we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n or_o meet_v as_o a_o congregational_a particular_a church_n for_o the_o observation_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o ordinance_n act_n 2_o 1_o 44_o 46._o &_o 4_o 31_o &_o 11.26_o &_o 20_o 7._o 1_o cor_fw-la 5_o 4._o &_o 11.18.20_o 33_o &_o 14_o 23._o ______o 2._o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o epistle_n write_v to_o saint_n or_o believer_n write_v to_o they_o as_o in_o particular_a church_n 1_o cor_fw-la 1_o 2._o eph_n 1._o 1._o phil_n â—_o 1._o col._n 1.2_o and_o when_o the_o story_n of_o the_o act_n speak_v of_o disciple_n other_o place_n show_v that_o those_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v member_n of_o particular_a church_n act_n 18.23_o with_o gal_n 1_n 2._o act_n 21_o 16._o with_o chap_n 18_o 22_o act_n 11.26_o &_o 14_o 22_o 23,27,28_o all_o which_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v no_o settle_a orderly_a estate_n of_o visible_a believer_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n but_o only_o in_o particular_a church_n 3._o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v disciple_n as_o be_v above_o clear_v now_o disciple_n be_v under_o discipline_n and_o liable_a to_o church-censure_n for_o they_o be_v state_v subject_n of_o christ_n law_n and_o government_n mar_n 28.19_o 20._o but_o church_n government_n and_o censure_n be_v extant_a now_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n only_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n mat_n 18.17_o 1._o cor_n 5.4_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o confederate_n visible_a believer_n be_v also_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n partic_a 3_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o scripture_n and_o reason_n follow_v 1_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n thereof_o viz_o argum_fw-la 1_o that_o whereby_o god_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o faithful_a &_o their_o seed_n gen_n 17.7_o continue_v under_o the_o gospel_n as_o appear_v 1_o because_o the_o believe_v inchurch_v gentile_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v stand_v upon_o the_o same_o root_n of_o covenant_v abraham_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v break_v off_o from_o rom_n 11_o 16_o 17_o 18._o 2_o because_o abraham_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v make_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n gen_n 17.4_o 5._o even_o of_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n under_o new-testament_n as_o well_o as_o old_a rom_n 4.16_o 17._o gal_n 3_o 29_o i_fw-it e_o in_o abraham_n as_o a_o pattern_n and_o root_n god_n not_o only_o show_v how_o he_o justify_v the_o believer_n gal_n 3_o 6_o 9_o rom_n 4._o but_o also_o convey_v that_o covenant_n to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n in_o all_o nation_n luk_n 19.9_o if_o a_o son_n of_o abraham_n than_o salvation_n ay_o e_o the_o covenant-dispensation_n of_o salvation_n be_v come_v to_o his_o house_n 3._o as_o that_o covenant_n be_v communicate_v to_o proselyte_n gentile_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o its_o communication_n to_o the_o inchurch_v gentile_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v clear_o heldforth_o in_o diverse_a place_n gal_n 3.14_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n comprise_v both_o the_o internal_a benefit_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n &c_n &c_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v there_o treat_v of_o and_o the_o external_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o the_o faithful_a &_o their_o seed_n gen_n 28_o 4._o but_o the_o whole_a blessing_n of_o abraham_n and_o so_o the_o whole_a covenant_n be_v come_v upon_o the_o genitle_n through_o jesus_n christ_n eph_n 2.12_o 19_o they_o have_v be_v stranger_n but_o now_o be_v no_o more_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n i_o e_o from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o have_v be_v often_o renew_v especial_o with_o abraham_n and_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o have_v be_v in_o the_o external_a dispensation_n of_o it_o their_o peculiar_a portion_n so_o that_o the_o ephesian_n who_o be_v a_o far_o off_o be_v now_o call_v and_o make_v nigh_o v._o 13-17_a they_o have_v the_o promise_n or_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n according_a to_o act_n 2_o 39_o and_o so_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n that_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o eph_n 3,6_o the_o inchurch_v gentile_n be_v put_v into_o the_o same_o inheritance_n for_o substance_n both_o as_o to_o invisible_a &_o visible_a benefit_n according_a to_o their_o respective_a condition_n be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o promise_n with_o the_o jew_n the_o child_n of_o abraham_n of_o old_a the_o same_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o gen_n 9_o 27._o mat_n 8_o 11_o &_o 21_o 43.4_o sundry_a scripture_n which_o extend_v to_o gospel-time_n do_v confirm_v the_o same_o interest_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n and_o consequent_o do_v confirm_v the_o continuance_n of_o that_o covenant_n as_o exod_a 20_o 6._o there_o in_o the_o sanction_n of_o a_o moral_a and_o perpetual_a commandment_n and_o that_o respect_v ordinance_n the_o portion_n of_o the_o church_n god_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o mercy_n to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o to_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n consonant_n to_o gen_n 17.7_o compare_v herewith_o psal_n 105.8_o 9_o &_o deut._n 7.9_o deut._n 30.6_o the_o grace_n signify_v by_o circumcision_n be_v there_o promise_v to_o parent_n and_o child_n import_v the_o covenant_n to_o both_o which_o circumcision_n seal_v gen_n 17._o and_o that_o be_v a_o gospel-promise_n as_o the_o apostle_n cite_v part_n of_o that_o context_n as_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n show_v rom_n 10_o 6-8_a with_o deut_n 30_o 11-14_a and_o it_o reach_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n ver_fw-la 15_a isay_n 65_o 23._o in_o the_o most_o glorious_a gospel-state_n of_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 17-19_a the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o promise_a portion_n of_o the_o offspring_n or_o child_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o faithful_a parent_n so_o isay_n 44.3_o 4._o ______o isai_n 59.20_o 21._o ezek_n 37_o 25_o 26._o at_o the_o future_a call_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o those_o text_n have_v reference_n to_o rom_n 11.26_o ezek_n 37_o 19-22_a 23_o 24._o their_o child_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n of_o special_a grace_n to_o be_v convey_v to_o they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n isai_n 59.21_o and_o be_v subject_n of_o david_n ay_o e_o christ_n their_o king_n ezek_n 37.25_o and_o have_v a_o portion_n in_o his_o sanctuary_n vers_fw-la 26._o and_o this_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o ancient_a covenant_n of_o abraham_n whereby_o god_n will_v be_v their_o god_n viz._n both_o of_o parent_n and_o child_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v his_o people_n vers_n 26,27_o now_o although_o more_o abundant_a fruit_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v see_v in_o those_o time_n and_o the_o jew_n then_o may_v have_v more_o abundant_a grace_n give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o they_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n yet_o the_o tenor_n and_o frame_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n under_o the_o new-testament_n gal_n 3.28_o coll_n 3.11_o ______o heb._n 8.10_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n ay_o e_o the_o church_n of_o god_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v that_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n which_o be_v a_o renew_n of_o that_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n in_o gen_n 17._o as_o the_o same_o be_v very_o often_o over_o in_o those_o term_n renew_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o law_n gal_n 3_o 16_o 17._o heb_fw-mi 8.9_o wherein_o be_v imply_v god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o the_o seed_n as_o well_o as_o parent_n and_o take_v both_o to_o be_v his_o people_n though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v even_o as_o it_o be_v often_o plain_o imply_v in_o that_o expression_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n deut._n 29.13_o jer._n 31.1_o &_o 32.38_o 39_o &_o 24_o 7._o &_o 30_o 22_o 20._o ezek_n 37.27_o 25._o also_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o heart_n in_o heb_fw-mi 8_o 10._o be_v that_o heart_n circumcision_n which_o deut_n 30_o 6._o extend_v both_o to_o parent_n and_o seed_n and_o the_o term_n house_n of_o israel_n do_v according_a to_o scripture-use_a fit_o express_v and_o take_v in_o especial_o as_o to_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n both_o parent_n and_o child_n among_o both_o which_o be_v find_v that_o elect_a and_o save_v number_n that_o make_v up_o the_o invisible_a israel_n compare_v jer_n 13.11_o &_o 9.26_o isai_n 5_o 7._o hos_fw-la 1.6_o ezk_n 39.25_o neither_o may_v we_o
