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
jew_n have_v such_o a_o ceremony_n as_o baptism_n among_o they_o before_o john_n baptist_n come_v and_o in_o this_o enquiry_n we_o will_v prefer_v a_o learned_a protestant_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o write_v thus_o as_o to_o their_o argument_n who_o will_v have_v our_o baptism_n to_o knatchbul_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o jewish_a lotion_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o certainty_n in_o it_o so_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ground_v on_o any_o authority_n in_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o footstep_n to_o be_v find_v thereof_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o deduce_v the_o original_a of_o baptism_n from_o the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v to_o wash_v or_o cleanse_v but_o the_o rabbin_n if_o i_o be_o not_o deceive_v use_v the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v immersion_n thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o owe_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o greek_n or_o rather_o to_o the_o christian_n for_o what_o affinity_n be_v there_o between_o lotion_n and_o immersion_n but_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o uncertain_a that_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o rabbin_n that_o there_o be_v not_o several_a among_o they_o who_o differ_v very_o much_o about_o this_o matter_n for_o in_o the_o very_a place_n cite_v by_o the_o forementioned_a learned_a man_n rabbi_n eliezer_n express_o contradict_v rabbi_n joshua_n who_o be_v the_o first_o that_o i_o know_v of_o who_o assert_v this_o sort_n of_o baptism_n among_o the_o jew_n now_o to_o who_o shall_v i_o give_v credit_n to_o eliezer_n who_o assert_n what_o the_o scripture_n confirm_v mean_v that_o proselyte_n be_v not_o baptize_v or_o too_o joshua_n who_o affirm_v what_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n mean_v this_o pretend_a baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n but_o the_o rabbin_n uphold_v joshua_n side_n and_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o for_o it_o make_v for_o their_o business_n that_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n that_o the_o christian_n shall_v borrow_v their_o ceremony_n how_v imprudent_a then_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n we_o be_v answer_v to_o give_v this_o advantage_n to_o the_o jew_n against_o the_o christian_n but_o when_o i_o see_v man_n of_o great_a learning_n fetch_v the_o foundation_n of_o truth_n from_o the_o rabbin_n i_o can_v but_o hesitate_n a_o little_a for_o whence_o be_v this_o talmud_n send_v to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v give_v so_o much_o credit_v thereto_o for_o the_o talmud_n be_v call_v a_o labyrinth_n of_o error_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o jewish_a fable_n this_n be_v then_o a_o fault_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n doctor_n to_o fly_v hither_o for_o refuge_n for_o infant-baptism_n it_o be_v bring_v to_o perfection_n 500_o year_n after_o christ_n this_n show_v the_o danger_n of_o trust_v to_o it_o it_o be_v so_o late_o confirm_v therefore_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o rest_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o it_o and_o that_o which_o move_v i_o most_o josephus_n who_o be_v also_o a_o jew_n and_o contemporary_a with_o rabbi_n eliezer_n who_o also_o write_v in_o particular_a of_o the_o rite_n custom_n and_o act_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v altogether_o silent_a in_o this_o matter_n he_o know_v no_o baptise_v of_o infant_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o i_o next_o to_o a_o demonstration_n that_o two_o such_o eminent_a person_n both_o jew_n and_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o one_o shall_v positive_o deny_v the_o other_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o baptism_n among_o the_o jew_n beside_o if_o baptism_n in_o the_o modern_a sense_n be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o ancient_a time_n why_o do_v the_o pharisee_n ask_v john_n baptist_n why_o do_v thou_o baptize_v if_o thou_o be_v not_o christ_n nor_o elias_n nor_o that_o prophet_n do_v they_o not_o plain_o intimate_v that_o baptism_n be_v not_o in_o use_n before_o and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n among_o they_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o baptism_n till_o either_o christ_n or_o elias_n or_o that_o prophet_n come_v how_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o affinity_n between_o baptism_n and_o the_o diving_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v successive_a to_o the_o other_o by_o any_o right_a or_o pretence_n be_v altogether_o i_o confess_v beyond_o my_o faith._n it_o appear_v from_o this_o