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
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
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
not_o to_o break_v it_o 2._o then_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n like_o the_o great_a sea_n to_o deny_v communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o those_o that_o have_v lay_v hold_v upon_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n by_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v now_o strong_o plead_v for_o reply_n 1._o whether_o these_o be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o covenant_n let_v the_o reader_n judge_v by_o what_o be_v say_v for_o it_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n allege_v against_o it_o 2._o to_o deny_v communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o such_o be_v not_o plead_v for_o much_o less_o strong_o for_o solemn_z profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v not_o in_o the_o proposition_n all_o that_o be_v affirm_v be_v that_o the_o church-seed_n manifest_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o covenant_n by_o such_o qualification_n if_o they_o shall_v still_o be_v want_v in_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n may_v be_v delay_v till_o they_o give_v satisfaction_n therein_o 3._o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o case_n deal_v very_o hardly_o and_o partial_o with_o we_o while_o so_o oft_o they_o compare_v these_o with_o the_o most_o scandalous_a person_n reprove_v in_o scripture_n and_o with_o they_o discovenant_v as_o they_o pretend_v and_o yet_o at_o other_o time_n they_o lay_v it_o deep_o to_o our_o charge_n that_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o be_v deny_v by_o they_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o continue_v they_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n arg._n 4._o these_o parent_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n in_o some_o degree_n and_o therefore_o their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a ans_fw-fr the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v not_o such_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o true_a visible_a faith_n which_o be_v require_v rom._n 14.1_o mat._n 12.20_o reply_n be_v it_o grant_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o true_a faith_n visible_o in_o some_o degree_n yet_o rom._n 14.1_o speak_v rather_o of_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o eat_v meat_n unclean_a by_o the_o law_n as_o ver_fw-la 2._o show_v that_o these_o be_v visible_a believer_n in_o some_o degree_n be_v thus_o prove_v reas_n 1._o charity_n may_v observe_v sundry_a thing_n for_o it_o but_o nothing_o evident_a against_o it_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v say_v gratis_o and_o deny_v by_o we_o reply_n if_o our_o brethren_n charity_n can_v observe_v nothing_o for_o it_o they_o may_v then_o show_v something_o evident_a against_o it_o without_o which_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o answer_v for_o in_o discovenant_v of_o regular_a church-member_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o thing_n evident_a against_o they_o as_o deserve_v church-censure_n mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o reas_n 2._o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a qualify_v but_o as_o the_o person_n in_o question_n be_v say_v to_o be_v faithful_a tit._n 1.6_o ans_fw-fr every_o one_o not_o accuse_v of_o riot_n to_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n intent_n nor_o orthodox_n faithfulness_n be_v take_v for_o fidelity_n which_o may_v be_v in_o moral_a man_n reply_n nor_o do_v the_o synod_n so_o conclude_v there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o the_o text_n than_o not_o give_v to_o riot_n viz._n 1._o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n 2._o educate_v in_o the_o faith_n 3._o not_o scandalous_a or_o not_o accuse_v of_o riot_n 4._o not_o unruly_a but_o subject_a to_o government_n all_o which_o do_v suit_n well_o with_o the_o proposition_n and_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v give_v by_o orthodox_n interpreter_n marlorat_n expound_v the_o word_n faithful_n of_o such_o as_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o sound_a doctrine_n of_o piety_n and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n taylor_n by_o faithful_a child_n understand_v such_o as_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n be_v at_o least_o in_o external_a conversation_n answerable_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n they_o make_v and_o reason_n will_v incline_v we_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v require_v in_o the_o child_n of_o church-officer_n something_o of_o piety_n as_o well_o as_o of_o morality_n beside_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o use_v be_v frequent_o and_o common_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o synod_n sense_n viz._n for_o christian_a believer_n act_n 10.45_o 2_o cor._n 6.15_o eph_n 1.1_o 1_o tim._n 6.2_o &_o 4.3_o 10_o 12._o &_o 5.16_o reas_n 3._o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v frequent_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o young_a year_n as_o scripture-example_n and_o experience_n show_v hence_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n show_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a be_v in_o charity_n or_o in_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n visible_a believer_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v extraordinary_a to_o have_v grace_n in_o infancy_n and_o therefore_o no_o rule_n for_o ordinary_a church-proceeding_n reply_n 1._o the_o synod_n speak_v not_o of_o infancy_n but_o of_o young_a year_n and_o that_o be_v not_o so_o extraordinary_a as_o be_v object_v witness_v the_o hopeful_a sign_n of_o grace_n in_o many_o that_o die_v