infant-baptism_n plain_o prove_v a_o discourse_n wherein_o certain_a select_a argument_n for_o infant-baptism_n former_o syllogistical_o handle_v be_v now_o review_v abbreviate_v and_o reduce_v to_o a_o plain_a method_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o unlearned_a and_o person_n of_o weak_a capacity_n by_o joseph_n whiston_n with_o a_o large_a epistle_n to_o the_o pious_a and_o learned_a among_o the_o antipaedobaptists_a especial_o the_o author_n of_o the_o late_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n you_o do_v err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n mat._n 22.29_o quo_fw-la imperitior_fw-la sermo_n hoc_fw-la illustrior_fw-la ratio_fw-la est_fw-la minutius_n felix_n london_n print_v for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1678._o christian_n reader_n the_o ensue_a sheet_n be_v only_o a_o epitome_n of_o that_o plea_n i_o have_v heretofore_o more_o large_o manage_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o covenant-interest_n and_o baptism_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n wherein_o as_o thou_o have_v the_o main_a principle_n i_o have_v proceed_v upon_o so_o the_o strength_n of_o those_o argument_n urge_v for_o their_o establishment_n in_o a_o method_n better_o suit_v ordinary_a capacity_n the_o alteration_n i_o have_v make_v be_v only_o such_o as_o either_o the_o method_n i_o have_v now_o proceed_v in_o make_v necessary_a or_o i_o judge_v useful_a for_o the_o more_o full_a explication_n of_o those_o principle_n and_o enforcement_n of_o those_o argument_n with_o reference_n whereunto_o i_o have_v sometime_o make_v considerable_a addition_n which_o i_o can_v with_o much_o freedom_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o mind_n put_v into_o thy_o hand_n because_o they_o now_o for_o some_o year_n have_v offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o severe_a test_n of_o the_o most_o critical_a opposer_n of_o the_o practice_n plead_v for_o who_o either_o have_v utter_o decline_v their_o examination_n or_o after_o the_o strict_a examination_n of_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v any_o just_a exception_n against_o they_o and_o beside_o they_o be_v now_o reduce_v to_o such_o a_o method_n and_o clothe_v in_o such_o a_o dress_n as_o subject_n they_o to_o thy_o own_o test_n and_o examination_n thou_o may_v as_o i_o may_v say_v see_v with_o thy_o own_o eye_n here_o be_v no_o major_n or_o minor_n to_o puzzle_v thy_o head_n withal_o but_o as_o the_o proposition_n contain_v the_o principle_n i_o have_v proceed_v on_o be_v plain_o set_v down_o so_o their_o explication_n and_o proof_n be_v both_o in_o respect_n of_o method_n and_o term_n use_v accommodate_v to_o thy_o own_o understanding_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o great_a strength_n of_o memory_n require_v to_o retain_v the_o first_o proposition_n with_o the_o evidence_n give_v in_o thereunto_o till_o thou_o come_v to_o the_o second_o nor_o to_o retain_v that_o or_o the_o second_o till_o thou_o come_v to_o the_o three_o nor_o any_o great_a acuteness_n of_o understanding_n to_o discern_v the_o reference_n that_o one_o proposition_n have_v to_o another_o nor_o how_o the_o main_a conclusion_n result_v from_o they_o all_o three_o as_o lay_v together_o yet_o this_o must_v be_v say_v it_o can_v be_v rational_o expect_v that_o a_o truth_n perplex_v with_o such_o variety_n of_o dispute_n and_o entangle_v with_o such_o variety_n of_o objection_n as_o this_o contend_v for_o have_v be_v shall_v immediate_o be_v extricate_v out_o of_o all_o and_o make_v to_o appear_v with_o that_o clearness_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v command_v the_o understanding_n of_o all_o man_n to_o a_o submission_n thereunto_o without_o some_o diligence_n use_v and_o some_o prudence_n exercise_v both_o in_o examine_v the_o principle_n lay_v down_o with_o the_o evidence_n give_v in_o for_o their_o confirmation_n their_o subordination_n and_o reference_n the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o the_o justness_n of_o infer_v and_o conclude_v the_o truth_n assert_v from_o they_o all_o the_o method_n christian_a reader_n that_o i_o will_v commend_v unto_o thou_o in_o examine_v what_o be_v here_o offer_v be_v the_o same_o that_o i_o former_o advise_v to_o 1._o thorough_o inquire_v into_o and_o labour_n to_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n about_o the_o covenant-interest_n or_o federal_n holiness_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n for_o though_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o antipaedobaptist_n persuasion_n seem_v willing_a to_o avoid_v a_o contest_v about_o this_o and_o to_o think_v that_o the_o main_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o be_v about_o their_o baptism_n yet_o indeed_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o will_v they_o but_o bonâ_fw-la fide_fw-la own_o and_o assert_v their_o covenant-interest_n with_o we_o our_o difference_n will_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o much_o narrow_a compass_n than_o now_o they_o be_v neither_o shall_v we_o look_v upon_o these_o contest_v of_o such_o a_o importance_n as_o at_o present_a we_o can_v but_o do_v it_o be_v their_o covenant-interest_n that_o we_o main_o contend_v for_o and_o whosoever_o shall_v grant_v that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o will_v be_v easy_o bring_v by_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v and_o may_v be_v when_o necessary_a produce_v from_o the_o scripture_n for_o their_o baptism_n if_o not_o to_o compliance_n with_o yet_o to_o cease_v all_o further_a opposition_n against_o it_o it_o be_v then_o their_o covenant-interest_n that_o i_o will_v advise_v thou_o first_o to_o inquire_v into_o and_o labour_n to_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n about_o and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o to_o search_v into_o and_o labour_n to_o get_v satisfaction_n about_o the_o covenant_n as_o at_o first_o establish_v with_o abraham_n when_o the_o apostle_n will_v establish_v the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n he_o refer_v we_o once_o and_o again_o to_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o abraham_n justification_n see_v rom._n 4._o begin_v gal._n 3.6_o plain_o show_v that_o god_n set_v a_o pattern_n in_o abraham_n according_a to_o which_o he_o will_v ever_o after_o proceed_v in_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v so_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n he_o have_v set_v a_o pattern_n in_o abraham_n according_a unto_o which_o he_o always_o have_v and_o will_v deal_v with_o all_o who_o be_v take_v into_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o he_o hence_o will_v we_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o regard_n of_o its_o extent_n and_o latitude_n that_o be_v will_v we_o know_v whether_o it_o extend_v to_o and_o take_v in_o child_n with_o their_o parent_n or_o be_v only_o make_v with_o parent_n themselves_o put_v that_o question_n to_o ourselves_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v rom._n 4.3_o what_o say_v the_o scripture_n that_o be_v in_o what_o tenor_n do_v