set_v down_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o as_o it_o seem_v he_o do_v by_o what_o he_o say_v pag._n 52._o why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v a_o dangerous_a matter_n to_o agree_v thereunto_o for_o the_o substance_n thereof_o we_o have_v indeed_o find_v in_o our_o experience_n much_o good_a and_o benefit_n by_o communion_n of_o church_n as_o the_o reverend_a author_n acknowledge_v pag._n 58_o 61._o and_o his_o acknowledgement_n thereof_o we_o glad_o accept_v but_o we_o have_v also_o find_v that_o the_o want_n of_o ready_a agreement_n timous_o to_o attend_v and_o exert_v the_o act_n of_o communion_n have_v hazard_v the_o peace_n and_o wellbeing_a of_o sundry_a church_n and_o expose_v they_o to_o great_a trouble_n we_o do_v not_o desire_v by_o our_o propose_a consociation_n to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o only_o a_o vigorous_a and_o timous_a exercise_n thereof_o 3._o that_o we_o express_o disclaim_v the_o subject_n of_o a_o church_n unto_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n whatsoever_o propos._n 1._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o reverend_a author_n shall_v put_v that_o upon_o the_o consociation_n by_o we_o intend_v that_o it_o be_v a_o subject_n of_o church_n under_o classical_a jurisdiction_n pag._n 59_o it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a consent_n or_o mutual_a agreement_n of_o church_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n consent_v to_o as_o viz._n the_o power_n they_o agree_v to_o be_v state_v under_o that_o make_v it_o a_o classical_a combination_n or_o put_v those_o church_n under_o a_o classical_a jurisdiction_n what_o though_o the_o voluntary_a combination_n mention_v by_o by_o mr._n rutherfurd_n in_o his_o sense_n do_v infer_v a_o classical_a membership_n and_o jurisdiction_n sure_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o do_v so_o when_o as_o we_o express_o disclaim_v it_o but_o be_v it_o true_a that_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o voluntary_a combination_n of_o church_n they_o become_v a_o classical_a or_o presbyterian_a church_n and_o the_o member_n by_o consent_v thereto_o become_v member_n of_o a_o classical_a church_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o it_o etc._n etc._n as_o be_v say_v pag._n 59_o what_o then_o shall_v be_v think_v of_o that_o know_a position_n of_o dr._n ames_n medal_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 39_o thes._n 27._o which_o be_v express_o cite_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o reply_n to_o paget_n pag._n 224_o 225_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n with_o congregational-man_n but_o their_o profess_a doctrine_n with_o one_o consent_n to_o own_o some_o kind_n of_o combination_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n but_o withal_o we_o constant_o afirm_v with_o dr._n ames_n in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o this_o combination_n do_v neither_o constitute_v any_o new_a form_n of_o a_o church_n nor_o ought_v it_o to_o take_v away_o or_o in_o any_o measure_n to_o diminish_v that_o liberty_n and_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n but_o only_o it_o serve_v to_o direct_v and_o promote_v the_o same_o 4._o let_v the_o reader_n please_v to_o peruse_v and_o consider_v the_o reverend_a author_n eleven_o and_o twelve_o premise_v position_n pag._n 6_o 7_o 8._o and_o compare_v they_o with_o what_o the_o synod_n have_v publish_v touch_v consociation_n of_o church_n and_o we_o suppose_v he_o will_v find_v such_o a_o agreement_n between_o they_o as_o that_o he_o will_v wonder_v as_o we_o do_v to_o see_v the_o reverend_a author_n appear_v as_o a_o antagonist_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o seem_v strange_a that_o brethren_n shall_v be_v willing_a to_o contend_v both_o where_o they_o do_v differ_v and_o where_o they_o do_v not_o also_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v how_o many_o reflection_n here_o be_v upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o will_v cast_v a_o snare_n upon_o church_n by_o straighten_v they_o in_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o their_o church-power_n within_o themselves_o in_o re_fw-la propria_fw-la as_o if_o we_o will_v absolute_o bind_v church_n not_o to_o administer_v censure_n within_o themselves_o etc._n etc._n for_o which_o nothing_o publish_v by_o the_o synod_n do_v give_v any_o just_a occasion_n and_o whereas_o mr._n cotton_n be_v represent_v as_o be_v against_o our_o consociation_n pag._n 60.61_o let_v his_o print_a word_n be_v view_v in_o the_o key_n pag._n 54_o 59_o his_o solemn_a speech_n of_o it_o to_o sundry_a be_v remember_v and_o his_o draught_n of_o it_o a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n be_v consider_v and_o the_o reader_n will_v see_v whether_o he_o can_v join_v in_o belief_n with_o the_o reverend_a author_n about_o that_o matter_n the_o lord_n guide_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n into_o all_o truth_n and_o help_v we_o to_o follow_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n finis_fw-la it_o be_v no_o very_o good_a sign_n of_o truth_n when_o there_o be_v many_o curious_a nice_a &_o dark_a distinction_n use_v to_o defend_v a_o thing_n 〈…〉_z eneru._n tom._n 2._o l._n 6._o cap._n 5_o quest_n ult_n and_o his_o fresh_a suit_n par_fw-fr 1._o pag._n 63_o 83_o 134_o 138._o vid._n rivet_n in_o genes_n 17.14_o ames_n medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 41._o thes._n 7._o 7._o his_o word_n be_v these_o any_o such_o notorious_a offender_n have_v name_v atheist_n mocker_n of_o religion_n witch_n idolater_n papist_n may_v have_v the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visit_v â—e_n to_o wit_n in_o this_o sense_n a_o corrupt_a and_o rot_a member_n fit_a to_o be_v cut_v off_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n though_o former_o a_o in_o offensive_a professor_n of_o the_o faith_n may_v afterward_o fall_v away_o into_o any_o of_o these_o notorious_a scandal_n and_o yet_o for_o a_o while_n still_o retain_v the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a to_o wit_n till_o the_o church_n have_v orderly_o proceed_v against_o he_o otherwise_o the_o church_n shall_v want_v power_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o excommunication_n of_o such_o a_o notorious_a delinquent_n for_o what_o have_v the_o church_n to_o do_v to_o judge_v man_n without_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o but_o such_o within_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o 5.11_o eadem_fw-la eeclesia_fw-la &_o pie_n habet_fw-la secumâ—â—â—_n forma_fw-la â—_o interatâ—â—_n ad_fw-la se_fw-la pertinentes_fw-la &_o impy_v atque_fw-la hypocritas_fw-la se_fw-la undùm_fw-la extenam_fw-la adnascentes_fw-la jun._n animad_fw-la in_o bellarm_n p._n 1113._o 1113._o it_o may_v afford_v parker_n a_o argument_n as_o to_o manifestarii_fw-la peccatores_fw-la the_o notorious_o wicked_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n but_o as_o excrementitious_a thing_n be_v purge_v out_o by_o the_o vigorous_a use_v of_o discipline_n as_o he_o there_o discourse_n but_o it_o touch_v not_o our_o question_n â—oll_n eneru._n tom_n 2._o lib._n 2._o cap._n 1._o 1._o calvin_n opuscul_n pag._n 346._o cartwright_n catech_n pag._n 185._o 185._o disciplina_fw-la subjacent_a omnâ—s_n in_o unitate_fw-la frae_n trum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d oblajante_a usâ—â—al_n senem_fw-la rat._n discipline_n pag._n 71._o 71._o contradictio_fw-la caret_fw-la simpliciter_fw-la omni_fw-la medio_fw-la keck_n log._n pag._n 281._o hooker_n survey_v pag._n 17._o catabaptistae_fw-la decent_a non_fw-la posse_fw-la excommunicationem_fw-la in_o ecclesiam_fw-la reduci_fw-la nisi_fw-la ij_o baptizentur_fw-la qui_fw-la scientes_fw-la jugo_fw-la christi_fw-la collum_n submittant_fw-la bucer_n in_o joh._n fol_n â—5_n see_v mr._n cotton_n express_o hold_v forth_o excommunication_n to_o be_v applicable_a to_o such_o as_o the_o child_n in_o question_n in_o holiness_n of_o church-member_n pag._n 57_o 57_o medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes._n 13._o and_o see_v cap._n 40._o thes._n 6_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 16_o 18._o and_o m._n shepherd_n late_o print_v letter_n pag._n 16_o 17._o 17._o catech._n explic_a in_o â—uast_o 81._o pag._n 426._o 426._o aim_n medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 38._o thes._n 41._o 41._o the_o scripture_n order_n be_v to_o â—ake_v the_o circumcise_n of_o the_o child_n part_n of_o the_o parent_n fitness_n for_o 〈◊〉_d passover_n and_o for_o admission_n hereunto_o let_v all_o his_o male_n be_v circumcise_v and_o then_o let_v he_o come_v 〈◊〉_d and_o keep_v it_o exod._n 12.48_o raâ—â—er_o than_o to_o make_v his_o admission_n to_o 〈◊〉_d passover_n a_o pre-requisite_a to_o 〈◊〉_d child_n circumcision_n gerhard_n de_fw-fr sacra_fw-la câ—na_fw-la p._n 184._o 184._o see_v ratio_fw-la disciplina_fw-la fratrum_fw-la bobem_fw-la in_o hist._n praemissa_fw-la p._n 3_o 3â—_n &_o 39_o â—3_n 52_o 53._o opuscul_fw-la pag._n 37._o syntag._n theolog._n pag._n 1149._o with_o pag_n 1167_o 1168._o 1168._o lec_n com._n de_fw-fr canâ—_n dom._n quaest_n 2._o pag._n 631._o 631._o 〈◊〉_d 137._o pâ—g_n 7â—_n &_o vid._n quaest._n 142._o pag._n 743._o 743._o de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la quaest._n 33_o &_o 34._o pag_n 624_o 625._o see_v the_o leyden_n divine_v synops._n disâ—ut_o 45._o thes._n 14._o &_o disput._n 48._o thes._n 35_o 36._o coâ—pâ—red_a with_o dâ—sput_n 44._o thes._n 50._o 50._o quaest._n &_o resp._n â—â—_o saâ—ramentis_fw-la quaest._n 120_o 122._o 122._o ibid._n quaest._n â—45_n syntag._n lib._n 6._o cap._n 36._o with_o cap._n 55._o 55._o vid._n dutch_n annot._n on_o 1_o cor._n 11.26_o 11.26_o de_fw-fr sacra_fw-la 〈◊〉_d pag_n 18â—_n 18â—_n de_fw-fr baptism_n pag._n 581_o 582._o 582._o explicat_fw-la catech_n in_o quaest_n 74._o pag._n 372_o 372_o in_o quaest_n 75._o pag._n 380._o 380._o so_o much_o parker_n learned_a labour_n among_o other_o show_v and_o our_o congregational_a brethren_n in_o england_n meet_v at_o the_o savoy_n in_o their_o preface_n do_v well_o express_v and_o see_v beverly_n examen_fw-la hoornb_n pag._n 43._o 43._o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o great_a detract_n from_o the_o sacredness_n of_o baptism_n when_o we_o make_v but_o a_o light_a matter_n of_o that_o membership_n and_o covenant_n that_o be_v seal_v therein_o if_o man_n have_v be_v once_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o count_v their_o membership_n stand_v firm_a &_o good_a through_o all_o decay_n and_o degeneracy_n until_o excommunicate_v but_o the_o solemn_a covenant_n &_o engagement_n between_o god_n and_o the_o baptise_a that_o be_v ratify_v in_o holy_a baptism_n wear_v away_o and_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o forget_a thing_n by_o that_o time_n they_o become_v adult_n to_o be_v difficult_a in_o admission_n unto_o baptism_n and_o yet_o easy_a in_o let_v go_v the_o benefit_n of_o baptism_n or_o the_o membership_n thereby_o seal_v and_o to_o allege_v the_o sacredness_n of_o the_o ordinance_n for_o the_o former_a and_o forget_v in_o the_o latter_a seem_v not_o well_o to_o cohere_v 〈…〉_z lib._n 1._o â—_o p._n â—2_n examen_fw-la hâ—ornb_n pag._n 20._o 20._o it_o be_v not_o the_o qualification_n of_o one_o in_o full_a communion_n but_o his_o membership_n that_o give_v his_o child_n right_a to_o baptism_n for_o suppose_v he_o decay_v in_o qualification_n and_o grow_v formal_a and_o loose_a yet_o while_o he_o continue_v a_o member_n uncensured_a he_o have_v his_o child_n baptize_v as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a in_o the_o church_n act_n 8.27_o 28_o 36_o 37._o &_o 10._o â—_o 22_o 47_o 48._o chemnit_fw-la in_o mat._n 3.6_o 3.6_o holin_n of_o church-member_n pag._n 41._o bâ—nè_fw-la auten_v 〈◊〉_d nos_fw-la in_o genere_fw-la de_fw-la iiâ—_o omnibus_fw-la qui_fw-la ex_fw-la fidelibus_fw-la noscuntur_fw-la &_o fâ—e_fw-la deris_fw-la formula_fw-la indefinita_fw-la jubâ—â—_n &_o chaâ—itaâ—_n monet_fw-la bez_n quast_o de_fw-fr sacram._n â—â—_o 123._o 123._o de_fw-fr polit._n eccles._n lib._n 3._o pag._n 168_o 169._o 169._o de_fw-fr polit._n eccl._n lib._n 1._o cap._n 29._o &_o lib._n 3._o pag._n 167._o protestat_fw-la before_o treat_v of_o the_o cross._n cross._n de_fw-fr polit._n lib._n 3._o pag._n 171._o 171._o ibid._n lib._n 1._o cap._n 13._o &_o 14._o &_o lib._n 3._o pag._n 166._o and_o of_o the_o cross_n cap._n 9_o sect_n 2._o holiness_n of_o church-member_n pag_n 92._o 92._o medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 40._o thes._n 13_o 13_o magdeb_n cent._n 3._o pag._n 83._o 83._o sicut_fw-la ergo_fw-la tempere_fw-la illius_fw-la sacramenti_fw-la de_fw-fr câ—â—cumcison_fw-fr qui_fw-fr nasceretur_fw-la circumcideâ—dus_fw-la â—ait_fw-fr sic_fw-la nune_fw-la de_fw-la baptizato_fw-la qui_fw-la nâ—tus_fw-la fuerit_fw-la baptizandus_fw-la est_fw-la august_n tom_fw-mi 7._o cont_n pelag._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 25._o see_v also_o tom._n 2._o epist._n 23._o ad_fw-la bonifacium_fw-la &_o epist._n 75._o ad_fw-la auxilium_fw-la and_o de_fw-fr grat._n &_o lib._n arbitr_n cap._n 22._o 22._o ameâ—_n medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 40._o â—hes_n â—_o â—_o ground_n and_o end_n of_o infant-baptism_n p._n 28_o 29._o prov._n 14_o 28._o psa._n 110.3_o 110.3_o see_v essay_n first_o pag._n 13_o 4._o in_o exam_n of_o prop._n 4._o
