anabaptism_n consider_v wherein_o the_o chief_a objection_n of_o that_o sect_n against_o infant-baptism_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o baptise_v by_o aspersion_n or_o sprinkle_v be_v fair_o state_v and_o answer_v and_o reason_n give_v why_o dip_v be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v as_o the_o essential_a or_o necessary_a mode_n of_o administration_n in_o a_o familiar_a letter_n of_o advice_n to_o a_o parishioner_n incline_v that_o way_n by_o william_n eratt_n m._n a._n and_o minister_n of_o hatfield_n near_o doncaster_n gal._n 4.16_o 17._o be_o i_o therefore_o become_v your_o enemy_n because_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n they_o zealous_o affect_v you_o but_o not_o well_o prov._n 14.15_o the_o simple_a believe_v every_o word_n but_o the_o prudent_a man_n look_v well_o to_o his_o go_n london_n print_v by_o w._n b._n for_o a._n and_o j._n churchill_n and_o for_o robert_n clark_n in_o york_n mdcc_o neighbour_n woodward_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v and_o complain_v too_o you_o have_v be_v unjust_a to_o yourself_o and_o unkind_a to_o i_o as_o your_o minister_n in_o not_o think_v i_o worthy_a of_o be_v consult_v in_o your_o spiritual_a concern_v as_o to_o which_o i_o be_o give_v to_o understand_v you_o have_v late_o be_v under_o some_o scruple_n doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o former_a profession_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o seem_v to_o incline_v to_o the_o anabaptist_n persuasion_n now_o to_o set_v you_o at_o right_n herein_o the_o errand_n of_o this_o be_v to_o acquaint_v you_o that_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o i_o to_o give_v you_o the_o best_a advice_n i_o can_v though_o not_o desire_v in_o this_o your_o grand_a affair_n the_o welfare_n of_o your_o soul_n pray_v then_o let_v not_o the_o length_n of_o my_o letter_n affright_v you_o for_o it_o be_v honest_o intend_v for_o your_o good_a and_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v prove_v so_o be_v but_o you_o as_o easy_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o perusal_n as_o i_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o it_o and_o if_o my_o little_a pain_n take_v herein_o do_v but_o satisfy_v your_o scruple_n and_o bring_v you_o home_o to_o our_o mother_n the_o church_n from_o whence_o you_o be_v unadvised_o stray_v i_o shall_v think_v myself_o plentiful_o reward_v who_o be_o without_o dissimulation_n your_o love_a friend_n and_o minister_n jan._n 9_o 1699_o 700._o william_n eratt_n anabaptism_n consider_v etc._n etc._n j._n w._n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v your_o rash_a separate_n yourself_o from_o the_o church_n wherein_o you_o be_v baptize_v and_o breed_v up_o be_v a_o case_n when_o well_o examine_v you_o will_v not_o easy_o answer_v either_o before_o god_n or_o man_n for_o all_o the_o new_a light_n you_o so_o much_o as_o i_o hear_v now_o boast_v of_o for_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o the_o gospel_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n 6.23_o matt._n 6.23_o you_o be_v please_v to_o say_v you_o have_v be_v hitherto_o in_o error_n and_o darkness_n but_o however_o that_o be_v be_v you_o now_o infallible_o sure_a of_o your_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n this_o principle_n of_o popish_a infallibility_n i_o presume_v you_o will_v hardly_o pretend_v to_o for_o that_o savour_v too_o much_o of_o the_o blind_a zeal_n and_o enthusiasm_n of_o ignatius_n loyola_n the_o founder_n of_o the_o jesuit_n if_o then_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v mistake_v though_o himself_o believe_v otherwise_o and_o if_o zeal_n do_v not_o always_o prove_v the_o best_a cause_n for_o as_o st._n 10.2_o rom._n 10.2_o paul_n affirm_v of_o some_o of_o the_o roman_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n from_o hence_o then_o i_o gather_v there_o may_v be_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n that_o be_v a_o man_n may_v be_v zealous_o affect_v in_o a_o ill_a matter_n not_o to_o instance_n herein_o example_n of_o former_a time_n we_o have_v modern_a one_o sufficient_a 1._o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o papist_n they_o be_v infallible_o sure_a of_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o all_o other_o in_o the_o wrong_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o quaker_n they_o be_v as_o confident_a of_o their_o way_n that_o they_o be_v inward_o teach_v of_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o yet_o i_o dare_v say_v for_o