learned_a man_n discourse_n that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v any_o such_o baptise_v of_o infant_n or_o other_o as_o the_o doctor_n pretend_v however_o god_n have_v appoint_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n leave_v such_o a_o practice_n if_o they_o have_v it_o without_o any_o authority_n to_o govern_v christian_n in_o their_o administration_n of_o baptism_n nor_o do_v we_o who_o assert_v the_o ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n need_v to_o run_v for_o counsel_n to_o the_o jew_n talmud_n gemara_n and_o maimonides_n and_o indeed_o it_o look_v too_o much_o like_o go_v to_o the_o witch_n of_o endur_n and_o to_o baalzebub_n the_o god_n of_o ekron_n for_o knowledge_n as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o sufficient_a instruction_n in_o the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n how_o or_o to_o who_o to_o dispense_v the_o first_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o a_o poor_a convert_n and_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a sign_n that_o the_o doctor_n and_o all_o that_o make_v such_o a_o noise_n about_o this_o rabbinical_a learning_n to_o justify_v they_o in_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n baptism_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v no_o sure_a foot_n in_o god_n word_n for_o it_o and_o yet_o so_o partial_a be_v our_o talmudist_n that_o they_o will_v not_o follow_v its_o direction_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o baptism_n which_o as_o dr._n hammond_n show_v be_v common_o express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d immersion_n never_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v aspersion_n or_o sprinkle_v for_o such_o as_o will_v not_o be_v true_a to_o the_o rule_v give_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n how_o shall_v they_o be_v true_a to_o any_o other_o book_n one_o thing_n i_o marvel_v at_o p._n 20._o where_o the_o doctor_n tell_v his_o reader_n that_o the_o anabaptist_n endeavour_v to_o shift_v off_o the_o force_n of_o many_o good_a argument_n by_o say_v circumcision_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v a_o type_n of_o baptism_n under_o the_o new._n for_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n of_o the_o doctor_n i_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o who_o he_o call_v annabaptist_n who_o hold_v circumcision_n to_o be_v a_o type_n of_o baptism_n at_o all_o but_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o divers_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o have_v affirm_v it_o to_o be_v a_o type_n of_o baptism_n so_o that_o all_o that_o the_o doctor_n say_v upon_o this_o mistake_n about_o which_o he_o spend_v some_o page_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o we_o own_v no_o other_o antitype_n of_o circumcision_n but_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n call_v the_o circumcision_n of_o christ_n make_v without_o hand_n but_o have_v he_o mind_v well_o his_o own_o book_n he_o may_v have_v see_v mr._n philpot_n assert_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v charge_v upon_o we_o where_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n do_v attemperate_a all_o their_o do_n to_o the_o shadow_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o do_v attemperate_a baptism_n to_o circumcision_n and_o baptize_v child_n because_o they_o be_v under_o the_o figure_n of_o baptism_n for_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n pass_v through_o the_o red-sea_n etc._n etc._n where_o i_o think_v he_o make_v both_o circumcision_n and_o pass_v through_o the_o sea_n to_o be_v shadow_n and_o type_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a because_o a_o little_a before_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o paul_n call_v baptism_n the_o circumcision_n make_v without_o hand_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o true_a see_v all_o man_n know_v and_o mr._n philpot_n can_v deny_v but_o baptism_n be_v make_v by_o hand_n yet_o it_o show_v that_o he_o look_v upon_o baptism_n to_o be_v the_o antitype_n of_o circumcision_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o fight_v with_o dead_a man_n otherwise_o i_o may_v show_v his_o mistake_n in_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v attemperate_a all_o their_n do_n to_o the_o shadow_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o this_o we_o have_v show_v before_o to_o be_v a_o unsound_a speech_n the_o doctor_n seem_v to_o deal_v unfair_o with_o col._n 2._o 11_o 12._o circumcision_n say_v he_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o symbolical_a of_o baptism_n and_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o umbratical_a but_o areal_a consignation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n
