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
exclude_v the_o least_o in_o age_n from_o the_o good_a of_o that_o promise_n heb_fw-mi 8_o 11_o they_o be_v sometime_o point_v to_o by_o that_o phrase_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a jer._n 44.12_o with_o verse_n 7._o no_o more_o than_o the_o least_o in_o other_o respect_n compare_v isa_n 54.13_o in_o act_n 2.39_o at_o the_o pass_n of_o those_o jew_n into_o new_a testament_n church_n estate_n the_o lord_n be_v so_o far_o from_o repeal_n the_o covenant-interest_n that_o be_v grant_v unto_o child_n in_o the_o former_a testament_n or_o from_o make_v the_o child_n there_o loser_n by_o their_o parent_n faith_n that_o he_o do_v express_o renew_v the_o old_a grant_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n for_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o covenant_n be_v term_n that_o do_v mutual_o infer_v each_o other_o compare_v act_n 3.25_o gal._n 3.16_o 17_o 18_o 29._o rom._n 4.16_o heb._n 6_o 17_o be_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n and_o the_o same_o be_v assert_v to_o be_v the_o appoint_a portion_n of_o the_o far_o off_o gentile_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n gen._n 17.7_o whereby_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n continue_v under_o the_o gospel_n now_o if_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v still_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n than_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 1._o because_o that_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n gen._n 17.7_o be_v proper_o church-covenant_n or_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o his_o visible_a church_n i._n e._n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n consider_v in_o the_o external_a dispensation_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o privilege_n that_o belong_v to_o that_o dispensation_n for_o many_o be_v take_v into_o that_o covenant_n that_o be_v never_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o by_o that_o covenant_n the_o family_n of_o abraham_n as_o also_o by_o the_o renew_n thereof_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n afterward_o be_v establish_v the_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n gen._n 17._o and_o deut._n 29_o 12_o 13._o and_o from_o that_o covenant_n man_n may_v be_v break_v off_o gen._n 17_o 14._o rom._n 11.17_o 19_o and_o to_o that_o covenant_n circumcision_n the_o badge_n of_o church-membership_a be_v annex_v therefore_o the_o covenantee_n therein_o be_v &_o be_v church-member_n 2._o because_o in_o that_o covenant_n the_o seed_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o term_n describe_v or_o infer_v church-membership_a as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n for_o they_o have_v god_n for_o their_o god_n and_o be_v his_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n gen._n 17_o 7_o 8._o with_o deut_n 29_o 11_o 13._o they_o have_v the_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o deut_n 29_o 14_o 15._o and_o the_o covenant_n be_v say_v to_o be_v between_o god_n &_o they_o between_o i_o &_o thou_o and_o between_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o so_o the_o hebrew_n run_v gen_n 17_o 7._o they_o be_v also_o in_o that_o covenant_n appoint_v to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o seal_n of_o membership_n gen._n 17_o 9_o 10_o 11._o therefore_o the_o seed_n be_v according_a to_o that_o covenant_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n such_o seed_n or_o child_n be_v federal_o holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o argum_fw-la 2_o the_o word_n holy_a as_o apply_v to_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v never_o in_o scripture_n use_v in_o a_o low_a sense_n than_o for_o federal_n or_o covenant-holiness_n the_o covenant-holiness_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o very_o often_o in_o that_o sense_n ezra_n 9_o 2._o deut_n 7_o 6._o &_o 14_o 2_o 21_o &_o 26_o 19_o &_o 28_o 9_o exod_n 19_o 6_o dan_o 8_o 24_o &_o 12_o 7_o rom_n 11_o 16_o so_o that_o to_o say_v they_o be_v holy_a in_o this_o sense_n viz._n by_o covenant-relation_n and_o separation_n to_o god_n in_o his_o church_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v they_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o member_n of_o it_o from_o mark_n 10_o 14_o 15_o 16_o mat_n 19_o 14_o argum_fw-la 3_o child_n membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v either_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a sense_n of_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o so_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaver_n or_o of_o god_n be_v not_o rare_o use_v in_o