_o child_n be_v subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n or_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat_n 19_o 14_o in_o the_o discipling_n of_o all_o nation_n intend_v in_o mat._n 28.19_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o gentile_n according_a to_o mat._n 21.43_o but_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n these_o child_n have_v a_o interest_n or_o portion_n mark_v 10.14_o 2._o the_o apostle_n in_o accomplish_v that_o commission_n mat._n 28.19_o do_v disciple_n some_o child_n viz._n the_o child_n of_o disciple_v parent_n act_n 2.39_o &_o 15.10_o they_o be_v there_o call_v and_o account_v disciple_n who_o the_o false_a teacher_n will_v have_v bring_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o circumcision_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n verse_n 1_o 5._o but_o many_o of_o those_o be_v child_n exod._n 12.48_o act_n 21.21_o lydia_n and_o her_o household_n the_o jailor_n and_o all_o his_o be_v disciple_v and_o baptize_v act_v 16.15_o 31_o 33._o paul_n at_o corinth_n take_v in_o the_o child_n into_o the_o holy_a school_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor_fw-la 7.14_o 3._o such_o child_n belong_v to_o christ_n for_o he_o call_v they_o to_o he_o as_o he_o to_o receive_v his_o blessing_n mark_v 10_o 13-16_a they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v in_o his_o name_n mark_v 9.37_o luke_n 9_o 48._o they_o have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n jost_n 22.24.25_o therefore_o they_o be_v disciple_n for_o to_o belong_v to_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n mark_v 9.41_o with_o mat._n 10.42_o now_o if_o they_o be_v disciple_n than_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o from_o the_o equivalency_n of_o those_o term_n be_v before_o show_v the_o whole_a current_n and_o harmony_n of_o scripture_n show_v argum_fw-la 5_o that_o ever_o since_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n the_o child_n thereof_o have_v by_o the_o lord_n appointment_n be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o old_a and_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n eve_n the_o mother_n of_o all_o live_n have_v a_o promise_n make_v gen._n 3.15_o not_o only_o of_o christ_n the_o head-seed_n but_o through_o he_o also_o of_o a_o church-seed_n to_o proceed_v from_o she_o in_o a_o continue_a lineal_a succession_n which_o shall_v continual_o be_v at_o visible_a enmity_n with_o and_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n or_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n under_o that_o promise_n make_v to_o eve_n and_o her_o seed_n the_o child_n of_o adam_n be_v bear_v and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n in_o adam_n family_n even_o cain_n be_v so_o gen._n 4.1_o 3._o till_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n therein_o verse_n 14._o be_v now_o manifest_o one_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n 1_o
john_n 3.12_o and_o so_o become_v the_o father_n of_o a_o wicked_a unchurch_v race_n burden_v god_n appoint_v unto_o eve_n another_o viz_o seth_n in_o who_o to_o continue_v the_o line_n of_o her_o church-seed_n gen_n 4.25_o how_o it_o do_v continue_v in_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n genes_n 5_o show_v hence_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o the_o daughter_n of_o man_n gen._n 6_o 2._o if_o righteous_a noah_n be_v take_v into_o the_o ark_n than_o the_o only_a preserve_a place_n of_o the_o church_n his_o child_n be_v take_v in_o with_o he_o gen._n 7.1_o though_o one_o of_o they_o viz._n ham_n after_o prove_v degenerate_a and_o wicked_a but_o till_o he_o so_o appear_v he_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n with_o his_o brethren_n so_o gen._n 9.25_o 26_o 27._o as_o the_o race_n of_o ham_n or_o his_o son_n canaan_n parent_n and_o child_n be_v curse_v so_o shem_n parent_n and_o child_n be_v bless_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o place_n of_o blessing_n the_o church_n as_o japhet_n also_o or_o iaphet_n posterity_n still_a parent_n and_o child_n shall_v in_o time_n be_v bring_v in_o the_o holy_a line_n mention_v in_o gen._n 11_o 10-26_a show_v how_o the_o church_n continue_v in_o the_o seed_n of_o shem_n from_o he_o unto_o abraham_n when_o that_o race_n grow_v degenerate_a josh_n 24.2_o then_o god_n call_v abraham_n out_o of_o his_o country_n and_o from_o his_o kindred_n and_o establish_v his_o covenant_n with_o he_o which_o still_o take_v in_o parent_n and_o child_n gen._n 17.7_o 9_o so_o it_o do_v after_o in_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n deut._n 29.11_o 12_o 13._o and_o when_o any_o eminent_a restauration_n or_o establishment_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o church_n the_o child_n thereof_o be_v still_o take_v in_o as_o sharer_n in_o the_o same_o psal_n 102.16_o 28._o &_o 69.35_o 36._o jerem_n 32_o 38_o 39_o isa_n 65_o 18_o 19_o 23._o now_o when_o christ_n come_v to_o set_v up_o the_o gospel-administration_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n under_o the_o term_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat_n 3_o 2._o &_o 11.11_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o take_v away_o child_n portion_n and_o membership_n therein_o that_o himself_o assert_v it_o mat_n 19_o 14._o the_o child_n of_o the_o gentile_a but_o now_o believe_v corinthian_n be_v holy_a 1_o cor_n 7_o 14._o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o colosse_n speak_v to_o child_n as_o a_o part_n thereof_o eph_n 6_o 1._o col._n 3_o 20._o the_o inchurch_v roman_n and_o other_o gentile_n stand_v on_o the_o root_n of_o covenant_v abraham_n and_o in_o the_o olive_n or_o visible_a church_n they_o and_o their_o child_n till_o break_v off_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v by_o positive_a unbelief_n or_o rejection_n