in_o some_o particular_a church_n 3._o the_o same_o covenant-act_n be_v account_v the_o act_n of_o parent_n and-childe_n but_o the_o parent_n covenant_v render_v himself_o a_o member_n of_o this_o particular_a church_n therefore_o so_o it_o render_v the_o child_n also_o how_o can_v child_n come_v in_o with_o and_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o yet_o come_v into_o a_o church_n wherein_o and_o whereof_o their_o parent_n be_v not_o so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v of_o one_o church_n and_o the_o parent_n of_o another_o 4._o child_n be_v in_o a_o orderly_a and_o regular_a state_n for_o they_o be_v in_o that_o state_n wherein_o the_o order_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o his_o institution_n therein_o have_v place_v they_o they_o be_v member_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n to_o say_v their_o stand_n be_v disorderly_a will_v be_v to_o impute_v disorder_n to_o the_o order_n of_o god_n covenant_n or_o irregularity_n to_o the_o rule_n now_o all_o will_v grant_v it_o to_o be_v most_o orderly_o and_o regular_a that_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n in_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o in_o that_o particular_a church_n where_o his_o regular_a habitation_n be_v which_o to_o child_n usual_o be_v where_o their_o parent_n be_v if_o the_o rule_n call_v they_o to_o remove_v than_o their_o membership_n ought_v orderly_o to_o be_v translate_v to_o the_o church_n whither_o they_o remove_v again_o order_n require_v that_o the_o child_n and_o the_o power_n of_o government_n over_o the_o child_n shall_v go_v together_o it_o will_v bring_v shame_n and_o confusion_n for_o the_o child_n to_o be_v from_o under_o government_n prov._n 29.15_o and_o parental_a and_o ecclesiastical_a government_n concur_v do_v mutual_o help_v and_o strengthen_v each_o other_o hence_o the_o parent_n and_o the_o child_n must_v be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n unless_o the_o child_n be_v by_o some_o special_a providence_n so_o remove_v as_o that_o some_o other_o person_n have_v the_o power_n over_o he_o 2._o that_o when_o these_o child_n be_v grow_v up_o they_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n be_v manifest_a for_o 1._o child_n be_v under_o patriarchal_a and_o moysaicall_a discipline_n of_o old_a gen._n 18_o 19_o &_o 21.9_o 10_o 12._o gal._n 5.3_o and_o therefore_o under_o congregational_a discipline_n now_o 2._o they_o be_v within_o the_o church_n or_o member_n thereof_o as_o have_v be_v and_o after_o will_v be_v further_o prove_v and_o therefore_o subject_a to_o church-judicature_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o 3._o they_o be_v disciple_n and_o therefore_o under_o discipline_n in_o christ_n school_n matth._n 28.19_o 20._o 4._o they_o be_v in_o church-covenant_n therefore_o subject_a to_o church-power_n gen_n 17.7_o with_o chap._n 18.19_o 5._o they_o be_v subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o under_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o his_o kingdom_n ezek._n 37.25_o 26._o 6._o baptism_n leave_v the_o baptize_v of_o which_o number_n these_o child_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o authoritative_a teach_n of_o christ_n minister_n and_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o commandment_n mat._n 28.19_o 20._o and_o therefore_o in_o a_o state_n of_o subjection_n unto_o discipline_n 7._o elder_n be_v charge_v to_o take_v heed_n unto_o and_o to_o feed_v i._n e._n both_o to_o teach_v and_o rule_v compare_v ezek._n 34.3_o 4._o all_o the_o flock_n or_o church_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n act_n 20.28_o that_o child_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o flock_n be_v before_o prove_v and_o so_o paul_n account_v they_o write_v to_o the_o same_o flock_n or_o church_n of_o ephesus_n eph_n 6.1_o 8._o otherwise_o irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n will_v inevitable_o break_v into_o church_n and_o no_o churchway_n leave_v by_o christ_n to_o prevent_v or_o heal_v the_o same_o which_o will_v also_o bring_v many_o church-member_n under_o that_o dreadful_a judgement_n of_o be_v let_v alone_o in_o their_o wickedness_n hosea_n 4.16_o 17._o proposition_n 4_o the_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 the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v plain_a 1._o from_o 1_o cor._n 11.28_o 29._o where_o it_o be_v require_v that_o such_o as_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n else_o they_o will_v eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o