at_o they_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o such_o duty_n and_o deal_v with_o they_o for_o their_o neglect_n thereof_o and_o when_o their_o parent_n be_v dead_a what_o shall_v the_o church_n do_v then_o and_o when_o their_o membership_n be_v own_v only_o in_o general_n as_o wrap_v up_o in_o their_o parent_n not_o actual_a or_o personal_a yea_o when_o their_o personal_a or_o foederal_n holiness_n be_v deny_v to_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n these_o and_o the_o like_a passage_n pag._n 23_o 25_o 37._o and_o in_o other_o place_n do_v make_v i_o fear_v that_o our_o brethren_n will_v not_o hold_v to_o their_o expression_n in_o this_o place_n reply_v 2._o although_o rom._n 11.20_o say_v not_o only_o for_o notorious_a sin_n etc._n etc._n yet_o it_o show_v how_o the_o jew_n be_v break_v off_o which_o we_o know_v be_v for_o notorious_a sin_n and_o incorrigible_a impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n and_o let_v any_o show_v that_o any_o have_v be_v break_v off_o or_o by_o rule_n may_v be_v so_o for_o negative_a unbelief_n without_o impenitency_n add_v the_o contrary_n we_o find_v 2_o chron._n 36.16_o mat._n 21.43_o act_n 13.45_o 46._o &_o 18.6_o &_o 19.8_o reas_n 2._o the_o jewish_a child_n circumcise_v do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v member_n by_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_v age_n but_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o member_n deut._n 26_o 2-10_a &_o 16_o 16-17_a gal._n 53._o ans_fw-fr the_o circumcise_a jew_n do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v member_n simple_o for_o grow_v up_o but_o for_o grow_v out_o of_o kind_n jer._n 2.21_o they_o become_v degenerate_a plant_n amos_n 9.7_o child_n of_o the_o negro_n bastard_n branch_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o joh._n 15.2_o reply_n there_o be_v a_o double_a great_a mistake_n in_o apply_v these_o scripture_n 1._o they_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o person_n cease_v to_o be_v member_n as_o for_o jer._n 2._o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o jerusalem_n ver_fw-la 2._o and_o that_o in_o the_o thirteen_o year_n of_o josiah_n after_o the_o covenant_n be_v renew_v and_o religion_n great_o reform_v and_o god_n call_v they_o his_o people_n ver_fw-la 11_o 13_o and_o therefore_o their_o membership_n cease_v not_o at_o that_o time_n so_o amos_n 9_o he_o prophesy_v in_o the_o day_n of_o vzziah_n king_n of_o judah_n and_o joash_n the_o son_n of_o jeroboam_n king_n of_o israel_n in_o who_o day_n god_n have_v not_o yet_o remove_v israel_n out_o of_o his_o sight_n as_o for_o joh._n 15.2_o though_o the_o lord_n do_v in_o his_o time_n cut_v off_o unfruitful_a branch_n by_o death_n or_o church-censure_n yet_o till_o he_o do_v so_o they_o be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n so_o that_o these_o place_n speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o cease_n of_o church-membership_a in_o adult_n age_n 2._o these_o place_n do_v not_o suit_v the_o person_n in_o the_o five_o proposition_n jer._n 2._o speak_v of_o such_o as_o prophesy_v by_o baal_n that_o play_v the_o harlot_n on_o every_o high_a hill_n ver_fw-la 20._o and_o be_v therefore_o call_v a_o degenerate_a plant_n ver_fw-la 21._o amos_n speak_v of_o israel_n in_o the_o corrupt_a time_n of_o idolatry_n and_o reprove_v their_o great_a covetousness_n and_o oppression_n chap._n 8.4_o 5._o and_o therefore_o if_o such_o as_o those_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v member_n in_o adult_n age_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o membership_n of_o these_o in_o question_n do_v cease_v what_o be_v here_o add_v about_o the_o phrase_n of_o enter_v into_o covenant_n be_v a_o mistake_n for_o the_o synod_n speak_v of_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a membership_n not_o deny_v the_o phrase_n of_o enter_v into_o or_o renew_v the_o covenant_n reas_n 3._o those_o relation_n of_o bond-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 the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n by_o levit._n 25.41_o 42._o ezek._n 37.25_o do_v not_o cease_v with_o infancy_n but_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n whereby_o they_o be_v engage_v to_o duty_n when_o they_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o it_o so_o here_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o relation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o the_o bondwoman_n may_v cease_v in_o adult_n age_n as_o ishmael_n much_o more_o of_o the_o bond-servant_n reply_n the_o relation_n of_o ishmael_n cease_v not_o by_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_v age_n nor_o till_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o