alone_o give_v right_o for_o god_n have_v make_v it_o one_o commandment_n of_o four_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n require_v that_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n be_v attend_v in_o a_o solemn_a humble_a reverent_a and_o profitable_a manner_n and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v meet_a and_o needful_a that_o person_n shall_v both_o know_v and_o own_o the_o covenant-state_n they_o be_v in_o and_o the_o state_n of_o subjection_n to_o christ_n government_n which_o the_o covenant_n place_v they_o in_o especial_o when_o they_o partake_v of_o such_o a_o fruit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o baptism_n for_o their_o child_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v covenant-duty_n when_o they_o come_v for_o covenant_n privilege_n that_o they_o shall_v both_o seek_v and_o attend_v the_o lord_n holy_a ordinance_n though_o it_o be_v their_o right_a never_o so_o much_o in_o humility_n and_o fear_n and_o it_o be_v one_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o they_o give_v up_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v promise_n to_o take_v care_n for_o their_o christian_a education_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v suitable_a that_o they_o be_v mind_v of_o it_o when_o they_o present_v they_o to_o baptism_n and_o the_o more_o explicit_o they_o do_v so_o promise_v it_o be_v the_o better_a hence_o all_o reform_a church_n do_v in_o their_o directory_n and_o practice_n require_v profession_n and_o promise_v of_o parent_n or_o those_o that_o present_v the_o child_n to_o baptism_n and_o appoint_v a_o solemn_a manner_n of_o administration_n and_o stand_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o needful_a duty_n though_o they_o unanimous_o own_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o child_n have_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a right_n to_o baptism_n by_o its_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n see_v english_a liturgy_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n directory_n pag._n 31._o late_o petition_n for_o peace_n pag._n 61_o etc._n etc._n zepperi_fw-la polit._n ecces_n pag_n 128._o &_o pag._n 147_o 150._o alasco_n pag._n 121_o 137._o ratio_fw-la discipl_n bohem._n pag_n 43._o hence_o also_o no_o man_n will_v doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o comfortable_a and_o desirable_a thing_n that_o the_o parent_n do_v address_v himself_o in_o the_o most_o solemn_a serious_a and_o spiritual_a manner_n to_o draw_v nigâ—_n to_o god_n upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n as_o the_o baptise_v of_o a_o child_n by_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n for_o all_o neglect_v and_o breach_n of_o his_o covenant_n by_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o encourage_v promise_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n in_o reference_n unto_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o pour_v out_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o child_n and_o for_o a_o heart_n to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a parent_n towards_o his_o child_n as_o do_v become_v he_o etc._n etc._n and_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o parent_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v stir_v up_o unto_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o their_o duty_n but_o still_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o administration_n or_o to_o the_o better_a and_o more_o comfortable_a attendance_n thereof_o and_o between_o what_o be_v essential_o requisite_a to_o give_v right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o ordinance_n before_o the_o church_n this_o latter_a mere_a membership_n or_o membership_n alone_o do_v a_o state_n of_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v that_o unto_o which_o the_o right_a of_o baptism_n be_v annex_v church_n as_o not_o only_o the_o synod_n but_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o so_o 2._o the_o assertion_n beforementioned_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a membership_n but_o qualify_v membership_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n in_o the_o sense_n above_o give_v be_v also_o antiscriptural_a 1._o because_o it_o direct_o overthrow_v infant-baptism_n which_o the_o scripture_n establish_v for_o what_o have_v infant_n more_o than_o membership_n or_o federal_n holiness_n or_o covenant-interest_n to_o give_v they_o right_o to_o baptism_n i._o e._n what_o have_v they_o more_o than_o this_o that_o they_o be_v regular_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o his_o institution_n therein_o within_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o this_o will_v not_o suffice_v but_o there_o must_v be_v some_o other_o qualification_n beside_o and_o superad_v unto_o this_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o for_o our_o part_n we_o know_v no_o strong_a argument_n for_o infants-baptism_n then_o that_o church_n member_n or_o foederati_fw-la be_v to_o be_v baptize_v the_o infant_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v church-member_n or_o foederati_fw-la ergo._fw-la but_o if_o the_o foresay_a assertion_n hold_v this_o argument_n fail_v and_o fall_v short_a for_o now_o church-membership_a or_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n or_o federal_n holiness_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n but_o there_o must_v be_v more_o than_o this_o to_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n how_o the_o sinew_n of_o the_o strong_a argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n will_v fare_v we_o know_v not_o but_o sure_o we_o be_v that_o this_o cut_n in_o sunder_o the_o sinew_n of_o the_o strong_a argument_n for_o infant-baptism_n which_o must_v fall_v if_o this_o stand_n but_o fall_v it_o never_o will_v through_o grace_n while_o the_o lord_n appointment_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n stand_v viz._n to_o have_v the_o initiate_a seal_n run_v parallel_n with_o the_o covenant_n gen._n 17._o or_o christ_n commission_n matth._n 28.19_o viz._n to_o baptise_v all_o disciple_n or_o all_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n let_v this_o assertion_n therefore_o fall_v which_o make_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n short_a than_o the_o covenant_n and_o deny_v baptism_n to_o run_v parallel_n with_o church-membership_a under_o the_o gospel_n hence_o 2._o it_o contradict_v that_o which_o the_o harmony_n of_o scripture_n and_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v acknowledge_v for_o a_o principle_n viz._n that_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n i._n e._n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v or_o that_o all_o church_n member_n be_v subject_n of_o baptism_n for_o if_o not_o mere_a membership_n or_o membership_n alone_o but_o qualify_v membership_n give_v right_a to_o baptism_n than_o not_o all_o member_n but_o some_o only_a viz._n those_o that_o be_v so_o and_o so_o qualify_v be_v to_o be_v baptize_v if_o baptism_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o mere_a membership_n or_o to_o a_o member_n as_o such_o than_o not_o to_o all_o member_n as_o à _fw-la quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la so_o à _fw-la non_fw-la quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la non_fw-la omne_fw-la valet_fw-la consequentiae_fw-la this_o deny_v not_o only_o in_o the_o five_o but_o the_o first_o proposition_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n which_o yet_o the_o antisynodalia_fw-la pag._n 17._o seem_v to_o consent_n unto_o but_o let_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v give_v from_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v that_o first_o proposition_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n then_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o this_o assertion_n now_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n viz._n because_o john_n be_v baptism_n which_o be_v christian_n baptism_n may_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o some_o who_o be_v stand_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n because_o they_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o repentance_n luke_n 3.8_o &_o 7.30_o therefore_o christian_a baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v unto_o such_o as_o stand_v member_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o they_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n answ._n let_v this_o be_v answer_v with_o reference_n to_o infant-baptism_n which_o lie_v upon_o our_o brethren_n to_o do_v as_o well_o as_o on_o we_o see_v they_o above_o declare_v antipoedobaptism_n to_o be_v a_o sinful_a opinion_n and_o do_v profess_v to_o hold_v and_o maintain_v the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n though_o indeed_o the_o reader_n can_v not_o gather_v so_o much_o from_o these_o word_n christian_n baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v unto_o such_o 〈◊〉_d stand_v member_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o they_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n this_n seem_v direct_o to_o gainsay_v infant-baptism_n for_o infant_n do_v indeed_o stand_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o how_o do_v they_o or_o can_v they_o show_v that_o they_o be_v qualify_v with_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n for_o it_o seem_v that_o neither_o be_v repentance_n itself_o sufficient_a without_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n but_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v our_o brethren_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o oppose_v infant-baptism_n and_o therefore_o that_o their_o meaning_n be_v not_o to_o require_v these_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n or_o qualification_n superad_v to_o membership_n of_o the_o child_n or_o personâ—_n to_o be_v baptize_v but_o of_o their_o parent_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o express_v but_o let_v this_o argument_n
