whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o take_v all_o sort_n then_o live_v for_o liar_n rather_o than_o this_o one_o man_n that_o have_v write_v we_o such_o a_o book_n and_o who_o in_o a_o negative_a 25_o year_n after_o can_v possible_o be_v a_o competent_a witness_n no_o nor_o if_o he_o have_v write_v at_o that_o time_n for_o who_o can_v say_v that_o there_o be_v or_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n do_v beyond_o his_o knowledge_n §_o 4._o but_o if_o mr._n d._n will_v persuade_v the_o world_n either_o that_o i_o write_v that_o of_o all_o the_o anabaptist_n or_o of_o most_o or_o of_o any_o in_o any_o other_o age_n or_o that_o i_o have_v since_o say_v that_o any_o continue_v the_o same_o practice_n he_o will_v but_o deceive_v man_n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o so_o §_o 5._o i_o must_v confess_v i_o do_v not_o see_v the_o person_n baptize_v naked_a nor_o do_v i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a to_o defame_v any_o upon_o doubtful_a report_n but_o when_o it_o be_v a_o fame_n common_a and_o not_o 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waste_a paper_n and_o trouble_v the_o world_n with_o tell_v they_o how_o many_o error_n each_o of_o we_o hold_v it_o will_v be_v a_o unsavoury_a task_n and_o i_o doubt_v it_o will_v be_v a_o much_o short_a work_n for_o one_o of_o we_o which_o ever_o it_o be_v to_o enumerate_v the_o useful_a truth_n we_o hold_v what_o i_o hold_v be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n i_o will_v tell_v the_o reader_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n i_o hold_v that_o god_n kingdom_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o constitution_n and_o administration_n the_o first_o have_v 1._o the_o efficient_a 2._o the_o constitutive_a 3._o the_o final_a cause_n and_o in_o the_o large_a sense_n it_o contain_v 1._o subject_n only_o by_o obligation_n such_o as_o rebel_n be_v 2._o subject_n by_o consent_n or_o voluntary_a the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o former_a be_v only_a god_n 1._o make_v they_o man_n and_o redeem_a man_n quoad_fw-la precium_fw-la and_o command_v their_o subjection_n or_o consent_n to_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o second_o be_v beside_o these_o require_v their_o actual_a consent_n parent_n consent_v for_o their_o infant_n without_o which_o they_o be_v but_o rebel_n and_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o society_n god_n be_v a_o king_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la before_o his_o government_n be_v consent_v to_o make_v a_o law_n to_o man_n to_o command_v they_o to_o consent_n and_o be_v his_o voluntary_a subject_n to_o those_o that_o consent_n as_o the_o condition_n he_o promise_v the_o interest_n and_o blessing_n of_o his_o covenant_n viz._n christ_n and_o life_n and_o threaten_v the_o privation_n of_o those_o benefit_n and_o sore_a punishment_n to_o refuse_v rebel_n he_o be_v lawgiver_n and_o will_v be_v judge_n of_o non-consenters_a call_v unbeliever_n and_o
will_v not_o be_v harmonical_a so_o that_o as_o god_n promise_n be_v but_o a_o sign_n of_o his_o will_n oblige_v he_o improper_o in_o point_n of_o fidelity_n and_o immutability_n so_o say_v they_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o god_n will_v so_o far_o engage_v he_o so_o that_o as_o he_o can_v not_o let-sin_n go_v unpunished_a without_o some_o breach_n in_o the_o harmony_n of_o his_o sapiential_a frame_n of_o administration_n no_o more_o can_v he_o deny_v to_o perfect_a man_n the_o object_n of_o those_o desire_n which_o he_o form_v in_o he_o so_o that_o although_o he_o may_v have_v make_v man_n such_o a_o creature_n as_o shall_v not_o necessary_o be_v punish_v for_o evil_a or_o reward_v for_o good_a that_o be_v he_o may_v have_v make_v he_o not_o a_o man_n yet_o have_v so_o make_v he_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o be_v govern_v as_o a_o man_n in_o regard_n of_o felicity_n as_o well_o as_o penalty_n 3._o our_o philosopher_n and_o divine_n do_v common_o prove_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o its_o natural_a inclination_n to_o god_n and_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o if_o the_o immortality_n may_v be_v so_o prove_v from_o its_o nature_n than_o also_o its_o felicity_n in_o case_n of_o righteousness_n i_o interpose_v not_o myself_o as_o a_o judge_n in_o this_o controversy_n of_o divine_n but_o i_o have_v mention_v it_o to_o the_o end_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o express_v 1._o it_o be_v most_o certain_a whether_o the_o reward_n or_o promise_n be_v natural_a or_o positive_a that_o such_o a_o state_n of_o felicity_n man_n be_v either_o in_o or_o in_o the_o way_n to_o or_o in_o part_n and_o the_o way_n to_o more_o and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o man_n be_v make_v holy_a devote_v to_o god_n and_o fit_a for_o his_o service_n and_o that_o in_o this_o estate_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o creation_n he_o be_v to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a therefore_o that_o according_a to_o the_o first_o law_n of_o nature_n infant_n shall_v have_v be_v church-member_n 2._o but_o if_o their_o opinion_n hold_v that_o make_v the_o reward_n ground_v on_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o on_o a_o mere_a positive_a law_n and_o you_o see_v the_o reason_n be_v not_o contemptible_a then_o the_o argument_n will_v be_v yet_o more_o advantageous_a 3._o but_o however_o it_o be_v of_o the_o title_n to_o glory_n or_o eternity_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o according_a to_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n infant_n be_v to_o have_v be_v church-member_n if_o man_n have_v stand_v the_o first_o text_n therefore_o that_o i_o cite_v for_o infant_n church-membership_a as_o express_v its_o original_n de_fw-la jure_fw-la be_v gen._n 1.26_o 27_o 28._o so_o god_n create_v man_n in_o his_o own_o image_n and_o god_n bless_v they_o and_o god_n say_v unto_o they_o be_v fruitful_a and_o multiply_v and_o replenish_v the_o earth_n here_o you_o see_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n infant_n be_v to_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o god_n image_n and_o in_o innocency_n and_o so_o church-member_n and_o note_v that_o the_o first_o blessing_n that_o god_n pronounce_v on_o mankind_n be_v that_o they_o propagate_v child_n in_o their_o own_o estate_n to_o be_v as_o the_o parent_n be_v even_o in_o god_n image_n mr._n t._n 1._o if_o this_o prove_v their_o church-membership_a it_o prove_v not_o their_o visible_a church-membership_a reply_n mark_v reader_n that_o god_n law_n and_o blessing_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o adam_n seed_n in_o his_o image_n will_v not_o have_v make_v they_o when_o bear_v to_o be_v visible_a church-member_n though_o member_n what_o not_o so_o notorious_a a_o law_n and_o covenant_n and_o benediction_n no_o wonder_n if_o all_o christian_n infant_n must_v be_v shut_v out_o if_o innocent_a adam_n must_v have_v be_v shut_v out_o he_o add_v 2._o if_o it_o prove_v a_o law_n or_o ordinance_n yet_o not_o suâ—h_v a_o law_n or_o ordinance_n as_o be_v in_o question_n which_o be_v not_o a_o law_n or_o ordinance_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la but_o de_fw-la eventu_fw-la that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v they_o be_v to_o be_v actual_o visible_a church-member_n before_o admission_n according_a to_o mr._n b_n dictate_v reply_n alas_o poor_a reader_n that_o must_v be_v thus_o weary_v i_o know_v nothing_o that_o this_o law_n or_o covenant_n give_v but_o a_o right_n to_o real_a benefit_n that_o must_v have_v answerable_a cause_n i_o know_v no_o right_o give_v but_o it_o be_v eventual_o give_v nor_o receive_v but_o it_o be_v eventual_o receive_v admission_n be_v a_o ambiguous_a word_n my_o dictate_v as_o he_o call_v they_o be_v 1._o that_o god_n law_n oblige_v person_n to_o devote_v themselves_o and_o their_o infant_n to_o god_n by_o consent_v to_o his_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o they_o 2._o and_o to_o do_v this_o if_o they_o have_v opportunity_n in_o the_o solemn_a baptismal_a covenant_a ordinance_n 3._o and_o in_o his_o covenant_n or_o law_n of_o grace_n he_o promise_v to_o accept_v they_o and_o signify_v his_o consent_n to_o the_o mutual_a covenant_n which_o be_v antecedent_o to_o their_o consent_n but_o a_o conditional_a consent_n or_o covenant_n but_o consequent_o actual_a 4._o that_o according_o natural_a interest_n only_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o a_o believer_n child_n be_v a_o church-member_n mere_o because_o he_o be_v his_o be_v god_n have_v give_v he_o power_n and_o obligation_n also_o to_o dispose_v of_o his_o own_o child_n for_o the_o end_n of_o his_o creation_n and_o redemption_n he_o be_v a_o church-member_n initial_o upon_o heart-consent_n and_o by_o investiture_n upon_o sacramental_a consent_n which_o i_o think_v you_o mean_v by_o admission_n 3._o say_v mr._n t._n if_o it_o do_v prove_v such_o a_o law_n or_o ordinance_n yet_o it_o prove_v it_o not_o such_o a_o promise_n and_o precept_n as_o mr._n b._n assert_v reply_n must_v such_o deal_n as_o this_o go_v for_o a_o answer_n what_o be_v the_o difference_n mr._n t._n add_v 4._o if_o it_o do_v yet_o it_o only_o prove_v it_o of_o the_o church_n by_o nature_n reply_v you_o be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o i_o do_v by_o this_o first_o instance_n show_v you_o where_o and_o when_o the_o ordinance_n law_n or_o grant_v of_o infant_n church-membership_a be_v first_o make_v and_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o impartial_a christian_n whether_o i_o prove_v it_o not_o certain_a that_o god_n in_o nature_n make_v man_n in_o his_o own_o image_n with_o a_o increase_v and_o multiply_v signify_v not_o that_o infant_n shall_v have_v be_v holy_a to_o he_o if_o adam_n have_v not_o sin_v and_o so_o have_v be_v member_n of_o the_o innocent_a church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o god_n alas_o many_o go_v so_o much_o further_o as_o to_o assert_v as_o truth_n that_o have_v adam_n stand_v nay_o but_o in_o that_o one_o temptation_n yea_o say_v some_o have_v he_o but_o once_o love_v god_n all_o his_o posterity_n have_v not_o be_v only_o bear_v holy_a but_o confirm_v as_o the_o angel_n i_o can_v prove_v that_o but_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o they_o have_v be_v bear_v holy_a have_v not_o adam_n sin_v and_o so_o have_v be_v visible_a member_n and_o if_o so_o that_o god_n do_v find_v infant_n membership_n in_o nature_n let_v awaken_v reason_n think_v whether_o parent_n yet_o have_v not_o as_o much_o interest_n in_o child_n and_o child_n in_o parent_n and_o then_o whether_o god_n have_v ever_o reverse_v this_o natural_a order_n yea_o whether_o he_o have_v not_o all_o along_o confirm_v it_o it_o seem_v out_o of_o doubt_n to_o i_o i_o know_v that_o parent_n and_o child_n now_o be_v corrupt_a but_o withal_o upon_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o redeemer_n an_o universal_a conditional_a pardon_n and_o gift_n of_o life_n in_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n take_v place_v let_v they_o deny_v it_o that_o can_v and_o dare_v and_o it_o intimate_v no_o change_n of_o god_n will_v as_o to_o infant_n conjunct_a interest_n with_o their_o parent_n he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n by_o grace_n be_v only_o by_o election_n and_o call_v not_o birth_n i_o will_v desire_v he_o if_o he_o can_v to_o tell_v i_o whether_o both_o cain_n and_o abel_n be_v not_o visible_a church-member_n in_o adam_n family_n and_o whether_o none_o but_o the_o elect_n be_v visible_a member_n and_o whether_o god_n call_v not_o they_o that_o be_v visible_a member_n to_o that_o state_n he_o say_v if_o this_o law_n be_v in_o force_n all_o be_v bear_v without_o sin_n reply_n the_o covenant_n of_o innocency_n be_v not_o in_o force_n but_o yet_o i_o may_v tell_v you_o what_o it_o be_v while_o it_o be_v in_o force_n and_o that_o infant_n visible_a church-membership_a be_v found_v in_o nature_n and_o that_o law_n at_o first_o and_o therefore_o though_o our_o innocency_n be_v lose_v parent_n be_v parent_n still_o and_o if_o god_n
