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
minority_n be_v not_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n no_o more_o than_o child_n when_o adult_n or_o grow_v up_o and_o if_o the_o logician_n rule_v be_v good_a which_o say_v à _fw-la quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la valet_fw-la conjâ—quentiâ—_n then_o if_o infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n must_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n because_o of_o their_o want_n of_o the_o ability_n speak_v of_o it_o will_v follow_v if_o the_o like_a inability_n be_v find_v in_o the_o adult_n that_o these_o also_o must_v not_o be_v admit_v and_o that_o for_o the_o like_a reason_n and_o â—f_o that_o text_n 1_o cor._n 11._o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o one_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o proof_n of_o the_o other_o also_o and_o so_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n stand_v good_a the_o exception_n he_o add_v be_v that_o yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n they_o be_v and_o continue_v member_n regular_o be_v through_o want_n of_o that_o ability_n not_o fit_a for_o church-communion_n i._n e._n for_o full_a communion_n ans._n if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o continue_v member_n why_o shall_v not_o something_o be_v produce_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a why_o shall_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v bare_o affirm_v and_o not_o prove_v it_o be_v sure_a they_o be_v once_o member_n and_o as_o such_o be_v baptise_a and_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o though_o now_o they_o be_v adult_n or_o grow_v up_o yet_o they_o be_v never_o in_o any_o way_n of_o god_n cut_v off_o or_o cast_v out_o from_o their_o membership_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v it_o more_o rational_a to_o say_v that_o they_o stâ—ll_v continue_v to_o be_v member_n then_o to_o say_v that_o they_o do_v not_o and_o this_o without_o allege_v any_o proof_n at_o all_o as_o for_o that_o which_o here_o follow_v that_o if_o person_n be_v unbaptise_v shall_v desire_v to_o have_v the_o covenant_n and_o their_o church-membership_a seal_v by_o baptism_n they_o must_v hold_v fâ—rth_a faith_n in_o christ_n wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n before_o they_o may_v be_v baptize_v as_o philip_n require_v the_o eunuch_n act_v 8._o so_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n fâ—om_o baptize_v in_o infancy_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n desire_n to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n he_o must_v hold_v forth_o his_o personal_a faith_n in_o the_o son_n 〈◊〉_d god_n &c_n &c_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o as_o be_v say_v parity_n of_o reason_n between_o the_o case_n allege_v but_o great_a disparity_n for_o in_o the_o one_o case_n the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v unbaptise_v in_o the_o other_o baptize_v already_o in_o the_o one_o case_n the_o person_n desire_v to_o have_v the_o covenant_n and_o their_o church-membership_a seal_v by_o baptism_n and_o in_o the_o other_o case_n there_o be_v no_o such_o dâ—siâ—e_n the_o person_n have_v have_v the_o covenant_n and_o their_o membership_n seal_v by_o baptism_n already_o even_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n long_o since_o in_o the_o one_o case_n the_o person_n seem_v as_o yet_o to_o be_v non-member_n though_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d that_o privilege_n but_o in_o the_o other_o case_n the_o person_n be_v church-member_n long_o ago_o for_o as_o for_o that_o term_n that_o be_v use_v concern_v these_o 〈◊〉_d dâ—â—ring_v to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a 〈…〉_z câ—â—ve_v this_o word_n of_o join_v to_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o their_o first_o join_v thereto_o be_v very_o improper_a because_o theâ—â—_n person_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v so_o join_v but_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n long_o since_o nor_o be_v the_o church_n now_o to_o admit_v they_o to_o church-membership_a for_o they_o be_v admit_v thereto_o long_o since_o the_o second_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o four_o proposition_n be_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o though_o man_n do_v continue_v member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o for_o ceremonial_a uncleanness_n they_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o full_a communion_n in_o the_o holy_a thing_n yea_o and_o the_o priest_n and_o porter_n have_v special_a charge_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o holy_a thing_n unless_o due_o