the_o church_n membership_n of_o child_n and_o their_o right_n to_o baptism_n according_a to_o that_o holy_a and_o everlasting_a covenant_n of_o god_n establish_v between_o himself_o and_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n clear_v up_o in_o a_o letter_n send_v unto_o a_o worthy_a friend_n of_o the_o author_n and_o many_o year_n ago_o write_v touch_v that_o subject_n by_o thomas_n shepard_n sometime_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o cambridg_n in_o new-england_n publish_a 〈◊〉_d the_o earnest_a request_n of_o many_o for_o the_o consolation_n and_o encouragement_n both_o of_o parent_n and_o child_n in_o the_o lord_n genesis_n 17.7_o and_o i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o theâ—_n and_o thy_o 〈…〉_z generation_n for_o a_o everlasting_a â—â—venant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o mark_n 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v acts._n 2.39_o for_o the_o promise_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v aâ—â—râ—_n off_o even_o as_o many_o as_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v call_v 1_o cor._n 7.14_o else_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a but_o now_o be_v they_o holy_a cambridg_n print_v by_o samuel_n green_n 1663._o chemnitius_n that_o eminent_a light_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o those_o elaborate_a work_n of_o his_o against_o the_o papist_n exam_n part_n 2._o can_n 14._o de_fw-la baptismo_fw-la have_v this_o memorable_a say_n viz._n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v free_a to_o the_o choice_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v baptise_a in_o infancy_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v adult_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o will_v have_v that_o confirm_v which_o be_v do_v in_o their_o baptism_n as_o though_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n &_o testament_n of_o peace_n which_o be_v offer_v and_o seal_v up_o to_o little_a child_n in_o baptism_n shall_v then_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v establish_v when_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o will_n when_o adult_n be_v add_v thereunto_o for_o from_o this_o wicked_a foundation_n the_o anabaptist_n simple_o have_v take_v away_o and_o condemn_a paedobaptism_n but_o such_o baptise_a little_a one_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v as_o they_o grow_v up_o what_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o testament_n of_o peace_n it_o be_v which_o god_n have_v enter_v into_o with_o they_o in_o baptism_n and_o by_o what_o promise_n of_o gratitude_n they_o have_v likewise_o oblige_v themselves_o 〈◊〉_d obedience_n to_o god_n with_o the_o renounce_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v exhort_v that_o they_o render_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o that_o wonderful_a great_a benefit_n that_o they_o abide_v in_o that_o covenant_n of_o peace_n and_o endeavour_v to_o fullfil_v that_o obligation_n by_o mortify_a sin_n and_o set_v upon_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o that_o they_o do_v this_o free_o and_o sincere_o or_o if_o they_o shall_v through_o unthankfullness_n depart_v from_o that_o covenant_n and_o engagement_n that_o then_o they_o repent_v and_o return_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o subject_n themselves_o again_o to_o that_o stipulated_a obedience_n but_o we_o for_o they_o that_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o the_o most_o severe_a commination_n of_o the_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v heap_v up_o and_o set_v before_o they_o unto_o which_o say_v he_o excommunication_n be_v to_o be_v add_v for_o these_o be_v the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n 2._o cor._n 10._o a_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n mâ—ght_v i_o have_v have_v i_o own_o choice_n and_o desire_v grant_v some_o other_o shall_v have_v perform_v the_o task_n of_o a_o preface_n to_o the_o follow_a treatise_n of_o my_o precious_a and_o much_o honour_a father_n but_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o by_o divers_a worthy_a friend_n who_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o deny_v i_o shall_v therefore_o humble_o premise_v a_o word_n or_o two_o in_o tenderness_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o out_o of_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o those_o especial_o of_o christ_n poor_a sheep_n how_o ever_o feeble_a or_o disease_a that_o either_o have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o go_v astray_o from_o so_o great_a a_o truth_n as_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v sincere_o desirous_a that_o they_o may_v be_v restore_v and_o from_o thence_o return_v unto_o the_o shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o may_v in_o nothing_o be_v make_v a_o prey_n to_o he_o who_o be_v our_o great_a adversary_n the_o devil_n who_o walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v for_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o device_n the_o enmity_n put_v by_o the_o lord_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n gen._n 3.15_o soon_o begin_v to_o work_v even_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o family_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n as_o we_o see_v gen._n 4.8_o by_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o righteous_a abel_n no_o small_a portion_n of_o that_o fix_a hatred_n and_o hostility_n