say_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o ground_n and_o end_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 132_o 133._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n to_o say_v or_o think_v of_o such_o elder_n as_o concur_v with_o the_o synod_n that_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o towards_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n be_v now_o adult_n be_v a_o admit_v of_o they_o into_o membership_n for_o this_o those_o child_n have_v afore_o they_o be_v adult_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o now_o admit_v into_o it_o but_o to_o leave_v this_o why_o shall_v the_o reverend_a author_n suggest_v such_o a_o thing_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o reader_n that_o the_o elder_n in_o their_o practice_n do_v differ_v from_o their_o doctrine_n and_o teach_v one_o thing_n in_o the_o synod_n and_o in_o their_o practice_n do_v contrary_a be_v it_o not_o more_o suitable_a to_o love_n which_o think_v not_o evil_a 1_o cor._n 13._o nor_o receive_v a_o reproach_n against_o one_o neighbour_n psal._n 15._o to_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v such_o elder_n as_o be_v thus_o faulty_a if_o indeed_o there_o be_v any_o to_o repentance_n for_o their_o sail_v therein_o rather_o than_o to_o give_v occasion_n of_o misapprehension_n against_o they_o by_o write_v thus_o of_o they_o it_o may_v well_o be_v call_v misapprehension_n for_o there_o be_v few_o of_o the_o elder_n in_o comparison_n that_o have_v yet_o put_v the_o child_n of_o church-member_n to_o a_o public_a own_n of_o the_o covenant_n afore_o the_o time_n of_o their_o admission_n to_o full_a communion_n and_o for_o those_o few_o that_o have_v do_v it_o as_o this_o be_v not_o a_o admit_v of_o they_o into_o membership_n for_o that_o they_o have_v before_o so_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v that_o when_o this_o be_v do_v that_o their_o infant_n may_v be_v baptise_a which_o be_v the_o case_n the_o synod_n speak_v of_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a we_o say_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o parent_n who_o so_o do_v be_v not_o qualify_v according_a as_o the_o five_o proposition_n describe_v and_o therefore_o to_o give_v occasion_n of_o other_o thought_n not_o only_o against_o some_o few_o of_o the_o elder_n but_o even_o of_o all_o for_o what_o be_v here_o intimate_v be_v not_o of_o some_o only_a but_o of_o all_o alike_o without_o difference_n what_o may_v be_v think_v of_o this_o we_o leave_v to_o the_o further_a consideration_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n to_o the_o second_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v either_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n either_o holy_a or_o unclean_a either_o within_o the_o church_n or_o without_o either_o such_o as_o have_v god_n for_o their_o god_n or_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o proposition_n will_v not_o affirm_v the_o latter_a concern_v these_o child_n and_o the_o former_a be_v grant_v infer_v their_o right_n to_o baptism_n to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o the_o more_o he_o consider_v the_o proposition_n the_o less_o he_o find_v in_o it_o to_o evince_v the_o former_a and_o the_o more_o to_o conclude_v the_o latter_a ans._n now_o the_o latter_a be_v that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n not_o holy_a but_o unclean_a and_o without_o the_o church_n and_o such_o as_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o the_o reverend_a author_n find_v so_o much_o to_o conclude_v thus_o of_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n which_o member_n understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o assent_v thereto_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n but_o thus_o and_o further_o qualify_v as_o in_o the_o proposition_n be_v express_v if_o he_o find_v much_o to_o conclude_v thus_o of_o these_o child_n if_o he_o be_v have_v express_v any_o part_n thereof_o it_o may_v have_v be_v take_v into_o consideration_n but_o nothing_o be_v express_v how_o can_v it_o a_o mere_a contrary_a affirmation_n how_o can_v it_o go_v for_o a_o sufficient_a confutation_n as_o for_o that_o which_o he_o add_v that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v no_o more_o than_o the_o proposition_n hold_v forth_o he_o may_v be_v a_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n unclean_a and_o without_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o this_o speak_v of_o grow_v person_n and_o therefore_o how_o be_v the_o synod_n argument_n hereby_o touch_v which_o speak_v of_o little_a child_n nor_o be_v it_o easy_o prove_v that_o a_o grow_v person_n who_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n and_o be_v now_o qualify_v as_o the_o proposition_n express_v that_o such_o a_o grow_a person_n be_v now_o a_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o without_o the_o church_n and_o without_o god_n in_o tâ—â—_n world_n and_o this_o be_v respect_n of_o his_o external_a state_n or_o be_v in_o the_o church-visible_a we_o see_v not_o that_o this_o be_v prove_v at_o all_o for_o as_o for_o rom._n 9.6_o 7_o 8._o which_o be_v here_o allege_a they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n which_o be_v of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n the_o text_n may_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o elect_a of_o god_n or_o sincere_a believer_n who_o in_o regard_n of_o external_a relation_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o this_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v but_o for_o membership_n in_o the_o church-visible_a of_o which_o be_v our_o question_n that_o text_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o at_o all_o to_o prove_v that_o man_n who_o be_v member_n of_o this_o church_n in_o their_o minority_n be_v now_o qualify_v as_o the_o synod_n express_v that_o these_o be_v now_o without_o such_o membership_n and_o external_a state_n this_o be_v not_o prove_v at_o all_o by_o this_o text._n for_o if_o we_o shall_v so_o say_v we_o shall_v make_v the_o apostle_n to_o contradict_v himself_o for_o of_o these_o very_a person_n and_o people_n of_o who_o â—e_n say_v they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n not_o all_o child_n not_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n of_o these_o very_a person_n and_o people_n he_o say_v ver_fw-la 4._o that_o they_o be_v israelite_n to_o who_o pertain_v the_o adoption_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v they_o be_v god_n adopt_a child_n in_o regard_n of_o external_a covenant_n and_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church-visible_a and_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n that_o be_v they_o be_v not_o all_o god_n israel_n by_o election_n and_o spiritual_a regeneration_n thus_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v easy_o reconcile_v but_o how_o shall_v they_o be_v reconcile_v if_o the_o latter_a as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a be_v mean_v of_o the_o church-visible_a can_v they_o be_v israelite_n and_o not_o israel_n in_o the_o same_o respect_n can_v they_o in_o respect_n of_o external_a state_n be_v partaker_n of_o adoption_n god_n covenant_n and_o promise_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o be_v church-member_n and_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o same_o estate_n be_v no_o church-member_n at_o all_o nor_o in_o the_o church-covenant_n at_o all_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o this_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o the_o word_n in_o rom._n 9.6_o 7_o 8._o be_v not_o fit_o apply_v to_o prove_v that_o man_n who_o be_v church-member_n in_o their_o minority_n may_v be_v qualify_v as_o the_o five_o proposition_n express_v and_o yet_o now_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o without_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o visible_a and_o external_a state_n whereas_o the_o synod_n for_o a_o three_o argument_n say_v that_o to_o deny_v this_o proposition_n will_v be_v 1._o to_o stratten_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n and_o to_o make_v the_o church_n in_o new-testament-time_n in_o worse_a case_n relate_v to_o their_o child_n successive_o than_o be_v the_o jew_n of_o old_a 2._o to_o render_v the_o jew_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n then_o under_o the_o legal_a administration_n contrary_a to_o jer._n 30.20_o ezek_n 37.25_o 26._o 3._o to_o deny_v the_o application_n of_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n to_o such_o as_o regular_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n to_o who_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n nay_o the_o first_o institution_n appoint_v it_o to_o be_v apply_v gen._n 17.9_o 10._o joh._n 7.22_o 23._o 4._o to_o break_v the_o covenant_n by_o deny_v the_o initiatory_a seal_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n gen._n 17.9_o 10_o 14._o to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o the_o contrary_a to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o these_o be_v true_a for_o 1._o it_o enlarge_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n by_o show_v that_o christian_a church_n be_v in_o a_o more_o spiritual_a and_o gracious_a frame_n then_o
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
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