and_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n or_o judgement_n to_o themselves_o when_o they_o partake_v of_o this_o ordinance_n but_o mere_a membership_n be_v separable_a from_o such_o ability_n to_o examine_v one_o self_n and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n as_o in_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n be_v too_o often_o see_v 2._o in_o the_o old_a testament_n though_o man_n do_v continue_v member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o for_o ceremonial_a uncleanness_n they_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o full_a communion_n in_o the_o holy_a thing_n levit._n 7_o 20_o 21._o numb_a 9.6_o 7._o &_o 19.13_o 20._o yea_o and_o the_o priest_n and_o porter_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v special_a charge_n commit_v to_o they_o that_o man_n shall_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o holy_a thing_n unless_o due_o qualify_v for_o the_o same_o notwithstanding_o their_o membership_n 2_o chron._n 23.19_o ezekiel_n 22.26_o &_o 44.7_o 8_o 9_o 23._o and_o therefore_o much_o more_o in_o these_o time_n where_o moral_a funess_n and_o spiritual_a qualification_n be_v want_v membership_n alone_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o full_a communion_n more_o be_v require_v to_o adult_v person_n eat_v the_o passeover_n then_o mere_a membership_n therefore_o so_o there_o be_v now_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o they_o be_v to_o eat_v to_o the_o lord_n exodus_fw-la 12.14_o which_o be_v expound_v in_o 2_o chron._n 30._o where_o keep_v the_o passeover_n to_o the_o lord_n verse_n 5._o import_v and_o require_v exercise_v repentance_n verse_n 6_o 7._o their_o actual_a give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n verse_n 8._o heart-preparation_n for_o it_o verse_n 19_o and_o holy_a rejoice_v before_o the_o lord_n verse_n 21_o 25._o see_v the_o like_a in_o ezra_n 6.21_o 22._o 3._o though_o all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v subject_n of_o baptism_n they_o and_o their_o child_n yet_o all_o member_n may_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o be_v further_o manifest_v from_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n baptism_n first_o and_o proper_o seal_v covenant-holiness_n as_o circumcision_n do_v gen._n 17._o church-membership_a rom_n 15.8_o plant_v into_o christ_n rom._n 6._o and_o so_o member_n as_o such_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n matth._n 28.19_o but_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o growth_n in_o christ_n and_o of_o special_a communion_n with_o he_o 1_o cor._n 10.16_o which_o suppose_v a_o special_a renew_n and_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o those_o that_o partake_v of_o that_o ordinance_n now_o if_o person_n even_o when_o adult_n may_v be_v and_o continue_v member_n and_o yet_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n until_o meet_v qualification_n for_o the_o same_o do_v appear_v in_o they_o then_o may_v they_o also_o until_o like_a qualification_n be_v debar_v from_o that_o power_n of_o vote_v in_o the_o church_n which_o pertain_v to_o male_n in_o full_a communion_n it_o seem_v not_o rational_a that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o themselves_o fit_a for_o all_o ordinance_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o influence_n refer_v to_o all_o ordinance_n as_o vote_v in_o election_n of_o officer_n admission_n and_o censure_n of_o member_n do_v import_v for_o how_o can_v they_o who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o examine_v and_o judge_v themselves_o be_v think_v able_a and_o fit_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v in_o the_o weighty_a affair_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.28_o 31._o with_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o proposition_n 5_o the_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 be_v evident_a from_o the_o argument_n follow_v these_o child_n be_v partaker_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o baptise_v any_o child_n whatsoever_o argum_fw-la 1_o and_o neither_o the_o parent_n nor_o the_o child_n do_v put_v in_o any_o bar_n to_o hinder_v it_o 1._o that_o they_o
