more_o proof_n of_o infant_n church-membership_a and_o consequent_o their_o right_n to_o baptism_n or_o a_o second_o defence_n of_o our_o infant_n right_n and_o mercy_n in_o three_o part_n the_o first_o be_v the_o plain_a proof_n of_o god_n statute_n or_o covenant_n for_o infant_n church-membership_a from_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o till_o the_o institution_n of_o baptism_n with_o the_o defence_n of_o that_o proof_n against_o the_o frivolous_a exception_n of_o mr._n tomb_n and_o a_o confutation_n of_o mr._n tomb_n his_o argument_n against_o infant_n church-membership_a the_o second_o be_v a_o confutation_n of_o the_o strange_a forgery_n of_o mr._n h._n danvers_n against_o the_o antiquity_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o of_o his_o many_o calumny_n against_o myself_o and_o write_n with_o a_o catalogue_n of_o fifty_o six_o new_a commandment_n and_o doctrine_n which_o he_o and_o the_o sectary_n who_o join_v with_o he_o in_o those_o calumny_n seem_v to_o own_o the_o three_o part_n be_v animadversion_n on_o mr._n danvers_n reply_n to_o mr._n willes_n extort_a by_o their_o unquiet_a importunity_n from_o a_o earnest_a desirer_n of_o the_o love_n and_o peace_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n by_o richard_n baxter_n london_n print_v for_o n._n simmons_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n and_o j._n robinson_n at_o the_o golden-lyon_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1675._o the_o preface_n reader_n the_o first_o year_n of_o my_o ministry_n i_o fall_v into_o a_o doubt_n about_o infant-baptism_n and_o i_o be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o investiture_n and_o the_o parent_n duty_n of_o enter_v the_o child_n into_o the_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o what_o the_o vow_n be_v which_o then_o be_v make_v when_o time_n and_o light_n have_v satisfy_v i_o i_o retain_v as_o charitable_a thought_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n as_o of_o almost_o any_o that_o i_o differ_v from_o about_o 1646_o 1647_o 1648._o they_o make_v more_o stir_n among_o we_o than_o before_o mr._n tomb_n live_v near_o i_o we_o continue_v in_o peace_n not_o talk_v of_o our_o difference_n for_o i_o purposely_o avoid_v it_o in_o public_a and_o private_a unless_o any_o ask_v my_o opinion_n at_o last_o his_o convert_v come_v to_o i_o and_o tell_v i_o that_o if_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v he_o in_o writing_n they_o must_v take_v it_o as_o a_o encouragement_n to_o they_o to_o be_v baptise_a and_o confess_v that_o he_o send_v they_o or_o that_o they_o come_v by_o his_o consent_n to_o avoid_v long_a write_n one_o day_n dispute_n be_v think_v a_o short_a way_n that_o dispute_n with_o many_o addition_n i_o be_v necessitate_v to_o publish_v with_o some_o return_n to_o some_o after_o arguing_n of_o mr._n t.'s_n he_o write_v what_o he_o think_v meet_v on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o think_v i_o have_v do_v with_o that_o work_n for_o ever_o but_o in_o 1655_o he_o send_v to_o i_o again_o and_o draw_v from_o i_o the_o letter_n here_o recite_v these_o without_o my_o consent_n he_o publish_v with_o a_o answer_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o great_a book_n i_o leave_v his_o answer_n these_o nineteen_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o without_o any_o reply_n as_o also_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o book_n against_o i_o i_o think_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o waste_v my_o precious_a time_n on_o thing_n so_o little_o necessary_a a_o man_n may_v find_v word_n at_o length_n to_o say_v for_o almost_o any_o cause_n i_o partly_o know_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o this_o and_o every_o book_n that_o i_o have_v write_v and_o i_o know_v what_o i_o can_v reply_v and_o i_o partly_o foreknow_v what_o they_o can_v say_v to_o that_o reply_n and_o what_o i_o can_v further_o say_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o so_o talk_v on_o till_o we_o have_v wrangle_v away_o our_o charity_n and_o our_o time_n and_o must_v all_o this_o be_v print_v to_o ensnare_v poor_a reader_n but_o at_o last_o mr._n danvers_n have_v lay_v a_o necessity_n upon_o i_o i_o have_v silent_o pass_v over_o all_o his_o vain_a reason_n and_o all_o his_o accusation_n of_o my_o write_n and_o all_o his_o falsification_n of_o author_n have_v he_o not_o call_v i_o so_o loud_a to_o repent_v of_o slander_v some_o for_o be_v baptise_a naked_a and_o when_o i_o find_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o speak_v to_o that_o i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o say_v somewhat_o of_o the_o rest_n pass_v by_o what_o mr._n wi_n have_v do_v more_o full_o in_o a_o answer_n to_o his_o book_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o man_n call_v anabaptist_n among_o we_o the_o one_o sort_n be_v sober_a godly_a christian_n who_o when_o they_o be_v rebaptise_v to_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n live_v among_o we_o in_o christian_a love_n and_o peace_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a if_o i_o love_v not_o they_o as_o hearty_o and_o own_v they_o not_o as_o peaceable_o as_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v do_v either_o i_o or_o better_a man_n than_o i_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o the_o other_o sort_n hold_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o way_n and_o be_v schismatical_o troublesome_a and_o unquiet_a in_o labour_v to_o increase_v their_o party_n these_o be_v they_o that_o offend_v i_o and_o other_o lover_n of_o peace_n and_o if_o god_n will_v persuade_v they_o but_o serious_o to_o think_v of_o these_o obvious_a question_n it_o may_v somewhat_o stop_v they_o qu._n 1._o how_o inconsiderable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n they_o hold_v communion_n with_o and_o unchurch_n almost_o all_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n qu._n 2._o whether_o they_o can_v possible_o hope_v that_o ever_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n will_v unite_v upon_o their_o term_n of_o reject_v all_o their_o infant_n from_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o renounce_v all_o our_o infant_n right_n and_o benefit_n confer_v by_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n of_o grace_n qu._n 3._o and_o whether_o if_o they_o continue_v to_o the_o world_n end_n to_o separate_v from_o almost_o all_o the_o church_n and_o unchurch_n they_o their_o employment_n will_v not_o be_v still_o to_o serve_v the_o great_a enemy_n of_o love_n and_o concord_n against_o the_o lord_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o against_o the_o prosperity_n of_o faith_n and_o godliness_n and_o against_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n and_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o scandal_n and_o harden_v of_o the_o ungodly_a the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o part_n the_o preface_n pag._n 1_o mr._n tombes_n first_o letter_n p._n 5_o b.'s_n answer_v to_o it_o ibid._n mr._n t.'s_n second_o letter_n p._n 8_o b.'s_n answer_v to_o it_o p._n 9_o mr._n t.'s_n three_o letter_n p._n 10_o b.'s_n answer_n be_v divide_v by_o mr._n t._n into_o section_n his_o answer_n be_v confute_v sect._n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o the_o many_o question_n to_o be_v handle_v quest_n 1._o infant_n be_v once_o church-member_n p._n 13_o sect._n 5._o quest_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o infant_n of_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v church-member_n p._n 18_o how_o far_o the_o sichemite_n be_v of_o israel_n and_o church-member_n p._n 21_o sect._n 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o of_o other_o nation_n ibid._n sect._n 11._o the_o israelite_n infant_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a p._n 26._o sect._n 12_o to_o the_o 18._o infant_n be_v member_n of_o the_o jew_n church_n as_o well_o as_o commonwealth_n p._n 28._o sect._n 18._o quest_n 4._o there_o be_v a_o law_n or_o precept_n of_o god_n oblige_v parent_n to_o enter_v their_o child_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o accept_v his_o favour_n and_o engage_v and_o devote_v they_o to_o god_n and_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o god_n offer_v they_o his_o mercy_n and_o accept_v they_o when_o devote_v as_o aforesaid_a etc._n etc._n p._n 31_o sect._n 19_o etc._n etc._n visible_a church-membership_a what_o it_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o benefit_n p._n 32_o sect._n 22._o legal-right_a to_o infant_n church-state_n give_v by_o god_n covenant_n mr._n t.'s_n confute_v and_o the_o case_n open_v p._n 35_o sect._n 23_o 24._o this_o right_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n law_n or_o covenant_n p._n 44_o 46_o sect._n 25_o 26._o the_o proof_n of_o parent_n obligation_n to_o enter_v their_o child_n into_o covenant_n what_o we_o mean_v by_o a_o law_n mr._n t._n make_v nothing_o of_o church-membership_a p._n 46_o 50_o sect._n 27._o precept_n oblige_v to_o duty_n and_o the_o promise_n give_v right_a to_o benefit_n p._n 54_o sect._n 28._o no_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n without_o god_n statute_n or_o moral_a donation_n or_o covenant_n make_v the_o israelite_n infant_n church-member_n prove_v to_o sect._n 44._o p._n 56_o sect._n 44_o 45._o infant_n church-membership_a institute_v by_o god_n at_o man_n creation_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o god_n
