from_o john_n require_v of_o qualification_n over_o and_o above_o membership_n be_v answer_v with_o reference_n to_o infant-baptism_n and_o that_o will_v answer_v it_o as_o to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n we_o remember_v in_o debate_n between_o the_o elder_n and_o a_o antipoedâ—baptist_n many_o year_n since_o this_o very_a argument_n be_v urge_v by_o he_o and_o the_o same_o answer_n that_o be_v give_v then_o we_o shall_v give_v here_o viz._n 1._o that_o mere_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o old-testament_n jewish_a church_n or_o simple_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n or_o confederate_a under_o the_o old-testament_n manner_n of_o administration_n suffice_v not_o to_o baptism_n but_o to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n of_o the_o new-testament_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n state_v and_o settle_v under_o the_o gospel_n manner_n of_o administration_n this_o be_v that_o which_o right_o to_o baptism_n stand_v upon_o and_o here_o membership_n alone_o suffice_v thereunto_o when_o we_o say_v that_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n confederate_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a we_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o of_o covenant-interest_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o gospel-administration_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o christ_n already_o come_v and_o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a to_o understand_v we_o otherwise_o we_o have_v now_o no_o other_o church_n or_o covenant_n to_o speak_v of_o but_o that_o old_a testament-church-membership_a give_v right_a to_o circumcision_n new-testament_n church-membership_a give_v right_a to_o baptism_n but_o at_o the_o transition_n from_o old_a to_o new_a or_o at_o the_o first_o set_v up_o of_o the_o gospel-administration_n oâ—_n kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v call_v and_o of_o baptism_n the_o enter_a seal_n thereof_o in_o john_n baptist_n and_o christ_n time_n well_o may_v more_o be_v require_v then_o bare_a membership_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o be_v then_o also_o under_o great_a corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n hence_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o baptise_a but_o only_o those_o that_o in_o some_o degree_n embrace_v the_o new_a and_o reform_a administration_n in_o order_n to_o which_o a_o special_a repentance_n be_v then_o necessary_a mat._n 3.2_o but_o to_o infer_v from_o hence_o a_o necessity_n of_o qualification_n superad_v unto_o membership_n in_o state_v christian_a or_o gospel-churche_n in_o order_n to_o baptism-right_a will_v not_o hold_v there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o ecclesia_fw-la christiana_n constituenda_fw-la and_o constituta_fw-la in_o those_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n 48._o even_o pious_a person_n and_o man_n fear_v god_n such_o as_o the_o eunuch_n and_o cornelius_n must_v have_v further_a instruction_n and_o preparation_n before_o they_o can_v be_v baptise_a may_v a_o man_n thence_o infer_v that_o now_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n constitute_v a_o christian_a or_o church-member_n that_o fear_v god_n be_v not_o baptizable_a without_o further_a qualification_n 2._o much_o of_o what_o be_v require_v by_o john_n baptist_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n before_o he_o baptise_a they_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o administration_n and_o be_v upon_o that_o account_n attend_v in_o a_o case_n so_o circumstance_v as_o that_o be_v for_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o church-state_n though_o so_o degenerate_a as_o they_o be_v they_o be_v in_o a_o far_a other_o and_o near_a capacity_n than_o non-member_n and_o that_o thereby_o they_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o ministration_n of_o john_n and_o christ_n among_o they_o be_v plain_a from_o many_o scripture_n luk._n 1.16_o john_n 1.11_o mat._n 10.6_o &_o 15.24_o 26._o rom._n 15.8_o but_o those_o that_o be_v then_o to_o be_v baptise_a at_o that_o first_o institution_n of_o baptism_n and_o beginning_n of_o the_o gospel-administration_n be_v adult_a person_n and_o they_o defile_v with_o scandal_n and_o degeneracy_n yea_o have_v much_o lose_v the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n in_o many_o poinst_a hence_o they_o can_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o entertain_v that_o beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v call_v mark_v 1.1_o 2._o and_o baptism_n the_o sign_n and_o seal_v thereof_o without_o previous_a conviction_n and_o penitential_a preparation_n by_o the_o powerful_a ministry_n of_o the_o baptist._n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o more_o be_v pre-required_n of_o they_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o humble_a submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o that_o new_a and_o reform_a administration_n then_o on_o foot_n which_o be_v betokened_a and_o seal_v thereby_o and_o he_o that_o shall_v consider_v the_o multitude_n that_o be_v baptise_a by_o john_n mat._n 3.5_o 6._o luk._n 3.7_o 21._o in_o the_o short_a time_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o in_o those_o glimmering_n of_o gospel-light_n that_o they_o then_o have_v together_o with_o the_o great_a weakness_n and_o rawness_n of_o some_o that_o he_o baptise_a john_n 3.25_o 26._o act._n 19.1_o 5._o will_n not_o think_v that_o the_o person_n baptise_a by_o john_n do_v excel_v those_o who_o the_o synod_n describe_v in_o their_o five_o proposition_n of_o which_o our_o brethren_n be_v so_o sensible_a in_o their_o antisynodalia_a pag._n 18._o that_o there_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o wave_v johns_n practice_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o strict_a precedent_n though_o here_o they_o plead_v and_o that_o right_o and_o true_o that_o john_n baptism_n be_v christian_a baptism_n and_o hold_v forth_o a_o rule_n unto_o we_o as_o for_o that_o confession_n of_o sin_n in_o mat._n 3.6_o when_o our_o child_n do_v in_o their_o assens_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n acknowledge_v their_o sin_n and_o misery_n by_o nature_n their_o perish_a condition_n without_o christ_n etc._n etc._n be_v willing_a to_o submit_v to_o instruction_n and_o government_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o those_o that_o be_v baptise_a by_o john_n show_v their_o penitential_a frame_n by_o that_o viz._n a_o submission_n to_o his_o instruction_n and_o counsel_n luk._n 3.10_o 14._o they_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v somewhat_o of_o that_o confession_n of_o sin_n so_o chemnit_fw-la on_o the_o place_n they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n 3.6_o and_o both_o in_o word_n and_o by_o their_o action_n in_o desire_v to_o be_v baptize_v they_o profess_v their_o fear_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o desire_v to_o escape_v it_o but_o if_o any_o do_v stand_v guilty_a of_o open_a scandal_n we_o know_v not_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o make_v particular_a confession_n of_o their_o sin_n therein_o when_o they_o come_v to_o present_v themselves_o before_o god_n and_o desire_v baptism_n for_o their_o child_n if_o they_o have_v not_o do_v it_o before_o so_o say_v the_o same_o chemnitius_n in_o the_o same_o place_n of_o they_o moreover_o such_o as_o stand_v guilty_a of_o more_o grievous_a fall_n do_v also_o confess_v they_o in_o particular_a to_o be_v sure_a they_o shall_v by_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v bring_v to_o that_o whether_o they_o have_v child_n to_o be_v baptize_v or_o no_o but_o then_o may_v be_v a_o fit_a season_n for_o it_o thus_o there_o may_v be_v cause_n and_o call_v for_o a_o special_a repentance_n in_o special_a case_n when_o person_n have_v so_o carry_v it_o as_o to_o shake_v their_o stand_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o although_o the_o rule_n own_v the_o child_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o a_o subject_a of_o baptism_n while_o it_o allow_v the_o parent_n to_o be_v a_o member_n not_o cut_v off_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o covenant-duty_n of_o the_o parent_n to_o confess_v his_o sin_n in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o so_o shall_v baptism_n be_v administer_v with_o great_a honour_n to_o god_n and_o comfort_n to_o all_o that_o be_v concern_v but_o otherwise_o while_o the_o parent_n that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n regular_o continue_v in_o it_o without_o scandal_n he_o be_v ecclesiastical_o account_v to_o have_v the_o be_v of_o repentance_n and_o so_o to_o have_v the_o thing_n which_o john_n require_v of_o they_o though_o not_o the_o same_o modus_fw-la of_o manifestation_n and_o discovery_n thereof_o now_o follow_v the_o five_o reason_n of_o our_o brethren_n dissent_n which_o be_v this_o that_o which_o will_v not_o make_v a_o man_n capable_a of_o receive_v baptism_n himself_o in_o case_n he_o be_v unbaptise_v do_v not_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o transmit_v right_o of_o baptism_n unto_o his_o child_n but_o all_o that_o the_o synod_n have_v say_v will_v not_o give_v a_o man_n right_o to_o baptism_n himself_o in_o case_n he_o be_v unbaptise_v therefore_o all_o that_o the_o synod_n have_v say_v be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n capable_a of_o transmit_v right_o of_o