in_o minority_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o divers_a that_o hold_v forth_o seed_n of_o grace_n sow_o in_o their_o younget_n year_n 2._o we_o build_v not_o ordinary_a church-proceeding_n immediate_o upon_o this_o ground_n yet_o these_o be_v church-member_n we_o may_v build_v church-charity_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o see_v some_o church-member_n of_o this_o sort_n have_v faith_n in_o reality_n all_o of_o this_o sort_n may_v be_v so_o repute_v in_o church-charity_n for_o so_o we_o judge_v of_o adult_n professor_n in_o the_o church_n we_o know_v some_o have_v grace_n in_o reality_n and_o therefore_o we_o judge_v so_o of_o all_o that_o sort_n till_o the_o contrary_n appear_v though_o in_o the_o general_n we_o know_v many_o be_v call_v few_o choose_v and_o what_o other_o ground_n have_v we_o of_o church-proceeding_n with_o church-member_n but_o church-charity_n reas_n 4._o these_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o visible_a saint_n in_o the_o account_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o account_n of_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o &_o 14.33_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n for_o then_o the_o parent_n be_v dead_a the_o child_n survive_v shall_v make_v a_o church_n enjoy_v ordinance_n choose_v officer_n which_o be_v deny_v and_o it_o be_v incredible_a to_o deny_v they_o that_o power_n when_o their_o parent_n be_v alive_a and_o they_o will_v not_o be_v long_o keep_v from_o put_v it_o forth_o though_o they_o may_v for_o a_o while_n reply_n 1._o if_o we_o may_v thus_o argue_v by_o put_v case_n that_o for_o aught_o appear_v never_o yet_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n viz._n that_o all_o the_o member_n in_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o take_v away_o that_o none_o remain_v but_o such_o as_o these_o child_n by_o like_a reason_n one_o may_v prove_v that_o woman_n and_o child_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o all_o the_o man_n die_v they_o shall_v make_v a_o church_n choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n which_o will_v be_v deny_v yea_o thus_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o this_o or_o that_o man_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o all_o man_n die_v but_o one_o or_o two_o they_o can_v make_v a_o church_n etc._n etc._n 2._o be_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n observe_v such_o a_o case_n can_v not_o fall_v out_o for_o as_o mr._n cotton_n answer_v the_o anabaptist_n in_o a_o case_n not_o unlike_o this_o let_v there_o be_v a_o due_a watchfulness_n of_o the_o church_n over_o these_o child_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o either_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o covenant_n will_v sanctify_v their_o heart_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o it_o or_o else_o he_o will_v leave_v they_o to_o discover_v their_o hypocrisy_n and_o profaneness_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o to_o prevent_v the_o pollution_n of_o his_o table_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o discipline_n ground_n and_o end_n of_o baptism_n pag._n 161_o 163._o and_o have_v we_o thus_o do_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v upon_o his_o ordinance_n such_o case_n can_v not_o fall_v out_o neither_o have_v there_o be_v so_o much_o need_v or_o use_v of_o this_o five_o proposition_n that_o be_v now_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n and_o i_o fear_v this_o opposition_n of_o the_o dissenter_n will_v increase_v our_o difficulty_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v so_o much_o danger_n of_o these_o not_o be_v keep_v from_o put_v forth_o a_o power_n to_o choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n if_o they_o be_v train_v up_o under_o church-discipline_n as_o in_o our_o brethren_n way_n who_o acknowledge_v they_o church-member_n and_o can_v rid_v their_o hand_n regular_o of_o
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
that_o have_v his_o promise_n annex_v shall_v either_o bring_v such_o youth_n to_o repentance_n or_o purge_v the_o church_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o this_o treatise_n put_v such_o a_o sense_n and_o meaning_n upon_o that_o proposition_n as_o render_v it_o useless_a and_o vain_a to_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o actual_a personal_a nor_o immediate_a member_n whereby_o act_n of_o church-government_n shall_v be_v put_v forth_o immediate_o upon_o their_o person_n but_o only_o reach_v they_o at_o the_o second_o hand_n viz_o by_o their_o parent_n as_o be_v say_v by_o some_o in_o the_o meetinghouse_n to_o which_o they_o refer_v pag._n 23._o and_o if_o excommunication_n that_o heal_a medicine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o save_v of_o the_o soâ—l_n may_v not_o touch_v they_o as_o be_v in_o the_o same_o page_n 23._o yea_o if_o the_o foederal_n holiness_n of_o their_o person_n and_o so_o their_o covenant-interest_n continue_v no_o long_o than_o their_o minority_n wherein_o indeed_o they_o be_v scarce_o capable_a of_o any_o church_n discipline_n as_o be_v affirm_v page_n 37._o these_o thing_n be_v so_o let_v any_o man_n judge_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o church-government_n to_o reform_v such_o great_a many_z and_o prevail_a corruption_n of_o youth_n 2._o page_n 10._o our_o brethren_n say_v it_o be_v apparent_a to_o all_o what_o a_o corrupt_a mass_n of_o unbeliever_n shall_v by_o this_o change_n throng_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n and_o the_o child_n of_o stranger_n uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n shall_v be_v bring_v into_o god_n sanctuary_n to_o pollute_v it_o contrary_a to_o ezek_n 44.7_o 9_o ans_fw-fr 1._o whether_o these_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v to_o be_v count_v unbeliever_n or_o