the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v they_o yet_o be_v uncircumcised_a that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o man_n that_o believe_v though_o they_o be_v not_o circumcise_v that_o righteousness_n may_v be_v impute_v to_o they_o also_o rom._n 4.11_o first_o observe_v circumcision_n be_v direct_o here_o call_v a_o sign_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o 1._o a_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o god_n make_v good_a his_o covenant_n to_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n that_o from_o his_o loin_n christ_n shall_v come_v by_o isaac_n 2._o a_o sign_n or_o token_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o all_o these_o blessing_n grant_v to_o they_o either_o ecclesiastical_a respect_v their_o national_a church_n state_n and_o civil_a state_n and_o temporal_a blessing_n with_o their_o possess_v of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n 3._o of_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o 2._o but_o it_o be_v not_o call_v any_o more_o a_o seal_n to_o abraham_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o that_o faith_n he_o have_v before_o he_o be_v circumcise_a than_o it_o be_v of_o his_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v now_o since_o it_o be_v principal_o call_v a_o seal_n to_o he_o of_o that_o peculiar_a privilege_n and_o prerogative_n of_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n which_o none_o have_v ever_o grant_v to_o they_o beside_o himself_o why_o shall_v they_o suppose_v that_o circumcision_n be_v here_o call_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o as_o well_o as_o to_o abraham_n himself_o i_o desire_v this_o may_v be_v consider_v for_o mr._n flavel_n pass_v it_o by_o in_o silence_n and_o speak_v nothing_o to_o it_o 3._o but_o three_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o doubt_n it_o can_v be_v a_o seal_n to_o no_o other_o person_n or_o person_n but_o to_o abraham_n only_o because_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o that_o righteousness_n abraham_n have_v be_v yet_o uncircumcised_a and_o such_o a_o righteousness_n none_o of_o his_o seed_n ever_o have_v actual_o as_o he_o have_v it_o neither_o of_o his_o fleshly_a nor_o spiritual_a seed_n for_o first_o isaac_n have_v no_o such_o faith_n before_o he_o be_v circumcise_a because_o circumcise_a when_o but_o eight_o day_n old_a and_o so_o be_v general_o all_o his_o seed_n except_o you_o will_v mention_v such_o who_o neglect_v to_o circumcise_v their_o child_n and_o so_o transgress_v the_o command_n of_o god_n or_o mention_v adult_a proselyte_n but_o that_o will_v not_o help_v the_o matter_n they_o must_v carry_v it_o to_o be_v a_o seal_n to_o all_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n belong_v to_o or_o else_o to_o none_o but_o to_o abraham_n only_o but_o to_o all_o it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o seal_n as_o it_o be_v to_o abraham_n it_o be_v positive_o say_v not_o to_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o shall_v have_v after_o circumcise_a but_o of_o that_o faith_n abraham_n particular_o have_v be_v yet_o uncircumcised_a 4._o the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v thus_o as_o we_o say_v for_o else_o there_o be_v no_o need_n for_o the_o apostle_n to_o mention_v it_o as_o a_o seal_n of_o that_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n he_o have_v before_o circumcision_n if_o other_o may_v have_v it_o in_o circumcision_n viz._n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o that_o they_o must_v say_v or_o they_o say_v nothing_o and_o it_o far_o appear_v by_o what_o the_o apostle_n speak_v viz._n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v that_o be_v not_o circumcise_a if_o it_o have_v be_v in_o circumcision_n or_o after_o circumcision_n what_o argument_n will_v there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o case_n i._n e._n that_o abraham_n shall_v be_v the_o father_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v that_o be_v not_o circumcise_a therefore_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o what_o dr._n ames_n speak_v as_o cite_v by_o mr._n flavel_n i_o must_v say_v the_o main_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n from_o the_o coherence_n of_o the_o text_n be_v to_o take_v off_o the_o jew_n from_o seek_v any_o spiritual_a benefit_n from_o circumcision_n or_o the_o law_n but_o by_o faith_n only_o see_v abraham_n be_v justify_v and_o receive_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n before_o he_o be_v circumcise_a or_o without_o circumcision_n and_o his_o receive_a circumcision_n seal_v not_o only_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n to_o he_o which_o he_o have_v be_v uncircumcised_a and_o so_o to_o none_o else_o but_o also_o his_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o that_o believe_v whether_o circumcise_a or_o not_o circumcise_a 5._o but_o again_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o belong_v to_o abraham_n only_o as_o a_o seal_n because_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o circumcision_n rom._n 3.12_o say_v the_o chief_a advantage_n or_o privilege_n they_o have_v thereby_o be_v because_o that_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n certain_o he_o will_v not_o have_v call_v that_o the_o chief_a if_o circumcision_n have_v be_v give_v in_o common_a as_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n however_o when_o he_o be_v a_o treat_v of_o the_o privilege_n that_o come_v by_o circumcision_n sure_o he_o can_v not_o have_v forget_v this_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n 6._o let_v not_o man_n mistake_v themselves_o any_o more_o for_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o circumcision_n as_o it_o be_v call_v a_o seal_n to_o abraham_n so_o it_o do_v not_o seal_v to_o he_o something_o which_o he_o then_o have_v not_o but_o may_v have_v but_o it_o do_v seal_v real_o and_o true_o the_o righteousness_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o at_o that_o time_n have_v if_o therefore_o you_o baptise_v child_n who_o before_o they_o be_v baptise_a do_v true_o believe_v no_o body_n will_v be_v dispease_v with_o you_o or_o if_o you_o can_v prove_v your_o infant_n have_v real_o and_o true_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o abraham_n have_v and_o that_o their_o baptism_n do_v seal_v that_o faith_n to_o they_o for_o righteousness_n which_o circumcision_n seal_v to_o abraham_n you_o do_v your_o business_n but_o sir_n pray_v what_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v baptism_n now_o seal_v to_o your_o infant_n o_o say_v one_o the_o covenant_n be_v they_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o shall_v we_o deny_v they_o the_o seal_n what_o not_o let_v they_o have_v a_o bit_n of_o wax_n but_o stay_v a_o little_a you_o must_v first_o prove_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v