qualify_v for_o the_o same_o notwithstanding_o their_o membership_n etc._n etc._n to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v 1._o that_o the_o invalidity_n of_o proof_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v apply_v to_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o so_o this_o of_o baptism_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o thing_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o four_o six_o and_o eight_o position_n with_o which_o this_o proof_n do_v not_o agree_v ans._n to_o this_o we_o answer_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v validity_n and_o much_o weight_n in_o proof_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o confirm_v and_o clear_v thing_n under_o the_o new_a for_o even_o those_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n rom._n 15.4_o and_o christ_n himself_o bid_v we_o search_v they_o as_o those_o which_o do_v testify_v of_o he_o joh._n 5.39_o and_o bring_v many_o proof_n out_o of_o those_o scripture_n for_o confirm_v and_o clear_v thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n luk._n 24.44_o 45_o 46._o &_o 16.29_o 31._o and_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n likewise_o even_o in_o main_a &_o fundamental_a matter_n act._n 17.2_o 3._o &_o 28.23_o and_o so_o from_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n now_o 1_o cor._n 9.13_o from_o their_o sacrament_n to_o we_o and_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v those_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v we_o 1_o cor._n 10.1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o and_o much_o more_o that_o may_v be_v add_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v much_o validity_n in_o they_o for_o confirm_v and_o clear_v truth_n in_o new_a testament-time_n 2._o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v acknowledge_v as_o be_v note_v before_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o to_o the_o jew_n former_o and_o to_o the_o gentile_n now_o and_o that_o baptism_n of_o infant_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n may_v be_v right_o prove_v from_o the_o circumcision_n of_o â—_z under_o the_o old_a which_o passage_n do_v sufficient_o witness_v that_o in_o his_o judgement_n there_o be_v validity_n in_o proof_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o thing_n under_o the_o new_a 3._o it_o be_v a_o great_a weakness_n and_o mistake_n in_o sundry_a of_o the_o antipoedobaptist_n that_o they_o will_v limit_v the_o proof_n for_o infant-baptism_n and_o for_o the_o covenant-interest_n of_o child_n unto_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o if_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o circumcision_n of_o infant_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v of_o no_o validity_n for_o the_o purpose_n mention_v and_o it_o be_v not_o comfortable_a that_o the_o reverend_a author_n shall_v so_o often_o harp_n upon_o this_o string_n and_o so_o often_o mention_v this_o matter_n of_o the_o invalidity_n of_o old_a testament-scripture_n for_o proof_n of_o matter_n in_o gospel_n time_n as_o if_o he_o do_v concur_v with_o they_o in_o their_o tenet_n against_o â—oedobaptism_n which_o he_o frequent_o profess_v against_o albeit_o in_o this_o his_o language_n seem_v but_o too_o like_o they_o which_o we_o can_v wish_v be_v otherwise_o 4._o for_o that_o expression_n of_o thing_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n be_v a_o limitation_n or_o explanation_n of_o the_o invalidity_n speak_v of_o let_v this_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n in_o question_n and_o we_o conceive_v it_o will_v not_o weaken_v the_o argument_n in_o hand_n nor_o show_v any_o invalidity_n therein_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a for_o if_o ceremonial_a uncleanness_n do_v hinder_v man_n from_o full_a communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n notwithstanding_o their_o membership_n be_v there_o not_o the_o like_a reason_n or_o rather_o much_o more_o that_o membership_n alone_o shall_v not_o suffice_v for_o full_a communion_n in_o these_o day_n if_o moral_a fitness_n and_o spiritual_a qualification_n be_v want_v it_o seem_v in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v the_o like_a reason_n or_o rather_o much_o more_o and_o therefore_o the_o synod_n argument_n in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o their_o proof_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n can_v be_v lay_v aside_o or_o refuse_v for_o any_o invalidity_n therein_o through_o want_n of_o the_o like_a reason_n 2._o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v if_o the_o text_n allege_v by_o the_o synod_n be_v applicable_a to_o church-member_n in_o gospel-time_n