baptism_n be_v of_o great_a latitude_n than_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o all_o that_o do_v bring_v their_o child_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o former_a 〈◊〉_d nâ—t_v therefore_o themselves_o present_o partake_v of_o thâ—_n latter_a but_o that_o many_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptise_a and_o yet_o regular_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o may_v also_o mention_v the_o concurrence_n of_o divine_n with_o we_o in_o particular_a reason_n explication_n and_o assertion_n relate_v to_o â—â—is_n matter_n â—â—_o that_o baptism_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o â—eing_v or_o begin_n of_o faith_n the_o lord_n supper_n to_o the_o special_a exercise_n of_o it_o that_o baptism_n belong_v to_o all_o member_n but_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o soâ—e_a only_o that_o be_v so_o and_o so_o qualify_v that_o all_o visible_a believer_n who_o in_o a_o latitude_n of_o expression_n and_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n be_v such_o as_o be_v all_o that_o be_v within_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n vrsin_n and_o pareus_n answer_v that_o objection_n against_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n that_o then_o they_o must_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n have_v these_o word_n magnum_fw-la discrimen_fw-la etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n for_o 1._o baptism_n be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o entrance_n and_o reception_n into_o the_o church_n but_o 〈◊〉_d supper_n be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d confirmation_n of_o the_o reception_n 〈◊〉_d make_v 2._o regeneration_n by_o 〈…〉_z 372_o and_o not_o to_o they_o present_o but_o after_o that_o they_o have_v hold_v forth_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n 380._o also_o it_o may_v be_v mind_v that_o it_o be_v the_o currant_n and_o constant_a expression_n of_o our_o divine_n that_o they_o call_v and_o count_v all_o that_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n whether_o infant_n or_o adult_n fideles_fw-la vâ—cati_fw-la faithful_a call_v &c._n &c._n and_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o they_o be_v for_o baptise_v no_o infant_n but_o such_o as_o be_v infant_n fidelium_fw-la the_o infant_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o of_o believer_n infant_n non_fw-la omnes_fw-la sed_fw-la duntaxat_fw-la fidelium_fw-la i._n e._n baptizatorum_fw-la sunt_fw-la baptizandi_fw-la chamier_n tom._n 4._o pag._n 130._o so_o daneus_n infant_n ex_fw-la fidelibus_fw-la i._n e._n baptizaâ—â—s_fw-la nati_fw-la possunt_fw-la baptizari_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la lib._n 5._o de_fw-fr sacram._n pag._n 538._o and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o look_v at_o all_o these_o no_o not_o at_o all_o the_o adult_n that_o come_v under_o this_o denomination_n and_o who_o child_n they_o baptise_v to_o be_v regular_o admittable_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o plain_o show_v their_o judgement_n to_o be_v that_o all_o adult_n person_n who_o be_v in_o a_o latitude_n of_o expression_n to_o be_v account_v visible_a believer_n or_o in_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n to_o be_v look_v at_o as_o fideles_fw-la be_v not_o therefore_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n dr._n ames_n account_n that_o a_o person_n may_v be_v a_o believer_n on_o christ_n and_o yet_o be_v unfit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o sufficient_o instruct_v thereunto_o bellar._n eneru._n tom._n 3._o lib._n 4._o cap._n 1._o and_o he_o express_o say_v that_o church-children_n be_v to_o be_v number_v among_o the_o faithful_a and_o reckon_v they_o to_o have_v the_o beginning_n of_o faith_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o ordinance_n till_o increase_v of_o faith_n appear_v medul_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes._n 12_o 13._o mr._n hooker_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v as_o a_o clear_a case_n that_o one_o may_v be_v a_o convert_n sound_o bring_v home_o to_o christ_n and_o yet_o through_o his_o weakness_n not_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n aright_o nor_o fit_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o supper_n survey_n part_n 3._o pag._n 16._o and_o in_o his_o sermon_n on_o gen._n 17.23_o pag._n 21._o he_o have_v these_o word_n baptism_n be_v the_o entrance_n into_o christ_n family_n there_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v look_v at_o to_o make_v a_o person_n capable_a of_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n a_o man_n must_v be_v able_a to_o examine_v himself_o he_o must_v not_o only_o have_v grace_n but_o growth_n of_o grace_n he_o must_v have_v so_o much_o perfection_n in_o grace_n as_o to_o search_v his_o own_o heart_n and_o he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n or_o else_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o there_o be_v more_o require_v in_o this_o for_o there_o must_v be_v a_o growth_n but_o baptism_n be_v our_o entrance_n and_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o grace_n will_v serve_v here_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n worthy_a hildersham_n on_o psal._n 51.5_o pag._n 257._o say_v the_o infant_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a not_o because_o they_o be_v without_o sin_n but_o because_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v not_o infidel_n as_o other_o child_n of_o pagan_n but_o christian_n and_o believer_n and_o holy_a and_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o 1._o so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v they_o have_v title_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o the_o church_n may_v not_o deny_v it_o unto_o then_o and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n deny_v baptism_n to_o any_o child_n of_o a_o believe_a parent_n sure_o because_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o esteem_v every_o such_o child_n not_o a_o infidel_n but_o rather_o a_o believer_n and_o a_o true_a christian._n 2._o when_o they_o die_v we_o be_v in_o christian_a charity_n to_o judge_v that_o they_o die_v in_o god_n favour_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o all_o this_o because_o of_o the_o covenant_n gen._n 17._o as_o he_o there_o add_v yet_o the_o same_o hildersham_n will_v not_o admit_v such_o as_o these_o who_o be_v bear_v and_o grow_v up_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o a_o strict_a examination_n not_o only_o of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o life_n but_o of_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n doct._n of_o lord_n supper_n pag._n 8_o 14._o all_o which_o we_o produce_v not_o as_o if_o the_o testimony_n and_o concurrence_n of_o author_n be_v the_o basis_n that_o our_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n stand_v upon_o but_o because_o this_o preface_n do_v both_o in_o this_o place_n and_o in_o other_o part_n of_o it_o insinuate_v to_o the_o reader_n as_o if_o authority_n of_o writer_n be_v for_o the_o dissenter_n and_o against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n which_o be_v far_o from_o be_v so_o the_o contrary_a be_v abundant_o and_o undeniable_o evident_a and_o as_o we_o bottom_n our_o faith_n in_o this_o point_n whole_o and_o only_o upon_o the_o scripture_n and_o do_v refer_v the_o decision_n of_o this_o and_o of_o all_o other_o theological_a controversy_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n so_o we_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v no_o small_a confirmation_n to_o we_o to_o find_v that_o we_o have_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o godly-learned_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o congregational-way_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o doctrine_n &_o principle_n of_o our_o best_a and_o able_a reform_v divine_n 43._o which_o do_v not_o a_o little_a confirm_v we_o in_o it_o and_o deliver_v it_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o novelty_n or_o singularity_n but_o shall_v we_o limit_v baptism_n to_o so_o narrow_a a_o scantling_n as_o our_o brethren_n strive_v for_o we_o shall_v therein_o go_v against_o the_o whole_a stream_n of_o divine_n even_o of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v most_o eminent_a in_o their_o generation_n for_o learning_n holiness_n and_o studiousness_n of_o reformation_n yea_o of_o those_o from_o who_o our_o congregational_a leader_n have_v profess_v to_o receive_v their_o principle_n as_o be_v abovesaid_a and_o we_o confess_v ourselves_o conscious_a to_o so_o much_o of_o our_o own_o weakness_n that_o unless_o we_o have_v very_o clear_a light_n and_o undeniable_a argument_n constrain_a we_o we_o be_v slow_a and_o fearful_a to_o go_v alone_o or_o to_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o our_o best_a divine_n who_o if_o we_o may_v use_v our_o brethren_n phrase_n have_v be_v star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n incomparable_a champion_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o have_v be_v raise_v up_o by_o christ_n to_o light_v the_o path_n of_o reformation_n in_o these_o late_a age_n now_o as_o for_o what_o be_v here_o allege_a by_o our_o brethren_n as_o favour_v their_o cause_n to_o say_v that_o the_o catechumeni_fw-la be_v not_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n to_o be_v baptize_v before_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n consider_v how_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o
alone_o give_v right_o for_o god_n have_v make_v it_o one_o commandment_n of_o four_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n require_v that_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n be_v attend_v in_o a_o solemn_a humble_a reverent_a and_o profitable_a manner_n and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v meet_a and_o needful_a that_o person_n shall_v both_o know_v and_o own_o the_o covenant-state_n they_o be_v in_o and_o the_o state_n of_o subjection_n to_o christ_n government_n which_o the_o covenant_n place_v they_o in_o especial_o when_o they_o partake_v of_o such_o a_o fruit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o baptism_n for_o their_o child_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v covenant-duty_n when_o they_o come_v for_o covenant_n privilege_n that_o they_o shall_v both_o seek_v and_o attend_v the_o lord_n holy_a ordinance_n though_o it_o be_v their_o right_a never_o so_o much_o in_o humility_n and_o fear_n and_o it_o be_v one_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o they_o give_v up_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v promise_n to_o take_v care_n for_o their_o christian_a education_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v suitable_a that_o they_o be_v mind_v of_o it_o when_o they_o present_v they_o to_o baptism_n and_o the_o more_o explicit_o they_o do_v so_o promise_v it_o be_v the_o better_a hence_o all_o reform_a church_n do_v in_o their_o directory_n and_o practice_n require_v profession_n and_o promise_v of_o parent_n or_o those_o that_o present_v the_o child_n to_o baptism_n and_o appoint_v a_o solemn_a manner_n of_o administration_n and_o stand_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o needful_a duty_n though_o they_o unanimous_o own_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o child_n have_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a right_n to_o baptism_n by_o its_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n see_v english_a liturgy_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n directory_n pag._n 31._o late_o petition_n for_o peace_n pag._n 61_o etc._n etc._n zepperi_fw-la polit._n ecces_n pag_n 128._o &_o pag._n 147_o 150._o alasco_n pag._n 121_o 137._o ratio_fw-la discipl_n bohem._n pag_n 43._o hence_o also_o no_o man_n will_v doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o comfortable_a and_o desirable_a thing_n that_o the_o parent_n do_v address_v himself_o in_o the_o most_o solemn_a