for_o his_o sin_n these_o in_o question_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o or_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o this_o answer_n be_v impertinent_a ans_fw-fr 2._o by_o this_o reason_n moral_a wickedness_n shall_v not_o cut_v off_o adult_a member_n for_o that_o do_v not_o cut_v off_o the_o relation_n of_o bond-servant_n reply_n this_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o civil_a and_o church-society_n do_v not_o require_v they_o shall_v hold_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o punishment_n that_o be_v indeed_o to_o make_v similitude_n run_v on_o all_o four_o as_o we_o say_v it_o be_v enough_o if_o they_o agree_v in_o that_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v apply_v and_o this_o application_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v clear_a in_o levit._n 25.41_o 42._o where_o the_o child_n of_o the_o israelitish_n servant_n be_v to_o serve_v with_o their_o parent_n unto_o the_o year_n oâ—_n jubilee_n which_o be_v every_o fifty_o year_n they_o be_v oft_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_n age_n before_o that_o time_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v then_o go_v out_o be_v because_o they_o that_o be_v parent_n and_o child_n be_v my_o servant_n say_v the_o lord_n so_o that_o there_o be_v the_o like_a reason_n in_o god_n service_n as_o in_o that_o relation_n and_o we_o see_v david_n delight_v to_o own_v himself_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o very_a relation_n i_o be_o thy_o servant_n the_o son_n of_o thy_o handmaid_n psal_n 116.16_o that_o be_v engage_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n from_o his_o birth_n and_o so_o for_o ever_o as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o handmaid_n be_v exod._n 21.4_o and_o yet_o if_o the_o similitude_n shall_v be_v press_v so_o far_o we_o know_v that_o the_o moral_a wickedness_n of_o murder_n adultery_n and_o the_o like_a will_v cut_v off_o servant_n and_o subject_n by_o death_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n reas_n 4._o there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a way_n of_o cessation_n of_o church-membership_a 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 child_n in_o question_n ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o member_n in_o full_a communion_n which_o these_o adult_a child_n be_v not_o reply_n if_o none_o of_o these_o belong_v to_o such_o adult_n child_n to_o cause_v their_o membership_n to_o cease_v then_o by_o their_o judgement_n it_o seem_v they_o have_v no_o membership_n at_o all_o if_o neither_o death_n nor_o dissolution_n of_o the_o society_n can_v cause_v it_o to_o cease_v which_o before_o they_o seem_v not_o to_o own_o ans_fw-fr 2._o there_o be_v many_o other_o way_n of_o the_o cessation_n of_o church-member_n they_o may_v excommunicate_v themselves_o as_o mr._n cotton_n the_o assembly_n at_o the_o savoy_n and_o dr._n ames_n affirm_v also_o by_o withdraw_v sometime_o command_v of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3.5_o rom_n 16.17_o also_o by_o apostasy_n 1_o joh._n 2.19_o by_o heresy_n as_o arrian_n quaker_n etc._n etc._n reply_n 1._o if_o these_o adult_n child_n may_v excommunicate_v themselves_o than_o it_o be_v yield_v that_o they_o be_v member_n in_o adult_n age_n but_o if_o all_o these_o be_v grant_v yet_o none_o of_o they_o be_v the_o case_n of_o these_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n 2._o here_o be_v a_o needless_a multiply_v of_o particular_n all_o but_o a_o suppose_a lawful_a withdraw_n be_v subject_n of_o excommunication_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v concern_v a_o lawful_a withdraw_n that_o turn_v away_o from_o such_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o and_o avoid_v those_o rom._n 16.17_o may_v more_o fit_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v do_v by_o not_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o church_n or_o cast_v they_o out_o if_o they_o be_v in_o rather_o then_o by_o withdraw_v from_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o their_o sake_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o schism_n except_o many_o caution_n be_v use_v neither_o can_v such_o withdraw_a loosen_v a_o man_n relation_n to_o the_o church_n which_o no_o doubt_n may_v call_v he_o to_o account_v for_o it_o and_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o render_v a_o reason_n thereof_o else_o all_o discipline_n may_v hereby_o be_v make_v frustrate_a now_o if_o his_o reason_n be_v find_v just_a it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o with_o a_o dismission_n 3._o concern_v this_o self-excommunication_n 1._o the_o ordinary_a instance_n of_o cain_n ishmael_n
