anabaptist_n only_a reason_n why_o they_o dislike_v infant_n baptism_n be_v because_o they_o fancy_n to_o themselves_o that_o the_o church_n will_v be_v more_o pure_a if_o we_o baptize_v none_o but_o the_o adult_n and_o such_o as_o hold_v forth_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o they_o think_v but_o a_o few_o will_v have_v place_n in_o church_n but_o by_o this_o mean_n doubtless_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o of_o christ_n sheep_n will_v be_v neglect_v as_o goat_n neither_o will_v all_o parent_n be_v so_o careful_a as_o they_o think_v in_o educate_v their_o child_n unto_o piety_n and_o yet_o this_o humane_a thought_n which_o savour_v of_o too_o much_o esteem_n of_o our_o own_o work_n do_v so_o possess_v they_o that_o they_o bring_v all_o to_o this_o and_o turn_v off_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v and_o hereby_o they_o run_v themselves_o into_o very_o great_a error_n i_o call_v it_o a_o humane_a thought_n for_o no_o scripture_n do_v command_v such_o a_o curious_a circumspection_n lest_o any_o goat_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n often_o baptize_v person_n with_o who_o they_o have_v scarce_o have_v a_o hour_n speech_n concern_v christ_n because_o according_a to_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v bring_v in_o all_o they_o meet_v with_o to_o the_o marriage_n mat._n 22.10_o for_o by_o baptism_n they_o only_o take_v they_o into_o the_o school_n of_o piety_n and_o trained-hand_n of_o christian_n and_o they_o be_v wont_n then_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o again_o when_o it_o be_v evident_o enough_o perceive_v that_o to_o labour_v in_o teach_v they_o be_v in_o vain_a ibid._n fol._n 53._o as_o for_o parker_n his_o speak_v main_o against_o the_o admit_v or_o tolerate_v of_o manifestarii_fw-la peccatores_fw-la the_o notorious_o wicked_a and_o plead_v to_o have_v they_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n or_o cast_v out_o by_o the_o use_n of_o discipline_n 169._o his_o frequent_a approbation_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n cross._n and_o in_o special_a his_o approve_v of_o their_o admit_v member_n not_o before_o of_o their_o body_n upon_o such_o like_a qualification_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o synod_n five_o proposition_n 171._o also_o his_o earnest_n and_o peremptory_a reject_v the_o opinion_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o separatist_n and_o declare_v himself_o and_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o cause_n he_o act_v to_o be_v far_o from_o they_o 2._o these_o and_o such_o like_a do_v clear_o show_v that_o worthy_a man_n to_o be_v no_o opponent_n of_o such_o a_o extent_n of_o baptism_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o synod_n but_o here_o our_o brethren_n will_v needs_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o worthy_a and_o for_o ever_o famous_a mr._n cotton_n be_v as_o they_o be_v because_o he_o have_v these_o word_n in_o holiness_n of_o church-member_n pag._n 93_o i_o conceive_v under_o favour_n more_o positive_a fruit_n of_o regeneration_n be_v require_v in_o the_o church-member_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n then_o of_o the_o old_a ans._n the_o reader_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o what_o have_v be_v before_o say_v and_o cite_v to_o show_v mr._n cotton_v judgement_n in_o the_o point_v controvert_v between_o our_o brethren_n and_o the_o synod_n and_o will_v easy_o thereby_o judge_v whether_o mr._n cotton_v judgement_n be_v as_o they_o be_v but_o it_o be_v strange_a they_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o collection_n from_o what_o be_v here_o set_v down_o mr._n cotton_n may_v say_v those_o word_n that_o be_v here_o express_v and_o yet_o his_o judgement_n be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v as_o they_o be_v in_o any_o of_o the_o point_n that_o be_v controvert_v for_o we_o shall_v not_o gainsay_v this_o conception_n of_o mr._n cotton_n that_o more_o positive_a fruit_n of_o regeneration_n be_v require_v in_o the_o church_n member_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n then_o of_o the_o old_a but_o concur_v with_o it_o in_o two_o respect_n or_o for_o two_o cause_n 1._o because_o the_o light_n now_o be_v great_a and_o clear_a than_o it_o be_v then_o and_o where_o more_o be_v give_v more_o be_v require_v luke_n 12.48_o 2._o because_o the_o discipline_n appoint_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v most_o ceremonial_a ames_n medul_a lib._n 1._o c._n 38._o thes._n 41._o and_o whether_o excommunication_n for_o moral_a evil_n be_v then_o use_v at_o least_o out_o of_o the_o national_a church_n be_v by_o some_o doubt_v as_o also_o whether_o person_n be_v debar_v from_o the_o holy_a thing_n simple_o for_o moral_a evil_n if_o they_o be_v ceremonial_o clean_a as_o mr._n cotton_n in_o the_o place_n here_o allege_v say_v it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o sin_n very_o scandalous_a do_v keep_v man_n ceremonial_o clean_a from_o the_o temple_n and_o sacrifice_n but_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v a_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a rule_n for_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n for_o moral_a evil_n persist_v in_o hence_o person_n may_v haply_o run_v further_o into_o moral_a evil_n and_o so_o further_o off_o from_o the_o fruit_n of_o regeneration_n then_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o church_n yea_o haply_o not_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o holy_a thing_n than_o they_o can_v do_v now_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n for_o still_o it_o be_v not_o secret_a irregeneration_n nor_o the_o bare_a want_n of_o such_o and_o such_o positive_a fruit_n of_o regeneration_n without_o positive_a and_o palpable_a â—ruits_n of_o irregeneration_n that_o will_v according_a to_o any_o rule_n god_n have_v give_v we_o put_v any_o man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n when_o he_o be_v once_o in_o nay_o mr._n cotton_n in_o the_o very_a place_n here_o cite_v express_o say_v that_o irregeneration_n alone_o will_v not_o keep_v a_o man_n out_o 92._o his_o word_n be_v these_o neither_o among_o we_o do_v irregeneration_n alone_o keep_v any_o from_o church-fellowship_n with_o we_o not_o irregeneration_n alone_o i_o say_v unless_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o such_o fruit_n as_o be_v open_o scandalous_a and_o do_v convince_o manifest_a irregeneration_n moreover_o still_o the_o parallel_n between_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a and_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n stand_v and_o hold_v in_o this_o that_o when_o a_o person_n be_v once_o by_o god_n appointment_n take_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n whether_o in_o adult_n age_n or_o in_o infancy_n it_o come_v all_o to_o one_o for_o that_o he_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o do_v not_o lose_v his_o membership_n till_o by_o some_o rule_n or_o appointment_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n he_o be_v cut_v off_o or_o cast_v out_o what_o the_o particular_a rule_n and_o way_n of_o cut_v off_o be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o need_v not_o here_o dispute_v but_o to_o be_v sure_o the_o plain_a rule_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o cut_n off_o of_o particular_a person_n be_v by_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n for_o moral_a evil_n but_o while_o we_o grant_v that_o in_o some_o respect_v more_o positive_a fruit_n in_o regard_n of_o degree_n may_v be_v require_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n let_v none_o so_o understand_v it_o as_o if_o regeneration_n be_v not_o require_v as_o all_o unto_o the_o constitution_n and_o continuation_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o that_o a_o mere_a carnal_a succession_n be_v then_o allow_v of_o without_o regard_n to_o regeneration_n for_o they_o stoâ—d_v by_o faith_n and_o be_v brâ—ken_v off_o by_o unbelief_n as_o well_o as_o we_o rom._n 11._o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n faith_n and_o repentance_n do_v not_o now_o more_o constitute_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n than_o it_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o abraham_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a say_v dr._n ames_n 13_o yea_o our_o brethren_n do_v in_o their_o antisynodalia_fw-la pag._n 17._o express_o say_v that_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o the_o circumcision_n of_o his_o seed_n be_v appoint_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n that_o baptism_n be_v i._n e._n that_o he_o shall_v walk_v with_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o no_o where_o be_v regeneration_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o require_v of_o god_n covenant_n people_n in_o strict_a and_o full_a term_n then_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n gen._n 17.1_o deut._n 10.12_o &_o 26.16_o 17._o 1_o king_n 8.23_o psal._n 103.17_o 18._o isa._n 56.4_o 6._o and_o yet_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o his_o own_o rule_n continue_v they_o in_o the_o church_n and_o account_v they_o among_o the_o number_n of_o his_o holy_a people_n till_o palpallâ—_n and_o incorrigible_a fruit_n of_o irregeneration_n be_v find_v
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
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
minority_n be_v not_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n no_o more_o than_o child_n when_o adult_n or_o grow_v up_o and_o if_o the_o logician_n rule_v be_v good_a which_o say_v à _fw-la quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la valet_fw-la conjâ—quentiâ—_n then_o if_o infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n must_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n because_o of_o their_o want_n of_o the_o ability_n speak_v of_o it_o will_v follow_v if_o the_o like_a inability_n be_v find_v in_o the_o adult_n that_o these_o also_o must_v not_o be_v admit_v and_o that_o for_o the_o like_a reason_n and_o â—f_o that_o text_n 1_o cor._n 11._o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o one_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o proof_n of_o the_o other_o also_o and_o so_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n stand_v good_a the_o exception_n he_o add_v be_v that_o yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n they_o be_v and_o continue_v member_n regular_o be_v through_o want_n of_o that_o ability_n not_o fit_a for_o church-communion_n i._n e._n for_o full_a communion_n ans._n if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o continue_v member_n why_o shall_v not_o something_o be_v produce_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a why_o shall_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v bare_o affirm_v and_o not_o prove_v it_o be_v sure_a they_o be_v once_o member_n and_o as_o such_o be_v baptise_a and_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o though_o now_o they_o be_v adult_n or_o grow_v up_o yet_o they_o be_v never_o in_o any_o way_n of_o god_n cut_v off_o or_o cast_v out_o from_o their_o membership_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v it_o more_o rational_a to_o say_v that_o they_o stâ—ll_v continue_v to_o be_v member_n then_o to_o say_v that_o they_o do_v not_o and_o this_o without_o allege_v any_o proof_n at_o all_o as_o for_o that_o which_o here_o follow_v that_o if_o person_n be_v unbaptise_v shall_v desire_v to_o have_v the_o covenant_n and_o their_o church-membership_a seal_v by_o baptism_n they_o must_v hold_v fâ—rth_a faith_n in_o christ_n wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n before_o they_o may_v be_v baptize_v as_o philip_n require_v