and_o join_v which_o have_v reference_n to_o their_o first_o join_v to_o the_o church_n not_o deny_v that_o be_v once_o regular_o join_v they_o may_v after_o have_v their_o seed_n baptise_a though_o they_o shall_v not_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a convert_v as_o for_o the_o objection_n and_o answer_n here_o bring_v in_o they_o be_v not_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o what_o be_v any_o way_n pertinent_a to_o our_o dispute_n may_v sufficient_o be_v take_v off_o by_o what_o be_v say_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v pass_v they_o by_o and_o i_o may_v the_o rather_o so_o do_v see_v our_o brethren_n in_o their_o three_o answer_n have_v yield_v the_o cause_n for_o if_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 why_o shall_v not_o baptism_n be_v continue_v successive_o to_o the_o seed_n remain_v in_o the_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o circumcision_n chap._n iii_o concern_v our_o brethren_n note_n upon_o the_o first_o and_o second_o proposition_n in_o the_o first_o proposition_n our_o brethren_n only_o give_v a_o explication_n of_o the_o word_n visible_a church_n take_v the_o word_n church_n as_o a_o genus_fw-la of_o all_o particular_a church_n from_o which_o we_o dissent_n not_o in_o the_o second_o proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n they_o have_v make_v divers_a note_n upon_o it_o 1._o that_o by_o visible_a believer_n they_o intend_v true_a believer_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n and_o herein_o we_o agree_v second_o note_v that_o visible_a believer_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n be_v right_o distinguish_v and_o so_o far_o we_o agree_v also_o that_o they_o be_v person_n distinct_o and_o several_o covenant_v with_o by_o the_o lord_n not_o wrap_v up_o in_o their_o parent_n as_o they_o speak_v but_o whereas_o they_o distinguish_v they_o from_o their_o parent_n as_o not_o be_v believer_n never_o so_o call_v in_o scripture_n how_o can_v they_o believe_v that_o know_v not_o the_o right_a hand_n from_o the_o left_a they_o have_v no_o faith_n actual_a or_o habitual_a nor_o can_v have_v without_o a_o miracle_n and_o we_o hold_v miracle_n be_v cease_v ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o great_a objection_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n against_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n and_o what_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o note_n be_v here_o i_o know_v not_o except_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v they_o any_o actual_a and_o personal_a membership_n in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o their_o next_o note_n i_o shall_v therefore_o speak_v the_o more_o full_o to_o it_o and_o first_o it_o appear_v the_o scripture_n number_n they_o among_o believer_n if_o it_o do_v not_o also_o express_o call_v they_o so_o mat._n 18.6_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o which_o some_o interpret_v of_o infant_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15._o where_o all_o in_o the_o church_n be_v call_v believer_n in_o opposition_n to_o infidel_n and_o no_o doubt_n paul_n will_v not_o allow_v any_o of_o these_o to_o marry_v with_o infidel_n when_o grow_v up_o by_o that_o rule_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o reckon_v they_o as_o believer_n 2._o to_o make_v a_o person_n a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o matter_n be_v not_o whether_o he_o have_v faith_n and_o grace_n real_o or_o not_o if_o he_o have_v such_o qualification_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n accept_v for_o faith_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o can_v go_v no_o further_o this_o be_v clear_a and_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v in_o respect_n of_o adult_n person_n if_o a_o man_n profess_v he_o do_v believe_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n as_o the_o eunuch_n act_v 8._o and_o nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a if_o a_o man_n appear_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n glad_o receive_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n as_o those_o act_n 2._o god_n rule_n accept_v of_o such_o as_o believer_n and_o so_o must_v the_o church_n though_o the_o lord_n see_v that_o some_o it_o may_v be_v many_o such_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o truth_n for_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v and_o however_o they_o may_v afterward_o discover_v themselves_o as_o ananias_n simon_n magus_n etc._n etc._n yet_o all_o will_v grant_v these_o be_v right_o receive_v as_o visible_a believer_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v the_o case_n of_o infant_n the_o matter_n be_v not_o whether_o they_o have_v true_a faith_n or_o not_o in_o the_o act_n or_o habit_n so_o they_o have_v such_o qualification_n as_o god_n accept_v of_o to_o receive_v their_o person_n into_o his_o covenant_n and_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o suffice_v though_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n or_o grace_n real_o now_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v so_o accept_v of_o they_o into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o as_o believer_n appear_v 1._o because_o he_o do_v account_v they_o holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o be_v it_o foederal_n or_o covenant-holiness_n this_o imply_v that_o god_n be_v their_o god_n and_o if_o god_n give_v himself_o unto_o they_o sure_o he_o accept_v they_o as_o believer_n he_o be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o infidel_n who_o be_v without_o god_n ephes_n 2.12_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o with_o parent_n and_o their_o seed_n and_o therefore_o god_n accept_v they_o as_o such_o as_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n 2._o this_o appear_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4._o when_o god_n appoint_v this_o seal_n to_o be_v set_v upon_o infant_n sure_o god_n number_v they_o with_o believer_n so_o when_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v baptise_a into_o christ_n can_v there_o be_v any_o union_n with_o christ_n without_o faith_n as_o no_o real_a union_n without_o true_a faith_n so_o no_o visible_a union_n without_o that_o which_o be_v accept_v as_o faith_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n say_v of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n belong_v to_o unbeliever_n if_o it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v their_o parent_n faith_n that_o be_v accept_v for_o they_o not_o any_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o person_n i_o answer_v if_o so_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v the_o parent_n faith_n and_o profession_n in_o their_o name_n and_o stead_n as_o a_o public_a person_n covenant_v for_o they_o yet_o this_o be_v god_n free_a and_o prevent_a grace_n towards_o the_o seed_n and_o do_v engage_v their_o person_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o avouch_v god_n for_o their_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v actual_o and_o personal_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n 3._o i_o add_v further_o that_o as_o we_o must_v rest_v in_o such_o sign_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o rule_n require_v though_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v there_o so_o also_o we_o must_v in_o charity_n judge_v the_o best_a and_o walk_v towards_o such_o as_o visible_a believer_n till_o by_o impenitency_n in_o sin_n the_o church_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o count_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n so_o phil._n 1.7_o it_o be_v meet_v i_o shall_v think_v thus_o of_o you_o all_o because_o you_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n love_n and_o church-charity_n shall_v reach_v far_o especial_o to_o member_n of_o a_o church_n regular_o receive_v because_o the_o lord_n do_v give_v faith_n to_o some_o and_o who_o have_v faith_n in_o truth_n who_o not_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o judge_v and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o such_o member_n as_o come_v in_o in_o their_o infancy_n we_o know_v the_o lord_n give_v faith_n and_o grace_n to_o some_o betimes_o as_o to_o samuel_n timothy_n and_o other_o yea_o in_o all_o elect_a infant_n that_o die_v in_o minority_n no_o doubt_n god_n give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o which_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o in_o charity_n we_o be_v to_o look_v at_o they_o as_o believer_n till_o for_o impenitency_n in_o sin_n the_o church_n shall_v â—ount_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n their_o three_o note_n be_v that_o though_o they_o be_v member_n in_o general_a yet_o infant-seed_n be_v only_o federal_o holy_a other_o that_o have_v take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 1_o cor._n 6.11_o these_o have_v a_o parental_a and_o partial_a right_n nor_o complete_a and_o perfect_a thus_o the_o lord_n speak_v deut._n 4_o 37._o &_o 10.15_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o so_o dr._n ames_n distinction_n into_o perfect_a and_o imperfect_a medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o sect._n 13._o ans_fw-fr 1._o let_v it_o here_o be_v apply_v what_o be_v say_v of_o their_o
the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n require_v faith_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o jacob_n as_o he_o do_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v the_o continual_a succession_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n in_o the_o gentile_a church_n obj._n 2._o it_o will_v be_v say_v god_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n for_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n ans_fw-fr be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o carnal_a seed_n of_o abraham_n in_o all_o succeed_a generation_n shall_v have_v god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n then_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o yet_o break_v off_o contrary_a to_o rom._n 11._o this_o seed_n be_v 1._o only_o such_o of_o the_o carnal_a seed_n with_o who_o the_o covenant_n be_v establish_v by_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o abraham_n faith_n 2._o his_o spiritual_a seed_n who_o be_v only_o mean_v in_o that_o everlasting_a covenant_n reply_n 1._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o succession_n thereof_o the_o lord_n be_v ever_o mindful_a of_o his_o covenant_n and_o that_o everlasting_o till_o his_o people_n break_v his_o covenant_n he_o never_o cast_v they_o out_o but_o there_o be_v many_o transgression_n against_o the_o covenant_n that_o do_v not_o break_v off_o a_o people_n from_o the_o visible_a covenant_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n wherein_o his_o patience_n be_v very_o long_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o continue_v to_o their_o succeed_a generation_n everlasting_o even_o to_o such_o as_o be_v here_o call_v the_o carnal_a seed_n 2._o it_o do_v not_o savour_n well_o that_o our_o brethren_n so_o frequent_o call_v the_o church-seed_n a_o carnal_a seed_n we_o know_v who_o phrase_n it_o be_v and_o to_o what_o it_o tend_v even_o to_o deny_v baptism_n to_o they_o the_o scripture_n call_v they_o the_o holy_a seed_n a_o holy_a nation_n royal_a priesthood_n etc._n etc._n your_o child_n be_v holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o god_n never_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o any_o as_o a_o carnal_a seed_n but_o as_o anâ—holy_a people_n to_o the_o lord_n 3._o what_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o the_o carnal_a seed_n walk_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n if_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n belong_v only_o to_o such_o than_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n belong_v not_o to_o any_o church-member_n till_o he_o come_v up_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n which_o be_v the_o tenent_n of_o we_o know_v who_o reas_n 7._o it_o be_v irregular_a to_o receive_v person_n with_o no_o better_a qualification_n into_o covenant_n we_o mean_v ignorant_a unbelieving_a and_o impenitent_a person_n into_o public_a and_o personal_a covenant_n church-covenaâ—ters_a must_v be_v visible_a saint_n psal_n 50.5_o 16._o i'faith_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n be_v require_v to_o covenant_n with_o god_n it_o be_v a_o palpable_a untruth_n for_o a_o vnbeliever_n to_o engage_v himself_o to_o keep_v the_o lord_n covenant_n whereof_o faith_n be_v the_o condition_n joh._n 3.16_o ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v these_o in_o question_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n when_o they_o come_v to_o own_o their_o baptismal_a covenant_n public_o our_o brethren_n confess_v they_o be_v in_o covenant_n act_v 2._o which_o be_v seal_v up_o to_o themby_a baptism_n and_o that_o in_o their_o own_o person_n as_o be_v before_o prove_v from_o deut._n 5.2_o 3._o &_o 29.10_o 11_o 12._o this_o public_a own_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v but_o the_o manifestation_n of_o their_o continuance_n in_o it_o or_o a_o renew_n of_o it_o 2._o to_o censure_v these_o for_o ignorant_a person_n that_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o contain_v all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v before_o prove_v and_o for_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o unbeliever_n who_o god_n have_v receive_v own_a as_o his_o child_n and_o believer_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15._o who_o live_v without_o scandal_n which_o impli_v regular_a satisfaction_n for_o offence_n who_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n submit_v to_o his_o government_n to_o lay_v all_o this_o upon_o they_o without_o proof_n be_v far_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n sure_o they_o be_v better_a saint_n than_o those_o mention_v by_o our_o brethren_n psa_n 50.5_o 16._o neither_o do_v these_o visible_o hate_v instruction_n in_o the_o sense_n there_o speak_v of_o vers_n 17._o for_o they_o be_v charge_v to_o consent_v with_o thief_n to_o partake_v with_o adulterer_n to_o give_v their_o mouth_n to_o evil_a etc._n etc._n which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o these_o 3._o what_o though_o faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n and_o that_o in_o truth_n be_v require_v of_o all_o covenanter_n with_o god_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o such_o as_o be_v in_o church-covenant_n want_v these_o thing_n or_o do_v not_o so_o clear_o and_o sully_v hold_v forth_o these_o by_o a_o visible_a profession_n that_o all_o such_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o outward_a privilege_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o reason_v all_o along_o but_o the_o inconsequence_n thereof_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n story_n reas_n 8._o that_o practice_n that_o expose_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o contempt_n baptism_n to_o profanation_n the_o church_n to_o pollution_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v but_o the_o baptise_v of_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o visible_a believer_n do_v all_o this_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v ans_fw-fr 1._o i_o may_v grant_v the_o argument_n it_o do_v not_o conclude_v against_o these_o who_o god_n have_v receive_v as_o holy_a as_o visible_a believer_n baptise_a into_o christ_n as_o have_v be_v oft_o prove_v from_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o with_o chap._n 7.14_o &_o 12.13_o 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15._o 2._o by_o this_o reason_n when_o member_n receive_v by_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o adult_n age_n do_v decline_v and_o appear_v to_o have_v as_o little_a faith_n as_o these_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v though_o under_o no_o censure_n such_o must_v not_o have_v their_o childrne_a baptise_a or_o else_o all_o those_o consequence_n will_v follow_v this_o may_v suffice_v to_o answer_v the_o reason_n itself_o the_o proof_n i_o shall_v touch_v afterward_o reas_n 9_o because_o these_o adult_n child_n if_o they_o be_v not_o baptise_a themselves_o may_v not_o be_v baptise_a in_o this_o estate_n and_o therefore_o can_v entitle_v their_o seed_n unto_o it_o a_o man_n must_v stand_v possess_v of_o a_o right_n before_o he_o can_v make_v it_o over_o to_o another_o act_v a_o non_fw-la habente_fw-la potestatem_fw-la be_v void_a in_o law_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o reason_v by_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n have_v not_o that_o thing_n which_o indeed_o he_o have_v and_o therefore_o he_o can_v convey_v that_o which_o he_o have_v let_v i_o take_v away_o a_o man_n evidence_n and_o possession_n of_o his_o land_n and_o it_o be_v true_a he_o can_v make_v a_o good_a conveyance_n but_o may_v he_o not_o then_o convey_v what_o he_o have_v evidence_n and_o possession_n of_o there_o be_v some_o member_n in_o church_n who_o suppose_v they_o be_v not_o admit_v will_v not_o now_o be_v admit_v do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o their_o child_n may_v not_o be_v baptise_a if_o act_n of_o such_o as_o have_v no_o right_a and_o power_n themselves_o be_v void_a then_o act_n of_o such_o as_o have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n be_v valid_a now_o these_o be_v church-member_n and_o baptise_a and_o therefore_o their_o conveyance_n of_o baptism_n be_v valid_a by_o this_o argument_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o our_o brethren_n to_o prove_v that_o these_o be_v church-member_n so_o qualify_v may_v not_o be_v baptise_a if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v baptise_a reas_n 10._o because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n of_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n for_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n which_o way_n be_v not_o here_o mention_v and_o this_o way_n be_v christ_n joh._n 10.7_o but_o this_o proposition_n hold_v forth_o no_o personal_a entrance_n by_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v get_v in_o some_o other_o way_n they_o be_v thief_n and_o robber_n the_o danger_n be_v see_v in_o he_o that_o have_v not_o on_o the_o wedding-garment_n the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v so_o pernicious_a how_o can_v the_o church_n be_v blameless_a in_o bring_v they_o in_o this_o way_n ans_fw-fr let_v the_o interpretation_n of_o joh._n 10._o be_v grant_v at_o present_a i_o answer_v that_o these_o child_n come_v into_o the_o church_n by_o
christ_n for_o they_o come_v in_o by_o the_o gospel-covenant_n as_o our_o brethren_n grant_v from_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o and_o be_v not_o christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o that_o covenant_n yea_o be_v they_o not_o baptise_a into_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o blood_n and_o benefit_n of_o christ_n scale_v up_o to_o they_o in_o baptism_n but_o our_o brethren_n seem_v whole_o to_o forget_v that_o or_o to_o make_v a_o nothing_o of_o it_o 2._o when_o this_o covenant_n which_o be_v call_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n gal._n 3.17_o be_v solemn_o own_a by_o they_o wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n be_v there_o nothing_o of_o christ_n in_o all_o this_o 3._o the_o danger_n of_o want_v the_o wedding-garment_n be_v as_o great_a to_o such_o as_o come_v in_o with_o the_o fair_a profession_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o these_o and_o be_v the_o church_n unblamable_a for_o admit_v such_o because_o their_o danger_n be_v so_o great_a when_o such_o want_v the_o wedding-garment_n but_o see_v our_o brethren_n urge_v so_o much_o joh._n 10._o let_v they_o consider_v for_o 13._o the_o hireling_n care_v not_o for_o the_o sheep_n we_o have_v more_o cause_n to_o fear_v how_o we_o shall_v answer_v for_o our_o careless_a neglect_n of_o these_o lamb_n of_o christ_n then_o for_o our_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o we_o have_v our_o warrant_n from_o christ_n and_o withal_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o weighty_a charge_n heb._n 12.15_o 16._o look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o fail_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n lest_o there_o be_v a_o profane_a person_n as_o esau_n who_o for_o a_o morsel_n of_o meat_n sell_v his_o birthright_n it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n do_v think_v there_o be_v a_o precious_a birthright_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o look_v diligent_o to_o the_o preservation_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o let_v we_o then_o take_v heed_n we_o do_v not_o take_v it_o from_o they_o before_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n do_v require_v it_o by_o this_o whole_a discourse_n and_o by_o these_o ten_o reason_n we_o may_v now_o full_o see_v upon_o what_o principle_n our_o brethren_n ground_n their_o antisynodalia_a or_o their_o position_n wherein_o they_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o prefacer_n complain_v that_o their_o tenent_n be_v lade_v with_o reproach_n of_o anabaptism_n i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n before_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o present_v unto_o their_o serious_a consideration_n what_o advantage_n they_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n who_o i_o fear_v will_v make_v such_o use_n hereof_o as_o our_o brethren_n will_v not_o willing_o allow_v they_o to_o do_v it_o be_v true_a that_o our_o brethren_n confess_v with_o we_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o gospel-covenant_n and_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o but_o do_v they_o not_o with_o their_o distinction_n in_o effect_n take_v away_o what_o they_o have_v give_v they_o they_o be_v member_n in_o general_a say_v they_o but_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a and_o it_o be_v only_o as_o wrap_v up_o in_o their_o parent_n covenant_n they_o be_v not_o actual_a or_o personal_a member_n and_o that_o membership_n in_o their_o parent_n and_o their_o