thing_n and_o as_o we_o be_v resolve_v indeed_o to_o correct_v and_o rectify_v this_o error_n so_o we_o desire_v earnest_o with_o humble_a prayer_n of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v correct_v and_o amend_v that_o error_n of_o take_v away_o the_o cup_n from_o the_o laic_n come_v unto_o the_o holy_a supper_n do_v mounseur_fw-fr bossuet_n think_v that_o the_o protestant_n will_v have_v a_o great_a respect_n of_o that_o custom_n which_o they_o have_v sound_a to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o that_o by_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o solid_a argument_n than_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o to_o let_v rome_n get_v a_o opportunity_n of_o bold_o and_o free_o break_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o pernicious_a imitation_n of_o our_o example_n far_o be_v that_o wicked_a frame_n of_o mind_n from_o they_o they_o be_v strait_o bind_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o holy_a master_n than_o to_o despise_v his_o voice_n when_o his_o sound_n come_v to_o their_o ear_n my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o again_o i_o know_v my_o sheep_n none_o except_o wolf_n lurk_v under_o a_o sheepskin_n refuse_v and_o turn_v from_o it_o there_o be_v no_o place_n therefore_o for_o cog_a in_o these_o thing_n for_o those_o that_o pretend_v the_o specious_a title_n of_o receive_a custom_n for_o the_o day_n practise_v when_o jesus_n and_o his_o gospel_n be_v not_o the_o custom_n but_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o say_v the_o same_o jesus_n unto_o they_o who_o do_v object_n unto_o he_o the_o worst_a and_o curse_a custom_n of_o their_o ancestor_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v present_v before_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n he_o will_v not_o judge_v his_o disciple_n by_o custom_n but_o by_o the_o lively_a and_o effectual_a word_n of_o his_o gospel_n neither_o shall_v any_o be_v take_v with_o a_o vain_a hope_n of_o frame_v a_o excuse_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n because_o all_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v from_o christ_n grant_v unto_o she_o for_o that_o intent_n and_o purpose_n that_o she_o may_v procure_v a_o religious_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o heavenly_a precept_n but_o not_o that_o she_o may_v break_v repeal_n and_o cancel_v they_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n no_o more_o power_n of_o change_v the_o rite_n in_o the_o sacrament_n than_o there_o be_v power_n of_o change_v his_o word_n and_o law_n etc._n etc._n thus_o far_o the_o learned_a and_o pious_a protestant_n and_o shall_v the_o religious_a french_a protestant_n be_v thus_o awaken_v and_o resolve_v to_o correct_v and_o rectify_v this_o error_n by_o the_o reflection_n make_v upon_o it_o by_o a_o enemy_n and_o shall_v the_o english_a protestant_n add_v yet_o more_o slumber_n notwithstanding_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o very_a same_o alarm_n come_v among_o they_o from_o the_o same_o pen_n but_o their_o own_o learned_a man_n who_o stand_v upon_o their_o watchtower_n have_v give_v they_o notice_n of_o this_o baptism-destroying_a error_n and_o beside_o this_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o witness_n for_o his_o truth_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o particular_n who_o with_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n have_v show_v the_o beauty_n of_o this_o institution_n both_o by_o doctrine_n and_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o royal_a city_n and_o in_o most_o part_n of_o this_o land_n for_o many_o year_n together_o and_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o stir_v up_o herself_o at_o all_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o plain_a truth_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o though_o i_o be_o one_o of_o the_o least_o of_o the_o witness_n which_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o in_o this_o age_n and_o nation_n in_o behalf_n of_o this_o truth_n yet_o i_o shall_v humble_o crave_v leave_n to_o address_v the_o church_n of_o england_n after_o this_o friendly_a and_o free_a manner_n as_o i_o do_v mr._n bossuet_n himself_o 1._o i_o beseech_v she_o to_o consider_v that_o she_o have_v now_o to_o do_v with_o such_o christian_n as_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n for_o the_o ancient_a christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n such_o as_o will_v not_o have_v any_o truth_n deliver_v by_o heaven_n authority_n to_o be_v neglect_v nor_o in_o any-wise_a to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o innovation_n change_n or_o alteration_n but_o religious_o observe_v and_o keep_v according_a to_o the_o due_a form_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n be_v please_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o