come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n nor_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o the_o management_n of_o church-affair_n as_o election_n of_o officer_n admission_n and_o censure_n of_o member_n until_o as_o a_o fruit_n of_o the_o foresay_a help_n and_o mean_n they_o attain_v to_o such_o qualification_n as_o may_v render_v their_o admission_n into_o full_a communion_n safe_a and_o comfortable_a both_o to_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o church_n in_o sum_n we_o make_v account_n that_o if_o we_o keep_v baptism_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o non-excommunicable_a and_o the_o lord_n supper_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o those_o that_o have_v unto_o charity_n somewhat_o of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o grace_n in_o exercise_n we_o shall_v be_v near_o about_o the_o right_a middle-way_n of_o church-reformation_n and_o as_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o due_a purity_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v the_o due_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n that_o must_v do_v that_o as_o our_o divine_n unanimous_o acknowledge_v for_o that_o be_v god_n own_o appoint_a way_n and_o the_o lord_n make_v and_o keep_v we_o all_o careful_a and_o faithul_n therein_o not_o the_o curtail_v of_o the_o covenant_n which_o may_v be_v man_n way_n but_o be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o god_n wherein_o alone_o we_o may_v expect_v his_o blessing_n the_o good_a lord_n pardon_v the_o imperfection_n and_o fail_n that_o attend_v we_o in_o these_o debate_n accept_v of_o what_o be_v according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o establish_v it_o save_v we_o from_o corrupt_a extreme_n on_o either_o hand_n and_o give_v unto_o his_o people_n one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n to_o fear_v he_o for_o ever_o for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o and_o of_o their_o child_n after_o they_o errata_fw-la in_o the_o book_n follow_v page_n 12._o line_n 18._o their_o infancy_n read_v from_o infancy_n pag._n 22._o lin_v 16._o he_o add_v r._n here_o add_v pag._n 49._o lin_v 4._o there_o r._n here_o pag._n 53._o lin_v 35._o his_o r._n this_o pag._n 60._o lin_v 7._o of_o that_o r._n of_o the_o pag._n 66._o lin_v 1._o do_v run_v r._n do_v not_o run_v pag._n 98._o lin_v 11._o do_v administer_v r._n so_o administer_v in_o answ._n to_o the_o preface_n pag._n 11._o lin_v 33._o mor_o r._n more_o pag._n 16._o lin_v ult_n into_o r._n unto_o a_o defence_n of_o the_o answer_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n meet_v at_o boston_n in_o the_o year_n 1662._o concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n against_o the_o reply_n make_v thereto_o by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n john_n dâ—venporâ—_n in_o his_o treatise_n entitle_v another_o essay_n for_o investigation_n of_o the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n the_o reverend_a author_n in_o this_o his_o essay_n before_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v to_o that_o which_o the_o synod_n deliver_v do_v premise_v eleven_o or_o twelve_o position_n by_o which_o he_o say_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o so_o far_o and_o no_o further_a to_o be_v approve_v and_o receive_v as_o a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o they_o with_o thâ—se_a may_v be_v clear_v etc._n etc._n pag._n 8._o concern_v which_o position_n we_o will_v not_o say_v much_o because_o the_o intendment_n in_o this_o defâ—nce_n be_v only_o to_o clear_v what_o be_v say_v by_o the_o synod_n against_o what_o this_o reverend_a author_n say_v against_o the_o same_o in_o his_o 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o until_o he_o speak_v to_o what_o the_o synod_n deliver_v we_o think_v it_o not_o needful_a to_o insist_v long_o upon_o these_o premise_a position_n only_o this_o we_o may_v say_v concern_v they_o that_o though_o sundry_a thing_n in_o they_o be_v sound_a and_o good_a yet_o the_o posiâ—ions_n themselves_o be_v not_o scripture_n but_o his_o own_o private_a collection_n therefore_o we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o take_v these_o position_n as_o the_o standard_n and_o rule_n by_o which_o to_o judge_v of_o what_o the_o synod_n say_v but_o if_o the_o synod_n doctrine_n be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n we_o think_v that_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o defence_n thereof_o whether_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o premise_a position_n or_o not_o and_o when_o himself_o pag._n 1._o do_v commend_v it_o as_o a_o good_a profession_n in_o the_o synod_n that_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n they_o do_v whole_o refer_v themselves_o have_v it_o not_o be_v also_o commendable_a in_o he_o to_o have_v do_v the_o like_a rather_o than_o to_o lay_v down_o position_n though_o he_o conceive_v they_o right_o deduce_v from_o scripture_n and_o then_o to_o say_v nothing_o be_v to_o be_v approve_v further_a than_o it_o consent_v with_o those_o position_n himself_o may_v please_v to_o consider_v of_o this_o but_o to_o leave_v this_o of_o the_o premise_a position_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o main_a business_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n the_o first_o proposition_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v this_o viz._n 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 second_o be_v this_o viz._n the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n in_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n i._n e._n child_n in_o 〈◊〉_d who_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n now_o what_o say_v the_o reverend_a author_n to_o these_o that_o which_o he_o say_v be_v this_o i_o can_v approve_v the_o two_o first_o proposition_n without_o some_o change_n of_o the_o term_n in_o the_o first_o thus_o they_o that_o according_a to_o christ_n ordinance_n be_v regular_a and_o actual_a member_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o thus_o the_o actual_a and_o regular_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o christ_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 9_o answ._n so_o that_o the_o alteration_n require_v be_v that_o in_o stead_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v christ_n ordinance_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o member_n actual_a and_o regular_a member_n but_o a_o necessity_n of_o this_o alteration_n do_v not_o appear_v for_o as_o for_o the_o one_o particular_a can_v we_o think_v that_o thâ—re_a iâ—_n any_o such_o difference_n between_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n that_o 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o subject_n of_o baptism_n according_a to_o the_o fâ—â—er_n and_o yet_o not_o according_a to_o the_o laâ—terâ—_n if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n may_v it_o not_o â—e_v say_v to_o be_v according_a to_o christ_n ordinance_n sure_o when_o christ_n himself_o bid_v we_o search_v the_o scripture_n job_n 5.39_o and_o when_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v for_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o which_o be_v preach_v by_o paul_n act_v 17.11_o and_o when_o all_o the_o scripture_n be_v for_o our_o learning_n rom._n 15.4_o and_o do_v contain_v a_o perfect_a rule_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v god_n worship_n whether_o natural_a or_o institute_v as_o this_o reverend_a author_n say_v in_o the_o first_o of_o his_o premise_a position_n upon_o these_o ground_n it_o may_v seem_v that_o what_o be_v according_a to_o scripture_n need_v not_o to_o want_v our_o approbation_n for_o fear_v leave_v it_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v that_o be_v take_v for_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o scripture_n that_o be_v consider_v also_o which_o be_v say_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o second_o position_n that_o whatsoever_o christ_n do_v institute_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n he_o do_v it_o by_o god_n appointment_n as_o moses_n by_o god_n appointment_n give_v out_o what_o he_o deliver_v in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n now_o if_o all_o that_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n be_v according_a to_o god_n appointment_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v a_o perfect_a rule_n concern_v all_o institute_v worship_n and_o so_o concern_v all_o god_n appointment_n it_o may_v seem_v a_o needless_a thing_n to_o withhold_v our_o approbation_n from_o that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o scripture_n as_o if_o it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n beside_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o for_o the_o other_o alteration_n desire_v that_o in_o stead_n of_o member_n it_o be_v regular_n and_o actual_a member_n may_n we_o think_v that_o man_n may_v or_o can_v be_v member_n according_a to_o scripture_n and_o not_o regular_a nor_o actual_a member_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o â—_o perfect_a rule_n than_o they_o that_o be_v member_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v member_n according_a to_o rule_n and_o so_o be_v regular_a member_n and_o
desert_n of_o church-censure_n which_o be_v manifest_o the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o synod_n five_o proposition_n and_o then_o all_o the_o discourse_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n wherein_o not_o a_o little_a confidence_n and_o spirit_n be_v express_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o not_o reach_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n though_o beside_o there_o be_v sundry_a mistake_n in_o it_o as_o may_v after_o appear_v for_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o in_o church_n where_o discipline_n be_v not_o in_o use_n and_o in_o a_o case_n notorious_a wherein_o a_o person_n do_v apparent_o lose_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n as_o by_o turn_v turk_n or_o the_o like_a a_o man_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o membership_n by_o his_o own_o apostasy_n and_o wickedness_n though_o the_o church_n do_v not_o through_o her_o sinful_a neglect_n formal_o censure_v he_o yet_o this_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v also_o a_o sure_a and_o clear_a truth_n that_o no_o act_n of_o a_o man_n own_o will_n or_o can_v cut_v he_o off_o from_o membership_n but_o that_o which_o deserve_v a_o cut_n off_o by_o censure_n and_o for_o which_o the_o church_n shall_v cut_v he_o off_o by_o censure_n if_o she_o do_v her_o duty_n this_o be_v plain_a because_o when_o a_o man_n be_v once_o in_o the_o church_n he_o can_v be_v out_v till_o god_n out_o he_o god_n do_v not_o out_o he_o till_o some_o rule_n or_o appointment_n of_o he_o in_o his_o word_n do_v out_o he_o but_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n that_o appoint_v any_o man_n to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o make_v as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n but_o for_o and_o upon_o such_o wickedness_n of_o his_o as_o be_v censurable_a by_o the_o church_n and_o in_o that_o case_n the_o rule_n do_v appoint_v and_o enjoin_v the_o church_n to_o censure_v he_o or_o to_o put_v he_o away_o from_o among_o they_o by_o censure_n mat._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.5_o 13._o when_o some_o divine_n do_v so_o speak_v as_o if_o person_n may_v be_v break_v off_o from_o the_o church_n without_o a_o formal_a censure_n in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o a_o man_n do_v by_o his_o own_o wickedness_n be_v it_o never_o so_o notorious_a immediate_o so_o become_v felo_fw-la de_fw-la se_fw-la or_o vn-member_n himself_o as_o that_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o he_o to_o censure_v he_o yes_o she_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o censure_v he_o for_o his_o wickedness_n and_o apostasy_n and_o so_o if_o a_o church-member_n turn_n turk_n or_o papist_n the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v aught_o to_o lay_v he_o under_o censure_n for_o it_o and_o for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v a_o member_n till_o censure_v i._n e._n a_o rot_a member_n fit_a to_o be_v cut_v off_o be_v no_o contradiction_n nor_o absurdity_n see_v mr._n cotton_v holiness_n of_o church-member_n pag._n 15._o 5.11_o and_o do_v all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n do_v their_o duty_n there_o shall_v no_o man_n live_v that_o ever_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n yet_o in_o be_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o non-member_n but_o he_o that_o be_v so_o censure_v on_o excommunicate_v at_o least_o unless_o some_o extraordinary_a and_o rare_a circumstance_n of_o a_o case_n do_v render_v the_o church_n cognizance_n thereof_o impossible_a but_o the_o meaning_n only_o be_v that_o where_o man_n have_v palpable_o and_o notorious_o lose_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n and_o a_o church_n through_o the_o sinful_a want_n or_o neglect_v of_o discipline_n never_o look_v after_o they_o only_o by_o her_o doctrine_n declare_v against_o such_o but_o haply_o continue_v in_o that_o neglect_n from_o age_n to_o age_n there_o the_o notoriousness_n of_o the_o case_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o rule_n do_v supply_v the_o defect_n of_o a_o judicial_a sentence_n and_o the_o church_n doctrinal_a declaration_n may_v be_v look_v at_o as_o a_o implicit_a excommunication_n and_o hence_o other_o church_n may_v just_o carry_v towards_o such_o as_o non-member_n and_o hence_o also_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o such_o church_n after_o deep_a and_o long-continued_a corruption_n such_o person_n may_v be_v set_v by_o without_o a_o formal_a censure_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o child_n of_o our_o church_n who_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n in_o stead_n of_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o apostasy_n when_o grow_v up_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n own_o the_o god_n and_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n and_o be_v neither_o cast_n out_o nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v who_o no_o rule_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n appoint_v to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o hence_o tâ—ey_n stand_v and_o continue_v regular_a i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o appointment_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o rule_n member_n of_o it_o be_v neither_o excommunicate_a nor_o by_o rule_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v where_o shall_v we_o find_v either_o scripture_n or_o sound_a reason_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o have_v cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o membership_n or_o be_v nâ—w_o become_v non-member_n but_o to_o come_v to_o a_o plain_a and_o distinct_a close_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o assert_v this_o position_n that_o in_o church_n waâ—â—ing_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o exercise_v discipline_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n thereoâ—_n no_o person_n can_v while_o he_o live_v among_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o by_o excommunication_n or_o without_o a_o church-act_n in_o censure_v he_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o be_v because_o we_o find_v this_o way_n of_o cessation_n of_o membership_n viz._n by_o excommunication_n plain_o prescribe_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n in_o scripture_n and_o we_o find_v not_o any_o other_o while_o the_o church_n and_o the_o person_n continue_v in_o be_v see_v a_o more_o particular_a proof_n of_o it_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o mr._n shepard_n treatise_n of_o church-membership_a of_o child_n late_o publish_a but_o if_o any_o do_v affirm_v there_o be_v another_o way_n it_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o show_v and_o prove_v it_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v whether_o that_o be_v do_v by_o all_o that_o be_v here_o further_o say_v preface_n when_o whitgift_n say_v that_o papist_n and_o atheist_n may_v still_o remain_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n mr._n parker_n tell_v he_o that_o even_o a_o veritius_fw-la will_v condemn_v he_o and_o it_o be_v no_o new_a doctrine_n in_o the_o school_n to_o say_v that_o a_o heretical_a apostate_n be_v no_o more_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o a_o wound_n a_o sâ—re_n a_o brand_n be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o man_n as_o eâ—ery_o one_o know_v that_o be_v mediocritèr_fw-la doctus_fw-la in_o scholasiiâ—al_a divinity_n therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o church-member_n may_v become_v no_o member_n by_o their_o own_o defection_n ans._n sure_o he_o that_o be_v but_o mediâ—critèr_fw-la doctus_fw-la in_o scholastical_a or_o chemical_a divinity_n may_v easy_o know_v that_o here_o be_v the_o show_n of_o a_o argument_n or_o of_o authority_n of_o writer_n witâ—_n out_o the_o substance_n of_o either_o for_o when_o our_o divine_n against_o the_o papist_n do_v so_o often_o over_o say_v that_o wicked_a or_o unregenerate_a person_n be_v but_o equivocal_o or_o improper_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o nail_n haâ—r_n sore_n and_o superfluous_a hu_o â—urs_n or_o as_o a_o wooden_a leg._n a_o glass_n eye_n etc._n etc._n be_v member_n of_o the_o live_a body_n of_o a_o man_n they_o mean_v it_o proper_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o invisible_a mystical_a church_n or_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n consider_v in_o its_o internal_a spiritual_a live_a state_n 1113._o not_o with_o reference_n to_o man_n external_a stand_n or_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n nor_o do_v they_o ever_o dream_v that_o man_n be_v by_o the_o want_n of_o internal_a gracious_a qualification_n cut_v off_o from_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o any_o church-censure_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o reckon_v hypocrite_n and_o secret_o unregenerate_a person_n as_o well_o as_o heretical_a apostate_n or_o the_o openly-wicked_n to_o be_v but_o equivocaliy_v of_o the_o church_n viz._n in_o comparison_n and_o contradistinction_n to_o the_o true_a and_o live_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n â—nd_v as_o â—aul_v diâ—tinguishes_n between_o israel_n and_o they_o that_o be_v of_o israel_n rom._n 9.6_o and_o say_v he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n i._n e._n not_o a_o jew_n indeed_o and_o accept_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o be_v â—ut_v outward_o â—nâ—_n rom._n 2.28_o 29._o but_o will_v you_o therefore_o say_v that_o a_o close_a hypocrite_n unâ—eâ—bers_v himself_o and_o fâ—lls_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o