donative_n instrument_n of_o god_n which_o say_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v justify_v may_v effect_v my_o justification_n when_o i_o believe_v and_o not_o before_o though_o my_o faith_n effect_v it_o not_o at_o all_o but_o dispose_v the_o recipient_a but_o i_o deny_v that_o the_o parent_n faith_n be_v put_v all_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o recipient_a be_v put_v even_o when_o he_o be_v bear_v for_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o parent_n to_o consent_v for_o himself_o and_o not_o for_o his_o child_n and_o to_o devote_v himself_o and_o not_o his_o child_n to_o god_n part_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o reception_n be_v want_v as_o far_o as_o i_o perceive_v can_v i_o but_o hope_v to_o be_v so_o happy_a a_o disputant_n as_o to_o convince_v mr._n t._n that_o church-membership_a visible_a be_v any_o benefit_n at_o all_o itself_o or_o be_v to_o the_o israelite_n he_o will_v grant_v i_o all_o that_o i_o plead_v for_o of_o the_o conveyance_n of_o it_o by_o covenant_n and_o if_o i_o can_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n sect_n lxxxvi_o r._n b._n the_o second_o commandment_n exod._n 20.5_o 6._o deut._n 5.9_o 10._o i_o think_v be_v a_o law_n and_o contain_v a_o promise_n or_o premiant_a part_n wherein_o he_o promise_v to_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o generation_n or_o child_n of_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n of_o which_o i_o have_v also_o speak_v elsewhere_o to_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o here_o be_v a_o stand_a promise_n and_o discovery_n of_o god_n resolution_n concern_v the_o child_n of_o all_o that_o love_v he_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n to_o who_o this_o commandment_n belong_v nor_o to_o doubt_n whether_o this_o mercy_n imply_v church-membership_a and_o that_o this_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o very_a gracious_a nature_n of_o god_n i_o find_v in_o his_o proclaim_v his_o name_n to_o moses_n exod._n 34.6_o 7._o mr._n t._n if_o this_o mercy_n here_o imply_v church-membership_a to_o the_o infant_n of_o they_o that_o love_v he_o to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n than_o it_o imply_v it_o to_o all_o the_o infant_n in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o mercy_n must_v be_v church-membership_a or_o that_o it_o must_v be_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o they_o that_o love_n god_n or_o that_o it_o must_v be_v to_o they_o in_o infancy_n i_o incline_v to_o conceive_v this_o a_o promise_n of_o temporal_a mercy_n chief_o to_o the_o israelite_n reply_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o of_o temporal_a mercy_n the_o word_n love_n and_o hate_n as_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o parent_n seem_v to_o prove_v and_o the_o join_v the_o child_n to_o the_o parent_n in_o the_o retribution_n and_o all_o the_o term_n seem_v above_o such_o a_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o revenge_n of_o a_o jealous_a god_n on_o idolater_n and_o mercy_n to_o his_o lover_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o the_o join_v this_o command_n to_o the_o first_o which_o settle_v our_o relation_n to_o god_n with_o the_o law_n annex_v in_o deut._n for_o the_o cut_n off_o whole_a city_n parent_n and_o child_n that_o turn_v from_o god_n to_o idol_n show_v that_o it_o reach_v to_o church-communion_n and_o life_n 2._o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o the_o israelite_n whatever_o you_o chief_o mean_v be_v prove_v both_o in_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o decalogue_n and_o the_o proclaim_a name_n of_o god_n exod._n 34.5_o 6._o and_o exemplify_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o extent_n we_o can_v hardly_o expect_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v endure_v a_o thousand_o generation_n therefore_o it_o can_v mean_v but_o that_o god_n who_o bound_v the_o punishment_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o generation_n will_v set_v no_o bound_n to_o the_o succession_n of_o his_o mercy_n while_o our_o capacity_n continue_v and_o whatever_o the_o mercy_n be_v the_o exposition_n of_o this_o continuance_n concern_v you_o as_o much_o as_o i_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o condition_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o suppose_v that_o the_o child_n at_o age_n imitate_v the_o parent_n in_o their_o love_n or_o hatred_n duty_n or_o sin_n and_o that_o if_o on_o repentance_n the_o parent_n be_v forgive_v his_o sin_n may_v not_o be_v visit_v to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o and_o if_o a_o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n turn_v wicked_a the_o right_n be_v intercept_v 4._o but_o the_o commandment_n with_o the_o foresay_a exposition_n show_v that_o god_n mean_v that_o his_o retribution_n to_o parent_n that_o love_n or_o hate_v he_o shall_v extend_v to_o their_o child_n as_o such_o unless_o they_o interrupt_v it_o at_o age_n by_o their_o own_o act_n and_o if_o to_o their_o child_n qua_fw-la tale_n then_o to_o infant_n and_o it_o speak_v such_o a_o state_n of_o mercy_n as_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v conceive_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o without_o and_o can_v mean_v no_o less_o than_o god_n visible_a favour_n by_o which_o the_o church_n be_v difference_v from_o the_o world_n when_o lover_n and_o hater_n be_v distinguish_v side_n and_o when_o god_n have_v record_v this_o decree_v grant_v distinguish_v mercy_n to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o such_o in_o the_o table_n of_o stone_n sure_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a notification_n which_o will_v make_v they_o visible_a favourite_n and_o church-member_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o visible_o exist_v and_o the_o quatenus_fw-la seem_v to_o i_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a because_o it_o be_v to_o they_o as_o such_o but_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o it_o must_v extend_v to_o they_o all_o alike_o as_o to_o equal_a mercy_n nor_o yet_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o parent_n after_o may_v make_v no_o kind_n of_o forfeiture_n but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v say_v more_o in_o my_o christian_a directory_n sect_n lxxxvii_o to_o xciv_o r._n b._n in_o psal_n 102.28_o it_o be_v a_o general_a promise_n the_o child_n of_o thy_o servant_n shall_v continue_v and_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v establish_v before_o thou_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o express_v god_n favour_n by_o temporal_a blessing_n more_o than_o in_o the_o gospel_n but_o yet_o still_o they_o secure_v we_o of_o his_o favour_n as_o i_o will_v not_o fail_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o may_v secure_v joshua_n more_o than_o we_o of_o temporal_a success_n and_o yet_o not_o more_o of_o god_n never_o fail_a favour_n there_o be_v a_o stable_a promise_n to_o all_o god_n people_n in_o general_a that_o have_v child_n psal_n 103.17_o but_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o his_o righteousness_n unto_o child_n child_n and_o to_o be_v secure_v by_o promise_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o righteousness_n be_v the_o state_n of_o none_o without_o the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n i_o scarce_o think_v that_o child_n will_v be_v call_v a_o heritage_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o womb_n his_o reward_n psal_n 127.3_o nor_o the_o man_n happy_a that_o have_v his_o quiver_n full_a of_o they_o nor_o will_v the_o suck_a child_n be_v call_v as_o part_v of_o the_o solemn_a assembly_n to_o the_o humiliation_n joel_n 2.16_o 2_o chron._n 20.13_o there_o be_v a_o stand_a promise_n to_o all_o the_o just_a prov._n 20.7_o the_o just_a man_n walk_v in_o his_o integrity_n his_o child_n be_v bless_v after_o he_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n without_o the_o church_n that_o be_v pronounce_v bless_v in_o scripture_n a_o bless_a people_n be_v god_n people_n and_o those_o be_v the_o church_n separate_v from_o the_o curse_a world_n one_o low_a blessing_n will_v not_o denominate_v a_o man_n or_o society_n a_o bless_a man_n or_o society_n if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n then_o deut._n 4.37_o because_o he_o love_v thy_o father_n therefore_o he_o choose_v their_o seed_n after_o they_o than_o it_o be_v good_a still_o as_o to_o favour_v in_o general_n so_o deut._n 10.15_o psal_n 69.36_o prov._n 11.21_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v deliver_v in_o psal_n 37.26_o there_o be_v a_o general_a promise_n to_o or_o declaration_n of_o the_o righteous_a that_o his_o seed_n be_v bless_v and_o then_o they_o be_v church-member_n in_o isa_n 61.8_o 9_o it_o be_v promise_v i_o think_v of_o gospel_n time_n i_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v know_v among_o the_o gentile_n and_o their_o offspring_n among_o the_o people_n all_o that_o see_v they_o shall_v acknowledge_v they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v and_o cap._n 62.12_o they_o shall_v call_v they_o the_o