not_o will_v appear_v after_o but_o if_o the_o charity_n of_o our_o brethren_n will_v allow_v they_o no_o other_o term_n i_o pray_v who_o let_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n do_v not_o our_o brethren_n with_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n belong_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o it_o and_o say_v they_o there_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n communion_n in_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o if_o then_o they_o will_v keep_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n they_o must_v join_v with_o those_o that_o shut_v that_o door_n against_o all_o infant_n by_o which_o they_o enter_v for_o if_o they_o be_v unbeliever_n that_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o in_o proposition_n the_o five_o then_o sure_o they_o be_v so_o when_o they_o be_v baptise_a by_o this_o with_o many_o other_o passage_n our_o brethren_n may_v see_v whither_o their_o principle_n do_v carry_v they_o so_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o synod_n and_o our_o brethren_n be_v not_o about_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n but_o about_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o good_a while_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o fellowship_n wherein_o the_o synod_n doctrine_n admit_v they_o not_o to_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n people_n but_o as_o they_o be_v regular_o fit_a neither_o do_v the_o synod_n continue_v they_o in_o that_o fellowship_n any_o long_a than_o they_o walk_v orderly_o without_o deserve_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n ezek._n 44._o speak_v of_o stranger_n among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n such_o as_o tobiah_n neh_n 13.4_o etc._n etc._n not_o of_o any_o israelite_n ver_fw-la 9_o 3._o our_o brethren_n in_o their_o six_o consideration_n acknowledge_v the_o great_a deliverance_n and_o wonder_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v in_o former_a time_n for_o new_a england_n they_o add_v but_o since_o the_o motion_n of_o this_o change_n what_o the_o lord_n deal_v have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v we_o leave_v to_o the_o prudent_a to_o judge_v we_o may_v glory_v in_o this_o new_a light_n but_o we_o fear_v it_o will_v prove_v but_o glory_v in_o our_o shame_n ans_fw-fr i_o have_v think_v that_o god_n gracious_a answer_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o synod_n 1662._o in_o send_v rain_n so_o speedy_o and_o sweet_o may_v not_o only_o have_v take_v off_o that_o imputation_n of_o the_o drought_n unto_o the_o synod_n as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o their_o sake_n but_o also_o it_o may_v have_v stay_v our_o brethren_n from_o such_o application_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o their_o own_o end_n i_o remember_v that_o when_o the_o popish_a canton_n impute_v the_o death_n of_o zuinglius_fw-la and_o â—ecolampadius_fw-la to_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o for_o cause_v their_o trouble_n the_o historian_n have_v this_o observation_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v say_v he_o a_o pious_a thought_n to_o attribute_v the_o disposition_n of_o every_o event_n to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o to_o determine_v to_o what_o end_v those_o event_n be_v direct_v by_o his_o high_a wisdom_n be_v not_o far_o from_o presumption_n man_n be_v so_o straight_o and_o religious_o wed_v to_o their_o own_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v persuade_v god_n love_v and_o favour_v they_o as_o much_o as_o themselves_o hist_o of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n p._n 60._o but_o if_o we_o must_v needs_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o non-england_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o case_n can_v any_o prudent_a man_n say_v that_o the_o deliverance_n of_o new-england_n be_v not_o as_o great_a and_o wonderful_a in_o these_o last_o year_n and_o at_o this_o day_n as_o in_o former_a year_n and_o as_o for_o those_o afflict_a providence_n that_o have_v late_o befall_v we_o have_v we_o not_o have_v as_o heavy_a stroke_n many_o way_n former_o and_o have_v we_o not_o sin_n enough_o that_o be_v evident_a to_o humble_v we_o under_o the_o lord_n hand_n as_o deserve_v these_o and_o great_a evil_n but_o we_o must_v needs_o apply_v they_o as_o judgement_n of_o god_n to_o this_o false_o so_o call_v change_v and_o brand_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o god_n eminent_a messenger_n among_o we_o as_o a_o new_a light_n that_o will_v turn_v to_o our_o shame_n the_o lord_n forgive_v these_o many_o harsh_a censure_n of_o the_o brethren_n thus_o have_v i_o pass_v through_o this_o unpleasing_a part_n of_o my_o work_n wherein_o if_o by_o clear_v the_o innocent_a any_o thing_n do_v reflect_v upon_o the_o accuser_n i_o hope_v the_o equal-minded_n reader_n will_v excuse_v i_o consider_v that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v name_v upon_o the_o elder_n and_o church_n of_o new-england_n and_o will_v have_v suffer_v in_o they_o shall_v not_o such_o unjust_a aspersion_n be_v wipe_v off_o they_o by_o a_o just_a apology_n have_v our_o brethren_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o synod_n with_o like_a love_n tenderness_n and_o moderation_n as_o be_v express_v towards_o they_o in_o their_o preface_n the_o world_n have_v not_o be_v so_o scandalize_v as_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v by_o these_o contest_v and_o i_o have_v spare_v much_o of_o this_o labour_n oh_o when_o shall_v we_o see_v brethren_n manage_v such_o dispute_n with_o that_o brotherly_a love_n ingenuity_n and_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n as_o become_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o without_o such_o harsh_a reflection_n upon_o man_n person_n