the_o above_o mention_v practice_n of_o antiquity_n in_o not_o so_o much_o as_o teach_v the_o catechumeni_fw-la any_o thing_n about_o the_o lord_n supper_n till_o after_o they_o be_v baptize_v indeed_o as_o the_o darkness_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n increase_v baptism_n be_v not_o only_o defer_v till_o easter_n as_o be_v here_o say_v but_o till_o death_n which_o be_v just_o tax_v as_o a_o abuse_n by_o cartwright_n in_o his_o catechism_n pag._n 182._o and_o we_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v approve_v by_o any_o the_o arausiacan_a council_n 19_o canon_n do_v not_o concern_v the_o matter_n of_o baptism_n as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o by_o the_o magdeburg_n centurist_n cent._n 5._o pag._n 907._o but_o however_o it_o be_v it_o be_v of_o small_a moment_n the_o overlong_a hold_v off_o of_o adult_n convert_v from_o baptism_n that_o we_o sometime_o read_v of_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o century_n be_v a_o manifest_a deviation_n from_o the_o apostolical_a practice_n we_o find_v also_o that_o in_o augustine_n time_n and_o some_o age_n after_o they_o give_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o infant_n yet_o than_o we_o suppose_v they_o will_v give_v both_o sacrament_n to_o some_o infant_n who_o parent_n they_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o if_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o grievous_a error_n to_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o infant_n as_o be_v here_o right_o say_v by_o our_o brethren_n how_o then_o be_v baptism_n of_o no_o great_a latitude_n as_o to_o the_o subject_a thereof_o than_o the_o lord_n supper_n yea_o let_v any_o man_n show_v a_o reason_n why_o baptism_n shall_v be_v regular_o extendible_a to_o infant_n and_o not_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o the_o very_o saâ—e_v qualification_n be_v absolute_o requisite_a to_o the_o one_o as_o to_o the_o other_o we_o say_v absolute_o requisite_a for_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o the_o better_a qualification_n a_o person_n who_o receive_v baptism_n for_o himself_o or_o for_o his_o child_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o better_a and_o the_o more_o comfortable_a it_o be_v as_o for_o that_o of_o jewel_n that_o baptism_n be_v as_o much_o to_o be_v reverence_v â—s_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ._n and_o that_o which_o follow_v that_o former_a age_n have_v be_v far_o from_o look_v upon_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o be_v of_o a_o more_o sacred_a nature_n than_o the_o other_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n answ._n to_o assert_v that_o scripture_n rule_v make_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n large_a than_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o lord_n supper_n this_o do_v not_o detract_v from_o the_o reverence_n of_o baptism_n nor_o render_v it_o a_o ordinance_n of_o a_o less_o sacred_a nature_n as_o be_v here_o insinuate_v the_o word_n and_o prayer_n be_v ordinance_n of_o a_o very_a sacred_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v high_o reverence_v and_o yet_o many_o may_v be_v admit_v unto_o they_o that_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v unto_o sacrament_n the_o sacredness_n of_o every_o ordinance_n lie_v in_o the_o holy_a and_o religious_a application_n of_o it_o to_o its_o proper_a end_n and_o use_n by_o divine_a institution_n but_o the_o proper_a end_n and_o use_n of_o one_o ordinance_n may_v by_o divine_a institution_n be_v such_o as_o may_v admit_v more_o to_o partake_v of_o it_o then_o of_o another_o and_o yet_o the_o sacred_a nature_n thereof_o be_v no_o whit_n impair_v cohere_v but_o the_o preface_n add_v indeed_o of_o late_a there_o have_v be_v those_o who_o have_v make_v baptism_n of_o a_o far_o large_a extent_n than_o the_o lord_n supper_n this_o have_v be_v one_o practical_a difference_n between_o congregational-man_n and_o presbyterian_o answ._n whether_o it_o have_v be_v only_o a_o late_a or_o novel_a notion_n to_o make_v baptism_n large_a than_o the_o lord_n supper_n let_v the_o reader_n judge_n when_o he_o have_v consider_v the_o testimony_n before_o allege_a with_o many_o more_o that_o may_v have_v be_v add_v thereunto_o but_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o look_v upon_o a_o different_a latitude_n of_o these_o two_o sacrament_n to_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a principle_n or_o anti-congregational_a as_o that_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o the_o congregational_a way_n can_v long_o stand_v without_o it_o for_o if_o we_o deny_v this_o and_o administer_v baptism_n to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o parent_n do_v partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o so_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n then_o we_o must_v either_o make_v full_a communion_n very_o large_a which_o in_o the_o congregational-way_n where_o brethren_n have_v so_o great_a a_o interest_n in_o church-transaction_n will_v soon_o ruin_v all_o or_o else_o make_v baptism_n and_o consequent_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o straight_o as_o will_v never_o stand_v before_o rational_a and_o scriptural_a man_n yea_o we_o shall_v put_v multitude_n out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o be_v in_o a_o visible_a state_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v absurd_a for_o to_o deny_v person_n baptism_n for_o themselves_o or_o child_n be_v to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n see_v baptism_n ought_v to_o run_v parallel_n with_o church-membership_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o deny_v they_o a_o room_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n who_o be_v once_o in_o and_o be_v by_o no_o rule_n to_o be_v put_v out_o nay_o who_o god_n as_o we_o may_v charitable_o hope_v take_v into_o heaven_n when_o they_o die_v and_o that_o as_o a_o fruit_n of_o his_o covenant-grace_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o of_o our_o child_n who_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v up_o to_o full_a communion_n but_o so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o reason_n of_o our_o brethren_n dissent_n the_o three_o follow_v 3._o the_o parent_n of_o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o institute_v church_n according_a to_o gospel_n rule_v â—_o because_o they_o be_v never_o under_o any_o explicit_a and_o personal_a covenant_n which_o be_v former_a prove_v because_o if_o they_o be_v member_n than_o they_o will_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o all_o their_o parent_n be_v dead_a and_o then_o they_o must_v have_v power_n of_o vote_v in_o church-affair_n which_o be_v deny_v to_o they_o by_o the_o synod_n ans._n .1_o it_o seem_v by_o what_o be_v here_o say_v that_o our_o child_n be_v never_o under_o any_o explicit_a and_o personal_a covenant_n and_o that_o all_o that_o never_o be_v so_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o institute_v church_n according_a to_o gospel-rule_n if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o what_o be_v become_v of_o child_n membership_n which_o the_o apologist_n before_o in_o answer_n to_o objection_n second_o take_v it_o as_o a_o injury_n to_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o seem_v our_o child_n neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v member_n of_o any_o institute_v church_n according_a to_o gospel-rule_n because_o they_o be_v never_o under_o any_o explicit_a and_o personal_a covenant_n be_v it_o come_v to_o this_o that_o child_n be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o institute_v church_n how_o then_o be_v they_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n or_o be_v they_o no_o member_n at_o all_o the_o former_a our_o brethren_n fancy_v not_o as_o it_o seem_v by_o their_o antisynodalia_a pag._n 19_o the_o latter_a than_o remain_v to_o be_v the_o conclusion_n neither_o will_v it_o salve_v it_o to_o say_v they_o be_v member_n in_o minority_n though_o they_o be_v not_o member_n now_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n for_o if_o all_o those_o that_o be_v never_o under_o any_o explicit_a and_o personal_a covenant_n be_v no_o member_n of_o any_o institute_v church_n and_o if_o child_n be_v never_o under_o any_o explicit_a and_o personal_a covenant_n both_o which_o be_v here_o say_v than_o no_o child_n no_o not_o while_n in_o minority_n be_v member_n of_o any_o institute_v church_n for_o our_o part_n we_o doubt_v not_o to_o affirm_v with_o dr._n ames_n in_o his_o chapter_n de_fw-fr ecclesia_fw-la institutâ_fw-la â—2_n that_o child_n be_v member_n of_o a_o institute_v church_n according_a to_o gospel-rule_n and_o that_o they_o be_v under_o personal_a covenant_n i._n e._n personal_o 〈◊〉_d into_o covenant_n by_o god_n according_a to_o his_o gospel-rule_n though_o they_o have_v not_o perform_v the_o act_n of_o covenant_v in_o their_o own_o person_n yea_o under_o explicit_a covenant_n also_o if_o the_o parent_n covenant_v be_v explicit_a deut._n 29._o so_o ames_n 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 though_o we_o take_v it_o for_o a_o principle_n grant_v by_o congregational_a man_n with_o one_o consent_n that_o implicit_a covenant_n preserve_v the_o be_v of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o of_o true_a church-membership_a 2._o the_o consequent_a of_o our_o assertion_n here_o urge_v as_o absurd_a viz._n that_o then_o in_o ease_n all_o the_o pro-parent_n
before_o take_v into_o covenant_n and_o plant_v in_o his_o house_n to_o call_v it_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o to_o say_v that_o child_n membership_n be_v dependent_a upon_o that_o be_v too_o crude_a a_o pâ—râ—se_n and_o too_o much_o abuse_v by_o many_o ascribe_v that_o to_o the_o parent_n and_o to_o their_o profession_n or_o act_n in_o covenant_v which_o belong_v most_o proper_o to_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n it_o be_v god_n covenant_n that_o take_v in_o both_o parent_n and_o child_n alas_o what_o be_v parent_n and_o what_o can_v all_o their_o profession_n and_o faith_n and_o act_n do_v if_o god_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o take_v they_o into_o covenant_n now_o god_n take_v the_o child_n into_o his_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n and_o it_o be_v god_n covenant_n and_o institution_n that_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o chide_v depend_v upon_o and_o with_o which_o alone_a it_o lâ—ves_v and_o die_v but_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o preface_n true_a it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v make_v much_o use_n of_o that_o distinction_n of_o immediate_a and_o mediate_v member_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o carry_v a_o mighty_a and_o constrain_a evidence_n of_o scripture-light_n along_o with_o it_o etc._n etc._n ans._n we_o must_v needs_o say_v this_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o when_o as_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o scripture_n bring_v either_o here_o or_o in_o the_o book_n follow_v to_o make_v good_a or_o hold_v forth_o such_o a_o distinction_n in_o stead_n of_o scripture_n here_o be_v some_o author_n straight_o name_v not_o to_o attest_v the_o distinction_n of_o immediate_a and_o mediate_v it_o seeâ—s_v that_o can_v be_v find_v no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o author_n but_o of_o complete_a and_o incomplete_a to_o which_o the_o answer_n be_v ready_a 1._o if_o some_o author_n have_v so_o distinguish_v member_n yet_o where_o be_v such_o a_o distinction_n of_o membership_n at_o least_o purposely_o so_o intend_v as_o to_o makâ—_n several_a sort_n or_o kind_n of_o membership_n specifical_o differ_v as_o be_v express_o say_v of_o the_o distinction_n here_o plead_v for_o in_o the_o book_n pag_n 37._o dr_n ames_n in_o the_o place_n here_o cite_v do_v not_o say_v of_o infant_n non_fw-la sunt_fw-la 〈◊〉_d membra_fw-la but_o perfecta_fw-la membra_fw-la neither_o do_v he_o say_v non_fw-la sunt_fw-la perfecta_fw-la but_o non_fw-la sunt_fw-la adeo_fw-la perfecta_fw-la membra_fw-la they_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_a member_n say_v he_o of_o the_o church_n as_o 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 the_o privilege_n thereof_o plain_o refer_v the_o imperfection_n or_o incompleatness_n not_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o their_o membership_n but_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o privilege_n hence_o 2._o their_o distinction_n of_o member_n into_o complete_a and_o incomplete_a be_v be_v candid_o take_v as_o much_o as_o our_o distinction_n of_o member_n into_o such_o as_o be_v in_o â—ull_a or_o complete_a communion_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o full_a communion_n which_o distinction_n we_o have_v and_o we_o hope_v just_o make_v great_a use_n of_o and_o for_o such_o a_o distinction_n reâ—â—ipsa_n loquor_fw-la all_o that_o be_v within_o of_o or_o belong_v to_o such_o a_o society_n whether_o family_n commonwealth_n or_o church_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o say_v to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o society_n but_o all_o be_v not_o equal_a in_o participation_n of_o privilege_n therein_o some_o have_v a_o more_o full_a or_o complete_a 〈◊〉_d and_o portion_n therein_o and_o some_o have_v less_o all_o christ_n scholar_n or_o disciple_n be_v not_o of_o the_o high_a form_n nor_o be_v all_o his_o subject_n betrust_v with_o the_o key_n of_o his_o kingdom_n nor_o all_o his_o child_n past_o their_o