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
not_o use_v man_n may_v be_v look_v at_o as_o non-member_n though_o the_o church_n do_v neglect_v to_o pass_v a_o formal_a censure_n wherein_o we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o be_v their_o opponent_n it_o suffice_v we_o that_o in_o church_n regular_o use_v discipline_n there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a way_n whereby_o offender_n lose_v church-membership_a but_o by_o excommunication_n and_o that_o none_o can_v lose_v it_o while_o they_o live_v that_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o such_o evil_a as_o be_v censurable_a or_o be_v matter_n of_o excommunication_n which_o the_o person_n in_o question_n be_v not_o another_o testimony_n here_o allege_v be_v from_o mr._n cotton_n in_o his_o way_n of_o the_o church_n p._n 9_o where_o he_o say_v that_o many_o in_o church_n have_v cut_v themselves_o off_o ans._n have_v the_o whole_a sentence_n be_v set_v down_o every_o reader_n will_v have_v see_v the_o impertinency_n of_o the_o allegation_n as_o to_o the_o person_n and_o case_n in_o question_n mr._n cotton_v wordâ—_n be_v these_o many_o in_o other_o church_n have_v â—ut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o covenant_n by_o their_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o withal_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o add_v that_o arelapsed_a church_n with_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v bind_v to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o reformation_n which_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o whole_o cut_v off_o before_o though_o their_o membership_n be_v but_o by_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o baptize_v for_o of_o that_o he_o there_o speak_v we_o doubt_v not_o but_o among_o the_o member_n of_o such_o relapsed_a church_n may_v be_v find_v many_o much_o more_o degenerate_a then_o those_o describe_v in_o the_o synod_n five_o preposition_n much_o less_o therefore_o be_v those_o discovenant_v but_o be_v in_o covenant_n be_v bind_v to_o renew_v it_o in_o order_n to_o full_a communion_n the_o next_o testimony_n here_o produce_v be_v from_o those_o word_n in_o the_o discourse_n of_o church-covenant_n pag._n 17._o viz._n that_o if_o man_n have_v not_o promise_v and_o also_o perform_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o truth_n the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n they_o have_v not_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n but_o have_v discovenant_v themselves_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o father_n and_o other_o thus_o though_o god_n promise_v abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n genes_n 17_o 7._o yet_o the_o ishmaelite_n and_o edomite_n descend_v from_o abraham_n be_v discovenant_v by_o not_o promise_v nor_o perform_v those_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n require_v on_o the_o people_n part_n now_o if_o this_o say_v the_o apologist_n be_v truth_n in_o the_o year_n 1639._o as_o it_o then_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o elders_n hereabout_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v truth_n in_o the_o year_n 1662._o for_o veritas_fw-la in_o omnem_fw-la partem_fw-la svi_fw-la semper_fw-la eadem_fw-la eâ—t_fw-la either_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n then_o or_o else_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n at_o this_o day_n ans._n let_v the_o word_n here_o cite_v be_v candid_o interpret_v and_o they_o contain_v nothing_o repugnant_a to_o the_o present_a doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o man_n do_v not_o promise_v or_o do_v not_o perform_v in_o some_o measure_n yea_o in_o some_o measure_n of_o truth_n i._n e._n visible_o and_o in_o charitable_a and_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n into_o god_n they_o do_v discovendat_fw-la themselves_o i._n e._n they_o do_v it_o meritorious_o and_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o they_o â—n_a thâ—â—_n part_v to_o destroy_v their_o membership_n and_o â—hey_n so_o do_v it_o as_o will_v infer_v the_o absolute_a loss_n of_o their_o membership_n viz._n either_o by_o formal_a excommunication_n if_o you_o speak_v of_o particular_a person_n and_o if_o the_o church_n do_v her_o duty_n or_o by_o the_o lorâ—s_v give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n if_o you_o speak_v of_o whole_a body_n of_o people_n as_o here_o the_o ishâ—â—celâ—â—s_n 〈◊〉_d a_o eâ—ountes_n be_v speak_v of_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o child_n of_o our_o church_n describe_v in_o the_o synodâ—_n five_o proposition_n who_o do_v promise_n and_o do_v in_o some_o â—easure_n though_o not_o in_o so_o full_a a_o measure_n as_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n this_o may_v be_v true_a in_o 1639._o and_o in_o 1662._o also_o and_o yet_o our_o assertion_n may_v be_v true_a and_o you_o false_a notwithstanding_o let_v our_o child_n appear_v to_o be_v such_o as_o the_o edoâ—ates_n and_o ishmaelite_n be_v or_o let_v they_o appear_v to_o be_v such_o as_o do_v in_o no_o measure_n yea_o i._o â—_o no_o measure_n of_o truth_n i._n e._n as_o to_o church-visibility_a or_o charitable_a hope_n for_o the_o church_n â—â—ngâ—_n no_o further_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o we_o will_v with_o you_o plead_v to_o have_v they_o put_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o till_o then_o i._n e._n as_o long_o as_o they_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n though_o yet_o but_o in_o a_o small_a and_o initial_a measure_n perform_v the_o duty_n and_o retain_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n or_o of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n they_o continue_v yea_o regular_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n for_o aught_o that_o have_v yet_o appear_v either_o in_o 1639._o or_o in_o 1662._o we_o be_v loath_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o insult_a expression_n that_o be_v here_o use_v which_o be_v too-too_o uncomely_a especial_o there_o where_o thâ—â—â—fth_o commandment_n require_v special_a honour_n but_o the_o intelligent_a reader_n will_v easy_o see_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o conâ—â—dence_n to_o bring_v a_o testimony_n concern_v the_o discovenant_n of_o the_o ishmaelite_n and_o edomite_n for_o they_o be_v expreâ—ly_o instance_a in_o as_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o not-promising_a nor_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o faâ—â—rand_a obedience_n intend_v by_o the_o author_n and_o then_o to_o triumph_v in_o it_o as_o if_o that_o prove_v the_o discovenant_v of_o our_o hopeful_a and_o non-excommunicable_a child_n or_o thwart_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n when_o it_o be_v here_o add_v this_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n wherein_o we_o dissent_n from_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o synod_n if_o by_o this_o be_n mean_v the_o assertion_n which_o be_v before_o express_v viz._n that_o a_o church-member_n may_v possible_o become_v no_o member_n without_o any_o act_n of_o the_o church_n in_o formal_a censure_v of_o he_o than_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o â—trangâ—_n misrepresentation_n to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a polut_o of_o your_o dissent_n for_o there_o be_v they_o that_o do_v hearty_a consent_n to_o all_o the_o conclâ—sions_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o yet_o dâ—_n hold_v and_o do_v in_o the_o synod_n express_v as_o much_o that_o in_o some_o notorious_a case_n and_o where_o the_o church_n neglect_v her_o duty_n as_o have_v be_v before_o say_v person_n may_v be_v break_v off_o and_o look_v at_o as_o non-member_n though_o not_o formal_o censure_v or_o that_o a_o church-member_n may_v possible_o in_o some_o case_n become_v no_o member_n without_o a_o formal_a censure_n the_o reader_n therefore_o be_v great_o mislead_v and_o misinform_v when_o he_o be_v tell_v that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a point_n of_o our_o dissent_n but_o when_o you_o aâ—â—ert_v that_o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v become_v no_o member_n or_o that_o person_n who_o be_v before_o member_n do_v become_v no_o member_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v adult_n mere_o by_o want_n of_o fitness_n for_o full_a communion_n though_o they_o neither_o have_v not_o deserve_v to_o have_v any_o church-censure_n paâ—led_v upon_o they_o this_o we_o confess_v be_v a_o main_a point_n wherein_o you_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n and_o we_o suppose_v from_o scripture_n and_o sound_a reason_n too_o preface_n here_o let_v we_o add_v the_o word_n of_o mr._n cotton_n in_o his_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o church_n member_n which_o be_v these_o follow_v such_o as_o be_v bear_v and_o baptize_v member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o cruelty_n continue_v and_o confirm_v member_n unless_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n they_o do_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n pray_v their_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o jeâ—us_n chrâ—st_n answ._n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o by_o confirm_a member_n all_o along_o in_o that_o book_n mr._n cottonâ—eaneâ—_n â—eaneâ—_z such_o as_o be_v admit_v to_o â—uâ—_n communion_n or_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o vote_v and_o so_o he_o dâ—th_v express_o explain_v himself_o pag._n 9_o and_o for_o that_o it_o be_v well_o know_v we_o stand_v â—ully_o for_o the_o
the_o other_o with_o the_o term_n of_o member_n according_a to_o scripture_n or_o according_a to_o christ_n ordinance_n if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o such_o member_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o this_o point_n be_v grant_v as_o for_o what_o be_v here_o say_v to_o that_o proposition_n if_o this_o term_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v not_o omit_v but_o take_v in_o viz._n that_o according_a to_o scripture_n the_o covenant_n be_v different_o administer_v in_o different_a time_n of_o the_o church_n which_o different_a manner_n of_o administration_n be_v here_o pag._n 22._o and_o in_o the_o ten_o position_n which_o be_v here_o cite_v say_v to_o be_v this_o in_o sum_n that_o the_o church_n be_v once_o in_o family_n or_o domestical_a under_o moses_n national_a and_o under_o christ_n congregational_n ans._n what_o if_o all_o this_o be_v grant_v be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o for_o we_o will_v willing_o keep_v to_o the_o question_n to_o overthrow_v the_o synod_n fâ—â—st_v proposition_n or_o their_o say_n that_o be_v here_o under_o debate_n viz._n that_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o title_n to_o baptism_n it_o seem_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o if_o according_a to_o scripture_n there_o have_v be_v different_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o different_a time_n and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v heretofore_o domestical_a afterward_o national_a and_o now_o congregational_a all_o this_o may_v be_v grant_v and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o truth_n that_o be_v here_o say_v that_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o title_n to_o baptism_n that_o these_o child_n be_v in_o covenant_n the_o synod_n say_v appear_v 1._o because_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v in_o covenant_n the_o child_n be_v so_o also_o but_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v in_o covenant_n to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o if_o this_o be_v in_o covenant_n be_v understand_v of_o be_v in_o it_o according_a to_o gâ—spel-rules_n and_o that_o the_o child_n be_v in_o covenant_n be_v understand_v of_o infant_n child_n or_o child_n in_o minority_n than_o the_o proposition_n be_v true_a or_o else_o it_o must_v be_v deny_v ans._n concern_v the_o one_o of_o these_o particular_n viz._n of_o be_v in_o covenant_n according_a to_o gospel-rule_n it_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o synod_n mean_v it_o any_o otherwise_o but_o for_o the_o other_o particular_a that_o the_o child_n in_o covenant_n be_v only_a infant_n or_o child_n in_o minority_n this_o be_v a_o limitation_n that_o need_v further_a consideration_n and_o will_v be_v speak_v to_o afterward_o whereas_o the_o synod_n to_o prove_v the_o parent_n in_o question_n to_o be_v in_o covenant_n allege_v that_o they_o be_v once_o in_o covenant_n and_o never_o since_o discovenant_v the_o former_a because_o else_o they_o have_v not_o warrantable_o be_v baptise_a and_o the_o latter_a because_o they_o have_v not_o in_o any_o way_n of_o god_n be_v discovenant_v cast_v out_o or_o cut_v off_o from_o their_o covenant-relation_n the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o answer_n hereunto_o say_v that_o they_o be_v discovenant_v by_o not_o perform_v that_o whereunto_o they_o be_v engage_v by_o the_o covenant_n for_o which_o he_o allege_v rom._n 2.25_o ans._n 1._o it_o seem_v then_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o only_o reach_v unto_o child_n during_o their_o minority_n but_o also_o when_o they_o be_v become_v adult_n for_o else_o how_o can_v they_o when_o adult_a be_v faulty_a in_o not_o perform_v that_o whereunto_o the_o covenant_n engage_v can_v man_n be_v faulty_a for_o not_o perform_v covenant-engagement_n when_o they_o be_v not_o comprehend_v in_o the_o covenant_n this_o seem_v not_o possible_a therefore_o here_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o concâ—ssion_n that_o the_o covenant_n reach_v further_a than_o to_o infancy_n or_o minority_n and_o that_o they_o who_o be_v in_o covenant_n in_o their_o infancy_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o be_v also_o in_o that_o covenant_n when_o they_o be_v become_v adult_n 2._o nor_o be_v it_o clear_a that_o mâ—ns_v not_o perform_v what_o the_o covenant_n require_v of_o they_o do_v forthwith_o discovenant_v they_o if_o by_o be_v discovenant_v be_v mean_v their_o not_o be_v in_o that_o church-relation_n in_o which_o they_o be_v before_o for_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v patient_a and_o long-suffering_a towards_o they_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o to_o bear_v with_o they_o long_o afore_o be_v give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o nehem._n 9.30_o many_o year_n do_v thou_o forbear_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v more_o rigour_n than_o the_o word_n allow_v to_o think_v or_o say_v that_o such_o as_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n be_v forthwith_o fall_v out_o of_o that_o estate_n if_o they_o do_v not_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o become_v adult_n perform_v what_o that_o covenant_n require_v the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n will_v not_o allow_v we_o so_o to_o judge_v unless_o we_o have_v more_o clear_a warrant_n for_o such_o judgement_n nor_o do_v the_o text_n allege_v viz._n rom._n 2_o 25._o prove_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o when_o it_o be_v there_o say_v thy_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n the_o meaning_n be_v it_o shall_v not_o profit_v thou_o at_o all_o in_o such_o a_o state_n as_o to_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o so_o baptism_n may_v be_v say_v in_o such_o case_n to_o be_v no_o baptism_n and_o covenant_n and_o church-relation_n to_o be_v no_o covenant_n no_o church-relation_n i._n e._n not_o to_o yield_v any_o such_o profit_n in_o that_o estate_n but_o yet_o if_o such_o shall_v afterward_o be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o new-obedience_n will_v any_o say_v that_o now_o such_o person_n must_v be_v circumcise_v again_o or_o baptize_v again_o as_o if_o the_o former_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o external_a act_n be_v become_v null_n we_o suppose_v this_o can_v not_o be_v say_v just_o though_o in_o respect_n of_o any_o profit_n to_o their_o soul_n their_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n in_o their_o former_a estate_n be_v as_o none_o and_o so_o we_o may_v say_v their_o covenant_n and_o church_n relation_n be_v as_o none_o in_o respect_n of_o any_o spiritual_a save_a benefit_n to_o their_o soul_n if_o they_o perform_v not_o what_o the_o covenant_n bind_v they_o unto_o and_o yet_o it_o can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o church-relation_n and_o external_a visible_a state_n they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n or_o not_o in_o the_o covenant_n then_o in_o the_o other_o particular_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o circumcise_v or_o not_o baptize_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o external_a state_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a benefit_n of_o such_o a_o relation_n and_o though_o this_o latter_a be_v the_o portion_n of_o none_o but_o such_o as_o come_v to_o be_v true_o regenerate_v yet_o the_o other_o be_v and_o so_o continue_v the_o right_a of_o all_o that_o have_v once_o have_v it_o until_o in_o some_o way_n of_o god_n they_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o it_o and_o so_o deprive_v thereof_o the_o synod_n have_v say_v that_o person_n once_o in_o covenant_n be_v not_o break_v off_o from_o it_o according_a to_o scripture_n sare_z for_o notorious_a sin_n and_o incorrigibleness_n therein_o which_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o these_o parent_n the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o if_o they_o break_v off_o themselves_o by_o break_v the_o covenant_n which_o be_v seal_v by_o baptism_n in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n they_o thereby_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o such_o case_n be_v to_o be_v look_v at_o like_o those_o in_o 1_o joh._n 2.19_o ans._n if_o by_o break_v off_o themselves_o be_v mean_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o do_v this_o meritorious_o i._n e._n that_o by_o their_o sin_n they_o deserve_v to_o be_v break_v off_o than_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o in_o this_o sense_n person_n may_v though_o not_o that_o these_o do_v break_v off_o themselves_o from_o their_o covenant-relation_n and_o so_o also_o may_v person_n that_o have_v be_v in_o full_a communion_n even_o these_o by_o their_o sin_n may_v thus_o break_v off_o themselves_o in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v say_v hos._n 13.9_o o_o israel_n thou_o have_v destroy_v thyself_o i._n e._n that_o their_o sin_n be_v the_o procure_n or_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o their_o destruction_n but_o if_o hereby_o be_v mean_v that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o do_v
