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
that_o have_v his_o promise_n annex_v shall_v either_o bring_v such_o youth_n to_o repentance_n or_o purge_v the_o church_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o this_o treatise_n put_v such_o a_o sense_n and_o meaning_n upon_o that_o proposition_n as_o render_v it_o useless_a and_o vain_a to_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o actual_a personal_a nor_o immediate_a member_n whereby_o act_n of_o church-government_n shall_v be_v put_v forth_o immediate_o upon_o their_o person_n but_o only_o reach_v they_o at_o the_o second_o hand_n viz_o by_o their_o parent_n as_o be_v say_v by_o some_o in_o the_o meetinghouse_n to_o which_o they_o refer_v pag._n 23._o and_o if_o excommunication_n that_o heal_a medicine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o save_v of_o the_o soâ—l_n may_v not_o touch_v they_o as_o be_v in_o the_o same_o page_n 23._o yea_o if_o the_o foederal_n holiness_n of_o their_o person_n and_o so_o their_o covenant-interest_n continue_v no_o long_o than_o their_o minority_n wherein_o indeed_o they_o be_v scarce_o capable_a of_o any_o church_n discipline_n as_o be_v affirm_v page_n 37._o these_o thing_n be_v so_o let_v any_o man_n judge_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o church-government_n to_o reform_v such_o great_a many_z and_o prevail_a corruption_n of_o youth_n 2._o page_n 10._o our_o brethren_n say_v it_o be_v apparent_a to_o all_o what_o a_o corrupt_a mass_n of_o unbeliever_n shall_v by_o this_o change_n throng_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n and_o the_o child_n of_o stranger_n uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n shall_v be_v bring_v into_o god_n sanctuary_n to_o pollute_v it_o contrary_a to_o ezek_n 44.7_o 9_o ans_fw-fr 1._o whether_o these_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v to_o be_v count_v unbeliever_n or_o not_o will_v appear_v after_o but_o if_o the_o charity_n of_o our_o brethren_n will_v allow_v they_o no_o other_o term_n i_o pray_v who_o let_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n do_v not_o our_o brethren_n with_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n belong_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o it_o and_o say_v they_o there_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n communion_n in_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o if_o then_o they_o will_v keep_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n they_o must_v join_v with_o those_o that_o shut_v that_o door_n against_o all_o infant_n by_o which_o they_o enter_v for_o if_o they_o be_v unbeliever_n that_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o in_o proposition_n the_o five_o then_o sure_o they_o be_v so_o when_o they_o be_v baptise_a by_o this_o with_o many_o other_o passage_n our_o brethren_n may_v see_v whither_o their_o principle_n do_v carry_v they_o so_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o synod_n and_o our_o brethren_n be_v not_o about_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n but_o about_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o good_a while_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o fellowship_n wherein_o the_o synod_n doctrine_n admit_v they_o not_o to_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n people_n but_o as_o they_o be_v regular_o fit_a neither_o do_v the_o synod_n continue_v they_o in_o that_o fellowship_n any_o long_a than_o they_o walk_v orderly_o without_o deserve_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n ezek._n 44._o speak_v of_o stranger_n among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n such_o as_o tobiah_n neh_n 13.4_o etc._n etc._n not_o of_o any_o israelite_n ver_fw-la 9_o 3._o our_o brethren_n in_o their_o six_o consideration_n acknowledge_v the_o great_a deliverance_n and_o wonder_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v in_o former_a time_n for_o new_a england_n they_o add_v but_o since_o the_o motion_n of_o this_o change_n what_o the_o lord_n deal_v have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v we_o leave_v to_o the_o prudent_a to_o judge_v we_o may_v glory_v in_o this_o new_a light_n but_o we_o fear_v it_o will_v prove_v but_o glory_v in_o our_o shame_n ans_fw-fr i_o have_v think_v that_o god_n gracious_a answer_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o synod_n 1662._o in_o send_v rain_n so_o speedy_o and_o sweet_o may_v not_o only_o have_v take_v off_o that_o imputation_n of_o the_o drought_n unto_o the_o synod_n as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o their_o sake_n but_o also_o it_o may_v have_v stay_v our_o brethren_n from_o such_o application_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o their_o own_o end_n i_o remember_v that_o when_o the_o popish_a canton_n impute_v the_o death_n of_o zuinglius_fw-la and_o â—ecolampadius_fw-la to_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o for_o cause_v their_o trouble_n the_o historian_n have_v this_o observation_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v say_v he_o a_o pious_a thought_n to_o attribute_v the_o disposition_n of_o every_o event_n to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o to_o determine_v to_o what_o end_v those_o event_n be_v direct_v by_o his_o high_a wisdom_n be_v not_o far_o from_o presumption_n man_n be_v so_o straight_o and_o religious_o wed_v to_o their_o own_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v persuade_v god_n love_v and_o favour_v they_o as_o much_o as_o themselves_o hist_o of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n p._n 60._o but_o if_o we_o must_v needs_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o non-england_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o case_n can_v any_o prudent_a man_n say_v that_o the_o deliverance_n of_o new-england_n be_v not_o as_o great_a and_o wonderful_a in_o these_o last_o year_n and_o at_o this_o day_n as_o in_o former_a year_n and_o as_o for_o those_o afflict_a