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gift_n have_v it_o rightful_o natural_a effect_n as_o a_o prey_n to_o a_o thief_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v of_o god_n improper_o by_o physical_a disposal_n to_o he_o that_o have_v no_o right_a but_o right_o itself_o can_v be_v give_v to_o he_o that_o have_v no_o right_a nor_o any_o thing_n else_o relative_n or_o natural_a by_o god_n moral_a or_o covenant_n donation_n he_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v very_o erroneous_a that_o visible_a church-membership_a be_v give_v out_o of_o distributive_a justice_n for_o as_o regeneration_n so_o also_o visible_a membership_n be_v of_o bounty_n by_o god_n as_o sovereign_a lord_n not_o of_o distributive_a justice_n by_o god_n as_o judge_n 2._o that_o all_o that_o any_o man_n have_v of_o god_n he_o have_v of_o debt_n contrary_a to_o rom._n 4.4_o 3._o that_o visible_a church-membership_a be_v conceive_v as_o a_o thing_n offer_v and_o to_o be_v due_o and_o rightful_o receive_v reply_n if_o mr._n t._n and_o i_o shall_v tire_v the_o printer_n and_o waste_a paper_n and_o trouble_v the_o world_n with_o tell_v they_o how_o many_o error_n each_o of_o we_o hold_v it_o will_v be_v a_o unsavoury_a task_n and_o i_o doubt_v it_o will_v be_v a_o much_o short_a work_n for_o one_o of_o we_o which_o ever_o it_o be_v to_o enumerate_v the_o useful_a truth_n we_o hold_v what_o i_o hold_v be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n i_o will_v tell_v the_o reader_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n i_o hold_v that_o god_n kingdom_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o constitution_n and_o administration_n the_o first_o have_v 1._o the_o efficient_a 2._o the_o constitutive_a 3._o the_o final_a cause_n and_o in_o the_o large_a sense_n it_o contain_v 1._o subject_n only_o by_o obligation_n such_o as_o rebel_n be_v 2._o subject_n by_o consent_n or_o voluntary_a the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o former_a be_v only_a god_n 1._o make_v they_o man_n and_o redeem_a man_n quoad_fw-la precium_fw-la and_o command_v their_o subjection_n or_o consent_n to_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o second_o be_v beside_o these_o require_v their_o actual_a consent_n parent_n consent_v for_o their_o infant_n without_o which_o they_o be_v but_o rebel_n and_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o society_n god_n be_v a_o king_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la before_o his_o government_n be_v consent_v to_o make_v a_o law_n to_o man_n to_o command_v they_o to_o consent_n and_o be_v his_o voluntary_a subject_n to_o those_o that_o consent_n as_o the_o condition_n he_o promise_v the_o interest_n and_o blessing_n of_o his_o covenant_n viz._n christ_n and_o life_n and_o threaten_v the_o privation_n of_o those_o benefit_n and_o sore_a punishment_n to_o refuse_v rebel_n he_o be_v lawgiver_n and_o will_v be_v judge_n of_o non-consenters_a call_v unbeliever_n and_o
cause_n of_o be_v and_o motion_n as_o such_o as_o a_o free_a benefactor_n he_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o good_a as_o such_o and_o as_o a_o sapiential_a rector_n and_o benefactor_n conjunct_o that_o be_v by_o paternal_a government_n he_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o right_n be_v and_o motion_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o physical_a efficiency_n jus_fw-la vel_fw-la debitum_fw-la be_v the_o very_a formal_a effect_n or_o object_n of_o moral_a efficiency_n by_o a_o rector_n and_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o ethic_n to_o be_v a_o church-member_n be_v to_o have_v a_o state_v relation_n consist_v in_o right_a to_o the_o benefit_n and_o obligation_n to_o the_o duty_n as_o be_v say_v before_o he_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v any_o right_n and_o to_o have_v any_o such_o civil-moral_a cause_n as_o right_o have_v but_o to_o be_v quid_fw-la physicum_fw-la as_o health_n strength_n riches_n and_o a_o answerable_a physical_a cause_n let_v the_o shame_n of_o this_o ignorance_n reform_v the_o common_a error_n of_o school_n that_o teach_v not_o their_o child_n betimes_o the_o principle_n of_o ethic_n politic_n or_o govern_v order_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n that_o at_o 16._o year_n old_a any_o shall_v be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o these_o word_n import_v i_o must_v speak_v it_o or_o i_o comply_v with_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n that_o so_o shameful_o oppose_v the_o truth_n sect_n xxiv_o xxv_o r._n b._n 2._o god_n have_v express_o call_v that_o act_n a_o covenant_n or_o promise_n by_o which_o he_o convey_v this_o right_a which_o we_o shall_v more_o full_o manifest_v anon_o when_o we_o come_v to_o it_o the_o second_o proposition_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n or_o precept_n of_o god_n oblige_v the_o parent_n to_o enter_v their_o child_n into_o covenant_n and_o church-membership_a by_o accept_v of_o his_o offer_n and_o re-engaging_a they_o to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v as_o obvious_a and_o easy_a as_o the_o former_a but_o first_o i_o shall_v in_o a_o word_n here_o also_o explain_v the_o term_n the_o word_n law_n be_v sometime_o take_v more_o large_o and_o unfit_o as_o comprehend_v the_o very_a immanent_a act_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n consider_v without_o any_o sign_n to_o represent_v it_o to_o the_o creature_n so_o many_o call_v god_n nature_n or_o purpose_n the_o eternal_a law_n which_o indeed_o be_v no_o law_n nor_o can_v be_v fit_o so_o call_v 2._o it_o be_v take_v proper_o for_o a_o authoritative_a determination_n de_fw-fr debito_fw-la constituendo_fw-la vel_fw-la confirmando_fw-la and_o so_o it_o comprehend_v all_o that_o may_v fit_o be_v call_v a_o law_n some_o define_v it_o jussum_fw-la majestatis_fw-la obligans_fw-la aut_fw-la ad_fw-la obedientiam_fw-la aut_fw-la ad_fw-la poenam_fw-la but_o this_o leave_v out_o the_o premiant_a part_n and_o some_o other_o so_o that_o of_o grotius_n do_v est_fw-la regula_fw-la actionum_fw-la moralium_fw-la obligans_fw-la ad_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la rectum_fw-la est_fw-la i_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o first_o or_o rather_o in_o this_o which_o be_v more_o full_a and_o exact_a a_o law_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o rector_n will_v constitute_v or_o confirm_v right_a or_o dueness_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o rector_n will_v de_fw-la debito_fw-la constituendo_fw-la vel_fw-la confirmando_fw-la be_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o all_o law_n some_o quarrel_n at_o the_o word_n sign_n because_o it_o be_v logical_a and_o not_o political_a as_o if_o politician_n shall_v not_o speak_v logical_o as_o well_o as_o other_o man_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a due_a 1._o what_o be_v due_a from_o we_o to_o god_n or_o any_o rector_n and_o this_o be_v signify_v in_o the_o precept_n and_o prohibition_n or_o in_o the_o precept_n de_fw-fr agendo_fw-la &_o non_fw-la agendo_fw-la 2._o what_o shall_v be_v due_a to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v signify_v by_o promise_n or_o the_o premiant_a part_n of_o the_o law_n and_o by_o law_n for_o distribution_n and_o determination_n of_o propriety_n all_o benefit_n be_v give_v we_o by_o god_n in_o a_o double_a relation_n both_o as_o rector_n and_o benefactor_n or_o as_o benefactor_n regens_fw-la or_o as_o rector_n benefaciens_fw-la though_o among_o man_n that_o stand_v not_o in_o such_o a_o subordination_n to_o one_o another_o as_o we_o do_v to_o god_n they_o may_v be_v receive_v from_o a_o mere_a benefactor_n without_o any_o regent_a interest_n therein_o the_o first_o law_n do_v ever_o constitute_v the_o debitum_fw-la or_o right_a afterward_o there_o may_v be_v renew_v law_n and_o precept_n to_o urge_v man_n to_o obey_v the_o former_a or_o to_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o the_o end_n of_o these_o be_v either_o fullier_n to_o acquaint_v the_o subject_n with_o the_o former_a or_o to_o revive_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o or_o to_o excite_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o they_o and_o these_o do_v not_o proper_o constitute_v duty_n because_o it_o be_v constitute_v before_o but_o