foederal_n holiness_n reach_v no_o further_a than_o their_o minority_n pag._n 37._o and_o what_o church-ordinance_n be_v they_o capable_a of_o in_o that_o time_n especial_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o some_o suggest_v that_o ishmael_n come_v into_o the_o church_n by_o profession_n of_o faith_n as_o a_o adult_n member_n at_o thirteen_o year_n of_o age_n and_o if_o at_o adult_n age_n they_o come_v not_o up_o by_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n to_o enter_v into_o personal_a covenant_n and_o so_o to_o a_o new_a membership_n hey_o have_v no_o right_a â—o_o church-priviledge_n and_o may_v not_o a_o convert_n out_o of_o paganism_n upon_o such_o term_n enjoy_v as_o much_o as_o this_o and_o as_o for_o church-watch_n and_o government_n it_o can_v reach_v they_o but_o by_o their_o parent_n as_o it_o may_v reach_v a_o infidel-servant_n and_o when_o their_o parent_n be_v dead_a and_o they_o leave_v to_o the_o care_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n how_o shall_v it_o then_o touch_v they_o at_o all_o and_o when_o their_o own_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v account_v the_o form_n of_o their_o membership_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v a_o nullity_n of_o their_o covenant_n seal_v in_o baptism_n so_o that_o it_o will_v i_o fear_v seem_v to_o the_o anabaptist_n that_o to_o baptise_v infant_n be_v to_o set_v a_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a or_o to_o a_o covenant_n of_o no_o use_n to_o they_o again_o when_o our_o brethren_n so_o oft_o deny_v the_o visible_a covenant_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o to_o such_o as_o want_v the_o inward_a grace_n and_o affirm_v that_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o be_v limit_v to_o those_o that_o with_o abraham_n walk_v with_o god_n who_o heart_n be_v faithful_a who_o love_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n pag._n 29._o will_v not_o the_o anabaptist_n be_v ready_a to_o infer_v therefore_o infant_n want_v that_o grace_n etc._n etc._n have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o covenant_n or_o to_o baptism_n the_o privilege_n of_o it_o again_o when_o our_o brethren_n so_o oft_o confound_v the_o outward_a and_o inward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n allege_v the_o scandalous_a sin_n of_o church-member_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o these_o in_o question_n be_v self-excommunicated_n and_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o outward_a covenant_n or_o privilege_n thereof_o be_v not_o this_o a_o mistake_v which_o they_o will_v make_v advantage_n of_o last_o when_o they_o say_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o five_o proposition_n expose_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o contempt_n baptism_n to_o be_v profane_v bring_v pollution_n into_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v the_o reason_n for_o say_v they_o it_o impart_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o visible_a believer_n set_v the_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a sever_v baptism_n from_o the_o stipulation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n bring_v the_o uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n into_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o they_o oft_o confess_v that_o infant_n have_v no_o faith_n they_o be_v a_o carnal_a seed_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o just_a fear_n that_o the_o anabaptist_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o infer_v therefore_o to_o baptize_v infant_n be_v to_o expose_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o contempt_n &_o c_o i_o know_v our_o brethren_n will_v say_v we_o do_v not_o require_v faith_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o infant_n but_o in_o the_o parent_n only_o but_o yet_o when_o general_o we_o ground_n the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n to_o the_o parent_n and_o their_o seed_n gen._n 17._o act_n 2._o 1_o cor._n 7._o and_o prove_v they_o be_v disciple_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v baptise_a i_o wish_v our_o brethren_n may_v consider_v how_o great_o this_o ground_n be_v weaken_v by_o denial_n of_o god_n covenant_n to_o their_o person_n and_o only_o as_o in_o their_o parent_n and_o by_o make_v it_o so_o slight_a a_o matter_n as_o to_o wear_v out_o with_o their_o minority_n etc._n etc._n and_o also_o let_v they_o consider_v how_o suitable_a their_o notion_n and_o principle_n beforenamed_n be_v to_o the_o argument_n and_o ground_n of_o denial_n of_o baptism_n to_o all_o infant_n as_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o antipoedobaptist_n these_o thing_n i_o mention_v that_o our_o brethren_n may_v keep_v further_o off_o from_o this_o danger_n which_o themselves_o count_v a_o reproach_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o answer_n of_o our_o brethren_n to_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o five_o proposition_n arg._n 1._o these_o child_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o baptise_v any_o child_n whatsoever_o and_o neither_o the_o parent_n nor_o the_o child_n do_v put_v in_o any_o bar_n to_o hinder_v it_o this_o ground_n be_v the_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n gen._n 17.7_o 9_o 10_o 11._o act_n 2.39_o col._n 2.10_o 11._o ans_fw-fr they_o answer_v in_o general_a that_o faith_n be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o baptism_n rom._n 4.11_o act_n 8.37_o &_o 19.4_o reply_n 1._o here_o be_v no_o answer_n to_o the_o scripture_n allege_v which_o be_v very_o full_a gen._n 17.10_o 11._o this_o be_v my_o covenant_n which_o you_o shall_v keep_v every_o male-child_n shall_v be_v circumcise_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o you_o
they_o without_o act_n of_o church-discipline_n which_o yet_o they_o deny_v to_o belong_v to_o their_o person_n immediate_o 3._o if_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v fall_v out_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a not_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o a_o people_n retain_v the_o essential_o of_o a_o true_a church_n may_v fall_v into_o such_o a_o degeneracy_n or_o decay_n as_o to_o be_v unfit_a for_o ordinance_n or_o to_o those_o officer_n until_o they_o be_v further_o prepare_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o they_o ans_fw-fr 2._o to_o the_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o &_o 14.33_o they_o say_v that_o by_o a_o church_n of_o saint_n primary_o the_o better_a part_n of_o saint_n be_v understand_v the_o rest_n synecdochical_o though_o not_o so_o in_o truth_n yet_o so_o call_v reply_n if_o all_o be_v so_o call_v though_o some_o be_v not_o so_o in_o truth_n than_o the_o argument_n be_v yield_v that_o in_o scripture_n &_o ecclesiastical_a account_n all_o church-member_n be_v saint_n and_o who_o shall_v tell_v we_o which_o be_v so_o in_o truth_n and_o which_o not_o till_o impenitency_n in_o sin_n give_v we_o cause_n to_o count_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n reas_n 5._o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o baptise_a they_o have_v faith_n give_v they_o indefinite_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n deut._n 30.6_o which_o continue_v valid_a and_o be_v a_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o while_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o ans_fw-fr the_o promise_n be_v indefinite_a not_o universal_a whence_o the_o argument_n must_v be_v some_o circumcise_a or_o baptize_v one_o be_v believer_n but_o hese_fw-mi in_o question_n be_v circumcise_v or_o baptize_v once_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n or_o thus_o the_o roman_a catholic_n be_v baptize_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n reply_n 1._o i_o see_v our_o brethren_n can_v make_v a_o false_a syllogism_n to_o decline_v the_o force_n of_o a_o argument_n that_o will_v right_o conclude_v thus_o if_o some_o child_n be_v under_o that_o indefinite_a promise_n be_v believer_n for_o god_n be_v true_a of_o his_o promise_n than_o all_o such_o child_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o unbeliever_n as_o our_o brethren_n will_v but_o some_o baptize_v once_o be_v under_o that_o indefinite_a promise_n be_v believer_n therefore_o now_o who_o can_v say_v who_o be_v such_o and_o who_o be_v not_o till_o they_o reject_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o by_o impenitency_n in_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n for_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o heart-circumcision_a be_v but_o indefinite_a be_v effectual_o perform_v to_o some_o only_a not_o to_o all_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o alike_o to_o the_o church_n till_o the_o difference_n do_v some_o way_n open_o appear_v 2_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o roman_a catholic_n savour_v not_o of_o ingenuity_n for_o be_v they_o the_o seed_n of_o confederate_a visible_a believer_n of_o who_o our_o dispute_n be_v or_o be_v they_o regular_o baptise_a or_o do_v they_o show_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a that_o profess_v popery_n ans_fw-fr 2._o it_o be_v not_o a_o indefinite_a promise_n there_o because_o it_o be_v certain_o make_v good_a to_o such_o as_o return_v with_o their_o soul_n ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o reply_n this_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o indefiniteness_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o confirm_v it_o and_o their_o effectual_a return_n to_o god_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o promise_n and_o indefinite_a also_o ans_fw-fr 3._o a_o indefinite_a promise_n do_v not_o capacitate_v all_o child_n to_o receive_v the_o seal_n reply_n neither_o be_v so_o much_o affirm_v but_o this_o with_o the_o other_o consideration_n do_v render_v they_o visible_a believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n which_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o this_o four_o argument_n arg._n 5._o the_o denial_n of_o baptism_n to_o these_o have_v a_o dangerous_a tendency_n to_o irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n because_o it_o deni_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 josh_n 22.24_o 25_o 26._o ans_fw-fr the_o brethren_n deny_v the_o consequence_n affirm_v that_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n experience_n in_o new-england_n through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n show_v the_o contrary_a reply_n this_o be_v a_o bare_a denial_n without_o answer_v the_o reason_n from_o josh_n 22._o sure_o that_o religious_a generation_n have_v a_o deep_a sense_n of_o that_o danger_n and_o more_o solicitous_a care_n to_o prevent_v it_o than_o they_o have_v 2._o when_o our_o brethren_n in_o their_o preface_n to_o the_o general_n court_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o many_o great_a and_o prevail_a corruption_n of_o youth_n that_o need_v reformation_n by_o church-discipline_n this_o may_v abate_v our_o glory_v of_o contrary_a experience_n for_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n in_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o seem_v our_o brethren_n do_v think_v that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o than_o a_o few_o name_n in_o n._n england_n that_o hold_v fast_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v not_o own_o so_o great_a a_o apostasy_n of_o elder_n and_o people_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o preface_n present_v to_o the_o world_n arg._n 6._o the_o person_n in_o question_n be_v personal_a immediate_a and_o yet-continuing_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a our_o brethren_n here_o only_o speak_v to_o the_o first_o branch_n concern_v their_o personal_a membership_n have_v speak_v to_o the_o three_o branch_n before_o but_o the_o second_o branch_n about_o their_o immediate_a membership_n they_o leave_v untouched_a ans_fw-fr if_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o promise_n to_o their_o believe_a parent_n reach_v they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v wrap_v up_o together_o with_o they_o the_o assertion_n be_v grant_v as_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o seed_n of_o confederate_a believer_n in_o their_o minority_n but_o if_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o be_v member_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a act_n than_o it_o be_v deny_v reply_n this_o distinction_n of_o member_n wrap_v up_o in_o their_o parent_n and_o member_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a act_n be_v a_o riddle_n that_o no_o scripture_n do_v unfold_v let_v we_o hold_v to_o scripture-phrase_n and_o the_o meaning_n will_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a viz._n they_o be_v member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n by_o the_o lord_n actual_a enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o their_o person_n distinct_a from_o their_o parent_n and_o set_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n upon_o their_o person_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v from_o gen._n 17.7_o 9_o deut._n 5.2_o 3._o &_o 29.10_o 11._o proof_n 1._o they_o be_v personal_o holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o therefore_o member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n ans_fw-fr this_o concern_v child_n in_o minority_n or_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o member_n in_o full_a communion_n and_o therefore_o it_o reach_v they_o not_o when_o adult_n and_o grow_v reply_n here_o our_o brethren_n speak_v out_o that_o the_o foederal_a holiness_n and_o charch-membership_a of_o the_o church_n seed_n wear_v quite_o out_o with_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n though_o sometime_o they_o speak_v otherwise_o as_o be_v note_v upon_o their_o concession_n in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n pag._n 23._o in_o the_o end_n but_o no_o scripture_n will_v prove_v this_o yea_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o scripture-story_n of_o the_o church_n convince_v the_o contrary_a see_v deut._n 5.2_o 3._o rom._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o &_o 9.4_o proof_n 2._o they_o be_v personal_o baptise_a the_o seal_n of_o membership_n be_v apply_v to_o their_o own_o person_n which_o be_v regular_o do_v 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 ans_fw-fr so_o be_v the_o papist_n in_o rome_n and_o be_v they_o personal_a member_n the_o shechemite_n and_o edomite_n be_v circumcise_v there_o be_v par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la reply_n this_o be_v a_o very_a slight_a evade_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o speak_v of_o baptism_n regular_o do_v i_o have_v think_v our_o brethren_n do_v not_o think_v baptism_n regular_o do_v in_o rome_n or_o circumcision_n regular_o apply_v to_o the_o shechemite_n and_o edomite_n or_o if_o not_o can_v they_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la a_o like_o reason_n between_o baptism_n regular_o do_v and_o not_o regular_o do_v except_o they_o shall_v mean_v that_o there_o be_v like_a reason_n between_o baptism_n in_o rome_n and_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o shechemite_n and_o edomite_n and_o that_o be_v grant_v proof_n 3._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 see_v propos_fw-fr 3._o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v grant_v
as_o he_o pretend_v as_o a_o lover_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o publish_v this_o treatise_n without_o any_o commission_n from_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o he_o desire_v they_o not_o to_o be_v offend_v with_o and_o affirm_v it_o as_o a_o truth_n that_o the_o person_n engage_v in_o this_o dissent_n have_v much_o rather_o this_o treatise_n be_v suppress_v and_o as_o a_o untimely_a birth_n to_o have_v be_v bury_v in_o everlasting_a darkness_n the_o contrary_a hereunto_o be_v evident_o evince_v by_o the_o whole_a preface_n follow_v which_o speak_v no_o more_o in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o publisher_n but_o of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o wherein_o they_o endeavour_v to_o answer_v four_o objection_n against_o the_o publish_v thereof_o and_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o ill_a consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v they_o declare_v a_o resolution_n to_o have_v it_o publish_v whatever_o shall_v follow_v conclude_v in_o the_o word_n of_o esther_n if_o i_o perish_v i_o perish_v beside_o it_o be_v well_o know_v here_o how_o earnest_a and_o resolute_a one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o be_v to_o have_v it_o publish_v concern_v the_o objection_n here_o mention_v the_o three_o first_o from_o the_o sâ—a_fw-la consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n hereby_o and_o from_o the_o novelty_n of_o their_o opinion_n i_o know_v not_o of_o any_o that_o make_v these_o objection_n sure_o that_o language_n be_v not_o hear_v in_o the_o synod_n but_o their_o own_o reason_n may_v object_v such_o thing_n the_o four_o objection_n be_v a_o pretend_a concurrence_n of_o all_o other_o congregational_a church_n they_o know_v of_o to_o countenance_v their_o cause_n but_o without_o any_o sufficient_a proof_n thereof_o but_o see_v it_o be_v now_o publish_v though_o uns_fw-mi asonable_o as_o be_v confess_v i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o and_o the_o reader_n about_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n but_o apply_v myself_o to_o wipe_v off_o those_o uncharitable_a and_o unjust_a aspersion_n that_o in_o this_o preface_n be_v cast_v upon_o many_o of_o the_o elder_n and_o church_n of_o new-england_n wherein_o that_o i_o may_v not_o wrong_v any_o of_o our_o belove_a brethren_n the_o dissenter_n i_o must_v say_v this_o on_o their_o behalf_n that_o some_o of_o they_o do_v profess_v that_o they_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o this_o first_o preface_n nor_o in_o the_o publish_v thereof_o nor_o any_o knowledge_n thereof_o and_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v so_o of_o other_o of_o they_o who_o i_o hope_v have_v other_o thought_n of_o their_o brethren_n than_o this_o preface_n hold_v forth_o so_o that_o so_o far_o as_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o one_o of_o they_o only_o or_o chief_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o seven_o imputation_n cast_v upon_o we_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o 1._o the_o author_n of_o this_o preface_n complain_v of_o the_o course_n entertainment_n of_o their_o tenent_n both_o in_o the_o synod_n and_o in_o the_o general_n court_n where_o they_o expect_v more_o patron_n than_o do_v appear_v ans_fw-fr that_o none_o may_v hence_o judge_v otherwise_o then_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o synod_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n be_v placid_o full_o and_o oft-ove_a debate_v all_o their_o argument_n weigh_v all_o write_n present_v be_v read_v consider_v and_o some_o public_o answer_v so_o that_o all_o the_o course_n entertainment_n be_v that_o their_o tenent_n be_v not_o embrace_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o as_o for_o the_o honour_a general_n court_n if_o they_o be_v so_o far_o satisfy_v with_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o synod_n to_o that_o question_n about_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n propound_v by_o they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a in_o their_o wisdom_n to_o countenance_n and_o encourage_v a_o party_n rise_v up_o in_o opposition_n thereto_o as_o tend_v to_o division_n and_o disturbance_n among_o we_o they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o for_o such_o course_n entertainment_n if_o they_o will_v so_o account_v of_o it_o but_o to_o aggravate_v this_o course_n entertainment_n he_o add_v though_o it_o be_v no_o other_o doctrine_n then_o of_o all_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o holland_n england_n ireland_n and_o new-england_n and_o also_o in_o new-haven_n and_o plymouth_n jurisdiction_n yea_o and_o also_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n and_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o bay_n some_o few_o inconsiderable_a except_v for_o thirty_o year_n ans_fw-fr here_o be_v a_o great_a pretence_n of_o general_a concurrence_n with_o their_o tenent_n but_o without_o proof_n and_o beyond_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o make_v the_o number_n seem_v the_o great_a beside_o new-england_n he_o add_v and_o also_o new-haven_n plymouth_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o these_o be_v not_o new-england_n church_n as_o for_o those_o foreign_a church_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v whether_o as_o yet_o many_o of_o they_o at_o least_o have_v declare_v their_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n yea_o i_o have_v hear_v from_o one_o of_o good_a note_n that_o know_v many_o of_o those_o church_n who_o upon_o the_o question_n answer_v that_o this_o case_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v consider_v in_o many_o of_o those_o church_n and_o if_o their_o practice_n have_v not_o yet_o suit_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n we_o know_v by_o our_o own_o experience_n how_o many_o hindrance_n there_o may_v be_v of_o that_o though_o their_o judgement_n be_v for_o it_o but_o concern_v the_o judgement_n of_o new-england_n elder_n and_o church_n let_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o synod_n be_v read_v by_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o most_o eminent_a elder_n in_o the_o most_o considerable_a church_n and_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n be_v general_o for_o this_o doctrine_n in_o the_o synod_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o that_o passage_n of_o famous_a hooker_n who_o praise_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o who_o may_v know_v as_o much_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o congregational_a church_n as_o another_o it_o be_v not_o the_o question_n say_v he_o whether_o wicked_a member_n while_o they_o be_v sinful_o tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n they_o and_o their_o seed_n may_v partake_v of_o privilege_n for_o this_o be_v beyond_o question_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v or_o ever_o hear_v it_o deny_v by_o any_o of_o we_o survey_v part_n 3_o chap._n 2._o pag._n 11._o whereby_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o a_o general_a confession_n on_o all_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n in_o the_o outward_a covenant_n that_o give_v right_a to_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n whereas_o the_o tenent_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v that_o member_n of_o the_o church_n admit_v in_o minority_n and_o have_v the_o covenant_n seal_v by_o baptism_n if_o be_v adult_n they_o hold_v not_o forth_o save_v faith_n and_o repentance_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n even_o so_o as_o to_o come_v into_o full_a communion_n neither_o they_o nor_o their_o seed_n may_v partake_v of_o privilege_n they_o be_v felones_n de_fw-fr se_fw-la self-mâ—rtherers_a discovenant_v of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o federal_o holy_a so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v out_o of_o their_o nonage_n as_o will_v appear_v after_o which_o tenent_n i_o can_v believe_v will_v be_v own_v by_o most_o of_o the_o church_n name_v if_o by_o any_o of_o they_o this_o author_n add_v further_a that_o yet_o now_o this_o tenent_n be_v lade_v with_o reproach_n of_o antichristianism_n and_o anabaptism_n ans_fw-fr if_o a_o argument_n or_o two_o be_v use_v in_o the_o synod_n take_v from_o such_o consequence_n be_v this_o ground_n enough_o to_o say_v it_o be_v lade_v with_o such_o reproach_n and_o other_o ground_n i_o know_v none_o yet_o for_o that_o of_o anabaptism_n it_o will_v appear_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o dissenter_n be_v so_o near_o a_o kin_n if_o not_o the_o same_o with_o they_o that_o we_o can_v but_o fear_v a_o great_a tendency_n thereunto_o and_o what_o encouragement_n they_o take_v from_o thence_o we_o be_v very_o sensible_a second_o in_o answer_v the_o first_o objection_n this_o prefacer_n take_v occasion_n upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n to_o charge_v the_o bay_a church_n with_o a_o sin_n which_o he_o can_v see_v how_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n in_o leave_v their_o former_a practice_n in_o dispense_n the_o seal_n and_o take_v up_o a_o new_a manner_n thereof_o yea_o a_o grievous_a sin_n in_o deprive_v so_o many_o infant_n of_o baptism_n for_o thirty_o year_n yea_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o somewhat_o worse_o
