take_v on_o he_o to_o usurp_v the_o seat_n of_o judgement_n in_o pass_v sentence_n on_o all_o the_o holy_a learned_a and_o orthodox_n divine_v and_o protestant_a martyr_n and_o church_n who_o be_v go_v to_o glory_n in_o the_o unshaken_a belief_n that_o the_o infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n have_v a_o unquestionable_a right_n to_o baptism_n and_o that_o they_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n covenant_n signify_v thereby_o but_o that_o the_o lord_n supper_n belong_v to_o none_o but_o to_o adult_n and_o actual_a believer_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o those_o qualification_n require_v in_o a_o worthy_a communicant_a such_o as_o self-examination_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o state_n godward_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n his_o progress_n in_o a_o holy_a life_n his_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n his_o keep_n up_o a_o lively_a communion_n with_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n in_o that_o ordinance_n and_o judge_v one_o self_n in_o case_n of_o short_a come_n in_o holy_a duty_n these_o be_v the_o qualification_n require_v to_o be_v in_o one_o who_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n of_o which_o any_o not_o in_o a_o dream_n may_v judge_v a_o infant_n can_v be_v capable_a while_o a_o infant_n i_o humble_o hope_v not_o judicious_a christian_n will_v censure_v i_o as_o rash_a and_o uncharitable_a if_o i_o judge_v those_o preacher_n fit_a for_o a_o shopboard_n than_o a_o pulpit_n who_o be_v not_o able_a or_o willing_a to_o discern_v or_o distinguish_v between_o milk_n and_o strong_a meat_n and_o who_o will_v deny_v to_o infant_n the_o milk_n of_o holy_a baptism_n whereof_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o whereto_o by_o god_n covenant_n they_o have_v right_a because_o they_o be_v uncapable_a of_o receive_v and_o digest_v the_o strong_a meat_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n object_n 8._o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o be_v accompany_v with_o his_o blessing_n to_o the_o infant_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o baptise_a in_o infancy_n prove_v so_o carnal_a and_o loose_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n answ_n hereto_o i_o reply_v in_o three_o particular_n wherewith_o i_o shall_v shut_v up_o the_o present_a dispute_n first_o it_o be_v with_o many_o believer_n infant_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o infant_n of_o old_a some_o be_v their_o child_n by_o fleshly_a generation_n only_o who_o ishmael-like_a prove_v mocker_n and_o scoffer_n at_o holiness_n and_o hater_n of_o god_n and_o good_a man_n these_o notwithstanding_o the_o relation_n they_o stand_v in_o to_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o the_o external_n profession_n they_o make_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o a_o time_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o darkness_n and_o folly_n lodge_v in_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n they_o give_v themselves_o over_o to_o all_o kind_n of_o looseness_n baptism_n now_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v fault_v on_o this_o account_n than_o circumcision_n be_v former_o when_o the_o child_n of_o believe_a gentile_n do_v actual_o violate_v god_n covenant_n and_o depart_v from_o he_o then_o will_v god_n do_v with_o they_o as_o he_o do_v with_o abraham_n carnal_a seed_n etc._n etc._n second_o as_o some_o of_o the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n who_o be_v baptise_a in_o infant_n state_n prove_v loose_a and_o vain_a so_o bless_a be_v god_n a_o great_a many_o prove_v holy_a and_o upright_a walker_n with_o god_n manifest_v in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o lively_a copy_n of_o that_o spiritual_a circumcision_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n when_o convert_v which_o be_v signify_v and_o seal_v by_o that_o baptism_n which_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o when_o infant_n three_o and_o last_o if_o from_o the_o vain_a and_o sinful_a practice_n of_o some_o baptise_a in_o infancy_n infant-baptism_n must_v be_v disallow_v as_o no_o institution_n of_o god_n how_o strong_a a_o argument_n will_v this_o prove_v to_o overthrow_v the_o baptise_v grow_v professor_n for_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o the_o opposer_n of_o infant-baptism_n must_v own_v will_v they_o will_v they_o that_o many_o of_o those_o baptise_a in_o their_o way_n have_v notwithstanding_o their_o shine_a profession_n and_o their_o high_a pretension_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n within_o fall_v most_o foul_o and_o never_o recover_v again_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n give_v from_o above_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v up_o from_o god_n word_n that_o abraham_n covenant_n gen._n 17.7_o be_v most_o certain_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o have_v also_o prove_v from_o the_o same_o word_n that_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o that_o baptism_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v now_o succeed_v or_o come_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o infant_n of_o believe_a gentile_n have_v as_o real_a a_o right_n to_o baptism_n as_o abraham_n seed_n have_v to_o circumcision_n under_o that_o dark_a dispensation_n and_o whether_o the_o answer_n i_o have_v give_v to_o the_o most_o material_a objection_n i_o find_v bring_v against_o infant-baptism_n be_v pertinent_a and_o convince_a i_o leave_v to_o the_o judicious_a and_o unprejudiced_a to_o judge_n chap._n v._n among_o all_o the_o rash_a and_o presumptuous_a assertor_n of_o dip_v the_o whole_a body_n under_o water_n be_v the_o only_a right_a mode_n or_o manner_n of_o baptise_v none_o have_v make_v a_o great_a noise_n or_o a_o fair_a show_n of_o be_v herein_o infalible_a than_o one_o william_n russel_n who_o style_v himself_o medicinae_fw-la doctor_n accademiae_n cantabrigiensis_n this_o author_n with_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a confidence_n have_v bold_o assert_v that_o dip_v etc._n etc._n be_v the_o only_a right_a mode_n of_o baptise_v command_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o practise_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n this_o crude_a or_o raw_a assertion_n of_o he_o he_o labour_v to_o support_v and_o make_v good_a by_o a_o fourfold_a medium_fw-la first_o the_o etymology_n of_o the_o greek_a word_n the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v to_o express_v dip_v by_o second_o those_o metaphor_n use_v in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o represent_v it_o to_o our_o understanding_n three_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o baptizer_n four_o the_o word_n of_o the_o grand_a commission_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o mat._n 28.19_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o falseness_n of_o his_o assertion_n and_o to_o discover_v