such_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n thereof_o as_o if_o such_o and_o only_o such_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a this_o of_o full_a communion_n our_o brethren_n think_v will_v advantage_v their_o cause_n and_o so_o have_v put_v it_o in_o but_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a addition_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o whole_o fail_v they_o of_o any_o proof_n yea_o make_v evident_o against_o they_o in_o that_o principal_a place_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v baptise_a before_o their_o full_a communion_n for_o 1._o peter_n call_v they_o to_o be_v baptise_a upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o promise_n ver_fw-la 38._o 2._o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n before_o full_a communion_n ver_fw-la 41_o 42._o 3._o it_o have_v be_v very_o preposterous_a to_o put_v they_o into_o full_a communion_n before_o union_n with_o the_o church_n seal_v by_o baptism_n for_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o union_n with_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o which_o must_v go_v before_o communion_n but_o they_o seem_v to_o suppose_v at_o least_o that_o some_o in_o full_a communion_n may_v be_v unbaptise_v by_o that_o word_n be_v unbaptise_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o our_o brethren_n confidence_n in_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v find_v so_o great_o to_o fail_v they_o that_o while_o by_o it_o they_o seek_v to_o straiten_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n beyond_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n they_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o the_o whole_a subject_n itself_o of_o baptism_n because_o there_o will_v never_o be_v find_v any_o such_o person_n according_a to_o gospel-rule_n which_o they_o call_v so_o much_o for_o and_o appeal_v unto_o that_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v i_o will_v be_v a_o little_a bold_a with_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o case_n to_o challenge_v they_o to_o produce_v any_o rule_n or_o example_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o any_o person_n that_o either_o be_v or_o by_o rule_n may_v be_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v i_o hope_v this_o answer_n be_v plain_a and_o no_o cavil_v yet_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v up_o of_o this_o answer_n i_o shall_v remove_v what_o may_v be_v further_o say_v by_o our_o brethren_n object_n though_o those_o in_o act_n 2._o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n actual_o before_o baptism_n yet_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o state_n and_o right_a to_o full_a communion_n by_o their_o baptism_n which_o these_o child_n in_o question_n be_v not_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o state_n or_o right_a the_o baptise_a be_v partaker_n of_o as_o a_o consequent_a fruit_n of_o baptism_n receive_v but_o what_o it_o be_v that_o constitute_v a_o person_n to_o be_v a_o fit_a subject_a to_o be_v baptise_a to_o describe_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n by_o the_o consequent_a fruit_n of_o it_o and_o not_o by_o the_o precedent_a cause_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n be_v very_o improper_a and_o preposterous_a if_o the_o question_n be_v who_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o church-membership_a we_o say_v confederate_v visible_a believer_n and_o their_o seed_n for_o this_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o and_o bring_v they_o into_o such_o a_o relation_n but_o shall_v any_o answer_n that_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o church-membership_a be_v a_o person_n in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n or_o one_o that_o be_v under_o the_o teach_v and_o rule_n of_o church-officer_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o church-membership_a receive_v who_o do_v not_o see_v the_o weakness_n of_o such_o a_o answer_n and_o the_o like_a be_v this_o case_n baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o his_o church_n whereby_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o one_o body_n 2._o although_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o the_o church_n can_v actual_o enjoy_v full_a communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n as_o their_o parent_n do_v yet_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n set_v they_o in_o a_o state_n and_o right_a to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o as_o they_o become_v fit_a for_o they_o as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n