3._o pag._n 11._o 12._o now_o if_o they_o that_o be_v confederate_a and_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n and_o if_o also_o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v confederate_a and_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n both_o which_o be_v affirm_v by_o mr._n hooker_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o in_o his_o judgement_n the_o child_n in_o question_n have_v right_a to_o baptism_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o vessel_n with_o mr._n cotton_n and_o mr._n hooker_n there_o come_v the_o godly_a learned_a mr._n samuel_n stone_n late_a teacher_n of_o the_o church_n in_o hartford_n concern_v who_o what_o his_o judgement_n be_v touch_v the_o now_o agitate_a controversy_n be_v know_v from_o his_o practice_n in_o the_o last_o year_n of_o his_o life_n and_o that_o his_o judgement_n be_v suitable_a to_o that_o practice_n many_o year_n before_o his_o decease_n appear_v from_o a_o letter_n of_o his_o write_v to_o the_o reverend_n mr._n mather_n of_o dorchester_n and_o bear_v date_n june_n 6._o 1650._o in_o which_o letter_n he_o thus_o express_v himself_o i_o conceive_v say_v mr._n stone_n that_o child_n of_o church_n member_n have_v right_a to_o church_n membership_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o father_n covenant_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v in_o abraham_n covenant_n they_o have_v membership_n by_o birth_n gal._n 2.15_o 2_o dly_a god_n be_v their_o god_n gen._n 17.7_o 3_o dly_a they_o be_v branch_n rom._n 11._o 4._o they_o be_v subject_n of_o christ_n visible_a kingdom_n ezek._n 37.25_o hence_o 1._o if_o they_o be_v present_v to_o a_o church_n and_o claim_v their_o interest_n they_o can_v be_v deny_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o hence_o there_o have_v be_v a_o sinful_a neglect_n in_o new-england_n of_o such_o child_n who_o have_v either_o not_o be_v present_v or_o not_o receive_v when_o they_o have_v claim_v their_o right_n i_o speak_v with_o mr._n warham_n and_o we_o question_v not_o the_o right_a of_o child_n but_o we_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v comfortable_a to_o have_v some_o concurrence_n which_o be_v that_o we_o have_v wait_v for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o i_o think_v unless_o there_o may_v be_v some_o conference_n of_o elder_n this_o year_n in_o the_o bay_n about_o it_o that_o we_o may_v see_v some_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a our_o church_n will_v adventure_v to_o practice_n according_a to_o their_o judgement_n i._n e._n take_v in_o all_o such_o child_n as_o member_n i_o much_o desire_v that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o meeting_n of_o the_o elder_n this_o year_n that_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n do_v sufficient_o manifest_v what_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o mr._n cotton_n mr._n hooker_n and_o mr._n stone_n who_o all_o three_o as_o be_v intimate_v come_v into_o new-england_n in_o the_o same_o vessel_n anno_fw-la 1633._o and_o they_o may_v just_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o first_o three_o of_o new-englands_n worthy_n in_o the_o year_n 1635._o god_n bring_v into_o this_o country_n three_o more_o of_o our_o worthy_n another_o triumvirate_n not_o unlike_o the_o former_a viz._n mr._n mather_n mr._n norton_n and_o mr._n shâ—pard_n who_o judgement_n touch_v the_o question_n before_o we_o that_o it_o do_v concur_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o sequel_n as_o for_o mr._n mather_n late_a teacher_n of_o the_o church_n in_o dorchester_n what_o the_o apprehension_n of_o that_o reverend_a man_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v the_o present_a controversy_n in_o his_o latter_a time_n be_v well_o know_v the_o ancient_n have_v a_o opinion_n that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d die_a word_n of_o worthy_a man_n be_v oracutous_a because_o the_o soul_n near_o its_o transmigration_n grow_v more_o divine_a be_v that_o notion_n as_o it_o be_v yet_o the_o die_a counsel_n of_o that_o bless_a man_n to_o his_o son_n be_v of_o weighty_a consideration_n and_o that_o mr._n mather_n do_v not_o take_v up_o his_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o enlargenent_n of_o baptism_n in_o his_o last_o year_n only_o but_o that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n four_o and_o twenty_o year_n and_o more_o before_o his_o decease_n be_v evident_a from_o some_o manuscript_n of_o his_o left_a write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n for_o that_o roverend_a author_n do_v in_o the_o year_n 1645_o prepare_v for_o the_o press_n a_o elaborate_a discourse_n which_o he_o entitle_v a_o