all_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o you_o will_v easy_o agree_v with_o i_o they_o be_v both_o gross_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o religious_a worship_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o thus_o argue_v that_o a_o confident_a zeal_n be_v not_o always_o a_o assurance_n of_o truth_n be_v there_o and_o this_o premise_a give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v you_o what_o a_o lover_n of_o truth_n ought_v to_o do_v suppose_v he_o have_v some_o scruple_n upon_o he_o that_o he_o have_v be_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n in_o this_o case_n a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n shall_v take_v especial_a care_n to_o inform_v itself_o these_o two_o way_n 1._o examine_v into_o the_o validity_n of_o those_o scruple_n that_o seem_v to_o disuade_v he_o from_o the_o profession_n he_o have_v live_v in_o 2._o if_o after_o all_o his_o search_n after_o truth_n his_o scruple_n do_v still_o grow_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o can_v satisfy_v himself_o to_o continue_v in_o his_o former_a profession_n in_o the_o next_o place_n a_o wiseman_n and_o a_o prudent_a christian_a shall_v by_o all_o due_a way_n and_o mean_n examine_v into_o the_o truth_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o new_a way_n he_o intend_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o else_o though_o the_o way_n he_o have_v be_v in_o as_o he_o fancy_v be_v not_o good_a yet_o so_o may_v it_o fall_v out_o he_o may_v take_v a_o worse_o 1._o then_o a_o prudent_a christian_a who_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o truth_n shall_v by_o all_o due_a way_n and_o mean_n examine_v into_o the_o validity_n of_o those_o scruple_n that_o seem_v to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o the_o profession_n he_o have_v live_v in_o inconstancy_n in_o any_o one_o argue_v a_o weakness_n insomuch_o that_o the_o wise_a man_n urge_v we_o 24.21_o prov._n 24.21_o not_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o that_o be_v give_v to_o change_v and_o it_o be_v excellent_a advice_n which_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n give_v 10.23_o heb._n 10.23_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o the_o same_o apostle_n beg_v of_o roman_a convert_v to_o beware_v of_o follow_v those_o who_o occasion_n schism_n or_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 16.17_o rom._n 16.17_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o now_o who_o those_o be_v who_o have_v always_o be_v for_o divide_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n hear_v the_o character_n of_o they_o give_v the_o 2._o tim._n 3.6_o 7._o of_o this_o sort_n be_v they_o which_o creep_v into_o house_n and_o lead_v captive_a silly_a woman_n lade_v with_o sin_n lead_v away_o with_o divers_a lust_n ever_o learning_n and_o never_o able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o bring_v the_o matter_n home_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n you_o see_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o heresy_n or_o schism_n if_o you_o have_v then_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o peace_n you_o ought_v first_o to_o have_v consult_v i_o as_o your_o minister_n and_o lay_v before_o i_o your_o scruple_n ever_o you_o have_v open_o dissent_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n you_o ought_v to_o show_v i_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o standard_n of_o truth_n wherein_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a what_o doctrine_n they_o be_v our_o church_n maintain_v and_o teach_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v you_o try_v and_o condemn_v the_o church_n you_o have_v be_v baptize_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o without_o hear_v what_o she_o have_v to_o say_v for_o herself_o it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n to_o condemn_v any_o person_n indictâ_fw-la causâ_fw-la before_o his_o cause_n be_v hear_v and_o to_o caution_n you_o by_o the_o way_n you_o be_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a in_o your_o enquiry_n of_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v in_o the_o sacred_a writ_n and_o not_o to_o pass_v your_o judgement_n rash_o in_o favour_n of_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n since_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o worst_a of_o heretic_n in_o all_o age_n have_v plead_v