alone_o give_v right_o for_o god_n have_v make_v it_o one_o commandment_n of_o four_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n require_v that_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n be_v attend_v in_o a_o solemn_a humble_a reverent_a and_o profitable_a manner_n and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v meet_a and_o needful_a that_o person_n shall_v both_o know_v and_o own_o the_o covenant-state_n they_o be_v in_o and_o the_o state_n of_o subjection_n to_o christ_n government_n which_o the_o covenant_n place_v they_o in_o especial_o when_o they_o partake_v of_o such_o a_o fruit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o baptism_n for_o their_o child_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v covenant-duty_n when_o they_o come_v for_o covenant_n privilege_n that_o they_o shall_v both_o seek_v and_o attend_v the_o lord_n holy_a ordinance_n though_o it_o be_v their_o right_a never_o so_o much_o in_o humility_n and_o fear_n and_o it_o be_v one_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o they_o give_v up_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v promise_n to_o take_v care_n for_o their_o christian_a education_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v suitable_a that_o they_o be_v mind_v of_o it_o when_o they_o present_v they_o to_o baptism_n and_o the_o more_o explicit_o they_o do_v so_o promise_v it_o be_v the_o better_a hence_o all_o reform_a church_n do_v in_o their_o directory_n and_o practice_n require_v profession_n and_o promise_v of_o parent_n or_o those_o that_o present_v the_o child_n to_o baptism_n and_o appoint_v a_o solemn_a manner_n of_o administration_n and_o stand_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o needful_a duty_n though_o they_o unanimous_o own_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o child_n have_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a right_n to_o baptism_n by_o its_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n see_v english_a liturgy_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n directory_n pag._n 31._o late_o petition_n for_o peace_n pag._n 61_o etc._n etc._n zepperi_fw-la polit._n ecces_n pag_n 128._o &_o pag._n 147_o 150._o alasco_n pag._n 121_o 137._o ratio_fw-la discipl_n bohem._n pag_n 43._o hence_o also_o no_o man_n will_v doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o comfortable_a and_o desirable_a thing_n that_o the_o parent_n do_v address_v himself_o in_o the_o most_o solemn_a serious_a and_o spiritual_a manner_n to_o draw_v nigâ—_n to_o god_n upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n as_o the_o baptise_v of_o a_o child_n by_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n for_o all_o neglect_v and_o breach_n of_o his_o covenant_n by_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o encourage_v promise_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n in_o reference_n unto_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o pour_v out_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o child_n and_o for_o a_o heart_n to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a parent_n towards_o his_o child_n as_o do_v become_v he_o etc._n etc._n and_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o parent_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v stir_v up_o unto_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o their_o duty_n but_o still_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o administration_n or_o to_o the_o better_a and_o more_o comfortable_a attendance_n thereof_o and_o between_o what_o be_v essential_o requisite_a to_o give_v right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o ordinance_n before_o the_o church_n this_o latter_a mere_a membership_n or_o membership_n alone_o do_v a_o state_n of_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v that_o unto_o which_o the_o right_a of_o baptism_n be_v annex_v church_n as_o not_o only_o the_o synod_n but_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o so_o 2._o the_o assertion_n beforementioned_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a membership_n but_o qualify_v membership_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n in_o the_o sense_n above_o give_v be_v also_o antiscriptural_a 1._o because_o it_o direct_o overthrow_v infant-baptism_n which_o the_o scripture_n establish_v for_o what_o have_v infant_n more_o than_o membership_n or_o federal_n holiness_n or_o covenant-interest_n to_o give_v they_o right_o to_o baptism_n i._o e._n what_o have_v they_o more_o than_o this_o that_o they_o be_v regular_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o his_o institution_n therein_o within_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o this_o will_v not_o suffice_v but_o there_o must_v be_v some_o other_o qualification_n beside_o and_o superad_v unto_o this_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o for_o our_o part_n we_o know_v no_o strong_a argument_n for_o infants-baptism_n then_o that_o church_n member_n or_o foederati_fw-la be_v to_o be_v baptize_v the_o infant_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v church-member_n or_o foederati_fw-la ergo._fw-la but_o if_o the_o foresay_a assertion_n hold_v this_o argument_n fail_v and_o fall_v short_a for_o now_o church-membership_a or_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n or_o federal_n holiness_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n but_o there_o must_v be_v more_o than_o this_o to_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n how_o the_o sinew_n of_o the_o strong_a argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n will_v fare_v we_o know_v not_o but_o sure_o we_o be_v that_o this_o cut_n in_o sunder_o the_o sinew_n of_o the_o strong_a argument_n for_o infant-baptism_n which_o must_v fall_v if_o this_o stand_n but_o fall_v it_o never_o will_v through_o grace_n while_o the_o lord_n appointment_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n stand_v viz._n to_o have_v the_o initiate_a seal_n run_v parallel_n with_o the_o covenant_n gen._n 17._o or_o christ_n commission_n matth._n 28.19_o viz._n to_o baptise_v all_o disciple_n or_o all_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n let_v this_o assertion_n therefore_o fall_v which_o make_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n short_a than_o the_o covenant_n and_o deny_v baptism_n to_o run_v parallel_n with_o church-membership_a under_o the_o gospel_n hence_o 2._o it_o contradict_v that_o which_o the_o harmony_n of_o scripture_n and_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v acknowledge_v for_o a_o principle_n viz._n that_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n i._n e._n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v or_o that_o all_o church_n member_n be_v subject_n of_o baptism_n for_o if_o not_o mere_a membership_n or_o membership_n alone_o but_o qualify_v membership_n give_v right_a to_o baptism_n than_o not_o all_o member_n but_o some_o only_a viz._n those_o that_o be_v so_o and_o so_o qualify_v be_v to_o be_v baptize_v if_o baptism_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o mere_a membership_n or_o to_o a_o member_n as_o such_o than_o not_o to_o all_o member_n as_o à _fw-la quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la so_o à _fw-la non_fw-la quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la non_fw-la omne_fw-la valet_fw-la consequentiae_fw-la this_o deny_v not_o only_o in_o the_o five_o but_o the_o first_o proposition_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n which_o yet_o the_o antisynodalia_fw-la pag._n 17._o seem_v to_o consent_n unto_o but_o let_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v give_v from_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v that_o first_o proposition_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n then_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o this_o assertion_n now_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n viz._n because_o john_n be_v baptism_n which_o be_v christian_n baptism_n may_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o some_o who_o be_v stand_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n because_o they_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o repentance_n luke_n 3.8_o &_o 7.30_o therefore_o christian_a baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v unto_o such_o as_o stand_v member_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o they_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n answ._n let_v this_o be_v answer_v with_o reference_n to_o infant-baptism_n which_o lie_v upon_o our_o brethren_n to_o do_v as_o well_o as_o on_o we_o see_v they_o above_o declare_v antipoedobaptism_n to_o be_v a_o sinful_a opinion_n and_o do_v profess_v to_o hold_v and_o maintain_v the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n though_o indeed_o the_o reader_n can_v not_o gather_v so_o much_o from_o these_o word_n christian_n baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v unto_o such_o 〈◊〉_d stand_v member_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o they_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n this_n seem_v direct_o to_o gainsay_v infant-baptism_n for_o infant_n do_v indeed_o stand_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o how_o do_v they_o or_o can_v they_o show_v that_o they_o be_v qualify_v with_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n for_o it_o seem_v that_o neither_o be_v repentance_n itself_o sufficient_a without_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n but_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v our_o brethren_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o oppose_v infant-baptism_n and_o therefore_o that_o their_o meaning_n be_v not_o to_o require_v these_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n or_o qualification_n superad_v to_o membership_n of_o the_o child_n or_o personâ—_n to_o be_v baptize_v but_o of_o their_o parent_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o express_v but_o let_v this_o argument_n
which_o do_v amount_v further_o 3._o whereas_o the_o synod_n say_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v have_v frequent_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o young_a year_n at_o scripture_n and_o experience_n show_v instance_n joseph_n samuel_n etc._n etc._n hence_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n show_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a be_v in_o charity_n or_o to_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n visible_a believer_n the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v indeed_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n but_o if_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n they_o do_v not_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n be_v fit_o qualify_v they_o can_v then_o be_v fiâ—ly_o call_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o transgressor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o breaker_n of_o it_o ans._n 1._o if_o they_o be_v breaker_n of_o it_o then_o sure_o they_o be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o for_o how_o can_v man_n break_v the_o covenant_n whâ—ch_o they_o be_v not_o in_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v here_o express_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o minority_n so_o the_o same_o be_v by_o consequence_n confess_v of_o they_o be_v adult_n for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v they_o be_v then_o say_v to_o break_v the_o covenant_n 2._o if_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o infancy_n and_o minority_n as_o the_o reverend_a author_n acknowledge_v they_o be_v this_o suit_n well_o enough_o with_o the_o purpose_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o this_o place_n which_o be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v this_o that_o such_o child_n have_v frequent_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n and_o such_o as_o have_v grace_n begin_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n why_o shall_v not_o charity_n think_v it_o be_v there_o still_o when_o nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o he_o that_o once_o begin_v that_o good_a work_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o forsake_v that_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n but_o to_o perfect_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n psal._n 138.8_o phil._n 1.6_o further_o say_v the_o reverend_a author_n this_o argument_n be_v fallacious_a because_o it_o argue_v from_o some_o particular_n to_o infer_v a_o general_a affirmative_o some_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v have_v the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n therefore_o all_o person_n of_o this_o sort_n etc._n etc._n if_o the_o reverend_a author_n have_v express_v the_o synod_n argument_n as_o they_o express_v it_o it_o will_v not_o then_o have_v appear_v so_o fallacious_a as_o the_o alteration_n of_o their_o word_n may_v make_v it_o for_o whereas_o they_o say_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v frequent_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n for_o which_o they_o produce_v eight_o or_o nine_o instance_n from_o scripture_n all_o these_o instance_n and_o that_o frequency_n for_o proof_n of_o which_o they_o be_v allege_v be_v now_o all_o leave_v out_o and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o it_o be_v render_v some_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n and_o whereas_o the_o inference_n which_o the_o synod_n make_v be_v thus_o express_v viz._n hence_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o term_n all_o which_o be_v not_o in_o before_o be_v express_o put_v in_o thus_o all_o person_n of_o this_o sort_n etc._n etc._n which_o alteration_n may_v indeed_o obscure_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n but_o let_v it_o be_v reduce_v to_o what_o it_o first_o be_v and_o then_o let_v the_o judicious_a reader_n consider_v whether_o it_o be_v fallacious_a or_o firm_a whether_o there_o be_v weakness_n or_o weight_n in_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v if_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v frequent_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n than_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n show_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a be_v in_o charity_n or_o to_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n visible_a believer_n but_o so_o it_o be_v ergo._fw-la the_o assumption_n here_o be_v manifest_o prove_v by_o those_o many_o instance_n in_o scripture_n allege_a and_o by_o experience_n and_o the_o consequence_n we_o hope_v be_v not_o fallacious_a but_o find_v and_o good_a for_o if_o it_o be_v frequent_o thus_o why_o shall_v not_o charity_n believe_v it_o be_v thus_o in_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n where_o nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_n 4._o the_o synod_n have_v say_v that_o they_o that_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v be_v visible_a saint_n in_o the_o account_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n be_v in_o scripture_n account_n 〈◊〉_d company_n of_o saint_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o &_o 1.2_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o both_o the_o assertion_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deny_v the_o assertion_n be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n of_o confederate_a believer_n be_v in_o the_o church_n by_o their_o parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o but_o parent_n be_v not_o so_o till_o etc._n etc._n ans._n it_o be_v here_o again_o confess_v that_o infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n but_o not_o so_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n and_o come_v to_o be_v parent_n but_o of_o their_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o their_o come_n to_o be_v adult_n something_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o more_o may_v in_o the_o six_o argument_n partic._n 3_o but_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v the_o proof_n be_v to_o be_v deny_v and_o be_v not_o apposite_a we_o conceive_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v very_o apposite_a for_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o the_o synod_n do_v allege_v it_o which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o that_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o scripture_n account_v visible_a saint_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n allege_v be_v so_o plain_a and_o apposite_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o we_o conceive_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o whether_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v such_o or_o no_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o saint_n or_o not_o be_v another_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o conceive_v much_o have_v and_o may_v be_v say_v but_o the_o text_n allege_v be_v not_o produce_v by_o the_o synod_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o be_v not_o plain_a for_o proof_n of_o that_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v plain_a and_o apt_a enough_o for_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o synod_n that_o may_v suffice_v though_o they_o prove_v not_o this_o other_o to_o which_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v apply_v they_o 5._o say_v the_o synod_n be_v in_o covenant_n and_o baptize_v they_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n indefinite_o give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o seal_v up_o in_o baptism_n deut._n 30.6_o which_o continue_v valid_a and_o so_o a_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o while_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o answer_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o distinction_n between_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o regard_n of_o external_a mean_n between_o the_o elect_n in_o who_o god_n work_v the_o grace_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n so_o powerful_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o reject_v it_o and_o the_o rest_n who_o have_v the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n till_o they_o reject_v they_o as_o do_v esau_n and_o conclude_v that_o such_o as_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n and_o live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n do_v remain_v unbeliever_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n undefinite_o give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o promise_n ans._n but_o be_v there_o any_o proof_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o synod_n affirm_v it_o seem_v none_o at_o all_o for_o when_o the_o synod_n say_v the_o covenant_n which_o promise_v faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v a_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o while_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o and_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v that_o such_o as_o do_v reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n have_v not_o faith_n and_o repentance_n give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o promise_n these_o be_v not_o contrary_a nor_o at_o all_o inconsistent_a for_o the_o synod_n never_o say_v nor_o mean_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v give_v by_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o that_o be_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n and_o live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n do_v still_o remain_v unbeliever_n the_o synod_n never_o say_v
before_o take_v into_o covenant_n and_o plant_v in_o his_o house_n to_o call_v it_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o to_o say_v that_o child_n membership_n be_v dependent_a upon_o that_o be_v too_o crude_a a_o pâ—râ—se_n and_o too_o much_o abuse_v by_o many_o ascribe_v that_o to_o the_o parent_n and_o to_o their_o profession_n or_o act_n in_o covenant_v which_o belong_v most_o proper_o to_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n it_o be_v god_n covenant_n that_o take_v in_o both_o parent_n and_o child_n alas_o what_o be_v parent_n and_o what_o can_v all_o their_o profession_n and_o faith_n and_o act_n do_v if_o god_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o take_v they_o into_o covenant_n now_o god_n take_v the_o child_n into_o his_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n and_o it_o be_v god_n covenant_n and_o institution_n that_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o chide_v depend_v upon_o and_o with_o which_o alone_a it_o lâ—ves_v and_o die_v but_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o preface_n true_a it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v make_v much_o use_n of_o that_o distinction_n of_o immediate_a and_o mediate_v member_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o carry_v a_o mighty_a and_o constrain_a evidence_n of_o scripture-light_n along_o with_o it_o etc._n etc._n ans._n we_o must_v needs_o say_v this_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o when_o as_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o scripture_n bring_v either_o here_o or_o in_o the_o book_n follow_v to_o make_v good_a or_o hold_v forth_o such_o a_o distinction_n in_o stead_n of_o scripture_n here_o be_v some_o author_n straight_o name_v not_o to_o attest_v the_o distinction_n of_o immediate_a and_o mediate_v it_o seeâ—s_v that_o can_v be_v find_v no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o author_n but_o of_o complete_a and_o incomplete_a to_o which_o the_o answer_n be_v ready_a 1._o if_o some_o author_n have_v so_o distinguish_v member_n yet_o where_o be_v such_o a_o distinction_n of_o membership_n at_o least_o purposely_o so_o intend_v as_o to_o makâ—_n several_a sort_n or_o kind_n of_o membership_n specifical_o differ_v as_o be_v express_o say_v of_o the_o distinction_n here_o plead_v for_o in_o the_o book_n pag_n 37._o dr_n ames_n in_o the_o place_n here_o cite_v do_v not_o say_v of_o infant_n non_fw-la sunt_fw-la 〈◊〉_d membra_fw-la but_o perfecta_fw-la membra_fw-la neither_o do_v he_o say_v non_fw-la sunt_fw-la perfecta_fw-la but_o non_fw-la sunt_fw-la adeo_fw-la perfecta_fw-la membra_fw-la they_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_a member_n say_v he_o of_o the_o church_n as_o that_o they_o can_v exercise_v act_n of_o communion_n or_o be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o all_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o plain_o refer_v the_o imperfection_n or_o incompleatness_n not_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o their_o membership_n but_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o privilege_n hence_o 2._o their_o distinction_n of_o member_n into_o complete_a and_o incomplete_a be_v be_v candid_o take_v as_o much_o as_o our_o distinction_n of_o member_n into_o such_o as_o be_v in_o â—ull_a or_o complete_a communion_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o full_a communion_n which_o distinction_n we_o have_v and_o we_o hope_v just_o make_v great_a use_n of_o and_o for_o such_o a_o distinction_n reâ—â—ipsa_n loquor_fw-la all_o that_o be_v within_o of_o or_o belong_v to_o such_o a_o society_n whether_o family_n commonwealth_n or_o church_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o say_v to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o society_n but_o all_o be_v not_o equal_a in_o participation_n of_o privilege_n therein_o some_o have_v a_o more_o full_a or_o complete_a 〈◊〉_d and_o portion_n therein_o and_o some_o have_v less_o all_o christ_n scholar_n or_o disciple_n be_v not_o of_o the_o high_a form_n nor_o be_v all_o his_o subject_n betrust_v with_o the_o key_n of_o his_o kingdom_n nor_o all_o his_o child_n past_o their_o nonage_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o disciple_n in_o his_o school_n subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n child_n of_o his_o family_n i._n e._n member_n oâ—_n the_o visible_a church_n but_o such_o a_o distinction_n as_o make_v several_a sort_n of_o membership_n specifical_o different_a we_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v clear_v and_o confirm_v either_o from_o scripture_n or_o author_n or_o from_o sound_a reason_n sundry_a distinction_n or_o sort_n of_o member_n may_v easy_o be_v give_v as_o some_o member_n be_v in_o office_n in_o the_o church_n some_o out_o of_o office_n some_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o not_o of_o the_o power_n of_o vote_v as_o woman_n some_o of_o both_o some_o have_v only_o initial_a privilege_n some_o all_o ames_n medul_a lib_fw-la 1._o cap_n 32._o thes._n â—_o 3._o but_o these_o be_v but_o distribution_n ex_fw-la adjunctis_fw-la and_o do_v not_o touch_v or_o vary_v the_o essence_n of_o membership_n nor_o make_v several_a sort_n thereof_o nor_o do_v these_o distinction_n and_o degree_n of_o member_n in_o the_o church_n arise_v simple_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o membership_n or_o from_o any_o difference_n therein_o but_o from_o something_o superad_v unto_o membership_n as_o a_o officer_n be_v not_o more_o a_o member_n then_o another_o but_o his_o dignity_n and_o place_n in_o the_o church_n arise_v from_o somewhat_o superad_v unto_o membership_n viz._n his_o office_n a_o man_n be_v not_o more_o a_o member_n then_o a_o woman_n though_o he_o have_v a_o power_n and_o privilege_n in_o the_o church_n beside_o and_o above_o bare_a membership_n which_o the_o woman_n have_v not_o so_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v not_o more_o or_o more_o true_o proper_o immediate_o and_o personal_o member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o child_n be_v but_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o more_o and_o further_a qualification_n or_o to_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o growth_n in_o the_o church_n be_v by_o rule_n admit_v to_o mor_o privilege_n than_o they_o thus_o in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n there_o be_v many_o sort_n of_o subject_n some_o bear_v office_n some_o not_o some_o admit_v to_o election_n of_o officer_n some_z not_o some_o capable_a of_o plead_v and_o answer_v for_o themselves_o in_o law_n some_o be_v not_o but_o yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o subject_a and_o who_o ever_o make_v a_o specifical_a distinction_n of_o that_o so_o as_o to_o say_v in_o that_o sense_n some_o be_v mediate_v subject_n and_o some_o immediate_a the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o a_o family_n where_o the_o young_a child_n be_v as_o true_o proper_o personal_o and_o immediate_o a_o member_n of_o the_o family_n as_o the_o most_o grow_a person_n though_o as_o to_o power_n and_o privilege_n therein_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n so_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n all_o the_o part_n be_v not_o a_o eye_n a_o hand_n etc._n etc._n but_o all_o be_v member_n and_o the_o mean_a part_n be_v as_o well_o a_o member_n as_o the_o most_o noble_a 1_o cer._n 12._o 12_o 25._o now_o there_o be_v the_o like_a reason_n as_o to_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o membership_n in_o â—_o church-society_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o that_o of_o a_o kingdom_n faâ—â—ly_o and_o of_o the_o natural_a body_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o discourse_n upon_o the_o second_o objection_n in_o the_o three_o place_n our_o brethren_n set_v down_o this_o position_n or_o opinion_n as_o that_o which_o be_v object_v against_o they_o that_o a_o person_n who_o be_v a_o church-member_n may_v become_v no_o member_n by_o a_o act_n or_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o without_o any_o church-act_n in_o censure_v of_o he_o and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d be_v they_o say_v most_o true_a it_o be_v thâ—t_o we_o do_v maintain_v this_o and_o for_o prooâ—_n thereof_o they_o suppoâ—e_v 〈…〉_z of_o a_o english_a fugitive_n of_o one_o turn_v turk_n who_o be_v never_o censure_v by_o any_o church_n ans._n the_o position_n object_v against_o they_o if_o it_o be_v pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n must_v run_v thus_o that_o a_o person_n who_o be_v a_o church-member_n may_v become_v no_o member_n by_o a_o aâ—â—_n or_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o without_o any_o church-act_n in_o censure_v of_o hiâ—_n and_o without_o 〈…〉_z censure_n on_o his_o part_n or_o though_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o deserve_v any_o church-censure_n and_o be_v not_o censurable_a by_o any_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n for_o so_o the_o word_n â—f_o the_o synod_n â—_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o controvert_v five_o proposition_n do_v express_o speak_v put_v that_o as_o a_o 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o person_n admit_v member_n and_o seal_v by_o baptism_n not_o cast_v out_o nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v may_v the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v still_o remain_v become_v a_o non-member_n and_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o unclean_a world_n pag._n 26._o now_o put_v but_o this_o into_o the_o objection_n here_o mention_v without_o
any_o church-censure_n in_o the_o place_n here_o cite_v out_o of_o parker_n de_fw-fr pelit_fw-la eccles._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 16._o pag._n 169._o verstius_n condemn_v bellarmine_n because_o he_o affirm_v such_o ad_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la christi_fw-la propriâ—_n dicâ—am_fw-la reverà _fw-la pertinerè_fw-la to_o be_v indeed_o of_o the_o true_a church_n how_o strange_o be_v this_o misapply_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n question_n as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o all_o that_o want_v true_a save_n i'faith_o have_v loâ—t_v their_o church-membership_a without_o any_o censure_n and_o then_o allege_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o the_o protestant_n doctrine_n that_o the_o true_a mystical_a or_o catholic_n church_n consist_v only_o of_o elect_a believer_n how_o evident_a be_v it_o that_o this_o be_v not_o at_o rem_fw-la for_o as_o for_o a_o external_n membership_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n that_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n what_o be_v more_o know_v then_o that_o all_o our_o divine_n do_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o multitude_n that_o have_v not_o save_v graâ—e_o and_o that_o even_o such_o as_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n if_o they_o fall_v into_o manifest_a incorrigible_a wickedness_n they_o shall_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n but_o otherwise_o they_o be_v still_o within_o although_o many_o of_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o those_o inward_a qualification_n that_o shall_v render_v they_o live_v and_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n mystical_a falsum_fw-la est_fw-la say_v dr._n ames_n bel._n eneru._n tom_n 2._o lib_fw-la 2._o cap._n 1._o internas_fw-la virâ—utes_fw-la requirâ—_n i._n e._n absolute_a requiri_fw-la à _fw-la nobis_fw-la ut_fw-la aliquis_fw-la sit_fw-la in_o ecclesiâ_fw-la quoad_fw-la visiblem_fw-la ejus_fw-la statum_fw-la and_o see_v ames_n med._n lâ—b_n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes._n 11._o they_o that_o be_v christian_n by_o proffession_n only_o say_v junius_n be_v true_o of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o external_a consideration_n thereof_o though_o not_o according_a to_o the_o internal_a wherein_o â—es_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n animad_fw-la in_o bellar._n de_fw-fr eccles._n cap._n 10._o art_n 28._o and_o in_o cap._n 9_o art_n 1._o he_o say_v we_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v grieuâ—â—_n sinner_n in_o this_o viz_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o which_o if_o they_o be_v not_o we_o shall_v in_o vain_a trouble_n ourselves_o about_o their_o correction_n and_o excommunication_n vid._n calvin_n institut_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 1._o sect._n 7_o 9_o 13._o polan_n 〈◊〉_d lib._n 7._o cap._n 8._o but_o it_o be_v a_o needless_a labour_n to_o cite_v many_o testimony_n in_o so_o manifest_a a_o case_n when_o whitgift_n have_v say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v full_a of_o wicked_a person_n drunkard_n idolater_n papist_n atheist_n &c_n &c_n cartwrâ—ght_n answer_v he_o as_o paâ—ker_n in_o the_o very_a place_n here_o quote_v note_n that_o that_o be_v because_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o 〈…〉_z â—â—ewing_v that_o he_o will_v have_v even_o such_o not_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o self-felony_n if_o be_v church-member_n they_o fall_v to_o such_o evil_n but_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o christ_n appoint_a discipline_n and_o cartwright_n in_o his_o second_o reply_n part._n 1._o p._n 246._o upon_o that_o in_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o among_o other_o passage_n have_v these_o word_n it_o be_v one_o case_n of_o he_o that_o have_v give_v his_o name_n to_o the_o gospel_n &_o afterward_o slide_v from_o that_o profession_n to_o idolatry_n and_o another_o of_o he_o that_o never_o give_v it_o but_o have_v be_v from_o his_o infancy_n a_o idolater_n for_o the_o first_o can_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o church_n without_o solemn_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n see_v also_o pag._n 242_o 247_o 248._o but_o the_o preface_n add_v and_o we_o humble_o conceive_v that_o thus_o much_o be_v hold_v forth_o by_o these_o scripture_n heb._n 10.25_o 1_o joh._n 2.19_o jud._n 19_o ans._n that_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o forsake_v church-assembly_n separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o wander_v into_o way_n of_o heresy_n and_o apostasy_n be_v grievous_a and_o consequent_o call_v for_o church-admonition_n and_o incorrigibleness_n therein_o for_o excommunication_n this_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o those_o scripture_n but_o to_o gather_v thence_o that_o such_o forsaker_n separatisie_n and_o night-wanderer_n do_v thereby_o become_v non-member_n so_o as_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o need_v not_o or_o may_v not_o follow_v they_o with_o any_o censure_n be_v a_o strange_a collection_n and_o will_v if_o grant_v at_o once_o overthrow_v all_o discipline_n for_o what_o be_v more_o easy_a then_o for_o a_o offender_n to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n to_o separate_v himself_o &_o c_o and_o then_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o he_o so_o the_o process_n of_o discipline_n appoint_v in_o mat._n 18._o shall_v never_o take_v place_n what_o though_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o church-censure_n in_o the_o text_n allege_v must_v we_o bind_v the_o holy-ghost_n to_o mention_v all_o truth_n and_o rule_n together_o in_o one_o text_n or_o context_n what_o the_o sin_n of_o such_o person_n be_v those_o text_n show_v but_o what_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v use_v to_o church-sinner_n this_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o other_o scripture_n if_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o job._n 2.19_o have_v reference_n to_o ebion_n and_o cerinthus_n and_o such_o like_a heretic_n as_o be_v common_o conceive_v vid._n magdeburg_n centur._n 1_o lib._n 2._o p._n 485_o sure_o he_o be_v not_o without_o care_n to_o have_v due_a testimony_n by_o church-censure_n bear_v against_o they_o yea_o when_o as_o he_o do_v so_o strict_o enjoin_v all_o christian_n absolute_o to_o avoid_v they_o 2_o john_n ver_fw-la 7_o 10._o do_v not_o that_o import_n a_o injunction_n to_o the_o church_n unto_o which_o they_o do_v belong_v to_o excommunicate_v they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o already_o do_v it_o as_o when_o paul_n forbid_v they_o to_o eat_v with_o such_o a_o one_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o he_o mean_v it_o as_o a_o consequent_a upon_o and_o so_o imply_v a_o injunction_n of_o church-censure_n vid._n dickson_n in_o a_o thes_n 3.14_o &_o in_o rom._n 16.17_o &_o in_o 2_o tim._n 3_o 5._o preface_n again_o how_o come_v esau_n to_o lose_v his_o membership_n we_o read_v not_o that_o he_o be_v excommunicate_a therefore_o it_o remain_v that_o he_o discovenant_v and_o so_o dis-membered_n himself_o and_o how_o come_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n by_o keturah_n to_o lose_v their_o membership_n it_o be_v not_o by_o censure_n ans._n 1._o shall_v we_o thus_o reason_n you_o will_v call_v for_o gospel-rule_n and_o proof_n which_o we_o may_v with_o more_o reason_n do_v in_o this_o case_n because_o proper_a excommunication_n be_v plain_o and_o express_o ordain_v under_o the_o gospel_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o clearness_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n 2._o the_o particular_a extraordinary_a revelation_n of_o god_n mind_n concern_v esau_n together_o with_o his_o be_v deny_v the_o patriarchal_a blessing_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v reject_v heb._n 12.17_o may_v well_o be_v look_v at_o as_o equivalent_a to_o a_o ordinary_a excommunication_n under_o the_o gospel_n 3._o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n by_o keturah_n do_v in_o process_n of_o time_n lose_v their_o membership_n by_o lose_v the_o essential_o of_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o expect_v personal_a excommunication_n when_o a_o whole_a people_n fall_v away_o to_o idolatry_n and_o so_o become_v lo-amâ—â—_a be_v a_o vain_a thing_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o the_o particular_a person_n mention_v in_o genes_n 25.2_o 3_o 4._o yea_o or_o their_o next_o generation_n do_v cease_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o be_v providential_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o be_v reserve_v for_o israel_n and_o be_v permit_v by_o degree_n to_o lose_v religion_n which_o be_v by_o promise_n to_o be_v continue_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o line_n of_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n so_o as_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n the_o nation_n be_v by_o that_o time_n general_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n religion_n and_o worship_n be_v so_o fix_v in_o the_o nation_n and_o church_n of_o israel_n as_o that_o all_o that_o will_v serve_v god_n aright_o must_v become_v proselyte_n to_o it_o which_o before_o that_o time_n be_v not_o necessary_a but_o religion_n and_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o church-membership_a according_a to_o the_o domestic_a way_n of_o administration_n then_o use_v do_v for_o a_o considerable_a time_n continue_v among_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n by_o keturah_n as_o the_o story_n of_o job_n intimate_v he_o and_o his_o friend_n be_v just_o conceive_v to_o have_v be_v partly_o of_o that_o stock_n and_o concern_v jethro_n who_o
be_v of_o midian_a and_o so_o of_o keturah_n see_v rivet_n on_o exod._n 2._o and_o on_o exod._n 18.12_o preface_n in_o like_a sort_n when_o person_n under_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v abraham_n child_n by_o hold_v forth_o his_o faith_n and_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o simplicity_n and_o goaly_a sincerity_n we_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v just_o deem_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v just_o put_v themselves_o out_o of_o that_o covenant_n which_o their_o parent_n make_v for_o they_o ans._n 1._o the_o person_n in_o question_n i._n e._n the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o synod_n five_o proposition_n do_v in_o some_o degree_n hold_v forth_o their_o faith_n and_o godly_a walk_n while_o they_o be_v profess_v christian_n or_o profess_a believer_n and_o follower_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v from_o their_o infancy_n do_v constant_o attend_v the_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n live_v under_o and_o do_v not_o cast_v off_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o courâ—â—_n and_o when_o call_v thereto_o do_v ready_o profess_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faiâ—â—_n and_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n do_v these_o put_v all_o this_o together_o in_o no_o sort_n show_v themselves_o to_o be_v abraham_n child_n by_o hold_v forth_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o step_n i._n e._n in_o charitable_a and_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n sure_o mr._n cotton_n account_v such_o as_o these_o yea_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o do_v not_o grow_v up_o to_o apostasy_n and_o open_a scandal_n or_o that_o be_v not_o excommunicable_a to_o continue_v in_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o covenant_n faith_n and_o religion_n of_o their_o father_n as_o in_o those_o passage_n of_o his_o that_o be_v point_v to_o in_o the_o preface_n the_o lâ—â—e_a synod_n may_v be_v see_v and_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v ground_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n to_o exclude_v such_o as_o these_o from_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o the_o covenant_n thereof_o 2._o if_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o hold_v forth_o such_o a_o experimental_a work_n of_o faith_n or_o lively_o discern_v and_o exercise_n thereof_o and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o their_o life_n as_o may_v fit_v they_o for_o a_o comfortable_a approach_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n let_v it_o be_v show_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o bare_a defect_n or_o want_n hereof_o be_v such_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o put_v man_n out_o of_o it_o we_o know_v that_o every_o transgression_n or_o fall_v stort_v of_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o account_v in_o scripture_n a_o absolute_a breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o a_o forsake_v and_o reject_v thereof_o such_o as_o for_o which_o god_n give_v unto_o person_n or_o people_n a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n do_v but_o compare_v these_o person_n in_o question_n who_o the_o hasty_a and_o rigid_a severity_n of_o man_n here_o pronounce_v to_o be_v just_o deem_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o have_v put_v themselves_o out_o of_o it_o with_o those_o who_o the_o holy_a but_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a god_n do_v in_o scripture_n call_v and_o account_v such_o breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n see_v jer._n 11.9_o 10._o ezek._n 16.8_o 59_o deut._n 29.25_o 26.2_o chron_n 7.22_o 2_o king_n 17.15_o 20._o and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o cut_v down_o no_o not_o the_o barren_a fig_n â—ree_a till_o further_a patience_n and_o mean_n be_v use_v he_o that_o waiâ—ed_v on_o the_o jew_n who_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n be_v by_o a_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n with_o as_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o ever_o shine_v till_o utter_v incorrigible_a rejection_n thereof_o appear_v before_o he_o account_v they_o break_v off_o rom._n 11.16_o 20._o with_o act_n 13.45_o 46._o &_o 18.5_o 6._o &_o 19.8_o 9_o 1_o thes._n 2.15_o 16._o he_o that_o follow_v jerusalem_n with_o mean_n and_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n till_o they_o stone_v he_o away_o mat._n 23.27_o etc._n etc._n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o he_o will_v reckon_v our_o poor_a child_n to_o be_v break_v off_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v adult_n if_o then_o present_o they_o do_v not_o bold_a forth_o fitness_n â—â—r_n the_o lord_n table_n yea_o when_o many_o of_o they_o be_v it_o may_v be_v secret_o follow_v after_o god_n though_o haply_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v so_o much_o as_o to_o make_v their_o approach_n to_o that_o ordinance_n comfortable_a or_o have_v not_o yet_o the_o confidence_n to_o put_v forth_o themselves_o thereunto_o sure_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o make_v so_o light_a a_o matter_n of_o his_o holy_a covenant_n and_o seâ—l_n whatever_o man_n through_o misguide_v apprehension_n may_v do_v as_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o child_n take_v they_o into_o his_o church_n and_o seal_v up_o their_o take_n in_o before_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o then_o let_v they_o go_v out_o so_o easy_o or_o drop_v off_o one_o know_v not_o how_o 3._o if_o they_o have_v just_o i._n e._n meritorious_o put_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o covenant_n or_o so_o violate_v the_o covenant_n on_o their_o part_n as_o to_o deserve_v a_o put_n out_o yet_o still_o one_o may_v ask_v how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v actual_o put_v out_o see_v the_o church_n have_v not_o proceed_v nor_o see_v cause_n to_o proceed_v to_o any_o censure_n but_o if_o it_o be_v indeed_o so_o that_o they_o do_v deserve_v i._n e._n in_fw-it foâ—o_fw-it ecclesia_fw-la we_o speak_v not_o of_o desert_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o be_v put_v out_o if_o they_o may_v be_v just_o â—â—eâ—ed_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o which_o just_o put_v they_o out_o than_o it_o be_v the_o church_n duty_n actual_o to_o put_v they_o out_o or_o cut_v they_o off_o for_o ecclesiastical_a justice_n as_o well_o as_o civil_a render_v unto_o all_o their_o due_a and_o just_a desert_n and_o those_o that_o be_v ecclesiastical_o breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n ought_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o gen._n 17.14_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v upon_o these_o principle_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o cast_v out_o and_o cut_v off_o all_o the_o adult_a child_n of_o our_o church_n that_o be_v not_o come_v up_o to_o full_a communion_n which_o thing_n how_o horrid_a it_o be_v to_o think_v of_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_n or_o be_v it_o that_o we_o forbear_v any_o formal_a censure_n and_o content_v ourselves_o only_a doctrinaly_n to_o declare_v that_o all_o such_o child_n be_v put_v out_o and_o break_v off_o which_o doctrine_n declaration_n be_v indeed_o contain_v in_o the_o assertion_n of_o our_o brethren_n yet_o the_o harshness_n and_o horrid_a severity_n of_o such_o a_o declaration_n be_v liâ—â—le_a inferior_a to_o the_o other_o and_o very_o contrary_a to_o the_o patience_n and_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n expreâ—â—d_v in_o the_o scripture_n preface_n wherefore_o that_o all_o may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o danger_n nor_o singularity_n in_o this_o our_o assertion_n that_o a_o church_n member_n may_v possible_o become_v no_o member_n without_o any_o act_n of_o the_o church_n in_o formal_a censure_v of_o he_o give_v we_o leaâ—e_n to_o produce_v some_o testimony_n to_o prove_v it_o judicious_a and_o bless_a dr._n ames_n â—aâ—th_v that_o in_o case_n of_o pertinacious_a separation_n suâ—h_v person_n though_o they_o may_v be_v of_o the_o invisible_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n ans._n 1._o suppose_v you_o shall_v prove_v that_o a_o church-member_n may_v possible_o become_v no_o member_n without_o a_o censure_n yet_o we_o be_v still_o utter_o to_o seek_v of_o proof_n that_o â—â—e_v child_n in_o question_n do_v so_o 2._o how_o can_v a_o separation_n be_v proper_o pertinacious_a and_o incurable_a or_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v till_o the_o mean_n of_o church_n discipline_n have_v be_v use_v 3._o ames_n his_o meaning_n may_v be_v that_o such_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v lawful_a and_o approve_a member_n as_o in_o the_o close_a of_o that_o chapter_n de_n consc._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 12._o he_o say_v â—_o schismatical_a church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o a_o lawful_a and_o approve_a church_n 4._o we_o shall_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o some_o good_a divine_n do_v seem_v to_o hold_v that_o in_o some_o case_n of_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o apostasy_n and_o so_o in_o case_n of_o absolute_a and_o universal_a schism_n of_o which_o aim_n there_o speak_v especial_o in_o place_n and_o church_n where_o discipline_n be_v