by_o his_o generate_a he_o so_o also_o of_o his_o church-membership_a by_o his_o confederate_n for_o he_o and_o this_o by_o god_n institution_n and_o see_v the_o person_n of_o the_o child_n have_v a_o membership_n of_o its_o own_o affix_v to_o it_o as_o the_o foresay_a grant_n import_v and_o that_o from_o god_n from_o god_n covenant_n and_o institution_n as_o well_o as_o the_o person_n of_o the_o parent_n why_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o child_n do_v after_o this_o depend_v upon_o the_o membership_n or_o covenant_n of_o the_o parent_n and_o not_o rather_o upon_o god_n covenant_n and_o institution_n so_o as_o to_o live_v and_o die_v according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o appointment_n thereof_o and_o not_o otherwise_o hence_o the_o membership_n wherewith_o the_o person_n of_o the_o child_n be_v clothe_v by_o god_n institution_n die_v not_o till_o either_o the_o person_n of_o the_o child_n die_v or_o till_o by_o some_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n he_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o membership_n for_o his_o own_o sin_n neither_o must_v it_o be_v yield_v that_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o parent_n do_v proper_o and_o formal_o cut_v off_o the_o infant-childe_n that_o be_v bear_v before_o such_o excommunication_n we_o say_v properly_z and_o formal_o for_o consequential_o and_o eventual_o it_o may_v bring_v the_o child_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o also_o as_o in_o case_n the_o parent_n desperate_o go_v away_o from_o the_o church_n among_o heretic_n and_o infidel_n and_o bring_v up_o the_o child_n to_o serve_v other_o god_n but_o so_o it_o may_v be_v with_o a_o wife_n carry_v away_o by_o such_o a_o husband_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v she_o from_o have_v a_o personal_a distinct_a proper_a and_o immediate_a membership_n nor_o make_v his_o cut_n off_o to_o be_v she_o also_o but_o suppose_v a_o parent_n and_o child_n that_o live_v and_o continue_v among_o we_o the_o parent_n have_v a_o company_n of_o child_n all_o in_o their_o minority_n be_v for_o his_o wickedness_n cast_v out_o and_o continue_v impenitent_a die_v in_o that_o estate_n to_o say_v that_o all_o these_o child_n who_o be_v bear_v and_o baptise_a in_o the_o church_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o membership_n hereby_o be_v a_o strange_a assertion_n for_o 1._o this_o will_v make_v a_o infant-childe_n to_o be_v a_o subject_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v before_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o natural_a capacity_n and_o demerit_n right_o deny_v 2._o if_o a_o parent_n in_o israel_n be_v for_o his_o sin_n cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n be_v the_o child_n that_o he_o leave_v behind_o he_o therefore_o exclude_v from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v sure_a in_o crime_n capital_o punish_v of_o which_o cut_v off_o from_o their_o people_n be_v sometime_o plain_o mean_v exod._n 31.14_o 15._o levit._fw-la 17.4_o &_o 18.29_o &_o 20.18_o the_o child_n be_v not_o to_o die_v for_o the_o father_n sin_n deut._n 24.16_o 2_o chron._n 25.4_o jer._n 31.30_o ezek._n 18.20_o and_o be_v there_o not_o the_o like_a reason_n of_o other_o punishment_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a yea_o that_o cut_v off_o from_o their_o people_n appoint_v in_o the_o law_n be_v conceive_v by_o judicious_a interpreter_n to_o be_v in_o some_o place_n most_o proper_o mean_v of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a death_n 17.14_o or_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o people_n and_o church_n of_o god_n by_o excommunication_n but_o however_o it_o hold_v a_o proportion_n with_o excommunication_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o child_n may_v be_v bar_v from_o a_o right_n or_o privilegde_v that_o he_o neâ—er_v have_v by_o the_o sin_n or_o condition_n of_o the_o parent_n so_o heathen_a child_n be_v unclean_a and_o without_o because_o their_o parent_n be_v so_o hence_o child_n bear_v after_o the_o parent_n excommunication_n be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o a_o right_n or_o privilege_n which_o â—e_v once_o â—ad_a and_o be_v possess_v of_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o child_n former_o bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o own_a as_o member_n by_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n this_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o proper_a formal_a punishment_n or_o censure_n and_o this_o be_v inflict_v upon_o none_o but_o for_o his_o own_o sin_n a_o parent_n civil_o or_o natural_o dead_a can_v after_o that_o bring_v forth_o child_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n nor_o can_v a_o parent_n ecclesiastical_o dead_a he_o so_o continue_a bring_v forth_o child_n to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o child_n that_o be_v already_o member_n of_o the_o one_o society_n or_o of_o the_o other_o be_v not_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o therefrom_o for_o their_o parent_n sin_n 3._o that_o if_o the_o root_n be_v destroy_v the_o branch_n can_v live_v be_v a_o truth_n in_o nature_n of_o branch_n grow_v on_o the_o same_o tree_n but_o if_o these_o branch_n be_v take_v and_o set_v upon_o a_o stâ—ck_n and_o root_n of_o their_o own_o though_o but_o as_o in_o a_o nursery_n than_o they_o do_v not_o die_v when_o the_o old_a tree_n die_v or_o be_v cut_v up_o by_o the_o root_n and_o so_o be_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n these_o child_n be_v insert_v and_o implant_v into_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o own_o person_n as_o be_v but_o now_o grant_v when_o it_o be_v say_v the_o person_n of_o these_o infant_n do_v receive_v the_o adjunct_n of_o of_o church-membership_a and_o that_o their_o person_n be_v â—rought_v under_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v so_o far_o take_v root_n therein_o as_o to_o receive_v not_o from_o their_o parent_n but_o from_o the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o soil_n and_o faâ—ness_n thereof_o the_o sap_n and_o nourishment_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v also_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o establishment_n or_o root_n of_o their_o membership_n branch_n include_v and_o contain_v in_o the_o root_n as_o child_n yet_o unborn_a or_o not_o bear_v till_o after_o excommunication_n be_v break_v off_o or_o rather_o leave_v without_o together_o with_o their_o parent_n but_o not_o such_o branch_n as_o be_v already_o sever_v from_o the_o root_n and_o plant_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n as_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n our_o child_n be_v isa._n 5.7_o 4._o that_o death_n do_v not_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o outward_a covenant_n which_o excommunication_n do_v be_v a_o notion_n that_o we_o understand_v not_o we_o shall_v have_v think_v that_o outward_a membership_n or_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a institute_v church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o use_n of_o all_o outward_a ordinance_n 7._o or_o institute_v worship_n have_v everlasting_o cease_v at_o death_n the_o end_n duty_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o outward_a membership_n do_v then_o cease_v and_o so_o the_o membership_n itself_o the_o lord_n know_v how_o many_o may_v from_o outward_a membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n drop_v to_o hell_n and_o do_v not_o their_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o membership_n and_o if_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o outward_a membership_n it_o put_v a_o end_n to_o outward_a covenant_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o question_n i._n e._n as_o to_o the_o person_n that_o die_v indeed_o it_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o other_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o be_v survive_v and_o neither_o do_v excommunication_n so_o do_v but_o the_o person_n of_o the_o parent_n lose_v his_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n when_o he_o die_v as_o well_o as_o when_o he_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o hence_o if_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o child_n do_v live_v and_o die_v with_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o parent_n there_o will_v be_v a_o cessation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o one_o case_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o a_o parent_n faith_n prayer_n and_o covenant_n may_v live_v though_o hiâ—_n self_n be_v dead_a but_o how_o i._o e._n virtual_o in_o the_o virtue_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o and_o how_o be_v that_o why_o the_o promise_n make_v by_o god_n to_o the_o faith_n prayer_n and_o profession_n or_o covenant_v of_o a_o godly_a parent_n that_o live_v and_o abide_v and_o take_v effect_n so_o than_o it_o be_v neither_o the_o parent_n nor_o his_o membership_n but_o god_n covenant_n that_o live_v take_v in_o the_o child_n that_o be_v beget_v or_o bear_v of_o confederate_a parent_n to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o continue_v they_o till_o by_o some_o rule_n or_o appointment_n of_o his_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o like_a manner_n though_o the_o parent_n by_o his_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n have_v deprive_v himself_o of_o a_o portion_n in_o israel_n and_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n yet_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n live_v and_o stand_v to_o the_o child_n who_o he_o have_v