against_o their_o adversary_n than_o in_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n and_o this_o to_o i_o seem_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o bad_a one_o when_o a_o man_n by_o way_n of_o subterfuge_n be_v force_v to_o fly_v in_o his_o adversary_n face_n when_o he_o have_v little_a to_o say_v in_o his_o own_o defence_n and_o for_o once_o the_o party_n must_v not_o take_v it_o ill_a if_o i_o serve_v they_o in_o their_o own_o sauce_n well_o then_o i_o must_v ask_v they_o how_o they_o can_v with_o any_o face_n of_o authority_n call_v themselves_o a_o church_n for_o pray_v whence_o have_v they_o their_o ministry_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v rom._n 10.15_o how_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o on_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o be_v send_v and_o in_o hebr._n 5.4_o the_o same_o apostle_n declare_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o ministerial_a function_n that_o no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n as_o be_v aaron_n it_o be_v plain_a our_o saviour_n first_o choose_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o give_v they_o power_n by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o ordain_v other_o after_o they_o for_o the_o supply_v the_o several_a order_n and_o office_n in_o the_o church_n to_o all_o future_a age_n this_o st._n paul_n affirm_v ephes_n 4.11_o and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o for_o what_o end_n we_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n viz._n for_o the_o perfect_a the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o three_o ministerial_a order_n of_o bishop_n priest_n or_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n so_o often_o mention_v in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n have_v be_v happy_o preserve_v in_o the_o church_n ever_o since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v rightful_o and_o lawful_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o reformation_n from_o popery_n quest_n but_o pray_v then_o where_o have_v the_o anabaptist_n their_o authority_n of_o ordain_v minister_n who_o give_v the_o laity_n the_o right_a of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o ordain_v bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n answ_n the_o answer_n be_v i_o will_v warrant_v you_o they_o have_v a_o inward_a call_n of_o god_n this_o be_v plain_o buckhold_n and_o knipperdoling_n and_o thus_o far_o however_o they_o will_v own_v their_o first_o reformer_n at_o this_o rate_n they_o may_v have_v as_o many_o teacher_n as_o people_n for_o every_o one_o that_o have_v but_o enough_o of_o confidence_n or_o blind_a zeal_n may_v set_v up_o when_o he_o will_v his_o call_n be_v good_a but_o i_o wish_v such_o pretender_n will_v consider_v the_o danger_n of_o offer_v strange_a incense_n and_o also_o what_o befall_v corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n for_o usurp_a the_o priest_n office_n numb_a 16.10_o 31_o 32._o quest_n and_o now_o i_o be_o do_v i_o must_v ask_v they_o another_o question_n or_o two_o if_o they_o have_v no_o lawful_a minister_n where_o be_v their_o lawful_a ministry_n and_o then_o where_o be_v their_o sacrament_n if_o they_o have_v not_o proper_a person_n to_o administer_v they_o and_o now_o my_o friend_n the_o consideration_n of_o this_o matter_n alone_o will_v sufficient_o startle_v and_o keep_v i_o off_o from_o go_v to_o this_o sect_n which_o be_v in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o church_n at_o all_o pray_v then_o good_a neighbour_n be_v not_o so_o conceited_o foolish_a as_o to_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v pay_v they_o in_o their_o own_o coin_n hope_v that_o hereafter_o they_o will_v let_v our_o church_n alone_o for_o they_o have_v work_n enough_o at_o home_n if_o they_o will_v but_o look_v to_o it_o to_o keep_v their_o own_o house_n clean_o they_o have_v neither_o doctrine_n discipline_n nor_o worship_n as_o matter_n be_v with_o they_o true_o apostolical_a if_o what_o have_v be_v say_v will_v not_o dissuade_v you_o from_o run_v after_o those_o people_n i_o shall_v however_o have_v the_o inward_a satisfaction_n of_o do_v my_o duty_n as_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n speak_v chap._n 3._o v._n 19_o since_o i_o have_v give_v you_o warning_n if_o you_o die_v in_o your_o sin_n as_o doubtless_o heresy_n be_v a_o grievous_a one_o your_o blood_n must_v lie_v at_o your_o own_o door_n and_o now_o neighbour_n i_o think_v i_o may_v conclude_v have_v already_o exceed_v the_o usual_a limit_n of_o a_o letter_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o matter_n i_o be_o upon_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o of_o truth_n be_v