of_o abraham_n while_o they_o continue_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o be_v not_o excommunicate_a have_v covenant-right_a to_o church-priviledge_n for_o they_o and_o their_o child_n and_o though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v not_o true_a faith_n and_o so_o attain_v not_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o invisible_a grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o that_o unbelief_n make_v not_o the_o covenant_n and_o faith_n of_o god_n without_o effect_n rom._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o so_o it_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n vbi_fw-la eadem_fw-la ratio_fw-la idem_fw-la juâ—_n &_o de_fw-fr similibus_fw-la idem_fw-la est_fw-la judicium_fw-la and_o last_o this_o be_v further_a evince_v by_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o ratio_fw-la the_o contrâ—â—iorum_fw-la eadem_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la contrary_a which_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o of_o their_o child_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o be_v once_o within_o the_o outward_a and_o visible_a grace_n thereof_o deprive_v themselves_o thereof_o by_o become_v degenerate_a and_o profane_a and_o be_v just_o therefore_o excommunicate_a the_o curse_n be_v always_o extend_v to_o their_o seed_n as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o deut._n 28._o 18._o exod._n 20.5_o and_o though_o this_o be_v not_o execute_v upon_o all_o their_o seed_n but_o that_o free_a election_n manifest_v by_o their_o regeneration_n restore_v they_o to_o be_v vessel_n of_o mercy_n yet_o that_o make_v not_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n of_o no_o effect_n neither_o do_v the_o general_a reveal_v will_n hinder_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o secret_a free_a grace_n of_o god_n election_n or_o of_o reprobation_n abraham_n seed_n rom._n 4.16_o be_v distinguish_v into_o the_o seed_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o seed_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n and_o neither_o exclude_v but_o both_o include_v within_o the_o promise_n and_o rom._n 9.6_o the_o distinction_n be_v between_o the_o natural_a and_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n among_o the_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v exclude_v from_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n but_o first_o all_o be_v include_v in_o the_o outward_a grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n vers_fw-la 4._o all_o israelite_n to_o who_o pertain_v the_o adoption_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_n second_o some_o be_v exclude_v the_o invisible_a grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o divine_a preterition_n as_o other_o be_v include_v by_o election_n vers_fw-la 6_o 11._o all_o which_o further_o confirm_v and_o clear_v what_o i_o have_v say_v and_o both_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v free_a grace_n even_o the_o outward_a psal_n 147.19_o 20._o god_n show_v his_o word_n statute_n and_o judgement_n to_o israel_n he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o other_o ob._n it_o be_v object_v by_o one_o that_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o abraham_n not_o as_o any_o believer_n but_o as_o a_o person_n choose_v by_o god_n free_o sol._n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v to_o abraham_n as_o a_o believer_n be_v common_a to_o all_o believer_n because_o they_o all_o be_v subject_n capable_a of_o it_o they_o all_o be_v person_n choose_v by_o god_n free_o and_o have_v the_o same_o hand_n of_o faith_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n to_o assert_v that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o every_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o of_o abraham_n or_o that_o the_o child_n of_o every_o believer_n be_v not_o belove_v for_o their_o father_n sake_n as_o well_o as_o abraham_n and_o it_o be_v a_o promise_v make_v not_o to_o believer_n as_o a_o species_n but_o to_o individual_n believer_n as_o act_v with_o faith_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v not_o notion_n nor_o predicable_a of_o universals_z but_o actual_a but_o whatsoever_o general_a promise_n be_v make_v to_o any_o man_n as_o a_o believer_n be_v make_v intend_v and_o applicable_a to_o all_o to_o every_o to_o any_o believer_n that_o they_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o father_n sake_n be_v true_a of_o every_o believer_n child_n as_o well_o as_o of_o abraham_n for_o if_o the_o root_n be_v holy_a so_o be_v the_o branch_n rom._n 11.16_o 28._o though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v break_v off_o by_o