be_v far_o near_a the_o rule_n and_o mind_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o say_v disâ—ple_v 〈◊〉_d nation_n baptise_v they_o then_o to_o baptize_v no_o child_n let_v we_o be_v far_o from_o make_v bucan_n zanchy_a calvin_n perkins_n and_o many_o other_o eminent_a and_o worthy_a divine_n who_o be_v for_o such_o a_o latitude_n of_o baptise_v to_o be_v equal_o erroneous_a with_o the_o anabaptist_n let_v no_o one_o make_v it_o a_o temptation_n to_o himself_o or_o other_o to_o run_v to_o antipâ—â—dâ—baptism_n because_o he_o hear_v the_o assertor_n of_o infant-baptism_n plead_v for_o a_o great_a latitude_n of_o baptism_n than_o he_o think_v be_v or_o perhaps_o then_o indeed_o be_v meet_v error_n in_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o rule_n be_v far_o less_o than_o error_n in_o a_o principle_n anabaptism_n err_v in_o a_o principle_n and_o principal_a rule_n of_o church-constitution_n and_o he_o that_o narrow_o observe_v the_o frame_n of_o christ_n rule_n and_o dispensation_n about_o this_o matter_n will_v find_v much_o of_o that_o maxim_n in_o they_o faveres_fw-la sunt_fw-la ampliandi_fw-la we_o see_v the_o lord_n take_v in_o the_o child_n as_o holy_a if_o but_o one_o of_o the_o parent_n be_v a_o believer_n he_o appoint_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o weak_a as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a we_o find_v not_o that_o the_o apostle_n refuse_v any_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v in_o and_o to_o be_v subject_n of_o christ_n visible_a kingdom_n neither_o be_v person_n or_o people_n utter_o break_v off_o from_o a_o portion_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n till_o after_o all_o mean_n and_o long_a patience_n use_v etc._n etc._n as_o if_o christ_n study_v the_o enlargement_n of_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n among_o man_n i._n e._n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v with_o the_o honour_n or_o his_o holiness_n and_o government_n rather_o then_o the_o straighten_n thereof_o many_o pious-minded_n person_n among_o we_o be_v very_o fearful_a of_o enlarge_n and_o of_o corruption_n that_o way_n but_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o also_o be_v afraid_a of_o grieve_v the_o heart_n of_o christ_n mark_n 10.14_o by_o too_o much_o straighten_n and_o by_o keep_v or_o put_v out_o those_o who_o christ_n take_v in_o for_o we_o may_v not_o take_v away_o or_o diminish_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o more_o than_o we_o may_v add_v thereto_o deut._n 12.32_o the_o lord_n keep_v we_o from_o extreme_n on_o either_o hand_n and_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o right_n middle_a way_n that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o will_n but_o the_o preface_n go_v on_o neither_o can_v we_o plead_v guilty_a unto_o that_o charge_n that_o we_o deny_v all_o church-membership_a unto_o any_o â—_z we_o only_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v personal_n and_o immediate_a member_n indeed_o as_o personal_a membership_n be_v take_v subjectiuâ—ly_o 138._o so_o we_o say_v it_o be_v in_o infant_n i._n e._n their_o person_n be_v recipient_n of_o the_o adjunct_n of_o church_n membership_n but_o as_o personal_a membership_n be_v take_v formal_o i._n e._n for_o such_o as_o have_v by_o they_o â—â—tes_v in_o their_o own_o person_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o his_o people_n so_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o personal_a church-membership_a ans._n it_o be_v pity_n to_o clog_v and_o cloud_v the_o plain_a thing_n of_o carâ—â—â—_n with_o intricate_a distinction_n which_o do_v rather_o bemist_n and_o puzzle_v the_o reader_n understanding_n then_o enlighten_v it_o one_o will_v think_v it_o shall_v suffice_v man_n to_o know_v that_o their_o child_n be_v by_o the_o lordsrich_a grace_n and_o appointment_n in_o their_o own_o person_n within_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o dispute_v whether_o they_o be_v so_o subjective_o or_o formal_o etc._n etc._n and_o shall_v such_o distinction_n pass_v for_o currant_n what_o other_o use_n they_o will_v be_v of_o we_o know_v not_o but_o sure_o we_o be_v they_o will_v do_v great_a service_n to_o the_o anabaptist_n though_o we_o believe_v that_o be_v not_o the_o intendment_n of_o our_o brethren_n to_o comply_v with_o or_o build_v up_o anabaptism_n but_o we_o be_v not_o now_o speak_v to_o intention_n or_o person_n but_o to_o argument_n and_o distinction_n in_o themselves_o consider_v for_o suppose_v one_o give_v this_o argument_n for_o infant-baptism_n and_o indeed_o we_o know_v not_o a_o better_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v infant_n of_o confederate_a parent_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n ergo._fw-la how_o ready_o may_v it_o be_v answer_v that_o personal_n and_o immediate_a member_n or_o they_o that_o have_v personal_a membership_n formal_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v but_o not_o mediate_v and_o not-personal_a member_n or_o they_o that_o have_v it_o not_o formal_o but_o subjective_o only_a we_o have_v know_v a_o antipoedebaptist_n fly_v to_o this_o as_o his_o sheat-anchor_n infant_n be_v member_n â—ut_v how_o why_o not_o personal_a member_n but_o member_n in_o their_o parent_n and_o so_o let_v they_o be_v baptize_v mediate_o in_o their_o parent_n and_o not_o in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o indeed_o why_o shall_v the_o seal_n of_o membership_n be_v immediate_o and_o formal_o apply_v to_o their_o own_o person_n if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o person_n immediate_a and_o formal_a or_o formal_o member_n but_o let_v we_o search_v a_o little_a into_o this_o distinction_n between_o personal_a membership_n as_o take_v subjective_o and_o the_o same_o as_o take_v formal_o and_o see_v what_o there_o be_v in_o it_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n for_o that_o child_n be_v personal_a and_o immediate_a member_n be_v assert_v and_o prove_v by_o the_o synod_n but_o deny_v by_o our_o brethren_n and_o this_o distinction_n be_v here_o bring_v to_o bear_v up_o that_o denial_n or_o to_o tell_v we_o in_o what_o sense_n they_o deny_v personal_a membership_n to_o infant_n it_o be_v sometime_o roundly_o deny_v that_o infant_n be_v personal_a member_n now_o it_o be_v deny_v with_o a_o distinction_n they_o be_v personal_a member_n say_v they_o subjective_o but_o not_o formal_o answ._n 1._o if_o infant_n be_v member_n they_o be_v formal_o so_o for_o forma_fw-la est_fw-la per_fw-la quam_fw-la res_fw-la est_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la est_fw-la if_o we_o say_v such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o man_n a_o father_n a_o master_n etc._n etc._n we_o must_v mean_v that_o he_o be_v formal_o a_o man_n or_o have_v the_o form_n of_o a_o man_n etc._n etc._n he_o be_v not_o a_o member_n that_o have_v not_o the_o form_n of_o a_o member_n to_o say_v he_o be_v a_o member_n and_o to_o deny_v he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o member_n be_v to_o say_v and_o unsay_v 2._o it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o as_o personal_a membership_n be_v take_v subjective_o so_o it_o be_v in_o infant_n i._n e._n their_o person_n be_v recipient_n of_o the_o adjunct_n of_o church-membership_a we_o demand_v whether_o this_o do_v not_o full_o yield_v the_o cause_n and_o give_v we_o as_o much_o as_o we_o need_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n for_o if_o the_o person_n of_o the_o infant_n be_v recipient_a of_o the_o adjunct_n of_o church-membership_a then_o of_o formal_a church-membership_a it_o be_v not_o church-membership_a if_o it_o want_v the_o form_n then_o formal_a or_o proper_a church-membership_a do_v cleave_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o infant_n then_o the_o person_n of_o this_o infant_n be_v formal_o a_o church-member_n or_o he_o be_v a_o personal_a formal_a member_n he_o need_v no_o more_o to_o render_v he_o a_o personal_a formal_a member_n or_o formal_o a_o personal_a member_n then_o to_o have_v the_o adjunct_n of_o church-membership_a upon_o he_o or_o cleave_v to_o his_o person_n for_o membership_n as_o all_o such_o 〈◊〉_d relation_n fatherhood_n sonship_n etc._n etc._n be_v but_o a_o adjunct_n it_o enter_v not_o into_o the_o essence_n of_o any_o man_n but_o cleave_v to_o he_o as_o a_o adjunct_n and_o so_o no_o man_n be_v more_o than_o subjective_o a_o member_n the_o most_o formal_o personal_a member_n that_o be_v be_v but_o subjective_o a_o member_n in_o this_o sense_n i._n e._n he_o be_v a_o subject_a recipient_a of_o membership_n or_o one_o that_o have_v the_o adjunct_n of_o membership_n cleave_v to_o he_o if_o therefore_o the_o person_n of_o the_o infant_n be_v recipient_a of_o the_o adjunct_n of_o church-membership_a than_o he_o be_v a_o personal_a formal_a member_n or_o formal_o a_o personal_a member_n for_o his_o person_n have_v the_o form_n of_o membership_n upon_o it_o or_o cleave_v to_o it_o 3._o when_o it_o be_v say_v but_o as_o personal_a membership_n be_v take_v formal_o i._n e._n for_o such_o as_o have_v by_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o person_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o his_o people_n so_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o personal_a membership_n what_o logic_n be_v this_o to_o put_v the_o efficient_a for_o
by_o his_o generate_a he_o so_o also_o of_o his_o church-membership_a by_o his_o confederate_n for_o he_o and_o this_o by_o god_n institution_n and_o see_v the_o person_n of_o the_o child_n have_v a_o membership_n of_o its_o own_o affix_v to_o it_o as_o the_o foresay_a grant_n import_v and_o that_o from_o god_n from_o god_n covenant_n and_o institution_n as_o well_o as_o the_o person_n of_o the_o parent_n why_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o child_n do_v after_o this_o depend_v upon_o the_o membership_n or_o covenant_n of_o the_o parent_n and_o not_o rather_o upon_o god_n covenant_n and_o institution_n so_o as_o to_o live_v and_o die_v according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o appointment_n thereof_o and_o not_o otherwise_o hence_o the_o membership_n wherewith_o the_o person_n of_o the_o child_n be_v clothe_v by_o god_n institution_n die_v not_o till_o either_o the_o person_n of_o the_o child_n die_v or_o till_o by_o some_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n he_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o membership_n for_o his_o own_o sin_n neither_o must_v it_o be_v yield_v that_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o parent_n do_v proper_o and_o formal_o cut_v off_o the_o infant-childe_n that_o be_v bear_v before_o such_o excommunication_n we_o say_v properly_z and_o formal_o for_o consequential_o and_o eventual_o it_o may_v bring_v the_o child_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o also_o as_o in_o case_n the_o parent_n desperate_o go_v away_o from_o the_o church_n among_o heretic_n and_o infidel_n and_o bring_v up_o the_o child_n to_o serve_v other_o god_n but_o so_o it_o may_v be_v with_o a_o wife_n carry_v away_o by_o such_o a_o husband_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v she_o from_o have_v a_o personal_a distinct_a proper_a and_o immediate_a membership_n nor_o make_v his_o cut_n off_o to_o be_v she_o also_o but_o suppose_v a_o parent_n and_o child_n that_o live_v and_o continue_v among_o we_o the_o parent_n have_v a_o company_n of_o child_n all_o in_o their_o minority_n be_v for_o his_o wickedness_n