plea_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o new-england_n and_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o that_o discourse_n which_o contain_v positive_a ground_n from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o the_o justification_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o new-england_n there_o be_v this_o question_n propound_v quest_n when_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o infaney_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n be_v come_v to_o age_n be_v not_o yet_o find_v fit_a to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n although_o they_o be_v matried_a and_o have_v child_n whether_o be_v those_o their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v or_o no._n the_o answer_n be_v in_o these_o word_n i_o propound_v to_o consideration_n this_o reason_n for_o the_o affirmative_a viz._n that_o the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v the_o reason_n be_v the_o parent_n as_o they_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o covenant_n so_o they_o still_o continue_v therein_o be_v neither_o cast_n out_o nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v and_o if_o so_o why_o shall_v not_o their_o child_n be_v baptize_v for_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v in_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o child_n so_o likewise_o be_v not_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n be_v not_o the_o text_n plain_a act._n 2.39_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n and_o if_o these_o child_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n sith_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o which_o be_v one_o main_a ground_n why_o other_o infant_n be_v admit_v thereto_o do_v it_o not_o seem_v unreasonable_a that_o these_o infant_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o nevertheless_o other_o shall_v be_v admit_v and_o these_o be_v refuse_v if_o other_o infant_n be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n upon_o some_o ground_n whereof_o these_o be_v not_o partaker_n than_o there_o may_v be_v reason_n to_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o these_o infant_n and_o other_o but_o if_o the_o ground_n &_o reason_n of_o admit_v other_o be_v common_a to_o these_o as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o it_o seem_v then_o to_o be_v reasonable_a that_o these_o as_o well_o as_o other_o shall_v share_v in_o the_o privilege_n if_o their_o parent_n be_v east_n out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o censure_n or_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o same_o by_o wilful_a apostasy_n and_o schism_n or_o deserve_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o scandal_n than_o there_o be_v more_o reason_n that_o their_o infant_n shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o seal_n but_o since_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o parent_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v a_o good_a reason_n shall_v be_v give_v why_o their_o infant_n be_v debar_v for_o if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o parent_n be_v not_o confirm_v member_n nor_o have_v yet_o be_v find_v fit_a for_o the_o lord_n table_n i_o conceive_v this_o need_v not_o to_o hinder_v their_o infant_n from_o baptism_n so_o long_o as_o they_o i_o mean_v the_o parent_n do_v neither_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n nor_o do_v the_o church_n see_v just_a cause_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o from_o the_o same_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o parent_n fitness_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o baptise_v their_o child_n but_o the_o parent_n and_o so_o their_o child_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n thereof_o and_o as_o long_o as_o this_o do_v continue_v not_o dissolve_v by_o any_o church_n censure_n against_o they_o nor_o by_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n of_o they_o so_o long_o the_o child_n may_v be_v baptize_v these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v see_v write_v with_o mr._n mather_n own_o hand_n anno_fw-la 1645._o now_o if_o six_o and_o twenty_o year_n ago_o in_o a_o book_n write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new_a england_n write_v when_o this_o collection_n of_o testimony_n be_v first_o compose_v it_o be_v but_o 26_o year_n but_o now_o it_o be_v 29_o year_n since_o that_o book_n be_v write_v and_o in_o justification_n of_o tho_o way_n of-hese_a church_n it_o be_v true_a doctrine_n that_o person_n may_v have_v
