truth_n and_o peace_n or_o the_o last_o and_o most_o friendly_a debate_n concern_v infant-baptism_n be_v a_o brief_a answer_n to_o a_o late_a book_n entitle_v the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n written_n by_o a_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o which_o answer_n be_v show_v i._o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n strict_o take_v be_v not_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n many_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o observe_v it_o ii_o that_o circumcision_n be_v no_o gospel-ordinance_n as_o be_v affirm_v by_o the_o doctor_n but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n iii_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o tradition_n to_o baptize_v infant_n be_v either_o a_o fable_n or_o destructive_a to_o the_o christian_a baptism_n if_o ground_v thereon_o iv._o the_o doctor_n be_v five_o comprehensive_a question_n particular_o answer_v v._o from_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v make_v evident_a that_o the_o restoration_n of_o sacred_a baptism_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o true_a subject_n and_o due_a manner_n of_o administration_n be_v the_o only_a true_a method_n to_o revive_v the_o ancient_a christian_a religion_n in_o all_o nation_n where_o it_o have_v be_v corrupt_v by_o humane_a innovation_n whereunto_o be_v annex_v a_o brief_a discourse_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o ring_n and_o bow_v at_o the_o altar_n in_o the_o solemnisation_n of_o marriage_n by_o thomas_n grantham_n the_o custom_n of_o baptise_v infant_n be_v bring_v in_o without_o the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n curcelleus_fw-la disserta_fw-la of_o orig._n sin_n n._n 56._o london_n print_v for_o the_o author_n 1689._o the_o preface_n that_o prophecy_n of_o st._n paul_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 4._o that_o man_n shall_v turn_v away_o their_o ear_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v be_v turn_v unto_o fable_n have_v too_o much_o of_o its_o verification_n in_o the_o early_a time_n of_o christianity_n and_o as_o in_o other_o respect_n so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o sacred_a baptism_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o time_n and_o order_n in_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v perform_v 1._o from_o a_o fear_n that_o sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n shall_v hardly_o if_o at_o all_o be_v remit_v many_o do_v delay_v their_o duty_n be_v desirous_a to_o have_v the_o full_a remission_n of_o their_o sin_n near_o their_o death_n this_o scandalous_a delay_n of_o baptism_n prove_v pernicious_a to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o person_n thus_o neglect_v their_o duty_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o alter_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n for_o many_o of_o these_o delayere_n be_v surprise_v with_o sickness_n and_o afraid_a to_o die_v without_o baptism_n request_v that_o it_o may_v be_v administer_v to_o they_o in_o their_o sick_a bed_n which_o be_v endulge_v to_o they_o without_o any_o warrant_n from_o heaven_n which_o in_o such_o case_n shall_v always_o be_v inquire_v for_o yet_o this_o custom_n be_v so_o doubtful_a to_o they_o that_o do_v allow_v it_o that_o they_o require_v such_o chinick_n that_o in_o case_n they_o recover_v their_o sickness_n they_o shall_v be_v have_v to_o the_o river_n and_o there_o be_v baptize_v cyprian_n epist_n ad_fw-la magnum_fw-la 2._o other_o do_v as_o much_o outrum_n the_o rule_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o preposterous_a 311._o haste_n even_o to_o baptize_v infant_n as_o soon_o as_o bear_v and_o sometime_o before_o and_o this_o error_n spring_v from_o this_o apprehension_n that_o god_n have_v tie_v the_o solvation_n of_o all_o flesh_n to_o baptism_n that_o even_o infant_n die_v without_o it_o can_v not_o be_v save_v yea_o so_o powerful_a be_v this_o error_n that_o its_o assertor_n do_v anathematise_v all_o that_o hold_v the_o contrary_n the_o council_n of_o afric_n decree_v that_o all_o that_o affirm_v young_a child_n receive_v eternal_a life_n albeit_o they_o be_v not_o by_o baptism_n renew_v they_o be_v accurse_v sure_o a_o more_o unreasonable_a decree_n be_v never_o make_v by_o men._n now_o this_o leaven_n of_o false_a doctrine_n have_v so_o prevail_v that_o scarce_o any_o but_o infant_n come_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o obey_v christ_n in_o baptism_n nor_o can_v poor_a infant_n obey_v he_o therein_o for_o austin_n confess_v they_o do_v not_o willing_o receive_v baptism_n but_o strive_v against_o it_o with_o great_a cry_v so_o that_o neither_o young_a nor_o old_a