his_o sermon_n before_o the_o court_n of_o alderman_n aug._n 23._o 1674._o we_o have_v a_o obligation_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n antecedent_n to_o those_o of_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o nor_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o obey_v those_o any_o further_a than_o they_o be_v agreeable_a with_o these_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n be_v lawful_a 1._o when_o she_o require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n a_o acknowledgement_n and_o profession_n of_o that_o for_o a_o truth_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v a_o error_n 2._o when_o she_o require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n the_o join_n with_o she_o in_o some_o practice_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god._n in_o these_o two_o case_n to_o withdraw_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n now_o this_o be_v our_o very_a case_n in_o the_o point_n of_o baptism_n it_o will_v justify_v that_o distinction_n which_o we_o hold_v needful_a between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o those_o of_o the_o baptize_v believer_n but_o much_o more_o when_o there_o be_v some_o other_o thing_n as_o press_v perhaps_o as_o this_o but_o now_o let_v we_o hear_v the_o doctor_n consider_v say_v he_o what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o the_o former_a question_n this_o question_n must_v be_v answer_v in_o the_o negative_a whether_o we_o consider_v infant-baptism_n as_o a_o thing_n lawful_a or_o allowable_a only_a or_o as_o a_o thing_n high_o requisite_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v and_o as_o a_o foundation_n on_o which_o to_o build_v infant-baptism_n as_o a_o thing_n at_o least_o lawful_a and_o allowable_a he_o direct_o deny_v this_o principle_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v appoint_v in_o religious_a matter_n but_o what_o be_v warrant_v by_o precept_n and_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n account_v this_o rule_n a_o absurdity_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o free_a and_o manly_a nature_n of_o the_o christian_n religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o impracticable_a principle_n etc._n etc._n p._n 49_o 50._o but_o that_o this_o great_a principle_n well_o understand_v shall_v be_v speak_v against_o by_o a_o protestant_n be_v something_o strange_a and_o especial_o that_o he_o do_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o take_v place_n in_o that_o which_o be_v essential_a in_o a_o church-state_n as_o who_o be_v and_o who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v be_v such_o a_o case_n but_o he_o will_v have_v infant-baptism_n to_o be_v admit_v as_o lawful_a and_o allowable_a though_o it_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o precept_n nor_o example_n to_o free_v this_o principle_n from_o abuse_n as_o here_o suggest_v against_o it_o we_o will_v explain_v it_o as_o we_o hold_v and_o maintain_v it_o 1._o then_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v natural_o or_o mere_o accidental_a and_o circumstantial_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n must_v have_v precept_n and_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god._n 2._o nor_o do_v we_o hold_v that_o thing_n which_o be_v mere_o indifferent_a if_o not_o impose_v as_o boundary_n of_o communion_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v esteem_v sinful_a because_o not_o express_o warrant_v by_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n 3._o but_o we_o apply_v this_o rule_n always_o and_o so_o in_o our_o present_a question_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v essential_a to_o church-membership_a and_o church-government_n as_o true_a baptism_n be_v to_o the_o first_o and_o can_v be_v admit_v only_o as_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o as_o such_o allowable_a or_o lawful_a only_a for_o it_o be_v either_o necessary_a in_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n or_o it_o be_v nothing_o and_o who_o be_v of_o right_n and_o who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o baptism_n and_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o low_a a_o consideration_n the_o principle_n thus_o explain_v be_v clear_o justify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o protestant_n part_n with_o this_o principle_n they_o will_v lose_v themselves_o now_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n you_o shall_v not_o add_v to_o the_o word_n which_o i_o command_v you_o neither_o shall_v you_o diminish_v aught_o from_o it_o that_o you_o may_v keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n deut._n 4._o 2._o what_o thing_n soever_o i_o command_v you_o observe_v to_o do_v it_o thou_o shall_v not_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v aught_o from_o it_o deut._n 12._o 32._o every_o word_n of_o god_n be_v pure_a add_v thou_o not_o unto_o his_o word_n lest_o he_o reporve_v thou_o and_o thou_o be_v find_v a_o liar_n prov._n 30._o 6._o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o our_o lord_n as_o he_o be_v send_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n claim_v no_o authority_n to_o speak_v of_o himself_o john_n 12._o 5._o whatsoever_o i_o speak_v therefore_o even_o as_o the_o father_n say_v unto_o i_o so_o i_o speak_v how_o ought_v this_o to_o put_v a_o awe_n upon_o all_o that_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n about_o religion_n neither_o do_v the_o holy_a spirit_n itself_o as_o send_v to_o supply_v the_o personal_a absence_n of_o christ_n take_v upon_o himself_o to_o give_v or_o abrogate_v law_n but_o to_o bring_v thing_n to_o the_o apostle_n remembrance_n john_n 14._o 26._o howbeit_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n also_o by_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v know_v namely_o by_o his_o advance_v the_o thing_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n he_o shall_v take_v of_o i_o and_o show_v it_o unto_o you_o he_o shall_v glorify_v i_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 3_o 4._o if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o consent_v not_o to_o wholesome_a word_n even_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o 1_o john_n 4._o 6._o he_o that_o know_v god_n hear_v we_o he_o that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n hear_v not_o we_o hereby_o know_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n rev._n 22._o 18._o if_o any_o man_n shall_v add_v to_o these_o thing_n god_n shall_v add_v the_o plague_n which_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v take_v away_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o part_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o that_o this_o text_n do_v establish_v as_o unalterable_a the_o whole_a new_a testament_n our_o adversary_n do_v acknowledge_v see_v diodate_v on_o the_o place_n and_o calvin_n upon_o deut._n 12._o 32_o sith_o they_o say_v he_o can_v deny_v that_o this_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o church_n what_o do_v they_o else_o but_o report_n