follow_v that_o because_o god_n may_v just_o cut_v off_o a_o man_n from_o the_o church_n for_o not_o believe_v or_o sin_n of_o omission_n that_o therefore_o he_o do_v so_o or_o that_o therefore_o a_o church-member_n by_o sin_n of_o omission_n do_v actual_o cut_v off_o himself_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n sure_o these_o be_v worse_o than_o farre-fetched_n and_o uncertain_a consequence_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n 2._o for_o the_o assumption_n of_o this_o argument_n they_o say_v but_o without_o proof_n that_o these_o parent_n in_o the_o five_o proposition_n do_v not_o walk_v with_o god_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o answer_v these_o do_v outward_o and_o visible_o at_o least_o so_o walk_v with_o god_n love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n do_v account_v a_o keep_n of_o the_o visible_a covenant_n these_o profess_v the_o faith_n be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n submit_v to_o his_o rule_n and_o government_n and_o be_v not_o such_o as_o these_o all_o along_o in_o the_o scripture_n accept_v as_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o visible_a covenant_n deut._n 5._o when_o the_o people_n profess_v to_o obey_v moses_n in_o all_o thing_n god_n see_v they_o want_v a_o heart_n to_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n yet_o he_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o how_o oft_o be_v the_o king_n of_o judah_n that_o observe_v the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n say_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n though_o they_o want_v that_o upright_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v require_v see_v 2_o chron._n 11.17_o 2_o king_n 11.2_o &_o 14.3_o &_o 15.3_o 34._o and_o not_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v charge_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o walk_v after_o baalim_fw-la in_o the_o way_n of_o jeroboam_n and_o the_o like_a to_o conclude_v i_o will_v demand_v of_o our_o brethren_n that_o hold_v this_o way_n of_o self-excommunication_n whether_o any_o member_n do_v excommunicate_v himself_o by_o any_o act_n that_o be_v not_o excommunicable_a or_o matter_n of_o excommunication_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o church-discipline_n if_o so_o let_v we_o have_v a_o rule_n for_o it_o if_o not_o sure_o these_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n do_v not_o excommunicate_v themselves_o for_o no_o rule_n of_o christ_n will_v allow_v the_o church_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o ans_fw-fr 2._o the_o child_n in_o question_n say_v they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o neutrality_n at_o present_a and_o such_o christ_n account_v to_o be_v against_o he_o mat._n 12.30_o they_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a rev._n 3_o reply_n mat._n 12.30_o speak_v not_o of_o such_o as_o these_o for_o these_o be_v for_o christ_n that_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o government_n that_o say_v of_o christ_n mark_v 9.40_o suit_n better_o with_o these_o he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v for_o we_o as_o for_o rev._n 3_o christ_n call_v that_o lukewarm_a church_n a_o golden_a candlestick_n hold_v their_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n offers_z to_o come_v in_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o quick_a in_o discovenant_v lukewarm_a one_o as_o our_o brethren_n seem_v to_o be_v arg._n 3._o from_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n as_o 1._o to_o deny_v the_o proposition_n will_v be_v 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 the_o new_a testament_n 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 ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o do_v not_o straiten_v the_o gospel-dispensation_n see_v it_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o nation_n and_o to_o both_o sex_n which_o be_v not_o of_o old_a reply_n this_o indeed_o the_o anabaptist_n answer_n but_o it_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o case_n for_o such_o enlargement_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o gospel-time_n will_v argue_v rather_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v in_o this_o point_n also_o and_o not_o therefore_o straighten_a here_o because_o enlarge_v in_o other_o respect_n be_v it_o object_v to_o a_o father_n that_o he_o straighten_a his_o wont_a favour_n to_o his_o child_n in_o put_v they_o out_o of_o the_o family_n and_o he_o shall_v answer_v not_o so_o for_o i_o have_v take_v in_o many_o adopt_a child_n will_v this_o answer_n satisfy_v or_o shall_v he_o say_v not_o so_o for_o though_o i_o keep_v my_o