with_o they_o and_o so_o he_o do_v now_o in_o the_o six_o place_n the_o application_n say_v the_o preface_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n unto_o those_o who_o be_v not_o true_a believer_n we_o mean_v visible_o for_o de_fw-fr occultis_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la be_v a_o profanation_n thereof_o and_o as_o dreadful_a a_o sin_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n unto_o unworthy_a receiver_n we_o marvel_v that_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o as_o muâ—h_v profane_v and_o vilify_v by_o undue_a administration_n of_o baptism_n as_o by_o undue_a administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n ans_fw-fr it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o the_o red_a to_o gather_v out_o of_o all_o that_o be_v here_o say_v a_o reason_n of_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n for_o we_o ready_o grant_v and_o say_v that_o baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o but_o visible_a believer_n take_v visible_a believer_n as_o a_o term_n equivalent_a to_o federally_n holy_n as_o the_o term_n believer_n or_o faithful_a be_v sometime_o in_o scripture_n so_o take_v isaâ—_n 1.21_o 2_o cor._n 6.15_o and_o often_o in_o author_n but_o that_o the_o person_n in_o question_n both_o parent_n and_o child_n be_v visible_a believer_n be_v also_o by_o the_o synod_n assert_v and_o prove_v and_o here_o be_v nothing_o say_v to_o disprove_v it_o but_o when_o as_o our_o brethren_n here_o say_v that_o the_o application_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n unto_o those_o who_o be_v not_o visible_o true_a believer_n be_v a_o profanation_n thereof_o in_o which_o be_v right_o explain_v we_o gainsay_v they_o not_o and_o yet_o in_o their_o 〈◊〉_d pag._n 20._o do_v hold_v forth_o that_o infant_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v faith_n it_o will_v lie_v upon_o they_o to_o show_v how_o they_o apply_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n to_o infant_n without_o a_o profanation_n thereof_o it_o be_v pity_n that_o so_o many_o passage_n be_v drop_v here_o and_o there_o that_o do_v though_o we_o hope_v not_o in_o their_o intention_n clasâ—_n with_o the_o baptise_v of_o â—_z here_o be_v also_o express_v a_o marvel_n that_o any_o shall_v think_v etc._n etc._n but_o we_o may_v answer_v with_o a_o marvel_n that_o any_o shall_v speak_v as_o if_o any_o of_o we_o do_v think_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o profane_v by_o undue_a administration_n of_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o by_o undue_a administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n whether_o as_o much_o or_o no_o in_o point_n of_o degree_n we_o will_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o dispute_v though_o we_o suppose_v the_o degree_n of_o sinful_a pollution_n or_o profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n name_v in_o any_o ordinance_n will_v be_v intend_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o special_a communion_n that_o we_o have_v with_o christ_n in_o that_o ordinance_n and_o by_o the_o danger_n that_o such_o pollution_n infer_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a partaker_n which_o will_v hardly_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v more_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n then_o in_o baptism_n but_o whether_o the_o profanation_n be_v as_o great_a or_o no_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v very_o great_a and_o so_o great_a as_o that_o every_o pious_a conscientious_a person_n shall_v fear_v to_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o the_o undue_a administration_n of_o baptism_n but_o where_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n to_o show_v that_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n point_v to_o by_o the_o synod_n be_v undue_a or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o undue_a administration_n of_o baptism_n to_o extend_v it_o further_o than_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o to_o administer_v baptism_n to_o some_o unto_o who_o we_o do_v not_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n if_o the_o rule_n and_o institution_n concern_v these_o two_o sacrament_n do_v extend_v the_o one_o further_o than_o the_o other_o as_o it_o plain_o do_v when_o it_o appoint_v baptism_n to_o all_o disciple_n or_o to_o run_v parallel_n with_o federal_a holiness_n mat._n 28.19_o but_o the_o lord_n supper_n only_o to_o self-examining_a disciple_n 1_o cor._n 11.28_o than_o the_o one_o may_v be_v extend_v further_a than_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o one_o no_o more_o undue_a or_o irregular_a and_o pollute_v then_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o other_o sure_o he_o that_o hold_v that_o baptism_n may_v and_o the_o lord_n supper_n may_v not_o be_v administer_v unto_o infant_n as_o we_o suppose_v our_o brethren_n do_v he_o grant_v that_o baptism_n may_v be_v extend_v further_a than_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o any_o such_o sacrilegious_a impiety_n dreadful_a profâ—rtation_n or_o prostitution_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v here_o harsh_o enough_o express_v neither_o do_v judicious_a calvin_n part_n of_o who_o zealous_a expression_n against_o the_o promiscuous_a administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v here_o cite_v in_o the_o preface_n ever_o imagine_v or_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v any_o such_o profanation_n to_o extend_v baptism_n further_o than_o the_o lord_n supper_n yea_o and_o further_o than_o the_o synod_n do_v when_o as_o he_o set_v down_o that_o answer_n in_o his_o catechism_n that_o be_v above_o allege_a and_o practise_v according_o it_o be_v well_o know_v the_o synod_n do_v not_o pleâ—d_v for_o that_o largeness_n in_o either_o of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o calvin_n allow_v but_o to_o extend_v the_o one_o further_o than_o the_o other_o be_v never_o account_v sacrilegious_a impiety_n in_o orthodox_n divinity_n it_o be_v here_o add_v that_o austin_n plead_v for_o strictness_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o tertullian_n beâ—ore_v he_o but_o do_v either_o of_o they_o pleâ—d_n for_o great_a strictness_n than_o the_o synod_n do_v unless_o where_o tertullian_n erroneous_o and_o weak_o plead_v for_o the_o delay_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v note_v 83._o for_o one_o of_o his_o navi_fw-la certain_o man_n will_v say_v when_o they_o look_v upon_o what_o be_v publish_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o their_o wary_a qualify_a of_o the_o five_o proposition_n about_o which_o the_o controversy_n be_v that_o they_o be_v for_o much_o strictness_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o many_o will_v think_v we_o too_o strict_a we_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v show_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o austin_n that_o will_v speak_v he_o to_o be_v against_o the_o baptise_v of_o such_o as_o the_o synod_n plead_v for_o yea_o he_o require_v not_o more_o of_o adult_n convert_v from_o heathenism_n for_o their_o own_o baptism_n then_o be_v in_o the_o parent_n who_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o synod_n that_o book_n of_o his_o de_fw-la fide_fw-la &_o operibus_fw-la be_v against_o the_o baptise_v of_o notorious_a scandalous_a liver_n who_o he_o will_v not_o have_v baptize_v tho_o seem_o turn_v from_o heathenism_n till_o they_o serious_o promise_v reformation_n but_o that_o austin_n in_o stead_n of_o be_v for_o more_o strictness_n hold_v for_o a_o large_a extent_n of_o baptism_n than_o the_o synod_n do_v may_v easy_o be_v evince_v 22._o how_o strange_a be_v it_o to_o see_v their_o authority_n still_o allege_v against_o we_o who_o be_v not_o only_o full_o with_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o go_v further_o than_o we_o the_o seven_o reason_n of_o our_o brethren_n dissent_n be_v this_o it_o have_v in_o it_o a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o the_o â—ardning_v of_o unregenerate_a creature_n in_o their_o sinful_a natural_a condition_n when_o life_n be_v not_o only_o promise_v but_o seal_v to_o they_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o whole_a coâ—enant_n of_o grace_n â—_o as_o well_o as_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o be_v not_o interest_v in_o this_o covenant_n by_o faith_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v the_o seal_n thereof_o apply_v to_o they_o ans._n 1._o the_o lord_n truth_n and_o grace_n however_o it_o may_v be_v abuse_v by_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n perverse_a and_o sinful_a nature_n have_v not_o in_o itself_o any_o natural_a tendency_n to_o harden_v any_o but_o the_o contrary_n and_o how_o can_v the_o doctrine_n in_o hand_n have_v any_o such_o natural_a tendency_n when_o as_o man_n be_v tell_v over_o and_o over_o that_o only_o outward_a advantage_n and_o dispensation_n be_v seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n more_o absolute_o rom._n 3.1_o 2._o â—_o 9.4_o but_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o life_n eternal_a conditional_o see_v mr._n shepherd_n late_o print_v letter_n pag._n 3_o 6._o so_o that_o if_o they_o fail_v of_o the_o condition_n viz._n effectual_a and_o unfeigned_a faith_n they_o miss_v of_o salvation_n notwithstanding_o their_o baptism_n and_o external_a covenant-estate_n and_o hence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a but_o only_o a_o probable_a connexion_n between_o federal_a holiness_n as_o apply_v to_o
particular_a person_n and_o salvation_n that_o thousand_o be_v in_o the_o viâ—â—ble_a church_n that_o shall_v never_o see_v heaven_n that_o outward_a privilege_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rest_v in_o but_o improvedâ—s_a â—s_z help_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o internal_a and_o special_a grace_n that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o accept_v of_o probable_a sign_n but_o no_o man_n for_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o rest_v without_o certain_a sign_n of_o grace_n hence_o the_o indefinite_a promise_n and_o other_o general_a indefinite_a token_n of_o a_o good_a estate_n 〈◊〉_d such_o as_o decipher_v that_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v gracious_a and_o many_o of_o who_o be_v so_o though_o many_o be_v not_o â—s_a child_n of_o the_o covenant_n professor_n of_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v ground_n for_o the_o church_n to_o proceed_v upon_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o outward_a 〈◊〉_d especial_o that_o of_o baptism_n that_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o first_o be_v of_o grace_n but_o they_o be_v not_o ground_n for_o any_o to_o rest_v oâ—_n acquiesce_v in_o as_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o sum_n while_o we_o keep_v a_o due_a distinction_n between_o the_o outward_a and_o inward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o between_o the_o respective_a â—_z and_o ground_n of_o each_o there_o be_v no_o tendency_n unto_o harden_v therein_o but_o indeed_o 〈…〉_z and_o do_v tie_v visible_a church-interest_n unto_o such_o condition_n and_o qualification_n as_o be_v repute_v enough_o to_o salvation_n this_o may_v tend_v to_o harden_v man_n and_o to_o make_v they_o conceit_n that_o if_o once_o they_o be_v get_v into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v sure_a of_o heaven_n when_o 〈◊〉_d it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v far_o from_o it_o 2._o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o contrary_a assertion_n to_o this_o of_o our_o brethren_n here_o for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o deny_v the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o strong_a tendency_n in_o it_o to_o make_v they_o cease_v from_o fear_v the_o lord_n or_o to_o harden_v their_o heart_n from_o his_o fear_n josh._n 22.24_o 25_o 27._o and_o that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o encouragement_n and_o awful_a obligation_n of_o covenant-interest_n do_v great_o tend_v to_o softâ—â—_n and_o break_v the_o heart_n and_o to_o draw_v it_o home_o unto_o god_n hence_o the_o lord_n often_o begin_v with_o this_o that_o he_o be_v their_o god_n viz._n in_o outward_a covenant_n and_o they_o his_o people_n when_o he_o will_v most_o powerful_o win_v and_o draw_v they_o to_o faith_n and_o obedience_n psal._n 81.8_o 10._o levit._fw-la 19.3_o 4._o deut._n 14.1_o 2._o hosea_n 14.1_o act._n 2.38_o 39_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o can_v through_o grace_n witness_n unto_o this_o of_o what_o use_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o lord_n prevent_v grace_n in_o his_o seal_a covenant_n and_o their_o engagement_n to_o he_o thereby_o have_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o turn_n unto_o god_n so_o jer._n 31.18_o &_o 3.22_o gal._n 1.15_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o natural_a tendency_n in_o man_n corrupt_a heart_n not_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o truth_n or_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o lead_v he_o to_o turn_v grace_n into_o wantonness_n and_o to_o abuse_v outward_a privilege_n and_o ordinance_n unto_o a_o self-hardning_a security_n and_o carnal_a confidence_n jer._n 7.4_o mat._n 3.9_o rom._n 2.17_o phil._n 3.