the_o eunuch_n act_v 8._o so_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n fâ—om_o baptize_v in_o infancy_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n desire_n to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n he_o must_v hold_v forth_o his_o personal_a faith_n in_o the_o son_n 〈◊〉_d god_n &c_n &c_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o as_o be_v say_v parity_n of_o reason_n between_o the_o case_n allege_v but_o great_a disparity_n for_o in_o the_o one_o case_n the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v unbaptise_v in_o the_o other_o baptize_v already_o in_o the_o one_o case_n the_o person_n desire_v to_o have_v the_o covenant_n and_o their_o church-membership_a seal_v by_o baptism_n and_o in_o the_o other_o case_n there_o be_v no_o such_o dâ—siâ—e_n the_o person_n have_v have_v the_o covenant_n and_o their_o membership_n seal_v by_o baptism_n already_o even_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n long_o since_o in_o the_o one_o case_n the_o person_n seem_v as_o yet_o to_o be_v non-member_n though_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d that_o privilege_n but_o in_o the_o other_o case_n the_o person_n be_v church-member_n long_o ago_o for_o as_o for_o that_o term_n that_o be_v use_v concern_v these_o 〈◊〉_d dâ—â—ring_v to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a 〈…〉_z câ—â—ve_v this_o word_n of_o join_v to_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o their_o first_o join_v thereto_o be_v very_o improper_a because_o theâ—â—_n person_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v so_o join_v but_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n long_o since_o nor_o be_v the_o church_n now_o to_o admit_v they_o to_o church-membership_a for_o they_o be_v admit_v thereto_o long_o since_o the_o second_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o four_o proposition_n be_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o though_o man_n do_v continue_v member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o for_o ceremonial_a uncleanness_n they_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o full_a communion_n in_o the_o holy_a thing_n yea_o and_o the_o priest_n and_o porter_n have_v special_a charge_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o holy_a thing_n unless_o due_o qualify_v for_o the_o same_o notwithstanding_o their_o membership_n etc._n etc._n to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v 1._o that_o the_o invalidity_n of_o proof_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v apply_v to_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o so_o this_o of_o baptism_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o thing_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o four_o six_o and_o eight_o position_n with_o which_o this_o proof_n do_v not_o agree_v ans._n to_o this_o we_o answer_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v validity_n and_o much_o weight_n in_o proof_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o confirm_v and_o clear_v thing_n under_o the_o new_a for_o even_o those_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n rom._n 15.4_o and_o christ_n himself_o bid_v we_o search_v they_o as_o those_o which_o do_v testify_v of_o he_o joh._n 5.39_o and_o bring_v many_o proof_n out_o of_o those_o scripture_n for_o confirm_v and_o clear_v thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n luk._n 24.44_o 45_o 46._o &_o 16.29_o 31._o and_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n likewise_o even_o in_o main_a &_o fundamental_a matter_n act._n 17.2_o 3._o &_o 28.23_o and_o so_o from_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n now_o 1_o cor._n 9.13_o from_o their_o sacrament_n to_o we_o and_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v those_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v we_o 1_o cor._n 10.1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o and_o much_o more_o that_o may_v be_v add_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v much_o validity_n in_o they_o for_o confirm_v and_o clear_v truth_n in_o new_a testament-time_n 2._o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v acknowledge_v as_o be_v note_v before_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o to_o the_o jew_n former_o and_o to_o the_o gentile_n now_o and_o that_o baptism_n of_o infant_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n may_v be_v right_o prove_v from_o the_o circumcision_n of_o â—_z under_o the_o old_a which_o passage_n do_v sufficient_o witness_v that_o in_o his_o judgement_n there_o be_v validity_n in_o proof_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o thing_n under_o the_o new_a 3._o it_o be_v a_o great_a weakness_n and_o mistake_n in_o sundry_a of_o the_o antipoedobaptist_n that_o they_o will_v limit_v the_o proof_n for_o infant-baptism_n and_o for_o the_o covenant-interest_n of_o child_n unto_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o if_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o circumcision_n of_o infant_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v of_o no_o validity_n for_o the_o purpose_n mention_v and_o it_o be_v not_o comfortable_a that_o the_o reverend_a author_n shall_v so_o often_o harp_n upon_o this_o string_n and_o so_o often_o mention_v this_o matter_n of_o the_o invalidity_n of_o old_a testament-scripture_n for_o proof_n of_o matter_n in_o gospel_n time_n as_o if_o he_o do_v concur_v with_o they_o in_o their_o tenet_n against_o â—oedobaptism_n which_o he_o frequent_o profess_v against_o albeit_o in_o this_o his_o language_n seem_v but_o too_o like_o they_o which_o we_o can_v wish_v be_v otherwise_o 4._o for_o that_o expression_n of_o thing_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n be_v a_o limitation_n or_o explanation_n of_o the_o invalidity_n speak_v of_o let_v this_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n in_o question_n and_o we_o conceive_v it_o will_v not_o weaken_v the_o argument_n in_o hand_n nor_o show_v any_o invalidity_n therein_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a for_o if_o ceremonial_a uncleanness_n do_v hinder_v man_n from_o full_a communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n notwithstanding_o their_o membership_n be_v there_o not_o the_o like_a reason_n or_o rather_o much_o more_o that_o membership_n alone_o shall_v not_o suffice_v for_o full_a communion_n in_o these_o day_n if_o moral_a fitness_n and_o spiritual_a qualification_n be_v want_v it_o seem_v in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v the_o like_a reason_n or_o rather_o much_o more_o and_o therefore_o the_o synod_n argument_n in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o their_o proof_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n can_v be_v lay_v aside_o or_o refuse_v for_o any_o invalidity_n therein_o through_o want_n of_o the_o like_a reason_n 2._o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v if_o the_o text_n allege_v by_o the_o synod_n be_v applicable_a to_o church-member_n in_o gospel-time_n
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 davenport_n pastor_n of_o the_o church_n at_o new-haven_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 together_o with_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o apologetical_a preface_n set_v before_o that_o essay_n by_o some_o of_o the_o elder_n who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o synod_n abovementioned_a 1_o thess._n 5.21_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o chron._n 28.8_o keep_v and_o seek_v for_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n yeâ—â—_n god_n that_o â—â—_o may_v possess_v this_o good_a land_n and_o leave_v it_o for_o â—n_a inheritance_n for_o your_o child_n after_o you_o for_o ever_o cambridge_n print_v by_o s._n green_n and_o m._n johnson_n for_o hezekiah_n usher_n of_o boston_n 1664._o never_o yet_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n form_n â—â—_o ratio_fw-la ecclesiast_n minist_n in_o peregrinor_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la institutâ_fw-la lendini_fw-la etc._n etc._n pag._n 117_o 123_o 135._o with_o pag._n 86_o 104_o 105_o 106._o holy_a baynes_n account_n that_o child_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n diocese_n trial_n pag._n 84._o and_o the_o principle_n point_v to_o in_o his_o christian_a letter_n letter_n 15._o pag._n 125_o 126._o and_o letter_n 24._o pag._n 199_o 202._o edit_fw-la 1637._o also_o in_o his_o exposition_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n on_o chap._n 1.1_o doct._n 5._o and_o on_o chap._n 2.12_o pag._n 276_o 277._o and_o other_o place_n may_v easy_o be_v improve_v unto_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n dr._n ames_n who_o the_o preface_n call_v foreve_a famous_a judicious_a etc._n etc._n and_o that_o very_o deserve_o how_o large_a his_o judgement_n be_v as_o to_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n may_v be_v see_v by_o any_o that_o have_v his_o case_n of_o conscience_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 27._o he_o require_v no_o more_o unto_o the_o most_o proper_a right_n of_o a_o child_n to_o baptism_n but_o that_o the_o parent_n oâ—_n one_o of_o they_o be_v intra_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la within_o the_o church_n though_o he_o think_v that_o other_o also_o may_v be_v baptize_v if_o any_o godly_a person_n will_v undertake_v for_o their_o education_n and_o how_o plain_o he_o hold_v forth_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o his_o medulla_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes._n 12_o 13._o &_o cap._n 40._o thes._n 11_o 12_o 13._o be_v easy_a to_o be_v collect_v we_o may_v well_o here_o take_v up_o the_o word_n of_o worthy_a mr._n cotton_n in_o his_o preface_n before_o mr._n nertons_n answer_v to_o apollonius_n where_o have_v name_v cartwright_n partus_fw-la baynes_n and_o ames_n those_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n of_o israel_n and_o leader_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n he_o add_v ab_fw-la borum_fw-la sive_fw-la vestigiis_fw-la sive_fw-la principiis_fw-la si_fw-la novitatis_fw-la study_v cessimus_fw-la jure_fw-la meritò_fw-la deseremur_fw-la ut_fw-la desertores_fw-la quod_fw-la si_fw-la in_o viâ_fw-la illorum_fw-la ambulamus_fw-la nec_fw-la ultrà _fw-la pregredimur_fw-la quod_fw-la ad_fw-la summam_fw-la rei_fw-la attineâ—_n quam_fw-la ab_fw-la illorum_fw-la lumine_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la collustrati_fw-la cert_n non_fw-la nos_fw-la illi_fw-la sumus_fw-la qui_fw-la causam_fw-la reformationis_fw-la deseruimus_fw-la sed_fw-la illi_fw-la potiùs_fw-la quos_fw-la lubens_fw-la nollem_fw-la dicere_fw-la qui_fw-la nos_fw-la ut_fw-la desertores_fw-la deserunt_fw-la &_o deâ—estantur_fw-la so_o here_o if_o we_o out_o of_o any_o changeable_a inclination_n or_o spirit_n of_o innovation_n have_v depart_v from_o the_o footstep_n or_o principle_n of_o those_o bless_a patron_n of_o reformation_n such_o as_o be_v now_o name_v and_o other_o of_o the_o good_a old_a nonconformist_n who_o both_o with_o prayer_n tear_n and_o suffering_n and_o with_o as_o much_o judicious_a learning_n and_o piety_n as_o the_o world_n have_v yet_o see_v have_v hand_v down_o to_o we_o the_o work_n and_o way_n of_o reformation_n then_o let_v we_o be_v and_o well_o may_v we_o be_v desert_v and_o censure_v as_o desertor_n or_o apostate_n as_o we_o be_v by_o too_o many_o but_o if_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o principle_n and_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o those_o worthy_n and_o go_v no_o further_o than_o they_o or_o then_o the_o light_n which_o god_n have_v communicate_v by_o they_o do_v lead_v we_o sure_o we_o have_v not_o desert_v nor_o depart_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n