be_v to_o be_v bless_v reas_n 4._o baptism_n be_v as_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.11_o which_o be_v invisible_a in_o those_o child_n that_o shall_v transmit_v baptism_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v true_a that_o as_o circumcision_n so_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o thence_o i_o infer_v that_o when_o god_n by_o his_o institution_n appoint_v that_o seal_n to_o be_v transmit_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o visible_a covenant_n they_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n as_o believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o transmit_v baptism_n so_o long_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a continue_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o be_v visible_a believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n and_o may_v so_o transmit_v baptism_n to_o their_o seed_n reas_n 5._o they_o allege_v act_n 2.38_o 39_o which_o they_o say_v restrain_v baptism_n to_o the_o next_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n as_o manifest_v repentance_n and_o effectual_a call_n and_o be_v of_o more_o weight_n than_o any_o argument_n from_o far-fetched_a and_o uncertain_a consequence_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n ans_fw-fr to_o this_o text_n be_v full_o answer_v before_o and_o as_o be_v say_v it_o favour_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n that_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o baptism_n and_o that_o this_o text_n have_v no_o such_o restraint_n it_o may_v appear_v thus_o let_v all_o be_v grant_v that_o be_v here_o say_v yet_o suppose_v such_o visible_a convert_v discover_v afterward_o no_o sap_n or_o savour_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o fair_a charity_n but_o continue_v still_o in_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o their_o seed_n be_v baptise_a or_o must_v every_o church-member_n hold_v forth_o a_o profession_n of_o repentance_n at_o the_o baptism_n of_o every_o child_n i_o suppose_v our_o brethren_n will_v not_o so_o affirm_v and_o if_o so_o than_o a_o church-member_n though_o not_o apparent_o a_o true_a penitent_n may_v have_v his_o seed_n baptise_a as_o for_o far-fetched_a consequence_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o follow_a discourse_n will_v show_v that_o none_o use_v they_o so_o much_o as_o our_o brethren_n do_v concern_v the_o answer_n here_o give_v to_o a_o objection_n from_o exod._n 20._o the_o synod_n do_v not_o make_v that_o objection_n but_o agree_v with_o this_o interpretation_n give_v in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o answer_n viz._n so_o that_o the_o privilege_n be_v only_o continue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o next_o parent_n that_o continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v not_o break_v off_o chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o three_o proposition_n propos_fw-fr 3_o that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o confederate_a visible_a believer_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o when_o grow_v up_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n our_o dissent_v brethren_n by_o their_o dilute_a interpretation_n of_o this_o proposition_n seem_v to_o recede_v from_o their_o own_o concession_n for_o this_o proposition_n be_v propound_v and_o earnest_o promote_v by_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o as_o tend_v to_o issue_v other_o difficulty_n among_o we_o and_o to_o reform_v the_o corruption_n of_o youth_n and_o there_o be_v not_o above_o three_o note_a that_o dissent_v from_o it_o but_o when_o it_o be_v observe_v as_o be_v here_o say_v that_o the_o other_o proposition_n will_v be_v infer_v from_o it_o and_o so_o strong_o that_o some_o say_v the_o whole_a cause_n be_v give_v up_o in_o that_o proposition_n our_o brethren_n therefore_o now_o think_v to_o ease_v the_o matter_n by_o their_o interpretation_n but_o such_o they_o be_v as_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n as_o will_v appear_v first_o say_v they_o when_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o they_o have_v a_o actual_a personal_a and_o immediate_a membership_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o those_o in_o full_a communion_n but_o only_o that_o the_o church-watch_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o shall_v reach_v unto_o their_o person_n which_o be_v public_o express_v in_o the_o meetinghouse_n by_o we_o ans_fw-fr how_o inconsistent_a be_v these_o thing_n 1._o these_o person_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o actual_o how_o then_o be_v they_o member_n potential_o so_o be_v many_o that_o be_v fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n that_o yet_o be_v no_o member_n or_o be_v they_o so_o habitual_o sure_o they_o be_v actual_o baptise_a into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o shall_v we_o baptise_v actual_o such_o as_o be_v not_o actual_o in_o the_o covenant_n 2._o they_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o church_n must_v not_o deal_v with_o their_o person_n but_o reach_v their_o person_n at_o the_o second_o hand_n viz._n by_o their_o parent_n so_o indeed_o some_o express_v themselves_o but_o i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v own_v by_o the_o rest_n but_o thus_o to_o reach_v their_o person_n be_v not_o to_o touch_v they_o with_o any_o act_n of_o church-government_n but_o of_o family-government_n only_o yea_o thus_o to_o reach_v their_o person_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o church_n may_v reach_v a_o heathen_a servant_n for_o the_o church_n may_v censure_v the_o master_n if_o he_o restrain_v not_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o servant_n as_o well_o as_o a_o father_n for_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o child_n second_o say_v they_o