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o but_o be_v this_o any_o argument_n against_o the_o lord_n or_o the_o church_n give_v man_n a_o portion_n in_o his_o temple_n and_o ordinance_n because_o they_o be_v prone_a so_o to_o abuse_v they_o confidence_n in_o outward_a visible_a qualification_n for_o full_a communion_n be_v but_o a_o vain_a and_o carnal_a thing_n yet_o man_n be_v prone_a enough_o to_o it_o and_o have_v need_n by_o the_o ministry_n be_v take_v off_o from_o it_o but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o deny_v or_o scruple_n their_o admission_n thereunto_o 4._o if_o one_o shall_v bring_v such_o a_o argument_n as_o this_o against_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n viz._n that_o it_o will_v harden_v they_o and_o bolster_v they_o up_o in_o their_o sinful_a natural_a condition_n we_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v count_v a_o poor_a argument_n and_o of_o no_o validity_n and_o yet_o it_o hold_v as_o well_o against_o the_o baptise_v of_o any_o infant_n as_o of_o these_o in_o question_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o baptise_v of_o these_o in_o question_n harden_v the_o parent_n ans._n not_o at_o all_o in_o the_o way_n we_o go_v any_o more_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o child_n baptism_n then_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o baptism_n which_o he_o receive_v in_o infancy_n for_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v any_o more_o than_o federal_a holiness_n and_o that_o he_o have_v when_o he_o be_v a_o infant_n on_o that_o ground_n be_v he_o baptise_a then_o and_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n be_v his_o child_n baptise_a now_o if_o he_o have_v any_o more_o he_o may_v have_v the_o more_o comfort_n in_o it_o but_o simple_o to_o have_v his_o child_n baptise_a on_o the_o ground_n we_o go_v upon_o affirm_v no_o more_o but_o this_o because_o we_o ground_n all_o upon_o federal_a holiness_n or_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o dispense_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o clothe_v with_o the_o external_a dispensation_n or_o administration_n thereof_o and_o so_o it_o do_v next_o and_o immediate_o seal_v the_o external_a dispensation_n or_o the_o promise_v and_o privilege_n that_o belong_v thereto_o which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o then_o it_o seal_v the_o inward_a and_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o include_v in_o that_o dispensation_n and_o upon_o the_o condition_n therein_o propound_v baptism_n seal_v the_o whole_a covenant_n and_o whole_a dispensation_n thereof_o i._n e._n 1._o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o outward_o to_o all_o that_o have_v a_o external_a stand_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o dispensation_n and_o communication_n of_o it_o inward_o effectual_o and_o save_o to_o all_o that_o true_o do_v believe_v 2._o that_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o entrance_n into_o the_o covenant_n thus_o consider_v it_o seal_v the_o whole_a covenant_n but_o by_o way_n of_o initiation_n so_o dr._n ames_n in_o the_o place_n that_o be_v here_o quote_v medul_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 40._o thes._n 5_o 6._o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o initiation_n or_o regeneration_n for_o although_o it_o do_v at_o once_o seal_v the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o faithful_a yet_o by_o a_o singular_a appropriation_n it_o represent_v and_o confirm_v our_o very_a engraft_v into_o christ_n rom._n 6.3_o 5._o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o thesis_n 10._o those_o benefit_n be_v seal_v by_o way_n of_o initiation_n in_o baptism_n and_o from_o thence_o the_o judicious_a doctor_n make_v that_o inference_n that_o suit_v and_o clear_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n thes._n 11._o hence_o baptism_n ought_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n now_o first_o enter_v into_o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n seal_v up_o unto_o the_o party_n baptize_v all_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v in_o season_n communicate_v and_o enjoy_v from_o step_n to_o step_v through_o the_o whole_a progress_n of_o christianity_n from_o this_o first_o beginning_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n hence_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n or_o that_o have_v but_o a_o first_o entrance_n thereinto_o child_n as_o well_o as_o other_o though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o such_o faith_n and_o growth_n as_o import_v that_o progress_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o fruition_n of_o the_o comfort_n and_o â—ruits_n thereof_o that_o be_v seal_v up_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o ready_o grant_v and_o say_v that_o â—â—ne_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n apply_v in_o thâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d those_o that_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o by_o faith_n unless_o you_o can_v show_v we_o any_o other_o way_n of_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n but_o by_o faith_n but_o withal_o we_o affâ—â—m_o and_o prove_v that_o the_o child_n in_o question_n have_v interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o know_a tenor_n thereof_o gen._n 17.7_o and_o therefore_o that_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v
which_o do_v amount_v further_o 3._o whereas_o the_o synod_n say_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v have_v frequent_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o young_a year_n at_o scripture_n and_o experience_n show_v instance_n joseph_n samuel_n etc._n etc._n hence_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n show_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a be_v in_o charity_n or_o to_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n visible_a believer_n the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v indeed_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n but_o if_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n they_o do_v not_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n be_v fit_o qualify_v they_o can_v then_o be_v fiâ—ly_o call_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o transgressor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o breaker_n of_o it_o ans._n 1._o if_o they_o be_v breaker_n of_o it_o then_o sure_o they_o be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o for_o how_o can_v man_n break_v the_o covenant_n whâ—ch_o they_o be_v not_o in_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v here_o express_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o minority_n so_o the_o same_o be_v by_o consequence_n confess_v of_o they_o be_v adult_n for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v they_o be_v then_o say_v to_o break_v the_o covenant_n 2._o if_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o infancy_n and_o minority_n as_o the_o reverend_a author_n acknowledge_v they_o be_v this_o suit_n well_o enough_o with_o the_o purpose_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o this_o place_n which_o be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v this_o that_o such_o child_n have_v frequent_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n and_o such_o as_o have_v grace_n begin_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n why_o shall_v not_o charity_n think_v it_o be_v there_o still_o when_o nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o he_o that_o once_o begin_v that_o good_a work_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o forsake_v that_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n but_o to_o perfect_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n psal._n 138.8_o phil._n 1.6_o further_o say_v the_o reverend_a author_n this_o argument_n be_v fallacious_a because_o it_o argue_v from_o some_o particular_n to_o infer_v a_o general_a affirmative_o some_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v have_v the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n therefore_o all_o person_n of_o this_o sort_n etc._n etc._n if_o the_o reverend_a author_n have_v express_v the_o synod_n argument_n as_o they_o express_v it_o it_o will_v not_o then_o have_v appear_v so_o fallacious_a as_o the_o alteration_n of_o their_o word_n may_v make_v it_o for_o whereas_o they_o say_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v frequent_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n for_o which_o they_o produce_v eight_o or_o nine_o instance_n from_o scripture_n all_o these_o instance_n and_o that_o frequency_n for_o proof_n of_o which_o they_o be_v allege_v be_v now_o all_o leave_v out_o and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o it_o be_v render_v some_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n and_o whereas_o the_o inference_n which_o the_o synod_n make_v be_v thus_o express_v viz._n hence_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o term_n all_o which_o be_v not_o in_o before_o be_v express_o put_v in_o thus_o all_o person_n of_o this_o sort_n etc._n etc._n which_o alteration_n may_v indeed_o obscure_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n but_o let_v it_o be_v reduce_v to_o what_o it_o first_o be_v and_o then_o let_v the_o judicious_a reader_n consider_v whether_o it_o be_v fallacious_a or_o firm_a whether_o there_o be_v weakness_n or_o weight_n in_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v if_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v frequent_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n than_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n show_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a be_v in_o charity_n or_o to_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n visible_a believer_n but_o so_o it_o be_v ergo._fw-la the_o assumption_n here_o be_v manifest_o prove_v by_o those_o many_o instance_n in_o scripture_n allege_a and_o by_o experience_n and_o the_o consequence_n we_o hope_v be_v not_o fallacious_a but_o find_v and_o good_a for_o if_o it_o be_v frequent_o thus_o why_o shall_v not_o charity_n believe_v it_o be_v thus_o in_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n where_o nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_n 4._o the_o synod_n have_v say_v that_o they_o that_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v be_v visible_a saint_n in_o the_o account_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n be_v in_o scripture_n account_n 〈◊〉_d company_n of_o saint_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o &_o 1.2_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o both_o the_o assertion_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deny_v the_o assertion_n be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n of_o confederate_a believer_n be_v in_o the_o church_n by_o their_o parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o but_o parent_n be_v not_o so_o till_o etc._n etc._n ans._n it_o be_v here_o again_o confess_v that_o infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n but_o not_o so_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n and_o come_v to_o be_v parent_n but_o of_o their_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o their_o come_n to_o be_v adult_n something_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o more_o may_v in_o the_o six_o argument_n partic._n 3_o but_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v the_o proof_n be_v to_o be_v deny_v and_o be_v not_o apposite_a we_o conceive_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v very_o apposite_a for_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o the_o synod_n do_v allege_v it_o which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o that_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o scripture_n account_v visible_a saint_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n allege_v be_v so_o plain_a and_o apposite_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o we_o conceive_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o whether_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v such_o or_o no_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o saint_n or_o not_o be_v another_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o conceive_v much_o have_v and_o may_v be_v say_v but_o the_o text_n allege_v be_v not_o produce_v by_o the_o synod_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o be_v not_o plain_a for_o proof_n of_o that_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v plain_a and_o apt_a enough_o for_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o synod_n that_o may_v suffice_v though_o they_o prove_v not_o this_o other_o to_o which_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v apply_v they_o 5._o say_v the_o synod_n be_v in_o covenant_n and_o baptize_v they_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n indefinite_o give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o seal_v up_o in_o baptism_n deut._n 30.6_o which_o continue_v valid_a and_o so_o a_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o while_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o answer_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o distinction_n between_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o regard_n of_o external_a mean_n between_o the_o elect_n in_o who_o god_n work_v the_o grace_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n so_o powerful_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o reject_v it_o and_o the_o rest_n who_o have_v the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n till_o they_o reject_v they_o as_o do_v esau_n and_o conclude_v that_o such_o as_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n and_o live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n do_v remain_v unbeliever_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n undefinite_o give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o promise_n ans._n but_o be_v there_o any_o proof_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o synod_n affirm_v it_o seem_v none_o at_o all_o for_o when_o the_o synod_n say_v the_o covenant_n which_o promise_v faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v a_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o while_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o and_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v that_o such_o as_o do_v reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n have_v not_o faith_n and_o repentance_n give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o promise_n these_o be_v not_o contrary_a nor_o at_o all_o inconsistent_a for_o the_o synod_n never_o say_v nor_o mean_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v give_v by_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o that_o be_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n and_o live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n do_v still_o remain_v unbeliever_n the_o synod_n never_o say_v
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
before_o take_v into_o covenant_n and_o plant_v in_o his_o house_n to_o call_v it_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o to_o say_v that_o child_n membership_n be_v dependent_a upon_o that_o be_v too_o crude_a a_o pâ—râ—se_n and_o too_o much_o abuse_v by_o many_o ascribe_v that_o to_o the_o parent_n and_o to_o their_o profession_n or_o act_n in_o covenant_v which_o belong_v most_o proper_o to_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n it_o be_v god_n covenant_n that_o take_v in_o both_o parent_n and_o child_n alas_o what_o be_v parent_n and_o what_o can_v all_o their_o profession_n and_o faith_n and_o act_n do_v if_o god_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o take_v they_o into_o covenant_n now_o god_n take_v the_o child_n into_o his_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n and_o it_o be_v god_n covenant_n and_o institution_n that_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o chide_v depend_v upon_o and_o with_o which_o alone_a it_o lâ—ves_v and_o die_v but_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o preface_n true_a it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v make_v much_o use_n of_o that_o distinction_n of_o immediate_a and_o mediate_v member_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o carry_v a_o mighty_a and_o constrain_a evidence_n of_o scripture-light_n along_o with_o it_o etc._n etc._n ans._n we_o must_v needs_o say_v this_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o when_o as_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o scripture_n bring_v either_o here_o or_o in_o the_o book_n follow_v to_o make_v good_a or_o hold_v forth_o such_o a_o distinction_n in_o stead_n of_o scripture_n here_o be_v some_o author_n straight_o name_v not_o to_o attest_v the_o distinction_n of_o immediate_a and_o mediate_v it_o seeâ—s_v that_o can_v be_v find_v no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o author_n but_o of_o complete_a and_o incomplete_a to_o which_o the_o answer_n be_v ready_a 1._o if_o some_o author_n have_v so_o distinguish_v member_n yet_o where_o be_v such_o a_o distinction_n of_o membership_n at_o least_o purposely_o so_o intend_v as_o to_o makâ—_n several_a sort_n or_o kind_n of_o membership_n specifical_o differ_v as_o be_v express_o say_v of_o the_o distinction_n here_o plead_v for_o in_o the_o book_n pag_n 37._o dr_n ames_n in_o the_o