other_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o visible_a church_n or_o church-estate_n mat._n 25_o 1_o &_o 21_o 43_o &_o 8.11_o 12_o or_o it_o evident_o follow_v from_o any_o other_o sense_n that_o can_v rational_o be_v give_v of_o the_o word_n for_o those_o may_v not_o be_v deny_v a_o place_n and_o portion_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n who_o christ_n affirm_v to_o have_v a_o portion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n either_o of_o invisible_a grace_n or_o of_o eternal_a glory_n nor_o do_v any_o in_o ordinary_a course_n pass_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n hereafter_o but_o through_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n here_o add_v also_o that_o christ_n there_o gracious_o invite_v and_o call_v little_a child_n to_o he_o be_v great_o displease_v with_o those_o that_o will_v hinder_v they_o assert_v they_o notwithstanding_o their_o infancy_n to_o be_v exemplary_a in_o receive_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n embrace_v they_o in_o his_o arm_n and_o bless_v they_o all_o which_o show_v christ_n dear_a affection_n to_o and_o own_v of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o part_n of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o we_o therefore_o may_v not_o disow_v lest_o we_o incur_v his_o displeasure_n as_o the_o disciple_n do_v such_o seed_n or_o child_n be_v disciple_n according_a to_o mat_n 28_o 19_o argum_fw-la 4_o as_o appear_v 1._o because_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v equivalent_a with_o disciple_n there_o as_o the_o frame_n of_o that_o text_n show_v verse_n 18_o 19_o 20._o but_o such_o child_n be_v subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n or_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat_n 19_o 14_o in_o the_o discipling_n of_o all_o nation_n intend_v in_o mat._n 28.19_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o gentile_n according_a to_o mat._n 21.43_o but_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n these_o child_n have_v a_o interest_n or_o portion_n mark_v 10.14_o 2._o the_o apostle_n in_o accomplish_v that_o commission_n mat._n 28.19_o do_v disciple_n some_o child_n viz._n the_o child_n of_o disciple_v parent_n act_n 2.39_o &_o 15.10_o they_o be_v there_o call_v and_o account_v disciple_n who_o the_o false_a teacher_n will_v have_v bring_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o circumcision_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n verse_n 1_o 5._o but_o many_o of_o those_o be_v child_n exod._n 12.48_o act_n 21.21_o lydia_n and_o her_o household_n the_o jailor_n and_o all_o his_o be_v disciple_v and_o baptize_v act_v 16.15_o 31_o 33._o paul_n at_o corinth_n take_v in_o the_o child_n into_o the_o holy_a school_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor_fw-la 7.14_o 3._o such_o child_n belong_v to_o christ_n for_o he_o call_v they_o to_o he_o as_o he_o to_o receive_v his_o blessing_n mark_v 10_o 13-16_a they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v in_o his_o name_n mark_v 9.37_o luke_n 9_o 48._o they_o have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n jost_n 22.24.25_o therefore_o they_o be_v disciple_n for_o to_o belong_v to_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n mark_v 9.41_o with_o mat._n 10.42_o now_o if_o they_o be_v disciple_n than_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o from_o the_o equivalency_n of_o those_o term_n be_v before_o show_v the_o whole_a current_n and_o harmony_n of_o scripture_n show_v argum_fw-la 5_o that_o ever_o since_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n the_o child_n thereof_o have_v by_o the_o lord_n appointment_n be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o old_a and_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n eve_n the_o mother_n of_o all_o live_n have_v a_o promise_n make_v gen._n 3.15_o not_o only_o of_o christ_n the_o head-seed_n but_o through_o he_o also_o of_o a_o church-seed_n to_o proceed_v from_o she_o in_o a_o continue_a lineal_a succession_n which_o shall_v continual_o be_v at_o visible_a enmity_n with_o and_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n or_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n under_o that_o promise_n make_v to_o eve_n and_o her_o seed_n the_o child_n of_o adam_n be_v bear_v and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n in_o adam_n family_n even_o cain_n be_v so_o gen._n 4.1_o 3._o till_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n therein_o verse_n 14._o be_v now_o manifest_o one_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n 1_o
