2._o position_n 1_o the_o rule_v give_v of_o christ_n concern_v the_o communion_n of_o christian_a church_n be_v 1._o concern_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o be_v their_o spiritual_a union_n under_o one_o head_n christ_n eph._n 1.22_o 23._o in_o one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o and_o they_o must_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n eph._n 4.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o as_o they_o have_v one_o common_a faith_n tit._n 1.4_o so_o they_o must_v contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n once_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n judas_n ver_fw-la 3._o they_o have_v also_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n gal._n 6_o 16._o the_o same_o officer_n in_o all_o church_n tit._n 1.5_o the_o same_o ordinance_n and_o decree_n 1_o cor._n 7.17_o &_o 16.1_o act_n 16.4_o the_o same_o order_n col._n 2.5_o the_o same_o doctrine_n 1_o cor._n 4.17_o &_o 15.11_o gal._n 1.7_o which_o all_o the_o church_n must_v hold_v fast_o rev._n 3.3_o and_o renounce_v all_o other_o doctrine_n gal._n 1.8_o 9_o 1_o tim._n 1.3_o &_o 6.3.14_o 2._o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o for_o as_o the_o church_n general_o consider_v be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a gal_n 4.26_o so_o particular_a church_n be_v sister_n each_o to_o other_o cant._n 8.8_o and_o there_o be_v a_o brotherhood_n of_o visible_a saint_n throughout_o the_o world_n 1_o pet._n 5.9_o hence_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o communion_n must_v be_v social_a as_o between_o equal_n none_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n over_o another_o par_fw-fr in_fw-la parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la the_o give_v of_o law_n to_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n prerogative_n iâ—m_n 4.12_o who_o have_v also_o commit_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o each_o particular_a institute_v church_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o each_o church_n within_o itself_o without_o dependence_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o church_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la mat._n 16.19_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o 3._o concern_v the_o thing_n wherein_o this_o communion_n must_v be_v exercise_v 1._o in_o general_n in_o mutual_a helpfulness_n according_a to_o god_n by_o mutual_a care_n one_o of_o and_o for_o another_o 1_o cor._n 10.24_o phil._n 2.20_o 21._o 2._o particular_o 1._o by_o spiritual_a helpfulness_n and_o care_v exercise_v 1._o in_o mutual_a prayer_n and_o endeavour_n for_o their_o edification_n cant._n 8.8_o 9_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 7._o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11._o and_o for_o their_o confirmation_n and_o establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n act_v 15.41_o &_o 16.4_o 5._o and_o for_o strengthen_v each_o other_o in_o the_o regular_a application_n of_o church-censure_n to_o their_o delinquent_a member_n 2_o thess_n 3.14_o 2_o tim._n 4.15_o 2._o by_o outward_a supply_n unto_o their_o necessity_n act_n 11.29_o rom._n 15.26_o 27._o 2_o cor._n 8.2_o etc._n etc._n throughout_o that_o chapter_n 3._o by_o their_o mutual_a care_n to_o avoid_v offence_n 1_o cor._n 10.32_o 4._o that_o when_o a_o church_n find_v need_n in_o respect_n of_o want_n of_o light_n or_o of_o competent_a consent_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o seek_v help_n by_o the_o counsel_n of_o some_o other_o church_n or_o church_n and_o the_o other_o church_n or_o church_n ought_v to_o give_v it_o in_o a_o brotherly_a way_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o by_o the_o elder_n apart_o but_o in_o the_o presence_n and_o with_o concurrence_n of_o the_o brethren_n act_n 15.4_o 22_o 23._o nor_o may_v they_o bind_v such_o a_o church_n to_o rest_v in_o their_o determination_n further_o than_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v find_v upon_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o seem_v gâ—od_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o act_v 15.28_o or_o if_o neighbour-churchâ—s_a find_v it_o necessary_a to_o offer_v their_o helpfulness_n to_o a_o church_n in_o case_n of_o the_o officer_n maladministration_n or_o of_o error_n and_o scandal_n and_o schism_n and_o the_o like_a case_n to_o prevent_v the_o infection_n of_o themselves_o or_o to_o remove_v corruption_n from_o such_o a_o church_n which_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o way_n seek_v not_o for_o help_v the_o neighbour-churche_n ought_v to_o exercise_v the_o communion_n of_o