the_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o the_o act_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o do_v constitute_v it_o and_o therefore_o do_v confirm_v the_o constitution_n and_o again_o oblige_v we_o to_o what_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o before_o for_o obligation_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o duty_n may_v be_v multiply_v 3._o some_o take_v the_o word_n law_n in_o so_o restrain_v a_o sense_n as_o to_o exclude_v verbal_a or_o particular_a precept_n especial_o direct_v but_o to_o one_o or_o a_o few_o man_n and_o will_v only_o call_v that_o a_o law_n which_o be_v write_v or_o at_o least_o a_o well_o know_v custom_n oblige_v a_o whole_a society_n in_o a_o state_v way_n these_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a sort_n of_o law_n but_o to_o say_v that_o the_o rest_n be_v no_o law_n be_v vain_a and_o groundless_a against_o the_o true_a general_a definition_n of_o a_o law_n and_o just_o reject_v by_o the_o wise_a politician_n that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o to_o inquire_v after_o be_v a_o precept_n or_o the_o command_a part_n of_o a_o law_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o god_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o duty_n of_o which_o sign_n there_o be_v material_o several_a sort_n as_o 1._o by_o a_o voice_n that_o be_v evident_o of_o god_n 2._o by_o writing_n 3._o by_o visible_a work_n or_o effect_n 4._o by_o secret_a impress_n as_o by_o inspiration_n which_o be_v a_o law_n only_o to_o he_o that_o have_v they_o mr._n t._n i_o assert_v 1._o there_o be_v no_o such_o offer_n promise_n or_o covenant_n 2._o that_o though_o there_o be_v precept_n for_o parent_n to_o pray_v for_o their_o child_n to_o breed_v they_o up_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v this_o that_o upon_o their_o own_o faith_n god_n will_v take_v their_o infant_n child_n to_o be_v his_o and_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o nor_o to_o accept_v of_o this_o pretend_a offer_n 3._o that_o though_o parent_n may_v enter_v into_o covenant_n for_o their_o child_n as_o deut._n 29.12_o they_o do_v not_o by_o this_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o promise_n that_o god_n will_v be_v their_o god_n reply_n what_o a_o deal_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o church_n mercy_n do_v these_o man_n deny_v 1._o the_o very_a nature_n of_o our_o own_o holy_a covenant_n be_v that_o in_o it_o we_o give_v up_o to_o god_n ourselves_o and_o all_o that_o be_v we_o according_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o that_o all_o and_o as_o our_o riches_n be_v devote_v hereby_o as_o capable_a utensil_n so_o our_o infant_n as_o capable_a of_o infant_n relation_n obligation_n and_o right_n what_o be_v it_o that_o a_o sanctify_a man_n must_v not_o devote_v to_o god_n that_o be_v his_o if_o you_o except_v liberty_n health_n life_n you_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o can_v you_o except_v child_n it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v but_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v our_o own_o and_o we_o say_v no_o more_o when_o they_o have_v a_o will_n to_o choose_v for_o themselves_o they_o must_v do_v it_o 2._o i_o have_v full_o prove_v scripture_n command_v for_o parent_n to_o offer_v their_o child_n to_o god_n and_o that_o signify_v his_o will_n to_o accept_v what_o he_o command_v they_o to_o offer_v and_o his_o promise_n to_o show_v mercy_n to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v plain_a and_o many_o which_o i_o must_v not_o tire_v the_o reader_n with_o repeat_v mr._n t._n add_v that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o promise_n and_o duty_n of_o accept_v the_o pretend_a offer_n and_o re-engaging_a yet_o this_o neither_o do_v then_o nor_o do_v now_o make_v infant_n visible_a church-member_n reply_n reader_n be_v not_o the_o anabaptist_n ductile_a man_n where_o they_o like_v as_o well_o as_o intractable_a where_o they_o dislike_v that_o they_o will_v follow_v such_o a_o leader_n as_o this_o promise_v and_o duty_n of_o accept_v and_o re-engaging_a aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o rebel_n that_o reject_v it_o but_o if_o these_o perform_v
even_o visible_a mutual_a covenant_v make_v not_o church-member_n visible_a what_o do_v you_o see_v what_o he_o have_v bring_v the_o ancient_a and_o late_a church-membership_a circumcision_n and_o baptism_n to_o i_o think_v to_o nothing_o as_o formal_a pontifician_n church-tyrant_n when_o they_o have_v mortify_v some_o ordinance_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o image_n make_v a_o engine_n of_o it_o to_o trouble_v the_o church_n and_o silence_v the_o preacher_n and_o serious_a practiser_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o these_o man_n make_v nothing_o of_o church-membership_a and_o then_o restles_o trouble_v the_o church-about_a it_o sect_n xxvi_o r._n b._n have_v thus_o open_v the_o term_n law_n and_o precept_n i_o prove_v the_o proposition_n thus_o 1._o if_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o israelite_n to_o accept_v god_n offer_v mercy_n for_o their_o child_n to_o engage_v and_o devote_v they_o to_o he_o in_o covenant_n than_o there_o be_v a_o law_n or_o precept_n which_o make_v this_o their_o duty_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v such_o a_o law_n or_o precept_n for_o the_o antecedent_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o duty_n than_o it_o be_v either_o a_o sin_n or_o a_o neutral_a indifferent_a action_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v against_o no_o law_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o reprehend_v nor_o be_v it_o indifferent_a for_o it_o be_v of_o a_o moral_a nature_n and_o ergo_fw-la either_o good_a or_o evil_n yea_o sin_n or_o duty_n for_o proper_o permittere_fw-la be_v no_o act_n of_o law_n though_o many_o say_v it_o be_v but_o a_o suspension_n of_o a_o act_n and_o so_o licitum_fw-la be_v not_o moraliter_fw-la bonum_fw-la but_o only_o non_fw-la malum_fw-la and_o ergo_fw-la be_v not_o proper_o within_o the_o verge_n of_o morality_n 2._o if_o there_o be_v a_o penalty_n and_o a_o most_o terrible_a penalty_n annex_v for_o the_o non-performance_n than_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n but_o such_o a_o penalty_n be_v annex_v as_o shall_v anon_o be_v particular_o show_v even_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n etc._n etc._n if_o it_o oblige_v ad_fw-la poenam_fw-la it_o do_v first_o oblige_n ad_fw-la obedientiam_fw-la for_o no_o law_n oblige_v ad_fw-la poenam_fw-la but_o for_o disobedience_n which_o presuppose_v a_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n 3._o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o israelite_n duty_n to_o enter_v their_o child_n into_o god_n covenant_n and_o church_n than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v none_o of_o their_o sin_n to_o have_v omit_v or_o refuse_v so_o to_o do_v but_o it_o will_v have_v be_v their_o great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n to_o have_v omit_v or_o refuse_v it_o ergo._fw-la now_o to_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a there_o be_v no_o duty_n but_o what_o be_v make_v by_o some_o law_n or_o precept_n as_o its_o proper_a efficient_a cause_n or_o foundation_n ergo_fw-la if_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n there_o be_v certain_o some_o law_n or_o precept_n that_o make_v it_o such_o among_o man_n we_o say_v that_o a_o benefit_n oblige_v to_o gratitude_n though_o there_o be_v no_o law_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v if_o there_o be_v no_o humane_a law_n and_o that_o be_v because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o nature_n require_v man_n to_o be_v just_a and_o thankful_a if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n natural_a or_o positive_a that_o do_v constitute_v it_o or_o oblige_v we_o to_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o duty_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o duty_n but_o what_o be_v make_v such_o by_o god_n signify_v will_n ergo_fw-la no_o duty_n but_o what_o be_v make_v such_o by_o a_o law_n or_o precept_n for_o a_o precept_n be_v the_o sign_n of_o god_n will_v oblige_v to_o duty_n 2._o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n rom._n 4.15_o ergo_fw-la