the_o stubbornness_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o boast_v to_o have_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o after_o such_o prohibition_n nevertheless_o to_o add_v and_o mingle_v of_o she_o own_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god._n and_o luther_n do_v aver_v that_o no_o doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v teach_v or_o hear_v in_o the_o church_n beside_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god._n beza_n upon_o levit._n 10._o 3._o speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o god_n i_o will_v punish_v they_o that_o serve_v i_o otherwise_o than_o i_o have_v command_v not_o spare_v the_o chief_a that_o the_o people_n may_v fear_v and_o praise_v my_o judgement_n mr._n borroughs_n in_o his_o gospel-worship_n p._n 8._o all_o thing_n in_o god_n worship_n must_v have_v a_o warrant_v out_o of_o god_n word_n must_v be_v command_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v and_o what_o hurt_n be_v there_o in_o it_o but_o it_o must_v be_v command_v in_o a_o book_n call_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o rise_v of_o the_o name_n protestant_n p._n 12._o print_v 1688_o we_o read_v thus_o protestantism_n do_v main_o or_o rather_o only_o consist_v in_o assert_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o govern_v and_o manage_v themselves_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o no_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v own_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n on_o any_o account_n but_o what_o have_v very_o plain_a warrant_n and_o sound_a evidence_n from_o the_o scripture_n nor_o no_o instance_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o be_v own_v or_o submit_v to_o as_o necessary_a nor_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v determine_v as_o a_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o the_o scripture_n do_v appoint_v and_o warrant_n thus_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v say_v as_o much_o for_o this_o principle_n which_o the_o doctor_n condemn_v as_o absurd_a as_o we_o do_v and_o
charge_n against_o any_o one_o of_o that_o innocent_a part_n of_o mankind_n the_o instance_n of_o esau_n be_v all_o that_o look_v like_o a_o enemy_n to_o infant_n but_o mind_v it_o well_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n in_o it_o god_n know_v that_o esau_n shall_v not_o die_v a_o infant_n he_o know_v he_o will_v be_v a_o bad_a man_n and_o be_v judge_v as_o such_o esau_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rank_v with_o die_a infant_n and_o this_o instance_n fail_v there_o be_v not_o the_o shadow_n of_o any_o proof_n that_o god_n will_v damn_v poor_a die_a infant_n but_o because_o the_o doctor_n who_o book_n we_o be_v to_o examine_v have_v some_o kindness_n for_o all_o die_a infant_n as_o i_o conceive_v though_o the_o quality_n of_o his_o subject_n do_v sometime_o enforce_v he_o to_o drop_v such_o sentence_n as_o may_v seem_v to_o deny_v all_o mercy_n to_o unbaptised_a infant_n yet_o he_o correct_v all_o such_o passage_n by_o say_v they_o may_v be_v save_v by_o uncovenant_v mercy_n etc._n etc._n a_o strange_a speech_n it_o be_v but_o there_o be_v some_o kindness_n to_o poor_a infant_n die_v without_o baptism_n i_o shall_v therefore_o insist_v no_o far_o at_o present_a upon_o the_o pâ—int_n of_o infant_n salvation_n but_o make_v my_o way_n to_o the_o book_n itself_o by_o premise_v a_o few_o thing_n our_o late_a assertor_n of_o infant-baptism_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v that_o christ_n have_v not_o command_v to_o baptize_v infant_n yea_o some_o of_o they_o grant_v it_o in_o totidem_fw-la verbis_fw-la yet_o they_o think_v themselves_o safe_a because_o in_o their_o judgement_n infant_n baptism_n be_v not_o forbid_v and_o with_o this_o apprehension_n away_o they_o go_v to_o the_o jew_n for_o relief_n who_o out_o of_o their_o talmud_n gemara_n and_o maimonides_n give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o some_o such_o usage_n among_o the_o israelite_n and_o now_o from_o dr._n hammond_n who_o have_v search_v much_o into_o the_o rabinical_a doctrine_n they_o grow_v confident_a that_o baptism_n be_v a_o jewish_a ceremony_n original_o though_o they_o grant_v it_o be_v but_o of_o humane_a institution_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a baptism_n be_v but_o the_o copy_n which_o be_v take_v from_o that_o original_a yea_o the_o learned_a author_n of_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n baptism_n do_v tell_v we_o bold_o that_o our_o saviour_n be_v oblige_v to_o lay_v by_o circumcision_n consecrate_v this_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o initiation_n into_o his_o church_n but_o certain_o john_n baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v from_o heaven_n and_o not_o of_o man_n be_v more_o fit_a to_o be_v establish_v by_o our_o lord_n christ_n for_o a_o perpetual_a ministry_n in_o his_o church_n than_o such_o a_o jewish_a custom_n pity_v it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v yet_o be_v contend_v about_o infant-baptism_n from_o this_o suppose_a humane_a institution_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o our_o needful_a work_n be_v to_o do_v our_o endeavour_n to_o prepare_v our_o youth_n and_o many_o age_a person_n too_o for_o a_o orderly_a admission_n to_o that_o holy_a laver_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o not_o to_o blind_v their_o eye_n by_o fable_a to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o as_o soon_o almost_o as_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world._n we_o have_v certain_o as_o much_o need_n of_o good_a school_n to_o catechise_v our_o youth_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o thereby_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o most_o sacred_a religion_n as_o the_o ancient_a christian_n have_v this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o have_v our_o posterity_n to_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o when_o their_o judgement_n be_v inform_v to_o understand_v it_o in_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n as_o well_o as_o to_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o have_v they_o stand_v fast_o under_o all_o revolution_n when_o they_o have_v be_v radicate_v in_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o cathechism_n heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o these_o principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o yet_o god_n know_v there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o that_o have_v a_o competent_a understanding_n of_o they_o in_o this_o nation_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o bad_a way_n to_o promote_v christian_a knowledge_n in_o principle_n of_o catechism_n as_o that_o of_o baptism_n be_v such_o by_o story_n out_o of_o the_o talmud_n or_o other_o jewish_a book_n which_o if_o we_o have_v they_o we_o can_v understand_v they_o why_o then_o be_v we_o send_v unto_o they_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n less_o able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n