with_o the_o essence_n thereof_o 2._o again_o that_o which_o evidence_v a_o person_n communion_n in_o the_o essential_a and_o formal_a action_n of_o the_o church_n do_v also_o thereby_o evidence_n such_o a_o person_n interest_n in_o the_o essence_n of_o or_o his_o essential_a union_n with_o the_o church_n for_o nothing_o can_v have_v or_o carry_v a_o strong_a tincture_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o the_o formal_a or_o essential_a action_n thereof_o which_o immediate_o flow_v from_o it_o 3._o then_o further_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v be_v find_v to_o consist_v in_o community_n respect_v communion_n in_o god_n truth_n and_o ordinance_n and_o the_o formal_a action_n of_o this_o community_n have_v be_v find_v to_o be_v this_o communion_n 4._o now_o that_o person_n that_o appear_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n or_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n appear_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o essential_a action_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 5._o these_o premise_n thus_o lay_v i_o find_v my_o answer_n upon_o they_o to_o the_o question_n thus_o that_o therefore_o that_o person_n that_o do_v not_o plain_o renounce_v the_o truth_n and_o open_o submit_v unto_o and_o ordinary_o attend_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n whatsoever_o evil_a quality_n he_o may_v otherwise_o bear_v do_v thus_o appear_v to_o be_v real_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n indeed_o be_v save_v grace_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n a_o person_n can_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o member_n thereof_o without_o the_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n but_o see_v we_o have_v find_v that_o it_o be_v not_o we_o add_v whatsoever_o evil_a quality_n he_o may_v otherwise_o bear_v as_o a_o man_n live_v within_o such_o a_o dominion_n and_o be_v either_o bear_v there_o or_o else_o be_v know_v to_o be_v naturalize_v and_o make_v free_a according_a to_o the_o law_n thereof_o though_o he_o be_v a_o great_a offender_n and_o high_o obnoxious_a to_o law_n and_o punishment_n yet_o if_o he_o renounce_v not_o his_o subjection_n or_o declare_v not_o against_o the_o government_n be_v notwithstanding_o know_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o body_n politic_a or_o a_o lawful_a subject_n of_o that_o dominion_n or_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n a_o member_n remain_v in_o union_n with_o the_o body_n and_o in_o communion_n with_o it_o in_o its_o essential_a action_n though_o it_o be_v a_o disease_a or_o wound_v or_o leprous_a member_n yet_o be_v know_v and_o grant_v to_o be_v a_o real_a member_n so_o a_o man_n that_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n and_o ordinary_o attend_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o and_o do_v not_o renounce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a and_o rot_a member_n be_v yet_o hereby_o evidence_v to_o be_v real_o a_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a visible_a body_n the_o church_n for_o this_o sufficient_o evidence_v that_o common_a faith_n which_o though_o it_o avail_v not_o to_o justication_n yet_o be_v find_v effectual_a so_o far_o as_o to_o constitute_v or_o interest_n in_o visible_a church-membership_a obj._n it_o may_v be_v hence_o urge_v that_o than_o child_n can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v church-member_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n answ_n may_v not_o a_o child_n be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n by_o its_o be_v bear_v therein_o and_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n intimate_v as_o much_o concern_v a_o child_n bear_v in_o zion_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o this_o man_n be_v bear_v there_o q._n d._n that_o this_o man_n be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o citizen_n of_o the_o city_n or_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n because_o he_o be_v bear_v there_o or_o by_o birth-priviledge_n or_o be_v bear_v free_a 2._o child_n have_v visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o parent_n profession_n as_o ames_n teach_v sunt_fw-la participes_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la profesfession_n etc._n etc._n 3._o they_o have_v some_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o person_n also_o in_o that_o first_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o thus_o be_v enter_v they_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n communion_n so_o far_o thereby_o until_o they_o shall_v be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v more_o object_n 2._o however_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o excommunicate_a be_v thus_o exclude_v answ_n not_o so_o for_o though_o the_o excommunicate_a shall_v have_v no_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o fundamental_a and_o habitual_a communion_n with_o it_o as_o a_o palsy_n member_n be_v yet_o a_o real_a member_n and_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o have_v a_o habitual_a communion_n with_o the_o body_n though_o at_o present_a its_o actual_a partake_n of_o the_o animal_n influence_n be_v deny_v or_o suspend_v or_o as_o a_o man_n out-lawd_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o remote_a right_n fundamental_o in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n though_o he_o have_v no_o present_a actual_a benefit_n thereby_o which_o indeed_o the_o violence_n of_o discipline_n and_o not_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o condition_n have_v bring_v he_o unto_o but_o second_o there_o be_v notwithstanding_o some_o secret_a actual_a communion_n betwixt_o the_o body_n and_o a_o palsy_n member_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o a_o person_n outlaw_v and_o likewise_o betwixt_o the_o excommunicate_a and_o the_o church_n which_o may_v also_o be_v know_v for_o that_o the_o palsy_n member_n have_v some_o influence_n from_o the_o body_n appear_v by_o its_o warmth_n that_o the_o person_n outlaw_v have_v some_o benefit_n by_o the_o law_n appear_v in_o that_o they_o secure_v his_o life_n it_o be_v murder_n to_o kill_v he_o and_o that_o the_o excommunicate_a have_v some_o fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n appear_v in_o that_o they_o be_v within_o the_o care_n thereof_o and_o under_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n appoint_v for_o salvation_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n and_o be_v to_o be_v deal_v withal_o as_o a_o brother_n 3._o the_o excommunicate_a last_o i_o mean_v such_o only_a as_o be_v not_o heretical_a have_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o preparatione_fw-la animi_fw-la and_o in_o their_o desire_n which_o be_v only_o suspend_v for_o their_o good_a a_o while_n with_o hope_n of_o repentance_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o thereupon_o readmission_n as_o the_o palsy_n member_n in_o the_o disposition_n or_o preparation_n of_o nature_n be_v ready_a as_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o suspend_v influence_n from_o the_o body_n again_o viz._n upon_o the_o unlock_v and_o open_v of_o obstruction_n which_o a_o member_n whole_o cut_v off_o or_o dead_a have_v not_o chap._n xxx_o what_o it_o be_v that_o do_v whole_o put_v a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o ignorance_n we_o proceed_v last_o have_v show_v what_o be_v requisite_a to_o constitute_v and_o evidence_n visible_a church-membership_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n of_o dissolve_v it_o and_o the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v that_o which_o whole_o dismember_v or_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n hereunto_o i_o answer_v negative_o and_o positive_o ans_fw-fr 1._o neg._n first_o i_o assert_v that_o the_o want_n of_o such_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n as_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o have_v which_o be_v common_o term_v ignorance_n do_v not_o simple_o or_o of_o itself_o whole_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v reas_n 1._o because_o such_o a_o knowledge_n do_v not_o go_v into_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o we_o have_v find_v to_o consist_v in_o society_n or_o community_n reas_n 2._o because_o evidence_n or_o appearance_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o a_o necessary_a or_o essential_a requisite_a to_o discover_v church-membership_a for_o then_o none_o may_v take_v another_o for_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o he_o be_v satisfy_v of_o his_o knowledge_n which_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a thing_n therefore_o ignorance_n or_o the_o want_n of_o such_o knowledge_n do_v not_o signify_v one_o no_o church-member_n the_o consequence_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o common_a rule_n eadem_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la contrariorum_fw-la reas_n 3._o because_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o assert_v it_o which_o alone_o have_v authority_n from_o god_n to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o this_o point_n the_o scripture_n do_v often_o charge_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n with_o ignorance_n but_o do_v never_o either_o say_v that_o ignorant_a person_n can_v be_v church-member_n or_o that_o ignorance_n do_v cast_v man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o indeed_o so_o much_o that_o ignorant_a person_n ought_v mere_o for_o their_o
