the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n require_v faith_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o jacob_n as_o he_o do_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v the_o continual_a succession_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n in_o the_o gentile_a church_n obj._n 2._o it_o will_v be_v say_v god_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n for_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n ans_fw-fr be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o carnal_a seed_n of_o abraham_n in_o all_o succeed_a generation_n shall_v have_v god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n then_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o yet_o break_v off_o contrary_a to_o rom._n 11._o this_o seed_n be_v 1._o only_o such_o of_o the_o carnal_a seed_n with_o who_o the_o covenant_n be_v establish_v by_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o abraham_n faith_n 2._o his_o spiritual_a seed_n who_o be_v only_o mean_v in_o that_o everlasting_a covenant_n reply_n 1._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o succession_n thereof_o the_o lord_n be_v ever_o mindful_a of_o his_o covenant_n and_o that_o everlasting_o till_o his_o people_n break_v his_o covenant_n he_o never_o cast_v they_o out_o but_o there_o be_v many_o transgression_n against_o the_o covenant_n that_o do_v not_o break_v off_o a_o people_n from_o the_o visible_a covenant_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n wherein_o his_o patience_n be_v very_o long_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o continue_v to_o their_o succeed_a generation_n everlasting_o even_o to_o such_o as_o be_v here_o call_v the_o carnal_a seed_n 2._o it_o do_v not_o savour_n well_o that_o our_o brethren_n so_o frequent_o call_v the_o church-seed_n a_o carnal_a seed_n we_o know_v who_o phrase_n it_o be_v and_o to_o what_o it_o tend_v even_o to_o deny_v baptism_n to_o they_o the_o scripture_n call_v they_o the_o holy_a seed_n a_o holy_a nation_n royal_a priesthood_n etc._n etc._n your_o child_n be_v holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o god_n never_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o any_o as_o a_o carnal_a seed_n but_o as_o anâ—holy_a people_n to_o the_o lord_n 3._o what_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o the_o carnal_a seed_n walk_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n if_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n belong_v only_o to_o such_o than_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n belong_v not_o to_o any_o church-member_n till_o he_o come_v up_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n which_o be_v the_o tenent_n of_o we_o know_v who_o reas_n 7._o it_o be_v irregular_a to_o receive_v person_n with_o no_o better_a qualification_n into_o covenant_n we_o mean_v ignorant_a unbelieving_a and_o impenitent_a person_n into_o public_a and_o personal_a covenant_n church-covenaâ—ters_a must_v be_v visible_a saint_n psal_n 50.5_o 16._o i'faith_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n be_v require_v to_o covenant_n with_o god_n it_o be_v a_o palpable_a untruth_n for_o a_o vnbeliever_n to_o engage_v himself_o to_o keep_v the_o lord_n covenant_n whereof_o faith_n be_v the_o condition_n joh._n 3.16_o ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v these_o in_o question_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n when_o they_o come_v to_o own_o their_o baptismal_a covenant_n public_o our_o brethren_n confess_v they_o be_v in_o covenant_n act_v 2._o which_o be_v seal_v up_o to_o themby_a baptism_n and_o that_o in_o their_o own_o person_n as_o be_v before_o prove_v from_o deut._n 5.2_o 3._o &_o 29.10_o 11_o 12._o this_o public_a own_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v but_o the_o manifestation_n of_o their_o continuance_n in_o it_o or_o a_o renew_n of_o it_o 2._o to_o censure_v these_o for_o ignorant_a person_n that_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o contain_v all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v before_o prove_v and_o for_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o unbeliever_n who_o god_n have_v receive_v own_a as_o his_o child_n and_o believer_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15._o who_o live_v without_o scandal_n which_o impli_v regular_a satisfaction_n for_o offence_n who_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n submit_v to_o his_o government_n to_o lay_v all_o this_o upon_o they_o without_o proof_n be_v far_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n sure_o they_o be_v better_a saint_n than_o those_o mention_v by_o our_o brethren_n psa_n 50.5_o 16._o neither_o do_v these_o visible_o hate_v instruction_n in_o the_o sense_n there_o speak_v of_o vers_n 17._o for_o they_o be_v charge_v to_o consent_v with_o thief_n to_o partake_v with_o adulterer_n to_o give_v their_o mouth_n to_o evil_a etc._n etc._n which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o these_o 3._o what_o though_o faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n and_o that_o in_o truth_n be_v require_v of_o all_o covenanter_n with_o god_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o such_o as_o be_v in_o church-covenant_n want_v these_o thing_n or_o do_v not_o so_o clear_o and_o sully_v hold_v forth_o these_o by_o a_o visible_a profession_n that_o all_o such_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o outward_a privilege_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o reason_v all_o along_o but_o the_o inconsequence_n thereof_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n story_n reas_n 8._o that_o practice_n that_o expose_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o contempt_n baptism_n to_o profanation_n the_o church_n to_o pollution_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v but_o the_o baptise_v of_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o visible_a believer_n do_v all_o this_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v ans_fw-fr 1._o i_o may_v grant_v the_o argument_n it_o do_v not_o conclude_v against_o these_o who_o god_n have_v receive_v as_o holy_a as_o visible_a believer_n baptise_a into_o christ_n as_o have_v be_v oft_o prove_v from_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o with_o chap._n 7.14_o &_o 12.13_o 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15._o 2._o by_o this_o reason_n when_o member_n receive_v by_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o adult_n age_n do_v decline_v and_o appear_v to_o have_v as_o little_a faith_n as_o these_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v though_o under_o no_o censure_n such_o must_v not_o have_v their_o childrne_a baptise_a or_o else_o all_o those_o consequence_n will_v follow_v this_o may_v suffice_v to_o answer_v the_o reason_n itself_o the_o proof_n i_o shall_v touch_v afterward_o reas_n 9_o because_o these_o adult_n child_n if_o they_o be_v not_o baptise_a themselves_o may_v not_o be_v baptise_a in_o this_o estate_n and_o therefore_o can_v entitle_v their_o seed_n unto_o it_o a_o man_n must_v stand_v possess_v of_o a_o right_n before_o he_o can_v make_v it_o over_o to_o another_o act_v a_o non_fw-la habente_fw-la potestatem_fw-la be_v void_a in_o law_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o reason_v by_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n have_v not_o that_o thing_n which_o indeed_o he_o have_v and_o therefore_o he_o can_v convey_v that_o which_o he_o have_v let_v i_o take_v away_o a_o man_n evidence_n and_o possession_n of_o his_o land_n and_o it_o be_v true_a he_o can_v make_v a_o good_a conveyance_n but_o may_v he_o not_o then_o convey_v what_o he_o have_v evidence_n and_o possession_n of_o there_o be_v some_o member_n in_o church_n who_o suppose_v they_o be_v not_o admit_v will_v not_o now_o be_v admit_v do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o their_o child_n may_v not_o be_v baptise_a if_o act_n of_o such_o as_o have_v no_o right_a and_o power_n themselves_o be_v void_a then_o act_n of_o such_o as_o have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n be_v valid_a now_o these_o be_v church-member_n and_o baptise_a and_o therefore_o their_o conveyance_n of_o baptism_n be_v valid_a by_o this_o argument_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o our_o brethren_n to_o prove_v that_o these_o be_v church-member_n so_o qualify_v may_v not_o be_v baptise_a if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v baptise_a reas_n 10._o because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n of_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n for_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n which_o way_n be_v not_o here_o mention_v and_o this_o way_n be_v christ_n joh._n 10.7_o but_o this_o proposition_n hold_v forth_o no_o personal_a entrance_n by_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v get_v in_o some_o other_o way_n they_o be_v thief_n and_o robber_n the_o danger_n be_v see_v in_o he_o that_o have_v not_o on_o the_o wedding-garment_n the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v so_o pernicious_a how_o can_v the_o church_n be_v blameless_a in_o bring_v they_o in_o this_o way_n ans_fw-fr let_v the_o interpretation_n of_o joh._n 10._o be_v grant_v at_o present_a i_o answer_v that_o these_o child_n come_v into_o the_o church_n by_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