of_o the_o old_a serpent_n have_v ever_o since_o be_v discover_v against_o the_o young_a one_o of_o christ_n little_a flock_n the_o multiplication_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o occasion_n why_o pharaoh_n deal_v so_o wise_o as_o we_o read_v endeavour_v first_o by_o the_o midwife_n secret_o to_o destroy_v the_o male_a child_n and_o after_o that_o more_o open_o by_o a_o edict_n to_o drown_v they_o in_o his_o egyptian_a water_n for_o which_o what_o ever_o his_o pretence_n may_v be_v allege_v exod._n 1.10_o yet_o no_o doubt_n as_o calvin_n on_o the_o place_n somewhat_o that_o way_n hint'_v satan_n have_v a_o design_n therein_o to_o cut_v of_o the_o name_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v even_o of_o we_o all_o the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n rom._n 4.11_o 16_o 17._o and_o so_o to_o evacuate_v and_o annihilate_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n even_o that_o great_a promise_n of_o his_o everlasting_a covenant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n for_o ever_o in_o their_o generation_n hence_o also_o afterward_o we_o find_v this_o spite_n of_o the_o great_a accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n vent_v against_o these_o poor_a little_a one_o in_o the_o forbid_v they_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o that_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v institute_v and_o which_o he_o have_v command_v his_o people_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n to_o observe_v exod._n 10.3_o let_v my_o people_n go_v that_o they_o may_v serve_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n but_o hard-hearted_a pharaoh_n seem_v to_o scruple_n whether_o the_o young_a child_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o lordâ—_n people_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o question_n verse_n 8._o but_o who_o be_v they_o that_o shall_v goâ—_n moses_n plead_v for_o the_o young_a as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a for_o the_o son_n and_o the_o daughter_n verse_n 9_o but_o pharaoh_n be_v of_o another_o apprehension_n and_o resolution_n verse_n 10_o 11._o he_o will_v let_v the_o man_n go_v and_o serve_v the_o lord_n but_o not_o the_o little_a one_o again_o haman_n the_o agagite_n we_o find_v be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a generation_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o the_o little_a child_n of_o the_o church_n also_o be_v express_o mention_v and_o design_v to_o the_o same_o condemnation_n and_o massacre_n with_o their_o father_n estâ—_n 3.13_o and_o much_o more_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v allege_v out_o of_o many_o record_v both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o other_o be_v it_o needful_a the_o satanical_a delusion_n of_o those_o heretical_a cataphrygian_o and_o pepâ—zâ—ans_n of_o oâ—d_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o mingle_v the_o eucharist_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o infant_n of_o a_o year_n old_a of_o who_o austin_n speak_v tom._n 6._o do_v haeresibus_fw-la ad_fw-la quodvultdeâ—m_fw-la be_v not_o unknown_a not_o here_o to_o insist_v on_o that_o instance_n of_o herod_n infanticide_n mat._n 2.16_o 17._o we_o need_v not_o so_o much_o wonder_n at_o hazaels_n cruelty_n against_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o slay_v their_o young_a man_n with_o thâ—_n sword_n and_o dash_v their_o child_n and_o râ—pping_v up_o their_o woman_n with_o child_n 2_o king_n 8.12_o see_v satan_n have_v many_o time_n prevail_v with_o those_o who_o be_v church-member_n and_o of_o long_o stand_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n even_o the_o pareâ—â—_n themselves_o to_o murder_v and_o sacrifice_v their_o infant_n and_o little_a one_o which_o be_v the_o lord_n child_n and_o bear_v unto_o the_o lord_n ezek._n 16_o 20_o 21._o etc._n etc._n such_o a_o evil_a eye_n do_v that_o great_a adversary_n of_o our_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n see_v himself_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o
both_o to_o believe_v parent_n &_o their_o child_n not_o in_o life_n only_o but_o in_o death_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o only_o can_v be_v preserve_v against_o sorrow_v when_o they_o fall_v asleep_a as_o other_o do_v which_o have_v no_o hope_n this_o ensue_a treatise_n be_v at_o the_o earnest_a request_n of_o many_o worthy_a friend_n to_o the_o author_n of_o it_o of_o bless_a memory_n now_o publish_v wherein_o we_o may_v see_v both_o 1._o the_o membership_n of_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o likewise_o 2._o among_o other_o thing_n the_o continuance_n of_o the_o membership_n of_o those_o child_n in_o particular_a church_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o even_o until_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v unless_o there_o be_v a_o dissolution_n of_o the_o person_n by_o death_n church_n or_o of_o the_o church-society_n so_o that_o this_o latter_a be_v not_o a_o principle_n of_o innovation_n and_o apostasy_n but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o author_n of_o this_o follow_a letter_n as_o be_v therein_o to_o be_v see_v and_o to_o manifest_v which_o be_v one_o special_a end_n of_o the_o print_n thereof_o so_o be_v it_o the_o light_n which_o other_o have_v hold_v forth_o who_o in_o their_o time_n be_v star_n not_o of_o the_o small_a magnitude_n who_o we_o have_v here_o see_v sometime_o shine_v with_o he_o in_o