parent_n and_o be_v member_n with_o they_o doubt_v 29._o 14_o 15._o 3._o child_n bear_v before_o their_o parent_n covenant_v yet_o if_o in_o their_o minority_n when_o their_o parent_n enter_v into_o covenant_n do_v covenant_n with_o they_o and_o be_v church-member_n gen._n 17._o 25._o the_o whole_a household_n of_o lydia_n the_o jailor_n and_o other_o be_v baptise_v therefore_o some_o child_n in_o minority_n which_o be_v bear_v before_o except_o we_o shall_v deny_v so_o much_o as_o one_o child_n in_o minority_n then_o alive_a in_o all_o those_o house_n 4._o there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n at_o least_o ordinary_o to_o conclude_v a_o child_n of_o seven_o ten_o or_o twelve_o year_n old_a to_o be_v incorrigible_a because_o a_o child_n at_o the_o age_n mention_v be_v infans_fw-la in_fw-la foro_fw-la ecclesie_fw-la i_o e._n he_o have_v no_o voice_n nor_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v hear_v in_o a_o church_n way_n therefore_o not_o incorrigible_a as_o to_o the_o church_n their_o obstinacy_n at_o the_o year_n mention_v be_v not_o capital_a by_o god_n law_n deut._n 21._o 18._o there_o be_v still_o place_n for_o hope_n prov._n 19_o 18._o and_o 22._o 15._o 5._o their_o desire_v or_o not_o desire_v in_o their_o own_o person_n during_o the_o age_n forementioned_a be_v not_o to_o be_v attend_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o proceed_v in_o this_o case_n because_o the_o ground_n thereof_o be_v the_o covenant_n found_v upon_o divine_a institution_n and_o in-depending_o upon_o such_o child_n desire_n quest_n 3._o till_o what_o age_n shall_v they_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o their_o parent_n whether_o sixteen_o twenty_o one_o or_o sixty_o ans._n as_o long_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o age_n or_o capacity_n they_o can_v according_a to_o ordinary_a account_n be_v suppose_v able_a to_o act_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n for_o themselves_o so_o long_o they_o shall_v enter_v in_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o parent_n covenant_n because_o whilst_o they_o be_v child_n and_o in_o their_o minority_n they_o be_v not_o otherwise_o capable_a of_o covenant_v when_o adult_a they_o be_v to_o covenant_n in_o their_o own_o person_n if_o a_o precise_a and_o certain_a age_n may_v here_o be_v prescribe_v sure_o it_o be_v safe_a to_o go_v at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o may_v answer_v the_o example_n gen._n 17._o 25._o where_o ishmael_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n by_o his_o father_n covenant_n at_o thirteen_o year_n of_o age_n howbeit_o the_o bound_n of_o adult_a and_o in-adult_a age_n depend_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o prudence_n much_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o discretion_n of_o officer_n and_o church_n in_o this_o case_n quest_n 4._o what_o discipline_n a_o child_n be_v subject_a to_o from_o seven_o to_o sixteen_o year_n old_a ans_n 1._o church_n discipline_n be_v take_v either_o more_o large_o for_o the_o act_n of_o a_o church-member_n dispense_v to_o a_o church-member_n as_o such_o by_o way_n of_o spiritual_a watch_n rebuke_n etc._n etc._n luke_n 17._o 3_o 4._o mat._n 18._o 15._o or_o more_o strict_o for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n dispense_v by_o a_o member_n thereof_o as_o in_o case_n of_o public_a rebuke_n admonition_n excommunication_n mat._n 18._o 17._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 3._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 20._o in_o the_o first_o sense_n child_n in_o their_o minority_n be_v subject_a to_o church_n discipline_n immediate_o but_o not_o in_o the_o second_o 2._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o church_n to_o call_v upon_o parent_n to_o bring_v up_o their_o child_n in_o the_o narture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o see_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v that_o it_o be_v effectual_o do_v eph._n 6._o 4._o officer_n and_o church_n respective_o succeed_v apostle_n in_o matter_n of_o ordinary_a practice_n 3._o beside_o their_o subjection_n to_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n they_o be_v also_o subject_a to_o civil_a discipline_n respective_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n whether_o domestical_a scholastical_a or_o magistratical_a quest_n 5._o whether_o a_o father_n may_v twice_o covenant_n for_o his_o child_n in_o minority_n in_o several_a church_n ans._n 1._o when_o a_o parent_n be_v call_v to_o remove_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o he_o be_v also_o call_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n in_o that_o church_n to_o which_o he_o remove_v paul_n be_v first_o baptise_v and_o in_o communion_n at_o damascus_n act._n 9_o 29._o afterwards_o remove_v unto_o jerusalem_n and_o join_v to_o the_o church_n there_o v._n 26._o this_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o order_n call_v for_o because_o otherwise_o he_o can_v neither_o do_v all_o the_o duty_n nor_o