aught_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o for_o our_o child_n in_o another_o true_a church_n where_o providence_n so_o cast_v we_o as_o that_o we_o can_v have_v it_o in_o our_o own_o as_o doubtless_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v then_o also_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o in_o like_a case_n to_o dispense_v baptism_n when_o desire_v to_o a_o man_n and_o lawful_a subject_n be_v a_o member_n of_o another_o church_n to_o deny_v or_o refuse_v either_o of_o these_o will_v be_v a_o unjustifiable_a refuse_v of_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o tend_v to_o sinful_a separation_n 2._o such_o as_o remove_v their_o habitation_n ought_v orderly_o to_o covenant_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n where_o they_o setlle_n their_o abode_n and_o so_o their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v 1._o because_o the_o regular_o baptize_v be_v disciple_n and_o under_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o that_o be_v absolute_o remove_v from_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v so_o as_o to_o be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v under_o discipline_n there_o shall_v be_v under_o it_o no_o where_o if_o not_o in_o the_o church_n where_o they_o inhabit_v they_o that_o will_v have_v church-priviledge_n aught_o to_o be_v under_o church-power_n but_o these_o will_v be_v under_o no_o church-power_n but_o as_o lamb_n in_o a_o large_a place_n if_o not_o under_o it_o there_o where_o their_o settle_a abode_n be_v 2._o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o covenant_n for_o himself_o and_o his_o child_n or_o profess_o to_o give_o up_o himself_o and_o he_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o than_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o ordinance_n deut._n 26_o 17._o &_o 12.5_o and_o explicit_a covenant_n be_v a_o duty_n especial_o where_o we_o be_v call_v to_o it_o and_o have_v opportunity_n for_o it_o nor_o can_v they_o well_o be_v say_v to_o covenant_v implicit_o that_o do_v explicit_o refuse_v a_o profess_a covenant_v when_o call_v thereunto_o and_o especial_o this_o covenant_v be_v a_o duty_n when_o we_o will_v partake_v of_o such_o a_o church-priviledge_n as_o baptism_n for_o our_o child_n be_v but_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n will_v now_o be_v profess_v covenanter_n no_o where_n if_o not_o in_o the_o church_n where_o their_o fix_a habitation_n be_v therefore_o they_o ought_v orderly_o to_o covenant_n there_o and_o so_o their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v 3._o to_o refuse_v covenant_v and_o subjection_n to_o christ_n government_n in_o the_o church_n where_o they_o live_v be_v so_o remove_v as_o to_o be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o it_o elsewhere_o will_v be_v a_o walk_a disorderly_a and_o will_v too_o much_o favour_n of_o profaneness_n and_o separation_n and_o hence_o to_o administer_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o stand_v in_o that_o way_n will_v be_v to_o administer_v christ_n ordinance_n to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o disorder_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v 2_o thess_n 3.6_o 1_o chron._n 15.13_o and_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o that_o rule_n 1_o cor._n 14.40_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n quest_n ii_o whither_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o consociation_n of_o church_n and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o answ_n the_o answer_n may_v be_v brief_o give_v in_o the_o proposition_n follow_v 1._o every_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n of_o visible_a saint_n in_o gospel-order_n be_v furnish_v with_o a_o presbytery_n at_o least_o with_o a_o teach_v elder_a and_o walk_v together_o in_o truth_n and_o peace_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n full_a power_n and_o authority_n ecclesiastical_a within_o itself_o regular_o to_o administer_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v not_o under_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n whatsoever_o for_o to_o such_o a_o church_n christ_n have_v give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o what_o they_o bind_v or_o loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v or_o loose_v in_o heaven_n matt._n 16.19_o &_o 18.17_o 18._o elder_n be_v ordain_v in_o every_o church_n act_n 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o and_o be_v therein_o authorize_v official_o to_o administer_v in_o the_o word_n prayer_n sacrament_n and_o censure_n mat._n 28_o 19_o 20._o act_n 6.4_o 1_o cor._n 4.1_o &_o 5.4_o 12._o act_n 20.28_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o &_o 3.5_o the_o reprove_v of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o of_o the_o asian_a church_n several_o import_v they_o have_v power_n each_o of_o they_o within_o themselves_o to_o reform_v the_o abuse_n that_o be_v among_o they_o 1_o cor._n 5._o rev._n 2_o 14_o 20._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o to_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n but_o by_o counsel_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o direct_v and_o strengthen_v the_o same_o upon_o all_o just_a occasion_n 2._o the_o church_n of_o christ_n do_v stand_v in_o a_o sisterly_a relation_n each_o to_o other_o cant._n 8.8_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o order_n eph._n 4.5_o col._n 2.5_o to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n phil._n 3.16_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n for_o the_o same_o end_n eph._n 4_o 11_o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 16.1_o under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o political_a head_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n eph._n 1.22_o 23._o &_o 4.5_o rev._n 2.1_o which_o union_n infer_v a_o communion_n suitable_a thereunto_o 3._o communion_n of_o church_n be_v the_o faithful_a improvement_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o his_o service_n and_o glory_n and_o their_o mutual_a good_a and_o edification_n according_a to_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11._o 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 7._o &_o 10.24_o 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22._o cantic_a 8.9_o rom_n 1.15_o gal._n 6.10_o 4._o act_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o hearty_a care_n and_o prayer_n one_o for_o another_o 2_o cor._n 11.28_o cant._n 8.8_o rom._n 1.9_o coloss_n 1.9_o eph._n 6.18_o 2._o to_o afford_v relief_n by_o communication_n of_o their_o gift_n in_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a necessity_n rom._n 15.26_o 27._o act_n 11.22_o 29._o 2_o cor._n 8.1_o 4_o 14._o 3._o to_o maintain_v unity_n and_o peace_n by_o give_v account_n one_o to_o another_o of_o their_o public_a action_n when_o it_o be_v orderly_o desire_v act_v 11.2_o 3_o 4-18_a josh_n 22.13_o 21_o 30._o 1_o cor._n 10_o 32._o and_o to_o strengthen_v one_o another_o in_o their_o regular_a administration_n as_o in_o special_a by_o a_o concurrent_a testimony_n against_o person_n just_o censure_v act_v 15.41_o &_o 16.4_o 5._o 2_o tim._n 4.15_o 2_o thess_n 3.14_o 4._o to_o seek_v and_o accept_v help_n from_o and_o give_v help_v unto_o each_o other_o 1._o in_o case_n