2._o position_n 1_o the_o rule_v give_v of_o christ_n concern_v the_o communion_n of_o christian_a church_n be_v 1._o concern_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o be_v their_o spiritual_a union_n under_o one_o head_n christ_n eph._n 1.22_o 23._o in_o one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o and_o they_o must_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n eph._n 4.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o as_o they_o have_v one_o common_a faith_n tit._n 1.4_o so_o they_o must_v contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n once_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n judas_n ver_fw-la 3._o they_o have_v also_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n gal._n 6_o 16._o the_o same_o officer_n in_o all_o church_n tit._n 1.5_o the_o same_o ordinance_n and_o decree_n 1_o cor._n 7.17_o &_o 16.1_o act_n 16.4_o the_o same_o order_n col._n 2.5_o the_o same_o doctrine_n 1_o cor._n 4.17_o &_o 15.11_o gal._n 1.7_o which_o all_o the_o church_n must_v hold_v fast_o rev._n 3.3_o and_o renounce_v all_o other_o doctrine_n gal._n 1.8_o 9_o 1_o tim._n 1.3_o &_o 6.3.14_o 2._o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o for_o as_o the_o church_n general_o consider_v be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a gal_n 4.26_o so_o particular_a church_n be_v sister_n each_o to_o other_o cant._n 8.8_o and_o there_o be_v a_o brotherhood_n of_o visible_a saint_n throughout_o the_o world_n 1_o pet._n 5.9_o hence_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o communion_n must_v be_v social_a as_o between_o equal_n none_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n over_o another_o par_fw-fr in_fw-la parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la the_o give_v of_o law_n to_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n prerogative_n iâ—m_n 4.12_o who_o have_v also_o commit_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o each_o particular_a institute_v church_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o each_o church_n within_o itself_o without_o dependence_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o church_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la mat._n 16.19_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o 3._o concern_v the_o thing_n wherein_o this_o communion_n must_v be_v exercise_v 1._o in_o general_n in_o mutual_a helpfulness_n according_a to_o god_n by_o mutual_a care_n one_o of_o and_o for_o another_o 1_o cor._n 10.24_o phil._n 2.20_o 21._o 2._o particular_o 1._o by_o spiritual_a helpfulness_n and_o care_v exercise_v 1._o in_o mutual_a prayer_n and_o endeavour_n for_o their_o edification_n cant._n 8.8_o 9_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 7._o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11._o and_o for_o their_o confirmation_n and_o establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n act_v 15.41_o &_o 16.4_o 5._o and_o for_o strengthen_v each_o other_o in_o the_o regular_a application_n of_o church-censure_n to_o their_o delinquent_a member_n 2_o thess_n 3.14_o 2_o tim._n 4.15_o 2._o by_o outward_a supply_n unto_o their_o necessity_n act_n 11.29_o rom._n 15.26_o 27._o 2_o cor._n 8.2_o etc._n etc._n throughout_o that_o chapter_n 3._o by_o their_o mutual_a care_n to_o avoid_v offence_n 1_o cor._n 10.32_o 4._o that_o when_o a_o church_n find_v need_n in_o respect_n of_o want_n of_o light_n or_o of_o competent_a consent_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o seek_v help_n by_o the_o counsel_n of_o some_o other_o church_n or_o church_n and_o the_o other_o church_n or_o church_n ought_v to_o give_v it_o in_o a_o brotherly_a way_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o by_o the_o elder_n apart_o but_o in_o the_o presence_n and_o with_o concurrence_n of_o the_o brethren_n act_n 15.4_o 22_o 23._o nor_o may_v they_o bind_v such_o a_o church_n to_o rest_v in_o their_o determination_n further_o than_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v find_v upon_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o seem_v gâ—od_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o act_v 15.28_o or_o if_o neighbour-churchâ—s_a find_v it_o necessary_a to_o offer_v their_o helpfulness_n to_o a_o church_n in_o case_n of_o the_o officer_n maladministration_n or_o of_o error_n and_o scandal_n and_o schism_n and_o the_o like_a case_n to_o prevent_v the_o infection_n of_o themselves_o or_o to_o remove_v corruption_n from_o such_o a_o church_n which_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o way_n seek_v not_o for_o help_v the_o neighbour-churche_n ought_v to_o exercise_v the_o communion_n of_o church_n by_o inquire_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o admonish_v the_o offend_a church_n in_o a_o brotherly_a way_n whereunto_o that_o church_n ought_v to_o submit_v according_a to_o god_n râ—m_n 16.17_o gâ—l_n 2_o 11-14_a and_o if_o it_o obstinate_o persi_v in_o scandalous_a evil_n after_o convince_a light_n hold_v forth_o the_o offend_a church_n may_v renounce_v communion_n with_o they_o to_o avoid_v fellowship_n in_o their_o sin_n eph._n 5.11_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o position_n 12_o the_o rule_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o christiâ—n_a church_n in_o the_o premise_n and_o the_o lâ—ke_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v obey_v as_o his_o law_n and_o commandment_n who_o be_v our_o â—ne_a lawgiver_n in_o observe_v whereof_o and_o not_o otherwise_o the_o purity_n and_o peace_n of_o christian_a church_n will_v â—e_v preserve_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o câ—rist_n jam_fw-la 4.12_o mat_n 28.20_o 1_o câ—â—_n 14.37_o 1_o tim._n 6_o 13._o gal_n 6_o 16._o these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v general_a principle_n of_o truth_n the_o particular_a determination_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o the_o two_o â—_z be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o they_o and_o so_o far_o and_o no_o further_o to_o be_v approve_v and_o receâ—ved_v as_o a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o they_o with_o these_o may_v be_v clear_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n right_o inform_v which_o may_v be_v manifest_v by_o a_o right_a application_n and_o compare_v they_o together_o 2._o the_o application_n of_o the_o former_a thesis_n or_o posiâ—ions_n to_o the_o â—_z and_o answer_n as_o they_o be_v state_v and_o express_v by_o the_o reverend_a elder_n in_o their_o print_a book_n follow_v the_o first_o question_n propound_v to_o they_o by_o the_o honour_a general_n court_n be_v quest_n 1._o who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n answ_n the_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v in_o the_o follow_a proposition_n which_o be_v seven_o in_o number_n propos_fw-fr 1_o they_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visib_n e_o church_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n propos_fw-fr 2._o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n in_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n i._n e._n child_n in_o minority_n who_o nexâ—_n parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n reply_n i_o can_v approve_v the_o two_o first_o proposition_n without_o some_o change_n of_o the_o term_n in_o the_o first_o thus_o they_o that_o accord_v to_o christ_n ordinance_n be_v regular_a and_o actual_a member_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o thus_o the_o actual_a and_o regular_a member_n of_o thâ—_n visible_a church_n accord_v to_o christ_n ordinance_n arâ—_n etc._n etc._n the_o necessity_n of_o this_o alteration_n will_v appear_v if_o either_o the_o p_o emise_v position_n be_v due_o co_z sidere_v wherewith_o these_o proposit_a onâ—_n wâ—ll_n not_o otherwise_o agree_v or_o if_o the_o proof_n allege_v by_o they_o from_o scripture_n for_o confirmation_n of_o these_o two_o proposition_n be_v due_o examine_v oâ—_n if_o what_o be_v hereafter_o to_o be_v reply_v unto_o the_o follow_a proposition_n shall_v be_v due_o weigh_v propos_fw-fr 3._o thâ—_n infant-seed_n f_o confederate_a visible_a believer_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parentâ—_n and_o when_o grow_v up_o be_v person_n l_o under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n this_o proposition_n consi_v of_o two_o part_n both_o which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v distinct_o 1_o thâ—t_a â—hey_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n wiâ—h_v heir_n parent_n this_o may_v pass_v in_o a_o rig_n t_o sense_n be_v understand_v of_o mediate_v member_n in_o and_o by_o thâ—ir_a parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n i_o shall_v no_o oppose_v it_o 2_o that_o when_o hâ—y_o be_v g_o own_o uâ—_n hey_o be_v pe_z sâ—n_o l_o under_o the_o wâ—â—ch_n d_o scipline_n aâ—d_a government_n of_o the_o churâ—â—_n this_o expression_n câ—llâ—_n for_o serious_a consideration_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o â—eâ—uiâ—e_v due_a exâ—â—inaâ—ion_n 1._o f_o r_o the_o expression_n the_o meaning_n of_o â—t_a â—â—â—ms_n to_o be_v this_o that_o when_o the_o child_n that_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o minority_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o discretion_n or_o become_v man_n they_o be_v member_n or_o as_o they_o speak_v afterwâ—rd_n 〈◊〉_d member_n and_o by_o that_o membership_n be_v under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o what_o
