we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n or_o meet_v as_o a_o congregational_a particular_a church_n for_o the_o observation_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o ordinance_n act_n 2_o 1_o 44_o 46._o &_o 4_o 31_o &_o 11.26_o &_o 20_o 7._o 1_o cor_fw-la 5_o 4._o &_o 11.18.20_o 33_o &_o 14_o 23._o ______o 2._o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o epistle_n write_v to_o saint_n or_o believer_n write_v to_o they_o as_o in_o particular_a church_n 1_o cor_fw-la 1_o 2._o eph_n 1._o 1._o phil_n â—_o 1._o col._n 1.2_o and_o when_o the_o story_n of_o the_o act_n speak_v of_o disciple_n other_o place_n show_v that_o those_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v member_n of_o particular_a church_n act_n 18.23_o with_o gal_n 1_n 2._o act_n 21_o 16._o with_o chap_n 18_o 22_o act_n 11.26_o &_o 14_o 22_o 23,27,28_o all_o which_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v no_o settle_a orderly_a estate_n of_o visible_a believer_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n but_o only_o in_o particular_a church_n 3._o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v disciple_n as_o be_v above_o clear_v now_o disciple_n be_v under_o discipline_n and_o liable_a to_o church-censure_n for_o they_o be_v state_v subject_n of_o christ_n law_n and_o government_n mar_n 28.19_o 20._o but_o church_n government_n and_o censure_n be_v extant_a now_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n only_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n mat_n 18.17_o 1._o cor_n 5.4_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o confederate_n visible_a believer_n be_v also_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n partic_a 3_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o scripture_n and_o reason_n follow_v 1_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n thereof_o viz_o argum_fw-la 1_o that_o whereby_o god_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o faithful_a &_o their_o seed_n gen_n 17.7_o continue_v under_o the_o gospel_n as_o appear_v 1_o because_o the_o believe_v inchurch_v gentile_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v stand_v upon_o the_o same_o root_n of_o covenant_v abraham_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v break_v off_o from_o rom_n 11_o 16_o 17_o 18._o 2_o because_o abraham_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v make_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n gen_n 17.4_o 5._o even_o of_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n under_o new-testament_n as_o well_o as_o old_a rom_n 4.16_o 17._o gal_n 3_o 29_o i_fw-it e_o in_o abraham_n as_o a_o pattern_n and_o root_n god_n not_o only_o show_v how_o he_o justify_v the_o believer_n gal_n 3_o 6_o 9_o rom_n 4._o but_o also_o convey_v that_o covenant_n to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n in_o all_o nation_n luk_n 19.9_o if_o a_o son_n of_o abraham_n than_o salvation_n ay_o e_o the_o covenant-dispensation_n of_o salvation_n be_v come_v to_o his_o house_n 3._o as_o that_o covenant_n be_v communicate_v to_o proselyte_n gentile_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o its_o communication_n to_o the_o inchurch_v gentile_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v clear_o heldforth_o in_o diverse_a place_n gal_n 3.14_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n comprise_v both_o the_o internal_a benefit_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n &c_n &c_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v there_o treat_v of_o and_o the_o external_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o the_o faithful_a &_o their_o seed_n gen_n 28_o 4._o but_o the_o whole_a blessing_n of_o abraham_n and_o so_o the_o whole_a covenant_n be_v come_v upon_o the_o genitle_n through_o jesus_n christ_n eph_n 2.12_o 19_o they_o have_v be_v stranger_n but_o now_o be_v no_o more_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n i_o e_o from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o have_v be_v often_o renew_v especial_o with_o abraham_n and_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o have_v be_v in_o the_o external_a dispensation_n of_o it_o their_o peculiar_a portion_n so_o that_o the_o ephesian_n who_o be_v a_o far_o off_o be_v now_o call_v and_o make_v nigh_o v._o 13-17_a they_o have_v the_o promise_n or_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n according_a to_o act_n 2_o 39_o and_o so_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n that_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o eph_n 3,6_o the_o inchurch_v gentile_n be_v put_v into_o the_o same_o inheritance_n for_o substance_n both_o as_o to_o invisible_a &_o visible_a benefit_n according_a to_o their_o respective_a condition_n be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o promise_n with_o the_o jew_n the_o child_n of_o abraham_n of_o old_a the_o same_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o gen_n 9_o 27._o mat_n 8_o 11_o &_o 21_o 43.4_o sundry_a scripture_n which_o extend_v to_o gospel-time_n do_v confirm_v the_o same_o interest_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n and_o consequent_o do_v