christ_n right_a hand_n but_o be_v now_o set_v and_o shine_v with_o that_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n in_o another_o world_n that_o there_o be_v no_o cessation_n of_o the_o membership_n of_o a_o person_n in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n the_o church_n whereof_o he_o iâ—_n a_o member_n continue_v in_o bâ—ing_n together_o with_o the_o person_n himself_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o mean_n of_o a_o church-act_n intervening_a be_v a_o truth_n of_o no_o small_a importance_n and_o therefore_o as_o for_o that_o notion_n which_o do_v obtain_v with_o some_o that_o in_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n walk_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v such_o as_o become_v ecclesiastical_o felones_n de_fw-fr se_fw-la that_o be_v such_o church-member_n who_o by_o their_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v become_v their_o own_o executioner_n ecclesiastical_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o church_n so_o as_o that_o they_o thereby_o become_v actual_o non-member_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o more_o power_n over_o they_o either_o ecclesiasticallly_n to_o admonish_v they_o or_o excommunicate_v they_o this_o seem_v unto_o i_o to_o be_v but_o a_o humane_a invention_n and_o not_o of_o divine_a institution_n yea_o in_o truth_n destructive_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o to_o apply_v it_o as_o to_o member_n in_o full_a communion_n so_o to_o these_o child_n of_o the_o church_n who_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o of_o god_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o these_o reason_n follow_v 1._o because_o it_o be_v unscriptural_a in_o matter_n of_o god_n worship_n a_o negative_a argument_n be_v conclusive_a if_o that_o which_o be_v assert_v be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n express_o or_o 〈◊〉_d the_o consequence_n therefrom_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v to_o the_o law_n and_o by_o the_o testimony_n the_o scripture_n allege_v by_o summon_v thought_n to_o favour_v this_o notion_n of_o felones_n de_fw-fr se_fw-la be_v only_o such_o as_o do_v but_o lay_v down_o before_o we_o the_o sin_n of_o some_o church-member_n and_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d punishment_n or_o censure_n as_o it_o be_v call_v 2_o cor._n 2.6_o which_o in_o such_o case_n be_v to_o be_v inflict_v and_o therefore_o be_v not_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la only_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v most_o weight_n in_o it_o and_o to_o which_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o reply_v be_v that_o in_o act_n 8.21_o thou_o have_v neither_o part_n nor_o lot_n in_o this_o matter_n answer_v i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o this_o text_n propound_v with_o reference_n the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n be_v not_o apposite_a because_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o a_o member_n in_o full_a communion_n though_o to_o say_v so_o much_o be_v account_v by_o some_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o such_o scripture_n argument_n as_o conclude_v against_o felone_n de_fw-mi se_fw-mi from_o church-member_n that_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n quatenus_fw-la church-member_n to_o such_o church_n member_n as_o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n but_o yet_o have_v gain_v this_o fort_n that_o what_o be_v in_o scripture_n speak_v of_o a_o member_n in_o full_a communion_n be_v applicable_a as_o far_o as_o mere_a membership_n reach_v to_o a_o member_n that_o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n we_o may_v now_o the_o more_o easy_o proceed_v in_o the_o after_o discourse_n to_o this_o scripture_n then_o allege_v for_o child_n of_o the_o church_n not_o in_o full_a communion_n by_o their_o sin_n when_o adult_n to_o become_v felone_n de_fw-mi se_fw-mi as_o above_o say_v i_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o objection_n from_o hence_o tend_v as_o much_o to_o frustrate_v the_o church_n act_n or_o censure_v of_o excommunication_n upon_o member_n infull_a communion_n and_o make_v that_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n vain_a &_o needless_a to_o the_o parent_n in_o full_a communion_n as_o to_o these_o child_n 2._o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n be_v indeed_o a_o dreadful_a admonition_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v a_o church_n officer_n do_v judge_n this_o sinner_n to_o deserve_v it_o for_o his_o simony_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o grant_v the_o cessation_n of_o his_o membership_n felo_fw-la de_fw-fr se._n 3._o by_o this_o matter_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n seem_v most_o proper_o to_o be_v mean_v not_o church-membership_a but_o the_o power_n of_o give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o context_n which_o power_n simon_n magus_n will_v have_v buy_v with_o money_n and_o for_o which_o the_o apostle_n rebuke_n he_o and_o therefore_o his_o not_o have_v part_n or_o lot_n in_o that_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v direct_o with_o relation_n to_o that_o extraordinary_a power_n the_o apostle_n will_v have_v he_o know_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o share_v in_o such_o a_o power_n or_o privilege_n as_o that_o be_v 4._o i_o will_v ask_v whether_o if_o a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n