set_v down_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o as_o it_o seem_v he_o do_v by_o what_o he_o say_v pag._n 52._o why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v a_o dangerous_a matter_n to_o agree_v thereunto_o for_o the_o substance_n thereof_o we_o have_v indeed_o find_v in_o our_o experience_n much_o good_a and_o benefit_n by_o communion_n of_o church_n as_o the_o reverend_a author_n acknowledge_v pag._n 58_o 61._o and_o his_o acknowledgement_n thereof_o we_o glad_o accept_v but_o we_o have_v also_o find_v that_o the_o want_n of_o ready_a agreement_n timous_o to_o attend_v and_o exert_v the_o act_n of_o communion_n have_v hazard_v the_o peace_n and_o wellbeing_a of_o sundry_a church_n and_o expose_v they_o to_o great_a trouble_n we_o do_v not_o desire_v by_o our_o propose_a consociation_n to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o only_o a_o vigorous_a and_o timous_a exercise_n thereof_o 3._o that_o we_o express_o disclaim_v the_o subject_n of_o a_o church_n unto_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n whatsoever_o propos._n 1._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o reverend_a author_n shall_v put_v that_o upon_o the_o consociation_n by_o we_o intend_v that_o it_o be_v a_o subject_n of_o church_n under_o classical_a jurisdiction_n pag._n 59_o it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a consent_n or_o mutual_a agreement_n of_o church_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n consent_v to_o as_o viz._n the_o power_n they_o agree_v to_o be_v state_v under_o that_o make_v it_o a_o classical_a combination_n or_o put_v those_o church_n under_o a_o classical_a jurisdiction_n what_o though_o the_o voluntary_a combination_n mention_v by_o by_o mr._n rutherfurd_n in_o his_o sense_n do_v infer_v a_o classical_a membership_n and_o jurisdiction_n sure_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o do_v so_o when_o as_o we_o express_o disclaim_v it_o but_o be_v it_o true_a that_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o voluntary_a combination_n of_o church_n they_o become_v a_o classical_a or_o presbyterian_a church_n and_o the_o member_n by_o consent_v thereto_o become_v member_n of_o a_o classical_a church_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o it_o etc._n etc._n as_o be_v say_v pag._n 59_o what_o then_o shall_v be_v think_v of_o that_o know_a position_n of_o dr._n ames_n medal_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 39_o thes._n 27._o which_o be_v express_o cite_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o reply_n to_o paget_n pag._n 224_o 225_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n with_o congregational-man_n but_o their_o profess_a doctrine_n with_o one_o consent_n to_o own_o some_o kind_n of_o combination_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n but_o withal_o we_o constant_o afirm_v with_o dr._n ames_n in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o this_o combination_n do_v neither_o constitute_v any_o new_a form_n of_o a_o church_n nor_o ought_v it_o to_o take_v away_o or_o in_o any_o measure_n to_o diminish_v that_o liberty_n and_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n but_o only_o it_o serve_v to_o direct_v and_o promote_v the_o same_o 4._o let_v the_o reader_n please_v to_o peruse_v and_o consider_v the_o reverend_a author_n eleven_o and_o twelve_o premise_v position_n pag._n 6_o 7_o 8._o and_o compare_v they_o with_o what_o the_o synod_n have_v publish_v touch_v consociation_n of_o church_n and_o we_o suppose_v he_o will_v find_v such_o a_o agreement_n between_o they_o as_o that_o he_o will_v wonder_v as_o we_o do_v to_o see_v the_o reverend_a author_n appear_v as_o a_o antagonist_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o seem_v strange_a that_o brethren_n shall_v be_v willing_a to_o contend_v both_o where_o they_o do_v differ_v and_o where_o they_o do_v not_o also_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v how_o many_o reflection_n here_o be_v upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o will_v cast_v a_o snare_n upon_o church_n by_o straighten_v they_o in_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o their_o church-power_n within_o themselves_o in_o re_fw-la propria_fw-la as_o if_o we_o will_v absolute_o bind_v church_n not_o to_o administer_v censure_n within_o themselves_o etc._n etc._n for_o which_o nothing_o publish_v by_o the_o synod_n do_v give_v any_o just_a occasion_n and_o whereas_o mr._n cotton_n be_v represent_v as_o be_v against_o our_o consociation_n pag._n 60.61_o let_v his_o print_a word_n be_v view_v in_o the_o key_n pag._n 54_o 59_o his_o solemn_a speech_n of_o it_o to_o sundry_a be_v remember_v and_o his_o draught_n of_o it_o a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n be_v consider_v and_o the_o reader_n will_v see_v whether_o he_o can_v join_v in_o belief_n with_o the_o reverend_a author_n about_o that_o matter_n the_o lord_n guide_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n into_o all_o truth_n and_o help_v we_o to_o follow_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n finis_fw-la it_o be_v no_o very_o good_a sign_n of_o truth_n when_o there_o be_v many_o curious_a nice_a &_o dark_a distinction_n use_v to_o defend_v a_o thing_n 〈…〉_z eneru._n tom._n 2._o l._n 6._o cap._n 5_o quest_n ult_n and_o his_o fresh_a suit_n par_fw-fr 1._o pag._n 63_o 83_o 134_o 138._o vid._n rivet_n in_o genes_n 17.14_o ames_n medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 41._o thes._n 7._o 7._o his_o word_n be_v these_o any_o such_o notorious_a offender_n have_v name_v atheist_n mocker_n of_o religion_n witch_n idolater_n papist_n may_v have_v the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visit_v â—e_n to_o wit_n in_o this_o sense_n a_o corrupt_a and_o rot_a member_n fit_a to_o be_v cut_v off_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n though_o former_o a_o in_o offensive_a professor_n of_o the_o faith_n may_v afterward_o fall_v away_o into_o any_o of_o these_o notorious_a scandal_n and_o yet_o for_o a_o while_n still_o retain_v the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a to_o wit_n till_o the_o church_n have_v orderly_o proceed_v against_o he_o otherwise_o the_o church_n shall_v want_v power_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o excommunication_n of_o such_o a_o notorious_a delinquent_n for_o what_o have_v the_o church_n to_o do_v to_o judge_v man_n without_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o but_o such_o within_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o 5.11_o eadem_fw-la eeclesia_fw-la &_o pie_n habet_fw-la secumâ—â—â—_n forma_fw-la â—_o interatâ—â—_n ad_fw-la se_fw-la pertinentes_fw-la &_o impy_v atque_fw-la hypocritas_fw-la se_fw-la undùm_fw-la extenam_fw-la adnascentes_fw-la jun._n animad_fw-la in_o bellarm_n p._n 1113._o 1113._o it_o may_v afford_v parker_n a_o argument_n as_o to_o manifestarii_fw-la peccatores_fw-la the_o notorious_o wicked_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n but_o as_o excrementitious_a thing_n be_v purge_v out_o by_o the_o vigorous_a use_v of_o discipline_n as_o he_o there_o discourse_n but_o it_o touch_v not_o our_o question_n â—oll_n eneru._n tom_n 2._o lib._n 2._o cap._n 1._o 1._o calvin_n opuscul_n pag._n 346._o cartwright_n catech_n pag._n 185._o 185._o disciplina_fw-la subjacent_a omnâ—s_n in_o unitate_fw-la frae_n trum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d oblajante_a usâ—â—al_n senem_fw-la rat._n discipline_n pag._n 71._o 71._o contradictio_fw-la caret_fw-la simpliciter_fw-la omni_fw-la medio_fw-la keck_n log._n pag._n 281._o hooker_n survey_v pag._n 17._o catabaptistae_fw-la decent_a non_fw-la posse_fw-la excommunicationem_fw-la in_o ecclesiam_fw-la reduci_fw-la nisi_fw-la ij_o baptizentur_fw-la qui_fw-la scientes_fw-la jugo_fw-la christi_fw-la collum_n submittant_fw-la bucer_n in_o joh._n fol_n â—5_n see_v mr._n cotton_n express_o hold_v forth_o excommunication_n to_o be_v applicable_a to_o such_o as_o the_o child_n in_o question_n in_o holiness_n of_o church-member_n pag._n 57_o 57_o medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes._n 13._o and_o see_v cap._n 40._o thes._n 6_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 16_o 18._o and_o m._n shepherd_n late_o print_v letter_n pag._n 16_o 17._o 17._o catech._n explic_a in_o â—uast_o 81._o pag._n 426._o 426._o aim_n medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 38._o thes._n 41._o 41._o the_o scripture_n order_n be_v to_o â—ake_v the_o circumcise_n of_o the_o child_n part_n of_o the_o parent_n fitness_n for_o 〈◊〉_d passover_n and_o for_o admission_n hereunto_o let_v all_o his_o male_n be_v circumcise_v and_o then_o let_v he_o come_v 〈◊〉_d and_o keep_v it_o exod._n 12.48_o raâ—â—er_o than_o to_o make_v his_o admission_n to_o 〈◊〉_d passover_n a_o pre-requisite_a to_o 〈◊〉_d child_n circumcision_n gerhard_n de_fw-fr sacra_fw-la câ—na_fw-la p._n 184._o 184._o see_v ratio_fw-la disciplina_fw-la fratrum_fw-la bobem_fw-la in_o hist._n praemissa_fw-la p._n 3_o 3â—_n &_o 39_o â—3_n 52_o 53._o opuscul_fw-la pag._n 37._o syntag._n theolog._n pag._n 1149._o with_o pag_n 1167_o 1168._o 1168._o lec_n com._n de_fw-fr canâ—_n dom._n quaest_n 2._o pag._n 631._o 631._o 〈◊〉_d 137._o pâ—g_n 7â—_n &_o vid._n quaest._n 142._o pag._n 743._o 743._o de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la quaest._n 33_o &_o 34._o pag_n 624_o 625._o see_v the_o leyden_n divine_v synops._n disâ—ut_o 45._o thes._n 14._o &_o disput._n 48._o thes._n 35_o 36._o coâ—pâ—red_a with_o dâ—sput_n 44._o thes._n 50._o 50._o quaest._n &_o resp._n â—â—_o saâ—ramentis_fw-la quaest._n 120_o 122._o 122._o ibid._n quaest._n â—45_n syntag._n lib._n 6._o cap._n 36._o with_o cap._n 55._o 55._o vid._n dutch_n annot._n on_o 1_o cor._n 11.26_o 11.26_o de_fw-fr sacra_fw-la 〈◊〉_d pag_n 18â—_n 18â—_n de_fw-fr baptism_n pag._n 581_o 582._o 582._o explicat_fw-la catech_n in_o quaest_n 74._o pag._n 372_o 372_o in_o quaest_n 75._o pag._n 380._o 380._o so_o much_o parker_n learned_a labour_n among_o other_o show_v and_o our_o congregational_a brethren_n in_o england_n meet_v at_o the_o savoy_n in_o their_o preface_n do_v well_o express_v and_o see_v beverly_n examen_fw-la hoornb_n pag._n 43._o 43._o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o great_a detract_n from_o the_o sacredness_n of_o baptism_n when_o we_o make_v but_o a_o light_a matter_n of_o that_o membership_n and_o covenant_n that_o be_v seal_v therein_o if_o man_n have_v be_v once_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o count_v their_o membership_n stand_v firm_a &_o good_a through_o all_o decay_n and_o degeneracy_n until_o excommunicate_v but_o the_o solemn_a covenant_n &_o engagement_n between_o god_n and_o the_o baptise_a that_o be_v ratify_v in_o holy_a baptism_n wear_v away_o and_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o forget_a thing_n by_o that_o time_n they_o become_v adult_n to_o be_v difficult_a in_o admission_n unto_o baptism_n and_o yet_o easy_a in_o let_v go_v the_o benefit_n of_o baptism_n or_o the_o membership_n thereby_o seal_v and_o to_o allege_v the_o sacredness_n of_o the_o ordinance_n for_o the_o former_a and_o forget_v in_o the_o latter_a seem_v not_o well_o to_o cohere_v 〈…〉_z lib._n 1._o â—_o p._n â—2_n examen_fw-la hâ—ornb_n pag._n 20._o 20._o it_o be_v not_o the_o qualification_n of_o one_o in_o full_a communion_n but_o his_o membership_n that_o give_v his_o child_n right_a to_o baptism_n for_o suppose_v he_o decay_v in_o qualification_n and_o grow_v formal_a and_o loose_a yet_o while_o he_o continue_v a_o member_n uncensured_a he_o have_v his_o child_n baptize_v as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a in_o the_o church_n act_n 8.27_o 28_o 36_o 37._o &_o 10._o â—_o 22_o 47_o 48._o chemnit_fw-la in_o mat._n 3.6_o 3.6_o holin_n of_o church-member_n pag._n 41._o bâ—nè_fw-la auten_v 〈◊〉_d nos_fw-la in_o genere_fw-la de_fw-la iiâ—_o omnibus_fw-la qui_fw-la ex_fw-la fidelibus_fw-la noscuntur_fw-la &_o fâ—e_fw-la deris_fw-la formula_fw-la indefinita_fw-la jubâ—â—_n &_o chaâ—itaâ—_n monet_fw-la bez_n quast_o de_fw-fr sacram._n â—â—_o 123._o 123._o de_fw-fr polit._n eccles._n lib._n 3._o pag._n 168_o 169._o 169._o de_fw-fr polit._n eccl._n lib._n 1._o cap._n 29._o &_o lib._n 3._o pag._n 167._o protestat_fw-la before_o treat_v of_o the_o cross._n cross._n de_fw-fr polit._n lib._n 3._o pag._n 171._o 171._o ibid._n lib._n 1._o cap._n 13._o &_o 14._o &_o lib._n 3._o pag._n 166._o and_o of_o the_o cross_n cap._n 9_o sect_n 2._o holiness_n of_o church-member_n pag_n 92._o 92._o medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 40._o thes._n 13_o 13_o magdeb_n cent._n 3._o pag._n 83._o 83._o sicut_fw-la ergo_fw-la tempere_fw-la illius_fw-la sacramenti_fw-la de_fw-fr câ—â—cumcison_fw-fr qui_fw-fr nasceretur_fw-la circumcideâ—dus_fw-la â—ait_fw-fr sic_fw-la nune_fw-la de_fw-la baptizato_fw-la qui_fw-la nâ—tus_fw-la fuerit_fw-la baptizandus_fw-la est_fw-la august_n tom_fw-mi 7._o cont_n pelag._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 25._o see_v also_o tom._n 2._o epist._n 23._o ad_fw-la bonifacium_fw-la &_o epist._n 75._o ad_fw-la auxilium_fw-la and_o de_fw-fr grat._n &_o lib._n arbitr_n cap._n 22._o 22._o ameâ—_n medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 40._o â—hes_n â—_o â—_o ground_n and_o end_n of_o infant-baptism_n p._n 28_o 29._o prov._n 14_o 28._o psa._n 110.3_o 110.3_o see_v essay_n first_o pag._n 13_o 4._o in_o exam_n of_o prop._n 4._o
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
before_o take_v into_o covenant_n and_o plant_v in_o his_o house_n to_o call_v it_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o to_o say_v that_o child_n membership_n be_v dependent_a upon_o that_o be_v too_o crude_a a_o pâ—râ—se_n and_o too_o much_o abuse_v by_o many_o ascribe_v that_o to_o the_o parent_n and_o to_o their_o profession_n or_o act_n in_o covenant_v which_o belong_v most_o proper_o to_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n it_o be_v god_n covenant_n that_o take_v in_o both_o parent_n and_o child_n alas_o what_o be_v parent_n and_o what_o can_v all_o their_o profession_n and_o faith_n and_o act_n do_v if_o god_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o take_v they_o into_o covenant_n now_o god_n take_v the_o child_n into_o his_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n and_o it_o be_v god_n covenant_n and_o institution_n that_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o chide_v depend_v upon_o and_o with_o which_o alone_a it_o lâ—ves_v and_o die_v but_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o preface_n true_a it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v make_v much_o use_n of_o that_o distinction_n of_o immediate_a and_o mediate_v member_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o carry_v a_o mighty_a and_o constrain_a evidence_n of_o scripture-light_n along_o with_o it_o etc._n etc._n ans._n we_o must_v needs_o say_v this_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o when_o as_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o scripture_n bring_v either_o here_o or_o in_o the_o book_n follow_v to_o make_v good_a or_o hold_v forth_o such_o a_o distinction_n in_o stead_n of_o scripture_n here_o be_v some_o author_n straight_o name_v not_o to_o attest_v the_o distinction_n of_o immediate_a and_o mediate_v it_o seeâ—s_v that_o can_v be_v find_v no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o author_n but_o of_o complete_a and_o incomplete_a to_o which_o the_o answer_n be_v ready_a 1._o if_o some_o author_n have_v so_o distinguish_v member_n yet_o where_o be_v such_o a_o distinction_n of_o membership_n at_o least_o purposely_o so_o intend_v as_o to_o makâ—_n several_a sort_n or_o kind_n of_o membership_n specifical_o differ_v as_o be_v express_o say_v of_o the_o distinction_n here_o plead_v for_o in_o the_o book_n pag_n 37._o dr_n ames_n in_o the_o place_n here_o cite_v do_v not_o say_v of_o infant_n non_fw-la sunt_fw-la 〈◊〉_d membra_fw-la but_o perfecta_fw-la membra_fw-la neither_o do_v he_o say_v non_fw-la sunt_fw-la perfecta_fw-la but_o non_fw-la sunt_fw-la adeo_fw-la perfecta_fw-la membra_fw-la they_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_a member_n say_v he_o of_o the_o church_n as_o that_o they_o can_v exercise_v act_n of_o communion_n or_o be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o all_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o plain_o refer_v the_o imperfection_n or_o incompleatness_n not_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o their_o membership_n but_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o privilege_n hence_o 2._o their_o distinction_n of_o member_n into_o complete_a and_o incomplete_a be_v be_v candid_o take_v as_o much_o as_o our_o distinction_n of_o member_n into_o such_o as_o be_v in_o â—ull_a or_o complete_a communion_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o full_a communion_n which_o distinction_n we_o have_v and_o we_o hope_v just_o make_v great_a use_n of_o and_o for_o such_o a_o distinction_n reâ—â—ipsa_n loquor_fw-la all_o that_o be_v within_o of_o or_o belong_v to_o such_o a_o society_n whether_o family_n commonwealth_n or_o church_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o say_v to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o society_n but_o all_o be_v not_o equal_a in_o participation_n of_o privilege_n therein_o some_o have_v a_o more_o full_a or_o complete_a 〈◊〉_d and_o portion_n therein_o and_o some_o have_v less_o all_o christ_n scholar_n or_o disciple_n be_v not_o of_o the_o high_a form_n nor_o be_v all_o his_o subject_n betrust_v with_o the_o key_n of_o his_o kingdom_n nor_o all_o his_o child_n past_o their_o nonage_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o disciple_n in_o his_o school_n subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n child_n of_o his_o family_n i._n e._n member_n oâ—_n the_o visible_a church_n but_o such_o a_o distinction_n as_o make_v several_a sort_n of_o membership_n specifical_o different_a we_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v clear_v and_o confirm_v either_o from_o scripture_n or_o author_n or_o from_o sound_a reason_n sundry_a distinction_n or_o sort_n of_o member_n may_v easy_o be_v give_v as_o some_o member_n be_v in_o office_n in_o the_o church_n some_o out_o of_o office_n some_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o not_o of_o the_o power_n of_o vote_v as_o woman_n some_o of_o both_o some_o have_v only_o initial_a privilege_n some_o all_o ames_n medul_a lib_fw-la 1._o cap_n 32._o thes._n â—_o 3._o but_o these_o be_v but_o distribution_n ex_fw-la adjunctis_fw-la and_o do_v not_o touch_v or_o vary_v the_o essence_n of_o membership_n nor_o make_v several_a sort_n thereof_o nor_o do_v these_o distinction_n and_o degree_n of_o member_n in_o the_o church_n arise_v simple_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o membership_n or_o from_o any_o difference_n therein_o but_o from_o something_o superad_v unto_o membership_n as_o a_o officer_n be_v not_o more_o a_o member_n then_o another_o but_o his_o dignity_n and_o place_n in_o the_o church_n arise_v from_o somewhat_o superad_v unto_o membership_n viz._n his_o office_n a_o man_n be_v not_o more_o a_o member_n then_o a_o woman_n though_o he_o have_v a_o power_n and_o privilege_n in_o the_o church_n beside_o and_o above_o bare_a membership_n which_o the_o woman_n have_v not_o so_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v not_o more_o or_o more_o true_o proper_o immediate_o and_o personal_o member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o child_n be_v but_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o more_o and_o further_a qualification_n or_o to_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o growth_n in_o the_o church_n be_v by_o rule_n admit_v to_o mor_o privilege_n than_o they_o thus_o in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n there_o be_v many_o sort_n of_o subject_n some_o bear_v office_n some_o not_o some_o admit_v to_o election_n of_o officer_n some_z not_o some_o capable_a of_o plead_v and_o answer_v for_o themselves_o in_o law_n some_o be_v not_o but_o yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o subject_a and_o who_o ever_o make_v a_o specifical_a distinction_n of_o that_o so_o as_o to_o say_v in_o that_o sense_n some_o be_v mediate_v subject_n and_o some_o immediate_a the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o a_o family_n where_o the_o young_a child_n be_v as_o true_o proper_o personal_o and_o immediate_o a_o member_n of_o the_o family_n as_o the_o most_o grow_a person_n though_o as_o to_o power_n and_o privilege_n therein_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n so_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n all_o the_o part_n be_v not_o a_o eye_n a_o hand_n etc._n etc._n but_o all_o be_v member_n and_o the_o mean_a part_n be_v as_o well_o a_o member_n as_o the_o most_o noble_a 1_o cer._n 12._o 12_o 25._o now_o there_o be_v the_o like_a reason_n as_o to_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o membership_n in_o â—_o church-society_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o that_o of_o a_o kingdom_n faâ—â—ly_o and_o of_o the_o natural_a body_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o discourse_n upon_o the_o second_o objection_n in_o the_o three_o place_n our_o brethren_n set_v down_o this_o position_n or_o opinion_n as_o that_o which_o be_v object_v against_o they_o that_o a_o person_n who_o be_v a_o church-member_n may_v become_v no_o member_n by_o a_o act_n or_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o without_o any_o church-act_n in_o censure_v of_o he_o and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d be_v they_o say_v most_o true_a it_o be_v thâ—t_o we_o do_v maintain_v this_o and_o for_o prooâ—_n thereof_o they_o suppoâ—e_v 〈…〉_z of_o a_o english_a fugitive_n of_o one_o turn_v turk_n who_o be_v never_o censure_v by_o any_o church_n ans._n the_o position_n object_v against_o they_o if_o it_o be_v pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n must_v run_v thus_o that_o a_o person_n who_o be_v a_o church-member_n may_v become_v no_o member_n by_o a_o aâ—â—_n or_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o without_o any_o church-act_n in_o censure_v of_o hiâ—_n and_o without_o 〈…〉_z censure_n on_o his_o part_n or_o though_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o deserve_v any_o church-censure_n and_o be_v not_o censurable_a by_o any_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n for_o so_o the_o word_n â—f_o the_o synod_n â—_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o controvert_v five_o proposition_n do_v express_o speak_v put_v that_o as_o a_o 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o person_n admit_v member_n and_o seal_v by_o baptism_n not_o cast_v out_o nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v may_v the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v still_o remain_v become_v a_o non-member_n and_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o unclean_a world_n pag._n 26._o now_o put_v but_o this_o into_o the_o objection_n here_o mention_v without_o
