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
the_o house_n of_o israeâ—_n yea_o the_o child_n to_o who_o bread_n do_v belong_v mat._n 15.24_o 26._o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o jew_n in_o general_a whereof_o those_o mat._n 3._o joh._n 8._o be_v a_o part_n they_o be_v indeed_o of_o the_o devil_n not_o of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a state_n and_o save_v good_a of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o still_o in_o the_o outward_a covenant_n and_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n 2._o if_o those_o maâ—_n 3._o joâ—_n 8._o have_v be_v discovenant_v of_o god_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o these_o in_o question_n be_v so_o be_v these_o a_o generation_n of_o viper_n liar_n murderer_n &c_n &c_n that_o live_v without_o scandal_n submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n &_o c_o if_o the_o lawyer_n and_o pharisee_n reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o in_o not_o be_v baptise_a of_o john_n do_v these_o so_o that_o be_v baptise_v themselves_o desire_v it_o also_o for_o their_o seed_n and_o that_o in_o such_o in_o way_n by_o own_v god_n covenant_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n submit_v themselves_o to_o discipline_n &_o c_o if_o mr._n cotton_n do_v count_v such_o as_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n self-murtherer_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o these_o be_v such_o that_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o in_o some_o measure_n of_o truth_n for_o aught_o be_v yet_o prove_v to_o the_o contrary_a 3._o i_o must_v not_o pass_v over_o this_o rigid_a and_o dangerous_a principle_n without_o further_a examination_n the_o position_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v that_o god_n himself_o do_v discovenant_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o his_o visible_a church_n such_o as_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n mat._n 3._o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v liar_n etc._n etc._n joh._n 8._o and_o that_o without_o any_o act_n of_o church-censure_n against_o this_o i_o argue_v 1._o that_o these_o be_v not_o discovenant_v of_o god_n i_o prove_v before_o and_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n continue_v they_o under_o church-priviledge_n and_o ordinance_n at_o least_o till_o gospel-churche_n be_v erect_v after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n 2._o if_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v ordain_v and_o command_v church-discipline_n for_o the_o save_n of_o offender_n and_o the_o purge_v of_o his_o church_n than_o he_o do_v not_o discovenant_v such_o without_o church-censure_n but_o so_o it_o be_v mat._n 18.1_o cor._n 5._o therefore_o he_o do_v it_o not_o himself_o without_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v because_o if_o god_n himself_o do_v discovenant_v they_o church-censure_n be_v useless_a and_o vain_a to_o what_o end_n shall_v the_o church_n cut_v off_o one_o that_o be_v already_o a_o non-member_n what_o have_v they_o to_o do_v with_o such_o as_o be_v without_o why_o shall_v corinth_n be_v blame_v for_o suffer_v that_o leaven_n if_o god_n himself_o have_v cast_v it_o out_o 3._o this_o suppose_a discovenant_v by_o god_n himself_o frustrate_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a end_n of_o church_n discipline_n viz._n to_o heal_v and_o save_v the_o sinner_n for_o the_o church_n have_v now_o no_o power_n over_o they_o they_o must_v perish_v be_v without_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n except_o god_n restore_v they_o immediate_o at_o least_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o that_o special_a mean_n appoint_v and_o bless_v of_o god_n to_o that_o end_n 4._o what_o confusion_n will_v this_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n for_o how_o shall_v the_o church_n know_v when_o god_n have_v discovenant_v this_o or_o that_o man_n whether_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v commit_v such_o sin_n or_o how_o long_o god_n patience_n will_v bear_v with_o he_o and_o how_o shall_v the_o church_n prove_v against_o any_o such_o that_o god_n have_v indeed_o discovenant_v he_o these_o thing_n and_o much_o more_o that_o may_v be_v say_v may_v put_v our_o brethren_n to_o find_v some_o other_o meaning_n of_o mat._n 3._o joh._n 8._o 1_o joh._n 3.10_o and_o such_o like_a scripture_n arg._n 2._o the_o child_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v either_o child_n on_o of_o the_o covenant_n or_o stranger_n from_o it_o eph._n 2.12_o holy_a or_o unclean_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o within_o the_o church_n or_o without_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o such_o as_o have_v god_n for_o their_o god_n or_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n eph._n 2.12_o but_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n will_v not_o affirm_v the_o latter_a and_o the_o former_a be_v grant_v infer_v their_o right_n to_o baptism_n ans_fw-fr the_o assumption_n be_v deny_v because_o the_o child_n in_o question_n discovenant_n themselves_o not_o keep_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o walk_v with_o god_n not_o love_v god_n etc._n etc._n deut._n 7.9_o as_o they_o that_o forsake_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n deut._n 29.25_o and_o what_o do_v these_o that_o come_v not_o up_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o god_n may_v cast_v off_o for_o sin_n of_o omission_n 1_o sam._n 15._o so_o for_o not_o believe_v in_o god_n reply_n this_o be_v the_o very_o hinge_v whereupon_o chief_o this_o question_n do_v turn_v viz._n whether_o and_o how_o these_o church-member_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v well_o the_o answer_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o their_o reason_n thereof_o sometime_o they_o say_v god_n discovenant_v they_o which_o have_v be_v examine_v sometime_o that_o they_o discovenant_n themselves_o which_o also_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o before_o to_o this_o refuge_n they_o now_o again_o betake_v themselves_o their_o reason_n here_o allege_v i_o shall_v consider_v which_o stand_v thus_o church-member_n which_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n viz._n to_o walk_v with_o god_n love_n god_n keep_v his_o commandment_n believe_v in_o god_n etc._n etc._n do_v discovenant_n themselves_o but_o thâ—se_a church-member_n describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n do_v not_o walk_v with_o god_n love_n god_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o do_v discovenant_n themselves_o the_o proposition_n they_o will_v prove_v from_o gen._n 17.1_o deut._n 7.9_o psa_fw-la 105.8_o deut._n 29.25_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o by_o deny_v the_o proposition_n as_o for_o the_o proof_n genes_n 17.1_o deut._n 7.9_o psaâ—_n 105._o these_o scripture_n prove_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o as_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n to_o be_v upright_o to_o love_n