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 thus_o have_v we_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o principal_a reason_n which_o cause_v our_o dissent_n from_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n we_o may_v add_v to_o all_o this_o that_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o great_a corruption_n and_o pollution_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o a_o good_a man_n and_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o in_o europe_n in_o a_o letter_n send_v unto_o one_o in_o america_n i_o hope_v say_v he_o some_o in_o new-england_n will_v with_o clear_a light_n stand_v up_o against_o the_o enlarge_n of_o baptism_n to_o any_o but_o those_o who_o parent_n be_v admit_v unto_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o ever_o it_o be_v passant_a doctrine_n in_o the_o church_n that_o other_o have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o farewell_n to_o new-england_n be_v peculiar_a glory_n of_o undefiled_a administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n these_o thing_n be_v discouragement_n with_o i_o from_o hasten_v to_o new-england_n thus_o he_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v think_v that_o we_o do_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o adagy_n nodum_fw-la in_fw-la scirpo_fw-la quaerere_fw-la make_v scruple_n to_o ourselves_o and_o fear_v where_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n well_o it_o will_v be_v for_o we_o and_o for_o the_o church_n if_o in_o the_o end_n it_o prove_v so_o now_o the_o lord_n grant_v that_o his_o people_n may_v have_v one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o right_a way_n even_o the_o way_n which_o be_v call_v holy_a to_o serve_v he_o for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o and_o of_o their_o child_n after_o they_o and_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n lead_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n into_o all_o truth_n through_o he_o who_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n the_o way_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n certain_a position_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scriptures_fw-fr premise_v to_o the_o whole_a ensue_a discourse_n we_o may_v fit_o begin_v this_o discourse_n with_o what_o the_o reverend_a elder_n say_v in_o their_o preface_n to_o â—hâ—iâ—_n print_v book_n that_o the_o prayer_n of_o epâ—phraâ—_n for_o the_o coâ—_n ssian_n aught_o to_o be_v the_o prayer_n and_o labour_n of_o we_o all_o viz._n that_o we_o may_v stand_v perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v a_o good_a profession_n which_o they_o make_v say_v we_o trust_v it_o be_v our_o sincere_a desire_n that_o â—is_n will_v all_o his_o will_n and_o nothing_o but_o his_o will_n may_v be_v do_v among_o we_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n we_o do_v whole_o refer_v ourselves_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o follow_a conclusion_n be_v indeed_o find_v not_o to_o speak_v according_a thereunto_o â—et_o it_o be_v reject_v this_o do_v encourage_v i_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o seek_v the_o right_a path_n in_o this_o unfrequented_a way_n so_o far_o as_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n holiness_n and_o grace_n together_o with_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o truth_n may_v be_v manifest_v to_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o then_o all_o creature-concernments_a and_o self-respect_n in_o order_n whereunto_o i_o conceive_v our_o principal_a inquiry_n shall_v be_v what_o those_o more_o general_a principle_n of_o truth_n be_v which_o lie_v in_o the_o thing_n controve_v t_v and_o how_o they_o may_v be_v right_o apply_v use_v herein_o only_o such_o light_n as_o the_o scripture_n afford_v by_o compare_v one_o text_n with_o another_o and_o depend_v on_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o supply_v and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o these_o principle_n and_o to_o teach_v we_o by_o they_o that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o universal_a harmony_n of_o truth_n all_o the_o line_n of_o truth_n however_o separate_v in_o the_o circumference_n meet_v together_o in_o these_o principle_n as_o in_o their_o centre_n and_o become_v one_o point_n the_o find_v out_o of_o such_o principle_n and_o right_o apply_v they_o will_v make_v the_o way_n to_o truth_n short_a the_o mystery_n of_o truth_n clear_a and_o the_o unite_a force_n of_o truth_n strong_a against_o error_n a_o sweet_a close_n of_o spirit_n among_o good_a man_n and_o the_o examine_n of_o other_o man_n opinion_n easy_a then_o walk_v after_o the_o large_a circumference_n of_o the_o voluminous_a write_n of_o man_n which_o lead_v we_o further_o from_o these_o principle_n than_o the_o scripture_n alone_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o will_v attain_v and_o be_o press_v after_o as_o in_o other_o controversy_n so_o in_o these_o question_n for_o clear_v the_o truth_n wherein_o i_o shall_v first_o propound_v certain_a thesis_n or_o position_n second_o apply_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o reply_v to_o their_o proposition_n 1._o the_o thesis_n or_o position_n propound_v shall_v be_v these_o follow_v and_o the_o like_a position_n 1_o the_o whole_a scripture_n breathe_v of_o god_n hold_v forth_o a_o perfect_a rule_n as_o of_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n so_o of_o holiness_n towards_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v his_o natural_a and_o institute_v worship_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o position_n 2_o jesus_n christ_n the_o apostle_n and_o hâ—gh_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o all_o holy_a brethren_n partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_n