church_n by_o inquire_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o admonish_v the_o offend_a church_n in_o a_o brotherly_a way_n whereunto_o that_o church_n ought_v to_o submit_v according_a to_o god_n râ—m_n 16.17_o gâ—l_n 2_o 11-14_a and_o if_o it_o obstinate_o persi_v in_o scandalous_a evil_n after_o convince_a light_n hold_v forth_o the_o offend_a church_n may_v renounce_v communion_n with_o they_o to_o avoid_v fellowship_n in_o their_o sin_n eph._n 5.11_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o position_n 12_o the_o rule_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o christiâ—n_a church_n in_o the_o premise_n and_o the_o lâ—ke_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v obey_v as_o his_o law_n and_o commandment_n who_o be_v our_o â—ne_a lawgiver_n in_o observe_v whereof_o and_o not_o otherwise_o the_o purity_n and_o peace_n of_o christian_a church_n will_v â—e_v preserve_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o câ—rist_n jam_fw-la 4.12_o mat_n 28.20_o 1_o câ—â—_n 14.37_o 1_o tim._n 6_o 13._o gal_n 6_o 16._o these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v general_a principle_n of_o truth_n the_o particular_a determination_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o the_o two_o â—_z be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o they_o and_o so_o far_o and_o no_o further_o to_o be_v approve_v and_o receâ—ved_v as_o a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o they_o with_o these_o may_v be_v clear_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n right_o inform_v which_o may_v be_v manifest_v by_o a_o right_a application_n and_o compare_v they_o together_o 2._o the_o application_n of_o the_o former_a thesis_n or_o posiâ—ions_n to_o the_o â—_z and_o answer_n as_o they_o be_v state_v and_o express_v by_o the_o reverend_a elder_n in_o their_o print_a book_n follow_v the_o first_o question_n propound_v to_o they_o by_o the_o honour_a general_n court_n be_v 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 which_o be_v seven_o in_o number_n propos_fw-fr 1_o they_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visib_n e_o church_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n propos_fw-fr 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._n e._n child_n in_o minority_n who_o nexâ—_n parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n reply_n i_o can_v approve_v the_o two_o first_o proposition_n without_o some_o change_n of_o the_o term_n in_o the_o first_o thus_o they_o that_o accord_v to_o christ_n ordinance_n be_v regular_a and_o actual_a member_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o thus_o the_o actual_a and_o regular_a member_n of_o thâ—_n visible_a church_n accord_v to_o christ_n ordinance_n arâ—_n etc._n etc._n the_o necessity_n of_o this_o alteration_n will_v appear_v if_o either_o the_o p_o emise_v position_n be_v due_o co_z sidere_v wherewith_o these_o proposit_a onâ—_n wâ—ll_n not_o otherwise_o agree_v or_o if_o the_o proof_n allege_v by_o they_o from_o scripture_n for_o confirmation_n of_o these_o two_o proposition_n be_v due_o examine_v oâ—_n if_o what_o be_v hereafter_o to_o be_v reply_v unto_o the_o follow_a proposition_n shall_v be_v due_o weigh_v propos_fw-fr 3._o thâ—_n infant-seed_n f_o confederate_a visible_a believer_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parentâ—_n and_o when_o grow_v up_o be_v person_n l_o under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n this_o proposition_n consi_v of_o two_o part_n both_o which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v distinct_o 1_o thâ—t_a â—hey_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n wiâ—h_v heir_n parent_n this_o may_v pass_v in_o a_o rig_n t_o sense_n be_v understand_v of_o mediate_v member_n in_o and_o by_o thâ—ir_a parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n i_o shall_v no_o oppose_v it_o 2_o that_o when_o hâ—y_o be_v g_o own_o uâ—_n hey_o be_v pe_z sâ—n_o l_o under_o the_o wâ—â—ch_n d_o scipline_n aâ—d_a government_n of_o the_o churâ—â—_n this_o expression_n câ—llâ—_n for_o serious_a consideration_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o â—eâ—uiâ—e_v due_a exâ—â—inaâ—ion_n 1._o f_o r_o the_o expression_n the_o meaning_n of_o â—t_a â—â—â—ms_n to_o be_v this_o that_o when_o the_o child_n that_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o minority_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o discretion_n or_o become_v man_n they_o be_v member_n or_o as_o they_o speak_v afterwâ—rd_n 〈◊〉_d member_n and_o by_o that_o membership_n be_v under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o what_o
