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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A50248 A defence of the answer and arguments of the synod met at Boston in the year 1662 concerning the subject of Baptism and consociation of churches against the reply made thereto, by the Reverend Mr. John Davenport, pastor of the church at New-Haven, in his treatise entituled Another essay for investigation of the truth &c. : together with an answer to the apologetical preface set before that essay, by some of the elders who were members of the Synod above-mentioned. Mather, Richard, 1596-1669. 1664 (1664) Wing M1271; ESTC W19818 155,430 150

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alone_o give_v right_o for_o god_n have_v make_v it_o one_o commandment_n of_o four_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n require_v that_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n be_v attend_v in_o a_o solemn_a humble_a reverent_a and_o profitable_a manner_n and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v meet_a and_o needful_a that_o person_n shall_v both_o know_v and_o own_o the_o covenant-state_n they_o be_v in_o and_o the_o state_n of_o subjection_n to_o christ_n government_n which_o the_o covenant_n place_v they_o in_o especial_o when_o they_o partake_v of_o such_o a_o fruit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o baptism_n for_o their_o child_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v covenant-duty_n when_o they_o come_v for_o covenant_n privilege_n that_o they_o shall_v both_o seek_v and_o attend_v the_o lord_n holy_a ordinance_n though_o it_o be_v their_o right_a never_o so_o much_o in_o humility_n and_o fear_n and_o it_o be_v one_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o they_o give_v up_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v promise_n to_o take_v care_n for_o their_o christian_a education_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v suitable_a that_o they_o be_v mind_v of_o it_o when_o they_o present_v they_o to_o baptism_n and_o the_o more_o explicit_o they_o do_v so_o promise_v it_o be_v the_o better_a hence_o all_o reform_a church_n do_v in_o their_o directory_n and_o practice_n require_v profession_n and_o promise_v of_o parent_n or_o those_o that_o present_v the_o child_n to_o baptism_n and_o appoint_v a_o solemn_a manner_n of_o administration_n and_o stand_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o needful_a duty_n though_o they_o unanimous_o own_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o child_n have_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a right_n to_o baptism_n by_o its_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n see_v english_a liturgy_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n directory_n pag._n 31._o late_o petition_n for_o peace_n pag._n 61_o etc._n etc._n zepperi_fw-la polit._n ecces_n pag_n 128._o &_o pag._n 147_o 150._o alasco_n pag._n 121_o 137._o ratio_fw-la discipl_n bohem._n pag_n 43._o hence_o also_o no_o man_n will_v doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o comfortable_a and_o desirable_a thing_n that_o the_o parent_n do_v address_v himself_o in_o the_o most_o solemn_a serious_a and_o spiritual_a manner_n to_o draw_v nig●_n to_o god_n upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n as_o the_o baptise_v of_o a_o child_n by_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n for_o all_o neglect_v and_o breach_n of_o his_o covenant_n by_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o encourage_v promise_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n in_o reference_n unto_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o pour_v out_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o child_n and_o for_o a_o heart_n to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a parent_n towards_o his_o child_n as_o do_v become_v he_o etc._n etc._n and_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o parent_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v stir_v up_o unto_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o their_o duty_n but_o still_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o administration_n or_o to_o the_o better_a and_o more_o comfortable_a attendance_n thereof_o and_o between_o what_o be_v essential_o requisite_a to_o give_v right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o ordinance_n before_o the_o church_n this_o latter_a mere_a membership_n or_o membership_n alone_o do_v a_o state_n of_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v that_o unto_o which_o the_o right_a of_o baptism_n be_v annex_v church_n as_o not_o only_o the_o synod_n but_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o so_o 2._o the_o assertion_n beforementioned_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a membership_n but_o qualify_v membership_n that_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n in_o the_o sense_n above_o give_v be_v also_o antiscriptural_a 1._o because_o it_o direct_o overthrow_v infant-baptism_n which_o the_o scripture_n establish_v for_o what_o have_v infant_n more_o than_o membership_n or_o federal_n holiness_n or_o covenant-interest_n to_o give_v they_o right_o to_o baptism_n i._o e._n what_o have_v they_o more_o than_o this_o that_o they_o be_v regular_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o his_o institution_n therein_o within_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o this_o will_v not_o suffice_v but_o there_o must_v be_v some_o other_o qualification_n beside_o and_o superad_v unto_o this_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o for_o our_o part_n we_o know_v no_o strong_a argument_n for_o infants-baptism_n then_o that_o church_n member_n or_o foederati_fw-la be_v to_o be_v baptize_v the_o infant_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v church-member_n or_o foederati_fw-la ergo._fw-la but_o if_o the_o foresay_a assertion_n hold_v this_o argument_n fail_v and_o fall_v short_a for_o now_o church-membership_a or_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n or_o federal_n holiness_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n but_o there_o must_v be_v more_o than_o this_o to_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n how_o the_o sinew_n of_o the_o strong_a argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o enlargement_n of_o baptism_n will_v fare_v we_o know_v not_o but_o sure_o we_o be_v that_o this_o cut_n in_o sunder_o the_o sinew_n of_o the_o strong_a argument_n for_o infant-baptism_n which_o must_v fall_v if_o this_o stand_n but_o fall_v it_o never_o will_v through_o grace_n while_o the_o lord_n appointment_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n stand_v viz._n to_o have_v the_o initiate_a seal_n run_v parallel_n with_o the_o covenant_n gen._n 17._o or_o christ_n commission_n matth._n 28.19_o viz._n to_o baptise_v all_o disciple_n or_o all_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n let_v this_o assertion_n therefore_o fall_v which_o make_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n short_a than_o the_o covenant_n and_o deny_v baptism_n to_o run_v parallel_n with_o church-membership_a under_o the_o gospel_n hence_o 2._o it_o contradict_v that_o which_o the_o harmony_n of_o scripture_n and_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v acknowledge_v for_o a_o principle_n viz._n that_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n i._n e._n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v or_o that_o all_o church_n member_n be_v subject_n of_o baptism_n for_o if_o not_o mere_a membership_n or_o membership_n alone_o but_o qualify_v membership_n give_v right_a to_o baptism_n than_o not_o all_o member_n but_o some_o only_a viz._n those_o that_o be_v so_o and_o so_o qualify_v be_v to_o be_v baptize_v if_o baptism_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o mere_a membership_n or_o to_o a_o member_n as_o such_o than_o not_o to_o all_o member_n as_o à_fw-la quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la so_o à_fw-la non_fw-la quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la non_fw-la omne_fw-la valet_fw-la consequentiae_fw-la this_o deny_v not_o only_o in_o the_o five_o but_o the_o first_o proposition_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n which_o yet_o the_o antisynodalia_fw-la pag._n 17._o seem_v to_o consent_n unto_o but_o let_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v give_v from_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v that_o first_o proposition_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n then_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o this_o assertion_n now_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n viz._n because_o john_n be_v baptism_n which_o be_v christian_n baptism_n may_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o some_o who_o be_v stand_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n because_o they_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o repentance_n luke_n 3.8_o &_o 7.30_o therefore_o christian_a baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v unto_o such_o as_o stand_v member_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o they_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n answ._n let_v this_o be_v answer_v with_o reference_n to_o infant-baptism_n which_o lie_v upon_o our_o brethren_n to_o do_v as_o well_o as_o on_o we_o see_v they_o above_o declare_v antipoedobaptism_n to_o be_v a_o sinful_a opinion_n and_o do_v profess_v to_o hold_v and_o maintain_v the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n though_o indeed_o the_o reader_n can_v not_o gather_v so_o much_o from_o these_o word_n christian_n baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v unto_o such_o 〈◊〉_d stand_v member_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o they_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n this_n seem_v direct_o to_o gainsay_v infant-baptism_n for_o infant_n do_v indeed_o stand_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o how_o do_v they_o or_o can_v they_o show_v that_o they_o be_v qualify_v with_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n for_o it_o seem_v that_o neither_o be_v repentance_n itself_o sufficient_a without_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n but_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v our_o brethren_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o oppose_v infant-baptism_n and_o therefore_o that_o their_o meaning_n be_v not_o to_o require_v these_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n or_o qualification_n superad_v to_o membership_n of_o the_o child_n or_o person●_n to_o be_v baptize_v but_o of_o their_o parent_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o express_v but_o let_v this_o argument_n
say_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o ground_n and_o end_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 132_o 133._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n to_o say_v or_o think_v of_o such_o elder_n as_o concur_v with_o the_o synod_n that_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o towards_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n be_v now_o adult_n be_v a_o admit_v of_o they_o into_o membership_n for_o this_o those_o child_n have_v afore_o they_o be_v adult_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o now_o admit_v into_o it_o but_o to_o leave_v this_o why_o shall_v the_o reverend_a author_n suggest_v such_o a_o thing_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o reader_n that_o the_o elder_n in_o their_o practice_n do_v differ_v from_o their_o doctrine_n and_o teach_v one_o thing_n in_o the_o synod_n and_o in_o their_o practice_n do_v contrary_a be_v it_o not_o more_o suitable_a to_o love_n which_o think_v not_o evil_a 1_o cor._n 13._o nor_o receive_v a_o reproach_n against_o one_o neighbour_n psal._n 15._o to_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v such_o elder_n as_o be_v thus_o faulty_a if_o indeed_o there_o be_v any_o to_o repentance_n for_o their_o sail_v therein_o rather_o than_o to_o give_v occasion_n of_o misapprehension_n against_o they_o by_o write_v thus_o of_o they_o it_o may_v well_o be_v call_v misapprehension_n for_o there_o be_v few_o of_o the_o elder_n in_o comparison_n that_o have_v yet_o put_v the_o child_n of_o church-member_n to_o a_o public_a own_n of_o the_o covenant_n afore_o the_o time_n of_o their_o admission_n to_o full_a communion_n and_o for_o those_o few_o that_o have_v do_v it_o as_o this_o be_v not_o a_o admit_v of_o they_o into_o membership_n for_o that_o they_o have_v before_o so_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v that_o when_o this_o be_v do_v that_o their_o infant_n may_v be_v baptise_a which_o be_v the_o case_n the_o synod_n speak_v of_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a we_o say_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o parent_n who_o so_o do_v be_v not_o qualify_v according_a as_o the_o five_o proposition_n describe_v and_o therefore_o to_o give_v occasion_n of_o other_o thought_n not_o only_o against_o some_o few_o of_o the_o elder_n but_o even_o of_o all_o for_o what_o be_v here_o intimate_v be_v not_o of_o some_o only_a but_o of_o all_o alike_o without_o difference_n what_o may_v be_v think_v of_o this_o we_o leave_v to_o the_o further_a consideration_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n to_o the_o second_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v either_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n either_o holy_a or_o unclean_a either_o within_o the_o church_n or_o without_o either_o such_o as_o have_v god_n for_o their_o god_n or_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o proposition_n will_v not_o affirm_v the_o latter_a concern_v these_o child_n and_o the_o former_a be_v grant_v infer_v their_o right_n to_o baptism_n to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o the_o more_o he_o consider_v the_o proposition_n the_o less_o he_o find_v in_o it_o to_o evince_v the_o former_a and_o the_o more_o to_o conclude_v the_o latter_a ans._n now_o the_o latter_a be_v that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n not_o holy_a but_o unclean_a and_o without_o the_o church_n and_o such_o as_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o the_o reverend_a author_n find_v so_o much_o to_o conclude_v thus_o of_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n which_o member_n understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o assent_v thereto_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n but_o thus_o and_o further_o qualify_v as_o in_o the_o proposition_n be_v express_v if_o he_o find_v much_o to_o conclude_v thus_o of_o these_o child_n if_o he_o be_v have_v express_v any_o part_n thereof_o it_o may_v have_v be_v take_v into_o consideration_n but_o nothing_o be_v express_v how_o can_v it_o a_o mere_a contrary_a affirmation_n how_o can_v it_o go_v for_o a_o sufficient_a confutation_n as_o for_o that_o which_o he_o add_v that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v no_o more_o than_o the_o proposition_n hold_v forth_o he_o may_v be_v a_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n unclean_a and_o without_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o this_o speak_v of_o grow_v person_n and_o therefore_o how_o be_v the_o synod_n argument_n hereby_o touch_v which_o speak_v of_o little_a child_n nor_o be_v it_o easy_o prove_v that_o a_o grow_v person_n who_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n and_o be_v now_o qualify_v as_o the_o proposition_n express_v that_o such_o a_o grow_a person_n be_v now_o a_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o without_o the_o church_n and_o without_o god_n in_o t●●_n world_n and_o this_o be_v respect_n of_o his_o external_a state_n or_o be_v in_o the_o church-visible_a we_o see_v not_o that_o this_o be_v prove_v at_o all_o for_o as_o for_o rom._n 9.6_o 7_o 8._o which_o be_v here_o allege_a they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n which_o be_v of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n the_o text_n may_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o elect_a of_o god_n or_o sincere_a believer_n who_o in_o regard_n of_o external_a relation_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o this_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v but_o for_o membership_n in_o the_o church-visible_a of_o which_o be_v our_o question_n that_o text_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o at_o all_o to_o prove_v that_o man_n who_o be_v member_n of_o this_o church_n in_o their_o minority_n be_v now_o qualify_v as_o the_o synod_n express_v that_o these_o be_v now_o without_o such_o membership_n and_o external_a state_n this_o be_v not_o prove_v at_o all_o by_o this_o text._n for_o if_o we_o shall_v so_o say_v we_o shall_v make_v the_o apostle_n to_o contradict_v himself_o for_o of_o these_o very_a person_n and_o people_n of_o who_o ●e_n say_v they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n not_o all_o child_n not_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n of_o these_o very_a person_n and_o people_n he_o say_v ver_fw-la 4._o that_o they_o be_v israelite_n to_o who_o pertain_v the_o adoption_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v they_o be_v god_n adopt_a child_n in_o regard_n of_o external_a covenant_n and_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church-visible_a and_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n that_o be_v they_o be_v not_o all_o god_n israel_n by_o election_n and_o spiritual_a regeneration_n thus_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v easy_o reconcile_v but_o how_o shall_v they_o be_v reconcile_v if_o the_o latter_a as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a be_v mean_v of_o the_o church-visible_a can_v they_o be_v israelite_n and_o not_o israel_n in_o the_o same_o respect_n can_v they_o in_o respect_n of_o external_a state_n be_v partaker_n of_o adoption_n god_n covenant_n and_o promise_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o be_v church-member_n and_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o same_o estate_n be_v no_o church-member_n at_o all_o nor_o in_o the_o church-covenant_n at_o all_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o this_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o the_o word_n in_o rom._n 9.6_o 7_o 8._o be_v not_o fit_o apply_v to_o prove_v that_o man_n who_o be_v church-member_n in_o their_o minority_n may_v be_v qualify_v as_o the_o five_o proposition_n express_v and_o yet_o now_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o without_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o visible_a and_o external_a state_n whereas_o the_o synod_n for_o a_o three_o argument_n say_v that_o to_o deny_v this_o proposition_n will_v be_v 1._o to_o stratten_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n and_o to_o make_v the_o church_n in_o new-testament-time_n in_o worse_a case_n relate_v to_o their_o child_n successive_o than_o be_v the_o jew_n of_o old_a 2._o to_o render_v the_o jew_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n then_o under_o the_o legal_a administration_n contrary_a to_o jer._n 30.20_o ezek_n 37.25_o 26._o 3._o to_o deny_v the_o application_n of_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n to_o such_o as_o regular_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n to_o who_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n nay_o the_o first_o institution_n appoint_v it_o to_o be_v apply_v gen._n 17.9_o 10._o joh._n 7.22_o 23._o 4._o to_o break_v the_o covenant_n by_o deny_v the_o initiatory_a seal_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n gen._n 17.9_o 10_o 14._o to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o the_o contrary_a to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o these_o be_v true_a for_o 1._o it_o enlarge_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n by_o show_v that_o christian_a church_n be_v in_o a_o more_o spiritual_a and_o gracious_a frame_n then_o
set_v down_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o as_o it_o seem_v he_o do_v by_o what_o he_o say_v pag._n 52._o why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v a_o dangerous_a matter_n to_o agree_v thereunto_o for_o the_o substance_n thereof_o we_o have_v indeed_o find_v in_o our_o experience_n much_o good_a and_o benefit_n by_o communion_n of_o church_n as_o the_o reverend_a author_n acknowledge_v pag._n 58_o 61._o and_o his_o acknowledgement_n thereof_o we_o glad_o accept_v but_o we_o have_v also_o find_v that_o the_o want_n of_o ready_a agreement_n timous_o to_o attend_v and_o exert_v the_o act_n of_o communion_n have_v hazard_v the_o peace_n and_o wellbeing_a of_o sundry_a church_n and_o expose_v they_o to_o great_a trouble_n we_o do_v not_o desire_v by_o our_o propose_a consociation_n to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o only_o a_o vigorous_a and_o timous_a exercise_n thereof_o 3._o that_o we_o express_o disclaim_v the_o subject_n of_o a_o church_n unto_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n whatsoever_o propos._n 1._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o reverend_a author_n shall_v put_v that_o upon_o the_o consociation_n by_o we_o intend_v that_o it_o be_v a_o subject_n of_o church_n under_o classical_a jurisdiction_n pag._n 59_o it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a consent_n or_o mutual_a agreement_n of_o church_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n consent_v to_o as_o viz._n the_o power_n they_o agree_v to_o be_v state_v under_o that_o make_v it_o a_o classical_a combination_n or_o put_v those_o church_n under_o a_o classical_a jurisdiction_n what_o though_o the_o voluntary_a combination_n mention_v by_o by_o mr._n rutherfurd_n in_o his_o sense_n do_v infer_v a_o classical_a membership_n and_o jurisdiction_n sure_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o do_v so_o when_o as_o we_o express_o disclaim_v it_o but_o be_v it_o true_a that_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o voluntary_a combination_n of_o church_n they_o become_v a_o classical_a or_o presbyterian_a church_n and_o the_o member_n by_o consent_v thereto_o become_v member_n of_o a_o classical_a church_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o it_o etc._n etc._n as_o be_v say_v pag._n 59_o what_o then_o shall_v be_v think_v of_o that_o know_a position_n of_o dr._n ames_n medal_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 39_o thes._n 27._o which_o be_v express_o cite_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o reply_n to_o paget_n pag._n 224_o 225_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n with_o congregational-man_n but_o their_o profess_a doctrine_n with_o one_o consent_n to_o own_o some_o kind_n of_o combination_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n but_o withal_o we_o constant_o afirm_v with_o dr._n ames_n in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o this_o combination_n do_v neither_o constitute_v any_o new_a form_n of_o a_o church_n nor_o ought_v it_o to_o take_v away_o or_o in_o any_o measure_n to_o diminish_v that_o liberty_n and_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n but_o only_o it_o serve_v to_o direct_v and_o promote_v the_o same_o 4._o let_v the_o reader_n please_v to_o peruse_v and_o consider_v the_o reverend_a author_n eleven_o and_o twelve_o premise_v position_n pag._n 6_o 7_o 8._o and_o compare_v they_o with_o what_o the_o synod_n have_v publish_v touch_v consociation_n of_o church_n and_o we_o suppose_v he_o will_v find_v such_o a_o agreement_n between_o they_o as_o that_o he_o will_v wonder_v as_o we_o do_v to_o see_v the_o reverend_a author_n appear_v as_o a_o antagonist_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o seem_v strange_a that_o brethren_n shall_v be_v willing_a to_o contend_v both_o where_o they_o do_v differ_v and_o where_o they_o do_v not_o also_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v how_o many_o reflection_n here_o be_v upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o will_v cast_v a_o snare_n upon_o church_n by_o straighten_v they_o in_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o their_o church-power_n within_o themselves_o in_o re_fw-la propria_fw-la as_o if_o we_o will_v absolute_o bind_v church_n not_o to_o administer_v censure_n within_o themselves_o etc._n etc._n for_o which_o nothing_o publish_v by_o the_o synod_n do_v give_v any_o just_a occasion_n and_o whereas_o mr._n cotton_n be_v represent_v as_o be_v against_o our_o consociation_n pag._n 60.61_o let_v his_o print_a word_n be_v view_v in_o the_o key_n pag._n 54_o 59_o his_o solemn_a speech_n of_o it_o to_o sundry_a be_v remember_v and_o his_o draught_n of_o it_o a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n be_v consider_v and_o the_o reader_n will_v see_v whether_o he_o can_v join_v in_o belief_n with_o the_o reverend_a author_n about_o that_o matter_n the_o lord_n guide_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n into_o all_o truth_n and_o help_v we_o to_o follow_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n finis_fw-la it_o be_v no_o very_o good_a sign_n of_o truth_n when_o there_o be_v many_o curious_a nice_a &_o dark_a distinction_n use_v to_o defend_v a_o thing_n 〈…〉_z eneru._n tom._n 2._o l._n 6._o cap._n 5_o quest_n ult_n and_o his_o fresh_a suit_n par_fw-fr 1._o pag._n 63_o 83_o 134_o 138._o vid._n rivet_n in_o genes_n 17.14_o ames_n medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 41._o thes._n 7._o 7._o his_o word_n be_v these_o any_o such_o notorious_a offender_n have_v name_v atheist_n mocker_n of_o religion_n witch_n idolater_n papist_n may_v have_v the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visit_v ●e_n to_o wit_n in_o this_o sense_n a_o corrupt_a and_o rot_a member_n fit_a to_o be_v cut_v off_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n though_o former_o a_o in_o offensive_a professor_n of_o the_o faith_n may_v afterward_o fall_v away_o into_o any_o of_o these_o notorious_a scandal_n and_o yet_o for_o a_o while_n still_o retain_v the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a to_o wit_n till_o the_o church_n have_v orderly_o proceed_v against_o he_o otherwise_o the_o church_n shall_v want_v power_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o excommunication_n of_o such_o a_o notorious_a delinquent_n for_o what_o have_v the_o church_n to_o do_v to_o judge_v man_n without_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o but_o such_o within_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o 5.11_o eadem_fw-la eeclesia_fw-la &_o pie_n habet_fw-la secum●●●_n forma_fw-la ●_o interat●●_n ad_fw-la se_fw-la pertinentes_fw-la &_o impy_v atque_fw-la