desert_n of_o church-censure_n which_o be_v manifest_o the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o synod_n five_o proposition_n and_o then_o all_o the_o discourse_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n wherein_o not_o a_o little_a confidence_n and_o spirit_n be_v express_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o not_o reach_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n though_o beside_o there_o be_v sundry_a mistake_n in_o it_o as_o may_v after_o appear_v for_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o in_o church_n where_o discipline_n be_v not_o in_o use_n and_o in_o a_o case_n notorious_a wherein_o a_o person_n do_v apparent_o lose_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n as_o by_o turn_v turk_n or_o the_o like_a a_o man_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o membership_n by_o his_o own_o apostasy_n and_o wickedness_n though_o the_o church_n do_v not_o through_o her_o sinful_a neglect_n formal_o censure_v he_o yet_o this_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v also_o a_o sure_a and_o clear_a truth_n that_o no_o act_n of_o a_o man_n own_o will_n or_o can_v cut_v he_o off_o from_o membership_n but_o that_o which_o deserve_v a_o cut_n off_o by_o censure_n and_o for_o which_o the_o church_n shall_v cut_v he_o off_o by_o censure_n if_o she_o do_v her_o duty_n this_o be_v plain_a because_o when_o a_o man_n be_v once_o in_o the_o church_n he_o can_v be_v out_v till_o god_n out_o he_o god_n do_v not_o out_o he_o till_o some_o rule_n or_o appointment_n of_o he_o in_o his_o word_n do_v out_o he_o but_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n that_o appoint_v any_o man_n to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o make_v as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n but_o for_o and_o upon_o such_o wickedness_n of_o his_o as_o be_v censurable_a by_o the_o church_n and_o in_o that_o case_n the_o rule_n do_v appoint_v and_o enjoin_v the_o church_n to_o censure_v he_o or_o to_o put_v he_o away_o from_o among_o they_o by_o censure_n mat._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.5_o 13._o when_o some_o divine_n do_v so_o speak_v as_o if_o person_n may_v be_v break_v off_o from_o the_o church_n without_o a_o formal_a censure_n in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o a_o man_n do_v by_o his_o own_o wickedness_n be_v it_o never_o so_o notorious_a immediate_o so_o become_v felo_fw-la de_fw-la se_fw-la or_o vn-member_n himself_o as_o that_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o he_o to_o censure_v he_o yes_o she_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o censure_v he_o for_o his_o wickedness_n and_o apostasy_n and_o so_o if_o a_o church-member_n turn_n turk_n or_o papist_n the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v aught_o to_o lay_v he_o under_o censure_n for_o it_o and_o for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v a_o member_n till_o censure_v i._n e._n a_o rot_a member_n fit_a to_o be_v cut_v off_o be_v no_o contradiction_n nor_o absurdity_n see_v mr._n cotton_v holiness_n of_o church-member_n pag._n 15._o 5.11_o and_o do_v all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n do_v their_o duty_n there_o shall_v no_o man_n live_v that_o ever_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n yet_o in_o be_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o non-member_n but_o he_o that_o be_v so_o censure_v on_o excommunicate_v at_o least_o unless_o some_o extraordinary_a and_o rare_a circumstance_n of_o a_o case_n do_v render_v the_o church_n cognizance_n thereof_o impossible_a but_o the_o meaning_n only_o be_v that_o where_o man_n have_v palpable_o and_o notorious_o lose_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n and_o a_o church_n through_o the_o sinful_a want_n or_o neglect_v of_o discipline_n never_o look_v after_o they_o only_o by_o her_o doctrine_n declare_v against_o such_o but_o haply_o continue_v in_o that_o neglect_n from_o age_n to_o age_n there_o the_o notoriousness_n of_o the_o case_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o rule_n do_v supply_v the_o defect_n of_o a_o judicial_a sentence_n and_o the_o church_n doctrinal_a declaration_n may_v be_v look_v at_o as_o a_o implicit_a excommunication_n and_o hence_o other_o church_n may_v just_o carry_v towards_o such_o as_o non-member_n and_o hence_o also_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o such_o church_n after_o deep_a and_o long-continued_a corruption_n such_o person_n may_v be_v set_v by_o without_o a_o formal_a censure_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o child_n of_o our_o church_n who_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n in_o stead_n of_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o apostasy_n when_o grow_v up_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n own_o the_o god_n and_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n and_o be_v neither_o cast_n out_o nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v who_o no_o rule_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n appoint_v to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o hence_o tâ—ey_n stand_v and_o continue_v regular_a i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o appointment_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o rule_n member_n of_o it_o be_v neither_o excommunicate_a nor_o by_o rule_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v where_o shall_v we_o find_v either_o scripture_n or_o sound_a reason_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o have_v cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o membership_n or_o be_v nâ—w_o become_v non-member_n but_o to_o come_v to_o a_o plain_a and_o distinct_a close_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o assert_v this_o position_n that_o in_o church_n waâ—â—ing_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o exercise_v discipline_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n thereoâ—_n no_o person_n can_v while_o he_o live_v among_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o by_o excommunication_n or_o without_o a_o church-act_n in_o censure_v he_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o be_v because_o we_o find_v this_o way_n of_o cessation_n of_o membership_n viz._n by_o excommunication_n plain_o prescribe_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n in_o scripture_n and_o we_o find_v not_o any_o other_o while_o the_o church_n and_o the_o person_n continue_v in_o be_v see_v a_o more_o particular_a proof_n of_o it_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o mr._n shepard_n treatise_n of_o church-membership_a of_o child_n late_o publish_a but_o if_o any_o do_v affirm_v there_o be_v another_o way_n it_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o show_v and_o prove_v it_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v whether_o that_o be_v do_v by_o all_o that_o be_v here_o further_o say_v preface_n when_o whitgift_n say_v that_o papist_n and_o atheist_n may_v still_o remain_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n mr._n parker_n tell_v he_o that_o even_o a_o veritius_fw-la will_v condemn_v he_o and_o it_o be_v no_o new_a doctrine_n in_o the_o school_n to_o say_v that_o a_o heretical_a apostate_n be_v no_o more_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o a_o wound_n a_o sâ—re_n a_o brand_n be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o man_n as_o eâ—ery_o one_o know_v that_o be_v mediocritèr_fw-la doctus_fw-la in_o scholasiiâ—al_a divinity_n therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o church-member_n may_v become_v no_o member_n by_o their_o own_o defection_n ans._n sure_o he_o that_o be_v but_o mediâ—critèr_fw-la doctus_fw-la in_o scholastical_a or_o chemical_a divinity_n may_v easy_o know_v that_o here_o be_v the_o show_n of_o a_o argument_n or_o of_o authority_n of_o writer_n witâ—_n out_o the_o substance_n of_o either_o for_o when_o our_o divine_n against_o the_o papist_n do_v so_o often_o over_o say_v that_o wicked_a or_o unregenerate_a person_n be_v but_o equivocal_o or_o improper_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o nail_n haâ—r_n sore_n and_o superfluous_a hu_o â—urs_n or_o as_o a_o wooden_a leg._n a_o glass_n eye_n etc._n etc._n be_v member_n of_o the_o live_a body_n of_o a_o man_n they_o mean_v it_o proper_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o invisible_a mystical_a church_n or_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n consider_v in_o its_o internal_a spiritual_a live_a state_n 1113._o not_o with_o reference_n to_o man_n external_a stand_n or_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n nor_o do_v they_o ever_o dream_v that_o man_n be_v by_o the_o want_n of_o internal_a gracious_a qualification_n cut_v off_o from_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o any_o church-censure_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o reckon_v hypocrite_n and_o secret_o unregenerate_a person_n as_o well_o as_o heretical_a apostate_n or_o the_o openly-wicked_n to_o be_v but_o equivocaliy_v of_o the_o church_n viz._n in_o comparison_n and_o contradistinction_n to_o the_o true_a and_o live_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n â—nd_v as_o â—aul_v diâ—tinguishes_n between_o israel_n and_o they_o that_o be_v of_o israel_n rom._n 9.6_o and_o say_v he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n i._n e._n not_o a_o jew_n indeed_o and_o accept_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o be_v â—ut_v outward_o â—nâ—_n rom._n 2.28_o 29._o but_o will_v you_o therefore_o say_v that_o a_o close_a hypocrite_n unâ—eâ—bers_v himself_o and_o fâ—lls_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o
be_v of_o midian_a and_o so_o of_o keturah_n see_v rivet_n on_o exod._n 2._o and_o on_o exod._n 18.12_o preface_n in_o like_a sort_n when_o person_n under_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v abraham_n child_n by_o hold_v forth_o his_o faith_n and_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o simplicity_n and_o goaly_a sincerity_n we_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v just_o deem_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v just_o put_v themselves_o out_o of_o that_o covenant_n which_o their_o parent_n make_v for_o they_o ans._n 1._o the_o person_n in_o question_n i._n e._n the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o synod_n five_o proposition_n do_v in_o some_o degree_n hold_v forth_o their_o faith_n and_o godly_a walk_n while_o they_o be_v profess_v christian_n or_o profess_a believer_n and_o follower_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v from_o their_o infancy_n do_v constant_o attend_v the_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n live_v under_o and_o do_v not_o cast_v off_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o courâ—â—_n and_o when_o call_v thereto_o do_v ready_o profess_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faiâ—â—_n and_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n do_v these_o put_v all_o this_o together_o in_o no_o sort_n show_v themselves_o to_o be_v abraham_n child_n by_o hold_v forth_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o step_n i._n e._n in_o charitable_a and_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n sure_o mr._n cotton_n account_v such_o as_o these_o yea_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o do_v not_o grow_v up_o to_o apostasy_n and_o open_a scandal_n or_o that_o be_v not_o excommunicable_a to_o continue_v in_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o covenant_n faith_n and_o religion_n of_o their_o father_n as_o in_o those_o passage_n of_o his_o that_o be_v point_v to_o in_o the_o preface_n the_o lâ—â—e_a synod_n may_v be_v see_v and_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v ground_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n to_o exclude_v such_o as_o these_o from_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o the_o covenant_n thereof_o 2._o if_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o hold_v forth_o such_o a_o experimental_a work_n of_o faith_n or_o lively_o discern_v and_o exercise_n thereof_o and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o their_o life_n as_o may_v fit_v they_o for_o a_o comfortable_a approach_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n let_v it_o be_v show_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o bare_a defect_n or_o want_n hereof_o be_v such_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o put_v man_n out_o of_o it_o we_o know_v that_o every_o transgression_n or_o fall_v stort_v of_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o account_v in_o scripture_n a_o absolute_a breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o a_o forsake_v and_o reject_v thereof_o such_o as_o for_o which_o god_n give_v unto_o person_n or_o people_n a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n do_v but_o compare_v these_o person_n in_o question_n who_o the_o hasty_a and_o rigid_a severity_n of_o man_n here_o pronounce_v to_o be_v just_o deem_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o have_v put_v themselves_o out_o of_o it_o with_o those_o who_o the_o holy_a but_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a god_n do_v in_o scripture_n call_v and_o account_v such_o breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n see_v jer._n 11.9_o 10._o ezek._n 16.8_o 59_o deut._n 29.25_o 26.2_o chron_n 7.22_o 2_o king_n 17.15_o 20._o and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o cut_v down_o no_o not_o the_o barren_a fig_n â—ree_a till_o further_a patience_n and_o mean_n be_v use_v he_o that_o waiâ—ed_v on_o the_o jew_n who_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n be_v by_o a_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n with_o as_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o ever_o shine_v till_o utter_v incorrigible_a rejection_n thereof_o appear_v before_o he_o account_v they_o break_v off_o rom._n 11.16_o 20._o with_o act_n 13.45_o 46._o &_o 18.5_o 6._o &_o 19.8_o 9_o 1_o thes._n 2.15_o 16._o he_o that_o follow_v jerusalem_n with_o mean_n and_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n till_o they_o stone_v he_o away_o mat._n 23.27_o etc._n etc._n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o he_o will_v reckon_v our_o poor_a child_n to_o be_v break_v off_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v adult_n if_o then_o present_o they_o do_v not_o bold_a forth_o fitness_n â—â—r_n the_o lord_n table_n yea_o when_o many_o of_o they_o be_v it_o may_v be_v secret_o follow_v after_o god_n though_o haply_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v so_o much_o as_o to_o make_v their_o approach_n to_o that_o ordinance_n comfortable_a or_o have_v not_o yet_o the_o confidence_n to_o put_v forth_o themselves_o thereunto_o sure_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o make_v so_o light_a a_o matter_n of_o his_o holy_a covenant_n and_o seâ—l_n whatever_o man_n through_o misguide_v apprehension_n may_v do_v as_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o child_n take_v they_o into_o his_o church_n and_o seal_v up_o their_o take_n in_o before_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o then_o let_v they_o go_v out_o so_o easy_o or_o drop_v off_o one_o know_v not_o how_o 3._o if_o they_o have_v just_o i._n e._n meritorious_o put_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o covenant_n or_o so_o violate_v the_o covenant_n on_o their_o part_n as_o to_o deserve_v a_o put_n out_o yet_o still_o one_o may_v ask_v how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v actual_o put_v out_o see_v the_o church_n have_v not_o proceed_v nor_o see_v cause_n to_o proceed_v to_o any_o censure_n but_o if_o it_o be_v indeed_o so_o that_o they_o do_v deserve_v i._n e._n in_fw-it foâ—o_fw-it ecclesia_fw-la we_o speak_v not_o of_o desert_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o be_v put_v out_o if_o they_o may_v be_v just_o â—â—eâ—ed_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o which_o just_o put_v they_o out_o than_o it_o be_v the_o church_n duty_n actual_o to_o put_v they_o out_o or_o cut_v they_o off_o for_o ecclesiastical_a justice_n as_o well_o as_o civil_a render_v unto_o all_o their_o due_a and_o just_a desert_n and_o those_o that_o be_v ecclesiastical_o breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n ought_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o gen._n 17.14_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v upon_o these_o principle_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o cast_v out_o and_o cut_v off_o all_o the_o adult_a child_n of_o our_o church_n that_o be_v not_o come_v up_o to_o full_a communion_n which_o thing_n how_o horrid_a it_o be_v to_o think_v of_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_n or_o be_v it_o that_o we_o forbear_v any_o formal_a censure_n and_o content_v ourselves_o only_a doctrinaly_n to_o declare_v that_o all_o such_o child_n be_v put_v out_o and_o break_v off_o which_o doctrine_n declaration_n be_v indeed_o contain_v in_o the_o assertion_n of_o our_o brethren_n yet_o the_o harshness_n and_o horrid_a severity_n of_o such_o a_o declaration_n be_v liâ—â—le_a inferior_a to_o the_o other_o and_o very_o contrary_a to_o the_o patience_n and_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n expreâ—â—d_v in_o the_o scripture_n preface_n wherefore_o that_o all_o may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o danger_n nor_o singularity_n in_o this_o our_o assertion_n that_o a_o church_n member_n may_v possible_o become_v no_o member_n without_o any_o act_n of_o the_o church_n in_o formal_a censure_v of_o he_o give_v we_o leaâ—e_n to_o produce_v some_o testimony_n to_o prove_v it_o judicious_a and_o bless_a dr._n ames_n â—aâ—th_v that_o in_o case_n of_o pertinacious_a separation_n suâ—h_v person_n though_o they_o may_v be_v of_o the_o invisible_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n ans._n 1._o suppose_v you_o shall_v prove_v that_o a_o church-member_n may_v possible_o become_v no_o member_n without_o a_o censure_n yet_o we_o be_v still_o utter_o to_o seek_v of_o proof_n that_o â—â—e_v child_n in_o question_n do_v so_o 2._o how_o can_v a_o separation_n be_v proper_o pertinacious_a and_o incurable_a or_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v till_o the_o mean_n of_o church_n discipline_n have_v be_v use_v 3._o ames_n his_o meaning_n may_v be_v that_o such_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v lawful_a and_o approve_a member_n as_o in_o the_o close_a of_o that_o chapter_n de_n consc._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 12._o he_o say_v â—_o schismatical_a church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o a_o lawful_a and_o approve_a church_n 4._o we_o shall_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o some_o good_a divine_n do_v seem_v to_o hold_v that_o in_o some_o case_n of_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o apostasy_n and_o so_o in_o case_n of_o absolute_a and_o universal_a schism_n of_o which_o aim_n there_o speak_v especial_o in_o place_n and_o church_n where_o discipline_n be_v
