case_n of_o these_o in_o question_n who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n set_v thereto_o before_o genes_n 17.7_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o therefore_o this_o own_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v only_o a_o manifestation_n of_o their_o continuance_n in_o it_o and_o hence_o this_o be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o their_o membership_n but_o a_o duty_n of_o their_o covenant_n and_o do_v not_o in_o itself_o fit_v they_o for_o full_a communion_n except_o withal_o they_o hold_v out_o such_o qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v thereunto_o a_o youth_n that_o have_v the_o constituent_a cause_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n with_o some_o understanding_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o thereby_o capable_a of_o all_o privilege_n of_o a_o man_n as_o to_z marry_o give_v good_a assurance_n of_o land_n and_o the_o like_a a_o adult_n person_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o personal_a covenant_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n mere_o because_o he_o have_v covenant_v for_o except_o he_o have_v suitable_a qualification_n he_o will_v eat_v judgement_n to_o himself_o reas_n 2._o because_o those_o that_o be_v admit_v by_o personal_a covenant_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n continue_v in_o full_a communion_n act_v 2.41_o ans_fw-fr there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o they_o be_v admit_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o also_o endue_v with_o eminent_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o be_v admit_v in_o infancy_n do_v only_o by_o own_v the_o covenant_n manife_a their_o continuance_n therein_o the_o indian_n new_o convert_v and_o hold_v forth_o so_o much_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o may_v admit_v they_o into_o the_o church_n and_o baptism_n may_v yet_o need_v further_a preparation_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o have_v such_o eminent_a gift_n reas_n 3._o because_o this_o doctrine_n presuppose_v that_o what_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v require_v in_o adult_a person_n come_v to_o baptism_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n ans_fw-fr this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o suppose_v it_o for_o it_o speak_v only_o of_o such_o adult_n person_n as_o be_v baptise_a in_o infancy_n not_o to_o be_v baptise_a in_o adult_n age_n it_o suppose_v only_o that_o person_n baptise_a in_o infancy_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o visible_a church_n may_v yet_o be_v unable_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o hence_o the_o reason_n which_o here_o follow_v touch_v not_o this_o case_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o some_o of_o they_o do_v not_o argue_v against_o the_o baptise_v of_o â—_z or_o that_o infant_n baptise_a may_v partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o five_o proposition_n propos_fw-fr 5._o church-member_n who_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a this_o proposition_n say_v our_o brethren_n do_v stumble_v we_o most_o their_o reason_n be_v reas_n 1._o because_o there_o be_v three_o expression_n propound_v this_o swerve_v further_a than_o the_o other_o from_o the_o scripture_n ans_fw-fr be_v it_o grant_v that_o several_a term_n and_o expression_n of_o these_o qualification_n be_v propound_v these_o only_a in_o conclusion_n be_v assent_v unto_o but_o if_o our_o brethren_n judge_v that_o they_o all_o swerve_v from_o the_o scripture_n what_o matter_n be_v it_o which_o swerve_v most_o from_o it_o if_o this_o swerve_v most_o they_o have_v the_o more_o advantage_n of_o dispute_n against_o it_o but_o see_v they_o stumble_v so_o much_o at_o this_o i_o shall_v easy_o remove_v this_o block_n out_o of_o their_o way_n obj._n first_o say_v they_o in_o the_o former_a expression_n it_o be_v require_v they_o shall_v understand_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n here_o no_o more_o than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o so_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n righteousness_n sabbath_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr as_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o as_o large_a as_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n both_o in_o the_o acceptation_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o orthodox_n divine_v phil._n 1.27_o when_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o strive_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v