than_o that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n luke_n 7.29_o 30._o disannul_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o and_o so_o many_o hundred_o poor_a infant_n who_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o we_o now_o plead_v belong_v unto_o and_o a_o practical_a anabaptism_n ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o grief_n of_o heart_n to_o many_o elder_n and_o brethren_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n can_v yet_o obtain_v in_o their_o church_n but_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o they_o that_o can_v stand_v with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o case_n stand_v because_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v do_v to_o caâ—fication_n which_o in_o this_o case_n can_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n especial_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o five_o proposition_n with_o peace_n and_o edification_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o strong_a opposition_n make_v by_o these_o and_o other_o like_a dissenter_n when_o this_o matter_n be_v under_o consideration_n in_o the_o synod_n 1648._o the_o author_n of_o this_o preface_n know_v well_o who_o it_o be_v that_o profess_a he_o will_v oppose_v it_o with_o all_o his_o might_n by_o reason_n whereof_o and_o the_o dissent_n of_o some_o few_o more_o it_o be_v lay_v aside_o at_o that_o time_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o hard_a deal_n for_o brethren_n so_o strong_o to_o oppose_v other_o in_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o then_o to_o charge_v they_o with_o a_o sin_n that_o can_v stand_v with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o the_o case_n stand_v thus_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_v who_o be_v more_o like_o the_o pharisee_n that_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o in_o not_o be_v baptize_v of_o john_n whether_o such_o as_o will_v practise_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n or_o such_o as_o oppose_v and_o hinder_v they_o from_o so_o do_v 2._o this_o neglect_n be_v not_o so_o great_a for_o thirty_o year_n as_o be_v object_v for_o in_o the_o former_a year_n of_o these_o plantation_n till_o the_o church-seed_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o marry_o and_o have_v child_n there_o be_v not_o such_o need_n of_o practice_n according_a to_o the_o five_o proposition_n which_o be_v now_o most_o stumble_v at_o beside_o some_o church_n have_v be_v in_o that_o practice_n for_o divers_a year_n 3._o there_o be_v no_o fall_v from_o our_o former_a practice_n as_o be_v object_v our_o principle_n be_v the_o same_o this_o be_v only_o a_o progress_n in_o practise_v according_a thereunto_o as_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o set_v up_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o institution_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o people_n call_v for_o they_o as_o appeareth_z matth._n 9.36_o etc._n etc._n with_o 10.1_o etc._n etc._n so_o act_v 6.1_o &_o 14.23_o 1_o cor._n 16.1_o 2._o 4._o when_o circumcision_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o travel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n be_v omit_v forty_o year_n and_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n from_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n to_o the_o day_n of_o nehemiah_n be_v neglect_v so_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o so_o deep_a a_o charge_n lay_v upon_o the_o elder_n and_o people_n by_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n three_o we_o be_v charge_v with_o a_o great_a sin_n to_o be_v tremble_v at_o viz._n that_o we_o admit_v all_o sort_n that_o be_v personal_o in_o covenant_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o now_o we_o deny_v to_o many_o except_o after_o covenant_v they_o make_v it_o manifest_a that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n if_o this_o be_v regular_a than_o the_o other_o be_v irregular_a and_o bring_v guiltiness_n to_o many_o of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o ourselves_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o very_a heavy_a imputation_n lay_v upon_o so_o many_o elder_n and_o church_n and_o without_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n for_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o whether_o elder_n and_o church_n be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o fitness_n of_o their_o member_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n before_o their_o admittance_n into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o elder_n examination_n of_o they_o or_o at_o their_o admittance_n by_o their_o public_a profession_n which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v our_o constant_a care_n and_o practice_n or_o afterward_o but_o because_o we_o do_v it_o not_o after_o covenant_v in_o person_n receive_v in_o adult_n age_n as_o well_o as_o in_o person_n receive_v in_o infancy_n that_o therefore_o we_o be_v so_o deep_o guilty_a this_o be_v a_o gross_a and_o irregular_a charge_n some_o have_v object_v against_o our_o admission_n as_o over-strict_a but_o who_o have_v charge_v we_o with_o such_o a_o sin_n to_o be_v tremble_v at_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o bring_v guiltiness_n upon_o many_o of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v such_o as_o make_v so_o loud_a a_o profession_n of_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o lay_v so_o great_a a_o scandal_n of_o a_o sin_n to_o be_v tremble_v at_o upon_o so_o many_o elder_n before_o conviction_n thereof_o and_o their_o impenitency_n therein_o and_o that_o in_o the_o face_n of_o old_a england_n and_o new_a so_o contrary_a to_o the_o principal_a and_o express_a rule_n of_o gospel-order_n matth._n 18_o 15_o 16._o 1_o tim._n 5.19_o four_o in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o objection_n viz._n that_o by_o publish_v this_o treatise_n they_o shall_v disturb_v the_o peace_n etc._n etc._n the_o author_n plead_v possession_n of_o another_o manner_n of_o dispense_n the_o ordinance_n and_o that_o buy_v at_o a_o great_a rate_n the_o loss_n of_o native_a land_n father_n house_n etc._n etc._n he_o say_v that_o the_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n be_v those_o that_o will_v rob_v they_o of_o their_o possession_n or_o question_v their_o right_n especial_o have_v enjoy_v they_o so_o long_o before_o this_o pleaded-for_a conversion_n of_o new_a england_n ans_fw-fr 1._o but_o do_v we_o indeed_o come_v to_o new_a england_n to_o put_v our_o posterity_n under_o the_o wing_n of_o god_n gracious_a covenant_n and_o ordinance_n and_o then_o to_o deny_v they_o and_o their_o seed_n the_o benefit_n thereof_o to_o leave_v they_o at_o a_o loose_a end_n without_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n the_o mean_n to_o prevent_v sin_n or_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o repentance_n unto_o life_n certain_o the_o profession_n of_o very_a many_o gracious_a and_o serious_a heart_n and_o their_o hope_n for_o their_o child_n be_v far_o otherwise_o yea_o of_o these_o that_o now_o dissent_n among_o we_o some_o i_o know_v and_o many_o more_o i_o may_v suppose_v leave_v old_a england_n for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o seed_n in_o this_o respect_n 2._o be_v not_o our_o child_n in_o possession_n of_o the_o house_n member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o