christ_n for_o they_o come_v in_o by_o the_o gospel-covenant_n as_o our_o brethren_n grant_v from_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o and_o be_v not_o christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o that_o covenant_n yea_o be_v they_o not_o baptise_a into_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o blood_n and_o benefit_n of_o christ_n scale_v up_o to_o they_o in_o baptism_n but_o our_o brethren_n seem_v whole_o to_o forget_v that_o or_o to_o make_v a_o nothing_o of_o it_o 2._o when_o this_o covenant_n which_o be_v call_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n gal._n 3.17_o be_v solemn_o own_a by_o they_o wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n be_v there_o nothing_o of_o christ_n in_o all_o this_o 3._o the_o danger_n of_o want_v the_o wedding-garment_n be_v as_o great_a to_o such_o as_o come_v in_o with_o the_o fair_a profession_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o these_o and_o be_v the_o church_n unblamable_a for_o admit_v such_o because_o their_o danger_n be_v so_o great_a when_o such_o want_v the_o wedding-garment_n but_o see_v our_o brethren_n urge_v so_o much_o joh._n 10._o let_v they_o consider_v for_o 13._o the_o hireling_n care_v not_o for_o the_o sheep_n we_o have_v more_o cause_n to_o fear_v how_o we_o shall_v answer_v for_o our_o careless_a neglect_n of_o these_o lamb_n of_o christ_n then_o for_o our_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o we_o have_v our_o warrant_n from_o christ_n and_o withal_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o weighty_a charge_n heb._n 12.15_o 16._o look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o fail_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n lest_o there_o be_v a_o profane_a person_n as_o esau_n who_o for_o a_o morsel_n of_o meat_n sell_v his_o birthright_n it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n do_v think_v there_o be_v a_o precious_a birthright_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o look_v diligent_o to_o the_o preservation_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o let_v we_o then_o take_v heed_n we_o do_v not_o take_v it_o from_o they_o before_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n do_v require_v it_o by_o this_o whole_a discourse_n and_o by_o these_o ten_o reason_n we_o may_v now_o full_o see_v upon_o what_o principle_n our_o brethren_n ground_n their_o antisynodalia_a or_o their_o position_n wherein_o they_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o prefacer_n complain_v that_o their_o tenent_n be_v lade_v with_o reproach_n of_o anabaptism_n i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n before_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o present_v unto_o their_o serious_a consideration_n what_o advantage_n they_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n who_o i_o fear_v will_v make_v such_o use_n hereof_o as_o our_o brethren_n will_v not_o willing_o allow_v they_o to_o do_v it_o be_v true_a that_o our_o brethren_n confess_v with_o we_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o gospel-covenant_n and_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o but_o do_v they_o not_o with_o their_o distinction_n in_o effect_n take_v away_o what_o they_o have_v give_v they_o they_o be_v member_n in_o general_a say_v they_o but_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a and_o it_o be_v only_o as_o wrap_v up_o in_o their_o parent_n covenant_n they_o be_v not_o actual_a or_o personal_a member_n and_o that_o membership_n in_o their_o parent_n and_o their_o foederal_n holiness_n reach_v no_o further_a than_o their_o minority_n pag._n 37._o and_o what_o church-ordinance_n be_v they_o capable_a of_o in_o that_o time_n especial_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o some_o suggest_v that_o ishmael_n come_v into_o the_o church_n by_o profession_n of_o faith_n as_o a_o adult_n member_n at_o thirteen_o year_n of_o age_n and_o if_o at_o adult_n age_n they_o come_v not_o up_o by_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n to_o enter_v into_o personal_a covenant_n and_o so_o to_o a_o new_a membership_n hey_o have_v no_o right_a â—o_o church-priviledge_n and_o may_v not_o a_o convert_n out_o of_o paganism_n upon_o such_o term_n enjoy_v as_o much_o as_o this_o and_o as_o for_o church-watch_n and_o government_n it_o can_v reach_v they_o but_o by_o their_o parent_n as_o it_o may_v reach_v a_o infidel-servant_n and_o when_o their_o parent_n be_v dead_a and_o they_o leave_v to_o the_o care_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n how_o shall_v it_o then_o touch_v they_o at_o all_o and_o when_o their_o own_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v account_v the_o form_n of_o their_o membership_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v a_o nullity_n of_o their_o covenant_n seal_v in_o baptism_n so_o that_o it_o will_v i_o fear_v seem_v to_o the_o anabaptist_n that_o to_o baptise_v infant_n be_v to_o set_v a_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a or_o to_o a_o covenant_n of_o no_o use_n to_o they_o again_o when_o our_o brethren_n so_o oft_o deny_v the_o visible_a covenant_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o to_o such_o as_o want_v the_o inward_a grace_n and_o affirm_v that_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o be_v limit_v to_o those_o that_o with_o abraham_n walk_v with_o god_n who_o heart_n be_v faithful_a who_o love_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n pag._n 29._o will_v not_o the_o anabaptist_n be_v ready_a to_o infer_v therefore_o infant_n want_v that_o grace_n etc._n etc._n have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o covenant_n or_o to_o baptism_n the_o privilege_n of_o it_o again_o when_o our_o brethren_n so_o oft_o confound_v the_o outward_a and_o inward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n allege_v the_o scandalous_a sin_n of_o church-member_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o these_o in_o question_n be_v self-excommunicated_n and_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o outward_a covenant_n or_o privilege_n thereof_o be_v not_o this_o a_o mistake_v which_o they_o will_v make_v advantage_n of_o last_o when_o they_o say_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o five_o proposition_n expose_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o contempt_n baptism_n to_o be_v profane_v bring_v pollution_n into_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v the_o reason_n for_o say_v they_o it_o impart_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o visible_a believer_n set_v the_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a sever_v baptism_n from_o the_o stipulation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n bring_v the_o uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n into_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o they_o oft_o confess_v that_o infant_n have_v no_o faith_n they_o be_v a_o carnal_a seed_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o just_a fear_n that_o the_o anabaptist_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o infer_v therefore_o to_o baptize_v infant_n be_v to_o expose_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o contempt_n &_o c_o i_o know_v our_o brethren_n will_v say_v we_o do_v not_o require_v faith_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o infant_n but_o in_o the_o parent_n only_o but_o yet_o when_o general_o we_o ground_n the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n to_o the_o parent_n and_o their_o seed_n gen._n 17._o act_n 2._o 1_o cor._n 7._o and_o prove_v they_o be_v disciple_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v baptise_a i_o wish_v our_o brethren_n may_v consider_v how_o great_o this_o ground_n be_v weaken_v by_o denial_n of_o god_n covenant_n to_o their_o person_n and_o only_o as_o in_o their_o parent_n and_o by_o make_v it_o so_o slight_a a_o matter_n as_o to_o wear_v out_o with_o their_o minority_n etc._n etc._n and_o also_o let_v they_o consider_v how_o suitable_a their_o notion_n and_o principle_n beforenamed_n be_v to_o the_o argument_n and_o ground_n of_o denial_n of_o baptism_n to_o all_o infant_n as_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o antipoedobaptist_n these_o thing_n i_o mention_v that_o our_o brethren_n may_v keep_v further_o off_o from_o this_o danger_n which_o themselves_o count_v a_o reproach_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o answer_n of_o our_o brethren_n to_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o five_o proposition_n arg._n 1._o these_o child_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o baptise_v any_o child_n whatsoever_o and_o neither_o the_o parent_n nor_o the_o child_n do_v put_v in_o any_o bar_n to_o hinder_v it_o this_o ground_n be_v the_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n gen._n 17.7_o 9_o 10_o 11._o act_n 2.39_o col._n 2.10_o 11._o ans_fw-fr they_o answer_v in_o general_a that_o faith_n be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o baptism_n rom._n 4.11_o act_n 8.37_o &_o 19.4_o reply_n 1._o here_o be_v no_o answer_n to_o the_o scripture_n allege_v which_o be_v very_o full_a gen._n 17.10_o 11._o this_o be_v my_o covenant_n which_o you_o shall_v keep_v every_o male-child_n shall_v be_v circumcise_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o you_o
so_o act_v 2.38_o 39_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o your_o child_n 2._o faith_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o the_o outward_a seal_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o outward_a covenant_n itself_o for_o lo_o and_o other_o believer_n can_v not_o partake_v of_o circumcision_n but_o by_o enter_v into_o that_o visible_a covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o our_o brethren_n afterward_o do_v grant_v that_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v the_o next_o ground_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o seal_n now_o they_o that_o have_v the_o next_o ground_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v the_o more_o remote_a ans_fw-fr 2._o more_o particular_o they_o say_v the_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o baptism_n for_o 1._o though_o they_o have_v abraham_n for_o their_o father_n yet_o john_n be_v baptism_n take_v away_o that_o plea_n mat._n 3.8_o 9_o and_o call_v for_o repentance_n reply_n john_n take_v away_o their_o vain_a confidence_n in_o abraham_n covenant_n for_o righteousness_n and_o life_n as_o the_o prophet_n also_o frequent_o do_v isa_n 1._o &_o 58._o jer._n 7._o mic._n 6._o but_o he_o take_v not_o away_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n as_o circumcision_n sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n 2._o john_n indeed_o call_v for_o repentance_n in_o a_o people_n so_o corrupt_a to_o fit_v they_o for_o a_o more_o gospel-dispensation_n to_o make_v they_o a_o people_n prepare_v for_o the_o lord_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o these_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n who_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n and_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n 2._o we_o must_v distinguish_v say_v they_o between_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o church-covenant_n which_o differ_v very_o much_o for_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o elect_n and_o true_a believer_n which_o the_o church_n can_v infallible_o judge_v who_o they_o be_v but_o the_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v the_o next_o ground_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o sealâ—_n require_v mutual_a consent_n of_o they_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o communion_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v to_o the_o child_n in_o the_o parent_n but_o be_v establish_v only_o by_o the_o restipulation_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n gen._n 17.7_o 9_o rom._n 11.20_o thou_o stand_v by_o faith_n reply_n 1._o i_o can_v see_v how_o these_o thing_n can_v consist_v one_o with_o another_o for_o if_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o elect_a and_o true_a believer_n and_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v with_o the_o child_n in_o the_o parent_n then_o the_o child_n and_o parent_n must_v be_v elect_a and_o true_a believer_n which_o will_v not_o be_v grant_v again_o if_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o church-covenant_n stand_v in_o this_o that_o it_o requr_v mutual_a consent_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n how_o shall_v infant_n partake_v of_o the_o church-covenant_n and_o baptism_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o next_o ground_n 2._o this_o distinction_n as_o here_o lay_v down_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o thing_n it_o be_v bring_v for_o but_o rather_o yield_v the_o