in_o the_o visible_a church_n clear_v up_o these_o two_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a controversy_n be_v issue_v to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v premise_v three_o thing_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v make_v my_o way_n plain_a and_o easy_a through_o all_o these_o antisynodalia_fw-la propos_fw-fr 1_o that_o however_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v convey_v to_o they_o by_o their_o parent_n instrumental_o yet_o it_o flow_v from_o and_o be_v ground_v upon_o god_n institution_n as_o the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n thereof_o who_o be_v please_v to_o extend_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o covenant_n not_o only_o to_o the_o parent_n but_o also_o to_o their_o seed_n god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o he_o be_v their_o god_n they_o be_v his_o people_n this_o be_v evident_a gen._n 17_o 7._o i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o at_o eight_o day_n old_a they_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a as_o a_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o ver_fw-la 11_o 12._o deut._n 29_o 11_o 12._o their_o little_a one_o stand_v before_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n to_o be_v establish_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o what_o can_v be_v speak_v more_o plain_o and_o full_o to_o this_o purpose_n act_n 2.39_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o your_o child_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o your_o child_n be_v holy_a and_o indeed_o what_o can_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o parent_n faith_n profession_n or_o covenant_v to_o bring_v in_o their_o seed_n but_o it_o depend_v whole_o upon_o god_n freegrace_n ordain_v his_o covenant_n so_o to_o be_v dispense_v and_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o infant-seed_n be_v in_o their_o own_o person_n actual_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v actual_o in_o this_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o his_o people_n and_o he_o their_o god_n and_o have_v the_o covenant_n in_o their_o flesh_n the_o seal_n of_o it_o apply_v to_o their_o person_n and_o hence_o they_o can_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o his_o covenant-priviledge_n but_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o he_o have_v ordain_v which_o in_o gospel-time_n be_v by_o church-censure_n mat._n 18._o 1_o cor._n 5._o propos_fw-fr 2_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o his_o visible_a church_n 1._o outward_a and_o visible_a by_o which_o the_o lord_n bestow_v upon_o his_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n his_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n as_o they_o become_v capable_a thereof_o and_o wherein_o he_o tender_v unto_o they_o the_o save_v benefit_n thereof_o with_o many_o mean_n to_o bring_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o the_o embrace_v thereof_o this_o be_v evident_a they_o have_v all_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o god_n people_n his_o child_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n holy_a nation_n saint_n etc._n etc._n gen._n 6.2_o exod._n 19.5_o 6._o deut._n 32.9_o isa_n 1.1_o 2._o psal_n 50.1_o 2._o mat._n 15.26_o and_o the_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v they_o rom._n 3.1_o 2._o &_o 9.4_o so_o in_o the_o new-testament_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n be_v call_v saint_n and_o faithful_a in_o christ_n the_o seven_o church_n rev._n 1._o be_v call_v golden_a candlestick_n though_o there_o be_v corrupt_a member_n in_o they_o and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o other_o ordinance_n belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n ephes_n 4.11_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o mat._n 18._o 1_o cor._n 5._o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o officer_n be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o heal_n and_o save_v the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o more_o inward_a spiritual_a and_o save_v dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o such_o as_o true_o believe_v and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o heart_n god_n have_v circumcise_v according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n deut._n 30.6_o ezek._n 36._o from_o this_o different_a dispensation_n it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n though_o he_o require_v of_o all_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n etc._n etc._n deut._n 10.12_o 13._o and_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n with_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o reprove_v the_o wicked_a for_o take_v his_o covenant_n into_o their_o mouth_n psal_n 50._o reject_v their_o sacrifice_n isa_n 1._o &_o 58._o call_v they_o