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
cause_n for_o it_o many_o of_o the_o elder_n in_o these_o church_n both_o such_o as_o be_v now_o live_v and_o sundry_a who_o be_v now_o decease_v do_v declare_v their_o judgement_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o this_o many_o year_n ago_o second_o touch_v consociation_n of_o church_n take_v these_o few_o testimony_n in_o stead_n of_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v allege_v mr._n cotton_n keyes_n p._n 54_o 55._o it_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o wholesome_a and_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o particular_a church_n to_o join_v together_o in_o holy_a covenant_n or_o communion_n &_o consociation_n among_o themselves_o to_o administer_v all_o their_o church-affair_n which_o be_v of_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a and_o common_a concernment_n not_o without_o common_a consultation_n and_o consent_n of_o other_o church_n about_o they_o and_o how_o it_o be_v so_o he_o there_o show_v in_o all_o the_o particular_n see_v also_o p._n 24_o 25_o 47_o 59_o mr._n hooker_n survey_v see_v part_n 4._o p._n 1_o 2._o &_o p._n 45._o and_o in_o the_o preface_n he_o profess_v his_o consent_n with_o mr._n r._n that_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a that_o when_o cause_n be_v difficult_a and_o particular_a church_n want_v light_a and_o help_v they_o shall_v crave_v the_o assistance_n of_o such_o a_o consociation_n that_o church_n so_o meeting_n have_v right_a to_o counsel_n rebuke_v etc._n etc._n as_o the_o case_n do_v require_v and_o in_o case_n any_o particular_a church_n shall_v walk_v pertinacious_o either_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o error_n or_o sinful_a practice_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v their_o counsel_n they_o may_v and_o shall_v renounce_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n with_o they_o and_o after_o he_o set_v down_o this_o of_o consociation_n of_o church_n among_o other_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o profess_v the_o joint_a judgement_n of_o all_o the_o elder_n upon_o the_o river_n of_o new-haven_n guildford_n milford_n stratford_n fairfield_n and_o most_o of_o the_o elder_n in_o the_o bay_n by_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o point_n of_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v no_o new_a invention_n of_o these_o time_n but_o be_v teach_v and_o profess_v in_o new-england_n many_o year_n ago_o for_o so_o it_o be_v we_o see_v in_o mr._n hooker_n time_n and_o it_o be_v now_o above_o fifteen_o year_n since_o he_o depart_v this_o life_n to_o these_o of_o our_o own_o minister_n we_o shall_v only_o add_v a_o passage_n in_o the_o apologetical_a narration_n of_o dr._n goodwin_n mr._n nye_n mr._n sidrach_n simpson_n mr._n burroughes_n and_o mr._n bridge_n wherein_o beside_o much_o more_o to_o this_o purpose_n touch_v the_o remedy_n provide_v in_o the_o congregational-way_n for_o mal-administrations_a or_o other_o miscarriage_n in_o church_n p._n 16-21_a they_o set_v it_o down_o in_o p._n 27._o as_o their_o past_a and_o present_a profession_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o to_o be_v abhor_v maxim_n that_o any_o religion_n have_v ever_o make_v profession_n of_o and_o therefore_o of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o contradictory_n and_o dishonourable_a unto_o that_o of_o christianity_n that_o a_o single_a and_o particular_a society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o society_n within_o themselves_o shall_v further_o arrogate_v unto_o themselves_o a_o exemption_n from_o give_v account_n or_o be_v censurable_a by_o any_o other_o either_o christian_a magistrate_n above_o they_o or_o neighbour-churche_n about_o they_o see_v also_o mr._n burroughes_n heart-divis_a pag_n 43_o 47._o brethren_n bear_v with_o we_o be_v it_o for_o our_o own_o sake_n or_o name_n or_o interest_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v solicitous_a to_o beg_v charity_n of_o you_o with_o we_o it_o be_v a_o small_a thing_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n day_n but_o it_o be_v for_o your_o sake_n for_o your_o child_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n that_o we_o entreat_v for_o a_o charitable_a candid_a and_o considerate_a acceptation_n of_o our_o labour_n herein_o it_o be_v that_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v establish_v before_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o and_o of_o their_o child_n after_o they_o do_v we_o herein_o seek_v ourselves_o our_o own_o advantage_n ease_n or_o glory_n sure_o