presumption_n no_o proof_n or_o mr._n petto_n argument_n for_o infant_n baptism_n consider_v and_o answer_v and_o infant_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o baptism_n assert_v and_o maintain_v whereunto_o be_v prefix_v a_o answer_n to_o two_o question_n propound_v by_o mr._n firmin_n about_o infant_n church-membership_a and_o baptism_n by_o thomas_n grantham_n the_o earth_n also_o be_v defile_v under_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o because_o they_o have_v transgress_v the_o law_n change_v the_o ordinance_n break_v the_o everlasting_a covenant_n isa_n 24._o 5._o now_o i_o praise_v you_o brethren_n that_o you_o remember_v i_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n as_o i_o deliver_v they_o to_o you_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 2._o london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1687._o to_o the_o reader_n it_o appear_v by_o mr._n pett_n epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n that_o he_o take_v hold_v of_o a_o very_a slight_a occasion_n to_o write_v against_o the_o baptise_a believer_n it_o be_v because_o one_o without_o acquaint_v he_o with_o it_o come_v over_o to_o their_o communion_n i_o can_v wish_v he_o have_v be_v more_o patient_a under_o so_o small_a a_o trial_n and_o thereby_o save_v i_o this_o labour_n which_o whether_o it_o will_v end_v here_o i_o know_v not_o that_o may_v be_v as_o he_o please_v i_o hold_v it_o no_o convenient_a time_n for_o dissenter_n to_o write_v one_o against_o another_o friendly_a conference_n may_v do_v much_o better_o but_o i_o have_v find_v man_n of_o mr._n pett_n principle_n very_o averse_a to_o that_o when_o it_o have_v be_v offer_v i_o have_v not_o answer_v each_o particular_a page_n in_o mr._n pett_n book_n for_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v very_o often_o repeat_v i_o have_v chief_o deal_v with_o his_o two_o main_a argument_n on_o which_o his_o whole_a discourse_n depend_v what_o he_o say_v about_o the_o mode_n of_o sprinkle_v i_o have_v not_o meddle_v with_o nor_o be_v it_o needful_a for_o we_o see_v that_o general_o such_o as_o be_v serious_o convince_v of_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o case_n of_o baptism_n will_v not_o if_o they_o may_v receive_v it_o but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o immersion_n they_o be_v present_o apprehensive_a that_o no_o way_n can_v be_v so_o safe_a for_o they_o as_o to_o follow_v christ_n himself_o who_o its_o certain_a be_v baptize_v so_o for_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o learned_a that_o mark_v 1._o 9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v true_o read_v and_o be_v dip_v of_o john_n into_o jordan_n this_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n baptism_n be_v sufficient_a to_o decide_v this_o controversy_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o baptism_n if_o the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a example_n that_o ever_o be_v be_v of_o any_o force_n at_o all_o what_o i_o have_v offer_v on_o behalf_n of_o infant_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n may_v perhaps_o seem_v too_o full_a of_o charity_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o mr._n petto_n and_o some_o other_o but_o if_o that_o offend_v thou_o do_v but_o consider_v from_o who_o this_o doctrine_n of_o infant_n damnation_n have_v proceed_v it_o be_v either_o of_o god_n or_o man._n i_o have_v search_v the_o scripture_n but_o can_v never_o find_v his_o word_n that_o be_v truth_n itself_o declare_v such_o a_o dreadful_a sentence_n against_o any_o one_o infant_n much_o less_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o die_a infant_n be_v damn_v can_v man_n be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o die_a infant_n the_o controversy_n about_o baptise_v they_o will_v come_v to_o a_o end_n for_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v ever_o learn_v it_o come_v into_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o mistake_n that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o it_o and_o though_o mr._n petto_n seem_v to_o dislike_v cyprian_n judgement_n herein_o yet_o what_o do_v he_o say_v less_o himself_o in_o p._n 1._o where_o he_o insinuate_v that_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n exclude_v million_o out_o of_o the_o great_a charter_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o may_v perhaps_o be_v find_v their_o fault_n who_o exclude_v all_o but_o the_o infant_n of_o such_o as_o they_o count_v believer_n when_o the_o reckon_n come_v to_o be_v true_o state_v i_o never_o see_v mr._n firmin_n be_v book_n till_o i_o have_v answer_v mr._n petto_n and_o at_o the_o request_n of_o some_o as_o also_o for_o that_o his_o question_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v serious_a and_o