suitable_o tâ—_n hâ—ir_n membersh_fw-mi p_o the_o first_o in_o and_z under_o their_o parent_n the_o sâ—cond_o in_o and_z by_o the_o mselve_n be_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o where_o in_o scripture_n that_o such_o adult_n person_n be_v as_o they_o call_v mere_a member_n be_v style_v disciple_n or_o account_v member_n the_o adult_a person_n in_o mâ—â—_n 8_o 20._o must_v observe_v and_o do_v all_o chrâ—st_a commandment_n therefore_o the_o disciple_n there_o intend_v with_o reference_n to_o adult_v person_n be_v member_n in_o full_a communion_n arg_n 4._o they_o be_v in_o church-covenant_n therefore_o subject_a to_o church-power_n gen._n 17.7_o with_o 18.19_o reply_n they_o be_v not_o in_o covenant_n â—e_a fuâ—â—_n be_v adult_n and_o not_o admit_v into_o church-communion_n in_o â—ll_o the_o oâ—d_n n_o nce_n therefore_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o church_n power_n that_o â—ext_n in_o â—en_n 17.7_o have_v respect_n especial_o to_o isaac_n uâ—râ—9_n â—9_z for_o in_o be_v â—c_z be_v abrâ—hams_n seed_n to_o be_v call_v geâ—_n 2d_o 12_o so_o the_o child_n of_o the_o flâ—sh_n be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promâ—sâ—_n be_v account_v for_o the_o seed_n rom._n 9.8_o and_o the_o gentile_n be_v adopt_v through_o faith_n in_o christ_n gal._n 3.26_o for_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n either_o apprehend_v by_o pe_z sonal_a fâ—ith_n as_o in_o adult_n p_o rson_n or_o comprehend_v child_n in_o their_o parent_n covenant_n that_o the_o covenant_n be_v everlasting_a and_o so_o to_o be_v perpetual_o continue_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o though_o by_o mutable_a siâ—ns_n jâ—â—_n we_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v eternal_a though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v uâ—sibly_o seal_v by_o circumcision_n tâ—ll_v the_o come_n of_o câ—râ—st_n and_o after_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n by_o baptism_n perptâ—ally_o unto_o tâ—e_v end_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o we_o concern_v the_o infant-seed_n but_o only_o concern_v adult_n person_n who_o arâ—_n by_o age_n in_o a_o capacity_n of_o covenant_n ng_z for_o themselves_o and_o they_o let_v these_o approve_v thâ—n_a faith_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o charitable_a discretion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n and_o church-communion_n personal_o and_o then_o and_o not_o otherwise_o they_o be_v regular_o subject_a to_o church-power_n their_o second_o proof_n from_o gen_n 18.19_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o before_o when_o i_o examine_v their_o fiâ—st_a argument_n for_o this_o three_o proposition_n aâ—g_v 5._o they_o aâ—e_v subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n â—f_fw-fr christ_n and_o therefore_o under_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o his_o kingdom_n ezek._n 3_o 25_o 26_o reply_n this_o argument_n may_v just_o be_v retort_v against_o themselves_o and_o â—he_v pro_fw-la f_o of_o it_o for_o the_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n there_o mean_v be_v voluntary_a subject_n according_a to_o that_o prophecy_n in_o â—sal_n 110_o 3._o and_o such_o subject_n have_v full_a communion_n in_o all_o privilege_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o so_o under_o the_o government_n of_o â—t_a but_o they_o deny_v that_o the_o mere_a man_n erâ—_n of_o who_o they_o speâ—k_v have_v communion_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o it_o and_o by_o consequence_n they_o be_v not_o subject_n of_o it_o arg._n 7._o baptism_n leave_v the_o baptise_v of_o which_o number_n these_o child_n be_v iâ—_n a_o state_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o authoritative_a teach_n of_o christ_n minister_n and_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o commandment_n mat._n 28.19_o 20_o and_o therefore_o in_o a_o state_n of_o subjection_n unto_o d_o cipâ—ine_n reâ—l_n this_o be_v not_o another_o argument_n but_o tâ—e_v sâ—me_a witâ—_n the_o three_o argument_n thou_o h_z clothe_v with_o other_o word_n thâ—â—_n fâ—re_v the_o same_o answer_n may_v serve_v for_o this_o also_o arg._n 7._o elder_n be_v charge_v o_o take_v hâ—ed_v â—nto_o â—nd_v to_o feed_v i._n e._n bâ—â—h_o to_o teach_v and_o rule_v compâ—râ—_n ezek_n 34.34_o all_o the_o flock_n r_o church_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghâ—st_a â—a_n h_o mâ—dâ—_n they_o oâ—e_v his_o er_n act_n 20.28_o thâ—t_a child_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o â—lâ—â—k_n be_v prove_v bef_a re_fw-mi anâ—_n sâ—_n pâ—ulâ—ccoâ—nts_v â—ccoâ—nts_z then_o write_v to_o the_o same_o flâ—ck_n or_o church_n of_o ephesus_n ep._n 6.1_o repâ—â—_n be_v it_o so_o that_o child_n be_v part_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o be_v all_o that_o i_o find_v bâ—fâ—re_o prove_v and_o thaâ—_n elder_n be_v chaâ—â—ed_v to_o tâ—ke_v heed_n and_o to_o feed_v â—_o e._n bâ—th_o tâ—ach_n and_o râ—lâ—_n all_o thâ—_n flâ—ck_o suitable_o to_o their_o different_a capacity_n yet_o all_o this_o concern_v no_o such_o grown_a person_n to_o who_o they_o deny_v full_a câ—urcâ—_n communion_n for_o they_o that_o be_v of_o competent_a age_n and_o understanding_n must_v be_v orderly_o join_v to_o tâ—e_v church_n by_o hold_v forth_o their_o call_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n accord_v to_o tâ—e_v rule_n and_o so_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o fellowship_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o communion_n by_o their_o personal_a right_n without_o whâ—ch_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v â—f_o the_o flock_n or_o church_n nor_o do_v pâ—â—â—_n so_o account_v such_o but_o tâ—ose_a child_n note_v in_o epâ—_n 6_o 1_o be_v either_o in_o their_o minority_n and_o so_o he_o put_v in_o their_o duty_n in_o that_o epistle_n as_o part_v of_o their_o catechetical_a instruction_n or_o if_o they_o be_v adult_n they_o be_v personal_o join_v to_o the_o church_n in_o communion_n and_o so_o be_v under_o the_o teach_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o câ—uâ—ch_n arg._n 8_o â—t_z eâ—wise_o irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n will_v inevitable_o break_v into_o church_n and_o no_o wâ—y_a lâ—fâ—_n by_o chrâ—sâ—_n to_o prevent_v or_o heal_v the_o sâ—me_n which_o wâ—uâ—d_v also_o bring_v maâ—y_v church-member_n under_o â—hat_n dreadful_a judgement_n of_o be_v let_v alone_o in_o their_o wickedness_n hos_fw-la 4_o 16_o 17._o r_o â—ly_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o fear_n that_o irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n will_v break_v into_o church_n if_o tâ—e_v poâ—ter_n look_v well_o unto_o the_o d_o over_o of_o the_o lord_n housâ—_n that_o no_o adult_n person_n be_v râ—ceâ—ved_v into_o personal_a membership_n but_o such_o as_o regular_o approve_v their_o personal_a fi_fw-la nes_z for_o all_o church-communion_n oâ—_n if_o such_o euâ—ls_n break_v into_o the_o church_n through_o the_o hypocrisiâ—_fw-la of_o such_o aâ—_n creep_v in_o uâ—_n awares_o jâ—de_n ve_fw-la 4._o yet_o then_o christ_n â—ath_v lâ—ft_v a_o clear_a and_o plain_a way_n to_o prevent_v and_o heal_v the_o same_o by_o subject_v such_o uâ—dâ—r_n â—he_v wâ—tch_v and_o d_o scipl_n ne_fw-fr and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o admit_v of_o such_o adult_n person_n as_o be_v not_o qualify_v for_o church_n communion_n in_o all_o o_o dinance_n will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o â—ssâ—e_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o break_n in_o of_o irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n into_o church_n by_o the_o fault_n of_o man_n who_o gaâ—heâ—_n with_o hout_n chrâ—st_n and_o â—â—â—ive_v suâ—h_a as_o he_o rej_o ctâ—tâ—_n nor_o w_n will_v the_o church_n censure_v of_o such_o prevent_v or_o heal_v those_o euâ—ls_n sâ—eing_v â—e_n bless_v only_o his_o own_o instâ—tutions_n not_o man_n device_n humane_a invention_n usual_o cause_v the_o evil_n wh_o ch_n they_o pretend_v to_o cure_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o lou-feast_n which_o break_v love_n among_o the_o corinthians_n 1_o cor._n 11_o 18-22_a 2_o though_o no_o churchway_n be_v leave_v by_o chrâ—st_n for_o prevent_v or_o heal_v such_o evil_n in_o man_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v of_o the_o church_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n till_o their_o fitness_n of_o communion_n shall_v appear_v as_o these_o evil_n and_o the_o like_a will_v not_o inevitable_o break_v into_o church_n so_o neither_o need_v any_o church-member_n be_v let_v alone_o in_o their_o wickedness_n sâ—eing_v christ_n have_v delegated_a the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o bind_v and_o â—â—sâ—_n and_o direction_n how_o tâ—_n manage_v they_o towards_o delinquent_a member_n that_o be_v orderly_o admit_v into_o church-communion_n mat._n 16.17_o 18_o 19_o nor_o need_v they_o who_o be_v not_o thus_o join_v to_o the_o church_n be_v let_v alonâ—_n if_o the_o authority_n in_o family_n and_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v wise_o aâ—d_v faithful_o manage_v by_o the_o ruler_n of_o both_o to_o restrain_v tâ—ose_n under_o their_o power_n f_o on_fw-we evil_a company_n and_o course_n and_o to_o constrain_v they_o to_o a_o constant_a reverend_a attendance_n to_o all_o family_n duty_n of_o relig_n on_o and_o to_o the_o word_n public_o preach_v in_o church-assemblies_a and_o to_o the_o sanct_n fâ—i_fw-fr g_o of_o the_o christian_a sabbath_n
and_o second_o and_o three_o admonition_n the_o offender_n be_v a_o member_n and_o so_o under_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v so_o censure_v by_o the_o church_n to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v â—he_n key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o have_v ordain_v that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v for_o his_o obstinacy_n in_o offence_n whâ—ch_n be_v material_o of_o a_o lesser_a kind_n but_o by_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o delinquent_n after_o secret_a priva_fw-la e_fw-la and_o public_a admonition_n against_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o his_o reclaim_n become_v formal_o a_o heinous_a scandal_n but_o the_o wi_n hdraw_v of_o other_o church_n from_o a_o church_n which_o they_o account_v peccant_a be_v a_o act_n of_o different_a nature_n and_o kind_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o public_a authority_n of_o such_o church_n over_o that_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n give_v to_o any_o synod_n or_o council_n of_o neighbour-churche_n as_o they_o themselves_o confess_v in_o their_o first_o proposition_n for_o answer_n to_o this_o second_o question_n 2._o the_o step_n whereby_o they_o proceed_v to_o this_o withdraw_a be_v 1._o that_o one_o church_n admonish_v another_o 2._o if_o the_o church_n under_o offence_n do_v not_o hearken_v to_o that_o admonition_n the_o offend_a church_n be_v to_o acquaint_v other_o neighbour-churche_n with_o that_o offence_n and_o with_o their_o neglect_n of_o that_o admonition_n whereunto_o those_o other_o church_n be_v to_o join_v in_o second_v the_o admonition_n former_o give_v and_o if_o stâ—ll_v the_o offend_a church_n continue_v in_o obstinacy_n and_o impenitency_n they_o may_v forbear_v communion_n with_o they_o reply_n this_o be_v not_o by_o proportion_n according_a to_o matth._n 18._o for_o there_o christ_n do_v not_o allow_v they_o who_o have_v proceed_v in_o admonish_v but_o to_o the_o second_o step_n to_o forbear_v communion_n with_o the_o delinquent_n whereas_o these_o neighbour-churche_n be_v but_o in_o the_o second_o step_n yet_o they_o say_v they_o may_v forbear_v communion_n with_o they_o then_o they_o ascend_v to_o the_o three_o step_n to_o proceed_v to_o make_v use_n of_o