if_o he_o granâ—_n that_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n i_o have_v what_o i_o be_v to_o prove_v if_o he_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n than_o it_o lie_v at_o his_o door_n to_o demonstrate_v what_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n if_o he_o say_v that_o that_o covenant_n have_v no_o seal_n at_o all_o he_o will_v thereby_o not_o only_o gainsay_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o also_o speak_v against_o reason_n for_o all_o man_n know_v it_o be_v a_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o covenant_n to_o have_v a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n arg._n 2._o if_o circumcision_n be_v by_o god_n himself_o call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o be_v it_o beyond_o all_o controversy_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o circumcision_n be_v by_o god_n himself_o call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n therefore_o circumcision_n be_v beyond_o all_o controversy_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o proof_n of_o the_o argument_n compare_v act_n 7_o 8_o with_o gen._n 17_o 10._o to_o which_o i_o will_v only_o add_v rom._n 4_o 11_o which_o will_v put_v the_o matter_n in_o dispute_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o dispute_n the_o word_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v in_o call_v circumcision_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n which_o plain_o prove_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n second_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o no_o other_o chap._n iii_o that_o water-baptism_n succeed_v or_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n under_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n i_o prove_v by_o 3_o convince_a argument_n arg._n 1._o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o initiatory_a seal_n appoint_v by_o christ_n â—nder_v the_o gospel_n but_o water-baptism_n then_o be_v water-baptism_n come_v or_o suceee_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n to_o be_v the_o initiate_a seal_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o initiatory_a seal_n appoint_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o water-baptism_n therefore_o water-baptism_n be_v come_v or_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n to_o be_v the_o initiatory_a seal_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n and_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n will_v the_o more_o clear_o appear_v by_o due_o consider_v that_o circumcision_n be_v under_o the_o dark_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o will_v not_o can_v be_v deny_v unless_o by_o man_n who_o understand_v or_o care_n not_o what_o they_o say_v that_o water-baptism_n be_v and_o must_v be_v so_o now_o mun_o of_o necessity_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o own_o that_o the_o lord_n supper_n succeed_v or_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o passeover_n i_o humble_o conceive_v no_o wise_a man_n will_v oppose_v i_o in_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new-testament_n have_v as_o great_a need_n of_o a_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o have_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o old_a and_o if_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o seal_n i_o know_v not_o what_o be_v for_o that_o circumcision_n be_v now_o abrogate_a and_o abolish_v under_o the_o gospel_n none_o can_v deny_v and_o that_o some_o other_o visible_a sign_n must_v succeed_v or_o come_v in_o its_o room_n must_v be_v grant_v by_o they_o who_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o lord_n supper_n succeed_v or_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o passeover_n arg._n 2._o if_o the_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v practical_o own_o baptism_n to_o be_v the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n than_o baptism_n be_v the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n but_o the_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v practical_o own_o baptism_n to_o be_v the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n therefore_o baptism_n be_v the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n those_o i_o here_o dispute_v against_o before_o they_o can_v overthrow_v this_o argument_n must_v abandon_v their_o own_o practice_n in_o make_v baptism_n by_o dip_v the_o door_n of_o entrance_n into_o their_o church_n by_o which_o practice_n they_o unchurch_n all_o other_o church_n who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n it_o be_v well_o know_v in_o london_n and_o else_o where_o where_o anabaptism_n