desert_n of_o church-censure_n which_o be_v manifest_o the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o synod_n five_o proposition_n and_o then_o all_o the_o discourse_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n wherein_o not_o a_o little_a confidence_n and_o spirit_n be_v express_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o not_o reach_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n though_o beside_o there_o be_v sundry_a mistake_n in_o it_o as_o may_v after_o appear_v for_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o in_o church_n where_o discipline_n be_v not_o in_o use_n and_o in_o a_o case_n notorious_a wherein_o a_o person_n do_v apparent_o lose_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n as_o by_o turn_v turk_n or_o the_o like_a a_o man_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o membership_n by_o his_o own_o apostasy_n and_o wickedness_n though_o the_o church_n do_v not_o through_o her_o sinful_a neglect_n formal_o censure_v he_o yet_o this_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v also_o a_o sure_a and_o clear_a truth_n that_o no_o act_n of_o a_o man_n own_o will_n or_o can_v cut_v he_o off_o from_o membership_n but_o that_o which_o deserve_v a_o cut_n off_o by_o censure_n and_o for_o which_o the_o church_n shall_v cut_v he_o off_o by_o censure_n if_o she_o do_v her_o duty_n this_o be_v plain_a because_o when_o a_o man_n be_v once_o in_o the_o church_n he_o can_v be_v out_v till_o god_n out_o he_o god_n do_v not_o out_o he_o till_o some_o rule_n or_o appointment_n of_o he_o in_o his_o word_n do_v out_o he_o but_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n that_o appoint_v any_o man_n to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o make_v as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n but_o for_o and_o upon_o such_o wickedness_n of_o his_o as_o be_v censurable_a by_o the_o church_n and_o in_o that_o case_n the_o rule_n do_v appoint_v and_o enjoin_v the_o church_n to_o censure_v he_o or_o to_o put_v he_o away_o from_o among_o they_o by_o censure_n mat._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.5_o 13._o when_o some_o divine_n do_v so_o speak_v as_o if_o person_n may_v be_v break_v off_o from_o the_o church_n without_o a_o formal_a censure_n in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o a_o man_n do_v by_o his_o own_o wickedness_n be_v it_o never_o so_o notorious_a immediate_o so_o become_v felo_fw-la de_fw-la se_fw-la or_o vn-member_n himself_o as_o that_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o he_o to_o censure_v he_o yes_o she_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o censure_v he_o for_o his_o wickedness_n and_o apostasy_n and_o so_o if_o a_o church-member_n turn_n turk_n or_o papist_n the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v aught_o to_o lay_v he_o under_o censure_n for_o it_o and_o for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v a_o member_n till_o censure_v i._n e._n a_o rot_a member_n fit_a to_o be_v cut_v off_o be_v no_o contradiction_n nor_o absurdity_n see_v mr._n cotton_v holiness_n of_o church-member_n pag._n 15._o 5.11_o and_o do_v all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n do_v their_o duty_n there_o shall_v no_o man_n live_v that_o ever_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n yet_o in_o be_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o non-member_n but_o he_o that_o be_v so_o censure_v on_o excommunicate_v at_o least_o unless_o some_o extraordinary_a and_o rare_a circumstance_n of_o a_o case_n do_v render_v the_o church_n cognizance_n thereof_o impossible_a but_o the_o meaning_n only_o be_v that_o where_o man_n have_v palpable_o and_o notorious_o lose_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n and_o a_o church_n through_o the_o sinful_a want_n or_o neglect_v of_o discipline_n never_o look_v after_o they_o only_o by_o her_o doctrine_n declare_v against_o such_o but_o haply_o continue_v in_o that_o neglect_n from_o age_n to_o age_n there_o the_o notoriousness_n of_o the_o case_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o rule_n do_v supply_v the_o defect_n of_o a_o judicial_a sentence_n and_o the_o church_n doctrinal_a declaration_n may_v be_v look_v at_o as_o a_o implicit_a excommunication_n and_o hence_o other_o church_n may_v just_o carry_v towards_o such_o as_o non-member_n and_o hence_o also_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o such_o church_n after_o deep_a and_o long-continued_a corruption_n such_o person_n may_v be_v set_v by_o without_o a_o formal_a censure_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o child_n of_o our_o church_n who_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n in_o stead_n of_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o apostasy_n when_o grow_v up_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n own_o the_o god_n and_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n and_o be_v neither_o cast_n out_o nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v who_o no_o rule_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n appoint_v to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o hence_o tâ—ey_n stand_v and_o continue_v regular_a i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o appointment_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o rule_n member_n of_o it_o be_v neither_o excommunicate_a nor_o by_o rule_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v where_o shall_v we_o find_v either_o scripture_n or_o sound_a reason_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o have_v cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o membership_n or_o be_v nâ—w_o become_v non-member_n but_o to_o come_v to_o a_o plain_a and_o distinct_a close_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o assert_v this_o position_n that_o in_o church_n waâ—â—ing_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o exercise_v discipline_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n thereoâ—_n no_o person_n can_v while_o he_o live_v among_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o by_o excommunication_n or_o without_o a_o church-act_n in_o censure_v he_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o be_v because_o we_o find_v this_o way_n of_o cessation_n of_o membership_n viz._n by_o excommunication_n plain_o prescribe_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n in_o scripture_n and_o we_o find_v not_o any_o other_o while_o the_o church_n and_o the_o person_n continue_v in_o be_v see_v a_o more_o particular_a proof_n of_o it_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o mr._n shepard_n treatise_n of_o church-membership_a of_o child_n late_o publish_a but_o if_o any_o do_v affirm_v there_o be_v another_o way_n it_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o show_v and_o prove_v it_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v whether_o that_o be_v do_v by_o all_o that_o be_v here_o further_o say_v preface_n when_o whitgift_n say_v that_o papist_n and_o atheist_n may_v still_o remain_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n mr._n parker_n tell_v he_o that_o even_o a_o veritius_fw-la will_v condemn_v he_o and_o it_o be_v no_o new_a doctrine_n in_o the_o school_n to_o say_v that_o a_o heretical_a apostate_n be_v no_o more_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o a_o wound_n a_o sâ—re_n a_o brand_n be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o man_n as_o eâ—ery_o one_o know_v that_o be_v mediocritèr_fw-la doctus_fw-la in_o scholasiiâ—al_a divinity_n therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o church-member_n may_v become_v no_o member_n by_o their_o own_o defection_n ans._n sure_o he_o that_o be_v but_o mediâ—critèr_fw-la doctus_fw-la in_o scholastical_a or_o chemical_a divinity_n may_v easy_o know_v that_o here_o be_v the_o show_n of_o a_o argument_n or_o of_o authority_n of_o writer_n witâ—_n out_o the_o substance_n of_o either_o for_o when_o our_o divine_n against_o the_o papist_n do_v so_o often_o over_o say_v that_o wicked_a or_o unregenerate_a person_n be_v but_o equivocal_o or_o improper_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o nail_n haâ—r_n sore_n and_o superfluous_a hu_o â—urs_n or_o as_o a_o wooden_a leg._n a_o glass_n eye_n etc._n etc._n be_v member_n of_o the_o live_a body_n of_o a_o man_n they_o mean_v it_o proper_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o invisible_a mystical_a church_n or_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n consider_v in_o its_o internal_a spiritual_a live_a state_n 1113._o not_o with_o reference_n to_o man_n external_a stand_n or_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n nor_o do_v they_o ever_o dream_v that_o man_n be_v by_o the_o want_n of_o internal_a gracious_a qualification_n cut_v off_o from_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o any_o church-censure_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o reckon_v hypocrite_n and_o secret_o unregenerate_a person_n as_o well_o as_o heretical_a apostate_n or_o the_o openly-wicked_n to_o be_v but_o equivocaliy_v of_o the_o church_n viz._n in_o comparison_n and_o contradistinction_n to_o the_o true_a and_o live_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n â—nd_v as_o â—aul_v diâ—tinguishes_n between_o israel_n and_o they_o that_o be_v of_o israel_n rom._n 9.6_o and_o say_v he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n i._n e._n not_o a_o jew_n indeed_o and_o accept_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o be_v â—ut_v outward_o â—nâ—_n rom._n 2.28_o 29._o but_o will_v you_o therefore_o say_v that_o a_o close_a hypocrite_n unâ—eâ—bers_v himself_o and_o fâ—lls_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o
