be_v justify_v by_o god_n word_n shall_v they_o judicious_o acknowledge_v that_o abraham_n covenant_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n thereof_o and_o that_o water_n baptism_n be_v now_o come_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o 2._o in_o that_o some_o have_v reflect_v on_o that_o covenant_n call_v it_o a_o carnal_a covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o observe_v and_o practise_v circumcision_n the_o seal_n thereof_o a_o carnal_a church_n all_o i_o need_v to_o say_v by_o way_n of_o reply_n be_v to_o bewail_v the_o carnality_n of_o their_o uncircumcised_a heart_n and_o lip_n who_o have_v no_o better_a or_o high_a apprehension_n of_o god_n holy_a covenant_n the_o grace_n whereof_o must_v bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n if_o ever_o they_o come_v thither_o and_o of_o his_o so_o high_o honour_a friend_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n prophet_n and_o godly_a believer_n of_o that_o day_n than_o to_o call_v it_o a_o carnal_a covenant_n and_o they_o a_o carnal_a church_n 3._o if_o abraham_n covenant_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n to_o he_o and_o his_o child_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o he_o so_o to_o we_o gentile_a believer_n and_o to_o our_o child_n now_o and_o if_o so_o let_v the_o adversary_n demonstrate_v if_o he_o can_v how_o abraham_n or_o any_o of_o that_o carnal_a church_n as_o they_o false_o term_v it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v now_o in_o a_o save_v state_n or_o what_o ground_n of_o hope_n we_o gentile_a believer_n and_o our_o child_n have_v that_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n when_o we_o die_v see_v that_o we_o be_v still_o under_o the_o very_a same_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n which_o covenant_n if_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o not_o of_o grace_n no_o salvation_n can_v be_v expect_v and_o if_o the_o believer_n under_o that_o dark_a dispensation_n be_v carnal_a and_o not_o spiritual_a how_o come_v the_o unerring_a wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o propound_v they_o to_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n for_o example_n and_o pattern_n of_o faith_n patience_n etc._n etc._n heb._n 11._o heb._n 12.1_o ja._n 5.10_o let_v it_o be_v far_o consider_v that_o albeit_o the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n seal_v no_o save_v blessing_n to_o the_o non-elect_a it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o it_o seal_v no_o other_o than_o temporal_a blessing_n to_o the_o elect_n see_v that_o to_o they_o the_o heavenly_a be_v typical_o include_v in_o the_o earthly_a as_o touch_v the_o earthly_a blessing_n which_o circumcision_n seal_v to_o the_o non-elect_a they_o be_v great_a and_o better_a than_o god_n be_v any_o way_n oblige_v to_o give_v they_o i_o be_o sure_a than_o they_o saving_o improve_v object_n we_o utter_o deny_v that_o water-baptism_n do_v succeed_v and_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n answ_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o affirmative_a let_v the_o three_o argument_n already_o lay_v down_o under_o this_o head_n be_v serious_o and_o without_o prejudice_n consider_v to_o which_o i_o will_v only_o add_v the_o explication_n of_o colos_n 2.11_o 12._o whereon_o i_o have_v ground_v a_o four_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o water-baptism_n succeed_v and_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n in_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v the_o apostle_n plain_o set_v forth_o to_o the_o believe_a colossian_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o believe_a gentile_n to_o the_o world_n end_n two_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v by_o all_o true_a believer_n first_o that_o they_o who_o by_o a_o true_a lively_a faith_n have_v embrace_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n evidence_v their_o faith_n by_o the_o truth_n of_o gospel-sanctification_a they_o and_o none_o else_o who_o be_v adult_n be_v make_v actual_a partaker_n of_o the_o true_a and_o save_a circumcision_n effect_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o which_o be_v external_o signify_v by_o the_o outward_a circumcision_n these_o believer_n have_v now_o obtain_v the_o spiritual_a circumcision_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v concern_v or_o trouble_v that_o they_o be_v not_o outward_o circumcise_a with_o the_o circumcision_n make_v with_o man_n hand_n forasmuch_o as_o that_o which_o be_v external_o signify_v and_o seaâ—ed_v to_o the_o believe_a jew_n by_o the_o outward_a circumcision_n be_v now_o internal_o and_o powerful_o wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n second_o the_o apostle_n set_v forth_o in_o this_o place_n that_o water-baptism_n be_v institute_v and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n to_o be_v to_o believe_v gentile_n the_o same_o that_o circumcision_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n viz._n a_o visible_a sign_n and_o seal_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n to_o all_o his_o ecclesiastical_a church-seed_n among_o the_o gentile_n viz._n all_o of_o that_o race_n who_o on_o god_n call_v they_o believe_v in_o and_o obey_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o these_o and_o their_o infant-seed_n and_o none_o else_o among_o the_o gentile_n baptism_n do_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n signify_v and_o seal_v the_o very_a same_o spiritual_a blessing_n and_o church-priviledge_n which_o circumcision_n of_o old_a do_v signify_v and_o seal_v to_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o so_o much_o controvert_v place_n in_o this_o sense_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v die_v satisfy_v and_o herein_o i_o humble_o conceive_v none_o of_o the_o orthodox_n will_v differ_v from_o i_o which_o sense_n be_v grant_v it_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o scriptural_a contradiction_n that_o water-baptism_n be_v institute_v and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n on_o purpose_n to_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n chap._n iu._n show_v and_o prove_v that_o the_o infant_n of_o believe_a gentile_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n have_v as_o real_a a_o right_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o baptism_n the_o now_o visible_a sign_n and_o seal_v thereof_o as_o have_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n to_o it_o and_o to_o circumcision_n the_o than_o seal_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o they_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o the_o grace_n and_o outward_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o be_v the_o most_o adult_n grow_v believer_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o four_o argument_n to_o evince_v and_o make_v good_a against_o all_o opposition_n what_o i_o now_o assert_v arg._n 1._o the_o first_o argument_n be_v thus_o frame_v if_o god_n himself_n do_v by_o absolute_a sovereign_a grace_n comprehend_v abraham_n church-seed_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o make_v with_o believe_v abraham_n their_o stipulate_v and_o covenant_v father_n and_o never_o since_o repeal_v that_o gracious_a act_n of_o he_o then_o the_o infant_n of_o abraham_n church-seed_n be_v still_o interest_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v as_o great_a right_n to_o and_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o the_o grace_n and_o seal_v of_o that_o covenant_n as_o ever_o but_o god_n himself_n do_v by_o absolute_a sovereign_a grace_n comprehend_v abraham_n church-seed_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o make_v with_o believe_v abraham_n their_o stipulate_v and_o covenant_v father_n which_o gracious_a act_n of_o his_o be_v never_o since_o repeal_v therefore_o the_o infant_n of_o abraham_n church-seed_n be_v still_o interest_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v as_o great_a a_o right_n to_o and_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o the_o grace_n and_o seal_v of_o that_o covenant_n as_o ever_o i_o can_v see_v how_o this_o argument_n can_v possible_o be_v overthrow_v but_o by_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v alter_v and_o change_v that_o covenant_n he_o make_v with_o abraham_n his_o friend_n for_o himself_o and_o for_o his_o church-seed_n the_o which_o when_o the_o adversary_n do_v by_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n not_o abuse_v and_o pervert_v i_o shall_v then_o yield_v the_o cause_n and_o bewail_v my_o mistake_n but_o two_o thing_n cause_n in_o i_o a_o unshaken_a confidence_n that_o this_o can_v never_o be_v do_v first_o the_o immutability_n and_o unchangableness_n of_o god_n on_o which_o very_a account_n he_o be_v style_v a_o covenant-keeping_a god_n who_o never_o yet_o cast_v off_o any_o poor_a sinner_n until_o that_o sinner_n do_v first_o actual_o cast_v god_n off_o the_o which_o i_o think_v the_o adversary_n dare_v not_o deny_v second_o the_o impossibility_n of_o poor_a infant_n actual_o cast_v god_n off_o and_o that_o because_o of_o their_o incapacity_n in_o respect_n of_o age._n arg._n 2._o if_o infant_n be_v at_o all_o save_v they_o be_v save_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n which_o covenant_n and_o the_o external_n