even_o visible_a mutual_a covenant_v make_v not_o church-member_n visible_a what_o do_v you_o see_v what_o he_o have_v bring_v the_o ancient_a and_o late_a church-membership_a circumcision_n and_o baptism_n to_o i_o think_v to_o nothing_o as_o formal_a pontifician_n church-tyrant_n when_o they_o have_v mortify_v some_o ordinance_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o image_n make_v a_o engine_n of_o it_o to_o trouble_v the_o church_n and_o silence_v the_o preacher_n and_o serious_a practiser_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o these_o man_n make_v nothing_o of_o church-membership_a and_o then_o restles_o trouble_v the_o church-about_a it_o sect_n xxvi_o r._n b._n have_v thus_o open_v the_o term_n law_n and_o precept_n i_o prove_v the_o proposition_n thus_o 1._o if_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o israelite_n to_o accept_v god_n offer_v mercy_n for_o their_o child_n to_o engage_v and_o devote_v they_o to_o he_o in_o covenant_n than_o there_o be_v a_o law_n or_o precept_n which_o make_v this_o their_o duty_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v such_o a_o law_n or_o precept_n for_o the_o antecedent_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o duty_n than_o it_o be_v either_o a_o sin_n or_o a_o neutral_a indifferent_a action_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v against_o no_o law_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o reprehend_v nor_o be_v it_o indifferent_a for_o it_o be_v of_o a_o moral_a nature_n and_o ergo_fw-la either_o good_a or_o evil_n yea_o sin_n or_o duty_n for_o proper_o permittere_fw-la be_v no_o act_n of_o law_n though_o many_o say_v it_o be_v but_o a_o suspension_n of_o a_o act_n and_o so_o licitum_fw-la be_v not_o moraliter_fw-la bonum_fw-la but_o only_o non_fw-la malum_fw-la and_o ergo_fw-la be_v not_o proper_o within_o the_o verge_n of_o morality_n 2._o if_o there_o be_v a_o penalty_n and_o a_o most_o terrible_a penalty_n annex_v for_o the_o non-performance_n than_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n but_o such_o a_o penalty_n be_v annex_v as_o shall_v anon_o be_v particular_o show_v even_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n etc._n etc._n if_o it_o oblige_v ad_fw-la poenam_fw-la it_o do_v first_o oblige_n ad_fw-la obedientiam_fw-la for_o no_o law_n oblige_v ad_fw-la poenam_fw-la but_o for_o disobedience_n which_o presuppose_v a_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n 3._o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o israelite_n duty_n to_o enter_v their_o child_n into_o god_n covenant_n and_o church_n than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v none_o of_o their_o sin_n to_o have_v omit_v or_o refuse_v so_o to_o do_v but_o it_o will_v have_v be_v their_o great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n to_o have_v omit_v or_o refuse_v it_o ergo._fw-la now_o to_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a there_o be_v no_o duty_n but_o what_o be_v make_v by_o some_o law_n or_o precept_n as_o its_o proper_a efficient_a cause_n or_o foundation_n ergo_fw-la if_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n there_o be_v certain_o some_o law_n or_o precept_n that_o make_v it_o such_o among_o man_n we_o say_v that_o a_o benefit_n oblige_v to_o gratitude_n though_o there_o be_v no_o law_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v if_o there_o be_v no_o humane_a law_n and_o that_o be_v because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o nature_n require_v man_n to_o be_v just_a and_o thankful_a if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n natural_a or_o positive_a that_o do_v constitute_v it_o or_o oblige_v we_o to_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o duty_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o duty_n but_o what_o be_v make_v such_o by_o god_n signify_v will_n ergo_fw-la no_o duty_n but_o what_o be_v make_v such_o by_o a_o law_n or_o precept_n for_o a_o precept_n be_v the_o sign_n of_o god_n will_v oblige_v to_o duty_n 2._o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n rom._n 4.15_o ergo_fw-la where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o duty_n for_o these_o be_v contrary_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n not_o to_o transgress_v the_o law_n and_o a_o transgression_n not_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n which_o it_o require_v of_o we_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a ground_n of_o exception_n but_o in_o case_n of_o covenant_n whether_o a_o man_n may_v not_o oblige_v himself_o to_o a_o duty_n mere_o by_o his_o consent_n i_o answer_v 1._o he_o may_v oblige_v himself_o to_o a_o act_n which_o he_o must_v perform_v or_o else_o prove_v unfaithful_a and_o dishonest_a but_o his_o own_o obligation_n make_v it_o not_o strict_o a_o duty_n ergo_fw-la when_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o man_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v oblige_v in_o point_n of_o fidelity_n but_o not_o of_o duty_n 2._o he_o that_o oblige_v himself_o to_o a_o act_n by_o promise_n do_v occasion_n a_o obligation_n to_o duty_n from_o god_n because_o god_n have_v oblige_v man_n to_o keep_v their_o promise_n 3._o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v his_o own_o ruler_n so_o far_o may_v he_o be_v say_v to_o oblige_v himself_o to_o duty_n that_o be_v duty_n to_o himself_o though_o the_o act_n be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o another_o but_o than_o he_o may_v as_o fit_o be_v say_v to_o make_v a_o law_n to_o himself_o or_o command_v himself_o so_o that_o still_o the_o duty_n such_o as_o it_o be_v have_v a_o answerable_a command_n so_o that_o i_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n because_o there_o be_v a_o duty_n for_o nothing_o but_o a_o law_n can_v cause_v that_o duty_n nor_o make_v that_o omission_n of_o it_o a_o sin_n where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n sin_n be_v not_o impute_v rom._n 5.13_o but_o the_o omission_n of_o enter_v infant_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n before_o christ_n incarnation_n will_v have_v be_v a_o sin_n impute_v ergo_fw-la there_o be_v a_o law_n command_v it_o 2._o if_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o dedicate_v infant_n to_o god_n or_o enter_v they_o into_o covenant_n with_o he_o then_o either_o by_o god_n will_n or_o without_o it_o certain_o not_o without_o it_o if_o by_o god_n will_n then_o either_o by_o his_o will_n reveal_v or_o unrevealed_a his_o unrevealed_a will_n can_v oblige_v for_o there_o want_v promulgation_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o obligation_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v to_o know_v god_n unrevealed_a will_n unless_o remote_o as_o it_o may_v be_v long_o of_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o he_o reveal_v if_o it_o be_v god_n reveal_v will_v that_o must_v thus_o oblige_v than_o there_o be_v some_o sign_n by_o which_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o sign_n reveal_v god_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o duty_n than_o there_o be_v a_o law_n for_o this_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o preceptive_a part_n of_o a_o law_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n so_o that_o you_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o you_o be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o not_o a_o man_n as_o say_v that_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o duty_n by_o god_n reveal_v will_n but_o yet_o not_o by_o a_o law_n or_o precept_n 3._o we_o shall_v anon_o produce_v the_o law_n or_o precept_n and_o put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o ever_o i_o be_v put_v to_o dispute_v a_o point_n that_o carry_v more_o of_o its_o own_o evidence_n to_o shame_v the_o gain-say_a and_o if_o you_o can_v gather_v disciple_n even_o among_o the_o godly_a by_o persuade_v they_o that_o there_o be_v duty_n without_o precept_n or_o law_n and_o benefit_n without_o donation_n covenant_n or_o promise_n confirm_v they_o then_o despair_v of_o nothing_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v you_o may_v persuade_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o son_n without_o a_o father_n or_o any_o relation_n without_o its_o foundation_n or_o effect_v without_o its_o cause_n and_o never_o doubt_v but_o the_o same_o man_n will_v believe_v you_o while_o you_o have_v the_o same_o interest_n in_o they_o and_o use_v the_o same_o artifice_n in_o put_v off_o your_o conceit_n mr._n t._n will_v first_o persuade_v the_o reader_n that_o i_o mean_v nothing_o but_o circumcision_n reply_v long_o ago_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o 1._o the_o female_n be_v not_o circumcise_v 2._o nor_o the_o male_n for_o forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o yet_o be_v all_o church-member_n by_o be_v god_n covenant_v people_n and_o so_o be_v israel_n before_o circumcision_n his_o term_n of_o the_o hiss_v of_o a_o goose_n and_o the_o snarl_v of_o a_o cur_n and_o other_o such_o i_o account_v light_a than_o the_o least_o of_o his_o injury_n to_o the_o truth_n sect_n xxvii_o r._n b._n the_o five_o question_n require_v i_o to_o lay_v down_o this_o assertion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n or_o precept_n of_o god_n which_o do_v not_o oblige_v to_o duty_n and_o no_o actual_a promise_n