fly_v unto_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n of_o apostasy_n or_o secret_a idolatry_n heresy_n etc._n etc._n answerable_a to_o the_o way_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v descry_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o his_o people_n the_o jew_n then_o and_o as_o these_o mean_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o reform_v and_o better_v our_o people_n viz._n doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o notion_n or_o practice_n of_o those_o that_o require_v these_o thing_n as_o ordinary_a condition_n of_o church-communion_n or_o familiar_a instance_n of_o try_v the_o people_n sincerity_n to_o god_n or_o affection_n to_o we_o our_o too_o much_o value_v private_a design_n of_o advance_v godliness_n and_o reformation_n with_o the_o hazard_n of_o peace_n unity_n love_n to_o prejudice_v schism_n and_o irreparable_a breach_n and_o desolation_n thirdsy_n i_o shall_v with_o all_o my_o might_n emprove_v these_o mean_n in_o great_a hope_n of_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o reformation_n propose_v be_v such_o use_n of_o they_o general_o agree_v upon_o and_o back_v with_o civil_a authority_n otherwise_o if_o some_o few_o only_o make_v the_o enterprise_n this_o mean_n of_o reformation_n will_v be_v find_v to_o prove_v effectual_a for_o further_a breach_n and_o division_n only_o and_o end_n in_o destruction_n and_o to_o attempt_v a_o general_a and_o extraordinary_a remedy_n in_o this_o case_n without_o civil_a influence_n may_v show_v our_o zeal_n i_o think_v more_o than_o prudence_n four_o above_o all_o i_o must_v stick_v at_o this_o last_o exception_n that_o the_o end_n of_o our_o call_v our_o people_n to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n and_o to_o profess_v their_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o discern_v who_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o who_o not_o as_o some_o press_n it_o or_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o who_o not_o as_o other_o but_z probable_a reformation_n of_o the_o people_n indeed_o it_o be_v not_o within_o the_o power_n of_o prudence_n to_o propose_v such_o end_n to_o such_o mean_n nor_o indeed_o according_a to_o her_o good_a nature_n which_o strive_v to_o better_v all_o but_o abhor_v to_o injure_v any_o for_o that_o be_v no_o prudence_n but_o carnal_a reason_n that_o will_v go_v to_o good_a in_o the_o way_n of_o evil_a or_o forget_v love_n and_o violate_v right_a upon_o the_o fair_a pretence_n in_o the_o world_n have_v such_o baptize_v person_n as_o appear_v to_o be_v know_v and_o free_a of_o scandal_n a_o right_a in_o covenant_n and_o a_o just_a claim_n to_o this_o seal_n thereof_o or_o not_o if_o not_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o show_v their_o barâ—e_n in_o scripture_n and_o to_o make_v our_o exception_n against_o their_o claim_n and_o not_o to_o call_v they_o to_o further_a condition_n not_o own_v by_o scripture_n but_o if_o then_o how_o can_v prudence_n that_o order_n and_o rule_n in_o thing_n adiapharous_a and_o indifferent_a only_o deny_v that_o which_o be_v just_o claim_v and_o so_o necessary_a god_n have_v already_o determine_v what_o be_v just_a and_o necessary_a and_o man_n have_v not_o to_o do_v to_o alter_v this_o upon_o any_o pretence_n of_o prudence_n why_o shall_v we_o fear_v the_o event_n of_o justice_n as_o the_o end_n of_o just_a way_n fâ—at_a justitia_fw-la ruat_fw-la coelum_fw-la four_o there_o be_v many_o that_o make_v particular_a examination_n in_o point_n of_o knowledge_n a_o necessary_a antecedent_n to_o admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o people_n submission_n thereunto_o a_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o their_o right_n in_o the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v also_o too_o rigid_a for_o moderate_v presbyterian_a principle_n we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o such_o condition_n of_o admission_n to_o the_o supper_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o rather_o that_o some_o viz._n the_o disciple_n be_v admit_v without_o it_o by_o christ_n himself_o and_o those_o many_o in_o act_n 2._o by_o his_o apostle_n indeed_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v their_o knowledge_n that_o will_v receive_v may_v be_v think_v necessary_a and_o by_o consequence_n some_o mean_n or_o other_o for_o this_o satisfaction_n as_o more_o at_o large_a anon_o but_o that_o this_o particular_a way_n of_o examination_n be_v the_o sole_a mean_n of_o this_o satisfaction_n or_o the_o necessary_a mean_n thereof_o or_o the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n i_o despair_v to_o see_v evince_v yea_o i_o be_o bold_a to_o conclude_v that_o if_o satisfaction_n of_o knowledge_n be_v the_o only_a end_n of_o examination_n that_o this_o end_n may_v be_v obtain_v without_o this_o mean_n and_o consequent_o this_o mean_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o this_o end_n and_o therefore_o submission_n to_o this_o mean_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o people_n admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n last_o neither_o be_v a_o incapacity_n to_o improve_v this_o sacrament_n the_o sole_a or_o immediate_a ground_n of_o the_o church_n deny_v this_o sacrament_n sament_n nor_o a_o incapacity_n to_o improve_v the_o sament_n to_o any_o of_o her_o member_n i_o grant_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v deny_v it_o but_o those_o that_o appear_v to_o be_v thus_o incapable_a yet_o their_o incapacity_n be_v but_o the_o remote_a ground_n thereof_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o our_o rule_n for_o suspension_n or_o the_o word_n of_o prohibition_n in_o scripture_n but_o this_o word_n of_o prohibition_n in_o scripture_n be_v the_o next_o ground_n of_o suspension_n we_o put_v away_o person_n from_o this_o communion_n who_o be_v uncapable_a of_o improve_n not_o direct_o and_o proper_o because_o they_o be_v incapable_a but_o because_o the_o word_n prohibit_v person_n incapable_a from_o it_o for_o if_o the_o word_n shall_v admit_v such_o as_o be_v incapable_a who_o deed_n shall_v reject_v they_o if_o god_n allow_v they_o to_o partake_v what_o man_n dare_v deny_v they_o if_o religion_n command_v they_o to_o receive_v what_o reason_n ground_v upon_o any_o unfitnesse_n shall_v forbid_v they_o or_o what_o prudence_n reason_n or_o religion_n can_v there_o be_v in_o pretence_n of_o please_a god_n by_o cross_v his_o will_n or_o what_o pretence_n of_o charity_n justice_n or_o fidelity_n in_o a_o steward_n will_v colour_v his_o deny_v any_o of_o the_o servant_n the_o right_a his_o master_n have_v give_v he_o or_o forbid_v the_o duty_n which_o his_o master_n require_v of_o he_o i_o need_v not_o make_v application_n beside_o the_o word_n of_o prohibition_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v next_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o do_v not_o leave_v it_o at_o large_a to_o prudence_n to_o judge_v what_o be_v a_o incapacity_n to_o improve_v the_o sacrament_n and_o what_o not_o but_o determine_v and_o fix_v we_o to_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o incapacity_n viz._n whereby_o we_o discern_v not_o the_o lord_n body_n or_o such_o as_o consist_v not_o with_o self-examination_n as_o anon_o will_v appear_v therefore_o the_o work_n of_o prudence_n herein_o be_v yet_o more_o narrow_a prudence_n may_v not_o plead_v thus_o such_o person_n be_v uncapable_a of_o improve_n the_o supper_n therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v it_o nor_o thus_o the_o word_n forbid_v person_n uncapable_a to_o receive_v therefore_o person_n uncapable_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v only_o thus_o the_o word_n forbid_v person_n thus_o and_o thus_o uncapable_a or_o uncapable_a in_o such_o and_o such_o respect_n therefore_o such_o uncapable_a person_n ought_v not_o to_o receive_v and_o consequent_o they_o appear_v such_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v and_o this_o and_o no_o other_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o very_a worthy_a and_o learned_a man_n that_o have_v treat_v excellent_o upon_o this_o seal_n mr._n black_a seal_n particular_a the_o positive_a ground_n of_o deny_v the_o supper_n have_v find_v the_o former_a ground_n too_o weak_a to_o bear_v up_o etc._n the_o positive_a ground_n of_o deny_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n the_o practice_n of_o deny_v the_o sacrament_n to_o church-member_n we_o proceed_v to_o fix_v it_o upon_o a_o firm_a foundation_n viz._n the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o i_o know_v no_o other_o scripture_n so_o apt_a to_o warrant_v we_o in_o this_o practice_n as_o that_o which_o prohibit_v some_o church-member_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n which_o have_v be_v find_v in_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 28._o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v so_o that_o our_o ground_n for_o deny_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n lie_v fair_o and_o direct_o thus_o such_o person_n as_o do_v not_o examine_v themselves_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v and_o consequent_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o that_o which_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v neither_o have_v they_o any_o wrong_n do_v they_o if_o man_n deny_v they_o what_o