for_o it_o and_o have_v most_o need_v â—f_n it_o reply_n 1._o those_o relation_n of_o bear_a servant_n and_o subject_n in_o the_o text_n allege_v d_o have_v do_v fferent_a respect_n that_o leu._n 25._o be_v typical_a figurin_o the_o time_n of_o grace_n whereby_o now_o christ_n have_v free_v you_o f_o o_fw-fr the_o servitude_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n 〈◊〉_d 8.32_o 36._o râ—â—_n 6.14_o 18._o to_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n rom._n 6_o 22._o 1_o c_o r._n 7.23_o parent_n and_o child_n so_o far_o aâ—_n they_o have_v inâ—â—râ—st_v in_o the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v free_v by_o he_o from_o other_o lord_n so_o they_o be_v bind_v thereby_o serve_v he_o all_o the_o dayeâ—_n of_o their_o lâ—fâ—_n luke_n 1.74_o 75._o therefore_o this_o relation_n do_v not_o cease_v with_o infancy_n but_o continue_v in_o adult_n age_n but_o this_o do_v nothing_o concern_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n concern_v m_o diate_a membershi_n the_o other_o text_n in_o ezek._n 37.25_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o elect_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o difference_n between_o which_o and_o the_o christian_a gentile_n now_o i_o have_v former_o show_v so_o that_o neither_o do_v â—hat_n fit_v the_o question_n but_o 2._o i_o grant_v though_o not_o as_o follow_v thence_o that_o one_o special_a end_n of_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n be_v to_o leave_v person_n under_o engagement_n to_o service_n and_o subjection_n to_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n when_o grow_v up_o when_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o and_o have_v mâ—st_a need_n of_o it_o the_o engagement_n be_v strong_a both_o on_o the_o parent_n to_o train_v up_o their_o child_n from_o their_o infancy_n in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n eph._n 6.4_o and_o upon_o the_o child_n to_o know_v the_o god_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o with_o a_o willing_a mind_n 1_o chron._n 28.9_o and_o upon_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v their_o watchfulness_n that_o both_o parent_n and_o child_n do_v their_o duty_n help_v they_o also_o therein_o with_o their_o instruction_n and_o prayer_n and_o power_n which_o be_v give_v for_o edification_n as_o the_o case_n may_v require_v yet_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v neither_o can_v the_o parent_n nor_o the_o church_n give_v grace_n unto_o the_o child_n that_o when_o they_o become_v adult_n they_o may_v be_v spiritual_o fit_a for_o personal_a and_o immediate_a membership_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o it_o without_o such_o fitness_n visible_o be_v to_o profane_v the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o pollute_v the_o lord_n sanctuary_n reas_n 4._o there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a way_n of_o cessation_n of_o membership_n 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 person_n in_o question_n reply_n this_o enumeration_n be_v insufficient_a there_o be_v another_o ordinary_a way_n of_o cessation_n of_o membership_n i._n e._n desertion_n thus_o esau_n membe_n she_o p_o cease_v and_o so_o may_v the_o membership_n of_o other_o though_o they_o abide_v in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o church_n â—s_v yet_o if_o be_v adult_n they_o regard_v nâ—t_v to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n by_o their_o personal_a â—nd_n immediate_a confederâ—tion_n nor_o to_o fit_v themselves_o for_o it_o these_o despise_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o if_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o deprive_v thâ—se_a of_o all_o hurch_n priv_fw-mi ledg_n s_o who_o be_v before_o in_o personal_a and_o immediate_a church_n fellowsh_n p_o when_o they_o forsake_v it_o 1_o job_n 2.19_o much_o more_o those_o who_o never_o have_v such_o membership_n nor_o have_v approve_v their_o spirituâ—l_a fitness_n for_o it_o to_o the_o church_n charitable_a judgement_n nor_o true_o desire_v and_o end_v aâ—our_n so_o to_o do_v what_o can_v the_o mediate_v membership_n whâ—ch_v such_o have_v in_o infancy_n advantage_n they_o for_o continue_v thereby_o still_o in_o membership_n when_o be_v adult_n they_o live_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o be_v leave_v under_o engagement_n in_o their_o infancy_n unto_o service_n and_o subjection_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n reas_n 5._o either_o they_o be_v when_o adult_n 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 to_o be_v may_v the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v still_o remain_v become_v a_o non-member_n