hypocritas_fw-la se_fw-la undùm_fw-la extenam_fw-la adnascentes_fw-la jun._n animad_fw-la in_o bellarm_n p._n 1113._o 1113._o it_o may_v afford_v parker_n a_o argument_n as_o to_o manifestarii_fw-la peccatores_fw-la the_o notorious_o wicked_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n but_o as_o excrementitious_a thing_n be_v purge_v out_o by_o the_o vigorous_a use_v of_o discipline_n as_o he_o there_o discourse_n but_o it_o touch_v not_o our_o question_n ●oll_n eneru._n tom_n 2._o lib._n 2._o cap._n 1._o 1._o calvin_n opuscul_n pag._n 346._o cartwright_n catech_n pag._n 185._o 185._o disciplina_fw-la subjacent_a omn●s_n in_o unitate_fw-la frae_n trum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d oblajante_a us●●al_n senem_fw-la rat._n discipline_n pag._n 71._o 71._o contradictio_fw-la caret_fw-la simpliciter_fw-la omni_fw-la medio_fw-la keck_n log._n pag._n 281._o hooker_n survey_v pag._n 17._o catabaptistae_fw-la decent_a non_fw-la posse_fw-la excommunicationem_fw-la in_o ecclesiam_fw-la reduci_fw-la nisi_fw-la ij_o baptizentur_fw-la qui_fw-la scientes_fw-la jugo_fw-la christi_fw-la collum_n submittant_fw-la bucer_n in_o joh._n fol_n ●5_n see_v mr._n cotton_n express_o hold_v forth_o excommunication_n to_o be_v applicable_a to_o such_o as_o the_o child_n in_o question_n in_o holiness_n of_o church-member_n pag._n 57_o 57_o medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes._n 13._o and_o see_v cap._n 40._o thes._n 6_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 16_o 18._o and_o m._n shepherd_n late_o print_v letter_n pag._n 16_o 17._o 17._o catech._n explic_a in_o ●uast_o 81._o pag._n 426._o 426._o aim_n medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 38._o thes._n 41._o 41._o the_o scripture_n order_n be_v to_o ●ake_v the_o circumcise_n of_o the_o child_n part_n of_o the_o parent_n fitness_n for_o 〈◊〉_d passover_n and_o for_o admission_n hereunto_o let_v all_o his_o male_n be_v circumcise_v and_o then_o let_v he_o come_v 〈◊〉_d and_o keep_v it_o exod._n 12.48_o ra●●er_o than_o to_o make_v his_o admission_n to_o 〈◊〉_d passover_n a_o pre-requisite_a to_o 〈◊〉_d child_n circumcision_n gerhard_n de_fw-fr sacra_fw-la c●na_fw-la p._n 184._o 184._o see_v ratio_fw-la disciplina_fw-la fratrum_fw-la bobem_fw-la in_o hist._n praemissa_fw-la p._n 3_o 3●_n &_o 39_o ●3_n 52_o 53._o opuscul_fw-la pag._n 37._o syntag._n theolog._n pag._n 1149._o with_o pag_n 1167_o 1168._o 1168._o lec_n com._n de_fw-fr can●_n dom._n quaest_n 2._o pag._n 631._o 631._o 〈◊〉_d 137._o p●g_n 7●_n &_o vid._n quaest._n 142._o pag._n 743._o 743._o de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la quaest._n 33_o &_o 34._o pag_n 624_o 625._o see_v the_o leyden_n divine_v synops._n dis●ut_o 45._o thes._n 14._o &_o disput._n 48._o thes._n 35_o 36._o co●p●red_a with_o d●sput_n 44._o thes._n 50._o 50._o quaest._n &_o resp._n ●●_o sa●ramentis_fw-la quaest._n 120_o 122._o 122._o ibid._n quaest._n ●45_n syntag._n lib._n 6._o cap._n 36._o with_o cap._n 55._o 55._o vid._n dutch_n annot._n on_o 1_o cor._n 11.26_o 11.26_o de_fw-fr sacra_fw-la 〈◊〉_d pag_n 18●_n 18●_n de_fw-fr baptism_n pag._n 581_o 582._o 582._o explicat_fw-la catech_n in_o quaest_n 74._o pag._n 372_o 372_o in_o quaest_n 75._o pag._n 380._o 380._o so_o much_o parker_n learned_a labour_n among_o other_o show_v and_o our_o congregational_a brethren_n in_o england_n meet_v at_o the_o savoy_n in_o their_o preface_n do_v well_o express_v and_o see_v beverly_n examen_fw-la hoornb_n pag._n 43._o 43._o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o great_a detract_n from_o the_o sacredness_n of_o baptism_n when_o we_o make_v but_o a_o light_a matter_n of_o that_o membership_n and_o covenant_n that_o be_v seal_v therein_o if_o man_n have_v be_v once_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o count_v their_o membership_n stand_v firm_a &_o good_a through_o all_o decay_n and_o degeneracy_n until_o excommunicate_v but_o the_o solemn_a covenant_n &_o engagement_n between_o god_n and_o the_o baptise_a that_o be_v ratify_v in_o holy_a baptism_n wear_v away_o and_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o forget_a thing_n by_o that_o time_n they_o become_v adult_n to_o be_v difficult_a in_o admission_n unto_o baptism_n and_o yet_o easy_a in_o let_v go_v the_o benefit_n of_o baptism_n or_o the_o membership_n thereby_o seal_v and_o to_o allege_v the_o sacredness_n of_o the_o ordinance_n for_o the_o former_a and_o forget_v in_o the_o latter_a seem_v not_o well_o to_o cohere_v 〈…〉_z lib._n 1._o ●_o p._n ●2_n examen_fw-la h●ornb_n pag._n 20._o 20._o it_o be_v not_o the_o qualification_n of_o one_o in_o full_a communion_n but_o his_o membership_n that_o give_v his_o child_n right_a to_o baptism_n for_o suppose_v he_o decay_v in_o qualification_n and_o grow_v formal_a and_o loose_a yet_o while_o he_o continue_v a_o member_n uncensured_a he_o have_v his_o child_n baptize_v as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a in_o the_o church_n act_n 8.27_o 28_o 36_o 37._o &_o 10._o ●_o 22_o 47_o 48._o chemnit_fw-la in_o mat._n 3.6_o 3.6_o holin_n of_o church-member_n pag._n 41._o b●nè_fw-la auten_v 〈◊〉_d nos_fw-la in_o genere_fw-la de_fw-la ii●_o omnibus_fw-la qui_fw-la ex_fw-la fidelibus_fw-la noscuntur_fw-la &_o f●e_fw-la deris_fw-la formula_fw-la indefinita_fw-la jub●●_n &_o cha●ita●_n monet_fw-la bez_n quast_o de_fw-fr sacram._n ●●_o 123._o 123._o de_fw-fr polit._n eccles._n lib._n 3._o pag._n 168_o 169._o 169._o de_fw-fr polit._n eccl._n lib._n 1._o cap._n 29._o &_o lib._n 3._o pag._n 167._o protestat_fw-la before_o treat_v of_o the_o cross._n cross._n de_fw-fr polit._n lib._n 3._o pag._n 171._o 171._o ibid._n lib._n 1._o cap._n 13._o &_o 14._o &_o lib._n 3._o pag._n 166._o and_o of_o the_o cross_n cap._n 9_o sect_n 2._o holiness_n of_o church-member_n pag_n 92._o 92._o medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 40._o thes._n 13_o 13_o magdeb_n cent._n 3._o pag._n 83._o 83._o sicut_fw-la ergo_fw-la tempere_fw-la illius_fw-la sacramenti_fw-la de_fw-fr c●●cumcison_fw-fr qui_fw-fr nasceretur_fw-la circumcide●dus_fw-la ●ait_fw-fr sic_fw-la nune_fw-la de_fw-la baptizato_fw-la qui_fw-la n●tus_fw-la fuerit_fw-la baptizandus_fw-la est_fw-la august_n tom_fw-mi 7._o cont_n pelag._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 25._o see_v also_o tom._n 2._o epist._n 23._o ad_fw-la bonifacium_fw-la &_o epist._n 75._o ad_fw-la auxilium_fw-la and_o de_fw-fr grat._n &_o lib._n arbitr_n cap._n 22._o 22._o ame●_n medul_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 40._o ●hes_n ●_o ●_o ground_n and_o end_n of_o infant-baptism_n p._n 28_o 29._o prov._n 14_o 28._o psa._n 110.3_o 110.3_o see_v essay_n first_o pag._n 13_o 4._o in_o exam_n of_o prop._n 4._o
the_o form_n or_o to_o make_v it_o a_o part_n thereof_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v efficiens_fw-la non_fw-la ingreditur_fw-la essentiam_fw-la the_o act_n of_o covenant_v on_o our_o part_n whereby_o we_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n be_v but_o a_o efficient_a yea_o but_o a_o instrumental_a efficient_a the_o book_n call_v it_o a_o precrean_a cause_n pag._n 37._o that_o be_v still_o but_o a_o efficient_a yet_o consider_v it_o in_o contradistinction_n to_o divine_a institution_n it_o can_v but_o instrumental_o procreate_v but_o the_o form_n or_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la of_o membership_n be_v to_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n or_o within_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o whatever_o causality_n our_o act_n in_o profess_v and_o covenant_v do_v contribute_v to_o bring_v we_o in_o it_o can_v be_v but_o a_o efficient_a and_o hence_o it_o do_v not_o denominate_v or_o constitute_v the_o formality_n of_o our_o membership_n object_n but_o formal_o here_o be_v refer_v to_o personal_a not_o to_o membership_n ans._n if_o so_o it_o be_v yet_o still_o the_o same_o answer_n hold_v unless_o it_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o every_o one_o grant_n and_o so_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n if_o the_o meaning_n only_o be_v that_o infant_n do_v not_o enter_v into_o covenant_n by_o a_o act_n of_o their_o own_o proper_a person_n who_o ever_o say_v or_o think_v they_o do_v what_o need_v we_o labour_v in_o find_v out_o distinction_n to_o deny_v they_o that_o which_o no_o body_n ever_o challenge_v for_o they_o or_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v that_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o infant_n be_v not_o personal_a member_n or_o personal_o and_o formal_o member_n although_o they_o never_o yet_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n of_o covenant_v in_o their_o own_o person_n we_o affirm_v it_o because_o they_o have_v the_o form_n of_o membership_n or_o the_o adjunct_n of_o formal_a membership_n cleave_v to_o their_o own_o person_n by_o divine_a institution_n and_o so_o we_o say_v they_o be_v personal_o and_o formal_o member_n though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o act_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o proper_a person_n you_o seem_v to_o deny_v it_o and_o bring_v a_o distinction_n to_o clear_v your_o meaning_n the_o former_a branch_n of_o which_o distinction_n as_o yourselves_o explain_v it_o grant_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o plead_v for_o the_o latter_a branch_n as_o you_o also_o explain_v it_o deny_v no_o more_o than_o we_o deny_v viz._n that_o they_o enter_v by_o their_o own_o proper_a personal_a act._n but_o the_o mistake_n lie_v in_o make_v this_o viz._n enter_v by_o one_o own_o proper_a act_n to_o be_v formal_o personal_a membership_n whereas_o that_o be_v formal_o personal_a membership_n that_o do_v formal_o and_o proper_o constitute_v the_o person_n a_o member_n and_o so_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n do_v the_o infant_n in_o question_n though_o they_o never_o yet_o act_v in_o their_o own_o person_n the_o distinction_n shall_v rather_o stand_v thus_o as_o personal_a membership_n be_v take_v proper_o and_o formal_o so_o it_o agree_v to_o infant_n i_o e._n their_o person_n be_v recipient_n of_o the_o adjunct_n of_o proper_a formal_a church-membership_a but_o as_o personal_a membership_n be_v take_v improper_o and_o very_o improper_o indeed_o i._n e._n for_o the_o membership_n of_o such_o as_o have_v by_o themselves_o or_o by_o their_o own_o personal_a profession_n enter_v into_o covenant_n so_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o personal_a membership_n thus_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v but_o why_o shall_v we_o use_v personal_a membership_n in_o so_o improper_a a_o sense_n or_o insist_v on_o a_o sense_n that_o touch_v not_o the_o cause_n in_o question_n the_o sum_n be_v that_o if_o by_o personal_n membership_n take_v formal_o be_v mean_v only_o enter_v by_o their_o own_o proper_a personal_a act_n than_o the_o distinction_n be_v needless_a and_o not_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la but_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v so_o as_o to_o deny_v what_o we_o affirm_v than_o it_o be_v overthrow_v by_o yourselves_o in_o the_o former_a branch_n grant_v they_o to_o be_v personal_a member_n subjective_o you_o therein_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v so_o formal_o deny_v they_o personal_a membership_n formal_o you_o deny_v it_o subjective_o these_o do_v mutuò_fw-la so_o ponere_fw-la &_o tollere_fw-la be_v use_v in_o any_o sense_n that_o be_v proper_a and_o pertinent_a to_o the_o present_a dispute_n but_o consider_v whether_o it_o will_v sound_v rational_o to_o say_v that_o paul_n be_v not_o formal_o a_o personal_a roman_a or_o not_o formal_o a_o roman_a freeman_n in_o his_o own_o person_n because_o he_o do_v not_o buy_v his_o freedom_n with_o his_o own_o money_n or_o that_o a_o child_n who_o have_v a_o inheritance_n leave_v he_o be_v not_o formal_o a_o personal_a owner_n thereof_o because_o himself_o do_v not_o purchase_v it_o or_o that_o infant_n be_v personal_a subject_n in_o such_o a_o kingdom_n member_n of_o such_o a_o family_n subjective_o only_a not_o formal_o because_o they_o do_v not_o become_v such_o by_o their_o own_o previous_a personal_a act_n these_o and_o such_o like_a show_n how_o improper_a and_o incongruous_a it_o be_v to_o make_v one_o own_o personal_a act_n to_o be_v that_o which_o constitute_v the_o formality_n of_o personal_a membership_n preface_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o we_o to_o conceive_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v this_o personal_a formal_a membership_n and_o yet_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v subject_n capable_a of_o formal_a personal_a censure_n ans._n they_o be_v capable_a in_o regard_n of_o their_o relation_n and_o state_n in_o the_o church_n though_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o natural_a capacity_n nor_o in_o regard_n of_o demerit_n for_o a_o infant_n can_v ecclesiastical_o deserve_v public_a censure_n it_o be_v not_o strange_a to_o conceive_v infant_n to_o be_v subject_n of_o such_o a_o prince_n though_o at_o present_a uncapable_a of_o civil_a trial_n and_o punishment_n it_o suffice_v that_o infant-member_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o subjection_n to_o church_n discipline_n and_o engage_v thereto_o for_o afterward_o though_o at_o present_a natural_o uncapable_a of_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o the_o new_a bear_v infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o domestical_a discipline_n either_o rod_n or_o rebuke_n but_o that_o hinder_v not_o his_o be_v a_o formal_a personal_a member_n of_o the_o family_n preface_n we_o neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o do_v deny_v that_o the_o person_n of_o infant_n of_o believe_v confederate_a parent_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o covenant_n only_o we_o conceive_v that_o their_o membership_n be_v conjunct_a with_o and_o dependent_a upon_o the_o membership_n and_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n so_o as_o to_o live_v and_o die_v therewith_o hence_o when_o the_o parent_n be_v excommunicate_v the_o membership_n of_o the_o infant-childe_n be_v cut_v off_o because_o excommunication_n put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o outward_a covenant_n which_o death_n itself_o do_v not_o do_v and_o if_o the_o root_n be_v destroy_v the_o branch_n can_v live_v ans._n that_o the_o child_n membership_n depend_v upon_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o parent_n as_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n or_o condition_n of_o the_o child_n first_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n or_o become_v a_o member_n we_o ready_o grant_v because_o divine_a institution_n admit_v only_o the_o child_n of_o member_n to_o be_v member_n and_o so_o much_o mr._n cotton_v word_n here_o allege_v in_o the_o preface_n do_v true_o teach_v but_o that_o the_o child_n membership_n be_v so_o wrap_v up_o in_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o parent_n as_o to_o live_v and_o die_v therewith_o as_o if_o it_o have_v no_o proper_a and_o distinct_a membership_n of_o its_o own_o be_v sure_o a_o deep_a mistake_n and_o will_v if_o follow_v overthrow_v that_o subjective_n personal_a membership_n before_o grant_v unto_o infant_n and_o that_o which_o be_v here_o also_o own_v viz._n that_o their_o person_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o covenant_n if_o the_o person_n of_o the_o infant_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o covenant_n than_o their_o person_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n or_o their_o person_n be_v confederate_a than_o not_o only_o the_o person_n of_o the_o parent_n but_o the_o person_n of_o the_o child_n have_v the_o formality_n of_o membership_n upon_o it_o and_o as_o the_o person_n of_o the_o child_n in_o regard_n of_o its_o natural_a be_v though_o for_o the_o first_o existence_n thereof_o it_o depend_v under_o god_n upon_o the_o parent_n yet_o when_o once_o it_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o so_o conjunct_a with_o and_o dependent_a upon_o the_o person_n of_o the_o parent_n as_o to_o live_v and_o die_v therewith_o so_o why_o shall_v the_o membership_n of_o the_o child_n be_v thus_o dependent_a see_v the_o book_n to_o which_o this_o preface_n be_v prefix_v affirm_v p_o 37._o that_o the_o parent_n be_v a_o procreant_a cause_n as_o of_o the_o childe●_n natural_a be_v
desert_n of_o church-censure_n which_o be_v manifest_o the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o synod_n five_o proposition_n and_o then_o all_o the_o discourse_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n wherein_o not_o a_o little_a confidence_n and_o spirit_n be_v express_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o not_o reach_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n though_o beside_o there_o be_v sundry_a mistake_n in_o it_o as_o may_v after_o appear_v for_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o in_o church_n where_o discipline_n be_v not_o in_o use_n and_o in_o a_o case_n notorious_a wherein_o a_o person_n do_v apparent_o lose_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n as_o by_o turn_v turk_n or_o the_o like_a a_o man_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o membership_n by_o his_o own_o apostasy_n and_o wickedness_n though_o the_o church_n do_v not_o through_o her_o sinful_a neglect_n formal_o censure_v he_o yet_o this_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v also_o a_o sure_a and_o clear_a truth_n that_o no_o act_n of_o a_o man_n own_o will_n or_o can_v cut_v he_o off_o from_o membership_n but_o that_o which_o deserve_v a_o cut_n off_o by_o censure_n and_o for_o which_o the_o church_n shall_v cut_v he_o off_o by_o censure_n if_o she_o do_v her_o duty_n this_o be_v plain_a because_o when_o a_o man_n be_v once_o in_o the_o church_n he_o can_v be_v out_v till_o god_n out_o he_o god_n do_v not_o out_o he_o till_o some_o rule_n or_o appointment_n of_o he_o in_o his_o word_n do_v out_o he_o but_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n that_o appoint_v any_o man_n to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o make_v as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n but_o for_o and_o upon_o such_o wickedness_n of_o his_o as_o be_v censurable_a by_o the_o church_n and_o in_o that_o case_n the_o rule_n do_v appoint_v and_o enjoin_v the_o church_n to_o censure_v he_o or_o to_o put_v he_o away_o from_o among_o they_o by_o censure_n mat._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.5_o 13._o when_o some_o divine_n do_v so_o speak_v as_o if_o person_n may_v be_v break_v off_o from_o the_o church_n without_o a_o formal_a censure_n in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o a_o man_n do_v by_o his_o own_o wickedness_n be_v it_o never_o so_o notorious_a immediate_o so_o become_v felo_fw-la de_fw-la se_fw-la or_o vn-member_n himself_o as_o that_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o he_o to_o censure_v he_o yes_o she_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o censure_v he_o for_o his_o wickedness_n and_o apostasy_n and_o so_o if_o a_o church-member_n turn_n turk_n or_o papist_n the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v aught_o to_o lay_v he_o under_o censure_n for_o it_o and_o for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v a_o member_n till_o censure_v i._n e._n a_o rot_a member_n fit_a to_o be_v cut_v off_o be_v no_o contradiction_n nor_o absurdity_n see_v mr._n cotton_v holiness_n of_o church-member_n pag._n 15._o 5.11_o and_o do_v all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n do_v their_o duty_n there_o shall_v no_o man_n live_v that_o ever_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n yet_o in_o be_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o non-member_n but_o he_o that_o be_v so_o censure_v on_o excommunicate_v at_o least_o unless_o some_o extraordinary_a and_o rare_a circumstance_n of_o a_o case_n do_v render_v the_o church_n cognizance_n thereof_o impossible_a but_o the_o meaning_n only_o be_v that_o where_o man_n have_v palpable_o and_o notorious_o lose_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n and_o a_o church_n through_o the_o sinful_a want_n or_o neglect_v of_o discipline_n never_o look_v after_o they_o only_o by_o her_o doctrine_n declare_v against_o such_o but_o haply_o continue_v in_o that_o neglect_n from_o age_n to_o age_n there_o the_o notoriousness_n of_o the_o case_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o rule_n do_v supply_v the_o defect_n of_o a_o judicial_a sentence_n and_o the_o church_n doctrinal_a declaration_n may_v be_v look_v at_o as_o a_o implicit_a excommunication_n and_o hence_o other_o church_n may_v just_o carry_v towards_o such_o as_o non-member_n and_o hence_o also_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o such_o church_n after_o deep_a and_o long-continued_a corruption_n such_o person_n may_v be_v set_v by_o without_o a_o formal_a censure_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o child_n of_o our_o church_n who_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n in_o stead_n of_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o apostasy_n when_o grow_v up_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n own_o the_o god_n and_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n and_o be_v neither_o cast_n out_o nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v who_o no_o rule_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n appoint_v to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o hence_o t●ey_n stand_v and_o continue_v regular_a i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o appointment_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o rule_n member_n of_o it_o be_v neither_o excommunicate_a nor_o by_o rule_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v where_o shall_v we_o find_v either_o scripture_n or_o sound_a reason_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o have_v cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o membership_n or_o be_v n●w_o become_v non-member_n but_o to_o come_v to_o a_o plain_a and_o distinct_a close_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o assert_v this_o position_n that_o in_o church_n wa●●ing_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o exercise_v discipline_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n thereo●_n no_o person_n can_v while_o he_o live_v among_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o by_o excommunication_n or_o without_o a_o church-act_n in_o censure_v he_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o be_v because_o we_o find_v this_o way_n of_o cessation_n of_o membership_n viz._n by_o excommunication_n plain_o prescribe_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n in_o scripture_n and_o we_o find_v not_o any_o other_o while_o the_o church_n and_o the_o person_n continue_v in_o be_v see_v a_o more_o particular_a proof_n of_o it_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o mr._n shepard_n treatise_n of_o church-membership_a of_o child_n late_o publish_a but_o if_o any_o do_v affirm_v there_o be_v another_o way_n it_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o show_v and_o prove_v it_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v whether_o that_o be_v do_v by_o all_o that_o be_v here_o further_o say_v preface_n when_o whitgift_n say_v that_o papist_n and_o atheist_n may_v still_o remain_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n mr._n parker_n tell_v he_o that_o even_o a_o veritius_fw-la will_v condemn_v he_o and_o it_o be_v no_o new_a doctrine_n in_o the_o school_n to_o say_v that_o a_o heretical_a apostate_n be_v no_o more_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o a_o wound_n a_o s●re_n a_o brand_n be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o man_n as_o e●ery_o one_o know_v that_o be_v mediocritèr_fw-la doctus_fw-la in_o scholasii●al_a divinity_n therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o church-member_n may_v become_v no_o member_n by_o their_o own_o defection_n ans._n sure_o he_o that_o be_v but_o medi●critèr_fw-la doctus_fw-la in_o scholastical_a or_o chemical_a divinity_n may_v easy_o know_v that_o here_o be_v the_o show_n of_o a_o argument_n or_o of_o authority_n of_o writer_n wit●_n out_o the_o substance_n of_o either_o for_o when_o our_o divine_n against_o the_o papist_n do_v so_o often_o over_o say_v that_o wicked_a or_o unregenerate_a person_n be_v but_o equivocal_o or_o improper_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o nail_n ha●r_n sore_n and_o superfluous_a hu_o ●urs_n or_o as_o a_o wooden_a leg._n a_o glass_n eye_n etc._n etc._n be_v member_n of_o the_o live_a body_n of_o a_o man_n they_o mean_v it_o proper_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o invisible_a mystical_a church_n or_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n consider_v in_o its_o internal_a spiritual_a live_a state_n 1113._o not_o with_o reference_n to_o man_n external_a stand_n or_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n nor_o do_v they_o ever_o dream_v that_o man_n be_v by_o the_o want_n of_o internal_a gracious_a qualification_n cut_v off_o from_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o any_o church-censure_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o reckon_v hypocrite_n and_o secret_o unregenerate_a person_n as_o well_o as_o heretical_a apostate_n or_o the_o openly-wicked_n to_o be_v but_o equivocaliy_v of_o the_o church_n viz._n in_o comparison_n and_o contradistinction_n to_o the_o true_a and_o live_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n ●nd_v as_o ●aul_v di●tinguishes_n between_o israel_n and_o they_o that_o be_v of_o israel_n rom._n 9.6_o and_o say_v he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n i._n e._n not_o a_o jew_n indeed_o and_o accept_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o be_v ●ut_v outward_o ●n●_n rom._n 2.28_o 29._o but_o will_v you_o therefore_o say_v that_o a_o close_a hypocrite_n un●e●bers_v himself_o and_o f●lls_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o