by_o discipline_n we_o do_v not_o intend_v excommunication_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o offender_n in_o full_a communion_n for_o how_o can_v they_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o full_a communion_n that_o be_v never_o in_o it_o ans_fw-fr then_o they_o must_v suppose_v that_o excommunication_n be_v no_o part_n of_o discipline_n or_o intend_v a_o discipline_n ineffectual_a to_o christ_n end_n for_o what_o be_v admonition_n unregarded_a without_o that_o censure_n to_o set_v they_o home_o mat._n 18._o excommunication_n be_v not_o to_o cast_v out_o of_o full_a communion_n only_o but_o out_o of_o all_o communion_n let_v he_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n it_o be_v a_o give_v up_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v 1_o cor._n 5.5_o and_o this_o sovereign_a medicine_n all_o that_o be_v within_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o nevertheless_o say_v they_o the_o church_n may_v disow_v they_o and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v no_o member_n upon_o their_o desert_v of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n by_o such_o a_o sentence_n as_o peter_n pronounce_v to_o simon_n magus_n act_v 8.21_o ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o disow_v such_o as_o no_o member_n be_v a_o mere_a invention_n of_o man_n never_o ordain_v of_o christ_n nor_o tend_v to_o reach_v the_o end_n of_o his_o discipline_n for_o though_o it_o seem_v to_o agree_v with_o excommunication_n in_o not_o own_v they_o as_o member_n yet_o it_o want_v that_o awful_a dread_n of_o excommunication_n to_o humble_v the_o sinner_n and_o bring_v he_o in_o yea_o thus_o to_o disow_v they_o as_o no_o member_n be_v to_o rid_v the_o church_n of_o any_o further_a care_n of_o they_o as_o those_o without_o but_o all_o act_n of_o christ_n discipline_n be_v act_n of_o the_o love_n and_o compassion_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o offender_n to_o seek_v their_o repentance_n and_o salvation_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n 2._o act_n 8.21_o give_v no_o ground_n of_o this_o practice_n for_o 1._o peter_n do_v not_o present_o disow_v he_o as_o no_o member_n neither_o indeed_o do_v the_o place_n refer_v to_o membership_n but_o to_o the_o power_n of_o give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o declare_v his_o sin_n and_o danger_n he_o exhort_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o pardon_n ver_fw-la 22._o which_o imply_v that_o upon_o his_o repentance_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o promise_v pardon_n according_a to_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n discipline_n but_o persist_v impenitent_o in_o his_o sin_n he_o may_v then_o be_v cast_v out_o beside_o 2._o this_o sentence_n be_v upon_o one_o that_o come_v in_o by_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o that_o be_v peter_n meaning_n to_o disow_v he_o as_o no_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o example_n to_o be_v imitate_v than_o any_o member_n discover_v hypocrifie_n to_o a_o discern_a spirit_n may_v present_o be_v disow_v as_o no_o member_n which_o will_v make_v sad_a work_n in_o church_n 3._o if_o the_o church_n may_v disow_v they_o when_o they_o desert_n the_o church_n and_o covenant_n than_o
so_o act_v 2.38_o 39_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o your_o child_n 2._o faith_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o the_o outward_a seal_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o outward_a covenant_n itself_o for_o lo_o and_o other_o believer_n can_v not_o partake_v of_o circumcision_n but_o by_o enter_v into_o that_o visible_a covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o our_o brethren_n afterward_o do_v grant_v that_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v the_o next_o ground_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o seal_n now_o they_o that_o have_v the_o next_o ground_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v the_o more_o remote_a ans_fw-fr 2._o more_o particular_o they_o say_v the_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o baptism_n for_o 1._o though_o they_o have_v abraham_n for_o their_o father_n yet_o john_n be_v baptism_n take_v away_o that_o plea_n mat._n 3.8_o 9_o and_o call_v for_o repentance_n reply_n john_n take_v away_o their_o vain_a confidence_n in_o abraham_n covenant_n for_o righteousness_n and_o life_n as_o the_o prophet_n also_o frequent_o do_v isa_n 1._o &_o 58._o jer._n 7._o mic._n 6._o but_o he_o take_v not_o away_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n as_o circumcision_n sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n 2._o john_n indeed_o call_v for_o repentance_n in_o a_o people_n so_o corrupt_a to_o fit_v they_o for_o a_o more_o gospel-dispensation_n to_o make_v they_o a_o people_n prepare_v for_o the_o lord_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o these_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n who_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n and_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n 2._o we_o must_v distinguish_v say_v they_o between_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o church-covenant_n which_o differ_v very_o much_o for_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o elect_n and_o true_a believer_n which_o the_o church_n can_v infallible_o judge_v who_o they_o be_v but_o the_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v the_o next_o ground_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o sealâ—_n require_v mutual_a consent_n of_o they_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o communion_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v to_o the_o child_n in_o the_o parent_n but_o be_v establish_v only_o by_o the_o restipulation_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n gen._n 17.7_o 