right_a to_o baptism_n for_o their_o child_n and_o yet_o themselves_o not_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o lord_n table_n if_o six_o and_o twenty_o year_n ago_o this_o be_v write_v in_o a_o book_n who_o whole_a design_n be_v to_o justify_v the_o way_n of_o these_o church_n how_o then_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o present_a plead_n for_o such_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n be_v any_o apostasy_n from_o primitive_a principle_n also_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v assert_v and_o urge_v by_o this_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o model_n of_o church_n government_n present_v to_o the_o synod_n anno_fw-la 1647._o and_o in_o the_o year_n 1648._o and_o 1649._o he_o do_v frequent_o in_o his_o public_a ministry_n in_o dorchester_n thus_o instruct_v his_o people_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o sermon_n notes_n leave_v write_v propria_fw-la manu_fw-la and_o in_o the_o year_n 1653._o this_o question_n be_v full_o large_o and_o elaborate_o discuss_v by_o the_o same_o author_n also_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n bear_v date_n 30_o 5_o month_n 1651._o he_o thus_o express_v himself_o for_o my_o part_n my_o thought_n have_v be_v this_o long_a time_n that_o our_o church_n in_o general_n do_v fall_v short_a in_o their_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o the_o rule_n require_v in_o this_o particular_a which_o i_o think_v aught_o to_o be_v thus_o viz._n that_o the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n by_o a_o act_n of_o their_o own_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o man_n and_o woman_n estate_n aught_o to_o be_v watch_v over_o as_o other_o member_n and_o to_o have_v their_o infant_n baptize_v but_o themselves_o not_o to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n nor_o to_o vote_v in_o the_o church_n till_o by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n they_o shall_v approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o same_o but_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o thus_o practise_v but_o be_v now_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n and_o of_o send_v to_o other_o church_n for_o advice_n help_v we_o i_o pray_v you_o with_o your_o prayer_n that_o we_o may_v have_v grace_n to_o discern_v and_o do_v the_o lord_n mind_n and_o will_v herein_o so_o that_o in_o the_o year_n 1651._o it_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v the_o judgement_n of_o this_o seer_n that_o some_o have_v right_a to_o baptism_n for_o their_o child_n that_o yet_o have_v not_o right_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o themselves_o but_o against_o this_o testimony_n some_o may_v object_v a_o passage_n in_o mr._n mather_n print_v catechism_n pag._n 91._o this_o holy_a man_n be_v sensible_a that_o some_o do_v take_v advantage_n from_o a_o expression_n therein_o to_o impute_v unto_o he_o a_o change_n of_o judgement_n touch_v this_o question_n which_o have_v it_o be_v so_o indeed_o ad_fw-la meliora_fw-la transiâ—e_fw-la nullus_fw-la pudor_fw-la it_o be_v no_o dishonour_n to_o any_o man_n to_o change_v for_o the_o better_a but_o concern_v this_o question_n that_o reverend_a man_n alter_v not_o but_o be_v all_o along_o of_o the_o same_o apprehension_n wherefore_o know_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o very_a same_o judgement_n when_o that_o catechism_n be_v write_v as_o in_o his_o last_o year_n he_o be_v of_o he_o therefore_o leave_v a_o manuscript_n in_o his_o study_n to_o clear_v himself_o from_o such_o a_o imputation_n which_o for_o his_o vindication_n we_o shall_v therefore_o here_o insert_v and_o publish_v the_o word_n be_v as_o follow_v this_o question_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v thus_o answer_v in_o a_o catechism_n viz._n man_n of_o year_n when_o once_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o such_o infant_n who_o parent_n both_o or_o one_o of_o they_o be_v so_o convert_v and_o join_v the_o question_n therefore_o now_o be_v whether_o this_o answer_n if_o sound_n and_o true_a do_v infer_v that_o the_o child_n of_o person_n convert_v and_o join_v to_o the_o church_n be_v now_o adult_n and_o have_v child_n may_v not_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o to_o have_v these_o their_o child_n baptise_a afore_o they_o who_o be_v now_o the_o parent_n be_v fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o if_o he_o that_o answer_v the_o question_n in_o the_o catechism_n as_o above_o do_v think_v they_o may_v do_v not_o this_o infer_v a_o change_n in_o that_o man_n apprehension_n from_o what_o it_o former_o be_v answer_n it_o seem_v not_o at_o all_o to_o infer_v any_o such_o change_n 1._o because_o these_o apprehension_n be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o one_o another_o