nonage_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o disciple_n in_o his_o school_n subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n child_n of_o his_o family_n i._n e._n member_n oâ—_n the_o visible_a church_n but_o such_o a_o distinction_n as_o make_v several_a sort_n of_o membership_n specifical_o different_a we_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v clear_v and_o confirm_v either_o from_o scripture_n or_o author_n or_o from_o sound_a reason_n sundry_a distinction_n or_o sort_n of_o member_n may_v easy_o be_v give_v as_o some_o member_n be_v in_o office_n in_o the_o church_n some_o out_o of_o office_n some_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o not_o of_o the_o power_n of_o vote_v as_o woman_n some_o of_o both_o some_o have_v only_o initial_a privilege_n some_o all_o ames_n medul_a lib_fw-la 1._o cap_n 32._o thes._n â—_o 3._o but_o these_o be_v but_o distribution_n ex_fw-la adjunctis_fw-la and_o do_v not_o touch_v or_o vary_v the_o essence_n of_o membership_n nor_o make_v several_a sort_n thereof_o nor_o do_v these_o distinction_n and_o degree_n of_o member_n in_o the_o church_n arise_v simple_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o membership_n or_o from_o any_o difference_n therein_o but_o from_o something_o superad_v unto_o membership_n as_o a_o officer_n be_v not_o more_o a_o member_n then_o another_o but_o his_o dignity_n and_o place_n in_o the_o church_n arise_v from_o somewhat_o superad_v unto_o membership_n viz._n his_o office_n a_o man_n be_v not_o more_o a_o member_n then_o a_o woman_n though_o he_o have_v a_o power_n and_o privilege_n in_o the_o church_n beside_o and_o above_o bare_a membership_n which_o the_o woman_n have_v not_o so_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v not_o more_o or_o more_o true_o proper_o immediate_o and_o personal_o member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o child_n be_v but_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o more_o and_o further_a qualification_n or_o to_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o growth_n in_o the_o church_n be_v by_o rule_n admit_v to_o mor_o privilege_n than_o they_o thus_o in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n there_o be_v many_o sort_n of_o subject_n some_o bear_v office_n some_o not_o some_o admit_v to_o election_n of_o officer_n some_z not_o some_o capable_a of_o plead_v and_o answer_v for_o themselves_o in_o law_n some_o be_v not_o but_o yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o subject_a and_o who_o ever_o make_v a_o specifical_a distinction_n of_o that_o so_o as_o to_o say_v in_o that_o sense_n some_o be_v mediate_v subject_n and_o some_o immediate_a the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o a_o family_n where_o the_o young_a child_n be_v as_o true_o proper_o personal_o and_o immediate_o a_o member_n of_o the_o family_n as_o the_o most_o grow_a person_n though_o as_o to_o power_n and_o privilege_n therein_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n so_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n all_o the_o part_n be_v not_o a_o eye_n a_o hand_n etc._n etc._n but_o all_o be_v member_n and_o the_o mean_a part_n be_v as_o well_o a_o member_n as_o the_o most_o noble_a 1_o cer._n 12._o 12_o 25._o now_o there_o be_v the_o like_a reason_n as_o to_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o membership_n in_o â—_o church-society_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o that_o of_o a_o kingdom_n faâ—â—ly_o and_o of_o the_o natural_a body_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o discourse_n upon_o the_o second_o objection_n in_o the_o three_o place_n our_o brethren_n set_v down_o this_o position_n or_o opinion_n as_o that_o which_o be_v object_v against_o they_o that_o a_o person_n who_o be_v a_o church-member_n may_v become_v no_o member_n by_o a_o act_n or_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o without_o any_o church-act_n in_o censure_v of_o he_o and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d be_v they_o say_v most_o true_a it_o be_v thâ—t_o we_o do_v maintain_v this_o and_o for_o prooâ—_n thereof_o they_o suppoâ—e_v 〈…〉_z of_o a_o english_a fugitive_n of_o one_o turn_v turk_n who_o be_v never_o censure_v by_o any_o church_n ans._n the_o position_n object_v against_o they_o if_o it_o be_v pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n must_v run_v thus_o that_o a_o person_n who_o be_v a_o church-member_n may_v become_v no_o member_n by_o a_o aâ—â—_n or_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o without_o any_o church-act_n in_o censure_v of_o hiâ—_n and_o without_o 〈…〉_z censure_n on_o his_o part_n or_o though_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o deserve_v any_o church-censure_n and_o be_v not_o censurable_a by_o any_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n for_o so_o the_o word_n â—f_o the_o synod_n â—_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o controvert_v five_o proposition_n do_v express_o speak_v put_v that_o as_o a_o 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o person_n admit_v member_n and_o seal_v by_o baptism_n not_o cast_v out_o nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v may_v the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v still_o remain_v become_v a_o non-member_n and_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o unclean_a world_n pag._n 26._o now_o put_v but_o this_o into_o the_o objection_n here_o mention_v without_o
be_v of_o midian_a and_o so_o of_o keturah_n see_v rivet_n on_o exod._n 2._o and_o on_o exod._n 18.12_o preface_n in_o like_a sort_n when_o person_n under_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v abraham_n child_n by_o hold_v forth_o his_o faith_n and_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o simplicity_n and_o goaly_a sincerity_n we_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v just_o deem_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v just_o put_v themselves_o out_o of_o that_o covenant_n which_o their_o parent_n make_v for_o they_o ans._n 1._o the_o person_n in_o question_n i._n e._n the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o synod_n five_o proposition_n do_v in_o some_o degree_n hold_v forth_o their_o faith_n and_o godly_a walk_n while_o they_o be_v profess_v christian_n or_o profess_a believer_n and_o follower_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v from_o their_o infancy_n do_v constant_o attend_v the_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n live_v under_o and_o do_v not_o cast_v off_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o courâ—â—_n and_o when_o call_v thereto_o do_v ready_o profess_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faiâ—â—_n and_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n do_v these_o put_v all_o this_o together_o in_o no_o sort_n show_v themselves_o to_o be_v abraham_n child_n by_o hold_v forth_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o step_n i._n e._n in_o charitable_a and_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n sure_o mr._n cotton_n account_v such_o as_o these_o yea_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o do_v not_o grow_v up_o to_o apostasy_n and_o open_a scandal_n or_o that_o be_v not_o excommunicable_a to_o continue_v in_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o covenant_n faith_n and_o religion_n of_o their_o father_n as_o in_o those_o passage_n of_o his_o that_o be_v point_v to_o in_o the_o preface_n the_o lâ—â—e_a synod_n may_v be_v see_v and_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v ground_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n to_o exclude_v such_o as_o these_o from_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o the_o covenant_n thereof_o 2._o if_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o hold_v forth_o such_o a_o experimental_a work_n of_o faith_n or_o lively_o discern_v and_o exercise_n thereof_o and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o their_o life_n as_o may_v fit_v they_o for_o a_o comfortable_a approach_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n let_v it_o be_v show_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o bare_a defect_n or_o want_n hereof_o be_v such_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o put_v man_n out_o of_o it_o we_o know_v that_o every_o transgression_n or_o fall_v stort_v of_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o account_v in_o scripture_n a_o absolute_a breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o a_o forsake_v and_o reject_v thereof_o such_o as_o for_o which_o god_n give_v unto_o person_n or_o people_n a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n do_v but_o compare_v these_o person_n in_o question_n who_o the_o hasty_a and_o rigid_a severity_n of_o man_n here_o pronounce_v to_o be_v just_o deem_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o have_v put_v themselves_o out_o of_o it_o with_o those_o who_o the_o holy_a but_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a god_n do_v in_o scripture_n call_v and_o account_v such_o breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n see_v jer._n 11.9_o 10._o ezek._n 16.8_o 59_o deut._n 29.25_o 26.2_o chron_n 7.22_o 2_o king_n 17.15_o 20._o and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o cut_v down_o no_o not_o the_o barren_a fig_n â—ree_a till_o further_a patience_n and_o mean_n be_v use_v he_o that_o waiâ—ed_v on_o the_o jew_n who_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n be_v by_o a_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n with_o as_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o ever_o shine_v till_o utter_v incorrigible_a rejection_n thereof_o appear_v before_o he_o account_v they_o break_v off_o rom._n 11.16_o 20._o with_o act_n 13.45_o 46._o &_o 18.5_o 6._o &_o 19.8_o 9_o 1_o thes._n 2.15_o 16._o he_o that_o follow_v jerusalem_n with_o mean_n and_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n till_o they_o stone_v he_o away_o mat._n 23.27_o etc._n etc._n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o he_o will_v reckon_v our_o poor_a child_n to_o be_v break_v off_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v adult_n if_o then_o present_o they_o do_v not_o bold_a forth_o fitness_n â—â—r_n the_o lord_n table_n yea_o when_o many_o of_o they_o be_v it_o may_v be_v secret_o follow_v after_o god_n though_o haply_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v so_o much_o as_o to_o make_v their_o approach_n to_o that_o ordinance_n comfortable_a or_o have_v not_o yet_o the_o confidence_n to_o put_v forth_o themselves_o thereunto_o sure_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o make_v so_o light_a a_o matter_n of_o his_o holy_a covenant_n and_o seâ—l_n whatever_o man_n through_o misguide_v apprehension_n may_v do_v as_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o child_n take_v they_o into_o his_o church_n and_o seal_v up_o their_o take_n in_o before_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o then_o let_v they_o go_v out_o so_o easy_o or_o drop_v off_o one_o know_v not_o how_o 3._o if_o they_o have_v just_o i._n e._n meritorious_o put_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o covenant_n or_o so_o violate_v the_o covenant_n on_o their_o part_n as_o to_o deserve_v a_o put_n out_o yet_o still_o one_o may_v ask_v how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v actual_o put_v out_o see_v the_o church_n have_v not_o proceed_v nor_o see_v cause_n to_o proceed_v to_o any_o censure_n but_o if_o it_o be_v indeed_o so_o that_o they_o do_v deserve_v i._n e._n in_fw-it foâ—o_fw-it ecclesia_fw-la we_o speak_v not_o of_o desert_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o be_v put_v out_o if_o they_o may_v be_v just_o â—â—eâ—ed_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o which_o just_o put_v they_o out_o than_o it_o be_v the_o church_n duty_n actual_o to_o put_v they_o out_o or_o cut_v they_o off_o for_o ecclesiastical_a justice_n as_o well_o as_o civil_a render_v unto_o all_o their_o due_a and_o just_a desert_n and_o those_o that_o be_v ecclesiastical_o breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n ought_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o gen._n 17.14_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v upon_o these_o principle_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o cast_v out_o and_o cut_v off_o all_o the_o adult_a child_n of_o our_o church_n that_o be_v not_o come_v up_o to_o full_a communion_n which_o thing_n how_o horrid_a it_o be_v to_o think_v of_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_n or_o be_v it_o that_o we_o forbear_v any_o formal_a censure_n and_o content_v ourselves_o only_a doctrinaly_n to_o declare_v that_o all_o such_o child_n be_v put_v out_o and_o break_v off_o which_o doctrine_n declaration_n be_v indeed_o contain_v in_o the_o assertion_n of_o our_o brethren_n yet_o the_o harshness_n and_o horrid_a severity_n of_o such_o a_o declaration_n be_v liâ—â—le_a inferior_a to_o the_o other_o and_o very_o contrary_a to_o the_o patience_n and_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n expreâ—â—d_v in_o the_o scripture_n preface_n wherefore_o that_o all_o may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o danger_n nor_o singularity_n in_o this_o our_o assertion_n that_o a_o church_n member_n may_v possible_o become_v no_o member_n without_o any_o act_n of_o the_o church_n in_o formal_a censure_v of_o he_o give_v we_o leaâ—e_n to_o produce_v some_o testimony_n to_o prove_v it_o judicious_a and_o bless_a dr._n ames_n â—aâ—th_v that_o in_o case_n of_o pertinacious_a separation_n suâ—h_v person_n though_o they_o may_v be_v of_o the_o invisible_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n ans._n 1._o suppose_v you_o shall_v prove_v that_o a_o church-member_n may_v possible_o become_v no_o member_n without_o a_o censure_n yet_o we_o be_v still_o utter_o to_o seek_v of_o proof_n that_o â—â—e_v child_n in_o question_n do_v so_o 2._o how_o can_v a_o separation_n be_v proper_o pertinacious_a and_o incurable_a or_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v till_o the_o mean_n of_o church_n discipline_n have_v be_v use_v 3._o ames_n his_o meaning_n may_v be_v that_o such_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v lawful_a and_o approve_a member_n as_o in_o the_o close_a of_o that_o chapter_n de_n consc._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 12._o he_o say_v â—_o schismatical_a church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o a_o lawful_a and_o approve_a church_n 4._o we_o shall_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o some_o good_a divine_n do_v seem_v to_o hold_v that_o in_o some_o case_n of_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o apostasy_n and_o so_o in_o case_n of_o absolute_a and_o universal_a schism_n of_o which_o aim_n there_o speak_v especial_o in_o place_n and_o church_n where_o discipline_n be_v