to_o god_n by_o christ_n according_a to_o it_o not_o destroy_v their_o profession_n by_o error_n evert_v the_o foundation_n or_o unholiness_n of_o conversation_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v such_o for_o they_o profess_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o christ_n they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n own_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o destroy_v their_o profession_n by_o error_n nor_o unholiness_n of_o life_n hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o be_v scandalous_a in_o life_n so_o that_o for_o aught_o that_o appear_v that_o assembly_n agree_v rather_o with_o the_o synod_n then_o with_o the_o dissenter_n 2._o in_o that_o our_o brother_n make_v such_o a_o distinction_n between_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o star_n of_o new-england_n sweep_v down_o and_o a_o few_o name_n in_o new-england_n that_o hold_v fast_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o well_o this_o comparison_n agree_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n humility_n and_o modesty_n i_o shall_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o 3._o i_o must_v inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n and_o ground_n of_o so_o deep_a a_o charge_n lay_v upon_o more_o than_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o star_n the_o light_n set_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n be_v it_o the_o present_a doctrine_n of_o this_o synod_n enlarge_n the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n beyond_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o dissenter_n that_o be_v their_o fall_n from_o heaven_n and_o the_o more_o strict_a opinion_n of_o our_o brethren_n the_o character_n of_o those_o few_o name_n remain_v that_o hold_n fast_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o for_o 1._o this_o be_v the_o occasion_n take_v up_o to_o make_v this_o comparison_n and_o 2._o those_o other_o imputation_n of_o forsake_v former_a practice_n recant_v of_o elder_n new_a conversion_n of_o new-england_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o doctrine_n seem_v to_o intimate_v as_o much_o 3._o and_o that_o expression_n of_o a_o few_o name_n hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v plain_o intimate_v that_o not_o only_o more_o than_o a_o three_o part_n of_o the_o star_n but_o also_o the_o generality_n of_o new_a england_n be_v great_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o at_o the_o present_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o author_n which_o be_v so_o high_a a_o strain_n that_o i_o be_o loath_a to_o say_v what_o may_v be_v speak_v of_o it_o now_o if_o this_o be_v our_o fall_n from_o heaven_n it_o be_v our_o comfort_n that_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o fall_v so_o far_o as_o many_o bright_a star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n that_o have_v shine_v glorious_o in_o the_o church_n such_o as_o calvin_n cartwright_n perkins_n ames_n and_o hundred_o more_o who_o judgement_n be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v large_a in_o this_o point_n then_o the_o synod_n do_v hold_v forth_o and_o we_o be_v fall_v no_o further_a than_o bless_a câ—ton_n thâ—lip_n shepard_n roâ—ers_n and_o other_o of_o the_o bay_a church_n famous_a hooker_n and_o stone_n of_o connecticoâ—_n prudden_n of_o new-haven_n partridge_n and_o newman_n of_o plymouth_n with_o divers_a other_o light_n in_o nâ—w-england_n of_o who_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v get_v to_o heaven_n in_o that_o opinion_n whereby_o we_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v sweep_v down_o from_o heaven_n but_o let_v this_o brother_n beware_v lest_o himself_o and_o his_o few_o name_n be_v not_o judge_v by_o some_o to_o be_v sweep_v down_o from_o heaven_n also_o who_o hold_v a_o opinion_n that_o infant_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a which_o be_v not_o so_o strict_a a_o tenent_n as_o they_o will_v have_v 4._o but_o if_o this_o so_o great_a a_o charge_n be_v lay_v upon_o more_o than_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o star_n upon_o any_o other_o ground_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n and_o gospel-order_n will_v not_o require_v that_o he_o shall_v first_o have_v convince_v his_o brethren_n of_o their_o faâ—_n yea_o indeed_o of_o their_o suppose_a error_n about_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n before_o he_o shall_v cast_v so_o great_a a_o scandal_n upon_o they_o before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n even_o a_o heretic_n may_v have_v two_o admonition_n before_o rejection_n however_o whether_o it_o be_v this_o or_o that_o ground_n sure_o this_o course_n do_v not_o a_o little_a darken_v that_o loud_a profession_n of_o our_o brother_n hold_v fast_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o have_v be_v our_o portion_n all_o along_o to_o go_v through_o evil_a report_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o many_o discontent_a person_n and_o corrupt_a opinionist_n familist_n anabaptist_n quaker_n and_o the_o like_a but_o i_o little_o expect_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o from_o so_o near_o a_o friend_n and_o brother_n i_o will_v not_o deny_v or_o excuse_v the_o decline_a of_o many_o professor_n to_o corrupt_a opinion_n to_o the_o world_n loose_a way_n and_o the_o like_a neither_o will_v i_o justify_v all_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o new-england_n fail_n may_v be_v find_v in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n and_o perhaps_o some_o may_v be_v large_a in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n than_o the_o synod_n do_v hold_v forth_o but_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v judge_v they_o to_o be_v sweep_v down_o from_o heaven_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o great_a matter_n than_o these_o or_o for_o such_o blemish_n as_o be_v incident_a to_o good_a man_n but_o whether_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o star_n in_o new-england_n church_n be_v not_o yet_o in_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o christ_n shine_v in_o their_o orb_n with_o the_o light_n of_o heavenly_a doctrine_n and_o christian_a conversation_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o the_o soberminded_n people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o country_n yea_o and_o also_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o author_n of_o this_o preface_n himself_o who_o give_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o the_o synod_n be_v more_o than_o half_a the_o elder_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n pag._n 5._o viz._n that_o they_o be_v able_a learned_a and_o godly_a and_o again_o eminent_a in_o learning_n and_o piety_n however_o it_o be_v it_o be_v a_o very_a little_a thing_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n whether_o approve_v or_o condemn_v concern_v that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o mr._n parker_n by_o name_n for_o publish_v a_o book_n in_o favour_n of_o episcopacy_n our_o brother_n do_v or_o may_v know_v that_o the_o book_n be_v distasteful_a also_o to_o his_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o to_o himself_o yet_o the_o approve_a learning_n and_o piety_n of_o the_o person_n may_v have_v call_v for_o better_a language_n as_o for_o that_o imputation_n that_o the_o common-prayer-book_n find_v some_o advocate_n in_o new-england_n who_o can_v find_v stake_n and_o material_n to_o edify_v god_n people_n in_o a_o congregational_a church_n as_o be_v say_v i_o wonder_v that_o a_o man_n of_o piety_n and_o gravity_n shall_v venture_v to_o publish_v such_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n upon_o as_o be_v say_v and_o to_o what_o end_n be_v it_o except_o to_o cast_v dirt_n upon_o his_o brethren_n much_o more_o than_o be_v true_a be_v say_v of_o that_o and_o other_o thing_n the_o lord_n help_v such_o as_o profess_v such_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o walk_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o gospel-order_n and_o charity_n more_o than_o this_o brother_n have_v do_v thus_o much_o to_o the_o first_o preface_n concern_v the_o second_o to_o the_o general_n court_n i_o shall_v animadvert_v only_o upon_o two_o or_o three_o passage_n of_o it_o and_o 1._o whereas_o pag._n 8._o they_o tell_v the_o honour_a court_n that_o they_o have_v yield_v and_o vote_v with_o the_o rest_n so_o far_o that_o right_o consider_v and_o practise_v it_o will_v silence_v all_o sad_a complaint_n against_o the_o many_o great_a and_o prevail_a corruption_n of_o youth_n among_o we_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v true_a that_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v propound_v and_o earnest_o promote_v the_o three_o proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o the_o church_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o right_o practise_v will_v indeed_o tend_v much_o to_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a for_o so_o the_o church_n by_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n
in_o the_o visible_a church_n clear_v up_o these_o two_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a controversy_n be_v issue_v to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v premise_v three_o thing_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v make_v my_o way_n plain_a and_o easy_a through_o all_o these_o antisynodalia_fw-la propos_fw-fr 1_o that_o however_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v convey_v to_o they_o by_o their_o parent_n instrumental_o yet_o it_o flow_v from_o and_o be_v ground_v upon_o god_n institution_n as_o the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n thereof_o who_o be_v please_v to_o extend_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o covenant_n not_o only_o to_o the_o parent_n but_o also_o to_o their_o seed_n god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o he_o be_v their_o god_n they_o be_v his_o people_n this_o be_v evident_a gen._n 17_o 7._o i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o at_o eight_o day_n old_a they_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a as_o a_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o ver_fw-la 11_o 12._o deut._n 29_o 11_o 12._o their_o little_a one_o stand_v before_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n to_o be_v establish_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o what_o can_v be_v speak_v more_o plain_o and_o full_o to_o this_o purpose_n act_n 2.39_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o your_o child_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o your_o child_n be_v holy_a and_o indeed_o what_o can_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o parent_n faith_n profession_n or_o covenant_v to_o bring_v in_o their_o seed_n but_o it_o depend_v whole_o upon_o god_n freegrace_n ordain_v his_o covenant_n so_o to_o be_v dispense_v and_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o infant-seed_n be_v in_o their_o own_o person_n actual_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v actual_o in_o this_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o his_o people_n and_o he_o their_o god_n and_o have_v the_o covenant_n in_o their_o flesh_n the_o seal_n of_o it_o apply_v to_o their_o person_n and_o hence_o they_o can_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o his_o covenant-priviledge_n but_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o he_o have_v ordain_v which_o in_o gospel-time_n be_v by_o church-censure_n mat._n 18._o 1_o cor._n 5._o propos_fw-fr 2_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o his_o visible_a church_n 1._o outward_a and_o visible_a by_o which_o the_o lord_n bestow_v upon_o his_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n his_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n as_o they_o become_v capable_a thereof_o and_o wherein_o he_o tender_v unto_o they_o the_o save_v benefit_n thereof_o with_o many_o mean_n to_o bring_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o the_o embrace_v thereof_o this_o be_v evident_a they_o have_v all_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o god_n people_n his_o child_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n holy_a nation_n saint_n etc._n etc._n gen._n 6.2_o exod._n 19.5_o 6._o deut._n 32.9_o isa_n 1.1_o 2._o psal_n 50.1_o 2._o mat._n 15.26_o and_o the_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v they_o rom._n 3.1_o 2._o &_o 9.4_o so_o in_o the_o new-testament_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n be_v call_v saint_n and_o faithful_a in_o christ_n the_o seven_o church_n rev._n 1._o be_v call_v golden_a candlestick_n though_o there_o be_v corrupt_a member_n in_o they_o and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o other_o ordinance_n belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n ephes_n 4.11_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o mat._n 18._o 1_o cor._n 5._o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o officer_n be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o heal_n and_o save_v the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o more_o inward_a spiritual_a and_o save_v dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o such_o as_o true_o believe_v and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o heart_n god_n have_v circumcise_v according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n deut._n 30.6_o ezek._n 36._o from_o this_o different_a dispensation_n it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n though_o he_o require_v of_o all_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n etc._n etc._n deut._n 10.12_o 13._o and_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n with_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o reprove_v the_o wicked_a for_o take_v his_o covenant_n into_o their_o mouth_n psal_n 50._o reject_v their_o sacrifice_n isa_n 1._o &_o 58._o call_v they_o uncircumcised_a ethiopian_n etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n of_o any_o inward_a and_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o still_o he_o ow_v they_o as_o his_o people_n saint_n in_o covenant_n with_o he_o psal_n 50.1_o and_o follow_v they_o with_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n 2_o chron._n 36._o this_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o afterward_o propos_fw-fr 3_o there_o be_v a_o different_a rule_n and_o reason_n of_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o continuation_n of_o they_o in_o it_o be_v regular_o admit_v in_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o church_n we_o just_o look_v for_o such_o positive_a qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v viz._n a_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o adult_n person_n and_o foederal_n holiness_n in_o infant_n we_o well_o approve_v that_o say_v of_o chamier_n quote_v by_o our_o brethren_n no_o man_n can_v disallow_v such_o diligence_n to_o prevent_v the_o profane_v of_o holy_a thing_n and_o lest_o such_o as_o simon_n magus_n shall_v lie_v hide_v but_o to_o cast_v out_o such_o as_o be_v regular_o admit_v we_o must_v have_v positive_a impenitency_n in_o sin_n as_o a_o ground_n to_o count_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n mat._n 18._o and_o that_o after_o due_a patience_n towards_o they_o for_o even_o a_o heretic_n may_v have_v two_o admonition_n before_o rejection_n tit._n 3.10_o or_o at_o least_o some_o notorious_a scandalous_a sin_n as_o some_o conceive_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o these_o thing_n premise_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o next_o thing_n in_o order_n which_o be_v our_o brethren_n answer_n to_o the_o main_a â—_z viz._n who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n to_o which_o their_o answer_n iâ—_n this_o that_o visible_a believer_n and_o convert_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v together_o with_o their_o next_o seed_n in_o minority_n be_v the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o baptism_n as_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o they_o refer_v to_o the_o place_n before_o allege_a mat._n 28.19_o 20._o mark_v 16.16_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o their_o large_a discourse_n i_o pass_v by_o though_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v matter_n of_o dispute_n but_o i_o will_v decline_v all_o impertinency_n and_o come_v to_o their_o reason_n gather_v out_o of_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v this_o those_o be_v proper_a and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o baptism_n to_o who_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-institution_n have_v appoint_v it_o but_o visible_a believer_n and_o convert_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v the_o person_n be_v unbaptise_v to_o who_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-institution_n of_o baptism_n have_v appoint_v it_o therefore_o visible_a believer_n etc._n etc._n the_o great_a weight_n or_o stress_n of_o this_o argument_n lie_v upon_o that_o place_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o and_o i_o see_v our_o brethren_n put_v much_o confidence_n in_o it_o affirm_v that_o the_o minor_a be_v express_v scripture_n and_o therefore_o though_o many_o be_v unwilling_a it_o shall_v be_v true_a and_o will_v cavil_n against_o it_o it_o will_v be_v find_v true_a at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr god_n forbid_v that_o in_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n we_o shall_v cavil_v at_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o add_v to_o it_o or_o take_v from_o it_o but_o whether_o the_o minor_a will_v prove_v true_a or_o not_o we_o need_v not_o stay_v till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n will_v easy_o decide_v it_o and_o i_o will_v direct_o deny_v the_o minor_a for_o none_o of_o those_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o that_o i_o know_v of_o will_v prove_v that_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v requisite_a to_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n much_o less_o that_o