indeed_o belong_v to_o believer_n child_n as_o such_o before_o you_o talk_v at_o such_o a_o rate_n as_o you_o do_v a_o seal_n all_o man_n know_v make_v firm_a and_o sure_o all_o the_o blessing_n to_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v seal_v which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n to_o which_o it_o be_v fix_v therefore_o take_v heed_n you_o do_v not_o blind_v the_o mind_n of_o people_n and_o deceive_v they_o by_o make_v they_o think_v they_o be_v in_o covenant_n when_o indeed_o it_o may_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n 7._o beside_o if_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o abraham_n be_v abrogate_a for_o the_o break_n off_o the_o seal_n all_o man_n know_v cancel_v the_o covenant_n and_o make_v it_o of_o none_o effect_v and_o that_o circumcision_n which_o you_o call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v make_v with_o abraham_n be_v break_v off_o or_o tear_v off_o by_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v evident_a and_o this_o prove_v if_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o sinai_n covenant_n which_o i_o say_v not_o but_o only_o a_o sign_n that_o covenant_n be_v go_v because_o the_o seal_n be_v break_v off_o 8._o circumcision_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o to_o who_o it_o do_v belong_v that_o it_o seal_v not_o all_o those_o outward_a blessing_n to_o the_o bondman_n or_o such_o who_o be_v buy_v with_o money_n and_o so_o be_v admit_v to_o dwell_v in_o abraham_n family_n for_o it_o do_v not_o seal_v to_o they_o all_o the_o outward_a and_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n for_o they_o only_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o be_v natural_a israelite_n now_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n which_o be_v late_o assert_v viz._n that_o the_o infant_n seed_n of_o believer_n during_o their_o infancy_n have_v all_o of_o they_o a_o certain_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o they_o be_v
give_v he_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n this_o they_o can_v deny_v nay_o and_o not_o only_o to_o himself_o but_o to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o his_o true_a spiritual_a seed_n and_o that_o also_o before_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o say_a covenant_n of_o circumcision_n with_o he_o and_o his_o natural_a seed_n see_v gen._n 12.3_o gen._n 15.1_o i_o be_o thy_o shield_n and_o thy_o exceed_a great_a reward_n see_v ver_fw-la 5._o and_o then_o it_o be_v say_v he_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v account_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n ver_fw-la 6._o therefore_o 2_o dly_a it_o be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v note_v that_o this_o special_a interest_n in_o god_n he_o obtain_v through_o faith_n in_o the_o free_a promise_n which_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n god_n make_v with_o he_o and_o the_o apostle_n plain_o show_v in_o rom._n 4.9_o 10._o that_o this_o blessedness_n he_o in_o the_o negative_a receive_v not_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n but_o in_o uncircumcision_n how_o be_v it_o then_o reckon_v when_o he_o be_v in_o circumcision_n or_o in_o uncircumcision_n not_o in_o circumcision_n but_o in_o uncircumcision_n ver_fw-la 10._o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o the_o darkness_n of_o those_o man_n who_o affirm_v that_o abraham_n receive_v special_a interest_n in_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n positive_o deny_v it_o or_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a his_o main_a business_n be_v there_o to_o take_v they_o off_o of_o circumcision_n and_o so_o to_o distinguish_v between_o circumcison_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o faith_n but_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o apostle_n design_n these_o man_n go_v about_o to_o magnify_v circumcision_n by_o ascribe_v it_o to_o that_o 3._o and_o let_v it_o also_o be_v note_v that_o the_o same_o apostle_n exclude_v abraham_n natural_a seed_n as_o such_o with_o who_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n be_v make_v from_o this_o special_a blessing_n of_o special_a interest_n in_o god_n in_o rom._n 9.5_o not_o as_o though_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v take_v none_o effect_n for_o they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n which_o be_v of_o israel_n neither_o because_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v they_o all_o child_n that_o be_v by_o way_n of_o special_a interest_n in_o god_n so_o as_o to_o have_v god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o abraham_n but_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v ver_fw-la 7._o that_o be_v they_o which_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o flâ—sh_n these_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v count_v for_o the_o seed_n ver_fw-la 8._o none_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o flesh_n who_o he_o deny_v to_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o god_n as_o such_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n do_v belong_v unto_o and_o be_v make_v with_o as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v make_v with_o the_o true_a spiritual_a seed_n therefore_o i_o may_v from_o hence_o with_o the_o great_a boldness_n imaginable_a affirm_v that_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n god_n do_v not_o make_v over_o himself_o to_o be_v abraham_n god_n so_o as_o to_o give_v he_o or_o to_o his_o seed_n special_a interest_n in_o himself_o obj._n but_o it_o be_v positive_o say_v that_o god_n do_v promise_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o in_o their_o generation_n when_o he_o promise_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n gen._n 17.8_o 9_o 10._o answ._n i_o do_v not_o deny_v it_o but_o not_o by_o way_n of_o special_a interest_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o differ_v in_o so_o he_o be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o his_o seed_n as_o such_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n before_o urge_v therefore_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o consider_v in_o what_o respect_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o do_v not_o say_v neither_o that_o ever_o god_n make_v himself_o over_o to_o man_n to_o be_v their_o god_n by_o way_n of_o special_a interest_n upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o sinai_n covenant_n that_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o answer_n nor_o can_v i_o believe_v notwithstanding_o what_o mr._n flavel_n have_v affirm_v that_o my_o reverend_a brother_n mr._n philip_n cary_n will_v assert_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o inheritance_n be_v not_o by_o the_o law_n 1._o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o a_o people_n in_o a_o covenant_n way_n