think_v and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o many_o more_o do_v not_o who_o do_v not_o perhaps_o speak_v it_o out_o that_o a_o sacrament_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a be_v a_o bare_a sign_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o according_o intend_v by_o god_n only_o to_o awaken_v man_n mind_n to_o conceive_v it_o and_o their_o heart_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o what_o induce_v they_o so_o to_o opine_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o say_v unless_o it_o be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n a_o universal_a acknowledgement_n of_o its_o be_v a_o sign_n and_o a_o fear_n on_o the_o other_o lest_o if_o they_o make_v it_o any_o thing_n more_o they_o shall_v approach_v too_o near_o to_o those_o excess_n into_o which_o the_o former_a have_v cast_v themselves_o but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a way_n of_o choose_v opinion_n in_o religion_n by_o the_o distance_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o the_o excess_n of_o other_o man_n so_o the_o fondness_n of_o this_o can_v better_o be_v make_v appear_v than_o by_o those_o glorious_a effect_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o a_o sacrament_n and_o which_o in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n be_v the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a issue_n of_o that_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o for_o that_o which_o be_v only_o a_o sign_n be_v no_o way_n capable_a of_o produce_v such_o effect_n nor_o therefore_o with_o any_o reason_n of_o have_v such_o effect_n attribute_v to_o it_o we_o be_v in_o reason_n where_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v it_o to_o conceive_v it_o under_o such_o a_o notion_n as_o will_v make_v those_o effect_n yet_o more_o proper_a to_o it_o which_o we_o shall_v then_o and_o then_o only_o do_v when_o we_o make_v it_o such_o a_o sign_n whereby_o as_o be_v before_o say_v god_n convey_v to_o we_o that_o grace_n by_o which_o those_o effect_n be_v produce_v only_o as_o there_o be_v who_o think_v all_o this_o may_v be_v salve_v by_o make_v a_o sacrament_n a_o seal_n as_o well_o as_o a_o sign_n of_o grace_n or_o rather_o a_o seal_n of_o that_o new_a covenant_n by_o which_o we_o be_v entitle_v to_o it_o so_o it_o may_v not_o therefore_o be_v amiss_o to_o examine_v that_o pretention_n also_o and_o inquire_v into_o the_o validity_n thereof_o what_o relation_n a_o sacrament_n bear_v to_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o how_o far_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o seal_n be_v compatible_a to_o it_o shall_v be_v examine_v in_o another_o place_n and_o i_o will_v not_o therefore_o at_o present_a engage_v myself_o in_o that_o dispute_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o stick_v to_o affirm_v that_o how_o legitimate_a soever_o that_o notion_n of_o a_o sacrament_n may_v be_v yet_o it_o be_v no_o adequate_a one_o as_o will_v appear_v in_o part_n from_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v build_v and_o in_o part_n also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o covenant_n whereof_o they_o speak_v and_o of_o which_o they_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o seal_n for_o the_o evidence_n the_o former_a whereof_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o as_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v build_v be_v a_o passage_n of_o st._n paul_n 4.11_o paul_n rom._n 4.11_o where_o he_o represent_v the_o circumcision_n of_o abraham_n as_o a_o seal_n of_o that_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v yet_o be_v uncircumcised_a so_o that_o text_n if_o it_o be_v well_o examine_v will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o that_o for_o which_o it_o be_v allege_v for_o not_o to_o require_v those_o that_o urge_v that_o text_n which_o yet_o they_o seldom_o do_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o circumcision_n and_o consequent_o that_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v circumcision_n ought_v to_o be_v alike_o understand_v of_o the_o other_o neither_o be_v what_o be_v there_o affirm_v concern_v circumcision_n affirm_v concern_v circumcision_n in_o the_o general_n but_o only_o of_o the_o circumcision_n of_o abraham_n neither_o be_v it_o affirm_v concern_v he_o that_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n to_o which_o it_o do_v more_o immediate_o relate_v but_o of_o that_o righteousness_n which_o he_o have_v before_o he_o enter_v into_o it_o thing_n which_o if_o due_o consider_v will_v render_v that_o testimony_n perfect_o ineffectual_a as_o to_o what_o it_o be_v design_v to_o establish_v for_o as_o if_o abraham_n case_n be_v different_a from_o that_o of_o