ancient_a people_n may_v not_o be_v excommunicate_v shall_v of_o itself_o put_v the_o young_a out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o that_o wickedness_n which_o can_v put_v elder_a person_n out_o with_o censure_n shall_v be_v thus_o effectual_a to_o exclude_v youth_n just_a at_o such_o a_o crisis_n or_o age_n 4._o why_o then_o be_v not_o such_o person_n who_o ignorance_n or_o want_v of_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n have_v make_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n null_n upon_o their_o after-learning_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v rebaptised_a 5._o yea_o if_o this_o confirmation_n be_v indeed_o a_o new_a admission_n viz._n upon_o the_o account_n of_o personal_a or_o habitual_a holiness_n and_o the_o former_a ground_n of_o our_o church_n and_o covenant_n interest_n viz._n foederal_a holiness_n do_v pass_v no_o further_o than_o such_o a_o age_n why_o be_v not_o all_o at_o this_o transition_n rebaptise_v we_o be_v no_o long_o in_o covenant_n than_o the_o reason_n of_o be_v in_o covenant_n hold_v and_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n hold_v no_o long_o than_o our_o be_v in_o covenant_n continue_v and_o it_o seem_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o former_a be_v in_o covenant_n be_v now_o lose_v and_o we_o enter_v covenant_n again_o upon_o our_o personal_a a_o new_a account_n why_o then_o must_v not_o we_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o entrance_n apply_v also_o viz._n baptism_n but_o last_o this_o be_v most_o express_o confute_v by_o the_o former_a instance_n of_o ishmael_n he_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n he_o have_v sigillum_fw-la foederis_fw-la put_v upon_o he_o and_o therein_o he_o continue_v though_o wicked_a until_o he_o be_v by_o violence_n cast_v out_o as_o the_o scripture_n witness_v gal._n 4._o 30._o 2._o then_o there_o be_v no_o refuge_n leave_v but_o that_o such_o as_o be_v find_v ignorant_a etc._n etc._n at_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n if_o this_o be_v say_v 1._o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v hereby_o grant_v i_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o ignorant_a person_n etc._n etc._n be_v real_a until_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o consequent_o that_o such_o person_n may_v be_v that_o be_v actual_o though_o not_o lawful_o real_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o have_v no_o save_a grace_n which_o as_o much_o as_o i_o need_v desire_n in_o general_n yea_o or_o in_o this_o particular_a for_o then_o this_o church-membership_a be_v continue_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o foederal_a holiness_n not_o save_v grace_n until_o this_o violent_a accident_n of_o excommunication_n dissolve_v it_o 2._o howsoever_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o distinguish_v the_o crisis_n or_o period_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o adult_n estate_n which_o we_o be_v now_o upon_o for_o no_o reason_n can_v possible_o be_v show_v why_o ignorance_n or_o scandal_n shall_v deserve_v this_o censure_n more_o at_o this_o time_n or_o state_n of_o pass_v then_o at_o any_o other_o age_n of_o our_o life_n 3._o but_o last_o let_v i_o be_v answer_v do_v we_o ever_o read_v either_o in_o scripture_n or_o any_o history_n of_o any_o church_n that_o ignorance_n or_o unreadiness_n to_o answer_v or_o learn_v when_o catechise_v do_v render_v youth_n so_o censurable_a as_o to_o be_v whole_o extirpate_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o all_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n therefore_o and_o yet_o let_v we_o bethink_v ourselves_o be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a case_n let_v i_o conclude_v with_o plainness_n a_o child_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o seal_v therein_o in_o his_o infancy_n and_o therein_o continue_v until_o ripeness_n of_o year_n and_o all_o this_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o first_o covenant-holinesse_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o this_o his_o covenant-holinesse_n and_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n so_o long_o hold_v and_o continue_v till_o now_o thereby_o do_v now_o expire_v what_o scripture_n or_o reason_n deprive_v he_o of_o it_o the_o authority_n of_o what_o church_n have_v declare_v it_o void_a what_o can_v cast_v he_o out_o but_o excommunication_n whether_o all_o excommunication_n do_v utter_o root_v up_o covenant_n interest_n what_o can_v merit_v so_o great_a a_o penalty_n but_o know_v and_o prove_v scandal_n and_o last_o whether_o all_o or_o any_o ignorance_n at_o ripeness_n of_o age_n or_o unaptnesse_n in_o youth_n to_o learn_v the_o catechism_n be_v tolerable_o to_o be_v account_v according_a to_o scripture_n or_o the_o judgement_n or_o practice_n of_o any_o one_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o scandal_n or_o such_o a_o scandal_n as_o may_v be_v censure_v and_o punish_v with_o utter_a extirpation_n out_o of_o the_o church_n chap._n xx._n objection_n from_o scripture_n consider_v before_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o humane_a authority_n i_o hold_v myself_o bind_v to_o answer_v such_o objection_n against_o my_o scripture-argument_n as_o be_v offer_v thence_o though_o i_o humble_o profess_v i_o can_v hardly_o find_v or_o think_v of_o any_o that_o have_v either_o weight_n or_o colour_n in_o they_o but_o what_o have_v have_v sufficient_a though_o occasional_a answer_n already_o or_o at_o least_o be_v anticipate_v however_o that_o this_o head_n may_v have_v some_o body_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o write_v nihil_fw-la hic_fw-la nisi_fw-la carmina_fw-la etc._n etc._n object_n 1._o it_o be_v object_v from_o john_n 8._o 37._o that_o those_o that_o be_v abraham_n seed_n be_v yet_o the_o devil_n child_n answ_n what_o then_o therefore_o some_o church-member_n be_v real_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o this_o we_o deny_v not_o only_o we_o still_o assert_v that_o notwithstanding_o they_o may_v be_v real_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o well_o as_o real_o abraham_n seed_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o holy_a profession_n and_o state_n they_o be_v real_o church-member_n and_o child_n of_o abraham_n yea_o of_o god_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o unregenerate_a nature_n and_o rebellious_a life_n they_o be_v as_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v there_o any_o need_n we_o may_v full_o explicate_v the_o answer_n hereunto_o by_o distinguish_v of_o the_o jew_n first_o as_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v abraham_n seed_n and_o second_o as_o they_o be_v call_v the_o devil_n child_n first_o these_o jew_n may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v abraham_n seed_n either_o carnal_o ecclesiastical_o or_o spiritual_o i._n e._n save_o as_o his_o natural_a offspring_n as_o jew_n or_o as_o bear_v of_o he_o the_o head_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o holy_a branch_n of_o that_o old_a root_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o last_o in_o that_o strict_a and_o save_a sense_n as_o the_o child_n of_o isaac_n or_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o promise_n elect_v to_o salvation_n 1._o now_o to_o apply_v if_o our_o saviour_n here_o mean_v that_o these_o jew_n be_v abraham_n seed_n only_o in_o this_o first_o sense_n viz._n bear_v of_o his_o naturaly_a body_n but_o by_o their_o heresy_n deny_v christ_n and_o their_o schism_n negative_a keep_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n and_o positive_a raise_v themselves_o as_o a_o church_n in_o distinction_n and_o opposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n church_n now_o plant_v in_o the_o world_n of_o all_o which_o they_o be_v high_o guilty_a deserve_o divorce_v and_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n then_o i_o say_v this_o text_n reach_v not_o our_o case_n for_o though_o such_o desperate_a murderer_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o open_a rebel_n against_o the_o doctrine_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v no_o real_a church-member_n it_o follow_v not_o that_o therefore_o we_o can_v consider_v other_o that_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o gospel_n and_o profess_v to_o expect_v salvation_n from_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v so_o neither_o 2._o if_o our_o saviour_n mean_v that_o they_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o abraham_n seed_n in_o that_o ecclesiastical_a or_o covenant-sense_n locum_fw-la this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o common_a sense_n of_o expositor_n for_o though_o they_o call_v these_o jew_n carnales_fw-la abrahae_fw-la posteras_fw-la yet_o they_o oppose_v carnales_fw-la here_o to_o spirituales_fw-la i._n e._n vero_n in_o their_o know_a and_o common_a sense_n vid._n expos_n in_o locum_fw-la then_o it_o either_o rest_v to_o be_v prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n intend_v here_o to_o declare_v they_o only_o nominal_o or_o equivocal_o so_o because_o he_o charge_v they_o as_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n in_o the_o world_n see_v both_o as_o before_o may_v be_v real_o predicate_v of_o the_o same_o subject_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v real_o member_n of_o christ_n visible_a kingdom_n and_o yet_o real_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o those_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v who_o go_v accurse_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n in_o another_o place_n or_o second_o it_o