two_o manner_n of_o way_n 1_o sy_n by_o the_o free_a promise_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o a_o spiritual_a gospel_n sense_n which_o give_v special_a and_o soulsaving_a interest_n in_o he_o as_o all_o abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n i._n e._n true_a believer_n have_v or_o 2_o d._n god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o a_o people_n by_o enter_v into_o a_o external_a legal_a covenant_n with_o they_o and_o thus_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o natural_a or_o fleshly_a seed_n i._n e._n he_o take_v they_o into_o a_o visible_a external_a covenant_n church-state_n and_o separate_v they_o from_o all_o other_o people_n and_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n in_o that_o covenant_n unto_o himself_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n he_o be_v say_v federal_o or_o by_o covenant_n to_o be_v marry_v to_o the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n as_o so_o consider_v and_o to_o be_v a_o husband_n to_o they_o see_v jer._n 21.31_o god_n there_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o israel_n and_o judah_n that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n i_o make_v with_o their_o father_n in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o take_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n which_o covenant_n they_o break_v although_o i_o be_v a_o husband_n to_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 32_o in_o this_o covenant_n god_n give_v they_o their_o church_n state_n and_o many_o external_a or_o earthly_a blessing_n law_n and_o ordinance_n and_o they_o former_o strike_v hand_n as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v with_o god_n and_o promise_a obedience_n exod._n 24.3_o 7_o 8._o and_o he_o take_v the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o read_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o the_o people_n and_o they_o say_v all_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v will_v we_o do_v and_o be_v obedient_a and_o thus_o god_n become_v as_o a_o husband_n to_o they_o i._n e._n he_o feed_v they_o and_o take_v special_a care_n of_o they_o and_o to_o lead_v they_o with_o great_a bowel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o bestow_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n upon_o they_o with_o other_o temporal_a blessing_n according_a as_o it_o be_v promise_v to_o they_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n like_a as_o a_o husband_n care_n for_o and_o provide_v for_o the_o wife_n so_o do_v god_n care_n and_o provide_v for_o they_o and_o preserve_v they_o so_o long_o as_o that_o law_n i_o mean_v the_o law_n of_o their_o husband_n do_v continue_v but_o that_o law_n be_v now_o dead_a rom._n 7.4_o and_o god_n now_o be_v no_o long_o such_o a_o husband_n to_o they_o nor_o have_v he_o marry_v in_o that_o sense_n any_o other_o external_a nation_n or_o people_n of_o the_o world_n but_o now_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n be_v a_o husband_n indeed_o to_o they_o he_o be_v but_o a_o typical_a husband_n and_o their_o god_n in_o a_o external_a faedoral_a relation_n and_o thus_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o abraham_n natural_a offspring_n for_o in_o he_o he_o first_o espouse_v they_o as_o a_o national_a church_n and_o people_n and_o give_v they_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n as_o the_o sign_n or_o token_n thereof_o with_o many_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a rite_n and_o this_o be_v further_a confirm_v by_o a_o reverend_n and_o learned_a writer_n howbeit_o from_o the_o strict_a connexion_n of_o this_o seven_o verse_n with_o the_o 6_o and_o the_o assurance_n here_o give_v that_o god_n will_v establish_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n seed_n to_o be_v their_o god_n it_o be_v evident_a say_v he_o that_o the_o number_n of_o abraham_n carnal_a seed_n and_o the_o grandeur_n of_o their_o civil_a state_n be_v not_o all_o that_o be_v promise_v nor_o yet_o the_o principal_a blessing_n bestow_v on_o they_o therein_o but_o rather_o the_o form_v they_o into_o a_o church_n state_n with_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o public_a worship_n among_o they_o wherein_o they_o shall_v walk_v in_o covenant_n relation_n to_o god_n as_o his_o peculiar_a people_n understand_v it_o still_o say_v he_o
of_o the_o old_a covenant_n wherein_o they_o have_v their_o peculiar_a right_n and_o privilege_n no_o less_o can_v be_v intend_v in_o this_o i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n unto_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n and_o it_o be_v also_o make_v more_o evident_a by_o the_o follow_a account_n that_o be_v give_v of_o this_o transaction_n with_o respect_n to_o isaac_n and_o ishmael_n gen._n 17.18_o 21._o when_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v unto_o abraham_n a_o son_n by_o sarah_n who_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v isaac_n he_o thus_o pray_v o_o that_o ishmael_n may_v live_v before_o thou_o which_o the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_v thus_o i._n e._n may_v live_v and_o worship_v before_o thou_o no_o doubt_n his_o prayer_n be_v that_o ishmael_n may_v also_o be_v a_o heir_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o covenant_n but_o that_o be_v not_o grant_v to_o he_o for_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v his_o covenant_n seed_n call_v by_o isaac_n only_o with_o he_o god_n will_v establish_v his_o covenant_n have_v appoint_v and_o choose_v he_o alone_o to_o be_v the_o heir_n thereof_o who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o son_n of_o the_o free_a woman_n and_o yet_o for_o ishmael_n in_o special_a favour_n with_o abraham_n who_o seed_n he_o be_v thus_o much_o he_o obtain_v i._n e._n that_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v fruitful_a and_o multiply_v exceed_o twelve_o prince_n or_o head_n of_o great_a family_n shall_v spring_v of_o he_o which_o import_v some_o analogy_n to_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n after_o the_o flesh_n and_o god_n will_v make_v he_o a_o great_a nation_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n natural_a offspring_n by_o isaac_n from_o which_o ishmael_n be_v now_o exclude_v it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a as_o well_o as_o the_o flourish_a of_o the_o civil_a state_n of_o israel_n do_v arise_v unto_o they_o out_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n we_o conclude_v therefore_o say_v he_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o carnal_a seed_n of_o abraham_n can_v not_o as_o such_o claim_v a_o right_n in_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n because_o of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n yet_o their_o privilege_n and_o advantage_n in_o their_o church-state_n though_o immediate_o consist_v in_o thing_n outward_a and_o