believer_n unless_o you_o will_v make_v we_o to_o speak_v inconsistency_n again_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d make_v one_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o five_o proposition_n that_o the_o parent_n there_o describe_v be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n and_o do_v we_o not_o then_o express_v this_o that_o the_o parent_n who_o childâ—_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a must_v be_v a_o confederate_a visible_a believer_n and_o be_v not_o that_o all_o one_o as_o to_o have_v true_a faith_n in_o the_o judgement_n oâ—_n charity_n how_o then_o be_v it_o here_o say_v that_o the_o synod_n will_v not_o let_v this_o which_o themselves_o acknowledge_v be_v express_v though_o our_o unity_n lie_v at_o the_o stake_n for_o it_o sure_o such_o misrepresentation_n of_o thing_n with_o so_o much_o injurious_a reflection_n shall_v be_v forbear_v by_o godly_a brethren_n if_o that_o will_v have_v unite_v we_o to_o own_o that_o the_o parent_n must_v be_v a_o visible_a believer_n it_o be_v own_v and_o grant_v toties_fw-la quoâ—ies_n and_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o proposition_n and_o argument_n as_o any_o intelligent_a reader_n will_v easy_o see_v but_o the_o disagreement_n lie_v here_o that_o yourselves_o will_v not_o consent_v to_o any_o such_o acceptation_n or_o to_o any_o such_o character_n or_o expression_n of_o a_o visible_a beâ—â—ever_n but_o such_o as_o shall_v unavoidable_o bring_v he_o into_o full_a communion_n and_o we_o diâ—â—ered_v about_o this_o who_o be_v visible_a believer_n not_o whether_o the_o parent_n that_o have_v baptism_n for_o their_o child_n must_v be_v such_o in_o sum_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o disagreement_n be_v not_o because_o we_o will_v not_o own_v our_o own_o principle_n as_o be_v here_o strange_o represent_v but_o because_o we_o can_v not_o consent_v to_o you_o and_o because_o you_o refuse_v to_o have_v a_o common_a principle_n any_o way_n express_v but_o so_o as_o may_v suit_v with_o your_o own_o nation_n though_o our_o unity_n lie_v at_o the_o stake_n for_o it_o reason_n 2._o the_o second_o reason_n which_o our_o brethren_n here_o give_v of_o their_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n stand_v thus_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n in_o all_o scripture_n to_o apply_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n unto_o those_o child_n who_o parent_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unfitness_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unfitness_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n to_o baptise_v their_o child_n this_o we_o suppose_v be_v the_o assumption_n and_o conclusion_n that_o be_v understand_v if_o this_o second_o reason_n be_v intend_v as_o a_o reason_n of_o their_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n five_o proposition_n unless_o it_o be_v intend_v only_o as_o a_o dissent_n from_o that_o which_o be_v â—â—uched_v and_o contain_v in_o the_o synod_n discourse_n viz._n that_o some_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptise_a who_o yet_o be_v short_a of_o actual_a fitness_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o will_v take_v in_o both_o and_o the_o answer_n will_v easy_o be_v give_v if_o once_o we_o understand_v distinct_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o state_n of_o unfitness_n for_o the_o lord_n â—upper_n now_o by_o a_o state_n of_o unfitness_n must_v be_v mean_v either_o non-membership_a and_o that_o be_v indeed_o a_o state_n of_o unfitness_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o church_n though_o not_o to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n yet_o only_o to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o assumption_n above_o mention_v be_v deny_v for_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n in_o a_o state_n of_o fitness_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n i._n e._n be_v in_o the_o church_n or_o member_n thereof_o to_o they_o belong_v all_o church-priviledge_n according_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v capable_a thereof_o and_o appear_v due_o qualify_v for_o the_o same_o they_o have_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la though_o not_o jus_o in_o re_fw-mi as_o a_o child_n have_v a_o right_a to_o all_o his_o father_n estate_n though_o he_o may_v not_o oughts_z not_o to_z have_v the_o actual_a use_n and_o fruition_n of_o it_o till_o he_o become_v to_o year_n and_o be_v qualify_v with_o ability_n to_o manage_v it_o a_o free_a â—an_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o fitness_n to_o be_v a_o magâ—straâ—e_n or_o deputy_n or_o in_o some_o other_o office_n proper_a to_o freeman_n though_o for_o want_n of_o particular_a quâ—lifications_n or_o orderly_a admission_n by_o election_n he_o may_v haply_o never_o be_v one_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n every_o church-member_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o fitness_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o else_o by_o a_o state_n of_o unfitness_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v 〈◊〉_d want_n of_o actual_a qualification_n fit_v for_o it_o whereby_o a_o person_n either_o be_v in_o himself_o short_a of_o actual_a fitness_n for_o the_o lord_n table_n or_o want_v church_n approbation_n of_o his_o fitness_n and_o â—o_o want_v a_o orderly_a admission_n thereunto_o now_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o deny_v the_o major_n or_o proposition_n of_o the_o argument_n above_o mention_v and_o do_v conceive_v that_o there_o iâ—_n warrant_v to_o be_v â—â—und_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o apply_v of_o baptism_n to_o child_n 〈◊〉_d parent_n do_v want_v actual_a qualification_n fit_v they_o for_o the_o lord_n supper_n among_o sundry_a other_o scripture_n evidence_n of_o it_o one_o be_v from_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o passeover_n and_o circumcision_n in_o the_o church_n of_o iâ—rael_n where_o the_o parâ—nt_n may_v want_v actual_a fitness_n for_o the_o passeover_n by_o manifold_a ceremonial_a uncleanness_n and_o yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o the_o circumcise_n of_o the_o child_n now_o a_o liberty_n of_o argue_v from_o thence_o to_o the_o gospel_n passover_n and_o gospel-circumcision_a i._n e._n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o baptism_n be_v here_o grant_v and_o allow_v but_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o unless_o the_o father_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o fitness_n for_o the_o passeover_n he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o have_v his_o child_n circumcise_a reply_n whâ—t_a state_n of_o fitness_n be_v the_o unclean_a jewish_a parent_n in_o but_o only_o a_o state_n of_o membership_n he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d the_o parent_n in_o question_n and_o they_o need_v not_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a membership_n when_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n no_o more_o than_o the_o jewish_a parent_n after_o his_o cleanse_n do_v but_o in_o two_o thing_n the_o case_n of_o the_o ceremonially-unclean_a jewish_a parent_n hold_v proportion_n with_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n 1._o he_o must_v have_v other_o and_o better_a qualification_n than_o he_o have_v at_o present_a before_o he_o eat_v of_o the_o passover_n he_o be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o state_n of_o legal_a impurity_n and_o so_o in_o regard_n of_o actual_a qualification_n in_o a_o state_n of_o unfitness_n but_o he_o must_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o legal_a purity_n and_o cleanness_n before_o he_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a thing_n 2._o he_o must_v especial_o after_o some_o uncleanness_n of_o a_o more_o remarkable_a nature_n be_v judge_v and_o pronounce_v by_o the_o priest_n to_o be_v clean_o and_o so_o free_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a thing_n levit._n 13.6_o so_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n must_v have_v their_o fitness_n for_o the_o lord_n table_n judge_v of_o and_o approve_v by_o those_o in_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o such_o judgement_n and_o approbation_n do_v belong_v and_o have_v these_o two_o thing_n personal_a qualification_n and_o church-approbation_n then_o and_o not_o before_o they_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o those_o two_o be_v all_o they_o need_v they_o do_v not_o need_v a_o new_a admittance_n into_o membership_n as_o if_o they_o be_v before_o not_o of_o the_o church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o israelitish_n parent_n do_v if_o any_o one_o object_n that_o this_o legal_a uncleanness_n be_v but_o a_o accidental_a and_o ceremonial_a thing_n and_o do_v not_o import_v the_o want_n of_o any_o moral_a or_o essential_a fitness_n for_o the_o passover_n let_v he_o consider_v that_o as_o the_o discipline_n than_o be_v most_o ceremonial_a 41._o and_o hence_o legal_a purity_n be_v then_o a_o essential_a qualification_n unto_o a_o regular_a fitness_n for_o the_o passover_n and_o other_o holy_a thing_n and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o a_o real_a bar_n so_o those_o ceremony_n point_v unto_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n to_o be_v attend_v by_o we_o now_o their_o legal_a cleansing_n wash_n etc._n etc._n do_v import_n and_o signify_v a_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o require_v in_o those_o who_o we_o admit_v unto_o full_a communion_n in_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o
be_v dead_a this_o second_o generation_n will_v be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o further_a act_n or_o covenant_a be_v no_o absurdity_n but_o a_o manifest_a truth_n i._n e._n take_v that_o phrase_n further_n act_n or_o covenant_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o particular_a formal_a act_n of_o explicite_fw-la verbal_n covenant_v for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v a_o further_a act_n yea_o a_o act_n of_o implicit_a covenant_v in_o their_o constant_a and_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o father_n but_o we_o say_v this_o second_o generation_n continue_v to_o use_v mr._n cotton_v phrase_n in_o ground_n of_o baptism_n pag._n 106._o in_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o covenant_n faith_n and_o religion_n of_o their_o father_n be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o make_v any_o explicit_a personal_a expression_n of_o their_o engagement_n as_o their_o father_n do_v even_o as_o the_o israelite_n that_o be_v number_v in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n make_v with_o they_o in_o horeb_n though_o their_o parent_n with_o who_o it_o be_v first_o make_v in_o horeb_n be_v all_o dead_a and_o that_o before_o the_o solemn_a renew_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o they_o in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n deut._n 29._o see_v deut._n 5.2_o 3._o with_o numb_a 26.63_o 64_o 65._o and_o so_o mr._n hooker_n roundly_o and_o express_o affirm_v this_o which_o be_v here_o by_o our_o brethren_n deny_v survey_v part._n 1._o pag._n 48._o 3._o as_o for_o our_o denial_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o vote_v in_o church-affair_n to_o the_o person_n in_o question_n till_o they_o be_v fit_v for_o and_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o stand_v good_a and_o rational_a without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o their_o be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o the_o case_n suppose_v for_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o it_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o case_n of_o a_o true_a church_n may_v be_v such_o by_o degeneracy_n or_o loss_n of_o their_o best_a member_n etc._n etc._n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v at_o present_a unfit_a to_o put_v forth_o or_o exercise_v a_o power_n of_o act_v in_o church-affair_n though_o it_o be_v radical_o in_o they_o till_o by_o the_o use_n of_o needful_a mean_n