but_o they_o rather_o though_o unwilling_o we_o speak_v it_o who_o desert_n and_o dislike_v we_o as_o desertor_n the_o elder_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o england_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o result_n of_o their_o meeting_n at_o the_o savoy_n do_v profess_v a_o full_a concurrence_n throughout_o in_o all_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o church-government_n with_o their_o reverend_a brethren_n the_o old_a puritan_n non-confermists_a cite_v in_o the_o margin_n fox_n dearing_n greenbam_n cartwright_n fenner_n fulk_n whitaker_n reynolds_n perkins_n etc._n etc._n now_o let_v the_o judgement_n of_o these_o such_o of_o they_o as_o have_v leave_v any_o thing_n write_v about_o this_o question_n by_o which_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o rest_n be_v consider_v and_o see_v if_o they_o do_v not_o abundant_o confirm_v such_o â—_o latitude_n of_o baptism_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o what_o if_o our_o congregational_a brethren_n in_o england_n have_v not_o yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infancy_n of_o their_o church_n have_v so_o much_o occasion_n to_o look_v into_o this_o question_n as_o ourselves_o for_o a_o long_a time_n have_v not_o nor_o yet_o so_o much_o need_v to_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o the_o full_a extent_n of_o baptism_n in_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v enough_o that_o will_v baptize_v those_o who_o themselves_o leave_v unbaptise_v yet_o when_o the_o lord_n shall_v incline_v any_o of_o those_o able_a and_o worthy_a person_n to_o set_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o this_o point_n why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v light_n from_o or_o that_o they_o will_v be_v willing_a easy_o to_o go_v against_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o old_a nonconformist_n who_o they_o profess_o concurre-with_a in_o other_o part_n of_o discipline_n so_o much_o for_o the_o discourse_n upon_o the_o first_o objection_n in_o answer_n to_o to_o the_o second_o objection_n the_o apologist_n give_v this_o warning_n let_v we_o not_o for_o fear_v of_o anabaptism_n do_v worse_o even_o defile_v ourselves_o with_o antichristianism_n and_o make_v this_o profession_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o profess_v that_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o baptise_v all_o child_n as_o to_o baptize_v to_o child_n ans._n 1._o we_o shall_v not_o choose_v to_o put_v anabaptism_n as_o contradistinct_a to_o antichristianism_n take_v antichristianism_n for_o all_o that_o which_o be_v against_o christ_n his_o mind_n rule_n and_o kingdom_n so_o sure_o anabaptism_n be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o take_v it_o for_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o papacy_n how_o near_o akin_a the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o anabaptist_n be_v be_v show_v in_o à _fw-fr late_a preface_n to_o mr._n shepard_n letter_n the_o anabaptist_n be_v indeed_o ready_a enough_o to_o call_v every_o thing_n that_o they_o mislike_v antichristian_a as_o if_o none_o be_v enemy_n to_o antichristianism_n so_o much_o as_o they_o but_o if_o to_o oppose_v obstruct_v and_o undermine_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o antichristian_a thing_n let_v scripture_n reason_n and_o experience_n speak_v whether_o their_o tenant_n and_o way_n be_v not_o high_o antichristian_a do_v not_o their_o cut_n off_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v mat._n 19.14_o their_o change_v the_o frame_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o his_o viâ—â—ble_a kingdom_n in_o his_o church_n be_v constitute_v and_o continue_v etc._n etc._n give_v though_o secret_o and_o under_o plausible_a pretence_n a_o most_o deep_a and_o dangerous_a wound_n to_o the_o interest_n and_o progress_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o have_v not_o experience_n show_v anabaptism_n with_o its_o wont_a concomitant_a error_n to_o be_v the_o vexation_n and_o clog_n of_o reformation_n ever_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o 2._o to_o speak_v here_o of_o baptise_v the_o child_n of_o infidel_n and_o pagan_n as_o if_o any_o do_v incline_v to_o that_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a absurdity_n but_o if_o by_o all_o child_n be_n mean_v the_o child_n of_o all_o that_o be_v name_v christian_n though_o we_o think_v it_o too_o great_a a_o laxness_n to_o baptize_v all_o such_o yet_o we_o be_v past_a doubt_n that_o so_o to_o do_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
with_o they_o and_o so_o he_o do_v now_o in_o the_o six_o place_n the_o application_n say_v the_o preface_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n unto_o those_o who_o be_v not_o true_a believer_n we_o mean_v visible_o for_o de_fw-fr occultis_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la be_v a_o profanation_n thereof_o and_o as_o dreadful_a a_o sin_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n unto_o unworthy_a receiver_n we_o marvel_v that_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o as_o muâ—h_v profane_v and_o vilify_v by_o undue_a administration_n of_o baptism_n as_o by_o undue_a administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n ans_fw-fr it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o the_o red_a to_o gather_v out_o of_o all_o that_o be_v here_o say_v a_o reason_n of_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n for_o we_o ready_o grant_v and_o say_v that_o baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o but_o visible_a believer_n take_v visible_a believer_n as_o a_o term_n equivalent_a to_o federally_n holy_n as_o the_o term_n believer_n or_o faithful_a be_v sometime_o in_o scripture_n so_o take_v isaâ—_n 1.21_o 2_o cor._n 6.15_o and_o often_o in_o author_n but_o that_o the_o person_n in_o question_n both_o parent_n and_o child_n be_v visible_a believer_n be_v also_o by_o the_o synod_n assert_v and_o prove_v and_o here_o be_v nothing_o say_v to_o disprove_v it_o but_o when_o as_o our_o brethren_n here_o say_v that_o the_o application_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n unto_o those_o who_o be_v not_o visible_o true_a believer_n be_v a_o profanation_n thereof_o in_o which_o be_v right_o explain_v we_o gainsay_v they_o not_o and_o yet_o in_o their_o 〈◊〉_d pag._n 20._o do_v hold_v forth_o that_o infant_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v faith_n it_o will_v lie_v upon_o they_o to_o show_v how_o they_o apply_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n to_o infant_n without_o a_o profanation_n thereof_o it_o be_v pity_n that_o so_o many_o passage_n be_v drop_v here_o and_o there_o that_o do_v though_o we_o hope_v not_o in_o their_o intention_n clasâ—_n with_o the_o baptise_v of_o â—_z here_o be_v also_o express_v a_o marvel_n that_o any_o shall_v think_v etc._n etc._n but_o we_o may_v answer_v with_o a_o marvel_n that_o any_o shall_v speak_v as_o if_o any_o of_o we_o do_v think_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o profane_v by_o undue_a administration_n of_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o by_o undue_a administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n whether_o as_o much_o or_o no_o in_o point_n of_o degree_n we_o will_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o dispute_v though_o we_o suppose_v the_o degree_n of_o sinful_a pollution_n or_o profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n name_v in_o any_o ordinance_n will_v be_v intend_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o special_a communion_n that_o we_o have_v with_o christ_n in_o that_o ordinance_n and_o by_o the_o danger_n that_o such_o pollution_n infer_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a partaker_n which_o will_v hardly_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v more_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n then_o in_o baptism_n but_o whether_o the_o profanation_n be_v as_o great_a or_o no_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v very_o great_a and_o so_o great_a as_o that_o every_o pious_a conscientious_a person_n shall_v fear_v to_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o the_o undue_a administration_n of_o baptism_n but_o where_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n to_o show_v that_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n point_v to_o by_o the_o synod_n be_v undue_a or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o undue_a administration_n of_o baptism_n to_o extend_v it_o further_o than_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o to_o administer_v baptism_n to_o some_o unto_o who_o we_o do_v not_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n if_o the_o rule_n and_o institution_n concern_v these_o two_o sacrament_n do_v extend_v the_o one_o further_o than_o the_o other_o as_o it_o plain_o do_v when_o it_o appoint_v baptism_n to_o all_o disciple_n or_o to_o run_v parallel_n with_o federal_a holiness_n mat._n 28.19_o but_o the_o lord_n supper_n only_o to_o self-examining_a disciple_n 1_o cor._n 11.28_o than_o the_o one_o may_v be_v extend_v further_a than_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o one_o no_o more_o undue_a or_o irregular_a and_o pollute_v then_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o other_o sure_o he_o that_o hold_v that_o baptism_n may_v and_o the_o lord_n supper_n may_v not_o be_v administer_v unto_o infant_n as_o we_o suppose_v our_o brethren_n do_v he_o grant_v that_o baptism_n may_v be_v extend_v further_a than_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o any_o such_o sacrilegious_a impiety_n dreadful_a profâ—rtation_n or_o prostitution_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v here_o harsh_o enough_o express_v neither_o do_v judicious_a calvin_n part_n of_o who_o zealous_a expression_n against_o the_o promiscuous_a administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v here_o cite_v in_o the_o preface_n ever_o imagine_v or_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v any_o such_o profanation_n to_o extend_v baptism_n further_o than_o the_o lord_n supper_n yea_o and_o further_o than_o the_o synod_n do_v when_o as_o he_o set_v down_o that_o answer_n in_o his_o catechism_n that_o be_v above_o allege_a and_o practise_v according_o it_o be_v well_o know_v the_o synod_n do_v not_o pleâ—d_v for_o that_o largeness_n in_o either_o of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o calvin_n allow_v but_o to_o extend_v the_o one_o further_o than_o the_o other_o be_v never_o account_v sacrilegious_a impiety_n in_o orthodox_n divinity_n it_o be_v here_o add_v that_o austin_n plead_v for_o strictness_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o tertullian_n beâ—ore_v he_o but_o do_v either_o of_o they_o pleâ—d_n for_o great_a strictness_n than_o the_o synod_n do_v unless_o where_o tertullian_n erroneous_o and_o weak_o plead_v for_o the_o delay_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v note_v 83._o for_o one_o of_o his_o navi_fw-la certain_o man_n will_v say_v when_o they_o look_v upon_o what_o be_v publish_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o their_o wary_a qualify_a of_o the_o five_o proposition_n about_o which_o the_o controversy_n be_v that_o they_o be_v for_o much_o strictness_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o many_o will_v think_v we_o too_o strict_a we_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v show_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o austin_n that_o will_v speak_v he_o to_o be_v against_o the_o baptise_v of_o such_o as_o the_o synod_n plead_v for_o yea_o he_o require_v not_o more_o of_o adult_n convert_v from_o heathenism_n for_o their_o own_o baptism_n then_o be_v in_o the_o parent_n