as_o not_o inferior_a in_o his_o office_n to_o moses_n for_o as_o tâ—e_v office_n of_o moses_n reach_v to_o all_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o service_n of_o it_o under_o the_o law_n so_o christ_n office_n reach_v to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o service_n of_o it_o under_o the_o gospel_n 2._o and_o whatsoever_o christ_n do_v institute_v or_o abrogate_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 3._o and_o christ_n be_v no_o less_o faithful_a therein_o then_o moses_n be_v heb._n 3.2_o 3._o so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o unlawful_a for_o man_n to_o alter_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n give_v to_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n or_o to_o add_v thereunto_o or_o to_o diminish_v aught_o therefrom_o as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n deut._n 12.32_o mat._n 28.20_o position_n 3_o christ_n be_v not_o right_o consider_v nor_o due_o esteem_v except_o he_o be_v prefer_v as_o far_o above_o moses_n as_o the_o father_n have_v count_v he_o worthy_a of_o more_o glory_n than_o moses_n and_o as_o far_o above_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o the_o builder_n be_v above_o the_o house_n in_o honour_n and_o authority_n man_n authority_n be_v but_o ministerial_a as_o servant_n who_o be_v to_o act_v only_o by_o direction_n and_o appointment_n christ_n authority_n be_v magisterial_a and_o despotical_a which_o prerogative_n he_o have_v as_o he_o be_v son_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n by_o eternal_a generation_n hence_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n own_o house_n and_o he_o alone_o may_v dispose_v of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o service_n thereof_o as_o it_o please_v he_o by_o alter_v the_o moysaicall_a levitical_a ordinance_n and_o appoint_v a_o more_o spiritual_a and_o simple_a way_n of_o worship_n in_o place_n thereof_o hebr._n 3.3_o to_o 7._o joh._n 4.23_o 24._o 2_o cor._n 11.2_o 3._o position_n 4_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n give_v by_o moses_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n under_o the_o first_o tabernacle_n be_v impose_v on_o the_o jew_n until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n at_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v come_v as_o the_o true_a melchisedec_n change_v the_o levitical_a ordinance_n into_o other_o more_o suitable_a to_o his_o royal_a priesthood_n heb._n 9.9_o 10._o for_o the_o priesthood_n be_v change_v there_o be_v make_v of_o necessity_n a_o change_n of_o the_o law_n heb._n 7.12_o and_o have_v take_v away_o that_o unsupportable_a yoke_n call_v believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o take_v his_o easy_a and_o sweet_a yoke_n upon_o they_o act_v 15.10_o mat._n 11.29_o position_n 5_o though_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n to_o believe_v jew_n under_o the_o law_n and_o to_o believer_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n under_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 4.11_o 12._o and_o though_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 unbelieve_a jew_n and_o give_v to_o the_o believe_a gentile_n matth._n 21.43_o yet_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o kingdom_n be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n
2._o position_n 1_o the_o rule_v give_v of_o christ_n concern_v the_o communion_n of_o christian_a church_n be_v 1._o concern_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o be_v their_o spiritual_a union_n under_o one_o head_n christ_n eph._n 1.22_o 23._o in_o one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o and_o they_o must_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n eph._n 4.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o as_o they_o have_v one_o common_a faith_n tit._n 1.4_o so_o they_o must_v contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n once_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n judas_n ver_fw-la 3._o they_o have_v also_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n gal._n 6_o 16._o the_o same_o officer_n in_o all_o church_n tit._n 1.5_o the_o same_o ordinance_n and_o decree_n 1_o cor._n 7.17_o &_o 16.1_o act_n 16.4_o the_o same_o order_n col._n 2.5_o the_o same_o doctrine_n 1_o cor._n 4.17_o &_o 15.11_o gal._n 1.7_o which_o all_o the_o church_n must_v hold_v fast_o rev._n 3.3_o and_o renounce_v all_o other_o doctrine_n gal._n 1.8_o 9_o 1_o tim._n 1.3_o &_o 6.3.14_o 2._o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o for_o as_o the_o church_n general_o consider_v be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a gal_n 4.26_o so_o particular_a church_n be_v sister_n each_o to_o other_o cant._n 8.8_o and_o there_o be_v a_o brotherhood_n of_o visible_a saint_n throughout_o the_o world_n 1_o pet._n 5.9_o hence_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o communion_n must_v be_v social_a as_o between_o equal_n none_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n over_o another_o par_fw-fr in_fw-la parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la the_o give_v of_o law_n to_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n prerogative_n iâ—m_n 4.12_o who_o have_v also_o commit_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o each_o particular_a institute_v church_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o each_o church_n within_o itself_o without_o dependence_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o church_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la mat._n 16.19_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o 3._o concern_v the_o thing_n wherein_o this_o communion_n must_v be_v exercise_v 1._o in_o general_n in_o mutual_a helpfulness_n according_a to_o god_n by_o mutual_a care_n one_o of_o