proposition_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n collect_v and_o confirm_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o a_o synod_n of_o elder_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n in_o massachusets-colony_n in_o new-england_n assemble_v at_o boston_n according_a to_o appointment_n of_o the_o honour_a general_z court_n in_o the_o year_n 1662._o at_o a_o general_z court_z hold_v at_o boston_n in_o new-england_n the_o 8_o the_o of_o october_n 1662._o the_o court_n have_v read_v over_o this_o result_n of_o the_o synod_n judge_v meet_v to_o commend_v the_o same_o unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o this_o jurisdiction_n and_o for_o that_o end_n do_v order_n the_o print_n thereof_o by_o the_o court_n edward_n rawson_n secret_n '_o cambridge_n print_v by_o s._n g._n for_o hezekiah_n usher_n at_o boston_n in_o new-england_n 1662._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o church_n of_o massachusets-colony_n in_o new-england_a that_o one_o end_n design_v by_o god_n all-disposing_a providence_n in_o lead_v so_o many_o of_o his_o poor_a people_n into_o this_o wilderness_n be_v to_o lead_v they_o unto_o a_o distinct_a discern_a and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o way_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o house_n according_a to_o scripture-pattern_n may_v seem_v a_o observation_n not_o to_o be_v despise_v that_o we_o be_v fit_a or_o able_a for_o so_o great_a a_o service_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o feebleness_n forbid_v we_o to_o think_v but_o that_o we_o have_v large_a and_o great_a opportunity_n for_o it_o none_o will_v deny_v for_o beside_o the_o useful_a labour_n and_o contemplation_n of_o many_o of_o the_o lord_n worthy_n in_o other_o place_n and_o in_o former_a time_n contribute_v to_o our_o help_n and_o show_v our_o principle_n to_o be_v neither_o novel_a nor_o singular_a the_o advantage_n of_o experience_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o occasion_n thereby_o give_v for_o daily_o search_v into_o the_o rule_n be_v considerable_a and_o he_o that_o have_v make_v the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a as_o the_o shine_a light_n be_v wont_v still_o to_o give_v unto_o they_o further_o light_n as_o the_o progress_n of_o their_o path_n require_v further_a practice_n make_v his_o word_n a_o lantern_n to_o their_o foot_n to_o show_v they_o their_o way_n from_o step_n to_o step_v though_o haply_o sometime_o they_o may_v not_o see_v far_o before_o they_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o humble_v to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v make_v no_o better_a improvement_n of_o our_o opportunity_n this_o way_n but_o some_o fruit_n god_n have_v give_v and_o be_v to_o be_v praise_v for_o in_o former_a year_n and_o while_o sundry_a of_o the_o lord_n eminent_a servant_n now_o at_o rest_n from_o their_o labour_n be_v yet_o with_o we_o a_o platform_n of_o church-discipline_n comprise_v the_o brief_a sum_n thereof_o especial_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n which_o be_v our_o first_o work_n when_o we_o come_v into_o this_o wilderness_n be_v agree_v upon_o by_o a_o synod_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n from_o which_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n thereof_o we_o yet_o see_v no_o cause_n to_o recede_v some_o few_o particular_n refer_v to_o the_o continuation_n and_o combination_n of_o church_n need_v yet_o a_o more_o explicit_a state_v and_o reduce_v unto_o practice_n for_o though_o the_o principle_n thereof_o be_v include_v in_o what_o be_v already_o publish_v yet_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o defect_n in_o practice_n especial_o since_o of_o late_a year_n there_o be_v more_o occasion_n for_o it_o be_v too_o too_o apparent_a for_o the_o rectify_v whereof_o a_o more_o particular_a explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n also_o about_o these_o thing_n be_v now_o necessary_a in_o order_n hereunto_o by_o the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o honour_a general_n court_n call_v upon_o all_o the_o church_n of_o this_o colony_n to_o send_v their_o elder_n and_o messenger_n this_o synod_n be_v assemble_v who_o after_o earnest_a supplication_n for_o divine_a assistance_n have_v consult_v the_o holy_a scripture_n touch_v the_o question_n propose_v to_o they_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o follow_a issue_n hope_v that_o if_o it_o may_v seem_v meet_a to_o the_o father_n of_o light_n to_o guide_v the_o church_n unto_o a_o right_a understanding_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o will_n in_o these_o thing_n also_o the_o beauty_n of_o christ_n way_n and_o spiritual_a kingdom_n among_o we_o will_v be_v see_v in_o some_o more_o compleatness_n then_o former_o for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o epaphras_n for_o the_o colossian_n aught_o to_o be_v both_o the_o prayer_n and_o labour_n of_o we_o all_o viz._n that_o we_o may_v