the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o abraham_n and_o we_o shall_v evident_o find_v it_o be_v make_v not_o only_o personal_o with_o abraham_n but_o with_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n that_o be_v his_o child_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n the_o evidence_n of_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o my_o first_o proposition_n and_o have_v find_v out_o the_o true_a tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o at_o first_o establish_v with_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a then_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v how_o it_o have_v be_v hitherto_o and_o still_o be_v continue_v to_o all_o his_o seed_n whether_o of_o his_o natural_a posterity_n or_o of_o the_o gentile_n and_o thou_o will_v evident_o find_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n establish_v with_o abraham_n that_o be_v the_o covenant_n believer_n be_v still_o under_o so_o that_o it_o always_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o tenor_n to_o they_o all_o this_o my_o second_o proposition_n with_o the_o evidence_n give_v thereunto_o prove_v pardon_v i_o though_o i_o say_v it_o against_o all_o rational_a contradiction_n and_o clear_o understanding_n and_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o two_o first_o proposition_n thou_o may_v regular_o proceed_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o three_o neither_o do_v i_o much_o doubt_v thy_o ready_a compliance_n with_o that_o and_o consequent_o the_o truth_n contend_v for_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v be_v but_o what_o mr._n baxter_n have_v say_v to_o prove_v the_o church-membership_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n a_o abbreviation_n of_o which_o be_v now_o extant_a and_o what_o be_v even_o here_o offer_v for_o the_o establish_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o conditional_a covenant_n of_o grace_n from_o whence_o their_o right_n to_o church-membership_n do_v arise_v and_o the_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o rightfulness_n of_o their_o baptism_n upon_o supposition_n of_o that_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o right_n to_o church-membership_n thorough_o and_o impartial_o weigh_v i_o can_v but_o hope_v this_o controversy_n will_v hasten_v to_o a_o period_n among_o
abraham_n mystical_a or_o spiritual_a seed_n which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o notion_n under_o which_o believer_n still_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o have_v the_o promise_n appertain_v unto_o they_o now_o when_o the_o people_n of_o god_n under_o the_o first_o testament_n have_v the_o promise_v continue_v to_o they_o in_o this_o extent_n and_o latitude_n viz._n as_o reach_v to_o and_o take_v in_o their_o child_n with_o they_o and_o this_o as_o they_o be_v consider_v under_o this_o very_a notion_n as_o abraham_n mystical_a or_o spiritual_a seed_n who_o can_v entertain_v the_o least_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n under_o the_o second_o testament_n see_v both_o those_o under_o the_o first_o testament_n and_o these_o under_o the_o second_o testament_n be_v alike_o include_v in_o and_o speak_v to_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o promise_n and_o that_o as_o look_v upon_o in_o the_o promise_n under_o the_o selfsame_a notion_n and_o consideration_n these_o thing_n carry_v so_o much_o evidence_n that_o be_v they_o well_o consider_v it_o may_v seem_v even_o impossible_a but_o that_o this_o controversy_n among_o all_o person_n that_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o period_n put_v unto_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o may_v seem_v utter_o superfluous_a to_o add_v any_o thing_n more_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v more_o contract_v in_o what_o remain_v but_o to_o proceed_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o second_o proposition_n be_v evident_a ii_o from_o the_o promise_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old-testament_n refer_v to_o new-testament_n time_n they_o evident_o show_v that_o god_n intend_v this_o promise_n shall_v be_v continue_v to_o abraham_n seed_n that_o be_v believer_n under_o the_o new-testament_n in_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n in_o which_o it_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n at_o first_o viz._n as_o take_v in_o parent_n and_o their_o child_n thus_o it_o be_v evident_o prophesy_v of_o and_o promise_v to_o some_o as_o in_o particular_a the_o jew_n that_o under_o the_o new-testament_n they_o shall_v enjoy_v this_o promise_n in_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n in_o which_o it_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n that_o be_v that_o god_n will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o and_o their_o child_n with_o they_o the_o prophecy_n and_o promise_n be_v obvious_a to_o all_o that_o will_v but_o consult_v these_o scripture_n isa_n 44.3_o &_o 59.21_o &_o 65.23_o jerem._n 31.1_o ezek._n 47.21_o 22._o who_o that_o read_v these_o scripture_n especial_o as_o expound_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o rom._n 11.26_o by_o that_o universal_a phrase_n all_o israel_n shall_v be_v save_v can_v doubt_v whether_o the_o jew_n at_o their_o future_a call_n and_o conversion_n shall_v enjoy_v this_o promise_n in_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n before_o mention_v sure_o all_o man_n must_v unavoidable_o grant_v that_o they_o shall_v neither_o do_v i_o know_v that_o any_o have_v express_o deny_v it_o now_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o same_o covenant_n that_o believer_n be_v now_o under_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v another_o covenant_n distinct_a from_o that_o at_o present_a make_v with_o believer_n this_o be_v evident_a by_o compare_v jer._n 31.31_o with_o heb._n 8.8_o now_o the_o covenant_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v indifferent_o apply_v unto_o all_o under_o it_o and_o consequent_o to_o believe_a gentile_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o their_o call_n and_o conversion_n i_o mean_v they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v apply_v indifferent_o both_o to_o believe_v gentile_n and_o to_o the_o jew_n when_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o be_v not_o either_o by_o the_o nature_n or_o kind_n of_o it_o nor_o by_o any_o revelation_n from_o god_n restrain_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o good_a of_o this_o promise_n be_v not_o and_o that_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o apply_v such_o promise_n though_o first_o and_o direct_o make_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o believe_v gentile_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o the_o apostle_n application_n of_o promise_n to_o believe_a gentile_n which_o be_v first_o and_o immediate_o make_v to_o the_o jew_n compare_v jerem._n 31.31_o with_o heb._n 8.8_o 9_o 10._o amos_n 9.12_o with_o act_n 15.16_o these_o promise_v primary_o and_o principal_o respect_v the_o jew_n at_o their_o future_a conversion_n yet_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n