and_o for_o another_o 1_o cor._n 10.24_o phil._n 2.20_o 21._o 2._o particular_o 1._o by_o spiritual_a helpfulness_n and_o care_v exercise_v 1._o in_o mutual_a prayer_n and_o endeavour_n for_o their_o edification_n cant._n 8.8_o 9_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 7._o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11._o and_o for_o their_o confirmation_n and_o establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n act_v 15.41_o &_o 16.4_o 5._o and_o for_o strengthen_v each_o other_o in_o the_o regular_a application_n of_o church-censure_n to_o their_o delinquent_a member_n 2_o thess_n 3.14_o 2_o tim._n 4.15_o 2._o by_o outward_a supply_n unto_o their_o necessity_n act_n 11.29_o rom._n 15.26_o 27._o 2_o cor._n 8.2_o etc._n etc._n throughout_o that_o chapter_n 3._o by_o their_o mutual_a care_n to_o avoid_v offence_n 1_o cor._n 10.32_o 4._o that_o when_o a_o church_n find_v need_n in_o respect_n of_o want_n of_o light_n or_o of_o competent_a consent_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o seek_v help_n by_o the_o counsel_n of_o some_o other_o church_n or_o church_n and_o the_o other_o church_n or_o church_n ought_v to_o give_v it_o in_o a_o brotherly_a way_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o by_o the_o elder_n apart_o but_o in_o the_o presence_n and_o with_o concurrence_n of_o the_o brethren_n act_n 15.4_o 22_o 23._o nor_o may_v they_o bind_v such_o a_o church_n to_o rest_v in_o their_o determination_n further_o than_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v find_v upon_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o seem_v gâ—od_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o act_v 15.28_o or_o if_o neighbour-churchâ—s_a find_v it_o necessary_a to_o offer_v their_o helpfulness_n to_o a_o church_n in_o case_n of_o the_o officer_n maladministration_n or_o of_o error_n and_o scandal_n and_o schism_n and_o the_o like_a case_n to_o prevent_v the_o infection_n of_o themselves_o or_o to_o remove_v corruption_n from_o such_o a_o church_n which_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o way_n seek_v not_o for_o help_v the_o neighbour-churche_n ought_v to_o exercise_v the_o communion_n of_o church_n by_o inquire_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o admonish_v the_o offend_a church_n in_o a_o brotherly_a way_n whereunto_o that_o church_n ought_v to_o submit_v according_a to_o god_n râ—m_n 16.17_o gâ—l_n 2_o 11-14_a and_o if_o it_o obstinate_o persi_v in_o scandalous_a evil_n after_o convince_a light_n hold_v forth_o the_o offend_a church_n may_v renounce_v communion_n with_o they_o to_o avoid_v fellowship_n in_o their_o sin_n eph._n 5.11_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o position_n 12_o the_o rule_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o christiâ—n_a church_n in_o the_o premise_n and_o the_o lâ—ke_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v obey_v as_o his_o law_n and_o commandment_n who_o be_v our_o â—ne_a lawgiver_n in_o observe_v whereof_o and_o not_o otherwise_o the_o purity_n and_o peace_n of_o christian_a church_n will_v â—e_v preserve_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o câ—rist_n jam_fw-la 4.12_o mat_n 28.20_o 1_o câ—â—_n 14.37_o 1_o tim._n 6_o 13._o gal_n 6_o 16._o these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v general_a principle_n of_o truth_n the_o particular_a determination_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o the_o two_o â—_z be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o they_o and_o so_o far_o and_o no_o further_o to_o be_v approve_v and_o receâ—ved_v as_o a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o they_o with_o these_o may_v be_v clear_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n right_o inform_v which_o may_v be_v manifest_v by_o a_o right_a application_n and_o compare_v they_o together_o 2._o the_o application_n of_o the_o former_a thesis_n or_o posiâ—ions_n to_o the_o â—_z and_o answer_n as_o they_o be_v state_v and_o express_v by_o the_o reverend_a elder_n in_o their_o print_a book_n follow_v the_o first_o question_n propound_v to_o they_o by_o the_o honour_a general_n court_n be_v quest_n 1._o who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n answ_n the_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v in_o the_o follow_a proposition_n which_o be_v seven_o in_o number_n propos_fw-fr 1_o they_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visib_n e_o church_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n propos_fw-fr 2._o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n in_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n i._n e._n child_n in_o minority_n who_o nexâ—_n parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n reply_n i_o can_v approve_v the_o two_o first_o proposition_n without_o some_o change_n of_o the_o term_n in_o the_o first_o thus_o they_o that_o accord_v to_o christ_n ordinance_n be_v regular_a and_o actual_a member_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o thus_o the_o actual_a and_o regular_a member_n of_o thâ—_n visible_a church_n accord_v to_o christ_n ordinance_n arâ—_n etc._n etc._n the_o necessity_n of_o this_o alteration_n will_v appear_v if_o either_o the_o p_o emise_v position_n be_v due_o co_z sidere_v wherewith_o these_o proposit_a onâ—_n wâ—ll_n not_o otherwise_o agree_v or_o if_o the_o proof_n allege_v by_o they_o from_o scripture_n for_o confirmation_n of_o these_o two_o proposition_n be_v due_o examine_v oâ—_n if_o what_o be_v hereafter_o to_o be_v reply_v unto_o the_o follow_a proposition_n shall_v be_v due_o weigh_v propos_fw-fr 3._o thâ—_n infant-seed_n f_o confederate_a visible_a believer_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parentâ—_n and_o when_o grow_v up_o be_v person_n l_o under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n