considerable_a i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o give_v a_o serious_a and_o christian_a answer_n to_o they_o which_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v do_v and_o as_o i_o must_v commend_v christian_n in_o their_o enquiry_n what_o evidence_n of_o god_n love_n we_o have_v concern_v infant_n and_o therein_o be_v a_o enquirer_n as_o much_o as_o any_o have_v child_n of_o my_o own_o so_o i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o caution_n myself_o and_o other_o that_o we_o set_v not_o up_o our_o own_o device_n for_o such_o evidence_n lest_o our_o hope_n be_v thereby_o lessen_v see_v our_o impose_v that_o upon_o infant_n which_o god_n have_v not_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n be_v no_o sign_n of_o his_o love_n to_o they_o at_o all_o tho._n grantham_n the_o preface_n contain_v brief_a answer_n to_o two_o question_n propound_v by_o mr._n giles_n firmin_n in_o his_o book_n call_v the_o plea_n of_o the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n because_o mr._n firmin_n question_n bear_v date_n four_o year_n before_o mr._n petto_n argument_n i_o will_v give_v they_o precedence_n in_o my_o answer_v they_o their_o book_n be_v much_o of_o one_o quality_n save_v that_o mr._n firmin_n abound_v with_o more_o unhandsome_a reflection_n upon_o many_o in_o which_o kind_n of_o deal_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v retaliation_n but_o that_o be_v not_o commendable_a what_o he_o write_v against_o mr._n danvers_n i_o leave_v to_o he_o to_o vindicate_v himself_o as_o he_o have_v do_v against_o other_o and_o that_o very_a well_o either_o by_o justify_v his_o authority_n or_o rectify_v such_o over-fights_a as_o may_v easy_o befall_v the_o most_o accurate_a writer_n in_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o quotation_n and_o which_o i_o be_o persuade_v will_v much_o satisfy_v mr._n firmin_n himself_o will_v he_o impartial_o read_v the_o controversy_n mr._n firmin_n be_v a_o wise_a man_n than_o to_o engage_v close_o in_o the_o question_n about_o the_o divine_a authority_n for_o infant-baptism_n maintain_v his_o fight_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n save_v that_o he_o play_v a_o little_a with_o some_o argument_n rather_o of_o other_o man_n devise_v than_o his_o own_o he_o at_o last_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o his_o discourse_n in_o two_o question_n and_o only_a desire_n some_o answer_n to_o they_o from_o those_o who_o he_o be_v please_v constant_o to_o call_v anabaptist_n i_o know_v no_o such_o creature_n yet_o i_o know_v that_o he_o mean_v those_o christian_n who_o according_a to_o god_n word_n heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o make_v baptism_n the_o three_o not_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n in_o which_o order_n the_o first_o and_o best_a of_o gospel-churche_n receive_v it_o even_o that_o which_o be_v found_v by_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o which_o be_v therefore_o the_o mother_n of_o all_o church_n christian_n in_o which_o church_n consist_v of_o believe_a jew_n their_o child_n have_v as_o clear_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o any_o can_v pretend_v to_o and_o as_o great_a privilege_n in_o the_o church_n christian_n as_o be_v or_o be_v needful_a for_o any_o and_o yet_o whoever_o read_v the_o plantation_n and_o progress_n of_o that_o church_n or_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v write_v to_o they_o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o some_o decay_n which_o afterward_o befall_v they_o shall_v never_o find_v so_o much_o as_o one_o infant_n baptize_v in_o that_o church_n nor_o indeed_o in_o any_o other_o during_o the_o apostle_n day_n which_o consideration_n alone_o be_v enough_o to_o cause_v a_o modest_a enquirer_n to_o question_v the_o legality_n of_o infant-baptism_n mr._n firmin_n have_v get_v infant-baptism_n into_o a_o very_a little_a corner_n it_o belong_v only_o to_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n in_o a_o independent_a or_o presbyterian_a sense_n so_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n call_v christendom_n will_v have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o and_o he_o make_v it_o very_o insignificant_a to_o a_o great_a number_n of_o these_o two_o for_o pag._n 33._o he_o do_v not_o make_v god_n to_o be_v indeed_o their_o god_n till_o with_o his_o call_n he_o give_v they_o faith_n to_o answer_v his_o call._n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n i_o suppose_v why_o they_o deny_v these_o so_o pretend_o holy_a infant_n who_o they_o sprinkle_v any_o privilege_n in_o their_o church_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n till_o