we_o feel_v the_o contrary_a what_o be_v it_o we_o desire_v but_o that_o we_o may_v do_v our_o utmost_a to_o carry_v your_o poor_a child_n to_o heaven_n and_o that_o we_o may_v see_v these_o church_n bind_v up_o together_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n forgive_v we_o this_o wrong_n but_o shall_v the_o church-education_n of_o your_o child_n be_v by_o the_o want_n of_o your_o hearty_a concurrence_n render_v either_o unfeizible_a or_o ineffectual_a shall_v they_o live_v as_o lamb_n in_o a_o large_a place_n for_o want_v of_o your_o agreement_n to_o own_v they_o of_o the_o flock_n we_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v how_o uncomfortable_a the_o account_n hereof_o will_v be_v another_o day_n we_o pray_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o you_o do_v no_o evil_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v appear_v approve_v but_o that_o you_o shall_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o right_n though_o we_o be_v reject_v for_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o this_o also_o we_o wish_v even_o your_o perfection_n 2_o cor._n 13.7_o 8_o 9_o however_o we_o hope_v after-age_n will_v bear_v witness_n that_o we_o have_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n faithful_a to_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o this_o part_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n also_o in_o our_o generation_n but_o we_o may_v not_o let_v pass_v this_o opportunity_n without_o a_o word_n of_o caution_n and_o exhortation_n to_o the_o youth_n of_o the_o country_n the_o child_n of_o our_o church_n who_o interest_n we_o have_v here_o assort_v be_v not_o you_o puff_v up_o with_o privilege_n but_o humble_v rather_o in_o the_o awful_a sense_n of_o the_o engagement_n duty_n and_o danger_n that_o do_v attend_v they_o it_o be_v a_o high_a favour_n to_o have_v a_o place_n in_o bethel_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a place_n god_n will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o all_o that_o come_v nigh_o he_o a_o place_n nigh_o unto_o god_n or_o among_o his_o people_n who_o be_v near_o to_o he_o ps_n 148.14_o be_v a_o place_n of_o great_a fear_n psa_n 89.7_o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o when_o own_a as_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n deut._n 27.9_o 10._o lest_o there_o shall_v be_v among_o you_o any_o root_n that_o bear_v gall_n and_o wormwood_n take_v heed_n that_o you_o do_v not_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n or_o of_o vanity_n and_o slightness_n either_o challenge_n or_o use_v any_o of_o your_o privilege_n think_v not_o to_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n without_o bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n remember_v that_o all_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o people_n do_v come_v load_v with_o duty_n and_o all_o gospel-duty_n must_v be_v do_v in_o humility_n the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o the_o humble_a and_o serious_a shall_v walk_v in_o they_o but_o proud_a transgressor_n shall_v fall_v therein_o be_v not_o son_n of_o belial_n that_o can_v bear_v no_o yoke_n learn_v subjection_n to_o christ_n holy_a government_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o way_n thereof_o be_v subject_n to_o your_o godly_a parent_n be_v subject_n to_o your_o spirtival_n father_n and_o pastor_n and_o to_o all_o their_o instruction_n admonition_n and_o exhortation_n be_v subject_n unto_o faithful_a brethren_n and_o to_o word_n of_o counsel_n and_o help_v from_o they_o you_o young_a submit_v yourselves_o unto_o the_o elder_a and_o to_o that_o end_n be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n lie_v under_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n as_o dispense_v and_o convey_v to_o you_o by_o all_o his_o appoint_a instrument_n in_o their_o respective_a place_n break_v not_o in_o upon_o the_o lord_n table_n or_o upon_o the_o privilege_n of_o full_a communion_n without_o due_a qualification_n and_o orderly_a admission_n thereunto_o lest_o you_o eat_v and_o drink_v your_o own_o damnation_n be_v order_v and_o take_v not_o upon_o you_o to_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o god_n family_n that_o be_v not_o the_o place_n of_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o but_o in_o the_o state_n of_o initiation_n and_o education_n in_o the_o châ—rch_n of_o god_n carry_v it_o in_o all_o thing_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o humility_n modesty_n sobriety_n and_o fear_n that_o our_o soul_n may_v not_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