concern_v the_o welfare_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o my_o dear_a parishioner_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v excuse_v i_o if_o i_o go_v on_o far_o and_o examine_v some_o objection_n make_v by_o the_o anabaptist_n against_o our_o mother_n the_o church_n for_o i_o will_v not_o willing_o leave_v one_o stone_n in_o your_o way_n that_o shall_v in_o the_o least_o make_v you_o stumble_v in_o your_o return_n home_o to_o that_o profession_n of_o faith_n you_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n the_o chief_a objection_n then_o of_o our_o adversary_n for_o so_o i_o must_v term_v they_o so_o long_o as_o they_o prevaricate_v with_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v chief_o two_o which_o they_o seem_v the_o most_o to_o insist_v on_o in_o proselute_a or_o gain_v disciple_n both_o these_o concern_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n obj._n 1_o that_o we_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n in_o baptise_v of_o infant_n obj._n 2._o that_o we_o be_v wrong_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o administration_n in_o sprinkle_v instead_o of_o dip_v i_o shall_v speak_v to_o these_o two_o objection_n several_o but_o forasmuch_o as_o my_o letter_n be_v swell_v already_o too_o big_a if_o therefore_o my_o answer_n herein_o prove_v not_o satisfactory_a as_o be_v too_o brief_a give_v your_o particular_a reason_n of_o your_o dissatisfaction_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o already_o answer_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o almighty_a god_n you_o shall_v not_o long_o want_v another_o answer_n to_o such_o objection_n as_o you_o shall_v make_v if_o of_o any_o weight_n or_o moment_n wherein_o i_o shall_v argue_v the_o matter_n with_o you_o more_o at_o large_a i_o begin_v with_o their_o first_o objection_n they_o i_o say_v not_o you_o for_o you_o do_v the_o cause_n of_o your_o mother_n the_o church_n great_a wrong_n shall_v you_o be_v on_o the_o offensive_a side_n when_o you_o ought_v to_o be_v on_o the_o defensive_a it_o will_v be_v even_o unnatural_a to_o arraign_v she_o when_o you_o ought_v to_o plead_v in_o her_o behalf_n to_o join_v and_o engage_v yourself_o with_o the_o adverse_a party_n when_o in_o duty_n and_o prudence_n you_o shall_v stand_v against_o it_o for_o what_o will_v all_o your_o brethren_n my_o parishioner_n and_o all_o other_o indifferent_a person_n say_v of_o you_o shall_v you_o so_o shameful_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n wherein_o both_o your_o conscience_n and_o your_o credit_n be_v concern_v before_o the_o same_o be_v fair_o hear_v and_o try_v but_o i_o must_v go_v on_o with_o the_o objection_n and_o as_o they_o put_v it_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v faith_n and_o repentance_n before_o baptism_n the_o one_o say_v they_o child_n can_v have_v the_o other_o they_o can_v perform_v and_o so_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o receive_v this_o ordinance_n now_o to_o set_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n in_o a_o true_a light_n i_o shall_v examine_v the_o two_o branch_n of_o the_o objection_n separately_z 1._o as_o to_o faith_n i_o answer_v if_o thereby_o they_o mean_v a_o actual_a or_o outward_a profession_n of_o faith_n be_v necessary_a in_o child_n before_o they_o can_v receive_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n this_o i_o deny_v and_o it_o lie_v upon_o they_o to_o prove_v it_o but_o then_o i_o affirm_v that_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n have_v such_o have_v such_o i_o mean_v a_o outward_a or_o foederal_a holiness_n such_o as_o the_o jewish_a child_n have_v a_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o initiate_a covenant_n and_o so_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o sign_n or_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n namely_o baptism_n whereby_o they_o be_v disciple_v or_o initiate_v into_o the_o christian_a profession_n