typical_a be_v of_o far_o great_a value_n and_o use_v than_o any_o mere_a worldly_n or_o earthly_a blessing_n as_o to_o give_v they_o choice_a mean_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o set_v they_o near_o to_o he_o than_o any_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o thus_o far_o this_o learned_a author_n dr._n bates_n also_o in_o his_o sermon_n preach_v at_o mr._n baxter_n funeral_n show_v that_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o a_o people_n several_a manner_n of_o way_n 1._o upon_o the_o account_n of_o creation_n thus_o he_o be_v our_o god_n and_o father_n o_o lord_n thou_o be_v our_o father_n we_o be_v the_o clay_n and_o thou_o be_v our_o potter_n and_o we_o all_o be_v the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n isa._n 64.8_o 2._o upon_o the_o account_n of_o external_a call_v and_o profession_n there_o be_v a_o intercurrent_a relation_n of_o the_o father_n and_o son_n between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n thus_o the_o posterity_n of_o seth_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n gen._n 6._o and_o the_o entire_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o style_v when_o israel_n be_v young_a i_o call_v my_o son_n from_o egypt_n hos._n 11._o and_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o holy_a covenant_n and_o profess_v christianity_n in_o this_o general_a sense_n may_v be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n thus_o he_o clear_o confirm_v what_o i_o have_v say_v but_o observe_v in_o this_o sense_n god_n be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o a_o people_n by_o way_n of_o special_a interest_n but_o it_o be_v not_o say_v he_o the_o outward_a dedication_n entitle_v man_n to_o save_a interest_n in_o god_n unless_o they_o live_v according_a to_o that_o dedication_n there_o be_v baptize_v infidel_n as_o well_o as_o unbaptise_v etc._n etc._n then_o say_v i_o some_o infant_n baptize_v be_v in_o his_o opinion_n but_o in_o a_o external_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o so_o have_v no_o special_a interest_n moreover_o sure_a none_o can_v deny_v but_o by_o gross_a idolatry_n the_o israelite_n break_v this_o covenant_n and_o yet_o when_o they_o in_o ezekiel_n time_n become_v guilty_a of_o vile_a abomination_n the_o lord_n still_o claim_v a_o interest_n in_o their_o child_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o covenant_n moreover_o thou_o have_v take_v thy_o son_n and_o thy_o daughter_n who_o thou_o have_v bear_v unto_o i_o and_o these_o have_v thou_o sacrifice_v unto_o they_o to_o be_v devour_v be_v this_o of_o thy_o whoredom_n a_o small_a matter_n that_o thou_o have_v slay_v my_o child_n ezek._n 16.20_o 12._o the_o child_n they_o beget_v in_o a_o natural_a way_n when_o by_o curse_a idolatry_n they_o have_v apostatise_v from_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o covenant_n god_n call_v his_o child_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v if_o their_o covenant_n interest_n have_v be_v as_o our_o brethren_n affirm_v i._n e._n suspend_v on_o the_o good_a bear_n or_o faith_n of_o immediate_a parent_n but_o as_o the_o apostasy_n of_o parent_n can_v not_o hinder_v their_o child_n from_o that_o external_a covenant_n interest_n they_o have_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o they_o so_o the_o faith_n and_o holiness_n of_o parent_n can_v not_o interest_n their_o child_n in_o the_o special_a blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n last_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o when_o god_n give_v the_o sinai_n covenant_n exod._n 20.1_o 2._o where_o he_o plead_v interest_n in_o they_o as_o his_o people_n he_o mention_n express_o upon_o what_o account_n he_o so_o own_v they_o read_v the_o text_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n which_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n thou_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o god_n before_o i_o i_o be_o jehovah_n and_o thy_o god_n have_v choose_v you_o to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o myself_o above_o all_o people_n as_o it_o be_v say_v elsewhere_o not_o that_o as_o they_o be_v thus_o his_o people_n and_o a_o choose_a nation_n they_o have_v special_a interest_n in_o god_n by_o eternal_a election_n and_o peculiar_a adoption_n no_o but_o a_o few_o of_o they_o as_o it_o appear_v be_v in_o that_o sense_n his_o people_n but_o their_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o legal_a and_o external_a covenant_n he_o make_v with_o their_o father_n and_o now_o again_o with_o they_o and_o so_o bestow_v temporal_a blessing_n upon_o they_o therefore_o it_o be_v add_v that_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n not_o land_n of_o spiritual_a darkness_n nor_o house_n of_o spiritual_a bondage_n but_o literal_a bondage_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n say_v reverend_a mr._n cotton_n the_o lord_n offer_v himself_o upon_o a_o condition_n of_o work_n he_o bid_v they_o obey_v his_o voice_n and_o provoke_v he_o not_o for_o i_o will_v not_o pardon_v your_o transgression_n but_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o will_v do_v this_o but_o not_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n all_o be_v give_v upon_o condition_n of_o obedience_n the_o lord_n give_v himself_o etc._n etc._n though_o it_o be_v but_o to_o work_v yet_o he_o be_v please_v to_o receive_v they_o into_o some_o kind_n of_o relative_a union_n express_v jer._n 32.32_o which_o my_o covenant_n they_o break_v as_o though_o i_o be_v a_o husband_n unto_o they_o he_o be_v marry_v to_o they_o in_o church-covenant_n he_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n cast_v they_o off_o from_o this_o marriage-covenant_n from_o this_o union_n thus_o mr._n cotton_n on_o the_o covenant_n p._n 39.40_o so_o much_o shall_v serve_v to_o the_o answer_v this_o grand_a objection_n obj._n 6._o six_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n if_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n say_v mr._n flavell_n it_o do_v not_o appertain_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o work_n be_v opposite_a but_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.11_o ergo_fw-la pag._n 220._o 1_o answ._n we_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o text_n they_o bring_v do_v not_o call_v circumcision_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v such_o or_o in_o common_a to_o all_o that_o be_v circumcise_a pray_v let_v we_o read_v the_o word_n and_o he_o receive_v the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n a_o seal_n of_o