when_o erasmus_n have_v say_v that_o child_n be_v grow_v 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v ask_v will_v not_o staâ—d_v to_o what_o have_v be_v promise_v in_o their_o behalf_n they_o â—ere_z to_o be_v leâ—t_v to_o themselves_o calvin_n 〈◊〉_d it_o as_o the_o say_n of_o a_o man_n not_o well_o exercise_v in_o church-government_n 346._o see_v also_o chemnit_fw-la exam._n conc._n trid._n par_fw-fr 2._o de_fw-fr baptis_n can._n 14._o &_o de_fw-la confirmat_fw-la sub_fw-la can._n 3._o who_o word_n in_o the_o former_a of_o these_o place_n the_o reaâ—er_n may_v find_v english_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o mr_n shepherd_n treatise_n â—bout_o childrenâ—â—ely_o â—â—ely_z print_v and_o cartwright_n to_o â—â—at_a question_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v present_a at_o a_o child_n baptism_n 185._o answer_n 1._o to_o rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a at_o â—he_n increase_v of_o god_n church_n 3_o when_o the_o child_n come_v to_o age_n to_o do_v such_o duty_n as_o one_o member_n â—wâ—â—h_v to_o another_o he_o do_v not_o think_v its_o membership_n cease_v with_o infancy_n but_o say_v he_o when_o it_o come_v to_o age_n such_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v doâ—e_n to_o it_o as_o one_o member_n owe_v to_o another_o hence_o we_o say_v be_v it_o rational_a so_o to_o understand_v parker_n or_o calvin_n as_o if_o they_o do_v think_v or_o approve_v it_o as_o sound_v doctrine_n in_o other_o to_o think_v that_o they_o who_o be_v baptise_a in_o minority_n when_o after_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o they_o have_v approve_v their_o faith_n they_o be_v then_o first_o admit_v member_n as_o if_o they_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o as_o the_o reader_n will_v think_v that_o that_o be_v the_o scope_n aâ—d_v sense_n of_o the_o testimony_n here_o cite_v but_o to_o cite_v shredsâ—f_a â—f_z passage_n in_o authers_n in_o a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o those_o â—_z know_v and_o declare_v judgement_n be_v very_o injurious_a both_o to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o reader_n he_o that_o read_v what_o this_o preface_n here_o say_v will_v think_v that_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o judicious_a writer_n cite_v by_o parker_n that_o child_n do_v then_o first_o enter_v into_o church-membership_a when_o their_o fâ—ith_n be_v approve_v by_o the_o church_n after_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n at_o all_o before_o that_o when_o as_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o evident_a that_o neither_o parker_n nor_o any_o judicious_a writer_n cite_v by_o he_o nor_o any_o one_o heretofore_o approve_v for_o a_o judicious_a writer_n either_o ancient_a or_o modern_a do_v indeed_o so_o judge_n but_o the_o contrary_n and_o parker_n word_n be_v clear_o intend_v in_o another_o sense_n viz._n with_o reference_n in_o full_a communion_n and_o so_o speak_v of_o the_o very_a same_o matter_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o ecclesiast_n â—elit_fw-la cap._n 10._o he_o say_v that_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n the_o adult_n be_v examine_v by_o the_o presbytery_n approve_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o receive_v by_o the_o whâ—le_a church_n as_o member_n of_o theâ—r_a communion_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n and_o so_o be_v as_o it_o be_v confirm_v before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lâ—rds_n supper_n where_o member_n of_o their_o communion_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n be_v the_o same_o with_o member_n in_o full_a communion_n in_o our_o language_n and_o so_o â—is_n word_n together_o with_o the_o know_a practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v plain_o confirm_v our_o distinction_n between_o initiate_v member_n and_o member_n in_o fâ—â—_n communion_n but_o they_o be_v far_o from_o intend_v or_o hold_v forth_o either_o a_o denial_n of_o child_n membership_n or_o a_o cessation_n thereof_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o become_v adult_n as_o for_o the_o inference_n that_o be_v here_o make_v from_o parker_n testimony_n therefore_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n such_o child_n be_v not_o as_o complete_a and_o perfect_a member_n as_o any_o in_o the_o church_n anâ—_n if_o his_o word_n do_v â—old_a in_o the_o sâ—nse_n in_o wâ—ich_a they_o be_v here_o allege_v than_o child_n be_v not_o only_o membersâ—s_v â—s_z any_o in_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v not_o member_n at_o all_o or_o non-meâ—bers_a see_v they_o be_v not_o it_o seer_n admit_v member_n till_o when_o adult_n they_o have_v make_v their_o prâ—feâ—â—â—on_n as_o for_o their_o be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a member_n it_o be_v well_o know_v we_o say_v and_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v not_o complete_a or_o perfect_a in_o point_n of_o communion_n or_o privilege_n but_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o essence_n or_o relation_n of_o membership_n i._n e._n they_o be_v proper_o and_o complete_o within_o the_o church_n and_o not_o half_a in_o and_o half_a out_o to_o be_v accord_v to_o divine_a institution_n within_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o book_n before_o which_o this_o preface_n be_v set_v well_o own_v pag._n 41_o 〈…〉_z any_o man_n â—â—ew_n we_o one_o orthodox_n divine_a or_o judicious_a writer_n before_o or_o iâ—_n parker_n day_n that_o ever_o say_v that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o faiâ—â—ful_a be_v either_o wâ—ile_a infant_n or_o when_o adult_n suppose_v they_o not_o excommunicate_v nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v not_o within_o the_o church_n but_o withal_o we_o hold_v and_o so_o do_v parker_n and_o the_o reform_a church_n that_o â—â—ere_o be_v many_o within_o the_o church_n who_o may_v not_o â—ave_n complete_a or_o juâ—â—_n communion_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n â—â—ereof_o and_o so_o be_v not_o complete_a or_o perfect_a member_n in_o that_o â—ense_n and_o sword_n meduâ—_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes._n 13._o it_o be_v not_o we_o but_o you_o that_o will_v have_v child_n 〈◊〉_d lest_o all_o adult_n child_n to_o be_v as_o complete_a aâ—d_a perfect_a member_n in_o this_o sense_n aâ—_n any_o in_o the_o church_n or_o else_o to_o be_v no_o member_n at_o all_o see_v you_o acknowledge_v none_o that_o be_v adult_n to_o be_v member_n unless_o they_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n it_o be_v â—urâ—â—er_o add_v that_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n in_o case_n they_o do_v not_o join_v unto_o the_o church_n than_o they_o do_v not_o retain_v their_o membership_n which_o â—hey_n 〈…〉_z minority_n nâ—w_o to_o join_v to_o the_o church_n be_v the_o act_n of_o one_o that_o be_v not_o join_v or_o be_v not_o a_o member_n so_o that_o unless_o they_o 〈◊〉_d themselves_o to_o be_v not_o member_n or_o unless_o they_o own_v themselves_o to_o â—â—ve_v lose_v their_o membership_n they_o do_v not_o retain_v their_o membership_n this_o we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o so_o much_o for_o the_o discourse_n upon_o the_o three_o objection_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o objection_n there_o be_v a_o high_a profession_n of_o much_o zeal_n for_o church_n care_n and_o watch_n to_o be_v extend_v toward_o child_n and_o much_o clearness_n therein_o even_o as_o the_o light_n at_o noon_n and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v write_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n so_o as_o that_o the_o reader_n will_v expect_v to_o find_v very_o ample_a satisfaction_n in_o that_o matter_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o it_o â—â—lls_v flat_a to_o no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o the_o watch_n over_o they_o be_v to_o be_v mediate_a according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o their_o membership_n the_o church_n be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o parent_n â—â—_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o â—hâ—ldâ—en_n now_o we_o demand_v whether_o this_o be_v any_o more_o than_o the_o church_n shall_v extend_v to_o a_o negro_n or_o indian_a live_v in_o the_o family_n of_o one_o of_o their_o brethren_n for_o shall_v they_o not_o see_v that_o he_o do_v his_o duty_n towards_o he_o and_o that_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n yea_o we_o may_v further_o ask_v whether_o this_o mediate_a watch_n viz._n by_o see_v that_o the_o parent_n do_v their_o duty_n do_v not_o belong_v as_o much_o to_o child_n when_o they_o be_v reject_v and_o disâ—â—rneâ—_n by_o the_o church_n as_o our_o brethren_n will_v have_v they_o and_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o child_n when_o their_o parent_n be_v dead_a as_o how_o many_o fatherless_a and_o motherless_a child_n be_v among_o we_o or_o far_o remove_v and_o when_o child_n be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o not_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o why_o also_o shall_v not_o baptism_n and_o catechise_v as_o well_o as_o other_o church-benefit_n be_v dispense_v only_o mediatelyâ—nd_v â—nd_z not_o immediate_o unto_o child_n the_o reader_n may_v here_o see_v that_o the_o difference_n about_o 〈…〉_z and_o immediate_a membership_n be_v more_o than_o a_o notion_n it_o contain_v under_o it_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n this_o mediate_a membership_n be_v make_v a_o medium_n to_o put_v our_o poor_a child_n from_o