than_o the_o talmud_n let_v we_o take_v to_o the_o good_a old_a way_n and_o diligent_o teach_v our_o youth_n the_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n so_o shall_v goodness_n and_o mercy_n follow_v we_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n and_o we_o shall_v dwell_v by_o our_o posterity_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o one_o main_a thing_n in_o the_o book_n now_o under_o consideration_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n which_o the_o doctor_n will_v have_v to_o be_v a_o gospel-covenant_n and_o circumcision_n a_o gospel-ordinance_n now_o as_o all_o this_o be_v true_a it_o will_v come_v short_a of_o prove_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o baptize_v our_o infant_n for_o see_v there_o be_v a_o proper_a time_n for_o our_o participation_n of_o all_o gospel-priviledge_n so_o we_o must_v learn_v what_o time_n this_o be_v not_o from_o circumcision_n for_o then_o the_o 8_o day_n must_v precise_o be_v the_o time_n but_o from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v our_o only_a infallible_a instructor_n herein_o but_o that_o the_o doctor_n be_v mistake_v in_o this_o thing_n which_o he_o make_v a_o pillar_n to_o his_o building_n be_v i_o hope_v sufficient_o make_v manifest_v nor_o shall_v it_o be_v amiss_o in_o this_o place_n to_o give_v you_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o very_a learned_a jew_n late_o convert_v and_o baptize_v in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n because_o he_o may_v rational_o be_v think_v to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n be_v a_o great_a student_n in_o all_o jewish_a as_o well_o as_o christian_a theology_n as_o any_o other_o man._n and_o this_o be_v the_o account_n we_o have_v from_o he_o of_o this_o matter_n in_o his_o print_a exposition_n upon_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n chap._n 2._o 40._o the_o jew_n say_v he_o who_o be_v circumcise_v in_o infancy_n before_o circumcision_n be_v abrogate_a be_v here_o baptize_v by_o the_o order_n of_o peter_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o by_o baptism_n and_o circumcision_n two_o covenant_n altogether_o differ_v be_v to_o be_v seal_v of_o which_o the_o one_o be_v with_o those_o who_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v bear_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n the_o other_o with_o those_o who_o be_v spiritual_o reborne_z by_o the_o gift_n of_o faith._n and_o whereas_o one_o main_a hinge_n upon_o which_o the_o doctor_n discourse_n for_o infant-baptism_n be_v support_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n the_o say_v learned_a jew_n speak_v very_o well_o to_o that_o plea_n in_o these_o word_n the_o custom_n of_o church_n ought_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n not_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v wrest_v to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o regard_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o all_o church-custom_n be_v to_o be_v build_v that_o they_o may_v be_v safe_a and_o laudable_a whatsoever_o savour_v against_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n savour_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o tertullian_n say_v what_o ever_o savour_v contrary_a to_o truth_n be_v heresy_n though_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o pardon_v those_o that_o err_v out_o of_o simplicity_n but_o because_o we_o err_v once_o we_o be_v not_o always_o to_o go_v on_o in_o our_o error_n the_o doctor_n divide_v his_o book_n into_o a_o previous_a discourse_n and_o into_o the_o resolution_n of_o five_o question_n in_o state_v and_o resolve_v his_o question_n he_o repeat_v much_o of_o the_o previous_a discourse_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o take_v his_o sense_n and_o have_v set_v down_o many_o of_o his_o word_n and_o my_o reply_n to_o his_o previous_a discourse_n may_v serve_v as_o a_o supplement_n to_o my_o reply_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o his_o question_n because_o the_o same_o argument_n be_v handle_v in_o both_o what_o i_o have_v add_v about_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n i_o have_v collect_v chief_o from_o a_o learned_a protestant_a writer_n in_o a_o book_n entitle_v a_o scholastical_a discourse_n against_o symbolise_v with_o antichrist_n
not_o to_o choose_v they_o nor_o refuse_v they_o they_o know_v not_o their_o right_a hand_n from_o the_o left_a they_o know_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a who_o the_o devil_n can_v tempt_v they_o he_o can_v damn_v a_o learned_a protestant_n tell_v we_o god_n will_v not_o damn_v any_o person_n for_o that_o which_o they_o 〈◊〉_d help_n this_o sentence_n must_v needs_o be_v as_o true_a in_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n as_o any_o 〈…〉_z world._n and_o indeed_o the_o equity_n of_o that_o merciful_a law_n deut._n 22._o 25_o 26._o may_v suffice_v to_o convince_v any_o man_n that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o almighty_a there_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o infant_n worthy_a of_o damnation_n see_v what_o sin_n soever_o be_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o avoid_v it_o they_o therefore_o shall_v not_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o when_o christ_n put_v the_o question_n how_o can_v you_o escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n he_o speak_v to_o incorrigible_a sinner_n that_o the_o fear_v of_o damnation_n shall_v not_o overwhelm_v weak_a person_n but_o never_o do_v he_o speak_v a_o word_n against_o poor_a infant_n he_o never_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n satan_n be_v not_o the_o father_n of_o infant_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v not_o his_o child_n 4._o christ_n love_v and_o give_v himself_o for_o all_o die_a infant_n therefore_o not_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v damn_v christ_n give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o he_o love_v and_o die_v for_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n therefore_o he_o love_v and_o die_v for_o the_o poor_a innocent_a babe_n he_o buy_v they_o that_o deny_v he_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 1_o 2._o how_o shall_v he_o despise_v the_o helpless_a infant_n object_n if_o god_n be_v so_o good_a to_o all_o infant_n why_o then_o be_v he_o not_o so_o good_a to_o let_v they_o be_v baptize_v i_o answer_v god_n be_v good_a to_o infant_n in_o that_o he_o accept_v they_o without_o baptism_n and_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o consider_a man_n whether_o he_o be_v not_o as_o good_a to_o the_o infant_n of_o the_o righteous_a before_o abraham_n as_o he_o be_v to_o the_o infant_n of_o abraham_n and_o whether_o god_n be_v not_o as_o good_a to_o a_o infant_n in_o israel_n of_o 7_o day_n old_a as_o to_o a_o infant_n of_o 8_o day_n old_a and_o whether_o god_n be_v not_o as_o good_a to_o we_o in_o that_o he_o accept_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o a_o very_a few_o ceremony_n as_o he_o be_v to_o israel_n