dissenter_n the_o synod_n plead_v only_o that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o house_n it_o be_v the_o dissenter_n therefore_o that_o will_v rob_v they_o of_o their_o possession_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n 3._o the_o synod_n as_o appear_v in_o their_o preface_n do_v leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n to_o practice_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n if_o they_o will_v not_o own_o or_o baptise_v such_o as_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n be_v describe_v if_o they_o will_v have_v their_o child_n account_v self-murtherer_n discovenant_v of_o god_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o wrought_v faith_n and_o repentance_n visible_o in_o they_o when_o they_o come_v to_o adult_v age_n there_o be_v none_o that_o offer_v to_o disturb_v their_o possession_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v they_o disturb_v and_o oppose_v the_o right_n and_o possession_n of_o so_o many_o other_o who_o assert_v the_o right_n of_o the_o church-seed_n which_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o possession_n of_o the_o house_n who_o advantage_n the_o apostle_n say_v and_o profit_n be_v much_o every_o way_n rom._n 3.1_o 2._o five_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o objection_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v innovator_n and_o that_o the_o most_o learned_a minister_n be_v of_o the_o synod_n mind_n this_o author_n of_o the_o preface_n grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a of_o some_o which_o be_v a_o large_a some_o as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o synod_n he_o must_v needs_o cast_v a_o double_a aspersion_n upon_o the_o elder_n affirm_v 1._o that_o as_o many_o of_o they_o be_v so_o large_a in_o judgement_n as_o to_o soldier_n with_o parish_n church_n ans_fw-fr if_o this_o be_v mean_v in_o respect_n of_o communion_n with_o orthodox_n
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
faith_n in_o god_n acceptance_n and_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o in_o some_o of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o in_o some_o admit_v by_o profession_n of_o faith_n 2._o concern_v this_o distinction_n of_o foederal_n holiness_n and_o sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o consider_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o foederal_n holiness_n do_v it_o not_o include_v that_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n that_o god_n be_v their_o god_n that_o they_o be_v his_o people_n a_o holy_a people_n to_o himself_o a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o choose_a generation_n &_o c_o which_o the_o apostle_n appli_v to_o believer_n 1_o pet._n 2.9_o and_o what_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o sanctify_a in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o saint_n and_o faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o the_o apostle_n attribute_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o whereof_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v a_o part_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o 3._o to_o say_v these_o have_v parental_a and_o partial_a right_n deut._n 4.37_o &_o 10.15_o act_n 2.38_o do_v any_o of_o these_o text_n prove_v that_o parental_a right_n as_o they_o call_v it_o or_o the_o right_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o their_o father_n be_v a_o partial_a right_n if_o god_n love_v their_o father_n and_o therefore_o choose_v their_o seed_n after_o they_o be_v not_o the_o feed_v the_o object_n of_o god_n choice_n and_o as_o perfect_a member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o their_o father_n be_v it_o seem_v the_o lord_n do_v as_o great_a thing_n for_o they_o as_o for_o their_o father_n out_o of_o his_o love_n to_o they_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n with_o great_a power_n deut._n 4.37_o 38._o and_o be_v not_o their_o little_a one_o establish_v to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o god_n as_o well_o as_o their_o father_n deut._n 29.11_o 13._o 4._o doctor_n ames_n make_v nothing_o for_o their_o tenent_n but_o agree_v with_o the_o synod_n his_o say_n take_v it_o entire_a be_v this_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o be_v number_v among_o the_o faithful_a as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o for_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n and_o also_o of_o the_o same_o profession_n with_o their_o parent_n yet_o infant_n be_v not_o so_o perfect_a member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o can_v exercise_v act_n of_o communion_n or_o be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o all_o privilege_n until_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n appear_v but_o from_o those_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o faith_n and_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o sect._n 12.13_o by_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o do_v not_o make_v they_o imperfect_a member_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o relation_n of_o membership_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o act_n of_o communion_n even_o as_o a_o child_n of_o the_o family_n be_v not_o so_o perfect_a to_o do_v the_o work_n &_o enjoy_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o family_n as_o a_o grow_a person_n be_v but_o yet_o he_o be_v as_o perfect_o a_o member_n of_o the_o family_n as_o a_o grow_a man_n beside_o that_o eminent_a doctor_n look_v at_o infant_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o capable_a of_o such_o thing_n as_o belong_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o act_n of_o communion_n as_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o faith_n appear_v he_o think_v of_o no_o other_o and_o new_a membership_n to_o entitle_v they_o to_o all_o ordinance_n but_o that_o to_o come_v to_o they_o by_o their_o covenant_n in_o infancy_n what_o can_v be_v more_o full_a to_o show_v his_o concurrence_n with_o the_o synod_n object_n but_o membership_n be_v a_o word_n of_o relation_n and_o therefore_o can_v admit_v of_o degree_n of_o more_o or_o less_o to_o this_o our_o brethren_n answer_v that_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a exception_n from_o the_o general_a rule_n that_o such_o relation_n the_o foundation_n whereof_o be_v quality_n or_o action_n do_v admit_v of_o diversity_n of_o degree_n as_o similitude_n be_v a_o relation_n ground_v on_o some_o quality_n one_o thing_n may_v be_v more_o or_o less_o like_o another_o so_o calefaction_n etc._n etc._n reply_n the_o author_n of_o this_o distinction_n be_v not_o so_o authentic_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v examine_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o first_o it_o confound_v all_o logical_a argument_n make_v cause_n and_o effect_v yea_o comparata_fw-la to_o be_v relate_v which_o be_v against_o reason_n 2._o this_o distinction_n will_v not_o hold_v for_o what_o relate_v be_v there_o who_o foundation_n be_v not_o in_o action_n or_o quality_n why_o be_v this_o man_n a_o father_n but_o because_o he_o beget_v a_o son_n the_o relation_n of_o master_n and_o servant_n husband_n and_o wife_n and_o the_o like_a be_v it_o not_o by_o covenant_n which_o be_v a_o action_n so_o that_o by_o this_o rule_n all_o relate_v shall_v admit_v degree_n of_o more_o or_o less_o which_o be_v against_o that_o receive_a rule_n of_o logician_n but_o how_o be_v this_o exception_n apply_v to_o this_o case_n in_o both_o which_o respect_v say_v our_o brethren_n the_o membership_n of_o the_o infant_n faith_n and_o act_n of_o confederation_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o parent_n faith_n be_v right_o distinguish_v from_o the_o membership_n of_o such_o as_o be_v adult_n which_o be_v ground_v on_o their_o own_o faith_n and_o confederation_n reply_n what_o dependence_n have_v this_o upon_o the_o former_a distinction_n where_o this_o relation_n be_v say_v to_o be_v found_v upon_o such_o diversity_n of_o action_n as_o make_v two_o sort_n of_o distinct_a member_n as_o be_v pretend_v and_o not_o only_o two_o degree_n of_o membership_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o such_o diversity_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o membership_n as_o shall_v thus_o distinguish_v these_o member_n the_o foundation_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o