it_o not_o a_o vain_a thing_n the_o person_n who_o you_o be_v about_o to_o disown_n be_v either_o within_o the_o church_n or_o without_o a_o member_n or_o not_o a_o member_n 17._o if_o he_o be_v within_o why_o may_v you_o not_o judge_v and_o censure_v he_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o cut_v off_o or_o cast_v out_o i._n e._n excommunication_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o 13._o there_o be_v cause_n for_o it_o if_o he_o be_v without_o why_o shall_v you_o disow_v he_o any_o more_o than_o you_o do_v non-member_n or_o such_o as_o be_v never_o join_v to_o the_o church_n will_v it_o not_o seem_v a_o strange_a and_o vain_a thing_n if_o the_o church_n shall_v put_v forth_o a_o solemn_a public_a act_n to_o disow_v a_o company_n of_o non-member_n that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v this_o be_v how_o act_v 8.21_o here_o cite_v in_o the_o margin_n shall_v make_v for_o this_o disow_n we_o understand_v not_o peter_n there_o tell_v simon_n magus_n that_o he_o be_v far_o from_o have_v any_o part_n or_o lot_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o confer_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o never_o have_v but_o ambitious_o aspire_v after_o but_o do_v not_o declare_v that_o he_o have_v discovenant_v himself_o or_o have_v lose_v his_o membership_n which_o he_o once_o have_v and_o whatever_o become_v of_o simon_n magus_n afterward_o of_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a and_o story_n uncertain_a there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v then_o put_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o lose_v his_o membership_n but_o rather_o the_o apostle_n by_o grave_a apostolical_a rebuke_n and_o counsel_n apply_v himself_o to_o he_o as_o to_o one_o in_o the_o church_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o that_o sincerity_n of_o grace_n which_o he_o yet_o want_v versâ—_n 22_o 13._o as_o for_o the_o reason_n here_o render_v why_o excommunication_n agree_v not_o to_o the_o child_n in_o question_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v applicable_a to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o have_v be_v in_o full_a communion_n 57_o this_o be_v but_o a_o beg_n of_o the_o question_n and_o carry_v not_o evidence_n of_o truth_n with_o it_o 〈◊〉_d excommunication_n i._n e._n the_o utmost_a censure_n so_o call_v do_v not_o proper_o or_o next_o debar_v or_o exclude_v from_o full_a communion_n but_o it_o cut_v off_o from_o membership_n render_v a_o person_n as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n mat._n 18.17_o and_o so_o from_o that_o communion_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o member_n as_o such_o when_o a_o person_n that_o have_v stand_v for_o some_o time_n admonish_v be_v afterward_o for_o his_o contumacy_n excommunicate_v it_o be_v not_o excommunication_n that_o do_v immediate_o and_o proper_o put_v he_o out_o of_o full_a communion_n for_o that_o be_v do_v by_o admonition_n whereby_o be_v ecclesiastical_o unclean_a he_o be_v just_o suspend_v from_o eat_v of_o the_o holy_a thing_n but_o excommunication_n cut_v he_o off_o from_o membership_n which_o admonition_n do_v not_o hence_o it_o be_v not_o full_a communion_n but_o membership_n that_o do_v proper_o and_o formal_o render_v a_o person_n a_o subject_a capable_a of_o excommunication_n hence_o it_o agree_v to_o all_o that_o be_v member_n though_o they_o have_v not_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n and_o every_o member_n have_v some_o communion_n though_o not_o full_a communion_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v excommunicate_v paul_n when_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n judicial_a proceed_n and_o that_o unto_o excommunication_n make_v it_o applicable_a to_o all_o that_o be_v within_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o if_o in_o full_a communion_n yet_o church-judgement_n fâ—lls_v upon_o they_o not_o as_o in_o full_a communion_n but_o as_o within_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o cain_n and_o ishmael_n the_o cut_n off_o of_o the_o bear_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n from_o their_o people_n a_o expression_n often_o use_v the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n matth._n 8.12_o do_v at_o least_o by_o consequence_n and_o by_o proportion_n and_o parity_n of_o reason_n show_v that_o the_o child_n in_o question_n may_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n by_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n as_o for_o that_o term_n of_o formal_a excommunication_n we_o know_v not_o that_o we_o be_v limit_v to_o this_o or_o that_o precise_a form_n of_o word_n in_o excommunicate_v one_o sort_n or_o other_o but_o the_o formal_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n viz._n a_o put_n of_o one_o out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v before_o in_o it_o this_o well_o agree_v to_o the_o person_n in_o question_n we_o pass_v by_o the_o five_o and_o last_o objection_n which_o charge_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n with_o weakness_n ignorance_n etc._n etc._n as_o contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v argumentative_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n neither_o do_v we_o own_o the_o objection_n unless_o it_o be_v against_o ourselves_o who_o be_v as_o we_o have_v acknowledge_v in_o our_o preface_n to_o the_o synod_n conclusion_n poor_a feeble_a frail_a man_n desire_v not_o to_o trust_v unto_o or_o boast_v of_o any_o strength_n of_o our_o own_o which_o be_v none_o at_o all_o but_o only_a to_o the_o strength_n and_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n withal_o acknowledge_v that_o grace_n of_o he_o whereby_o he_o do_v vouchsafe_v sometime_o to_o reveal_v his_o truth_n unto_o babe_n we_o tender_v only_a scripture_n and_o scripture-argument_n for_o that_o which_o we_o maintan_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v impartial_o consider_v without_o challenge_v to_o ourselves_o or_o plead_v for_o the_o reputation_n of_o strength_n or_o wisdom_n in_o dispute_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o eâ—ch_a part_n shall_v look_v upon_o the_o argument_n on_o either_o hand_n as_o strong_a or_o weak_a according_a as_o they_o be_v persuade_v but_o can_v we_o not_o deal_v with_o argument_n without_o be_v suppose_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o person_n each_o of_o other_o we_o suppose_v you_o do_v not_o see_v sufficient_a strength_n in_o our_o argument_n for_o then_o you_o will_v judge_v as_o we_o do_v and_o in_o that_o sense_n you_o do_v impute_v weakness_n to_o they_o in_o the_o like_a sense_n do_v we_o unto_o you_o but_o desire_v to_o do_v it_o without_o any_o harsh_a reflection_n upon_o the_o person_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o without_o lifting_n up_o in_o ourselves_o who_o have_v cause_n enough_o to_o lie_v in_o the_o dust_n before_o god_n and_o man_n but_o here_o our_o brethren_n take_v occasion_n to_o set_v down_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n which_o make_v up_o a_o second_o main_a part_n of_o this_o preface_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o we_o shall_v now_o address_v ourselves_o unto_o reason_n 1._o the_o synod_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v true_a save_a faith_n in_o the_o parent_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o rational_a charity_n or_o else_o the_o châ—lâ—e_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v but_o they_o will_v not_o let_v this_o which_o themselves_o acknowledge_v be_v set_v down_o though_o our_o unity_n lie_v at_o the_o stake_n for_o it_o answ._n the_o regular_a receiver_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v one_o that_o divide_v the_o hoof_n as_o well_o as_o chew_n the_o cud_n one_o that_o do_v not_o take_v all_o in_o a_o lump_n but_o distinguish_v and_o right_o divide_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v here_o 1._o between_o faith_n in_o the_o be_v or_o first_o beginning_n of_o it_o whereby_o one_o be_v or_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o believer_n the_o charitable_a judgement_n whereof_o run_v upon_o a_o great_a latitude_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o special_a exercise_n of_o it_o whereby_o one_o be_v fit_a for_o that_o special_a communion_n with_o and_o active_a fruition_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n unto_o the_o visible_a discovery_n whereof_o more_o lively_a fruit_n and_o more_o experience_a operation_n of_o faith_n be_v requisite_a 2._o distinguish_v between_o the_o internal_a grace_n itself_o which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o that_o partake_v of_o sacrament_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o those_o external_a sign_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o proceed_v upon_o in_o her_o admission_n of_o person_n unto_o sacrament_n these_o two_o distinction_n be_v attend_v and_o right_o apply_v will_v help_v to_o clear_v both_o the_o truth_n itself_o in_o this_o matter_n from_o mistake_n and_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o synod_n from_o those_o uncomfortable_a reflection_n that_o be_v here_o cast_v upon_o they_o the_o former_a of_o these_o distinction_n and_o the_o application_n thereof_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n we_o have_v in_o dr._n ames_n 17._o child_n say_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o all_o church
the_o above_o mention_v practice_n of_o antiquity_n in_o not_o so_o much_o as_o teach_v the_o catechumeni_fw-la any_o thing_n about_o the_o lord_n supper_n till_o after_o they_o be_v baptize_v indeed_o as_o the_o darkness_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n increase_v baptism_n be_v not_o only_o defer_v till_o easter_n as_o be_v here_o say_v but_o till_o death_n which_o be_v just_o tax_v as_o a_o abuse_n by_o cartwright_n in_o his_o catechism_n pag._n 182._o and_o we_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v approve_v by_o any_o the_o arausiacan_a council_n 19_o canon_n do_v not_o concern_v the_o matter_n of_o baptism_n as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o by_o the_o magdeburg_n centurist_n cent._n 5._o pag._n 907._o but_o however_o it_o be_v it_o be_v of_o small_a moment_n the_o overlong_a hold_v off_o of_o adult_n convert_v from_o baptism_n that_o we_o sometime_o read_v of_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o century_n be_v a_o manifest_a deviation_n from_o the_o apostolical_a practice_n we_o find_v also_o that_o in_o augustine_n time_n and_o some_o age_n after_o they_o give_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o infant_n yet_o than_o we_o suppose_v they_o will_v give_v both_o sacrament_n to_o some_o infant_n who_o parent_n they_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o if_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o grievous_a error_n to_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o infant_n as_o be_v here_o right_o say_v by_o our_o brethren_n how_o then_o be_v baptism_n of_o no_o great_a latitude_n as_o to_o the_o subject_a thereof_o than_o the_o lord_n supper_n yea_o let_v any_o man_n show_v a_o reason_n why_o baptism_n shall_v be_v regular_o extendible_a to_o infant_n and_o not_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o the_o very_o saâ—e_v qualification_n be_v absolute_o requisite_a to_o the_o one_o as_o to_o the_o other_o we_o say_v absolute_o requisite_a for_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o the_o better_a qualification_n a_o person_n who_o receive_v baptism_n for_o himself_o or_o for_o his_o child_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o better_a and_o the_o more_o comfortable_a it_o be_v as_o for_o that_o of_o jewel_n that_o baptism_n be_v as_o much_o to_o be_v reverence_v â—s_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ._n and_o that_o which_o follow_v that_o former_a age_n have_v be_v far_o from_o look_v upon_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o be_v of_o a_o more_o sacred_a nature_n than_o the_o other_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n answ._n to_o assert_v that_o scripture_n rule_v make_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n large_a than_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o lord_n supper_n this_o do_v not_o detract_v from_o the_o reverence_n of_o baptism_n nor_o render_v it_o a_o ordinance_n of_o a_o less_o sacred_a nature_n as_o be_v here_o insinuate_v the_o word_n and_o prayer_n be_v ordinance_n of_o a_o very_a sacred_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v high_o reverence_v and_o yet_o many_o may_v be_v admit_v unto_o they_o that_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v unto_o sacrament_n the_o sacredness_n of_o every_o ordinance_n lie_v in_o the_o holy_a and_o religious_a application_n of_o it_o to_o its_o proper_a end_n and_o use_n by_o divine_a institution_n but_o the_o proper_a end_n and_o use_n of_o one_o ordinance_n may_v by_o divine_a institution_n be_v such_o as_o may_v admit_v more_o to_o partake_v of_o it_o then_o of_o another_o and_o yet_o the_o sacred_a nature_n thereof_o be_v no_o whit_n impair_v cohere_v but_o the_o preface_n add_v indeed_o of_o late_a there_o have_v be_v those_o who_o have_v make_v baptism_n of_o a_o far_o large_a extent_n than_o the_o lord_n supper_n this_o have_v be_v one_o practical_a difference_n between_o congregational-man_n and_o presbyterian_o answ._n whether_o it_o have_v be_v only_o a_o late_a or_o novel_a notion_n to_o make_v baptism_n large_a than_o the_o lord_n supper_n let_v the_o reader_n judge_n when_o he_o have_v consider_v the_o testimony_n before_o allege_a with_o many_o more_o that_o may_v have_v be_v add_v thereunto_o but_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o look_v upon_o a_o different_a latitude_n of_o these_o two_o sacrament_n to_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a principle_n or_o anti-congregational_a as_o that_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o the_o congregational_a way_n can_v long_o stand_v without_o it_o for_o if_o we_o deny_v this_o and_o administer_v baptism_n to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o parent_n do_v partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o so_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n then_o we_o must_v either_o make_v full_a communion_n very_o large_a which_o in_o the_o congregational-way_n where_o brethren_n have_v so_o great_a a_o interest_n in_o church-transaction_n will_v soon_o ruin_v all_o or_o else_o make_v baptism_n and_o consequent_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o straight_o as_o will_v never_o stand_v before_o rational_a and_o scriptural_a man_n yea_o we_o shall_v put_v multitude_n out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o be_v in_o a_o visible_a state_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v absurd_a for_o to_o deny_v person_n baptism_n for_o themselves_o or_o child_n be_v to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n see_v baptism_n ought_v to_o run_v parallel_n with_o church-membership_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o deny_v they_o a_o room_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n who_o be_v once_o in_o and_o be_v by_o no_o rule_n to_o be_v put_v out_o nay_o who_o god_n as_o we_o may_v charitable_o hope_v take_v into_o heaven_n when_o they_o die_v and_o that_o as_o a_o fruit_n of_o his_o covenant-grace_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o of_o our_o child_n who_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v up_o to_o full_a communion_n but_o so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o reason_n of_o our_o brethren_n dissent_n the_o three_o follow_v 3._o the_o parent_n of_o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o institute_v church_n according_a to_o gospel_n rule_v â—_o because_o they_o be_v never_o under_o any_o explicit_a and_o personal_a covenant_n which_o be_v former_a prove_v because_o if_o they_o be_v member_n than_o they_o will_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o all_o their_o parent_n be_v dead_a and_o then_o they_o must_v have_v power_n of_o vote_v in_o church-affair_n which_o be_v deny_v to_o they_o by_o the_o synod_n ans._n .1_o it_o seem_v by_o what_o be_v here_o say_v that_o our_o child_n be_v never_o under_o any_o explicit_a and_o personal_a covenant_n and_o that_o all_o that_o never_o be_v so_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o institute_v church_n according_a to_o gospel-rule_n if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o what_o be_v become_v of_o child_n membership_n which_o the_o apologist_n before_o in_o answer_n to_o objection_n second_o take_v it_o as_o a_o injury_n to_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o seem_v our_o child_n neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v member_n of_o any_o institute_v church_n according_a to_o gospel-rule_n because_o they_o be_v never_o under_o any_o explicit_a and_o personal_a covenant_n be_v it_o come_v to_o this_o that_o child_n be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o institute_v church_n how_o then_o be_v they_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n or_o be_v they_o no_o member_n at_o all_o the_o former_a our_o brethren_n fancy_v not_o as_o it_o seem_v by_o their_o antisynodalia_a pag._n 19_o the_o latter_a than_o remain_v to_o be_v the_o conclusion_n neither_o will_v it_o salve_v it_o to_o say_v they_o be_v member_n in_o minority_n though_o they_o be_v not_o member_n now_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n for_o if_o all_o those_o that_o be_v never_o under_o any_o explicit_a and_o personal_a covenant_n be_v no_o member_n of_o any_o institute_v church_n and_o if_o child_n be_v never_o under_o any_o explicit_a and_o personal_a covenant_n both_o which_o be_v here_o say_v than_o no_o child_n no_o not_o while_n in_o minority_n be_v member_n of_o any_o institute_v church_n for_o our_o part_n we_o doubt_v not_o to_o affirm_v with_o dr._n ames_n in_o his_o chapter_n de_fw-fr ecclesia_fw-la institutâ_fw-la â—2_n that_o child_n be_v member_n of_o a_o institute_v church_n according_a to_o gospel-rule_n and_o that_o they_o be_v under_o personal_a covenant_n i._n e._n personal_o 〈◊〉_d into_o covenant_n by_o god_n according_a to_o his_o gospel-rule_n though_o they_o have_v not_o perform_v the_o act_n of_o covenant_v in_o their_o own_o person_n yea_o under_o explicit_a covenant_n also_o if_o the_o parent_n covenant_v be_v explicit_a deut._n 29._o so_o ames_n they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n and_o also_o of_o the_o same_o profession_n with_o their_o parent_n though_o we_o take_v it_o for_o a_o principle_n grant_v by_o congregational_a man_n with_o one_o consent_n that_o implicit_a covenant_n preserve_v the_o be_v of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o of_o true_a church-membership_a 2._o the_o consequent_a of_o our_o assertion_n here_o urge_v as_o absurd_a viz._n that_o then_o in_o ease_n all_o the_o pro-parent_n
