animadversion_n upon_o the_o antisynodalia_fw-la americana_fw-la a_o treatise_n print_v in_o old_a england_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n in_o the_o synod_n hold_v at_o boston_n in_o new_a england_n 1662._o tend_v to_o clear_a the_o elder_n and_o church_n of_o new_a england_n from_o those_o evil_n and_o declining_n charge_v upon_o many_o of_o they_o in_o the_o two_o preface_n before_o the_o say_a book_n together_o with_o a_o answer_n unto_o the_o reason_n allege_v for_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o a_o reply_n to_o such_o answer_n as_o be_v give_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n by_o john_n allin_n pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o dedham_n in_o n._n england_n rom._n 3.1_o 2._o what_o advantage_n then_o have_v the_o jew_n or_o what_o profit_n be_v there_o of_o circumcision_n much_o every_o way_n chief_o because_o that_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n gal._n 3.27_o 28._o for_o as_o many_o of_o you_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n there_o be_v neither_o jew_n nor_o greek_a there_o be_v neither_o bond_n nor_o free_a there_o be_v neither_o male_a nor_o female_a for_o you_o be_v all_o one_o in_o christ_n jesus_n heb._n 12.15_o 16._o look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o man_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n leave_v any_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o trouble_v you_o and_o thereby_o many_o be_v defile_v lest_o there_o be_v any_o fornicator_n or_o profane_a person_n as_o esau_n who_o for_o a_o morsel_n of_o meat_n sell_v his_o birthright_n cambridge_n print_v by_o s.g._n and_o m._n j._n for_o hezekiah_n usher_n of_o boston_n 1664._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n such_o be_v the_o infirmity_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n purity_n and_o peace_n and_o the_o holy_a and_o just_a dispensation_n of_o god_n permit_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n to_o his_o most_o glorious_a end_n that_o frequent_a experience_n show_v how_o hard_o it_o be_v for_o a_o people_n desirous_a to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o steer_v a_o right_a course_n between_o the_o gulf_n of_o profane_v the_o ordinance_n by_o a_o overloose_a dispensation_n thereof_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o rock_n of_o rigid_a separation_n anabaptism_n and_o the_o like_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o hence_o it_o may_v seem_v the_o less_o strange_a that_o notwithstanding_o the_o eminent_a light_n we_o have_v have_v hold_v forth_o the_o covenant-interest_n of_o the_o church-seed_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o church_n to_o improve_v the_o ordinance_n for_o their_o good_a yet_o the_o practice_n hereof_o have_v not_o obtain_v in_o many_o of_o our_o church_n that_o this_o case_n be_v now_o become_v matter_n of_o public_a dispute_n between_o the_o late_a synod_n and_o some_o dissent_v brethren_n though_o it_o be_v cause_n of_o humiliation_n yet_o we_o desire_v herein_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n hope_v and_o wait_v upon_o he_o to_o see_v the_o improvement_n thereof_o for_o good_a and_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v up_o unto_o we_o what_o be_v his_o good_a perfect_a and_o acceptable_a will_n in_o this_o case_n when_o these_o antisynodalia_fw-la of_o our_o brethren_n come_v to_o our_o hand_n and_o another_o essay_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v here_o publish_v some_o godly_a and_o wise_a christian_n advise_v the_o elder_n to_o let_v they_o â—ass_v in_o silence_n conceive_v that_o they_o will_v not_o so_o take_v with_o the_o people_n as_o to_o hinder_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o that_o a_o reply_n will_v occasion_v further_a dispute_n and_o contest_v but_o upon_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n by_o divers_a elder_n meet_v to_o that_o end_n the_o reason_n on_o the_o other_o side_n do_v preponderate_a such_o as_o these_o 1._o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o not_o find_v any_o weight_n in_o those_o tractate_v to_o change_v our_o judgement_n it_o seem_v to_o we_o that_o by_o silence_n we_o shall_v be_v sinful_o want_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n a_o present_a truth_n that_o many_o godly_a one_o be_v inquire_a into_o and_o to_o the_o just_a interest_n of_o the_o church-seed_n 2._o this_o truth_n be_v assert_v in_o so_o solemn_a a_o ordinance_n viz._n the_o assembly_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o other_o messenger_n of_o so_o many_o church_n after_o solemn_a seek_v the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o much_o search_n into_o the_o scripture_n with_o large_a dispute_n about_o the_o same_o our_o silence_n in_o this_o case_n will_v not_o only_o render_v that_o ordinance_n useless_a and_o vain_a at_o present_a but_o also_o discourage_v the_o church_n in_o aftertime_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o for_o their_o necessary_a establishment_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n 3._o we_o see_v evident_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n give_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o antipoedobaptist_n which_o if_o we_o be_v silent_a will_v tend_v much_o to_o their_o encouragement_n and_o increase_n to_o the_o hazard_n of_o our_o church_n 4._o these_o treatise_n come_v into_o the_o people_n hand_n if_o no_o answer_n shall_v be_v return_v will_v much_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o such_o as_o be_v dissenter_n and_o discourage_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o the_o good_a of_o posterity_n 5._o those_o unjust_a aspersion_n cast_v upon_o many_o of_o the_o elder_n and_o church_n of_o new-england_n in_o the_o two_o preface_n to_o the_o antisynodalia_fw-la do_v tend_v much_o to_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o dispensation_n and_o will_v lay_v they_o under_o much_o scandal_n in_o old-england_n and_o new_a shall_v not_o a_o just_a apology_n and_o answer_n be_v make_v thereunto_o for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a reason_n it_o be_v think_v necessary_a to_o return_v a_o just_a answer_n to_o these_o book_n publish_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n but_o that_o my_o brethren_n shall_v have_v any_o eye_n upon_o myself_o to_o undertake_v this_o part_n of_o the_o work_n viz._n to_o examine_v and_o make_v reply_n to_o these_o antisynodalia_fw-la be_v very_o far_o from_o my_o thought_n yet_o when_o i_o can_v by_o no_o persuasion_n and_o entreaty_n prevail_v with_o they_o to_o call_v out_o some_o other_o more_o able_a for_o this_o work_n whereof_o we_o have_v choice_n i_o consider_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o deny_v assistance_n to_o such_o as_o he_o call_v forth_o to_o any_o service_n yea_o that_o he_o delight_v to_o show_v his_o strength_n in_o weakness_n in_o hope_n hereof_o i_o have_v by_o his_o grace_n and_o help_v run_v through_o these_o antisynodalia_fw-la in_o my_o plain_a and_o homely_a manner_n love_v always_o to_o speak_v to_o vulgar_a capacity_n wish_v hearty_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o some_o better_a hand_n that_o may_v have_v perform_v it_o more_o thorough_o this_o only_a i_o have_v to_o say_v for_o myself_o that_o i_o have_v not_o willing_o decline_v any_o seem_a strength_n of_o reason_n nor_o seek_v by_o shift_n and_o evasion_n to_o darken_v any_o seem_a light_n of_o truth_n hold_v forth_o in_o these_o antisynodalia_fw-la but_o have_v candid_o according_a to_o my_o measure_n search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o i_o have_v believe_v so_o have_v i_o speak_v as_o i_o find_v in_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n so_o have_v i_o write_v what_o weakness_n and_o defect_n may_v be_v discover_v by_o a_o more_o judicious_a eye_n i_o hope_v through_o grace_n i_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o see_v and_o reform_v upon_o intimation_n thereof_o only_o let_v no_o truth_n herein_o hold_v forth_o be_v the_o less_o esteem_v for_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o instrument_n i_o shall_v commit_v this_o case_n of_o the_o church-seed_n unto_o that_o god_n who_o of_o his_o rich_a grace_n have_v undertake_v to_o be_v their_o god_n beseech_v he_o to_o make_v his_o way_n plain_a before_o the_o face_n of_o his_o people_n and_o to_o improve_v these_o dispute_n to_o common_a edification_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n thou_o in_o the_o lord_n john_n allin_n from_o my_o study_n in_o dedham_n in_o n.e._n 6_o day_n 11_o mon._n 1663._o animadversion_n upon_o the_o antisynodalia_fw-la americana_fw-la chap._n i._o be_v animadversion_n upon_o the_o two_o preface_n the_o first_o to_o the_o reader_n the_o second_o to_o the_o honour_a general_n court_n it_o be_v no_o good_a sign_n that_o the_o publisher_n of_o these_o antisynodalia_a do_v so_o foul_o stumble_v at_o the_o threshold_n in_o his_o first_o step_v forth_o into_o this_o business_n for_o where_o