uncircumcised_a ethiopian_n etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n of_o any_o inward_a and_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o still_o he_o ow_v they_o as_o his_o people_n saint_n in_o covenant_n with_o he_o psal_n 50.1_o and_o follow_v they_o with_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n 2_o chron._n 36._o this_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o afterward_o propos_fw-fr 3_o there_o be_v a_o different_a rule_n and_o reason_n of_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o continuation_n of_o they_o in_o it_o be_v regular_o admit_v in_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o church_n we_o just_o look_v for_o such_o positive_a qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v viz._n a_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o adult_n person_n and_o foederal_n holiness_n in_o infant_n we_o well_o approve_v that_o say_v of_o chamier_n quote_v by_o our_o brethren_n no_o man_n can_v disallow_v such_o diligence_n to_o prevent_v the_o profane_v of_o holy_a thing_n and_o lest_o such_o as_o simon_n magus_n shall_v lie_v hide_v but_o to_o cast_v out_o such_o as_o be_v regular_o admit_v we_o must_v have_v positive_a impenitency_n in_o sin_n as_o a_o ground_n to_o count_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n mat._n 18._o and_o that_o after_o due_a patience_n towards_o they_o for_o even_o a_o heretic_n may_v have_v two_o admonition_n before_o rejection_n tit._n 3.10_o or_o at_o least_o some_o notorious_a scandalous_a sin_n as_o some_o conceive_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o these_o thing_n premise_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o next_o thing_n in_o order_n which_o be_v our_o brethren_n answer_n to_o the_o main_a â—_z viz._n who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n to_o which_o their_o answer_n iâ—_n this_o that_o visible_a believer_n and_o convert_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v unbaptise_v together_o with_o their_o next_o seed_n in_o minority_n be_v the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o baptism_n as_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o they_o refer_v to_o the_o place_n before_o allege_a mat._n 28.19_o 20._o mark_v 16.16_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o their_o large_a discourse_n i_o pass_v by_o though_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v matter_n of_o dispute_n but_o i_o will_v decline_v all_o impertinency_n and_o come_v to_o their_o reason_n gather_v out_o of_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v this_o those_o be_v proper_a and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o baptism_n to_o who_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-institution_n have_v appoint_v it_o but_o visible_a believer_n and_o convert_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v the_o person_n be_v unbaptise_v to_o who_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-institution_n of_o baptism_n have_v appoint_v it_o therefore_o visible_a believer_n etc._n etc._n the_o great_a weight_n or_o stress_n of_o this_o argument_n lie_v upon_o that_o place_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o and_o i_o see_v our_o brethren_n put_v much_o confidence_n in_o it_o affirm_v that_o the_o minor_a be_v express_v scripture_n and_o therefore_o though_o many_o be_v unwilling_a it_o shall_v be_v true_a and_o will_v cavil_n against_o it_o it_o will_v be_v find_v true_a at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr god_n forbid_v that_o in_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n we_o shall_v cavil_v at_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o add_v to_o it_o or_o take_v from_o it_o but_o whether_o the_o minor_a will_v prove_v true_a or_o not_o we_o need_v not_o stay_v till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n will_v easy_o decide_v it_o and_o i_o will_v direct_o deny_v the_o minor_a for_o none_o of_o those_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o that_o i_o know_v of_o will_v prove_v that_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o institute_v church_n be_v requisite_a to_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n much_o less_o that_o
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