family_n with_o pulse_n before_o i_o now_o give_v they_o much_o better_a fare_n will_v not_o any_o man_n say_v so_o much_o be_v the_o great_a wrong_n to_o your_o child_n both_o to_o put_v they_o out_o of_o the_o family_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o share_n in_o the_o better_a fare_v allow_v to_o the_o family_n just_o so_o be_v the_o case_n here_o ans_fw-fr 2._o this_o do_v no_o more_o straiten_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o the_o keep_n of_o baptise_a especial_o covenant_v parent_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n see_v the_o circumcise_a jew_n be_v not_o debar_v from_o the_o passover_n reply_n the_o circumcise_a jew_n do_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o passover_n without_o suitable_a legal_a qualification_n viz._n a_o state_n of_o legal_a purity_n and_o fitness_n to_o eat_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o service_n exod._n 12.25_o 26_o 27._o in_o like_a manner_n we_o debar_v none_o from_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o for_o want_v of_o gospel_n qualification_n ans_fw-fr 3._o gospel-time_n be_v in_o many_o respect_n time_n of_o reformation_n heb._n 9.10_o and_o therefore_o to_o build_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o largeness_n of_o jewish_a practice_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n see_v it_o be_v a_o stretch_n of_o the_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n to_o be_v as_o wide_a as_o the_o broad_a way_n that_o lead_v most_o to_o destruction_n reply_n 1._o we_o build_v not_o upon_o jewish_a practice_n ceremonial_a wherein_o that_o reformation_n heb._n 9.10_o do_v consist_v as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o text_n but_o upon_o the_o gospel-covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o that_o in_o the_o substantial_o of_o it_o viz._n i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n exemplify_v in_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o strange_a speech_n to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o stretch_n of_o the_o narrow_a way_n of_o life_n to_o be_v as_o broad_a etc._n etc._n sure_o god_n enlargement_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n in_o their_o generation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n grace_n tend_v to_o bring_v the_o more_o to_o life_n by_o give_v to_o they_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o the_o broad_a way_n to_o destruction_n the_o straitness_n of_o the_o way_n to_o life_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o restrain_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o a_o few_o for_o why_o then_o shall_v the_o lord_n enlarge_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n now_o more_o than_o of_o old_a 2_o consequence_n to_o deny_v the_o proposition_n be_v to_o render_v the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v convert_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o they_o be_v under_o the_o legal-dispensation_n contrary_a to_o jer._n 30.20_o ezek._n 37.25_o 26._o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v deny_v any_o more_o than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o worse_a state_n if_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v a_o highpriest_n and_o temple-worship_n when_o they_o shall_v have_v in_o christ_n a_o thousand-fold_n more_o so_o here_o be_v like_a reason_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o abundant_a grace_n reply_n the_o loss_n of_o shadow_n be_v nothing_o see_v they_o shall_v have_v the_o substance_n in_o christ_n but_o this_o be_v a_o essential_a branch_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n which_o be_v the_o gospel-covenant_n it_o can_v be_v take_v away_o without_o real_a loss_n and_o the_o more_o abundant_a grace_n the_o great_a be_v the_o loss_n as_o be_v say_v before_o ans_fw-fr 2._o this_o do_v no_o more_o put_v they_o into_o a_o worse_a state_n then_o transmit_v the_o covenant_n now_o only_o to_o the_o next_o seed_n which_o before_o be_v transmit_v to_o remote_a posterity_n reply_n the_o covenant_n be_v all_o along_o transmit_v by_o the_o next_o parent_n to_o their_o seed_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o cast_v off_o by_o the_o lord_n he_o account_v every_o generation_n to_o be_v his_o people_n even_o in_o their_o worst_a time_n so_o that_o the_o transmit_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o church-priviledge_n be_v still_o by_o