same_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v yield_v that_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v the_o next_o ground_n of_o baptism_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o next_o ground_n and_o immediate_a be_v the_o chief_a for_o it_o suppose_v the_o remote_a and_o the_o remote_a ground_n without_o the_o next_o can_v not_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n beside_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v to_o the_o child_n in_o the_o parent_n than_o still_o the_o covenant_n even_o of_o grace_n also_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o baptism_n but_o say_v they_o the_o establishment_n be_v upon_o the_o restipulation_n of_o faith_n thou_o stand_v by_o faith_n rom._n 11.20_o be_v it_o so_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o save_a benefit_n thereof_o yet_o the_o visible_a covenant_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n remain_v to_o such_o in_o the_o covenant_n as_o do_v continue_v in_o the_o visible_a profession_n thereof_o as_o have_v be_v oft_o prove_v that_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o gentile-churche_n stand_v rom._n 11.20_o be_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v oppose_v to_o that_o unbelief_n for_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v break_v off_o but_o they_o be_v not_o break_v off_o for_o want_n of_o hold_v forth_o positive_a save_v faith_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n but_o for_o positive_a unbelief_n whereby_o they_o obstinate_o reject_v christ_n rom._n 10.21_o they_o be_v a_o disobedient_a and_o gainsay_v people_n act_n 13.45_o the_o apostle_n turn_v from_o they_o to_o the_o gentile_n because_o they_o contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v mat._n 21.42_o 43._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v take_v from_o they_o because_o they_o reject_v christ_n the_o corner_n stone_n see_v also_o act_v 18.5_o 6._o &_o 19.8_o 9_o and_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o the_o gentile_a church_n do_v profess_v jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o ordinance_n they_o may_v stand_v in_o the_o visible_a covenant_n through_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n though_o they_o or_o many_o of_o their_o member_n do_v not_o hold_v out_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o save_v faith_n visible_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n otherwiser_n we_o must_v unchurch_n many_o such_o society_n of_o christian_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o unchurch_v but_o continue_v to_o they_o the_o mean_n and_o ordinance_n of_o grace_n 3._o i_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o the_o church-covenant_n and_o that_o of_o grace_n for_o as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o second_o proposition_n premise_v chap._n 2._o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o differ_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o church_n viz._n outward_o in_o the_o privilege_n ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n or_o inward_o in_o the_o save_v benefit_n thereof_o to_o true_a believer_n now_o that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n to_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n be_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o god_n give_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o the_o visible_a church_n gen._n 17._o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o he_o avouch_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o they_o avouch_v he_o to_o be_v their_o god_n deut._n 26.17_o 18._o now_o this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o contain_v all_o the_o rest_n as_o mr._n cotton_n note_v upon_o that_o covenant_n 2._o because_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n and_o the_o offer_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n be_v give_v to_o all_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n rom._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o &_o 9.4_o 3._o because_o all_o in_o church-covenant_n stand_v bind_v thereby_o to_o believe_v repent_v and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o this_o our_o brethren_n confess_v that_o church-covenant_n require_v they_o shall_v walk_v with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o have_v the_o more_o insist_v on_o this_o passage_n because_o the_o right_a understanding_n hereof_o be_v of_o much_o use_n to_o the_o main_a question_n in_o debate_n that_o these_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n be_v still_o in_o covenant_n the_o synod_n prove_v because_o they_o be_v once_o in_o covenant_n and_o never_o cut_v off_o from_o it_o ans_fw-fr to_o this_o our_o brethren_n answer_v the_o lord_n himself_o discovenant_n they_o mat._n 3._o joh._n 8.39_o 40_o 41_o 42._o where_o the_o lord_n take_v away_o their_o plea_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v the_o devil_n for_o their_o father_n and_o that_o without_o any_o act_n of_o church-discipline_n etc._n etc._n they_o may_v reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o as_o the_o pharisee_n luke_n 7._o they_o may_v be_v felones_n de_fw-fr se_fw-la as_o mr._n cotton_n speak_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v other_o ground_n of_o break_v off_o the_o covenant_n beside_o notorious_a sin_n and_o incorrigibleness_n therein_o as_o not_o stand_v by_o faith_n not_o bring_v forth_o fâ—uit_n mat._n 3.10_o not_o do_v righteousness_n 1_o joh._n 3.10_o reply_n i_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o reply_v here_o 1._o do_v the_o lord_n himself_o discovenant_v all_o those_o out_o of_o his_o visible_a church_n speak_v of_o mâ—â—_n 3_o joh._n 8_o be_v their_o seed_n thereby_o cut_v off_o from_o circumcision_n be_v they_o exclude_v from_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o temple-worship_n who_o can_v believe_v this_o when_o we_o see_v the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o oft_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n when_o he_o call_v they_o still_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o
in_o the_o visible_a church_n clear_v up_o these_o two_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a controversy_n be_v issue_v to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v premise_v three_o thing_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v make_v my_o way_n plain_a and_o easy_a through_o all_o these_o antisynodalia_fw-la propos_fw-fr 1_o that_o however_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v convey_v to_o they_o by_o their_o parent_n instrumental_o yet_o it_o flow_v from_o and_o be_v ground_v upon_o god_n institution_n as_o the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n thereof_o who_o be_v please_v to_o extend_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o covenant_n not_o only_o to_o the_o parent_n but_o also_o to_o their_o seed_n god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o he_o be_v their_o god_n they_o be_v his_o people_n this_o be_v evident_a gen._n 17_o 7._o i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o at_o eight_o day_n old_a they_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a as_o a_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o ver_fw-la 11_o 12._o deut._n 29_o 11_o 12._o their_o little_a one_o stand_v before_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n to_o be_v establish_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o what_o can_v be_v speak_v more_o plain_o and_o full_o to_o this_o purpose_n act_n 2.39_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o your_o child_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o your_o child_n be_v holy_a and_o indeed_o what_o can_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o parent_n faith_n profession_n or_o covenant_v to_o bring_v in_o their_o seed_n but_o it_o depend_v whole_o upon_o god_n freegrace_n ordain_v his_o covenant_n so_o to_o be_v dispense_v and_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o infant-seed_n be_v in_o their_o own_o person_n actual_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v actual_o in_o this_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o his_o people_n and_o he_o their_o god_n and_o have_v the_o covenant_n in_o their_o flesh_n the_o seal_n of_o it_o apply_v to_o their_o person_n and_o hence_o they_o can_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o his_o covenant-priviledge_n but_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o he_o have_v ordain_v which_o in_o gospel-time_n be_v by_o church-censure_n mat._n 18._o 1_o cor._n 5._o propos_fw-fr 2_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o his_o visible_a church_n 1._o outward_a and_o visible_a by_o which_o the_o lord_n bestow_v upon_o his_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n his_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n as_o they_o become_v capable_a thereof_o and_o wherein_o he_o tender_v unto_o they_o the_o save_v benefit_n thereof_o with_o many_o mean_n to_o bring_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o the_o embrace_v thereof_o this_o be_v evident_a they_o have_v all_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o god_n people_n his_o child_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n holy_a nation_n saint_n etc._n etc._n gen._n 6.2_o exod._n 19.5_o 6._o deut._n 32.9_o isa_n 1.1_o 2._o psal_n 50.1_o 2._o mat._n 15.26_o and_o the_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v they_o rom._n 3.1_o 2._o &_o 9.4_o so_o in_o the_o new-testament_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n be_v call_v saint_n and_o faithful_a in_o christ_n the_o seven_o church_n rev._n 1._o be_v call_v golden_a candlestick_n though_o there_o be_v corrupt_a member_n in_o they_o and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o other_o ordinance_n belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n ephes_n 4.11_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o mat._n 18._o 1_o cor._n 5._o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o officer_n be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o heal_n and_o save_v the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o more_o inward_a spiritual_a and_o save_v dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o such_o as_o true_o believe_v and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o heart_n god_n have_v circumcise_v according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n deut._n 30.6_o ezek._n 36._o from_o this_o different_a dispensation_n it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n though_o he_o require_v of_o all_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n etc._n etc._n deut._n 10.12_o 13._o and_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n with_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o reprove_v the_o wicked_a for_o take_v his_o covenant_n into_o their_o mouth_n psal_n 50._o reject_v their_o sacrifice_n isa_n 1._o &_o 58._o call_v they_o uncircumcised_a ethiopian_n etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n of_o any_o inward_a and_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o still_o he_o ow_v they_o as_o his_o people_n saint_n in_o covenant_n with_o he_o psal_n 50.1_o and_o follow_v they_o with_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n 2_o chron._n 36._o this_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o afterward_o propos_fw-fr 3_o there_o be_v a_o different_a rule_n and_o reason_n of_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o continuation_n of_o they_o in_o it_o be_v regular_o admit_v in_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o church_n we_o just_o look_v for_o such_o positive_a qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v viz._n a_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o adult_n person_n and_o foederal_n holiness_n in_o infant_n we_o well_o approve_v that_o say_v of_o chamier_n quote_v by_o our_o brethren_n no_o man_n can_v disallow_v such_o diligence_n to_o prevent_v the_o profane_v of_o holy_a thing_n and_o lest_o such_o as_o simon_n magus_n shall_v lie_v hide_v but_o to_o cast_v out_o such_o as_o be_v regular_o admit_v we_o must_v have_v positive_a impenitency_n in_o sin_n as_o a_o ground_n to_o count_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n mat._n 18._o and_o that_o after_o due_a patience_n towards_o they_o for_o even_o a_o heretic_n may_v have_v two_o admonition_n before_o rejection_n tit._n 3.10_o or_o at_o least_o some_o notorious_a scandalous_a sin_n as_o some_o conceive_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o these_o thing_n premise_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o next_o thing_n in_o order_n which_o be_v our_o brethren_n answer_n to_o the_o main_a â—_z viz._n who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n to_o which_o their_o answer_n iâ—_n this_o that_o