wrong_a if_o she_o judge_v such_o as_o be_v not_o scandalous_a she_o err_v because_o such_o deserve_v it_o not_o if_o she_o judge_v such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a she_o err_v also_o because_o hereby_o she_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v within_o who_o have_v no_o evidence_n under_o their_o notorious_a scandal_n of_o their_o be_v within_o but_o indeed_o strong_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a if_o she_o judge_v such_o as_o be_v not_o scandalous_a she_o real_o wrong_v the_o party_n if_o she_o judge_v those_o that_o be_v scandalous_a she_o visible_o wrong_v a_o high_a judge_n who_o have_v please_v to_o reserve_v to_o his_o own_o prerogative_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o 2._o this_o doctrine_n involve_v our_o interest_n in_o and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n also_o in_o inextricable_a difficulty_n and_o doubt_n first_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v thus_o involve_v child_n have_v their_o right_n unto_o it_o either_o in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o parent_n that_o be_v either_o from_o their_o own_o personal_a holiness_n 38._o the_o contrary_a tenet_n viz._n that_o no_o professor_n can_v be_v a_o member_n without_o save_a grace_n will_v draw_v unavoiddifficulty_n with_o it_o and_o give_v such_o advantage_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o ordinance_n that_o they_o will_v hardly_o be_v regain_v lay_v a_o cornerstone_n to_o build_v up_o the_o wretched_a doctrine_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n mr._n hook_n survey_n p._n 37_o 38._o or_o from_o their_o parent_n holiness_n derive_v unto_o they_o by_o relation_n now_o if_o the_o first_o be_v say_v it_o will_v follow_v from_o this_o doctrine_n 1._o that_o we_o be_v to_o baptize_v they_o only_o upon_o evidence_n of_o their_o save_a faith_n 2._o this_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o discover_v before_o year_n of_o discretion_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o can_v regular_o baptize_v a_o infant_n 3._o yea_o no_o child_n can_v then_o in_o his_o infancy_n be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o disciple_n to_o belong_v to_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o church-member_n to_o be_v bear_v to_o god_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o obscure_v by_o anabaptism_n as_o clear_v by_o scripture_n 4._o or_o at_o least_o the_o child_n be_v baptize_v in_o its_o infancy_n upon_o charitable_a hope_n if_o afterward_o by_o a_o wicked_a and_o lewd_a conversation_n it_o appear_v to_o the_o church_n to_o have_v have_v no_o save_a grace_n at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o baptism_n it_o clear_o follow_v that_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o after_o conversion_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v rebaptise_v for_o if_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v save_o convert_v enter_v into_o covenant_n than_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v save_o convert_v aught_o to_o be_v seal_v in_o covenant_n and_o a_o seal_n set_v without_o a_o covenant_n be_v of_o no_o effect_n and_o every_o one_o that_o enter_v covenant_n aught_o to_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o initiation_n affix_v to_o it_o 5._o nay_o grace_n i_o see_v not_o but_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o this_o doctrine_n that_o so_o often_o as_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v by_o scandal_n from_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o save_a grace_n and_o consequent_o thereby_o declare_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o be_v never_o real_o within_o the_o covenant_n or_o the_o church_n and_o give_v penitential_a satisfaction_n for_o the_o same_o whereby_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n he_o enter_v covenant_n even_o so_o oft_o he_o must_v be_v rebaptise_v though_o it_o be_v seventy_o time_n seven_o 2._o again_o if_o the_o child_n right_a to_o baptism_n depend_v upon_o the_o save_a grace_n or_o holiness_n of_o the_o parent_n then_o such_o as_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o parent_n save_v grace_n such_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o child_n be_v lawful_o and_o effectual_o baptize_v so_o that_o second_o if_o the_o parent_n apostatise_v to_o heresy_n blasphemy_n or_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o notorious_a profaneness_n or_o if_o the_o parent_n never_o have_v any_o evidence_n at_o all_o of_o save_a grace_n so_o far_o as_o man_n may_v charitable_o judge_v which_o be_v all_o the_o rule_n the_o case_n and_o the_o present_a opinion_n will_v admit_v the_o child_n baptism_n be_v forthwith_o incumbent_a then_o three_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o such_o child_n when_o at_o year_n of_o discretion_n must_v give_v their_o own_o consent_n in_o person_n and_o be_v rebaptise_v or_o else_o depend_v in_o a_o heathenish_a state_n of_o wait_v for_o their_o parent_n return_v to_o be_v rebaptise_v with_o they_o but_o four_o i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o one_o that_o stand_v baptize_v upon_o his_o parent_n account_n can_v ever_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v true_o baptize_v because_o he_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o his_o parent_n election_n or_o save_a vocation_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a generation_n of_o christian_n who_o stand_v in_o their_o baptism_n by_o their_o foederal_a bolinesse_n be_v hereby_o necessary_o leave_v in_o doubt_n whether_o they_o be_v christian_n or_o heathen_n and_o last_o be_v not_o this_o a_o fair_a step_n and_o temptation_n to_o anabaptism_n yea_o true_o it_o put_v we_o upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o it_o for_o unless_o all_o our_o ancestor_n since_o the_o first_o entrance_n of_o our_o stock_n into_o christianity_n have_v be_v real_o godly_a at_o the_o very_a time_n of_o their_o child_n baptism_n a_o thing_n incredible_a our_o own_o baptism_n be_v avoidable_a nul_fw-fr for_o where_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o baptism_n be_v want_v there_o baptism_n be_v invalid_a but_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n where_o save_v grace_n be_v want_v in_o the_o parent_n the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o baptism_n be_v want_v therefore_o whensoever_o any_o of_o our_o ancestor_n be_v baptize_v in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o parent_n unregeneracy_n than_o that_o person_n baptism_n be_v no_o baptism_n but_o a_o seal_n set_v to_o a_o blank_a again_o the_o child_n of_o a_o believer_n have_v no_o next_o right_v to_o baptism_n unless_o the_o parent_n be_v also_o a_o baptized-beleev_a therefore_o though_o the_o next_o in_o the_o line_n of_o succession_n unto_o he_o that_o through_o want_n of_o save_a grace_n first_o render_v his_o child_n seal_v invalid_a be_v true_o a_o saint_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o a_o baptize_v saint_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o entitle_v his_o child_n to_o baptism_n much_o less_o can_v this_o child_n unbaptise_v entitle_v the_o next_o or_o that_o the_o next_o until_o we_o descend_v to_o our_o own_o case_n 2._o again_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n be_v alike_o obscure_a and_o intricate_a by_o the_o just_a consequence_n of_o this_o doctrine_n for_o 1._o unless_o i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v of_o two_o thing_n whereof_o one_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o the_o other_o impossible_a viz._n my_o own_o and_o my_o parent_n sincerity_n i_o may_v not_o venture_v to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n i_o must_v be_v satisfy_v of_o my_o parent_n sincerity_n otherwise_o i_o can_v know_v myself_o real_o baptize_v and_o consequent_o i_o can_v know_v my_o remote_a right_n for_o one_o that_o be_v not_o real_o baptize_v have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o i_o must_v be_v satisfy_v of_o my_o own_o sincerity_n otherwise_o i_o can_v know_v my_o next_o right_n to_o the_o supper_n or_o indeed_o my_o be_v lawful_o i._n e._n real_o baptize_v either_o and_o must_v with_o all_o doubt_a christian_n be_v deter_v therefrom_o though_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_a viz._n that_o if_o we_o judge_v ourselves_o if_o we_o find_v our_o sin_n though_o we_o can_v find_v our_o grace_n if_o we_o judge_v not_o justify_v or_o acquit_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v as_o unworthy_a receiver_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o those_o be_v 1_o cor._n 11._o 30_o 31_o 32._o 2._o this_o must_v needs_o involve_v the_o administrator_n also_o in_o hazard_n doubt_n and_o even_o necessity_n of_o sin_v which_o i_o rather_o commend_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o my_o reader_n in_o the_o word_n of_o reverend_a mr._n baxter_n then_o my_o own_o and_o with_o which_o i_o shall_v conclude_v what_o have_v be_v but_o rude_o deliver_v upon_o this_o question_n that_o the_o end_n may_v crown_v the_o work_n his_o word_n be_v these_o than_o no_o minister_n can_v ground_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o any_o man_n but_o to_o himself_o because_o he_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o no_o man_n justification_n be_v not_o certain_a of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v adventure_v to_o administer_v upon_o probability_n or_o charitable_a conjecture_n than_o shall_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o profane_v the_o ordinance_n and_o every_o time_n he_o mistake_v he_o shall_v set_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n to_o a_o lie_n