to_o he_o other_o way_n so_o in_o the_o church_n membership_n or_o memberly_n relation_n be_v not_o existent_a in_o particular_a person_n without_o some_o communion_n flow_v from_o it_o nor_o yet_o without_o some_o qualification_n unto_o charity_n under_o it_o more_o or_o less_o at_o least_o ordinary_o though_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v exist_v without_o those_o special_a and_o peculiar_a qualification_n that_o fit_a man_n for_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o sure_o we_o may_v well_o distinguish_v especial_o between_o the_o memberly_n relation_n and_o those_o special_a superadded_a qualification_n and_o between_o what_o belong_v to_o person_n in_o the_o one_o respect_n and_o in_o the_o other_o for_o some_o privilege_n in_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o person_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o memberly_n relation_n or_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v member_n they_o belong_v to_o a_o member_n as_o such_o so_o do_v baptism_n matth._n 28.19_o the_o benefit_n of_o church-watch_n and_o discipline_n viz._n according_a to_o natural_a capacity_n in_o regard_n of_o age_n there_o be_v no_o other_o moral_a capacity_n but_o that_o of_o membership_n requisite_a to_o a_o subject_a thereof_o act_n 20.28_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o and_o a_o share_n in_o the_o common_a legacy_n of_o the_o covenant_n rom._n 3.1_o 2._o &_o 9.4_o act_n 3.25_o 26._o mere_a membership_n or_o membership_n alone_o gives_z right_a to_o these_o thing_n but_o there_o be_v other_o privilege_n in_o the_o church_n that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o member_n as_o such_o or_o to_o person_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v member_n but_o to_o member_n as_o clothe_v with_o such_o and_o such_o special_a qualification_n so_o the_o passover_n and_o other_o holy_a thing_n of_o old_a and_o so_o the_o lord_n supper_n now_o 1_o cor._n 11.28_o now_o thus_o to_o distinguish_v do_v not_o distribute_v member_n into_o mere_a member_n and_o other_o but_o it_o distribute_v privilege_n unto_o their_o proper_a subject_n and_o state_n the_o immediate_a right_n unto_o each_o sort_n of_o privilege_n upon_o its_o proper_a basis._n if_o we_o say_v that_o government_n of_o a_o family_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o person_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o family_n do_v we_o thereby_o set_v up_o a_o sort_n of_o mere_a member_n thereof_o that_o have_v no_o family-benefit_n but_o only_o a_o titulary_a relation_n to_o it_o &_o c_o indeed_o such_o a_o say_n will_v import_v that_o in_o a_o family_n there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v governor_n and_o some_o that_o be_v not_o governor_n of_o it_o as_o also_o that_o one_o may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o family_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o the_o government_n thereof_o so_o the_o distinction_n in_o hand_n imply_v that_o in_o the_o church_n some_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n and_o some_o be_v not_o and_o that_o one_o may_v be_v in_o memberly_n relation_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n and_o sure_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o can_v be_v doubt_v of_o if_o child_n in_o minority_n be_v member_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v then_o there_o be_v some_o member_n that_o be_v not_o in_o nor_o yet_o fit_a for_o full_a communion_n and_o for_o the_o adult_n when_o a_o man_n be_v by_o admonition_n debar_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o yet_o not_o excommunicate_v do_v he_o not_o continue_v a_o member_n yea_o a_o personal_a member_n in_o our_o brethren_n account_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n this_o demonstrate_v that_o membership_n and_o full_a communion_n be_v distinct_a and_o separable_a thing_n it_o be_v clear_a enough_o that_o our_o non_fw-mi excommunicable_a child_n do_v continue_v member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o many_o of_o they_o be_v not_o in_o full_a communiâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d will_v our_o brethren_n say_v that_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o so_o then_o neither_o the_o logical_a distinction_n between_o what_o belong_v to_o person_n simple_o as_o member_n or_o by_o their_o mere_a membership_n and_o what_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o further_o endue_v with_o such_o and_o such_o special_a qualification_n nor_o yet_o the_o assertion_n flow_v from_o it_o viz._n that_o some_o may_v be_v and_o continue_v member_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n can_v just_o be_v object_v against_o the_o sum_n be_v the_o person_n in_o question_n have_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o memberly_n relation_n or_o mere_o by_o their_o membership_n a_o proper_a right_n unto_o the_o privilege_n that_o be_v desire_v for_o they_o yet_o withal_o they_o have_v some_o qualification_n and_o some_o communion_n and_o so_o be_v not_o mere_a member_n in_o contradistinction_n hereunto_o though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o such_o full_a qualification_n as_o to_o come_v into_o full_a communion_n but_o thus_o much_o be_v sâ—id_v concern_v that_o distinction_n which_o the_o synod_n use_v and_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o proceed_v we_o to_o the_o assertion_n here_o lay_v down_o by_o our_o brethren_n and_o their_o proof_n thereof_o their_o assertion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a membership_n but_o qualify_v membership_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n remember_v here_o tâ—at_v our_o â—â—â—pute_n proper_o be_v of_o membership_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la or_o regular_a membership_n i._n e._n wherein_o the_o rule_n appoint_v or_o allow_v one_o to_o be_v or_o to_o be_v continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n not_o of_o membership_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la only_o now_o membership_n de_fw-la jure_fw-la or_o regular_a membership_n imply_v some_o qualification_n as_o viz._n that_o a_o person_n be_v a_o church-member_n be_v not_o under_o such_o gross_a and_o incorrigible_a ignorance_n heresy_n scandal_n or_o apostasy_n as_o render_v he_o a_o immediate_a subject_n of_o excommunication_n hence_o mere_a membership_n be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v oppose_v to_o qualify_a membership_n as_o if_o it_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o qualification_n those_o who_o the_o lord_n do_v and_o who_o the_o church_n act_v regular_o may_v own_o and_o continue_v as_o member_n they_o be_v so_o far_o qualify_v as_o that_o the_o rule_n have_v accept_v they_o into_o covenant_n and_o do_v not_o appoint_v we_o to_o put_v they_o out_o now_o then_o understand_v mere_a membership_n fâ—r_o mere_o this_o that_o a_o man_n be_v regular_o a_o member_n and_o qualify_a membership_n for_o superadded_a qualification_n over_o and_o above_o what_o be_v essential_o requisite_a to_o regular_a membership_n the_o 〈◊〉_d say_v assertion_n be_v thus_o much_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o give_v a_o person_n right_n to_o baptism_n that_o he_o be_v regular_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o he_o must_v have_v some_o further_a qualification_n than_o so_o or_o else_o he_o have_v not_o right_a thereunto_o this_o assertion_n or_o to_o say_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a membership_n but_o qualify_v membership_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n be_v indeed_o a_o antisynodalian_a assertion_n and_o we_o doubt_v not_o to_o affirm_v it_o be_v antiscriptural_a 1._o it_o be_v antisynodalian_a or_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o we_o will_v ready_o grant_v that_o if_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v it_o cut_v asunder_o the_o sinew_n of_o the_o synod_n strong_a argument_n for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o synod_n stand_v and_o build_v upon_o that_o it_o be_v covenant-interest_n or_o federal_n holiness_n or_o visible_a church-membership_a which_o be_v but_o several_a expression_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o proper_o give_v right_o to_o baptism_n or_o that_o baptism_n belong_v to_o a_o church-member_n as_o suâ—h_v and_o so_o to_o all_o church-member_n and_o hence_o by_o the_o way_n let_v it_o be_v mind_v that_o the_o synod_n in_o their_o five_o proposition_n have_v comprise_v both_o the_o right_n to_o baptism_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o administration_n the_o distinstion_n between_o which_o two_o be_v often-ove_a mention_v in_o the_o synod_n though_o they_o put_v both_o together_o in_o the_o proposition_n for_o better_a concurrence_n sake_n and_o that_o they_o may_v at_o once_o familiar_o set_v down_o what_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o right_a stand_v upon_o membership_n whereby_o the_o parent_n and_o so_o the_o child_n be_v regular_o within_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o as_o no_o more_o qualification_n in_o the_o parent_n be_v simple_o necessary_a to_o give_v the_o child_n right_a to_o baptism_n but_o what_o be_v essential_o requisite_a unto_o regular_a membership_n as_o for_o other_o and_o further_a qualification_n point_v to_o in_o the_o proposition_n as_o giving_z account_n of_o their_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n solemn_a own_n of_o the_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n they_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o administration_n yet_o these_o be_v not_o therefore_o needless_a thing_n nor_o may_v they_o be_v disregard_v or_o bold_o slight_v and_o refuse_v by_o any_o because_o membership_n
baptism_n unto_o his_o child_n whereunto_o be_v add_v somewhat_o out_o of_o bucer_n parker_n and_o mr._n cotton_n as_o concur_v with_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o brethren_n ans._n take_v capable_a of_o receive_v baptism_n himself_o or_o right_o to_o baptism_n himself_o for_o a_o state_n of_o baptism-right_a or_o capacity_n we_o may_v grant_v the_o major_n but_o the_o minor_a in_o manifest_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o take_v it_o for_o a_o frame_n of_o actual_a fitness_n to_o receive_v baptism_n we_o can_v say_v that_o we_o may_v grant_v the_o minor_a but_o sure_o the_o major_n will_v not_o hold_v it_o be_v true_a that_o that_o which_o do_v not_o put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o state_n of_o right_a to_o baptism_n for_o himself_o in_o case_n he_o be_v unbaptise_v i._n e._n into_o a_o state_n of_o church-membership_a will_v not_o enable_v he_o to_o give_v baptism-right_a to_o his_o child_n if_o the_o parent_n be_v not_o a_o member_n or_o not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o covenant_n interest_n none_o of_o we_o plead_v for_o the_o child_n baptism_n and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d sure_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o subject_a of_o baptism_n or_o in_o a_o state_n of_o right_a to_o it_o as_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v whatever_o may_v the_o facto_fw-la hinder_v it_o but_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o adult_n person_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o member_n and_o so_o of_o right_a to_o baptism_n to_o have_v something_o fall_v in_o which_o may_v hinder_v the_o actual_a application_n of_o baptism_n to_o himself_o in_o case_n he_o be_v unbaptise_v or_o his_o actual_a fitness_n for_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v not_o hinder_v a_o person_n already_o baptize_v and_o stand_v in_o a_o covenant-state_n from_o convey_v baptism-right_a to_o his_o child_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o right_n of_o the_o child_n depend_v upon_o the_o state_n of_o the_o parent_n that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o membership_n for_o if_o so_o then_o divine_a institution_n carry_v or_o transmit_v membership_n and_o so_o baptism-right_a to_o the_o child_n but_o the_o parent_n regular_a partake_n of_o this_o or_o that_o ordinance_n for_o himself_o depend_v much_o upon_o his_o own_o actual_a fitness_n for_o it_o as_o suppose_v a_o unbaptised_a adult_n person_n admit_v into_o the_o church_n who_o before_o he_o be_v baptize_v fall_n into_o some_o great_a offence_n though_o such_o a_o case_n can_v hardly_o fall_v out_o if_o baptism_n be_v administer_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o apostolical_a practice_n i._n e._n immediate_o upon_o first_o admission_n matth._n 28.19_o act_n 16.33_o much_o more_o be_v it_o a_o harsh_a and_o strange_a supposition_n for_o a_o parent_n that_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v and_o be_v baptize_v in_o his_o infancy_n to_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v yet_o unbaptise_v but_o allow_v the_o supposition_n that_o a_o person_n 〈◊〉_d in_o adult_n age_n fall_v into_o offence_n before_o he_o be_v baptize_v he_o may_v be_v call_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o it_o and_o to_o show_v himself_o in_o a_o more_o serious_a and_o penitent_a frame_n before_o himself_o receive_v baptism_n but_o suppose_v he_o die_v before_o he_o do_v that_o and_o leave_v child_n behind_o he_o shall_v not_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o like_a manner_n if_o a_o person_n already_o baptize_v yea_o or_o already_o in_o full_a communion_n shall_v fall_v into_o offence_n you_o will_v say_v that_o will_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o his_o own_o baptism_n in_o case_n upon_o a_o impossible_a supposition_n he_o be_v yet_o unbaptise_v but_o what_o rule_n or_o reason_n be_v there_o for_o it_o to_o make_v a_o particular_a offence_n in_o the_o parent_n to_o cut_v oâ—_n the_o child_n right_a to_o baptism_n when_o as_o the_o parent_n be_v notwithstanding_o that_o offence_n still_o a_o member_n and_o within_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o show_v any_o such_o incorrigibleness_n as_o that_o 〈◊〉_d be_v by_o rule_n to_o be_v put_v out_o when_o as_o the_o offence_n do_v not_o cut_v off_o the_o parent_n membership_n be_v there_o any_o reason_n it_o shall_v cut_v off_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o child_n and_o if_o it_o cut_v not_o of_o the_o child_n membership_n it_o do_v not_o cut_v off_o his_o right_n to_o baptism_n whatever_o may_v be_v say_v for_o require_v the_o parent_n to_o confess_v his_o sin_n before_o his_o child_n baptism_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o more_o expedient_a and_o comfortable_a manner_n of_o administration_n therein_o we_o oppose_v not_o yet_o where_o do_v the_o scripture_n allow_v we_o to_o disannul_v the_o child_n right_a to_o baptism_n upon_o a_o particular_a offence_n in_o the_o parent_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v not_o such_o as_o do_v touch_v upon_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n and_o notwithstanding_o which_o the_o parent_n be_v regular_o and_o orderly_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o there_o may_v be_v obstruction_n to_o a_o parent_n receive_v baptism_n for_o himself_o in_o case_n he_o be_v unbaptise_v which_o do_v not_o incapacitate_v a_o baptize_v parent_n to_o transmit_v if_o we_o may_v attribute_v transmit_v to_o a_o parent_n which_o be_v proper_o the_o act_n of_o god_n institution_n and_o covenant_n right_a of_o baptism_n unto_o his_o child_n but_o for_o the_o minor_a or_o assumption_n of_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n it_o will_v not_o hold_v in_o either_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o proposition_n above_o give_v for_o 1._o we_o will_v ready_o grant_v that_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o baptism-right_a himself_o i._n e._n in_o a_o state_n of_o membership_n he_o can_v convey_v baptism-right_a to_o his_o child_n but_o how_o manifest_a be_v it_o that_o that_o which_o the_o synod_n have_v say_v in_o their_o five_o proposition_n do_v render_v the_o person_n there_o describe_v in_o a_o state_n of_o right_a to_o baptism_n for_o themselves_o in_o case_n they_o be_v unbaptise_v viz._n in_o a_o state_n of_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o the_o proposition_n speak_v of_o church-member_n such_o as_o be_v admit_v member_n in_o minority_n and_o do_v orderly_a and_o regular_o so_o continue_v and_o that_o a_o state_n of_o membership_n be_v a_o state_n of_o baptism-right_a or_o that_o all_o church-member_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o subject_n of_o baptism_n be_v a_o evident_a truth_n that_o can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o that_o grant_v the_o synod_n first_o proposition_n for_o which_o there_o be_v sun-light_n in_o scripture_n and_o never_o be_v orthodox_n divine_a hear_v of_o that_o question_v it_o hence_o according_a to_o that_o rule_v case_n here_o mention_v the_o parent_n in_o question_n have_v themselves_o a_o title_n to_o baptism_n may_v entitle_v other_o they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o title_n to_o it_o but_o regular_a and_o actual_a possession_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o in_o case_n they_o be_v yet_o unbaptise_v they_o will_v be_v church-member_n have_v a_o title_n of_o right_n unto_o it_o they_o will_v stand_v possess_v of_o a_o interest_n in_o a_o title_n to_o it_o as_o mr._n hooker_n in_o the_o place_n here_o allege_v speaks_z whatever_o may_v de_fw-mi facto_fw-la hinder_v their_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o and_o as_o à _fw-la non_fw-la habente_fw-la potestatem_fw-la act_n be_v invalid_a so_o ab_fw-la habente_fw-la potestatem_fw-la they_o be_v valid_a and_o good_a but_o god_n have_v full_a power_n to_o give_v forth_o what_o grant_v he_o please_v and_o he_o have_v in_o the_o order_n of_o his_o covenant_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n grant_v a_o membership_n and_o so_o baptism-right_a unto_o child_n bear_v of_o parent_n that_o be_v member_n and_o so_o the_o parent_n that_o stand_v member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v as_o a_o instrument_n under_o god_n and_o from_o his_o grant_n power_n to_o 〈◊〉_d such_o a_o right_a unto_o his_o child_n child_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n because_o they_o come_v from_o parent_n within_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o they_o be_v include_v and_o so_o receive_v also_o by_o god_n say_v mr._n hooker_n in_o the_o place_n that_o be_v here_o cite_v survey_v part_n 3._o pag._n 18._o 2._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v yield_v that_o the_o parent_n describe_v by_o the_o synod_n in_o their_o five_o proposition_n will_v not_o have_v right_a to_o baptism_n themseluâ—s_o in_o case_n they_o be_v unbaptise_v though_o you_o take_v right_a to_o baptism_n for_o actual_a and_o immediate_a fitness_n for_o the_o same_o in_o fero_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la sure_o he_o will_v have_v a_o hard_a talk_n who_o shall_v undertake_v out_o of_o scripture_n or_o orthodox_n divine_v to_o show_v that_o adult_a person_n understanding_n and_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v the_o same_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o solemn_o take_v hâ—ld_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o they_o