alone_o give_v right_o for_o god_n have_v make_v it_o one_o commandment_n of_o four_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n require_v that_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n be_v attend_v in_o a_o solemn_a humble_a reverent_a and_o profitable_a manner_n and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v meet_a and_o needful_a that_o person_n shall_v both_o know_v and_o own_o the_o covenant-state_n they_o be_v in_o and_o the_o state_n of_o subjection_n to_o christ_n government_n which_o the_o covenant_n place_v they_o in_o especial_o when_o they_o partake_v of_o such_o a_o fruit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o baptism_n for_o their_o child_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v covenant-duty_n when_o they_o come_v for_o covenant_n privilege_n that_o they_o shall_v both_o seek_v and_o attend_v the_o lord_n holy_a ordinance_n though_o it_o be_v their_o right_a never_o so_o much_o in_o humility_n and_o fear_n and_o it_o be_v one_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o they_o give_v up_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v promise_n to_o take_v care_n for_o their_o christian_a education_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v suitable_a that_o they_o be_v mind_v of_o it_o when_o they_o present_v they_o to_o baptism_n and_o the_o more_o explicit_o they_o do_v so_o promise_v it_o be_v the_o better_a hence_o all_o reform_a church_n do_v in_o their_o directory_n and_o practice_n require_v profession_n and_o promise_v of_o parent_n or_o those_o that_o present_v the_o child_n to_o baptism_n and_o appoint_v a_o solemn_a manner_n of_o administration_n and_o stand_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o needful_a duty_n though_o they_o unanimous_o own_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o child_n have_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a right_n to_o baptism_n by_o its_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n see_v english_a liturgy_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n directory_n pag._n 31._o late_o petition_n for_o peace_n pag._n 61_o etc._n etc._n zepperi_fw-la polit._n ecces_n pag_n 128._o &_o pag._n 147_o 150._o alasco_n pag._n 121_o 137._o ratio_fw-la discipl_n bohem._n pag_n 43._o hence_o also_o no_o man_n will_v doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o comfortable_a and_o desirable_a thing_n that_o the_o parent_n do_v address_v himself_o in_o the_o most_o solemn_a serious_a and_o spiritual_a manner_n to_o draw_v nigâ—_n to_o god_n upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n as_o the_o baptise_v of_o a_o child_n by_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n for_o all_o neglect_v and_o breach_n of_o his_o covenant_n by_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o encourage_v promise_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n in_o reference_n unto_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o pour_v out_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o child_n and_o for_o a_o heart_n to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a parent_n towards_o his_o child_n as_o do_v become_v he_o etc._n etc._n and_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o parent_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v stir_v up_o unto_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o their_o duty_n but_o still_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o administration_n or_o to_o the_o better_a and_o more_o comfortable_a attendance_n thereof_o and_o between_o what_o be_v essential_o requisite_a to_o give_v right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o ordinance_n before_o the_o church_n this_o latter_a mere_a membership_n or_o membership_n alone_o do_v a_o state_n of_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v that_o unto_o which_o the_o right_a of_o baptism_n be_v annex_v church_n as_o not_o only_o the_o synod_n but_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o so_o 2._o the_o assertion_n beforementioned_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a membership_n but_o qualify_v membership_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n in_o the_o sense_n above_o give_v be_v also_o antiscriptural_a 1._o because_o it_o direct_o overthrow_v infant-baptism_n which_o the_o scripture_n establish_v for_o what_o have_v infant_n more_o than_o membership_n or_o federal_n holiness_n or_o covenant-interest_n to_o give_v they_o right_o to_o baptism_n i._o e._n what_o have_v they_o more_o than_o this_o that_o they_o be_v regular_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o his_o institution_n therein_o within_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o this_o will_v not_o suffice_v but_o there_o must_v be_v some_o other_o qualification_n beside_o and_o superad_v unto_o this_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o for_o our_o part_n we_o know_v no_o strong_a argument_n for_o infants-baptism_n then_o that_o church_n member_n or_o foederati_fw-la be_v to_o be_v baptize_v the_o infant_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v church-member_n or_o foederati_fw-la ergo._fw-la but_o if_o the_o foresay_a assertion_n hold_v this_o argument_n fail_v and_o fall_v short_a for_o now_o church-membership_a or_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n or_o federal_n holiness_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n but_o there_o must_v be_v more_o than_o this_o to_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n how_o the_o sinew_n of_o the_o strong_a argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n will_v fare_v we_o know_v not_o but_o sure_o we_o be_v that_o this_o cut_n in_o sunder_o the_o sinew_n of_o the_o strong_a argument_n for_o infant-baptism_n which_o must_v fall_v if_o this_o stand_n but_o fall_v it_o never_o will_v through_o grace_n while_o the_o lord_n appointment_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n stand_v viz._n to_o have_v the_o initiate_a seal_n run_v parallel_n with_o the_o covenant_n gen._n 17._o or_o christ_n commission_n matth._n 28.19_o viz._n to_o baptise_v all_o disciple_n or_o all_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n let_v this_o assertion_n therefore_o fall_v which_o make_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n short_a than_o the_o covenant_n and_o deny_v baptism_n to_o run_v parallel_n with_o church-membership_a under_o the_o gospel_n hence_o 2._o it_o contradict_v that_o which_o the_o harmony_n of_o scripture_n and_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v acknowledge_v for_o a_o principle_n viz._n that_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n i._n e._n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v or_o that_o all_o church_n member_n be_v subject_n of_o baptism_n for_o if_o not_o mere_a membership_n or_o membership_n alone_o but_o qualify_v membership_n give_v right_a to_o baptism_n than_o not_o all_o member_n but_o some_o only_a viz._n those_o that_o be_v so_o and_o so_o qualify_v be_v to_o be_v baptize_v if_o baptism_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o mere_a membership_n or_o to_o a_o member_n as_o such_o than_o not_o to_o all_o member_n as_o à _fw-la quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la so_o à _fw-la non_fw-la quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la non_fw-la omne_fw-la valet_fw-la consequentiae_fw-la this_o deny_v not_o only_o in_o the_o five_o but_o the_o first_o proposition_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n which_o yet_o the_o antisynodalia_fw-la pag._n 17._o seem_v to_o consent_n unto_o but_o let_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v give_v from_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v that_o first_o proposition_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n then_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o this_o assertion_n now_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n viz._n because_o john_n be_v baptism_n which_o be_v christian_n baptism_n may_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o some_o who_o be_v stand_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n because_o they_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o repentance_n luke_n 3.8_o &_o 7.30_o therefore_o christian_a baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v unto_o such_o as_o stand_v member_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o they_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n answ._n let_v this_o be_v answer_v with_o reference_n to_o infant-baptism_n which_o lie_v upon_o our_o brethren_n to_o do_v as_o well_o as_o on_o we_o see_v they_o above_o declare_v antipoedobaptism_n to_o be_v a_o sinful_a opinion_n and_o do_v profess_v to_o hold_v and_o maintain_v the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n though_o indeed_o the_o reader_n can_v not_o gather_v so_o much_o from_o these_o word_n christian_n baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v unto_o such_o 〈◊〉_d stand_v member_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o they_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n this_n seem_v direct_o to_o gainsay_v infant-baptism_n for_o infant_n do_v indeed_o stand_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o how_o do_v they_o or_o can_v they_o show_v that_o they_o be_v qualify_v with_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n for_o it_o seem_v that_o neither_o be_v repentance_n itself_o sufficient_a without_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n but_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v our_o brethren_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o oppose_v infant-baptism_n and_o therefore_o that_o their_o meaning_n be_v not_o to_o require_v these_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n or_o qualification_n superad_v to_o membership_n of_o the_o child_n or_o personâ—_n to_o be_v baptize_v but_o of_o their_o parent_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o express_v but_o let_v this_o argument_n