a_o synod_n or_o council_n of_o neighbour-churche_n walk_v orderly_o if_o a_o great_a can_v convenient_o be_v have_v for_o their_o conviction_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o synod_n the_o synod_n have_v declare_v they_o to_o be_v obstinate_a particular_a church_n approve_v and_o accept_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v to_o declare_v the_o sentence_n of_o non-communion_n respective_o concern_v they_o and_o thereupon_o out_o of_o a_o religious_a care_n to_o keep_v their_o own_o communion_n pure_a they_o may_v just_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o participation_n with_o they_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o from_o such_o other_o act_n of_o holy_a communion_n as_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n do_v otherwise_o allow_v and_o require_v thus_o they_o speak_v in_o that_o platform_n but_o be_v this_o in_o proportion_n according_a to_o mat._n 18._o that_o the_o neighbour-churche_n may_v first_o withdraw_v and_o then_o a_o synod_n or_o council_n of_o neighbour-churche_n must_v be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o their_o conviction_n and_o if_o the_o synod_n declare_v they_o to_o be_v obstinate_a particular_a church_n be_v to_o declare_v the_o sentence_n of_o non-communion_n and_o then_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o all_o act_n of_o holy_a communion_n till_o they_o can_v produce_v a_o clear_a rule_n for_o warrant_n of_o such_o a_o proceed_n i_o can_v look_v at_o this_o otherwise_o then_o as_o a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n 3._o though_o church_n may_v withdraw_v from_o a_o church_n that_o be_v obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a in_o some_o case_n without_o any_o such_o solemn_a sentence_n of_o non-communion_n declare_v by_o a_o synod_n yet_o not_o for_o such_o cause_n as_o a_o delinquent_a brother_n may_v be_v excommunicate_v by_o a_o church_n according_a to_o mat._n 18._o for_o there_o though_o the_o offence_n be_v in_o some_o lesser_a matter_n and_o private_a between_o two_o at_o first_o yet_o by_o obstinacy_n against_o convince_a light_n hold_v forth_o in_o those_o three_o step_n of_o proceed_v it_o become_v a_o public_a and_o heinous_a scandal_n and_o so_o the_o delinquent_n must_v be_v at_o last_o excommunicate_v by_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n in_o obedience_n to_o christ_n who_o have_v for_o such_o end_n give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n unto_o they_o but_o neighbour-churche_n may_v not_o withdraw_v from_o a_o true_a church_n for_o every_o error_n and_o scandal_n though_o persist_v in_o and_z in_o their_o opinion_n obstinate_o for_o 1._o it_o may_v be_v the_o error_n of_o neighbour-churche_n to_o think_v that_o to_o be_v light_n from_o scripture_n which_o they_o hold_v forth_o for_o their_o conviction_n when_o it_o be_v not_o from_o scripture_n right_o understand_v and_o right_o apply_v if_o the_o synod_n by_o who_o this_o book_n be_v publish_v shall_v conclude_v any_o church_n to_o walk_v in_o error_n and_o scandal_n and_o obstinate_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v convince_v from_o what_o light_n they_o have_v here_o hold_v forth_o nor_o practise_v according_o till_o what_o be_v reply_v ad_fw-la oppositum_fw-la be_v sound_o refute_v and_o their_o allegation_n and_o application_n of_o scripture_n more_o convince_o and_o irrefragable_o clear_v and_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o after_o the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o admonition_n and_o if_o any_o neighbour-churche_n for_o this_o or_o the_o like_a cause_n shall_v withdraw_v from_o communion_n with_o they_o after_o the_o admonition_n of_o one_o church_n and_o after_o that_o of_o other_o neighbour-churche_n they_o shall_v great_o sin_v in_o so_o do_v and_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n in_o their_o second_o proof_n of_o their_o 7_o proposition_n for_o answer_n to_o this_o second_o question_n pag._n 28._o where_o they_o say_v to_o refuse_v communion_n with_o a_o true_a church_n in_o lawful_a and_o pious_a action_n be_v unlawful_a and_o just_o account_v schismatical_a for_o if_o the_o church_n be_v true_a christ_n hold_v some_o communion_n with_o it_o therefore_o so_o must_v we_o now_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n be_v approve_v by_o their_o neighbour-churche_n to_o be_v true_a church_n by_o their_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o a_o error_n in_o lesser_a matter_n though_o persist_v in_o against_o their_o admonition_n which_o may_v be_v from_o want_n of_o convince_a light_n do_v not_o make_v any_o of_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o all_o holy_a communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n for_o such_o a_o cause_n be_v total_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n which_o themselves_o say_v be_v unlawful_a ibid._n 2._o the_o case_n wherein_o communion_n may_v be_v regular_o withdraw_v from_o a_o church_n or_o person_n be_v only_o such_o as_o subvert_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n and_o be_v obstinate_o persist_v in_o against_o due_a mean_n regular_o use_v with_o patience_n for_o their_o conviction_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n once_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v be_v just_o denominate_v heretical_a tit._n 3.10_o 11._o 2_o joh._n ver_fw-la 10_o 11._o or_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v be_v just_o style_v schismatical_a rom._n 16.17_o 18._o or_o to_o both_o be_v fall_v from_o the_o truth_n once_o receive_v from_o whence_o they_o be_v just_o call_v apostatical_a 2_o tim_n 4.10_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o case_n of_o like_a heinousness_n but_o in_o case_n of_o lesser_a importance_n church_n and_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v exhort_v to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o their_o call_n with_o all_o lowliness_n and_o meekness_n with_o long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n &c_n &c_n eph._n 4.1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n conclude_v with_o bless_a paul_n that_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o religion_n be_v provide_v for_o and_o secure_v for_o lesser_a matter_n if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o phil._n 3.15_o for_o in_o such_o matter_n godly_a man_n do_v frequent_o differ_v and_o be_v not_o easy_o convince_v some_o from_o the_o strength_n other_o f_z they_z the_o weakness_n of_o their_o intellectual_n and_o the_o bâ—st_v â—now_v â—ut_v in_o part_n i_o have_v be_v the_o large_a in_o clear_v this_o point_n for_o necessary_a cause_n have_v thus_o speak_v to_o tâ—e_v four_z first_o proposition_n i_o proceed_v to_o tâ—e_v fifâ—h_o and_o sixâ—h_o proposition_n propos_fw-fr 5._o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v their_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a agreement_n to_o exercise_v communion_n in_o such_o act_n as_o
membership_n be_v thâ—s_a their_o membership_n in_o their_o minority_n wâ—s_v mâ—dâ—â—te_n in_o and_o by_o their_o parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o as_o themselves_o say_v in_o pag._n 14._o and_o answerable_o they_o be_v under_o tâ—e_v watch_n of_o the_o church_n in_o and_o by_o their_o parent_n who_o be_v immediate_o and_o personal_o uâ—der_v the_o watch_n d_o scipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o parent_n do_v their_o dâ—ty_n and_o perform_v their_o covenant_n for_o they_o in_o b_o iâ—ging_v they_o up_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n eph._n 6.4_o and_o to_o help_v they_o therein_o bâ—t_v by_o what_o right_o be_v they_o personal_o under_o the_o watch_n dâ—sciplâ—nâ—_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n noâ—_n by_o their_o parent_n covenant_n for_o that_o be_v they_o only_a in_o their_o infancy_n and_o minority_n because_o than_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o covenant_v for_o themselves_o personal_o it_o remain_v then_o that_o when_o grow_v up_o they_o mâ—st_v be_v either_o not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n personal_o or_o member_n by_o their_o personal_a covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o they_o as_o other_o adult_n person_n must_v be_v who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o church-fellowshâ—p_a else_o though_o they_o be_v member_n oâ—_n the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n in_o their_o infancy_n and_o minority_n yet_o they_o continuâ—_n not_o member_n when_o grow_v up_o not_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o owâ—_n fault_n but_o they_o say_v the_o contrary_n be_v manifest_a therefore_o let_v we_o examine_v their_o argument_n arg._n 1._o child_n wâ—â—e_v under_o patriarchal_a and_o moysaicall_a diâ—câ—pl_n ne_fw-fr of_o olâ—_n gen._n 18.19_o &_o 21.9_o 10_o 12._o gal._n 5.3_o and_o therefore_o under_o congâ—egâ—â—â—naâ—_n d_o câ—pâ—ine_fw-fr now_o reply_v 1_o the_o tex_n be_v allege_v do_v not_o prove_v the_o antecedent_n 1._o abraham_n command_n ng_z his_o child_n and_o houshâ—lâ—_n after_o he_o to_o keep_v the_o w_z y_z of_o tâ—e_v lord_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o necessary_o infer_v church-discipline_a it_o be_v enjoin_v to_o all_o father_n of_o family_n in_o the_o national_a church_n of_o â—râ—â—_n dâ—ut_n 6.7_o &_o 11_o 19_o and_o in_o the_o congregational_a churchâ—s_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o go_v pel_v 〈◊〉_d 6.4_o 9_o within_o their_o own_o family_n where_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o exercise_v church-discipline_n or_o if_o any_o far_a thing_n be_v mean_v it_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o command_n concern_v circumcision_n as_o â—en_o 17_o 26_o 27._o 2._o that_o in_o gen._n 21_o 9_o where_o ishmael_n who_o be_v bo_z n_o after_o the_o flesh_n persecute_v isaâ—c_n who_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spitit_fw-la and_o be_v therefore_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n in_o aâ—raâ—â—ms_n family_n be_v improve_v by_o tâ—e_v apostle_n to_o another_o purpose_n in_o gal._n 4_o 22-29_a nor_o do_v it_o prove_v their_o proposition_n for_o ishmael_n be_v not_o circumcise_v at_o eâ—ghâ—_n dayeâ—_n old_a but_o when_o he_o be_v thirteen_o year_n old_a and_o therefore_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v circumcise_v upon_o his_o pâ—_n be_v naâ—_n take_v hold_n of_o thâ—_n covenant_n as_o other_o grow_v person_n in_o the_o family_n d_o d_o theâ—e_n be_v nothing_o say_v in_o that_o story_n to_o evince_v the_o