that_o have_v his_o promise_n annex_v shall_v either_o bring_v such_o youth_n to_o repentance_n or_o purge_v the_o church_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o this_o treatise_n put_v such_o a_o sense_n and_o meaning_n upon_o that_o proposition_n as_o render_v it_o useless_a and_o vain_a to_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o actual_a personal_a nor_o immediate_a member_n whereby_o act_n of_o church-government_n shall_v be_v put_v forth_o immediate_o upon_o their_o person_n but_o only_o reach_v they_o at_o the_o second_o hand_n viz_o by_o their_o parent_n as_o be_v say_v by_o some_o in_o the_o meetinghouse_n to_o which_o they_o refer_v pag._n 23._o and_o if_o excommunication_n that_o heal_a medicine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o save_v of_o the_o soâ—l_n may_v not_o touch_v they_o as_o be_v in_o the_o same_o page_n 23._o yea_o if_o the_o foederal_n holiness_n of_o their_o person_n and_o so_o their_o covenant-interest_n continue_v no_o long_o than_o their_o minority_n wherein_o indeed_o they_o be_v scarce_o capable_a of_o any_o church_n discipline_n as_o be_v affirm_v page_n 37._o these_o thing_n be_v so_o let_v any_o man_n judge_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o church-government_n to_o reform_v such_o great_a many_z and_o prevail_a corruption_n of_o youth_n 2._o page_n 10._o our_o brethren_n say_v it_o be_v apparent_a to_o all_o what_o a_o corrupt_a mass_n of_o unbeliever_n shall_v by_o this_o change_n throng_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n and_o the_o child_n of_o stranger_n uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n shall_v be_v bring_v into_o god_n sanctuary_n to_o pollute_v it_o contrary_a to_o ezek_n 44.7_o 9_o ans_fw-fr 1._o whether_o these_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v to_o be_v count_v unbeliever_n or_o not_o will_v appear_v after_o but_o if_o the_o charity_n of_o our_o brethren_n will_v allow_v they_o no_o other_o term_n i_o pray_v who_o let_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n do_v not_o our_o brethren_n with_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n belong_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o it_o and_o say_v they_o there_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n communion_n in_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o if_o then_o they_o will_v keep_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n they_o must_v join_v with_o those_o that_o shut_v that_o door_n against_o all_o infant_n by_o which_o they_o enter_v for_o if_o they_o be_v unbeliever_n that_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o in_o proposition_n the_o five_o then_o sure_o they_o be_v so_o when_o they_o be_v baptise_a by_o this_o with_o many_o other_o passage_n our_o brethren_n may_v see_v whither_o their_o principle_n do_v carry_v they_o so_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o synod_n and_o our_o brethren_n be_v not_o about_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n but_o about_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o good_a while_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o fellowship_n wherein_o the_o synod_n doctrine_n admit_v they_o not_o to_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n people_n but_o as_o they_o be_v regular_o fit_a neither_o do_v the_o synod_n continue_v they_o in_o that_o fellowship_n any_o long_a than_o they_o walk_v orderly_o without_o deserve_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n ezek._n 44._o speak_v of_o stranger_n among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n such_o as_o tobiah_n neh_n 13.4_o etc._n etc._n not_o of_o any_o israelite_n ver_fw-la 9_o 3._o our_o brethren_n in_o their_o six_o consideration_n acknowledge_v the_o great_a deliverance_n and_o wonder_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v in_o former_a time_n for_o new_a england_n they_o add_v but_o since_o the_o motion_n of_o this_o change_n what_o the_o lord_n deal_v have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v we_o leave_v to_o the_o prudent_a to_o judge_v we_o may_v glory_v in_o this_o new_a light_n but_o we_o fear_v it_o will_v prove_v but_o glory_v in_o our_o shame_n ans_fw-fr i_o have_v think_v that_o god_n gracious_a answer_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o synod_n 1662._o in_o send_v rain_n so_o speedy_o and_o sweet_o may_v not_o only_o have_v take_v off_o that_o imputation_n of_o the_o drought_n unto_o the_o synod_n as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o their_o sake_n but_o also_o it_o may_v have_v stay_v our_o brethren_n from_o such_o application_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o their_o own_o end_n i_o remember_v that_o when_o the_o popish_a canton_n impute_v the_o death_n of_o zuinglius_fw-la and_o â—ecolampadius_fw-la to_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o for_o cause_v their_o trouble_n the_o historian_n have_v this_o observation_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v say_v he_o a_o pious_a thought_n to_o attribute_v the_o disposition_n of_o every_o event_n to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o to_o determine_v to_o what_o end_v those_o event_n be_v direct_v by_o his_o high_a wisdom_n be_v not_o far_o from_o presumption_n man_n be_v so_o straight_o and_o religious_o wed_v to_o their_o own_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v persuade_v god_n love_v and_o favour_v they_o as_o much_o as_o themselves_o