not_o use_v man_n may_v be_v look_v at_o as_o non-member_n though_o the_o church_n do_v neglect_v to_o pass_v a_o formal_a censure_n wherein_o we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o be_v their_o opponent_n it_o suffice_v we_o that_o in_o church_n regular_o use_v discipline_n there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a way_n whereby_o offender_n lose_v church-membership_a but_o by_o excommunication_n and_o that_o none_o can_v lose_v it_o while_o they_o live_v that_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o such_o evil_a as_o be_v censurable_a or_o be_v matter_n of_o excommunication_n which_o the_o person_n in_o question_n be_v not_o another_o testimony_n here_o allege_v be_v from_o mr._n cotton_n in_o his_o way_n of_o the_o church_n p._n 9_o where_o he_o say_v that_o many_o in_o church_n have_v cut_v themselves_o off_o ans._n have_v the_o whole_a sentence_n be_v set_v down_o every_o reader_n will_v have_v see_v the_o impertinency_n of_o the_o allegation_n as_o to_o the_o person_n and_o case_n in_o question_n mr._n cotton_v word●_n be_v these_o many_o in_o other_o church_n have_v ●ut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o covenant_n by_o their_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o withal_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o add_v that_o arelapsed_a church_n with_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v bind_v to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o reformation_n which_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o whole_o cut_v off_o before_o though_o their_o membership_n be_v but_o by_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o baptize_v for_o of_o that_o he_o there_o speak_v we_o doubt_v not_o but_o among_o the_o member_n of_o such_o relapsed_a church_n may_v be_v find_v many_o much_o more_o degenerate_a then_o those_o describe_v in_o the_o synod_n five_o preposition_n much_o less_o therefore_o be_v those_o discovenant_v but_o be_v in_o covenant_n be_v bind_v to_o renew_v it_o in_o order_n to_o full_a communion_n the_o next_o testimony_n here_o produce_v be_v from_o those_o word_n in_o the_o discourse_n of_o church-covenant_n pag._n 17._o viz._n that_o if_o man_n have_v not_o promise_v and_o also_o perform_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o truth_n the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n they_o have_v not_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n but_o have_v discovenant_v themselves_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o father_n and_o other_o thus_o though_o god_n promise_v abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n genes_n 17_o 7._o yet_o the_o ishmaelite_n and_o edomite_n descend_v from_o abraham_n be_v discovenant_v by_o not_o promise_v nor_o perform_v those_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n require_v on_o the_o people_n part_n now_o if_o this_o say_v the_o apologist_n be_v truth_n in_o the_o year_n 1639._o as_o it_o then_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o elders_n hereabout_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v truth_n in_o the_o year_n 1662._o for_o veritas_fw-la in_o omnem_fw-la partem_fw-la svi_fw-la semper_fw-la eadem_fw-la e●t_fw-la either_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n then_o or_o else_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n at_o this_o day_n ans._n let_v the_o word_n here_o cite_v be_v candid_o interpret_v and_o they_o contain_v nothing_o repugnant_a to_o the_o present_a doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o man_n do_v not_o promise_v or_o do_v not_o perform_v in_o some_o measure_n yea_o in_o some_o measure_n of_o truth_n i._n e._n visible_o and_o in_o charitable_a and_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n into_o god_n they_o do_v discovendat_fw-la themselves_o i._n e._n they_o do_v it_o meritorious_o and_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o they_o ●n_a th●●_n part_v to_o destroy_v their_o membership_n and_o ●hey_n so_o do_v it_o as_o will_v infer_v the_o absolute_a loss_n of_o their_o membership_n viz._n either_o by_o formal_a excommunication_n if_o you_o speak_v of_o particular_a person_n and_o if_o the_o church_n do_v her_o duty_n or_o by_o the_o lor●s_v give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n if_o you_o speak_v of_o whole_a body_n of_o people_n as_o here_o the_o ish●●cel●●s_n 〈◊〉_d a_o e●ountes_n be_v speak_v of_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o child_n of_o our_o church_n describe_v in_o the_o synod●_n five_o proposition_n who_o do_v promise_n and_o do_v in_o some_o ●easure_n though_o not_o in_o so_o full_a a_o measure_n as_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n this_o may_v be_v true_a in_o 1639._o and_o in_o 1662._o also_o and_o yet_o our_o assertion_n may_v be_v true_a and_o you_o false_a notwithstanding_o let_v our_o child_n appear_v to_o be_v such_o as_o the_o edo●ates_n and_o ishmaelite_n be_v or_o let_v they_o appear_v to_o be_v such_o as_o do_v in_o no_o measure_n yea_o i._o ●_o no_o measure_n of_o truth_n i._n e._n as_o to_o church-visibility_a or_o charitable_a hope_n for_o the_o church_n ●●ng●_n no_o further_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o we_o will_v with_o you_o plead_v to_o have_v they_o put_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o till_o then_o i._n e._n as_o long_o as_o they_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n though_o yet_o but_o in_o a_o small_a and_o initial_a measure_n perform_v the_o duty_n and_o retain_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n or_o of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n they_o continue_v yea_o regular_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n for_o aught_o that_o have_v yet_o appear_v either_o in_o 1639._o or_o in_o 1662._o we_o be_v loath_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o insult_a expression_n that_o be_v here_o use_v which_o be_v too-too_o uncomely_a especial_o there_o where_o th●●●fth_o commandment_n require_v special_a honour_n but_o the_o intelligent_a reader_n will_v easy_o see_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o con●●dence_n to_o bring_v a_o testimony_n concern_v the_o discovenant_n of_o the_o ishmaelite_n and_o edomite_n for_o they_o be_v expre●ly_o instance_a in_o as_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o not-promising_a nor_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o fa●●rand_a obedience_n intend_v by_o the_o author_n and_o then_o to_o triumph_v in_o it_o as_o if_o that_o prove_v the_o discovenant_v of_o our_o hopeful_a and_o non-excommunicable_a child_n or_o thwart_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n when_o it_o be_v here_o add_v this_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n wherein_o we_o dissent_n from_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o synod_n if_o by_o this_o be_n mean_v the_o assertion_n which_o be_v before_o express_v viz._n that_o a_o church-member_n may_v possible_o become_v no_o member_n without_o any_o act_n of_o the_o church_n in_o formal_a censure_v of_o he_o than_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o ●trang●_n misrepresentation_n to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a polut_o of_o your_o dissent_n for_o there_o be_v they_o that_o do_v hearty_a consent_n to_o all_o the_o concl●sions_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o yet_o d●_n hold_v and_o do_v in_o the_o synod_n express_v as_o much_o that_o in_o some_o notorious_a case_n and_o where_o the_o church_n neglect_v her_o duty_n as_o have_v be_v before_o say_v person_n may_v be_v break_v off_o and_o look_v at_o as_o non-member_n though_o not_o formal_o censure_v or_o that_o a_o church-member_n may_v possible_o in_o some_o case_n become_v no_o member_n without_o a_o formal_a censure_n the_o reader_n therefore_o be_v great_o mislead_v and_o misinform_v when_o he_o be_v tell_v that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a point_n of_o our_o dissent_n but_o when_o you_o a●●ert_v that_o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v become_v no_o member_n or_o that_o person_n who_o be_v before_o member_n do_v become_v no_o member_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v adult_n mere_o by_o want_n of_o fitness_n for_o full_a communion_n though_o they_o neither_o have_v not_o deserve_v to_o have_v any_o church-censure_n pa●led_v upon_o they_o this_o we_o confess_v be_v a_o main_a point_n wherein_o you_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n and_o we_o suppose_v from_o scripture_n and_o sound_a reason_n too_o preface_n here_o let_v we_o add_v the_o word_n of_o mr._n cotton_n in_o his_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o church_n member_n which_o be_v these_o follow_v such_o as_o be_v bear_v and_o baptize_v member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o cruelty_n continue_v and_o confirm_v member_n unless_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n they_o do_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n pray_v their_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o je●us_n chr●st_n answ._n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o by_o confirm_a member_n all_o along_o in_o that_o book_n mr._n cotton●eane●_n ●eane●_z such_o as_o be_v admit_v to_o ●u●_n communion_n or_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o vote_v and_o so_o he_o d●th_v express_o explain_v himself_o pag._n 9_o and_o for_o that_o it_o be_v well_o know_v we_o stand_v ●ully_o for_o the_o
same_o qualification_n that_o mr_n cotton_n intend_v according_a to_o h●●●erm_v of_o discipline_n cap._n ●2_n sect._n 7._o the_o word_n continue_a be_v indeed_o add_v in_o pag_n 19_o though_o not_o so_o in_o pag._n 〈…〉_z that_o book_n but_o it_o be_v add_v in_o a_o copulative_a way_n continue_a and_o confirm_v w●ere_v all_o the_o part_n must_v be_v take_v together_o to_o make_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o axiom_n beside_o that_o the_o p●r●ons_n in_o question_n do_v make_v so●e_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n i_o e._n in_o a_o initial_a and_o educational_a way_n so_o as_o suffice_v to_o their_o continuance_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n though_o it_o may_v not_o at_o present_a suffice_v to_o full_a communion_n mr._n cotton_n be_v far_o from_o conceive_v that_o such_o non-scandalous_a person_n as_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o question_n be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o or_o look_v upon_o as_o cut_v off_o from_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n as_o beside_o what_o be_v cite_v of_o his_o in_o the_o synod_n preface_n may_v appear_v plain_o out_o of_o this_o very_a treatise_n which_o be_v well_o call_v by_o our_o brethren_n a_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o church-member_n for_o pag._n 3._o man_n ●oning_n a_o distinction_n of_o mr._n ruther●urds_n that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v term_v no_o church_n no_o spouse_n jure_v &_o meritò_fw-la &_o quoad_fw-la vocationem_fw-la passivam_fw-la in_o respect_n of_o bad_a deserve_n and_o their_o not_o answer_v to_o the_o call_v of_o god_n on_o their_o part_n and_o yet_o the_o same_o church_n remain_v the_o 〈◊〉_d ●or_a aliter_fw-la &_o quoad_fw-la vocationem_fw-la det_fw-la activam_fw-la the_o spouse_n and_o bride_n of_o c●rist_n he_o sai●●_n this_o distinction_n i_o can_v admit_v if_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o church_n hat_n have_v former_o answer_v the_o call_n of_o god_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o least_o in_o outward_a propession_n of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o pure_a worship_n for_o such_o a_o church_n though_o they_o or_o ●heir_a child_n may_v afterward_o degenerate_a and_o go_v a_o wher●ng_n from_o god_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n yet_o god_n in_o his_o patience_n and_o bounty_n be_v not_o wont_a so_o ●con_n to_o cast_v off_o ●hem_o as_o they_o cast_v off_o he_o the_o next_o generation_n after_o 〈◊〉_d ●e●_n a_o ●horing_v from_o go●_n and_o f●rs●ck_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n and_o serve_v baalim_fw-la yet_o still_o the_o lord_n account_v they_o his_o people_n and_o send_v they_o judge_n and_o prophet_n to_o restore_v and_o recover_v they_o and_o pag_n 19_o 20._o he_o mention_n distinct_o by_o way_n of_o consectary_n from_o the_o proposition_n here_o cite_v by_o our_o brethren_n two_o or_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o churchy_n though_o bear_v and_o baptize_v in_o it_o viz._n 1._o the_o gross_o ignorant_a of_o the_o first_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o religion_n 3._o person_n notorious_o scandalous_a for_o any_o gross_a crime_n as_o i●latry_n adultery_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o a_o word_n of_o such_o a_o intere●ce_n as_o our_o brethren_n s●em_v to_o make_v viz._n the_o discontinuance_n or_o unchurch_v of_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o person_n as_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o question_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a all_o along_o in_o that_o book_n that_o he_o plead_v not_o for_o the_o un-membering_a of_o any_o that_o be_v once_o in_o the_o church_n yea_o though_o they_o come_v in_o but_o by_o a_o membership_n receive_v in_o infancy_n for_o of_o such_o he_o often_o express_o speak_v and_o such_o be_v the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n he_o dispute_v upon_o in_o answer_n to_o his_o opponent_n but_o only_a such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a and_o wicked_a and_o deserve_v excommunication_n and_o he_o will_v have_v they_o also_o un-membered_n by_o excommunication_n and_o not_o by_o a_o self-felony_n only_o see_v pag_n 8_o 15_o 28_o 32_o 56_o 57_o 60._o preface_n renown_a parker_n steak_v of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o those_o word_n lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o heb_n 6.2_o cite_v many_o judicious_a writer_n who_o judgement_n he_o express_v in_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o they_o who_o be_v baptize_v in_o minority_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o after_o that_o the_o church_n have_v approve_v their_o faith_n by_o the_o symbol_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n they_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v according_a to_o sound_a doctrine_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n as_o parker_n say_v now_o we_o demand_v how_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v as_o member_n who_o be_v already_o as_o complete_a and_o perfect_a member_n as_o any_o in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n be_v that_o child_n who_o be_v baptize_v in_o minority_n after_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o pro●ess_v their_o faith_n so_o as_o to_o be_v accept_v of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v admit_v as_o member_n therefore_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n such_o child_n be_v not_o as_o complete_a and_o perfect_a member_n as_o any_o in_o the_o church_n answ._n whether_o the_o word_n tanquam_fw-la membra_fw-la admittehantur_fw-la be_v parker_n own_o word_n or_o calvin_n for_o he_o speak_v as_o if_o he_o cite_v only_o calvin_n word_n yet_o we_o ●inde_v not_o those_o expression_n use_v by_o calvin_n either_o on_o heb._n 6.2_o or_o in_o his_o institution_n de_fw-fr confirmatione_fw-la though_o in_o both_o place_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o parker_n allege_v from_o he_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o great_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o whole_a discourse_n that_o parker_n be_v there_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n as_o we_o call_v it_o if_o he_o there_o use_v the_o term_n member_n for_o person_n admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o to_o all_o church-priviledge_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a phrase_n then_o have_v be_v use_v in_o this_o country_n for_o many_o year_n yet_o that_o argue_v not_o that_o we_o do_v or_o that_o parker_n do_v think_v child_n to_o be_v no_o member_n before_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o ancient_n that_o they_o sp●ke_v more_o secure_o before_o the_o rise_v of_o pelagius_n man_n be_v less_o curious_a in_o expression_n when_o they_o speak_v about_o point_n of_o which_o no_o controversy_n be_v move_v and_o wherein_o their_o judgement_n be_v otherwise_o sufficient_o know_v as_o what_o be_v more_o abudant_o and_o universal_o agree_v on_o among_o all_o our_o divine_n than_o this_o that_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o part_n of_o it_o parker_n within_o six_o line_n of_o the_o place_n cite_v call_v they_o in_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la nati_fw-la bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o oppose_v they_o to_o extranei_fw-la i._n e._n to_o such_o as_o be_v without_o dr._n ames_n give_v it_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o protestant_n the_o infant_n of_o the_o faithful_a 1._o unless_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n they_o cu●●_n not_o to_o be_v bapti●ed_v vrsin_n and_o pareus_n say_v omnes_fw-la iique_fw-la soli_fw-la etc._n etc._n all_o and_o only_a th●●e_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v by_o christ_n command_n who_o be_v his_o disciple_n mat._n 28.19_o i._n e._n those_o that_o be_v and_o one_o to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n whether_o they_o be_v adult_a person_n profess_v faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o infant_n bear_v in_o the_o church_n again_o the_o infant_n of_o christian_n do_v as_o well_o as_o the_o adult_n belong_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o church_n of_o god_n and_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v baptize_v because_o the_o whole_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v c._n techet_n explicat_fw-la pag._n 367._o this_o truth_n be_v joint_o 〈…〉_z protestant_n a●d_v reform_v church_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o harmony_n of_o their_o confession_n the_o child_n of_o t●e_v faithful_a be_v god_n peculiar_a people_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 〈…〉_z pag_n 397._o reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o god_n people_n bohemian_a 〈◊〉_d pag._n 399._o god_n do_v together_o with_o the_o parent_n account_v their_o posterity_n also_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n f●●nc_n c._n ●●mon_a p●g_v 401._o they_o condemn_v the_o anabaptist_n who_o hold_v tha●_n 〈◊〉_d ●e_n no●_n 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n ●f_fw-fr god_n confession_n of_o auspurg_n pag._n 404._o infant_n belong_v to_o the_o covenant_n an●_n church_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o adult_n say_v the_o palatinate_n catechism_n que●●_n ●4_n now_o ●●is_n be_v so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o manifest_a doctrine_n of_o all_o our_o divine_n that_o child_n be_v member_n ●f_o the_o church_n and_o neither_o do_v they_o imagine_v that_o when_o adult_v they_o drop_v ●ff_n by_o a_o self_n ●●lony_n or_o we_o know_v not_o how_o for_o
when_o erasmus_n have_v say_v that_o child_n be_v grow_v 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v ask_v will_v not_o sta●d_v to_o what_o have_v be_v promise_v in_o their_o behalf_n they_o ●ere_z to_o be_v le●t_v to_o themselves_o calvin_n 〈◊〉_d it_o as_o the_o say_n of_o a_o man_n not_o well_o exercise_v in_o church-government_n 346._o see_v also_o chemnit_fw-la exam._n conc._n trid._n par_fw-fr 2._o de_fw-fr baptis_n can._n 14._o &_o de_fw-la confirmat_fw-la sub_fw-la can._n 3._o who_o word_n in_o the_o former_a of_o these_o place_n the_o rea●er_n may_v find_v english_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o mr_n shepherd_n treatise_n ●bout_o children●●ely_o ●●ely_z print_v and_o cartwright_n to_o ●●at_a question_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v present_a at_o a_o child_n baptism_n 185._o answer_n 1._o to_o rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a at_o ●he_n increase_v of_o god_n church_n 3_o when_o the_o child_n come_v to_o age_n to_o do_v such_o duty_n as_o one_o member_n ●w●●h_v to_o another_o he_o do_v not_o think_v its_o membership_n cease_v with_o infancy_n but_o say_v he_o when_o it_o come_v to_o age_n such_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v do●e_n to_o it_o as_o one_o member_n owe_v to_o another_o hence_o we_o say_v be_v it_o rational_a so_o to_o understand_v parker_n or_o calvin_n as_o if_o they_o do_v think_v or_o approve_v it_o as_o sound_v doctrine_n in_o other_o to_o think_v that_o they_o who_o be_v baptise_a in_o minority_n when_o after_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o they_o have_v approve_v their_o faith_n they_o be_v then_o first_o admit_v member_n as_o if_o they_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o as_o the_o reader_n will_v think_v that_o that_o be_v the_o scope_n a●d_v sense_n of_o the_o testimony_n here_o cite_v but_o to_o cite_v shreds●f_a ●f_z passage_n in_o authers_n in_o a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o those_o ●_z know_v and_o declare_v judgement_n be_v very_o injurious_a both_o to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o reader_n he_o that_o read_v what_o this_o preface_n here_o say_v will_v think_v that_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o judicious_a writer_n cite_v by_o parker_n that_o child_n do_v then_o first_o enter_v into_o church-membership_a when_o their_o f●ith_n be_v approve_v by_o the_o church_n after_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n at_o all_o before_o that_o when_o as_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o evident_a that_o neither_o parker_n nor_o any_o judicious_a writer_n cite_v by_o he_o nor_o any_o one_o heretofore_o approve_v for_o a_o judicious_a writer_n either_o ancient_a or_o modern_a do_v indeed_o so_o judge_n but_o the_o contrary_n and_o parker_n word_n be_v clear_o intend_v in_o another_o sense_n viz._n with_o reference_n in_o full_a communion_n and_o so_o speak_v of_o the_o very_a same_o matter_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o ecclesiast_n ●elit_fw-la cap._n 10._o he_o say_v that_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n the_o adult_n be_v examine_v by_o the_o presbytery_n approve_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o receive_v by_o the_o wh●le_a church_n as_o member_n of_o the●r_a communion_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n and_o so_o be_v as_o it_o be_v confirm_v before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o l●rds_n supper_n where_o member_n of_o their_o communion_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n be_v the_o same_o with_o member_n in_o full_a communion_n in_o our_o language_n and_o so_o ●is_n word_n together_o with_o the_o know_a practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v plain_o confirm_v our_o distinction_n between_o initiate_v member_n and_o member_n in_o f●●_n communion_n but_o they_o be_v far_o from_o intend_v or_o hold_v forth_o either_o a_o denial_n of_o child_n membership_n or_o a_o cessation_n thereof_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o become_v adult_n as_o for_o the_o inference_n that_o be_v here_o make_v from_o parker_n testimony_n therefore_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n such_o child_n be_v not_o as_o complete_a and_o perfect_a member_n as_o any_o in_o the_o church_n an●_n if_o his_o word_n do_v ●old_a in_o the_o s●nse_n in_o w●ich_a they_o be_v here_o allege_v than_o child_n be_v not_o only_o members●s_v ●s_z any_o in_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v not_o member_n at_o all_o or_o non-me●bers_a see_v they_o be_v not_o it_o seer_n admit_v member_n till_o when_o adult_n they_o have_v make_v their_o pr●fe●●●on_n as_o for_o their_o be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a member_n it_o be_v well_o know_v we_o say_v and_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v not_o complete_a or_o perfect_a in_o point_n of_o communion_n or_o privilege_n but_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o essence_n or_o relation_n of_o membership_n i._n e._n they_o be_v proper_o and_o complete_o within_o the_o church_n and_o not_o half_a in_o and_o half_a out_o to_o be_v accord_v to_o divine_a institution_n within_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o book_n before_o which_o this_o preface_n be_v set_v well_o own_v pag._n 41_o 〈…〉_z any_o man_n ●●ew_n we_o one_o orthodox_n divine_a or_o judicious_a writer_n before_o or_o i●_n parker_n day_n that_o ever_o say_v that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o fai●●ful_a be_v either_o w●ile_a infant_n or_o when_o adult_n suppose_v they_o not_o excommunicate_v nor_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v not_o within_o the_o church_n but_o withal_o we_o hold_v and_o so_o do_v parker_n and_o the_o reform_a church_n that_o ●●ere_o be_v many_o within_o the_o church_n who_o may_v not_o ●ave_n complete_a or_o ju●●_n communion_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n ●●ereof_o and_o so_o be_v not_o complete_a or_o perfect_a member_n in_o that_o ●ense_n and_o sword_n medu●_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes._n 13._o it_o be_v not_o we_o but_o you_o that_o will_v have_v child_n 〈◊〉_d lest_o all_o adult_n child_n to_o be_v as_o complete_a a●d_a perfect_a member_n in_o this_o sense_n a●_n any_o in_o the_o church_n or_o else_o to_o be_v no_o member_n at_o all_o see_v you_o acknowledge_v none_o that_o be_v adult_n to_o be_v member_n unless_o they_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n it_o be_v ●ur●●er_o add_v that_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n in_o case_n they_o do_v not_o join_v unto_o the_o church_n than_o they_o do_v not_o retain_v their_o membership_n which_o ●hey_n 〈…〉_z minority_n n●w_o to_o join_v to_o the_o church_n be_v the_o act_n of_o one_o that_o be_v not_o join_v or_o be_v not_o a_o member_n so_o that_o unless_o they_o 〈◊〉_d themselves_o to_o be_v not_o member_n or_o unless_o they_o own_v themselves_o to_o ●●ve_v lose_v their_o membership_n they_o do_v not_o retain_v their_o membership_n this_o we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o so_o much_o for_o the_o discourse_n upon_o the_o three_o objection_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o objection_n there_o be_v a_o high_a profession_n of_o much_o zeal_n for_o church_n care_n and_o watch_n to_o be_v extend_v toward_o child_n and_o much_o clearness_n therein_o even_o as_o the_o light_n at_o noon_n and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v write_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n so_o as_o that_o the_o reader_n will_v expect_v to_o find_v very_o ample_a satisfaction_n in_o that_o matter_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o it_o ●●lls_v flat_a to_o no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o the_o watch_n over_o they_o be_v to_o be_v mediate_a according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o their_o membership_n the_o church_n be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o parent_n ●●_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o ●h●ld●en_n now_o we_o demand_v whether_o this_o be_v any_o more_o than_o the_o church_n shall_v extend_v to_o a_o negro_n or_o indian_a live_v in_o the_o family_n of_o one_o of_o their_o brethren_n for_o shall_v they_o not_o see_v that_o he_o do_v his_o duty_n towards_o he_o and_o that_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n yea_o we_o may_v further_o ask_v whether_o this_o mediate_a watch_n viz._n by_o see_v that_o the_o parent_n do_v their_o duty_n do_v not_o belong_v as_o much_o to_o child_n when_o they_o be_v reject_v and_o dis●●rne●_n by_o the_o church_n as_o our_o brethren_n will_v have_v they_o and_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o child_n when_o their_o parent_n be_v dead_a as_o how_o many_o fatherless_a and_o motherless_a child_n be_v among_o we_o or_o far_o remove_v and_o when_o child_n be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o not_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o why_o also_o shall_v not_o baptism_n and_o catechise_v as_o well_o as_o other_o church-benefit_n be_v dispense_v only_o mediately●nd_v ●nd_z not_o immediate_o unto_o child_n the_o reader_n may_v here_o see_v that_o the_o difference_n about_o 〈…〉_z and_o immediate_a membership_n be_v more_o than_o a_o notion_n it_o contain_v under_o it_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n this_o mediate_a membership_n be_v make_v a_o medium_n to_o put_v our_o poor_a child_n from_o