to_o weak_a and_o injudicious_a people_n the_o great_a mistake_v whereon_o he_o bottom_n his_o assertion_n be_v the_o design_n of_o my_o present_a undertake_n but_o before_o i_o attack_v this_o goliath_n in_o examine_v what_o he_o can_v get_v from_o the_o four_o particular_n above_o mention_v which_o may_v cause_v simple_a and_o empty_a brain_n to_o think_v and_o conceit_v this_o accademical_a doctor_n invincible_a and_o unanswerable_a in_o what_o he_o have_v so_o peremptory_o assert_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n i_o will_v lay_v down_o two_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o premise_v whereof_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n who_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v deceive_v to_o take_v notice_n the_o first_o be_v that_o not_o so_o much_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n therein_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o which_o truth_n and_o error_n be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v i_o have_v often_o say_v and_o i_o be_o very_o bold_a in_o affirm_v that_o that_o sense_n or_o interpretation_n which_o any_o man_n or_o man_n give_v of_o any_o text_n of_o god_n word_n which_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n that_o sense_n or_o interpretation_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o satan_n not_o from_o god_n be_v the_o same_o never_o so_o plausible_a and_o please_a to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o be_v the_o author_n never_o so_o high_o esteem_v of_o for_o both_o their_o piety_n and_o learning_n there_o be_v a_o sweet_a and_o a_o harmonious_a concord_n and_o agreement_n between_o all_o the_o part_n of_o god_n reveal_v religion_n though_o but_o few_o comparative_o can_v see_v it_o to_o be_v so_o the_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o his_o institute_v worship_n be_v plain_a easy_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o eye_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n have_v anoint_v but_o to_o such_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n nothing_o in_o religion_n appear_v to_o they_o but_o nonsense_n and_o seem_a contradiction_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o thousand_o in_o england_n etc._n etc._n stagger_v and_o reel_v with_o a_o spiritual_a vertigo_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n wherein_o both_o they_o and_o their_o
itself_o the_o covenant_n be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o for_o in_o these_o word_n god_n engage_v himself_o by_o free_a and_o absolute_a promise_n to_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o elect_a church-seed_n that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o they_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o they_o which_o be_v needful_a to_o complete_a their_o happiness_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o second_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v promise_v not_o as_o it_o be_v any_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o as_o if_o real_a blessedness_n consist_v in_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n thereof_o but_o as_o the_o same_o be_v a_o temporary_a type_n of_o heaven_n and_o for_o want_v of_o understanding_n and_o consider_v this_o very_a thing_n many_o who_o have_v think_v themselves_o wise_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o their_o neighbour_n have_v prove_v themselves_o short_a of_o true_a wisdom_n in_o this_o particular_a at_o least_o to_o convince_v of_o this_o mistake_n let_v that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o mat._n 6.33_o but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n there_o of_o and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o you_o be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o a_o unprejudiced_a consideration_n and_o to_o a_o impartial_a eye_n that_o look_v not_o asquint_o at_o these_o two_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n gen._n 17.7_o and_o mat._n 6.33_o it_o will_v most_o plain_o appear_v that_o temporal_a blessing_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o one_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o if_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v that_o because_o god_n make_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n to_o abraham_n etc._n etc._n that_o therefore_o god_n covenant_n with_o he_o and_o he_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n it_o will_v as_o necessary_o follow_v that_o believer_n to_o who_o christ_n direct_v his_o speech_n in_o mat._n 6.33_o be_v now_o under_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o well_o as_o abraham_n be_v and_o so_o neither_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a nor_o any_o of_o his_o seed_n the_o elect_a i_o mean_v either_o of_o the_o jewish_a or_o gentile_a race_n be_v like_a to_o be_v save_v or_o enjoy_v god_n for_o their_o portion_n and_o by_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v it_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o any_o see_a man_n who_o shut_v not_o his_o eye_n for_o fear_n of_o be_v convince_v that_o while_o the_o adversary_n i_o now_o oppose_v in_o this_o controversy_n be_v employ_v in_o devise_v this_o shift_n to_o prove_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n to_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o that_o on_o purpose_n to_o exclude_v poor_a infant_n from_o that_o covenant_n and_o from_o baptism_n the_o now_o seal_v thereof_o they_o have_v insensible_o shut_v both_o abraham_n and_o themselves_o too_o out_o from_o be_v save_v and_o what_o advantage_n will_v hereby_o accrue_v to_o their_o cause_n let_v it_o be_v improve_v to_o the_o utmost_a object_n 2._o it_o be_v again_o object_v if_o the_o covenant_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o pure_a grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o that_o all_o abraham_n be_v child_n be_v alike_o interest_v therein_o then_o do_v grace_n come_v by_o natural_a generation_n contrary_a both_o to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n answ_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o objector_n mistake_v lie_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o his_o not_o distinguish_v or_o consider_v that_o the_o child_n of_o believe_a abraham_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n two_o way_n or_o in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n first_o internal_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n election_n and_o thus_o none_o be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v in_o covenant_n but_o abraham_n seed_n viz_o the_o elect_n who_o be_v in_o scripture_n by_o way_n of_o distinction_n style_v the_o child_n of_o promise_n type_v out_o in_o the_o person_n of_o jsaac_n gal._n 4_o 28._o these_o and_o they_o alone_a partake_v in_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v also_o a_o right_a to_o the_o visible_a sign_n or_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n second_o