enjoy_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o member_n in_o the_o one_o church_n or_o in_o the_o other_o not_o in_o the_o former_a because_o now_o he_o dwell_v not_o with_o they_o nor_o in_o the_o other_o because_o though_o dwell_v among_o they_o he_o join_v not_o with_o they_o in_o covenant_n 2._o when_o the_o parent_n thus_o remove_v enter_v into_o covenant_n his_o child_n then_o in_o minority_n covenant_n in_o he_o the_o child_n and_o the_o power_n of_o government_n over_o the_o child_n must_v go_v together_o prov._n 29._o 15._o 3._o hence_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church_n when_o they_o give_v letter_n dimissory_n unto_o parent_n to_o insert_v the_o dismission_n of_o the_o child_n then_o in_o minority_n with_o they_o 4._o adult_a child_n yet_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o parent_n and_o remove_n with_o they_o be_v to_o give_v their_o personal_a consent_n unto_o this_o translation_n of_o their_o membership_n and_o so_o to_o be_v orderly_o dismiss_v and_o receive_v with_o their_o parent_n otherwise_o they_o remain_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o they_o be_v before_o quest_n 6._o whether_o the_o end_n of_o a_o deputy_n covenant_n be_v not_o to_o supply_v personal_a incapacity_n or_o whether_o child_n ripe_a for_o personal_a covenant_n in_o regard_n of_o age_n shall_v covenant_n by_o a_o deputy_n as_o other_o that_o be_v unable_a thereunto_o ans._n 1._o child_n in_o their_o minority_n who_o immediate_a parent_n be_v in_o church-covenant_n do_v covenant_n in_o their_o parent_n see_v the_o proof_n hereof_o in_o answer_n to_o question_n 1._o 2._o child_n adult_a aught_o to_o covenant_n in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o covenant_n in_o our_o own_o person_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o question_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o orderly_a and_o church_n profession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o a_o personal_a public_a and_o solemn_a avouch_n of_o god_n in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a way_n to_o be_v our_o god_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n throughout_o all_o generation_n both_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n pregnant_a and_o illustrious_a example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n deut._n 26._o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o 29._o 10_o 11_o etc._n etc._n and_o of_o joshua_n iosh._n 24._o 18_o 27._o of_o asa_n 2_o chron._n 15._o 12._o of_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n 34._o 31_o 32._o so_o ier._n 50_o 5._o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o which_o prophecy_n for_o it_o extend_v itself_o also_o to_o the_o age_n after_o christ_n we_o have_v accomplish_v nehem_n 9_o ult._n and_o 10._o 28_o 29._o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n and_o many_o other_o there_o name_v and_o their_o wife_n and_o their_o son_n and_o their_o daughter_n every_o one_o that_o have_v knowledge_n and_o that_o have_v understanding_n do_v cleave_v unto_o their_o brethren_n their_o noble_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n and_o a_o oath_n to_o walk_v in_o god_n law_n so_o of_o the_o time_n under_o the_o law_n concerning_o the_o time_n under_o the_o gospel_n in_o isa._n 62._o 5._o and_o 41._o 3_o 4_o 5._o we_o read_v of_o the_o seed_n and_o offspring_n of_o jacob_n and_o israel_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v spring_v and_o grow_v up_o h._n e._n become_v adult_n they_o shall_v both_o by_o word_n and_o writing_n by_o say_v and_o subscribe_v with_o their_o hand_n engage_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o institute_a gospel_n worship_n the_o same_o reason_n which_o call_v the_o father_n to_o confession_n before_o call_v the_o son_n also_o when_o adult_a it_o go_v for_o good_a reason_n among_o the_o jew_n he_o be_v of_o age_n he_o shall_v speak_v for_o himself_o ioh._n 9_o 21._o what_o more_o meet_a than_o that_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n shall_v be_v make_v with_o our_o own_o mouth_n when_o we_o be_v able_a god_n avouch_v they_o in_o the_o same_o day_n when_o they_o avouch_v he_o it_o be_v a_o special_a engagement_n of_o the_o adult_a person_n to_o perform_v his_o covenant_n psal._n 119._o 106._o i_o have_v swear_v and_o will_v perform_v last_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n compare_v with_o other_o especial_o commend_v in_o the_o