that_o three_o year_n of_o tything_n then_o ●_o can_v be_v that_o by_o this_o covenant_n they_o be_v bring_v under_o discipline_n for_o they_o be_v adult_n and_o so_o under_o discipline_n afore_o or_o if_o the_o covenant_n here_o mention_v be_v not_o enter_v into_o at_o the_o three_o year_n of_o tything_n then_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v of_o all_o the_o people_n joint_o together_o and_o not_o of_o any_o particular_a person_n several_o by_o themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o text_n contrary_a to_o this_o but_o rather_o for_o it_o in_o that_o the_o covenancer_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v avouch_v that_o day_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n peculiar_a people_n ver_fw-la 18_o 19_o which_o title_n of_o people_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o any_o particular_a person_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o covenant_n deut_n 29.10_o 11_o etc._n etc._n be_v of_o all_o the_o people_n joint_o together_o for_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n not_o only_o with_o man_n but_o with_o woman_n yea_o with_o little_a child_n and_o with_o such_o as_o be_v not_o there_o that_o day_n but_o with_o posterity_n that_o shall_v be_v afterward_o bear_v and_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o covenant_n of_o the_o adult_n to_o bring_v they_o under_o church-discipline_n as_o if_o else_o they_o have_v not_o be_v under_o it_o but_o be_v also_o with_o little_a one_o that_o be_v then_o in_o minority_n it_o may_v suffice_v to_o bring_v they_o under_o discipline_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v grow_v up_o so_o that_o nothing_o do_v yet_o appear_v to_o prove_v that_o ●●ult_n person_n in_o israel_n be_v not_o under_o discipline_n in_o that_o church_n but_o by_o their_o take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n personal_o but_o for_o aught_o that_o do_v yet_o appear_v they_o may_v be_v under_o discipline_n afore_o they_o have_v thus_o do_v therefore_o we_o yet_o see_v not_o any_o such_o disparity_n between_o the_o patriarchall_a and_o mosaical_a church_n former_o and_o the_o congregationall_a church_n under_o the._n new_a testament_n but_o that_o from_o the_o subjection_n of_o child_n when_o adult_n unto_o church-discipline_n in_o the_o former_a may_v be_v just_o infer_v their_o subjection_n thereto_o in_o the_o latter_a so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o synod_n first_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o child_n of_o church-member_n when_o adult_n be_v under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v child_n when_o adult_a subject_n to_o church-discipline_n viz._n because_o they_o be_v within_o the_o church_n or_o member_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o subject_a to_o church-judicature_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o the_o answer_n that_o be_v give_v be_v that_o the_o argument_n be_v to_o be_v deny_v and_o the_o text_n allege_v do_v not_o prove_v it_o ans._n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v express_v and_o plain_a what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o also_o that_o be_v without_o do_v you_o not_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o but_o they_o that_o be_v without_o god_n judge_v by_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o undeniable_a that_o though_o those_o that_o be_v without_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o church-judicature_n or_o church-discipline_n yet_o for_o those_o that_o be_v within_o it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o therefore_o if_o these_o child_n be_v within_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o church-judicature_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v that_o by_o they_o within_o be_v mean_v member_n in_o full_a communion_n such_o as_o be_v in_o full_a membership_n as_o well_o of_o all_o other_o ordinance_n as_o of_o censure_n our_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v prove_v as_o well_o as_o affirm_v for_o affirmanti_fw-la incumbit_fw-la probatio_fw-la it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v non_fw-la est_fw-la distinguendum_fw-la ubi_fw-la lex_fw-la non_fw-la distinguit_fw-la distinction_n shall_v be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n therefore_o when_o the_o word_n say_v such_o as_o be_v within_o be_v subject_a to_o church-judicature_n to_o restrain_v this_o be_v within_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o to_o exempt_v many_o other_o though_o adult_n person_n and_o within_o the_o church_n only_o because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o with●n_o as_o to_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n we_o say_v to_o exempt_v they_o upon_o this_o ground_n from_o church-judicature_n be_v more_o than_o we_o see_v any_o sufficient_a proof_n for_o as_o for_o the_o reason_n here_o render_v that_o excommunication_n be_v a_o cast_v out_o from_o communion_n and_o therefore_o how_o can_v any_o be_v formal_o excommunicate_v who_o be_v never_o in_o communion_n and_o so_o within_o the_o church_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o synod_n do_v not_o here_o express_o speak_v of_o excommunication_n and_o that_o the_o child_n be_v subject_a to_o that_o ordinance_n but_o only_o say_v they_o be_v under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n here_o to_o answer_v that_o they_o can_v be_v excommunicate_v for_o if_o that_o be_v so_o which_o we_o be_v far_o from_o grant_v yet_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v may_v be_v true_a f●r_n all_o this_o and_o though_o ●t_a be_v true_a that_o such_o as_o be_v never_o in_o church-communion_n at_o all_o can_v proper_o be_v excommunicate_v yet_o the_o reverend_a author_n we_o suppose_v do_v not_o nor_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o many_o who_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v partaker_n of_o all_o ordinance_n or_o of_o the_o lord●_n supper_n as_o child_n in_o minority_n yet_o may_v be_v count_v church-members_a and_o so_o have_v much_o church-communion_n and_o enjoy_v much_o benefit_n thereby_o as_o the_o covenant_n and_o baptism_n the_o seal_n thereof_o the_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o church_n church-watchfulness_n to_o excite_v they_o and_o encourage_v they_o to_o and_o in_o good_a and_o to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o evil_a such_o church-communion_n as_o this_o they_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o who_o y●●_n have_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n and_o therefore_o what_o impossibility_n be_v there_o in_o it_o but_o that_o man_n may_v be_v excommunicate_v viz._n from_o such_o communion_n as_o they_o have_v though_o they_o never_o have_v such_o full_a communion_n as_o other_o if_o a_o parent_n in_o full_a communion_n be_v just_o for_o some_o delinquency_n excommunicate_v we_o suppose_v the_o reverend_a author_n 4._o will_v say_v that_o his_o child_n in_o minority_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o membership_n with_o he_o and_o so_o be_v excommunicate_v with_o the_o pa●ent_n and_o if_o so_o then_o there_o may_v be_v excommunication_n where_o there_o never_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o full_a communion_n and_o so_o for_o all_o that_o be_v here_o say_v that_o ●_z not_o in_o full_a communion_n can_v be_v excommunicate_v yet_o what_o the_o synod_n say_v may_v be_v true_a that_o person_n not_o in_o full_a communion_n may_v be_v under_o the_o watch_n and_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o how_o much_o more_o if_o even_o such_o person_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o church-membership_a and_o so_o from_o what_o church-communion_n they_o have_v to_o the_o three_o argument_n to_o prove_v child_n of_o church-member_n when_o adult_n to_o be_v under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n because_o they_o be_v disciple_n and_o therefore_o under_o discipline_n in_o christ_n school_n the_o reverend_a author_n answer_n have_v in_o it_o a_o concession_n and_o a_o exception_n the_o concession_n be_v that_o all_o church-member_n be_v disciple_n infant_n foeder●lly_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o both_o be_v under_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n suitable_o to_o their_o membership_n now_o if_o all_o church-member_n be_v disciple_n and_o therefore_o under_o discipline_n and_o even_a infant_n so_o in_o their_o way_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o these_o that_o their_o infancy_n be_v now_o become_v adult_n shall_v now_o be_v n●_n disciple_n nor_o church-member_n and_o so_o not_o under_o church-discipline_n which_o before_o they_o be_v under_o when_o as_o they_o have_v neither_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o membership_n and_o discipleship_n nor_o deserve_v any_o such_o matter_n one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v more_o rational_a to_o say_v that_o as_o they_o be_v in_o church-relation_n when_o infant_n so_o they_o continue_v therein_o though_o adult_n except_o in_o some_o way_n of_o god_n they_o be_v cut_v off_o therefrom_o and_o do_v so_o deserve_v but_o though_o the_o reverend_a author_n yield_v as_o be_v say_v yet_o he_o put_v in_o this_o exception_n that_o he_o find_v not_o any_o where_o in_o scripture_n that_o such_o adult_n person_n be_v style_v disciple_n or_o account_v member_n ans._n suppose_v such_o term_n or_o title_n be_v not_o find_v apply_v to_o the_o
invention_n why_o shall_v this_o be_v affirm_v and_o not_o prove_v for_o as_o for_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o they_o be_v not_o first_o admit_v when_o adult_n but_o before_o they_o be_v adult_n even_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n and_o now_o be_v adult_n and_o yet_o never_o cut_v off_o or_o cast_v out_o from_o their_o church-relation_n if_o by_o sin_n they_o deserve_v church-censure_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o apply_v to_o they_o but_o that_o in_o respect_n thereof_o they_o be_v let_v alone_o be_v they_o not_o then_o under_o that_o judgement_n hos._n 4_o of_o be_v ●e●_n alone_o in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o do_v not_o this_o neglect_v make_v way_n for_o irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n in_o church_n no_o churchway_n be_v use_v towards_o these_o for_o prevent_v thereof_o for_o we_o do_v not_o see_v any_o ground_n to_o think_v that_o the_o use_n of_o church_n discipline_n towards_o such_o be_v a_o humane_a invention_n for_o these_o particular_n to_o we_o do_v seem_v plain_a 1._o that_o church-discipline_n shall_v be_v use_v towards_o all_o that_o be_v within_o the_o church_n as_o there_o may_v be_v occasion_n and_o need_v of_o it_o and_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o understanding_n and_o age_n they_o be_v capable_a 2._o it_o be_v plain_a also_o that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v once_o within_o the_o church_n and_o as_o such_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n this_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o by_o join_v with_o the_o antipoedobaptist_n in_o deny_v the_o ba●●●sm_n and_o church-membership_a of_o little_a child_n and_o last_o it_o be_v plain_a also_o that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o though_o now_o they_o be_v adult_n be_v never_o yet_o in_o any_o way_n of_o god_n cast_v out_o or_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n and_o the_o relation_n to_o it_o which_o they_o former_o have_v and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v far_o from_o deserve_v any_o such_o matter_n now_o though_o church-government_n and_o church-discipline_n towards_o such_o as_o be_v never_o in_o the_o church_n may_v be_v count_v a_o humane_a d●vic●_n yet_o for_o such_o as_o be_v once_o according_a to_o order_n and_o divine_a institution_n within_o it_o as_o member_n thereof_o and_o never_o be_v since_o strut_v of_o 〈◊〉_d or_o cut_v off_o f●om_o that_o relation_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o to_o say_v that_o church-government_n and_o church-discipline_n towards_o such_o be_v a_o humane_a invention_n we_o see_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n either_o so_o to_o say_v or_o think_v but_o do_v rather_o conceive_v that_o this_o church-discipline_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o humane_a invention_n that_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o be_v a_o neglect_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n and_o that_o a●_n swoon_v of_o 〈◊〉_d personspunc_fw-la and_o declare_v of_o they_o to_o be_v non-member_n which_o some_o speak_v for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o church-censure_n what_o be_v it_o other_o than_o a_o humane_a invention_n and_o device_n so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o what_o be_v say_v by_o the_o synod_n in_o their_o three_o proposition_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n when_o grow_v up_o be_v under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n propose_v 4._o the_o four_o proposition_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v that_o these_o adult_n person_n be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v and_o continue_v member_n without_o such_o further_a qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v thereunto_o by_o which_o proposition_n of_o the_o synod_n there_o be_v a_o prevent_n of_o a_o usual_a objection_n from_o the_o danger_n of_o pollute_v the_o ordinance_n by_o unworthy_a partaker_n if_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n be_v count_v member_n and_o to_o be_v as_o such_o under_o church-watchfulness_n and_o government_n when_o adult_n for_o some_o may_v think_v that_o if_o this_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n be_v grant_v there_o will_v then_o be_v danger_n that_o they_o will_v also_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n afore_o they_o be_v due_o qualify_v for_o that_o ordinance_n now_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o four_o proposition_n be_v to_o prevent_v this_o evil_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v admire_v that_o the_o proposition_n shall_v not_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n and_o by_o all_o that_o desire_v the_o lord_n supper_n may_v be_v preserve_v from_o unworthy_a partaker_n as_o we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o he_o do_v but_o why_o then_o be_v this_o proposition_n stick_v at_o if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o these_o adult_n person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o f●ll_v communion_n without_o such_o qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v thereunto_o which_o be_v what_o the_o synod_n say_v must_v the_o contrary_a to_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v thereunto_o without_o such_o qualification_n at_o all_o we_o suppose_v the_o reverend_a author_n will_v not_o grant_v this_o and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o consent_n to_o the_o other_o but_o except_v against_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o for_o say_v he_o though_o this_o proposition_n seem_v to_o they_o plain_o yet_o it_o seem_v not_o sufficient_o clear_v by_o their_o proof_n 1._o from_o 1_o cor._n 11.28_o 29._o where_o it_o be_v require_v that_o such_o as_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n else_o they_o will_v eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o and_o eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o themselves_o when_o they_o partake_v of_o this_o ordinance_n but_o this_o ability_n be_v too_o of●●n_o see_v to_o be_v want_v in_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n pag._n 16_o 17._o to_o this_o argument_n the_o reply_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n be_v by_o way_n of_o concession_n and_o of_o exception_n his_o concession_n be_v two_o 1._o that_o the_o want_n of_o such_o ability_n in_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v indeed_o too_o often_o see_v through_o the_o too_o frequent_a neglect_n of_o parent_n in_o their_o education_n and_o of_o minister_n and_o church_n in_o their_o institution_n or_o instruction_n and_o catechise_v and_o watch_v over_o they_o pag._n 17._o ans._n it_o seem_v then_o that_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n even_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n for_o it_o be_v of_o such_o that_o the_o synod_n argument_n here_o speak_v and_o so_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v express_v it_o be_v not_o only_o under_o the_o education_n of_o parent_n but_o also_o under_o the_o institution_n catechise_v and_o watch_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o of_o the_o church_n how_o then_o will_v that_o stand_v which_o be_v say_v before_o pag._n 10._o that_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o watch_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o here_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v under_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o under_o church-watch_n proper_o as_o such_o then_o under_o discipline_n and_o that_o the_o neglect_n of_o minister_n and_o church_n herein_o be_v one_o cause_n of_o their_o want_n of_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n now_o can_v the_o neglect_n of_o church-watchfulness_n be_v a_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_a if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v under_o the_o same_o these_o thing_n seem_v not_o well_o to_o agree_v again_o if_o the_o want_n of_o such_o ability_n be_v too_o often_o see_v in_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n when_o grow_v up_o as_o be_v here_o acknowledge_v then_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v seem_v to_o be_v true_a and_o stand_v good_a that_o such_o grow_v person_n though_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o church-member_n be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o notwithstanding_o this_o they_o may_v want_v that_o ability_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o such_o full_a communion_n 2._o the_o second_o concession_n here_o be_v that_o membership_n be_v separable_a from_o yea_o destitute_a of_o such-ability_n in_o the_o infant-seed_n or_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o minority_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o text_n viz._n 1_o cor._n 1●_n 28_o 29._o prove_v it_o ans._n do_v that_o text_n prove_v that_o infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n though_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o do_v it_o not_o also_o prove_v the_o same_o concern_v child_n when_o adult_n if_o this_o disability_n be_v find_v in_o they_o also_o sure_a infant_n and_o child_n in_o
minority_n be_v not_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n no_o more_o than_o child_n when_o adult_n or_o grow_v up_o and_o if_o the_o logician_n rule_v be_v good_a which_o say_v à_fw-la quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la valet_fw-la conj●quenti●_n then_o if_o infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n must_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n because_o of_o their_o want_n of_o the_o ability_n speak_v of_o it_o will_v follow_v if_o the_o like_a inability_n be_v find_v in_o the_o adult_n that_o these_o also_o must_v not_o be_v admit_v and_o that_o for_o the_o like_a reason_n and_o ●f_o that_o text_n 1_o cor._n 11._o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o one_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o proof_n of_o the_o other_o also_o and_o so_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n stand_v good_a the_o exception_n he_o add_v be_v that_o yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n they_o be_v and_o continue_v member_n regular_o be_v through_o want_n of_o that_o ability_n not_o fit_a for_o church-communion_n i._n e._n for_o full_a communion_n ans._n if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o continue_v member_n why_o shall_v not_o something_o be_v produce_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a why_o shall_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v bare_o affirm_v and_o not_o prove_v it_o be_v sure_a they_o be_v once_o member_n and_o as_o such_o be_v baptise_a and_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o though_o now_o they_o be_v adult_n or_o grow_v up_o yet_o they_o be_v never_o in_o any_o way_n of_o god_n cut_v off_o or_o cast_v out_o from_o their_o membership_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v it_o more_o rational_a to_o say_v that_o they_o st●ll_v continue_v to_o be_v member_n then_o to_o say_v that_o they_o do_v not_o and_o this_o without_o allege_v any_o proof_n at_o all_o as_o for_o that_o which_o here_o follow_v that_o if_o person_n be_v unbaptise_v shall_v desire_v to_o have_v the_o covenant_n and_o their_o church-membership_a seal_v by_o baptism_n they_o must_v hold_v f●rth_a faith_n in_o christ_n wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n before_o they_o may_v be_v baptize_v as_o philip_n require_v the_o eunuch_n act_v 8._o so_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n f●om_o baptize_v in_o infancy_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n desire_n to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n he_o must_v hold_v forth_o his_o personal_a faith_n in_o the_o son_n 〈◊〉_d god_n &c_n &c_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o as_o be_v say_v parity_n of_o reason_n between_o the_o case_n allege_v but_o great_a disparity_n for_o in_o the_o one_o case_n the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v unbaptise_v in_o the_o other_o baptize_v already_o in_o the_o one_o case_n the_o person_n desire_v to_o have_v the_o covenant_n and_o their_o church-membership_a seal_v by_o baptism_n and_o in_o the_o other_o case_n there_o be_v no_o such_o d●si●e_n the_o person_n have_v have_v the_o covenant_n and_o their_o membership_n seal_v by_o baptism_n already_o even_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n long_o since_o in_o the_o one_o case_n the_o person_n seem_v as_o yet_o to_o be_v non-member_n though_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d that_o privilege_n but_o in_o the_o other_o case_n the_o person_n be_v church-member_n long_o ago_o for_o as_o for_o that_o term_n that_o be_v use_v concern_v these_o 〈◊〉_d d●●ring_v to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a 〈…〉_z c●●ve_v this_o word_n of_o join_v to_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o their_o first_o join_v thereto_o be_v very_o improper_a because_o the●●_n person_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v so_o join_v but_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n long_o since_o nor_o be_v the_o church_n now_o to_o admit_v they_o to_o church-membership_a for_o they_o be_v admit_v thereto_o long_o since_o the_o second_o argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o four_o proposition_n be_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o though_o man_n do_v continue_v member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o for_o ceremonial_a uncleanness_n they_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o full_a communion_n in_o the_o holy_a thing_n yea_o and_o the_o priest_n and_o porter_n have_v special_a charge_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o holy_a thing_n unless_o due_o qualify_v for_o the_o same_o notwithstanding_o their_o membership_n etc._n etc._n to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v 1._o that_o the_o invalidity_n of_o proof_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v apply_v to_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o so_o this_o of_o baptism_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o thing_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o four_o six_o and_o eight_o position_n with_o which_o this_o proof_n do_v not_o agree_v ans._n to_o this_o we_o answer_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v validity_n and_o much_o weight_n in_o proof_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o confirm_v and_o clear_v thing_n under_o the_o new_a for_o even_o those_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n rom._n 15.4_o and_o christ_n himself_o bid_v we_o search_v they_o as_o those_o which_o do_v testify_v of_o he_o joh._n 5.39_o and_o bring_v many_o proof_n out_o of_o those_o scripture_n for_o confirm_v and_o clear_v thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n luk._n 24.44_o 45_o 46._o &_o 16.29_o 31._o and_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n likewise_o even_o in_o main_a &_o fundamental_a matter_n act._n 17.2_o 3._o &_o 28.23_o and_o so_o from_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n now_o 1_o cor._n 9.13_o from_o their_o sacrament_n to_o we_o and_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v those_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v we_o 1_o cor._n 10.1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o and_o much_o more_o that_o may_v be_v add_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v much_o validity_n in_o they_o for_o confirm_v and_o clear_v truth_n in_o new_a testament-time_n 2._o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v acknowledge_v as_o be_v note_v before_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o to_o the_o jew_n former_o and_o to_o the_o gentile_n now_o and_o that_o baptism_n of_o infant_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n may_v be_v right_o prove_v from_o the_o circumcision_n of_o ●_z under_o the_o old_a which_o passage_n do_v sufficient_o witness_v that_o in_o his_o judgement_n there_o be_v validity_n in_o proof_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o thing_n under_o the_o new_a 3._o it_o be_v a_o great_a weakness_n and_o mistake_n in_o sundry_a of_o the_o antipoedobaptist_n that_o they_o will_v limit_v the_o proof_n for_o infant-baptism_n and_o for_o the_o covenant-interest_n of_o child_n unto_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o if_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o circumcision_n of_o infant_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v of_o no_o validity_n for_o the_o purpose_n mention_v and_o it_o be_v not_o comfortable_a that_o the_o reverend_a author_n shall_v so_o often_o harp_n upon_o this_o string_n and_o so_o often_o mention_v this_o matter_n of_o the_o invalidity_n of_o old_a testament-scripture_n for_o proof_n of_o matter_n in_o gospel_n time_n as_o if_o he_o do_v concur_v with_o they_o in_o their_o tenet_n against_o ●oedobaptism_n which_o he_o frequent_o profess_v against_o albeit_o in_o this_o his_o language_n seem_v but_o too_o like_o they_o which_o we_o can_v wish_v be_v otherwise_o 4._o for_o that_o expression_n of_o thing_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n be_v a_o limitation_n or_o explanation_n of_o the_o invalidity_n speak_v of_o let_v this_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n in_o question_n and_o we_o conceive_v it_o will_v not_o weaken_v the_o argument_n in_o hand_n nor_o show_v any_o invalidity_n therein_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a for_o if_o ceremonial_a uncleanness_n do_v hinder_v man_n from_o full_a communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n notwithstanding_o their_o membership_n be_v there_o not_o the_o like_a reason_n or_o rather_o much_o more_o that_o membership_n alone_o shall_v not_o suffice_v for_o full_a communion_n in_o these_o day_n if_o moral_a fitness_n and_o spiritual_a qualification_n be_v want_v it_o seem_v in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v the_o like_a reason_n or_o rather_o much_o more_o and_o therefore_o the_o synod_n argument_n in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o their_o proof_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n can_v be_v lay_v aside_o or_o refuse_v for_o any_o invalidity_n therein_o through_o want_n of_o the_o like_a reason_n 2._o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v if_o the_o text_n allege_v by_o the_o synod_n be_v applicable_a to_o church-member_n in_o gospel-time_n