accept_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o many_o ceremony_n and_o whether_o if_o he_o have_v please_v to_o accept_v of_o we_o upon_o repentance_n and_o faith_n without_o baptism_n he_o have_v not_o be_v as_o good_a to_o we_o as_o now_o that_o together_o with_o repentance_n and_o faith_n he_o do_v require_v baptism_n the_o truth_n be_v baptism_n be_v therefore_o good_a because_o it_o be_v command_v it_o be_v not_o good_a in_o itself_o no_o more_o be_v circumcision_n nor_o indeed_o any_o ceremony_n now_o repentance_n and_o faith_n be_v good_a in_o themselves_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o those_o that_o sin_n be_v humble_v for_o it_o and_o forsake_v it_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o creature_n to_o believe_v and_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o creator_n now_o baptism_n though_o it_o be_v not_o good_a in_o itself_o yet_o heaven_n authority_n enjoin_v it_o and_o divine_a mystery_n be_v contain_v in_o it_o and_o privilege_n confer_v by_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o good_a to_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v appoint_v but_o where_o god_n require_v be_v not_o but_o extend_v his_o goodness_n without_o it_o it_o be_v a_o like_a vanity_n in_o we_o to_o give_v it_o where_o he_o do_v not_o appoint_v it_o as_o it_o will_v have_v be_v in_o abraham_n to_o give_v circumâ—â—â—â—â—â—_n to_o every_o male_a child_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v bear_v or_o at_o 6_o or_o 7_o day_n old_a 〈◊〉_d to_o his_o female_n also_o because_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o great_a covenant_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o who_o it_o do_v belong_v by_o appointment_n and_o therefore_o i_o consider_v further_o that_o as_o those_o have_v no_o loss_n of_o any_o privilege_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o in_o israel_n who_o by_o the_o law_n be_v not_o require_v to_o be_v circumcise_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o all_o female_n so_o neither_o shall_v any_o lose_v god_n favour_n for_o not_o be_v baptize_v when_o he_o require_v it_o not_o the_o danger_n lie_v on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o have_v abraham_n out_o of_o a_o conceit_n of_o make_v infant_n male_a of_o 7_o day_n old_a and_o all_o his_o female_n also_o sharer_n in_o the_o covenant_n equal_o with_o those_o of_o 8_o day_n old_a circumcise_v they_o he_o have_v hazard_v both_o his_o own_o and_o their_o loss_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o like_a manner_n whoever_o will_v presumptuous_o at_o least_o baptize_v any_o person_n who_o god_n do_v not_o require_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v so_o far_o from_o bring_v he_o into_o covenant_n that_o he_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v his_o own_o part_n in_o the_o covenant_n rev._n 22._o for_o i_o testify_v unto_o every_o man._n if_o any_o shall_v add_v unto_o these_o thing_n god_n shall_v add_v to_o he_o the_o plague_n which_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n but_o 4._o all_o die_a infant_n be_v under_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n therefore_o no_o die_a infant_n shall_v be_v damn_v this_o how_o strange_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v must_v be_v a_o truth_n or_o else_o poor_a die_a infant_n be_v the_o worst_a of_o creature_n when_o therefore_o we_o say_v all_o die_a infant_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n we_o mean_v it_o as_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o interess_n they_o in_o his_o mercy_n by_o christ_n that_o as_o condemnation_n come_v upon_o they_o by_o adam_n sin_n so_o justification_n of_o life_n have_v abound_v towards_o they_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o himself_o that_o best_a know_v god_n design_n concern_v they_o have_v declare_v without_o except_v so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o they_o that_o to_o they_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o what_o then_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v except_v they_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v and_o in_o their_o cruel_a judgement_n send_v they_o by_o million_o to_o hell_n torment_n now_o either_o infant_n even_o all_o of_o they_o be_v thus_o in_o or_o under_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o any_o covenant_n at_o all_o for_o the_o covenant_n of_o pure_a nature_n as_o make_v with_o adam_n in_o innocency_n concern_v not_o infant_n but_o as_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o be_v impute_v to_o mankind_n but_o here_o they_o be_v lose_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n concern_v they_o not_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o the_o man_n that_o do_v these_o thing_n shall_v live_v in_o they_o and_o to_o say_v that_o infant_n be_v under_o the_o blessing_n of_o no_o covenant_n be_v to_o rank_v they_o with_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n yea_o which_o the_o devil_n themselves_o who_o be_v therefore_o most_o accurse_a because_o there_o be_v no_o saviour_n no_o mercy_n for_o they_o they_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o chain_n under_o darkness_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n now_o far_o be_v it_o from_o all_o christian_n to_o have_v such_o thought_n of_o god_n who_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n the_o very_a devil_n have_v a_o state_n wherein_o they_o may_v have_v be_v happy_a but_o presumptuous_o fall_v from_o it_o judas_n v._n 6._o but_o poor_a babe_n before_o they_o have_v a_o be_v be_v expose_v to_o condemnation_n through_o the_o offence_n of_o another_o shall_v these_o object_n of_o pity_n perish_v eternal_o too_o without_o remedy_n o_o god_n forbid_v let_v they_o be_v press_v with_o all_o the_o inconvenience_n consequent_a to_o original_a sin_n yet_o either_o it_o will_v not_o be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o infant_n so_o as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o condemn_v they_o or_o if_o it_o can_v yet_o the_o mercy_n and_o absolute_a goodness_n of_o god_n will_v secure_v they_o if_o he_o take_v they_o away_o before_o they_o can_v glorify_v he_o with_o a_o free_a obedience_n dr._n taylor_n 5._o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o any_o infant_n ever_o be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v damn_v to_o hellish_a torment_n therefore_o none_o of_o they_o die_v such_o shall_v be_v damn_v we_o shall_v hold_v nothing_o as_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o upon_o clear_a proof_n and_o especial_o thing_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n as_o this_o be_v some_o man_n talk_v of_o some_o infant_n as_o if_o they_o be_v little_o better_a than_o devil_n but_o can_v never_o yet_o bring_v a_o just_a
christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n they_o be_v wash_v in_o water_n 3._o in_o the_o three_o age_n mr._n baxter_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o tertullian_n origen_n and_o cyprian_a that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n none_o be_v baptize_v without_o a_o express_a covenant_v wherein_o they_o renounce_v the_o world_n etc._n etc._n and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o christ_n 4._o in_o the_o four_o age_n basil_n say_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v but_o catechuman_n and_o those_o that_o be_v due_o instruct_v in_o the_o faith._n 5._o in_o the_o five_o age_n chrysostom_n say_v the_o time_n of_o grace_n or_o conversion_n be_v the_o only_o sit_v time_n for_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o season_n in_o which_o the_o three_o thousand_o in_o act_n 2._o and_o other_o afterward_o be_v baptize_v 6._o the_o african_a church_n common_o call_v donatist_n teach_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v baptize_v but_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o desire_v the_o same_o 7._o the_o waldensian_a church_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o baptism_n believer_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o holy_a congregation_n there_o declare_v their_o faith_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n 8._o the_o church_n in_o germany_n own_a the_o same_o faith_n and_o practice_n 9_o the_o church_n in_o helvetia_n assert_v the_o same_o and_o suffer_v for_o their_o testimony_n 10._o the_o bohemian_a church_n by_o great_a suffering_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o same_o truth_n 11._o the_o church_n in_o thessalonica_n do_v the_o same_o 12._o the_o church_n in_o flanders_n suffer_v for_o the_o same_o cause_n 13._o the_o hungarian_n do_v the_o same_o 14._o and_o so_o do_v the_o church_n in_o thessalonica_n 15._o the_o church_n of_o the_o ancient_a britain_n do_v the_o same_o and_o die_v for_o their_o testimony_n here_o some_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v we_o value_v not_o mr._n danvers_n he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o quotation_n but_o let_v i_o reply_v will_v man_n but_o impartial_o read_v his_o defence_n they_o will_v see_v cause_n to_o justify_v he_o from_o most_o of_o the_o clamour_n which_o have_v be_v vent_v against_o he_o neither_o do_v we_o censure_v good_a and_o pious_a man_n in_o the_o dark_a time_n above_o we_o who_o perhaps_o have_v not_o opportunity_n as_o we_o have_v to_o see_v and_o avoid_v the_o error_n god_n almighty_a indulge_v the_o oversight_n of_o his_o sincere_a one_o in_o all_o age_n as_o we_o trust_v he_o will_v do_v we_o in_o this_o for_o some_o may_v yet_o come_v after_o we_o to_o restore_v some_o truth_n which_o we_o have_v not_o mind_v be_v so_o much_o busy_v both_o by_o write_v preach_a and_o suffer_v in_o defence_n of_o some_o particular_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o controversy_n of_o our_o age._n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o worthy_a predecessor_n who_o be_v call_v to_o contest_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o sincere_a christian_n who_o have_v not_o wilful_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o any_o truth_n shall_v find_v mercy_n in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o receive_v a_o reward_n according_a to_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n who_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o to_o go_v without_o a_o reward_n who_o have_v be_v but_o so_o kind_a to_o any_o because_o they_o belong_v to_o christ_n as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n to_o drink_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o be_o for_o so_o much_o communion_n with_o all_o christian_n as_o will_v do_v they_o and_o myself_o good_a but_o see_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o to_o maintain_v full_a or_o ample_a communion_n with_o all_o sort_n profess_v the_o christian_a name_n at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n either_o for_o some_o powerful_a party_n to_o kill_v all_o the_o rest_n that_o she_o may_v be_v the_o only_a church_n or_o else_o brotherly_a to_o agree_v to_o permit_v all_o to_o choose_v their_o communion_n where_o they_o can_v most_o comfortable_o enjoy_v it_o and_o i_o hearty_o desire_v that_o none_o for_o any_o cause_n but_o true_a inward_a peace_n will_v make_v use_n of_o this_o liberty_n but_o about_o this_o we_o have_v more_o full_o treat_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n that_o here_o we_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o at_o present_a but_o shall_v conclude_v with_o our_o humble_a request_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o consider_v how_o great_a a_o pressure_n it_o must_v be_v upon_o our_o conscience_n to_o break_v up_o our_o assembly_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v true_o constitute_v church_n and_o to_o unite_v with_o she_o which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o defective_a in_o her_o constitution_n as_o to_o have_v no_o baptism_n at_o all_o now_o that_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentant_a believer_n be_v of_o heavenly_a original_a be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o it_o stand_v clear_a both_o in_o scripture_n and_o unquestionable_a antiquity_n next_o to_o the_o scripture_n be_v altogether_o undeniable_a and_o that_o this_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v speak_v against_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n do_v not_o even_o mr._n baxter_n and_o other_o learned_a assertor_n of_o infant-baptism_n confess_v it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a point_n to_o prove_v by_o scripture_n and_o do_v not_o the_o learned_a papist_n and_o some_o learned_a protestant_n acknowledge_v there_o be_v no_o scripture_n for_o infant-baptism_n neither_o precept_n nor_o practice_n in_o scripture_n for_o infant-baptism_n that_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o without_o the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o church_n rite_n and_o not_o of_o divine_a institution_n these_o thing_n can_v be_v hide_v from_o you_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o some_o speedy_a and_o prudent_a way_n be_v take_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o restore_v this_o holy_a ordinance_n to_o its_o purity_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_a to_o be_v baptize_v for_o though_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v retain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n with_o respect_n to_o its_o precedency_n to_o other_o ordinance_n its_o utility_n and_o dignity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yet_o this_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n still_o so_o long_o as_o another_o thing_n be_v substitute_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o manner_n of_o administration_n concern_v the_o latter_a let_v the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v entreat_v to_o consider_v the_o reflection_n which_o have_v be_v make_v upon_o this_o alteration_n of_o immersion_n to_o sprinkle_v by_o the_o learned_a bossuet_n in_o his_o book_n of_o communion_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o conviction_n which_o some_o learned_a protestant_n in_o