stand_v perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o we_o trust_v it_o be_v our_o sincere_a desire_n that_o his_o will_n all_o his_o will_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o his_o will_n may_v be_v do_v among_o we_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n we_o do_v whole_o refer_v ourselves_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o follow_a conclusion_n be_v indeed_o find_v not_o to_o speak_v according_a thereunto_o let_v it_o be_v reject_v we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o this_o our_o labour_n will_v by_o divers_a be_v diverse_o censure_v some_o will_v account_v we_o too_o strict_a in_o the_o point_n of_o baptism_n and_o other_o too_o lax_n and_o large_a but_o let_v the_o scripture_n be_v judge_n between_o we_o all_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n the_o honour_n whereof_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n dear_a to_o god_n and_o which_o he_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v wrong_v in_o viz._n his_o holiness_n and_o his_o grace_n the_o scripture_n be_v often_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n how_o much_o the_o lord_n love_v holiness_n and_o that_o in_o his_o house_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n thereof_o and_o how_o he_o abhor_v the_o contrary_a malipiero_n 2.11_o psal_n 93.5_o &_o 2.6_o leu._n 11.44_o 45._o ezek._n 22.26_o &_o 44.7_o 8._o and_o hence_o neither_o dare_v we_o admit_v those_o unto_o the_o holy_a table_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v short_a of_o scripture-qualifications_a for_o it_o viz._n ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n nor_o yet_o receive_v or_o retain_v those_o in_o church-estate_n and_o own_v they_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o lord_n holy_a people_n that_o be_v visible_o and_o notorious_o unholy_a wicked_a and_o profane_a such_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o put_v away_o from_o among_o we_o 1._o cor._n 5.13_o and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o continue_v among_o we_o neither_o may_v we_o administer_v baptism_n to_o those_o who_o parent_n be_v not_o under_o any_o church-power_n or_o government_n any_o where_o to_o baptize_v such_o will_v be_v to_o give_v the_o title_n and_o livery_n to_o those_o that_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n disciple_n and_o to_o put_v the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o touch_v who_o we_o can_v have_v no_o tolerable_a security_n that_o they_o will_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n or_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o god_n holy_a will._n baptism_n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o membership_n in_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o engage_v sign_n import_v we_o to_o be_v the_o devote_a subject_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o all_o his_o holy_a government_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v a_o common_a thing_n nor_o to_o be_v give_v to_o those_o between_o who_o and_o the_o god-less_a licentious_a world_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a difference_n this_o will_v be_v a_o provocation_n and_o dishonour_n to_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v very_o tender_a of_o his_o grace_n that_o he_o delight_v to_o manifest_v and_o magnify_v the_o riches_n of_o it_o and_o that_o he_o can_v endure_v any_o straighten_n or_o eclipse_v whereof_o which_o be_v both_o deshonourable_a unto_o god_n and_o injurious_a unto_o man_n gal._n 2.21_o eph._n 2.7_o &_o 3.2_o 6_o 8._o rom_n 11.1_o 5._o act_n 15.10_o 11._o &_o 10.15_o &_o 20.24_o 26_o 27._o and_o in_o special_a he_o be_v large_a in_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o his_o visible_a church_n and_o people_n and_o tender_a of_o have_v the_o same_o straighten_a hence_o when_o he_o take_v any_o into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o he_o will_v not_o only_o be_v their_o god_n but_o the_o god_n of_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n genes_n 17.7_o 9_o and_o although_o the_o apostate_n wicked_a parent_n that_o reject_v god_n and_o his_o way_n do_v cut_v off_o both_o himself_o and_o his_o child_n after_o he_o exod._n 20.5_o &_o 34.7_o yet_o the_o mercy_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v extend_v to_o
