Selected quad for the lemma: reason_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
reason_n	church_n	member_n	visible_a	3,184	5	9.3025	5	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
B08272	Animadversions upon the Antisynodalia americana, a treatise printed in old England; in the name of the dissenting brethren in the synod held at Boston in New England 1662. Tending to clear the elders and churches of New England from those evils and declinings charged upon many of them in the two prefaces before the said book. Together with an answer unto the reasons alledged for the opinion of the dissenters, and a reply to such answers as are given to the arguments of the synod. / by John Allin, pastor of the Church of Christ at Dedham in N. England.	Allin, John, 1596-1671.	1664 (1664)	Wing A1035; ESTC W19760	64,983	88

in_o the_o visible_a church_n clear_v up_o these_o two_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a controversy_n be_v issue_v to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v premise_v three_o thing_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v make_v my_o way_n plain_a and_o easy_a through_o all_o these_o antisynodalia_fw-la propos_fw-fr 1_o that_o however_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v convey_v to_o they_o by_o their_o parent_n instrumental_o yet_o it_o flow_v from_o and_o be_v ground_v upon_o god_n institution_n as_o the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n thereof_o who_o be_v please_v to_o extend_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o covenant_n not_o only_o to_o the_o parent_n but_o also_o to_o their_o seed_n god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o he_o be_v their_o god_n they_o be_v his_o people_n this_o be_v evident_a gen._n 17_o 7._o i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o at_o eight_o day_n old_a they_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a as_o a_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o ver_fw-la 11_o 12._o deut._n 29_o 11_o 12._o their_o little_a one_o stand_v before_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n to_o be_v establish_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o what_o can_v be_v speak_v more_o plain_o and_o full_o to_o this_o purpose_n act_n 2.39_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o your_o child_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o your_o child_n be_v holy_a and_o indeed_o what_o can_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o parent_n faith_n profession_n or_o covenant_v to_o bring_v in_o their_o seed_n but_o it_o depend_v whole_o upon_o god_n freegrace_n ordain_v his_o covenant_n so_o to_o be_v dispense_v and_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o infant-seed_n be_v in_o their_o own_o person_n actual_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v actual_o in_o this_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o his_o people_n and_o he_o their_o god_n and_o have_v the_o covenant_n in_o their_o flesh_n the_o seal_n of_o it_o apply_v to_o their_o person_n and_o hence_o they_o can_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o his_o covenant-priviledge_n but_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o he_o have_v ordain_v which_o in_o gospel-time_n be_v by_o church-censure_n mat._n 18._o 1_o cor._n 5._o propos_fw-fr 2_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o his_o visible_a church_n 1._o outward_a and_o visible_a by_o which_o the_o lord_n bestow_v upon_o his_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n his_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n as_o they_o become_v capable_a thereof_o and_o wherein_o he_o tender_v unto_o they_o the_o save_v benefit_n thereof_o with_o many_o mean_n to_o bring_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o the_o embrace_v thereof_o this_o be_v evident_a they_o have_v all_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o god_n people_n his_o child_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n holy_a nation_n saint_n etc._n etc._n gen._n 6.2_o exod._n 19.5_o 6._o deut._n 32.9_o isa_n 1.1_o 2._o psal_n 50.1_o 2._o mat._n 15.26_o and_o the_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v they_o rom._n 3.1_o 2._o &_o 9.4_o so_o in_o the_o new-testament_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n be_v call_v saint_n and_o faithful_a in_o christ_n the_o seven_o church_n rev._n 1._o be_v call_v golden_a candlestick_n though_o there_o be_v corrupt_a member_n in_o they_o and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o other_o ordinance_n belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n ephes_n 4.11_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o mat._n 18._o 1_o cor._n 5._o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o officer_n be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o heal_n and_o save_v the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o more_o inward_a spiritual_a and_o save_v dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o such_o as_o true_o believe_v and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o heart_n god_n have_v circumcise_v according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n deut._n 30.6_o ezek._n 36._o from_o this_o different_a dispensation_n it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n though_o he_o require_v of_o all_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n etc._n etc._n deut._n 10.12_o 13._o and_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n with_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o reprove_v the_o wicked_a for_o take_v his_o covenant_n into_o their_o mouth_n psal_n 50._o reject_v their_o sacrifice_n isa_n 1._o &_o 58._o call_v they_o uncircumcised_a ethiopian_n etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n of_o any_o inward_a and_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o still_o he_o ow_v they_o as_o his_o people_n saint_n in_o covenant_n with_o he_o psal_n 50.1_o and_o follow_v they_o with_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n 2_o chron._n 36._o this_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o afterward_o propos_fw-fr 3_o there_o be_v a_o different_a rule_n and_o reason_n of_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o continuation_n of_o they_o in_o it_o be_v regular_o admit_v in_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o church_n we_o just_o look_v for_o such_o positive_a qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v viz._n a_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o adult_n person_n and_o foederal_n holiness_n in_o infant_n we_o well_o approve_v that_o say_v of_o chamier_n quote_v by_o our_o brethren_n no_o man_n can_v disallow_v such_o diligence_n to_o prevent_v the_o profane_v of_o holy_a thing_n and_o lest_o such_o as_o simon_n magus_n shall_v lie_v hide_v but_o to_o cast_v out_o such_o as_o be_v regular_o admit_v we_o must_v have_v positive_a impenitency_n in_o sin_n as_o a_o ground_n to_o count_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n mat._n 18._o and_o that_o after_o due_a patience_n towards_o they_o for_o even_o a_o heretic_n may_v have_v two_o admonition_n before_o rejection_n tit._n 3.10_o or_o at_o least_o some_o notorious_a scandalous_a sin_n as_o some_o conceive_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o these_o thing_n premise_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o next_o thing_n in_o order_n which_o be_v our_o brethren_n answer_n to_o the_o main_a ●_z viz._n who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n to_o which_o their_o answer_n i●_n this_o that_o visible_a believer_n and_o convert_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v together_o with_o their_o next_o seed_n in_o minority_n be_v the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o baptism_n as_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o they_o refer_v to_o the_o place_n before_o allege_a mat._n 28.19_o 20._o mark_v 16.16_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o their_o large_a discourse_n i_o pass_v by_o though_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v matter_n of_o dispute_n but_o i_o will_v decline_v all_o impertinency_n and_o come_v to_o their_o reason_n gather_v out_o of_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v this_o those_o be_v proper_a and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o baptism_n to_o who_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-institution_n have_v appoint_v it_o but_o visible_a believer_n and_o convert_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v the_o person_n be_v unbaptise_v to_o who_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-institution_n of_o baptism_n have_v appoint_v it_o therefore_o visible_a believer_n etc._n etc._n the_o great_a weight_n or_o stress_n of_o this_o argument_n lie_v upon_o that_o place_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o and_o i_o see_v our_o brethren_n put_v much_o confidence_n in_o it_o affirm_v that_o the_o minor_a be_v express_v scripture_n and_o therefore_o though_o many_o be_v unwilling_a it_o shall_v be_v true_a and_o will_v cavil_n against_o it_o it_o will_v be_v find_v true_a at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr god_n forbid_v that_o in_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n we_o shall_v cavil_v at_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o add_v to_o it_o or_o take_v from_o it_o but_o whether_o the_o minor_a will_v prove_v true_a or_o not_o we_o need_v not_o stay_v till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n will_v easy_o decide_v it_o and_o i_o will_v direct_o deny_v the_o minor_a for_o none_o of_o those_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o that_o i_o know_v of_o will_v prove_v that_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v requisite_a to_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n much_o less_o that_o

such_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n thereof_o as_o if_o such_o and_o only_o such_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a this_o of_o full_a communion_n our_o brethren_n think_v will_v advantage_v their_o cause_n and_o so_o have_v put_v it_o in_o but_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a addition_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o whole_o fail_v they_o of_o any_o proof_n yea_o make_v evident_o against_o they_o in_o that_o principal_a place_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v baptise_a before_o their_o full_a communion_n for_o 1._o peter_n call_v they_o to_o be_v baptise_a upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o promise_n ver_fw-la 38._o 2._o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n before_o full_a communion_n ver_fw-la 41_o 42._o 3._o it_o have_v be_v very_o preposterous_a to_o put_v they_o into_o full_a communion_n before_o union_n with_o the_o church_n seal_v by_o baptism_n for_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o union_n with_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o which_o must_v go_v before_o communion_n but_o they_o seem_v to_o suppose_v at_o least_o that_o some_o in_o full_a communion_n may_v be_v unbaptise_v by_o that_o word_n be_v unbaptise_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o our_o brethren_n confidence_n in_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v find_v so_o great_o to_o fail_v they_o that_o while_o by_o it_o they_o seek_v to_o straiten_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n beyond_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n they_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o the_o whole_a subject_n itself_o of_o baptism_n because_o there_o will_v never_o be_v find_v any_o such_o person_n according_a to_o gospel-rule_n which_o they_o call_v so_o much_o for_o and_o appeal_v unto_o that_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v i_o will_v be_v a_o little_a bold_a with_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o case_n to_o challenge_v they_o to_o produce_v any_o rule_n or_o example_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o any_o person_n that_o either_o be_v or_o by_o rule_n may_v be_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v i_o hope_v this_o answer_n be_v plain_a and_o no_o cavil_v yet_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v up_o of_o this_o answer_n i_o shall_v remove_v what_o may_v be_v further_o say_v by_o our_o brethren_n object_n though_o those_o in_o act_n 2._o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n actual_o before_o baptism_n yet_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o state_n and_o right_a to_o full_a communion_n by_o their_o baptism_n which_o these_o child_n in_o question_n be_v not_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o state_n or_o right_a the_o baptise_a be_v partaker_n of_o as_o a_o consequent_a fruit_n of_o baptism_n receive_v but_o what_o it_o be_v that_o constitute_v a_o person_n to_o be_v a_o fit_a subject_a to_o be_v baptise_a to_o describe_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n by_o the_o consequent_a fruit_n of_o it_o and_o not_o by_o the_o precedent_a cause_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n be_v very_o improper_a and_o preposterous_a if_o the_o question_n be_v who_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o church-membership_a we_o say_v confederate_v visible_a believer_n and_o their_o seed_n for_o this_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o and_o bring_v they_o into_o such_o a_o relation_n but_o shall_v any_o answer_n that_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o church-membership_a be_v a_o person_n in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n or_o one_o that_o be_v under_o the_o teach_v and_o rule_n of_o church-officer_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o church-membership_a receive_v who_o do_v not_o see_v the_o weakness_n of_o such_o a_o answer_n and_o the_o like_a be_v this_o case_n baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o his_o church_n whereby_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o one_o body_n 2._o although_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o the_o church_n can_v actual_o enjoy_v full_a communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n as_o their_o parent_n do_v yet_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n set_v they_o in_o a_o state_n and_o right_a to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o as_o they_o become_v fit_a for_o they_o as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n for_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o parent_n and_o seed_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o same_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v the_o same_o right_n to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o come_v up_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n and_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o blessing_n in_o adult_n member_n it_o be_v so_o who_o be_v under_o admonition_n for_o scandal_n or_o in_o a_o frenzy_n or_o the_o like_a case_n though_o they_o partake_v not_o of_o all_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o their_o right_n remain_v so_o here_o when_o the_o seed_n grow_v up_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o also_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n not_o by_o any_o new_a covenant_n or_o membership_n but_o by_o the_o right_n of_o that_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o they_o and_o seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o afterward_o 2._o i_o shall_v add_v further_o it_o be_v true_a that_o to_o admit_v adult_a person_n into_o the_o church_n and_o to_o baptism_n visible_a faith_n be_v require_v and_o so_o much_o the_o text_n allege_v prove_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n in_o dispute_n between_o we_o but_o about_o person_n already_o in_o the_o church_n and_o baptise_a whether_o in_o such_o the_o ground_n of_o baptise_v their_o seed_n be_v faith_n and_o grace_n make_v visible_a in_o the_o same_o manner_n or_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o conclude_v the_o question_n put_v case_n any_o of_o those_o visible_a believer_n and_o convert_n act_n 2._o shall_v afterward_o discover_v by_o their_o worldliness_n looseness_n or_o other_o way_n that_o there_o be_v in_o they_o no_o sap_n or_o savour_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n even_o to_o the_o charitable_a judgement_n of_o most_o in_o the_o church_n my_o question_n be_v whether_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n their_o infant-seed_n