who_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o synod_n that_o book_n of_o his_o de_fw-la fide_fw-la &_o operibus_fw-la be_v against_o the_o baptise_v of_o notorious_a scandalous_a liver_n who_o he_o will_v not_o have_v baptize_v tho_o seem_o turn_v from_o heathenism_n till_o they_o serious_o promise_v reformation_n but_o that_o austin_n in_o stead_n of_o be_v for_o more_o strictness_n hold_v for_o a_o large_a extent_n of_o baptism_n than_o the_o synod_n do_v may_v easy_o be_v evince_v 22._o how_o strange_a be_v it_o to_o see_v their_o authority_n still_o allege_v against_o we_o who_o be_v not_o only_o full_o with_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o go_v further_o than_o we_o the_o seven_o reason_n of_o our_o brethren_n dissent_n be_v this_o it_o have_v in_o it_o a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o the_o â—ardning_v of_o unregenerate_a creature_n in_o their_o sinful_a natural_a condition_n when_o life_n be_v not_o only_o promise_v but_o seal_v to_o they_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o whole_a coâ—enant_n of_o grace_n â—_o as_o well_o as_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o be_v not_o interest_v in_o this_o covenant_n by_o faith_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v the_o seal_n thereof_o apply_v to_o they_o ans._n 1._o the_o lord_n truth_n and_o grace_n however_o it_o may_v be_v abuse_v by_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n perverse_a and_o sinful_a nature_n have_v not_o in_o itself_o any_o natural_a tendency_n to_o harden_v any_o but_o the_o contrary_n and_o how_o can_v the_o doctrine_n in_o hand_n have_v any_o such_o natural_a tendency_n when_o as_o man_n be_v tell_v over_o and_o over_o that_o only_o outward_a advantage_n and_o dispensation_n be_v seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n more_o absolute_o rom._n 3.1_o 2._o â—_o 9.4_o but_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o life_n eternal_a conditional_o see_v mr._n shepherd_n late_o print_v letter_n pag._n 3_o 6._o so_o that_o if_o they_o fail_v of_o the_o condition_n viz._n effectual_a and_o unfeigned_a faith_n they_o miss_v of_o salvation_n notwithstanding_o their_o baptism_n and_o external_a covenant-estate_n and_o hence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a but_o only_o a_o probable_a connexion_n between_o federal_a holiness_n as_o apply_v to_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
person_n speak_v of_o yet_o since_o for_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o they_o be_v disciple_n and_o member_n when_o infant_n be_v it_o not_o more_o rational_a to_o confess_v they_o be_v so_o still_o except_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o they_o so_o continue_v though_o the_o term_n and_o title_n be_v not_o find_v until_o they_o be_v upon_o desert_n cut_v off_o or_o cast_v ouâ—_n rather_o than_o to_o say_v that_o now_o be_v adult_n they_o have_v lose_v the_o relation_n and_o privilege_n which_o they_o have_v when_o they_o be_v infant_n though_o they_o have_v not_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o it_o nor_o ever_o so_o deserve_v before_o man_n for_o if_o they_o incur_v such_o loss_n by_o become_a adult_n it_o may_v seem_v it_o be_v good_a for_o member_n child_n to_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o never_o live_v to_o be_v adult_n since_o in_o their_o infancy_n they_o have_v church-relation_n and_o covenant-state_n which_o now_o they_o have_v lose_v though_o without_o their_o desert_n the_o adult_a disciple_n in_o mat._n 28_o 20._o must_v observe_v and_o do_v all_o christ_n commandment_n therefore_o the_o disciple_n there_o intend_v wâ—th_v reference_n to_o adult_v person_n be_v member_n in_o full_a communion_n pag._n 13._o ans._n this_o argue_n be_v but_o too_o like_a to_o that_o of_o the_o antipoedobaptist_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o they_o will_v exclude_v infant_n by_o this_o text_n from_o be_v partaker_n of_o baptism_n because_o they_o be_v not_o disciple_n so_o make_v by_o teach_v or_o by_o be_v teach_v to_o observe_v all_o christ_n commandment_n because_o infant_n can_v do_v this_o therefore_o say_v they_o they_o be_v not_o disciple_n to_o be_v baptise_a but_o the_o reverend_a author_n confess_v that_o â—_z be_v disciple_n and_o as_o such_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a why_o then_o shall_v he_o say_v that_o now_o when_o they_o be_v become_v adult_n they_o be_v disciple_n no_o long_o as_o not_o observe_v all_o christ_n commandment_n not_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n the_o argue_n of_o the_o antipoedopaptist_n from_o this_o text_n be_v to_o this_o purpose_n viz._n all_o disciple_n that_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a â—â—e_v teach_v to_o observe_v all_o christ_n commandment_n but_o this_o do_v not_o agree_v to_o infant_n therefore_o infant_n be_v noâ—_n disciple_n that_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a and_o be_v not_o the_o argue_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n much_o like_o it_o viz._n all_o adult_a person_n that_o be_v disciple_n do_v observe_v all_o châ—ists_n commandment_n but_o this_o do_v not_o agree_v to_o such_o adult_n person_n as_o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n therefore_o adult_v person_n that_o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n be_v not_o disciple_n the_o conclusion_n in_o the_o former_a argue_v the_o reverend_a author_n we_o be_v confident_a will_v not_o own_o and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n in_o the_o latter_a be_v so_o lâ—ke_v unto_o it_o one_o answer_n may_v serve_v for_o both_o the_o argument_n which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o major_a proposition_n in_o both_o do_v not_o universal_o and_o absolute_o hold_v but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o the_o person_n be_v capable_a so_o far_o all_o disciple_n that_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a and_o all_o adult_n person_n that_o be_v disciple_n be_v to_o observe_v all_o christ_n commandment_n but_o as_o this_o do_v not_o exclude_v infant_n from_o be_v disciple_n and_o from_o be_v baptise_a so_o neither_o be_v the_o adult_n person_n speak_v of_o exclude_v from_o be_v disciple_n though_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o be_v yet_o fit_a for_o observe_v all_o christ_n commandment_n in_o full_a communion_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o the_o four_o argument_n they_o be_v in_o church-covenant_n therefore_o subject_a to_o church-power_n gen._n 17.7_o &_o 18.19_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o covenant_n dejure_v be_v adult_n and_o not_o admit_v into_o church-communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n ans._n and_o yet_o the_o text_n say_v the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n be_v with_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n gen._n 17.7_o and_o this_o reverend_a author_n will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o infancy_n be_v thereby_o leave_v under_o engagement_n to_o service_n and_o subjection_n to_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v grow_v up_o and_o that_o this_o engagement_n upon_o they_o be_v strong_a to_o know_v the_o god_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o a_o willng_v mind_n p._n 44._o so_o that_o if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o but_o live_v in_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o the_o ordnance_n or_o unsuitable_a conversation_n they_o hereby_o live_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o be_v leave_v under_o engagement_n in_o their_o infancy_n pag_n 43._o â—4_n 45._o now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o plain_o appear_v hereby_o that_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n in_o â—hâ—â—_n infancy_n they_o be_v likewise_o so_o when_o adult_n for_o else_o how_o can_v their_o sin_n of_o omission_n or_o commission_n be_v breach_n of_o that_o covenant_n can_v a_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o break_v covenant_n when_o he_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d but_o the_o sin_n of_o these_o adult_n person_n be_v breach_n of_o covenant_n therefore_o they_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n therefore_o that_o can_v stand_v which_o be_v here_o say_v that_o these_o adult_n person_n that_o be_v in_o covenant_n in_o their_o infancy_n be_v not_o now_o in_o covenant_n when_o adult_n until_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o church-communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n to_o the_o five_o argument_n viz._n they_o be_v subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o under_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o his_o kingdom_n ezek._n 37.25_o 26._o the_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o argument_n may_v be_v retort_v against_o themselves_o and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n have_v full_a communion_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n but_o these_o adult_n person_n have_v not_o so_o ex-confesso_a therefore_o they_o be_v not_o subject_n â—f_n christ_n kingdom_n and_o so_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o it_o ans._n the_o sum_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n have_v full_a communion_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n but_o the_o adult_a person_n speak_v of_o have_v not_o such_o communion_n eâ—go_n but_o be_v this_o true_a that_o aâ—â—_n the_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n have_v full_a communion_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o even_o in_o all_o and_o not_o in_o some_o only_a i_o e._n in_o all_o ordinance_n what_o shall_v be_v say_v then_o of_o little_a child_n must_v they_o have_v communion_n in_o all_o church-priviledge_n and_o all_o ordinance_n as_o the_o lord_n supper_n vote_v in_o election_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o be_v no_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o such_o communion_n they_o can_v have_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o goâ—_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v bring_v unto_o he_o and_o rebuke_v those_o that_o will_v have_v keep_v they_o from_o he_o mark_z 10_o and_o therefore_o person_n may_v be_v subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o yet_o not_o have_v communion_n in_o all_o thâ—_n ordinance_n or_o privilege_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o therefore_o the_o adult_n person_n speak_v of_o may_v be_v subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n though_o not_o yet_o fit_a for_o all_o ordinance_n and_o yet_o be_v subject_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o such_o law_n of_o that_o kingdom_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o state_n as_o infant_n and_o little_a child_n to_o such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o they_o exclude_v these_o adult_n person_n from_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n because_o they_o have_v not_o communion_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o may_v exclude_v infant_n allow_v infant_n to_o be_v subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o partaker_n of_o some_o privilege_n of_o it_o viz._n such_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o though_o not_o of_o all_o and_o then_o why_o may_v not_o the_o like_o be_v yield_v concern_v the_o adult_a person_n speak_v of_o to_o the_o six_o argument_n the_o answer_v return_v be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o three_o and_o therefore_o the_o same_o answer_n may_v serve_v for_o this_o also_o ans._n if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o our_o defence_n of_o the_o three_o may_v be_v a_o defence_n of_o this_o also_o nevertheless_o it_o seem_v this_o argument_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o the_o three_o but_o distinct_a from_o it_o the_o medium_n