the_o jew_n of_o old_a be_v under_o legal_a dispensation_n etc._n etc._n ans._n suppose_v that_o christian_a church_n be_v in_o a_o more_o spiritual_a and_o gracious_a frame_n than_o be_v the_o jew_n under_o the_o legal_a dispensation_n yet_o if_o then_o such_o parent_n as_o the_o proposition_n describe_v may_v have_v the_o initiatory_a seal_n apply_v to_o their_o infant_n and_o now_o may_v not_o how_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o now_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v in_o a_o worse_a case_n relate_v to_o their_o child_n successive_o than_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v for_o then_o such_o parent_n may_v have_v their_o child_n circumcise_v but_o now_o they_o may_v not_o have_v they_o baptize_v if_o this_o proposition_n be_v deny_v and_o though_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v now_o enlarge_v in_o other_o respect_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o child_n it_o be_v not_o enlarge_v but_o strâ—â—tâ—ed_v by_o deny_v this_o proposition_n except_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o for_o parent_n to_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o and_o their_o child_n be_v no_o testimony_n of_o gospel-grace_n at_o all_o which_o can_v be_v say_v true_o and_o therefore_o the_o synod_n argument_n in_o this_o particular_a stand_v good_a 2._o say_v the_o reverend_a author_n it_o declare_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v will_v be_v far_o better_a than_o it_o be_v under_o legal_a dispensation_n for_o under_o the_o law_n their_o light_n and_o holiness_n be_v defective_a but_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v they_o shall_v have_v a_o far_o great_a measure_n of_o light_n and_o holiness_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o former_a age_n ans._n suppose_v this_o be_v grant_v the_o question_n be_v not_o about_o their_o holiness_n and_o 〈◊〉_d but_o about_o their_o child_n of_o who_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v qualify_v as_o this_o proposition_n express_v those_o child_n may_v then_o be_v circumcise_v and_o the_o text_n allege_v viz._n 〈◊〉_d 30.20_o ezek._n 37_o 25_o 26._o do_v show_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v their_o child_n shall_v be_v in_o as_o good_a estate_n as_o former_o but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v if_o the_o parent_n may_v be_v qualify_v as_o be_v express_v and_o yet_o may_v not_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v be_v not_o this_o a_o render_n of_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o child_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n then_o former_o for_o the_o three_o particular_a the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o the_o dentâ—ll_n of_o the_o proposition_n do_v not_o deny_v in_o sum_n what_o the_o synod_n say_v it_o do_v but_o the_o contrary_n ans._n in_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v there_o be_v three_o particular_n contain_v or_o include_v 1._o that_o the_o mosaical_a dispensation_n and_o first_o institution_n of_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n do_v appoint_v that_o seal_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o such_o as_o stand_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n 2._o that_o the_o child_n in_o question_n dâ—_n regular_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n 3._o that_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o proposition_n do_v deny_v the_o application_n of_o the_o seaâ—_n to_o such_o as_o the_o mosaical_a dispensation_n appoint_v it_o to_o be_v apply_v unto_o of_o these_o particular_n the_o first_o can_v be_v deny_v for_o it_o be_v undeniable_o prove_v by_o the_o text_n allege_v viz._n gen._n 17.9_o 10._o joh_n 7.22_o 23._o and_o the_o three_o particular_a be_v plain_a of_o itself_o all_o the_o doubt_n therefore_o must_v be_v about_o the_o second_o viz._n whether_o the_o child_n in_o question_n do_v regular_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n but_o for_o this_o the_o synod_n have_v give_v divers_a proof_n in_o their_o first_o and_o second_o argument_n which_o proof_n we_o do_v not_o see_v take_v off_o by_o what_o the_o reverend_a author_n have_v say_v thereto_o the_o four_o particular_a be_v answer_v by_o a_o plain_a denial_n of_o what_o there_o the_o synod_n affirm_v viz._n that_o to_o deny_v the_o proposition_n do_v not_o break_v god_n covenant_n by_o deny_v the_o initiatory_a seal_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n ans._n yet_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a then_o that_o deny_v circumcision_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o break_n of_o god_n covenant_n for_o it_o be_v express_o so_o call_v gen._n 17.9_o 10_o 14._o if_o therefore_o the_o child_n speak_v of_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n how_o can_v the_o denial_n of_o baptism_n to_o they_o be_v any_o other_o than_o be_v say_v and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n the_o synod_n give_v sundry_a proof_n in_o their_o first_o and_o second_o argument_n so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o three_o argument_n the_o four_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o confirm_v this_o five_o proposition_n be_v this_o confederate_a visible_a believer_n though_o but_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n such_o be_v to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v but_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v such_o at_o least_o in_o some_o degree_n for_o 1._o charity_n may_v observe_v in_o they_o sundry_a positive_a argument_n for_o it_o witness_v the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n and_o nothing_o evident_a against_o it_o to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v by_o deny_v the_o minor_a in_o the_o argument_n and_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a to_o the_o first_o reason_n here_o mention_v viz._n that_o all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o the_o proposition_n be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o charity_n to_o account_v these_o parent_n to_o be_v believer_n in_o the_o least_o degree_n ans._n but_o if_o there_o be_v sundry_a positive_a argument_n for_o charity_n thus_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o and_o nothing_o evident_a to_o the_o contrary_a as_o the_o synod_n argue_v why_o then_o shall_v we_o judge_v otherwise_o of_o they_o when_o such_o church-member_n as_o be_v admit_v in_o their_o minority_n do_v understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o assent_v thereto_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n but_o do_v solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n be_v all_o this_o nothing_o for_o charity_n to_o go_v upon_o in_o account_v they_o believer_n no_o not_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n we_o conceive_v charity_n want_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o judge_v otherwise_o see_v more_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n but_o say_v the_o reverend_a author_n let_v they_o show_v how_o faith_n be_v work_v and_o how_o it_o workâ—_n in_o they_o and_o then_o the_o church_n will_v have_v ground_n for_o their_o charitable_a judgement_n concern_v their_o fitness_n etc._n etc._n ans._n what_o proof_n be_v there_o that_o except_o this_o be_v do_v there_o can_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o the_o charitable_a judgement_n that_o be_v mention_v sure_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o mention_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o eunuch_n nor_o require_v of_o he_o by_o philip_n act_v 8._o and_o yet_o he_o be_v baptize_v upon_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n though_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n that_o to_o show_v how_o his_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o he_o be_v either_o do_v by_o he_o or_o require_v of_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o that_o when_o that_o be_v do_v which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o proposition_n there_o may_v be_v ground_n for_o charity_n to_o account_v they_o believer_n though_o they_o come_v not_o up_o to_o what_o the_o reverend_a author_n require_v of_o declare_v how_o their_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o they_o 2._o the_o synod_n say_v the_o child_n of_o the_o godly_a though_o qualify_v but_o as_o the_o person_n in_o the_o proposition_n be_v say_v to_o be_v faithful_a tit._n 1.6_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v nor_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o godly_a qualify_v but_o as_o in_o the_o proposition_n say_v to_o be_v faithful_a in_o tit._n 1._o so_o his_o answer_n be_v a_o express_a denial_n of_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v but_o to_o say_v the_o child_n in_o tit._n 1._o be_v not_o call_v faithful_a be_v direct_o to_o gainsay_v the_o text_n which_o do_v express_o so_o call_v they_o and_o that_o these_o child_n that_o be_v call_v faithful_a in_o tit._n 1._o be_v qualify_v above_o what_o the_o proposition_n require_v be_v not_o prove_v at_o all_o for_o the_o text_n that_o call_v they_o faithful_a say_v no_o more_o of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o accuse_v of_o riot_n or_o unruly_a and_o if_o this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o account_v they_o faithful_a those_o who_o the_o proposition_n describe_v may_v much_o more_o be_v so_o account_v because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o free_a from_o vnruliness_n and_o riot_n but_o partaker_n of_o sundry_a other_o good_a qualification_n
rome_n and_o paul_n be_v free_a bear_v act._n 22.28_o yet_o paul_n freedom_n be_v either_o better_a than_o the_o other_o or_o at_o lest_o no_o worse_o and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o church-membership_a of_o little_a child_n there_o be_v want_v unto_o child_n in_o minority_n to_o make_v they_o such_o member_n a_o personal_a fitness_n to_o act_v in_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o ans._n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o membership_n but_o only_o speak_v of_o the_o way_n of_o attain_v it_o by_o their_o own_o act_n but_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o paul_n want_v something_o to_o make_v he_o a_o free_a roman_a because_o he_o have_v no_o personal_a fitness_n nor_o ability_n to_o procure_v that_o freedom_n to_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o act_n but_o only_o be_v so_o bear_v or_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o david_n and_o other_o mention_v in_o psal._n 22.10_o isai._n 46.4_o want_a something_o of_o complete_a proper_a and_o immediate_a interest_n in_o god_n because_o they_o have_v their_o interest_n from_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o do_v not_o attain_v it_o by_o their_o own_o personal_a act_n for_o our_o part_n we_o dare_v not_o so_o say_v and_o by_o like_a reason_n dare_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o little_a child_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v proper_a complete_a and_o immediate_a though_o they_o have_v not_o come_v to_o it_o by_o their_o own_o act_n but_o have_v have_v it_o from_o their_o minority_n or_o birth_n for_o to_o have_v god_n for_o their_o god_n be_v as_o great_a a_o blessing_n as_o to_o be_v a_o actual_a and_o immediate_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v want_v of_o personal_a fitness_n to_o act_v for_o themselves_o do_v not_o hinder_v from_o the_o one_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v it_o hinder_v from_o the_o other_o synod_n a_o different_a manner_n and_o mean_n of_o convey_v the_o covenant_n to_o we_o or_o of_o make_v we_o member_n do_v not_o make_v a_o different_a sort_n of_o member_n we_o be_v as_o true_o personal_o and_o immediate_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o fall_a mankind_n and_o by_o nature_n heir_n of_o the_o condemnation_n pertain_v thereto_o as_o adam_n be_v though_o he_o come_v to_o â—e_v so_o by_o his_o own_o personal_a act_n and_o we_o by_o the_o act_n of_o our_o public_a person_n pag._n 24.25_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o answer_n hereto_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o case_n of_o adam_n it_o be_v so_o as_o be_v say_v but_o say_v he_o this_o do_v not_o suit_v the_o the_o case_n of_o â—_z in_o question_n for_o 1._o adam_n stand_v as_o a_o public_a person_n for_o all_o mankind_n no_o parent_n be_v so_o for_o all_o his_o posterity_n but_o for_o his_o infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n 2._o adam_n covenant_n be_v only_o with_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o with_o any_o church_n as_o the_o covenant_n of_o confederate_a parent_n be_v 3._o the_o parent_n break_v the_o covenant_n do_v not_o make_v his_o child_n heir_n of_o condemnation_n as_o adam_n do_v all_o mankind_n pag._n 40.41_o for_o answer_v whereto_o we_o may_v remember_v what_o himself_o do_v former_o express_v that_o similitude_n do_v not_o run_v on_o four_o foot_n if_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a point_n that_o may_v suffâ—â—_n though_o in_o other_o thing_n they_o dâ—ffer_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v these_o three_o difference_n and_o as_o many_o more_o between_o the_o case_n allege_v yet_o where_o be_v there_o any_o difference_n in_o the_o main_a point_n be_v not_o we_o as_o true_o personal_o and_o immediate_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o fall_a mankind_n as_o adam_n be_v this_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v not_o deny_v but_o in_o plain_a word_n do_v grant_v it_o and_o be_v not_o then_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o allege_v this_o instance_n clear_o gain_v do_v it_o not_o plain_o appear_v thereby_o that_o a_o different_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o be_v in_o covenant_n do_v not_o make_v a_o different_a sort_n of_o membership_n adam_n be_v a_o member_n of_o fall_a mankind_n and_o so_o be_v we_o though_o he_o come_v to_o be_v so_o by_o his_o own_o personal_a act_n and_o we_o by_o he_o or_o by_o his_o act_n for_o we_o which_o do_v clear_o show_v what_o the_o synod_n say_v that_o a_o different_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o be_v member_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o membership_n which_o we_o see_v do_v hold_v as_o touch_v be_v a_o member_n of_o fall_a mankind_n and_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o it_o may_v also_o hold_v as_o touch_v be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n there_o be_v not_o any_o to_o be_v account_v a_o public_a person_n as_o adam_n be_v but_o only_o jesus_n christ_n for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o he_o rom._n 5.14_o to_o 20._o pag._n 41._o ans._n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a though_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o public_a person_n for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o he_o as_o adam_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o number_n of_o person_n there_o be_v difference_n adam_n stand_v for_o all_o mankind_n and_o christ_n stand_v only_o for_o his_o redeem_a the_o elect._n now_o if_o christ_n may_v be_v true_o call_v a_o public_a person_n for_o all_o his_o as_o adam_n be_v though_o adam_n be_v for_o they_o that_o be_v far_o more_o in_o number_n why_o may_v not_o then_o a_o consederate_a parent_n be_v count_v a_o public_a person_n for_o his_o child_n though_o they_o be_v far_o less_o in_o number_n then_o the_o other_o but_o herein_o the_o case_n seem_v parallel_n adam_n for_o all_o in_o he_o christ_n jesus_n for_o all_o in_o he_o and_o the_o confederate_a parent_n for_o all_o in_o he_o we_o see_v not_o how_o this_o can_v just_o be_v deny_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n siâ—h_v he_o call_v these_o parent_n undertaker_n for_o their_o child_n pag._n 40._o and_o again_o pag._n 41._o and_o such_o undertaker_n that_o the_o child_n be_v bind_v by_o their_o parent_n act_v to_o perform_v that_o covenant_n when_o they_o shall_v become_v capable_a which_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v the_o same_o or_o as_o much_o as_o be_v mean_v when_o they_o be_v call_v public_a person_n for_o their_o child_n another_o similitude_n use_v by_o the_o synod_n to_o illustrate_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v from_o a_o prince_n give_v land_n to_o a_o man_n and_o his_o heir_n successive_o while_o they_o continue_v loyal_a in_o which_o case_n the_o follow_a heir_n be_v a_o true_a and_o immediate_a owner_n of_o that_o land_n and_o may_v be_v personal_o disinherit_v if_o disloyal_a as_o well_o as_o his_o father_n before_o he_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o similitude_n do_v not_o sort_v the_o case_n in_o question_n fâ—r_n as_o for_o infant_n they_o can_v be_v visible_o disloyal_a and_o adult_a person_n not_o regular_o join_v to_o the_o church_n have_v cut_v off_o the_o entail_n of_o the_o covenant_n from_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n by_o their_o personal_a disloyalty_n ans._n but_o for_o all_o this_o the_o similitude_n may_v suit_v the_o case_n in_o question_n though_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v it_o do_v not_o for_o as_o the_o follow_a heir_n be_v a_o immediate_a owner_n of_o that_o land_n till_o for_o disloyalty_n he_o be_v disinherit_v so_o the_o follow_a child_n be_v immediate_a church-member_n till_o some_o of_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o membership_n be_v not_o here_o plain_a suitableness_n in_o the_o similitude_n we_o conceive_v it_o be_v apparent_a and_o manifest_a for_o if_o infant_n can_v be_v disloyal_a and_o if_o adult_a person_n be_v cut_v off_o for_o disloyalty_n be_v it_o not_o manifest_a that_o both_o be_v immediate_a owner_n till_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n the_o synod_n affirm_v concern_v infant_n it_o seem_v they_o be_v such_o true_a and_o immediate_a owner_n of_o church-membership_a as_o that_o they_o can_v be_v cut_v off_o therefrom_o because_o they_o can_v be_v so_o disloyal_a as_o to_o deserve_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o for_o the_o adult_a person_n if_o the_o entail_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o they_o and_o their_o posterity_n by_o their_o personal_a disloyalty_n do_v not_o this_o clear_o show_v that_o they_o be_v true_o and_o immediate_o in_o the_o covenant_n till_o their_o disloyalty_n cut_v they_o off_o and_o so_o the_o similitude_n stand_v suitable_a and_o good_a for_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o the_o synod_n bring_v it_o but_o as_o for_o this_o cut_v off_o the_o entail_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o we_o must_v confess_v we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o such_o a_o thing_n can_v just_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o in_o this_o proposition_n for_o they_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o give_v