shall_v not_o be_v baptise_a if_o it_o be_v grant_v than_o it_o be_v not_o such_o visible_a faith_n and_o grace_n but_o the_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n that_o give_v right_o to_o baptism_n and_o so_o to_o these_o church-member_n in_o question_n if_o this_o be_v deny_v let_v there_o be_v one_o tittle_n of_o scripture-rule_n or_o example_n produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a having_n answer_v their_o reason_n i_o shall_v present_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o same_o text_n to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o promise_n act_v 2.39_o be_v that_o covenant-promise_a which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o parallel_n place_n act_v 3._o where_o for_o 19_o peter_n exhort_v to_o repentance_n as_o in_o chap._n 2.38_o and_o chap._n 3.25_o he_o use_v the_o same_o reason_n in_o other_o word_n you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o our_o father_n the_o substance_n whereof_o all_o grant_n to_o be_v this_o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n although_o the_o apostle_n there_o make_v use_v of_o another_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n concern_v christ_n that_o feed_v in_o who_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o his_o people_n now_o the_o reason_n stand_v thus_o if_o the_o covenant-promise_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v a_o ground_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptizse_v in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n than_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o his_o visible_a church_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n but_o the_o covenant-promise_n be_v a_o ground_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a in_o gospel-dispensation_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o with_o chap._n 3.19_o 25._o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o his_o visible_a church_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n thus_o much_o to_o their_o scripture-argument_n to_o which_o our_o brethren_n add_v the_o testimony_n of_o mr._n richard_n mather_n well_o agree_v with_o this_o say_v they_o be_v the_o answer_n of_o reverend_a mr._n mather_n in_o his_o catechism_n ans_fw-fr but_o by_o their_o leave_n it_o differ_v from_o their_o answer_n in_o the_o main_a thing_n that_o touch_v the_o cause_n in_o hand_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o full_a communion_n in_o he_o which_o they_o put_v into_o they_o 2._o that_o reverend_a and_o learned_a author_n speak_v only_o what_o adult_n person_n shall_v be_v in_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o so_o convert_v

christ_n for_o they_o come_v in_o by_o the_o gospel-covenant_n as_o our_o brethren_n grant_v from_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o and_o be_v not_o christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o that_o covenant_n yea_o be_v they_o not_o baptise_a into_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o blood_n and_o benefit_n of_o christ_n scale_v up_o to_o they_o in_o baptism_n but_o our_o brethren_n seem_v whole_o to_o forget_v that_o or_o to_o make_v a_o nothing_o of_o it_o 2._o when_o this_o covenant_n which_o be_v call_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n gal._n 3.17_o be_v solemn_o own_a by_o they_o wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n be_v there_o nothing_o of_o christ_n in_o all_o this_o 3._o the_o danger_n of_o want_v the_o wedding-garment_n be_v as_o great_a to_o such_o as_o come_v in_o with_o the_o fair_a profession_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o these_o and_o be_v the_o church_n unblamable_a for_o admit_v such_o because_o their_o danger_n be_v so_o great_a when_o such_o want_v the_o wedding-garment_n but_o see_v our_o brethren_n urge_v so_o much_o joh._n 10._o let_v they_o consider_v for_o 13._o the_o hireling_n care_v not_o for_o the_o sheep_n we_o have_v more_o cause_n to_o fear_v how_o we_o shall_v answer_v for_o our_o careless_a neglect_n of_o these_o lamb_n of_o christ_n then_o for_o our_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o we_o have_v our_o warrant_n from_o christ_n and_o withal_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o weighty_a charge_n heb._n 12.15_o 16._o look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o fail_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n lest_o there_o be_v a_o profane_a person_n as_o esau_n who_o for_o a_o morsel_n of_o meat_n sell_v his_o birthright_n it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n do_v think_v there_o be_v a_o precious_a birthright_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o look_v diligent_o to_o the_o preservation_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o let_v we_o then_o take_v heed_n we_o do_v not_o take_v it_o from_o they_o before_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n do_v require_v it_o by_o this_o whole_a discourse_n and_o by_o these_o ten_o reason_n we_o may_v now_o full_o see_v upon_o what_o principle_n our_o brethren_n ground_n their_o antisynodalia_a or_o their_o position_n wherein_o they_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o prefacer_n complain_v that_o their_o tenent_n be_v lade_v with_o reproach_n of_o anabaptism_n i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n before_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o present_v unto_o their_o serious_a consideration_n what_o advantage_n they_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n who_o i_o fear_v will_v make_v such_o use_n hereof_o as_o our_o brethren_n will_v not_o willing_o allow_v they_o to_o do_v it_o be_v true_a that_o our_o brethren_n confess_v with_o we_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o gospel-covenant_n and_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o but_o do_v they_o not_o with_o their_o distinction_n in_o effect_n take_v away_o what_o they_o have_v give_v they_o they_o be_v member_n in_o general_a say_v they_o but_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a and_o it_o be_v only_o as_o wrap_v up_o in_o their_o parent_n covenant_n they_o be_v not_o actual_a or_o personal_a member_n and_o that_o membership_n in_o their_o parent_n and_o their_o foederal_n holiness_n reach_v no_o further_a than_o their_o minority_n pag._n 37._o and_o what_o church-ordinance_n be_v they_o capable_a of_o in_o that_o time_n especial_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o some_o suggest_v that_o ishmael_n come_v into_o the_o church_n by_o profession_n of_o faith_n as_o a_o adult_n member_n at_o thirteen_o year_n of_o age_n and_o if_o at_o adult_n age_n they_o come_v not_o up_o by_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n to_o enter_v into_o personal_a covenant_n and_o so_o to_o a_o new_a membership_n hey_o have_v no_o right_a ●o_o church-priviledge_n and_o may_v not_o a_o convert_n out_o of_o paganism_n upon_o such_o term_n enjoy_v as_o much_o as_o this_o and_o as_o for_o church-watch_n and_o government_n it_o can_v reach_v they_o but_o by_o their_o parent_n as_o it_o may_v reach_v a_o infidel-servant_n and_o when_o their_o parent_n be_v dead_a and_o they_o leave_v to_o the_o care_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n how_o shall_v it_o then_o touch_v they_o at_o all_o and_o when_o their_o own_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v account_v the_o form_n of_o their_o membership_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v a_o nullity_n of_o their_o covenant_n seal_v in_o baptism_n so_o that_o it_o will_v i_o fear_v seem_v to_o the_o anabaptist_n that_o to_o baptise_v infant_n be_v to_o set_v a_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a or_o to_o a_o covenant_n of_o no_o use_n to_o they_o again_o when_o our_o brethren_n so_o oft_o deny_v the_o visible_a covenant_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o to_o such_o as_o want_v the_o inward_a grace_n and_o affirm_v that_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o be_v limit_v to_o those_o that_o with_o abraham_n walk_v with_o god_n who_o heart_n be_v faithful_a who_o love_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n pag._n 29._o will_v not_o the_o anabaptist_n be_v ready_a to_o infer_v therefore_o infant_n want_v that_o grace_n etc._n etc._n have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o covenant_n or_o to_o baptism_n the_o privilege_n of_o it_o again_o when_o our_o brethren_n so_o oft_o confound_v the_o outward_a and_o inward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n allege_v the_o scandalous_a sin_n of_o church-member_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o these_o in_o question_n be_v self-excommunicated_n and_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o outward_a covenant_n or_o privilege_n thereof_o be_v not_o this_o a_o mistake_v which_o they_o will_v make_v advantage_n of_o last_o when_o they_o say_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o five_o proposition_n expose_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o contempt_n baptism_n to_o be_v profane_v bring_v pollution_n into_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v the_o reason_n for_o say_v they_o it_o impart_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o visible_a believer_n set_v the_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a sever_v baptism_n from_o the_o stipulation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n bring_v the_o uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n into_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o they_o oft_o confess_v that_o infant_n have_v no_o faith_n they_o be_v a_o carnal_a seed_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o just_a fear_n that_o the_o anabaptist_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o infer_v therefore_o to_o baptize_v infant_n be_v to_o expose_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o contempt_n &_o c_o i_o know_v our_o brethren_n will_v say_v we_o do_v not_o require_v faith_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o infant_n but_o in_o the_o parent_n only_o but_o yet_o when_o general_o we_o ground_n the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n to_o the_o parent_n and_o their_o seed_n gen._n 17._o act_n 2._o 1_o cor._n 7._o and_o prove_v they_o be_v disciple_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v baptise_a i_o wish_v our_o brethren_n may_v consider_v how_o great_o this_o ground_n be_v weaken_v by_o denial_n of_o god_n covenant_n to_o their_o person_n and_o only_o as_o in_o their_o parent_n and_o by_o make_v it_o so_o slight_a a_o matter_n as_o to_o wear_v out_o with_o their_o minority_n etc._n etc._n and_o also_o let_v they_o consider_v how_o suitable_a their_o notion_n and_o principle_n beforenamed_n be_v to_o the_o argument_n and_o ground_n of_o denial_n of_o baptism_n to_o all_o infant_n as_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o antipoedobaptist_n these_o thing_n i_o mention_v that_o our_o brethren_n may_v keep_v further_o off_o from_o this_o danger_n which_o themselves_o count_v a_o reproach_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o answer_n of_o our_o brethren_n to_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o five_o proposition_n arg._n 1._o these_o child_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o baptise_v any_o child_n whatsoever_o and_o neither_o the_o parent_n nor_o the_o child_n do_v put_v in_o any_o bar_n to_o hinder_v it_o this_o ground_n be_v the_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n gen._n 17.7_o 9_o 10_o 11._o act_n 2.39_o col._n 2.10_o 11._o ans_fw-fr they_o answer_v in_o general_a that_o faith_n be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o baptism_n rom._n 4.11_o act_n 8.37_o &_o 19.4_o reply_n 1._o here_o be_v no_o answer_n to_o the_o scripture_n allege_v which_o be_v very_o full_a gen._n 17.10_o 11._o this_o be_v my_o covenant_n which_o you_o shall_v keep_v every_o male-child_n shall_v be_v circumcise_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o you_o

esau_n be_v not_o clear_a that_o they_o do_v excommunicate_v themselves_o but_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o the_o lord_n the_o curse_n of_o cain_n be_v to_o be_v a_o vagabond_n and_o fugitive_n in_o the_o earth_n which_o he_o understand_v of_o his_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n from_o thy_o face_n shall_v i_o be_v hide_v gen._n 4.14_o as_o for_o ishmael_n the_o case_n be_v plain_a that_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o abraham_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o of_o esau_n it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o when_o he_o will_v have_v inherit_v the_o blessing_n he_o be_v reject_v viz._n of_o isaac_n after_o which_o rejection_n he_o go_v away_o from_o the_o church_n in_o isaac_n family_n concern_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o abraham_n by_o keturah_n how_o long_o they_o continue_v to_o worship_n the_o true_a god_n or_o how_o they_o fall_v off_o who_o can_v say_v or_o prove_v that_o they_o excommunicate_v themselves_o without_o any_o act_n of_o god_n that_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o censure_n as_o for_o open_a and_o obstinate_a heretic_n and_o apostate_n which_o some_o call_n excommunicati_fw-la de_fw-la jure_fw-la that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v in_o fact_n also_o but_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o gospel-time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v so_o express_o institute_v church-censure_n for_o the_o save_n of_o offender_n and_o purge_v of_o his_o church_n and_o have_v confirm_v the_o same_o with_o such_o promise_n to_o b●nde_v and_o loose_a in_o heaven_n what_o be_v bind_v and_o lose_v on_o earth_n mat._n 18._o i_o conceive_v with_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o author_n allege_v that_o no_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v the_o power_n and_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n can_v so_o cut_v off_o his_o relation_n to_o that_o church_n actual_o but_o that_o the_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o dispense_v the_o censure_n to_o he_o as_o the_o case_n shall_v require_v my_o reason_n be_v reason_n 1_o 1._o from_o the_o end_n of_o church-discipline_n viz._n to_o reduce_v and_o save_v offender_n mat._n 18._o 1_o cor._n 5.5_o to_o purge_v the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 5.7_o to_o vindicate_v the_o name_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o bear_v fall_n testimony_n against_o scandal_n 2_o sam._n 12.14_o 2_o cor._n 7.11_o you_o have_v approve_v yourselves_o to_o be_v clear_a in_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o example_n and_o terror_n of_o other_o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o whence_o the_o reason_n stand_v thus_o if_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v betrust_v his_o church_n with_o the_o power_n of_o church-discipline_n for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a end_n than_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o put_v forth_o this_o power_n whensoever_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o end_n may_v be_v attain_v with_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o case_n can_v befall_v any_o church_n member_n wherein_o these_o or_o some_o of_o these_o end_n may_v not_o be_v attain_v for_o put_v case_n a_o member_n be_v turn_v arrian_n quaker_n turk_n and_o what_o you_o will_v yet_o the_o censure_n denounce_v will_v acquit_v the_o church_n vindicate_v the_o name_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o bear_v full_a testimony_n against_o such_o scandal_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o terror_n of_o other_o yea_o who_o know_v how_o far_o the_o lord_n may_v improve_v it_o upon_o the_o sinner_n for_o his_o good_a reason_n 2_o 2._o if_o in_o scripture-pattern_n the_o worst_a of_o heretic_n and_o blasphemer_n be_v lay_v under_o censure_n notwithstanding_o their_o suppose_a self-excommunication_n than_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v such_o pattern_n in_o all_o such_o case_n but_o such_o be_v the_o practice_n in_o scripture-example_n tit._n 3.10_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o 1_o cor._n 16.22_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n reason_n 3_o 3._o that_o position_n that_o open_v a_o door_n for_o church-member_n to_o evade_v and_o frustrate_v church-discipline_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v but_o this_o position_n do_v open_v a_o door_n to_o evade_v and_o frustrate_v