and_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o unclean_a world_n which_o the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v not_o reply_n a_o freeman_n child_n suppose_v of_o london_n or_o any_o other_o corporation_n be_v freeborn_a and_o might_n in_o his_o minority_n trade_n under_o his_o father_n yet_o be_v grow_v up_o he_o must_v personal_o enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n of_o freeman_n and_o be_v accept_v of_o the_o company_n as_o his_o father_n be_v unto_o all_o duty_n and_o liberty_n of_o that_o society_n in_o his_o own_o person_n else_o he_o may_v not_o trade_v for_o himself_o if_o it_o be_v say_v why_o so_o either_o he_o be_v a_o freeman_n or_o a_o non-freeman_n it_o will_v be_v ready_o answer_v he_o be_v a_o non-freeman_n and_o that_o by_o his_o own_o default_n if_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v free_a by_o his_o father_n copy_n and_o be_v not_o dis-franchised_n by_o any_o public_a censure_n nor_o have_v deserve_v so_o to_o be_v may_v such_o a_o one_o the_o society_n whereof_o he_o be_v still_o remain_v become_v a_o non-freeman_n and_o out_o of_o that_o society_n &_o c_o the_o answer_n will_v easy_o and_o ready_o be_v give_v he_o have_v lose_v his_o freedom_n by_o not_o enter_v in_o his_o own_o person_n into_o the_o common_a engagement_n of_o freeman_n to_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o all_o freeman_n be_v personal_o bind_v so_o and_o much_o more_o just_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n a_o adult_n person_n make_v himself_o to_o become_v a_o non-member_n as_o to_o privilege_n by_o not_o perform_v the_o duty_n whereunto_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o his_o parent_n covenant_n for_o he_o in_o his_o minority_n and_o by_o his_o not_o regular_o covenant_v as_o his_o parent_n do_v and_o he_o be_v according_a to_o scripture_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o circumcision_n receive_v in_o baptism_n may_v become_v by_o his_o own_o fault_n be_v adult_n no_o circumcision_n rom._n 2.25_o those_o text_n in_o rom._n 11.16_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v not_o applicable_a to_o the_o adult_a person_n in_o question_n but_o only_o to_o infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n propos_fw-fr 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 so_o have_v act_v their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v reply_n this_o proposition_n may_v not_o be_v grant_v for_o 1._o it_o grant_v the_o privilege_n of_o church-membership_a to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o actual_o and_o regular_o church-member_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n ordinance_n whereby_o baptism_n be_v a_o public_a church-ordinance_n be_v due_a only_a to_o they_o who_o have_v a_o public_a state_n and_o interest_n such_o be_v only_o the_o member_n of_o the_o public_a ecclesiastical_a body_n the_o church_n hence_o 1._o a_o ordinary_a minister_n can_v orderly_o perform_v a_o act_n proper_a to_o his_o office_n in_o reference_n to_o church-communion_n to_o any_o that_o be_v not_o regular_o and_o actual_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o great_a usurpation_n as_o if_o a_o man_n do_v a_o work_v proper_a to_o magistracy_n to_o one_o that_o be_v not_o under_o his_o magistratical_a power_n he_o be_v a_o usurper_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n of_o a_o minister_n to_o administer_v baptism_n be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o office-power_n if_o he_o administer_v baptism_n to_o child_n who_o parent_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o church-order_n in_o so_o do_v why_o may_v not_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o be_v a_o usurper_n suppose_v a_o unbaptised_a person_n profess_v his_o faith_n and_o qualify_v according_a to_o the_o description_n in_o the_o six_o proposition_n yet_o defer_v for_o some_o probable_a cause_n to_o adjoyn_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o present_a shall_v desire_v baptism_n of_o any_o of_o these_o minister_n who_o frame_v this_o proposition_n shall_v they_o administer_v it_o to_o he_o and_o so_o do_v a_o proper_a work_n of_o their_o office_n upon_o he_o if_o yea_o if_o they_o admit_v he_o to_o baptism_n why_o not_o to_o the_o lord_n