serious_a and_o spiritual_a manner_n to_o draw_v nigâ—_n to_o god_n upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n as_o the_o baptise_v of_o a_o child_n by_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n for_o all_o neglect_v and_o breach_n of_o his_o covenant_n by_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o encourage_v promise_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n in_o reference_n unto_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o pour_v out_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o child_n and_o for_o a_o heart_n to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a parent_n towards_o his_o child_n as_o do_v become_v he_o etc._n etc._n and_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o parent_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v stir_v up_o unto_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o their_o duty_n but_o still_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o administration_n or_o to_o the_o better_a and_o more_o comfortable_a attendance_n thereof_o and_o between_o what_o be_v essential_o requisite_a to_o give_v right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o ordinance_n before_o the_o church_n this_o latter_a mere_a membership_n or_o membership_n alone_o do_v a_o state_n of_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v that_o unto_o which_o the_o right_a of_o baptism_n be_v annex_v church_n as_o not_o only_o the_o synod_n but_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o so_o 2._o the_o assertion_n beforementioned_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a membership_n but_o qualify_v membership_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n in_o the_o sense_n above_o give_v be_v also_o antiscriptural_a 1._o because_o it_o direct_o overthrow_v infant-baptism_n which_o the_o scripture_n establish_v for_o what_o have_v infant_n more_o than_o membership_n or_o federal_n holiness_n or_o covenant-interest_n to_o give_v they_o right_o to_o baptism_n i._o e._n what_o have_v they_o more_o than_o this_o that_o they_o be_v regular_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o his_o institution_n therein_o within_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o this_o will_v not_o suffice_v but_o there_o must_v be_v some_o other_o qualification_n beside_o and_o superad_v unto_o this_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o for_o our_o part_n we_o know_v no_o strong_a argument_n for_o infants-baptism_n then_o that_o church_n member_n or_o foederati_fw-la be_v to_o be_v baptize_v the_o infant_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v church-member_n or_o foederati_fw-la ergo._fw-la but_o if_o the_o foresay_a assertion_n hold_v this_o argument_n fail_v and_o fall_v short_a for_o now_o church-membership_a or_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n or_o federal_n holiness_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n but_o there_o must_v be_v more_o than_o this_o to_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n how_o the_o sinew_n of_o the_o strong_a argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n will_v fare_v we_o know_v not_o but_o sure_o we_o be_v that_o this_o cut_n in_o sunder_o the_o sinew_n of_o the_o strong_a argument_n for_o infant-baptism_n which_o must_v fall_v if_o this_o stand_n but_o fall_v it_o never_o will_v through_o grace_n while_o the_o lord_n appointment_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n stand_v viz._n to_o have_v the_o initiate_a seal_n run_v parallel_n with_o the_o covenant_n gen._n 17._o or_o christ_n commission_n matth._n 28.19_o viz._n to_o baptise_v all_o disciple_n or_o all_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n let_v this_o assertion_n therefore_o fall_v which_o make_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n short_a than_o the_o covenant_n and_o deny_v baptism_n to_o run_v parallel_n with_o church-membership_a under_o the_o gospel_n hence_o 2._o it_o contradict_v that_o which_o the_o harmony_n of_o scripture_n and_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v acknowledge_v for_o a_o principle_n viz._n that_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n i._n e._n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v or_o that_o all_o church_n member_n be_v subject_n of_o baptism_n for_o if_o not_o mere_a membership_n or_o membership_n alone_o but_o qualify_v membership_n give_v right_a to_o baptism_n than_o not_o all_o member_n but_o some_o only_a viz._n those_o that_o be_v so_o and_o so_o qualify_v be_v to_o be_v baptize_v if_o baptism_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o mere_a membership_n or_o to_o a_o member_n as_o such_o than_o not_o to_o all_o member_n as_o à _fw-la quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la so_o à _fw-la non_fw-la quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la non_fw-la omne_fw-la valet_fw-la consequentiae_fw-la this_o deny_v not_o only_o in_o the_o five_o but_o the_o first_o proposition_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n which_o yet_o the_o antisynodalia_fw-la pag._n 17._o seem_v to_o consent_n unto_o but_o let_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v give_v from_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v that_o first_o proposition_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n then_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o this_o assertion_n now_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n viz._n because_o john_n be_v baptism_n which_o be_v christian_n baptism_n may_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o some_o who_o be_v stand_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n because_o they_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o repentance_n luke_n 3.8_o &_o 7.30_o therefore_o christian_a baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v unto_o such_o as_o stand_v member_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o they_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n answ._n let_v this_o be_v answer_v with_o reference_n to_o infant-baptism_n which_o lie_v upon_o our_o brethren_n to_o do_v as_o well_o as_o on_o we_o see_v they_o above_o declare_v antipoedobaptism_n to_o be_v a_o sinful_a opinion_n and_o do_v profess_v to_o hold_v and_o maintain_v the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n though_o indeed_o the_o reader_n can_v not_o gather_v so_o much_o from_o these_o word_n christian_n baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v unto_o such_o 〈◊〉_d stand_v member_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o they_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n this_n seem_v direct_o to_o gainsay_v infant-baptism_n for_o infant_n do_v indeed_o stand_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o how_o do_v they_o or_o can_v they_o show_v that_o they_o be_v qualify_v with_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n for_o it_o seem_v that_o neither_o be_v repentance_n itself_o sufficient_a without_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n but_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v our_o brethren_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o oppose_v infant-baptism_n and_o therefore_o that_o their_o meaning_n be_v not_o to_o require_v these_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n or_o qualification_n superad_v to_o membership_n of_o the_o child_n or_o personâ—_n to_o be_v baptize_v but_o of_o their_o parent_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o express_v but_o let_v this_o argument_n
with_o they_o and_o so_o he_o do_v now_o in_o the_o six_o place_n the_o application_n say_v the_o preface_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n unto_o those_o who_o be_v not_o true_a believer_n we_o mean_v visible_o for_o de_fw-fr occultis_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la be_v a_o profanation_n thereof_o and_o as_o dreadful_a a_o sin_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n unto_o unworthy_a receiver_n we_o marvel_v that_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o as_o muâ—h_v profane_v and_o vilify_v by_o undue_a administration_n of_o baptism_n as_o by_o undue_a administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n ans_fw-fr it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o the_o red_a to_o gather_v out_o of_o all_o that_o be_v here_o say_v a_o reason_n of_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n for_o we_o ready_o grant_v and_o say_v that_o baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o but_o visible_a believer_n take_v visible_a believer_n as_o a_o term_n equivalent_a to_o federally_n holy_n as_o the_o term_n believer_n or_o faithful_a be_v sometime_o in_o scripture_n so_o take_v isaâ—_n 1.21_o 2_o cor._n 6.15_o and_o often_o in_o author_n but_o that_o the_o person_n in_o question_n both_o parent_n and_o child_n be_v visible_a believer_n be_v also_o by_o the_o synod_n assert_v and_o prove_v and_o here_o be_v nothing_o say_v to_o disprove_v it_o but_o when_o as_o our_o brethren_n here_o say_v that_o the_o application_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n unto_o those_o who_o be_v not_o visible_o true_a believer_n be_v a_o profanation_n thereof_o in_o which_o be_v right_o explain_v we_o gainsay_v they_o not_o and_o yet_o in_o their_o 〈◊〉_d pag._n 20._o do_v hold_v forth_o that_o infant_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v faith_n it_o will_v lie_v upon_o they_o to_o show_v how_o they_o apply_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n to_o infant_n without_o a_o profanation_n thereof_o it_o be_v pity_n that_o so_o many_o passage_n be_v drop_v here_o and_o there_o that_o do_v though_o we_o hope_v not_o in_o their_o intention_n clasâ—_n with_o the_o baptise_v of_o â—_z here_o be_v also_o express_v a_o marvel_n that_o any_o shall_v think_v etc._n etc._n but_o we_o may_v answer_v with_o a_o marvel_n that_o any_o shall_v speak_v as_o if_o any_o of_o we_o do_v think_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o profane_v by_o undue_a administration_n of_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o by_o undue_a administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n whether_o as_o much_o or_o no_o in_o point_n of_o degree_n we_o will_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o dispute_v though_o we_o suppose_v the_o degree_n of_o sinful_a pollution_n or_o profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n name_v in_o any_o ordinance_n will_v be_v intend_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o special_a communion_n that_o we_o have_v with_o christ_n in_o that_o ordinance_n and_o by_o the_o danger_n that_o such_o pollution_n infer_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a