which_o do_v amount_v further_o 3._o whereas_o the_o synod_n say_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v have_v frequent_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o young_a year_n at_o scripture_n and_o experience_n show_v instance_n joseph_n samuel_n etc._n etc._n hence_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n show_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a be_v in_o charity_n or_o to_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n visible_a believer_n the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v indeed_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n but_o if_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n they_o do_v not_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n be_v fit_o qualify_v they_o can_v then_o be_v fiâ—ly_o call_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o transgressor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o breaker_n of_o it_o ans._n 1._o if_o they_o be_v breaker_n of_o it_o then_o sure_o they_o be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o for_o how_o can_v man_n break_v the_o covenant_n whâ—ch_o they_o be_v not_o in_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v here_o express_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o minority_n so_o the_o same_o be_v by_o consequence_n confess_v of_o they_o be_v adult_n for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v they_o be_v then_o say_v to_o break_v the_o covenant_n 2._o if_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o infancy_n and_o minority_n as_o the_o reverend_a author_n acknowledge_v they_o be_v this_o suit_n well_o enough_o with_o the_o purpose_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o this_o place_n which_o be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v this_o that_o such_o child_n have_v frequent_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n and_o such_o as_o have_v grace_n begin_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n why_o shall_v not_o charity_n think_v it_o be_v there_o still_o when_o nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o he_o that_o once_o begin_v that_o good_a work_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o forsake_v that_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n but_o to_o perfect_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n psal._n 138.8_o phil._n 1.6_o further_o say_v the_o reverend_a author_n this_o argument_n be_v fallacious_a because_o it_o argue_v from_o some_o particular_n to_o infer_v a_o general_a affirmative_o some_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v have_v the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n therefore_o all_o person_n of_o this_o sort_n etc._n etc._n if_o the_o reverend_a author_n have_v express_v the_o synod_n argument_n as_o they_o express_v it_o it_o will_v not_o then_o have_v appear_v so_o fallacious_a as_o the_o alteration_n of_o their_o word_n may_v make_v it_o for_o whereas_o they_o say_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v frequent_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n for_o which_o they_o produce_v eight_o or_o nine_o instance_n from_o scripture_n all_o these_o instance_n and_o that_o frequency_n for_o proof_n of_o which_o they_o be_v allege_v be_v now_o all_o leave_v out_o and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o it_o be_v render_v some_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n and_o whereas_o the_o inference_n which_o the_o synod_n make_v be_v thus_o express_v viz._n hence_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o term_n all_o which_o be_v not_o in_o before_o be_v express_o put_v in_o thus_o all_o person_n of_o this_o sort_n etc._n etc._n which_o alteration_n may_v indeed_o obscure_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n but_o let_v it_o be_v reduce_v to_o what_o it_o first_o be_v and_o then_o let_v the_o judicious_a reader_n consider_v whether_o it_o be_v fallacious_a or_o firm_a whether_o there_o be_v weakness_n or_o weight_n in_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v if_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v frequent_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n than_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n show_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a be_v in_o charity_n or_o to_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n visible_a believer_n but_o so_o it_o be_v ergo._fw-la the_o assumption_n here_o be_v manifest_o prove_v by_o those_o many_o instance_n in_o scripture_n allege_a and_o by_o experience_n and_o the_o consequence_n we_o hope_v be_v not_o fallacious_a but_o find_v and_o good_a for_o if_o it_o be_v frequent_o thus_o why_o shall_v not_o charity_n believe_v it_o be_v thus_o in_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n where_o nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_n 4._o the_o synod_n have_v say_v that_o they_o that_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v be_v visible_a saint_n in_o the_o account_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n be_v in_o scripture_n account_n 〈◊〉_d company_n of_o saint_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o &_o 1.2_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o both_o the_o assertion_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deny_v the_o assertion_n be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n of_o confederate_a believer_n be_v in_o the_o church_n by_o their_o parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o but_o parent_n be_v not_o so_o till_o etc._n etc._n ans._n it_o be_v here_o again_o confess_v that_o infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n but_o not_o so_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n and_o come_v to_o be_v parent_n but_o of_o their_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o their_o come_n to_o be_v adult_n something_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o more_o may_v in_o the_o six_o argument_n partic._n 3_o but_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v the_o proof_n be_v to_o be_v deny_v and_o be_v not_o apposite_a we_o conceive_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v very_o apposite_a for_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o the_o synod_n do_v allege_v it_o which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o that_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o scripture_n account_v visible_a saint_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n allege_v be_v so_o plain_a and_o apposite_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o we_o conceive_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o whether_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v such_o or_o no_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o saint_n or_o not_o be_v another_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o conceive_v much_o have_v and_o may_v be_v say_v but_o the_o text_n allege_v be_v not_o produce_v by_o the_o synod_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o be_v not_o plain_a for_o proof_n of_o that_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v plain_a and_o apt_a enough_o for_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o synod_n that_o may_v suffice_v though_o they_o prove_v not_o this_o other_o to_o which_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v apply_v they_o 5._o say_v the_o synod_n be_v in_o covenant_n and_o baptize_v they_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n indefinite_o give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o seal_v up_o in_o baptism_n deut._n 30.6_o which_o continue_v valid_a and_o so_o a_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o while_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o answer_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o distinction_n between_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o regard_n of_o external_a mean_n between_o the_o elect_n in_o who_o god_n work_v the_o grace_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n so_o powerful_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o reject_v it_o and_o the_o rest_n who_o have_v the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n till_o they_o reject_v they_o as_o do_v esau_n and_o conclude_v that_o such_o as_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n and_o live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n do_v remain_v unbeliever_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n undefinite_o give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o promise_n ans._n but_o be_v there_o any_o proof_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o synod_n affirm_v it_o seem_v none_o at_o all_o for_o when_o the_o synod_n say_v the_o covenant_n which_o promise_v faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v a_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o while_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o and_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v that_o such_o as_o do_v reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n have_v not_o faith_n and_o repentance_n give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o promise_n these_o be_v not_o contrary_a nor_o at_o all_o inconsistent_a for_o the_o synod_n never_o say_v nor_o mean_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v give_v by_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o that_o be_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n and_o live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n do_v still_o remain_v unbeliever_n the_o synod_n never_o say_v