the_o reverend_a author_n do_v more_o than_o once_o acknowledge_v and_o testify_v pag._n 23_o 28_o 33_o 43_o 45._o it_o be_v too_o long_o to_o transcribe_v all_o the_o word_n that_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o page_n quote_v but_o in_o sum_n there_o be_v thus_o much_o there_o affirm_v and_o teach_v that_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o child_n be_v comprehend_v in_o their_o minority_n leave_v they_o under_o engagement_n to_o duty_n and_o obedience_n when_o they_o become_v adult_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o according_o perform_v they_o be_v then_o transgressor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o breaker_n of_o it_o now_o if_o they_o be_v breaker_n of_o it_o be_v it_o not_o thereby_o clear_a that_o they_o be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o and_o so_o what_o be_v here_o say_v by_o the_o synod_n stand_v good_a thus_o of_o the_o first_o particular_a that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v personal_a member_n the_o second_o be_v that_o they_o be_v immediate_a member_n as_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o membership_n i._n e._n that_o they_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o person_n be_v the_o immediate_a subject_n of_o this_o adjunct_n of_o church-membership_a though_o they_o come_v to_o it_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o parent_n covenant_v for_o proof_n whereof_o one_o thing_n allege_v by_o the_o synod_n be_v that_o john_n 22.25_o 27._o where_o the_o child_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o which_o church-membership_a be_v equivalent_a as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n and_o nothing_o come_v between_o this_o subject_a the_o child_n so_o as_o to_o sever_v it_o from_o the_o adjunct_n a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o child_n be_v immediate_a subject_n of_o church-membership_a or_o immediate_a member_n now_o what_o say_v the_o reverend_a author_n unto_o this_o why_o that_o which_o he_o say_v be_v that_o though_o nothing_o come_v between_o to_o sever_v that_o adjunct_n from_o the_o subject_a yet_o something_o come_v between_o to_o bring_v that_o subject_a and_o adjunct_n together_o viz._n the_o parent_n covenant_v for_o the_o child_n which_o if_o it_o do_v not_o come_v between_o they_o will_v be_v sever_v as_o they_o be_v in_o other_o child_n ans._n but_o what_o be_v there_o in_o this_o to_o overthrow_v the_o synod_n assertion_n do_v not_o they_o express_o grant_v in_o term_n as_o plain_a as_o can_v be_v speak_v and_o that_o more_o than_o once_o that_o the_o child_n come_v to_o this_o adjunct_n of_o church-membership_a by_o mean_n of_o their_o parent_n covenant_v see_v their_o word_n in_o their_o pag._n 23._o and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v no_o remove_n of_o what_o they_o have_v say_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o they_o have_v say_v before_o the_o question_n be_v not_o about_o the_o way_n or_o mean●_n of_o child_n membership_n for_o it_o be_v free_o yield_v that_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v mediate_v that_o be_v they_o come_v unto_o it_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o parent_n covenant_v but_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o ess●●●●_n nature_n or_o k●m●e_n of_o their_o membership_n whether_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o the_o parent_n and_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n the_o immediate_a subject_n of_o it_o and_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o former_a be_v no_o denial_n of_o this_o other_o if_o a_o parent_n have_v room_n or_o place_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o house_n and_o his_o child_n be_v there_o also_o though_o he_o come_v thither_o in_o the_o parent_n arm_n yet_o may_v it_o not_o be_v say_v that_o this_o child_n have_v a_o place_n and_o be_v in_o the_o house_n as_o true_o and_o as_o proper_o as_o the_o parent_n although_o he_o come_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o parent_n mean_n even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n the_o child_n come_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o so_o in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o parent_n covenant_v yet_o now_o he_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v a_o room_n and_o place_n therein_o as_o true_o and_o as_o proper_o as_o the_o parent_n again_o the_o synod_n have_v say_v that_o their_o visible_a engraff_n into_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o so_o into_o the_o church_n his_o body_n be_v seal_v in_o baptism_n and_o that_o in_o engraff_n nothing_o come_v between_o the_o graft_n and_o the_o stock_n their_o union_n be_v immediate_a the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v immediate_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n ans._n and_o why_o will_v not_o this_o follow_v if_o their_o union_n with_o the_o church_n be_v engraff_n and_o that_o in_o engraff_n nothing_o come_v between_o the_o g●●ft_n and_o the_o stock_n do_v it_o not_o then_o follow_v that_o their_o union_n with_o the_o church_n be_v immediate_a and_o they_o immediate_a member_n of_o it_o for_o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v that_o this_o union_n be_v not_o proper_o but_o metaphorical_o call_v engraff_n because_o there_o be_v some_o similitude_n here_o but_o similitude_n do_v run_v on_o four_o foot_n it_o suffice_v that_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a point_n ans._n but_o how_o do_v they_o agree_v therein_o if_o for_o all_o this_o in_o graft_n there_o be_v something_o between_o the_o stock_n and_o they_o be_v it_o not_o a_o main_a point_n in_o engraff_n that_o the_o union_n between_o the_o branch_n and_o the_o stock_n be_v immediate_a and_o that_o nothing_o lie_v between_o they_o who_o know_v not_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o that_o some_o stock_n or_o stone_n or_o something_o else_o be_v between_o they_o so_o that_o their_o union_n be_v not_o immediate_a who_o know_v not_o that_o in_o such_o case_n the_o engraff_n be_v spoil_v and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o branch_n interrupt_v because_o its_o union_n with_o the_o stock_n be_v not_o immediate_a if_o then_o the_o union_n of_o member_n with_o the_o church_n be_v engraff_n how_o can_v it_o be_v avoid_v but_o it_o must_v be_v immediate_a and_o so_o they_o be_v immediate_a member_n as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v here_o subjoin_v that_o infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n do_v partake_v of_o baptism_n and_o other_o privilege_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o but_o adult_a person_n by_o their_o personal_a covenant_v for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o their_o membership_n but_o only_o speak_v to_o the_o way_n and_o mean●_n how_o they_o come_v to_o it_o which_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n for_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o child_n come_v to_o be_v member_n by_o their_o parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o and_o the_o parent_n by_o their_o own_o covenant_v and_o yet_o their_o membership_n notwithstanding_o this_o different_a way_n of_o attain_v it_o may_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o essence_n and_o kind_a and_o both_o have_v immediate_a conjunction_n with_o the_o church_n for_o that_o where_o the_o synod_n say_v that_o in_o deut._n 29.11_o the_o child_n be_v personal_o and_o immediate_o part_v of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n the_o answer_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n be_v that_o the_o text_n do_v not_o prove_v it_o ans._n and_o yet_o the_o word_n be_v express_v and_o plain_a that_o they_o do_v all_o stand_n before_o the_o lord_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v establish_v they_o a_o people_n to_o himself_o and_o the_o person_n of_o who_o this_o be_v say_v be_v not_o only_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n but_o also_o their_o wife_n and_o their_o little_a one_o so_o that_o if_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n and_o their_o wife_n be_v personal_o and_o immediate_o member_n of_o that_o church_n their_o little_a one_o for_o aught_o that_o appear_v be_v so_o also_o for_o they_o be_v all_o alike_o speak_v of_o without_o difference_n whereas_o the_o synod_n say_v that_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n or_o to_o be_v a_o covenantee_n be_v the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la of_o a_o church-member_n and_o the_o child_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v therefore_o the_o immediate_a subject_n of_o the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la of_o membership_n and_o so_o immediate_a member_n the_o answer_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n be_v that_o though_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n be_v the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la of_o a_o church-member_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o every_o covenantee_n do_v immediate_o covenant_n for_o himself_o nor_o that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o immediate_a member_n pag._n 39_o ans._n for_o the_o one_o of_o these_o viz._n of_o covenant_v immediate_o for_o themselves_o the_o synod_n never_o say_v nor_o mean_v that_o little_a child_n do_v so_o covenant_n nor_o
than_o the_o servant_n since_o in_o the_o cafe_z allege_v the_o servant_n may_v trade_v under_o the_o freeman_n as_o well_o as_o the_o child_n may_v we_o suppose_v none_o will_v say_v this_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o the_o comparison_n do_v not_o suit_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n the_o order_n and_o privilege_n of_o corporation_n be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o several_a charter_n but_o what_o the_o charter_n of_o the_o church_n be_v we_o know_v viz._n that_o in_o gen._n 17._o it_o take_v in_o child_n into_o the_o church_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o do_v not_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v put_v out_o till_o censurable_a iniquity_n do_v appear_v 2._o if_o in_o some_o corporation_n one_o that_o be_v freeborn_a do_v lose_v his_o privilege_n when_o he_o become_v adult_n if_o he_o do_v not_o then_o enter_v personal_o into_o the_o engagement_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o sure_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v say_v of_o paul_n who_o yet_o plead_v his_o privilege_n of_o be_v a_o freeman_n of_o rome_n because_o he_o be_v so_o bear_v without_o mention_n of_o any_o personal_a act_n of_o his_o own_o for_o attain_v that_o privilege_n act_v 22._o and_o if_o paul_n be_v freeborn_a do_v retain_v his_o freedom_n when_o adult_n without_o any_o personal_a act_n of_o his_o own_o for_o that_o end_n why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o church-membership_a though_o in_o all_o civil_a corporation_n it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o child_n of_o bond-servant_n as_o bind_v also_o and_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o f●er_n as_o free_v also_o without_o mention_n of_o any_o act_n of_o the_o child_n to_o procure_v that_o relation_n or_o state_n in_o the_o one_o case_n or_o in_o the_o other_o ●eu●_n 25.46_o 54._o and_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o it_o may_v be_v so_o also_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v a_o member_n the_o child_n be_v so_o also_o and_o so_o continue_v 〈◊〉_d i._n e_o be_v cut_v off_o not_o lose_v his_o membership_n by_o the_o mere_a not_o perform_v of_o what_o may_v fit_v he_o for_o full_a communion_n 3._o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o corporation_n that_o a_o freeman_n child_n do_v lose_v his_o freedom_n when_o adult_n if_o he_o do_v not_o then_o in_o his_o own_o person_n enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n and_o if_o it_o be_v also_o so_o in_o the_o church_n that_o a_o member_n child_n shall_v lose_v his_o membership_n when_o adult_n if_o he_o do_v not_o then_o personal_o covenant_n though_o this_o be_v more_o than_o we_o see_v prove_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v so_o we_o see_v not_o how_o this_o can_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o in_o this_o five_o proposition_n for_o of_o they_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o they_o do_v solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n and_o therein_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o though_o freedom_n in_o a_o corporation_n and_o membership_n in_o the_o church_n may_v be_v lose_v by_o not_o enter_v personal_o into_o the_o common_a engagement_n and_o covenant_n yet_o except_o we_o shall_v say_v it_o may_v be_v lose_v though_o this_o personal_a engagement_n and_o enter_v be_v perform_v and_o do_v except_o we_o shall_v say_v this_o we_o can_v say_v that_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o person_n in_o question_n be_v lose_v at_o all_o but_o do_v still_o continue_v since_o they_o be_v such_o as_o do_v thus_o personal_o engage_v and_o covenant_n as_o for_o that_o text_n rom._n 2.25_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n thy_o circumcision_n be_v make_v no_o circumcision_n which_o be_v here_o allege_a again_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v touch_v this_o text_n before_o in_o pag._n 33._o last_o whereas_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v those_o text_n in_o rom._n 11.16_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v not_o applicable_a to_o the_o adult_a person_n in_o question_n but_o only_o to_o infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o synod_n do_v not_o at_o all_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o adult_a person_n in_o question_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n so_o to_o think_v but_o have_v say_v that_o these_o person_n be_v personal_a immediate_a and_o yet-continuing_a member_n they_o do_v thence_o infer_v that_o their_o child_n be_v therefore_o also_o member_n in_o covenant_n and_o holy_a and_o consequent_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n which_o inference_n and_o consequence_n the_o reverend_a author_n we_o be_v persuade_v will_v not_o deny_v if_o the_o ground_n thereof_o be_v good_a that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o synod_n apprehend_v that_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o although_o the_o text_n allege_v be_v not_o applicable_a to_o the_o adult_a person_n in_o question_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v applicable_a to_o such_o infant_n and_o little_a child_n who_o parent_n be_v personal_a immediate_a and_o yet-continuing_a member_n they_o do_v then_o sufficient_o serve_v the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v here_o allege_v by_o the_o synod_n so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o six_o and_o last_o argument_n for_o confirm_v this_o five_o proposition_n propos._n 6._o the_o six_o proposition_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v this_o such_o church-member_n who_o either_o by_o death_n or_o some_o extraordinary_a providence_n have_v be_v inevitable_o hinder_v from_o public_a act_n as_o aforesaid_a yet_o have_v give_v the_o church_n cause_n in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o look_v at_o they_o as_o so_o qualify_v and_o such_o as_o have_v they_o be_v call_v thereunto_o will_v have_v so_o act_v their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o this_o proposition_n may_v not_o be_v grant_v for_o it_o grant_v the_o privilege_n of_o church-membership_a to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o actual_o and_o regular_o church-member_n ans._n and_o yet_o the_o proposition_n in_o the_o very_a first_o word_n of_o it_o do_v express_o declare_v that_o what_o church-priviledge_n be_v here_o mention_v be_v not_o grant_v to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o church-member_n but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v such_o church-member_n say_v the_o synod_n who_o etc._n etc._n their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a so_o that_o though_o church-priviledge_n may_v not_o be_v grant_v to_o such_o who_o be_v not_o church-member_n yet_o to_o the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o baptism_n of_o their_o child_n may_v be_v grant_v without_o any_o such_o undue_a grant_n of_o church_n privilege_n since_o the_o synod_n do_v not_o say_v these_o person_n be_v not_o church-member_n but_o do_v express_o say_v they_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o these_o person_n be_v that_o they_o have_v not_o act_v according_a to_o the_o five_o proposition_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v be_v inevitable_o hinder_v therein_o and_o have_v give_v the_o church_n cause_n in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o look_v at_o they_o as_o willing_a to_o have_v so_o act_v and_o therefore_o have_v be_v church-member_n from_o their_o birth_n or_o minority_n how_o can_v the_o apply_v of_o baptism_n to_o their_o child_n be_v the_o grant_n of_o a_o church-priviledge_n to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o church-member_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v hinder_v from_o act_v as_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n but_o have_v indeed_o so_o do_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o will_v have_v make_v they_o member_n they_o have_v be_v member_n afore_o and_o though_o they_o be_v now_o adult_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v afore_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n arg._n 6._o part._n 3._o that_o their_o membership_n do_v still_o continue_v and_o therefore_o the_o grant_n of_o church-priviledge_n to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o church-member_n may_v be_v yield_v to_o be_v unwarrantable_a without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o or_o to_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v concern_v they_o and_o whereas_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v here_o lay_v down_o two_o inference_n 1._o that_o a_o ordinary_a minister_n can_v orderly_o do_v a_o act_n of_o office_n to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o regular_a and_o actual_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o if_o he_o do_v it_o will_v be_v usurpation_n 2._o that_o the_o church_n may_v not_o receive_v into_o any_o privilege_n of_o church-communion_n such_o as_o be_v not_o actual_o in_o public_a church-order_n these_o may_v both_o be_v grant_v and_o yet_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v not_o be_v at_o all_o infringe_v thereby_o for_o consider_v that_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v church-member_n long_o ago_o and_o have_v never_o since_o be_v
under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n a●d_v to_o set_v they_o in_o their_o own_o person_n as_o lamos_n in_o a_o large_a place_n for_o by_o this_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o nor_o can_v put_v forth_o any_o act_n e●●er_n of_o watch_n or_o censure_n immediate_o upon_o they_o but_o upon_o their_o parent_n only_o but_o that_o church-watch_n government_n no_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v and_o administer_v to_o our_o child_n personal_o and_o immedi●a●ly_o i._n e._n according_a as_o in_o regard_n of_o age_n and_o understanding_n they_o be_v capable_a there_o f_z viz._n instruction_n and_o inspection_n and_o that_o in_o a_o official_a way_n even_o in_o young_a year_n a●d_v formal_a censure_n when_o adult_n if_o they_o f●ll_v into_o such_o offence_n as_o do_v need_n ●nd_n deserve_v the_o same_o the_o reader_n may_v find_v confirm_v in_o the_o synod_n argument_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a defence_n thereof_o 71._o haply_o the_o assertion_n 〈…〉_z mediate_v church-care_n be_v ●●eltered_v u●d●r_n that_o clause_n those_o child_n that_o be_v in_o minority_n b●●_n 1._o much_o help_v by_o instruction_n counsel_n warning_n reproof_n exhortation_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o in_o a_o authoritative_a way_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o memberly_n relation_n may_v be_v administer_v unto_o child_n themselves_o immediate_o in_o their_o own_o p●rsons_n beside_o look_v to_o parent_n that_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o they_o even_o while_o they_o be_v in_o their_o minority_n though_o not_o yet_o capable_a of_o public_a censure_n 2._o they_o be_v in_o the_o same_o state_n and_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n though_o not_o of_o the_o same_o capacity_n when_o in_o minority_n and_o when_o adult_n if_o therefore_o not_o because_o of_o their_o natural_a incapacity_n but_o because_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o membership_n only_o mediate_v and_o no_o immediate_a church-care_n watch_n and_o government_n belong_v to_o they_o while_o in_o minority_n neither_o do_v it_o belong_v to_o they_o when_o adult_n and_o therefore_o this_o notion_n exclude_v all_o our_o child_n both_o young_a and_o elder_a from_o be_v under_o any_o church-government_n immediate_o in_o their_o own_o person_n so_o that_o let_v they_o run_v on_o in_o never_o such_o vile_a course_n the_o church_n can_v deal_v with_o they_o but_o with_o their_o parent_n only_o and_o yet_o the_o case_n may_v often_o so_o be_v that_o the_o parent_n be_v neither_o unblamable_a for_o their_o miscarriage_n nor_o able_a to_o reform_v the_o same_o but_o as_o mediate_v as_o their_o membership_n be_v here_o be_v somewhat_o add_v that_o shall_v touch_v these_o adult_n child_n themselves_o and_o what_o be_v that_o why_o i●_n when_o they_o 〈◊〉_d be_v adult_n they_o do_v not_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n than_o the_o church_n be_v to_o disow_v they_o at_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n ans._n 1._o be_v this_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o like_o the_o lord_n proceed_v with_o his_o covenant-people_n in_o the_o scripture_n present_o to_o disow_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o off_o if_o some_o evil_a fruit_n nay_o if_o want_n of_o g●od_a fruit_n be_v 〈◊〉_d in_o they_o then_o at_o first_o step_n to_o call_v they_o loam●i_n and_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n have_v the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o take_v these_o person_n into_o his_o glorious_a covenant_n and_o ●o_o real_a it_o to_o they_o in_o baptism_n before_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o do_v it_o come_v but_o to_o this_o that_o if_o poor_a childre●_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o day_n of_o ripe_a understanding_n d●wns_v upon_o they_o do_v not_o bring_v 〈◊〉_d the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n yea_o such_o fruit_n as_o may_v sit_v they_o for_o fel●_n communion_n they_o be_v then_o present_o declare_v to_o be_v discovenant_v and_o to_o be_v turn_v drift_n as_o those_o who_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v true_a the_o most_o hopeful_a child_n yea_o the_o best_a of_o we_o all_o may_v just_o be_v discovenant_v by_o the_o lord_n shall_v he_o strict_o mark_v what_o be_v amis●_n and_o deal_v accord_v to_o our_o desert_n but_o he_o be_v gracious_o please_v not_o to_o proceed_v with_o 〈◊〉_d severity_n but_o with_o much_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v towards_o those_o who_o he_o once_o take_v into_o covenant_n and_o who_o or_o what_o be_v man_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v more_o holy_a than_o the_o lord_n let_v but_o that_o one_o scripture_n be_v look_v upon_o among_o many_o other_o touch_v the_o barren_a figtree_n which_o be_v here_o cite_v as_o if_o it_o give_v some_o countenance_n to_o this_o present_a disow_n in_o case_n of_o barrenness_n the_o lord_n come_v in_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o fruit_n and_o find_v none_o and_o yet_o he_o wait_v another_o year_n after_o that_o and_o a_o three_o after_o that_o i._n e._n a_o long_a time_n and_o