place_n here_o cite_v do_v not_o say_v of_o infant_n non_fw-la sunt_fw-la 〈◊〉_d membra_fw-la but_o perfecta_fw-la membra_fw-la neither_o do_v he_o say_v non_fw-la sunt_fw-la perfecta_fw-la but_o non_fw-la sunt_fw-la adeo_fw-la perfecta_fw-la membra_fw-la they_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_a member_n say_v he_o of_o the_o church_n as_o that_o they_o can_v exercise_v act_n of_o communion_n or_o be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o all_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o plain_o refer_v the_o imperfection_n or_o incompleatness_n not_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o their_o membership_n but_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o privilege_n hence_o 2._o their_o distinction_n of_o member_n into_o complete_a and_o incomplete_a be_v be_v candid_o take_v as_o much_o as_o our_o distinction_n of_o member_n into_o such_o as_o be_v in_o â—ull_a or_o complete_a communion_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o full_a communion_n which_o distinction_n we_o have_v and_o we_o hope_v just_o make_v great_a use_n of_o and_o for_o such_o a_o distinction_n reâ—â—ipsa_n loquor_fw-la all_o that_o be_v within_o of_o or_o belong_v to_o such_o a_o society_n whether_o family_n commonwealth_n or_o church_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o say_v to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o society_n but_o all_o be_v not_o equal_a in_o participation_n of_o privilege_n therein_o some_o have_v a_o more_o full_a or_o complete_a 〈◊〉_d and_o portion_n therein_o and_o some_o have_v less_o all_o christ_n scholar_n or_o disciple_n be_v not_o of_o the_o high_a form_n nor_o be_v all_o his_o subject_n betrust_v with_o the_o key_n of_o his_o kingdom_n nor_o all_o his_o child_n past_o their_o nonage_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o disciple_n in_o his_o school_n subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n child_n of_o his_o family_n i._n e._n member_n oâ—_n the_o visible_a church_n but_o such_o a_o distinction_n as_o make_v several_a sort_n of_o membership_n specifical_o different_a we_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v clear_v and_o confirm_v either_o from_o scripture_n or_o author_n or_o from_o sound_a reason_n sundry_a distinction_n or_o sort_n of_o member_n may_v easy_o be_v give_v as_o some_o member_n be_v in_o office_n in_o the_o church_n some_o out_o of_o office_n some_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o not_o of_o the_o power_n of_o vote_v as_o woman_n some_o of_o both_o some_o have_v only_o initial_a privilege_n some_o all_o ames_n medul_a lib_fw-la 1._o cap_n 32._o thes._n â—_o 3._o but_o these_o be_v but_o distribution_n ex_fw-la adjunctis_fw-la and_o do_v not_o touch_v or_o vary_v the_o essence_n of_o membership_n nor_o make_v several_a sort_n thereof_o nor_o do_v these_o distinction_n and_o degree_n of_o member_n in_o the_o church_n arise_v simple_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o membership_n or_o from_o any_o difference_n therein_o but_o from_o something_o superad_v unto_o membership_n as_o a_o officer_n be_v not_o more_o a_o member_n then_o another_o but_o his_o dignity_n and_o place_n in_o the_o church_n arise_v from_o somewhat_o superad_v unto_o membership_n viz._n his_o office_n a_o man_n be_v not_o more_o a_o member_n then_o a_o woman_n though_o he_o have_v a_o power_n and_o privilege_n in_o the_o church_n beside_o and_o above_o bare_a membership_n which_o the_o woman_n have_v not_o so_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v not_o more_o or_o more_o true_o proper_o immediate_o and_o personal_o member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o child_n be_v but_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o more_o and_o further_a qualification_n or_o to_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o growth_n in_o the_o church_n be_v by_o rule_n admit_v to_o mor_o privilege_n than_o they_o thus_o in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n there_o be_v many_o sort_n of_o subject_n some_o bear_v office_n some_o not_o some_o admit_v to_o election_n of_o officer_n some_z not_o some_o capable_a of_o plead_v and_o answer_v for_o themselves_o in_o law_n some_o be_v not_o but_o yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o subject_a and_o who_o ever_o make_v a_o specifical_a distinction_n of_o that_o so_o as_o to_o say_v in_o that_o sense_n some_o be_v mediate_v subject_n and_o some_o immediate_a the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o a_o family_n where_o the_o young_a child_n be_v as_o true_o proper_o personal_o and_o immediate_o a_o member_n of_o the_o family_n as_o the_o most_o grow_a person_n though_o as_o to_o power_n and_o privilege_n therein_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n so_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n all_o the_o part_n be_v not_o a_o eye_n a_o hand_n etc._n etc._n but_o all_o be_v member_n and_o the_o mean_a part_n be_v as_o well_o a_o member_n as_o the_o most_o noble_a 1_o cer._n 12._o 12_o 25._o now_o there_o be_v the_o like_a reason_n as_o to_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o membership_n in_o â—_o church-society_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o that_o of_o a_o kingdom_n faâ—â—ly_o and_o of_o the_o natural_a body_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o discourse_n upon_o the_o second_o objection_n in_o the_o three_o place_n our_o brethren_n set_v down_o this_o position_n or_o opinion_n as_o that_o which_o be_v object_v against_o they_o that_o a_o person_n who_o be_v a_o church-member_n may_v become_v no_o member_n by_o a_o act_n or_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o without_o any_o church-act_n in_o censure_v of_o he_o and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d be_v they_o say_v most_o true_a it_o be_v thâ—t_o we_o do_v maintain_v this_o and_o for_o prooâ—_n thereof_o they_o suppoâ—e_v 〈…〉_z of_o a_o english_a fugitive_n of_o one_o turn_v turk_n who_o be_v never_o censure_v by_o any_o church_n ans._n the_o position_n object_v against_o they_o if_o it_o be_v pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n must_v run_v thus_o that_o a_o person_n who_o be_v a_o church-member_n may_v become_v no_o member_n by_o a_o aâ—â—_n or_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o without_o any_o church-act_n in_o censure_v of_o hiâ—_n and_o without_o 〈…〉_z censure_n on_o his_o part_n or_o though_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o deserve_v any_o church-censure_n and_o be_v not_o censurable_a by_o any_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n for_o so_o the_o word_n â—f_o the_o synod_n â—_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o controvert_v five_o proposition_n do_v express_o speak_v put_v that_o as_o a_o 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o person_n admit_v member_n and_o seal_v by_o baptism_n not_o cast_v out_o nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v may_v the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v still_o remain_v become_v a_o non-member_n and_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o unclean_a world_n pag._n 26._o now_o put_v but_o this_o into_o the_o objection_n here_o mention_v without_o
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
under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n aâ—d_v to_o set_v they_o in_o their_o own_o person_n as_o lamos_n in_o a_o large_a place_n for_o by_o this_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o nor_o can_v put_v forth_o any_o act_n eâ—â—er_n of_o watch_n or_o censure_n immediate_o upon_o they_o but_o upon_o their_o parent_n only_o but_o that_o church-watch_n government_n no_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v and_o administer_v to_o our_o child_n personal_o and_o immediâ—aâ—ly_o i._n e._n according_a as_o in_o regard_n of_o age_n and_o understanding_n they_o be_v capable_a there_o f_z viz._n instruction_n and_o inspection_n and_o that_o in_o a_o official_a way_n even_o in_o young_a year_n aâ—d_v formal_a censure_n when_o adult_n if_o they_o fâ—ll_v into_o such_o offence_n as_o do_v need_n â—nd_n deserve_v the_o same_o the_o reader_n may_v find_v confirm_v in_o the_o synod_n argument_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a defence_n thereof_o 71._o haply_o the_o assertion_n 〈…〉_z mediate_v church-care_n be_v â—â—eltered_v uâ—dâ—r_n that_o clause_n those_o child_n that_o be_v in_o minority_n bâ—â—_n 1._o much_o help_v by_o instruction_n counsel_n warning_n reproof_n exhortation_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o in_o a_o authoritative_a way_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o memberly_n relation_n may_v be_v administer_v unto_o child_n themselves_o immediate_o in_o their_o own_o pâ—rsons_n beside_o look_v to_o parent_n that_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o they_o even_o while_o they_o be_v in_o their_o minority_n though_o not_o yet_o capable_a of_o public_a censure_n 2._o they_o be_v in_o the_o same_o state_n and_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n though_o not_o of_o the_o same_o capacity_n when_o in_o minority_n and_o when_o adult_n if_o therefore_o not_o because_o of_o their_o natural_a incapacity_n but_o because_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o membership_n only_o mediate_v and_o no_o immediate_a church-care_n watch_n and_o government_n belong_v to_o they_o while_o in_o minority_n neither_o do_v it_o belong_v to_o they_o when_o adult_n and_o therefore_o this_o notion_n exclude_v all_o our_o child_n both_o young_a and_o elder_a from_o be_v under_o any_o church-government_n immediate_o in_o their_o own_o person_n so_o that_o let_v they_o run_v on_o in_o never_o such_o vile_a course_n the_o church_n can_v deal_v with_o they_o but_o with_o their_o parent_n only_o and_o yet_o the_o case_n may_v often_o so_o be_v that_o the_o parent_n be_v neither_o unblamable_a for_o their_o miscarriage_n nor_o able_a to_o reform_v the_o same_o but_o as_o mediate_v as_o their_o membership_n be_v here_o be_v somewhat_o add_v that_o shall_v touch_v these_o adult_n child_n themselves_o and_o what_o be_v that_o why_o iâ—_n when_o they_o 〈◊〉_d be_v adult_n they_o do_v not_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n than_o the_o church_n be_v to_o disow_v they_o at_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n ans._n 1._o be_v this_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o like_o the_o lord_n proceed_v with_o his_o covenant-people_n in_o the_o scripture_n present_o to_o disow_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o off_o if_o some_o evil_a fruit_n nay_o if_o want_n of_o gâ—od_a fruit_n be_v 〈◊〉_d in_o they_o then_o at_o first_o step_n to_o call_v they_o loamâ—i_n and_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n have_v the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o take_v these_o person_n into_o his_o glorious_a covenant_n and_o â—o_o real_a it_o to_o they_o in_o baptism_n before_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o do_v it_o come_v but_o to_o this_o that_o if_o poor_a childreâ—_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o day_n of_o ripe_a understanding_n dâ—wns_v upon_o they_o do_v not_o bring_v 〈◊〉_d the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n yea_o such_o fruit_n as_o may_v sit_v they_o for_o felâ—_n communion_n they_o be_v then_o present_o declare_v to_o be_v discovenant_v and_o to_o be_v turn_v drift_n as_o those_o who_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v true_a the_o most_o hopeful_a child_n yea_o the_o best_a of_o we_o all_o may_v just_o be_v discovenant_v by_o the_o lord_n shall_v he_o strict_o mark_v what_o be_v amisâ—_n and_o deal_v accord_v to_o our_o desert_n but_o he_o be_v gracious_o please_v not_o to_o proceed_v with_o 〈◊〉_d severity_n but_o with_o much_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v towards_o those_o who_o he_o once_o take_v into_o covenant_n and_o who_o or_o what_o be_v man_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v more_o holy_a than_o the_o lord_n let_v but_o that_o one_o scripture_n be_v look_v upon_o among_o many_o other_o touch_v the_o barren_a figtree_n which_o be_v here_o cite_v as_o if_o it_o give_v some_o countenance_n to_o this_o present_a disow_n in_o case_n of_o barrenness_n the_o lord_n come_v in_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o fruit_n and_o find_v none_o and_o yet_o he_o wait_v another_o year_n after_o that_o and_o a_o three_o after_o that_o i._n e._n a_o long_a time_n and_o with_o great_a demonstration_n of_o patience_n before_o he_o speak_v of_o cut_v it_o down_o and_o then_o the_o vine-dresser_n act_v therein_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cry_v not_o cut_v it_o down_o present_o but_o lord_n let_v it_o alone_o one_o year_n more_o i._n e._n till_o it_o appear_v utter_o hopeless_a and_o incurable_a that_o i_o may_v dig_v about_o it_o and_o dung_n it_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o make_v it_o a_o subject_n of_o labour_n and_o culture_n then_o to_o case_n himself_o by_o ridâ—â—ng_v his_o hand_n of_o it_o also_o that_o parable_n point_v to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o and_o among_o who_o chrâ—st_v preach_v now_o the_o follow_a story_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wâ—ited_v on_o they_o till_o they_o appear_v altogether_o incurable_a and_o incâ—rrigâ—â—e_a and_o till_o their_o incurable_a barrenness_n discover_v itself_o by_o positive_a fruit_n of_o wicked_a oppose_a and_o reject_v the_o gospel_n before_o they_o be_v cut_v down_o or_o break_v off_o and_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o adult_n and_o yet_o impenitent_a jew_n do_v not_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a express_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o covenant-dispensation_n and_o urge_v that_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o â—raw_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v it_o act_n 13.19.25_o 26._o act_n 3.26_o 26._o they_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o make_v they_o cease_v from_o fear_v the_o lord_n by_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o he_o 2._o suppose_v any_o of_o these_o child_n when_o adult_n do_v bring_v forth_o some_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o those_o describe_v in_o the_o synod_n five_o proposition_n can_v hardly_o be_v deny_v in_o charitable_a reputation_n to_o do_v though_o not_o so_o full_a and_o ripe_a fruit_n as_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v and_o haply_o not_o such_o as_o themselves_o do_v find_v encouragement_n to_o approach_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n what_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o these_o shall_v they_o be_v own_v or_o disow_v be_v they_o in_o the_o church_n or_o out_o if_o in_o why_o be_v baptism_n deny_v to_o their_o child_n if_o out_o how_o coâ—e_n they_o so_o to_o be_v or_o where_o do_v god_n in_o his_o word_n say_v or_o allow_v we_o to_o say_v to_o such_o hopeful_a young_a man_n and_o woman_n as_o through_o grace_n many_o of_o our_o child_n be_v though_o not_o yet_o in_o full_a communion_n that_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n 3._o wâ—at_o be_v tâ—is_fw-la disow_v and_o where_o shall_v we_o have_v scripture-warrant_a for_o such_o a_o church-disowning_a as_o be_v not_o excommunication_n for_o that_o our_o brother_n see_v not_o warrant_v to_o procee_v unto_o but_o 〈◊〉_d down_o this_o rule_n the_o church_n be_v to_o disow_v they_o or_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n if_o any_o man_n speak_v especial_o if_o he_o speak_v rule_n according_a to_o wâ—icâ—_n the_o church_n be_v to_o practice_v let_v he_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o this_o disow_a contradistinguish_v to_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v clear_v from_o thence_o admonition_n and_o excommunication_n we_o hear_v plain_o of_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o orthodox_n divinity_n but_o a_o disow_a that_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o public_a church-censure_n and_o yet_o be_v neither_o admonition_n nor_o excommunication_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o new_a invent_a piece_n of_o discipline_n we_o demand_v whether_o this_o disow_a be_v not_o a_o put_v one_o out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v before_o in_o it_o if_o so_o what_o be_v it_o but_o excommunication_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_v by_o that_o put_v away_o from_o among_o you_o 1_o cor._n 5.13_o if_o not_o be_v