where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o duty_n for_o these_o be_v contrary_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n not_o to_o transgress_v the_o law_n and_o a_o transgression_n not_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n which_o it_o require_v of_o we_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a ground_n of_o exception_n but_o in_o case_n of_o covenant_n whether_o a_o man_n may_v not_o oblige_v himself_o to_o a_o duty_n mere_o by_o his_o consent_n i_o answer_v 1._o he_o may_v oblige_v himself_o to_o a_o act_n which_o he_o must_v perform_v or_o else_o prove_v unfaithful_a and_o dishonest_a but_o his_o own_o obligation_n make_v it_o not_o strict_o a_o duty_n ergo_fw-la when_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o man_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v oblige_v in_o point_n of_o fidelity_n but_o not_o of_o duty_n 2._o he_o that_o oblige_v himself_o to_o a_o act_n by_o promise_n do_v occasion_n a_o obligation_n to_o duty_n from_o god_n because_o god_n have_v oblige_v man_n to_o keep_v their_o promise_n 3._o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v his_o own_o ruler_n so_o far_o may_v he_o be_v say_v to_o oblige_v himself_o to_o duty_n that_o be_v duty_n to_o himself_o though_o the_o act_n be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o another_o but_o than_o he_o may_v as_o fit_o be_v say_v to_o make_v a_o law_n to_o himself_o or_o command_v himself_o so_o that_o still_o the_o duty_n such_o as_o it_o be_v have_v a_o answerable_a command_n so_o that_o i_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n because_o there_o be_v a_o duty_n for_o nothing_o but_o a_o law_n can_v cause_v that_o duty_n nor_o make_v that_o omission_n of_o it_o a_o sin_n where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n sin_n be_v not_o impute_v rom._n 5.13_o but_o the_o omission_n of_o enter_v infant_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n before_o christ_n incarnation_n will_v have_v be_v a_o sin_n impute_v ergo_fw-la there_o be_v a_o law_n command_v it_o 2._o if_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o dedicate_v infant_n to_o god_n or_o enter_v they_o into_o covenant_n with_o he_o then_o either_o by_o god_n will_n or_o without_o it_o certain_o not_o without_o it_o if_o by_o god_n will_n then_o either_o by_o his_o will_n reveal_v or_o unrevealed_a his_o unrevealed_a will_n can_v oblige_v for_o there_o want_v promulgation_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o obligation_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v to_o know_v god_n unrevealed_a will_n unless_o remote_o as_o it_o may_v be_v long_o of_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o he_o reveal_v if_o it_o be_v god_n reveal_v will_v that_o must_v thus_o oblige_v than_o there_o be_v some_o sign_n by_o which_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o sign_n reveal_v god_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o duty_n than_o there_o be_v a_o law_n for_o this_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o preceptive_a part_n of_o a_o law_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n so_o that_o you_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o you_o be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o not_o a_o man_n as_o say_v that_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o duty_n by_o god_n reveal_v will_n but_o yet_o not_o by_o a_o law_n or_o precept_n 3._o we_o shall_v anon_o produce_v the_o law_n or_o precept_n and_o put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o ever_o i_o be_v put_v to_o dispute_v a_o point_n that_o carry_v more_o of_o its_o own_o evidence_n to_o shame_v the_o gain-say_a and_o if_o you_o can_v gather_v disciple_n even_o among_o the_o godly_a by_o persuade_v they_o that_o there_o be_v duty_n without_o precept_n or_o law_n and_o benefit_n without_o donation_n covenant_n or_o promise_n confirm_v they_o then_o despair_v of_o nothing_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v you_o may_v persuade_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o son_n without_o a_o father_n or_o any_o relation_n without_o its_o foundation_n or_o effect_v without_o its_o cause_n and_o never_o doubt_v but_o the_o same_o man_n will_v believe_v you_o while_o you_o have_v the_o same_o interest_n in_o they_o and_o use_v the_o same_o artifice_n in_o put_v off_o your_o conceit_n mr._n t._n will_v first_o persuade_v the_o reader_n that_o i_o mean_v nothing_o but_o circumcision_n reply_v long_o ago_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o 1._o the_o female_n be_v not_o circumcise_v 2._o nor_o the_o male_n for_o forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o yet_o be_v all_o church-member_n by_o be_v god_n covenant_v people_n and_o so_o be_v israel_n before_o circumcision_n his_o term_n of_o the_o hiss_v of_o a_o goose_n and_o the_o snarl_v of_o a_o cur_n and_o other_o such_o i_o account_v light_a than_o the_o least_o of_o his_o injury_n to_o the_o truth_n sect_n xxvii_o r._n b._n the_o five_o question_n require_v i_o to_o lay_v down_o this_o assertion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n or_o precept_n of_o god_n which_o do_v not_o oblige_v to_o duty_n and_o no_o actual_a promise_n
will_v not_o be_v harmonical_a so_o that_o as_o god_n promise_n be_v but_o a_o sign_n of_o his_o will_n oblige_v he_o improper_o in_o point_n of_o fidelity_n and_o immutability_n so_o say_v they_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o god_n will_v so_o far_o engage_v he_o so_o that_o as_o he_o can_v not_o let-sin_n go_v unpunished_a without_o some_o breach_n in_o the_o harmony_n of_o his_o sapiential_a frame_n of_o administration_n no_o more_o can_v he_o deny_v to_o perfect_a man_n the_o object_n of_o those_o desire_n which_o he_o form_v in_o he_o so_o that_o although_o he_o may_v have_v make_v man_n such_o a_o creature_n as_o shall_v not_o necessary_o be_v punish_v for_o evil_a or_o reward_v for_o good_a that_o be_v he_o may_v have_v make_v he_o not_o a_o man_n yet_o have_v so_o make_v he_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o be_v govern_v as_o a_o man_n in_o regard_n of_o felicity_n as_o well_o as_o penalty_n 3._o our_o philosopher_n and_o divine_n do_v common_o prove_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o its_o natural_a inclination_n to_o god_n and_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o if_o the_o immortality_n may_v be_v so_o prove_v from_o its_o nature_n than_o also_o its_o felicity_n in_o case_n of_o righteousness_n i_o interpose_v not_o myself_o as_o a_o judge_n in_o this_o controversy_n of_o divine_n but_o i_o have_v mention_v it_o to_o the_o end_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o express_v 1._o it_o be_v most_o certain_a whether_o the_o reward_n or_o promise_n be_v natural_a or_o positive_a that_o such_o a_o state_n of_o felicity_n man_n be_v either_o in_o or_o in_o the_o way_n to_o or_o in_o part_n and_o the_o way_n to_o more_o and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o man_n be_v make_v holy_a devote_v to_o god_n and_o fit_a for_o his_o service_n and_o that_o in_o this_o estate_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o creation_n he_o be_v to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a therefore_o that_o according_a to_o the_o first_o law_n of_o nature_n infant_n shall_v have_v be_v church-member_n 2._o but_o if_o their_o opinion_n hold_v that_o make_v the_o reward_n ground_v on_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o on_o a_o mere_a positive_a law_n and_o you_o see_v the_o reason_n be_v not_o contemptible_a then_o the_o argument_n will_v be_v yet_o more_o advantageous_a 3._o but_o however_o it_o be_v of_o the_o title_n to_o glory_n or_o eternity_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o according_a to_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n infant_n be_v to_o have_v be_v church-member_n if_o man_n have_v stand_v the_o first_o text_n therefore_o that_o i_o cite_v for_o infant_n church-membership_a as_o express_v its_o original_n de_fw-la jure_fw-la be_v gen._n 1.26_o 27_o 28._o so_o god_n create_v man_n in_o his_o own_o image_n and_o god_n bless_v they_o and_o god_n say_v unto_o they_o be_v fruitful_a and_o multiply_v and_o replenish_v the_o earth_n here_o you_o see_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n infant_n be_v