scripture_n from_o the_o subject_a thereof_o viz._n a_o believer_n rom._n 10._o 10._o every_o believer_n be_v a_o confessor_n from_o the_o matter_n the_o great_a truth_n i_o e._n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n jesus_n heb._n 3._o 1._o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o confession_n from_o the_o manner_n other_o not_o be_v exclude_v as_o we_o be_v call_v thereunto_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o in_o a_o church_n way_n mat._n 16._o 16_o 19_o paul_n 2_o cor._n 9_o 13._o in_o a_o special_a manner_n commend_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n astipulation_n of_o the_o corinthian_n from_o its_o excellency_n a_o good_a profession_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 12._o a_o good_a confession_n v._n 13._o it_o be_v give_v glory_n unto_o god_n 2_o cor._n 9_o 13._o it_o be_v victorious_a exemplariness_n in_o respect_n of_o man_n rev._n 12._o 11._o the_o blessing_n upon_o the_o sincere_a performance_n thereof_o heb._n 11._o 13_o 16._o mat._n 10._o 32._o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n quest_n 7._o whether_o as_o large_a qualification_n be_v not_o require_v of_o a_o member_n child_n to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o the_o privilege_n of_o vote_n and_o censure_n as_o be_v requirable_a of_o his_o parent_n at_o their_o first_o entrance_n ans._n the_o hold_v forth_o of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n with_o a_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o by_o way_n of_o confession_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n 7._o be_v all_o requirable_a in_o the_o parent_n for_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n to_o full_a communion_n and_o the_o same_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o regular_a admission_n of_o the_o parent_n child_n be_v grow_v adult_a unto_o his_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o proposition_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v to_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n 2._o that_o this_o faith_n and_o repentance_n must_v appear_v to_o other_o first_o they_o be_v to_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n 1._o because_o examination_n be_v the_o duty_n and_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o examination_n without_o both_o the_o be_v and_o exercise_n of_o which_o they_o can_v come_v worthy_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o examination_n 2._o from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v institute_v not_o for_o regeneration_n but_o for_o nourishment_n and_o confirmation_n it_o be_v a_o supper_n and_o a_o seal_n that_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n ought_v to_o appear_v to_o other_o be_v manifest_a thus_o the_o officer_n ought_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o faithful_a steward_n now_o to_o such_o it_o belong_v not_o only_o to_o dispense_v a_o portion_n in_o reason_n but_o to_o see_v also_o that_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v dispense_v be_v meet_v to_o receive_v their_o portion_n luke_n 12._o 42._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 2._o the_o lord_n supper_n can_v regular_o be_v administer_v to_o any_o receiver_n concerning_o who_o personal_o according_a to_o truth_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n the_o minister_n can_v say_v take_v and_o eat_v this_o be_v the_o body_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n which_o be_v give_v for_o you_o but_o this_o the_o minister_n can_v say_v with_o good_a conscience_n to_o any_o one_o upon_o his_o mere_a have_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n without_o a_o visible_a hold_v forth_o of_o the_o same_o to_o other_o in_o their_o own_o person_n because_o both_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n be_v requisite_a to_o the_o take_n and_o eat_v here_o require_v as_o this_o prove_v the_o assertion_n concerning_o the_o officer_n so_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 15_o 16_o 17._o prove_v the_o same_o concerning_o the_o whole_a body_n because_o in_o a_o regular_a celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o whole_a church_n do_v judge_v all_o the_o partaker_n thereof_o to_o have_v spiritual_a communion_n with_o christ_n crucify_v and_o one_o with_o another_o as_o one_o body_n in_o he_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o officer_n respective_o as_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o holy_a thing_n so_o to_o discern_v between_o the_o holy_a and_o profane_a the_o clean_a and_o the_o unclean_a as_o that_o the_o sacrament_n may_v only_o be_v administer_v unto_o worthy_a receiver_n ezek._n 44._o 7_o 8_o 23._o but_o this_o can_v be_v except_o the_o premise_a essential_a requisite_n be_v make_v appear_v to_o they_o in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n concerning_o the_o power_n of_o vote_v it_o be_v not_o rational_a that_o they_o shall_v exercise_v a_o church-power_n as_o to_o the_o administration_n of_o church-ordinance_n which_o vote_v imply_v who_o themselves_o be_v unfit_a for_o all_o ordinance_n they_o who_o be_v thus_o unfit_a will_v abuse_v the_o ordinance_n themselves_o and_o admit_v and_o retain_v unworthy_a officer_n and_o member_n and_o discourage_v the_o worthy_a and_o therefore_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o be_v not_o for_o edification_n but_o for_o destruction_n contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o quest_n 8._o whether_o by_o covenant_n seed_n be_v mean_v the_o seed_n of_o immediate_a parent_n only_o or_o of_o remote_a also_o ans._n the_o gospel_n by_o