confirm_v the_o continuance_n of_o that_o covenant_n as_o exod_a 20_o 6._o there_o in_o the_o sanction_n of_o a_o moral_a and_o perpetual_a commandment_n and_o that_o respect_v ordinance_n the_o portion_n of_o the_o church_n god_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o mercy_n to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o to_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n consonant_n to_o gen_n 17.7_o compare_v herewith_o psal_n 105.8_o 9_o &_o deut._n 7.9_o deut._n 30.6_o the_o grace_n signify_v by_o circumcision_n be_v there_o promise_v to_o parent_n and_o child_n import_v the_o covenant_n to_o both_o which_o circumcision_n seal_v gen_n 17._o and_o that_o be_v a_o gospel-promise_n as_o the_o apostle_n cite_v part_n of_o that_o context_n as_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n show_v rom_n 10_o 6-8_a with_o deut_n 30_o 11-14_a and_o it_o reach_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n ver_fw-la 15_a isay_n 65_o 23._o in_o the_o most_o glorious_a gospel-state_n of_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 17-19_a the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o promise_a portion_n of_o the_o offspring_n or_o child_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o faithful_a parent_n so_o isay_n 44.3_o 4._o ______o isai_n 59.20_o 21._o ezek_n 37_o 25_o 26._o at_o the_o future_a call_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o those_o text_n have_v reference_n to_o rom_n 11.26_o ezek_n 37_o 19-22_a 23_o 24._o their_o child_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n of_o special_a grace_n to_o be_v convey_v to_o they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n isai_n 59.21_o and_o be_v subject_n of_o david_n ay_o e_o christ_n their_o king_n ezek_n 37.25_o and_o have_v a_o portion_n in_o his_o sanctuary_n vers_fw-la 26._o and_o this_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o ancient_a covenant_n of_o abraham_n whereby_o god_n will_v be_v their_o god_n viz._n both_o of_o parent_n and_o child_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v his_o people_n vers_n 26,27_o now_o although_o more_o abundant_a fruit_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v see_v in_o those_o time_n and_o the_o jew_n then_o may_v have_v more_o abundant_a grace_n give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o they_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n yet_o the_o tenor_n and_o frame_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n under_o the_o new-testament_n gal_n 3.28_o coll_n 3.11_o ______o heb._n 8.10_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n ay_o e_o the_o church_n of_o god_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v that_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n which_o be_v a_o renew_n of_o that_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n in_o gen_n 17._o as_o the_o same_o be_v very_o often_o over_o in_o those_o term_n renew_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o law_n gal_n 3_o 16_o 17._o heb_fw-mi 8.9_o wherein_o be_v imply_v god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o the_o seed_n as_o well_o as_o parent_n and_o take_v both_o to_o be_v his_o people_n though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v even_o as_o it_o be_v often_o plain_o imply_v in_o that_o expression_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n deut._n 29.13_o jer._n 31.1_o &_o 32.38_o 39_o &_o 24_o 7._o &_o 30_o 22_o 20._o ezek_n 37.27_o 25._o also_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o heart_n in_o heb_fw-mi 8_o 10._o be_v that_o heart_n circumcision_n which_o deut_n 30_o 6._o extend_v both_o to_o parent_n and_o seed_n and_o the_o term_n house_n of_o israel_n do_v according_a to_o scripture-use_a fit_o express_v and_o take_v in_o especial_o as_o to_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n both_o parent_n and_o child_n among_o both_o which_o be_v find_v that_o elect_a and_o save_v number_n that_o make_v up_o the_o invisible_a israel_n compare_v jer_n 13.11_o &_o 9.26_o isai_n 5_o 7._o hos_fw-la 1.6_o ezk_n 39.25_o neither_o may_v we_o
weep_v in_o secret_a for_o your_o pride_n and_o that_o god_n may_v not_o resist_v &_o reject_v you_o as_o a_o generation_n of_o his_o wrath_n oh_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v pour_v out_o a_o spirit_n of_o humiliation_n &_o repentance_n upon_o all_o the_o young_a sort_n in_o the_o country_n yea_o &_o upon_o elder_a too_o for_o our_o neglect_n from_o dan_n to_o beersheba_n oh_o that_o we_o may_v meet_v at_o bochim_n because_o so_o many_o canaanue_n of_o unsubdued_a yea_o grow_a corruption_n be_v find_v among_o we_o let_v it_o not_o be_v say_v that_o when_o the_o first_o &_o best_a generation_n in_o new-england_n be_v gather_v to_o their_o father_n there_o arise_v another_o generation_n after_o they_o that_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n behold_v the_o lord_n have_v a_o delight_n in_o your_o father_n to_o love_v they_o and_o he_o have_v choose_v you_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o to_o enjoy_v these_o liberty_n &_o opportunity_n as_o it_o be_v this_o day_n circumcise_v therefore_o