of_o division_n and_o contention_n whereby_o the_o peace_n of_o any_o church_n be_v disturb_v act_v 15.2_o 2._o in_o matter_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a importance_n prov._n 24.6_o &_o 15.22_o as_o ordination_n translation_n and_o deposition_n of_o elder_n and_o such_o like_a 1_o tim._n 5.22_o 3_o in_o doubtful_a and_o difficult_a question_n and_o controversy_n doctrinal_a or_o practical_a that_o may_v arise_v act_v 15_o 2_o 6._o 4._o for_o the_o rectify_v of_o mal-administrations_a and_o heal_v of_o error_n and_o scandal_n that_o be_v unhealed_a among_o themselves_o 3_o john_n ver_fw-la 9_o 10._o 2_o cor._n 2_o 6-11_a 1_o cor._n 15._o rev_n 2_o 14_o 15_o 16._o 2_o cor._n 12.20_o 21._o &_o 13_o 2._o church_n now_o have_v need_n of_o help_n in_o like_a case_n as_o well_o as_o church_n then_o christ_n care_n be_v still_o for_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o for_o particular_a person_n and_o apostle_n be_v now_o cease_v there_o remain_v the_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o mutual_a care_n and_o helpfulness_n incumbent_a upon_o church_n especial_o elder_n for_o that_o end_n 5._o in_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n error_n and_o scandal_n of_o another_o church_n and_o to_o administer_v help_n when_o the_o case_n manifest_o call_v for_o it_o though_o they_o shall_v so_o neglect_v their_o own_o good_a and_o duty_n as_o not_o to_o seek_v it_o exod._n 23.4_o 5._o prov._n 24.11_o 12._o 6._o to_o admonish_v one_o another_o when_o there_o be_v need_n and_o cause_n for_o it_o and_o oft_o due_a mean_n with_o patience_n use_v to_o withdraw_v from_o a_o church_n or_o peccant_a party_n therein_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o error_n or_o scandal_n as_o in_o the_o platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 15._o sect_n 2._o partic_a 3._o be_v more_o at_o large_a declare_v gal._n 2_o 11-14_a 2_o thess_n 3.6_o rom._n 16.17_o 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 aforesaid_a among_o themselves_o with_o special_a reference_n to_o those_o church_n which_o by_o providence_n be_v plant_v in_o a_o convenient_a vicinity_n though_o with_o liberty_n reserve_v without_o offence_n to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o case_n or_o the_o advantage_n of_o opportunity_n may_v lead_v thereunto_o 6._o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o country_n have_v so_o good_a opportunity_n for_o it_o it_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v commend_v to_o they_o as_o their_o duty_n thus_o to_o consociate_v for_o 1._o communion_n of_o church_n be_v command_v and_o consociation_n be_v but_o a_o agreement_n to_o practice_v it_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o duty_n also_o psal_n 119.106_o nehem._n â—0_n 28_o 29._o 2._o paul_n a_o apostle_n seek_v with_o much_o labour_n the_o conference_n concurrence_n and_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n of_o other_o apostle_n and_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o church_n have_v not_o less_o need_v each_o of_o other_o to_o prevent_v their_o run_n in_o vain_a gal._n 2.2_o 6_o 9_o 3._o those_o general_a scripture-rule_n touch_v the_o need_n and_o use_v of_o counsel_n and_o help_v in_o weighty_a case_n concern_v all_o society_n and_o polity_n ecclesiastical_a as_o well_o as_o civil_a prov._n 11.14_o &_o 15.22_o &_o 20_o 18._o &_o 24.6_o eccles_n 4.9_o 10_o 12._o 4._o the_o pattern_n in_o act_n 15_o hold_n forth_o a_o warrant_n for_o council_n which_o may_v be_v great_a or_o lesser_a as_o the_o matter_n shall_v require_v 5._o concurrence_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o gospel_n time_n be_v not_o obscure_o hold_v forth_o in_o isa_n 19.23_o 24_o 25._o zeph_n 3.9_o 1_o cor._n 11.16_o &_o 14.32_o 36._o 6._o there_o have_v constant_o be_v in_o these_o church_n a_o profession_n of_o communion_n in_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n at_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o ordination_n of_o elder_n which_o import_v a_o consociation_n and_o oblige_v to_o the_o practice_n thereof_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v also_o want_v a_o expedient_a and_o sufficient_a cure_n for_o emergent_a church-difficulty_n and_o difference_n with_o the_o want_n whereof_o our_o way_n be_v charge_v but_o unjust_o if_o this_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o be_v due_o practise_v 7._o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n agreement_n herein_o or_o enter_v into_o this_o consociation_n may_v be_v by_o each_o church_n open_a consent_n unto_o the_o thing_n here_o declare_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o 2_o d._n question_n as_o also_o to_o what_o be_v say_v thereabouts_o in_o chap._n 15._o &_o 16._o of_o the_o platform_n of_o discipline_n with_o reference_n to_o other_o church_n in_o this_o colony_n &_o country_n as_o in_o propos_fw-fr 5_o the_o be_v before_o express_v 8._o the_o manner_n of_o exercise_v and_o practise_v that_o communion_n which_o this_o consent_n or_o agreement_n special_o tend_v unto_o 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 finis_fw-la
the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n unto_o a_o thousand_o generation_n if_o the_o successive_a parent_n do_v but_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n show_v themselves_o to_o be_v lover_n of_o god_n and_o keeper_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o commandment_n so_o as_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v never_o reject_v they_o till_o they_o reject_v he_o exod_a 20.6_o deut._n 7.9_o psal_n 105.8_o 9_o rom._n 11_o 16-22_a hence_o we_o dare_v not_o with_o the_o antipaedobaptist_n exclude_v the_o infant-children_n of_o the_o faithful_a from_o the_o covenant_n or_o from_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o consequent_o not_o from_o baptism_n the_o seal_n thereof_o neither_o dare_v we_o exclude_v the_o same_o child_n from_o membership_n or_o put_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o while_o they_o so_o walk_v and_o act_n as_o to_o keep_v their_o stand_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o same_o god_n own_v they_o still_o and_o they_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n own_o he_o god_n reject_v they_o not_o and_o therefore_o neither_o may_v we_o and_o consequent_o their_o child_n also_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v shall_v we_o reject_v or_o exclude_v any_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v shorten_v and_o straiten_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n covenant_n more_o than_o god_n himself_o do_v and_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o put_v they_o from_o under_o those_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v state_v upon_o the_o visible_a church_n whereby_o the_o child_n of_o god_n visible_a people_n be_v successive_o in_o their_o generation_n to_o be_v train_v up_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n whither_o the_o elect_a number_n shall_v still_o be_v bring_v in_o the_o way_n of_o such_o mean_n and_o wherein_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o officer_n and_o church_n a_o solemn_a charge_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_z train_z up_o such_o as_o a_o part_n of_o his_o flock_n to_o that_o end_n say_v to_o they_o as_o sometime_o to_o peter_n if_o you_o love_v i_o feed_v my_o lamb_n in_o obedience_n to_o which_o charge_n we_o hope_v it_o be_v the_o we_o be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a though_o with_o the_o inference_n of_o no_o small_a labour_n and_o burden_n to_o ourselves_o to_o commend_v these_o truth_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o all_o the_o flock_n even_o the_o lamb_n thereof_o be_v due_o state_v under_o pastoral_a power_n we_o may_v after_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v up_o our_o account_n another_o day_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o find_v and_o keep_v the_o right_n middle_a way_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v know_v to_o all_o that_o be_v aught_o acquaint_v with_o the_o controversy_n thereabout_a as_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o believe_v we_o have_v speak_v but_o not_o without_o remembrance_n that_o we_o