under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n aâ—d_v to_o set_v they_o in_o their_o own_o person_n as_o lamos_n in_o a_o large_a place_n for_o by_o this_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o nor_o can_v put_v forth_o any_o act_n eâ—â—er_n of_o watch_n or_o censure_n immediate_o upon_o they_o but_o upon_o their_o parent_n only_o but_o that_o church-watch_n government_n no_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v and_o administer_v to_o our_o child_n personal_o and_o immediâ—aâ—ly_o i._n e._n according_a as_o in_o regard_n of_o age_n and_o understanding_n they_o be_v capable_a there_o f_z viz._n instruction_n and_o inspection_n and_o that_o in_o a_o official_a way_n even_o in_o young_a year_n aâ—d_v formal_a censure_n when_o adult_n if_o they_o fâ—ll_v into_o such_o offence_n as_o do_v need_n â—nd_n deserve_v the_o same_o the_o reader_n may_v find_v confirm_v in_o the_o synod_n argument_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a defence_n thereof_o 71._o haply_o the_o assertion_n 〈…〉_z mediate_v church-care_n be_v â—â—eltered_v uâ—dâ—r_n that_o clause_n those_o child_n that_o be_v in_o minority_n bâ—â—_n 1._o much_o help_v by_o instruction_n counsel_n warning_n reproof_n exhortation_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o in_o a_o authoritative_a way_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o memberly_n relation_n may_v be_v administer_v unto_o child_n themselves_o immediate_o in_o their_o own_o pâ—rsons_n beside_o look_v to_o parent_n that_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o they_o even_o while_o they_o be_v in_o their_o minority_n though_o not_o yet_o capable_a of_o public_a censure_n 2._o they_o be_v in_o the_o same_o state_n and_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n though_o not_o of_o the_o same_o capacity_n when_o in_o minority_n and_o when_o adult_n if_o therefore_o not_o because_o of_o their_o natural_a incapacity_n but_o because_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o membership_n only_o mediate_v and_o no_o immediate_a church-care_n watch_n and_o government_n belong_v to_o they_o while_o in_o minority_n neither_o do_v it_o belong_v to_o they_o when_o adult_n and_o therefore_o this_o notion_n exclude_v all_o our_o child_n both_o young_a and_o elder_a from_o be_v under_o any_o church-government_n immediate_o in_o their_o own_o person_n so_o that_o let_v they_o run_v on_o in_o never_o such_o vile_a course_n the_o church_n can_v deal_v with_o they_o but_o with_o their_o parent_n only_o and_o yet_o the_o case_n may_v often_o so_o be_v that_o the_o parent_n be_v neither_o unblamable_a for_o their_o miscarriage_n nor_o able_a to_o reform_v the_o same_o but_o as_o mediate_v as_o their_o membership_n be_v here_o be_v somewhat_o add_v that_o shall_v touch_v these_o adult_n child_n themselves_o and_o what_o be_v that_o why_o iâ—_n when_o they_o 〈◊〉_d be_v adult_n they_o do_v not_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n than_o the_o church_n be_v to_o disow_v they_o at_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n ans._n 1._o be_v this_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o like_o the_o lord_n proceed_v with_o his_o covenant-people_n in_o the_o scripture_n present_o to_o disow_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o off_o if_o some_o evil_a fruit_n nay_o if_o want_n of_o gâ—od_a fruit_n be_v 〈◊〉_d in_o they_o then_o at_o first_o step_n to_o call_v they_o loamâ—i_n and_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n have_v the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o take_v these_o person_n into_o his_o glorious_a covenant_n and_o â—o_o real_a it_o to_o they_o in_o baptism_n before_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o do_v it_o come_v but_o to_o this_o that_o if_o poor_a childreâ—_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o day_n of_o ripe_a understanding_n dâ—wns_v upon_o they_o do_v not_o bring_v 〈◊〉_d the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n yea_o such_o fruit_n as_o may_v sit_v they_o for_o felâ—_n communion_n they_o be_v then_o present_o declare_v to_o be_v discovenant_v and_o to_o be_v turn_v drift_n as_o those_o who_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v true_a the_o most_o hopeful_a child_n yea_o the_o best_a of_o we_o all_o may_v just_o be_v discovenant_v by_o the_o lord_n shall_v he_o strict_o mark_v what_o be_v amisâ—_n and_o deal_v accord_v to_o our_o desert_n but_o he_o be_v gracious_o please_v not_o to_o proceed_v with_o 〈◊〉_d severity_n but_o with_o much_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v towards_o those_o who_o he_o once_o take_v into_o covenant_n and_o who_o or_o what_o be_v man_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v more_o holy_a than_o the_o lord_n let_v but_o that_o one_o scripture_n be_v look_v upon_o among_o many_o other_o touch_v the_o barren_a figtree_n which_o be_v here_o cite_v as_o if_o it_o give_v some_o countenance_n to_o this_o present_a disow_n in_o case_n of_o barrenness_n the_o lord_n come_v in_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o fruit_n and_o find_v none_o and_o yet_o he_o wait_v another_o year_n after_o that_o and_o a_o three_o after_o that_o i._n e._n a_o long_a time_n and_o with_o great_a demonstration_n of_o patience_n before_o he_o speak_v of_o cut_v it_o down_o and_o then_o the_o vine-dresser_n act_v therein_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cry_v not_o cut_v it_o down_o present_o but_o lord_n let_v it_o alone_o one_o year_n more_o i._n e._n till_o it_o appear_v utter_o hopeless_a and_o incurable_a that_o i_o may_v dig_v about_o it_o and_o dung_n it_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o make_v it_o a_o subject_n of_o labour_n and_o culture_n then_o to_o case_n himself_o by_o ridâ—â—ng_v his_o hand_n of_o it_o also_o that_o parable_n point_v to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o and_o among_o who_o chrâ—st_v preach_v now_o the_o follow_a story_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wâ—ited_v on_o they_o till_o they_o appear_v altogether_o incurable_a and_o incâ—rrigâ—â—e_a and_o till_o their_o incurable_a barrenness_n discover_v itself_o by_o positive_a fruit_n of_o wicked_a oppose_a and_o reject_v the_o gospel_n before_o they_o be_v cut_v down_o or_o break_v off_o and_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o adult_n and_o yet_o impenitent_a jew_n do_v not_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a express_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o covenant-dispensation_n and_o urge_v that_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o â—raw_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v it_o act_n 13.19.25_o 26._o act_n 3.26_o 26._o they_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o make_v they_o cease_v from_o fear_v the_o lord_n by_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o he_o 2._o suppose_v any_o of_o these_o child_n when_o adult_n do_v bring_v forth_o some_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o those_o describe_v in_o the_o synod_n five_o proposition_n can_v hardly_o be_v deny_v in_o charitable_a reputation_n to_o do_v though_o not_o so_o full_a and_o ripe_a fruit_n as_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v and_o haply_o not_o such_o as_o themselves_o do_v find_v encouragement_n to_o approach_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n what_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o these_o shall_v they_o be_v own_v or_o disow_v be_v they_o in_o the_o church_n or_o out_o if_o in_o why_o be_v baptism_n deny_v to_o their_o child_n if_o out_o how_o coâ—e_n they_o so_o to_o be_v or_o where_o do_v god_n in_o his_o word_n say_v or_o allow_v we_o to_o say_v to_o such_o hopeful_a young_a man_n and_o woman_n as_o through_o grace_n many_o of_o our_o child_n be_v though_o not_o yet_o in_o full_a communion_n that_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n 3._o wâ—at_o be_v tâ—is_fw-la disow_v and_o where_o shall_v we_o have_v scripture-warrant_a for_o such_o a_o church-disowning_a as_o be_v not_o excommunication_n for_o that_o our_o brother_n see_v not_o warrant_v to_o procee_v unto_o but_o 〈◊〉_d down_o this_o rule_n the_o church_n be_v to_o disow_v they_o or_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n if_o any_o man_n speak_v especial_o if_o he_o speak_v rule_n according_a to_o wâ—icâ—_n the_o church_n be_v to_o practice_v let_v he_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o this_o disow_a contradistinguish_v to_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v clear_v from_o thence_o admonition_n and_o excommunication_n we_o hear_v plain_o of_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o orthodox_n divinity_n but_o a_o disow_a that_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o public_a church-censure_n and_o yet_o be_v neither_o admonition_n nor_o excommunication_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o new_a invent_a piece_n of_o discipline_n we_o demand_v whether_o this_o disow_a be_v not_o a_o put_v one_o out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v before_o in_o it_o if_o so_o what_o be_v it_o but_o excommunication_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_v by_o that_o put_v away_o from_o among_o you_o 1_o cor._n 5.13_o if_o not_o be_v
the_o form_n or_o to_o make_v it_o a_o part_n thereof_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v efficiens_fw-la non_fw-la ingreditur_fw-la essentiam_fw-la the_o act_n of_o covenant_v on_o our_o part_n whereby_o we_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n be_v but_o a_o efficient_a yea_o but_o a_o instrumental_a efficient_a the_o book_n call_v it_o a_o precrean_a cause_n pag._n 37._o that_o be_v still_o but_o a_o efficient_a yet_o consider_v it_o in_o contradistinction_n to_o divine_a institution_n it_o can_v but_o instrumental_o procreate_v but_o the_o form_n or_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la of_o membership_n be_v to_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n or_o within_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o whatever_o causality_n our_o act_n in_o profess_v and_o covenant_v do_v contribute_v to_o bring_v we_o in_o it_o can_v be_v but_o a_o efficient_a and_o hence_o it_o do_v not_o denominate_v or_o constitute_v the_o formality_n of_o our_o membership_n object_n but_o formal_o here_o be_v refer_v to_o personal_a not_o to_o membership_n ans._n if_o so_o it_o be_v yet_o still_o the_o same_o answer_n hold_v unless_o it_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o every_o one_o grant_n and_o so_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n if_o the_o meaning_n only_o be_v that_o infant_n do_v not_o enter_v into_o covenant_n by_o a_o act_n of_o their_o own_o proper_a person_n who_o ever_o say_v or_o think_v they_o do_v what_o need_v we_o labour_v in_o find_v out_o distinction_n to_o deny_v they_o that_o which_o no_o body_n ever_o challenge_v for_o they_o or_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v that_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o infant_n be_v not_o personal_a member_n or_o personal_o and_o formal_o member_n although_o they_o never_o yet_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n of_o covenant_v in_o their_o own_o person_n we_o affirm_v it_o because_o they_o have_v the_o form_n of_o membership_n or_o the_o adjunct_n of_o formal_a membership_n cleave_v to_o their_o own_o person_n by_o divine_a institution_n and_o so_o we_o say_v they_o be_v personal_o and_o formal_o member_n though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o act_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o proper_a person_n