viz._n the_o freegrace_n of_o god_n in_o his_o covenant_n extend_v both_o to_o parent_n and_o child_n gen._n 17.7_o 9_o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n the_o way_n of_o enter_v into_o this_o covenant_n on_o man_n part_n be_v only_o a_o differ_v modus_fw-la or_o manner_n of_o covenant_v with_o god_n as_o a_o sciens_fw-la put_v into_o the_o stock_n by_o hand_n and_o the_o branch_n that_o grow_v out_o of_o it_o be_v all_o equal_o part_n of_o the_o tree_n though_o the_o branch_n be_v not_o so_o put_v in_o by_o hand_n as_o the_o sciens_fw-la be_v a_o father_n that_o purchase_v land_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o child_n the_o child_n have_v as_o perfect_a and_o good_a a_o right_a as_o the_o father_n have_v though_o he_o do_v not_o make_v the_o bargain_n and_o covenant_n as_o his_o father_n do_v the_o four_o note_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v upon_o those_o word_n who_o next_o parent_n be_v in_o covenant_n which_o they_o say_v be_v ambiguous_a and_o therefore_o they_o distinguish_v between_o parental_a covenant_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o personal_n with_o presuppose_a faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o former_a they_o count_v insufficient_a to_o capacitate_v the_o next_o seed_n to_o baptism_n before_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v their_o reason_n interweave_v in_o this_o discourse_n see_v our_o brethren_n have_v so_o oft_o recourse_n to_o their_o distinction_n of_o member_n into_o actual_a not_o actual_a personal_a not_o personal_a by_o parental_a covenant_n and_o personal_a immediate_a and_o mediate_v perfect_a and_o imperfect_a and_o lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o they_o as_o that_o the_o parental_a covenant_n can_v capacitate_v their_o seed_n to_o baptism_n that_o their_o membership_n by_o parental_a covenant_n last_v no_o long_o than_o minority_n pag._n 37._o and_o the_o personal_a covenant_n of_o such_o make_v they_o member_n be_v the_o form_n of_o their_o membership_n and_o the_o like_a i_o shall_v therefore_o here_o once_o for_o all_o recall_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n and_o try_v what_o light_n be_v in_o they_o and_o first_o in_o my_o best_a observation_n i_o can_v find_v no_o such_o distinction_n of_o parental_a and_o personal_a covenant_n that_o shall_v make_v two_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o member_n neither_o in_o the_o name_n or_o thing_n but_o all_o along_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o covenant_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o that_o god_n make_v with_o his_o people_n and_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n covenant_n gen._n 17._o where_o this_o covenant_n be_v most_o solemn_o make_v and_o to_o which_o the_o oft-renewed_n covenant_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o covenant_n or_o promise_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v reference_n as_o rom._n 9_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o with_o chap._n 3.25_o gal._n 3._o in_o that_o place_n i_o say_v the_o lord_n call_v it_o my_o covenant_n seven_o time_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o
be_v to_o be_v bless_v reas_n 4._o baptism_n be_v as_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.11_o which_o be_v invisible_a in_o those_o child_n that_o shall_v transmit_v baptism_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v true_a that_o as_o circumcision_n so_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o thence_o i_o infer_v that_o when_o god_n by_o his_o institution_n appoint_v that_o seal_n to_o be_v transmit_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o visible_a covenant_n they_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n as_o believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o transmit_v baptism_n so_o long_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a continue_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o be_v visible_a believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n and_o may_v so_o transmit_v baptism_n to_o their_o seed_n reas_n 5._o they_o allege_v act_n 2.38_o 39_o which_o they_o say_v restrain_v baptism_n to_o the_o next_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n as_o manifest_v repentance_n and_o effectual_a call_n and_o be_v of_o more_o weight_n than_o any_o argument_n from_o far-fetched_a and_o uncertain_a consequence_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n ans_fw-fr to_o this_o text_n be_v full_o answer_v before_o and_o as_o be_v say_v it_o favour_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n that_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o baptism_n and_o that_o this_o text_n have_v no_o such_o restraint_n it_o may_v appear_v thus_o let_v all_o be_v grant_v that_o be_v here_o say_v yet_o suppose_v such_o visible_a convert_v discover_v afterward_o no_o sap_n or_o savour_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o fair_a charity_n but_o continue_v still_o in_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o their_o seed_n be_v baptise_a or_o must_v every_o church-member_n hold_v forth_o a_o profession_n of_o repentance_n at_o the_o baptism_n of_o every_o child_n i_o suppose_v our_o brethren_n will_v not_o so_o affirm_v and_o if_o so_o than_o a_o church-member_n though_o not_o apparent_o a_o true_a penitent_n may_v have_v his_o seed_n baptise_a as_o for_o far-fetched_a consequence_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o follow_a discourse_n will_v show_v that_o none_o use_v they_o so_o much_o as_o our_o brethren_n do_v concern_v the_o answer_n here_o give_v to_o a_o objection_n from_o exod._n 20._o the_o synod_n do_v not_o make_v that_o objection_n but_o agree_v with_o this_o interpretation_n give_v in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o answer_n viz._n so_o that_o the_o privilege_n be_v only_o continue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o next_o parent_n that_o continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v not_o break_v off_o chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o three_o proposition_n propos_fw-fr 3_o that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o confederate_a 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 and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n our_o dissent_v brethren_n by_o their_o dilute_a interpretation_n of_o this_o proposition_n seem_v to_o recede_v from_o their_o own_o concession_n for_o this_o proposition_n be_v propound_v and_o earnest_o promote_v by_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o as_o tend_v to_o issue_v other_o difficulty_n among_o we_o and_o to_o reform_v the_o corruption_n of_o youth_n and_o there_o be_v not_o above_o three_o note_a that_o dissent_v from_o it_o but_o when_o it_o be_v observe_v as_o be_v here_o say_v that_o the_o other_o proposition_n will_v be_v infer_v from_o it_o and_o so_o strong_o that_o some_o say_v the_o whole_a cause_n be_v give_v up_o in_o that_o proposition_n our_o brethren_n therefore_o now_o think_v to_o ease_v the_o matter_n by_o their_o interpretation_n but_o such_o they_o be_v as_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n as_o will_v appear_v first_o say_v they_o when_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o they_o have_v a_o actual_a personal_a and_o immediate_a membership_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o those_o in_o full_a communion_n but_o only_o that_o the_o church-watch_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o shall_v reach_v unto_o their_o person_n which_o be_v public_o express_v in_o the_o meetinghouse_n by_o we_o ans_fw-fr how_o inconsistent_a be_v these_o thing_n 1._o these_o person_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o actual_o how_o then_o be_v they_o member_n potential_o so_o be_v many_o that_o be_v fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n that_o yet_o be_v no_o member_n or_o be_v they_o so_o habitual_o sure_o they_o be_v actual_o baptise_a into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o shall_v we_o baptise_v actual_o such_o as_o be_v not_o actual_o in_o the_o covenant_n 2._o they_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o church_n must_v not_o deal_v with_o their_o person_n but_o reach_v their_o person_n at_o the_o second_o hand_n viz._n by_o their_o parent_n so_o indeed_o some_o express_v