it_o be_v not_o a_o law_n but_o legislation_n be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o fundamentum_fw-la but_o the_o lay_n of_o that_o foundation_n that_o cause_v the_o relation_n or_o from_o which_o it_o do_v result_v and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o alien_n physical_a act_n which_o have_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o right_v for_o its_o subject_n or_o terminus_fw-la be_v to_o confound_v physics_n and_o moral_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o gross_a absurdity_n as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n of_o eat_v drink_v go_v build_v etc._n etc._n do_v adopt_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v your_o heir_n i_o must_v needs_o think_v therefore_o till_o you_o have_v better_o clear_v yourself_o that_o you_o have_v here_o quit_v yourself_o as_o ill_a and_o forsake_v and_o deliver_v up_o your_o cause_n as_o palpable_o as_o ever_o i_o know_v man_n do_v without_o a_o express_a confession_n that_o it_o be_v naught_o when_o man_n must_v be_v teach_v by_o this_o obtuse_a subtlety_n to_o prove_v that_o infant_n church-membership_a need_v no_o revocation_n forsooth_o because_o their_o church-membership_a be_v not_o cause_v by_o a_o law_n precept_n promise_n or_o covenant_n but_o by_o a_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n then_o which_o as_o you_o leave_v it_o the_o world_n have_v scarce_o hear_v a_o more_o incoherent_a dream_n but_o i_o pray_v you_o remember_v in_o your_o reply_n that_o you_o be_v the_o affirmer_n of_o this_o must_v prove_v it_o which_o i_o shall_v expect_v when_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o you_o can_v generate_v a_o man_n by_o spite_v or_o blow_v your_o nose_n or_o by_o plough_v and_o sow_v can_v produce_v king_n and_o emperor_n mr._n t._n here_o mr._n t._n be_v at_o the_o old_a transeunt_fw-la fact_n again_o let_v the_o reader_n make_v his_o best_a of_o it_o i_o account_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o recite_v nor_o his_o title_n of_o canine_a scoptical_a rhetoric_n regardable_a sect_n xxix_o to_o thirty-nine_o r._n b._n in_o consideration_n of_o the_o seven_o question_n i_o shall_v consider_v the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n which_o you_o here_o describe_v and_o first_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o name_n you_o say_v that_o you_o call_v it_o transeunt_fw-la because_o do_v in_o time_n and_o so_o not_o eternal_a and_o past_a and_o so_o not_o in_o congruous_a sense_n repealeable_a as_o a_o law_n ordinance_n statute_n decree_v which_o determine_v such_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v for_o the_o future_a and_o do_v you_o think_v this_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n or_o a_o fit_a reason_n of_o your_o application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n i_o think_v your_o intellection_n and_o volition_n be_v immanent_a act_n and_o yet_o not_o eternal_a we_o use_v to_o contradistinguish_v transeunt_fw-la act_n from_o immanent_a and_o that_o because_o they_o do_v transire_fw-la in_o subjectum_fw-la extraneum_fw-la but_o it_o seem_v you_o take_v they_o here_o as_o distinct_a from_o permanent_a but_o use_v your_o sense_n as_o long_o as_o we_o understand_v it_o if_o it_o be_v only_o past_a action_n which_o you_o call_v transeunt_fw-la it_o seem_v your_o long_a fact_n which_o be_v so_o many_o hundred_o year_n in_o do_v be_v no_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n till_o the_o end_n of_o all_o those_o year_n and_o so_o do_v not_o by_o your_o own_o doctrine_n make_v any_o church-member_n till_o the_o end_n of_o those_o year_n but_o sir_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n that_o lay_v the_o foundation_n by_o legislation_n or_o promise-making_a but_o whether_o the_o effect_n be_v transeunt_fw-la or_o the_o act_n as_o it_o be_v in_o patiente_a whether_o the_o law_n be_v transeunt_fw-la which_o be_v make_v by_o a_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n and_o whether_o the_o moral_a action_n of_o that_o law_n be_v permanent_a or_o transeunt_fw-la it_o be_v most_o certain_o such_o a_o moral_a act_n that_o must_v produce_v a_o title_n or_o constitute_v a_o duty_n god_n writing_n the_o ten_o commandment_n in_o stone_n be_v a_o fact_n soon_o past_a but_o the_o law_n be_v not_o soon_o past_a nor_o the_o moral_a act_n of_o that_o law_n viz._n obligation_n there_o be_v verbal_a law_n that_o have_v no_o real_a permanent_a sign_n and_o yet_o the_o law_n may_v be_v permanent_a and_o the_o obligation_n permanent_a because_o the_o sign_n may_v have_v a_o permanency_n in_o esse_fw-la cognito_fw-la and_o so_o the_o signify_v virtue_n may_v remain_v by_o the_o help_n of_o memory_n though_o the_o word_n do_v vanish_v in_o the_o speak_n when_o you_o come_v to_o point_v out_o this_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n individual_o you_o say_v it_n be_v god_n take_v the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o his_o people_n which_o you_o term_v fact_n as_o conceive_v it_o most_o comprehensive_a of_o the_o many_o particular_a act_n in_o many_o generation_n whereby_o he_o do_v accomplish_v it_o 1._o i_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v before_o that_o a_o fact_n do_v so_o vast_o differ_v from_o a_o act_n as_o to_o contain_v the_o act_n rather_o than_o the_o fact_n of_o many_o generation_n this_o be_v a_o long_a fact_n according_a to_o your_o measure_n even_o from_o abraham_n call_v out_o of_o ur_fw-la but_o how_o long_o it_o seem_v you_o be_v not_o well_o agree_v with_o yourself_o for_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o your_o letter_n you_o enumerate_v to_o the_o other_o act_n that_o compose_v this_o fact_n the_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n at_o mount_n sinai_n give_v they_o law_n settle_v their_o priesthood_n tabernacle_n army_n government_n inheritance_n but_o before_o you_o end_v you_o change_v your_o mind_n and_o say_v the_o church-membership_a of_o the_o israelite_n begin_v as_o i_o conceive_v with_o abraham_n call_n and_o be_v complete_v when_o they_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o egypt_n to_o god_n exod._n 19.4_o but_o sure_o that_o be_v long_o before_o the_o settle_v their_o inheritance_n your_o fact_n according_a to_o your_o last_o account_n be_v about_o 437._o year_n in_o do_v but_o according_a to_o your_o first_o opinion_n it_o be_v about_o 470._o year_n long_o if_o it_o be_v one_o individual_a fact_n of_o about_o 470._o year_n long_o that_o make_v infant_n church-member_n than_o they_o can_v not_o be_v church-member_n till_o that_o fact_n be_v past_a for_o the_o effect_n be_v not_o before_o the_o cause_n or_o causality_n of_o the_o efficient_a the_o relation_n can_v be_v before_o the_o fundamentum_fw-la be_v lay_v and_o it_o seem_v this_o long_a fact_n be_v the_o lay_n of_o the_o fundamentum_fw-la but_o the_o consequent_a be_v certain_o false_a for_o infant_n be_v church-member_n before_o the_o end_n or_o complete_n of_o your_o long_a fact_n for_o they_o be_v church-member_n you_o will_v grant_n when_o ishmael_n and_o isaac_n be_v circumcise_v ergo_fw-la it_o be_v not_o this_o long_a fact_n that_o make_v they_o church-member_n if_o you_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a but_o some_o part_n of_o this_o long_a fact_n that_o actual_o make_v infant_n church-member_n than_o you_o will_v have_v assign_v that_o part_n when_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n desire_v and_o which_o you_o pretend_v exact_o to_o perform_v or_o at_o least_o you_o will_v not_o have_v tell_v we_o it_o comprehend_v all_o these_o act_n and_o if_o each_o particular_a act_n do_v make_v infant_n church-member_n or_o lay_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o it_o than_o it_o seem_v that_o it_o be_v do_v before_o the_o institution_n of_o circumcision_n for_o god_n call_v abraham_n out_o of_o ur_fw-la be_v before_o it_o so_o that_o the_o child_n bear_v in_o his_o house_n must_v be_v church-member_n upon_o that_o and_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n lay_v for_o his_o own_o to_o have_v be_v such_o if_o he_o have_v then_o have_v a_o natural_a issue_n and_o it_o seem_v then_o that_o ishmael_n be_v bear_v a_o church-member_n many_o year_n before_o circumcision_n if_o this_o be_v your_o meaning_n i_o pray_v you_o be_v so_o just_a and_o impartial_a as_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o proof_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o of_o infant_n church-membership_a before_o abraham_n day_n if_o i_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v as_o strong_a as_o this_o call_n of_o abraham_n from_o ur._n if_o you_o shall_v mean_v that_o some_o one_o of_o these_o comprehend_v act_n shall_v of_o itself_o make_v any_o infant_n church-member_n than_o it_o must_v be_v any_o one_o for_o you_o no_o more_o assign_v it_o to_o one_o of_o they_o than_o to_o another_o only_a say_n chief_o the_o bring_v they_o from_o egypt_n but_o sure_o some_o of_o these_o act_n particular_o can_v do_v it_o as_o the_o lead_n to_o padan_n aram_n the_o removal_n to_o canaan_n to_o egypt_n place_v preserve_v there_o settle_v their_o army_n etc._n etc._n do_v any_o one_o of_o these_o make_v infant_n to_o become_v church-member_n nay_o suppose_v you_o mean_v that_o all_o these_o
out_o of_o egypt_n be_v it_o easy_a hence_o to_o prove_v that_o call_v he_o out_o of_o egypt_n do_v make_v he_o his_o son_n that_o be_v none_o before_o or_o to_o prove_v that_o israel_n be_v god_n son_n before_o he_o call_v he_o out_o of_o egypt_n if_o you_o shall_v maintain_v the_o former_a i_o may_v expect_v that_o you_o shall_v say_v the_o like_a of_o christ_n himself_o to_o who_o the_o evangelist_n apply_v this_o text_n and_o so_o you_o may_v prove_v as_o fair_o that_o christ_n be_v none_o of_o god_n son_n till_o he_o be_v call_v out_o of_o egypt_n but_o be_v make_v his_o son_n by_o that_o call_n certain_o the_o text_n term_v he_o god_n son_n that_o be_v call_v as_o be_v so_o before_o that_o call_n by_o this_o time_n i_o be_o well_o content_a that_o any_o wake_a man_n do_v compare_v your_o doctrine_n and_o i_o and_o try_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n or_o a_o law_n and_o covenant_n that_o make_v infant_n and_o all_o other_o church-member_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o admire_v that_o ever_o a_o learned_a man_n shall_v harbour_v such_o a_o conceit_n as_o you_o and_o that_o ever_o a_o godly_a man_n shall_v build_v such_o a_o weight_n on_o it_o and_o go_v so_o far_o on_o such_o a_o ground_n yea_o and_o that_o ever_o ordinary_a godly_a people_n shall_v be_v so_o blind_v with_o such_o palpable_a nonsense_n or_o absurdity_n then_o let_v they_o still_o follow_v you_o in_o the_o dark_a for_o i_o expect_v not_o that_o reason_n shall_v recover_v they_o reply_n to_o all_o this_o i_o find_v nothing_o say_v that_o need_v any_o further_a reply_n sect_n xliv_o xlv_o r._n b._n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o eight_o question_n that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o point_n which_o you_o propound_v you_o urge_v i_o to_o cite_v to_o you_o the_o particular_a text_n that_o contain_v this_o law_n ordinance_n precept_n or_o covenant_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v thus_o 1._o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o law_n one_o which_o first_o make_v a_o duty_n the_o other_o which_o suppose_v it_o so_o make_v and_o do_v only_o call_v for_o obedience_n and_o excite_v thereto_o or_o prescribe_v somewhat_o as_o a_o mean_n in_o order_n thereunto_o if_o i_o can_v show_v you_o no_o write_a law_n or_o promise_n as_o first_o constitute_v the_o duty_n or_o grant_v the_o privilege_n of_o church-membership_a