to_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o god_n image_n and_o in_o innocency_n and_o so_o church-member_n and_o note_v that_o the_o first_o blessing_n that_o god_n pronounce_v on_o mankind_n be_v that_o they_o propagate_v child_n in_o their_o own_o estate_n to_o be_v as_o the_o parent_n be_v even_o in_o god_n image_n mr._n t._n 1._o if_o this_o prove_v their_o church-membership_a it_o prove_v not_o their_o visible_a church-membership_a reply_n mark_v reader_n that_o god_n law_n and_o blessing_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o adam_n seed_n in_o his_o image_n will_v not_o have_v make_v they_o when_o bear_v to_o be_v visible_a church-member_n though_o member_n what_o not_o so_o notorious_a a_o law_n and_o covenant_n and_o benediction_n no_o wonder_n if_o all_o christian_n infant_n must_v be_v shut_v out_o if_o innocent_a adam_n must_v have_v be_v shut_v out_o he_o add_v 2._o if_o it_o prove_v a_o law_n or_o ordinance_n yet_o not_o suâ—h_v a_o law_n or_o ordinance_n as_o be_v in_o question_n which_o be_v not_o a_o law_n or_o ordinance_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la but_o de_fw-la eventu_fw-la that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v they_o be_v to_o be_v actual_o visible_a church-member_n before_o admission_n according_a to_o mr._n b_n dictate_v reply_n alas_o poor_a reader_n that_o must_v be_v thus_o weary_v i_o know_v nothing_o that_o this_o law_n or_o covenant_n give_v but_o a_o right_n to_o real_a benefit_n that_o must_v have_v answerable_a cause_n i_o know_v no_o right_o give_v but_o it_o be_v eventual_o give_v nor_o receive_v but_o it_o be_v eventual_o receive_v admission_n be_v a_o ambiguous_a word_n my_o dictate_v as_o he_o call_v they_o be_v 1._o that_o god_n law_n oblige_v person_n to_o devote_v themselves_o and_o their_o infant_n to_o god_n by_o consent_v to_o his_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o they_o 2._o and_o to_o do_v this_o if_o they_o have_v opportunity_n in_o the_o solemn_a baptismal_a covenant_a ordinance_n 3._o and_o in_o his_o covenant_n or_o law_n of_o grace_n he_o promise_v to_o accept_v they_o and_o signify_v his_o consent_n to_o the_o mutual_a covenant_n which_o be_v antecedent_o to_o their_o consent_n but_o a_o conditional_a consent_n or_o covenant_n but_o consequent_o actual_a 4._o that_o according_o natural_a interest_n only_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o a_o believer_n child_n be_v a_o church-member_n mere_o because_o he_o be_v his_o be_v god_n have_v give_v he_o power_n and_o obligation_n also_o to_o dispose_v of_o his_o own_o child_n for_o the_o end_n of_o his_o creation_n and_o redemption_n he_o be_v a_o church-member_n initial_o upon_o heart-consent_n and_o by_o investiture_n upon_o sacramental_a consent_n which_o i_o think_v you_o mean_v by_o admission_n 3._o say_v mr._n t._n if_o it_o do_v prove_v such_o a_o law_n or_o ordinance_n yet_o it_o prove_v it_o not_o such_o a_o promise_n and_o precept_n as_o mr._n b._n assert_v reply_n must_v such_o deal_n as_o this_o go_v for_o a_o answer_n what_o be_v the_o difference_n mr._n t._n add_v 4._o if_o it_o do_v yet_o it_o only_o prove_v it_o of_o the_o church_n by_o nature_n reply_v you_o be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o i_o do_v by_o this_o first_o instance_n show_v you_o where_o and_o when_o the_o ordinance_n law_n or_o grant_v of_o infant_n church-membership_a be_v first_o make_v and_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o impartial_a christian_n whether_o i_o prove_v it_o not_o certain_a that_o god_n in_o nature_n make_v man_n in_o his_o own_o image_n with_o a_o increase_v and_o multiply_v signify_v not_o that_o infant_n shall_v have_v be_v holy_a to_o he_o if_o adam_n have_v not_o sin_v and_o so_o have_v be_v member_n of_o the_o innocent_a church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o god_n alas_o many_o go_v so_o much_o further_o as_o to_o assert_v as_o truth_n that_o have_v adam_n stand_v nay_o but_o in_o that_o one_o temptation_n yea_o say_v some_o have_v he_o but_o once_o love_v god_n all_o his_o posterity_n have_v not_o be_v only_o bear_v holy_a but_o confirm_v as_o the_o angel_n i_o can_v prove_v that_o but_o i_o can_v 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many_o other_o mercy_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o though_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o humanity_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o mediator_n or_o head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o infancy_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o must_v be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n then_o and_o not_o according_a to_o this_o argue_v stay_v till_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v those_o work_n and_o so_o be_v it_o with_o his_o member_n reply_n here_o be_v so_o little_o say_v that_o need_v but_o this_o remark_n that_o mr._n t._n know_v not_o how_o to_o deny_v the_o duty_n of_o dedication_n handsome_o which_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n be_v to_o church-membership_a as_o private_a marriage_n to_o public_a where_o publication_n be_v want_v but_o he_o deny_v that_o parent_n may_v dedicate_v they_o by_o baptism_n but_o if_o they_o may_v and_o must_v do_v it_o private_o by_o heart_n consent_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o must_v do_v it_o public_o in_o the_o institute_v way_n as_o for_o my_o bold_a attempt_n in_o prove_v so_o much_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n if_o he_o can_v confute_v it_o let_v he_o not_o strive_v and_o sin_n against_o nature_n sect_n lii_o r._n b._n 2._o the_o law_n of_o nature_n bind_v all_o parent_n to_o do_v their_o best_a to_o secure_v god_n right_a and_o their_o child_n good_a and_o to_o prevent_v their_o sin_n and_o misery_n but_o to_o engage_v they_o betimes_o to_o god_n by_o such_o a_o dedication_n do_v tend_v to_o secure_a god_n right_a and_o their_o child_n good_a and_o to_o prevent_v their_o sin_n and_o misery_n for_o they_o be_v under_o a_o double_a obligation_n which_o they_o may_v be_v mind_v of_o betimes_o and_o which_o may_v hold_v they_o the_o more_o strong_o to_o their_o duty_n and_o disadvantage_n the_o tempter_n that_o will_v draw_v they_o off_o from_o god_n mr._n t._n real_o infant_n baptism_n be_v a_o disadvantage_n 1._o in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o occasion_n whereby_o they_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n afore_o they_o know_v what_o christianity_n be_v and_o so_o be_v keep_v in_o presumption_n etc._n etc._n 2._o they_o be_v keep_v from_o the_o true_a baptism_n etc._n etc._n reply_n this_o near_o concern_v our_o cause_n i_o once_o incline_v to_o these_o thought_n myself_o but_o i_o be_o satisfy_v 1._o that_o infant_n covenant_v and_o baptism_n be_v no_o hindrance_n in_o nature_n or_o reason_n from_o personal_a serious_a covenant_v with_o god_n at_o age_n we_o tell_v our_o child_n and_o all_o the_o adult_n that_o their_o infant_n covenant_v by_o parent_n will_v serve_v they_o but_o till_o they_o have_v reason_n and_o will_n of_o their_o own_o to_o choose_v for_o themselves_o and_o that_o without_o as_o serious_a a_o faith_n and_o consent_n of_o