of_o christ_n his_o truth_n or_o government_n rom._n 11_o 13_o 16_o 17_o 22._o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v shall_v be_v as_o aforetime_o in_o church-estate_n je_fw-fr 30.20_o with_o 31.1_o ezekiel_n 37_o 25-28_a from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o series_n or_o whole_a frame_n and_o current_n of_o scripture-expression_n do_v hold_v forth_o the_o continuance_n of_o child_n membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o seed_n or_o child_n who_o become_v member_n together_o with_o their_o parent_n partic_a 4_o i.e._n by_o mean_n of_o their_o parent_n covenant_v be_v child_n in_o minority_n this_o appear_v 1._o because_o such_o child_n be_v holy_a by_o their_o parent_n covenant_v who_o will_v else_o be_v unclean_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o but_o they_o will_v not_o else_o necessary_o be_v unclean_a if_o they_o be_v adult_n for_o than_o they_o may_v act_v for_o themselves_o and_o so_o be_v holy_a by_o their_o personal_a covenant_v neither_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n will_v they_o necessary_o be_v holy_a if_o adult_n as_o he_o assert_v the_o child_n there_o to_o be_v for_o they_o may_v continue_v pagan_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n intend_v only_a infant_n or_o child_n in_o minority_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o principle_n that_o carry_v evidence_n of_o light_n and_o reason_n with_o it_o as_o to_o all_o transaction_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v of_o age_n he_o shall_v answer_v for_o himself_o john_n 9.21_o they_o that_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n so_o as_o to_o have_v knowledge_n and_o understanding_n fit_a to_o act_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v to_o covenant_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a act_n neh._n 10.28_o 29._o isa_n 44_o 5_o 3._o they_o that_o be_v regular_o take_v in_o with_o their_o parent_n be_v repute_v to_o be_v visible_a entertainer_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o avoucher_n of_o god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n deut_n 26.7_o 18._o with_o deut._n 29.11_o 12_o but_o if_o adult_a child_n shall_v without_o regard_n to_o their_o own_o personal_a act_n be_v take_v in_o with_o their_o parent_n than_o some_o may_v be_v repute_v entertainer_n that_o be_v manifest_a rejecter_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o so_o a_o adult_n son_n or_o daughter_n of_o a_o godly_a parent_n may_v be_v it_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o membership_n of_o child_n partic_a 5_o that_o the_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n for_o although_o after-generation_n have_v no_o small_a benefit_n by_o their_o pious_a ancestor_n who_o derive_v federal_a holiness_n to_o their_o succeed_a generation_n in_o case_n they_o keep_v their_o stand_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v not_o apostate_n from_o it_o yet_o the_o piety_n of_o ancestor_n suffice_v not_o unless_o the_o next_o parent_n continue_v in_o covenant_n rom._n 11_o 22._o 1._o because_o if_o the_o next_o parent_n be_v cut_v or_o break_v off_o the_o follow_a seed_n be_v break_v off_o also_o exod_a 20.5_o rom._n 11_o 17_o 19_o 20._o as_o the_o gentile_a believe_a parent_n and_o child_n be_v take_v in_o so_o the_o jew_n parent_n and_o child_n be_v then_o break_v off_o 2._o one_o of_o the_o parent_n must_v be_v a_o believer_n or_o else_o the_o child_n be_v unclean_a 1_o cor._n 7_o 14.3_o if_o child_n may_v be_v account_v member_n and_o baptize_v though_o the_o next_o parent_n be_v not_o in_o covenant_n than_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v bind_v to_o baptize_v those_o who_o she_o can_v have_v no_o power_n over_o nor_o hope_v concern_v to_o see_v they_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n and_o under_o the_o ordinance_n for_o the_o next_o parent_n be_v wicked_a and_o not_o in_o covenant_n may_v carry_v away_o and_o bring_v up_o their_o child_n to_o serve_v other_o go_n 4._o if_o we_o stop_v not_o at_o the_o next_o parent_n but_o grant_v that_o ancestor_n may_v notwithstanding_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o next_o parent_n convey_v membership_n unto_o child_n than_o we_o shall_v want_v a_o ground_n where_o to_o stop_v and_o then_o all_o the_o child_n on_o earth_n shall_v have_v right_a to_o membership_n and_o baptism_n proposition_n 3_o d._n the_o infant-seed_n of_o confederate_n visible_a believer_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o when_o grow_v up_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n appear_v 1._o because_o so_o be_v isaac_n and_o ishmael_n of_o abraham_n family-church_n and_o the_o child_n of_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n of_o israel_n national_a church_n and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o child_n now_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o congregational_a church_n with_o their_o parent_n christ_n care_n for_o child_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o obligation_n unto_o order_n and_o government_n be_v as_o great_a now_o as_o then_o 2._o either_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n or_o of_o some_o other_o church_n or_o non-member_n but_o neither_o of_o the_o latter_a therefore_o the_o former_a that_o they_o be_v not_o non-member_n be_v before_o prove_v in_o propos_fw-fr 2._o partic._n 3._o and_o if_o not_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n then_o of_o no_o other_o for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o reason_n sufficient_a to_o state_n they_o member_n of_o that_o church_n where_o their_o parent_n have_v covenant_v for_o they_o and_o where_o ordinary_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o do_v inhabit_v then_o much_o less_o be_v there_o reason_n to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o any_o other_o and_o so_o they_o will_v be_v member_n of_o no_o particular_a church_n at_o all_o and_o it_o be_v before_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a and_o orderly_a stand_a estate_n of_o church-member_n but_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