it_o be_v not_o the_o least_o disparagement_n to_o my_o cause_n as_o long_o as_o i_o can_v show_v you_o those_o follow_a law_n which_o presuppose_v this_o you_o know_v the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v live_v about_o 2000_o year_n without_o any_o write_a law_n that_o we_o know_v of_o where_o then_o be_v god_n will_n manifest_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o this_o but_o in_o tradition_n and_o nature_n if_o moses_n then_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o 2000_o year_n do_v find_v this_o tradition_n and_o find_v all_o the_o infant_n of_o church-member_n in_o possession_n of_o this_o benefit_n then_o what_o need_v he_o make_v a_o new_a law_n about_o it_o or_o why_o shall_v god_n promise_v it_o as_o a_o new_a thing_n i_o confess_v if_o i_o shall_v find_v by_o any_o new_a law_n or_o promise_n that_o it_o do_v begin_v but_o in_o moses_n day_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o some_o abatement_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o cause_n though_o yet_o i_o think_v there_o will_v enough_o remain_v 2._o there_o be_v yet_o high_o two_o sort_n of_o law_n the_o one_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n itself_o the_o other_o for_o the_o administration_n or_o government_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v so_o constitute_v the_o former_a be_v call_v by_o some_o fundamental_a law_n as_o lay_v the_o frame_n and_o form_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o material_n etc._n etc._n i_o think_v indeed_o that_o as_o constitutive_a of_o the_o form_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n these_o be_v scarce_o proper_o call_v law_n though_o as_o they_o look_v forward_o oblige_v to_o duty_n and_o prohibit_v alteration_n they_o may_v but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o law_n they_o be_v somewhat_o high_o and_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o law_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o be_v law_n eminenter_fw-la &_o virtualiter_fw-la though_o not_o actual_o and_o formal_o and_o in_o our_o case_n as_o this_o constitution_n do_v subject_v we_o to_o god_n make_v it_o our_o duty_n ever_o after_o to_o obey_v he_o so_o do_v it_o oblige_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o subjection_n and_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o act_n of_o high_a beneficence_n and_o perform_v by_o the_o fundamental_a grant_n or_o covenant_n now_o if_o this_o covenant_n and_o constitution_n can_v not_o express_o be_v show_v in_o writing_n it_o be_v no_o diminution_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o see_v among_o man_n fundamental_o be_v seldom_o write_v and_o when_o they_o be_v it_o be_v only_o as_o law_n oblige_v the_o subject_n to_o maintain_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o first_o constitution_n as_o long_o therefore_o as_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o successive_o infant_n shall_v be_v church-member_n it_o no_o whit_n invalidate_n the_o cause_n if_o we_o can_v not_o show_v the_o original_a constitution_n in_o writing_n yet_o somewhat_o we_o shall_v attempt_v 3._o we_o have_v full_a proof_n of_o infant_n church-membership_a by_o law_n and_o covenant_n concern_v it_o ever_o since_o the_o time_n that_o there_o be_v a_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o can_v fetch_v it_o no_o high_o have_v premise_v this_o i_o come_v near_o to_o the_o question_n the_o first_o institution_n of_o infant_n church-membership_a de_fw-fr jure_fw-la upon_o supposition_n of_o their_o existence_n be_v in_o god_n first_o constitution_n of_o the_o republic_n of_o the_o world_n when_o he_o become_v man_n governor_n and_o determine_v of_o his_o subject_n and_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n which_o republic_n be_v sacred_a and_o devote_v to_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n be_v true_o a_o church_n of_o which_o god_n be_v head_n this_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o first_o law_n and_o covenant_n make_v either_o in_o or_o upon_o man_n creation_n that_o such_o a_o covenant_n or_o promise_n of_o felicity_n be_v make_v by_o god_n to_o innocent_a man_n almost_o all_o divine_n agree_v but_o because_o it_o be_v rather_o imply_v than_o express_v in_o moses_n brief_a history_n some_o few_o caviller_n do_v therefore_o contradict_v we_o but_o 1._o the_o threaten_n of_o death_n for_o sin_n seem_v to_o imply_v a_o promise_n of_o life_n if_o he_o sin_v not_o 2._o and_o the_o new_a testament_n afford_v we_o divers_a passage_n that_o yet_o plain_o prove_v it_o which_o to_o you_o i_o need_v not_o recite_v but_o whether_o this_o promise_n of_o life_n be_v natural_a as_o the_o threaten_n of_o death_n be_v or_o only_o positive_a and_o more_o arbitrary_a divine_n be_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o those_o that_o say_v it_o be_v free_a and_o positive_a give_v this_o reason_n that_o god_n can_v not_o natural_o be_v oblige_v to_o bless_v or_o felicitate_a the_o most_o innocent_a or_o perfect_a creature_n nor_o any_o creature_n merit_n of_o god_n those_o that_o think_v it_o natural_a as_o the_o threaten_n be_v say_v it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n can_v not_o be_v proper_o oblige_v because_o he_o be_v under_o no_o law_n no_o more_o be_v he_o oblige_v to_o punish_v but_o only_a man_n oblige_v to_o suffer_v if_o he_o inflict_v it_o and_o it_o be_v true_a that_o man_n can_v strict_o merit_v of_o god_n but_o yet_o say_v they_o as_o man_n may_v have_v a_o natural_a aptitude_n for_o such_o felicity_n so_o god_n have_v a_o natural_a propensity_n to_o do_v good_a according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o his_o work_n do_v oblige_v he_o improper_o in_o point_n of_o fidelity_n and_o immutability_n as_o well_o as_o his_o word_n so_o that_o their_o reason_n be_v these_o follow_v 1._o because_o god_n be_v as_o natural_o prone_a to_o do_v good_a to_o the_o good_a as_o to_o do_v evil_a to_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v to_o reward_v as_o to_o punishment_n as_o his_o name_n proclaim_v to_o moses_n exod._n 34._o show_n 2._o because_o god_n make_v man_n capable_a of_o a_o high_a felicity_n and_o principling_n he_o with_o inclination_n thereto_o and_o give_v he_o desire_n love_n and_o other_o affection_n for_o that_o bless_a end_n even_o the_o everlasting_a fruition_n of_o god_n therefore_o they_o say_v god_n do_v in_o this_o frame_n of_o his_o nature_n give_v he_o ground_n to_o expect_v such_o a_o felicity_n if_o he_o sin_v not_o for_o else_o all_o these_o inclination_n and_o affection_n shall_v have_v be_v in_o vain_a but_o god_n make_v not_o so_o noble_a a_o creature_n with_o vain_a inclination_n and_o affection_n to_o act_v fallacious_o and_o false_o also_o god_n work_n
cause_n of_o be_v and_o motion_n as_o such_o as_o a_o free_a benefactor_n he_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o good_a as_o such_o and_o as_o a_o sapiential_a rector_n and_o benefactor_n conjunct_o that_o be_v by_o paternal_a government_n he_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o right_n be_v and_o motion_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o physical_a efficiency_n jus_fw-la vel_fw-la debitum_fw-la be_v the_o very_a formal_a effect_n or_o object_n of_o moral_a efficiency_n by_o a_o rector_n and_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o ethic_n to_o be_v a_o church-member_n be_v to_o have_v a_o state_v relation_n consist_v in_o right_a to_o the_o benefit_n and_o obligation_n to_o the_o duty_n as_o be_v say_v before_o he_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v any_o right_n and_o to_o have_v any_o such_o civil-moral_a cause_n as_o right_o have_v but_o to_o be_v quid_fw-la physicum_fw-la as_o health_n strength_n riches_n and_o a_o answerable_a physical_a cause_n let_v the_o shame_n of_o this_o ignorance_n reform_v the_o common_a error_n of_o school_n that_o teach_v not_o their_o child_n betimes_o the_o principle_n of_o ethic_n politic_n or_o govern_v order_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n that_o at_o 16._o year_n old_a any_o shall_v be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o these_o word_n import_v i_o must_v speak_v it_o or_o i_o comply_v with_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n that_o so_o shameful_o oppose_v the_o truth_n sect_n xxiv_o xxv_o r._n b._n 2._o god_n have_v express_o call_v that_o act_n a_o covenant_n or_o promise_n by_o which_o he_o convey_v this_o right_a which_o we_o shall_v more_o full_o manifest_v anon_o when_o we_o come_v to_o it_o the_o second_o proposition_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n or_o precept_n of_o god_n oblige_v the_o parent_n to_o enter_v their_o child_n into_o covenant_n and_o church-membership_a by_o accept_v of_o his_o offer_n and_o re-engaging_a they_o to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v as_o obvious_a and_o easy_a as_o the_o former_a but_o first_o i_o shall_v in_o a_o word_n here_o also_o explain_v the_o term_n the_o word_n law_n be_v sometime_o take_v more_o large_o and_o unfit_o as_o comprehend_v the_o very_a immanent_a act_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n consider_v without_o any_o sign_n to_o represent_v it_o to_o the_o creature_n so_o many_o call_v god_n nature_n or_o purpose_n the_o eternal_a law_n which_o indeed_o be_v no_o law_n nor_o can_v be_v fit_o so_o call_v 2._o it_o be_v take_v proper_o for_o a_o authoritative_a determination_n de_fw-fr debito_fw-la constituendo_fw-la vel_fw-la confirmando_fw-la and_o so_o it_o comprehend_v all_o that_o may_v fit_o be_v call_v a_o law_n some_o define_v it_o jussum_fw-la majestatis_fw-la obligans_fw-la aut_fw-la ad_fw-la obedientiam_fw-la aut_fw-la ad_fw-la poenam_fw-la but_o this_o leave_v out_o the_o premiant_a part_n and_o some_o other_o so_o that_o of_o grotius_n do_v est_fw-la regula_fw-la actionum_fw-la moralium_fw-la obligans_fw-la ad_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la rectum_fw-la est_fw-la i_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o first_o or_o rather_o in_o this_o which_o be_v more_o full_a and_o exact_a a_o law_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o