know_v they_o be_v bring_v into_o membership_n by_o god_n own_o institution_n and_o appointment_n and_o we_o do_v not_o know_v that_o they_o have_v in_o any_o way_n of_o god_n be_v put_v from_o it_o nor_o consider_v the_o term_n in_o the_o proposition_n can_v be_v just_o judge_v to_o deserve_v any_o such_o matter_n but_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o they_o to_o be_v member_n can_v be_v no_o such_o profane_v and_o pollute_v as_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o four_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n to_o show_v that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o do_v still_o continue_v member_n be_v this_o because_o there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a way_n of_o cessation_n of_o membership_n but_o by_o death_n dismission_n excommunication_n or_o dissolution_n of_o the_o society_n none_o of_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n in_o question_n whereto_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o the_o ennumeration_n be_v insufficient_a there_o be_v another_o ordinary_a way_n i._n e._n desertion_n thus_o esau_n membership_n cease_v and_o so_o many_o they_o who_o be_v adult_n regard_v not_o to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n by_o their_o personal_a and_o immediate_a confederation_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o forsake_v the_o church_n may_v suffice_v to_o deprive_v those_o of_o church-priviledge_n who_o be_v before_o in_o personal_a and_o immediate_a church-fellâ—wship_a 1_o joh._n 2.19_o how_o much_o more_o those_o who_o never_o have_v such_o membership_n etc._n etc._n what_o can_v the_o mediate_v membership_n which_o such_o have_v in_o infancy_n advantage_n they_o for_o continue_v in_o membership_n when_o be_v adult_n they_o live_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o be_v leave_v under_o engagement_n in_o their_o infancy_n unto_o service_n and_o subjection_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n ans._n if_o the_o ennumeration_n be_v not_o sufficient_a but_o that_o that_o of_o desertion_n be_v needful_a to_o be_v add_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o avail_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v but_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o person_n in_o question_n may_v still_o continue_v for_o all_o this_o for_o be_v qualify_v as_o the_o proposition_n express_v they_o be_v far_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o desertion_n or_o forsake_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o this_o though_o it_o be_v add_v to_o the_o particular_n in_o the_o argument_n that_o can_v hinder_v their_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v member_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v just_o charge_v as_o guilty_a of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v here_o express_v viz._n not_o regard_v to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n by_o their_o personal_a and_o immediate_a confederation_n nor_o to_o fit_v themselves_o for_o it_o but_o to_o despise_v the_o church_n of_o god_n not_o desire_v nor_o endeavour_v after_o spiritual_a fitness_n but_o live_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n we_o can_v see_v how_o they_o can_v just_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o person_n qualify_v as_o the_o proposition_n express_v but_o they_o may_v still_o continue_v to_o be_v member_n as_o not_o be_v culpable_a of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o here_o mention_v to_o un-member_n they_o here_o also_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v how_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v again_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o adult_n person_n who_o be_v admit_v in_o infancy_n be_v a_o breach_n of_o that_o covenant_n in_o which_o they_o be_v then_o comprehend_v and_o which_o leave_v they_o under_o engagement_n unto_o service_n and_o subjection_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n which_o show_v that_o they_o be_v still_o in_o the_o covenant_n though_o now_o they_o be_v adult_n for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v their_o sin_n be_v breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o if_o they_o be_v still_o in_o covenant_n than_o they_o still_o continue_v member_n and_o their_o membership_n do_v not_o cease_v with_o their_o infancy_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n here_o affirm_v by_o the_o synod_n for_o that_o of_o esau_n who_o membership_n be_v say_v to_o cease_v by_o desertion_n the_o reverend_a author_n may_v remember_v that_o he_o have_v more_o than_o one_o tell_v we_o of_o invalidity_n of_o proof_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d gospel-time_n which_o proof_n though_o we_o can_v say_v but_o they_o may_v bâ—_n valid_a yet_o why_o shall_v himself_o use_v they_o against_o we_o for_o this_o of_o esau_n be_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n if_o his_o apprehension_n be_v right_a that_o such_o proof_n be_v not_o valid_a but_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o of_o the_o cessation_n of_o membership_n by_o a_o man_n own_o act_n this_o have_v be_v speak_v unto_o before_o pag._n 34.35_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n for_o this_o five_o proposition_n where_o also_o be_v consider_v that_o text_n 1_o joh._n 2.19_o which_o be_v here_o allege_a again_o to_o which_o former_a place_n we_o refer_v the_o reader_n only_o add_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o cessation_n of_o membersip_n which_o the_o synod_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v such_o cessation_n as_o be_v ordinary_a but_o if_o esau_n '_o be_v by_o his_o own_o act_n alone_o why_o may_v we_o not_o say_v that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o extraordinary_a though_o it_o be_v not_o any_o where_o say_v that_o it_o be_v by_o his_o own_o act_n if_o any_o afffirm_v that_o it_o be_v it_o stand_v upon_o they_o to_o prove_v it_o for_o affirmanti_fw-la incumbit_fw-la probatie_fw-mi and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o the_o church_n have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o yet_o negative_a argument_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o cogent_a though_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v but_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o know_v many_o thing_n be_v do_v that_o be_v not_o write_v joh._n 20.30_o &_o 21.25_o and_o therefore_o though_o this_o be_v not_o write_v that_o there_o be_v any_o church-proceeding_n against_o esau_n for_o his_o depart_n from_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o say_v there_o be_v yet_o they_o that_o say_v there_o be_v not_o must_v prove_v there_o be_v not_o because_o the_o mere_a not_o mention_v that_o there_o be_v be_v no_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v not_o and_o for_o any_o further_a proof_n that_o esau_n fall_v off_o from_o his_o church-membership_a be_v by_o his_o own_o act_n alone_o any_o further_a proof_n for_o this_o then_o mere_o the_o not_o express_v of_o any_o church-proceeding_n against_o he_o we_o find_v none_o the_o five_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o confirm_v this_o particular_a that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o do_v still_o continue_v member_n be_v this_o because_o otherwise_o a_o person_n admit_v a_o member_n and_o seal_v by_o baptism_n not_o cast_v out_o nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v may_v the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v still_o remain_v become_v a_o non-member_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o unclean_a world_n which_o the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v not_o whereto_o the_o answer_n in_o sum_n be_v this_o that_o as_o a_o freeman_n child_n of_o some_o corporation_n be_v freeborn_a and_o may_v in_o his_o minority_n trade_n under_o his_o father_n yet_o be_v grow_v up_o must_v personal_o enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n of_o freeman_n or_o else_o may_v not_o trade_v for_o himself_o but_o be_v a_o non-freeman_n by_o his_o own_o default_n and_o have_v lose_v his_o freedom_n by_o not_o enter_v in_o his_o own_o person_n into_o the_o common_a engagement_n etc._n etc._n so_o and_o much_o more_o just_o a_o adult_n person_n make_v himself_o to_o become_v a_o non-member_n by_o not_o covenant_v personal_o as_o his_o father_n do_v ans._n it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v whether_o this_o comparison_n do_v suit_n the_o case_n in_o hand_n for_o 1._o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o freeman_n child_n that_o be_v mention_v be_v this_o that_o he_o may_v in_o his_o minority_n trade_n under_o his_o father_n which_o privilege_n do_v not_o at_o all_o arise_v from_o his_o be_v the_o child_n of_o a_o freeman_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o one_o that_o be_v not_o a_o child_n but_o only_o a_o servant_n of_o such_o a_o freeman_n may_v trade_v under_o the_o freeman_n as_o his_o master_n this_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o such_o freeman_n that_o their_o servant_n and_o other_o belong_v to_o they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o free_a yet_o may_v trade_v for_o they_o and_o in_o their_o name_n which_o be_v upon_o then_o atter_fw-la no_o privilege_n at_o all_o to_o the_o child_n or_o servant_n but_o only_o to_o the_o freeman_n himself_o under_o who_o they_o trade_n but_o will_v any_o say_v that_o to_o be_v a_o child_n of_o a_o church-member_n be_v no_o privilege_n at_o all_o to_o a_o child_n but_o only_o to_o the_o father_n or_o will_v any_o say_v that_o the_o child_n have_v no_o more_o privilege_n
cut_v off_o or_o cast_v out_o from_o that_o relation_n nor_o deserve_v any_o such_o matter_n but_o do_v still_o continue_v therein_o as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n therefore_o we_o can_v see_v how_o it_o can_v be_v any_o usurpation_n in_o the_o minister_n to_o do_v act_n of_o his_o office_n towards_o they_o nor_o unlawful_a in_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v they_o to_o such_o a_o privilege_n of_o church-communion_n as_o be_v speak_v of_o nay_o rather_o the_o person_n be_v and_o still_o continue_v member_n the_o performance_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v usurpation_n as_o that_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o may_v be_v count_v a_o unwarrantable_a omission_n or_o transgression_n the_o first_o reason_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o confirm_v this_o proposition_n be_v because_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o child_n to_o privilege_n remain_v viz._n god_n institution_n and_o the_o force_n of_o his_o covenant_n carry_v it_o to_o the_o generation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o covenant_n i._n e._n not_o visible_o breaker_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n whereunto_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n be_v that_o the_o parent_n of_o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v visible_o breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v seal_v to_o they_o by_o baptism_n in_o their_o infancy_n which_o oblige_v they_o to_o covenant_n personal_o for_o themselves_o and_o they_o etc._n etc._n p._n 47_o 48._o ans._n but_o be_v this_o certain_a that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v visible_o breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n sure_o this_o if_o it_o be_v affirm_v have_v need_n to_o be_v sound_o clear_v for_o either_o they_o be_v such_o as_o do_v personal_o own_v the_o covenant_n be_v qualify_v with_o knowledge_n and_o blameless_a life_n etc._n etc._n as_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n or_o else_o if_o they_o have_v not_o so_o act_v they_o have_v be_v inevitable_o hinder_v therein_o as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o six_o proposition_n and_o be_v it_o reasonable_a that_o for_o all_o this_o they_o must_v be_v count_v visible_o breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v they_o such_o breaker_n of_o it_o who_o do_v public_o own_v it_o and_o therein_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o culpable_a for_o any_o contrary_a practice_n in_o their_o conversation_n or_o be_v they_o such_o breaker_n of_o it_o who_o if_o they_o have_v not_o public_o act_v as_o aforesaid_a the_o reason_n have_v be_v because_o they_o have_v be_v inevitable_o hinder_v we_o can_v see_v that_o rule_n or_o reason_n will_v allow_v or_o give_v warrant_n for_o such_o apprehension_n put_v case_n a_o person_n who_o be_v bear_v a_o church-member_n and_o have_v be_v sound_a in_o judgement_n and_o unblameable_a and_o commendable_a in_o his_o conversation_n all_o his_o day_n but_o have_v be_v like_o joseph_n sell_v for_o a_o slave_n and_o keep_v in_o bondage_n suppose_v to_o the_o turk_n or_o other_o for_o many_o a_o year_n suppose_v also_o that_o after_o a_o time_n he_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o liberty_n and_o thereupon_o do_v return_v homeward_o with_o his_o child_n or_o child_n bear_v to_o he_o in_o his_o exile_n and_o bondage_n intend_v to_o present_v himself_o and_o his_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o church_n where_o he_o be_v bear_v but_o before_o he_o reach_v home_o he_o die_v by_o the_o way_n this_o man_n be_v inevitable_o hinder_v from_o enter_v into_o covenant_n personal_o though_o willing_a to_o have_v do_v it_o and_o fit_a for_o it_o but_o will_v any_o reason_n or_o charity_n permit_v to_o count_v this_o man_n a_o visible_a breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o he_o do_v not_o personal_o enter_v thereinto_o we_o suppose_v this_o can_v be_v say_v he_o be_v inevitable_o hinder_v from_o so_o act_v why_o then_o shall_v the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v visible_o covenant-breaker_n for_o not_o enter_v into_o covenant_n personal_o when_o it_o be_v express_o say_v they_o have_v herein_o be_v inevitable_o hinder_v though_o willing_a to_o have_v do_v it_o if_o there_o have_v be_v opportunity_n for_o our_o part_n we_o dare_v not_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v visible_o covenant-breaker_n as_o not_o see_v any_o ground_n or_o warrant_v so_o to_o do_v the_o second_o reason_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o confirm_v this_o six_o proposition_n be_v because_o the_o parent_n not_o do_v what_o be_v require_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n be_v through_o want_n of_o opportunity_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v as_o their_o guilt_n so_o as_o to_o be_v a_o bar_n to_o the_o child_n privilege_n now_o what_o say_v the_o reverend_a author_n unto_o this_o do_v he_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v want_v of_o opportunity_n that_o hinder_v the_o parent_n from_o do_v what_o be_v require_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n no_o we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o he_o deny_v this_o at_o all_o do_v he_o then_o say_v that_o though_o want_v of_o opportunity_n hinder_v yet_o for_o all_o this_o want_n of_o opportunity_n the_o not_o do_v though_o through_o â—hat_n want_v of_o opportunity_n be_v nevertheless_o a_o bar_n to_o the_o child_n privilege_n not_o so_o neither_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o so_o say_v any_o more_o than_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o former_a reason_n about_o be_v inevitable_o hinder_v may_v be_v apply_v to_o this_o particular_a for_o want_v of_o opportunity_n viz._n that_o such_o not_o do_v what_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n can_v be_v no_o bar_n to_o the_o child_n privilege_n but_o if_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v nothing_o touch_v this_o want_n of_o opportunity_n which_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n which_o be_v mention_v by_o the_o synod_n in_o this_o their_o second_o reason_n what_o then_o do_v he_o say_v in_o his_o answer_n to_o this_o reason_n that_o which_o he_o first_o say_v be_v that_o it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v in_o his_o examine_v the_o five_o proposition_n that_o more_o be_v require_v to_o fit_v one_o that_o be_v adult_n for_o church-membership_a then_o be_v there_o express_v viz._n faith_n in_o christ_n make_v visible_a to_o the_o church_n without_o which_o they_o be_v not_o regular_o church-member_n ans._n but_o the_o question_n here_o be_v not_o whether_o more_o be_v require_v to_o membership_n then_o be_v express_v in_o that_o proposition_n but_o whether_o want_v of_o opportunity_n in_o parent_n to_o do_v what_o be_v there_o express_v be_v a_o just_a bar_n to_o the_o child_n privilege_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v the_o question_n here_o in_o hand_n whereto_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v negative_a that_o this_o want_n of_o opportunity_n be_v not_o a_o just_a bar_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v â—_o just_a bar_n or_o be_v not_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o that_o but_o speak_v to_o another_o thing_n that_o more_o be_v require_v to_o church-membership_a than_o that_o proposition_n do_v express_v so_o that_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v touch_v yet_o let_v we_o a_o little_a consider_v of_o this_o other_o whereto_o he_o lead_v we_o and_o return_v back_o with_o he_o to_o the_o five_o proposition_n concern_v which_o first_o here_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o manifest_a mistake_n concern_v the_o scope_n of_o that_o five_o proposition_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o as_o be_v here_o intimate_v whether_o what_o be_v there_o express_v be_v enough_o to_o fit_v one_o that_o be_v adult_n for_o church-membership_a but_o the_o scope_n of_o it_o be_v plain_o this_o to_o show_v that_o such_o church-member_n as_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n if_o they_o be_v qualify_v as_o be_v there_o express_v may_v have_v their_o child_n baptise_a but_o for_o fitness_n for_o membership_n that_o proposition_n do_v not_o discuss_v that_o point_n at_o all_o but_o express_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v member_n already_o and_o be_v admit_v long_o ago_o even_o in_o their_o minority_n as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v concern_v his_o examine_v that_o five_o proposition_n we_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o have_v be_v former_o there_o say_v in_o defence_n of_o that_o proposition_n further_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v that_o baptism_n administer_v by_o ordinary_a officer_n to_o such_o as_o be_v out_o of_o church-order_n be_v profane_v as_o circumcision_n be_v by_o the_o shechemite_n and_o will_v have_v be_v by_o the_o ishmaelite_n and_o edomite_n if_o it_o have_v be_v administer_v to_o their_o child_n when_o their_o parent_n be_v not_o join_v to_o the_o church_n or_o abide_v not_o in_o it_o in_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob._n ans._n still_o this_o make_v nothing_o against_o administer_a baptism_n to_o the_o child_n speak_v of_o in_o this_o five_o and_o six_o