other_o circumcise_a person_n what_o may_v have_v be_v to_o he_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n may_v not_o yet_o have_v be_v such_o to_o they_o so_o that_o abraham_n case_n be_v so_o far_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o generality_n of_o circumcise_a person_n may_v appear_v from_o his_o have_v before_o have_v that_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o other_o because_o infant_n can_v not_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v have_v or_o at_o least_o not_o till_o they_o have_v it_o by_o the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n and_o indeed_o whosoever_o shall_v consider_v what_o the_o apostle_n design_n in_o that_o place_n be_v even_o to_o show_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o annex_v to_o circumcision_n because_o abraham_n have_v it_o before_o he_o be_v circumcise_a must_v consequent_o believe_v that_o when_o he_o afterward_o make_v that_o circumcision_n of_o his_o a_o seal_n of_o that_o righteousness_n in_o he_o his_o meaning_n be_v only_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o testimony_n from_o god_n to_o he_o and_o other_o that_o he_o allow_v of_o the_o former_a righteousness_n as_o which_o if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v he_o will_v not_o thus_o have_v enter_v with_o he_o into_o that_o other_o covenant_n of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v a_o sign_n by_o which_o way_n of_o argue_v what_o be_v here_o say_v concern_v circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o so_o in_o a_o notion_n common_a to_o all_o that_o receive_v it_o but_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o righteousness_n of_o abraham_n which_o it_o follow_v after_o in_o time_n and_o which_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o some_o confirmation_n from_o god_n of_o because_o a_o sign_n of_o that_o new_a covenant_n which_o god_n then_o enter_v into_o with_o he_o as_o for_o that_o new_a covenant_n or_o any_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n accrue_v to_o abraham_n by_o it_o this_o st._n paul_n be_v so_o far_o from_o affirm_v his_o circumcision_n to_o have_v be_v a_o seal_n of_o that_o he_o may_v seem_v rather_o to_o intimate_v that_o it_o have_v no_o such_o relation_n to_o it_o because_o affirm_v it_o to_o have_v be_v a_o seal_n of_o that_o righteousness_n which_o he_o have_v before_o it_o and_o which_o therefore_o he_o derive_v not_o from_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n or_o be_v under_o any_o necessity_n of_o have_v it_o seal_v to_o he_o by_o the_o sign_n of_o it_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o how_o true_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v that_o a_o christian_a sacrament_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n yet_o the_o text_n before_o mention_v conferr_v not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o prove_v of_o it_o and_o much_o less_o towards_o the_o show_n that_o it_o have_v no_o other_o relation_n than_o that_o of_o a_o seal_n either_o to_o that_o covenant_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o it_o but_o beside_o that_o the_o single_a notion_n of_o a_o seal_n how_o plausible_a soever_o it_o may_v appear_v have_v no_o countenance_n from_o that_o text_n which_o be_v usual_o produce_v for_o it_o it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v as_o little_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o covenant_n of_o which_o it_o be_v represent_v as_o a_o seal_n for_o that_o covenant_n import_v as_o well_o the_o confer_v of_o present_a benefit_n as_o a_o promise_n of_o future_a one_o it_o must_v consequent_o if_o it_o be_v tranfacted_a by_o any_o visible_a ceremony_n make_v use_n of_o that_o ceremony_n to_o convey_v those_o present_a benefit_n as_o well_o as_o to_o ascertain_v the_o exhibition_n of_o future_a one_o the_o former_a whereof_o a_o seal_n be_v no_o way_n proper_a for_o or_o at_o least_o not_o in_o the_o usual_a notion_n of_o it_o we_o be_v in_o reason_n to_o give_v the_o respective_a sacrament_n of_o that_o covenant_n another_o and_o a_o more_o effectual_a notion_n even_o that_o of_o a_o mean_n whereby_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o convey_v his_o grace_n to_o mankind_n one_o only_a relation_n there_o be_v beside_o which_o a_o sacrament_n bear_v to_o the_o divine_a grace_n even_o that_o of_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o thereof_o as_o our_o catechism_n express_v it_o or_o as_o the_o 25_o article_n of_o our_o church_n have_v it_o a_o certain_a sure_a witness_n of_o it_o a_o relation_n which_o stand_v sufficient_o confirm_v by_o the_o imperceptibleness_n