the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v a_o lamentation_n and_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n chap._n ii_o concern_v our_o brethren_n answer_n to_o the_o main_a question_n concern_v the_o order_n of_o this_o treatise_n i_o need_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n nor_o concern_v their_o two_o proposition_n premise_v who_o doubt_v that_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o be_v administer_v according_a to_o gospel-rule_n or_o that_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o end_v controversy_n be_v to_o find_v out_o how_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n only_o these_o rule_n be_v too_o general_a and_o have_v a_o like_a influence_n into_o all_o controversy_n about_o gospel-ordinance_n i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v up_o from_o scripture_n two_o or_o three_o proposition_n that_o have_v a_o more_o near_o and_o immediate_a respect_n to_o the_o question_n now_o in_o debate_n it_o be_v no_o question_n between_o we_o whether_o adult_n person_n to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v baptise_a shall_v hold_v forth_o faith_n and_o repentance_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n and_o that_o in_o some_o particular_a visible_a church_n nor_o whether_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o such_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a but_o the_o very_a hinge_v whereupon_o our_o debate_n turn_v lie_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o whether_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o all_o church-member_n ought_v to_o be_v baptise_a 2._o what_o it_o be_v that_o cut_v off_o any_o from_o his_o membership_n
such_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n thereof_o as_o if_o such_o and_o only_o such_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a this_o of_o full_a communion_n our_o brethren_n think_v will_v advantage_v their_o cause_n and_o so_o have_v put_v it_o in_o but_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a addition_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o whole_o fail_v they_o of_o any_o proof_n yea_o make_v evident_o against_o they_o in_o that_o principal_a place_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v baptise_a before_o their_o full_a communion_n for_o 1._o peter_n call_v they_o to_o be_v baptise_a upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o promise_n ver_fw-la 38._o 2._o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n before_o full_a communion_n ver_fw-la 41_o 42._o 3._o it_o have_v be_v very_o preposterous_a to_o put_v they_o into_o full_a communion_n before_o union_n with_o the_o church_n seal_v by_o baptism_n for_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o union_n with_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o which_o must_v go_v before_o communion_n but_o they_o seem_v to_o suppose_v at_o least_o that_o some_o in_o full_a communion_n may_v be_v unbaptise_v by_o that_o word_n be_v unbaptise_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o our_o brethren_n confidence_n in_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v find_v so_o great_o to_o fail_v they_o that_o while_o by_o it_o they_o seek_v to_o straiten_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n beyond_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n they_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o the_o whole_a subject_n itself_o of_o baptism_n because_o there_o will_v never_o be_v find_v any_o such_o person_n according_a to_o gospel-rule_n which_o they_o call_v so_o much_o for_o and_o appeal_v unto_o that_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v i_o will_v be_v a_o little_a bold_a with_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o case_n to_o challenge_v they_o to_o produce_v any_o rule_n or_o example_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o any_o person_n that_o either_o be_v or_o by_o rule_n may_v be_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v i_o hope_v this_o answer_n be_v plain_a and_o no_o cavil_v yet_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v up_o of_o this_o answer_n i_o shall_v remove_v what_o may_v be_v further_o say_v by_o our_o brethren_n object_n though_o those_o in_o act_n 2._o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n actual_o before_o baptism_n yet_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o state_n and_o right_a to_o full_a communion_n by_o their_o baptism_n which_o these_o child_n in_o question_n be_v not_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o state_n or_o right_a the_o baptise_a be_v partaker_n of_o as_o a_o consequent_a fruit_n of_o baptism_n receive_v but_o what_o it_o be_v that_o constitute_v a_o person_n to_o be_v a_o fit_a subject_a to_o be_v baptise_a to_o describe_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n by_o the_o consequent_a fruit_n of_o it_o and_o not_o by_o the_o precedent_a cause_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n be_v very_o improper_a and_o preposterous_a if_o the_o question_n be_v who_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o church-membership_a we_o say_v confederate_v visible_a believer_n and_o their_o seed_n for_o this_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o and_o bring_v they_o into_o such_o a_o relation_n but_o shall_v any_o answer_n that_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o church-membership_a be_v a_o person_n in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n or_o one_o that_o be_v under_o the_o teach_v and_o rule_n of_o church-officer_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o church-membership_a receive_v who_o do_v not_o see_v the_o weakness_n of_o such_o a_o answer_n and_o the_o like_a be_v this_o case_n baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o his_o church_n