you_o seem_v to_o deny_v it_o and_o bring_v a_o distinction_n to_o clear_v your_o meaning_n the_o former_a branch_n of_o which_o distinction_n as_o yourselves_o explain_v it_o grant_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o plead_v for_o the_o latter_a branch_n as_o you_o also_o explain_v it_o deny_v no_o more_o than_o we_o deny_v viz._n that_o they_o enter_v by_o their_o own_o proper_a personal_a act._n but_o the_o mistake_n lie_v in_o make_v this_o viz._n enter_v by_o one_o own_o proper_a act_n to_o be_v formal_o personal_a membership_n whereas_o that_o be_v formal_o personal_a membership_n that_o do_v formal_o and_o proper_o constitute_v the_o person_n a_o member_n and_o so_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n do_v the_o infant_n in_o question_n though_o they_o never_o yet_o act_v in_o their_o own_o person_n the_o distinction_n shall_v rather_o stand_v thus_o as_o personal_a membership_n be_v take_v proper_o and_o formal_o so_o it_o agree_v to_o infant_n i_o e._n their_o person_n be_v recipient_n of_o the_o adjunct_n of_o proper_a formal_a church-membership_a but_o as_o personal_a membership_n be_v take_v improper_o and_o very_o improper_o indeed_o i._n e._n for_o the_o membership_n of_o such_o as_o have_v by_o themselves_o or_o by_o their_o own_o personal_a profession_n enter_v into_o covenant_n so_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o personal_a membership_n thus_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v but_o why_o shall_v we_o use_v personal_a membership_n in_o so_o improper_a a_o sense_n or_o insist_v on_o a_o sense_n that_o touch_v not_o the_o cause_n in_o question_n the_o sum_n be_v that_o if_o by_o personal_n membership_n take_v formal_o be_v mean_v only_o enter_v by_o their_o own_o proper_a personal_a act_n than_o the_o distinction_n be_v needless_a and_o not_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la but_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v so_o as_o to_o deny_v what_o we_o affirm_v than_o it_o be_v overthrow_v by_o yourselves_o in_o the_o former_a branch_n grant_v they_o to_o be_v personal_a member_n subjective_o you_o therein_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v so_o formal_o deny_v they_o personal_a membership_n formal_o you_o deny_v it_o subjective_o these_o do_v mutuò_fw-la so_o ponere_fw-la &_o tollere_fw-la be_v use_v in_o any_o sense_n that_o be_v proper_a and_o pertinent_a to_o the_o present_a dispute_n but_o consider_v whether_o it_o will_v sound_v rational_o to_o say_v that_o paul_n be_v not_o formal_o a_o personal_a roman_a or_o not_o formal_o a_o roman_a freeman_n in_o his_o own_o person_n because_o he_o do_v not_o buy_v his_o freedom_n with_o his_o own_o money_n or_o that_o a_o child_n who_o have_v a_o inheritance_n leave_v he_o be_v not_o formal_o a_o personal_a owner_n thereof_o because_o himself_o do_v not_o purchase_v it_o or_o that_o infant_n be_v personal_a subject_n in_o such_o a_o kingdom_n member_n of_o such_o a_o family_n subjective_o only_a not_o formal_o because_o they_o do_v not_o become_v such_o by_o their_o own_o previous_a personal_a act_n these_o and_o such_o like_a show_n how_o improper_a and_o incongruous_a it_o be_v to_o make_v one_o own_o personal_a act_n to_o be_v that_o which_o constitute_v the_o formality_n of_o personal_a membership_n preface_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o we_o to_o conceive_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v this_o personal_a formal_a membership_n and_o yet_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v subject_n capable_a of_o formal_a personal_a censure_n ans._n they_o be_v capable_a in_o regard_n of_o their_o relation_n and_o state_n in_o the_o church_n though_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o natural_a capacity_n nor_o in_o regard_n of_o demerit_n for_o a_o infant_n can_v ecclesiastical_o deserve_v public_a censure_n it_o be_v not_o strange_a to_o conceive_v infant_n to_o be_v subject_n of_o such_o a_o prince_n though_o at_o present_a uncapable_a of_o civil_a trial_n and_o punishment_n it_o suffice_v that_o infant-member_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o subjection_n to_o church_n discipline_n and_o engage_v thereto_o for_o afterward_o though_o at_o present_a natural_o uncapable_a of_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o the_o new_a bear_v infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o domestical_a discipline_n either_o rod_n or_o rebuke_n but_o that_o hinder_v not_o his_o be_v a_o formal_a personal_a member_n of_o the_o family_n preface_n we_o neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o do_v deny_v that_o the_o person_n of_o infant_n of_o believe_v confederate_a parent_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o covenant_n only_o we_o conceive_v that_o their_o membership_n be_v conjunct_a with_o and_o dependent_a upon_o the_o membership_n and_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n so_o as_o to_o live_v and_o die_v therewith_o hence_o when_o the_o parent_n be_v excommunicate_v the_o membership_n of_o the_o infant-childe_n be_v cut_v off_o because_o excommunication_n put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o outward_a covenant_n which_o death_n itself_o do_v not_o do_v and_o if_o the_o root_n be_v destroy_v the_o branch_n can_v live_v ans._n that_o the_o child_n membership_n depend_v upon_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o parent_n as_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n or_o condition_n of_o the_o child_n first_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n or_o become_v a_o member_n we_o ready_o grant_v because_o divine_a institution_n admit_v only_o the_o child_n of_o member_n to_o be_v member_n and_o so_o much_o mr._n cotton_v word_n here_o allege_v in_o the_o preface_n do_v true_o teach_v but_o that_o the_o child_n membership_n be_v so_o wrap_v up_o in_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o parent_n as_o to_o live_v and_o die_v therewith_o as_o if_o it_o have_v no_o proper_a and_o distinct_a membership_n of_o its_o own_o be_v sure_o a_o deep_a mistake_n and_o will_v if_o follow_v overthrow_v that_o subjective_n personal_a membership_n before_o grant_v unto_o infant_n and_o that_o which_o be_v here_o also_o own_v viz._n that_o their_o person_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o covenant_n if_o the_o person_n of_o the_o infant_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o covenant_n than_o their_o person_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n or_o their_o person_n be_v confederate_a than_o not_o only_o the_o person_n of_o the_o parent_n but_o the_o person_n of_o the_o child_n have_v the_o formality_n of_o membership_n upon_o it_o and_o as_o the_o person_n of_o the_o child_n in_o regard_n of_o its_o natural_a be_v though_o for_o the_o first_o existence_n thereof_o it_o depend_v under_o god_n upon_o the_o parent_n yet_o when_o once_o it_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o so_o conjunct_a with_o and_o dependent_a upon_o the_o person_n of_o the_o parent_n as_o to_o live_v and_o die_v therewith_o so_o why_o shall_v the_o membership_n of_o the_o child_n be_v thus_o dependent_a see_v the_o book_n to_o which_o this_o preface_n be_v prefix_v affirm_v p_o 37._o that_o the_o parent_n be_v a_o procreant_a cause_n as_o of_o the_o childeâ—_n natural_a be_v
when_o erasmus_n have_v say_v that_o child_n be_v grow_v 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v ask_v will_v not_o staâ—d_v to_o what_o have_v be_v promise_v in_o their_o behalf_n they_o â—ere_z to_o be_v leâ—t_v to_o themselves_o calvin_n 〈◊〉_d it_o as_o the_o say_n of_o a_o man_n not_o well_o exercise_v in_o church-government_n 346._o see_v also_o chemnit_fw-la exam._n conc._n trid._n par_fw-fr 2._o de_fw-fr baptis_n can._n 14._o &_o de_fw-la confirmat_fw-la sub_fw-la can._n 3._o who_o word_n in_o the_o former_a of_o these_o place_n the_o reaâ—er_n may_v find_v english_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o mr_n shepherd_n treatise_n â—bout_o childrenâ—â—ely_o â—â—ely_z print_v and_o cartwright_n to_o â—â—at_a question_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v present_a at_o a_o child_n baptism_n 185._o answer_n 1._o to_o rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a at_o â—he_n increase_v of_o god_n church_n 3_o when_o the_o child_n come_v to_o age_n to_o do_v such_o duty_n as_o one_o member_n â—wâ—â—h_v to_o another_o he_o do_v not_o think_v its_o membership_n cease_v with_o infancy_n but_o say_v he_o when_o it_o come_v to_o age_n such_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v doâ—e_n to_o it_o as_o one_o member_n owe_v to_o another_o hence_o we_o say_v be_v it_o rational_a so_o to_o understand_v parker_n or_o calvin_n as_o if_o they_o do_v think_v or_o approve_v it_o as_o sound_v doctrine_n in_o other_o to_o think_v that_o they_o who_o be_v baptise_a in_o minority_n when_o after_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o they_o have_v approve_v their_o faith_n they_o be_v then_o first_o admit_v member_n as_o if_o they_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o as_o the_o reader_n will_v think_v that_o that_o be_v the_o scope_n aâ—d_v sense_n of_o the_o testimony_n here_o cite_v but_o to_o cite_v shredsâ—f_a â—f_z passage_n in_o authers_n in_o a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o those_o â—_z know_v and_o declare_v judgement_n be_v very_o injurious_a both_o to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o reader_n he_o that_o read_v what_o this_o preface_n here_o say_v will_v think_v that_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o judicious_a writer_n cite_v by_o parker_n that_o child_n do_v then_o first_o enter_v into_o church-membership_a when_o their_o fâ—ith_n be_v approve_v by_o the_o church_n after_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n at_o all_o before_o that_o when_o as_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o evident_a that_o neither_o parker_n nor_o any_o judicious_a writer_n cite_v by_o he_o nor_o any_o one_o heretofore_o approve_v for_o a_o judicious_a writer_n either_o ancient_a or_o modern_a do_v indeed_o so_o judge_n but_o the_o contrary_n and_o parker_n word_n be_v clear_o intend_v in_o another_o sense_n viz._n with_o reference_n in_o full_a communion_n and_o so_o speak_v of_o the_o very_a same_o matter_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o ecclesiast_n â—elit_fw-la cap._n 10._o he_o say_v that_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n the_o adult_n be_v examine_v by_o the_o presbytery_n approve_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o receive_v by_o the_o whâ—le_a church_n as_o