and_o so_o be_v make_v visible_a member_n of_o christ_n church_n but_o for_o the_o far_o clear_n of_o this_o point_n let_v we_o compare_v himself_o compare_v circumcision_n and_o baptism_n be_v seal_n of_o the_o same_o evangelical_n covenant_n the_o former_a give_v by_o god_n to_o abraham_n the_o latter_a give_v by_o christ_n himself_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n together_o as_o they_o respect_v those_o two_o thing_n viz._n 1._o matter_n of_o fact_n 2._o matter_n of_o right_n now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o come_v the_o of_o the_o promise_a messiah_n to_o our_o father_n abraham_n who_o be_v to_o come_v evangelical_n covenant_n and_o be_v not_o that_o a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n yea_o doubtless_o we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o it_o who_o call_v it_o rom._n 4.11_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v not_o i_o pray_v you_o child_n capable_a of_o receive_v this_o seal_n of_o faith_n give_v to_o abraham_n you_o answer_v yes_o tell_v i_o then_o why_o not_o child_n of_o believer_n now_o or_o be_v infant_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n more_o capable_a of_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o faith_n then_o than_o child_n be_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n or_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o this_o first_o covenant_n of_o faith_n more_o privilegial_a and_o extensive_a in_o favour_n to_o abrabam_fw-la and_o his_o natural_a seed_n than_o the_o second_o seal_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n be_v in_o and_o through_o christ_n to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n who_o will_v presume_v to_o affirm_v this_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a what_o a_o noise_n the_o anabaptist_n make_v about_o the_o commission_n our_o saviour_n give_v his_o apostle_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n 28.19_o mar._n 28.19_o baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o etc._n etc._n they_o will_v tell_v you_o person_n must_v be_v teach_v before_o they_o be_v baptize_v but_o with_o their_o favour_n this_o be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v take_v in_o their_o meaning_n but_o only_o in_o the_o case_n of_o adult_n person_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o etymology_n and_o real_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n teach_v in_o the_o original_a it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o according_a to_o very_o learned_a expositor_n signify_v also_o discipling_a and_o then_o the_o commission_n run_v thus_o go_v you_o and_o by_o baptism_n make_v disciple_n to_o what_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v teach_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o will_v plain_o appear_v if_o you_o take_v the_o commission_n mention_v in_o the_o 19_o ver_fw-la together_o with_o what_o follow_v in_o the_o 20_o and_o it_o be_v thus_o go_v you_o disciple_n all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o they_o will_v answer_v we_o be_v only_o for_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n i_o reply_v discipling_n be_v also_o as_o true_a a_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n if_o the_o original_a must_v be_v judge_n but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o or_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o i_o can_v help_v that_o and_o now_o that_o we_o be_v upon_o christ_n commission_n let_v we_o examine_v it_o a_o little_a far_o as_o to_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o go_v you_o baptise_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n ask'em_n what_o this_o mean_n and_o then_o they_o be_v against_o the_o literal_a mean_v for_o we_o say_v this_o authority_n must_v needs_o reach_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n if_o child_n be_v part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o there_o can_v be_v all_o nation_n if_o they_o be_v exclude_v no_o such_o matter_n say_v they_o this_o commission_n extend_v only_o to_o adult_v person_n of_o all_o nation_n who_o be_v first_o to_o be_v teach_v and_o then_o to_o be_v baptize_v when_o we_o urge_v far_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o your_o child_n they_o answer_v as_o before_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v to_o you_o and_o your_o posterity_n as_o when_o moses_n speak_v of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v mean_v all_o person_n of_o that_o stock_n and_o if_o we_o agree_v to_o this_o how_o then_o be_v not_o young_a child_n i_o pray_v you_o part_n of_o that_o stock_n true_o there_o be_v not_o many_o family_n