under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n aâ—d_v to_o set_v they_o in_o their_o own_o person_n as_o lamos_n in_o a_o large_a place_n for_o by_o this_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o nor_o can_v put_v forth_o any_o act_n eâ—â—er_n of_o watch_n or_o censure_n immediate_o upon_o they_o but_o upon_o their_o parent_n only_o but_o that_o church-watch_n government_n no_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v and_o administer_v to_o our_o child_n personal_o and_o immediâ—aâ—ly_o i._n e._n according_a as_o in_o regard_n of_o age_n and_o understanding_n they_o be_v capable_a there_o f_z viz._n instruction_n and_o inspection_n and_o that_o in_o a_o official_a way_n even_o in_o young_a year_n aâ—d_v formal_a censure_n when_o adult_n if_o they_o fâ—ll_v into_o such_o offence_n as_o do_v need_n â—nd_n deserve_v the_o same_o the_o reader_n may_v find_v confirm_v in_o the_o synod_n argument_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a defence_n thereof_o 71._o haply_o the_o assertion_n 〈…〉_z mediate_v church-care_n be_v â—â—eltered_v uâ—dâ—r_n that_o clause_n those_o child_n that_o be_v in_o minority_n bâ—â—_n 1._o much_o help_v by_o instruction_n counsel_n warning_n reproof_n exhortation_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o in_o a_o authoritative_a way_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o memberly_n relation_n may_v be_v administer_v unto_o child_n themselves_o immediate_o in_o their_o own_o pâ—rsons_n beside_o look_v to_o parent_n that_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o they_o even_o while_o they_o be_v in_o their_o minority_n though_o not_o yet_o capable_a of_o public_a censure_n 2._o they_o be_v in_o the_o same_o state_n and_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n though_o not_o of_o the_o same_o capacity_n when_o in_o minority_n and_o when_o adult_n if_o therefore_o not_o because_o of_o their_o natural_a incapacity_n but_o because_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o membership_n only_o mediate_v and_o no_o immediate_a church-care_n watch_n and_o government_n belong_v to_o they_o while_o in_o minority_n neither_o do_v it_o belong_v to_o they_o when_o adult_n and_o therefore_o this_o notion_n exclude_v all_o our_o child_n both_o young_a and_o elder_a from_o be_v under_o any_o church-government_n immediate_o in_o their_o own_o person_n so_o that_o let_v they_o run_v on_o in_o never_o such_o vile_a course_n the_o church_n can_v deal_v with_o they_o but_o with_o their_o parent_n only_o and_o yet_o the_o case_n may_v often_o so_o be_v that_o the_o parent_n be_v neither_o unblamable_a for_o their_o miscarriage_n nor_o able_a to_o reform_v the_o same_o but_o as_o mediate_v as_o their_o membership_n be_v here_o be_v somewhat_o add_v that_o shall_v touch_v these_o adult_n child_n themselves_o and_o what_o be_v that_o why_o iâ—_n when_o they_o 〈◊〉_d be_v adult_n they_o do_v not_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n than_o the_o church_n be_v to_o disow_v they_o at_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n ans._n 1._o be_v this_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o like_o the_o lord_n proceed_v with_o his_o covenant-people_n in_o the_o scripture_n present_o to_o disow_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o off_o if_o some_o evil_a fruit_n nay_o if_o want_n of_o gâ—od_a fruit_n be_v 〈◊〉_d in_o they_o then_o at_o first_o step_n to_o call_v they_o loamâ—i_n and_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n have_v the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o take_v these_o person_n into_o his_o glorious_a covenant_n and_o â—o_o real_a it_o to_o they_o in_o baptism_n before_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o do_v it_o come_v but_o to_o this_o that_o if_o poor_a childreâ—_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o day_n of_o ripe_a understanding_n dâ—wns_v upon_o they_o do_v not_o bring_v 〈◊〉_d the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n yea_o such_o fruit_n as_o may_v sit_v they_o for_o felâ—_n communion_n they_o be_v then_o present_o declare_v to_o be_v discovenant_v and_o to_o be_v turn_v drift_n as_o those_o who_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v true_a the_o most_o hopeful_a child_n yea_o the_o best_a of_o we_o all_o may_v just_o be_v discovenant_v by_o the_o lord_n shall_v he_o strict_o mark_v what_o be_v amisâ—_n and_o deal_v accord_v to_o our_o desert_n but_o he_o be_v gracious_o please_v not_o to_o proceed_v with_o 〈◊〉_d severity_n but_o with_o much_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v towards_o those_o who_o he_o once_o take_v into_o covenant_n and_o who_o or_o what_o be_v man_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v more_o holy_a than_o the_o lord_n let_v but_o that_o one_o scripture_n be_v look_v upon_o among_o many_o other_o touch_v the_o barren_a figtree_n which_o be_v here_o cite_v as_o if_o it_o give_v some_o countenance_n to_o this_o present_a disow_n in_o case_n of_o barrenness_n the_o lord_n come_v in_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o fruit_n and_o find_v none_o and_o yet_o he_o wait_v another_o year_n after_o that_o and_o a_o three_o after_o that_o i._n e._n a_o long_a time_n and_o with_o great_a demonstration_n of_o patience_n before_o he_o speak_v of_o cut_v it_o down_o and_o then_o the_o vine-dresser_n act_v therein_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cry_v not_o cut_v it_o down_o present_o but_o lord_n let_v it_o alone_o one_o year_n more_o i._n e._n till_o it_o appear_v utter_o hopeless_a and_o incurable_a that_o i_o may_v dig_v about_o it_o and_o dung_n it_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o make_v it_o a_o subject_n of_o labour_n and_o culture_n then_o to_o case_n himself_o by_o ridâ—â—ng_v his_o hand_n of_o it_o also_o that_o parable_n point_v to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o and_o among_o who_o chrâ—st_v preach_v now_o the_o follow_a story_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wâ—ited_v on_o they_o till_o they_o appear_v altogether_o incurable_a and_o incâ—rrigâ—â—e_a and_o till_o their_o incurable_a barrenness_n discover_v itself_o by_o positive_a fruit_n of_o wicked_a oppose_a and_o reject_v the_o gospel_n before_o they_o be_v cut_v down_o or_o break_v off_o and_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o adult_n and_o yet_o impenitent_a jew_n do_v not_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a express_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o covenant-dispensation_n and_o urge_v that_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o â—raw_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v it_o act_n 13.19.25_o 26._o act_n 3.26_o 26._o they_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o make_v they_o cease_v from_o fear_v the_o lord_n by_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o he_o 2._o suppose_v any_o of_o these_o child_n when_o adult_n do_v bring_v forth_o some_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o those_o describe_v in_o the_o synod_n five_o proposition_n can_v hardly_o be_v deny_v in_o charitable_a reputation_n to_o do_v though_o not_o so_o full_a and_o ripe_a fruit_n as_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v and_o haply_o not_o such_o as_o themselves_o do_v find_v encouragement_n to_o approach_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n what_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o these_o shall_v they_o be_v own_v or_o disow_v be_v they_o in_o the_o church_n or_o out_o if_o in_o why_o be_v baptism_n deny_v to_o their_o child_n if_o out_o how_o coâ—e_n they_o so_o to_o be_v or_o where_o do_v god_n in_o his_o word_n say_v or_o allow_v we_o to_o say_v to_o such_o hopeful_a young_a man_n and_o woman_n as_o through_o grace_n many_o of_o our_o child_n be_v though_o not_o yet_o in_o full_a communion_n that_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n 3._o wâ—at_o be_v tâ—is_fw-la disow_v and_o where_o shall_v we_o have_v scripture-warrant_a for_o such_o a_o church-disowning_a as_o be_v not_o excommunication_n for_o that_o our_o brother_n see_v not_o warrant_v to_o procee_v unto_o but_o 〈◊〉_d down_o this_o rule_n the_o church_n be_v to_o disow_v they_o or_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n if_o any_o man_n speak_v especial_o if_o he_o speak_v rule_n according_a to_o wâ—icâ—_n the_o church_n be_v to_o practice_v let_v he_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o this_o disow_a contradistinguish_v to_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v clear_v from_o thence_o admonition_n and_o excommunication_n we_o hear_v plain_o of_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o orthodox_n divinity_n but_o a_o disow_a that_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o public_a church-censure_n and_o yet_o be_v neither_o admonition_n nor_o excommunication_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o new_a invent_a piece_n of_o discipline_n we_o demand_v whether_o this_o disow_a be_v not_o a_o put_v one_o out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v before_o in_o it_o if_o so_o what_o be_v it_o but_o excommunication_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_v by_o that_o put_v away_o from_o among_o you_o 1_o cor._n 5.13_o if_o not_o be_v
believer_n unless_o you_o will_v make_v we_o to_o speak_v inconsistency_n again_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d make_v one_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o five_o proposition_n that_o the_o parent_n there_o describe_v be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n and_o do_v we_o not_o then_o express_v this_o that_o the_o parent_n who_o childâ—_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a must_v be_v a_o confederate_a visible_a believer_n and_o be_v not_o that_o all_o one_o as_o to_o have_v true_a faith_n in_o the_o judgement_n oâ—_n charity_n how_o then_o be_v it_o here_o say_v that_o the_o synod_n will_v not_o let_v this_o which_o themselves_o acknowledge_v be_v express_v though_o our_o unity_n lie_v at_o the_o stake_n for_o it_o sure_o such_o misrepresentation_n of_o thing_n with_o so_o much_o injurious_a reflection_n shall_v be_v forbear_v by_o godly_a brethren_n if_o that_o will_v have_v unite_v we_o to_o own_o that_o the_o parent_n must_v be_v a_o visible_a believer_n it_o be_v own_v and_o grant_v toties_fw-la quoâ—ies_n and_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o proposition_n and_o argument_n as_o any_o intelligent_a reader_n will_v easy_o see_v but_o the_o disagreement_n lie_v here_o that_o yourselves_o will_v not_o consent_v to_o any_o such_o acceptation_n or_o to_o any_o such_o character_n or_o expression_n of_o a_o visible_a beâ—â—ever_n but_o such_o as_o shall_v unavoidable_o bring_v he_o into_o full_a communion_n and_o we_o diâ—â—ered_v about_o this_o who_o be_v visible_a believer_n not_o whether_o the_o parent_n that_o have_v baptism_n for_o their_o child_n must_v be_v such_o in_o sum_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o disagreement_n be_v not_o because_o we_o will_v not_o own_v our_o own_o principle_n as_o be_v here_o strange_o represent_v but_o because_o we_o can_v not_o consent_v to_o you_o and_o because_o you_o refuse_v to_o have_v a_o common_a principle_n any_o way_n express_v but_o so_o as_o may_v suit_v with_o your_o own_o nation_n though_o our_o unity_n lie_v at_o the_o stake_n for_o it_o reason_n 2._o the_o second_o reason_n which_o our_o brethren_n here_o give_v of_o their_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n stand_v thus_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n in_o all_o scripture_n to_o apply_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n unto_o those_o child_n who_o parent_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unfitness_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unfitness_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n to_o baptise_v their_o child_n this_o we_o suppose_v be_v the_o assumption_n and_o conclusion_n that_o be_v understand_v if_o this_o second_o reason_n be_v intend_v as_o a_o reason_n of_o their_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n five_o proposition_n unless_o it_o be_v intend_v only_o as_o a_o dissent_n from_o that_o which_o be_v â—â—uched_v and_o contain_v in_o the_o synod_n discourse_n viz._n that_o some_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptise_a who_o yet_o be_v short_a of_o actual_a fitness_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o will_v take_v in_o both_o and_o the_o answer_n will_v easy_o be_v give_v if_o once_o we_o understand_v distinct_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o state_n of_o unfitness_n for_o the_o lord_n â—upper_n now_o by_o a_o state_n of_o unfitness_n must_v be_v mean_v either_o non-membership_a and_o that_o be_v indeed_o a_o state_n of_o unfitness_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o church_n though_o not_o to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n yet_o only_o to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o assumption_n above_o mention_v be_v deny_v for_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n in_o a_o state_n of_o fitness_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n i._n e._n be_v in_o the_o church_n or_o member_n thereof_o to_o they_o belong_v all_o church-priviledge_n according_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v capable_a thereof_o and_o appear_v due_o qualify_v for_o the_o same_o they_o have_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la though_o not_o jus_o in_o re_fw-mi as_o a_o child_n have_v a_o right_a to_o all_o his_o father_n estate_n though_o he_o may_v not_o oughts_z not_o to_z have_v the_o actual_a use_n and_o fruition_n of_o it_o till_o he_o become_v to_o year_n and_o be_v qualify_v with_o ability_n to_o manage_v it_o a_o free_a â—an_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o fitness_n to_o be_v a_o magâ—straâ—e_n or_o deputy_n or_o in_o some_o other_o office_n proper_a to_o freeman_n though_o for_o want_n of_o particular_a quâ—lifications_n or_o orderly_a admission_n by_o election_n he_o may_v haply_o never_o be_v one_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n every_o church-member_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o fitness_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o else_o by_o a_o state_n of_o unfitness_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v 〈◊〉_d want_n of_o actual_a qualification_n fit_v for_o it_o whereby_o a_o person_n either_o be_v in_o himself_o short_a of_o actual_a fitness_n for_o the_o lord_n table_n or_o want_v church_n approbation_n of_o his_o fitness_n and_o â—o_o want_v a_o orderly_a admission_n thereunto_o now_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o deny_v the_o major_n or_o proposition_n of_o the_o argument_n above_o mention_v and_o do_v conceive_v that_o there_o iâ—_n warrant_v to_o be_v â—â—und_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o apply_v of_o baptism_n to_o child_n 〈◊〉_d parent_n do_v want_v actual_a qualification_n fit_v they_o for_o the_o lord_n supper_n among_o sundry_a other_o scripture_n evidence_n of_o it_o one_o be_v from_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o passeover_n and_o circumcision_n in_o the_o church_n of_o iâ—rael_n where_o the_o parâ—nt_n may_v want_v actual_a fitness_n for_o the_o passeover_n by_o manifold_a ceremonial_a uncleanness_n and_o yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o the_o circumcise_n of_o the_o child_n now_o a_o liberty_n of_o argue_v from_o thence_o to_o the_o gospel_n passover_n and_o gospel-circumcision_a i._n e._n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o baptism_n be_v here_o grant_v and_o allow_v but_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o unless_o the_o father_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o fitness_n for_o the_o passeover_n he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o have_v his_o child_n circumcise_a reply_n whâ—t_a state_n of_o fitness_n be_v the_o unclean_a jewish_a parent_n in_o but_o only_o a_o state_n of_o membership_n he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d the_o parent_n in_o question_n and_o they_o need_v not_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a membership_n when_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n no_o more_o than_o the_o jewish_a parent_n after_o his_o cleanse_n do_v but_o in_o two_o thing_n the_o case_n of_o the_o ceremonially-unclean_a jewish_a parent_n hold_v proportion_n with_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n 1._o he_o must_v have_v other_o and_o better_a qualification_n than_o he_o have_v at_o present_a before_o he_o eat_v of_o the_o passover_n he_o be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o state_n of_o legal_a impurity_n and_o so_o in_o regard_n of_o actual_a qualification_n in_o a_o state_n of_o unfitness_n but_o he_o must_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o legal_a purity_n and_o cleanness_n before_o he_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a thing_n 2._o he_o must_v especial_o after_o some_o uncleanness_n of_o a_o more_o remarkable_a nature_n be_v judge_v and_o pronounce_v by_o the_o priest_n to_o be_v clean_o and_o so_o free_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a thing_n levit._n 13.6_o so_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n must_v have_v their_o fitness_n for_o the_o lord_n table_n judge_v of_o and_o approve_v by_o those_o in_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o such_o judgement_n and_o approbation_n do_v belong_v and_o have_v these_o two_o thing_n personal_a qualification_n and_o church-approbation_n then_o and_o not_o before_o they_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o those_o two_o be_v all_o they_o need_v they_o do_v not_o need_v a_o new_a admittance_n into_o membership_n as_o if_o they_o be_v before_o not_o of_o the_o church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o israelitish_n parent_n do_v if_o any_o one_o object_n that_o this_o legal_a uncleanness_n be_v but_o a_o accidental_a and_o ceremonial_a thing_n and_o do_v not_o import_v the_o want_n of_o any_o moral_a or_o essential_a fitness_n for_o the_o passover_n let_v he_o consider_v that_o as_o the_o discipline_n than_o be_v most_o ceremonial_a 41._o and_o hence_o legal_a purity_n be_v then_o a_o essential_a qualification_n unto_o a_o regular_a fitness_n for_o the_o passover_n and_o other_o holy_a thing_n and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o a_o real_a bar_n so_o those_o ceremony_n point_v unto_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n to_o be_v attend_v by_o we_o now_o their_o legal_a cleansing_n wash_n etc._n etc._n do_v import_n and_o signify_v a_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o require_v in_o those_o who_o we_o admit_v unto_o full_a communion_n in_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o