that_o their_o non_fw-la dissent_v or_o rather_o nonwilful_a withdraw_a from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v a_o evident_a token_n to_o man_n of_o their_o positive_a consent_n and_o that_o man_n be_v haply_o upon_o that_o account_n reckon_v member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n a_o person_n that_o desire_v to_o become_v a_o member_n or_o a_o subject_n thereof_o must_v necessary_o express_v his_o desire_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o his_o consent_n unto_o it_o with_o his_o submission_n to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n yet_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v free_a as_o also_o the_o former_a after_o his_o freedom_n be_v grant_v he_o his_o consent_n may_v not_o be_v question_v much_o less_o his_o freedom_n or_o interest_n in_o the_o nation_n while_o he_o remain_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a and_o break_v not_o himself_o off_o therefrom_o by_o defiance_n or_o open_a rebellion_n and_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n also_o be_v plain_a from_o scripture_n the_o great_a and_o infallible_a charter_n of_o the_o church_n freedom_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o proselyte_n be_v express_o to_o consent_v as_o hamor_n and_o shechem_n say_v only_o let_v we_o consent_v unto_o they_o viz._n to_o be_v circumcise_v and_o they_o will_v dwell_v with_o we_o i_o e._n own_o we_o as_o one_o people_n with_o themselves_o yet_o person_n that_o be_v 23_o gen._n 34._o 23_o bear_v israelite_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_v by_o god_n command_n though_o without_o their_o own_o and_o against_o their_o parent_n will_v and_o both_o these_o as_o also_o the_o proselyte_n be_v for_o ever_o after_o to_o be_v reckon_v in_o covenant_n without_o any_o further_a scrutiny_n so_o long_o as_o they_o that_o be_v the_o command_n be_v in_o force_n and_o such_o child_n have_v a_o right_n though_o the_o parent_n do_v not_o circumcise_v they_o they_o do_v not_o bewray_v themselves_o by_o open_a apostasy_n and_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o use_v to_o urge_v against_o the_o anabaptist_n that_o both_o the_o subject_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v still_o the_o same_o now_o as_o then_o the_o gentile_n be_v now_o ingraff_v into_o the_o same_o stock_n and_o baptism_n succeed_v in_o the_o room_n and_o use_n of_o circumcision_n therefore_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n that_o god_n covenant-people_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o only_o admit_v without_o any_o respect_n to_o their_o voluntary_a consent_n or_o knowledge_n but_o command_v to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o they_o that_o 10._o deut._n 29_o 11_o 12_o 15_o 2_o chro._n 15._o 9_o 12_o jer._n 34._o 10._o be_v absent_a and_o not_o in_o place_n to_o express_v their_o consent_n be_v include_v in_o those_o that_o be_v present_a i_o say_v to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n for_o doubtless_o they_o be_v god_n covenant-people_n before_o neither_o can_v any_o possible_o imagine_v that_o such_o as_o do_v not_o express_o consent_v to_o this_o present_a act_n do_v cease_v from_o the_o number_n of_o god_n covenant-people_n thenceforward_a 3._o though_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o condition_n be_v requisite_a to_o interest_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o a_o general_n cloudy_a and_o partial_a knowledge_n be_v sufficient_a to_o enstate_v a_o man_n and_o to_o continue_v he_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n viz._n some_o general_a and_o dark_a apprehension_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n of_o the_o true_a god_n oppose_v to_o the_o false_a that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v by_o all_o his_o people_n etc._n etc._n be_v such_o as_o i_o mean_v and_o no_o more_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v in_o those_o three_o thousand_o act_v 2._o in_o the_o jailor_n simon_n magus_n or_o the_o eunuch_n himself_o when_o they_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o gospel-church_n and_o baptize_v we_o have_v the_o reason_n give_v deut._n 29._o 18._o why_o the_o people_n be_v to_o enter_v i._n e._n to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n viz._n that_o such_o among_o they_o as_o be_v idolatrous_a may_v be_v discover_v plain_o intimate_v that_o those_o who_o do_v so_o far_o consent_v as_o that_o they_o may_v appear_v thereby_o to_o be_v no_o idolater_n which_o require_v only_o a_o general_a knowledge_n and_o own_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o to_o be_v distinguish_v in_o much_o less_o cut_v from_o the_o covenant_n people_n of_o god_n this_o may_v suffice_v we_o yet_o we_o have_v four_o advantage_n more_o to_o add_v with_o which_o i_o shall_v end_v this_o answer_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o say_v nor_o to_o be_v think_v that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n and_o thus_o find_v out_o do_v present_o cease_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n 2._o though_o such_o a_o explicit_a general_a knowltdg_n to_o be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n adult_n person_n yet_o this_o reach_v not_o our_o common_a case_n viz._n the_o continuance_n of_o person_n within_o the_o church_n who_o be_v bear_v there_o and_o seal_v in_o infancy_n 3._o a_o search_n after_o either_o their_o knowledge_n or_o consent_n in_o order_n to_o their_o continuance_n in_o covenant_n who_o break_v not_o out_o into_o open_a rebellion_n against_o the_o same_o have_v no_o foot_n at_o all_o in_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n 4._o especial_o see_v that_o such_o do_v usual_o make_v a_o real_a profession_n of_o their_o consent_n by_o their_o ordinary_a attend_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a service_n which_o for_o aught_o i_o yet_o see_v may_v pass_v for_o a_o explicit_a consent_n among_o man_n see_v it_o be_v real_a and_o actual_a though_o not_o vocal_a which_o consent_v none_o can_v deny_v to_o be_v give_v by_o those_o that_o have_v a_o very_a inconsiderable_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n as_o daily_a experience_n witness_v chap._n xxxi_o wickedness_n do_v not_o put_v a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n ignorance_n have_v already_o appear_v in_o sufficient_a we_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v what_o profaneness_n or_o wickedness_n have_v to_o cut_v a_o man_n off_o from_o the_o church_n a_o person_n may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n either_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la or_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la or_o in_o plain_a term_n meritorious_o or_o effective_o in_o the_o former_a of_o these_o respect_n a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v cut_v from_o the_o church_n most_o improper_o for_o unless_o desert_n or_o fault_n and_o punishment_n be_v all_o one_o a_o person_n that_o only_o deserve_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o be_v not_o actual_o and_o real_o proceed_v against_o can_v only_o proper_o be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o as_o yet_o i_o apply_v my_o answer_n thus_o that_o see_v a_o profane_a or_o wicked_a person_n before_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v pass_v upon_o he_o can_v only_o be_v say_v to_o deserve_v and_o not_o yet_o to_o suffer_v it_o i_o conclude_v that_o profaneness_n or_o wickedness_n do_v not_o proper_o i._n e._n formal_o effective_o or_o actual_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n after_o all_o that_o have_v already_o evince_v the_o truth_n hereof_o i_o may_v add_v one_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la whatsoever_o genius_n attend_v my_o opponent_n if_o it_o be_v think_v that_o save_a grace_n be_v essential_o requisite_a to_o membership_n than_o the_o profane_a or_o wicked_a who_o case_n be_v now_o a_o try_v be_v either_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o he_o under_o all_o his_o wickedness_n as_o it_o be_v in_o david_n or_o else_o he_o be_v whole_o without_o grace_n as_o judas_n be_v if_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o measure_n of_o save_a grace_n than_o he_o can_v never_o lose_v it_o for_o save_a grace_n can_v be_v lose_v and_o if_o church_n membership_n essential_o depend_v upon_o that_o save_a grace_n which_o he_o have_v and_o can_v lose_v certain_o his_o wickedness_n can_v cut_v off_o this_o his_o membership_n nor_o indeed_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o contradiction_n to_o affirm_v a_o particular_a after_o a_o general_a denial_n that_o can_v possible_o admit_v a_o exception_n and_o if_o it_o be_v first_o say_v that_o a_o man_n can_v never_o lose_v that_o which_o entitle_v to_o membership_n there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v to_o affirm_v afterward_o that_o wickeduesse_n cut_v it_o off_o again_o if_o such_o a_o profane_a and_o wicked_a person_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n than_o if_o grace_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v never_o true_o of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o not_o at_o all_o capable_a of_o be_v dismemember_v therefrom_o either_o by_o wickedness_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o see_v one_o can_v lose_v that_o which_o he_o never_o