such_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n thereof_o as_o if_o such_o and_o only_o such_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a this_o of_o full_a communion_n our_o brethren_n think_v will_v advantage_v their_o cause_n and_o so_o have_v put_v it_o in_o but_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a addition_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o whole_o fail_v they_o of_o any_o proof_n yea_o make_v evident_o against_o they_o in_o that_o principal_a place_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v baptise_a before_o their_o full_a communion_n for_o 1._o peter_n call_v they_o to_o be_v baptise_a upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o promise_n ver_fw-la 38._o 2._o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n before_o full_a communion_n ver_fw-la 41_o 42._o 3._o it_o have_v be_v very_o preposterous_a to_o put_v they_o into_o full_a communion_n before_o union_n with_o the_o church_n seal_v by_o baptism_n for_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o union_n with_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o which_o must_v go_v before_o communion_n but_o they_o seem_v to_o suppose_v at_o least_o that_o some_o in_o full_a communion_n may_v be_v unbaptise_v by_o that_o word_n be_v unbaptise_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o our_o brethren_n confidence_n in_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v find_v so_o great_o to_o fail_v they_o that_o while_o by_o it_o they_o seek_v to_o straiten_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n beyond_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n they_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o the_o whole_a subject_n itself_o of_o baptism_n because_o there_o will_v never_o be_v find_v any_o such_o person_n according_a to_o gospel-rule_n which_o they_o call_v so_o much_o for_o and_o appeal_v unto_o that_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v i_o will_v be_v a_o little_a bold_a with_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o case_n to_o challenge_v they_o to_o produce_v any_o rule_n or_o example_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o any_o person_n that_o either_o be_v or_o by_o rule_n may_v be_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v i_o hope_v this_o answer_n be_v plain_a and_o no_o cavil_v yet_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v up_o of_o this_o answer_n i_o shall_v remove_v what_o may_v be_v further_o say_v by_o our_o brethren_n object_n though_o those_o in_o act_n 2._o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n actual_o before_o baptism_n yet_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o state_n and_o right_a to_o full_a communion_n by_o their_o baptism_n which_o these_o child_n in_o question_n be_v not_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o state_n or_o right_a the_o baptise_a be_v partaker_n of_o as_o a_o consequent_a fruit_n of_o baptism_n receive_v but_o what_o it_o be_v that_o constitute_v a_o person_n to_o be_v a_o fit_a subject_a to_o be_v baptise_a to_o describe_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n by_o the_o consequent_a fruit_n of_o it_o and_o not_o by_o the_o precedent_a cause_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n be_v very_o improper_a and_o preposterous_a if_o the_o question_n be_v who_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o church-membership_a we_o say_v confederate_v visible_a believer_n and_o their_o seed_n for_o this_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o and_o bring_v they_o into_o such_o a_o relation_n but_o shall_v any_o answer_n that_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o church-membership_a be_v a_o person_n in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n or_o one_o that_o be_v under_o the_o teach_v and_o rule_n of_o church-officer_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o church-membership_a receive_v who_o do_v not_o see_v the_o weakness_n of_o such_o a_o answer_n and_o the_o like_a be_v this_o case_n baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o his_o church_n whereby_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o one_o body_n 2._o although_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o the_o church_n can_v actual_o enjoy_v full_a communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n as_o their_o parent_n do_v yet_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n set_v they_o in_o a_o state_n and_o right_a to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o as_o they_o become_v fit_a for_o they_o as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n for_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o parent_n and_o seed_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o same_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v the_o same_o right_n to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o come_v up_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n and_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o blessing_n in_o adult_n member_n it_o be_v so_o who_o be_v under_o admonition_n for_o scandal_n or_o in_o a_o frenzy_n or_o the_o like_a case_n though_o they_o partake_v not_o of_o all_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o their_o right_n remain_v so_o here_o when_o the_o seed_n grow_v up_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o also_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n not_o by_o any_o new_a covenant_n or_o membership_n but_o by_o the_o right_n of_o that_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o they_o and_o seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o afterward_o 2._o i_o shall_v add_v further_o it_o be_v true_a that_o to_o admit_v adult_a person_n into_o the_o church_n and_o to_o baptism_n visible_a faith_n be_v require_v and_o so_o much_o the_o text_n allege_v prove_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n in_o dispute_n between_o we_o but_o about_o person_n already_o in_o the_o church_n and_o baptise_a whether_o in_o such_o the_o ground_n of_o baptise_v their_o seed_n be_v faith_n and_o grace_n make_v visible_a in_o the_o same_o manner_n or_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o conclude_v the_o question_n put_v case_n any_o of_o those_o visible_a believer_n and_o convert_n act_n 2._o shall_v afterward_o discover_v by_o their_o worldliness_n looseness_n or_o other_o way_n that_o there_o be_v in_o they_o no_o sap_n or_o savour_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n even_o to_o the_o charitable_a judgement_n of_o most_o in_o the_o church_n my_o question_n be_v whether_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n their_o infant-seed_n shall_v not_o be_v baptise_a if_o it_o be_v grant_v than_o it_o be_v not_o such_o visible_a faith_n and_o grace_n but_o the_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n that_o give_v right_o to_o baptism_n and_o so_o to_o these_o church-member_n in_o question_n if_o this_o be_v deny_v let_v there_o be_v one_o tittle_n of_o scripture-rule_n or_o example_n produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a having_n answer_v their_o reason_n i_o shall_v present_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o same_o text_n to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o promise_n act_v 2.39_o be_v that_o covenant-promise_a which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o parallel_n place_n act_v 3._o where_o for_o 19_o peter_n exhort_v to_o repentance_n as_o in_o chap._n 2.38_o and_o chap._n 3.25_o he_o use_v the_o same_o reason_n in_o other_o word_n you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o our_o father_n the_o substance_n whereof_o all_o grant_n to_o be_v this_o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n although_o the_o apostle_n there_o make_v use_v of_o another_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n concern_v christ_n that_o feed_v in_o who_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o his_o people_n now_o the_o reason_n stand_v thus_o if_o the_o covenant-promise_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v a_o ground_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptizse_v in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n than_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o his_o visible_a church_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n but_o the_o covenant-promise_n be_v a_o ground_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a in_o gospel-dispensation_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o with_o chap._n 3.19_o 25._o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o his_o visible_a church_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n thus_o much_o to_o their_o scripture-argument_n to_o which_o our_o brethren_n add_v the_o testimony_n of_o mr._n richard_n mather_n well_o agree_v with_o this_o say_v they_o be_v the_o answer_n of_o reverend_a mr._n mather_n in_o his_o catechism_n ans_fw-fr but_o by_o their_o leave_n it_o differ_v from_o their_o answer_n in_o the_o main_a thing_n that_o touch_v the_o cause_n in_o hand_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o full_a communion_n in_o he_o which_o they_o put_v into_o they_o 2._o that_o reverend_a and_o learned_a author_n speak_v only_o what_o adult_n person_n shall_v be_v in_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o so_o convert_v
faith_n in_o god_n acceptance_n and_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o in_o some_o of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o in_o some_o admit_v by_o profession_n of_o faith_n 2._o concern_v this_o distinction_n of_o foederal_n holiness_n and_o sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o consider_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o foederal_n holiness_n do_v it_o not_o include_v that_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n that_o god_n be_v their_o god_n that_o they_o be_v his_o people_n a_o holy_a people_n to_o himself_o a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o choose_a generation_n &_o c_o which_o the_o apostle_n appli_v to_o believer_n 1_o pet._n 2.9_o and_o what_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o sanctify_a in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o saint_n and_o faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o the_o apostle_n attribute_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o whereof_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v a_o part_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o 3._o to_o say_v these_o have_v parental_a and_o partial_a right_n deut._n 4.37_o &_o 10.15_o act_n 2.38_o do_v any_o of_o these_o text_n prove_v that_o parental_a right_n as_o they_o call_v it_o or_o the_o right_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o their_o father_n be_v a_o partial_a right_n if_o god_n love_v their_o father_n and_o therefore_o choose_v their_o seed_n after_o they_o be_v not_o the_o feed_v the_o object_n of_o god_n choice_n and_o as_o perfect_a member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o their_o father_n be_v it_o seem_v the_o lord_n do_v as_o great_a thing_n for_o they_o as_o for_o their_o father_n out_o of_o his_o love_n to_o they_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n with_o great_a power_n deut._n 4.37_o 38._o and_o be_v not_o their_o little_a one_o establish_v to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o god_n as_o well_o as_o their_o father_n deut._n 29.11_o 13._o 4._o doctor_n ames_n make_v nothing_o for_o their_o tenent_n but_o agree_v with_o the_o synod_n his_o say_n take_v it_o entire_a be_v this_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o be_v number_v among_o the_o faithful_a as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o for_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n and_o also_o of_o the_o same_o profession_n with_o their_o parent_n yet_o infant_n be_v not_o so_o perfect_a member_n of_o the_o church_n 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 privilege_n until_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n appear_v but_o from_o those_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o faith_n and_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o sect._n 12.13_o by_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o do_v not_o make_v they_o imperfect_a member_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o relation_n of_o membership_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o act_n of_o communion_n even_o as_o a_o child_n of_o the_o family_n be_v not_o so_o perfect_a to_o do_v the_o work_n &_o enjoy_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o family_n as_o a_o grow_a person_n be_v but_o yet_o he_o be_v as_o perfect_o a_o member_n of_o the_o family_n as_o a_o grow_a man_n beside_o that_o eminent_a doctor_n look_v at_o infant_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o capable_a of_o such_o thing_n as_o belong_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o act_n of_o communion_n as_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o faith_n appear_v he_o think_v of_o no_o other_o and_o new_a membership_n to_o entitle_v they_o to_o all_o ordinance_n but_o that_o to_o come_v to_o they_o by_o their_o covenant_n in_o infancy_n what_o can_v be_v more_o full_a to_o show_v his_o concurrence_n with_o the_o synod_n object_n but_o membership_n be_v a_o word_n of_o relation_n and_o therefore_o can_v admit_v of_o degree_n of_o more_o or_o less_o to_o this_o our_o brethren_n answer_v that_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a exception_n from_o the_o general_a rule_n that_o such_o relation_n the_o foundation_n whereof_o be_v quality_n or_o action_n do_v admit_v of_o diversity_n of_o degree_n as_o similitude_n be_v a_o relation_n ground_v on_o some_o quality_n one_o thing_n may_v be_v more_o or_o less_o like_o another_o so_o calefaction_n etc._n etc._n reply_n the_o author_n of_o this_o distinction_n be_v not_o so_o authentic_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v examine_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o first_o it_o confound_v all_o logical_a argument_n make_v cause_n and_o effect_v yea_o comparata_fw-la to_o be_v relate_v which_o be_v against_o reason_n 2._o this_o distinction_n will_v not_o hold_v for_o what_o relate_v be_v there_o who_o foundation_n be_v not_o in_o action_n or_o quality_n why_o be_v this_o man_n a_o father_n but_o because_o he_o beget_v a_o son_n the_o relation_n of_o master_n and_o servant_n husband_n and_o wife_n and_o the_o like_a be_v it_o not_o by_o covenant_n which_o be_v a_o action_n so_o that_o by_o this_o rule_n all_o relate_v shall_v admit_v degree_n of_o more_o or_o less_o which_o be_v against_o that_o receive_a rule_n of_o logician_n but_o how_o be_v this_o exception_n apply_v to_o this_o case_n in_o both_o which_o respect_v say_v our_o brethren_n the_o membership_n of_o the_o infant_n faith_n and_o act_n of_o confederation_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o parent_n faith_n be_v right_o distinguish_v from_o the_o membership_n of_o such_o as_o be_v adult_n which_o be_v ground_v on_o their_o own_o faith_n and_o confederation_n reply_n what_o dependence_n have_v this_o upon_o the_o former_a distinction_n where_o this_o relation_n be_v say_v to_o be_v found_v upon_o such_o diversity_n of_o action_n as_o make_v two_o sort_n of_o distinct_a member_n as_o be_v pretend_v and_o not_o only_o two_o degree_n of_o membership_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o such_o diversity_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o membership_n as_o shall_v thus_o distinguish_v these_o member_n the_o foundation_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o viz._n the_o freegrace_n of_o god_n in_o his_o covenant_n extend_v both_o to_o parent_n and_o child_n gen._n 17.7_o 9_o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n the_o way_n of_o enter_v into_o this_o covenant_n on_o man_n part_n be_v only_o a_o differ_v modus_fw-la or_o manner_n of_o covenant_v with_o god_n as_o a_o sciens_fw-la put_v into_o the_o stock_n by_o hand_n and_o the_o branch_n that_o grow_v out_o of_o it_o be_v all_o equal_o part_n of_o the_o tree_n though_o the_o branch_n be_v not_o so_o put_v in_o by_o hand_n as_o the_o sciens_fw-la be_v a_o father_n that_o purchase_v land_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o child_n the_o child_n have_v as_o perfect_a and_o good_a a_o right_a as_o the_o father_n have_v though_o he_o do_v not_o make_v the_o bargain_n and_o covenant_n as_o his_o father_n do_v the_o four_o note_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v upon_o those_o word_n who_o next_o parent_n be_v in_o covenant_n which_o they_o say_v be_v ambiguous_a and_o therefore_o they_o distinguish_v between_o parental_a covenant_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o personal_n with_o presuppose_a faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o former_a they_o count_v insufficient_a to_o capacitate_v the_o next_o seed_n to_o baptism_n before_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v their_o reason_n interweave_v in_o this_o discourse_n see_v our_o brethren_n have_v so_o oft_o recourse_n to_o their_o distinction_n of_o member_n into_o actual_a not_o actual_a personal_a not_o personal_a by_o parental_a covenant_n and_o personal_a immediate_a and_o mediate_v perfect_a and_o imperfect_a and_o lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o they_o as_o that_o the_o parental_a covenant_n can_v capacitate_v their_o seed_n to_o baptism_n that_o their_o membership_n by_o parental_a covenant_n last_v no_o long_o than_o minority_n pag._n 37._o and_o the_o personal_a covenant_n of_o such_o make_v they_o member_n be_v the_o form_n of_o their_o membership_n and_o the_o like_a i_o shall_v therefore_o here_o once_o for_o all_o recall_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n and_o try_v what_o light_n be_v in_o they_o and_o first_o in_o my_o best_a observation_n i_o can_v find_v no_o such_o distinction_n of_o parental_a and_o personal_a covenant_n that_o shall_v make_v two_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o member_n neither_o in_o the_o name_n or_o thing_n but_o all_o along_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o covenant_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o that_o god_n make_v with_o his_o people_n and_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n covenant_n gen._n 17._o where_o this_o covenant_n be_v most_o solemn_o make_v and_o to_o which_o the_o oft-renewed_n covenant_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o covenant_n or_o promise_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v reference_n as_o rom._n 9_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o with_o chap._n 3.25_o gal._n 3._o in_o that_o place_n i_o say_v the_o lord_n call_v it_o my_o covenant_n seven_o time_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o
abraham_n seed_n as_o well_o as_o of_o himself_o ver_fw-la 7_o 9_o 10._o deut._n 29.10_o 11_o 12._o the_o little_a one_o stand_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n ezek._n 16.8_o i_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o thou_o and_o thou_o become_v my_o this_o be_v the_o common_a language_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n beside_o other_o place_n note_v that_o 1_o cor._n 12.12_o 13._o where_o the_o apostle_n prove_v that_o the_o church_n be_v one_o body_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n some_o weak_a and_o of_o less_o honour_n etc._n etc._n by_o baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n and_o so_o as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n but_o how_o shall_v the_o body_n be_v one_o if_o some_o be_v baptise_a into_o this_o body_n as_o actual_a and_o personal_a member_n some_o not_o actual_a nor_o personal_a some_o into_o a_o parental_a covenant_n some_o personal_a what_o a_o schism_n may_v this_o make_v some_o say_n i_o be_o not_o actual_o of_o the_o body_n though_o baptise_a with_o the_o same_o baptism_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o baptism_n other_o may_v say_v i_o be_o of_o the_o body_n personal_o you_o be_v no_o actual_a member_n of_o it_o it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n know_v not_o these_o distinction_n so_o gal._n 3.27_o 28._o all_o be_v baptise_a into_o christ_n and_o be_v all_o one_o in_o christ_n 2._o i_o find_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v clear_o own_o the_o church-seed_n grow_v up_o to_o adult_n age_n to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o so_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o god_n covenant_n make_v with_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n and_o that_o before_o any_o personal_a covenant_n as_o they_o call_v it_o see_v deut._n 5.2_o 3._o the_o lord_n our_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o we_o in_o horeb._n the_o lord_n make_v not_o this_o covenant_n with_o our_o father_n but_o with_o we_o even_o we_o who_o be_v all_o of_o we_o here_o alive_a this_o day_n now_o who_o be_v these_o but_o that_o generation_n number_v by_o moses_n and_o eleazar_n when_o all_o that_o be_v number_v at_o the_o first_o of_o twenty_o year_n old_a and_o upward_a be_v dead_a see_v numb_a 26.63_o 64._o with_o deut._n 1.3_o so_o that_o multitude_n of_o these_o now_o alive_a be_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o minority_n when_o god_n make_v that_o covenant_n with_o they_o in_o horeb_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v express_o say_v god_n make_v that_o covenant_n with_o they_o even_o with_o their_o own_o person_n that_o be_v a_o personal_a not_o a_o parental_a covenant_n as_o our_o brethren_n phrase_v it_o and_o this_o be_v set_v out_o with_o a_o double_a emphasis_n 1._o negative_o not_o with_o our_o father_n why_o so_o be_v it_o not_o make_v with_o their_o father_n now_o dead_a yes_o sure_o but_o not_o only_o with_o they_o or_o not_o with_o we_o as_o wrap_v up_o with_o or_o in_o our_o father_n 2._o with_o we_o affirmative_o and_o again_o even_o with_o we_o and_o a_o three_o time_n with_o we_o that_o be_v now_o alive_a in_o distinction_n from_o their_o father_n that_o be_v dead_a and_o all_o this_o before_o that_o second_o covenant_n deut._n 29._o for_o this_o be_v say_v of_o they_o before_o the_o repetition_n of_o that_o covenant_n at_o horeb_n to_o provoke_v they_o to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o where_o then_o be_v this_o parental_a covenant_n distinguish_v from_o personal_n so_o as_o to_o make_v two_o sort_n or_o degree_n of_o member_n 3._o i_o observe_v that_o when_o the_o scripture_n call_v this_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n or_o of_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n it_o be_v never_o so_o style_v to_o the_o diminution_n or_o abatement_n of_o any_o blessing_n privilege_n or_o favour_n that_o may_v come_v to_o their_o seed_n by_o it_o but_o rather_o for_o the_o advantage_n and_o great_a good_a of_o the_o child_n see_v exod._n 3.15_o 16._o &_o 6.3_o 4_o 5._o leu._n 26.44_o 45._o i_o will_v not_o abhor_v they_o etc._n etc._n but_o i_o will_v for_o their_o sake_n remember_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o ancestor_n who_o i_o bring_v out_o of_o egypt_n so_o deut._n 4.31_o so_o that_o in_o these_o and_o divers_a other_o scripture_n we_o see_v no_o such_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o seed_n by_o be_v under_o parental_a covenant_n as_o our_o brethren_n call_v it_o who_o first_o bring_v down_o god_n covenant_n to_o a_o parental_a covenant_n and_o then_o make_v a_o very_a slight_a matter_n of_o that_o also_o that_o