be_v dead_a this_o second_o generation_n will_v be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o further_a act_n or_o covenant_a be_v no_o absurdity_n but_o a_o manifest_a truth_n i._n e._n take_v that_o phrase_n further_n act_n or_o covenant_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o particular_a formal_a act_n of_o explicite_fw-la verbal_n covenant_v for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v a_o further_a act_n yea_o a_o act_n of_o implicit_a covenant_v in_o their_o constant_a and_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o father_n but_o we_o say_v this_o second_o generation_n continue_v to_o use_v mr._n cotton_v phrase_n in_o ground_n of_o baptism_n pag._n 106._o in_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o covenant_n faith_n and_o religion_n of_o their_o father_n be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o make_v any_o explicit_a personal_a expression_n of_o their_o engagement_n as_o their_o father_n do_v even_o as_o the_o israelite_n that_o be_v number_v in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n make_v with_o they_o in_o horeb_n though_o their_o parent_n with_o who_o it_o be_v first_o make_v in_o horeb_n be_v all_o dead_a and_o that_o before_o the_o solemn_a renew_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o they_o in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n deut._n 29._o see_v deut._n 5.2_o 3._o with_o numb_a 26.63_o 64_o 65._o and_o so_o mr._n hooker_n roundly_o and_o express_o affirm_v this_o which_o be_v here_o by_o our_o brethren_n deny_v survey_v part._n 1._o pag._n 48._o 3._o as_o for_o our_o denial_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o vote_v in_o church-affair_n to_o the_o person_n in_o question_n till_o they_o be_v fit_v for_o and_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o stand_v good_a and_o rational_a without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o their_o be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o the_o case_n suppose_v for_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o it_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o case_n of_o a_o true_a church_n may_v be_v such_o by_o degeneracy_n or_o loss_n of_o their_o best_a member_n etc._n etc._n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v at_o present_a unfit_a to_o put_v forth_o or_o exercise_v a_o power_n of_o act_v in_o church-affair_n though_o it_o be_v radical_o in_o they_o till_o by_o the_o use_n of_o needful_a mean_n they_o or_o a_o select_a qualify_a number_n among_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o unto_o a_o better_a and_o fit_a capacity_n for_o it_o and_o example_n hereof_o be_v not_o far_o to_o seek_v let_v that_o way_n of_o reform_v corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a church_n be_v attend_v which_o be_v partly_o suggest_v in_o mr._n allin_n and_o mr._n shepard_n preface_n before_o their_o defence_n of_o the_o nine_o position_n which_o preface_n beverly_n say_v be_v instar_fw-la omnium_fw-la pag._n 10_o 18_o 19_o 20._o viz._n 20._o that_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v true_a church_n and_o call_v by_o the_o powerful_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n to_o humiliation_n repentance_n and_o agreement_n unto_o reformation_n and_o then_o that_o such_o as_o do_v so_o agree_v and_o submit_v to_o discipline_n be_v own_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n among_o they_o a_o select_a number_n who_o be_v find_v upon_o trial_n able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o do_v walk_v according_a to_o christ_n do_v solemn_o renew_v or_o enter_v into_o covenant_n and_o so_o elect_v officer_n etc._n etc._n enjoy_v full_a communion_n and_o carry_v on_o all_o church-affair_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n this_o show_v that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v out_o of_o case_n for_o the_o present_a exercise_n of_o a_o proper_a church_n power_n and_o may_v need_v much_o preparation_n and_o reducement_n into_o order_n before_o it_o come_v up_o thereunto_o and_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v it_o from_o be_v a_o true_a church_n nor_o from_o have_v that_o power_n radical_o in_o it_o and_o which_o in_o a_o way_n of_o due_a order_n it_o may_v come_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o have_v not_o the_o late_a time_n have_v experience_n of_o many_o congregation_n unto_o which_o it_o be_v fain_o to_o be_v a_o public_a care_n to_o send_v minister_n and_o they_o to_o preach_v to_o they_o many_o year_n before_o they_o find_v a_o number_n fit_a for_o full_a communion_n and_o management_n of_o church-affair_n and_o yet_o they_o retain_v the_o be_v of_o true_a church_n and_o church-member_n all_o this_o while_n see_v also_o mr._n shepherd_n late-printed_n letter_n about_o the_o church-membership_a of_o child_n pag._n 18._o we_o may_v also_o ask_v whether_o such_o a_o member_n of_o reason_v as_o be_v here_o use_v will_v prove_v woman_n to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o a_o institute_v church_n because_o if_o all_o the_o man_n be_v dead_a they_o can_v not_o then_o be_v a_o church_n nor_o vote_n in_o church-affair_n choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n but_o that_o which_o be_v say_v may_v suffice_v only_o let_v we_o add_v that_o as_o the_o case_n that_o be_v suppose_v viz._n of_o all_o the_o parent_n or_o all_o that_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n be_v dead_a at_o once_o be_v rare_o if_o ever_o hear_v of_o so_o also_o the_o case_n we_o add_v viz._n for_o the_o whole_a body_n to_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o unfitness_n for_o full_a communion_n by_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n will_v be_v we_o may_v hope_v as_o rare_a if_o discipline_n and_o other_o ordinance_n be_v keep_v up_o in_o their_o use_n and_o vigour_n god_n will_v so_o bless_v his_o own_o ordinance_n if_o due_o attend_v as_o that_o a_o considerable_a number_n shall_v from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v such_o grace_n give_v they_o as_o to_o be_v fit_a for_o full_a communion_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o his_o house_n with_o competent_a strength_n beauty_n and_o edification_n the_o four_o reason_n of_o our_o brethren_n dissent_n be_v this_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a membership_n as_o the_o synod_n speak_v but_o qualify_v membership_n that_o give_v right_a unto_o baptism_n for_o john_n be_v baptism_n may_v not_o be_v apply_v unto_o the_o stand_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n till_o they_o be_v qualify_v with_o repentance_n this_o say_v they_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o the_o strong_a argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o englargemeâ—â—â—f_a baptism_n for_o neither_o do_v the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v any_o such_o mere_a membership_n as_o they_o speak_v of_o nor_o be_v it_o mere_a membership_n but_o qualify_v membership_n that_o give_v right_a unto_o this_o divine_a and_o sacred_a ordinance_n answ._n this_o term_n or_o distinction_n of_o mere_a membership_n be_v here_o as_o also_o in_o the_o book_n to_o which_o this_o preface_n be_v prefix_v much_o exagitated_a and_o harsh_o censure_v but_o let_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o synod_n therein_o be_v attend_v and_o there_o will_v appear_v no_o cause_n for_o such_o exagitation_n when_o the_o synod_n say_v that_o 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 and_o that_o mere_a membership_n or_o membership_n alone_o do_v not_o suffice_v to_o render_v man_n subject_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n propos._n 4._o p._n 17_o 18._o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o full_a communion_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o a_o member_n as_o such_o or_o to_o a_o person_n mere_o because_o he_o be_v a_o member_n for_o than_o it_o will_v belong_v to_o all_o member_n which_o it_o do_v not_o a_o person_n may_v be_v a_o member_n or_o in_o memberly_n relation_n and_o yet_o not_o bein_z full_a communion_n now_o to_o say_v that_o mere_a membership_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v not_o be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v not_o logical_a distinction_n between_o thing_n in_o their_o abstract_n and_o general_a nature_n and_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o clothe_v with_o various_a adjunct_n and_o accession_n which_o to_o say_v be_v strange_o to_o forget_v ourselves_o but_o when_o it_o be_v hence_o infer_v and_o put_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o set_v up_o a_o mere_a membership_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o mere_a member_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o unnecessary_a reflection_n as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o riches_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o man_n mere_o as_o man_n or_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v man_n will_v it_o be_v a_o good_a inference_n to_o say_v that_o we_o set_v up_o a_o sort_n of_o mere_a man_n or_o a_o mere_a humanity_n exist_v alone_a or_o that_o we_o distinguish_v man_n into_o mere_a man_n and_o rich_a man_n there_o be_v no_o individual_a man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n i._n e._n that_o have_v a_o naked_a humanity_n without_o adjunct_n yet_o logic_n distinguish_v between_o humanity_n and_o its_o adjunct_n and_o between_o what_o belong_v to_o a_o man_n as_o such_o and_o what_o accrue_v
with_o they_o and_o so_o he_o do_v now_o in_o the_o six_o place_n the_o application_n say_v the_o preface_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n unto_o those_o who_o be_v not_o true_a believer_n we_o mean_v visible_o for_o de_fw-fr occultis_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la be_v a_o profanation_n thereof_o and_o as_o dreadful_a a_o sin_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n unto_o unworthy_a receiver_n we_o marvel_v that_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o as_o muâ—h_v profane_v and_o vilify_v by_o undue_a administration_n of_o baptism_n as_o by_o undue_a administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n ans_fw-fr it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o the_o red_a to_o gather_v out_o of_o all_o that_o be_v here_o say_v a_o reason_n of_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n for_o we_o ready_o grant_v and_o say_v that_o baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o but_o visible_a believer_n take_v visible_a believer_n as_o a_o term_n equivalent_a to_o federally_n holy_n as_o the_o term_n believer_n or_o faithful_a be_v sometime_o in_o scripture_n so_o take_v isaâ—_n 1.21_o 2_o cor._n 6.15_o and_o often_o in_o author_n but_o that_o the_o person_n in_o question_n both_o parent_n and_o child_n be_v visible_a believer_n be_v also_o by_o the_o synod_n assert_v and_o prove_v and_o here_o be_v nothing_o say_v to_o disprove_v it_o but_o when_o as_o our_o brethren_n here_o say_v that_o the_o application_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n unto_o those_o who_o be_v not_o visible_o true_a believer_n be_v a_o profanation_n thereof_o in_o which_o be_v right_o explain_v we_o gainsay_v they_o not_o and_o yet_o in_o their_o 〈◊〉_d pag._n 20._o do_v hold_v forth_o that_o infant_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v faith_n it_o will_v lie_v upon_o they_o to_o show_v how_o they_o apply_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n to_o infant_n without_o a_o profanation_n thereof_o it_o be_v pity_n that_o so_o many_o passage_n be_v drop_v here_o and_o there_o that_o do_v though_o we_o hope_v not_o in_o their_o intention_n clasâ—_n with_o the_o baptise_v of_o â—_z here_o be_v also_o express_v a_o marvel_n that_o any_o shall_v think_v etc._n etc._n but_o we_o may_v answer_v with_o a_o marvel_n that_o any_o shall_v speak_v as_o if_o any_o of_o we_o do_v think_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o profane_v by_o undue_a administration_n of_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o by_o undue_a administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n whether_o as_o much_o or_o no_o in_o point_n of_o degree_n we_o will_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o dispute_v though_o we_o suppose_v the_o degree_n of_o sinful_a pollution_n or_o profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n name_v in_o any_o ordinance_n will_v be_v intend_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o special_a communion_n that_o we_o have_v with_o christ_n in_o that_o ordinance_n and_o by_o the_o danger_n that_o such_o pollution_n infer_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a partaker_n which_o will_v hardly_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v more_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n then_o in_o baptism_n but_o whether_o the_o profanation_n be_v as_o great_a or_o no_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v very_o great_a and_o so_o great_a as_o that_o every_o pious_a conscientious_a person_n shall_v fear_v to_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o the_o undue_a administration_n of_o baptism_n but_o where_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n to_o show_v that_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n point_v to_o by_o the_o synod_n be_v undue_a or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o undue_a administration_n of_o baptism_n to_o extend_v it_o further_o than_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o to_o administer_v baptism_n to_o some_o unto_o who_o we_o do_v not_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n if_o the_o rule_n and_o institution_n concern_v these_o two_o sacrament_n do_v extend_v the_o one_o further_o than_o the_o other_o as_o it_o plain_o do_v when_o it_o appoint_v baptism_n to_o all_o disciple_n or_o to_o run_v parallel_n with_o federal_a holiness_n mat._n 28.19_o but_o the_o lord_n supper_n only_o to_o self-examining_a disciple_n 1_o cor._n 11.28_o than_o the_o one_o may_v be_v extend_v further_a than_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o one_o no_o more_o undue_a or_o irregular_a and_o pollute_v then_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o other_o sure_o he_o that_o hold_v that_o baptism_n may_v and_o the_o lord_n supper_n may_v not_o be_v administer_v unto_o infant_n as_o we_o suppose_v our_o brethren_n do_v he_o grant_v that_o baptism_n may_v be_v extend_v further_a than_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o any_o such_o sacrilegious_a impiety_n dreadful_a profâ—rtation_n or_o prostitution_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v here_o harsh_o enough_o express_v neither_o do_v judicious_a calvin_n part_n of_o who_o zealous_a expression_n against_o the_o promiscuous_a administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v here_o cite_v in_o the_o preface_n ever_o imagine_v or_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v any_o such_o profanation_n to_o extend_v baptism_n further_o than_o the_o lord_n supper_n yea_o and_o further_o than_o the_o synod_n do_v when_o as_o he_o set_v down_o that_o answer_n in_o his_o catechism_n that_o be_v above_o allege_a and_o practise_v according_o it_o be_v well_o know_v the_o synod_n do_v not_o pleâ—d_v for_o that_o largeness_n in_o either_o of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o calvin_n allow_v but_o to_o extend_v the_o one_o further_o than_o the_o other_o be_v never_o account_v sacrilegious_a impiety_n in_o orthodox_n divinity_n it_o be_v here_o add_v that_o austin_n plead_v for_o strictness_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o tertullian_n beâ—ore_v he_o but_o do_v either_o of_o they_o pleâ—d_n for_o great_a strictness_n than_o the_o synod_n do_v unless_o where_o tertullian_n erroneous_o and_o weak_o plead_v for_o the_o delay_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v note_v 83._o for_o one_o of_o his_o navi_fw-la certain_o man_n will_v say_v when_o they_o look_v upon_o what_o be_v publish_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o their_o wary_a qualify_a of_o the_o five_o proposition_n about_o which_o the_o controversy_n be_v that_o they_o be_v for_o much_o strictness_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o many_o will_v think_v we_o too_o strict_a we_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v show_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o austin_n that_o will_v speak_v he_o to_o be_v against_o the_o baptise_v of_o such_o as_o the_o synod_n plead_v for_o yea_o he_o require_v not_o more_o of_o adult_n convert_v from_o heathenism_n for_o their_o own_o baptism_n then_o be_v in_o the_o parent_n who_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o synod_n that_o book_n of_o his_o de_fw-la fide_fw-la &_o operibus_fw-la be_v against_o the_o baptise_v of_o notorious_a scandalous_a liver_n who_o he_o will_v not_o have_v baptize_v tho_o seem_o turn_v from_o heathenism_n till_o they_o serious_o promise_v reformation_n but_o that_o austin_n in_o stead_n of_o be_v for_o more_o strictness_n hold_v for_o a_o large_a extent_n of_o baptism_n than_o the_o synod_n do_v may_v easy_o be_v evince_v 22._o how_o strange_a be_v it_o to_o see_v their_o authority_n still_o allege_v against_o we_o who_o be_v not_o only_o full_o with_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o go_v further_o than_o we_o the_o seven_o reason_n of_o our_o brethren_n dissent_n be_v this_o it_o have_v in_o it_o a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o the_o â—ardning_v of_o unregenerate_a creature_n in_o their_o sinful_a natural_a condition_n when_o life_n be_v not_o only_o promise_v but_o seal_v to_o they_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o whole_a coâ—enant_n of_o grace_n â—_o as_o well_o as_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o be_v not_o interest_v in_o this_o covenant_n by_o faith_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v the_o seal_n thereof_o apply_v to_o they_o ans._n 1._o the_o lord_n truth_n and_o grace_n however_o it_o may_v be_v abuse_v by_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n perverse_a and_o sinful_a nature_n have_v not_o in_o itself_o any_o natural_a tendency_n to_o harden_v any_o but_o the_o contrary_n and_o how_o can_v the_o doctrine_n in_o hand_n have_v any_o such_o natural_a tendency_n when_o as_o man_n be_v tell_v over_o and_o over_o that_o only_o outward_a advantage_n and_o dispensation_n be_v seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n more_o absolute_o rom._n 3.1_o 2._o â—_o 9.4_o but_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o life_n eternal_a conditional_o see_v mr._n shepherd_n late_o print_v letter_n pag._n 3_o 6._o so_o that_o if_o they_o fail_v of_o the_o condition_n viz._n effectual_a and_o unfeigned_a faith_n they_o miss_v of_o salvation_n notwithstanding_o their_o baptism_n and_o external_a covenant-estate_n and_o hence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a but_o only_o a_o probable_a connexion_n between_o federal_a holiness_n as_o apply_v to_o