from_o our_o first_o constitution_n be_v vanish_v for_o now_o the_o fault_n it_o seem_v be_v find_v in_o something_o that_o have_v happen_v since_o which_o also_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v 1._o to_o be_v true_o charge_v upon_o our_o church_n and_o second_o sufficient_a to_o destroy_v they_o otherwise_o our_o church_n be_v thus_o confess_v to_o be_v true_o and_o right_o constitute_v at_o first_o and_o nothing_o be_v find_v to_o destroy_v their_o be_v or_o truth_n since_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o be_v true_a church_n still_o let_v it_o be_v therefore_o brief_o examine_v what_o they_o several_o allege_v against_o we_o obj._n 1_o the_o papist_n object_v that_o our_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n of_o papist_n papist_n rome_n have_v destroy_v our_o church_n answ_n but_o this_o will_v never_o serve_v their_o turn_n without_o the_o proof_n of_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v prove_v 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n by_o renounce_v obedience_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o 1._o england_n be_v never_o a_o oblige_a member_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o rome_n but_o a_o sister_n church_n unto_o it_o second_o as_o we_o and_o rome_n be_v both_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o never_o separate_v from_o rome_n only_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o rome_n first_o separate_v from_o god_n truth_n and_o we_o 2._o that_o schism_n mere_o of_o itself_o without_o heresy_n be_v sufficient_a to_o destroy_v a_o church_n which_o the_o scripture_n never_o affirm_v and_o which_o they_o know_v that_o the_o ancient_a father_n ever_o deny_v object_n the_o anabaptist_n object_n that_o though_o we_o be_v lawful_o baptize_v at_o first_o yet_o our_o present_a member_n be_v not_o and_o where_o anabaptist_n anabaptist_n there_o be_v no_o true_a baptism_n there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n answ_n but_o there_o be_v three_o rot_a pillar_n to_o uphold_v this_o argument_n which_o can_v support_v themselves_o 1._o that_o infant-baptisme_n be_v no_o lawful_a baptism_n which_o they_o themselves_o now_o see_v that_o they_o can_v evidence_n and_o be_v therefore_o now_o weary_a of_o the_o point_n and_o only_o labour_v to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o believer_n baptism_n 2._o that_o infant-baptisme_n may_v not_o be_v true_a and_o effectual_a baptism_n though_o they_o can_v possible_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v baptize_v till_o year_n of_o discretion_n fieri_fw-la non_fw-la debuit_fw-la factum_fw-la valet_fw-la be_v sometime_o a_o good_a rule_n a_o error_n in_o a_o circumstance_n do_v not_o null_a the_o action_n person_n baptize_v with_o water_n in_o infancy_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n since_o who_o dare_v say_v they_o be_v not_o baptize_v 3._o that_o baptism_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o church-membership_a learned_a master_n john_n goodwin_n have_v write_v a_o treatise_n on_o purpose_n upon_o this_o subject_n show_v by_o many_o argument_n that_o suppose_v baptism_n not_o lawful_o administer_v to_o infant_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o separation_n from_o such_o church_n as_o do_v baptize_v infant_n and_o one_o have_v make_v a_o attempt_n to_o answer_v they_o but_o with_o very_o unhappy_a success_n whether_o infant-baptisme_n have_v plain_a scripture_n proof_n or_o not_o it_o be_v both_o certain_a and_o plain_a in_o scripture_n that_o the_o child_n of_o lamb._n lamb._n church-member_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n but_o from_o what_o scripture_n can_v it_o be_v infer_v that_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o covenant_n cease_v to_o be_v so_o if_o not_o baptize_v i_o know_v not_o i_o grant_v that_o the_o admission_n of_o person_n not_o bear_v in_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v solemnize_v with_o baptism_n yet_o i_o conceive_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n and_o badge_n of_o this_o his_o admission_n rather_o than_o essential_a to_o it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o member_n indeed_o and_o before_o god_n by_o his_o sincere_a embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o his_o heart_n though_o not_o baptize_v though_o his_o submission_n to_o baptism_n be_v a_o necessary_a expression_n of_o his_o christian_a profession_n for_o the_o church_n satisfaction_n and_o yet_o i_o conceive_v there_o be_v much_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n and_o of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o this_o difference_n be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o both_o testament_n object_n there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n that_o have_v any_o colour_n of_o bjection_n in_o scripture_n against_o it_o that_o the_o person_n not_o circumcise_v shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o people_n and_o that_o he_o have_v break_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n gen._n 17._o 14._o but_o this_o be_v easy_o remove_v for_o both_o his_o sin_n and_o punishment_n plain_o intimate_v such_o a_o person_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n 1._o he_o have_v break_v my_o covenant_n that_o be_v his_o sin_n of_o which_o he_o have_v not_o be_v capable_a have_v he_o not_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o a_o person_n refuse_v circumcision_n be_v in_o covenant_n 2._o his_o punishment_n be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o people_n which_o also_o intimate_v that_o at_o present_a he_o be_v among_o god_n people_n and_o to_o be_v punish_v with_o that_o punishment_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o they_o it_o matter_n not_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o cut_n off_o for_o whether_o it_o be_v by_o death_n or_o excommunication_n we_o can_v thence_o only_o argue_v desert_n of_o the_o like_a punishment_n in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o not_o that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v not_o yet_o in_o covenant_n before_o this_o punishment_n be_v inflict_v which_o be_v only_o due_a unto_o he_o for_o break_v the_o covenant_n in_o refuse_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o can_v neither_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o nor_o have_v any_o right_n unto_o unless_o he_o have_v be_v in_o covenant_n certain_o therefore_o faith_n and_o not_o circumcision_n or_o baptism_n be_v that_o which_o enter_v a_o man_n into_o covenant_n with_o his_o seed_n we_o say_v baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o badge_n of_o christianity_n yea_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o we_o be_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o covenant_n already_o and_o consequent_o that_o person_n be_v in_o covenant_n before_o they_o have_v right_a to_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o baptism_n be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o cevenant_n or_o church_n object_n the_o brownist_n suppose_v the_o destruction_n of_o our_o church_n brownist_n of_o brownist_n in_o queen_n mary_n day_n thus_o object_v the_o true_a church_n be_v gather_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v call_v only_o by_o queen_n eliza_n command_n and_o not_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n therefore_o they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n answ_n this_o be_v the_o goliah-objection_n yet_o with_o no_o great_a difficulty_n vanquish_v for_o 1._o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o we_o whole_o lose_v the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n by_o the_o marian_n persecution_n the_o fundamental_a point_n touch_v god_n christ_n scripture_n ordinance_n do_v still_o shine_v through_o that_o red_a veil_n at_o least_o they_o be_v never_o cover_v much_o less_o lose_v in_o that_o popish_a rabble_n which_o god_n most_o gracious_o and_o sudden_o cleanse_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o that_o happy_a succeed_a queen_n so_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o reformation_n then_o a_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n which_o we_o then_o receive_v and_o the_o queen_n do_v no_o more_o in_o put_v for_o she_o entrust_v power_n for_o recovery_n of_o our_o former_a pure_a religion_n then_o what_o other_o scripture-prince_n have_v do_v before_o she_o with_o applause_n from_o heaven_n the_o people_n in_o josiahs_n time_n be_v far_o more_o idolatrous_a then_o in_o queen_n maries_n the_o like_a may_v be_v observe_v of_o hezekiahs_n time_n see_v how_o ahaz_n and_o amon_n leave_v they_o 2_o chron._n 28._o 2_o 3_o 4._o and_o 23._o and_o 33._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 9_o yet_o we_o find_v that_o these_o prince_n compel_v all_o that_o be_v find_v in_o israel_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n 34._o 33._o who_o command_v the_o people_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n 2_o king_n 23._o 21._o and_o hezekiah_n with_o his_o parliament_n make_v a_o decree_n require_v the_o people_n from_o dan_n to_o beersheba_n to_o return_v again_o unto_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o abraham_n who_o they_o have_v forsake_v 2_o chron._n 30._o 56._o now_o who_o will_v say_v that_o israel_n be_v not_o a_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o thus_o reduce_v again_o