as_o a_o type_n of_o that_o to_o which_o it_o be_v so_o in_o which_o sense_n i_o myself_o have_v also_o use_v the_o word_n and_o allow_v it_o so_o to_o be_v so_o we_o do_v not_o at_o all_o argue_v from_o circumcision_n as_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o type_n of_o baptism_n but_o as_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o same_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n of_o which_o baptism_n be_v and_o of_o the_o same_o gracious_a covenant_n that_o assure_v it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n as_o nothing_o hinder_v we_o to_o argue_v from_o circumcision_n be_v bestow_v upon_o infant_n then_o that_o that_o which_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o same_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o reason_n to_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o same_o person_n so_o there_o be_v this_o in_o particular_a to_o enforce_v it_o that_o christian_a parent_n will_v otherwise_o fall_v short_a in_o the_o account_n of_o god_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o natural_a descendant_n of_o abraham_n of_o which_o what_o account_n can_v be_v give_v when_o abraham_n from_o who_o they_o both_o claim_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o they_o both_o yea_o be_v say_v by_o s._n paul_n to_o have_v receive_v the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n not_o only_o as_o a_o seal_n or_o assurance_n to_o himself_o of_o that_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o before_o have_v but_o a_o seal_n or_o a_o assurance_n also_o of_o his_o be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n a_o father_n 4.11_o father_n rom._n 4.11_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v though_o they_o be_v not_o circumcise_v as_o well_o as_o a_o father_n of_o those_o that_o be_v there_o be_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o be_v stagger_v by_o what_o be_v allege_v in_o the_o second_o instance_n that_o if_o circumcision_n be_v a_o sufficient_a direction_n for_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v a_o direction_n for_o the_o confine_n of_o it_o to_o the_o male_n and_o for_o the_o confine_n of_o it_o too_o to_o the_o eight_o day_n after_o the_o infant_n birth_n because_o first_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o to_o confine_v it_o to_o the_o male_n as_o circumcision_n have_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v equal_o fit_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o both_o sex_n and_o second_o because_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o be_v before_o say_v 1_o say_v part_v 1_o concern_v the_o rite_n of_o baptism_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o want_n of_o circumcision_n be_v afterward_o supply_v to_o the_o female_n by_o baptism_n and_o they_o thereby_o even_o in_o their_o infancy_n initiate_v into_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o the_o other_o for_o this_o show_v yet_o more_o how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o argue_v from_o circumcision_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o male_n that_o therefore_o baptism_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o or_o rather_o how_o much_o more_o reason_n there_o be_v to_o extend_v it_o both_o to_o male_n and_o female_a and_o so_o to_o all_o of_o the_o same_o infant_n estate_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o hinder_v our_o argue_v from_o circumcision_n in_o this_o particular_a it_o must_v be_v it_o be_v not_o be_v pretend_v by_o ourselves_o to_o be_v a_o direction_n as_o to_o the_o day_n of_o its_o administration_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v administer_v but_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o person_n to_o who_o any_o sacrament_n be_v to_o be_v give_v and_o the_o precise_a day_n on_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o circumcision_n direct_v as_o to_o this_o as_o there_o be_v for_o its_o direct_v as_o to_o the_o other_o what_o circumcision_n direct_v as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n be_v more_o a_o favour_n than_o a_o command_n whereas_o what_o be_v direct_v as_o to_o the_o precise_a day_n be_v rather_o a_o command_n than_o a_o favour_n now_o it_o be_v a_o rule_a case_n that_o favour_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v enlarge_v than_o restrain_v especial_o under_o a_o dispensation_n which_o be_v so_o manifest_o gracious_a as_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v there_o may_v be_v reason_n enough_o for_o our_o interpret_n what_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o circumcision_n of_o infant_n to_o the_o equal_a or_o rather_o great_a benefit_n of_o infant_n now_o and_o consequent_o that_o sacrament_n which_o come_v in_o place_n of_o it_o to_o be_v rather_o hasten_v than_o defer_v to_o a_o day_n