have_v you_o from_o god_n word_n to_o affirm_v such_o thing_n you_o give_v no_o more_o proof_n for_o what_o you_o assert_v than_o the_o papist_n do_v for_o their_o vain_a tradition_n and_o popish_a ceremony_n grace_n must_v be_v implant_v in_o the_o soul_n before_o baptism_n or_o the_o person_n have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o outward_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a grace_n as_o your_o church_n assert_n baptism_n be_v not_o grace_n nor_o convey_v grace_n if_o you_o can_v prove_v it_o do_v i_o will_v say_v no_o more_o but_o submit_v and_o acknowledge_v my_o mistake_n but_o if_o you_o err_v in_o say_v it_o do_v do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o deceive_v your_o people_n any_o more_o you_o plead_v for_o make_v false_a christian_a nominal_a christian_n christianity_n be_v another_o thing_n than_o what_o you_o seem_v to_o imagine_v the_o way_n be_v narrow_a and_o the_o gate_n be_v straight_o regeneration_n be_v a_o difficult_a work_n it_o require_v the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n to_o be_v put_v forth_o on_o the_o soul_n nay_o the_o same_o power_n that_o god_n wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a ephes._n 1.19_o 20._o as_o to_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o be_v heathen_n and_o pagan_n when_o god_n call_v they_o and_o infuse_v grace_n into_o their_o soul_n i_o have_v answer_v all_o you_o say_v upon_o that_o account_n in_o my_o answer_n to_o mr._n burkit_n the_o commission_n in_o the_o large_a extent_n comprehend_v no_o more_o than_o such_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d disciplize_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o nation_n the_o parent_n must_v be_v disciple_v and_o the_o child_n must_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o person_n be_v disciple_v as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n and_o as_o their_o parent_n be_v before_o baptize_v and_o when_o a_o whole_a nation_n both_o parent_n and_o child_n be_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n make_v christ_n true_a and_o holy_a disciple_n and_o as_o such_o baptize_v than_o all_o the_o nation_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o to_o be_v christian_n but_o we_o know_v what_o sort_n of_o christian_n you_o make_v and_o your_o national_a church_n do_v consist_v of_o that_o be_v make_v so_o by_o baptism_n to_o our_o trouble_n if_o god_n do_v not_o make_v your_o member_n better_a christian_n than_o your_o sprinkle_v or_o baptise_v they_o as_o you_o call_v it_o have_v do_v none_o of_o they_o as_o it_o appear_v from_o christ_n own_o word_n joh._n 3.3_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o my_o former_a book_n you_o may_v read_v mr._n perkin_n and_o mr._n baxter_n exposition_n of_o the_o commission_n they_o talk_v not_o at_o such_o a_o rate_n as_o you_o do_v though_o pedo-baptist_n and_o though_o in_o your_o late_a letter_n to_o i_o you_o seem_v to_o boast_v as_o if_o some_o admire_v your_o book_n and_o that_o your_o argument_n be_v invincible_a or_o unanswerable_a yet_o that_o be_v not_o my_o conception_n concern_v it_o and_o have_v your_o antagonist_n so_o judge_v of_o it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o will_v attempt_v your_o strong_a fort_n before_o this_o time_n for_o i_o know_v very_o well_o his_o ability_n to_o defend_v this_o cause_n indeed_o i_o wonder_v at_o his_o silence_n but_o if_o you_o do_v proceed_v to_o provoke_v a_o far_a answer_n you_o may_v have_v it_o this_o which_o i_o have_v do_v be_v occasion_v by_o my_o preach_v on_o this_o text_n not_o intend_v a_o particular_a reply_n to_o every_o thing_n you_o have_v say_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o need_n for_o you_o be_v full_o answer_v already_o in_o our_o late_a treatise_n yet_o i_o think_v the_o controversy_n much_o concern_v you_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o such_o who_o be_v for_o a_o national_a church_n as_o for_o our_o brethren_n call_v congregational_a i_o can_v tell_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o contend_v for_o the_o practice_n of_o paedo-baptism_n nor_o do_v i_o well_o know_v what_o their_o sentiment_n be_v about_o it_o they_o agree_v as_o i_o do_v understand_v with_o we_o and_o other_o christian_n that_o baptism_n be_v a_o initiate_a rite_n or_o ordinance_n now_o if_o their_o infant_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o themselves_o and_o be_v make_v visible_a church-member_n by_o baptism_n in_o infancy_n and_o until_o by_o actual_a sin_n they_o violate_v their_o rite_n and_o privilege_n abide_v member_n thereof_o 1._o then_o i_o will_v know_v whether_o they_o have_v their_o name_n in_o their_o church-book_n or_o register_n as_o member_n and_o 2_o dly_a whether_o they_o ever_o excommunicate_v or_o bring_v under_o any_o church_n censure_n such_o of_o their_o child_n who_o fall_v into_o scandalous_a sin_n or_o actual_a transgression_n or_o not_o 3_o dly_a if_o not_o what_o kind_n of_o pollute_a church_n must_v thir'_v be_v who_o have_v not_o purge_v out_o such_o corrupt_a member_n the_o truth_n be_v i_o see_v not_o how_o infant_n baptism_n be_v consistent_a with_o any_o church_n state_n unless_o it_o be_v national_a and_o no_o doubt_n the_o first_o contriver_n or_o founder_n of_o it_o devise_v that_o way_n for_o the_o progress_n of_o that_o they_o call_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o so_o open_v a_o door_n that_o christ_n shut_v when_o he_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n therefore_o i_o wonder_v at_o our_o strict_a independent_n consider_v their_o notion_n know_v how_o their_o principle_n differ_v from_o and_o their_o understanding_n or_o knowledge_n of_o gospel-church_n constitution_n exceed_v other_o for_o baptism_n do_v not_o initiate_v into_o their_o church_n it_o seem_v by_o their_o practice_n unless_o their_o child_n when_o baptize_v be_v thereby_o make_v member_n with_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o under_o the_o law_n when_o infant_n be_v member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n they_o be_v bear_v member_n thereof_o though_o the_o male_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a on_o the_o eight_o day_n nor_o be_v the_o case_n difficult_a to_o know_v the_o right_n infant_n have_v to_o circumcision_n it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o faith_n of_o immediate_a parent_n but_o it_o be_v their_o be_v the_o true_a natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n or_o be_v proselyte_n etc._n etc._n which_o give_v they_o a_o right_n to_o circumcision_n by_o virtue_n of_o god_n positive_a command_n to_o abraham_n but_o now_o if_o the_o infant_n be_v rite_n arise_v only_o from_o the_o true_a and_o real_a faith_n of_o their_o parent_n the_o child_n when_o grow_v up_o may_v doubt_v if_o its_o parent_n or_o father_n or_o mother_n be_v not_o true_a believer_n whether_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o or_o not_o or_o may_v see_v cause_n to_o question_n whether_o either_o of_o they_o be_v in_o truth_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o no_o for_o who_o know_v who_o be_v in_o a_o true_a spiritual_a sense_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n especial_o if_o their_o parent_n