personal_a unbelief_n as_o it_o be_v with_o abraham_n seed_n vers_fw-la 17._o and_o that_o god_n do_v sometime_o make_v particular_a promise_n of_o particular_a grace_n which_o be_v not_o applicable_a to_o all_o believer_n to_o some_o person_n that_o believe_v be_v nothing_o material_a or_o pertinent_a to_o this_o question_n as_o the_o promise_n to_o phineas_n concern_v the_o priesthood_n num._n 25.13_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o key_n to_o peter_n mat._n 16.17_o 18_o 19_o for_o first_o the_o promise_n to_o phineas_n be_v not_o make_v to_o he_o as_o a_o zealous_a man_n for_o than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v common_a to_o all_o zealot_n though_o god_n take_v occasion_n from_o his_o zeal_n and_o in_o reward_n thereof_o to_o make_v that_o promise_n unto_o he_o but_o god_n make_v it_o unto_o he_o as_o a_o priest_n in_o which_o respect_n only_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o by_o the_o matter_n itself_o appear_v it_o be_v peculiar_a and_o not_o common_a but_o to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o his_o people_n be_v common_a and_o communicable_a to_o all_o believer_n as_o our_o promise_n now_o in_o question_n so_o far_o be_v these_o case_n from_o similitude_n as_o they_o have_v no_o resemblance_n and_o so_o the_o promise_n to_o peter_n be_v not_o of_o a_o thing_n common_a to_o all_o believer_n as_o the_o promise_n in_o question_n but_o of_o a_o matter_n entrust_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v to_o peter_n as_o such_o not_o as_o a_o believer_n and_o though_o make_v to_o peter_n be_v applicable_a to_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o common_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o whether_o the_o infer_v of_o such_o instance_n to_o prove_v the_o promise_n in_o question_n to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a of_o abraham_n be_v not_o cavil_v rather_o then_o candid_a argue_v or_o seek_v the_o truth_n let_v the_o reader_n judge_n and_o it_o be_v apparent_o a_o like_a mere_a cavil_n to_o say_v that_o isa_n 59_o 20_o 21._o be_v not_o applicable_a to_o all_o believer_n and_o all_o time_n because_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 11._o 26._o apply_v it_o to_o the_o jew_n for_o by_o the_o context_n of_o the_o original_a place_n it_o be_v a_o general_a promise_n make_v expressy_a and_o extend_v to_o all_o to_o who_o the_o redeemer_n shall_v come_v and_o the_o apply_v thereof_o to_o the_o jew_n a_o branch_n only_o of_o they_o to_o who_o he_o come_v be_v so_o far_o from_o limit_v it_o as_o applying_z animal_n rationale_fw-la to_o john_n to_o prove_v he_o a_o man_n limit_n it_o to_o he_o alone_o exclude_v all_o other_o man_n when_o that_o instance_n confirm_v it_o to_o all_o of_o like_a case_n and_o condition_n and_o declare_v it_o appliable_a to_o they_o also_o and_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o exod._n 20_o 6._o that_o god_n will_v show_v mercy_n to_o thousand_o of_o they_o that_o love_v he_o be_v clear_o a_o promise_n to_o the_o believer_n and_o his_o child_n who_o though_o not_o express_o yet_o by_o the_o antithesis_fw-la of_o the_o context_n compare_v it_o with_o the_o former_a verse_n upon_o which_o it_o depend_v and_o be_v infer_v be_v necessary_o include_v and_o it_o be_v a_o promise_n to_o every_o believer_n as_o general_a as_o the_o curse_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n which_o extend_v to_o all_o that_o hate_n god_n extend_v to_o all_o that_o love_v he_o and_o not_o matter_n contingent_a but_o certain_a to_o they_o and_o so_o psal_n 112.2_o the_o promise_n that_o the_o seed_n and_o generation_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o delight_n in_o his_o commandment_n shall_v be_v bless_v be_v not_o make_v to_o john_n or_o thomas_n only_o but_o in_o common_a to_o all_o that_o fear_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n and_o both_o these_o promise_n be_v as_o large_a as_o blessedness_n include_v heaven_n as_o well_o as_o earth_n ob._n but_o it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o the_o child_n obedience_n be_v always_o express_v or_o imply_v psal_n 103.17_o 18._o sol._n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o god_n promise_v blessedness_n to_o my_o child_n lord_n child_n isa_n 54._o 13._o all_o thy_o child_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o the_o lord_n undertake_v their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n child_n obedience_n isa_n 49.25_o i_o will_v save_v thy_o child_n without_o which_o they_o can_v be_v spiritual_o bless_v these_o two_o be_v some_o of_o the_o good_a thing_n include_v in_o the_o promise_n and_o covenant_n and_o performance_n thereof_o and_o be_v imply_v as_o effect_n not_o as_o motive_n or_o cause_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v most_o free_o make_v by_o the_o lord_n