visible_a believer_n and_o convert_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v together_o with_o their_o next_o seed_n in_o minority_n be_v the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o baptism_n as_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o they_o refer_v to_o the_o place_n before_o allege_a mat._n 28.19_o 20._o mark_v 16.16_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o their_o large_a discourse_n i_o pass_v by_o though_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v matter_n of_o dispute_n but_o i_o will_v decline_v all_o impertinency_n and_o come_v to_o their_o reason_n gather_v out_o of_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v this_o those_o be_v proper_a and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o baptism_n to_o who_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-institution_n have_v appoint_v it_o but_o visible_a believer_n and_o convert_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v the_o person_n be_v unbaptise_v to_o who_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-institution_n of_o baptism_n have_v appoint_v it_o therefore_o visible_a believer_n etc._n etc._n the_o great_a weight_n or_o stress_n of_o this_o argument_n lie_v upon_o that_o place_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o and_o i_o see_v our_o brethren_n put_v much_o confidence_n in_o it_o affirm_v that_o the_o minor_a be_v express_v scripture_n and_o therefore_o though_o many_o be_v unwilling_a it_o shall_v be_v true_a and_o will_v cavil_n against_o it_o it_o will_v be_v find_v true_a at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr god_n forbid_v that_o in_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n we_o shall_v cavil_v at_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o add_v to_o it_o or_o take_v from_o it_o but_o whether_o the_o minor_a will_v prove_v true_a or_o not_o we_o need_v not_o stay_v till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n will_v easy_o decide_v it_o and_o i_o will_v direct_o deny_v the_o minor_a for_o none_o of_o those_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o that_o i_o know_v of_o will_v prove_v that_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v requisite_a to_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n much_o less_o that_o
such_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n thereof_o as_o if_o such_o and_o only_o such_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a this_o of_o full_a communion_n our_o brethren_n think_v will_v advantage_v their_o cause_n and_o so_o have_v put_v it_o in_o but_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a addition_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o whole_o fail_v they_o of_o any_o proof_n yea_o make_v evident_o against_o they_o in_o that_o principal_a place_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v baptise_a before_o their_o full_a communion_n for_o 1._o peter_n call_v they_o to_o be_v baptise_a upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o promise_n ver_fw-la 38._o 2._o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n before_o full_a communion_n ver_fw-la 41_o 42._o 3._o it_o have_v be_v very_o preposterous_a to_o put_v they_o into_o full_a communion_n before_o union_n with_o the_o church_n seal_v by_o baptism_n for_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o union_n with_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o which_o must_v go_v before_o communion_n but_o they_o seem_v to_o suppose_v at_o least_o that_o some_o in_o full_a communion_n may_v be_v unbaptise_v by_o that_o word_n be_v unbaptise_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o our_o brethren_n confidence_n in_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v find_v so_o great_o to_o fail_v they_o that_o while_o by_o it_o they_o seek_v to_o straiten_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n beyond_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n they_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o the_o whole_a subject_n itself_o of_o baptism_n because_o there_o will_v never_o be_v find_v any_o such_o person_n according_a to_o gospel-rule_n which_o they_o call_v so_o much_o for_o and_o appeal_v unto_o that_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v i_o will_v be_v a_o little_a bold_a with_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o case_n to_o challenge_v they_o to_o produce_v any_o rule_n or_o example_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o any_o person_n that_o either_o be_v or_o by_o rule_n may_v be_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v i_o hope_v this_o answer_n be_v plain_a and_o no_o cavil_v yet_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v up_o of_o this_o answer_n i_o shall_v remove_v what_o may_v be_v further_o say_v by_o our_o brethren_n object_n though_o those_o in_o act_n 2._o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n actual_o before_o baptism_n yet_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o state_n and_o right_a to_o full_a communion_n by_o their_o baptism_n which_o these_o child_n in_o question_n be_v not_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o state_n or_o right_a the_o baptise_a be_v partaker_n of_o as_o a_o consequent_a fruit_n of_o baptism_n receive_v but_o what_o it_o be_v that_o constitute_v a_o person_n to_o be_v a_o fit_a subject_a to_o be_v baptise_a to_o describe_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n by_o the_o consequent_a fruit_n of_o it_o and_o not_o by_o the_o precedent_a cause_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n be_v very_o improper_a and_o preposterous_a if_o the_o question_n be_v who_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o church-membership_a we_o say_v confederate_v visible_a believer_n and_o their_o seed_n for_o this_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o and_o bring_v they_o into_o such_o a_o relation_n but_o shall_v any_o answer_n that_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o church-membership_a be_v a_o person_n in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n or_o one_o that_o be_v under_o the_o teach_v and_o rule_n of_o church-officer_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o church-membership_a receive_v who_o do_v not_o see_v the_o weakness_n of_o such_o a_o answer_n and_o the_o like_a be_v this_o case_n baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o his_o church_n whereby_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o one_o body_n 2._o although_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o the_o church_n can_v actual_o enjoy_v full_a communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n as_o their_o parent_n do_v yet_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n set_v they_o in_o a_o state_n and_o right_a to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o as_o they_o become_v fit_a for_o they_o as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n for_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o parent_n and_o seed_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o same_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v the_o same_o right_n to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o come_v up_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n and_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o blessing_n in_o adult_n member_n it_o be_v so_o who_o be_v under_o admonition_n for_o scandal_n or_o in_o a_o frenzy_n or_o the_o like_a case_n though_o they_o partake_v not_o of_o all_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o their_o right_n remain_v so_o here_o when_o the_o seed_n grow_v up_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o also_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n not_o by_o any_o new_a covenant_n or_o membership_n but_o by_o the_o right_n of_o that_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o they_o and_o seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o afterward_o 2._o i_o shall_v add_v further_o it_o be_v true_a that_o to_o admit_v adult_a person_n into_o the_o church_n and_o to_o baptism_n visible_a faith_n be_v require_v and_o so_o much_o the_o text_n allege_v prove_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n in_o dispute_n between_o we_o but_o about_o person_n already_o in_o the_o church_n and_o baptise_a whether_o in_o such_o the_o ground_n of_o baptise_v their_o seed_n be_v faith_n and_o grace_n make_v visible_a in_o the_o same_o manner_n or_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o conclude_v the_o question_n put_v case_n any_o of_o those_o visible_a believer_n and_o convert_n act_n 2._o shall_v afterward_o discover_v by_o their_o worldliness_n looseness_n or_o other_o way_n that_o there_o be_v in_o they_o no_o sap_n or_o savour_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n even_o to_o the_o charitable_a judgement_n of_o most_o in_o the_o church_n my_o question_n be_v whether_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n their_o infant-seed_n shall_v not_o be_v baptise_a if_o it_o be_v grant_v than_o it_o be_v not_o such_o visible_a faith_n and_o grace_n but_o the_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n that_o give_v right_o to_o baptism_n and_o so_o to_o these_o church-member_n in_o question_n if_o this_o be_v deny_v let_v there_o be_v one_o tittle_n of_o scripture-rule_n or_o example_n produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a having_n answer_v their_o reason_n i_o shall_v present_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o same_o text_n to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o promise_n act_v 2.39_o be_v that_o covenant-promise_a which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o parallel_n place_n act_v 3._o where_o for_o 19_o peter_n exhort_v to_o repentance_n as_o in_o chap._n 2.38_o and_o chap._n 3.25_o he_o use_v the_o same_o reason_n in_o other_o word_n you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o our_o father_n the_o substance_n whereof_o all_o grant_n to_o be_v this_o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n although_o the_o apostle_n there_o make_v use_v of_o another_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n concern_v christ_n that_o feed_v in_o who_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o his_o people_n now_o the_o reason_n stand_v thus_o if_o the_o covenant-promise_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v a_o ground_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptizse_v in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n than_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o his_o visible_a church_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n but_o the_o covenant-promise_n be_v a_o ground_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a in_o gospel-dispensation_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o with_o chap._n 3.19_o 25._o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o his_o visible_a church_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n thus_o much_o to_o their_o scripture-argument_n to_o which_o our_o brethren_n add_v the_o testimony_n of_o mr._n richard_n mather_n well_o agree_v with_o this_o say_v they_o be_v the_o answer_n of_o reverend_a mr._n mather_n in_o his_o catechism_n ans_fw-fr but_o by_o their_o leave_n it_o differ_v from_o their_o answer_n in_o the_o main_a thing_n that_o touch_v the_o cause_n in_o hand_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o full_a communion_n in_o he_o which_o they_o put_v into_o they_o 2._o that_o reverend_a and_o learned_a author_n speak_v only_o what_o adult_n person_n shall_v be_v in_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o so_o convert_v