consent_n be_v the_o receptive_a cause_n which_o be_v conditio_fw-la sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la they_o that_o will_v not_o impartial_o think_v of_o plain_a case_n can_v understand_v they_o your_o unthankful_a deny_v that_o god_n have_v make_v any_o such_o promise_n covenant_n or_o consent_n be_v elsewhere_o confute_v and_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v with_o davenant_n and_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n that_o this_o covenant_n be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v make_v with_o parent_n themselves_o give_v the_o child_n the_o same_o right_n to_o pardon_n and_o life_n eternal_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n so_o that_o faithful_a parent_n shall_v not_o doubt_v of_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o child_n die_v in_o infancy_n ut_fw-la synod_n dort_n art_n 1._o c._n 17._o i_o can_v better_o with_o they_o bear_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o gratia_n infantilis_n in_o some_o at_o age_n than_o the_o consequent_n of_o 〈◊〉_d turn_v they_o all_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o former_a i_o know_v no_o christian_n that_o ever_o oppose_v for_o many_o and_o many_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o the_o latter_a the_o universal_a church_n as_o long_o oppose_v and_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o subscribe_v that_o it_o be_v certain_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o baptize_v infant_n die_v before_o actual_a sin_n be_v certain_o save_v without_o except_v the_o infant_n of_o heathen_n or_o infidel_n wrongful_o baptize_v mr._n t._n 4._o i_o argue_v they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o form_n constitute_v and_o denominate_v a_o visible_a church-member_n be_v not_o visible_a church-member_n but._n ergo._fw-la profession_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o form_n constitute_v etc._n etc._n answ_n 1._o covenant_n consent_n be_v the_o form_n constitute_v ex_fw-la parte_fw-la recipientis_fw-la and_o this_o they_o have_v reputative_o in_o their_o parent_n who_o will_n be_v as_o they_o 2._o the_o jew_n infant_n have_v the_o form_n constitute_v a_o visible_a member_n as_o you_o confess_v and_o that_o be_v not_o circumcision_n for_o the_o uncircumcised_a female_n and_o male_n too_o in_o the_o wilderness_n be_v visible_a member_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o jew_n for_o apostate_n jew_n forfeit_v it_o and_o proselyte_n of_o other_o nation_n obtain_v it_o but_o it_o be_v by_o consent_n to_o god_n covenant_n 3._o and_o christ_n be_v a_o visible_a member_n by_o divine_a revelation_n his_o arguing_n will_v make_v against_o christ_n righteousness_n impute_v to_o believer_n and_o adam_n or_o the_o parent_n sin_n impute_v to_o they_o mr._n t._n 5._o if_o infant_n be_v visible_a christian_a church-member_n than_o there_o may_v be_v a_o visible_a church-christian_a which_o consist_v only_o of_o infant_n of_o believer_n but_o this_o be_v â—bsurd_a ergo._fw-la answ_n such_o quibble_n seem_v something_o when_o the_o will_n give_v they_o their_o force_n 1._o infant_n be_v member_n of_o all_o kingdom_n under_o heaven_n and_o yet_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o infant_n only_o 2._o member_n be_v essential_a or_o integral_a because_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o pars_fw-la imperans_fw-la and_o pars_fw-la subdita_fw-la be_v the_o intend_a mean_n to_o the_o common_a good_a which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o government_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o govern_v society_n kingdom_n or_o other_o proper_a policy_n of_o which_o man_n that_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n be_v not_o member_n that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o to_o be_v the_o active_a part_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o society_n but_o yet_o infant_n that_o be_v yet_o but_o virtual_o such_o be_v integral_a member_n mr._n t._n 6._o i_o argue_v if_o infant_n be_v visible_a church-member_n there_o be_v some_o cause_n of_o it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n ergo_fw-la answ_n the_o cause_n efficient_a be_v god_n reveal_v donation_n and_o covenant_n consent_v the_o cause_n receptive_a or_o the_o condition_n of_o reception_n be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o child_n of_o a_o consent_v believer_n mr._n t._n to_o this_o 1._o mr._n t._n deny_v any_o such_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n which_o be_v soon_o say_v 2._o he_o say_v the_o conditional_a covenant_n promise_v justification_n salvation_n on_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o visible_a church-membership_a and_o so_o belong_v to_o all_o as_o mr._n b._n etc._n etc._n answ_n 1._o it_o give_v both_o justification_n and_o visible_a membership_n that_o be_v right_o to_o both_o and_o many_o other_o covenant_n benefit_n 2._o it_o belong_v conditional_o to_o all_o and_o conditional_o give_v union_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o pardon_v and_o life_n to_o all_o but_o actual_o to_o none_o till_o the_o condition_n be_v perform_v which_o be_v a_o believe_a parent_n consent_v and_o regular_o his_o baptismal_a dedication_n mr._n t._n if_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_n to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n to_o be_v their_o god_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v their_o infant_n christian_n visible_a church-membership_a as_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n of_o infant_n die_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o believer_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n answ_n it_o be_v true_a if_o they_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o visible_a believer_n because_o they_o be_v not_o visible_o capable_a subject_n but_o it_o be_v such_o that_o we_o speak_v of_o your_o three_o instance_n be_v abusive_a 1._o abraham_n be_v a_o visible_a church-member_n of_o the_o church_n triumphant_a where_o he_o be_v i_o will_v not_o believe_v you_o if_o you_o deny_v it_o 2._o infant_n of_o visible_a christian_n die_v in_o the_o womb_n be_v in_o that_o degree_n visible_a church-member_n as_o they_o be_v visible_a person_n that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o know_a thing_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o capacity_n 3._o one_o visible_o believe_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n be_v a_o visible_a church-member_n one_o not_o visible_o believe_v belong_v not_o to_o our_o case_n mr._n t._n if_o all_o these_o which_o mr._n b._n make_v the_o cause_n or_o condition_n may_v be_v in_o act_n and_o the_o effect_n not_o be_v than_o the_o cause_n which_o mr._n b._n assign_v be_v not_o sufficient_a but_o &c._n &c._n for_o they_o may_v all_o be_v before_o the_o child_n be_v bear_v answ_n a_o mere_a quibble_n 1._o before_o he_o be_v bear_v i_o tell_v you_o as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v visible_o the_o child_n of_o a_o visible_a christian_a so_o faâ—_n he_o be_v a_o visible_a unborn_a member_n but_o as_o to_o that_o degree_n of_o visible_a membership_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o bear_v baptizable_a infant_n two_o cause_n be_v want_v to_o the_o unborn_a 1._o god_n consent_n or_o donation_n for_o though_o the_o promise_n as_o a_o donative_n instrument_n be_v existent_a a_o thousand_o year_n before_o it_o effect_v not_o the_o gift_n till_o the_o subject_n be_v receptive_a or_o capable_a god_n may_v promise_v a_o thousand_o year_n before_o in_o diem_fw-la or_o sub_fw-la conditione_n which_o signify_v his_o consent_n that_o so_o and_o then_o it_o shall_v be_v due_a and_o not_o otherwise_o or_o before_o these_o easy_a thing_n shall_v not_o be_v thus_o wink_v at_o 2._o the_o parent_n consent_n be_v want_v for_o though_o the_o parent_n dedicate_v the_o child_n in_o the_o womb_n to_o god_n by_o promise_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o deliver_v he_o up_o in_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n as_o a_o visible_a person_n till_o he_o be_v bear_v mr._n t._n recite_v my_o answer_n elsewhere_o say_v it_o deserve_v a_o smile_n for_o i_o make_v christ_n by_o his_o law_n or_o covenant-grant_a the_o only_a cause_n efficient_a the_o rest_n of_o his_o word_n be_v 1._o to_o tell_v we_o that_o justification_n etc._n etc._n have_v a_o further_a efficient_a after_o the_o covenant_n which_o cause_v justificability_n but_o not_o actual_a justification_n without_o man_n faith_n 2._o that_o i_o err_v in_o take_v visible_a membership_n to_o be_v a_o right_n and_o moral_a effect_n answ_n i_o take_v not_o that_o for_o the_o picture_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n who_o the_o painter_n draw_v laugh_v or_o smile_v and_o i_o be_o now_o confirm_v in_o that_o fancy_n 1._o a_o testament_n or_o deed_n of_o gift_n in_o diem_fw-la which_o say_v at_o seven_o year_n end_n that_o land_n shall_v be_v you_o may_v be_v the_o only_a efficient_a instrument_n long_o before_o existent_n and_o yet_o give_v you_o no_o right_a till_o the_o time_n and_o then_o give_v it_o because_o it_o effect_v but_o by_o signification_n of_o the_o donor_n will_n must_v the_o christendom_n of_o kingdom_n be_v impetuous_o question_v by_o man_n that_o know_v not_o such_o rudiment_n as_o these_o 2._o that_o justification_n which_o be_v give_v we_o at_o our_o believe_v which_o be_v our_o right_n to_o impunity_n and_o life_n be_v the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o the_o covenant_n donation_n and_o man_n faith_n be_v