discourse_n he_o assert_v that_o as_o they_o be_v member_n in_o their_o infancy_n so_o they_o continue_v member_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o till_o for_o their_o wickedness_n they_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o that_o they_o be_v member_n their_o seed_n successive_o be_v member_n also_o until_o by_o dissolution_n or_o excommunication_n they_o be_v unchurch_v that_o though_o they_o be_v member_n it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o must_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o they_o must_v first_o appear_v able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n that_o the_o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n though_o they_o do_v not_o manifest_a faith_n in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v of_o god_n church_n until_o they_o positive_o reject_v the_o gospel_n rom._n 11._o that_o this_o membership_n of_o child_n have_v no_o tendency_n in_o it_o to_o pollute_v the_o church_n no_o more_o then_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o be_v a_o mean_n rather_o of_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o danger_n if_o not_o more_o of_o the_o degenerate_v and_o apostatise_v of_o church_n gather_v of_o profess_v believer_n as_o of_o those_o that_o rise_v out_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o mr._n prudden_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n write_v in_o the_o year_n 1651._o do_v plain_o express_v it_o to_o be_v his_o judgement_n that_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n be_v member_n and_o so_o have_v right_a to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v though_o themselves_o be_v not_o yet_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n his_o word_n be_v these_o touch_v the_o desire_n of_o such_o member_n chidren_n as_o desire_v to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o i_o do_v not_o yet_o hear_v practise_v in_o any_o of_o our_o church_n but_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o it_o can_v just_o be_v deny_v because_o their_o next_o parent_n however_o not_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n stand_v as_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n within_o the_o church_n covenant_n and_o so_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o baptism_n now_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o stand_v member_n their_o child_n also_o be_v member_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o parent_n covenant_n and_o membership_n as_o well_o as_o they_o themselves_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o parent_n covenant_n and_o membership_n and_o they_o have_v not_o renounce_v that_o covenant_n nor_o be_v just_o censure_v for_o breach_n of_o that_o covenant_n but_o do_v own_o it_o and_o profess_v it_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o it_o to_o their_o child_n then_o he_o put_v this_o his_o argument_n into_o form_n thus_o those_o child_n who_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o curch_n and_o so_o member_n of_o it_o baptism_n can_v be_v deny_v unto_o but_o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o member_n of_o it_o therefore_o baptism_n can_v be_v deny_v unto_o they_o the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v thus_o the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n as_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v themselves_o within_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o member_n of_o it_o but_o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v child_n of_o such_o parent_n as_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o so_o member_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o be_v so_o themselves_o the_o proposition_n be_v clear_a because_o the_o parent_n covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o child_n deut._n 29.10_o 16._o ezek._n 16.8_o 13._o and_o god_n accept_v both_o gen._n 17.12_o 13._o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v federal_o holy_a ezra_n 9.2_o they_o be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o their_o father_n deut_n 29._o not_o partly_o or_o partial_o in_o covenant_n rom._n 9.3_o 4._o act_n 2.39_o and_o god_n style_v himself_o their_o god_n as_o well_o as_o their_o father_n gen._n 17.7_o 8_o 9_o and_o to_o have_v god_n to_o be_v our_o god_n be_v to_o be_v in_o complete_a church_n covenant_n with_o he_o the_o assumption_n be_v evident_a because_o else_o such_o their_o parent_n have_v not_o have_v right_o to_o baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o that_o they_o have_v right_a unto_o and_o so_o receive_v it_o and_o the_o same_o right_n that_o they_o have_v their_o child_n have_v who_o be_v include_v in_o their_o covenant_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o father_n and_o