the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o covenant_n concern_v the_o good_a of_o my_o child_n be_v the_o rule_n to_o the_o church_n and_o i_o what_o to_o believe_v hope_v and_o expect_v concern_v they_o and_o what_o to_o do_v to_o and_o for_o they_o to_o prepare_v and_o enter_v they_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v into_o and_o for_o the_o whole_a good_a of_o this_o promise_n the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n how_o my_o child_n shall_v prove_v in_o the_o end_n belong_v not_o to_o we_o be_v no_o rule_n for_o we_o to_o walk_v by_o towards_o they_o till_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o this_o promise_n hold_v out_o unto_o we_o first_o a_o ground_n comfortable_o to_o believe_v and_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v fulfil_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o covenant_n unto_o they_o whence_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v a_o ground_n to_o expect_v their_o spiritual_a as_o their_o temporal_a good_a and_o upon_o this_o promise_n we_o may_v ground_v a_o prayer_n of_o faith_n for_o both_o for_o the_o child_n second_o this_o promise_n bind_v we_o to_o use_v in_o faith_n all_o mean_n that_o the_o child_n be_v capable_a of_o for_o the_o interess_n of_o they_o in_o the_o good_a of_o this_o covenant_n and_o among_o other_o to_o baptise_v they_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o grace_n to_o such_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o spirit_n have_v sanctify_v the_o believer_n child_n and_o from_o this_o promise_n we_o have_v ground_n to_o hope_v that_o it_o be_v so_o they_o be_v within_o it_o express_o and_o this_o covenant_n give_v they_o a_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o and_o this_o reveal_v will_n be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o the_o church_n and_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v leave_v secret_a thing_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o without_o incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o infidelity_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o command_n include_v in_o this_o promise_n of_o use_v mean_n and_o without_o manifest_a injury_n to_o the_o child_n and_o contempt_n and_o slight_n of_o this_o great_a mercy_n and_o kindness_n express_v and_o assure_v in_o this_o covenant_n to_o believer_n neither_o the_o church_n nor_o they_o can_v withhold_v baptism_n from_o their_o child_n hence_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o objection_n be_v cast_v in_o impertinent_o to_o trouble_v the_o clear_a water_n of_o this_o sweet_a promise_n and_o weaken_v our_o faith_n in_o it_o what_o god_n have_v undertake_v it_o be_v his_o work_n and_o not_o we_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v upon_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o accomplish_v it_o and_o not_o trouble_v our_o heart_n or_o head_n about_o it_o but_o do_v our_o duty_n believe_v in_o his_o truth_n reveal_v and_o submit_v to_o his_o sovereignty_n the_o exercise_n whereof_o be_v unknown_a unto_o we_o when_o he_o shall_v reveal_v it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o election_n only_o obtain_v the_o invisible_a grace_n of_o this_o promise_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o abraham_n seed_n but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o before_o god_n manifest_v who_o be_v in_o his_o election_n and_o who_o not_o it_o ought_v not_o be_v secret_a to_o impeach_v our_o faith_n in_o this_o promise_n nor_o withhold_v we_o from_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o our_o child_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o grace_n ob._n it_o be_v further_a object_v that_o baptism_n require_v a_o spiritual_a use_n and_o child_n can_v make_v such_o spiritual_a use_n of_o it_o and_o by_o experience_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o many_o baptize_v in_o infancy_n after_o deny_v it_o sol._n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o spiritual_a use_n of_o baptism_n be_v either_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n we_o have_v from_o this_o covenant_n good_a ground_n to_o believe_v or_o by_o the_o church_n and_o parent_n in_o bring_v the_o child_n unto_o this_o ordinance_n in_o faith_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o it_o or_o last_o by_o the_o child_n themselves_o who_o be_v passive_a in_o this_o ordinance_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o at_o present_a they_o express_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o