be_v poor_a feeble_a frail_a man_n and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o be_v conversant_a herein_o with_o much_o humility_n and_o fear_n before_o god_n and_o man_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o variety_n of_o judgement_n concern_v this_o subject_a which_o notwithstanding_o with_o all_o due_a reverence_n to_o dissenter_n after_o religious_a search_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v here_o offer_v what_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o have_v the_o full_a evidence_n of_o light_n from_o thence_o if_o more_o may_v be_v add_v and_o may_v be_v find_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o shall_v be_v no_o prejudice_n thereunto_o hence_o also_o we_o be_v far_o from_o desire_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o rigorous_a imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n especial_o as_o to_o what_o be_v more_o narrow_a therein_o and_o more_o controversal_a among_o godly_a man_n if_o the_o honour_a court_n see_v meet_v so_o far_o to_o add_v their_o countetenance_n and_o concurrence_n as_o to_o commend_v a_o serious_a consideration_n hereof_o to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o secure_v those_o that_o can_v with_o clearness_n of_o judgement_n practise_v according_o from_o disturbance_n that_o in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o tolerate_v or_o to_o desire_v a_o toleration_n of_o damnable_a heresy_n or_o of_o subverter_n of_o the_o fundamenta_n of_o faith_n or_o order_n be_v a_o irreligious_a inconsistency_n with_o the_o love_n of_o true_a religion_n but_o to_o bear_v one_o with_o another_o in_o lesser_a difference_n about_o matter_n of_o a_o more_o difficult_a and_o controversal_a nature_n and_o more_o remote_a from_o the_o foundation_n and_o wherein_o the_o godly-wise_a be_v not_o like-minded_n be_v a_o duty_n necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o religion_n while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o infirmity_n in_o such_o thing_n let_v not_o he_o that_o practise_v despise_v he_o that_o forbear_v and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o forbear_v judge_v he_o that_o practise_v for_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o but_o as_o we_o do_v not_o thus_o speak_v from_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n here_o deliver_v paul_n know_v where_o the_o truth_n lie_v and_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o rom._n 14.14_o yet_o he_o can_v love_o bear_v a_o dissenter_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n shall_v we_o so_o we_o do_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o christ_n jesus_n command_v the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o several_a church_n what_o be_v here_o offer_v be_v far_o from_o be_v any_o decline_v from_o former_a principle_n it_o be_v rather_o a_o pursuance_n thereof_o for_o it_o be_v all_o include_v in_o or_o deducible_a from_o what_o we_o unanimous_o profess_v and_o own_a in_o the_o forementioned_a platform_n of_o discipline_n many_o year_n since_o there_o it_o be_v assert_v that_o child_n be_v church-member_n that_o they_o have_v many_o privilege_n which_o other_o not_o church-member_n have_v not_o and_o that_o they_o be_v under_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n chap._n 12._o sect_n 7._o and_o that_o will_v infer_v the_o right_n of_o their_o child_n they_o continue_v to_o walk_v orderly_o and_o the_o other_o matter_n of_o consociation_n or_o exercise_v of_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v large_o hold_v forth_o chap._n 15._o &_o 16._o it_o may_v be_v a_o objection_n lie_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o and_o which_o many_o may_v desire_v a_o full_a answer_n unto_o that_o these_o thing_n or_o some_o of_o they_o be_v innovation_n in_o our_o church-waye_n and_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n be_v worthy_n in_o new-england_n who_o be_v now_o with_o god_n do_v never_o teach_v not_o hold_v and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v we_o now_o after_o so_o many_o year_n fall_v upon_o new_a opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o this_o a_o decline_a from_o our_o first_o purity_n and_o a_o unblamable_a alteration_n to_o this_o although_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o say_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n not_o so_o much_o what_o have_v be_v hold_v or_o practise_v as_o what_o shall_v be_v and_o what_o the_o word_n of_o god_n prescribe_v aught_o to_o be_v our_o enquiry_n and_o our_o rule_n the_o people_n in_o nehemiah_n time_n be_v commend_v for_o do_v as_o they_o find_v write_v in_o the_o law_n though_o from_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n the_o son_n of_o nun_n unto_o that_o day_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v not_o do_v so_o nehem._n 8.14_o 17._o see_v the_o like_o 2_o chron._n 30.5_o 26._o 2_o king_n 23.21_o 22._o they_o do_v not_o tie_v themselves_o to_o former_a use_n and_o custom_n but_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n write_v word_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o it_o be_v thyatira_n praise_n that_o their_o good_a work_n be_v more_o at_o the_o last_o then_o at_o the_o first_o rev._n 2.19_o the_o lord_n be_v humble_a and_o faithful_a servant_n be_v not_o go_v to_o be_v forward_o to_o think_v themselves_o perfect_a in_o their_o attainment_n but_o desirous_a rather_o to_o make_v a_o progress_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o god_n holy_a will._n if_o therefore_o the_o thing_n here_o poopound_v concern_v the_o child_n of_o church-member_n and_o the_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o hope_v the_o discourse_n ensue_a will_v show_v they_o to_o be_v that_o do_v sufficient_o bespeak_v their_o entertainment_n although_o they_o have_v not_o former_o be_v hold_v or_o hear_v of_o among_o we_o yet_o this_o must_v not_o be_v grant_v the_o contrary_a be_v the_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o point_n herein_o which_o may_v be_v most_o scruple_v by_o some_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o these_o church_n for_o many_o year_n and_o of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v of_o most_o eminent_a esteem_n among_o we_o as_o beside_o what_o be_v before_o mention_v from_o the_o platform_n of_o discipline_n may_v appear_v by_o the_o
cause_n for_o it_o many_o of_o the_o elder_n in_o these_o church_n both_o such_o as_o be_v now_o live_v and_o sundry_a who_o be_v now_o decease_v do_v declare_v their_o judgement_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o this_o many_o year_n ago_o second_o touch_v consociation_n of_o church_n take_v these_o few_o testimony_n in_o stead_n of_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v allege_v mr._n cotton_n keyes_n p._n 54_o 55._o it_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o wholesome_a and_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o particular_a church_n to_o join_v together_o in_o holy_a covenant_n or_o communion_n &_o consociation_n among_o themselves_o to_o administer_v all_o their_o church-affair_n which_o be_v of_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a and_o common_a concernment_n not_o without_o common_a consultation_n and_o consent_n of_o other_o church_n about_o they_o and_o how_o it_o be_v so_o he_o there_o show_v in_o all_o the_o particular_n see_v also_o p._n 24_o 25_o 47_o 59_o mr._n hooker_n survey_v see_v part_n 4._o p._n 1_o 2._o &_o p._n 45._o and_o in_o the_o preface_n he_o profess_v his_o consent_n with_o mr._n r._n that_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a that_o when_o cause_n be_v difficult_a and_o particular_a church_n want_v light_a and_o help_v they_o shall_v crave_v the_o assistance_n of_o such_o a_o consociation_n that_o church_n so_o meeting_n have_v right_a to_o counsel_n rebuke_v etc._n etc._n as_o the_o case_n do_v require_v and_o in_o case_n any_o particular_a church_n shall_v walk_v pertinacious_o either_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o error_n or_o sinful_a practice_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v their_o counsel_n they_o may_v and_o shall_v renounce_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n with_o they_o and_o after_o