hist_o of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n p._n 60._o but_o if_o we_o must_v needs_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o non-england_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o case_n can_v any_o prudent_a man_n say_v that_o the_o deliverance_n of_o new-england_n be_v not_o as_o great_a and_o wonderful_a in_o these_o last_o year_n and_o at_o this_o day_n as_o in_o former_a year_n and_o as_o for_o those_o afflict_a providence_n that_o have_v late_o befall_v we_o have_v we_o not_o have_v as_o heavy_a stroke_n many_o way_n former_o and_o have_v we_o not_o sin_n enough_o that_o be_v evident_a to_o humble_v we_o under_o the_o lord_n hand_n as_o deserve_v these_o and_o great_a evil_n but_o we_o must_v needs_o apply_v they_o as_o judgement_n of_o god_n to_o this_o false_o so_o call_v change_v and_o brand_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o god_n eminent_a messenger_n among_o we_o as_o a_o new_a light_n that_o will_v turn_v to_o our_o shame_n the_o lord_n forgive_v these_o many_o harsh_a censure_n of_o the_o brethren_n thus_o have_v i_o pass_v through_o this_o unpleasing_a part_n of_o my_o work_n wherein_o if_o by_o clear_v the_o innocent_a any_o thing_n do_v reflect_v upon_o the_o accuser_n i_o hope_v the_o equal-minded_n reader_n will_v excuse_v i_o consider_v that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v name_v upon_o the_o elder_n and_o church_n of_o new-england_n and_o will_v have_v suffer_v in_o they_o shall_v not_o such_o unjust_a aspersion_n be_v wipe_v off_o they_o by_o a_o just_a apology_n have_v our_o brethren_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o synod_n with_o like_a love_n tenderness_n and_o moderation_n as_o be_v express_v towards_o they_o in_o their_o preface_n the_o world_n have_v not_o be_v so_o scandalize_v as_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v by_o these_o contest_v and_o i_o have_v spare_v much_o of_o this_o labour_n oh_o when_o shall_v we_o see_v brethren_n manage_v such_o dispute_n with_o that_o brotherly_a love_n ingenuity_n and_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n as_o become_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o without_o such_o harsh_a reflection_n upon_o man_n person_n the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v a_o lamentation_n and_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n chap._n ii_o concern_v our_o brethren_n answer_n to_o the_o main_a question_n concern_v the_o order_n of_o this_o treatise_n i_o need_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n nor_o concern_v their_o two_o proposition_n premise_v who_o doubt_v that_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o be_v administer_v according_a to_o gospel-rule_n or_o that_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o end_v controversy_n be_v to_o find_v out_o how_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n only_o these_o rule_n be_v too_o general_a and_o have_v a_o like_a influence_n into_o all_o controversy_n about_o gospel-ordinance_n i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v up_o from_o scripture_n two_o or_o three_o proposition_n that_o have_v a_o more_o near_o and_o immediate_a respect_n to_o the_o question_n now_o in_o debate_n it_o be_v no_o question_n between_o we_o whether_o adult_n person_n to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v baptise_a shall_v hold_v forth_o faith_n and_o repentance_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n and_o that_o in_o some_o particular_a visible_a church_n nor_o whether_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o such_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a but_o the_o very_a hinge_v whereupon_o our_o debate_n turn_v lie_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o whether_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o all_o church-member_n ought_v to_o be_v baptise_a 2._o what_o it_o be_v that_o cut_v off_o any_o from_o his_o membership_n
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
in_o the_o sense_n give_v before_o yet_o not_o so_o personal_a as_o to_o have_v right_a to_o all_o church-priviledge_n as_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o reply_n that_o sense_n give_v before_o be_v confute_v before_o 2._o if_o they_o have_v right_a to_o all_o church-priviledge_n proper_o belong_v to_o member_n as_o such_o it_o be_v sufficient_a 3._o their_o want_n of_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o some_o church-priviledge_n be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o right_n unto_o they_o but_o for_o want_v of_o such_o qualification_n as_o may_v make_v they_o fit_a for_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o viz._n such_o increase_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v requisite_a as_o dr._n ames_n well_o express_v it_o medul_n lib._n 1._o chap._n 32._o sect._n 13._o proof_n 4._o they_o