it_o can_v capacitate_v their_o seed_n to_o baptism_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o establish_v their_o seed_n to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o god_n will_v not_o reach_v beyond_o the_o minority_n of_o their_o seed_n and_o the_o like_a object_n but_o it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o although_o these_o distinction_n be_v not_o so_o express_o find_v in_o scripture-phrase_n yet_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n do_v admit_v such_o distinction_n ans_fw-fr 1._o some_o of_o they_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n as_o for_o a_o person_n to_o be_v a_o member_n but_o not_o actual_o a_o person_n in_o covenant_n baptize_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o not_o personal_o these_o be_v plain_a contradiction_n in_o adjecto_fw-la as_o we_o say_v to_o be_v a_o member_n and_o yet_o no_o member_n as_o for_o this_o of_o parental_a and_o personal_a covenant_n so_o much_o use_v it_o make_v not_o two_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n be_v but_o one_o and_o that_o god_n covenant_n as_o be_v say_v there_o be_v but_o a_o differ_v modus_fw-la or_o manner_n of_o enter_v into_o it_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o mediate_v and_o immediate_a member_n perfect_a and_o imperfect_a and_o the_o rest_n suppose_v that_o in_o some_o sense_n the_o subject_n do_v admit_v they_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o bear_v up_o such_o consequence_n as_o be_v build_v upon_o they_o for_o they_o be_v but_o distribution_n ex_fw-la adjunctis_fw-la and_o those_o common_a adjunct_n to_o many_o other_o subject_n which_o can_v make_v any_o essential_a difference_n as_o when_o we_o distinguish_v the_o church_n into_o visible_a and_o invisible_a it_o be_v still_o but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n so_o church-covenant_n into_o explicite_fw-la and_o implicit_a there_o be_v still_o but_o one_o sort_n of_o church_n or_o covenant_n so_o the_o church_n be_v either_o incomplete_a without_o officer_n or_o complete_a with_o her_o officer_n yet_o still_o a_o true_a church_n and_o not_o two_o sort_n of_o church_n such_o be_v this_o case_n if_o we_o put_v twenty_o such_o distinction_n upon_o member_n from_o common_a adjunct_n they_o make_v no_o essential_a difference_n these_o thing_n beside_o much_o more_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o i_o afford_v this_o conclusion_n that_o in_o these_o distinction_n and_o the_o consequence_n thereof_o there_o be_v no_o scripture-light_n but_o a_o mist_n to_o darken_v the_o free_a and_o rich_a grace_n of_o god_n shine_v out_o in_o his_o covenant_n to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n i_o return_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o brethren_n to_o prove_v that_o parental_a covenant_n can_v capacitate_v their_o seed_n for_o baptism_n their_o first_o reason_n be_v for_o so_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v entail_v to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n ans_fw-fr what_o our_o brethren_n parental_a covenant_n can_v do_v i_o know_v not_o but_o sure_o god_n covenant_n be_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n gen._n 17.7_o to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o their_o seed_n viz._n they_o keep_v within_o the_o covenant_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v intall_a his_o covenant_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n thereby_o to_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o covenant_n to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n what_o hurt_n be_v in_o that_o bless_a be_v his_o name_n for_o it_o reas_n 2._o ishmael_n and_o esau_n have_v the_o parental_a covenant_n but_o be_v not_o establish_v thereby_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v not_o from_o any_o insufficiency_n in_o god_n covenant_n for_o so_o i_o must_v call_v it_o but_o from_o their_o sin_n that_o continue_v not_o in_o it_o by_o this_o reason_n personal_a covenant_n by_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v as_o insufficient_a for_o such_o by_o their_o sin_n may_v not_o be_v establish_v reas_n 3._o the_o immediate_a parent_n unbelief_n break_v off_o the_o covenant_n from_o their_o seed_n rom._n 11.20_o 21_o 22._o ans_fw-fr true_a such_o unbelief_n whereby_o they_o obstinate_o reject_v christ_n act_v 13.45_o 46._o mat._n 21.42_o 43._o but_o this_o be_v not_o from_o any_o insufficiency_n in_o god_n covenant_n to_o capacitate_v their_o seed_n to_o baptism_n or_o establish_v a_o people_n but_o from_o their_o reject_v of_o the_o covenant_n in_o reject_v christ_n that_o seed_n in_o who_o all_o
be_v to_o be_v bless_v reas_n 4._o baptism_n be_v as_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.11_o which_o be_v invisible_a in_o those_o child_n that_o shall_v transmit_v baptism_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v true_a that_o as_o circumcision_n so_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o thence_o i_o infer_v that_o when_o god_n by_o his_o institution_n appoint_v that_o seal_n to_o be_v transmit_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o visible_a covenant_n they_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n as_o believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o transmit_v baptism_n so_o long_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a continue_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o be_v visible_a believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n and_o may_v so_o transmit_v baptism_n to_o their_o seed_n reas_n 5._o they_o allege_v act_n 2.38_o 39_o which_o they_o say_v restrain_v baptism_n to_o the_o next_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n as_o manifest_v repentance_n and_o effectual_a call_n and_o be_v of_o more_o weight_n than_o any_o argument_n from_o far-fetched_a and_o uncertain_a consequence_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n ans_fw-fr to_o this_o text_n be_v full_o answer_v before_o and_o as_o be_v say_v it_o favour_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n that_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o baptism_n and_o that_o this_o text_n have_v no_o such_o restraint_n it_o may_v appear_v thus_o let_v all_o be_v grant_v that_o be_v here_o say_v yet_o suppose_v such_o visible_a convert_v discover_v afterward_o no_o sap_n or_o savour_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o fair_a charity_n but_o continue_v still_o in_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o their_o seed_n be_v baptise_a or_o must_v every_o church-member_n hold_v forth_o a_o profession_n of_o repentance_n at_o the_o baptism_n of_o every_o child_n i_o suppose_v our_o brethren_n will_v not_o so_o affirm_v and_o if_o so_o than_o a_o church-member_n though_o not_o apparent_o a_o true_a penitent_n may_v have_v his_o seed_n baptise_a as_o for_o far-fetched_a consequence_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o follow_a discourse_n will_v show_v that_o none_o use_v they_o so_o much_o as_o our_o brethren_n do_v concern_v the_o answer_n here_o give_v to_o a_o objection_n from_o exod._n 20._o the_o synod_n do_v not_o make_v that_o objection_n but_o agree_v with_o this_o interpretation_n give_v in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o answer_n viz._n so_o that_o the_o privilege_n be_v only_o continue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o next_o parent_n that_o continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v not_o break_v off_o chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o three_o proposition_n propos_fw-fr 3_o that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o confederate_a visible_a believer_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o when_o grow_v up_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n our_o dissent_v brethren_n by_o their_o dilute_a interpretation_n of_o this_o proposition_n seem_v to_o recede_v from_o their_o own_o concession_n for_o this_o proposition_n be_v propound_v and_o earnest_o promote_v by_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o as_o tend_v to_o issue_v other_o difficulty_n among_o we_o and_o to_o reform_v the_o corruption_n of_o youth_n and_o there_o be_v not_o above_o three_o note_a that_o dissent_v from_o it_o but_o when_o it_o be_v observe_v as_o be_v here_o say_v that_o the_o other_o proposition_n will_v be_v infer_v from_o it_o and_o so_o strong_o that_o some_o say_v the_o whole_a cause_n be_v give_v up_o in_o that_o proposition_n our_o brethren_n therefore_o now_o think_v to_o ease_v the_o matter_n by_o their_o interpretation_n but_o such_o they_o be_v as_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n as_o will_v appear_v first_o say_v they_o when_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o they_o have_v a_o actual_a personal_a and_o immediate_a membership_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o those_o in_o full_a communion_n but_o only_o that_o the_o church-watch_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o shall_v reach_v unto_o their_o person_n which_o be_v public_o express_v in_o the_o meetinghouse_n by_o we_o ans_fw-fr how_o inconsistent_a be_v these_o thing_n 1._o these_o person_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o actual_o how_o then_o be_v they_o member_n potential_o so_o be_v many_o that_o be_v fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n that_o yet_o be_v no_o member_n or_o be_v they_o so_o habitual_o sure_o they_o be_v actual_o baptise_a into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o shall_v we_o baptise_v actual_o such_o as_o be_v not_o actual_o in_o the_o covenant_n 2._o they_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o church_n must_v not_o deal_v with_o their_o person_n but_o reach_v their_o person_n at_o the_o second_o hand_n viz._n by_o their_o parent_n so_o indeed_o some_o express_v themselves_o but_o i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v own_v by_o the_o rest_n but_o thus_o to_o reach_v their_o person_n be_v not_o to_o touch_v they_o with_o any_o act_n of_o church-government_n but_o of_o family-government_n only_o yea_o thus_o to_o reach_v their_o person_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o church_n may_v reach_v a_o heathen_a servant_n for_o the_o church_n may_v censure_v the_o master_n if_o he_o restrain_v not_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o servant_n as_o well_o as_o a_o father_n for_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o child_n second_o say_v they_o by_o discipline_n we_o do_v not_o intend_v excommunication_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o offender_n in_o full_a communion_n for_o how_o can_v they_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o full_a communion_n that_o be_v never_o in_o it_o ans_fw-fr then_o they_o must_v suppose_v that_o excommunication_n be_v no_o part_n of_o discipline_n or_o intend_v a_o discipline_n ineffectual_a to_o christ_n end_n for_o what_o be_v admonition_n unregarded_a without_o that_o censure_n to_o set_v they_o home_o mat._n 18._o excommunication_n be_v not_o to_o cast_v out_o of_o full_a communion_n only_o but_o out_o of_o all_o communion_n let_v he_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n it_o be_v a_o give_v up_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v 1_o cor._n 5.5_o and_o this_o sovereign_a medicine_n all_o that_o be_v within_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o nevertheless_o say_v they_o the_o church_n may_v disow_v they_o and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v no_o member_n upon_o their_o desert_v of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n by_o such_o a_o sentence_n as_o peter_n pronounce_v to_o simon_n magus_n act_v 8.21_o ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o disow_v such_o as_o no_o member_n be_v a_o mere_a invention_n of_o man_n never_o ordain_v of_o christ_n nor_o tend_v to_o reach_v the_o end_n of_o his_o discipline_n for_o though_o it_o seem_v to_o agree_v with_o excommunication_n in_o not_o own_v they_o as_o member_n yet_o it_o want_v that_o awful_a dread_n of_o excommunication_n to_o humble_v the_o sinner_n and_o bring_v he_o in_o yea_o thus_o to_o disow_v they_o as_o no_o member_n be_v to_o rid_v the_o church_n of_o any_o further_a care_n of_o they_o as_o those_o without_o but_o all_o act_n of_o christ_n discipline_n be_v act_n of_o the_o love_n and_o compassion_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o offender_n to_o seek_v their_o repentance_n and_o salvation_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n 2._o act_n 8.21_o give_v no_o ground_n of_o this_o practice_n for_o 1._o peter_n do_v not_o present_o disow_v he_o as_o no_o member_n neither_o indeed_o do_v the_o place_n refer_v to_o membership_n but_o to_o the_o power_n of_o give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o declare_v his_o sin_n and_o danger_n he_o exhort_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o pardon_n ver_fw-la 22._o which_o imply_v that_o upon_o his_o repentance_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o promise_v pardon_n according_a to_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n discipline_n but_o persist_v impenitent_o in_o his_o sin_n he_o may_v then_o be_v cast_v out_o beside_o 2._o this_o sentence_n be_v upon_o one_o that_o come_v in_o by_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o that_o be_v peter_n meaning_n to_o disow_v he_o as_o no_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o example_n to_o be_v imitate_v than_o any_o member_n discover_v hypocrifie_n to_o a_o discern_a spirit_n may_v present_o be_v disow_v as_o no_o member_n which_o will_v make_v sad_a work_n in_o church_n 3._o if_o the_o church_n may_v disow_v they_o when_o they_o desert_n the_o church_n and_o covenant_n than_o
case_n of_o these_o in_o question_n who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n set_v thereto_o before_o genes_n 17.7_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o therefore_o this_o own_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v only_o a_o manifestation_n of_o their_o continuance_n in_o it_o and_o hence_o this_o be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o their_o membership_n but_o a_o duty_n of_o their_o covenant_n and_o do_v not_o in_o itself_o fit_v they_o for_o full_a communion_n except_o withal_o they_o hold_v out_o such_o qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v thereunto_o a_o youth_n that_o have_v the_o constituent_a cause_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n with_o some_o understanding_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o thereby_o capable_a of_o all_o privilege_n of_o a_o man_n as_o to_z marry_o give_v good_a assurance_n of_o land_n and_o the_o like_a a_o adult_n person_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o personal_a covenant_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n mere_o because_o he_o have_v covenant_v for_o except_o he_o have_v suitable_a qualification_n he_o will_v eat_v judgement_n to_o himself_o reas_n 2._o because_o those_o that_o be_v admit_v by_o personal_a covenant_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n continue_v in_o full_a communion_n act_v 2.41_o ans_fw-fr there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o they_o be_v admit_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o also_o endue_v with_o eminent_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o be_v admit_v in_o infancy_n do_v only_o by_o own_v the_o covenant_n manife_a their_o continuance_n therein_o the_o indian_n new_o convert_v and_o hold_v forth_o so_o much_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o may_v admit_v they_o into_o the_o church_n and_o baptism_n may_v yet_o need_v further_a preparation_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o have_v such_o eminent_a gift_n reas_n 3._o because_o this_o doctrine_n presuppose_v that_o what_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v require_v in_o adult_a person_n come_v to_o baptism_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n ans_fw-fr this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o suppose_v it_o for_o it_o speak_v only_o of_o such_o adult_n person_n as_o be_v baptise_a in_o infancy_n not_o to_o be_v baptise_a in_o adult_n age_n it_o suppose_v only_o that_o person_n baptise_a in_o infancy_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o visible_a church_n may_v yet_o be_v unable_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o hence_o the_o reason_n which_o here_o follow_v touch_v not_o this_o case_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o some_o of_o they_o do_v not_o argue_v against_o the_o baptise_v of_o â—_z or_o that_o infant_n baptise_a may_v partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o five_o proposition_n propos_fw-fr 5._o church-member_n who_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a this_o proposition_n say_v our_o brethren_n do_v stumble_v we_o most_o their_o reason_n be_v reas_n 1._o because_o there_o be_v three_o expression_n propound_v this_o swerve_v further_a than_o the_o other_o from_o the_o scripture_n ans_fw-fr be_v it_o grant_v that_o several_a term_n and_o expression_n of_o these_o qualification_n be_v propound_v these_o only_a in_o conclusion_n be_v assent_v unto_o but_o if_o our_o brethren_n judge_v that_o they_o all_o swerve_v from_o the_o scripture_n what_o matter_n be_v it_o which_o swerve_v most_o from_o it_o if_o this_o swerve_v most_o they_o have_v the_o more_o advantage_n of_o dispute_n against_o it_o but_o see_v they_o stumble_v so_o much_o at_o this_o i_o shall_v easy_o remove_v this_o block_n out_o of_o their_o way_n obj._n first_o say_v they_o in_o the_o former_a expression_n it_o be_v require_v they_o shall_v understand_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n here_o no_o more_o than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o so_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n righteousness_n sabbath_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr as_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o as_o large_a as_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n both_o in_o the_o acceptation_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o orthodox_n divine_v phil._n 1.27_o when_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o strive_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v they_o let_v go_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n or_o any_o other_o ground_n of_o religion_n 2_o tim._n 4.7_o when_o paul_n say_v he_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n do_v he_o let_v go_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o other_o ground_n of_o religion_n judas_n ver_fw-la 3._o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o that_o faith_n oppose_v to_o the_o fiâ—â—â—y_a dreamer_n that_o sin_v against_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o therefore_o sure_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n comprehend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n when_o our_o synod_n at_o cambridge_n 1648._o declare_v their_o consent_n with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o england_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o assembly_n at_o the_o savoy_n call_v that_o book_n a_o declaration_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o order_n do_v they_o not_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n faith_n all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n except_v only_a matter_n of_o order_n but_o what_o need_v more_o instance_n when_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o book_n tell_v the_o world_n of_o a_o few_o name_n that_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a to_o think_v that_o such_o person_n do_v not_o hold_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n sure_o the_o synod_n intend_v it_o so_o obj._n 2._o in_o the_o second_o expression_n it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v examine_v of_o their_o sense_n of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_n after_o he_o here_o only_o of_o their_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v aâ—s_n but_o if_o such_o sense_n of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_n after_o he_o shall_v not_o upon_o such_o examination_n appear_v but_o this_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n with_o all_o the_o other_o qualification_n may_v not_o this_o suffice_v to_o show_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n what_o if_o the_o devil_n may_v give_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o free_a but_o enforce_v and_o they_o want_v all_o the_o other_o qualification_n that_o these_o have_v obj._n 3_o the_o former_a require_v that_o they_o shall_v give_v satisfaction_n for_o any_o offence_n they_o have_v fall_v into_o here_o only_o that_o they_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n the_o former_a viz._n offence_n comprehend_v original_a sin_n or_o any_o other_o commit_v against_o god_n or_o man_n jam._n 3_o 2._o scandal_n in_o lifâ—_n note_v only_o notorious_a sin_n and_o a_o course_n therein_o ans_fw-fr that_o they_o stumble_v at_o this_o must_v needs_o arise_v from_o a_o very_a rigid_a principle_n whereof_o this_o treatise_n have_v too_o many_o for_o who_o ever_o take_v up_o that_o of_o original_a sin_n as_o matter_n of_o offence_n to_o deal_v with_o his_o brother_n for_o it_o or_o what_o rule_n have_v we_o to_o call_v for_o satisfaction_n for_o that_o or_o for_o all_o such_o word_n or_o action_n as_o be_v offence_n to_o god_n or_o man_n a_o practice_n that_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v in_o that_o very_a place_n allege_v jam._n 3_o 1._o be_v not_o many_o master_n for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o and_o therefore_o pity_n and_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o and_o be_v not_o so_o rigid_a to_o require_v satisfaction_n for_o every_o offence_n if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o those_o rule_n of_o love_n 1_o cor._n 13.7_o love_n bear_v all_o thing_n gal._n 6.2_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n col._n 3.13_o forbear_v one_o another_o 2._o it_o be_v evident_a luke_n 17.1_o 2_o 3._o that_o offence_n to_o be_v deal_v with_o be_v scandal_n woe_n to_o he_o that_o scandalize_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o and_o impenitency_n in_o any_o such_o scandal_n deserve_v the_o high_a censure_n but_o repent_v of_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o scandal_n or_o offence_n mat._n 18._o yea_o although_o such_o a_o scandal_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o notorious_a sin_n nor_o continue_v in_o but_o in_o one_o act_n so_o that_o not_o to_o be_v scandalous_a in_o life_n be_v full_a as_o large_a