in_o comparison_n without_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o there_o will_v soon_o be_v leave_v but_o few_o or_o no_o nation_n at_o all_o from_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o commission_n let_v we_o go_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o and_o see_v if_o that_o can_v help_v to_o reconcile_v we_o well_o then_o from_o scripture_n we_o tell_v they_o of_o whole_a family_n that_o be_v baptise_a together_o as_o lydia_n and_o her_o household_n the_o jailer_n of_o philippi_n he_o and_o all_o his_o straightway_o and_o how_o st._n paul_n affirm_v that_o he_o baptize_v the_o household_n of_o stephanas_n 1_o cor._n 1.16_o and_o be_v they_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o child_n in_o these_o family_n but_o far_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o i_o must_v observe_v unto_o you_o before_o i_o leave_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o this_o point_n that_o there_o be_v three_o way_n of_o proselyte_v among_o the_o jew_n namely_o circumcision_n baptism_n and_o sacrifice_n the_o first_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o male_n the_o two_o latter_a to_o all_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o all_o the_o rabbin_n do_v with_o one_o comment_n affirm_v that_o person_n of_o all_o age_n and_o sex_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n in_o the_o gemara_n it_o be_v thus_o express_v if_o with_o a_o proselyte_n his_o son_n and_o his_o daughter_n be_v make_v proselyte_n also_o that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o their_o father_n redound_v to_o their_o good_a and_o again_o in_o the_o babylonian_a talmud_n they_o baptize_v a_o little_a proselyte_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o sâ—anhedrim_n that_o be_v as_o the_o gloss_n render_v it_o if_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o his_o father_n and_o his_o mother_n bring_v he_o to_o be_v proselyte_v he_o be_v baptize_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n which_o be_v this_o there_o be_v to_o be_v three_o man_n present_a at_o his_o baptism_n who_o be_v accept_v instead_o of_o a_o father_n to_o he_o from_o hence_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o custom_n of_o baptism_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o common_a among_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o send_v messenger_n to_o john_n the_o question_n be_v not_o why_o do_v thou_o baptize_v which_o in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v be_v the_o first_o question_n have_v not_o baptism_n with_o they_o be_v so_o usual_o a_o way_n of_o discipling_n no_o but_o they_o demand_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o baptizer_n and_o they_o ask_v he_o and_o say_v unto_o he_o why_o baptize_v thou_o then_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o the_o christ_n nor_o elias_n 25._o john_n 1_o 25._o neither_o that_o prophet_n hence_o also_o i_o far_o observe_v that_o pedobaptism_n be_v so_o common_a and_o know_v a_o custom_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n when_o multitude_n flock_v to_o john_n baptism_n who_o dare_v positive_o affirm_v they_o do_v not_o bring_v their_o child_n along_o with_o they_o to_o be_v baptize_v as_o to_o our_o adversary_n allege_v where_o be_v it_o say_v go_v baptise_v infant_n i_o answer_v what_o need_n be_v there_o to_o strengthen_v baptism_n with_o any_o particular_a precept_n when_o it_o become_v a_o evangelical_n sacrament_n for_o that_o our_o saviour_n take_v it_o as_o he_o find_v it_o this_o only_o add_v that_o he_o promote_v it_o to_o a_o more_o worthy_a end_n and_o to_o a_o large_a use_n to_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o faith_n as_o circumcision_n be_v before_o and_o to_o be_v also_o the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n not_o only_o to_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n but_o to_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o father_n abraham_n and_o that_o there_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n holiness_n measure_n a_o outward_a or_o foederal_a holiness_n a_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o a_o actual_a one_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o plain_a from_o st._n paul_n when_o he_o thus_o argue_v the_o unbelieving_a husband_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o wife_n 〈…〉_o 1_o cor._n 〈…〉_o and_o the_o unbelieving_a wife_n by_o the_o husband_n else_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a but_o now_o be_v they_o holy_a i_o can_v tell_v what_o can_v be_v mean_v by_o this_o holiness_n but_o that_o the_o church_n the_o these_o necessitate_v cogente_a may_v have_v private_a baptism_n but_o the_o other_o i_o think_v can_v without_o sponsor_n be_v