god_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o god_n perform_v to_o such_o the_o save_v benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o simple_o by_o the_o neglect_n of_o thâ—se_a duty_n especial_o without_o impenitence_n add_v they_o do_v actual_o discovenant_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o from_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o and_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n therein_o the_o gross_a neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n persist_v in_o obstinate_o and_o impenitent_o may_v deserve_v censure_n but_o that_o the_o want_n of_o such_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v actual_o cut_v off_o such_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o assertion_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n nor_o i_o think_v in_o any_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n to_o this_o day_n sure_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n do_v not_o walk_v with_o god_n love_n god_n believe_v in_o god_n in_o our_o brethren_n sense_n yet_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n till_o for_o their_o manifest_a profaneness_n the_o one_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o god_n appointment_n and_o the_o other_o reject_v heb._n 12.17_o when_o deut._n 7.9_o moses_n say_v that_o the_o lord_n keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n with_o they_o that_o love_v he_o etc._n etc._n be_v there_o not_o multitude_n in_o israel_n that_o come_v not_o up_o to_o these_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o our_o brethren_n sense_n that_o yet_o be_v god_n holy_a people_n royal_a nation_n enjoy_v all_o church-priviledge_n and_o so_o all_o along_o through_o the_o story_n of_o all_o the_o scripture_n deut._n 29.25_o render_v indeed_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a plague_n upon_o israel_n to_o be_v their_o forsake_v the_o covenant_n but_o what_o be_v that_o forsake_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v it_o their_o not_o come_v up_o to_o these_o term_n of_o it_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n love_n god_n believe_v in_o god_n with_o a_o visible_a save_a faith_n nothing_o less_o but_o because_o they_o go_v and_o serve_v other_o god_n and_o worship_v they_o ver_fw-la 26._o as_o for_o the_o case_n of_o saul_n 1_o sam._n 15._o who_o the_o lord_n reject_v from_o be_v king_n for_o so_o gross_a a_o disobedience_n to_o a_o express_a and_o particular_a command_n yet_o we_o read_v not_o that_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n nor_o do_v it_o
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
at_o they_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o such_o duty_n and_o deal_v with_o they_o for_o their_o neglect_n thereof_o and_o when_o their_o parent_n be_v dead_a what_o shall_v the_o church_n do_v then_o and_o when_o their_o membership_n be_v own_v only_o in_o general_n as_o wrap_v up_o in_o their_o parent_n not_o actual_a or_o personal_a yea_o when_o their_o personal_a or_o foederal_n holiness_n be_v deny_v to_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n these_o and_o the_o like_a passage_n pag._n 23_o 25_o 37._o and_o in_o other_o place_n do_v make_v i_o fear_v that_o our_o brethren_n will_v not_o hold_v to_o their_o expression_n in_o this_o place_n reply_v 2._o although_o rom._n 11.20_o say_v not_o only_o for_o notorious_a sin_n etc._n etc._n yet_o it_o show_v how_o the_o jew_n be_v break_v off_o which_o we_o know_v be_v for_o notorious_a sin_n and_o incorrigible_a impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n and_o let_v any_o show_v that_o any_o have_v be_v break_v off_o or_o by_o rule_n may_v be_v so_o for_o negative_a unbelief_n without_o impenitency_n add_v the_o contrary_n we_o find_v 2_o chron._n 36.16_o mat._n 21.43_o act_n 13.45_o 46._o &_o 18.6_o &_o 19.8_o reas_n 2._o the_o jewish_a child_n circumcise_v do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v member_n by_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_v age_n but_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o member_n deut._n 26_o 2-10_a &_o 16_o 16-17_a gal._n 53._o ans_fw-fr the_o circumcise_a jew_n do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v member_n simple_o for_o grow_v up_o but_o for_o grow_v out_o of_o kind_n jer._n 2.21_o they_o become_v degenerate_a plant_n amos_n 9.7_o child_n of_o the_o negro_n bastard_n branch_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o joh._n 15.2_o reply_n there_o be_v a_o double_a great_a mistake_n in_o apply_v these_o scripture_n 1._o they_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o person_n cease_v to_o be_v member_n as_o for_o jer._n 2._o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o jerusalem_n ver_fw-la 2._o and_o that_o in_o the_o thirteen_o year_n of_o josiah_n after_o the_o covenant_n be_v renew_v and_o religion_n great_o reform_v and_o god_n call_v they_o his_o people_n ver_fw-la 11_o 13_o and_o therefore_o their_o membership_n cease_v not_o at_o that_o time_n so_o amos_n 9_o he_o prophesy_v in_o the_o day_n of_o vzziah_n king_n of_o judah_n and_o joash_n the_o son_n of_o jeroboam_n king_n of_o israel_n in_o who_o day_n god_n have_v not_o yet_o remove_v israel_n out_o of_o his_o sight_n as_o for_o joh._n 15.2_o though_o the_o lord_n do_v in_o his_o time_n cut_v off_o unfruitful_a branch_n by_o death_n or_o church-censure_n yet_o till_o he_o do_v so_o they_o be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n so_o that_o these_o place_n speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o cease_n of_o church-membership_a in_o adult_n age_n 2._o these_o place_n do_v not_o suit_v the_o person_n in_o the_o five_o proposition_n jer._n 2._o speak_v of_o such_o as_o prophesy_v by_o baal_n that_o play_v the_o harlot_n on_o every_o high_a hill_n ver_fw-la 20._o and_o be_v therefore_o call_v a_o degenerate_a plant_n ver_fw-la 21._o amos_n speak_v of_o israel_n in_o the_o corrupt_a time_n of_o idolatry_n and_o reprove_v their_o great_a covetousness_n and_o oppression_n chap._n 8.4_o 5._o and_o therefore_o if_o such_o as_o those_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v member_n in_o adult_n age_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o membership_n of_o these_o in_o question_n do_v cease_v what_o be_v here_o add_v about_o the_o phrase_n of_o enter_v into_o covenant_n be_v a_o mistake_n for_o the_o synod_n speak_v of_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a membership_n not_o deny_v the_o phrase_n of_o enter_v into_o or_o renew_v the_o covenant_n reas_n 3._o those_o relation_n of_o bond-servant_n and_o subject_n which_o the_o scripture_n make_v use_v of_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n by_o levit._n 25.41_o 42._o ezek._n 37.25_o do_v not_o cease_v with_o infancy_n but_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n whereby_o they_o be_v engage_v to_o duty_n when_o they_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o it_o so_o here_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o relation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o