to_o which_o possible_o they_o may_v not_o arrive_v but_o however_o to_o be_v give_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o a_o convenient_a opportunity_n present_v itself_o add_v hereunto_o the_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n as_o to_o the_o trouble_n or_o danger_n which_o may_v attend_v the_o administration_n of_o they_o to_o such_o tender_a body_n as_o those_o of_o infant_n be_v for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a trouble_n and_o danger_n to_o infant_n from_o the_o rite_n of_o circumcision_n than_o there_o be_v from_o the_o rite_n of_o baptism_n there_o may_v be_v great_a reason_n for_o the_o defer_v of_o that_o to_o the_o eight_o day_n than_o there_o be_v for_o the_o defer_v of_o this_o and_o what_o be_v therefore_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a direct_v concern_v circumcision_n not_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o example_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o baptism_n though_o other_o more_o material_a and_o more_o advantageous_a circumstance_n be_v but_o leave_v what_o be_v common_o urge_v against_o the_o argument_n from_o the_o circumcise_n of_o infant_n because_o as_o i_o suppose_v sufficient_o assoil_v by_o the_o forego_n discourse_n let_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o such_o objection_n as_o strike_v more_o direct_o at_o infant_n baptism_n or_o at_o least_o of_o the_o more_o material_a one_o such_o as_o i_o take_v to_o be_v first_o the_o want_n of_o a_o express_a command_n or_o direction_n for_o the_o administer_a of_o baptism_n to_o infant_n second_o their_o be_v incapable_a of_o that_o regeneration_n which_o be_v the_o great_a intent_n and_o end_n of_o baptism_n or_o give_v no_o suitable_a indication_n of_o it_o afterward_o three_o their_o be_v as_o incapable_a of_o answer_v what_o be_v prerequire_v to_o it_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v or_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o stick_v much_o with_o the_o adversary_n of_o infant_n baptism_n and_o be_v according_o urge_v at_o all_o turn_v against_o the_o friend_n or_o asserter_n of_o it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o a_o express_a command_n or_o direction_n for_o the_o administer_a of_o baptism_n to_o they_o which_o objection_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o more_o reasonable_a because_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o other_o sacrament_n receive_v all_o its_o force_n from_o institution_n they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v no_o right_n to_o or_o benefit_n by_o it_o who_o appear_v not_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o that_o sacrament_n to_o be_v entitle_v to_o it_o but_o rather_o by_o the_o qualification_n which_o it_o require_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o it_o and_o posble_o more_o may_v be_v of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o objecter_n if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v before_o a_o express_a law_n for_o admit_v infant_n to_o that_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n of_o which_o baptism_n be_v a_o sign_n and_o a_o mean_n of_o conveyance_n and_o for_o admit_v they_o too_o by_o such_o a_o outward_a sign_n as_o that_o of_o baptism_n be_v but_o such_o a_o express_a law_n have_v be_v before_o give_v by_o god_n and_o that_o law_n as_o notorious_a as_o any_o law_n in_o either_o testament_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n 3._o reason_n see_v stillingfleet_n irenicum_fw-la part_n 1._o cap._n 1._o §._o 3._o for_o god_n to_o give_v any_o such_o express_a law_n for_o the_o so_o administer_a of_o baptism_n or_o for_o we_o to_o expect_v it_o from_o he_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o collect_v from_o the_o analogy_n there_o be_v between_o the_o two_o sacrament_n and_o the_o great_a graciousness_n of_o the_o present_a dispensation_n that_o what_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n posterity_n by_o the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n which_o be_v then_o the_o stand_a way_n of_o administer_a it_o be_v alike_o intend_v for_o the_o child_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o as_o good_a or_o better_a purpose_n the_o child_n of_o the_o same_o abraham_n and_o intend_v too_o to_o be_v transmit_v to_o they_o by_o their_o particular_a sacrament_n and_o to_o which_o as_o be_v before_o observe_v the_o great_a grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v annex_v by_o our_o saviour_n 3.5_o saviour_n joh._n 3.5_o himself_o which_o argumentation_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o reasonable_a because_o it_o appear_v by_o what_o be_v but_o now_o suggest_v that_o our_o saviour_n who_o institution_n baptism_n