whereby_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o one_o body_n 2._o although_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o the_o church_n can_v actual_o enjoy_v full_a communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n as_o their_o parent_n do_v yet_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n set_v they_o in_o a_o state_n and_o right_a to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o as_o they_o become_v fit_a for_o they_o as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n for_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o parent_n and_o seed_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o same_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v the_o same_o right_n to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o come_v up_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n and_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o blessing_n in_o adult_n member_n it_o be_v so_o who_o be_v under_o admonition_n for_o scandal_n or_o in_o a_o frenzy_n or_o the_o like_a case_n though_o they_o partake_v not_o of_o all_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o their_o right_n remain_v so_o here_o when_o the_o seed_n grow_v up_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o also_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n not_o by_o any_o new_a covenant_n or_o membership_n but_o by_o the_o right_n of_o that_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o they_o and_o seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o afterward_o 2._o i_o shall_v add_v further_o it_o be_v true_a that_o to_o admit_v adult_a person_n into_o the_o church_n and_o to_o baptism_n visible_a faith_n be_v require_v and_o so_o much_o the_o text_n allege_v prove_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n in_o dispute_n between_o we_o but_o about_o person_n already_o in_o the_o church_n and_o baptise_a whether_o in_o such_o the_o ground_n of_o baptise_v their_o seed_n be_v faith_n and_o grace_n make_v visible_a in_o the_o same_o manner_n or_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o conclude_v the_o question_n put_v case_n any_o of_o those_o visible_a believer_n and_o convert_n act_n 2._o shall_v afterward_o discover_v by_o their_o worldliness_n looseness_n or_o other_o way_n that_o there_o be_v in_o they_o no_o sap_n or_o savour_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n even_o to_o the_o charitable_a judgement_n of_o most_o in_o the_o church_n my_o question_n be_v whether_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n their_o infant-seed_n shall_v not_o be_v baptise_a if_o it_o be_v grant_v than_o it_o be_v not_o such_o visible_a faith_n and_o grace_n but_o the_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n that_o give_v right_o to_o baptism_n and_o so_o to_o these_o church-member_n in_o question_n if_o this_o be_v deny_v let_v there_o be_v one_o tittle_n of_o scripture-rule_n or_o example_n produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a having_n answer_v their_o reason_n i_o shall_v present_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o same_o text_n to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o promise_n act_v 2.39_o be_v that_o covenant-promise_a which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o parallel_n place_n act_v 3._o where_o for_o 19_o peter_n exhort_v to_o repentance_n as_o in_o chap._n 2.38_o and_o chap._n 3.25_o he_o use_v the_o same_o reason_n in_o other_o word_n you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o our_o father_n the_o substance_n whereof_o all_o grant_n to_o be_v this_o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n although_o the_o apostle_n there_o make_v use_v of_o another_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n concern_v christ_n that_o feed_v in_o who_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o his_o people_n now_o the_o reason_n stand_v thus_o if_o the_o covenant-promise_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v a_o ground_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptizse_v in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n than_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o his_o visible_a church_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n but_o the_o covenant-promise_n be_v a_o ground_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a in_o gospel-dispensation_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o with_o chap._n 3.19_o 25._o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o his_o visible_a church_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n thus_o much_o to_o their_o scripture-argument_n to_o which_o our_o brethren_n add_v the_o testimony_n of_o mr._n richard_n mather_n well_o agree_v with_o this_o say_v they_o be_v the_o answer_n of_o reverend_a mr._n mather_n in_o his_o catechism_n ans_fw-fr but_o by_o their_o leave_n it_o differ_v from_o their_o answer_n in_o the_o main_a thing_n that_o touch_v the_o cause_n in_o hand_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o full_a communion_n in_o he_o which_o they_o put_v into_o they_o 2._o that_o reverend_a and_o learned_a author_n speak_v only_o what_o adult_n person_n shall_v be_v in_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o so_o convert_v