covenant_n seed_n intend_v only_o the_o seed_n of_o immediate_a parent_n in_o church_n covenant_n as_o appear_v from_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o the_o parent_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v immediate_a parent_n their_o progenitor_n be_v heathen_n the_o gospel_n extend_v not_o the_o external_a covenant_n beyond_o the_o immediate_a parent_n if_o neither_o of_o the_o immediate_a parent_n be_v in_o covenant_n their_o child_n be_v unclean_a see_v the_o text_n the_o next_o parent_n may_v bring_v in_o his_o seed_n though_o his_o progenitor_n be_v unbeliever_n and_o the_o next_o parent_n may_v cut_v off_o their_o seed_n though_o the_o progenitor_n be_v believer_n witness_v the_o instance_n of_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n ier._n 9_o 25_o 26._o ezek._n 32._o 29._o psal._n 83._o 6._o mal._n 1._o 4._o gen._n 21._o 10._o otherwise_o there_o can_v no_o generation_n be_v give_v where_o the_o covenant_n interest_n of_o posterity_n can_v expedient_o be_v bound_v depinge_fw-la ubi_fw-la sistam_fw-la show_v we_o where_o we_o shall_v make_v our_o stand_n the_o contrary_a expose_v the_o church_n to_o inevitable_a and_o intolerable_a impurity_n quest_n 9_o whether_o adopt_a child_n and_o bond_n servant_n be_v covenant-seed_n ans._n adopt_a child_n and_o infant-servant_n regular_o and_o absolute_o subject_v to_o the_o government_n and_o dispose_n of_o such_o head_n of_o family_n as_o be_v in_o church-covenant_n though_o they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v their_o natural_a seed_n yet_o in_o regard_n the_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o godly_a learned_a extend_v to_o they_o the_o same_o covenant_n privilege_n with_o their_o natural_a seed_n we_o judge_v not_o any_o church_n who_o be_v like-minded_a with_o they_o for_o their_o practice_n herein_o all_o which_o notwithstanding_o yet_o we_o desire_v at_o present_a to_o leave_v this_o question_n without_o all_o prejudice_n on_o our_o part_n to_o after_o free_a disquisition_n quest_n 10._o whether_o the_o child_n admit_v by_o his_o father_n covenant_n be_v also_o a_o deputy_n for_o his_o seed_n without_o or_o before_o personal_a covenant_a or_o without_o and_o before_o like_o personal_a qualification_n in_o kind_n as_o his_o father_n be_v to_o enjoy_v when_o he_o become_v a_o deputy_n ans._n the_o meaning_n of_o this_o question_n in_o other_o term_n we_o conceive_v to_o be_v this_o whether_o the_o child_n of_o a_o person_n join_v in_o church-covenant_n by_o mean_n of_o he_o or_o her_o immediate_a parent_n covenant_n though_o such_o a_o parent_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o nor_o qualify_v for_o full_a communion_n nor_o have_v covenant_v in_o their_o own_o person_n whether_o we_o say_v the_o child_n of_o such_o a_o person_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_v whereunto_o we_o answer_v in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n propos._n 1._o infant_n either_o of_o who_o immediate_a parent_n be_v in_o church-covenant_n do_v confaederate_a with_o their_o parent_n and_o be_v therefore_o church-member_n with_o they_o see_v ans._n to_o quest_n 1._o propos._n 2._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o those_o infant_n when_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o discretion_n though_o not_o yet_o fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o own_v the_o covenant_n they_o make_v with_o their_o parent_n by_o enter_v thereinto_o in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o call_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o as_o appear_v by_o scripture_n example_n of_o person_n both_o call_v to_o and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n many_o of_o who_o can_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o personal_o gracious_a and_o therefore_o not_o fit_a for_o
a_o disputation_n concerning_o church-member_n and_o their_o child_n in_o answer_n to_o xxi_o question_n wherein_o the_o state_n of_o such_o child_n when_o adult_a together_o with_o their_o duty_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n duty_n towards_o they_o be_v discuss_v by_o a_o assembly_n of_o divine_n meet_v at_o boston_n in_o new_a england_n june_n four_o 1657._o now_o publish_v by_o a_o lover_n of_o truth_n london_n print_v by_o i._n hayes_n for_o samuel_n thomson_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1659._o to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v just_o account_v one_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o english_a nation_n that_o god_n have_v honour_v they_o with_o special_a light_n in_o some_o momentous_a truth_n above_o what_o he_o have_v other_o protestant_a church_n round_o about_o they_o the_o morality_n of_o the_o christian_a sabbath_n deep_a and_o spiritual_a insight_n into_o those_o secret_a transaction_n between_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o elect_a at_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o also_o in_o their_o after_o walk_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v usual_o observe_v