particular_a person_n and_o salvation_n that_o thousand_o be_v in_o the_o viâ—â—ble_a church_n that_o shall_v never_o see_v heaven_n that_o outward_a privilege_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rest_v in_o but_o improvedâ—s_a â—s_z help_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o internal_a and_o special_a grace_n that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o accept_v of_o probable_a sign_n but_o no_o man_n for_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o rest_v without_o certain_a sign_n of_o grace_n hence_o the_o indefinite_a promise_n and_o other_o general_a indefinite_a token_n of_o a_o good_a estate_n 〈◊〉_d such_o as_o decipher_v that_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v gracious_a and_o many_o of_o who_o be_v so_o though_o many_o be_v not_o â—s_a child_n of_o the_o covenant_n professor_n of_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v ground_n for_o the_o church_n to_o proceed_v upon_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o outward_a 〈◊〉_d especial_o that_o of_o baptism_n that_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o first_o be_v of_o grace_n but_o they_o be_v not_o ground_n for_o any_o to_o rest_v oâ—_n acquiesce_v in_o as_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o sum_n while_o we_o keep_v a_o due_a distinction_n between_o the_o outward_a and_o inward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o between_o the_o respective_a â—_z and_o ground_n of_o each_o there_o be_v no_o tendency_n unto_o harden_v therein_o but_o indeed_o 〈…〉_z and_o do_v tie_v visible_a church-interest_n unto_o such_o condition_n and_o qualification_n as_o be_v repute_v enough_o to_o salvation_n this_o may_v tend_v to_o harden_v man_n and_o to_o make_v they_o conceit_n that_o if_o once_o they_o be_v get_v into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v sure_a of_o heaven_n when_o 〈◊〉_d it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v far_o from_o it_o 2._o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o contrary_a assertion_n to_o this_o of_o our_o brethren_n here_o for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o deny_v the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o strong_a tendency_n in_o it_o to_o make_v they_o cease_v from_o fear_v the_o lord_n or_o to_o harden_v their_o heart_n from_o his_o fear_n josh._n 22.24_o 25_o 27._o and_o that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o encouragement_n and_o awful_a obligation_n of_o covenant-interest_n do_v great_o tend_v to_o softâ—â—_n and_o break_v the_o heart_n and_o to_o draw_v it_o home_o unto_o god_n hence_o the_o lord_n often_o begin_v with_o this_o that_o he_o be_v their_o god_n viz._n in_o outward_a covenant_n and_o they_o his_o people_n when_o he_o will_v most_o powerful_o win_v and_o draw_v they_o to_o faith_n and_o obedience_n psal._n 81.8_o 10._o levit._fw-la 19.3_o 4._o deut._n 14.1_o 2._o hosea_n 14.1_o act._n 2.38_o 39_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o can_v through_o grace_n witness_n unto_o this_o of_o what_o use_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o lord_n prevent_v grace_n in_o his_o seal_a covenant_n and_o their_o engagement_n to_o he_o thereby_o have_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o turn_n unto_o god_n so_o jer._n 31.18_o &_o 3.22_o gal._n 1.15_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o natural_a tendency_n in_o man_n corrupt_a heart_n not_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o truth_n or_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o lead_v he_o to_o turn_v grace_n into_o wantonness_n and_o to_o abuse_v outward_a privilege_n and_o ordinance_n unto_o a_o self-hardning_a security_n and_o carnal_a confidence_n jer._n 7.4_o mat._n 3.9_o rom._n 2.17_o phil._n 3.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o but_o be_v this_o any_o argument_n against_o the_o lord_n or_o the_o church_n give_v man_n a_o portion_n in_o his_o temple_n and_o ordinance_n because_o they_o be_v prone_a so_o to_o abuse_v they_o confidence_n in_o outward_a visible_a qualification_n for_o full_a communion_n be_v but_o a_o vain_a and_o carnal_a thing_n yet_o man_n be_v prone_a enough_o to_o it_o and_o have_v need_n by_o the_o ministry_n be_v take_v off_o from_o it_o but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o deny_v or_o scruple_n their_o admission_n thereunto_o 4._o if_o one_o shall_v bring_v such_o a_o argument_n as_o this_o against_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n viz._n that_o it_o will_v harden_v they_o and_o bolster_v they_o up_o in_o their_o sinful_a natural_a condition_n we_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v count_v a_o poor_a argument_n and_o of_o no_o validity_n and_o yet_o it_o hold_v as_o well_o against_o the_o baptise_v of_o any_o infant_n as_o of_o these_o in_o question_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o baptise_v of_o these_o in_o question_n harden_v the_o parent_n ans._n not_o at_o all_o in_o the_o way_n we_o go_v any_o more_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o child_n baptism_n then_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o baptism_n which_o he_o receive_v in_o infancy_n for_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v any_o more_o than_o federal_a holiness_n and_o that_o he_o have_v when_o he_o be_v a_o infant_n on_o that_o ground_n be_v he_o baptise_a then_o and_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n be_v his_o child_n baptise_a now_o if_o he_o have_v any_o more_o he_o may_v have_v the_o more_o comfort_n in_o it_o but_o simple_o to_o have_v his_o child_n baptise_a on_o the_o ground_n we_o go_v upon_o affirm_v no_o more_o but_o this_o because_o we_o ground_n all_o upon_o federal_a holiness_n or_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o dispense_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o clothe_v with_o the_o external_a dispensation_n or_o administration_n thereof_o and_o so_o it_o do_v next_o and_o immediate_o seal_v the_o external_a dispensation_n or_o the_o promise_v and_o privilege_n that_o belong_v thereto_o which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o then_o it_o seal_v the_o inward_a and_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o include_v in_o that_o dispensation_n and_o upon_o the_o condition_n therein_o propound_v baptism_n seal_v the_o whole_a covenant_n and_o whole_a dispensation_n thereof_o i._n e._n 1._o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o outward_o to_o all_o that_o have_v a_o external_a stand_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o dispensation_n and_o communication_n of_o it_o inward_o effectual_o and_o save_o to_o all_o that_o true_o do_v believe_v 2._o that_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o entrance_n into_o the_o covenant_n thus_o consider_v it_o seal_v the_o whole_a covenant_n but_o by_o way_n of_o initiation_n so_o dr._n ames_n in_o the_o place_n that_o be_v here_o quote_v medul_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 40._o thes._n 5_o 6._o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o initiation_n or_o regeneration_n for_o although_o it_o do_v at_o once_o seal_v the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o faithful_a yet_o by_o a_o singular_a appropriation_n it_o represent_v and_o confirm_v our_o very_a engraft_v into_o christ_n rom._n 6.3_o 5._o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o thesis_n 10._o those_o benefit_n be_v seal_v by_o way_n of_o initiation_n in_o baptism_n and_o from_o thence_o the_o judicious_a doctor_n make_v that_o inference_n that_o suit_v and_o clear_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n thes._n 11._o hence_o baptism_n ought_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n now_o first_o enter_v into_o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n seal_v up_o unto_o the_o party_n baptize_v all_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v in_o season_n communicate_v and_o enjoy_v from_o step_n to_o step_v through_o the_o whole_a progress_n of_o christianity_n from_o this_o first_o beginning_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n hence_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n or_o that_o have_v but_o a_o first_o entrance_n thereinto_o child_n as_o well_o as_o other_o though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o such_o faith_n and_o growth_n as_o import_v that_o progress_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o fruition_n of_o the_o comfort_n and_o â—ruits_n thereof_o that_o be_v seal_v up_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o ready_o grant_v and_o say_v that_o â—â—ne_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n apply_v in_o thâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d those_o that_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o by_o faith_n unless_o you_o can_v show_v we_o any_o other_o way_n of_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n but_o by_o faith_n but_o withal_o we_o affâ—â—m_o and_o prove_v that_o the_o child_n in_o question_n have_v interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o know_a tenor_n thereof_o gen._n 17.7_o and_o therefore_o that_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v
if_o actual_a be_v contradistinct_a from_o potential_a then_o they_o that_o be_v member_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v actual_a member_n and_o not_o only_o potential_a or_o potential_o such_o for_o such_o potential_a member_n the_o scripture_n approve_v not_o upon_o these_o ground_n we_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o the_o alteration_n forementioned_a propos._n 3_o the_o infant-seed_n etc._n etc._n when_o grow_v up_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n arg._n 1._o child_n be_v under_o patriarchall_a and_o moysaicall_a discipline_n of_o old_a etc._n etc._n reply_n the_o text_n allege_v viz._n gen._n 18.19_o &_o 21.9_o 10.12_o and_o gal._n 5.3_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o antecedent_n viz._n that_o child_n be_v under_o patriarchal_a and_o moysaicall_a discipline_n p._n 10._o ans._n and_o yet_o for_o the_o one_o of_o these_o the_o reverend_a author_n confess_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o argument_n pag._n 11.12_o that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o patriarch_n family_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n from_o their_o be_v circumcise_v all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n until_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o as_o ishmael_n or_o voluntary_o depart_v from_o it_o as_o esau._n and_o do_v not_o this_o sufficient_o imply_v that_o child_n in_o those_o church_n when_o adult_n be_v under_o discipline_n in_o those_o church_n for_o can_v we_o think_v that_o those_o church_n have_v no_o church-discipline_n in_o they_o or_o that_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v not_o under_o that_o discipline_n or_o the_o child_n when_o grow_v up_o be_v not_o member_n sure_o if_o they_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n from_o their_o be_v circumcise_v all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n until_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o or_o do_v voluntary_o go_v away_o than_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a grow_v up_o to_o be_v adult_n that_o cause_v their_o church-relation_n or_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n to_o cease_v and_o if_o their_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n do_v not_o cease_v but_o continue_v how_o can_v it_o be_v avoid_v but_o they_o be_v under_o church-discipline_n where_o shall_v we_o find_v ground_n from_o scripture_n or_o good_a reason_n that_o these_o child_n when_o adult_n do_v still_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o under_o the_o church-discipline_n that_o then_o be_v it_o seem_v to_o we_o that_o the_o one_o of_o these_o which_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v express_o affirm_v do_v unavoidable_o imply_v the_o other_o which_o be_v affirm_v by_o the_o synod_n there_o may_v be_v many_o child_n in_o those_o family_n of_o the_o patriarch_n who_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n be_v neither_o cast_v out_o as_o ishmael_n nor_o depart_v as_o esau_n and_o these_o continue_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n from_o their_o be_v circumcise_v as_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v they_o do_v they_o be_v therefore_o under_o the_o church-discipline_n that_o then_o be_v and_o if_o they_o may_v be_v cast_v out_o as_o ishmael_n be_v gen._n 21._o as_o the_o reverend_a author_n confess_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v discipline_n in_o those_o church_n and_o that_o child_n when_o grow_v up_o be_v subject_a thereto_o for_o as_o for_o that_o which_o the_o reverend_a author_n suggest_v pag._n 11._o that_o ishmael_n be_v thirteen_o year_n old_a when_o he_o be_v circumcise_v be_v then_o admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n and_o full_a communion_n by_o his_o personal_a covenant_v be_v at_o year_n of_o discretion_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v very_o unusual_a that_o child_n at_o thirteen_o year_n of_o age_n shall_v be_v fit_a for_o full_a communion_n and_o as_o for_o ishmael_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n testify_v of_o he_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o shall_v be_v a_o wild_a man_n and_o his_o hand_n against_o every_o man_n and_o every_o man_n hand_n against_o he_o gen._n 16._o &_o when_o as_o he_o soon_o after_o become_v such_o a_o mocker_n and_o persecutor_n gen._n 21._o gal._n 4._o as_o that_o for_o it_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o gen._n 21._o it_o be_v therefore_o not_o very_o probable_a that_o he_o at_o thirteen_o year_n of_o age_n have_v so_o much_o goodness_n in_o he_o as_o that_o upon_o the_o profession_n thereof_o he_o shall_v then_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n it_o seem_v to_o we_o more_o probable_a consider_v the_o thing_n mention_v that_o he_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o child_n in_o minority_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o yet_o when_o grow_v up_o he_o be_v so_o under_o discipline_n as_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o for_o his_o wickedness_n and_o for_o that_o other_o of_o mosaical_a discipline_n the_o reverend_a author_n confess_v p._n 11_o 12._o that_o all_o the_o grow_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n be_v bring_v under_o such_o discipline_n as_o be_v establish_v in_o that_o church_n by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n whereof_o all_o adult_n person_n be_v to_o take_v hold_v personal_o and_o if_o all_o the_o grow_v member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v bring_v under_o such_o discipline_n as_o be_v then_o establish_v than_o the_o other_o particular_a in_o the_o antecedent_n that_o child_n be_v uâ—der_o mosaical_a discipline_n be_v here_o also_o confess_v by_o the_o author_n indeed_o he_o conceive_v they_o be_v bring_v under_o discipline_n by_o covenant_v personal_o but_o that_o be_v not_o clear_a but_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o they_o be_v under_o discipline_n this_o we_o see_v be_v by_o he_o confess_v which_o be_v that_o which_o the_o synod_n affirm_v and_o why_o may_v not_o that_o text_n gal._n 5.3_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n thereof_o if_o they_o that_o be_v circumcise_v be_v bind_v to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n as_o the_o text_n affirm_v then_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o that_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n appoint_v and_o therefore_o child_n be_v circumcise_v be_v so_o bind_v even_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n for_o than_o they_o remain_v circumcise_v there_o be_v good_a expositor_n who_o upon_o that_o text_n do_v teach_v that_o circumcision_n be_v a_o obligation_n to_o the_o keep_n of_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o baptism_n be_v the_o like_a for_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o gospel_n see_v paraeus_n and_o perkins_n in_o loc_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o what_o discipline_n be_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n child_n circumcise_v in_o infancy_n be_v subject_a thereto_o when_o adult_n as_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o circumcision_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o antecedent_n in_o this_o argument_n but_o say_v the_o reverend_a author_n though_o the_o antecedent_n be_v more_o manifest_o true_a yet_o the_o consequent_a be_v not_o good_a for_o there_o be_v not_o par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la the_o like_a reason_n of_o those_o patriarchal_a and_o moysaicall_a church_n and_o of_o congregational_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n page_n 11._o ans._n and_o yet_o the_o reverend_a author_n confess_v in_o position_n the_o five_o and_o six_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n under_o the_o law_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o give_v to_o the_o gentile_n yea_o and_o that_o baptism_n be_v come_v in_o the_o place_n of_o circumcision_n and_o therefore_o infant_n of_o confederate_n be_v now_o to_o be_v baptise_a as_o than_o they_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_v they_o be_v both_o outward_a seal_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n in_o substance_n so_o that_o here_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a acknowledgement_n that_o there_o be_v par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la though_o in_o the_o place_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v deny_v for_o if_o the_o covenant_n be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o now_o as_o it_o be_v then_o and_o that_o therefore_o baptism_n may_v be_v now_o dispense_v to_o infant_n as_o circumcision_n be_v then_o those_o ordinance_n be_v both_o seal_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n for_o substance_n be_v not_o this_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la between_o they_o and_o if_o so_o what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o that_o child_n when_o grow_v up_o may_v as_o well_o be_v under_o church-discipline_n now_o as_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o may_v they_o be_v now_o baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n as_o than_o they_o be_v circumcise_a because_o there_o be_v in_o both_o par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la and_o may_v they_o be_v then_o under_o church-discipline_n and_o yet_o now_o not_o so_o because_o here_o there_o be_v not_o par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la be_v
in_o church-affair_n where_o if_o by_o receive_v such_o into_o membership_n be_v mean_v that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n before_o now_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n but_o be_v now_o first_o receive_v into_o that_o estate_n then_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o adult_a person_n speak_v of_o be_v not_o now_o first_o receive_v into_o membership_n but_o have_v be_v in_o that_o estate_n long_o since_o even_o from_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v now_o receive_v into_o membership_n but_o if_o hereby_o be_v mean_v that_o they_o can_v regular_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v member_n until_o they_o be_v fit_o qualify_v for_o all_o ordinance_n for_o vote_v and_o for_o judge_v in_o censure_n than_o this_o be_v but_o the_o same_o which_o we_o have_v before_o even_o a_o affirmation_n contrary_a to_o what_o the_o synod_n have_v say_v but_o till_o the_o synod_n proposition_n with_o their_o argument_n forâ—â—_n and_o their_o inference_n from_o iâ—_n be_v remove_v the_o reader_n may_v judge_v what_o be_v to_o be_v think_v of_o a_o mere_a affirmation_n to_o the_o contrary_n so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o synod_n four_o proposition_n propos._n 5._o for_o the_o five_o proposition_n viz._n church-member_n who_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a the_o first_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o confirm_v this_o proposition_n be_v because_o the_o child_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o baptise_v any_o child_n whatsoever_o and_o neither_o the_o parent_n nor_o the_o child_n do_v put_v in_o any_o bar_n to_o hinder_v it_o of_o which_o the_o former_a branch_n be_v prove_v because_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o title_n to_o baptism_n and_o this_o these_o child_n have_v and_o that_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o baptise_v anâ—_n the_o synod_n prove_v because_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o title_n to_o circumcision_n gen._n 17.7_o 9_o 10_o 11._o to_o which_o baptism_n now_o answer_v col._n 2.11_o 12_o and_o because_o in_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d ground_n exhort_v to_o be_v baptize_v because_o the_o promise_n 〈◊〉_d covenant_n be_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n now_o what_o say_v the_o reverend_a author_n to_o these_o proof_n true_o nothing_o at_o all_o that_o do_v appear_v and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n &_o proof_n of_o it_o stand_v good_a for_o aught_o that_o be_v here_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o since_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a then_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o circumcision_n and_o that_o they_o in_o acts._n 2._o be_v therefore_o exhort_v to_o be_v baptize_v i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n say_v god_n gen._n 17._o between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o you_o shall_v therefore_o keep_v my_o covenant_n and_o this_o be_v my_o covenant_n which_o you_o shall_v keep_v every_o male_a among_o you_o shall_v be_v circumcise_v and_o say_v peter_n repent_v and_o â—e_v baptize_v wherefore_o or_o on_o what_o ground_n must_v they_o be_v so_o because_o say_v he_o thâ—_n promise_v 〈…〉_z to_o your_o child_n whereby_o it_o be_v undeniable_o plain_a that_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o title_n to_o circumcision_n and_o be_v now_o of_o title_n to_o baptism_n nor_o can_v this_o be_v deny_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n because_o he_o plain_o yield_v in_o position_n five_o and_o six_o premise_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n under_o the_o law_n and_o 〈◊〉_d the_o gospel_n and_o that_o baptism_n â—â—come_v in_o the_o place_n of_o circumcision_n and_o therefore_o infant_n of_o confederate_n be_v now_o to_o be_v baptize_v as_o thou_o they_o be_v circumcise_v they_o both_o be_v outward_a seal_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n in_o substance_n pag._n 3_o 4._o so_o that_o in_o his_o judgement_n title_n to_o circumcision_n than_o be_v and_o to_o baptism_n now_o be_v right_o infer_v from_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n which_o the_o very_a thing_n here_o affirm_v by_o the_o synod_n what_o then_o do_v the_o reverend_a author_n here_o say_v