providence_n that_o have_v late_o befall_v we_o have_v we_o not_o have_v as_o heavy_a stroke_n many_o way_n former_o and_o have_v we_o not_o sin_n enough_o that_o be_v evident_a to_o humble_v we_o under_o the_o lord_n hand_n as_o deserve_v these_o and_o great_a evil_n but_o we_o must_v needs_o apply_v they_o as_o judgement_n of_o god_n to_o this_o false_o so_o call_v change_v and_o brand_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o god_n eminent_a messenger_n among_o we_o as_o a_o new_a light_n that_o will_v turn_v to_o our_o shame_n the_o lord_n forgive_v these_o many_o harsh_a censure_n of_o the_o brethren_n thus_o have_v i_o pass_v through_o this_o unpleasing_a part_n of_o my_o work_n wherein_o if_o by_o clear_v the_o innocent_a any_o thing_n do_v reflect_v upon_o the_o accuser_n i_o hope_v the_o equal-minded_n reader_n will_v excuse_v i_o consider_v that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v name_v upon_o the_o elder_n and_o church_n of_o new-england_n and_o will_v have_v suffer_v in_o they_o shall_v not_o such_o unjust_a aspersion_n be_v wipe_v off_o they_o by_o a_o just_a apology_n have_v our_o brethren_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o synod_n with_o like_a love_n tenderness_n and_o moderation_n as_o be_v express_v towards_o they_o in_o their_o preface_n the_o world_n have_v not_o be_v so_o scandalize_v as_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v by_o these_o contest_v and_o i_o have_v spare_v much_o of_o this_o labour_n oh_o when_o shall_v we_o see_v brethren_n manage_v such_o dispute_n with_o that_o brotherly_a love_n ingenuity_n and_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n as_o become_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o without_o such_o harsh_a reflection_n upon_o man_n person_n the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v a_o lamentation_n and_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n chap._n ii_o concern_v our_o brethren_n answer_n to_o the_o main_a question_n concern_v the_o order_n of_o this_o treatise_n i_o need_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n nor_o concern_v their_o two_o proposition_n premise_v who_o doubt_v that_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o be_v administer_v according_a to_o gospel-rule_n or_o that_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o end_v controversy_n be_v to_o find_v out_o how_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n only_o these_o rule_n be_v too_o general_a and_o have_v a_o like_a influence_n into_o all_o controversy_n about_o gospel-ordinance_n i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v up_o from_o scripture_n two_o or_o three_o proposition_n that_o have_v a_o more_o near_o and_o immediate_a respect_n to_o the_o question_n now_o in_o debate_n it_o be_v no_o question_n between_o we_o whether_o adult_n person_n to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v baptise_a shall_v hold_v forth_o faith_n and_o repentance_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n and_o that_o in_o some_o particular_a visible_a church_n nor_o whether_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o such_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a but_o the_o very_a hinge_v whereupon_o our_o debate_n turn_v lie_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o whether_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o all_o church-member_n ought_v to_o be_v baptise_a 2._o what_o it_o be_v that_o cut_v off_o any_o from_o his_o membership_n
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
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
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
esau_n be_v not_o clear_a that_o they_o do_v excommunicate_v themselves_o but_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o the_o lord_n the_o curse_n of_o cain_n be_v to_o be_v a_o vagabond_n and_o fugitive_n in_o the_o earth_n which_o he_o understand_v of_o his_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n from_o thy_o face_n shall_v i_o be_v hide_v gen._n 4.14_o as_o for_o ishmael_n the_o case_n be_v plain_a that_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o abraham_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o of_o esau_n it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o when_o he_o will_v have_v inherit_v the_o blessing_n he_o be_v reject_v viz._n of_o isaac_n after_o which_o rejection_n he_o go_v away_o from_o the_o church_n in_o isaac_n family_n concern_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o abraham_n by_o keturah_n how_o long_o they_o continue_v to_o worship_n the_o true_a god_n or_o how_o they_o fall_v off_o who_o can_v say_v or_o prove_v that_o they_o excommunicate_v themselves_o without_o any_o act_n of_o god_n that_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o censure_n as_o for_o open_a and_o obstinate_a heretic_n and_o apostate_n which_o some_o call_n excommunicati_fw-la de_fw-la jure_fw-la that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v in_o fact_n also_o but_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o gospel-time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v so_o express_o institute_v church-censure_n for_o the_o save_n of_o offender_n and_o purge_v of_o his_o church_n and_o have_v confirm_v the_o same_o with_o such_o promise_n to_o bâ—nde_v and_o loose_a in_o heaven_n what_o be_v bind_v and_o lose_v on_o earth_n mat._n 18._o i_o conceive_v with_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o author_n allege_v that_o no_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v the_o power_n and_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n can_v so_o cut_v off_o his_o relation_n to_o that_o church_n actual_o but_o that_o the_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o dispense_v the_o censure_n to_o he_o as_o the_o case_n shall_v require_v my_o reason_n be_v reason_n 1_o 1._o from_o the_o end_n of_o church-discipline_n viz._n to_o reduce_v and_o save_v offender_n mat._n 18._o 1_o cor._n 5.5_o