as_o instance_n hereof_o and_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n though_o perhaps_o in_o a_o low_a rank_n be_v those_o truth_n about_o the_o institute_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v now_o for_o some_o year_n a_o considerable_a part_n of_o those_o disquisition_n which_o do_v also_o at_o this_o day_n exercise_v the_o most_o search_a thought_n and_o able_a pen_n that_o be_v among_o we_o and_o true_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o this_o land_n in_o bring_v out_o the_o light_n and_o glory_n of_o these_o truth_n have_v be_v observable_a and_o different_a from_o the_o way_n that_o he_o have_v walk_v in_o to_o other_o church_n for_o whereas_o they_o rise_v up_o from_o antichristian_a apostasy_n in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n both_o at_o once_o together_o with_o his_o abomination_n in_o faith_n reject_v also_o his_o invention_n in_o church_n order_n insomuch_o as_o neither_o the_o head_n the_o pope_n nor_o his_o body_n in_o the_o principal_a member_n of_o it_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o hierarchical_a frame_n have_v at_o all_o be_v to_o be_v find_v exercise_v the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n in_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a protestant_a church_n since_o the_o first_o day_n of_o their_o reject_v popery_n in_o england_n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o the_o head_n of_o antichrist_n be_v indeed_o here_o cut_v off_o by_o henry_n the_o eight_o who_o iustele_v he_o from_o his_o usurp_a supremacy_n within_o his_o territory_n but_o yet_o as_o be_v observe_v of_o he_o he_o leave_v his_o body_n the_o hierarchy_n continue_v which_o for_o many_o year_n not_o only_o stand_v but_o exercise_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o dragon_n and_o make_v a_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o cause_v as_o many_o as_o will_v not_o worship_v it_o to_o be_v kill_v and_o in_o this_o the_o lord_n have_v doubtless_o a_o design_n more_o full_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o loathsomeness_n of_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o this_o part_n of_o it_o which_o by_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o effectual_o carry_v on_o all_o along_o and_o have_v in_o a_o good_a part_n accomplish_v in_o these_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v for_o even_o from_o the_o first_o reformation_n here_o begin_v the_o lord_n shine_v in_o upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o some_o of_o his_o precious_a servant_n with_o such_o a_o evidence_n of_o light_n in_o these_o thing_n as_o overpower_v their_o conscience_n and_o constrain_v they_o to_o bear_v a_o public_a testimony_n against_o the_o remainder_n of_o antichrist_n in_o the_o land_n insomuch_o as_o from_o that_o time_n till_o the_o day_n of_o the_o downfall_n of_o all_o the_o hierarchical_a brood_n god_n never_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v without_o his_o witness_n in_o this_o cause_n of_o he_o who_o he_o raise_v up_o and_o who_o right_a hand_n he_o hold_v to_o plead_v and_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o weep_v and_o believe_v and_o print_v and_o contend_v and_o resist_v and_o suffer_v for_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o silence_v and_o reproach_n but_o to_o banishment_n and_o blood_n itself_o some_o of_o they_o and_o very_o the_o number_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v have_v his_o testimony_n and_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o the_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o land_n since_o the_o first_o reformation_n will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v few_o and_o their_o suffering_n neither_o few_o nor_o light_a whenever_o that_o die_a wish_n of_o judicious_a and_o bless_a aim_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v as_o it_o deserve_v viz._n that_o a_o martyrology_n in_o this_o cause_n of_o church-discipline_n under_o the_o bishop_n shall_v be_v compile_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o among_o the_o english_a divine_n and_o christian_n there_o be_v as_o be_v say_v more_o light_a in_o these_o point_n and_o in_o sundry_a of_o their_o church_n assembly_n and_o administration_n more_o purity_n than_o be_v so_o ordinary_o to_o be_v meet_v withal_o in_o other_o among_o all_o that_o have_v suffer_v for_o and_o search_v into_o these_o truth_n they_o of_o new-england_n just_o deserve_v and_o will_v have_v a_o name_n and_o a_o glory_n as_o long_o as_o the_o earth_n shall_v have_v any_o remembrance_n of_o a_o english_a nation_n not_o only_o for_o their_o suffering_n here_o under_o the_o iniquity_n of_o those_o bloody_a father_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o love_v to_o be_v style_v the_o bishop_n though_o they_o bear_v as_o great_a if_o not_o a_o great_a share_n therein_o than_o most_o of_o their_o brethren_n that_o stay_v behind_o they_o but_o more_o especial_o will_v after_o age_n honour_v they_o for_o that_o