time_n we_o shall_v hold_v to_o this_o as_o conceive_v that_o the_o admit_v of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n in_o purity_n to_o prevent_v many_o unprofitable_a and_o uncomfortable_a dispute_n and_o other_o great_a inconvenience_n which_o the_o reject_v of_o it_o will_v unavoidable_o make_v way_n unto_o iv_o this_o clause_n in_o the_o three_o proposition_n when_o grow_v up_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n have_v need_n be_v wary_o understand_v and_o do_v call_v for_o some_o clear_a explication_n for_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o as_o full_o under_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o those_o who_o in_o their_o own_o person_n have_v take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n it_o can_v be_v assent_v unto_o for_o then_o in_o case_n of_o such_o delinquency_n as_o do_v call_v for_o excommunication_n in_o another_o member_n they_o be_v formal_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v but_o this_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v for_o 1._o formal_a excommunication_n do_v not_o suit_v their_o state_n they_o be_v within_o the_o church_n only_o mediate_o by_o their_o parent_n confederation_n therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n immediate_o and_o personal_o by_o formal_a excommunication_n 2._o beside_o they_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o strength_n weak_a and_o in_o respect_n of_o state_n dead_a especial_o be_v consider_v as_o in_o this_o three_o proposition_n without_o qualification_n even_o such_o as_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n which_o yet_o be_v separable_a from_o true_a and_o save_a grace_n they_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o bear_v the_o weight_n and_o strength_n of_o that_o censure_n which_o be_v mighty_a through_o god_n 2_o cor._n 10.4_o it_o be_v to_o put_v new_a wine_n into_o old_a bottle_n which_o christ_n do_v dislike_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n mat._n 9_o 2._o it_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o injurious_a to_o they_o to_o lay_v they_o open_v to_o the_o high_a censure_n and_o not_o to_o allow_v they_o proportionable_a privilege_n 3._o the_o main_a end_n of_o excommunication_n when_o it_o pass_v upon_o such_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v attain_v which_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v 1_o cor._n 5.5_o the_o ordinance_n do_v suppose_v the_o subject_a of_o it_o to_o be_v flesh_n and_o spirit_n they_o who_o be_v consider_v as_o without_o qualification_n to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o church-priviledge_n as_o in_o this_o three_o proposition_n can_v be_v look_v at_o as_o other_o than_o all_o flesh_n v._o in_o the_o four_o proposition_n it_o be_v say_v these_o adult_a person_n be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n 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 but_o whether_o the_o child_n of_o such_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v or_o not_o be_v not_o say_v and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v express_v that_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o synod_n may_v be_v right_o understand_v vi_o to_o the_o five_o proposition_n many_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v 1._o this_o proposition_n may_v rational_o be_v look_v at_o as_o hold_v forth_o the_o qualification_n want_v to_o full_a communion_n mention_v in_o the_o four_o proposition_n and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o such_o as_o have_v these_o qualification_n have_v right_a to_o full_a communion_n if_o i_o miss_v it_o i_o will_v be_v thankful_a to_o he_o that_o shall_v show_v i_o my_o mistake_n if_o i_o be_o right_a and_o do_v right_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o proposition_n it_o be_v expedient_a that_o the_o synod_n shall_v plain_o and_o full_o express_v their_o meaning_n therein_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o 2._o the_o qualification_n be_v understanding_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereunto_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n 1._o there_o be_v more_o require_v in_o a_o church-member_n even_o in_o point_n of_o knowledge_n then_o to_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o assent_v thereunto_o he_o ought_v in_o a_o competent_a measure_n to_o understand_v church-order_n and_o discipline_n appoint_v by_o christ_n otherwise_o he_o can_v covenant_n in_o judgement_n or_o own_o the_o covenant_n neither_o do_v he_o know_v how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o a_o member_n thereof_o 2._o the_o devil_n do_v understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o do_v assent_v thereunto_o jam._n 2.19_o 3._o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n be_v whole_o negative_a and_o may_v be_v say_v of_o irrational_a animal_n he_o only_o that_o do_v righteousness_n positive_o can_v be_v denominate_v righteous_a 1_o joh._n 3.7_o 4._o beside_o all_o these_o there_o must_v