be_v practise_v that_o they_o make_v baptism_n by_o dip_v the_o form_n of_o a_o right_a gospel_n church_n on_o which_o account_n it_o be_v they_o refuse_v communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n with_o the_o most_o sanctify_a believer_n if_o they_o be_v not_o dip_v after_o their_o mode_n it_o be_v true_a that_o some_o of_o that_o persuasion_n will_v seem_v more_o moderate_a and_o charitable_a than_o other_o of_o that_o way_n while_o they_o make_v saintship_n the_o only_o term_v of_o church_n communion_n these_o seem_v not_o to_o lay_v such_o stress_n on_o baptism_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o persuasion_n do_v they_o will_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n with_o they_o those_o of_o other_o persuasion_n though_o not_o baptise_a in_o their_o way_n but_o how_o such_o will_v be_v able_a to_o justify_v their_o practice_n in_o admit_v unbaptised_a person_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n i_o can_v understand_v to_o i_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o parity_n of_o reason_n for_o keep_v back_o a_o unbaptised_a person_n from_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o there_o be_v for_o keep_v back_o a_o uncircumcised_a person_n from_o the_o passover_n of_o old_a the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n baptism_n be_v the_o visible_a badge_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regeneration_n as_o circumcision_n be_v to_o the_o believe_a jew_n the_o other_o viz._n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o visible_a badge_n of_o our_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n as_o the_o passover_n of_o old_a be_v to_o the_o believe_a circumcise_a jew_n now_o as_o communion_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o union_n and_o follow_v after_o it_o so_o no_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o second_o that_o be_v not_o actual_o a_o visible_a partaker_n of_o the_o first_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o these_o who_o in_o charity_n invite_v we_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o they_o do_v account_v we_o as_o unbaptised_a person_n while_o they_o reckon_v our_o baptism_n receive_v in_o infancy_n and_o by_o sprinkle_v but_o a_o mere_a nullity_n that_o be_v no_o baptism_n at_o all_o arg._n 3._o if_o water_n baptism_n have_v the_o same_o end_n and_o use_v assign_v it_o by_o god_n as_o circumcision_n have_v of_o old_a viz._n to_o signify_v and_o seal_v to_o believer_n and_o their_o infant_n elect_n the_o truth_n of_o their_o regeneration_n &c_n &c_n then_o water_n baptism_n have_v succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n but_o water_n baptism_n have_v the_o same_o end_n and_o use_v assign_v it_o by_o god_n as_o circumcision_n have_v of_o old_a viz._n to_o signify_v and_o seal_v to_o believer_n and_o their_o elect_a infant_n the_o truth_n of_o their_o regeneration_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o water_n baptism_n have_v succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n this_o argument_n depend_v on_o the_o right_n and_o genuine_a explication_n of_o that_o text_n in_o colos_n 2.11_o in_o who_o also_o you_o be_v circumcise_a with_o the_o circumcision_n make_v without_o hand_n in_o put_v off_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n by_o the_o circumcision_n of_o christ_n bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n wherein_o also_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o he_o through_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n who_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a i_o shall_v not_o here_o meddle_v with_o explain_v this_o because_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v to_o it_o when_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v the_o objection_n bring_v against_o baptism_n be_v come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n whereto_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n against_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v object_v thus_o object_n circumcision_n be_v only_o a_o seal_n of_o a_o temporal_a carnal_a covenant_n seal_v only_o earthly_a and_o temporal_a blessing_n to_o the_o carnal_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n ans_fw-fr to_o this_o objection_n i_o answer_v in_o three_o particular_n 1._o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o some_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a teacher_n will_v fain_o have_v it_o to_o be_v and_o that_o mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o keep_v poor_a infant_n from_o baptism_n which_o they_o know_v can_v never_o
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