be_v dead_a this_o second_o generation_n will_v be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o further_a act_n or_o covenant_a be_v no_o absurdity_n but_o a_o manifest_a truth_n i._n e._n take_v that_o phrase_n further_n act_n or_o covenant_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o particular_a formal_a act_n of_o explicite_fw-la verbal_n covenant_v for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v a_o further_a act_n yea_o a_o act_n of_o implicit_a covenant_v in_o their_o constant_a and_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o father_n but_o we_o say_v this_o second_o generation_n continue_v to_o use_v mr._n cotton_v phrase_n in_o ground_n of_o baptism_n pag._n 106._o 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 be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o make_v any_o explicit_a personal_a expression_n of_o their_o engagement_n as_o their_o father_n do_v even_o as_o the_o israelite_n that_o be_v number_v in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n make_v with_o they_o in_o horeb_n though_o their_o parent_n with_o who_o it_o be_v first_o make_v in_o horeb_n be_v all_o dead_a and_o that_o before_o the_o solemn_a renew_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o they_o in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n deut._n 29._o see_v deut._n 5.2_o 3._o with_o numb_a 26.63_o 64_o 65._o and_o so_o mr._n hooker_n roundly_o and_o express_o affirm_v this_o which_o be_v here_o by_o our_o brethren_n deny_v survey_v part._n 1._o pag._n 48._o 3._o as_o for_o our_o denial_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o vote_v in_o church-affair_n to_o the_o person_n in_o question_n till_o they_o be_v fit_v for_o and_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o stand_v good_a and_o rational_a without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o their_o be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o the_o case_n suppose_v for_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o it_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o case_n of_o a_o true_a church_n may_v be_v such_o by_o degeneracy_n or_o loss_n of_o their_o best_a member_n etc._n etc._n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v at_o present_a unfit_a to_o put_v forth_o or_o exercise_v a_o power_n of_o act_v in_o church-affair_n though_o it_o be_v radical_o in_o they_o till_o by_o the_o use_n of_o needful_a mean_n they_o or_o a_o select_a qualify_a number_n among_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o unto_o a_o better_a and_o fit_a capacity_n for_o it_o and_o example_n hereof_o be_v not_o far_o to_o seek_v let_v that_o way_n of_o reform_v corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a church_n be_v attend_v which_o be_v partly_o suggest_v in_o mr._n allin_n and_o mr._n shepard_n preface_n before_o their_o defence_n of_o the_o nine_o position_n which_o preface_n beverly_n say_v be_v instar_fw-la omnium_fw-la pag._n 10_o 18_o 19_o 20._o viz._n 20._o that_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v true_a church_n and_o call_v by_o the_o powerful_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n to_o humiliation_n repentance_n and_o agreement_n unto_o reformation_n and_o then_o that_o such_o as_o do_v so_o agree_v and_o submit_v to_o discipline_n be_v own_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n among_o they_o a_o select_a number_n who_o be_v find_v upon_o trial_n able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o do_v walk_v according_a to_o christ_n do_v solemn_o renew_v or_o enter_v into_o covenant_n and_o so_o elect_v officer_n etc._n etc._n enjoy_v full_a communion_n and_o carry_v on_o all_o church-affair_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n this_o show_v that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v out_o of_o case_n for_o the_o present_a exercise_n of_o a_o proper_a church_n power_n and_o may_v need_v much_o preparation_n and_o reducement_n into_o order_n before_o it_o come_v up_o thereunto_o and_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v it_o from_o be_v a_o true_a church_n nor_o from_o have_v that_o power_n radical_o in_o it_o and_o which_o in_o a_o way_n of_o due_a order_n it_o may_v come_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o have_v not_o the_o late_a time_n have_v experience_n of_o many_o congregation_n unto_o which_o it_o be_v fain_o to_o be_v a_o public_a care_n to_o send_v minister_n and_o they_o to_o preach_v to_o they_o many_o year_n before_o they_o find_v a_o number_n fit_a for_o full_a communion_n and_o management_n of_o church-affair_n and_o yet_o they_o retain_v the_o be_v of_o true_a church_n and_o church-member_n all_o this_o while_n see_v also_o mr._n shepherd_n late-printed_n letter_n about_o the_o church-membership_a of_o child_n pag._n 18._o we_o may_v also_o ask_v whether_o such_o a_o member_n of_o reason_v as_o be_v here_o use_v will_v prove_v woman_n to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o a_o institute_v church_n because_o if_o all_o the_o man_n be_v dead_a they_o can_v not_o then_o be_v a_o church_n nor_o vote_n in_o church-affair_n choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n but_o that_o which_o be_v say_v may_v suffice_v only_o let_v we_o add_v that_o as_o the_o case_n that_o be_v suppose_v viz._n of_o all_o the_o parent_n or_o all_o that_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n be_v dead_a at_o once_o be_v rare_o if_o ever_o hear_v of_o so_o also_o the_o case_n we_o add_v viz._n for_o the_o whole_a body_n to_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o unfitness_n for_o full_a communion_n by_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n will_v be_v we_o may_v hope_v as_o rare_a if_o discipline_n and_o other_o ordinance_n be_v keep_v up_o in_o their_o use_n and_o vigour_n god_n will_v so_o bless_v his_o own_o ordinance_n if_o due_o attend_v as_o that_o a_o considerable_a number_n shall_v from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v such_o grace_n give_v they_o as_o to_o be_v fit_a for_o full_a communion_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o his_o house_n with_o competent_a strength_n beauty_n and_o edification_n the_o four_o reason_n of_o our_o brethren_n dissent_n be_v this_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a membership_n as_o the_o synod_n speak_v but_o qualify_v membership_n that_o give_v right_a unto_o baptism_n for_o john_n be_v baptism_n may_v not_o be_v apply_v unto_o the_o stand_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n till_o they_o be_v qualify_v with_o repentance_n this_o say_v they_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o the_o strong_a argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o englargemeâ—â—â—f_a baptism_n for_o neither_o do_v the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v any_o such_o mere_a membership_n as_o they_o speak_v of_o nor_o be_v it_o mere_a membership_n but_o qualify_v membership_n that_o give_v right_a unto_o this_o divine_a and_o sacred_a ordinance_n answ._n this_o term_n or_o distinction_n of_o mere_a membership_n be_v here_o as_o also_o in_o the_o book_n to_o which_o this_o preface_n be_v prefix_v much_o exagitated_a and_o harsh_o censure_v but_o let_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o synod_n therein_o be_v attend_v and_o there_o will_v appear_v no_o cause_n for_o such_o exagitation_n when_o the_o synod_n say_v that_o person_n be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v and_o continue_v member_n and_o that_o mere_a membership_n or_o membership_n alone_o do_v not_o suffice_v to_o render_v man_n subject_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n propos._n 4._o p._n 17_o 18._o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o full_a communion_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o a_o member_n as_o such_o or_o to_o a_o person_n mere_o because_o he_o be_v a_o member_n for_o than_o it_o will_v belong_v to_o all_o member_n which_o it_o do_v not_o a_o person_n may_v be_v a_o member_n or_o in_o memberly_n relation_n and_o yet_o not_o bein_z full_a communion_n now_o to_o say_v that_o mere_a membership_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v not_o be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v not_o logical_a distinction_n between_o thing_n in_o their_o abstract_n and_o general_a nature_n and_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o clothe_v with_o various_a adjunct_n and_o accession_n which_o to_o say_v be_v strange_o to_o forget_v ourselves_o but_o when_o it_o be_v hence_o infer_v and_o put_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o set_v up_o a_o mere_a membership_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o mere_a member_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o unnecessary_a reflection_n as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o riches_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o man_n mere_o as_o man_n or_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v man_n will_v it_o be_v a_o good_a inference_n to_o say_v that_o we_o set_v up_o a_o sort_n of_o mere_a man_n or_o a_o mere_a humanity_n exist_v alone_a or_o that_o we_o distinguish_v man_n into_o mere_a man_n and_o rich_a man_n there_o be_v no_o individual_a man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n i._n e._n that_o have_v a_o naked_a humanity_n without_o adjunct_n yet_o logic_n distinguish_v between_o humanity_n and_o its_o adjunct_n and_o between_o what_o belong_v to_o a_o man_n as_o such_o and_o what_o accrue_v
anabaptist_n only_a reason_n why_o they_o dislike_v infant_n baptism_n be_v because_o they_o fancy_n to_o themselves_o that_o the_o church_n will_v be_v more_o pure_a if_o we_o baptize_v none_o but_o the_o adult_n and_o such_o as_o hold_v forth_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o they_o think_v but_o a_o few_o will_v have_v place_n in_o church_n but_o by_o this_o mean_n doubtless_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o of_o christ_n sheep_n will_v be_v neglect_v as_o goat_n neither_o will_v all_o parent_n be_v so_o careful_a as_o they_o think_v in_o educate_v their_o child_n unto_o piety_n and_o yet_o this_o humane_a thought_n which_o savour_v of_o too_o much_o esteem_n of_o our_o own_o work_n do_v so_o possess_v they_o that_o they_o bring_v all_o to_o this_o and_o turn_v off_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v and_o hereby_o they_o run_v themselves_o into_o very_o great_a error_n i_o call_v it_o a_o humane_a thought_n for_o no_o scripture_n do_v command_v such_o a_o curious_a circumspection_n lest_o any_o goat_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n often_o baptize_v person_n with_o who_o they_o have_v scarce_o have_v a_o hour_n speech_n concern_v christ_n because_o according_a to_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v bring_v in_o all_o they_o meet_v with_o to_o the_o marriage_n mat._n 22.10_o for_o by_o baptism_n they_o only_o take_v they_o into_o the_o school_n of_o piety_n and_o trained-hand_n of_o christian_n and_o they_o be_v wont_n then_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o again_o when_o it_o be_v evident_o enough_o perceive_v that_o to_o labour_v in_o teach_v they_o be_v in_o vain_a ibid._n fol._n 53._o as_o for_o parker_n his_o speak_v main_o against_o the_o admit_v or_o tolerate_v of_o manifestarii_fw-la peccatores_fw-la the_o notorious_o wicked_a and_o plead_v to_o have_v they_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n or_o cast_v out_o by_o the_o use_n of_o discipline_n 169._o his_o frequent_a approbation_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n cross._n and_o in_o special_a his_o approve_v of_o their_o admit_v member_n not_o before_o of_o their_o body_n upon_o such_o like_a qualification_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o synod_n five_o proposition_n 171._o also_o his_o earnest_n and_o peremptory_a reject_v the_o opinion_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o separatist_n and_o declare_v himself_o and_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o cause_n he_o act_v to_o be_v far_o from_o they_o 2._o these_o and_o such_o like_a do_v clear_o show_v that_o worthy_a man_n to_o be_v no_o opponent_n of_o such_o a_o extent_n of_o baptism_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o synod_n but_o here_o our_o brethren_n will_v needs_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o worthy_a and_o for_o ever_o famous_a mr._n cotton_n be_v as_o they_o be_v because_o he_o have_v these_o word_n in_o holiness_n of_o church-member_n pag._n 93_o i_o conceive_v under_o favour_n more_o positive_a fruit_n of_o regeneration_n be_v require_v in_o the_o church-member_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n then_o of_o the_o old_a ans._n the_o reader_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o what_o have_v be_v before_o say_v and_o cite_v to_o show_v mr._n cotton_v judgement_n in_o the_o point_v controvert_v between_o our_o brethren_n and_o the_o synod_n and_o will_v easy_o thereby_o judge_v whether_o mr._n cotton_v judgement_n be_v as_o they_o be_v but_o it_o be_v strange_a they_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o collection_n from_o what_o be_v here_o set_v down_o mr._n cotton_n may_v say_v those_o word_n that_o be_v here_o express_v and_o yet_o his_o judgement_n be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v as_o they_o be_v in_o any_o of_o the_o point_n that_o be_v controvert_v for_o we_o shall_v not_o gainsay_v this_o conception_n of_o mr._n cotton_n that_o more_o positive_a fruit_n of_o regeneration_n be_v require_v in_o the_o church_n member_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n then_o of_o the_o old_a but_o concur_v with_o it_o in_o two_o respect_n or_o for_o two_o cause_n 1._o because_o the_o light_n now_o be_v great_a and_o clear_a than_o it_o be_v then_o and_o where_o more_o be_v give_v more_o be_v require_v luke_n 12.48_o 2._o because_o the_o discipline_n appoint_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v most_o ceremonial_a ames_n medul_a lib._n 1._o c._n 38._o thes._n 41._o and_o whether_o excommunication_n for_o moral_a evil_n be_v then_o use_v at_o least_o out_o of_o the_o national_a church_n be_v by_o some_o doubt_v as_o also_o whether_o