as_o that_o other_o expression_n and_o do_v include_v satisfaction_n for_o offence_n that_o be_v fall_v into_o obj._n 4._o in_o the_o former_a be_v say_v they_o shall_v own_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n here_o only_o the_o covenant_n which_o may_v extend_v to_o grandfather_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr i_o wonder_v how_o our_o brethren_n can_v make_v to_o themselves_o such_o a_o block_n as_o this_o be_v to_o stumble_v upon_o when-as_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v so_o express_v to_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o second_o proposition_n which_o affirm_v that_o this_o right_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v convey_v only_o by_o the_o next_o parent_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o if_o man_n have_v a_o lust_n to_o contend_v and_o raise_v objection_n they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v object_v against_o the_o former_a phrase_n the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n for_o be_v not_o grandfather_n parent_n also_o these_o thing_n say_v our_o brethren_n thus_o weigh_v may_v suffice_v to_o discover_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o just_a cause_n for_o we_o to_o deny_v our_o consent_n to_o such_o kind_n of_o member_n as_o these_o ans_fw-fr but_o these_o thing_n weigh_v over_o again_o by_o the_o equal_a balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o right_a reason_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o judicious_a reader_n will_v see_v how_o light_a they_o be_v and_o unworthy_a to_o sway_v the_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o our_o brethren_n be_v but_o they_o add_v as_o they_o have_v need_v other_o reason_n of_o their_o denial_n reas_n 2._o because_o this_o cross_v the_o two_o former_a proposition_n which_o make_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n confederate_a visible_a believer_n and_o their_o seed_n whereas_o these_o though_o so_o qualify_v be_v not_o neither_o parent_n nor_o child_n visible_a believer_n for_o the_o vile_a person_n may_v have_v these_o rom._n 2.18_o &_o 10_o 19_o 21._o yea_o they_o that_o commit_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n may_v have_v these_o heb._n 10.26_o there_o be_v wash_v swine_n 2_o pet._n 2.20_o etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr 1._o these_o parent_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v they_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n he_o be_v their_o god_n god_n accept_v they_o as_o his_o people_n his_o child_n the_o lord_n have_v seal_v to_o they_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n baptise_a they_o into_o christ_n and_o they_o own_o this_o god_n submit_v to_o his_o rule_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n they_o be_v visible_a believer_n 2._o here_o be_v a_o very_a palpable_a fallacy_n in_o cite_v these_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o contrary_n the_o vile_a person_n say_v they_o may_v have_v these_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n prove_v that_o some_o vile_a person_n may_v have_v some_o one_o of_o these_o as_o rom._n 2._o prove_v that_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v knowledge_n but_o these_o have_v knowledge_n and_o also_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o rest_n but_o which_o of_o these_o or_o any_o other_o do_v prove_v that_o such_o person_n as_o have_v all_o these_o qualification_n conjunct_o be_v vile_a person_n or_o not_o visible_a believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n or_o in_o scripture_n account_n and_o not_o true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o such_o as_o these_o may_v fall_v away_o and_o become_v vile_a heb._n 10_o 26._o but_o may_v not_o such_o as_o come_v into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o fair_a profession_n of_o faith_n prove_v so_o vile_a also_o and_o be_v they_o therefore_o no_o visible_a believer_n before_o such_o a_o fall_n 3._o these_o very_a scripture_n or_o most_o of_o they_o here_o allege_v speak_v of_o such_o person_n though_o so_o vile_a as_o be_v say_v who_o be_v adult_a child_n of_o the_o church_n do_v yet_o continue_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n partake_v of_o privilege_n and_o therefore_o such_o scripture_n can_v reach_v this_o case_n to_o disprove_v the_o membership_n of_o these_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n because_o they_o be_v not_o visible_a believer_n these_o be_v far_o better_a member_n than_o those_o be_v and_o i_o wonder_v that_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o observe_v it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v why_o shall_v they_o allege_v such_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n object_n but_o their_o give_v up_o of_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o god_n imply_v faith_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o ans_fw-fr our_o brethren_n grant_v that_o it_o may_v imply_v faith_n but_o in_o person_n no_o better_o qualify_v it_o can_v imply_v it_o there_o be_v a_o give_v up_o of_o the_o first-born_a of_o man_n and_o beast_n to_o god_n exod._n 13.2_o 12._o &_o 22.29_o reply_n to_o say_v that_o in_o such_o person_n no_o better_o qualify_v it_o can_v imply_v faith_n and_o that_o without_o any_o reason_n render_v be_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o love_n that_o hope_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v hope_v as_o this_o be_v confess_v to_o be_v viz._n that_o it_o may_v imply_v iâ—_n no_o doubt_n a_o person_n thus_o qualify_v in_o knowledge_n and_o conversation_n may_v give_v up_o himself_o to_o god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o the_o most_o discern_a church_n will_v receive_v he_o as_o a_o true_a visible_a believer_n into_o full_a communion_n regular_o the_o eunuch_n confession_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v just_o take_v for_o true_a faith_n to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o give_v up_o of_o the_o first-born_a of_o man_n and_o beast_n to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o scoff_n it_o argue_v a_o very_a slight_a thought_n of_o so_o solemn_a a_o profession_n before_o god_n and_o his_o people_n for_o what_o comparison_n be_v there_o between_o these_o two_o reas_n 3._o where_o there_o be_v no_o foederal_n holiness_n there_o be_v no_o right_a to_o baptism_n but_o where_o neither_o parent_n be_v a_o believer_n there_o be_v no_o covenant-holiness_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o where_o not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o parent_n must_v be_v in_o covenant_n but_o a_o believer_n that_o the_o child_n be_v federal_o holy_a neither_o be_v it_o right_o object_v that_o a_o believer_n be_v oppose_v there_o to_o a_o infidel_n for_o the_o child_n be_v not_o upon_o their_o cease_v to_o be_v infidel_n believer_n so_o that_o themselves_o be_v believer_n or_o their_o child_n federal_o holy_a they_o be_v catechumeni_fw-la and_o competentes_fw-la before_o fideles_fw-la ans_fw-fr 1._o do_v the_o primitive_a church_n receive_v any_o that_o be_v not_o visible_a believer_n into_o the_o church_n sure_o in_o the_o apostle_n account_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n be_v all_o one_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o so_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o colosse_n be_v call_v saint_n and_o faithful_a in_o christ_n ephes_n 1_o 1._o col._n 1_o 2._o why_o thâ—n_n be_v it_o say_v that_o the_o parent_n must_v be_v not_o only_o in_o church-covenant_n but_o also_o believer_n as_o if_o the_o one_o do_v not_o necessary_o suppose_v and_o infer_v the_o other_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v right_o say_v that_o in_o cease_v to_o be_v infidel_n they_o be_v believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o infidel_n and_o unbeliever_n be_v the_o same_o in_o scripture-phrase_n and_o both_o oppose_v to_o believer_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15._o be_v not_o unequal_o yoke_v with_o unbeliever_n that_o be_v with_o infidel_n as_o appear_v ver_fw-la 15._o what_o part_n have_v a_o believer_n with_o a_o infidel_n now_o i_o appeal_v to_o our_o brethren_n whether_o this_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n will_v allow_v the_o parent_n in_o question_n describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n to_o marry_v with_o a_o heathen_a indian_a or_o like_o infidel_n if_o not_o then_o in_o the_o scripture_n account_v he_o be_v a_o believer_n for_o otherwise_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v unequal_o yoke_v with_o such_o a_o one_o 3._o as_o for_o that_o distinction_n of_o catechumeni_fw-la competentes_fw-la and_o fideles_fw-la the_o scripture_n know_v no_o such_o thing_n for_o lydia_n and_o her_o house_n be_v baptise_a together_o act_v 16.15_o and_o the_o jailor_n and_o his_o house_n straightway_o that_o distinction_n come_v into_o the_o church_n afterward_o and_o be_v apply_v to_o new_a convert_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o church-seed_n but_o our_o brethren_n add_v further_o that_o else_o or_o otherwise_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a can_v be_v mean_v only_o of_o infidel_n for_o so_o we_o may_v make_v mad_a work_n of_o scripture_n as_o deut._n 4.29_o jehovah_n be_v god_n and_o none_o else_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v there_o may_v be_v another_o god_n to_o the_o gentile_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a exception_n so_o rev._n 2.15_o repent_v or_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o shall_v another_o church_n say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o with_o we_o ans_fw-fr that_o to_o be_v unclean_a
be_v mean_v the_o uncleanness_n of_o infidel_n be_v clear_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n for_o if_o to_o be_v holy_a be_v mean_v of_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o to_o be_v unclean_a be_v the_o uncleanness_n of_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v infidel_n eph._n 2.12_o and_o what_o be_v the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o have_v both_o parent_n unbeliever_n but_o infidel_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n but_o for_o that_o inference_n that_o by_o like_a reason_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o that_o proposition_n there_o be_v no_o god_n else_o that_o there_o may_v be_v another_o god_n to_o the_o gentile_n i_o confess_v my_o shallow_a understanding_n can_v see_v any_o comparison_n between_o those_o two_o proposition_n but_o only_o that_o the_o word_n else_o be_v in_o they_o both_o the_o one_o be_v a_o disjunct_a axiom_n your_o child_n be_v clean_a or_o else_o unclean_a and_o the_o other_o a_o simple_a axiom_n where_o the_o word_n else_o be_v of_o another_o use_n and_o sense_n then_o in_o the_o former_a but_o be_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v so_o sad_a a_o exception_n from_o a_o general_a proposition_n jehovah_n be_v god_n and_o none_o else_o to_o say_v yet_o there_o may_v be_v another_o god_n to_o the_o gentile_n or_o to_o say_v the_o threaten_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n yet_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o our_o brethren_n may_v then_o consider_v when_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o church-member_n your_o child_n be_v holy_a to_o make_v such_o a_o exception_n and_o say_v not_o so_o but_o only_o the_o child_n of_o member_n in_o full_a communion_n be_v holy_a whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o sad_a exception_n also_o reas_n 4._o the_o be_v in_o covenant_n do_v not_o privilege_n to_o baptism_n without_o visible_a repentance_n in_o parent_n acts._n 2.38_o 39_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o covenant_n and_o prick_v to_o the_o heart_n yet_o they_o be_v open_o call_v to_o repent_v so_o john_n baptist_n think_v mat._n 3.8_o 9_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o jew_n be_v in_o covenant_n do_v privilege_v their_o child_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o covenant_n they_o be_v in_o viz._n circumcision_n the_o sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o but_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n they_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o repentance_n when_o they_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v grow_v so_o corrupt_a and_o those_o in_o act_n 2._o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o john_n be_v send_v to_o prepare_v a_o people_n for_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n but_o when_o philip_n have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o eunuch_n a_o godly_a proselyte_n he_o only_o call_v he_o to_o faith_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o though_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o a_o visible_a profession_n thereof_o be_v require_v at_o the_o first_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n yet_o these_o be_v not_o require_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o person_n regular_o admit_v to_o privilege_v their_o seed_n to_o baptism_n what_o rule_n or_o example_n require_v a_o church-member_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o visible_a faith_n and_o repentance_n so_o oft_o as_o he_o have_v a_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a or_o in_o case_n a_o church-member_n decline_v and_o give_v cause_n of_o much_o doubt_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n what_o rule_n will_v debar_v his_o child_n from_o baptism_n so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n now_o our_o question_n be_v of_o person_n regular_o admit_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n reas_n 5._o the_o covenant_n be_v limit_v to_o such_o as_o obey_v god_n and_o therefore_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n deut._n 7.9_o neh._n 1.5_o dan._n 9.5_o he_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o frequent_a mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o outward_a privilege_n thereof_o the_o first_o god_n perform_v to_o such_o as_o love_v and_o obey_v he_o sincere_o yet_o the_o other_o he_o continue_v to_o all_o such_o as_o do_v not_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o covenant_n take_v these_o scripture_n name_v do_v not_o church-priviledge_n belong_v to_o all_o israel_n when_o moses_n speak_v that_o word_n deut._n 7.9_o that_o god_n keep_v mercy_n and_o covenant_n to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o yet_o he_o give_v a_o sad_a testimony_n of_o they_o chap._n 9.24_o you_o have_v be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o lord_n ever_o since_o i_o know_v you_o so_o in_o nehemiahs_n time_n do_v not_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o holy_a seed_n enjoy_v church-priviledge_n when_o nehemiah_n spâ—ke_v that_o word_n chap._n 1.5_o and_o yet_o the_o story_n speak_v of_o many_o evil_n among_o they_o that_o show_v they_o be_v scandalous_a in_o life_n which_o these_o be_v not_o and_o have_v many_o other_o good_a qualification_n beside_o that_o also_o reas_n 6._o from_o the_o tenor_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n nehem._n 9.8_o when_o god_n see_v his_o heart_n faithful_a before_o he_o so_o gen._n 17.1_o 7._o walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v upright_o and_o i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n with_o the_o former_a build_v upon_o the_o same_o mistake_v and_o may_v have_v the_o same_o answer_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o all_o that_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n ought_v to_o love_v he_o obey_v he_o walk_v upright_o before_o he_o and_o what_o be_v say_v gal._n 3.7_o 9_o that_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n be_v bless_v with_o faithful_a abraham_n faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o church-member_n for_o want_v whereof_o he_o fall_v short_a of_o all_o the_o save_v blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o such_o as_o be_v in_o church-covenant_n and_o do_v not_o perform_v thâ—se_a duty_n be_v thereby_o deprive_v of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o before_o they_o be_v regular_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v there_o not_o many_o corrupt_a member_n in_o the_o church_n not_o only_o of_o israel_n but_o also_o in_o gospel-churche_n as_o of_o corinth_n galatia_n the_o church_n of_o asia_n rev._n 2._o &_o 3._o who_o do_v enjoy_v church-priviledge_n till_o they_o be_v cast_v ouâ—_n or_o till_o god_n actual_o remove_v their_o candlestick_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o sin_n reprove_v to_o suffer_v such_o but_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v suffer_v they_o regular_o enjoy_v the_o outward_a privilege_n here_o our_o brethren_n endeavour_v to_o answer_v two_o objection_n obj_fw-la 1._o the_o covenant-blessing_n be_v convey_v with_o circumcision_n successive_o to_o the_o follow_a generation_n ans_fw-fr we_o must_v consider_v that_o gal._n 3.14_o that_o be_v express_v to_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n that_o shall_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n not_o the_o covenant_n of_o jacob_n as_o mr._n cotton_n have_v judicious_o note_v upon_o the_o place_n now_o abraham_n covenant_n and_o the_o blessing_n thereof_o be_v confirm_v only_o to_o those_o that_o walk_v upright_o with_o god_n as_o abraham_n do_v reply_n that_o difference_n mr._n cotton_n put_v between_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n may_v hold_v in_o this_o that_o god_n continue_v all_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n and_o their_o posterity_n in_o the_o covenant_n not_o so_o of_o abraham_n ishmael_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o the_o son_n of_o keturah_n be_v not_o so_o and_o so_o esau_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o posterity_n of_o isaac_n be_v reject_v and_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o speech_n of_o jacob_n gen._n 49.26_o that_o his_o blessing_n prevail_v above_o the_o blessing_n of_o his_o progenitor_n but_o this_o difference_n can_v hold_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n for_o ishmaâ—l_n though_o graceless_a be_v take_v into_o abraham_n covenant_n and_o continue_v in_o it_o till_o for_o his_o sin_n he_o be_v cast_v out_o so_o esau_n in_o covenant_n till_o for_o his_o profaneness_n he_o be_v reject_v heb._n 12._o be_v not_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n the_o performance_n of_o god_n everlasting_a covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o his_o seed_n afâ—er_v he_o in_o their_o generation_n as_o be_v evident_a exod._n 3.15_o &_o 6.3_o 4._o be_v there_o ever_o any_o covenant_n make_v with_o jacob_n and_o his_o seed_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n then_o