any_o activity_n of_o they_o no_o more_o then_o in_o circumcision_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o expect_v that_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v will_v produce_v it_o in_o time_n and_o though_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o some_o deny_v their_o baptism_n afterward_o as_o some_o do_v their_o circumcision_n that_o be_v not_o material_a in_o this_o question_n be_v secret_a and_o therefore_o not_o considerable_a in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o outward_a visible_a grace_n and_o privilege_n of_o this_o covenant_n which_o such_o child_n have_v covenant-right_a unto_o which_o also_o be_v by_o this_o further_o manifest_v that_o though_o many_o of_o they_o that_o receive_v baptism_n at_o full_a age_n after_o deny_v it_o and_o declare_v by_o their_o apostasy_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n as_o simon_n magus_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o the_o church_n to_o administer_v baptism_n to_o other_o of_o full_a age_n upon_o their_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o not_o be_v hinder_v by_o future_a event_n which_o be_v secret_a be_v to_o be_v leave_v and_o refer_v to_o god_n and_o we_o be_v encourage_v so_o to_o do_v in_o the_o case_n in_o question_n not_o only_o from_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n but_o also_o from_o the_o experience_n of_o his_o gracious_a performance_n thereof_o who_o have_v make_v good_a this_o promise_n to_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n and_o professor_n in_o the_o uttermost_a extent_n of_o it_o special_o where_o there_o have_v be_v no_o fault_n in_o the_o believer_n either_o in_o not_o believe_v this_o gracious_a promise_n or_o not_o use_v the_o mean_n sanctify_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o ob._n it_o be_v further_a object_v that_o religious_a parent_n have_v no_o other_o privilege_n concern_v their_o child_n then_o from_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n for_o they_o which_o unbeliever_n have_v not_o sol._n to_o which_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v plain_a by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n of_o the_o seed_n and_o generation_n of_o the_o godly_a which_o it_o not_o only_o exclude_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o wicked_a from_o but_o speak_v sad_a and_o dreadful_a thing_n of_o they_o of_o the_o seed_n and_o child_n of_o believer_n the_o holy_a scripture_n testify_v that_o god_n be_v their_o god_n will_v circumcise_v their_o heart_n to_o love_v he_o pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n and_o blessing_n upon_o they_o will_v show_v mercy_n to_o thousand_o of_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v bless_v the_o promise_n belong_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n they_o be_v holy_a belove_v for_o the_o father_n sake_n etc._n etc._n but_o of_o the_o child_n of_o unbeliever_n they_o speak_v no_o good_a but_o contrary_o that_o they_o be_v curse_v god_n will_v visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n 19_o father_n num._n 14.18_o deut._n â—_o 9_o jer._n 32.18_o job_n â—â—_o 19_o upon_o they_o unto_o the_o three_o and_o four_o generation_n that_o they_o be_v â—4_n be_v â—_o cor._n 7._o â—4_n unclean_a the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n far_o from_o safety_n job_n 5.4_o god_n will_v make_v their_o plague_n wonderful_a deut._n 28.59_o etc._n etc._n and_o by_o this_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o broad_a difference_n between_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n and_o of_o unbeliever_n than_o that_o believer_n have_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n for_o their_o child_n beside_o many_o unbeliever_n as_o papist_n and_o open_a profane_a person_n among_o we_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n for_o their_o child_n and_o so_o between_o they_o and_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v no_o difference_n nor_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n better_o than_o of_o unbeliever_n into_o what_o a_o bottomless_a pit_n of_o absurd_a opinion_n do_v the_o spirit_n of_o error_n hurry_v man_n that_o turn_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o forsake_v it_o ob._n it_o be_v further_a object_v that_o this_o ordinance_n be_v not_o appoint_v for_o child_n sol._n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o god_n include_v the_o child_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o covenant_n second_o to_o who_o the_o covenant_n belong_v the_o seal_n belong_v god_n belong_v they_o â—hat_n have_v the_o thâ—â—g_a signifiâ—â—_n may_v not_o be_v deny_v the_o sign_n â—f_o capable_a of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 47._o &_o aâ—t_n â—_o 7_o they_o hauâ—ng_v the_o like_a 〈◊〉_d and_o promise_n as_o we_o to_o deny_v thâ—m_a baptism_n be_v to_o withstand_v god_n all_o god_n covenant_n be_v seal_v covenant_n three_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o