miserable_a than_o heathen_n and_o if_o you_o can_v first_o believe_v that_o the_o infant_n of_o all_o infidel_n atheist_n and_o ungodly_a christian_n hypocrite_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o salvation_n you_o will_v next_o be_v incline_v to_o think_v better_o of_o their_o parent_n state_n than_o god_n allow_v you_o and_o where_o be_v this_o promise_n §_o 6._o some_o say_v that_o the_o new_a covenant_n give_v grace_n and_o life_n to_o all_o that_o do_v not_o ponere_fw-la obicem_fw-la but_o i_o must_v have_v god_n covenant_n in_o his_o own_o term_n that_o i_o may_v have_v it_o in_o his_o own_o sense_n if_o i_o will_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o benefit_n non_fw-la ponere_fw-la obicem_fw-la signify_v plain_o no_o action_n or_o positive_a qualification_n as_o necessary_a but_o only_o a_o negation_n of_o some_o contrary_a action_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o term_n of_o god_n covenant_n to_o the_o adult_n be_v clean_a contrary_n it_o be_v not_o he_o that_o neither_o believe_v nor_o oppose_v faith_n shall_v be_v save_v or_o he_o that_o do_v neither_o good_a nor_o harm_n as_o a_o man_n in_o a_o apoplexy_n or_o asleep_o but_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o perish_v and_o without_o holiness_n none_o shall_v see_v god_n but_o a_o mere_a negation_n be_v no_o holiness_n §_o 7._o and_o if_o any_o will_v feign_v another_o covenant_n for_o infant_n let_v he_o show_v what_o and_o where_o it_o be_v for_o i_o know_v but_o one_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o take_v in_o the_o infant_n with_o the_o authorize_v parent_n who_o member_n or_o own_o god_n take_v they_o to_o be_v and_o require_v a_o positive_a believe_a consent_n and_o dedication_n to_o god_n as_o the_o positive_a condition_n which_o be_v more_o than_o a_o negative_a non_fw-la ponere_fw-la obicem_fw-la though_o perform_v by_o the_o parent_n for_o the_o child_n and_o so_o the_o promise_n throughout_o the_o scripture_n run_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n §_o 8._o i_o know_v that_o god_n promise_v to_o bless_v child_n through_o many_o generation_n for_o their_o faithful_a ancestor_n sake_n but_o that_o be_v on_o supposition_n that_o fidelity_n continue_v in_o the_o line_n and_o that_o apostasy_n make_v no_o intercision_n else_o all_o shall_v be_v bless_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o no_n even_o cham_n posterity_n as_o well_o as_o shem_n §_o 9_o what_o then_o be_v the_o thing_n make_v necessary_a and_o sufficient_a by_o the_o covenant_n to_o their_o salvation_n but_o that_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a devote_v by_o they_o to_o god_n that_o be_v that_o their_o parent_n natural_a or_o at_o least_o civil_a who_o own_o they_o be_v and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o dispose_n of_o they_o for_o their_o good_a do_v enter_v they_o by_o consent_n into_o the_o covenant_n with_o christ_n which_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o faithful_a parent_n virtual_o do_v before_o and_o will_v actual_o do_v when_o god_n do_v call_v they_o to_o it_o §_o 10._o as_o to_o they_o that_o say_v the_o thing_n further_o necessary_a as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o infant_n acceptance_n and_o salvation_n be_v a_o promise_n to_o educate_v the_o child_n as_o a_o christian_a if_o he_o live_v i_o answer_v 1._o that_o promise_n indeed_o be_v include_v in_o his_o dedication_n and_o consent_n 2._o but_o who_o but_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o child_n be_v capable_a of_o make_v such_o a_o promise_n unless_o as_o second_o promise_v that_o the_o owner_n shall_v do_v their_o duty_n for_o only_o he_o that_o ow_v he_o can_v educate_v he_o by_o himself_o or_o other_o or_o dispose_v of_o he_o for_o his_o education_n who_o have_v power_n to_o dispose_v of_o another_o man_n child_n and_o educate_v he_o they_o that_o undertake_v as_o surety_n to_o do_v it_o in_o case_n the_o parent_n apostatise_v or_o die_v do_v plain_o imply_v 1._o that_o till_o than_o it_o be_v the_o parent_n that_o be_v entrust_v to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o that_o the_o parent_n must_v consent_v to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o that_o the_o parent_n must_v enter_v his_o child_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o christ_n 2._o and_o that_o if_o the_o parent_n apostatise_v or_o die_v they_o will_v take_v the_o child_n themselves_o as_o their_o own_o or_o else_o by_o what_o power_n can_v they_o educate_v he_o or_o dispose_v of_o he_o §_o 11._o they_o that_o say_v god_n do_v not_o save_v one_o for_o the_o faith_n or_o consent_n of_o another_o must_v remember_v 1._o that_o we_o be_v all_o save_v for_o the_o meritorious_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o way_n of_o a_o free_a gift_n who_o condition_n be_v but_o suitable_a acceptance_n and_o why_o may_v not_o a_o parent_n accept_v a_o donation_n for_o his_o child_n who_o have_v no_o will_n to_o accept_v it_o for_o himself_o shall_v he_o be_v certain_o shut_v out_o unto_o damnation_n or_o shall_v he_o have_v that_o gift_n absolute_o which_o be_v conditional_a to_o all_o other_o or_o be_v he_o not_o concern_v in_o the_o donation_n at_o all_o 2._o and_o remember_v that_o we_o have_v guilt_n and_o misery_n from_o our_o parent_n and_o therefore_o though_o life_n and_o pardon_n be_v by_o christ_n only_o yet_o it_o be_v congruous_a that_o the_o mere_a condition_n of_o acceptance_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o parent_n §_o 12._o perhaps_o some_o will_v lay_v all_o the_o right_a of_o infant_n to_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n upon_o secret_a election_n only_o as_o if_o all_o that_o we_o know_v of_o infant_n salvation_n be_v that_o god_n will_v save_v some_o who_o he_o have_v elect_v but_o that_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o any_o particular_a infant_n in_o the_o world_n as_o under_o any_o condition_n or_o qualification_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o 1._o no_o infant_n have_v any_o right_a to_o pardon_v grace_n and_o salvation_n give_v he_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n no_o more_o than_o any_o elect_a person_n at_o age_n have_v before_o faith_n and_o regeneration_n election_n give_v paul_n nor_o any_o wicked_a man_n no_o right_a to_o pardon_v or_o salvation_n else_o elect_v pagan_n and_o infidel_n be_v justify_v if_o they_o have_v jus_o ad_fw-la impunitatem_fw-la &_o regnum_fw-la coelorum_fw-la 2._o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o we_o have_v no_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v save_v ten_o or_o three_o infant_n in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o he_o have_v not_o tell_v we_o whether_o he_o have_v elect_v so_o many_o 3._o and_o yet_o we_o can_v be_v sure_o but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o or_o almost_o all_o be_v save_v while_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v unrevealed_a 4._o nor_o can_v we_o know_v that_o any_o more_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v save_v than_o of_o the_o heathen_n or_o infidel_n of_o those_o that_o love_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n than_o of_o those_o that_o hate_v he_o 5._o and_o in_o a_o word_n we_o have_v then_o no_o proper_a hope_n upon_o covenant_n right_a that_o god_n will_v save_v any_o one_o individual_a infant_n in_o the_o world_n for_o we_o can_v hope_v in_o this_o proper_a sense_n of_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v promise_v or_o reveal_v and_o so_o parent_n must_v be_v thus_o far_o hopeless_a §_o 13._o god_n who_o make_v man_n after_o his_o image_n teach_v he_o to_o govern_v according_a to_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v his_o image_n and_o all_o the_o kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n take_v infant_n for_o infant-member_n and_o the_o law_n give_v they_o right_o to_o honour_n and_o inheritance_n the_o possession_n and_o use_n whereof_o they_o may_v have_v in_o the_o time_n and_o degree_n that_o nature_n do_v capacitate_v they_o and_o can_v we_o then_o think_v that_o god_n who_o make_v a_o conditional_a gift_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n to_o all_o the_o adult_a person_n in_o the_o world_n do_v whole_o leave_v out_o infant_n and_o that_o his_o covenant_n give_v they_o no_o right_n at_o all_o no_o not_o to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n §_o 14._o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o matter_n of_o doubtful_a consequence_n to_o assert_v that_o god_n will_v save_v more_o yea_o so_o great_a number_n as_o we_o will_v hope_v be_v save_v in_o infancy_n than_o ever_o he_o promise_v to_o save_v and_o give_v any_o antecedent_n right_o to_o salvation_n to_o i_o doubt_v we_o shall_v open_v such_o a_o gap_n to_o the_o hope_n of_o presumptuous_a heathen_n and_o infidel_n this_o way_n as_o will_v cross_v our_o common_a doctrine_n if_o god_n may_v save_v whole_a kingdom_n and_o million_o of_o heathen_n infant_n to_o who_o he_o never_o give_v right_o to_o salvation_n by_o any_o gift_n or_o promise_n
their_o own_o then_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v baptize_v they_o can_v be_v save_v what_o hurt_n then_o as_o to_o this_o do_v their_o infant_n interest_n do_v they_o 2._o yea_o doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o great_a help_n for_o 1._o to_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o benediction_n be_v much_o 2._o and_o know_v you_o deny_v that_o i_o add_v to_o be_v conscious_a of_o a_o early_a engagement_n may_v do_v much_o to_o awe_v the_o mind_n of_o child_n yea_o and_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o love_v that_o christ_n which_o have_v receive_v they_o and_o that_o society_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v 3._o if_o child_n till_o baptise_a have_v any_o thought_n of_o die_a according_a to_o you_o they_o must_v have_v little_a hope_n of_o mercy_n and_o god_n account_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n best_o no_o not_o for_o child_n they_o can_v well_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o must_v believe_v that_o they_o be_v damn_v if_o they_o die_v and_o that_o god_n have_v not_o give_v they_o any_o promise_n of_o life_n 4._o experience_n of_o many_o moor_n servant_n among_o we_o and_o in_o our_o plantation_n beside_o ancient_a history_n assure_v we_o that_o delay_v baptism_n till_o age_n tend_v to_o make_v people_n delay_v repentance_n and_o think_v i_o be_o but_o as_o i_o be_v and_o if_o i_o sin_v long_o all_o will_v be_v pardon_v at_o baptism_n and_o i_o must_v after_o live_v strictly_o and_o therefore_o as_o constantine_n and_o many_o more_o they_o will_v be_v baptize_v christian_n when_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n 5._o and_o experience_n assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o work_v out_o christianity_n and_o restore_v infidelity_n in_o any_o nation_n for_o have_v not_o christ_n early_a possession_n and_o be_v not_o nation_n disciple_v and_o baptize_v christian_n be_v like_a to_o be_v almost_o as_o thin_a as_o puritan_n now_o and_o the_o multitude_n be_v infidel_n from_o a_o cross_a interest_n such_o as_o division_n cause_n will_v be_v ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n as_o they_o do_v in_o japan_n and_o monicongo_n to_o root_v they_o out_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v a_o very_a concern_v consideration_n whether_o in_o reason_n infant_n baptism_n be_v like_a to_o do_v more_o good_a or_o harm_n the_o not_o call_v man_n to_o serious_a covenant_v at_o age_n do_v unspeakable_a harm_n to_o have_v a_o few_o good_a word_n about_o confirmation_n in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o such_o as_o doct._n hammonds_n write_n of_o it_o will_v not_o save_v ignorant_a ungodly_a soul_n nor_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o pastor_n that_o betray_v they_o i_o have_v say_v my_o thought_n of_o this_o long_a ago_o in_o a_o treatise_n of_o confirmation_n but_o i_o must_v profess_v that_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o if_o christ_n have_v leave_v it_o to_o our_o will_n it_o be_v much_o like_a to_o tend_v to_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n