for_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o parent_n and_o seed_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o same_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v the_o same_o right_n to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o come_v up_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n and_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o blessing_n in_o adult_n member_n it_o be_v so_o who_o be_v under_o admonition_n for_o scandal_n or_o in_o a_o frenzy_n or_o the_o like_a case_n though_o they_o partake_v not_o of_o all_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o their_o right_n remain_v so_o here_o when_o the_o seed_n grow_v up_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o also_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n not_o by_o any_o new_a covenant_n or_o membership_n but_o by_o the_o right_n of_o that_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o they_o and_o seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o afterward_o 2._o i_o shall_v add_v further_o it_o be_v true_a that_o to_o admit_v adult_a person_n into_o the_o church_n and_o to_o baptism_n visible_a faith_n be_v require_v and_o so_o much_o the_o text_n allege_v prove_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n in_o dispute_n between_o we_o but_o about_o person_n already_o in_o the_o church_n and_o baptise_a whether_o in_o such_o the_o ground_n of_o baptise_v their_o seed_n be_v faith_n and_o grace_n make_v visible_a in_o the_o same_o manner_n or_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o conclude_v the_o question_n put_v case_n any_o of_o those_o visible_a believer_n and_o convert_n act_n 2._o shall_v afterward_o discover_v by_o their_o worldliness_n looseness_n or_o other_o way_n that_o there_o be_v in_o they_o no_o sap_n or_o savour_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n even_o to_o the_o charitable_a judgement_n of_o most_o in_o the_o church_n my_o question_n be_v whether_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n their_o infant-seed_n shall_v not_o be_v baptise_a if_o it_o be_v grant_v than_o it_o be_v not_o such_o visible_a faith_n and_o grace_n but_o the_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n that_o give_v right_o to_o baptism_n and_o so_o to_o these_o church-member_n in_o question_n if_o this_o be_v deny_v let_v there_o be_v one_o tittle_n of_o scripture-rule_n or_o example_n produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a having_n answer_v their_o reason_n i_o shall_v present_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o same_o text_n to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o promise_n act_v 2.39_o be_v that_o covenant-promise_a which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o parallel_n place_n act_v 3._o where_o for_o 19_o peter_n exhort_v to_o repentance_n as_o in_o chap._n 2.38_o and_o chap._n 3.25_o he_o use_v the_o same_o reason_n in_o other_o word_n you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o our_o father_n the_o substance_n whereof_o all_o grant_n to_o be_v this_o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n although_o the_o apostle_n there_o make_v use_v of_o another_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n concern_v christ_n that_o feed_v in_o who_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o his_o people_n now_o the_o reason_n stand_v thus_o if_o the_o covenant-promise_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v a_o ground_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptizse_v in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n than_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o his_o visible_a church_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n but_o the_o covenant-promise_n be_v a_o ground_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a in_o gospel-dispensation_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o with_o chap._n 3.19_o 25._o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o his_o visible_a church_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n thus_o much_o to_o their_o scripture-argument_n to_o which_o our_o brethren_n add_v the_o testimony_n of_o mr._n richard_n mather_n well_o agree_v with_o this_o say_v they_o be_v the_o answer_n of_o reverend_a mr._n mather_n in_o his_o catechism_n ans_fw-fr but_o by_o their_o leave_n it_o differ_v from_o their_o answer_n in_o the_o main_a thing_n that_o touch_v the_o cause_n in_o hand_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o full_a communion_n in_o he_o which_o they_o put_v into_o they_o 2._o that_o reverend_a and_o learned_a author_n speak_v only_o what_o adult_n person_n shall_v be_v in_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o so_o convert_v