long_o here_o i_o may_v very_o just_o lie_v down_o my_o pen_n and_o at_o present_a say_v no_o more_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n i_o mean_v not_o of_o england_n only_o but_o all_o or_o most_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o western_a and_o northern_a part_n of_o the_o world_n now_o use_v the_o sprinkle_v or_o pour_v water_n upon_o infant_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o baptism_n instead_o of_o dip_v of_o they_o be_v methinks_v sufficient_a satisfaction_n to_o i_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o to_o any_o indifferent_a or_o unprejudiced_a christian_a until_o the_o contrary_n be_v make_v appear_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o essential_a necessity_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n that_o immerge_v or_o plunge_v be_v the_o only_a mode_n of_o administration_n yet_o on_o second_o thought_n when_o i_o consider_v i_o be_o not_o dispute_v against_o a_o adversary_n as_o to_o who_o i_o ought_v to_o take_v all_o reasonable_a advantage_n in_o the_o way_n of_o argument_n but_o that_o i_o be_o write_v to_o a_o parishioner_n and_o a_o friend_n and_o be_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v one_o under_o my_o charge_n in_o some_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o my_o office_n upon_o this_o consideration_n neighbour_n i_o shall_v be_v free'r_o with_o you_o than_o otherwise_o i_o have_v need_v to_o have_v be_v and_o so_o will_v give_v you_o some_o reason_n why_o i_o think_v dip_v not_o essential_o necessary_a in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o one_a for_o that_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n to_o be_v make_v betwixt_o a_o legal_a wash_n and_o a_o sacramental_a one_o john_n indeed_o in_o his_o baptism_n do_v seem_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o jewish_a mode_n of_o immerge_v and_o this_o symbol_n may_v true_o better_o comport_v with_o the_o then_o present_a circumstance_n of_o those_o his_o disciple_n who_o be_v pollute_v with_o a_o outward_a and_o as_o it_o be_v visible_a stain_n as_o well_o as_o a_o inward_a one_o either_o of_o tradition_n of_o be_v grow_v very_o corrupt_a by_o their_o superstititious_a tradition_n judaisme_n or_o heathenism_n but_o now_o thank_v god_n the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o jew_n or_o a_o heathen_a be_v among_o we_o in_o the_o country_n a_o strange_a thing_n the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n general_o speak_v be_v now_o the_o offspring_n of_o christian_a parent_n and_o to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o promisory_a right_n or_o title_n include_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o this_o covenant_n 2.39_o act_n 2.39_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o your_o child_n in_o who_o there_o remain_v no_o legal_a or_o outward_a impurity_n but_o now_o to_o come_v to_o the_o point_n in_o question_n why_o shall_v not_o a_o little_a water_n as_o well_o as_o a_o great_a deal_n represent_v the_o inward_a wash_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o infant_n at_o their_o baptism_n who_o be_v after_o a_o sort_n clean_o before_o as_o be_v of_o the_o stock_n of_o believer_n so_o the_o apostle_n else_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a but_o now_o be_v they_o holy_a for_o instance_n herein_o by_o way_n of_o simile_n be_v i_o to_o sign_v you_o a_o bond_n will_v not_o the_o impress_n of_o a_o little_a wax_n the_o bigness_n of_o my_o finger's-end_n make_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o bond_n as_o good_a and_o as_o sure_a unto_o you_o to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v stamp_v with_o a_o seal_n ten_o time_n as_o big_a now_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n why_o shall_v not_o a_o little_a water_n be_v as_o good_a a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o baptism_n as_o a_o great_a quantity_n and_o why_o be_v not_o the_o inward_a wash_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o virtual_o represent_v in_o a_o small_a quantity_n of_o water_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n in_o a_o little_a quantity_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n the_o excess_n herein_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o corinthian_n and_o just_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o i_o never_o understand_v it_o be_v a_o crime_n to_o eat_v or_o drink_v spare_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n for_o that_o the_o food_n there_o be_v sacramental_a and_o the_o strengthen_n and_o refresh_v of_o our_o soul_n by_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v look_v at_o and_o not_o the_o strengthen_n of_o our_o body_n by_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n shall_v any_o think_v otherwise_o i_o must_v stop_v their_o mouth_n with_o st._n paul_n question_n 11.22_o 1_o cor._n 11.22_o have_v you_o not_o house_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o or_o despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n so_o in_o the_o other_o sacrament_n we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o look_v