example_n of_o christ_n who_o when_o little_a child_n be_v bring_v to_o he_o for_o prayer_n do_v not_o refuse_v but_o perform_v it_o and_o will_v that_o little_a child_n be_v bring_v to_o he_o and_o according_o we_o do_v dedicate_v our_o child_n to_o he_o from_o the_o womb_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n 2._o little_a child_n be_v also_o by_o this_o mean_n i._n e._n of_o their_o parent_n conversion_n under_o the_o blessing_n of_o a_o early_a education_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o which_o mean_v through_o god_n blessing_n i_o have_v know_v some_o who_o be_v not_o sprinkle_v in_o infancy_n attain_v to_o more_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christianity_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o far_o as_o man_n may_v judge_n at_o 7_o or_o 8_o year_n of_o age_n than_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o be_v sprinkle_v in_o their_o infancy_n have_v attain_v at_o the_o age_n of_o 70_o or_o 80_o year_n 3._o our_o gracious_a god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o open_a declaration_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n belong_v to_o infant_n in_o which_o declaration_n he_o have_v not_o except_v so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o they_o this_o be_v more_o than_o circumcision_n and_o more_o clear_a than_o any_o thing_n before_o declare_v concern_v infant_n though_o there_o be_v evidence_n of_o god_n love_n to_o they_o before_o from_o all_o which_o you_o may_v see_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n a_o far_o more_o excellent_a testimony_n of_o his_o save_a pleasure_n concern_v infant_n than_o that_o be_v or_o any_o legal_a rite_n whatsoever_o as_o for_o mr._n baxter_n argument_n which_o you_o borrow_v it_o be_v answer_v in_o what_o be_v say_v to_o your_o question_n howbeit_o i_o have_v more_o particular_o answer_v it_o in_o my_o examination_n of_o no_o less_o than_o five_o hundred_o query_n gather_v by_o one_o of_o his_o admirer_n out_o of_o his_o voluminous_a work_n all_o which_o have_v be_v redargue_v by_o a_o proportionable_a number_n of_o anti-query_n in_o which_o all_o his_o device_n for_o poedorantism_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n discover_v to_o be_v but_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o human_a subtlety_n or_o a_o copious_a brain_n of_o who_o book_n on_o this_o subject_a and_o dr._n hammonds_n also_o take_v thus_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o learned_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n now_o live_v i_o have_v see_v what_o my_o learned_a and_o worthy_a friend_n dr._n hammond_n mr._n baxter_n and_o other_o say_v in_o defence_n of_o infant_n baptism_n and_o must_v confess_v i_o do_v not_o a_o little_a wonder_n that_o man_n of_o so_o great_a part_n shall_v say_v so_o much_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n for_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v any_o thing_n like_o a_o argument_n for_o it_o dr._n barlow_v letter_n to_o mr._n tomb_n thus_o much_o in_o answer_n to_o your_o question_n see_v more_o in_o the_o last_o part._n one_o thing_n i_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o in_o your_o discourse_n of_o infant_n you_o tie_v up_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o infant_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v to_o their_o have_a faith_n some_o way_n yea_o you_o say_v else_o they_o must_v all_o perish_v p._n 90._o and_o you_o allow_v faith_n to_o no_o more_o infant_n than_o be_v elect_v in_o your_o seem_v of_o election_n the_o rest_n of_o infant_n even_o of_o believe_v parent_n be_v reprobate_a and_o damn_a for_o all_o the_o noise_n which_o you_o make_v of_o their_o covenant-interest_n church-membership_n holiness_n etc._n etc._n miserable_a infant_n if_o there_o be_v none_o to_o plead_v your_o cause_n better_o than_o mr._n firmin_n have_v do_v it_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o you_o shall_v be_v save_v out_o of_o a_o thousand_o and_o whilst_o his_o book_n may_v cause_v many_o weak_a reader_n to_o think_v that_o circumcision_n do_v and_o that_o infant-baptism_n do_v great_a thing_n towards_o their_o saltion_n it_o be_v evident_a he_o can_v believe_v no_o such_o thing_n himself_o for_o if_o they_o be_v elect_v save_v they_o shall_v be_v though_o they_o be_v not_o baptize_v and_o for_o those_o infant_n which_o be_v reprobate_v damn_a they_o must_v be_v though_o they_o be_v baptize_v he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v baptism_n of_o infant_n to_o be_v of_o that_o concernment_n which_o you_o may_v imagine_v from_o some_o passage_n in_o he_o that_o he_o plain_o tell_v you_o p._n 20._o that_o he_o do_v not_o think_v that_o a_o sound_a believer_n die_v without_o baptism_n shall_v be_v damn_v and_o then_o how_o a_o innocent_a infant_n die_v without_o baptism_n shall_v be_v