chap._n 20_o 1_o with_o verse_n 17.28_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o disciple_n in_o mat._n 28.19_o and_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v term_n equivalent_a and_o disciple_n be_v there_o by_o christ_n himself_o make_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n 2._o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o first_o entrance_n or_o admission_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o appear_v from_o those_o text_n 1_o cor_n 12_o 13._o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n i_o e._n our_o entrance_n into_o the_o body_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v seal_v by_o baptism_n and_o rom_n 6_o 3_o 5_o gal._n 3_o 27._o where_o it_o be_v show_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o union_n or_o of_o engraft_v into_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o consequent_o into_o the_o church_n his_o body_n &_o from_o the_o apostle_n constant_a practice_n in_o baptise_v person_n upon_o their_o first_o come_v in_o or_o first_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o act_n 8.12_o &_o 16.15_o 33._o &_o 18.8_o and_o in_o act_n 2.41_o 42._o they_o be_v baptize_v at_o their_o first_o add_v to_o the_o church_n or_o admission_n into_o the_o apostle_n fellowship_n wherein_o they_o afterward_o continue_v and_o from_o its_o answer_v unto_o circumcision_n which_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o initiation_n or_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n hence_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o and_o only_o those_o that_o be_v enter_v into_o that_o be_v within_o or_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 3._o they_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o be_v in_o corenant_n for_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o constitute_v the_o church_n deut_n 29.12_o 13._o they_o must_v enter_v into_o covenant_n that_o they_o may_v be_v establish_v the_o people_n or_o church_n of_o god_n now_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n be_v affix_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o appoint_v to_o run_v parallel_n therewith_o gen._n 17.7_o 9_o 10_o 11._o so_o circumcision_n be_v and_o hence_o call_v the_o covenant_n gen._n 17.13_o act_n 7.8_o and_o so_o baptism_n be_v be_v in_o like_a manner_n annex_v to_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o and_o be_v the_o seal_n that_o answer_v to_o circumcision_n col_n 2.11_o 12._o 4._o christ_n do_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v the_o church_n by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n i_z e_z by_o baptism_n eph._n 5.25.26_o therefore_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o so_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o who_o be_v also_o say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 1_o cor_n 1.2_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n and_o although_o it_o be_v the_o invisible_a church_n unto_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a whereof_o this_o and_o all_o other_o ordinance_n last_o have_v respect_n and_o which_o the_o place_n mention_v in_o eph_n 5._o may_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n look_v unto_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n that_o be_v the_o next_o and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o the_o administration_n thereof_o for_o the_o subject_n of_o visible_a external_a ordinance_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v visible_a and_o so_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a sundry_n person_n who_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a but_o not_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n as_o simon_n magus_n anamias_n and_o sapphira_n and_o other_o and_o these_o be_v visible_o purchase_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n act_v 2d_o 28_o heb_fw-mi 10.29_o therefore_o the_o visible_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o cleanse_v by_o christ_n blood_n belong_v to_o they_o 5._o the_o circumcision_n be_v often_o put_v for_o the_o whole_a jewish_a church_n or_o for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n those_o within_o be_v express_v by_o the_o circumcise_a and_o those_o without_o by_o the_o uncircumcised_a rom_n 15.8_o &_o 3.30_o eph_n 2_o 11._o judge_n 14.3_o &_o 15.18_o 1_o san_n 14.6_o &_o 17.26_o 36._o jer_n 9_o 25_o 26._o hence_o by_o proportion_n baptism_n which_o be_v our_o gospel_n circumcision_n col_n 2.11.12_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n actual_a and_o personal_a circumcision_n be_v indeed_o proper_a to_o