and_o join_v which_o have_v reference_n to_o their_o first_o join_v to_o the_o church_n not_o deny_v that_o be_v once_o regular_o join_v they_o may_v after_o have_v their_o seed_n baptise_a though_o they_o shall_v not_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a convert_v as_o for_o the_o objection_n and_o answer_n here_o bring_v in_o they_o be_v not_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o what_o be_v any_o way_n pertinent_a to_o our_o dispute_n may_v sufficient_o be_v take_v off_o by_o what_o be_v say_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v pass_v they_o by_o and_o i_o may_v the_o rather_o so_o do_v see_v our_o brethren_n in_o their_o three_o answer_n have_v yield_v the_o cause_n for_o if_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o the_o circumcision_n of_o his_o seed_n be_v appoint_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n that_o baptism_n be_v why_o shall_v not_o baptism_n be_v continue_v successive_o to_o the_o seed_n remain_v in_o the_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o circumcision_n chap._n iii_o concern_v our_o brethren_n note_n upon_o the_o first_o and_o second_o proposition_n in_o the_o first_o proposition_n our_o brethren_n only_o give_v a_o explication_n of_o the_o word_n visible_a church_n take_v the_o word_n church_n as_o a_o genus_fw-la of_o all_o particular_a church_n from_o which_o we_o dissent_n not_o in_o the_o second_o proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n they_o have_v make_v divers_a note_n upon_o it_o 1._o that_o by_o visible_a believer_n they_o intend_v true_a believer_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n and_o herein_o we_o agree_v second_o note_v that_o visible_a believer_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n be_v right_o distinguish_v and_o so_o far_o we_o agree_v also_o that_o they_o be_v person_n distinct_o and_o several_o covenant_v with_o by_o the_o lord_n not_o wrap_v up_o in_o their_o parent_n as_o they_o speak_v but_o whereas_o they_o distinguish_v they_o from_o their_o parent_n as_o not_o be_v believer_n never_o so_o call_v in_o scripture_n how_o can_v they_o believe_v that_o know_v not_o the_o right_a hand_n from_o the_o left_a they_o have_v no_o faith_n actual_a or_o habitual_a nor_o can_v have_v without_o a_o miracle_n and_o we_o hold_v miracle_n be_v cease_v ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o great_a objection_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n against_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n and_o what_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o note_n be_v here_o i_o know_v not_o except_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v they_o any_o actual_a and_o personal_a membership_n in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o their_o next_o note_n i_o shall_v therefore_o speak_v the_o more_o full_o to_o it_o and_o first_o it_o appear_v the_o scripture_n number_n they_o among_o believer_n if_o it_o do_v not_o also_o express_o call_v they_o so_o mat._n 18.6_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o which_o some_o interpret_v of_o infant_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15._o where_o all_o in_o the_o church_n be_v call_v believer_n in_o opposition_n to_o infidel_n and_o no_o doubt_n paul_n will_v not_o allow_v any_o of_o these_o to_o marry_v with_o infidel_n when_o grow_v up_o by_o that_o rule_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o reckon_v they_o as_o believer_n 2._o to_o make_v a_o person_n a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o matter_n be_v not_o whether_o he_o have_v faith_n and_o grace_n real_o or_o not_o if_o he_o have_v such_o qualification_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n accept_v for_o faith_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o can_v go_v no_o further_o this_o be_v clear_a and_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v in_o respect_n of_o adult_n person_n if_o a_o man_n profess_v he_o do_v believe_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n as_o the_o eunuch_n act_v 8._o and_o nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a if_o a_o man_n appear_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n glad_o receive_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n as_o those_o act_n 2._o god_n rule_n accept_v of_o such_o as_o believer_n and_o so_o must_v the_o church_n though_o the_o lord_n see_v that_o some_o it_o may_v be_v many_o such_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o truth_n for_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v and_o however_o they_o may_v afterward_o discover_v themselves_o as_o ananias_n simon_n magus_n etc._n etc._n yet_o all_o will_v grant_v these_o be_v right_o receive_v as_o visible_a believer_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v the_o case_n of_o infant_n the_o matter_n be_v not_o whether_o they_o have_v true_a faith_n or_o not_o in_o the_o act_n or_o habit_n so_o they_o have_v such_o qualification_n as_o god_n accept_v of_o to_o receive_v their_o person_n into_o his_o covenant_n and_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o suffice_v though_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n or_o grace_n real_o now_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v so_o accept_v of_o they_o into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o as_o believer_n appear_v 1._o because_o he_o do_v account_v they_o holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o be_v it_o foederal_n or_o covenant-holiness_n this_o imply_v that_o god_n be_v their_o god_n and_o if_o god_n give_v himself_o unto_o they_o sure_o he_o accept_v they_o as_o believer_n he_o be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o infidel_n who_o be_v without_o god_n ephes_n 2.12_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o with_o parent_n and_o their_o seed_n and_o therefore_o god_n accept_v they_o as_o such_o as_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n 2._o this_o appear_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4._o when_o god_n appoint_v this_o seal_n to_o be_v set_v upon_o infant_n sure_o god_n number_v they_o with_o believer_n so_o when_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v baptise_a into_o christ_n can_v there_o be_v any_o union_n with_o christ_n without_o faith_n as_o no_o real_a union_n without_o true_a faith_n so_o no_o visible_a union_n without_o that_o which_o be_v accept_v as_o faith_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n say_v of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n belong_v to_o unbeliever_n if_o it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v their_o parent_n faith_n that_o be_v accept_v for_o they_o not_o any_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o person_n i_o answer_v if_o so_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v the_o parent_n faith_n and_o profession_n in_o their_o name_n and_o stead_n as_o a_o public_a person_n covenant_v for_o they_o yet_o this_o be_v god_n free_a and_o prevent_a grace_n towards_o the_o seed_n and_o do_v engage_v their_o person_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o avouch_v god_n for_o their_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v actual_o and_o personal_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n 3._o i_o add_v further_o that_o as_o we_o must_v rest_v in_o such_o sign_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o rule_n require_v though_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v there_o so_o also_o we_o must_v in_o charity_n judge_v the_o best_a and_o walk_v towards_o such_o as_o visible_a believer_n till_o by_o impenitency_n in_o sin_n the_o church_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o count_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n so_o phil._n 1.7_o it_o be_v meet_v i_o shall_v think_v thus_o of_o you_o all_o because_o you_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n love_n and_o church-charity_n shall_v reach_v far_o especial_o to_o member_n of_o a_o church_n regular_o receive_v because_o the_o lord_n do_v give_v faith_n to_o some_o and_o who_o have_v faith_n in_o truth_n who_o not_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o judge_v and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o such_o member_n as_o come_v in_o in_o their_o infancy_n we_o know_v the_o lord_n give_v faith_n and_o grace_n to_o some_o betimes_o as_o to_o samuel_n timothy_n and_o other_o yea_o in_o all_o elect_a infant_n that_o die_v in_o minority_n no_o doubt_n god_n give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o which_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o in_o charity_n we_o be_v to_o look_v at_o they_o as_o believer_n till_o for_o impenitency_n in_o sin_n the_o church_n shall_v â—ount_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n their_o three_o note_n be_v that_o though_o they_o be_v member_n in_o general_a yet_o infant-seed_n be_v only_o federal_o holy_a other_o that_o have_v take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 1_o cor._n 6.11_o these_o have_v a_o parental_a and_o partial_a right_n nor_o complete_a and_o perfect_a thus_o the_o lord_n speak_v deut._n 4_o 37._o &_o 10.15_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o so_o dr._n ames_n distinction_n into_o perfect_a and_o imperfect_a medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o sect._n 13._o ans_fw-fr 1._o let_v it_o here_o be_v apply_v what_o be_v say_v of_o their_o
abraham_n seed_n as_o well_o as_o of_o himself_o ver_fw-la 7_o 9_o 10._o deut._n 29.10_o 11_o 12._o the_o little_a one_o stand_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n ezek._n 16.8_o i_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o thou_o and_o thou_o become_v my_o this_o be_v the_o common_a language_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n beside_o other_o place_n note_v that_o 1_o cor._n 12.12_o 13._o where_o the_o apostle_n prove_v that_o the_o church_n be_v one_o body_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n some_o weak_a and_o of_o less_o honour_n etc._n etc._n by_o baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n and_o so_o as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n but_o how_o shall_v the_o body_n be_v one_o if_o some_o be_v baptise_a into_o this_o body_n as_o actual_a and_o personal_a member_n some_o not_o actual_a nor_o personal_a some_o into_o a_o parental_a covenant_n some_o personal_a what_o a_o schism_n may_v this_o make_v some_o say_n i_o be_o not_o actual_o of_o the_o body_n though_o baptise_a with_o the_o same_o baptism_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o baptism_n other_o may_v say_v i_o be_o of_o the_o body_n personal_o you_o be_v no_o actual_a member_n of_o it_o it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n know_v not_o these_o distinction_n so_o gal._n 3.27_o 28._o all_o be_v baptise_a into_o christ_n and_o be_v all_o one_o in_o christ_n 2._o i_o find_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v clear_o own_o the_o church-seed_n grow_v up_o to_o adult_n age_n to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o so_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o god_n covenant_n make_v with_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n and_o that_o before_o any_o personal_a covenant_n as_o they_o call_v it_o see_v deut._n 5.2_o 3._o the_o lord_n our_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o we_o in_o horeb._n the_o lord_n make_v not_o this_o covenant_n with_o our_o father_n but_o with_o we_o even_o we_o who_o be_v all_o of_o we_o here_o alive_a this_o day_n now_o who_o be_v these_o but_o that_o generation_n number_v by_o moses_n and_o eleazar_n when_o all_o that_o be_v number_v at_o the_o first_o of_o twenty_o year_n old_a and_o upward_a be_v dead_a see_v numb_a 26.63_o 64._o with_o deut._n 1.3_o so_o that_o multitude_n of_o these_o now_o alive_a be_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o minority_n when_o god_n make_v that_o covenant_n with_o they_o in_o horeb_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v express_o say_v god_n make_v that_o covenant_n with_o they_o even_o with_o their_o own_o person_n that_o be_v a_o personal_a not_o a_o parental_a covenant_n as_o our_o brethren_n phrase_v it_o and_o this_o be_v set_v out_o with_o a_o double_a emphasis_n 1._o negative_o not_o with_o our_o father_n why_o so_o be_v it_o not_o make_v with_o their_o father_n now_o dead_a yes_o sure_o but_o not_o only_o with_o they_o or_o not_o with_o we_o as_o wrap_v up_o with_o or_o in_o our_o father_n 2._o with_o we_o affirmative_o and_o again_o even_o with_o we_o and_o a_o three_o time_n with_o we_o that_o be_v now_o alive_a in_o distinction_n from_o their_o father_n that_o be_v dead_a and_o all_o this_o before_o that_o second_o covenant_n deut._n 29._o for_o this_o be_v say_v of_o they_o before_o the_o repetition_n of_o that_o covenant_n at_o horeb_n to_o provoke_v they_o to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o where_o then_o be_v this_o parental_a covenant_n distinguish_v from_o personal_n so_o as_o to_o make_v two_o sort_n or_o degree_n of_o member_n 3._o i_o observe_v that_o when_o the_o scripture_n call_v this_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n or_o of_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n it_o be_v never_o so_o style_v to_o the_o diminution_n or_o abatement_n of_o any_o blessing_n privilege_n or_o favour_n that_o may_v come_v to_o their_o seed_n by_o it_o but_o rather_o for_o the_o advantage_n and_o great_a good_a of_o the_o child_n see_v exod._n 3.15_o 16._o &_o 6.3_o 4_o 5._o leu._n 26.44_o 45._o i_o will_v not_o abhor_v they_o etc._n etc._n but_o i_o will_v for_o their_o sake_n remember_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o ancestor_n who_o i_o bring_v out_o of_o egypt_n so_o deut._n 4.31_o so_o that_o in_o these_o and_o divers_a other_o scripture_n we_o see_v no_o such_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o seed_n by_o be_v under_o parental_a covenant_n as_o our_o brethren_n call_v it_o who_o first_o bring_v down_o god_n covenant_n to_o a_o parental_a