damn_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v imagine_v but_o by_o his_o favour_n if_o such_o a_o believer_n have_v opportunity_n to_o be_v baptize_v and_o neglect_v his_o baptism_n he_o will_v hardly_o pass_v for_o a_o sound_a believer_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n because_o in_o this_o thing_n he_o believe_v not_o his_o lord_n who_o tell_v he_o thus_o it_o become_v we_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n mat._n 3._o 15._o deut._n 1._o 33._o act._n 3._o 22_o 23._o and_o i_o must_v in_o faithfulness_n tell_v mr._n firmin_n that_o such_o a_o sound_a believer_n i_o take_v he_o to_o be_v for_o after_o all_o the_o improvement_n which_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v make_v of_o his_o father_n covenant_n which_o will_v make_v a_o well_o man_n sick_a even_o to_o see_v what_o pitiful_a work_n he_o make_v with_o it_o pag._n 68_o 69_o 70_o 71._o for_o after_o all_o his_o shift_a from_o post_n to_o pillar_n he_o only_o get_v stomach_n to_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o himself_o be_v not_o baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n as_o some_o of_o the_o learned_a have_v do_v before_o he_o luk._n 7._o 30._o and_o see_v it_o be_v the_o know_a practice_n of_o infant-sprinklers_a to_o sprinkle_v they_o when_o they_o be_v fast_o asleep_a and_o it_o be_v odds_o but_o mr._n firmin_n be_v asleep_a when_o he_o be_v sprinkle_v and_o cross_v and_o therein_o these_o wonderful_a thing_n do_v which_o he_o talk_v of_o without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o warrant_v his_o conceit_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v of_o he_o what_o ground_n any_o man_n have_v his_o parent_n or_o himself_o to_o baptise_v any_o person_n when_o they_o be_v asleep_o this_o be_v no_o idle_a enquiry_n but_o call_v for_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o serious_a christian_n in_o these_o and_o the_o follow_a page_n you_o will_v find_v this_o to_o be_v mr._n firmin_n sense_n that_o the_o covenant_n as_o it_o concern_v infant_n have_v two_o part_n the_o inward_a and_o the_o outward_a that_o some_o infant_n have_v the_o outward_a part_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o the_o inward_a part_n and_o that_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o infant_n can_v fall_v but_o the_o rest_n may_v and_o shall_v fall_v because_o they_o have_v not_o seminal_a faith_n and_o regeneration_n but_o only_o reputative_a faith._n and_o yet_o sure_a this_o be_v not_o the_o infant_n fault_n for_o it_o can_v not_o choose_v of_o what_o seed_n it_o shall_v be_v produce_v and_o what_o the_o seminal_a faith_n be_v i_o suppose_v mr._n firmin_n may_v know_v as_o much_o as_o those_o infant_n do_v who_o he_o suppose_v to_o have_v it_o dr._n hammond_n be_v a_o great_a man_n for_o infant-sprinkling_a yet_o he_o reject_v this_o fable_n of_o mr._n firmin_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o must_v confess_v that_o faith_n be_v so_o necessary_o found_v in_o understanding_n that_o he_o which_o have_v not_o understanding_n can_v have_v faith._n and_o dr._n taylor_n confess_v whether_o infant_n have_v faith_n be_v a_o question_n to_o be_v dispute_v by_o those_o who_o care_v not_o how_o much_o they_o affirm_v and_o how_o little_o thâ—y_v prove_v this_o damn_v all_o inâ—â—â—â—â—_n which_o have_v not_o faith_n i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o very_a damnable_a doctrine_n because_o it_o represent_v god_n to_o be_v so_o cruel_a as_o to_o make_v million_o 〈◊〉_d infant_n on_o purpose_n to_o send_v they_o to_o hell_n who_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n help_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d want_n of_o faith._n what_o man_n will_v kill_v his_o newborn_a child_n because_o it_o do_v not_o call_v he_o father_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v bear_v and_o shall_v mortal_a man_n be_v more_o just_a than_o god_n shall_v man_n be_v more_o righteous_a than_o his_o maker_n i_o be_o ashamed_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o which_o as_o i_o be_o inform_v teach_v that_o infant_n be_v yell_v in_o hell_n yea_o that_o infant_n of_o a_o span_n long_o be_v yell_v in_o hell._n i_o be_o also_o ashamed_a of_o mr._n firmin_n conceit_n pag._n 90._o where_o from_o dr._n ames_n he_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v that_o a_o infant_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o a_o passive_a reception_n of_o