be_v no_o original_a sin_n and_o this_o take_v away_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n intercession_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n that_o he_o make_v on_o our_o behalf_n they_o exclude_v infant_n out_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n contrary_a to_o our_o lord_n command_n deny_v they_o baptism_n which_o be_v 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 they_o hold_v it_o lawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v more_o wife_n than_o one_o and_o this_o show_v their_o continence_n and_o chastity_n that_o the_o godly_a be_v to_o inherit_v the_o earth_n and_o oath_n not_o to_o be_v keep_v with_o the_o magistrate_n and_o this_o discover_v their_o principle_n of_o civil_a government_n that_o any_o person_n may_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o ministerial_a office_n and_o this_o invade_v our_o saviour_n authority_n he_o leave_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o lawful_a successor_n in_o this_o behalf_n but_o enough_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o new_a way_n i_o go_v on_o three_o and_o show_v that_o the_o present_a method_n our_o adversary_n usual_o take_v in_o manage_v their_o cause_n argue_v that_o the_o same_o be_v naught_o for_o that_o they_o be_v always_o inveigh_v against_o the_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o other_o instead_o of_o prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o own_o way_n to_o this_o add_v the_o great_a confidence_n without_o reason_n they_o have_v of_o their_o cause_n and_o that_o be_v buoy'd-up_a with_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n what_o a_o noise_n and_o pother_n they_o make_v in_o promote_a it_o as_o if_o they_o be_v so_o many_o goliath_n in_o argue_v that_o none_o can_v stand_v before_o they_o witness_v the_o late_a confident_a and_o presumptuous_a challenge_n they_o make_v at_o epworth_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o public_a dispute_n with_o the_o reverend_n mr._n wesly_n the_o present_a minister_n thereof_o who_o be_v indeed_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o good_a nature_n too_o civil_a to_o they_o and_o too_o much_o forbear_v of_o their_o insolent_a behaviour_n in_o confront_v the_o establish_a religion_n in_o opposition_n and_o open_a defiance_n to_o the_o wholesome_a law_n of_o the_o land_n make_v and_o provide_v for_o the_o honour_n and_o security_n of_o the_o same_o but_o let_v i_o tell_v they_o they_o who_o do_v not_o value_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n will_v never_o regard_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n but_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o their_o munster-broyl_n occasion_v by_o their_o seditious_a disputation_n therefore_o it_o be_v good_a for_o they_o not_o to_o use_v their_o liberty_n for_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n for_o if_o they_o will_v so_o far_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o their_o first_o reformer_n as_o to_o entrench_v upon_o the_o authority_n and_o kind_a indulgence_n of_o the_o magistrate_n they_o must_v be_v let_v understand_v that_o he_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a and_o as_o for_o their_o goliath_n argument_n let_v they_o not_o produce_v they_o as_o be_v their_o common_a usage_n in_o a_o seditious_a and_o tumultuous_a manner_n where_o noise_n shall_v prevail_v above_o truth_n and_o reason_n but_o in_o a_o manly_a and_o christian_n way_n and_o we_o fear_v they_o not_o for_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o when_o their_o lock_n of_o pride_n and_o ignorance_n where_o their_o boast_a strength_n lie_v be_v lope_v off_o they_o will_v be_v find_v in_o argument_n like_o other_o man_n and_o those_o of_o the_o mean_a rank_n too_o thus_o neighbour_n if_o you_o will_v but_o serious_o consider_v the_o man_n or_o their_o principle_n or_o their_o manner_n of_o spread_v and_o abet_v of_o they_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v think_v it_o most_o adviseable_a to_o keep_v to_o your_o old_a way_n until_o a_o better_a than_o this_o before_o we_o be_v show_v you_o to_o walk_v in_o and_o thus_o we_o may_v as_o i_o tell_v you_o stand_v our_o ground_n and_o act_v only_o defensive_o but_o be_v it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o truth_n and_o the_o design_n of_o this_o letter_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o assail_v our_o adversary_n as_o to_o satisfy_v your_o scruple_n which_o if_o not_o solid_a be_v at_o least_o i_o believe_v well_o mean_v i_o put_v the_o