in_o a_o manner_n be_v find_v in_o some_o age_n to_o put_v on_o christ_n in_o baptism_n see_v that_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o free_a consent_n of_o a_o heart_n enlighten_v by_o faith_n gal._n 3._o 26_o 27._o act_n 2._o 40._o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o work_n and_o proper_a business_n of_o the_o restorer_n of_o holy_a baptism_n to_o do_v what_o they_o possible_o may_v to_o remove_v this_o stumbling-block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n i_o mean_v this_o doctrine_n which_o will_v damn_v to_o hellish_a torment_n all_o infant_n die_v unbaptise_v concern_v which_o i_o have_v write_v several_a treatise_n and_o can_v be_v content_a still_o to_o be_v a_o advocate_n for_o all_o die_a infant_n as_o be_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n discharge_v of_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n and_o have_v no_o actual_a sin_n the_o infirmity_n of_o their_o nature_n shall_v not_o damn_v they_o but_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n shall_v save_v they_o all_o and_o be_v man_n judgement_n clear_a in_o this_o point_n the_o controversy_n about_o infant-baptism_n will_v natural_o cease_v and_o all_o man_n will_v see_v it_o the_o only_a safe_a way_n to_o refer_v baptism_n to_o the_o time_n wherein_o through_o repentance_n and_o faith_n it_o may_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n interess_n they_o in_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o in_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n in_o order_n to_o life_n eternal_a i_o shall_v therefore_o once_o more_o endeavour_v to_o take_v away_o this_o false_a cover_v which_o be_v not_o of_o god_n spirit_n i_o mean_v the_o doctrine_n of_o infant-damnation_n by_o propose_v a_o few_o thing_n to_o this_o generation_n as_o a_o introduction_n to_o my_o reply_n to_o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o 1._o see_v it_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o christian_a i_o hope_v that_o god_n do_v create_v infant_n on_o purpose_n to_o damn_v they_o and_o to_o show_v they_o no_o mercy_n see_v he_o be_v very_o merciful_a to_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n if_o we_o can_v find_v out_o a_o just_a cause_n for_o the_o damn_v of_o they_o it_o must_v be_v either_o 1._o from_o themselves_o from_o their_o parent_n from_o the_o devil_n or_o from_o christ_n not_o love_v they_o so_o as_o to_o redeem_v they_o from_o the_o fall_n which_o they_o have_v in_o adam_n but_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o infant_n damnation_n 1._o they_o can_v damn_v themselves_o by_o sinful_a course_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a our_o gracious_a god_n will_v dam_o none_o who_o do_v not_o first_o destroy_v themselves_o by_o their_o wickedness_n this_o be_v evident_a by_o his_o unwillingness_n to_o destroy_v those_o who_o have_v destroy_v themselves_o hosea_n 13._o 9_o o_o israel_n thou_o have_v destroy_v thyself_o but_o in_o i_o be_v thy_o help_n how_o then_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o any_o christian_n to_o think_v that_o god_n shall_v have_v no_o pity_n for_o innocent_a babe_n who_o never_o offend_v he_o be_v he_o thus_o compassionate_a towards_o great_a sinner_n and_o be_v there_o no_o help_n in_o he_o for_o poor_a infant_n 2._o no_o man_n can_v damn_v infant_n because_o if_o any_o have_v power_n to_o damn_v his_o infant_n all_o man_n have_v it_o it_o be_v no_o man_n peculiar_a power_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a to_o do_v this_o and_o if_o any_o say_v all_o man_n have_v this_o power_n he_o reflect_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o give_v such_o power_n to_o man_n and_o contradict_v the_o word_n of_o god_n jer._n 31._o every_o one_o shall_v die_v for_o his_o own_o iniquity_n the_o son_n shall_v not_o bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n this_o be_v only_o true_a in_o the_o case_n of_o eternal_a death_n for_o child_n even_o infant_n often_o die_v for_o their_o father_n sin_n a_o temporal_a death_n as_o in_o the_o old_a world_n in_o sodom_n yea_o and_o in_o jerusalem_n too_o lam._n 2._o 11._o yet_o who_o can_v think_v that_o our_o just_a and_o merciful_a god_n shall_v now_o after_o their_o swoon_v in_o the_o street_n cast_v they_o into_o hellish_a torment_n it_o be_v not_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o infant_n but_o of_o the_o grow_v person_n which_o cry_v for_o vengeance_n 3._o the_o devil_n can_v damn_v infant_n because_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o temptation_n they_o know_v
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