9_o rom._n 11.20_o thou_o stand_v by_o faith_n reply_n 1._o i_o can_v see_v how_o these_o thing_n can_v consist_v one_o with_o another_o for_o if_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o elect_a and_o true_a believer_n and_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v with_o the_o child_n in_o the_o parent_n then_o the_o child_n and_o parent_n must_v be_v elect_a and_o true_a believer_n which_o will_v not_o be_v grant_v again_o if_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o church-covenant_n stand_v in_o this_o that_o it_o requr_v mutual_a consent_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n how_o shall_v infant_n partake_v of_o the_o church-covenant_n and_o baptism_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o next_o ground_n 2._o this_o distinction_n as_o here_o lay_v down_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o thing_n it_o be_v bring_v for_o but_o rather_o yield_v the_o same_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v yield_v that_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v the_o next_o ground_n of_o baptism_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o next_o ground_n and_o immediate_a be_v the_o chief_a for_o it_o suppose_v the_o remote_a and_o the_o remote_a ground_n without_o the_o next_o can_v not_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n beside_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v to_o the_o child_n in_o the_o parent_n than_o still_o the_o covenant_n even_o of_o grace_n also_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o baptism_n but_o say_v they_o the_o establishment_n be_v upon_o the_o restipulation_n of_o faith_n thou_o stand_v by_o faith_n rom._n 11.20_o be_v it_o so_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o save_a benefit_n thereof_o yet_o the_o visible_a covenant_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n remain_v to_o such_o in_o the_o covenant_n as_o do_v continue_v in_o the_o visible_a profession_n thereof_o as_o have_v be_v oft_o prove_v that_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o gentile-churche_n stand_v rom._n 11.20_o be_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v oppose_v to_o that_o unbelief_n for_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v break_v off_o but_o they_o be_v not_o break_v off_o for_o want_n of_o hold_v forth_o positive_a save_v faith_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n but_o for_o positive_a unbelief_n whereby_o they_o obstinate_o reject_v christ_n rom._n 10.21_o they_o be_v a_o disobedient_a and_o gainsay_v people_n act_n 13.45_o the_o apostle_n turn_v from_o they_o to_o the_o gentile_n because_o they_o contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v mat._n 21.42_o 43._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v take_v from_o they_o because_o they_o reject_v christ_n the_o corner_n stone_n see_v also_o act_v 18.5_o 6._o &_o 19.8_o 9_o and_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o the_o gentile_a church_n do_v profess_v jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o ordinance_n they_o may_v stand_v in_o the_o visible_a covenant_n through_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n though_o they_o or_o many_o of_o their_o member_n do_v not_o hold_v out_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o save_v faith_n visible_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n otherwiser_n we_o must_v unchurch_n many_o such_o society_n of_o christian_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o unchurch_v but_o continue_v to_o they_o the_o mean_n and_o ordinance_n of_o grace_n 3._o i_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o the_o church-covenant_n and_o that_o of_o grace_n for_o as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o second_o proposition_n premise_v chap._n 2._o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o differ_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o church_n viz._n outward_o in_o the_o privilege_n ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n or_o inward_o in_o the_o save_v benefit_n thereof_o to_o true_a believer_n now_o that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n to_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n be_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o god_n give_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o the_o visible_a church_n gen._n 17._o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o he_o avouch_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o they_o avouch_v he_o to_o be_v their_o god_n deut._n 26.17_o 18._o now_o this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o contain_v all_o the_o rest_n as_o mr._n cotton_n note_v upon_o that_o covenant_n 2._o because_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n and_o the_o offer_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n be_v give_v to_o all_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n rom._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o &_o 9.4_o 3._o because_o all_o in_o church-covenant_n stand_v bind_v thereby_o to_o believe_v repent_v and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o this_o our_o brethren_n confess_v that_o church-covenant_n require_v they_o shall_v walk_v with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o have_v the_o more_o insist_v on_o this_o passage_n because_o the_o right_a understanding_n hereof_o be_v of_o much_o use_n to_o the_o main_a question_n in_o debate_n that_o these_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n be_v still_o in_o covenant_n the_o synod_n prove_v because_o they_o be_v once_o in_o covenant_n and_o never_o cut_v off_o from_o it_o ans_fw-fr to_o this_o our_o brethren_n answer_v the_o lord_n himself_o discovenant_n they_o mat._n 3._o joh._n 8.39_o 40_o 41_o 42._o where_o the_o lord_n take_v away_o their_o