great_a and_o high_a adventure_n of_o they_o in_o transport_v themselves_o their_o wife_n and_o little_a one_o upon_o the_o rude_a wave_n of_o the_o vast_a ocean_n into_o a_o remote_a desolate_a and_o howl_a wilderness_n and_o there_o encounter_v by_o faith_n and_o patience_n with_o a_o world_n of_o temptation_n and_o straits_n and_o press_v want_n and_o difficulty_n and_o this_o upon_o no_o other_o inducement_n but_o that_o they_o may_v meet_v with_o he_o who_o their_o soul_n love_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o see_v he_o as_o they_o have_v there_o seen-him_a in_o his_o sanctuary_n a_o undertake_n hardly_o to_o be_v parallel_v unless_o perhaps_o by_o that_o of_o their_o father_n abraham_n from_o ur_n of_o the_o caldee_n or_o that_o of_o his_o seed_n from_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o these_o be_v the_o man_n christian_a reader_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o disputation_n now_o put_v into_o thy_o hand_n which_o deserve_v esteem_n and_o acceptance_n somewhat_o the_o rather_o on_o this_o account_n because_o it_o come_v from_o such_o as_o it_o do_v and_o be_v about_o such_o a_o subject_a even_o from_o man_n holy_a and_o learned_a and_o be_v about_o that_o which_o they_o have_v search_v into_o as_o serious_o impartial_o and_o unprejudiced_o as_o any_o man_n be_v ever_o like_a to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n beside_o that_o be_v themselves_o officer_n to_o institute_a church_n of_o saint_n and_o this_o work_n of_o they_o be_v next_o and_o especial_o for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v therein_o lie_v under_o as_o direct_v and_o full_a a_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v on_o all_o account_n as_o complete_o wrap_v within_o the_o promise_n for_o their_o guidance_n as_o man_n can_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n yea_o it_o be_v about_o those_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v and_o at_o this_o day_n do_v suffer_v for_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v as_o likely_a as_o most_o other_o to_o be_v the_o instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n by_o who_o he_o will_v communicate_v further_a light_n in_o these_o point_n god_n be_v never_o behind_o hand_n with_o man_n and_o as_o some_o special_a exercise_n of_o any_o particular_a grace_n strengthen_v and_o increase_v it_o and_o establish_v the_o heart_n in_o it_o and_o with_o it_o so_o the_o obedience_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o servant_n to_o any_o truth_n of_o christ_n especial_o if_o in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n and_o manner_n engage_v god_n to_o make_v know_v more_o of_o his_o counsel_n and_o will_n in_o that_o truth_n to_o such_o person_n and_o as_o under_o such_o a_o engagement_n the_o lord_n look_v upon_o himself_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n of_o that_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o english_a in_o new-england_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o river_n connectiquot_fw-la send_v these_o question_n to_o the_o magistrate_n of_o the_o massachusets_n and_o they_o mutual_o
because_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o covenant_n membership_n of_o the_o child_n be_v divine_a institution_n which_o impute_v the_o covenant_n act_n only_o and_o not_o any_o other_o act_n of_o the_o parent_n to_o the_o child_n quest_n 13._o whether_o a_o member_n child_n unfitness_n for_o seal_n disable_v not_o his_o seed_n for_o membership_n or_o baptism_n ans._n this_o question_n agree_v in_o scope_n with_o quest_n 10._o we_o refer_v thither_o for_o answer_n thereunto_o quest_n 14._o whether_o a_o member_n child_n be_v censurable_a for_o any_o thing_n but_o scandalous_a action_n and_o not_o also_o for_o ignorance_n and_o inexperience_n ans._n a_o member_n child_n like_o as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o other_o member_n be_v censurable_a only_o for_o scandalous_a sin_n mat._n 18._o 15_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 11._o consequent_o for_o ignorance_n and_o inexperience_n when_o scandalous_a for_o all_o ignorance_n and_o inexperience_n though_o blameable_a be_v not_o scandalous_a rom._n 14._o 1._o heb_n 5._o 12._o luke_n 9_o 55._o quest_n 15._o whether_o a_o member_n child_n must_v only_o examine_v himself_o and_o may_v not_o be_v examine_v by_o other_o of_o his_o fitness_n for_o seal_n ans._n it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o a_o member_n child_n to_o examine_v himself_o and_o yet_o he_o be_v also_o subject_a to_o the_o examination_n of_o other_o 1._o because_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n which_o necessary_o presuppose_v that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o power_n in_o some_o respect_n to_o take_v a_o account_n heb._n 13._o 17._o act_n 8._o 37._o 2._o it_o pertain_v to_o they_o to_o see_v that_o the_o holy_a thing_n be_v not_o defile_v by_o the_o access_n of_o any_o unclean_a and_o unworthy_a person_n ezek._n 44._o 23._o mal._n 1._o 6_o 7_o 9_o and_o 