their_o own_o then_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v baptize_v they_o can_v be_v save_v what_o hurt_n then_o as_o to_o this_o do_v their_o infant_n interest_n do_v they_o 2._o yea_o doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o great_a help_n for_o 1._o to_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o benediction_n be_v much_o 2._o and_o know_v you_o deny_v that_o i_o add_v to_o be_v conscious_a of_o a_o early_a engagement_n may_v do_v much_o to_o awe_v the_o mind_n of_o child_n yea_o and_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o love_v that_o christ_n which_o have_v receive_v they_o and_o that_o society_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v 3._o if_o child_n till_o baptise_a have_v any_o thought_n of_o die_a according_a to_o you_o they_o must_v have_v little_a hope_n of_o mercy_n and_o god_n account_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n best_o no_o not_o for_o child_n they_o can_v well_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o must_v believe_v that_o they_o be_v damn_v if_o they_o die_v and_o that_o 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participation_n of_o benefit_n as_o all_o law_n of_o man_n in_o doubtful_a case_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o most_o favourable_a sense_n so_o have_v christ_n teach_v we_o to_o interpret_v his_o own_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o duty_n to_o god_n they_o must_v be_v interpret_v in_o the_o strict_a sense_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o benefit_n to_o man_n they_o must_v be_v interpret_v in_o the_o most_o favourable_a sense_n that_o they_o will_v bear_v 2._o it_o be_v the_o more_o evident_a that_o a_o not_o forbid_v in_o such_o case_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o leave_v because_o god_n have_v put_v the_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n and_o desire_v our_o own_o welfare_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o child_n so_o deep_o in_o humane_a nature_n that_o he_o can_v no_o more_o lay_v it_o by_o than_o he_o can_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v lawful_o actuate_v or_o exercise_v this_o natural_a necessary_a principle_n of_o seek_v his_o own_o or_o child_n real_a happiness_n wherever_o god_n do_v not_o restrain_v or_o prohibit_v he_o we_o need_v no_o positive_a command_n to_o seek_v our_o own_o or_o child_n happiness_n but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n itself_o and_o to_o use_v this_o where_o god_n forbid_v not_o if_o good_a be_v then_o to_o be_v find_v can_v be_v unlawful_a 3._o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o be_v say_v before_o and_o elsewhere_o that_o it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o silent_a leave_n of_o infant_n church-membership_a that_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v we_o for_o in_o the_o forementioned_a fundamental_a promise_n explain_v more_o full_o in_o after_o time_n god_n signify_v his_o will_n that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o there_o be_v some_o hope_n at_o least_o give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o first_o promise_n and_o that_o in_o the_o general_a promise_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n they_o be_v not_o exclude_v there_o be_v no_o exclude_v term_n upon_o so_o much_o encouragement_n and_o hope_n than_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o enter_v their_o infant_n into_o the_o covenant_n and_o into_o that_o society_n that_o partake_v of_o these_o hope_n and_o to_o list_v they_o into_o the_o army_n of_o christ_n 4._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o accept_v of_o any_o allow_v or_o offer_v benefit_n for_o their_o child_n but_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n or_o army_n be_v a_o allow_v or_o offer_v benefit_n to_o they_o ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n for_o the_o major_n these_o principle_n in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n do_v contain_v it_o 1._o that_o the_o infant_n be_v not_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la but_o be_v at_o his_o parent_n dispose_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v for_o his_o good_a that_o the_o parent_n have_v power_n to_o oblige_v their_o child_n to_o any_o future_a duty_n or_o suffering_n that_o be_v certain_o to_o their_o own_o good_a and_o so_o may_v enter_v they_o into_o covenant_n according_o and_o so_o far_o the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o child_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v unnatural_o sinful_a for_o a_o parent_n to_o refuse_v to_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n when_o it_o be_v to_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o his_o own_o child_n as_o if_o a_o prince_n will_v offer_v honour_n and_o lordship_n and_o immunity_n to_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n if_o he_o will_v not_o accept_v this_o for_o his_o heir_n but_o only_o for_o himself_o it_o be_v unnatural_a yea_o if_o he_o will_v not_o oblige_v his_o heir_n to_o some_o small_a and_o reasonable_a condition_n for_o the_o enjoy_n such_o benefit_n for_o the_o minor_a that_o this_o relation_n be_v a_o allow_v or_o offer_v benefit_n to_o infant_n be_v manifest_v already_o and_o more_o shall_v be_v and_o this_o lead_v i_o up_o to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o consider_v of_o whether_o by_o the_o light_n or_o law_n of_o nature_n we_o can_v prove_v that_o infant_n shall_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o be_v church-member_n suppose_v it_o first_o know_v by_o supernatural_a revelation_n that_o parent_n be_v of_o that_o society_n and_o how_o general_a the_o promise_n be_v and_o how_o gracious_a god_n be_v and_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a to_o we_o by_o nature_n that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o benefit_n if_o god_n deny_v it_o not_o but_o will_v give_v it_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o age_a 2._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v actual_o member_n of_o all_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o world_n perfect_v sed_fw-la imperfecta_fw-la membra_fw-la be_v secure_v from_o violence_n by_o the_o law_n and_o capable_a of_o honour_n and_o
right_a to_o inheritance_n and_o of_o be_v real_a subject_n under_o obligation_n to_o future_a duty_n if_o they_o survive_v and_o this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v also_o capable_a of_o be_v church-member_n and_o that_o nature_n reveal_v to_o we_o that_o the_o infant_n case_n much_o follow_v the_o case_n of_o the_o parent_n especial_o in_o benefit_n 3._o nature_n have_v actual_o teach_v most_o people_n on_o earth_n so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v learn_v to_o repute_v their_o infant_n in_o the_o same_o religious_a society_n with_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o same_o civil_a society_n 4._o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n common_o so_o call_v or_o the_o perfect_a rigorous_a law_n that_o god_n make_v with_o man_n in_o his_o pure_a nature_n the_o infant_n shall_v have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o people_n holy_a to_o god_n if_o the_o parent_n have_v so_o continue_v themselves_o and_o consider_v 1._o that_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n be_v then_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o now_o and_o that_o in_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o way_n of_o propagation_n god_n be_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o order_v it_o so_o that_o the_o child_n of_o righteous_a parent_n shall_v have_v be_v bear_v with_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o enjoy_v the_o same_o privilege_n than_o he_o be_v oblige_v in_o make_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o grant_v that_o infant_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o society_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o have_v the_o immunity_n of_o that_o society_n 2._o we_o have_v no_o reason_n when_o the_o design_n of_o redemption_n be_v the_o magnify_v of_o love_n and_o grace_n to_o think_v that_o love_n and_o grace_n be_v so_o much_o less_o under_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n than_o under_o the_o law_n to_o the_o member_n or_o seed_n of_o adam_n as_o that_o then_o all_o the_o seed_n shall_v have_v partake_v with_o the_o same_o blessing_n with_o the_o righteous_a parent_n and_o now_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o society_n whereof_o the_o parent_n be_v member_n 5._o god_n give_v we_o himself_n the_o reason_n of_o his_o gracious_a deal_n with_o the_o child_n of_o the_o just_a from_o his_o gracious_a nature_n proclaim_v even_o pardon_v mercy_n to_o slow_a thence_o exod._n 34._o and_o in_o the_o second_o commandment_n 6._o god_n do_v yet_o show_v we_o that_o in_o many_o great_a and_o weighty_a respect_n he_o deal_v well_o or_o ill_o with_o child_n for_o their_o parent_n sake_n as_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n show_v and_o i_o have_v late_o prove_v at_o large_a in_o one_o of_o our_o private_a dispute_n that_o the_o sin_n of_o near_a parent_n be_v impute_v as_o part_v of_o our_o original_n or_o natural_a guilt_n so_o much_o of_o that_o reply_n mr._n t._n say_v nothing_o to_o all_o that_o i_o think_v the_o reader_n need_v a_o reply_n to_o sect_n lviii_o r._n b._n yet_o before_o i_o cite_v any_o more_o particular_a text_n