church-discipline_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n any_o member_n in_o danger_n of_o church-censure_n may_v withdraw_v himself_o renounce_v the_o church_n and_o then_o they_o can_v proceed_v against_o he_o for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o cut_v off_o a_o member_n that_o have_v already_o excommunicate_v himself_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v sufficient_a punishment_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n to_o leave_v a_o man_n so_o to_o excommunicate_v himself_o ans_fw-fr but_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o church_n be_v discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o save_v the_o offender_n by_o excommunication_n that_o tend_v to_o destroy_v the_o flesh_n and_o save_v his_o soul_n i_o never_o read_v that_o god_n bless_a self-excommunication_n to_o that_o end_n yea_o by_o this_o position_n a_o wicked_a schismatical_a member_n shall_v take_v the_o key_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n and_o censure_v the_o whole_a church_n as_o oft_o they_o do_v and_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o lay_v any_o punishment_n upon_o he_o for_o it_o and_o hence_o those_o scripture_n allege_v hebr._n 10.21_o 1_o john_n 2.19_o may_v receive_v a_o just_a answer_n for_o that_o forsake_v of_o the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o and_o go_v out_o do_v not_o exempt_v they_o from_o church-censure_n or_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o before_o church-censure_n if_o the_o foot_n say_v i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o body_n be_v it_o therefore_o not_o of_o the_o body_n or_o can_v this_o withdraw_a discharge_n the_o church_n from_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n or_o exempt_v themselves_o from_o the_o just_a censure_n and_o punishment_n appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o such_o offender_n reas_n 5._o these_o adult_n person_n be_v member_n or_o non-member_n if_o non-member_n than_o a_o person_n admit_v a_o member_n and_o seal_v by_o baptism_n not_o cast_v out_o nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v may_v the_o church_n still_o remain_v become_v a_o non-member_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o unclean_a world_n which_o the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v not_o ans_fw-fr 1._o member_n and_o non-member_n be_v not_o opposite_n but_o with_o take_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o all_o opposite_n as_o in_o this_o case_n ad_fw-la idem_fw-la or_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n they_o may_v be_v non-member_n in_o full_a communion_n and_o yet_o member_n in_o parental_a right_n reply_n 1._o this_o distinction_n be_v not_o ad_fw-la idem_fw-la for_o the_o want_n of_o full_a communion_n be_v not_o such_o a_o respect_n as_o make_v a_o man_n a_o non-member_n for_o so_o a_o man_n under_o admonition_n for_o some_o scandal_n or_o in_o a_o frenzy_n shall_v be_v a_o non-member_n 2._o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o these_o be_v member_n in_o full_a communion_n but_o whether_o that_o membership_n which_o be_v seal_v up_o unto_o they_o in_o baptism_n do_v continue_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o this_o seem_v once_o more_o here_o to_o be_v grant_v ans_fw-fr 2._o they_o may_v deserve_v censure_n though_o not_o put_v upon_o they_o r●ply_v this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o these_o member_n in_o question_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o they_o deserve_v censure_n yet_o no_o man_n be_v actual_o cut_v off_o till_o the_o censure_n be_v apply_v and_o if_o they_o may_v deserve_v censure_n then_o be_v they_o personal_a member_n under_o church-discipline_n chap._n v._o concern_v the_o four_o proposition_n propos_fw-fr 4._o these_o adult_n person_n be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v and_o continue_v member_n without_o such_o further_a qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v thereunto_o our_o brethren_n grant_v this_o proposition_n yet_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o five_o proposition_n be_v please_v by_o way_n of_o prevention_n to_o state_n this_o question_n viz._n whether_o there_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n such_o person_n as_o have_v public_o and_o personal_o covenant_v that_o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n the_o negative_a they_o prove_v reas_n 1._o because_o public_a and_o personal_a covenant_n be_v the_o formality_n of_o a_o church-member_n such_o have_v all_o the_o constituent_a cause_n and_o so_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o form_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o subject_a which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v full_a communion_n hence_o the_o form_n introduce_v and_o the_o covenant_n personal_o own_v do_v necessary_o imply_v all_o the_o privilege_n belonging●th_v reunto_o ans_fw-fr every_o public_a and_o personal_a covenant_n be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o church-membership_a the_o covenant_n be_v oft_o renew_v public_o own_v or_o enter_v into_o by_o such_o as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o as_o in_o deut._n 29._o and_o other_o scripture_n do_v appear_v and_o this_o be_v the_o

the_o house_n of_o israe●_n yea_o the_o child_n to_o who_o bread_n do_v belong_v mat._n 15.24_o 26._o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o jew_n in_o general_a whereof_o those_o mat._n 3._o joh._n 8._o be_v a_o part_n they_o be_v indeed_o of_o the_o devil_n not_o of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a state_n and_o save_v good_a of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o still_o in_o the_o outward_a covenant_n and_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n 2._o if_o those_o ma●_n 3._o jo●_n 8._o have_v be_v discovenant_v of_o god_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o these_o in_o question_n be_v so_o be_v these_o a_o generation_n of_o viper_n liar_n murderer_n &c_n &c_n that_o live_v without_o scandal_n submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n &_o c_o if_o the_o lawyer_n and_o pharisee_n reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o in_o not_o be_v baptise_a of_o john_n do_v these_o so_o that_o be_v baptise_v themselves_o desire_v it_o also_o for_o their_o seed_n and_o that_o in_o such_o in_o way_n by_o own_v god_n covenant_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n submit_v themselves_o to_o discipline_n &_o c_o if_o mr._n cotton_n do_v count_v such_o as_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n self-murtherer_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o these_o be_v such_o that_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o in_o some_o measure_n of_o truth_n for_o aught_o be_v yet_o prove_v to_o the_o contrary_a 3._o i_o must_v not_o pass_v over_o this_o rigid_a and_o dangerous_a principle_n without_o further_a examination_n the_o position_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v that_o god_n himself_o do_v discovenant_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o his_o visible_a church_n such_o as_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n mat._n 3._o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v liar_n etc._n etc._n joh._n 8._o and_o that_o without_o any_o act_n of_o church-censure_n against_o this_o i_o argue_v 1._o that_o these_o be_v not_o discovenant_v of_o god_n i_o prove_v before_o and_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n continue_v they_o under_o church-priviledge_n and_o ordinance_n at_o least_o till_o gospel-churche_n be_v erect_v after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n 2._o if_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v ordain_v and_o command_v church-discipline_n for_o the_o save_n of_o offender_n and_o the_o purge_v of_o his_o church_n than_o he_o do_v not_o discovenant_v such_o without_o church-censure_n but_o so_o it_o be_v mat._n 18.1_o cor._n 5._o therefore_o he_o do_v it_o not_o himself_o without_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v because_o if_o god_n himself_o do_v discovenant_v they_o church-censure_n be_v useless_a and_o vain_a to_o what_o end_n shall_v the_o church_n cut_v off_o one_o that_o be_v already_o a_o non-member_n what_o have_v they_o to_o do_v with_o such_o as_o be_v without_o why_o shall_v corinth_n be_v blame_v for_o suffer_v that_o leaven_n if_o god_n himself_o have_v cast_v it_o out_o 3._o this_o suppose_a discovenant_v by_o god_n himself_o frustrate_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a end_n of_o church_n discipline_n viz._n to_o heal_v and_o save_v the_o sinner_n for_o the_o church_n have_v now_o no_o power_n over_o they_o they_o must_v perish_v be_v without_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n except_o god_n restore_v they_o immediate_o at_o least_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o that_o special_a mean_n appoint_v and_o bless_v of_o god_n to_o that_o end_n 4._o what_o confusion_n will_v this_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n for_o how_o shall_v the_o church_n know_v when_o god_n have_v discovenant_v this_o or_o that_o man_n whether_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v commit_v such_o sin_n or_o how_o long_o god_n patience_n will_v bear_v with_o he_o and_o how_o shall_v the_o church_n prove_v against_o any_o such_o that_o god_n have_v indeed_o discovenant_v he_o these_o thing_n and_o much_o more_o that_o may_v be_v say_v may_v put_v our_o brethren_n to_o find_v some_o other_o meaning_n of_o mat._n 3._o joh._n 8._o 1_o joh._n 3.10_o and_o such_o like_a scripture_n arg._n 2._o the_o child_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v either_o child_n on_o of_o the_o covenant_n or_o stranger_n from_o it_o eph._n 2.12_o holy_a or_o unclean_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o within_o the_o church_n or_o without_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o such_o as_o have_v god_n for_o their_o god_n or_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n eph._n 2.12_o but_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n will_v not_o affirm_v the_o latter_a and_o the_o former_a be_v grant_v infer_v their_o right_n to_o baptism_n ans_fw-fr the_o assumption_n be_v deny_v because_o the_o child_n in_o question_n discovenant_n themselves_o not_o keep_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o walk_v with_o god_n not_o love_v god_n etc._n etc._n deut._n 7.9_o as_o they_o that_o forsake_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n deut._n 29.25_o and_o what_o do_v these_o that_o come_v not_o up_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o god_n may_v cast_v off_o for_o sin_n of_o omission_n 1_o sam._n 15._o so_o for_o not_o believe_v in_o god_n reply_n this_o be_v the_o very_o hinge_v whereupon_o chief_o this_o question_n do_v turn_v viz._n whether_o and_o how_o these_o church-member_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v well_o the_o answer_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o their_o reason_n thereof_o sometime_o they_o say_v god_n discovenant_v they_o which_o have_v be_v examine_v sometime_o that_o they_o discovenant_n themselves_o which_o also_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o before_o to_o this_o refuge_n they_o now_o again_o betake_v themselves_o their_o reason_n here_o allege_v i_o shall_v consider_v which_o stand_v thus_o church-member_n which_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n viz._n to_o walk_v with_o god_n love_n god_n keep_v his_o commandment_n believe_v in_o god_n etc._n etc._n do_v discovenant_n themselves_o but_o th●se_a church-member_n describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n do_v not_o walk_v with_o god_n love_n god_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o do_v discovenant_n themselves_o the_o proposition_n they_o will_v prove_v from_o gen._n 17.1_o deut._n 7.9_o psa_fw-la 105.8_o deut._n 29.25_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o by_o deny_v the_o proposition_n as_o for_o the_o proof_n genes_n 17.1_o deut._n 7.9_o psa●_n 105._o these_o scripture_n prove_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o as_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n to_o be_v upright_o to_o love_n god_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o god_n perform_v to_o such_o the_o save_v benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o simple_o by_o the_o neglect_n of_o th●se_a duty_n especial_o without_o impenitence_n add_v they_o do_v actual_o discovenant_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o from_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o and_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n therein_o the_o gross_a neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n persist_v in_o obstinate_o and_o impenitent_o may_v deserve_v censure_n but_o that_o the_o want_n of_o such_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v actual_o cut_v off_o such_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o assertion_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n nor_o i_o think_v in_o any_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n to_o this_o day_n sure_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n do_v not_o walk_v with_o god_n love_n god_n believe_v in_o god_n in_o our_o brethren_n sense_n yet_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n till_o for_o their_o manifest_a profaneness_n the_o one_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o god_n appointment_n and_o the_o other_o reject_v heb._n 12.17_o when_o deut._n 7.9_o moses_n say_v that_o the_o lord_n keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n with_o they_o that_o love_v he_o etc._n etc._n be_v there_o not_o multitude_n in_o israel_n that_o come_v not_o up_o to_o these_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o our_o brethren_n sense_n that_o yet_o be_v god_n holy_a people_n royal_a nation_n enjoy_v all_o church-priviledge_n and_o so_o all_o along_o through_o the_o story_n of_o all_o the_o scripture_n deut._n 29.25_o render_v indeed_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a plague_n upon_o israel_n to_o be_v their_o forsake_v the_o covenant_n but_o what_o be_v that_o forsake_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v it_o their_o not_o come_v up_o to_o these_o term_n of_o it_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n love_n god_n believe_v in_o god_n with_o a_o visible_a save_a faith_n nothing_o less_o but_o because_o they_o go_v and_o serve_v other_o god_n and_o worship_v they_o ver_fw-la 26._o as_o for_o the_o case_n of_o saul_n 1_o sam._n 15._o who_o the_o lord_n reject_v from_o be_v king_n for_o so_o gross_a a_o disobedience_n to_o a_o express_a and_o particular_a command_n yet_o we_o read_v not_o that_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n nor_o do_v it_o