he_o set_v down_o this_o of_o consociation_n of_o church_n among_o other_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o profess_v the_o joint_a judgement_n of_o all_o the_o elder_n upon_o the_o river_n of_o new-haven_n guildford_n milford_n stratford_n fairfield_n and_o most_o of_o the_o elder_n in_o the_o bay_n by_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o point_n of_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v no_o new_a invention_n of_o these_o time_n but_o be_v teach_v and_o profess_v in_o new-england_n many_o year_n ago_o for_o so_o it_o be_v we_o see_v in_o mr._n hooker_n time_n and_o it_o be_v now_o above_o fifteen_o year_n since_o he_o depart_v this_o life_n to_o these_o of_o our_o own_o minister_n we_o shall_v only_o add_v a_o passage_n in_o the_o apologetical_a narration_n of_o dr._n goodwin_n mr._n nye_n mr._n sidrach_n simpson_n mr._n burroughes_n and_o mr._n bridge_n wherein_o beside_o much_o more_o to_o this_o purpose_n touch_v the_o remedy_n provide_v in_o the_o congregational-way_n for_o mal-administrations_a or_o other_o miscarriage_n in_o church_n p._n 16-21_a they_o set_v it_o down_o in_o p._n 27._o as_o their_o past_a and_o present_a profession_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o to_o be_v abhor_v maxim_n that_o any_o religion_n have_v ever_o make_v profession_n of_o and_o therefore_o of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o contradictory_n and_o dishonourable_a unto_o that_o of_o christianity_n that_o a_o single_a and_o particular_a society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o society_n within_o themselves_o shall_v further_o arrogate_v unto_o themselves_o a_o exemption_n from_o give_v account_n or_o be_v censurable_a by_o any_o other_o either_o christian_a magistrate_n above_o they_o or_o neighbour-churche_n about_o they_o see_v also_o mr._n burroughes_n heart-divis_a pag_n 43_o 47._o brethren_n bear_v with_o we_o be_v it_o for_o our_o own_o sake_n or_o name_n or_o interest_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v solicitous_a to_o beg_v charity_n of_o you_o with_o we_o it_o be_v a_o small_a thing_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n day_n but_o it_o be_v for_o your_o sake_n for_o your_o child_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n that_o we_o entreat_v for_o a_o charitable_a candid_a and_o considerate_a acceptation_n of_o our_o labour_n herein_o it_o be_v that_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v establish_v before_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o and_o of_o their_o child_n after_o they_o do_v we_o herein_o seek_v ourselves_o our_o own_o advantage_n ease_n or_o glory_n sure_o we_o feel_v the_o contrary_a what_o be_v it_o we_o desire_v but_o that_o we_o may_v do_v our_o utmost_a to_o carry_v your_o poor_a child_n to_o heaven_n and_o that_o we_o may_v see_v these_o church_n bind_v up_o together_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n forgive_v we_o this_o wrong_n but_o shall_v the_o church-education_n of_o your_o child_n be_v by_o the_o want_n of_o your_o hearty_a concurrence_n render_v either_o unfeizible_a or_o ineffectual_a shall_v they_o live_v as_o lamb_n in_o a_o large_a place_n for_o want_v of_o your_o agreement_n to_o own_v they_o of_o the_o flock_n we_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v how_o uncomfortable_a the_o account_n hereof_o will_v be_v another_o day_n we_o pray_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o you_o do_v no_o evil_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v appear_v approve_v but_o that_o you_o shall_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o right_n though_o we_o be_v reject_v for_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o this_o also_o we_o wish_v even_o your_o perfection_n 2_o cor._n 13.7_o 8_o 9_o however_o we_o hope_v after-age_n will_v bear_v witness_n that_o we_o have_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n faithful_a to_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o this_o part_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n also_o in_o our_o generation_n but_o we_o may_v not_o let_v pass_v this_o opportunity_n without_o a_o word_n of_o caution_n and_o exhortation_n to_o the_o youth_n of_o the_o country_n the_o child_n of_o our_o church_n who_o interest_n we_o have_v here_o assort_v be_v not_o you_o puff_v up_o with_o privilege_n but_o humble_v rather_o in_o the_o awful_a sense_n of_o the_o engagement_n duty_n and_o danger_n that_o do_v attend_v they_o it_o be_v a_o high_a favour_n to_o have_v a_o place_n in_o bethel_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a place_n god_n will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o all_o that_o come_v nigh_o he_o a_o place_n nigh_o unto_o god_n or_o among_o his_o people_n who_o be_v near_o to_o he_o ps_n 148.14_o be_v a_o place_n of_o great_a fear_n psa_n 89.7_o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o when_o own_a as_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n deut._n 27.9_o 10._o lest_o there_o shall_v be_v among_o you_o any_o root_n that_o bear_v gall_n and_o wormwood_n take_v heed_n that_o you_o do_v not_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n or_o of_o vanity_n and_o slightness_n either_o challenge_n or_o use_v any_o of_o your_o privilege_n think_v not_o to_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n without_o bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n remember_v that_o all_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o people_n do_v come_v load_v with_o duty_n and_o all_o gospel-duty_n must_v be_v do_v in_o humility_n the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o the_o humble_a and_o serious_a shall_v walk_v in_o they_o but_o proud_a transgressor_n shall_v fall_v therein_o be_v not_o son_n of_o belial_n that_o can_v bear_v no_o yoke_n learn_v subjection_n to_o christ_n holy_a government_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o way_n thereof_o be_v subject_n to_o your_o godly_a parent_n be_v subject_n to_o your_o spirtival_n father_n and_o pastor_n and_o to_o all_o their_o instruction_n admonition_n and_o exhortation_n be_v subject_n unto_o faithful_a brethren_n and_o to_o word_n of_o counsel_n and_o help_v from_o they_o you_o young_a submit_v yourselves_o unto_o the_o elder_a and_o to_o that_o end_n be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n lie_v under_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n as_o dispense_v and_o convey_v to_o you_o by_o all_o his_o appoint_a instrument_n in_o their_o respective_a place_n break_v not_o in_o upon_o the_o lord_n table_n or_o upon_o the_o privilege_n of_o full_a communion_n without_o due_a qualification_n and_o orderly_a admission_n thereunto_o lest_o you_o eat_v and_o drink_v your_o own_o damnation_n be_v order_v and_o take_v not_o upon_o you_o to_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o god_n family_n that_o be_v not_o the_o place_n of_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o but_o in_o the_o state_n of_o initiation_n and_o education_n in_o the_o châ—rch_n of_o god_n carry_v it_o in_o all_o thing_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o humility_n modesty_n sobriety_n and_o fear_n that_o our_o soul_n may_v not_o