break_v the_o constant_a rule_n of_o right_a interpretation_n and_o construction_n to_o support_v their_o fancy_n the_o scripture_n be_v one_o entire_a body_n of_o truth_n joh_n 17.17_o thy_o word_n be_v truth_n and_o therefore_o construction_n must_v not_o be_v make_v by_o fraction_n upon_o any_o part_n of_o it_o touch_v any_o question_n raise_v out_o of_o it_o alone_o but_o upon_o all_o matter_n concern_v it_o compare_v together_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a thing_n take_v all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n together_o concern_v sacrament_n and_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o when_o god_n institute_v they_o in_o his_o church_n he_o declare_v his_o mind_n that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o they_o as_o gen._n 17.7_o 10._o of_o circumcision_n the_o sacrament_n then_o of_o initiation_n and_o regeneration_n and_o of_o the_o passeover_n exod._n 12.16_o 47._o the_o then_o sacrament_n of_o edification_n every_o soul_n in_o the_o house_n all_o the_o congregation_n be_v to_o eat_v it_o after_o by_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o baptism_n there_o be_v no_o change_n make_v save_v only_o in_o the_o outward_a element_n water_n wash_v for_o the_o foreskin_n circumcise_n no_o word_n of_o alter_v the_o person_n to_o partake_v in_o it_o as_o appear_v express_o joh._n 1.33_o god_n send_v john_n to_o baptise_v with_o water_n here_o the_o element_n and_o outward_a matter_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o regeneration_n be_v alter_v but_o no_o more_o by_o the_o institution_n no_o word_n of_o alter_v the_o person_n so_o as_o they_o remain_v as_o before_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o general_a rule_n at_o first_o common_a to_o all_o sacrament_n but_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n there_o be_v make_v not_o only_o a_o change_n of_o the_o outward_a matter_n but_o also_o a_o alteration_n and_o limitation_n of_o the_o person_n and_o child_n exclude_v and_o all_o that_o examine_v not_o and_o judge_v themselves_o and_o discern_v not_o the_o lord_n body_n certain_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v intend_v any_o alteration_n or_o restraint_n of_o person_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o baptism_n he_o will_v have_v speak_v it_o out_o as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o his_o silence_n therein_o may_v satisfy_v any_o sober_a spirit_n that_o it_o never_o come_v into_o his_o mind_n but_o these_o man_n look_v only_o upon_o the_o actual_a dispensation_n of_o this_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n by_o the_o baptist_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n upon_o person_n of_o full_a age_n express_o record_v and_o not_o upon_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n compare_v as_o aforesaid_a nor_o do_v they_o consider_v the_o reason_n and_o rule_v of_o those_o practice_n it_o appear_v express_o that_o those_o record_a practice_n be_v upon_o proselyte_n new_a convert_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o new_o bring_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o they_o they_o proceed_v by_o the_o rule_n concern_v proselyte_n set_v down_o ezek._n 47.22_o they_o give_v they_o a_o portion_n in_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o can_v any_o conclude_v hence_o that_o they_o intend_v hereby_o to_o disseise_v the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o disinherit_v they_o and_o divest_v they_o of_o the_o covenant_n or_o seal_n to_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v certain_o not_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n for_o both_o the_o native_n and_o the_o stranger_n that_o by_o his_o profession_n and_o conversion_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n to_o preach_v to_o infidel_n before_o they_o be_v baptize_v be_v necessary_a because_o else_o a_o seal_n be_v put_v to_o a_o blank_a but_o to_o baptise_v the_o infant_n of_o believer_n be_v to_o put_v the_o seal_n to_o the_o covenant_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v to_o baptise_v professor_n of_o full_a age_n such_o infant_n have_v the_o same_o right_n as_o professor_n these_o man_n clear_o err_v by_o not_o observe_v the_o difference_n between_o native_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o be_v foreigner_n and_o stranger_n