member_n of_o theâ—r_a communion_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n and_o so_o be_v as_o it_o be_v confirm_v before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lâ—rds_n supper_n where_o member_n of_o their_o communion_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n be_v the_o same_o with_o member_n in_o full_a communion_n in_o our_o language_n and_o so_o â—is_n word_n together_o with_o the_o know_a practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v plain_o confirm_v our_o distinction_n between_o initiate_v member_n and_o member_n in_o fâ—â—_n communion_n but_o they_o be_v far_o from_o intend_v or_o hold_v forth_o either_o a_o denial_n of_o child_n membership_n or_o a_o cessation_n thereof_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o become_v adult_n as_o for_o the_o inference_n that_o be_v here_o make_v from_o parker_n testimony_n therefore_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n such_o child_n be_v not_o as_o complete_a and_o perfect_a member_n as_o any_o in_o the_o church_n anâ—_n if_o his_o word_n do_v â—old_a in_o the_o sâ—nse_n in_o wâ—ich_a they_o be_v here_o allege_v than_o child_n be_v not_o only_o membersâ—s_v â—s_z any_o in_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v not_o member_n at_o all_o or_o non-meâ—bers_a see_v they_o be_v not_o it_o seer_n admit_v member_n till_o when_o adult_n they_o have_v make_v their_o prâ—feâ—â—â—on_n as_o for_o their_o be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a member_n it_o be_v well_o know_v we_o say_v and_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v not_o complete_a or_o perfect_a in_o point_n of_o communion_n or_o privilege_n but_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o essence_n or_o relation_n of_o membership_n i._n e._n they_o be_v proper_o and_o complete_o within_o the_o church_n and_o not_o half_a in_o and_o half_a out_o to_o be_v accord_v to_o divine_a institution_n within_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o book_n before_o which_o this_o preface_n be_v set_v well_o own_v pag._n 41_o 〈…〉_z any_o man_n â—â—ew_n we_o one_o orthodox_n divine_a or_o judicious_a writer_n before_o or_o iâ—_n parker_n day_n that_o ever_o say_v that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o faiâ—â—ful_a be_v either_o wâ—ile_a infant_n or_o when_o adult_n suppose_v they_o not_o excommunicate_v nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v not_o within_o the_o church_n but_o withal_o we_o hold_v and_o so_o do_v parker_n and_o the_o reform_a church_n that_o â—â—ere_o be_v many_o within_o the_o church_n who_o may_v not_o â—ave_n complete_a or_o juâ—â—_n communion_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n â—â—ereof_o and_o so_o be_v not_o complete_a or_o perfect_a member_n in_o that_o â—ense_n and_o sword_n meduâ—_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes._n 13._o it_o be_v not_o we_o but_o you_o that_o will_v have_v child_n 〈◊〉_d lest_o all_o adult_n child_n to_o be_v as_o complete_a aâ—d_a perfect_a member_n in_o this_o sense_n aâ—_n any_o in_o the_o church_n or_o else_o to_o be_v no_o member_n at_o all_o see_v you_o acknowledge_v none_o that_o be_v adult_n to_o be_v member_n unless_o they_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n it_o be_v â—urâ—â—er_o add_v that_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n in_o case_n they_o do_v not_o join_v unto_o the_o church_n than_o they_o do_v not_o retain_v their_o membership_n which_o â—hey_n 〈…〉_z minority_n nâ—w_o to_o join_v to_o the_o church_n be_v the_o act_n of_o one_o that_o be_v not_o join_v or_o be_v not_o a_o member_n so_o that_o unless_o they_o 〈◊〉_d themselves_o to_o be_v not_o member_n or_o unless_o they_o own_v themselves_o to_o â—â—ve_v lose_v their_o membership_n they_o do_v not_o retain_v their_o membership_n this_o we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o so_o much_o for_o the_o discourse_n upon_o the_o three_o objection_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o objection_n there_o be_v a_o high_a profession_n of_o much_o zeal_n for_o church_n care_n and_o watch_n to_o be_v extend_v toward_o child_n and_o much_o clearness_n therein_o even_o as_o the_o light_n at_o noon_n and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v write_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n so_o as_o that_o the_o reader_n will_v expect_v to_o find_v very_o ample_a satisfaction_n in_o that_o matter_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o it_o â—â—lls_v flat_a to_o no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o the_o watch_n over_o they_o be_v to_o be_v mediate_a according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o their_o membership_n the_o church_n be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o parent_n â—â—_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o â—hâ—ldâ—en_n now_o we_o demand_v whether_o this_o be_v any_o more_o than_o the_o church_n shall_v extend_v to_o a_o negro_n or_o indian_a live_v in_o the_o family_n of_o one_o of_o their_o brethren_n for_o shall_v they_o not_o see_v that_o he_o do_v his_o duty_n towards_o he_o and_o that_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n yea_o we_o may_v further_o ask_v whether_o this_o mediate_a watch_n viz._n by_o see_v that_o the_o parent_n do_v their_o duty_n do_v not_o belong_v as_o much_o to_o child_n when_o they_o be_v reject_v and_o disâ—â—rneâ—_n by_o the_o church_n as_o our_o brethren_n will_v have_v they_o and_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o child_n when_o their_o parent_n be_v dead_a as_o how_o many_o fatherless_a and_o motherless_a child_n be_v among_o we_o or_o far_o remove_v and_o when_o child_n be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o not_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o why_o also_o shall_v not_o baptism_n and_o catechise_v as_o well_o as_o other_o church-benefit_n be_v dispense_v only_o mediatelyâ—nd_v â—nd_z not_o immediate_o unto_o child_n the_o reader_n may_v here_o see_v that_o the_o difference_n about_o 〈…〉_z and_o immediate_a membership_n be_v more_o than_o a_o notion_n it_o contain_v under_o it_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n this_o mediate_a membership_n be_v make_v a_o medium_n to_o put_v our_o poor_a child_n from_o
in_o they_o not_o be_v the_o same_o but_o distinct_a for_o in_o the_o one_o the_o argument_n be_v from_o their_o be_v disciple_n or_o scholar_n and_o therefore_o under_o discipline_n in_o christ_n school_n but_o this_o here_o be_v from_o their_o be_v baptise_a and_o that_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o authoritative_a teach_n of_o christ_n minister_n and_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o commandment_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o subjection_n to_o discipline_n for_o thus_o the_o argument_n stand_v they_o that_o be_v baptise_a be_v thereby_o leave_v in_o a_o state_n of_o subject_n on_o to_o the_o authoritative_a teach_n of_o christ_n minister_n and_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o state_n of_o subjection_n to_o discipline_n but_o the_o adult_a person_n speak_v of_o be_v person_n baptise_a therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o proposition_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o text_n mat._n 28.19_o 20._o where_o christ_n minister_n be_v require_v to_o baptise_v and_o to_o teach_v the_o baptise_a to_o observe_v all_o his_o commandment_n the_o assumption_n be_v plain_a of_o itself_o to_o the_o seven_o argument_n viz._n that_o elder_n must_v seed_v i._n e._n both_o teach_v and_o rule_v all_o the_o flock_n and_o that_o child_n be_v part_n of_o the_o flock_n the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o this_o concern_v not_o such_o grow_a person_n as_o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n for_o without_o this_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v of_o the_o flock_n or_o church_n ans._n if_o this_o that_o be_v here_o say_v be_v sufficient_o and_o clear_o prove_v it_o will_v be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o many_o elder_n in_o this_o country_n as_o clear_v they_o from_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o burden_n which_o they_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o be_v under_o and_o when_o the_o holy-ghost_n say_v that_o they_o must_v take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n act._n 20_o 28._o and_o that_o they_o must_v watch_v for_o their_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n heb._n 13.17_o to_o say_v that_o these_o soul_n and_o this_o flock_n be_v only_o such_o as_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n and_o infant_n or_o child_n in_o minority_n and_o that_o these_o last_o mention_v who_o then_o be_v of_o the_o flock_n do_v now_o cease_v to_o be_v of_o it_o when_o they_o become_v â—aul_v and_o that_o now_o the_o elder_n be_v not_o charge_v to_o watch_v over_o they_o any_o long_o nor_o to_o give_v account_n of_o their_o soul_n we_o fear_v this_o will_v be_v a_o undue_a straighten_n and_o limit_v of_o the_o text_n allege_v and_o will_v be_v no_o good_a plea_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o without_o bâ—tâ—er_a proof_n we_o dare_v not_o assent_v unto_o it_o for_o what_o the_o synod_n allege_v that_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o fâ—ock_n or_o church_n at_o ephesus_n do_v also_o write_v to_o child_n eph._n 6.1_o as_o count_v they_o part_n of_o the_o flock_n we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o this_o be_v sufficient_o take_v off_o by_o what_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v viz._n that_o those_o child_n be_v either_o child_n in_o their_o minority_n or_o if_o adult_n they_o be_v personal_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o so_o in_o full_a communion_n for_o let_v the_o word_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o text_n be_v consider_v and_o we_o conceive_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o this_o exposition_n of_o the_o place_n be_v too_o narrow_a for_o the_o child_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v such_o as_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v their_o parent_n in_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v right_o and_o such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o five_o commandment_n the_o word_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n do_v there_o allege_v honour_v thy_o father_n and_o mother_n etc._n etc._n now_o how_o shall_v it_o appear_v that_o though_o child_n in_o minority_n and_o child_n when_o admit_v into_o full_a communion_n in_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v their_o