that_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v give_v to_o these_o by_o the_o promise_n but_o by_o that_o word_n 〈◊〉_d they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o do_v plain_o imply_v the_o contrary_n and_o therefore_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v may_v be_v sound_a and_o good_a for_o all_o that_o the_o reverend_a author_n allege_v if_o their_o doctrine_n here_o be_v not_o right_a than_o it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o god_n promise_v to_o circumcise_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n and_o of_o their_o seed_n deut._n 30.6_o be_v no_o promise_n that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o faith_n and_o repentance_n nor_o any_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o though_o they_o for_o their_o part_n do_v not_o reject_v it_o and_o we_o suppose_v none_o will_v say_v this_o what_o may_v be_v say_v of_o they_o who_o when_o adult_n be_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o what_o may_v be_v hope_v and_o say_v of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o so_o reject_v be_v another_o the_o synod_n speak_v of_o these_o latter_a and_o the_o reverend_a author_n of_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o the_o one_o can_v overthrow_v the_o other_o the_o synod_n conclude_v this_o four_o argument_n by_o add_v as_o follow_v viz._n yet_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o these_o person_n be_v immediate_o fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o reason_n render_v be_v because_o though_o in_o a_o latitude_n of_o expression_n they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v believer_n or_o in_o numero_fw-la fidelium_fw-la as_o even_o infant_n in_o covenant_n be_v yet_o they_o may_v want_v that_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o that_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o that_o ordinance_n as_o be_v say_v upon_o propos._n 4._o to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v 1._o if_o any_o man_n speak_v let_v he_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 4.11_o the_o new-testament_n no_o where_o allow_v that_o latitude_n of_o expression_n to_o call_v man_n believer_n who_o etc._n etc._n ans._n though_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o if_o they_o speak_v to_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o none_o may_v have_v the_o term_v believer_n apply_v to_o they_o except_o the_o term_n be_v find_v so_o apply_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o then_o the_o name_n trinity_n sacrament_n and_o many_o other_o will_v be_v unlawful_a as_o not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n no_o nor_o in_o the_o old_a yet_o we_o suppose_v the_o reverend_a author_n will_v not_o count_v the_o use_n of_o these_o term_n unlawful_a how_o often_o do_v himself_o use_v the_o term_n of_o par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la personal_a membership_n mediate_v and_o immediate_a member_n and_o other_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v term_n not_o find_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o term_n believer_n be_v not_o find_v apply_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o yet_o if_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v find_v and_o the_o matter_n be_v so_o deliver_v as_o become_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n that_o be_v with_o such_o reverence_n purity_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v meet_v we_o suppose_v that_o rule_n of_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v not_o violate_v though_o the_o term_n itself_o be_v not_o so_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n nor_o yet_o in_o the_o old_a and_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o synod_n have_v give_v four_o or_o five_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v visible_a believer_n which_o argument_n we_o do_v not_o see_v satisfy_v by_o what_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v thereto_o 2._o the_o synod_n have_v say_v that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o may_v be_v count_v in_o numero_fw-la fidelium_fw-la as_o even_o infant_n in_o covenant_n be_v the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v they_o can_v be_v so_o account_v because_o infant_n be_v look_v at_o only_a in_o the_o parent_n covenant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o covenant_v for_o themselves_o as_o man_n be_v so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la between_o they_o ans._n though_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o covenant_v for_o themselves_o as_o man_n be_v yet_o their_o covenant_v or_o be_v in_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n here_o intend_v by_o the_o synod_n but_o their_o be_v believer_n or_o in_o numero_fw-la fiâ—â—lium_fw-la of_o which_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v nothing_o but_o the_o thing_n the_o synod_n here_o intimate_v be_v this_o that_o as_o even_o â—_z in_o covenant_n be_v count_v believer_n or_o in_o numero_fw-la fiâ—elium_fw-la so_o may_v the_o parent_n speak_v of_o 3._o whereas_o the_o synod_n say_v they_o may_v want_v that_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o that_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o that_o ordinance_n the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o visible_a want_n of_o this_o ability_n and_o of_o this_o exercise_n of_o faith_n do_v argue_v a_o visible_a want_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o exercise_v and_o be_v a_o just_a bar_n to_o the_o admittance_n of_o such_o into_o immediate_a and_o personal_a church-membership_a as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n ans._n admittance_n into_o membership_n be_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o at_o all_o by_o the_o synod_n for_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v count_v by_o the_o synod_n to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o membership_n long_o afore_o now_o even_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o want_n of_o the_o ability_n mention_v be_v a_o just_a bar_n to_o such_o admittance_n yet_o this_o concern_v not_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o but_o be_v this_o which_o be_v here_o affirm_v certain_a and_o clear_a that_o want_v of_o the_o ability_n and_o exercise_n speak_v of_o do_v argue_v want_n of_o the_o very_o be_v of_o faith_n may_v there_o not_o be_v the_o be_v and_o truth_n of_o that_o grace_n even_o there_o where_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v much_o want_v plain_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n blame_v his_o disciple_n and_o peter_n for_o the_o want_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n mat._n 8._o &_o 14._o mark_v 4._o luke_n 8.25_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v that_o the_o be_v of_o faith_n be_v now_o want_v in_o they_o for_o than_o we_o must_v say_v either_o that_o faith_n once_o have_v may_v afterward_o be_v lose_v and_o go_v or_o else_o that_o these_o disciple_n before_o this_o time_n never_o have_v faith_n neither_o of_o which_o we_o conceive_v can_v be_v say_v true_o how_o plain_a be_v it_o that_o some_o for_o their_o weakness_n and_o small_a ability_n in_o grace_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o bruise_a râ—ed_n and_o to_o smoke_a flax_n mat._n 12_o 20._o and_o yet_o when_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n will_v not_o break_v such_o reedâ—_n nor_o quench_v such_o flax_n it_o appear_v thereby_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o weakness_n there_o may_v be_v the_o â—eâ—ng_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o such_o soul_n and_o for_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o can_v this_o be_v want_v but_o the_o want_n of_o the_o be_v of_o faith_n must_v be_v infer_v thence_o what_o shall_v we_o then_o say_v to_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o heman_n psal._n 88_o who_o complain_v that_o god_n wâ—â—th_n lie_v hard_o upon_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v shut_v up_o and_o can_v not_o come_v forth_o that_o god_n seem_v to_o cast_v off_o his_o soul_n and_o to_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o he_o that_o god_n fierce_a wrath_n go_v over_o he_o that_o god_n terror_n have_v cut_v he_o off_o and_o that_o hereby_o he_o be_v as_o distract_v and_o this_o even_a from_o his_o youth_n up_o noâ—_n can_v we_o think_v that_o in_o such_o case_n he_o be_v able_a to_o examine_v himself_o can_v distract_a person_n do_v so_o it_o seem_v not_o and_o yet_o this_o heman_n be_v not_o without_o the_o graâ—e_n of_o faâ—â—â—_n for_o all_o this_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v say_v that_o wanâ—_n of_o ability_n to_o examine_v one_o self_n or_o of_o the_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n do_v always_o argue_v the_o want_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o â—xerciâ—ed_v and_o therefore_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v may_v still_o stand_v that_o â—he_v person_n speak_v â—f_n may_v be_v believer_n and_o yet_o want_v that_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o that_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o that_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o four_o argument_n for_o confirm_v the_o five_o proposition_n the_o five_o argument_n of_o the_o
propos._n except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o their_o parent_n be_v not_o in_o church-order_n for_o the_o synod_n think_v that_o as_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o church-membership_a in_o their_o minority_n so_o they_o still_o continue_v therein_o and_o the_o contrary_n we_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v prove_v as_o for_o the_o shechemite_n etc._n etc._n circumcision_n may_v be_v profane_v when_o administer_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o baptism_n not_o so_o when_o administer_v to_o the_o child_n in_o question_n for_o if_o the_o former_a be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n yet_o these_o be_v and_o whereas_o the_o former_a be_v vile_a and_o vicious_a in_o their_o life_n these_o other_o be_v far_o from_o any_o such_o thing_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o the_o former_a and_o these_o speak_v of_o but_o a_o vast_a difference_n and_o we_o may_v add_v further_o that_o as_o there_o be_v difference_n between_o those_o shechemite_n and_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o church-relation_n and_o conversation_n so_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o latter_a these_o be_v far_o better_o than_o sundry_a that_o abode_n in_o the_o family_n of_o jacob_n to_o who_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o circumcision_n be_v lawful_o administer_v we_o may_v instance_n in_o simeon_n and_o levi_n who_o commit_v that_o odious_a cruelty_n and_o bloodshedding_a for_o which_o their_o father_n lay_v such_o a_o curse_n upon_o they_o a_o little_a afore_o his_o death_n gen._n 49._o and_o if_o circumcision_n be_v lawful_o administer_v to_o the_o child_n of_o these_o they_o abide_v in_o the_o family_n of_o jacob_n how_o can_v baptism_n lawful_o be_v deny_v to_o the_o child_n in_o question_n or_o be_v say_v to_o be_v profane_v when_o administer_v to_o they_o since_o they_o be_v child_n of_o parent_n who_o be_v once_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o be_v never_o cast_v out_o nor_o deserve_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o do_v still_o continue_v therein_o and_o for_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v