weep_v in_o secret_a for_o your_o pride_n and_o that_o god_n may_v not_o resist_v &_o reject_v you_o as_o a_o generation_n of_o his_o wrath_n oh_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v pour_v out_o a_o spirit_n of_o humiliation_n &_o repentance_n upon_o all_o the_o young_a sort_n in_o the_o country_n yea_o &_o upon_o elder_a too_o for_o our_o neglect_n from_o dan_n to_o beersheba_n oh_o that_o we_o may_v meet_v at_o bochim_n because_o so_o many_o canaanue_n of_o unsubdued_a yea_o grow_a corruption_n be_v find_v among_o we_o let_v it_o not_o be_v say_v that_o when_o the_o first_o &_o best_a generation_n in_o new-england_n be_v gather_v to_o their_o father_n there_o arise_v another_o generation_n after_o they_o that_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n behold_v the_o lord_n have_v a_o delight_n in_o your_o father_n to_o love_v they_o and_o he_o have_v choose_v you_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o to_o enjoy_v these_o liberty_n &_o opportunity_n as_o it_o be_v this_o day_n circumcise_v therefore_o the_o foreskin_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v no_o more_o stiff-necked_a but_o yield_v yourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o order_n of_o his_o sanctuary_n to_o seek_v he_o and_o wait_v on_o he_o in_o all_o his_o way_n with_o holy_a fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a and_o will_v not_o turn_v away_o his_o face_n from_o you_o if_o you_o return_v unto_o he_o if_o you_o seek_v he_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o you_o but_o if_o you_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v cast_v you_o off_o for_o ever_o we_o shall_v conclude_v when_o we_o have_v give_v the_o reader_n a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o work_n ensue_v the_o proposition_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n be_v after_o much_o discussion_n and_o consideration_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n vote_v and_o conclude_v by_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o particular_a term_n as_o they_o be_v here_o express_v the_o argument_n then_o use_v for_o their_o confirmation_n be_v draw_v 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confirm_v from_o the_o scripture_n 1_o they_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n 2_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 i_o e._n child_n in_o minority_n who_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n 3_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o confederate_n visible_a believer_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o when_o grow_v up_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n 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 5_o church-member_n who_o be_v 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 their_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 their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v 6_o such_o church-member_n who_o either_o by_o death_n or_o some_o other_o extraordinary_a providence_n have_v be_v inevitable_o hinder_v from_o public_a act_n as_o aforesaid_a yet_o have_v give_v the_o church_n cause_n in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o look_v at_o they_o as_o so_o qualify_v and_o such_o as_o have_v they_o be_v call_v thereunto_o will_v have_v so_o act_v their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v 7_o the_o member_n of_o orthodox_n church_n be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o present_v due_a testimony_n thereof_o these_o occasional_o come_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptize_v in_o the_o church_n wither_v they_o come_v by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o if_o they_o remove_v their_o habitation_n they_o ought_v orderly_o to_o covenant_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n where_o they_o settle_v their_o abode_n and_o so_o their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v it_o be_v the_o church_n duty_n to_o receive_v such_o unto_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v regular_o fit_a for_o the_o same_o the_o confirmation_n of_o these_o proposition_n from_o the_o scripture_n follow_v proposition_n first_o they_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o follow_a evidence_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o when_o christ_n say_v go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v or_o as_o the_o greek_a be_v disciple_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o mat._n 28.19_o he_o express_v the_o adequate_a subject_n of_o baptism_n to_o be_v disciple_n or_o disciple_v once_o but_o disciple_n there_o be_v the_o same_o with_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v christ_n school_n wherein_o all_o the_o member_n stand_v relate_v and_o subject_v to_o he_o as_o their_o master_n and_o teacher_n and_o so_o be_v his_o scholar_n or_o disciple_n and_o under_o his_o teach_n as_o verse_n 20._o and_o it_o be_v that_o visible_a spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o there_o from_o his_o kingly_a power_n ver_fw-la 18._o send_v they_o to_o set_v up_o and_o administer_v in_o ver_fw-la 19_o the_o subject_n whereof_o be_v under_o his_o law_n and_o government_n verse_n 20._o which_o subject_n or_o member_n of_o that_o kingdom_n i.e._n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v term_v disciple_n verse_n 19_o also_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o story_n of_o their_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o