with_o great_a demonstration_n of_o patience_n before_o he_o speak_v of_o cut_v it_o down_o and_o then_o the_o vine-dresser_n act_v therein_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cry_v not_o cut_v it_o down_o present_o but_o lord_n let_v it_o alone_o one_o year_n more_o i._n e._n till_o it_o appear_v utter_o hopeless_a and_o incurable_a that_o i_o may_v dig_v about_o it_o and_o dung_n it_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o make_v it_o a_o subject_n of_o labour_n and_o culture_n then_o to_o case_n himself_o by_o rid●●ng_v his_o hand_n of_o it_o also_o that_o parable_n point_v to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o and_o among_o who_o chr●st_v preach_v now_o the_o follow_a story_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n w●ited_v on_o they_o till_o they_o appear_v altogether_o incurable_a and_o inc●rrig●●e_a and_o till_o their_o incurable_a barrenness_n discover_v itself_o by_o positive_a fruit_n of_o wicked_a oppose_a and_o reject_v the_o gospel_n before_o they_o be_v cut_v down_o or_o break_v off_o and_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o adult_n and_o yet_o impenitent_a jew_n do_v not_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a express_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o covenant-dispensation_n and_o urge_v that_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o ●raw_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v it_o act_n 13.19.25_o 26._o act_n 3.26_o 26._o they_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o make_v they_o cease_v from_o fear_v the_o lord_n by_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o he_o 2._o suppose_v any_o of_o these_o child_n when_o adult_n do_v bring_v forth_o some_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o those_o describe_v in_o the_o synod_n five_o proposition_n can_v hardly_o be_v deny_v in_o charitable_a reputation_n to_o do_v though_o not_o so_o full_a and_o ripe_a fruit_n as_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v and_o haply_o not_o such_o as_o themselves_o do_v find_v encouragement_n to_o approach_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n what_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o these_o shall_v they_o be_v own_v or_o disow_v be_v they_o in_o the_o church_n or_o out_o if_o in_o why_o be_v baptism_n deny_v to_o their_o child_n if_o out_o how_o co●e_n they_o so_o to_o be_v or_o where_o do_v god_n in_o his_o word_n say_v or_o allow_v we_o to_o say_v to_o such_o hopeful_a young_a man_n and_o woman_n as_o through_o grace_n many_o of_o our_o child_n be_v though_o not_o yet_o in_o full_a communion_n that_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n 3._o w●at_o be_v t●is_fw-la disow_v and_o where_o shall_v we_o have_v scripture-warrant_a for_o such_o a_o church-disowning_a as_o be_v not_o excommunication_n for_o that_o our_o brother_n see_v not_o warrant_v to_o procee_v unto_o but_o 〈◊〉_d down_o this_o rule_n the_o church_n be_v to_o disow_v they_o or_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n if_o any_o man_n speak_v especial_o if_o he_o speak_v rule_n according_a to_o w●ic●_n the_o church_n be_v to_o practice_v let_v he_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o this_o disow_a contradistinguish_v to_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v clear_v from_o thence_o admonition_n and_o excommunication_n we_o hear_v plain_o of_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o orthodox_n divinity_n but_o a_o disow_a that_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o public_a church-censure_n and_o yet_o be_v neither_o admonition_n nor_o excommunication_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o new_a invent_a piece_n of_o discipline_n we_o demand_v whether_o this_o disow_a be_v not_o a_o put_v one_o out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v before_o in_o it_o if_o so_o what_o be_v it_o but_o excommunication_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_v by_o that_o put_v away_o from_o among_o you_o 1_o cor._n 5.13_o if_o not_o be_v
it_o not_o a_o vain_a thing_n the_o person_n who_o you_o be_v about_o to_o disown_n be_v either_o within_o the_o church_n or_o without_o a_o member_n or_o not_o a_o member_n 17._o if_o he_o be_v within_o why_o may_v you_o not_o judge_v and_o censure_v he_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o cut_v off_o or_o cast_v out_o i._n e._n excommunication_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o 13._o there_o be_v cause_n for_o it_o if_o he_o be_v without_o why_o shall_v you_o disow_v he_o any_o more_o than_o you_o do_v non-member_n or_o such_o as_o be_v never_o join_v to_o the_o church_n will_v it_o not_o seem_v a_o strange_a and_o vain_a thing_n if_o the_o church_n shall_v put_v forth_o a_o solemn_a public_a act_n to_o disow_v a_o company_n of_o non-member_n that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v this_o be_v how_o act_v 8.21_o here_o cite_v in_o the_o margin_n shall_v make_v for_o this_o disow_n we_o understand_v not_o peter_n there_o tell_v simon_n magus_n that_o he_o be_v far_o from_o have_v any_o part_n or_o lot_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o confer_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o never_o have_v but_o ambitious_o aspire_v after_o but_o do_v not_o declare_v that_o he_o have_v discovenant_v himself_o or_o have_v lose_v his_o membership_n which_o he_o once_o have_v and_o whatever_o become_v of_o simon_n magus_n afterward_o of_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a and_o story_n uncertain_a there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v then_o put_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o lose_v his_o membership_n but_o rather_o the_o apostle_n by_o grave_a apostolical_a rebuke_n and_o counsel_n apply_v himself_o to_o he_o as_o to_o one_o in_o the_o church_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o that_o sincerity_n of_o grace_n which_o he_o yet_o want_v vers●_n 22_o 13._o as_o for_o the_o reason_n here_o render_v why_o excommunication_n agree_v not_o to_o the_o child_n in_o question_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v applicable_a to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o have_v be_v in_o full_a communion_n 57_o this_o be_v but_o a_o beg_n of_o the_o question_n and_o carry_v not_o evidence_n of_o truth_n with_o it_o 〈◊〉_d excommunication_n i._n e._n the_o utmost_a censure_n so_o call_v do_v not_o proper_o or_o next_o debar_v or_o exclude_v from_o full_a communion_n but_o it_o cut_v off_o from_o membership_n render_v a_o person_n as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n mat._n 18.17_o and_o so_o from_o that_o communion_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o member_n as_o such_o when_o a_o person_n that_o have_v stand_v for_o some_o time_n admonish_v be_v afterward_o for_o his_o contumacy_n excommunicate_v it_o be_v not_o excommunication_n that_o do_v immediate_o and_o proper_o put_v he_o out_o of_o full_a communion_n for_o that_o be_v do_v by_o admonition_n whereby_o be_v ecclesiastical_o unclean_a he_o be_v just_o suspend_v from_o eat_v of_o the_o holy_a thing_n but_o excommunication_n cut_v he_o off_o from_o membership_n which_o admonition_n do_v not_o hence_o it_o be_v not_o full_a communion_n but_o membership_n that_o do_v proper_o and_o formal_o render_v a_o person_n a_o subject_a capable_a of_o excommunication_n hence_o it_o agree_v to_o all_o that_o be_v member_n though_o they_o have_v not_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n and_o every_o member_n have_v some_o communion_n though_o not_o full_a communion_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v excommunicate_v paul_n when_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n judicial_a proceed_n and_o that_o unto_o excommunication_n make_v it_o applicable_a to_o all_o that_o be_v within_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o if_o in_o full_a communion_n yet_o church-judgement_n f●lls_v upon_o they_o not_o as_o in_o full_a communion_n but_o as_o within_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o cain_n and_o ishmael_n the_o cut_n off_o of_o the_o bear_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n from_o their_o people_n a_o expression_n often_o use_v the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n matth._n 8.12_o do_v at_o least_o by_o consequence_n and_o by_o proportion_n and_o parity_n of_o reason_n show_v that_o the_o child_n in_o question_n may_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n by_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n as_o for_o that_o term_n of_o formal_a excommunication_n we_o know_v not_o that_o we_o be_v limit_v to_o this_o or_o that_o precise_a form_n of_o word_n in_o excommunicate_v one_o sort_n or_o other_o but_o the_o formal_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n viz._n a_o put_n of_o one_o out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v before_o in_o it_o this_o well_o agree_v to_o the_o person_n in_o question_n we_o pass_v by_o the_o five_o and_o last_o objection_n which_o charge_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n with_o weakness_n ignorance_n etc._n etc._n as_o contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v argumentative_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n neither_o do_v we_o own_o the_o objection_n unless_o it_o be_v against_o ourselves_o who_o be_v as_o we_o have_v acknowledge_v in_o our_o preface_n to_o the_o synod_n conclusion_n poor_a feeble_a frail_a man_n desire_v not_o to_o trust_v unto_o or_o boast_v of_o any_o strength_n of_o our_o own_o which_o be_v none_o at_o all_o but_o only_a to_o the_o strength_n and_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n withal_o acknowledge_v that_o grace_n of_o he_o whereby_o he_o do_v vouchsafe_v sometime_o to_o reveal_v his_o truth_n unto_o babe_n we_o tender_v only_a scripture_n and_o scripture-argument_n for_o that_o which_o we_o maintan_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v impartial_o consider_v without_o challenge_v to_o ourselves_o or_o plead_v for_o the_o reputation_n of_o strength_n or_o wisdom_n in_o dispute_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o e●ch_a part_n shall_v look_v upon_o the_o argument_n on_o either_o hand_n as_o strong_a or_o weak_a according_a as_o they_o be_v persuade_v but_o can_v we_o not_o deal_v with_o argument_n without_o be_v suppose_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o person_n each_o of_o other_o we_o suppose_v you_o do_v not_o see_v sufficient_a strength_n in_o our_o argument_n for_o then_o you_o will_v judge_v as_o we_o do_v and_o in_o that_o sense_n you_o do_v impute_v weakness_n to_o they_o in_o the_o like_a sense_n do_v we_o unto_o you_o but_o desire_v to_o do_v it_o without_o any_o harsh_a reflection_n upon_o the_o person_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o without_o lifting_n up_o in_o ourselves_o who_o have_v cause_n enough_o to_o lie_v in_o the_o dust_n before_o god_n and_o man_n but_o here_o our_o brethren_n take_v occasion_n to_o set_v down_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o dissent_n from_o the_o synod_n which_o make_v up_o a_o second_o main_a part_n of_o this_o preface_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o we_o shall_v now_o address_v ourselves_o unto_o reason_n 1._o the_o synod_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v true_a save_a faith_n in_o the_o parent_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o rational_a charity_n or_o else_o the_o ch●l●e_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v but_o they_o will_v not_o let_v this_o which_o themselves_o acknowledge_v be_v set_v down_o though_o our_o unity_n lie_v at_o the_o stake_n for_o it_o answ._n the_o regular_a receiver_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v one_o that_o divide_v the_o hoof_n as_o well_o as_o chew_n the_o cud_n one_o that_o do_v not_o take_v all_o in_o a_o lump_n but_o distinguish_v and_o right_o divide_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v here_o 1._o between_o faith_n in_o the_o be_v or_o first_o beginning_n of_o it_o whereby_o one_o be_v or_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o believer_n the_o charitable_a judgement_n whereof_o run_v upon_o a_o great_a latitude_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o special_a exercise_n of_o it_o whereby_o one_o be_v fit_a for_o that_o special_a communion_n with_o and_o active_a fruition_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n unto_o the_o visible_a discovery_n whereof_o more_o lively_a fruit_n and_o more_o experience_a operation_n of_o faith_n be_v requisite_a 2._o distinguish_v between_o the_o internal_a grace_n itself_o which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o that_o partake_v of_o sacrament_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o those_o external_a sign_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o proceed_v upon_o in_o her_o admission_n of_o person_n unto_o sacrament_n these_o two_o distinction_n be_v attend_v and_o right_o apply_v will_v help_v to_o clear_v both_o the_o truth_n itself_o in_o this_o matter_n from_o mistake_n and_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o synod_n from_o those_o uncomfortable_a reflection_n that_o be_v here_o cast_v upon_o they_o the_o former_a of_o these_o distinction_n and_o the_o application_n thereof_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n we_o have_v in_o dr._n ames_n 17._o child_n say_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o all_o church
baptism_n be_v of_o great_a latitude_n than_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o all_o that_o do_v bring_v their_o child_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o former_a 〈◊〉_d n●t_v therefore_o themselves_o present_o partake_v of_o th●_n latter_a but_o that_o many_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptise_a and_o yet_o regular_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o may_v also_o mention_v the_o concurrence_n of_o divine_n with_o we_o in_o particular_a reason_n explication_n and_o assertion_n relate_v to_o ●●is_n matter_n ●●_o that_o baptism_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o ●eing_v or_o begin_n of_o faith_n the_o lord_n supper_n to_o the_o special_a exercise_n of_o it_o that_o baptism_n belong_v to_o all_o member_n but_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o so●e_a only_o that_o be_v so_o and_o so_o qualify_v that_o all_o visible_a believer_n who_o in_o a_o latitude_n of_o expression_n and_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n be_v such_o as_o be_v all_o that_o be_v within_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n vrsin_n and_o pareus_n answer_v that_o objection_n against_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n that_o then_o they_o must_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n have_v these_o word_n magnum_fw-la discrimen_fw-la etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n for_o 1._o baptism_n be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o entrance_n and_o reception_n into_o the_o church_n but_o 〈◊〉_d supper_n be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d confirmation_n of_o the_o reception_n 〈◊〉_d make_v 2._o regeneration_n by_o 〈…〉_z 372_o and_o not_o to_o they_o present_o but_o after_o that_o they_o have_v hold_v forth_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n 380._o also_o it_o may_v be_v mind_v that_o it_o be_v the_o currant_n and_o constant_a expression_n of_o our_o divine_n that_o they_o call_v and_o count_v all_o that_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n whether_o infant_n or_o adult_n fideles_fw-la v●cati_fw-la faithful_a call_v &c._n &c._n and_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o they_o be_v for_o baptise_v no_o infant_n but_o such_o as_o be_v infant_n fidelium_fw-la the_o infant_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o of_o believer_n infant_n non_fw-la omnes_fw-la sed_fw-la duntaxat_fw-la fidelium_fw-la i._n e._n baptizatorum_fw-la sunt_fw-la baptizandi_fw-la chamier_n tom._n 4._o pag._n 130._o so_o daneus_n infant_n ex_fw-la fidelibus_fw-la i._n e._n baptiza●●s_fw-la nati_fw-la possunt_fw-la baptizari_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la lib._n 5._o de_fw-fr sacram._n pag._n 538._o and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o look_v at_o all_o these_o no_o not_o at_o all_o the_o adult_n that_o come_v under_o this_o denomination_n and_o who_o child_n they_o baptise_v to_o be_v regular_o admittable_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o plain_o show_v their_o judgement_n to_o be_v that_o all_o adult_n person_n who_o be_v in_o a_o latitude_n of_o expression_n to_o be_v account_v visible_a believer_n or_o in_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n to_o be_v look_v at_o as_o fideles_fw-la be_v not_o therefore_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n dr._n ames_n account_n that_o a_o person_n may_v be_v a_o believer_n on_o christ_n and_o yet_o be_v unfit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o sufficient_o instruct_v thereunto_o bellar._n eneru._n tom._n 3._o lib._n 4._o cap._n 1._o and_o he_o express_o say_v that_o church-children_n be_v to_o be_v number_v among_o the_o faithful_a and_o reckon_v they_o to_o have_v the_o beginning_n of_o faith_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o ordinance_n till_o increase_v of_o faith_n appear_v medul_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes._n 12_o 13._o mr._n hooker_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v as_o a_o clear_a case_n that_o one_o may_v be_v a_o convert_n sound_o bring_v home_o to_o christ_n and_o yet_o through_o his_o weakness_n not_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n aright_o nor_o fit_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o supper_n survey_n part_n 3._o pag._n 16._o and_o in_o his_o sermon_n on_o gen._n 17.23_o pag._n 21._o he_o have_v these_o word_n baptism_n be_v the_o entrance_n into_o christ_n family_n there_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v look_v at_o to_o make_v a_o person_n capable_a of_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n a_o man_n must_v be_v able_a to_o examine_v himself_o he_o must_v not_o only_o have_v grace_n but_o growth_n of_o grace_n he_o must_v have_v so_o much_o perfection_n in_o grace_n as_o to_o search_v his_o own_o heart_n and_o he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n or_o else_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o there_o be_v more_o require_v in_o this_o for_o there_o must_v be_v a_o growth_n but_o baptism_n be_v our_o entrance_n and_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o grace_n will_v serve_v here_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n worthy_a hildersham_n on_o psal._n 51.5_o pag._n 257._o say_v the_o infant_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a not_o because_o they_o be_v without_o sin_n but_o because_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v not_o infidel_n as_o other_o child_n of_o pagan_n but_o christian_n and_o believer_n and_o holy_a and_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o 1._o so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v they_o have_v title_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o the_o church_n may_v not_o deny_v it_o unto_o then_o and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n deny_v baptism_n to_o any_o child_n of_o a_o believe_a parent_n sure_o because_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o esteem_v every_o such_o child_n not_o a_o infidel_n but_o rather_o a_o believer_n and_o a_o true_a christian._n 2._o when_o they_o die_v we_o be_v in_o christian_a charity_n to_o judge_v that_o they_o die_v in_o god_n favour_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o all_o this_o because_o of_o the_o covenant_n gen._n 17._o as_o he_o there_o add_v yet_o the_o same_o hildersham_n will_v not_o admit_v such_o as_o these_o who_o be_v bear_v and_o grow_v up_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o a_o strict_a examination_n not_o only_o of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o life_n but_o of_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n doct._n of_o lord_n supper_n pag._n 8_o 14._o all_o which_o we_o produce_v not_o as_o if_o the_o testimony_n and_o concurrence_n of_o author_n be_v the_o basis_n that_o our_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n stand_v upon_o but_o because_o this_o preface_n do_v both_o in_o this_o place_n and_o in_o other_o part_n of_o it_o insinuate_v to_o the_o reader_n as_o if_o authority_n of_o writer_n be_v for_o the_o dissenter_n and_o against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o synod_n which_o be_v far_o from_o be_v so_o the_o contrary_a be_v abundant_o and_o undeniable_o evident_a and_o as_o we_o bottom_n our_o faith_n in_o this_o point_n whole_o and_o only_o upon_o the_o scripture_n and_o do_v refer_v the_o decision_n of_o this_o and_o of_o all_o other_o theological_a controversy_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n so_o we_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v no_o small_a confirmation_n to_o we_o to_o find_v that_o we_o have_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o godly-learned_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o congregational-way_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o doctrine_n &_o principle_n of_o our_o best_a and_o able_a reform_v divine_n 43._o which_o do_v not_o a_o little_a confirm_v we_o in_o it_o and_o deliver_v it_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o novelty_n or_o singularity_n but_o shall_v we_o limit_v baptism_n to_o so_o narrow_a a_o scantling_n as_o our_o brethren_n strive_v for_o we_o shall_v therein_o go_v against_o the_o whole_a stream_n of_o divine_n even_o of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v most_o eminent_a in_o their_o generation_n for_o learning_n holiness_n and_o studiousness_n of_o reformation_n yea_o of_o those_o from_o who_o our_o congregational_a leader_n have_v profess_v to_o receive_v their_o principle_n as_o be_v abovesaid_a and_o we_o confess_v ourselves_o conscious_a to_o so_o much_o of_o our_o own_o weakness_n that_o unless_o we_o have_v very_o clear_a light_n and_o undeniable_a argument_n constrain_a we_o we_o be_v slow_a and_o fearful_a to_o go_v alone_o or_o to_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o our_o best_a divine_n who_o if_o we_o may_v use_v our_o brethren_n phrase_n have_v be_v star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n incomparable_a champion_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o have_v be_v raise_v up_o by_o christ_n to_o light_v the_o path_n of_o reformation_n in_o these_o late_a age_n now_o as_o for_o what_o be_v here_o allege_a by_o our_o brethren_n as_o favour_v their_o cause_n to_o say_v that_o the_o catechumeni_fw-la be_v not_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n to_o be_v baptize_v before_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n consider_v how_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o