they_o or_o a_o select_a qualify_a number_n among_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o unto_o a_o better_a and_o fit_a capacity_n for_o it_o and_o example_n hereof_o be_v not_o far_o to_o seek_v let_v that_o way_n of_o reform_v corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a church_n be_v attend_v which_o be_v partly_o suggest_v in_o mr._n allin_n and_o mr._n shepard_n preface_n before_o their_o defence_n of_o the_o nine_o position_n which_o preface_n beverly_n say_v be_v instar_fw-la omnium_fw-la pag._n 10_o 18_o 19_o 20._o viz._n 20._o that_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v true_a church_n and_o call_v by_o the_o powerful_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n to_o humiliation_n repentance_n and_o agreement_n unto_o reformation_n and_o then_o that_o such_o as_o do_v so_o agree_v and_o submit_v to_o discipline_n be_v own_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n among_o they_o a_o select_a number_n who_o be_v find_v upon_o trial_n able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o do_v walk_v according_a to_o christ_n do_v solemn_o renew_v or_o enter_v into_o covenant_n and_o so_o elect_v officer_n etc._n etc._n enjoy_v full_a communion_n and_o carry_v on_o all_o church-affair_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n this_o show_v that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v out_o of_o case_n for_o the_o present_a exercise_n of_o a_o proper_a church_n power_n and_o may_v need_v much_o preparation_n and_o reducement_n into_o order_n before_o it_o come_v up_o thereunto_o and_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v it_o from_o be_v a_o true_a church_n nor_o from_o have_v that_o power_n radical_o in_o it_o and_o which_o in_o a_o way_n of_o due_a order_n it_o may_v come_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o have_v not_o the_o late_a time_n have_v experience_n of_o many_o congregation_n unto_o which_o it_o be_v fain_o to_o be_v a_o public_a care_n to_o send_v minister_n and_o they_o to_o preach_v to_o they_o many_o year_n before_o they_o find_v a_o number_n fit_a for_o full_a communion_n and_o management_n of_o church-affair_n and_o yet_o they_o retain_v the_o be_v of_o true_a church_n and_o church-member_n all_o this_o while_n see_v also_o mr._n shepherd_n late-printed_n letter_n about_o the_o church-membership_a of_o child_n pag._n 18._o we_o may_v also_o ask_v whether_o such_o a_o member_n of_o reason_v as_o be_v here_o use_v will_v prove_v woman_n to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o a_o institute_v church_n because_o if_o all_o the_o man_n be_v dead_a they_o can_v not_o then_o be_v a_o church_n nor_o vote_n in_o church-affair_n choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n but_o that_o which_o be_v say_v may_v suffice_v only_o let_v we_o add_v that_o as_o the_o case_n that_o be_v suppose_v viz._n of_o all_o the_o parent_n or_o all_o that_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n be_v dead_a at_o once_o be_v rare_o if_o ever_o hear_v of_o so_o also_o the_o case_n we_o add_v viz._n for_o the_o whole_a body_n to_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o unfitness_n for_o full_a communion_n by_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n will_v be_v we_o may_v hope_v as_o rare_a if_o discipline_n and_o other_o ordinance_n be_v keep_v up_o in_o their_o use_n and_o vigour_n god_n will_v so_o bless_v his_o own_o ordinance_n if_o due_o attend_v as_o that_o a_o considerable_a number_n shall_v from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v such_o grace_n give_v they_o as_o to_o be_v fit_a for_o full_a communion_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o his_o house_n with_o competent_a strength_n beauty_n and_o edification_n the_o four_o reason_n of_o our_o brethren_n dissent_n be_v this_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a membership_n as_o the_o synod_n speak_v but_o qualify_v membership_n that_o give_v right_a unto_o baptism_n for_o john_n be_v baptism_n may_v not_o be_v apply_v unto_o the_o stand_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n till_o they_o be_v qualify_v with_o repentance_n this_o say_v they_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o the_o strong_a argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o englargemeâ—â—â—f_a baptism_n for_o neither_o do_v the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v any_o such_o mere_a membership_n as_o they_o speak_v of_o nor_o be_v it_o mere_a membership_n but_o qualify_v membership_n that_o give_v right_a unto_o this_o divine_a and_o sacred_a ordinance_n answ._n this_o term_n or_o distinction_n of_o mere_a membership_n be_v here_o as_o also_o in_o the_o book_n to_o which_o this_o preface_n be_v prefix_v much_o exagitated_a and_o harsh_o censure_v but_o let_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o synod_n therein_o be_v attend_v and_o there_o will_v appear_v no_o cause_n for_o such_o exagitation_n when_o the_o synod_n say_v that_o person_n be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v and_o continue_v member_n and_o that_o mere_a membership_n or_o membership_n alone_o do_v not_o suffice_v to_o render_v man_n subject_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n propos._n 4._o p._n 17_o 18._o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o full_a communion_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o a_o member_n as_o such_o or_o to_o a_o person_n mere_o because_o he_o be_v a_o member_n for_o than_o it_o will_v belong_v to_o all_o member_n which_o it_o do_v not_o a_o person_n may_v be_v a_o member_n or_o in_o memberly_n relation_n and_o yet_o not_o bein_z full_a communion_n now_o to_o say_v that_o mere_a membership_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v not_o be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v not_o logical_a distinction_n between_o thing_n in_o their_o abstract_n and_o general_a nature_n and_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o clothe_v with_o various_a adjunct_n and_o accession_n which_o to_o say_v be_v strange_o to_o forget_v ourselves_o but_o when_o it_o be_v hence_o infer_v and_o put_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o set_v up_o a_o mere_a membership_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o mere_a member_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o unnecessary_a reflection_n as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o riches_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o man_n mere_o as_o man_n or_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v man_n will_v it_o be_v a_o good_a inference_n to_o say_v that_o we_o set_v up_o a_o sort_n of_o mere_a man_n or_o a_o mere_a humanity_n exist_v alone_a or_o that_o we_o distinguish_v man_n into_o mere_a man_n and_o rich_a man_n there_o be_v no_o individual_a man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n i._n e._n that_o have_v a_o naked_a humanity_n without_o adjunct_n yet_o logic_n distinguish_v between_o humanity_n and_o its_o adjunct_n and_o between_o what_o belong_v to_o a_o man_n as_o such_o and_o what_o accrue_v
baptism_n unto_o his_o child_n whereunto_o be_v add_v somewhat_o out_o of_o bucer_n parker_n and_o mr._n cotton_n as_o concur_v with_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o brethren_n ans._n take_v capable_a of_o receive_v baptism_n himself_o or_o right_o to_o baptism_n himself_o for_o a_o state_n of_o baptism-right_a or_o capacity_n we_o may_v grant_v the_o major_n but_o the_o minor_a in_o manifest_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o take_v it_o for_o a_o frame_n of_o actual_a fitness_n to_o receive_v baptism_n we_o can_v say_v that_o we_o may_v grant_v the_o minor_a but_o sure_o the_o major_n will_v not_o hold_v it_o be_v true_a that_o that_o which_o do_v not_o put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o state_n of_o right_a to_o baptism_n for_o himself_o in_o case_n he_o be_v unbaptise_v i._n e._n into_o a_o state_n of_o church-membership_a will_v not_o enable_v he_o to_o give_v baptism-right_a to_o his_o child_n if_o the_o parent_n be_v not_o a_o member_n or_o not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o covenant_n interest_n none_o of_o we_o plead_v for_o the_o child_n baptism_n and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d sure_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o subject_a of_o baptism_n or_o in_o a_o state_n of_o right_a to_o it_o as_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v whatever_o may_v the_o facto_fw-la hinder_v it_o but_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o adult_n person_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o member_n and_o so_o of_o right_a to_o baptism_n to_o have_v something_o fall_v in_o which_o may_v hinder_v the_o actual_a application_n of_o baptism_n to_o himself_o in_o case_n he_o be_v unbaptise_v or_o his_o actual_a fitness_n for_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v not_o hinder_v a_o person_n already_o baptize_v and_o stand_v in_o a_o covenant-state_n from_o convey_v baptism-right_a to_o his_o child_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o right_n of_o the_o child_n depend_v upon_o the_o state_n of_o the_o parent_n that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o membership_n for_o if_o so_o then_o divine_a institution_n carry_v or_o transmit_v membership_n and_o so_o baptism-right_a to_o the_o child_n but_o the_o parent_n regular_a partake_n of_o this_o or_o that_o ordinance_n for_o himself_o depend_v much_o upon_o his_o own_o actual_a fitness_n for_o it_o as_o suppose_v a_o unbaptised_a adult_n person_n admit_v into_o the_o church_n who_o before_o he_o be_v baptize_v fall_n into_o some_o great_a offence_n though_o such_o a_o case_n can_v hardly_o fall_v out_o if_o baptism_n be_v administer_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o apostolical_a practice_n i._n e._n immediate_o upon_o first_o admission_n matth._n 28.19_o act_n 16.33_o much_o more_o be_v it_o a_o harsh_a and_o strange_a supposition_n for_o a_o parent_n that_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v and_o be_v baptize_v in_o his_o infancy_n to_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v yet_o unbaptise_v but_o allow_v the_o supposition_n that_o a_o person_n 〈◊〉_d in_o adult_n age_n fall_v into_o offence_n before_o he_o be_v baptize_v he_o may_v be_v call_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o it_o and_o to_o show_v himself_o in_o a_o more_o serious_a and_o penitent_a frame_n before_o himself_o receive_v baptism_n but_o suppose_v he_o die_v before_o he_o do_v that_o and_o leave_v child_n behind_o he_o shall_v not_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o like_a manner_n if_o a_o person_n already_o baptize_v yea_o or_o already_o in_o full_a communion_n shall_v fall_v into_o offence_n you_o will_v say_v that_o will_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o his_o own_o baptism_n in_o case_n upon_o a_o impossible_a supposition_n he_o be_v yet_o unbaptise_v but_o what_o rule_n or_o reason_n be_v there_o for_o it_o to_o make_v a_o particular_a offence_n in_o the_o parent_n to_o cut_v oâ—_n the_o child_n right_a to_o baptism_n when_o as_o the_o parent_n be_v notwithstanding_o that_o offence_n still_o a_o member_n and_o within_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o show_v any_o such_o incorrigibleness_n as_o that_o 〈◊〉_d be_v by_o rule_n to_o be_v put_v out_o when_o as_o the_o offence_n do_v not_o cut_v off_o the_o parent_n membership_n be_v there_o any_o reason_n it_o shall_v cut_v off_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o child_n and_o if_o it_o cut_v not_o of_o the_o child_n membership_n it_o do_v not_o cut_v off_o his_o right_n to_o baptism_n whatever_o may_v be_v say_v for_o require_v the_o parent_n to_o confess_v his_o sin_n before_o his_o child_n baptism_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o more_o expedient_a and_o comfortable_a manner_n of_o administration_n therein_o we_o oppose_v not_o yet_o where_o do_v the_o scripture_n allow_v we_o to_o disannul_v the_o child_n right_a to_o baptism_n upon_o a_o particular_a offence_n in_o the_o parent_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v not_o such_o as_o do_v touch_v upon_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n and_o notwithstanding_o which_o the_o parent_n be_v regular_o and_o orderly_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o there_o may_v be_v obstruction_n to_o a_o parent_n receive_v baptism_n for_o himself_o in_o case_n he_o be_v unbaptise_v which_o do_v not_o incapacitate_v a_o baptize_v parent_n to_o transmit_v if_o we_o may_v attribute_v transmit_v to_o a_o parent_n which_o be_v proper_o the_o act_n of_o god_n institution_n and_o covenant_n right_a of_o baptism_n unto_o his_o child_n but_o for_o the_o minor_a or_o assumption_n of_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n it_o will_v not_o hold_v in_o either_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o proposition_n above_o give_v for_o 1._o we_o will_v ready_o grant_v that_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o baptism-right_a himself_o i._n e._n in_o a_o state_n of_o membership_n he_o can_v convey_v baptism-right_a to_o his_o child_n but_o how_o manifest_a be_v it_o that_o that_o which_o the_o synod_n have_v say_v in_o their_o five_o proposition_n do_v render_v the_o person_n there_o describe_v in_o a_o state_n of_o right_a to_o baptism_n for_o themselves_o in_o case_n they_o be_v unbaptise_v viz._n in_o a_o state_n