posterity_n of_o abraham_n and_o after_o which_o i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o doubt_n can_v be_v well_o make_v of_o the_o other_o partly_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o analogy_n there_o be_v between_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n and_o partly_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n have_v as_o good_a a_o right_n to_o the_o blessing_n exhibit_v in_o they_o as_o the_o child_n of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n for_o suppose_v as_o be_v before_o 4._o before_o expl._n of_o the_o sacram._n in_o general_n part_n 4._o show_v and_o may_v hereafter_o infant-baptism_n hereafter_o answ_n to_o the_o object_n against_o infant-baptism_n be_v far_o clear_v that_o circumcision_n relate_v to_o the_o same_o spiritual_a blessing_n with_o baptism_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o suppose_v far_o that_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n have_v as_o good_a a_o right_n to_o those_o blessing_n and_o that_o righteousness_n as_o the_o child_n of_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o child_n of_o these_o be_v entitle_v to_o that_o circumcision_n which_o be_v intend_v to_o exhibit_v those_o blessing_n and_o that_o righteousness_n among_o they_o the_o child_n of_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o that_o baptism_n which_o be_v intend_v to_o exhibit_v they_o among_o we_o those_o child_n which_o have_v a_o equal_a right_n to_o the_o blessing_n exhibit_v have_v a_o equal_a right_n to_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o exhibition_n of_o they_o now_o that_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n have_v as_o good_a a_o right_n to_o the_o former_a blessing_n and_o righteousness_n as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n will_v appear_v from_o those_o parent_n of_o they_o being_n equal_o the_o child_n 4.11_o child_n rom._n 4.11_o of_o abraham_n with_o those_o that_o be_v of_o his_o posterity_n for_o be_v equal_o his_o child_n they_o must_v consequent_o be_v suppose_v to_o give_v their_o child_n as_o good_a a_o right_n to_o the_o former_a blessing_n and_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v intend_v to_o exhibit_v they_o among_o we_o as_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n do_v their_o child_n to_o the_o like_a blessing_n and_o that_o mean_n which_o among_o they_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o exhibition_n of_o they_o ii_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v thus_o make_v out_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o such_o passage_n thereof_o also_o as_o can_v be_v easy_o avoid_v pass_v we_o on_o to_o inquire_v what_o countenance_n it_o have_v from_o antiquity_n as_o which_o if_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n considerable_a will_v the_o more_o firm_o establish_v it_o where_o the_o first_o that_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v a_o passage_n of_o justin_n martyr_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v what_o be_v common_o quote_v out_o of_o his_o question_n and_o answer_n ad_fw-la orthodoxos_fw-la 56._o orthodoxos_fw-la quaest_n 56._o it_o be_v questionable_a enough_o martyr_n enough_o vid._n coci_n censur_n quorund_fw-mi script_n in_o script_n just_a martyr_n whether_o that_o book_n be_v he_o or_o at_o least_o as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o but_o what_o may_v be_v find_v in_o his_o second_o apology_n 〈◊〉_d apology_n pag._n 62._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o concern_v which_o there_o be_v not_o any_o the_o least_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n in_o which_o apology_n speak_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n above_o that_o of_o any_o humane_a one_o in_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o carnal_a desire_n of_o man_n he_o have_v these_o word_n and_o there_o be_v many_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o sixty_o and_o seventy_o year_n of_o age_n who_o have_v from_o their_o childhood_n be_v disciple_v unto_o christ_n have_v all_o their_o time_n continue_v uncorrupt_a or_o virgin_n and_o i_o boast_v that_o i_o can_v show_v such_o among_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n for_o why_o shall_v we_o also_o speak_v of_o that_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o man_n who_o have_v change_v from_o intemperance_n and_o so_o have_v learn_v these_o thing_n for_o christ_n call_v not_o the_o just_a or_o temperate_a to_o repentance_n but_o the_o ungodly_a and_o intemperate_a and_o unjust_a which_o word_n to_o a_o unbiased_a reader_n can_v well_o signify_v less_o than_o child_n be_v then_o baptize_v into_o christianity_n that_o father_n not_o only_o