be_v dead_a this_o second_o generation_n will_v be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o further_a act_n or_o covenant_a be_v no_o absurdity_n but_o a_o manifest_a truth_n i._n e._n take_v that_o phrase_n further_n act_n or_o covenant_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o particular_a formal_a act_n of_o explicite_fw-la verbal_n covenant_v for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v a_o further_a act_n yea_o a_o act_n of_o implicit_a covenant_v in_o their_o constant_a and_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o father_n but_o we_o say_v this_o second_o generation_n continue_v to_o use_v mr._n cotton_v phrase_n in_o ground_n of_o baptism_n pag._n 106._o in_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o covenant_n faith_n and_o religion_n of_o their_o father_n be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o make_v any_o explicit_a personal_a expression_n of_o their_o engagement_n as_o their_o father_n do_v even_o as_o the_o israelite_n that_o be_v number_v in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n make_v with_o they_o in_o horeb_n though_o their_o parent_n with_o who_o it_o be_v first_o make_v in_o horeb_n be_v all_o dead_a and_o that_o before_o the_o solemn_a renew_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o they_o in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n deut._n 29._o see_v deut._n 5.2_o 3._o with_o numb_a 26.63_o 64_o 65._o and_o so_o mr._n hooker_n roundly_o and_o express_o affirm_v this_o which_o be_v here_o by_o our_o brethren_n deny_v survey_v part._n 1._o pag._n 48._o 3._o as_o for_o our_o denial_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o vote_v in_o church-affair_n to_o the_o person_n in_o question_n till_o they_o be_v fit_v for_o and_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o stand_v good_a and_o rational_a without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o their_o be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o the_o case_n suppose_v for_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o it_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o case_n of_o a_o true_a church_n may_v be_v such_o by_o degeneracy_n or_o loss_n of_o their_o best_a member_n etc._n etc._n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v at_o present_a unfit_a to_o put_v forth_o or_o exercise_v a_o power_n of_o act_v in_o church-affair_n though_o it_o be_v radical_o in_o they_o till_o by_o the_o use_n of_o needful_a mean_n they_o or_o a_o select_a qualify_a number_n among_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o unto_o a_o better_a and_o fit_a capacity_n for_o it_o and_o example_n hereof_o be_v not_o far_o to_o seek_v let_v that_o way_n of_o reform_v corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a church_n be_v attend_v which_o be_v partly_o suggest_v in_o mr._n allin_n and_o mr._n shepard_n preface_n before_o their_o defence_n of_o the_o nine_o position_n which_o preface_n beverly_n say_v be_v instar_fw-la omnium_fw-la pag._n 10_o 18_o 19_o 20._o viz._n 20._o that_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v true_a church_n and_o call_v by_o the_o powerful_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n to_o humiliation_n repentance_n and_o agreement_n unto_o reformation_n and_o then_o that_o such_o as_o do_v so_o agree_v and_o submit_v to_o discipline_n be_v own_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n among_o they_o a_o select_a number_n who_o be_v find_v upon_o trial_n able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o do_v walk_v according_a to_o christ_n do_v solemn_o renew_v or_o enter_v into_o covenant_n and_o so_o elect_v officer_n etc._n etc._n enjoy_v full_a communion_n and_o carry_v on_o all_o church-affair_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n this_o show_v that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v out_o of_o case_n for_o the_o present_a exercise_n of_o a_o proper_a church_n power_n and_o may_v need_v much_o preparation_n and_o reducement_n into_o order_n before_o it_o come_v up_o thereunto_o and_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v it_o from_o be_v a_o true_a church_n nor_o from_o have_v that_o power_n radical_o in_o it_o and_o which_o in_o a_o way_n of_o due_a order_n it_o may_v come_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o have_v not_o the_o late_a time_n have_v experience_n of_o many_o congregation_n unto_o which_o it_o be_v fain_o to_o be_v a_o public_a care_n to_o send_v minister_n and_o they_o to_o preach_v to_o they_o many_o year_n before_o they_o find_v a_o number_n fit_a for_o full_a communion_n and_o management_n of_o church-affair_n and_o yet_o they_o retain_v the_o be_v of_o true_a church_n and_o church-member_n all_o this_o while_n see_v also_o mr._n shepherd_n late-printed_n letter_n about_o the_o church-membership_a of_o child_n pag._n 18._o we_o may_v also_o ask_v whether_o such_o a_o member_n of_o reason_v as_o be_v here_o use_v will_v prove_v woman_n to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o a_o institute_v church_n because_o if_o all_o the_o man_n be_v dead_a they_o can_v not_o then_o be_v a_o church_n nor_o vote_n in_o church-affair_n choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n but_o that_o which_o be_v say_v may_v suffice_v only_o let_v we_o add_v that_o as_o the_o case_n that_o be_v suppose_v viz._n of_o all_o the_o parent_n or_o all_o that_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n be_v dead_a at_o once_o be_v rare_o if_o ever_o hear_v of_o so_o also_o the_o case_n we_o add_v viz._n for_o the_o whole_a body_n to_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o unfitness_n for_o full_a communion_n by_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n will_v be_v we_o may_v hope_v as_o rare_a if_o discipline_n and_o other_o ordinance_n be_v keep_v up_o in_o their_o use_n and_o vigour_n god_n will_v so_o bless_v his_o own_o ordinance_n if_o due_o attend_v as_o that_o a_o considerable_a number_n shall_v from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v such_o grace_n give_v they_o as_o to_o be_v fit_a for_o full_a communion_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o his_o house_n with_o competent_a strength_n beauty_n and_o edification_n the_o four_o reason_n of_o our_o brethren_n dissent_n be_v this_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a membership_n as_o the_o synod_n speak_v but_o qualify_v membership_n that_o give_v right_a unto_o baptism_n for_o john_n be_v baptism_n may_v not_o be_v apply_v unto_o the_o stand_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n till_o they_o be_v qualify_v with_o repentance_n this_o say_v they_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o the_o strong_a argument_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o englargeme●●●f_a baptism_n for_o neither_o do_v the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v any_o such_o mere_a membership_n as_o they_o speak_v of_o nor_o be_v it_o mere_a membership_n but_o qualify_v membership_n that_o give_v right_a unto_o this_o divine_a and_o sacred_a ordinance_n answ._n this_o term_n or_o distinction_n of_o mere_a membership_n be_v here_o as_o also_o in_o the_o book_n to_o which_o this_o preface_n be_v prefix_v much_o exagitated_a and_o harsh_o censure_v but_o let_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o synod_n therein_o be_v attend_v and_o there_o will_v appear_v no_o cause_n for_o such_o exagitation_n when_o the_o synod_n say_v that_o person_n be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o full_a communion_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v and_o continue_v member_n and_o that_o mere_a membership_n or_o membership_n alone_o do_v not_o suffice_v to_o render_v man_n subject_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n propos._n 4._o p._n 17_o 18._o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o full_a communion_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o a_o member_n as_o such_o or_o to_o a_o person_n mere_o because_o he_o be_v a_o member_n for_o than_o it_o will_v belong_v to_o all_o member_n which_o it_o do_v not_o a_o person_n may_v be_v a_o member_n or_o in_o memberly_n relation_n and_o yet_o not_o bein_z full_a communion_n now_o to_o say_v that_o mere_a membership_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v not_o be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v not_o logical_a distinction_n between_o thing_n in_o their_o abstract_n and_o general_a nature_n and_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o clothe_v with_o various_a adjunct_n and_o accession_n which_o to_o say_v be_v strange_o to_o forget_v ourselves_o but_o when_o it_o be_v hence_o infer_v and_o put_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o set_v up_o a_o mere_a membership_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o mere_a member_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o unnecessary_a reflection_n as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o riches_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o man_n mere_o as_o man_n or_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v man_n will_v it_o be_v a_o good_a inference_n to_o say_v that_o we_o set_v up_o a_o sort_n of_o mere_a man_n or_o a_o mere_a humanity_n exist_v alone_a or_o that_o we_o distinguish_v man_n into_o mere_a man_n and_o rich_a man_n there_o be_v no_o individual_a man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n i._n e._n that_o have_v a_o naked_a humanity_n without_o adjunct_n yet_o logic_n distinguish_v between_o humanity_n and_o its_o adjunct_n and_o between_o what_o belong_v to_o a_o man_n as_o such_o and_o what_o accrue_v
give_v up_o themselves_o and_o they_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o church_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o christ_n government_n therein_o that_o these_o we_o say_v may_v be_v deny_v or_o debar_v from_o church-membership_a or_o baptism_n upon_o their_o desire_n thereof_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n baptist_n and_o by_o christ_n i_o e._n by_o his_o disciple_n at_o his_o order_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ministry_n or_o the_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v count_v believer_n and_o baptize_v after_o christ_n ascension_n too_o much_o addict_v unto_o judaisme_n act_v 21.20_o &_o 15.1_o or_o the_o number_n baptize_v by_o philip_n in_o samaria_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o other_o place_n upon_o a_o short_a time_n of_o instruction_n and_o when_o they_o be_v move_v and_o take_v 〈…〉_z and_o of_o who_o many_o prove_v corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a afterward_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n corinthian_n and_o other_o place_n sh●w_v that_o they_o do_v we_o say_v at_o least_o many_o of_o they_o excel_v the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o synod_n five_o proposition_n take_v all_o thing_n together_o or_o that_o they_o have_v more_o to_o render_v they_o visible_a believer_n upon_o a_o just_a account_n then_o those_o have_v but_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a reason_n that_o be_v here_o render_v by_o our_o brethren_n why_o that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o by_o the_o synod_n will_v not_o render_v a_o person_n a_o subject_a of_o baptism_n viz._n because_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o unbeliever_n and_o yet_o c●me_v up_o to_o all_o that_o the_o synod_n have_v say_v in_o their_o five_o proposition_n we_o suppose_v 〈◊〉_d magus_n a●●ni●_n and_o sapphira_n and_o many_o other_o not_o only_a may_v be_v but_o be_v unbeliever_n and_o yet_o be_v regular_o baptize_v we_o marvel_v what_o outward_a sign_n and_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o church_n may_v proceed_v upon_o can_v be_v give_v but_o a_o man_n may_n ●e_v a_o unbeliever_n and_o yet_o come_v up_o unto_o they_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v come_v up_o to_o all_o that_o the_o synod_n have_v say_v and_o yet_o ●e_v ecclesiastical_o judge_v a_o visible_a unbeliever_n show_v we_o any_o ground_n for_o such_o a_o judgement_n touch_v the_o opinion_n of_o bucer_n &_o parker_n here_o cite_v out_o of_o park_n de_fw-fr polit._n ●cel_n lib._n 3._o p._n 181_o 182._o 1._o in_o the_o first_o passage_n the_o word_n apparent_a be_v here_o add_v the_o word_n in_o parker_n be_v only_o sign_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o other_o passage_n in_o pag._n 182._o run_v thus_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n though_o public_a and_o solemn_a may_v not_o be_v receive_v in_o church_n quando_fw-la nulla_fw-la necessaria_fw-la fidei_fw-la sign_n apparent_a when_o as_o no_o necessary_a sign_n of_o faith_n do_v appear_v where_o by_o necessary_a sign_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o mean_v such_o sign_n as_o have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o faith_n or_o do_v necessary_o i._n e._n infallible_o and_o certain_o argue_v that_o there_o be_v truth_n of_o save_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n such_o sign_n man_n can_v see_v or_o judge_v of_o but_o when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o appearance_n as_o that_o if_o that_o be_v in_o reality_n which_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v on_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o outward_a appearance_n then_o there_o be_v true_a faith_n this_o be_v that_o appearance_n of_o necessary_a sign_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o mean_v hence_o within_o seven_o line_n of_o the_o place_n cite_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v thus_o express_v qua●diu_o nullo_n probabili_fw-la argumento_fw-la etc._n etc._n when_o as_o we_o be_v by_o no_o probable_a argument_n give_v to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n 2._o the_o thing_n there_o special_o blame_v by_o bucer_n and_o parker_n be_v when_o a_o bare_a verbal_a profession_n be_v accept_v though_o accompany_v with_o a_o scandalous_a life_n and_o when_o there_o be_v not_o regard_v have_v to_o the_o conversation_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o oral_a confession_n as_o the_o discourse_n in_o the_o place_n cite_v at_o large_a show_n 3._o but_o that_o which_o we_o will_v chief_o insist_v on_o for_o answer_n be_v that_o bucer_n and_o parker_n do_v there_o plain_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o confirmation_n or_o own_v man_n as_o confirm_a member_n as_o do_v import_v their_o admission_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n or_o into_o full_a communion_n as_o we_o phrase_n it_o and_o hence_o do_v blame_v the_o prelatical_a way_n for_o so_o much_o slightness_n therein_o so_o mr._n cotton_n cite_v this_o place_n of_o bucer_fw-la 41._o and_o so_o parker_n a_o little_a before_o this_o his_o citation_n of_o bucer_n complain_v that_o although_o by_o the_o english_a order_n if_o i_o mistake_v not_o say_v he_o he_o that_o be_v confirm_v be_v capable_a of_o the_o lord_n supper_n yet_o notwithstanding_o such_o be_v confirm_v if_o they_o can_v but_o say_v the_o catechism_n who_o can_v examine_v themselves_o nor_o right_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o our_o admission_n unto_o full_a communion_n we_o be_v not_o behind_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o bucer_n and_o parker_n do_v require_v but_o do_v expect_v positive_a comfortable_a sign_n of_o regeneration_n already_o wrought_v and_o some_o experience_a fruit_n thereof_o whereby_o person_n may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n fit_a for_o that_o special_a and_o comfortable_a exercise_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v require_v in_o preparation_n for_o and_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o suppose_v that_o person_n bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o baptize_v be_v not_o yet_o come_v up_o to_o this_o be_v there_o any_o word_n to_o be_v find_v in_o bucer_n or_o parker_n or_o in_o any_o judicious_a orthodox_n divine_a that_o they_o lose_v their_o membership_n and_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o church_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v not_o come_v up_o to_o this_o 123._o when_o as_o no_o censurable_a wickedness_n be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o while_o the_o parent_n stand_v in_o the_o church_n his_o infant-childe_n be_v in_o the_o church_n also_o and_o therefore_o baptizable_a yet_o withal_o we_o say_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o judicious_a divine_n that_o while_o person_n have_v a_o regular_a stand_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v in_o ecclesiastical_a account_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o have_v the_o be_v of_o regeneration_n or_o as_o fidele●_n vocati_fw-la and_o so_o regenerati_fw-la i._n e._n by_o reason_n of_o their_o federal_a holiness_n though_o not_o by_o particular_a present_a evident_a sign_n of_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n already_o wrought_v in_o they_o in_o this_o case_n we_o take_v their_o covenant-estate_n christian_a education_n hopeful_a carriage_n general_a profession_n etc._n etc._n for_o sign_n of_o regeneration_n in_o this_o sense_n i._n e._n such_o as_o show_v that_o there_o may_v be_v grace_n there_o be_v nothing_o inconsistent_a with_o grace_n and_o none_o know_v but_o ●_o seed_n of_o grace_n which_o in_o the_o first_o infusion_n and_o beginning_n of_o it_o be_v marvellous_a secret_n and_o small_a may_v lie_v at_o bottom_n and_o hence_o the_o church_n be_v to_o carry_v towards_o they_o as_o heir_n of_o grace_n but_o it_o be_v a_o further_a thing_n for_o grace_n to_o appear_v aboveground_o in_o such_o exercise_n and_o sensible_a sign_n evidence_n and_o experience_n as_o may_v fit_v they_o for_o comfortable_a communion_n w●th_v christ_n in_o the_o supper_n but_o four_o if_o the_o judgement_n of_o bucer_n and_o parker_n may_v be_v take_v in_o this_o controversy_n it_o will_v 〈…〉_z for_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v here_o or_o can_v be_v cite_v of_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a enough_o that_o famous_a martin_n bucer_n and_o renown_a parker_n as_o the_o preface_n style_v they_o and_o that_o deserve_o do_v full_o concur_v with_o the_o synod_n in_o extend_v baptism_n to_o such_o as_o the_o synod_n describe_v or_o to_o more_o than_o so_o vid._n bucer_n de_fw-fr regno_fw-la christi_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n 2._o pag._n 14._o and_o in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o john_n in_o a_o excellent_a discourse_n concern_v infant_n baptism_n among_o many_o other_o useful_a passage_n he_o have_v these_o follow_v sunt_fw-la quidem_fw-la sa●e_v inter_fw-la pueros_fw-la reprobi_fw-la etc._n etc._n there_o be_v indeed_o often_o among_o child_n some_o that_o be_v reprobate_n but_o while_o that_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o we_o ought_v nevertheless_o to_o reckon_v they_o among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v time_n enough_o cast_v they_o out_o when_o by_o their_o evil_a fruit_n they_o shall_v open_o show_v we_o what_o they_o be_v bucer_n in_o joh._n fol._n 43._o and_o in_o another_o place_n quantum_fw-la equidem_fw-la assequi_fw-la possum_fw-la etc._n etc._n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v gather_v say_v he_o the_o
anabaptist_n only_a reason_n why_o they_o dislike_v infant_n baptism_n be_v because_o they_o fancy_n to_o themselves_o that_o the_o church_n will_v be_v more_o pure_a if_o we_o baptize_v none_o but_o the_o adult_n and_o such_o as_o hold_v forth_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o they_o think_v but_o a_o few_o will_v have_v place_n in_o church_n but_o by_o this_o mean_n doubtless_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o of_o christ_n sheep_n will_v be_v neglect_v as_o goat_n neither_o will_v all_o parent_n be_v so_o careful_a as_o they_o think_v in_o educate_v their_o child_n unto_o piety_n and_o yet_o this_o humane_a thought_n which_o savour_v of_o too_o much_o esteem_n of_o our_o own_o work_n do_v so_o possess_v they_o that_o they_o bring_v all_o to_o this_o and_o turn_v off_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v and_o hereby_o they_o run_v themselves_o into_o very_o great_a error_n i_o call_v it_o a_o humane_a thought_n for_o no_o scripture_n do_v command_v such_o a_o curious_a circumspection_n lest_o any_o goat_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n often_o baptize_v person_n with_o who_o they_o have_v scarce_o have_v a_o hour_n speech_n concern_v christ_n because_o according_a to_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v bring_v in_o all_o they_o meet_v with_o to_o the_o marriage_n mat._n 22.10_o for_o by_o baptism_n they_o only_o take_v they_o into_o the_o school_n of_o piety_n and_o trained-hand_n of_o christian_n and_o they_o be_v wont_n then_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o again_o when_o it_o be_v evident_o enough_o perceive_v that_o to_o labour_v in_o teach_v they_o be_v in_o vain_a ibid._n fol._n 53._o as_o for_o parker_n his_o speak_v main_o against_o the_o admit_v or_o tolerate_v of_o manifestarii_fw-la peccatores_fw-la the_o notorious_o wicked_a and_o plead_v to_o have_v they_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n or_o cast_v out_o by_o the_o use_n of_o discipline_n 169._o his_o frequent_a approbation_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n cross._n and_o in_o special_a his_o approve_v of_o their_o admit_v member_n not_o before_o of_o their_o body_n upon_o such_o like_a qualification_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o synod_n five_o proposition_n 171._o also_o his_o earnest_n and_o peremptory_a reject_v the_o opinion_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o separatist_n and_o declare_v himself_o and_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o cause_n he_o act_v to_o be_v far_o from_o they_o 2._o these_o and_o such_o like_a do_v clear_o show_v that_o worthy_a man_n to_o be_v no_o opponent_n of_o such_o a_o extent_n of_o baptism_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o synod_n but_o here_o our_o brethren_n will_v needs_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o worthy_a and_o for_o ever_o famous_a mr._n cotton_n be_v as_o they_o be_v because_o he_o have_v these_o word_n in_o holiness_n of_o church-member_n pag._n 93_o i_o conceive_v under_o favour_n more_o positive_a fruit_n of_o regeneration_n be_v require_v in_o the_o church-member_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n then_o of_o the_o old_a ans._n the_o reader_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o what_o have_v be_v before_o say_v and_o cite_v to_o show_v mr._n cotton_v judgement_n in_o the_o point_v controvert_v between_o our_o brethren_n and_o the_o synod_n and_o will_v easy_o thereby_o judge_v whether_o mr._n cotton_v judgement_n be_v as_o they_o be_v but_o it_o be_v strange_a they_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o collection_n from_o what_o be_v here_o set_v down_o mr._n cotton_n may_v say_v those_o word_n that_o be_v here_o express_v and_o yet_o his_o judgement_n be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v as_o they_o be_v in_o any_o of_o the_o point_n that_o be_v controvert_v for_o we_o shall_v not_o gainsay_v this_o conception_n of_o mr._n cotton_n that_o more_o positive_a fruit_n of_o regeneration_n be_v require_v in_o the_o church_n member_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n then_o of_o the_o old_a but_o concur_v with_o it_o in_o two_o respect_n or_o for_o two_o cause_n 1._o because_o the_o light_n now_o be_v great_a and_o clear_a than_o it_o be_v then_o and_o where_o more_o be_v give_v more_o be_v require_v luke_n 12.48_o 2._o because_o the_o discipline_n appoint_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v most_o ceremonial_a ames_n medul_a lib._n 1._o c._n 38._o thes._n 41._o and_o whether_o excommunication_n for_o moral_a evil_n be_v then_o use_v at_o least_o out_o of_o the_o national_a church_n be_v by_o some_o doubt_v as_o also_o whether_o person_n be_v debar_v from_o the_o holy_a thing_n simple_o for_o moral_a evil_n if_o they_o be_v ceremonial_o clean_a as_o mr._n cotton_n in_o the_o place_n here_o allege_v say_v it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o sin_n very_o scandalous_a do_v keep_v man_n ceremonial_o clean_a from_o the_o temple_n and_o sacrifice_n but_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v a_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a rule_n for_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n for_o moral_a evil_n persist_v in_o hence_o person_n may_v haply_o run_v further_o into_o moral_a evil_n and_o so_o further_o off_o from_o the_o fruit_n of_o regeneration_n then_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o church_n yea_o haply_o not_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o holy_a thing_n than_o they_o can_v do_v now_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n for_o still_o it_o be_v not_o secret_a irregeneration_n nor_o the_o bare_a want_n of_o such_o and_o such_o positive_a fruit_n of_o regeneration_n without_o positive_a and_o palpable_a ●ruits_n of_o irregeneration_n that_o will_v according_a to_o any_o rule_n god_n have_v give_v we_o put_v any_o man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n when_o he_o be_v once_o in_o nay_o mr._n cotton_n in_o the_o very_a place_n here_o cite_v express_o say_v that_o irregeneration_n alone_o will_v not_o keep_v a_o man_n out_o 92._o his_o word_n be_v these_o neither_o among_o we_o do_v irregeneration_n alone_o keep_v any_o from_o church-fellowship_n with_o we_o not_o irregeneration_n alone_o i_o say_v unless_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o such_o fruit_n as_o be_v open_o scandalous_a and_o do_v convince_o manifest_a irregeneration_n moreover_o still_o the_o parallel_n between_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a and_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n stand_v and_o hold_v in_o this_o that_o when_o a_o person_n be_v once_o by_o god_n appointment_n take_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n whether_o in_o adult_n age_n or_o in_o infancy_n it_o come_v all_o to_o one_o for_o that_o he_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o do_v not_o lose_v his_o membership_n till_o by_o some_o rule_n or_o appointment_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n he_o be_v cut_v off_o or_o cast_v out_o what_o the_o particular_a rule_n and_o way_n of_o cut_v off_o be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o need_v not_o here_o dispute_v but_o to_o be_v sure_o the_o plain_a rule_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o cut_n off_o of_o particular_a person_n be_v by_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n for_o moral_a evil_n but_o while_o we_o grant_v that_o in_o some_o respect_v more_o positive_a fruit_n in_o regard_n of_o degree_n may_v be_v require_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n let_v none_o so_o understand_v it_o as_o if_o regeneration_n be_v not_o require_v as_o all_o unto_o the_o constitution_n and_o continuation_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o that_o a_o mere_a carnal_a succession_n be_v then_o allow_v of_o without_o regard_n to_o regeneration_n for_o they_o sto●d_v by_o faith_n and_o be_v br●ken_v off_o by_o unbelief_n as_o well_o as_o we_o rom._n 11._o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n faith_n and_o repentance_n do_v not_o now_o more_o constitute_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n than_o it_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o abraham_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a say_v dr._n ames_n 13_o yea_o our_o brethren_n do_v in_o their_o antisynodalia_fw-la pag._n 17._o express_o say_v that_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 i._n e._n that_o he_o shall_v walk_v with_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o no_o where_o be_v regeneration_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o require_v of_o god_n covenant_n people_n in_o strict_a and_o full_a term_n then_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n gen._n 17.1_o deut._n 10.12_o &_o 26.16_o 17._o 1_o king_n 8.23_o psal._n 103.17_o 18._o isa._n 56.4_o 6._o and_o yet_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o his_o own_o rule_n continue_v they_o in_o the_o church_n and_o account_v they_o among_o the_o number_n of_o his_o holy_a people_n till_o palpall●_n and_o incorrigible_a fruit_n of_o irregeneration_n be_v find_v