rector_n will_v constitute_v or_o confirm_v right_a or_o dueness_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o rector_n will_v de_fw-la debito_fw-la constituendo_fw-la vel_fw-la confirmando_fw-la be_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o all_o law_n some_o quarrel_n at_o the_o word_n sign_n because_o it_o be_v logical_a and_o not_o political_a as_o if_o politician_n shall_v not_o speak_v logical_o as_o well_o as_o other_o man_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a due_a 1._o what_o be_v due_a from_o we_o to_o god_n or_o any_o rector_n and_o this_o be_v signify_v in_o the_o precept_n and_o prohibition_n or_o in_o the_o precept_n de_fw-fr agendo_fw-la &_o non_fw-la agendo_fw-la 2._o what_o shall_v be_v due_a to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v signify_v by_o promise_n or_o the_o premiant_a part_n of_o the_o law_n and_o by_o law_n for_o distribution_n and_o determination_n of_o propriety_n all_o benefit_n be_v give_v we_o by_o god_n in_o a_o double_a relation_n both_o as_o rector_n and_o benefactor_n or_o as_o benefactor_n regens_fw-la or_o as_o rector_n benefaciens_fw-la though_o among_o man_n that_o stand_v not_o in_o such_o a_o subordination_n to_o one_o another_o as_o we_o do_v to_o god_n they_o may_v be_v receive_v from_o a_o mere_a benefactor_n without_o any_o regent_a interest_n therein_o the_o first_o law_n do_v ever_o constitute_v the_o debitum_fw-la or_o right_a afterward_o there_o may_v be_v renew_v law_n and_o precept_n to_o urge_v man_n to_o obey_v the_o former_a or_o to_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o the_o end_n of_o these_o be_v either_o fullier_n to_o acquaint_v the_o subject_n with_o the_o former_a or_o to_o revive_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o or_o to_o excite_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o they_o and_o these_o do_v not_o proper_o constitute_v duty_n because_o it_o be_v constitute_v before_o but_o the_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o the_o act_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o do_v constitute_v it_o and_o therefore_o do_v confirm_v the_o constitution_n and_o again_o oblige_v we_o to_o what_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o before_o for_o obligation_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o duty_n may_v be_v multiply_v 3._o some_o take_v the_o word_n law_n in_o so_o restrain_v a_o sense_n as_o to_o exclude_v verbal_a or_o particular_a precept_n especial_o direct_v but_o to_o one_o or_o a_o few_o man_n and_o will_v only_o call_v that_o a_o law_n which_o be_v write_v or_o at_o least_o a_o well_o know_v custom_n oblige_v a_o whole_a society_n in_o a_o state_v way_n these_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a sort_n of_o law_n but_o to_o say_v that_o the_o rest_n be_v no_o law_n be_v vain_a and_o groundless_a against_o the_o true_a general_a definition_n of_o a_o law_n and_o just_o reject_v by_o the_o wise_a politician_n that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o to_o inquire_v after_o be_v a_o precept_n or_o the_o command_a part_n of_o a_o law_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o god_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o duty_n of_o which_o sign_n there_o be_v material_o several_a sort_n as_o 1._o by_o a_o voice_n that_o be_v evident_o of_o god_n 2._o by_o writing_n 3._o by_o visible_a work_n or_o effect_n 4._o by_o secret_a impress_n as_o by_o inspiration_n which_o be_v a_o law_n only_o to_o he_o that_o have_v they_o mr._n t._n i_o assert_v 1._o there_o be_v no_o such_o offer_n promise_n or_o covenant_n 2._o that_o though_o there_o be_v precept_n for_o parent_n to_o pray_v for_o their_o child_n to_o breed_v they_o up_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v this_o that_o upon_o their_o own_o faith_n god_n will_v take_v their_o infant_n child_n to_o be_v his_o and_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o nor_o to_o accept_v of_o this_o pretend_a offer_n 3._o that_o though_o parent_n may_v enter_v into_o covenant_n for_o their_o child_n as_o deut._n 29.12_o they_o do_v not_o by_o this_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o promise_n that_o god_n will_v be_v their_o god_n reply_n what_o a_o deal_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o church_n mercy_n do_v these_o man_n deny_v 1._o the_o very_a nature_n of_o our_o own_o holy_a covenant_n be_v that_o in_o it_o we_o give_v up_o to_o god_n ourselves_o and_o all_o that_o be_v we_o according_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o that_o all_o and_o as_o our_o riches_n be_v devote_v hereby_o as_o capable_a utensil_n so_o our_o infant_n as_o capable_a of_o infant_n relation_n obligation_n and_o right_n what_o be_v it_o that_o a_o sanctify_a man_n must_v not_o devote_v to_o god_n that_o be_v his_o if_o you_o except_v liberty_n health_n life_n you_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o can_v you_o except_v child_n it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v but_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v our_o own_o and_o we_o say_v no_o more_o when_o they_o have_v a_o will_n to_o choose_v for_o themselves_o they_o must_v do_v it_o 2._o i_o have_v full_o prove_v scripture_n command_v for_o parent_n to_o offer_v their_o child_n to_o god_n and_o that_o signify_v his_o will_n to_o accept_v what_o he_o command_v they_o to_o offer_v and_o his_o promise_n to_o show_v mercy_n to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v plain_a and_o many_o which_o i_o must_v not_o tire_v the_o reader_n with_o repeat_v mr._n t._n add_v that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o promise_n and_o duty_n of_o accept_v the_o pretend_a offer_n and_o re-engaging_a yet_o this_o neither_o do_v then_o nor_o do_v now_o make_v infant_n visible_a church-member_n reply_n reader_n be_v not_o the_o anabaptist_n ductile_a man_n where_o they_o like_v as_o well_o as_o intractable_a where_o they_o dislike_v that_o they_o will_v follow_v such_o a_o leader_n as_o this_o promise_v and_o duty_n of_o accept_v and_o re-engaging_a aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o rebel_n that_o reject_v it_o but_o if_o these_o perform_v
or_o donation_n which_o do_v not_o confer_v the_o benefit_n this_o i_o aver_v on_o occasion_n of_o your_o last_o letter_n where_o in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o former_a you_o confess_v the_o promise_n to_o the_o natural_a posterity_n of_o abraham_n gen._n 17._o and_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o israel_n at_o mount_n sinai_n and_o deut._n 29._o and_o a_o precept_n of_o circumcision_n and_o precept_n of_o god_n by_o moses_n of_o call_v the_o people_n and_o require_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n exod._n 19_o deut._n 29._o yet_o you_o do_v not_o conceive_v that_o the_o infant_n of_o israel_n be_v make_v visible_a church-member_n by_o the_o promise_n in_o the_o covenant_n or_o the_o precept_n forenamed_a if_o so_o then_o either_o you_o imagine_v that_o among_o all_o those_o precept_n and_o promise_n there_o be_v yet_o no_o promise_n or_o covenant_n that_o give_v they_o the_o benefit_n of_o church-membership_a or_o precept_n concern_v their_o entrance_n into_o that_o state_n or_o else_o you_o imagine_v that_o such_o promise_n be_v make_v but_o do_v not_o actual_o confer_v the_o benefit_n and_o such_o precept_n be_v make_v but_o do_v not_o actual_o oblige_v your_o word_n be_v so_o ambiguous_a in_o this_o that_o they_o signify_v nothing_o of_o your_o mind_n to_o any_o that_o know_v it_o not_o some_o other_o way_n for_o when_o you_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o particular_a promise_n concern_v infant_n visible_a church-membership_a or_o precept_n etc._n etc._n beside_o circumcision_n as_o in_o my_o book_n of_o baptism_n i_o assert_v who_o know_v whether_o that_o exception_n of_o circumcision_n be_v a_o concession_n of_o such_o a_o precept_n or_o promise_n in_o the_o case_n of_o circumcision_n or_o if_o not_o what_o sense_n it_o have_v and_o what_o you_o imagine_v that_o precept_n or_o promise_n to_o be_v which_o i_o assert_v and_o before_o the_o sense_n of_o your_o one_o syllable_n such_o be_v discern_v by_o try_v it_o by_o a_o whole_a volume_n i_o doubt_v you_o will_v make_v what_o you_o list_v of_o it_o however_o if_o you_o shall_v mean_v that_o such_o precept_n there_o be_v as_o have_v for_o their_o subject_n the_o avouch_v god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n the_o enter_v into_o covenant_n circumcision_n of_o infant_n but_o not_o their_o church-membership_a then_o 1._o i_o have_v prove_v the_o contrary_a to_o the_o negative_a before_o 2._o and_o more_o shall_v do_v anon_o 3._o and_o it_o be_v a_o palpable_a contradiction_n to_o the_o precedent_n affirmative_a but_o if_o you_o mean_v that_o church-membership_a of_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v the_o subject_n or_o part_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o those_o promise_n or_o precept_n and_o yet_o that_o infant_n be_v not_o make_v or_o confirm_v thereby_o it_o be_v the_o contrary_a that_o i_o be_o assert_v and_o i_o have_v no_o further_o need_v to_o prove_v than_o by_o show_v the_o contradiction_n of_o your_o opinion_n to_o itself_o for_o a_o actual_a covenant_n or_o promise_n that_o do_v not_o give_v right_a to_o the_o benefit_n promise_v according_a to_o its_o tenor_n and_o term_n be_v like_o a_o cause_n that_o have_v no_o effect_n a_o father_n that_o do_v never_o generate_v and_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v a_o gift_n or_o covenant_n which_o be_v no_o gift_n or_o covenant_n see_v the_o name_n be_v deny_v when_o the_o thing_n name_v and_o define_v be_v grant_v so_o a_o precept_n or_o law_n to_o enter_v infant_n solemn_o into_o church-membership_a which_o yet_o oblige_v none_o so_o to_o enter_v they_o be_v as_o gross_a a_o contradiction_n as_o to_o say_v the_o sun_n have_v not_o heat_n or_o light_n and_o yet_o be_v true_o a_o sun_n mr._n t._n here_o confess_v 2._o that_o the_o jew_n be_v god_n visible_a church_n not_o bare_o by_o god_n promise_n to_o they_o to_o be_v their_o god_n but_o by_o their_o promise_n to_o god_n god_n call_v of_o they_o make_v