plea_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v the_o devil_n for_o their_o father_n and_o that_o without_o any_o act_n of_o church-discipline_n etc._n etc._n they_o may_v reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o as_o the_o pharisee_n luke_n 7._o they_o may_v be_v felones_n de_fw-fr se_fw-la as_o mr._n cotton_n speak_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v other_o ground_n of_o break_v off_o the_o covenant_n beside_o notorious_a sin_n and_o incorrigibleness_n therein_o as_o not_o stand_v by_o faith_n not_o bring_v forth_o fâ—uit_n mat._n 3.10_o not_o do_v righteousness_n 1_o joh._n 3.10_o reply_n i_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o reply_v here_o 1._o do_v the_o lord_n himself_o discovenant_v all_o those_o out_o of_o his_o visible_a church_n speak_v of_o mâ—â—_n 3_o joh._n 8_o be_v their_o seed_n thereby_o cut_v off_o from_o circumcision_n be_v they_o exclude_v from_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o temple-worship_n who_o can_v believe_v this_o when_o we_o see_v the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o oft_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n when_o he_o call_v they_o still_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o
the_o next_o parent_n and_o when_o the_o parent_n be_v break_v off_o their_o seed_n be_v break_v off_o also_o rom._n 11.20_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o difference_n ans_fw-fr 3._o to_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o that_o in_o jer._n 30._o speak_v of_o their_o return_n from_o babylon_n ezek._n 37._o speak_v of_o their_o call_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o righteous_a and_o nothing_o shall_v hinder_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o covenant_n isa_n 60.21_o joel_n 3.17_o etc._n etc._n reply_n if_o jer._n 30._o have_v any_o reference_n to_o their_o return_n from_o babylon_n yet_o it_o appear_v to_o look_v further_o even_o to_o the_o latter_a time_n for_o ver._n 9_o it_o speak_v of_o david_n their_o king_n who_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o to_o they_o and_o v._o 24._o of_o the_o latter_a day_n and_o chap._n 31.1_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o will_v be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o the_o family_n of_o israel_n as_o for_o those_o place_n isa_n 60.21_o joel_n 3._o that_o say_v they_o shall_v be_v all_o righteous_a no_o stranger_n shall_v pass_v through_o they_o so_o that_o nothing_o shall_v hinder_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n than_o shall_v be_v continue_v according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n seed_n in_o their_o generation_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o argument_n beside_o this_o continuance_n of_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v by_o visible_a faith_n and_o righteousness_n not_o always_o by_o real_a faith_n for_o to_o think_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o sin_n no_o hypocrite_n then_o be_v groundless_a there_o be_v none_o righteous_a that_o sin_v not_o be_v the_o general_a state_n of_o all_o man_n in_o this_o world_n till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a ezek_n 37.25_o zech._n 10.7_o 9_o that_o their_o seed_n be_v part_n of_o that_o righteous_a nation_n 3_o consequence_n the_o denial_n of_o the_o proposition_n deni_v the_o initiatory_a seal_n to_o such_o as_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n to_o who_o the_o mosaical_a dispensation_n nay_o the_o first_o institution_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n appoint_v it_o to_o be_v apply_v gen._n 17.9_o 10._o joh._n 7.22_o 23._o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o beg_n of_o the_o question_n the_o child_n in_o question_n do_v not_o stand_v regular_o under_o the_o church-covenant_n the_o contrary_n be_v plain_a jer._n 9.26_o rom._n 2.28_o ezek._n 34.7_o 9_o reply_n the_o question_n be_v not_o beg_v but_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v prove_v gen._n 17.9_o 10._o joh._n 7.22_o 23._o to_o which_o no_o answer_n be_v return_v 2._o see_v these_o scripture_n jer._n 9_o rom._n 2._o ezek._n 44._o and_o such_o like_a be_v so_o oft_o allege_v and_o here_o with_o so_o much_o confidence_n in_o the_o present_a case_n i_o shall_v examine_v they_o more_o distinct_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o child_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o baptise_a in_o infancy_n and_o be_v grow_v up_o do_v understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n solemn_o own_o the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n whether_o i_o say_v such_o do_v not_o stand_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n and_o whether_o the_o scripture_n name_v do_v plain_o prove_v the_o contrary_n now_o for_o the_o first_o jer._n 9.26_o where_o the_o lord_n threaten_v to_o punish_v the_o circumcise_a with_o the_o uncircumcised_a for_o all_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o punishment_n be_v not_o discovenant_v they_o but_o the_o sword_n 2._o but_o suppose_v discovenant_v be_v include_v in_o the_o other_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o by_o which_o they_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n and_o therefore_o so_o to_o be_v punish_v they_o be_v all_o aduâ—erers_n ver_fw-la 2._o liar_n ver_fw-la 3._o slanderer_n ver_fw-la 4._o deceiver_n ver_fw-la 5._o yea_o they_o walk_v after_o baal_n ver_fw-la 14._o and_o how_o then_o do_v this_o place_n plain_o prove_v that_o the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o proposition_n stand_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n as_o for_o rom._n 2.28_o so_o oft_o allege_v however_o it_o may_v have_v some_o reference_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n before_o speak_v to_o yet_o it_o seem_v the_o particular_a occasion_n and_o scope_n of_o that_o