esau_n be_v not_o clear_a that_o they_o do_v excommunicate_v themselves_o but_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o the_o lord_n the_o curse_n of_o cain_n be_v to_o be_v a_o vagabond_n and_o fugitive_n in_o the_o earth_n which_o he_o understand_v of_o his_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n from_o thy_o face_n shall_v i_o be_v hide_v gen._n 4.14_o as_o for_o ishmael_n the_o case_n be_v plain_a that_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o abraham_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o of_o esau_n it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o when_o he_o will_v have_v inherit_v the_o blessing_n he_o be_v reject_v viz._n of_o isaac_n after_o which_o rejection_n he_o go_v away_o from_o the_o church_n in_o isaac_n family_n concern_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o abraham_n by_o keturah_n how_o long_o they_o continue_v to_o worship_n the_o true_a god_n or_o how_o they_o fall_v off_o who_o can_v say_v or_o prove_v that_o they_o excommunicate_v themselves_o without_o any_o act_n of_o god_n that_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o censure_n as_o for_o open_a and_o obstinate_a heretic_n and_o apostate_n which_o some_o call_n excommunicati_fw-la de_fw-la jure_fw-la that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v in_o fact_n also_o but_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o gospel-time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v so_o express_o institute_v church-censure_n for_o the_o save_n of_o offender_n and_o purge_v of_o his_o church_n and_o have_v confirm_v the_o same_o with_o such_o promise_n to_o bâ—nde_v and_o loose_a in_o heaven_n what_o be_v bind_v and_o lose_v on_o earth_n mat._n 18._o i_o conceive_v with_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o author_n allege_v that_o no_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v the_o power_n and_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n can_v so_o cut_v off_o his_o relation_n to_o that_o church_n actual_o but_o that_o the_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o dispense_v the_o censure_n to_o he_o as_o the_o case_n shall_v require_v my_o reason_n be_v reason_n 1_o 1._o from_o the_o end_n of_o church-discipline_n viz._n to_o reduce_v and_o save_v offender_n mat._n 18._o 1_o cor._n 5.5_o to_o purge_v the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 5.7_o to_o vindicate_v the_o name_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o bear_v fall_n testimony_n against_o scandal_n 2_o sam._n 12.14_o 2_o cor._n 7.11_o you_o have_v approve_v yourselves_o to_o be_v clear_a in_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o example_n and_o terror_n of_o other_o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o whence_o the_o reason_n stand_v thus_o if_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v betrust_v his_o church_n with_o the_o power_n of_o church-discipline_n for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a end_n than_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o put_v forth_o this_o power_n whensoever_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o end_n may_v be_v attain_v with_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o case_n can_v befall_v any_o church_n member_n wherein_o these_o or_o some_o of_o these_o end_n may_v not_o be_v attain_v for_o put_v case_n a_o member_n be_v turn_v arrian_n quaker_n turk_n and_o what_o you_o will_v yet_o the_o censure_n denounce_v will_v acquit_v the_o church_n vindicate_v the_o name_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o bear_v full_a testimony_n against_o such_o scandal_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o terror_n of_o other_o yea_o who_o know_v how_o far_o the_o lord_n may_v improve_v it_o upon_o the_o sinner_n for_o his_o good_a reason_n 2_o 2._o if_o in_o scripture-pattern_n the_o worst_a of_o heretic_n and_o blasphemer_n be_v lay_v under_o censure_n notwithstanding_o their_o suppose_a self-excommunication_n than_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v such_o pattern_n in_o all_o such_o case_n but_o such_o be_v the_o practice_n in_o scripture-example_n tit._n 3.10_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o 1_o cor._n 16.22_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n reason_n 3_o 3._o that_o position_n that_o open_v a_o door_n for_o church-member_n to_o evade_v and_o frustrate_v church-discipline_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v but_o this_o position_n do_v open_v a_o door_n to_o evade_v and_o frustrate_v church-discipline_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n any_o member_n in_o danger_n of_o