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
god_n bless_v the_o read_n thereof_o to_o the_o keep_v thou_o back_o from_o espouse_v the_o error_n herein_o decry_v or_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o thy_o vomit_v up_o by_o sound_a repentance_n and_o hearty_a reformation_n the_o love_n and_o like_n thou_o have_v have_v to_o those_o principle_n of_o darkness_n give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o suffer_v thyself_o no_o long_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o such_o preacher_n who_o be_v not_o only_a intruder_n into_o the_o sacred_a office_n but_o also_o heterodox_n and_o unsound_a in_o what_o they_o teach_v concern_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n concern_v infants-baptism_n be_v but_o a_o popish_a invention_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o will-worship_n and_o what_o they_o teach_v and_o confident_o affirm_v of_o dip_v be_v the_o only_a right_a mode_n of_o baptise_v command_v by_o christ_n and_o practise_v by_o john_n and_o all_o the_o first_o baptizer_n by_o which_o principle_n they_o raze_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o salvation_n to_o grow_v believer_n as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o infant_n and_o disown_n that_o christ_n have_v any_o right_a gospel_n church_n but_o themselves_o from_o which_o principle_n i_o shall_v ever_o say_v and_o hearty_o pray_v good_a lord_n deliver_v i_o and_o all_o the_o family_n of_o thy_o faithful_a people_n the_o introduction_n a_o occasional_a discourse_n between_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o church_n member_n concern_v infant-baptism_n wherein_o sundry_a material_a question_n be_v put_v by_o the_o church_n member_n and_o plain_o and_o particular_o answer_v by_o the_o minister_n for_o the_o information_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o as_o be_v stagger_v in_o their_o judgement_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o infants-baptism_n minister_n brother_n edward_n by_o what_o i_o have_v hear_v from_o some_o of_o my_o neighbour_n as_o also_o by_o the_o discourse_n which_o pass_v between_o you_o and_o i_o when_o last_o together_o i_o suspect_v that_o some_o have_v be_v tamper_n with_o you_o to_o draw_v you_o away_o to_o anabaptism_n be_v it_o so_o or_o no_o deal_v plain_o to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v address_v myself_o to_o my_o duty_n in_o give_v you_o satisfaction_n herein_o from_o god_n word_n church_n member_n i_o must_v ingenious_o acknowledge_v sir_n that_o i_o be_o not_o without_o waver_v and_o doubtful_a thought_n in_o my_o mind_n about_o infant-baptism_n occasion_v partly_o by_o discourse_v with_o some_o of_o that_o way_n and_o persuasion_n partly_o by_o read_v some_o book_n which_o be_v put_v into_o my_o hand_n which_o to_o i_o seem_v full_a of_o clearness_n that_o infant-baptism_n be_v no_o way_n warrantable_a or_o justifiable_a by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n minist_n i_o find_v then_o that_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v in_o my_o apprehension_n of_o you_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o for_o your_o encouragement_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o you_o be_v but_o try_v herein_o by_o a_o temptation_n for_o which_o i_o think_v never_o the_o worse_o of_o your_o soul_n state_n neither_o be_v my_o hope_n and_o confidence_n of_o your_o integrity_n towards_o god_n a_o jot_n or_o whit_n lessen_v by_o the_o inclination_n in_o your_o mind_n to_o favour_v that_o opinion_n for_o i_o have_v know_v some_o very_a holy_a and_o upright_o heart_a christian_n who_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n have_v strong_o incline_v to_o favour_n and_o espouse_v that_o cause_n and_o principle_n as_o the_o most_o plausible_a and_o likely_a to_o agree_v with_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o infant-baptism_n in_o the_o gospel_n neither_o in_o precept_n nor_o yet_o in_o example_n to_o recommend_v it_o yea_o i_o myself_o have_v in_o my_o first_o set_v out_o in_o the_o way_n of_o christianity_n meet_v with_o temptation_n to_o draw_v i_o to_o that_o opinion_n and_o that_o by_o the_o very_a same_o mean_n which_o have_v occasion_v your_o stagger_v herein_o and_o the_o main_a thing_n which_o induce_v i_o to_o hanker_v after_o that_o principle_n be_v 1._o the_o high_a and_o charitable_a opinion_n i_o have_v of_o some_o of_o that_o party_n be_v man_n of_o high_a attainment_n in_o grace_n and_o gospel_n holiness_n 2._o there_o appear_v to_o i_o no_o command_n for_o infant-baptism_n in_o all_o the_o gospel_n nor_o yet_o any_o one_o instance_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o