commission_n disciple_n be_v usual_o put_v for_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n act_v 1.15_o in_o the_o mid_n of_o the_o disciple_n who_o with_o other_o add_v to_o they_o be_v call_v the_o church_n act_v 2_o 47_o the_o member_n whereof_o be_v again_o call_v disciple_n act_n 6_o 1_o 2._o act_n 9_o 1_o against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n i._n e_o against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 15_o 9_o gal._n 1.13_o act_n 9_o 26_o he_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n the_o disciple_n at_o lystra_n iconiem_n and_o antioch_n act_v 14_o 21_o 22_o be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o each_o of_o those_o place_n verse_n 23_o so_o the_o church_n verse_n 27_o the_o disciple_n verse_n 28._o act_n 18.22_o the_o church_n at_o caesarea_n act_v 21.16_o the_o disciple_n of_o caesarea_n so_o act_v 18_o 23_o with_o chap._n 15.41_o and_o gal._n 1.2_o act_n 18.27_o and_o
partake_v of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o baptise_v any_o be_v clear_a because_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o title_n to_o baptism_n and_o this_o these_o child_n have_v 1._o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o title_n to_o baptism_n for_o so_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o title_n to_o circumcision_n gen_n 17.7_o 9_o 10_o 11._o to_o which_o baptism_n now_o answer_v col._n 2.11_o 12._o and_o in_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o they_o be_v on_o this_o ground_n exhort_v to_o be_v baptize_v because_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n be_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n that_o a_o member_n or_o one_o in_o covenant_n as_o such_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n be_v further_o clear_v before_o in_o propos_fw-fr 1.2_o that_o these_o child_n have_v interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n appear_v because_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v in_o covenant_n the_o child_n be_v also_o for_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o parent_n and_o their_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n gen_n 17.7_o 9_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n act_n 2.39_o if_o the_o parent_n stand_v in_o the_o church_n so_o do_v the_o child_n among_o the_o gentile_n now_o as_o well_o as_o among_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a rom_n 11.16_o 20_o 21_o 22._o it_o be_v unheard_a of_o in_o scripture_n that_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n stop_v at_o the_o infant_n child_n but_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v in_o covenant_n as_o appear_v 1._o because_o they_o be_v once_o in_o covenant_n and_o never_o since_o discovenant_v if_o they_o have_v not_o once_o be_v in_o covenant_n they_o have_v not_o warrantable_o be_v baptize_v and_o they_o be_v so_o still_o except_o in_o some_o way_n of_o god_n they_o have_v be_v discovenant_v cast_v out_o or_o cut_v off_o from_o their_o covenant-relation_n which_o these_o have_v not_o be_v neither_o be_v person_n once_o in_o covenant_n break_v off_o from_o it_o according_a to_o scripture_n save_v for_o notórious_a sin_n and_o incorrigibleness_n therein_o rom_n 11.20_o which_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o these_o parent_n 2_o because_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n gen_n 17.7_o even_o to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n i._n e._n conditional_o provide_v that_o the_o parent_n successive_o do_v continue_v to_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o covenant_n exod_n 20.6_o deut_n 7_o 9_o 11_o psalm_n 105_o 8._o which_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n account_n in_o this_o case_n forsaker_n or_o rejecter_n of_o the_o god_n and_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n see_v deut_n 29.25_o 26._o 2_o king_n 17_o 15-20_a 2_o chron_n 7_o 22_o deut_n 7_o 10._o 2._o that_o these_o parent_n in_o question_n do_v not_o put_v in_o any_o bar_n to_o hinder_v their_o child_n from_o baptism_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o proposition_n wherein_o they_o be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o therefore_o they_o put_v not_o in_o any_o bar_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n atheism_n heresy_n or_o infidelity_n also_o they_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n but_o solemn_o own_o the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o put_v not_o in_o any_o bar_n of_o profaneness_n or_o wickedness_n or_o apostasy_n from_o the_o covenant_n whereinto_o they_o enter_v in_o minority_n that_o the_o infant-children_n in_o question_n do_v themselves_o put_v in_o any_o bar_n none_o will_v imagine_v the_o child_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v either_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n argum_fw-la 2_o or_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n eph_n 2_o 12._o either_o holy_a or_o unclean_a 1_o cor_n 7_o 14._o either_o within_o the_o church_n or_o without_o 1_o cor_n 5_o 12_o either_o such_o as_o have_v god_n for_o their_o god_n or_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n eph_n 2_o 12._o but_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o proposition_n will_v not_o affirm_v the_o latter_a concern_v these_o child_n and_o the_o form_n be_v grant_v infer_v their_o right_n to_o baptism_n to_o deny_v the_o proposition_n argum_fw-la 3_o will_v be_v 1._o to_o straiten_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n and_o to_o make_v the_o church_n in_o new_a testament-time_n in_o a_o worse_a case_n relate_v to_o their_o child_n successive_o than_o be_v the_o jew_n of_o old_a 2._o to_o render_v the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n then_o under_o the_o legal_a administration_n contrary_a