church-censure_n may_v withdraw_v himself_o renounce_v the_o church_n and_o then_o they_o can_v proceed_v against_o he_o for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o cut_v off_o a_o member_n that_o have_v already_o excommunicate_v himself_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v sufficient_a punishment_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n to_o leave_v a_o man_n so_o to_o excommunicate_v himself_o ans_fw-fr but_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o church_n be_v discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o save_v the_o offender_n by_o excommunication_n that_o tend_v to_o destroy_v the_o flesh_n and_o save_v his_o soul_n i_o never_o read_v that_o god_n bless_a self-excommunication_n to_o that_o end_n yea_o by_o this_o position_n a_o wicked_a schismatical_a member_n shall_v take_v the_o key_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n and_o censure_v the_o whole_a church_n as_o oft_o they_o do_v and_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o lay_v any_o punishment_n upon_o he_o for_o it_o and_o hence_o those_o scripture_n allege_v hebr._n 10.21_o 1_o john_n 2.19_o may_v receive_v a_o just_a answer_n for_o that_o forsake_v of_o the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o and_o go_v out_o do_v not_o exempt_v they_o from_o church-censure_n or_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o before_o church-censure_n if_o the_o foot_n say_v i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o body_n be_v it_o therefore_o not_o of_o the_o body_n or_o can_v this_o withdraw_a discharge_n the_o church_n from_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n or_o exempt_v themselves_o from_o the_o just_a censure_n and_o punishment_n appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o such_o offender_n reas_n 5._o these_o adult_n person_n be_v member_n or_o non-member_n if_o non-member_n than_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 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 ans_fw-fr 1._o member_n and_o non-member_n be_v not_o opposite_n but_o with_o take_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o all_o opposite_n as_o in_o this_o case_n ad_fw-la idem_fw-la or_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n they_o may_v be_v non-member_n in_o full_a communion_n and_o yet_o member_n in_o parental_a right_n reply_n 1._o this_o distinction_n be_v not_o ad_fw-la idem_fw-la for_o the_o want_n of_o full_a communion_n be_v not_o such_o a_o respect_n as_o make_v a_o man_n a_o non-member_n for_o so_o a_o man_n under_o admonition_n for_o some_o scandal_n or_o in_o a_o frenzy_n shall_v be_v a_o non-member_n 2._o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o these_o be_v member_n in_o full_a communion_n but_o whether_o that_o membership_n which_o be_v seal_v up_o unto_o they_o in_o baptism_n do_v continue_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o this_o seem_v once_o more_o here_o to_o be_v grant_v ans_fw-fr 2._o they_o may_v deserve_v censure_n though_o not_o put_v upon_o they_o râ—ply_v this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o these_o member_n in_o question_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o they_o deserve_v censure_n yet_o no_o man_n be_v actual_o cut_v off_o till_o the_o censure_n be_v apply_v and_o if_o they_o may_v deserve_v censure_n then_o be_v they_o personal_a member_n under_o church-discipline_n chap._n v._o concern_v the_o four_o proposition_n propos_fw-fr 4._o these_o adult_n person_n be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v and_o continue_v member_n without_o such_o further_a qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v thereunto_o our_o brethren_n grant_v this_o proposition_n yet_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o five_o proposition_n be_v please_v by_o way_n of_o prevention_n to_o state_n this_o question_n viz._n whether_o there_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n such_o person_n as_o have_v public_o and_o personal_o covenant_v that_o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n the_o negative_a they_o prove_v reas_n 1._o because_o public_a and_o personal_a covenant_n be_v the_o formality_n of_o a_o church-member_n such_o have_v all_o the_o constituent_a cause_n and_o so_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o form_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o subject_a which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v full_a communion_n hence_o the_o form_n introduce_v and_o the_o covenant_n personal_o own_v do_v necessary_o imply_v all_o the_o privilege_n belongingâ—th_v reunto_o ans_fw-fr every_o public_a and_o personal_a covenant_n be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o church-membership_a the_o covenant_n be_v oft_o renew_v public_o own_v or_o enter_v into_o by_o such_o as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o as_o in_o deut._n 29._o and_o other_o scripture_n do_v appear_v and_o this_o be_v the_o