be_v not_o less_o true_o or_o less_o complete_o in_o covenant_n last_o to_o add_v no_o more_o mr._n nath._n rogers_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n bear_v date_n 18.11_o 1652._o have_v these_o word_n to_o the_o question_n concern_v the_o child_n of_o church-member_n i_o have_v nothing_o to_o oppose_v and_o i_o wonder_v any_o â—…ould_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v member_n they_o be_v member_n in_o censu_fw-la ecclesiastice_v god_n so_o call_v they_o the_o church_n be_v so_o to_o account_v of_o they_o and_o when_o they_o be_v adultae_fw-la aetatis_fw-la though_o have_v do_v no_o personal_a act_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v in_o charity_n judge_v member_n still_o and_o till_o after_o due_a call_n upon_o they_o shall_v refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o own_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o content_n thereof_o â—…ot_o practice_n i_o confess_v i_o account_v it_o our_o great_a default_n that_o we_o have_v make_v no_o more_o real_a distinction_n between_o these_o and_o other_o that_o they_o have_v be_v no_o more_o attend_v as_o the_o lamb_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n and_o woeful_a defaction_n of_o our_o youth_n disquiri_fw-la permittimus_fw-la so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o these_o worthy_n in_o their_o time_n that_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n and_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v member_n by_o become_a adult_n but_o do_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n until_o in_o some_o way_n of_o god_n they_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o that_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o church-discipline_n even_o as_o other_o member_n and_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptize_v before_o themselves_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o yet_o that_o in_o this_o way_n there_o be_v no_o tendency_n to_o the_o corrupt_a of_o the_o church_n by_o unworthy_a member_n or_o of_o the_o ordinance_n by_o unworthy_a partaker_n and_o in_o the_o synod_n herd_n at_o cambridge_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o that_o particular_a point_n of_o baptise_v the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v member_n in_o minority_n but_o not_o yet_o in_o full_a communion_n be_v insert_v in_o some_o of_o the_o draught_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o that_o assembly_n and_o be_v then_o debate_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o like_a argument_n as_o we_o now_o use_v and_o be_v general_o consent_v to_o though_o because_o some_o few_o dissent_v and_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a urgency_n of_o occasion_n for_o present_a practice_n it_o be_v not_o then_o put_v into_o the_o platform_n that_o be_v after_o print_v we_o need_v not_o mention_v the_o meeting_n of_o elder_n at_o boston_n upon_o the_o call_v of_o the_o honour_a court_n in_o the_o year_n 1657._o where_n in_o answer_n to_o xxi_o question_n since_o print_v this_o point_n be_v particular_o assert_v by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o these_o be_v not_o thing_n late_o devise_v or_o before_o unheard-of_a nor_o can_v they_o just_o be_v censure_v as_o innovation_n or_o declension_n from_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n in_o new-england_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o these_o plantation_n and_o the_o infancy_n of_o these_o church_n there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o say_v touch_v these_o thing_n as_o there_o have_v be_v since_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o then_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a occasion_n as_o since_o have_v be_v few_o child_n of_o church-member_n be_v then_o adult_n at_o least_o few_o that_o be_v then_o marry_v and_o have_v child_n according_o when_o a_o question_n be_v put_v about_o the_o privilege_n of_o member_n child_n when_o come_v to_o year_n these_o church_n then_o have_v be_v but_o of_o few_o year_n stand_v our_o answer_n be_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infancy_n of_o these_o church_n we_o have_v then_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o determine_v what_o to_o judge_v or_o practice_v in_o that_o matter_n answer_v to_o the_o 5_o the_o and_z 6_o the_o of_o 32._o question_n which_o may_v satisfy_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o in_o our_o first_o beginning_n there_o be_v no_o more_o say_v touch_v these_o question_n but_o afterward_o when_o there_o be_v more_o