to_o purge_v the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 5.7_o to_o vindicate_v the_o name_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o bear_v fall_n testimony_n against_o scandal_n 2_o sam._n 12.14_o 2_o cor._n 7.11_o you_o have_v approve_v yourselves_o to_o be_v clear_a in_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o example_n and_o terror_n of_o other_o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o whence_o the_o reason_n stand_v thus_o if_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v betrust_v his_o church_n with_o the_o power_n of_o church-discipline_n for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a end_n than_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o put_v forth_o this_o power_n whensoever_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o end_n may_v be_v attain_v with_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o case_n can_v befall_v any_o church_n member_n wherein_o these_o or_o some_o of_o these_o end_n may_v not_o be_v attain_v for_o put_v case_n a_o member_n be_v turn_v arrian_n quaker_n turk_n and_o what_o you_o will_v yet_o the_o censure_n denounce_v will_v acquit_v the_o church_n vindicate_v the_o name_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o bear_v full_a testimony_n against_o such_o scandal_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o terror_n of_o other_o yea_o who_o know_v how_o far_o the_o lord_n may_v improve_v it_o upon_o the_o sinner_n for_o his_o good_a reason_n 2_o 2._o if_o in_o scripture-pattern_n the_o worst_a of_o heretic_n and_o blasphemer_n be_v lay_v under_o censure_n notwithstanding_o their_o suppose_a self-excommunication_n than_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v such_o pattern_n in_o all_o such_o case_n but_o such_o be_v the_o practice_n in_o scripture-example_n tit._n 3.10_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o 1_o cor._n 16.22_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n reason_n 3_o 3._o that_o position_n that_o open_v a_o door_n for_o church-member_n to_o evade_v and_o frustrate_v church-discipline_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v but_o this_o position_n do_v open_v a_o door_n to_o evade_v and_o frustrate_v church-discipline_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n any_o member_n in_o danger_n of_o church-censure_n may_v withdraw_v himself_o renounce_v the_o church_n and_o then_o they_o can_v proceed_v against_o he_o for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o cut_v off_o a_o member_n that_o have_v already_o excommunicate_v himself_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v sufficient_a punishment_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n to_o leave_v a_o man_n so_o to_o excommunicate_v himself_o ans_fw-fr but_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o church_n be_v discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o save_v the_o offender_n by_o excommunication_n that_o tend_v to_o destroy_v the_o flesh_n and_o save_v his_o soul_n i_o never_o read_v that_o god_n bless_a self-excommunication_n to_o that_o end_n yea_o by_o this_o position_n a_o wicked_a schismatical_a member_n shall_v take_v the_o key_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n and_o censure_v the_o whole_a church_n as_o oft_o they_o do_v and_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o lay_v any_o punishment_n upon_o he_o for_o it_o and_o hence_o those_o scripture_n allege_v hebr._n 10.21_o 1_o john_n 2.19_o may_v receive_v a_o just_a answer_n for_o that_o forsake_v of_o the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o and_o go_v out_o do_v not_o exempt_v they_o from_o church-censure_n or_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o before_o church-censure_n if_o the_o foot_n say_v i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o body_n be_v it_o therefore_o not_o of_o the_o body_n or_o can_v this_o withdraw_a discharge_n the_o church_n from_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n or_o exempt_v themselves_o from_o the_o just_a censure_n and_o punishment_n appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o such_o offender_n reas_n 5._o these_o adult_n person_n be_v member_n or_o non-member_n if_o non-member_n than_o a_o person_n admit_v a_o member_n and_o seal_v by_o baptism_n not_o cast_v out_o nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v may_v the_o church_n still_o remain_v become_v a_o non-member_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o unclean_a world_n which_o the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v not_o ans_fw-fr 1._o member_n and_o non-member_n be_v not_o opposite_n but_o with_o take_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o all_o opposite_n as_o in_o this_o case_n ad_fw-la idem_fw-la or_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n they_o may_v be_v non-member_n in_o full_a communion_n and_o yet_o member_n in_o parental_a right_n reply_n 1._o this_o distinction_n be_v not_o ad_fw-la idem_fw-la for_o the_o want_n of_o full_a communion_n be_v not_o such_o a_o respect_n as_o make_v a_o man_n a_o non-member_n for_o so_o a_o man_n under_o admonition_n for_o some_o scandal_n or_o in_o a_o frenzy_n shall_v be_v a_o non-member_n 2._o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o these_o be_v member_n in_o full_a communion_n but_o whether_o that_o membership_n which_o be_v seal_v up_o unto_o they_o in_o baptism_n do_v continue_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o this_o seem_v once_o more_o here_o to_o be_v grant_v ans_fw-fr 2._o they_o may_v deserve_v censure_n though_o not_o put_v upon_o they_o râ—ply_v this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o these_o member_n in_o question_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o they_o deserve_v censure_n yet_o no_o man_n be_v actual_o cut_v off_o till_o the_o censure_n be_v apply_v and_o if_o they_o may_v deserve_v censure_n then_o be_v they_o personal_a member_n under_o church-discipline_n chap._n