be_v mean_v the_o uncleanness_n of_o infidel_n be_v clear_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n for_o if_o to_o be_v holy_a be_v mean_v of_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o to_o be_v unclean_a be_v the_o uncleanness_n of_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v infidel_n eph._n 2.12_o and_o what_o be_v the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o have_v both_o parent_n unbeliever_n but_o infidel_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n but_o for_o that_o inference_n that_o by_o like_a reason_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o that_o proposition_n there_o be_v no_o god_n else_o that_o there_o may_v be_v another_o god_n to_o the_o gentile_n i_o confess_v my_o shallow_a understanding_n can_v see_v any_o comparison_n between_o those_o two_o proposition_n but_o only_o that_o the_o word_n else_o be_v in_o they_o both_o the_o one_o be_v a_o disjunct_a axiom_n your_o child_n be_v clean_a or_o else_o unclean_a and_o the_o other_o a_o simple_a axiom_n where_o the_o word_n else_o be_v of_o another_o use_n and_o sense_n then_o in_o the_o former_a but_o be_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v so_o sad_a a_o exception_n from_o a_o general_a proposition_n jehovah_n be_v god_n and_o none_o else_o to_o say_v yet_o there_o may_v be_v another_o god_n to_o the_o gentile_n or_o to_o say_v the_o threaten_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n yet_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o our_o brethren_n may_v then_o consider_v when_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o church-member_n your_o child_n be_v holy_a to_o make_v such_o a_o exception_n and_o say_v not_o so_o but_o only_o the_o child_n of_o member_n in_o full_a communion_n be_v holy_a whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o sad_a exception_n also_o reas_n 4._o the_o be_v in_o covenant_n do_v not_o privilege_n to_o baptism_n without_o visible_a repentance_n in_o parent_n acts._n 2.38_o 39_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o covenant_n and_o prick_v to_o the_o heart_n yet_o they_o be_v open_o call_v to_o repent_v so_o john_n baptist_n think_v mat._n 3.8_o 9_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o jew_n be_v in_o covenant_n do_v privilege_v their_o child_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o covenant_n they_o be_v in_o viz._n circumcision_n the_o sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o but_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n they_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o repentance_n when_o they_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v grow_v so_o corrupt_a and_o those_o in_o act_n 2._o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o john_n be_v send_v to_o prepare_v a_o people_n for_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n but_o when_o philip_n have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o eunuch_n a_o godly_a proselyte_n he_o only_o call_v he_o to_o faith_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o though_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o a_o visible_a profession_n thereof_o be_v require_v at_o the_o first_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n yet_o these_o be_v not_o require_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o person_n regular_o admit_v to_o privilege_v their_o seed_n to_o baptism_n what_o rule_n or_o example_n require_v a_o church-member_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o visible_a faith_n and_o repentance_n so_o oft_o as_o he_o have_v a_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a or_o in_o case_n a_o church-member_n decline_v and_o give_v cause_n of_o much_o doubt_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n what_o rule_n will_v debar_v his_o child_n from_o baptism_n so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n now_o our_o question_n be_v of_o person_n regular_o admit_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n reas_n 5._o the_o covenant_n be_v limit_v to_o such_o as_o obey_v god_n and_o therefore_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n deut._n 7.9_o neh._n 1.5_o dan._n 9.5_o he_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o frequent_a mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o outward_a privilege_n thereof_o the_o first_o god_n perform_v to_o such_o as_o love_v and_o obey_v he_o sincere_o yet_o the_o other_o he_o continue_v to_o all_o such_o as_o do_v not_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o covenant_n take_v these_o scripture_n name_v do_v not_o church-priviledge_n belong_v to_o all_o israel_n when_o moses_n speak_v that_o word_n deut._n 7.9_o that_o god_n keep_v mercy_n and_o covenant_n to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o yet_o he_o give_v a_o sad_a testimony_n of_o they_o chap._n 9.24_o you_o have_v be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o