the_o foreskin_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v no_o more_o stiff-necked_a but_o yield_v yourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o order_n of_o his_o sanctuary_n to_o seek_v he_o and_o wait_v on_o he_o in_o all_o his_o way_n with_o holy_a fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a and_o will_v not_o turn_v away_o his_o face_n from_o you_o if_o you_o return_v unto_o he_o if_o you_o seek_v he_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o you_o but_o if_o you_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v cast_v you_o off_o for_o ever_o we_o shall_v conclude_v when_o we_o have_v give_v the_o reader_n a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o work_n ensue_v the_o proposition_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n be_v after_o much_o discussion_n and_o consideration_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n vote_v and_o conclude_v by_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o particular_a term_n as_o they_o be_v here_o express_v the_o argument_n then_o use_v for_o their_o confirmation_n be_v draw_v up_o by_o some_o depute_v thereunto_o after_o they_o have_v be_v several_a time_n read_v and_o consider_v in_o the_o assembly_n be_v voted_n and_o consent_v to_o as_o to_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n thereof_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o question_n be_v here_o give_v with_o great_a brevity_n partly_o because_o so_o much_o be_v already_o say_v thereabout_a in_o the_o foresay_a platform_n of_o discipline_n and_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o great_a strait_n of_o time_n but_o what_o be_v here_o present_v be_v the_o joint_a conclusion_n of_o the_o synod_n a_o preface_n be_v desire_v by_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v prefix_v by_o some_o appoint_v thereunto_o which_o be_v here_o according_o by_o they_o perform_v now_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n &_o peace_n guide_v we_o &_o all_o his_o people_n in_o the_o way_n &_o give_v we_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o help_v we_o to_o feed_v his_o flock_n and_o his_o lamb_n &_o to_o be_v feed_v by_o he_o as_o the_o sheep_n of_o his_o pasture_n that_o when_o the_o chief-shepherd_n shall_v appear_v we_o may_v receive_v together_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o &_o may_v enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o those_o that_o have_v neither_o despise_v his_o little_a one_o nor_o deny_v to_o be_v our_o brother_n keeper_n but_o have_v faithful_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v the_o continuation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n &_o communion_n of_o his_o people_n may_v rest_n &_o reign_v with_o all_o saint_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o glory_n unto_o who_o be_v glory_n in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n jesus_n throughout_o all_o age_n world_n without_o end_n the_o answer_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o other_z messengers_z of_o the_o church_n assemble_v at_o boston_n in_o the_o year_n 1662._o to_o the_o question_n propound_v to_o they_o by_o order_n of_o the_o honour_a general_z court_z quest_n 1._o who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n answ_n the_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v in_o the_o follow_a proposition_n brief_o confirm_v from_o the_o scripture_n 1_o they_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n 2_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n in_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n i_o e._n child_n in_o minority_n who_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n 3_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o confederate_n visible_a believer_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o when_o grow_v up_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n 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 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 baptize_v 6_o such_o church-member_n who_o either_o by_o death_n or_o some_o other_o extraordinary_a providence_n have_v be_v inevitable_o hinder_v from_o public_a act_n as_o aforesaid_a yet_o have_v give_v the_o church_n cause_n in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o look_v at_o they_o as_o so_o qualify_v and_o such_o as_o have_v they_o be_v call_v thereunto_o will_v have_v so_o act_v their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v 7_o the_o member_n of_o orthodox_n church_n be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o present_v due_a testimony_n thereof_o these_o occasional_o come_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptize_v in_o the_o church_n wither_v they_o come_v by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o if_o they_o remove_v their_o habitation_n they_o ought_v orderly_o to_o covenant_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n where_o they_o settle_v their_o abode_n and_o so_o their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v it_o be_v the_o church_n duty_n to_o receive_v such_o unto_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v