not_o to_o break_v it_o 2._o then_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n like_o the_o great_a sea_n to_o deny_v communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o those_o that_o have_v lay_v hold_v upon_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n by_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v now_o strong_o plead_v for_o reply_n 1._o whether_o these_o be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o covenant_n let_v the_o reader_n judge_v by_o what_o be_v say_v for_o it_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n allege_v against_o it_o 2._o to_o deny_v communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o such_o be_v not_o plead_v for_o much_o less_o strong_o for_o solemn_z profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v not_o in_o the_o proposition_n all_o that_o be_v affirm_v be_v that_o the_o church-seed_n manifest_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o covenant_n by_o such_o qualification_n if_o they_o shall_v still_o be_v want_v in_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n may_v be_v delay_v till_o they_o give_v satisfaction_n therein_o 3._o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o case_n deal_v very_o hardly_o and_o partial_o with_o we_o while_o so_o oft_o they_o compare_v these_o with_o the_o most_o scandalous_a person_n reprove_v in_o scripture_n and_o with_o they_o discovenant_v as_o they_o pretend_v and_o yet_o at_o other_o time_n they_o lay_v it_o deep_o to_o our_o charge_n that_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o be_v deny_v by_o they_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o continue_v they_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n arg._n 4._o these_o parent_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n in_o some_o degree_n and_o therefore_o their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a ans_fw-fr the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v not_o such_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o true_a visible_a faith_n which_o be_v require_v rom._n 14.1_o mat._n 12.20_o reply_n be_v it_o grant_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o true_a faith_n visible_o in_o some_o degree_n yet_o rom._n 14.1_o speak_v rather_o of_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o eat_v meat_n unclean_a by_o the_o law_n as_o ver_fw-la 2._o show_v that_o these_o be_v visible_a believer_n in_o some_o degree_n be_v thus_o prove_v reas_n 1._o charity_n may_v observe_v sundry_a thing_n for_o it_o but_o nothing_o evident_a against_o it_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v say_v gratis_o and_o deny_v by_o we_o reply_n if_o our_o brethren_n charity_n can_v observe_v nothing_o for_o it_o they_o may_v then_o show_v something_o evident_a against_o it_o without_o which_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o answer_v for_o in_o discovenant_v of_o regular_a church-member_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o thing_n evident_a against_o they_o as_o deserve_v church-censure_n mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o reas_n 2._o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a qualify_v but_o as_o the_o person_n in_o question_n be_v say_v to_o be_v faithful_a tit._n 1.6_o ans_fw-fr every_o one_o not_o accuse_v of_o riot_n to_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n intent_n nor_o orthodox_n faithfulness_n be_v take_v for_o fidelity_n which_o may_v be_v in_o moral_a man_n reply_n nor_o do_v the_o synod_n so_o conclude_v there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o the_o text_n than_o not_o give_v to_o riot_n viz._n 1._o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n 2._o educate_v in_o the_o faith_n 3._o not_o scandalous_a or_o not_o accuse_v of_o riot_n 4._o not_o unruly_a but_o subject_a to_o government_n all_o which_o do_v suit_n well_o with_o the_o proposition_n and_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v give_v by_o orthodox_n interpreter_n marlorat_n expound_v the_o word_n faithful_n of_o such_o as_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o sound_a doctrine_n of_o piety_n and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n taylor_n by_o faithful_a child_n understand_v such_o as_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n be_v at_o least_o in_o external_a conversation_n answerable_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n they_o make_v and_o reason_n will_v incline_v we_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v require_v in_o the_o child_n of_o church-officer_n something_o of_o piety_n as_o well_o as_o of_o morality_n beside_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o use_v be_v frequent_o and_o common_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o synod_n sense_n viz._n for_o christian_a believer_n act_n 10.45_o 2_o cor._n 6.15_o eph_n 1.1_o 1_o tim._n 6.2_o &_o 4.3_o 10_o 12._o &_o 5.16_o reas_n 3._o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v frequent_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o young_a year_n as_o scripture-example_n and_o experience_n show_v hence_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n show_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a be_v in_o charity_n or_o in_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n visible_a believer_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v extraordinary_a to_o have_v grace_n in_o infancy_n and_o therefore_o no_o rule_n for_o ordinary_a church-proceeding_n reply_n 1._o the_o synod_n speak_v not_o of_o infancy_n but_o of_o young_a year_n and_o that_o be_v not_o so_o extraordinary_a as_o be_v object_v witness_v the_o hopeful_a sign_n of_o grace_n in_o many_o that_o die_v in_o minority_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o divers_a that_o hold_v forth_o seed_n of_o grace_n sow_o in_o their_o younget_n year_n 2._o we_o build_v not_o ordinary_a church-proceeding_n immediate_o upon_o this_o ground_n yet_o these_o be_v church-member_n we_o may_v build_v church-charity_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o see_v some_o church-member_n of_o this_o sort_n have_v faith_n in_o reality_n all_o of_o this_o sort_n may_v be_v so_o repute_v in_o church-charity_n for_o so_o we_o judge_v of_o adult_n professor_n in_o the_o church_n we_o know_v some_o have_v grace_n in_o reality_n and_o therefore_o we_o judge_v so_o of_o all_o that_o sort_n till_o the_o contrary_n appear_v though_o in_o the_o general_n we_o know_v many_o be_v call_v few_o choose_v and_o what_o other_o ground_n have_v we_o of_o church-proceeding_n with_o church-member_n but_o church-charity_n reas_n 4._o these_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o visible_a saint_n in_o the_o account_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o account_n of_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o &_o 14.33_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n for_o then_o the_o parent_n be_v dead_a the_o child_n survive_v shall_v make_v a_o church_n enjoy_v ordinance_n choose_v officer_n which_o be_v deny_v and_o it_o be_v incredible_a to_o deny_v they_o that_o power_n when_o their_o parent_n be_v alive_a and_o they_o will_v not_o be_v long_o keep_v from_o put_v it_o forth_o though_o they_o may_v for_o a_o while_n reply_n 1._o if_o we_o may_v thus_o argue_v by_o put_v case_n that_o for_o aught_o appear_v never_o yet_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n viz._n that_o all_o the_o member_n in_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o take_v away_o that_o none_o remain_v but_o such_o as_o these_o child_n by_o like_a reason_n one_o may_v prove_v that_o woman_n and_o child_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o all_o the_o man_n die_v they_o shall_v make_v a_o church_n choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n which_o will_v be_v deny_v yea_o thus_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o this_o or_o that_o man_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o all_o man_n die_v but_o one_o or_o two_o they_o can_v make_v a_o church_n etc._n etc._n 2._o be_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n observe_v such_o a_o case_n can_v not_o fall_v out_o for_o as_o mr._n cotton_n answer_v the_o anabaptist_n in_o a_o case_n not_o unlike_o this_o let_v there_o be_v a_o due_a watchfulness_n of_o the_o church_n over_o these_o child_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o either_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o covenant_n will_v sanctify_v their_o heart_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o it_o or_o else_o he_o will_v leave_v they_o to_o discover_v their_o hypocrisy_n and_o profaneness_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o to_o prevent_v the_o pollution_n of_o his_o table_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o discipline_n ground_n and_o end_n of_o baptism_n pag._n 161_o 163._o and_o have_v we_o thus_o do_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v upon_o his_o ordinance_n such_o case_n can_v not_o fall_v out_o neither_o have_v there_o be_v so_o much_o need_v or_o use_v of_o this_o five_o proposition_n that_o be_v now_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n and_o i_o fear_v this_o opposition_n of_o the_o dissenter_n will_v increase_v our_o difficulty_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v so_o much_o danger_n of_o these_o not_o be_v keep_v from_o put_v forth_o a_o power_n to_o choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n if_o they_o be_v train_v up_o under_o church-discipline_n as_o in_o our_o brethren_n way_n who_o acknowledge_v they_o church-member_n and_o can_v rid_v their_o hand_n regular_o of_o

animadversion_n upon_o the_o antisynodalia_fw-la americana_fw-la a_o treatise_n print_v in_o old_a england_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n in_o the_o synod_n hold_v at_o boston_n in_o new_a england_n 1662._o tend_v to_o clear_a the_o elder_n and_o church_n of_o new_a england_n from_o those_o evil_n and_o declining_n charge_v upon_o many_o of_o they_o in_o the_o two_o preface_n before_o the_o say_a book_n together_o with_o a_o answer_n unto_o the_o reason_n allege_v for_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o a_o reply_n to_o such_o answer_n as_o be_v give_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n by_o john_n allin_n pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o dedham_n in_o n._n england_n rom._n 3.1_o 2._o what_o advantage_n then_o have_v the_o jew_n or_o what_o profit_n be_v there_o of_o circumcision_n much_o every_o way_n chief_o because_o that_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n gal._n 3.27_o 28._o for_o as_o many_o of_o you_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n there_o be_v neither_o jew_n nor_o greek_a there_o be_v neither_o bond_n nor_o free_a there_o be_v neither_o male_a nor_o female_a for_o you_o be_v all_o one_o in_o christ_n jesus_n heb._n 12.15_o 16._o look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o man_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n leave_v any_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o trouble_v you_o and_o thereby_o many_o be_v defile_v lest_o there_o be_v any_o fornicator_n or_o profane_a person_n as_o esau_n who_o for_o a_o morsel_n of_o meat_n sell_v his_o birthright_n cambridge_n print_v by_o s.g._n and_o m._n j._n for_o hezekiah_n usher_n of_o boston_n 1664._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n such_o be_v the_o infirmity_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n purity_n and_o peace_n and_o the_o holy_a and_o just_a dispensation_n of_o god_n permit_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n to_o his_o most_o glorious_a end_n that_o frequent_a experience_n show_v how_o hard_o it_o be_v for_o a_o people_n desirous_a to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o steer_v a_o right_a course_n between_o the_o gulf_n of_o profane_v the_o ordinance_n by_o a_o overloose_a dispensation_n thereof_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o rock_n of_o rigid_a separation_n anabaptism_n and_o the_o like_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o hence_o it_o may_v seem_v the_o less_o strange_a that_o notwithstanding_o the_o eminent_a light_n we_o have_v have_v hold_v forth_o the_o covenant-interest_n of_o the_o church-seed_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o church_n to_o improve_v the_o ordinance_n for_o their_o good_a yet_o the_o practice_n hereof_o have_v not_o obtain_v in_o many_o of_o our_o church_n that_o this_o case_n be_v now_o become_v matter_n of_o public_a dispute_n between_o the_o late_a synod_n and_o some_o dissent_v brethren_n though_o it_o be_v cause_n of_o humiliation_n yet_o we_o desire_v herein_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n hope_v and_o wait_v upon_o he_o to_o see_v the_o improvement_n thereof_o for_o good_a and_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v up_o unto_o we_o what_o be_v his_o good_a perfect_a and_o acceptable_a will_n in_o this_o case_n when_o these_o antisynodalia_fw-la of_o our_o brethren_n come_v to_o our_o hand_n and_o another_o essay_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v here_o publish_v some_o godly_a and_o wise_a christian_n advise_v the_o elder_n to_o let_v they_o ●ass_v in_o silence_n conceive_v that_o they_o will_v not_o so_o take_v with_o the_o people_n as_o to_o hinder_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o that_o a_o reply_n will_v occasion_v further_a dispute_n and_o contest_v but_o upon_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n by_o divers_a elder_n meet_v to_o that_o end_n the_o reason_n on_o the_o other_o side_n do_v preponderate_a such_o as_o these_o 1._o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o not_o find_v any_o weight_n in_o those_o tractate_v to_o change_v our_o judgement_n it_o seem_v to_o we_o that_o by_o silence_n we_o shall_v be_v sinful_o want_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n a_o present_a truth_n that_o many_o godly_a one_o be_v inquire_a into_o and_o to_o the_o just_a interest_n of_o the_o church-seed_n 2._o this_o truth_n be_v assert_v in_o so_o solemn_a a_o ordinance_n viz._n the_o assembly_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o other_o messenger_n of_o so_o many_o church_n after_o solemn_a seek_v the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o much_o search_n into_o the_o scripture_n with_o large_a dispute_n about_o the_o same_o our_o silence_n in_o this_o case_n will_v not_o only_o render_v that_o ordinance_n useless_a and_o vain_a at_o present_a but_o also_o discourage_v the_o church_n in_o aftertime_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o for_o their_o necessary_a establishment_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n 3._o we_o see_v evident_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n give_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o antipoedobaptist_n which_o if_o we_o be_v silent_a will_v tend_v much_o to_o their_o encouragement_n and_o increase_n to_o the_o hazard_n of_o our_o church_n 4._o these_o treatise_n come_v into_o the_o people_n hand_n if_o no_o answer_n shall_v be_v return_v will_v much_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o such_o as_o be_v dissenter_n and_o discourage_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o the_o good_a of_o posterity_n 5._o those_o unjust_a aspersion_n cast_v upon_o many_o of_o the_o elder_n and_o church_n of_o new-england_n in_o the_o two_o preface_n to_o the_o antisynodalia_fw-la do_v tend_v much_o to_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o dispensation_n and_o will_v lay_v they_o under_o much_o scandal_n in_o old-england_n and_o new_a shall_v not_o a_o just_a apology_n and_o answer_n be_v make_v thereunto_o for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a reason_n it_o be_v think_v necessary_a to_o return_v a_o just_a answer_n to_o these_o book_n publish_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n but_o that_o my_o brethren_n shall_v have_v any_o eye_n upon_o myself_o to_o undertake_v this_o part_n of_o the_o work_n viz._n to_o examine_v and_o make_v reply_n to_o these_o antisynodalia_fw-la be_v very_o far_o from_o my_o thought_n yet_o when_o i_o can_v by_o no_o persuasion_n and_o entreaty_n prevail_v with_o they_o to_o call_v out_o some_o other_o more_o able_a for_o this_o work_n whereof_o we_o have_v choice_n i_o consider_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o deny_v assistance_n to_o such_o as_o he_o call_v forth_o to_o any_o service_n yea_o that_o he_o delight_v to_o show_v his_o strength_n in_o weakness_n in_o hope_n hereof_o i_o have_v by_o his_o grace_n and_o help_v run_v through_o these_o antisynodalia_fw-la in_o my_o plain_a and_o homely_a manner_n love_v always_o to_o speak_v to_o vulgar_a capacity_n wish_v hearty_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o some_o better_a hand_n that_o may_v have_v perform_v it_o more_o thorough_o this_o only_a i_o have_v to_o say_v for_o myself_o that_o i_o have_v not_o willing_o decline_v any_o seem_a strength_n of_o reason_n nor_o seek_v by_o shift_n and_o evasion_n to_o darken_v any_o seem_a light_n of_o truth_n hold_v forth_o in_o these_o antisynodalia_fw-la but_o have_v candid_o according_a to_o my_o measure_n search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o i_o have_v believe_v so_o have_v i_o speak_v as_o i_o find_v in_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n so_o have_v i_o write_v what_o weakness_n and_o defect_n may_v be_v discover_v by_o a_o more_o judicious_a eye_n i_o hope_v through_o grace_n i_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o see_v and_o reform_v upon_o intimation_n thereof_o only_o let_v no_o truth_n herein_o hold_v forth_o be_v the_o less_o esteem_v for_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o instrument_n i_o shall_v commit_v this_o case_n of_o the_o church-seed_n unto_o that_o god_n who_o of_o his_o rich_a grace_n have_v undertake_v to_o be_v their_o god_n beseech_v he_o to_o make_v his_o way_n plain_a before_o the_o face_n of_o his_o people_n and_o to_o improve_v these_o dispute_n to_o common_a edification_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n thou_o in_o the_o lord_n john_n allin_n from_o my_o study_n in_o dedham_n in_o n.e._n 6_o day_n 11_o mon._n 1663._o animadversion_n upon_o the_o antisynodalia_fw-la americana_fw-la chap._n i._o be_v animadversion_n upon_o the_o two_o preface_n the_o first_o to_o the_o reader_n the_o second_o to_o the_o honour_a general_n court_n it_o be_v no_o good_a sign_n that_o the_o publisher_n of_o these_o antisynodalia_a do_v so_o foul_o stumble_v at_o the_o threshold_n in_o his_o first_o step_v forth_o into_o this_o business_n for_o where_o