they_o let_v go_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n or_o any_o other_o ground_n of_o religion_n 2_o tim._n 4.7_o when_o paul_n say_v he_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n do_v he_o let_v go_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o other_o ground_n of_o religion_n judas_n ver_fw-la 3._o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o that_o faith_n oppose_v to_o the_o fiâ—â—â—y_a dreamer_n that_o sin_v against_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o therefore_o sure_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n comprehend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n when_o our_o synod_n at_o cambridge_n 1648._o declare_v their_o consent_n with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o england_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o assembly_n at_o the_o savoy_n call_v that_o book_n a_o declaration_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o order_n do_v they_o not_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n faith_n all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n except_v only_a matter_n of_o order_n but_o what_o need_v more_o instance_n when_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o book_n tell_v the_o world_n of_o a_o few_o name_n that_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a to_o think_v that_o such_o person_n do_v not_o hold_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n sure_o the_o synod_n intend_v it_o so_o obj._n 2._o in_o the_o second_o expression_n it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v examine_v of_o their_o sense_n of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_n after_o he_o here_o only_o of_o their_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v aâ—s_n but_o if_o such_o sense_n of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_n after_o he_o shall_v not_o upon_o such_o examination_n appear_v but_o this_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n with_o all_o the_o other_o qualification_n may_v not_o this_o suffice_v to_o show_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n what_o if_o the_o devil_n may_v give_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o free_a but_o enforce_v and_o they_o want_v all_o the_o other_o qualification_n that_o these_o have_v obj._n 3_o the_o former_a require_v that_o they_o shall_v give_v satisfaction_n for_o any_o offence_n they_o have_v fall_v into_o here_o only_o that_o they_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n the_o former_a viz._n offence_n comprehend_v original_a sin_n or_o any_o other_o commit_v against_o god_n or_o man_n jam._n 3_o 2._o scandal_n in_o lifâ—_n note_v only_o notorious_a sin_n and_o a_o course_n therein_o ans_fw-fr that_o they_o stumble_v at_o this_o must_v needs_o arise_v from_o a_o very_a rigid_a principle_n whereof_o this_o treatise_n have_v too_o many_o for_o who_o ever_o take_v up_o that_o of_o original_a sin_n as_o matter_n of_o offence_n to_o deal_v with_o his_o brother_n for_o it_o or_o what_o rule_n have_v we_o to_o call_v for_o satisfaction_n for_o that_o or_o for_o all_o such_o word_n or_o action_n as_o be_v offence_n to_o god_n or_o man_n a_o practice_n that_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v in_o that_o very_a place_n allege_v jam._n 3_o 1._o be_v not_o many_o master_n for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o and_o therefore_o pity_n and_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o and_o be_v not_o so_o rigid_a to_o require_v satisfaction_n for_o every_o offence_n if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o those_o rule_n of_o love_n 1_o cor._n 13.7_o love_n bear_v all_o thing_n gal._n 6.2_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n col._n 3.13_o forbear_v one_o another_o 2._o it_o be_v evident_a luke_n 17.1_o 2_o 3._o that_o offence_n to_o be_v deal_v with_o be_v scandal_n woe_n to_o he_o that_o scandalize_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o and_o impenitency_n in_o any_o such_o scandal_n deserve_v the_o high_a censure_n but_o repent_v of_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o scandal_n or_o offence_n mat._n 18._o yea_o although_o such_o a_o scandal_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o notorious_a sin_n nor_o continue_v in_o but_o in_o one_o act_n so_o that_o not_o to_o be_v scandalous_a in_o life_n be_v full_a as_o large_a