regular_o fit_a for_o the_o same_o the_o confirmation_n of_o these_o proposition_n from_o the_o scripture_n follow_v proposition_n first_o they_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o follow_a evidence_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o when_o christ_n say_v go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v or_o as_o the_o greek_a be_v disciple_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o mat._n 28.19_o he_o express_v the_o adequate_a subject_n of_o baptism_n to_o be_v disciple_n or_o disciple_v once_o but_o disciple_n there_o be_v the_o same_o with_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v christ_n school_n wherein_o all_o the_o member_n stand_v relate_v and_o subject_v to_o he_o as_o their_o master_n and_o teacher_n and_o so_o be_v his_o scholar_n or_o disciple_n and_o under_o his_o teach_n as_o verse_n 20._o and_o it_o be_v that_o visible_a spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o there_o from_o his_o kingly_a power_n ver_fw-la 18._o send_v they_o to_o set_v up_o and_o administer_v in_o ver_fw-la 19_o the_o subject_n whereof_o be_v under_o his_o law_n and_o government_n verse_n 20._o which_o subject_n or_o member_n of_o that_o kingdom_n i.e._n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v term_v disciple_n verse_n 19_o also_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o story_n of_o their_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o commission_n disciple_n be_v usual_o put_v for_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n act_v 1.15_o in_o the_o mid_n of_o the_o disciple_n who_o with_o other_o add_v to_o they_o be_v call_v the_o church_n act_v 2_o 47_o the_o member_n whereof_o be_v again_o call_v disciple_n act_n 6_o 1_o 2._o act_n 9_o 1_o against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n i._n e_o against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 15_o 9_o gal._n 1.13_o act_n 9_o 26_o he_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n the_o disciple_n at_o lystra_n iconiem_n and_o antioch_n act_v 14_o 21_o 22_o be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o each_o of_o those_o place_n verse_n 23_o so_o the_o church_n verse_n 27_o the_o disciple_n verse_n 28._o act_n 18.22_o the_o church_n at_o caesarea_n act_v 21.16_o the_o disciple_n of_o caesarea_n so_o act_v 18_o 23_o with_o chap._n 15.41_o and_o gal._n 1.2_o act_n 18.27_o and_o
chap._n 20_o 1_o with_o verse_n 17.28_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o disciple_n in_o mat._n 28.19_o and_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v term_n equivalent_a and_o disciple_n be_v there_o by_o christ_n himself_o make_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n 2._o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o first_o entrance_n or_o admission_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o appear_v from_o those_o text_n 1_o cor_n 12_o 13._o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n i_o e._n our_o entrance_n into_o the_o body_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v seal_v by_o baptism_n and_o rom_n 6_o 3_o 5_o gal._n 3_o 27._o where_o it_o be_v show_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o union_n or_o of_o engraft_v into_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o consequent_o into_o the_o church_n his_o body_n &_o from_o the_o apostle_n constant_a practice_n in_o baptise_v person_n upon_o their_o first_o come_v in_o or_o first_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o act_n 8.12_o &_o 16.15_o 33._o &_o 18.8_o and_o in_o act_n 2.41_o 42._o they_o be_v baptize_v at_o their_o first_o add_v to_o the_o church_n or_o admission_n into_o the_o apostle_n fellowship_n wherein_o they_o afterward_o continue_v and_o from_o its_o answer_v unto_o circumcision_n which_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o initiation_n or_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n hence_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o and_o only_o those_o that_o be_v enter_v into_o that_o be_v within_o or_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 3._o they_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o be_v in_o corenant_n for_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o constitute_v the_o church_n deut_n 29.12_o 13._o they_o must_v enter_v into_o covenant_n that_o they_o may_v be_v establish_v the_o people_n or_o church_n of_o god_n now_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n be_v affix_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o appoint_v to_o run_v parallel_n therewith_o gen._n 17.7_o 9_o 10_o 11._o so_o circumcision_n be_v and_o hence_o call_v the_o covenant_n gen._n 17.13_o act_n 7.8_o and_o so_o baptism_n be_v be_v in_o like_a manner_n annex_v to_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o and_o be_v the_o seal_n that_o answer_v to_o circumcision_n col_n 2.11_o 12._o 4._o christ_n do_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v the_o church_n by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n i_z e_z by_o baptism_n eph._n 5.25.26_o therefore_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o