covenant_n and_o then_o make_v a_o very_a slight_a matter_n of_o that_o also_o that_o it_o can_v capacitate_v their_o seed_n to_o baptism_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o establish_v their_o seed_n to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o god_n will_v not_o reach_v beyond_o the_o minority_n of_o their_o seed_n and_o the_o like_a object_n but_o it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o although_o these_o distinction_n be_v not_o so_o express_o find_v in_o scripture-phrase_n yet_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n do_v admit_v such_o distinction_n ans_fw-fr 1._o some_o of_o they_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n as_o for_o a_o person_n to_o be_v a_o member_n but_o not_o actual_o a_o person_n in_o covenant_n baptize_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o not_o personal_o these_o be_v plain_a contradiction_n in_o adjecto_fw-la as_o we_o say_v to_o be_v a_o member_n and_o yet_o no_o member_n as_o for_o this_o of_o parental_a and_o personal_a covenant_n so_o much_o use_v it_o make_v not_o two_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n be_v but_o one_o and_o that_o god_n covenant_n as_o be_v say_v there_o be_v but_o a_o differ_v modus_fw-la or_o manner_n of_o enter_v into_o it_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o mediate_v and_o immediate_a member_n perfect_a and_o imperfect_a and_o the_o rest_n suppose_v that_o in_o some_o sense_n the_o subject_n do_v admit_v they_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o bear_v up_o such_o consequence_n as_o be_v build_v upon_o they_o for_o they_o be_v but_o distribution_n ex_fw-la adjunctis_fw-la and_o those_o common_a adjunct_n to_o many_o other_o subject_n which_o can_v make_v any_o essential_a difference_n as_o when_o we_o distinguish_v the_o church_n into_o visible_a and_o invisible_a it_o be_v still_o but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n so_o church-covenant_n into_o explicite_fw-la and_o implicit_a there_o be_v still_o but_o one_o sort_n of_o church_n or_o covenant_n so_o the_o church_n be_v either_o incomplete_a without_o officer_n or_o complete_a with_o her_o officer_n yet_o still_o a_o true_a church_n and_o not_o two_o sort_n of_o church_n such_o be_v this_o case_n if_o we_o put_v twenty_o such_o distinction_n upon_o member_n from_o common_a adjunct_n they_o make_v no_o essential_a difference_n these_o thing_n beside_o much_o more_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o i_o afford_v this_o conclusion_n that_o in_o these_o distinction_n and_o the_o consequence_n thereof_o there_o be_v no_o scripture-light_n but_o a_o mist_n to_o darken_v the_o free_a and_o rich_a grace_n of_o god_n shine_v out_o in_o his_o covenant_n to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n i_o return_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o brethren_n to_o prove_v that_o parental_a covenant_n can_v capacitate_v their_o seed_n for_o baptism_n their_o first_o reason_n be_v for_o so_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v entail_v to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n ans_fw-fr what_o our_o brethren_n parental_a covenant_n can_v do_v i_o know_v not_o but_o sure_o god_n covenant_n be_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n gen._n 17.7_o to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o their_o seed_n viz._n they_o keep_v within_o the_o covenant_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v intall_a his_o covenant_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n thereby_o to_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o covenant_n to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n what_o hurt_n be_v in_o that_o bless_a be_v his_o name_n for_o it_o reas_n 2._o ishmael_n and_o esau_n have_v the_o parental_a covenant_n but_o be_v not_o establish_v thereby_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v not_o from_o any_o insufficiency_n in_o god_n covenant_n for_o so_o i_o must_v call_v it_o but_o from_o their_o sin_n that_o continue_v not_o in_o it_o by_o this_o reason_n personal_a covenant_n by_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v as_o insufficient_a for_o such_o by_o their_o sin_n may_v not_o be_v establish_v reas_n 3._o the_o immediate_a parent_n unbelief_n break_v off_o the_o covenant_n from_o their_o seed_n rom._n 11.20_o 21_o 22._o ans_fw-fr true_a such_o unbelief_n whereby_o they_o obstinate_o reject_v christ_n act_v 13.45_o 46._o mat._n 21.42_o 43._o but_o this_o be_v not_o from_o any_o insufficiency_n in_o god_n covenant_n to_o capacitate_v their_o seed_n to_o baptism_n or_o establish_v a_o people_n but_o from_o their_o reject_v of_o the_o covenant_n in_o reject_v christ_n that_o seed_n in_o who_o all_o
be_v to_o be_v bless_v reas_n 4._o baptism_n be_v as_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.11_o which_o be_v invisible_a in_o those_o child_n that_o shall_v transmit_v baptism_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v true_a that_o as_o circumcision_n so_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o thence_o i_o infer_v that_o when_o god_n by_o his_o institution_n appoint_v that_o seal_n to_o be_v transmit_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o visible_a covenant_n they_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n as_o believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o transmit_v baptism_n so_o long_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a continue_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o be_v visible_a believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n and_o may_v so_o transmit_v baptism_n to_o their_o seed_n reas_n 5._o they_o allege_v act_n 2.38_o 39_o which_o they_o say_v restrain_v baptism_n to_o the_o next_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n as_o manifest_v repentance_n and_o effectual_a call_n and_o be_v of_o more_o weight_n than_o any_o argument_n from_o far-fetched_a and_o uncertain_a consequence_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n ans_fw-fr to_o this_o text_n be_v full_o answer_v before_o and_o as_o be_v say_v it_o favour_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n that_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o baptism_n and_o that_o this_o text_n have_v no_o such_o restraint_n it_o may_v appear_v thus_o let_v all_o be_v grant_v that_o be_v here_o say_v yet_o suppose_v such_o visible_a convert_v discover_v afterward_o no_o sap_n or_o savour_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o fair_a charity_n but_o continue_v still_o in_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o their_o seed_n be_v baptise_a or_o must_v every_o church-member_n hold_v forth_o a_o profession_n of_o repentance_n at_o the_o baptism_n of_o every_o child_n i_o suppose_v our_o brethren_n will_v not_o so_o affirm_v and_o if_o so_o than_o a_o church-member_n though_o not_o apparent_o a_o true_a penitent_n may_v have_v his_o seed_n baptise_a as_o for_o far-fetched_a consequence_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o follow_a discourse_n will_v show_v that_o none_o use_v they_o so_o much_o as_o our_o brethren_n do_v concern_v the_o answer_n here_o give_v to_o a_o objection_n from_o exod._n 20._o the_o synod_n do_v not_o make_v that_o objection_n but_o agree_v with_o this_o interpretation_n give_v in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o answer_n viz._n so_o that_o the_o privilege_n be_v only_o continue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o next_o parent_n that_o continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v not_o break_v off_o chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o three_o proposition_n propos_fw-fr 3_o that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o confederate_a visible_a believer_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o when_o grow_v up_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n our_o dissent_v brethren_n by_o their_o dilute_a interpretation_n of_o this_o proposition_n seem_v to_o recede_v from_o their_o own_o concession_n for_o this_o proposition_n be_v propound_v and_o earnest_o promote_v by_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o as_o tend_v to_o issue_v other_o difficulty_n among_o we_o and_o to_o reform_v the_o corruption_n of_o youth_n and_o there_o be_v not_o above_o three_o note_a that_o dissent_v from_o it_o but_o when_o it_o be_v observe_v as_o be_v here_o say_v that_o the_o other_o proposition_n will_v be_v infer_v from_o it_o and_o so_o strong_o that_o some_o say_v the_o whole_a cause_n be_v give_v up_o in_o that_o proposition_n our_o brethren_n therefore_o now_o think_v to_o ease_v the_o matter_n by_o their_o interpretation_n but_o such_o they_o be_v as_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n as_o will_v appear_v first_o say_v they_o when_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o they_o have_v a_o actual_a personal_a and_o immediate_a membership_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o those_o in_o full_a communion_n but_o only_o that_o the_o church-watch_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o shall_v reach_v unto_o their_o person_n which_o be_v public_o express_v in_o the_o meetinghouse_n by_o we_o ans_fw-fr how_o inconsistent_a be_v these_o thing_n 1._o these_o person_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o actual_o how_o then_o be_v they_o member_n potential_o so_o be_v many_o that_o be_v fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n that_o yet_o be_v no_o member_n or_o be_v they_o so_o habitual_o sure_o they_o be_v actual_o baptise_a into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o shall_v we_o baptise_v actual_o such_o as_o be_v not_o actual_o in_o the_o covenant_n 2._o they_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o church_n must_v not_o deal_v with_o their_o person_n but_o reach_v their_o person_n at_o the_o second_o hand_n viz._n by_o their_o parent_n so_o indeed_o some_o express_v themselves_o but_o i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v own_v by_o the_o rest_n but_o thus_o to_o reach_v their_o person_n be_v not_o to_o touch_v they_o with_o any_o act_n of_o church-government_n but_o of_o family-government_n only_o yea_o thus_o to_o reach_v their_o person_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o church_n may_v reach_v a_o heathen_a servant_n for_o the_o church_n may_v censure_v the_o master_n if_o he_o restrain_v not_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o servant_n as_o well_o as_o a_o father_n for_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o child_n second_o say_v they_o by_o discipline_n we_o do_v not_o intend_v excommunication_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o offender_n in_o full_a communion_n for_o how_o can_v they_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o full_a communion_n that_o be_v never_o in_o it_o ans_fw-fr then_o they_o must_v suppose_v that_o excommunication_n be_v no_o part_n of_o discipline_n or_o intend_v a_o discipline_n ineffectual_a to_o christ_n end_n for_o what_o be_v admonition_n unregarded_a without_o that_o censure_n to_o set_v they_o home_o mat._n 18._o excommunication_n be_v not_o to_o cast_v out_o of_o full_a communion_n only_o but_o out_o of_o all_o communion_n let_v he_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n it_o be_v a_o give_v up_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v 1_o cor._n 5.5_o and_o this_o sovereign_a medicine_n all_o that_o be_v within_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o nevertheless_o say_v they_o the_o church_n may_v disow_v they_o and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v no_o member_n upon_o their_o desert_v of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n by_o such_o a_o sentence_n as_o peter_n pronounce_v to_o simon_n magus_n act_v 8.21_o ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o disow_v such_o as_o no_o member_n be_v a_o mere_a invention_n of_o man_n never_o ordain_v of_o christ_n nor_o tend_v to_o reach_v the_o end_n of_o his_o discipline_n for_o though_o it_o seem_v to_o agree_v with_o excommunication_n in_o not_o own_v they_o as_o member_n yet_o it_o want_v that_o awful_a dread_n of_o excommunication_n to_o humble_v the_o sinner_n and_o bring_v he_o in_o yea_o thus_o to_o disow_v they_o as_o no_o member_n be_v to_o rid_v the_o church_n of_o any_o further_a care_n of_o they_o as_o those_o without_o but_o all_o act_n of_o christ_n discipline_n be_v act_n of_o the_o love_n and_o compassion_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o offender_n to_o seek_v their_o repentance_n and_o salvation_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n 2._o act_n 8.21_o give_v no_o ground_n of_o this_o practice_n for_o 1._o peter_n do_v not_o present_o disow_v he_o as_o no_o member_n neither_o indeed_o do_v the_o place_n refer_v to_o membership_n but_o to_o the_o power_n of_o give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o declare_v his_o sin_n and_o danger_n he_o exhort_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o pardon_n ver_fw-la 22._o which_o imply_v that_o upon_o his_o repentance_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o promise_v pardon_n according_a to_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n discipline_n but_o persist_v impenitent_o in_o his_o sin_n he_o may_v then_o be_v cast_v out_o beside_o 2._o this_o sentence_n be_v upon_o one_o that_o come_v in_o by_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o that_o be_v peter_n meaning_n to_o disow_v he_o as_o no_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o example_n to_o be_v imitate_v than_o any_o member_n discover_v hypocrifie_n to_o a_o discern_a spirit_n may_v present_o be_v disow_v as_o no_o member_n which_o will_v make_v sad_a work_n in_o church_n 3._o if_o the_o church_n may_v disow_v they_o when_o they_o desert_n the_o church_n and_o covenant_n than_o