contrary_n to_o which_o opinion_n polyâ—aâ—pus_n lysâ—rus_n seem_v to_o incline_v if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o there_o be_v a_o manife_a difference_n between_o ishmaelâ—_n case_n and_o the_o child_n of_o confederates_n baptize_v in_o infancy_n for_o ishmael_n be_v admit_v into_o churcâ—-fâ—l_a owshâ—p_n and_o full_a communion_n by_o his_o personal_a covenant_v whereupon_o he_o be_v circumcise_v be_v grow_v up_o to_o â—_z of_o discretion_n and_o so_o may_v be_v regular_o excomâ—un_v catâ—d_v which_o they_o who_o never_o be_v in_o fâ—ll_a communion_n may_v not_o be_v 2._o to_o prâ—ve_v that_o child_n be_v under_o mosaical_a discipline_n of_o olâ—_n they_o p_o odâ—ce_o only_o one_o text_n gal._n 5.3_o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o circumcision_n not_o as_o it_o be_v give_v â—f_a god_n and_o right_o use_v by_o abâ—ahaâ—_n as_o a_o seal_n of_o tâ—e_v righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faiâ—â—_n râ—m_o 4.11_o but_o as_o it_o be_v abuse_v by_o false_a teacher_n to_o establish_v justification_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n testify_v to_o every_o mâ—n_z that_o be_v circumcise_v â—hat_n he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o do_v he_o whole_a law_n and_o â—hat_n therefore_o chrâ—st_o sâ—all_a prâ—fâ—_n they_o nothing_o because_o he_o that_o seek_v righteousness_n in_o circumcision_n be_v bind_v by_o like_a reason_n to_o seâ—k_v it_o in_o other_o work_n of_o the_o law_n therefore_o this_o text_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o for_o wâ—ich_a it_o be_v allege_v viz._n tâ—at_a child_n circumcise_v in_o infancy_n be_v be_v grow_v up_o under_o the_o external_a moysaicall_a watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n reply_v 2._o their_o argument_n also_o be_v to_o be_v deny_v because_o if_o the_o antecedent_n be_v more_o manif_n â—_o lie_v true_a then_o it_o be_v find_v tâ—_n be_v yet_o tâ—e_v consequent_a be_v not_o good_a â—or_a there_o be_v not_o â—ar_a â—allâ—_n the_o like_a reason_n of_o those_o patriarc_n all_o and_o moysaicall_a church_n and_o congregational_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o patriarchâ—_n fâ—â—â—â—â—_n be_v to_o contiâ—uâ—_n iâ—_n communion_n with_o the_o church_n from_o their_o be_v circumcise_v all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n until_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o as_o persecute_v ishmael_n be_v or_o voluntary_o depart_v from_o it_o as_o profane_a esau_n do_v together_o with_o his_o posterity_n which_o be_v order_v by_o god_n special_a providence_n to_o separate_v the_o ishmaelite_n and_o edomiâ—â—_n f_o on_fw-we the_o israelite_n of_o who_o as_o concern_v the_o flesh_n christ_n come_v rom._n 9.5_o as_o for_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n under_o moses_n 1._o we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o any_o ordinance_n g_o when_fw-mi they_o fâ—r_o cast_v out_o their_o member_n for_o sin_n against_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o we_o find_v it_o to_o be_v command_v and_o pract_v say_v under_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5_o 11._o 2._o the_o grow_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israeâ—_n under_o moses_n be_v bring_v under_o such_o discipline_n as_o be_v establish_v in_o that_o church_n by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n whereof_o all_o adult_n person_n be_v by_o god_n ordinance_n to_o take_v hold_v person_n l_o and_o to_o have_v full_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n in_o all_o legal_a ordinance_n d_o â—t_z 26.16_o 17_o 18._o but_o we_o have_v no_o such_o ordinance_n under_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o the_o grow_v child_n of_o christian_a church_n be_v member_n in_o full_a communion_n or_o as_o mere_a member_n bring_v under_o church-discipline_n and_o government_n in_o congregational_a church_n arg._n 2._o they_o be_v within_o the_o church_n or_o member_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o subject_a to_o church-judicaâ—ure_a 1_o cor._n 5.12_o r_o ply_v the_o argument_n be_v to_o be_v denâ—ed_v in_o their_o sense_n nor_o do_v the_o text_n prove_v it_o for_o that_o text_n speak_v of_o man_n that_o be_v member_n in_o full_a communion_n such_o a_o one_o wâ—s_v that_o â—ncestuous_a corinthâ—aâ—_n till_o he_o be_v take_v away_o from_o amonâ—_n they_o by_o excommunication_n 1_o co._n 5.1_o 2_o 5._o and_o such_o be_v they_o who_o be_v afterward_o speak_v of_o in_o ver_fw-la 11._o who_o be_v call_v brother_n in_o respect_n â—f_a thâ—iâ—_n fâ—ll_v communion_n wâ—th_o tâ—e_v church_n before_o they_o be_v put_v by_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n into_o that_o stâ—te_n wherein_o the_o memâ—e_n s_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v with_o â—hem_n and_o of_o that_o church-judâ—catu_a e_o he_o speak_v in_o ver_n 12._o saying_n d_o not_o yâ—â—dâ—_n they_o that_o 〈◊〉_d with_o hin_n viâ—_n in_o full_a membersh_fw-mi p_o as_o well_o of_o all_o other_o ordinance_n as_o â—f_a censure_n and_o indeed_o see_v excommunication_n be_v the_o cast_v out_o from_o communion_n how_o can_v any_o be_v formal_o excommunicate_v who_o be_v never_o in_o communion_n and_o so_o withâ—n_a the_o church_n now_o themselves_o deny_v such_o commun_n on_o to_o the_o adult_a person_n who_o they_o call_v mere_a member_n to_o distinguish_v they_o froâ—_n member_n in_o full_a communion_n therefore_o not_o subject_a to_o judicature_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o text_n arg._n 3_o they_o be_v diego_n cipâ—â—â—_n and_o therefore_o under_o d_o scipline_n in_o châ—â—sts_n school_n mat_n 28.19_o 20._o reply_n though_o all_o church-member_n be_v disciple_n infant_n foeâ—erall_a in_o and_o by_o their_o parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o and_o adult_v pâ—rsons_n personal_o by_o their_o covenant_v for_o then_o self_n and_o it_o erefore_o both_o be_v under_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n
in_o josh_n 22.24_o 25._o speak_v nothing_o for_o their_o advantage_n in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o man_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v member_n in_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o their_o child_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o be_v join_v in_o covenant_n personal_o and_o immediate_o with_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n every_o three_o year_n deu._n 26.17_o 18._o which_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o canaan_n throughout_o their_o generation_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o they_o have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n successive_o from_o which_o if_o they_o have_v be_v exclude_v caustâ—sly_o it_o m_o ght_v have_v cause_v their_o child_n to_o cease_v from_o fear_v the_o lord_n b_o t_z christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v any_o such_o ordinance_n to_o continue_v such_o a_o succession_n in_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o the_o text_n in_o jâ—â—â—_n do_v nothing_o at_o all_o concern_v the_o child_n of_o parent_n in_o question_n the_o tendency_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o own_n of_o the_o child_n of_o thâ—se_a that_o successive_o continue_v in_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n therein_o that_o this_o imputation_n belong_v to_o the_o contrary_a tenent_n reply_n they_o who_o so_o conceive_v have_v such_o ground_n of_o that_o persw_a siâ—n_n as_o which_o will_v not_o easy_o be_v remove_v nor_o be_v so_o much_o as_o shake_v by_o any_o t_o ing_z say_v in_o their_o book_n i_o willing_o grant_v that_o to_o seek_v to_o â—â—e_z more_o holy_a than_o the_o rulâ—_n will_v ever_o â—nâ—_n in_o impurity_n in_o the_o issue_n but_o that_o can_v be_v true_o apply_v to_o those_o who_o conceive_v herein_o according_a to_o gospel_n rule_v let_v they_o also_o grant_v that_o to_o increase_v continue_v and_o propagate_v church_n under_o the_o gospel_n by_o mean_n not_o ordain_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o opposite_a thereunto_o be_v to_o gather_v without_o christ_n wh_o ch_n will_v ever_o end_v in_o scatter_v â—n_o â—he_v issue_n and_o then_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o purity_n and_o prosperity_n of_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o covenant_n run_v tâ—ou_fw-mi and_o to_o our_o seâ—d_n after_o we_o in_o their_o generaâ—â—ons_n but_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v and_o apply_v suitable_o to_o the_o different_a constitution_n of_o church_n under_o different_a admin_n stration_n of_o the_o covenant_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n they_o say_v that_o to_o keep_v in_o the_o line_n and_o under_o the_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n f_o this_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o the_o church_n glory_n reply_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o church_n glory_n to_o keep_v in_o the_o line_n and_o under_o the_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o covenant_n successive_o when_o the_o spirit_n as_o a_o free_a aâ—ent_n bring_v any_o into_o that_o line_n and_o under_o that_o efficacy_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o succession_n in_o faith_n as_o he_o do_v 〈◊〉_d the_o grandmother_n and_o eunâ—ce_n the_o daughter_n and_o timoâ—hy_n her_o grandchild_n 2_o tim._n 1_o 5._o that_o be_v the_o only_a true_a gospel_n succession_n when_o it_o be_v make_v visible_a to_o t_z e_z church_n charitable_a judgement_n accord_v to_o gospel_n rule_v but_o that_o can_v the_o do_v by_o set_v up_o such_o a_o mere_a membership_n in_o christian_a church_n whereby_o the_o infant_n shall_v be_v baptise_v by_o a_o right_n derive_v to_o they_o from_o parent_n who_o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n by_o their_o personal_a membership_n what_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n have_v the_o covenant_n upon_o such_o parent_n as_o aâ—e_v n_o such_o a_o membership_n wherein_o the_o church_n judge_v they_o unfit_a for_o communion_n and_o that_o not_o for_o any_o scandal_n give_v by_o they_o after_o their_o admission_n but_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o mere_a membership_n to_z d_o savow_v such_o a_o membership_n be_v so_o far_o from_o cut_v off_o the_o prosperity_n of_o mâ—n_z and_o from_o hinder_v it_o from_o be_v as_o in_o the_o most_o glorious_a time_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o eternal_a excellency_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o many_o generation_n that_o this_o imputation_n belong_v to_o