they_o his_o church_n and_o their_o promise_n to_o god_n with_o other_o act_n make_v they_o visible_o so_o reply_v reader_n be_v not_o all_o here_o unsay_v again_o by_o this_o concession_n unless_o he_o will_v say_v that_o this_o call_v and_o covenant_n and_o promise_v make_v they_o all_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o these_o but_o their_o birth_n and_o place_n make_v they_o member_n as_o if_o any_o thing_n make_v the_o whole_a church_n which_o make_v none_o of_o the_o part_n as_o such_o sect_n xxviii_o r._n b._n i_o come_v next_o to_o the_o six_o question_n whether_o indeed_o there_o be_v any_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n which_o without_o the_o causation_n of_o any_o promise_n or_o precept_n do_v make_v the_o israelite_n infant_n church-member_n this_o you_o affirm_v if_o you_o will_v be_v understand_v whether_o this_o your_o ground_n of_o infant_n church-membership_a or_o i_o be_v right_a i_o hope_v will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o another_o man_n of_o common_a capacity_n to_o discern_v by_o a_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n thus_o set_v as_o contradistinct_a to_o a_o law_n precept_n or_o promise_n either_o you_o mean_v the_o act_n of_o legislation_n and_o promise_n make_v or_o some_o other_o mere_o physical_a act_n if_o the_o former_a it_o be_v too_o ridiculous_a to_o be_v use_v in_o a_o serious_a business_n for_o you_o shall_v not_o put_v thing_n in_o competition_n exclude_v the_o one_o where_o they_o both_o must_v necessary_o concur_v the_o one_o stand_v in_o a_o subordination_n to_o the_o other_o be_v there_o ever_o a_o law_n or_o covenant_n make_v in_o the_o world_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o a_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n sure_o all_o legislation_n be_v by_o some_o signification_n of_o the_o sovereign_n will_n and_o the_o make_n of_o that_o sign_n be_v a_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n if_o it_o be_v by_o voice_n be_v not_o that_o transeunt_fw-la if_o by_o writing_n be_v not_o the_o act_n transeunt_fw-la if_o by_o creation_n itself_o the_o act_n be_v transeunt_fw-la though_o the_o effect_n be_v permanent_a and_o certain_o if_o legislation_n or_o promise_a be_v your_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n you_o do_v very_o absurd_o put_v it_o in_o opposition_n to_o a_o law_n or_o promise_n it_o be_v the_o make_n of_o such_o a_o law_n and_o the_o legislation_n do_v no_o way_n oblige_v the_o subject_n but_o by_o the_o law_n so_o make_v nor_o do_v the_o make_n of_o a_o promise_n grant_v or_o covenant_n confer_v right_a to_o the_o benefit_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o it_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o it_o be_v the_o make_n of_o that_o grant_n which_o shall_v so_o confer_v it_o as_o the_o make_n of_o a_o knife_n do_v not_o cut_v but_o the_o knife_n make_v and_o so_o of_o other_o instrument_n so_o that_o if_o the_o law_n oblige_v not_o or_o the_o grant_n confer_v not_o certain_o the_o legislation_n or_o promise-making_a can_v do_v it_o i_o can_v therefore_o imagine_v that_o this_o be_v your_o sense_n without_o charge_v you_o with_o too_o great_a absurdity_n as_o if_o you_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o the_o testator_n 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you_o bestow_v some_o more_o diligence_n to_o inform_v we_o and_o not_o put_v we_o off_o with_o the_o raw_a name_n of_o a_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n oppose_v to_o these_o certain_o if_o it_o be_v a_o civil_a or_o legal_a action_n the_o product_n or_o effect_v of_o it_o be_v jus_o or_o debitum_fw-la some_o due_a or_o right_n and_o that_o be_v either_o 1._o a_o dueness_n of_o somewhat_o from_o we_o which_o be_v either_o somewhat_o to_o be_v do_v or_o somewhat_o to_o be_v give_v 2._o or_o a_o dueness_n of_o something_o to_o we_o which_o be_v either_o of_o good_a or_o evil_n if_o good_a it_o be_v either_o by_o contract_n or_o donation_n whether_o by_o a_o testament_n praemiant_a law_n or_o the_o like_a if_o evil_a it_o be_v either_o by_o some_o penal_a law_n or_o voluntary_a agreement_n now_o which_o of_o these_o be_v it_o that_o your_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n produce_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o society_n take_v god_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o take_v by_o he_o for_o his_o special_a people_n the_o act_n which_o make_v each_o member_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o make_v the_o society_n the_o relation_n then_o essential_o contain_v 1._o a_o right_a to_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o god_n sovereignty_n over_o man_n christ_n headship_n and_o that_o favour_n protection_n provision_n and_o other_o blessing_n which_o be_v due_a from_o such_o a_o powerful_a and_o graciou_n sovereign_a to_o such_o subject_n and_o from_o such_o a_o head_n to_o his_o member_n as_o also_o a_o right_a to_o my_o station_n in_o the_o body_n and_o to_o the_o inseparable_a benefit_n thereof_o 2._o it_o contain_v my_o debt_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n acknowledge_v and_o promise_v actual_o or_o virtual_o real_o or_o reputative_o now_o for_o the_o first_o how_o can_v god_n be_v relate_v unto_o i_o as_o my_o god_n or_o christ_n as_o my_o saviviour_n and_o i_o to_o he_o as_o one_o that_o have_v such_o right_n to_o he_o and_o his_o blessing_n by_o any_o other_o way_n than_o his_o own_o free_a gift_n this_o gift_n must_v be_v some_o signification_n of_o his_o will_n for_o his_o secret_a will_n be_v not_o a_o gift_n but_o a_o purpose_n of_o give_v this_o way_n of_o give_v therefore_o be_v by_o a_o civil_a or_o moral_a action_n which_o be_v a_o signify_v of_o the_o donor_n will_v and_o can_v be_v by_o no_o way_n but_o either_o pure_a donation_n contract_n testament_n or_o law_n in_o our_o case_n it_o must_v needs_o partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o these_o it_o be_v not_o from_o one_o in_o any_o equality_n nor_o capable_a of_o any_o oblige_a compensation_n or_o retribution_n from_o we_o be_v therefore_o from_o a_o absolute_a dis-engaged_n benefactor_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v by_o pure_a donation_n or_o it_o can_v be_v we_o yet_o as_o he_o be_v please_v as_o it_o be_v to_o oblige_v himself_o by_o promise_n or_o by_o his_o word_n and_o also_o to_o call_v we_o to_o a_o voluntary_a acceptance_n and_o engagement_n to_o certain_a fidelity_n gratitude_n and_o duty_n â—nd_v so_o be_v the_o stipulator_n and_o we_o the_o promiser_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o action_n it_o be_v therefore_o just_o call_v a_o contract_n or_o covenant_n though_o indeed_o the_o word_n covenant_n frequent_o signify_v god_n own_o promise_n alone_o as_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o death_n of_o the_o testator_n in_o natural_a moral-reputative_a be_v so_o it_o be_v call_v a_o testament_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o a_o roll_a benefactor_n give_v this_o benefit_n to_o the_o govern_v to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o oblige_v to_o duty_n thereby_o so_o it_o partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o law_n the_o common_a scripture_n name_n for_o this_o act_n be_v god_n covenant_n or_o promise_n and_o sometime_o his_o gift_n which_o all_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n here_o it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o either_o by_o god_n take_n israel_n to_o be_v his_o people_n you_o mean_v some_o civil_a political_a action_n as_o a_o covenant_n promise_v or_o the_o like_a collation_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o then_o you_o assert_v the_o thing_n which_o you_o deny_v or_o else_o you_o know_v not_o what_o you_o mean_v nor_o can_v make_v another_o know_v it_o without_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o church-membership_a the_o profess_a duty_n of_o man_n to_o god_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a 1._o that_o god_n law_n oblige_v we_o to_o that_o duty_n 2._o and_o oblige_v all_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n to_o consent_v to_o the_o obligation_n and_o so_o to_o re-engage_a themselves_o 3._o that_o this_o actual_a consent_n profess_v do_v therefore_o double_a the_o obligation_n and_o thus_o by_o a_o mutual_a contract_n covenant_n or_o consent_n whereof_o our_o part_n be_v first_o require_v by_o a_o law_n be_v the_o relation_n of_o church-membership_a contract_v now_o to_o lay_v by_o and_o deny_v all_o this_o and_o give_v we_o the_o general_a naked_a name_n of_o take_v for_o god_n people_n be_v mere_o delusory_a see_v that_o take_v mean_v this_o which_o you_o exclude_v or_o it_o mean_v nothing_o that_o be_v true_a and_o reasonable_a and_o therefore_o tell_v we_o better_v what_o it_o mean_v as_o for_o the_o text_n you_o cite_v deut._n 4.34_o &_o levit._n 20.24_o 26._o 1_o king_n 8.53_o isai_n 43.1_o in_o deut._n 4._o be_v mention_v not_o the_o moral_a act_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o make_v they_o his_o people_n or_o take_v they_o for_o his_o own_o and_o found_v the_o relation_n but_o the_o natural_a action_n whereby_o he_o rescue_v they_o from_o the_o egyptian_a bondage_n and_o take_v they_o to_o himself_o or_o for_o his_o use_n service_n and_o honour_n out_o of_o that_o land_n but_o i_o think_v sure_a they_o be_v his_o people_n and_o all_o their_o infant_n be_v church-member_n before_o that_o take_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o former_a covenant-taking_a as_o to_o levit._n 20._o god_n do_v perform_v a_o twofold_a work_n of_o separation_n for_o israel_n 1._o by_o his_o covenant_n and_o their_o enter_a covenant_n with_o he_o 2._o by_o local_a separation_n of_o their_o body_n from_o other_o it_o be_v the_o first_o that_o make_v they_o his_o people_n and_o church-member_n and_o not_o the_o last_o the_o last_o be_v only_o a_o favourable_a deal_n with_o they_o as_o his_o belove_a the_o same_o i_o say_v to_o the_o other_o two_o text_n sure_o you_o can_v think_v that_o corporal_a separation_n make_v a_o church-member_n what_o if_o a_o egyptian_a that_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o