if_o he_o granâ—_n that_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n i_o have_v what_o i_o be_v to_o prove_v if_o he_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n than_o it_o lie_v at_o his_o door_n to_o demonstrate_v what_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n if_o he_o say_v that_o that_o covenant_n have_v no_o seal_n at_o all_o he_o will_v thereby_o not_o only_o gainsay_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o also_o speak_v against_o reason_n for_o all_o man_n know_v it_o be_v a_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o covenant_n to_o have_v a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n arg._n 2._o if_o circumcision_n be_v by_o god_n himself_o call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o be_v it_o beyond_o all_o controversy_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o circumcision_n be_v by_o god_n himself_o call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n therefore_o circumcision_n be_v beyond_o all_o controversy_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o proof_n of_o the_o argument_n compare_v act_n 7_o 8_o with_o gen._n 17_o 10._o to_o which_o i_o will_v only_o add_v rom._n 4_o 11_o which_o will_v put_v the_o matter_n in_o dispute_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o dispute_n the_o word_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v in_o call_v circumcision_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n which_o plain_o prove_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n second_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o no_o other_o chap._n iii_o that_o water-baptism_n succeed_v or_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n under_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n i_o prove_v by_o 3_o convince_a argument_n arg._n 1._o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o initiatory_a seal_n appoint_v by_o christ_n â—nder_v the_o gospel_n but_o water-baptism_n then_o be_v water-baptism_n come_v or_o suceee_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n to_o be_v the_o initiate_a seal_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o initiatory_a seal_n appoint_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o water-baptism_n therefore_o water-baptism_n be_v come_v or_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n to_o be_v the_o initiatory_a seal_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n and_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n will_v the_o more_o clear_o appear_v by_o due_o consider_v that_o circumcision_n be_v under_o the_o dark_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o will_v not_o can_v be_v deny_v unless_o by_o man_n who_o understand_v or_o care_n not_o what_o they_o say_v that_o water-baptism_n be_v and_o must_v be_v so_o now_o mun_o of_o necessity_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o own_o that_o the_o lord_n supper_n succeed_v or_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o passeover_n i_o humble_o conceive_v no_o wise_a man_n will_v oppose_v i_o in_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new-testament_n have_v as_o great_a need_n of_o a_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o have_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o old_a and_o if_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o seal_n i_o know_v not_o what_o be_v for_o that_o circumcision_n be_v now_o abrogate_a and_o abolish_v under_o the_o gospel_n none_o can_v deny_v and_o that_o some_o other_o visible_a sign_n must_v succeed_v or_o come_v in_o its_o room_n must_v be_v grant_v by_o they_o who_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o lord_n supper_n succeed_v or_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o passeover_n arg._n 2._o if_o the_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v practical_o own_o baptism_n to_o be_v the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n than_o baptism_n be_v the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n but_o the_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v practical_o own_o baptism_n to_o be_v the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n therefore_o baptism_n be_v the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n those_o i_o here_o dispute_v against_o before_o they_o can_v overthrow_v this_o argument_n must_v abandon_v their_o own_o practice_n in_o make_v baptism_n by_o dip_v the_o door_n of_o entrance_n into_o their_o church_n by_o which_o practice_n they_o unchurch_n all_o other_o church_n who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n it_o be_v well_o know_v in_o london_n and_o else_o where_o where_o anabaptism_n be_v practise_v that_o they_o make_v baptism_n by_o dip_v the_o form_n of_o a_o right_a gospel_n church_n on_o which_o account_n it_o be_v they_o refuse_v communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n with_o the_o most_o sanctify_a believer_n if_o they_o be_v not_o dip_v after_o their_o mode_n it_o be_v true_a that_o some_o of_o that_o persuasion_n will_v seem_v more_o moderate_a and_o charitable_a than_o other_o of_o that_o way_n while_o they_o make_v saintship_n the_o only_o term_v of_o church_n communion_n these_o seem_v not_o to_o lay_v such_o stress_n on_o baptism_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o persuasion_n do_v they_o will_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n with_o they_o those_o of_o other_o persuasion_n though_o not_o baptise_a in_o their_o way_n but_o how_o such_o will_v be_v able_a to_o justify_v their_o practice_n in_o admit_v unbaptised_a person_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n i_o can_v understand_v to_o i_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o parity_n of_o reason_n for_o keep_v back_o a_o unbaptised_a person_n from_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o there_o be_v for_o keep_v back_o a_o uncircumcised_a person_n from_o the_o passover_n of_o old_a the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n baptism_n be_v the_o visible_a badge_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regeneration_n as_o circumcision_n be_v to_o the_o believe_a jew_n the_o other_o viz._n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o visible_a badge_n of_o our_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n as_o the_o passover_n of_o old_a be_v to_o the_o believe_a circumcise_a jew_n now_o as_o communion_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o union_n and_o follow_v after_o it_o so_o no_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o second_o that_o be_v not_o actual_o a_o visible_a partaker_n of_o the_o first_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o these_o who_o in_o charity_n invite_v we_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o they_o do_v account_v we_o as_o unbaptised_a person_n while_o they_o reckon_v our_o baptism_n receive_v in_o infancy_n and_o by_o sprinkle_v but_o a_o mere_a nullity_n