that_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v give_v to_o these_o by_o the_o promise_n but_o by_o that_o word_n 〈◊〉_d they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o do_v plain_o imply_v the_o contrary_n and_o therefore_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v may_v be_v sound_a and_o good_a for_o all_o that_o the_o reverend_a author_n allege_v if_o their_o doctrine_n here_o be_v not_o right_a than_o it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o god_n promise_v to_o circumcise_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n and_o of_o their_o seed_n deut._n 30.6_o be_v no_o promise_n that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o faith_n and_o repentance_n nor_o any_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o though_o they_o for_o their_o part_n do_v not_o reject_v it_o and_o we_o suppose_v none_o will_v say_v this_o what_o may_v be_v say_v of_o they_o who_o when_o adult_n be_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o what_o may_v be_v hope_v and_o say_v of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o so_o reject_v be_v another_o the_o synod_n speak_v of_o these_o latter_a and_o the_o reverend_a author_n of_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o the_o one_o can_v overthrow_v the_o other_o the_o synod_n conclude_v this_o four_o argument_n by_o add_v as_o follow_v viz._n yet_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o these_o person_n be_v immediate_o fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o reason_n render_v be_v because_o though_o in_o a_o latitude_n of_o expression_n they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v believer_n or_o in_o numero_fw-la fidelium_fw-la as_o even_o infant_n in_o covenant_n be_v yet_o they_o may_v want_v that_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o that_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o that_o ordinance_n as_o be_v say_v upon_o propos._n 4._o to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v 1._o if_o any_o man_n speak_v let_v he_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 4.11_o the_o new-testament_n no_o where_o allow_v that_o latitude_n of_o expression_n to_o call_v man_n believer_n who_o etc._n etc._n ans._n though_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o if_o they_o speak_v to_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o none_o may_v have_v the_o term_v believer_n apply_v to_o they_o except_o the_o term_n be_v find_v so_o apply_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o then_o the_o name_n trinity_n sacrament_n and_o many_o other_o will_v be_v unlawful_a as_o not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n no_o nor_o in_o the_o old_a yet_o we_o suppose_v the_o reverend_a author_n will_v not_o count_v the_o use_n of_o these_o term_n unlawful_a how_o often_o do_v himself_o use_v the_o term_n of_o par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la personal_a membership_n mediate_v and_o immediate_a member_n and_o other_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v term_n not_o find_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o term_n believer_n be_v not_o find_v apply_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o yet_o if_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v find_v and_o the_o matter_n be_v so_o deliver_v as_o become_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n that_o be_v with_o such_o reverence_n purity_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v meet_v we_o suppose_v that_o rule_n of_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v not_o violate_v though_o the_o term_n itself_o be_v not_o so_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n nor_o yet_o in_o the_o old_a and_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o synod_n have_v give_v four_o or_o five_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v visible_a believer_n which_o argument_n we_o do_v not_o see_v satisfy_v by_o what_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v thereto_o 2._o the_o synod_n have_v say_v that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o may_v be_v count_v in_o numero_fw-la fidelium_fw-la as_o even_o infant_n in_o covenant_n be_v the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v they_o can_v be_v so_o account_v because_o infant_n be_v look_v at_o only_a in_o the_o parent_n covenant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o covenant_v for_o themselves_o as_o man_n be_v so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la between_o they_o ans._n though_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o covenant_v for_o themselves_o as_o man_n be_v yet_o their_o covenant_v