as_o he_o pretend_v as_o a_o lover_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o publish_v this_o treatise_n without_o any_o commission_n from_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o he_o desire_v they_o not_o to_o be_v offend_v with_o and_o affirm_v it_o as_o a_o truth_n that_o the_o person_n engage_v in_o this_o dissent_n have_v much_o rather_o this_o treatise_n be_v suppress_v and_o as_o a_o untimely_a birth_n to_o have_v be_v bury_v in_o everlasting_a darkness_n the_o contrary_a hereunto_o be_v evident_o evince_v by_o the_o whole_a preface_n follow_v which_o speak_v no_o more_o in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o publisher_n but_o of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o wherein_o they_o endeavour_v to_o answer_v four_o objection_n against_o the_o publish_v thereof_o and_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o ill_a consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v they_o declare_v a_o resolution_n to_o have_v it_o publish_v whatever_o shall_v follow_v conclude_v in_o the_o word_n of_o esther_n if_o i_o perish_v i_o perish_v beside_o it_o be_v well_o know_v here_o how_o earnest_a and_o resolute_a one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o be_v to_o have_v it_o publish_v concern_v the_o objection_n here_o mention_v the_o three_o first_o from_o the_o sâ—a_fw-la consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n hereby_o and_o from_o the_o novelty_n of_o their_o opinion_n i_o know_v not_o of_o any_o that_o make_v these_o objection_n sure_o that_o language_n be_v not_o hear_v in_o the_o synod_n but_o their_o own_o reason_n may_v object_v such_o thing_n the_o four_o objection_n be_v a_o pretend_a concurrence_n of_o all_o other_o congregational_a church_n they_o know_v of_o to_o countenance_v their_o cause_n but_o without_o any_o sufficient_a proof_n thereof_o but_o see_v it_o be_v now_o publish_v though_o uns_fw-mi asonable_o as_o be_v confess_v i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o and_o the_o reader_n about_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n but_o apply_v myself_o to_o wipe_v off_o those_o uncharitable_a and_o unjust_a aspersion_n that_o in_o this_o preface_n be_v cast_v upon_o many_o of_o the_o elder_n and_o church_n of_o new-england_n wherein_o that_o i_o may_v not_o wrong_v any_o of_o our_o belove_a brethren_n the_o dissenter_n i_o must_v say_v this_o on_o their_o behalf_n that_o some_o of_o they_o do_v profess_v that_o they_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o this_o first_o preface_n nor_o in_o the_o publish_v thereof_o nor_o any_o knowledge_n thereof_o and_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v so_o of_o other_o of_o they_o who_o i_o hope_v have_v other_o thought_n of_o their_o brethren_n than_o this_o preface_n hold_v forth_o so_o that_o so_o far_o as_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o one_o of_o they_o only_o or_o chief_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o seven_o imputation_n cast_v upon_o we_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o 1._o the_o author_n of_o this_o preface_n complain_v of_o the_o course_n entertainment_n of_o their_o tenent_n both_o in_o the_o synod_n and_o in_o the_o general_n court_n where_o they_o expect_v more_o patron_n than_o do_v appear_v ans_fw-fr that_o none_o may_v hence_o judge_v otherwise_o then_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o synod_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n be_v placid_o full_o and_o oft-ove_a debate_v all_o their_o argument_n weigh_v all_o write_n present_v be_v read_v consider_v and_o some_o public_o answer_v so_o that_o all_o the_o course_n entertainment_n be_v that_o their_o tenent_n be_v not_o embrace_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o as_o for_o the_o honour_a general_n court_n if_o they_o be_v so_o far_o satisfy_v with_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o synod_n to_o that_o question_n about_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n propound_v by_o they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a in_o their_o wisdom_n to_o countenance_n and_o encourage_v a_o party_n rise_v up_o in_o opposition_n thereto_o as_o tend_v to_o division_n and_o disturbance_n among_o we_o they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o for_o such_o course_n entertainment_n if_o they_o will_v so_o account_v of_o it_o but_o to_o aggravate_v this_o course_n entertainment_n he_o add_v though_o it_o be_v no_o other_o doctrine_n then_o of_o all_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o holland_n england_n ireland_n and_o new-england_n and_o also_o in_o new-haven_n and_o plymouth_n jurisdiction_n yea_o and_o also_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n and_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o