so_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o who_o be_v also_o say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 1_o cor_n 1.2_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n and_o although_o it_o be_v the_o invisible_a church_n unto_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a whereof_o this_o and_o all_o other_o ordinance_n last_o have_v respect_n and_o which_o the_o place_n mention_v in_o eph_n 5._o may_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n look_v unto_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n that_o be_v the_o next_o and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o the_o administration_n thereof_o for_o the_o subject_n of_o visible_a external_a ordinance_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v visible_a and_o so_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a sundry_n person_n who_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a but_o not_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n as_o simon_n magus_n anamias_n and_o sapphira_n and_o other_o and_o these_o be_v visible_o purchase_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n act_v 2d_o 28_o heb_fw-mi 10.29_o therefore_o the_o visible_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o cleanse_v by_o christ_n blood_n belong_v to_o they_o 5._o the_o circumcision_n be_v often_o put_v for_o the_o whole_a jewish_a church_n or_o for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n those_o within_o be_v express_v by_o the_o circumcise_a and_o those_o without_o by_o the_o uncircumcised_a rom_n 15.8_o &_o 3.30_o eph_n 2_o 11._o judge_n 14.3_o &_o 15.18_o 1_o san_n 14.6_o &_o 17.26_o 36._o jer_n 9_o 25_o 26._o hence_o by_o proportion_n baptism_n which_o be_v our_o gospel_n circumcision_n col_n 2.11.12_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n actual_a and_o personal_a circumcision_n be_v indeed_o proper_a to_o the_o male_n of_o old_a female_n be_v but_o inclusive_o and_o virtual_o circumcise_v and_o so_o count_v of_o the_o circumcision_n but_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o that_o difference_n now_o and_o appoint_a baptism_n to_o be_v personal_o apply_v to_o both_o sex_n act_n 8.12_o &_o 16.15_o gal_n 3_o 28._o so_o that_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v now_o a_o subject_n of_o baptism_n we_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o baptism_n pertain_v to_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n and_o to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o therein_o and_o to_o no_o other_o proposition_n 2d_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n in_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n ay_o e_o child_n in_o minority_n who_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n sundry_a particular_n be_v comprise_v in_o this_o proposition_n which_o we_o may_v consider_v and_o confirm_v distinct_o adult_a person_n who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n partic_a 1_o be_v by_o rule_n confederate_a visible_a believer_n act_n 5.14_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n the_o believe_a corinthian_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n there_o act_v 18_o 8_o with_o 1_o cor_fw-la 1.2_o &_o 12.27_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n write_v to_o church_n and_o call_v the_o member_n thereof_o sant_n and_o faithful_a show_v the_o same_o thing_n eph_n 1.1_o phi_n 1.1_o col_fw-fr 1.2_o and_o that_o consederation_n i_fw-it e._n covenant_v explicit_a or_o implicit_a the_n latter_a preserve_v the_o essence_n of_o confederation_n the_o former_a be_v duty_n and_o most_o desirable_a be_v necessary_a to_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n appear_v 1._o because_o the_o church_n be_v constitute_v by_o covenant_n for_o there_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n the_o mutual_a engagement_n and_o relation_n of_o king_n and_o subject_n husband_n and_o spouse_n this_o can_v be_v but_o by_o covenant_n internal_a if_o you_o speak_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n external_a of_o the_o visible_a a_o church_n be_v a_o company_n that_o can_v say_v god_n be_v our_o god_n and_o we_o be_v his_o people_n this_o be_v from_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o deut_n 29_o 12_o 13_o ezek_n 16_o 8._o 3._o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o covenant_n gen_n 17_o deut_n 29_o and_o be_v reform_v still_o by_o renew_v of_o the_o covenant_n 2_o chron_n 15_o 12._o &_o 23_o 16_o &_o 34_o 31_o 32_o neh_n 9_o 38_o now_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n stand_v upon_o the_o same_o basis_n or_o root_n with_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n &_o therefore_o be_v constitute_v by_o covenant_n as_o that_o be_v rom_n 11.17.18_o eph_n 2_o 11_o 12_o 19_o &_o 3_o 6._o heb_fw-mi 8_o 10_o 3._o baptism_n enter_v we_o into_o the_o church_n sacramental_o ay_o e_o by_o seal_v the_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n therefore_o be_v that_o which_o constitute_v the_o church_n and_o infer_v membership_n and_o be_v the_o vow_n in_o baptism_n common_o speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v such_o as_o be_v