external_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o external_n profession_n make_v in_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o the_o non-elect_a as_o well_o as_o the_o elect_a be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o his_o church_n visible_a here_o on_o earth_n these_o albeit_o they_o never_o partake_v in_o the_o save_a blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o external_n profession_n make_v they_o and_o their_o infant-seed_n though_o not_o elect_a have_v a_o external_n right_o in_o the_o church_n visible_a to_o the_o token_n or_o seal_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n and_o to_o all_o other_o privilege_n and_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v capable_a according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n by_o virtue_n hereof_o it_o be_v that_o god_n call_v such_o his_o people_n and_o he_o will_v have_v his_o church_n to_o call_v and_o own_v they_o for_o such_o too_o until_o they_o manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o that_o by_o a_o voluntary_a defection_n and_o final_a apostasy_n plain_a instance_n hereof_o be_v graphical_o set_v down_o in_o god_n word_n in_o the_o person_n of_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n in_o who_o person_n the_o reprobate_a seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v allegorical_o type_v out_o as_o the_o elect_a seed_n be_v allegorical_o and_o typical_o represent_v in_o the_o person_n of_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n the_o former_a of_o these_o spring_v from_o the_o flesh_n of_o abraham_n as_o well_o as_o the_o latter_a and_o on_o this_o account_n they_o have_v a_o place_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o be_v mark_v with_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n as_o well_o as_o the_o latter_a they_o be_v esteem_v and_o reckon_v as_o god_n child_n and_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n until_o by_o defection_n and_o apostasy_n they_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v otherwise_o if_o this_o distinction_n be_v not_o allow_v i_o can_v see_v how_o god_n can_v be_v orderly_o worship_v by_o any_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o god_n covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o and_o with_o his_o elect_a seed_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n abraham_n and_o with_o he_o all_o his_o elect_a seed_n will_v have_v be_v most_o happy_a and_o eternal_o blessed_v have_v no_o promise_n be_v make_v of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n shall_v all_o true_a believer_n with_o their_o elect_a seed_n be_v eternal_o happy_a and_o bless_a be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n intend_v in_o mat._n 6.33_o albeit_o such_o believer_n and_o their_o elect_a seed_n shall_v with_o lazarus_n die_v on_o a_o dunghill_n for_o want_v of_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n hold_v forth_o by_o christ_n in_o the_o abovementioned_a promise_v which_o plain_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n of_o give_v to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v no_o more_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n than_o the_o promise_v hold_v forth_o by_o christ_n in_o the_o place_n abovenamed_a prove_v that_o believer_n and_o their_o elect_a seed_n be_v now_o under_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n all_o the_o difference_n which_o i_o can_v find_v between_o these_o two_o place_n be_v that_o the_o promise_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v typical_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o other_o be_v not_o so_o be_v this_o covenant_n of_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o he_o be_v a_o stipulate_v and_o a_o covenant_v representative_a in_o a_o church_n visible_a but_o right_o understand_v and_o believe_v with_o application_n to_o man_n own_o soul_n i_o be_o persuade_v there_o will_v be_v neither_o anabaptist_n nor_o arminian_n in_o the_o world_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n hold_v and_o teach_v that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a to_o say_v it_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o error_n in_o religion_n neither_o be_o i_o afraid_a to_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v both_o the_o mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o anabaptism_n and_o arminianism_n chap._n ii_o prove_v that_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n arg._n 1._o either_o circumcision_n be_v the_o external_a token_n or_o seal_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n of_o grace_n mention_v g._n 1â—_n 7._o or_o else_o that_o covenant_n have_v no_o seal_n at_o all_o the_o adversary_n can_v avoid_v here_o h_n must_v either_o grant_v or_o deny_v
be_v justify_v by_o god_n word_n shall_v they_o judicious_o acknowledge_v that_o abraham_n covenant_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n thereof_o and_o that_o water_n baptism_n be_v now_o come_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o 2._o in_o that_o some_o have_v reflect_v on_o that_o covenant_n call_v it_o a_o carnal_a covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o observe_v and_o practise_v circumcision_n the_o seal_n thereof_o a_o carnal_a church_n all_o i_o need_v to_o say_v by_o way_n of_o reply_n be_v to_o bewail_v the_o carnality_n of_o their_o uncircumcised_a heart_n and_o lip_n who_o have_v no_o better_a or_o high_a apprehension_n of_o god_n holy_a covenant_n the_o grace_n whereof_o must_v bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n if_o ever_o they_o come_v thither_o and_o of_o his_o so_o high_o honour_a friend_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n prophet_n and_o godly_a believer_n of_o that_o day_n than_o to_o call_v it_o a_o carnal_a covenant_n and_o they_o a_o carnal_a church_n 3._o if_o abraham_n covenant_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n to_o he_o and_o his_o child_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o he_o so_o to_o we_o gentile_a believer_n and_o to_o our_o child_n now_o and_o if_o so_o let_v the_o adversary_n demonstrate_v if_o he_o can_v how_o abraham_n or_o any_o of_o that_o carnal_a church_n as_o they_o false_o term_v it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v now_o in_o a_o save_v state_n or_o what_o ground_n of_o hope_n we_o gentile_a believer_n and_o our_o child_n have_v that_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n when_o we_o die_v see_v that_o we_o be_v still_o under_o the_o very_a same_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n which_o covenant_n if_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o not_o of_o grace_n no_o salvation_n can_v be_v expect_v and_o if_o the_o believer_n under_o that_o dark_a dispensation_n be_v carnal_a and_o not_o spiritual_a how_o come_v the_o unerring_a wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o propound_v they_o to_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n for_o example_n