lord_n ever_o since_o i_o know_v you_o so_o in_o nehemiahs_n time_n do_v not_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o holy_a seed_n enjoy_v church-priviledge_n when_o nehemiah_n spâ—ke_v that_o word_n chap._n 1.5_o and_o yet_o the_o story_n speak_v of_o many_o evil_n among_o they_o that_o show_v they_o be_v scandalous_a in_o life_n which_o these_o be_v not_o and_o have_v many_o other_o good_a qualification_n beside_o that_o also_o reas_n 6._o from_o the_o tenor_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n nehem._n 9.8_o when_o god_n see_v his_o heart_n faithful_a before_o he_o so_o gen._n 17.1_o 7._o walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v upright_o and_o i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n with_o the_o former_a build_v upon_o the_o same_o mistake_v and_o may_v have_v the_o same_o answer_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o all_o that_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n ought_v to_o love_v he_o obey_v he_o walk_v upright_o before_o he_o and_o what_o be_v say_v gal._n 3.7_o 9_o that_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n be_v bless_v with_o faithful_a abraham_n faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o church-member_n for_o want_v whereof_o he_o fall_v short_a of_o all_o the_o save_v blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o such_o as_o be_v in_o church-covenant_n and_o do_v not_o perform_v thâ—se_a duty_n be_v thereby_o deprive_v of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o before_o they_o be_v regular_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v there_o not_o many_o corrupt_a member_n in_o the_o church_n not_o only_o of_o israel_n but_o also_o in_o gospel-churche_n as_o of_o corinth_n galatia_n the_o church_n of_o asia_n rev._n 2._o &_o 3._o who_o do_v enjoy_v church-priviledge_n till_o they_o be_v cast_v ouâ—_n or_o till_o god_n actual_o remove_v their_o candlestick_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o sin_n reprove_v to_o suffer_v such_o but_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v suffer_v they_o regular_o enjoy_v the_o outward_a privilege_n here_o our_o brethren_n endeavour_v to_o answer_v two_o objection_n obj_fw-la 1._o the_o covenant-blessing_n be_v convey_v with_o circumcision_n successive_o to_o the_o follow_a generation_n ans_fw-fr we_o must_v consider_v that_o gal._n 3.14_o that_o be_v express_v to_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n that_o shall_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n not_o the_o covenant_n of_o jacob_n as_o mr._n cotton_n have_v judicious_o note_v upon_o the_o place_n now_o abraham_n covenant_n and_o the_o blessing_n thereof_o be_v confirm_v only_o to_o those_o that_o walk_v upright_o with_o god_n as_o abraham_n do_v reply_n that_o difference_n mr._n cotton_n put_v between_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n may_v hold_v in_o this_o that_o god_n continue_v all_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n and_o their_o posterity_n in_o the_o covenant_n not_o so_o of_o abraham_n ishmael_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o the_o son_n of_o keturah_n be_v not_o so_o and_o so_o esau_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o posterity_n of_o isaac_n be_v reject_v and_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o speech_n of_o jacob_n gen._n 49.26_o that_o his_o blessing_n prevail_v above_o the_o blessing_n of_o his_o progenitor_n but_o this_o difference_n can_v hold_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n for_o ishmaâ—l_n though_o graceless_a be_v take_v into_o abraham_n covenant_n and_o continue_v in_o it_o till_o for_o his_o sin_n he_o be_v cast_v out_o so_o esau_n in_o covenant_n till_o for_o his_o profaneness_n he_o be_v reject_v heb._n 12._o be_v not_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n the_o performance_n of_o god_n everlasting_a covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o his_o seed_n afâ—er_v he_o in_o their_o generation_n as_o be_v evident_a exod._n 3.15_o &_o 6.3_o 4._o be_v there_o ever_o any_o covenant_n make_v with_o jacob_n and_o his_o seed_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n then_o