i_o will_v add_v this_o one_o argument_n from_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o express_v in_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n god_n will_v not_o refuse_v to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o take_v they_o for_o his_o people_n that_o be_v in_o a_o natural_a or_o law_n sense_n willing_a to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o to_o take_v he_o for_o their_o god_n but_o the_o infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n be_v thus_o willing_a ergo._fw-la the_o major_n be_v unquestionable_a the_o minor_a be_v prove_v from_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n before_o express_v infant_n can_v be_v actual_o will_v themselves_o in_o natural_a sense_n ergo_fw-la the_o reason_n and_o will_n of_o another_o must_v be_v they_o in_o law_n sense_n and_o that_o be_v of_o the_o parent_n who_o have_v the_o full_a dispose_n of_o they_o and_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o choose_v for_o they_o for_o their_o good_a till_o they_o come_v to_o use_v of_o reason_n themselves_o the_o parent_n therefore_o by_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n choose_v the_o better_a part_n for_o their_o child_n and_o offer_v and_o devote_v they_o to_o god_n by_o the_o obligation_n of_o his_o own_o natural_a law_n he_o can_v in_o consistency_n with_o the_o free_a grace_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n refuse_v those_o that_o be_v so_o offer_v and_o those_o that_o thus_o come_v to_o he_o in_o the_o way_n that_o nature_n itself_o prescribe_v he_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o joh._n and_o he_o will_v be_v offend_v with_o those_o that_o will_v keep_v they_o from_o he_o that_o be_v offer_v by_o those_o that_o have_v the_o power_n to_o do_v it_o though_o they_o can_v offer_v themselves_o for_o legal_o this_o act_n be_v take_v for_o their_o own_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o some_o of_o the_o fundamental_a title_n that_o infant_n of_o believer_n have_v to_o church-membership_a and_o our_o obligation_n to_o dedicate_v they_o to_o god_n reply_n mr._n t._n say_v thou_o some_o act_n of_o the_o parent_n be_v legal_o take_v for_o the_o child_n be_v not_o deny_v but_o here_o he_o deny_v it_o and_o i_o leave_v his_o denial_n with_o my_o copious_a proof_n in_o my_o treatise_n of_o infant-baptism_n to_o the_o reader_n sect_n lix_n r._n b._n you_o must_v now_o in_o reason_n expect_v that_o infant_n church-membership_a be_v thus_o establish_v partly_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o fundamental_a promise_n what_o be_v after_o this_o speak_v of_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v any_o new_a establishment_n but_o confirmation_n and_o intimation_n of_o what_o be_v before_o do_v rather_o give_v we_o the_o proof_n that_o such_o a_o law_n and_o promise_n there_o be_v that_o do_v so_o establish_v it_o than_o be_v such_o first_o establish_v law_n or_o promise_n themselves_o and_o from_o hence_o i_o may_v well_o add_v this_o further_a argument_n if_o there_o be_v certain_a proof_n in_o scripture_n of_o infant_n church-membership_a but_o none_o except_o this_o before_o allege_v that_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o but_o all_o speak_n of_o it_o as_o no_o new_a thing_n than_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n upon_o the_o forementioned_a evidence_n to_o assign_v this_o beginning_n which_o from_o gen._n 3._o we_o have_v express_v but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a ergo_fw-la the_o late_a you_o confess_v that_o infant_n be_v church-member_n once_o you_o only_o conceive_v it_o begin_v when_o abraham_n be_v call_v out_o of_o ur._n your_o conceit_n have_v not_o a_o word_n to_o support_v it_o in_o the_o text._n the_o right_a to_o such_o a_o blessing_n be_v then_o new_a to_o abraham_n seed_n when_o abraham_n first_o believe_v but_o when_o it_o begin_v to_o belong_v to_o infant_n of_o believer_n in_o general_a no_o text_n except_o this_o before_o cite_v do_v mention_n nor_o do_v that_o promise_n to_o abraham_n intimate_v any_o inception_n then_o as_o to_o the_o church-membership_a of_o infant_n but_o only_o a_o application_n of_o a_o privilege_n to_o he_o that_o in_o the_o general_n be_v no_o new_a thing_n reply_n to_o this_o mr._n t._n still_o affirm_v that_o infant_n church-membership_a be_v proper_a to_o the_o hebrew_n only_o reader_n though_o they_o have_v their_o peculiarity_n be_v it_o credible_a that_o the_o infant_n of_o that_o one_o small_a country_n only_o shall_v be_v so_o different_o deal_v with_o by_o god_n from_o all_o the_o world_n else_o even_o henoch_n be_v no_o be_v sem_fw-mi be_v and_o all_o from_o adam_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o these_o infant_n only_o shall_v be_v church-member_n and_o no_o other_o what_o unlikely_a thing_n yea_o against_o evidence_n can_v some_o believe_v sect_n lx_o lxi_o lxii_o r._n b._n now_o for_o the_o text_n that_o further_o intimate_v such_o a_o forego_v establishment_n 1._o there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o believe_a intimation_n of_o this_o in_o adam_n name_v his_o wife_n the_o mother_n of_o the_o live_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v what_o bishop_n usher_n say_v annal._n vol._n 1._o p._n 2._o unde_fw-la tum_fw-la primum_fw-la post_n semen_fw-mi promissum_fw-la mulieri_fw-la evae_n nomen_fw-la a_o marito_fw-la est_fw-la impositum_fw-la gen._n 3.20_o quod_fw-la mater_fw-la esset_fw-la omnium_fw-la viventium_fw-la non_fw-la naturalem_fw-la tantum_fw-la vitam_fw-la sed_fw-la illud_fw-la quoque_fw-la quod_fw-la est_fw-la per_fw-la fidem_fw-la in_o seman_n ipsius_fw-la messiam_fw-la promissum_fw-la quomodo_fw-la &_o post_fw-la eam_fw-la sara_n fidelium_fw-la mater_fw-la est_fw-la habita_fw-la 1_o pet._n 3.6_o gal._n 4.31_o he_o put_v this_o name_n on_o she_o after_o the_o promise_n because_o she_o be_v to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o the_o live_n not_o only_o that_o live_v the_o life_n of_o nature_n but_o that_o which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n her_o seed_n so_o that_o as_o she_o be_v
his_o offer_n be_v accept_v i_o shall_v have_v mention_v this_o first_o and_o therefore_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o by_o these_o term_n covenant_n promise_n grant_v or_o deed_n of_o gift_n etc._n etc._n we_o understand_v that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o these_o viz._n a_o sign_n of_o god_n will_v confer_v or_o confirm_v a_o right_a to_o or_o in_o some_o benefit_n such_o as_o we_o common_o call_v a_o civil_a act_n of_o collation_n as_o distinct_a from_o a_o mere_a physical_a act_n of_o disposal_n i_o call_v it_o a_o sign_n of_o god_n will_v de_fw-mi jure_fw-la because_o â—hat_n be_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o all_o his_o legal_a moral_a act_n they_o be_v all_o signal_n determination_n de_fw-la debito_fw-la â—f_o some_o due_n 2._o i_o say_v confer_v or_o confirm_v â—ight_n to_o some_o benefit_n to_o difference_n it_o from_o precept_n which_o only_o determine_v what_o shall_v be_v due_a from_o we_o to_o god_n and_o from_o threaten_n which_o determine_v what_o punishment_n shall_v be_v due_a from_o god_n to_o we_o mr._n t._n if_o we_o prove_v by_o another_o grant_n or_o deed_n of_o gift_n physical_a or_o moral_a which_o be_v not_o a_o promise_n or_o by_o any_o law_n which_o be_v not_o such_o a_o precept_n he_o contradict_v not_o my_o speech_n etc._n etc._n reply_n your_o word_n be_v i_o do_v not_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v any_o law_n or_o ordinance_n determine_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o that_o infant_n shall_v be_v member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o only_o a_o fact_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o transeunt_fw-la thing_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v a_o foolish_a undertake_n to_o prove_v the_o repeal_n of_o a_o fact_n peruse_v his_o word_n reader_n sect_n xix_o xx_o xxi_o r._n b._n have_v thus_o explain_v the_o term_n i_o prove_v the_o proposition_n if_o infant_n church-membership_a with_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o be_v a_o benefit_n confer_v which_o some_o have_v right_o to_o or_o in_o than_o be_v there_o some_o grant_n covenant_n or_o promise_n by_o which_o this_o right_n be_v confer_v