the_o bondwoman_n may_v cease_v in_o adult_n age_n as_o ishmael_n much_o more_o of_o the_o bond-servant_n reply_n the_o relation_n of_o ishmael_n cease_v not_o by_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_v age_n nor_o till_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o for_o his_o sin_n these_o in_o question_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o or_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o this_o answer_n be_v impertinent_a ans_fw-fr 2._o by_o this_o reason_n moral_a wickedness_n shall_v not_o cut_v off_o adult_a member_n for_o that_o do_v not_o cut_v off_o the_o relation_n of_o bond-servant_n reply_n this_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o civil_a and_o church-society_n do_v not_o require_v they_o shall_v hold_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o punishment_n that_o be_v indeed_o to_o make_v similitude_n run_v on_o all_o four_o as_o we_o say_v it_o be_v enough_o if_o they_o agree_v in_o that_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v apply_v and_o this_o application_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v clear_a in_o levit._n 25.41_o 42._o where_o the_o child_n of_o the_o israelitish_n servant_n be_v to_o serve_v with_o their_o parent_n unto_o the_o year_n oâ—_n jubilee_n which_o be_v every_o fifty_o year_n they_o be_v oft_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_n age_n before_o that_o time_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v then_o go_v out_o be_v because_o they_o that_o be_v parent_n and_o child_n be_v my_o servant_n say_v the_o lord_n so_o that_o there_o be_v the_o like_a reason_n in_o god_n service_n as_o in_o that_o relation_n and_o we_o see_v david_n delight_v to_o own_v himself_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o very_a relation_n i_o be_o thy_o servant_n the_o son_n of_o thy_o handmaid_n psal_n 116.16_o that_o be_v engage_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n from_o his_o birth_n and_o so_o for_o ever_o as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o handmaid_n be_v exod._n 21.4_o and_o yet_o if_o the_o similitude_n shall_v be_v press_v so_o far_o we_o know_v that_o the_o moral_a wickedness_n of_o murder_n adultery_n and_o the_o like_a will_v cut_v off_o servant_n and_o subject_n by_o death_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n reas_n 4._o there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a way_n of_o cessation_n of_o church-membership_a but_o by_o death_n dismission_n excommunication_n or_o dissolution_n of_o the_o society_n none_o of_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o child_n in_o question_n ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o member_n in_o full_a communion_n which_o these_o adult_a child_n be_v not_o reply_n if_o none_o of_o these_o belong_v to_o such_o adult_n child_n to_o cause_v their_o membership_n to_o cease_v then_o by_o their_o judgement_n it_o seem_v they_o have_v no_o membership_n at_o all_o if_o neither_o death_n nor_o dissolution_n of_o the_o society_n can_v cause_v it_o to_o cease_v which_o before_o they_o seem_v not_o to_o own_o ans_fw-fr 2._o there_o be_v many_o other_o way_n of_o the_o cessation_n of_o church-member_n they_o may_v excommunicate_v themselves_o as_o mr._n cotton_n the_o assembly_n at_o the_o savoy_n and_o dr._n ames_n affirm_v also_o by_o withdraw_v sometime_o command_v of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3.5_o rom_n 16.17_o also_o by_o apostasy_n 1_o joh._n 2.19_o by_o heresy_n as_o arrian_n quaker_n etc._n etc._n reply_n 1._o if_o these_o adult_n child_n may_v excommunicate_v themselves_o than_o it_o be_v yield_v that_o they_o be_v member_n in_o adult_n age_n but_o if_o all_o these_o be_v grant_v yet_o none_o of_o they_o be_v the_o case_n of_o these_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n 2._o here_o be_v a_o needless_a multiply_v of_o particular_n all_o but_o a_o suppose_a lawful_a withdraw_n be_v subject_n of_o excommunication_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v concern_v a_o lawful_a withdraw_n that_o turn_v away_o from_o such_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o and_o avoid_v those_o rom._n 16.17_o may_v more_o fit_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v do_v by_o not_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o church_n or_o cast_v they_o out_o if_o they_o be_v in_o rather_o then_o by_o withdraw_v from_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o their_o sake_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o schism_n except_o many_o caution_n be_v use_v neither_o can_v such_o withdraw_a loosen_v a_o man_n relation_n to_o the_o church_n which_o no_o doubt_n may_v call_v he_o to_o account_v for_o it_o and_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o render_v a_o reason_n thereof_o else_o all_o discipline_n may_v hereby_o be_v make_v frustrate_a now_o if_o his_o reason_n be_v find_v just_a it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o with_o a_o dismission_n 3._o concern_v this_o self-excommunication_n 1._o the_o ordinary_a instance_n of_o cain_n ishmael_n
faith_n in_o god_n acceptance_n and_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o in_o some_o of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o in_o some_o admit_v by_o profession_n of_o faith_n 2._o concern_v this_o distinction_n of_o foederal_n holiness_n and_o sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o consider_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o foederal_n holiness_n do_v it_o not_o include_v that_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n that_o god_n be_v their_o god_n that_o they_o be_v his_o people_n a_o holy_a people_n to_o himself_o a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o choose_a generation_n &_o c_o which_o the_o apostle_n appli_v to_o believer_n 1_o pet._n 2.9_o and_o what_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o sanctify_a in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o saint_n and_o faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o the_o apostle_n attribute_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o whereof_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v a_o part_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o 3._o to_o say_v these_o have_v parental_a and_o partial_a right_n deut._n 4.37_o &_o 10.15_o act_n 2.38_o do_v any_o of_o these_o text_n prove_v that_o parental_a right_n as_o they_o call_v it_o or_o the_o right_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o their_o father_n be_v a_o partial_a right_n if_o god_n love_v their_o father_n and_o therefore_o choose_v their_o seed_n after_o they_o be_v not_o the_o feed_v the_o object_n of_o god_n choice_n and_o as_o perfect_a member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o their_o father_n be_v it_o seem_v the_o lord_n do_v as_o great_a thing_n for_o they_o as_o for_o their_o father_n out_o of_o his_o love_n to_o they_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n with_o great_a power_n deut._n 4.37_o 38._o and_o be_v not_o their_o