be_v mean_v the_o uncleanness_n of_o infidel_n be_v clear_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n for_o if_o to_o be_v holy_a be_v mean_v of_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o to_o be_v unclean_a be_v the_o uncleanness_n of_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v infidel_n eph._n 2.12_o and_o what_o be_v the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o have_v both_o parent_n unbeliever_n but_o infidel_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n but_o for_o that_o inference_n that_o by_o like_a reason_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o that_o proposition_n there_o be_v no_o god_n else_o that_o there_o may_v be_v another_o god_n to_o the_o gentile_n i_o confess_v my_o shallow_a understanding_n can_v see_v any_o comparison_n between_o those_o two_o proposition_n but_o only_o that_o the_o word_n else_o be_v in_o they_o both_o the_o one_o be_v a_o disjunct_a axiom_n your_o child_n be_v clean_a or_o else_o unclean_a and_o the_o other_o a_o simple_a axiom_n where_o the_o word_n else_o be_v of_o another_o use_n and_o sense_n then_o in_o the_o former_a but_o be_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v so_o sad_a a_o exception_n from_o a_o general_a proposition_n jehovah_n be_v god_n and_o none_o else_o to_o say_v yet_o there_o may_v be_v another_o god_n to_o the_o gentile_n or_o to_o say_v the_o threaten_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n yet_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o our_o brethren_n may_v then_o consider_v when_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o church-member_n your_o child_n be_v holy_a to_o make_v such_o a_o exception_n and_o say_v not_o so_o but_o only_o the_o child_n of_o member_n in_o full_a communion_n be_v holy_a whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o sad_a exception_n also_o reas_n 4._o the_o be_v in_o covenant_n do_v not_o privilege_n to_o baptism_n without_o visible_a repentance_n in_o parent_n acts._n 2.38_o 39_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o covenant_n and_o prick_v to_o the_o heart_n yet_o they_o be_v open_o call_v to_o repent_v so_o john_n baptist_n think_v mat._n 3.8_o 9_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o jew_n be_v in_o covenant_n do_v privilege_v their_o child_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o covenant_n they_o be_v in_o viz._n circumcision_n the_o sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o but_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n they_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o repentance_n when_o they_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v grow_v so_o corrupt_a and_o those_o in_o act_n 2._o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o john_n be_v send_v to_o prepare_v a_o people_n for_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n but_o when_o philip_n have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o eunuch_n a_o godly_a proselyte_n he_o only_o call_v he_o to_o faith_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o though_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o a_o visible_a profession_n thereof_o be_v require_v at_o the_o first_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n yet_o these_o be_v not_o require_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o person_n regular_o admit_v to_o privilege_v their_o seed_n to_o baptism_n what_o rule_n or_o example_n require_v a_o church-member_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o visible_a faith_n and_o repentance_n so_o oft_o as_o he_o have_v a_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a or_o in_o case_n a_o church-member_n decline_v and_o give_v cause_n of_o much_o doubt_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n what_o rule_n will_v debar_v his_o child_n from_o baptism_n so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n now_o our_o question_n be_v of_o person_n regular_o admit_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n reas_n 5._o the_o covenant_n be_v limit_v to_o such_o as_o obey_v god_n and_o therefore_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n deut._n 7.9_o neh._n 1.5_o dan._n 9.5_o he_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o frequent_a mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o outward_a privilege_n thereof_o the_o first_o god_n perform_v to_o such_o as_o love_v and_o obey_v he_o sincere_o yet_o the_o other_o he_o continue_v to_o all_o such_o as_o do_v not_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o covenant_n take_v these_o scripture_n name_v do_v not_o church-priviledge_n belong_v to_o all_o israel_n when_o moses_n speak_v that_o word_n deut._n 7.9_o that_o god_n keep_v mercy_n and_o covenant_n to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o yet_o he_o give_v a_o sad_a testimony_n of_o they_o chap._n 9.24_o you_o have_v be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o lord_n ever_o since_o i_o know_v you_o so_o in_o nehemiahs_n time_n do_v not_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o holy_a seed_n enjoy_v church-priviledge_n when_o nehemiah_n spâ—ke_v that_o word_n chap._n 1.5_o and_o yet_o the_o story_n speak_v of_o many_o evil_n among_o they_o that_o show_v they_o be_v scandalous_a in_o life_n which_o these_o be_v not_o and_o have_v many_o other_o good_a qualification_n beside_o that_o also_o reas_n 6._o from_o the_o tenor_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n nehem._n 9.8_o when_o god_n see_v his_o heart_n faithful_a before_o he_o so_o gen._n 17.1_o 7._o walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v upright_o and_o i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n with_o the_o former_a build_v upon_o the_o same_o mistake_v and_o may_v have_v the_o same_o answer_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o all_o that_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n ought_v to_o love_v he_o obey_v he_o walk_v upright_o before_o he_o and_o what_o be_v say_v gal._n 3.7_o 9_o that_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n be_v bless_v with_o faithful_a abraham_n faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o church-member_n for_o want_v whereof_o he_o fall_v short_a of_o all_o the_o save_v blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o such_o as_o be_v in_o church-covenant_n and_o do_v not_o perform_v thâ—se_a duty_n be_v thereby_o deprive_v of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o before_o they_o be_v regular_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v there_o not_o many_o corrupt_a member_n in_o the_o church_n not_o only_o of_o israel_n but_o also_o in_o gospel-churche_n as_o of_o corinth_n galatia_n the_o church_n of_o asia_n rev._n 2._o &_o 3._o who_o do_v enjoy_v church-priviledge_n till_o they_o be_v cast_v ouâ—_n or_o till_o god_n actual_o remove_v their_o candlestick_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o sin_n reprove_v to_o suffer_v such_o but_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v suffer_v they_o regular_o enjoy_v the_o outward_a privilege_n here_o our_o brethren_n endeavour_v to_o answer_v two_o objection_n obj_fw-la 1._o the_o covenant-blessing_n be_v convey_v with_o circumcision_n successive_o to_o the_o follow_a generation_n ans_fw-fr we_o must_v consider_v that_o gal._n 3.14_o that_o be_v express_v to_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n that_o shall_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n not_o the_o covenant_n of_o jacob_n as_o mr._n cotton_n have_v judicious_o note_v upon_o the_o place_n now_o abraham_n covenant_n and_o the_o blessing_n thereof_o be_v confirm_v only_o to_o those_o that_o walk_v upright_o with_o god_n as_o abraham_n do_v reply_n that_o difference_n mr._n cotton_n put_v between_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n may_v hold_v in_o this_o that_o god_n continue_v all_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n and_o their_o posterity_n in_o the_o covenant_n not_o so_o of_o abraham_n ishmael_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o the_o son_n of_o keturah_n be_v not_o so_o and_o so_o esau_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o posterity_n of_o isaac_n be_v reject_v and_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o speech_n of_o jacob_n gen._n 49.26_o that_o his_o blessing_n prevail_v above_o the_o blessing_n of_o his_o progenitor_n but_o this_o difference_n can_v hold_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n for_o ishmaâ—l_n though_o graceless_a be_v take_v into_o abraham_n covenant_n and_o continue_v in_o it_o till_o for_o his_o sin_n he_o be_v cast_v out_o so_o esau_n in_o covenant_n till_o for_o his_o profaneness_n he_o be_v reject_v heb._n 12._o be_v not_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n the_o performance_n of_o god_n everlasting_a covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o his_o seed_n afâ—er_v he_o in_o their_o generation_n as_o be_v evident_a exod._n 3.15_o &_o 6.3_o 4._o be_v there_o ever_o any_o covenant_n make_v with_o jacob_n and_o his_o seed_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n then_o
the_o house_n of_o israeâ—_n yea_o the_o child_n to_o who_o bread_n do_v belong_v mat._n 15.24_o 26._o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o jew_n in_o general_a whereof_o those_o mat._n 3._o joh._n 8._o be_v a_o part_n they_o be_v indeed_o of_o the_o devil_n not_o of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a state_n and_o save_v good_a of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o still_o in_o the_o outward_a covenant_n and_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n 2._o if_o those_o maâ—_n 3._o joâ—_n 8._o have_v be_v discovenant_v of_o god_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o these_o in_o question_n be_v so_o be_v these_o a_o generation_n of_o viper_n liar_n murderer_n &c_n &c_n that_o live_v without_o scandal_n submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n &_o c_o if_o the_o lawyer_n and_o pharisee_n reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o in_o not_o be_v baptise_a of_o john_n do_v these_o so_o that_o be_v baptise_v themselves_o desire_v it_o also_o for_o their_o seed_n and_o that_o in_o such_o in_o way_n by_o own_v god_n covenant_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n submit_v themselves_o to_o discipline_n &_o c_o if_o mr._n cotton_n do_v count_v such_o as_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n self-murtherer_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o these_o be_v such_o that_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o in_o some_o measure_n of_o truth_n for_o aught_o be_v yet_o prove_v to_o the_o contrary_a 3._o i_o must_v not_o pass_v over_o this_o rigid_a and_o dangerous_a principle_n without_o further_a examination_n the_o position_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v that_o god_n himself_o do_v discovenant_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o his_o visible_a church_n such_o as_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n mat._n 3._o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v liar_n etc._n etc._n joh._n 8._o and_o that_o without_o any_o act_n of_o church-censure_n against_o this_o i_o argue_v 1._o that_o these_o be_v not_o discovenant_v of_o god_n i_o prove_v before_o and_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n continue_v they_o under_o church-priviledge_n and_o ordinance_n at_o least_o till_o gospel-churche_n be_v erect_v after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n 2._o if_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v ordain_v and_o command_v church-discipline_n for_o the_o save_n of_o offender_n and_o the_o purge_v of_o his_o church_n than_o he_o do_v not_o discovenant_v such_o without_o church-censure_n but_o so_o it_o be_v mat._n 18.1_o cor._n 5._o therefore_o he_o do_v it_o not_o himself_o