partaker_n which_o will_v hardly_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v more_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n then_o in_o baptism_n but_o whether_o the_o profanation_n be_v as_o great_a or_o no_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v very_o great_a and_o so_o great_a as_o that_o every_o pious_a conscientious_a person_n shall_v fear_v to_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o the_o undue_a administration_n of_o baptism_n but_o where_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n to_o show_v that_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n point_v to_o by_o the_o synod_n be_v undue_a or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o undue_a administration_n of_o baptism_n to_o extend_v it_o further_o than_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o to_o administer_v baptism_n to_o some_o unto_o who_o we_o do_v not_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n if_o the_o rule_n and_o institution_n concern_v these_o two_o sacrament_n do_v extend_v the_o one_o further_o than_o the_o other_o as_o it_o plain_o do_v when_o it_o appoint_v baptism_n to_o all_o disciple_n or_o to_o run_v parallel_n with_o federal_a holiness_n mat._n 28.19_o but_o the_o lord_n supper_n only_o to_o self-examining_a disciple_n 1_o cor._n 11.28_o than_o the_o one_o may_v be_v extend_v further_a than_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o one_o no_o more_o undue_a or_o irregular_a and_o pollute_v then_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o other_o sure_o he_o that_o hold_v that_o baptism_n may_v and_o the_o lord_n supper_n may_v not_o be_v administer_v unto_o infant_n as_o we_o suppose_v our_o brethren_n do_v he_o grant_v that_o baptism_n may_v be_v extend_v further_a than_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o any_o such_o sacrilegious_a impiety_n dreadful_a profâ—rtation_n or_o prostitution_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v here_o harsh_o enough_o express_v neither_o do_v judicious_a calvin_n part_n of_o who_o zealous_a expression_n against_o the_o promiscuous_a administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v here_o cite_v in_o the_o preface_n ever_o imagine_v or_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v any_o such_o profanation_n to_o extend_v baptism_n further_o than_o the_o lord_n supper_n yea_o and_o further_o than_o the_o synod_n do_v when_o as_o he_o set_v down_o that_o answer_n in_o his_o catechism_n that_o be_v above_o allege_a and_o practise_v according_o it_o be_v well_o know_v the_o synod_n do_v not_o pleâ—d_v for_o that_o largeness_n in_o either_o of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o calvin_n allow_v but_o to_o extend_v the_o one_o further_o than_o the_o other_o be_v never_o account_v sacrilegious_a impiety_n in_o orthodox_n divinity_n it_o be_v here_o add_v that_o austin_n plead_v for_o strictness_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o tertullian_n beâ—ore_v he_o but_o do_v either_o of_o they_o pleâ—d_n for_o great_a strictness_n than_o the_o synod_n do_v unless_o where_o tertullian_n erroneous_o and_o weak_o plead_v for_o the_o delay_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v note_v 83._o for_o one_o of_o his_o navi_fw-la certain_o man_n will_v say_v when_o they_o look_v upon_o what_o be_v publish_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o their_o wary_a qualify_a of_o the_o five_o proposition_n about_o which_o the_o controversy_n be_v that_o they_o be_v for_o much_o strictness_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o many_o will_v think_v we_o too_o strict_a we_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v show_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o austin_n that_o will_v speak_v he_o to_o be_v against_o the_o baptise_v of_o such_o as_o the_o synod_n plead_v for_o yea_o he_o require_v not_o more_o of_o adult_n convert_v from_o heathenism_n for_o their_o own_o baptism_n then_o be_v in_o the_o parent_n who_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o synod_n that_o book_n of_o his_o de_fw-la fide_fw-la &_o operibus_fw-la be_v against_o the_o baptise_v of_o notorious_a scandalous_a liver_n who_o he_o will_v not_o have_v baptize_v tho_o seem_o turn_v from_o heathenism_n till_o they_o serious_o promise_v reformation_n but_o that_o austin_n in_o stead_n of_o be_v for_o more_o strictness_n hold_v for_o a_o large_a extent_n of_o baptism_n than_o the_o synod_n do_v may_v easy_o be_v evince_v 22._o how_o strange_a be_v it_o to_o see_v their_o authority_n still_o allege_v against_o we_o who_o be_v not_o only_o full_o with_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o go_v further_o than_o we_o the_o seven_o reason_n of_o our_o brethren_n dissent_n be_v this_o it_o have_v in_o it_o a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o the_o â—ardning_v of_o unregenerate_a creature_n in_o their_o sinful_a natural_a condition_n when_o life_n be_v not_o only_o promise_v but_o seal_v to_o they_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o whole_a coâ—enant_n of_o grace_n â—_o as_o well_o as_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o be_v not_o interest_v in_o this_o covenant_n by_o faith_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v the_o seal_n thereof_o apply_v to_o they_o ans._n 1._o the_o lord_n truth_n and_o grace_n however_o it_o may_v be_v abuse_v by_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n perverse_a and_o sinful_a nature_n have_v not_o in_o itself_o any_o natural_a tendency_n to_o harden_v any_o but_o the_o contrary_n and_o how_o can_v the_o doctrine_n in_o hand_n have_v any_o such_o natural_a tendency_n when_o as_o man_n be_v tell_v over_o and_o over_o that_o only_o outward_a advantage_n and_o dispensation_n be_v seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n more_o absolute_o rom._n 3.1_o 2._o â—_o 9.4_o but_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o life_n eternal_a conditional_o see_v mr._n shepherd_n late_o print_v letter_n pag._n 3_o 6._o so_o that_o if_o they_o fail_v of_o the_o condition_n viz._n effectual_a and_o unfeigned_a faith_n they_o miss_v of_o salvation_n notwithstanding_o their_o baptism_n and_o external_a covenant-estate_n and_o hence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a but_o only_o a_o probable_a connexion_n between_o federal_a holiness_n as_o apply_v to_o
particular_a person_n and_o salvation_n that_o thousand_o be_v in_o the_o viâ—â—ble_a church_n that_o shall_v never_o see_v heaven_n that_o outward_a privilege_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rest_v in_o but_o improvedâ—s_a â—s_z help_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o internal_a and_o special_a grace_n that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o accept_v of_o probable_a sign_n but_o no_o man_n for_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o rest_v without_o certain_a sign_n of_o grace_n hence_o the_o indefinite_a promise_n and_o other_o general_a indefinite_a token_n of_o a_o good_a estate_n 〈◊〉_d such_o as_o decipher_v that_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v gracious_a and_o many_o of_o who_o be_v so_o though_o many_o be_v not_o â—s_a child_n of_o the_o covenant_n professor_n of_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v ground_n for_o the_o church_n to_o proceed_v upon_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o outward_a 〈◊〉_d especial_o that_o of_o baptism_n that_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o first_o be_v of_o grace_n but_o they_o be_v not_o ground_n for_o any_o to_o rest_v oâ—_n acquiesce_v in_o as_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o sum_n while_o we_o keep_v a_o due_a distinction_n between_o the_o outward_a and_o inward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o between_o the_o respective_a â—_z and_o ground_n of_o each_o there_o be_v no_o tendency_n unto_o harden_v therein_o but_o indeed_o 〈…〉_z and_o do_v tie_v visible_a church-interest_n unto_o such_o condition_n and_o qualification_n as_o be_v repute_v enough_o to_o salvation_n this_o may_v tend_v to_o harden_v man_n and_o to_o make_v they_o conceit_n that_o if_o once_o they_o be_v get_v into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v sure_a of_o heaven_n when_o 〈◊〉_d it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v far_o from_o it_o 2._o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o contrary_a assertion_n to_o this_o of_o our_o brethren_n here_o for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o deny_v the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o strong_a tendency_n in_o it_o to_o make_v they_o cease_v from_o fear_v the_o lord_n or_o to_o harden_v their_o heart_n from_o his_o fear_n josh._n 22.24_o 25_o 27._o and_o that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o encouragement_n and_o awful_a obligation_n of_o covenant-interest_n do_v great_o tend_v to_o softâ—â—_n and_o break_v the_o heart_n and_o to_o draw_v it_o home_o unto_o god_n hence_o the_o lord_n often_o begin_v with_o this_o that_o he_o be_v their_o god_n viz._n in_o outward_a covenant_n and_o they_o his_o people_n when_o he_o will_v most_o powerful_o win_v and_o draw_v they_o to_o faith_n and_o obedience_n psal._n 81.8_o 10._o levit._fw-la 19.3_o 4._o deut._n 14.1_o 2._o hosea_n 14.1_o act._n 2.38_o 39_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o can_v through_o grace_n witness_n unto_o this_o of_o what_o use_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o lord_n prevent_v grace_n in_o his_o seal_a covenant_n and_o their_o engagement_n to_o he_o thereby_o have_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o turn_n unto_o god_n so_o jer._n 31.18_o &_o 3.22_o gal._n 1.15_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o natural_a tendency_n in_o man_n corrupt_a heart_n not_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o truth_n or_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o lead_v he_o to_o turn_v grace_n into_o wantonness_n and_o to_o abuse_v outward_a privilege_n and_o ordinance_n unto_o a_o self-hardning_a security_n and_o carnal_a confidence_n jer._n 7.4_o mat._n 3.9_o rom._n 2.17_o phil._n 3.