shall_v fall_v away_o or_o apostatise_v and_o become_v vicious_a which_o may_v demonstrate_v they_o be_v not_o true_a believer_n and_o so_o not_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n themselves_o and_o if_o so_o their_o child_n have_v no_o more_o right_o to_o baptism_n than_o the_o child_n of_o open_a and_o profane_a unbeliever_n child_n have_v the_o truth_n be_v what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o these_o sermon_n may_v serve_v to_o reprove_v such_o who_o set_v up_o a_o new_a wall_n of_o partition_n like_o that_o which_o christ_n abolish_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o cross_n and_o so_o cause_n enmity_n to_o rise_v between_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a gentile_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o unbelieve_a gentile_n by_o make_v the_o child_n of_o ungodly_a one_o to_o say_v our_o parent_n be_v wicked_a and_o not_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o though_o we_o be_v baptize_v yet_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o we_o can_v but_o envy_v your_o privilege_n you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n and_o be_v in_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n nay_o and_o it_o may_v cause_v too_o to_o trust_v to_o that_o birth-privilege_n and_o so_o destroy_v their_o soul_n by_o look_v out_o for_o no_o other_o regeneration_n but_o that_o which_o they_o have_v in_o baptism_n in_o their_o infancy_n some_o reflection_n on_o mr._n exell_n new_a treatise_n entitle_v a_o serious_a enquiry_n into_o and_o contain_v plain_a and_o express_v scripture-proof_n that_o john_n baptist_n do_v as_o certain_o baptise_v infant_n as_o the_o adult_n reader_n just_a as_o i_o have_v close_v with_o all_o i_o intend_v to_o have_v add_v to_o this_o short_a tract_n a_o gentleman_n bring_v i_o another_o book_n new_o publish_v call_v plain_a scripture-proof_n that_o john_n baptist_n do_v certain_o baptise_v infant_n as_o the_o adult_n this_o book_n be_v write_v by_o one_o mr._n exell_n who_o call_v himself_o
main_a argument_n pag._n 2_o 3._o to_o prove_v the_o minor_a thus_o he_o argue_v viz._n 2._o that_o principle_n which_o make_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n less_o beneficial_a and_o extensive_a than_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o the_o former_a principle_n do_v so_o ergo_fw-la to_o prove_v the_o minor_a of_o this_o argument_n he_o add_v another_o viz._n that_o principle_n which_o allow_v not_o as_o great_a immunity_n benefit_n and_o privilege_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n make_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n less_o beneficial_a and_o extensive_a than_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o the_o principle_n that_o deny_v baptism_n to_o infant_n do_v so_o ergo._fw-la answ._n 1._o this_o gentleman_n call_v these_o rational_a argument_n but_o i_o have_v nothing_o but_o his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o but_o to_o proceed_v he_o shall_v have_v show_v what_o those_o immunity_n and_o benefit_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n oâ—_n work_v which_o we_o by_o deny_v infant_n baptism_n render_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v less_o than_o those_o be_v but_o do_v you_o not_o intimate_v hereby_o that_o circumcision_n belong_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o if_o so_o in_o vain_a do_v you_o urge_v circumcision_n as_o a_o privilege_n and_o also_o since_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v abrogate_a what_o be_v there_o in_o your_o argument_n for_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n for_o all_o jewish_a rite_n and_o privilege_n may_v be_v force_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n by_o this_o argument_n of_o you_o or_o else_o we_o may_v say_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v less_o than_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n which_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v 2._o his_o mention_v that_o passage_n of_o calvin_n be_v remote_a to_o his_o purpose_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o abraham_n not_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n which_o we_o say_v be_v not_o curtail_v by_o christ_n come_n but_o be_v every_o way_n as_o extensive_a now_o as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n but_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_n covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o that_o circumcision_n do_v appertain_v to_o his_o natural_a seed_n as_o such_o and_o so_o part_v of_o the_o legal_a covenant_n obj_fw-la but_o the_o commission_n mat._n 28.19_o you_o say_v be_v as_o full_a or_o rather_o more_o beneficial_a and_o extensive_a than_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n be_v a_o christian_a duty_n for_o have_v there_o be_v as_o general_a a_o commission_n give_v by_o moses_n to_o twelve_o elder_n of_o israel_n as_o the_o bless_a jesus_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o it_o have_v be_v say_v to_o they_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n circumcise_n they_o this_o have_v be_v no_o prohibition_n to_o circumcise_v the_o jewish_a child_n etc._n etc._n ans._n 1._o be_v this_o that_o the_o mountain_n have_v bring_v forth_o we_o be_v big_a in_o expectation_n by_o your_o title_n page_n wonder_v what_o new_a notion_n or_o argument_n you_o have_v find_v out_o from_o the_o commission_n mat._n 28.19_o 20._o or_o what_o your_o different_a method_n shall_v be_v to_o prove_v infant_n baptism_n but_o true_o sir_n the_o log_n be_v still_o too_o heavy_a you_o can_v lift_v it_o up_o i_o see_v nothing_o new_a in_o your_o whole_a tract_n nor_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o have_v be_v answer_v but_o this_o be_v the_o main_a pin_n upon_o which_o all_o hang_v i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a reply_n to_o you_o 1._o i_o thank_v you_o for_o your_o plain_a and_o just_a concession_n i_o see_v you_o conclude_v and_o grant_v circumcision_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o covenant_n or_o work_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o be_v right_a so_o far_o and_o with_o that_o your_o cause_n be_v go_v and_o calvin_n and_o all_o that_o come_v after_o he_o have_v say_v nothing_o in_o call_v circumcision_n a_o gospel_n covenant_n 2._o but_o sir_n suppose_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n have_v never_o be_v command_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o circumcise_v their_o child_n till_o moses_n come_v and_o moses_n have_v give_v such_o a_o commission_n that_o you_o mention_v viz._n to_o teach_v all_o nation_n circumcise_n they_o do_v you_o think_v they_o will_v have_v have_v ground_n from_o thence_o to_o have_v circumcise_v their_o infant_n whereas_o his_o circumcision_n require_v the_o teach_n of_o all_o nation_n first_o before_o they_o be_v circumcise_v