in_o they_o not_o be_v the_o same_o but_o distinct_a for_o in_o the_o one_o the_o argument_n be_v from_o their_o be_v disciple_n or_o scholar_n and_o therefore_o under_o discipline_n in_o christ_n school_n but_o this_o here_o be_v from_o their_o be_v baptise_a and_o that_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o authoritative_a teach_n of_o christ_n minister_n and_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o commandment_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o subjection_n to_o discipline_n for_o thus_o the_o argument_n stand_v they_o that_o be_v baptise_a be_v thereby_o leave_v in_o a_o state_n of_o subject_n on_o to_o the_o authoritative_a teach_n of_o christ_n minister_n and_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o state_n of_o subjection_n to_o discipline_n but_o the_o adult_a person_n speak_v of_o be_v person_n baptise_a therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o proposition_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o text_n mat._n 28.19_o 20._o where_o christ_n minister_n be_v require_v to_o baptise_v and_o to_o teach_v the_o baptise_a to_o observe_v all_o his_o commandment_n the_o assumption_n be_v plain_a of_o itself_o to_o the_o seven_o argument_n viz._n that_o elder_n must_v seed_v i._n e._n both_o teach_v and_o rule_v all_o the_o flock_n and_o that_o child_n be_v part_n of_o the_o flock_n the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o this_o concern_v not_o such_o grow_a person_n as_o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n for_o without_o this_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v of_o the_o flock_n or_o church_n ans._n if_o this_o that_o be_v here_o say_v be_v sufficient_o and_o clear_o prove_v it_o will_v be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o many_o elder_n in_o this_o country_n as_o clear_v they_o from_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o burden_n which_o they_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o be_v under_o and_o when_o the_o holy-ghost_n say_v that_o they_o must_v take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n act._n 20_o 28._o and_o that_o they_o must_v watch_v for_o their_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n heb._n 13.17_o to_o say_v that_o these_o soul_n and_o this_o flock_n be_v only_o such_o as_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n and_o infant_n or_o child_n in_o minority_n and_o that_o these_o last_o mention_v who_o then_o be_v of_o the_o flock_n do_v now_o cease_v to_o be_v of_o it_o when_o they_o become_v ●aul_v and_o that_o now_o the_o elder_n be_v not_o charge_v to_o watch_v over_o they_o any_o long_o nor_o to_o give_v account_n of_o their_o soul_n we_o fear_v this_o will_v be_v a_o undue_a straighten_n and_o limit_v of_o the_o text_n allege_v and_o will_v be_v no_o good_a plea_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o without_o b●t●er_a proof_n we_o dare_v not_o assent_v unto_o it_o for_o what_o the_o synod_n allege_v that_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o f●ock_n or_o church_n at_o ephesus_n do_v also_o write_v to_o child_n eph._n 6.1_o as_o count_v they_o part_n of_o the_o flock_n we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o this_o be_v sufficient_o take_v off_o by_o what_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v viz._n that_o those_o child_n be_v either_o child_n in_o their_o minority_n or_o if_o adult_n they_o be_v personal_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o so_o in_o full_a communion_n for_o let_v the_o word_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o text_n be_v consider_v and_o we_o conceive_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o this_o exposition_n of_o the_o place_n be_v too_o narrow_a for_o the_o child_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v such_o as_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v their_o parent_n in_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v right_o and_o such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o five_o commandment_n the_o word_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n do_v there_o allege_v honour_v thy_o father_n and_o mother_n etc._n etc._n now_o how_o shall_v it_o appear_v that_o though_o child_n in_o minority_n and_o child_n when_o admit_v into_o full_a communion_n in_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v their_o parent_n and_o to_o honour_n father_n and_o mother_n yet_o other_o child_n be_v not_o so_o bind_v be_v there_o any_o ground_n for_o it_o that_o child_n now_o adult_n if_o not_o in_o full_a communion_n in_o the_o church_n be_v exempt_v from_o this_o commandment_n of_o obedience_n to_o their_o parent_n and_o of_o honour_v of_o they_o we_o conceive_v there_o be_v none_o and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o than_o the_o child_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v child_n adult_v as_o well_o as_o other_o whether_o in_o full_a communion_n or_o not_o and_o if_o so_o than_o these_o child_n as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v part_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o who_o that_o epistle_n be_v write_v and_o then_o the_o whole_a flock_n be_v under_o the_o charge_n of_o elder_n to_o feed_v they_o i._n e._n both_o to_o teach_v and_o k●l●_n they_o it_o appear_v thereby_o that_o what_o the_o synod_n here_o say_v that_o these_o child_n be_v under_o the_o watch_n and_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sound_a and_o good_a and_o so_o stand_v for_o all_o that_o be_v here_o allege_a to_o the_o contrary_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o eight_o argument_n from_o the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n break_v into_o church_n and_o the_o want_n of_o any_o churchway_n to_o prevent_v and_o heal_v the_o same_o if_o these_o child_n of_o church-member_n be_v not_o under_o church-government_n and_o discipline_n and_o that_o through_o want_n hereof_o many_o church-member_n will_v be_v bring_v under_o that_o dreadful_a judgement_n of_o be_v let-alone_n in_o their_o wickedness_n hos._n 4.16_o 17._o the_o reverend_a author_n name_v sundry_a other_o mean_n for_o prevent_v these_o evil_n as_o that_o no_o adult_n person●_n be_v receive_v into_o personal_a membership_n till_o fit_v for_o all_o church-communion_n and_o that_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v to_o bind_v and_o loose_v be_v right_o manage_v towards_o delinquent-member_n that_o be_v orderly_o admit_v into_o church-communion_n and_o for_o other_o that_o be_v not_o thus_o join_v to_o the_o church_n that_o authority_n in_o family_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v wise_o and_o faithful_o manage_v towards_o such_o pag._n 15_o 16._o ans._n all_o these_o we_o acknowledge_v may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v much_o available_a in_o their_o way_n for_o ●he_n purpose_n allege_v and_o oh_o that_o there_o be_v due_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n in_o churche●_n family_n and_o commonwealth_n for_o the_o faithful_a and_o due_a exercise_n hereof_o nevertheless_o we_o conceive_v all_o these_o be_v not_o ●●fficien●_n for_o the_o purpose_n desire_v 1._o because_o some_o of_o they_o be_v not_o church-waye_n at_o all_o of_o which_o the_o synod_n argument_n speak_v though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o express_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n and_o therefore_o t●ough_o government_n in_o family_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v careful_o use_v in_o the_o manner_n express_v yet_o churchway_n may_v be_v want_v for_o all_o this_o 2._o those_o church-waye_n that_o be_v mention_v viz._n care_n in_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o due_a manage_v the_o key_n of_o discipline_n to_o they_o that_o be_v so_o admit_v these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prevent_v the_o evil_n speak_v of_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a multitude_n of_o person_n who_o be_v either_o bear_v in_o the_o church_n or_o be_v admit_v thereinto_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n who_o if_o they_o be_v not_o under_o church-discipline_n when_o adult_n be_v let_v alone_o in_o their_o wickedness_n in_o respect_n of_o any_o churchway_n to_o heal_v they_o and_o by_o want_n of_o this_o church-discipline_n towards_o these_o person_n irreligion_n and_o apostasy_n may_v break_v into_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o all_o church-waye_n towards_o other_o and_o all_o other_o way_n in_o commonwealth_n and_o family_n towards_o these_o for_o churchway_n for_o the_o good_a of_o these_o there_o be_v none_o if_o they_o be_v not_o under_o church-government_n and_o discipline_n as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n that_o the_o church_n censure_v of_o adult_n person_n admit_v before_o they_o be_v qualify_v for_o communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n will_v not_o prevent_v or_o heal_v those_o evil_n see_v the_o lord_n bless_v only_o his_o own_o institution_n not_o man_n device_n and_o that_o humane_a invention_n usual_o cause_v the_o evil_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o cure_v pag._n 15._o this_o reason_n may_v have_v in_o itself_o a_o truth_n viz._n that_o god_n institution_n and_o not_o man_n invention_n be_v the_o way_n wherein_o man_n may_v expect_v a_o blessing_n but_o if_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v affirm_v of_o church-discipline_n towards_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o that_o such_o church-discipline_n be_v a_o humane_a
which_o do_v amount_v further_o 3._o whereas_o the_o synod_n say_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v have_v frequent_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o young_a year_n at_o scripture_n and_o experience_n show_v instance_n joseph_n samuel_n etc._n etc._n hence_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n show_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a be_v in_o charity_n or_o to_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n visible_a believer_n the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v indeed_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n but_o if_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n they_o do_v not_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n be_v fit_o qualify_v they_o can_v then_o be_v fi●ly_o call_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o transgressor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o breaker_n of_o it_o ans._n 1._o if_o they_o be_v breaker_n of_o it_o then_o sure_o they_o be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o for_o how_o can_v man_n break_v the_o covenant_n wh●ch_o they_o be_v not_o in_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v here_o express_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o minority_n so_o the_o same_o be_v by_o consequence_n confess_v of_o they_o be_v adult_n for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v they_o be_v then_o say_v to_o break_v the_o covenant_n 2._o if_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o infancy_n and_o minority_n as_o the_o reverend_a author_n acknowledge_v they_o be_v this_o suit_n well_o enough_o with_o the_o purpose_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o this_o place_n which_o be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v this_o that_o such_o child_n have_v frequent_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n and_o such_o as_o have_v grace_n begin_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n why_o shall_v not_o charity_n think_v it_o be_v there_o still_o when_o nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o he_o that_o once_o begin_v that_o good_a work_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o forsake_v that_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n but_o to_o perfect_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n psal._n 138.8_o phil._n 1.6_o further_o say_v the_o reverend_a author_n this_o argument_n be_v fallacious_a because_o it_o argue_v from_o some_o particular_n to_o infer_v a_o general_a affirmative_o some_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v have_v the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n therefore_o all_o person_n of_o this_o sort_n etc._n etc._n if_o the_o reverend_a author_n have_v express_v the_o synod_n argument_n as_o they_o express_v it_o it_o will_v not_o then_o have_v appear_v so_o fallacious_a as_o the_o alteration_n of_o their_o word_n may_v make_v it_o for_o whereas_o they_o say_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v frequent_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n for_o which_o they_o produce_v eight_o or_o nine_o instance_n from_o scripture_n all_o these_o instance_n and_o that_o frequency_n for_o proof_n of_o which_o they_o be_v allege_v be_v now_o all_o leave_v out_o and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o it_o be_v render_v some_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n and_o whereas_o the_o inference_n which_o the_o synod_n make_v be_v thus_o express_v viz._n hence_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o term_n all_o which_o be_v not_o in_o before_o be_v express_o put_v in_o thus_o all_o person_n of_o this_o sort_n etc._n etc._n which_o alteration_n may_v indeed_o obscure_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n but_o let_v it_o be_v reduce_v to_o what_o it_o first_o be_v and_o then_o let_v the_o judicious_a reader_n consider_v whether_o it_o be_v fallacious_a or_o firm_a whether_o there_o be_v weakness_n or_o weight_n in_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v if_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v frequent_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n than_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n show_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a be_v in_o charity_n or_o to_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n visible_a believer_n but_o so_o it_o be_v ergo._fw-la the_o assumption_n here_o be_v manifest_o prove_v by_o those_o many_o instance_n in_o scripture_n allege_a and_o by_o experience_n and_o the_o consequence_n we_o hope_v be_v not_o fallacious_a but_o find_v and_o good_a for_o if_o it_o be_v frequent_o thus_o why_o shall_v not_o charity_n believe_v it_o be_v thus_o in_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n where_o nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_n 4._o the_o synod_n have_v say_v that_o they_o that_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v be_v visible_a saint_n in_o the_o account_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n be_v in_o scripture_n account_n 〈◊〉_d company_n of_o saint_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o &_o 1.2_o the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o both_o the_o assertion_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deny_v the_o assertion_n be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n of_o confederate_a believer_n be_v in_o the_o church_n by_o their_o parent_n covenant_v for_o they_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o but_o parent_n be_v not_o so_o till_o etc._n etc._n ans._n it_o be_v here_o again_o confess_v that_o infant_n and_o child_n in_o minority_n be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n but_o not_o so_o when_o they_o be_v adult_n and_o come_v to_o be_v parent_n but_o of_o their_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o their_o come_n to_o be_v adult_n something_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o more_o may_v in_o the_o six_o argument_n partic._n 3_o but_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v the_o proof_n be_v to_o be_v deny_v and_o be_v not_o apposite_a we_o conceive_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v very_o apposite_a for_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o the_o synod_n do_v allege_v it_o which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o that_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o scripture_n account_v visible_a saint_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n allege_v be_v so_o plain_a and_o apposite_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o we_o conceive_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o whether_o the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v such_o or_o no_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o saint_n or_o not_o be_v another_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o conceive_v much_o have_v and_o may_v be_v say_v but_o the_o text_n allege_v be_v not_o produce_v by_o the_o synod_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o be_v not_o plain_a for_o proof_n of_o that_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v plain_a and_o apt_a enough_o for_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o synod_n that_o may_v suffice_v though_o they_o prove_v not_o this_o other_o to_o which_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v apply_v they_o 5._o say_v the_o synod_n be_v in_o covenant_n and_o baptize_v they_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n indefinite_o give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o seal_v up_o in_o baptism_n deut._n 30.6_o which_o continue_v valid_a and_o so_o a_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o while_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o to_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o answer_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o distinction_n between_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o regard_n of_o external_a mean_n between_o the_o elect_n in_o who_o god_n work_v the_o grace_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n so_o powerful_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o reject_v it_o and_o the_o rest_n who_o have_v the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n till_o they_o reject_v they_o as_o do_v esau_n and_o conclude_v that_o such_o as_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n and_o live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n do_v remain_v unbeliever_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n undefinite_o give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o promise_n ans._n but_o be_v there_o any_o proof_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o synod_n affirm_v it_o seem_v none_o at_o all_o for_o when_o the_o synod_n say_v the_o covenant_n which_o promise_v faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v a_o valid_a testimony_n for_o they_o while_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o and_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v that_o such_o as_o do_v reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n have_v not_o faith_n and_o repentance_n give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o promise_n these_o be_v not_o contrary_a nor_o at_o all_o inconsistent_a for_o the_o synod_n never_o say_v nor_o mean_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v give_v by_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o that_o be_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n and_o live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n do_v still_o remain_v unbeliever_n the_o synod_n never_o say_v
member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n may_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o their_o infant-seed_n have_v right_a to_o baptism_n if_o this_o be_v so_o we_o may_v question_v whether_o it_o can_v be_v lawful_a for_o minister_n or_o any_o man_n to_o dispense_v baptism_n to_o any_o person_n at_o all_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o can_v certain_o know_v who_o have_v such_o true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o so_o be_v church-member_n for_o what_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v a_o little_a before_o in_o pag._n 49._o that_o though_o god_n search_v and_o know_v the_o heart_n yet_o the_o church_n do_v not_o de_fw-fr occultis_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la this_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v very_o true_a and_o therefore_o if_o this_o hold_n that_o none_o may_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o give_v right_a to_o their_o seed_n unto_o baptism_n but_o only_o they_o who_o have_v true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o so_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a we_o say_v if_o this_o hold_n how_o can_v we_o know_v who_o be_v to_o the_o baptise_a since_o none_o can_v certain_o know_v but_o god_n only_o whether_o man_n have_v this_o true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n therefore_o we_o think_v it_o more_o safe_a to_o say_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o nothing_o contrary_a thereto_o appear_v whereby_o that_o profession_n can_v be_v disprove_v such_o person_n may_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o have_v baptism_n for_o their_o child_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n or_o no._n and_o if_o the_o person_n describe_v in_o the_o five_o proposition_n be_v try_v by_o this_o rule_n we_o can_v see_v but_o as_o they_o be_v in_o church-fellowship_n from_o their_o minority_n so_o they_o still_o continue_v therein_o and_o so_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptize_v in_o as_o much_o as_o now_o they_o make_v a_o good_a profession_n before_o many_o witness_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o do_v no_o way_n contradict_v their_o profession_n by_o any_o scandalous_a practice_n in_o their_o life_n and_o therefore_o though_o that_o be_v true_a which_o the_o reverend_a author_n here_o say_v pag._n 50._o that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v true_a faith_n in_o they_o who_o he_o privilege_v to_o baptize_v their_o infant_n that_o be_v as_o we_o understand_v he_o who_o he_o privilege_v to_o present_v their_o infant_n to_o baptism_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a enough_o to_o administer_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n of_o parent_n qualify_v as_o in_o the_o five_o and_o six_o propos._n and_o they_o that_o do_v administer_v may_v have_v faith_n to_o please_v god_n therein_o because_o of_o the_o church-relation_n and_o good_a profession_n of_o the_o parent_n though_o the_o parent_n can_v please_v god_n in_o present_v their_o child_n to_o that_o ordinance_n if_o themselves_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n yet_o this_o we_o must_v still_o say_v that_o for_o any_o that_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o be_v say_v we_o see_v no_o scripture-rule_n or_o reason_n that_o will_v warrant_v we_o to_o judge_v they_o so_o destitute_a so_o much_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o six_o proposition_n propos._n 7._o the_o member_n of_o orthodox_n church_n be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o present_v due_a testimony_n thereof_o these_o occasional_o come_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o may_v have_v their_o child_n baptize_v in_o the_o church_n whither_o they_o come_v by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o if_o they_o remove_v their_o habitation_n they_o ought_v orderly_o to_o covenant_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n where_o they_o settle_v their_o abode_n and_o so_o their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v in_o be_v the_o church_n due_o to_o receive_v such_o unto_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v regular_o fit_a fo●_n the_o same_o for_o confirm_v of_o this_o proposition_n in_o both_o the_o part_n or_o branch_n of_o it_o the_o synod_n give_v sundry_a reason_n whereto_o the_o reverend_a author_n say_v nothing_o in_o the_o particular_n but_o in_o general_a that_o he_o lock_v at_o the_o regular_a communion_n of_o approve_a church_n as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o further_a than_o so_o he_o say_v nothing_o either_o by_o objection_n against_o the_o proposition_n or_o by_o consent_n unto_o it_o but_o all_o he_o say_v be_v by_o way_n of_o propound_v query_n to_o the_o number_n of_o half_a a_o score_n or_o more_o and_o then_o conclude_v that_o when_o these_o and_o the_o like_a question_n be_v clear_o answer_v he_o shall_v then_o understand_v the_o true_a and_o full_a sense_n of_o this_o proposition_n and_o what_o to_o say_v to_o it_o but_o when_o the_o synod_n shall_v come_v together_o to_o answer_v these_o question_n whether_o ever_o or_o never_o we_o do_v not_o know_v nor_o do_v see_v any_o great_a probability_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o therefore_o no_o more_o be_v here_o say_v against_o this_o proposition_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o it_o yet_o stand_v firm_a and_o good_a and_o as_o he_o conclude_v that_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o present_a for_o reply_v to_o the_o synod_n answer_v to_o the_o first_o question_n so_o may_v we_o conclude_v that_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o present_a for_o defence_n of_o the_o synod_n answer_v against_o what_o he_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a in_o his_o reply_n concern_v the_o reverend_a author_n discourse_n upon_o the_o second_o question_n touch_v consociation_n of_o church_n we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o any_o large_a reply_n and_o we_o hope_v it_o need_v nor_o because_o there_o appear_v no_o dissent_n or_o dissatisfaction_n in_o the_o synod_n about_o that_o matter_n our_o brethren_n that_o dissent_v in_o the_o former_a question_n ready_o and_o full_o concur_v in_o this_o as_o themselves_o declare_v in_o antisynod●li●_n pag._n 12._o beside_o part_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n exception_n refer_v to_o the_o platform_n of_o discipline_n conclude_v on_o with_o great_a unanimity_n in_o the_o synod_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n anno_fw-la 1648._o sundry_a principal_a member_n whereof_o as_o mr._n cotton_n shepard_n rogers_n norton_n etc._n etc._n be_v now_o at_o rest_n with_o god_n we_o shall_v not_o now_o after_o so_o many_o year_n wherein_o we_o hear_v of_o no_o opposition_n make_v that_o a_o subject_n of_o debate_n but_o if_o the_o reader_n please_v to_o take_v along_o with_o he_o these_o three_o or_o four_o consideration_n they_o may_v serve_v to_o take_v off_o what_o be_v here_o object_v against_o we_o by_o the_o reverend_a author_n 1._o that_o we_o never_o say_v nor_o think_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o withdraw_n from_o other_o church_n upon_o difference_n error_n or_o offence_n of_o a_o inferior_a and_o dubious_a nature_n yea_o though_o continue_v in_o we_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o hastiness_n or_o harshness_n in_o that_o matter_n be_v profess_a adversary_n to_o a_o spirit_n of_o sinful_a and_o rigid_a separation_n we_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o word_n in_o the_o synod_n conclusion_n that_o savour_v thereof_o if_o candid_o interpret_v and_o for_o withdraw_v from_o brethren_n because_o of_o dissent_n from_o what_o be_v here_o hold_v forth_o by_o this_o synod_n both_o our_o practice_n and_o our_o profession_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o that_o book_n do_v sufficient_o show_v we_o to_o be_v far_o from_o it_o this_o may_v answer_v what_o be_v say_v this_o way_n in_o pag._n 54_o 55_o 57_o 63._o 2._o that_o we_o account_v not_o consociation_n of_o church_n to_o be_v another_o thing_n th●n_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o only_o a_o agreement_n to_o practise_v that_o communion_n as_o be_v express_o say_v in_o propos._n 5_o &_o 6_o and_o therefore_o we_o understand_v not_o why_o the_o reverend_a author_n shall_v so_o often_o praise_v communion_n of_o church_n as_o pag._n 58_o 59_o 60_o 61._o and_o yet_o dispraise_v and_o dislike_n consociation_n be_v regular_n communion_n so_o good_a and_o excellent_a and_o can_v it_o be_v hurtful_a for_o church_n to_o agree_v and_o consent_n to_o practise_v it_o neither_o do_v we_o mean_v by_o that_o agreement_n a_o vow_n as_o be_v suggest_v pag._n 56_o 57_o or_o a_o formal_a covenant_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n though_o mr._n cotton_n do_v not_o refuse_v to_o call_v it_o a_o covenant_n in_o key_n p._n 54.59_o but_o only_o a_o declare_a consent_n as_o be_v express_v propos._n 7._o of_o each_o church_n to_o walk_v in_o regular_a communion_n with_o their_o neighbour-churche_n and_o if_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v approve_v of_o the_o act_n of_o communion_n here_o