cause_n still_o to_o a_o fair_a issue_n and_o lay_v before_o you_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o adversary_n in_o the_o two_o main_a objection_n one_a as_o to_o the_o object_n of_o baptism_n 2_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n as_o to_o the_o first_o objection_n i_o show_v you_o the_o stress_n of_o it_o lay_v in_o this_o that_o faith_n and_o repentance_n shall_v precede_v baptism_n which_o child_n not_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v and_o that_o none_o of_o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n shall_v be_v lose_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o it_o i_o take_v it_o in_o piece_n and_o speak_v several_o to_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o and_o first_o as_o to_o faith_n i_o show_v you_o by_o way_n of_o parallel_n that_o circumcision_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n of_o which_o infant_n be_v then_o capable_a it_o must_v needs_o follow_v by_o parity_n of_o reason_n that_o child_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v also_o capable_a of_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n unless_o they_o will_v suppose_v that_o the_o first_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n give_v to_o abraham_n be_v more_o privilegial_a and_o extensive_a in_o favour_n than_o the_o second_o seal_n give_v by_o christ_n i_o show_v far_o as_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o child_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v always_o disciple_v by_o baptism_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o that_o child_n be_v include_v in_o our_o lord_n be_v general_a commission_n they_o be_v part_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o execute_v this_o commission_n in_o all_o nation_n wherever_o the_o christian_a faith_n have_v spread_v itself_o ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n in_o their_o time_n also_o do_v ascertain_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o to_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n beyond_o all_o denial_n for_o matter_n of_o right_n i_o show_v you_o that_o infant_n have_v a_o unquestionable_a title_n to_o the_o thing_n signify_v of_o such_o be_v as_o our_o saviour_n say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n who_o can_v question_v their_o have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o sign_n beside_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o your_o child_n and_o that_o the_o promissory_a grace_n in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v no_o way_n let_v by_o the_o personal_a incapacity_n of_o the_o recipient_a for_o that_o a_o king_n may_v be_v crown_v in_o a_o cradle_n and_o become_v real_o king_n though_o he_o know_v not_o of_o it_o and_o many_o kindness_n may_v be_v actual_o do_v to_o infant_n by_o their_o parent_n friend_n or_o guardian_n though_o they_o be_v not_o privy_a to_o it_o and_o however_o at_o the_o least_o child_n now_o of_o believe_v parent_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o capable_a of_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n as_o be_v before_o declare_v and_o for_o the_o reason_n there_o allege_v as_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o their_o first_o exception_n repentance_n i_o show_v you_o very_o plain_o that_o it_o concern_v adult_a person_n only_o for_o infant_n have_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o actual_a sin_n there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o their_o actual_a repentance_n and_o as_o for_o person_n of_o ripe_a year_n if_o they_o be_v not_o baptize_v till_o then_o we_o do_v agree_v they_o ought_v first_o to_o believe_v for_o it_o will_v be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o admit_v a_o adult_n person_n christ_n disciple_n who_o do_v not_o first_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o his_o saviour_n and_o that_o there_o be_v also_o in_o these_o a_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n for_o such_o have_v be_v also_o guilty_a of_o actual_a sin_n they_o ought_v and_o must_v repent_v of_o they_o before_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n and_o he_o that_o put_v on_o christ_n must_v become_v a_o new_a creature_n i_o come_v then_o to_o the_o second_o general_a objection_n relate_v to_o the_o mode_n of_o baptism_n and_o do_v so_o far_o agree_v that_o dip_v be_v probable_o the_o manner_n of_o baptise_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v likely_a so_o too_o in_o john_n baptism_n but_o then_o i_o show_v you_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o particular_a reason_n for_o this_o mode_n of_o baptise_v for_o that_o the_o person_n then_o to_o be_v baptize_v have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a or_o outward_a