that_o be_v no_o baptism_n at_o all_o arg._n 3._o if_o water_n baptism_n have_v the_o same_o end_n and_o use_v assign_v it_o by_o god_n as_o circumcision_n have_v of_o old_a viz._n to_o signify_v and_o seal_v to_o believer_n and_o their_o infant_n elect_n the_o truth_n of_o their_o regeneration_n &c_n &c_n then_o water_n baptism_n have_v succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n but_o water_n baptism_n have_v the_o same_o end_n and_o use_v assign_v it_o by_o god_n as_o circumcision_n have_v of_o old_a viz._n to_o signify_v and_o seal_v to_o believer_n and_o their_o elect_a infant_n the_o truth_n of_o their_o regeneration_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o water_n baptism_n have_v succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n this_o argument_n depend_v on_o the_o right_n and_o genuine_a explication_n of_o that_o text_n in_o colos_n 2.11_o in_o who_o also_o you_o be_v circumcise_a with_o the_o circumcision_n make_v without_o hand_n in_o put_v off_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n by_o the_o circumcision_n of_o christ_n bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n wherein_o also_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o he_o through_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n who_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a i_o shall_v not_o here_o meddle_v with_o explain_v this_o because_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v to_o it_o when_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v the_o objection_n bring_v against_o baptism_n be_v come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n whereto_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n against_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v object_v thus_o object_n circumcision_n be_v only_o a_o seal_n of_o a_o temporal_a carnal_a covenant_n seal_v only_o earthly_a and_o temporal_a blessing_n to_o the_o carnal_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n ans_fw-fr to_o this_o objection_n i_o answer_v in_o three_o particular_n 1._o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o some_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a teacher_n will_v fain_o have_v it_o to_o be_v and_o that_o mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o keep_v poor_a infant_n from_o baptism_n which_o they_o know_v can_v never_o
take_v on_o he_o to_o usurp_v the_o seat_n of_o judgement_n in_o pass_v sentence_n on_o all_o the_o holy_a learned_a and_o orthodox_n divine_v and_o protestant_a martyr_n and_o church_n who_o be_v go_v to_o glory_n in_o the_o unshaken_a belief_n that_o the_o infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n have_v a_o unquestionable_a right_n to_o baptism_n and_o that_o they_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n covenant_n signify_v thereby_o but_o that_o the_o lord_n supper_n belong_v to_o none_o but_o to_o adult_n and_o actual_a believer_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o those_o qualification_n require_v in_o a_o worthy_a communicant_a such_o as_o self-examination_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o state_n godward_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n his_o progress_n in_o a_o holy_a life_n his_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n his_o keep_n up_o a_o lively_a communion_n with_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n in_o that_o ordinance_n and_o judge_v one_o self_n in_o case_n of_o short_a come_n in_o holy_a duty_n these_o be_v the_o qualification_n require_v to_o be_v in_o one_o who_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n of_o which_o any_o not_o in_o a_o dream_n may_v judge_v a_o infant_n can_v be_v capable_a while_o a_o infant_n i_o humble_o hope_v not_o judicious_a christian_n will_v censure_v i_o as_o rash_a and_o uncharitable_a if_o i_o judge_v those_o preacher_n fit_a for_o a_o shopboard_n than_o a_o pulpit_n who_o be_v not_o able_a or_o willing_a to_o discern_v or_o distinguish_v between_o milk_n and_o strong_a meat_n and_o who_o will_v deny_v to_o infant_n the_o milk_n of_o holy_a baptism_n whereof_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o whereto_o by_o god_n covenant_n they_o have_v right_a because_o they_o be_v uncapable_a of_o receive_v and_o digest_v the_o strong_a meat_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n object_n 8._o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o be_v accompany_v with_o his_o blessing_n to_o the_o infant_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o baptise_a in_o infancy_n prove_v so_o carnal_a and_o loose_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n answ_n hereto_o i_o reply_v in_o three_o particular_n wherewith_o i_o shall_v shut_v up_o the_o present_a dispute_n first_o it_o be_v with_o many_o believer_n infant_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o infant_n of_o old_a some_o be_v their_o child_n by_o fleshly_a generation_n only_o who_o ishmael-like_a prove_v mocker_n and_o scoffer_n at_o holiness_n and_o hater_n of_o god_n and_o good_a man_n these_o notwithstanding_o the_o relation_n they_o stand_v in_o to_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o the_o external_n profession_n they_o make_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o a_o time_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o darkness_n and_o folly_n lodge_v in_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n they_o give_v themselves_o over_o to_o all_o kind_n of_o looseness_n baptism_n now_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v fault_v on_o this_o account_n than_o circumcision_n be_v former_o when_o the_o child_n of_o believe_a gentile_n do_v actual_o violate_v god_n covenant_n and_o depart_v from_o he_o then_o will_v god_n do_v with_o they_o as_o he_o do_v with_o abraham_n carnal_a seed_n etc._n etc._n second_o as_o some_o of_o the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n who_o be_v baptise_a in_o infant_n state_n prove_v loose_a and_o vain_a so_o bless_a be_v god_n a_o great_a many_o prove_v holy_a and_o upright_a walker_n with_o god_n manifest_v in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o lively_a copy_n of_o that_o spiritual_a circumcision_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n when_o convert_v which_o be_v signify_v and_o seal_v by_o that_o baptism_n which_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o when_o infant_n three_o and_o last_o if_o from_o the_o vain_a and_o sinful_a practice_n of_o some_o baptise_a in_o infancy_n infant-baptism_n must_v be_v disallow_v as_o no_o institution_n of_o god_n how_o strong_a a_o argument_n will_v this_o prove_v to_o overthrow_v the_o baptise_v grow_v professor_n for_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o the_o opposer_n of_o infant-baptism_n must_v own_v will_v they_o will_v they_o that_o many_o of_o those_o baptise_a in_o their_o way_n have_v notwithstanding_o their_o shine_a profession_n and_o their_o high_a pretension_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n within_o fall_v most_o foul_o and_o never_o recover_v again_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n give_v from_o above_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v up_o from_o god_n word_n that_o abraham_n covenant_n gen._n 17.7_o be_v most_o certain_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o have_v also_o prove_v from_o the_o same_o word_n that_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o that_o baptism_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v now_o succeed_v or_o come_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o infant_n of_o believe_a gentile_n have_v as_o real_a a_o right_n to_o baptism_n as_o abraham_n seed_n have_v to_o circumcision_n under_o that_o dark_a dispensation_n and_o whether_o the_o answer_n i_o have_v give_v to_o the_o most_o material_a objection_n i_o find_v bring_v against_o infant-baptism_n be_v pertinent_a and_o convince_a i_o leave_v to_o the_o judicious_a and_o unprejudiced_a to_o judge_n chap._n v._n among_o all_o the_o rash_a and_o presumptuous_a assertor_n of_o dip_v the_o whole_a body_n under_o water_n be_v the_o only_a right_a mode_n or_o manner_n