little_a one_o establish_v to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o god_n as_o well_o as_o their_o father_n deut._n 29.11_o 13._o 4._o doctor_n ames_n make_v nothing_o for_o their_o tenent_n but_o agree_v with_o the_o synod_n his_o say_n take_v it_o entire_a be_v this_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o be_v number_v among_o the_o faithful_a as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o for_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n and_o also_o of_o the_o same_o profession_n with_o their_o parent_n yet_o infant_n be_v not_o so_o perfect_a member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o can_v exercise_v act_n of_o communion_n or_o be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o all_o privilege_n until_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n appear_v but_o from_o those_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o faith_n and_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o sect._n 12.13_o by_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o do_v not_o make_v they_o imperfect_a member_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o relation_n of_o membership_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o act_n of_o communion_n even_o as_o a_o child_n of_o the_o family_n be_v not_o so_o perfect_a to_o do_v the_o work_n &_o enjoy_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o family_n as_o a_o grow_a person_n be_v but_o yet_o he_o be_v as_o perfect_o a_o member_n of_o the_o family_n as_o a_o grow_a man_n beside_o that_o eminent_a doctor_n look_v at_o infant_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o capable_a of_o such_o thing_n as_o belong_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o act_n of_o communion_n as_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o faith_n appear_v he_o think_v of_o no_o other_o and_o new_a membership_n to_o entitle_v they_o to_o all_o ordinance_n but_o that_o to_o come_v to_o they_o by_o their_o covenant_n in_o infancy_n what_o can_v be_v more_o full_a to_o show_v his_o concurrence_n with_o the_o synod_n object_n but_o membership_n be_v a_o word_n of_o relation_n and_o therefore_o can_v admit_v of_o degree_n of_o more_o or_o less_o to_o this_o our_o brethren_n answer_v that_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a exception_n from_o the_o general_a rule_n that_o such_o relation_n the_o foundation_n whereof_o be_v quality_n or_o action_n do_v admit_v of_o diversity_n of_o degree_n as_o similitude_n be_v a_o relation_n ground_v on_o some_o quality_n one_o thing_n may_v be_v more_o or_o less_o like_o another_o so_o calefaction_n etc._n etc._n reply_n the_o author_n of_o this_o distinction_n be_v not_o so_o authentic_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v examine_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o first_o it_o confound_v all_o logical_a argument_n make_v cause_n and_o effect_v yea_o comparata_fw-la to_o be_v relate_v which_o be_v against_o reason_n 2._o this_o distinction_n will_v not_o hold_v for_o what_o relate_v be_v there_o who_o foundation_n be_v not_o in_o action_n or_o quality_n why_o be_v this_o man_n a_o father_n but_o because_o he_o beget_v a_o son_n the_o relation_n of_o master_n and_o servant_n husband_n and_o wife_n and_o the_o like_a be_v it_o not_o by_o covenant_n which_o be_v a_o action_n so_o that_o by_o this_o rule_n all_o relate_v shall_v admit_v degree_n of_o more_o or_o less_o which_o be_v against_o that_o receive_a rule_n of_o logician_n but_o how_o be_v this_o exception_n apply_v to_o this_o case_n in_o both_o which_o respect_v say_v our_o brethren_n the_o membership_n of_o the_o infant_n faith_n and_o act_n of_o confederation_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o parent_n faith_n be_v right_o distinguish_v from_o the_o membership_n of_o such_o as_o be_v adult_n which_o be_v ground_v on_o their_o own_o faith_n and_o confederation_n reply_n what_o dependence_n have_v this_o upon_o the_o former_a distinction_n where_o this_o relation_n be_v say_v to_o be_v found_v upon_o such_o diversity_n of_o action_n as_o make_v two_o sort_n of_o distinct_a member_n as_o be_v pretend_v and_o not_o only_o two_o degree_n of_o membership_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o such_o diversity_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o membership_n as_o shall_v thus_o distinguish_v these_o member_n the_o foundation_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o viz._n the_o freegrace_n of_o god_n in_o his_o covenant_n extend_v both_o to_o parent_n and_o child_n gen._n 17.7_o 9_o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n the_o way_n of_o enter_v into_o this_o covenant_n on_o man_n part_n be_v only_o a_o differ_v modus_fw-la or_o manner_n of_o covenant_v with_o god_n as_o a_o sciens_fw-la put_v into_o the_o stock_n by_o hand_n and_o the_o branch_n that_o grow_v out_o of_o it_o be_v all_o equal_o part_n of_o the_o tree_n though_o the_o branch_n be_v not_o so_o put_v in_o by_o hand_n as_o the_o sciens_fw-la be_v a_o father_n that_o purchase_v land_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o child_n the_o child_n have_v as_o perfect_a and_o good_a a_o right_a as_o the_o father_n have_v though_o he_o do_v not_o make_v the_o bargain_n and_o covenant_n as_o his_o father_n do_v the_o four_o note_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v upon_o those_o word_n who_o next_o parent_n be_v in_o covenant_n which_o they_o say_v be_v ambiguous_a and_o therefore_o they_o distinguish_v between_o parental_a covenant_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o personal_n with_o presuppose_a faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o former_a they_o count_v insufficient_a to_o capacitate_v the_o next_o seed_n to_o baptism_n before_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v their_o reason_n interweave_v in_o this_o discourse_n see_v our_o brethren_n have_v so_o oft_o recourse_n to_o their_o distinction_n of_o member_n into_o actual_a not_o actual_a personal_a not_o personal_a by_o parental_a covenant_n and_o personal_a immediate_a and_o mediate_v perfect_a and_o imperfect_a and_o lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o they_o as_o that_o the_o parental_a covenant_n can_v capacitate_v their_o seed_n to_o baptism_n that_o their_o membership_n by_o parental_a covenant_n last_v no_o long_o than_o minority_n pag._n 37._o and_o the_o personal_a covenant_n of_o such_o make_v they_o member_n be_v the_o form_n of_o their_o membership_n and_o the_o like_a i_o shall_v therefore_o here_o once_o for_o all_o recall_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n and_o try_v what_o light_n be_v in_o they_o and_o first_o in_o my_o best_a observation_n i_o can_v find_v no_o such_o distinction_n of_o parental_a and_o personal_a covenant_n that_o shall_v make_v two_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o member_n neither_o in_o the_o name_n or_o thing_n but_o all_o along_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o covenant_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o that_o god_n make_v with_o his_o people_n and_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n covenant_n gen._n 17._o where_o this_o covenant_n be_v most_o solemn_o make_v and_o to_o which_o the_o oft-renewed_n covenant_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o covenant_n or_o promise_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v reference_n as_o rom._n 9_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o with_o chap._n 3.25_o gal._n 3._o in_o that_o place_n i_o say_v the_o lord_n call_v it_o my_o covenant_n seven_o time_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o