covenant_n have_v pass_v out_o with_o the_o israely_n and_o get_v with_o they_o through_o the_o red_a sea_n do_v you_o think_v he_o have_v be_v therefore_o a_o church-member_n suppose_v god_n have_v make_v no_o promise_n or_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n or_o his_o seed_n but_o only_o take_v they_o out_o of_o chaldea_n into_o canaan_n and_o thence_o into_o egypt_n and_o thence_o into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o thence_o into_o canaan_n again_o do_v you_o think_v this_o much_o have_v make_v they_o church-member_n then_o if_o the_o turk_n conquer_v greece_n or_o the_o tartarian_n conquer_v china_n they_o be_v become_v church-member_n because_o this_o seem_v as_o great_a a_o temporal_a prosperity_n at_o least_o and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v past_a doubt_n that_o lot_n be_v a_o church-member_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o sodom_n and_o the_o israelite_n in_o egypt_n before_o they_o be_v bring_v out_o as_o true_o as_o after_o as_o to_o gen._n 12.1_o act_n 7.2_o nehem._n 9.7_o which_o you_o also_o cite_v as_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o that_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n that_o infant-church-membership_a than_o begin_v so_o i_o shall_v further_o inquire_v anon_o whether_o they_o contain_v any_o covenant_n or_o promise_n so_o exod._n 19.4_o 5._o have_v no_o word_n that_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n that_o god_n by_o that_o act_n of_o take_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n do_v make_v israel_n a_o church_n or_o the_o infant_n or_o any_o other_o member_n of_o it_o but_o only_o that_o by_o fulfil_v a_o former_a promise_n in_o the_o deliverance_n of_o a_o people_n former_o his_o own_o he_o lay_v further_a obligation_n to_o duty_n on_o they_o by_o redouble_v his_o mercy_n the_o same_o i_o say_v of_o levit._n 11.45_o neh._n 1.10_o i_o will_v not_o believe_v yet_o but_o that_o you_o believe_v yourself_o that_o the_o israelite_n and_o their_o infant_n be_v as_o true_o church-member_n before_o as_o after_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o methinks_v the_o text_n you_o cite_v may_v put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n what_o if_o god_n say_v hos_fw-la 11.1_o when_o israel_n be_v a_o child_n i_o love_v he_o and_o call_v my_o son_n
his_o own_o understanding_n and_o his_o ignorant_a reader_n by_o such_o silly_a wrangling_n animate_v by_o partiality_n let_v he_o bear_v the_o consequent_n and_o know_v that_o i_o have_v somewhat_o else_o to_o do_v with_o my_o few_o remain_v hour_n than_o to_o write_v book_n on_o such_o insufficient_a invitation_n and_o expectation_n chap._n vii_o of_o danvers_n many_o other_o accusation_n of_o i_o §_o 1._o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o old_a character_n of_o the_o heretic_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n to_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o understand_v not_o and_o that_o may_v well_o be_v their_o character_n in_o which_o they_o contradict_v the_o three_o great_a constitutive_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o all_o religion_n and_o true_a honesty_n viz._n truth_n humility_n and_o love_n by_o falsehood_n pride_n and_o malignity_n call_v common_o vncharitablness_n §_o 2._o the_o root_n of_o this_o be_v when_o reign_v a_o unsanctified_a heart_n in_o which_o these_o vice_n remain_v unmortified_a cover_v from_o the_o owner_n knowledge_n by_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o especial_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o way_n of_o some_o party_n more_o honour_v in_o the_o person_n eye_n for_o wisdom_n or_o piety_n than_o other_o in_o other_o there_o be_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o same_o vice_n mix_v with_o true_a grace_n where_o a_o evil_a and_o a_o good_a cause_n be_v conjoin_v as_o to_o some_o effect_n they_o love_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o they_o hate_v all_o that_o they_o think_v against_o he_o they_o will_v promote_v piety_n in_o the_o world_n and_o repress_v what_o they_o think_v against_o it_o and_o be_v person_n who_o wit_n and_o study_n be_v not_o such_o as_o exactness_n and_o largeness_n of_o knowledge_n do_v require_v but_o yet_o lover_n of_o knowledge_n truth_n and_o scripture_n they_o have_v more_o knowledge_n than_o profane_a sot_n but_o little_a alas_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o methodical_a accurate_a understanding_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o frequent_o fall_v under_o controversy_n and_o so_o know_v but_o little_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o nor_o what_o other_o know_v beyond_o they_o and_o it_o be_v the_o common_a vice_n of_o man_n understanding_n to_o be_v hasty_a in_o judgeing_a before_o they_o hear_v or_o know_v one_o half_a that_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o true_a and_o faithful_a judgement_n and_o so_o to_o be_v confident_a before_o they_o understand_v these_o man_n hereby_o be_v lead_v to_o confidence_n in_o many_o a_o error_n and_o a_o err_a judgement_n first_o tell_v they_o that_o truth_n be_v falsehood_n and_o falsehood_n truth_n that_o good_a be_v evil_a and_o evil_a good_a that_o duty_n be_v sin_n and_o sin_n be_v duty_n and_o then_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o bad_a the_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o perverse_a and_o partial_a zeal_n concur_v to_o put_v they_o on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o error_n ignorance_n and_o error_n set_v they_o on_o a_o wrong_a cause_n and_o a_o mix_a affection_n or_o zeal_n partly_o good_a and_o partly_o evil_a spur_v they_o on_o and_o in_o these_o the_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o consequent_a sin_n be_v no_o more_o predominant_a than_o the_o cause_n and_o god_n will_v have_v mercy_n on_o those_o that_o in_o ignorance_n with_o good_a meaning_n oppose_v many_o truth_n and_o do_v much_o evil_n §_o 3._o and_o the_o great_a mean_n of_o nourish_v this_o sin_n in_o church_n be_v depart_v from_o christ_n church_n order_n who_o have_v appoint_v teach_v and_o learn_v to_o be_v the_o settle_a way_n of_o get_v knowledge_n and_o therefore_o require_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o come_v to_o his_o church_n as_o little_a child_n to_o school_n with_o teachable_a humble_a mind_n to_o learn_v and_o not_o with_o proud_a wrangle_a mind_n to_o dispute_v if_o all_o our_o child_n shall_v spend_v their_o time_n at_o school_n in_o dispute_v with_o the_o teacher_n and_o set_v their_o wit_n against_o his_o as_o in_o a_o conflict_n what_o will_v they_o thus_o learn_v §_o 4._o therefore_o paul_n say_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v and_o oft_o call_v man_n from_o perverse_a dispute_n and_o strive_v about_o word_n which_o subvert_v the_o hearer_n and_o from_o such_o contending_n as_o edify_v not_o but_o tend_v to_o more_o ungodliness_n though_o the_o faith_n may_v be_v contend_v for_o and_o truth_n defend_v when_o opposition_n make_v it_o true_o necessary_a §_o 5._o when_o a_o man_n seek_v after_o knowledge_n as_o a_o learner_n he_o meet_v it_o with_o a_o willing_a mind_n he_o come_v towards_o it_o with_o a_o appetite_n and_o so_o be_v a_o capable_a receiver_n but_o when_o a_o man_n come_v as_o a_o disputant_n he_o be_v engage_v already_o to_o one_o side_n and_o if_o that_o be_v false_a he_o come_v out_o to_o fight_v against_o the_o truth_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o opposition_n hate_v truth_n as_o error_n and_o good_a as_o evil_a and_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o destroy_v and_o shame_v it_o if_o he_o can_v and_o therefore_o be_v unapt_a to_o think_v what_o may_v be_v say_v for_o it_o but_o study_v all_o that_o he_o can_v against_o it_o and_o be_v this_o loathe_n and_o opposition_n and_o fight_v against_o truth_n the_o way_n to_o know_v it_o §_o 6._o therefore_o that_o which_o have_v undo_v the_o church_n peace_n be_v that_o too_o many_o teacher_n be_v themselves_o too_o forward_o to_o controversy_n have_v too_o hasty_o draw_v in_o their_o people_n into_o their_o quarrel_n and_o cast_v such_o bone_n before_o they_o in_o book_n and_o pulpit_n instead_o of_o food_n which_o break_v their_o tooth_n and_o set_v they_o together_o by_o the_o ear_n instead_o of_o nourish_v they_o and_o so_o one_o man_n hearer_n be_v teach_v to_o dispute_v for_o this_o sort_n of_o government_n and_o another_o for_n that_o sort_n one_o man_v for_o freewill_n and_o another_o against_o it_o when_o perhaps_o neither_o they_o nor_o the_o master_n of_o the_o quarrel_n can_v tell_v you_o what_o it_o be_v and_o so_o of_o a_o hundred_o more_o such_o like_a the_o honest_a hearer_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v digest_v the_o ancient_a christian_a doctrine_n and_o learning_n to_o increase_v in_o love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o to_o practice_v a_o holy_a and_o a_o heavenly_a life_n and_o prepare_v for_o a_o comfortable_a death_n and_o happy_a eternity_n by_o a_o live_a faith_n and_o hope_n be_v teach_v that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o zealot_n for_o this_o opinion_n or_o that_o for_o anabaptistry_n for_o separation_n etc._n etc._n if_o they_o pray_v by_o a_o book_n or_o if_o they_o join_v with_o those_o that_o hold_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o hear_v call_v by_o odious_a frightful_a name_n they_o be_v not_o then_o right_a zealous_a christian_n but_o corrupt_a or_o complyer_n or_o lukewarm_a and_o thus_o each_o church_n be_v make_v a_o miserable_a church-militant_a and_o train_v up_o to_o war_n against_o each_o other_o §_o 7._o and_o this_o minister_n have_v do_v partly_o to_o strengthen_v themselves_o by_o the_o consent_n and_o number_n of_o their_o adherent_n as_o the_o captain_n must_v conquer_v by_o his_o soldier_n when_o they_o can_v set_v a_o great_a number_n on_o hate_v their_o adversary_n and_o backbiting_a they_o and_o tell_v the_o hearer_n wherever_o they_o come_v to_o make_v they_o seem_v odious_a how_o erroneous_a and_o bad_a such_o and_o such_o man_n be_v they_o think_v they_o have_v do_v much_o of_o their_o work_n and_o while_o they_o think_v it_o be_v for_o christ_n they_o know_v not_o how_o notable_o they_o please_v and_o serve_v the_o devil_n but_o i_o must_v remember_v that_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o this_o elsewhere_o and_o so_o dismiss_v it_o §_o 8._o that_o mr._n danvers_n and_o his_o imitater_n speak_v evil_a confident_o and_o vehement_o of_o the_o thing_n they_o know_v not_o yea_o very_o many_o such_o i_o be_o sure_a but_o from_o what_o principle_n or_o root_n or_o how_o far_o that_o vice_n which_o produce_v these_o fruit_n be_v mortify_v or_o unmortified_a as_o to_o all_o other_o i_o be_o neither_o call_v nor_o willing_a to_o judge_v i_o remember_v how_o mr._n tho._n pierce_v once_o deal_v with_o i_o when_o my_o religious_a neighbour_n can_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v to_o communicate_v with_o those_o among_o they_o that_o be_v of_o his_o judgement_n say_v they_o be_v man_n that_o will_v swear_v and_o lie_v and_o live_v scandalous_o i_o think_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o keep_v up_o discipline_n and_o yet_o to_o moderate_v their_o censure_n by_o tell_v they_o what_o sin_n i_o think_v may_v stand_v with_o some_o measure_n of_o sincere_a piety_n and_o church-communion_n and_o what_o do_v he_o but_o hence_o take_v advantage_n to_o tell_v the_o world_n how_o loose_a my_o doctrine_n be_v and_o what_o sinful_a person_n i_o think_v