far_o from_o any_o such_o scandal_n and_o crime_n as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n aforesaid_a one_o end_n of_o baptism_n now_o as_o it_o be_v of_o circumcision_n then_o be_v to_o seal_v church-communion_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o party_n baptize_v into_o the_o family_n of_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n ans._n this_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o deny_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n in_o question_n except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o parent_n be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nor_o of_o his_o family_n which_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o see_v prove_v the_o regular_a and_o lawful_a use_n of_o baptism_n now_o as_o of_o circumcision_n of_o old_a presuppose_v both_o god_n promise_n and_o his_o faith_n viz._n faith_n for_o justification_n with_o abraham_n who_o be_v to_o use_v it_o either_o upon_o himself_o or_o upon_o his_o infant_n to_o use_v it_o be_v not_o so_o qualify_v visible_o be_v it_o not_o a_o treacherous_a usurp_a of_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n ans._n neither_o do_v this_o make_v against_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o child_n in_o question_n forasmuch_o as_o their_o parent_n and_o they_o be_v under_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n and_o the_o parent_n be_v qualify_v as_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v faith_n visible_o as_o be_v show_v by_o the_o synod_n in_o their_o argument_n for_o confirm_v that_o proposition_n and_o in_o this_o defence_n former_o sure_o it_o be_v these_o parent_n may_v as_o well_o be_v think_v to_o have_v faith_n visible_o as_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n aforementioned_a and_o as_o many_o in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v culpable_a for_o carnal_a dissension_n go_v to_o law_n fornication_n vncleanness_n and_o not_o repent_v thereof_o 1_o cor._n 1._o &_o 3_o &_o 6._o and_o 2_o cor._n 12._o and_o yet_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o profess_v christianity_n we_o suppose_v the_o reverend_a author_n will_v not_o deny_v but_o their_o child_n may_v be_v baptize_v and_o the_o child_n of_o jacob_n son_n circumcise_v and_o that_o this_o in_o they_o be_v no_o treacherous_a usurp_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o therefore_o much_o less_o can_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v impute_v to_o the_o person_n qualify_v as_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n though_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n be_v administer_v to_o their_o child_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a these_o person_n be_v far_o from_o such_o offensiveness_n as_o be_v in_o those_o corinthian_n and_o in_o reuben_n simeon_n and_o levi_n but_o be_v much_o more_o innocent_a yea_o commendable_a so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o second_o reason_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o confirm_v this_o six_o proposition_n against_o what_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o answer_n thereto_o say_v in_o his_o digression_n and_o turn_v back_o to_o the_o proposition_n forego_v the_o three_o reason_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o this_o six_o proposition_n be_v because_o god_n accept_v that_o as_o do_v in_o his_o service_n to_o which_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v albeit_o the_o act_n of_o it_o be_v hinder_v as_o in_o david_n to_o build_v the_o temple_n 1_o king_n 8._o in_o abraham_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n heb._n 11.17_o and_o in_o that_o of_o alm_n 2_o cor._n 8.12_o as_o in_o such_o as_o be_v say_v to_o be_v martyr_n in_o voto_fw-la and_o baptise_a in_fw-la voto_fw-la because_o there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o desire_n that_o way_n though_o their_o desire_n be_v not_o actual_o accomplish_v to_o which_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n be_v that_o this_o may_v hold_v in_o private_a service_n so_o that_o there_o god_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n when_o the_o act_n of_o it_o be_v hinder_v but_o in_o public_a service_n he_o do_v not_o accept_v of_o that_o as_o do_v which_o be_v not_o do_v so_o far_o as_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o public_a state_n and_o order_n whatever_o their_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n have_v be_v and_o he_o instance_v in_o one_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n and_o yet_o may_v not_o do_v the_o act_n of_o that_o office_n afore_o he_o be_v in_o office_n and_o in_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o join_v to_o the_o church_n but_o may_v not_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o seal_n afore_o they_o be_v so_o join_v whereto_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o what_o be_v here_o say_v be_v insufficient_a as_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n which_o be_v not_o concern_v such_o as_o be_v out_o of_o church-state_n and_o order_n as_o if_o desire_v after_o that_o state_n be_v enough_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o it_o though_o their_o actual_a enter_v be_v hinder_v for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o synod_n speak_v not_o of_o such_o but_o of_o such_o as_o be_v church-member_n already_o only_o have_v be_v inevitable_o hinder_v from_o such_o act_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n which_o act_n be_v not_o at_o all_o speak_v of_o for_o attain_v church-membership_a for_o that_o state_n the_o synod_n account_n that_o they_o have_v attain_v already_o but_o the_o act_n mention_v be_v clear_o speak_v of_o for_o another_o purpose_n viz._n for_o the_o more_o orderly_o clear_a and_o edify_a manner_n of_o administration_n of_o baptism_n to_o their_o child_n themselves_o though_o be_v in_o the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o church-member_n have_v not_o yet_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o synod_n speak_v of_o such_o person_n and_o of_o act_n for_o such_o a_o end_n viz._n of_o person_n already_o in_o church-estate_n and_o act_v for_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a and_o here_o in_o this_o six_o proposition_n of_o obtain_v that_o end_n though_o their_o act_n as_o aforesaid_a have_v be_v inevitable_o hinder_v whereas_o the_o reverend_a author_n speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o in_o church-state_n and_o order_n at_o all_o though_o they_o do_v desire_v it_o and_o of_o they_o he_o say_v that_o these_o desire_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o their_o admission_n unto_o church-priviledge_n when_o their_o actual_a enter_v into_o church-state_n be_v hinder_v between_o which_o and_o those_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o synod_n there_o be_v great_a difference_n so_o that_o if_o what_o he_o faith_n be_v grant_v yet_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o synod_n be_v nothing_o hinder_v thereby_o but_o though_o desire_n of_o office_n or_o of_o church-estate_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o one_o or_o
obtain_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o other_o when_o actual_a enter_v into_o that_o office_n and_o state_n be_v hinder_v yet_o when_o such_o as_o be_v in_o church-estate_n already_o do_v desire_n to_o act_v as_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n but_o be_v inevitable_o hinder_v from_o so_o act_v what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o they_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptise_a as_o if_o they_o have_v so_o act_v indeed_o and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o instance_n of_o god_n accept_v of_o abraham_n offer_v his_o son_n of_o david_n building_n the_o temple_n and_o the_o other_o mention_v by_o the_o synod_n be_v sufficient_a proof_n hereof_o we_o see_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_n but_o they_o may_v whereto_o may_v be_v add_v that_o in_o 2_o chron._n 30._o where_o the_o people_n that_o prepare_v their_o heart_n to_o seek_v god_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n in_o the_o passeover_n though_o they_o be_v not_o cleanse_v according_a to_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n yet_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o hinder_v their_o cleanse_n their_o prepare_v their_o heart_n do_v imply_v that_o they_o do_v desire_v it_o and_o hereupon_o at_o the_o prayer_n of_o hezekiah_n they_o be_v accept_v and_o in_o 1_o sam._n 30._o when_o two_o hundred_o of_o david_n man_n be_v by_o faintness_n hinder_v that_o they_o can_v not_o go_v over_o the_o brook_n besor_n as_o he_o and_o other_o do_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o yield_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v part_n of_o the_o spoil_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o go_v down_o to_o the_o battle_n consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o want_v of_o will_n but_o want_v of_o ability_n that_o hinder_v their_o act_n as_o other_o do_v and_o he_o as_o he_o be_v in_o other_o thing_n a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n even_o so_o he_o be_v in_o this_o and_o they_o that_o will_v not_o have_v have_v the_o will_n of_o these_o two_o hundred_o accept_v when_o their_o deed_n be_v so_o inevitable_o hinder_v be_v call_v wicked_a man_n and_o man_n of_o belial_n by_o all_o which_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v further_o confirm_v and_o clear_v when_o they_o say_v in_o this_o their_o three_o reason_n that_o god_n accept_v that_o as_o do_v in_o his_o service_n to_o which_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v albeit_o the_o act_n of_o it_o be_v hinder_v and_o if_o god_n accept_v those_o as_o martyr_n who_o be_v such_o only_a in_o voto_fw-la as_o the_o reverend_a author_n seem_v to_o acknowledge_v pag._n 49_o why_o may_v not_o the_o like_o be_v say_v of_o those_o who_o be_v only_o baptise_a in_o voto_fw-la we_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o that_o if_o in_o the_o one_o case_n god_n accept_v they_o as_o martyr_n he_o do_v also_o in_o the_o other_o as_o person_n baptizeâ—_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v to_o be_v baptise_a in_o voto_fw-la will_v nothing_o advantage_v any_o as_o to_o church-fellowship_n because_o de_fw-fr occultis_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la and_o thing_n be_v not_o manifest_v to_o the_o church_n otherwise_o then_o by_o congruous_a act_n the_o answer_n be_v 1._o that_o the_o thing_n here_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o synod_n be_v not_o at_o all_o of_o receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n as_o the_o reverend_a author_n carry_v it_o but_o of_o baptise_v the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o church-estate_n already_o and_o have_v be_v so_o even_o from_o their_o minority_n 2._o nor_o be_v the_o desire_n they_o speak_v of_o so_o hide_a and_o unknown_a that_o the_o church_n can_v judge_v of_o it_o but_o so_o manifest_a that_o they_o have_v give_v the_o church_n cause_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o look_v at_o they_o as_o so_o qualify_v as_o be_v say_v and_o that_o have_v they_o be_v call_v thereto_o they_o will_v have_v so_o act_v so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o man_n can_v not_o be_v receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n by_o mere_a desire_n of_o such_o state_n when_o that_o desire_n be_v secret_a and_o not_o manifest_a to_o the_o church_n yet_o man_n that_o be_v in_o church-estate_n already_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptise_a when_o their_o desire_n to_o act_v as_o be_v mention_v