they_o may_v yea_o ought_v to_o own_o they_o as_o member_n when_o they_o own_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v not_o desert_v the_o church_n i_o can_v but_o make_v a_o little_a pause_n here_o before_o i_o pass_v on_o and_o serious_o entreat_v our_o dear_a brethren_n and_o all_o of_o their_o mind_n to_o consider_v well_o how_o the_o lord_n be_v wont_a to_o deal_v with_o his_o visible_a church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o compare_v therewith_o this_o their_o respect_n and_o care_n of_o the_o lamb_n of_o christ_n flock_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v once_o strike_v a_o covenant_n with_o his_o people_n take_v in_o their_o seed_n with_o the_o parent_n gen._n 17.7_o deut._n 29.10_o 11._o 1._o what_o abundant_a mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n do_v he_o ordain_v and_o cause_n diligent_o to_o be_v improve_v to_o that_o end_n cain_n and_o abel_n both_o admit_v to_o sacrifice_n abraham_n command_n be_v to_o his_o whole_a family-church_n gen._n 18._o the_o daily_a ordinary_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o more_o solemn_a and_o extraordinary_a be_v for_o the_o whole_a congregation_n leu._n 4.14_o 21._o numb_a 15.24_o 25._o to_o israel_n pertain_v the_o adoption_n the_o glory_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n rom._n 94._o and_o how_o do_v the_o lord_n follow_v his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n by_o his_o prophet_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n yea_o when_o go_v after_o baal_n to_o reduce_v they_o by_o elijah_n how_o affectionate_o do_v the_o lord_n by_o they_o plead_v with_o his_o people_n jer._n 2._o &_o 3_o micah_n 6._o psal_n 81.8_o etc._n etc._n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o other_o ordinance_n be_v give_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o their_o salvation_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephes_n 4.11_o etc._n etc._n and_o discipline_n to_o reduce_v and_o save_v offender_n 2._o consider_v the_o wonderful_a patience_n of_o god_n in_o seek_v the_o salvation_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n when_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o god_n resolve_v to_o destroy_v all_o flesh_n yet_o he_o spare_v they_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n send_v noah_n a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n to_o seek_v their_o good_a genes_n 6._o and_o how_o great_a be_v his_o patience_n to_o israel_n and_o judah_n send_v his_o prophet_n early_a and_o late_o out_o of_o his_o compassion_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n 2_o chron._n 36._o so_o the_o lord_n jesus_n send_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o heal_v their_o corruption_n and_o though_o he_o threaten_v to_o come_v quick_o yet_o spare_v they_o many_o year_n 3._o see_v with_o what_o compassion_n and_o bowel_n of_o humane_a affection_n as_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n express_v himself_o when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o cast_v off_o a_o people_n he_o have_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o how_o shall_v i_o give_v thou_o up_o o_o ephraim_n etc._n etc._n my_o repenting_n be_v kindle_v together_o hos_fw-la 11.8_o so_o christ_n o_o jerusalem_n how_o oft_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o as_o a_o hen_n her_o chicken_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 23.37_o how_o do_v he_o weepover_v jerusalem_n say_v o_o that_o thou_o have_v know_v at_o least_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n etc._n etc._n luke_n 19.41_o this_o be_v god_n way_n but_o what_o be_v our_o brethren_n way_n to_o these_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o who_o they_o confess_v the_o promise_n do_v belong_v act_n 2.39_o 1._o though_o god_n have_v strike_v his_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o seal_v it_o to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o own_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v they_o actual_a personal_a member_n but_o in_o effect_n distinguish_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n 2._o they_o allow_v they_o no_o more_o act_n of_o church-watch_n and_o discipline_n then_o may_v reach_v a_o infidel-servant_n and_o excommunication_n the_o most_o effectual_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o destroy_v the_o flesh_n and_o save_o the_o soul_n must_v not_o touch_v they_o 3._o so_o quick_a they_o be_v that_o if_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o please_v to_o give_v they_o save_v faith_n and_o grace_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v to_o adult_v age_n disow_v they_o as_o no_o member_n and_o so_o let_v they_o go_v now_o how_o far_o unlike_o this_o be_v to_o god_n way_n who_o do_v not_o see_v and_o i_o must_v confess_v this_o be_v to_o i_o one_o great_a argument_n that_o the_o way_n of_o these_o brethren_n be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o proceed_v our_o brethren_n to_o clear_v this_o coast_n think_v fit_a to_o answer_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o synod_n to_o prove_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o reader_n must_v note_v that_o those_o argument_n be_v not_o apply_v to_o this_o proposition_n in_o hand_n here_o be_v eight_o reason_n to_o prove_v they_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o touch_v by_o they_o but_o the_o reason_n that_o our_o brethren_n here_o speak_v unto_o be_v those_o bring_v by_o the_o synod_n to_o prove_v the_o last_o branch_n of_o the_o six_o argument_n for_o the_o five_o proposition_n viz._n that_o church-member_n admit_v in_o minority_n understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n that_o their_o membership_n still_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o cease_v not_o with_o their_o infancy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v note_v because_o if_o their_o answer_n suit_v not_o the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n than_o they_o be_v not_o pertinent_a to_o take_v off_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o synod_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o be_v answer_v to_o these_o reason_n though_o out_o of_o their_o place_n reas_n 1._o because_o in_o scripture_n person_n be_v break_v off_o only_o for_o notorious_a sin_n or_o incorrigible_a impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n not_o for_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_v age_n