this_o proposition_n consi_v of_o two_o part_n both_o which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v distinct_o 1_o thâ—t_a â—hey_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n wiâ—h_v heir_n parent_n this_o may_v pass_v in_o a_o rig_n t_o sense_n be_v understand_v of_o mediate_v member_n in_o and_o by_o thâ—ir_a parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n i_o shall_v no_o oppose_v it_o 2_o that_o when_o hâ—y_o be_v g_o own_o uâ—_n hey_o be_v pe_z sâ—n_o l_o under_o the_o wâ—â—ch_n d_o scipline_n aâ—d_a government_n of_o the_o churâ—â—_n this_o expression_n câ—llâ—_n for_o serious_a consideration_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o â—eâ—uiâ—e_v due_a exâ—â—inaâ—ion_n 1._o f_o r_o the_o expression_n the_o meaning_n of_o â—t_a â—â—â—ms_n to_o be_v this_o that_o when_o the_o child_n that_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o minority_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o discretion_n or_o become_v man_n they_o be_v member_n or_o as_o they_o speak_v afterwâ—rd_n 〈◊〉_d member_n and_o by_o that_o membership_n be_v under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o what_o
in_o josh_n 22.24_o 25._o speak_v nothing_o for_o their_o advantage_n in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o man_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v member_n in_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o their_o child_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o be_v join_v in_o covenant_n personal_o and_o immediate_o with_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n every_o three_o year_n deu._n 26.17_o 18._o which_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o canaan_n throughout_o their_o generation_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o they_o have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n successive_o from_o which_o if_o they_o have_v be_v exclude_v caustâ—sly_o it_o m_o ght_v have_v cause_v their_o child_n to_o cease_v from_o fear_v the_o lord_n b_o t_z christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v any_o such_o ordinance_n to_o continue_v such_o a_o succession_n in_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o the_o text_n in_o jâ—â—â—_n do_v nothing_o at_o all_o concern_v the_o child_n of_o parent_n in_o question_n the_o tendency_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o own_n of_o the_o child_n of_o thâ—se_a that_o successive_o continue_v in_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n therein_o that_o this_o imputation_n belong_v to_o the_o contrary_a tenent_n reply_n they_o who_o so_o conceive_v have_v such_o ground_n of_o that_o persw_a siâ—n_n as_o which_o will_v not_o easy_o be_v remove_v nor_o be_v so_o much_o as_o shake_v by_o any_o t_o ing_z say_v in_o their_o book_n i_o willing_o grant_v that_o to_o seek_v to_o â—â—e_z more_o holy_a than_o the_o rulâ—_n will_v ever_o â—nâ—_n in_o impurity_n in_o the_o issue_n but_o that_o can_v be_v true_o apply_v to_o those_o who_o conceive_v herein_o according_a to_o gospel_n rule_v let_v they_o also_o grant_v that_o to_o increase_v continue_v and_o propagate_v church_n under_o the_o gospel_n by_o mean_n not_o ordain_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o opposite_a thereunto_o be_v to_o gather_v without_o christ_n wh_o ch_n will_v ever_o end_v in_o scatter_v â—n_o â—he_v issue_n and_o then_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o purity_n and_o prosperity_n of_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o covenant_n run_v tâ—ou_fw-mi and_o to_o our_o seâ—d_n after_o we_o in_o their_o generaâ—â—ons_n but_o it_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 admin_n stration_n of_o the_o covenant_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n they_o 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 f_o this_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o the_o church_n glory_n reply_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o church_n glory_n 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 successive_o when_o the_o spirit_n as_o a_o free_a aâ—ent_n bring_v any_o into_o that_o line_n and_o under_o that_o efficacy_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o succession_n in_o faith_n as_o he_o do_v 〈◊〉_d the_o grandmother_n and_o eunâ—ce_n the_o daughter_n and_o timoâ—hy_n her_o grandchild_n 2_o tim._n 1_o 5._o that_o be_v the_o only_a true_a gospel_n succession_n when_o it_o be_v make_v visible_a to_o t_z e_z church_n charitable_a judgement_n accord_v to_o gospel_n rule_v but_o that_o can_v the_o do_v by_o set_v up_o such_o a_o mere_a membership_n in_o christian_a church_n whereby_o the_o infant_n shall_v be_v baptise_v by_o a_o right_n derive_v to_o they_o from_o parent_n who_o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n by_o their_o personal_a membership_n what_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n have_v the_o covenant_n upon_o such_o parent_n as_o aâ—e_v n_o such_o a_o membership_n wherein_o the_o church_n judge_v they_o unfit_a for_o communion_n and_o that_o not_o for_o any_o scandal_n give_v by_o they_o after_o their_o admission_n but_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o mere_a membership_n to_z d_o savow_v such_o a_o membership_n be_v so_o far_o from_o cut_v off_o the_o prosperity_n of_o mâ—n_z and_o from_o hinder_v it_o from_o be_v as_o in_o the_o most_o glorious_a time_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o eternal_a excellency_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o many_o generation_n that_o this_o imputation_n belong_v to_o the_o contrary_a tenent_n which_o be_v here_o assert_v but_o they_o argue_v 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 therefore_o the_o contrary_n do_v disestablish_v it_o rep_n y._n 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 