at_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o it_o viz._n how_o much_o or_o how_o little_a water_n be_v necessary_a towards_o its_o due_a administration_n as_o to_o consider_v the_o design_n and_o end_v of_o it_o and_o not_o the_o outward_a wash_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o person_n baptize_v the_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o st._n peter_n speak_v which_o may_v require_v more_o or_o less_o water_n for_o its_o purification_n according_a to_o the_o stature_n age_n or_o uncleanness_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v wash_v for_o the_o use_n of_o water_n in_o this_o sacrament_n be_v symbolical_a and_o representative_a of_o the_o inward_a wash_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o the_o time_n of_o administration_n cat._n church_n cat._n it_o be_v a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a grace_n give_v unto_o we_o and_o ordain_v by_o christ_n himself_o as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o receive_v the_o same_o and_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o thereof_o and_o so_o a_o little_a water_n do_v as_o virtual_o represent_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o new_a birth_n as_o well_o as_o a_o little_a bread_n and_o wine_n do_v represent_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o exhibit_v to_o we_o spiritual_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v in_o we_o the_o new_a birth_n that_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n two_o to_o this_o add_v head_n add_v upon_o this_o very_a account_n the_o anabaptist_n in_o holland_n do_v only_o pour_v water_n upon_o or_o dip_v the_o head_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o custom_n be_v alter_v from_o dip_v to_o sprinkle_v even_a necessity_n herein_o compel_v for_o in_o our_o cold_a and_o northern_a climate_n shall_v all_o the_o child_n and_o those_o be_v the_o most_o who_o want_n baptise_v now_o be_v dip_v well_o true_o they_o may_v be_v say_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n to_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n in_o their_o baptism_n the_o wash_a 〈◊〉_d of_o regeneration_n may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o send_v they_o to_o their_o grave_n but_o god_n love_v and_o delight_n in_o mercy_n more_o than_o in_o sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o that_o commission_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v in_o order_n to_o the_o health_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o can_v without_o manifest_a prejudice_n to_o the_o gracious_a intention_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n suppose_v he_o will_v have_v so_o execute_v as_o to_o endanger_v the_o health_n of_o our_o body_n upon_o this_o very_a account_n also_o we_o read_v that_o the_o sanhedrim_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v petition_v that_o dip_v in_o their_o female_a purgation_n may_v be_v take_v away_o for_o what_o cause_n for_o that_o the_o woman_n of_o galilee_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o cold_a they_o then_o get_v become_v barren_a do_v the_o galilean_n pity_v their_o menstruous_a woman_n and_o shall_v not_o christ_n have_v compassion_n of_o his_o poor_a babe_n to_o who_o when_o on_o earth_n he_o make_v such_o kind_a promise_n give_v such_o tender_a embrace_n and_o his_o divine_a blessing_n and_o be_v so_o angry_a they_o shall_v be_v keep_v from_o he_o in_o fine_a i_o shall_v never_o condemn_v any_o person_n for_o desire_v to_o have_v his_o child_n dip_v but_o shall_v he_o stand_v upon_o it_o as_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o sacrament_n sine_fw-la quâ_fw-la non_fw-la that_o i_o think_v will_v argue_v his_o hanker_a too_o much_o after_o the_o legal_a and_o judaical_a wash_n his_o put_v too_o much_o stress_n on_o the_o outward_a element_n of_o water_n which_o be_v but_o the_o visible_a sing_n and_o his_o slight_v the_o thing_n signify_v viz._n the_o inward_a invisible_a grace_n the_o secret_a wash_v and_o purification_n make_v by_o the_o spirit_n at_o the_o time_n of_o administration_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o point_n with_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o ancient_a father_n when_o consult_v upon_o this_o very_a account_n his_o word_n be_v these_o that_o immersion_n