proviso_n in_o a_o certain_a statute_n make_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o edw._n 6._o that_o this_o statute_n shall_v not_o give_v liberty_n to_o marry_v without_o the_o ceremony_n appoint_v in_o the_o service-book_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o null_a any_o marriage_n that_o have_v be_v or_o that_o may_v after_o be_v make_v with_o the_o omission_n of_o they_o or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o for_o marriage_n we_o know_v there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v frequent_o make_v by_o divers_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n without_o the_o bane_n and_o some_o other_o rite_n as_o well_o as_o by_o licence_n obtain_v which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v if_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o say_a proviso_n be_v to_o make_v all_o marriage_n null_n and_o void_a which_o be_v make_v without_o bane_n and_o all_o the_o rite_n appoint_v in_o the_o service-book_n but_o lest_o this_o shall_v be_v take_v for_o my_o private_a opinion_n only_o i_o will_v here_o allege_v the_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o be_v esteem_v among_o the_o best_a learned_a in_o the_o law_n whether_o we_o respect_v the_o statute_n or_o civil_a law._n and_o first_o mr._n swingburn_n bachelor_n of_o the_o civil_a law_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o unsolemn_a marriage_n be_v not_o therefore_o no_o marriage_n because_o it_o be_v unsolemn_a the_o bane_n perhaps_o not_o be_v publish_v or_o the_o marriage_n be_v not_o celebrate_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n but_o private_o in_o a_o chamber_n or_o some_o other_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n be_v omit_v but_o it_o be_v nevertheless_o repute_v for_o true_a marriage_n both_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o essence_n or_o knot_n of_o matrimony_n and_o in_o temporal_a court_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o wife_n dowry_n and_o other_o legal_a effect_n treat_n of_o last_o will_n p._n 20_o 21._o and_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n speak_v espenc_n c_o 11._o clande_v matrinto_fw-la consensus_fw-la facit_fw-la nuptias_fw-la sed_fw-la eorum_fw-la qui_fw-la svi_fw-la jure_fw-la sunt_fw-la it_o be_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o party_n which_o make_v the_o marriage_n they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v at_o their_o own_o dispose_n and_o again_o si_fw-mi pompa_fw-la alâ—aque_fw-la nuptiarum_fw-la celebritas_fw-la omitatur_fw-la etc._n etc._n if_o the_o pomp_n and_o celebrity_n of_o marriage_n be_v omit_v nothing_o be_v want_v to_o the_o firmness_n and_o sureness_n of_o marriage_n cod._n l_o 5._o tit_n 5._o tit_n 2._o and_o the_o canon_n law_n tell_v we_o nuptiarum_fw-la copula_fw-la dei_fw-la mandato_fw-la perficitur_fw-la the_o marriage-bond_n be_v perfect_v by_o the_o commandment_n of_o god._n thus_o we_o see_v that_o ceremony_n be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o marriage_n that_o if_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v observe_v marriage_n be_v perfect_a and_o these_o testimony_n be_v the_o more_o considerable_a to_o our_o purpose_n because_o they_o be_v allege_v against_o the_o papist_n by_o a_o learned_a protestant_n because_o they_o dote_v more_o than_o ordinary_a upon_o nuptial_a ceremony_n willit_fw-la synop_n p._n 713._o 740._o and_o so_o rational_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o the_o ceremony_n appoint_v either_o by_o the_o papist_n or_o other_o shall_v not_o be_v esteem_v to_o belong_v at_o all_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o marriage_n that_o durandus_fw-la a_o eminent_a papist_n tell_v we_o as_o he_o be_v quote_v by_o dr._n willit_n that_o there_o be_v neither_o any_o outward_a holy_a sign_n nor_o no_o minister_n necessary_a in_o matrimony_n beside_o the_o party_n for_o say_v he_o matrimony_n may_v be_v solemnize_v by_o a_o proctor_n between_o party_n that_o be_v absent_a so_o then_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o priest_n be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o marriage_n see_v it_o may_v be_v celebrate_v without_o they_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o bellarmine_n that_o so_o much_o rennow_v cardinal_n be_v allege_v by_o the_o say_a dr._n willit_fw-la say_v that_o marriage_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o contract_n the_o party_n themselves_o suffice_v and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v in_o their_o absence_n meaning_n still_a that_o all_o contract_n be_v witness_v and_o here_o the_o word_n of_o mr._n diodate_v be_v worthy_a of_o remembrance_n upon_o mal._n 2._o 15._o do_v not_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n