apply_v they_o to_o the_o gospel-chuch_n under_o this_o present_a administration_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v those_o other_o promise_v concern_v god_n pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n and_o blessing_n upon_o the_o offspring_n of_o his_o people_n his_o be_v a_o god_n of_o all_o the_o family_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o like_a may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o believe_a gentile_n though_o they_o have_v a_o most_o direct_a respect_n to_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o these_o prophecy_n and_o promise_n that_o god_n intend_v to_o continue_v and_o answerable_o have_v continue_v this_o promise_n in_o the_o same_o extent_n in_o which_o it_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n to_o believe_v gentile_n the_o promise_n be_v still_o to_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n that_o be_v their_o natural_a child_n as_o it_o be_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o natural_a child_n chap._n iii_o the_o second_o subordinate_a proposition_n further_o confirm_v and_o that_o both_o from_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 3.14_o and_o from_o several_a new-testament-scripture_n as_o lay_v together_o and_o compare_v one_o with_o another_o three_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o they_o two_o inference_n draw_v from_o those_o conclusion_n three_o objection_n answer_v that_o this_o promise_n be_v settle_v upon_o and_o confirm_v to_o believe_a gentile_n in_o that_o extent_n and_o latitude_n mention_v be_v evident_a iii_o from_o the_o express_a letter_n of_o the_o new-testament_n thus_o in_o gal._n 3.13_o 14._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o express_o that_o christ_n have_v redeem_v we_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n himself_o be_v make_v a_o curse_n for_o we_o that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n may_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n through_o he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o express_a letter_n of_o this_o scripture_n that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v come_v upon_o the_o believe_a gentile_n through_o christ_n hence_o the_o only_a question_n be_v what_o this_o blessing_n be_v now_o this_o the_o apostle_n sufficient_o declare_v in_o the_o 9th_o verse_n of_o this_o chap._n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v true_a believer_n they_o be_v bless_v with_o faithful_a abraham_n that_o be_v they_o be_v bless_v with_o the_o same_o blessing_n that_o he_o be_v bless_v with_o now_o this_o be_v the_o blessing_n he_o be_v bless_v with_o viz._n that_o god_n be_v his_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o seed_n that_o be_v as_o before_z prove_v his_o natural_a seed_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v other_o blessing_n confer_v upon_o abraham_n but_o that_o the_o blessing_n contain_v in_o that_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v this_o very_a blessing_n the_o apostle_n have_v respect_n unto_o and_o do_v intend_v be_v undeniable_a for_o these_o three_o reason_n 1._o because_o the_o apostle_n express_v himself_o in_o a_o indifferent_a or_o universal_a term_n the_o blessing_n and_o consequent_o the_o blessing_n contain_v in_o this_o promise_n can_v be_v exclude_v whatever_o other_o blessing_n be_v include_v 2._o because_o all_o other_o blessing_n confer_v upon_o abraham_n be_v such_o as_o each_o believe_a gentile_n be_v uncapable_a of_o enjoy_v as_o to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o have_v the_o messiah_n descend_v from_o their_o loin_n these_o and_o the_o like_a blessing_n be_v not_o compatible_a to_o every_o particular_a believer_n so_o that_o no_o other_o blessing_n that_o abraham_n be_v bless_v with_o can_v be_v intend_v 3._o especial_o because_o the_o apostle_n must_v necessary_o have_v respect_n to_o this_o very_a promise_n and_o therefore_o the_o blessing_n contain_v in_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o blessing_n say_v by_o he_o to_o be_v come_v upon_o the_o believe_a gentile_n through_o christ_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o 16_o verse_n of_o this_o chap._n where_o the_o apostle_n cite_v this_o very_a promise_n to_o prove_v what_o he_o have_v affirm_v this_o 14_o verse_n concern_v the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n its_o be_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n through_o christ_n now_o unless_o he_o have_v intend_v the_o blessing_n intend_v in_o that_o promise_n his_o citation_n of_o it_o to_o prove_v what_o he_o affirm_v in_o this_o 14_o verse_n have_v be_v impertinent_a and_o beside_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o verse_n 29._o that_o if_o
the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o divinity_n have_v a_o more_o full_a suffrage_n from_o the_o scripture_n than_o this_o concern_v the_o covenant-interest_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v how_o many_o plain_a and_o express_v scripture_n have_v we_o for_o it_o and_o the_o evidence_n give_v in_o throughout_o the_o scripture_n to_o these_o two_o proposition_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o express_v it_o may_v seem_v whole_o superfluous_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o they_o to_o suppose_v that_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v just_o object_v from_o the_o scripture_n against_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o scripture_n may_v contradict_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o three_o or_o four_o objection_n which_o our_o opposer_n conceive_v to_o have_v the_o great_a weight_n in_o they_o the_o first_o objection_n that_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v raise_v from_o that_o rom._n 9.7_o 8._o whereunto_o be_v add_v mat._n 3.7_o and_o job_n 8.33_o etc._n etc._n whereas_o the_o apostle_n deny_v that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n so_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v account_v for_o the_o seed_n so_o john_n baptist_n and_o our_o lord_n christ_n show_v the_o insufficiency_n and_o vanity_n of_o that_o plea_n the_o jew_n make_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o enjoiment_n of_o all_o their_o privilege_n benefit_n and_o blessing_n whether_o present_a or_o future_a annex_v thereunto_o ground_v upon_o their_o relation_n to_o abraham_n as_o their_o father_n object_n 1._o thus_o it_o be_v object_v that_o in_o case_n abraham_n own_o natural_a seed_n can_v not_o have_v their_o covenant-state_n with_o the_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n thereunto_o annex_v continue_v to_o they_o under_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o relation_n to_o abraham_n as_o his_o seed_n much_o less_o can_v the_o infant_n of_o any_o believe_a gentile_n be_v receive_v into_o such_o a_o state_n and_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o account_n pf_o their_o descent_n from_o and_o relation_n to_o such_o parent_n answer_n this_o objection_n have_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o very_a same_o mistake_n about_o the_o true_a mind_n and_o meaning_n of_o