before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n by_o such_o a_o successive_a progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o deut._n 29.13_o therefore_o he_o do_v so_o now_o as_o for_o the_o place_n jer._n 30_o 20._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v as_o aforetime_o it_o be_v mean_v only_o of_o their_o outward_a condition_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o good_a as_o before_o the_o captivity_n see_v engl._n annotat._n this_o place_n than_o be_v impertinent_a to_o circumcision_n or_o baptism_n but_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a difference_n between_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o church_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n before_o christ_n be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o of_o the_o israelite_n descend_v from_o jacob_n by_o successive_a natural_a propagation_n yet_o this_o successive_a progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o then_o establish_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n for_o the_o ten_o tribe_n fall_v off_o under_o jeroboam_n and_o never_o return_v again_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n 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 according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n in_o isa_n 60.15_o &_o 50.21_o jer._n 32.39_o ezek._n 37_o 25-28_a psal_n 102.16_o 28._o and_o sundry_a other_o place_n but_o christian_a church_n among_o the_o gentile_n now_o be_v constitute_v of_o visible_a believer_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o among_o who_o sundry_a close_a hypocrite_n creep_v in_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o they_o by_o christ_n ordinance_n be_v thus_o far_o successive_a that_o the_o child_n in_o minority_n of_o confederate_n visible_a believer_n shall_v be_v baptize_v and_o thereby_o bind_v when_o they_o become_v adult_n to_o perform_v the_o covenant_n in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o to_o confederate_a for_o themselves_o and_o they_o as_o their_o godly_a parent_n do_v before_o they_o which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o those_o parent_n by_o their_o degeneracy_n stop_v the_o successive_a progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o case_n christ_n do_v not_o allow_v the_o church_n to_o provide_v for_o a_o succession_n by_o set_v up_o a_o mere_a membership_n of_o adult_n person_n that_o be_v visible_o unfit_a for_o church-communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n such_o irregular_a bring_n of_o man_n into_o membership_n will_v unavoidable_o bring_v in_o the_o corrupt_a of_o religion_n which_o will_v end_v in_o apostasy_n there_o be_v better_a way_n to_o convey_v religion_n down_o to_o after-generation_n and_o to_o continue_v a_o nursery_n in_o christ_n vineyard_n than_o this_o way_n of_o set_v up_o such_o a_o successive_a membership_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o sanctify_v by_o his_o institution_n viz._n the_o vigilancy_n and_o faithful_a care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o church_n elder_n and_o family-ruler_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o regular_a church-fellowship_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o suitable_a mean_n with_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o same_o leave_v the_o issue_n to_o his_o all-disposing_a wisdom_n who_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n according_a whereunto_o he_o withholdeth_a from_o and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n who_o he_o will_v act_v 5.13_o &_o 2.47_o nor_o can_v i_o but_o marvel_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o who_o seem_v to_o approve_v mr._n cotton_v treatise_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o church-member_n which_o indeed_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v high_o approve_v do_v act_n as_o they_o do_v in_o set_v up_o such_o a_o mere_a membership_n of_o adult_n person_n as_o have_v no_o agreement_n with_o his_o description_n who_o be_v far_o from_o personal_a holiness_n the_o young_a people_n of_o this_o country_n yea_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n general_o as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v common_o know_v to_o be_v profane_a vain_a licentious_a vicious_a disobedient_a to_o
and_o second_o and_o three_o admonition_n the_o offender_n be_v a_o member_n and_o so_o under_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v so_o censure_v by_o the_o church_n to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v â—he_n key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o have_v ordain_v that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v for_o his_o obstinacy_n in_o offence_n whâ—ch_n be_v material_o of_o a_o lesser_a kind_n but_o by_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o delinquent_n after_o secret_a priva_fw-la e_fw-la and_o public_a admonition_n against_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o his_o reclaim_n become_v formal_o a_o heinous_a scandal_n but_o the_o wi_n hdraw_v of_o other_o church_n from_o a_o church_n which_o they_o account_v peccant_a be_v a_o act_n of_o different_a nature_n and_o kind_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o public_a authority_n of_o such_o church_n over_o that_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n give_v to_o any_o synod_n or_o council_n of_o neighbour-churche_n as_o they_o themselves_o confess_v in_o their_o first_o proposition_n for_o answer_n to_o this_o second_o question_n 2._o the_o step_n whereby_o they_o proceed_v to_o this_o withdraw_a be_v 1._o that_o one_o church_n admonish_v another_o 2._o if_o the_o church_n under_o offence_n do_v not_o hearken_v to_o that_o admonition_n the_o offend_a church_n