in_o baptism_n be_v now_o general_o disuse_v in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o sprinkle_v succeed_v in_o its_o room_n because_o the_o tender_a body_n of_o most_o infant_n the_o only_a person_n now_o to_o be_v baptize_v can_v not_o be_v put_v under_o water_n in_o these_o cold_a northern_a climate_n without_o apparent_a prejudice_n to_o their_o health_n if_o not_o their_o life_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o case_n god_n require_v mercy_n rather_o than_o sacrifice_n especial_o consider_v that_o the_o main_a end_n of_o baptism_n be_v attain_v this_o way_n and_o the_o mystical_a effect_n thereof_o as_o virtual_o represent_v by_o sprinkle_v 〈◊〉_d dip_v and_o to_o this_o mode_n of_o baptise_v the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n chap._n 36._o ver_fw-la 25_o 26._o seem_v prophetical_o to_o refer_v when_o he_o say_v then_o will_v i_o sprinkle_v clean_a water_n upon_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v clean_o from_o all_o your_o filthiness_n and_o a_o new_a heart_n will_v i_o give_v you_o and_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o now_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o head_n will_n i_o hope_v satisfy_v you_o neighbour_n and_o all_o other_o person_n that_o be_v not_o wilful_o prejudice_v against_o reason_n and_o truth_n and_o as_o for_o such_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o dissent_v and_o wrangle_v on_o whatever_o be_v say_v or_o whatever_o be_v prove_v i_o shall_v advise_v they_o to_o consult_v st._n paul_n for_o a_o answer_n that_o may_v be_v more_o satisfactory_a namely_o if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o and_o now_o neighbour_n have_v go_v through_o the_o particular_n i_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o and_o have_v also_o fair_o answer_v some_o of_o the_o main_a objection_n our_o adversary_n the_o anabaptist_n chief_o insist_v on_o i_o shall_v only_o leave_v the_o whole_a matter_n before_o you_o in_o order_n as_o it_o be_v write_v with_o some_o useful_a inference_n and_o so_o conclude_v in_o the_o introductory_n part_n of_o my_o letter_n i_o give_v you_o to_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o man_n call_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o zeal_n sometime_o which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o hence_o i_o infer_v what_o a_o prudent_a and_o soberminded_n christian_n ought_v to_o do_v when_o he_o have_v some_o scruple_n upon_o he_o before_o he_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v in_o he_o ought_v first_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n to_o examine_v into_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o scruple_n that_o seem_v to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o his_o former_a profession_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v the_o best_a he_o can_v herein_o if_o his_o scruple_n still_o grow_v upon_o he_o before_o he_o quit_v his_o old_a way_n he_o shall_v then_o by_o all_o due_a way_n and_o mean_n examine_v into_o the_o truth_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o new_a way_n propose_v unto_o he_o instead_o of_o the_o old_a one_o else_o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o his_o change_n may_v be_v for_o the_o worse_o and_o this_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v make_v now_o in_o the_o make_v this_o examination_n i_o put_v you_o in_o this_o way_n for_o find_v out_o whether_o your_o old_a profession_n or_o the_o new_a propose_v one_o be_v the_o better_a i_o advise_v you_o to_o consult_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o standard_n of_o truth_n and_o thereby_o try_v your_o old_a religion_n and_o your_o pretend_a new_a one_o and_o see_v which_o of_o they_o be_v pure_a in_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o worship_n and_o if_o upon_o a_o fair_a hear_n of_o the_o cause_n the_o old_a one_o shall_v prove_v the_o better_a it_o will_v then_o be_v clear_a you_o ought_v not_o in_o prudence_n to_o change_v and_o till_o this_o be_v do_v you_o be_v to_o keep_v to_o your_o old_a way_n and_o for_o the_o more_o orderly_o try_v this_o cause_n our_o adversary_n be_v complainants_n and_o accuse_v our_o church_n of_o false_a doctrine_n it_o lie_v upon_o they_o to_o prove_v what_o those_o doctrine_n be_v and_o what_o be_v those_o unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n she_o require_v that_o be_v not_o justifiable_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o till_o than_o we_o be_v to_o keep_v our_o ground_n and_o to_o act_v only_o as_o defendant_n in_o the_o cause_n no_o man_n be_v by_o law_n bind_v to_o accuse_v himself_o and_o he_o that_o voluntary_o espouse_n a_o quarrel_n against_o the_o religion_n he_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o without_o know_v first_o why_o