as_o he_o pretend_v as_o a_o lover_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o publish_v this_o treatise_n without_o any_o commission_n from_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o he_o desire_v they_o not_o to_o be_v offend_v with_o and_o affirm_v it_o as_o a_o truth_n that_o the_o person_n engage_v in_o this_o dissent_n have_v much_o rather_o this_o treatise_n be_v suppress_v and_o as_o a_o untimely_a birth_n to_o have_v be_v bury_v in_o everlasting_a darkness_n the_o contrary_a hereunto_o be_v evident_o evince_v by_o the_o whole_a preface_n follow_v which_o speak_v no_o more_o in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o publisher_n but_o of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o wherein_o they_o endeavour_v to_o answer_v four_o objection_n against_o the_o publish_v thereof_o and_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o ill_a consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v they_o declare_v a_o resolution_n to_o have_v it_o publish_v whatever_o shall_v follow_v conclude_v in_o the_o word_n of_o esther_n if_o i_o perish_v i_o perish_v beside_o it_o be_v well_o know_v here_o how_o earnest_a and_o resolute_a one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o be_v to_o have_v it_o publish_v concern_v the_o objection_n here_o mention_v the_o three_o first_o from_o the_o s●a_fw-la consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n hereby_o and_o from_o the_o novelty_n of_o their_o opinion_n i_o know_v not_o of_o any_o that_o make_v these_o objection_n sure_o that_o language_n be_v not_o hear_v in_o the_o synod_n but_o their_o own_o reason_n may_v object_v such_o thing_n the_o four_o objection_n be_v a_o pretend_a concurrence_n of_o all_o other_o congregational_a church_n they_o know_v of_o to_o countenance_v their_o cause_n but_o without_o any_o sufficient_a proof_n thereof_o but_o see_v it_o be_v now_o publish_v though_o uns_fw-mi asonable_o as_o be_v confess_v i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o and_o the_o reader_n about_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n but_o apply_v myself_o to_o wipe_v off_o those_o uncharitable_a and_o unjust_a aspersion_n that_o in_o this_o preface_n be_v cast_v upon_o many_o of_o the_o elder_n and_o church_n of_o new-england_n wherein_o that_o i_o may_v not_o wrong_v any_o of_o our_o belove_a brethren_n the_o dissenter_n i_o must_v say_v this_o on_o their_o behalf_n that_o some_o of_o they_o do_v profess_v that_o they_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o this_o first_o preface_n nor_o in_o the_o publish_v thereof_o nor_o any_o knowledge_n thereof_o and_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v so_o of_o other_o of_o they_o who_o i_o hope_v have_v other_o thought_n of_o their_o brethren_n than_o this_o preface_n hold_v forth_o so_o that_o so_o far_o as_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o one_o of_o they_o only_o or_o chief_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o seven_o imputation_n cast_v upon_o we_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o 1._o the_o author_n of_o this_o preface_n complain_v of_o the_o course_n entertainment_n of_o their_o tenent_n both_o in_o the_o synod_n and_o in_o the_o general_n court_n where_o they_o expect_v more_o patron_n than_o do_v appear_v ans_fw-fr that_o none_o may_v hence_o judge_v otherwise_o then_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o synod_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n be_v placid_o full_o and_o oft-ove_a debate_v all_o their_o argument_n weigh_v all_o write_n present_v be_v read_v consider_v and_o some_o public_o answer_v so_o that_o all_o the_o course_n entertainment_n be_v that_o their_o tenent_n be_v not_o embrace_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o as_o for_o the_o honour_a general_n court_n if_o they_o be_v so_o far_o satisfy_v with_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o synod_n to_o that_o question_n about_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n propound_v by_o they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a in_o their_o wisdom_n to_o countenance_n and_o encourage_v a_o party_n rise_v up_o in_o opposition_n thereto_o as_o tend_v to_o division_n and_o disturbance_n among_o we_o they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o for_o such_o course_n entertainment_n if_o they_o will_v so_o account_v of_o it_o but_o to_o aggravate_v this_o course_n entertainment_n he_o add_v though_o it_o be_v no_o other_o doctrine_n then_o of_o all_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o holland_n england_n ireland_n and_o new-england_n and_o also_o in_o new-haven_n and_o plymouth_n jurisdiction_n yea_o and_o also_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n and_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o bay_n some_o few_o inconsiderable_a except_v for_o thirty_o year_n ans_fw-fr here_o be_v a_o great_a pretence_n of_o general_a concurrence_n with_o their_o tenent_n but_o without_o proof_n and_o beyond_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o make_v the_o number_n seem_v the_o great_a beside_o new-england_n he_o add_v and_o also_o new-haven_n plymouth_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o these_o be_v not_o new-england_n church_n as_o for_o those_o foreign_a church_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v whether_o as_o yet_o many_o of_o they_o at_o least_o have_v declare_v their_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n yea_o i_o have_v hear_v from_o one_o of_o good_a note_n that_o know_v many_o of_o those_o church_n who_o upon_o the_o question_n answer_v that_o this_o case_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v consider_v in_o many_o of_o those_o church_n and_o if_o their_o practice_n have_v not_o yet_o suit_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n we_o know_v by_o our_o own_o experience_n how_o many_o hindrance_n there_o may_v be_v of_o that_o though_o their_o judgement_n be_v for_o it_o but_o concern_v the_o judgement_n of_o new-england_n elder_n and_o church_n let_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o synod_n be_v read_v by_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o most_o eminent_a elder_n in_o the_o most_o considerable_a church_n and_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n be_v general_o for_o this_o doctrine_n in_o the_o synod_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o that_o passage_n of_o famous_a hooker_n who_o praise_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o who_o may_v know_v as_o much_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o congregational_a church_n as_o another_o it_o be_v not_o the_o question_n say_v he_o whether_o wicked_a member_n while_o they_o be_v sinful_o tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n they_o and_o their_o seed_n may_v partake_v of_o privilege_n for_o this_o be_v beyond_o question_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v or_o ever_o hear_v it_o deny_v by_o any_o of_o we_o survey_v part_n 3_o chap._n 2._o pag._n 11._o whereby_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o a_o general_a confession_n on_o all_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n in_o the_o outward_a covenant_n that_o give_v right_a to_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n whereas_o the_o tenent_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v that_o member_n of_o the_o church_n admit_v in_o minority_n and_o have_v the_o covenant_n seal_v by_o baptism_n if_o be_v adult_n they_o hold_v not_o forth_o save_v faith_n and_o repentance_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n even_o so_o as_o to_o come_v into_o full_a communion_n neither_o they_o nor_o their_o seed_n may_v partake_v of_o privilege_n they_o be_v felones_n de_fw-fr se_fw-la self-m●rtherers_a discovenant_v of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o federal_o holy_a so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v out_o of_o their_o nonage_n as_o will_v appear_v after_o which_o tenent_n i_o can_v believe_v will_v be_v own_v by_o most_o of_o the_o church_n name_v if_o by_o any_o of_o they_o this_o author_n add_v further_a that_o yet_o now_o this_o tenent_n be_v lade_v with_o reproach_n of_o antichristianism_n and_o anabaptism_n ans_fw-fr if_o a_o argument_n or_o two_o be_v use_v in_o the_o synod_n take_v from_o such_o consequence_n be_v this_o ground_n enough_o to_o say_v it_o be_v lade_v with_o such_o reproach_n and_o other_o ground_n i_o know_v none_o yet_o for_o that_o of_o anabaptism_n it_o will_v appear_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o dissenter_n be_v so_o near_o a_o kin_n if_o not_o the_o same_o with_o they_o that_o we_o can_v but_o fear_v a_o great_a tendency_n thereunto_o and_o what_o encouragement_n they_o take_v from_o thence_o we_o be_v very_o sensible_a second_o in_o answer_v the_o first_o objection_n this_o prefacer_n take_v occasion_n upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n to_o charge_v the_o bay_a church_n with_o a_o sin_n which_o he_o can_v see_v how_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n in_o leave_v their_o former_a practice_n in_o dispense_n the_o seal_n and_o take_v up_o a_o new_a manner_n thereof_o yea_o a_o grievous_a sin_n in_o deprive_v so_o many_o infant_n of_o baptism_n for_o thirty_o year_n yea_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o somewhat_o worse_o

than_o that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n luke_n 7.29_o 30._o disannul_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o and_o so_o many_o hundred_o poor_a infant_n who_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o we_o now_o plead_v belong_v unto_o and_o a_o practical_a anabaptism_n ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o grief_n of_o heart_n to_o many_o elder_n and_o brethren_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n can_v yet_o obtain_v in_o their_o church_n but_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o they_o that_o can_v stand_v with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o case_n stand_v because_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v do_v to_o ca●fication_n which_o in_o this_o case_n can_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n especial_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o five_o proposition_n with_o peace_n and_o edification_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o strong_a opposition_n make_v by_o these_o and_o other_o like_a dissenter_n when_o this_o matter_n be_v under_o consideration_n in_o the_o synod_n 1648._o the_o author_n of_o this_o preface_n know_v well_o who_o it_o be_v that_o profess_a he_o will_v oppose_v it_o with_o all_o his_o might_n by_o reason_n whereof_o and_o the_o dissent_n of_o some_o few_o more_o it_o be_v lay_v aside_o at_o that_o time_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o hard_a deal_n for_o brethren_n so_o strong_o to_o oppose_v other_o in_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o then_o to_o charge_v they_o with_o a_o sin_n that_o can_v stand_v with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o the_o case_n stand_v thus_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_v who_o be_v more_o like_o the_o pharisee_n that_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o in_o not_o be_v baptize_v of_o john_n whether_o such_o as_o will_v practise_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n or_o such_o as_o oppose_v and_o hinder_v they_o from_o so_o do_v 2._o this_o neglect_n be_v not_o so_o great_a for_o thirty_o year_n as_o be_v object_v for_o in_o the_o former_a year_n of_o these_o plantation_n till_o the_o church-seed_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o marry_o and_o have_v child_n there_o be_v not_o such_o need_n of_o practice_n according_a to_o the_o five_o proposition_n which_o be_v now_o most_o stumble_v at_o beside_o some_o church_n have_v be_v in_o that_o practice_n for_o divers_a year_n 3._o there_o be_v no_o fall_v from_o our_o former_a practice_n as_o be_v object_v our_o principle_n be_v the_o same_o this_o be_v only_o a_o progress_n in_o practise_v according_a thereunto_o as_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o set_v up_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o institution_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o people_n call_v for_o they_o as_o appeareth_z matth._n 9.36_o etc._n etc._n with_o 10.1_o etc._n etc._n so_o act_v 6.1_o &_o 14.23_o 1_o cor._n 16.1_o 2._o 4._o when_o circumcision_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o travel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n be_v omit_v forty_o year_n and_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n from_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n to_o the_o day_n of_o nehemiah_n be_v neglect_v so_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o so_o deep_a a_o charge_n lay_v upon_o the_o elder_n and_o people_n by_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n three_o we_o be_v charge_v with_o a_o great_a sin_n to_o be_v tremble_v at_o viz._n that_o we_o admit_v all_o sort_n that_o be_v personal_o in_o covenant_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o now_o we_o deny_v to_o many_o except_o after_o covenant_v they_o make_v it_o manifest_a that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n if_o this_o be_v regular_a than_o the_o other_o be_v irregular_a and_o bring_v guiltiness_n to_o many_o of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o ourselves_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o very_a heavy_a imputation_n lay_v upon_o so_o many_o elder_n and_o church_n and_o without_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n for_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o whether_o elder_n and_o church_n be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o fitness_n of_o their_o member_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n before_o their_o admittance_n into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o elder_n examination_n of_o they_o or_o at_o their_o admittance_n by_o their_o public_a profession_n which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v our_o constant_a care_n and_o practice_n or_o afterward_o but_o because_o we_o do_v it_o not_o after_o covenant_v in_o person_n receive_v in_o adult_n age_n as_o well_o as_o in_o person_n receive_v in_o infancy_n that_o therefore_o we_o be_v so_o deep_o guilty_a this_o be_v a_o gross_a and_o irregular_a charge_n some_o have_v object_v against_o our_o admission_n as_o over-strict_a but_o who_o have_v charge_v we_o with_o such_o a_o sin_n to_o be_v tremble_v at_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o bring_v guiltiness_n upon_o many_o of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v such_o as_o make_v so_o loud_a a_o profession_n of_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o lay_v so_o great_a a_o scandal_n of_o a_o sin_n to_o be_v tremble_v at_o upon_o so_o many_o elder_n before_o conviction_n thereof_o and_o their_o impenitency_n therein_o and_o that_o in_o the_o face_n of_o old_a england_n and_o new_a so_o contrary_a to_o the_o principal_a and_o express_a rule_n of_o gospel-order_n matth._n 18_o 15_o 16._o 1_o tim._n 5.19_o four_o in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o objection_n viz._n that_o by_o publish_v this_o treatise_n they_o shall_v disturb_v the_o peace_n etc._n etc._n the_o author_n plead_v possession_n of_o another_o manner_n of_o dispense_n the_o ordinance_n and_o that_o buy_v at_o a_o great_a rate_n the_o loss_n of_o native_a land_n father_n house_n etc._n etc._n he_o say_v that_o the_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n be_v those_o that_o will_v rob_v they_o of_o their_o possession_n or_o question_v their_o right_n especial_o have_v enjoy_v they_o so_o long_o before_o this_o pleaded-for_a conversion_n of_o new_a england_n ans_fw-fr 1._o but_o do_v we_o indeed_o come_v to_o new_a england_n to_o put_v our_o posterity_n under_o the_o wing_n of_o god_n gracious_a covenant_n and_o ordinance_n and_o then_o to_o deny_v they_o and_o their_o seed_n the_o benefit_n thereof_o to_o leave_v they_o at_o a_o