they_o without_o act_n of_o church-discipline_n which_o yet_o they_o deny_v to_o belong_v to_o their_o person_n immediate_o 3._o if_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v fall_v out_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a not_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o a_o people_n retain_v the_o essential_o of_o a_o true_a church_n may_v fall_v into_o such_o a_o degeneracy_n or_o decay_n as_o to_o be_v unfit_a for_o ordinance_n or_o to_o those_o officer_n until_o they_o be_v further_o prepare_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o they_o ans_fw-fr 2._o to_o the_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o &_o 14.33_o they_o say_v that_o by_o a_o church_n of_o saint_n primary_o the_o better_a part_n of_o saint_n be_v understand_v the_o rest_n synecdochical_o though_o not_o so_o in_o truth_n yet_o so_o call_v reply_n if_o all_o be_v so_o call_v though_o some_o be_v not_o so_o in_o truth_n than_o the_o argument_n be_v yield_v that_o in_o scripture_n &_o ecclesiastical_a account_n all_o church-member_n be_v saint_n and_o who_o shall_v tell_v we_o which_o be_v so_o in_o truth_n and_o which_o not_o till_o impenitency_n in_o sin_n give_v we_o cause_n to_o count_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n reas_n 5._o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o baptise_a they_o have_v faith_n give_v they_o indefinite_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n deut._n 30.6_o which_o continue_v valid_a and_o be_v a_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o while_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o ans_fw-fr the_o promise_n be_v indefinite_a not_o universal_a whence_o the_o argument_n must_v be_v some_o circumcise_a or_o baptize_v one_o be_v believer_n but_o hese_fw-mi in_o question_n be_v circumcise_v or_o baptize_v once_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n or_o thus_o the_o roman_a catholic_n be_v baptize_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n reply_n 1._o i_o see_v our_o brethren_n can_v make_v a_o false_a syllogism_n to_o decline_v the_o force_n of_o a_o argument_n that_o will_v right_o conclude_v thus_o if_o some_o child_n be_v under_o that_o indefinite_a promise_n be_v believer_n for_o god_n be_v true_a of_o his_o promise_n than_o all_o such_o child_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o unbeliever_n as_o our_o brethren_n will_v but_o some_o baptize_v once_o be_v under_o that_o indefinite_a promise_n be_v believer_n therefore_o now_o who_o can_v say_v who_o be_v such_o and_o who_o be_v not_o till_o they_o reject_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o by_o impenitency_n in_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n for_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o heart-circumcision_a be_v but_o indefinite_a be_v effectual_o perform_v to_o some_o only_a not_o to_o all_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o alike_o to_o the_o church_n till_o the_o difference_n do_v some_o way_n open_o appear_v 2_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o roman_a catholic_n savour_v not_o of_o ingenuity_n for_o be_v they_o the_o seed_n of_o confederate_a visible_a believer_n of_o who_o our_o dispute_n be_v or_o be_v they_o regular_o baptise_a or_o do_v they_o show_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a that_o profess_v popery_n ans_fw-fr 2._o it_o be_v not_o a_o indefinite_a promise_n there_o because_o it_o be_v certain_o make_v good_a to_o such_o as_o return_v with_o their_o soul_n ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o reply_n this_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o indefiniteness_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o confirm_v it_o and_o their_o effectual_a return_n to_o god_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o promise_n and_o indefinite_a also_o ans_fw-fr 3._o a_o indefinite_a promise_n do_v not_o capacitate_v all_o child_n to_o receive_v the_o seal_n reply_n neither_o be_v so_o much_o affirm_v but_o this_o with_o the_o other_o consideration_n do_v render_v they_o visible_a believer_n in_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n which_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o this_o four_o argument_n arg._n 5._o the_o denial_n of_o baptism_n to_o these_o have_v a_o dangerous_a tendency_n to_o irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n because_o it_o deni_v the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n josh_n 22.24_o 25_o 26._o ans_fw-fr the_o brethren_n deny_v the_o consequence_n affirm_v that_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n experience_n in_o new-england_n through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n show_v the_o contrary_a reply_n this_o be_v a_o bare_a denial_n without_o answer_v the_o reason_n from_o josh_n 22._o sure_o that_o religious_a generation_n have_v a_o deep_a sense_n of_o that_o danger_n and_o more_o solicitous_a care_n to_o prevent_v it_o than_o they_o have_v 2._o when_o our_o brethren_n in_o their_o preface_n to_o the_o general_n court_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o many_o great_a and_o prevail_a corruption_n of_o youth_n that_o need_v reformation_n by_o church-discipline_n this_o may_v abate_v our_o glory_v of_o contrary_a experience_n for_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n in_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o seem_v our_o brethren_n do_v think_v that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o than_o a_o few_o name_n in_o n._n england_n that_o hold_v fast_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v not_o own_o so_o great_a a_o apostasy_n of_o elder_n and_o people_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o preface_n present_v to_o the_o world_n arg._n 6._o the_o person_n in_o question_n be_v personal_a immediate_a and_o yet-continuing_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a our_o brethren_n here_o only_o speak_v to_o the_o first_o branch_n concern_v their_o personal_a membership_n have_v speak_v to_o the_o three_o branch_n before_o but_o the_o second_o branch_n about_o their_o immediate_a membership_n they_o leave_v untouched_a ans_fw-fr if_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o promise_n to_o their_o believe_a parent_n reach_v they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v wrap_v up_o together_o with_o they_o the_o assertion_n be_v grant_v as_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o seed_n of_o confederate_a believer_n in_o their_o minority_n but_o if_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o be_v member_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a act_n than_o it_o be_v deny_v reply_n this_o distinction_n of_o member_n wrap_v up_o in_o their_o parent_n and_o member_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a act_n be_v a_o riddle_n that_o no_o scripture_n do_v unfold_v let_v we_o hold_v to_o scripture-phrase_n and_o the_o meaning_n will_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a viz._n they_o be_v member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n by_o the_o lord_n actual_a enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o their_o person_n distinct_a from_o their_o parent_n and_o set_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n upon_o their_o person_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v