parent_n and_o to_o honour_n father_n and_o mother_n yet_o other_o child_n be_v not_o so_o bind_v be_v there_o any_o ground_n for_o it_o that_o child_n now_o adult_n if_o not_o in_o full_a communion_n in_o the_o church_n be_v exempt_v from_o this_o commandment_n of_o obedience_n to_o their_o parent_n and_o of_o honour_v of_o they_o we_o conceive_v there_o be_v none_o and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o than_o the_o child_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v child_n adult_v as_o well_o as_o other_o whether_o in_o full_a communion_n or_o not_o and_o if_o so_o than_o these_o child_n as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v part_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o who_o that_o epistle_n be_v write_v and_o then_o the_o whole_a flock_n be_v under_o the_o charge_n of_o elder_n to_o feed_v they_o i._n e._n both_o to_o teach_v and_o kâ—lâ—_n they_o it_o appear_v thereby_o that_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v that_o these_o child_n be_v under_o the_o watch_n and_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sound_a and_o good_a and_o so_o stand_v for_o all_o that_o be_v here_o allege_a to_o the_o contrary_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o eight_o argument_n from_o the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n break_v into_o church_n and_o the_o want_n of_o any_o churchway_n to_o prevent_v and_o heal_v the_o same_o if_o these_o child_n of_o church-member_n be_v not_o under_o church-government_n and_o discipline_n and_o that_o through_o want_n hereof_o many_o church-member_n will_v be_v bring_v under_o that_o dreadful_a judgement_n of_o be_v let-alone_n in_o their_o wickedness_n hos._n 4.16_o 17._o the_o reverend_a author_n name_v sundry_a other_o mean_n for_o prevent_v these_o evil_n as_o that_o no_o adult_n personâ—_n be_v receive_v into_o personal_a membership_n till_o fit_v for_o all_o church-communion_n and_o that_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v to_o bind_v and_o loose_v be_v right_o manage_v towards_o delinquent-member_n that_o be_v orderly_o admit_v into_o church-communion_n and_o for_o other_o that_o be_v not_o thus_o join_v to_o the_o church_n that_o authority_n in_o family_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v wise_o and_o faithful_o manage_v towards_o such_o pag._n 15_o 16._o ans._n all_o these_o we_o acknowledge_v may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v much_o available_a in_o their_o way_n for_o â—he_n purpose_n allege_v and_o oh_o that_o there_o be_v due_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n in_o churcheâ—_n family_n and_o commonwealth_n for_o the_o faithful_a and_o due_a exercise_n hereof_o nevertheless_o we_o conceive_v all_o these_o be_v not_o â—â—fficienâ—_n for_o the_o purpose_n desire_v 1._o because_o some_o of_o they_o be_v not_o church-waye_n at_o all_o of_o which_o the_o synod_n argument_n speak_v though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o express_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n and_o therefore_o tâ—ough_o government_n in_o family_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v careful_o use_v in_o the_o manner_n express_v yet_o churchway_n may_v be_v want_v for_o all_o this_o 2._o those_o church-waye_n that_o be_v mention_v viz._n care_n in_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o due_a manage_v the_o key_n of_o discipline_n to_o they_o that_o be_v so_o admit_v these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prevent_v the_o evil_n speak_v of_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a multitude_n of_o person_n who_o be_v either_o bear_v in_o the_o church_n or_o be_v admit_v thereinto_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n who_o if_o they_o be_v not_o under_o church-discipline_n when_o adult_n be_v let_v alone_o in_o their_o wickedness_n in_o respect_n of_o any_o churchway_n to_o heal_v they_o and_o by_o want_n of_o this_o church-discipline_n towards_o these_o person_n irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n may_v break_v into_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o all_o church-waye_n towards_o other_o and_o all_o other_o way_n in_o commonwealth_n and_o family_n towards_o these_o for_o churchway_n for_o the_o good_a of_o these_o there_o be_v none_o if_o they_o be_v not_o under_o church-government_n and_o discipline_n as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n that_o the_o church_n censure_v of_o adult_n person_n admit_v before_o they_o be_v qualify_v for_o communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n will_v not_o prevent_v or_o heal_v those_o evil_n see_v the_o lord_n bless_v only_o his_o own_o institution_n not_o man_n device_n and_o that_o humane_a invention_n usual_o cause_v the_o evil_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o cure_v pag._n 15._o this_o reason_n may_v have_v in_o itself_o a_o truth_n viz._n that_o god_n institution_n and_o not_o man_n invention_n be_v the_o way_n wherein_o man_n may_v expect_v a_o blessing_n but_o if_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v affirm_v of_o church-discipline_n towards_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o that_o such_o church-discipline_n be_v a_o humane_a
invention_n why_o shall_v this_o be_v affirm_v and_o not_o prove_v for_o as_o for_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o they_o be_v not_o first_o admit_v when_o adult_n but_o before_o they_o be_v adult_n even_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n and_o now_o be_v adult_n and_o yet_o never_o cut_v off_o or_o cast_v out_o from_o their_o church-relation_n if_o by_o sin_n they_o deserve_v church-censure_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o apply_v to_o they_o but_o that_o in_o respect_n thereof_o they_o be_v let_v alone_o be_v they_o not_o then_o under_o that_o judgement_n hos._n 4_o of_o be_v â—eâ—_n alone_o in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o do_v not_o this_o neglect_v make_v way_n for_o irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n in_o church_n no_o churchway_n be_v use_v towards_o these_o for_o prevent_v thereof_o for_o we_o do_v not_o see_v any_o ground_n to_o think_v that_o the_o use_n of_o church_n discipline_n towards_o such_o be_v a_o humane_a invention_n for_o these_o particular_n to_o we_o do_v seem_v plain_a 1._o that_o church-discipline_n shall_v be_v use_v towards_o all_o that_o be_v within_o the_o church_n as_o there_o may_v be_v occasion_n and_o need_v of_o it_o and_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o understanding_n and_o age_n they_o be_v capable_a 2._o it_o be_v plain_a also_o that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v once_o within_o the_o church_n and_o as_o such_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n this_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o by_o join_v with_o the_o antipoedobaptist_n in_o deny_v the_o baâ—â—â—sm_n and_o church-membership_a of_o little_a child_n and_o last_o it_o be_v plain_a also_o that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o though_o now_o they_o be_v adult_n be_v never_o yet_o in_o any_o way_n of_o god_n cast_v out_o or_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n and_o the_o relation_n to_o it_o which_o they_o former_o have_v and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v far_o from_o deserve_v any_o such_o matter_n now_o though_o church-government_n and_o church-discipline_n towards_o such_o as_o be_v never_o in_o the_o church_n may_v be_v count_v a_o humane_a dâ—vicâ—_n yet_o for_o such_o as_o be_v once_o according_a to_o order_n and_o divine_a institution_n within_o it_o as_o member_n thereof_o and_o never_o be_v since_o strut_v of_o 〈◊〉_d or_o cut_v off_o fâ—om_o that_o relation_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o to_o say_v that_o church-government_n and_o church-discipline_n towards_o such_o be_v a_o humane_a invention_n we_o see_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n either_o so_o to_o say_v or_o think_v but_o do_v rather_o conceive_v that_o this_o church-discipline_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o humane_a invention_n that_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o be_v a_o neglect_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n and_o that_o aâ—_n swoon_v of_o 〈◊〉_d personspunc_fw-la and_o declare_v of_o they_o to_o be_v non-member_n which_o some_o speak_v for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o church-censure_n what_o be_v it_o other_o than_o a_o humane_a invention_n and_o device_n so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o what_o be_v say_v by_o the_o synod_n in_o their_o three_o proposition_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n when_o grow_v up_o be_v under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n propose_v 4._o the_o four_o proposition_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v that_o these_o adult_n person_n be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v and_o continue_v member_n without_o such_o further_a qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v thereunto_o by_o which_o proposition_n of_o the_o synod_n there_o be_v a_o prevent_n of_o a_o usual_a objection_n from_o the_o danger_n of_o pollute_v the_o ordinance_n by_o unworthy_a partaker_n if_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n be_v count_v member_n and_o to_o be_v as_o such_o under_o church-watchfulness_n and_o government_n when_o adult_n for_o some_o may_v think_v that_o if_o this_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n be_v grant_v there_o will_v then_o be_v danger_n that_o they_o will_v also_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n afore_o they_o be_v due_o qualify_v for_o that_o ordinance_n now_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o four_o proposition_n be_v to_o prevent_v this_o evil_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v admire_v that_o the_o proposition_n shall_v not_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n and_o by_o all_o that_o desire_v the_o lord_n supper_n may_v be_v preserve_v from_o unworthy_a partaker_n as_o we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o he_o do_v but_o why_o then_o be_v this_o proposition_n stick_v at_o if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o these_o adult_n person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o fâ—ll_v communion_n without_o such_o qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v thereunto_o which_o be_v what_o the_o synod_n say_v must_v the_o contrary_a to_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v thereunto_o without_o such_o qualification_n at_o