be_v discover_v not_o to_o have_v his_o heart_n right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o to_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n stand_v convict_v of_o simony_n and_o the_o wickedness_n be_v so_o gross_o aggravate_v as_o this_o scandal_n of_o simon_n magus_n be_v i_o say_v whether_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o bear_v witness_n against_o such_o a_o offender_n by_o inflict_v some_o church-censure_n proper_o so_o take_v upon_o he_o if_o it_o be_v say_v â—oe_n then_o may_v it_o not_o be_v question_v whether_o such_o a_o church_n will_v not_o as_o well_o tolerate_v any_o other_o pollution_n and_o defilement_n in_o it_o whatsoever_o the_o woeful_a fruit_n whereof_o who_o be_v there_o that_o do_v not_o easy_o perceive_v on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o it_o be_v say_v yea_o that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o censure_n and_o authoritative_o to_o put_v away_o from_o among_o themselves_o such_o a_o wicked_a person_n by_o excommunication_n i_o then_o demand_v if_o this_o notion_n of_o felo_fw-la de_fw-la se_fw-la be_v right_a and_o sound_a how_o they_o can_v excommunicate_v one_o who_o be_v a_o non-member_n before_o the_o church_n can_v pass_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o he_o whether_o do_v this_o scripture_n act._n 8.21_o give_v the_o church_n power_n over_o he_o by_o its_o discipline_n to_o censure_v he_o who_o already_o as_o the_o objection_n speak_v have_v cut_v himself_o off_o from_o be_v a_o church-member_n or_o whether_o the_o church_n have_v any_o part_n in_o he_o who_o have_v no_o part_n or_o lot_n in_o they_o or_o in_o these_o matter_n 2._o scripture_n example_n lead_v we_o to_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o felonâ—â—_n speak_v of_o witness_n under_o the_o old-testament_n ishmael_n being_n cast_v out_o by_o abraham_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a officer_n in_o that_o family_n church_n so_o the_o incestuous_a person_n under_o the_o new-testament_n be_v not_o felo_fw-la de_fw-fr sâ—_n though_o guilty_a of_o such_o a_o sin_n as_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v among_o the_o gentile_n 1_o cor._n 5.1_o but_o there_o be_v a_o church_n act_n intervening_a his_o sin_n and_o the_o cessation_n of_o his_o memberly-communion_n with_o that_o church_n viz_o a_o deliver_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n hence_o as_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v commend_v for_o not_o bear_v with_o they_o which_o be_v evil_a rev._n 2.2_o so_o the_o church_n of_o thâ—aâ—ira_n be_v rebuke_v for_o
god_n do_v not_o require_v of_o all_o those_o immediate_o who_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o object_n 1._o but_o here_o you_o say_v that_o that_o examination_n 1_o cor_n 1â—_n be_v require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v member_n and_o that_o at_o all_o time_n as_o well_o as_o their_o first_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n answ._n this_o examination_n be_v indeed_o require_v of_o all_o those_o member_n who_o shall_v partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o it_o be_v not_o require_v as_o you_o seem_v to_o say_v of_o every_o one_o to_o make_v he_o a_o member_n so_o that_o none_o can_v be_v a_o member_n but_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o examine_v himself_o for_o god_n covenant_n to_o work_v faith_n and_o to_o give_v power_n to_o examine_v one_o self_n afterward_o may_v make_v some_o as_o true_o member_n as_o those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o act_v &_o express_v their_o faith_n now_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o god_n covenant_n be_v a_o forehand_n give_v to_o child_n and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o seal_n of_o their_o first_o entrance_n into_o it_o many_o year_n after_o be_v as_o vile_a a_o thing_n as_o for_o they_o that_o be_v able_a and_o fit_a to_o examine_v themselves_o to_o have_v this_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n deny_v or_o delay_v till_o many_o year_n after_o object_n 2._o but_o you_o say_v it_o be_v leave_v to_o every_o one_o conscience_n to_o examine_v himself_o not_o that_o other_o shall_v examine_v they_o and_o consequent_o if_o child_n be_v member_n thou_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v upon_o their_o conscience_n answ._n we_o know_v in_o our_o own_o conscience_n that_o child_n usual_o can_v examine_v themselves_o now_o if_o the_o elder_n &_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o see_v christ_n rule_n observe_v by_o other_o and_o if_o this_o examination_n be_v the_o rule_n that_o all_o must_v walk_v by_o who_o participate_v here_o than_o they_o must_v not_o suffer_v such_o young_a one_o no_o nor_o person_n grow_v up_o and_o enter_v in_o by_o personal_a profession_n to_o receive_v this_o seal_n as_o they_o know_v be_v unable_a thus_o to_o do_v i_o think_v if_o church_n shall_v degenerate_v in_o these_o day_n this_o course_n of_o discipline_n shall_v be_v attend_v especial_o by_o the_o elder_n towards_o any_o of_o their_o member_n which_o way_n soever_o they_o have_v enter_v whether_o by_o their_o own_o or_o by_o their_o parent_n covenant_n and_o i_o have_v oft_o fear_v that_o there_o be_v some_o need_n already_o of_o it_o even_o towards_o some_o who_o enter_v by_o their_o own_o covenant_n and_o may_v have_v faith_n but_o be_v miserable_o to_o seek_v in_o the_o nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o