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o but_o be_v this_o any_o argument_n against_o the_o lord_n or_o the_o church_n give_v man_n a_o portion_n in_o his_o temple_n and_o ordinance_n because_o they_o be_v prone_a so_o to_o abuse_v they_o confidence_n in_o outward_a visible_a qualification_n for_o full_a communion_n be_v but_o a_o vain_a and_o carnal_a thing_n yet_o man_n be_v prone_a enough_o to_o it_o and_o have_v need_n by_o the_o ministry_n be_v take_v off_o from_o it_o but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o deny_v or_o scruple_n their_o admission_n thereunto_o 4._o if_o one_o shall_v bring_v such_o a_o argument_n as_o this_o against_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n viz._n that_o it_o will_v harden_v they_o and_o bolster_v they_o up_o in_o their_o sinful_a natural_a condition_n we_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v count_v a_o poor_a argument_n and_o of_o no_o validity_n and_o yet_o it_o hold_v as_o well_o against_o the_o baptise_v of_o any_o infant_n as_o of_o these_o in_o question_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o baptise_v of_o these_o in_o question_n harden_v the_o parent_n ans._n not_o at_o all_o in_o the_o way_n we_o go_v any_o more_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o child_n baptism_n then_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o baptism_n which_o he_o receive_v in_o infancy_n for_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v any_o more_o than_o federal_a holiness_n and_o that_o he_o have_v when_o he_o be_v a_o infant_n on_o that_o ground_n be_v he_o baptise_a then_o and_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n be_v his_o child_n baptise_a now_o if_o he_o have_v any_o more_o he_o may_v have_v the_o more_o comfort_n in_o it_o but_o simple_o to_o have_v his_o child_n baptise_a on_o the_o ground_n we_o go_v upon_o affirm_v no_o more_o but_o this_o because_o we_o ground_n all_o upon_o federal_a holiness_n or_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o dispense_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o clothe_v with_o the_o external_a dispensation_n or_o administration_n thereof_o and_o so_o it_o do_v next_o and_o immediate_o seal_v the_o external_a dispensation_n or_o the_o promise_v and_o privilege_n that_o belong_v thereto_o which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o then_o it_o seal_v the_o inward_a and_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o include_v in_o that_o dispensation_n and_o upon_o the_o condition_n therein_o propound_v baptism_n seal_v the_o whole_a covenant_n and_o whole_a dispensation_n thereof_o i._n e._n 1._o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o outward_o to_o all_o that_o have_v a_o external_a stand_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o dispensation_n and_o communication_n of_o it_o inward_o effectual_o and_o save_o to_o all_o that_o true_o do_v believe_v 2._o that_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o entrance_n into_o the_o covenant_n thus_o consider_v it_o seal_v the_o whole_a covenant_n but_o by_o way_n of_o initiation_n so_o dr._n ames_n in_o the_o place_n that_o be_v here_o quote_v medul_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 40._o thes._n 5_o 6._o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o initiation_n or_o regeneration_n for_o although_o it_o do_v at_o once_o seal_v the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o faithful_a yet_o by_o a_o singular_a appropriation_n it_o represent_v and_o confirm_v our_o very_a engraft_v into_o christ_n rom._n 6.3_o 5._o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o thesis_n 10._o those_o benefit_n be_v seal_v by_o way_n of_o initiation_n in_o baptism_n and_o from_o thence_o the_o judicious_a doctor_n make_v that_o inference_n that_o suit_v and_o clear_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n thes._n 11._o hence_o baptism_n ought_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n now_o first_o enter_v into_o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n seal_v up_o unto_o the_o party_n baptize_v all_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v in_o season_n communicate_v and_o enjoy_v from_o step_n to_o step_v through_o the_o whole_a progress_n of_o christianity_n from_o this_o first_o beginning_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n hence_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n or_o that_o have_v but_o a_o first_o entrance_n thereinto_o child_n as_o well_o as_o other_o though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o such_o faith_n and_o growth_n as_o import_v that_o progress_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o fruition_n of_o the_o comfort_n and_o â—ruits_n thereof_o that_o be_v seal_v up_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o ready_o grant_v and_o say_v that_o â—â—ne_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n apply_v in_o thâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d those_o that_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o by_o faith_n unless_o you_o can_v show_v we_o any_o other_o way_n of_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n but_o by_o faith_n but_o withal_o we_o affâ—â—m_o and_o prove_v that_o the_o child_n in_o question_n have_v interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o know_a tenor_n thereof_o gen._n 17.7_o and_o therefore_o that_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v
apply_v to_o they_o in_o all_o this_o therefore_o we_o see_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n or_o reason_n to_o necessitate_v a_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n our_o brethren_n have_v one_o thing_n more_o yet_o to_o add_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o great_a corruption_n and_o pollution_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n answ._n 1._o and_o be_v there_o no_o danger_n of_o corruption_n by_o over-straitning_a the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o corruption_n to_o take_v from_o the_o rule_n as_o well_o as_o to_o add_v to_o it_o and_o a_o corruption_n that_o our_o weakness_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o and_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o break_v god_n covenant_n by_o not_o apply_v the_o initiate_a seal_n unto_o those_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o even_o unto_o all_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n gen._n 17.9_o 10_o 14._o moses_n find_v danger_n in_o it_o exod._n 4.24_o be_v there_o no_o danger_n of_o put_v those_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n who_o christ_n will_v have_v keep_v in_o and_o deprive_v they_o of_o those_o church_n advantage_n rom._n 3.1_o 2._o that_o may_v help_v they_o towards_o heaven_n even_o christ_n own_o disciple_n may_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o incur_v his_o displeasure_n by_o keep_v poor_a little_a oneâ—_n away_o from_o he_o mark_v 10.13_o 14._o to_o go_v pluck_v up_o all_o the_o tare_n be_v a_o â—ealous_a motion_n and_o have_v a_o good_a intention_n but_o the_o housholder_n conclude_v there_o be_v danger_n in_o it_o of_o pluck_v up_o the_o wheat_n also_o 2._o if_o the_o enlargement_n be_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o rule_n it_o will_v bring_v in_o corruption_n else_o not_o our_o work_n be_v therefore_o to_o study_v the_o rule_n and_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o as_o the_o only_a true_a way_n to_o the_o church_n purity_n and_o glory_n to_o go_v aside_o from_o that_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n wlll_v bring_v corruption_n as_o well_o as_o to_o go_v to_o the_o left_a the_o way_n of_o anabaptist_n viz._n to_o admit_v none_o to_o membership_n and_o baptism_n but_o adult_n professor_n be_v the_o straight_a way_n and_o one_o will_v think_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o way_n of_o great_a purity_n but_o experience_n have_v abundant_o show_v the_o contrary_a that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o inlet_n to_o great_a corruption_n and_o looseness_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o a_o troublesome_a dangerous_a underminer_n of_o reformation_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n own_o way_n and_o his_o institution_n only_o which_o he_o will_v bless_v and_o not_o man_n invention_n though_o never_o so_o plausible_a neither_o have_v god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n so_o institute_v the_o frame_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n thereby_o as_o to_o make_v a_o perfect_a separation_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a or_o to_o make_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o initial_a instruction_n needless_a in_o the_o church_n conversion_n 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o fruit_n of_o the_o covenant_n say_v mr_n coâ—ton_n 29._o if_o we_o do_v not_o keep_v in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o convert_v grace-giving_a covenant_n and_o keep_v person_n under_o those_o church-dispensation_n wherein_o grace_n be_v give_v the_o church_n will_v die_v of_o a_o linger_a though_o not_o of_o a_o violent_a death_n the_o lord_n have_v not_o set_v up_o church_n only_o that_o a_o few_o old_a christian_n may_v keep_v one_o another_o warm_a while_n they_o live_v and_o then_o carry_v away_o the_o church_n into_o the_o cold_a grave_n with_o they_o when_o they_o die_v no_o but_o that_o they_o may_v with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o with_o all_o the_o obligation_n and_o advantage_n to_o that_o care_n that_o may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d up_o still_o successive_o another_o generation_n of_o subject_n to_o christ_n that_o may_v stand_v up_o in_o his_o kingdom_n when_o they_o be_v go_v that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v a_o people_n and_o kingdom_n successive_o continue_v to_o he_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o we_o may_v be_v very_o injurious_a to_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o too_o much_o straighten_n and_o narrow_a the_o bound_n of_o his_o kingdom_n or_o visible_a church_n here_o on_o earth_n certain_o enlargement_n so_o it_o be_v a_o regular_a enlargement_n thereof_o be_v a_o very_a desirable_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n to_o christ_n to_o have_v many_o willing_a subject_n as_o these_o be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o very_o suitable_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n 110.3_o in_o church-reformation_n it_o be_v a_o observable_a truth_n say_v â—areus_fw-la on_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o tare_n that_o those_o that_o be_v for_o too_o much_o strictness_n do_v more_o buâ—t_a then_o profit_v the_o church_n see_v diodaâ—e_n on_o matt._n 13.29_o cyprian_n epist._n 51._o 3._o there_o be_v apparent_o a_o great_a â—anger_n of_o corruption_n to_o the_o church_n by_o enlarge_a the_o subject_n of_o full_a communion_n and_o admit_v unqualify_v or_o mean_o qualify_v person_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o vote_v in_o the_o church_n whereby_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v soon_o be_v prejudice_v and_o election_n admission_n censure_n so_o carry_v as_o will_v be_v