be_v to_o acquaint_v other_o neighbour-churche_n with_o that_o offence_n and_o with_o their_o neglect_n of_o that_o admonition_n whereunto_o those_o other_o church_n be_v to_o join_v in_o second_v the_o admonition_n former_o give_v and_o if_o stâ—ll_v the_o offend_a church_n continue_v in_o obstinacy_n and_o impenitency_n they_o may_v forbear_v communion_n with_o they_o reply_n this_o be_v not_o by_o proportion_n according_a to_o matth._n 18._o for_o there_o christ_n do_v not_o allow_v they_o who_o have_v proceed_v in_o admonish_v but_o to_o the_o second_o step_n to_o forbear_v communion_n with_o the_o delinquent_n whereas_o these_o neighbour-churche_n be_v but_o in_o the_o second_o step_n yet_o they_o say_v they_o may_v forbear_v communion_n with_o they_o then_o they_o ascend_v to_o the_o three_o step_n to_o proceed_v to_o make_v use_n of_o a_o synod_n or_o council_n of_o neighbour-churche_n walk_v orderly_o if_o a_o great_a can_v convenient_o be_v have_v for_o their_o conviction_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o synod_n the_o synod_n have_v declare_v they_o to_o be_v obstinate_a particular_a church_n approve_v and_o accept_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v to_o declare_v the_o sentence_n of_o non-communion_n respective_o concern_v they_o and_o thereupon_o out_o of_o a_o religious_a care_n to_o keep_v their_o own_o communion_n pure_a they_o may_v just_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o participation_n with_o they_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o from_o such_o other_o act_n of_o holy_a communion_n as_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n do_v otherwise_o allow_v and_o require_v thus_o they_o speak_v in_o that_o platform_n but_o be_v this_o in_o proportion_n according_a to_o mat._n 18._o that_o the_o neighbour-churche_n may_v first_o withdraw_v and_o then_o a_o synod_n or_o council_n of_o neighbour-churche_n must_v be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o their_o conviction_n and_o if_o the_o synod_n declare_v they_o to_o be_v obstinate_a particular_a church_n be_v to_o declare_v the_o sentence_n of_o non-communion_n and_o then_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o all_o act_n of_o holy_a communion_n till_o they_o can_v produce_v a_o clear_a rule_n for_o warrant_n of_o such_o a_o proceed_n i_o can_v look_v at_o this_o otherwise_o then_o as_o a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n 3._o though_o church_n may_v withdraw_v from_o a_o church_n that_o be_v obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a in_o some_o case_n without_o any_o such_o solemn_a sentence_n of_o non-communion_n declare_v by_o a_o synod_n yet_o not_o for_o such_o cause_n as_o a_o delinquent_a brother_n may_v be_v excommunicate_v by_o a_o church_n according_a to_o mat._n 18._o for_o there_o though_o the_o offence_n be_v in_o some_o lesser_a matter_n and_o private_a between_o two_o at_o first_o yet_o by_o obstinacy_n against_o convince_a light_n hold_v forth_o in_o those_o three_o step_n of_o proceed_v it_o become_v a_o public_a and_o heinous_a scandal_n and_o so_o the_o delinquent_n must_v be_v at_o last_o excommunicate_v by_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n in_o obedience_n to_o christ_n who_o have_v for_o such_o end_n give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n unto_o they_o but_o neighbour-churche_n may_v not_o withdraw_v from_o a_o true_a church_n for_o every_o error_n and_o scandal_n though_o persist_v in_o and_z in_o their_o opinion_n obstinate_o for_o 1._o it_o may_v be_v the_o error_n of_o neighbour-churche_n to_o think_v that_o to_o be_v light_n from_o scripture_n which_o they_o hold_v forth_o for_o their_o conviction_n when_o it_o be_v not_o from_o scripture_n right_o understand_v and_o right_o apply_v if_o the_o synod_n by_o who_o this_o book_n be_v publish_v shall_v conclude_v any_o church_n to_o walk_v in_o error_n and_o scandal_n and_o obstinate_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v convince_v from_o what_o light_n they_o have_v here_o hold_v forth_o nor_o practise_v according_o till_o what_o be_v reply_v ad_fw-la oppositum_fw-la be_v sound_o refute_v and_o their_o allegation_n and_o application_n of_o scripture_n more_o convince_o and_o irrefragable_o clear_v and_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o after_o the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o admonition_n and_o if_o any_o neighbour-churche_n for_o this_o or_o the_o like_a cause_n shall_v withdraw_v from_o communion_n with_o they_o after_o the_o admonition_n of_o one_o church_n and_o after_o that_o of_o other_o neighbour-churche_n they_o shall_v great_o sin_v in_o so_o do_v and_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n in_o their_o second_o proof_n of_o their_o 7_o proposition_n for_o answer_n to_o this_o second_o question_n pag._n 28._o where_o they_o say_v to_o refuse_v communion_n with_o a_o true_a church_n in_o lawful_a and_o pious_a action_n be_v unlawful_a and_o just_o account_v schismatical_a for_o if_o the_o church_n be_v true_a christ_n hold_v some_o communion_n with_o it_o therefore_o so_o must_v we_o now_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n be_v approve_v by_o their_o neighbour-churche_n to_o be_v true_a church_n by_o their_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o a_o error_n in_o lesser_a matter_n though_o persist_v in_o against_o their_o admonition_n which_o may_v be_v from_o want_n of_o convince_a light_n do_v not_o make_v any_o of_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o all_o holy_a communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n for_o such_o a_o cause_n be_v total_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n which_o themselves_o say_v be_v unlawful_a ibid._n 2._o the_o case_n wherein_o communion_n may_v be_v regular_o