or_o be_v in_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n here_o intend_v by_o the_o synod_n but_o their_o be_v believer_n or_o in_o numero_fw-la fiâ—â—lium_fw-la of_o which_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v nothing_o but_o the_o thing_n the_o synod_n here_o intimate_v be_v this_o that_o as_o even_o â—_z in_o covenant_n be_v count_v believer_n or_o in_o numero_fw-la fiâ—elium_fw-la so_o may_v the_o parent_n speak_v of_o 3._o whereas_o the_o synod_n say_v they_o may_v want_v that_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o that_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o that_o ordinance_n the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o visible_a want_n of_o this_o ability_n and_o of_o this_o exercise_n of_o faith_n do_v argue_v a_o visible_a want_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o exercise_v and_o be_v a_o just_a bar_n to_o the_o admittance_n of_o such_o into_o immediate_a and_o personal_a church-membership_a as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n ans._n admittance_n into_o membership_n be_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o at_o all_o by_o the_o synod_n for_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v count_v by_o the_o synod_n to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o membership_n long_o afore_o now_o even_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o want_n of_o the_o ability_n mention_v be_v a_o just_a bar_n to_o such_o admittance_n yet_o this_o concern_v not_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o but_o be_v this_o which_o be_v here_o affirm_v certain_a and_o clear_a that_o want_v of_o the_o ability_n and_o exercise_n speak_v of_o do_v argue_v want_n of_o the_o very_o be_v of_o faith_n may_v there_o not_o be_v the_o be_v and_o truth_n of_o that_o grace_n even_o there_o where_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v much_o want_v plain_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n blame_v his_o disciple_n and_o peter_n for_o the_o want_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n mat._n 8._o &_o 14._o mark_v 4._o luke_n 8.25_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v that_o the_o be_v of_o faith_n be_v now_o want_v in_o they_o for_o than_o we_o must_v say_v either_o that_o faith_n once_o have_v may_v afterward_o be_v lose_v and_o go_v or_o else_o that_o these_o disciple_n before_o this_o time_n never_o have_v faith_n neither_o of_o which_o we_o conceive_v can_v be_v say_v true_o how_o plain_a be_v it_o that_o some_o for_o their_o weakness_n and_o small_a ability_n in_o grace_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o bruise_a râ—ed_n and_o to_o smoke_a flax_n mat._n 12_o 20._o and_o yet_o when_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n will_v not_o break_v such_o reedâ—_n nor_o quench_v such_o flax_n it_o appear_v thereby_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o weakness_n there_o may_v be_v the_o â—eâ—ng_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o such_o soul_n and_o for_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o can_v this_o be_v want_v but_o the_o want_n of_o the_o be_v of_o faith_n must_v be_v infer_v thence_o what_o shall_v we_o then_o say_v to_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o heman_n psal._n 88_o who_o complain_v that_o god_n wâ—â—th_n lie_v hard_o upon_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v shut_v up_o and_o can_v not_o come_v forth_o that_o god_n seem_v to_o cast_v off_o his_o soul_n and_o to_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o he_o that_o god_n fierce_a wrath_n go_v over_o he_o that_o god_n terror_n have_v cut_v he_o off_o and_o that_o hereby_o he_o be_v as_o distract_v and_o this_o even_a from_o his_o youth_n up_o noâ—_n can_v we_o think_v that_o in_o such_o case_n he_o be_v able_a to_o examine_v himself_o can_v distract_a person_n do_v so_o it_o seem_v not_o and_o yet_o this_o heman_n be_v not_o without_o the_o graâ—e_n of_o faâ—â—â—_n for_o all_o this_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v say_v that_o wanâ—_n of_o ability_n to_o examine_v one_o self_n or_o of_o the_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n do_v always_o argue_v the_o want_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o â—xerciâ—ed_v and_o therefore_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v may_v still_o stand_v that_o â—he_v person_n speak_v â—f_n may_v be_v believer_n and_o yet_o want_v that_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o that_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o that_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o four_o argument_n for_o confirm_v the_o five_o proposition_n the_o five_o argument_n of_o the_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