and_o pattern_n of_o faith_n patience_n etc._n etc._n heb._n 11._o heb._n 12.1_o ja._n 5.10_o let_v it_o be_v far_o consider_v that_o albeit_o the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n seal_v no_o save_v blessing_n to_o the_o non-elect_a it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o it_o seal_v no_o other_o than_o temporal_a blessing_n to_o the_o elect_n see_v that_o to_o they_o the_o heavenly_a be_v typical_o include_v in_o the_o earthly_a as_o touch_v the_o earthly_a blessing_n which_o circumcision_n seal_v to_o the_o non-elect_a they_o be_v great_a and_o better_a than_o god_n be_v any_o way_n oblige_v to_o give_v they_o i_o be_o sure_a than_o they_o saving_o improve_v object_n we_o utter_o deny_v that_o water-baptism_n do_v succeed_v and_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n answ_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o affirmative_a let_v the_o three_o argument_n already_o lay_v down_o under_o this_o head_n be_v serious_o and_o without_o prejudice_n consider_v to_o which_o i_o will_v only_o add_v the_o explication_n of_o colos_n 2.11_o 12._o whereon_o i_o have_v ground_v a_o four_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o water-baptism_n succeed_v and_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n in_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v the_o apostle_n plain_o set_v forth_o to_o the_o believe_a colossian_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o believe_a gentile_n to_o the_o world_n end_n two_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v by_o all_o true_a believer_n first_o that_o they_o who_o by_o a_o true_a lively_a faith_n have_v embrace_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n evidence_v their_o faith_n by_o the_o truth_n of_o gospel-sanctification_a they_o and_o none_o else_o who_o be_v adult_n be_v make_v actual_a partaker_n of_o the_o true_a and_o save_a circumcision_n effect_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o which_o be_v external_o signify_v by_o the_o outward_a circumcision_n these_o believer_n have_v now_o obtain_v the_o spiritual_a circumcision_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v concern_v or_o trouble_v that_o they_o be_v not_o outward_o circumcise_a with_o the_o circumcision_n make_v with_o man_n hand_n forasmuch_o as_o that_o which_o be_v external_o signify_v and_o seaâ—ed_v to_o the_o believe_a jew_n by_o the_o outward_a circumcision_n be_v now_o internal_o and_o powerful_o wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n second_o the_o apostle_n set_v forth_o in_o this_o place_n that_o water-baptism_n be_v institute_v and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n to_o be_v to_o believe_v gentile_n the_o same_o that_o circumcision_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n viz._n a_o visible_a sign_n and_o seal_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n to_o all_o his_o ecclesiastical_a church-seed_n among_o the_o gentile_n viz._n all_o of_o that_o race_n who_o on_o god_n call_v they_o believe_v in_o and_o obey_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o these_o and_o their_o infant-seed_n and_o none_o else_o among_o the_o gentile_n baptism_n do_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n signify_v and_o seal_v the_o very_a same_o spiritual_a blessing_n and_o church-priviledge_n which_o circumcision_n of_o old_a do_v signify_v and_o seal_v to_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o so_o much_o controvert_v place_n in_o this_o sense_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v die_v satisfy_v and_o herein_o i_o humble_o conceive_v none_o of_o the_o orthodox_n will_v differ_v from_o i_o which_o sense_n be_v grant_v it_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o scriptural_a contradiction_n that_o water-baptism_n be_v institute_v and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n on_o purpose_n to_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n chap._n iu._n show_v and_o prove_v that_o the_o infant_n of_o believe_a gentile_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n have_v as_o real_a a_o right_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o baptism_n the_o now_o visible_a sign_n and_o seal_v thereof_o as_o have_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n to_o it_o and_o to_o circumcision_n the_o than_o seal_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o they_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o the_o grace_n and_o outward_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o be_v the_o most_o adult_n grow_v believer_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o four_o argument_n to_o evince_v and_o make_v good_a against_o all_o opposition_n what_o i_o now_o assert_v arg._n 1._o the_o first_o argument_n be_v thus_o frame_v if_o god_n himself_n do_v by_o absolute_a sovereign_a grace_n comprehend_v abraham_n church-seed_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o make_v with_o believe_v abraham_n their_o stipulate_v and_o covenant_v father_n and_o never_o since_o repeal_v that_o gracious_a act_n of_o he_o then_o the_o infant_n of_o abraham_n church-seed_n be_v still_o interest_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v as_o great_a right_n to_o and_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o the_o grace_n and_o seal_v of_o that_o covenant_n as_o ever_o but_o god_n himself_n do_v by_o absolute_a sovereign_a grace_n comprehend_v abraham_n church-seed_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o make_v with_o believe_v abraham_n their_o stipulate_v and_o covenant_v father_n which_o gracious_a act_n of_o his_o be_v never_o since_o repeal_v therefore_o the_o infant_n of_o abraham_n church-seed_n be_v still_o interest_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v as_o great_a a_o right_n to_o and_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o the_o grace_n and_o seal_v of_o that_o covenant_n as_o ever_o i_o can_v see_v how_o this_o argument_n can_v possible_o be_v overthrow_v but_o by_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v alter_v and_o change_v that_o covenant_n he_o make_v with_o abraham_n his_o friend_n for_o himself_o and_o for_o his_o church-seed_n the_o which_o when_o the_o adversary_n do_v by_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n not_o abuse_v and_o pervert_v i_o shall_v then_o yield_v the_o cause_n and_o bewail_v my_o mistake_n but_o two_o thing_n cause_n in_o i_o a_o unshaken_a confidence_n that_o this_o can_v never_o be_v do_v first_o the_o immutability_n and_o unchangableness_n of_o god_n on_o which_o very_a account_n he_o be_v style_v a_o covenant-keeping_a god_n who_o never_o yet_o cast_v off_o any_o poor_a sinner_n until_o that_o sinner_n do_v first_o actual_o cast_v god_n off_o the_o which_o i_o think_v the_o adversary_n dare_v not_o deny_v second_o the_o impossibility_n of_o poor_a infant_n actual_o cast_v god_n off_o and_o that_o because_o of_o their_o incapacity_n in_o respect_n of_o age._n arg._n 2._o if_o infant_n be_v at_o all_o save_v they_o be_v save_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n which_o covenant_n and_o the_o external_n