god_n in_o this_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o he_o promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n seed_n in_o their_o generation_n which_o the_o jew_n themselves_o lay_v under_o the_o rectify_v of_o which_o be_v the_o design_n both_o of_o john_n baptist_n our_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o place_n mention_v and_o the_o mistake_n be_v this_o the_o jew_n think_v and_o the_o framer_n of_o this_o objection_n will_v needs_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o this_o promise_n do_v so_o appertain_v to_o all_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n whether_o immediate_a or_o mediate_a as_o that_o they_o have_v universal_o a_o personal_a and_o particular_a interest_n in_o it_o and_o hence_o the_o jew_n think_v that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v cast_v off_o nor_o deprive_v of_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n without_o a_o failure_n on_o god_n part_n in_o his_o promise_n our_o opposer_n seem_v to_o see_v no_o other_o way_n to_o vindicate_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o their_o actual_a rejection_n than_o by_o affirm_v this_o covenant_n be_v disannul_v at_o least_o the_o tenor_n thereof_o alter_v so_o as_o not_o to_o take_v in_o the_o natural_a seed_n as_o it_o do_v as_o they_o suppose_v during_o the_o first-testament-administration_n but_o the_o mistake_n as_o to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o now_o the_o rectify_v of_o this_o mistake_n be_v the_o design_n both_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n where_o let_v three_o thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o that_o neither_o john_n baptist_n nor_o our_o lord_n christ_n nor_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v deny_v that_o the_o promise_n have_v respect_n to_o they_o yea_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v suppose_v and_o implicit_o grant_v that_o it_o have_v which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o more_o general_a respect_n before_o mention_v 2._o that_o they_o all_o speak_v to_o or_o of_o the_o jew_n then_o in_o be_v 3._o that_o they_o speak_v to_o or_o of_o they_o as_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o hence_o their_o design_n be_v only_o this_o viz._n to_o show_v that_o the_o promise_n as_o make_v with_o such_o a_o respect_n to_o they_o do_v not_o infallible_o secure_v their_o covenant-state_n nor_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o save_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n without_o faith_n repentance_n and_o holiness_n on_o their_o part_n the_o apostle_n withal_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o election_n of_o grace_n as_o he_o after_o speak_v which_o do_v and_o shall_v obtain_v the_o good_a promise_v which_o they_o do_v in_o respect_n of_o those_o who_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n through_o their_o faith_n and_o holiness_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o infant_n it_o be_v through_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o god_n reach_v and_o take_v in_o they_o with_o their_o parent_n and_o hence_o neither_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o speak_v to_o or_o of_o the_o jew_n in_o these_o place_n carry_v the_o least_o show_n of_o opposition_n to_o either_o of_o the_o forego_n proposition_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o what_o the_o apostle_n paul_n speak_v of_o they_o take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o context_n undeniable_o imply_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o first_o proposition_n so_o what_o they_o all_o speak_v add_v no_o small_a confirmation_n to_o the_o second_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v make_v appear_v be_v it_o necessary_a let_v we_o only_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o now_o affirm_v viz._n that_o which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n speak_v of_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o far_o from_o carry_v any_o opposition_n to_o that_o it_o evident_o imply_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o proposition_n for_o the_o make_n of_o this_o plain_a it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o question_v the_o apostle_n be_v there_o resolve_v as_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n and_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o context_n be_v how_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o jew_n can_v be_v reject_v and_o yet_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o that_o promise_n make_v of_o no_o effect_n thereby_o now_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_n he_o first_o more_o general_o assert_n that_o all_o the_o not_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n and_o then_o more_o particular_o 1._o deny_v that_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o be_v his_o natural_a seed_n be_v child_n that_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o he_o expound_v it_o vers_n 8._o he_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o some_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n all_o that_o he_o deny_v be_v that_o they_o be_v all_o so_o and_o 2._o on_o the_o other_o hand_n affirm_v that_o in_o isaac_n the_o seed_n be_v to_o be_v and_o answerable_o be_v call_v which_o he_o explain_v in_o vers_fw-la 8._o namely_o that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v count_v for_o the_o seed_n where_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v he_o speak_v not_o of_o that_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o of_o those_o two_o promise_n the_o one_o make_v to_o abraham_n concern_v the_o birth_n of_o isaac_n and_o the_o other_o to_o rebecca_n concern_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o jacob_n above_o esau_n and_o by_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n he_o mean_v the_o elect._n now_o these_o be_v such_o he_o account_v for_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v they_o be_v the_o person_n design_v to_o enjoy_v the_o good_a promise_v for_o the_o illustration_n and_o confirmation_n of_o which_o he_o show_v that_o person_n may_v be_v subject_n of_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o not_o be_v child_n of_o god_n nor_o account_v for_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v not_o appertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n and_o consequent_o may_v not_o enjoy_v the_o good_a promise_v and_o yet_o this_o no_o impeachment_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o then_o show_v it_o be_v so_o 1._o among_o abraham_n child_n descend_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n 2._o it_o be_v so_o among_o isaac_n child_n who_o be_v subject_n of_o this_o promise_n as_o include_v with_o isaac_n their_o father_n in_o that_o phrase_n thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n vers_fw-la 8_o 9_o 10._o hence_o he_o argue_v a_o fortiori_fw-la if_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o in_o respect_n of_o abraham_n own_o child_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o next_o son_n child_n who_o have_v the_o promise_n appertain_v to_o they_o as_o several_o and_o