person_n be_v debar_v from_o the_o holy_a thing_n simple_o for_o moral_a evil_n if_o they_o be_v ceremonial_o clean_a as_o mr._n cotton_n in_o the_o place_n here_o allege_v say_v it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o sin_n very_o scandalous_a do_v keep_v man_n ceremonial_o clean_a from_o the_o temple_n and_o sacrifice_n but_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v a_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a rule_n for_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n for_o moral_a evil_n persist_v in_o hence_o person_n may_v haply_o run_v further_o into_o moral_a evil_n and_o so_o further_o off_o from_o the_o fruit_n of_o regeneration_n then_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o church_n yea_o haply_o not_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o holy_a thing_n than_o they_o can_v do_v now_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n for_o still_o it_o be_v not_o secret_a irregeneration_n nor_o the_o bare_a want_n of_o such_o and_o such_o positive_a fruit_n of_o regeneration_n without_o positive_a and_o palpable_a â—ruits_n of_o irregeneration_n that_o will_v according_a to_o any_o rule_n god_n have_v give_v we_o put_v any_o man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n when_o he_o be_v once_o in_o nay_o mr._n cotton_n in_o the_o very_a place_n here_o cite_v express_o say_v that_o irregeneration_n alone_o will_v not_o keep_v a_o man_n out_o 92._o his_o word_n be_v these_o neither_o among_o we_o do_v irregeneration_n alone_o keep_v any_o from_o church-fellowship_n with_o we_o not_o irregeneration_n alone_o i_o say_v unless_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o such_o fruit_n as_o be_v open_o scandalous_a and_o do_v convince_o manifest_a irregeneration_n moreover_o still_o the_o parallel_n between_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a and_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n stand_v and_o hold_v in_o this_o that_o when_o a_o person_n be_v once_o by_o god_n appointment_n take_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n whether_o in_o adult_n age_n or_o in_o infancy_n it_o come_v all_o to_o one_o for_o that_o he_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o do_v not_o lose_v his_o membership_n till_o by_o some_o rule_n or_o appointment_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n he_o be_v cut_v off_o or_o cast_v out_o what_o the_o particular_a rule_n and_o way_n of_o cut_v off_o be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o need_v not_o here_o dispute_v but_o to_o be_v sure_o the_o plain_a rule_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o cut_n off_o of_o particular_a person_n be_v by_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n for_o moral_a evil_n but_o while_o we_o grant_v that_o in_o some_o respect_v more_o positive_a fruit_n in_o regard_n of_o degree_n may_v be_v require_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n let_v none_o so_o understand_v it_o as_o if_o regeneration_n be_v not_o require_v as_o all_o unto_o the_o constitution_n and_o continuation_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o that_o a_o mere_a carnal_a succession_n be_v then_o allow_v of_o without_o regard_n to_o regeneration_n for_o they_o stoâ—d_v by_o faith_n and_o be_v brâ—ken_v off_o by_o unbelief_n as_o well_o as_o we_o rom._n 11._o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n faith_n and_o repentance_n do_v not_o now_o more_o constitute_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n than_o it_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o abraham_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a say_v dr._n ames_n 13_o yea_o our_o brethren_n do_v in_o their_o antisynodalia_fw-la pag._n 17._o express_o say_v that_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o the_o circumcision_n of_o his_o seed_n be_v appoint_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n that_o baptism_n be_v i._n e._n that_o he_o shall_v walk_v with_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o no_o where_o be_v regeneration_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o require_v of_o god_n covenant_n people_n in_o strict_a and_o full_a term_n then_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n gen._n 17.1_o deut._n 10.12_o &_o 26.16_o 17._o 1_o king_n 8.23_o psal._n 103.17_o 18._o isa._n 56.4_o 6._o and_o yet_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o his_o own_o rule_n continue_v they_o in_o the_o church_n and_o account_v they_o among_o the_o number_n of_o his_o holy_a people_n till_o palpallâ—_n and_o incorrigible_a fruit_n of_o irregeneration_n be_v find_v
minority_n be_v not_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n no_o more_o than_o child_n when_o adult_n or_o grow_v up_o and_o if_o the_o logician_n rule_v be_v good_a which_o say_v à _fw-la quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la valet_fw-la conjâ—quentiâ—_n then_o if_o infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n must_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n because_o of_o their_o want_n of_o the_o ability_n speak_v of_o it_o will_v follow_v if_o the_o like_a inability_n be_v find_v in_o the_o adult_n that_o these_o also_o must_v not_o be_v admit_v and_o that_o for_o the_o like_a reason_n and_o â—f_o that_o text_n 1_o cor._n 11._o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o one_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o proof_n of_o the_o other_o also_o and_o so_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n stand_v good_a the_o exception_n he_o add_v be_v that_o yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n they_o be_v and_o continue_v member_n regular_o be_v through_o want_n of_o that_o ability_n not_o fit_a for_o church-communion_n i._n e._n for_o full_a communion_n ans._n if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o continue_v member_n why_o shall_v not_o something_o be_v produce_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a why_o shall_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v bare_o affirm_v and_o not_o prove_v it_o be_v sure_a they_o be_v once_o member_n and_o as_o such_o be_v baptise_a and_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o though_o now_o they_o be_v adult_n or_o grow_v up_o yet_o they_o be_v never_o in_o any_o way_n of_o god_n cut_v off_o or_o cast_v out_o from_o their_o membership_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v it_o more_o rational_a to_o say_v that_o they_o stâ—ll_v continue_v to_o be_v member_n then_o to_o say_v that_o they_o do_v not_o and_o this_o without_o allege_v any_o proof_n at_o all_o as_o for_o that_o which_o here_o follow_v that_o if_o person_n be_v unbaptise_v shall_v desire_v to_o have_v the_o covenant_n and_o their_o church-membership_a seal_v by_o baptism_n they_o must_v hold_v fâ—rth_a faith_n in_o christ_n wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n before_o they_o may_v be_v baptize_v as_o philip_n require_v the_o eunuch_n act_v 8._o so_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n fâ—om_o baptize_v in_o infancy_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n desire_n to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n he_o must_v hold_v forth_o his_o personal_a faith_n in_o the_o son_n 〈◊〉_d god_n &c_n &c_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o as_o be_v say_v parity_n of_o reason_n between_o the_o case_n allege_v but_o great_a disparity_n for_o in_o the_o one_o case_n the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v unbaptise_v in_o the_o other_o baptize_v already_o in_o the_o one_o case_n the_o person_n desire_v to_o have_v the_o covenant_n and_o their_o church-membership_a seal_v by_o baptism_n and_o in_o the_o other_o case_n there_o be_v no_o such_o dâ—siâ—e_n the_o person_n have_v have_v the_o covenant_n and_o their_o membership_n seal_v by_o baptism_n already_o even_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n long_o since_o in_o the_o one_o case_n the_o person_n seem_v as_o yet_o to_o be_v non-member_n though_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d that_o privilege_n but_o in_o the_o other_o case_n the_o person_n be_v church-member_n long_o ago_o for_o as_o for_o that_o term_n that_o be_v use_v concern_v these_o 〈◊〉_d dâ—â—ring_v to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a 〈…〉_z câ—â—ve_v this_o word_n of_o join_v to_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o their_o first_o join_v thereto_o be_v very_o improper_a because_o theâ—â—_n person_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v so_o join_v but_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n long_o since_o nor_o be_v the_o church_n now_o to_o admit_v they_o to_o church-membership_a for_o they_o be_v admit_v thereto_o long_o since_o the_o second_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o four_o proposition_n be_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o though_o man_n do_v continue_v member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o for_o ceremonial_a uncleanness_n they_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o full_a communion_n in_o the_o holy_a thing_n yea_o and_o the_o priest_n and_o porter_n have_v special_a charge_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o holy_a thing_n unless_o due_o qualify_v for_o the_o same_o notwithstanding_o their_o membership_n etc._n etc._n to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v 1._o that_o the_o invalidity_n of_o proof_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v apply_v to_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o so_o this_o of_o baptism_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o thing_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o four_o six_o and_o eight_o position_n with_o which_o this_o proof_n do_v not_o agree_v ans._n to_o this_o we_o answer_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v validity_n and_o much_o weight_n in_o proof_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o confirm_v and_o clear_v thing_n under_o the_o new_a for_o even_o those_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n rom._n 15.4_o and_o christ_n himself_o bid_v we_o search_v they_o as_o those_o which_o do_v testify_v of_o he_o joh._n 5.39_o and_o bring_v many_o proof_n out_o of_o those_o scripture_n for_o confirm_v and_o clear_v thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n luk._n 24.44_o 45_o 46._o &_o 16.29_o 31._o and_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n likewise_o even_o in_o main_a &_o fundamental_a matter_n act._n 17.2_o 3._o &_o 28.23_o and_o so_o from_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n now_o 1_o cor._n 9.13_o from_o their_o sacrament_n to_o we_o and_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v those_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v we_o 1_o cor._n 10.1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o and_o much_o more_o that_o may_v be_v add_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v much_o validity_n in_o they_o for_o confirm_v and_o clear_v truth_n in_o new_a testament-time_n 2._o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v acknowledge_v as_o be_v note_v before_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o to_o the_o jew_n former_o and_o to_o the_o gentile_n now_o and_o that_o baptism_n of_o infant_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n may_v be_v right_o prove_v from_o the_o circumcision_n of_o â—_z under_o the_o old_a which_o passage_n do_v sufficient_o witness_v that_o in_o his_o judgement_n there_o be_v validity_n in_o proof_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o thing_n under_o the_o new_a 3._o it_o be_v a_o great_a weakness_n and_o mistake_n in_o sundry_a of_o the_o antipoedobaptist_n that_o they_o will_v limit_v the_o proof_n for_o infant-baptism_n and_o for_o the_o covenant-interest_n of_o child_n unto_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o if_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o circumcision_n of_o infant_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v of_o no_o validity_n for_o the_o purpose_n mention_v and_o it_o be_v not_o comfortable_a that_o the_o reverend_a author_n shall_v so_o often_o harp_n upon_o this_o string_n and_o so_o often_o mention_v this_o matter_n of_o the_o invalidity_n of_o old_a testament-scripture_n for_o proof_n of_o matter_n in_o gospel_n time_n as_o if_o he_o do_v concur_v with_o they_o in_o their_o tenet_n against_o â—oedobaptism_n which_o he_o frequent_o profess_v against_o albeit_o in_o this_o his_o language_n seem_v but_o too_o like_o they_o which_o we_o can_v wish_v be_v otherwise_o 4._o for_o that_o expression_n of_o thing_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n be_v a_o limitation_n or_o explanation_n of_o the_o invalidity_n speak_v of_o let_v this_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n in_o question_n and_o we_o conceive_v it_o will_v not_o weaken_v the_o argument_n in_o hand_n nor_o show_v any_o invalidity_n therein_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a for_o if_o ceremonial_a uncleanness_n do_v hinder_v man_n from_o full_a communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n notwithstanding_o their_o membership_n be_v there_o not_o the_o like_a reason_n or_o rather_o much_o more_o that_o membership_n alone_o shall_v not_o suffice_v for_o full_a communion_n in_o these_o day_n if_o moral_a fitness_n and_o spiritual_a qualification_n be_v want_v it_o seem_v in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v the_o like_a reason_n or_o rather_o much_o more_o and_o therefore_o the_o synod_n argument_n in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o their_o proof_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n can_v be_v lay_v aside_o or_o refuse_v for_o any_o invalidity_n therein_o through_o want_n of_o the_o like_a reason_n 2._o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v if_o the_o text_n allege_v by_o the_o synod_n be_v applicable_a to_o church-member_n in_o gospel-time_n