partake_v of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o baptise_v any_o be_v clear_a because_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o title_n to_o baptism_n and_o this_o these_o child_n have_v 1._o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o title_n to_o baptism_n for_o so_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o title_n to_o circumcision_n gen_n 17.7_o 9_o 10_o 11._o to_o which_o baptism_n now_o answer_v col._n 2.11_o 12._o and_o in_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o they_o be_v on_o this_o ground_n exhort_v to_o be_v baptize_v because_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n be_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n that_o a_o member_n or_o one_o in_o covenant_n as_o such_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n be_v further_o clear_v before_o in_o propos_fw-fr 1.2_o that_o these_o child_n have_v interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n appear_v because_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v in_o covenant_n the_o child_n be_v also_o for_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o parent_n and_o their_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n gen_n 17.7_o 9_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n act_n 2.39_o if_o the_o parent_n stand_v in_o the_o church_n so_o do_v the_o child_n among_o the_o gentile_n now_o as_o well_o as_o among_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a rom_n 11.16_o 20_o 21_o 22._o it_o be_v unheard_a of_o in_o scripture_n that_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n stop_v at_o the_o infant_n child_n but_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v in_o covenant_n as_o appear_v 1._o because_o they_o be_v once_o in_o covenant_n and_o never_o since_o discovenant_v if_o they_o have_v not_o once_o be_v in_o covenant_n they_o have_v not_o warrantable_o be_v baptize_v and_o they_o be_v so_o still_o except_o in_o some_o way_n of_o god_n they_o have_v be_v discovenant_v cast_v out_o or_o cut_v off_o from_o their_o covenant-relation_n which_o these_o have_v not_o be_v neither_o be_v person_n once_o in_o covenant_n break_v off_o from_o it_o according_a to_o scripture_n save_v for_o notórious_a sin_n and_o incorrigibleness_n therein_o rom_n 11.20_o which_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o these_o parent_n 2_o because_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n gen_n 17.7_o even_o to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n i._n e._n conditional_o provide_v that_o the_o parent_n successive_o do_v continue_v to_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o covenant_n exod_n 20.6_o deut_n 7_o 9_o 11_o psalm_n 105_o 8._o which_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n account_n in_o this_o case_n forsaker_n or_o rejecter_n of_o the_o god_n and_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n see_v deut_n 29.25_o 26._o 2_o king_n 17_o 15-20_a 2_o chron_n 7_o 22_o deut_n 7_o 10._o 2._o that_o these_o parent_n in_o question_n do_v not_o put_v in_o any_o bar_n to_o hinder_v their_o child_n from_o baptism_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o proposition_n wherein_o they_o be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o therefore_o they_o put_v not_o in_o any_o bar_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n atheism_n heresy_n or_o infidelity_n also_o they_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n but_o solemn_o own_o the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o put_v not_o in_o any_o bar_n of_o profaneness_n or_o wickedness_n or_o apostasy_n from_o the_o covenant_n whereinto_o they_o enter_v in_o minority_n that_o the_o infant-children_n in_o question_n do_v themselves_o put_v in_o any_o bar_n none_o will_v imagine_v the_o child_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v either_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n argum_fw-la 2_o or_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n eph_n 2_o 12._o either_o holy_a or_o unclean_a 1_o cor_n 7_o 14._o either_o within_o the_o church_n or_o without_o 1_o cor_n 5_o 12_o either_o such_o as_o have_v god_n for_o their_o god_n or_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n eph_n 2_o 12._o but_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o proposition_n will_v not_o affirm_v the_o latter_a concern_v these_o child_n and_o the_o form_n be_v grant_v infer_v their_o right_n to_o baptism_n to_o deny_v the_o proposition_n argum_fw-la 3_o will_v be_v 1._o to_o straiten_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n and_o