hazardous_a thereunto_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o temptation_n viz._n to_o ever-enlarge_a full_a communion_n it_o baptism_n be_v limit_v to_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v thereunto_o and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v that_o many_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o other_o be_v more_o against_o the_o non-admission_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n to_o full_a communion_n then_o against_o the_o admission_n of_o their_o child_n to_o baptism_n how_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o then_o to_o object_n against_o we_o â—s_a corrupter_n of_o the_o church_n when_o we_o stand_v for_o a_o great_a strictness_n than_o they_o in_o that_o wherein_o the_o main_a danger_n of_o church-corrupting_a lie_n we_o doubt_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o that_o principle_n which_o have_v be_v hold_v forth_o by_o our_o brethren_n viz._n that_o if_o the_o church_n can_v have_v any_o hope_n of_o person_n that_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n iâ—_n they_o though_o never_o so_o little_a they_o ought_v be_v adult_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n this_o we_o say_v will_n if_o follow_v bring_v corruption_n and_o impurity_n into_o church_n for_o he_o must_v abandon_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n that_o can_v hope_v this_o of_o multitude_n of_o young_a person_n that_o grow_v up_o among_o we_o who_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v present_o admit_v to_o full_a communion_n we_o shall_v soon_o feel_v a_o change_n in_o the_o management_n of_o churchâ—affairs_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o formality_n and_o common_a profession_n will_v soon_o be_v advance_v above_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o strictness_n as_o to_o full_a communion_n scripture_n and_o reason_n must_v determine_v and_o be_v this_o the_o place_n of_o that_o dispute_n we_o have_v much_o to_o say_v in_o it_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a the_o practice_n of_o these_o church_n hitherto_o have_v be_v for_o it_o as_o also_o their_o profession_n in_o the_o synod_n in_o 1648._o platform_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 12._o sect._n 7._o hence_o to_o depart_v from_o that_o will_v be_v a_o real_a departure_n from_o our_o former_a practice_n and_o profession_n whereas_o to_o enlarge_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n of_o all_o that_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n be_v but_o a_o progress_n to_o that_o practice_n that_o suit_v with_o our_o profession_n but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v and_o stand_v for_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n when_o as_o we_o stand_v for_o such_o qualification_n as_o we_o do_v in_o those_o we_o will_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n and_o do_v withstand_v those_o notion_n and_o reason_n that_o will_v infer_v a_o laxness_n therein_o which_o have_v apparent_a peril_n in_o it_o but_o we_o can_v hardly_o imagine_v what_o hurt_v it_o will_v do_v or_o what_o danger_n of_o spoil_v the_o church_n there_o be_v in_o it_o for_o poor_a child_n to_o be_v take_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o wing_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o to_o be_v under_o church-care_n and_o discipline_n and_o government_n for_o their_o soul_n good_a to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o initiation_n and_o education_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o have_v baptism_n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o initiation_n when_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o
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
that_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v give_v to_o these_o by_o the_o promise_n but_o by_o that_o word_n 〈◊〉_d they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o do_v plain_o imply_v the_o contrary_n and_o therefore_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v may_v be_v sound_a and_o good_a for_o all_o that_o the_o reverend_a author_n allege_v if_o their_o doctrine_n here_o be_v not_o right_a than_o it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o god_n promise_v to_o circumcise_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n and_o of_o their_o seed_n deut._n 30.6_o be_v no_o promise_n that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o faith_n and_o repentance_n nor_o any_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o though_o they_o for_o their_o part_n do_v not_o reject_v it_o and_o we_o suppose_v none_o will_v say_v this_o what_o may_v be_v say_v of_o they_o who_o when_o adult_n be_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o what_o may_v be_v hope_v and_o say_v of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o so_o reject_v be_v another_o the_o synod_n speak_v of_o these_o latter_a and_o the_o reverend_a author_n of_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o the_o one_o can_v overthrow_v the_o other_o the_o synod_n conclude_v this_o four_o argument_n by_o add_v as_o follow_v viz._n yet_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o these_o person_n be_v immediate_o fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o reason_n render_v be_v because_o though_o in_o a_o latitude_n of_o expression_n they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v believer_n or_o in_o numero_fw-la fidelium_fw-la as_o even_o infant_n in_o covenant_n be_v yet_o they_o may_v want_v that_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o that_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o that_o ordinance_n as_o be_v say_v upon_o propos._n 4._o to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v 1._o if_o any_o man_n speak_v let_v he_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 4.11_o the_o new-testament_n no_o where_o allow_v that_o latitude_n of_o expression_n to_o call_v man_n believer_n who_o etc._n etc._n ans._n though_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o if_o they_o speak_v to_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o none_o may_v have_v the_o term_v believer_n apply_v to_o they_o except_o the_o term_n be_v find_v so_o apply_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o then_o the_o name_n trinity_n sacrament_n and_o many_o other_o will_v be_v unlawful_a as_o not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n no_o nor_o in_o the_o old_a yet_o we_o suppose_v the_o reverend_a author_n will_v not_o count_v the_o use_n of_o these_o term_n unlawful_a how_o often_o do_v himself_o use_v the_o term_n of_o par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la personal_a membership_n mediate_v and_o immediate_a member_n and_o other_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v term_n not_o find_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o term_n believer_n be_v not_o find_v apply_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o yet_o if_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v find_v and_o the_o matter_n be_v so_o deliver_v as_o become_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n that_o be_v with_o such_o reverence_n purity_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v meet_v we_o suppose_v that_o rule_n of_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v not_o violate_v though_o the_o term_n itself_o be_v not_o so_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n nor_o yet_o in_o the_o old_a and_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o synod_n have_v give_v four_o or_o five_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v visible_a believer_n which_o argument_n we_o do_v not_o see_v satisfy_v by_o what_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v thereto_o 2._o the_o synod_n have_v say_v that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o may_v be_v count_v in_o numero_fw-la fidelium_fw-la as_o even_o infant_n in_o covenant_n be_v the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v they_o can_v be_v so_o account_v because_o infant_n be_v look_v at_o only_a in_o the_o parent_n covenant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o covenant_v for_o themselves_o as_o man_n be_v so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la between_o they_o ans._n though_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o covenant_v for_o themselves_o as_o man_n be_v yet_o their_o covenant_v or_o be_v in_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n here_o intend_v by_o the_o synod_n but_o their_o be_v believer_n or_o in_o numero_fw-la fiâ—â—lium_fw-la of_o which_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v nothing_o but_o the_o thing_n the_o synod_n here_o intimate_v be_v this_o that_o as_o even_o â—_z in_o covenant_n be_v count_v believer_n or_o in_o numero_fw-la fiâ—elium_fw-la so_o may_v the_o parent_n speak_v of_o 3._o whereas_o the_o synod_n say_v they_o may_v want_v that_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o that_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o that_o ordinance_n the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o visible_a want_n of_o this_o ability_n and_o of_o this_o exercise_n of_o faith_n do_v argue_v a_o visible_a want_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o exercise_v and_o be_v a_o just_a bar_n to_o the_o admittance_n of_o such_o into_o immediate_a and_o personal_a church-membership_a as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n ans._n admittance_n into_o membership_n be_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o at_o all_o by_o the_o synod_n for_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v count_v by_o the_o synod_n to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o membership_n long_o afore_o now_o even_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o want_n of_o the_o ability_n mention_v be_v a_o just_a bar_n to_o such_o admittance_n yet_o this_o concern_v not_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o but_o be_v this_o which_o be_v here_o affirm_v certain_a and_o clear_a that_o want_v of_o the_o ability_n and_o exercise_n speak_v of_o do_v argue_v want_n of_o the_o very_o be_v of_o faith_n may_v there_o not_o be_v the_o be_v and_o truth_n of_o that_o grace_n even_o there_o where_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v much_o want_v plain_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n blame_v his_o disciple_n and_o peter_n for_o the_o want_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n mat._n 8._o &_o 14._o mark_v 4._o luke_n 8.25_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v that_o the_o be_v of_o faith_n be_v now_o want_v in_o they_o for_o than_o we_o must_v