consequent_o unfit_a to_o dâ—scern_v of_o christ_n body_n and_o so_o to_o come_v to_o that_o sacrament_n object_n 5._o if_o child_n may_v be_v member_n &_o yet_o not_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n than_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v a_o church_n and_o yet_o not_o have_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v it_o answ._n 1._o so_o there_o may_v for_o a_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n &_o yet_o want_v the_o benefit_n of_o some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o god_n ordinance_n sometime_o pastor_n sometime_o elder_n sometime_o seal_n 2._o a_o church_n of_o profess_v believer_n may_v degenerate_v and_o turn_v profane_a and_o sottish_a and_o so_o have_v no_o just_a right_n to_o the_o seal_n and_o their_o officer_n may_v leave_v they_o and_o so_o have_v no_o use_n of_o the_o seal_n yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n still_o though_o degenerate_a though_o unfit_a to_o enjoy_v seal_n will_v you_o therefore_o think_v the_o way_n of_o their_o membership_n unlawful_a viz._n by_o profess_v their_o faith_n because_o such_o a_o rare_a thing_n as_o this_o may_v happen_v why_o then_o shall_v you_o think_v the_o way_n of_o child_n membership_n unlawful_a because_o of_o the_o like_a rarity_n in_o such_o a_o dark_a and_o gloomy_a state_n of_o they_o as_o you_o mention_n object_n 6._o if_o child_n be_v member_n than_o there_o will_v be_v many_o in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o saint_n by_o calling_n nor_o faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v if_o the_o church_n can_v see_v â—t_a but_o these_o may_v be_v too_o plain_o see_v answ._n 1._o i_o do_v think_v it_o be_v true_a that_o poor_a child_n may_v be_v and_o be_v look_v upon_o with_o too_o too_o many_o deject_a thought_n of_o unbelief_n despise_v of_o they_o as_o child_n of_o wrath_n by_o nature_n and_o not_o with_o such_o high_a thought_n of_o faith_n as_o child_n and_o son_n of_o god_n by_o promise_n as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o i_o think_v herein_o be_v our_o great_a sin_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n own_o disciple_n who_o be_v the_o first_o that_o we_o read_v of_o that_o will_v not_o have_v little_a child_n bring_v unto_o he_o for_o which_o he_o rebuke_v they_o show_v their_o privilege_n and_o for_o want_v of_o which_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n about_o our_o child_n certain_o god_n smite_v and_o forsake_v many_o of_o our_o child_n 2._o if_o therefore_o you_o think_v that_o church-member_n must_v consist_v only_o of_o saint_n by_o call_v so_o that_o your_o meaning_n be_v such_o saint_n as_o be_v so_o by_o outward_a and_o personal_a profession_n from_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v only_o to_o be_v church-member_n this_o be_v a_o error_n for_o 1._o you_o know_v that_o they_o who_o define_v a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o number_n of_o visible_a saint_n they_o usual_o put_v this_o phrase_n in_o and_o their_o sâ—ed_z who_o may_v not_o profess_v faith_n perhaps_o as_o their_o father_n do_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v all_o of_o they_o say_v to_o be_v adopt_v rom._n 9.4_o choose_v and_o call_v isaiah_n 41.8_o 9_o and_o faithful_a isai._n 1.21_o and_o yet_o we_o know_v they_o be_v not_o all_o so_o by_o personal_a profession_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o joint_a federation_n and_o the_o outward_a covenant_n of_o god_n with_o they_o 2._o the_o outward_a covenant_n be_v not_o all_o way_n first_o enter_v into_o by_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n but_o by_o god_n covenant_n of_o promise_n to_o work_v or_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o work_v faith_n hence_o it_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o as_o many_o may_v be_v in_o church-covenant_n before_o they_o profess_v faith_n personal_o so_o many_o may_v be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o this_o profession_n of_o faith_n for_o this_o covenant_n of_o work_a faith_n as_o have_v be_v former_o explain_v do_v not_o only_o belong_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o to_o gentile_a church_n also_o and_o believer_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o may_v further_o be_v confirm_v object_n but_o say_v you_o if_o we_o see_v hypocrite_n we_o be_v to_o cast_v they_o out_o as_o well_o as_o profane_a person_n and_o we_o see_v no_o grace_n in_o many_o child_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v receive_v in_o answ._n 1._o if_o you_o see_v child_n of_o who_o you_o can_v say_v that_o they_o be_v faithful_a personal_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v faithful_a federal_o as_o have_v be_v show_v for_o they_o may_v lie_v under_o god_n covenant_n of_o beget_v faith_n by_o some_o mean_n in_o they_o and_o than_o you_o be_v not_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o but_o accept_v they_o as_o god_n do_v 2._o the_o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n though_o they_o do_v not_o manifest_a faith_n in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v of_o god_n church_n until_o they_o positive_o reject_v the_o gospel_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o parent_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v never_o go_v about_o to_o cast_v off_o â—he_v jew_n and_o their_o seed_n until_o they_o put_v forth_o positive_a unbelief_n the_o lord_n promise_v to_o give_v