themselves_o but_o i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v own_v by_o the_o rest_n but_o thus_o to_o reach_v their_o person_n be_v not_o to_o touch_v they_o with_o any_o act_n of_o church-government_n but_o of_o family-government_n only_o yea_o thus_o to_o reach_v their_o person_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o church_n may_v reach_v a_o heathen_a servant_n for_o the_o church_n may_v censure_v the_o master_n if_o he_o restrain_v not_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o servant_n as_o well_o as_o a_o father_n for_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o child_n second_o say_v they_o by_o discipline_n we_o do_v not_o intend_v excommunication_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o offender_n in_o full_a communion_n for_o how_o can_v they_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o full_a communion_n that_o be_v never_o in_o it_o ans_fw-fr then_o they_o must_v suppose_v that_o excommunication_n be_v no_o part_n of_o discipline_n or_o intend_v a_o discipline_n ineffectual_a to_o christ_n end_n for_o what_o be_v admonition_n unregarded_a without_o that_o censure_n to_o set_v they_o home_o mat._n 18._o excommunication_n be_v not_o to_o cast_v out_o of_o full_a communion_n only_o but_o out_o of_o all_o communion_n let_v he_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n it_o be_v a_o give_v up_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v 1_o cor._n 5.5_o and_o this_o sovereign_a medicine_n all_o that_o be_v within_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o nevertheless_o say_v they_o the_o church_n may_v disow_v they_o and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v no_o member_n upon_o their_o desert_v of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n by_o such_o a_o sentence_n as_o peter_n pronounce_v to_o simon_n magus_n act_v 8.21_o ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o disow_v such_o as_o no_o member_n be_v a_o mere_a invention_n of_o man_n never_o ordain_v of_o christ_n nor_o tend_v to_o reach_v the_o end_n of_o his_o discipline_n for_o though_o it_o seem_v to_o agree_v with_o excommunication_n in_o not_o own_v they_o as_o member_n yet_o it_o want_v that_o awful_a dread_n of_o excommunication_n to_o humble_v the_o sinner_n and_o bring_v he_o in_o yea_o thus_o to_o disow_v they_o as_o no_o member_n be_v to_o rid_v the_o church_n of_o any_o further_a care_n of_o they_o as_o those_o without_o but_o all_o act_n of_o christ_n discipline_n be_v act_n of_o the_o love_n and_o compassion_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o offender_n to_o seek_v their_o repentance_n and_o salvation_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n 2._o act_n 8.21_o give_v no_o ground_n of_o this_o practice_n for_o 1._o peter_n do_v not_o present_o disow_v he_o as_o no_o member_n neither_o indeed_o do_v the_o place_n refer_v to_o membership_n but_o to_o the_o power_n of_o give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o declare_v his_o sin_n and_o danger_n he_o exhort_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o pardon_n ver_fw-la 22._o which_o imply_v that_o upon_o his_o repentance_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o promise_v pardon_n according_a to_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n discipline_n but_o persist_v impenitent_o in_o his_o sin_n he_o may_v then_o be_v cast_v out_o beside_o 2._o this_o sentence_n be_v upon_o one_o that_o come_v in_o by_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o that_o be_v peter_n meaning_n to_o disow_v he_o as_o no_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o example_n to_o be_v imitate_v than_o any_o member_n discover_v hypocrifie_n to_o a_o discern_a spirit_n may_v present_o be_v disow_v as_o no_o member_n which_o will_v make_v sad_a work_n in_o church_n 3._o if_o the_o church_n may_v disow_v they_o when_o they_o desert_n the_o church_n and_o covenant_n than_o
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
the_o next_o parent_n and_o when_o the_o parent_n be_v break_v off_o their_o seed_n be_v break_v off_o also_o rom._n 11.20_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o difference_n ans_fw-fr 3._o to_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o that_o in_o jer._n 30._o speak_v of_o their_o return_n from_o babylon_n ezek._n 37._o speak_v of_o their_o call_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o righteous_a and_o nothing_o shall_v hinder_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o covenant_n isa_n 60.21_o joel_n 3.17_o etc._n etc._n reply_n if_o jer._n 30._o have_v any_o reference_n to_o their_o return_n from_o babylon_n yet_o it_o appear_v to_o look_v further_o even_o to_o the_o latter_a time_n for_o ver._n 9_o it_o speak_v of_o david_n their_o king_n who_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o to_o they_o and_o v._o 24._o of_o the_o latter_a day_n and_o chap._n 31.1_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o will_v be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o the_o family_n of_o israel_n as_o for_o those_o place_n isa_n 60.21_o joel_n 3._o that_o say_v they_o shall_v be_v all_o righteous_a no_o stranger_n shall_v pass_v through_o they_o so_o that_o nothing_o shall_v hinder_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n than_o shall_v be_v continue_v according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n seed_n in_o their_o generation_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o argument_n beside_o this_o continuance_n of_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v by_o visible_a faith_n and_o righteousness_n not_o always_o by_o real_a faith_n for_o to_o think_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o sin_n no_o hypocrite_n then_o be_v groundless_a there_o be_v none_o righteous_a that_o sin_v not_o be_v the_o general_a state_n of_o all_o man_n in_o this_o world_n till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a ezek_n 37.25_o zech._n 10.7_o 9_o that_o their_o seed_n be_v part_n of_o that_o righteous_a nation_n 3_o consequence_n the_o denial_n of_o the_o proposition_n deni_v the_o initiatory_a seal_n to_o such_o as_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n to_o who_o the_o mosaical_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 17.9_o 10._o joh._n 7.22_o 23._o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o beg_n of_o the_o question_n the_o child_n in_o question_n do_v not_o stand_v regular_o under_o the_o church-covenant_n the_o contrary_n be_v plain_a jer._n 9.26_o rom._n 2.28_o ezek._n 34.7_o 9_o reply_n the_o question_n be_v not_o beg_v but_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v prove_v gen._n 17.9_o 10._o joh._n 7.22_o 23._o to_o which_o no_o answer_n be_v return_v 2._o see_v these_o scripture_n jer._n 9_o rom._n 2._o ezek._n 44._o and_o such_o like_a be_v so_o oft_o allege_v and_o here_o with_o so_o much_o confidence_n in_o the_o present_a case_n i_o shall_v examine_v they_o more_o distinct_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o child_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o baptise_a in_o infancy_n and_o be_v grow_v up_o do_v understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n solemn_o own_o the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n 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 whether_o i_o say_v such_o do_v not_o stand_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n and_o whether_o the_o scripture_n name_v do_v plain_o prove_v the_o contrary_n now_o for_o the_o first_o jer._n 9.26_o where_o the_o lord_n threaten_v to_o punish_v the_o circumcise_a with_o the_o uncircumcised_a for_o all_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o punishment_n be_v not_o discovenant_v they_o but_o the_o sword_n 2._o but_o suppose_v discovenant_v be_v include_v in_o the_o other_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o by_o which_o they_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n and_o therefore_o so_o to_o be_v punish_v they_o be_v all_o aduâ—erers_n ver_fw-la 2._o liar_n ver_fw-la 3._o slanderer_n ver_fw-la 4._o deceiver_n ver_fw-la 5._o yea_o they_o walk_v after_o baal_n ver_fw-la 14._o and_o how_o then_o do_v this_o place_n plain_o prove_v that_o the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o proposition_n stand_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n as_o for_o rom._n 2.28_o so_o oft_o allege_v however_o it_o may_v have_v