create_v adam_n alone_o out_o of_o who_o he_o frame_v eve_n to_o be_v his_o wife_n without_o create_v any_o more_o woman_n for_o one_o man_n or_o more_o man_n for_o one_o woman_n show_v thereby_o that_o as_o he_o appoint_v matrimony_n by_o one_o only_a law_n in_o which_o to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v no_o ceremony_n of_o lawful_a conjunction_n it_o likewise_o aught_o to_o be_v one_o with_o one_o and_o two_o in_o the_o same_o flesh_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o may_v be_v lawful_a marriage_n where_o there_o be_v no_o ceremony_n much_o more_o without_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o ring_n and_o bow_v at_o the_o altar_n and_o the_o ceremony_n be_v not_o therefore_o in_o any-wise_a to_o be_v make_v essential_a to_o marriage_n and_o that_o the_o contract_n between_o two_o person_n lawful_o qualify_v for_o the_o state_n of_o marriage_n and_o their_o actual_a take_v each_o other_o into_o the_o relation_n and_o covenant_n of_o husband_n and_o wife_n before_o sufficient_a witness_n be_v essential_a firm_a and_o lawful_a marriage_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o marriage_n make_v among_o the_o baptize_v believer_n be_v true_a marriage_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o law_n of_o this_o land_n and_o to_o make_v this_o yet_o more_o evident_a i_o will_v conclude_v this_o section_n with_o the_o unite_a authority_n of_o the_o late_a lord_n chief_a justice_n hales_n and_o dr._n burnet_n who_o full_o express_v themselves_o for_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o marriage_n as_o make_v by_o the_o present_a dissenter_n and_o thus_o the_o doctor_n speak_v he_o that_o be_v judge_n hale_n be_v very_o cautious_a in_o declare_v their_o marriage_n void_a and_o so_o bastard_n their_o child_n but_o be_v consider_v marriage_n and_o succession_n as_o a_o right_n of_o nature_n from_o which_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v bar_v what_o mistake_v soever_o they_o may_v be_v under_o in_o the_o point_n of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o trial_n that_o be_v before_o he_o when_o a_o quaker_n be_v sue_v for_o some_o debt_n owe_v by_o his_o wife_n before_o he_o marry_v she_o and_o the_o quaker_n pretend_v it_o be_v no_o marriage_n that_o have_v pass_v between_o they_o since_o it_o be_v not_o solemnize_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a on_o his_o own_o opinion_n to_o make_v their_o child_n bastard_n and_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o jury_n to_o find_v it_o special_a which_o they_o do_v he_o govern_v himself_o indeed_o say_v dr._n burnet_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o do_v to_o other_o what_o he_o will_v have_v other_o do_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o because_o he_o will_v have_v think_v it_o a_o hardship_n not_o without_o cruelty_n if_o among_o the_o papist_n all_o marriage_n be_v null_v which_o have_v not_o be_v make_v with_o all_o the_o ceremony_n in_o the_o roman_a ritual_a so_o he_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o sectary_n he_o think_v all_o marriage_n make_v according_a to_o the_o several_a persuasion_n of_o man_n aught_o to_o have_v their_o effect_n in_o law._n of_o how_o great_a value_n the_o judgement_n of_o this_o worthy_a man_n be_v in_o all_o court_n of_o judicature_n be_v also_o testify_v by_o this_o learned_a doctor_n in_o these_o word_n his_o opinion_n in_o point_n of_o law_n general_o pass_v as_o a_o uncontrollable_a authority_n and_o be_v often_o plead_v in_o all_o the_o court_n of_o justice_n so_o that_o such_o as_o out_o of_o a_o fancy_n to_o some_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n will_v null_a all_o marriage_n among_o dissenter_n though_o make_v as_o public_o and_o solemn_o as_o we_o can_v and_o every_o way_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n will_v see_v themselves_o concern_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v better_o advise_v than_o to_o throw_v dirt_n in_o the_o face_n of_o this_o great_a patriot_n of_o the_o law_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o public_a defender_n of_o whoredom_n for_o so_o do_v some_o of_o our_o rash_a ceremonialist_n esteem_v and_o speak_v of_o all_o marriage_n wherein_o their_o ceremony_n be_v omit_v furthermore_o if_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o nation_n god_n ordinance_n shall_v become_v or_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v nullity_n when_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o the_o ceremony_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n or_o those_o that_o call_v themselves_o so_o be_v omit_v there_o can_v be_v little_a certainty_n of_o a_o right_n or_o effectual_a enjoyment_n of_o any_o of_o they_o for_o baptism_n confirmation_n the_o lord_n table_n ordination_n excommunication_n and_o what_o