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
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
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
the_o other_o with_o the_o term_n of_o member_n according_a to_o scripture_n or_o according_a to_o christ_n ordinance_n if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o such_o member_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o this_o point_n be_v grant_v as_o for_o what_o be_v here_o say_v to_o that_o proposition_n if_o this_o term_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v not_o omit_v but_o take_v in_o viz._n that_o according_a to_o scripture_n the_o covenant_n be_v different_o administer_v in_o different_a time_n of_o the_o church_n which_o different_a manner_n of_o administration_n be_v here_o pag._n 22._o and_o in_o the_o ten_o position_n which_o be_v here_o cite_v say_v to_o be_v this_o in_o sum_n that_o the_o church_n be_v once_o in_o family_n or_o domestical_a under_o moses_n national_a and_o under_o christ_n congregational_n ans._n what_o if_o all_o this_o be_v grant_v be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o for_o we_o will_v willing_o keep_v to_o the_o question_n to_o overthrow_v the_o synod_n fâ—â—st_v proposition_n or_o their_o say_n that_o be_v here_o under_o debate_n viz._n that_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 it_o seem_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o if_o according_a to_o scripture_n there_o have_v be_v different_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o different_a time_n and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v heretofore_o domestical_a afterward_o national_a and_o now_o congregational_a all_o this_o may_v be_v grant_v and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o truth_n that_o be_v here_o say_v that_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 that_o these_o child_n be_v in_o covenant_n the_o synod_n say_v appear_v 1._o because_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v in_o covenant_n the_o child_n be_v so_o also_o but_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v in_o covenant_n to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o if_o this_o be_v in_o covenant_n be_v understand_v of_o be_v in_o it_o according_a to_o gâ—spel-rules_n and_o that_o the_o child_n be_v in_o covenant_n be_v understand_v of_o infant_n child_n or_o child_n in_o minority_n than_o the_o proposition_n be_v true_a or_o else_o it_o must_v be_v deny_v ans._n concern_v the_o one_o of_o these_o particular_n viz._n of_o be_v in_o covenant_n according_a to_o gospel-rule_n it_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o synod_n mean_v it_o any_o otherwise_o but_o for_o the_o other_o particular_a that_o the_o child_n in_o covenant_n be_v only_a infant_n or_o child_n in_o minority_n this_o be_v a_o limitation_n that_o need_v further_a consideration_n and_o will_v be_v speak_v to_o afterward_o whereas_o the_o synod_n to_o prove_v the_o parent_n in_o question_n to_o be_v in_o covenant_n allege_v that_o they_o be_v once_o in_o covenant_n and_o never_o since_o discovenant_v the_o former_a because_o else_o they_o have_v not_o warrantable_o be_v baptise_a and_o the_o latter_a because_o they_o have_v not_o in_o any_o way_n of_o god_n be_v discovenant_v cast_v out_o or_o cut_v off_o from_o their_o covenant-relation_n the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o answer_n hereunto_o say_v that_o they_o be_v discovenant_v by_o not_o perform_v that_o whereunto_o they_o be_v engage_v by_o the_o covenant_n for_o which_o he_o allege_v rom._n 2.25_o ans._n 1._o it_o seem_v then_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o only_o reach_v unto_o child_n during_o their_o minority_n but_o also_o when_o they_o be_v become_v adult_n for_o else_o how_o can_v they_o when_o adult_a be_v faulty_a in_o not_o perform_v that_o whereunto_o the_o covenant_n engage_v can_v man_n be_v faulty_a for_o not_o perform_v covenant-engagement_n when_o they_o be_v not_o comprehend_v in_o the_o covenant_n this_o seem_v not_o possible_a therefore_o here_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o concâ—ssion_n that_o the_o covenant_n reach_v further_a than_o to_o infancy_n or_o minority_n and_o that_o they_o who_o be_v in_o covenant_n in_o their_o infancy_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o be_v also_o in_o that_o covenant_n when_o they_o be_v become_v adult_n 2._o nor_o be_v it_o clear_a that_o mâ—ns_v not_o perform_v what_o the_o covenant_n require_v of_o they_o do_v forthwith_o discovenant_v they_o if_o by_o be_v discovenant_v be_v mean_v their_o not_o be_v in_o that_o church-relation_n