be_v the_o work_n and_o grace_n of_o faith_n hold_v forth_o act_v 8.37_o 38._o &_o 16_o 31-34_a before_o any_o meddle_v with_o the_o covenant_n isa_n 19.21_o 3._o it_o be_v say_v and_o solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n 2_o chron._n 15.12_o of_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n 2_o chron._n 29.10_o and_o before_o the_o lord_n 2_o chron._n 34.31_o of_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n isa_n 56_o 4._o now_o if_o their_o own_v the_o covenant_n be_v the_o same_o then_o not_o only_o their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v but_o themselves_o admit_v to_o full_a communion_n if_o short_a than_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n not_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n 4._o upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o qualification_n express_v be_v find_v in_o they_o it_o be_v say_v their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v but_o 1._o the_o first_o and_o second_o proposition_n be_v against_o it_o the_o first_o proposition_n do_v limit_v baptism_n to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o second_o proposition_n do_v explain_v who_o be_v mean_v by_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o scripture_n 1._o confederate_a visible_a believer_n in_o particular_a church_n i_o such_o as_o have_v personal_o and_o immediate_o confederate_v for_o themselves_o as_o the_o last_o clause_n show_v and_o 2._o their_o infant-seed_n i_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 now_o these_o mention_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n to_o who_o baptism_n be_v allow_v be_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o ergo._n 2._o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n be_v want_v if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o qualification_n before_o mention_v and_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v their_o child_n right_a to_o baptism_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o 3._o the_o child_n of_o such_o be_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v who_o themselves_o do_v live_v under_o great_a offence_n visible_o and_o do_v not_o reform_v exod._n 20.5_o but_o so_o do_v these_o parent_n in_o not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n personal_o and_o immediate_o for_o themselves_o ergo._n it_o may_v easy_o and_o abundant_o be_v prove_v that_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v live_v under_o precious_a mean_n and_o great_a light_n until_o they_o be_v marry_v and_o have_v child_n and_o all_o this_o while_o have_v neglect_v the_o main_a thing_n that_o do_v concern_v they_o which_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o upon_o their_o believe_v personal_o and_o for_o themselves_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v under_o very_o great_a sin_n and_o offence_n but_o i_o will_v only_o use_v one_o argument_n which_o be_v this_o neglect_v of_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o of_o enter_v into_o covenant_n now_o under_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o gross_a a_o neglect_n as_o great_a a_o sin_n as_o much_o displease_v to_o god_n as_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o circumcision_n the_o sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n before_o christ_n ground_n of_o it_o be_v 1._o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v as_o weighty_a that_o i_o say_v not_o more_o 2._o as_o full_o under_o command_n as_o that_o 1_o joh._n 3.23_o rom._n 10.9_o 10._o 3._o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o do_v as_o necessary_o and_o peremptory_o infer_v god_n high_a displeasure_n and_o everlasting_a destruction_n if_o continue_v in_o as_o that_o joh._n 3.36_o mark_v 16.16_o heb._n 2.3_o but_o that_o neglect_n be_v gross_a the_o sin_n great_a and_o very_o displease_v to_o god_n gen._n 17.14_o exod._n 4_o 24-26_a ergo._n 4._o if_o the_o child_n of_o such_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v if_o their_o child_n again_o thus_o baptize_v live_v to_o have_v child_n themselves_o not_o personal_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o not_o enter_v into_o covenant_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o shall_v they_o be_v baptize_v or_o not_o 1._o