such_o be_v baptise_a 3._o the_o many_o quotation_n of_o learned_a divine_n and_o counsel_n which_o the_o anabaptist_n book_n assure_v i_o be_v all_o of_o their_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n herein_o which_o much_o startle_v and_o sway_v i_o to_o kind_a apprehension_n of_o their_o way_n 4_o their_o brand_a infant-baptism_n with_o the_o black_a brand_n of_o will-worship_n and_o popery_n against_o both_o which_o i_o always_o have_v since_o i_o know_v christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o ever_o shall_v have_v i_o humble_o hope_v in_o christ_n a_o mortal_a dislike_n and_o root_v hatred_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o 4_o particular_n now_o mention_v i_o be_v draw_v to_o the_o very_a verge_n or_o brink_n of_o anabaptism_n be_v just_a on_o the_o point_n of_o renounce_v my_o baptism_n receive_v in_o my_o infant_n state_n as_o be_v a_o mere_a nullity_n or_o no_o baptism_n at_o all_o my_o rove_a spirit_n thus_o fluctuate_a and_o toss_v between_o the_o wave_n and_o billow_n of_o doubtful_a and_o distract_n cogitation_n what_o i_o have_v best_a to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n whether_o to_o offer_v myself_o to_o be_v dip_v yea_o or_o not_o or_o to_o address_v myself_o to_o minister_n of_o the_o contrary_a judgement_n for_o resolution_n in_o so_o weighty_a and_o material_a a_o point_n matter_n be_v thus_o i_o providential_o and_o happy_o happen_v into_o the_o company_n of_o some_o of_o the_o congregational_a persuasion_n man_n no_o whit_n inferior_a to_o those_o i_o so_o much_o admire_v for_o piety_n and_o holiness_n and_o who_o i_o very_o well_o know_v be_v able_a to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v the_o other_o for_o matter_n of_o learning_n and_o deep_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o debate_v sundry_a point_n in_o controversy_n between_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o the_o orthodox_n protestant_n reform_v church_n concern_v infant-baptism_n i_o apprehend_v and_o see_v so_o far_o into_o the_o mystery_n of_o baptism_n that_o i_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o begin_v to_o question_v whether_o i_o be_v not_o under_o a_o delusion_n in_o dislike_a my_o infant-baptism_n receive_v in_o infancy_n by_o mean_n hereof_o i_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o pray_v earnest_o to_o god_n that_o his_o good_a spirit_n may_v teach_v and_o guide_v i_o in_o the_o way_n of_o gospel-truth_n which_o be_v second_v by_o a_o diligent_a search_n into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o a_o careful_a read_n and_o weigh_v the_o argument_n bring_v by_o both_o party_n both_o for_o and_o against_o infant-baptism_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n through_o the_o special_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n i_o be_v enable_v to_o see_v and_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o solid_a weight_n in_o the_o reason_n bring_v against_o infant-baptism_n but_o what_o be_v in_o reality_n repugnant_a and_o contradictory_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o will_v i_o hope_v in_o time_n most_o plain_o appear_v to_o your_o understanding_n i_o have_v be_v the_o more_o prolix_a in_o speak_v my_o experience_n herein_o that_o you_o may_v become_v sensible_a that_o even_o godly_a man_n may_v be_v entangle_v in_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o to_o let_v you_o know_v what_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o escape_v the_o net_n of_o crafty_a man_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o ensnare_v poor_a unstable_a though_o honest_a and_o well_o meaning_n soul_n now_o as_o christ_n my_o lord_n and_o master_n say_v to_o peter_n after_o his_o recovery_n from_o his_o fall_n when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n luke_n 22._o so_o i_o be_o now_o come_v as_o my_o duty_n bind_v i_o to_o endeavour_v your_o recovery_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o these_o point_n about_o infant-baptim_a wherein_o you_o seem_v to_o stagger_v church_n memb._n i_o hope_v i_o can_v say_v through_o special_a grace_n that_o i_o be_o no_o way_n fond_a of_o error_n but_o what_o i_o do_v herein_o i_o do_v it_o real_o from_o my_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o light_n thereof_o i_o hope_v sir_n you_o will_v not_o blame_v i_o for_o act_v according_a thereto_o minist_n i_o be_o far_o from_o arraign_v your_o integrity_n to_o god_n be_v very_o sensible_a that_o herein_o you_o be_v but_o under_o a_o temptation_n as_o strong_a christian_n than_o you_o or_o i_o have_v be_v and_o now_o be_v neither_o shall_v i_o in_o the_o least_o attempt_v to_o press_v you_o to_o act_v herein_o against_o your_o conscience_n conscience_n i_o be_o sensible_a be_v a_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