some_o reference_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n before_o speak_v to_o yet_o it_o seem_v the_o particular_a occasion_n and_o scope_n of_o that_o discourse_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n distribute_v reward_n and_o punishment_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n ver_fw-la 9_o 10_o 11_o and_o to_o take_v off_o the_o jew_n confidence_n in_o legal-priviledge_n in_o that_o respect_n ver_fw-la 13_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o but_o however_o it_o can_v be_v speak_v with_o any_o reference_n to_o church-membership_a now_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n circumcision_n profit_v if_o they_o keep_v the_o law_n else_o not_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o uncircumcision_n that_o keep_v the_o law_n be_v count_v circumcision_n and_o so_o in_o this_o respect_n he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n that_o be_v one_o outward_o etc._n etc._n but_o to_o infer_v that_o every_o lieu_n that_o be_v so_o outward_o only_a want_v the_o inward_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v there_o by_o discovenant_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n this_o be_v a_o strange_a doctrine_n to_o scripture-ear_n to_o clear_v this_o further_o 1._o in_o what_o respect_n the_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n by_o break_v the_o law_n in_o the_o same_o respect_n the_o uncircumcision_n be_v count_v for_o circumcision_n in_o they_o that_o keep_v the_o law_n but_o this_o be_v never_o so_o account_v in_o respect_n of_o church-membership_a and_o privilege_n witness_v the_o case_n of_o the_o centurion_n cornelius_n and_o his_o devout_a soldier_n and_o other_o and_o therefore_o not_o so_o in_o the_o former_a 2._o he_o speak_v of_o the_o inward_a circumcision_n as_o have_v its_o praise_n of_o god_n not_o of_o man_n but_o we_o know_v the_o outward_a circumcision_n be_v approve_v of_o the_o church_n though_o without_o the_o inward_a in_o respect_n of_o church-standing_a and_o privilege_n and_o that_o according_a to_o god_n rule_n 3._o the_o apostle_n full_o clear_v his_o meaning_n chap._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o affirm_v that_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o profit_n of_o circumcision_n be_v much_o every_o way_n and_o that_o in_o the_o commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n to_o they_o which_o be_v a_o church-priviledge_n last_o concern_v this_o place_n let_v it_o be_v note_v what_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o uncircumcised_a heart_n there_o allege_v viz._n steal_v adultery_n sacrilege_n etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 21_o 22._o which_o how_o well_o it_o suit_n to_o prove_v plain_o that_o these_o in_o question_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n let_v every_o one_o judge_n concern_v ezek._n 44.7_o 9_o this_o place_n speak_v of_o bring_v in_o the_o heathen_a stranger_n that_o be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n as_o sâ—evident_a in_o that_o it_o be_v call_v a_o abomination_n so_o to_o do_v but_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o israelite_n circumcise_v in_o flesh_n not_o in_o heart_n be_v never_o count_v a_o abomination_n again_o he_o speak_v of_o stranger_n uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n and_o flesh_n which_o these_o child_n be_v not_o 2._o put_v case_n this_o place_n may_v by_o allusion_n 〈◊〉_d apply_v to_o receive_v of_o member_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o agree_v that_o none_o visible_o unholy_a shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n but_o our_o question_n be_v of_o such_o as_o be_v holy_a be_v regular_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o to_o which_o case_n this_o place_n speak_v nothing_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o little_a foot_n there_o be_v for_o our_o brethren_n tenent_n in_o these_o or_o any_o other_o scripture_n they_o have_v allege_v as_o jer._n 2.21_o amos_n 9.7_o mat._n 3._o joh._n 8._o &_o 15._o which_o have_v be_v consider_v in_o their_o place_n and_o i_o be_o the_o more_o persuade_v that_o this_o way_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v build_v upon_o so_o manifold_a mistake_v and_o misapply_v scripture_n whereof_o many_o of_o they_o be_v old_a testament_n proof_n it_o appear_v our_o brethren_n make_v use_v not_o only_o of_o far-fetched_a consequence_n but_o of_o plain_a inconsequence_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n 4_o consequence_n that_o to_o deny_v the_o proposition_n be_v 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 ans_fw-fr 1._o to_o refuse_v to_o baptise_v one_o that_o be_v not_o regular_o in_o covenant_n be_v
they_o without_o act_n of_o church-discipline_n which_o yet_o they_o deny_v to_o belong_v to_o their_o person_n immediate_o 3._o if_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v fall_v out_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a not_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o a_o people_n retain_v the_o essential_o of_o a_o true_a church_n may_v fall_v into_o such_o a_o degeneracy_n or_o decay_n as_o to_o be_v unfit_a for_o ordinance_n or_o to_o those_o officer_n until_o they_o be_v further_o prepare_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o they_o ans_fw-fr 2._o to_o the_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o &_o 14.33_o they_o say_v that_o by_o a_o church_n of_o saint_n primary_o the_o better_a part_n of_o saint_n be_v understand_v the_o rest_n synecdochical_o though_o not_o so_o in_o truth_n yet_o so_o call_v reply_n if_o all_o be_v so_o call_v though_o some_o be_v not_o so_o in_o truth_n than_o the_o argument_n be_v yield_v that_o in_o scripture_n &_o ecclesiastical_a account_n all_o church-member_n be_v saint_n and_o who_o shall_v tell_v we_o which_o be_v so_o in_o truth_n and_o which_o not_o till_o impenitency_n in_o sin_n give_v we_o cause_n to_o count_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n reas_n 5._o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o baptise_a they_o have_v faith_n give_v they_o indefinite_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n deut._n 30.6_o which_o continue_v valid_a and_o be_v a_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o while_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o ans_fw-fr the_o promise_n be_v indefinite_a not_o universal_a whence_o the_o argument_n must_v be_v some_o circumcise_a or_o baptize_v one_o be_v believer_n but_o hese_fw-mi in_o question_n be_v circumcise_v or_o baptize_v once_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n or_o thus_o the_o roman_a catholic_n be_v baptize_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n reply_n 1._o i_o see_v our_o brethren_n can_v make_v a_o false_a syllogism_n to_o decline_v the_o force_n of_o a_o argument_n that_o will_v right_o conclude_v thus_o if_o some_o child_n be_v under_o that_o indefinite_a promise_n be_v believer_n for_o god_n be_v true_a of_o his_o promise_n than_o all_o such_o child_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o unbeliever_n as_o our_o brethren_n will_v but_o some_o baptize_v once_o be_v under_o that_o indefinite_a promise_n be_v believer_n therefore_o now_o who_o can_v say_v who_o be_v such_o and_o who_o be_v not_o till_o they_o reject_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o by_o impenitency_n in_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n for_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o heart-circumcision_a be_v but_o indefinite_a be_v effectual_o perform_v to_o some_o only_a not_o to_o all_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o alike_o to_o the_o church_n till_o the_o difference_n do_v some_o way_n open_o appear_v 2_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o roman_a catholic_n savour_v not_o of_o ingenuity_n for_o be_v they_o the_o seed_n of_o confederate_a visible_a believer_n of_o who_o our_o dispute_n be_v or_o be_v they_o regular_o baptise_a or_o do_v they_o show_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a that_o profess_v popery_n ans_fw-fr 2._o it_o be_v not_o a_o indefinite_a promise_n there_o because_o it_o be_v certain_o make_v good_a to_o such_o as_o return_v with_o their_o soul_n ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o reply_n this_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o indefiniteness_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o