the_o house_n of_o israeâ—_n yea_o the_o child_n to_o who_o bread_n do_v belong_v mat._n 15.24_o 26._o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o jew_n in_o general_a whereof_o those_o mat._n 3._o joh._n 8._o be_v a_o part_n they_o be_v indeed_o of_o the_o devil_n not_o of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a state_n and_o save_v good_a of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o still_o in_o the_o outward_a covenant_n and_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n 2._o if_o those_o maâ—_n 3._o joâ—_n 8._o have_v be_v discovenant_v of_o god_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o these_o in_o question_n be_v so_o be_v these_o a_o generation_n of_o viper_n liar_n murderer_n &c_n &c_n that_o live_v without_o scandal_n submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n &_o c_o if_o the_o lawyer_n and_o pharisee_n reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o in_o not_o be_v baptise_a of_o john_n do_v these_o so_o that_o be_v baptise_v themselves_o desire_v it_o also_o for_o their_o seed_n and_o that_o in_o such_o in_o way_n by_o own_v god_n covenant_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n submit_v themselves_o to_o discipline_n &_o c_o if_o mr._n cotton_n do_v count_v such_o as_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n self-murtherer_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o these_o be_v such_o that_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o in_o some_o measure_n of_o truth_n for_o aught_o be_v yet_o prove_v to_o the_o contrary_a 3._o i_o must_v not_o pass_v over_o this_o rigid_a and_o dangerous_a principle_n without_o further_a examination_n the_o position_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v that_o god_n himself_o do_v discovenant_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o his_o visible_a church_n such_o as_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n mat._n 3._o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v liar_n etc._n etc._n joh._n 8._o and_o that_o without_o any_o act_n of_o church-censure_n against_o this_o i_o argue_v 1._o that_o these_o be_v not_o discovenant_v of_o god_n i_o prove_v before_o and_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n continue_v they_o under_o church-priviledge_n and_o ordinance_n at_o least_o till_o gospel-churche_n be_v erect_v after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n 2._o if_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v ordain_v and_o command_v church-discipline_n for_o the_o save_n of_o offender_n and_o the_o purge_v of_o his_o church_n than_o he_o do_v not_o discovenant_v such_o without_o church-censure_n but_o so_o it_o be_v mat._n 18.1_o cor._n 5._o therefore_o he_o do_v it_o not_o himself_o without_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v because_o if_o god_n himself_o do_v discovenant_v they_o church-censure_n be_v useless_a and_o vain_a to_o what_o end_n shall_v the_o church_n cut_v off_o one_o that_o be_v already_o a_o non-member_n what_o have_v they_o to_o do_v with_o such_o as_o be_v without_o why_o shall_v corinth_n be_v blame_v for_o suffer_v that_o leaven_n if_o god_n himself_o have_v cast_v it_o out_o 3._o this_o suppose_a discovenant_v by_o god_n himself_o frustrate_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a end_n of_o church_n discipline_n viz._n to_o heal_v and_o save_v the_o sinner_n for_o the_o church_n have_v now_o no_o power_n over_o they_o they_o must_v perish_v be_v without_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n except_o god_n restore_v they_o immediate_o at_o least_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o that_o special_a mean_n appoint_v and_o bless_v of_o god_n to_o that_o end_n 4._o what_o confusion_n will_v this_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n for_o how_o shall_v the_o church_n know_v when_o god_n have_v discovenant_v this_o or_o that_o man_n whether_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v commit_v such_o sin_n or_o how_o long_o god_n patience_n will_v bear_v with_o he_o and_o how_o shall_v the_o church_n prove_v against_o any_o such_o that_o god_n have_v indeed_o discovenant_v he_o these_o thing_n and_o much_o more_o that_o may_v be_v say_v may_v put_v our_o brethren_n to_o find_v some_o other_o meaning_n of_o mat._n 3._o joh._n 8._o 1_o joh._n 3.10_o and_o such_o like_a scripture_n arg._n 2._o the_o child_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v either_o child_n on_o of_o the_o covenant_n or_o stranger_n from_o it_o eph._n 2.12_o holy_a or_o unclean_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o within_o the_o church_n or_o without_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_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 2.12_o but_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n will_v not_o affirm_v the_o latter_a and_o the_o former_a be_v grant_v infer_v their_o right_n to_o baptism_n ans_fw-fr the_o assumption_n be_v deny_v because_o the_o child_n in_o question_n discovenant_n themselves_o not_o keep_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o walk_v with_o god_n not_o love_v god_n etc._n etc._n deut._n 7.9_o as_o