weep_v in_o secret_a for_o your_o pride_n and_o that_o god_n may_v not_o resist_v &_o reject_v you_o as_o a_o generation_n of_o his_o wrath_n oh_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v pour_v out_o a_o spirit_n of_o humiliation_n &_o repentance_n upon_o all_o the_o young_a sort_n in_o the_o country_n yea_o &_o upon_o elder_a too_o for_o our_o neglect_n from_o dan_n to_o beersheba_n oh_o that_o we_o may_v meet_v at_o bochim_n because_o so_o many_o canaanue_n of_o unsubdued_a yea_o grow_a corruption_n be_v find_v among_o we_o let_v it_o not_o be_v say_v that_o when_o the_o first_o &_o best_a generation_n in_o new-england_n be_v gather_v to_o their_o father_n there_o arise_v another_o generation_n after_o they_o that_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n behold_v the_o lord_n have_v a_o delight_n in_o your_o father_n to_o love_v they_o and_o he_o have_v choose_v you_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o to_o enjoy_v these_o liberty_n &_o opportunity_n as_o it_o be_v this_o day_n circumcise_v therefore_o the_o foreskin_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v no_o more_o stiff-necked_a but_o yield_v yourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o order_n of_o his_o sanctuary_n to_o seek_v he_o and_o wait_v on_o he_o in_o all_o his_o way_n with_o holy_a fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a and_o will_v not_o turn_v away_o his_o face_n from_o you_o if_o you_o return_v unto_o he_o if_o you_o seek_v he_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o you_o but_o if_o you_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v cast_v you_o off_o for_o ever_o we_o shall_v conclude_v when_o we_o have_v give_v the_o reader_n a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o work_n ensue_v the_o proposition_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n be_v after_o much_o discussion_n and_o consideration_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n vote_v and_o conclude_v by_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o particular_a term_n as_o they_o be_v here_o express_v the_o argument_n then_o use_v for_o their_o confirmation_n be_v draw_v up_o by_o some_o depute_v thereunto_o after_o they_o have_v be_v several_a time_n read_v and_o consider_v in_o the_o assembly_n be_v voted_n and_o consent_v to_o as_o to_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n thereof_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o question_n be_v here_o give_v with_o great_a brevity_n partly_o because_o so_o much_o be_v already_o say_v thereabout_a in_o the_o foresay_a platform_n of_o discipline_n and_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o great_a strait_n of_o time_n but_o what_o be_v here_o present_v be_v the_o joint_a conclusion_n of_o the_o synod_n a_o preface_n be_v desire_v by_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v prefix_v by_o some_o appoint_v thereunto_o which_o be_v here_o according_o by_o they_o perform_v now_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n &_o peace_n guide_v we_o &_o all_o his_o people_n in_o the_o way_n &_o give_v we_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o help_v we_o to_o feed_v his_o flock_n and_o his_o lamb_n &_o to_o be_v feed_v by_o he_o as_o the_o sheep_n of_o his_o pasture_n that_o when_o the_o chief-shepherd_n shall_v appear_v we_o may_v receive_v together_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o &_o may_v enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o those_o that_o have_v neither_o despise_v his_o little_a one_o nor_o deny_v to_o be_v our_o brother_n keeper_n but_o have_v faithful_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v the_o continuation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n &_o communion_n of_o his_o people_n may_v rest_n &_o reign_v with_o all_o saint_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o glory_n unto_o who_o be_v glory_n in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n jesus_n throughout_o all_o age_n world_n without_o end_n the_o answer_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o other_z messengers_z of_o the_o church_n assemble_v at_o boston_n in_o the_o year_n 1662._o to_o the_o question_n propound_v to_o they_o by_o order_n of_o the_o honour_a general_z court_z quest_n 1._o who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n answ_n the_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v in_o the_o follow_a proposition_n brief_o confirm_v from_o the_o scripture_n 1_o they_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n 2_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n in_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n i_o e._n child_n in_o minority_n who_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n 3_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o confederate_n visible_a believer_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o when_o grow_v up_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n 4_o these_o adult_n person_n be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v and_o continue_v member_n without_o such_o further_a qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v thereunto_o 5_o church-member_n who_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v 6_o such_o church-member_n who_o either_o by_o death_n or_o some_o other_o extraordinary_a providence_n have_v be_v inevitable_o hinder_v from_o public_a act_n as_o aforesaid_a yet_o have_v give_v the_o church_n cause_n in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o look_v at_o they_o as_o so_o qualify_v and_o such_o as_o have_v they_o be_v call_v thereunto_o will_v have_v so_o act_v their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v 7_o the_o member_n of_o orthodox_n church_n be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o present_v due_a testimony_n thereof_o these_o occasional_o come_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptize_v in_o the_o church_n wither_v they_o come_v by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o if_o they_o remove_v their_o habitation_n they_o ought_v orderly_o to_o covenant_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n where_o they_o settle_v their_o abode_n and_o so_o their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v it_o be_v the_o church_n duty_n to_o receive_v such_o unto_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v regular_o fit_a for_o the_o same_o the_o confirmation_n of_o these_o proposition_n from_o the_o scripture_n follow_v proposition_n first_o they_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o follow_a evidence_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o when_o christ_n say_v go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v or_o as_o the_o greek_a be_v disciple_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o mat._n 28.19_o he_o express_v the_o adequate_a subject_n of_o baptism_n to_o be_v disciple_n or_o disciple_v once_o but_o disciple_n there_o be_v the_o same_o with_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v christ_n school_n wherein_o all_o the_o member_n stand_v relate_v and_o subject_v to_o he_o as_o their_o master_n and_o teacher_n and_o so_o be_v his_o scholar_n or_o disciple_n and_o under_o his_o teach_n as_o verse_n 20._o and_o it_o be_v that_o visible_a spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o there_o from_o his_o kingly_a power_n ver_fw-la 18._o send_v they_o to_o set_v up_o and_o administer_v in_o ver_fw-la 19_o the_o subject_n whereof_o be_v under_o his_o law_n and_o government_n verse_n 20._o which_o subject_n or_o member_n of_o that_o kingdom_n i.e._n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v term_v disciple_n verse_n 19_o also_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o story_n of_o their_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o commission_n disciple_n be_v usual_o put_v for_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n act_v 1.15_o in_o the_o mid_n of_o the_o disciple_n who_o with_o other_o add_v to_o they_o be_v call_v the_o church_n act_v 2_o 47_o the_o member_n whereof_o be_v again_o call_v disciple_n act_n 6_o 1_o 2._o act_n 9_o 1_o against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n i._n e_o against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 15_o 9_o gal._n 1.13_o act_n 9_o 26_o he_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n the_o disciple_n at_o lystra_n iconiem_n and_o antioch_n act_v 14_o 21_o 22_o be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o each_o of_o those_o place_n verse_n 23_o so_o the_o church_n verse_n 27_o the_o disciple_n verse_n 28._o act_n 18.22_o the_o church_n at_o caesarea_n act_v 21.16_o the_o disciple_n of_o caesarea_n so_o act_v 18_o 23_o with_o chap._n 15.41_o and_o gal._n 1.2_o act_n 18.27_o and_o