from_o gen._n 17.7_o 9_o deut._n 5.2_o 3._o &_o 29.10_o 11._o proof_n 1._o they_o be_v personal_o holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o therefore_o member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n ans_fw-fr this_o concern_v child_n in_o minority_n or_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o member_n in_o full_a communion_n and_o therefore_o it_o reach_v they_o not_o when_o adult_n and_o grow_v reply_n here_o our_o brethren_n speak_v out_o that_o the_o foederal_a holiness_n and_o charch-membership_a of_o the_o church_n seed_n wear_v quite_o out_o with_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n though_o sometime_o they_o speak_v otherwise_o as_o be_v note_v upon_o their_o concession_n in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n pag._n 23._o in_o the_o end_n but_o no_o scripture_n will_v prove_v this_o yea_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o scripture-story_n of_o the_o church_n convince_v the_o contrary_a see_v deut._n 5.2_o 3._o rom._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o &_o 9.4_o proof_n 2._o they_o be_v personal_o baptise_a the_o seal_n of_o membership_n be_v apply_v to_o their_o own_o person_n which_o be_v regular_o do_v be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n that_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o person_n member_n of_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr so_o be_v the_o papist_n in_o rome_n and_o be_v they_o personal_a member_n the_o shechemite_n and_o edomite_n be_v circumcise_v there_o be_v par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la reply_n this_o be_v a_o very_a slight_a evade_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o speak_v of_o baptism_n regular_o do_v i_o have_v think_v our_o brethren_n do_v not_o think_v baptism_n regular_o do_v in_o rome_n or_o circumcision_n regular_o apply_v to_o the_o shechemite_n and_o edomite_n or_o if_o not_o can_v they_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la a_o like_o reason_n between_o baptism_n regular_o do_v and_o not_o regular_o do_v except_o they_o shall_v mean_v that_o there_o be_v like_a reason_n between_o baptism_n in_o rome_n and_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o shechemite_n and_o edomite_n and_o that_o be_v grant_v proof_n 3._o they_o be_v personal_o under_o discipline_n and_o liable_a to_o church-censure_n in_o their_o own_o person_n see_v propos_fw-fr 3._o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v grant_v
not_o to_o break_v it_o 2._o then_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n like_o the_o great_a sea_n to_o deny_v communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o those_o that_o have_v lay_v hold_v upon_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n by_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v now_o strong_o plead_v for_o reply_n 1._o whether_o these_o be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o covenant_n let_v the_o reader_n judge_v by_o what_o be_v say_v for_o it_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n allege_v against_o it_o 2._o to_o deny_v communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o such_o be_v not_o plead_v for_o much_o less_o strong_o for_o solemn_z profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v not_o in_o the_o proposition_n all_o that_o be_v affirm_v be_v that_o the_o church-seed_n manifest_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o covenant_n by_o such_o qualification_n if_o they_o shall_v still_o be_v want_v in_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n may_v be_v delay_v till_o they_o give_v satisfaction_n therein_o 3._o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o case_n deal_v very_o hardly_o and_o partial_o with_o we_o while_o so_o oft_o they_o compare_v these_o with_o the_o most_o scandalous_a person_n reprove_v in_o scripture_n and_o with_o they_o discovenant_v as_o they_o pretend_v and_o yet_o at_o other_o time_n they_o lay_v it_o deep_o to_o our_o charge_n that_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o be_v deny_v by_o they_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o continue_v they_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n arg._n 4._o these_o parent_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n in_o some_o degree_n and_o therefore_o their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a ans_fw-fr the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v not_o such_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o true_a visible_a faith_n which_o be_v require_v rom._n 14.1_o mat._n 12.20_o reply_n be_v it_o grant_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o true_a faith_n visible_o in_o some_o degree_n yet_o rom._n 14.1_o speak_v rather_o of_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o eat_v meat_n unclean_a by_o the_o law_n as_o ver_fw-la 2._o show_v that_o these_o be_v visible_a believer_n in_o some_o degree_n be_v thus_o prove_v reas_n 1._o charity_n may_v observe_v sundry_a thing_n for_o it_o but_o nothing_o evident_a against_o it_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v say_v gratis_o and_o deny_v by_o we_o reply_n if_o our_o brethren_n charity_n can_v observe_v nothing_o for_o it_o they_o may_v then_o show_v something_o evident_a against_o it_o without_o which_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o answer_v for_o in_o discovenant_v of_o regular_a church-member_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o thing_n evident_a against_o they_o as_o deserve_v church-censure_n mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o reas_n 2._o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a qualify_v but_o as_o the_o person_n in_o question_n be_v say_v to_o be_v faithful_a tit._n 1.6_o ans_fw-fr every_o one_o not_o accuse_v of_o riot_n to_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n intent_n nor_o orthodox_n faithfulness_n be_v take_v for_o fidelity_n which_o may_v be_v in_o moral_a man_n reply_n nor_o do_v the_o synod_n so_o conclude_v there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o the_o text_n than_o not_o give_v to_o riot_n viz._n 1._o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n 2._o educate_v in_o the_o faith_n 3._o not_o scandalous_a or_o not_o accuse_v of_o riot_n 4._o not_o unruly_a but_o subject_a to_o government_n all_o which_o do_v suit_n well_o with_o the_o proposition_n and_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v give_v by_o orthodox_n interpreter_n marlorat_n expound_v the_o word_n faithful_n of_o such_o as_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o sound_a doctrine_n of_o piety_n and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n taylor_n by_o faithful_a child_n understand_v such_o as_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n be_v at_o least_o in_o external_a conversation_n answerable_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n they_o make_v and_o reason_n will_v incline_v we_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v require_v in_o the_o child_n of_o church-officer_n something_o of_o piety_n as_o well_o as_o of_o morality_n beside_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o use_v be_v frequent_o and_o common_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o synod_n sense_n viz._n for_o christian_a believer_n act_n 10.45_o 2_o cor._n 6.15_o eph_n 1.1_o 1_o tim._n 6.2_o &_o 4.3_o 10_o 12._o &_o 5.16_o reas_n 3._o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v frequent_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o young_a year_n as_o scripture-example_n and_o experience_n show_v 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 in_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n visible_a believer_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v extraordinary_a to_o have_v grace_n in_o infancy_n and_o therefore_o no_o rule_n for_o ordinary_a church-proceeding_n reply_n 1._o the_o synod_n speak_v not_o of_o infancy_n but_o of_o young_a year_n and_o that_o be_v not_o so_o extraordinary_a as_o be_v object_v witness_v the_o hopeful_a sign_n of_o grace_n in_o many_o that_o die_v in_o minority_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o divers_a that_o hold_v forth_o