the_o contrary_a tenent_n which_o be_v here_o assert_v but_o they_o argue_v this_o progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n establish_v the_o church_n deut._n 29.13_o jer_n 30.20_o therefore_o the_o contrary_n do_v disestablish_v it_o rep_n y._n the_o argument_n be_v to_o be_v deny_v for_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o if_o god_n do_v establish_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n by_o such_o a_o successive_a progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o deut._n 29.13_o therefore_o he_o do_v so_o now_o as_o for_o the_o place_n jer._n 30_o 20._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v as_o aforetime_o it_o be_v mean_v only_o of_o their_o outward_a condition_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o good_a as_o before_o the_o captivity_n see_v engl._n annotat._n this_o place_n than_o be_v impertinent_a to_o circumcision_n or_o baptism_n but_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a difference_n between_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o church_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n before_o christ_n be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o of_o the_o israelite_n descend_v from_o jacob_n by_o successive_a natural_a propagation_n yet_o this_o successive_a progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o then_o establish_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n for_o the_o ten_o tribe_n fall_v off_o under_o jeroboam_n and_o never_o return_v again_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n must_v consist_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o of_o elect_a and_o sincere_a believer_n only_o both_o they_o and_o their_o child_n successive_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n in_o isa_n 60.15_o &_o 50.21_o jer._n 32.39_o ezek._n 37_o 25-28_a psal_n 102.16_o 28._o and_o sundry_a other_o place_n but_o christian_a church_n among_o the_o gentile_n now_o be_v constitute_v of_o visible_a believer_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o among_o who_o sundry_a close_a hypocrite_n creep_v in_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o they_o by_o christ_n ordinance_n be_v thus_o far_o successive_a that_o the_o child_n in_o minority_n of_o confederate_n visible_a believer_n shall_v be_v baptize_v and_o thereby_o bind_v when_o they_o become_v adult_n to_o perform_v the_o covenant_n in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o to_o confederate_a for_o themselves_o and_o they_o as_o their_o godly_a parent_n do_v before_o they_o which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o those_o parent_n by_o their_o degeneracy_n stop_v the_o successive_a progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o case_n christ_n do_v not_o allow_v the_o church_n to_o provide_v for_o a_o succession_n by_o set_v up_o a_o mere_a membership_n of_o adult_n person_n that_o be_v visible_o unfit_a for_o church-communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n such_o irregular_a bring_n of_o man_n into_o membership_n will_v unavoidable_o bring_v in_o the_o corrupt_a of_o religion_n which_o will_v end_v in_o apostasy_n there_o be_v better_a way_n to_o convey_v religion_n down_o to_o after-generation_n and_o to_o continue_v a_o nursery_n in_o christ_n vineyard_n than_o this_o way_n of_o set_v up_o such_o a_o successive_a membership_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o sanctify_v by_o his_o institution_n viz._n the_o vigilancy_n and_o faithful_a care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o church_n elder_n and_o family-ruler_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o regular_a church-fellowship_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o suitable_a mean_n with_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o same_o leave_v the_o issue_n to_o his_o all-disposing_a wisdom_n who_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n according_a whereunto_o he_o withholdeth_a from_o and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n who_o he_o will_v act_v 5.13_o &_o 2.47_o nor_o can_v i_o but_o marvel_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o who_o seem_v to_o approve_v mr._n cotton_v treatise_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o church-member_n which_o indeed_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v high_o approve_v do_v act_n as_o they_o do_v in_o set_v up_o such_o a_o mere_a membership_n of_o adult_n person_n as_o have_v no_o agreement_n with_o his_o description_n who_o be_v far_o from_o personal_a holiness_n the_o young_a people_n of_o this_o country_n yea_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n general_o as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v common_o know_v to_o be_v profane_a vain_a licentious_a vicious_a disobedient_a to_o
while_o they_o be_v such_o leave_v his_o adult_n child_n to_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o if_o he_o have_v any_o such_o child_n when_o himself_o enter_v into_o covenant_n 2._o adam_n covenant_n be_v only_o with_o the_o lord_n not_o with_o any_o church_n as_o the_o covenant_n of_o confederate_a parent_n be_v and_o therefore_o if_o adam_n have_v stand_v his_o posterity_n have_v not_o be_v church-member_n thereby_o as_o the_o infant_n of_o church-confederates_a 3._o nor_o do_v the_o parent_n break_v his_o covenant_n make_v his_o child_n heir_n of_o condemnation_n as_o adam_n do_v all_o mankind_n so_o that_o this_o example_n of_o adam_n be_v impertinent_o produce_v in_o this_o case_n of_o infant_n and_o their_o parent_n confederate_v for_o they_o not_o as_o their_o public_a person_n but_o as_o undertaker_n for_o their_o infant-seed_n by_o god_n institution_n nor_o indeed_o be_v any_o to_o be_v account_v a_o public_a person_n as_o adam_n be_v but_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 nor_o do_v their_o similitude_n of_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 suit_n the_o case_n in_o question_n concern_v infant_n who_o can_v be_v visible_o disloyal_a nor_o that_o concern_v adult_a person_n not_o regular_o join_v to_o the_o church_n as_o immediate_a member_n who_o parent_n be_v godly_a when_o they_o covenant_v for_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n for_o they_o have_v cut_v off_o the_o entail_v of_o the_o covenant_n from_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n by_o their_o personal_a disloyalty_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v give_v to_o they_o and_o they_o by_o their_o covenant_n which_o they_o presume_v to_o usurp_v without_o warrant_n from_o god_n they_o say_v true_a that_o a_o member_n be_v one_o who_o according_a to_o rule_v or_o according_a to_o divine_a institution_n be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o that_o refute_v nothing_o that_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v mediate_a and_o immediate_a member_n for_o both_o be_v within_o the_o church_n according_a to_o rule_n and_o divine_a institution_n though_o both_o have_v not_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o all_o ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o all_o adult_n person_n who_o be_v immediate_a member_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a right_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o they_o frame_v a_o objection_n thus_o obj._n if_o child_n be_v complete_a and_o immediate_a member_n as_o their_o parent_n be_v than_o they_o shall_v immediate_o have_v all_o church-priviledge_n as_o their_o parent_n have_v without_o any_o further_a act_n or_o qualification_n and_o they_o answer_v it_o thus_o ans_fw-fr it_o follow_v not_o all_o privilege_n that_o belong_v to_o member_n as_o such_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o child_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o parent_n but_o all_o church-priviledge_n do_v not_o so_o a_o member_n as_o such_o or_o all_o member_n may_v not_o partake_v of_o all_o privilege_n but_o they_o be_v to_o make_v progress_n both_o in_o memberly_n duty_n and_o privilege_n as_o their_o age_n and_o capacity_n and_o qualification_n do_v fit_a they_o for_o the_o same_o reply_n the_o intendment_n of_o the_o objection_n as_o i_o apprehend_v be_v to_o show_v that_o complete_a and_o immediate_a membership_n as_o such_o do_v infer_v complete_a and_o immediate_a communion_n in_o all_o church-priviledge_n but_o child_n in_o minority_n have_v not_o complete_a and_o immediate_a communion_n in_o all_o church-priviledge_n without_o some_o further_a act_n or_o qualification_n therefore_o such_o child_n be_v not_o complete_a and_o immediate_a member_n as_o such_o now_o to_o this_o their_o answer_n be_v insufficient_a for_o the_o best_a member_n have_v need_v to_o make_v progress_n in_o memberly_n duty_n and_o qualification_n to_o fit_v they_o more_o and_o more_o for_o church-priviledge_n yet_o all_o have_v that_o communion_n that_o suit_v their_o membership_n infant_n in_o baptism_n the_o watch_n prayer_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o adult_n person_n orderly_a and_o regular_o join_v by_o their_o personal_a covenant_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o seal_n vote_v and_o censure_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o such_o member_n nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n any_o where_o allow_v the_o church_n to_o admit_v any_o one_o by_o personal_a covenant_v for_o themselves_o and_o they_o into_o any_o other_o membership_n then_o complete_a and_o immediate_a but_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o membership_n without_o some_o further_a personal_a act_n and_o qualification_n when_o they_o shall_v become_v adult_n therefore_o their_o infant-membership_a be_v not_o complete_a and_o immediate_a 3._o that_o their_o membership_n still_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o cease_v not_o with_o their_o infancy_n appear_v 1._o because_o scripture_n person_n be_v break_v off_o only_o for_o notorious_a sin_n or_o incorrigible_a impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n not_o for_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_v age_n rom._n 11.20_o reply_n 1._o when_o i_o affirm_v that_o their_o mediate_a membership_n continue_v during_o their_o minority_n while_o they_o be_v under_o the_o institution_n and_o government_n of_o parent_n etc._n etc._n i_o deny_v that_o that_o membership_n continue_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o when_o they_o be_v at_o their_o own_o disposal_n or_o have_v child_n of_o their_o own_o to_o covenant_n for_o because_o then_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o