principle_n on_o which_o all_o sound_a protestant_n do_v maintain_v and_o justify_v the_o right_a of_o believer_n infant_n to_o baptism_n be_v beyond_o contradiction_n when_o the_o most_o high_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n god_n see_v fit_a to_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o be_v that_o his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n agree_v on_o between_o himself_o and_o his_o son_n christ_n in_o eternity_n shall_v be_v dispense_v in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n way_n he_o single_v out_o above_o all_o other_o man_n abraham_n his_o friend_n on_o who_o he_o confer_v the_o honourable_a title_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a rom._n 4.11_o not_o that_o abraham_n do_v or_o can_v possible_o beget_v a_o believer_n as_o such_o or_o can_v convey_v into_o the_o child_n he_o beget_v according_a to_o fleshly_a generation_n that_o noble_a grace_n of_o faith_n wherewith_o god_n free-gift_n have_v bless_v himself_o but_o god_n open_v and_o propound_v his_o everlasting_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o he_o as_o a_o public_a person_n who_o be_v to_o personate_v all_o true_a believer_n who_o in_o after_o age_n be_v to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n to_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o the_o word_n of_o gen._n 17.7_o i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n for_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o this_o covenant_n have_v two_o essential_a part_n as_o all_o right_a covenant_n have_v 1._o god_n part_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o word_n i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o etc._n etc._n the_o meaning_n whereof_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v thus_o understand_v though_o thou_o abraham_n who_o i_o now_o call_v to_o become_v my_o friend_n and_o favoright_n and_o a_o public_a head_n or_o representative_a of_o all_o believe_a church_n member_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o undo_v and_o guilty_a sinner_n pollute_v in_o thy_o nature_n and_o bear_v under_o adam_n covenant_n of_o work_n liable_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o its_o curse_n and_o to_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v unable_a to_o recover_v or_o help_v thyself_o out_o of_o that_o deplorable_a condition_n into_o which_o thy_o natural_a birth_n as_o adam_n child_n have_v put_v thou_o and_o albeit_o thou_o be_v no_o way_n worthy_a of_o any_o favour_n yet_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o let_v thou_o know_v what_o thought_n and_o purpose_n of_o mercy_n and_o kindness_n i_o have_v in_o store_n for_o thou_o abraham_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o elect_a who_o i_o have_v choose_v to_o myself_o in_o christ_n the_o promise_a messiah_n of_o who_o that_o son_n which_o i_o have_v promise_v thou_o be_v to_o be_v a_o type_n and_o in_o who_o person_n all_o my_o elect_a be_v to_o be_v allegorical_o or_o typical_o represent_v and_o that_o as_o thy_o son_n be_v to_o be_v a_o type_n of_o i_o in_o who_o i_o have_v elect_v and_o choose_v they_o i_o frank_o and_o free_o pardon_v and_o forgive_v thou_o all_o those_o transgression_n and_o sin_n wherewith_o as_o adam_n child_n thou_o stand_v chargeable_a for_o break_v that_o covenant_n of_o work_n i_o make_v with_o adam_n thy_o and_o all_o mankind_n natural_a and_o faederal_n head_n i_o account_v thou_o perfect_o just_a and_o righteous_a in_o my_o sight_n not_o by_o or_o for_o that_o principal_a of_o inherent_a holiness_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o effectual_a call_v have_v wrought_v in_o thou_o which_o inherent_a holiness_n be_v ever_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o justify_v state_n but_o never_o the_o procure_n or_o merit_v cause_n but_o i_o account_v and_o esteem_v thou_o as_o just_a and_o righteous_a as_o if_o thou_o have_v in_o thy_o own_o person_n exact_o perform_v that_o legal_a righteousness_n which_o the_o law_n moral_n require_v on_o the_o alone_a account_n of_o my_o son_n righteousness_n which_o as_o the_o mediator_n and_o surety_n of_o this_o my_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o be_v to_o perform_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o thou_o and_o all_o my_o elect_a i_o most_o free_o impute_v to_o thou_o i_o sanctify_v and_o renew_v thy_o vitiate_a and_o pollute_a nature_n by_o my_o sanctify_a spirit_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o i_o both_o here_o in_o my_o church_n militant_a and_o here_o after_o in_o my_o church_n triumphant_a i_o adopt_v thou_o to_o be_v my_o son_n by_o grace_n and_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o thou_o be_v restore_v to_o all_o the_o blessing_n right_n and_o privilege_n which_o adam_n thy_o natural_a and_o federal_n head_n lose_v and_o forfeit_v by_o his_o apostasy_n and_o defection_n hereby_o thou_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o free_a denizon_n into_o the_o family_n and_o household_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o thou_o be_v cast_v out_o in_o adam_n when_o he_o be_v eject_v and_o cast_v out_o for_o his_o rebellion_n witness_v his_o expulsion_n out_o of_o earthly_a paradise_n a_o lively_a type_n of_o the_o heavenly_a i_o promise_v to_o establish_v thou_o in_o grace_n so_o as_o thou_o shall_v never_o more_a be_v in_o danger_n of_o lose_v thyself_o or_o forfeit_v my_o love_n and_o favour_n any_o more_o for_o ever_o i_o will_v be_v a_o sun_n and_o a_o shield_n to_o furnish_v and_o supply_v thou_o with_o all_o necessary_a accommodation_n for_o life_n in_o this_o world_n i_o will_v protect_v and_o defend_v thou_o from_o all_o adverse_a power_n spiritual_o and_o bodily_a which_o shall_v contrive_v and_o seek_v thy_o ruin_n and_o final_o i_o will_v receive_v thou_o into_o heaven_n when_o by_o death_n thou_o go_v hence_o where_o thou_o shall_v live_v and_o reign_v with_o i_o eternal_o and_o the_o very_a same_o mercy_n and_o favour_n which_o i_o have_v now_o express_v and_o show_v to_o thou_o i_o do_v oblige_v myself_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o my_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v do_v to_o all_o my_o elect_a who_o be_v to_o spring_v from_o thy_o loin_n as_o also_o to_o all_o my_o elect_a who_o be_v to_o come_v of_o the_o gentile_a race_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o man_n part_n as_o for_o thou_o abraham_n this_o thou_o must_v do_v on_o thy_o part_n thou_o must_v walk_v humble_o and_o upright_o before_o i_o thou_o must_v make_v the_o moral_a law_n engrave_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o my_o spirit_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o adam_n thy_o natural_a and_o federal_n head_n the_o stand_a rule_n of_o thy_o obedience_n both_o negative_o and_o positive_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o thy_o obedience_n thou_o