seed_n of_o grace_n sow_o in_o their_o younget_n year_n 2._o we_o build_v not_o ordinary_a church-proceeding_n immediate_o upon_o this_o ground_n yet_o these_o be_v church-member_n we_o may_v build_v church-charity_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o see_v some_o church-member_n of_o this_o sort_n have_v faith_n in_o reality_n all_o of_o this_o sort_n may_v be_v so_o repute_v in_o church-charity_n for_o so_o we_o judge_v of_o adult_n professor_n in_o the_o church_n we_o know_v some_o have_v grace_n in_o reality_n and_o therefore_o we_o judge_v so_o of_o all_o that_o sort_n till_o the_o contrary_n appear_v though_o in_o the_o general_n we_o know_v many_o be_v call_v few_o choose_v and_o what_o other_o ground_n have_v we_o of_o church-proceeding_n with_o church-member_n but_o church-charity_n reas_n 4._o these_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o 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 1_o cor._n 1.2_o &_o 14.33_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n for_o then_o the_o parent_n be_v dead_a the_o child_n survive_v shall_v make_v a_o church_n enjoy_v ordinance_n choose_v officer_n which_o be_v deny_v and_o it_o be_v incredible_a to_o deny_v they_o that_o power_n when_o their_o parent_n be_v alive_a and_o they_o will_v not_o be_v long_o keep_v from_o put_v it_o forth_o though_o they_o may_v for_o a_o while_n reply_n 1._o if_o we_o may_v thus_o argue_v by_o put_v case_n that_o for_o aught_o appear_v never_o yet_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n viz._n that_o all_o the_o member_n in_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o take_v away_o that_o none_o remain_v but_o such_o as_o these_o child_n by_o like_a reason_n one_o may_v prove_v that_o woman_n and_o child_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o all_o the_o man_n die_v they_o shall_v make_v a_o church_n choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n which_o will_v be_v deny_v yea_o thus_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o this_o or_o that_o man_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o all_o man_n die_v but_o one_o or_o two_o they_o can_v make_v a_o church_n etc._n etc._n 2._o be_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n observe_v such_o a_o case_n can_v not_o fall_v out_o for_o as_o mr._n cotton_n answer_v the_o anabaptist_n in_o a_o case_n not_o unlike_o this_o let_v there_o be_v a_o due_a watchfulness_n of_o the_o church_n over_o these_o child_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o either_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o covenant_n will_v sanctify_v their_o heart_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o it_o or_o else_o he_o will_v leave_v they_o to_o discover_v their_o hypocrisy_n and_o profaneness_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o to_o prevent_v the_o pollution_n of_o his_o table_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o discipline_n ground_n and_o end_n of_o baptism_n pag._n 161_o 163._o and_o have_v we_o thus_o do_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v upon_o his_o ordinance_n such_o case_n can_v not_o fall_v out_o neither_o have_v there_o be_v so_o much_o need_v or_o use_v of_o this_o five_o proposition_n that_o be_v now_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n and_o i_o fear_v this_o opposition_n of_o the_o dissenter_n will_v increase_v our_o difficulty_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v so_o much_o danger_n of_o these_o not_o be_v keep_v from_o put_v forth_o a_o power_n to_o choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n if_o they_o be_v train_v up_o under_o church-discipline_n as_o in_o our_o brethren_n way_n who_o acknowledge_v they_o church-member_n and_o can_v rid_v their_o hand_n regular_o of_o
as_o he_o pretend_v as_o a_o lover_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o publish_v this_o treatise_n without_o any_o commission_n from_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o he_o desire_v they_o not_o to_o be_v offend_v with_o and_o affirm_v it_o as_o a_o truth_n that_o the_o person_n engage_v in_o this_o dissent_n have_v much_o rather_o this_o treatise_n be_v suppress_v and_o as_o a_o untimely_a birth_n to_o have_v be_v bury_v in_o everlasting_a darkness_n the_o contrary_a hereunto_o be_v evident_o evince_v by_o the_o whole_a preface_n follow_v which_o speak_v no_o more_o in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o publisher_n but_o of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o wherein_o they_o endeavour_v to_o answer_v four_o objection_n against_o the_o publish_v thereof_o and_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o ill_a consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v they_o declare_v a_o resolution_n to_o have_v it_o publish_v whatever_o shall_v follow_v conclude_v in_o the_o word_n of_o esther_n if_o i_o perish_v i_o perish_v beside_o it_o be_v well_o know_v here_o how_o earnest_a and_o resolute_a one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o be_v to_o have_v it_o publish_v concern_v the_o objection_n here_o mention_v the_o three_o first_o from_o the_o sâ—a_fw-la consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n hereby_o and_o from_o the_o novelty_n of_o their_o opinion_n i_o know_v not_o of_o any_o that_o make_v these_o objection_n sure_o that_o language_n be_v not_o hear_v in_o the_o synod_n but_o their_o own_o reason_n may_v object_v such_o thing_n the_o four_o objection_n be_v a_o pretend_a concurrence_n of_o all_o other_o congregational_a church_n they_o know_v of_o to_o countenance_v their_o cause_n but_o without_o any_o sufficient_a proof_n thereof_o but_o see_v it_o be_v now_o publish_v though_o uns_fw-mi asonable_o as_o be_v confess_v i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o and_o the_o reader_n about_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n but_o apply_v myself_o to_o wipe_v off_o those_o uncharitable_a and_o unjust_a aspersion_n that_o in_o this_o preface_n be_v cast_v upon_o many_o of_o the_o elder_n and_o church_n of_o new-england_n wherein_o that_o i_o may_v not_o wrong_v any_o of_o our_o belove_a brethren_n the_o dissenter_n i_o must_v say_v this_o on_o their_o behalf_n that_o some_o of_o they_o do_v profess_v that_o they_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o this_o first_o preface_n nor_o in_o the_o publish_v thereof_o nor_o any_o knowledge_n thereof_o and_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v so_o of_o other_o of_o they_o who_o i_o hope_v have_v other_o thought_n of_o their_o brethren_n than_o this_o preface_n hold_v forth_o so_o that_o so_o far_o as_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o one_o of_o they_o only_o or_o chief_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o seven_o imputation_n cast_v upon_o we_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o 1._o the_o author_n of_o this_o preface_n complain_v of_o the_o course_n entertainment_n of_o their_o tenent_n both_o in_o the_o synod_n and_o in_o the_o general_n court_n where_o they_o expect_v more_o patron_n than_o do_v appear_v ans_fw-fr that_o none_o may_v hence_o judge_v otherwise_o then_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o synod_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n be_v placid_o full_o and_o oft-ove_a debate_v all_o their_o argument_n weigh_v all_o write_n present_v be_v read_v consider_v and_o some_o public_o answer_v so_o that_o all_o the_o course_n entertainment_n be_v that_o their_o tenent_n be_v not_o embrace_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o as_o for_o the_o honour_a general_n court_n if_o they_o be_v so_o far_o satisfy_v with_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o synod_n to_o that_o question_n about_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n propound_v by_o they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a in_o their_o wisdom_n to_o countenance_n and_o encourage_v a_o party_n rise_v up_o in_o opposition_n thereto_o as_o tend_v to_o division_n and_o disturbance_n among_o we_o they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o for_o such_o course_n entertainment_n if_o they_o will_v so_o account_v of_o it_o but_o to_o aggravate_v this_o course_n