aforesaid_a among_o themselves_o with_o special_a reference_n to_o those_o church_n which_o by_o providence_n be_v plant_v in_o a_o convenient_a vicinity_n though_o with_o liberty_n reserve_v without_o offence_n to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o case_n or_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o opportunity_n may_v lead_v thereunto_o propos_fw-fr 6._o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o country_n have_v so_o good_a opportunity_n for_o it_o it_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v commend_v to_o they_o as_o their_o duty_n thus_o to_o consociate_v for_o 1._o communion_n of_o church_n be_v command_v and_o consociation_n be_v a_o agreement_n to_o practise_v it_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o duty_n also_o psal_n 119.106_o neh._n 10_o 28_o 29._o reply_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o argue_v upon_o these_o proposition_n some_o thing_n shall_v be_v premise_v in_o way_n of_o enquiry_n that_o the_o term_n may_v be_v right_o understand_v quaere_fw-la whether_o by_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a agreement_n they_o mean_v a_o vow_n it_o seem_v by_o the_o text_n allege_v by_o they_o in_o the_o first_o proof_n of_o the_o six_o proposition_n that_o they_o mean_v so_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o that_o be_v their_o meaning_n 2._o when_o they_o say_v this_o solemn_a agreement_n or_o covenant_n must_v â—e_v make_v with_o special_a reference_n to_o church_n in_o vicinity_n quaere_fw-la 1._o how_o many_o church_n in_o vicinity_n or_o neighbour-churche_n must_v thus_o covenant_n together_o 2._o whether_o they_o must_v have_v set_v time_n of_o meet_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o who_o be_v to_o meet_v whether_o elder_n alone_a or_o other_o also_o send_v from_o the_o church_n with_o they_o and_o how_o frequent_a these_o meeting_n must_v be_v and_o whether_o the_o set_a time_n must_v be_v keep_v constant_o though_o they_o have_v no_o present_a need_n of_o counsel_n from_o another_o 3._o whereas_o they_o speak_v of_o liberty_n reserve_v without_o offence_n to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o case_n etc._n etc._n may_v lead_v thereunto_o quaere_fw-la how_o they_o may_v avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o neighbour-churche_n if_o they_o use_v the_o help_n of_o church_n more_o remote_a whether_o they_o must_v have_v their_o consent_n thereunto_o before_o they_o use_v they_o 4._o concern_v the_o end_n and_o issue_n of_o this_o consociation_n of_o church_n whether_o they_o be_v bind_v thereby_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o those_o neighbour-churche_n and_o to_o practice_v according_o whether_o they_o see_v convince_a light_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o argument_n propound_v to_o they_o or_o not_o under_o a_o penalty_n of_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v obstinate_a in_o error_n and_o scandal_n and_o according_o in_o time_n to_o have_v all_o holy_a communion_n with_o they_o withdraw_v from_o they_o it_o seem_v by_o what_o be_v before_o say_v in_o the_o fixth_n act_n of_o communion_n for_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n pag._n 31._o that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o end_n and_o issue_n of_o this_o consociation_n unto_o any_o church_n that_o shall_v dissent_v from_o the_o rest_n this_o consociation_n they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n i_o shall_v brief_o weigh_v their_o reason_n for_o 1._o communion_n of_o church_n be_v command_v and_o consociation_n be_v but_o a_o agreement_n to_o practice_v it_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o duty_n also_o psal_n 119.106_o nehem._n 10.28_o 29._o reply_n it_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v till_o they_o have_v prove_v that_o consociation_n of_o church_n by_o a_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n be_v command_v as_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v nor_o do_v the_o text_n allege_v prove_v it_o in_o psal_n 119.106_o david_n swear_v to_o keep_v god_n righteous_a judgement_n and_o will_v perform_v it_o because_o though_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o swear_v yet_o he_o have_v voluntary_o swear_v it_o and_o so_o be_v under_o a_o double_a bond_n to_o perform_v it_o for_o both_o his_o keep_a god_n righteous_a judgement_n and_o his_o perform_v that_o vow_n be_v command_v of_o god_n deut._n 10.13_o with_o psal_n 76.11_o 2._o and_o his_o vow_n be_v private_a betwixt_o god_n and_o himself_o hence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o consociate_v with_o a_o vow_n or_o covenant_n after_o the_o manner_n here_o describe_v which_o be_v not_o prove_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o may_v be_v unsafe_a for_o particular_a church_n that_o covenant_n in_o neh._n 10.28_o 29._o be_v their_o church-covenant_n renew_v and_o explain_v and_o so_o be_v a_o mutual_a solemn_a engagement_n by_o enter_v into_o