must_v look_v exact_o to_o three_o thing_n 1._o to_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o thy_o obedience_n let_v it_o be_v what_o i_o command_v and_o require_v not_o what_o creature_n devise_v or_o enjoin_v 2._o to_o the_o manner_n see_v that_o thou_o do_v it_o in_o faith_n keep_v thy_o eye_n on_o christ_n my_o son_n for_o acceptance_n and_o act_v all_o by_o strength_n derive_v from_o he_o 3._o to_o the_o end_n see_v that_o my_o glory_n be_v that_o thou_o aim_v at_o and_o design_a in_o all_o thou_o go_v about_o thou_o shall_v not_o do_v my_o work_n and_o service_n in_o a_o mercenary_a way_n as_o a_o servant_n that_o work_v for_o wage_n but_o thou_o must_v obey_v my_o command_n as_o a_o son_n with_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n and_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n know_v and_o consider_v that_o my_o grace_n and_o love_n have_v make_v provision_n of_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v thou_o every_o way_n eternal_o happy_a both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o the_o dreadful_a curse_n and_o eternal_a death_n to_o which_o by_o sin_n thou_o become_v obnoxious_a my_o son_n christ_n type_v out_o by_o the_o ram_n have_v set_v thou_o for_o ever_o free_a from_o it_o and_o that_o by_o his_o be_v make_v a_o curse_n and_o undergo_a death_n for_o thou_o as_o be_v thy_o sponsor_n or_o surety_n at_o his_o hand_n i_o have_v receive_v the_o full_a of_o that_o debt_n whereto_o thou_o become_v liable_a by_o break_v my_o law_n there_o remain_v not_o the_o least_o mite_n for_o thou_o to_o pay_v so_o that_o now_o thou_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o fear_v my_o vindicative_a justice_n the_o many_o and_o sharp_a affliction_n wherewith_o thou_o shall_v meet_v in_o thy_o way_n to_o glory_n shall_v be_v but_o the_o gentle_a chastisement_n of_o thy_o dear_o love_v and_o reconcile_v father_n who_o by_o they_o will_v purge_v out_o the_o remains_z of_o thy_o indwelling_a corruption_n and_o sweet_o wean_v thou_o from_o the_o entice_a object_n of_o the_o vain_a and_o bewitch_a world_n thou_o live_v in_o that_o perfect_a and_o spotless_a righteousness_n which_o must_v recommend_v thou_o to_o i_o and_o
present_v thou_o blameless_a before_o the_o throne_n of_o my_o glorious_a holiness_n in_o the_o three_o heaven_n be_v subjective_o inherent_a in_o the_o person_n of_o god-man_n thy_o mediator_n and_o surety_n to_o this_o mediatorial_n righteousness_n of_o he_o thou_o shall_v add_v nothing_o neither_o thy_o own_o personal_a qualification_n nor_o yet_o the_o holiness_n of_o saint_n or_o angel_n as_o if_o thereby_o thou_o can_v be_v make_v more_o acceptable_a than_o that_o righteousness_n of_o he_o do_v make_v thou_o thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o covenant_n both_o thou_o and_o all_o thy_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n seed_n throughout_o your_o generation_n till_o my_o son_n come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n at_o the_o last_o day_n thou_o and_o all_o thy_o church_n seed_n which_o spring_v from_o thou_o by_o fleshly_a generation_n shall_v observe_v to_o have_v all_o your_o male_n mark_v with_o circumcision_n the_o visible_a token_n and_o seal_n of_o this_o my_o gracious_a covenant_n which_o i_o have_v now_o enter_v into_o with_o thou_o for_o thyself_o a_o stipulate_a father_n and_o for_o all_o thy_o child_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o member_n of_o my_o son_n mediatorial_n kingdom_n or_o visible_a church_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o when_o christ_n my_o son_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o shall_v enter_v upon_o his_o mediatorial_n kingdom_n whatever_o visible_a token_n or_o seal_n he_o shall_v appoint_v to_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n thy_o gentile_a church_n seed_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n who_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v careful_o observe_v to_o be_v seal_v therewith_o both_o they_o and_o their_o infant_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o my_o covenant_n i_o now_o make_v with_o thou_o for_o thyself_o and_o they_o and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o neither_o thou_o nor_o thy_o child_n in_o succeed_a age_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o my_o will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v concern_v the_o non-elect_a who_o be_v to_o come_v and_o spring_n from_o believe_v and_o holy_a parent_n in_o my_o visible_a church_n or_o churches_n i_o notify_v to_o thou_o and_o thy_o church_n seed_n after_o thou_o throughout_o their_o generation_n that_o my_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n be_v that_o all_o the_o infant_n of_o my_o believe_v profess_v church_n membr_n shall_v be_v mark_v with_o the_o visible_a token_n or_o seal_n of_o this_o my_o covenant_n in_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o profess_v parent_n or_o parent_n be_v member_n and_o that_o without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o elect_n or_o non-elect_a for_o see_v that_o the_o secret_n of_o my_o decree_n and_o counsel_n be_v know_v to_o myself_o alone_o i_o will_v that_o thou_o and_o thy_o church_n seed_n after_o thou_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n do_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o rational_a charity_n judge_v all_o the_o seed_n and_o infant_n posterity_n of_o my_o profess_v people_n who_o have_v lay_v hold_v on_o my_o covenant_n by_o a_o eternal_a visible_a profession_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o election_n and_o to_o own_v they_o for_o such_o until_o they_o by_o open_a apostasy_n and_o final_a impenitency_n do_v manifest_v the_o contrary_n for_o albeit_o my_o visible_a church_n do_v consist_v of_o elect_n and_o non_fw-fr elect_n and_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o seal_n of_o my_o covenant_n and_o be_v partaker_n of_o all_o church_n privilege_n yet_o none_o shall_v ever_o partake_v internal_o and_o saving_o of_o the_o inward_a grace_n and_o mercy_n signify_v and_o seal_v by_o the_o token_n and_o seal_n of_o my_o covenant_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a but_o the_o elect_a only_o who_o name_n be_v particular_o register_v in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n and_o although_o the_o non-elect_a in_o my_o church_n do_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o my_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o shall_v they_o find_v that_o i_o be_o no_o way_n behind_o with_o they_o for_o although_o i_o the_o absolute_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o way_n oblige_v to_o the_o creature_n especial_o fall_v rebel_n yet_o see_v it_o be_v my_o pleasure_n to_o employ_v the_o non-elect_a in_o the_o service_n of_o my_o church_n while_o it_o be_v in_o a_o militant_a state_n that_o those_o common_a gift_n of_o my_o spirit_n wherewith_o they_o be_v to_o be_v endow_v may_v be_v lay_v out_o and_o improve_v for_o