bay_n some_o few_o inconsiderable_a except_v for_o thirty_o year_n ans_fw-fr here_o be_v a_o great_a pretence_n of_o general_a concurrence_n with_o their_o tenent_n but_o without_o proof_n and_o beyond_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o make_v the_o number_n seem_v the_o great_a beside_o new-england_n he_o add_v and_o also_o new-haven_n plymouth_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o these_o be_v not_o new-england_n church_n as_o for_o those_o foreign_a church_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v whether_o as_o yet_o many_o of_o they_o at_o least_o have_v declare_v their_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n yea_o i_o have_v hear_v from_o one_o of_o good_a note_n that_o know_v many_o of_o those_o church_n who_o upon_o the_o question_n answer_v that_o this_o case_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v consider_v in_o many_o of_o those_o church_n and_o if_o their_o practice_n have_v not_o yet_o suit_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n we_o know_v by_o our_o own_o experience_n how_o many_o hindrance_n there_o may_v be_v of_o that_o though_o their_o judgement_n be_v for_o it_o but_o concern_v the_o judgement_n of_o new-england_n elder_n and_o church_n let_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o synod_n be_v read_v by_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o most_o eminent_a elder_n in_o the_o most_o considerable_a church_n and_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n be_v general_o for_o this_o doctrine_n in_o the_o synod_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o that_o passage_n of_o famous_a hooker_n who_o praise_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o who_o may_v know_v as_o much_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o congregational_a church_n as_o another_o it_o be_v not_o the_o question_n say_v he_o whether_o wicked_a member_n while_o they_o be_v sinful_o tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n they_o and_o their_o seed_n may_v partake_v of_o privilege_n for_o this_o be_v beyond_o question_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v or_o ever_o hear_v it_o deny_v by_o any_o of_o we_o survey_v part_n 3_o chap._n 2._o pag._n 11._o whereby_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o a_o general_a confession_n on_o all_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n in_o the_o outward_a covenant_n that_o give_v right_a to_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n whereas_o the_o tenent_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v that_o member_n of_o the_o church_n admit_v in_o minority_n and_o have_v the_o covenant_n seal_v by_o baptism_n if_o be_v adult_n they_o hold_v not_o forth_o save_v faith_n and_o repentance_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n even_o so_o as_o to_o come_v into_o full_a communion_n neither_o they_o nor_o their_o seed_n may_v partake_v of_o privilege_n they_o be_v felones_n de_fw-fr se_fw-la self-mâ—rtherers_a discovenant_v of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o federal_o holy_a so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v out_o of_o their_o nonage_n as_o will_v appear_v after_o which_o tenent_n i_o can_v believe_v will_v be_v own_v by_o most_o of_o the_o church_n name_v if_o by_o any_o of_o they_o this_o author_n add_v further_a that_o yet_o now_o this_o tenent_n be_v lade_v with_o reproach_n of_o antichristianism_n and_o anabaptism_n ans_fw-fr if_o a_o argument_n or_o two_o be_v use_v in_o the_o synod_n take_v from_o such_o consequence_n be_v this_o ground_n enough_o to_o say_v it_o be_v lade_v with_o such_o reproach_n and_o other_o ground_n i_o know_v none_o yet_o for_o that_o of_o anabaptism_n it_o will_v appear_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o dissenter_n be_v so_o near_o a_o kin_n if_o not_o the_o same_o with_o they_o that_o we_o can_v but_o fear_v a_o great_a tendency_n thereunto_o and_o what_o encouragement_n they_o take_v from_o thence_o we_o be_v very_o sensible_a second_o in_o answer_v the_o first_o objection_n this_o prefacer_n take_v occasion_n upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n to_o charge_v the_o bay_a church_n with_o a_o sin_n which_o he_o can_v see_v how_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n in_o leave_v their_o former_a practice_n in_o dispense_n the_o seal_n and_o take_v up_o a_o new_a manner_n thereof_o yea_o a_o grievous_a sin_n in_o deprive_v so_o many_o infant_n of_o baptism_n for_o thirty_o year_n yea_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o somewhat_o worse_o