to_o make_v the_o church_n in_o new_a testament-time_n in_o a_o worse_a case_n relate_v to_o their_o child_n successive_o than_o be_v the_o jew_n of_o old_a 2._o to_o render_v the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n then_o under_o the_o legal_a administration_n contrary_a to_o jer_n 30_o 20._o ezekiel_n 37_o 25_o 26._o 3._o to_o deny_v the_o application_n of_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n to_o such_o as_o regular_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n to_o who_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n nay_o the_o first_o institution_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n appoint_v it_o to_o be_v apply_v gen_n 17_o 9_o 10._o john_n 7.22_o 23._o 4._o to_o break_v god_n covenant_n by_o deny_v the_o initiatory_a seal_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n gen_n 17_o 9_o 10_o 14._o confederate_a visible_a believer_n though_o but_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n such_o argum_fw-la 4_o be_v to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v witness_v the_o practice_n of_o john_n baptist_n and_o the_o aposile_n who_o baptize_v person_n upon_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o their_o christianity_n but_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n at_o least_o in_o some_o degree_n for_o 1._o charity_n may_v observe_v in_o they_o sundry_a positive_a argument_n for_o it_o witness_v the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n and_o nothing_o evident_a against_o it_o 2._o child_n of_o the_o godly_a qualify_v but_o as_o the_o person_n in_o the_o proposition_n be_v say_v to_o be_v faithful_a tit_n 1.6_o 3._o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v have_v frequent_o the_o begin_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o young_a year_n as_o scripture_n and_o experience_n show_v instance_n joseph_n samuel_n david_n solomon_n abijah_n josiah_n daniel_n john_n baptist_n and_o timothy_n hence_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n show_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a be_v in_o charity_n or_o to_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n visible_a believer_n 4._o they_o that_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v be_v visible_a saint_n in_o the_o account_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o account_n of_o truth_n for_o the_o church_n be_v in_o scripture-account_n a_o company_n of_o saint_n 1_o cor_n 14_o 33._o &_o 1.2_o 5._o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o baptize_v they_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n indefinite_o give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o seal_v up_o in_o baptism_n deut._n 30_o 6._o which_o continue_v valid_a and_o so_o a_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o while_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o these_o person_n be_v immediate_o fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o though_o they_o be_v in_o a_o latitude_n of_o expression_n to_o be_v account_v visible_a believer_n or_o in_o numero_fw-la fidelium_fw-la as_o even_o infant_n in_o covenant_n be_v yet_o they_o may_v want_v that_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o that_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o that_o ordinance_n as_o be_v say_v upon_o propos_fw-fr 4_o the_o the_o denial_n of_o baptism_n to_o the_o child_n in_o question_n argum_fw-la 5_o have_v a_o dangerous_a tendency_n to_o irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n because_o it_o deny_v they_o and_o so_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n successive_o to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v they_o cease_v from_o fear_v the_o lord_n josh_n 22.24_o 25_o 27._o for_o if_o they_o have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n i._n e._n a_o portion_n in_o israel_n and_o so_o in_o the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n or_o member_n of_o it_o and_o so_o to_o be_v baptize_v according_a to_o propos_fw-fr 1._o the_o own_n of_o the_o child_n of_o those_o that_o successive_o continue_v in_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o religion_n therein_o as_o some_o conceive_v that_o this_o imputation_n belong_v to_o the_o contrary_a tenet_n to_o seek_v to_o be_v more_o pure_a than_o the_o rule_n will_v ever_o end_v in_o impurity_n in_o the_o issue_n god_n have_v so_o frame_v his_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o church_n thereby_o as_o to_o design_n a_o continuation_n and_o propagation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n