be_v say_v to_o do_v and_o perform_v the_o same_o and_o all_o the_o effect_n and_o save_v benefit_n thereof_o do_v undoubted_o redound_v to_o all_o the_o elect_a and_o all_o this_o be_v signify_v and_o seal_v in_o baptism_n to_o every_o elect_v sinner_n whether_o infant_n or_o adult_n and_o i_o can_v but_o reckon_v it_o a_o strange_a infatuation_n on_o those_o who_o lie_v such_o stress_n on_o the_o dutch_a translator_n in_o the_o point_n of_o john_n the_o dooper_n wherein_o silly_a and_o weak_a people_n do_v not_o a_o little_a glory_n and_o brag_v that_o they_o shall_v put_v such_o sleight_n and_o contempt_n on_o the_o dutch_a annotator_n those_o great_a light_n of_o the_o world_n in_o matter_n of_o infant_n right_a to_o baptism_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o absolute_a grace_n of_o circumcision_n be_v the_o initial_a seal_n thereof_o and_o baptism_n succeed_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o with_o sundry_a other_o material_a point_n in_o gospel_n religion_n wherein_o they_o be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n yet_o in_o nothing_o must_v our_o dr._n and_o his_o adherent_n make_v use_v of_o the_o dutch_a only_a john_n the_o dooper_n john_n the_o dooper_n and_o in_o this_o commission_n the_o salve_n dopende_v dip_v they_o and_o what_o ground_n have_v our_o dr._n to_o conclude_v that_o have_v our_o english_a translator_n turn_v the_o word_n about_o baptism_n into_o dip_v as_o the_o dutch_a translator_n have_v do_v if_o it_o be_v as_o he_o say_v that_o therefore_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v so_o in_o the_o original_a or_o how_o will_v he_o prove_v the_o dutch_a translator_n near_o to_o infallibility_n than_o our_o english_a translator_n be_v or_o that_o our_o english_a translator_n will_v have_v be_v more_o infallible_a than_o they_o be_v in_o case_n they_o have_v translate_v john_n the_o baptist_n johannes_n de_fw-fr dooper_n and_o in_o the_o commission_n baptise_v they_o de_fw-fr salve_fw-la dopende_v dip_v they_o second_o if_o to_o imitate_v and_o set_v forth_o christ_n burial_n be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n then_o must_v it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v man_n duty_n to_o imitate_v it_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o a_o burial_n as_o well_o as_o in_o some_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v bury_v he_o be_v whole_o passive_a he_o do_v not_o go_v into_o the_o grave_n himself_o but_o be_v lay_v in_o by_o other_o so_o must_v person_n be_v in_o baptism_n they_o must_v be_v whole_o passive_a they_o must_v not_o go_v into_o the_o water_n themselves_o but_o must_v be_v lay_v under_o the_o water_n by_o the_o administrator_n of_o baptism_n christ_n when_o bury_v be_v leave_v in_o the_o grave_a so_o must_v the_o person_n in_o baptism_n he_o must_v be_v leave_v under_o the_o water_n as_o long_o as_o christ_n continue_v in_o the_o grave_a which_o be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a to_o think_v or_o say_v that_o these_o circumstance_n shall_v be_v attend_v or_o imitate_v by_o believer_n in_o water-baptism_n i_o say_v so_o too_o ad_fw-la do_v far_o say_v and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v altogether_o as_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a for_o any_o to_o affirm_v and_o teach_v that_o for_o believer_n to_o set_v forth_o and_o imitate_v christ_n burial_n be_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o the_o abovementioned_a scripture_n if_o anabaptist_n will_v be_v peremptory_a in_o assert_v and_o teach_v that_o to_o set_v forth_o and_o imitate_v christ_n burial_n in_o those_o place_n be_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o must_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o be_v as_o peremptory_a as_o they_o in_o affirm_v that_o unless_o they_o imitate_v christ_n burial_n in_o the_o circumstance_n now_o mention_v their_o baptism_n about_o which_o so_o great_a and_o confuse_a a_o noise_n be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a ludicrous_a or_o mock_v baptism_n for_o that_o they_o do_v not_o imitate_v christ_n in_o their_o baptism_n in_o those_o circumstance_n which_o be_v so_o essential_o necessary_a to_o sâ—t_v forth_o and_o represent_v his_o death_n and_o burial_n in_o case_n it_o be_v as_o they_o hold_v it_o be_v to_o which_o i_o add_v that_o our_o baptise_v by_o pour_v out_o or_o sprinkle_v water_n on_o the_o subject_a do_v every_o way_n more_o exact_o represent_v and_o set_v forth_o a_o burial_n than_o that_o