a_o curse_n and_o into_o a_o oath_n to_o which_o form_n we_o be_v not_o bind_v and_o church-covenanting_a be_v god_n ordinance_n isa_n 19.21_o &_o 56.4_o to_o 8._o &_o 62.5_o all_o which_o be_v prophecy_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o between_o the_o covenant_n of_o a_o church_n within_o itself_o and_o such_o a_o covenant_v as_o this_o for_o the_o consociate_a of_o church_n there_o be_v considerable_a difference_n 1._o because_o this_o want_n warrant_v from_o the_o scripture_n which_o that_o have_v there_o be_v neither_o any_o precept_n in_o scripture_n command_v it_o nor_o any_o pattern_n among_o the_o primitive_a church_n plant_v or_o approve_v by_o the_o apostle_n command_v it_o unto_o we_o 2._o nor_o be_v there_o like_a reason_n for_o such_o consociation_n of_o church_n by_o a_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a agreement_n or_o covenant_n between_o church_n in_o a_o vicinity_n as_o be_v for_o a_o church-covenant_n within_o itself_o for_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v necessary_a because_o without_o it_o the_o end_n of_o church-fellowship_n can_v be_v attain_v for_o 1._o each_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a corporation_n which_o therefore_o must_v receive_v its_o be_v from_o a_o spiritual_a combination_n or_o foederal_n engagement_n 2._o by_o virtue_n hereof_o they_o that_o have_v no_o natural_a impression_n to_o subject_v they_o to_o other_o or_o to_o give_v they_o power_n over_o they_o have_v mutual_a power_n each_o over_o other_o to_o command_v &_o constrain_v as_o the_o case_n require_v of_o which_o power_n they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n without_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o engagement_n 3._o hereby_o they_o come_v to_o enjoy_v such_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastic_a privilege_n unto_o which_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v without_o the_o approbation_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o whole_a which_o necessary_o require_v this_o engagement_n to_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v by_o covenant_n thus_o mr._n hooker_n argue_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o church-covenant_n survey_v part_n 1._o chap._n 4._o p._n 50_o to_o 55._o but_o the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n which_o be_v mutual_a helpfulness_n by_o counsel_n may_v be_v attain_v without_o such_o a_o consociation_n by_o mutual_a engagement_n by_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o of_o itself_o without_o any_o other_o engagement_n give_v church_n a_o right_a and_o interest_n in_o another_o way_n mutual_o for_o their_o help_n by_o counsel_n when_o their_o need_n require_v it_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n have_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n find_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n for_o settle_v truth_n and_o peace_n among_o they_o without_o such_o a_o consociation_n and_o may_v so_o still_o 3._o such_o a_o agreement_n between_o church_n will_v become_v a_o snare_n unto_o they_o by_o straighten_v they_o in_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o their_o church-power_n within_o themselves_o in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la 1._o if_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o they_o may_v not_o administer_v church-censure_n within_o themselves_o without_o concurrence_n of_o neighbour-churche_n or_o elder_n approbation_n seek_v and_o attain_v thereunto_o before_o or_o 2._o if_o thereby_o they_o stand_v bind_v under_o the_o forenoted_n penalty_n to_o rest_v in_o and_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o advice_n of_o such_o church_n have_v sufficient_a light_n and_o consent_n within_o themselves_o without_o they_o 3._o mr._n rutherfurd_n affirm_v that_o a_o convenient_a number_n of_o church_n have_v ordinary_o converse_v one_o with_o another_o shall_v voluntary_o combine_v themselves_o in_o one_o society_n this_o last_o give_v in_o the_o formality_n of_o classical_a membership_n lib._n 2._o p._n 320._o he_o add_v when_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o combine_a member_n now_o by_o institution_n of_o one_o presbyterian_a church_n not_o of_o another_o though_o by_o ordinary_a converse_n with_o other_o church_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n his_o example_n may_v prove_v prejudicial_a and_o infestuous_a to_o other_o yet_o this_o presbytery_n must_v proceed_v in_o excommunication_n against_o he_o because_o he_o be_v combine_v with_o they_o thus_o you_o see_v by_o this_o voluntary_a combination_n of_o church_n a_o church_n