say_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o ground_n and_o end_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 132_o 133._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n to_o say_v or_o think_v of_o such_o elder_n as_o concur_v with_o the_o synod_n that_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o towards_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n be_v now_o adult_n be_v a_o admit_v of_o they_o into_o membership_n for_o this_o those_o child_n have_v afore_o they_o be_v adult_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o now_o admit_v into_o it_o but_o to_o leave_v this_o why_o shall_v the_o reverend_a author_n suggest_v such_o a_o thing_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o reader_n that_o the_o elder_n in_o their_o practice_n do_v differ_v from_o their_o doctrine_n and_o teach_v one_o thing_n in_o the_o synod_n and_o in_o their_o practice_n do_v contrary_a be_v it_o not_o more_o suitable_a to_o love_n which_o think_v not_o evil_a 1_o cor._n 13._o nor_o receive_v a_o reproach_n against_o one_o neighbour_n psal._n 15._o to_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v such_o elder_n as_o be_v thus_o faulty_a if_o indeed_o there_o be_v any_o to_o repentance_n for_o their_o sail_v therein_o rather_o than_o to_o give_v occasion_n of_o misapprehension_n against_o they_o by_o write_v thus_o of_o they_o it_o may_v well_o be_v call_v misapprehension_n for_o there_o be_v few_o of_o the_o elder_n in_o comparison_n that_o have_v yet_o put_v the_o child_n of_o church-member_n to_o a_o public_a own_n of_o the_o covenant_n afore_o the_o time_n of_o their_o admission_n to_o full_a communion_n and_o for_o those_o few_o that_o have_v do_v it_o as_o this_o be_v not_o a_o admit_v of_o they_o into_o membership_n for_o that_o they_o have_v before_o so_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v that_o when_o this_o be_v do_v that_o their_o infant_n may_v be_v baptise_a which_o be_v the_o case_n the_o synod_n speak_v of_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a we_o say_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o parent_n who_o so_o do_v be_v not_o qualify_v according_a as_o the_o five_o proposition_n describe_v and_o therefore_o to_o give_v occasion_n of_o other_o thought_n not_o only_o against_o some_o few_o of_o the_o elder_n but_o even_o of_o all_o for_o what_o be_v here_o intimate_v be_v not_o of_o some_o only_a but_o of_o all_o alike_o without_o difference_n what_o may_v be_v think_v of_o this_o we_o leave_v to_o the_o further_a consideration_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n to_o the_o second_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v either_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n either_o holy_a or_o unclean_a either_o within_o the_o church_n or_o without_o either_o such_o as_o have_v god_n for_o their_o god_n or_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o proposition_n will_v not_o affirm_v the_o latter_a concern_v these_o child_n and_o the_o former_a be_v grant_v infer_v their_o right_n to_o baptism_n to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o the_o more_o he_o consider_v the_o proposition_n the_o less_o he_o find_v in_o it_o to_o evince_v the_o former_a and_o the_o more_o to_o conclude_v the_o latter_a ans._n now_o the_o latter_a be_v that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n not_o holy_a but_o unclean_a and_o without_o the_o church_n and_o such_o as_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o the_o reverend_a author_n find_v so_o much_o to_o conclude_v thus_o of_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n which_o member_n understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o assent_v thereto_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n but_o thus_o and_o further_o qualify_v as_o in_o the_o proposition_n be_v express_v if_o he_o find_v much_o to_o conclude_v thus_o of_o these_o child_n if_o he_o be_v have_v express_v any_o part_n thereof_o it_o may_v have_v be_v take_v into_o consideration_n but_o nothing_o be_v express_v how_o can_v it_o a_o mere_a contrary_a affirmation_n how_o can_v it_o go_v for_o a_o sufficient_a confutation_n as_o for_o that_o which_o he_o add_v that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v no_o more_o than_o the_o proposition_n hold_v forth_o he_o may_v be_v a_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n unclean_a and_o without_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o this_o speak_v of_o grow_v person_n and_o therefore_o how_o be_v the_o synod_n argument_n hereby_o touch_v which_o speak_v of_o little_a child_n nor_o be_v it_o easy_o prove_v that_o a_o grow_v person_n who_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n and_o be_v now_o qualify_v as_o the_o proposition_n express_v that_o such_o a_o grow_a person_n be_v now_o a_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o without_o the_o church_n and_o without_o god_n in_o tâ—â—_n world_n and_o this_o be_v respect_n of_o his_o external_a state_n or_o be_v in_o the_o church-visible_a we_o see_v not_o that_o this_o be_v prove_v at_o all_o for_o as_o for_o rom._n 9.6_o 7_o 8._o which_o be_v here_o allege_a they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n which_o be_v of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n the_o text_n may_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o elect_a of_o god_n or_o sincere_a believer_n who_o in_o regard_n of_o external_a relation_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o this_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v but_o for_o membership_n in_o the_o church-visible_a of_o which_o be_v our_o question_n that_o text_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o at_o all_o to_o prove_v that_o man_n who_o be_v member_n of_o this_o church_n in_o their_o minority_n be_v now_o qualify_v as_o the_o synod_n express_v that_o these_o be_v now_o without_o such_o membership_n and_o external_a state_n this_o be_v not_o prove_v at_o all_o by_o this_o text._n for_o if_o we_o shall_v so_o say_v we_o shall_v make_v the_o apostle_n to_o contradict_v himself_o for_o of_o these_o very_a person_n and_o people_n of_o who_o â—e_n say_v they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n not_o all_o child_n not_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n of_o these_o very_a person_n and_o people_n he_o say_v ver_fw-la 4._o that_o they_o be_v israelite_n to_o who_o pertain_v the_o adoption_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v they_o be_v god_n adopt_a child_n in_o regard_n of_o external_a covenant_n and_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church-visible_a and_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n that_o be_v they_o be_v not_o all_o god_n israel_n by_o election_n and_o spiritual_a regeneration_n thus_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v easy_o reconcile_v but_o how_o shall_v they_o be_v reconcile_v if_o the_o latter_a as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a be_v mean_v of_o the_o church-visible_a can_v they_o be_v israelite_n and_o not_o israel_n in_o the_o same_o respect_n can_v they_o in_o respect_n of_o external_a state_n be_v partaker_n of_o adoption_n god_n covenant_n and_o promise_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o be_v church-member_n and_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o same_o estate_n be_v no_o church-member_n at_o all_o nor_o in_o the_o church-covenant_n at_o all_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o this_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o the_o word_n in_o rom._n 9.6_o 7_o 8._o be_v not_o fit_o apply_v to_o prove_v that_o man_n who_o be_v church-member_n in_o their_o minority_n may_v be_v qualify_v as_o the_o five_o proposition_n express_v and_o yet_o now_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o without_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o visible_a and_o external_a state_n whereas_o the_o synod_n for_o a_o three_o argument_n say_v that_o to_o deny_v this_o proposition_n will_v be_v 1._o to_o stratten_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n and_o to_o make_v the_o church_n in_o new-testament-time_n in_o worse_a case_n relate_v to_o their_o child_n successive_o than_o be_v the_o jew_n of_o old_a 2._o to_o render_v the_o jew_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n then_o under_o the_o legal_a administration_n contrary_a to_o jer._n 30.20_o ezek_n 37.25_o 26._o 3._o to_o deny_v the_o application_n of_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n to_o such_o as_o regular_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n to_o who_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n nay_o the_o first_o institution_n appoint_v it_o to_o be_v apply_v gen._n 17.9_o 10._o joh._n 7.22_o 23._o 4._o to_o break_v the_o covenant_n by_o deny_v the_o initiatory_a seal_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n gen._n 17.9_o 10_o 14._o to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o the_o contrary_a to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o these_o be_v true_a for_o 1._o it_o enlarge_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n by_o show_v that_o christian_a church_n be_v in_o a_o more_o spiritual_a and_o gracious_a frame_n then_o
that_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v give_v to_o these_o by_o the_o promise_n but_o by_o that_o word_n 〈◊〉_d they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o do_v plain_o imply_v the_o contrary_n and_o therefore_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v may_v be_v sound_a and_o good_a for_o all_o that_o the_o reverend_a author_n allege_v if_o their_o doctrine_n here_o be_v not_o right_a than_o it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o god_n promise_v to_o circumcise_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n and_o of_o their_o seed_n deut._n 30.6_o be_v no_o promise_n that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o faith_n and_o repentance_n nor_o any_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o though_o they_o for_o their_o part_n do_v not_o reject_v it_o and_o we_o suppose_v none_o will_v say_v this_o what_o may_v be_v say_v of_o they_o who_o when_o adult_n be_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o what_o may_v be_v hope_v and_o say_v of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o so_o reject_v be_v another_o the_o synod_n speak_v of_o these_o latter_a and_o the_o reverend_a author_n of_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o the_o one_o can_v overthrow_v the_o other_o the_o synod_n conclude_v this_o four_o argument_n by_o add_v as_o follow_v viz._n yet_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o these_o person_n be_v immediate_o fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o reason_n render_v be_v because_o though_o in_o a_o latitude_n of_o expression_n they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v believer_n or_o in_o numero_fw-la fidelium_fw-la as_o even_o infant_n in_o covenant_n be_v yet_o they_o may_v want_v that_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o that_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o that_o ordinance_n as_o be_v say_v upon_o propos._n 4._o to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v 1._o if_o any_o man_n speak_v let_v he_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 4.11_o the_o new-testament_n no_o where_o allow_v that_o latitude_n of_o expression_n to_o call_v man_n believer_n who_o etc._n etc._n ans._n though_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o if_o they_o speak_v to_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o none_o may_v have_v the_o term_v believer_n apply_v to_o they_o except_o the_o term_n be_v find_v so_o apply_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o then_o the_o name_n trinity_n sacrament_n and_o many_o other_o will_v be_v unlawful_a as_o not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n no_o nor_o in_o the_o old_a yet_o we_o suppose_v the_o reverend_a author_n will_v not_o count_v the_o use_n of_o these_o term_n unlawful_a how_o often_o do_v himself_o use_v the_o term_n of_o par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la personal_a membership_n mediate_v and_o immediate_a member_n and_o other_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v term_n not_o find_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o term_n believer_n be_v not_o find_v apply_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o yet_o if_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v find_v and_o the_o matter_n be_v so_o deliver_v as_o become_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n that_o be_v with_o such_o reverence_n purity_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v meet_v we_o suppose_v that_o rule_n of_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v not_o violate_v though_o the_o term_n itself_o be_v not_o so_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n nor_o yet_o in_o the_o old_a and_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o synod_n have_v give_v four_o or_o five_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v visible_a believer_n which_o argument_n we_o do_v not_o see_v satisfy_v by_o what_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v thereto_o 2._o the_o synod_n have_v say_v that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o may_v be_v count_v in_o numero_fw-la fidelium_fw-la as_o even_o infant_n in_o covenant_n be_v the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v they_o can_v be_v so_o account_v because_o infant_n be_v look_v at_o only_a in_o the_o parent_n covenant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o covenant_v for_o themselves_o as_o man_n be_v so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la between_o they_o ans._n though_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o covenant_v for_o themselves_o as_o man_n be_v yet_o their_o covenant_v or_o be_v in_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n here_o intend_v by_o the_o synod_n but_o their_o be_v believer_n or_o in_o numero_fw-la fiâ—â—lium_fw-la of_o which_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v nothing_o but_o the_o thing_n the_o synod_n here_o intimate_v be_v this_o that_o as_o even_o â—_z in_o covenant_n be_v count_v believer_n or_o in_o numero_fw-la fiâ—elium_fw-la so_o may_v the_o parent_n speak_v of_o 3._o whereas_o the_o synod_n say_v they_o may_v want_v that_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o that_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o that_o ordinance_n the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o visible_a want_n of_o this_o ability_n and_o of_o this_o exercise_n of_o faith_n do_v argue_v a_o visible_a want_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o exercise_v and_o be_v a_o just_a bar_n to_o the_o admittance_n of_o such_o into_o immediate_a and_o personal_a church-membership_a as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n ans._n admittance_n into_o membership_n be_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o at_o all_o by_o the_o synod_n for_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v count_v by_o the_o synod_n to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o membership_n long_o afore_o now_o even_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o want_n of_o the_o ability_n mention_v be_v a_o just_a bar_n to_o such_o admittance_n yet_o this_o concern_v not_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o but_o be_v this_o which_o be_v here_o affirm_v certain_a and_o clear_a that_o want_v of_o the_o ability_n and_o exercise_n speak_v of_o do_v argue_v want_n of_o the_o very_o be_v of_o faith_n may_v there_o not_o be_v the_o be_v and_o truth_n of_o that_o grace_n even_o there_o where_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v much_o want_v plain_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n blame_v his_o disciple_n and_o peter_n for_o the_o want_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n mat._n 8._o &_o 14._o mark_v 4._o luke_n 8.25_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v that_o the_o be_v of_o faith_n be_v now_o want_v in_o they_o for_o than_o we_o must_v say_v either_o that_o faith_n once_o have_v may_v afterward_o be_v lose_v and_o go_v or_o else_o that_o these_o disciple_n before_o this_o time_n never_o have_v faith_n neither_o of_o which_o we_o conceive_v can_v be_v say_v true_o how_o plain_a be_v it_o that_o some_o for_o their_o weakness_n and_o small_a ability_n in_o grace_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o bruise_a râ—ed_n and_o to_o smoke_a flax_n mat._n 12_o 20._o and_o yet_o when_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n will_v not_o break_v such_o reedâ—_n nor_o quench_v such_o flax_n it_o appear_v thereby_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o weakness_n there_o may_v be_v the_o â—eâ—ng_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o such_o soul_n and_o for_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o can_v this_o be_v want_v but_o the_o want_n of_o the_o be_v of_o faith_n must_v be_v infer_v thence_o what_o shall_v we_o then_o say_v to_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o heman_n psal._n 88_o who_o complain_v that_o god_n wâ—â—th_n lie_v hard_o upon_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v shut_v up_o and_o can_v not_o come_v forth_o that_o god_n seem_v to_o cast_v off_o his_o soul_n and_o to_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o he_o that_o god_n fierce_a wrath_n go_v over_o he_o that_o god_n terror_n have_v cut_v he_o off_o and_o that_o hereby_o he_o be_v as_o distract_v and_o this_o even_a from_o his_o youth_n up_o noâ—_n can_v we_o think_v that_o in_o such_o case_n he_o be_v able_a to_o examine_v himself_o can_v distract_a person_n do_v so_o it_o seem_v not_o and_o yet_o this_o heman_n be_v not_o without_o the_o graâ—e_n of_o faâ—â—â—_n for_o all_o this_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v say_v that_o wanâ—_n of_o ability_n to_o examine_v one_o self_n or_o of_o the_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n do_v always_o argue_v the_o want_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o â—xerciâ—ed_v and_o therefore_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v may_v still_o stand_v that_o â—he_v person_n speak_v â—f_n may_v be_v believer_n and_o yet_o want_v that_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o that_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o that_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o four_o argument_n for_o confirm_v the_o five_o proposition_n the_o five_o argument_n of_o the_o