but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v most_o certain_a ergo_fw-la so_o be_v the_o consequent_a i_o suppose_v you_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v a_o benefit_n to_o be_v the_o covenant_v people_n of_o god_n to_o have_v the_o lord_n engage_v to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o to_o take_v they_o for_o his_o people_n to_o be_v bring_v so_o near_o he_o and_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o common_a and_o unclean_a from_o the_o world_n and_o from_o the_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n that_o live_v as_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o without_o hope_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o benefit_n have_v the_o circumcision_n i_o suppose_v you_o will_v say_v much_o every_o way_n if_o infant_n church-membership_a be_v no_o benefit_n than_o they_o that_o have_v it_o be_v not_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n or_o their_o parent_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n oblige_v to_o any_o thankfulness_n for_o it_o but_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v thankful_a for_o it_o ergo_fw-la it_o be_v a_o benefit_n mr._n t._n deny_v not_o the_o benefit_n but_o deny_v thou_o this_o be_v to_o be_v visible_a member_n formal_o or_o connexive_o for_o they_o may_v have_v all_o this_o benefit_n who_o be_v not_o visible_a church-member_n viz._n some_o believe_a saint_n that_o be_v dumb_a reply_n mark_v reader_n what_o a_o issue_n our_o controversy_n with_o these_o man_n come_v to_o man_n may_v be_v the_o covenant_v people_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o lord_n engage_v to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o to_o take_v they_o for_o his_o people_n and_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o common_a and_o unclean_a from_o the_o world_n from_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o be_v no_o visible_a church-member_n with_o they_o do_v a_o dumb_a man_n signify_v his_o consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n by_o any_o sign_n or_o not_o if_o he_o do_v that_o be_v visible_a covenant_v if_o not_o how_o be_v he_o one_o of_o these_o covenant_a and_o separate_a people_n and_o do_v you_o think_v that_o mr._n t._n know_v not_o that_o i_o talk_v to_o he_o of_o visible_a covenant_v and_o separation_n and_o not_o only_o of_o a_o secret_a unexpressed_a heart-consent_n what_o will_v make_v a_o church-member_n then_o with_o such_o man_n he_o next_o say_v that_o to_o be_v the_o circumcision_n be_v not_o all_o one_o as_o to_o be_v visible_a church-member_n cornelius_n and_o his_o house_n be_v visible_a church-member_n yet_o not_o the_o circumcision_n reply_n reader_n do_v thou_o not_o marvel_n to_o find_v he_o so_o plead_v for_o i_o against_o himself_o or_o speak_v nothing_o to_o the_o case_n to_o be_v circumcise_v then_o or_o baptize_v now_o be_v not_o all_o one_o as_o to_o be_v visible_a church-member_n but_o sure_o all_o the_o circumcise_a be_v and_o all_o the_o baptise_a be_v invest_v in_o visible_a membership_n be_v it_o not_o so_o and_o if_o cornelius_n and_o more_o of_o the_o uncircumcised_a also_o be_v member_n you_o see_v it_o be_v not_o inseparable_a from_o circumcision_n and_o who_o be_v this_o against_o i_o or_o he_o he_o add_v nor_o be_v the_o benefit_n rom._n 3.1_o 2._o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n confer_v to_o they_o as_o visible_a church-member_n for_o then_o all_o visible_a church-member_n have_v be_v partaker_n of_o they_o reply_n but_o it_o be_v to_o they_o as_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a visible_a church_n and_o if_o you_o plead_v for_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o church_n to_o other_o also_o i_o thank_v you_o for_o it_o when_o i_o say_v infant_n church-membership_a be_v a_o benefit_n he_o say_v visible_a church-membership_a simple_o note_v only_o a_o state_n by_o which_o be_v a_o benefit_n reply_n only_o be_v a_o exclusive_a term_n reader_n by_o this_o thou_o may_v perceive_v the_o mystery_n of_o make_v church-member_n by_o a_o transeunt_fw-la fact_n without_o a_o law_n or_o promise_n it_o be_v no_o benefit_n with_o these_o man_n but_o a_o state_n by_o which_o be_v a_o benefit_n either_o they_o or_o i_o then_o know_v not_o at_o all_o what_o church-membership_a be_v and_o be_v not_o all_o our_o volume_n wise_o write_v to_o trouble_v the_o world_n about_o that_o subject_a that_o we_o be_v not_o agree_v what_o it_o be_v and_o about_o a_o term_n which_o we_o agree_v not_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o i_o take_v a_o visible_a church-member_n to_o be_v a_o visible_a member_n of_o christ_n as_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o his_o church_n as_o visible_a to_o be_v a_o member_n be_v to_o be_v a_o part_n it_o be_v therefore_o as_o the_o member_n of_o a_o family_n school_n kingdom_n a_o relate_a part_n and_o be_v it_o no_o benefit_n in_o itself_o beside_o the_o consequent_n to_o be_v visible_o unite_v and_o relate_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o body_n to_o be_v relative_o a_o member_n of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n sure_o be_v it_o but_o for_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o contrary_a state_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o such_o a_o relation_n to_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o church_n be_v some_o little_a benefit_n and_o great_a to_o i_o and_o whether_o he_o and_o major_a danvers_n and_o such_o other_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o vehement_a stir_n about_o it_o as_o they_o do_v if_o it_o be_v no_o benefit_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v sect_n xxii_o r._n b._n the_o next_o thing_n in_o the_o antecedent_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o right_n confer_v to_o this_o benefit_n and_o some_o have_v a_o right_a in_o it_o and_o 1._o if_o any_o have_v the_o benefit_n than_o have_v they_o right_a to_o or_o in_o that_o benefit_n but_o some_o have_v the_o benefit_n ergo._fw-la the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_n be_v certain_a 1._o because_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o benefit_n consist_v in_o a_o right_a to_o further_a benefit_n 2._o if_o any_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o church-membership_a covenant-interest_n etc._n etc._n without_o right_n then_o they_o have_v it_o with_o god_n consent_n and_o approbation_n or_o without_o it_o not_o with_o it_o for_o he_o be_v just_a and_o consent_v not_o that_o any_o have_v that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o some_o right_n to_o or_o in_o not_o without_o it_o for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o benefit_n from_o god_n against_o his_o will_n or_o without_o it_o 2._o if_o no_o infant_n have_v due_o and_o rightful_o receive_v this_o benefit_n god_n will_v have_v somewhere_o reprehend_v the_o usurpation_n and_o abuse_n of_o his_o ordinance_n or_o benefit_n but_o that_o he_o do_v not_o as_o to_o this_o case_n ergo._fw-la 3_o god_n have_v express_v this_o right_n in_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n of_o which_o more_o afterward_o mr._n t._n the_o infant_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v visisible_a church-member_n not_o