they_o the_o mean_n of_o faith_n and_o do_v so_o and_o when_o christ_n be_v come_v and_o the_o gospel_n send_v first_o unto_o they_o for_o their_o good_a the_o lord_n herein_o fullfil_v his_o covenant-mercy_n as_o towards_o his_o belove_a people_n but_o when_o they_o reject_v these_o mean_n and_o cast_v off_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n then_o rom._n 11._o they_o be_v break_v off_o and_o not_o before_o now_o hypocrite_n be_v such_o as_o profess_v christ_n in_o word_n and_o yet_o deny_v christ_n in_o deed_n titus_n 1.16_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o hence_o they_o be_v such_o as_o positive_o refuse_v christ_n hence_o the_o case_n of_o child_n in_o who_o no_o positive_a unbelief_n appear_v be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o this_o of_o hypocrite_n or_o profane_a person_n and_o when_o young_a child_n shall_v grow_v positive_o such_o i_o know_v not_o
but_o they_o may_v be_v deal_v with_o as_o any_o other_o member_n for_o any_o such_o like_a offence_n thus_o you_o see_v a_o answer_n to_o your_o six_o objection_n in_o the_o end_n of_o your_o paper_n there_o be_v two_o qvestion_n which_o i_o suppose_v may_v not_o a_o little_a trouble_n against_o their_o baptism_n and_o membership_n to_o these_o brief_o quest._n 1._o what_o good_a say_v you_o be_v it_o either_o for_o a_o wicked_a or_o a_o elect_a child_n till_o he_o be_v convert_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n or_o what_o good_a may_v any_o have_v by_o be_v in_o the_o church_n till_o they_o can_v profit_v by_o what_o they_o enjoy_v answ._n 1_o the_o apostle_n put_v his_o the_n like_o case_n and_o give_v you_o a_o answer_n rom._n 3.1_o 2._o what_o advantage_n have_v the_o jew_n and_o what_o profit_n be_v there_o of_o circumcision_n what_o use_n or_o profit_n can_v the_o infant_n than_o make_v of_o their_o church-covenant_n membership_n or_o seal_v who_o understand_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v you_o think_v the_o lord_n expose_v his_o holy_a ordinance_n then_o unto_o contempt_n and_o be_v more_o careful_a that_o they_o may_v be_v profitable_o use_v now_o be_v there_o no_o good_a by_o circumcision_n yea_o say_v the_o apostle_n much_o every_o way_n 2._o what_o profit_n be_v it_o to_o person_n grow_v up_o to_o year_n and_o yet_o secret_o hypocrite_n who_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n you_o will_v say_v there_o be_v good_a and_o profit_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o privilege_n themselves_o but_o they_o abuse_v they_o they_o have_v in_o this_o respect_n better_a have_v be_v without_o they_o because_o they_o bring_v hereby_o upon_o themselves_o great_a condemnation_n the_o same_o say_v i_o of_o child_n who_o god_n receive_v into_o his_o church_n by_o promise_n and_o covenant_n of_o do_v they_o good_a although_o at_o present_a they_o may_v not_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o this_o good_a 3._o to_o speak_v plain_o the_o good_a they_o get_v by_o be_v thus_o enrich_v be_v wonderful_a and_o here_o there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o a_o treatise_n then_o of_o a_o lâ—tter_n to_o clear_v up_o the_o benefit_n from_o all_o scruple_n arise_v by_o be_v in_o outward_a covenant_n in_o church_n fellowship_n even_o unto_o infant_n i_o confess_v i_o find_v little_o say_v by_o writer_n upon_o this_o subject_a &_o i_o believe_v the_o doubt_n against_o child_n baptism_n as_o they_o arise_v by_o blindness_n in_o this_o particular_a so_o i_o think_v that_o god_n suffer_v that_o opinion_n to_o take_v place_n that_o by_o such_o darkness_n he_o may_v bring_v out_o light_a in_o this_o particular_a i_o will_v only_o hint_n unto_o you_o some_o few_o of_o my_o many_o thought_n which_o have_v long_o exercise_v i_o for_o many_o year_n in_o this_o thing_n the_o good_a by_o child_n membership_n especial_o when_o seal_v be_v in_o four_o thing_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o god_n god_n show_v hereby_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o they_o in_o take_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n in_o adopt_v they_o to_o be_v his_o child_n in_o prevent_v they_o with_o many_o special_a promise_n aforehand_o of_o do_v they_o good_a by_o all_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v as_o it_o be_v prevent_v satan_n in_o woo_v their_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v so_o soon_o to_o draw_v they_o to_o he_o before_o he_o can_v actual_o stir_v to_o draw_v their_o soul_n from_o he_o so_o that_o i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v suppose_v they_o can_v as_o yet_o understand_v and_o so_o make_v profit_n by_o all_o this_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o good_a for_o they_o or_o for_o any_o of_o we_o to_o partake_v of_o god_n grace_n before_o we_o know_v how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o be_v it_o not_o good_a for_o god_n to_o be_v good_a to_o they_o that_o be_v evil_a be_v it_o not_o good_a for_o god_n to_o glorify_v &_o make_v manifest_a his_o grace_n to_o man_n though_o man_n know_v not_o how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v it_o not_o rich_a grace_n for_o christ_n to_o wash_v peter_n foot_n and_o yet_o he_o not_o know_v at_o present_a what_o it_o mean_v only_o say_v christ_n thou_o shall_v know_v it_o afterward_o be_v it_o not_o good_a for_o god_n to_o give_v life_n to_o we_o and_o to_o let_v we_o be_v bear_v in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o place_n of_o the_o gospel_n where_o