and_o wherefore_o act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o weak_a not_o to_o say_v a_o contentious_a christian_n and_o it_o be_v a_o true_a maxim_n he_o that_o accuse_v another_o of_o dishonesty_n aught_o to_o look_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o first_o place_n therefore_o in_o deal_v with_o our_o adversary_n who_o be_v so_o free_a of_o their_o obloquy_n i_o take_v this_o method_n pursuant_n to_o the_o proverbial_a say_v now_o mention_v and_o so_o inquire_v what_o pretence_n they_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n for_o if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o your_o join_n with_o they_o what_o ever_o there_o may_v be_v for_o your_o leave_v the_o church_n for_o suppose_v for_o argument_n sake_n the_o way_n you_o have_v be_v in_o be_v not_o good_a yet_o if_o the_o new_a way_n you_o be_v invite_v to_o be_v worse_o it_o be_v madness_n to_o change_v so_o that_o be_v the_o title_n naught_o that_o in_o possession_n by_o the_o courtesy_n of_o all_o law_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o the_o best_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o esteem_v until_o a_o better_a be_v prove_v in_o examine_v then_o into_o the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n of_o their_o cause_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o take_v this_o method_n one_a i_o give_v the_o character_n of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v the_o first_o broacher_n of_o this_o sect_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o this_o neighbour_n be_v a_o very_a material_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v for_o suppose_v i_o have_v a_o journey_n to_o take_v of_o great_a consequence_n and_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o way_n some_o person_n come_v and_o do_v very_o officious_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v my_o guide_n pretend_v they_o understand_v the_o road_n very_o well_o and_o be_v make_v to_o the_o same_o place_n well_o sure_o in_o this_o case_n before_o i_o give_v myself_o up_o to_o their_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n i_o shall_v know_v who_o they_o be_v inquire_v into_o their_o character_n whether_o they_o be_v boni_fw-la &_o legales_fw-la homines_fw-la honest_a and_o true_a man_n and_o shall_v i_o find_v they_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v very_a madness_n to_o take_v they_o for_o guide_n let_v they_o pretend_v never_o so_o fair_o for_o thus_o have_v many_o a_o honest_a man_n be_v chou_v out_o of_o his_o money_n and_o sometime_o his_o life_n too_o by_o the_o fair_a speech_n of_o thief_n and_o robber_n in_o this_o case_n he_o that_o value_v his_o own_o safety_n shall_v with_o all_o speed_n rid_v himself_o of_o their_o company_n and_o while_o he_o may_v without_o hazard_n bid_v they_o adieu_o now_o to_o bring_v this_o matter_n home_o i_o have_v let_v you_o know_v what_o the_o first_o setter_n up_o of_o this_o sect_n be_v when_o and_o where_o it_o be_v they_o cry_v up_o their_o stupendous_a doctrine_n repent_v and_o be_v rebaptise_v or_o else_o you_o be_v damn_v what_o horrid_a exploit_n they_o play_v what_o barbarous_a act_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o how_o they_o sack_v and_o plunder_v all_o before_o they_o fill_v all_o the_o place_n wherever_o they_o come_v with_o blood_n and_o confusion_n at_o leyden_n munster_n amsterdam_n utrecht_n and_o other_o place_n now_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o can_v be_v deny_v and_o pray_v what_o think_v you_o of_o these_o new_a guide_n be_v it_o safe_a to_o follow_v they_o do_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ever_o take_v these_o method_n to_o plant_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o shall_v it_o be_v allege_v that_o the_o present_a leader_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n be_v other_o sort_n of_o man_n i_o answer_v where_o there_o be_v the_o same_o principle_n there_o want_v nothing_o but_o power_n and_o opportunity_n to_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o 2_o to_o consider_v what_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v they_o hold_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o true_a god_n to_o this_o let_v they_o take_v st._n john_n answer_n 2.22_o 1_o john_n 2.22_o who_o be_v a_o liar_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n he_o be_v antichrist_n that_o deny_v the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n they_o teach_v also_o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o suffering_n and_o that_o there_o