to_o jer_n 30_o 20._o ezekiel_n 37_o 25_o 26._o 3._o to_o deny_v the_o application_n of_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n to_o such_o as_o regular_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n to_o who_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n nay_o the_o first_o institution_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n appoint_v it_o to_o be_v apply_v gen_n 17_o 9_o 10._o john_n 7.22_o 23._o 4._o to_o break_v god_n covenant_n by_o deny_v the_o initiatory_a seal_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n gen_n 17_o 9_o 10_o 14._o confederate_a visible_a believer_n though_o but_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n such_o argum_fw-la 4_o be_v to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v witness_v the_o practice_n of_o john_n baptist_n and_o the_o aposile_n who_o baptize_v person_n upon_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o their_o christianity_n but_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n at_o least_o in_o some_o degree_n for_o 1._o charity_n may_v observe_v in_o they_o sundry_a positive_a argument_n for_o it_o witness_v the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n and_o nothing_o evident_a against_o it_o 2._o child_n of_o the_o godly_a qualify_v but_o as_o the_o person_n in_o the_o proposition_n be_v say_v to_o be_v faithful_a tit_n 1.6_o 3._o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v have_v frequent_o the_o begin_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o young_a year_n as_o scripture_n and_o experience_n show_v instance_n joseph_n samuel_n david_n solomon_n abijah_n josiah_n daniel_n john_n baptist_n and_o timothy_n hence_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n show_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a be_v in_o charity_n or_o to_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n visible_a believer_n 4._o they_o that_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v be_v visible_a saint_n in_o the_o account_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o account_n of_o truth_n for_o the_o church_n be_v in_o scripture-account_n a_o company_n of_o saint_n 1_o cor_n 14_o 33._o &_o 1.2_o 5._o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o baptize_v they_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n indefinite_o give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o seal_v up_o in_o baptism_n deut._n 30_o 6._o which_o continue_v valid_a and_o so_o a_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o while_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o these_o person_n be_v immediate_o fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o though_o they_o be_v in_o a_o latitude_n of_o expression_n to_o be_v account_v visible_a believer_n or_o in_o numero_fw-la fidelium_fw-la as_o even_o infant_n in_o covenant_n be_v yet_o they_o may_v want_v that_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o that_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o that_o ordinance_n as_o be_v say_v upon_o propos_fw-fr 4_o the_o the_o denial_n of_o baptism_n to_o the_o child_n in_o question_n argum_fw-la 5_o have_v a_o dangerous_a tendency_n to_o irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n because_o it_o deny_v they_o and_o so_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n successive_o to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v they_o cease_v from_o fear_v the_o lord_n josh_n 22.24_o 25_o 27._o for_o if_o they_o have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n i._n e._n a_o portion_n in_o israel_n and_o so_o in_o the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n or_o member_n of_o it_o and_o so_o to_o be_v baptize_v according_a to_o propos_fw-fr 1._o the_o own_n of_o the_o child_n of_o those_o that_o successive_o continue_v in_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o religion_n therein_o as_o some_o conceive_v that_o this_o imputation_n belong_v to_o the_o contrary_a tenet_n to_o seek_v to_o be_v more_o pure_a than_o the_o rule_n will_v ever_o end_v in_o impurity_n in_o the_o issue_n god_n have_v so_o frame_v his_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o church_n thereby_o as_o to_o design_n a_o continuation_n and_o propagation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n
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
the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n unto_o a_o thousand_o generation_n if_o the_o successive_a parent_n do_v but_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n show_v themselves_o to_o be_v lover_n of_o god_n and_o keeper_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o commandment_n so_o as_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v never_o reject_v they_o till_o they_o reject_v he_o exod_a 20.6_o deut._n 7.9_o psal_n 105.8_o 9_o rom._n 11_o 16-22_a hence_o we_o dare_v not_o with_o the_o antipaedobaptist_n exclude_v the_o infant-children_n of_o the_o faithful_a from_o the_o covenant_n or_o from_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o consequent_o not_o from_o baptism_n the_o seal_n thereof_o neither_o dare_v we_o exclude_v the_o same_o child_n from_o membership_n or_o put_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o while_o they_o so_o walk_v and_o act_n as_o to_o keep_v their_o stand_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o same_o god_n own_v they_o still_o and_o they_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n own_o he_o god_n reject_v they_o not_o and_o therefore_o neither_o may_v we_o and_o consequent_o their_o child_n also_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v shall_v we_o reject_v or_o exclude_v any_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v shorten_v and_o straiten_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n covenant_n more_o than_o