they_o may_v yea_o ought_v to_o own_o they_o as_o member_n when_o they_o own_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v not_o desert_v the_o church_n i_o can_v but_o make_v a_o little_a pause_n here_o before_o i_o pass_v on_o and_o serious_o entreat_v our_o dear_a brethren_n and_o all_o of_o their_o mind_n to_o consider_v well_o how_o the_o lord_n be_v wont_a to_o deal_v with_o his_o visible_a church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o compare_v therewith_o this_o their_o respect_n and_o care_n of_o the_o lamb_n of_o christ_n flock_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v once_o strike_v a_o covenant_n with_o his_o people_n take_v in_o their_o seed_n with_o the_o parent_n gen._n 17.7_o deut._n 29.10_o 11._o 1._o what_o abundant_a mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n do_v he_o ordain_v and_o cause_n diligent_o to_o be_v improve_v to_o that_o end_n cain_n and_o abel_n both_o admit_v to_o sacrifice_n abraham_n command_n be_v to_o his_o whole_a family-church_n gen._n 18._o the_o daily_a ordinary_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o more_o solemn_a and_o extraordinary_a be_v for_o the_o whole_a congregation_n leu._n 4.14_o 21._o numb_a 15.24_o 25._o to_o israel_n pertain_v the_o adoption_n the_o glory_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n rom._n 94._o and_o how_o do_v the_o lord_n follow_v his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n by_o his_o prophet_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n yea_o when_o go_v after_o baal_n to_o reduce_v they_o by_o elijah_n how_o affectionate_o do_v the_o lord_n by_o they_o plead_v with_o his_o people_n jer._n 2._o &_o 3_o micah_n 6._o psal_n 81.8_o etc._n etc._n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o other_o ordinance_n be_v give_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o their_o salvation_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephes_n 4.11_o etc._n etc._n and_o discipline_n to_o reduce_v and_o save_v offender_n 2._o consider_v the_o wonderful_a patience_n of_o god_n in_o seek_v the_o salvation_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n when_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o god_n resolve_v to_o destroy_v all_o flesh_n yet_o he_o spare_v they_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n send_v noah_n a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n to_o seek_v their_o good_a genes_n 6._o and_o how_o great_a be_v his_o patience_n to_o israel_n and_o judah_n send_v his_o prophet_n early_a and_o late_o out_o of_o his_o compassion_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n 2_o chron._n 36._o so_o the_o lord_n jesus_n send_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o heal_v their_o corruption_n and_o though_o he_o threaten_v to_o come_v quick_o yet_o spare_v they_o many_o year_n 3._o see_v with_o what_o compassion_n and_o bowel_n of_o humane_a affection_n as_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n express_v himself_o when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o cast_v off_o a_o people_n he_o have_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o how_o shall_v i_o give_v thou_o up_o o_o ephraim_n etc._n etc._n my_o repenting_n be_v kindle_v together_o hos_fw-la 11.8_o so_o christ_n o_o jerusalem_n how_o oft_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o as_o a_o hen_n her_o chicken_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 23.37_o how_o do_v he_o weepover_v jerusalem_n say_v o_o that_o thou_o have_v know_v at_o least_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n etc._n etc._n luke_n 19.41_o this_o be_v god_n way_n but_o what_o be_v our_o brethren_n way_n to_o these_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o who_o they_o confess_v the_o promise_n do_v belong_v act_n 2.39_o 1._o though_o god_n have_v strike_v his_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o seal_v it_o to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o own_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v they_o actual_a personal_a member_n but_o in_o effect_n distinguish_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n 2._o they_o allow_v they_o no_o more_o act_n of_o church-watch_n and_o discipline_n then_o may_v reach_v a_o infidel-servant_n and_o excommunication_n the_o most_o effectual_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o destroy_v the_o flesh_n and_o save_o the_o soul_n must_v not_o touch_v they_o 3._o so_o quick_a they_o be_v that_o if_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o please_v to_o give_v they_o save_v faith_n and_o grace_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v to_o adult_v age_n disow_v they_o as_o no_o member_n and_o so_o let_v they_o go_v now_o how_o far_o unlike_o this_o be_v to_o god_n way_n who_o do_v not_o see_v and_o i_o must_v confess_v this_o be_v to_o i_o one_o great_a argument_n that_o the_o way_n of_o these_o brethren_n be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o proceed_v our_o brethren_n to_o clear_v this_o coast_n think_v fit_a to_o answer_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o synod_n to_o prove_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o reader_n must_v note_v that_o those_o argument_n be_v not_o apply_v to_o this_o proposition_n in_o hand_n here_o be_v eight_o reason_n to_o prove_v they_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o touch_v by_o they_o but_o the_o reason_n that_o our_o brethren_n here_o speak_v unto_o be_v those_o bring_v by_o the_o synod_n to_o prove_v the_o last_o branch_n of_o the_o six_o argument_n for_o the_o five_o proposition_n viz._n that_o church-member_n 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 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 that_o their_o membership_n still_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o cease_v not_o with_o their_o infancy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v note_v because_o if_o their_o answer_n suit_v not_o the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n than_o they_o be_v not_o pertinent_a to_o take_v off_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o synod_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o be_v answer_v to_o these_o reason_n though_o out_o of_o their_o place_n reas_n 1._o because_o in_o scripture_n person_n be_v break_v off_o only_o for_o notorious_a sin_n or_o incorrigible_a impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n not_o for_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_v