cast_v out_o and_o continue_v impenitent_a die_v in_o that_o estate_n to_o say_v that_o all_o these_o child_n who_o be_v bear_v and_o baptise_a in_o the_o church_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o membership_n hereby_o be_v a_o strange_a assertion_n for_o 1._o this_o will_v make_v a_o infant-childe_n to_o be_v a_o subject_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v before_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o natural_a capacity_n and_o demerit_n right_o deny_v 2._o if_o a_o parent_n in_o israel_n be_v for_o his_o sin_n cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n be_v the_o child_n that_o he_o leave_v behind_o he_o therefore_o exclude_v from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v sure_a in_o crime_n capital_o punish_v of_o which_o cut_v off_o from_o their_o people_n be_v sometime_o plain_o mean_v exod._n 31.14_o 15._o levit._fw-la 17.4_o &_o 18.29_o &_o 20.18_o the_o child_n be_v not_o to_o die_v for_o the_o father_n sin_n deut._n 24.16_o 2_o chron._n 25.4_o jer._n 31.30_o ezek._n 18.20_o and_o be_v there_o not_o the_o like_a reason_n of_o other_o punishment_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a yea_o that_o cut_v off_o from_o their_o people_n appoint_v in_o the_o law_n be_v conceive_v by_o judicious_a interpreter_n to_o be_v in_o some_o place_n most_o proper_o mean_v of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a death_n 17.14_o or_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o people_n and_o church_n of_o god_n by_o excommunication_n but_o however_o it_o hold_v a_o proportion_n with_o excommunication_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o child_n may_v be_v bar_v from_o a_o right_n or_o privilegde_v that_o he_o neâ—er_v have_v by_o the_o sin_n or_o condition_n of_o the_o parent_n so_o heathen_a child_n be_v unclean_a and_o without_o because_o their_o parent_n be_v so_o hence_o child_n bear_v after_o the_o parent_n excommunication_n be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o a_o right_n or_o privilege_n which_o â—e_v once_o â—ad_a and_o be_v possess_v of_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o child_n former_o bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o own_a as_o member_n by_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n this_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o proper_a formal_a punishment_n or_o censure_n and_o this_o be_v inflict_v upon_o none_o but_o for_o his_o own_o sin_n a_o parent_n civil_o or_o natural_o dead_a can_v after_o that_o bring_v forth_o child_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n nor_o can_v a_o parent_n ecclesiastical_o dead_a he_o so_o continue_a bring_v forth_o child_n to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o child_n that_o be_v already_o member_n of_o the_o one_o society_n or_o of_o the_o other_o be_v not_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o therefrom_o for_o their_o parent_n sin_n 3._o that_o if_o the_o root_n be_v destroy_v the_o branch_n can_v live_v be_v a_o truth_n in_o nature_n of_o branch_n grow_v on_o the_o same_o tree_n but_o if_o these_o branch_n be_v take_v and_o set_v upon_o a_o stâ—ck_n and_o root_n of_o their_o own_o though_o but_o as_o in_o a_o nursery_n than_o they_o do_v not_o die_v when_o the_o old_a tree_n die_v or_o be_v cut_v up_o by_o the_o root_n and_o so_o be_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n these_o child_n be_v insert_v and_o implant_v into_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o own_o person_n as_o be_v but_o now_o grant_v when_o it_o be_v say_v the_o person_n of_o these_o infant_n do_v receive_v the_o adjunct_n of_o of_o church-membership_a and_o that_o their_o person_n be_v â—rought_v under_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v so_o far_o take_v root_n therein_o as_o to_o receive_v not_o from_o their_o parent_n but_o from_o the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o soil_n and_o faâ—ness_n thereof_o the_o sap_n and_o nourishment_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v also_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o establishment_n or_o root_n of_o their_o membership_n branch_n include_v and_o contain_v in_o the_o root_n as_o child_n yet_o unborn_a or_o not_o bear_v till_o after_o excommunication_n be_v break_v off_o or_o rather_o leave_v without_o together_o with_o their_o parent_n but_o not_o such_o branch_n as_o be_v already_o sever_v from_o the_o root_n and_o plant_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n as_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n our_o child_n be_v isa._n 5.7_o 4._o that_o death_n do_v not_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o outward_a covenant_n which_o excommunication_n do_v be_v a_o notion_n that_o we_o understand_v not_o we_o shall_v have_v think_v that_o outward_a membership_n or_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a institute_v church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o use_n of_o all_o outward_a ordinance_n 7._o or_o institute_v worship_n have_v everlasting_o cease_v at_o death_n the_o end_n duty_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o outward_a membership_n do_v then_o cease_v and_o so_o the_o membership_n itself_o the_o lord_n know_v how_o many_o may_v from_o outward_a membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n drop_v to_o hell_n and_o do_v not_o their_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o membership_n and_o if_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o outward_a membership_n it_o put_v a_o end_n to_o outward_a covenant_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o question_n i._n e._n as_o to_o the_o person_n that_o die_v indeed_o it_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o other_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o be_v survive_v and_o neither_o do_v excommunication_n so_o do_v but_o the_o person_n of_o the_o parent_n lose_v his_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n when_o he_o die_v as_o well_o as_o when_o he_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o hence_o if_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o child_n do_v live_v and_o die_v with_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o parent_n there_o will_v be_v a_o cessation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o one_o case_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o a_o parent_n faith_n prayer_n and_o covenant_n may_v live_v though_o hiâ—_n self_n be_v dead_a but_o how_o i._o e._n virtual_o in_o the_o virtue_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o and_o how_o be_v that_o why_o the_o promise_n make_v by_o god_n to_o the_o faith_n prayer_n and_o profession_n or_o covenant_v of_o a_o godly_a parent_n that_o live_v and_o abide_v and_o take_v effect_n so_o than_o it_o be_v neither_o the_o parent_n nor_o his_o membership_n but_o god_n covenant_n that_o live_v take_v in_o the_o child_n that_o be_v beget_v or_o bear_v of_o confederate_a parent_n to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o continue_v they_o till_o by_o some_o rule_n or_o appointment_n of_o his_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o like_a manner_n though_o the_o parent_n by_o his_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n have_v deprive_v himself_o of_o a_o portion_n in_o israel_n and_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n yet_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n live_v and_o stand_v to_o the_o child_n who_o he_o have_v
particular_a person_n and_o salvation_n that_o thousand_o be_v in_o the_o viâ—â—ble_a church_n that_o shall_v never_o see_v heaven_n that_o outward_a privilege_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rest_v in_o but_o improvedâ—s_a â—s_z help_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o internal_a and_o special_a grace_n that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o accept_v of_o probable_a sign_n but_o no_o man_n for_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o rest_v without_o certain_a sign_n of_o grace_n hence_o the_o indefinite_a promise_n and_o other_o general_a indefinite_a token_n of_o a_o good_a estate_n 〈◊〉_d such_o as_o decipher_v that_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v gracious_a and_o many_o of_o who_o be_v so_o though_o many_o be_v not_o â—s_a child_n of_o the_o covenant_n professor_n of_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v ground_n for_o the_o church_n to_o proceed_v upon_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o outward_a 〈◊〉_d especial_o that_o of_o baptism_n that_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o first_o be_v of_o grace_n but_o they_o be_v not_o ground_n for_o any_o to_o rest_v oâ—_n acquiesce_v in_o as_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o sum_n while_o we_o keep_v a_o due_a distinction_n between_o the_o outward_a and_o inward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o between_o the_o respective_a â—_z and_o ground_n of_o each_o there_o be_v no_o tendency_n unto_o harden_v therein_o but_o indeed_o 〈…〉_z and_o do_v tie_v visible_a church-interest_n unto_o such_o condition_n and_o qualification_n as_o be_v repute_v enough_o to_o salvation_n this_o may_v tend_v to_o harden_v man_n and_o to_o make_v they_o conceit_n that_o if_o once_o they_o be_v get_v into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v sure_a of_o heaven_n when_o 〈◊〉_d it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v far_o from_o it_o 2._o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o contrary_a assertion_n to_o this_o of_o our_o brethren_n here_o for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o deny_v the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o strong_a tendency_n in_o it_o to_o make_v they_o cease_v from_o fear_v the_o lord_n or_o to_o harden_v their_o heart_n from_o his_o fear_n josh._n 22.24_o 25_o 27._o and_o that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o encouragement_n and_o awful_a obligation_n of_o covenant-interest_n do_v great_o tend_v to_o softâ—â—_n and_o break_v the_o heart_n and_o to_o draw_v it_o home_o unto_o god_n hence_o the_o lord_n often_o begin_v with_o this_o that_o he_o be_v their_o god_n viz._n in_o outward_a covenant_n and_o they_o his_o people_n when_o he_o will_v most_o powerful_o win_v and_o draw_v they_o to_o faith_n and_o obedience_n psal._n 81.8_o 10._o levit._fw-la 19.3_o 4._o deut._n 14.1_o 2._o hosea_n 14.1_o act._n 2.38_o 39_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o can_v through_o grace_n witness_n unto_o this_o of_o what_o use_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o lord_n prevent_v grace_n in_o his_o seal_a covenant_n and_o their_o engagement_n to_o he_o thereby_o have_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o turn_n unto_o god_n so_o jer._n 31.18_o &_o 3.22_o gal._n 1.15_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o natural_a tendency_n in_o man_n corrupt_a heart_n not_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o truth_n or_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o lead_v he_o to_o turn_v grace_n into_o wantonness_n and_o to_o abuse_v outward_a privilege_n and_o ordinance_n unto_o a_o self-hardning_a security_n and_o carnal_a confidence_n jer._n 7.4_o mat._n 3.9_o rom._n 2.17_o phil._n 3.