nor_o at_o all_o inconsistent_a for_o if_o a_o man_n say_v that_o the_o child_n last_o mention_v may_v be_v baptize_v this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o infer_v that_o man_n of_o year_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o join_v to_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v baptize_v nor_o that_o such_o infant_n may_v not_o be_v baptize_v who_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v so_o convert_v and_o join_v nor_o if_o a_o man_n answer_v that_o such_o as_o the_o catechism_n speak_v of_o may_v be_v baptize_v do_v this_o infer_v that_o those_o other_o may_v not_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n sure_a no_o just_a ground_n for_o such_o consequence_n no_o more_o than_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o such_o as_o be_v become_v believer_n by_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v be_v to_o be_v baptize_v which_o be_v a_o very_a truth_n act._n 2.41_o and_o 8.12_o 37._o and_o 18_o 8._o it_o can_v thence_o be_v prove_v that_o no_o infant_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v as_o not_o be_v become_v believer_n at_o least_o not_o by_o that_o mean_n of_o hear_v preach_v this_o will_v in_o no_o sort_n follow_v from_o the_o other_o as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o such_o as_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n shall_v enter_v into_o heaven_n &_o that_o such_o as_o feed_v christ_n when_o hungry_a clothe_v he_o be_v naked_a shall_v be_v save_v in_o heaven_n which_o be_v very_o true_a matth._n 7.21_o and_o 25.34_o etc._n etc._n do_v this_o prove_v that_o little_a infant_n and_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n must_v not_o be_v save_v because_o the_o one_o through_o imbecility_n of_o age_n and_o the_o other_o through_o want_n of_o opportunity_n do_v not_o perform_v the_o thing_n mention_v it_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o at_o all_o but_o that_o salvation_n in_o heaven_n may_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o these_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o other_o even_o so_o though_o such_o as_o the_o catechism_n speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v it_o do_v noâ—_n thence_o follow_v but_o that_o the_o ordinance_n may_v be_v dispense_v to_o the_o infant_n of_o such_o member_n child_n as_o be_v mention_v and_o though_o it_o be_v dispense_v to_o such_o this_o be_v no_o denial_n but_o that_o such_o as_o the_o late_a catechism_n speak_v of_o may_v be_v baptize_v so_o that_o here_o be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o the_o thing_n allege_v but_o that_o both_o may_v be_v true_a and_o consist_v together_o 2_o dly_z it_o the_o word_n in_o the_o catechism_n have_v any_o exclusive_a particle_n in_o they_o there_o have_v be_v some_o more_o ground_n or_o colour_n for_o the_o inference_n as_o if_o the_o word_n have_v be_v thus_o only_o these_o or_o none_o but_o these_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_v but_o any_o such_o exclusive_a or_o negative_a particle_n there_o be_v none_o and_o therefore_o the_o collection_n or_o inference_n from_o they_o which_o be_v make_v be_v groundless_a 3_o the_o author_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a catechism_n which_o be_v print_v in_o the_o year_n 1650._o have_v sundry_a time_n before_o in_o the_o year_n 1646._o 1648._o 1649._o public_o deliver_v his_o judgement_n both_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o by_o write_v that_o such_o child_n of_o church_n member_n may_v have_v their_o infant_n baptize_v though_o themselves_o be_v not_o yet_o receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o so_o divers_a time_n again_o in_o the_o year_n follow_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o what_o be_v express_v in_o the_o say_a catechism_n shall_v be_v intend_v by_o he_o to_o have_v such_o a_o meaning_n as_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o himself_o have_v public_o deliver_v both_o before_o and_o after_o and_o that_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o several_a way_n 4_o lie_n other_o author_n of_o much_o worth_n for_o holiness_n and_o learning_n who_o never_o mean_v to_o deny_v baptism_n to_o such_o child_n of_o church_n member_n dear_o spoke_v of_o yet_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v baptise_v or_o to_o who_o be_v baptism_n to_o be_v administer_v have_v express_v themselves_o in_o term_n not_o far_o unlike_a to_o those_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a catechism_n mr._n ball_n word_n be_v these_o