be_v personal_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o a_o visible_a state_n of_o salvation_n to_o say_v they_o be_v not_o member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n but_o in_o their_o parent_n will_v be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v they_o be_v save_v in_o their_o parent_n and_o not_o in_o their_o own_o person_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v grant_v they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o near_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n than_o heathen_n be_v but_o they_o be_v not_o visible_o at_o present_a in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n mark_v 12.34_o but_o to_o infer_v that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n but_o in_o their_o parent_n than_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v in_o their_o own_o person_n but_o in_o their_o parent_n this_o be_v utter_o inconsequent_a unless_o in_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o all_o and_o only_o they_o that_o be_v member_n in_o their_o own_o person_n shall_v be_v save_v which_o be_v sad_a and_o heterodox_n reply_n to_o grant_v they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o yet_o not_o visible_o so_o at_o present_a sheweth_z that_o this_o argument_n be_v great_o mistake_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v this_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n by_o god_n covenant_n to_o be_v the_o redeem_a and_o save_v people_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n eph._n 5.23_o etc._n etc._n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o visible_a church_n visible_o and_o hence_o say_v christ_n salvation_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n joh._n 4.22_o and_o so_o speak_v of_o the_o little_a one_o he_o say_v of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mark_v 10.14_o and_o hence_o the_o inference_n be_v also_o much_o mistake_v which_o be_v this_o if_o their_o membership_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o covenant_n set_v they_o in_o a_o visible_a state_n of_o salvation_n as_o it_o do_v upon_o the_o ground_n lay_v down_o then_o suppose_v this_o membership_n be_v in_o their_o parent_n only_o and_o not_o in_o their_o own_o person_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o this_o visible_a state_n of_o salvation_n be_v in_o their_o parent_n only_o and_o not_o in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o so_o if_o they_o be_v save_v according_a to_o this_o covenant_n it_o must_v be_v in_o their_o parent_n and_o not_o in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o hereby_o it_o appear_v how_o great_o this_o opinion_n bereave_v the_o parent_n of_o that_o hope_n and_o comfort_n they_o take_v in_o their_o die_a infant_n by_o reason_n of_o god_n covenant_n make_v with_o their_o seed_n proof_n 5._o when_o they_o commit_v iniquity_n they_o personal_o break_v the_o covenane_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v personal_a member_n jer._n 11.2_o 10._o eze._n 16._o ans_fw-fr the_o covenant_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o moral_a law_n as_o the_o text_n show_v which_o any_o man_n never_o in_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n may_v break_v reply_n true_o this_o answer_n as_o the_o rest_n be_v far_o from_o satisfy_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n the_o text_n allege_v express_o call_v their_o iniquity_n a_o break_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o what_o then_o if_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v not_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n a_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n viz._n tâ—_n have_v god_n for_o our_o god_n to_o love_v he_o fear_v he_o &_o c._n or_o be_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n no_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o they_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n because_o other_o not_o in_o covenant_n may_v break_v it_o what_o sense_n and_o reason_n be_v in_o this_o when_o a_o master_n charge_v his_o apprentice_n with_o breach_n of_o his_o covenant_n in_o steal_v his_o master_n good_n shall_v he_o answer_v it_o be_v no_o breach_n of_o covenant_n because_o other_o that_o be_v never_o in_o covenant_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o steal_v also_o will_v this_o answer_n prove_v it_o be_v no_o breach_n of_o covenant_n just_o so_o be_v the_o case_n here_o when_o the_o lord_n charge_v the_o adult_n member_n of_o the_o church_n with_o breach_n of_o their_o covenant_n in_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o say_v the_o covenant_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o moral_a law_n which_o such_o as_o be_v never_o in_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n may_v break_v our_o brethren_n here_o think_v fit_a to_o make_v a_o stand_n only_o