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o but_o be_v this_o any_o argument_n against_o the_o lord_n or_o the_o church_n give_v man_n a_o portion_n in_o his_o temple_n and_o ordinance_n because_o they_o be_v prone_a so_o to_o abuse_v they_o confidence_n in_o outward_a visible_a qualification_n for_o full_a communion_n be_v but_o a_o vain_a and_o carnal_a thing_n yet_o man_n be_v prone_a enough_o to_o it_o and_o have_v need_n by_o the_o ministry_n be_v take_v off_o from_o it_o but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o deny_v or_o scruple_n their_o admission_n thereunto_o 4._o if_o one_o shall_v bring_v such_o a_o argument_n as_o this_o against_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n viz._n that_o it_o will_v harden_v they_o and_o bolster_v they_o up_o in_o their_o sinful_a natural_a condition_n we_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v count_v a_o poor_a argument_n and_o of_o no_o validity_n and_o yet_o it_o hold_v as_o well_o against_o the_o baptise_v of_o any_o infant_n as_o of_o these_o in_o question_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o baptise_v of_o these_o in_o question_n harden_v the_o parent_n ans._n not_o at_o all_o in_o the_o way_n we_o go_v any_o more_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o child_n baptism_n then_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o baptism_n which_o he_o receive_v in_o infancy_n for_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v any_o more_o than_o federal_a holiness_n and_o that_o he_o have_v when_o he_o be_v a_o infant_n on_o that_o ground_n be_v he_o baptise_a then_o and_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n be_v his_o child_n baptise_a now_o if_o he_o have_v any_o more_o he_o may_v have_v the_o more_o comfort_n in_o it_o but_o simple_o to_o have_v his_o child_n baptise_a on_o the_o ground_n we_o go_v upon_o affirm_v no_o more_o but_o this_o because_o we_o ground_n all_o upon_o federal_a holiness_n or_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o dispense_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o clothe_v with_o the_o external_a dispensation_n or_o administration_n thereof_o and_o so_o it_o do_v next_o and_o immediate_o seal_v the_o external_a dispensation_n or_o the_o promise_v and_o privilege_n that_o belong_v thereto_o which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o then_o it_o seal_v the_o inward_a and_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o include_v in_o that_o dispensation_n and_o upon_o the_o condition_n therein_o propound_v baptism_n seal_v the_o whole_a covenant_n and_o whole_a dispensation_n thereof_o i._n e._n 1._o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o outward_o to_o all_o that_o have_v a_o external_a stand_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o dispensation_n and_o communication_n of_o it_o inward_o effectual_o and_o save_o to_o all_o that_o true_o do_v believe_v 2._o that_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o entrance_n into_o the_o covenant_n thus_o consider_v it_o seal_v the_o whole_a covenant_n but_o by_o way_n of_o initiation_n so_o dr._n ames_n in_o the_o place_n that_o be_v here_o quote_v medul_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 40._o thes._n 5_o 6._o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o initiation_n or_o regeneration_n for_o although_o it_o do_v at_o once_o seal_v the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o faithful_a yet_o by_o a_o singular_a appropriation_n it_o represent_v and_o confirm_v our_o very_a engraft_v into_o christ_n rom._n 6.3_o 5._o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o thesis_n 10._o those_o benefit_n be_v seal_v by_o way_n of_o initiation_n in_o baptism_n and_o from_o thence_o the_o judicious_a doctor_n make_v that_o inference_n that_o suit_v and_o clear_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n thes._n 11._o hence_o baptism_n ought_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n now_o first_o enter_v into_o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n seal_v up_o unto_o the_o party_n baptize_v all_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v in_o season_n communicate_v and_o enjoy_v from_o step_n to_o step_v through_o the_o whole_a progress_n of_o christianity_n from_o this_o first_o beginning_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n hence_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n or_o that_o have_v but_o a_o first_o entrance_n thereinto_o child_n as_o well_o as_o other_o though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o such_o faith_n and_o growth_n as_o import_v that_o progress_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o fruition_n of_o the_o comfort_n and_o â—ruits_n thereof_o that_o be_v seal_v up_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o ready_o grant_v and_o say_v that_o â—â—ne_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n apply_v in_o thâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d those_o that_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o by_o faith_n unless_o you_o can_v show_v we_o any_o other_o way_n of_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n but_o by_o faith_n but_o withal_o we_o affâ—â—m_o and_o prove_v that_o the_o child_n in_o question_n have_v interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o know_a tenor_n thereof_o gen._n 17.7_o and_o therefore_o that_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v
before_o take_v into_o covenant_n and_o plant_v in_o his_o house_n to_o call_v it_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o to_o say_v that_o child_n membership_n be_v dependent_a upon_o that_o be_v too_o crude_a a_o pâ—râ—se_n and_o too_o much_o abuse_v by_o many_o ascribe_v that_o to_o the_o parent_n and_o to_o their_o profession_n or_o act_n in_o covenant_v which_o belong_v most_o proper_o to_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n it_o be_v god_n covenant_n that_o take_v in_o both_o parent_n and_o child_n alas_o what_o be_v parent_n and_o what_o can_v all_o their_o profession_n and_o faith_n and_o act_n do_v if_o god_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o take_v they_o into_o covenant_n now_o god_n take_v the_o child_n into_o his_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n and_o it_o be_v god_n covenant_n and_o institution_n that_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o chide_v depend_v upon_o and_o with_o which_o alone_a it_o lâ—ves_v and_o die_v but_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o preface_n true_a it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v make_v much_o use_n of_o that_o distinction_n of_o immediate_a and_o mediate_v member_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o carry_v a_o mighty_a and_o constrain_a evidence_n of_o scripture-light_n along_o with_o it_o etc._n etc._n ans._n we_o must_v needs_o say_v this_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o when_o as_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o scripture_n bring_v either_o here_o or_o in_o the_o book_n follow_v to_o make_v good_a or_o hold_v forth_o such_o a_o distinction_n in_o stead_n of_o scripture_n here_o be_v some_o author_n straight_o name_v not_o to_o attest_v the_o distinction_n of_o immediate_a and_o mediate_v it_o seeâ—s_v that_o can_v be_v find_v no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o author_n but_o of_o complete_a and_o incomplete_a to_o which_o the_o answer_n be_v ready_a 1._o if_o some_o author_n have_v so_o distinguish_v member_n yet_o where_o be_v such_o a_o distinction_n of_o membership_n at_o least_o purposely_o so_o intend_v as_o to_o makâ—_n several_a sort_n or_o kind_n of_o membership_n specifical_o differ_v as_o be_v express_o say_v of_o the_o distinction_n here_o plead_v for_o in_o the_o book_n pag_n 37._o dr_n ames_n in_o the_o place_n here_o cite_v do_v not_o say_v of_o infant_n non_fw-la sunt_fw-la 〈◊〉_d membra_fw-la but_o perfecta_fw-la membra_fw-la neither_o do_v he_o say_v non_fw-la sunt_fw-la perfecta_fw-la but_o non_fw-la sunt_fw-la adeo_fw-la perfecta_fw-la membra_fw-la they_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_a member_n say_v he_o of_o the_o church_n as_o that_o they_o can_v exercise_v act_n of_o communion_n or_o be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o all_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o plain_o refer_v the_o imperfection_n or_o incompleatness_n not_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o their_o membership_n but_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o privilege_n hence_o 2._o their_o distinction_n of_o member_n into_o complete_a and_o incomplete_a be_v be_v candid_o take_v as_o much_o as_o our_o distinction_n of_o member_n into_o such_o as_o be_v in_o â—ull_a or_o complete_a communion_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o full_a communion_n which_o distinction_n we_o have_v and_o we_o hope_v just_o make_v great_a use_n of_o and_o for_o such_o a_o distinction_n reâ—â—ipsa_n loquor_fw-la all_o that_o be_v within_o of_o or_o belong_v to_o such_o a_o society_n whether_o family_n commonwealth_n or_o church_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o say_v to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o society_n but_o all_o be_v not_o equal_a in_o participation_n of_o privilege_n therein_o some_o have_v a_o more_o full_a or_o complete_a 〈◊〉_d and_o portion_n therein_o and_o some_o have_v less_o all_o christ_n scholar_n or_o disciple_n be_v not_o of_o the_o high_a form_n nor_o be_v all_o his_o subject_n betrust_v with_o the_o key_n of_o his_o kingdom_n nor_o all_o his_o child_n past_o their_o nonage_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o disciple_n in_o his_o school_n subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n child_n of_o his_o family_n i._n e._n member_n oâ—_n the_o visible_a church_n but_o such_o a_o distinction_n as_o make_v several_a sort_n of_o membership_n specifical_o different_a we_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v clear_v and_o confirm_v either_o from_o scripture_n or_o author_n or_o from_o sound_a reason_n sundry_a distinction_n or_o sort_n of_o member_n may_v easy_o be_v give_v as_o some_o member_n be_v in_o office_n