of_o baptise_v none_o have_v make_v a_o great_a noise_n or_o a_o fair_a show_n of_o be_v herein_o infalible_a than_o one_o william_n russel_n who_o style_v himself_o medicinae_fw-la doctor_n accademiae_n cantabrigiensis_n this_o author_n with_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a confidence_n have_v bold_o assert_v that_o dip_v etc._n etc._n be_v the_o only_a right_a mode_n of_o baptise_v command_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o practise_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n this_o crude_a or_o raw_a assertion_n of_o he_o he_o labour_v to_o support_v and_o make_v good_a by_o a_o fourfold_a medium_fw-la first_o the_o etymology_n of_o the_o greek_a word_n the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v to_o express_v dip_v by_o second_o those_o metaphor_n use_v in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o represent_v it_o to_o our_o understanding_n three_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o baptizer_n four_o the_o word_n of_o the_o grand_a commission_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o mat._n 28.19_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o falseness_n of_o his_o assertion_n and_o to_o discover_v to_o weak_a and_o injudicious_a people_n the_o great_a mistake_v whereon_o he_o bottom_n his_o assertion_n be_v the_o design_n of_o my_o present_a undertake_n but_o before_o i_o attack_v this_o goliath_n in_o examine_v what_o he_o can_v get_v from_o the_o four_o particular_n above_o mention_v which_o may_v cause_v simple_a and_o empty_a brain_n to_o think_v and_o conceit_v this_o accademical_a doctor_n invincible_a and_o unanswerable_a in_o what_o he_o have_v so_o peremptory_o assert_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n i_o will_v lay_v down_o two_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o premise_v whereof_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n who_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v deceive_v to_o take_v notice_n the_o first_o be_v that_o not_o so_o much_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n therein_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o which_o truth_n and_o error_n be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v i_o have_v often_o say_v and_o i_o be_o very_o bold_a in_o affirm_v that_o that_o sense_n or_o interpretation_n which_o any_o man_n or_o man_n give_v of_o any_o text_n of_o god_n word_n which_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n that_o sense_n or_o interpretation_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o satan_n not_o from_o god_n be_v the_o same_o never_o so_o plausible_a and_o please_a to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o be_v the_o author_n never_o so_o high_o esteem_v of_o for_o both_o their_o piety_n and_o learning_n there_o be_v a_o sweet_a and_o a_o harmonious_a concord_n and_o agreement_n between_o all_o the_o part_n of_o god_n reveal_v religion_n though_o but_o few_o comparative_o can_v see_v it_o to_o be_v so_o the_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o his_o institute_v worship_n be_v plain_a easy_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o eye_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n have_v anoint_v but_o to_o such_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n nothing_o in_o religion_n appear_v to_o they_o but_o nonsense_n and_o seem_a contradiction_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o thousand_o in_o england_n etc._n etc._n stagger_v and_o reel_v with_o a_o spiritual_a vertigo_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n wherein_o both_o they_o and_o their_o
principle_n on_o which_o all_o sound_a protestant_n do_v maintain_v and_o justify_v the_o right_a of_o believer_n infant_n to_o baptism_n be_v beyond_o contradiction_n when_o the_o most_o high_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n god_n see_v fit_a to_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o be_v that_o his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n agree_v on_o between_o himself_o and_o his_o son_n christ_n in_o eternity_n shall_v be_v dispense_v in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n way_n he_o single_v out_o above_o all_o other_o man_n abraham_n his_o friend_n on_o who_o he_o confer_v the_o honourable_a title_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a rom._n 4.11_o not_o that_o abraham_n do_v or_o can_v possible_o beget_v a_o believer_n as_o such_o or_o can_v convey_v into_o the_o child_n he_o beget_v according_a to_o fleshly_a generation_n that_o noble_a grace_n of_o faith_n wherewith_o god_n free-gift_n have_v bless_v himself_o but_o god_n open_v and_o propound_v his_o everlasting_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o he_o as_o a_o public_a person_n who_o be_v to_o personate_v all_o true_a believer_n who_o in_o after_o age_n be_v to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n to_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o the_o word_n of_o gen._n 17.7_o i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n for_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o this_o covenant_n have_v two_o essential_a part_n as_o all_o right_a covenant_n have_v 1._o god_n part_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o word_n i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o etc._n etc._n the_o meaning_n whereof_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v thus_o understand_v though_o thou_o abraham_n who_o i_o now_o call_v to_o become_v my_o friend_n and_o favoright_n and_o a_o public_a head_n or_o representative_a of_o all_o believe_a church_n member_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o undo_v and_o guilty_a sinner_n pollute_v in_o thy_o nature_n and_o bear_v under_o adam_n covenant_n of_o work_n liable_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o its_o curse_n and_o to_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v unable_a to_o recover_v or_o help_v thyself_o out_o of_o that_o deplorable_a condition_n into_o which_o thy_o natural_a birth_n as_o adam_n child_n have_v put_v thou_o and_o albeit_o thou_o be_v no_o way_n worthy_a of_o any_o favour_n yet_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o let_v thou_o know_v what_o thought_n and_o purpose_n of_o mercy_n and_o kindness_n i_o have_v in_o store_n for_o thou_o abraham_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o elect_a who_o i_o have_v choose_v to_o myself_o in_o christ_n the_o promise_a messiah_n of_o who_o that_o son_n which_o i_o have_v promise_v thou_o be_v to_o be_v a_o type_n and_o in_o who_o person_n all_o my_o elect_a be_v to_o be_v allegorical_o or_o typical_o represent_v and_o that_o as_o thy_o son_n be_v to_o be_v a_o type_n of_o i_o in_o who_o i_o have_v elect_v and_o choose_v they_o i_o frank_o and_o free_o pardon_v and_o forgive_v thou_o all_o those_o transgression_n and_o sin_n wherewith_o as_o adam_n child_n thou_o stand_v chargeable_a for_o break_v that_o covenant_n of_o work_n i_o make_v with_o adam_n thy_o and_o all_o mankind_n natural_a and_o faederal_n head_n i_o account_v thou_o perfect_o just_a and_o righteous_a in_o my_o sight_n not_o by_o or_o for_o that_o principal_a of_o inherent_a holiness_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o effectual_a call_v have_v wrought_v in_o thou_o which_o inherent_a holiness_n be_v ever_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o justify_v state_n but_o never_o the_o procure_n or_o merit_v cause_n but_o i_o account_v and_o esteem_v thou_o as_o just_a and_o righteous_a as_o if_o thou_o have_v in_o thy_o own_o person_n exact_o perform_v that_o legal_a righteousness_n which_o the_o law_n moral_n require_v on_o the_o alone_a account_n of_o my_o son_n righteousness_n which_o as_o the_o mediator_n and_o surety_n of_o this_o my_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o be_v to_o perform_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o thou_o and_o all_o my_o elect_a i_o most_o free_o impute_v to_o thou_o i_o sanctify_v and_o renew_v thy_o vitiate_a and_o pollute_a nature_n by_o my_o sanctify_a spirit_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o i_o both_o