loose_a end_n without_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n the_o mean_n to_o prevent_v sin_n or_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o repentance_n unto_o life_n certain_o the_o profession_n of_o very_a many_o gracious_a and_o serious_a heart_n and_o their_o hope_n for_o their_o child_n be_v far_o otherwise_o yea_o of_o these_o that_o now_o dissent_n among_o we_o some_o i_o know_v and_o many_o more_o i_o may_v suppose_v leave_v old_a england_n for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o seed_n in_o this_o respect_n 2._o be_v not_o our_o child_n in_o possession_n of_o the_o house_n member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o dissenter_n the_o synod_n plead_v only_o that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o house_n it_o be_v the_o dissenter_n therefore_o that_o will_v rob_v they_o of_o their_o possession_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n 3._o the_o synod_n as_o appear_v in_o their_o preface_n do_v leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n to_o practice_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n if_o they_o will_v not_o own_o or_o baptise_v such_o as_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n be_v describe_v if_o they_o will_v have_v their_o child_n account_v self-murtherer_n discovenant_v of_o god_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o wrought_v faith_n and_o repentance_n visible_o in_o they_o when_o they_o come_v to_o adult_v age_n there_o be_v none_o that_o offer_v to_o disturb_v their_o possession_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v they_o disturb_v and_o oppose_v the_o right_n and_o possession_n of_o so_o many_o other_o who_o assert_v the_o right_n of_o the_o church-seed_n which_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o possession_n of_o the_o house_n who_o advantage_n the_o apostle_n say_v and_o profit_n be_v much_o every_o way_n rom._n 3.1_o 2._o five_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o objection_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v innovator_n and_o that_o the_o most_o learned_a minister_n be_v of_o the_o synod_n mind_n this_o author_n of_o the_o preface_n grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a of_o some_o which_o be_v a_o large_a some_o as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o synod_n he_o must_v needs_o cast_v a_o double_a aspersion_n upon_o the_o elder_n affirm_v 1._o that_o as_o many_o of_o they_o be_v so_o large_a in_o judgement_n as_o to_o soldier_n with_o parish_n church_n ans_fw-fr if_o this_o be_v mean_v in_o respect_n of_o communion_n with_o orthodox_n

they_o may_v yea_o ought_v to_o own_o they_o as_o member_n when_o they_o own_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v not_o desert_v the_o church_n i_o can_v but_o make_v a_o little_a pause_n here_o before_o i_o pass_v on_o and_o serious_o entreat_v our_o dear_a brethren_n and_o all_o of_o their_o mind_n to_o consider_v well_o how_o the_o lord_n be_v wont_a to_o deal_v with_o his_o visible_a church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o compare_v therewith_o this_o their_o respect_n and_o care_n of_o the_o lamb_n of_o christ_n flock_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v once_o strike_v a_o covenant_n with_o his_o people_n take_v in_o their_o seed_n with_o the_o parent_n gen._n 17.7_o deut._n 29.10_o 11._o 1._o what_o abundant_a mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n do_v he_o ordain_v and_o cause_n diligent_o to_o be_v improve_v to_o that_o end_n cain_n and_o abel_n both_o admit_v to_o sacrifice_n abraham_n command_n be_v to_o his_o whole_a family-church_n gen._n 18._o the_o daily_a ordinary_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o more_o solemn_a and_o extraordinary_a be_v for_o the_o whole_a congregation_n leu._n 4.14_o 21._o numb_a 15.24_o 25._o to_o israel_n pertain_v the_o adoption_n the_o glory_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n rom._n 94._o and_o how_o do_v the_o lord_n follow_v his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n by_o his_o prophet_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n yea_o when_o go_v after_o baal_n to_o reduce_v they_o by_o elijah_n how_o affectionate_o do_v the_o lord_n by_o they_o plead_v with_o his_o people_n jer._n 2._o &_o 3_o micah_n 6._o psal_n 81.8_o etc._n etc._n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o other_o ordinance_n be_v give_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o their_o salvation_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephes_n 4.11_o etc._n etc._n and_o discipline_n to_o reduce_v and_o save_v offender_n 2._o consider_v the_o wonderful_a patience_n of_o god_n in_o seek_v the_o salvation_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n when_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o god_n resolve_v to_o destroy_v all_o flesh_n yet_o he_o spare_v they_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n send_v noah_n a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n to_o seek_v their_o good_a genes_n 6._o and_o how_o great_a be_v his_o patience_n to_o israel_n and_o judah_n send_v his_o prophet_n early_a and_o late_o out_o of_o his_o compassion_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n 2_o chron._n 36._o so_o the_o lord_n jesus_n send_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o heal_v their_o corruption_n and_o though_o he_o threaten_v to_o come_v quick_o yet_o spare_v they_o many_o year_n 3._o see_v with_o what_o compassion_n and_o bowel_n of_o humane_a affection_n as_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n express_v himself_o when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o cast_v off_o a_o people_n he_o have_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o how_o shall_v i_o give_v thou_o up_o o_o ephraim_n etc._n etc._n my_o repenting_n be_v kindle_v together_o hos_fw-la 11.8_o so_o christ_n o_o jerusalem_n how_o oft_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o as_o a_o hen_n her_o chicken_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 23.37_o how_o do_v he_o weepover_v jerusalem_n say_v o_o that_o thou_o have_v know_v at_o least_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n etc._n etc._n luke_n 19.41_o this_o be_v god_n way_n but_o what_o be_v our_o brethren_n way_n to_o these_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o who_o they_o confess_v the_o promise_n do_v belong_v act_n 2.39_o 1._o though_o god_n have_v strike_v his_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o seal_v it_o to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o own_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v they_o actual_a personal_a member_n but_o in_o effect_n distinguish_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n 2._o they_o allow_v they_o no_o more_o act_n of_o church-watch_n and_o discipline_n then_o may_v reach_v a_o infidel-servant_n and_o excommunication_n the_o most_o effectual_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o destroy_v the_o flesh_n and_o save_o the_o soul_n must_v not_o touch_v they_o 3._o so_o quick_a they_o be_v that_o if_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o please_v to_o give_v they_o save_v faith_n and_o grace_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v to_o adult_v age_n disow_v they_o as_o no_o member_n and_o so_o let_v they_o go_v now_o how_o far_o unlike_o this_o be_v to_o god_n way_n who_o do_v not_o see_v and_o i_o must_v confess_v this_o be_v to_o i_o one_o great_a argument_n that_o the_o way_n of_o these_o brethren_n be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o proceed_v our_o brethren_n to_o clear_v this_o coast_n think_v fit_a to_o answer_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o synod_n to_o prove_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o reader_n must_v note_v that_o those_o argument_n be_v not_o apply_v to_o this_o proposition_n in_o hand_n here_o be_v eight_o reason_n to_o prove_v they_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o touch_v by_o they_o but_o the_o reason_n that_o our_o brethren_n here_o speak_v unto_o be_v those_o bring_v by_o the_o synod_n to_o prove_v the_o last_o branch_n of_o the_o six_o argument_n for_o the_o five_o proposition_n viz._n that_o church-member_n admit_v in_o minority_n understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n that_o their_o membership_n still_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o cease_v not_o with_o their_o infancy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v note_v because_o if_o their_o answer_n suit_v not_o the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n than_o they_o be_v not_o pertinent_a to_o take_v off_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o synod_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o be_v answer_v to_o these_o reason_n though_o out_o of_o their_o place_n reas_n 1._o because_o in_o scripture_n person_n be_v break_v off_o only_o for_o notorious_a sin_n or_o incorrigible_a impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n not_o for_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_v age_n rom_n 11.20_o ans_fw-fr our_o brethren_n answer_v not_o simple_o for_o grow_v up_o but_o for_o such_o accessary_n as_o may_v attend_v adult_a age_n rom._n 11.20_o do_v not_o say_v only_o for_o notorious_a sin_n etc._n etc._n negative_a unbelief_n neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n not_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o may_v give_v cause_n of_o break_v off_o and_o to_o such_o though_o our_o patience_n and_o expectation_n ought_v to_o be_v large_a and_o long_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v tire_v out_o at_o last_o and_o come_v to_o a_o period_n reply_n 1._o if_o our_o brethren_n will_v out_o hold_v to_o this_o it_o will_v tend_v much_o to_o our_o desire_a unity_n for_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o their_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n do_v continue_v in_o adult_n age_n until_o such_o accessary_n do_v appear_v and_o till_o the_o patience_n of_o the_o church_n be_v tire_v out_o 2._o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o negative_a unbelief_n manifest_v by_o neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n not_o profess_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o might_n after_o long_a patience_n give_v just_a cause_n to_o break_v they_o off_o yet_o by_o this_o rule_n the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v break_v off_o for_o they_o do_v profess_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o by_o a_o life_n free_a from_o scandal_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n or_o at_o least_o such_o as_o these_o be_v still_o object_n of_o the_o church_n patience_n and_o therefore_o not_o break_v off_o and_o see_v our_o brethren_n come_v thus_o far_o i_o shall_v willing_o meet_v they_o here_o and_o confess_v that_o if_o negative_a unbelief_n be_v manifest_v by_o neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n not_o profess_v of_o the_o faith_n be_v orderly_o call_v thereunto_o by_o the_o church_n and_o continuance_n impenitent_o in_o such_o neglect_v after_o due_a mean_n with_o due_a patience_n use_v by_o the_o church_n this_o will_v give_v the_o church_n just_a cause_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o for_o this_o be_v incorrigible_a impenitency_n in_o sin_n and_o oh_o that_o we_o may_v meet_v here_o but_o when_o i_o consider_v many_o other_o expression_n in_o this_o treatise_n i_o fear_v my_o desire_n will_v fail_v for_o if_o no_o act_n of_o church-government_n may_v be_v put_v forth_o upon_o their_o person_n immediate_o but_o by_o their_o parent_n how_o shall_v the_o church_n come_v

at_o they_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o such_o duty_n and_o deal_v with_o they_o for_o their_o neglect_n thereof_o and_o when_o their_o parent_n be_v dead_a what_o shall_v the_o church_n do_v then_o and_o when_o their_o membership_n be_v own_v only_o in_o general_n as_o wrap_v up_o in_o their_o parent_n not_o actual_a or_o personal_a yea_o when_o their_o personal_a or_o foederal_n holiness_n be_v deny_v to_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n these_o and_o the_o like_a passage_n pag._n 23_o 25_o 37._o and_o in_o other_o place_n do_v make_v i_o fear_v that_o our_o brethren_n will_v not_o hold_v to_o their_o expression_n in_o this_o place_n reply_v 2._o although_o rom._n 11.20_o say_v not_o only_o for_o notorious_a sin_n etc._n etc._n yet_o it_o show_v how_o the_o jew_n be_v break_v off_o which_o we_o know_v be_v for_o notorious_a sin_n and_o incorrigible_a impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n and_o let_v any_o show_v that_o any_o have_v be_v break_v off_o or_o by_o rule_n may_v be_v so_o for_o negative_a unbelief_n without_o impenitency_n add_v the_o contrary_n we_o find_v 2_o chron._n 36.16_o mat._n 21.43_o act_n 13.45_o 46._o &_o 18.6_o &_o 19.8_o reas_n 2._o the_o jewish_a child_n circumcise_v do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v member_n by_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_v age_n but_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o member_n deut._n 26_o 2-10_a &_o 16_o 16-17_a gal._n 53._o ans_fw-fr the_o circumcise_a jew_n do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v member_n simple_o for_o grow_v up_o but_o for_o grow_v out_o of_o kind_n jer._n 2.21_o they_o become_v degenerate_a plant_n amos_n 9.7_o child_n of_o the_o negro_n bastard_n branch_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o joh._n 15.2_o reply_n there_o be_v a_o double_a great_a mistake_n in_o apply_v these_o scripture_n 1._o they_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o person_n cease_v to_o be_v member_n as_o for_o jer._n 2._o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o jerusalem_n ver_fw-la 2._o and_o that_o in_o the_o thirteen_o year_n of_o josiah_n after_o the_o covenant_n be_v renew_v and_o religion_n great_o reform_v and_o god_n call_v they_o his_o people_n ver_fw-la 11_o 13_o and_o therefore_o their_o membership_n cease_v not_o at_o that_o time_n so_o amos_n 9_o he_o prophesy_v in_o the_o day_n of_o vzziah_n king_n of_o judah_n and_o joash_n the_o son_n of_o jeroboam_n king_n of_o israel_n in_o who_o day_n god_n have_v not_o yet_o remove_v israel_n out_o of_o his_o sight_n as_o for_o joh._n 15.2_o though_o the_o lord_n do_v in_o his_o time_n cut_v off_o unfruitful_a branch_n by_o death_n or_o church-censure_n yet_o till_o he_o do_v so_o they_o be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n so_o that_o these_o place_n speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o cease_n of_o church-membership_a in_o adult_n age_n 2._o these_o place_n do_v not_o suit_v the_o person_n in_o the_o five_o proposition_n jer._n 2._o speak_v of_o such_o as_o prophesy_v by_o baal_n that_o play_v the_o harlot_n on_o every_o high_a hill_n ver_fw-la 20._o and_o be_v therefore_o call_v a_o degenerate_a plant_n ver_fw-la 21._o amos_n speak_v of_o israel_n in_o the_o corrupt_a time_n of_o idolatry_n and_o reprove_v their_o great_a covetousness_n and_o oppression_n chap._n 8.4_o 5._o and_o therefore_o if_o such_o as_o those_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v member_n in_o adult_n age_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o membership_n of_o these_o in_o question_n do_v cease_v what_o be_v here_o add_v about_o the_o phrase_n of_o enter_v into_o covenant_n be_v a_o mistake_n for_o the_o synod_n speak_v of_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a membership_n not_o deny_v the_o phrase_n of_o enter_v into_o or_o renew_v the_o covenant_n reas_n 3._o those_o relation_n of_o bond-servant_n and_o subject_n which_o the_o scripture_n make_v use_v of_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n by_o levit._n 25.41_o 42._o ezek._n 37.25_o do_v not_o cease_v with_o infancy_n but_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n whereby_o they_o be_v engage_v to_o duty_n when_o they_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o it_o so_o here_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o relation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o the_o bondwoman_n may_v cease_v in_o adult_n age_n as_o ishmael_n much_o more_o of_o the_o bond-servant_n reply_n the_o relation_n of_o ishmael_n cease_v not_o by_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_v age_n nor_o till_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o for_o his_o sin_n these_o in_o question_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o or_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o this_o