in_o the_o church_n some_o out_o of_o office_n some_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o not_o of_o the_o power_n of_o vote_v as_o woman_n some_o of_o both_o some_o have_v only_o initial_a privilege_n some_o all_o ames_n medul_a lib_fw-la 1._o cap_n 32._o thes._n â—_o 3._o but_o these_o be_v but_o distribution_n ex_fw-la adjunctis_fw-la and_o do_v not_o touch_v or_o vary_v the_o essence_n of_o membership_n nor_o make_v several_a sort_n thereof_o nor_o do_v these_o distinction_n and_o degree_n of_o member_n in_o the_o church_n arise_v simple_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o membership_n or_o from_o any_o difference_n therein_o but_o from_o something_o superad_v unto_o membership_n as_o a_o officer_n be_v not_o more_o a_o member_n then_o another_o but_o his_o dignity_n and_o place_n in_o the_o church_n arise_v from_o somewhat_o superad_v unto_o membership_n viz._n his_o office_n a_o man_n be_v not_o more_o a_o member_n then_o a_o woman_n though_o he_o have_v a_o power_n and_o privilege_n in_o the_o church_n beside_o and_o above_o bare_a membership_n which_o the_o woman_n have_v not_o so_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v not_o more_o or_o more_o true_o proper_o immediate_o and_o personal_o member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o child_n be_v but_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o more_o and_o further_a qualification_n or_o to_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o growth_n in_o the_o church_n be_v by_o rule_n admit_v to_o mor_o privilege_n than_o they_o thus_o in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n there_o be_v many_o sort_n of_o subject_n some_o bear_v office_n some_o not_o some_o admit_v to_o election_n of_o officer_n some_z not_o some_o capable_a of_o plead_v and_o answer_v for_o themselves_o in_o law_n some_o be_v not_o but_o yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o subject_a and_o who_o ever_o make_v a_o specifical_a distinction_n of_o that_o so_o as_o to_o say_v in_o that_o sense_n some_o be_v mediate_v subject_n and_o some_o immediate_a the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o a_o family_n where_o the_o young_a child_n be_v as_o true_o proper_o personal_o and_o immediate_o a_o member_n of_o the_o family_n as_o the_o most_o grow_a person_n though_o as_o to_o power_n and_o privilege_n therein_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n so_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n all_o the_o part_n be_v not_o a_o eye_n a_o hand_n etc._n etc._n but_o all_o be_v member_n and_o the_o mean_a part_n be_v as_o well_o a_o member_n as_o the_o most_o noble_a 1_o cer._n 12._o 12_o 25._o now_o there_o be_v the_o like_a reason_n as_o to_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o membership_n in_o â—_o church-society_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o that_o of_o a_o kingdom_n faâ—â—ly_o and_o of_o the_o natural_a body_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o discourse_n upon_o the_o second_o objection_n in_o the_o three_o place_n our_o brethren_n set_v down_o this_o position_n or_o opinion_n as_o that_o which_o be_v object_v against_o they_o that_o a_o person_n who_o be_v a_o church-member_n may_v become_v no_o member_n by_o a_o act_n or_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o without_o any_o church-act_n in_o censure_v of_o he_o and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d be_v they_o say_v most_o true_a it_o be_v thâ—t_o we_o do_v maintain_v this_o and_o for_o prooâ—_n thereof_o they_o suppoâ—e_v 〈…〉_z of_o a_o english_a fugitive_n of_o one_o turn_v turk_n who_o be_v never_o censure_v by_o any_o church_n ans._n the_o position_n object_v against_o they_o if_o it_o be_v pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n must_v run_v thus_o that_o a_o person_n who_o be_v a_o church-member_n may_v become_v no_o member_n by_o a_o aâ—â—_n or_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o without_o any_o church-act_n in_o censure_v of_o hiâ—_n and_o without_o 〈…〉_z censure_n on_o his_o part_n or_o though_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o deserve_v any_o church-censure_n and_o be_v not_o censurable_a by_o any_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n for_o so_o the_o word_n â—f_o the_o synod_n â—_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o controvert_v five_o proposition_n do_v express_o speak_v put_v that_o as_o a_o 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o person_n admit_v member_n and_o seal_v by_o baptism_n not_o cast_v out_o nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v may_v the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v still_o remain_v become_v a_o non-member_n and_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o unclean_a world_n pag._n 26._o now_o put_v but_o this_o into_o the_o objection_n here_o mention_v without_o
with_o they_o and_o so_o he_o do_v now_o in_o the_o six_o place_n the_o application_n say_v the_o preface_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n unto_o those_o who_o be_v not_o true_a believer_n we_o mean_v visible_o for_o de_fw-fr occultis_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la be_v a_o profanation_n thereof_o and_o as_o dreadful_a a_o sin_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n unto_o unworthy_a receiver_n we_o marvel_v that_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o as_o muâ—h_v profane_v and_o vilify_v by_o undue_a administration_n of_o baptism_n as_o by_o undue_a administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n ans_fw-fr it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o the_o red_a to_o gather_v out_o of_o all_o that_o be_v here_o say_v a_o reason_n of_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n for_o we_o ready_o grant_v and_o say_v that_o baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o but_o visible_a believer_n take_v visible_a believer_n as_o a_o term_n equivalent_a to_o federally_n holy_n as_o the_o term_n believer_n or_o faithful_a be_v sometime_o in_o scripture_n so_o take_v isaâ—_n 1.21_o 2_o cor._n 6.15_o and_o often_o in_o author_n but_o that_o the_o person_n in_o question_n both_o parent_n and_o child_n be_v visible_a believer_n be_v also_o by_o the_o synod_n assert_v and_o prove_v and_o here_o be_v nothing_o say_v to_o disprove_v it_o but_o when_o as_o our_o brethren_n here_o say_v that_o the_o application_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n unto_o those_o who_o be_v not_o visible_o true_a believer_n be_v a_o profanation_n thereof_o in_o which_o be_v right_o explain_v we_o gainsay_v they_o not_o and_o yet_o in_o their_o 〈◊〉_d pag._n 20._o do_v hold_v forth_o that_o infant_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v faith_n it_o will_v lie_v upon_o they_o to_o show_v how_o they_o apply_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n to_o infant_n without_o a_o profanation_n thereof_o it_o be_v pity_n that_o so_o many_o passage_n be_v drop_v here_o and_o there_o that_o do_v though_o we_o hope_v not_o in_o their_o intention_n clasâ—_n with_o the_o baptise_v of_o â—_z here_o be_v also_o express_v a_o marvel_n that_o any_o shall_v think_v etc._n etc._n but_o we_o may_v answer_v with_o a_o marvel_n that_o any_o shall_v speak_v as_o if_o any_o of_o we_o do_v think_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o profane_v by_o undue_a administration_n of_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o by_o undue_a administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n whether_o as_o much_o or_o no_o in_o point_n of_o degree_n we_o will_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o dispute_v though_o we_o suppose_v the_o degree_n of_o sinful_a pollution_n or_o profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n name_v in_o any_o ordinance_n will_v be_v intend_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o special_a communion_n that_o we_o have_v with_o christ_n in_o that_o ordinance_n and_o by_o the_o danger_n that_o such_o pollution_n infer_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a partaker_n which_o will_v hardly_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v more_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n then_o in_o baptism_n but_o whether_o the_o profanation_n be_v as_o great_a or_o no_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v very_o great_a and_o so_o great_a as_o that_o every_o pious_a conscientious_a person_n shall_v fear_v to_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o the_o undue_a administration_n of_o baptism_n but_o where_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n to_o show_v that_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n point_v to_o by_o the_o synod_n be_v undue_a or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o undue_a administration_n of_o baptism_n to_o extend_v it_o further_o than_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o to_o administer_v baptism_n to_o some_o unto_o who_o we_o do_v not_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n if_o the_o rule_n and_o institution_n concern_v these_o two_o sacrament_n do_v extend_v the_o one_o further_o than_o the_o other_o as_o it_o plain_o do_v when_o it_o appoint_v baptism_n to_o all_o disciple_n or_o to_o run_v parallel_n with_o federal_a holiness_n mat._n 28.19_o but_o the_o lord_n supper_n only_o to_o self-examining_a disciple_n 1_o cor._n 11.28_o than_o the_o one_o may_v be_v extend_v further_a than_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o one_o no_o more_o undue_a or_o irregular_a and_o pollute_v then_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o other_o sure_o he_o that_o hold_v that_o baptism_n may_v and_o the_o lord_n supper_n may_v not_o be_v administer_v unto_o infant_n as_o we_o suppose_v our_o brethren_n do_v he_o grant_v that_o baptism_n may_v be_v extend_v further_a than_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o any_o such_o sacrilegious_a impiety_n dreadful_a profâ—rtation_n or_o prostitution_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v here_o harsh_o enough_o express_v neither_o do_v judicious_a calvin_n part_n of_o who_o zealous_a expression_n against_o the_o promiscuous_a administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v here_o cite_v in_o the_o preface_n ever_o imagine_v or_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v any_o such_o profanation_n to_o extend_v baptism_n further_o than_o the_o lord_n supper_n yea_o and_o further_o than_o the_o synod_n do_v when_o as_o he_o set_v down_o that_o answer_n in_o his_o catechism_n that_o be_v above_o allege_a and_o practise_v according_o it_o be_v well_o know_v the_o synod_n do_v not_o pleâ—d_v for_o that_o largeness_n in_o either_o of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o