rom_n 11.20_o ans_fw-fr our_o brethren_n answer_v not_o simple_o for_o grow_v up_o but_o for_o such_o accessary_n as_o may_v attend_v adult_a age_n rom._n 11.20_o do_v not_o say_v only_o for_o notorious_a sin_n etc._n etc._n negative_a unbelief_n neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n not_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o may_v give_v cause_n of_o break_v off_o and_o to_o such_o though_o our_o patience_n and_o expectation_n ought_v to_o be_v large_a and_o long_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v tire_v out_o at_o last_o and_o come_v to_o a_o period_n reply_n 1._o if_o our_o brethren_n will_v out_o hold_v to_o this_o it_o will_v tend_v much_o to_o our_o desire_a unity_n for_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o their_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n do_v continue_v in_o adult_n age_n until_o such_o accessary_n do_v appear_v and_o till_o the_o patience_n of_o the_o church_n be_v tire_v out_o 2._o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o negative_a unbelief_n manifest_v by_o neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n not_o profess_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o might_n after_o long_a patience_n give_v just_a cause_n to_o break_v they_o off_o yet_o by_o this_o rule_n the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v break_v off_o for_o they_o do_v profess_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o by_o a_o life_n free_a from_o scandal_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n or_o at_o least_o such_o as_o these_o be_v still_o object_n of_o the_o church_n patience_n and_o therefore_o not_o break_v off_o and_o see_v our_o brethren_n come_v thus_o far_o i_o shall_v willing_o meet_v they_o here_o and_o confess_v that_o if_o negative_a unbelief_n be_v manifest_v by_o neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n not_o profess_v of_o the_o faith_n be_v orderly_o call_v thereunto_o by_o the_o church_n and_o continuance_n impenitent_o in_o such_o neglect_v after_o due_a mean_n with_o due_a patience_n use_v by_o the_o church_n this_o will_v give_v the_o church_n just_a cause_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o for_o this_o be_v incorrigible_a impenitency_n in_o sin_n and_o oh_o that_o we_o may_v meet_v here_o but_o when_o i_o consider_v many_o other_o expression_n in_o this_o treatise_n i_o fear_v my_o desire_n will_v fail_v for_o if_o no_o act_n of_o church-government_n may_v be_v put_v forth_o upon_o their_o person_n immediate_o but_o by_o their_o parent_n how_o shall_v the_o church_n come_v
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
case_n of_o these_o in_o question_n who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n set_v thereto_o before_o genes_n 17.7_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o therefore_o this_o own_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v only_o a_o manifestation_n of_o their_o continuance_n in_o it_o and_o hence_o this_o be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o their_o membership_n but_o a_o duty_n of_o their_o covenant_n and_o do_v not_o in_o itself_o fit_v they_o for_o full_a communion_n except_o withal_o they_o hold_v out_o such_o qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v thereunto_o a_o youth_n that_o have_v the_o constituent_a cause_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n with_o some_o understanding_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o thereby_o capable_a of_o all_o privilege_n of_o a_o man_n as_o to_z marry_o give_v good_a assurance_n of_o land_n and_o the_o like_a a_o adult_n person_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o personal_a covenant_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n mere_o because_o he_o have_v covenant_v for_o except_o he_o have_v suitable_a qualification_n he_o will_v eat_v judgement_n to_o himself_o reas_n 2._o because_o those_o that_o be_v admit_v by_o personal_a covenant_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n continue_v in_o full_a communion_n act_v 2.41_o ans_fw-fr there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o they_o be_v admit_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o also_o endue_v with_o eminent_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o be_v admit_v in_o infancy_n do_v only_o by_o own_v the_o covenant_n manife_a their_o continuance_n therein_o the_o indian_n new_o convert_v and_o hold_v forth_o so_o much_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o may_v admit_v they_o into_o the_o church_n and_o baptism_n may_v yet_o need_v further_a preparation_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o have_v such_o eminent_a gift_n reas_n 3._o because_o this_o doctrine_n presuppose_v that_o what_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v require_v in_o adult_a person_n come_v to_o baptism_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n ans_fw-fr this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o suppose_v it_o for_o it_o speak_v only_o of_o such_o adult_n person_n as_o be_v baptise_a in_o infancy_n not_o to_o be_v baptise_a in_o adult_n age_n it_o suppose_v only_o that_o person_n baptise_a in_o infancy_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o visible_a church_n may_v yet_o be_v unable_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o hence_o the_o reason_n which_o here_o follow_v touch_v not_o this_o case_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o some_o of_o they_o do_v not_o argue_v against_o the_o baptise_v of_o â—_z or_o that_o infant_n baptise_a may_v partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o five_o proposition_n propos_fw-fr 5._o church-member_n who_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a this_o proposition_n say_v our_o brethren_n do_v stumble_v we_o most_o their_o reason_n be_v reas_n 1._o because_o there_o be_v