of_o dip_v and_o plunge_v the_o whole_a body_n under_o water_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o the_o particular_n follow_v be_v serious_o and_o without_o prejudice_n consider_v first_o in_o dip_v and_o plunge_v into_o the_o water_n the_o party_n baptise_a be_v active_a in_o go_v himself_o into_o the_o water_n which_o indeed_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o water-baptism_n be_v in_o all_o respect_n a_o passive_a ordinance_n wherein_o the_o subject_n be_v to_o be_v whole_o passive_a as_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n the_o work_n of_o conversion_n or_o regeneration_n be_v the_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a baptism_n administer_v by_o christ_n in_o this_o wonderful_a work_n the_o dead_a sinner_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o effect_v or_o produce_v the_o same_o it_o be_v whole_o do_v by_o christ_n the_o administrator_n thereof_o so_o in_o the_o outward_a ordinance_n of_o water-baptism_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o outward_a sign_n or_o seal_n of_o the_o inward_a the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o administer_a baptism_n must_v only_o be_v active_a the_o subject_n must_v put_v forth_o no_o act_n at_o all_o the_o party_n go_v himself_o into_o the_o water_n do_v not_o represent_v and_o set_v forth_o a_o dead_a man_n in_o pour_v out_o or_o sprinkle_v water_n on_o the_o subject_a the_o party_n be_v whole_o passive_a as_o be_v a_o dead_a man_n when_o bury_v again_o in_o dip_v and_o plunge_v the_o party_n baptise_a be_v apply_v to_o the_o water_n not_o the_o water_n to_o the_o party_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o burial_n which_o all_o man_n know_v be_v to_o lay_v the_o corpse_n on_o its_o back_n in_o the_o grave_a and_o to_o pour_v out_o or_o sprinkle_v the_o earth_n on_o it_o in_o baptise_v by_o sprinkle_v or_o pour_v out_o water_n the_o party_n be_v lay_v on_o his_o back_n and_o the_o water_n pour_v out_o or_o sprinkle_v on_o he_o the_o party_n dead_a be_v never_o thrust_v into_o the_o earth_n but_o the_o earth_n or_o mould_n be_v pour_v out_o on_o he_o now_o whether_o of_o these_o two_o way_n of_o baptise_v by_o dip_v and_o plunge_v or_o that_o of_o pour_v out_o or_o sprinkle_v water_n upon_o do_v more_o lively_a and_o exact_o set_v forth_o and_o represent_v a_o burial_n let_v any_o who_o have_v not_o lose_v their_o sense_n judge_n as_o to_o the_o second_o metaphor_n viz._n a_o resurrection_n i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o what_o here_o follow_v may_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o as_o anabaptist_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hold_v forth_o or_o represent_v the_o death_n and_o burial_n of_o christ_n in_o â—â—eir_n go_v into_o the_o water_n in_o their_o way_n so_o neither_o do_v they_o set_v forth_o and_o represent_v his_o resurrection_n as_o they_o fancy_v they_o do_v first_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o when_o the_o time_n determine_v by_o god_n decree_n for_o christ_n remain_v in_o a_o state_n of_o death_n be_v accomplish_v according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o raise_v up_o himself_o from_o the_o grave_a no_o hand_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n help_v to_o raise_v he_o so_o that_o plain_a it_o be_v if_o the_o scripture_n they_o allege_v for_o this_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n then_o must_v it_o need_v follow_v that_o as_o he_o that_o administer_v baptism_n by_o dip_v or_o bury_v the_o whole_a body_n under_o water_n do_v administer_v baptism_n in_o that_o way_n of_o bury_v under_o the_o water_n to_o the_o end_n the_o party_n so_o baptise_a might_n lively_o set_v forth_o the_o death_n and_o burial_n of_o christ_n so_o he_o must_v leave_v the_o party_n bury_v in_o the_o water_n to_o raise_v up_o himself_o that_o so_o he_o may_v represent_v christ_n in_o his_o raise_n up_o himself_o from_o the_o grave_a if_o this_o be_v practise_v it_o will_v not_o be_v hard_a to_o guess_v how_o many_o proselyte_n they_o will_v get_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o this_o their_o fantastical_a new_a mode_n of_o baptise_v and_o true_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v see_v how_o they_o can_v be_v excuse_v from_o do_v the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o see_v that_o the_o metaphor_n must_v be_v prosecute_v in_o all_o its_o part_n as_o well_o as_o in_o some_o and_o thus_o they_o may_v see_v what_o they_o be_v like_a to_o get_v by_o build_v their_o confidence_n on_o misunderstand_v and_o wrest_v metaphor_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o doctor_n be_v three_o