make_v mention_n of_o certain_a person_n who_o have_v from_o their_o childhood_n be_v disciple_v unto_o christ_n which_o we_o know_v from_o our_o saviour_n 28.19_o saviour_n matt._n 28.19_o to_o have_v be_v effect_v by_o baptism_n and_o continue_v too_o all_o their_o time_n uncorrupt_a or_o virgin_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o competent_a proof_n of_o their_o be_v baptize_v when_o child_n but_o oppose_v they_o to_o such_o person_n as_o have_v change_v from_o intemperance_n and_o rather_o learn_v that_o purity_n afterward_o than_o be_v disciple_v into_o it_o at_o the_o very_a first_o that_o opposition_n of_o his_o make_n it_o yet_o more_o evident_a that_o he_o mean_v such_o person_n as_o be_v disciple_v to_o christ_n from_o their_o very_a childhood_n and_o before_o they_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o learn_v he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n by_o instruction_n to_o this_o of_o justin_n martyr_n subjoin_v we_o another_o of_o irenaeus_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_a for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n for_o christ_n say_v that_o father_n 39_o father_n omnes_fw-la enim_fw-la venit_fw-la per_fw-la semetipsum_fw-la salvare_fw-la omnes_fw-la inquam_fw-la qui_fw-la per_fw-la eum_fw-la renascuntur_fw-la in_o deum_fw-la infant_n &_o parvulos_fw-la &_o pueros_fw-la &_o juvenes_fw-la &_o seniores_fw-la ideo_fw-la per_fw-la omnem_fw-la venit_fw-la aetatem_fw-la &_o infantibus_fw-la infans_fw-la factus_fw-la sanctificans_fw-la infant_n &_o in_o parvulis_fw-la parvulus_fw-la sanctificans_fw-la hanc_fw-la ipsam_fw-la habentes_fw-la aetatem_fw-la adu._n haeres_fw-la li._n 2._o c._n 39_o come_v to_o save_v all_o person_n by_o himself_o all_o i_o say_v who_o by_o he_o be_v bear_v again_o to_o god_n infant_n and_o little_a one_o and_o child_n and_o young_a man_n and_o old_a therefore_o he_o come_v in_o every_o age_n and_o be_v make_v a_o infant_n to_o infant_n sanctify_v infant_n and_o a_o little_a one_o among_o little_a one_o sanctify_v those_o of_o that_o age_n etc._n etc._n where_o we_o have_v he_o not_o only_o affirm_v christ_n to_o have_v come_v to_o save_v infant_n as_o well_o as_o other_o yea_o to_o have_v be_v make_v a_o infant_n himself_o to_o sanctify_v they_o which_o show_v they_o in_o his_o opinion_n to_o have_v have_v a_o general_a right_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o christianity_n but_o speak_v of_o several_a of_o they_o as_o bear_v again_o unto_o god_n by_o christ_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v baptize_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o all_o be_v to_o be_v so_o bear_v even_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o 3.5_o of_o joh._n 3.5_o our_o saviour_n so_o the_o way_n too_o by_o which_o the_o ancient_n apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v effect_v for_o thus_o where_o justin_n martyr_n entreat_v of_o the_o baptism_n of_o those_o of_o his_o time_n he_o tell_v we_o 93.4_o we_o apolog._n 2._o p._n 93.4_o that_o they_o who_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o it_o be_v bring_v by_o the_o christian_n to_o a_o place_n where_o water_n be_v and_o there_o regenerate_v after_o that_o manner_n of_o regeneration_n wherewith_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n also_o this_o very_a irenaeus_n 18._o irenaeus_n adu._n haeres_fw-la li._n 1._o c._n 18._o because_o not_o only_o attribute_v the_o same_o regeneration_n to_o it_o but_o represent_v it_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gnostic_n as_o to_o that_o baptism_n which_o they_o set_v up_o against_o our_o saviour_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v perfect_a knowledge_n to_o be_v so_o regenerate_v into_o that_o virtue_n or_o power_n which_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n which_o passage_n with_o the_o former_a one_o make_v it_o yet_o more_o manifest_a that_o irenaeus_n mean_v by_o such_o infant_n as_o be_v bear_v again_o by_o christ_n unto_o god_n such_o as_o have_v be_v regenerate_v by_o baptism_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o baptism_n of_o such_o be_v no_o stranger_n in_o his_o day_n i_o think_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o insist_v upon_o the_o day_n of_o tertullian_n because_o what_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o time_n be_v be_v evident_a from_o his_o dispute_v against_o infant_n baptism_n or_o at_o least_o advise_v to_o delay_v it_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o such_o a_o dispute_n or_o advice_n if_o the_o thing_n itself_o have_v not_o be_v then_o in_o use_n and_o in_o use_n too_o as_o he_o himself_o intimate_v in_o obedience_n to_o that_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o enjoin_v the_o suffer_v little_a child_n to_o come_v unto_o