same_o ground_n viz._n without_o a_o censure_n may_v it_o not_o answ_n i_o must_v have_v leave_n to_o speak_v my_o mind_n and_o to_o say_v it_o do_v not_o follow_v indeed_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o both_o have_v not_o god_n in_o scripture_n otherwise_o dispose_v i_o affirm_v that_o person_n find_v ignorant_a may_v be_v deniedt_fw-mi his_o communion_n without_o a_o church_n censure_n upon_o the_o foresay_a ground_n and_o i_o grant_v that_o so_o also_o may_v the_o scandalous_a but_o that_o god_n have_v provide_v a_o heavy_a punishment_n for_o they_o mat._n 18._o 17._o 1_o cor._n 5._o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v god_n will_v that_o scandalous_a person_n must_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o thus_o deny_v this_o sacrament_n what_o be_v our_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a therefore_o the_o consideration_n of_o such_o as_o will_v not_o examine_v themselves_o as_o appear_v by_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o scandal_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o next_o head_n viz._n of_o censure_n and_o the_o case_n of_o ignorance_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v try_v here_o quest_n 4._o but_o who_o be_v those_o that_o appear_v by_o ignorance_n not_o able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o answ_n certain_o not_o only_o child_n fool_n and_o madman_n nor_o these_o proper_o indeed_o these_o be_v reduce_v under_o the_o rank_n of_o the_o ignorant_a but_o even_o thereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o ignorance_n be_v more_o proper_o attribute_v to_o person_n of_o year_n and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n then_o unto_o these_o however_o child_n etc._n etc._n be_v debar_v quia_fw-la ignorant_a the_o ignorant_a as_o such_o and_o not_o as_o child_n or_o as_o in_o any_o other_o consideration_n be_v immediate_o incapable_a of_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o self-examination_n and_o therefore_o as_o such_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v and_o it_o be_v all_o as_o proper_a to_o say_v that_o grow_v affect_o ignorant_a person_n can_v examine_v themselves_o as_o child_n fool_n if_o we_o know_v they_o can_v by_o reason_n of_o ignorance_n the_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v be_v such_o as_o necessary_o require_v knowledge_n and_o where_o there_o be_v want_n of_o knowledge_n whether_o natural_o or_o moral_o there_o we_o be_v sure_o the_o condition_n of_o right_n be_v want_v and_o consequent_o admission_n be_v to_o be_v deny_v when_o all_o be_v do_v this_o text_n be_v conditional_a or_o not_o if_o not_o than_o none_o for_o want_v of_o self-examination_n be_v to_o be_v suspend_v no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o child_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o then_o all_o that_o appear_v not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o be_v to_o be_v suspend_v equal_o with_o they_o and_o i_o despair_v of_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o if_o person_n quia_fw-la non-self-examining_a be_v forbid_v than_o all_o person_n non-self-examining_a be_v forbid_v and_o consequent_o all_o ignorant_a person_n whatsoever_o quest_n 5._o but_o what_o degree_n of_o ignorance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o ground_n suspension_n upon_o answ_n this_o must_v be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o prudence_n and_o charity_n but_o it_o may_v be_v measure_v by_o its_o influence_n upon_o this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n if_o a_o person_n have_v not_o so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o in_o any_o good_a measure_n to_o see_v his_o sin_n and_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n aright_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o which_o he_o be_v to_o examine_v himself_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a â—ause_n of_o deny_v the_o sacrament_n to_o such_o a_o person_n in_o my_o opinion_n digression_n 5._o the_o ground_n of_o deny_v the_o sacrament_n to_o some_o church-member_n formal_o consider_v we_o have_v last_o consider_v the_o object_n about_o which_o this_o be_v conversant_a or_o to_o be_v exercise_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o ground_n or_o principle_n of_o it_o formal_o consider_v the_o authority_n whence_o it_o be_v derive_v 1._o negative_o 2._o positive_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v back_o the_o ignorant_a from_o the_o reason_n the_o ground_n of_o deny_v the_o sacrament_n negative_o consider_v 1._o not_o reason_n lord_n table_n be_v not_o found_v in_o reason_n as_o if_o because_o that_o through_o ignorance_n man_n have_v no_o rational_a capacity_n of_o improve_n this_o sacrament_n therefore_o reason_n discover_v this_o shall_v warrant_v the_o church_n in_o deny_v the_o sacrament_n to_o they_o this_o be_v but_o a_o be_v wise_a for_o god_n than_o he_o be_v for_o himself_o it_o be_v but_o bad_a reason_n against_o god_n will_n if_o god_n will_v have_v such_o in_o covenant_n as_o can_v express_v consent_n and_o such_o seal_v in_o covenant_n as_o in_o reason_n can_v improve_v it_o what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o god_n may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o this_o will_v reason_v child_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n out_o of_o baptism_n and_o circumcision_n as_o well_o as_o the_o supper_n who_o be_v all_o as_o capable_a of_o act_v at_o a_o few_o year_n old_a in_o eat_v and_o drink_v bread_n and_o wine_n as_o of_o suffer_v at_o a_o few_o day_n old_a in_o circumcision_n or_o baptism_n or_o in_o their_o church_n and_o covenant-relation_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o as_o able_a to_o improve_v that_o as_o these_o 2._o neither_o be_v this_o power_n ground_v in_o prudence_n or_o a_o prudential_a prudence_n nor_o prudence_n care_n and_o caution_n for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o people_n soul_n who_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n may_v eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o themselves_o prudence_n be_v a_o good_a assistant_n but_o a_o bad_a principle_n of_o church_n power_n interest_n in_o privilege_n especiul_o this_o of_o the_o supper_n fall_v under_o the_o head_n of_o spiritual_a property_n and_o right_a which_o prudence_n serve_v well_o to_o discern_v but_o not_o to_o make_v or_o alter_v prudence_n ought_v indeed_o to_o labour_v to_o the_o utmost_a that_o person_n come_v not_o to_o the_o supper_n unworthy_o but_o doubtless_o she_o go_v beyond_o her_o last_o if_o she_o once_o venture_v to_o deny_v those_o who_o god_n do_v not_o or_o who_o he_o do_v deny_v if_o she_o have_v no_o call_n thereunto_o matter_n of_o property_n be_v matter_n of_o necessity_n and_o justice_n as_o before_o but_o prudence_n have_v to_o do_v only_o with_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a 3._o neither_o be_v mutual_a consent_n in_o ecclesia_fw-la consederata_fw-la by_o a_o consent_n nor_o mutual_a confederation_n or_o consent_n church-covenant_n a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o thâ—s_n power_n as_o if_o because_o a_o company_n of_o people_n do_v agree_v together_o not_o to_o give_v the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o ignorant_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o may_v deny_v it_o to_o such_o it_o be_v know_v that_o upon_o this_o ground_n a_o learned_a man_n of_o late_a have_v m._n l._n m._n fix_v all_o church-power_n but_o i_o very_o believe_v that_o the_o confederated_a church_n dare_v not_o trust_v themselves_o upon_o this_o foundation_n or_o venture_v their_o power_n or_o government_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v upon_o this_o bottom_n doubtless_o mutual_a consent_n be_v of_o great_a power_n in_o all_o society_n and_o may_v dispose_v even_o of_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o christian_a society_n or_o church_n but_o be_v deny_v sacracrament_n cast_v out_o church_n etc._n etc._n thing_n indifferent_a the_o person_n under_o church_n power_n be_v allow_v this_o dommunion_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v allow_v it_o by_o the_o word_n how_o can_v mutual_a consent_n warrant_v the_o church_n to_o disallow_v it_o if_o not_o than_o it_o be_v determine_v before_o by_o the_o word_n that_o such_o person_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v that_o wicked_a person_n shall_v be_v put_v away_o from_o among_o we_o and_o then_o the_o power_n in_o the_o church_n to_o do_v this_o be_v plain_o derive_v thence_o i_o mean_v from_o those_o scripture_n and_o not_o from_o mutual_a consent_n though_o this_o be_v very_o useful_a quoad_fw-la exercitium_fw-la for_o the_o put_n of_o this_o power_n in_o execution_n according_a to_o those_o scripture_n to_o i_o this_o seem_v nothing_o but_o a_o pretty_a device_n to_o make_v the_o confederated_a church_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n between_o two_o extreme_n they_o have_v hitherto_o plead_v much_o for_o scripture_n for_o every_o circumstance_n of_o church-government_n but_o thus_o they_o shall_v stride_v too_o large_a from_o hence_o upon_o the_o sole_a ground_n of_o prudence_n and_o mutual_a consent_n for_o the_o very_a substance_n of_o it_o as_o if_o the_o former_a basis_n will_v bear_v neither_o any_o long_o 4._o neither_o be_v this_o power_n ground_v on_o mat._n 7._o 6._o or_o such_o like_a scripture_n for_o we_o here_o treat_v of_o that_o power_n to_o suspend_v such_o person_n as_o be_v not_o censure_v but_o dog_n and_o swine_n