here_o in_o my_o church_n militant_a and_o here_o after_o in_o my_o church_n triumphant_a i_o adopt_v thou_o to_o be_v my_o son_n by_o grace_n and_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o thou_o be_v restore_v to_o all_o the_o blessing_n right_n and_o privilege_n which_o adam_n thy_o natural_a and_o federal_n head_n lose_v and_o forfeit_v by_o his_o apostasy_n and_o defection_n hereby_o thou_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o free_a denizon_n into_o the_o family_n and_o household_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o thou_o be_v cast_v out_o in_o adam_n when_o he_o be_v eject_v and_o cast_v out_o for_o his_o rebellion_n witness_v his_o expulsion_n out_o of_o earthly_a paradise_n a_o lively_a type_n of_o the_o heavenly_a i_o promise_v to_o establish_v thou_o in_o grace_n so_o as_o thou_o shall_v never_o more_a be_v in_o danger_n of_o lose_v thyself_o or_o forfeit_v my_o love_n and_o favour_n any_o more_o for_o ever_o i_o will_v be_v a_o sun_n and_o a_o shield_n to_o furnish_v and_o supply_v thou_o with_o all_o necessary_a accommodation_n for_o life_n in_o this_o world_n i_o will_v protect_v and_o defend_v thou_o from_o all_o adverse_a power_n spiritual_o and_o bodily_a which_o shall_v contrive_v and_o seek_v thy_o ruin_n and_o final_o i_o will_v receive_v thou_o into_o heaven_n when_o by_o death_n thou_o go_v hence_o where_o thou_o shall_v live_v and_o reign_v with_o i_o eternal_o and_o the_o very_a same_o mercy_n and_o favour_n which_o i_o have_v now_o express_v and_o show_v to_o thou_o i_o do_v oblige_v myself_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o my_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v do_v to_o all_o my_o elect_a who_o be_v to_o spring_v from_o thy_o loin_n as_o also_o to_o all_o my_o elect_a who_o be_v to_o come_v of_o the_o gentile_a race_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o man_n part_n as_o for_o thou_o abraham_n this_o thou_o must_v do_v on_o thy_o part_n thou_o must_v walk_v humble_o and_o upright_o before_o i_o thou_o must_v make_v the_o moral_a law_n engrave_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o my_o spirit_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o adam_n thy_o natural_a and_o federal_n head_n the_o stand_a rule_n of_o thy_o obedience_n both_o negative_o and_o positive_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o thy_o obedience_n thou_o must_v look_v exact_o to_o three_o thing_n 1._o to_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o thy_o obedience_n let_v it_o be_v what_o i_o command_v and_o require_v not_o what_o creature_n devise_v or_o enjoin_v 2._o to_o the_o manner_n see_v that_o thou_o do_v it_o in_o faith_n keep_v thy_o eye_n on_o christ_n my_o son_n for_o acceptance_n and_o act_v all_o by_o strength_n derive_v from_o he_o 3._o to_o the_o end_n see_v that_o my_o glory_n be_v that_o thou_o aim_v at_o and_o design_a in_o all_o thou_o go_v about_o thou_o shall_v not_o do_v my_o work_n and_o service_n in_o a_o mercenary_a way_n as_o a_o servant_n that_o work_v for_o wage_n but_o thou_o must_v obey_v my_o command_n as_o a_o son_n with_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n and_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n know_v and_o consider_v that_o my_o grace_n and_o love_n have_v make_v provision_n of_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v thou_o every_o way_n eternal_o happy_a both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o the_o dreadful_a curse_n and_o eternal_a death_n to_o which_o by_o sin_n thou_o become_v obnoxious_a my_o son_n christ_n type_v out_o by_o the_o ram_n have_v set_v thou_o for_o ever_o free_a from_o it_o and_o that_o by_o his_o be_v make_v a_o curse_n and_o undergo_a death_n for_o thou_o as_o be_v thy_o sponsor_n or_o surety_n at_o his_o hand_n i_o have_v receive_v the_o full_a of_o that_o debt_n whereto_o thou_o become_v liable_a by_o break_v my_o law_n there_o remain_v not_o the_o least_o mite_n for_o thou_o to_o pay_v so_o that_o now_o thou_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o fear_v my_o vindicative_a justice_n the_o many_o and_o sharp_a affliction_n wherewith_o thou_o shall_v meet_v in_o thy_o way_n to_o glory_n shall_v be_v but_o the_o gentle_a chastisement_n of_o thy_o dear_o love_v and_o reconcile_v father_n who_o by_o they_o will_v purge_v out_o the_o remains_z of_o thy_o indwelling_a corruption_n and_o sweet_o wean_v thou_o from_o the_o entice_a object_n of_o the_o vain_a and_o bewitch_a world_n thou_o live_v in_o that_o perfect_a and_o spotless_a righteousness_n which_o must_v recommend_v thou_o to_o i_o and_o
the_o law_n demand_v as_o a_o man_n natural_o dead_a be_v uncapable_a of_o raise_v or_o quicken_a himself_n or_o as_o a_o sparrow_n be_v uncapable_a to_o remove_v or_o carry_v on_o its_o back_n the_o great_a mountain_n in_o the_o world_n to_o what_o end_n shall_v the_o only_a wise_a god_n make_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n with_o such_o a_o fall_v sinner_n arg._n 2._o if_o to_o hold_v and_o teach_v that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o high_a reflection_n on_o god_n and_o also_o destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n then_o be_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o to_o hold_v and_o teach_v that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o high_a reflection_n on_o god_n and_o destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n therefore_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n gen._n 17.7_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o render_v this_o argument_n unanswerable_a two_o thing_n want_v confirmation_n first_o that_o to_o hold_v and_o teach_v that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v a_o high_a reflection_n on_o god_n and_o second_o that_o the_o same_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n the_o first_o of_o these_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o the_o unprejudiced_a and_o impartial_a reader_n if_o he_o serious_o consider_v how_o inconsistent_a it_o be_v with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o god_n to_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n with_o a_o lapse_v pollute_v sinner_n who_o he_o know_v to_o be_v altogether_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o every_o way_n as_o unable_a to_o will_n or_o do_v any_o work_n that_o be_v spiritual_o good_a as_o a_o dead_a man_n be_v able_a to_o quicken_v and_o raise_v himself_o for_o illustration_n sake_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v how_o unbecoming_a a_o wise_a and_o prudent_a man_n it_o will_v be_v to_o strike_v a_o covenant_n or_o bargain_n for_o ten_o or_o twenty_o thousand_o pound_n with_o a_o insolvent_a person_n who_o be_v well_o know_v not_o to_o be_v worth_a ten_o farthing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o worse_o who_o have_v neither_o wit_n to_o contrive_v nor_o health_n or_o limb_n to_o work_n to_o get_v a_o penny_n towards_o pay_v such_o a_o vast_a sum._n i_o can_v so_o much_o as_o doubt_v of_o any_o worldly_a wise_a man_n unwillingness_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o oversight_n as_o this_o and_o shall_v the_o uner_o wise_a god_n be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a a_o absurdity_n sâ—condly_o as_o this_o principle_n reflect_v on_o god_n so_o it_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n this_o appear_v beyond_o all_o contradiction_n in_o that_o it_o rase_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o deny_v that_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n with_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o old-testament_n believer_n depend_v on_o for_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o by_o which_o we_o gentile_a believer_n hope_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n for_o most_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o by_o this_o pernicious_a principle_n abraham_n be_v lose_v with_o all_o who_o die_v trust_v to_o the_o grace_n exhibit_v in_o that_o covenant_n and_o if_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v trust_v to_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o of_o his_o