discourse_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n distribute_v reward_n and_o punishment_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n ver_fw-la 9_o 10_o 11_o and_o to_o take_v off_o the_o jew_n confidence_n in_o legal-priviledge_n in_o that_o respect_n ver_fw-la 13_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o but_o however_o it_o can_v be_v speak_v with_o any_o reference_n to_o church-membership_a now_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n circumcision_n profit_v if_o they_o keep_v the_o law_n else_o not_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o uncircumcision_n that_o keep_v the_o law_n be_v count_v circumcision_n and_o so_o in_o this_o respect_n he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n that_o be_v one_o outward_o etc._n etc._n but_o to_o infer_v that_o every_o lieu_n that_o be_v so_o outward_o only_a want_v the_o inward_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v there_o by_o discovenant_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n this_o be_v a_o strange_a doctrine_n to_o scripture-ear_n to_o clear_v this_o further_o 1._o in_o what_o respect_n the_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n by_o break_v the_o law_n in_o the_o same_o respect_n the_o uncircumcision_n be_v count_v for_o circumcision_n in_o they_o that_o keep_v the_o law_n but_o this_o be_v never_o so_o account_v in_o respect_n of_o church-membership_a and_o privilege_n witness_v the_o case_n of_o the_o centurion_n cornelius_n and_o his_o devout_a soldier_n and_o other_o and_o therefore_o not_o so_o in_o the_o former_a 2._o he_o speak_v of_o the_o inward_a circumcision_n as_o have_v its_o praise_n of_o god_n not_o of_o man_n but_o we_o know_v the_o outward_a circumcision_n be_v approve_v of_o the_o church_n though_o without_o the_o inward_a in_o respect_n of_o church-standing_a and_o privilege_n and_o that_o according_a to_o god_n rule_n 3._o the_o apostle_n full_o clear_v his_o meaning_n chap._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o affirm_v that_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o profit_n of_o circumcision_n be_v much_o every_o way_n and_o that_o in_o the_o commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n to_o they_o which_o be_v a_o church-priviledge_n last_o concern_v this_o place_n let_v it_o be_v note_v what_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o uncircumcised_a heart_n there_o allege_v viz._n steal_v adultery_n sacrilege_n etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 21_o 22._o which_o how_o well_o it_o suit_n to_o prove_v plain_o that_o these_o in_o question_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n let_v every_o one_o judge_n concern_v ezek._n 44.7_o 9_o this_o place_n speak_v of_o bring_v in_o the_o heathen_a stranger_n that_o be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n as_o sâ—evident_a in_o that_o it_o be_v call_v a_o abomination_n so_o to_o do_v but_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o israelite_n circumcise_v in_o flesh_n not_o in_o heart_n be_v never_o count_v a_o abomination_n again_o he_o speak_v of_o stranger_n uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n and_o flesh_n which_o these_o child_n be_v not_o 2._o put_v case_n this_o place_n may_v by_o allusion_n 〈◊〉_d apply_v to_o receive_v of_o member_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o agree_v that_o none_o visible_o unholy_a shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n but_o our_o question_n be_v of_o such_o as_o be_v holy_a be_v regular_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o to_o which_o case_n this_o place_n speak_v nothing_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o little_a foot_n there_o be_v for_o our_o brethren_n tenent_n in_o these_o or_o any_o other_o scripture_n they_o have_v allege_v as_o jer._n 2.21_o amos_n 9.7_o mat._n 3._o joh._n 8._o &_o 15._o which_o have_v be_v consider_v in_o their_o place_n and_o i_o be_o the_o more_o persuade_v that_o this_o way_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v build_v upon_o so_o manifold_a mistake_v and_o misapply_v scripture_n whereof_o many_o of_o they_o be_v old_a testament_n proof_n it_o appear_v our_o brethren_n make_v use_v not_o only_o of_o far-fetched_a consequence_n but_o of_o plain_a inconsequence_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n 4_o consequence_n that_o to_o deny_v the_o proposition_n be_v to_o break_v god_n covenant_n by_o deny_v the_o initiatory_a seal_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n gen_n 17_o 9_o 10_o 14._o ans_fw-fr 1._o to_o refuse_v to_o baptise_v one_o that_o be_v not_o regular_o in_o covenant_n be_v
such_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n thereof_o as_o if_o such_o and_o only_o such_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a this_o of_o full_a communion_n our_o brethren_n think_v will_v advantage_v their_o cause_n and_o so_o have_v put_v it_o in_o but_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a addition_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o whole_o fail_v they_o of_o any_o proof_n yea_o make_v evident_o against_o they_o in_o that_o principal_a place_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v baptise_a before_o their_o full_a communion_n for_o 1._o peter_n call_v they_o to_o be_v baptise_a upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o promise_n ver_fw-la 38._o 2._o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n before_o full_a communion_n ver_fw-la 41_o 42._o 3._o it_o have_v be_v very_o preposterous_a to_o put_v they_o into_o full_a communion_n before_o union_n with_o the_o church_n seal_v by_o baptism_n for_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o union_n with_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o which_o must_v go_v before_o communion_n but_o they_o seem_v to_o suppose_v at_o least_o