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
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
in_o ceremony_n i_o have_v intitute_v my_o book_n as_o you_o see_v the_o last_o and_o most_o friendly_a debate_n concern_v infant-baptism_n and_o glad_a shall_v i_o be_v to_o see_v a_o end_n of_o the_o controversy_n by_o a_o agreement_n in_o the_o truth_n or_o a_o brotherly_a condescension_n in_o such_o thing_n on_o either_o part_n as_o may_v be_v without_o sin._n that_o i_o have_v undertake_v this_o task_n be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o my_o own_o choice_n but_o indeed_o i_o be_v particular_o desire_v by_o letter_n from_o some_o person_n of_o quality_n and_o learning_n to_o give_v a_o brief_a and_o distinct_a answer_n to_o the_o content_n of_o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n which_o they_o commend_v for_o the_o temper_n 〈◊〉_d which_o it_o be_v frame_v and_o for_o that_o it_o be_v very_o nervous_a in_o argument_n insomuch_o that_o till_o it_o be_v answer_v it_o be_v so_o satisfactory_a that_o more_o need_v not_o be_v say_v on_o their_o part_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v do_v i_o the_o justice_n as_o to_o read_v i_o with_o patience_n and_o to_o judge_v without_o prejudice_n know_v that_o short_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n and_o receive_v from_o he_o the_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a the_o last_o and_o most_o friendly_a debate_n concern_v infant-baptism_n chap._n i._o that_o the_o covenant_n gen._n 17._o strict_o take_v be_v not_o a_o gospel-covenant_n nor_o circumcision_n a_o gospel-ordinance_n as_o be_v affirm_v by_o the_o doctor_n the_o learned_a author_n of_o the_o book_n now_o under_o consideration_n may_v rational_o expect_v some_o reply_n from_o those_o who_o he_o call_v anabaptist_n or_o else_o interpret_v their_o silence_n to_o be_v either_o a_o sullen_a slight_n of_o his_o endeavour_n to_o convince_v they_o or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a in_o their_o own_o judgement_n to_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o his_o argument_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o he_o have_v more_o oblige_v we_o to_o consider_v his_o write_n by_o his_o modest_a and_o friendly_a management_n of_o the_o controversy_n than_o many_o of_o his_o brethren_n who_o have_v bend_v their_o style_n against_o we_o we_o shall_v therefore_o god_n will_v with_o no_o less_o modesty_n and_o friendly_a demeanour_n show_v our_o reason_n why_o in_o our_o judgement_n his_o labour_n have_v not_o only_o come_v short_a of_o prove_v the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n to_o be_v warrantable_a by_o god_n word_n but_o have_v rather_o give_v we_o great_a cause_n to_o think_v that_o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n can_v be_v make_v good_a by_o all_o that_o learning_n and_o art_n can_v do_v it_o be_v whole_o without_o divine_a authority_n and_o to_o make_v this_o good_a we_o will_v now_o consider_v the_o chief_a of_o his_o strength_n in_o the_o several_a page_n of_o his_o learned_a treatise_n in_o pag._n 1_o &_o 2._o he_o will_v have_v it_o believe_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o abraham_n to_o moses_n and_o from_o moses_n to_o christ_n be_v parallel_v by_o the_o differ_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o christ_n to_o constantine_n and_o from_o constantine_n onward_o for_o say_v he_o there_o be_v ground_n for_o this_o distinction_n in_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o any_o man_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o consider_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n christian_n before_o and_o after_o its_o union_n with_o the_o empire_n but_o here_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n in_o the_o very_a entrance_n of_o his_o book_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o jewish_a church_n from_o abraham_n to_o moses_n have_v very_o little_a of_o the_o face_n of_o a_o church-state_n till_o his_o time_n be_v as_o yet_o destitute_a of_o most_o of_o her_o law_n both_o for_o constitution_n and_o government_n abraham_n himself_o own_v a_o priest_n superior_a to_o himself_o even_o after_o he_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n both_o of_o be_v that_o person_n in_o who_o seed_n all_o nation_n shall_v be_v bless_v and_o that_o to_o his_o seed_n god_n will_v give_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n as_o will_v appear_v to_o such_o as_o shall_v peruse_v these_o scripture_n gen._n 12._o 1_o 2_o 3._o &_o 13._o 