why_o that_o which_o he_o say_v be_v this_o that_o man_n must_v be_v due_o qualify_v before_o they_o may_v be_v admire_v to_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n and_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n look_v for_o this_o qualification_n in_o the_o 〈…〉_z admit_v into_o church-membership_a which_o do_v not_o at_o all_o enervate_a what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v for_o suppose_v man_n must_v be_v due_o qualify_v before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o covenant_n and_o membership_n do_v this_o prove_v that_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o ground_n of_o title_n to_o the_o seal_n it_o seem_v not_o to_o prove_v it_o at_o all_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o this_o speak_v not_o to_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n but_o to_o another_o point_n for_o whether_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n do_v prove_v right_a to_o the_o seal_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o how_o man_n shall_v be_v qualify_v afore_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o covenant_n be_v another_o and_o the_o former_a be_v that_o which_o be_v here_o affirm_v by_o the_o synod_n it_o can_v be_v overthrow_v by_o what_o the_o reverend_a author_n affirm_v concern_v the_o latter_a except_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v sufficient_o confute_v by_o speak_v to_o another_o point_n when_o one_o do_v not_o speak_v ad_fw-la idem_fw-la whether_o the_o parent_n of_o the_o child_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v due_o qualify_v for_o covenant_n and_o unto_o membership_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n here_o in_o question_n nor_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o synod_n but_o here_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o affirm_v that_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n give_v title_n to_o baptism_n beside_o suppose_v the_o qualification_n here_o mention_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n of_o be_v sâ—ints_v sanctify_a and_o faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o rest_n suppose_v these_o be_v requisite_a in_o man_n that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o covenant_n and_o membership_n yet_o this_o concern_v not_o the_o parent_n of_o the_o child_n here_o speak_v of_o because_o they_o be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n and_o church_n membership_n but_o be_v therein_o already_o and_o have_v be_v long_o afore_o now_o even_o from_o their_o minority_n oâ—_n birth_n and_o therefore_o this_o also_o be_v another_o reason_n why_o that_o which_o be_v here_o speak_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n be_v beside_o the_o question_n further_o whereas_o the_o synod_n here_o add_v that_o a_o member_n or_o one_o in_o covenant_n as_o such_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n be_v further_o clear_v in_o propos._n 1_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o the_o light_n which_o that_o proposition_n hold_v forth_o for_o clear_v this_o be_v in_o one_o clause_n which_o be_v here_o omit_v viz._n according_a to_o scripture_n 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 ans._n then_o let_v that_o clause_n be_v here_o add_v which_o be_v there_o express_v by_o the_o synod_n in_o that_o first_o proposition_n if_o then_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v consent_v thereto_o as_o it_o may_v seem_v by_o his_o manner_n of_o allege_v it_o that_o he_o do_v then_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o affirm_v be_v gain_v viz._n that_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o title_n to_o baptism_n and_o indeed_o the_o synod_n give_v five_o argument_n for_o clear_v of_o that_o first_o proposition_n which_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v not_o there_o meddle_v withal_o much_o less_o remove_v and_o therefore_o they_o still_o stand_v in_o force_n only_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o whereas_o here_o he_o seem_v to_o consent_v to_o the_o proposition_n if_o that_o term_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v add_v yet_o when_o he_o speak_v to_o that_o first_o proposition_n he_o consent_v not_o thereto_o unless_o this_o term_n according_a to_o scripture_n might_n be_v change_v into_o this_o according_a to_o christ_n ordinance_n otherwise_o he_o can_v not_o then_o concur_v with_o that_o proposition_n and_o this_o term_n in_o it_o though_o now_o it_o seem_v he_o do_v but_o whether_o it_o be_v express_v the_o one_o way_n or_o
of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n therein_o if_o the_o parent_n do_v not_o continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n than_o there_o may_v be_v some_o question_n whether_o the_o child_n be_v part_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o synod_n speak_v of_o the_o child_n of_o those_o that_o continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o if_o any_o think_v it_o to_o be_v a_o wellgrounded_n persuasion_n that_o the_o parent_n may_v continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o yet_o the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o church_n we_o confess_v we_o see_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o such_o a_o persuasion_n for_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v here_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o covenant_n run_v to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o seed_n after_o we_o in_o their_o generation_n pag._n 32._o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a be_v it_o not_o then_o true_a that_o if_o the_o parent_n continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n be_v also_o part_n of_o the_o church_n for_o how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v the_o constitute_a form_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v constitute_v thereby_o but_o say_v the_o reverend_a author_n this_o must_v be_v understand_v and_o apply_v suitable_o to_o the_o different_a constitution_n of_o church_n under_o different_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n under_o the_o old-testament_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n ans._n let_v this_o be_v grant_v yet_o as_o long_o as_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v not_o deny_v which_o must_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o he_o confess_v it_o to_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o the_o covenant_n run_v to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o seed_n after_o we_o in_o their_o generation_n so_o long_o as_o this_o be_v not_o deny_v the_o dâ—fference_n in_o other_o thing_n between_o the_o old-testament_n and_o the_o new_a will_v not_o weaken_v our_o cause_n at_o all_o for_o though_o for_o constitution_n of_o church_n the_o church_n be_v then_o national_a and_o now_o congregational_a and_o though_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v then_o under_o many_o type_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v now_o remove_v and_o notwithstanding_o any_o other_o difference_n that_o can_v be_v name_v yet_o if_o there_o be_v not_o this_o difference_n also_o that_o the_o covenant_n do_v run_v to_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n but_o not_o to_o we_o and_o our_o seed_n in_o like_a sort_n if_o this_o difference_n also_o be_v not_o assert_v we_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o even_o now_o as_o well_o as_o then_o if_o the_o parent_n continue_v in_o covenant_n the_o child_n do_v so_o also_o and_o so_o be_v part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o what_o the_o synod_n affirm_v be_v gain_v for_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o though_o it_o be_v so_o then_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o now_o except_o we_o shall_v deny_v what_o the_o reverend_a author_n confess_v to_o be_v true_a that_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o only_o run_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o seed_n but_o also_o runâ—_n to_o we_o and_o our_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o what_o the_o synod_n gather_v from_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o god_n have_v so_o frame_v his_o covenant_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o church_n thereby_o as_o to_o design_n a_o continuation_n and_o propagation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n therein_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o if_o the_o covenant_n run_v to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o seed_n after_o we_o in_o their_o generation_n whereas_o the_o synod_n say_v that_o to_o keep_v in_o the_o line_n and_o under_o the_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o true_a way_n to_o the_o church_n glory_n the_o answer_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o sum_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v so_o indeed_o when_o there_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o faith_n make_v visible_a to_o the_o church_n charitable_a judgement_n but_o not_o so_o when_o such_o a_o membership_n be_v set_v uâ—_n in_o christian_a church_n whereby_o infant_n shall_v be_v baptise_a by_o right_a from_o such_o parent_n as_o be_v not_o in_o fâ—ll_a communion_n for_o what_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n hâ—th_v the_o covenant_n upon_o such_o parent_n whereto_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v qualify_v as_o this_o proposition_n express_v there_o be_v manifest_a influence_n of_o the_o covenant_n upon_o they_o though_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o come_v so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v fit_a for_o full_a communion_n for_o when_o they_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n be_v now_o when_o adult_n not_o only_o free_a from_o scandal_n in_o life_n but_o also_o endow_v with_o a_o competency_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o solemn_o assent_v thereto_o and_o own_o the_o covenant_n and_o therein_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n we_o conceive_v all_o this_o do_v import_v some_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o covenant_n upon_o they_o but_o if_o for_o all_o this_o they_o shall_v be_v disow_v from_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n how_o then_o can_v that_o be_v deny_v which_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v that_o by_o this_o cut_n off_o and_o disavow_v the_o covenant_n zion_n be_v hinder_v from_o be_v a_o eternal_a excellency_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o many_o generation_n for_o whatever_o joy_n it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o first_o generation_n yet_o if_o all_o that_o follow_v though_o qualify_v as_o the_o proposition_n express_v be_v nevertheless_o deny_v to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o church_n of_o god_n till_o fit_v for_o full_a communion_n we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o such_o follow_a generation_n can_v be_v any_o great_a excellency_n or_o joy_n at_o all_o the_o synod_n have_v say_v that_o this_o progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n establish_v the_o church_n deut._n 29.13_o jer._n 30.20_o and_o that_o therefore_o the_o contrary_n do_v disestablish_v it_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o the_o argument_n be_v to_o be_v deny_v for_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o if_o god_n do_v establish_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o such_o a_o successive_a progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n deut._n 29.13_o therefore_o he_o do_v so_o now_o pag._n 33._o a._n why_o do_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o if_o god_n do_v establish_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o a_o progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o therefore_o he_o do_v so_o now_o be_v not_o that_o true_a which_o the_o reverend_a author_n confess_v to_o be_v true_a that_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o covenant_n run_v to_o we_o and_o our_o seed_n after_o we_o in_o their_o generation_n and_o be_v not_o that_o true_a also_o which_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v though_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v nothing_o to_o it_o that_o god_n be_v a_o holy_a god_n and_o love_v the_o purity_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o he_o go_v in_o this_o way_n of_o a_o successive_a progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o suppose_v this_o can_v be_v deny_v and_o therefore_o if_o a_o progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v establish_v the_o church_n then_o why_o not_o so_o now_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o the_o holy_a god_n do_v not_o so_o regard_v the_o purity_n of_o his_o church_n in_o those_o time_n and_o therefore_o do_v then_o establish_v the_o church_n in_o this_o way_n which_o now_o he_o will_v not_o do_v as_o be_v now_o more_o careful_a of_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o church_n we_o fear_v that_o to_o say_v this_o will_v be_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n holiness_n and_o glory_n and_o plain_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o same_o church-estate_n for_o substance_n and_o kindâ—_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o give_v to_o the_o gentile_n mat._n 21.43_o and_o therefore_o the_o gentile_n be_v say_v to_o be_v fellow-heâ—rs_a and_o of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o they_o ephes._n 3.6_o and_o therefore_o what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o that_o if_o a_o progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o establish_v the_o church_n then_o it_o may_v be_v the_o same_o in_o â—hese_fw-mi 〈◊〉_d also_o the_o synod_n have_v say_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o their_o five_o argument_n for_o confirm_v this_o five_o proposition_n that_o the_o more_o holy_a reform_v and_o glorious_a that_o the_o â—â—mâ—s_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o eminent_o be_v a_o successive_a continuation_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o church_n therein_o design_v promise_a and_o intend_v and_o have_v for_o this_o allege_v these_o scripture_n isa._n 60.15_o &_o
59.21_o ezek._n 37.25_o 28._o psal._n 102.16_o 28._o jer._n 32_o 39_o the_o reverend_a author_n apply_v all_o these_o very_a text_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o church_n he_o say_v must_v consist_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o of_o elect_a and_o sincere_a believer_n only_o both_o they_o and_o their_o child_n successive_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o which_o he_o allege_v the_o text_n aforementioned_a pag._n 33._o ans._n it_o be_v free_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v and_o convert_v shall_v be_v very_o holy_a and_o glorious_a and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v question_v whether_o that_o church_n shall_v have_v none_o in_o it_o but_o only_o elect_v and_o sincere_a believer_n both_o they_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o when_o christ_n shall_v come_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o virgin_n in_o respect_n of_o much_o ecclesiastical_a purity_n yet_o those_o virgin_n be_v some_o of_o they_o foolish_a virgin_n that_o have_v no_o oil_n in_o their_o vessel_n with_o their_o lamp_n and_o so_o must_v have_v the_o door_n of_o the_o marriage-chamber_n shut_v against_o they_o matth._n 25._o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o all_o sincere_a believer_n and_o elect_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v a_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n will_v be_v so_o free_a from_o hypocrite_n as_o be_v say_v 2._o if_o these_o scripture_n isa._n 60.15_o &_o 59.21_o and_o the_o rest_n do_v prove_v that_o when_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v call_v it_o shall_v be_v with_o they_o as_o be_v say_v then_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v be_v gain_v and_o stand_v good_a viz._n that_o in_o holy_a reform_v and_o most_o glorious_a time_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o continuation_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o parent_n to_o child_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o be_v here_o affirm_v by_o the_o synod_n 3._o though_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v here_o suggest_v this_o difference_n between_o that_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o gentile_a church_n that_o these_o latter_a shall_v have_v close_a hypocrite_n creep_v into_o they_o and_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n by_o their_o degeneracy_n when_o adult_n stop_v the_o successive_a progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v otherwise_o yet_o since_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o the_o nation_n of_o they_o that_o be_v save_v shall_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o that_o new_a jerusalem_n rev._n 21._o and_o that_o then_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v king_n in_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o lord_n and_o his_o name_n one_o zech._n 14._o and_o that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n shall_v be_v write_v upon_o philadelphia_n a_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n rev._n 3._o it_o may_v seem_v upon_o these_o consideration_n and_o the_o like_a that_o there_o will_v at_o that_o time_n be_v good_a conformity_n between_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_a church_n and_o no_o such_o disproportion_n or_o difference_n that_o in_o the_o one_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o continuation_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n from_o parent_n and_o child_n successive_o but_o in_o the_o other_o not_o so_o we_o see_v no_o ground_n for_o believe_v such_o a_o difference_n but_o for_o aught_o that_o do_v yet_o appear_v if_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o glory_n in_o the_o one_o as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o successive_a progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n therein_o there_o shall_v or_o may_v be_v the_o like_a in_o the_o gentile_a church_n also_o and_o to_o conceive_v any_o essential_a difference_n between_o either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n then_o and_o gentile_n now_o as_o to_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o whatever_o difference_n there_o may_v be_v as_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o synod_n result_v p._n 9_o be_v a_o conception_n that_o we_o see_v no_o ground_n for_o in_o scripture_n whereas_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v pag._n 34._o that_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n in_o this_o country_n be_v common_o know_v to_o be_v profâ—nâ—_n vaâ—â—_n licentious_a vicious_a stubborn_a proud_a etc._n etc._n and_o complain_v that_o yet_o these_o be_v accept_v into_o immediate_a personal_a membership_n the_o answer_n be_v 1._o as_o before_o that_o we_o think_v there_o be_v no_o accept_n of_o member_n child_n when_o adult_n into_o membership_n but_o a_o accept_n of_o they_o unto_o full_a communion_n when_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o and_o a_o acknowledge_v of_o such_o and_o other_o to_o be_v member_n already_o as_o have_v have_v it_o from_o their_o birth_n or_o minority_n and_o have_v not_o since_o be_v regular_o in_o any_o way_n of_o god_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o same_o to_o call_v this_o a_o accept_n of_o thâ—m_n into_o membership_n we_o think_v be_v very_o improper_a 2._o if_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n general_o be_v common_o know_v to_o be_v so_o vicious_a and_o profane_a as_o be_v say_v this_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a humiliation_n and_o grief_n to_o we_o all_o but_o we_o hope_v it_o be_v too_o much_o to_o say_v so_o of_o the_o generality_n or_o great_a part_n of_o they_o there_o be_v better_a thing_n appear_v in_o many_o 3._o be_v it_o that_o they_o be_v so_o vicious_a or_o not_o we_o think_v there_o be_v great_a reason_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v careful_o watch_v over_o by_o elder_n of_o church_n and_o all_o superior_n that_o so_o their_o corruption_n and_o sin_n may_v be_v mortify_v and_o they_o further_v to_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o whereas_o the_o reverend_a author_n make_v a_o objection_n that_o if_o they_o be_v so_o vicious_a they_o have_v the_o more_o need_n to_o be_v under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o answer_n thereto_o say_v that_o it_o can_v rational_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o will_v submit_v themselves_o thereto_o but_o will_v disregard_n and_o slight_a the_o same_o and_o that_o acceptance_n with_o god_n or_o blessing_n on_o such_o mean_n can_v be_v expect_v because_o god_n limit_n his_o blessing_n to_o his_o own_o appointment_n p._n 34_o 35._o the_o answer_n be_v that_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v afore_o by_o seven_o or_o eight_o argument_n in_o propos._n 3_o that_o these_o child_n be_v by_o god_n appointment_n under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o argument_n have_v be_v former_o vindicate_v and_o clear_v from_o what_o the_o reverend_a author_n have_v say_v against_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o for_o what_o be_v here_o say_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n towards_o such_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n or_o bless_v by_o he_o because_o it_o want_v his_o appointment_n we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o entertain_v this_o say_n except_o there_o be_v some_o better_a proof_n for_o it_o which_o here_o be_v but_o naked_o deliver_v without_o any_o proof_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n towards_o the_o child_n speak_v of_o may_v be_v appoint_v of_o god_n accept_v of_o he_o and_o bless_v by_o he_o for_o aught_o that_o be_v here_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o can_v rational_o be_v expect_v that_o such_o person_n will_v submit_v themselves_o to_o church-discipline_n though_o we_o know_v but_o little_a of_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n towards_o such_o yet_o experience_n do_v testify_v that_o to_o some_o it_o have_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v profitable_a and_o that_o they_o have_v submit_v to_o it_o and_o be_v better_v by_o it_o last_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v a_o little_a afore_o in_o this_o same_o page_n pag._n 34._o mention_v the_o vigilancy_n and_o faithful_a care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o church-elders_a towards_o the_o child_n mention_v as_o a_o way_n or_o mean_n for_o convey_v religion_n down_o to_o after-generation_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n conceive_v to_o be_v sound_a and_o good_a but_o then_o how_o can_v this_o stand_v which_o be_v there_o say_v that_o such_o person_n be_v not_o under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o do_v not_o the_o vigilancy_n of_o church-elders_a import_v some_o kind_n of_o church-watchfulness_n can_v there_o be_v such_o vigilancy_n care_n and_o endeavour_n towards_o such_o as_o be_v noâ—_n under_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n at_o all_o or_o can_v such_o vigilancy_n care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o church-elders_a