all_o we_o suppose_v the_o reverend_a author_n will_v not_o grant_v this_o and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o consent_n to_o the_o other_o but_o except_v against_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o for_o say_v he_o though_o this_o proposition_n seem_v to_o they_o plain_o yet_o it_o seem_v not_o sufficient_o clear_v by_o their_o proof_n 1._o from_o 1_o cor._n 11.28_o 29._o where_o it_o be_v require_v that_o such_o as_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n else_o they_o will_v eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o and_o eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o themselves_o when_o they_o partake_v of_o this_o ordinance_n but_o this_o ability_n be_v too_o ofâ—â—n_o see_v to_o be_v want_v in_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n pag._n 16_o 17._o to_o this_o argument_n the_o reply_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n be_v by_o way_n of_o concession_n and_o of_o exception_n his_o concession_n be_v two_o 1._o that_o the_o want_n of_o such_o ability_n in_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v indeed_o too_o often_o see_v through_o the_o too_o frequent_a neglect_n of_o parent_n in_o their_o education_n and_o of_o minister_n and_o church_n in_o their_o institution_n or_o instruction_n and_o catechise_v and_o watch_v over_o they_o pag._n 17._o ans._n it_o seem_v then_o that_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n even_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n for_o it_o be_v of_o such_o that_o the_o synod_n argument_n here_o speak_v and_o so_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v express_v it_o be_v not_o only_o under_o the_o education_n of_o parent_n but_o also_o under_o the_o institution_n catechise_v and_o watch_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o of_o the_o church_n how_o then_o will_v that_o stand_v which_o be_v say_v before_o pag._n 10._o that_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o here_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v under_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o under_o church-watch_n proper_o as_o such_o then_o under_o discipline_n and_o that_o the_o neglect_n of_o minister_n and_o church_n herein_o be_v one_o cause_n of_o their_o want_n of_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n now_o can_v the_o neglect_n of_o church-watchfulness_n be_v a_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_a if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v under_o the_o same_o these_o thing_n seem_v not_o well_o to_o agree_v again_o if_o the_o want_n of_o such_o ability_n be_v too_o often_o see_v in_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n when_o grow_v up_o as_o be_v here_o acknowledge_v then_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v seem_v to_o be_v true_a and_o stand_v good_a that_o such_o grow_v person_n though_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o church-member_n be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o notwithstanding_o this_o they_o may_v want_v that_o ability_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o such_o full_a communion_n 2._o the_o second_o concession_n here_o be_v that_o membership_n be_v separable_a from_o yea_o destitute_a of_o such-ability_n in_o the_o infant-seed_n or_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o minority_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o text_n viz._n 1_o cor._n 1â—_n 28_o 29._o prove_v it_o ans._n do_v that_o text_n prove_v that_o infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n though_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o do_v it_o not_o also_o prove_v the_o same_o concern_v child_n when_o adult_n if_o this_o disability_n be_v find_v in_o they_o also_o sure_a infant_n and_o child_n in_o
and_o this_o not_o only_o secret_o and_o in_o heart_n but_o so_o outward_o and_o visible_o as_o to_o be_v scandalous_a therein_o how_o this_o can_v be_v we_o must_v confess_v we_o do_v not_o understand_v to_o that_o of_o the_o synod_n where_o they_o say_v that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n do_v not_o put_v in_o any_o bar_n to_o hinder_v their_o child_n from_o baptism_n and_o that_o this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o proposition_n where_o they_o be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o answer_n say_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o parent_n may_v put_v in_o a_o bar_n to_o hinder_v their_o child_n from_o baptism_n because_o a_o man_n may_v do_v and_o be_v all_o that_o be_v require_v in_o that_o proposition_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o christ_n but_o be_v a_o unregenerate_a person_n ans._n it_o be_v one_o thing_n what_o a_o man_n may_v do_v and_o yet_o be_v a_o unregenerate_a person_n real_o and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o be_v visible_o so_o in_o the_o view_n of_o man_n and_o in_o their_o rational_a judgement_n for_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v and_o do_v outward_o and_o visible_o all_o that_o the_o proposition_n mention_v yea_o and_o all_o that_o can_v be_v name_v further_o and_o yet_o be_v real_o and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n a_o unregenerate_a person_n but_o yet_o this_o need_v not_o to_o hinder_v his_o child_n from_o baptism_n before_o the_o church_n for_o such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o judas_n ananias_n and_o sapphira_n simon_n magus_n and_o other_o who_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v and_o yet_o be_v dead_a rev._n 3.1_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o deadness_n and_o unregeneracy_n of_o they_o the_o church_n do_v warrantable_o admit_v they_o and_o they_o to_o baptism_n because_o visible_o and_o for_o aught_o that_o the_o church_n can_v discern_v they_o be_v regenerate_v since_o de_fw-fr occultis_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v do_v and_o be_v all_o that_o the_o proposition_n mention_v and_o yet_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o without_o faith_n not_o only_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o also_o visible_o and_o to_o the_o church_n judgement_n this_o seem_v not_o very_o probable_a even_o one_o of_o the_o particular_n which_o the_o proposition_n mention_v viz._n that_o of_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n be_v speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o token_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n bestow_v on_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n 2_o cor._n 8.1_o 5._o and_o when_o the_o synod_n mention_v not_o only_o this_o particular_a but_o five_o or_o six_o other_o in_o the_o proposition_n must_v we_o for_o all_o this_o say_v that_o man_n may_v do_v this_o and_o all_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o that_o proposition_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o grace_n of_o god_n bestow_v on_o they_o but_o be_v even_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la without_o all_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o unregenerate_a estate_n and_o so_o put_v in_o a_o bar_n to_o hinder_v the_o baptism_n of_o their_o child_n we_o can_v but_o fear_v such_o judgement_n be_v more_o rigorous_a than_o charity_n will_v allow_v for_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n mat._n 12._o &_o 7._o and_o that_o even_o a_o child_n be_v know_v by_o his_o do_n whether_o his_o work_n be_v pure_a and_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a prov._n 20.11_o and_o therefore_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o thing_n for_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o proposition_n and_o nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a we_o think_v such_o parent_n have_v be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o minority_n may_v just_o be_v look_v at_o as_o those_o who_o do_v not_o put_v in_o any_o bar_n to_o hinder_v their_o child_n from_o baptism_n the_o reverend_a author_n further_o say_v pag._n 25._o though_o these_o parent_n be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n but_o solemn_o own_o the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n 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 yet_o all_o these_o may_v be_v affirm_v of_o many_o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o such_o paul_n warn_v timothy_n to_o turn_v away_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o ans._n but_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o those_o in_o 2_o tim._n 3._o can_v answer_v all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o this_o proposition_n be_v they_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n but_o do_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n what_o then_o mean_v the_o many_o scandalous_a sin_n mention_v ver_n 2_o 3_o 4._o and_o what_o be_v this_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n that_o be_v charge_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v most_o like_o it_o be_v such_o a_o deny_v as_o that_o in_o tit._n 1.16_o where_o they_o be_v say_v to_o profess_v to_o know_v god_n but_o by_o work_n to_o deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a disobedient_a and_o to_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a and_o if_o so_o than_o they_o be_v far_o from_o answer_v what_o be_v say_v of_o these_o parent_n for_o these_o parent_n be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n but_o those_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v scandalous_a and_o abominable_a for_o wickedness_n these_o parent_n be_v commendable_a for_o sundry_a good_a thing_n in_o they_o and_o good_a duty_n do_v by_o they_o whereas_o those_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v not_o so_o but_o disobedient_a and_o to_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a and_o when_o the_o apostle_n bid_v timothy_n turn_v away_o from_o such_o do_v not_o this_o simple_o that_o they_o be_v scandalous_a person_n and_o apparent_o wicked_a it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o the_o apostle_n will_v else_o have_v command_v to_o turn_v from_o they_o since_o he_o himself_o do_v so_o love_o converse_v with_o so_o many_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 9.19_o 20_o etc._n etc._n and_o give_v commandment_n to_o receive_v the_o weak_a rom._n 14.1_o and_o to_o instruct_v with_o meekness_n such_o as_o oppose_v themselves_o if_o god_n peradventure_o may_v give_v they_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n 2_o tim._n 2.25_o which_o thing_n do_v strong_o argue_v that_o those_o who_o he_o command_v in_o 2_o tim._n 3._o to_o turn_v away_o