and_o the_o propagate_a christianity_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o church_n for_o to_o have_v both_o the_o obligation_n and_o comfort_n of_o our_o infant_n covenant_n and_o church_n state_n and_o as_o serious_a a_o covenant_n also_o at_o age_n when_o we_o pass_v into_o the_o church_n state_n of_o the_o adult_n than_o to_o be_v without_o the_o former_a and_o leave_v to_o the_o expectation_n of_o adult_n baptism_n alone_o sect_n liii_o to_o lviii_o r._n b._n the_o law_n of_o nature_n bind_v parent_n in_o love_n to_o their_o child_n to_o enter_v they_o into_o the_o most_o honourable_a and_o profitable_a society_n if_o they_o have_v but_o leave_v so_o to_o do_v but_o here_o parent_n have_v leave_v to_o enter_v they_o into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o most_o honourable_a and_o profitable_a society_n ergo_fw-la that_o they_o have_v leave_v be_v prove_v 1._o god_n never_o forbid_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v this_o sincere_o the_o wicked_a and_o unbeliever_n can_v do_v it_o sincere_o and_o a_o not_o forbid_v be_v to_o be_v interpret_v as_o leave_v in_o case_n of_o such_o participation_n of_o benefit_n as_o all_o law_n of_o man_n in_o doubtful_a case_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o most_o favourable_a sense_n so_o have_v christ_n teach_v we_o to_o interpret_v his_o own_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o duty_n to_o god_n they_o must_v be_v interpret_v in_o the_o strict_a sense_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o benefit_n to_o man_n they_o must_v be_v interpret_v in_o the_o most_o favourable_a sense_n that_o they_o will_v bear_v 2._o it_o be_v the_o more_o evident_a that_o a_o not_o forbid_v in_o such_o case_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o leave_v because_o god_n have_v put_v the_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n and_o desire_v our_o own_o welfare_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o child_n so_o deep_o in_o humane_a nature_n that_o he_o can_v no_o more_o lay_v it_o by_o than_o he_o can_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v lawful_o actuate_v or_o exercise_v this_o natural_a necessary_a principle_n of_o seek_v his_o own_o or_o child_n real_a happiness_n wherever_o god_n do_v not_o restrain_v or_o prohibit_v he_o we_o need_v no_o positive_a command_n to_o seek_v our_o own_o or_o child_n happiness_n but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n itself_o and_o to_o use_v this_o where_o god_n forbid_v not_o if_o good_a be_v then_o to_o be_v find_v can_v be_v unlawful_a 3._o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o be_v say_v before_o and_o elsewhere_o that_o it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o silent_a leave_n of_o infant_n church-membership_a that_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v we_o for_o in_o the_o forementioned_a fundamental_a promise_n explain_v more_o full_o in_o after_o time_n god_n signify_v his_o will_n that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o there_o be_v some_o hope_n at_o least_o give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o first_o promise_n and_o that_o in_o the_o general_a promise_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n they_o be_v not_o exclude_v there_o be_v no_o exclude_v term_n upon_o so_o much_o encouragement_n and_o hope_n than_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o enter_v their_o infant_n into_o the_o covenant_n and_o into_o that_o society_n that_o partake_v of_o these_o hope_n and_o to_o list_v they_o into_o the_o army_n of_o christ_n 4._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o accept_v of_o any_o allow_v or_o offer_v benefit_n for_o their_o child_n but_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n or_o army_n be_v a_o allow_v or_o offer_v benefit_n to_o they_o ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n for_o the_o major_n these_o principle_n in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n do_v contain_v it_o 1._o that_o the_o infant_n be_v not_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la but_o be_v at_o his_o parent_n dispose_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v for_o his_o good_a that_o the_o parent_n have_v power_n to_o oblige_v their_o child_n to_o any_o future_a duty_n or_o suffering_n that_o be_v certain_o to_o their_o own_o good_a and_o so_o may_v enter_v they_o into_o covenant_n according_o and_o so_o far_o the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o child_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v unnatural_o sinful_a for_o a_o parent_n to_o refuse_v to_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n when_o it_o be_v to_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o his_o own_o child_n as_o if_o a_o prince_n will_v offer_v honour_n and_o lordship_n and_o immunity_n to_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n if_o he_o will_v not_o accept_v this_o for_o his_o heir_n but_o only_o for_o himself_o it_o be_v unnatural_a yea_o if_o he_o will_v not_o oblige_v his_o heir_n to_o some_o small_a and_o reasonable_a condition_n for_o the_o enjoy_n such_o benefit_n for_o the_o minor_a that_o this_o relation_n be_v a_o allow_v or_o offer_v benefit_n to_o infant_n be_v manifest_v already_o and_o more_o shall_v be_v and_o this_o lead_v i_o up_o to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o consider_v of_o whether_o by_o the_o light_n or_o law_n of_o nature_n we_o can_v prove_v that_o infant_n shall_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o be_v church-member_n suppose_v it_o first_o know_v by_o supernatural_a revelation_n that_o parent_n be_v of_o that_o society_n and_o how_o general_a the_o promise_n be_v and_o how_o gracious_a god_n be_v and_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a to_o we_o by_o nature_n that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o benefit_n if_o god_n deny_v it_o not_o but_o will_v give_v it_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o age_a 2._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v actual_o member_n of_o all_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o world_n perfect_v sed_fw-la imperfecta_fw-la membra_fw-la be_v secure_v from_o violence_n by_o the_o law_n and_o capable_a of_o honour_n and_o
world_n 1._o carnal_a proud_a and_o worldly_a hypocrite_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o that_o which_o be_v against_o their_o pride_n and_o worldly_a interest_n these_o contend_v malignant_o against_o godliness_n 2._o ignorant_n idle_a fleshly_a drone_n that_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o mind_n the_o world_n but_o meddle_v not_o much_o with_o controversy_n 3._o professor_n of_o religious_a zeal_n who_o espouse_v some_o singular_a divide_v way_n and_o turn_v all_o their_o study_n to_o make_v good_a their_o mistake_n who_o have_v laudable_a ability_n pervert_v by_o prejudice_n error_n and_o interest_n 4._o honest_a preacher_n that_o serve_v god_n in_o practical_a preach_n but_o be_v but_o half_o study_v in_o some_o controversy_n be_v yet_o as_o forward_o and_o busy_a in_o dispute_v censure_v and_o reprove_v dissenter_n as_o if_o they_o know_v as_o much_o as_o the_o cause_n require_v i_o will_v all_o these_o will_v meddle_v with_o no_o controversy_n but_o what_o great_a necessity_n in_o plain_a and_o certain_a case_n call_v they_o to_o 5._o we_o have_v many_o humble_a true_o godly_a man_n who_o as_o they_o be_v conscious_a that_o they_o be_v not_o well_o study_v for_o controversy_n so_o they_o meddle_v not_o with_o it_o but_o lie_v out_o themselves_o in_o preach_v the_o truth_n that_o we_o all_o agree_v in_o and_o do_v god_n and_o his_o church_n much_o service_n in_o quietness_n and_o peace_n these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o the_o church_n be_v most_o beholden_a to_o 6._o some_o be_v judicious_a and_o very_a fit_a for_o controversy_n but_o too_o cold_a in_o the_o practical_a part_n of_o religion_n 7._o some_o excellent_a holy_a man_n like_a augustine_n have_v so_o digest_v the_o matter_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v the_o truth_n against_o all_o adversary_n and_o live_v according_o only_o these_o two_o last_o sort_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o such_o dispute_n sect_n ii_o of_o the_o weight_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o present_a controversy_n §_o 1._o i_o think_v it_o a_o matter_n in_o this_o distract_a age_n which_o you_o may_v be_v much_o concern_v in_o to_o know_v what_o weight_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o controversy_n about_o infant_n baptism_n that_o you_o may_v neither_o come_v too_o short_a nor_o go_v too_o far_o for_o my_o part_n when_o the_o christian_a parent_n or_o owner_n to_o who_o god_n in_o nature_n and_o scripture_n have_v entrust_v the_o infant_n do_v hearty_o dedicate_v he_o to_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o consent_n that_o he_o stand_v relate_v according_a to_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n i_o be_o none_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n lay_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o application_n of_o the_o water_n as_o to_o damn_v any_o such_o infant_n mere_o for_o the_o want_n of_o it_o and_o though_o i_o can_v subscribe_v to_o as_o much_o more_o as_o some_o will_v have_v i_o who_o think_v so_o much_o better_a of_o their_o own_o understanding_n than_o ever_o any_o evidence_n persuade_v i_o to_o do_v as_o to_o judge_v themselves_o worthy_a to_o be_v creed-maker_n for_o all_o other_o yea_o and_o to_o be_v call_v the_o church_n itself_o yet_o i_o approve_v of_o the_o seventeen_o canon_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n art_n 1._o that_o faithful_a parent_n have_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o child_n die_v in_o infancy_n §_o 2._o and_o i_o hope_v all_o the_o pious_a anabaptist_n themselves_o do_v virtual_o though_o not_o actual_o devote_v their_o child_n to_o god_n and_o consent_n to_o their_o covenant_n relation_n while_o they_o vehement_o plead_v against_o it_o for_o sure_o they_o have_v so_o much_o natural_a affection_n that_o if_o they_o do_v think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v a_o god_n in_o special_a covenant_n with_o their_o child_n and_o pardon_v their_o original_a sin_n and_o give_v they_o right_o to_o future_a life_n upon_o the_o parent_n dedication_n and_o consent_n they_o will_v undoubted_o accept_v the_o gift_n and_o be_v thankful_a and_o i_o believe_v most_o of_o they_o will_v say_v i_o will_v do_v all_o that_o god_n intru_v and_o enable_v i_o to_o do_v that_o my_o child_n may_v be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o i_o will_v give_v he_o up_o to_o god_n and_o accept_v any_o mercy_n for_o he_o as_o far_o as_o god_n