of_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o the_o proposition_n speak_v of_o church-member_n such_o as_o be_v admit_v member_n in_o minority_n and_o do_v orderly_a and_o regular_o so_o continue_v and_o that_o a_o state_n of_o membership_n be_v a_o state_n of_o baptism-right_a or_o that_o all_o church-member_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o subject_n of_o baptism_n be_v a_o evident_a truth_n that_o can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o that_o grant_v the_o synod_n first_o proposition_n for_o which_o there_o be_v sun-light_n in_o scripture_n and_o never_o be_v orthodox_n divine_a hear_v of_o that_o question_v it_o hence_o according_a to_o that_o rule_v case_n here_o mention_v the_o parent_n in_o question_n have_v themselves_o a_o title_n to_o baptism_n may_v entitle_v other_o they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o title_n to_o it_o but_o regular_a and_o actual_a possession_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o in_o case_n they_o be_v yet_o unbaptise_v they_o will_v be_v church-member_n have_v a_o title_n of_o right_n unto_o it_o they_o will_v stand_v possess_v of_o a_o interest_n in_o a_o title_n to_o it_o as_o mr._n hooker_n in_o the_o place_n here_o allege_v speaks_z whatever_o may_v de_fw-mi facto_fw-la hinder_v their_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o and_o as_o à _fw-la non_fw-la habente_fw-la potestatem_fw-la act_n be_v invalid_a so_o ab_fw-la habente_fw-la potestatem_fw-la they_o be_v valid_a and_o good_a but_o god_n have_v full_a power_n to_o give_v forth_o what_o grant_v he_o please_v and_o he_o have_v in_o the_o order_n of_o his_o covenant_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n grant_v a_o membership_n and_o so_o baptism-right_a unto_o child_n bear_v of_o parent_n that_o be_v member_n and_o so_o the_o parent_n that_o stand_v member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v as_o a_o instrument_n under_o god_n and_o from_o his_o grant_n power_n to_o 〈◊〉_d such_o a_o right_a unto_o his_o child_n child_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n because_o they_o come_v from_o parent_n within_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o they_o be_v include_v and_o so_o receive_v also_o by_o god_n say_v mr._n hooker_n in_o the_o place_n that_o be_v here_o cite_v survey_v part_n 3._o pag._n 18._o 2._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v yield_v that_o the_o parent_n describe_v by_o the_o synod_n in_o their_o five_o proposition_n will_v not_o have_v right_a to_o baptism_n themseluâ—s_o in_o case_n they_o be_v unbaptise_v though_o you_o take_v right_a to_o baptism_n for_o actual_a and_o immediate_a fitness_n for_o the_o same_o in_o fero_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la sure_o he_o will_v have_v a_o hard_a talk_n who_o shall_v undertake_v out_o of_o scripture_n or_o orthodox_n divine_v to_o show_v that_o adult_a person_n understanding_n and_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v the_o same_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o solemn_o take_v hâ—ld_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o they_o
apply_v to_o they_o in_o all_o this_o therefore_o we_o see_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n or_o reason_n to_o necessitate_v a_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n our_o brethren_n have_v one_o thing_n more_o yet_o to_o add_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o great_a corruption_n and_o pollution_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n answ._n 1._o and_o be_v there_o no_o danger_n of_o corruption_n by_o over-straitning_a the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o corruption_n to_o take_v from_o the_o rule_n as_o well_o as_o to_o add_v to_o it_o and_o a_o corruption_n that_o our_o weakness_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o and_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o break_v god_n covenant_n by_o not_o apply_v the_o initiate_a seal_n unto_o those_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o even_o unto_o all_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n gen._n 17.9_o 10_o 14._o moses_n find_v danger_n in_o it_o exod._n 4.24_o be_v there_o no_o danger_n of_o put_v those_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n who_o christ_n will_v have_v keep_v in_o and_o deprive_v they_o of_o those_o church_n advantage_n rom._n 3.1_o 2._o that_o may_v help_v they_o towards_o heaven_n even_o christ_n own_o disciple_n may_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o incur_v his_o displeasure_n by_o keep_v poor_a little_a oneâ—_n away_o from_o he_o mark_v 10.13_o 14._o to_o go_v pluck_v up_o all_o the_o tare_n be_v a_o â—ealous_a motion_n and_o have_v a_o good_a intention_n but_o the_o housholder_n conclude_v there_o be_v danger_n in_o it_o of_o pluck_v up_o the_o wheat_n also_o 2._o if_o the_o enlargement_n be_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o rule_n it_o will_v bring_v in_o corruption_n else_o not_o our_o work_n be_v therefore_o to_o study_v the_o rule_n and_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o as_o the_o only_a true_a way_n to_o the_o church_n purity_n and_o glory_n to_o go_v aside_o from_o that_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n wlll_v bring_v corruption_n as_o well_o as_o to_o go_v to_o the_o left_a the_o way_n of_o anabaptist_n viz._n to_o admit_v none_o to_o membership_n and_o baptism_n but_o adult_n professor_n be_v the_o straight_a way_n and_o one_o will_v think_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o way_n of_o great_a purity_n but_o experience_n have_v abundant_o show_v the_o contrary_a that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o inlet_n to_o great_a corruption_n and_o looseness_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o a_o troublesome_a dangerous_a underminer_n of_o reformation_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n own_o way_n and_o his_o institution_n only_o which_o he_o will_v bless_v and_o not_o man_n invention_n though_o never_o so_o plausible_a neither_o have_v god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n so_o institute_v the_o frame_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n thereby_o as_o to_o make_v a_o perfect_a separation_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a or_o to_o make_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o initial_a instruction_n needless_a in_o the_o church_n conversion_n 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o fruit_n of_o the_o covenant_n say_v mr_n coâ—ton_n 29._o if_o we_o do_v not_o keep_v in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o convert_v grace-giving_a covenant_n and_o keep_v person_n under_o those_o church-dispensation_n wherein_o grace_n be_v give_v the_o church_n will_v die_v of_o a_o linger_a though_o not_o of_o a_o violent_a death_n the_o lord_n have_v not_o set_v up_o church_n only_o that_o a_o few_o old_a christian_n may_v keep_v one_o another_o warm_a while_n they_o live_v and_o then_o carry_v away_o the_o church_n into_o the_o cold_a grave_n with_o they_o when_o they_o die_v no_o but_o that_o they_o may_v with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o with_o all_o the_o obligation_n and_o advantage_n to_o that_o care_n that_o may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d up_o still_o successive_o another_o generation_n of_o subject_n to_o christ_n that_o may_v stand_v up_o in_o his_o kingdom_n when_o they_o be_v go_v that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v a_o people_n and_o kingdom_n successive_o continue_v to_o he_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o we_o may_v be_v very_o injurious_a to_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o too_o much_o straighten_n and_o narrow_a the_o bound_n of_o his_o kingdom_n or_o visible_a church_n here_o on_o earth_n certain_o enlargement_n so_o it_o be_v a_o regular_a enlargement_n thereof_o be_v a_o very_a desirable_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n to_o christ_n to_o have_v many_o willing_a subject_n as_o these_o be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o very_o suitable_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n 110.3_o in_o church-reformation_n it_o be_v a_o observable_a truth_n say_v â—areus_fw-la on_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o tare_n that_o those_o that_o be_v for_o too_o much_o strictness_n do_v more_o buâ—t_a then_o profit_v the_o church_n see_v diodaâ—e_n on_o matt._n 13.29_o cyprian_n epist._n 51._o 3._o there_o be_v apparent_o a_o great_a â—anger_n of_o corruption_n to_o the_o church_n by_o enlarge_a the_o subject_n of_o full_a communion_n and_o admit_v unqualify_v or_o mean_o qualify_v person_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o vote_v in_o the_o church_n whereby_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v soon_o be_v prejudice_v and_o election_n admission_n censure_n so_o carry_v as_o will_v be_v hazardous_a thereunto_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o temptation_n viz._n to_o ever-enlarge_a full_a communion_n it_o baptism_n be_v limit_v to_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v thereunto_o and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v that_o many_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o other_o be_v more_o against_o the_o non-admission_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n to_o full_a communion_n then_o against_o the_o admission_n of_o their_o child_n to_o baptism_n how_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o then_o to_o object_n against_o we_o â—s_a corrupter_n of_o the_o church_n when_o we_o stand_v for_o a_o great_a strictness_n than_o they_o in_o that_o wherein_o the_o main_a danger_n of_o church-corrupting_a lie_n we_o doubt_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o that_o principle_n which_o have_v be_v hold_v forth_o by_o our_o brethren_n viz._n that_o if_o the_o church_n can_v have_v any_o hope_n of_o person_n that_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n iâ—_n they_o though_o never_o so_o little_a they_o ought_v be_v adult_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n this_o we_o say_v will_n if_o follow_v bring_v corruption_n and_o impurity_n into_o church_n for_o he_o must_v abandon_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n that_o can_v hope_v this_o of_o multitude_n of_o young_a person_n that_o grow_v up_o among_o we_o who_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v present_o admit_v to_o full_a communion_n we_o shall_v soon_o feel_v a_o change_n in_o the_o management_n of_o churchâ—affairs_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o formality_n and_o common_a profession_n will_v soon_o be_v advance_v above_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o strictness_n as_o to_o full_a communion_n scripture_n and_o reason_n must_v determine_v and_o be_v this_o the_o place_n of_o that_o dispute_n we_o have_v much_o to_o say_v in_o it_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a the_o practice_n of_o these_o church_n hitherto_o have_v be_v for_o it_o as_o also_o their_o profession_n in_o the_o synod_n in_o 1648._o platform_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 12._o sect._n 7._o hence_o to_o depart_v from_o that_o will_v be_v a_o real_a departure_n from_o our_o former_a practice_n and_o profession_n whereas_o to_o enlarge_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n of_o all_o that_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n be_v but_o a_o progress_n to_o that_o practice_n that_o suit_v with_o our_o profession_n but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v and_o stand_v for_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n when_o as_o we_o stand_v for_o such_o qualification_n as_o we_o do_v in_o those_o we_o will_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n and_o do_v withstand_v those_o notion_n and_o reason_n that_o will_v infer_v a_o laxness_n therein_o which_o have_v apparent_a peril_n in_o it_o but_o we_o can_v hardly_o imagine_v what_o hurt_v it_o will_v do_v or_o what_o danger_n of_o spoil_v the_o church_n there_o be_v in_o it_o for_o poor_a child_n to_o be_v take_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o wing_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o to_o be_v under_o church-care_n and_o discipline_n and_o government_n for_o their_o soul_n good_a to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o initiation_n and_o education_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o have_v baptism_n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o initiation_n when_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o