to_o god_n by_o christ_n according_a to_o it_o not_o destroy_v their_o profession_n by_o error_n evert_v the_o foundation_n or_o unholiness_n of_o conversation_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v such_o for_o they_o profess_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o christ_n they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n own_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o destroy_v their_o profession_n by_o error_n nor_o unholiness_n of_o life_n hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o be_v scandalous_a in_o life_n so_o that_o for_o aught_o that_o appear_v that_o assembly_n agree_v rather_o with_o the_o synod_n then_o with_o the_o dissenter_n 2._o in_o that_o our_o brother_n make_v such_o a_o distinction_n between_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o star_n of_o new-england_n sweep_v down_o and_o a_o few_o name_n in_o new-england_n that_o hold_v fast_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o well_o this_o comparison_n agree_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n humility_n and_o modesty_n i_o shall_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o 3._o i_o must_v inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n and_o ground_n of_o so_o deep_a a_o charge_n lay_v upon_o more_o than_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o star_n the_o light_n set_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n be_v it_o the_o present_a doctrine_n of_o this_o synod_n enlarge_n the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n beyond_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o dissenter_n that_o be_v their_o fall_n from_o heaven_n and_o the_o more_o strict_a opinion_n of_o our_o brethren_n the_o character_n of_o those_o few_o name_n remain_v that_o hold_n fast_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o for_o 1._o this_o be_v the_o occasion_n take_v up_o to_o make_v this_o comparison_n and_o 2._o those_o other_o imputation_n of_o forsake_v former_a practice_n recant_v of_o elder_n new_a conversion_n of_o new-england_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o doctrine_n seem_v to_o intimate_v as_o much_o 3._o and_o that_o expression_n of_o a_o few_o name_n hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v plain_o intimate_v that_o not_o only_o more_o than_o a_o three_o part_n of_o the_o star_n but_o also_o the_o generality_n of_o new_a england_n be_v great_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o at_o the_o present_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o author_n which_o be_v so_o high_a a_o strain_n that_o i_o be_o loath_a to_o say_v what_o may_v be_v speak_v of_o it_o now_o if_o this_o be_v our_o fall_n from_o heaven_n it_o be_v our_o comfort_n that_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o fall_v so_o far_o as_o many_o bright_a star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n that_o have_v shine_v glorious_o in_o the_o church_n such_o as_o calvin_n cartwright_n perkins_n ames_n and_o hundred_o more_o who_o judgement_n be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v large_a in_o this_o point_n then_o the_o synod_n do_v hold_v forth_o and_o we_o be_v fall_v no_o further_a than_o bless_a câ—ton_n thâ—lip_n shepard_n roâ—ers_n and_o other_o of_o the_o bay_a church_n famous_a hooker_n and_o stone_n of_o connecticoâ—_n prudden_n of_o new-haven_n partridge_n and_o newman_n of_o plymouth_n with_o divers_a other_o light_n in_o nâ—w-england_n of_o who_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v get_v to_o heaven_n in_o that_o opinion_n whereby_o we_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v sweep_v down_o from_o heaven_n but_o let_v this_o brother_n beware_v lest_o himself_o and_o his_o few_o name_n be_v not_o judge_v by_o some_o to_o be_v sweep_v down_o from_o heaven_n also_o who_o hold_v a_o opinion_n that_o infant_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a which_o be_v not_o so_o strict_a a_o tenent_n as_o they_o will_v have_v 4._o but_o if_o this_o so_o great_a a_o charge_n be_v lay_v upon_o more_o than_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o star_n upon_o any_o other_o ground_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n and_o gospel-order_n will_v not_o require_v that_o he_o shall_v first_o have_v convince_v his_o brethren_n of_o their_o faâ—_n yea_o indeed_o of_o their_o suppose_a error_n about_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n before_o he_o shall_v cast_v so_o great_a a_o scandal_n upon_o they_o before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n even_o a_o