15_o 16._o &_o 14._o 18_o 19_o 20._o now_o this_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n that_o in_o his_o seed_n all_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v gen._n 12._o which_o be_v indeed_o a_o evangelical_n promise_v or_o covenant_n and_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o which_o abraham_n be_v justify_v near_o thirty_o year_n before_o circumcision_n have_v any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v call_v the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n neither_o yet_o when_o circumcision_n be_v institute_v be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n form_v into_o a_o church-state_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o for_o still_o melchisedec_n be_v priest_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o many_o righteous_a man_n be_v then_o live_v who_o outlive_v abraham_n himself_o and_o be_v true_o church-member_n yea_o and_o governor_n of_o church_n too_o as_o well_o as_o abraham_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v then_o distinct_a and_o not_o the_o same_o covenant_n so_o but_o that_o the_o one_o might_n and_o do_v subsist_v without_o the_o other_o this_o than_o may_v serve_v to_o show_v the_o doctor_n be_v great_a mistake_n in_o make_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o christ_n to_o constantine_n parallel_v to_o the_o church_n from_o abraham_n to_o moses_n when_o in_o truth_n a_o great_a disparity_n can_v hardly_o be_v show_v for_o though_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n till_o moses_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o peregrination_n as_o also_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n till_o constantine_n yet_o the_o church_n christian_n be_v then_o not_o only_o in_o her_o purity_n but_o also_o both_o for_o constitution_n and_o government_n as_o complete_a as_o ever_o she_o be_v since_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n all_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n even_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n necessary_a to_o her_o church-state_n and_o therewith_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o most_o plentiful_a manner_n by_o which_o to_o stand_v perfect_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god._n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n till_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n have_v neither_o law_n priesthood_n nor_o sacrifice_n in_o a_o settle_a churchway_n only_o they_o be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n as_o a_o people_n from_o who_o in_o time_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v proceed_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o nation_n and_o settle_v in_o a_o plentiful_a country_n with_o law_n and_o special_a protection_n from_o the_o almighty_a till_o shiloh_n shall_v come_v and_o when_o the_o messiah_n be_v manifest_v to_o israel_n the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n cease_v and_o the_o glorious_a gospel-covenant_n be_v now_o plenary_o to_o be_v make_v know_v to_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n rom._n 16._o and_o here_o we_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o excellent_a passage_n in_o mr._n baxter_n the_o jew_n say_v he_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o god_n kingdom_n or_o church_n of_o redeem_a one_o in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o all_o mankind_n so_o among_o they_o god_n have_v other_o servant_n beside_o the_o jew_n though_o it_o be_v they_o that_o have_v the_o extraordinary_a benediction_n of_o be_v his_o peculiar_a sacred_a people_n now_o as_o this_o be_v true_a all_o along_o so_o it_o be_v more_o particular_o manifest_a in_o the_o time_n of_o melchisedec_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n that_o outlive_v abraham_n what_o the_o doctor_n mean_v to_o compare_v constantine_n with_o moses_n be_v very_o doubtful_a be_v it_o to_o make_v christian_a magistrate_n legislator_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o know_v indeed_o moses_n be_v a_o great_a prophet_n and_o appoint_v of_o god_n to_o give_v law_n and_o statute_n to_o israel_n but_o constantine_n be_v not_o his_o antitype_n but_o christ_n only_o and_o whosoever_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o but_o not_o by_o the_o imperial_a sword_n as_o god_n know_v since_o the_o unite_n of_o the_o church_n christian_n to_o the_o empire_n viz._n the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n for_o the_o management_n of_o church-matter_n there_o have_v be_v a_o very_a bloody_a scene_n of_o affair_n in_o most_o place_n where_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o unity_n of_o the_o