they_o that_o forsake_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n deut._n 29.25_o and_o what_o do_v these_o that_o come_v not_o up_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o god_n may_v cast_v off_o for_o sin_n of_o omission_n 1_o sam._n 15._o so_o for_o not_o believe_v in_o god_n reply_n this_o be_v the_o very_o hinge_v whereupon_o chief_o this_o question_n do_v turn_v viz._n whether_o and_o how_o these_o church-member_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v well_o the_o answer_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o their_o reason_n thereof_o sometime_o they_o say_v god_n discovenant_v they_o which_o have_v be_v examine_v sometime_o that_o they_o discovenant_n themselves_o which_o also_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o before_o to_o this_o refuge_n they_o now_o again_o betake_v themselves_o their_o reason_n here_o allege_v i_o shall_v consider_v which_o stand_v thus_o church-member_n which_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n viz._n to_o walk_v with_o god_n love_n god_n keep_v his_o commandment_n believe_v in_o god_n etc._n etc._n do_v discovenant_n themselves_o but_o thâ—se_a church-member_n describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n do_v not_o walk_v with_o god_n love_n god_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o do_v discovenant_n themselves_o the_o proposition_n they_o will_v prove_v from_o gen._n 17.1_o deut._n 7.9_o psa_fw-la 105.8_o deut._n 29.25_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o by_o deny_v the_o proposition_n as_o for_o the_o proof_n genes_n 17.1_o deut._n 7.9_o psaâ—_n 105._o these_o scripture_n prove_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o as_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n to_o be_v upright_o to_o love_n god_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o god_n perform_v to_o such_o the_o save_v benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o simple_o by_o the_o neglect_n of_o thâ—se_a duty_n especial_o without_o impenitence_n add_v they_o do_v actual_o discovenant_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o from_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o and_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n therein_o the_o gross_a neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n persist_v in_o obstinate_o and_o impenitent_o may_v deserve_v censure_n but_o that_o the_o want_n of_o such_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v actual_o cut_v off_o such_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o assertion_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n nor_o i_o think_v in_o any_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n to_o this_o day_n sure_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n do_v not_o walk_v with_o god_n love_n god_n believe_v in_o god_n in_o our_o brethren_n sense_n yet_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n till_o for_o their_o manifest_a profaneness_n the_o one_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o god_n appointment_n and_o the_o other_o reject_v heb._n 12.17_o when_o deut._n 7.9_o moses_n say_v that_o the_o lord_n keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n with_o they_o that_o love_v he_o etc._n etc._n be_v there_o not_o multitude_n in_o israel_n that_o come_v not_o up_o to_o these_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o our_o brethren_n sense_n that_o yet_o be_v god_n holy_a people_n royal_a nation_n enjoy_v all_o church-priviledge_n and_o so_o all_o along_o through_o the_o story_n of_o all_o the_o scripture_n deut._n 29.25_o render_v indeed_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a plague_n upon_o israel_n to_o be_v their_o forsake_v the_o covenant_n but_o what_o be_v that_o forsake_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v it_o their_o not_o come_v up_o to_o these_o term_n of_o it_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n love_n god_n believe_v in_o god_n with_o a_o visible_a save_a faith_n nothing_o less_o but_o because_o they_o go_v and_o serve_v other_o god_n and_o worship_v they_o ver_fw-la 26._o as_o for_o the_o case_n of_o saul_n 1_o sam._n 15._o who_o the_o lord_n reject_v from_o be_v king_n for_o so_o gross_a a_o disobedience_n to_o a_o express_a and_o particular_a command_n yet_o we_o read_v not_o that_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n nor_o do_v it_o
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
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