from_o be_v not_o such_o as_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o proposition_n but_o far_o worse_o be_v apparent_o and_o gross_o wicked_a for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v the_o apostle_n in_o command_v to_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o be_v clear_v from_o direct_a contradict_v both_o his_o own_o doctrine_n and_o his_o own_o practice_n but_o let_v those_o in_o 2_o tim._n 3._o who_o he_o command_v to_o turn_v away_o from_o be_v understand_v of_o person_n gross_o vicious_a and_o scandalous_a and_o then_o the_o appearance_n of_o contradiction_n be_v easy_o clear_v and_o so_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n clear_v from_o be_v such_o person_n as_o must_v be_v turn_v away_o from_o so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n but_o before_o the_o reverend_a author_n proceed_v to_o the_o next_o he_o be_v something_o large_a in_o suggest_v that_o the_o elder_n do_v admit_v person_n into_o membership_n who_o be_v not_o qualify_v according_a to_o what_o be_v say_v in_o this_o proposition_n so_o that_o if_o their_o doctrine_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v right_a yet_o it_o be_v here_o pag._n 25_o 26._o frequent_o intimate_v that_o their_o practice_n be_v otherwise_o for_o say_v he_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o all_o adult_n person_n who_o they_o admit_v into_o personal_a and_o immediate_a membership_n be_v such_o as_o the_o proposition_n describe_v for_o i_o demand_v do_v they_o all_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n what_o course_n do_v they_o take_v to_o know_v it_o be_v all_o the_o adult_a person_n who_o they_o admit_v into_o membership_n such_o as_o the_o proposition_n describe_v do_v they_o take_v a_o right_a course_n to_o know_v they_o be_v such_o that_o they_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n etc._n etc._n ans._n the_o proposition_n speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n and_o therefore_o what_o be_v do_v towards_o these_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n be_v not_o fit_o call_v admit_v into_o membership_n for_o as_o mr._n cotton_n say_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n for_o that_o agree_v to_o such_o as_o be_v sometime_o without_o another_o thing_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n who_o be_v never_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o can_v be_v
the_o reverend_a author_n do_v more_o than_o once_o acknowledge_v and_o testify_v pag._n 23_o 28_o 33_o 43_o 45._o it_o be_v too_o long_o to_o transcribe_v all_o the_o word_n that_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o page_n quote_v but_o in_o sum_n there_o be_v thus_o much_o there_o affirm_v and_o teach_v that_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o child_n be_v comprehend_v in_o their_o minority_n leave_v they_o under_o engagement_n to_o duty_n and_o obedience_n when_o they_o become_v adult_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o according_o perform_v they_o be_v then_o transgressor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o breaker_n of_o it_o now_o if_o they_o be_v breaker_n of_o it_o be_v it_o not_o thereby_o clear_a that_o they_o be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o and_o so_o what_o be_v here_o say_v by_o the_o synod_n stand_v good_a thus_o of_o the_o first_o particular_a that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v personal_a member_n the_o second_o be_v that_o they_o be_v immediate_a member_n as_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o membership_n i._n e._n that_o they_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o person_n be_v the_o immediate_a subject_n of_o this_o adjunct_n of_o church-membership_a though_o they_o come_v to_o it_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o parent_n covenant_v for_o proof_n whereof_o one_o thing_n allege_v by_o the_o synod_n be_v that_o john_n 22.25_o 27._o where_o the_o child_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o which_o church-membership_a be_v equivalent_a as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n and_o nothing_o come_v between_o this_o subject_a the_o child_n so_o as_o to_o sever_v it_o from_o the_o adjunct_n a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o child_n be_v immediate_a subject_n of_o church-membership_a or_o immediate_a member_n now_o what_o say_v the_o reverend_a author_n unto_o this_o why_o that_o which_o he_o say_v be_v that_o though_o nothing_o come_v between_o to_o sever_v that_o adjunct_n from_o the_o subject_a yet_o something_o come_v between_o to_o bring_v that_o subject_a and_o adjunct_n together_o viz._n the_o parent_n covenant_v for_o the_o child_n which_o if_o it_o do_v not_o come_v between_o they_o will_v be_v sever_v as_o they_o be_v in_o other_o child_n ans._n but_o what_o be_v there_o in_o this_o to_o overthrow_v the_o synod_n assertion_n do_v not_o they_o express_o grant_v in_o term_n as_o plain_a as_o can_v be_v speak_v and_o that_o more_o than_o once_o that_o the_o child_n come_v to_o this_o adjunct_n of_o church-membership_a by_o mean_n of_o their_o parent_n covenant_v see_v their_o word_n in_o their_o pag._n 23._o and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v no_o remove_n of_o what_o they_o have_v say_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o they_o have_v say_v before_o the_o question_n be_v not_o about_o the_o way_n or_o meanâ—_n of_o child_n membership_n for_o it_o be_v free_o yield_v that_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v mediate_v that_o be_v they_o come_v unto_o it_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o parent_n covenant_v but_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o essâ—â—â—â—_n nature_n or_o kâ—mâ—e_n of_o their_o membership_n whether_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o the_o parent_n and_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n the_o immediate_a subject_n of_o it_o and_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o former_a be_v no_o denial_n of_o this_o other_o if_o a_o parent_n have_v room_n or_o place_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o house_n and_o his_o child_n be_v there_o also_o though_o he_o come_v thither_o in_o the_o parent_n arm_n yet_o may_v it_o not_o be_v say_v that_o this_o child_n have_v a_o place_n and_o be_v in_o the_o house_n as_o true_o and_o as_o proper_o as_o the_o parent_n although_o he_o come_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o parent_n mean_n even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n the_o child_n come_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o so_o in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o parent_n covenant_v yet_o now_o he_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v a_o room_n and_o place_n therein_o as_o true_o and_o as_o proper_o as_o the_o parent_n again_o the_o synod_n have_v say_v that_o their_o visible_a engraff_n into_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o so_o into_o the_o church_n his_o body_n be_v seal_v in_o baptism_n and_o that_o in_o engraff_n nothing_o come_v between_o the_o graft_n and_o the_o stock_n their_o union_n be_v immediate_a the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v immediate_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n ans._n and_o why_o will_v not_o this_o follow_v if_o their_o union_n with_o the_o church_n be_v engraff_n and_o that_o in_o engraff_n nothing_o come_v between_o the_o gâ—â—ft_n and_o the_o stock_n do_v it_o not_o then_o follow_v that_o their_o union_n with_o the_o church_n be_v immediate_a and_o they_o immediate_a member_n of_o it_o for_o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v that_o this_o union_n be_v not_o proper_o but_o metaphorical_o call_v engraff_n because_o there_o be_v some_o similitude_n here_o but_o similitude_n do_v run_v on_o four_o foot_n it_o suffice_v that_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a point_n ans._n but_o how_o do_v they_o agree_v therein_o if_o for_o all_o this_o in_o graft_n there_o be_v something_o between_o the_o stock_n and_o they_o be_v it_o not_o a_o main_a point_n in_o engraff_n that_o the_o union_n between_o the_o branch_n and_o the_o stock_n be_v immediate_a and_o that_o nothing_o lie_v between_o they_o who_o know_v not_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o that_o some_o stock_n or_o stone_n or_o something_o else_o be_v between_o they_o so_o that_o their_o union_n be_v not_o immediate_a who_o know_v not_o that_o in_o such_o case_n the_o engraff_n be_v spoil_v and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o branch_n interrupt_v because_o its_o union_n with_o the_o stock_n be_v not_o immediate_a if_o then_o the_o union_n of_o member_n with_o the_o church_n be_v engraff_n how_o can_v it_o be_v avoid_v but_o it_o must_v be_v immediate_a and_o so_o they_o be_v immediate_a member_n as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v here_o subjoin_v that_o infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n do_v partake_v of_o baptism_n and_o other_o privilege_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o but_o adult_a person_n by_o their_o personal_a covenant_v for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o their_o membership_n but_o only_o speak_v to_o the_o way_n and_o meanâ—_n how_o they_o come_v to_o it_o which_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n for_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o child_n come_v to_o be_v member_n by_o their_o parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o and_o the_o parent_n by_o their_o own_o covenant_v and_o yet_o their_o membership_n notwithstanding_o this_o different_a way_n of_o attain_v it_o may_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o essence_n and_o kind_a and_o both_o have_v immediate_a conjunction_n with_o the_o church_n for_o that_o where_o the_o synod_n say_v that_o in_o deut._n 29.11_o the_o child_n be_v personal_o and_o immediate_o part_v of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n the_o answer_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n be_v that_o the_o text_n do_v not_o prove_v it_o ans._n and_o yet_o the_o word_n be_v express_v and_o plain_a that_o they_o do_v all_o stand_n before_o the_o lord_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v establish_v they_o a_o people_n to_o himself_o and_o the_o person_n of_o who_o this_o be_v say_v be_v not_o only_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n but_o also_o their_o wife_n and_o their_o little_a one_o so_o that_o if_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n and_o their_o wife_n be_v personal_o and_o immediate_o member_n of_o that_o church_n their_o little_a one_o for_o aught_o that_o appear_v be_v so_o also_o for_o they_o be_v all_o alike_o speak_v of_o without_o difference_n whereas_o the_o synod_n say_v that_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n or_o to_o be_v a_o covenantee_n be_v the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la of_o a_o church-member_n and_o the_o child_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v therefore_o the_o immediate_a subject_n of_o the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la of_o membership_n and_o so_o immediate_a member_n the_o answer_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n be_v that_o though_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n be_v the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la of_o a_o church-member_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o every_o covenantee_n do_v immediate_o covenant_n for_o himself_o nor_o that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o immediate_a member_n pag._n 39_o ans._n for_o the_o one_o of_o these_o viz._n of_o covenant_v immediate_o for_o themselves_o the_o synod_n never_o say_v nor_o mean_v that_o little_a child_n do_v so_o covenant_n nor_o