calvin_n allow_v but_o to_o extend_v the_o one_o further_o than_o the_o other_o be_v never_o account_v sacrilegious_a impiety_n in_o orthodox_n divinity_n it_o be_v here_o add_v that_o austin_n plead_v for_o strictness_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o tertullian_n beâ—ore_v he_o but_o do_v either_o of_o they_o pleâ—d_n for_o great_a strictness_n than_o the_o synod_n do_v unless_o where_o tertullian_n erroneous_o and_o weak_o plead_v for_o the_o delay_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v note_v 83._o for_o one_o of_o his_o navi_fw-la certain_o man_n will_v say_v when_o they_o look_v upon_o what_o be_v publish_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o their_o wary_a qualify_a of_o the_o five_o proposition_n about_o which_o the_o controversy_n be_v that_o they_o be_v for_o much_o strictness_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o many_o will_v think_v we_o too_o strict_a we_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v show_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o austin_n that_o will_v speak_v he_o to_o be_v against_o the_o baptise_v of_o such_o as_o the_o synod_n plead_v for_o yea_o he_o require_v not_o more_o of_o adult_n convert_v from_o heathenism_n for_o their_o own_o baptism_n then_o be_v in_o the_o parent_n who_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o synod_n that_o book_n of_o his_o de_fw-la fide_fw-la &_o operibus_fw-la be_v against_o the_o baptise_v of_o notorious_a scandalous_a liver_n who_o he_o will_v not_o have_v baptize_v tho_o seem_o turn_v from_o heathenism_n till_o they_o serious_o promise_v reformation_n but_o that_o austin_n in_o stead_n of_o be_v for_o more_o strictness_n hold_v for_o a_o large_a extent_n of_o baptism_n than_o the_o synod_n do_v may_v easy_o be_v evince_v 22._o how_o strange_a be_v it_o to_o see_v their_o authority_n still_o allege_v against_o we_o who_o be_v not_o only_o full_o with_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o go_v further_o than_o we_o the_o seven_o reason_n of_o our_o brethren_n dissent_n be_v this_o it_o have_v in_o it_o a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o the_o â—ardning_v of_o unregenerate_a creature_n in_o their_o sinful_a natural_a condition_n when_o life_n be_v not_o only_o promise_v but_o seal_v to_o they_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o whole_a coâ—enant_n of_o grace_n â—_o as_o well_o as_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o be_v not_o interest_v in_o this_o covenant_n by_o faith_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v the_o seal_n thereof_o apply_v to_o they_o ans._n 1._o the_o lord_n truth_n and_o grace_n however_o it_o may_v be_v abuse_v by_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n perverse_a and_o sinful_a nature_n have_v not_o in_o itself_o any_o natural_a tendency_n to_o harden_v any_o but_o the_o contrary_n and_o how_o can_v the_o doctrine_n in_o hand_n have_v any_o such_o natural_a tendency_n when_o as_o man_n be_v tell_v over_o and_o over_o that_o only_o outward_a advantage_n and_o dispensation_n be_v seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n more_o absolute_o rom._n 3.1_o 2._o â—_o 9.4_o but_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o life_n eternal_a conditional_o see_v mr._n shepherd_n late_o print_v letter_n pag._n 3_o 6._o so_o that_o if_o they_o fail_v of_o the_o condition_n viz._n effectual_a and_o unfeigned_a faith_n they_o miss_v of_o salvation_n notwithstanding_o their_o baptism_n and_o external_a covenant-estate_n and_o hence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a but_o only_o a_o probable_a connexion_n between_o federal_a holiness_n as_o apply_v to_o
break_v off_o themselves_o from_o their_o church-relation_n not_o only_o meritorious_o but_o actual_o and_o real_o than_o it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v whether_o church-member_n can_v thus_o break_v off_o themselves_o sure_a israel_n do_v not_o thus_o destroy_v themselves_o because_o all_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o kill_v and_o make_v alive_a to_o wound_v and_o to_o heal_v to_o create_v peace_n and_o evil_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o the_o city_n but_o the_o lord_n do_v it_o even_o the_o lord_n do_v all_o these_o thing_n deut._n 32.39_o isa._n 45.7_o amos_n 3.6_o and_o therefore_o if_o break_v off_o from_o church-estate_n be_v a_o evil_n of_o punishment_n man_n can_v in_o this_o sense_n break_v off_o themselves_o without_o god_n beside_o man_n can_v of_o themselves_o alone_o bring_v in_o themselves_o into_o the_o church_n but_o there_o be_v requisite_a the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n thereto_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o can_v of_o themselves_o alone_o bring_v in_o themselves_o into_o the_o church_n how_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o of_o themselves_o alone_o they_o shall_v break_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o church_n one_o will_v think_v that_o such_o as_o can_v of_o themselves_o alone_o open_v the_o door_n for_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n shall_v no_o more_o be_v able_a to_o open_v it_o for_o their_o go_v out_o and_o further_o it_o seem_v not_o rational_a that_o delinquent_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v it_o in_o their_o power_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v censure_v with_o church-censure_n or_o no_o and_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v so_o if_o man_n that_o have_v be_v church-member_n may_v un-member_n themselves_o at_o their_o pleasure_n for_o sure_a it_o be_v church_n censure_n can_v be_v dispense_v to_o any_o but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v within_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o if_o therefore_o a_o church-member_n suppose_v one_o that_o have_v be_v in_o full_a communion_n shall_v commit_v the_o most_o enormous_a and_o scandalous_a wickedness_n that_o can_v be_v name_v yet_o if_o man_n may_v break_v off_o themselves_o from_o church-relation_n at_o their_o pleasure_n such_o a_o one_o may_v have_v it_o in_o his_o choice_n whether_o he_o will_v be_v censure_v or_o no_o for_o if_o he_o can_v but_o say_v i_o be_o no_o member_n of_o your_o church_n nor_o will_v be_v but_o do_v forsake_v the_o church-relation_n in_o which_o i_o be_v it_o shall_v then_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o such_o a_o notorious_a delinquent_n to_o bind_v the_o church_n hand_n from_o censure_v he_o and_o so_o make_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v of_o none_o effect_n which_o say_v deliver_v such_o a_o man_n to_o satan_n 1_o cor._n 5._o which_o make_v it_o very_o improbable_a that_o man_n can_v of_o themselves_o break_v off_o themselves_o from_o the_o covenant_n and_o church-relation_n as_o for_o they_o in_o 1_o joh._n 2.19_o of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o but_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o etc._n etc._n why_o may_v not_o this_o go_n oâ—t_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o local_a departure_n or_o of_o a_o depart_n from_o the_o company_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o such_o duty_n and_o act_n of_o love_n as_o that_o church-relation_n require_v rather_o than_o of_o a_o go_v out_o from_o the_o relation_n itself_o it_o be_v plain_a man_n may_v of_o themselves_o if_o they_o have_v no_o more_o grace_n neglect_v the_o duty_n which_o their_o near_a relation_n require_v and_o depart_v from_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o place_n and_o duty_n as_o david_n and_o job_n be_v thus_o forsake_v by_o their_o kindred_n brother_n and_o mother_n child_n etc._n etc._n psal._n 38.11_o &_o 69.8_o job_n 19.13_o 14._o but_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o those_o brethren_n and_o mother_n child_n who_o thus_o neglect_v the_o duty_n which_o their_o relation_n require_v be_v now_o no_o long_o in_o the_o relation_n at_o all_o be_v these_o brethren_n and_o mother_n child_n now_o become_v mother_n child_n no_o long_a nor_o brethren_n any_o long_o because_o now_o they_o be_v go_v from_o the_o duty_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v perform_v this_o do_v not_o follow_v at_o all_o how_o then_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o wenâ—_n out_o from_o the_o saint_n in_o respect_n of_o place_n and_o performance_n of_o duty_n be_v thereby_o go_v out_o from_o their_o church-relation_n they_o may_v by_o this_o departure_n of_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o church-censure_n from_o their_o church-estate_n but_o that_o by_o this_o their_o depart_n they_o do_v cut_v off_o or_o break_v off_o themselves_o from_o their_o church-estate_n any_o otherwise_o then_o meritorious_o do_v not_o appear_v the_o synod_n have_v say_v that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v in_o covenant_n because_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n gen._n 17.7_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o answer_n hereto_o pag._n 24._o say_v that_o the_o seaâ—ing_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o the_o posterity_n of_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n by_o circumcision_n be_v to_o continue_v throughout_o their_o generation_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n the_o same_o to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o they_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n luk._n 1.69_o 72.73_o heb._n 13.20_o ans._n here_o be_v then_o a_o consent_n to_o the_o synod_n argument_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o for_o if_o the_o covenant_n be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o they_o and_o be_v then_o to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n do_v it_o not_o then_o follow_v that_o these_o parent_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v hereby_o prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n this_o seem_v a_o plain_a grant_v of_o the_o synod_n say_v and_o of_o their_o proof_n of_o it_o whereas_o the_o synod_n say_v that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v keeper_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o they_o be_v not_o forsâ—kerâ—_n and_o rejecter_n of_o the_o god_n and_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n and_o allege_v for_o this_o deut._n 29.25_o 26._o 2_o king_n 17.15_o 20._o 2_o chron._n 7.22_o deu._n 7.10_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o keeper_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v not_o for_o though_o they_o be_v not_o such_o forsaker_n and_o rejecter_n of_o it_o as_o they_o who_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n allege_v yet_o beside_o that_o gross_a idolatry_n