2._o 1._o 3._o to_o teach_v by_o question_n and_o answer_v in_o the_o most_o profitable_a way_n for_o the_o instruction_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o young_a sort_n and_o be_v commend_v occasional_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n gal._n 6._o 6._o quest_n 16._o whether_o only_a officer_n must_v examine_v in_o private_a or_o else_o public_a before_o the_o church_n ans._n concerning_o their_o examination_n by_o the_o elder_n in_o private_a the_o former_a reason_n conclude_v affirmative_o whereunto_o may_v be_v add_v occasional_o that_o james_n and_o the_o elder_n contrive_v and_o prepare_v in_o private_a for_o the_o more_o orderly_o and_o quiet_a transaction_n of_o thing_n in_o public_a act_n 21._o 22_o 23._o it_o be_v spiritual_a wisdom_n by_o prepare_v the_o stone_n beforehand_o to_o prevent_v after_o noise_n in_o the_o building_n 1_o kin._n 7._o 6._o public_a examination_n we_o also_o conceive_v to_o be_v regular_a edification_n or_o due_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n call_v thereunto_o yet_o always_o orderly_o that_o be_v by_o approbation_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o immediate_a proposal_n of_o the_o question_n by_o they_o to_o the_o examinate_n rev._n 2._o 2._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 40._o quest_n 17._o whether_o the_o same_o grow_a member_n child_n must_v not_o be_v examine_v of_o his_o charitable_a experience_n before_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o before_o the_o lord_n supper_n ans._n we_o think_v the_o elder_n do_v well_o to_o take_v a_o account_n of_o child_n concerning_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o their_o capacity_n before_o they_o be_v baptise_v if_o the_o child_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o question_n be_v yet_o in_o their_o minority_n their_o right_n unto_o baptism_n be_v found_v consequent_o upon_o the_o covenant_n make_v in_o their_o parent_n this_o examination_n be_v to_o be_v look_v at_o as_o conduce_v to_o the_o better_a application_n but_o not_o to_o the_o being_n of_o their_o baptism_n but_o if_o they_o be_v adult_a they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o their_o own_o person_n before_o they_o be_v baptise_v act_n 8._o 36_o 37._o mat_n 3._o 6._o see_v ans._n to_o quest_n 6_o quest_n 18._o whether_o baptise_a child_n send_v away_o from_o the_o church_n for_o settlement_n and_o not_o intend_v return_n be_v continual_o to_o be_v account_v member_n ans._n baptise_a child_n though_o local_o remove_v from_o the_o church_n unto_o which_o they_o belong_v be_v to_o be_v account_v member_n until_o dismission_n death_n or_o censure_v dissolve_v that_o relation_n because_o christ_n the_o institutor_n of_o this_o relation_n only_o by_o these_o way_n dissolve_v the_o same_o quest_n 19_o whether_o historical_a faith_n and_o a_o blameless_a life_n fit_v a_o member_n child_n for_o all_o ordinance_n and_o privilege_n and_o he_o must_v be_v examine_v only_o about_o they_o ans._n not_o only_o historical_a faith_n i_o e._n the_o mere_a knowledge_n of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o blameless_a life_n but_o also_o such_o a_o hold_v forth_o of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o unto_o judgement_n of_o charity_n show_v a_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n be_v requisite_a to_o fit_v a_o member_n child_n for_o all_o ordinance_n and_o privilege_n and_o his_o blameless_a life_n notwithstanding_o a_o member_n child_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v concerning_o the_o other_o qualification_n that_o both_o the_o have_v and_o hold_v forth_o of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v requisite_a to_o fit_v for_o all_o ordinance_n see_v ans._n to_o quest_n seven_o that_o a_o mere_a historical_a faith_n and_o every_o blameless_a life_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o hold_v forth_o these_o qualification_n appear_v 1._o a_o historical_a faith_n as_o mere_o such_o be_v insufficient_a iam._n 2._o 19_o 2._o a_o blameless_a life_n be_v either_o take_v for_o such_o a_o conformity_n of_o the_o external_a man_n to_o the_o letter_n as_o exempt_v from_o censure_n mat._n 19_o 20._o phil._n 3._o 6._o or_o for_o such_o a_o conformity_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n as_o in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n commend_v a_o person_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o beholder_n as_o in_o measure_n spiritual_a phil._n 1._o 10._o and_o 2._o 15._o a_o blameless_a life_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o qualify_v for_o all_o ordinance_n but_o for_o our_o fitness_n thereunto_o the_o rule_n call_v for_o a_o blameless_a life_n in_o the_o second_o sense_n matth._n 3._o 8_o 9_o james_n 2._o 21._o beside_o the_o hold_v forth_o of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o premise_n quest_n 20._o whether_o if_o a_o church-member_n bare_o say_v it_o repent_v i_o though_o seventy_o time_n seven_o time_n follow_v he_o relapse_n into_o the_o same_o gross_a