of_o faith_n to_o all_o nation_n rom._n 16._o 26._o and_o that_o typical_a covenant_n of_o circumcision_n be_v make_v void_a and_o the_o gospel_n appoint_v no_o ceremony_n for_o infant_n yet_o assure_v they_o of_o heaven_n but_o make_v repentance_n and_o faith_n the_o two_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o baptism_n the_o three_o principle_n in_o order_n to_o a_o due_a profession_n of_o gospel-worship_n in_o a_o churchway_n it_o be_v manifest_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v a_o innovation_n and_o make_v a_o breach_n upon_o the_o sacred_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o st._n paul_n catechism_n as_o set_v down_o heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o and_o therefore_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v labour_v that_o truth_n herein_o according_a to_o primitive_a crder_n may_v be_v restore_v nevertheless_o that_o infant_n even_o all_o of_o they_o die_v such_o have_v a_o undeniable_a right_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o life_n and_o salvation_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v very_o evident_a both_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o right_a reason_n in_o the_o last_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o which_o i_o now_o apply_v myself_o and_o though_o herein_o i_o shall_v not_o direct_o answer_v to_o mr._n petto_n yet_o i_o shall_v scarce_o fail_v to_o remove_v those_o thing_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v of_o any_o moment_n in_o his_o often_o and_o unnecessary_a repetition_n part_n iii_o in_o which_o infant_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o baptism_n be_v assert_v and_o maintain_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o write_n of_o many_o paedobaptist_n both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n that_o they_o do_v hold_v either_o absolute_o that_o no_o unbaptised_a infant_n can_v be_v save_v or_o at_o least_o that_o their_o salvation_n be_v very_o doubtful_a and_o among_o those_o mr._n baxter_n and_o from_o he_o mr._n barret_n and_o now_o mr._n petto_n have_v not_o a_o little_a amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n about_o this_o matter_n first_o mr._n baxter_n tell_v we_o and_o mr._n barret_n also_o that_o infant_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o seem_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n without_o baptism_n and_o second_o mr._n petto_n think_v they_o be_v cut_v out_o of_o the_o great_a charter_n of_o heaven_n these_o be_v his_o word_n it_o be_v the_o covenant-interest_n and_o baptism_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n only_o of_o visible_a believer_n that_o i_o plead_v for_o and_o there_o be_v such_o vast_a number_n even_o million_o of_o these_o that_o if_o man_n undue_o exclude_v and_o raze_v out_o the_o name_n of_o so_o many_o out_o of_o that_o great_a charter_n of_o heaven_n they_o will_v have_v a_o dreadful_a account_n to_o give_v thereof_o to_o god._n in_o answer_n to_o these_o childish_a fear_n and_o undue_a reflection_n upon_o we_o i_o shall_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o transcribe_v what_o i_o have_v former_o write_v upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v yet_o unanswered_a this_o new_a art_n of_o plead_v for_o infant-baptism_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o church-membership_a covenant-interest_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o from_o the_o scripture_n direct_o but_o altogether_o by_o remote_a obscure_a and_o far-fetched_a consequence_n i_o say_v consider_v these_o subtlety_n of_o mr._n baxter_n and_o other_o i_o perceive_v the_o controversy_n to_o rise_v very_o high_a and_o question_n thereupon_o to_o be_v multiply_v insomuch_o that_o i_o have_v have_v for_o my_o share_n not_o less_o than_o five_o hundred_o of_o they_o send_v out_o by_o mr._n barret_n abovenamed_a which_o have_v be_v redargue_v in_o two_o book_n of_o antiquery_n hereupon_o i_o conceive_v it_o needful_a to_o consider_v this_o matter_n for_o i_o perceive_v very_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n engage_v on_o both_o side_n and_o as_o i_o believe_v much_o more_o strain_v in_o the_o point_n of_o church-membership_a or_o covenant-interest_n of_o infant_n than_o need_v by_o which_o the_o reader_n of_o the_o controversy_n as_o handle_v between_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n tomb_n shall_v soon_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o amazement_n than_o their_o heart_n with_o satisfaction_n in_o trace_v the_o several_a meander_n of_o their_o scholastic_a disputation_n and_o though_o i_o be_o abundant_o short_a of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o either_o of_o these_o champion_n yet_o stand_v to_o view_v till_o they_o engage_v i_o hope_v i_o have_v thereby_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o medium_fw-la which_o if_o well_o consider_v and_o improve_v will_v reconcile_v the_o difference_n about_o infant_n visible_a church-membership_a and_o covenant-interest_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o doubt_v at_o all_o that_o infant-baptism_n