have_v grace_n so_o now_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v that_o notwithstanding_o these_o hard-faced_n falsehood_n heap_v together_o and_o confident_o obtrude_v on_o the_o ignorant_a even_o about_o public_a and_o visible_a matter_n of_o fact_n yet_o i_o hope_v the_o author_n fear_v god_n true_o in_o other_o respect_n and_o err_v through_o ignorance_n passion_n and_o temerity_n i_o shall_v be_v tell_v public_o ere_o long_o by_o one_o or_o other_o that_o i_o think_v the_o most_o brazen-faced_a liar_n may_v be_v saint_n and_o if_o i_o deny_v such_o man_n goodness_n i_o look_v to_o be_v tell_v that_o i_o be_o censorious_a and_o a_o reviler_n of_o godly_a man_n that_o differ_v from_o i_o therefore_o i_o be_o thankful_a to_o christ_n that_o he_o not_o only_o excuse_v we_o from_o so_o hard_a a_o work_n as_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o other_o but_o call_v we_o off_o and_o say_v who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v but_o whoever_o censure_v i_o for_o it_o i_o will_v say_v that_o my_o judgement_n still_o incline_v to_o the_o hopeful_a and_o charitable_a part_n for_o side_v and_o error_n may_v draw_v good_a man_n into_o heinous_a sin_n §_o 9_o that_o he_o and_o i_o do_v differ_v in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v i_o think_v our_o difference_n have_v be_v but_o in_o so_o small_a and_o tolerable_a thing_n till_o i_o see_v worse_o in_o his_o write_n as_o shall_v neither_o abate_v love_n or_o forbid_v communion_n and_o think_v so_o i_o be_v the_o likely_a to_o practice_v as_o i_o think_v and_o not_o to_o hate_v he_o and_o such_o as_o he_o but_o i_o perceive_v he_o take_v the_o difference_n to_o be_v far_o great_a and_o my_o error_n and_o sin_n to_o be_v more_o heinous_a and_o intolerable_a and_o therefore_o if_o he_o hate_v i_o though_o i_o know_v not_o that_o ever_o he_o see_v i_o or_o i_o he_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o his_o judgement_n and_o also_o if_o he_o will_v not_o tolerate_v i_o be_v it_o in_o his_o power_n §_o 10._o if_o he_o so_o great_o differ_v from_o i_o and_o be_v in_o the_o right_n certain_o it_o be_v because_o he_o be_v either_o a_o great_a deal_n wise_a and_o more_o know_v in_o these_o matter_n or_o because_o he_o be_v more_o conscionable_a to_o avoid_v pervert_v temptation_n and_o more_o godly_a and_o fit_a for_o divine_a light_n i_o deny_v not_o either_o but_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o my_o heart_n tell_v he_o that_o i_o be_o so_o deep_o conscious_a of_o the_o darkness_n and_o smallness_n of_o my_o understanding_n and_o my_o little_a goodness_n and_o very_o ill_a desert_n from_o god_n that_o do_v he_o bring_v i_o any_o considerable_a evidence_n for_o his_o cause_n my_o great_a suspicion_n of_o myself_o will_v prepare_v i_o to_o hear_v he_o but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v such_o stuff_n as_o he_o here_o obtrude_v on_o we_o and_o i_o must_v tell_v he_o though_o i_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v a_o free_a benefactor_n and_o may_v give_v the_o great_a knowledge_n to_o they_o that_o have_v least_o labour_v for_o it_o yet_o while_o diligent_a search_n be_v his_o command_a mean_n i_o shall_v doubt_v whether_o his_o easy_a and_o short_a search_n have_v attain_v to_o so_o much_o more_o than_o my_o hard_a and_o long_o till_o the_o fruit_n shall_v prove_v it_o §_o 11._o he_o tell_v we_o ed._n 2._o p._n 170._o that_o i_o can_v do_v myself_o more_o right_a and_o my_o offend_a brethren_n than_o to_o clear_v myself_o in_o these_o particular_n which_o be_v indeed_o so_o heinous_a not_o only_o to_o every_o one_o of_o his_o nonconform_a brethren_n but_o to_o most_o protestant_n that_o hear_v they_o answ_n 1._o still_o such_o untruth_n do_v you_o know_v what_o most_o protestant_n think_v that_o hear_v they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o my_o nonconform_a brethren_n why_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o that_o i_o know_v do_v read_v they_o over_o and_o approve_v they_o before_o they_o be_v print_v other_o many_z and_o many_o of_o the_o most_o judicious_a also_o of_o my_o acquaintance_n have_v since_o profess_v their_o consent_n nay_o more_o i_o remember_v not_o one_o minister_n that_o have_v make_v i_o know_v by_o word_n or_o writing_n to_o i_o that_o he_o dissent_v from_o any_o one_o of_o all_o these_o heinous_a thing_n i_o remember_v that_o once_o some_o object_v what_o they_o hear_v other_o say_v not_o as_o consent_n to_o the_o opposer_n and_o acquiesce_v in_o my_o answer_n or_o rather_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n peruse_v so_o that_o if_o every_o one_o of_o my_o nonconform_a brethren_n be_v offend_v and_o i_o know_v not_o of_o one_o nor_o any_o one_o of_o they_o will_v ever_o vouchsafe_v a_o word_n or_o line_n to_o convince_v i_o you_o censure_v they_o for_o woeful_a dissembler_n or_o uncharitable_a but_o i_o believe_v they_o of_o themselves_o rather_o than_o you_o §_o 12._o he_o add_v and_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v have_v give_v more_o general_a offence_n and_o lose_v mr._n baxter_n more_o among_o his_o friend_n communion_n than_o any_o thing_n he_o do_v in_o all_o his_o life_n answ_n 1._o the_o offence_n which_o christ_n dreadful_o condemn_v which_o be_v scandalize_a the_o weak_a or_o lay_v snare_n or_o stumbling-block_n before_o they_o to_o tempt_v they_o to_o think_v ill_o of_o christ_n or_o godliness_n or_o to_o commit_v any_o sin_n i_o will_v avoid_v as_o careful_o as_o i_o can_v and_o to_o avoid_v it_o i_o have_v write_v that_o which_o offend_v you_o but_o the_o offence_n which_o be_v but_o displease_a dissenter_n yea_o mistake_a man_n i_o little_a regard_n on_o my_o own_o account_n and_o your_o talk_n of_o my_o loss_n or_o be_v lose_v do_v savour_n so_o rank_o of_o a_o humane_a hypocritical_a temptation_n as_o make_v i_o remember_v what_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n math._n 16.23_o that_o will_v have_v have_v he_o save_v himself_o from_o suffer_v though_o i_o will_v not_o speak_v out_o such_o unpleasing_a word_n to_o you_o but_o your_o word_n savour_v too_o much_o of_o the_o flesh_n o_o sir_n it_o be_v but_o a_o few_o moment_n more_o and_o you_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o world_n where_o the_o thought_n and_o word_n of_o mortal_n of_o we_o will_v be_v of_o small_a importance_n to_o we_o and_o themselves_o be_v haste_v to_o the_o day_n when_o all_o their_o thought_n perish_v o_o cease_v from_o man_n who_o breath_n be_v in_o his_o nostril_n for_o wherein_o be_v he_o to_o be_v account_v of_o will_v you_o tempt_v i_o to_o look_v to_o the_o hypocrite_n reward_n the_o approbation_n of_o man_n o_o miserable_a reward_n be_v not_o that_o book_n odious_a to_o you_o i_o will_v refer_v you_o for_o my_o reason_n to_o the_o two_o chapter_n of_o man-pleasing_a and_o pride_n if_o god_n approbation_n seem_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o why_o call_v we_o he_o our_o god_n but_o if_o i_o have_v lose_v so_o much_o as_o you_o intimate_v you_o will_v persuade_v i_o that_o my_o service_n be_v more_o than_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v i_o have_v feel_v little_a comfort_n in_o any_o service_n of_o god_n which_o cost_v i_o nothing_o but_o you_o shall_v not_o tempt_v i_o to_o overvalue_v it_o so_o much_o i_o find_v no_o loss_n at_o all_o by_o it_o what_o have_v i_o lose_v sir_n not_o one_o farthing_n or_o farthings-worth_n that_o i_o be_o aware_a of_o as_o i_o live_v not_o on_o any_o man_n before_o so_o i_o be_o never_o the_o poor_a for_o that_o duty_n now_o be_v it_o man_n praise_n or_o good_a thought_n of_o i_o not_o one_o friend_n to_o my_o remembrance_n in_o the_o city_n or_o land_n have_v once_o tell_v i_o his_o dissent_n much_o less_o that_o i_o have_v lose_v his_o good_a esteem_n only_o one_o young_a man_n that_o hear_v i_o preach_v come_v for_o satisfaction_n about_o one_o of_o the_o particular_n who_o be_v satisfy_v as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v perceive_v and_o i_o wish_v he_o but_o to_o read_v over_o all_o in_o my_o book_n about_o that_o you_o object_n concern_v the_o crucifix_n and_o i_o hear_v of_o he_o no_o more_o and_o if_o i_o be_o so_o much_o lose_v with_o my_o friend_n and_o no_o one_o of_o they_o in_o england_n tell_v i_o that_o he_o dissent_v and_o wherein_o such_o friend_n be_v not_o so_o valuable_a as_o to_o be_v any_o of_o my_o felicity_n and_o do_v you_o call_v a_o man_n lost_n that_o lose_v the_o thought_n or_o the_o breath_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v their_o own_o duty_n or_o sin_n i_o regard_v all_o man_n thought_n or_o word_n and_o so_o will_v please_v all_o man_n for_o their_o good_a to_o edification_n but_o as_o to_o my_o own_o comfort_n i_o can_v spare_v you_o and_o they_o and_o if_o you_o and_o a_o