evil_n as_o lie_v slander_n oppression_n etc._n etc._n he_o be_v to_o be_v forgive_v and_o not_o censure_v ans._n though_o we_o always_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v limit_v by_o man_n or_o angel_n as_o to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n yet_o so_o far_o as_o we_o remember_v the_o scripture_n seventy_o time_n seven_o time_n i_o e._n 490_o relapse_n into_o the_o same_o gross_a sin_n and_o repentance_n be_v a_o instance_n not_o extant_a there_o without_o the_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o forgive_v mat._n 3._o 8._o luk._n 17._o 3._o notwithstanding_o a_o brother_n offend_v seventy_o time_n seven_o time_n that_o be_v many_o time_n a_o definite_a number_n be_v put_v for_o a_o indefinite_a yet_o whilst_o god_n enable_v he_o to_o repent_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o forgive_v it_o be_v not_o the_o number_n of_o offence_n but_o the_o hold_v forth_o of_o repentance_n in_o the_o offender_n that_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o forgiveness_n mat._n 18._o 22._o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n forgive_v we_o so_o ought_v we_o to_o forgive_v one_o another_o ephes._n 4._o 32._o to_o say_v in_o word_n i_o repent_v and_o to_o gainsay_v it_o in_o deed_n be_v according_a to_o scripture_n not_o to_o repent_v yea_o rather_o to_o continue_v in_o impenitency_n tit._n 1._o 16._o iam._n 2._o 18_o 26._o a_o ingenuous_a and_o solemn_a profession_n of_o repentance_n nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v to_o be_v accept_v as_o true_a repentance_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n luk._n 17._o 3._o 1_o cor._n 13._o 7._o quest_n 21._o whether_o a_o member_n under_o offence_n and_o not_o censure_v or_o not_o with_o the_o high_a censure_n can_v authoritative_o be_v deny_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o other_o church-privilege_n ans._n 1._o none_o but_o the_o church_n can_v authoritative_o deny_v to_o the_o member_n his_o access_n unto_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o the_o power_n thereof_o be_v only_o delegate_a to_o that_o subject_n mat._n 18._o 17._o 2._o the_o church_n can_v deny_v unto_o a_o member_n his_o access_n unto_o the_o lord_n supper_n until_o she_o have_v regular_o judge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o offender_n 3._o the_o censure_n of_o admonition_n be_v the_o first_o act_n whereby_o a_o church_n do_v judicial_o declare_v a_o member_n to_o be_v a_o offender_n therefore_o till_o the_o censure_n of_o admonition_n be_v past_a a_o member_n can_v authoritative_o be_v deny_v communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o other_o church-privilege_n because_o of_o offence_n 4._o after_o the_o sentence_n of_o admonition_n be_v past_a the_o offender_n now_o admonish_v may_v be_v yea_o thereby_o be_v authoritative_o deny_v to_o come_v unto_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o to_o vote_n in_o the_o church_n because_o he_o be_v judicial_o unclean_a lev._n 22._o 3_o 4._o and_o 7._o 20_o 21._o mat._n 5._o 23_o 24._o though_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o censure_v with_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n 5._o all_o which_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v case_n wherein_o a_o brother_n apparent_o discern_v to_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n render_v he_o shall_v he_o so_o proceed_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n a_o unworthy_a communicant_n may_v and_o ought_v regular_o to_o be_v advise_v to_o forbear_v and_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o harken_v thereunto_o 6._o yet_o two_o thing_n be_v here_o careful_o to_o be_v attend_v 1._o that_o brethren_n be_v not_o many_o master_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o advise_v and_o to_o admonish_v other_o to_o abstain_v without_o cause_n or_o before_o the_o time_n iam._n 3._o 1._o 2._o that_o none_o forbear_v to_o come_v worthy_o which_o be_v their_o duty_n because_o to_o their_o private_a apprehension_n another_o be_v suppose_v at_o least_o to_o come_v unworthy_o which_o be_v their_o sin_n 7._o in_o case_n the_o church_n shall_v see_v cause_n to_o advise_v a_o member_n to_o forbear_v and_o he_o shall_v refuse_v to_o harken_v thereunto_o his_o refusal_n be_v also_o a_o violation_n of_o church_n order_n add_v contumacy_n to_o his_o offence_n and_o thereby_o ripen_v the_o offender_n for_o censure_n 19_o four_o 1657._o boston_n n._n e._n errata_fw-la pag._n 5._o l._n 1._o read_v act._n 15._o 10._o p._n 6._o l._n 23._o r._n act._n 2._o 47._o p._n 14._o l._n 7._o r._n 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o l._n 26._o r._n act._n 9_o 19_o p._n 18._o l._n 5._o for_o reason_n r._n season_n p._n 23._o l._n 30._o for_o church-act_n r._n covenant-act_n p._n 24._o l._n 19_o 20._o r._n will_v have_v so_o p._n 26._o l._n 20._o for_o in_o r._n be_v see_v the_o platform_n of_o church_n discipline_n cap_n 12._o §._o 7._o see_v the_o platform_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 12._o §._o 7._o