john_n 3.12_o and_o so_o become_v the_o father_n of_o a_o wicked_a unchurch_v race_n burden_v god_n appoint_v unto_o eve_n another_o viz_o seth_n in_o who_o to_o continue_v the_o line_n of_o her_o church-seed_n gen_n 4.25_o how_o it_o do_v continue_v in_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n genes_n 5_o show_v hence_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o the_o daughter_n of_o man_n gen._n 6_o 2._o if_o righteous_a noah_n be_v take_v into_o the_o ark_n than_o the_o only_a preserve_a place_n of_o the_o church_n his_o child_n be_v take_v in_o with_o he_o gen._n 7.1_o though_o one_o of_o they_o viz._n ham_n after_o prove_v degenerate_a and_o wicked_a but_o till_o he_o so_o appear_v he_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n with_o his_o brethren_n so_o gen._n 9.25_o 26_o 27._o as_o the_o race_n of_o ham_n or_o his_o son_n canaan_n parent_n and_o child_n be_v curse_v so_o shem_n parent_n and_o child_n be_v bless_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o place_n of_o blessing_n the_o church_n as_o japhet_n also_o or_o iaphet_n posterity_n still_a parent_n and_o child_n shall_v in_o time_n be_v bring_v in_o the_o holy_a line_n mention_v in_o gen._n 11_o 10-26_a show_v how_o the_o church_n continue_v in_o the_o seed_n of_o shem_n from_o he_o unto_o abraham_n when_o that_o race_n grow_v degenerate_a josh_n 24.2_o then_o god_n call_v abraham_n out_o of_o his_o country_n and_o from_o his_o kindred_n and_o establish_v his_o covenant_n with_o he_o which_o still_o take_v in_o parent_n and_o child_n gen._n 17.7_o 9_o so_o it_o do_v after_o in_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n deut._n 29.11_o 12_o 13._o and_o when_o any_o eminent_a restauration_n or_o establishment_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o church_n the_o child_n thereof_o be_v still_o take_v in_o as_o sharer_n in_o the_o same_o psal_n 102.16_o 28._o &_o 69.35_o 36._o jerem_n 32_o 38_o 39_o isa_n 65_o 18_o 19_o 23._o now_o when_o christ_n come_v to_o set_v up_o the_o gospel-administration_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n under_o the_o term_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat_n 3_o 2._o &_o 11.11_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o take_v away_o child_n portion_n and_o membership_n therein_o that_o himself_o assert_v it_o mat_n 19_o 14._o the_o child_n of_o the_o gentile_a but_o now_o believe_v corinthian_n be_v holy_a 1_o cor_n 7_o 14._o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o colosse_n speak_v to_o child_n as_o a_o part_n thereof_o eph_n 6_o 1._o col._n 3_o 20._o the_o inchurch_v roman_n and_o other_o gentile_n stand_v on_o the_o root_n of_o covenant_v abraham_n and_o in_o the_o olive_n or_o visible_a church_n they_o and_o their_o child_n till_o break_v off_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v by_o positive_a unbelief_n or_o rejection_n of_o christ_n his_o truth_n or_o government_n rom._n 11_o 13_o 16_o 17_o 22._o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v shall_v be_v as_o aforetime_o in_o church-estate_n je_fw-fr 30.20_o with_o 31.1_o ezekiel_n 37_o 25-28_a from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o series_n or_o whole_a frame_n and_o current_n of_o scripture-expression_n do_v hold_v forth_o the_o continuance_n of_o child_n membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o seed_n or_o child_n who_o become_v member_n together_o with_o their_o parent_n partic_a 4_o i.e._n by_o mean_n of_o their_o parent_n covenant_v be_v child_n in_o minority_n this_o appear_v 1._o because_o such_o child_n be_v holy_a by_o their_o parent_n covenant_v who_o will_v else_o be_v unclean_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o but_o they_o will_v not_o else_o necessary_o be_v unclean_a if_o they_o be_v adult_n for_o than_o they_o may_v act_v for_o themselves_o and_o so_o be_v holy_a by_o their_o personal_a covenant_v neither_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n will_v they_o necessary_o be_v holy_a if_o adult_n as_o he_o assert_v the_o child_n there_o to_o be_v for_o they_o may_v continue_v pagan_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n intend_v only_a infant_n or_o child_n in_o minority_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o principle_n that_o carry_v evidence_n of_o light_n and_o reason_n with_o it_o as_o to_o all_o transaction_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v of_o age_n he_o shall_v answer_v for_o himself_o john_n 9.21_o they_o that_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n so_o as_o to_o have_v knowledge_n and_o understanding_n fit_a to_o act_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v to_o covenant_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a act_n neh._n 10.28_o 29._o isa_n 44_o 5_o 3._o they_o that_o be_v regular_o take_v in_o with_o their_o parent_n be_v repute_v to_o be_v visible_a entertainer_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o avoucher_n of_o god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n deut_n 26.7_o 18._o with_o deut._n 29.11_o 12_o but_o if_o adult_a child_n shall_v without_o regard_n to_o their_o own_o personal_a act_n be_v take_v in_o with_o their_o parent_n than_o some_o may_v be_v repute_v entertainer_n that_o be_v manifest_a rejecter_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o so_o a_o adult_n son_n or_o daughter_n of_o a_o godly_a parent_n may_v be_v it_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o membership_n of_o child_n partic_a 5_o that_o the_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v in_o covenant_n for_o although_o after-generation_n have_v no_o small_a benefit_n by_o their_o pious_a ancestor_n who_o derive_v federal_a holiness_n to_o their_o succeed_a generation_n in_o case_n they_o keep_v their_o stand_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v not_o apostate_n from_o it_o yet_o the_o piety_n of_o ancestor_n suffice_v not_o unless_o the_o next_o parent_n continue_v in_o covenant_n rom._n 11_o 22._o 1._o because_o if_o the_o next_o parent_n be_v cut_v or_o break_v off_o the_o follow_a seed_n be_v break_v off_o also_o exod_a 20.5_o rom._n 11_o 17_o 19_o 20._o as_o the_o gentile_a believe_a parent_n and_o child_n be_v take_v in_o so_o the_o jew_n parent_n and_o child_n be_v then_o break_v off_o 2._o one_o of_o the_o parent_n must_v be_v a_o believer_n or_o else_o the_o child_n be_v unclean_a 1_o cor._n 7_o 14.3_o if_o child_n may_v be_v account_v member_n and_o baptize_v though_o the_o next_o parent_n be_v not_o in_o covenant_n than_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v bind_v to_o baptize_v those_o who_o she_o can_v have_v no_o power_n over_o nor_o hope_v concern_v to_o see_v they_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n and_o under_o the_o ordinance_n for_o the_o next_o parent_n be_v wicked_a and_o not_o in_o covenant_n may_v carry_v away_o and_o bring_v up_o their_o child_n to_o serve_v other_o go_n 4._o if_o we_o stop_v not_o at_o the_o next_o parent_n but_o grant_v that_o ancestor_n may_v notwithstanding_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o next_o parent_n convey_v membership_n unto_o child_n than_o we_o shall_v want_v a_o ground_n where_o to_o stop_v and_o then_o all_o the_o child_n on_o earth_n shall_v have_v right_a to_o membership_n and_o baptism_n proposition_n 3_o d._n the_o infant-seed_n of_o confederate_n visible_a believer_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o when_o grow_v up_o be_v personal_o under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n appear_v 1._o because_o so_o be_v isaac_n and_o ishmael_n of_o abraham_n family-church_n and_o the_o child_n of_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n of_o israel_n national_a church_n and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o child_n now_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o congregational_a church_n with_o their_o parent_n christ_n care_n for_o child_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o obligation_n unto_o order_n and_o government_n be_v as_o great_a now_o as_o then_o 2._o either_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n or_o of_o some_o other_o church_n or_o non-member_n but_o neither_o of_o the_o latter_a therefore_o the_o former_a that_o they_o be_v not_o non-member_n be_v before_o prove_v in_o propos_fw-fr 2._o partic._n 3._o and_o if_o not_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n then_o of_o no_o other_o for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o reason_n sufficient_a to_o state_n they_o member_n of_o that_o church_n where_o their_o parent_n have_v covenant_v for_o they_o and_o where_o ordinary_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o do_v inhabit_v then_o much_o less_o be_v there_o reason_n to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o any_o other_o and_o so_o they_o will_v be_v member_n of_o no_o particular_a church_n at_o all_o and_o it_o be_v before_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a and_o orderly_a stand_a estate_n of_o church-member_n but_o