the_o male_n of_o old_a female_n be_v but_o inclusive_o and_o virtual_o circumcise_v and_o so_o count_v of_o the_o circumcision_n but_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o that_o difference_n now_o and_o appoint_a baptism_n to_o be_v personal_o apply_v to_o both_o sex_n act_n 8.12_o &_o 16.15_o gal_n 3_o 28._o so_o that_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v now_o a_o subject_n of_o baptism_n we_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o baptism_n pertain_v to_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n and_o to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o therein_o and_o to_o no_o other_o proposition_n 2d_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 in_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n ay_o e_o child_n in_o minority_n who_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n sundry_a particular_n be_v comprise_v in_o this_o proposition_n which_o we_o may_v consider_v and_o confirm_v distinct_o adult_a person_n who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n partic_a 1_o be_v by_o rule_n confederate_a visible_a believer_n act_n 5.14_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n the_o believe_a corinthian_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n there_o act_v 18_o 8_o with_o 1_o cor_fw-la 1.2_o &_o 12.27_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n write_v to_o church_n and_o call_v the_o member_n thereof_o sant_n and_o faithful_a show_v the_o same_o thing_n eph_n 1.1_o phi_n 1.1_o col_fw-fr 1.2_o and_o that_o consederation_n i_fw-it e._n covenant_v explicit_a or_o implicit_a the_n latter_a preserve_v the_o essence_n of_o confederation_n the_o former_a be_v duty_n and_o most_o desirable_a be_v necessary_a to_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n appear_v 1._o because_o the_o church_n be_v constitute_v by_o covenant_n for_o there_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n the_o mutual_a engagement_n and_o relation_n of_o king_n and_o subject_n husband_n and_o spouse_n this_o can_v be_v but_o by_o covenant_n internal_a if_o you_o speak_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n external_a of_o the_o visible_a a_o church_n be_v a_o company_n that_o can_v say_v god_n be_v our_o god_n and_o we_o be_v his_o people_n this_o be_v from_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o deut_n 29_o 12_o 13_o ezek_n 16_o 8._o 3._o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o covenant_n gen_n 17_o deut_n 29_o and_o be_v reform_v still_o by_o renew_v of_o the_o covenant_n 2_o chron_n 15_o 12._o &_o 23_o 16_o &_o 34_o 31_o 32_o neh_n 9_o 38_o now_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n stand_v upon_o the_o same_o basis_n or_o root_n with_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n &_o therefore_o be_v constitute_v by_o covenant_n as_o that_o be_v rom_n 11.17.18_o eph_n 2_o 11_o 12_o 19_o &_o 3_o 6._o heb_fw-mi 8_o 10_o 3._o baptism_n enter_v we_o into_o the_o church_n sacramental_o ay_o e_o by_o seal_v the_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n therefore_o be_v that_o which_o constitute_v the_o church_n and_o infer_v membership_n and_o be_v the_o vow_n in_o baptism_n common_o speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v such_o as_o be_v confederate_a in_o particular_a church_n partic_a 2_o it_o may_v be_v mind_v that_o we_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o member_n so_o state_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o that_o they_o be_v subject_n to_o who_o church_n ordinance_n may_v regular_o be_v administer_v and_o that_o according_a to_o ordinary_a dispensation_n for_o be_v it_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n do_v sometime_o baptise_v such_o as_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n yet_o their_o extraordinary_a office_n large_a power_n and_o commission_n render_v they_o not_o imitable_a therein_o by_o ordinary_a officer_n for_o than_o they_o may_v baptise_v in_o private_a without_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o christian_a assembly_n as_o philip_n do_v the_o eunuch_n but_o that_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v such_o as_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n appear_v 1._o because_o the_o visible_a believer_n that_o profess_o covenant_n with_o god_n do_v therein_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o wait_v on_o god_n in_o all_o his_o ordinance_n deut_n 26_o 17_o 18._o math_n 28_o 19_o 20._o but_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v only_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o how_o often_o do_v