the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n unto_o a_o thousand_o generation_n if_o the_o successive_a parent_n do_v but_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n show_v themselves_o to_o be_v lover_n of_o god_n and_o keeper_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o commandment_n so_o as_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v never_o reject_v they_o till_o they_o reject_v he_o exod_a 20.6_o deut._n 7.9_o psal_n 105.8_o 9_o rom._n 11_o 16-22_a hence_o we_o dare_v not_o with_o the_o antipaedobaptist_n exclude_v the_o infant-children_n of_o the_o faithful_a from_o the_o covenant_n or_o from_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o consequent_o not_o from_o baptism_n the_o seal_n thereof_o neither_o dare_v we_o exclude_v the_o same_o child_n from_o membership_n or_o put_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o while_o they_o so_o walk_v and_o act_n as_o to_o keep_v their_o stand_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o same_o god_n own_v they_o still_o and_o they_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n own_o he_o god_n reject_v they_o not_o and_o therefore_o neither_o may_v we_o and_o consequent_o their_o child_n also_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v shall_v we_o reject_v or_o exclude_v any_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v shorten_v and_o straiten_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n covenant_n more_o than_o god_n himself_o do_v and_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o put_v they_o from_o under_o those_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v state_v upon_o the_o visible_a church_n whereby_o the_o child_n of_o god_n visible_a people_n be_v successive_o in_o their_o generation_n to_o be_v train_v up_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n whither_o the_o elect_a number_n shall_v still_o be_v bring_v in_o the_o way_n of_o such_o mean_n and_o wherein_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o officer_n and_o church_n a_o solemn_a charge_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_z train_z up_o such_o as_o a_o part_n of_o his_o flock_n to_o that_o end_n say_v to_o they_o as_o sometime_o to_o peter_n if_o you_o love_v i_o feed_v my_o lamb_n in_o obedience_n to_o which_o charge_n we_o hope_v it_o be_v the_o we_o be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a though_o with_o the_o inference_n of_o no_o small_a labour_n and_o burden_n to_o ourselves_o to_o commend_v these_o truth_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o all_o the_o flock_n even_o the_o lamb_n thereof_o be_v due_o state_v under_o pastoral_a power_n we_o may_v after_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v up_o our_o account_n another_o day_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o find_v and_o keep_v the_o right_n middle_a way_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v know_v to_o all_o that_o be_v aught_o acquaint_v with_o the_o controversy_n thereabout_a as_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o believe_v we_o have_v speak_v but_o not_o without_o remembrance_n that_o we_o be_v poor_a feeble_a frail_a man_n and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o be_v conversant_a herein_o with_o much_o humility_n and_o fear_n before_o god_n and_o man_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o variety_n of_o judgement_n concern_v this_o subject_a which_o notwithstanding_o with_o all_o due_a reverence_n to_o dissenter_n after_o religious_a search_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v here_o offer_v what_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o have_v the_o full_a evidence_n of_o light_n from_o thence_o if_o more_o may_v be_v add_v and_o may_v be_v find_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o shall_v be_v no_o prejudice_n thereunto_o hence_o also_o we_o be_v far_o from_o desire_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o rigorous_a imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n especial_o as_o to_o what_o be_v more_o narrow_a therein_o and_o more_o controversal_a among_o godly_a man_n if_o the_o honour_a court_n see_v meet_v so_o far_o to_o add_v their_o countetenance_n and_o concurrence_n as_o to_o commend_v a_o serious_a consideration_n hereof_o to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o secure_v those_o that_o can_v with_o clearness_n of_o judgement_n practise_v according_o from_o disturbance_n that_o in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o tolerate_v or_o to_o desire_v a_o toleration_n of_o damnable_a heresy_n or_o of_o subverter_n of_o the_o fundamenta_n of_o faith_n or_o order_n be_v a_o irreligious_a inconsistency_n with_o the_o love_n of_o true_a religion_n but_o to_o bear_v one_o with_o another_o in_o lesser_a difference_n about_o