change_v not_o his_o order_n therein_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o consent_v to_o grace_n for_o their_o child_n as_o they_o be_v of_o be_v innocent_a for_o they_o sect_n xlvi_o r._n b._n the_o next_o institution_n of_o infant_n church-membership_a be_v at_o the_o first_o proclamation_n of_o grace_n to_o fall_v man_n or_o in_o the_o first_o promise_n of_o redemption_n to_o sinner_n in_o gen._n 3.15_o an_o i_o will_v put_v enmity_n between_o thou_o and_o the_o woman_n and_o between_o thy_o seed_n and_o her_o seed_n it_o shall_v bruise_v thy_o head_n and_o thou_o shall_v bruise_v his_o heel_n i_o will_v prove_v that_o this_o fundamental_a covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o promise_n do_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o infant_n shall_v be_v church-member_n and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o first_o consider_v what_o the_o word_n express_o contain_v and_o then_o what_o light_n may_v be_v fetch_v from_o other_o text_n to_o illustrate_v they_o it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n that_o a_o expositor_n must_v not_o turn_v universals_z into_o singular_n or_o particular_n nor_o restrain_v and_o limit_v the_o scripture_n general_n where_o the_o word_n itself_o or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n do_v not_o limit_v they_o i_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o these_o thing_n follow_v be_v comprehend_v in_o this_o fundamental_a promise_n 1._o that_o the_o devil_n have_v play_v the_o enemy_n to_o mankind_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o this_o sin_n and_o misery_n god_n will_v not_o leave_v they_o remediless_a nor_o to_o that_o total_a voluntary_a subjection_n to_o he_o as_o he_o may_v haâ—e_v do_v but_o in_o grace_n or_o undeserved_a mercy_n will_v engage_v they_o in_o a_o war_n against_o he_o in_o which_o they_o that_o conquer_v shall_v bruise_v his_o head_n 2._o that_o in_o this_o war_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o principal_a seed_n be_v promise_v to_o be_v our_o general_n who_o perfect_a nature_n shall_v contain_v and_o his_o perfect_a life_n express_v a_o perfect_a enmity_n against_o satan_n and_o who_o shall_v make_v a_o perfect_a conquest_n over_o he_o 3._o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v promise_v to_o do_v this_o work_n as_o the_o woman_n seed_n and_o so_o as_o conceive_v of_o she_o and_o bear_v by_o she_o and_o so_o as_o a_o infant_n first_o before_o he_o come_v to_o ripeness_n of_o age_n so_o that_o here_o a_o infant_n of_o the_o woman_n be_v promise_v to_o be_v the_o general_n of_o this_o army_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v most_o evident_a by_o which_o god_n do_v sanctify_v the_o humane_a birth_n and_o the_o infant_n state_n and_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o do_v not_o exclude_v now_o that_o age_n from_o the_o redeem_a church_n which_o he_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n for_o the_o first_o promise_n be_v of_o a_o infant_n bear_v of_o the_o woman_n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o maturity_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o head_n have_v god_n exclude_v the_o infant_n state_n from_o the_o visible_a church_n he_o will_v not_o have_v make_v the_o head_n first_o a_o infant_n where_o note_n 1._o that_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a exemplar_n of_o his_o church_n and_o in_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o he_o do_v that_o first_o in_o his_o own_o body_n which_o he_o will_v after_o do_v in_o they_o 2._o that_o the_o head_n be_v a_o member_n even_o the_o principal_a member_n one_o of_o the_o two_o part_n which_o constitute_v the_o whole_a as_o the_o pars_fw-la imperans_fw-la and_o pars_fw-la subdita_fw-la do_v constitute_v each_o commonwealth_n so_o that_o if_o a_o infant_n must_v be_v a_o member_n eminent_o so_o call_v than_o infant_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o membership_n but_o be_v hereby_o clear_o warrant_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o low_a nature_n if_o a_o infant_n may_v be_v sovereign_a no_o doubt_n he_o may_v be_v a_o subject_a if_o a_o infant_n may_v be_v the_o chief_a prophet_n of_o the_o church_n than_o no_o doubt_n but_o infant_n may_v be_v disciple_n if_o you_o still_o harp_n on_o the_o old_a string_n and_o say_v they_o be_v no_o disciple_n that_o learn_v not_o you_o may_v as_o well_o say_v he_o be_v no_o prophet_n that_o teach_v not_o and_o if_o you_o will_v open_o deny_v christ_n in_o infancy_n to_o have_v be_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o church_n i_o will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o falsehood_n and_o vileness_n of_o that_o opinion_n as_o soon_o as_o i_o know_v you_o own_o it_o the_o promise_n then_o of_o a_o infant_n head_n do_v declare_v god_n mind_n that_o he_o will_v have_v infant_n member_n because_o the_o head_n be_v the_o principal_a member_n mr._n t._n the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v a_o law_n or_o ordinance_n of_o god_n unrepealed_a reply_v the_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o do_v be_v to_o show_v you_o when_o and_o how_o god_n institute_v infant_n church_n state_n and_o that_o he_o never_o have_v a_o church_n on_o earth_n that_o exclude_v they_o and_o particular_o to_o show_v you_o that_o they_o be_v include_v in_o the_o first_o edition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v to_o adam_n which_o be_v perfect_v in_o a_o second_o edition_n but_o not_o repeal_v this_o i_o think_v i_o have_v do_v mr._n t._n add_v that_o it_o will_v not_o hold_v from_o christ_n headship_n in_o infancy_n etc._n etc._n 1._o it_o be_v not_o declare_v in_o scripture_n and_o so_o a_o mere_a phanâ—y_n 2._o then_o a_o infant_n in_o the_o womb_n shall_v be_v a_o visible_a member_n because_o than_o christ_n be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o then_o a_o old_a man_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o member_n for_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o old_a man_n reply_n 1._o irenaeus_n think_v it_o will_v hold_v who_o give_v this_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o i_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o the_o word_n cite_v prove_v it_o not_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o great_o satisfy_v my_o judgement_n that_o god_n hereby_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o include_v infant_n in_o his_o church_n visible_o for_o the_o head_n be_v a_o member_n even_o the_o noble_a therefore_o one_o infant_n be_v confess_v by_o you_o to_o be_v a_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o one_o it_o will_v be_v incumbent_a on_o you_o to_o prove_v the_o rest_n uncapable_a or_o exclude_v when_o i_o read_v that_o christ_n come_v not_o into_o the_o world_n at_o the_o statute_n that_o adam_n do_v but_o choose_v to_o be_v a_o infant_n and_o to_o be_v persecute_v in_o infancy_n and_o to_o have_v infant_n murder_v for_o his_o sake_n first_o and_o to_o invite_v and_o use_v they_o as_o he_o do_v it_o be_v not_o the_o roll_a over_o of_o your_o wearisome_a dry_a denial_n and_o confident_a absurdity_n that_o will_v persuade_v i_o that_o christ_n shut_v out_o all_o infant_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o the_o instance_n confute_v your_o common_a exception_n against_o infant_n as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o disciple_n because_o they_o learn_v not_o which_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o christ_n be_v their_o master_n in_o infancy_n when_o he_o teach_v not_o and_o that_o their_o infancy_n do_v not_o incapacitate_v they_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o be_v christian_n to_o be_v church-member_n etc._n etc._n christ_n show_v in_o that_o in_o infancy_n he_o bear_v all_o the_o counter-relation_n and_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n as_o mediator_n and_o that_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v only_o by_o a_o virtual_a and_o not_o actual_a consent_n in_o his_o infancy_n and_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o mediation_n mr._n t._n say_v than_o a_o infant_n in_o the_o womb_n may_v be_v a_o church-member_n reply_v yes_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o christ_n in_o the_o womb_n be_v the_o church_n head_n not_o by_o the_o solemn_a investiture_n of_o baptism_n but_o by_o consent_n for_o believe_v parent_n do_v dedicate_v their_o child_n to_o god_n intentional_o when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o womb_n but_o a_o man_n will_v think_v that_o you_o yourself_o shall_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o dedication_n and_o so_o the_o visibility_n of_o membership_n have_v its_o gradation_n to_o perfection_n be_v not_o your_o proselyte_n visible_a member_n in_o one_o degree_n when_o they_o open_o profess_v christianity_n as_o constantine_n do_v and_o in_o a_o further_a degree_n when_o baptize_v the_o interest_n of_o your_o opinion_n put_v frivolous_a reason_n into_o your_o mind_n which_o a_o child_n may_v see_v through_o mr._n t._n add_v than_o a_o old_a man_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o member_n reply_v can_v you_o think_v now_o that_o you_o do_v not_o cheat_v your_o poor_a reader_n if_o partiality_n have_v not_o shut_v one_o of_o your_o eye_n it_o will_v follow_v from_o the_o affirmative_a that_o such_o a_o state_n of_o