at_o they_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o such_o duty_n and_o deal_v with_o they_o for_o their_o neglect_n thereof_o and_o when_o their_o parent_n be_v dead_a what_o shall_v the_o church_n do_v then_o and_o when_o their_o membership_n be_v own_v only_o in_o general_n as_o wrap_v up_o in_o their_o parent_n not_o actual_a or_o personal_a yea_o when_o their_o personal_a or_o foederal_n holiness_n be_v deny_v to_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n these_o and_o the_o like_a passage_n pag._n 23_o 25_o 37._o and_o in_o other_o place_n do_v make_v i_o fear_v that_o our_o brethren_n will_v not_o hold_v to_o their_o expression_n in_o this_o place_n reply_v 2._o although_o rom._n 11.20_o say_v not_o only_o for_o notorious_a sin_n etc._n etc._n yet_o it_o show_v how_o the_o jew_n be_v break_v off_o which_o we_o know_v be_v for_o notorious_a sin_n and_o incorrigible_a impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n and_o let_v any_o show_v that_o any_o have_v be_v break_v off_o or_o by_o rule_n may_v be_v so_o for_o negative_a unbelief_n without_o impenitency_n add_v the_o contrary_n we_o find_v 2_o chron._n 36.16_o mat._n 21.43_o act_n 13.45_o 46._o &_o 18.6_o &_o 19.8_o reas_n 2._o the_o jewish_a child_n circumcise_v do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v member_n by_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_v age_n but_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o member_n deut._n 26_o 2-10_a &_o 16_o 16-17_a gal._n 53._o ans_fw-fr the_o circumcise_a jew_n do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v member_n simple_o for_o grow_v up_o but_o for_o grow_v out_o of_o kind_n jer._n 2.21_o they_o become_v degenerate_a plant_n amos_n 9.7_o child_n of_o the_o negro_n bastard_n branch_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o joh._n 15.2_o reply_n there_o be_v a_o double_a great_a mistake_n in_o apply_v these_o scripture_n 1._o they_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o person_n cease_v to_o be_v member_n as_o for_o jer._n 2._o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o jerusalem_n ver_fw-la 2._o and_o that_o in_o the_o thirteen_o year_n of_o josiah_n after_o the_o covenant_n be_v renew_v and_o religion_n great_o reform_v and_o god_n call_v they_o his_o people_n ver_fw-la 11_o 13_o and_o therefore_o their_o membership_n cease_v not_o at_o that_o time_n so_o amos_n 9_o he_o prophesy_v in_o the_o day_n of_o vzziah_n king_n of_o judah_n and_o joash_n the_o son_n of_o jeroboam_n king_n of_o israel_n in_o who_o day_n god_n have_v not_o yet_o remove_v israel_n out_o of_o his_o sight_n as_o for_o joh._n 15.2_o though_o the_o lord_n do_v in_o his_o time_n cut_v off_o unfruitful_a branch_n by_o death_n or_o church-censure_n yet_o till_o he_o do_v so_o they_o be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n so_o that_o these_o place_n speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o cease_n of_o church-membership_a in_o adult_n age_n 2._o these_o place_n do_v not_o suit_v the_o person_n in_o the_o five_o proposition_n jer._n 2._o speak_v of_o such_o as_o prophesy_v by_o baal_n that_o play_v the_o harlot_n on_o every_o high_a hill_n ver_fw-la 20._o and_o be_v therefore_o call_v a_o degenerate_a plant_n ver_fw-la 21._o amos_n speak_v of_o israel_n in_o the_o corrupt_a time_n of_o idolatry_n and_o reprove_v their_o great_a covetousness_n and_o oppression_n chap._n 8.4_o 5._o and_o therefore_o if_o such_o as_o those_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v member_n in_o adult_n age_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o membership_n of_o these_o in_o question_n do_v cease_v what_o be_v here_o add_v about_o the_o phrase_n of_o enter_v into_o covenant_n be_v a_o mistake_n for_o the_o synod_n speak_v of_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a membership_n not_o deny_v the_o phrase_n of_o enter_v into_o or_o renew_v the_o covenant_n reas_n 3._o those_o relation_n of_o bond-servant_n and_o subject_n which_o the_o scripture_n make_v use_v of_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n by_o levit._n 25.41_o 42._o ezek._n 37.25_o do_v not_o cease_v with_o infancy_n but_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n whereby_o they_o be_v engage_v to_o duty_n when_o they_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o it_o so_o here_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o relation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o the_o bondwoman_n may_v cease_v in_o adult_n age_n as_o ishmael_n much_o more_o of_o the_o bond-servant_n reply_n the_o relation_n of_o ishmael_n cease_v not_o by_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_v age_n nor_o till_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o for_o his_o sin_n these_o in_o question_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o or_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o