there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a idolatry_n in_o scandalous_a covetousness_n col._n 3.5_o worldly-mindedness_a whereby_o man_n forsake_v and_o reject_v god_n and_o his_o covenant_n to_o serve_v the_o world_n and_o such_o may_v they_o be_v who_o answer_n all_o the_o term_n of_o their_o five_o proposition_n external_o and_o visible_o ans._n now_o herein_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n and_o not_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o proposition_n say_v express_o that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o man_n may_v answer_v that_o and_o all_o the_o other_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n external_o and_o visible_o and_o yet_o be_v guilty_a of_o scandalous_a covetousness_n and_o worldly-mindedness_a now_o that_o man_n may_v be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o yet_o guilty_a of_o scandalous_a covetousness_n guilty_a of_o scandalous_a covetousness_n and_o worldly-mindedness_a and_o yet_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n these_o thing_n seem_v contradictory_n and_o inconsistent_a câ—piat_v qui_fw-la capere_fw-la pour_v it_o seem_v to_o we_o more_o rational_a to_o think_v and_o say_v that_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o yet_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o worldly-mindedness_a and_o other_o secret_a sin_n and_o heart-wickednesâ—_a yet_o if_o they_o answer_v this_o and_o all_o the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n it_o seem_v not_o improbable_a but_o they_o may_v be_v true_o godly_a and_o sincere_a since_o they_o be_v not_o only_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n but_o do_v 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 his_o church_n and_o all_o this_o not_o ignorant_o but_o with_o understanding_n not_o slight_o but_o solemn_o and_o public_o before_o the_o church_n for_o do_v not_o all_o this_o make_v their_o sincerity_n hopeful_a we_o conceive_v it_o may_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v all_o this_o and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v say_v and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o probability_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o be_v forsaker_n and_o rejâ—cters_n of_o god_n and_o his_o covenant_n to_o serve_v the_o world_n
the_o jew_n of_o old_a be_v under_o legal_a dispensation_n etc._n etc._n ans._n suppose_v that_o christian_a church_n be_v in_o a_o more_o spiritual_a and_o gracious_a frame_n than_o be_v the_o jew_n under_o the_o legal_a dispensation_n yet_o if_o then_o such_o parent_n as_o the_o proposition_n describe_v may_v have_v the_o initiatory_a seal_n apply_v to_o their_o infant_n and_o now_o may_v not_o how_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o now_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v in_o a_o worse_a case_n relate_v to_o their_o child_n successive_o than_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v for_o then_o such_o parent_n may_v have_v their_o child_n circumcise_v but_o now_o they_o may_v not_o have_v they_o baptize_v if_o this_o proposition_n be_v deny_v and_o though_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v now_o enlarge_v in_o other_o respect_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o child_n it_o be_v not_o enlarge_v but_o strâ—â—tâ—ed_v by_o deny_v this_o proposition_n except_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o for_o parent_n to_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o and_o their_o child_n be_v no_o testimony_n of_o gospel-grace_n at_o all_o which_o can_v be_v say_v true_o and_o therefore_o the_o synod_n argument_n in_o this_o particular_a stand_v good_a 2._o say_v the_o reverend_a author_n it_o declare_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v will_v be_v far_o better_a than_o it_o be_v under_o legal_a dispensation_n for_o under_o the_o law_n their_o light_n and_o holiness_n be_v defective_a but_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v they_o shall_v have_v a_o far_o great_a measure_n of_o light_n and_o holiness_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o former_a age_n ans._n suppose_v this_o be_v grant_v the_o question_n be_v not_o about_o their_o holiness_n and_o 〈◊〉_d but_o about_o their_o child_n of_o who_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v qualify_v as_o this_o proposition_n express_v those_o child_n may_v then_o be_v circumcise_v and_o the_o text_n allege_v viz._n 〈◊〉_d 30.20_o ezek._n 37_o 25_o 26._o do_v show_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v their_o child_n shall_v be_v in_o as_o good_a estate_n as_o former_o but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v if_o the_o parent_n may_v be_v qualify_v as_o be_v express_v and_o yet_o may_v not_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v be_v not_o this_o a_o render_n of_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o child_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n then_o former_o for_o the_o three_o particular_a the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o the_o dentâ—ll_n of_o the_o proposition_n do_v not_o deny_v in_o sum_n what_o the_o synod_n say_v it_o do_v but_o the_o contrary_n ans._n in_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v there_o be_v three_o particular_n contain_v or_o include_v 1._o that_o the_o mosaical_a dispensation_n and_o first_o institution_n of_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n do_v appoint_v that_o seal_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o such_o as_o stand_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n 2._o that_o the_o child_n in_o question_n dâ—_n regular_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n 3._o that_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o proposition_n do_v deny_v the_o application_n of_o the_o seaâ—_n to_o such_o as_o the_o mosaical_a dispensation_n appoint_v it_o to_o be_v apply_v unto_o of_o these_o particular_n the_o first_o can_v be_v deny_v for_o it_o be_v undeniable_o prove_v by_o the_o text_n allege_v viz._n gen._n 17.9_o 10._o joh_n 7.22_o 23._o and_o the_o three_o particular_a be_v plain_a of_o itself_o all_o the_o doubt_n therefore_o must_v be_v about_o the_o second_o viz._n whether_o the_o child_n in_o question_n do_v regular_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n but_o for_o this_o the_o synod_n have_v give_v divers_a proof_n in_o their_o first_o and_o second_o argument_n which_o proof_n we_o do_v not_o see_v take_v off_o by_o what_o the_o reverend_a author_n have_v say_v thereto_o the_o four_o particular_a be_v answer_v by_o a_o plain_a denial_n of_o what_o there_o the_o synod_n affirm_v viz._n that_o to_o deny_v the_o proposition_n do_v not_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 ans._n yet_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a then_o that_o deny_v circumcision_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o break_n of_o god_n covenant_n for_o it_o be_v express_o so_o call_v gen._n 17.9_o 10_o 14._o if_o therefore_o the_o child_n speak_v of_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n how_o can_v the_o denial_n of_o baptism_n to_o they_o be_v any_o other_o than_o be_v say_v and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n the_o synod_n give_v sundry_a proof_n in_o their_o first_o and_o second_o argument_n so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o three_o argument_n the_o four_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o confirm_v this_o five_o proposition_n be_v this_o confederate_a visible_a believer_n though_o but_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n such_o be_v to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v but_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v such_o at_o least_o in_o some_o degree_n for_o 1._o charity_n may_v observe_v in_o they_o sundry_a positive_a argument_n for_o it_o witness_v the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n and_o nothing_o evident_a against_o it_o to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v by_o deny_v the_o minor_a in_o the_o argument_n and_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a to_o the_o first_o reason_n here_o mention_v viz._n that_o all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o the_o proposition_n be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o charity_n to_o account_v these_o parent_n to_o be_v believer_n in_o the_o least_o degree_n ans._n but_o if_o there_o be_v sundry_a positive_a argument_n for_o charity_n thus_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o and_o nothing_o evident_a to_o the_o contrary_a as_o the_o synod_n argue_v why_o then_o shall_v we_o judge_v otherwise_o of_o they_o when_o such_o church-member_n as_o be_v admit_v in_o their_o minority_n do_v understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o assent_v thereto_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n but_o do_v solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n be_v all_o this_o nothing_o for_o charity_n to_o go_v upon_o in_o account_v they_o believer_n no_o not_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n we_o conceive_v charity_n want_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o judge_v otherwise_o see_v more_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n but_o say_v the_o reverend_a author_n let_v they_o show_v how_o faith_n be_v work_v and_o how_o it_o workâ—_n in_o they_o and_o then_o the_o church_n will_v have_v ground_n for_o their_o charitable_a judgement_n concern_v their_o fitness_n etc._n etc._n ans._n what_o proof_n be_v there_o that_o except_o this_o be_v do_v there_o can_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o the_o charitable_a judgement_n that_o be_v mention_v sure_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o mention_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o eunuch_n nor_o require_v of_o he_o by_o philip_n act_v 8._o and_o yet_o he_o be_v baptize_v upon_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n though_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n that_o to_o show_v how_o his_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o he_o be_v either_o do_v by_o he_o or_o require_v of_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o that_o when_o that_o be_v do_v which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o proposition_n there_o may_v be_v ground_n for_o charity_n to_o account_v they_o believer_n though_o they_o come_v not_o up_o to_o what_o the_o reverend_a author_n require_v of_o declare_v how_o their_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o they_o 2._o the_o synod_n say_v the_o child_n of_o the_o godly_a though_o qualify_v but_o as_o the_o person_n in_o the_o proposition_n be_v say_v to_o be_v faithful_a tit._n 1.6_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v nor_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o godly_a qualify_v but_o as_o in_o the_o proposition_n say_v to_o be_v faithful_a in_o tit._n 1._o so_o his_o answer_n be_v a_o express_a denial_n of_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v but_o to_o say_v the_o child_n in_o tit._n 1._o be_v not_o call_v faithful_a be_v direct_o to_o gainsay_v the_o text_n which_o do_v express_o so_o call_v they_o and_o that_o these_o child_n that_o be_v call_v faithful_a in_o tit._n 1._o be_v qualify_v above_o what_o the_o proposition_n require_v be_v not_o prove_v at_o all_o for_o the_o text_n that_o call_v they_o faithful_a say_v no_o more_o of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o accuse_v of_o riot_n or_o unruly_a and_o if_o this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o account_v they_o faithful_a those_o who_o the_o proposition_n describe_v may_v much_o more_o be_v so_o account_v because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o free_a from_o vnruliness_n and_o riot_n but_o partaker_n of_o sundry_a other_o good_a qualification_n