positive_o reject_v the_o gospel_n and_o that_o the_o membership_n of_o child_n have_v no_o tendency_n in_o it_o to_o pollute_v the_o church_n any_o more_o now_o then_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o child_n be_v under_o church_n discipline_n and_o that_o some_o person_n adult_n may_v be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n etc._n etc._n the_o whole_a letter_n be_v already_o publish_v we_o shall_v not_o here_o insert_v it_o or_o any_o thing_n further_o concern_v it_o only_o assure_v the_o reader_n that_o the_o letter_n itself_o even_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v still_o to_o be_v see_v as_o it_o be_v write_v by_o mr._n shepherd_n own_o hand_n also_o the_o same_o author_n in_o his_o print_a defence_n of_o the_o nine_o position_n pag._n 143._o do_v maintain_v the_o church_n membership_n of_o child_n and_o their_o subjection_n to_o discipline_n in_o the_o year_n after_o these_o mention_v viz._n anno_fw-la 1636._o hear_v arrive_v two_o other_o of_o new-englands_n worthy_n mr._n partridge_n and_o mr._n roger_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n namely_o mr._n ralph_n partridge_n and_o mr._n nathaâ—â—el_n rogers_n as_o for_o mr._n partridge_n sometime_o faithful_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o duxberry_n in_o plymouth_n colony_n what_o his_o judgement_n be_v touch_v the_o present_a controversy_n be_v to_o be_v see_v from_o that_o model_n of_o church_n discipline_n when_o be_v by_o he_o compose_v and_o present_v to_o the_o synod_n at_o cambridg_n anno_fw-la 1648._o and_o which_o be_v still_o extant_a under_o the_o hand_n write_v of_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o which_o manuscript_n be_v these_o word_n the_o person_n unto_o who_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v dispense_v and_o as_o we_o conceive_v aught_o to_o be_v be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o year_n and_o convert_v from_o their_o sin_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v join_v in_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n as_o also_o the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n or_o parent_n as_o have_v lay_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v in_o a_o visible_a covenant_n with_o his_o church_n and_o all_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o that_o cast_v not_o off_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n by_o some_o scandalous_a and_o obstinate_a go_v on_o in_o sin_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o math._n 28.19_o and_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o with_o gen._n 17_o etc._n etc._n compare_v thus_o for_o mr._n partridge_n his_o judgement_n concern_v mr._n nathaniel_n rogers_n late_o eminent_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ipswich_n in_o new-england_n that_o his_o judgement_n do_v concur_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n touch_v baptism_n be_v certain_a from_o what_o himself_o do_v public_o teach_v some_o year_n before_o his_o decease_n also_o from_o a_o letter_n of_o his_o write_v to_o the_o reverend_n mr._n richard_n mather_n some_o year_n before_o mr._n rogers_n go_v to_o his_o rest_n which_o letter_n still_o remain_v under_o the_o author_n own_o hand_n write_v we_o shall_v therefore_o insert_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o which_o follow_v reverend_a and_o dear_a sir_n i_o receive_v a_o letter_n with_o a_o book_n from_o you_o and_o do_v return_v you_o this_o testimony_n of_o my_o most_o thankful_a acceptance_n of_o your_o kindness_n and_o good_a will_v both_o in_o your_o letter_n and_o worthy_a treatise_n of_o justification_n which_o as_o you_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v be_v nervous_a and_o this_o be_v compendious_a in_o a_o special_a manner_n and_o yet_o perspicuous_a i_o see_v my_o defect_n in_o hen._n den_n matter_n supply_v by_o your_o diligence_n to_o the_o question_n concern_v the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n i_o have_v nothing_o to_o oppose_v and_o i_o wonder_v any_o shall_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v member_n they_o be_v member_n in_o censa_fw-la ecclesiastico_fw-la god_n so_o call_v they_o the_o church_n be_v so_o to_o account_v thew_v and_o when_o they_o be_v adulia_n aâ—atis_fw-la though_o have_v do_v no_o personal_a act_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v member_n still_o until_o after_o due_a call_v upon_o they_o shall_v refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o own_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o content_n thereof_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v deny_v the_o church_n may_v cashier_v or_o disow_v they_o now_o for_o practice_n i_o confess_v i_o account_v it_o a_o great_a default_n that_o we_o have_v make_v no_o more_o real_a