do_v authorise_v i_o so_o to_o do_v §_o 3._o and_o if_o parent_n and_o owner_n will_v not_o consent_v that_o their_o child_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o be_v baptize_v i_o be_o not_o yet_o satisfy_v what_o remedy_n we_o have_v nor_o who_o can_v do_v it_o for_o they_o to_o as_o good_a effect_n for_o if_o any_o one_o may_v do_v it_o as_o some_o plead_v than_o all_o heathen_n child_n may_v be_v so_o use_v and_o save_v and_o he_o that_o persuade_v i_o that_o there_o be_v extant_a such_o a_o covenant_n or_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v save_v every_o heathen_n child_n that_o be_v but_o by_o any_o one_o bring_v to_o baptism_n 1._o he_o must_v show_v i_o that_o text_n where_o this_o promise_n be_v 2._o and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v he_o will_v leave_v i_o persuade_v that_o god_n will_v save_v all_o heathen_n infant_n whether_o baptize_v or_o not_o 1._o because_o i_o and_o ten_o thousand_o more_o christian_n will_v sit_v in_o our_o closert_n and_o offer_v to_o god_n all_o the_o infant_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v consent_v that_o he_o be_v their_o reconcile_a god_n and_o they_o his_o child_n and_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o what_o good_a man_n will_v not_o desire_v their_o salvation_n 2._o and_o i_o shall_v not_o easy_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v damn_v they_o all_o mere_o for_o want_v of_o a_o stranger_n consent_n to_o save_v they_o be_v that_o want_v 3._o much_o less_o that_o when_o we_o do_v consent_v a_o thousand_o or_o ten_o thousand_o mile_n off_o that_o all_o the_o child_n e._n g._n in_o china_n or_o siana_n shall_v be_v baptize_v and_o save_v that_o this_o shall_v not_o hinder_v their_o damnation_n mere_o because_o the_o infant_n and_o we_o be_v so_o distant_a that_o we_o can_v in_o sight_n and_o presence_n offer_v they_o to_o god_n sure_o if_o my_o consent_n that_o a_o turk_n child_n be_v baptize_v and_o save_v will_v do_v it_o if_o he_o be_v with_o i_o it_o may_v do_v it_o a_o mile_n off_o and_o if_o so_o then_o ten_o thousand_o mile_n off_o 4._o and_o if_o i_o be_v empower_v to_o consent_v i_o shall_v never_o believe_v that_o the_o bare_a want_n of_o the_o water_n will_v damn_v he_o who_o have_v all_o thing_n else_o that_o god_n have_v make_v necessary_a to_o his_o salvation_n as_o i_o say_v before_o i_o think_v they_o give_v too_o much_o to_o baptism_n who_o say_v that_o god_n will_v either_o save_v any_o one_o by_o it_o who_o want_v other_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o that_o he_o will_v damn_v any_o for_o want_n of_o it_o that_o be_v of_o the_o wash_n of_o the_o body_n who_o want_v nothing_o else_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o i_o doubt_v they_o that_o say_v otherwise_o will_v prove_v dishonourer_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o feign_v it_o to_o be_v too_o like_a to_o the_o heathenish_a superstition_n lay_v man_n salvation_n on_o a_o ceremony_n as_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a it_o be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n redouble_a lesson_n go_v learn_v what_o that_o mean_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v and_o no_o man_n shall_v unteach_v i_o this_o great_a and_o comfortable_a lesson_n which_o christ_n have_v so_o industrious_o teach_v i_o and_o which_o have_v be_v long_o write_v so_o deep_o on_o my_o heart_n as_o have_v make_v all_o unmerciful_a persecution_n and_o separation_n and_o alienation_n very_o displease_v to_o i_o §_o 4._o i_o have_v prove_v afterward_o that_o even_a augustine_n himself_o do_v as_o on_o great_a deliberation_n assert_v that_o where_o the_o ministry_n of_o baptism_n be_v not_o despise_v heart_n conversion_n without_o it_o suffice_v to_o salvation_n in_o the_o adult_n and_o no_o scripture_n or_o reason_n do_v make_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o infant_n if_o not_o to_o the_o adult_n §_o 5._o and_o if_o heathen_n infant_n be_v not_o damn_v mere_o for_o want_n of_o outward_a baptism_n nor_o yet_o for_o want_v of_o the_o consent_n of_o other_o either_o because_o that_o other_o man_n consent_n who_o be_v stranger_n to_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n or_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o have_v it_o at_o a_o distance_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o the_o infant_n of_o heathen_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n unless_o somewhat_o else_o be_v yet_o prove_v necessary_a to_o it_o and_o if_o they_o be_v all_o save_v then_o so_o be_v all_o christian_n infant_n also_o or_o else_o they_o be_v more_o
mere_o because_o he_o elect_v they_o some_o will_v say_v why_o may_v he_o not_o do_v so_o also_o by_o the_o parent_n at_o least_o renew_v they_o all_o in_o transitu_fw-la §_o 15._o if_o you_o say_v that_o he_o give_v they_o free_o his_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o give_v they_o right_o to_o salvation_n as_o sanctify_v though_o he_o tell_v we_o not_o who_o be_v sanctify_v i_o answer_v 1._o take_v heed_n lest_o you_o teach_v the_o presumptuous_a to_o say_v the_o same_o of_o infidel_n heathen_n and_o almost_o all_o that_o god_n may_v in_o the_o passage_n when_o they_o be_v die_v sanctify_v and_o save_v they_o all_o 2._o still_o this_o give_v no_o positive_a hope_n of_o any_o particular_n nor_o more_o to_o christian_n for_o their_o child_n than_o they_o may_v have_v of_o the_o child_n of_o infidel_n nor_o any_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o sanctification_n as_o believer_n have_v §_o 16._o i_o take_v it_o therefore_o for_o the_o sound_a doctrine_n that_o god_n take_v the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a into_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o become_v their_o god_n and_o take_v they_o for_o his_o own_o do_v signify_v no_o less_o than_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o pardon_n and_o right_a to_o life_n eternal_a and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o this_o state_n upon_o their_o parent_n consent_v and_o heart-devoting_a they_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n before_o baptism_n but_o baptism_n be_v the_o solemnize_n and_o investiture_n which_o open_o coram_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la deliver_v they_o possession_n of_o their_o visible_a church-state_n with_o a_o seal_a pardon_n and_o gift_n of_o life_n for_o it_o be_v not_o another_o but_o the_o same_o promise_n and_o covenant_n which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o feed_n and_o all_o god_n promise_n to_o the_o many_o generation_n of_o they_o in_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o many_o other_o text_n can_v mean_v any_o such_o little_a blessing_n as_o consist_v with_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n and_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o baptise_v of_o infant_n be_v of_o this_o mind_n who_o i_o will_v not_o despise_v and_o abraham_n case_n persuade_v i_o that_o the_o child_n of_o natural_a and_o civil_a parent_n true_o their_o owner_n have_v this_o right_n before_o they_o be_v baptize_v but_o the_o former_a natural_a parent_n have_v plain_a evidence_n than_o the_o late_a which_o be_v a_o dark_a case_n but_o as_o for_o they_o that_o think_v either_o that_o all_o infant_n be_v save_v or_o all_o baptize_v infant_n â—ure_n well_fw-mi injuria_fw-la though_o no_o parent_n or_o owner_n consent_n or_o dedicate_v they_o hearty_o or_o open_o to_o god_n or_o though_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o true_o consent_v not_o for_o themselves_o or_o they_o let_v they_o prove_v it_o if_o they_o can_v but_o i_o must_v say_v it_o be_v pass_v my_o power_n §_o 17._o i_o know_v the_o grand_a difficulty_n be_v that_o then_o this_o infant-grace_n be_v lose_v in_o many_o that_o live_v to_o ripe_a age_n i_o have_v say_v so_o much_o of_o this_o in_o my_o christian_a directory_n that_o i_o will_v refer_v the_o consider_a reader_n thither_o only_o add_v 1._o that_o far_o great_a absurdity_n will_v follow_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o the_o great_a be_v not_o to_o be_v choose_v i_o be_o loath_a again_o to_o name_v they_o 2._o that_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o far_o as_o by_o any_o notice_n we_o can_v know_v do_v for_o many_o hundred_o year_n grant_v the_o conclusion_n and_o take_v it_o for_o no_o absurdity_n but_o a_o certain_a truth_n yea_o much_o more_o austin_n and_o his_o follower_n themselves_o think_v more_o at_o age_n be_v true_o justify_v and_o sanctify_v than_o be_v elect_v and_o do_v persevere_v and_o some_o hold_n that_o not_o all_o that_o have_v the_o sanctify_a spirit_n but_o only_o certain_a confirm_a christian_n have_v a_o certainty_n to_o persevere_v and_o other_o hold_v that_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v promise_v to_o believer_n though_o man_n believe_v not_o without_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n which_o cause_v man_n only_o to_o believe_v as_o antecedent_n to_o that_o promise_a spirit_n of_o power_n love_n and_o a_o sound_a mind_n be_v but_o such_o as_o may_v be_v lose_v as_o adam_n be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n follow_v it_o as_o the_o root_a habit_n which_o can_v be_v lose_v and_o other_o come_v yet_o low_o and_o say_v that_o the_o grace_n which_o give_v faith_n itself_o can_v be_v lose_v because_o such_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o yet_o the_o grace_n which_o only_o enable_v man_n to_o repent_v and_o believe_v call_v sufficient_a may_v be_v lose_v before_o it_o produce_v the_o act_n according_o some_o think_n of_o infant-grace_n the_o last_o sort_n think_v that_o they_o have_v real_a pardon_n of_o original_a sin_n and_o right_a to_o life_n and_o have_v real_a grace_n but_o be_v infant_n that_o grace_n be_v but_o such_o as_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o believe_v if_o they_o come_v to_o age_n and_o not_o infallible_o cause_v it_o and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v lose_v and_o so_o i_o may_v run_v over_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o among_o all_o these_o the_o judgement_n of_o davenant_n ward_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o infant-state_n of_o grace_n as_o by_o they_o open_v be_v not_o so_o hard_a as_o i_o think_v the_o contrary_a way_n will_v infer_v and_o it_o seem_v by_o art_n 1._o c._n 17._o that_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n be_v of_o their_o mind_n §_o 18._o our_o darkness_n about_o the_o future_a state_n of_o infant_n soul_n have_v occasion_v some_o diversity_n of_o thought_n about_o their_o present_a state_n indeed_o they_o will_v neither_o in_o heaven_n or_o hell_n have_v any_o work_n for_o conscience_n in_o the_o review_n of_o any_o former_a action_n good_a or_o evil_n