eccelsiastical_a church_n seed_n can_v be_v save_v any_o more_o than_o he_o be_v for_o by_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n no_o mere_a man_n ever_o be_v or_o shâ—ll_v be_v justify_v and_o save_v arg._n 3_o if_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o either_o direct_o or_o by_o consequence_n call_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n gen._n 17.7_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n than_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_n either_o direct_o or_o by_o consequence_n call_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n a_o covenant_n of_o work_n therefore_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n if_o it_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o write_a word_n or_o by_o argument_n deducible_a therefrom_o that_o abraham_n covenant_n gen._n 17.7_o be_v call_v or_o can_v be_v prove_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n they_o who_o so_o hold_v and_o teach_v will_v be_v find_v rank_v among_o those_o who_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a and_o who_o put_v light_n for_o darkness_n and_o darkness_n for_o light_n esa_n 5.10_o for_o man_n to_o take_v on_o they_o to_o term_v abraham_n covenant_n a_o covenant_n of_o work_n without_o any_o warrant_n divine_a be_v to_o i_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o ignorant_a rash_a and_o presumptuous_a spirit_n from_o which_o charge_n let_v such_o man_n see_v how_o they_o can_v acquit_v and_o free_v themselves_o arg._n 4._o if_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o work_n then_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o he_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o work_n but_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o work_n therefore_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o he_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n that_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o work_n the_o scripture_n be_v express_v and_o clear_a rom._n 4.2_o 3_o 4._o gal._n 2.5_o 6_o 7._o arg._n 5._o if_o god_n have_v make_v no_o other_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o abraham_n distinct_a from_o that_o in_o gen._n 17.7_o then_o that_o covenant_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o god_n make_v no_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o abraham_n distinct_a from_o that_o in_o gen._n 17.7_o therefore_o that_o covenant_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n that_o which_o will_v determine_v the_o point_n in_o controversy_n be_v this_o let_v those_o who_o herein_o oppose_v i_o lay_v down_o a_o scriptural_a definition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o in_o such_o term_n as_o best_o please_v themselves_o and_o in_o case_n their_o own_o definition_n do_v not_o agree_v at_o least_o for_o substance_n with_o gen._n 17.7_o if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o god_n word_n then_o be_o i_o free_o willing_a to_o own_v myself_o herein_o mistake_v if_o they_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o so_o fair_a a_o proposal_n let_v the_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a reader_n judge_n who_o be_v at_o the_o loss_n herein_o they_o or_o i_o i_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o this_o dilemma_n viz._n abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a he_o be_v eâ—ther_o save_v or_o else_o he_o be_v damn_a one_o of_o these_o two_o the_o adversary_n i_o now_o oppose_v must_v grant_v for_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a state_n for_o soul_n depart_v if_o they_o say_v he_o be_v damn_a then_o be_v there_o no_o ground_n leave_v we_o to_o hope_v that_o any_o of_o adam_n posterity_n ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o we_o have_v no_o other_o covenant_n whereby_o to_o expect_v salvation_n but_o that_o of_o abraham_n and_o if_o he_o perish_v under_o that_o covenant_n so_o must_v we_o if_o they_o grant_v that_o abraham_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n as_o they_o must_v if_o they_o speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n than_o abraham_n be_v justify_v and_o save_v by_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o if_o by_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o that_o covenant_n mention_v in_o gen._n 17.7_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o beside_o that_o covenant_n the_o scripture_n know_v no_o other_o against_o what_o i_o have_v say_v and_o all_o orthodox_n protestant_n constant_o â—old_a and_o affâ—â—m_a concern_v abraham_n covenant_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o pure_a and_o absolute_a grace_n this_o be_v object_v by_o the_o adversary_n object_n the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v a_o temporal_a blessing_n therefore_o such_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v a_o temporary_a seal_n i_o answer_v in_o two_o particular_n first_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v no_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n let_v the_o word_n in_o the_o seven_o verse_n be_v read_v without_o prejudice_n the_o last_o clause_n of_o the_o verse_n do_v full_o comprehend_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o abraham_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o addition_n or_o overplus_n no_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n
who_o shall_v embrace_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n if_o any_o they_o have_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o place_n be_v clear_a to_o any_o who_o do_v not_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n for_o evident_a it_o be_v and_o none_o can_v deny_v that_o he_o there_o command_v to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n not_o except_v against_o or_o forbid_v the_o disciple_n to_o baptise_v little_a infant_n he_o know_v that_o he_o speak_v to_o man_n who_o after_o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v know_v and_o consider_v that_o abraham_n covenant_n with_o believer_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n be_v to_o remain_v and_o continue_v the_o same_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o together_o with_o the_o sharp_a rebuke_n he_o give_v to_o his_o apostle_n for_o offer_v to_o hinder_v little_a one_o being_n bring_v to_o he_o and_o his_o lay_n before_o they_o such_o a_o convince_a reason_n wherefore_o such_o shall_v not_o be_v keep_v from_o come_v to_o he_o mar._n 10.14_o be_v the_o principal_a if_o not_o the_o only_a reason_n wherefore_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n see_v it_o not_o needful_a to_o mention_v infant_n in_o particular_a they_o be_v most_o certain_o include_v in_o the_o general_a term_n all_o nation_n all_o man_n who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o learning_n understand_v that_o omne_fw-la majus_fw-la continet_fw-la in_o se_fw-la minus_fw-la every_o great_a include_v or_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o lesser_a be_v a_o sure_a and_o stand_a rule_n both_o in_o logic_n and_o divinity_n agree_v with_o this_o sense_n i_o have_v give_v off_o the_o grand_a commission_n be_v that_o of_o peter_n act_v 2.39_o for_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n etc._n etc._n which_o afford_v a_o invincible_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n no_o change_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n any_o other_o than_o in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o it_o the_o covenant_n in_o its_o substance_n abide_v the_o same_o for_o ever_o by_o the_o grace_n thereof_o all_o god_n elect_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a race_n be_v to_o be_v save_v rom._n 3.29_o what_o i_o have_v say_v will_v yet_o receive_v far_a confirmation_n by_o what_o be_v lay_v down_o by_o paul_n in_o gal._n 3.14_o that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n may_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n through_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n the_o place_n now_o quote_v out_o of_o act_n 2.39_o and_o gal._n 3.14_o presuppose_v a_o command_n to_o all_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n