will_v be_v find_v unnecessary_a and_o unlawful_a to_o which_o purpose_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o once_o more_o this_o position_n that_o all_o infant_n as_o such_o be_v in_o a_o visible_a state_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o be_v of_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o god_n and_o can_v be_v put_v out_o of_o that_o bless_a state_n till_o by_o their_o voluntary_a departure_n from_o god_n by_o choose_v sinful_a way_n they_o destroy_v themselves_o and_o the_o better_a to_o convince_v my_o present_a adversary_n i_o will_v make_v my_o entrance_n hereunto_o by_o a_o passage_n out_o of_o mr._n baxter_n book_n of_o more_o prove_v etc._n etc._n pag._n 8._o where_o he_o say_v all_o mankind_n be_v bring_v by_o christ_n under_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v not_o vain_a nor_o repeal_v by_o god_n but_o as_o their_o abuse_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v cast_v they_o out_o for_o as_o a_o covenant_n of_o entire_a nature_n be_v make_v with_o all_o mankind_n in_o innocent_a adam_n so_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v with_o all_o mankind_n in_o lapse_v adam_n gen._n 3._o 15._o in_o the_o promise_a seed_n and_o renew_v again_o with_o all_o mankind_n in_o noah_n now_o this_o doctrine_n be_v no_o more_o than_o plain_a truth_n we_o shall_v apply_v it_o to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n by_o show_v 1._o that_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o visible_a church-covenant_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v make_v with_o all_o mankind_n and_o take_v place_n in_o their_o infancy_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v never_o repeal_v by_o god._n 4._o that_o no_o infant_n do_v ever_o abuse_v the_o grace_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o that_o therefore_o no_o infant_n be_v ever_o cast_v out_o of_o this_o covenant_n and_o then_o five_o they_o all_o stand_v visible_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n or_o universal_a church_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o covenant_n however_o their_o parent_n do_v abuse_v or_o neglect_v it_o and_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v no_o die_a infant_n be_v damn_v but_o be_v all_o in_o a_o visible_a state_n of_o salvation_n these_o thing_n i_o hope_v to_o show_v to_o satisfaction_n demonstration_n 1._o that_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n first_o express_v gen._n 3._o 15._o be_v either_o a_o church-covenant_n or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o church-covenant_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o read_v of_o from_o adam_n to_o noah_n this_o be_v indeed_o all_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n during_o these_o time_n beside_o that_o covenant_n of_o entire_a nature_n make_v before_o the_o fall._n and_o that_o covenant_n of_o nature_n be_v break_v by_o adam_n and_o in_o he_o by_o all_o his_o posterity_n it_o be_v not_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n can_v not_o afford_v mean_n to_o justify_v the_o the_o offender_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god._n there_o must_v therefore_o be_v some_o superven_a act_n of_o grace_n or_o mercy_n from_o god_n else_o adam_n even_o whole_a mankind_n who_o be_v then_o in_o his_o loin_n must_v have_v stand_v under_o condemnation_n for_o ever_o see_v no_o man_n can_v redeem_v his_o brother_n nor_o give_v to_o god_n a_o ransom_n for_o he_o psal_n 49._o 7._o it_o be_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o christian_n that_o the_o visible_a church_n begin_v in_o adam_n and_o that_o his_o family_n be_v the_o church_n wherefore_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v then_o the_o church_n and_o that_o church-covenant_n be_v make_v with_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o be_v to_o proceed_v from_o adam_n and_o this_o covenant_n yet_o remain_v it_o follow_v against_o all_o contradiction_n that_o whole_a mankind_n consider_v as_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o it_o be_v in_o that_o covenant_n and_o so_o in_o a_o visible_a state_n of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o god._n but_o whereas_o many_o do_v apostatise_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n covenant_n by_o corrupt_v his_o way_n gen._n 6._o 12._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v eject_v and_o therefore_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o this_o bless_a covenant_n accommodate_v and_o appropriate_v to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o adult_n who_o have_v not_o sin_v themselves_o out_o of_o it_o but_o still_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o