withdraw_v from_o a_o church_n or_o person_n be_v only_o such_o as_o subvert_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n and_o be_v obstinate_o persist_v in_o against_o due_a mean_n regular_o use_v with_o patience_n for_o their_o conviction_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n once_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v be_v just_o denominate_v heretical_a tit._n 3.10_o 11._o 2_o joh._n ver_fw-la 10_o 11._o or_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v be_v just_o style_v schismatical_a rom._n 16.17_o 18._o or_o to_o both_o be_v fall_v from_o the_o truth_n once_o receive_v from_o whence_o they_o be_v just_o call_v apostatical_a 2_o tim_n 4.10_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o case_n of_o like_a heinousness_n but_o in_o case_n of_o lesser_a importance_n church_n and_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v exhort_v to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o their_o call_n with_o all_o lowliness_n and_o meekness_n with_o long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n &c_n &c_n eph._n 4.1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n conclude_v with_o bless_a paul_n that_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o religion_n be_v provide_v for_o and_o secure_v for_o lesser_a matter_n if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o phil._n 3.15_o for_o in_o such_o matter_n godly_a man_n do_v frequent_o differ_v and_o be_v not_o easy_o convince_v some_o from_o the_o strength_n other_o f_z they_z the_o weakness_n of_o their_o intellectual_n and_o the_o bâ—st_v â—now_v â—ut_v in_o part_n i_o have_v be_v the_o large_a in_o clear_v this_o point_n for_o necessary_a cause_n have_v thus_o speak_v to_o tâ—e_v four_z first_o proposition_n i_o proceed_v to_o tâ—e_v fifâ—h_o and_o sixâ—h_o proposition_n propos_fw-fr 5._o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v their_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a agreement_n to_o exercise_v communion_n in_o such_o act_n as_o
etc._n but_o also_o secondary_o for_o the_o power_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v etc._n etc._n reply_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o synod_n direction_n and_o determination_n so_o far_o as_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o reverence_n and_o submission_n but_o what_o if_o the_o member_n of_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v send_v do_v not_o find_v they_o consonant_n to_o the_o word_n right_o understand_v and_o apply_v be_v they_o nevertheless_o still_o bind_v to_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o synod_n direction_n and_o determination_n because_o the_o synod_n couclude_v that_o they_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o word_n i_o suppose_v no_o orthodox_n synod_n in_o these_o time_n will_v arrogate_v to_o itself_o such_o infallible_a assistance_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v assemble_v with_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v act_v 15._o though_o they_o argue_v and_o conclude_v only_o from_o scripture_n yet_o that_o council_n can_v not_o err_v in_o their_o understanding_n and_o apply_v scripture_n have_v such_o guide_v as_o the_o apostle_n be_v but_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o may_v err_v in_o their_o understanding_n and_o apply_v the_o scripture_n whereupon_o they_o seem_v to_o grind_v their_o direction_n and_o determination_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o to_o examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n whatsoever_o direction_n or_o determination_n be_v propound_v by_o the_o synod_n if_o they_o find_v that_o they_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n authority_n to_o receive_v they_o with_o reverence_n and_o submission_n if_o otherwise_o wrought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n act_n 5.29_o 2._o this_o power_n of_o the_o synod_n though_o they_o say_v it_o be_v but_o secondary_a and_o that_o it_o be_v for_o their_o agreement_n with_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a ground_n thereof_o and_o without_o which_o their_o direction_n and_o determination_n bind_v not_o at_o all_o yet_o they_o make_v so_o bind_v that_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v refuse_v to_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o synod_n though_o they_o have_v strong_a ground_n of_o dis-satisfaction_n about_o the_o synod_n interpretation_n and_o application_n of_o the_o scripture_n allege_v by_o they_o they_o will_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o communion_n with_o they_o whether_o such_o a_o authoritative_a urge_v their_o counsel_n upon_o church_n be_v warrant_v by_o scripture_n let_v the_o reader_n inquire_v and_o consider_v and_o whether_o it_o will_v agree_v with_o what_o themselves_o before_o declare_v concern_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n and_o whether_o there_o be_v need_n of_o it_o to_o cure_v emergent_a church-difficulty_n and_o difference_n see_v all_o that_o be_v godly_a will_v ready_o close_v with_o such_o direction_n and_o determination_n of_o synod_n as_o be_v clear_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o any_o obstinate_o will_v persist_v in_o their_o own_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n hold_v forth_o to_o they_o by_o the_o synod_n the_o civil_a power_n be_v god_n ordinance_n for_o punishment_n of_o such_o evil_a doer_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v keep_v pure_a and_o peaceable_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-communion_n among_o themselves_o in_o a_o brotherly_a way_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o impediment_n to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o the_o declaratory_a sentence_n of_o a_o synod_n that_o