household_n may_v be_v rational_o suppose_v to_o be_v considerable_o great_a these_o phrase_n of_o household_n all_o his_o and_o the_o like_a be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o such_o a_o supposition_n 3._o that_o not_o only_a infant_n new_o bear_v but_o child_n as_o arrive_v to_o a_o high_a state_n of_o childhood_n or_o youth_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v baptize_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o father_n faith_n suppose_v there_o be_v any_o such_o in_o those_o household_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a because_o it_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v suppose_v that_o such_o child_n though_o arrive_v to_o some_o use_n of_o reason_n can_v yet_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o will_v have_v be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v they_o for_o baptism_n have_v they_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v on_o their_o own_o account_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n as_o do_v intervene_v between_o the_o conversion_n of_o parent_n and_o the_o application_n of_o baptism_n child_n though_o past_o mere_a infancy_n yet_o while_o in_o their_o youth_n or_o childhood_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o gospel-mystery_n in_o the_o same_o space_n of_o time_n that_o person_n come_v up_o to_o their_o full_a maturity_n may_v do_v so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v either_o grant_v that_o some_o in_o or_o of_o these_o household_n be_v baptize_v as_o the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o parent_n faith_n or_o we_o must_v either_o deny_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v any_o pure_a infant_n but_o any_o child_n in_o their_o childhood_n or_o youth_n in_o these_o house_n or_o else_o we_o must_v contradict_v the_o express_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o now_o to_o deny_v the_o former_a be_v at_o least_o to_o say_v no_o more_o somewhat_o unusual_a that_o so_o many_o house_n and_o these_o considerable_o great_a shall_v not_o only_o have_v no_o mere_a infant_n but_o no_o child_n yet_o in_o their_o childhood_n or_o youth_n be_v utter_o improbable_a and_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n where_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v so_o do_v be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_a but_o in_o a_o sense_n impious_a so_o that_o these_o instance_n make_v it_o at_o least_o exceed_v probable_a that_o some_o be_v baptize_v as_o the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n without_o consideration_n have_v to_o any_o personal_a qualification_n of_o their_o own_o household_n be_v baptize_v and_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v suppose_v that_o so_o many_o family_n and_o these_o considerable_o great_a shall_v have_v neither_o any_o new_a bear_v babe_n nor_o yet_o any_o as_o yet_o in_o their_o childhood_n or_o youth_n and_o if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v they_o must_v be_v baptize_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o parent_n faith_n this_o will_v more_o clear_o appear_v if_o we_o take_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o lydia_n house_n say_v to_o be_v baptize_v with_o she_o act_v 16.14_o 15._o for_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a her_o household_n be_v with_o she_o at_o that_o assembly_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n preach_v as_o appear_v from_o ver_fw-la 15._o two_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v a_o assembly_n of_o woman_n vers_fw-la 13._o three_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o conversion_n of_o any_o except_v lydia_n herself_o now_o that_o lydia_n shall_v have_v a_o household_n all_o of_o woman_n as_o so_o they_o must_v be_v in_o case_n she_o have_v no_o child_n and_o these_o grow_v up_o and_o all_o convert_v at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sermon_n when_o not_o one_o in_o the_o whole_a assembly_n beside_o be_v convert_v and_o yet_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o any_o of_o their_o conversion_n but_o only_o of_o lydia_n her self_o seem_v utter_o improbable_a that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v possible_a can_v be_v deny_v but_o sure_o that_o it_o be_v improbable_a must_v be_v grant_v as_o for_o those_o brethren_n mention_v vers_fw-la 40._o there_o be_v no_o rational_a ground_n to_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v of_o lydia_n household_n say_v to_o be_v baptize_v it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v not_o for_o they_o be_v all_o at_o the_o assembly_n with_o she_o which_o be_v express_o say_v to_o have_v be_v a_o assembly_n of_o woman_n but_o 2._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o scripture_n that_o my_o one_o in_o or_o of_o those_o household_n say_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v convert_v before_o their_o baptism_n except_v only_o the_o person_n who_o household_n they_o be_v this_o be_v evident_a past_o all_o contradiction_n in_o respect_n of_o lydia_n household_n and_o as_o for_o the_o jailor_n though_o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n and_o silas_n speak_v to_o he_o to_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o house_n yet_o 1._o from_o this_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v that_o any_o say_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v convert_v before_o their_o baptism_n act_n 16.33_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v after_o and_o beside_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n exact_o in_o the_o order_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v 2._o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o those_o to_o who_o the_o word_n be_v speak_v be_v the_o same_o individual_a person_n say_v to_o be_v his_o who_o be_v baptize_v they_o seem_v rather_o to_o be_v the_o prisoner_n and_o those_o that_o appertain_v to_o the_o prison_n as_o under-keeper_n and_o such_o like_a 3._o though_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v the_o same_o person_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o word_n so_o that_o from_o these_o passage_n it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o any_o of_o he_o say_v to_o be_v baptize_v with_o he_o be_v convert_v before_o their_o baptism_n and_o as_o for_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v his_o rejoice_n be_v with_o his_o household_n believe_v in_o god_n if_o the_o word_n be_v right_o translate_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o prove_v the_o conversion_n of_o his_o household_n before_o their_o baptism_n that_o they_o rather_o intimate_v the_o contrary_a they_o shall_v be_v translate_v he_o rejoice_v with_o his_o household_n he_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o the_o apostle_n lay_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o household_n rejoice_v in_o his_o personal_a faith_n seem_v plain_o to_o imply_v that_o the_o good_a that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o joy_n do_v arise_v from_o his_o faith_n and_o as_o