to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o by_o not_o confer_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v sacrament_n to_o find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o this_o business_n what_o be_v the_o ground_n whereupon_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n receive_v woman_n to_o partake_v in_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o which_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n no_o more_o than_o we_o have_v for_o infant-baptisme_n certain_o none_n but_o that_o god_n command_v their_o partake_n in_o the_o passeover_n â—â—_o passeover_n exod._n 12._o â—â—_o â—â—_o and_o thereby_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v person_n to_o who_o he_o will_v have_v sacrament_n administer_v if_o they_o be_v capable_a thereof_o and_o of_o this_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o nothing_o in_o the_o new_a institution_n and_o alteration_n induce_v by_o the_o gospel_n exclude_v they_o ob._n but_o some_o object_n further_o that_o there_o be_v a_o express_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_v concern_v person_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o baptism_n mat._n 28.19_o gâ—â—_n teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n from_o which_o they_o infer_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v but_o those_o that_o be_v teach_v and_o therefore_o only_a person_n of_o discretion_n sol._n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o clear_o here_o be_v no_o institution_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v institute_v long_o before_o joh._n 1._o 33._o god_n send_v john_n the_o baptist_n to_o baptise_v with_o water_n and_o jesus_n christ_n that_o give_v this_o command_n be_v himself_o before_o this_o baptise_a mat._n 3._o 16._o and_o the_o apostle_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v this_o have_v baptize_v before_o joh._n 4._o 2._o second_o it_o can_v be_v intend_v that_o these_o two_o duty_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n preach_v and_o baptise_v shall_v be_v inseparable_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o person_n in_o who_o they_o determine_v that_o the_o same_o person_n that_o partake_v not_o in_o the_o one_o shall_v not_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o other_o or_o that_o those_o that_o partake_v in_o the_o one_o shall_v necessary_o partake_v in_o the_o other_o john_n baptise_a jesus_n christ_n though_o he_o do_v not_o preach_v unto_o he_o and_o it_o be_v apparent_o absurd_a that_o minister_n must_v baptise_v all_o they_o preach_v unto_o whether_o they_o receive_v their_o preach_n or_o not_o and_o it_o be_v as_o manifest_o absurd_a that_o minister_n must_v deny_v baptism_n to_o they_o that_o by_o the_o word_n have_v right_a unto_o it_o because_o they_o have_v not_o preach_v unto_o they_o for_o it_o be_v the_o right_n unto_o it_o not_o preach_v to_o they_o that_o determine_v to_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v give_v and_o such_o exposition_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o scripture_n and_o of_o all_o writing_n as_o absurdity_n may_v be_v avoid_v three_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o scope_n of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v plain_o no_o more_o but_o first_o to_o enlarge_v the_o apostle_n commission_n which_o be_v give_v they_o before_o mat._n 10.5_o to_o all_o nation_n at_o first_o limit_v to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o second_o to_o enjoin_v they_o to_o attend_v principal_o and_o with_o great_a care_n and_o heed_n the_o two_o principal_a duty_n of_o their_o office_n preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n and_o whosoever_o extend_v it_o further_o apparent_o wrong_v and_o abuse_v it_o ob._n it_o be_v further_a object_v that_o the_o word_n mat._n 28.19_o where_o the_o apostle_n be_v command_v to_o teach_v and_o baptise_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o original_a tongue_n import_n that_o they_o be_v to_o baptise_v none_o but_o who_o they_o make_v disciple_n and_o then_o infant_n be_v exclude_v sol._n to_o which_o i_o answer_v the_o word_n upon_o which_o this_o cavil_n and_o criticism_n be_v ground_v be_v two_o the_o one_o translate_v 〈◊〉_d translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d teach_v which_o they_o will_v have_v to_o mean_v make_v disciple_n and_o pretend_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o translate_v and_o the_o other_o be_v they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o masculine_a gender_n and_o can_v in_o grammatical_a construction_n agree_v with_o the_o word_n nation_n go_v before_o be_v of_o the_o neuter_n gender_n and_o therefore_o must_v refer_v to_o the_o word_n disciple_n imply_v in_o the_o verb_n usual_o translate_v teach_v in_o both_o which_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v great_o if_o not_o wilful_o mistake_v for_o though_o the_o word_n may_v signify_v to_o teach_v and_o to_o make_v disciple_n