confederate_a in_o particular_a church_n partic_a 2_o it_o may_v be_v mind_v that_o we_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o member_n so_o state_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o that_o they_o be_v subject_n to_o who_o church_n ordinance_n may_v regular_o be_v administer_v and_o that_o according_a to_o ordinary_a dispensation_n for_o be_v it_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n do_v sometime_o baptise_v such_o as_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n yet_o their_o extraordinary_a office_n large_a power_n and_o commission_n render_v they_o not_o imitable_a therein_o by_o ordinary_a officer_n for_o than_o they_o may_v baptise_v in_o private_a without_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o christian_a assembly_n as_o philip_n do_v the_o eunuch_n but_o that_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v such_o as_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n appear_v 1._o because_o the_o visible_a believer_n that_o profess_o covenant_n with_o god_n do_v therein_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o wait_v on_o god_n in_o all_o his_o ordinance_n deut_n 26_o 17_o 18._o math_n 28_o 19_o 20._o but_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v only_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o how_o often_o do_v
partake_v of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o baptise_v any_o be_v clear_a because_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o title_n to_o baptism_n and_o this_o these_o child_n have_v 1._o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o title_n to_o baptism_n for_o so_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o title_n to_o circumcision_n gen_n 17.7_o 9_o 10_o 11._o to_o which_o baptism_n now_o answer_v col._n 2.11_o 12._o and_o in_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o they_o be_v on_o this_o ground_n exhort_v to_o be_v baptize_v because_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n be_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n that_o a_o member_n or_o one_o in_o covenant_n as_o such_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n be_v further_o clear_v before_o in_o propos_fw-fr 1.2_o that_o these_o child_n have_v interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n appear_v because_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v in_o covenant_n the_o child_n be_v also_o for_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o parent_n and_o their_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n gen_n 17.7_o 9_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n act_n 2.39_o if_o the_o parent_n stand_v in_o the_o church_n so_o do_v the_o child_n among_o the_o gentile_n now_o as_o well_o as_o among_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a rom_n 11.16_o 20_o 21_o 22._o it_o be_v unheard_a of_o in_o scripture_n that_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n stop_v at_o the_o infant_n child_n but_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v in_o covenant_n as_o appear_v 1._o because_o they_o be_v once_o in_o covenant_n and_o never_o since_o discovenant_v if_o they_o have_v not_o once_o be_v in_o covenant_n they_o have_v not_o warrantable_o be_v baptize_v and_o they_o be_v so_o still_o except_o in_o some_o way_n of_o god_n they_o have_v be_v discovenant_v cast_v out_o or_o cut_v off_o from_o their_o covenant-relation_n which_o these_o have_v not_o be_v neither_o be_v person_n once_o in_o covenant_n break_v off_o from_o it_o according_a to_o scripture_n save_v for_o notórious_a sin_n and_o incorrigibleness_n therein_o rom_n 11.20_o which_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o these_o parent_n 2_o because_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n gen_n 17.7_o even_o to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n i._n e._n conditional_o provide_v that_o the_o parent_n successive_o do_v continue_v to_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o covenant_n exod_n 20.6_o deut_n 7_o 9_o 11_o psalm_n 105_o 8._o which_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n account_n in_o this_o case_n forsaker_n or_o rejecter_n of_o the_o god_n and_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n see_v deut_n 29.25_o 26._o 2_o king_n 17_o 15-20_a 2_o chron_n 7_o 22_o deut_n 7_o 10._o 2._o that_o these_o parent_n in_o question_n do_v not_o put_v in_o any_o bar_n to_o hinder_v their_o child_n from_o baptism_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o proposition_n wherein_o they_o be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o therefore_o they_o put_v not_o in_o any_o bar_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n atheism_n heresy_n or_o infidelity_n also_o they_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n but_o solemn_o own_o the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o put_v not_o in_o any_o bar_n of_o profaneness_n or_o wickedness_n or_o apostasy_n from_o the_o covenant_n whereinto_o they_o enter_v in_o minority_n that_o the_o infant-children_n in_o question_n do_v themselves_o put_v in_o any_o bar_n none_o will_v imagine_v the_o