age_n rom_n 11.20_o ans_fw-fr our_o brethren_n answer_v not_o simple_o for_o grow_v up_o but_o for_o such_o accessary_n as_o may_v attend_v adult_a age_n rom._n 11.20_o do_v not_o say_v only_o for_o notorious_a sin_n etc._n etc._n negative_a unbelief_n neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n not_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o may_v give_v cause_n of_o break_v off_o and_o to_o such_o though_o our_o patience_n and_o expectation_n ought_v to_o be_v large_a and_o long_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v tire_v out_o at_o last_o and_o come_v to_o a_o period_n reply_n 1._o if_o our_o brethren_n will_v out_o hold_v to_o this_o it_o will_v tend_v much_o to_o our_o desire_a unity_n for_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o their_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n do_v continue_v in_o adult_n age_n until_o such_o accessary_n do_v appear_v and_o till_o the_o patience_n of_o the_o church_n be_v tire_v out_o 2._o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o negative_a unbelief_n manifest_v by_o neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n not_o profess_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o might_n after_o long_a patience_n give_v just_a cause_n to_o break_v they_o off_o yet_o by_o this_o rule_n the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v break_v off_o for_o they_o do_v profess_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o by_o a_o life_n free_a from_o scandal_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n or_o at_o least_o such_o as_o these_o be_v still_o object_n of_o the_o church_n patience_n and_o therefore_o not_o break_v off_o and_o see_v our_o brethren_n come_v thus_o far_o i_o shall_v willing_o meet_v they_o here_o and_o confess_v that_o if_o negative_a unbelief_n be_v manifest_v by_o neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n not_o profess_v of_o the_o faith_n be_v orderly_o call_v thereunto_o by_o the_o church_n and_o continuance_n impenitent_o in_o such_o neglect_v after_o due_a mean_n with_o due_a patience_n use_v by_o the_o church_n this_o will_v give_v the_o church_n just_a cause_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o for_o this_o be_v incorrigible_a impenitency_n in_o sin_n and_o oh_o that_o we_o may_v meet_v here_o but_o when_o i_o consider_v many_o other_o expression_n in_o this_o treatise_n i_o fear_v my_o desire_n will_v fail_v for_o if_o no_o act_n of_o church-government_n may_v be_v put_v forth_o upon_o their_o person_n immediate_o but_o by_o their_o parent_n how_o shall_v the_o church_n come_v
the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n require_v faith_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o jacob_n as_o he_o do_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v the_o continual_a succession_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n in_o the_o gentile_a church_n obj._n 2._o it_o will_v be_v say_v god_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n for_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n ans_fw-fr be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o carnal_a seed_n of_o abraham_n in_o all_o succeed_a generation_n shall_v have_v god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n then_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o yet_o break_v off_o contrary_a to_o rom._n 11._o this_o seed_n be_v 1._o only_o such_o of_o the_o carnal_a seed_n with_o who_o the_o covenant_n be_v establish_v by_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o abraham_n faith_n 2._o his_o spiritual_a seed_n who_o be_v only_o mean_v in_o that_o everlasting_a covenant_n reply_n 1._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o succession_n thereof_o the_o lord_n be_v ever_o mindful_a of_o his_o covenant_n and_o that_o everlasting_o till_o his_o people_n break_v his_o covenant_n he_o never_o cast_v they_o out_o but_o there_o be_v many_o transgression_n against_o the_o covenant_n that_o do_v not_o break_v off_o a_o people_n from_o the_o visible_a covenant_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n wherein_o his_o patience_n be_v very_o long_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o continue_v to_o their_o succeed_a generation_n everlasting_o even_o to_o such_o as_o be_v here_o call_v the_o carnal_a seed_n 2._o it_o do_v not_o savour_n well_o that_o our_o brethren_n so_o frequent_o call_v the_o church-seed_n a_o carnal_a seed_n we_o know_v who_o phrase_n it_o be_v and_o to_o what_o it_o tend_v even_o to_o deny_v baptism_n to_o they_o the_o scripture_n call_v they_o the_o holy_a seed_n a_o holy_a nation_n royal_a priesthood_n etc._n etc._n your_o child_n be_v holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o god_n never_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o any_o as_o a_o carnal_a seed_n but_o as_o anâ—holy_a people_n to_o the_o lord_n 3._o what_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o the_o carnal_a seed_n walk_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n if_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n belong_v only_o to_o such_o than_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n belong_v not_o to_o any_o church-member_n till_o he_o come_v up_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n which_o be_v the_o tenent_n of_o we_o know_v who_o reas_n 7._o it_o be_v irregular_a to_o receive_v person_n with_o no_o better_a qualification_n into_o covenant_n we_o mean_v ignorant_a unbelieving_a and_o impenitent_a person_n into_o public_a and_o personal_a covenant_n church-covenaâ—ters_a must_v be_v visible_a saint_n psal_n 50.5_o 16._o i'faith_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n be_v require_v to_o covenant_n with_o god_n it_o be_v a_o palpable_a untruth_n for_o a_o vnbeliever_n to_o engage_v himself_o to_o keep_v the_o lord_n covenant_n whereof_o faith_n be_v the_o condition_n joh._n 3.16_o ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v these_o in_o question_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n when_o they_o come_v to_o own_o their_o baptismal_a covenant_n public_o our_o brethren_n confess_v they_o be_v in_o covenant_n act_v 2._o which_o be_v seal_v up_o to_o themby_a baptism_n and_o that_o in_o their_o own_o person_n as_o be_v before_o prove_v from_o deut._n 5.2_o 3._o &_o 29.10_o 11_o 12._o this_o public_a own_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v but_o the_o manifestation_n of_o their_o continuance_n in_o it_o or_o a_o renew_n of_o it_o 2._o to_o censure_v these_o for_o ignorant_a person_n that_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o contain_v all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v before_o prove_v and_o for_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o unbeliever_n who_o god_n have_v receive_v own_a as_o his_o child_n and_o believer_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15._o who_o live_v without_o scandal_n which_o impli_v regular_a satisfaction_n for_o offence_n who_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n submit_v to_o his_o