mediate_a membership_n cease_v they_o be_v by_o age_n capable_a of_o covenant_v for_o themselves_o 2._o their_o first_o reason_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o membership_n of_o all_o baptize_v in_o infancy_n continue_v in_o adult_n age_n for_o the_o text_n allege_v speak_v only_o of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v receive_v into_o complete_a and_o immediate_a membership_n regular_o by_o their_o personal_a faith_n and_o covenant_v with_o the_o church_n visible_o who_o be_v break_v off_o either_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n as_o the_o unbelieve_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v or_o by_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o our_o question_n be_v not_o of_o such_o but_o of_o adult_a person_n that_o break_v off_o themselves_o from_o the_o covenant_n by_o profane_a neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o the_o ordinance_n or_o unsuitable_a conversation_n who_o ever_o say_v that_o any_o be_v break_v off_o for_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_v age_n such_o intimation_n shall_v be_v forbear_v by_o godly_a man_n 2._o the_o jew_n child_n circumcise_v do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v member_n by_o grow_v up_o but_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n bind_v unto_o various_a duty_n and_o in_o special_a unto_o those_o solemn_a profession_n that_o pertain_v unto_o adult_n member_n not_o as_o then_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a membership_n but_o as_o make_v progress_n in_o memberly_n duty_n deut._n 26_o 2-10_a &_o 16.16_o 17._o with_o gal._n 5.3_o reply_n 1._o that_o the_o jew_n child_n circumcise_v be_v bind_v to_o various_a duty_n and_o to_o those_o solemn_a profession_n that_o pertain_v to_o adult_v member_n when_o themselves_o be_v grow_v up_o be_v clear_a enough_o by_o the_o text_n allege_v and_o sundry_a other_o whereunto_o i_o willing_o add_v that_o baptism_n also_o bind_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o confederate_n to_o various_a gospel-duty_n and_o especial_o this_o of_o use_v all_o mean_n that_o faith_n may_v be_v wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n unto_o obey_v the_o call_n of_o god_n and_o then_o hold_v forth_o their_o faith_n unto_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o they_o and_o so_o become_v complete_a and_o immediate_a member_n but_o 2._o it_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o those_o text_n that_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n they_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a membership_n rather_o the_o contrary_n appear_v in_o deut._n 26.17_o 18._o for_o they_o enter_v into_o that_o covenant_n personal_o and_o immediate_o not_o in_o and_o by_o their_o parent_n as_o they_o do_v in_o infancy_n gen._n 17.7_o if_o convenant_v be_v the_o form_n of_o church-membership_a which_o they_o affirm_v then_o a_o different_a form_n of_o covenant_v make_v a_o different_a kind_n of_o church-membership_a immediate_n covenant_v make_v immediate_a member_n mediate_v covenanting_a make_v mediate_v member_n their_o three_o reason_n be_v those_o relation_n of_o born-servant_n and_o subject_n which_o the_o scripture_n make_v use_v of_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o child_n in_o the_o church_n by_o leu._n 25.41_o 42._o ezek._n 37.25_o do_v not_o as_o all_o man_n know_v cease_v with_o infancy_n but_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n whence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o one_o special_a end_n of_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n be_v to_o leave_v person_n under_o engagement_n to_o service_n and_o subjection_n to_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n when_o grow_v up_o when_o they_o be_v fit_a
aforesaid_a among_o themselves_o with_o special_a reference_n to_o those_o church_n which_o by_o providence_n be_v plant_v in_o a_o convenient_a vicinity_n though_o with_o liberty_n reserve_v without_o offence_n to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o case_n or_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o opportunity_n may_v lead_v thereunto_o propos_fw-fr 6._o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o country_n have_v so_o good_a opportunity_n for_o it_o it_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v commend_v to_o they_o as_o their_o duty_n thus_o to_o consociate_v for_o 1._o communion_n of_o church_n be_v command_v and_o consociation_n be_v a_o agreement_n to_o practise_v it_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o duty_n also_o psal_n 119.106_o neh._n 10_o 28_o 29._o reply_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o argue_v upon_o these_o proposition_n some_o thing_n shall_v be_v premise_v in_o way_n of_o enquiry_n that_o the_o term_n may_v be_v right_o understand_v quaere_fw-la whether_o by_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a agreement_n they_o mean_v a_o vow_n it_o seem_v by_o the_o text_n allege_v by_o they_o in_o the_o first_o proof_n of_o the_o six_o proposition_n that_o they_o mean_v so_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o that_o be_v their_o meaning_n 2._o when_o they_o say_v this_o solemn_a agreement_n or_o covenant_n must_v â—e_v make_v with_o special_a reference_n to_o church_n in_o vicinity_n quaere_fw-la 1._o how_o many_o church_n in_o vicinity_n or_o neighbour-churche_n must_v thus_o covenant_n together_o 2._o whether_o they_o must_v have_v set_v time_n of_o meet_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o who_o be_v to_o meet_v whether_o elder_n alone_a or_o other_o also_o send_v from_o the_o church_n with_o they_o and_o how_o frequent_a these_o meeting_n must_v be_v and_o whether_o the_o set_a time_n must_v be_v keep_v constant_o though_o they_o have_v no_o present_a need_n of_o counsel_n from_o another_o 3._o whereas_o they_o speak_v of_o liberty_n reserve_v without_o offence_n to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o case_n etc._n etc._n may_v lead_v thereunto_o quaere_fw-la how_o they_o may_v avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o neighbour-churche_n if_o they_o use_v the_o help_n of_o church_n more_o remote_a whether_o they_o must_v have_v their_o consent_n thereunto_o before_o they_o use_v they_o 4._o concern_v the_o end_n and_o issue_n of_o this_o consociation_n of_o church_n whether_o they_o be_v bind_v thereby_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o those_o neighbour-churche_n and_o to_o practice_v according_o whether_o they_o see_v convince_a light_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o argument_n propound_v to_o they_o or_o not_o under_o a_o penalty_n of_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v obstinate_a in_o error_n and_o scandal_n and_o according_o in_o time_n to_o have_v all_o holy_a communion_n with_o they_o withdraw_v from_o they_o it_o seem_v by_o what_o be_v before_o say_v in_o the_o fixth_n act_n of_o communion_n for_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n pag._n 31._o that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o end_n and_o issue_n of_o this_o consociation_n unto_o any_o church_n that_o shall_v dissent_v from_o the_o rest_n this_o consociation_n they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n i_o shall_v brief_o weigh_v their_o reason_n for_o 1._o communion_n of_o church_n be_v command_v and_o consociation_n be_v but_o a_o agreement_n to_o practice_v it_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o duty_n also_o psal_n 119.106_o nehem._n 10.28_o 29._o reply_n it_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v till_o they_o have_v prove_v that_o consociation_n of_o church_n by_o a_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n be_v command_v as_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v nor_o do_v the_o text_n allege_v prove_v it_o in_o psal_n 119.106_o david_n swear_v to_o keep_v god_n righteous_a judgement_n and_o will_v perform_v it_o because_o though_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o swear_v yet_o he_o have_v voluntary_o swear_v it_o and_o so_o be_v under_o a_o double_a bond_n to_o perform_v it_o for_o both_o his_o keep_a god_n righteous_a judgement_n and_o his_o perform_v that_o vow_n be_v command_v of_o god_n deut._n 10.13_o with_o psal_n 76.11_o 2._o and_o his_o vow_n be_v private_a betwixt_o god_n and_o himself_o hence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o consociate_v with_o a_o vow_n or_o covenant_n after_o the_o manner_n here_o describe_v which_o be_v not_o prove_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o may_v be_v unsafe_a for_o particular_a church_n that_o covenant_n in_o neh._n 10.28_o 29._o be_v their_o church-covenant_n renew_v and_o explain_v and_o so_o be_v a_o mutual_a solemn_a engagement_n by_o enter_v into_o a_o curse_n and_o into_o a_o oath_n to_o which_o form_n we_o be_v not_o bind_v and_o church-covenanting_a be_v god_n ordinance_n isa_n 19.21_o &_o 56.4_o to_o 8._o &_o 62.5_o all_o which_o be_v prophecy_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o between_o the_o covenant_n of_o a_o church_n within_o itself_o and_o such_o a_o covenant_v as_o this_o for_o the_o consociate_a of_o church_n there_o be_v considerable_a difference_n 1._o because_o this_o want_n warrant_v from_o the_o scripture_n which_o that_o have_v there_o be_v neither_o any_o precept_n in_o scripture_n command_v it_o nor_o any_o pattern_n among_o the_o primitive_a church_n plant_v or_o approve_v by_o the_o apostle_n command_v it_o unto_o we_o 2._o nor_o be_v there_o like_a reason_n for_o such_o consociation_n of_o church_n by_o a_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a agreement_n or_o covenant_n between_o church_n in_o a_o vicinity_n as_o be_v for_o a_o church-covenant_n within_o itself_o for_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v necessary_a because_o without_o it_o the_o end_n of_o church-fellowship_n can_v be_v attain_v for_o 1._o each_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a corporation_n which_o therefore_o must_v receive_v its_o be_v from_o a_o spiritual_a combination_n or_o foederal_n engagement_n 2._o by_o virtue_n hereof_o they_o that_o have_v no_o natural_a impression_n to_o subject_v they_o to_o other_o or_o to_o give_v they_o power_n over_o they_o have_v mutual_a power_n each_o over_o other_o to_o command_v &_o constrain_v as_o the_o case_n require_v of_o which_o power_n they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n without_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o engagement_n 3._o hereby_o they_o come_v to_o enjoy_v