infant_n be_v as_o dear_a to_o we_o as_o you_o can_v be_v to_o you_o and_o therefore_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o we_o will_v willing_o omit_v any_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v as_o a_o furtherance_n thereunto_o and_o be_v as_o all_o man_n know_v no_o less_o zealous_a for_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n than_o yourselves_o you_o may_v be_v confident_a we_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n hinder_v its_o due_a extent_n but_o promote_v it_o therein_o by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n we_o be_v able_a 3._o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v make_v baptism_n necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o infant_n be_v not_o reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o necessary_a for_o they_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o african_a council_n do_v ill_a to_o anathematise_v those_o that_o deny_v the_o first_o so_o you_o have_v not_o do_v well_o to_o anathematise_v such_o as_o can_v in_o conscience_n bring_v their_o infant_n to_o baptism_n 4._o let_v therefore_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n return_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o case_n of_o holy_a baptism_n that_o we_o may_v return_v to_o she_o for_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o with_o she_o she_o will_v distinguish_v between_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a yea_o that_o very_a ministration_n right_o restore_v will_v natural_o lead_v to_o a_o far_o great_a purity_n in_o church-communion_n than_o have_v hitherto_o be_v attain_v but_o if_o she_o will_v not_o be_v entreat_v to_o amend_v her_o way_n and_o her_o do_n the_o lord_n will_v plead_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o neglect_a truth_n and_o despise_a people_n the_o conclusion_n the_o doctor_n be_v please_v to_o reserve_v some_o of_o our_o objection_n against_o the_o paedobaptist_n for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o book_n now_o the_o reader_n do_v understand_v that_o though_o we_o show_v like_o argument_n for_o infant-communion_n as_o they_o bring_v for_o infant-baptism_n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o therefore_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o we_o do_v hereby_o show_v that_o the_o poedobaptist_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o himself_o as_o for_o example_n this_o doctor_n argue_v for_o infant-baptism_n from_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 2._o that_o because_o infant_n pass_v through_o the_o sea_n and_o it_o be_v say_v all_o our_o father_n be_v baptize_v unto_o moses_n in_o the_o cloud_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n therefore_o infant_n be_v baptize_v to_o moses_n and_o consequent_o aught_o to_o be_v baptize_v to_o christ_n now_o to_o show_v the_o fallacy_n of_o this_o argument_n we_o say_v all_z that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v baptize_v ver_fw-la 2._o be_v also_o say_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v spiritual_o of_o christ_n so_o that_o this_o scripture_n be_v as_o strong_a for_o infant-communion_n as_o for_o infant-baptism_n though_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v no_o rule_n for_o either_o for_o how_o shall_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o god_n save_v israel_n miraculous_o from_o the_o rage_n of_o pharaoh_n in_o the_o cloud_n and_o in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o feed_v they_o miraculous_o with_o mannah_n and_o water_n in_o the_o wilderness_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o baptize_v and_o communicate_v infant_n but_o we_o have_v show_v before_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v limit_v this_o baptism_n and_o feed_v upon_o christ_n to_o those_o of_o understanding_n to_o wit_n our_o father_n and_o so_o do_v augustine_n speak_v of_o the_o latter_a in_o these_o word_n quicunque_fw-la in_o manna_n christum_fw-la intellexerunt_fw-la eundem_fw-la quem_fw-la nos_fw-la cibum_fw-la spiritualem_fw-la manducaverunt_fw-la we_o show_v also_o from_o this_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 17._o that_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n be_v to_o partake_v of_o one_o bread_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o infant_n ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o church_n militant_a they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v the_o bread_n and_o cup_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o body_n when_o they_o plead_v from_o antiquity_n etc._n etc._n we_o show_v they_o and_o they_o know_v it_o that_o near_o the_o second_o or_o early_a age_n of_o the_o gospel_n infant_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n to_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