that_o some_o in_o full_a communion_n may_v be_v unbaptise_v by_o that_o word_n be_v unbaptise_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o our_o brethren_n confidence_n in_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v find_v so_o great_o to_o fail_v they_o that_o while_o by_o it_o they_o seek_v to_o straiten_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n beyond_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n they_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o the_o whole_a subject_n itself_o of_o baptism_n because_o there_o will_v never_o be_v find_v any_o such_o person_n according_a to_o gospel-rule_n which_o they_o call_v so_o much_o for_o and_o appeal_v unto_o that_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v i_o will_v be_v a_o little_a bold_a with_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o case_n to_o challenge_v they_o to_o produce_v any_o rule_n or_o example_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o any_o person_n that_o either_o be_v or_o by_o rule_n may_v be_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v i_o hope_v this_o answer_n be_v plain_a and_o no_o cavil_v yet_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v up_o of_o this_o answer_n i_o shall_v remove_v what_o may_v be_v further_o say_v by_o our_o brethren_n object_n though_o those_o in_o act_n 2._o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n actual_o before_o baptism_n yet_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o state_n and_o right_a to_o full_a communion_n by_o their_o baptism_n which_o these_o child_n in_o question_n be_v not_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o state_n or_o right_a the_o baptise_a be_v partaker_n of_o as_o a_o consequent_a fruit_n of_o baptism_n receive_v but_o what_o it_o be_v that_o constitute_v a_o person_n to_o be_v a_o fit_a subject_a to_o be_v baptise_a to_o describe_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n by_o the_o consequent_a fruit_n of_o it_o and_o not_o by_o the_o precedent_a cause_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n be_v very_o improper_a and_o preposterous_a if_o the_o question_n be_v who_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o church-membership_a we_o say_v confederate_v visible_a believer_n and_o their_o seed_n for_o this_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o and_o bring_v they_o into_o such_o a_o relation_n but_o shall_v any_o answer_n that_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o church-membership_a be_v a_o person_n in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n or_o one_o that_o be_v under_o the_o teach_v and_o rule_n of_o church-officer_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o church-membership_a receive_v who_o do_v not_o see_v the_o weakness_n of_o such_o a_o answer_n and_o the_o like_a be_v this_o case_n baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o his_o church_n whereby_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o one_o body_n 2._o although_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o the_o church_n can_v actual_o enjoy_v full_a communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n as_o their_o parent_n do_v yet_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n set_v they_o in_o a_o state_n and_o right_a to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o as_o they_o become_v fit_a for_o they_o as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n for_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o parent_n and_o seed_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o same_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v the_o same_o right_n to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o come_v up_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n and_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o blessing_n in_o adult_n member_n it_o be_v so_o who_o be_v under_o admonition_n for_o scandal_n or_o in_o a_o frenzy_n or_o the_o like_a case_n though_o they_o partake_v not_o of_o all_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o their_o right_n remain_v so_o here_o when_o the_o seed_n grow_v up_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o also_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n not_o by_o any_o new_a covenant_n or_o membership_n but_o by_o the_o right_n of_o that_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o they_o and_o seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o afterward_o 2._o i_o shall_v add_v further_o it_o be_v true_a that_o to_o admit_v adult_a person_n into_o the_o church_n and_o to_o baptism_n visible_a faith_n be_v require_v and_o so_o much_o the_o text_n allege_v prove_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n in_o dispute_n between_o we_o but_o about_o person_n already_o in_o the_o church_n and_o baptise_a whether_o in_o such_o the_o ground_n of_o baptise_v their_o seed_n be_v faith_n and_o grace_n make_v visible_a in_o the_o same_o manner_n or_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o conclude_v the_o question_n put_v case_n any_o of_o those_o visible_a believer_n and_o convert_n act_n 2._o shall_v afterward_o discover_v by_o their_o worldliness_n looseness_n or_o other_o way_n that_o there_o be_v in_o they_o no_o sap_n or_o savour_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n even_o to_o the_o charitable_a judgement_n of_o most_o in_o the_o church_n my_o question_n be_v whether_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n their_o infant-seed_n shall_v not_o be_v baptise_a if_o it_o be_v grant_v than_o it_o be_v not_o such_o visible_a faith_n and_o grace_n but_o the_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n that_o give_v right_o to_o baptism_n and_o so_o to_o these_o church-member_n in_o question_n if_o this_o be_v deny_v let_v there_o be_v one_o tittle_n of_o scripture-rule_n or_o example_n produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a having_n answer_v their_o reason_n i_o shall_v present_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o same_o text_n to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o promise_n act_v 2.39_o be_v that_o covenant-promise_a which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o parallel_n place_n act_v 3._o where_o for_o 19_o peter_n exhort_v to_o repentance_n as_o in_o chap._n 2.38_o and_o chap._n 3.25_o he_o use_v the_o same_o reason_n in_o other_o word_n you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o our_o father_n the_o substance_n whereof_o all_o grant_n to_o be_v this_o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n although_o the_o apostle_n there_o make_v use_v of_o another_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n concern_v christ_n that_o feed_v in_o who_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o his_o people_n now_o the_o reason_n stand_v thus_o if_o the_o covenant-promise_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v a_o ground_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptizse_v in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n than_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o his_o visible_a church_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n but_o the_o covenant-promise_n be_v a_o ground_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a in_o gospel-dispensation_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o with_o chap._n 3.19_o 25._o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o his_o visible_a church_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n thus_o much_o to_o their_o scripture-argument_n to_o which_o our_o brethren_n add_v the_o testimony_n of_o mr._n richard_n mather_n well_o agree_v with_o this_o say_v they_o be_v the_o answer_n of_o reverend_a mr._n mather_n in_o his_o catechism_n ans_fw-fr but_o by_o their_o leave_n it_o differ_v from_o their_o answer_n in_o the_o main_a thing_n that_o touch_v the_o cause_n in_o hand_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o full_a communion_n in_o he_o which_o they_o put_v into_o they_o 2._o that_o reverend_a and_o learned_a author_n speak_v only_o what_o adult_n person_n shall_v be_v in_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o so_o convert_v
christ_n for_o they_o come_v in_o by_o the_o gospel-covenant_n as_o our_o brethren_n grant_v from_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o and_o be_v not_o christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o that_o covenant_n yea_o be_v they_o not_o baptise_a into_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o blood_n and_o benefit_n of_o christ_n scale_v up_o to_o they_o in_o baptism_n but_o our_o brethren_n seem_v whole_o to_o forget_v that_o or_o to_o make_v a_o nothing_o of_o it_o 2._o when_o this_o covenant_n which_o be_v call_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n gal._n 3.17_o be_v solemn_o own_a by_o they_o wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n be_v there_o nothing_o of_o christ_n in_o all_o this_o 3._o the_o danger_n of_o want_v the_o wedding-garment_n be_v as_o great_a to_o such_o as_o come_v in_o with_o the_o fair_a profession_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o these_o and_o be_v the_o church_n unblamable_a for_o admit_v such_o because_o their_o danger_n be_v so_o great_a when_o such_o want_v the_o wedding-garment_n but_o see_v our_o brethren_n urge_v so_o much_o joh._n 10._o let_v they_o consider_v for_o 13._o the_o hireling_n care_v not_o for_o the_o sheep_n we_o have_v more_o cause_n to_o fear_v how_o we_o shall_v answer_v for_o our_o careless_a neglect_n of_o these_o lamb_n of_o christ_n then_o for_o our_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o we_o have_v our_o warrant_n from_o christ_n and_o withal_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o weighty_a charge_n heb._n 12.15_o 16._o look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o fail_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n lest_o there_o be_v a_o profane_a person_n as_o esau_n who_o for_o a_o morsel_n of_o meat_n sell_v his_o birthright_n it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n do_v think_v there_o be_v a_o precious_a birthright_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o look_v diligent_o to_o the_o preservation_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o let_v we_o then_o take_v heed_n we_o do_v not_o take_v it_o from_o they_o before_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n do_v require_v it_o by_o this_o whole_a discourse_n and_o by_o these_o ten_o reason_n we_o may_v now_o full_o see_v upon_o what_o principle_n our_o brethren_n ground_n their_o antisynodalia_a or_o their_o position_n wherein_o they_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o prefacer_n complain_v that_o their_o tenent_n be_v lade_v with_o reproach_n of_o anabaptism_n i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n before_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o present_v unto_o their_o serious_a consideration_n what_o advantage_n they_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n who_o i_o fear_v will_v make_v such_o use_n hereof_o as_o our_o brethren_n will_v not_o willing_o allow_v they_o to_o do_v it_o be_v true_a that_o our_o brethren_n confess_v with_o we_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o gospel-covenant_n and_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o but_o do_v they_o not_o with_o their_o distinction_n in_o effect_n take_v away_o what_o they_o have_v give_v they_o they_o be_v member_n in_o general_a say_v they_o but_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a and_o it_o be_v only_o as_o wrap_v up_o in_o their_o parent_n covenant_n they_o be_v not_o actual_a or_o personal_a member_n and_o that_o membership_n in_o their_o