come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n nor_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o the_o management_n of_o church-affair_n as_o election_n of_o officer_n admission_n and_o censure_n of_o member_n until_o as_o a_o fruit_n of_o the_o foresay_a help_n and_o mean_n they_o attain_v to_o such_o qualification_n as_o may_v render_v their_o admission_n into_o full_a communion_n safe_a and_o comfortable_a both_o to_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o church_n in_o sum_n we_o make_v account_n that_o if_o we_o keep_v baptism_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o non-excommunicable_a and_o the_o lord_n supper_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o those_o that_o have_v unto_o charity_n somewhat_o of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o grace_n in_o exercise_n we_o shall_v be_v near_o about_o the_o right_a middle-way_n of_o church-reformation_n and_o as_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o due_a purity_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v the_o due_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n that_o must_v do_v that_o as_o our_o divine_n unanimous_o acknowledge_v for_o that_o be_v god_n own_o appoint_a way_n and_o the_o lord_n make_v and_o keep_v we_o all_o careful_a and_o faithul_n therein_o not_o the_o curtail_v of_o the_o covenant_n which_o may_v be_v man_n way_n but_o be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o god_n wherein_o alone_o we_o may_v expect_v his_o blessing_n the_o good_a lord_n pardon_v the_o imperfection_n and_o fail_n that_o attend_v we_o in_o these_o debate_n accept_v of_o what_o be_v according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o establish_v it_o save_v we_o from_o corrupt_a extreme_n on_o either_o hand_n and_o give_v unto_o his_o people_n one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n to_o fear_v he_o for_o ever_o for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o and_o of_o their_o child_n after_o they_o errata_fw-la in_o the_o book_n follow_v page_n 12._o line_n 18._o their_o infancy_n read_v from_o infancy_n pag._n 22._o lin_v 16._o he_o add_v r._n here_o add_v pag._n 49._o lin_v 4._o there_o r._n here_o pag._n 53._o lin_v 35._o his_o r._n this_o pag._n 60._o lin_v 7._o of_o that_o r._n of_o the_o pag._n 66._o lin_v 1._o do_v run_v r._n do_v not_o run_v pag._n 98._o lin_v 11._o do_v administer_v r._n so_o administer_v in_o answ._n to_o the_o preface_n pag._n 11._o lin_v 33._o mor_o r._n more_o pag._n 16._o lin_v ult_n into_o r._n unto_o a_o defence_n of_o the_o answer_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n meet_v at_o boston_n in_o the_o year_n 1662._o concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n against_o the_o reply_n make_v thereto_o by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n john_n dâ—venporâ—_n in_o his_o treatise_n entitle_v another_o essay_n for_o investigation_n of_o the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n the_o reverend_a author_n in_o this_o his_o essay_n before_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v to_o that_o which_o the_o synod_n deliver_v do_v premise_v eleven_o or_o twelve_o position_n by_o which_o he_o say_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o so_o far_o and_o no_o further_a to_o be_v approve_v and_o receive_v as_o a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o they_o with_o thâ—se_a may_v be_v clear_v etc._n etc._n pag._n 8._o concern_v which_o position_n we_o will_v not_o say_v much_o because_o the_o intendment_n in_o this_o defâ—nce_n be_v only_o to_o clear_v what_o be_v say_v by_o the_o synod_n against_o what_o this_o reverend_a author_n say_v against_o the_o same_o in_o his_o 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o until_o he_o speak_v to_o what_o the_o synod_n deliver_v we_o think_v it_o not_o needful_a to_o insist_v long_o upon_o these_o premise_a position_n only_o this_o we_o may_v say_v concern_v they_o that_o though_o sundry_a thing_n in_o they_o be_v sound_a and_o good_a yet_o the_o posiâ—ions_n themselves_o be_v not_o scripture_n but_o his_o own_o private_a collection_n therefore_o we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o take_v these_o position_n as_o the_o standard_n and_o rule_n by_o which_o to_o judge_v of_o what_o the_o synod_n say_v but_o if_o the_o synod_n doctrine_n be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n we_o think_v that_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o defence_n thereof_o whether_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o premise_a position_n or_o not_o and_o when_o himself_o pag._n 1._o do_v commend_v it_o as_o a_o good_a profession_n in_o the_o synod_n that_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n they_o do_v whole_o refer_v themselves_o have_v it_o not_o be_v also_o commendable_a in_o he_o to_o have_v do_v the_o like_a rather_o than_o to_o lay_v down_o position_n though_o he_o conceive_v they_o right_o deduce_v from_o scripture_n and_o then_o to_o say_v nothing_o be_v to_o be_v approve_v further_a than_o it_o consent_v with_o those_o position_n himself_o may_v please_v to_o consider_v of_o this_o but_o to_o leave_v this_o of_o the_o premise_a position_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o main_a business_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n the_o first_o proposition_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v this_o viz._n they_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n the_o second_o be_v this_o viz._n the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n in_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n i._n e._n child_n in_o 〈◊〉_d who_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n now_o what_o say_v the_o reverend_a author_n to_o these_o that_o which_o he_o say_v be_v this_o i_o can_v approve_v the_o two_o first_o proposition_n without_o some_o change_n of_o the_o term_n in_o the_o first_o thus_o they_o that_o according_a to_o christ_n ordinance_n be_v regular_a and_o actual_a member_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o thus_o the_o actual_a and_o regular_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o christ_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 9_o answ._n so_o that_o the_o alteration_n require_v be_v that_o in_o stead_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v christ_n ordinance_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o member_n actual_a and_o regular_a member_n but_o a_o necessity_n of_o this_o alteration_n do_v not_o appear_v for_o as_o for_o the_o one_o particular_a can_v we_o think_v that_o thâ—re_a iâ—_n any_o such_o difference_n between_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n that_o 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o subject_n of_o baptism_n according_a to_o the_o fâ—â—er_n and_o yet_o not_o according_a to_o the_o laâ—terâ—_n if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n may_v it_o not_o â—e_v say_v to_o be_v according_a to_o christ_n ordinance_n sure_o when_o christ_n himself_o bid_v we_o search_v the_o scripture_n job_n 5.39_o and_o when_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v for_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o which_o be_v preach_v by_o paul_n act_v 17.11_o and_o when_o all_o the_o scripture_n be_v for_o our_o learning_n rom._n 15.4_o and_o do_v contain_v a_o perfect_a rule_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v god_n worship_n whether_o natural_a or_o institute_v as_o this_o reverend_a author_n say_v in_o the_o first_o of_o his_o premise_a position_n upon_o these_o ground_n it_o may_v seem_v that_o what_o be_v according_a to_o scripture_n need_v not_o to_o want_v our_o approbation_n for_o fear_v leave_v it_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v that_o be_v take_v for_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o scripture_n that_o be_v consider_v also_o which_o be_v say_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o second_o position_n that_o whatsoever_o christ_n do_v institute_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n he_o do_v it_o by_o god_n appointment_n as_o moses_n by_o god_n appointment_n give_v out_o what_o he_o deliver_v in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n now_o if_o all_o that_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n be_v according_a to_o god_n appointment_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v a_o perfect_a rule_n concern_v all_o institute_v worship_n and_o so_o concern_v all_o god_n appointment_n it_o may_v seem_v a_o needless_a thing_n to_o withhold_v our_o approbation_n from_o that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o scripture_n as_o if_o it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n beside_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o for_o the_o other_o alteration_n desire_v that_o in_o stead_n of_o member_n it_o be_v regular_n and_o actual_a member_n may_n we_o think_v that_o man_n may_v or_o can_v be_v member_n according_a to_o scripture_n and_o not_o regular_a nor_o actual_a member_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o â—_o perfect_a rule_n than_o they_o that_o be_v member_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v member_n according_a to_o rule_n and_o so_o be_v regular_a member_n and_o
break_v off_o themselves_o from_o their_o church-relation_n not_o only_o meritorious_o but_o actual_o and_o real_o than_o it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v whether_o church-member_n can_v thus_o break_v off_o themselves_o sure_a israel_n do_v not_o thus_o destroy_v themselves_o because_o all_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o kill_v and_o make_v alive_a to_o wound_v and_o to_o heal_v to_o create_v peace_n and_o evil_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o the_o city_n but_o the_o lord_n do_v it_o even_o the_o lord_n do_v all_o these_o thing_n deut._n 32.39_o isa._n 45.7_o amos_n 3.6_o and_o therefore_o if_o break_v off_o from_o church-estate_n be_v a_o evil_n of_o punishment_n man_n can_v in_o this_o sense_n break_v off_o themselves_o without_o god_n beside_o man_n can_v of_o themselves_o alone_o bring_v in_o themselves_o into_o the_o church_n but_o there_o be_v requisite_a the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n thereto_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o can_v of_o themselves_o alone_o bring_v in_o themselves_o into_o the_o church_n how_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o of_o themselves_o alone_o they_o shall_v break_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o church_n one_o will_v think_v that_o such_o as_o can_v of_o themselves_o alone_o open_v the_o door_n for_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n shall_v no_o more_o be_v able_a to_o open_v it_o for_o their_o go_v out_o and_o further_o it_o seem_v not_o rational_a that_o delinquent_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v it_o in_o their_o power_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v censure_v with_o church-censure_n or_o no_o and_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v so_o if_o man_n that_o have_v be_v church-member_n may_v un-member_n themselves_o at_o their_o pleasure_n for_o sure_a it_o be_v church_n censure_n can_v be_v dispense_v to_o any_o but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v within_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o if_o therefore_o a_o church-member_n suppose_v one_o that_o have_v be_v in_o full_a communion_n shall_v commit_v the_o most_o enormous_a and_o scandalous_a wickedness_n that_o can_v be_v name_v yet_o if_o man_n may_v break_v off_o themselves_o from_o church-relation_n at_o their_o pleasure_n such_o a_o one_o may_v have_v it_o in_o his_o choice_n whether_o he_o will_v be_v censure_v or_o no_o for_o if_o he_o can_v but_o say_v i_o be_o no_o member_n of_o your_o church_n nor_o will_v be_v but_o do_v forsake_v the_o church-relation_n in_o which_o i_o be_v it_o shall_v then_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o such_o a_o notorious_a delinquent_n to_o bind_v the_o church_n hand_n from_o censure_v he_o and_o so_o make_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v of_o none_o effect_n which_o say_v deliver_v such_o a_o man_n to_o satan_n 1_o cor._n 5._o which_o make_v it_o very_o improbable_a that_o man_n can_v of_o themselves_o break_v off_o themselves_o from_o the_o covenant_n and_o church-relation_n as_o for_o they_o in_o 1_o joh._n 2.19_o of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o but_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o etc._n etc._n why_o may_v not_o this_o go_n oâ—t_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o local_a departure_n or_o of_o a_o depart_n from_o the_o company_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o such_o duty_n and_o act_n of_o love_n as_o that_o church-relation_n require_v rather_o than_o of_o a_o go_v out_o from_o the_o relation_n itself_o it_o be_v plain_a man_n may_v of_o themselves_o if_o they_o have_v no_o more_o grace_n neglect_v the_o duty_n which_o their_o near_a relation_n require_v and_o depart_v from_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o place_n and_o duty_n as_o david_n and_o job_n be_v thus_o forsake_v by_o their_o kindred_n brother_n and_o mother_n child_n etc._n etc._n psal._n 38.11_o &_o 69.8_o job_n 19.13_o 14._o but_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o those_o brethren_n and_o mother_n child_n who_o thus_o neglect_v the_o duty_n which_o their_o relation_n require_v be_v now_o no_o long_o in_o the_o relation_n at_o all_o be_v these_o brethren_n and_o mother_n child_n now_o become_v mother_n child_n no_o long_a nor_o brethren_n any_o long_o because_o now_o they_o be_v go_v from_o the_o duty_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v perform_v this_o do_v not_o follow_v at_o all_o how_o then_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o wenâ—_n out_o from_o the_o saint_n in_o respect_n of_o place_n and_o performance_n of_o duty_n be_v thereby_o go_v out_o from_o their_o church-relation_n they_o may_v by_o this_o departure_n of_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o church-censure_n from_o their_o church-estate_n but_o that_o by_o this_o their_o depart_n they_o do_v cut_v off_o or_o break_v off_o themselves_o from_o their_o church-estate_n any_o otherwise_o