government_n to_o lay_v all_o this_o upon_o they_o without_o proof_n be_v far_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n sure_o they_o be_v better_a saint_n than_o those_o mention_v by_o our_o brethren_n psa_n 50.5_o 16._o neither_o do_v these_o visible_o hate_v instruction_n in_o the_o sense_n there_o speak_v of_o vers_n 17._o for_o they_o be_v charge_v to_o consent_v with_o thief_n to_o partake_v with_o adulterer_n to_o give_v their_o mouth_n to_o evil_a etc._n etc._n which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o these_o 3._o what_o though_o faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n and_o that_o in_o truth_n be_v require_v of_o all_o covenanter_n with_o god_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o such_o as_o be_v in_o church-covenant_n want_v these_o thing_n or_o do_v not_o so_o clear_o and_o sully_v hold_v forth_o these_o by_o a_o visible_a profession_n that_o all_o such_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o outward_a privilege_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o reason_v all_o along_o but_o the_o inconsequence_n thereof_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n story_n reas_n 8._o that_o practice_n that_o expose_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o contempt_n baptism_n to_o profanation_n the_o church_n to_o pollution_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v but_o the_o baptise_v of_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o visible_a believer_n do_v all_o this_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v ans_fw-fr 1._o i_o may_v grant_v the_o argument_n it_o do_v not_o conclude_v against_o these_o who_o god_n have_v receive_v as_o holy_a as_o visible_a believer_n baptise_a into_o christ_n as_o have_v be_v oft_o prove_v from_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o with_o chap._n 7.14_o &_o 12.13_o 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15._o 2._o by_o this_o reason_n when_o member_n receive_v by_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o adult_n age_n do_v decline_v and_o appear_v to_o have_v as_o little_a faith_n as_o these_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v though_o under_o no_o censure_n such_o must_v not_o have_v their_o childrne_a baptise_a or_o else_o all_o those_o consequence_n will_v follow_v this_o may_v suffice_v to_o answer_v the_o reason_n itself_o the_o proof_n i_o shall_v touch_v afterward_o reas_n 9_o because_o these_o adult_n child_n if_o they_o be_v not_o baptise_a themselves_o may_v not_o be_v baptise_a in_o this_o estate_n and_o therefore_o can_v entitle_v their_o seed_n unto_o it_o a_o man_n must_v stand_v possess_v of_o a_o right_n before_o he_o can_v make_v it_o over_o to_o another_o act_v a_o non_fw-la habente_fw-la potestatem_fw-la be_v void_a in_o law_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o reason_v by_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n have_v not_o that_o thing_n which_o indeed_o he_o have_v and_o therefore_o he_o can_v convey_v that_o which_o he_o have_v let_v i_o take_v away_o a_o man_n evidence_n and_o possession_n of_o his_o land_n and_o it_o be_v true_a he_o can_v make_v a_o good_a conveyance_n but_o may_v he_o not_o then_o convey_v what_o he_o have_v evidence_n and_o possession_n of_o there_o be_v some_o member_n in_o church_n who_o suppose_v they_o be_v not_o admit_v will_v not_o now_o be_v admit_v do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o their_o child_n may_v not_o be_v baptise_a if_o act_n of_o such_o as_o have_v no_o right_a and_o power_n themselves_o be_v void_a then_o act_n of_o such_o as_o have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n be_v valid_a now_o these_o be_v church-member_n and_o baptise_a and_o therefore_o their_o conveyance_n of_o baptism_n be_v valid_a by_o this_o argument_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o our_o brethren_n to_o prove_v that_o these_o be_v church-member_n so_o qualify_v may_v not_o be_v baptise_a if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v baptise_a reas_n 10._o because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n of_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n for_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n which_o way_n be_v not_o here_o mention_v and_o this_o way_n be_v christ_n joh._n 10.7_o but_o this_o proposition_n hold_v forth_o no_o personal_a entrance_n by_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v get_v in_o some_o other_o way_n they_o be_v thief_n and_o robber_n the_o danger_n be_v see_v in_o he_o that_o have_v not_o on_o the_o wedding-garment_n the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v so_o pernicious_a how_o can_v the_o church_n be_v blameless_a in_o bring_v they_o in_o this_o way_n ans_fw-fr let_v the_o interpretation_n of_o joh._n 10._o be_v grant_v at_o present_a i_o answer_v that_o these_o child_n come_v into_o the_o church_n by_o
follow_v that_o because_o god_n may_v just_o cut_v off_o a_o man_n from_o the_o church_n for_o not_o believe_v or_o sin_n of_o omission_n that_o therefore_o he_o do_v so_o or_o that_o therefore_o a_o church-member_n by_o sin_n of_o omission_n do_v actual_o cut_v off_o himself_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n sure_o these_o be_v worse_o than_o farre-fetched_n and_o uncertain_a consequence_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n 2._o for_o the_o assumption_n of_o this_o argument_n they_o say_v but_o without_o proof_n that_o these_o parent_n in_o the_o five_o proposition_n do_v not_o walk_v with_o god_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o answer_v these_o do_v outward_o and_o visible_o at_o least_o so_o walk_v with_o god_n love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n do_v account_v a_o keep_n of_o the_o visible_a covenant_n these_o profess_v the_o faith_n be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n submit_v to_o his_o rule_n and_o government_n and_o be_v not_o such_o as_o these_o all_o along_o in_o the_o scripture_n accept_v as_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o visible_a covenant_n deut._n 5._o when_o the_o people_n profess_v to_o obey_v moses_n in_o all_o thing_n god_n see_v they_o want_v a_o heart_n to_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n yet_o he_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o how_o oft_o be_v the_o king_n of_o judah_n that_o observe_v the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n say_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n though_o they_o want_v that_o upright_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v require_v see_v 2_o chron._n 11.17_o 2_o king_n 11.2_o &_o 14.3_o &_o 15.3_o 34._o and_o not_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v charge_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o walk_v after_o baalim_fw-la in_o the_o way_n of_o jeroboam_n and_o the_o like_a to_o conclude_v i_o will_v demand_v of_o our_o brethren_n that_o hold_v this_o way_n of_o self-excommunication_n whether_o any_o member_n do_v excommunicate_v himself_o by_o any_o act_n that_o be_v not_o excommunicable_a