parent_n and_o their_o foederal_n holiness_n reach_v no_o further_a than_o their_o minority_n pag._n 37._o and_o what_o church-ordinance_n be_v they_o capable_a of_o in_o that_o time_n especial_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o some_o suggest_v that_o ishmael_n come_v into_o the_o church_n by_o profession_n of_o faith_n as_o a_o adult_n member_n at_o thirteen_o year_n of_o age_n and_o if_o at_o adult_n age_n they_o come_v not_o up_o by_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n to_o enter_v into_o personal_a covenant_n and_o so_o to_o a_o new_a membership_n hey_o have_v no_o right_a â—o_o church-priviledge_n and_o may_v not_o a_o convert_n out_o of_o paganism_n upon_o such_o term_n enjoy_v as_o much_o as_o this_o and_o as_o for_o church-watch_n and_o government_n it_o can_v reach_v they_o but_o by_o their_o parent_n as_o it_o may_v reach_v a_o infidel-servant_n and_o when_o their_o parent_n be_v dead_a and_o they_o leave_v to_o the_o care_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n how_o shall_v it_o then_o touch_v they_o at_o all_o and_o when_o their_o own_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v account_v the_o form_n of_o their_o membership_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v a_o nullity_n of_o their_o covenant_n seal_v in_o baptism_n so_o that_o it_o will_v i_o fear_v seem_v to_o the_o anabaptist_n that_o to_o baptise_v infant_n be_v to_o set_v a_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a or_o to_o a_o covenant_n of_o no_o use_n to_o they_o again_o when_o our_o brethren_n so_o oft_o deny_v the_o visible_a covenant_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o to_o such_o as_o want_v the_o inward_a grace_n and_o affirm_v that_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o be_v limit_v to_o those_o that_o with_o abraham_n walk_v with_o god_n who_o heart_n be_v faithful_a who_o love_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n pag._n 29._o will_v not_o the_o anabaptist_n be_v ready_a to_o infer_v therefore_o infant_n want_v that_o grace_n etc._n etc._n have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o covenant_n or_o to_o baptism_n the_o privilege_n of_o it_o again_o when_o our_o brethren_n so_o oft_o confound_v the_o outward_a and_o inward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n allege_v the_o scandalous_a sin_n of_o church-member_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o these_o in_o question_n be_v self-excommunicated_n and_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o outward_a covenant_n or_o privilege_n thereof_o be_v not_o this_o a_o mistake_v which_o they_o will_v make_v advantage_n of_o last_o when_o they_o say_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o five_o proposition_n expose_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o contempt_n baptism_n to_o be_v profane_v bring_v pollution_n into_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v the_o reason_n for_o say_v they_o it_o impart_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o visible_a believer_n set_v the_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a sever_v baptism_n from_o the_o stipulation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n bring_v the_o uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n into_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o they_o oft_o confess_v that_o infant_n have_v no_o faith_n they_o be_v a_o carnal_a seed_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o just_a fear_n that_o the_o anabaptist_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o infer_v therefore_o to_o baptize_v infant_n be_v to_o expose_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o contempt_n &_o c_o i_o know_v our_o brethren_n will_v say_v we_o do_v not_o require_v faith_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o infant_n but_o in_o the_o parent_n only_o but_o yet_o when_o general_o we_o ground_n the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n to_o the_o parent_n and_o their_o seed_n gen._n 17._o act_n 2._o 1_o cor._n 7._o and_o prove_v they_o be_v disciple_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v baptise_a i_o wish_v our_o brethren_n may_v consider_v how_o great_o this_o ground_n be_v weaken_v by_o denial_n of_o god_n covenant_n to_o their_o person_n and_o only_o as_o in_o their_o parent_n and_o by_o make_v it_o so_o slight_a a_o matter_n as_o to_o wear_v out_o with_o their_o minority_n etc._n etc._n and_o also_o let_v they_o consider_v how_o suitable_a their_o notion_n and_o principle_n beforenamed_n be_v to_o the_o argument_n and_o ground_n of_o denial_n of_o baptism_n to_o all_o infant_n as_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o antipoedobaptist_n these_o thing_n i_o mention_v that_o our_o brethren_n may_v keep_v further_o off_o from_o this_o danger_n which_o themselves_o count_v a_o reproach_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o answer_n of_o our_o brethren_n to_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o five_o proposition_n arg._n 1._o these_o child_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o baptise_v any_o child_n whatsoever_o and_o neither_o the_o parent_n nor_o the_o child_n do_v put_v in_o any_o bar_n to_o hinder_v it_o this_o ground_n be_v the_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n gen._n 17.7_o 9_o 10_o 11._o act_n 2.39_o col._n 2.10_o 11._o ans_fw-fr they_o answer_v in_o general_a that_o faith_n be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o baptism_n rom._n 4.11_o act_n 8.37_o &_o 19.4_o reply_n 1._o here_o be_v no_o answer_n to_o the_o scripture_n allege_v which_o be_v very_o full_a gen._n 17.10_o 11._o this_o be_v my_o covenant_n which_o you_o shall_v keep_v every_o male-child_n shall_v be_v circumcise_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o you_o
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