distinction_n between_o these_o and_o other_o that_o they_o have_v be_v no_o more_o attend_v as_o the_o lamb_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n and_o woeful_a defection_n of_o our_o youth_n disquiri_fw-la permittimus_fw-la we_o be_v this_o week_n to_o meet_v in_o the_o church_n about_o it_o and_o i_o know_v nothing_o but_o we_o must_v speedy_o fall_v to_o practice_n if_o we_o in_o this_o shall_v be_v leader_n i_o pray_v beg_v wisdom_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o he_o who_o be_v our_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o our_o right_a cousness_n i_o commit_v you_o to_o the_o bless_a communion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o rest_n you_o in_o he_o cordial_o n._n rogers_n xi_o 18._o 1652._o these_o testimony_n be_v more_o than_o abundant_o sufficient_a to_o evince_v that_o the_o first_o fa_n hers_z of_o this_o country_n be_v for_o that_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n which_o the_o late_a synod_n book_n plead_v for_o and_o that_o therefore_o such_o a_o practice_n be_v no_o apostasy_n from_o our_o primitive_a principle_n yet_o further_a testimony_n may_v be_v superad_v unto_o these_o for_o mr_n hâ—nr_n sm_n â—h_a sometime_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n at_o wethersfield_n on_o connecticot_n in_o a_o letter_n of_o his_o date_a august_n 23._o anno_fw-la 1647._o which_o letter_n be_v also_o write_v to_o mr._n mather_n thus_o express_v himself_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o our_o part_n about_o member_n child_n be_v receive_v into_o communion_n because_o it_o be_v undetermined_a in_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o at_o the_o synod_n our_o thought_n here_o be_v that_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o confederate_n gen._n 17._o take_v in_o all_o child_n of_o confederate_a parent_n whether_o baptize_v here_o or_o else_o where_o whether_o young_a or_o elder_a if_o they_o do_v either_o express_o or_o otherways_o may_v be_v conceive_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o consent_v thereunto_o now_o because_o many_o have_v child_n grow_v up_o which_o be_v bear_v in_o england_n who_o will_v glad_o express_v their_o consent_n and_o desire_v to_o their_o parent_n covenant_n only_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o walk_v alone_o in_o the_o thing_n we_o can_v hearty_o wish_v we_o have_v the_o concurrence_n of_o your_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n thus_o mr._n smith_n likewise_o mr._n prudden_n late_o faithful_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o milford_n in_o new-haven_n colon_n in_o new-england_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o same_o reverend_a person_n which_o the_o last_o mention_v be_v send_v unto_o do_v not_o only_o express_v his_o own_o thought_n but_o give_v reason_n for_o his_o belief_n concern_v the_o question_n under_o agitation_n with_o who_o testimony_n we_o shall_v conclude_v and_o because_o his_o letter_n be_v of_o weighty_a and_o worthy_a consideration_n consideration_n albeit_o part_n of_o it_o as_o of_o that_o of_o mr._n rogers_n be_v already_o publish_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o synod_n book_n yet_o we_o shall_v here_o insert_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o which_o now_o follow_v dear_a brother_n i_o be_v glad_a at_o the_o receipt_n of_o your_o letter_n but_o i_o be_o sorry_a to_o hear_v of_o such_o breach_n in_o church_n and_o no_o way_n nor_o mean_n find_v out_o and_o apply_v for_o heal_v which_o i_o fear_v with_o you_o do_v strengthen_v the_o presbyterian_a objection_n against_o our_o congregational_a way_n when_o the_o writing_n of_o some_o for_o our_o defence_n and_o our_o practice_n agree_v not_o in_o that_o particular_a i_o think_v with_o you_o that_o man_n to_o be_v much_o bless_a who_o god_n shall_v make_v helpful_a in_o those_o thing_n though_o as_o he_o have_v but_o little_a encouragement_n to_o attempt_v it_o so_o can_v he_o expect_v less_o thanks_o from_o man_n who_o possible_o may_v have_v err_v but_o loath_a to_o be_v judge_v so_o to_o have_v do_v touch_v your_o own_o exercise_n you_o be_v not_o alone_o in_o they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o prepare_v matter_n of_o offence_n and_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o church_n have_v be_v much_o question_v by_o some_o but_o methinks_v hat_n which_o mr_n hooker_n have_v write_v in_o the_o case_n survey_v pt_n 3d._n pag._n 33._o shall_v satisfy_v those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o a_o