entertainment_n he_o add_v though_o it_o be_v no_o other_o doctrine_n then_o of_o all_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o holland_n england_n ireland_n and_o new-england_n and_o also_o in_o new-haven_n and_o plymouth_n jurisdiction_n yea_o and_o also_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n and_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o bay_n some_o few_o inconsiderable_a except_v for_o thirty_o year_n ans_fw-fr here_o be_v a_o great_a pretence_n of_o general_a concurrence_n with_o their_o tenent_n but_o without_o proof_n and_o beyond_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o make_v the_o number_n seem_v the_o great_a beside_o new-england_n he_o add_v and_o also_o new-haven_n plymouth_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o these_o be_v not_o new-england_n church_n as_o for_o those_o foreign_a church_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v whether_o as_o yet_o many_o of_o they_o at_o least_o have_v declare_v their_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n yea_o i_o have_v hear_v from_o one_o of_o good_a note_n that_o know_v many_o of_o those_o church_n who_o upon_o the_o question_n answer_v that_o this_o case_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v consider_v in_o many_o of_o those_o church_n and_o if_o their_o practice_n have_v not_o yet_o suit_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n we_o know_v by_o our_o own_o experience_n how_o many_o hindrance_n there_o may_v be_v of_o that_o though_o their_o judgement_n be_v for_o it_o but_o concern_v the_o judgement_n of_o new-england_n elder_n and_o church_n let_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o synod_n be_v read_v by_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o most_o eminent_a elder_n in_o the_o most_o considerable_a church_n and_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n be_v general_o for_o this_o doctrine_n in_o the_o synod_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o that_o passage_n of_o famous_a hooker_n who_o praise_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o who_o may_v know_v as_o much_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o congregational_a church_n as_o another_o it_o be_v not_o the_o question_n say_v he_o whether_o wicked_a member_n while_o they_o be_v sinful_o tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n they_o and_o their_o seed_n may_v partake_v of_o privilege_n for_o this_o be_v beyond_o question_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v or_o ever_o hear_v it_o deny_v by_o any_o of_o we_o survey_v part_n 3_o chap._n 2._o pag._n 11._o whereby_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o a_o general_a confession_n on_o all_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n in_o the_o outward_a covenant_n that_o give_v right_a to_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n whereas_o the_o tenent_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v that_o member_n of_o the_o church_n admit_v in_o minority_n and_o have_v the_o covenant_n seal_v by_o baptism_n if_o be_v adult_n they_o hold_v not_o forth_o save_v faith_n and_o repentance_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n even_o so_o as_o to_o come_v into_o full_a communion_n neither_o they_o nor_o their_o seed_n may_v partake_v of_o privilege_n they_o be_v felones_n de_fw-fr se_fw-la self-mâ—rtherers_a discovenant_v of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o federal_o holy_a so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v out_o of_o their_o nonage_n as_o will_v appear_v after_o which_o tenent_n i_o can_v believe_v will_v be_v own_v by_o most_o of_o the_o church_n name_v if_o by_o any_o of_o they_o this_o author_n add_v further_a that_o yet_o now_o this_o tenent_n be_v lade_v with_o reproach_n of_o antichristianism_n and_o anabaptism_n ans_fw-fr if_o a_o argument_n or_o two_o be_v use_v in_o the_o synod_n take_v from_o such_o consequence_n be_v this_o ground_n enough_o to_o say_v it_o be_v lade_v with_o such_o reproach_n and_o other_o ground_n i_o know_v none_o yet_o for_o that_o of_o anabaptism_n it_o will_v appear_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o dissenter_n be_v so_o near_o a_o kin_n if_o not_o the_o same_o with_o they_o that_o we_o can_v but_o fear_v a_o great_a tendency_n thereunto_o and_o what_o encouragement_n they_o take_v from_o thence_o we_o be_v very_o sensible_a second_o in_o answer_v the_o first_o objection_n this_o prefacer_n take_v occasion_n upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n to_o charge_v the_o bay_a church_n with_o a_o sin_n which_o he_o can_v see_v how_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n in_o leave_v their_o former_a practice_n in_o dispense_n the_o seal_n and_o take_v up_o a_o new_a manner_n thereof_o yea_o a_o grievous_a sin_n in_o deprive_v so_o many_o infant_n of_o baptism_n for_o thirty_o year_n yea_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o somewhat_o worse_o
such_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n thereof_o as_o if_o such_o and_o only_o such_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a this_o of_o full_a communion_n our_o brethren_n think_v will_v advantage_v their_o cause_n and_o so_o have_v put_v it_o in_o but_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a addition_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o whole_o fail_v they_o of_o any_o proof_n yea_o make_v evident_o against_o they_o in_o that_o principal_a place_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v baptise_a before_o their_o full_a communion_n for_o 1._o peter_n call_v they_o to_o be_v baptise_a upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o promise_n ver_fw-la 38._o 2._o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n before_o full_a communion_n ver_fw-la 41_o 42._o 3._o it_o have_v be_v very_o preposterous_a to_o put_v they_o into_o full_a communion_n before_o union_n with_o the_o church_n seal_v by_o baptism_n for_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o union_n with_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o which_o must_v go_v before_o communion_n but_o they_o seem_v to_o suppose_v at_o least_o that_o some_o in_o full_a communion_n may_v be_v unbaptise_v by_o that_o word_n be_v unbaptise_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o our_o brethren_n confidence_n in_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v find_v so_o great_o to_o fail_v they_o that_o while_o by_o it_o they_o seek_v to_o straiten_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n beyond_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n they_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o the_o whole_a subject_n itself_o of_o baptism_n because_o there_o will_v never_o be_v find_v any_o such_o person_n according_a to_o gospel-rule_n which_o they_o call_v so_o much_o for_o and_o appeal_v unto_o that_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v i_o will_v be_v a_o little_a bold_a with_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o case_n to_o challenge_v they_o to_o produce_v any_o rule_n or_o example_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o any_o person_n that_o either_o be_v or_o by_o rule_n may_v be_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v i_o hope_v this_o answer_n be_v plain_a and_o no_o cavil_v yet_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v up_o of_o this_o answer_n i_o shall_v remove_v what_o may_v be_v further_o say_v by_o our_o brethren_n object_n though_o those_o in_o act_n 2._o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n actual_o before_o baptism_n yet_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o state_n and_o right_a to_o full_a communion_n by_o their_o baptism_n which_o these_o child_n in_o question_n be_v not_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o state_n or_o right_a the_o baptise_a be_v partaker_n of_o as_o a_o consequent_a fruit_n of_o baptism_n receive_v but_o what_o it_o be_v that_o constitute_v a_o person_n to_o be_v a_o fit_a subject_a to_o be_v baptise_a to_o describe_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n by_o the_o consequent_a fruit_n of_o it_o and_o not_o by_o the_o precedent_a