supper_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o follow_a passage_n which_o he_o transcribe_v also_o out_o of_o dionysius_n areopagita_n albaspinaeus_n and_o the_o apology_n of_o the_o waldenses_n pag._n 21_o 22._o 4._o though_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o think_v the_o ancient_n sometime_o at_o least_o if_o not_o ordinary_o mean_v something_o more_o viz._n a_o perfection_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o church-priviledge_n by_o that_o perfection_n which_o be_v usual_o attribute_v by_o they_o to_o confirmation_n for_o say_v cyprian_n p._n 20._o cite_v by_o our_o author_n such_o as_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n that_o by_o our_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v consummate_a through_o the_o gift_n thereof_o by_o the_o lord_n seal_v tum_fw-la demum_fw-la say_v he_o in_o another_o place_n plenè_fw-la sanctificari_fw-la that_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o esse_fw-la silij_fw-la dei_fw-la that_o be_v the_o privilege_n possunt_fw-la si_fw-la sacramento_n utroque_fw-la nascantur_fw-la and_o yet_o more_o full_o to_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v also_o necessary_a say_v he_o for_o he_o that_o be_v baptize_v to_o be_v anoint_v that_o the_o chrism_n be_v receive_v he_o may_v be_v the_o annoit_v of_o god_n i._n e._n perfect_o a_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v gloss_a and_o have_v in_o he_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n yet_o here_o again_o we_o may_v distinguish_v and_o with_o ease_n and_o pass_v over_o perfection_n of_o the_o member_n and_o of_o the_o membership_n any_o objection_n hence_o to_o be_v raise_v for_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o the_o member_n and_o a_o perfection_n of_o the_o membership_n i_o grant_v confirmation_n may_v serve_v to_o perfect_v the_o member_n but_o deny_v it_o any_o hand_n in_o perfect_v the_o membership_n viz._n the_o person_n relation_n to_o or_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n which_o i_o believe_v the_o ancient_n never_o intend_v a_o plaster_n apply_v to_o a_o weak_a part_n or_o member_n of_o our_o body_n may_v be_v say_v to_o strengthen_v or_o perfect_v the_o member_n but_o it_o have_v no_o influence_n at_o all_o upon_o its_o membership_n in_o which_o it_o stand_v as_o firm_o by_o its_o union_n with_o the_o body_n though_o but_o a_o feeble_a and_o weak_a member_n as_o the_o strong_a part_n of_o the_o body_n a_o child_n may_v be_v make_v by_o good_a education_n a_o more_o perfect_a child_n but_o that_o add_v nothing_o to_o his_o filiation_n child-ship_n or_o relation_n to_o his_o parent_n or_o family_n this_o be_v excellent_o illustrate_v by_o our_o author_n own_o gloss_n upon_o p._n 55._o the_o word_n of_o paraeus_n in_o heb._n 6._o 2._o infant_n christianorum_fw-la jure_fw-la promissionis_fw-la baptizabantur_fw-la in_o infantia_fw-la pueritiam_fw-la egressi_fw-la impositione_n manuum_fw-la in_o ecclesiam_fw-la adultorum_fw-la recipiebantur_fw-la not_o say_v our_o author_n hereupon_o that_o these_o be_v two_o distinct_a church_n for_o they_o do_v both_o concur_v according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n to_o the_o mâ—king_v up_o of_o one_o but_o rather_o two_o distinct_a form_n or_o class_n of_o person_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n so_o that_o as_o scholar_n of_o the_o low_a form_n be_v as_o true_o and_o complete_o member_n of_o the_o school_n as_o those_o of_o the_o high_a so_o those_o the_o low_a form_n of_o scholar_n be_v in_o the_o school_n that_o be_v baptize_v and_o not_o confirm_v be_v as_o true_o and_o perfect_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o those_o that_o be_v confirm_v and_o invest_v with_o all_o church-priviledge_n this_o be_v also_o plain_o intimate_v in_o the_o very_a word_n confirmation_n the_o word_n confirmation_n carri_v so_o much_o priscis_fw-la temporibus_fw-la impoâ—itione_n manuum_fw-la baptismum_fw-la confirmaâ—i_fw-la solebat_fw-la walf_a sirab_n â—eb_fw-mi eccl_n c._n 26._o we_o will_v not_o confirm_v the_o catechuman_n in_o a_o state_n without_o the_o church_n neither_o in_o a_o state_n of_o half_a church-membership_a their_o very_a be_v to_o be_v confirm_v imply_v they_o be_v full_o in_o the_o estate_n already_o this_o ordinance_n be_v of_o old_a therefore_o think_v to_o confirm_v baptism_n or_o the_o state_n wherinto_o we_o be_v baptize_v or_o as_o the_o waldenses_n it_o be_v in_o fidei_fw-la confirmationem_fw-la ad_fw-la stabilitatem_fw-la militiamque_fw-la fidei_fw-la whereupon_o the_o catechuman_n be_v admit_v indeed_o to_o high_a privilege_n or_o form_n in_o the_o church_n but_o not_o into_o any_o new_a church-state_n only_o they_o be_v confirm_v therein_o wherein_o they_o be_v perfect_o before_o though_o as_o ames_n clear_o to_o the_o point_n of_o infant_n non_fw-la adeo_fw-la perfesta_fw-la sunt_fw-la membra_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la ut_fw-la possunt_fw-la admitti_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la ejus_fw-la privilegia_fw-la participanda_fw-la second_o i_o think_v it_o will_v hence_o follow_v that_o a_o person_n first_o foederal_a right_n and_o covenant-relation_n to_o the_o church_n do_v not_o dissolve_v a_o person_n first_o foederal_n right_o not_o dissolve_v for_o want_v of_o confirmation_n upon_o his_o conviction_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v confirm_v for_o if_o only_a by_o this_o federal_a right_a a_o person_n stand_v in_o his_o church-state_n during_o his_o infancy_n and_o if_o when_o at_o the_o adult_n estate_n he_o give_v not_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n by_o personal_a profession_n by_o reason_n of_o ignorance_n though_o confirmation_n be_v just_o deny_v he_o he_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n he_o be_v before_o then_o the_o want_n of_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n for_o confirmation_n do_v not_o destroy_v federal_a right_n or_o make_v invalid_a that_o first_o way_n of_o right_n he_o have_v in_o the_o church_n by_o mean_n of_o be_v bear_v of_o believe_a parent_n doubtless_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o require_v and_o every_o child_n of_o the_o church_n to_o render_v a_o account_n when_o due_o call_v of_o their_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o conversation_n yet_o i_o bumble_o conceive_v that_o where_o a_o satisfactory_a account_n be_v not_o obtain_v as_o the_o church-state_n of_o such_o a_o person_n be_v not_o lose_v so_o the_o way_n and_o mean_v of_o this_o interest_n be_v not_o change_v though_o i_o conceive_v that_o such_o a_o one_o personal_a profession_n in_o his_o general_n own_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o usual_a attend_v god_n public_a worship_n do_v super-adde_a a_o kind_n of_o new_a right_n and_o mingle_v it_o with_o such_o a_o person_n former_a right_n have_v by_o his_o birth-priviledge_n we_o do_v not_o imagine_v that_o the_o former_a right_n which_o a_o person_n who_o be_v now_o deserve_o confirm_v have_v in_o the_o church_n by_o birth-priviledge_n be_v whole_o lose_v or_o make_v void_a by_o confirmation_n but_o rather_o confirm_v to_o he_o his_o baptism_n and_o consequent_o his_o first_o right_n to_o baptism_n viz_o one_o that_o be_v confirm_v do_v not_o thereby_o lose_v his_o former_a way_n of_o right_n in_o the_o church_n his_o birth_n privilege_n be_v confirm_v to_o he_o and_o nothing_o take_v away_o from_o he_o thereby_o only_o he_o have_v now_o a_o double_a right_n in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n or_o rather_o a_o right_a therein_o two_o way_n and_o both_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o church_n through_o foederal_a faith_n at_o baptism_n through_o personal_a faith_n at_o a_o confirmation_n so_o much_o rather_o that_o right_o which_o a_o person_n not_o confirm_v and_o so_o not_o own_v by_o the_o church_n upon_o personal_a profession_n have_v still_o in_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v his_o birthright_n or_o that_o which_o he_o have_v by_o birth-priviledge_n or_o at_o least_o that_o be_v not_o lose_v and_o another_o way_n of_o right_n introduce_v by_o his_o not_o be_v confirm_v as_o a_o person_n that_o be_v bear_v a_o member_n of_o a_o family_n or_o a_o commonwealth_n continue_v to_o be_v such_o while_o this_o his_o relation_n remain_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o birthright_n only_o or_o not_o so_o proper_o any_o other_o way_n i_o be_o confident_a we_o read_v not_o of_o one_o person_n eâ—ther_o in_o scripture_n or_o we_o â—ead_a of_o none_o in_o scrâ—ptâ—â—e_n or_o antiquity_n that_o thus_o lose_v his_o birthright_n antiquity_n that_o lose_v his_o birthright_n in_o the_o church_n any_o other_o way_n then_o by_o heresy_n schism_n or_o the_o perfection_n of_o both_o apostasy_n i_o think_v few_o will_v add_v excommunication_n object_n if_o any_o shall_v imagine_v that_o the_o birthright_n of_o such_o be_v lose_v i_o think_v it_o must_v be_v upon_o this_o ground_n because_o the_o child_n have_v no_o right_a but_o in_o his_o parent_n but_o at_o the_o adult_n estate_n child_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v upon_o their_o own_o account_n as_o distinct_a to_o their_o parent_n answ_n but_o the_o whole_a reason_n be_v peccant_a these_o two_o proposition_n 1._o that_o foederal_a holiness_n to_o which_o we_o be_v bear_v proceed_v