keep_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o bring_v up_o his_o grandchild_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o live_v and_o walk_v as_o himself_o do_v as_o one_o of_o god_n people_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n from_o whence_o the_o conclusion_n evident_o follow_v that_o therefore_o baptism_n may_v there_o be_v administer_v to_o seal_v up_o the_o covenant_n where_o the_o grandfather_n receive_v the_o covenant_n &_o undertake_v to_o bring_v up_o his_o grand_a child_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o covenant_n against_o this_o argument_n it_o be_v object_v by_o some_o what_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1_o cor._n 7.14_o where_o if_o both_o the_o husband_n and_o the_o wife_n who_o be_v the_o next_o parent_n of_o the_o child_n be_v unbelieving_a the_o child_n be_v pronounce_v unclean_a and_o therefore_o uncapable_a of_o the_o holy_a covenant_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a seal_n of_o it_o whereto_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o word_n in_o the_o tex_n translate_v unbelieving_a be_v in_o the_o original_a infidel_n now_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o on_o infidel_n and_o a_o carnal_a christian_a as_o then_o be_v among_o the_o lewes_z a_o difference_n between_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o carnal_a israelite_n though_o the_o child_n be_v unclean_a where_o both_o the_o parent_n be_v pagan_n and_o infidel_n yet_o we_o may_v not_o account_v such_o parent_n for_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n who_o be_v themselves_o baptize_v and_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o live_v without_o notorious_a scandalous_a crime_n though_o they_o give_v not_o clear_a evidence_n of_o their_o regenerate_a estate_n nor_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o church_n covenant_n after_o this_o answer_n give_v there_o be_v no_o father_n reply_v against_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a some_o of_o the_o brethren_n express_v their_o consent_n with_o addition_n of_o other_o reason_n and_o all_o of_o they_o by_o their_o silence_n we_o do_v therefore_o profess_v it_o to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n and_o as_o we_o believ_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o caution_n be_v observe_v as_o have_v be_v mention_v that_o the_o grandfather_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o baptism_n to_o his_o grandchild_n though_o his_o next_o seed_n the_o parent_n of_o the_o child_n be_v not_o receive_v themselves_o into_o church_n covenant_n wherein_o nevertheless_o we_o desire_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v not_o as_o presume_v to_o judge_v other_o who_o happy_o may_v be_v of_o different_a opinion_n in_o this_o point_n or_o to_o direct_v you_o who_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n give_v to_o you_o able_a to_o direct_v yourselves_o and_o we_o also_o in_o the_o lord_n but_o as_o willing_a in_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n to_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n with_o you_o and_o in_o brotherly_a love_n to_o satisfy_v your_o request_n and_o demand_v touch_v this_o question_n now_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o go_v on_o to_o build_v up_o his_o holy_a kingdom_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o in_o the_o gracious_a administration_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n among_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o who_o we_o rest_v your_o love_a brethren_n john_n cotton_n tho._n oliver_n tho._n leveret_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n boston_n decemb._n the_o 16_o 1634._o now_o this_o be_v a_o great_a testimony_n for_o if_o anno_fw-la 1634._o which_o be_v among_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o these_o church_n if_o then_o a_o grand_a father_n such_o caution_n be_v observe_v as_o have_v be_v mention_v be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n may_v claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o baptism_n to_o his_o grand_a child_n though_o his_o next_o seed_n the_o immediate_a parent_n of_o the_o child_n be_v not_o receive_v themselves_o into_o full_a communion_n if_o then_o also_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o a_o infidel_n and_o a_o carnal_a christian_a as_o then_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n a_o difference_n between_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o carnal_a israelite_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o account_v such_o parent_n for_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n and_o so_o not_o their_o child_n for_o unclean_a who_o be_v themselves_o baptize_v and_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o live_v without_o notorious_a