will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o for_o that_o imply_v at_o least_o that_o he_o will_v be_v as_o gracious_a to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v before_o and_o consequent_o because_o god_n deal_v with_o he_o so_o before_o that_o he_o will_v count_v his_o faith_n to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n it_o must_v also_o be_v think_v to_o import_v his_o assure_v the_o same_o blessing_n with_o the_o christian_a covenant_n because_o that_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o they_o all_o all_o therefore_o that_o we_o have_v far_a to_o show_v be_v that_o some_o at_o least_o of_o those_o blessing_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o to_o be_v immediate_o bestow_v on_o those_o who_o enter_v into_o it_o which_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o evince_v for_o thus_o much_o at_o least_o it_o must_v be_v think_v to_o import_v that_o if_o the_o party_n to_o be_v circumcise_a receive_v his_o circumcision_n with_o that_o faith_n which_o god_n require_v of_o he_o that_o faith_n of_o he_o shall_v from_o that_o very_a instant_n be_v account_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n because_o the_o covenant_n be_v so_o far_o perform_v on_o his_o part_n there_o must_v ensue_v a_o like_a completion_n on_o the_o part_n of_o god_n as_o which_o otherwise_o he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v say_v to_o be_v punctual_a to_o nor_o approve_v himself_o a_o god_n to_o the_o party_n in_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o though_o we_o can_v make_v the_o like_a inference_n upon_o the_o part_n of_o child_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o faith_n in_o they_o to_o procure_v they_o such_o a_o imputation_n yet_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o their_o believe_a parent_n and_o as_o they_o can_v bring_v nothing_o more_o towards_o the_o procure_n the_o blessing_n of_o it_o than_o their_o external_a circumcision_n so_o they_o have_v nothing_o more_o require_v of_o they_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o they_o receive_v the_o same_o benefit_n by_o it_o and_o have_v their_o circumcision_n impute_v to_o they_o for_o it_o such_o evidence_n there_o be_v for_o circumcision_n be_v a_o sacrament_n yea_o of_o the_o same_o general_a nature_n with_o the_o christian_a once_o and_o i_o no_o way_n doubt_v we_o ought_v to_o think_v the_o same_o of_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n if_o not_o also_o of_o many_o of_o their_o other_o sacrifice_n not_o it_o may_v be_v for_o any_o particular_a evidence_n there_o be_v from_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o or_o they_o but_o from_o the_o relation_n they_o bear_v to_o christ_n sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o care_v it_o appear_v god_n take_v to_o convey_v the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n by_o those_o extraordinary_a sacrament_n which_o he_o give_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o the_o sacrifice_n before_o mention_v be_v equal_o sign_n of_o that_o of_o christ_n yea_o intend_v by_o god_n to_o remit_v man_n dead_a man_n see_v expl._n of_o the_o creed_n in_o the_o word_n dead_a to_o he_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v the_o same_o use_n of_o they_o and_o convey_v christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n by_o they_o otherwise_o their_o condition_n in_o the_o land_n of_o cana_n a_o will_v have_v be_v worse_o than_o in_o the_o wilderness_n because_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o enter_v that_o their_o extraordinary_a sacrament_n cease_v iii_o only_a as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o those_o sacrament_n though_o the_o same_o in_o substance_n with_o we_o do_v yet_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o all_o other_o particular_n because_o belong_v to_o a_o dispensation_n which_o be_v manifest_o inferior_a to_o the_o christian_a so_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o and_o by_o which_o they_o will_v appear_v to_o have_v fall_v short_a of_o they_o first_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o clear_o represent_v the_o thing_n they_o be_v intend_v to_o signify_v second_o that_o they_o do_v not_o convey_v what_o they_o so_o signify_v in_o so_o ample_a a_o manner_n for_o beside_o that_o those_o signification_n of_o they_o be_v rather_o hint_v than_o plain_o express_v and_o much_o less_o so_o plain_o express_v as_o the_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n those_o signification_n be_v not_o a_o little_a obscure_v by_o the_o concomitancy_n of_o other_o and_o which_o they_o be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o