purpose_n but_o their_o purpose_n therein_o be_v this_o viz._n to_o prove_v that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n do_v still_o continue_v member_n which_o may_v be_v true_a though_o all_o 〈◊〉_d be_v baptize_v in_o infancy_n do_v not_o for_o thus_o their_o argument_n lie_v if_o person_n be_v not_o break_v off_o but_o for_o notorious_a sin_n or_o incorrigible_a in_o penitency_n and_o unbelief_n then_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v not_o break_v off_o but_o do_v still_o continue_v member_n for_o any_o such_o notorious_a sin_n etc._n etc._n can_v just_o be_v charge_v upon_o they_o witness_v the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v this_o reason_n allege_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o membership_n of_o â—ll_o baptize_v in_o infancy_n do_v not_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n the_o synod_n lose_v nothing_o thereby_o aâ—_n have_v never_o affirm_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o why_o do_v not_o this_o reason_n and_o text_n prove_v the_o thing_n intend_v by_o the_o synod_n the_o reverend_a author_n give_v this_o reason_n because_o that_o text_n rom._n 11.20_o speâ—k_v only_o of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v receive_v into_o membership_n by_o their_o personal_a faith_n and_o covenant_v with_o the_o church_n visible_o a._n the_o text_n clear_o speak_v of_o the_o people_n or_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v a_o disobedient_a and_o gainsay_v people_n rom._n 10_o 2d_o that_o they_o as_o concern_v the_o gospel_n be_v enemy_n rom._n 11.28_o that_o they_o kill_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o their_o own_o prophet_n and_o persecute_v the_o apostle_n please_v not_o god_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o man_n etc._n etc._n 1_o thess._n 2.15_o 16._o and_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o complete_a and_o immediate_a membership_n by_o their_o personal_a faith_n &_o c_o beside_o it_o be_v not_o very_o credible_a that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v receive_v into_o complete_a and_o immediate_a membership_n by_o their_o personal_a faith_n if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v pag._n 6._o that_o that_o church_n be_v to_o be_v propagate_v and_o continue_v by_o natuâ—â—â—_n generation_n in_o a_o lineal_a descent_n from_o abraham_n by_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n tâ—ll_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ordinance_n for_o cast_v out_o their_o member_n for_o sin_n against_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o there_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n pag._n 12._o which_o thing_n if_o true_a do_v import_n that_o visible_a faith_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n look_v for_o in_o receive_v the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n nor_o in_o continue_v of_o they_o but_o their_o natural_a generation_n and_o lineal_a dâ—scâ—nâ—_n may_v suffice_v how_o then_o can_v that_o stand_v which_o be_v here_o say_v that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o in_o râ—m_n 11.20_o be_v such_o as_o be_v receive_v into_o membership_n 〈…〉_z when_o as_o that_o text_n speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o if_o the_o reverend_a author_n apprehension_n be_v right_a be_v not_o so_o receive_v but_o by_o lineal_a succession_n by_o natural_a generation_n christian_a church_n differ_v from_o that_o church_n and_o be_v of_o another_o sort_n as_o be_v to_o be_v propagate_v and_o continue_v by_o regeneration_n make_v visible_a by_o a_o right_a confession_n and_o profession_n of_o faith_n pag._n 6._o the_o sum_n be_v this_o in_o the_o one_o place_n he_o make_v it_o peculiar_a to_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v propagate_v by_o regeneration_n and_o 〈◊〉_d visible_o profâ—â—â—ed_v and_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o in_o the_o other_o place_n which_o certain_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o say_v it_o speak_v of_o embâ—â—â—_n receive_v by_o â—her_o personal_a faith_n wherein_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o repugnancy_n our_o 〈◊〉_d of_o adult_n person_n that_o break_v off_o themselves_o from_o the_o covenant_n by_o profane_a neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o the_o ordinance_n or_o unsuitable_a conveâ—sâ—aâ—â—_n pag._n 43._o ans._n then_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v not_o break_v off_o at_o all_o but_o their_o membership_a 〈◊〉_d continue_v as_o the_o synod_n say_v for_o the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n will_v not_o suffer_v such_o profaneness_n and_o â—n_n empt_v of_o ordinance_n and_o 〈◊〉_d conversation_n to_o be_v just_o charge_v upon_o they_o and_o if_o there_o be_v the_o cause_n for_o which_o man_n be_v 〈◊〉_d off_o be_v not_o then_o this_o reason_n of_o the_o synod_n plain_o confirm_v and_o make_v good_a for_o they_o argue_v that_o the_o person_n in_o question_n do_v still_o continue_v member_n because_o 〈…〉_z notorious_a sin_n impenitency_n incorrigibleness_n and_o the_o like_a and_o here_o it_o be_v say_v that_o man_n be_v break_v off_o by_o profaneness_n contempt_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o unsuitable_a conversation_n which_o saying_n be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o or_o little_a different_a and_o both_o of_o they_o do_v witness_v that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v not_o break_v off_o as_o not_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o such_o wickedness_n or_o misdemeanour_n who_o ever_o say_v that_o any_o be_v break_v off_o for_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_v age_n ans._n if_o the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o proposition_n be_v say_v to_o be_v break_v off_o what_o be_v this_o lâ—ss_n then_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v so_o disow_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o they_o be_v once_o within_o the_o church_n and_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v break_v off_o for_o any_o scandal_n in_o their_o conversation_n but_o come_v up_o to_o the_o term_n in_o the_o proposition_n be_v far_o from_o such_o evil_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v furnish_v with_o many_o good_a and_o commendable_a qualification_n as_o knowledge_n profession_n subjection_n to_o christ_n government_n own_v the_o covenant_n and_o the_o like_a now_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o they_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o break_v off_o from_o it_o though_o they_o be_v once_o in_o it_o what_o be_v this_o less_o than_o to_o say_v they_o be_v break_v off_o by_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_v age_n and_o see_v reply_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n to_o this_o argument_n p._n 42._o 2._o say_v the_o synod_n the_o jew_n child_n circumcise_a do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v member_n by_o grow_v up_o but_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n bind_v unto_o various_a duty_n and_o in_o special_a to_o those_o solemn_a personal_a profession_n that_o pertain_v to_o adult_v member_n not_o as_o then_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a membership_n but_o as_o make_v a_o progress_n in_o memberly_n duty_n deut._n 26.2_o 10._o &_o 16.16_o 17._o gal._n 5.3_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v 1._o that_o the_o jew_n child_n circumcise_v be_v bind_v to_o various_a duty_n and_o to_o those_o solemn_a profession_n mention_v be_v clear_a enough_o by_o the_o text_n allege_v and_o sundry_a other_o whereunto_o i_o willing_o add_v that_o baptism_n also_o bind_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o confederate_n to_o various_a gospel-duty_n and_o especial_o this_o of_o use_v all_o mean_a etc._n etc._n ans._n and_o do_v not_o both_o these_o show_n that_o which_o the_o synod_n express_v that_o child_n do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v member_n by_o grow_v up_o but_o do_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o the_o jew_n child_n be_v it_o not_o also_o so_o with_o we_o according_a to_o the_o synod_n argue_v and_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n the_o circumcise_a then_o do_v and_o the_o baptise_a now_o do_v stand_v bind_v to_o various_a duty_n when_o adult_n how_o can_v it_o be_v avoid_v but_o that_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n than_o do_v and_o now_o do_v continue_v in_o adult_n age_n for_o when_o &_o as_o long_o as_o one_o stand_v bind_v by_o a_o covenant_n then_o and_o so_o long_a that_o covenant_n must_v needs_o remain_v in_o be_v for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v one_o stand_v bind_v by_o it_o can_v one_o be_v bind_v by_o that_o which_o be_v not_o in_o be_v one_o will_v think_v this_o be_v not_o possible_a therefore_o by_o this_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n and_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n to_o various_a duty_n when_o adult_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o covenant_n and_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n do_v still_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o so_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v gain_v but_o 2._o say_v the_o reverend_a author_n it_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o those_o text_n that_o wâ—â—n_o they_o be_v adult_n they_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a membership_n rather_o the_o contrary_n