child_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v either_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n argum_fw-la 2_o or_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n eph_n 2_o 12._o either_o holy_a or_o unclean_a 1_o cor_n 7_o 14._o either_o within_o the_o church_n or_o without_o 1_o cor_n 5_o 12_o either_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_o 12._o but_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o proposition_n will_v not_o affirm_v the_o latter_a concern_v these_o child_n and_o the_o form_n be_v grant_v infer_v their_o right_n to_o baptism_n to_o deny_v the_o proposition_n argum_fw-la 3_o will_v be_v 1._o to_o straiten_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n and_o to_o make_v the_o church_n in_o new_a testament-time_n in_o a_o worse_a case_n relate_v to_o their_o child_n successive_o than_o be_v the_o jew_n of_o old_a 2._o to_o render_v the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n then_o under_o the_o legal_a administration_n contrary_a to_o jer_n 30_o 20._o ezekiel_n 37_o 25_o 26._o 3._o to_o deny_v the_o application_n of_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n to_o such_o as_o regular_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n to_o who_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n nay_o the_o first_o institution_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n appoint_v it_o to_o be_v apply_v gen_n 17_o 9_o 10._o john_n 7.22_o 23._o 4._o to_o break_v god_n covenant_n by_o deny_v the_o initiatory_a seal_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n gen_n 17_o 9_o 10_o 14._o confederate_a visible_a believer_n though_o but_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n such_o argum_fw-la 4_o be_v to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v witness_v the_o practice_n of_o john_n baptist_n and_o the_o aposile_n who_o baptize_v person_n upon_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o their_o christianity_n but_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n at_o least_o in_o some_o degree_n for_o 1._o charity_n may_v observe_v in_o they_o sundry_a positive_a argument_n for_o it_o witness_v the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n and_o nothing_o evident_a against_o it_o 2._o child_n of_o the_o godly_a qualify_v but_o as_o the_o person_n in_o the_o proposition_n be_v say_v to_o be_v faithful_a tit_n 1.6_o 3._o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v have_v frequent_o the_o begin_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o young_a year_n as_o scripture_n and_o experience_n show_v instance_n joseph_n samuel_n david_n solomon_n abijah_n josiah_n daniel_n john_n baptist_n and_o timothy_n 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 to_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n visible_a believer_n 4._o they_o that_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v be_v 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 for_o the_o church_n be_v in_o scripture-account_n a_o company_n of_o saint_n 1_o cor_n 14_o 33._o &_o 1.2_o 5._o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o baptize_v they_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n indefinite_o give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o seal_v up_o in_o baptism_n deut._n 30_o 6._o which_o continue_v valid_a and_o so_o a_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o while_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o these_o person_n be_v immediate_o fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o though_o they_o be_v in_o a_o latitude_n of_o expression_n to_o be_v account_v visible_a believer_n or_o in_o numero_fw-la fidelium_fw-la as_o even_o infant_n in_o covenant_n be_v yet_o they_o may_v want_v that_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o that_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o that_o ordinance_n as_o be_v say_v upon_o propos_fw-fr 4_o the_o the_o denial_n of_o baptism_n to_o the_o child_n in_o question_n argum_fw-la 5_o have_v a_o dangerous_a tendency_n to_o irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n because_o it_o deny_v they_o and_o so_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n successive_o to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v they_o cease_v from_o fear_v the_o lord_n josh_n 22.24_o 25_o 27._o for_o if_o they_o have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n i._n e._n a_o portion_n in_o israel_n and_o so_o in_o the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n or_o member_n of_o it_o and_o so_o to_o be_v baptize_v according_a to_o propos_fw-fr 1._o the_o own_n of_o the_o child_n of_o those_o that_o successive_o continue_v in_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o religion_n therein_o as_o some_o conceive_v that_o this_o imputation_n belong_v to_o the_o contrary_a tenet_n to_o seek_v to_o be_v more_o pure_a than_o the_o rule_n will_v ever_o end_v in_o impurity_n in_o the_o issue_n god_n have_v so_o frame_v his_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o church_n thereby_o as_o to_o design_n a_o continuation_n and_o propagation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n