intend_v for_o thus_o circumcision_n because_o a_o sign_n of_o that_o covenant_n by_o which_o god_n do_v equal_o oblige_v himself_o to_o possess_v abraham_n and_o his_o natural_a seed_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o god_n give_v they_o that_o promise_v land_n as_o well_o as_o the_o righeousness_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o heavenly_a canaan_n which_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o thus_o too_o the_o passover_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o that_o people_n egyptian_a servitude_n and_o god_n deliver_v they_o from_o it_o as_o well_o as_o christ_n deliver_v they_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n by_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o blood_n by_o which_o mean_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v that_o these_o latter_a and_o more_o noble_a signification_n of_o they_o must_v have_v be_v yet_o more_o obscure_v to_o they_o and_o so_o administer_v less_o spiritual_a consolation_n to_o they_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v one_o signal_n difference_n between_o the_o jewish_a sacrament_n and_o we_o and_o wherein_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v think_v to_o fall_v far_o short_a of_o what_o we_o now_o enjoy_v but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a material_a difference_n between_o they_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o preference_n the_o scripture_n give_v to_o that_o dispensation_n under_o which_o we_o be_v above_o that_o of_o moses_n or_o abraham_n and_o that_o exuberance_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o embracer_n of_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n and_o of_o which_o we_o find_v no_o footstep_n under_o the_o other_o for_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o though_o the_o jewish_a sacrament_n convey_v the_o same_o spiritual_a benefit_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o do_v it_o in_o that_o proportion_n wherein_o the_o christian_a do_v and_o so_o fall_v yet_o short_a of_o they_o which_o will_v not_o only_o oblige_v we_o to_o set_v so_o much_o the_o great_a value_n upon_o our_o own_o sacrament_n but_o be_v the_o more_o curious_a in_o inquire_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o such_o which_o be_v that_o i_o be_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o intend_v for_o the_o resolution_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o know_v what_o we_o need_v go_v no_o far_o than_o our_o own_o homily_n sacram._n homily_n hom._n of_o com._n pray_v and_o sacram._n for_o the_o understanding_n that_o the_o word_n sacrament_n may_v be_v take_v either_o in_o a_o more_o lax_n and_o general_n or_o in_o a_o more_o strict_a and_o particular_a acceptation_n if_o we_o take_v it_o in_o the_o former_a of_o these_o so_o the_o number_n of_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v much_o great_a than_o even_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o have_v make_v it_o because_o as_o our_o homily_n observe_v in_o a_o general_a acception_n the_o name_n of_o a_o sacrament_n may_v and_o have_v be_v attribute_v to_o any_o thing_n whereby_o a_o holy_a thing_n be_v signify_v whence_o it_o be_v as_o the_o same_o homily_n go_v on_o that_o ancient_a writer_n have_v give_v that_o name_n not_o only_o to_o those_o five_o which_o have_v be_v add_v by_o the_o papist_n but_o also_o to_o divers_a and_o sundry_a ceremony_n as_o to_o oil_n wash_v of_o foot_n and_o such_o like_a but_o as_o the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n even_o in_o their_o own_o 1._o own_o conc._n trid._n sess_n 7._o can_n 1._o way_n of_o state_v it_o be_v not_o what_o may_v in_o a_o more_o lax_n and_o general_a sense_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o sacrament_n but_o what_o be_v strict_o and_o proper_o such_o so_o that_o question_n can_v better_o be_v void_v than_o by_o examine_v those_o thing_n which_o pretend_v to_o that_o dignity_n by_o the_o account_n we_o have_v before_o give_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o at_o present_a partly_o because_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n at_o all_o concern_v their_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o sacrament_n and_o partly_o because_o we_o have_v no_o other_o certain_a mean_n of_o judge_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o sacrament_n but_o by_o that_o which_o be_v observable_a concern_v they_o our_o business_n must_v therefore_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o other_o five_o by_o they_o and_o by_o what_o we_o have_v before_o observe_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n from_o they_o to_o begin_v with_o confirmation_n because_o the_o