answer_n be_v impertinent_a ans_fw-fr 2._o by_o this_o reason_n moral_a wickedness_n shall_v not_o cut_v off_o adult_a member_n for_o that_o do_v not_o cut_v off_o the_o relation_n of_o bond-servant_n reply_n this_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o civil_a and_o church-society_n do_v not_o require_v they_o shall_v hold_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o punishment_n that_o be_v indeed_o to_o make_v similitude_n run_v on_o all_o four_o as_o we_o say_v it_o be_v enough_o if_o they_o agree_v in_o that_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v apply_v and_o this_o application_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v clear_a in_o levit._n 25.41_o 42._o where_o the_o child_n of_o the_o israelitish_n servant_n be_v to_o serve_v with_o their_o parent_n unto_o the_o year_n o●_n jubilee_n which_o be_v every_o fifty_o year_n they_o be_v oft_o grow_v up_o to_o adult_n age_n before_o that_o time_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v then_o go_v out_o be_v because_o they_o that_o be_v parent_n and_o child_n be_v my_o servant_n say_v the_o lord_n so_o that_o there_o be_v the_o like_a reason_n in_o god_n service_n as_o in_o that_o relation_n and_o we_o see_v david_n delight_v to_o own_v himself_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o very_a relation_n i_o be_o thy_o servant_n the_o son_n of_o thy_o handmaid_n psal_n 116.16_o that_o be_v engage_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n from_o his_o birth_n and_o so_o for_o ever_o as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o handmaid_n be_v exod._n 21.4_o and_o yet_o if_o the_o similitude_n shall_v be_v press_v so_o far_o we_o know_v that_o the_o moral_a wickedness_n of_o murder_n adultery_n and_o the_o like_a will_v cut_v off_o servant_n and_o subject_n by_o death_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n reas_n 4._o there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a way_n of_o cessation_n of_o church-membership_a but_o by_o death_n dismission_n excommunication_n or_o dissolution_n of_o the_o society_n none_o of_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o child_n in_o question_n ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o member_n in_o full_a communion_n which_o these_o adult_a child_n be_v not_o reply_n if_o none_o of_o these_o belong_v to_o such_o adult_n child_n to_o cause_v their_o membership_n to_o cease_v then_o by_o their_o judgement_n it_o seem_v they_o have_v no_o membership_n at_o all_o if_o neither_o death_n nor_o dissolution_n of_o the_o society_n can_v cause_v it_o to_o cease_v which_o before_o they_o seem_v not_o to_o own_o ans_fw-fr 2._o there_o be_v many_o other_o way_n of_o the_o cessation_n of_o church-member_n they_o may_v excommunicate_v themselves_o as_o mr._n cotton_n the_o assembly_n at_o the_o savoy_n and_o dr._n ames_n affirm_v also_o by_o withdraw_v sometime_o command_v of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3.5_o rom_n 16.17_o also_o by_o apostasy_n 1_o joh._n 2.19_o by_o heresy_n as_o arrian_n quaker_n etc._n etc._n reply_n 1._o if_o these_o adult_n child_n may_v excommunicate_v themselves_o than_o it_o be_v yield_v that_o they_o be_v member_n in_o adult_n age_n but_o if_o all_o these_o be_v grant_v yet_o none_o of_o they_o be_v the_o case_n of_o these_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n 2._o here_o be_v a_o needless_a multiply_v of_o particular_n all_o but_o a_o suppose_a lawful_a withdraw_n be_v subject_n of_o excommunication_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v concern_v a_o lawful_a withdraw_n that_o turn_v away_o from_o such_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o and_o avoid_v those_o rom._n 16.17_o may_v more_o fit_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v do_v by_o not_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o church_n or_o cast_v they_o out_o if_o they_o be_v in_o rather_o then_o by_o withdraw_v from_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o their_o sake_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o schism_n except_o many_o caution_n be_v use_v neither_o can_v such_o withdraw_a loosen_v a_o man_n relation_n to_o the_o church_n which_o no_o doubt_n may_v call_v he_o to_o account_v for_o it_o and_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o render_v a_o reason_n thereof_o else_o all_o discipline_n may_v hereby_o be_v make_v frustrate_a now_o if_o his_o reason_n be_v find_v just_a it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o with_o a_o dismission_n 3._o concern_v this_o self-excommunication_n 1._o the_o ordinary_a instance_n of_o cain_n ishmael_n

case_n of_o these_o in_o question_n who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n set_v thereto_o before_o genes_n 17.7_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o therefore_o this_o own_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v only_o a_o manifestation_n of_o their_o continuance_n in_o it_o and_o hence_o this_o be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o their_o membership_n but_o a_o duty_n of_o their_o covenant_n and_o do_v not_o in_o itself_o fit_v they_o for_o full_a communion_n except_o withal_o they_o hold_v out_o such_o qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v thereunto_o a_o youth_n that_o have_v the_o constituent_a cause_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n with_o some_o understanding_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o thereby_o capable_a of_o all_o privilege_n of_o a_o man_n as_o to_z marry_o give_v good_a assurance_n of_o land_n and_o the_o like_a a_o adult_n person_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o personal_a covenant_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n mere_o because_o he_o have_v covenant_v for_o except_o he_o have_v suitable_a qualification_n he_o will_v eat_v judgement_n to_o himself_o reas_n 2._o because_o those_o that_o be_v admit_v by_o personal_a covenant_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n continue_v in_o full_a communion_n act_v 2.41_o ans_fw-fr there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o they_o be_v admit_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o also_o endue_v with_o eminent_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o be_v admit_v in_o infancy_n do_v only_o by_o own_v the_o covenant_n manife_a their_o continuance_n therein_o the_o indian_n new_o convert_v and_o hold_v forth_o so_o much_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o may_v admit_v they_o into_o the_o church_n and_o baptism_n may_v yet_o need_v further_a preparation_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o have_v such_o eminent_a gift_n reas_n 3._o because_o this_o doctrine_n presuppose_v that_o what_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v require_v in_o adult_a person_n come_v to_o baptism_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n ans_fw-fr this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o suppose_v it_o for_o it_o speak_v only_o of_o such_o adult_n person_n as_o be_v baptise_a in_o infancy_n not_o to_o be_v baptise_a in_o adult_n age_n it_o suppose_v only_o that_o person_n baptise_a in_o infancy_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o visible_a church_n may_v yet_o be_v unable_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o hence_o the_o reason_n which_o here_o follow_v touch_v not_o this_o case_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o some_o of_o they_o do_v not_o argue_v against_o the_o baptise_v of_o ●_z or_o that_o infant_n baptise_a may_v partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o five_o proposition_n propos_fw-fr 5._o church-member_n who_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a this_o proposition_n say_v our_o brethren_n do_v stumble_v we_o most_o their_o reason_n be_v reas_n 1._o because_o there_o be_v three_o expression_n propound_v this_o swerve_v further_a than_o the_o other_o from_o the_o scripture_n ans_fw-fr be_v it_o grant_v that_o several_a term_n and_o expression_n of_o these_o qualification_n be_v propound_v these_o only_a in_o conclusion_n be_v assent_v unto_o but_o if_o our_o brethren_n judge_v that_o they_o all_o swerve_v from_o the_o scripture_n what_o matter_n be_v it_o which_o swerve_v most_o from_o it_o if_o this_o swerve_v most_o they_o have_v the_o more_o advantage_n of_o dispute_n against_o it_o but_o see_v they_o stumble_v so_o much_o at_o this_o i_o shall_v easy_o remove_v this_o block_n out_o of_o their_o way_n obj._n first_o say_v they_o in_o the_o former_a expression_n it_o be_v require_v they_o shall_v understand_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n here_o no_o more_o than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o so_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n righteousness_n sabbath_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr as_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o as_o large_a as_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n both_o in_o the_o acceptation_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o orthodox_n divine_v phil._n 1.27_o when_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o strive_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v they_o let_v go_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n or_o any_o other_o ground_n of_o religion_n 2_o tim._n 4.7_o when_o paul_n say_v he_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n do_v he_o let_v go_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o other_o ground_n of_o religion_n judas_n ver_fw-la 3._o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o that_o faith_n oppose_v to_o the_o fi●●●y_a dreamer_n that_o sin_v against_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o therefore_o sure_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n comprehend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n when_o our_o synod_n at_o cambridge_n 1648._o declare_v their_o consent_n with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o england_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o assembly_n at_o the_o savoy_n call_v that_o book_n a_o declaration_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o order_n do_v they_o not_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n faith_n all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n except_v only_a matter_n of_o order_n but_o what_o need_v more_o instance_n when_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o book_n tell_v the_o world_n of_o a_o few_o name_n that_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a to_o think_v that_o such_o person_n do_v not_o hold_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n sure_o the_o synod_n intend_v it_o so_o obj._n 2._o in_o the_o second_o expression_n it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v examine_v of_o their_o sense_n of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_n after_o he_o here_o only_o of_o their_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v a●s_n but_o if_o such_o sense_n of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_n after_o he_o shall_v not_o upon_o such_o examination_n appear_v but_o this_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n with_o all_o the_o other_o qualification_n may_v not_o this_o suffice_v to_o show_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n what_o if_o the_o devil_n may_v give_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o free_a but_o enforce_v and_o they_o want_v all_o the_o other_o qualification_n that_o these_o have_v obj._n 3_o the_o former_a require_v that_o they_o shall_v give_v satisfaction_n for_o any_o offence_n they_o have_v fall_v into_o here_o only_o that_o they_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n the_o former_a viz._n offence_n comprehend_v original_a sin_n or_o any_o other_o commit_v against_o god_n or_o man_n jam._n 3_o 2._o scandal_n in_o lif●_n note_v only_o notorious_a sin_n and_o a_o course_n therein_o ans_fw-fr that_o they_o stumble_v at_o this_o must_v needs_o arise_v from_o a_o very_a rigid_a principle_n whereof_o this_o treatise_n have_v too_o many_o for_o who_o ever_o take_v up_o that_o of_o original_a sin_n as_o matter_n of_o offence_n to_o deal_v with_o his_o brother_n for_o it_o or_o what_o rule_n have_v we_o to_o call_v for_o satisfaction_n for_o that_o or_o for_o all_o such_o word_n or_o action_n as_o be_v offence_n to_o god_n or_o man_n a_o practice_n that_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v in_o that_o very_a place_n allege_v jam._n 3_o 1._o be_v not_o many_o master_n for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o and_o therefore_o pity_n and_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o and_o be_v not_o so_o rigid_a to_o require_v satisfaction_n for_o every_o offence_n if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o those_o rule_n of_o love_n 1_o cor._n 13.7_o love_n bear_v all_o thing_n gal._n 6.2_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n col._n 3.13_o forbear_v one_o another_o 2._o it_o be_v evident_a luke_n 17.1_o 2_o 3._o that_o offence_n to_o be_v deal_v with_o be_v scandal_n woe_n to_o he_o that_o scandalize_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o and_o impenitency_n in_o any_o such_o scandal_n deserve_v the_o high_a censure_n but_o repent_v of_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o scandal_n or_o offence_n mat._n 18._o yea_o although_o such_o a_o scandal_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o notorious_a sin_n nor_o continue_v in_o but_o in_o one_o act_n so_o that_o not_o to_o be_v scandalous_a in_o life_n be_v full_a as_o large_a

as_o that_o other_o expression_n and_o do_v include_v satisfaction_n for_o offence_n that_o be_v fall_v into_o obj._n 4._o in_o the_o former_a be_v say_v they_o shall_v own_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n here_o only_o the_o covenant_n which_o may_v extend_v to_o grandfather_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr i_o wonder_v how_o our_o brethren_n can_v make_v to_o themselves_o such_o a_o block_n as_o this_o be_v to_o stumble_v upon_o when-as_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v so_o express_v to_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o second_o proposition_n which_o affirm_v that_o this_o right_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v convey_v only_o by_o the_o next_o parent_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o if_o man_n have_v a_o lust_n to_o contend_v and_o raise_v objection_n they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v object_v against_o the_o former_a phrase_n the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n for_o be_v not_o grandfather_n parent_n also_o these_o thing_n say_v our_o brethren_n thus_o weigh_v may_v suffice_v to_o discover_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o just_a cause_n for_o we_o to_o deny_v our_o consent_n to_o such_o kind_n of_o member_n as_o these_o ans_fw-fr but_o these_o thing_n weigh_v over_o again_o by_o the_o equal_a balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o right_a reason_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o judicious_a reader_n will_v see_v how_o light_a they_o be_v and_o unworthy_a to_o sway_v the_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o our_o brethren_n be_v but_o they_o add_v as_o they_o have_v need_v other_o reason_n of_o their_o denial_n reas_n 2._o because_o this_o cross_v the_o two_o former_a proposition_n which_o make_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n confederate_a visible_a believer_n and_o their_o seed_n whereas_o these_o though_o so_o qualify_v be_v not_o neither_o parent_n nor_o child_n visible_a believer_n for_o the_o vile_a person_n may_v have_v these_o rom._n 2.18_o &_o 10_o 19_o 21._o yea_o they_o that_o commit_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n may_v have_v these_o heb._n 10.26_o there_o be_v wash_v swine_n 2_o pet._n 2.20_o etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr 1._o these_o parent_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v they_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n he_o be_v their_o god_n god_n accept_v they_o as_o his_o people_n his_o child_n the_o lord_n have_v seal_v to_o they_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n baptise_a they_o into_o christ_n and_o they_o own_o this_o god_n submit_v to_o his_o rule_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n they_o be_v visible_a believer_n 2._o here_o be_v a_o very_a palpable_a fallacy_n in_o cite_v these_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o contrary_n the_o vile_a person_n