god_n himself_o do_v and_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o put_v they_o from_o under_o those_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v state_v upon_o the_o visible_a church_n whereby_o the_o child_n of_o god_n visible_a people_n be_v successive_o in_o their_o generation_n to_o be_v train_v up_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n whither_o the_o elect_a number_n shall_v still_o be_v bring_v in_o the_o way_n of_o such_o mean_n and_o wherein_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o officer_n and_o church_n a_o solemn_a charge_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_z train_z up_o such_o as_o a_o part_n of_o his_o flock_n to_o that_o end_n say_v to_o they_o as_o sometime_o to_o peter_n if_o you_o love_v i_o feed_v my_o lamb_n in_o obedience_n to_o which_o charge_n we_o hope_v it_o be_v the_o we_o be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a though_o with_o the_o inference_n of_o no_o small_a labour_n and_o burden_n to_o ourselves_o to_o commend_v these_o truth_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o all_o the_o flock_n even_o the_o lamb_n thereof_o be_v due_o state_v under_o pastoral_a power_n we_o may_v after_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v up_o our_o account_n another_o day_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o find_v and_o keep_v the_o right_n middle_a way_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v know_v to_o all_o that_o be_v aught_o acquaint_v with_o the_o controversy_n thereabout_a as_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o believe_v we_o have_v speak_v but_o not_o without_o remembrance_n that_o we_o be_v poor_a feeble_a frail_a man_n and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o be_v conversant_a herein_o with_o much_o humility_n and_o fear_n before_o god_n and_o man_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o variety_n of_o judgement_n concern_v this_o subject_a which_o notwithstanding_o with_o all_o due_a reverence_n to_o dissenter_n after_o religious_a search_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v here_o offer_v what_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o have_v the_o full_a evidence_n of_o light_n from_o thence_o if_o more_o may_v be_v add_v and_o may_v be_v find_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o shall_v be_v no_o prejudice_n thereunto_o hence_o also_o we_o be_v far_o from_o desire_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o rigorous_a imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n especial_o as_o to_o what_o be_v more_o narrow_a therein_o and_o more_o controversal_a among_o godly_a man_n if_o the_o honour_a court_n see_v meet_v so_o far_o to_o add_v their_o countetenance_n and_o concurrence_n as_o to_o commend_v a_o serious_a consideration_n hereof_o to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o secure_v those_o that_o can_v with_o clearness_n of_o judgement_n practise_v according_o from_o disturbance_n that_o in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o tolerate_v or_o to_o desire_v a_o toleration_n of_o damnable_a heresy_n or_o of_o subverter_n of_o the_o fundamenta_n of_o faith_n or_o order_n be_v a_o irreligious_a inconsistency_n with_o the_o love_n of_o true_a religion_n but_o to_o bear_v one_o with_o another_o in_o lesser_a difference_n about_o matter_n of_o a_o more_o difficult_a and_o controversal_a nature_n and_o more_o remote_a from_o the_o foundation_n and_o wherein_o the_o godly-wise_a be_v not_o like-minded_n be_v a_o duty_n necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o religion_n while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o infirmity_n in_o such_o thing_n let_v not_o he_o that_o practise_v despise_v he_o that_o forbear_v and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o forbear_v judge_v he_o that_o practise_v for_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o but_o as_o we_o do_v not_o thus_o speak_v from_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n here_o deliver_v paul_n know_v where_o the_o truth_n lie_v and_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o rom._n 14.14_o yet_o he_o can_v love_o bear_v a_o dissenter_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n shall_v we_o so_o we_o do_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o christ_n jesus_n command_v the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o several_a church_n what_o be_v here_o offer_v be_v far_o from_o be_v any_o decline_v from_o former_a principle_n it_o be_v rather_o a_o pursuance_n thereof_o for_o it_o be_v all_o include_v in_o or_o deducible_a from_o what_o we_o unanimous_o profess_v and_o own_a in_o the_o forementioned_a platform_n of_o discipline_n many_o year_n since_o there_o it_o be_v assert_v that_o child_n be_v church-member_n that_o they_o have_v many_o privilege_n which_o other_o not_o church-member_n have_v not_o and_o that_o they_o be_v under_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n chap._n 12._o sect_n 7._o and_o that_o will_v infer_v the_o right_n of_o their_o child_n they_o continue_v to_o walk_v orderly_o and_o the_o other_o matter_n of_o consociation_n or_o exercise_v of_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v large_o hold_v forth_o chap._n 15._o &_o 16._o it_o may_v be_v a_o objection_n lie_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o and_o which_o many_o may_v desire_v a_o full_a answer_n unto_o that_o these_o thing_n or_o some_o of_o they_o be_v innovation_n in_o our_o church-waye_n and_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n be_v worthy_n in_o new-england_n who_o be_v now_o with_o god_n do_v never_o teach_v not_o hold_v and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v we_o now_o after_o so_o many_o year_n fall_v upon_o new_a opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o