without_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v because_o if_o god_n himself_o do_v discovenant_v they_o church-censure_n be_v useless_a and_o vain_a to_o what_o end_n shall_v the_o church_n cut_v off_o one_o that_o be_v already_o a_o non-member_n what_o have_v they_o to_o do_v with_o such_o as_o be_v without_o why_o shall_v corinth_n be_v blame_v for_o suffer_v that_o leaven_n if_o god_n himself_o have_v cast_v it_o out_o 3._o this_o suppose_a discovenant_v by_o god_n himself_o frustrate_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a end_n of_o church_n discipline_n viz._n to_o heal_v and_o save_v the_o sinner_n for_o the_o church_n have_v now_o no_o power_n over_o they_o they_o must_v perish_v be_v without_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n except_o god_n restore_v they_o immediate_o at_o least_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o that_o special_a mean_n appoint_v and_o bless_v of_o god_n to_o that_o end_n 4._o what_o confusion_n will_v this_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n for_o how_o shall_v the_o church_n know_v when_o god_n have_v discovenant_v this_o or_o that_o man_n whether_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v commit_v such_o sin_n or_o how_o long_o god_n patience_n will_v bear_v with_o he_o and_o how_o shall_v the_o church_n prove_v against_o any_o such_o that_o god_n have_v indeed_o discovenant_v he_o these_o thing_n and_o much_o more_o that_o may_v be_v say_v may_v put_v our_o brethren_n to_o find_v some_o other_o meaning_n of_o mat._n 3._o joh._n 8._o 1_o joh._n 3.10_o and_o such_o like_a scripture_n arg._n 2._o the_o child_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v either_o child_n on_o of_o the_o covenant_n or_o stranger_n from_o it_o eph._n 2.12_o holy_a or_o unclean_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o within_o the_o church_n or_o without_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o such_o as_o have_v god_n for_o their_o god_n or_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n eph._n 2.12_o but_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n will_v not_o affirm_v the_o latter_a and_o the_o former_a be_v grant_v infer_v their_o right_n to_o baptism_n ans_fw-fr the_o assumption_n be_v deny_v because_o the_o child_n in_o question_n discovenant_n themselves_o not_o keep_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o walk_v with_o god_n not_o love_v god_n etc._n etc._n deut._n 7.9_o as_o they_o that_o forsake_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n deut._n 29.25_o and_o what_o do_v these_o that_o come_v not_o up_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o god_n may_v cast_v off_o for_o sin_n of_o omission_n 1_o sam._n 15._o so_o for_o not_o believe_v in_o god_n reply_n this_o be_v the_o very_o hinge_v whereupon_o chief_o this_o question_n do_v turn_v viz._n whether_o and_o how_o these_o church-member_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v well_o the_o answer_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o their_o reason_n thereof_o sometime_o they_o say_v god_n discovenant_v they_o which_o have_v be_v examine_v sometime_o that_o they_o discovenant_n themselves_o which_o also_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o before_o to_o this_o refuge_n they_o now_o again_o betake_v themselves_o their_o reason_n here_o allege_v i_o shall_v consider_v which_o stand_v thus_o church-member_n which_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n viz._n to_o walk_v with_o god_n love_n god_n keep_v his_o commandment_n believe_v in_o god_n etc._n etc._n do_v discovenant_n themselves_o but_o thâ—se_a church-member_n describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n do_v not_o walk_v with_o god_n love_n god_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o do_v discovenant_n themselves_o the_o proposition_n they_o will_v prove_v from_o gen._n 17.1_o deut._n 7.9_o psa_fw-la 105.8_o deut._n 29.25_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o by_o deny_v the_o proposition_n as_o for_o the_o proof_n genes_n 17.1_o deut._n 7.9_o psaâ—_n 105._o these_o scripture_n prove_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o as_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n to_o be_v upright_o to_o love_n god_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o god_n perform_v to_o such_o the_o save_v benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o simple_o by_o the_o neglect_n of_o thâ—se_a duty_n especial_o without_o impenitence_n add_v they_o do_v actual_o discovenant_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o from_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o and_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n therein_o the_o gross_a neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n persist_v in_o obstinate_o and_o impenitent_o may_v deserve_v censure_n but_o that_o the_o want_n of_o such_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v actual_o cut_v off_o such_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o assertion_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n nor_o i_o think_v in_o any_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n to_o this_o day_n sure_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n do_v not_o walk_v with_o god_n love_n god_n believe_v in_o god_n in_o our_o brethren_n sense_n yet_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n till_o for_o their_o manifest_a profaneness_n the_o one_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o god_n appointment_n and_o the_o other_o reject_v heb._n 12.17_o when_o deut._n 7.9_o moses_n say_v that_o the_o lord_n keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n with_o they_o that_o love_v he_o etc._n etc._n be_v there_o not_o multitude_n in_o israel_n that_o come_v not_o up_o to_o these_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o our_o brethren_n sense_n that_o yet_o be_v god_n holy_a people_n royal_a nation_n enjoy_v all_o church-priviledge_n and_o so_o all_o along_o through_o the_o story_n of_o all_o the_o scripture_n deut._n 29.25_o render_v indeed_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a plague_n upon_o israel_n to_o be_v their_o forsake_v the_o covenant_n but_o what_o be_v that_o forsake_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v it_o their_o not_o come_v up_o to_o these_o term_n of_o it_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n love_n god_n believe_v in_o god_n with_o a_o visible_a save_a faith_n nothing_o less_o but_o because_o they_o go_v and_o serve_v other_o god_n and_o worship_v they_o ver_fw-la 26._o as_o for_o the_o case_n of_o saul_n 1_o sam._n 15._o who_o the_o lord_n reject_v from_o be_v king_n for_o so_o gross_a a_o disobedience_n to_o a_o express_a and_o particular_a command_n yet_o we_o read_v not_o that_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n nor_o do_v it_o
follow_v that_o because_o god_n may_v just_o cut_v off_o a_o man_n from_o the_o church_n for_o not_o believe_v or_o sin_n of_o omission_n that_o therefore_o he_o do_v so_o or_o that_o therefore_o a_o church-member_n by_o sin_n of_o omission_n do_v actual_o cut_v off_o himself_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n sure_o these_o be_v worse_o than_o farre-fetched_n and_o uncertain_a consequence_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n 2._o for_o the_o assumption_n of_o this_o argument_n they_o say_v but_o without_o proof_n that_o these_o parent_n in_o the_o five_o proposition_n do_v not_o walk_v with_o god_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o answer_v these_o do_v outward_o and_o visible_o at_o least_o so_o walk_v with_o god_n love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n do_v account_v a_o keep_n of_o the_o visible_a covenant_n these_o profess_v the_o faith_n be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n submit_v to_o his_o rule_n and_o government_n and_o be_v not_o such_o as_o these_o all_o along_o in_o the_o scripture_n accept_v as_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o visible_a covenant_n deut._n 5._o when_o the_o people_n profess_v to_o obey_v moses_n in_o all_o thing_n god_n see_v they_o want_v a_o heart_n to_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n yet_o he_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o how_o oft_o be_v the_o king_n of_o judah_n that_o observe_v the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n say_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n though_o they_o want_v that_o upright_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v require_v see_v 2_o chron._n 11.17_o 2_o king_n 11.2_o &_o 14.3_o &_o 15.3_o 34._o and_o not_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v charge_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o walk_v after_o baalim_fw-la in_o the_o way_n of_o jeroboam_n and_o the_o like_a to_o conclude_v i_o will_v demand_v of_o our_o brethren_n that_o hold_v this_o way_n of_o self-excommunication_n whether_o any_o member_n do_v excommunicate_v himself_o by_o any_o act_n that_o be_v not_o excommunicable_a or_o matter_n of_o excommunication_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o church-discipline_n if_o so_o let_v we_o have_v a_o rule_n for_o it_o if_o not_o sure_o these_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n do_v not_o excommunicate_v themselves_o for_o no_o rule_n of_o christ_n will_v allow_v the_o church_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o ans_fw-fr 2._o the_o child_n in_o question_n say_v they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o neutrality_n at_o present_a and_o such_o christ_n account_v to_o be_v against_o he_o mat._n 12.30_o they_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a rev._n 3_o reply_n mat._n 12.30_o speak_v not_o of_o such_o as_o these_o for_o these_o be_v for_o christ_n that_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o government_n that_o say_v of_o christ_n mark_v 9.40_o suit_n better_o with_o these_o he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v for_o we_o as_o for_o rev._n 3_o christ_n call_v that_o lukewarm_a church_n a_o golden_a candlestick_n hold_v their_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n offers_z to_o come_v in_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o quick_a in_o discovenant_v lukewarm_a one_o as_o our_o brethren_n seem_v to_o be_v arg._n 3._o from_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n as_o 1._o to_o deny_v the_o proposition_n will_v be_v to_o straiten_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n and_o to_o make_v the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n time_n in_o a_o worse_a case_n relate_v to_o their_o child_n successive_o than_o be_v the_o jew_n of_o old_a ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o do_v not_o straiten_v the_o gospel-dispensation_n see_v it_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o nation_n and_o to_o both_o sex_n which_o be_v not_o of_o old_a reply_n this_o indeed_o the_o anabaptist_n answer_n but_o it_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o case_n for_o such_o enlargement_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o gospel-time_n will_v argue_v rather_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v in_o this_o point_n also_o and_o not_o therefore_o straighten_a here_o because_o enlarge_v in_o other_o respect_n be_v it_o object_v to_o a_o father_n that_o he_o straighten_a his_o wont_a favour_n to_o his_o child_n in_o put_v they_o out_o of_o the_o family_n and_o he_o shall_v answer_v not_o so_o for_o i_o have_v take_v in_o many_o adopt_a child_n will_v this_o answer_n satisfy_v or_o shall_v he_o say_v not_o so_o for_o though_o i_o keep_v my_o family_n with_o pulse_n before_o i_o now_o give_v they_o much_o better_a fare_n will_v not_o any_o man_n say_v so_o much_o be_v the_o great_a wrong_n to_o your_o child_n both_o to_o put_v they_o out_o of_o the_o family_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o share_n in_o the_o better_a fare_v allow_v to_o the_o family_n just_o so_o be_v the_o case_n here_o ans_fw-fr 2._o this_o do_v no_o more_o straiten_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o the_o keep_n of_o baptise_a especial_o covenant_v parent_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n see_v the_o circumcise_a jew_n be_v not_o debar_v from_o the_o passover_n reply_n the_o circumcise_a jew_n do_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o passover_n without_o suitable_a legal_a qualification_n viz._n a_o state_n of_o legal_a purity_n and_o fitness_n to_o eat_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o service_n exod._n 12.25_o 26_o 27._o in_o like_a manner_n we_o debar_v none_o from_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o for_o want_v of_o gospel_n qualification_n ans_fw-fr 3._o gospel-time_n be_v in_o many_o respect_n time_n of_o reformation_n heb._n 9.10_o and_o therefore_o to_o