of_o which_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a 3._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o great_a commission_n enjoin_v no_o more_o to_o be_v baptize_v but_o such_o who_o be_v first_o teach_v or_o make_v disciple_n and_o this_o agree_v with_o his_o own_o practice_n joh._n 4.1_o he_o make_v and_o baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n he_o first_o make_v they_o disciple_n and_o then_o baptize_v they_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o baptize_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o such_o who_o first_o profess_v faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n see_v our_o answer_n to_o mr._n burkit_n which_o i_o send_v you_o also_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o athenian_a society_n this_o be_v there_o full_o speak_v unto_o 4._o if_o the_o commission_n be_v so_o extensive_a as_o you_o intimate_v why_o do_v you_o not_o go_v or_o stir_v up_o some_o minister_n to_o go_v into_o all_o heathen_a and_o pagan_a nation_n and_o baptise_v they_o and_o their_o child_n and_o so_o that_o way_n make_v they_o all_o christian_n you_o may_v teach_v they_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n i._n e._n faith_n and_o repentance_n afterward_o as_o you_o do_v your_o child_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o teach_v they_o afterward_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n and_o regeneration_n if_o your_o doctrine_n be_v true_a because_o the_o chief_a thing_n they_o receive_v in_o baptism_n you_o say_v be_v divine_a grace_n viz._n regeneration_n adoption_n and_o a_o title_n to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a life_n p._n 20._o sure_o those_o divine_a habit_n can_v never_o be_v lose_v reader_n take_v what_o this_o man_n say_v far_a on_o this_o respect_n obj._n but_o you_o say_v we_o neither_o regard_n nor_o consider_v the_o chief_a thing_n in_o baptism_n viz._n the_o testification_n or_o witness_v of_o the_o divine_a benevolence_n take_v they_o into_o covenant_n protection_n and_o patronage_n and_o confer_v and_o bestow_v grace_n upon_o they_o for_o in_o baptism_n the_o chief_a thing_n be_v divine_a grace_n which_o consist_v and_o stand_v in_o the_o remission_n pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n in_o adoption_n or_o sonship_n and_o in_o a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a life_n of_o which_o grace_n infant_n stand_v in_o need_n and_o be_v as_o capable_a as_o the_o adult_n etc._n etc._n p._n 20._o answ._n this_o be_v such_o doctrine_n that_o few_o paedo-baptist_n beside_o yourself_o do_v assert_v or_o believe_v but_o what_o proof_n do_v you_o give_v we_o to_o confirm_v it_o from_o god_n word_n you_o say_v right_a we_o do_v not_o regard_v it_o indeed_o do_v baptism_n do_v all_o this_o it_o be_v wonderful_a how_o confer_v grace_n and_o give_v pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n you_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o this_o be_v so_o can_v do_v as_o strange_a thing_n as_o the_o popish_a priest_n in_o transubstantiation_n you_o can_v by_o sprinkle_v a_o little_a water_n on_o the_o face_n of_o a_o babe_n it_o appear_v change_v the_o evil_a and_o vicious_a habit_n form_n christ_n in_o the_o soul_n raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n and_o of_o a_o child_n of_o wrath_n make_v a_o child_n of_o god_n it_o grieve_v i_o to_o think_v a_o man_n call_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v teach_v such_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o deceive_v the_o ignorant_a for_o as_o it_o be_v without_o scripture-evidence_n nay_o contrary_a to_o it_o for_o god_n word_n that_o tell_v we_o baptism_n wash_v not_o away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o deprave_a nature_n so_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o without_o any_o rational_a demonstration_n as_o reverend_a stephen_n charnock_n though_o a_o paedobaptist_n show_v many_o man_n say_v he_o take_v baptism_n for_o regeneration_n the_o ancient_n usual_o give_v it_o this_o term_n one_o call_v our_o saviour_n baptism_n his_o regeneration_n this_o conferr_v not_o grace_n but_o engage_v to_o it_o outward_a water_n can_v convey_v inward_a life_n how_o can_v water_n a_o external_a thing_n work_n upon_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o physical_a manner_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o ever_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v tie_v by_o any_o promise_n to_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n in_o gracious_a opperation_n when_o
not_o by_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n show_v forth_o his_o grace_n in_o we_o as_o well_o as_o our_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o what_o new_a divinity_n be_v this_o wonder_n o_o heaven_n obj._n if_o command_v than_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o external_o can_v not_o make_v a_o change_n upon_o their_o state_n and_o relation_n towards_o god_n any_o more_o than_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o other_o duty_n much_o less_o can_v it_o when_o not_o command_v pag._n 45._o 1._o answ._n because_o a_o confession_n of_o sin_n can_v make_v a_o change_n upon_o our_o state_n or_o relation_n to_o god_n must_v we_o not_o make_v a_o external_n confession_n of_o that_o which_o god_n spirit_n have_v wrought_v internal_o upon_o our_o soul_n or_o must_v a_o external_n confession_n of_o sin_n make_v a_o change_n and_o so_o all_o other_o duty_n or_o else_o not_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o 2._o it_o seem_v to_o i_o by_o your_o unfound_a expression_n as_o if_o you_o conceive_v that_o a_o external_n confession_n can_v make_v a_o change_n upon_o our_o state_n and_o relation_n to_o god_n whereas_o that_o make_v no_o change_n but_o only_o discover_v or_o make_v know_v what_o a_o bless_a change_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v wrought_v or_o make_v on_o the_o soul_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a i._n e._n because_o a_o thing_n be_v command_v it_o can_v make_v a_o change_n for_o sometime_o a_o command_n be_v attend_v with_o power_n to_o change_v the_o soul_n etc._n etc._n john_n 6.28_o obj._n if_o this_o say_v you_o have_v be_v a_o command_a duty_n viz._n a_o confession_n of_o sin_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o baptism_n then_o they_o must_v not_o be_v admit_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n nor_o as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o the_o promise_n cease_v which_o be_v notorious_o false_a rom._n 15.8_o pag._n 45._o 1._o answ._n we_o do_v not_o say_v a_o bare_a verbal_a confession_n qualify_v any_o person_n for_o baptism_n but_o inward_a grace_n or_o truth_n faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v the_o only_a qualification_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n and_o this_o faith_n must_v be_v make_v manifest_a