matter_n of_o a_o more_o difficult_a and_o controversal_a nature_n and_o more_o remote_a from_o the_o foundation_n and_o wherein_o the_o godly-wise_a be_v not_o like-minded_n be_v a_o duty_n necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o religion_n while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o infirmity_n in_o such_o thing_n let_v not_o he_o that_o practise_v despise_v he_o that_o forbear_v and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o forbear_v judge_v he_o that_o practise_v for_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o but_o as_o we_o do_v not_o thus_o speak_v from_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n here_o deliver_v paul_n know_v where_o the_o truth_n lie_v and_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o rom._n 14.14_o yet_o he_o can_v love_o bear_v a_o dissenter_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n shall_v we_o so_o we_o do_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o christ_n jesus_n command_v the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o several_a church_n what_o be_v here_o offer_v be_v far_o from_o be_v any_o decline_v from_o former_a principle_n it_o be_v rather_o a_o pursuance_n thereof_o for_o it_o be_v all_o include_v in_o or_o deducible_a from_o what_o we_o unanimous_o profess_v and_o own_a in_o the_o forementioned_a platform_n of_o discipline_n many_o year_n since_o there_o it_o be_v assert_v that_o child_n be_v church-member_n that_o they_o have_v many_o privilege_n which_o other_o not_o church-member_n have_v not_o and_o that_o they_o be_v under_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n chap._n 12._o sect_n 7._o and_o that_o will_v infer_v the_o right_n of_o their_o child_n they_o continue_v to_o walk_v orderly_o and_o the_o other_o matter_n of_o consociation_n or_o exercise_v of_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v large_o hold_v forth_o chap._n 15._o &_o 16._o it_o may_v be_v a_o objection_n lie_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o and_o which_o many_o may_v desire_v a_o full_a answer_n unto_o that_o these_o thing_n or_o some_o of_o they_o be_v innovation_n in_o our_o church-waye_n and_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n be_v worthy_n in_o new-england_n who_o be_v now_o with_o god_n do_v never_o teach_v not_o hold_v and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v we_o now_o after_o so_o many_o year_n fall_v upon_o new_a opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o this_o a_o decline_a from_o our_o first_o purity_n and_o a_o unblamable_a alteration_n to_o this_o although_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o say_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n not_o so_o much_o what_o have_v be_v hold_v or_o practise_v as_o what_o shall_v be_v and_o what_o the_o word_n of_o god_n prescribe_v aught_o to_o be_v our_o enquiry_n and_o our_o rule_n the_o people_n in_o nehemiah_n time_n be_v commend_v for_o do_v as_o they_o find_v write_v in_o the_o law_n though_o from_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n the_o son_n of_o nun_n unto_o that_o day_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v not_o do_v so_o nehem._n 8.14_o 17._o see_v the_o like_o 2_o chron._n 30.5_o 26._o 2_o king_n 23.21_o 22._o they_o do_v not_o tie_v themselves_o to_o former_a use_n and_o custom_n but_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n write_v word_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o it_o be_v thyatira_n praise_n that_o their_o good_a work_n be_v more_o at_o the_o last_o then_o at_o the_o first_o rev._n 2.19_o the_o lord_n be_v humble_a and_o faithful_a servant_n be_v not_o go_v to_o be_v forward_o to_o think_v themselves_o perfect_a in_o their_o attainment_n but_o desirous_a rather_o to_o make_v a_o progress_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o god_n holy_a will._n if_o therefore_o the_o thing_n here_o poopound_v concern_v the_o child_n of_o church-member_n and_o the_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o hope_v the_o discourse_n ensue_a will_v show_v they_o to_o be_v that_o do_v sufficient_o bespeak_v their_o entertainment_n although_o they_o have_v not_o former_o be_v hold_v or_o hear_v of_o among_o we_o yet_o this_o must_v not_o be_v grant_v the_o contrary_a be_v the_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o point_n herein_o which_o may_v be_v most_o scruple_v by_o some_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o these_o church_n for_o many_o year_n and_o of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v of_o most_o eminent_a esteem_n among_o we_o as_o beside_o what_o be_v before_o mention_v from_o the_o platform_n of_o discipline_n may_v appear_v by_o the_o