which_o do_v amount_v further_o 3._o whereas_o the_o synod_n say_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v have_v frequent_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o young_a year_n at_o scripture_n and_o experience_n show_v instance_n joseph_n samuel_n etc._n etc._n hence_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n show_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a be_v in_o charity_n or_o to_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n visible_a believer_n the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v indeed_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n but_o if_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n they_o do_v not_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n be_v fit_o qualify_v they_o can_v then_o be_v fiâ—ly_o call_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o transgressor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o breaker_n of_o it_o ans._n 1._o if_o they_o be_v breaker_n of_o it_o then_o sure_o they_o be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o for_o how_o can_v man_n break_v the_o covenant_n whâ—ch_o they_o be_v not_o in_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v here_o express_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o minority_n so_o the_o same_o be_v by_o consequence_n confess_v of_o they_o be_v adult_n for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v they_o be_v then_o say_v to_o break_v the_o covenant_n 2._o if_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o infancy_n and_o minority_n as_o the_o reverend_a author_n acknowledge_v they_o be_v this_o suit_n well_o enough_o with_o the_o purpose_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o this_o place_n which_o be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v this_o that_o such_o child_n have_v frequent_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n and_o such_o as_o have_v grace_n begin_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n why_o shall_v not_o charity_n think_v it_o be_v there_o still_o when_o nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o he_o that_o once_o begin_v that_o good_a work_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o forsake_v that_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n but_o to_o perfect_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n psal._n 138.8_o phil._n 1.6_o further_o say_v the_o reverend_a author_n this_o argument_n be_v fallacious_a because_o it_o argue_v from_o some_o particular_n to_o infer_v a_o general_a affirmative_o some_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v have_v the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n therefore_o all_o person_n of_o this_o sort_n etc._n etc._n if_o the_o reverend_a author_n have_v express_v the_o synod_n argument_n as_o they_o express_v it_o it_o will_v not_o then_o have_v appear_v so_o fallacious_a as_o the_o alteration_n of_o their_o word_n may_v make_v it_o for_o whereas_o they_o say_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v frequent_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n for_o which_o they_o produce_v eight_o or_o nine_o instance_n from_o scripture_n all_o these_o instance_n and_o that_o frequency_n for_o proof_n of_o which_o they_o be_v allege_v be_v now_o all_o leave_v out_o and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o it_o be_v render_v some_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n and_o whereas_o the_o inference_n which_o the_o synod_n make_v be_v thus_o express_v viz._n hence_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o term_n all_o which_o be_v not_o in_o before_o be_v express_o put_v in_o thus_o all_o person_n of_o this_o sort_n etc._n etc._n which_o alteration_n may_v indeed_o obscure_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n but_o let_v it_o be_v reduce_v to_o what_o it_o first_o be_v and_o then_o let_v the_o judicious_a reader_n consider_v whether_o it_o be_v fallacious_a or_o firm_a whether_o there_o be_v weakness_n or_o weight_n in_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v if_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v frequent_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n than_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n show_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a be_v in_o charity_n or_o to_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n visible_a believer_n but_o so_o it_o be_v ergo._fw-la the_o assumption_n here_o be_v manifest_o prove_v by_o those_o many_o instance_n in_o scripture_n allege_a and_o by_o experience_n and_o the_o consequence_n we_o hope_v be_v not_o fallacious_a but_o find_v and_o good_a for_o if_o it_o be_v frequent_o thus_o why_o shall_v not_o charity_n believe_v it_o be_v thus_o in_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n where_o nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_n 4._o the_o synod_n have_v say_v that_o they_o that_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v be_v visible_a saint_n in_o the_o account_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n be_v in_o scripture_n account_n 〈◊〉_d company_n of_o saint_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o &_o 1.2_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o both_o the_o assertion_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deny_v the_o assertion_n be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n of_o confederate_a believer_n be_v in_o the_o church_n by_o their_o parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o but_o parent_n be_v not_o so_o till_o etc._n etc._n ans._n it_o be_v here_o again_o confess_v that_o infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n but_o not_o so_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n and_o come_v to_o be_v parent_n but_o of_o their_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o their_o come_n to_o be_v adult_n something_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o more_o may_v in_o the_o six_o argument_n partic._n 3_o but_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v the_o proof_n be_v to_o be_v deny_v and_o be_v not_o apposite_a we_o conceive_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v very_o apposite_a for_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o the_o synod_n do_v allege_v it_o which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o that_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o scripture_n account_v visible_a saint_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n allege_v be_v so_o plain_a and_o apposite_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o we_o conceive_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o whether_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v such_o or_o no_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o saint_n or_o not_o be_v another_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o conceive_v much_o have_v and_o may_v be_v say_v but_o the_o text_n allege_v be_v not_o produce_v by_o the_o synod_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o be_v not_o plain_a for_o proof_n of_o that_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v plain_a and_o apt_a enough_o for_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o synod_n that_o may_v suffice_v though_o they_o prove_v not_o this_o other_o to_o which_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v apply_v they_o 5._o say_v the_o synod_n be_v in_o covenant_n and_o baptize_v they_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n indefinite_o give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o seal_v up_o in_o baptism_n deut._n 30.6_o which_o continue_v valid_a and_o so_o a_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o while_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o answer_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o distinction_n between_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o regard_n of_o external_a mean_n between_o the_o elect_n in_o who_o god_n work_v the_o grace_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n so_o powerful_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o reject_v it_o and_o the_o rest_n who_o have_v the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n till_o they_o reject_v they_o as_o do_v esau_n and_o conclude_v that_o such_o as_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n and_o live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n do_v remain_v unbeliever_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n undefinite_o give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o promise_n ans._n but_o be_v there_o any_o proof_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o synod_n affirm_v it_o seem_v none_o at_o all_o for_o when_o the_o synod_n say_v the_o covenant_n which_o promise_v faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v a_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o while_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o and_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v that_o such_o as_o do_v reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n have_v not_o faith_n and_o repentance_n give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o promise_n these_o be_v not_o contrary_a nor_o at_o all_o inconsistent_a for_o the_o synod_n never_o say_v nor_o mean_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v give_v by_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o that_o be_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n and_o live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n do_v still_o remain_v unbeliever_n the_o synod_n never_o say_v