it_o be_v preach_v and_o to_o lay_v in_o mercy_n aforehand_o for_o we_o before_o we_o know_v how_o to_o be_v thankful_a or_o know_v how_o to_o use_v any_o of_o these_o outward_a mercy_n and_o be_v it_o no_o mercy_n or_o favour_n to_o have_v so_o much_o spiritual_a mercy_n bestow_v on_o child_n aforehand_o before_o they_o can_v be_v thankful_a or_o make_v use_v thereof_o deut._n 7.6_o 7._o the_o choose_n of_o they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n above_o all_o other_o people_n which_o you_o know_v be_v from_o the_o womb_n it_o be_v call_v god_n set_v his_o love_n upon_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o love_n verse_n 8._o be_v say_v to_o be_v because_o god_n love_v they_o this_o love_n be_v not_o elect_v &_o peculiar_a love_n for_o thousand_o of_o these_o perish_a and_o go_v to_o hell_n but_o it_o be_v his_o external_a adopt_v love_n to_o choose_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o to_o improve_v all_o mean_n for_o their_o good_a and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o good_a of_o all_o those_o mean_n unless_o they_o refuse_v and_o to_o give_v indefinite_o among_o they_o and_o particular_o to_o many_o of_o they_o such_o heart_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o refuse_v the_o good_a of_o those_o mean_n as_o have_v be_v show_v former_o this_o be_v love_n great_a love_n &_o mercy_n not_o show_v or_o promise_v to_o any_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n by_o which_o god_n be_v glorify_v &_o let_v he_o be_v so_o though_o we_o can_v see_v how_o to_o profit_v by_o it_o when_o it_o first_o break_v his_o out_o have_v not_o you_o profit_v much_o by_o consider_v god_n prevent_v grace_n long_o before_o you_o understand_v how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o have_v not_o god_n receive_v much_o glory_n from_o you_o for_o it_o have_v this_o grace_n then_o think_v you_o be_v unprofitable_o spend_v on_o god_n part_n no_o very_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o here_o david_n bless_v god_n for_o be_v his_o god_n from_o his_o mother_n belly_n and_o from_o the_o womb_n psal._n 22.9_o 10._o and_o god_n grace_n be_v show_v through_o this_o expression_n isai._n 46.3_o 2._o there_o be_v much_o good_a hereby_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o parent_n for_o suppose_v the_o child_n can_v profit_v by_o it_o yet_o parent_n may_v and_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o very_o much_o that_o god_n look_v upon_o their_o child_n thus_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o covenant_n deut._n 4.37_o for_o 1._o parent_n may_v hereby_o see_v and_o wonder_v at_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o become_v a_o god_n not_o only_o to_o themselves_o but_o to_o take_v in_o their_o seed_n also_o who_o good_a they_o prize_v as_o their_o own_o and_o as_o if_o do_v to_o themselves_o hence_o abraham_n fall_v down_o upon_o his_o face_n adoring_z god_n when_o he_o hear_v of_o this_o covenant_n gen._n 17._o see_v also_o how_o moses_n aggravate_v this_o love_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o that_o have_v eye_n to_o see_v deut._n 10.14_o 15._o 2._o hereby_o god_n give_v parent_n some_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o their_o child_n salvation_n because_o they_o be_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o as_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n where_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v there_o be_v ordinary_o no_o salvation_n act_v 2.47_o so_o if_o child_n be_v not_o of_o christ_n visible_a church_n and_o kingdom_n we_o can_v not_o hope_v for_o their_o salvation_n no_o more_o then_o of_o pagan_n or_o turk_n for_o if_o they_o be_v without_o god_n they_o be_v without_o hope_n ephes._n 2.12_o and_o to_o be_v without_o hope_n of_o such_o to_o who_o god_n have_v make_v such_o promise_n of_o salvation_n not_o give_v to_o pagan_n nor_o proper_a to_o abraham_n be_v very_o hard_a and_o horrid_a to_o imagine_v for_o the_o promise_n run_v universal_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o upright_a whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n shall_v be_v bless_v psal._n 112.1_o 2._o prov._n 20.7_o 3._o hereby_o parent_n be_v stir_v up_o the_o more_o earnest_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o because_o god_n covenant_n and_o promise_n be_v so_o large_a towards_o they_o at_o which_o prayer_n look_n and_o by_o which_o it_o wrestle_n with_o god_n and_o hence_o we_o find_v that_o moses_n and_o other_o they_o use_v this_o argument_n in_o their_o prayer_n oh_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n
they_o can_v hold_v forth_o visible_a faith_n will_v not_o many_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v more_o clear_a answ._n in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v a_o threefold_a mistake_n 1._o that_o all_o of_o the_o family_n &_o nation_n in_o former_a time_n be_v of_o the_o church_n this_o 〈…〉_z for_o god_n never_o take_v â—â—y_a to_o be_v his_o church_n but_o 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v believer_n at_o 〈◊〉_d external_o in_o that_o nation_n i_o say_v believer_n which_o either_o be_v profess_v believer_n or_o promise_v believer_n such_o as_o by_o outward_a covenant_n shall_v have_v the_o mean_n to_o be_v make_v believer_n in_o y_o â—_o nation_n and_o hence_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n stand_v by_o faith_n and_o be_v break_v of_o by_o unbelief_n and_o if_o any_o reject_v the_o covenant_n