of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n therein_o if_o the_o parent_n do_v not_o continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n than_o there_o may_v be_v some_o question_n whether_o the_o child_n be_v part_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o synod_n speak_v of_o the_o child_n of_o those_o that_o continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o if_o any_o think_v it_o to_o be_v a_o wellgrounded_n persuasion_n that_o the_o parent_n may_v continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o yet_o the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o church_n we_o confess_v we_o see_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o such_o a_o persuasion_n for_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v here_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o covenant_n run_v to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o seed_n after_o we_o in_o their_o generation_n pag._n 32._o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a be_v it_o not_o then_o true_a that_o if_o the_o parent_n continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n be_v also_o part_n of_o the_o church_n for_o how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v the_o constitute_a form_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v constitute_v thereby_o but_o say_v the_o reverend_a author_n this_o must_v be_v understand_v and_o apply_v suitable_o to_o the_o different_a constitution_n of_o church_n under_o different_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n under_o the_o old-testament_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n ans._n let_v this_o be_v grant_v yet_o as_o long_o as_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v not_o deny_v which_o must_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o he_o confess_v it_o to_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o the_o covenant_n run_v to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o seed_n after_o we_o in_o their_o generation_n so_o long_o as_o this_o be_v not_o deny_v the_o dâ—fference_n in_o other_o thing_n between_o the_o old-testament_n and_o the_o new_a will_v not_o weaken_v our_o cause_n at_o all_o for_o though_o for_o constitution_n of_o church_n the_o church_n be_v then_o national_a and_o now_o congregational_a and_o though_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v then_o under_o many_o type_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v now_o remove_v and_o notwithstanding_o any_o other_o difference_n that_o can_v be_v name_v yet_o if_o there_o be_v not_o this_o difference_n also_o that_o the_o covenant_n do_v run_v to_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n but_o not_o to_o we_o and_o our_o seed_n in_o like_a sort_n if_o this_o difference_n also_o be_v not_o assert_v we_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o even_o now_o as_o well_o as_o then_o if_o the_o parent_n continue_v in_o covenant_n the_o child_n do_v so_o also_o and_o so_o be_v part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o what_o the_o synod_n affirm_v be_v gain_v for_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o though_o it_o be_v so_o then_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o now_o except_o we_o shall_v deny_v what_o the_o reverend_a author_n confess_v to_o be_v true_a that_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o only_o run_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o seed_n but_o also_o runâ—_n to_o we_o and_o our_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o what_o the_o synod_n gather_v from_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o god_n have_v so_o frame_v his_o covenant_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o church_n thereby_o as_o to_o design_n a_o continuation_n and_o propagation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n therein_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o if_o the_o covenant_n run_v to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o seed_n after_o we_o in_o their_o generation_n whereas_o the_o synod_n say_v that_o to_o keep_v in_o the_o line_n and_o under_o the_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o true_a way_n to_o the_o church_n glory_n the_o answer_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o sum_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v so_o indeed_o when_o there_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o faith_n make_v visible_a to_o the_o church_n charitable_a judgement_n but_o not_o so_o when_o such_o a_o membership_n be_v set_v uâ—_n in_o christian_a church_n whereby_o infant_n shall_v be_v baptise_a by_o right_a from_o such_o parent_n as_o be_v not_o in_o fâ—ll_a communion_n for_o what_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n hâ—th_v the_o covenant_n upon_o such_o parent_n whereto_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v qualify_v as_o this_o proposition_n express_v there_o be_v manifest_a influence_n of_o the_o covenant_n upon_o they_o though_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o come_v so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v fit_a for_o full_a communion_n for_o when_o they_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n be_v now_o when_o adult_n not_o only_o free_a from_o scandal_n in_o life_n but_o also_o endow_v with_o a_o competency_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o solemn_o assent_v thereto_o and_o own_o the_o covenant_n and_o therein_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n we_o conceive_v all_o this_o do_v import_v some_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o covenant_n upon_o they_o but_o if_o for_o all_o this_o they_o shall_v be_v disow_v from_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n how_o then_o can_v that_o be_v deny_v which_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v that_o by_o this_o cut_n off_o and_o disavow_v the_o covenant_n zion_n be_v hinder_v from_o be_v a_o eternal_a excellency_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o many_o generation_n for_o whatever_o joy_n it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o first_o generation_n yet_o if_o all_o that_o follow_v though_o qualify_v as_o the_o proposition_n express_v be_v nevertheless_o deny_v to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o church_n of_o god_n till_o fit_v for_o full_a communion_n we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o such_o follow_a generation_n can_v be_v any_o great_a excellency_n or_o joy_n at_o all_o the_o synod_n have_v say_v that_o this_o progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n establish_v the_o church_n deut._n 29.13_o jer._n 30.20_o and_o that_o therefore_o the_o contrary_n do_v disestablish_v it_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o the_o argument_n be_v to_o be_v deny_v for_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o if_o god_n do_v establish_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o such_o a_o successive_a progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n deut._n 29.13_o therefore_o he_o do_v so_o now_o pag._n 33._o a._n why_o do_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o if_o god_n do_v establish_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o a_o progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o therefore_o he_o do_v so_o now_o be_v not_o that_o true_a which_o the_o reverend_a author_n confess_v to_o be_v true_a that_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o covenant_n run_v to_o we_o and_o our_o seed_n after_o we_o in_o their_o generation_n and_o be_v not_o that_o true_a also_o which_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v though_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v nothing_o to_o it_o that_o god_n be_v a_o holy_a god_n and_o love_v the_o purity_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o he_o go_v in_o this_o way_n of_o a_o successive_a progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o suppose_v this_o can_v be_v deny_v and_o therefore_o if_o a_o progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v establish_v the_o church_n then_o why_o not_o so_o now_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o the_o holy_a god_n do_v not_o so_o regard_v the_o purity_n of_o his_o church_n in_o those_o time_n and_o therefore_o do_v then_o establish_v the_o church_n in_o this_o way_n which_o now_o he_o will_v not_o do_v as_o be_v now_o more_o careful_a of_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o church_n we_o fear_v that_o to_o say_v this_o will_v be_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n holiness_n and_o glory_n and_o plain_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o same_o church-estate_n for_o substance_n and_o kindâ—_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o give_v to_o the_o gentile_n mat._n 21.43_o and_o therefore_o the_o gentile_n be_v say_v to_o be_v fellow-heâ—rs_a and_o of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o they_o ephes._n 3.6_o and_o therefore_o what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o that_o if_o a_o progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o establish_v the_o church_n then_o it_o may_v be_v the_o same_o in_o â—hese_fw-mi 〈◊〉_d also_o the_o synod_n have_v say_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o their_o five_o argument_n for_o confirm_v this_o five_o proposition_n that_o the_o more_o holy_a reform_v and_o glorious_a that_o the_o â—â—mâ—s_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o eminent_o be_v a_o successive_a continuation_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o church_n therein_o design_v promise_a and_o intend_v and_o have_v for_o this_o allege_v these_o scripture_n isa._n 60.15_o &_o
be_v a_o mean_n to_o convey_v religion_n down_o to_o after-generation_n and_o yet_o church-watchfulness_n towards_o such_o be_v without_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o without_o any_o bless_a fruit_n either_o to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o it_o seem_v tâ—ese_n thing_n do_v not_o well_o cohere_v so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o five_o argument_n for_o confirm_v this_o five_o proposition_n the_o six_o argument_n which_o the_o synod_n here_o use_v be_v because_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v personal_a immediate_a and_o yet-continuing_a member_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v personal_a member_n or_o member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n they_o say_v appear_v 1._o because_o they_o be_v personal_o holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o 2._o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o own_o person_n 3._o be_v personal_o under_o discipline_n 4._o be_v personal_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o a_o visible_a state_n of_o salvation_n 5._o when_o they_o commit_v iniquity_n they_o personal_o break_v the_o covenant_n jer._n 11.2_o 10._o ezek._n 16._o therefore_o they_o be_v personal_o in_o it_o to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o three_o of_o these_o proof_n belong_v only_o to_o infant_n and_o the_o other_o two_o to_o adult_v person_n regular_o admit_v into_o church-membership_a which_o therefore_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o parent_n in_o question_n which_o two_o he_o say_v be_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v personal_o under_o discipline_n and_o liable_a to_o church-censure_n in_o their_o own_o person_n 2._o that_o when_o they_o commit_v iniquity_n they_o personal_o break_v the_o covenant_n ans._n let_v we_o then_o consider_v the_o particular_n for_o the_o first_o that_o they_o be_v personal_o holy_a according_a to_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o though_o this_o be_v mean_v as_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v that_o they_o be_v thus_o holy_a federal_o and_o relative_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o he_o acknowledge_v in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o if_o so_o do_v it_o not_o then_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v church-member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n can_v person_n be_v true_o call_v holy_a as_o in_o the_o text_n allege_v or_o a_o holy_a seed_n as_o ezra_n 9_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n whether_o this_o holiness_n be_v inherent_a or_o only_o federal_a and_o relative_a yet_o since_o they_o be_v thus_o holy_a in_o their_o own_o person_n we_o conceive_v they_o must_v therefore_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v church-member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o though_o they_o first_o receive_v this_o holiness_n in_o their_o minority_n yet_o for_o aught_o we_o see_v their_o person_n be_v still_o partaker_n of_o it_o until_o in_o some_o way_n of_o god_n they_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o same_o which_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n have_v not_o be_v but_o be_v qualify_v as_o the_o proposition_n express_v be_v far_o from_o deserve_v any_o such_o matter_n for_o the_o second_o that_o they_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o own_o person_n though_o this_o be_v as_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v by_o and_o for_o their_o parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o they_o be_v uncapable_a of_o covenant_v for_o themselves_o yet_o this_o be_v regular_o do_v how_o can_v it_o be_v avoid_v but_o as_o the_o synod_n say_v it_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n that_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o