and_o it_o seem_v by_o nazianzen_n before_o cite_v orat._n 40._o that_o some_o ancient_n think_v as_o most_o papist_n do_v that_o unbaptise_v infant_n have_v neither_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n nor_o any_o punishment_n but_o the_o loss_n of_o these_o but_o what_o state_n then_o to_o place_v they_o in_o they_o know_v not_o to_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v remain_v in_o a_o mere_a potentiality_n of_o understanding_n and_o shall_v know_v no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v here_o be_v to_o equal_v they_o with_o bruit_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o socinian_o who_o say_v the_o like_a of_o the_o separate_a soul_n of_o the_o adult_n and_o if_o they_o can_v allow_v understanding_n to_o those_o that_o die_v baptize_v why_o not_o to_o the_o rest_n and_o if_o they_o understand_v they_o must_v have_v grief_n or_o pleasure_n but_o who_o can_v know_v more_o than_o god_n reveal_v §_o 19_o in_o sum_n 1._o that_o god_n will_v have_v parent_n devote_v their_o child_n to_o he_o and_o enter_v they_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n in_o his_o covenant_n as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o prove_v be_v a_o great_a truth_n not_o to_o be_v forsake_v 2._o and_o also_o that_o he_o accept_v into_o his_o covenant_n all_o that_o be_v faithful_o thus_o devote_v to_o he_o and_o be_v peculiarly_a their_o god_n and_o such_o child_n be_v holy_a 3._o that_o they_o be_v certain_o member_n according_a to_o a_o infant_n capacity_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o they_o be_v of_o all_o kingdom_n under_o heaven_n these_o be_v all_o clear_a and_o great_a truth_n 4._o and_o that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o hope_n of_o their_o salvation_n than_o of_o those_o without_o 5._o and_o i_o think_v the_o covenant_n make_v their_o salvation_n certain_a if_o they_o so_o die_v 6._o and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o the_o investiture_n and_o solemnisation_n of_o their_o covenant_n with_o christ_n shall_v be_v make_v in_o infancy_n from_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o and_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n 7._o but_o if_o any_o shall_v think_v with_o tertullian_n and_o nazianzen_n that_o the_o time_n of_o investiture_n and_o solemnisation_n be_v partly_o leave_v to_o prudence_n and_o may_v be_v delay_v in_o case_n of_o health_n yea_o or_o shall_v think_v that_o infant_n be_v not_o to_o be_v solemn_o invest_v by_o baptism_n but_o only_o the_o adult_n so_o they_o confess_v infant_n relation_n to_o god_n his_o covenant_n and_o church_n i_o will_v differ_v from_o such_o man_n with_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o mutual_a toleration_n and_o communion_n chap._n i._n the_o occasion_n of_o this_o write_n §_o 1._o as_o i_o be_v by_o great_a and_o long_a importunity_n unwilling_o engage_v at_o first_o to_o meddle_v public_o in_o the_o controversy_n of_o infant_n baptism_n with_o mr._n tomb_n so_o i_o then_o resolve_v to_o meddle_v no_o more_o with_o it_o unless_o i_o find_v that_o necessity_n make_v it_o a_o apparent_a duty_n §_o 2._o according_o when_o mr._n
change_v not_o his_o order_n therein_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o consent_v to_o grace_n for_o their_o child_n as_o they_o be_v of_o be_v innocent_a for_o they_o sect_n xlvi_o r._n b._n the_o next_o institution_n of_o infant_n church-membership_a be_v at_o the_o first_o proclamation_n of_o grace_n to_o fall_v man_n or_o in_o the_o first_o promise_n of_o redemption_n to_o sinner_n in_o gen._n 3.15_o an_o i_o will_v put_v enmity_n between_o thou_o and_o the_o woman_n and_o between_o thy_o seed_n and_o her_o seed_n it_o shall_v bruise_v thy_o head_n and_o thou_o shall_v bruise_v his_o heel_n i_o will_v prove_v that_o this_o fundamental_a covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o promise_n do_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o infant_n shall_v be_v church-member_n and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o first_o consider_v what_o the_o word_n express_o contain_v and_o then_o what_o light_n may_v be_v fetch_v from_o other_o text_n to_o illustrate_v they_o it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n that_o a_o expositor_n must_v not_o turn_v universals_z into_o singular_n or_o particular_n nor_o restrain_v and_o limit_v the_o scripture_n general_n where_o the_o word_n itself_o or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n do_v not_o limit_v they_o i_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o these_o thing_n follow_v be_v comprehend_v in_o this_o fundamental_a promise_n 1._o that_o the_o devil_n have_v play_v the_o enemy_n to_o mankind_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o this_o sin_n and_o misery_n god_n will_v not_o leave_v they_o remediless_a nor_o to_o that_o total_a voluntary_a subjection_n to_o he_o as_o he_o may_v haâ—e_v do_v but_o in_o grace_n or_o undeserved_a mercy_n will_v engage_v they_o in_o a_o war_n against_o he_o in_o which_o they_o that_o conquer_v shall_v bruise_v his_o head_n 2._o that_o in_o this_o war_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o principal_a seed_n be_v promise_v to_o be_v our_o general_n who_o perfect_a nature_n shall_v contain_v and_o his_o perfect_a life_n express_v a_o perfect_a enmity_n against_o satan_n and_o who_o shall_v make_v a_o perfect_a conquest_n over_o he_o 3._o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v promise_v to_o do_v this_o work_n as_o the_o woman_n seed_n and_o so_o as_o conceive_v of_o she_o and_o bear_v by_o she_o and_o so_o as_o a_o infant_n first_o before_o he_o come_v to_o ripeness_n of_o age_n so_o that_o here_o a_o infant_n of_o the_o woman_n be_v promise_v to_o be_v the_o general_n of_o this_o army_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v most_o evident_a by_o which_o god_n do_v sanctify_v the_o humane_a birth_n and_o the_o infant_n state_n and_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o do_v not_o exclude_v now_o that_o age_n from_o the_o redeem_a church_n which_o he_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n for_o the_o first_o promise_n be_v of_o a_o infant_n bear_v of_o the_o woman_n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o maturity_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o head_n have_v god_n exclude_v the_o infant_n state_n from_o the_o visible_a church_n he_o will_v not_o have_v make_v the_o head_n first_o a_o infant_n where_o note_n 1._o that_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a exemplar_n of_o his_o church_n and_o in_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o he_o do_v that_o first_o in_o his_o own_o body_n which_o he_o will_v after_o do_v in_o they_o 2._o that_o the_o head_n be_v a_o member_n even_o the_o principal_a member_n one_o of_o the_o two_o part_n which_o constitute_v the_o whole_a as_o the_o pars_fw-la imperans_fw-la and_o pars_fw-la subdita_fw-la do_v constitute_v each_o commonwealth_n so_o that_o if_o a_o infant_n must_v be_v a_o member_n eminent_o so_o call_v than_o infant_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o membership_n but_o be_v hereby_o clear_o warrant_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o low_a nature_n if_o a_o infant_n may_v be_v sovereign_a no_o doubt_n he_o may_v be_v a_o subject_a if_o a_o infant_n may_v be_v the_o chief_a prophet_n of_o the_o church_n than_o no_o doubt_n but_o infant_n may_v be_v disciple_n if_o you_o still_o harp_n on_o the_o old_a string_n and_o say_v they_o be_v no_o disciple_n that_o learn_v not_o you_o may_v as_o well_o say_v he_o be_v no_o prophet_n that_o teach_v not_o and_o if_o you_o will_v open_o deny_v christ_n in_o infancy_n to_o have_v be_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o church_n i_o will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o falsehood_n and_o vileness_n of_o that_o opinion_n as_o soon_o as_o i_o know_v you_o own_o it_o the_o promise_n then_o of_o a_o infant_n head_n do_v declare_v god_n mind_n that_o he_o will_v have_v infant_n member_n because_o the_o head_n be_v the_o principal_a member_n mr._n t._n the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v a_o law_n or_o ordinance_n of_o god_n unrepealed_a reply_v the_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o do_v be_v to_o show_v you_o when_o and_o how_o god_n institute_v infant_n church_n state_n and_o that_o he_o never_o have_v a_o church_n on_o earth_n that_o exclude_v they_o and_o particular_o to_o show_v you_o that_o they_o be_v include_v in_o the_o first_o edition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v to_o adam_n which_o be_v perfect_v in_o a_o second_o edition_n but_o not_o repeal_v this_o i_o think_v i_o have_v do_v mr._n t._n add_v that_o it_o will_v not_o hold_v from_o christ_n headship_n in_o infancy_n etc._n etc._n 1._o it_o be_v not_o declare_v in_o scripture_n and_o so_o a_o mere_a phanâ—y_n 2._o then_o a_o infant_n in_o the_o womb_n shall_v be_v a_o visible_a member_n because_o than_o christ_n be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o then_o a_o old_a man_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o member_n for_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o old_a man_n reply_n 1._o irenaeus_n think_v it_o will_v hold_v who_o give_v this_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o i_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o the_o word_n cite_v prove_v it_o not_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o great_o satisfy_v my_o judgement_n that_o god_n hereby_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o include_v infant_n in_o his_o church_n visible_o for_o the_o head_n be_v a_o member_n even_o the_o noble_a therefore_o one_o infant_n be_v confess_v by_o you_o to_o be_v a_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o one_o it_o will_v be_v incumbent_a on_o you_o to_o prove_v the_o rest_n uncapable_a or_o exclude_v when_o i_o read_v that_o christ_n come_v not_o into_o the_o world_n at_o the_o statute_n that_o adam_n do_v but_o choose_v to_o be_v a_o infant_n and_o to_o be_v persecute_v in_o infancy_n and_o to_o have_v infant_n murder_v for_o his_o sake_n first_o and_o to_o invite_v and_o use_v they_o as_o he_o do_v it_o be_v not_o the_o roll_a over_o of_o your_o wearisome_a dry_a denial_n and_o confident_a absurdity_n that_o will_v persuade_v i_o that_o christ_n shut_v out_o all_o infant_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o the_o instance_n confute_v your_o common_a exception_n against_o infant_n as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o disciple_n because_o they_o learn_v not_o which_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o christ_n be_v their_o master_n in_o infancy_n when_o he_o teach_v not_o and_o that_o their_o infancy_n do_v not_o