say_v either_o that_o faith_n once_o have_v may_v afterward_o be_v lose_v and_o go_v or_o else_o that_o these_o disciple_n before_o this_o time_n never_o have_v faith_n neither_o of_o which_o we_o conceive_v can_v be_v say_v true_o how_o plain_a be_v it_o that_o some_o for_o their_o weakness_n and_o small_a ability_n in_o grace_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o bruise_a râ—ed_n and_o to_o smoke_a flax_n mat._n 12_o 20._o and_o yet_o when_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n will_v not_o break_v such_o reedâ—_n nor_o quench_v such_o flax_n it_o appear_v thereby_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o weakness_n there_o may_v be_v the_o â—eâ—ng_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o such_o soul_n and_o for_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o can_v this_o be_v want_v but_o the_o want_n of_o the_o be_v of_o faith_n must_v be_v infer_v thence_o what_o shall_v we_o then_o say_v to_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o heman_n psal._n 88_o who_o complain_v that_o god_n wâ—â—th_n lie_v hard_o upon_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v shut_v up_o and_o can_v not_o come_v forth_o that_o god_n seem_v to_o cast_v off_o his_o soul_n and_o to_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o he_o that_o god_n fierce_a wrath_n go_v over_o he_o that_o god_n terror_n have_v cut_v he_o off_o and_o that_o hereby_o he_o be_v as_o distract_v and_o this_o even_a from_o his_o youth_n up_o noâ—_n can_v we_o think_v that_o in_o such_o case_n he_o be_v able_a to_o examine_v himself_o can_v distract_a person_n do_v so_o it_o seem_v not_o and_o yet_o this_o heman_n be_v not_o without_o the_o graâ—e_n of_o faâ—â—â—_n for_o all_o this_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v say_v that_o wanâ—_n of_o ability_n to_o examine_v one_o self_n or_o of_o the_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n do_v always_o argue_v the_o want_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o â—xerciâ—ed_v and_o therefore_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v may_v still_o stand_v that_o â—he_v person_n speak_v â—f_n may_v be_v believer_n and_o yet_o want_v that_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o that_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o that_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o four_o argument_n for_o confirm_v the_o five_o proposition_n the_o five_o argument_n of_o the_o
59.21_o ezek._n 37.25_o 28._o psal._n 102.16_o 28._o jer._n 32_o 39_o the_o reverend_a author_n apply_v all_o these_o very_a text_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o church_n he_o say_v must_v consist_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o of_o elect_a and_o sincere_a believer_n only_o both_o they_o and_o their_o child_n successive_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o which_o he_o allege_v the_o text_n aforementioned_a pag._n 33._o ans._n it_o be_v free_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v and_o convert_v shall_v be_v very_o holy_a and_o glorious_a and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v question_v whether_o that_o church_n shall_v have_v none_o in_o it_o but_o only_o elect_v and_o sincere_a believer_n both_o they_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o when_o christ_n shall_v come_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o virgin_n in_o respect_n of_o much_o ecclesiastical_a purity_n yet_o those_o virgin_n be_v some_o of_o they_o foolish_a virgin_n that_o have_v no_o oil_n in_o their_o vessel_n with_o their_o lamp_n and_o so_o must_v have_v the_o door_n of_o the_o marriage-chamber_n shut_v against_o they_o matth._n 25._o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o all_o sincere_a believer_n and_o elect_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v a_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n will_v be_v so_o free_a from_o hypocrite_n as_o be_v say_v 2._o if_o these_o scripture_n isa._n 60.15_o &_o 59.21_o and_o the_o rest_n do_v prove_v that_o when_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v call_v it_o shall_v be_v with_o they_o as_o be_v say_v then_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v be_v gain_v and_o stand_v good_a viz._n that_o in_o holy_a reform_v and_o most_o glorious_a time_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o continuation_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o parent_n to_o child_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o be_v here_o affirm_v by_o the_o synod_n 3._o though_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v here_o suggest_v this_o difference_n between_o that_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o gentile_a church_n that_o these_o latter_a shall_v have_v close_a hypocrite_n creep_v into_o they_o and_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n by_o their_o degeneracy_n when_o adult_n stop_v the_o successive_a progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v otherwise_o yet_o since_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o the_o nation_n of_o they_o that_o be_v save_v shall_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o that_o new_a jerusalem_n rev._n 21._o and_o that_o then_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v king_n in_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o lord_n and_o his_o name_n one_o zech._n 14._o and_o that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n shall_v be_v write_v upon_o philadelphia_n a_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n rev._n 3._o it_o may_v seem_v upon_o these_o consideration_n and_o the_o like_a that_o there_o will_v at_o that_o time_n be_v good_a conformity_n between_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_a church_n and_o no_o such_o disproportion_n or_o difference_n that_o in_o the_o one_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o continuation_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n from_o parent_n and_o child_n successive_o but_o in_o the_o other_o not_o so_o we_o see_v no_o ground_n for_o believe_v such_o a_o difference_n but_o for_o aught_o that_o do_v yet_o appear_v if_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o glory_n in_o the_o one_o as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o successive_a progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n therein_o there_o shall_v or_o may_v be_v the_o like_a in_o the_o gentile_a church_n also_o and_o to_o conceive_v any_o essential_a difference_n between_o either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n then_o and_o gentile_n now_o as_o to_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o whatever_o difference_n there_o may_v be_v as_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o synod_n result_v p._n 9_o be_v a_o conception_n that_o we_o see_v no_o ground_n for_o in_o scripture_n whereas_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v pag._n 34._o that_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n in_o this_o country_n be_v common_o know_v to_o be_v profâ—nâ—_n vaâ—â—_n licentious_a vicious_a stubborn_a proud_a etc._n etc._n and_o complain_v that_o yet_o these_o be_v accept_v into_o immediate_a personal_a membership_n the_o answer_n be_v 1._o as_o before_o that_o we_o think_v there_o be_v no_o accept_n of_o member_n child_n when_o adult_n into_o membership_n but_o a_o accept_n of_o they_o unto_o full_a communion_n when_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o and_o a_o acknowledge_v of_o such_o and_o other_o to_o be_v member_n already_o as_o have_v have_v it_o from_o their_o birth_n or_o minority_n and_o have_v not_o since_o be_v regular_o in_o any_o way_n of_o god_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o same_o to_o call_v this_o a_o accept_n of_o thâ—m_n into_o membership_n we_o think_v be_v very_o improper_a 2._o if_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n general_o be_v common_o know_v to_o be_v so_o vicious_a and_o profane_a as_o be_v say_v this_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a humiliation_n and_o grief_n to_o we_o all_o but_o we_o hope_v it_o be_v too_o much_o to_o say_v so_o of_o the_o generality_n or_o great_a part_n of_o they_o there_o be_v better_a thing_n appear_v in_o many_o 3._o be_v it_o that_o they_o be_v so_o vicious_a or_o not_o we_o think_v there_o be_v great_a reason_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v careful_o watch_v over_o by_o elder_n of_o church_n and_o all_o superior_n that_o so_o their_o corruption_n and_o sin_n may_v be_v mortify_v and_o they_o further_v to_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o whereas_o the_o reverend_a author_n make_v a_o objection_n that_o if_o they_o be_v so_o vicious_a they_o have_v the_o more_o need_n to_o be_v under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o answer_n thereto_o say_v that_o it_o can_v rational_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o will_v submit_v themselves_o thereto_o but_o will_v disregard_n and_o slight_a the_o same_o and_o that_o acceptance_n with_o god_n or_o blessing_n on_o such_o mean_n can_v be_v expect_v because_o god_n limit_n his_o blessing_n to_o his_o own_o appointment_n p._n 34_o 35._o the_o answer_n be_v that_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v afore_o by_o seven_o or_o eight_o argument_n in_o propos._n 3_o that_o these_o child_n be_v by_o god_n appointment_n under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o argument_n have_v be_v former_o vindicate_v and_o clear_v from_o what_o the_o reverend_a author_n have_v say_v against_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o for_o what_o be_v here_o say_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n towards_o such_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n or_o bless_v by_o he_o because_o it_o want_v his_o appointment_n we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o entertain_v this_o say_n except_o there_o be_v some_o better_a proof_n for_o it_o which_o here_o be_v but_o naked_o deliver_v without_o any_o proof_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n towards_o the_o child_n speak_v of_o may_v be_v appoint_v of_o god_n accept_v of_o he_o and_o bless_v by_o he_o for_o aught_o that_o be_v here_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o can_v rational_o be_v expect_v that_o such_o person_n will_v submit_v themselves_o to_o church-discipline_n though_o we_o know_v but_o little_a of_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n towards_o such_o yet_o experience_n do_v testify_v that_o to_o some_o it_o have_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v profitable_a and_o that_o they_o have_v submit_v to_o it_o and_o be_v better_v by_o it_o last_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v a_o little_a afore_o in_o this_o same_o page_n pag._n 34._o mention_v the_o vigilancy_n and_o faithful_a care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o church-elders_a towards_o the_o child_n mention_v as_o a_o way_n or_o mean_n for_o convey_v religion_n down_o to_o after-generation_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n conceive_v to_o be_v sound_a and_o good_a but_o then_o how_o can_v this_o stand_v which_o be_v there_o say_v that_o such_o person_n be_v not_o under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o do_v not_o the_o vigilancy_n of_o church-elders_a import_v some_o kind_n of_o church-watchfulness_n can_v there_o be_v such_o vigilancy_n care_n and_o endeavour_n towards_o such_o as_o be_v noâ—_n under_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n at_o all_o or_o can_v such_o vigilancy_n care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o church-elders_a