cause_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n be_v very_o improper_a and_o preposterous_a if_o the_o question_n be_v who_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o church-membership_a we_o say_v confederate_v visible_a believer_n and_o their_o seed_n for_o this_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o and_o bring_v they_o into_o such_o a_o relation_n but_o shall_v any_o answer_n that_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o church-membership_a be_v a_o person_n in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n or_o one_o that_o be_v under_o the_o teach_v and_o rule_n of_o church-officer_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o church-membership_a receive_v who_o do_v not_o see_v the_o weakness_n of_o such_o a_o answer_n and_o the_o like_a be_v this_o case_n baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o his_o church_n whereby_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o one_o body_n 2._o although_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o the_o church_n can_v actual_o enjoy_v full_a communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n as_o their_o parent_n do_v yet_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n set_v they_o in_o a_o state_n and_o right_a to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o as_o they_o become_v fit_a for_o they_o as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n for_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o parent_n and_o seed_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o same_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v the_o same_o right_n to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o come_v up_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n and_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o blessing_n in_o adult_n member_n it_o be_v so_o who_o be_v under_o admonition_n for_o scandal_n or_o in_o a_o frenzy_n or_o the_o like_a case_n though_o they_o partake_v not_o of_o all_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o their_o right_n remain_v so_o here_o when_o the_o seed_n grow_v up_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o also_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n not_o by_o any_o new_a covenant_n or_o membership_n but_o by_o the_o right_n of_o that_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o they_o and_o seal_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o afterward_o 2._o i_o shall_v add_v further_o it_o be_v true_a that_o to_o admit_v adult_a person_n into_o the_o church_n and_o to_o baptism_n visible_a faith_n be_v require_v and_o so_o much_o the_o text_n allege_v prove_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n in_o dispute_n between_o we_o but_o about_o person_n already_o in_o the_o church_n and_o baptise_a whether_o in_o such_o the_o ground_n of_o baptise_v their_o seed_n be_v faith_n and_o grace_n make_v visible_a in_o the_o same_o manner_n or_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o conclude_v the_o question_n put_v case_n any_o of_o those_o visible_a believer_n and_o convert_n act_n 2._o shall_v afterward_o discover_v by_o their_o worldliness_n looseness_n or_o other_o way_n that_o there_o be_v in_o they_o no_o sap_n or_o savour_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n even_o to_o the_o charitable_a judgement_n of_o most_o in_o the_o church_n my_o question_n be_v whether_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n their_o infant-seed_n shall_v not_o be_v baptise_a if_o it_o be_v grant_v than_o it_o be_v not_o such_o visible_a faith_n and_o grace_n but_o the_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n that_o give_v right_o to_o baptism_n and_o so_o to_o these_o church-member_n in_o question_n if_o this_o be_v deny_v let_v there_o be_v one_o tittle_n of_o scripture-rule_n or_o example_n produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a having_n answer_v their_o reason_n i_o shall_v present_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o same_o text_n to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o promise_n act_v 2.39_o be_v that_o covenant-promise_a which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o parallel_n place_n act_v 3._o where_o for_o 19_o peter_n exhort_v to_o repentance_n as_o in_o chap._n 2.38_o and_o chap._n 3.25_o he_o use_v the_o same_o reason_n in_o other_o word_n you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o our_o father_n the_o substance_n whereof_o all_o grant_n to_o be_v this_o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n although_o the_o apostle_n there_o make_v use_v of_o another_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n concern_v christ_n that_o feed_v in_o who_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o his_o people_n now_o the_o reason_n stand_v thus_o if_o the_o covenant-promise_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v a_o ground_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptizse_v in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n than_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o his_o visible_a church_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n but_o the_o covenant-promise_n be_v a_o ground_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a in_o gospel-dispensation_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o with_o chap._n 3.19_o 25._o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o his_o visible_a church_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n thus_o much_o to_o their_o scripture-argument_n to_o which_o our_o brethren_n add_v the_o testimony_n of_o mr._n richard_n mather_n well_o agree_v with_o this_o say_v they_o be_v the_o answer_n of_o reverend_a mr._n mather_n in_o his_o catechism_n ans_fw-fr but_o by_o their_o leave_n it_o differ_v from_o their_o answer_n in_o the_o main_a thing_n that_o touch_v the_o cause_n in_o hand_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o full_a communion_n in_o he_o which_o they_o put_v into_o they_o 2._o that_o reverend_a and_o learned_a author_n speak_v only_o what_o adult_n person_n shall_v be_v in_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o so_o convert_v
and_o join_v which_o have_v reference_n to_o their_o first_o join_v to_o the_o church_n not_o deny_v that_o be_v once_o regular_o join_v they_o may_v after_o have_v their_o seed_n baptise_a though_o they_o shall_v not_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a convert_v as_o for_o the_o objection_n and_o answer_n here_o bring_v in_o they_o be_v not_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o what_o be_v any_o way_n pertinent_a to_o our_o dispute_n may_v sufficient_o be_v take_v off_o by_o what_o be_v say_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v pass_v they_o by_o and_o i_o may_v the_o rather_o so_o do_v see_v our_o brethren_n in_o their_o three_o answer_n have_v yield_v the_o cause_n for_o if_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o the_o circumcision_n of_o his_o seed_n be_v appoint_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n that_o baptism_n be_v why_o shall_v not_o baptism_n be_v continue_v successive_o to_o the_o seed_n remain_v in_o the_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o circumcision_n chap._n iii_o concern_v our_o brethren_n note_n upon_o the_o first_o and_o second_o proposition_n in_o the_o first_o proposition_n our_o brethren_n only_o give_v a_o explication_n of_o the_o word_n visible_a church_n take_v the_o word_n church_n as_o a_o genus_fw-la of_o all_o particular_a church_n from_o which_o we_o dissent_n not_o in_o the_o second_o proposition_n viz._n that_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 and_o their_o infant-seed_n they_o have_v make_v divers_a note_n upon_o it_o 1._o that_o by_o visible_a believer_n they_o intend_v true_a believer_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n and_o herein_o we_o agree_v second_o note_v that_o visible_a believer_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n be_v right_o distinguish_v and_o so_o far_o we_o agree_v also_o that_o they_o be_v person_n distinct_o and_o several_o covenant_v with_o by_o the_o lord_n not_o wrap_v up_o in_o their_o parent_n as_o they_o speak_v but_o whereas_o they_o