france_n have_v late_o meet_v with_o upon_o that_o occasion_n i_o will_v set_v down_o the_o word_n of_o the_o learned_a author_n who_o call_v himself_o anonymus_fw-la as_o they_o be_v translate_v by_o dr._n duveil_n upon_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n p._n 292_o 293._o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o baptism_n have_v not_o be_v administer_v hitherto_o otherwise_o than_o by_o sprinkle_v by_o the_o most_o part_n of_o protestant_n but_o true_o this_o sprinkle_v be_v a_o abuse_n this_o custom_n which_o without_o a_o accurate_a examination_n they_o have_v retain_v from_o the_o romish_a church_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o many_o other_o thing_n make_v their_o baptism_n very_o defective_a it_o corrupt_v its_o institution_n and_o ancient_a use_n and_o that_o nearness_n of_o similitude_n which_o be_v needful_a shall_v be_v betwixt_o it_o and_o faith_n repentance_n and_o regeneration_n this_o reflection_n of_o mr._n bossuit_n deserve_v to_o be_v serious_o consider_v to_o wit_n that_o this_o use_n of_o plunge_v have_v continue_v for_o the_o space_n of_o a_o whole_a thousand_o and_o three_o hundred_o year_n that_o hence_o we_o may_v understand_v that_o we_o do_v not_o careful_o as_o be_v meet_v examine_v thing_n which_o we_o retain_v from_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o most_o learned_a bishop_n of_o that_o church_n do_v teach_v we_o now_o that_o the_o custom_n establish_v by_o most_o grave_a argument_n and_o so_o many_o age_n be_v abolish_v by_o she_o this_o selfsame_a thing_n be_v very_o unjust_o do_v by_o she_o and_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o duty_n do_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n that_o we_o seek_v again_o the_o primitive_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n though_o therefore_o we_o shall_v yield_v to_o mr._n bossuet_n that_o we_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n that_o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o baptism_n consist_v in_o dip_v what_o may_v he_o hope_v for_o from_o we_o but_o that_o the_o professor_n see_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o he_o by_o no_o small_a favour_n and_o thank_v he_o that_o he_o have_v deliver_v we_o from_o error_n when_o we_o great_o err_v in_o this_o
vision_n be_v not_o certain_a the_o story_n give_v it_o both_o way_n yet_o who_o so_o absurd_a to_o turn_v the_o vision_n of_o st._n stephen_n and_o st._n paul_n into_o ritual_n or_o to_o assix_v they_o to_o christ_n ordinance_n when_o man_n do_v assume_v this_o liberty_n without_o divine_a warrant_n many_o evil_n do_v follow_v upon_o such_o do_n how_o much_o innocent_a blood_n have_v be_v shed_v about_o this_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v estimate_v and_o indeed_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o and_o other_o such_o invention_n christian_n have_v hate_v one_o another_o with_o cruel_a hatred_n as_o late_a year_n have_v show_v man_n more_o account_n of_o those_o tradion_n than_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o far_o we_o have_v see_v it_o with_o our_o eye_n a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o common_a drunkard_n and_o yet_o permit_v to_o preach_v in_o the_o pulpit_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o surplice_n away_o with_o he_o this_o kind_n of_o zeal_n show_v that_o it_o be_v from_o beneath_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god._n and_o so_o long_o as_o these_o thing_n remain_v and_o be_v force_v on_o by_o authority_n there_o will_v be_v continual_a strife_n contention_n and_o devour_v among_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v so_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o they_o so_o it_o will_v be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o they_o because_o a_o evil_a plant_n will_v bring_v forth_o according_a to_o its_o nature_n we_o have_v more_o sacred_a institution_n than_o we_o can_v well_o observe_v why_o do_v we_o seek_v to_o burden_n ourselves_o or_o other_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n with_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n all_o which_o be_v to_o perish_v and_o god_n in_o mercy_n hasten_v the_o time_n that_o god_n people_n may_v have_v but_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n amen_n postscript_n sect_n i._o of_o the_o manner_n of_o marriage_n among_o the_o baptise_a believer_n and_o that_o they_o be_v warrantable_a by_o god_n law._n some_o of_o the_o baptise_a believer_n have_v be_v prosecute_v as_o offender_n for_o not_o conform_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o ring_n and_o kneel_v to_o the_o altar_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o marriage_n we_o shall_v therefore_o humble_o offer_v our_o reason_n why_o we_o dissent_v from_o these_o ceremony_n and_o why_o also_o our_o marriage_n be_v good_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o law_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o the_o omission_n of_o these_o ceremony_n etc._n etc._n notwithstanding_o but_o first_o the_o reader_n be_v desire_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o we_o be_v not_o against_o but_o for_o the_o public_a solemnisation_n of_o marriage_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n save_v that_o there_o be_v some_o ceremony_n use_v therein_o which_o we_o can_v comply_v with_o and_o because_o some_o of_o the_o priest_n will_v not_o marry_v we_o at_o all_o and_o other_o will_v not_o do_v it_o unless_o we_o conform_v to_o all_o the_o ceremony_n require_v in_o the_o service-book_n this_o put_v we_o upon_o a_o necessity_n to_o have_v it_o do_v without_o they_o and_o the_o manner_n thus_o the_o party_n to_o be_v marry_v be_v qualify_v for_o that_o state_n of_o life_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n as_o to_o the_o degree_n etc._n etc._n therein_o limit_v they_o call_v together_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o their_o relation_n and_o friend_n and_o have_v usual_o some_o of_o our_o ministry_n present_a with_o they_o the_o party_n concern_v do_v declare_v their_o contract_n former_o make_v between_o themselves_o and_o with_o the_o advice_n of_o their_o friend_n if_o occasion_n require_v it_o and_o then_o take_v each_o other_o by_o the_o hand_n do_v declare_v that_o they_o from_o that_o day_n forward_o during_o their_o natural_a life_n together_o do_v enter_v into_o the_o state_n of_o marriage_n use_v the_o word_n or_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o which_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o word_n of_o marriage_n in_o the_o service-book_n as_o acknowledge_v they_o word_n to_o be_v very_o fit_a for_o that_o purpose_n and_o then_o a_o write_n be_v sign_v by_o the_o party_n marry_v to_o keep_v in_o memory_n the_o contract_n and_o covenant_n of_o their_o marriage_n to_o this_o effect_n these_o be_v to_o testify_v to_o all_o man_n that_o we_o a._n b._n of_o etc._n etc._n and_o c._n d._n of_o etc._n etc._n have_v the_o day_n of_o the_o date_n hereof_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n and_o state_n of_o