than_o the_o servant_n since_o in_o the_o cafe_z allege_v the_o servant_n may_v trade_v under_o the_o freeman_n as_o well_o as_o the_o child_n may_v we_o suppose_v none_o will_v say_v this_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o the_o comparison_n do_v not_o suit_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n the_o order_n and_o privilege_n of_o corporation_n be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o several_a charter_n but_o what_o the_o charter_n of_o the_o church_n be_v we_o know_v viz._n that_o in_o gen._n 17._o it_o take_v in_o child_n into_o the_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o do_v not_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v put_v out_o till_o censurable_a iniquity_n do_v appear_v 2._o if_o in_o some_o corporation_n one_o that_o be_v freeborn_a do_v lose_v his_o privilege_n when_o he_o become_v adult_n if_o he_o do_v not_o then_o enter_v personal_o into_o the_o engagement_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o sure_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v say_v of_o paul_n who_o yet_o plead_v his_o privilege_n of_o be_v a_o freeman_n of_o rome_n because_o he_o be_v so_o bear_v without_o mention_n of_o any_o personal_a act_n of_o his_o own_o for_o attain_v that_o privilege_n act_v 22._o and_o if_o paul_n be_v freeborn_a do_v retain_v his_o freedom_n when_o adult_n without_o any_o personal_a act_n of_o his_o own_o for_o that_o end_n why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o church-membership_a though_o in_o all_o civil_a corporation_n it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o child_n of_o bond-servant_n as_o bind_v also_o and_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o fâ—er_n as_o free_v also_o without_o mention_n of_o any_o act_n of_o the_o child_n to_o procure_v that_o relation_n or_o state_n in_o the_o one_o case_n or_o in_o the_o other_o â—euâ—_n 25.46_o 54._o and_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o it_o may_v be_v so_o also_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v a_o member_n the_o child_n be_v so_o also_o and_o so_o continue_v 〈◊〉_d i._n e_o be_v cut_v off_o not_o lose_v his_o membership_n by_o the_o mere_a not_o perform_v of_o what_o may_v fit_v he_o for_o full_a communion_n 3._o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o corporation_n that_o a_o freeman_n child_n do_v lose_v his_o freedom_n when_o adult_n if_o he_o do_v not_o then_o in_o his_o own_o person_n enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n and_o if_o it_o be_v also_o so_o in_o the_o church_n that_o a_o member_n child_n shall_v lose_v his_o membership_n when_o adult_n if_o he_o do_v not_o then_o personal_o covenant_n though_o this_o be_v more_o than_o we_o see_v prove_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v so_o we_o see_v not_o how_o this_o can_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o in_o this_o five_o proposition_n for_o of_o they_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o they_o do_v solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n and_o therein_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o though_o freedom_n in_o a_o corporation_n and_o membership_n in_o the_o church_n may_v be_v lose_v by_o not_o enter_v personal_o into_o the_o common_a engagement_n and_o covenant_n yet_o except_o we_o shall_v say_v it_o may_v be_v lose_v though_o this_o personal_a engagement_n and_o enter_v be_v perform_v and_o do_v except_o we_o shall_v say_v this_o we_o can_v say_v that_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o person_n in_o question_n be_v lose_v at_o all_o but_o do_v still_o continue_v since_o they_o be_v such_o as_o do_v thus_o personal_o engage_v and_o covenant_n as_o for_o that_o text_n rom._n 2.25_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n thy_o circumcision_n be_v make_v no_o circumcision_n which_o be_v here_o allege_a again_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v touch_v this_o text_n before_o in_o pag._n 33._o last_o whereas_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v those_o text_n in_o rom._n 11.16_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v not_o applicable_a to_o the_o adult_a person_n in_o question_n but_o only_o to_o infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o synod_n do_v not_o at_o all_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o adult_a person_n in_o question_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n so_o to_o think_v but_o have_v say_v that_o these_o person_n be_v personal_a immediate_a and_o yet-continuing_a member_n they_o do_v thence_o infer_v that_o their_o child_n be_v therefore_o also_o member_n in_o covenant_n and_o holy_a and_o consequent_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n which_o inference_n and_o consequence_n the_o reverend_a author_n we_o be_v persuade_v will_v not_o deny_v if_o the_o ground_n thereof_o be_v good_a that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o synod_n apprehend_v that_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o although_o the_o text_n allege_v be_v not_o applicable_a to_o the_o adult_a person_n in_o question_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v applicable_a to_o such_o infant_n and_o little_a child_n who_o parent_n be_v personal_a immediate_a and_o yet-continuing_a member_n they_o do_v then_o sufficient_o serve_v the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v here_o allege_v by_o the_o synod_n so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o six_o and_o last_o argument_n for_o confirm_v this_o five_o proposition_n propos._n 6._o the_o six_o proposition_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v this_o such_o church-member_n who_o either_o by_o death_n or_o some_o extraordinary_a providence_n have_v be_v inevitable_o hinder_v from_o public_a act_n as_o aforesaid_a yet_o have_v give_v the_o church_n cause_n in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o look_v at_o they_o as_o so_o qualify_v and_o such_o as_o have_v they_o be_v call_v thereunto_o will_v have_v so_o act_v their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o this_o proposition_n may_v not_o be_v grant_v for_o it_o grant_v the_o privilege_n of_o church-membership_a to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o actual_o and_o regular_o church-member_n ans._n and_o yet_o the_o proposition_n in_o the_o very_a first_o word_n of_o it_o do_v express_o declare_v that_o what_o church-priviledge_n be_v here_o mention_v be_v not_o grant_v to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o church-member_n but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v such_o church-member_n say_v the_o synod_n who_o etc._n etc._n their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a so_o that_o though_o church-priviledge_n may_v not_o be_v grant_v to_o such_o who_o be_v not_o church-member_n yet_o to_o the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o baptism_n of_o their_o child_n may_v be_v grant_v without_o any_o such_o undue_a grant_n of_o church_n privilege_n since_o the_o synod_n do_v not_o say_v these_o person_n be_v not_o church-member_n but_o do_v express_o say_v they_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o these_o person_n be_v that_o they_o have_v not_o act_v according_a to_o the_o five_o proposition_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v be_v inevitable_o hinder_v therein_o and_o have_v give_v the_o church_n cause_n in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o look_v at_o they_o as_o willing_a to_o have_v so_o act_v and_o therefore_o have_v be_v church-member_n from_o their_o birth_n or_o minority_n how_o can_v the_o apply_v of_o baptism_n to_o their_o child_n be_v the_o grant_n of_o a_o church-priviledge_n to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o church-member_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v hinder_v from_o act_v as_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n but_o have_v indeed_o so_o do_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o will_v have_v make_v they_o member_n they_o have_v be_v member_n afore_o and_o though_o they_o be_v now_o adult_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v afore_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n arg._n 6._o part._n 3._o that_o their_o membership_n do_v still_o continue_v and_o therefore_o the_o grant_n of_o church-priviledge_n to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o church-member_n may_v be_v yield_v to_o be_v unwarrantable_a without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o or_o to_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v concern_v they_o and_o whereas_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v here_o lay_v down_o two_o inference_n 1._o that_o a_o ordinary_a minister_n can_v orderly_o do_v a_o act_n of_o office_n to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o regular_a and_o actual_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o if_o he_o do_v it_o will_v be_v usurpation_n 2._o that_o the_o church_n may_v not_o receive_v into_o any_o privilege_n of_o church-communion_n such_o as_o be_v not_o actual_o in_o public_a church-order_n these_o may_v both_o be_v grant_v and_o yet_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v not_o be_v at_o all_o infringe_v thereby_o for_o consider_v that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v church-member_n long_o ago_o and_o have_v never_o since_o be_v