be_v of_o midian_a and_o so_o of_o keturah_n see_v rivet_n on_o exod._n 2._o and_o on_o exod._n 18.12_o preface_n in_o like_a sort_n when_o person_n under_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v abraham_n child_n by_o hold_v forth_o his_o faith_n and_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o simplicity_n and_o goaly_a sincerity_n we_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v just_o deem_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v just_o put_v themselves_o out_o of_o that_o covenant_n which_o their_o parent_n make_v for_o they_o ans._n 1._o the_o person_n in_o question_n i._n e._n the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o synod_n five_o proposition_n do_v in_o some_o degree_n hold_v forth_o their_o faith_n and_o godly_a walk_n while_o they_o be_v profess_v christian_n or_o profess_a believer_n and_o follower_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v from_o their_o infancy_n do_v constant_o attend_v the_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n live_v under_o and_o do_v not_o cast_v off_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o courâ—â—_n and_o when_o call_v thereto_o do_v ready_o profess_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faiâ—â—_n and_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n do_v these_o put_v all_o this_o together_o in_o no_o sort_n show_v themselves_o to_o be_v abraham_n child_n by_o hold_v forth_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o step_n i._n e._n in_o charitable_a and_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n sure_o mr._n cotton_n account_v such_o as_o these_o yea_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o do_v not_o grow_v up_o to_o apostasy_n and_o open_a scandal_n or_o that_o be_v not_o excommunicable_a to_o continue_v in_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o covenant_n faith_n and_o religion_n of_o their_o father_n as_o in_o those_o passage_n of_o his_o that_o be_v point_v to_o in_o the_o preface_n the_o lâ—â—e_a synod_n may_v be_v see_v and_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v ground_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n to_o exclude_v such_o as_o these_o from_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o the_o covenant_n thereof_o 2._o if_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o hold_v forth_o such_o a_o experimental_a work_n of_o faith_n or_o lively_o discern_v and_o exercise_n thereof_o and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o their_o life_n as_o may_v fit_v they_o for_o a_o comfortable_a approach_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n let_v it_o be_v show_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o bare_a defect_n or_o want_n hereof_o be_v such_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o put_v man_n out_o of_o it_o we_o know_v that_o every_o transgression_n or_o fall_v stort_v of_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o account_v in_o scripture_n a_o absolute_a breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o a_o forsake_v and_o reject_v thereof_o such_o as_o for_o which_o god_n give_v unto_o person_n or_o people_n a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n do_v but_o compare_v these_o person_n in_o question_n who_o the_o hasty_a and_o rigid_a severity_n of_o man_n here_o pronounce_v to_o be_v just_o deem_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o have_v put_v themselves_o out_o of_o it_o with_o those_o who_o the_o holy_a but_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a god_n do_v in_o scripture_n call_v and_o account_v such_o breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n see_v jer._n 11.9_o 10._o ezek._n 16.8_o 59_o deut._n 29.25_o 26.2_o chron_n 7.22_o 2_o king_n 17.15_o 20._o and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o cut_v down_o no_o not_o the_o barren_a fig_n â—ree_a till_o further_a patience_n and_o mean_n be_v use_v he_o that_o waiâ—ed_v on_o the_o jew_n who_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n be_v by_o a_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n with_o as_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o ever_o shine_v till_o utter_v incorrigible_a rejection_n thereof_o appear_v before_o he_o account_v they_o break_v off_o rom._n 11.16_o 20._o with_o act_n 13.45_o 46._o &_o 18.5_o 6._o &_o 19.8_o 9_o 1_o thes._n 2.15_o 16._o he_o that_o follow_v jerusalem_n with_o mean_n and_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n till_o they_o stone_v he_o away_o mat._n 23.27_o etc._n etc._n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o he_o will_v reckon_v our_o poor_a child_n to_o be_v break_v off_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v adult_n if_o then_o present_o they_o do_v not_o bold_a forth_o fitness_n â—â—r_n the_o lord_n table_n yea_o when_o many_o of_o they_o be_v it_o may_v be_v secret_o follow_v after_o god_n though_o haply_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v so_o much_o as_o to_o make_v their_o approach_n to_o that_o ordinance_n comfortable_a or_o have_v not_o yet_o the_o confidence_n to_o put_v forth_o themselves_o thereunto_o sure_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o make_v so_o light_a a_o matter_n of_o his_o holy_a covenant_n and_o seâ—l_n whatever_o man_n through_o misguide_v apprehension_n may_v do_v as_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o child_n take_v they_o into_o his_o church_n and_o seal_v up_o their_o take_n in_o before_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o then_o let_v they_o go_v out_o so_o easy_o or_o drop_v off_o one_o know_v not_o how_o 3._o if_o they_o have_v just_o i._n e._n meritorious_o put_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o covenant_n or_o so_o violate_v the_o covenant_n on_o their_o part_n as_o to_o deserve_v a_o put_n out_o yet_o still_o one_o may_v ask_v how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v actual_o put_v out_o see_v the_o church_n have_v not_o proceed_v nor_o see_v cause_n to_o proceed_v to_o any_o censure_n but_o if_o it_o be_v indeed_o so_o that_o they_o do_v deserve_v i._n e._n in_fw-it foâ—o_fw-it ecclesia_fw-la we_o speak_v not_o of_o desert_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o be_v put_v out_o if_o they_o may_v be_v just_o â—â—eâ—ed_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o which_o just_o put_v they_o out_o than_o it_o be_v the_o church_n duty_n actual_o to_o put_v they_o out_o or_o cut_v they_o off_o for_o ecclesiastical_a justice_n as_o well_o as_o civil_a render_v unto_o all_o their_o due_a and_o just_a desert_n and_o those_o that_o be_v ecclesiastical_o breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n ought_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o gen._n 17.14_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v upon_o these_o principle_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o cast_v out_o and_o cut_v off_o all_o the_o adult_a child_n of_o our_o church_n that_o be_v not_o come_v up_o to_o full_a communion_n which_o thing_n how_o horrid_a it_o be_v to_o think_v of_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_n or_o be_v it_o that_o we_o forbear_v any_o formal_a censure_n and_o content_v ourselves_o only_a doctrinaly_n to_o declare_v that_o all_o such_o child_n be_v put_v out_o and_o break_v off_o which_o doctrine_n declaration_n be_v indeed_o contain_v in_o the_o assertion_n of_o our_o brethren_n yet_o the_o harshness_n and_o horrid_a severity_n of_o such_o a_o declaration_n be_v liâ—â—le_a inferior_a to_o the_o other_o and_o very_o contrary_a to_o the_o patience_n and_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n expreâ—â—d_v in_o the_o scripture_n preface_n wherefore_o that_o all_o may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o danger_n nor_o singularity_n in_o this_o our_o assertion_n that_o a_o church_n member_n may_v possible_o become_v no_o member_n without_o any_o act_n of_o the_o church_n in_o formal_a censure_v of_o he_o give_v we_o leaâ—e_n to_o produce_v some_o testimony_n to_o prove_v it_o judicious_a and_o bless_a dr._n ames_n â—aâ—th_v that_o in_o case_n of_o pertinacious_a separation_n suâ—h_v person_n though_o they_o may_v be_v of_o the_o invisible_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n ans._n 1._o suppose_v you_o shall_v prove_v that_o a_o church-member_n may_v possible_o become_v no_o member_n without_o a_o censure_n yet_o we_o be_v still_o utter_o to_o seek_v of_o proof_n that_o â—â—e_v child_n in_o question_n do_v so_o 2._o how_o can_v a_o separation_n be_v proper_o pertinacious_a and_o incurable_a or_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v till_o the_o mean_n of_o church_n discipline_n have_v be_v use_v 3._o ames_n his_o meaning_n may_v be_v that_o such_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v lawful_a and_o approve_a member_n as_o in_o the_o close_a of_o that_o chapter_n de_n consc._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 12._o he_o say_v â—_o schismatical_a church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o a_o lawful_a and_o approve_a church_n 4._o we_o shall_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o some_o good_a divine_n do_v seem_v to_o hold_v that_o in_o some_o case_n of_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o apostasy_n and_o so_o in_o case_n of_o absolute_a and_o universal_a schism_n of_o which_o aim_n there_o speak_v especial_o in_o place_n and_o church_n where_o discipline_n be_v