build_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o largeness_n of_o jewish_a practice_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n see_v it_o be_v a_o stretch_n of_o the_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n to_o be_v as_o wide_a as_o the_o broad_a way_n that_o lead_v most_o to_o destruction_n reply_n 1._o we_o build_v not_o upon_o jewish_a practice_n ceremonial_a wherein_o that_o reformation_n heb._n 9.10_o do_v consist_v as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o text_n but_o upon_o the_o gospel-covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o that_o in_o the_o substantial_o of_o it_o viz._n i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n exemplify_v in_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o strange_a speech_n to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o stretch_n of_o the_o narrow_a way_n of_o life_n to_o be_v as_o broad_a etc._n etc._n sure_o god_n enlargement_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n in_o their_o generation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n grace_n tend_v to_o bring_v the_o more_o to_o life_n by_o give_v to_o they_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o the_o broad_a way_n to_o destruction_n the_o straitness_n of_o the_o way_n to_o life_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o restrain_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o a_o few_o for_o why_o then_o shall_v the_o lord_n enlarge_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n now_o more_o than_o of_o old_a 2_o consequence_n to_o deny_v the_o proposition_n be_v to_o render_v the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v convert_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o they_o be_v under_o the_o legal-dispensation_n contrary_a to_o jer._n 30.20_o ezek._n 37.25_o 26._o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v deny_v any_o more_o than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o worse_a state_n if_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v a_o highpriest_n and_o temple-worship_n when_o they_o shall_v have_v in_o christ_n a_o thousand-fold_n more_o so_o here_o be_v like_a reason_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o abundant_a grace_n reply_n the_o loss_n of_o shadow_n be_v nothing_o see_v they_o shall_v have_v the_o substance_n in_o christ_n but_o this_o be_v a_o essential_a branch_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n which_o be_v the_o gospel-covenant_n it_o can_v be_v take_v away_o without_o real_a loss_n and_o the_o more_o abundant_a grace_n the_o great_a be_v the_o loss_n as_o be_v say_v before_o ans_fw-fr 2._o this_o do_v no_o more_o put_v they_o into_o a_o worse_a state_n then_o transmit_v the_o covenant_n now_o only_o to_o the_o next_o seed_n which_o before_o be_v transmit_v to_o remote_a posterity_n reply_n the_o covenant_n be_v all_o along_o transmit_v by_o the_o next_o parent_n to_o their_o seed_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o cast_v off_o by_o the_o lord_n he_o account_v every_o generation_n to_o be_v his_o people_n even_o in_o their_o worst_a time_n so_o that_o the_o transmit_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o church-priviledge_n be_v still_o by_o
not_o to_o break_v it_o 2._o then_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n like_o the_o great_a sea_n to_o deny_v communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o those_o that_o have_v lay_v hold_v upon_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n by_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v now_o strong_o plead_v for_o reply_n 1._o whether_o these_o be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o covenant_n let_v the_o reader_n judge_v by_o what_o be_v say_v for_o it_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n allege_v against_o it_o 2._o to_o deny_v communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o such_o be_v not_o plead_v for_o much_o less_o strong_o for_o solemn_z profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v not_o in_o the_o proposition_n all_o that_o be_v affirm_v be_v that_o the_o church-seed_n manifest_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o covenant_n by_o such_o qualification_n if_o they_o shall_v still_o be_v want_v in_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n may_v be_v delay_v till_o they_o give_v satisfaction_n therein_o 3._o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o case_n deal_v very_o hardly_o and_o partial_o with_o we_o while_o so_o oft_o they_o compare_v these_o with_o the_o most_o scandalous_a person_n reprove_v in_o scripture_n and_o with_o they_o discovenant_v as_o they_o pretend_v and_o yet_o at_o other_o time_n they_o lay_v it_o deep_o to_o our_o charge_n that_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o be_v deny_v by_o they_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o continue_v they_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n arg._n 4._o these_o parent_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n in_o some_o degree_n and_o therefore_o their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a ans_fw-fr the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v not_o such_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o true_a visible_a faith_n which_o be_v require_v rom._n 14.1_o mat._n 12.20_o reply_n be_v it_o grant_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o true_a faith_n visible_o in_o some_o degree_n yet_o rom._n 14.1_o speak_v rather_o of_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o eat_v meat_n unclean_a by_o the_o law_n as_o ver_fw-la 2._o show_v that_o these_o be_v visible_a believer_n in_o some_o degree_n be_v thus_o prove_v reas_n 1._o charity_n may_v observe_v sundry_a thing_n for_o it_o but_o nothing_o evident_a against_o it_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v say_v gratis_o and_o deny_v by_o we_o reply_n if_o our_o brethren_n charity_n can_v observe_v nothing_o for_o it_o they_o may_v then_o show_v something_o evident_a against_o it_o without_o which_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o answer_v for_o in_o discovenant_v of_o regular_a church-member_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o thing_n evident_a against_o they_o as_o deserve_v church-censure_n mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o reas_n 2._o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a qualify_v but_o as_o the_o person_n in_o question_n be_v say_v to_o be_v faithful_a tit._n 1.6_o ans_fw-fr every_o one_o not_o accuse_v of_o riot_n to_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n intent_n nor_o orthodox_n faithfulness_n be_v take_v for_o fidelity_n which_o may_v be_v in_o moral_a man_n reply_n nor_o do_v the_o synod_n so_o conclude_v there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o the_o text_n than_o not_o give_v to_o riot_n viz._n 1._o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n 2._o educate_v in_o the_o faith_n 3._o not_o scandalous_a or_o not_o accuse_v of_o riot_n 4._o not_o unruly_a but_o subject_a to_o government_n all_o which_o do_v suit_n well_o with_o the_o proposition_n and_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v give_v by_o orthodox_n interpreter_n marlorat_n expound_v the_o word_n faithful_n of_o such_o as_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o sound_a doctrine_n of_o piety_n and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n taylor_n by_o faithful_a child_n understand_v such_o as_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n be_v at_o least_o in_o external_a conversation_n answerable_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n they_o make_v and_o reason_n will_v incline_v we_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v require_v in_o the_o child_n of_o church-officer_n something_o of_o piety_n as_o well_o as_o of_o morality_n beside_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o use_v be_v frequent_o and_o common_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o synod_n sense_n viz._n for_o christian_a believer_n act_n 10.45_o 2_o cor._n 6.15_o eph_n 1.1_o 1_o tim._n 6.2_o &_o 4.3_o 10_o 12._o &_o 5.16_o reas_n 3._o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v frequent_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o young_a year_n as_o scripture-example_n and_o experience_n show_v hence_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n show_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a be_v in_o charity_n or_o in_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n visible_a believer_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v extraordinary_a to_o have_v grace_n in_o infancy_n and_o therefore_o no_o rule_n for_o ordinary_a church-proceeding_n reply_n 1._o the_o synod_n speak_v not_o of_o infancy_n but_o of_o young_a year_n and_o that_o be_v not_o so_o extraordinary_a as_o be_v object_v witness_v the_o hopeful_a sign_n of_o grace_n in_o many_o that_o die_v in_o minority_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o divers_a that_o hold_v forth_o seed_n of_o grace_n sow_o in_o their_o younget_n year_n 2._o we_o build_v not_o ordinary_a church-proceeding_n immediate_o upon_o this_o ground_n yet_o these_o be_v church-member_n we_o may_v build_v church-charity_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o see_v some_o church-member_n of_o this_o sort_n have_v faith_n in_o reality_n all_o of_o this_o sort_n may_v be_v so_o repute_v in_o church-charity_n for_o so_o we_o judge_v of_o adult_n professor_n in_o the_o church_n we_o know_v some_o have_v grace_n in_o reality_n and_o therefore_o we_o judge_v so_o of_o all_o that_o sort_n till_o the_o contrary_n appear_v though_o in_o the_o general_n we_o know_v many_o be_v call_v few_o choose_v and_o what_o other_o ground_n have_v we_o of_o church-proceeding_n with_o church-member_n but_o church-charity_n reas_n 4._o these_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o visible_a saint_n in_o the_o account_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o account_n of_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o &_o 14.33_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n for_o then_o the_o parent_n be_v dead_a the_o child_n survive_v shall_v make_v a_o church_n enjoy_v ordinance_n choose_v officer_n which_o be_v deny_v and_o it_o be_v incredible_a to_o deny_v they_o that_o power_n when_o their_o parent_n be_v alive_a and_o they_o will_v not_o be_v long_o keep_v from_o put_v it_o forth_o though_o they_o may_v for_o a_o while_n reply_n 1._o if_o we_o may_v thus_o argue_v by_o put_v case_n that_o for_o aught_o appear_v never_o yet_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n viz._n that_o all_o the_o member_n in_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o take_v away_o that_o none_o remain_v but_o such_o as_o these_o child_n by_o like_a reason_n one_o may_v prove_v that_o woman_n and_o child_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o all_o the_o man_n die_v they_o shall_v make_v a_o church_n choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n which_o will_v be_v deny_v yea_o thus_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o this_o or_o that_o man_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o all_o man_n die_v but_o one_o or_o two_o they_o can_v make_v a_o church_n etc._n etc._n 2._o be_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n observe_v such_o a_o case_n can_v not_o fall_v out_o for_o as_o mr._n cotton_n answer_v the_o anabaptist_n in_o a_o case_n not_o unlike_o this_o let_v there_o be_v a_o due_a watchfulness_n of_o the_o church_n over_o these_o child_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o either_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o covenant_n will_v sanctify_v their_o heart_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o it_o or_o else_o he_o will_v leave_v they_o to_o discover_v their_o hypocrisy_n and_o profaneness_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o to_o prevent_v the_o pollution_n of_o his_o table_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o discipline_n ground_n and_o end_n of_o baptism_n pag._n 161_o 163._o and_o have_v we_o thus_o do_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v upon_o his_o ordinance_n such_o case_n can_v not_o fall_v out_o neither_o have_v there_o be_v so_o much_o need_v or_o use_v of_o this_o five_o proposition_n that_o be_v now_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n and_o i_o fear_v this_o opposition_n of_o the_o dissenter_n will_v increase_v our_o difficulty_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v so_o much_o danger_n of_o these_o not_o be_v keep_v from_o put_v forth_o a_o power_n to_o choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n if_o they_o be_v train_v up_o under_o church-discipline_n as_o in_o our_o brethren_n way_n who_o acknowledge_v they_o church-member_n and_o can_v rid_v their_o hand_n regular_o of_o