v._o concern_v the_o four_o proposition_n propos_fw-fr 4._o these_o adult_n person_n be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v and_o continue_v member_n without_o such_o further_a qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v thereunto_o our_o brethren_n grant_v this_o proposition_n yet_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o five_o proposition_n be_v please_v by_o way_n of_o prevention_n to_o state_n this_o question_n viz._n whether_o there_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n such_o person_n as_o have_v public_o and_o personal_o covenant_v that_o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n the_o negative_a they_o prove_v reas_n 1._o because_o public_a and_o personal_a covenant_n be_v the_o formality_n of_o a_o church-member_n such_o have_v all_o the_o constituent_a cause_n and_o so_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o form_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o subject_a which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v full_a communion_n hence_o the_o form_n introduce_v and_o the_o covenant_n personal_o own_v do_v necessary_o imply_v all_o the_o privilege_n belongingâ—th_v reunto_o ans_fw-fr every_o public_a and_o personal_a covenant_n be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o church-membership_a the_o covenant_n be_v oft_o renew_v public_o own_v or_o enter_v into_o by_o such_o as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o as_o in_o deut._n 29._o and_o other_o scripture_n do_v appear_v and_o this_o be_v the_o
parish_n church_n we_o be_v no_o large_a than_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o concur_v with_o we_o in_o the_o seven_o proposition_n about_o the_o first_o question_n which_o speak_v to_o this_o case_n but_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o enlarge_n the_o church_n to_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o parish_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a slander_n i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o any_o two_o elder_n of_o these_o church_n have_v so_o declare_v their_o judgement_n much_o less_o so_o many_o as_o be_v of_o the_o synod_n mind_n it_o lie_v upon_o the_o author_n to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n or_o to_o recant_v his_o rashness_n 2._o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o general_a judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a elder_n and_o their_o practice_n be_v as_o the_o dissenter_n plead_v but_o now_o divers_a of_o those_o elder_n do_v retreat_n and_o recant_v to_o prove_v this_o he_o allege_v two_o passage_n out_o of_o a_o answer_n to_o thirty_o two_o question_n print_v 1639._o but_o those_o passage_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o bear_v up_o this_o assertion_n yea_o do_v evidence_n the_o quite_o contrary_a the_o first_o be_v take_v out_o of_o page_n 22._o of_o the_o say_a book_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o that_o such_o who_o parent_n be_v not_o believer_n and_o sanctified_a be_v not_o federal_o holy_a foederal_n holiness_n or_o sanctity_n be_v limit_v to_o the_o next_o parent_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o passage_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o dissenter_n for_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o author_n do_v account_n foederal_n holiness_n to_o be_v sanctity_n and_o therefore_o the_o next_o parent_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o so_o continue_v they_o be_v ecclesiastical_o holy_a sanctify_a and_o visible_a believer_n 2._o do_v not_o the_o same_o elder_n in_o this_o synod_n deliver_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n in_o the_o second_o proposition_n and_o five_o particular_a viz._n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o membership_n of_o child_n that_o the_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n cite_v the_o same_o text_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o and_o where_o then_o be_v the_o least_o show_n of_o recant_v the_o second_o proof_n be_v page_n 23._o of_o the_o say_a book_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o believe_v that_o all_o member_n of_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n none_o except_v ephes_n 1.1_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o phil._n 1.1_o ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o passage_n speak_v of_o member_n to_o be_v admit_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v as_o well_o allege_v to_o prove_v a_o consent_n with_o the_o anabaptist_n as_o with_o the_o dissenter_n which_o be_v far_o from_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o author_n beside_o though_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o yet_o that_o deni_v not_o but_o be_v regular_o admit_v they_o be_v still_o member_n of_o the_o church_n till_o they_o be_v regular_o cast_v out_o though_o they_o do_v not_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o 2._o do_v not_o those_o elder_n profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n in_o the_o synod_n propos_fw-fr 2._o viz_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 allege_v the_o same_o text_n eph._n 1.1_o etc._n etc._n where_o then_o be_v this_o recantation_n six_o the_o author_n of_o this_o preface_n excuse_v the_o paucity_n of_o the_o dissenter_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o many_o able_a learned_a and_o godly_a magistrate_n and_o minister_n that_o consent_v he_o object_v three_o thing_n against_o the_o synod_n consent_v 1._o that_o divers_a of_o the_o elder_n have_v preach_v and_o practise_v that_o doctrine_n of_o late_a year_n be_v pre-engaged_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o after_o vow_n they_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o inquire_v ans_fw-fr be_v not_o paul_n barnabas_n and_o other_o as_o much_o engage_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o synod_n act_v 15_o and_o do_v they_o come_v after_o â—_z to_o inquire_v 