in_o which_o they_o be_v before_o for_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v patient_a and_o long-suffering_a towards_o they_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o to_o bear_v with_o they_o long_o afore_o be_v give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o nehem._n 9.30_o many_o year_n do_v thou_o forbear_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v more_o rigour_n than_o the_o word_n allow_v to_o think_v or_o say_v that_o such_o as_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n be_v forthwith_o fall_v out_o of_o that_o estate_n if_o they_o do_v not_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o become_v adult_n perform_v what_o that_o covenant_n require_v the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n will_v not_o allow_v we_o so_o to_o judge_v unless_o we_o have_v more_o clear_a warrant_n for_o such_o judgement_n nor_o do_v the_o text_n allege_v viz._n rom._n 2_o 25._o prove_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o when_o it_o be_v there_o say_v thy_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n the_o meaning_n be_v it_o shall_v not_o profit_v thou_o at_o all_o in_o such_o a_o state_n as_o to_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o so_o baptism_n may_v be_v say_v in_o such_o case_n to_o be_v no_o baptism_n and_o covenant_n and_o church-relation_n to_o be_v no_o covenant_n no_o church-relation_n i._n e._n not_o to_o yield_v any_o such_o profit_n in_o that_o estate_n but_o yet_o if_o such_o shall_v afterward_o be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o new-obedience_n will_v any_o say_v that_o now_o such_o person_n must_v be_v circumcise_v again_o or_o baptize_v again_o as_o if_o the_o former_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o external_a act_n be_v become_v null_n we_o suppose_v this_o can_v not_o be_v say_v just_o though_o in_o respect_n of_o any_o profit_n to_o their_o soul_n their_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n in_o their_o former_a estate_n be_v as_o none_o and_o so_o we_o may_v say_v their_o covenant_n and_o church_n relation_n be_v as_o none_o in_o respect_n of_o any_o spiritual_a save_a benefit_n to_o their_o soul_n if_o they_o perform_v not_o what_o the_o covenant_n bind_v they_o unto_o and_o yet_o it_o can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o church-relation_n and_o external_a visible_a state_n they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n or_o not_o in_o the_o covenant_n then_o in_o the_o other_o particular_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o circumcise_v or_o not_o baptize_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o external_a state_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a benefit_n of_o such_o a_o relation_n and_o though_o this_o latter_a be_v the_o portion_n of_o none_o but_o such_o as_o come_v to_o be_v true_o regenerate_v yet_o the_o other_o be_v and_o so_o continue_v the_o right_a of_o all_o that_o have_v once_o have_v it_o until_o in_o some_o way_n of_o god_n they_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o it_o and_o so_o deprive_v thereof_o the_o synod_n have_v say_v that_o person_n once_o in_o covenant_n be_v not_o break_v off_o from_o it_o according_a to_o scripture_n sare_z for_o notorious_a sin_n and_o incorrigibleness_n therein_o which_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o these_o parent_n the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o if_o they_o break_v off_o themselves_o by_o break_v the_o covenant_n which_o be_v seal_v by_o baptism_n in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n they_o thereby_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o such_o case_n be_v to_o be_v look_v at_o like_o those_o in_o 1_o joh._n 2.19_o ans._n if_o by_o break_v off_o themselves_o be_v mean_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o do_v this_o meritorious_o i._n e._n that_o by_o their_o sin_n they_o deserve_v to_o be_v break_v off_o than_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o in_o this_o sense_n person_n may_v though_o not_o that_o these_o do_v break_v off_o themselves_o from_o their_o covenant-relation_n and_o so_o also_o may_v person_n that_o have_v be_v in_o full_a communion_n even_o these_o by_o their_o sin_n may_v thus_o break_v off_o themselves_o in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v say_v hos._n 13.9_o o_o israel_n thou_o have_v destroy_v thyself_o i._n e._n that_o their_o sin_n be_v the_o procure_n or_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o their_o destruction_n but_o if_o hereby_o be_v mean_v that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o do_v
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