say_v they_o may_v have_v these_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n prove_v that_o some_o vile_a person_n may_v have_v some_o one_o of_o these_o as_o rom._n 2._o prove_v that_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v knowledge_n but_o these_o have_v knowledge_n and_o also_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o rest_n but_o which_o of_o these_o or_o any_o other_o do_v prove_v that_o such_o person_n as_o have_v all_o these_o qualification_n conjunct_o be_v vile_a person_n or_o not_o visible_a believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n or_o in_o scripture_n account_n and_o not_o true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o such_o as_o these_o may_v fall_v away_o and_o become_v vile_a heb._n 10_o 26._o but_o may_v not_o such_o as_o come_v into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o fair_a profession_n of_o faith_n prove_v so_o vile_a also_o and_o be_v they_o therefore_o no_o visible_a believer_n before_o such_o a_o fall_n 3._o these_o very_a scripture_n or_o most_o of_o they_o here_o allege_v speak_v of_o such_o person_n though_o so_o vile_a as_o be_v say_v who_o be_v adult_a child_n of_o the_o church_n do_v yet_o continue_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n partake_v of_o privilege_n and_o therefore_o such_o scripture_n can_v reach_v this_o case_n to_o disprove_v the_o membership_n of_o these_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n because_o they_o be_v not_o visible_a believer_n these_o be_v far_o better_a member_n than_o those_o be_v and_o i_o wonder_v that_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o observe_v it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v why_o shall_v they_o allege_v such_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n object_n but_o their_o give_v up_o of_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o god_n imply_v faith_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o ans_fw-fr our_o brethren_n grant_v that_o it_o may_v imply_v faith_n but_o in_o person_n no_o better_o qualify_v it_o can_v imply_v it_o there_o be_v a_o give_v up_o of_o the_o first-born_a of_o man_n and_o beast_n to_o god_n exod._n 13.2_o 12._o &_o 22.29_o reply_n to_o say_v that_o in_o such_o person_n no_o better_o qualify_v it_o can_v imply_v faith_n and_o that_o without_o any_o reason_n render_v be_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o love_n that_o hope_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v hope_v as_o this_o be_v confess_v to_o be_v viz._n that_o it_o may_v imply_v i●_n no_o doubt_n a_o person_n thus_o qualify_v in_o knowledge_n and_o conversation_n may_v give_v up_o himself_o to_o god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o the_o most_o discern_a church_n will_v receive_v he_o as_o a_o true_a visible_a believer_n into_o full_a communion_n regular_o the_o eunuch_n confession_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v just_o take_v for_o true_a faith_n to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o give_v up_o of_o the_o first-born_a of_o man_n and_o beast_n to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o scoff_n it_o argue_v a_o very_a slight_a thought_n of_o so_o solemn_a a_o profession_n before_o god_n and_o his_o people_n for_o what_o comparison_n be_v there_o between_o these_o two_o reas_n 3._o where_o there_o be_v no_o foederal_n holiness_n there_o be_v no_o right_a to_o baptism_n but_o where_o neither_o parent_n be_v a_o believer_n there_o be_v no_o covenant-holiness_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o where_o not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o parent_n must_v be_v in_o covenant_n but_o a_o believer_n that_o the_o child_n be_v federal_o holy_a neither_o be_v it_o right_o object_v that_o a_o believer_n be_v oppose_v there_o to_o a_o infidel_n for_o the_o child_n be_v not_o upon_o their_o cease_v to_o be_v infidel_n believer_n so_o that_o themselves_o be_v believer_n or_o their_o child_n federal_o holy_a they_o be_v catechumeni_fw-la and_o competentes_fw-la before_o fideles_fw-la ans_fw-fr 1._o do_v the_o primitive_a church_n receive_v any_o that_o be_v not_o visible_a believer_n into_o the_o church_n sure_o in_o the_o apostle_n account_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n be_v all_o one_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o so_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o colosse_n be_v call_v saint_n and_o faithful_a in_o christ_n ephes_n 1_o 1._o col._n 1_o 2._o why_o th●n_n be_v it_o say_v that_o the_o parent_n must_v be_v not_o only_o in_o church-covenant_n but_o also_o believer_n as_o if_o the_o one_o do_v not_o necessary_o suppose_v and_o infer_v the_o other_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v right_o say_v that_o in_o cease_v to_o be_v infidel_n they_o be_v believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o infidel_n and_o unbeliever_n be_v the_o same_o in_o scripture-phrase_n and_o both_o oppose_v to_o believer_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15._o be_v not_o unequal_o yoke_v with_o unbeliever_n that_o be_v with_o infidel_n as_o appear_v ver_fw-la 15._o what_o part_n have_v a_o believer_n with_o a_o infidel_n now_o i_o appeal_v to_o our_o brethren_n whether_o this_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n will_v allow_v the_o parent_n in_o question_n describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n to_o marry_v with_o a_o heathen_a indian_a or_o like_o infidel_n if_o not_o then_o in_o the_o scripture_n account_v he_o be_v a_o believer_n for_o otherwise_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v unequal_o yoke_v with_o such_o a_o one_o 3._o as_o for_o that_o distinction_n of_o catechumeni_fw-la competentes_fw-la and_o fideles_fw-la the_o scripture_n know_v no_o such_o thing_n for_o lydia_n and_o her_o house_n be_v baptise_a together_o act_v 16.15_o and_o the_o jailor_n and_o his_o house_n straightway_o that_o distinction_n come_v into_o the_o church_n afterward_o and_o be_v apply_v to_o new_a convert_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o church-seed_n but_o our_o brethren_n add_v further_o that_o else_o or_o otherwise_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a can_v be_v mean_v only_o of_o infidel_n for_o so_o we_o may_v make_v mad_a work_n of_o scripture_n as_o deut._n 4.29_o jehovah_n be_v god_n and_o none_o else_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v there_o may_v be_v another_o god_n to_o the_o gentile_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a exception_n so_o rev._n 2.15_o repent_v or_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o shall_v another_o church_n say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o with_o we_o ans_fw-fr that_o to_o be_v unclean_a

they_o without_o act_n of_o church-discipline_n which_o yet_o they_o deny_v to_o belong_v to_o their_o person_n immediate_o 3._o if_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v fall_v out_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a not_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o a_o people_n retain_v the_o essential_o of_o a_o true_a church_n may_v fall_v into_o such_o a_o degeneracy_n or_o decay_n as_o to_o be_v unfit_a for_o ordinance_n or_o to_o those_o officer_n until_o they_o be_v further_o prepare_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o they_o ans_fw-fr 2._o to_o the_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o &_o 14.33_o they_o say_v that_o by_o a_o church_n of_o saint_n primary_o the_o better_a part_n of_o saint_n be_v understand_v the_o rest_n synecdochical_o though_o not_o so_o in_o truth_n yet_o so_o call_v reply_n if_o all_o be_v so_o call_v though_o some_o be_v not_o so_o in_o truth_n than_o the_o argument_n be_v yield_v that_o in_o scripture_n &_o ecclesiastical_a account_n all_o church-member_n be_v saint_n and_o who_o shall_v tell_v we_o which_o be_v so_o in_o truth_n and_o which_o not_o till_o impenitency_n in_o sin_n give_v we_o cause_n to_o count_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n reas_n 5._o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o baptise_a they_o have_v faith_n give_v they_o indefinite_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n deut._n 30.6_o which_o continue_v valid_a and_o be_v a_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o while_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o ans_fw-fr the_o promise_n be_v indefinite_a not_o universal_a whence_o the_o argument_n must_v be_v some_o circumcise_a or_o baptize_v one_o be_v believer_n but_o hese_fw-mi in_o question_n be_v circumcise_v or_o baptize_v once_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n or_o thus_o the_o roman_a catholic_n be_v baptize_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n reply_n 1._o i_o see_v our_o brethren_n can_v make_v a_o false_a syllogism_n to_o decline_v the_o force_n of_o a_o argument_n that_o will_v right_o conclude_v thus_o if_o some_o child_n be_v under_o that_o indefinite_a promise_n be_v believer_n for_o god_n be_v true_a of_o his_o promise_n than_o all_o such_o child_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o unbeliever_n as_o our_o brethren_n will_v but_o some_o baptize_v once_o be_v under_o that_o indefinite_a promise_n be_v believer_n therefore_o now_o who_o can_v say_v who_o be_v such_o and_o who_o be_v not_o till_o they_o reject_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o by_o impenitency_n in_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n for_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o heart-circumcision_a be_v but_o indefinite_a be_v effectual_o perform_v to_o some_o only_a not_o to_o all_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o alike_o to_o the_o church_n till_o the_o difference_n do_v some_o way_n open_o appear_v 2_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o roman_a catholic_n savour_v not_o of_o ingenuity_n for_o be_v they_o the_o seed_n of_o confederate_a visible_a believer_n of_o who_o our_o dispute_n be_v or_o be_v they_o regular_o baptise_a or_o do_v they_o show_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a that_o profess_v popery_n ans_fw-fr 2._o it_o be_v not_o a_o indefinite_a promise_n there_o because_o it_o be_v certain_o make_v good_a to_o such_o as_o return_v with_o their_o soul_n ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o reply_n this_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o indefiniteness_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o confirm_v it_o and_o their_o effectual_a return_n to_o god_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o promise_n and_o indefinite_a also_o ans_fw-fr 3._o a_o indefinite_a promise_n do_v not_o capacitate_v all_o child_n to_o receive_v the_o seal_n reply_n neither_o be_v so_o much_o affirm_v but_o this_o with_o the_o other_o consideration_n do_v render_v they_o visible_a believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n which_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o this_o four_o argument_n arg._n 5._o the_o denial_n of_o baptism_n to_o these_o have_v a_o dangerous_a tendency_n to_o irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n because_o it_o deni_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 josh_n 22.24_o 25_o 26._o ans_fw-fr the_o brethren_n deny_v the_o consequence_n affirm_v that_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n experience_n in_o new-england_n through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n show_v the_o contrary_a reply_n this_o be_v a_o bare_a denial_n without_o answer_v the_o reason_n from_o josh_n 22._o sure_o that_o religious_a generation_n have_v a_o deep_a sense_n of_o that_o danger_n and_o more_o solicitous_a care_n to_o prevent_v it_o than_o they_o have_v 2._o when_o our_o brethren_n in_o their_o preface_n to_o the_o general_n court_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o many_o great_a and_o prevail_a corruption_n of_o youth_n that_o need_v reformation_n by_o church-discipline_n this_o may_v abate_v our_o glory_v of_o contrary_a experience_n for_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n in_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o seem_v our_o brethren_n do_v think_v that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o than_o a_o few_o name_n in_o n._n england_n that_o hold_v fast_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v not_o own_o so_o great_a a_o apostasy_n of_o elder_n and_o people_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o preface_n present_v to_o the_o world_n arg._n 6._o the_o person_n in_o question_n be_v personal_a immediate_a and_o yet-continuing_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a our_o brethren_n here_o only_o speak_v to_o the_o first_o branch_n concern_v their_o personal_a membership_n have_v speak_v to_o the_o three_o branch_n before_o but_o the_o second_o branch_n about_o their_o immediate_a membership_n they_o leave_v untouched_a ans_fw-fr if_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o promise_n to_o their_o believe_a parent_n reach_v they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v wrap_v up_o together_o with_o they_o the_o assertion_n be_v grant_v as_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o seed_n of_o confederate_a believer_n in_o their_o minority_n but_o if_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o be_v member_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a act_n than_o it_o be_v deny_v reply_n this_o distinction_n of_o member_n wrap_v up_o in_o their_o parent_n and_o member_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a act_n be_v a_o riddle_n that_o no_o scripture_n do_v unfold_v let_v we_o hold_v to_o scripture-phrase_n and_o the_o meaning_n will_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a viz._n they_o be_v member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n by_o the_o lord_n actual_a enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o their_o person_n distinct_a from_o their_o parent_n and_o set_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n upon_o their_o person_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v from_o gen._n 17.7_o 9_o deut._n 5.2_o 3._o &_o 29.10_o 11._o proof_n 1._o they_o be_v personal_o holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o therefore_o member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n ans_fw-fr this_o concern_v child_n in_o minority_n or_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o member_n in_o full_a communion_n and_o therefore_o it_o reach_v they_o not_o when_o adult_n and_o grow_v reply_n here_o our_o brethren_n speak_v out_o that_o the_o foederal_a holiness_n and_o charch-membership_a of_o the_o church_n seed_n wear_v quite_o out_o with_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n though_o sometime_o they_o speak_v otherwise_o as_o be_v note_v upon_o their_o concession_n in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n pag._n 23._o in_o the_o end_n but_o no_o scripture_n will_v prove_v this_o yea_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o scripture-story_n of_o the_o church_n convince_v the_o contrary_a see_v deut._n 5.2_o 3._o rom._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o &_o 9.4_o proof_n 2._o they_o be_v personal_o baptise_a the_o seal_n of_o membership_n be_v apply_v to_o their_o own_o person_n which_o be_v regular_o do_v be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n that_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o person_n member_n of_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr so_o be_v the_o papist_n in_o rome_n and_o be_v they_o personal_a member_n the_o shechemite_n and_o edomite_n be_v circumcise_v there_o be_v par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la reply_n this_o be_v a_o very_a slight_a evade_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o speak_v of_o baptism_n regular_o do_v i_o have_v think_v our_o brethren_n do_v not_o think_v baptism_n regular_o do_v in_o rome_n or_o circumcision_n regular_o apply_v to_o the_o shechemite_n and_o edomite_n or_o if_o not_o can_v they_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la a_o like_o reason_n between_o baptism_n regular_o do_v and_o not_o regular_o do_v except_o they_o shall_v mean_v that_o there_o be_v like_a reason_n between_o baptism_n in_o rome_n and_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o shechemite_n and_o edomite_n and_o that_o be_v grant_v proof_n 3._o they_o be_v personal_o under_o discipline_n and_o liable_a to_o church-censure_n in_o their_o own_o person_n see_v propos_fw-fr 3._o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v grant_v