be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o the_o church_n though_o their_o act_n have_v be_v inevitable_o hinder_v for_o these_o case_n do_v apparent_o differ_v so_o that_o what_o the_o synod_n say_v in_o the_o one_o be_v not_o overthrow_v by_o what_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v in_o thâ—_n other_o 3._o it_o be_v conceive_v by_o some_o that_o those_o who_o of_o the_o ancient_n be_v say_v to_o be_v baptise_a in_o voto_fw-la be_v so_o speak_v of_o because_o they_o be_v martyr_a before_o they_o can_v actual_o receive_v baptism_n and_o yet_o that_o their_o child_n be_v after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o parent_n actual_o baptise_a and_o account_v of_o the_o church_n which_o if_o so_o do_v testify_v that_o they_o count_v it_o a_o great_a matter_n to_o be_v baptise_a in_o voto_fw-la since_o in_o such_o case_n they_o will_v actual_o apply_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n when_o the_o parent_n have_v not_o receive_v it_o actual_o but_o only_o in_o voto_fw-la or_o in_o desire_n and_o how_o much_o more_o may_v baptism_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o child_n in_o question_n who_o parent_n be_v not_o only_a baptise_a actual_o and_o not_o in_o desire_n only_o but_o have_v be_v actual_o member_n of_o the_o church_n even_o from_o their_o birth_n or_o minority_n only_o they_o have_v not_o act_v as_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n but_o have_v be_v inevitable_o hinder_v therein_o though_o they_o have_v be_v know_v to_o the_o church_n to_o desire_v so_o to_o have_v act_v four_o say_v the_o synod_n the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n import_n that_o in_o charity_n that_o be_v here_o do_v interpretative_o which_o be_v mention_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n express_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v it_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a charity_n that_o make_v such_o a_o interpretation_n for_o it_o be_v without_o warrant_n of_o any_o rule_n in_o scripture_n or_o in_o good_a reason_n ans._n but_o be_v this_o certain_a that_o neither_o rule_n in_o scripture_n nor_o good_a reason_n will_v give_v warrant_n for_o such_o charity_n as_o be_v mention_v if_o man_n have_v be_v by_o death_n or_o some_o extraordinary_a providence_n inevitable_o hinder_v from_o so_o act_v as_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n and_o yet_o have_v give_v the_o church_n cause_n to_o look_v at_o they_o as_o such_o as_o will_v have_v so_o act_v if_o they_o have_v be_v thereunto_o call_v and_o not_o inevitable_o hinder_v be_v there_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o no_o warrant_n in_o scripture_n or_o good_a reason_n for_o such_o charity_n as_o be_v speak_v of_o for_o our_o part_n when_o god_n almighty_a accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n when_o the_o party_n inability_n hinder_v from_o do_v so_o much_o as_o he_o will_v 2_o cor._n 8.12_o and_o when_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o charity_n think_v not_o evil_a but_o believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 13.5_o 7._o we_o can_v but_o think_v it_o better_a to_o retain_v and_o exercise_v such_o charity_n as_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o then_o to_o be_v drive_v or_o depart_v from_o it_o as_o if_o no_o rule_n of_o scripture_n or_o good_a reason_n will_v warrant_v it_o if_o that_o which_o be_v mention_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n express_o be_v here_o do_v interpretative_o both_o be_v put_v together_o will_v not_o avail_v to_o put_v the_o parent_n regular_o into_o church-fellowship_n in_o any_o sense_n and_o to_o give_v the_o infant_n a_o right_n to_o baptism_n thereby_o ans._n for_o put_v into_o church-fellowship_n the_o thing_n here_o mention_v by_o the_o synod_n be_v not_o by_o they_o allege_v for_o that_o end_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o that_o be_v say_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n be_v grant_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v not_o at_o all_o weaken_a thereby_o but_o if_o the_o thing_n mention_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o baptise_v of_o the_o child_n of_o parent_n who_o be_v in_o church-fellowship_n already_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v sufficient_o gain_v but_o why_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n mention_v avail_v to_o put_v the_o parent_n into_o church-fellowship_n the_o reason_n render_v be_v because_o by_o christ_n ordinance_n only_o adult_a person_n who_o have_v true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v adult_n member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o the_o same_o person_n make_v profession_n thereof_o outward_o in_o the_o order_n by_o he_o appoint_v may_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o they_o only_o can_v give_v their_o infant-seed_n a_o right_a unto_o baptism_n ans._n and_o be_v this_o certain_a and_o clear_a that_o only_o they_o who_o have_v true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o so_o be_v
member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n may_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o their_o infant-seed_n have_v right_a to_o baptism_n if_o this_o be_v so_o we_o may_v question_v whether_o it_o can_v be_v lawful_a for_o minister_n or_o any_o man_n to_o dispense_v baptism_n to_o any_o person_n at_o all_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o can_v certain_o know_v who_o have_v such_o true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o so_o be_v church-member_n for_o what_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v a_o little_a before_o in_o pag._n 49._o that_o though_o god_n search_v and_o know_v the_o heart_n yet_o the_o church_n do_v not_o de_fw-fr occultis_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la this_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v very_o true_a and_o therefore_o if_o this_o hold_n that_o none_o may_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o give_v right_a to_o their_o seed_n unto_o baptism_n but_o only_o they_o who_o have_v true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o so_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a we_o say_v if_o this_o hold_n how_o can_v we_o know_v who_o be_v to_o the_o baptise_a since_o none_o can_v certain_o know_v but_o god_n only_o whether_o man_n have_v this_o true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n therefore_o we_o think_v it_o more_o safe_a to_o say_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o nothing_o contrary_a thereto_o appear_v whereby_o that_o profession_n can_v be_v disprove_v such_o person_n may_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o have_v baptism_n for_o their_o child_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n or_o no._n and_o if_o the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n be_v try_v by_o this_o rule_n we_o can_v see_v but_o as_o they_o be_v in_o church-fellowship_n from_o their_o minority_n so_o they_o still_o continue_v therein_o and_o so_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptize_v in_o as_o much_o as_o now_o they_o make_v a_o good_a profession_n before_o many_o witness_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o do_v no_o way_n contradict_v their_o profession_n by_o any_o scandalous_a practice_n in_o their_o life_n and_o therefore_o though_o that_o be_v true_a which_o the_o reverend_a author_n here_o say_v pag._n 50._o that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v true_a faith_n in_o they_o who_o he_o privilege_v to_o baptize_v their_o infant_n that_o be_v as_o we_o understand_v he_o who_o he_o privilege_v to_o present_v their_o infant_n to_o baptism_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a enough_o to_o administer_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n of_o parent_n qualify_v as_o in_o the_o five_o and_o six_o propos._n and_o they_o that_o do_v administer_v may_v have_v faith_n to_o please_v god_n therein_o because_o of_o the_o church-relation_n and_o good_a profession_n of_o the_o parent_n though_o the_o parent_n can_v please_v god_n in_o present_v their_o child_n to_o that_o ordinance_n if_o themselves_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n yet_o this_o we_o must_v still_o say_v that_o for_o any_o that_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o be_v say_v we_o see_v no_o scripture-rule_n or_o reason_n that_o will_v warrant_v we_o to_o judge_v they_o so_o destitute_a so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o six_o proposition_n propos._n 7._o the_o member_n of_o orthodox_n church_n be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o present_v due_a testimony_n thereof_o these_o occasional_o come_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptize_v in_o the_o church_n whither_o they_o come_v by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o if_o they_o remove_v their_o habitation_n they_o ought_v orderly_o to_o covenant_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n where_o they_o settle_v their_o abode_n and_o so_o their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v in_o be_v the_o church_n due_o to_o receive_v such_o unto_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v regular_o fit_a foâ—_n the_o same_o for_o confirm_v of_o this_o proposition_n in_o both_o the_o part_n or_o branch_n of_o it_o the_o synod_n give_v sundry_a reason_n whereto_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v nothing_o in_o the_o particular_n but_o in_o general_a that_o he_o lock_v at_o the_o regular_a communion_n of_o approve_a church_n as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o further_a than_o so_o he_o say_v nothing_o either_o by_o objection_n against_o the_o proposition_n or_o by_o consent_n unto_o it_o but_o all_o he_o say_v be_v by_o way_n of_o propound_v query_n to_o the_o number_n of_o half_a a_o score_n or_o more_o and_o then_o conclude_v that_o when_o these_o and_o the_o like_a question_n be_v clear_o answer_v he_o shall_v then_o understand_v the_o true_a and_o full_a sense_n of_o this_o proposition_n and_o what_o to_o say_v to_o it_o but_o when_o the_o synod_n shall_v come_v together_o to_o answer_v these_o question_n whether_o ever_o or_o never_o we_o do_v not_o know_v nor_o do_v see_v any_o great_a probability_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o therefore_o no_o more_o be_v here_o say_v against_o this_o proposition_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o it_o yet_o stand_v firm_a and_o good_a and_o as_o he_o conclude_v that_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o present_a for_o reply_v to_o the_o synod_n answer_v to_o the_o first_o question_n so_o may_v we_o conclude_v that_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o present_a for_o defence_n of_o the_o synod_n answer_v against_o what_o he_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a in_o his_o reply_n concern_v the_o reverend_a author_n discourse_n upon_o the_o second_o question_n touch_v consociation_n of_o church_n we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o any_o large_a reply_n and_o we_o hope_v it_o need_v nor_o because_o there_o appear_v no_o dissent_n or_o dissatisfaction_n in_o the_o synod_n about_o that_o matter_n our_o brethren_n that_o dissent_v in_o the_o former_a question_n ready_o and_o full_o concur_v in_o this_o as_o themselves_o declare_v in_o antisynodâ—liâ—_n pag._n 12._o beside_o part_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n exception_n refer_v to_o the_o platform_n of_o discipline_n conclude_v on_o with_o great_a unanimity_n in_o the_o synod_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n anno_fw-la 1648._o sundry_a principal_a member_n whereof_o as_o mr._n cotton_n shepard_n rogers_n norton_n