this_o answer_n be_v impertinent_a ans_fw-fr 2._o by_o this_o reason_n moral_a wickedness_n shall_v not_o cut_v off_o adult_a member_n for_o that_o do_v not_o cut_v off_o the_o relation_n of_o bond-servant_n reply_n this_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o civil_a and_o church-society_n do_v not_o require_v they_o shall_v hold_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o punishment_n that_o be_v indeed_o to_o make_v similitude_n run_v on_o all_o four_o as_o we_o say_v it_o be_v enough_o if_o they_o agree_v in_o that_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v apply_v and_o this_o application_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v clear_a in_o levit._n 25.41_o 42._o where_o the_o child_n of_o the_o israelitish_n servant_n be_v to_o serve_v with_o their_o parent_n unto_o the_o year_n oâ—_n jubilee_n which_o be_v every_o fifty_o year_n they_o be_v oft_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_n age_n before_o that_o time_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v then_o go_v out_o be_v because_o they_o that_o be_v parent_n and_o child_n be_v my_o servant_n say_v the_o lord_n so_o that_o there_o be_v the_o like_a reason_n in_o god_n service_n as_o in_o that_o relation_n and_o we_o see_v david_n delight_v to_o own_v himself_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o very_a relation_n i_o be_o thy_o servant_n the_o son_n of_o thy_o handmaid_n psal_n 116.16_o that_o be_v engage_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n from_o his_o birth_n and_o so_o for_o ever_o as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o handmaid_n be_v exod._n 21.4_o and_o yet_o if_o the_o similitude_n shall_v be_v press_v so_o far_o we_o know_v that_o the_o moral_a wickedness_n of_o murder_n adultery_n and_o the_o like_a will_v cut_v off_o servant_n and_o subject_n by_o death_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n reas_n 4._o there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a way_n of_o cessation_n of_o church-membership_a but_o by_o death_n dismission_n excommunication_n or_o dissolution_n of_o the_o society_n none_o of_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o child_n in_o question_n ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o member_n in_o full_a communion_n which_o these_o adult_a child_n be_v not_o reply_n if_o none_o of_o these_o belong_v to_o such_o adult_n child_n to_o cause_v their_o membership_n to_o cease_v then_o by_o their_o judgement_n it_o seem_v they_o have_v no_o membership_n at_o all_o if_o neither_o death_n nor_o dissolution_n of_o the_o society_n can_v cause_v it_o to_o cease_v which_o before_o they_o seem_v not_o to_o own_o ans_fw-fr 2._o there_o be_v many_o other_o way_n of_o the_o cessation_n of_o church-member_n they_o may_v excommunicate_v themselves_o as_o mr._n cotton_n the_o assembly_n at_o the_o savoy_n and_o dr._n ames_n affirm_v also_o by_o withdraw_v sometime_o command_v of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3.5_o rom_n 16.17_o also_o by_o apostasy_n 1_o joh._n 2.19_o by_o heresy_n as_o arrian_n quaker_n etc._n etc._n reply_n 1._o if_o these_o adult_n child_n may_v excommunicate_v themselves_o than_o it_o be_v yield_v that_o they_o be_v member_n in_o adult_n age_n but_o if_o all_o these_o be_v grant_v yet_o none_o of_o they_o be_v the_o case_n of_o these_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n 2._o here_o be_v a_o needless_a multiply_v of_o particular_n all_o but_o a_o suppose_a lawful_a withdraw_n be_v subject_n of_o excommunication_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v concern_v a_o lawful_a withdraw_n that_o turn_v away_o from_o such_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o and_o avoid_v those_o rom._n 16.17_o may_v more_o fit_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v do_v by_o not_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o church_n or_o cast_v they_o out_o if_o they_o be_v in_o rather_o then_o by_o withdraw_v from_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o their_o sake_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o schism_n except_o many_o caution_n be_v use_v neither_o can_v such_o withdraw_a loosen_v a_o man_n relation_n to_o the_o church_n which_o no_o doubt_n may_v call_v he_o to_o account_v for_o it_o and_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o render_v a_o reason_n thereof_o else_o all_o discipline_n may_v hereby_o be_v make_v frustrate_a now_o if_o his_o reason_n be_v find_v just_a it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o with_o a_o dismission_n 3._o concern_v this_o self-excommunication_n 1._o the_o ordinary_a instance_n of_o cain_n ishmael_n