marriage_n according_a to_o a_o solemn_a contract_n heretofore_o make_v between_o ourselves_o and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o such_o as_o be_v concern_v in_o order_n thereunto_o and_o we_o do_v now_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o witness_n hereafter_o name_v ratify_v the_o say_a contract_n and_o covenant_n act_n of_o marriage_n this_o day_n verbal_o make_v in_o both_o which_o we_o do_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n mutual_o and_o solemn_o and_o for_o our_o pares_fw-la respective_o promise_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o god_n to_o live_v together_o in_o the_o state_n of_o marriage_n according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n from_o this_o day_n forward_o to_o love_v each_o other_o as_o husband_n and_o wife_n and_o faithful_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n to_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n law_n and_o the_o good_a law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o that_o case_n provide_v till_o the_o lord_n by_o death_n shall_v separate_v we_o in_o testimony_n whereof_o we_o have_v hereunto_o set_v our_o hand_n the_o day_n of_o etc._n etc._n then_o be_v annex_v a_o certificate_n of_o the_o witness_n thus_o we_o who_o name_n be_v subscribe_v do_v testify_v that_o the_o abovesaid_a a._n b._n and_o c._n d._n the_o day_n and_o year_n abovesaid_a do_v mutual_o take_v each_o other_o into_o the_o state_n of_o marriage_n acknowledge_v the_o contract_n and_o covenant_n and_o ratify_v the_o same_o by_o word_n and_o by_o the_o subscription_n thereof_o as_o abovesaid_a in_o witness_v whereof_o we_o do_v hereunto_o set_v our_o hand_n the_o day_n and_o year_n abovesaid_a after_o these_o thing_n some_o suitable_a counsel_n or_o instruction_n be_v give_v to_o the_o party_n but_o no_o man_n take_v upon_o he_o the_o office_n to_o marry_v any_o that_o be_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o the_o party_n themselves_o and_o then_o prayer_n be_v make_v to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o party_n marry_v etc._n etc._n and_o now_o whether_o marriage_n thus_o make_v be_v justifiable_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v first_o to_o be_v consider_v to_o begin_v with_o the_o institution_n of_o marriage_n gen._n 2._o 23_o 24._o there_o we_o find_v all_o that_o be_v essential_a to_o marriage_n for_o he_o that_o have_v the_o right_a to_o dispose_v of_o the_o woman_n be_v please_v to_o bring_v she_o and_o give_v she_o to_o adam_n and_o moses_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o join_v together_o be_v one_o flesh_n and_o be_v to_o forsake_v all_o other_o relation_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o relation_n the_o marriage-covenant_n be_v explain_v by_o god_n himself_o mal._n 2._o 14._o she_o be_v thy_o companion_n and_o wife_n of_o thy_o covenant_n of_o which_o he_o himself_o say_v the_o prophet_n have_v be_v a_o witness_n for_o whoever_o else_o be_v witness_n in_o this_o case_n god_n be_v the_o principal_a and_o will_v punish_v such_o as_o break_v their_o marriage-covenant_n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o marriage-covenant_n between_o person_n who_o may_v lawful_o marry_v with_o witness_n upon_o it_o be_v the_o essential_o of_o this_o ordinance_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a in_o the_o case_n of_o boaz_n and_o ruth_n ruth_n 4._o 9_o 10_o 11._o and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o god_n appoint_v no_o ceremony_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o marriage_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v any_o ceremony_n make_v necessary_a to_o the_o celebration_n of_o marriage_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n for_o that_o passage_n of_o lose_v the_o shoe_n deut._n 25._o 7_o 9_o and_o ruth_n 4._o 7._o pertain_v not_o to_o marriage_n but_o concern_v he_o that_o refuse_v to_o raise_v up_o seed_n in_o israel_n to_o his_o decease_a brother_n and_o as_o there_o be_v no_o ceremony_n ordain_v so_o there_o be_v no_o one_o certain_a form_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o marriage_n appoint_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o this_o seem_v rather_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o liberty_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o case_n of_o isaac_n gen._n 24._o 67._o and_o the_o marriage_n of_o jacob_n gen._n 29._o 21_o 22_o 23._o and_o many_o other_o the_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o marriage_n since_o the_o earth_n be_v replenish_v with_o inhabitant_n be_v these_o that_o regard_n be_v have_v to_o religion_n that_o a_o believer_n marry_v not_o with_o a_o infidel_n
ministerial_a authority_n thereunto_o namely_o to_o catechise_v defend_v and_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n such_o be_v origen_n aristides_n hegesippus_n justin_n and_o many_o other_o see_v his_o book_n of_o resolut_a p._n 265._o chap._n 10._o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o catholic_n in_o augustin_n time_n do_v allow_v the_o baptism_n and_o other_o sacred_a act_n of_o the_o donatist_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v valid_a it_o be_v strange_a then_o that_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o present_a dissenter_n shall_v be_v make_v nullity_n by_o the_o common_a protestant_n who_o themselves_o be_v esteem_v but_o dissenter_n in_o a_o neighbour_n nation_n and_o therefore_o their_o marriage_n be_v as_o liable_a to_o censure_v there_o as_o we_o be_v here_o but_o these_o be_v hardship_n and_o cruelty_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o that_o learned_a lawyer_n the_o late_a lord_n chief_a justice_n hale_n sect_n iv._o of_o the_o ritual_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n concern_v marriage_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o baptise_a believer_n comply_v not_o with_o they_o how_o glad_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o contention_n among_o christian_n about_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n we_o have_v show_v in_o our_o friendly_a epistle_n and_o our_o late_a apology_n wherein_o also_o we_o have_v profess_v our_o earnest_a desire_n for_o concord_n with_o all_o that_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o more_o particular_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o it_o seem_v all_o that_o we_o can_v offer_v below_o a_o full_a compliance_n even_o with_o the_o most_o useless_a ceremony_n be_v not_o think_v worth_a the_o notice_n of_o the_o present_a clergy_n who_o now_o do_v many_o of_o they_o wonderful_o exalt_v themselves_o despise_v such_o as_o dissent_v from_o they_o and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o by_o how_o much_o we_o seek_v to_o they_o for_o peace_n marriage-covenant_n we_o confess_v be_v thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o importance_n that_o they_o be_v worthy_a the_o care_n of_o the_o law_n of_o all_o nation_n but_o such_o have_v be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v national_a as_o to_o ordain_v