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
through_o christ_n with_o a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n and_o to_o be_v in_o charity_n with_o all_o man_n so_o that_o whether_o we_o respect_v the_o condition_n qualify_a a_o worthy_a communicant_a or_o the_o end_n of_o his_o receive_n that_o duty_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o babe_n but_o from_o those_o who_o be_v proficient_n be_v grow_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v take_v as_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n and_o we_o may_v therefore_o go_v on_o have_v then_o show_v both_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o matter_n of_o right_n that_o infant_n ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v let_v we_o make_v forward_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o first_o exception_n against_o the_o baptise_v of_o child_n namely_o repentance_n the_o scripture_n say_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v this_o i_o hope_v will_v not_o take_v we_o up_o much_o time_n so_o pray_v neighbour_n let_v we_o to_o it_o obj._n thus_o then_o object_v our_o adversary_n and_o argue_v upon_o it_o repentance_n ought_v to_o precede_v baptism_n but_o infant_n can_v repent_v and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v i_o answer_v there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o sin_n general_o speak_v original_a and_o actual_a as_o to_o the_o first_o i_o say_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o second_o adam_n be_v as_o extensive_a as_o the_o prevarication_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n reveal_v unto_o we_o to_o wash_v off_o this_o stain_n in_o infant_n but_o baptism_n and_o so_o most_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v as_o you_o have_v hear_v before_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o sacrament_n but_o of_o actual_a sin_n they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o those_o they_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o repent_v so_o that_o the_o exhortation_n of_o st._n peter_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v infant_n but_o adult_a person_n and_o this_o will_v be_v undeniable_a if_o we_o observe_v the_o occasion_n and_o purport_n of_o the_o discourse_n precede_v the_o same_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n be_v come_v and_o vast_a number_n of_o people_n reside_v then_o at_o jerusalem_n to_o keep_v the_o feast_n both_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n of_o divers_a nation_n as_o parthian_n mede_n elamites_n etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n be_v meet_v there_o also_o and_o assemble_v together_o in_o one_o of_o the_o upper_a room_n of_o the_o temple_n as_o their_o daily_a custom_n be_v whilst_o they_o be_v perform_v divine_a service_n 1._o vid._n dr._n hammond_n on_o act_n 1.13_o compare_v with_o cap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 1._o it_o please_v almighty_a god_n at_o that_o time_n to_o pour_v down_o upon_o they_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n hereupon_o they_o begin_v immediate_o to_o speak_v unto_o the_o people_n in_o their_o master_n name_n and_o upon_o his_o business_n in_o their_o several_a tongue_n and_o language_n the_o rumour_n of_o this_o bring_v a_o mighty_a concourse_n to_o they_o at_o the_o temple_n now_o the_o people_n find_v it_o even_o so_o as_o it_o be_v tell_v they_o whilst_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n expound_v unto_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n many_o of_o they_o be_v convict_v in_o their_o conscience_n at_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o therefore_o cry_v our_o of_o a_o sudden_a man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v answer_n be_v make_v by_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o plain_o show_v that_o repentance_n here_o require_v before_o baptism_n be_v of_o adult_n person_n whether_o jew_n or_o profelite_n for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o be_v all_o one_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o all_o the_o actual_a sin_n they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o resolve_v to_o become_v new_a man_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v qualify_v for_o baptism_n the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v therefore_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n touch_v the_o baptise_v of_o adult_n person_n they_o ought_v to_o repent_v and_o believe_v to_o qualify_v they_o for_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o