for_o stephen_n household_n there_o be_v nothing_o evidence_v that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v convert_v before_o their_o baptism_n although_o it_o be_v say_v they_o addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o saint_n yet_o that_o they_o be_v the_o same_o person_n intend_v in_o that_o term_n household_n say_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v uncertain_a or_o suppose_v some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v yet_o whether_o they_o be_v convert_v before_o their_o baptism_n be_v uncertain_a how_o long_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v after_o he_o and_o his_o household_n be_v baptize_v we_o can_v say_v some_o then_o in_o their_o childhood_n may_v be_v grow_v up_o to_o a_o capability_n of_o minister_a to_o the_o saint_n when_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v 3._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o some_o in_o or_o of_o those_o household_n may_v be_v convert_v before_o their_o baptism_n yet_o from_o thence_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v that_o all_o intend_a in_o these_o term_n house_n or_o household_n be_v so_o suppose_v some_o in_o the_o jailor_n house_n may_v be_v concert_v before_o their_o baptism_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o all_o be_v so_o and_o much_o less_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v none_o in_o lydia_n house_n baptize_v but_o such_o as_o do_v personal_o believe_v now_o if_o there_o be_v but_o a_o probability_n that_o any_o one_o in_o or_o of_o these_o household_n say_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v baptize_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o personal_a faith_n that_o give_v as_o full_a a_o evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n plead_v for_o as_o the_o probability_n of_o all_o in_o those_o house_n be_v baptize_v on_o the_o same_o account_n will_v do_v so_o that_o sure_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o all_o these_o instance_n do_v at_o least_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o some_o be_v baptize_v in_o primitive_a time_n as_o the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n without_o consideration_n have_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o themselves_o and_o a_o probability_n add_v to_o those_o forego_v argument_n may_v great_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n plead_v for_o but_o as_o a_o close_a of_o all_o let_v these_o two_o thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o
shall_v make_v it_o necessary_a that_o infant_n shall_v be_v mention_v in_o the_o commission_n no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v to_o make_v this_o yet_o more_o plain_a suppose_v our_o lord_n christ_n shall_v have_v thus_o express_v himself_o in_o this_o commission_n go_v teach_v or_o disciple_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o for_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o shall_v be_v still_o extend_v to_o and_o establish_v with_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o their_o child_n together_o with_o they_o as_o it_o be_v of_o old_a with_o the_o jew_n i_o say_v have_v he_o thus_o express_v himself_o he_o have_v not_o come_v much_o short_a of_o mention_v infant_n why_o let_v but_o the_o scripture_n former_o mention_v be_v compare_v together_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o he_o have_v so_o express_v himself_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v yet_o say_v that_o if_o infant_n be_v baptize_v than_o the_o order_n in_o the_o commission_n be_v cross_v i_o answer_v the_o commission_n be_v not_o cross_v while_o only_o the_o rule_n that_o our_o lord_n christ_n himself_o have_v leave_v for_o the_o guide_n of_o his_o minister_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o be_v observe_v but_o for_o the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o this_o doubt_n we_o lie_v down_o the_o last_o conclusion_n and_o therefore_o conc._n 3._o that_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n that_o infant_n shall_v be_v baptize_v yet_o it_o be_v rational_a yea_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v express_v himself_o in_o the_o commission_n in_o the_o order_n he_o have_v do_v for_o that_o 1._o consider_v what_o be_v the_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n be_v now_o send_v they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n hence_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n antecedent_o to_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a 2._o consider_v the_o gradual_a procedure_v the_o gospel_n shall_v and_o answerable_o have_v make_v in_o subdue_a the_o nation_n unto_o christ_n there_o always_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v some_o nation_n to_o be_v disciple_v and_o bring_v home_o to_o christ_n and_o all_o attempt_v to_o disciple_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o christ_n must_v be_v by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o the_o discipleship_n of_o parent_n still_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o their_o own_o and_o their_o child_n baptism_n 3._o consider_v that_o when_o nation_n be_v disciple_v yet_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v a_o precedency_n to_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n the_o seed_n of_o believer_n baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n must_v be_v teach_v and_o thereby_o bring_v to_o a_o sincere_a embracement_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o which_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n they_o be_v afore_o receive_v in_o order_n to_o their_o convey_n unto_o their_o child_n right_o to_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o baptism_n as_o the_o seal_n and_o token_n thereof_o object_n 2._o some_o may_v further_o object_n the_o inconsistency_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o have_v attend_v the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o be_v affirm_v of_o and_o require_v from_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v in_o primitive_a time_n with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o for_o this_o such_o scripture_n as_o these_o viz._n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o 14._o ephes_n 4.16_o gal._n 3.26_o 27._o be_v allege_v answer_n the_o objection_n be_v easy_o remove_v by_o a_o threefold_a consideration_n 1._o that_o what_o be_v declare_v of_o or_o require_v from_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o be_v to_o be_v incorporate_v thereinto_o by_o baptism_n in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a scripture_n agree_v to_o and_o equal_o concern_v the_o church_n and_o the_o several_a member_n thereof_o in_o all_o age_n hence_o it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v conclude_v from_o these_o scripture_n that_o infant_n never_o be_v nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n or_o visible_a body_n of_o christ_n the_o contrary_a whereunto_o be_v evident_a past_o all_o possible_a exception_n as_o that_o in_o primitive_a time_n they_o be_v not_o or_o now_o be_v not_o to_o be_v incorporate_v into_o