incapacitate_v they_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o be_v christian_n to_o be_v church-member_n etc._n etc._n christ_n show_v in_o that_o in_o infancy_n he_o bear_v all_o the_o counter-relation_n and_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n as_o mediator_n and_o that_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v only_o by_o a_o virtual_a and_o not_o actual_a consent_n in_o his_o infancy_n and_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o mediation_n mr._n t._n say_v than_o a_o infant_n in_o the_o womb_n may_v be_v a_o church-member_n reply_v yes_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o christ_n in_o the_o womb_n be_v the_o church_n head_n not_o by_o the_o solemn_a investiture_n of_o baptism_n but_o by_o consent_n for_o believe_v parent_n do_v dedicate_v their_o child_n to_o god_n intentional_o when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o womb_n but_o a_o man_n will_v think_v that_o you_o yourself_o shall_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o dedication_n and_o so_o the_o visibility_n of_o membership_n have_v its_o gradation_n to_o perfection_n be_v not_o your_o proselyte_n visible_a member_n in_o one_o degree_n when_o they_o open_o profess_v christianity_n as_o constantine_n do_v and_o in_o a_o further_a degree_n when_o baptize_v the_o interest_n of_o your_o opinion_n put_v frivolous_a reason_n into_o your_o mind_n which_o a_o child_n may_v see_v through_o mr._n t._n add_v than_o a_o old_a man_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o member_n reply_v can_v you_o think_v now_o that_o you_o do_v not_o cheat_v your_o poor_a reader_n if_o partiality_n have_v not_o shut_v one_o of_o your_o eye_n it_o will_v follow_v from_o the_o affirmative_a that_o such_o a_o state_n of_o
life_n which_o christ_n undertake_v be_v lawful_a such_o word_n which_o he_o speak_v such_o deed_n which_o he_o do_v be_v lawful_a because_o he_o do_v they_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o the_o mediator_n but_o will_v it_o thence_o follow_v from_o the_o negative_a that_o no_o call_n no_o thought_n no_o word_n no_o deed_n be_v lawful_a which_o christ_n use_v not_o a_o single_a man_n that_o have_v no_o wife_n or_o child_n may_v be_v prove_v capable_a of_o church-membership_a because_o christ_n that_o be_v such_o be_v the_o chief_a church-member_n that_o be_v the_o head_n but_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o a_o marry_a man_n therefore_o may_v be_v none_o christ_n example_n will_v prove_v that_o a_o child_n of_o god_n may_v seem_v forsake_v may_v be_v crucify_v as_o a_o malefactor_n but_o not_o that_o no_o other_o be_v god_n child_n mr._n t._n i_o deny_v not_o that_o christ_n in_o infancy_n be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o that_o he_o be_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o church_n in_o infancy_n understand_v it_o of_o his_o be_v the_o prophet_n habitual_o and_o by_o designation_n nor_o that_o he_o in_o some_o respect_n to_o wit_n of_o rule_n and_o protection_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n even_o of_o that_o part_n which_o be_v not_o elect_v yet_o i_o deny_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o union_n which_o make_v any_o member_n of_o his_o body_n in_o the_o scripture_n acception_n which_o be_v by_o his_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v not_o elect_v reply_n 1._o and_o will_v not_o the_o reader_n be_v satisfy_v with_o these_o concession_n mark_v reader_n that_o he_o grant_v that_o christ_n a_o infant_n be_v the_o church_n head_n and_o thus_o far_o as_o he_o mention_v of_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o church_n because_o he_o be_v so_o habitual_o and_o by_o designation_n why_o even_o so_o it_o be_v that_o we_o say_v a_o infant_n may_v be_v a_o member_n a_o disciple_n a_o christian_a habitual_o and_o by_o designation_n though_o i_o will_v use_v a_o fit_a word_n here_o than_o habitual_o if_o this_o much_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o the_o denomination_n in_o one_o why_o not_o in_o the_o other_o yield_v sir_n or_o be_v not_o angry_a with_o mr._n gataker_n 2._o and_o then_o what_o bring_v in_o your_o denial_n of_o spiritual_a membership_n to_o the_o non-elect_a will_v you_o have_v make_v your_o reader_n believe_v that_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o question_n and_o when_o will_v you_o prove_v that_o neither_o 1_o cor._n 12._o nor_o any_o other_o scripture_n call_v those_o member_n that_o have_v but_o such_o common_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o tongue_n miracle_n prophecy_n etc._n etc._n reject_v matth._n 7.23_o and_o that_o christ_n never_o talk_v in_o john_n 15._o of_o branch_n in_o he_o not_o bear_v fruit_n and_o some_o cut_v off_o from_o he_o and_o wither_a i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o whole_a church_n visible_a that_o have_v carnal_a contentious_a wrangler_n against_o the_o apostle_n in_o it_o and_o man_n that_o be_v drink_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n etc._n etc._n of_o who_o paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 12.15_o 18_o 20_o 22_o 23_o 26_o 27._o that_o they_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a and_o common_a gift_n be_v mention_v as_o their_o character_n mr._n t._n that_o the_o humane_a birth_n and_o infant_n state_n be_v sanctify_v by_o christ_n be_v not_o true_a for_o than_o it_o will_v be_v holy_a to_o all_o reply_v i_o deny_v your_o consequence_n there_o be_v several_a cause_n concur_v to_o the_o same_o sanctification_n christ_n birth_n and_o infancy_n be_v but_o a_o remote_a preparatory_a cause_n of_o powerful_a sanctification_n which_o be_v ever_o to_o individual_a person_n as_o all_o thing_n be_v pure_a to_o the_o pure_a and_o when_o they_o be_v capable_a subject_n by_o natural_a existence_n and_o parent_n consent_v then_o from_o all_o the_o cause_n together_o result_v the_o holiness_n of_o that_o state_n as_o christ_n death_n and_o merit_n sanctify_v we_o but_o not_o immediate_o nor_o alone_o but_o divine_v use_v to_o take_v this_o word_n sanctify_v in_o a_o initial_a preparatory_a sense_n as_o it_o signify_v the_o make_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n or_o state_n fit_a for_o holy_a use_n as_o temple_n and_o utensil_n be_v say_v to_o be_v sanctify_v when_o design_v to_o be_v use_v holy_o before_o the_o use_n but_o must_v they_o therefore_o be_v so_o use_v by_o all_o no_o but_o by_o the_o priest_n and_o worshipper_n so_o they_o use_v to_o say_v that_o death_n and_o the_o grave_n be_v sanctify_v by_o christ_n how_o not_o to_o all_o or_o any_o of_o the_o ungodly_a but_o the_o curse_n be_v take_v off_o and_o they_o be_v hallow_v for_o the_o holy_a advantage_n of_o the_o faithful_a so_o be_v it_o as_o to_o his_o birth_n and_o infancy_n mr._n t._n nor_o do_v i_o conceive_v any_o truth_n but_o gross_a falsehood_n in_o that_o speech_n haddit_n god_n exclude_v the_o infant_n state_n from_o the_o visible_a church_n he_o will_v not_o have_v make_v the_o head_n first_o a_o infant_n for_o this_o do_v suppose_v this_o the_o only_a end_n or_o chief_a end_n and_o more_o in_o god_n eye_n than_o the_o save_n of_o sinner_n reply_v i_o prove_v that_o gross_a falsehood_n to_o be_v true_a thus_o that_o state_n or_o age_n which_o god_n visible_o include_v and_o actual_o make_v the_o chief_a visible_a church-member_n in_o he_o do_v not_o exclude_v from_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o the_o infant_n state_n god_n visible_o include_v and_o actual_o make_v the_o chief_a visible_a church-member_n in_o therefore_o the_o infant_n state_n god_n do_v not_o exclude_v from_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o major_n be_v because_o to_o include_v and_o exclude_v be_v contrary_n the_o minor_a he_o confess_v if_o he_o say_v that_o it_o may_v be_v include_v and_o exclude_v in_o several_a person_n i_o answer_v i_o here_o speak_v but_o of_o the_o state_n or_o age_n of_o infancy_n as_o such_o to_o prove_v that_o qua_fw-la talis_fw-la a_o infant_n be_v not_o exclude_v for_o if_o qua_fw-la talis_fw-la than_o it_o will_v hold_v ad_fw-la omnes_fw-la universal_o and_o then_o christ_n have_v be_v exclude_v and_o therefore_o the_o age_n be_v not_o exclude_v as_o such_o if_o include_v in_o one_o for_o it_o must_v be_v a_o total_a exclusion_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o will_v prove_v our_o infant_n exclude_v it_o must_v not_o be_v qua_fw-la tale_n as_o infant_n but_o for_o some_o other_o reason_n when_o he_o câ—n_v find_v it_o and_o so_o the_o age_n or_o state_n be_v not_o exclude_v 2._o but_o what_o man_n else_o can_v have_v gather_v that_o then_o this_o must_v be_v the_o only_a or_o chief_a end_n and_o more_o in_o god_n eye_n than_o the_o save_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v there_o any_o more_o include_v in_o the_o assertion_n than_o bare_o that_o god_n will_v not_o have_v make_v a_o infant_n the_o chief_a member_n if_o he_o will_v have_v exclude_v infant_n as_o infant_n who_o câ—uld_v hence_o have_v find_v out_o that_o god_n have_v various_a degree_n of_o intention_n and_o we_o must_v dispute_v which_o be_v chief_o in_o his_o eye_n and_o that_o this_o be_v only_o or_o chief_o in_o his_o eye_n more_o than_o save_v sinner_n let_v they_o dispute_v what_o be_v chief_o in_o god_n eye_n that_o can_v better_o distinguish_v of_o those_o volition_n which_o be_v all_o but_o his_o simple_a essence_n but_o let_v they_o do_v it_o on_o better_a reason_n than_o these_o mr._n t._n i_o deny_v that_o christ_n as_o man_n in_o infancy_n be_v the_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n visible_o and_o in_o actu_fw-la exercito_fw-la let_v mr._n â—_o when_o he_o will_v assault_v there_o will_v appear_v in_o his_o contradiction_n vileness_n and_o manifold_a falsehood_n reply_n that_o one_o little_a and_o be_v cunning_o put_v in_o to_o bring_v you_o off_o by_o take_v visibility_n and_o exercise_n conjunct_o but_o be_v your_o follower_n so_o critical_a as_o to_o discern_v the_o knack_n 1._o neither_o do_v we_o say_v that_o infant_n be_v learner_n in_o actu_fw-la exercito_fw-la and_o so_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o matter_n 2._o but_o reader_n i_o can_v prove_v to_o thou_o if_o thou_o be_v impartial_a though_o not_o to_o mr._n t._n that_o it_o be_v neither_o vile_a nor_o false_a that_o christ_n in_o infancy_n be_v the_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n visible_o though_o not_o in_o actu_fw-la exercito_fw-la that_o which_o be_v declare_v by_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o by_o revelation_n to_o mary_n zacchary_n anna_n symeon_n and_o by_o prophecy_n by_o they_o to_o other_o be_v to_o be_v call_v visible_a but_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o church_n habitual_o and_o by_o designation_n as_o mr._n t._n