three_o expression_n propound_v this_o swerve_v further_a than_o the_o other_o from_o the_o scripture_n ans_fw-fr be_v it_o grant_v that_o several_a term_n and_o expression_n of_o these_o qualification_n be_v propound_v these_o only_a in_o conclusion_n be_v assent_v unto_o but_o if_o our_o brethren_n judge_v that_o they_o all_o swerve_v from_o the_o scripture_n what_o matter_n be_v it_o which_o swerve_v most_o from_o it_o if_o this_o swerve_v most_o they_o have_v the_o more_o advantage_n of_o dispute_n against_o it_o but_o see_v they_o stumble_v so_o much_o at_o this_o i_o shall_v easy_o remove_v this_o block_n out_o of_o their_o way_n obj._n first_o say_v they_o in_o the_o former_a expression_n it_o be_v require_v they_o shall_v understand_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n here_o no_o more_o than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o so_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n righteousness_n sabbath_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr as_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o as_o large_a as_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n both_o in_o the_o acceptation_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o orthodox_n divine_v phil._n 1.27_o when_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o strive_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v they_o let_v go_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n or_o any_o other_o ground_n of_o religion_n 2_o tim._n 4.7_o when_o paul_n say_v he_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n do_v he_o let_v go_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o other_o ground_n of_o religion_n judas_n ver_fw-la 3._o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o that_o faith_n oppose_v to_o the_o fiâ—â—â—y_a dreamer_n that_o sin_v against_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o therefore_o sure_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n comprehend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n when_o our_o synod_n at_o cambridge_n 1648._o declare_v their_o consent_n with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o england_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o assembly_n at_o the_o savoy_n call_v that_o book_n a_o declaration_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o order_n do_v they_o not_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n faith_n all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n except_v only_a matter_n of_o order_n but_o what_o need_v more_o instance_n when_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o book_n tell_v the_o world_n of_o a_o few_o name_n that_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a to_o think_v that_o such_o person_n do_v not_o hold_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n sure_o the_o synod_n intend_v it_o so_o obj._n 2._o in_o the_o second_o expression_n it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v examine_v of_o their_o sense_n of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_n after_o he_o here_o only_o of_o their_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v aâ—s_n but_o if_o such_o sense_n of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_n after_o he_o shall_v not_o upon_o such_o examination_n appear_v but_o this_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n with_o all_o the_o other_o qualification_n may_v not_o this_o suffice_v to_o show_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n what_o if_o the_o devil_n may_v give_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o free_a but_o enforce_v and_o they_o want_v all_o the_o other_o qualification_n that_o these_o have_v obj._n 3_o the_o former_a require_v that_o they_o shall_v give_v satisfaction_n for_o any_o offence_n they_o have_v fall_v into_o here_o only_o that_o they_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n the_o former_a viz._n offence_n comprehend_v original_a sin_n or_o any_o other_o commit_v against_o god_n or_o man_n jam._n 3_o 2._o scandal_n in_o lifâ—_n note_v only_o notorious_a sin_n and_o a_o course_n therein_o ans_fw-fr that_o they_o stumble_v at_o this_o must_v needs_o arise_v from_o a_o very_a rigid_a principle_n whereof_o this_o treatise_n have_v too_o many_o for_o who_o ever_o take_v up_o that_o of_o original_a sin_n as_o matter_n of_o offence_n to_o deal_v with_o his_o brother_n for_o it_o or_o what_o rule_n have_v we_o to_o call_v for_o satisfaction_n for_o that_o or_o for_o all_o such_o word_n or_o action_n as_o be_v offence_n to_o god_n or_o man_n a_o practice_n that_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v in_o that_o very_a place_n allege_v jam._n 3_o 1._o be_v not_o many_o master_n for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o and_o therefore_o pity_n and_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o and_o be_v not_o so_o rigid_a to_o require_v satisfaction_n for_o every_o offence_n if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o those_o rule_n of_o love_n 1_o cor._n 13.7_o love_n bear_v all_o thing_n gal._n 6.2_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n col._n 3.13_o forbear_v one_o another_o 2._o it_o be_v evident_a luke_n 17.1_o 2_o 3._o that_o offence_n to_o be_v deal_v with_o be_v scandal_n woe_n to_o he_o that_o scandalize_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o and_o impenitency_n in_o any_o such_o scandal_n deserve_v the_o high_a censure_n but_o repent_v of_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o scandal_n or_o offence_n mat._n 18._o yea_o although_o such_o a_o scandal_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o notorious_a sin_n nor_o continue_v in_o but_o in_o one_o act_n so_o that_o not_o to_o be_v scandalous_a in_o life_n be_v full_a as_o large_a
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
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