not_o use_v man_n may_v be_v look_v at_o as_o non-member_n though_o the_o church_n do_v neglect_v to_o pass_v a_o formal_a censure_n wherein_o we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o be_v their_o opponent_n it_o suffice_v we_o that_o in_o church_n regular_o use_v discipline_n there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a way_n whereby_o offender_n lose_v church-membership_a but_o by_o excommunication_n and_o that_o none_o can_v lose_v it_o while_o they_o live_v that_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o such_o evil_a as_o be_v censurable_a or_o be_v matter_n of_o excommunication_n which_o the_o person_n in_o question_n be_v not_o another_o testimony_n here_o allege_v be_v from_o mr._n cotton_n in_o his_o way_n of_o the_o church_n p._n 9_o where_o he_o say_v that_o many_o in_o church_n have_v cut_v themselves_o off_o ans._n have_v the_o whole_a sentence_n be_v set_v down_o every_o reader_n will_v have_v see_v the_o impertinency_n of_o the_o allegation_n as_o to_o the_o person_n and_o case_n in_o question_n mr._n cotton_v wordâ—_n be_v these_o many_o in_o other_o church_n have_v â—ut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o covenant_n by_o their_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o withal_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o add_v that_o arelapsed_a church_n with_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v bind_v to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o reformation_n which_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o whole_o cut_v off_o before_o though_o their_o membership_n be_v but_o by_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o baptize_v for_o of_o that_o he_o there_o speak_v we_o doubt_v not_o but_o among_o the_o member_n of_o such_o relapsed_a church_n may_v be_v find_v many_o much_o more_o degenerate_a then_o those_o describe_v in_o the_o synod_n five_o preposition_n much_o less_o therefore_o be_v those_o discovenant_v but_o be_v in_o covenant_n be_v bind_v to_o renew_v it_o in_o order_n to_o full_a communion_n the_o next_o testimony_n here_o produce_v be_v from_o those_o word_n in_o the_o discourse_n of_o church-covenant_n pag._n 17._o viz._n that_o if_o man_n have_v not_o promise_v and_o also_o perform_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o truth_n the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n they_o have_v not_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n but_o have_v discovenant_v themselves_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o father_n and_o other_o thus_o though_o god_n promise_v abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n genes_n 17_o 7._o yet_o the_o ishmaelite_n and_o edomite_n descend_v from_o abraham_n be_v discovenant_v by_o not_o promise_v nor_o perform_v those_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n require_v on_o the_o people_n part_n now_o if_o this_o say_v the_o apologist_n be_v truth_n in_o the_o year_n 1639._o as_o it_o then_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o elders_n hereabout_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v truth_n in_o the_o year_n 1662._o for_o veritas_fw-la in_o omnem_fw-la partem_fw-la svi_fw-la semper_fw-la eadem_fw-la eâ—t_fw-la either_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n then_o or_o else_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n at_o this_o day_n ans._n let_v the_o word_n here_o cite_v be_v candid_o interpret_v and_o they_o contain_v nothing_o repugnant_a to_o the_o present_a doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o man_n do_v not_o promise_v or_o do_v not_o perform_v in_o some_o measure_n yea_o in_o some_o measure_n of_o truth_n i._n e._n visible_o and_o in_o charitable_a and_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n into_o god_n they_o do_v discovendat_fw-la themselves_o i._n e._n they_o do_v it_o meritorious_o and_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o they_o â—n_a thâ—â—_n part_v to_o destroy_v their_o membership_n and_o â—hey_n so_o do_v it_o as_o will_v infer_v the_o absolute_a loss_n of_o their_o membership_n viz._n either_o by_o formal_a excommunication_n if_o you_o speak_v of_o particular_a person_n and_o if_o the_o church_n do_v her_o duty_n or_o by_o the_o lorâ—s_v give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n if_o you_o speak_v of_o whole_a body_n of_o people_n as_o here_o the_o ishâ—â—celâ—â—s_n 〈◊〉_d a_o eâ—ountes_n be_v speak_v of_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o child_n of_o our_o church_n describe_v in_o the_o synodâ—_n five_o proposition_n who_o do_v promise_n and_o do_v in_o some_o â—easure_n though_o not_o in_o so_o full_a a_o measure_n as_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n this_o may_v be_v true_a in_o 1639._o and_o in_o 1662._o also_o and_o yet_o our_o assertion_n may_v be_v true_a and_o you_o false_a notwithstanding_o let_v our_o child_n appear_v to_o be_v such_o as_o the_o edoâ—ates_n and_o ishmaelite_n be_v or_o let_v they_o appear_v to_o be_v such_o as_o do_v in_o no_o measure_n yea_o i._o â—_o no_o measure_n of_o truth_n i._n e._n as_o to_o church-visibility_a or_o charitable_a hope_n for_o the_o church_n â—â—ngâ—_n no_o further_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o we_o will_v with_o you_o plead_v to_o have_v they_o put_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o till_o then_o i._n e._n as_o long_o as_o they_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n though_o yet_o but_o in_o a_o small_a and_o initial_a measure_n perform_v the_o duty_n and_o retain_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n or_o of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n they_o continue_v yea_o regular_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n for_o aught_o that_o have_v yet_o appear_v either_o in_o 1639._o or_o in_o 1662._o we_o be_v loath_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o insult_a expression_n that_o be_v here_o use_v which_o be_v too-too_o uncomely_a especial_o there_o where_o thâ—â—â—fth_o commandment_n require_v special_a honour_n but_o the_o intelligent_a reader_n will_v easy_o see_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o conâ—â—dence_n to_o bring_v a_o testimony_n concern_v the_o discovenant_n of_o the_o ishmaelite_n and_o edomite_n for_o they_o be_v expreâ—ly_o instance_a in_o as_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o not-promising_a nor_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o faâ—â—rand_a obedience_n intend_v by_o the_o author_n and_o then_o to_o triumph_v in_o it_o as_o if_o that_o prove_v the_o discovenant_v of_o our_o hopeful_a and_o non-excommunicable_a child_n or_o thwart_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n when_o it_o be_v here_o add_v this_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n wherein_o we_o dissent_n from_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o synod_n if_o by_o this_o be_n mean_v the_o assertion_n which_o be_v before_o express_v viz._n that_o a_o church-member_n may_v possible_o become_v no_o member_n without_o any_o act_n of_o the_o church_n in_o formal_a censure_v of_o he_o than_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o â—trangâ—_n misrepresentation_n to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a polut_o of_o your_o dissent_n for_o there_o be_v they_o that_o do_v hearty_a consent_n to_o all_o the_o conclâ—sions_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o yet_o dâ—_n hold_v and_o do_v in_o the_o synod_n express_v as_o much_o that_o in_o some_o notorious_a case_n and_o where_o the_o church_n neglect_v her_o duty_n as_o have_v be_v before_o say_v person_n may_v be_v break_v off_o and_o look_v at_o as_o non-member_n though_o not_o formal_o censure_v or_o that_o a_o church-member_n may_v possible_o in_o some_o case_n become_v no_o member_n without_o a_o formal_a censure_n the_o reader_n therefore_o be_v great_o mislead_v and_o misinform_v when_o he_o be_v tell_v that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a point_n of_o our_o dissent_n but_o when_o you_o aâ—â—ert_v that_o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v become_v no_o member_n or_o that_o person_n who_o be_v before_o member_n do_v become_v no_o member_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v adult_n mere_o by_o want_n of_o fitness_n for_o full_a communion_n though_o they_o neither_o have_v not_o deserve_v to_o have_v any_o church-censure_n paâ—led_v upon_o they_o this_o we_o confess_v be_v a_o main_a point_n wherein_o you_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n and_o we_o suppose_v from_o scripture_n and_o sound_a reason_n too_o preface_n here_o let_v we_o add_v the_o word_n of_o mr._n cotton_n in_o his_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o church_n member_n which_o be_v these_o follow_v such_o as_o be_v bear_v and_o baptize_v member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o cruelty_n continue_v and_o confirm_v member_n unless_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n they_o do_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n pray_v their_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o jeâ—us_n chrâ—st_n answ._n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o by_o confirm_a member_n all_o along_o in_o that_o book_n mr._n cottonâ—eaneâ—_n â—eaneâ—_z such_o as_o be_v admit_v to_o â—uâ—_n communion_n or_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o vote_v and_o so_o he_o dâ—th_v express_o explain_v himself_o pag._n 9_o and_o for_o that_o it_o be_v well_o know_v we_o stand_v â—ully_o for_o the_o