heretic_n may_v have_v two_o admonition_n before_o rejection_n however_o whether_o it_o be_v this_o or_o that_o ground_n sure_o this_o course_n do_v not_o a_o little_a darken_v that_o loud_a profession_n of_o our_o brother_n hold_v fast_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o have_v be_v our_o portion_n all_o along_o to_o go_v through_o evil_a report_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o many_o discontent_a person_n and_o corrupt_a opinionist_n familist_n anabaptist_n quaker_n and_o the_o like_a but_o i_o little_o expect_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o from_o so_o near_o a_o friend_n and_o brother_n i_o will_v not_o deny_v or_o excuse_v the_o decline_a of_o many_o professor_n to_o corrupt_a opinion_n to_o the_o world_n loose_a way_n and_o the_o like_a neither_o will_v i_o justify_v all_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o new-england_n fail_n may_v be_v find_v in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n and_o perhaps_o some_o may_v be_v large_a in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n than_o the_o synod_n do_v hold_v forth_o but_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v judge_v they_o to_o be_v sweep_v down_o from_o heaven_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o great_a matter_n than_o these_o or_o for_o such_o blemish_n as_o be_v incident_a to_o good_a man_n but_o whether_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o star_n in_o new-england_n church_n be_v not_o yet_o in_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o christ_n shine_v in_o their_o orb_n with_o the_o light_n of_o heavenly_a doctrine_n and_o christian_a conversation_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o the_o soberminded_n people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o country_n yea_o and_o also_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o author_n of_o this_o preface_n himself_o who_o give_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o the_o synod_n be_v more_o than_o half_a the_o elder_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n pag._n 5._o viz._n that_o they_o be_v able_a learned_a and_o godly_a and_o again_o eminent_a in_o learning_n and_o piety_n however_o it_o be_v it_o be_v a_o very_a little_a thing_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n whether_o approve_v or_o condemn_v concern_v that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o mr._n parker_n by_o name_n for_o publish_v a_o book_n in_o favour_n of_o episcopacy_n our_o brother_n do_v or_o may_v know_v that_o the_o book_n be_v distasteful_a also_o to_o his_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o to_o himself_o yet_o the_o approve_a learning_n and_o piety_n of_o the_o person_n may_v have_v call_v for_o better_a language_n as_o for_o that_o imputation_n that_o the_o common-prayer-book_n find_v some_o advocate_n in_o new-england_n who_o can_v find_v stake_n and_o material_n to_o edify_v god_n people_n in_o a_o congregational_a church_n as_o be_v say_v i_o wonder_v that_o a_o man_n of_o piety_n and_o gravity_n shall_v venture_v to_o publish_v such_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n upon_o as_o be_v say_v and_o to_o what_o end_n be_v it_o except_o to_o cast_v dirt_n upon_o his_o brethren_n much_o more_o than_o be_v true_a be_v say_v of_o that_o and_o other_o thing_n the_o lord_n help_v such_o as_o profess_v such_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o walk_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o gospel-order_n and_o charity_n more_o than_o this_o brother_n have_v do_v thus_o much_o to_o the_o first_o preface_n concern_v the_o second_o to_o the_o general_n court_n i_o shall_v animadvert_v only_o upon_o two_o or_o three_o passage_n of_o it_o and_o 1._o whereas_o pag._n 8._o they_o tell_v the_o honour_a court_n that_o they_o have_v yield_v and_o vote_v with_o the_o rest_n so_o far_o that_o right_o consider_v and_o practise_v it_o will_v silence_v all_o sad_a complaint_n against_o the_o many_o great_a and_o prevail_a corruption_n of_o youth_n among_o we_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v true_a that_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v propound_v and_o earnest_o promote_v the_o three_o proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o the_o church_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o right_o practise_v will_v indeed_o tend_v much_o to_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a for_o so_o the_o church_n by_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n
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