the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o my_o elect_n and_o choose_a i_o will_v give_v they_o a_o place_n in_o my_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v by_o my_o name_n and_o shall_v have_v a_o equal_a right_n with_o my_o elect_a to_o the_o seal_n of_o my_o covenant_n and_o all_o outward_a help_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a whereby_o it_o shall_v plain_o appear_v in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o their_o miss_v heaven_n and_o fall_v short_a of_o eternal_a life_n be_v of_o their_o own_o procurement_n notwithstanding_o as_o be_v the_o service_n wherein_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o my_o church_n i_o will_v give_v they_o a_o plentiful_a recompense_n viz._n a_o temperal_n reward_n in_o lieu_n of_o a_o temporal_a service_n such_o as_o bodily_a health_n worldly_a wealth_n pleasure_n and_o honour_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v every_o way_n more_o suitable_a to_o their_o spirit_n and_o be_v more_o seek_v and_o delight_v in_o by_o they_o than_o be_v the_o thing_n lay_v up_o for_o my_o choose_a plain_a instance_n hereof_o i_o have_v see_v fit_a to_o leave_v on_o record_n in_o the_o person_n of_o ishmael_n and_o isaac_n both_o bear_v of_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n the_o one_o a_o reprobate_n the_o other_o elect_n both_o must_v be_v of_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o seal_v with_o the_o visible_a token_n and_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v that_o of_o esau_n and_o jacob_n both_o bear_v of_o isaac_n according_a to_o fleshly_a generation_n yet_o the_o one_o a_o reprobate_n and_o the_o other_o elect_n both_o must_v be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o seal_v with_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o pass_v currant_n for_o church_n member_n before_o man_n until_o they_o themselves_o make_v the_o contrary_a to_o appear_v as_o do_v ishmael_n esau_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o have_v as_o plain_o and_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v for_o the_o information_n of_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o abraham_n covenant_n explain_v and_o show_v the_o substance_n and_o tenure_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n for_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n seed_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o come_v now_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o scriptural_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n as_o now_o explain_v be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n propound_v to_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o the_o anabaptist_n teach_v it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o no_o other_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o any_o who_o look_v not_o asquint_o on_o the_o argument_n follow_v arg._n 1._o the_o first_o argument_n be_v this_o if_o god_n never_o yet_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n with_o any_o meeâ—_n man_n but_o that_o which_o he_o make_v with_o sinless_a adam_n the_o natural_a and_o federal_n head_n of_o all_o mankind_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n before_o the_o fall_n then_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v the_o coun_a ant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o god_n never_o yet_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n with_o any_o mere_a man_n but_o that_o which_o he_o make_v with_o sinless_a adam_n the_o natural_a and_o federal_n head_n of_o all_o mankind_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n before_o the_o fall_n therefore_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o no_o other_o plain_o it_o be_v and_o none_o without_o lie_v against_o god_n can_v deny_v it_o that_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n with_o adam_n and_o in_o he_o with_o all_o mankind_n the_o condition_n whereof_o be_v do_v and_o live_v sin_n and_o dye_n and_o as_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o adam_n fall_v by_o transgress_v that_o covenant_n by_o which_o fall_n he_o lose_v the_o bless_a image_n of_o god_n to_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o posterity_n whereby_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n become_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o life_n and_o salvation_n by_o that_o covenant_n now_o abraham_n be_v by_o natural_a birth_n a_o son_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n and_o as_o such_o bear_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o adam_n covenant_n and_o partaker_n of_o a_o sinful_a and_o pollute_a nature_n which_o render_v he_o as_o uncapable_a of_o perform_v any_o work_n which_o as_o a_o condition_n can_v answer_v
the_o head_n of_o such_o family_n it_o be_v no_o more_o necessary_a that_o infant_n shall_v be_v make_v mention_n of_o as_o be_v in_o such_o family_n when_o baptise_a than_o it_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v name_v in_o the_o grand_a commission_n the_o spirit_n which_o give_v out_o the_o grand_a commission_n be_v in_o and_o with_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o baptise_a and_o it_o be_v to_o i_o convince_a that_o infant_n be_v intend_v in_o both_o see_v they_o be_v except_v against_o in_o neither_o which_o the_o adversary_n must_v needs_o be_v convince_v of_o unless_o he_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o infant_n be_v neither_o a_o part_n of_o nation_n or_o of_o family_n the_o other_o word_n teach_v in_o the_o commission_n be_v didaskontes_n which_o proper_o signify_v a_o teach_v or_o instruct_v doctrinal_o those_o who_o be_v already_o make_v disciple_n by_o the_o former_a way_n of_o teach_v neither_o can_v it_o without_o lie_v be_v say_v to_o be_v nonsense_n and_o folly_n to_o term_v infant_n who_o be_v by_o the_o first_o teach_v make_v disciple_n scholar_n or_o disciple_n see_v that_o infant_n in_o age_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n so_o style_v witness_n act_v 15.10_o where_o such_o be_v call_v disciple_n who_o be_v make_v so_o by_o the_o initiate_a ordinance_n of_o circumcision_n who_o afterward_o when_o grow_v up_o be_v teach_v doctrinal_o what_o they_o be_v to_o know_v and_o practice_n neither_o be_v this_o any_o whit_n repugnant_a to_o the_o method_n god_n take_v with_o abraham_n but_o rather_o agree_v with_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o gen._n 18.19_o and_o even_o among_o man_n nothing_o more_o common_a and_o frequent_a than_o to_o call_v our_o little_a child_n scholar_n or_o disciple_n and_o that_o from_o the_o very_a first_o day_n of_o their_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o school_n and_o as_o in_o man_n school_n there_o be_v sundry_a rank_n or_o class_n of_o scholar_n some_o low_a and_o some_o high_a so_o in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a prophet_n of_o his_o church_n there_o be_v several_a rank_n or_o degree_n of_o church_n member_n it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o