innocent_a be_v eject_v with_o the_o guilty_a for_o this_o be_v god_n order_n it_o be_v he_o only_o that_o sin_v who_o he_o will_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n exod._n 32._o 32_o 33._o and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o method_n which_o god_n take_v with_o noah_n in_o settle_v the_o covenant_n of_o his_o grace_n nor_o yet_o that_o order_n which_o he_o observe_v with_o abraham_n gen._n 12._o be_v exclusive_a of_o any_o infant_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o the_o grace_n or_o mercy_n of_o eternal_a life_n no_o more_o than_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o by_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o far_o more_o excellent_a way_n for_o distinguish_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a be_v in_o any_o wise_a no_o not_o in_o the_o least_o iota_fw-la exclusive_a of_o any_o die_a infant_n of_o ill_a man_n but_o contrariwise_a the_o right_n of_o infant_n without_o except_v any_o of_o they_o be_v assert_v by_o christ_n in_o this_o last_o and_o most_o ample_a edition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n show_v either_o by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n that_o god_n will_v shut_v out_o all_o the_o die_a infant_n of_o wicked_a man_n from_o life_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o of_o they_o for_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n that_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n will_v do_v right_o that_o the_o condemn_a shall_v all_o be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o deed_n do_v in_o the_o body_n but_o as_o for_o poor_a infant_n what_o evil_a have_v they_o do_v demonstration_n 2._o that_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o all_o mankind_n because_o it_o be_v make_v with_o adam_n without_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o the_o exclusion_n of_o any_o part_n of_o his_o posterity_n as_o they_o proceed_v from_o he_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world._n neither_o have_v god_n himself_o explain_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v exclusive_a of_o any_o but_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o own_o iniquity_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a first_o in_o the_o case_n of_o cain_n who_o not_o be_v faithful_a in_o his_o offer_n be_v not_o accept_v yet_o god_n be_v please_v to_o tell_v he_o how_o he_o may_v be_v accept_v gen._n 4._o 7._o if_o thou_o do_v well_o shall_v thou_o not_o be_v accept_v it_o shall_v seem_v god_n never_o reject_v cain_n till_o now_o neither_o do_v he_o now_o delight_v to_o reject_v he_o but_o gracious_o expostulate_v with_o cain_n to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o evil_n and_o assure_v he_o of_o acceptance_n if_o he_o do_v well_o if_o then_o cain_n have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o can_v we_o suppose_v to_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o it_o or_o how_o shall_v infant_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o his_o favour_n till_o they_o with_o cain_n shut_v themselves_o out_o of_o it_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n extend_v to_o those_o rebel_n in_o the_o old_a world_n because_o we_o read_v that_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n wait_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n upon_o they_o and_o he_o give_v they_o time_n of_o repentance_n and_o send_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n even_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n among_o they_o heb._n 11._o 7._o 2_o pet._n 2._o 5._o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n go_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o preach_v to_o they_o 1_o pet._n 3._o though_o none_o of_o they_o believe_v his_o word_n now_o such_o act_n on_o god_n part_n be_v great_a evidence_n of_o his_o graciousness_n towards_o man_n and_o show_v that_o he_o remember_v his_o covenant_n make_v in_o christ_n for_o they_o even_o for_o they_o that_o rebel_n against_o he_o and_o so_o perish_v and_o then_o how_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v gracious_a to_o poor_a infant_n who_o never_o rebel_v against_o he_o demonstration_n 3._o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n gen._n 3._o 15._o be_v never_o repeal_v by_o god._n for_o if_o it_o be_v there_o be_v now_o no_o covenant_n at_o all_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v repeal_v to_o one_o man_n but_o it_o must_v be_v repeal_v to_o all_o men._n it_o be_v true_a man_n may_v forfeit_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n hold_v forth_o in_o that_o covenant_n but_o the_o covenant_n can_v be_v repeal_v for_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n of_o mercy_n for_o sinner_n christ_n our_o lord_n may_v as_o soon_o be_v make_v null_n as_o this_o covenant_n