who_o by_o faith_n receive_v jesus_n christ_n for_o a_o saviour_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v sign_v with_o the_o seal_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n according_a to_o gen._n 17.9_o for_o if_o the_o gentile_n who_o believe_v in_o abraham_n saviour_n do_v expect_v that_o they_o and_o their_o infant_n shall_v be_v make_v actual_a partaker_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n they_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o observe_v and_o keep_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n throughout_o their_o generation_n second_o see_v that_o christ_n himself_n word_n the_o commission_n so_o in_o general_a term_n which_o undoubted_o include_v the_o particular_a not_o except_v against_o infant_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o if_o infant_n be_v a_o part_n of_o those_o nation_n which_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n be_v command_v to_o baptise_v that_o christ_n command_v they_o to_o baptise_v infant_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o reader_n observe_v the_o word_n of_o the_o commission_n go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v no_o more_o mention_n of_o grow_v person_n man_n or_o woman_n than_o there_o be_v of_o infant_n if_o then_o anabaptist_n can_v deny_v that_o infant_n be_v a_o part_n of_o nation_n and_o that_o they_o can_v no_o way_n prove_v how_o abraham_n blessing_n can_v come_v on_o the_o gentile_n through_o christ_n jesus_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o and_o through_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v all_o the_o wit_n in_o man_n can_v oppose_v it_o with_o success_n that_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o adult_v person_n be_v as_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n intend_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o grand_a commission_n object_n 2._o none_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n but_o such_o as_o be_v first_o teach_v go_v and_o teach_v etc._n etc._n infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o man_n teach_v therefore_o they_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n answ_n this_o with_o the_o objection_n already_o speak_v to_o seem_v to_o weak_a and_o injudicious_a people_n to_o be_v unanswerable_a for_o exclude_v infant_n from_o baptism_n but_o he_o that_o look_v into_o it_o with_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n will_v find_v nothing_o in_o it_o against_o infant_n in_o order_n to_o discover_v the_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o objector_n let_v it_o be_v observe_v with_o care_n that_o the_o word_n teach_v be_v twice_o mention_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o commission_n go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o ver._n 20_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v etc._n etc._n the_o first_o teach_v be_v in_o the_o original_a matheteusate_a and_o the_o other_o be_v didaskontes_n which_o i_o choose_v to_o set_v down_o in_o the_o english_a rather_o than_o in_o the_o greek_a character_n to_o the_o end_n the_o unlearned_a may_v read_v they_o and_o in_o read_v observe_v the_o great_a difference_n which_o be_v between_o the_o two_o word_n and_o that_o both_o in_o the_o letter_n and_o sound_v of_o the_o word_n if_o this_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o will_v afford_v to_o the_o unlearned_a who_o will_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o ground_n to_o suspect_v not_o only_o the_o skill_n in_o tongue_n but_o also_o the_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o those_o guide_n who_o they_o judge_v come_v near_o to_o infallibility_n in_o what_o they_o teach_v than_o do_v the_o other_o eminent_a servant_n of_o christ_n who_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o at_o who_o labour_n the_o able_a preacher_n of_o that_o party_n be_v glad_a to_o light_v their_o candle_n as_o these_o two_o word_n differ_v in_o letter_n and_o sound_v as_o the_o unlearned_a themselves_o will_v find_v if_o they_o be_v but_o faithful_a to_o themselves_o so_o they_o differ_v also_o in_o their_o sense_n and_o signification_n as_o the_o orthodox_n and_o learned_a well_o know_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n matheteusate_fw-it which_o signify_v proper_o to_o disciple_n or_o to_o make_v disciple_n in_o all_o nation_n where_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v glad_o receive_v how_o be_v this_o to_o be_v do_v answ_n even_o as_o god_n teach_v abraham_n when_o he_o instruct_v he_o in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o which_o when_o abraham_n embrace_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o infant-seed_n he_o receive_v glad_o the_o visible_a token_n or_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n of_o grace_n viz._n circumcision_n and_o mark_n out_o his_o infant-seed_n by_o put_v the_o same_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o they_o and_o that_o in_o compliance_n with_o god_n command_n it_o be_v but_o rational_a to_o suppose_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o a_o ordinance_n shall_v be_v person_n adult_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o act_v for_o not_o only_a themselves_o but_o for_o their_o off_o spring_n and_o posterity_n also_o who_o be_v not_o while_o infant_n capable_a of_o act_v for_o themselves_o this_o be_v god_n way_n and_o method_n with_o abraham_n his_o friend_n he_o propound_v his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o he_o and_o in_o he_o to_o his_o seed_n as_o their_o stipulate_v and_o covenant_v head_n and_o representative_a in_o instruct_v abraham_n god_n in_o abraham_n person_n instruct_v his_o infant_n so_o as_o by_o that_o instruction_n his_o infant-seed_n become_v disciple_n and_o be_v according_o sign_v with_o the_o seal_n of_o their_o stipulate_a father_n covenant_n this_o undoubted_o be_v the_o method_n which_o the_o apostle_n go_v in_o when_o they_o be_v send_v forth_o to_o make_v disciple_n to_o christ_n in_o every_o nation_n they_o instruct_v adult_n and_o grow_v person_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n grace_n by_o christ_n and_o when_o such_o lay_v hold_v on_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n by_o a_o external_n profession_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o they_o be_v baptise_a with_o their_o infant_n if_o any_o they_o have_v hence_o we_o read_v of_o the_o jailor_n in_o act_n 16.33_o who_o on_o his_o believe_v be_v baptise_a he_o and_o all_o that_o be_v of_o he_o viz._n his_o own_o personal_a offspring_n so_o the_o greek_a word_n signify_v hence_o also_o we_o read_v of_o whole_a family_n who_o be_v baptise_a by_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o as_o be_v
change_n lie_v or_o consist_v which_o in_o divinity_n be_v call_v justification_n the_o second_o be_v goâ—s_v quicken_a and_o renew_v the_o inward_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o communicate_v a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n to_o the_o sinner_n in_o every_o of_o the_o soul_n faculty_n within_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v or_o intend_v that_o in_o this_o work_n of_o regenerate_v the_o sinner_n the_o natural_a faculty_n concreated_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o adam_n be_v destroy_v or_o annihilate_v but_o that_o the_o predominancy_n of_o those_o vicious_a quality_n inhere_v in_o the_o soul_n faculty_n be_v overpower_v by_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o contrary_a principle_n of_o save_v and_o unloosable_a grace_n be_v communicate_v to_o every_o of_o these_o faculty_n in_o the_o soul_n whereby_o the_o new_a principle_n communicate_v maintain_v its_o own_o be_v in_o those_o respective_a faculty_n and_o this_o through_o the_o continual_a supply_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o produce_v the_o change_n and_o make_v continual_a resistance_n against_o that_o vice_n and_o corruption_n as_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o same_o faculty_n where_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v appoint_v