by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o mouth_n and_o the_o holy_a fruit_n of_o the_o life_n hence_o john_n require_v not_o only_o a_o bare_a verbal_a confession_n which_o may_v hold-forth_a or_o signify_v their_o repentance_n but_o also_o say_v he_o you_o must_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n do_v think_v to_o say_v you_o have_v sin_v or_o bare_o to_o acknowledge_v your_o iniquity_n be_v all_o i_o look_v for_o no_o your_o life_n must_v make_v it_o manifest_a to_o i_o you_o be_v change_v or_o regenerate_v if_o you_o will_v as_o true_a subject_n partake_v of_o my_o baptism_n for_o of_o such_o my_o master_n kingdom_n be_v to_o consist_v of_o who_o way_n i_o be_o come_v to_o prepare_v i._n e._n to_o make_v ready_a such_o a_o people_n for_o he_o to_o build_v his_o church_n with_o 2._o as_o to_o your_o other_o reason_n viz._n if_o a_o confession_n be_v necessary_a than_o their_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n and_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o cease_v etc._n etc._n you_o hit_v it_o in_o that_o for_o their_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n can_v give_v they_o no_o right_n to_o gospel_n baptism_n john_n plain_o tell_v they_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n for_o the_o gospel_n have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o jewish_a covenant_n right_o of_o admission_n of_o church-member_n the_o text_n you_o mention_v rom._n 15.8_o where_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o circumcision_n you_o strange_o mistake_v the_o place_n christ_n do_v not_o confirm_v circumcision_n nor_o infant_n right_o to_o church_n membership_n the_o holy_a ghost_n mean_v no_o more_o than_o that_o christ_n be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o gentile_n or_o of_o the_o circumcision_n as_o of_o the_o uncircumcision_n and_o so_o speak_v our_o annotator_n on_o the_o place_n and_o as_o to_o the_o promise_n cease_v see_v what_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 9.6_o though_o the_o carnal_a seed_n of_o abraham_n as_o such_o be_v now_o reject_v yet_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v not_o make_v of_o none_o effect_v for_o say_v he_o they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n which_o be_v of_o israel_n neither_o because_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v they_o all_o child_n v_o 7._o that_o be_v they_o which_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o flesh_n these_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v count_v for_o the_o seed_n v_o 8._o can_v you_o see_v from_o hence_o who_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o promise_n even_o none_o else_o but_o such_o who_o be_v beget_v and_o bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n or_o be_v in_o christ_n gal._n 3.29_o so_o that_o what_o you_o say_v be_v notorious_o false_a your_o 9th_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o part_n of_o your_o 8_o obj._n you_o say_v in_o the_o ten_o and_o last_o place_n then_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n that_o infant_n must_v come_v to_o he_o be_v and_o must_v be_v null_n and_o void_a mark_v 10.13.14.15_o or_o be_v a_o fresh_a warrant_n for_o their_o come_n to_o he_o if_o john_n have_v cast_v they_o out_o pag._n 45._o 1._o answ._n we_o deny_v there_o be_v ever_o any_o command_n of_o christ_n for_o infant_n to_o be_v bring_v or_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n to_o be_v baptize_v 2._o that_o text_n in_o mark_n 10.13_o 14._o prove_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o conclude_v it_o do_v they_o be_v bring_v to_o christ_n it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o may_v put_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v the_o way_n he_o use_v when_o he_o heal_v people_n of_o their_o bodily_a disease_n therefore_o you_o say_v right_a since_o john_n or_o rather_o jesus_n christ_n have_v cast_v out_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o old_a covenant_n too_o as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a covenant-seed_n infant_n church-membership_n be_v make_v null_n and_o void_a unless_o there_o have_v be_v a_o fresh_a warrant_n for_o their_o admission_n i._n e._n they_o must_v be_v bring_v in_o and_o make_v member_n by_o a_o appointment_n of_o christ_n or_o by_o a_o new_a institution_n or_o they_o must_v not_o be_v admit_v at_o all_o for_o the_o old_a covenant-right_a we_o have_v prove_v be_v go_v for_o ever_o as_o to_o what_o you_o speak_v in_o pag._n 32._o about_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n these_o be_v your_o word_n viz._n obj._n and_o if_o the_o habit_n can_v constitute_v we_o member_n the_o act_n or_o exercise_n of_o it_o can_v never_o do_v it_o answ._n you_o do_v not_o attempt_v to_o prove_v infant_n as_o such_o either_o before_o baptism_n or_o in_o be_v baptize_v have_v the_o habit_n of_o grace_n i_o have_v show_v in_o my_o answer_n to_o mr._n rothwell_n that_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o infante_n as_o such_o have_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o grace_n neither_o before_o nor_o in_o baptism_n if_o they_o have_v doubtless_o those_o habit_n will_v appear_v some_o way_n or_o another_o but_o they_o do_v not_o appear_v therefore_o they_o have_v no_o such_o habit_n infuse_v into_o they_o all_o be_v bear_v in_o sin_n and_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n by_o nature_n and_o baptism_n do_v not_o convey_v grace_n nor_o infuse_v any_o sacred_a habit_n what_o though_o god_n in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n have_v sanctify_v some_o infant_n in_o the_o womb_n and_o may_v sanctify_v such_o infant_n that_o die_v who_o be_v in_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n do_v it_o from_o thence_o follow_v that_o all_o infant_n as_o such_o or_o all_o infant_n of_o believer_n as_o such_o be_v so_o sanctify_v we_o read_v of_o one_o animal_n that_o speak_v must_v all_o animal_n speak_v therefore_o if_o you_o can_v prove_v infant_n have_v grace_n in_o the_o habit_n or_o that_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v regenerate_v you_o have_v say_v something_o to_o excuse_v their_o inability_n or_o disability_n to_o make_v a_o verbal_a confession_n though_o not_o so_o much_o as_o you_o think_v it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n that_o must_v demonstrate_v the_o habit_n to_o we_o or_o the_o fruit_n or_o product_v of_o grace_n that_o those_o habit_n be_v in_o those_o subject_n christ_n command_v to_o be_v baptize_v non_fw-la apparentium_fw-la &_o non_fw-la existentium_fw-la eadem_fw-la est_fw-la ration_n they_o must_v act_v must_v believe_v must_v repent_v or_o must_v be_v actual_o disciple_v that_o baptism_n do_v belong_v unto_o though_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o where_o the_o habit_n of_o one_o grace_n â—s_n there_o be_v the_o habit_n of_o every_o grace_n