such_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastic_a privilege_n unto_o which_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v without_o the_o approbation_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o whole_a which_o necessary_o require_v this_o engagement_n to_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v by_o covenant_n thus_o mr._n hooker_n argue_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o church-covenant_n survey_v part_n 1._o chap._n 4._o p._n 50_o to_o 55._o but_o the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n which_o be_v mutual_a helpfulness_n by_o counsel_n may_v be_v attain_v without_o such_o a_o consociation_n by_o mutual_a engagement_n by_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o of_o itself_o without_o any_o other_o engagement_n give_v church_n a_o right_a and_o interest_n in_o another_o way_n mutual_o for_o their_o help_n by_o counsel_n when_o their_o need_n require_v it_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n have_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n find_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n for_o settle_v truth_n and_o peace_n among_o they_o without_o such_o a_o consociation_n and_o may_v so_o still_o 3._o such_o a_o agreement_n between_o church_n will_v become_v a_o snare_n unto_o they_o 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-mi propriâ_fw-la 1._o if_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o they_o may_v not_o administer_v church-censure_n within_o themselves_o without_o concurrence_n of_o neighbour-churche_n or_o elder_n approbation_n seek_v and_o attain_v thereunto_o before_o or_o 2._o if_o thereby_o they_o stand_v bind_v under_o the_o forenoted_n penalty_n to_o rest_v in_o and_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o advice_n of_o such_o church_n have_v sufficient_a light_n and_o consent_n within_o themselves_o without_o they_o 3._o mr._n rutherfurd_n affirm_v that_o a_o convenient_a number_n of_o church_n have_v ordinary_o converse_v one_o with_o another_o shall_v voluntary_o combine_v themselves_o in_o one_o society_n this_o last_o give_v in_o the_o formality_n of_o classical_a membership_n lib._n 2._o p._n 320._o he_o add_v when_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o combine_a member_n now_o by_o institution_n of_o one_o presbyterian_a church_n not_o of_o another_o though_o by_o ordinary_a converse_n with_o other_o church_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n his_o example_n may_v prove_v prejudicial_a and_o infestuous_a to_o other_o yet_o this_o presbytery_n must_v proceed_v in_o excommunication_n against_o he_o because_o he_o be_v combine_v with_o they_o thus_o you_o see_v by_o this_o voluntary_a combination_n of_o church_n a_o church_n
etc._n but_o also_o secondary_o for_o the_o power_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v etc._n etc._n reply_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o synod_n direction_n and_o determination_n so_o far_o as_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o reverence_n and_o submission_n but_o what_o if_o the_o member_n of_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v send_v do_v not_o find_v they_o consonant_n to_o the_o word_n right_o understand_v and_o apply_v be_v they_o nevertheless_o still_o bind_v to_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o synod_n direction_n and_o determination_n because_o the_o synod_n couclude_v that_o they_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o word_n i_o suppose_v no_o orthodox_n synod_n in_o these_o time_n will_v arrogate_v to_o itself_o such_o infallible_a assistance_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v assemble_v with_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v act_v 15._o though_o they_o argue_v and_o conclude_v only_o from_o scripture_n yet_o that_o council_n can_v not_o err_v in_o their_o understanding_n and_o apply_v scripture_n have_v such_o guide_v as_o the_o apostle_n be_v but_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o may_v err_v in_o their_o understanding_n and_o apply_v the_o scripture_n whereupon_o they_o seem_v to_o grind_v their_o direction_n and_o determination_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o to_o examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n whatsoever_o direction_n or_o determination_n be_v propound_v by_o the_o synod_n if_o they_o find_v that_o they_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n authority_n to_o receive_v they_o with_o reverence_n and_o submission_n if_o otherwise_o wrought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n act_n 5.29_o 2._o this_o power_n of_o the_o synod_n though_o they_o say_v it_o be_v but_o secondary_a and_o that_o it_o be_v for_o their_o agreement_n with_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a ground_n thereof_o and_o without_o which_o their_o direction_n and_o determination_n bind_v not_o at_o all_o yet_o they_o make_v so_o bind_v that_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v refuse_v to_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o synod_n though_o they_o have_v strong_a ground_n of_o dis-satisfaction_n about_o the_o synod_n interpretation_n and_o application_n of_o the_o scripture_n allege_v by_o they_o they_o will_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o communion_n with_o they_o whether_o such_o a_o authoritative_a urge_v their_o counsel_n upon_o church_n be_v warrant_v by_o scripture_n let_v the_o reader_n inquire_v and_o consider_v and_o whether_o it_o will_v agree_v with_o what_o themselves_o before_o declare_v concern_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n and_o whether_o there_o be_v need_n of_o it_o to_o cure_v emergent_a church-difficulty_n and_o difference_n see_v all_o that_o be_v godly_a will_v ready_o close_v with_o such_o direction_n and_o determination_n of_o synod_n as_o be_v clear_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o any_o obstinate_o will_v persist_v in_o their_o own_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n hold_v forth_o to_o they_o by_o the_o synod_n the_o civil_a power_n be_v god_n ordinance_n for_o punishment_n of_o such_o evil_a doer_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v keep_v pure_a and_o peaceable_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-communion_n among_o themselves_o in_o a_o brotherly_a way_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o impediment_n to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o the_o declaratory_a sentence_n of_o a_o synod_n that_o be_v after_o due_a conviction_n of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v heretical_a schismatical_a apostatical_a or_o the_o like_a with_o due_a patience_n exercise_v to_o withdraw_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n from_o such_o as_o make_v themselves_o worthy_a by_o their_o obstinacy_n against_o the_o light_n clear_o hold_v forth_o from_o scripture_n to_o be_v reject_v as_o not_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n yet_o this_o they_o may_v not_o regular_o do_v mere_o for_o their_o dissent_v from_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o synod_n upon_o conscientious_a ground_n and_o in_o lesser_a matter_n what_o be_v before_o express_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n have_v be_v already_o examine_v propos_fw-fr 8._o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o exercise_v and_o practise_v that_o communion_n which_o this_o consent_n and_o agreement_n special_o tend_v unto_o which_o they_o say_v may_v be_v by_o make_v use_n occasional_o of_o elder_n or_o able_a brethren_n of_o other_o church_n or_o by_o the_o more_o solemn_a meeting_n of_o both_o elder_n and_o messenger_n in_o lesser_a or_o great_a council_n as_o the_o matter_n shall_v require_v such_o meeting_n for_o the_o end_n specify_v be_v right_o order_v and_o carry_v on_o in_o a_o brotherly_a way_n by_o man_n sincere_o affect_v to_o establish_v truth_n with_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v give_v unto_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n i_o do_v full_o approve_v as_o of_o profitable_a use_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n the_o reverend_a author_n postscript_n christian_n reader_n these_o line_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n i_o trust_v to_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o his_o subject_n and_o law_n i_o leave_v with_o thou_o with_o the_o wise_a perusal_n and_o consideration_n of_o they_o the_o issue_n and_o success_n i_o commit_v unto_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n and_o our_o father_n in_o jesus_n christ_n desire_v all_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o may_v come_v to_o receive_v nothing_o say_v by_o i_o further_o than_o they_o shall_v find_v it_o consonant_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n special_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o if_o they_o dissent_v in_o any_o particular_n they_o will_v gratify_v i_o with_o notice_n thereof_o together_o with_o their_o reason_n who_o they_o shall_v find_v thankful_a for_o such_o help_n and_o ready_a to_o embrace_v any_o truth_n that_o be_v yet_o hide_a from_o i_o and_o that_o no_o man_n will_v suspect_v that_o i_o seek_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o essay_n but_o truth_n with_o peace_n lest_o they_o become_v judge_n of_o evil_a thought_n farewell_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n let_v his_o good_a spirit_n lead_v we_o and_o all_o his_o church_n and_o people_n into_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o establish_v our_o go_n in_o those_o way_n amen_n your_o assure_a friend_n and_o brother_n j._n d._n consideration_n upon_o the_o seven_o proposition_n conclude_v by_o the_o synod_n sit_v at_o boston_n june_n 10_o 1662._o by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n nicholas_n street_n teacher_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o new-haven_n i._o this_o phrase_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o first_o proposition_n i_o take_v to_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o second_o proposition_n ii_o by_o this_o phrase_n in_o the_o second_o proposition_n their_o infant-seed_n i_o suppose_v be_v mean_v only_o their_o legitimate_a infant-seed_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o illegitimate_a child_n against_o which_o a_o strong_a argument_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o deut._n 23.2_o iii_o the_o second_o proposition_n do_v seem_v to_o distinguish_v of_o member_n in_o particular_a church_n some_o