or_o matter_n of_o excommunication_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o church-discipline_n if_o so_o let_v we_o have_v a_o rule_n for_o it_o if_o not_o sure_o these_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n do_v not_o excommunicate_v themselves_o for_o no_o rule_n of_o christ_n will_v allow_v the_o church_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o ans_fw-fr 2._o the_o child_n in_o question_n say_v they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o neutrality_n at_o present_a and_o such_o christ_n account_v to_o be_v against_o he_o mat._n 12.30_o they_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a rev._n 3_o reply_n mat._n 12.30_o speak_v not_o of_o such_o as_o these_o for_o these_o be_v for_o christ_n that_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o government_n that_o say_v of_o christ_n mark_v 9.40_o suit_n better_o with_o these_o he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v for_o we_o as_o for_o rev._n 3_o christ_n call_v that_o lukewarm_a church_n a_o golden_a candlestick_n hold_v their_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n offers_z to_o come_v in_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o quick_a in_o discovenant_v lukewarm_a one_o as_o our_o brethren_n seem_v to_o be_v arg._n 3._o from_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n as_o 1._o to_o deny_v the_o proposition_n will_v be_v to_o straiten_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n and_o to_o make_v the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n time_n in_o a_o worse_a case_n relate_v to_o their_o child_n successive_o than_o be_v the_o jew_n of_o old_a ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o do_v not_o straiten_v the_o gospel-dispensation_n see_v it_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o nation_n and_o to_o both_o sex_n which_o be_v not_o of_o old_a reply_n this_o indeed_o the_o anabaptist_n answer_n but_o it_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o case_n for_o such_o enlargement_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o gospel-time_n will_v argue_v rather_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v in_o this_o point_n also_o and_o not_o therefore_o straighten_a here_o because_o enlarge_v in_o other_o respect_n be_v it_o object_v to_o a_o father_n that_o he_o straighten_a his_o wont_a favour_n to_o his_o child_n in_o put_v they_o out_o of_o the_o family_n and_o he_o shall_v answer_v not_o so_o for_o i_o have_v take_v in_o many_o adopt_a child_n will_v this_o answer_n satisfy_v or_o shall_v he_o say_v not_o so_o for_o though_o i_o keep_v my_o family_n with_o pulse_n before_o i_o now_o give_v they_o much_o better_a fare_n will_v not_o any_o man_n say_v so_o much_o be_v the_o great_a wrong_n to_o your_o child_n both_o to_o put_v they_o out_o of_o the_o family_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o share_n in_o the_o better_a fare_v allow_v to_o the_o family_n just_o so_o be_v the_o case_n here_o ans_fw-fr 2._o this_o do_v no_o more_o straiten_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o the_o keep_n of_o baptise_a especial_o covenant_v parent_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n see_v the_o circumcise_a jew_n be_v not_o debar_v from_o the_o passover_n reply_n the_o circumcise_a jew_n do_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o passover_n without_o suitable_a legal_a qualification_n viz._n a_o state_n of_o legal_a purity_n and_o fitness_n to_o eat_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o service_n exod._n 12.25_o 26_o 27._o in_o like_a manner_n we_o debar_v none_o from_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o for_o want_v of_o gospel_n qualification_n ans_fw-fr 3._o gospel-time_n be_v in_o many_o respect_n time_n of_o reformation_n heb._n 9.10_o and_o therefore_o to_o build_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o largeness_n of_o jewish_a practice_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n see_v it_o be_v a_o stretch_n of_o the_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n to_o be_v as_o wide_a as_o the_o broad_a way_n that_o lead_v most_o to_o destruction_n reply_n 1._o we_o build_v not_o upon_o jewish_a practice_n ceremonial_a wherein_o that_o reformation_n heb._n 9.10_o do_v consist_v as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o text_n but_o upon_o the_o gospel-covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o that_o in_o the_o substantial_o of_o it_o viz._n i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n exemplify_v in_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o strange_a speech_n to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o stretch_n of_o the_o narrow_a way_n of_o life_n to_o be_v as_o broad_a etc._n etc._n sure_o god_n enlargement_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n in_o their_o generation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n grace_n tend_v to_o bring_v the_o more_o to_o life_n by_o give_v to_o they_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o the_o broad_a way_n to_o destruction_n the_o straitness_n of_o the_o way_n to_o life_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o restrain_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o a_o few_o for_o why_o then_o shall_v the_o lord_n enlarge_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n now_o more_o than_o of_o old_a 2_o consequence_n to_o deny_v the_o proposition_n be_v to_o render_v the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v convert_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o they_o be_v under_o the_o legal-dispensation_n contrary_a to_o jer._n 30.20_o ezek._n 37.25_o 26._o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v deny_v any_o more_o than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o worse_a state_n if_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v a_o highpriest_n and_o temple-worship_n when_o they_o shall_v have_v in_o christ_n a_o thousand-fold_n more_o so_o here_o be_v like_a reason_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o abundant_a grace_n reply_n the_o loss_n of_o shadow_n be_v nothing_o see_v they_o shall_v have_v the_o substance_n in_o christ_n but_o this_o be_v a_o essential_a branch_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n which_o be_v the_o gospel-covenant_n it_o can_v be_v take_v away_o without_o real_a loss_n and_o the_o more_o abundant_a grace_n the_o great_a be_v the_o loss_n as_o be_v say_v before_o ans_fw-fr 2._o this_o do_v no_o more_o put_v they_o into_o a_o worse_a state_n then_o transmit_v the_o covenant_n now_o only_o to_o the_o next_o seed_n which_o before_o be_v transmit_v to_o remote_a posterity_n reply_n the_o covenant_n be_v all_o along_o transmit_v by_o the_o next_o parent_n to_o their_o seed_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o cast_v off_o by_o the_o lord_n he_o account_v every_o generation_n to_o be_v his_o people_n even_o in_o their_o worst_a time_n so_o that_o the_o transmit_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o church-priviledge_n be_v still_o by_o