be_v mean_v the_o uncleanness_n of_o infidel_n be_v clear_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n for_o if_o to_o be_v holy_a be_v mean_v of_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o to_o be_v unclean_a be_v the_o uncleanness_n of_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v infidel_n eph._n 2.12_o and_o what_o be_v the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o have_v both_o parent_n unbeliever_n but_o infidel_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n but_o for_o that_o inference_n that_o by_o like_a reason_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o that_o proposition_n there_o be_v no_o god_n else_o that_o there_o may_v be_v another_o god_n to_o the_o gentile_n i_o confess_v my_o shallow_a understanding_n can_v see_v any_o comparison_n between_o those_o two_o proposition_n but_o only_o that_o the_o word_n else_o be_v in_o they_o both_o the_o one_o be_v a_o disjunct_a axiom_n your_o child_n be_v clean_a or_o else_o unclean_a and_o the_o other_o a_o simple_a axiom_n where_o the_o word_n else_o be_v of_o another_o use_n and_o sense_n then_o in_o the_o former_a but_o be_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v so_o sad_a a_o exception_n from_o a_o general_a proposition_n jehovah_n be_v god_n and_o none_o else_o to_o say_v yet_o there_o may_v be_v another_o god_n to_o the_o gentile_n or_o to_o say_v the_o threaten_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n yet_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o our_o brethren_n may_v then_o consider_v when_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o church-member_n your_o child_n be_v holy_a to_o make_v such_o a_o exception_n and_o say_v not_o so_o but_o only_o the_o child_n of_o member_n in_o full_a communion_n be_v holy_a whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o sad_a exception_n also_o reas_n 4._o the_o be_v in_o covenant_n do_v not_o privilege_n to_o baptism_n without_o visible_a repentance_n in_o parent_n acts._n 2.38_o 39_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o covenant_n and_o prick_v to_o the_o heart_n yet_o they_o be_v open_o call_v to_o repent_v so_o john_n baptist_n think_v mat._n 3.8_o 9_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o jew_n be_v in_o covenant_n do_v privilege_v their_o child_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o covenant_n they_o be_v in_o viz._n circumcision_n the_o sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o but_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n they_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o repentance_n when_o they_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v grow_v so_o corrupt_a and_o those_o in_o act_n 2._o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o john_n be_v send_v to_o prepare_v a_o people_n for_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n but_o when_o philip_n have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o eunuch_n a_o godly_a proselyte_n he_o only_o call_v he_o to_o faith_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o though_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o a_o visible_a profession_n thereof_o be_v require_v at_o the_o first_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n yet_o these_o be_v not_o require_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o person_n regular_o admit_v to_o privilege_v their_o seed_n to_o baptism_n what_o rule_n or_o example_n require_v a_o church-member_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o visible_a faith_n and_o repentance_n so_o oft_o as_o he_o have_v a_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a or_o in_o case_n a_o church-member_n decline_v and_o give_v cause_n of_o much_o doubt_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n what_o rule_n will_v debar_v his_o child_n from_o baptism_n so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n now_o our_o question_n be_v of_o person_n regular_o admit_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n reas_n 5._o the_o covenant_n be_v limit_v to_o such_o as_o obey_v god_n and_o therefore_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n deut._n 7.9_o neh._n 1.5_o dan._n 9.5_o he_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o frequent_a mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o outward_a privilege_n thereof_o the_o first_o god_n perform_v to_o such_o as_o love_v and_o obey_v he_o sincere_o