2._o be_v not_o the_o dissenter_n as_o much_o pre-engaged_n in_o their_o opinion_n why_o then_o do_v they_o come_v after_o vow_n to_o inquire_v 2._o it_o be_v object_v that_o divers_a messenger_n be_v no_o logician_n to_o answer_v syllogism_n and_o discern_v ambiguity_n be_v overbear_v by_o the_o many_o opposer_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v incongruous_a and_o too_o high_a to_o make_v the_o body_n of_o the_o synod_n the_o opâ—osers_n which_o more_o fit_o agree_v to_o the_o few_o dissenter_n 2._o though_o divers_a be_v not_o such_o logician_n yet_o charity_n may_v allow_v the_o choice_n member_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o far_o conscientious_a as_o that_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n they_o will_v not_o be_v bear_v down_o with_o number_n of_o opposer_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o logic_n of_o the_o dissenter_n that_o may_v be_v as_o little_a as_o the_o other_o 3._o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n most_o incline_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o broad_a way_n though_o the_o straight_a way_n be_v never_o so_o clear_a especial_o when_o person_n eminent_a in_o place_n power_n learning_n and_o piety_n be_v so_o link_v together_o ans_fw-fr be_v it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o corruption_n in_o man_n yet_o when_o such_o person_n as_o the_o synod_n be_v confess_v to_o be_v agree_v in_o one_o and_o that_o in_o so_o solemn_a a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n where_o christ_n have_v promise_v his_o presence_n chaâ—â—y_o that_o hope_v all_o thing_n may_v well_o conceive_v that_o grace_n will_v prevail_v above_o such_o a_o corruption_n 2_o if_o our_o brother_n be_v not_o aware_a of_o it_o i_o can_v assure_v he_o that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o corruption_n in_o man_n and_o in_o good_a man_n too_o under_z the_o not_o on_o of_o strictness_n and_o zeal_n to_o swerve_v as_o much_o to_o the_o other_o extreme_a as_o when_o the_o disciple_n will_v have_v keep_v little_a child_n from_o christ_n mark_v 10.13_o 14._o when_o out_o of_o zeal_n against_o the_o tare_n man_n will_v hazard_v to_o plack_n up_o the_o wheat_n also_o matth._n 13.28_o 29._o so_o when_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o judge_v other_o who_o god_n have_v receive_v rom._n 14.3_o which_o i_o wish_v our_o brother_n serious_o to_o consider_v the_o way_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n be_v a_o straight_a way_n yet_o i_o suppose_v this_o brother_n do_v not_o judge_v it_o his_o corruption_n to_o choose_v a_o way_n somewhat_o large_a so_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o seeker_n and_o other_o who_o think_v their_o straight_a way_n as_o clear_v as_o our_o brother_n think_v of_o he_o seven_o in_o page_n 5._o this_o brother_n answer_v another_o objection_n that_o this_o discourse_n may_v seem_v needless_a see_v all_o other_o congregational_a church_n agree_v with_o they_o that_o they_o know_v of_o allege_v the_o savoy_n meet_v chap._n 29._o of_o baptism_n 4._o yet_o say_v he_o there_o needs_o abundant_a confirmation_n for_o no_o doubt_n this_o temptation_n will_v spread_v further_o when_o more_o than_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n here_o be_v sweep_v down_o as_o be_v prophesy_v rev._n 12._o etc._n etc._n furthermore_o say_v he_o let_v the_o world_n know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v still_o a_o few_o name_n in_o new_a england_n who_o hold_v fast_o his_o name_n and_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o detest_v the_o abomination_n of_o antichrist_n ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o author_n glori_v much_o in_o the_o consent_n of_o other_o church_n we_o see_v here_o his_o ground_n which_o i_o shall_v examine_v the_o position_n of_o that_o meeting_n of_o the_o church_n be_v this_o not_o only_o those_o that_o do_v actual_o profess_v faith_n in_o and_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n but_o also_o the_o infant_n of_o one_o or_o both_o believe_a parent_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a and_o those_o only_o we_o can_v well_o consent_v with_o this_o doctrine_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o we_o profess_v and_o prove_v in_o the_o synod_n that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n own_a by_o he_o as_o holy_a as_o his_o people_n his_o child_n and_o manifest_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o five_o proposition_n these_o be_v visible_a believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n in_o scripture_n account_n 1_o cor._n 1.1_o with_o 7.14_o and_o i_o can_v believe_v but_o that_o reverend_a and_o learned_a assembly_n will_v acknowledge_v regular_a church-member_n to_o be_v visible_a believer_n and_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o these_o be_v regular_a church-member_n in_o their_o judgement_n by_o their_o second_o position_n concern_v the_o church_n chap._n 26._o where_o they_o say_v all_z such_o as_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o obedience_n
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