distinguish_v they_o from_o their_o parent_n as_o not_o be_v believer_n never_o so_o call_v in_o scripture_n how_o can_v they_o believe_v that_o know_v not_o the_o right_a hand_n from_o the_o left_a they_o have_v no_o faith_n actual_a or_o habitual_a nor_o can_v have_v without_o a_o miracle_n and_o we_o hold_v miracle_n be_v cease_v ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o great_a objection_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n against_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n and_o what_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o note_n be_v here_o i_o know_v not_o except_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v they_o any_o actual_a and_o personal_a membership_n in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o their_o next_o note_n i_o shall_v therefore_o speak_v the_o more_o full_o to_o it_o and_o first_o it_o appear_v the_o scripture_n number_n they_o among_o believer_n if_o it_o do_v not_o also_o express_o call_v they_o so_o mat._n 18.6_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o which_o some_o interpret_v of_o infant_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15._o where_o all_o in_o the_o church_n be_v call_v believer_n in_o opposition_n to_o infidel_n and_o no_o doubt_n paul_n will_v not_o allow_v any_o of_o these_o to_o marry_v with_o infidel_n when_o grow_v up_o by_o that_o rule_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o reckon_v they_o as_o believer_n 2._o to_o make_v a_o person_n a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o matter_n be_v not_o whether_o he_o have_v faith_n and_o grace_n real_o or_o not_o if_o he_o have_v such_o qualification_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n accept_v for_o faith_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o can_v go_v no_o further_o this_o be_v clear_a and_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v in_o respect_n of_o adult_n person_n if_o a_o man_n profess_v he_o do_v believe_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n as_o the_o eunuch_n act_v 8._o and_o nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a if_o a_o man_n appear_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n glad_o receive_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n as_o those_o act_n 2._o god_n rule_n accept_v of_o such_o as_o believer_n and_o so_o must_v the_o church_n though_o the_o lord_n see_v that_o some_o it_o may_v be_v many_o such_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o truth_n for_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v and_o however_o they_o may_v afterward_o discover_v themselves_o as_o ananias_n simon_n magus_n etc._n etc._n yet_o all_o will_v grant_v these_o be_v right_o receive_v as_o visible_a believer_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v the_o case_n of_o infant_n the_o matter_n be_v not_o whether_o they_o have_v true_a faith_n or_o not_o in_o the_o act_n or_o habit_n so_o they_o have_v such_o qualification_n as_o god_n accept_v of_o to_o receive_v their_o person_n into_o his_o covenant_n and_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o suffice_v though_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n or_o grace_n real_o now_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v so_o accept_v of_o they_o into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o as_o believer_n appear_v 1._o because_o he_o do_v account_v they_o holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o be_v it_o foederal_n or_o covenant-holiness_n this_o imply_v that_o god_n be_v their_o god_n and_o if_o god_n give_v himself_o unto_o they_o sure_o he_o accept_v they_o as_o believer_n he_o be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o infidel_n who_o be_v without_o god_n ephes_n 2.12_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o with_o parent_n and_o their_o seed_n and_o therefore_o god_n accept_v they_o as_o such_o as_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n 2._o this_o appear_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4._o when_o god_n appoint_v this_o seal_n to_o be_v set_v upon_o infant_n sure_o god_n number_v they_o with_o believer_n so_o when_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v baptise_a into_o christ_n can_v there_o be_v any_o union_n with_o christ_n without_o faith_n as_o no_o real_a union_n without_o true_a faith_n so_o no_o visible_a union_n without_o that_o which_o be_v accept_v as_o faith_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n say_v of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n belong_v to_o unbeliever_n if_o it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v their_o parent_n faith_n that_o be_v accept_v for_o they_o not_o any_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o person_n i_o answer_v if_o so_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v the_o parent_n faith_n and_o profession_n in_o their_o name_n and_o stead_n as_o a_o public_a person_n covenant_v for_o they_o yet_o this_o be_v god_n free_a and_o prevent_a grace_n towards_o the_o seed_n and_o do_v engage_v their_o person_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o avouch_v god_n for_o their_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v actual_o and_o personal_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n 3._o i_o add_v further_o that_o as_o we_o must_v rest_v in_o such_o sign_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o rule_n require_v though_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v there_o so_o also_o we_o must_v in_o charity_n judge_v the_o best_a and_o walk_v towards_o such_o as_o visible_a believer_n till_o by_o impenitency_n in_o sin_n the_o church_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o count_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n so_o phil._n 1.7_o it_o be_v meet_v i_o shall_v think_v thus_o of_o you_o all_o because_o you_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n love_n and_o church-charity_n shall_v reach_v far_o especial_o to_o member_n of_o a_o church_n regular_o receive_v because_o the_o lord_n do_v give_v faith_n to_o some_o and_o who_o have_v faith_n in_o truth_n who_o not_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o judge_v and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o such_o member_n as_o come_v in_o in_o their_o infancy_n we_o know_v the_o lord_n give_v faith_n and_o grace_n to_o some_o betimes_o as_o to_o samuel_n timothy_n and_o other_o yea_o in_o all_o elect_a infant_n that_o die_v in_o minority_n no_o doubt_n god_n give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o which_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o in_o charity_n we_o be_v to_o look_v at_o they_o as_o believer_n till_o for_o impenitency_n in_o sin_n the_o church_n shall_v â—ount_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n their_o three_o note_n be_v that_o though_o they_o be_v member_n in_o general_a yet_o infant-seed_n be_v only_o federal_o holy_a other_o that_o have_v take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 1_o cor._n 6.11_o these_o have_v a_o parental_a and_o partial_a right_n nor_o complete_a and_o perfect_a thus_o the_o lord_n speak_v deut._n 4_o 37._o &_o 10.15_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o so_o dr._n ames_n distinction_n into_o perfect_a and_o imperfect_a medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o sect._n 13._o ans_fw-fr 1._o let_v it_o here_o be_v apply_v what_o be_v say_v of_o their_o