such_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o the_o celebration_n of_o marriage_n which_o become_v a_o snare_n to_o many_o this_o the_o protestant_n find_v true_a by_o experience_n when_o under_o the_o papal_a yoke_n and_o therefore_o have_v explode_v part_n of_o their_o ritual_a whereof_o we_o have_v a_o account_n from_o dr._n willit_n and_o the_o manner_n thus_o 1._o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v join_v in_o matrimony_n must_v be_v bless_v by_o the_o priest_n 2._o oblation_n must_v be_v make_v for_o they_o in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n 3._o they_o be_v cover_v with_o a_o veil_n 4._o they_o be_v couple_v together_o with_o a_o ribbon_n partly_o white_a and_o partly_o blue_a 5._o they_o bride_n give_v to_o the_o bridegroom_n a_o ring_n hallow_v first_o and_o bless_v by_o the_o priest_n 6._o the_o priest_n commend_v they_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n 7._o he_o admonish_v they_o to_o their_o mutual_a duty_n dr._n willit_n synop_n p._n 713._o now_o this_o use_n of_o the_o ring_n among_o the_o papist_n be_v condemn_v by_o this_o learned_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o a_o superstitious_a toy_n partly_o for_o that_o it_o must_v be_v hallow_v by_o the_o priest_n and_o partly_o for_o that_o the_o man_n hold_v the_o woman_n by_o the_o ring_n their_o finger_n across_o some_o enchant_a word_n say_v he_o be_v then_o mutter_v but_o the_o word_n he_o set_v not_o down_o and_o now_o because_o the_o use_n of_o the_o ring_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o kneel_v at_o the_o altar_n and_o to_o the_o priest_n for_o his_o blessing_n be_v very_o doubtful_a to_o we_o we_o shall_v here_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o 1._o the_o ring_n must_v be_v lay_v upon_o the_o service-book_n 2._o the_o priest_n must_v then_o give_v the_o ring_n to_o the_o bridegroom_n 3._o the_o bridegroom_n must_v put_v the_o ring_n upon_o the_o four_o finger_n of_o the_o woman_n be_v leave_v hand_n 4._o and_o hold_v the_o woman_n by_o that_o finger_n must_v say_v these_o strange_a word_n with_o this_o ring_n i_o thou_o wed_v with_o my_o body_n i_o thou_o worship_n with_o all_o my_o worldly_a good_n i_o thou_o endow_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n amen_n now_o these_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v they_o do_v look_v as_o much_o like_a superstition_n as_o any_o thing_n which_o the_o protestant_a doctor_n have_v to_o object_n against_o the_o popish_a use_n of_o the_o ring_n for_o why_o must_v the_o ring_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o service-book_n and_o so_o pass_v through_o the_o priest_n hand_n before_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o use_v it_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o certain_o the_o ring_n be_v hereby_o suppose_a to_o be_v make_v more_o fit_a to_o wed_v the_o woman_n and_o this_o it_o can_v be_v unless_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v sanctify_v or_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v whole_o superfluous_a and_o for_o the_o man_n to_o say_v he_o wed_v she_o who_o he_o have_v marry_v sufficient_o before_o with_o that_o ring_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n be_v so_o like_o a_o sacramental_a form_n of_o word_n as_o that_o we_o be_v sure_a none_o more_o solemn_a be_v appoint_v to_o be_v use_v in_o holy_a baptism_n nor_o can_v any_o high_a form_n of_o word_n be_v devise_v have_v almighty_a god_n appoint_v this_o form_n of_o word_n to_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o use_n of_o a_o ring_n all_o man_n will_v and_o sure_o may_v have_v conclude_v marriage_n among_o christian_n to_o be_v a_o sacrament_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n but_o see_v he_o have_v not_o do_v it_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o too_o bold_a a_o attempt_n for_o any_o church_n to_o impose_v such_o a_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n in_o so_o great_a a_o name_n and_o therefore_o in_o conscience_n we_o dare_v not_o conform_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o this_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o speak_v a_o word_n much_o more_o to_o make_v a_o institute_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v let_v we_o consider_v whence_o the_o ring_n in_o marriage_n be_v derive_v that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a judge_n of_o the_o matter_n 1._o then_o it_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o heathen_a roman_a rite_n in_o their_o marriage_n and_o the_o manner_n thus_o the_o man_n give_v in_o token_n of_o good_a will_n they_o say_v a_o ring_n unto_o the_o woman_n which_o she_o be_v to_o wear_v upon_o the_o next_o finger_n to_o the_o little_a finger_n on_o the_o left_a hand_n because_o unto_o that_o finger_n alone_o proceed_v a_o certain_a artery_n from_o the_o heart_n here_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o radix_fw-la or_o spring_n of_o the_o ring_n in_o marriage_n unless_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v before_o this_o among_o the_o superstitious_a jew_n for_o thus_o we_o read_v the_o wedding-ring_n among_o the_o jew_n have_v this_o inscription_n mazal_n tob_z which_o the_o learned_a say_v be_v to_o wish_v good_a luck_n and_o it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o bride-wife_n and_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o planet_n jupiter_n mazal_n who_o influence_n they_o think_v to_o be_v of_o great_a force_n for_o generation_n godwin_n antiq._n of_o the_o rom._n and_o jew_n now_o which_o of_o these_o soever_o be_v the_o springhead_n though_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v something_o of_o superstition_n or_o folly_n in_o the_o business_n yet_o i_o think_v a_o impartial_a man_n must_v needs_o say_v the_o ring_n have_v attract_v more_o of_o that_o kind_n among_o the_o christian_a nation_n than_o it_o have_v among_o the_o jew_n or_o heathen_n the_o short_a be_v be_v the_o ring_n use_v only_o as_o a_o civil_a ceremony_n without_o this_o seem_o sacred_a solemnity_n we_o shall_v say_v nothing_o but_o for_o christian_n to_o adopt_v either_o the_o heathen_a or_o jewish_a superstitious_a rite_n into_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o make_v the_o celebration_n of_o they_o ministerial_a act_n be_v the_o business_n for_o the_o serious_a and_o think_v christian_a to_o consider_v and_o assure_o till_o it_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n to_o incline_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n with_o one_o accord_n to_o restore_v his_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n this_o of_o marriage_n to_o their_o native_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n there_o will_v be_v continual_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n discontent_n and_o animosity_n among_o christian_n and_o occasion_n thereby_o give_v in_o all_o christian_a nation_n for_o the_o more_o carnal_a and_o ceremonious_a to_o persecute_v the_o more_o spiritual_a and_o serious_a sort_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o