infant_n baptise_v prove_v lawful_a by_o the_o scripture_n objection_n against_o it_o resolve_v and_o remove_v mat._n 18._o 6._o whosoever_o shall_v offend_v a_o little_a child_n which_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n aug._n 24._o 1644._o imprimatur_fw-la john_n white_a london_n print_v by_o george_n miller_n dwell_v in_o blackfriar_n 1644._o the_o printer_n to_o the_o reader_n reader_n perceive_v some_o pamphlet_n to_o be_v send_v abroad_o against_o baptise_v of_o infant_n to_o corrupt_v the_o people_n i_o think_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o publish_v this_o short_a discourse_n which_o come_v to_o my_o hand_n to_o give_v some_o check_n to_o the_o spread_a of_o anabaptisticall_a fancy_n until_o some_o learned_a pen_n shall_v more_o full_o and_o large_o evince_v the_o truth_n in_o this_o controversy_n consider_v thou_o serious_o what_o be_v say_v in_o it_o and_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o present_a truth_n and_o not_o carry_v off_o from_o thy_o steadfastness_n with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n show_v thyself_o to_o be_v solid_a wheat_n and_o not_o slight_a chaff_n in_o the_o garner_n of_o god_n farewell_n infant_n baptise_v prove_v lawful_a by_o the_o scripture_n consider_v the_o present_a strange_a and_o dangerous_a spread_v of_o the_o old_a error_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n that_o child_n be_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v which_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v condemn_v whensoever_o it_o have_v be_v stir_v and_o be_v now_o again_o revive_v and_o press_v by_o the_o working_n of_o satan_n who_o have_v prevail_v to_o the_o infection_n of_o many_o therewith_o even_o among_o those_o that_o pretend_v unto_o holiness_n and_o have_v obtain_v a_o good_a degree_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v in_o myself_o till_o i_o have_v search_v into_o first_o the_o title_n and_o claim_n of_o infant_n unto_o this_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n and_o then_o into_o the_o bar_n and_o pretence_n bring_v against_o it_o and_o find_v the_o claim_n of_o infant_n to_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n strong_a and_o clear_a and_o the_o battery_n raise_v against_o it_o weak_a and_o slight_a my_o spirit_n be_v at_o rest_n and_o settle_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o constant_a and_o general_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o it_o and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o make_v any_o of_o my_o thought_n and_o meditation_n concern_v these_o thing_n legible_a till_o by_o occasion_n of_o some_o debate_n i_o have_v with_o some_o minister_n i_o reverence_v and_o of_o a_o letter_n send_v unto_o i_o by_o one_o of_o they_o i_o address_v myself_o to_o set_v down_o in_o writing_n solution_n and_o answer_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o perceive_v to_o stick_v with_o they_o whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o this_o follow_a discourse_n there_o be_v no_o methodical_a handle_n of_o the_o controversy_n as_o it_o well_o deserve_v but_o the_o state_v of_o the_o question_n and_o proof_n of_o infant_n baptism_n fall_v in_o by_o parcel_n as_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o give_v occasion_n and_o whereas_o one_o basis_n upon_o which_o the_o infant_n right_o be_v found_v be_v suggest_v by_o the_o anabaptist_n to_o be_v a_o promise_n proper_a to_o abraham_n and_o not_o to_o extend_v to_o all_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o to_o any_o of_o they_o i_o begin_v with_o that_o namely_o gen._n 17._o 7._o i_o will_v be_v the_o god_n of_o thou_o and_o of_o thy_o seed_n this_o be_v a_o double_a promise_n first_o i_o will_v be_v the_o god_n of_o thou_o second_o i_o will_v be_v the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n the_o first_o promise_n be_v no_o peculiar_a of_o abraham_n but_o be_v common_a to_o every_o believer_n under_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n a_o branch_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n jer._n 31.33_o the_o second_o be_v the_o same_o promise_n signify_v and_o carry_v in_o it_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o in_o term_n the_o same_o only_o vary_v the_o subject_n extend_v to_o seed_n his_o seed_n as_o relate_v to_o he_o must_v be_v of_o as_o large_a extent_n as_o the_o first_o and_o common_a