confirm_v it_o and_o their_o effectual_a return_n to_o god_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o promise_n and_o indefinite_a also_o ans_fw-fr 3._o a_o indefinite_a promise_n do_v not_o capacitate_v all_o child_n to_o receive_v the_o seal_n reply_n neither_o be_v so_o much_o affirm_v but_o this_o with_o the_o other_o consideration_n do_v render_v they_o visible_a believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n which_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o this_o four_o argument_n arg._n 5._o the_o denial_n of_o baptism_n to_o these_o have_v a_o dangerous_a tendency_n to_o irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n because_o it_o deni_v the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n josh_n 22.24_o 25_o 26._o ans_fw-fr the_o brethren_n deny_v the_o consequence_n affirm_v that_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n experience_n in_o new-england_n through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n show_v the_o contrary_a reply_n this_o be_v a_o bare_a denial_n without_o answer_v the_o reason_n from_o josh_n 22._o sure_o that_o religious_a generation_n have_v a_o deep_a sense_n of_o that_o danger_n and_o more_o solicitous_a care_n to_o prevent_v it_o than_o they_o have_v 2._o when_o our_o brethren_n in_o their_o preface_n to_o the_o general_n court_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o many_o great_a and_o prevail_a corruption_n of_o youth_n that_o need_v reformation_n by_o church-discipline_n this_o may_v abate_v our_o glory_v of_o contrary_a experience_n for_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n in_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o seem_v our_o brethren_n do_v think_v that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o than_o a_o few_o name_n in_o n._n england_n that_o hold_v fast_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v not_o own_o so_o great_a a_o apostasy_n of_o elder_n and_o people_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o preface_n present_v to_o the_o world_n arg._n 6._o the_o person_n in_o question_n be_v personal_a immediate_a and_o yet-continuing_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a our_o brethren_n here_o only_o speak_v to_o the_o first_o branch_n concern_v their_o personal_a membership_n have_v speak_v to_o the_o three_o branch_n before_o but_o the_o second_o branch_n about_o their_o immediate_a membership_n they_o leave_v untouched_a ans_fw-fr if_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o promise_n to_o their_o believe_a parent_n reach_v they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v wrap_v up_o together_o with_o they_o the_o assertion_n be_v grant_v as_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o seed_n of_o confederate_a believer_n in_o their_o minority_n but_o if_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o be_v member_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a act_n than_o it_o be_v deny_v reply_n this_o distinction_n of_o member_n wrap_v up_o in_o their_o parent_n and_o member_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a act_n be_v a_o riddle_n that_o no_o scripture_n do_v unfold_v let_v we_o hold_v to_o scripture-phrase_n and_o the_o meaning_n will_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a viz._n they_o be_v member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n by_o the_o lord_n actual_a enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o their_o person_n distinct_a from_o their_o parent_n and_o set_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n upon_o their_o person_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v from_o gen._n 17.7_o 9_o deut._n 5.2_o 3._o &_o 29.10_o 11._o proof_n 1._o they_o be_v personal_o holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o therefore_o member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n ans_fw-fr this_o concern_v child_n in_o minority_n or_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o member_n in_o full_a communion_n and_o therefore_o it_o reach_v they_o not_o when_o adult_n and_o grow_v reply_n here_o our_o brethren_n speak_v out_o that_o the_o foederal_a holiness_n and_o charch-membership_a of_o the_o church_n seed_n wear_v quite_o out_o with_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n though_o sometime_o they_o speak_v otherwise_o as_o be_v note_v upon_o their_o concession_n in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n pag._n 23._o in_o the_o end_n but_o no_o scripture_n will_v prove_v this_o yea_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o scripture-story_n of_o the_o church_n convince_v the_o contrary_a see_v deut._n 5.2_o 3._o rom._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o &_o 9.4_o proof_n 2._o they_o be_v personal_o baptise_a the_o seal_n of_o membership_n be_v apply_v to_o their_o own_o person_n which_o be_v regular_o do_v be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n that_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o person_n member_n of_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr so_o be_v the_o papist_n in_o rome_n and_o be_v they_o personal_a member_n the_o shechemite_n and_o edomite_n be_v circumcise_v there_o be_v par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la reply_n this_o be_v a_o very_a slight_a evade_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o speak_v of_o baptism_n regular_o do_v i_o have_v think_v our_o brethren_n do_v not_o think_v baptism_n regular_o do_v in_o rome_n or_o circumcision_n regular_o apply_v to_o the_o shechemite_n and_o edomite_n or_o if_o not_o can_v they_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la a_o like_o reason_n between_o baptism_n regular_o do_v and_o not_o regular_o do_v except_o they_o shall_v mean_v that_o there_o be_v like_a reason_n between_o baptism_n in_o rome_n and_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o shechemite_n and_o edomite_n and_o that_o be_v grant_v proof_n 3._o they_o be_v personal_o under_o discipline_n and_o liable_a to_o church-censure_n in_o their_o own_o person_n see_v propos_fw-fr 3._o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v grant_v
in_o the_o sense_n give_v before_o yet_o not_o so_o personal_a as_o to_o have_v right_a to_o all_o church-priviledge_n as_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o reply_n that_o sense_n give_v before_o be_v confute_v before_o 2._o if_o they_o have_v right_a to_o all_o church-priviledge_n proper_o belong_v to_o member_n as_o such_o it_o be_v sufficient_a 3._o their_o want_n of_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o some_o church-priviledge_n be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o right_n unto_o they_o but_o for_o want_v of_o such_o qualification_n as_o may_v make_v they_o fit_a for_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o viz._n such_o increase_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v requisite_a as_o dr._n ames_n well_o express_v it_o medul_n lib._n 1._o chap._n 32._o sect._n 13._o proof_n 4._o they_o be_v personal_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o a_o visible_a state_n of_o salvation_n to_o say_v they_o be_v not_o member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n but_o in_o their_o parent_n will_v be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v they_o be_v save_v in_o their_o parent_n and_o not_o in_o their_o own_o person_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v grant_v they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o near_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n than_o heathen_n be_v but_o they_o be_v not_o visible_o at_o present_a in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n mark_v 12.34_o but_o to_o infer_v that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n but_o in_o their_o parent_n than_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v in_o their_o own_o person_n but_o in_o their_o parent_n this_o be_v utter_o inconsequent_a unless_o in_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o all_o and_o only_o they_o that_o be_v member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n shall_v be_v save_v which_o be_v sad_a and_o heterodox_n reply_n to_o grant_v they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o yet_o not_o visible_o so_o at_o present_a sheweth_z that_o this_o argument_n be_v great_o mistake_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v