case_n of_o these_o in_o question_n who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n set_v thereto_o before_o genes_n 17.7_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o therefore_o this_o own_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v only_o a_o manifestation_n of_o their_o continuance_n in_o it_o and_o hence_o this_o be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o their_o membership_n but_o a_o duty_n of_o their_o covenant_n and_o do_v not_o in_o itself_o fit_v they_o for_o full_a communion_n except_o withal_o they_o hold_v out_o such_o qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v thereunto_o a_o youth_n that_o have_v the_o constituent_a cause_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n with_o some_o understanding_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o thereby_o capable_a of_o all_o privilege_n of_o a_o man_n as_o to_z marry_o give_v good_a assurance_n of_o land_n and_o the_o like_a a_o adult_n person_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o personal_a covenant_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n mere_o because_o he_o have_v covenant_v for_o except_o he_o have_v suitable_a qualification_n he_o will_v eat_v judgement_n to_o himself_o reas_n 2._o because_o those_o that_o be_v admit_v by_o personal_a covenant_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n continue_v in_o full_a communion_n act_v 2.41_o ans_fw-fr there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o they_o be_v admit_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o also_o endue_v with_o eminent_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o be_v admit_v in_o infancy_n do_v only_o by_o own_v the_o covenant_n manife_a their_o continuance_n therein_o the_o indian_n new_o convert_v and_o hold_v forth_o so_o much_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o may_v admit_v they_o into_o the_o church_n and_o baptism_n may_v yet_o need_v further_a preparation_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o have_v such_o eminent_a gift_n reas_n 3._o because_o this_o doctrine_n presuppose_v that_o what_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v require_v in_o adult_a person_n come_v to_o baptism_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n ans_fw-fr this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o suppose_v it_o for_o it_o speak_v only_o of_o such_o adult_n person_n as_o be_v baptise_a in_o infancy_n not_o to_o be_v baptise_a in_o adult_n age_n it_o suppose_v only_o that_o person_n baptise_a in_o infancy_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o visible_a church_n may_v yet_o be_v unable_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o hence_o the_o reason_n which_o here_o follow_v touch_v not_o this_o case_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o some_o of_o they_o do_v not_o argue_v against_o the_o baptise_v of_o â—_z or_o that_o infant_n baptise_a may_v partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o five_o proposition_n propos_fw-fr 5._o church-member_n who_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a this_o proposition_n say_v our_o brethren_n do_v stumble_v we_o most_o their_o reason_n be_v reas_n 1._o because_o there_o be_v three_o expression_n propound_v this_o swerve_v further_a than_o the_o other_o from_o the_o scripture_n ans_fw-fr be_v it_o grant_v that_o several_a term_n and_o expression_n of_o these_o qualification_n be_v propound_v these_o only_a in_o conclusion_n be_v assent_v unto_o but_o if_o our_o brethren_n judge_v that_o they_o all_o swerve_v from_o the_o scripture_n what_o matter_n be_v it_o which_o swerve_v most_o from_o it_o if_o this_o swerve_v most_o they_o have_v the_o more_o advantage_n of_o dispute_n against_o it_o but_o see_v they_o stumble_v so_o much_o at_o this_o i_o shall_v easy_o remove_v this_o block_n out_o of_o their_o way_n obj._n first_o say_v they_o in_o the_o former_a expression_n it_o be_v require_v they_o shall_v understand_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n here_o no_o more_o than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o so_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n righteousness_n sabbath_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr as_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o as_o large_a as_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n both_o in_o the_o acceptation_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o orthodox_n divine_v phil._n 1.27_o when_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o strive_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v they_o let_v go_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n or_o any_o other_o ground_n of_o religion_n 2_o tim._n 4.7_o when_o paul_n say_v he_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n do_v he_o let_v go_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o other_o ground_n of_o religion_n judas_n ver_fw-la 3._o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o that_o faith_n oppose_v to_o the_o fiâ—â—â—y_a dreamer_n that_o sin_v against_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o therefore_o sure_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n comprehend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n when_o our_o synod_n at_o cambridge_n 1648._o declare_v their_o consent_n with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o england_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o assembly_n at_o the_o savoy_n call_v that_o book_n a_o declaration_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o order_n do_v they_o not_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n faith_n all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n except_v only_a matter_n of_o order_n but_o what_o need_v more_o instance_n when_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o book_n tell_v the_o world_n of_o a_o few_o name_n that_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a to_o think_v that_o such_o person_n do_v not_o hold_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n sure_o the_o synod_n intend_v it_o so_o obj._n 2._o in_o the_o second_o expression_n it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v examine_v of_o their_o sense_n of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_n after_o he_o here_o only_o of_o their_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v aâ—s_n but_o if_o such_o sense_n of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_n after_o he_o shall_v not_o upon_o such_o examination_n appear_v but_o this_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n with_o all_o the_o other_o qualification_n may_v not_o this_o suffice_v to_o show_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n what_o if_o the_o devil_n may_v give_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o free_a but_o enforce_v