then_o meritorious_o do_v not_o appear_v the_o synod_n have_v say_v that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v in_o covenant_n because_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n gen._n 17.7_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o answer_n hereto_o pag._n 24._o say_v that_o the_o seaâ—ing_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o the_o posterity_n of_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n by_o circumcision_n be_v to_o continue_v throughout_o their_o generation_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n the_o same_o to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o they_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n luk._n 1.69_o 72.73_o heb._n 13.20_o ans._n here_o be_v then_o a_o consent_n to_o the_o synod_n argument_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o for_o if_o the_o covenant_n be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o they_o and_o be_v then_o to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n do_v it_o not_o then_o follow_v that_o these_o parent_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v hereby_o prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n this_o seem_v a_o plain_a grant_v of_o the_o synod_n say_v and_o of_o their_o proof_n of_o it_o whereas_o the_o synod_n say_v that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v keeper_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o they_o be_v not_o forsâ—kerâ—_n and_o rejecter_n of_o the_o god_n and_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n and_o allege_v for_o this_o deut._n 29.25_o 26._o 2_o king_n 17.15_o 20._o 2_o chron._n 7.22_o deu._n 7.10_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o keeper_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v not_o for_o though_o they_o be_v not_o such_o forsaker_n and_o rejecter_n of_o it_o as_o they_o who_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n allege_v yet_o beside_o that_o gross_a idolatry_n there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a idolatry_n in_o scandalous_a covetousness_n col._n 3.5_o worldly-mindedness_a whereby_o man_n forsake_v and_o reject_v god_n and_o his_o covenant_n to_o serve_v the_o world_n and_o such_o may_v they_o be_v who_o answer_n all_o the_o term_n of_o their_o five_o proposition_n external_o and_o visible_o ans._n now_o herein_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n and_o not_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o proposition_n say_v express_o that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o man_n may_v answer_v that_o and_o all_o the_o other_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n external_o and_o visible_o and_o yet_o be_v guilty_a of_o scandalous_a covetousness_n and_o worldly-mindedness_a now_o that_o man_n may_v be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o yet_o guilty_a of_o scandalous_a covetousness_n guilty_a of_o scandalous_a covetousness_n and_o worldly-mindedness_a and_o yet_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n these_o thing_n seem_v contradictory_n and_o inconsistent_a câ—piat_v qui_fw-la capere_fw-la pour_v it_o seem_v to_o we_o more_o rational_a to_o think_v and_o say_v that_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o yet_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o worldly-mindedness_a and_o other_o secret_a sin_n and_o heart-wickednesâ—_a yet_o if_o they_o answer_v this_o and_o all_o the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n it_o seem_v not_o improbable_a but_o they_o may_v be_v true_o godly_a and_o sincere_a since_o they_o be_v not_o only_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n but_o do_v give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n and_o all_o this_o not_o ignorant_o but_o with_o understanding_n not_o slight_o but_o solemn_o and_o public_o before_o the_o church_n for_o do_v not_o all_o this_o make_v their_o sincerity_n hopeful_a we_o conceive_v it_o may_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v all_o this_o and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v say_v and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o probability_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o be_v forsaker_n and_o rejâ—cters_n of_o god_n and_o his_o covenant_n to_o serve_v the_o world_n
and_o this_o not_o only_o secret_o and_o in_o heart_n but_o so_o outward_o and_o visible_o as_o to_o be_v scandalous_a therein_o how_o this_o can_v be_v we_o must_v confess_v we_o do_v not_o understand_v to_o that_o of_o the_o synod_n where_o they_o say_v that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n do_v not_o put_v in_o any_o bar_n to_o hinder_v their_o child_n from_o baptism_n and_o that_o this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o proposition_n where_o they_o be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o answer_n say_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o parent_n may_v put_v in_o a_o bar_n to_o hinder_v their_o child_n from_o baptism_n because_o a_o man_n may_v do_v and_o be_v all_o that_o be_v require_v in_o that_o proposition_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o christ_n but_o be_v a_o unregenerate_a person_n ans._n it_o be_v one_o thing_n what_o a_o man_n may_v do_v and_o yet_o be_v a_o unregenerate_a person_n real_o and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o be_v visible_o so_o in_o the_o view_n of_o man_n and_o in_o their_o rational_a judgement_n for_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v and_o do_v outward_o and_o visible_o all_o that_o the_o proposition_n mention_v yea_o and_o all_o that_o can_v be_v name_v further_o and_o yet_o be_v real_o and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n a_o unregenerate_a person_n but_o yet_o this_o need_v not_o to_o hinder_v his_o child_n from_o baptism_n before_o the_o church_n for_o such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o judas_n ananias_n and_o sapphira_n simon_n magus_n and_o other_o who_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v and_o yet_o be_v dead_a rev._n 3.1_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o deadness_n and_o unregeneracy_n of_o they_o the_o church_n do_v warrantable_o admit_v they_o and_o they_o to_o baptism_n because_o visible_o and_o for_o aught_o that_o the_o church_n can_v discern_v they_o be_v regenerate_v since_o de_fw-fr occultis_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v do_v and_o be_v all_o that_o the_o proposition_n mention_v and_o yet_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o without_o faith_n not_o only_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o also_o visible_o and_o to_o the_o church_n judgement_n this_o seem_v not_o very_o probable_a even_o one_o of_o the_o particular_n which_o the_o proposition_n mention_v viz._n that_o of_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n be_v speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o token_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n bestow_v on_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n 2_o cor._n 8.1_o 5._o and_o when_o the_o synod_n mention_v not_o only_o this_o particular_a but_o five_o or_o six_o other_o in_o the_o proposition_n must_v we_o for_o all_o this_o say_v that_o man_n may_v do_v this_o and_o all_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o that_o proposition_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o grace_n of_o god_n bestow_v on_o they_o but_o be_v even_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la without_o all_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o unregenerate_a estate_n and_o so_o put_v in_o a_o bar_n to_o hinder_v the_o baptism_n of_o their_o child_n we_o can_v but_o fear_v such_o judgement_n be_v more_o rigorous_a than_o charity_n will_v allow_v for_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n mat._n 12._o &_o 7._o and_o that_o even_o a_o child_n be_v know_v by_o his_o do_n whether_o his_o work_n be_v pure_a and_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a prov._n 20.11_o and_o therefore_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o thing_n for_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o proposition_n and_o nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a we_o think_v such_o parent_n have_v be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o minority_n may_v just_o be_v look_v at_o as_o those_o who_o do_v not_o put_v in_o any_o bar_n to_o hinder_v their_o child_n from_o baptism_n the_o reverend_a author_n further_o say_v pag._n 25._o though_o these_o parent_n be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n but_o solemn_o own_o the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o all_o these_o may_v be_v affirm_v of_o many_o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o such_o paul_n warn_v timothy_n to_o turn_v away_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o ans._n but_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o those_o in_o 2_o tim._n 3._o can_v answer_v all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o this_o proposition_n be_v they_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n but_o do_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n what_o then_o mean_v the_o many_o scandalous_a sin_n mention_v ver_n 2_o 3_o 4._o and_o what_o be_v this_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n that_o be_v charge_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v most_o like_o it_o be_v such_o a_o deny_v as_o that_o in_o tit._n 1.16_o where_o they_o be_v say_v to_o profess_v to_o know_v god_n but_o by_o work_n to_o deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a disobedient_a and_o to_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a and_o if_o so_o than_o they_o be_v far_o from_o answer_v what_o be_v say_v of_o these_o parent_n for_o these_o parent_n be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n but_o those_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v scandalous_a and_o abominable_a for_o wickedness_n these_o parent_n be_v commendable_a for_o sundry_a good_a thing_n in_o they_o and_o good_a duty_n do_v by_o they_o whereas_o those_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v not_o so_o but_o disobedient_a and_o to_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a and_o when_o the_o apostle_n bid_v timothy_n turn_v away_o from_o such_o do_v not_o this_o simple_o that_o they_o be_v scandalous_a person_n and_o apparent_o wicked_a it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o the_o apostle_n will_v else_o have_v command_v to_o turn_v from_o they_o since_o he_o himself_o do_v so_o love_o converse_v with_o so_o many_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 9.19_o 20_o etc._n etc._n and_o give_v commandment_n to_o receive_v the_o weak_a rom._n 14.1_o and_o to_o instruct_v with_o meekness_n such_o as_o oppose_v themselves_o if_o god_n peradventure_o may_v give_v they_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n 2_o tim._n 2.25_o which_o thing_n do_v strong_o argue_v that_o those_o who_o he_o command_v in_o 2_o tim._n 3._o to_o turn_v away_o from_o be_v not_o such_o as_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o proposition_n but_o far_o worse_o be_v apparent_o and_o gross_o wicked_a for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v the_o apostle_n in_o command_v to_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o be_v clear_v from_o direct_a contradict_v both_o his_o own_o doctrine_n and_o his_o own_o practice_n but_o let_v those_o in_o 2_o tim._n 3._o who_o he_o command_v to_o turn_v away_o from_o be_v understand_v of_o person_n gross_o vicious_a and_o scandalous_a and_o then_o the_o appearance_n of_o contradiction_n be_v easy_o clear_v and_o so_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n clear_v from_o be_v such_o person_n as_o must_v be_v turn_v away_o from_o so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n but_o before_o the_o reverend_a author_n proceed_v to_o the_o next_o he_o be_v something_o large_a in_o suggest_v that_o the_o elder_n do_v admit_v person_n into_o membership_n who_o be_v not_o qualify_v according_a to_o what_o be_v say_v in_o this_o proposition_n so_o that_o if_o their_o doctrine_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v right_a yet_o it_o be_v here_o pag._n 25_o 26._o frequent_o intimate_v that_o their_o practice_n be_v otherwise_o for_o say_v he_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o all_o adult_n person_n who_o they_o admit_v into_o personal_a and_o immediate_a membership_n be_v such_o as_o the_o proposition_n describe_v for_o i_o demand_v do_v they_o all_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n what_o course_n do_v they_o take_v to_o know_v it_o be_v all_o the_o adult_a person_n who_o they_o admit_v into_o membership_n such_o as_o the_o proposition_n describe_v do_v they_o take_v a_o right_a course_n to_o know_v they_o be_v such_o that_o they_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n etc._n etc._n ans._n the_o proposition_n speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n and_o therefore_o what_o be_v do_v towards_o these_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n be_v not_o fit_o call_v admit_v into_o membership_n for_o as_o mr._n cotton_n say_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n for_o that_o agree_v to_o such_o as_o be_v sometime_o without_o another_o thing_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n who_o be_v never_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o can_v be_v