be_v after_o due_a conviction_n of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v heretical_a schismatical_a apostatical_a or_o the_o like_a with_o due_a patience_n exercise_v to_o withdraw_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n from_o such_o as_o make_v themselves_o worthy_a by_o their_o obstinacy_n against_o the_o light_n clear_o hold_v forth_o from_o scripture_n to_o be_v reject_v as_o not_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n yet_o this_o they_o may_v not_o regular_o do_v mere_o for_o their_o dissent_v from_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o synod_n upon_o conscientious_a ground_n and_o in_o lesser_a matter_n what_o be_v before_o express_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n have_v be_v already_o examine_v propos_fw-fr 8._o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o exercise_v and_o practise_v that_o communion_n which_o this_o consent_n and_o agreement_n special_o tend_v unto_o which_o they_o say_v may_v be_v by_o make_v use_n occasional_o of_o elder_n or_o able_a brethren_n of_o other_o church_n or_o by_o the_o more_o solemn_a meeting_n of_o both_o elder_n and_o messenger_n in_o lesser_a or_o great_a council_n as_o the_o matter_n shall_v require_v such_o meeting_n for_o the_o end_n specify_v be_v right_o order_v and_o carry_v on_o in_o a_o brotherly_a way_n by_o man_n sincere_o affect_v to_o establish_v truth_n with_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v give_v unto_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n i_o do_v full_o approve_v as_o of_o profitable_a use_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n the_o reverend_a author_n postscript_n christian_n reader_n these_o line_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n i_o trust_v to_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o his_o subject_n and_o law_n i_o leave_v with_o thou_o with_o the_o wise_a perusal_n and_o consideration_n of_o they_o the_o issue_n and_o success_n i_o commit_v unto_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n and_o our_o father_n in_o jesus_n christ_n desire_v all_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o may_v come_v to_o receive_v nothing_o say_v by_o i_o further_o than_o they_o shall_v find_v it_o consonant_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n special_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o if_o they_o dissent_v in_o any_o particular_n they_o will_v gratify_v i_o with_o notice_n thereof_o together_o with_o their_o reason_n who_o they_o shall_v find_v thankful_a for_o such_o help_n and_o ready_a to_o embrace_v any_o truth_n that_o be_v yet_o hide_a from_o i_o and_o that_o no_o man_n will_v suspect_v that_o i_o seek_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o essay_n but_o truth_n with_o peace_n lest_o they_o become_v judge_n of_o evil_a thought_n farewell_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n let_v his_o good_a spirit_n lead_v we_o and_o all_o his_o church_n and_o people_n into_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o establish_v our_o go_n in_o those_o way_n amen_n your_o assure_a friend_n and_o brother_n j._n d._n consideration_n upon_o the_o seven_o proposition_n conclude_v by_o the_o synod_n sit_v at_o boston_n june_n 10_o 1662._o by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n nicholas_n street_n teacher_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o new-haven_n i._o this_o phrase_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o first_o proposition_n i_o take_v to_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o second_o proposition_n ii_o by_o this_o phrase_n in_o the_o second_o proposition_n their_o infant-seed_n i_o suppose_v be_v mean_v only_o their_o legitimate_a infant-seed_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o illegitimate_a child_n against_o which_o a_o strong_a argument_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o deut._n 23.2_o iii_o the_o second_o proposition_n do_v seem_v to_o distinguish_v of_o member_n in_o particular_a church_n some_o be_v say_v to_o be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n whereby_o i_o suppose_v be_v mean_v such_o as_o have_v immediate_o and_o personal_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n themselves_o both_o for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o seed_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v make_v contradistinct_a to_o a_o infant-seed_n that_o can_v thus_o do_v some_o be_v say_v to_o be_v their_o infant-seed_n i_o child_n in_o minority_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o come_v these_o to_o be_v member_n the_o last_o word_n in_o the_o proposition_n do_v show_v which_o be_v who_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n which_o do_v imply_v at_o least_o that_o they_o become_v member_n in_o and_o by_o their_o next_o parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o hence_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o distinction_n of_o membership_n into_o immediate_n and_o mediate_v be_v very_o clear_a the_o argument_n may_v be_v thus_o frame_v such_o as_o be_v the_o ratio_fw-la formalin_n of_o the_o membership_n such_o be_v the_o membership_n so_o may_v it_o be_v distinguish_v and_o denominate_v but_o confederation_n which_o be_v the_o ratio_fw-la formalin_n of_o the_o membership_n be_v immediate_a in_o the_o parent_n in_o the_o childemediate_v ergo._n a_o difference_n in_o membership_n be_v grant_v both_o in_o this_o second_o proposition_n and_o some_o other_o after_o and_o if_o this_o distinction_n to_o express_v the_o difference_n be_v not_o proper_a let_v some_o better_o be_v lay_v down_o that_o do_v more_o apt_o and_o full_o suit_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o we_o shall_v receive_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a