to_o war_n and_o combat_n until_o that_o sinless_a perfection_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n supersede_n and_o dispossess_v that_o indwelling_a corruption_n in_o the_o soul_n under_o which_o the_o new_a creature_n continue_v to_o groan_v until_o a_o perfect_a release_n come_v this_o be_v call_v sanctification_n and_o when_o the_o set_a time_n prefix_v in_o god_n decree_n for_o call_v a_o elect_a sinner_n be_v come_v what_o produce_v this_o great_a change_n i_o will_v suppose_v the_o sinner_n to_o be_v come_v to_o the_o year_n of_o manhood_n capable_a of_o act_v or_o exercise_v his_o natural_a faculty_n do_v his_o will_n or_o his_o reason_n help_v the_o almighty_a in_o produce_v so_o miraculous_a a_o change_n can_v the_o eye_n of_o this_o sinner_n blind_a reason_n and_o understand_v see_v into_o or_o comprehend_v the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o that_o wisdom_n manifest_v and_o set_v forth_o in_o that_o stupendous_a and_o astonish_a contrivance_n of_o god_n justify_v and_o reconcile_n to_o himself_o a_o apostate_n rebel_n sinner_n by_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o another_o can_v the_o eye_n of_o blind_a reason_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o can_v the_o will_n of_o this_o dead_a sinner_n incline_v or_o move_v itself_o towards_o the_o sinner_n own_o conversion_n to_o be_v a_o coadjutor_n or_o fellow-helper_n to_o forward_o or_o help_v the_o almighty_a in_o effect_v this_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a change_n can_v it_o possible_o be_v that_o spiritual_a or_o corporal_n blindness_n can_v cure_v itself_o or_o that_o enmity_n and_o rebellion_n can_v change_v its_o own_o nature_n let_v the_o experience_n of_o every_o right_o assure_v believer_n speak_v to_o this_o if_o than_o nothing_o in_o the_o poor_a dead_a sinner_n neither_o the_o use_n of_o his_o natural_a reason_n nor_o yet_o any_o activity_n in_o his_o unrenewed_a will_n do_v contribute_v any_o help_n to_o produce_v so_o wonderful_a a_o change_n the_o work_n must_v needs_o be_v entire_o god_n own_o work_n from_o which_o i_o argue_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o poor_a infant_n if_o god_n can_v and_o do_v free_o pardon_v and_o blot_v out_o the_o million_o of_o actual_a sin_n add_v to_o the_o original_a guilt_n of_o a_o adult_n sinner_n if_o he_o can_v and_o do_v free_o and_o most_o gracious_o impute_v the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o son_n and_o by_o thus_o do_v justify_v a_o adult_n sinner_n if_o god_n can_v and_o do_v by_o the_o irresistible_a efficacy_n of_o his_o own_o holy_a spirit_n renew_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o adult_n sinner_n which_o be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v steep_v and_o even_o soak_v in_o vitiosity_n and_o actual_a pollution_n can_v the_o same_o almighty_a just_a wise_a and_o gracious_a god_n do_v and_o effect_v the_o like_a change_n in_o and_o upon_o a_o poor_a helpless_a infant_n though_o that_o infant_n understand_v not_o what_o be_v do_v to_o it_o neither_o be_v capable_a of_o contribute_v any_o help_n towards_o so_o great_a a_o change_n from_o what_o have_v be_v here_o offer_v to_o consideration_n to_o i_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o plain_a that_o when_o man_n cry_v out_o and_o say_v infant_n while_o infant_n be_v uncapable_a of_o regeneration_n because_o they_o want_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n etc._n etc._n they_o speak_v most_o injurious_o and_o ignorant_o against_o god_n himself_o as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o or_o will_v not_o effect_v that_o in_o and_o for_o a_o elect_a infant_n which_o he_o do_v for_o a_o adult_n sinner_n as_o the_o justify_n and_o renew_v a_o adult_n sinner_n have_v no_o dependence_n on_o the_o reason_n will_n or_o speech_n of_o a_o grow_v sinner_n even_o so_o the_o want_n of_o actual_a reason_n activity_n of_o will_n or_o speech_n in_o a_o infant_n can_v possible_o hinder_v god_n from_o effect_v this_o great_a and_o gracious_a work_n in_o and_o upon_o a_o elect_a infant_n though_o the_o poor_a infant_n can_v do_v nothing_o towards_o so_o great_a a_o change_n the_o subject_a recipient_a of_o this_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v every_o way_n passive_a the_o adult_n as_o well_o as_o the_o infant_n agreeable_a to_o this_o act_n of_o god_n in_o change_v a_o sinner_n be_v that_o ordinance_n of_o water-baptism_n who_o principal_a use_n be_v twofold_a first_o to_o signify_v and_o represent_v his_o own_o gracious_a deal_n with_o the_o sinner_n baptise_a in_o pardon_v all_o his_o sin_n for_o christ_n sake_n who_o blood_n represent_v by_o the_o water_n in_o baptism_n be_v shed_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o comprehend_v in_o that_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whereof_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n and_o second_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v to_o the_o baptise_a if_o elect_a all_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o god_n work_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o true_a convert_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o sinner_n whole_o passive_a so_o baptism_n the_o outward_a sign_n and_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v altogether_o passive_a and_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n see_v fit_a to_o appoint_v the_o element_n of_o material_a water_n to_o be_v use_v in_o baptism_n as_o above_o all_o the_o other_o element_n most_o suit_v to_o the_o design_n of_o that_o ordinance_n because_o of_o the_o analogy_n and_o resemblance_n which_o be_v between_o water_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n so_o no_o mode_n or_o way_n of_o administer_a this_o water-baptism_n do_v so_o exact_o and_o to_o the_o life_n set_v forth_o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n exhibit_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o the_o act_n of_o sprinkle_v or_o pour_v out_o the_o water_n on_o the_o party_n baptise_a by_o this_o way_n of_o sprinkle_v under_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o sweet_a and_o orderly_a harmony_n keep_v between_o the_o penman_n of_o god_n word_n both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n dispensation_n with_o who_o whoever_o study_n to_o agree_v in_o apply_v the_o water_n of_o holy_a baptism_n they_o will_v be_v at_o length_n find_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_a how_o many_o and_o black_a censure_n soever_o be_v heap_v on_o they_o by_o injudicious_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n apply_v the_o spiritual_a baptism_n by_o sprinkle_v or_o pour_v out_o of_o his_o grace_n on_o the_o soul_n there_o must_v be_v a_o analogy_n keep_v between_o the_o thing_n signify_v and_o the_o outward_a sign_n against_o what_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o to_o prove_v infant_n right_a to_o baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n many_o thing_n be_v object_v i_o will_v for_o brevity_n sake_n contract_v the_o objection_n with_o my_o answer_n to_o as_o few_o particular_n as_o possible_o i_o can_v object_n 1._o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o grand_a commission_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n concern_v infant_n mat._n 28.19_o go_v you_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n etc._n etc._n this_o seem_v too_o weak_a though_o well_o meaning_n mind_n to_o be_v unanswerable_a but_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o he_o who_o give_v out_o this_o grand_a commission_n i_o hope_v to_o show_v how_o wretched_o the_o objector_n be_v mistake_v herein_o in_o order_n whereto_o let_v two_o thing_n be_v serious_o and_o wary_o consider_v first_o that_o albeit_o christ_n the_o lord_n do_v not_o mention_v infant_n in_o particular_a yet_o he_o include_v they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o general_a commissionâ—_n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n here_o the_o lord_n command_v express_o that_o all_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n gen._n 7.7_o shall_v be_v baptise_a namely_o all_o