propos._n except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o their_o parent_n be_v not_o in_o church-order_n for_o the_o synod_n think_v that_o as_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o church-membership_a in_o their_o minority_n so_o they_o still_o continue_v therein_o and_o the_o contrary_n we_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v prove_v as_o for_o the_o shechemite_n etc._n etc._n circumcision_n may_v be_v profane_v when_o administer_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o baptism_n not_o so_o when_o administer_v to_o the_o child_n in_o question_n for_o if_o the_o former_a be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n yet_o these_o be_v and_o whereas_o the_o former_a be_v vile_a and_o vicious_a in_o their_o life_n these_o other_o be_v far_o from_o any_o such_o thing_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o the_o former_a and_o these_o speak_v of_o but_o a_o vast_a difference_n and_o we_o may_v add_v further_o that_o as_o there_o be_v difference_n between_o those_o shechemite_n and_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o church-relation_n and_o conversation_n so_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o latter_a these_o be_v far_o better_o than_o sundry_a that_o abode_n in_o the_o family_n of_o jacob_n to_o who_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o circumcision_n be_v lawful_o administer_v we_o may_v instance_n in_o simeon_n and_o levi_n who_o commit_v that_o odious_a cruelty_n and_o bloodshedding_a for_o which_o their_o father_n lay_v such_o a_o curse_n upon_o they_o a_o little_a afore_o his_o death_n gen._n 49._o and_o if_o circumcision_n be_v lawful_o administer_v to_o the_o child_n of_o these_o they_o abide_v in_o the_o family_n of_o jacob_n how_o can_v baptism_n lawful_o be_v deny_v to_o the_o child_n in_o question_n or_o be_v say_v to_o be_v profane_v when_o administer_v to_o they_o since_o they_o be_v child_n of_o parent_n who_o be_v once_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o be_v never_o cast_v out_o nor_o deserve_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o do_v still_o continue_v therein_o and_o for_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v far_o from_o any_o such_o scandal_n and_o crime_n as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n aforesaid_a one_o end_n of_o baptism_n now_o as_o it_o be_v of_o circumcision_n then_o be_v to_o seal_v church-communion_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o party_n baptize_v into_o the_o family_n of_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n ans._n this_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o deny_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n in_o question_n except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o parent_n be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nor_o of_o his_o family_n which_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o see_v prove_v the_o regular_a and_o lawful_a use_n of_o baptism_n now_o as_o of_o circumcision_n of_o old_a presuppose_v both_o god_n promise_n and_o his_o faith_n viz._n faith_n for_o justification_n with_o abraham_n who_o be_v to_o use_v it_o either_o upon_o himself_o or_o upon_o his_o infant_n to_o use_v it_o be_v not_o so_o qualify_v visible_o be_v it_o not_o a_o treacherous_a usurp_a of_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n ans._n neither_o do_v this_o make_v against_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o child_n in_o question_n forasmuch_o as_o their_o parent_n and_o they_o be_v under_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n and_o the_o parent_n be_v qualify_v as_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v faith_n visible_o as_o be_v show_v by_o the_o synod_n in_o their_o argument_n for_o confirm_v that_o proposition_n and_o in_o this_o defence_n former_o sure_o it_o be_v these_o parent_n may_v as_o well_o be_v think_v to_o have_v faith_n visible_o as_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n aforementioned_a and_o as_o many_o in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v culpable_a for_o carnal_a dissension_n go_v to_o law_n fornication_n vncleanness_n and_o not_o repent_v thereof_o 1_o cor._n 1._o &_o 3_o &_o 6._o and_o 2_o cor._n 12._o and_o yet_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o profess_v christianity_n we_o suppose_v the_o reverend_a author_n will_v not_o deny_v but_o their_o child_n may_v be_v baptize_v and_o the_o child_n of_o jacob_n son_n circumcise_v and_o that_o this_o in_o they_o be_v no_o treacherous_a usurp_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o therefore_o much_o less_o can_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v impute_v to_o the_o person_n qualify_v as_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n though_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n be_v administer_v to_o their_o child_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a these_o person_n be_v far_o from_o such_o offensiveness_n as_o be_v in_o those_o corinthian_n and_o in_o reuben_n simeon_n and_o levi_n but_o be_v much_o more_o innocent_a yea_o commendable_a so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o second_o reason_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o confirm_v this_o six_o proposition_n against_o what_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o answer_n thereto_o say_v in_o his_o digression_n and_o turn_v back_o to_o the_o proposition_n forego_v the_o three_o reason_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o this_o six_o proposition_n be_v because_o god_n accept_v that_o as_o do_v in_o his_o service_n to_o which_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v albeit_o the_o act_n of_o it_o be_v hinder_v as_o in_o david_n to_o build_v the_o temple_n 1_o king_n 8._o in_o abraham_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n heb._n 11.17_o and_o in_o that_o of_o alm_n 2_o cor._n 8.12_o as_o in_o such_o as_o be_v say_v to_o be_v martyr_n in_o voto_fw-la and_o baptise_a in_fw-la voto_fw-la because_o there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o desire_n that_o way_n though_o their_o desire_n be_v not_o actual_o accomplish_v to_o which_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n be_v that_o this_o may_v hold_v in_o private_a service_n so_o that_o there_o god_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n when_o the_o act_n of_o it_o be_v hinder_v but_o in_o public_a service_n he_o do_v not_o accept_v of_o that_o as_o do_v which_o be_v not_o do_v so_o far_o as_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o public_a state_n and_o order_n whatever_o their_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n have_v be_v and_o he_o instance_v in_o one_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n and_o yet_o may_v not_o do_v the_o act_n of_o that_o office_n afore_o he_o be_v in_o office_n and_o in_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o join_v to_o the_o church_n but_o may_v not_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o seal_n afore_o they_o be_v so_o join_v whereto_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o what_o be_v here_o say_v be_v insufficient_a as_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n which_o be_v not_o concern_v such_o as_o be_v out_o of_o church-state_n and_o order_n as_o if_o desire_v after_o that_o state_n be_v enough_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o it_o though_o their_o actual_a enter_v be_v hinder_v for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o synod_n speak_v not_o of_o such_o but_o of_o such_o as_o be_v church-member_n already_o only_o have_v be_v inevitable_o hinder_v from_o such_o act_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n which_o act_n be_v not_o at_o all_o speak_v of_o for_o attain_v church-membership_a for_o that_o state_n the_o synod_n account_n that_o they_o have_v attain_v already_o but_o the_o act_n mention_v be_v clear_o speak_v of_o for_o another_o purpose_n viz._n for_o the_o more_o orderly_o clear_a and_o edify_a manner_n of_o administration_n of_o baptism_n to_o their_o child_n themselves_o though_o be_v in_o the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o church-member_n have_v not_o yet_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o synod_n speak_v of_o such_o person_n and_o of_o act_n for_o such_o a_o end_n viz._n of_o person_n already_o in_o church-estate_n and_o act_v for_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a and_o here_o in_o this_o six_o proposition_n of_o obtain_v that_o end_n though_o their_o act_n as_o aforesaid_a have_v be_v inevitable_o hinder_v whereas_o the_o reverend_a author_n speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o in_o church-state_n and_o order_n at_o all_o though_o they_o do_v desire_v it_o and_o of_o they_o he_o say_v that_o these_o desire_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o their_o admission_n unto_o church-priviledge_n when_o their_o actual_a enter_v into_o church-state_n be_v hinder_v between_o which_o and_o those_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o synod_n there_o be_v great_a difference_n so_o that_o if_o what_o he_o faith_n be_v grant_v yet_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o synod_n be_v nothing_o hinder_v thereby_o but_o though_o desire_n of_o office_n or_o of_o church-estate_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o one_o or_o
member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n may_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o their_o infant-seed_n have_v right_a to_o baptism_n if_o this_o be_v so_o we_o may_v question_v whether_o it_o can_v be_v lawful_a for_o minister_n or_o any_o man_n to_o dispense_v baptism_n to_o any_o person_n at_o all_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o can_v certain_o know_v who_o have_v such_o true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o so_o be_v church-member_n for_o what_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v a_o little_a before_o in_o pag._n 49._o that_o though_o god_n search_v and_o know_v the_o heart_n yet_o the_o church_n do_v not_o de_fw-fr occultis_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la this_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v very_o true_a and_o therefore_o if_o this_o hold_n that_o none_o may_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o give_v right_a to_o their_o seed_n unto_o baptism_n but_o only_o they_o who_o have_v true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o so_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a we_o say_v if_o this_o hold_n how_o can_v we_o know_v who_o be_v to_o the_o baptise_a since_o none_o can_v certain_o know_v but_o god_n only_o whether_o man_n have_v this_o true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n therefore_o we_o think_v it_o more_o safe_a to_o say_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o nothing_o contrary_a thereto_o appear_v whereby_o that_o profession_n can_v be_v disprove_v such_o person_n may_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o have_v baptism_n for_o their_o child_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n or_o no._n and_o if_o the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n be_v try_v by_o this_o rule_n we_o can_v see_v but_o as_o they_o be_v in_o church-fellowship_n from_o their_o minority_n so_o they_o still_o continue_v therein_o and_o so_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptize_v in_o as_o much_o as_o now_o they_o make_v a_o good_a profession_n before_o many_o witness_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o do_v no_o way_n contradict_v their_o profession_n by_o any_o scandalous_a practice_n in_o their_o life_n and_o therefore_o though_o that_o be_v true_a which_o the_o reverend_a author_n here_o say_v pag._n 50._o that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v true_a faith_n in_o they_o who_o he_o privilege_v to_o baptize_v their_o infant_n that_o be_v as_o we_o understand_v he_o who_o he_o privilege_v to_o present_v their_o infant_n to_o baptism_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a enough_o to_o administer_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n of_o parent_n qualify_v as_o in_o the_o five_o and_o six_o propos._n and_o they_o that_o do_v administer_v may_v have_v faith_n to_o please_v god_n therein_o because_o of_o the_o church-relation_n and_o good_a profession_n of_o the_o parent_n though_o the_o parent_n can_v please_v god_n in_o present_v their_o child_n to_o that_o ordinance_n if_o themselves_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n yet_o this_o we_o must_v still_o say_v that_o for_o any_o that_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o be_v say_v we_o see_v no_o scripture-rule_n or_o reason_n that_o will_v warrant_v we_o to_o judge_v they_o so_o destitute_a so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o six_o proposition_n propos._n 7._o the_o member_n of_o orthodox_n church_n be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o present_v due_a testimony_n thereof_o these_o occasional_o come_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptize_v in_o the_o church_n whither_o they_o come_v by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o if_o they_o remove_v their_o habitation_n they_o ought_v orderly_o to_o covenant_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n where_o they_o settle_v their_o abode_n and_o so_o their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v in_o be_v the_o church_n due_o to_o receive_v such_o unto_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v regular_o fit_a foâ—_n the_o same_o for_o confirm_v of_o this_o proposition_n in_o both_o the_o part_n or_o branch_n of_o it_o the_o synod_n give_v sundry_a reason_n whereto_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v nothing_o in_o the_o particular_n but_o in_o general_a that_o he_o lock_v at_o the_o regular_a communion_n of_o approve_a church_n as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o further_a than_o so_o he_o say_v nothing_o either_o by_o objection_n against_o the_o proposition_n or_o by_o consent_n unto_o it_o but_o all_o he_o say_v be_v by_o way_n of_o propound_v query_n to_o the_o number_n of_o half_a a_o score_n or_o more_o and_o then_o conclude_v that_o when_o these_o and_o the_o like_a question_n be_v clear_o answer_v he_o shall_v then_o understand_v the_o true_a and_o full_a sense_n of_o this_o proposition_n and_o what_o to_o say_v to_o it_o but_o when_o the_o synod_n shall_v come_v together_o to_o answer_v these_o question_n whether_o ever_o or_o never_o we_o do_v not_o know_v nor_o do_v see_v any_o great_a probability_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o therefore_o no_o more_o be_v here_o say_v against_o this_o proposition_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o it_o yet_o stand_v firm_a and_o good_a and_o as_o he_o conclude_v that_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o present_a for_o reply_v to_o the_o synod_n answer_v to_o the_o first_o question_n so_o may_v we_o conclude_v that_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o present_a for_o defence_n of_o the_o synod_n answer_v against_o what_o he_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a in_o his_o reply_n concern_v the_o reverend_a author_n discourse_n upon_o the_o second_o question_n touch_v consociation_n of_o church_n we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o any_o large_a reply_n and_o we_o hope_v it_o need_v nor_o because_o there_o appear_v no_o dissent_n or_o dissatisfaction_n in_o the_o synod_n about_o that_o matter_n our_o brethren_n that_o dissent_v in_o the_o former_a question_n ready_o and_o full_o concur_v in_o this_o as_o themselves_o declare_v in_o antisynodâ—liâ—_n pag._n 12._o beside_o part_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n exception_n refer_v to_o the_o platform_n of_o discipline_n conclude_v on_o with_o great_a unanimity_n in_o the_o synod_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n anno_fw-la 1648._o sundry_a principal_a member_n whereof_o as_o mr._n cotton_n shepard_n rogers_n norton_n etc._n etc._n be_v now_o at_o rest_n with_o god_n we_o shall_v not_o now_o after_o so_o many_o year_n wherein_o we_o hear_v of_o no_o opposition_n make_v that_o a_o subject_n of_o debate_n but_o if_o the_o reader_n please_v to_o take_v along_o with_o he_o these_o three_o or_o four_o consideration_n they_o may_v serve_v to_o take_v off_o what_o be_v here_o object_v against_o we_o by_o the_o reverend_a author_n 1._o that_o we_o never_o say_v nor_o think_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o withdraw_n from_o other_o church_n upon_o difference_n error_n or_o offence_n of_o a_o inferior_a and_o dubious_a nature_n yea_o though_o continue_v in_o we_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o hastiness_n or_o harshness_n in_o that_o matter_n be_v profess_a adversary_n to_o a_o spirit_n of_o sinful_a and_o rigid_a separation_n we_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o word_n in_o the_o synod_n conclusion_n that_o savour_v thereof_o if_o candid_o interpret_v and_o for_o withdraw_v from_o brethren_n because_o of_o dissent_n from_o what_o be_v here_o hold_v forth_o by_o this_o synod_n both_o our_o practice_n and_o our_o profession_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o that_o book_n do_v sufficient_o show_v we_o to_o be_v far_o from_o it_o this_o may_v answer_v what_o be_v say_v this_o way_n in_o pag._n 54_o 55_o 57_o 63._o 2._o that_o we_o account_v not_o consociation_n of_o church_n to_o be_v another_o thing_n thâ—n_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o only_o a_o agreement_n to_o practise_v that_o communion_n as_o be_v express_o say_v in_o propos._n 5_o &_o 6_o and_o therefore_o we_o understand_v not_o why_o the_o reverend_a author_n shall_v so_o often_o praise_v communion_n of_o church_n as_o pag._n 58_o 59_o 60_o 61._o and_o yet_o dispraise_v and_o dislike_n consociation_n be_v regular_n communion_n so_o good_a and_o excellent_a and_o can_v it_o be_v hurtful_a for_o church_n to_o agree_v and_o consent_n to_o practise_v it_o neither_o do_v we_o mean_v by_o that_o agreement_n a_o vow_n as_o be_v suggest_v pag._n 56_o 57_o or_o a_o formal_a covenant_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n though_o mr._n cotton_n do_v not_o refuse_v to_o call_v it_o a_o covenant_n in_o key_n p._n 54.59_o but_o only_o a_o declare_a consent_n as_o be_v express_v propos._n 7._o of_o each_o church_n to_o walk_v in_o regular_a communion_n with_o their_o neighbour-churche_n and_o if_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v approve_v of_o the_o act_n of_o communion_n here_o