partake_v of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o baptise_v any_o be_v clear_a 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 1._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 for_o so_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 in_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o they_o be_v on_o this_o ground_n exhort_v to_o be_v baptize_v because_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n be_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n that_o a_o member_n or_o one_o in_o covenant_n as_o such_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n be_v further_o clear_v before_o in_o propos_fw-fr 1.2_o that_o these_o child_n have_v interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n appear_v because_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v in_o covenant_n the_o child_n be_v also_o for_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o parent_n and_o their_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n gen_n 17.7_o 9_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n act_n 2.39_o if_o the_o parent_n stand_v in_o the_o church_n so_o do_v the_o child_n among_o the_o gentile_n now_o as_o well_o as_o among_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a rom_n 11.16_o 20_o 21_o 22._o it_o be_v unheard_a of_o in_o scripture_n that_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n stop_v at_o the_o infant_n child_n but_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v in_o covenant_n as_o appear_v 1._o because_o they_o be_v once_o in_o covenant_n and_o never_o since_o discovenant_v if_o they_o have_v not_o once_o be_v in_o covenant_n they_o have_v not_o warrantable_o be_v baptize_v and_o they_o be_v so_o still_o except_o in_o some_o way_n of_o god_n they_o have_v be_v discovenant_v cast_v out_o or_o cut_v off_o from_o their_o covenant-relation_n which_o these_o have_v not_o be_v neither_o be_v person_n once_o in_o covenant_n break_v off_o from_o it_o according_a to_o scripture_n save_v for_o notórious_a sin_n and_o incorrigibleness_n therein_o rom_n 11.20_o which_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o these_o parent_n 2_o because_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n gen_n 17.7_o even_o to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n i._n e._n conditional_o provide_v that_o the_o parent_n successive_o do_v continue_v to_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o covenant_n exod_n 20.6_o deut_n 7_o 9_o 11_o psalm_n 105_o 8._o which_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n account_n in_o this_o case_n forsaker_n or_o rejecter_n of_o the_o god_n and_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n see_v deut_n 29.25_o 26._o 2_o king_n 17_o 15-20_a 2_o chron_n 7_o 22_o deut_n 7_o 10._o 2._o that_o these_o parent_n in_o question_n do_v not_o put_v in_o any_o bar_n to_o hinder_v their_o child_n from_o baptism_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o proposition_n wherein_o they_o be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o therefore_o they_o put_v not_o in_o any_o bar_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n atheism_n heresy_n or_o infidelity_n also_o they_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n but_o solemn_o own_o the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o put_v not_o in_o any_o bar_n of_o profaneness_n or_o wickedness_n or_o apostasy_n from_o the_o covenant_n whereinto_o they_o enter_v in_o minority_n that_o the_o infant-children_n in_o question_n do_v themselves_o put_v in_o any_o bar_n none_o will_v imagine_v the_o child_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v either_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n argum_fw-la 2_o or_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n eph_n 2_o 12._o either_o holy_a or_o unclean_a 1_o cor_n 7_o 14._o either_o within_o the_o church_n or_o without_o 1_o cor_n 5_o 12_o either_o such_o as_o have_v god_n for_o their_o god_n or_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n eph_n 2_o 12._o but_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o proposition_n will_v not_o affirm_v the_o latter_a concern_v these_o child_n and_o the_o form_n be_v grant_v infer_v their_o right_n to_o baptism_n to_o deny_v the_o proposition_n argum_fw-la 3_o will_v be_v 1._o to_o straiten_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n and_o to_o make_v the_o church_n in_o new_a testament-time_n in_o a_o worse_a case_n relate_v to_o their_o child_n successive_o than_o be_v the_o jew_n of_o old_a 2._o to_o render_v the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n then_o under_o the_o legal_a administration_n contrary_a to_o jer_n 30_o 20._o ezekiel_n 37_o 25_o 26._o 3._o to_o deny_v the_o application_n of_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n to_o such_o as_o regular_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n to_o who_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n nay_o the_o first_o institution_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n appoint_v it_o to_o be_v apply_v gen_n 17_o 9_o 10._o john_n 7.22_o 23._o 4._o to_o break_v god_n covenant_n by_o deny_v the_o initiatory_a seal_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n gen_n 17_o 9_o 10_o 14._o confederate_a visible_a believer_n though_o but_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n such_o argum_fw-la 4_o be_v to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v witness_v the_o practice_n of_o john_n baptist_n and_o the_o aposile_n who_o baptize_v person_n upon_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o their_o christianity_n but_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n at_o least_o in_o some_o degree_n for_o 1._o charity_n may_v observe_v in_o they_o sundry_a positive_a argument_n for_o it_o witness_v the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n and_o nothing_o evident_a against_o it_o 2._o child_n of_o the_o godly_a qualify_v but_o as_o the_o person_n in_o the_o proposition_n be_v say_v to_o be_v faithful_a tit_n 1.6_o 3._o 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 begin_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o young_a year_n as_o scripture_n and_o experience_n show_v instance_n joseph_n samuel_n david_n solomon_n abijah_n josiah_n daniel_n john_n baptist_n and_o timothy_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 4._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 which_o be_v the_o account_n of_o truth_n for_o the_o church_n be_v in_o scripture-account_n a_o company_n of_o saint_n 1_o cor_n 14_o 33._o &_o 1.2_o 5._o 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_o 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 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 because_o though_o they_o be_v in_o a_o latitude_n of_o expression_n to_o be_v account_v visible_a 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_fw-fr 4_o the_o the_o denial_n of_o baptism_n to_o the_o child_n in_o question_n argum_fw-la 5_o have_v a_o dangerous_a tendency_n to_o irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n because_o it_o deny_v they_o and_o so_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n successive_o to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v they_o cease_v from_o fear_v the_o lord_n josh_n 22.24_o 25_o 27._o for_o if_o they_o have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n i._n e._n a_o portion_n in_o israel_n and_o so_o in_o the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n or_o member_n of_o it_o and_o so_o to_o be_v baptize_v according_a to_o propos_fw-fr 1._o the_o own_n of_o the_o child_n of_o those_o 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 of_o religion_n therein_o as_o some_o conceive_v that_o this_o imputation_n belong_v to_o the_o contrary_a tenet_n to_o seek_v to_o be_v more_o pure_a than_o the_o rule_n will_v ever_o end_v in_o impurity_n in_o the_o issue_n god_n have_v so_o frame_v his_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o church_n thereby_o as_o to_o design_n a_o continuation_n and_o propagation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n