as_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n they_o be_v not_o of_o that_o church_n though_o they_o do_v and_o may_v dwell_v in_o y_z t_o nation_n as_o doubtless_o thousand_o do_v 2._o you_o think_v that_o visible_a personal_a faith_n only_o make_v the_o church_n and_o member_n of_o it_o which_o â—s_v a_o error_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o many_o thing_n already_o say_v for_o child_n may_v be_v in_o god_n account_n professor_n of_o y_o â—_o faith_n parental_o as_o well_o as_o personal_o i._n e._n in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o parent_n as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o own_o and_o hence_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o covenant_n god_n enter_v into_o with_o the_o parent_n of_o church-member_n personal_o the_o child_n be_v say_v to_o have_v that_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o many_o hundred_o year_n 〈◊〉_d see_v for_o this_o purpose_n among_o hundred_o these_o few_o scripture_n haggaâ—_n 2.5_o in_o haggal_n time_n god_n be_v say_v to_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o they_o then_o when_o they_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n which_o be_v not_o personal_o but_o parental_o so_o hosea_n 12.4_o 5._o when_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o jacob_n at_o bethel_n god_n be_v say_v to_o speak_v with_o we_o who_o live_v many_o year_n after_o and_o hence_o the_o child_n many_o year_n after_o challenge_v god_n covenant_n with_o they_o which_o be_v make_v with_o their_o father_n for_o they_o micah_n 7.19_o 20._o hence_o also_o those_o child_n be_v say_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o come_v themselves_o but_o only_a be_v bring_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o other_o to_o christ._n it_o be_v a_o know_a thing_n among_o man_n that_o a_o father_n may_v receive_v a_o giâ—â—_n or_o legacy_n give_v to_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n and_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v by_o which_o it_o be_v convey_v and_o that_o the_o child_n do_v this_o in_o his_o father_n 3._o you_o think_v that_o if_o man_n only_o grow_v up_o and_o able_a to_o profess_v faith_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o church_n than_o all_o thing_n will_v be_v more_o clear_a aboâ—â—_n child_n true_o i_o believe_v the_o quite_o contrary_a upon_o y_fw-es â—_o ground_n before_o lay_v dowâ—_n for_o 1._o hereby_o pollution_n of_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v avoid_v but_o rather_o introduce_v to_o excluâ—â—_n child_n from_o a_o holy-making_a covenant_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v 2._o hereby_o that_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o their_o covenant_n shall_v be_v lose_v not_o gain_v by_o exclude_v they_o out_o of_o covenant_n until_o they_o can_v personal_o profess_v and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n further_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o here_o let_v i_o conclude_v with_o the_o naked_a profession_n oâ—_n my_o faith_n to_o you_o in_o this_o point_n which_o be_v â—_o bulwark_n of_o defence_n against_o all_o that_o be_v say_v by_o anabaptist_n against_o baptise_v of_o infant_n 1._o that_o the_o child_n of_o profess_v believer_n be_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o abraham_n abraham_n be_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n and_o not_o of_o one_o nation_n only_o and_o hence_o the_o same_o covenant_n make_v with_o he_o and_o the_o believe_a israel_n in_o that_o nation_n the_o saâ—â—_n covenant_n be_v make_v with_o all_o his_o believe_a seed_n in_o all_o other_o nation_n 2._o that_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o our_o first_o entrance_n and_o admission_n into_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v immediate_o apply_v to_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n as_o soon_o as_o euâ—â—â—hiâ—_n be_v in_o covenant_n and_o that_o be_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o become_v the_o visible_a seed_n 〈…〉_z faithful_a for_o so_o the_o covenant_n to_o abraham_n run_v i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n not_o only_o his_o elect-seed_n but_o church-seed_n as_o have_v be_v show_v not_o only_o of_o his_o seed_n in_o that_o one_o nation_n but_o in_o all_o nation_n these_o two_o thing_n i_o cannâ—â—â—ell_v how_o to_o avoid_v the_o light_n of_o they_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o these_o make_v so_o many_o anabaptist_n as_o they_o be_v call_v and_o i_o never_o yet_o meet_v with_o any_o thiâ—â—_n write_v by_o they_o and_o much_o i_o have_v read_v that_o be_v of_o any_o considerable_a weight_n to_o overthrow_v these_o but_o i_o forget_v myself_o and_o trouble_v you_o my_o prayer_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v gâ—ve_v you_o understanding_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la preface_n page_n 4._o linâ—_n 20._o read_v wont_a p._n 6._o l._n 7._o r._n y_o it_o have_v fight_v p._n 7._o l._n 28._o r._n spiritâ—â—â—_n page_n 18._o liâ—â—_n 29._o for_o 〈◊〉_d r._n anâ—_n in_o y_fw-fr e_o book_n page_n 11._o line_n 34._o for_o now_o r._n be_v instance_n hereof_o see_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o â—â—e_z act_n of_o the_o synod_n hold_v aâ—_n boston_n 16â—2_n touch_v baptism_n &_o consociation_n of_o church_n cap._n 4._o pag._n 14._o key_n cha._n 4_o pag._n 15._o act._n mon._n vol_n 3._o pag._n 606_o 610._o s._n m._n argum_fw-la 1._o