and_o they_o want_v all_o the_o other_o qualification_n that_o these_o have_v obj._n 3_o the_o former_a require_v that_o they_o shall_v give_v satisfaction_n for_o any_o offence_n they_o have_v fall_v into_o here_o only_o that_o they_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n the_o former_a viz._n offence_n comprehend_v original_a sin_n or_o any_o other_o commit_v against_o god_n or_o man_n jam._n 3_o 2._o scandal_n in_o lifâ—_n note_v only_o notorious_a sin_n and_o a_o course_n therein_o ans_fw-fr that_o they_o stumble_v at_o this_o must_v needs_o arise_v from_o a_o very_a rigid_a principle_n whereof_o this_o treatise_n have_v too_o many_o for_o who_o ever_o take_v up_o that_o of_o original_a sin_n as_o matter_n of_o offence_n to_o deal_v with_o his_o brother_n for_o it_o or_o what_o rule_n have_v we_o to_o call_v for_o satisfaction_n for_o that_o or_o for_o all_o such_o word_n or_o action_n as_o be_v offence_n to_o god_n or_o man_n a_o practice_n that_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v in_o that_o very_a place_n allege_v jam._n 3_o 1._o be_v not_o many_o master_n for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o and_o therefore_o pity_n and_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o and_o be_v not_o so_o rigid_a to_o require_v satisfaction_n for_o every_o offence_n if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o those_o rule_n of_o love_n 1_o cor._n 13.7_o love_n bear_v all_o thing_n gal._n 6.2_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n col._n 3.13_o forbear_v one_o another_o 2._o it_o be_v evident_a luke_n 17.1_o 2_o 3._o that_o offence_n to_o be_v deal_v with_o be_v scandal_n woe_n to_o he_o that_o scandalize_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o and_o impenitency_n in_o any_o such_o scandal_n deserve_v the_o high_a censure_n but_o repent_v of_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o scandal_n or_o offence_n mat._n 18._o yea_o although_o such_o a_o scandal_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o notorious_a sin_n nor_o continue_v in_o but_o in_o one_o act_n so_o that_o not_o to_o be_v scandalous_a in_o life_n be_v full_a as_o large_a
as_o that_o other_o expression_n and_o do_v include_v satisfaction_n for_o offence_n that_o be_v fall_v into_o obj._n 4._o in_o the_o former_a be_v say_v they_o shall_v own_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n here_o only_o the_o covenant_n which_o may_v extend_v to_o grandfather_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr i_o wonder_v how_o our_o brethren_n can_v make_v to_o themselves_o such_o a_o block_n as_o this_o be_v to_o stumble_v upon_o when-as_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v so_o express_v to_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o second_o proposition_n which_o affirm_v that_o this_o right_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v convey_v only_o by_o the_o next_o parent_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o if_o man_n have_v a_o lust_n to_o contend_v and_o raise_v objection_n they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v object_v against_o the_o former_a phrase_n the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n for_o be_v not_o grandfather_n parent_n also_o these_o thing_n say_v our_o brethren_n thus_o weigh_v may_v suffice_v to_o discover_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o just_a cause_n for_o we_o to_o deny_v our_o consent_n to_o such_o kind_n of_o member_n as_o these_o ans_fw-fr but_o these_o thing_n weigh_v over_o again_o by_o the_o equal_a balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o right_a reason_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o judicious_a reader_n will_v see_v how_o light_a they_o be_v and_o unworthy_a to_o sway_v the_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o our_o brethren_n be_v but_o they_o add_v as_o they_o have_v need_v other_o reason_n of_o their_o denial_n reas_n 2._o because_o this_o cross_v the_o two_o former_a proposition_n which_o make_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n confederate_a visible_a believer_n and_o their_o seed_n whereas_o these_o though_o so_o qualify_v be_v not_o neither_o parent_n nor_o child_n visible_a believer_n for_o the_o vile_a person_n may_v have_v these_o rom._n 2.18_o &_o 10_o 19_o 21._o yea_o they_o that_o commit_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n may_v have_v these_o heb._n 10.26_o there_o be_v wash_v swine_n 2_o pet._n 2.20_o etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr 1._o these_o parent_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v they_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n he_o be_v their_o god_n god_n accept_v they_o as_o his_o people_n his_o child_n the_o lord_n have_v seal_v to_o they_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n baptise_a they_o into_o christ_n and_o they_o own_o this_o god_n submit_v to_o his_o rule_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n they_o be_v visible_a believer_n 2._o here_o be_v a_o very_a palpable_a fallacy_n in_o cite_v these_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o contrary_n the_o vile_a person_n say_v they_o may_v have_v these_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n prove_v that_o some_o vile_a person_n may_v have_v some_o one_o of_o these_o as_o rom._n 2._o prove_v that_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v knowledge_n but_o these_o have_v knowledge_n and_o also_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o rest_n but_o which_o of_o these_o or_o any_o other_o do_v prove_v that_o such_o person_n as_o have_v all_o these_o qualification_n conjunct_o be_v vile_a person_n or_o not_o visible_a believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n or_o in_o scripture_n account_n and_o not_o true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o such_o as_o these_o may_v fall_v away_o and_o become_v vile_a heb._n 10_o 26._o but_o may_v not_o such_o as_o come_v