that_o body_n by_o baptism_n 2._o consider_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o frequent_a occurrence_n in_o scripture_n for_o thing_n to_o be_v speak_v of_o or_o to_o whole_a body_n or_o society_n and_o that_o in_o the_o most_o universal_a and_o indefinite_a term_n which_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v various_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o particular_n according_a to_o their_o respective_a capacity_n and_o concernment_n therein_o that_o speech_n of_o moses_n to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o israel_n furnishment_n we_o with_o sufficient_a instance_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o see_v deut._n 29_o and_o 30_o chapter_n 3._o consider_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v not_o for_o the_o use_n of_o infant_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n but_o for_o the_o use_n of_o grow_v person_n and_o that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n mention_v be_v to_o instruct_v and_o establish_v they_o in_o some_o necessary_a truth_n or_o excite_v to_o some_o necessary_a duty_n and_o answerable_o what_o be_v speak_v in_o those_o forementioned_a place_n only_o concern_v such_o person_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v such_o instruction_n and_o practise_v such_o duty_n but_o that_o prove_v not_o that_o infant_n be_v not_o of_o or_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n or_o visible_a body_n of_o christ_n by_o baptism_n object_n 3._o other_o object_n the_o apostle_n doctrine_n take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o primitive_a practice_n say_v they_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o doctrine_n do_v teach_v that_o believer_n shall_v be_v baptize_v and_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o their_o teach_n that_o infant_n shall_v be_v baptize_v so_o we_o read_v of_o many_o believer_n baptize_v but_o of_o no_o instance_n of_o any_o one_o infant_n that_o be_v baptize_v and_o therefore_o sure_a infant-baptism_n can_v be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o must_v be_v a_o practice_n introduce_v into_o the_o church_n by_o men._n answer_n to_o this_o four_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v teach_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n do_v belong_v and_o consequent_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v contain_v must_v needs_o extend_v to_o the_o house_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o as_o such_o without_o consideration_n have_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o repentance_n of_o any_o in_o or_o of_o their_o house_n 2._o that_o they_o do_v exhort_v person_n to_o be_v baptize_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o promise_v belong_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o they_o have_v express_o teach_v that_o infant_n shall_v be_v baptize_v it_o be_v undoubted_a that_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o their_o house_n and_o be_v so_o must_v needs_o be_v under_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n now_o if_o one_o may_v be_v baptize_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n any_o other_o may_v be_v so_o also_o so_o that_o they_o do_v teach_v what_o amount_v to_o as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o have_v in_o express_a term_n teach_v that_o infant_n shall_v be_v baptize_v 3._o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v baptize_v whole_a household_n and_o sometime_o such_o as_o in_o which_o we_o read_v not_o of_o the_o conversion_n of_o any_o except_v the_o chief_a head_n and_o governor_n only_o and_o in_o which_o there_o be_v the_o great_a probability_n that_o there_o be_v some_o infant_n at_o least_o some_o in_o their_o youth_n or_o childhood_n who_o can_v rational_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v baptize_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o own_o personal_a faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o two_o forego_v particular_n make_v it_o vast_o more_o probable_a that_o they_o do_v baptize_v some_o infant_n than_o the_o scripture_n not_o express_o record_v their_o baptism_n make_v it_o probable_a that_o they_o do_v not_o baptize_v any_o 4._o that_o the_o scripture_n not_o express_o record_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v either_o teach_v or_o practice_v infant-baptism_n be_v no_o proof_n that_o they_o do_v not_o do_v both_o many_o thing_n that_o the_o apostle_n teach_v and_o practise_v be_v not_o record_v in_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n he_o teach_v in_o his_o doctrine_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o write_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_n declare_v the_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n though_o it_o be_v not_o
command_n that_o the_o token_n of_o his_o covenant_n whatever_o that_o shall_v be_v shall_v be_v keep_v both_o by_o parent_n and_o child_n which_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o say_v be_v circumcision_n under_o the_o first_o testament_n but_o now_o be_v baptism_n and_o beside_o there_o be_v other_o argument_n which_o you_o can_v certain_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o which_o do_v suppose_v that_o their_o foederal_n holiness_n and_o church-membership_n undeniable_o establish_v the_o dueness_n and_o rightfulness_n of_o their_o baptism_n so_o that_o i_o conceive_v you_o can_v possible_o grant_v their_o foederal_n holiness_n and_o church-membership_n but_o you_o must_v grant_v their_o baptism_n now_o for_o you_o to_o overlook_v all_o these_o argument_n and_o fain_o we_o to_o argue_v quite_o otherwise_o than_o indeed_o we_o do_v or_o if_o possible_o any_o have_v do_v yet_o their_o mistake_v have_v be_v rectify_v be_v to_o say_v no_o more_o matter_n of_o great_a admiration_n the_o reason_n of_o your_o so_o do_v must_v be_v leave_v with_o yourselves_o yet_o i_o can_v but_o tell_v you_o that_o such_o deal_n have_v a_o sad_a tendency_n to_o obstruct_v that_o good_a design_n viz._n the_o reconciliation_n of_o our_o mutual_a love_n each_o to_o other_o which_o you_o seem_v to_o carry_v on_o it_o will_v beget_v a_o kind_n of_o suspicion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o you_o too_o wilful_o shut_v your_o eye_n against_o that_o light_n that_o be_v hold_v forth_o unto_o you_o second_o you_o only_o single_a out_o some_o of_o those_o scripture_n and_o argument_n draw_v from_o they_o that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o as_o additional_a enforcement_n but_o not_o as_o demonstrative_a of_o themselves_o thus_o for_o those_o instance_n of_o whole_a family_n be_v baptize_v we_o only_o improve_v they_o as_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o our_o main_a argument_n but_o not_o as_o demonstrative_a as_o of_o themselves_o and_o that_o upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o foederal_a holiness_n and_o church-membership_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o validity_n of_o those_o argument_n we_o have_v urge_v for_o their_o baptism_n upon_o that_o supposition_n that_o these_o instance_n may_v be_v take_v in_o as_o additional_a