for_o what_o if_o some_o do_v apostatise_v shall_v this_o make_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n without_o effect_n god_n forbid_v when_o we_o continual_o see_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n grace_n display_v make_v overture_n of_o kindness_n to_o sinner_n by_o beseech_v they_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n 2_o cor._n 5._o what_o shall_v we_o say_v have_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n this_o benefit_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o shall_v poor_a innocent_a babe_n have_v no_o benefit_n by_o it_o be_v he_o not_o worse_o than_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n that_o be_v thus_o expose_v to_o damnation_n sure_o there_o be_v better_a thing_n with_o god_n for_o poor_a babe_n and_o chief_o in_o this_o he_o have_v not_o give_v parent_n power_n to_o make_v void_a the_o covenant_n of_o his_o grace_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o infant_n for_o he_o have_v say_v the_o son_n shall_v not_o bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n the_o soul_n that_o sin_v it_o shall_v die_v demonstration_n 4._o no_o infant_n do_v ever_o abuse_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o in_o adam_n therefore_o no_o infant_n be_v ever_o cast_v out_o of_o it_o although_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o original_a sin_n be_v come_v upon_o infant_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n yet_o this_o be_v as_o true_a that_o original_a sin_n be_v not_o commit_v against_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o infant_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n commit_v against_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o consequent_o be_v not_o deprive_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o otherwise_o if_o the_o sin_n of_o subsequent_a parent_n shall_v make_v void_a the_o grace_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n as_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n make_v his_o posterity_n guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n we_o may_v then_o cry_v out_o who_o then_o can_v be_v save_v but_o therefore_o be_v our_o saviour_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o transgression_n which_o be_v under_o the_o first_o testament_n wherefore_o see_v infant_n stand_v acquit_v from_o the_o trespass_n commit_v by_o adam_n against_o the_o first_o testament_n or_o covenant_n and_o have_v not_o sin_v against_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o second_o testament_n they_o can_v come_v in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o hellish_a torment_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o make_v baptism_n as_o necessary_a for_o infant_n as_o any_o body_n do_v yet_o they_o have_v so_o much_o kindness_n as_o to_o condemn_v infant_n only_o to_o a_o state_n of_o loss_n but_o not_o of_o torment_n whilst_o those_o of_o calvin_n spirit_n do_v send_v they_o by_o their_o doctrine_n to_o yell_v among_o the_o damn_a in_o hell-fire_n sure_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o will_v not_o call_v it_o so_o yet_o i_o will_v say_v those_o that_o reject_v that_o great_a salvation_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v just_o condemn_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n demonstration_n 5._o that_o all_o die_a infant_n be_v member_n of_o that_o vast_a body_n of_o which_o christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n final_o and_o so_o of_o his_o church_n consider_v as_o universal_a be_v evident_a because_o they_o be_v in_o a_o visible_a state_n of_o salvation_n and_o i_o think_v no_o man_n will_v deny_v the_o catholic_n church_n to_o contain_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o the_o save_v i_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o prove_v all_o infant_n in_o a_o visible_a state_n of_o salvation_n which_o shall_v be_v do_v more_o particular_o by_o answer_v such_o objection_n as_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o more_o especial_o from_o mr._n barret_n objection_n i._n i_o give_v you_o thanks_o for_o some_o thing_n before_o grant_v concern_v insant_n and_o i_o here_o promise_v more_o thanks_o if_o you_o will_v prove_v the_o same_o of_o all_o infant_n answ_n when_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o right_n which_o infant_n have_v to_o life_n by_o christ_n i_o intend_v it_o only_o of_o that_o right_o derive_v to_o they_o by_o the_o first_o edition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n gen._n 3._o 15._o wherein_o they_o be_v equal_o concern_v and_o so_o have_v the_o same_o or_o equal_a right_n and_o i_o hope_v you_o can_v charge_v they_o with_o forfeit_v the_o grace_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o then_o they_o can_v