be_v say_v to_o be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n whereby_o i_o suppose_v be_v mean_v such_o as_o have_v immediate_o and_o personal_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n themselves_o both_o for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o seed_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v make_v contradistinct_a to_o a_o infant-seed_n that_o can_v thus_o do_v some_o be_v say_v to_o be_v their_o infant-seed_n i_o child_n in_o minority_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o come_v these_o to_o be_v member_n the_o last_o word_n in_o the_o proposition_n do_v show_v which_o be_v who_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n which_o do_v imply_v at_o least_o that_o they_o become_v member_n in_o and_o by_o their_o next_o parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o hence_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o distinction_n of_o membership_n into_o immediate_n and_o mediate_v be_v very_o clear_a the_o argument_n may_v be_v thus_o frame_v such_o as_o be_v the_o ratio_fw-la formalin_n of_o the_o membership_n such_o be_v the_o membership_n so_o may_v it_o be_v distinguish_v and_o denominate_v but_o confederation_n which_o be_v the_o ratio_fw-la formalin_n of_o the_o membership_n be_v immediate_a in_o the_o parent_n in_o the_o childemediate_v ergo._n a_o difference_n in_o membership_n be_v grant_v both_o in_o this_o second_o proposition_n and_o some_o other_o after_o and_o if_o this_o distinction_n to_o express_v the_o difference_n be_v not_o proper_a let_v some_o better_o be_v lay_v down_o that_o do_v more_o apt_o and_o full_o suit_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o we_o shall_v receive_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a
his_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n whereof_o baptism_n be_v one_o and_o see_v god_n have_v appoint_v we_o to_o worship_v he_o both_o in_o it_o and_o in_o all_o other_o public_a duty_n and_o service_n so_o as_o we_o may_v please_v he_o therein_o it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o he_o require_v true_a visible_a faith_n in_o all_o who_o he_o privilege_v to_o baptize_v their_o infant_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o express_o require_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n nor_o interpretative_o in_o this_o propos_fw-fr 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 to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_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 it_o be_v the_o church_n duty_n to_o receive_v such_o into_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v regular_o fit_a for_o the_o same_o reply_n the_o regular_a communion_n of_o approve_a church_n i_o look_v at_o as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o 11_o and_o 12_o posiâ—ions_n premise_v but_o this_o proposition_n be_v so_o ambiguous_o express_v that_o it_o leave_v i_o in_o the_o dark_a till_o some_o question_n be_v answer_v that_o the_o extent_n and_o compass_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o may_v be_v better_o clear_v they_o distribute_v it_o into_o two_o part_n which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v several_o but_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v sufficient_o explain_v in_o the_o first_o part_n i_o inquire_v what_o church_n they_o account_v orthodox_n whether_o such_o only_a as_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o heterodoxy_n and_o error_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n viz._n church_n that_o be_v heretical_a or_o such_o also_o which_o be_v right_a in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o church-order_n for_o both_o these_o the_o church_n at_o coloss_n be_v praise_v by_o paul_n in_o col_n 2.5_o 6._o 2._o what_o course_n the_o church_n where_o the_o member_n of_o such_o church_n desire_v to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v do_v take_v to_o know_v that_o such_o member_n be_v sâ—und_v in_o the_o fâ—ith_n for_o a_o member_n of_o a_o orthodox_n church_n may_v hold_v and_o maintain_v dangerous_a error_n contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n 1_o cor._n 15.12_o 3._o who_o they_o account_v to_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n whether_o only_o such_o as_o fall_v not_o under_o the_o censure_n of_o civil_a court_n or_o also_o such_o as_o be_v just_o offensive_a to_o god_n people_n by_o their_o sinful_a and_o disorderly_a walk_v for_o they_o say_v in_o their_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o to_o administer_v baptism_n to_o such_o as_o walk_v in_o disorder_n will_v be_v to_o administer_v christ_n ordinance_n to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o disorder_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v 2_o thess_n 3.6_o 1_o chron_n 15.13_o and_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o that_o rule_n 1_o cor._n 14.40_o 4._o what_o they_o account_v due_a testimony_n whether_o that_o which_o be_v give_v of_o they_o by_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v or_o only_o that_o which_o they_o may_v have_v from_o some_o in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v and_o have_v be_v but_o a_o little_a while_n whether_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o not_o 5._o what_o they_o mean_v by_o their_o occasional_o come_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o whether_o they_o take_v a_o due_a course_n to_o know_v that_o their_o occasion_n of_o come_v be_v approve_v by_o the_o church_n whence_o they_o come_v or_o not_o 6._o when_o they_o say_v they_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 the_o communion_n of_o church_n quaere_fw-la 1._o whether_o they_o have_v letter_n of_o recommendation_n from_o the_o church_n whence_o they_o come_v whereby_o that_o church_n desire_v this_o fruit_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o they_o will_v have_v their_o child_n baptize_v or_o not_o that_o be_v the_o orderly_a way_n of_o exercise_v communion_n among_o church_n rom._n 16.1_o 2._o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o 3_o joh._n ver_fw-la 9_o 12._o and_o whether_o the_o infant_n must_v be_v baptize_v as_o a_o member_n in_fw-la and_o by_o his_o parent_n covevenant_v for_o he_o of_o that_o church_n whence_o his_o parent_n come_v or_o as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o be_v baptize_v and_o where_o the_o parent_n be_v not_o a_o member_n but_o only_o have_v this_o benefit_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n that_o himself_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la and_o his_o child_n to_o baptism_n in_o a_o transient_a way_n when_o these_o and_o the_o like_a question_n be_v answer_v i_o shall_v better_o know_v what_o to_o say_v to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n than_o now_o i_o do_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o the_o first_o proof_n thereof_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v in_o my_o reply_v to_o propos_fw-fr 1._o &_o 2._o &_o 5._o &_o 8._o 2._o to_o clear_v their_o meaning_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o proposition_n quaere_fw-la 1._o whether_o such_o remover_n have_v a_o orderly_a dismission_n from_o the_o church_n whence_o they_o come_v or_o not_o 2._o whether_o the_o church_n where_o they_o settle_v their_o abode_n do_v subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n or_o not_o 3._o whether_o all_o refuse_v to_o covenant_n with_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o where_o they_o be_v necessita_fw-it ed_z to_o settle_v their_o abode_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v disorderly_o walk_v and_o to_o savour_v of_o profaneness_n and_o separation_n 4._o whether_o if_o the_o church_n in_o that_o place_n refuse_v to_o receive_v they_o into_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v regular_o fit_a for_o the_o same_o or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o dwell_v it_o bâ—ing_v not_o to_o be_v approve_v do_v this_o their_o not_o be_v join_v debar_v their_o child_n from_o be_v baptize_v in_o another_o church_n that_o be_v approve_v these_o and_o the_o like_a question_n be_v clear_o answer_v i_o shall_v 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 so_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o present_a for_o reply_v to_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n quest_n ii_o whether_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o consociation_n of_o church_n and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o answ_n the_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v in_o the_o proposition_n follow_v reply_n the_o proposition_n follow_v be_v eight_o as_o for_o the_o first_o four_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o full_a power_n and_o authority_n ecclesiastical_a within_o itself_o of_o each_o particular_a congregation_n of_o visible_a saint_n in_o gospel-order_n furnish_v at_o least_o with_o a_o teach_v elder_a and_o walk_v together_o in_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o the_o second_o concern_v the_o sisterly_a relation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n each_o to_o other_o and_o the_o three_o concern_v the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n and_o the_o four_o concern_v the_o act_n of_o communion_n i_o full_o close_a with_o as_o well_o agree_v with_o the_o 11_o and_o 12_o position_n premise_v except_v only_o the_o six_o act_n of_o communion_n and_o that_o but_o in_o one_o part_n of_o it_o for_o to_o admonish_v one_o another_o when_o there_o be_v need_n and_o cause_n for_o it_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o communion_n and_o which_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o gal._n 2.11_o 24._o by_o proportion_n but_o for_o that_o other_o part_n of_o it_o to_o withdraw_v from_o a_o church_n or_o peccant_a party_n therein_o after_o due_a mean_n with_o patience_n use_v obstinate_o persist_v in_o error_n or_o scandal_n this_o must_v be_v take_v with_o a_o grain_n of_o salt_n they_o refer_v we_o to_o the_o platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 15._o sect._n 2._o partic._n 3_o where_o they_o fetch_v a_o proof_n for_o this_o withdraw_a from_o mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o by_o proportion_n but_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o threefold_a dispr_fw-la portiâ—â—_n between_o that_o and_o this_o for_o 1._o there_o the_o withdraw_a be_v a_o consequent_a and_o ff_a ct_n of_o tâ—e_v church_n authoritative_a censure_n of_o aâ—_n obstinate_a offender_n after_o the_o first_o