into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o fair_a profession_n of_o faith_n prove_v so_o vile_a also_o and_o be_v they_o therefore_o no_o visible_a believer_n before_o such_o a_o fall_n 3._o these_o very_a scripture_n or_o most_o of_o they_o here_o allege_v speak_v of_o such_o person_n though_o so_o vile_a as_o be_v say_v who_o be_v adult_a child_n of_o the_o church_n do_v yet_o continue_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n partake_v of_o privilege_n and_o therefore_o such_o scripture_n can_v reach_v this_o case_n to_o disprove_v the_o membership_n of_o these_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n because_o they_o be_v not_o visible_a believer_n these_o be_v far_o better_a member_n than_o those_o be_v and_o i_o wonder_v that_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o observe_v it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v why_o shall_v they_o allege_v such_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n object_n but_o their_o give_v up_o of_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o god_n imply_v faith_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o ans_fw-fr our_o brethren_n grant_v that_o it_o may_v imply_v faith_n but_o in_o person_n no_o better_o qualify_v it_o can_v imply_v it_o there_o be_v a_o give_v up_o of_o the_o first-born_a of_o man_n and_o beast_n to_o god_n exod._n 13.2_o 12._o &_o 22.29_o reply_n to_o say_v that_o in_o such_o person_n no_o better_o qualify_v it_o can_v imply_v faith_n and_o that_o without_o any_o reason_n render_v be_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o love_n that_o hope_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v hope_v as_o this_o be_v confess_v to_o be_v viz._n that_o it_o may_v imply_v iâ—_n no_o doubt_n a_o person_n thus_o qualify_v in_o knowledge_n and_o conversation_n may_v give_v up_o himself_o to_o god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o the_o most_o discern_a church_n will_v receive_v he_o as_o a_o true_a visible_a believer_n into_o full_a communion_n regular_o the_o eunuch_n confession_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v just_o take_v for_o true_a faith_n to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o give_v up_o of_o the_o first-born_a of_o man_n and_o beast_n to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o scoff_n it_o argue_v a_o very_a slight_a thought_n of_o so_o solemn_a a_o profession_n before_o god_n and_o his_o people_n for_o what_o comparison_n be_v there_o between_o these_o two_o reas_n 3._o where_o there_o be_v no_o foederal_n holiness_n there_o be_v no_o right_a to_o baptism_n but_o where_o neither_o parent_n be_v a_o believer_n there_o be_v no_o covenant-holiness_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o where_o not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o parent_n must_v be_v in_o covenant_n but_o a_o believer_n that_o the_o child_n be_v federal_o holy_a neither_o be_v it_o right_o object_v that_o a_o believer_n be_v oppose_v there_o to_o a_o infidel_n for_o the_o child_n be_v not_o upon_o their_o cease_v to_o be_v infidel_n believer_n so_o that_o themselves_o be_v believer_n or_o their_o child_n federal_o holy_a they_o be_v catechumeni_fw-la and_o competentes_fw-la before_o fideles_fw-la ans_fw-fr 1._o do_v the_o primitive_a church_n receive_v any_o that_o be_v not_o visible_a believer_n into_o the_o church_n sure_o in_o the_o apostle_n account_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n be_v all_o one_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o so_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o colosse_n be_v call_v saint_n and_o faithful_a in_o christ_n ephes_n 1_o 1._o col._n 1_o 2._o why_o thâ—n_n be_v it_o say_v that_o the_o parent_n must_v be_v not_o only_o in_o church-covenant_n but_o also_o believer_n as_o if_o the_o one_o do_v not_o necessary_o suppose_v and_o infer_v the_o other_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v right_o say_v that_o in_o cease_v to_o be_v infidel_n they_o be_v believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o infidel_n and_o unbeliever_n be_v the_o same_o in_o scripture-phrase_n and_o both_o oppose_v to_o believer_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15._o be_v not_o unequal_o yoke_v with_o unbeliever_n that_o be_v with_o infidel_n as_o appear_v ver_fw-la 15._o what_o part_n have_v a_o believer_n with_o a_o infidel_n now_o i_o appeal_v to_o our_o brethren_n whether_o this_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n will_v allow_v the_o parent_n in_o question_n describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n to_o marry_v with_o a_o heathen_a indian_a or_o like_o infidel_n if_o not_o then_o in_o the_o scripture_n account_v he_o be_v a_o believer_n for_o otherwise_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v unequal_o yoke_v with_o such_o a_o one_o 3._o as_o for_o that_o distinction_n of_o catechumeni_fw-la competentes_fw-la and_o fideles_fw-la the_o scripture_n know_v no_o such_o thing_n for_o lydia_n and_o her_o house_n be_v baptise_a together_o act_v 16.15_o and_o the_o jailor_n and_o his_o house_n straightway_o that_o distinction_n come_v into_o the_o church_n afterward_o and_o be_v apply_v to_o new_a convert_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o church-seed_n but_o our_o brethren_n add_v further_o that_o else_o or_o otherwise_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a can_v be_v mean_v only_o of_o infidel_n for_o so_o we_o may_v make_v mad_a work_n of_o scripture_n as_o deut._n 4.29_o jehovah_n be_v god_n and_o none_o else_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v there_o may_v be_v another_o god_n to_o the_o gentile_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a exception_n so_o rev._n 2.15_o repent_v or_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o shall_v another_o church_n say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o with_o we_o ans_fw-fr that_o to_o be_v unclean_a
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