etc._n etc._n be_v now_o at_o rest_n with_o god_n we_o shall_v not_o now_o after_o so_o many_o year_n wherein_o we_o hear_v of_o no_o opposition_n make_v that_o a_o subject_n of_o debate_n but_o if_o the_o reader_n please_v to_o take_v along_o with_o he_o these_o three_o or_o four_o consideration_n they_o may_v serve_v to_o take_v off_o what_o be_v here_o object_v against_o we_o by_o the_o reverend_a author_n 1._o that_o we_o never_o say_v nor_o think_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o withdraw_n from_o other_o church_n upon_o difference_n error_n or_o offence_n of_o a_o inferior_a and_o dubious_a nature_n yea_o though_o continue_v in_o we_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o hastiness_n or_o harshness_n in_o that_o matter_n be_v profess_a adversary_n to_o a_o spirit_n of_o sinful_a and_o rigid_a separation_n we_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o word_n in_o the_o synod_n conclusion_n that_o savour_v thereof_o if_o candid_o interpret_v and_o for_o withdraw_v from_o brethren_n because_o of_o dissent_n from_o what_o be_v here_o hold_v forth_o by_o this_o synod_n both_o our_o practice_n and_o our_o profession_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o that_o book_n do_v sufficient_o show_v we_o to_o be_v far_o from_o it_o this_o may_v answer_v what_o be_v say_v this_o way_n in_o pag._n 54_o 55_o 57_o 63._o 2._o that_o we_o account_v not_o consociation_n of_o church_n to_o be_v another_o thing_n thâ—n_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o only_o a_o agreement_n to_o practise_v that_o communion_n as_o be_v express_o say_v in_o propos._n 5_o &_o 6_o and_o therefore_o we_o understand_v not_o why_o the_o reverend_a author_n shall_v so_o often_o praise_v communion_n of_o church_n as_o pag._n 58_o 59_o 60_o 61._o and_o yet_o dispraise_v and_o dislike_n consociation_n be_v regular_n communion_n so_o good_a and_o excellent_a and_o can_v it_o be_v hurtful_a for_o church_n to_o agree_v and_o consent_n to_o practise_v it_o neither_o do_v we_o mean_v by_o that_o agreement_n a_o vow_n as_o be_v suggest_v pag._n 56_o 57_o or_o a_o formal_a covenant_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n though_o mr._n cotton_n do_v not_o refuse_v to_o call_v it_o a_o covenant_n in_o key_n p._n 54.59_o but_o only_o a_o declare_a consent_n as_o be_v express_v propos._n 7._o of_o each_o church_n to_o walk_v in_o regular_a communion_n with_o their_o neighbour-churche_n and_o if_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v approve_v of_o the_o act_n of_o communion_n here_o
particular_a person_n and_o salvation_n that_o thousand_o be_v in_o the_o viâ—â—ble_a church_n that_o shall_v never_o see_v heaven_n that_o outward_a privilege_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rest_v in_o but_o improvedâ—s_a â—s_z help_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o internal_a and_o special_a grace_n that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o accept_v of_o probable_a sign_n but_o no_o man_n for_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o rest_v without_o certain_a sign_n of_o grace_n hence_o the_o indefinite_a promise_n and_o other_o general_a indefinite_a token_n of_o a_o good_a estate_n 〈◊〉_d such_o as_o decipher_v that_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v gracious_a and_o many_o of_o who_o be_v so_o though_o many_o be_v not_o â—s_a child_n of_o the_o covenant_n professor_n of_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v ground_n for_o the_o church_n to_o proceed_v upon_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o outward_a 〈◊〉_d especial_o that_o of_o baptism_n that_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o first_o be_v of_o grace_n but_o they_o be_v not_o ground_n for_o any_o to_o rest_v oâ—_n acquiesce_v in_o as_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o sum_n while_o we_o keep_v a_o due_a distinction_n between_o the_o outward_a and_o inward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o between_o the_o respective_a â—_z and_o ground_n of_o each_o there_o be_v no_o tendency_n unto_o harden_v therein_o but_o indeed_o 〈…〉_z and_o do_v tie_v visible_a church-interest_n unto_o such_o condition_n and_o qualification_n as_o be_v repute_v enough_o to_o salvation_n this_o may_v tend_v to_o harden_v man_n and_o to_o make_v they_o conceit_n that_o if_o once_o they_o be_v get_v into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v sure_a of_o heaven_n when_o 〈◊〉_d it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v far_o from_o it_o 2._o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o contrary_a assertion_n to_o this_o of_o our_o brethren_n here_o for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o deny_v the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o strong_a tendency_n in_o it_o to_o make_v they_o cease_v from_o fear_v the_o lord_n or_o to_o harden_v their_o heart_n from_o his_o fear_n josh._n 22.24_o 25_o 27._o and_o that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o encouragement_n and_o awful_a obligation_n of_o covenant-interest_n do_v great_o tend_v to_o softâ—â—_n and_o break_v the_o heart_n and_o to_o draw_v it_o home_o unto_o god_n hence_o the_o lord_n often_o begin_v with_o this_o that_o he_o be_v their_o god_n viz._n in_o outward_a covenant_n and_o they_o his_o people_n when_o he_o will_v most_o powerful_o win_v and_o draw_v they_o to_o faith_n and_o obedience_n psal._n 81.8_o 10._o levit._fw-la 19.3_o 4._o deut._n 14.1_o 2._o hosea_n 14.1_o act._n 2.38_o 39_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o can_v through_o grace_n witness_n unto_o this_o of_o what_o use_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o lord_n prevent_v grace_n in_o his_o seal_a covenant_n and_o their_o engagement_n to_o he_o thereby_o have_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o turn_n unto_o god_n so_o jer._n 31.18_o &_o 3.22_o gal._n 1.15_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o natural_a tendency_n in_o man_n corrupt_a heart_n not_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o truth_n or_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o lead_v he_o to_o turn_v grace_n into_o wantonness_n and_o to_o abuse_v outward_a privilege_n and_o ordinance_n unto_o a_o self-hardning_a security_n and_o carnal_a confidence_n jer._n 7.4_o mat._n 3.9_o rom._n 2.17_o phil._n 3.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o but_o be_v this_o any_o argument_n against_o the_o lord_n or_o the_o church_n give_v man_n a_o portion_n in_o his_o temple_n and_o ordinance_n because_o they_o be_v prone_a so_o to_o abuse_v they_o confidence_n in_o outward_a visible_a qualification_n for_o full_a communion_n be_v but_o a_o vain_a and_o carnal_a thing_n yet_o man_n be_v prone_a enough_o to_o it_o and_o have_v need_n by_o the_o ministry_n be_v take_v off_o from_o it_o but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o deny_v or_o scruple_n their_o admission_n thereunto_o 4._o if_o one_o shall_v bring_v such_o a_o argument_n as_o this_o against_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n viz._n that_o it_o will_v harden_v they_o and_o bolster_v they_o up_o in_o their_o sinful_a natural_a condition_n we_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v count_v a_o poor_a argument_n and_o of_o no_o validity_n and_o yet_o it_o hold_v as_o well_o against_o the_o baptise_v of_o any_o infant_n as_o of_o these_o in_o question_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o baptise_v of_o these_o in_o question_n harden_v the_o parent_n ans._n not_o at_o all_o in_o the_o way_n we_o go_v any_o more_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o child_n baptism_n then_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o baptism_n which_o he_o receive_v in_o infancy_n for_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v any_o more_o than_o federal_a holiness_n and_o that_o he_o have_v when_o he_o be_v a_o infant_n on_o that_o ground_n be_v he_o baptise_a then_o and_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n be_v his_o child_n baptise_a now_o if_o he_o have_v any_o more_o he_o may_v have_v the_o more_o comfort_n in_o it_o but_o simple_o to_o have_v his_o child_n baptise_a on_o the_o ground_n we_o go_v upon_o affirm_v no_o more_o but_o this_o because_o we_o ground_n all_o upon_o federal_a holiness_n or_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o dispense_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o clothe_v with_o the_o external_a dispensation_n or_o administration_n thereof_o and_o so_o it_o do_v next_o and_o immediate_o seal_v the_o external_a dispensation_n or_o the_o promise_v and_o privilege_n that_o belong_v thereto_o which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o then_o it_o seal_v the_o inward_a and_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o include_v in_o that_o dispensation_n and_o upon_o the_o condition_n therein_o propound_v baptism_n seal_v the_o whole_a covenant_n and_o whole_a dispensation_n thereof_o i._n e._n 1._o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o outward_o to_o all_o that_o have_v a_o external_a stand_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o dispensation_n and_o communication_n of_o it_o inward_o effectual_o and_o save_o to_o all_o that_o true_o do_v believe_v 2._o that_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o entrance_n into_o the_o covenant_n thus_o consider_v it_o seal_v the_o whole_a covenant_n but_o by_o way_n of_o initiation_n so_o dr._n ames_n in_o the_o place_n that_o be_v here_o quote_v medul_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 40._o thes._n 5_o 6._o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o initiation_n or_o regeneration_n for_o although_o it_o do_v at_o once_o seal_v the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o faithful_a yet_o by_o a_o singular_a appropriation_n it_o represent_v and_o confirm_v our_o very_a engraft_v into_o christ_n rom._n 6.3_o 5._o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o thesis_n 10._o those_o benefit_n be_v seal_v by_o way_n of_o initiation_n in_o baptism_n and_o from_o thence_o the_o judicious_a doctor_n make_v that_o inference_n that_o suit_v and_o clear_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n thes._n 11._o hence_o baptism_n ought_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n now_o first_o enter_v into_o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n seal_v up_o unto_o the_o party_n baptize_v all_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v in_o season_n communicate_v and_o enjoy_v from_o step_n to_o step_v through_o the_o whole_a progress_n of_o christianity_n from_o this_o first_o beginning_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n hence_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n or_o that_o have_v but_o a_o first_o entrance_n thereinto_o child_n as_o well_o as_o other_o though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o such_o faith_n and_o growth_n as_o import_v that_o progress_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o fruition_n of_o the_o comfort_n and_o â—ruits_n thereof_o that_o be_v seal_v up_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o ready_o grant_v and_o say_v that_o â—â—ne_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n apply_v in_o thâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d those_o that_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o by_o faith_n unless_o you_o can_v show_v we_o any_o other_o way_n of_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n but_o by_o faith_n but_o withal_o we_o affâ—â—m_o and_o prove_v that_o the_o child_n in_o question_n have_v interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o know_a tenor_n thereof_o gen._n 17.7_o and_o therefore_o that_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v