ignorant_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o be_v when_o they_o first_o enter_v into_o christ_n school_n yet_o christ_n call_v they_o his_o disciple_n for_o all_o that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n can_v not_o write_v or_o speak_v unto_o the_o corinthian_n but_o as_o unto_o babe_n as_o unto_o carnal_a man_n yet_o they_o be_v church_n member_n for_o all_o that_o these_o thing_n due_o consider_v force_v i_o to_o conclude_v those_o man_n profound_o ignorant_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n holy_a covenant_n who_o because_o infant_n be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v teach_v and_o instruct_v doctrinal_o as_o adult_v and_o grow_v man_n be_v peremptory_o deny_v that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v disciple_n to_o christ_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o men._n this_o principle_n come_v no_o doubt_n from_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o teach_v that_o infant_n while_o infant_n be_v uncapable_a of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v both_o manifest_o false_a because_o contrary_a to_o god_n reveal_v will._n object_n 3._o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n to_o which_o none_o have_v a_o right_n but_o he_o or_o she_o who_o be_v a_o real_a true_a believer_n answ_n i_o answer_v in_o three_o particular_n first_o if_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n then_o must_v it_o need_v succeed_v and_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n and_o so_o the_o truth_n be_v here_o grant_v which_o else_o where_o be_v deny_v that_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v most_o plain_a from_o rom._n 4.11_o now_o if_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o objector_n grant_v and_o as_o i_o believe_v and_o affirm_v it_o be_v than_o baptism_n do_v undeniable_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v to_o believe_a gentile_n under_o the_o gospel_n what_o circumcision_n be_v of_o old_a to_o abraham_n viz._n a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n second_o if_o none_o but_o actual_a believer_n have_v a_o right_n to_o that_o righteousness_n of_o wâ—ich_a baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n then_o must_v it_o follow_v avoidable_a that_o all_o infant_n who_o dye_v in_o infancy_n be_v eternal_o lose_v and_o how_o cruel_a this_o doctrine_n be_v and_o how_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n which_o teach_v that_o all_o infant_n die_v infant_n be_v save_v all_o man_n may_v see_v three_o if_o none_o but_o real_a true_a believer_n have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n i_o will_v glad_o see_v how_o those_o i_o dispute_v against_o can_v justify_v their_o own_o practice_n in_o admit_v so_o many_o poor_a ignorant_a folk_n to_o that_o ordinance_n in_o their_o way_n who_o with_o some_o who_o admit_v they_o be_v as_o ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o regeneration_n and_o of_o baptism_n the_o external_a seal_n thereof_o as_o be_v nicodemus_n can_v they_o without_o a_o divine_a revelation_n know_v that_o those_o who_o they_o admit_v to_o baptism_n be_v infallible_o real_a true_a believer_n object_n 4._o to_o apply_v baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o a_o unintelligent_a subject_n who_o neither_o know_v what_o be_v do_v to_o he_o nor_o yield_v consent_n thereto_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o present_v a_o picture_n to_o a_o blind_a man_n which_o to_o do_v be_v most_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a answ_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v reply_v in_o four_o particular_n and_o first_o i_o say_v with_o a_o learned_a man_n this_o be_v at_o best_o but_o a_o blind_a comparison_n and_o which_o be_v far_o worse_o a_o high_a and_o fancy_n reflection_n on_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o uncontrollable_a sovereignty_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n for_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v offer_v as_o a_o argument_n to_o keep_v infant_n from_o baptism_n mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v unintelligent_a subject_n and_o uncapable_a of_o yield_v their_o consent_n to_o what_o be_v do_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n but_o what_o will_v be_v of_o as_o great_a force_n to_o keep_v they_o back_o from_o circumcision_n and_o so_o the_o objector_n may_v see_v plain_o how_o herein_o he_o arraign_v the_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o a_o shallow_a and_o corrupt_a creature_n reason_n which_o demonstrate_v he_o to_o be_v more_o brutish_a i_o be_o sure_o more_o proud_a end_n wicked_a than_o those_o non-intelligent_a subject_n which_o the_o objection_n be_v level_v against_o this_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v god_n deal_v with_o abraham_n in_o that_o he_o command_v he_o to_o mark_n or_o seal_n his_o son_n isaac_n with_o the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n at_o eight_o day_n old_a have_v isaac_n the_o use_n of_o reason_n at_o that_o age_n have_v he_o actual_a faith_n or_o speech_n to_o express_v his_o consent_n to_o what_o be_v then_o do_v to_o he_o no_o sure_o what_o then_o must_v god_n be_v charge_v with_o weakness_n or_o unreasonableness_n for_o apply_v the_o seal_n of_o his_o covenant_n to_o a_o unintelligent_a subject_n by_o these_o kind_n of_o objector_n god_n act_n herein_o stand_v charge_v with_o weakness_n and_o folly_n but_o i_o conclude_v with_o paul_n rom._n 3.4_o yea_o let_v god_n be_v true_a but_o every_o man_n a_o lyar._n god_n command_v nothing_o in_o vain_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o his_o ordinance_n have_v no_o kind_n of_o dependence_n on_o the_o creature_n to_o give_v it_o power_n or_o to_o make_v it_o effectual_a to_o accomplish_v what_o he_o have_v appoint_v it_o to_o but_o on_o his_o own_o free_a spirit_n which_o work_v most_o powerful_o yea_o irresistable_o where_o he_o himself_o have_v purpose_v to_o confer_v the_o spiritual_a good_a signify_v by_o the_o outward_a ordinance_n object_n 5._o the_o promise_n of_o god_n covenant_n be_v make_v to_o the_o elect_n and_o none_o but_o they_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n no_o man_n can_v affirm_v that_o a_o infant_n bring_v to_o baptism_n be_v elect._n answ_n i_o answer_v to_o this_o in_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o grant_v that_o none_o shall_v ever_o reap_v any_o save_a benefit_n by_o the_o covenant_n but_o the_o elect_n and_o that_o in_o the_o right_n of_o election_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o hence_o follow_v that_o none_o but_o they_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a see_v that_o by_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n the_o ecclesiastical_a father_n and_o pub_fw-la ick_fw-mi visible_a head_n of_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a church-member_n god_n command_v that_o the_o seal_n of_o his_o covenant_n shall_v be_v equal_o apply_v to_o