scandalous_a crime_n though_o they_o give_v not_o clear_a evidence_n of_o their_o regenerate_v estate_n if_o this_o be_v true_a doctrine_n anno_fw-la 1634._o posterity_n will_v see_v who_o be_v the_o apostate_n from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o new-england_n whether_o they_o who_o principle_n be_v for_o a_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n unto_o some_o who_o next_o patent_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o they_o that_o do_v oppose_v such_o a_o practice_n there_o be_v also_o to_o be_v see_v another_o large_a and_o judicious_a letter_n of_o mr._n cotton_v write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o a_o friend_n of_o he_o in_o england_n touch_v accommodation_n and_o communion_n between_o those_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o congregational_a persuasion_n the_o letter_n bear_v date_n the_o 8._o 11._o month_n 1648._o and_o therein_o mr._n cotâ—on_n deliver_v his_o judgement_n in_o twelve_o proposition_n which_o be_v too_o large_a here_o to_o be_v insert_v only_o the_o eight_o of_o these_o proposition_n be_v direct_o to_o our_o purpose_n we_o shall_v here_o transcribe_v it_o the_o word_n of_o it_o be_v these_o if_o the_o godly_a member_n of_o a_o congregation_n former_o subject_a to_o episcopacy_n repent_v of_o their_o sinful_a subordination_n thereto_o shall_v be_v studious_a of_o reformation_n and_o shall_v solemn_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v the_o same_o and_o shall_v choose_v their_o former_a godly_a minister_n into_o the_o pastor_n &_o teacher_n office_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a they_o shall_v take_v the_o ignorant_a or_o carnal_a member_n of_o the_o parish_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o this_o renew_a election_n of_o their_o minister_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o the_o minister_n may_v perform_v some_o ministerial_a act_n to_o they_o as_o not_o only_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o they_o but_o happy_o also_o to_o baptize_v their_o child_n for_o such_o member_n be_v like_o the_o church_n member_n with_o we_o baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n yet_o not_o receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n nor_o admit_v to_o fellowship_n of_o vote_v in_o admission_n election_n censure_n till_o they_o come_v to_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o lie_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n before_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o covenant_n thereof_o their_o child_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o the_o first_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o in_o this_o case_n till_o the_o parent_n themselves_o grow_v scandalous_a and_o thereby_o cast_v off_o out_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o church_n also_o to_o a_o reverend_a person_n yet_o survive_v in_o this_o country_n who_o in_o a_o letter_n bear_v date_n 4.4_o month_n 1649._o propound_v this_o question_n a_o father_n that_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n one_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n but_o no_o church_n member_n die_v and_o give_v his_o little_a infant_n to_o a_o church_n member_n and_o brother_n of_o we_o which_o brother_n have_v no_o child_n of_o his_o own_o glad_o accept_v it_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o such_o a_o adopt_a child_n may_v by_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n be_v baptize_v or_o not_o mr._n cotton_v answer_n be_v in_o these_o word_n youâ—_n case_n of_o baptise_v of_o the_o child_n of_o one_o fear_v god_n and_o in_o his_o death_n give_v his_o child_n to_o a_o church_n member_n etc._n etc._n i_o propound_v to_o some_o of_o our_o fellow_n elder_n mr._n wilson_n mr._n eliot_n and_o i_o think_v mr._n maâ—her_n and_o as_o i_o remember_v they_o all_o incline_v to_o the_o affirmative_a their_o ground_n be_v the_o text_n in_o gen._n 17.12_o 13._o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o lean_a to_o the_o affirmative_a as_o you_o put_v the_o case_n the_o parent_n of_o this_o child_n be_v not_o a_o indian_a or_o pagan_n but_o a_o christian_a and_o baptize_v himself_o and_o so_o confederate_a with_o such_o a_o church_n as_o we_o renounce_v not_o and_o i_o do_v not_o dissuade_v the_o minister_a of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n where_o the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v not_o want_v etc._n etc._n likewise_o in_o another_o letter_n which_o be_v extant_a under_o mr._n cotton_v own_o hand_n write_v to_o one_o who_o thus_o object_v carnal_a child_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n whilst_o they_o be_v