this_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n by_o god_n covenant_n to_o be_v the_o redeem_a and_o save_v people_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n eph._n 5.23_o etc._n etc._n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o visible_a church_n visible_o and_o hence_o say_v christ_n salvation_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n joh._n 4.22_o and_o so_o speak_v of_o the_o little_a one_o he_o say_v of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mark_v 10.14_o and_o hence_o the_o inference_n be_v also_o much_o mistake_v which_o be_v this_o if_o their_o membership_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o covenant_n set_v they_o in_o a_o visible_a state_n of_o salvation_n as_o it_o do_v upon_o the_o ground_n lay_v down_o then_o suppose_v this_o membership_n be_v in_o their_o parent_n only_o and_o not_o in_o their_o own_o person_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o this_o visible_a state_n of_o salvation_n be_v in_o their_o parent_n only_o and_o not_o in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o so_o if_o they_o be_v save_v according_a to_o this_o covenant_n it_o must_v be_v in_o their_o parent_n and_o not_o in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o hereby_o it_o appear_v how_o great_o this_o opinion_n bereave_v the_o parent_n of_o that_o hope_n and_o comfort_n they_o take_v in_o their_o die_a infant_n by_o reason_n of_o god_n covenant_n make_v with_o their_o seed_n proof_n 5._o when_o they_o commit_v iniquity_n they_o personal_o break_v the_o covenane_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v personal_a member_n jer._n 11.2_o 10._o eze._n 16._o ans_fw-fr the_o covenant_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o moral_a law_n as_o the_o text_n show_v which_o any_o man_n never_o in_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n may_v break_v reply_n true_o this_o answer_n as_o the_o rest_n be_v far_o from_o satisfy_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n the_o text_n allege_v express_o call_v their_o iniquity_n a_o break_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o what_o then_o if_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v not_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n a_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n viz._n tâ—_n have_v god_n for_o our_o god_n to_o love_v he_o fear_v he_o &_o c._n or_o be_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n no_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o they_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n because_o other_o not_o in_o covenant_n may_v break_v it_o what_o sense_n and_o reason_n be_v in_o this_o when_o a_o master_n charge_v his_o apprentice_n with_o breach_n of_o his_o covenant_n in_o steal_v his_o master_n good_n shall_v he_o answer_v it_o be_v no_o breach_n of_o covenant_n because_o other_o that_o be_v never_o in_o covenant_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o steal_v also_o will_v this_o answer_n prove_v it_o be_v no_o breach_n of_o covenant_n just_o so_o be_v the_o case_n here_o when_o the_o lord_n charge_v the_o adult_n member_n of_o the_o church_n with_o breach_n of_o their_o covenant_n in_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o say_v the_o covenant_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o moral_a law_n which_o such_o as_o be_v never_o in_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n may_v break_v our_o brethren_n here_o think_v fit_a to_o make_v a_o stand_n only_o conclude_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n wherewith_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v well_o satisfy_v but_o the_o know_a practice_n of_o those_o reverend_a brethren_n that_o do_v baptise_v divers_a child_n who_o parent_n they_o receive_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n do_v persuade_v i_o that_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n will_v be_v ready_o accept_v of_o by_o they_o as_o a_o credible_a profession_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n to_o their_o seed_n and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o evident_a to_o i_o by_o that_o which_o be_v here_o allege_a in_o the_o second_o paragraph_n wherein_o they_o describe_v the_o person_n to_o be_v baptise_a thus_o baptism_n be_v a_o holy_a sacrament_n in_o which_o a_o person_n profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n or_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o such_o be_v baptise_a etc._n etc._n which_o be_v full_o answer_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n concern_v the_o six_o proposition_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o five_o our_o brethren_n only_o declare_v their_o dissent_n concern_v the_o seven_o proposition_n they_o say_v it_o be_v cautelous_o pen_v and_o do_v not_o object_n against_o it_o only_a desice_n care_n in_o the_o application_n thereof_o with_o what_o church_n we_o have_v communion_n concern_v the_o second_o question_n about_o consociation_n of_o church_n they_o have_v declare_v their_o consent_n in_o all_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o by_o the_o synod_n and_o here_o object_n nothing_o and_o herein_o i_o do_v willing_o and_o glad_o acknowledge_v the_o ingenuity_n of_o our_o dear_a brethren_n who_o though_o they_o be_v earnest_a and_o quick_a sometime_o in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v yet_o do_v free_o declare_v their_o consent_n in_o other_o thing_n which_o give_v i_o the_o more_o hope_n that_o after_o a_o fair_a debate_n of_o this_o question_n we_o may_v at_o length_n meet_v sweet_o in_o the_o same_o truth_n which_o perhaps_o neither_o of_o we_o do_v as_o yet_o so_o clear_o apprehend_v as_o we_o may_v through_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n attain_v unto_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n believe_v in_o part_n and_o prophesy_v in_o part_n and_o be_v imperfect_a in_o all_o we_o do_v and_o therefore_o must_v wait_v for_o and_o endeavour_v after_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o end_n in_o case_n what_o have_v be_v and_o be_v here_o or_o what_o short_o may_v be_v publish_v about_o this_o question_n shall_v not_o clear_v up_o the_o truth_n to_o satisfaction_n but_o that_o further_o reply_v shall_v be_v make_v my_o earnest_a motion_n and_o desire_n be_v 1._o that_o all_o reflection_n upon_o man_n person_n and_o other_o impertinent_a discourse_n be_v lay_v aside_o the_o main_a issue_n of_o the_o question_n in_o debate_n may_v be_v close_o follow_v which_o i_o perceive_v be_v come_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o this_o narrow_a viz._n whether_o the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n be_v regular_o church-member_n for_o this_o be_v all_o along_o deny_v by_o our_o brethren_n and_o several_a way_n allege_v whereby_o they_o shall_v become_v non-member_n as_o by_o their_o self-excommunication_n by_o god_n excommunication_n etc._n etc._n 2._o my_o motion_n and_o desire_n be_v that_o the_o scripture_n alone_o according_a to_o their_o true_a sense_n and_o scope_n may_v be_v make_v the_o touchstone_n to_o discover_v the_o truth_n these_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n full_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n i_o deny_v not_o the_o use_n of_o the_o concur_v judgement_n of_o the_o godly_a learned_a and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o full_o the_o advantage_n lie_v on_o the_o synod_n side_n in_o that_o respect_n yet_o i_o see_v man_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o make_v use_n of_o sentence_n of_o author_n that_o seem_v to_o favour_v their_o opinion_n though_o indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o meaning_n and_o judgement_n of_o those_o author_n and_o this_o tend_v to_o amuse_v and_o puzzle_v the_o common_a sort_n of_o reader_n and_o enlarge_v dispute_n but_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o clear_v up_o the_o truth_n if_o these_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v attend_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o case_n will_v have_v a_o speedy_a and_o comfortable_a issue_n now_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o truth_n purity_n and_o peace_n direct_v all_o our_o heart_n into_o the_o right_a understanding_n unfeigned_a love_n and_z unite_z practice_n of_o his_o holy_a will_n in_o all_o thing_n amen_n finis_fw-la