know_v they_o be_v bring_v into_o membership_n by_o god_n own_o institution_n and_o appointment_n and_o we_o do_v not_o know_v that_o they_o have_v in_o any_o way_n of_o god_n be_v put_v from_o it_o nor_o consider_v the_o term_n in_o the_o proposition_n can_v be_v just_o judge_v to_o deserve_v any_o such_o matter_n but_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o they_o to_o be_v member_n can_v be_v no_o such_o profane_v and_o pollute_v as_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o four_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n to_o show_v that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o do_v still_o continue_v member_n be_v this_o because_o there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a way_n of_o cessation_n of_o membership_n but_o by_o death_n dismission_n excommunication_n or_o dissolution_n of_o the_o society_n none_o of_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n in_o question_n whereto_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o the_o ennumeration_n be_v insufficient_a there_o be_v another_o ordinary_a way_n i._n e._n desertion_n thus_o esau_n membership_n cease_v and_o so_o many_o they_o who_o be_v adult_n regard_v not_o to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n by_o their_o personal_a and_o immediate_a confederation_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o forsake_v the_o church_n may_v suffice_v to_o deprive_v those_o of_o church-priviledge_n who_o be_v before_o in_o personal_a and_o immediate_a church-fellâ—wship_a 1_o joh._n 2.19_o how_o much_o more_o those_o who_o never_o have_v such_o membership_n etc._n etc._n what_o can_v the_o mediate_v membership_n which_o such_o have_v in_o infancy_n advantage_n they_o for_o continue_v in_o membership_n when_o be_v adult_n they_o live_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o be_v leave_v under_o engagement_n in_o their_o infancy_n unto_o service_n and_o subjection_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n ans._n if_o the_o ennumeration_n be_v not_o sufficient_a but_o that_o that_o of_o desertion_n be_v needful_a to_o be_v add_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o avail_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v but_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o person_n in_o question_n may_v still_o continue_v for_o all_o this_o for_o be_v qualify_v as_o the_o proposition_n express_v they_o be_v far_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o desertion_n or_o forsake_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o this_o though_o it_o be_v add_v to_o the_o particular_n in_o the_o argument_n that_o can_v hinder_v their_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v member_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v just_o charge_v as_o guilty_a of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v here_o express_v viz._n not_o regard_v to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n by_o their_o personal_a and_o immediate_a confederation_n nor_o to_o fit_v themselves_o for_o it_o but_o to_o despise_v the_o church_n of_o god_n not_o desire_v nor_o endeavour_v after_o spiritual_a fitness_n but_o live_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n we_o can_v see_v how_o they_o can_v just_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o person_n qualify_v as_o the_o proposition_n express_v but_o they_o may_v still_o continue_v to_o be_v member_n as_o not_o be_v culpable_a of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o here_o mention_v to_o un-member_n they_o here_o also_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v how_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v again_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o adult_n person_n who_o be_v admit_v in_o infancy_n be_v a_o breach_n of_o that_o covenant_n in_o which_o they_o be_v then_o comprehend_v and_o which_o leave_v they_o under_o engagement_n unto_o service_n and_o subjection_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n which_o show_v that_o they_o be_v still_o in_o the_o covenant_n though_o now_o they_o be_v adult_n for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v their_o sin_n be_v breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o if_o they_o be_v still_o in_o covenant_n than_o they_o still_o continue_v member_n and_o their_o membership_n do_v not_o cease_v with_o their_o infancy_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n here_o affirm_v by_o the_o synod_n for_o that_o of_o esau_n who_o membership_n be_v say_v to_o cease_v by_o desertion_n the_o reverend_a author_n may_v remember_v that_o he_o have_v more_o than_o one_o tell_v we_o of_o invalidity_n of_o proof_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d gospel-time_n which_o proof_n though_o we_o can_v say_v but_o they_o may_v bâ—_n valid_a yet_o why_o shall_v himself_o use_v they_o against_o we_o for_o this_o of_o esau_n be_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n if_o his_o apprehension_n be_v right_a that_o such_o proof_n be_v not_o valid_a but_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o of_o the_o cessation_n of_o membership_n by_o a_o man_n own_o act_n this_o have_v be_v speak_v unto_o before_o pag._n 34.35_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n for_o this_o five_o proposition_n where_o also_o be_v consider_v that_o text_n 1_o joh._n 2.19_o which_o be_v here_o allege_a again_o to_o which_o former_a place_n we_o refer_v the_o reader_n only_o add_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o cessation_n of_o membersip_n which_o the_o synod_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v such_o cessation_n as_o be_v ordinary_a but_o if_o esau_n '_o be_v by_o his_o own_o act_n alone_o why_o may_v we_o not_o say_v that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o extraordinary_a though_o it_o be_v not_o any_o where_o say_v that_o it_o be_v by_o his_o own_o act_n if_o any_o afffirm_v that_o it_o be_v it_o stand_v upon_o they_o to_o prove_v it_o for_o affirmanti_fw-la incumbit_fw-la probatie_fw-mi and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o the_o church_n have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o yet_o negative_a argument_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o cogent_a though_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v but_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o know_v many_o thing_n be_v do_v that_o be_v not_o write_v joh._n 20.30_o &_o 21.25_o and_o therefore_o though_o this_o be_v not_o write_v that_o there_o be_v any_o church-proceeding_n against_o esau_n for_o his_o depart_n from_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o say_v there_o be_v yet_o they_o that_o say_v there_o be_v not_o must_v prove_v there_o be_v not_o because_o the_o mere_a not_o mention_v that_o there_o be_v be_v no_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v not_o and_o for_o any_o further_a proof_n that_o esau_n fall_v off_o from_o his_o church-membership_a be_v by_o his_o own_o act_n alone_o any_o further_a proof_n for_o this_o then_o mere_o the_o not_o express_v of_o any_o church-proceeding_n against_o he_o we_o find_v none_o the_o five_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o confirm_v this_o particular_a that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o do_v still_o continue_v member_n be_v this_o because_o otherwise_o a_o person_n admit_v a_o member_n and_o seal_v by_o baptism_n not_o cast_v out_o nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v may_v the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v still_o remain_v become_v a_o non-member_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o unclean_a world_n which_o the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v not_o whereto_o the_o answer_n in_o sum_n be_v this_o that_o as_o a_o freeman_n child_n of_o some_o corporation_n be_v freeborn_a and_o may_v in_o his_o minority_n trade_n under_o his_o father_n yet_o be_v grow_v up_o must_v personal_o enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n of_o freeman_n or_o else_o may_v not_o trade_v for_o himself_o but_o be_v a_o non-freeman_n by_o his_o own_o default_n and_o have_v lose_v his_o freedom_n by_o not_o enter_v in_o his_o own_o person_n into_o the_o common_a engagement_n etc._n etc._n so_o and_o much_o more_o just_o a_o adult_n person_n make_v himself_o to_o become_v a_o non-member_n by_o not_o covenant_v personal_o as_o his_o father_n do_v ans._n it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v whether_o this_o comparison_n do_v suit_n the_o case_n in_o hand_n for_o 1._o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o freeman_n child_n that_o be_v mention_v be_v this_o that_o he_o may_v in_o his_o minority_n trade_n under_o his_o father_n which_o privilege_n do_v not_o at_o all_o arise_v from_o his_o be_v the_o child_n of_o a_o freeman_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o one_o that_o be_v not_o a_o child_n but_o only_o a_o servant_n of_o such_o a_o freeman_n may_v trade_v under_o the_o freeman_n as_o his_o master_n this_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o such_o freeman_n that_o their_o servant_n and_o other_o belong_v to_o they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o free_a yet_o may_v trade_v for_o they_o and_o in_o their_o name_n which_o be_v upon_o then_o atter_fw-la no_o privilege_n at_o all_o to_o the_o child_n or_o servant_n but_o only_o to_o the_o freeman_n himself_o under_o who_o they_o trade_n but_o will_v any_o say_v that_o to_o be_v a_o child_n of_o a_o church-member_n be_v no_o privilege_n at_o all_o to_o a_o child_n but_o only_o to_o the_o father_n or_o will_v any_o say_v that_o the_o child_n have_v no_o more_o privilege_n
obtain_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o other_o when_o actual_a enter_v into_o that_o office_n and_o state_n be_v hinder_v yet_o when_o such_o as_o be_v in_o church-estate_n already_o do_v desire_n to_o act_v as_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n but_o be_v inevitable_o hinder_v from_o so_o act_v what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o they_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptise_a as_o if_o they_o have_v so_o act_v indeed_o and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o instance_n of_o god_n accept_v of_o abraham_n offer_v his_o son_n of_o david_n building_n the_o temple_n and_o the_o other_o mention_v by_o the_o synod_n be_v sufficient_a proof_n hereof_o we_o see_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_n but_o they_o may_v whereto_o may_v be_v add_v that_o in_o 2_o chron._n 30._o where_o the_o people_n that_o prepare_v their_o heart_n to_o seek_v god_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n in_o the_o passeover_n though_o they_o be_v not_o cleanse_v according_a to_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n yet_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o hinder_v their_o cleanse_n their_o prepare_v their_o heart_n do_v imply_v that_o they_o do_v desire_v it_o and_o hereupon_o at_o the_o prayer_n of_o hezekiah_n they_o be_v accept_v and_o in_o 1_o sam._n 30._o when_o two_o hundred_o of_o david_n man_n be_v by_o faintness_n hinder_v that_o they_o can_v not_o go_v over_o the_o brook_n besor_n as_o he_o and_o other_o do_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o yield_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v part_n of_o the_o spoil_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o go_v down_o to_o the_o battle_n consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o want_v of_o will_n but_o want_v of_o ability_n that_o hinder_v their_o act_n as_o other_o do_v and_o he_o as_o he_o be_v in_o other_o thing_n a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n even_o so_o he_o be_v in_o this_o and_o they_o that_o will_v not_o have_v have_v the_o will_n of_o these_o two_o hundred_o accept_v when_o their_o deed_n be_v so_o inevitable_o hinder_v be_v call_v wicked_a man_n and_o man_n of_o belial_n by_o all_o which_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v further_o confirm_v and_o clear_v when_o they_o say_v in_o this_o their_o three_o reason_n that_o god_n accept_v that_o as_o do_v in_o his_o service_n to_o which_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v albeit_o the_o act_n of_o it_o be_v hinder_v and_o if_o god_n accept_v those_o as_o martyr_n who_o be_v such_o only_a in_o voto_fw-la as_o the_o reverend_a author_n seem_v to_o acknowledge_v pag._n 49_o why_o may_v not_o the_o like_o be_v say_v of_o those_o who_o be_v only_o baptise_a in_o voto_fw-la we_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o that_o if_o in_o the_o one_o case_n god_n accept_v they_o as_o martyr_n he_o do_v also_o in_o the_o other_o as_o person_n baptizeâ—_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v to_o be_v baptise_a in_o voto_fw-la will_v nothing_o advantage_v any_o as_o to_o church-fellowship_n because_o de_fw-fr occultis_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la and_o thing_n be_v not_o manifest_v to_o the_o church_n otherwise_o then_o by_o congruous_a act_n the_o answer_n be_v 1._o that_o the_o thing_n here_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o synod_n be_v not_o at_o all_o of_o receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n as_o the_o reverend_a author_n carry_v it_o but_o of_o baptise_v the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o church-estate_n already_o and_o have_v be_v so_o even_o from_o their_o minority_n 2._o nor_o be_v the_o desire_n they_o speak_v of_o so_o hide_a and_o unknown_a that_o the_o church_n can_v judge_v of_o it_o but_o so_o manifest_a that_o they_o have_v give_v the_o church_n cause_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o look_v at_o they_o as_o so_o qualify_v as_o be_v say_v and_o that_o have_v they_o be_v call_v thereto_o they_o will_v have_v so_o act_v so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o man_n can_v not_o be_v receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n by_o mere_a desire_n of_o such_o state_n when_o that_o desire_n be_v secret_a and_o not_o manifest_a to_o the_o church_n yet_o man_n that_o be_v in_o church-estate_n already_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptise_a when_o their_o desire_n to_o act_v as_o be_v mention_v be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o the_o church_n though_o their_o act_n have_v be_v inevitable_o hinder_v for_o these_o case_n do_v apparent_o differ_v so_o that_o what_o the_o synod_n say_v in_o the_o one_o be_v not_o overthrow_v by_o what_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v in_o thâ—_n other_o 3._o it_o be_v conceive_v by_o some_o that_o those_o who_o of_o the_o ancient_n be_v say_v to_o be_v baptise_a in_o voto_fw-la be_v so_o speak_v of_o because_o they_o be_v martyr_a before_o they_o can_v actual_o receive_v baptism_n and_o yet_o that_o their_o child_n be_v after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o parent_n actual_o baptise_a and_o account_v of_o the_o church_n which_o if_o so_o do_v testify_v that_o they_o count_v it_o a_o great_a matter_n to_o be_v baptise_a in_o voto_fw-la since_o in_o such_o case_n they_o will_v actual_o apply_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n when_o the_o parent_n have_v not_o receive_v it_o actual_o but_o only_o in_o voto_fw-la or_o in_o desire_n and_o how_o much_o more_o may_v baptism_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o child_n in_o question_n who_o parent_n be_v not_o only_a baptise_a actual_o and_o not_o in_o desire_n only_o but_o have_v be_v actual_o member_n of_o the_o church_n even_o from_o their_o birth_n or_o minority_n only_o they_o have_v not_o act_v as_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n but_o have_v be_v inevitable_o hinder_v therein_o though_o they_o have_v be_v know_v to_o the_o church_n to_o desire_v so_o to_o have_v act_v four_o say_v the_o synod_n the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n import_n that_o in_o charity_n that_o be_v here_o do_v interpretative_o which_o be_v mention_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n express_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v it_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a charity_n that_o make_v such_o a_o interpretation_n for_o it_o be_v without_o warrant_n of_o any_o rule_n in_o scripture_n or_o in_o good_a reason_n ans._n but_o be_v this_o certain_a that_o neither_o rule_n in_o scripture_n nor_o good_a reason_n will_v give_v warrant_n for_o such_o charity_n as_o be_v mention_v if_o man_n have_v be_v by_o death_n or_o some_o extraordinary_a providence_n inevitable_o hinder_v from_o so_o act_v as_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n and_o yet_o have_v give_v the_o church_n cause_n to_o look_v at_o they_o as_o such_o as_o will_v have_v so_o act_v if_o they_o have_v be_v thereunto_o call_v and_o not_o inevitable_o hinder_v be_v there_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o no_o warrant_n in_o scripture_n or_o good_a reason_n for_o such_o charity_n as_o be_v speak_v of_o for_o our_o part_n when_o god_n almighty_a accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n when_o the_o party_n inability_n hinder_v from_o do_v so_o much_o as_o he_o will_v 2_o cor._n 8.12_o and_o when_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o charity_n think_v not_o evil_a but_o believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 13.5_o 7._o we_o can_v but_o think_v it_o better_a to_o retain_v and_o exercise_v such_o charity_n as_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o then_o to_o be_v drive_v or_o depart_v from_o it_o as_o if_o no_o rule_n of_o scripture_n or_o good_a reason_n will_v warrant_v it_o if_o that_o which_o be_v mention_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n express_o be_v here_o do_v interpretative_o both_o be_v put_v together_o will_v not_o avail_v to_o put_v the_o parent_n regular_o into_o church-fellowship_n in_o any_o sense_n and_o to_o give_v the_o infant_n a_o right_n to_o baptism_n thereby_o ans._n for_o put_v into_o church-fellowship_n the_o thing_n here_o mention_v by_o the_o synod_n be_v not_o by_o they_o allege_v for_o that_o end_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o that_o be_v say_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n be_v grant_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v not_o at_o all_o weaken_a thereby_o but_o if_o the_o thing_n mention_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o baptise_v of_o the_o child_n of_o parent_n who_o be_v in_o church-fellowship_n already_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v sufficient_o gain_v but_o why_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n mention_v avail_v to_o put_v the_o parent_n into_o church-fellowship_n the_o reason_n render_v be_v because_o by_o christ_n ordinance_n only_o adult_a person_n who_o have_v true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v adult_n member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o the_o same_o person_n make_v profession_n thereof_o outward_o in_o the_o order_n by_o he_o appoint_v may_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o they_o only_o can_v give_v their_o infant-seed_n a_o right_a unto_o baptism_n ans._n and_o be_v this_o certain_a and_o clear_a that_o only_o they_o who_o have_v true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o so_o be_v