say_a covenant_n and_o so_o far_o our_o mother_n the_o church_n do_v agree_v with_o the_o anabaptist_n if_o this_o be_v their_o doctrine_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o her_o office_n of_o baptism_n of_o those_o of_o ripe_a year_n thus_o the_o exhortation_n before_o it_o run_v save_v yourselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n for_o that_o baptism_n do_v now_o save_v not_o by_o the_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o rubric_n express_o require_v that_o due_a care_n be_v take_v for_o the_o examination_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v to_o be_v so_o baptize_v and_o that_o they_o prepare_v themselves_o with_o prayer_n and_o fast_v for_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o on_o this_o head_n and_o i_o hope_v this_o point_n will_v give_v you_o no_o occasion_n to_o leave_v the_o church_n have_v then_o agree_v thus_o well_o in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a if_o we_o can_v close_v so_o well_o in_o the_o next_o objection_n and_o that_o be_v as_o touch_v the_o manner_n or_o mode_n of_o baptise_v second_o general_n objection_n that_o dip_v not_o sprinkle_v be_v the_o essential_a and_o necessary_a mode_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n answer_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n i_o will_v not_o deny_v any_o thing_n herein_o that_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n seem_v to_o favour_n as_o to_o the_o custom_n of_o immerge_v or_o plunge_v under_o water_n person_n to_o be_v baptize_v it_o be_v confess_v then_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o proselyte_n or_o make_v disciple_n by_o baptism_n use_v i_o believe_v general_o to_o put_v the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v all_o under_o water_n be_v conformable_a to_o their_o legal_a purgation_n thus_o maimonides_n speak_v of_o their_o manner_n of_o baptise_v if_o any_o person_n say_v he_o wash_v or_o dip_v himself_o all_o over_o but_o the_o tip_n of_o his_o little_a finger_n he_o be_v yet_o in_o his_o uncleanness_n and_o if_o any_o one_o have_v much_o hair_n on_o his_o head_n that_o be_v also_o to_o be_v wash_v else_o the_o person_n be_v reckon_v unclean_a suppose_v far_o that_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o jewish_a custom_n the_o mode_n of_o john_n baptism_n be_v after_o this_o manner_n too_o as_o seem_v to_o be_v infer_v from_o his_o baptise_v in_o jordan_n and_o enon_n 3.23_o joh._n 3.23_o because_o there_o be_v much_o water_n there_o and_o suppose_v far_o that_o this_o custom_n continue_v in_o the_o church_n for_o some_o time_n after_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o hot_a country_n where_o dip_v of_o child_n may_v be_v safe_a as_o to_o cold_a and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o these_o place_n pray_v you_o who_o be_v against_o it_o what!_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o she_o be_v not_o for_o in_o her_o rubric_n about_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n it_o be_v thus_o order_v that_o after_o the_o name_v of_o the_o child_n the_o minister_n if_o they_o shall_v certify_v he_o the_o child_n may_v well_o endure_v it_o shall_v dip_v it_o wary_o in_o the_o water_n say_v i_o baptize_v thou_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o you_o see_v neighbour_n you_o or_o any_o other_o person_n may_v have_v your_o child_n dip_v at_o its_o baptism_n open_o at_o the_o font_n in_o the_o church_n if_o the_o same_o be_v desire_v here_o be_v therefore_o no_o plea_n leave_v for_o your_o separate_n from_o our_o church_n upon_o this_o account_n unless_o dip_v in_o the_o river_n dip_v river_n a_o river_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o axholm_n in_o lincolnshire_n famous_a for_o dip_v tear_v by_o a_o layman_n shall_v be_v look_v upon_o to_o answer_v better_o the_o end_n of_o baptism_n than_o dip_v in_o the_o font_n by_o a_o lawful_a minister_n but_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o dip_v be_v essential_a to_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o have_v not_o be_v dip_v have_v not_o yet_o be_v due_o baptize_v but_o this_o i_o deny_v and_o let_v they_o prove_v it_o if_o they_o can_v and_o till_o then_o in_o all_o reason_n you_o ought_v to_o stand_v to_o your_o former_a baptism_n and_o i_o make_v this_o fair_a offer_n do_v but_o continue_v of_o our_o communion_n till_o the_o anabaptist_n shall_v be_v able_a from_o scripture_n antiquiquity_n or_o reason_n to_o make_v appear_v that_o dip_v be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o baptism_n sine_fw-la quâ_fw-la non_fw-la and_o i_o shall_v desire_v your_o conformity_n no_o