to_o every_o believer_n with_o abraham_n and_o this_o be_v plain_a and_o manifest_a by_o the_o grammatical_a construction_n of_o this_o promise_n second_o it_o be_v far_a evidence_v by_o compare_v this_o with_o other_o scripture_n deut._n 28.4_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v bless_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o body_n where_o blessedness_n be_v promise_v to_o their_o seed_n as_o they_o in_o reference_n to_o they_o deut._n 30.2_o 6._o god_n promise_v to_o the_o true_a penitent_a to_o circumcise_v their_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o seed_n to_o love_v he_o isa_n 44_o 3_o i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o thy_o seed_n and_o my_o blessing_n upon_o thy_o offspring_n isa_n 59.21_o my_o spirit_n and_o my_o word_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n nor_o of_o thy_o seed_n seed_n for_o even_o mat._n 19.14_o and_o luk._n 18.16_o jesus_n christ_n declare_v his_o mind_n concern_v the_o child_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n he_o will_v have_v they_o bring_v to_o he_o he_o bless_v they_o and_o say_v that_o of_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n act_n 2.39_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o convert_a jew_n and_o gentile_n penitent_a believer_n affirm_v that_o the_o promise_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n three_o that_o the_o say_a promise_n be_v no_o peculiar_o of_o abraham_n appear_v by_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 3.16_o that_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n be_v make_v to_o christ_n and_o so_o to_o abraham_n as_o interest_v in_o he_o in_o who_o abraham_n and_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v all_o promise_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o abraham_n and_o to_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n in_o he_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o he_o in_o he_o be_v the_o promise_n yea_o and_o amen_o unto_o we_o abraham_n be_v a_o antecessor_n in_o the_o faith_n who_o step_n the_o faithful_a follow_v rom._n 4_o 12._o but_o neither_o father_n of_o our_o person_n nor_o of_o our_o faith_n god_n honour_v he_o to_o be_v the_o first_o to_o who_o this_o promise_n be_v express_o make_v after_o the_o same_o make_v in_o the_o begin_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o so_o he_o be_v a_o father_n and_o not_o otherwise_o more_o than_o any_o other_o believer_n there_o be_v also_o another_o speciality_n in_o this_o promise_n to_o he_o that_o of_o his_o natural_a seed_n shall_v proceed_v a_o people_n that_o shall_v have_v the_o honour_n till_o christ_n come_v to_o be_v the_o only_a visible_a church_n on_o earth_n but_o the_o scripture_n make_v this_o rather_o a_o peculiar_a of_o isaac_n then_o of_o abraham_n and_o make_v to_o he_o in_o isaac_n and_o not_o general_o gen._n 17.19_o rom._n 9.7_o the_o promise_n to_o abraham_n comprehend_v ishmael_n also_o whereupon_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o be_v give_v to_o he_o by_o god_n appointment_n clear_o declare_v the_o extent_n of_o that_o promise_n to_o all_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o it_o belong_v to_o ishmael_n till_o for_o his_o mock_n of_o isaac_n by_o which_o he_o forfeit_v it_o he_o be_v just_o excommunicate_a four_o another_o thing_n manifest_v this_o truth_n namely_o that_o god_n give_v abraham_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o promise_n not_o as_o abraham_n nor_o as_o a_o jew_n but_o for_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n he_o have_v before_o circumcision_n institute_v in_o his_o uncircumcision_n by_o that_o it_o appear_v he_o be_v in_o christ_n capable_a of_o the_o promise_n and_o entitle_v unto_o it_o and_o this_o be_v common_a to_o christian_n of_o the_o uncircumcision_n as_o well_o as_o to_o abraham_n that_o receive_v circumcision_n rom._n 4.11_o five_o this_o further_a appear_v by_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o promise_n namely_o the_o appropriation_n of_o god_n to_o believer_n by_o a_o free_a covenant_n of_o peculiar_a grace_n above_o and_o before_o other_o and_o this_o grace_n as_o believe_v be_v either_o outward_a for_o and_o concern_v visible_a church_n privilege_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n partaker_n of_o baptism_n 13._o baptism_n the_o visible_a church_n be_v call_v christ_n 1_o cor_n 1â—_n 12._o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n mat._n 13._o etc._n etc._n or_o inward_a and_o mere_o spiritual_a which_o none_o but_o true_a saint_n in_o who_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v form_v have_v covenant-right_a unto_o clear_o all_o the_o natural_a seed_n