person_n member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o we_o conceive_v the_o lord_n have_v not_o appoint_v baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o membership_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o member_n and_o to_o say_v they_o be_v not_o member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n but_o in_o their_o parent_n will_v infer_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o their_o own_o person_n but_o in_o their_o parent_n their_o parent_n receive_v baptism_n for_o they_o which_o the_o reverend_a author_n we_o be_v persuade_v be_v far_o from_o affirm_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v regular_o baptize_v in_o their_o own_o person_n how_o can_v it_o be_v avoid_v but_o that_o they_o be_v church-member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n until_o they_o be_v regular_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o same_o for_o that_o other_o particular_a that_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v personal_o in_o a_o visible_a state_n of_o salvation_n the_o reverend_a author_n say_v nothing_o hereto_o but_o only_o repeat_v it_o with_o this_o addition_n or_o explanation_n which_o nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a which_o clause_n may_v be_v add_v and_o yet_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o this_o particular_a not_o at_o all_o hinder_v thereby_o for_o if_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v in_o their_o own_o person_n in_o a_o visible_a state_n of_o salvation_n whiâ—â—_n nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a do_v it_o not_o then_o follow_v that_o so_o long_o they_o be_v visible_a church-member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n will_v any_o body_n say_v that_o they_o be_v save_v in_o their_o parent_n and_o not_o in_o their_o own_o person_n the_o synod_n conceive_v that_o none_o will_v so_o say_v and_o that_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n but_o in_o their_o parent_n whereto_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v nothing_o as_o for_o that_o clause_n which_o nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a let_v the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v consider_v and_o we_o conceive_v it_o can_v rational_o and_o charitable_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o as_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n when_o infant_n so_o they_o be_v so_o still_o for_o aught_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_n for_o the_o contrary_n can_v be_v evince_v and_o evidence_v against_o they_o either_o by_o ignorance_n or_o scandal_n or_o forsake_v the_o covenant_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n they_o be_v such_o as_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o assent_v thereto_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n but_o commendable_o further_a qualify_v as_o be_v there_o express_v so_o that_o for_o aught_o that_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v in_o a_o visible_a state_n of_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v personal_o church-member_n and_o so_o herein_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v gain_v for_o the_o other_o two_o particular_n which_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v do_v belong_v to_o adult_v person_n regular_o admit_v into_o church-membership_a and_o so_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o parent_n in_o question_n the_o one_o be_v that_o they_o be_v personal_o under_o discipline_n and_o liable_a to_o church-censure_n in_o their_o own_o person_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o he_o refer_v to_o his_o examination_n of_o propos._n 3._o and_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o our_o defence_n of_o that_o proposition_n against_o what_o he_o there_o say_v the_o other_o particular_a which_o be_v the_o last_o here_o mention_v viz._n that_o when_o they_o commit_v iniquity_n they_o personal_o break_v the_o covenant_n his_o answer_n to_o it_o be_v that_o this_o be_v not_o prove_v concern_v infant_n nor_o can_v be_v ans._n suppose_v it_o can_v yet_o if_o that_o be_v prove_v for_o which_o the_o synod_n bring_v it_o why_o may_v not_o that_o suffice_v though_o this_o other_o be_v not_o prove_v to_o which_o the_o reverend_a author_n apply_v it_o plain_o it_o be_v that_o the_o synod_n neither_o speak_v nor_o mean_v this_o of_o infant_n but_o of_o such_o as_o be_v now_o parent_n and_o therefore_o past_o their_o infancy_n and_o therefore_o if_o these_o parent_n when_o they_o commit_v iniquity_n do_v break_v the_o covenant_n than_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v gain_v though_o such_o a_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v affirm_v of_o infant_n but_o if_o proof_n for_o this_o or_o that_o may_v not_o be_v accept_v because_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o confirm_v some_o other_o thing_n whereto_o they_o be_v neither_o allege_v nor_o intend_v let_v the_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a reader_n consider_v whether_o this_o be_v equal_a and_o fair_a and_o whether_o argument_n in_o such_o a_o way_n be_v sufficient_o answer_v for_o the_o particular_a in_o hand_n the_o synod_n argue_v that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v personal_o in_o the_o covenant_n because_o when_o they_o commit_v iniquity_n they_o personal_o break_v the_o covenant_n allege_v for_o this_o jer._n 11.2_o 10._o ezek._n 16._o where_o break_v of_o covenant_n be_v express_o charge_v upon_o the_o person_n there_o speak_v of_o now_o do_v not_o this_o prove_v the_o thing_n intend_v sure_o if_o their_o commit_a iniquity_n be_v break_v of_o covenant_n either_o such_o person_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n or_o else_o we_o must_v say_v a_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o breach_n of_o covenant_n when_o he_o be_v not_o in_o it_o and_o that_o the_o commit_a iniquity_n by_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v a_o break_n of_o covenant_n
rome_n and_o paul_n be_v free_a bear_v act._n 22.28_o yet_o paul_n freedom_n be_v either_o better_a than_o the_o other_o or_o at_o lest_o no_o worse_o and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o church-membership_a of_o little_a child_n there_o be_v want_v unto_o child_n in_o minority_n to_o make_v they_o such_o member_n a_o personal_a fitness_n to_o act_v in_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o ans._n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o membership_n but_o only_o speak_v of_o the_o way_n of_o attain_v it_o by_o their_o own_o act_n but_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o paul_n want_v something_o to_o make_v he_o a_o free_a roman_a because_o he_o have_v no_o personal_a fitness_n nor_o ability_n to_o procure_v that_o freedom_n to_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o act_n but_o only_o be_v so_o bear_v or_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o david_n and_o other_o mention_v in_o psal._n 22.10_o isai._n 46.4_o want_a something_o of_o complete_a proper_a and_o immediate_a interest_n in_o god_n because_o they_o have_v their_o interest_n from_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o do_v not_o attain_v it_o by_o their_o own_o personal_a act_n for_o our_o part_n we_o dare_v not_o so_o say_v and_o by_o like_a reason_n dare_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o little_a child_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v proper_a complete_a and_o immediate_a though_o they_o have_v not_o come_v to_o it_o by_o their_o own_o act_n but_o have_v have_v it_o from_o their_o minority_n or_o birth_n for_o to_o have_v god_n for_o their_o god_n be_v as_o great_a a_o blessing_n as_o to_o be_v a_o actual_a and_o immediate_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v want_v of_o personal_a fitness_n to_o act_v for_o themselves_o do_v not_o hinder_v from_o the_o one_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v it_o hinder_v from_o the_o other_o synod_n a_o different_a manner_n and_o mean_n of_o convey_v the_o covenant_n to_o we_o or_o of_o make_v we_o member_n do_v not_o make_v a_o different_a sort_n of_o member_n we_o be_v as_o true_o personal_o and_o immediate_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o fall_a mankind_n and_o by_o nature_n heir_n of_o the_o condemnation_n pertain_v thereto_o as_o adam_n be_v though_o he_o come_v to_o â—e_v so_o by_o his_o own_o personal_a act_n and_o we_o by_o the_o act_n of_o our_o public_a person_n pag._n 24.25_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o answer_n hereto_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o case_n of_o adam_n it_o be_v so_o as_o be_v say_v but_o say_v he_o this_o do_v not_o suit_v the_o the_o case_n of_o â—_z in_o question_n for_o 1._o adam_n stand_v as_o a_o public_a person_n for_o all_o mankind_n no_o parent_n be_v so_o for_o all_o his_o posterity_n but_o for_o his_o infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n 2._o adam_n covenant_n be_v only_o with_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o with_o any_o church_n as_o the_o covenant_n of_o confederate_a parent_n be_v 3._o the_o parent_n break_v the_o covenant_n do_v not_o make_v his_o child_n heir_n of_o condemnation_n as_o adam_n do_v all_o mankind_n pag._n 40.41_o for_o answer_v whereto_o we_o may_v remember_v what_o himself_o do_v former_o express_v that_o similitude_n do_v not_o run_v on_o four_o foot_n if_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a point_n that_o may_v suffâ—â—_n though_o in_o other_o thing_n they_o dâ—ffer_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v these_o three_o difference_n and_o as_o many_o more_o between_o the_o case_n allege_v yet_o where_o be_v there_o any_o difference_n in_o the_o main_a point_n be_v not_o we_o as_o true_o personal_o and_o immediate_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o fall_a mankind_n as_o adam_n be_v this_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v not_o deny_v but_o in_o plain_a word_n do_v grant_v it_o and_o be_v not_o then_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o allege_v this_o instance_n clear_o gain_v do_v it_o not_o plain_o appear_v thereby_o that_o a_o different_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o be_v in_o covenant_n do_v not_o make_v a_o different_a sort_n of_o membership_n adam_n be_v a_o member_n of_o fall_a mankind_n and_o so_o be_v we_o though_o he_o come_v to_o be_v so_o by_o his_o own_o personal_a act_n and_o we_o by_o he_o or_o by_o his_o act_n for_o we_o which_o do_v clear_o show_v what_o the_o synod_n say_v that_o a_o different_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o be_v member_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o membership_n which_o we_o see_v do_v hold_v as_o touch_v be_v a_o member_n of_o fall_a mankind_n and_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o it_o may_v also_o hold_v as_o touch_v be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n there_o be_v not_o any_o to_o be_v account_v a_o public_a person_n as_o adam_n be_v but_o only_o jesus_n christ_n for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o he_o rom._n 5.14_o to_o 20._o pag._n 41._o ans._n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a though_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o public_a person_n for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o he_o as_o adam_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o number_n of_o person_n there_o be_v difference_n adam_n stand_v for_o all_o mankind_n and_o christ_n stand_v only_o for_o his_o redeem_a the_o elect._n now_o if_o christ_n may_v be_v true_o call_v a_o public_a person_n for_o all_o his_o as_o adam_n be_v though_o adam_n be_v for_o they_o that_o be_v far_o more_o in_o number_n why_o may_v not_o then_o a_o consederate_a parent_n be_v count_v a_o public_a person_n for_o his_o child_n though_o they_o be_v far_o less_o in_o number_n then_o the_o other_o but_o herein_o the_o case_n seem_v parallel_n adam_n for_o all_o in_o he_o christ_n jesus_n for_o all_o in_o he_o and_o the_o confederate_a parent_n for_o all_o in_o he_o we_o see_v not_o how_o this_o can_v just_o be_v deny_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n siâ—h_v he_o call_v these_o parent_n undertaker_n for_o their_o child_n pag._n 40._o and_o again_o pag._n 41._o and_o such_o undertaker_n that_o the_o child_n be_v bind_v by_o their_o parent_n act_v to_o perform_v that_o covenant_n when_o they_o shall_v become_v capable_a which_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v the_o same_o or_o as_o much_o as_o be_v mean_v when_o they_o be_v call_v public_a person_n for_o their_o child_n another_o similitude_n use_v by_o the_o synod_n to_o illustrate_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v from_o a_o prince_n give_v land_n to_o a_o man_n and_o his_o heir_n successive_o while_o they_o continue_v loyal_a in_o which_o case_n the_o follow_a heir_n be_v a_o true_a and_o immediate_a owner_n of_o that_o land_n and_o may_v be_v personal_o disinherit_v if_o disloyal_a as_o well_o as_o his_o father_n before_o he_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o similitude_n do_v not_o sort_v the_o case_n in_o question_n fâ—r_n as_o for_o infant_n they_o can_v be_v visible_o disloyal_a and_o adult_a person_n not_o regular_o join_v to_o the_o church_n have_v cut_v off_o the_o entail_n of_o the_o covenant_n from_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n by_o their_o personal_a disloyalty_n ans._n but_o for_o all_o this_o the_o similitude_n may_v suit_v the_o case_n in_o question_n though_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v it_o do_v not_o for_o as_o the_o follow_a heir_n be_v a_o immediate_a owner_n of_o that_o land_n till_o for_o disloyalty_n he_o be_v disinherit_v so_o the_o follow_a child_n be_v immediate_a church-member_n till_o some_o of_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o membership_n be_v not_o here_o plain_a suitableness_n in_o the_o similitude_n we_o conceive_v it_o be_v apparent_a and_o manifest_a for_o if_o infant_n can_v be_v disloyal_a and_o if_o adult_a person_n be_v cut_v off_o for_o disloyalty_n be_v it_o not_o manifest_a that_o both_o be_v immediate_a owner_n till_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n the_o synod_n affirm_v concern_v infant_n it_o seem_v they_o be_v such_o true_a and_o immediate_a owner_n of_o church-membership_a as_o that_o they_o can_v be_v cut_v off_o therefrom_o because_o they_o can_v be_v so_o disloyal_a as_o to_o deserve_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o for_o the_o adult_a person_n if_o the_o entail_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o they_o and_o their_o posterity_n by_o their_o personal_a disloyalty_n do_v not_o this_o clear_o show_v that_o they_o be_v true_o and_o immediate_o in_o the_o covenant_n till_o their_o disloyalty_n cut_v they_o off_o and_o so_o the_o similitude_n stand_v suitable_a and_o good_a for_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o the_o synod_n bring_v it_o but_o as_o for_o this_o cut_v off_o the_o entail_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o we_o must_v confess_v we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o such_o a_o thing_n can_v just_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o in_o this_o proposition_n for_o they_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o give_v