this_o a_o decline_a from_o our_o first_o purity_n and_o a_o unblamable_a alteration_n to_o this_o although_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o say_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n not_o so_o much_o what_o have_v be_v hold_v or_o practise_v as_o what_o shall_v be_v and_o what_o the_o word_n of_o god_n prescribe_v aught_o to_o be_v our_o enquiry_n and_o our_o rule_n the_o people_n in_o nehemiah_n time_n be_v commend_v for_o do_v as_o they_o find_v write_v in_o the_o law_n though_o from_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n the_o son_n of_o nun_n unto_o that_o day_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v not_o do_v so_o nehem._n 8.14_o 17._o see_v the_o like_o 2_o chron._n 30.5_o 26._o 2_o king_n 23.21_o 22._o they_o do_v not_o tie_v themselves_o to_o former_a use_n and_o custom_n but_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n write_v word_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o it_o be_v thyatira_n praise_n that_o their_o good_a work_n be_v more_o at_o the_o last_o then_o at_o the_o first_o rev._n 2.19_o the_o lord_n be_v humble_a and_o faithful_a servant_n be_v not_o go_v to_o be_v forward_o to_o think_v themselves_o perfect_a in_o their_o attainment_n but_o desirous_a rather_o to_o make_v a_o progress_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o god_n holy_a will._n if_o therefore_o the_o thing_n here_o poopound_v concern_v the_o child_n of_o church-member_n and_o the_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o hope_v the_o discourse_n ensue_a will_v show_v they_o to_o be_v that_o do_v sufficient_o bespeak_v their_o entertainment_n although_o they_o have_v not_o former_o be_v hold_v or_o hear_v of_o among_o we_o yet_o this_o must_v not_o be_v grant_v the_o contrary_a be_v the_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o point_n herein_o which_o may_v be_v most_o scruple_v by_o some_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o these_o church_n for_o many_o year_n and_o of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v of_o most_o eminent_a esteem_n among_o we_o as_o beside_o what_o be_v before_o mention_v from_o the_o platform_n of_o discipline_n may_v appear_v by_o the_o
discourse_n he_o assert_v that_o as_o they_o be_v member_n in_o their_o infancy_n so_o they_o continue_v member_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o till_o for_o their_o wickedness_n they_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o that_o they_o be_v member_n their_o seed_n successive_o be_v member_n also_o until_o by_o dissolution_n or_o excommunication_n they_o be_v unchurch_v that_o though_o they_o be_v member_n it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o must_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o they_o must_v first_o appear_v able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n that_o the_o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n though_o they_o do_v not_o manifest_a faith_n in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v of_o god_n church_n until_o they_o positive_o reject_v the_o gospel_n rom._n 11._o that_o this_o membership_n of_o child_n have_v no_o tendency_n in_o it_o to_o pollute_v the_o church_n no_o more_o then_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o be_v a_o mean_n rather_o of_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o danger_n if_o not_o more_o of_o the_o degenerate_v and_o apostatise_v of_o church_n gather_v of_o profess_v believer_n as_o of_o those_o that_o rise_v out_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o mr._n prudden_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n write_v in_o the_o year_n 1651._o do_v plain_o express_v it_o to_o be_v his_o judgement_n that_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n be_v member_n and_o so_o have_v right_a to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v though_o themselves_o be_v not_o yet_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n his_o word_n be_v these_o touch_v the_o desire_n of_o such_o member_n chidren_n as_o desire_v to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o i_o do_v not_o yet_o hear_v practise_v in_o any_o of_o our_o church_n but_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o it_o can_v just_o be_v deny_v because_o their_o next_o parent_n however_o not_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n stand_v as_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n within_o the_o church_n covenant_n and_o so_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o baptism_n now_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o stand_v member_n their_o child_n also_o be_v member_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o parent_n covenant_n and_o membership_n as_o well_o as_o they_o themselves_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o parent_n covenant_n and_o membership_n and_o they_o have_v not_o renounce_v that_o covenant_n nor_o be_v just_o censure_v for_o breach_n of_o that_o covenant_n but_o do_v own_o it_o and_o profess_v it_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o it_o to_o their_o child_n then_o he_o put_v this_o his_o argument_n into_o form_n thus_o those_o child_n who_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o curch_n and_o so_o member_n of_o it_o baptism_n can_v be_v deny_v unto_o but_o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o member_n of_o it_o therefore_o baptism_n can_v be_v deny_v unto_o they_o the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v thus_o the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n as_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v themselves_o within_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o member_n of_o it_o but_o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v child_n of_o