confirmation_n of_o our_o practice_n i_o be_o very_o persuade_v yourselves_o will_v not_o deny_v so_o that_o alas_o brethren_n what_o a_o slender_a account_n have_v you_o give_v we_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o your_o non-acquiescence_n in_o what_o be_v urge_v by_o we_o against_o you_o no_o wonder_n if_o you_o so_o great_o mistake_v we_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n overlook_v our_o main_a argument_n and_o then_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o scripture_n and_o argument_n we_o make_v use_v of_o only_a as_o additional_a confirmation_n though_o you_o can_v comply_v with_o our_o practice_n 2._o that_o which_o i_o can_v but_o judge_v alike_o blame-worthy_a in_o you_o be_v your_o too_o evident_a partiality_n this_o be_v so_o apparent_a in_o you_o citation_n of_o and_o remark_n upon_o dr._n lightfoot'_v interpretation_n of_o that_o rom._n 4.11_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n yourselves_o shall_v not_o see_v it_o the_o doctor_n conceive_v that_o circumcision_n be_v there_o say_v to_o be_v a_o seal_n not_o mere_o for_o in_o some_o sense_n he_o grant_v it_o may_v be_v of_o that_o righteousness_n abraham_n have_v while_n in_o his_o uncircumcision_n but_o more_o especial_o of_o that_o righteousness_n which_o his_o uncircumcised_a seed_n that_o be_v believe_v gentile_n shall_v have_v when_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o imitate_v his_o faith_n now_o you_o conceive_v that_o this_o be_v so_o evident_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o place_n that_o it_o be_v impertinent_a for_o any_o to_o allege_v that_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n either_o to_o abraham_n himself_o or_o to_o any_o of_o his_o circumcise_a posterity_n but_o brethren_n let_v i_o prevail_v with_o you_o serious_o to_o weight_n these_o few_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o as_o it_o be_v propose_v to_o your_o consideration_n 1._o consider_v that_o this_o interpretation_n seem_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o apostle_n design_n and_o scope_n in_o that_o place_n the_o apostle_n design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o abraham_n both_o have_v a_o righteousness_n impute_v to_o he_o and_o have_v circumcision_n give_v he_o as_o a_o seal_n thereof_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v who_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n but_o this_o interpretation_n suppose_v he_o already_o their_o father_n 2._o but_o second_o and_o rather_o consider_v the_o utter_a improbability_n that_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n let_v i_o say_v cum_fw-la pace_fw-la tanti_fw-la viri_fw-la that_o the_o doctor_n be_v word_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o evidence_n as_o you_o conceit_n that_o they_o have_v not_o any_o probability_n of_o truth_n in_o they_o for_o 1._o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v which_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o that_o circumcision_n may_v be_v of_o this_o use_n as_o apply_v to_o abraham_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v yet_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o use_v as_o apply_v to_o all_o his_o natural_a posterity_n as_o this_o interpretation_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v no_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v a_o seal_n be_v for_o confirmation_n of_o somewhat_o to_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v now_o why_o god_n by_o this_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n shall_v confirm_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o promise_n of_o justify_v the_o gentile_n through_o a_o righteousness_n impute_v to_o they_o upon_o their_o believe_v when_o it_o do_v not_o seal_v or_o confirm_v the_o same_o good_a to_o themselves_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v 2._o circumcision_n be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v the_o token_n of_o that_o covenant_n establish_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n but_o now_o the_o imputation_n of_o righteousness_n to_o we_o gentile_n upon_o condition_n of_o our_o believe_v be_v no_o article_n on_o god_n part_n in_o the_o covenant_n as_o enter_v and_o establish_v with_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n at_o least_o as_o several_o and_o particular_o consider_v and_o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v so_o enter_v with_o they_o circumcision_n be_v the_o token_n of_o it_o hence_o how_o it_o can_v seal_v to_o they_o what_o be_v nowhere_o promise_v to_o they_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v 3._o this_o interpretation_n at_o least_o as_o you_o seem_v to_o take_v it_o suppose_v hat_n the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n though_o in_o covenant_n yet_o have_v not_o a_o righteousness_n impute_v to_o they_o for_o how_o unreasonable_a will_v it_o be_v to_o say_v that_o imputation_n of_o righteousness_n to_o the_o gentile_n be_v seal_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o yet_o that_o righteousness_n impute_v unto_o they_o not_o alike_o seal_v unto_o they_o that_o will_v be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v a_o good_a of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o promise_n seal_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o that_o good_a of_o which_o they_o have_v a_o promise_n not_o seal_v to_o they_o 4._o according_a to_o this_o interpretation_n the_o apostle_n word_n can_v hardly_o be_v good_a sense_n see_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o quality_n inherent_a in_o but_o a_o relation_n predicable_a of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v impute_v but_o according_a to_o this_o interpretation_n the_o apolste_n word_n must_v run_v thus_o he_o receive_v circumcision_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o circumcision_n for_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 5._o add_v this_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o the_o very_a same_o phrase_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n be_v and_o must_v necessary_o be_v render_v as_o it_o be_v by_o our_o translator_n in_o this_o now_o to_o understand_v the_o same_o phrase_n after_o such_o a_o different_a manner_n in_o one_o verse_n from_o what_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o next_o when_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n nor_o any_o just_a reason_n from_o the_o context_n so_o to_o do_v be_v unreasonable_a but_o 3._o suppose_v we_o shall_v grant_v the_o doctor_n be_v interpretation_n to_o be_v right_a which_o you_o see_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o do_v yet_o neither_o be_v your_o cause_n at_o all_o advantage_v nor_o we_o prejudice_v thereby_o see_v he_o grant_v that_o circumcision_n in_o some_o sense_n be_v a_o seal_n to_o abraham_n of_o that_o righteousness_n which_o he_o have_v by_o faith_n while_n in_o his_o uncircumcision_n now_o of_o what_o use_v it_o be_v to_o he_o of_o the_o same_o use_v it_o be_v to_o all_o to_o who_o it_o be_v rightful_o apply_v as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o full_o prove_v now_o