conclude_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n wherewith_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v well_o satisfy_v but_o the_o know_a practice_n of_o those_o reverend_a brethren_n that_o do_v baptise_v divers_a child_n who_o parent_n they_o receive_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n do_v persuade_v i_o that_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n will_v be_v ready_o accept_v of_o by_o they_o as_o a_o credible_a profession_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n to_o their_o seed_n and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o evident_a to_o i_o by_o that_o which_o be_v here_o allege_a in_o the_o second_o paragraph_n wherein_o they_o describe_v the_o person_n to_o be_v baptise_a thus_o baptism_n be_v a_o holy_a sacrament_n in_o which_o a_o person_n profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n or_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o such_o be_v baptise_a etc._n etc._n which_o be_v full_o answer_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n concern_v the_o six_o proposition_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o five_o our_o brethren_n only_o declare_v their_o dissent_n concern_v the_o seven_o proposition_n they_o say_v it_o be_v cautelous_o pen_v and_o do_v not_o object_n against_o it_o only_a desice_n care_n in_o the_o application_n thereof_o with_o what_o church_n we_o have_v communion_n concern_v the_o second_o question_n about_o consociation_n of_o church_n they_o have_v declare_v their_o consent_n in_o all_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o by_o the_o synod_n and_o here_o object_n nothing_o and_o herein_o i_o do_v willing_o and_o glad_o acknowledge_v the_o ingenuity_n of_o our_o dear_a brethren_n who_o though_o they_o be_v earnest_a and_o quick_a sometime_o in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v yet_o do_v free_o declare_v their_o consent_n in_o other_o thing_n which_o give_v i_o the_o more_o hope_n that_o after_o a_o fair_a debate_n of_o this_o question_n we_o may_v at_o length_n meet_v sweet_o in_o the_o same_o truth_n which_o perhaps_o neither_o of_o we_o do_v as_o yet_o so_o clear_o apprehend_v as_o we_o may_v through_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n attain_v unto_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n believe_v in_o part_n and_o prophesy_v in_o part_n and_o be_v imperfect_a in_o all_o we_o do_v and_o therefore_o must_v wait_v for_o and_o endeavour_v after_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o end_n in_o case_n what_o have_v be_v and_o be_v here_o or_o what_o short_o may_v be_v publish_v about_o this_o question_n shall_v not_o clear_v up_o the_o truth_n to_o satisfaction_n but_o that_o further_o reply_v shall_v be_v make_v my_o earnest_a motion_n and_o desire_n be_v 1._o that_o all_o reflection_n upon_o man_n person_n and_o other_o impertinent_a discourse_n be_v lay_v aside_o the_o main_a issue_n of_o the_o question_n in_o debate_n may_v be_v close_o follow_v which_o i_o perceive_v be_v come_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o this_o narrow_a viz._n whether_o the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n be_v regular_o church-member_n for_o this_o be_v all_o along_o deny_v by_o our_o brethren_n and_o several_a way_n allege_v whereby_o they_o shall_v become_v non-member_n as_o by_o their_o self-excommunication_n by_o god_n excommunication_n etc._n etc._n 2._o my_o motion_n and_o desire_n be_v that_o the_o scripture_n alone_o according_a to_o their_o true_a sense_n and_o scope_n may_v be_v make_v the_o touchstone_n to_o discover_v the_o truth_n these_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n full_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n i_o deny_v not_o the_o use_n of_o the_o concur_v judgement_n of_o the_o godly_a learned_a and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o full_o the_o advantage_n lie_v on_o the_o synod_n side_n in_o that_o respect_n yet_o i_o see_v man_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o make_v use_n of_o sentence_n of_o author_n that_o seem_v to_o favour_v their_o opinion_n though_o indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o meaning_n and_o judgement_n of_o those_o author_n and_o this_o tend_v to_o amuse_v and_o puzzle_v the_o common_a sort_n of_o reader_n and_o enlarge_v dispute_n but_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o clear_v up_o the_o truth_n if_o these_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v attend_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o case_n will_v have_v a_o speedy_a and_o comfortable_a issue_n now_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o truth_n purity_n and_o peace_n direct_v all_o our_o heart_n into_o the_o right_a understanding_n unfeigned_a love_n and_z unite_z practice_n of_o his_o holy_a will_n in_o all_o thing_n amen_n finis_fw-la