yet_o the_o other_o he_o continue_v to_o all_o such_o as_o do_v not_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o covenant_n take_v these_o scripture_n name_v do_v not_o church-priviledge_n belong_v to_o all_o israel_n when_o moses_n speak_v that_o word_n deut._n 7.9_o that_o god_n keep_v mercy_n and_o covenant_n to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o yet_o he_o give_v a_o sad_a testimony_n of_o they_o chap._n 9.24_o you_o have_v be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o lord_n ever_o since_o i_o know_v you_o so_o in_o nehemiahs_n time_n do_v not_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o holy_a seed_n enjoy_v church-priviledge_n when_o nehemiah_n spâ—ke_v that_o word_n chap._n 1.5_o and_o yet_o the_o story_n speak_v of_o many_o evil_n among_o they_o that_o show_v they_o be_v scandalous_a in_o life_n which_o these_o be_v not_o and_o have_v many_o other_o good_a qualification_n beside_o that_o also_o reas_n 6._o from_o the_o tenor_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n nehem._n 9.8_o when_o god_n see_v his_o heart_n faithful_a before_o he_o so_o gen._n 17.1_o 7._o walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v upright_o and_o i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n with_o the_o former_a build_v upon_o the_o same_o mistake_v and_o may_v have_v the_o same_o answer_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o all_o that_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n ought_v to_o love_v he_o obey_v he_o walk_v upright_o before_o he_o and_o what_o be_v say_v gal._n 3.7_o 9_o that_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n be_v bless_v with_o faithful_a abraham_n faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o church-member_n for_o want_v whereof_o he_o fall_v short_a of_o all_o the_o save_v blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o such_o as_o be_v in_o church-covenant_n and_o do_v not_o perform_v thâ—se_a duty_n be_v thereby_o deprive_v of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o before_o they_o be_v regular_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v there_o not_o many_o corrupt_a member_n in_o the_o church_n not_o only_o of_o israel_n but_o also_o in_o gospel-churche_n as_o of_o corinth_n galatia_n the_o church_n of_o asia_n rev._n 2._o &_o 3._o who_o do_v enjoy_v church-priviledge_n till_o they_o be_v cast_v ouâ—_n or_o till_o god_n actual_o remove_v their_o candlestick_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o sin_n reprove_v to_o suffer_v such_o but_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v suffer_v they_o regular_o enjoy_v the_o outward_a privilege_n here_o our_o brethren_n endeavour_v to_o answer_v two_o objection_n obj_fw-la 1._o the_o covenant-blessing_n be_v convey_v with_o circumcision_n successive_o to_o the_o follow_a generation_n ans_fw-fr we_o must_v consider_v that_o gal._n 3.14_o that_o be_v express_v to_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n that_o shall_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n not_o the_o covenant_n of_o jacob_n as_o mr._n cotton_n have_v judicious_o note_v upon_o the_o place_n now_o abraham_n covenant_n and_o the_o blessing_n thereof_o be_v confirm_v only_o to_o those_o that_o walk_v upright_o with_o god_n as_o abraham_n do_v reply_n that_o difference_n mr._n cotton_n put_v between_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n may_v hold_v in_o this_o that_o god_n continue_v all_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n and_o their_o posterity_n in_o the_o covenant_n not_o so_o of_o abraham_n ishmael_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o the_o son_n of_o keturah_n be_v not_o so_o and_o so_o esau_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o posterity_n of_o isaac_n be_v reject_v and_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o speech_n of_o jacob_n gen._n 49.26_o that_o his_o blessing_n prevail_v above_o the_o blessing_n of_o his_o progenitor_n but_o this_o difference_n can_v hold_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n for_o ishmaâ—l_n though_o graceless_a be_v take_v into_o abraham_n covenant_n and_o continue_v in_o it_o till_o for_o his_o sin_n he_o be_v cast_v out_o so_o esau_n in_o covenant_n till_o for_o his_o profaneness_n he_o be_v reject_v heb._n 12._o be_v not_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n the_o performance_n of_o god_n everlasting_a covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o his_o seed_n afâ—er_v he_o in_o their_o generation_n as_o be_v evident_a exod._n 3.15_o &_o 6.3_o 4._o be_v there_o ever_o any_o covenant_n make_v with_o jacob_n and_o his_o seed_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n then_o