so_o act_v 2.38_o 39_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o your_o child_n 2._o faith_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o the_o outward_a seal_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o outward_a covenant_n itself_o for_o lo_o and_o other_o believer_n can_v not_o partake_v of_o circumcision_n but_o by_o enter_v into_o that_o visible_a covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o our_o brethren_n afterward_o do_v grant_v that_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v the_o next_o ground_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o seal_n now_o they_o that_o have_v the_o next_o ground_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v the_o more_o remote_a ans_fw-fr 2._o more_o particular_o they_o say_v the_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o baptism_n for_o 1._o though_o they_o have_v abraham_n for_o their_o father_n yet_o john_n be_v baptism_n take_v away_o that_o plea_n mat._n 3.8_o 9_o and_o call_v for_o repentance_n reply_n john_n take_v away_o their_o vain_a confidence_n in_o abraham_n covenant_n for_o righteousness_n and_o life_n as_o the_o prophet_n also_o frequent_o do_v isa_n 1._o &_o 58._o jer._n 7._o mic._n 6._o but_o he_o take_v not_o away_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n as_o circumcision_n sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n 2._o john_n indeed_o call_v for_o repentance_n in_o a_o people_n so_o corrupt_a to_o fit_v they_o for_o a_o more_o gospel-dispensation_n to_o make_v they_o a_o people_n prepare_v for_o the_o lord_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o these_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n who_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n and_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n 2._o we_o must_v distinguish_v say_v they_o between_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o church-covenant_n which_o differ_v very_o much_o for_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o elect_n and_o true_a believer_n which_o the_o church_n can_v infallible_o judge_v who_o they_o be_v but_o the_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v the_o next_o ground_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o sealâ—_n require_v mutual_a consent_n of_o they_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o communion_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v to_o the_o child_n in_o the_o parent_n but_o be_v establish_v only_o by_o the_o restipulation_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n gen._n 17.7_o 9_o rom._n 11.20_o thou_o stand_v by_o faith_n reply_n 1._o i_o can_v see_v how_o these_o thing_n can_v consist_v one_o with_o another_o for_o if_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o elect_a and_o true_a believer_n and_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v with_o the_o child_n in_o the_o parent_n then_o the_o child_n and_o parent_n must_v be_v elect_a and_o true_a believer_n which_o will_v not_o be_v grant_v again_o if_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o church-covenant_n stand_v in_o this_o that_o it_o requr_v mutual_a consent_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n how_o shall_v infant_n partake_v of_o the_o church-covenant_n and_o baptism_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o next_o ground_n 2._o this_o distinction_n as_o here_o lay_v down_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o thing_n it_o be_v bring_v for_o but_o rather_o yield_v the_o same_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v yield_v that_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v the_o next_o ground_n of_o baptism_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o next_o ground_n and_o immediate_a be_v the_o chief_a for_o it_o suppose_v the_o remote_a and_o the_o remote_a ground_n without_o the_o next_o can_v not_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n beside_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v to_o the_o child_n in_o the_o parent_n than_o still_o the_o covenant_n even_o of_o grace_n also_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o baptism_n but_o say_v they_o the_o establishment_n be_v upon_o the_o restipulation_n of_o faith_n thou_o stand_v by_o faith_n rom._n 11.20_o be_v it_o so_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o save_a benefit_n thereof_o yet_o the_o visible_a covenant_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n remain_v to_o such_o in_o the_o covenant_n as_o do_v continue_v in_o the_o visible_a profession_n thereof_o as_o have_v be_v oft_o prove_v that_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o gentile-churche_n stand_v rom._n 11.20_o be_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v oppose_v to_o that_o unbelief_n for_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v break_v off_o but_o they_o be_v not_o break_v off_o for_o want_n of_o hold_v forth_o positive_a save_v faith_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n but_o for_o positive_a unbelief_n whereby_o they_o obstinate_o reject_v christ_n rom._n 10.21_o they_o be_v a_o disobedient_a and_o gainsay_v people_n act_n 13.45_o the_o apostle_n turn_v from_o they_o to_o the_o gentile_n because_o they_o contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v mat._n 21.42_o 43._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v take_v from_o they_o because_o they_o reject_v christ_n the_o corner_n stone_n see_v also_o act_v 18.5_o 6._o &_o 19.8_o 9_o and_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o the_o gentile_a church_n do_v profess_v jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o ordinance_n they_o may_v stand_v in_o the_o visible_a covenant_n through_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n though_o they_o or_o many_o of_o their_o member_n do_v not_o hold_v out_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o save_v faith_n visible_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n otherwiser_n we_o must_v unchurch_n many_o such_o society_n of_o christian_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o unchurch_v but_o continue_v to_o they_o the_o mean_n and_o ordinance_n of_o grace_n 3._o i_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o the_o church-covenant_n and_o that_o of_o grace_n for_o as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o second_o proposition_n premise_v chap._n 2._o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o differ_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o church_n viz._n outward_o in_o the_o privilege_n ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n or_o inward_o in_o the_o save_v benefit_n thereof_o to_o true_a believer_n now_o that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n to_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n be_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o god_n give_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o the_o visible_a church_n gen._n 17._o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o he_o avouch_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o they_o avouch_v he_o to_o be_v their_o god_n deut._n 26.17_o 18._o now_o this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o contain_v all_o the_o rest_n as_o mr._n cotton_n note_v upon_o that_o covenant_n 2._o because_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n and_o the_o offer_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n be_v give_v to_o all_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n rom._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o &_o 9.4_o 3._o because_o all_o in_o church-covenant_n stand_v bind_v thereby_o to_o believe_v repent_v and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o this_o our_o brethren_n confess_v that_o church-covenant_n require_v they_o shall_v walk_v with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o have_v the_o more_o insist_v on_o this_o passage_n because_o the_o right_a understanding_n hereof_o be_v of_o much_o use_n to_o the_o main_a question_n in_o debate_n that_o these_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n be_v still_o in_o covenant_n the_o synod_n prove_v because_o they_o be_v once_o in_o covenant_n and_o never_o cut_v off_o from_o it_o ans_fw-fr to_o this_o our_o brethren_n answer_v the_o lord_n himself_o discovenant_n they_o mat._n 3._o joh._n 8.39_o 40_o 41_o 42._o where_o the_o lord_n take_v away_o their_o plea_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v the_o devil_n for_o their_o father_n and_o that_o without_o any_o act_n of_o church-discipline_n etc._n etc._n they_o may_v reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o as_o the_o pharisee_n luke_n 7._o they_o may_v be_v felones_n de_fw-fr se_fw-la as_o mr._n cotton_n speak_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v other_o ground_n of_o break_v off_o the_o covenant_n beside_o notorious_a sin_n and_o incorrigibleness_n therein_o as_o not_o stand_v by_o faith_n not_o bring_v forth_o fâ—uit_n mat._n 3.10_o not_o do_v righteousness_n 1_o joh._n 3.10_o reply_n i_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o reply_v here_o 1._o do_v the_o lord_n himself_o discovenant_v all_o those_o out_o of_o his_o visible_a church_n speak_v of_o mâ—â—_n 3_o joh._n 8_o be_v their_o seed_n thereby_o cut_v off_o from_o circumcision_n be_v they_o exclude_v from_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o temple-worship_n who_o can_v believe_v this_o when_o we_o see_v the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o oft_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n when_o he_o call_v they_o still_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o
the_o house_n of_o israeâ—_n yea_o the_o child_n to_o who_o bread_n do_v belong_v mat._n 15.24_o 26._o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o jew_n in_o general_a whereof_o those_o mat._n 3._o joh._n 8._o be_v a_o part_n they_o be_v indeed_o of_o the_o devil_n not_o of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a state_n and_o save_v good_a of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o still_o in_o the_o outward_a covenant_n and_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n 2._o if_o those_o maâ—_n 3._o joâ—_n 8._o have_v be_v discovenant_v of_o god_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o these_o in_o question_n be_v so_o be_v these_o a_o generation_n of_o viper_n liar_n murderer_n &c_n &c_n that_o live_v without_o scandal_n submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n &_o c_o if_o the_o lawyer_n and_o pharisee_n reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o in_o not_o be_v baptise_a of_o john_n do_v these_o so_o that_o be_v baptise_v themselves_o desire_v it_o also_o for_o their_o seed_n and_o that_o in_o such_o in_o way_n by_o own_v god_n covenant_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n submit_v themselves_o to_o discipline_n &_o c_o if_o mr._n cotton_n do_v count_v such_o as_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n self-murtherer_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o these_o be_v such_o that_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o in_o some_o measure_n of_o truth_n for_o aught_o be_v yet_o prove_v to_o the_o contrary_a 3._o i_o must_v not_o pass_v over_o this_o rigid_a and_o dangerous_a principle_n without_o further_a examination_n the_o position_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v that_o god_n himself_o do_v discovenant_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o his_o visible_a church_n such_o as_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n mat._n 3._o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v liar_n etc._n etc._n joh._n 8._o and_o that_o without_o any_o act_n of_o church-censure_n against_o this_o i_o argue_v 1._o that_o these_o be_v not_o discovenant_v of_o god_n i_o prove_v before_o and_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n continue_v they_o under_o church-priviledge_n and_o ordinance_n at_o least_o till_o gospel-churche_n be_v erect_v after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n 2._o if_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v ordain_v and_o command_v church-discipline_n for_o the_o save_n of_o offender_n and_o the_o purge_v of_o his_o church_n than_o he_o do_v not_o discovenant_v such_o without_o church-censure_n but_o so_o it_o be_v mat._n 18.1_o cor._n 5._o therefore_o he_o do_v it_o not_o himself_o without_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v because_o if_o god_n himself_o do_v discovenant_v they_o church-censure_n be_v useless_a and_o vain_a to_o what_o end_n shall_v the_o church_n cut_v off_o one_o that_o be_v already_o a_o non-member_n what_o have_v they_o to_o do_v with_o such_o as_o be_v without_o why_o shall_v corinth_n be_v blame_v for_o suffer_v that_o leaven_n if_o god_n himself_o have_v cast_v it_o out_o 3._o this_o suppose_a discovenant_v by_o god_n himself_o frustrate_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a end_n of_o church_n discipline_n viz._n to_o heal_v and_o save_v the_o sinner_n for_o the_o church_n have_v now_o no_o power_n over_o they_o they_o must_v perish_v be_v without_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n except_o god_n restore_v they_o immediate_o at_o least_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o that_o special_a mean_n appoint_v and_o bless_v of_o god_n to_o that_o end_n 4._o what_o confusion_n will_v this_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n for_o how_o shall_v the_o church_n know_v when_o god_n have_v discovenant_v this_o or_o that_o man_n whether_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v commit_v such_o sin_n or_o how_o long_o god_n patience_n will_v bear_v with_o he_o and_o how_o shall_v the_o church_n prove_v against_o any_o such_o that_o god_n have_v indeed_o discovenant_v he_o these_o thing_n and_o much_o more_o that_o may_v be_v say_v may_v put_v our_o brethren_n to_o find_v some_o other_o meaning_n of_o mat._n 3._o joh._n 8._o 1_o joh._n 3.10_o and_o such_o like_a scripture_n arg._n 2._o the_o child_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v either_o child_n on_o of_o the_o covenant_n or_o stranger_n from_o it_o eph._n 2.12_o holy_a or_o unclean_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o within_o the_o church_n or_o without_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o such_o as_o have_v god_n for_o their_o god_n or_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n eph._n 2.12_o but_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n will_v not_o affirm_v the_o latter_a and_o the_o former_a be_v grant_v infer_v their_o right_n to_o baptism_n ans_fw-fr the_o assumption_n be_v deny_v because_o the_o child_n in_o question_n discovenant_n themselves_o not_o keep_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o walk_v with_o god_n not_o love_v god_n etc._n etc._n deut._n 7.9_o as_o they_o that_o forsake_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n deut._n 29.25_o and_o what_o do_v these_o that_o come_v not_o up_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o god_n may_v cast_v off_o for_o sin_n of_o omission_n 1_o sam._n 15._o so_o for_o not_o believe_v in_o god_n reply_n this_o be_v the_o very_o hinge_v whereupon_o chief_o this_o question_n do_v turn_v viz._n whether_o and_o how_o these_o church-member_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v well_o the_o answer_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o their_o reason_n thereof_o sometime_o they_o say_v god_n discovenant_v they_o which_o have_v be_v examine_v sometime_o that_o they_o discovenant_n themselves_o which_o also_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o before_o to_o this_o refuge_n they_o now_o again_o betake_v themselves_o their_o reason_n here_o allege_v i_o shall_v consider_v which_o stand_v thus_o church-member_n which_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n viz._n to_o walk_v with_o god_n love_n god_n keep_v his_o commandment_n believe_v in_o god_n etc._n etc._n do_v discovenant_n themselves_o but_o thâ—se_a church-member_n describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n do_v not_o walk_v with_o god_n love_n god_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o do_v discovenant_n themselves_o the_o proposition_n they_o will_v prove_v from_o gen._n 17.1_o deut._n 7.9_o psa_fw-la 105.8_o deut._n 29.25_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o by_o deny_v the_o proposition_n as_o for_o the_o proof_n genes_n 17.1_o deut._n 7.9_o psaâ—_n 105._o these_o scripture_n prove_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o as_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n to_o be_v upright_o to_o love_n god_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o god_n perform_v to_o such_o the_o save_v benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o simple_o by_o the_o neglect_n of_o thâ—se_a duty_n especial_o without_o impenitence_n add_v they_o do_v actual_o discovenant_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o from_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o and_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n therein_o the_o gross_a neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n persist_v in_o obstinate_o and_o impenitent_o may_v deserve_v censure_n but_o that_o the_o want_n of_o such_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v actual_o cut_v off_o such_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o assertion_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n nor_o i_o think_v in_o any_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n to_o this_o day_n sure_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n do_v not_o walk_v with_o god_n love_n god_n believe_v in_o god_n in_o our_o brethren_n sense_n yet_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n till_o for_o their_o manifest_a profaneness_n the_o one_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o god_n appointment_n and_o the_o other_o reject_v heb._n 12.17_o when_o deut._n 7.9_o moses_n say_v that_o the_o lord_n keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n with_o they_o that_o love_v he_o etc._n etc._n be_v there_o not_o multitude_n in_o israel_n that_o come_v not_o up_o to_o these_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o our_o brethren_n sense_n that_o yet_o be_v god_n holy_a people_n royal_a nation_n enjoy_v all_o church-priviledge_n and_o so_o all_o along_o through_o the_o story_n of_o all_o the_o scripture_n deut._n 29.25_o render_v indeed_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a plague_n upon_o israel_n to_o be_v their_o forsake_v the_o covenant_n but_o what_o be_v that_o forsake_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v it_o their_o not_o come_v up_o to_o these_o term_n of_o it_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n love_n god_n believe_v in_o god_n with_o a_o visible_a save_a faith_n nothing_o less_o but_o because_o they_o go_v and_o serve_v other_o god_n and_o worship_v they_o ver_fw-la 26._o as_o for_o the_o case_n of_o saul_n 1_o sam._n 15._o who_o the_o lord_n reject_v from_o be_v king_n for_o so_o gross_a a_o disobedience_n to_o a_o express_a and_o particular_a command_n yet_o we_o read_v not_o that_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n nor_o do_v it_o
follow_v that_o because_o god_n may_v just_o cut_v off_o a_o man_n from_o the_o church_n for_o not_o believe_v or_o sin_n of_o omission_n that_o therefore_o he_o do_v so_o or_o that_o therefore_o a_o church-member_n by_o sin_n of_o omission_n do_v actual_o cut_v off_o himself_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n sure_o these_o be_v worse_o than_o farre-fetched_n and_o uncertain_a consequence_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n 2._o for_o the_o assumption_n of_o this_o argument_n they_o say_v but_o without_o proof_n that_o these_o parent_n in_o the_o five_o proposition_n do_v not_o walk_v with_o god_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o answer_v these_o do_v outward_o and_o visible_o at_o least_o so_o walk_v with_o god_n love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n do_v account_v a_o keep_n of_o the_o visible_a covenant_n these_o profess_v the_o faith_n be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n submit_v to_o his_o rule_n and_o government_n and_o be_v not_o such_o as_o these_o all_o along_o in_o the_o scripture_n accept_v as_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o visible_a covenant_n deut._n 5._o when_o the_o people_n profess_v to_o obey_v moses_n in_o all_o thing_n god_n see_v they_o want_v a_o heart_n to_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n yet_o he_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o how_o oft_o be_v the_o king_n of_o judah_n that_o observe_v the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n say_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n though_o they_o want_v that_o upright_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v require_v see_v 2_o chron._n 11.17_o 2_o king_n 11.2_o &_o 14.3_o &_o 15.3_o 34._o and_o not_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v charge_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o walk_v after_o baalim_fw-la in_o the_o way_n of_o jeroboam_n and_o the_o like_a to_o conclude_v i_o will_v demand_v of_o our_o brethren_n that_o hold_v this_o way_n of_o self-excommunication_n whether_o any_o member_n do_v excommunicate_v himself_o by_o any_o act_n that_o be_v not_o excommunicable_a or_o matter_n of_o excommunication_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o church-discipline_n if_o so_o let_v we_o have_v a_o rule_n for_o it_o if_o not_o sure_o these_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n do_v not_o excommunicate_v themselves_o for_o no_o rule_n of_o christ_n will_v allow_v the_o church_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o ans_fw-fr 2._o the_o child_n in_o question_n say_v they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o neutrality_n at_o present_a and_o such_o christ_n account_v to_o be_v against_o he_o mat._n 12.30_o they_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a rev._n 3_o reply_n mat._n 12.30_o speak_v not_o of_o such_o as_o these_o for_o these_o be_v for_o christ_n that_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o government_n that_o say_v of_o christ_n mark_v 9.40_o suit_n better_o with_o these_o he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v for_o we_o as_o for_o rev._n 3_o christ_n call_v that_o lukewarm_a church_n a_o golden_a candlestick_n hold_v their_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n offers_z to_o come_v in_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o quick_a in_o discovenant_v lukewarm_a one_o as_o our_o brethren_n seem_v to_o be_v arg._n 3._o from_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n as_o 1._o to_o deny_v the_o proposition_n will_v be_v to_o straiten_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 the_o new_a testament_n time_n in_o a_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 ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o do_v not_o straiten_v the_o gospel-dispensation_n see_v it_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o nation_n and_o to_o both_o sex_n which_o be_v not_o of_o old_a reply_n this_o indeed_o the_o anabaptist_n answer_n but_o it_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o case_n for_o such_o enlargement_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o gospel-time_n will_v argue_v rather_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v in_o this_o point_n also_o and_o not_o therefore_o straighten_a here_o because_o enlarge_v in_o other_o respect_n be_v it_o object_v to_o a_o father_n that_o he_o straighten_a his_o wont_a favour_n to_o his_o child_n in_o put_v they_o out_o of_o the_o family_n and_o he_o shall_v answer_v not_o so_o for_o i_o have_v take_v in_o many_o adopt_a child_n will_v this_o answer_n satisfy_v or_o shall_v he_o say_v not_o so_o for_o though_o i_o keep_v my_o family_n with_o pulse_n before_o i_o now_o give_v they_o much_o better_a fare_n will_v not_o any_o man_n say_v so_o much_o be_v the_o great_a wrong_n to_o your_o child_n both_o to_o put_v they_o out_o of_o the_o family_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o share_n in_o the_o better_a fare_v allow_v to_o the_o family_n just_o so_o be_v the_o case_n here_o ans_fw-fr 2._o this_o do_v no_o more_o straiten_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o the_o keep_n of_o baptise_a especial_o covenant_v parent_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n see_v the_o circumcise_a jew_n be_v not_o debar_v from_o the_o passover_n reply_n the_o circumcise_a jew_n do_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o passover_n without_o suitable_a legal_a qualification_n viz._n a_o state_n of_o legal_a purity_n and_o fitness_n to_o eat_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o service_n exod._n 12.25_o 26_o 27._o in_o like_a manner_n we_o debar_v none_o