case_n of_o these_o in_o question_n who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n set_v thereto_o before_o genes_n 17.7_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o therefore_o this_o own_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v only_o a_o manifestation_n of_o their_o continuance_n in_o it_o and_o hence_o this_o be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o their_o membership_n but_o a_o duty_n of_o their_o covenant_n and_o do_v not_o in_o itself_o fit_v they_o for_o full_a communion_n except_o withal_o they_o hold_v out_o such_o qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v thereunto_o a_o youth_n that_o have_v the_o constituent_a cause_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n with_o some_o understanding_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o thereby_o capable_a of_o all_o privilege_n of_o a_o man_n as_o to_z marry_o give_v good_a assurance_n of_o land_n and_o the_o like_a a_o adult_n person_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o personal_a covenant_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n mere_o because_o he_o have_v covenant_v for_o except_o he_o have_v suitable_a qualification_n he_o will_v eat_v judgement_n to_o himself_o reas_n 2._o because_o those_o that_o be_v admit_v by_o personal_a covenant_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n continue_v in_o full_a communion_n act_v 2.41_o ans_fw-fr there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o they_o be_v admit_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o also_o endue_v with_o eminent_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o be_v admit_v in_o infancy_n do_v only_o by_o own_v the_o covenant_n manife_a their_o continuance_n therein_o the_o indian_n new_o convert_v and_o hold_v forth_o so_o much_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o may_v admit_v they_o into_o the_o church_n and_o baptism_n may_v yet_o need_v further_a preparation_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o have_v such_o eminent_a gift_n reas_n 3._o because_o this_o doctrine_n presuppose_v that_o what_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v require_v in_o adult_a person_n come_v to_o baptism_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n ans_fw-fr this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o suppose_v it_o for_o it_o speak_v only_o of_o such_o adult_n person_n as_o be_v baptise_a in_o infancy_n not_o to_o be_v baptise_a in_o adult_n age_n it_o suppose_v only_o that_o person_n baptise_a in_o infancy_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o visible_a church_n may_v yet_o be_v unable_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o hence_o the_o reason_n which_o here_o follow_v touch_v not_o this_o case_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o some_o of_o they_o do_v not_o argue_v against_o the_o baptise_v of_o â—_z or_o that_o infant_n baptise_a may_v partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o five_o proposition_n propos_fw-fr 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 baptise_a this_o proposition_n say_v our_o brethren_n do_v stumble_v we_o most_o their_o reason_n be_v reas_n 1._o because_o there_o be_v three_o expression_n propound_v this_o swerve_v further_a than_o the_o other_o from_o the_o scripture_n ans_fw-fr be_v it_o grant_v that_o several_a term_n and_o expression_n of_o these_o qualification_n be_v propound_v these_o only_a in_o conclusion_n be_v assent_v unto_o but_o if_o our_o brethren_n judge_v that_o they_o all_o swerve_v from_o the_o scripture_n what_o matter_n be_v it_o which_o swerve_v most_o from_o it_o if_o this_o swerve_v most_o they_o have_v the_o more_o advantage_n of_o dispute_n against_o it_o but_o see_v they_o stumble_v so_o much_o at_o this_o i_o shall_v easy_o remove_v this_o block_n out_o of_o their_o way_n obj._n first_o say_v they_o in_o the_o former_a expression_n it_o be_v require_v they_o shall_v understand_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n here_o no_o more_o than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o so_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n righteousness_n sabbath_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr as_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o as_o large_a as_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n both_o in_o the_o acceptation_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o orthodox_n divine_v phil._n 1.27_o when_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o strive_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v they_o let_v go_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n or_o any_o other_o ground_n of_o religion_n 2_o tim._n 4.7_o when_o paul_n say_v he_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n do_v he_o let_v go_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o other_o ground_n of_o religion_n judas_n ver_fw-la 3._o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o that_o faith_n oppose_v to_o the_o fiâ—â—â—y_a dreamer_n that_o sin_v against_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o therefore_o sure_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n comprehend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n when_o our_o synod_n at_o cambridge_n 1648._o declare_v their_o consent_n with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o england_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o assembly_n at_o the_o savoy_n call_v that_o book_n a_o declaration_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o order_n do_v they_o not_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n faith_n all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n except_v only_a matter_n of_o order_n but_o what_o need_v more_o instance_n when_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o book_n tell_v the_o world_n of_o a_o few_o name_n that_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a to_o think_v that_o such_o person_n do_v not_o hold_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n sure_o the_o synod_n intend_v it_o so_o obj._n 2._o in_o the_o second_o expression_n it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v examine_v of_o their_o sense_n of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_n after_o he_o here_o only_o of_o their_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v aâ—s_n but_o if_o such_o sense_n of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_n after_o he_o shall_v not_o upon_o such_o examination_n appear_v but_o this_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n with_o all_o the_o other_o qualification_n may_v not_o this_o suffice_v to_o show_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n what_o if_o the_o devil_n may_v give_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o free_a but_o enforce_v and_o they_o want_v all_o the_o other_o qualification_n that_o these_o have_v obj._n 3_o the_o former_a require_v that_o they_o shall_v give_v satisfaction_n for_o any_o offence_n they_o have_v fall_v into_o here_o only_o that_o they_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n the_o former_a viz._n offence_n comprehend_v original_a sin_n or_o any_o other_o commit_v against_o god_n or_o man_n jam._n 3_o 2._o scandal_n in_o lifâ—_n note_v only_o notorious_a sin_n and_o a_o course_n therein_o ans_fw-fr that_o they_o stumble_v at_o this_o must_v needs_o arise_v from_o a_o very_a rigid_a principle_n whereof_o this_o treatise_n have_v too_o many_o for_o who_o ever_o take_v up_o that_o of_o original_a sin_n as_o matter_n of_o offence_n to_o deal_v with_o his_o brother_n for_o it_o or_o what_o rule_n have_v we_o to_o call_v for_o satisfaction_n for_o that_o or_o for_o all_o such_o word_n or_o action_n as_o be_v offence_n to_o god_n or_o man_n a_o practice_n that_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v in_o that_o very_a place_n allege_v jam._n 3_o 1._o be_v not_o many_o master_n for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o and_o therefore_o pity_n and_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o and_o be_v not_o so_o rigid_a to_o require_v satisfaction_n for_o every_o offence_n if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o those_o rule_n of_o love_n 1_o cor._n 13.7_o love_n bear_v all_o thing_n gal._n 6.2_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n col._n 3.13_o forbear_v one_o another_o 2._o it_o be_v evident_a luke_n 17.1_o 2_o 3._o that_o offence_n to_o be_v deal_v with_o be_v scandal_n woe_n to_o he_o that_o scandalize_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o and_o impenitency_n in_o any_o such_o scandal_n deserve_v the_o high_a censure_n but_o repent_v of_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o scandal_n or_o offence_n mat._n 18._o yea_o although_o such_o a_o scandal_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o notorious_a sin_n nor_o continue_v in_o but_o in_o one_o act_n so_o that_o not_o to_o be_v scandalous_a in_o life_n be_v full_a as_o large_a