appear_v by_o deut._n 26.17_o 18._o ans._n if_o so_o than_o they_o do_v every_o three_o year_n enter_v into_o a_o new_a membership_n for_o the_o reverend_a author_n conceive_v that_o what_o be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v in_o deut._n 26_o 17_o 18._o be_v do_v every_o three_o year_n as_o before_o â—_o 31_o but_o who_o know_v not_o that_o the_o same_o person_n or_o people_n may_v many_o a_o time_n enter_v into_o covenant_n or_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o thereby_o enter_v into_o so_o many_o new_a membership_n it_o seem_v by_o psal._n 50.5_o where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o i_o by_o sacrifice_n that_o so_o oft_o as_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v so_o oft_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_n make_v between_o god_n and_o they_o and_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o at_o every_o time_n of_o sacrifice_v there_o be_v a_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a membership_n it_o may_v suffice_v to_o say_v as_o the_o synod_n do_v that_o at_o all_o such_o time_n there_o be_v a_o progress_n in_o memberly_n duty_n but_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o the_o covenant_n in_o deut._n 26._o be_v enter_v into_o a_o new_a membership_n the_o reason_n render_v be_v this_o because_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n personal_o and_o immediate_o not_o in_o and_o by_o their_o parent_n as_o they_o do_v in_o infancy_n gen._n 17.7_o and_o if_o covenant_v be_v the_o form_n of_o church-membership_a than_o a_o different_a form_n of_o covenant_v make_v a_o different_a kind_n of_o membership_n mediate_v and_o immediate_a covenant_v make_v mediate_v and_o immediate_a member_n ans._n but_o be_v this_o certain_a that_o a_o different_a way_n of_o covenant_v make_v a_o different_a kind_n of_o membership_n in_o gen._n 15._o there_o be_v covenant_v by_o diviâ—ing_v the_o heâ—feâ—_n the_o goâ—_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o midst_n and_o pass_v between_o the_o piece_n or_o part_n and_o so_o in_o jer._n 34._o in_o gen._n 17._o there_o be_v covenant_v by_o silence_n and_o fall_v upon_o the_o face_n in_o nehem._n 9.38_o there_o be_v covenant_v by_o write_v and_o seal_v of_o it_o in_o 2_o chron._n 15._o by_o swear_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n and_o by_o engage_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o do_v as_o be_v there_o promise_v shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n here_o we_o see_v be_v various_a way_n of_o covenant_v but_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o these_o do_v infer_v divers_a kind_n of_o membership_n then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o the_o same_o person_n or_o people_n shall_v divers_a time_n enter_v into_o covenant_n or_o renew_v their_o covenant_n and_o this_o sometime_o in_o one_o of_o these_o way_n and_o sometime_o in_o another_o if_o a_o different_a form_n of_o covenant_v do_v make_v a_o different_a kind_n of_o membership_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o same_o person_n and_o people_n may_v many_o time_n over_o again_z and_o again_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a kinâ—_n of_o membership_n which_o we_o suppose_v none_o will_v affirm_v and_o therefore_o this_o that_o be_v here_o say_v will_v not_o hold_v the_o thing_n for_o essence_n and_o kind_a may_v be_v the_o same_o when_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o do_v may_v be_v various_a moreover_o covenant_v take_v for_o our_o act_n in_o make_v or_o renew_v the_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o membership_n this_o be_v but_o the_o instrumental_a efficient_a but_o covenant-interest_n or_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n be_v the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la of_o membership_n that_o be_v it_o which_o the_o synod_n affirm_v pag._n 24._o and_o that_o be_v the_o immediate_a actual_a and_o proper_a portion_n of_o the_o child_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o parent_n the_o three_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v from_o the_o relation_n of_o bear_a servant_n and_o subject_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n sâ—â—s_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o child_n in_o the_o church_n levit._n 25_o 41_o 42._o ezek._n 37.25_o which_o relation_n as_o all_o man_n know_v do_v noâ—â—easâ—_n with_o infancy_n but_o do_v continue_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o â—ince_n it_o also_o follow_v that_o one_o special_a end_n of_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n be_v to_o leave_v person_n under_o engagement_n to_o service_n and_o subjection_n to_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n when_o growâ—_n up_o etc._n etc._n pag._n 25_o 26._o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v that_o the_o one_o of_o these_o text_n be_v typical_a figure_v the_o tâ—â—e_n of_o grace_n whereby_o now_o christ_n have_v free_v we_o from_o the_o servitude_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n etc._n etc._n the_o other_o text_n be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o elect_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o these_o do_v neither_o of_o they_o suit_n the_o thing_n in_o question_n ans._n but_o for_o the_o present_a nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a but_o they_o may_v be_v suitable_a yet_o if_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o which_o those_o text_n be_v allege_v be_v sound_a and_o good_a the_o inference_n which_o the_o synod_n make_v be_v so_o also_o though_o the_o text_n be_v not_o so_o apt_a for_o if_o the_o child_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o state_n as_o bear_v servant_n and_o subject_n to_o christ_n than_o this_o state_n and_o relation_n and_o so_o their_o membership_n do_v not_o cease_v with_o infancy_n but_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o we_o hope_v the_o reverend_a author_n will_v not_o deny_v but_o for_o state_n they_o be_v as_o bear_v servant_n and_o subject_n to_o christ_n though_o he_o think_v the_o text_n quote_v be_v not_o apt_a proof_n for_o it_o but_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o deny_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n stand_v good_a for_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o membership_n grant_v they_o to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o bear_a servant_n and_o subject_n in_o their_o infancy_n and_o then_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o this_o state_n continue_v when_o they_o be_v adult_n and_o so_o their_o membership_n do_v not_o cease_v with_o their_o infancy_n deny_v that_o their_o membership_n continue_v when_o adult_n and_o then_o it_o must_v be_v say_v either_o that_o their_o state_n in_o infancy_n be_v not_o as_o bear_v servant_n and_o subject_n or_o that_o such_o relation_n do_v cease_v with_o infancy_n but_o for_o the_o reverend_a author_n he_o express_o grant_v that_o one_o special_a end_n of_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n be_v to_o leave_v person_n under_o engagement_n to_o service_n and_o subjection_n to_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n when_o grow_v up_o when_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o and_o have_v most_o need_v of_o it_o pag_n 43._o which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v here_o affirm_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o do_v not_o that_o hence_o follow_v which_o the_o synod_n infer_v that_o therefore_o their_o membership_n do_v not_o cease_v with_o infancy_n but_o do_v still_o continue_v it_o seem_v to_o follow_v unavoidable_o for_o how_o can_v they_o when_o adult_a or_o grow_v up_o be_v under_o engagement_n to_o service_n and_o subjection_n as_o the_o end_n of_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n if_o that_o membership_n do_v not_o still_o continue_v but_o together_o with_o their_o infancy_n be_v now_o past_a and_o go_v if_o they_o be_v still_o under_o engagement_n than_o their_o covenant_n do_v still_o continue_v and_o consequent_o their_o membership_n yet_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v neither_o can_v the_o parent_n nor_o the_o church_n give_v grace_n unto_o the_o child_n that_o when_o they_o become_v adult_n they_o may_v be_v spiritual_o fit_a for_o personal_a and_o immediate_a membership_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o it_o without_o such_o fitness_n visible_o be_v to_o profane_v the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o pollute_v the_o lord_n sanctuary_n pag_n 44._o ans._n it_o be_v true_a none_o can_v give_v grace_n but_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n but_o for_o bring_v the_o adult_a person_n speak_v of_o into_o membership_n we_o conceive_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n here_o intend_v by_o the_o synod_n nor_o can_v be_v speak_v of_o in_o any_o propriety_n of_o speech_n concern_v the_o person_n in_o question_n they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v member_n from_o their_o infancy_n and_o be_v account_v by_o the_o synod_n still_o to_o continue_v member_n now_o when_o adult_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o bring_v of_o they_o into_o membership_n that_o which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o be_v more_o apt_o call_v a_o acknowledge_v of_o they_o to_o be_v member_n and_o how_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o such_o person_n as_o the_o proposition_n describe_v to_o be_v and_o continue_v member_n can_v be_v judge_v a_o profanation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n or_o a_o pollute_a of_o the_o lord_n sanctuary_n we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o we_o