from_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o for_o want_v of_o gospel_n qualification_n ans_fw-fr 3._o gospel-time_n be_v in_o many_o respect_n time_n of_o reformation_n heb._n 9.10_o and_o therefore_o to_o build_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o largeness_n of_o jewish_a practice_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n see_v it_o be_v a_o stretch_n of_o the_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n to_o be_v as_o wide_a as_o the_o broad_a way_n that_o lead_v most_o to_o destruction_n reply_n 1._o we_o build_v not_o upon_o jewish_a practice_n ceremonial_a wherein_o that_o reformation_n heb._n 9.10_o do_v consist_v as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o text_n but_o upon_o the_o gospel-covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o that_o in_o the_o substantial_o of_o it_o viz._n i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n exemplify_v in_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o strange_a speech_n to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o stretch_n of_o the_o narrow_a way_n of_o life_n to_o be_v as_o broad_a etc._n etc._n sure_o god_n enlargement_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n in_o their_o generation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n grace_n tend_v to_o bring_v the_o more_o to_o life_n by_o give_v to_o they_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o the_o broad_a way_n to_o destruction_n the_o straitness_n of_o the_o way_n to_o life_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o restrain_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o a_o few_o for_o why_o then_o shall_v the_o lord_n enlarge_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n now_o more_o than_o of_o old_a 2_o consequence_n to_o deny_v the_o proposition_n be_v to_o render_v the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v convert_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o they_o be_v under_o the_o legal-dispensation_n contrary_a to_o jer._n 30.20_o ezek._n 37.25_o 26._o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v deny_v any_o more_o than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o worse_a state_n if_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v a_o highpriest_n and_o temple-worship_n when_o they_o shall_v have_v in_o christ_n a_o thousand-fold_n more_o so_o here_o be_v like_a reason_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o abundant_a grace_n reply_n the_o loss_n of_o shadow_n be_v nothing_o see_v they_o shall_v have_v the_o substance_n in_o christ_n but_o this_o be_v a_o essential_a branch_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n which_o be_v the_o gospel-covenant_n it_o can_v be_v take_v away_o without_o real_a loss_n and_o the_o more_o abundant_a grace_n the_o great_a be_v the_o loss_n as_o be_v say_v before_o ans_fw-fr 2._o this_o do_v no_o more_o put_v they_o into_o a_o worse_a state_n then_o transmit_v the_o covenant_n now_o only_o to_o the_o next_o seed_n which_o before_o be_v transmit_v to_o remote_a posterity_n reply_n the_o covenant_n be_v all_o along_o transmit_v by_o the_o next_o parent_n to_o their_o seed_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o cast_v off_o by_o the_o lord_n he_o account_v every_o generation_n to_o be_v his_o people_n even_o in_o their_o worst_a time_n so_o that_o the_o transmit_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o church-priviledge_n be_v still_o by_o
the_o next_o parent_n and_o when_o the_o parent_n be_v break_v off_o their_o seed_n be_v break_v off_o also_o rom._n 11.20_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o difference_n ans_fw-fr 3._o to_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o that_o in_o jer._n 30._o speak_v of_o their_o return_n from_o babylon_n ezek._n 37._o speak_v of_o their_o call_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o righteous_a and_o nothing_o shall_v hinder_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o covenant_n isa_n 60.21_o joel_n 3.17_o etc._n etc._n reply_n if_o jer._n 30._o have_v any_o reference_n to_o their_o return_n from_o babylon_n yet_o it_o appear_v to_o look_v further_o even_o to_o the_o latter_a time_n for_o ver._n 9_o it_o speak_v of_o david_n their_o king_n who_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o to_o they_o and_o v._o 24._o of_o the_o latter_a day_n and_o chap._n 31.1_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o will_v be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o the_o family_n of_o israel_n as_o for_o those_o place_n isa_n 60.21_o joel_n 3._o that_o say_v they_o shall_v be_v all_o righteous_a no_o stranger_n shall_v pass_v through_o they_o so_o that_o nothing_o shall_v hinder_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n than_o shall_v be_v continue_v according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n seed_n in_o their_o generation_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o argument_n beside_o this_o continuance_n of_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v by_o visible_a faith_n and_o righteousness_n not_o always_o by_o real_a faith_n for_o to_o think_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o sin_n no_o hypocrite_n then_o be_v groundless_a there_o be_v none_o righteous_a that_o sin_v not_o be_v the_o general_a state_n of_o all_o man_n in_o this_o world_n till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a ezek_n 37.25_o zech._n 10.7_o 9_o that_o their_o seed_n be_v part_n of_o that_o righteous_a nation_n 3_o consequence_n the_o denial_n of_o the_o proposition_n deni_v the_o initiatory_a seal_n to_o such_o as_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n to_o who_o the_o mosaical_a dispensation_n nay_o the_o first_o institution_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_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 ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o beg_n of_o the_o question_n the_o child_n in_o question_n do_v not_o stand_v regular_o under_o the_o church-covenant_n the_o contrary_n be_v plain_a jer._n 9.26_o rom._n 2.28_o ezek._n 34.7_o 9_o reply_n the_o question_n be_v not_o beg_v but_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v prove_v gen._n 17.9_o 10._o joh._n 7.22_o 23._o to_o which_o no_o answer_n be_v return_v 2._o see_v these_o scripture_n jer._n 9_o rom._n 2._o ezek._n 44._o and_o such_o like_a be_v so_o oft_o allege_v and_o here_o with_o so_o much_o confidence_n in_o the_o present_a case_n i_o shall_v examine_v they_o more_o distinct_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o child_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o baptise_a in_o infancy_n and_o be_v grow_v up_o do_v understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n solemn_o own_o the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n whether_o i_o say_v such_o do_v not_o stand_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n and_o whether_o the_o scripture_n name_v do_v plain_o prove_v the_o contrary_n now_o for_o the_o first_o jer._n 9.26_o where_o the_o lord_n threaten_v to_o punish_v the_o circumcise_a with_o the_o uncircumcised_a for_o all_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o punishment_n be_v not_o discovenant_v they_o but_o the_o sword_n 2._o but_o suppose_v discovenant_v be_v include_v in_o the_o other_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o by_o which_o they_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n and_o therefore_o so_o to_o be_v punish_v they_o be_v all_o aduâ—erers_n ver_fw-la 2._o liar_n ver_fw-la 3._o slanderer_n ver_fw-la 4._o deceiver_n ver_fw-la 5._o yea_o they_o walk_v after_o baal_n ver_fw-la 14._o and_o how_o then_o do_v this_o place_n plain_o prove_v that_o the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o proposition_n stand_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n as_o for_o rom._n 2.28_o so_o oft_o allege_v however_o it_o may_v have_v some_o reference_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n before_o speak_v to_o yet_o it_o seem_v the_o particular_a occasion_n and_o scope_n of_o that_o discourse_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n distribute_v reward_n and_o punishment_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n ver_fw-la 9_o 10_o 11_o and_o to_o take_v off_o the_o jew_n confidence_n in_o legal-priviledge_n in_o that_o respect_n ver_fw-la 13_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o but_o however_o it_o can_v be_v speak_v with_o any_o reference_n to_o church-membership_a now_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n circumcision_n profit_v if_o they_o keep_v the_o law_n else_o not_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o uncircumcision_n that_o keep_v the_o law_n be_v count_v circumcision_n and_o so_o in_o this_o respect_n he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n that_o be_v one_o outward_o etc._n etc._n but_o to_o infer_v that_o every_o lieu_n that_o be_v so_o outward_o only_a want_v the_o inward_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v there_o by_o discovenant_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n this_o be_v a_o strange_a doctrine_n to_o scripture-ear_n to_o clear_v this_o further_o 1._o in_o what_o respect_n the_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n by_o break_v the_o law_n in_o the_o same_o respect_n the_o uncircumcision_n be_v count_v for_o circumcision_n in_o they_o that_o keep_v the_o law_n but_o this_o be_v never_o so_o account_v in_o respect_n of_o church-membership_a and_o privilege_n witness_v the_o case_n of_o the_o centurion_n cornelius_n and_o his_o devout_a soldier_n and_o other_o and_o therefore_o not_o so_o in_o the_o former_a 2._o he_o speak_v of_o the_o inward_a circumcision_n as_o have_v its_o praise_n of_o god_n not_o of_o man_n but_o we_o know_v the_o outward_a circumcision_n be_v approve_v of_o the_o church_n though_o without_o the_o inward_a in_o respect_n of_o church-standing_a and_o privilege_n and_o that_o according_a to_o god_n rule_n 3._o the_o apostle_n full_o clear_v his_o meaning_n chap._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o affirm_v that_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o profit_n of_o circumcision_n be_v much_o every_o way_n and_o that_o in_o the_o commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n to_o they_o which_o be_v a_o church-priviledge_n last_o concern_v this_o place_n let_v it_o be_v note_v what_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o uncircumcised_a heart_n there_o allege_v viz._n steal_v adultery_n sacrilege_n etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 21_o 22._o which_o how_o well_o it_o suit_n to_o prove_v plain_o that_o these_o in_o question_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n let_v every_o one_o judge_n concern_v ezek._n 44.7_o 9_o this_o place_n speak_v of_o bring_v in_o the_o heathen_a stranger_n that_o be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n as_o sâ—evident_a in_o that_o it_o be_v call_v a_o abomination_n so_o to_o do_v but_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o israelite_n circumcise_v in_o flesh_n not_o in_o heart_n be_v never_o count_v a_o abomination_n again_o he_o speak_v of_o stranger_n uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n and_o flesh_n which_o these_o child_n be_v not_o 2._o put_v case_n this_o place_n may_v by_o allusion_n 〈◊〉_d apply_v to_o receive_v of_o member_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o agree_v that_o none_o visible_o unholy_a shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n but_o our_o question_n be_v of_o such_o as_o be_v holy_a be_v regular_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o to_o which_o case_n this_o place_n speak_v nothing_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o little_a foot_n there_o be_v for_o our_o brethren_n tenent_n in_o these_o or_o any_o other_o scripture_n they_o have_v allege_v as_o jer._n 2.21_o amos_n 9.7_o mat._n 3._o joh._n 8._o &_o 15._o which_o have_v be_v consider_v in_o their_o place_n and_o i_o be_o the_o more_o persuade_v that_o this_o way_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v build_v upon_o so_o manifold_a mistake_v and_o misapply_v scripture_n whereof_o many_o of_o they_o be_v old_a testament_n proof_n it_o appear_v our_o brethren_n make_v use_v not_o only_o of_o far-fetched_a consequence_n but_o of_o plain_a inconsequence_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n 4_o consequence_n that_o to_o deny_v the_o proposition_n be_v to_o break_v god_n 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_o 9_o 10_o 14._o ans_fw-fr 1._o to_o refuse_v to_o baptise_v one_o that_o be_v not_o regular_o in_o covenant_n be_v
not_o to_o break_v it_o 2._o then_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n like_o the_o great_a sea_n to_o deny_v communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o those_o that_o have_v lay_v hold_v upon_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n by_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v now_o strong_o plead_v for_o reply_n 1._o whether_o these_o be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o covenant_n let_v the_o reader_n judge_v by_o what_o be_v say_v for_o it_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n allege_v against_o it_o 2._o to_o deny_v communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o such_o be_v not_o plead_v for_o much_o less_o strong_o for_o solemn_z profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v not_o in_o the_o proposition_n all_o that_o be_v affirm_v be_v that_o the_o church-seed_n manifest_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o covenant_n by_o such_o qualification_n if_o they_o shall_v still_o be_v want_v in_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n may_v be_v delay_v till_o they_o give_v satisfaction_n therein_o 3._o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o case_n deal_v very_o hardly_o and_o partial_o with_o we_o while_o so_o oft_o they_o compare_v these_o with_o the_o most_o scandalous_a person_n reprove_v in_o scripture_n and_o with_o they_o discovenant_v as_o they_o pretend_v and_o yet_o at_o other_o time_n they_o lay_v it_o deep_o to_o our_o charge_n that_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o be_v deny_v by_o they_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o continue_v they_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n arg._n 4._o these_o parent_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n in_o some_o degree_n and_o therefore_o their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a ans_fw-fr the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v not_o such_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o true_a visible_a faith_n which_o be_v require_v rom._n 14.1_o mat._n 12.20_o reply_n be_v it_o grant_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o true_a faith_n visible_o in_o some_o degree_n yet_o rom._n 14.1_o speak_v rather_o of_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o eat_v meat_n unclean_a by_o the_o law_n as_o ver_fw-la 2._o show_v that_o these_o be_v visible_a believer_n in_o some_o degree_n be_v thus_o prove_v reas_n 1._o charity_n may_v observe_v sundry_a thing_n for_o it_o but_o nothing_o evident_a against_o it_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v say_v gratis_o and_o deny_v by_o we_o reply_n if_o our_o brethren_n charity_n can_v observe_v nothing_o for_o it_o they_o may_v then_o show_v something_o evident_a against_o it_o without_o which_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o answer_v for_o in_o discovenant_v of_o regular_a church-member_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o thing_n evident_a against_o they_o as_o deserve_v church-censure_n mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o reas_n 2._o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a qualify_v but_o as_o the_o person_n in_o question_n be_v say_v to_o be_v faithful_a tit._n 1.6_o ans_fw-fr every_o one_o not_o accuse_v of_o riot_n to_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n intent_n nor_o orthodox_n faithfulness_n be_v take_v for_o fidelity_n which_o may_v be_v in_o moral_a man_n reply_n nor_o do_v the_o synod_n so_o conclude_v there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o the_o text_n than_o not_o give_v to_o riot_n viz._n 1._o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n 2._o educate_v in_o the_o faith_n 3._o not_o scandalous_a or_o not_o accuse_v of_o riot_n 4._o not_o unruly_a but_o subject_a to_o government_n all_o which_o do_v suit_n well_o with_o the_o proposition_n and_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v give_v by_o orthodox_n interpreter_n marlorat_n expound_v the_o word_n faithful_n of_o such_o as_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o sound_a doctrine_n of_o piety_n and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n taylor_n by_o faithful_a child_n understand_v such_o as_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n be_v at_o least_o in_o external_a conversation_n answerable_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n they_o make_v and_o reason_n will_v incline_v we_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v require_v in_o the_o child_n of_o church-officer_n something_o of_o piety_n as_o well_o as_o of_o morality_n beside_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o use_v be_v frequent_o and_o common_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o synod_n sense_n viz._n for_o christian_a believer_n act_n 10.45_o 2_o cor._n 6.15_o eph_n 1.1_o 1_o tim._n 6.2_o &_o 4.3_o 10_o 12._o &_o 5.16_o reas_n 3._o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v frequent_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o young_a year_n as_o scripture-example_n and_o experience_n show_v 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 in_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n visible_a believer_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v extraordinary_a to_o have_v grace_n in_o infancy_n and_o therefore_o no_o rule_n for_o ordinary_a church-proceeding_n reply_n 1._o the_o synod_n speak_v not_o of_o infancy_n but_o of_o young_a year_n and_o that_o be_v not_o so_o extraordinary_a as_o be_v object_v witness_v the_o hopeful_a sign_n of_o grace_n in_o many_o that_o die_v in_o minority_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o divers_a that_o hold_v forth_o seed_n of_o grace_n sow_o in_o their_o younget_n year_n 2._o we_o build_v not_o ordinary_a church-proceeding_n immediate_o upon_o this_o ground_n yet_o these_o be_v church-member_n we_o may_v build_v church-charity_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o see_v some_o church-member_n of_o this_o sort_n have_v faith_n in_o reality_n all_o of_o this_o sort_n may_v be_v so_o repute_v in_o church-charity_n for_o so_o we_o judge_v of_o adult_n professor_n in_o the_o church_n we_o know_v some_o have_v grace_n in_o reality_n and_o therefore_o we_o judge_v so_o of_o all_o that_o sort_n till_o the_o contrary_n appear_v though_o in_o the_o general_n we_o know_v many_o be_v call_v few_o choose_v and_o what_o other_o ground_n have_v we_o of_o church-proceeding_n with_o church-member_n but_o church-charity_n reas_n 4._o these_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o visible_a saint_n in_o the_o account_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o account_n of_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o &_o 14.33_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n for_o then_o the_o parent_n be_v dead_a the_o child_n survive_v shall_v make_v a_o church_n enjoy_v ordinance_n choose_v officer_n which_o be_v deny_v and_o it_o be_v incredible_a to_o deny_v they_o that_o power_n when_o their_o parent_n be_v alive_a and_o they_o will_v not_o be_v long_o keep_v from_o put_v it_o forth_o though_o they_o may_v for_o a_o while_n reply_n 1._o if_o we_o may_v thus_o argue_v by_o put_v case_n that_o for_o aught_o appear_v never_o yet_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n viz._n that_o all_o the_o member_n in_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o take_v away_o that_o none_o remain_v but_o such_o as_o these_o child_n by_o like_a reason_n one_o may_v prove_v that_o woman_n and_o child_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o all_o the_o man_n die_v they_o shall_v make_v a_o church_n choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n which_o will_v be_v deny_v yea_o thus_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o this_o or_o that_o man_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o all_o man_n die_v but_o one_o or_o two_o they_o can_v make_v a_o church_n etc._n etc._n 2._o be_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n observe_v such_o a_o case_n can_v not_o fall_v out_o for_o as_o mr._n cotton_n answer_v the_o anabaptist_n in_o a_o case_n not_o unlike_o this_o let_v there_o be_v a_o due_a watchfulness_n of_o the_o church_n over_o these_o child_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o either_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o covenant_n will_v sanctify_v their_o heart_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o it_o or_o else_o he_o will_v leave_v they_o to_o discover_v their_o hypocrisy_n and_o profaneness_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o to_o prevent_v the_o pollution_n of_o his_o table_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o discipline_n ground_n and_o end_n of_o baptism_n pag._n 161_o 163._o and_o have_v we_o thus_o do_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v upon_o his_o ordinance_n such_o case_n can_v not_o fall_v out_o neither_o have_v there_o be_v so_o much_o need_v or_o use_v of_o this_o five_o proposition_n that_o be_v now_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n and_o i_o fear_v this_o opposition_n of_o the_o dissenter_n will_v increase_v our_o difficulty_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v so_o much_o danger_n of_o these_o not_o be_v keep_v from_o put_v forth_o a_o power_n to_o choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n if_o they_o be_v train_v up_o under_o church-discipline_n as_o in_o our_o brethren_n way_n who_o acknowledge_v they_o church-member_n and_o can_v rid_v their_o hand_n regular_o of_o