such_o parent_n as_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o so_o member_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o be_v so_o themselves_o the_o proposition_n be_v clear_a because_o the_o parent_n covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o child_n deut._n 29.10_o 16._o ezek._n 16.8_o 13._o and_o god_n accept_v both_o gen._n 17.12_o 13._o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v federal_o holy_a ezra_n 9.2_o they_o be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o their_o father_n deut_n 29._o not_o partly_o or_o partial_o in_o covenant_n rom._n 9.3_o 4._o act_n 2.39_o and_o god_n style_v himself_o their_o god_n as_o well_o as_o their_o father_n gen._n 17.7_o 8_o 9_o and_o to_o have_v god_n to_o be_v our_o god_n be_v to_o be_v in_o complete_a church_n covenant_n with_o he_o the_o assumption_n be_v evident_a because_o else_o such_o their_o parent_n have_v not_o have_v right_o to_o baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o that_o they_o have_v right_a unto_o and_o so_o receive_v it_o and_o the_o same_o right_n that_o they_o have_v their_o child_n have_v who_o be_v include_v in_o their_o covenant_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o father_n and_o be_v not_o less_o true_o or_o less_o complete_o in_o covenant_n last_o to_o add_v no_o more_o mr._n nath._n rogers_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n bear_v date_n 18.11_o 1652._o have_v these_o word_n to_o the_o question_n concern_v the_o child_n of_o church-member_n i_o have_v nothing_o to_o oppose_v and_o i_o wonder_v any_o â—…ould_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v member_n they_o be_v member_n in_o censu_fw-la ecclesiastice_v god_n so_o call_v they_o the_o church_n be_v so_o to_o account_v of_o they_o and_o when_o they_o be_v adultae_fw-la aetatis_fw-la though_o have_v do_v no_o personal_a act_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v in_o charity_n judge_v member_n still_o and_o till_o after_o due_a call_n upon_o they_o shall_v refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o own_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o content_n thereof_o â—…ot_o practice_n i_o confess_v i_o account_v it_o our_o great_a default_n that_o we_o have_v make_v no_o more_o real_a distinction_n between_o these_o and_o other_o that_o they_o have_v be_v no_o more_o attend_v as_o the_o lamb_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n and_o woeful_a defaction_n of_o our_o youth_n disquiri_fw-la permittimus_fw-la so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o these_o worthy_n in_o their_o time_n that_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n and_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v member_n by_o become_a adult_n but_o do_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n until_o in_o some_o way_n of_o god_n they_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o that_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o church-discipline_n even_o as_o other_o member_n and_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptize_v before_o themselves_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o yet_o that_o in_o this_o way_n there_o be_v no_o tendency_n to_o the_o corrupt_a of_o the_o church_n by_o unworthy_a member_n or_o of_o the_o ordinance_n by_o unworthy_a partaker_n and_o in_o the_o synod_n herd_n at_o cambridge_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o that_o particular_a point_n of_o baptise_v the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v member_n in_o minority_n but_o not_o yet_o in_o full_a communion_n be_v insert_v in_o some_o of_o the_o draught_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o that_o assembly_n and_o be_v then_o debate_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o like_a argument_n as_o we_o now_o use_v and_o be_v general_o consent_v to_o though_o because_o some_o few_o dissent_v and_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a urgency_n of_o occasion_n for_o present_a practice_n it_o be_v not_o then_o put_v into_o the_o platform_n that_o be_v after_o print_v we_o need_v not_o mention_v the_o meeting_n of_o elder_n at_o boston_n upon_o the_o call_v of_o the_o honour_a court_n in_o the_o year_n 1657._o where_n in_o answer_n to_o xxi_o question_n since_o print_v this_o point_n be_v particular_o assert_v by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o these_o be_v not_o thing_n late_o devise_v or_o before_o unheard-of_a nor_o can_v they_o just_o be_v censure_v as_o innovation_n or_o declension_n from_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n in_o new-england_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o these_o plantation_n and_o the_o infancy_n of_o these_o church_n there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o say_v touch_v these_o thing_n as_o there_o have_v be_v since_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o then_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a occasion_n as_o since_o have_v be_v few_o child_n of_o church-member_n be_v then_o adult_n at_o least_o few_o that_o be_v then_o marry_v and_o have_v child_n according_o when_o a_o question_n be_v put_v about_o the_o privilege_n of_o member_n child_n when_o come_v to_o year_n these_o church_n then_o have_v be_v but_o of_o few_o year_n stand_v our_o answer_n be_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infancy_n of_o these_o church_n we_o have_v then_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o determine_v what_o to_o judge_v or_o practice_v in_o that_o matter_n answer_v to_o the_o 5_o the_o and_z 6_o the_o of_o 32._o question_n which_o may_v satisfy_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o in_o our_o first_o beginning_n there_o be_v no_o more_o say_v touch_v these_o question_n but_o afterward_o when_o there_o be_v more_o