contention_n among_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o in_o sundry_a point_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o godly_a as_o they_o follow_v christ_n and_o no_o far_o and_o withal_o take_v heed_n of_o make_v out_o a_o judgement_n while_o we_o be_v prejudice_v with_o personal_a infirmity_n or_o entangle_v with_o worldly_a advantage_n or_o disadvantage_n but_o draw_v ourselves_o and_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n into_o a_o naked_a simplicity_n before_o the_o lord_n to_o receive_v the_o pure_a impression_n of_o scripture-authority_n as_o the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n and_o no_o other_o but_o mark_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n our_o judge_n and_o accuser_n before_o and_o since_o his_o defection_n as_o his_o own_o pen_n have_v paint_v he_o forth_o that_o notwithstanding_o his_o pretension_n of_o seek_v and_o find_v god_n you_o will_v find_v the_o man_n not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o joy_n and_o love_n of_o a_o spirit_n better_v by_o his_o change_n as_o in_o the_o old_a gall_n of_o a_o deadly_a bitterness_n from_o first_o to_o last_o accuser_n and_o upon_o serious_a inquire_v into_o the_o word_n and_o earnest_n seek_v of_o god_n it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o satisfy_v i_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o particular_a touch_v these_o two_o controvert_v truth_n 1._o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n stand_v now_o in_o force_n to_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n 2._o that_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n by_o god_n appointment_n why_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n shall_v be_v baptize_v this_o be_v evident_a from_o many_o scripture_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o the_o anabaptist_n have_v endeavour_v often_o to_o obscure_v i_o shall_v only_o mention_v one_o which_o be_v useful_a to_o i_o act_v 2.34_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n the_o anabaptist_n have_v labour_v to_o darken_v this_o truth_n by_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o child_n have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n till_o they_o be_v actual_o call_v which_o they_o will_v infer_v from_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o the_o fore_n mention_v text._n but_o by_o consider_v i_o see_v their_o mistake_n in_o the_o text_n call_v have_v no_o relation_n to_o child_n but_o to_o they_o afar_o off_o answer_n we_o account_v it_o not_o our_o concernment_n nor_o worth_n our_o while_n to_o inform_v the_o reader_n with_o what_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o accuser_n plausible_a insinuation_n by_o what_o direct_a mean_n and_o with_o what_o mature_a consideration_n he_o digest_v those_o ground_n of_o satisfaction_n but_o let_v he_o pass_v with_o his_o desire_a applause_n shall_v only_o crave_v the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a patience_n while_o we_o follow_v he_o lay_v down_o in_o plainness_n our_o persuasion_n about_o the_o several_n by_o he_o hint_v at_o in_o this_o point_n of_o baptism_n he_o first_o give_v you_o two_o proposition_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o satisfaction_n first_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n stand_v now_o in_o force_n to_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n second_o that_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n by_o god_n appointment_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v baptize_v many_o mistake_v usual_o perplex_v the_o point_n in_o question_n for_o want_v of_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o term_n make_v use_v of_o which_o inconvenience_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n before_o we_o go_v far_o and_o the_o term_n or_o expression_n that_o come_v first_o to_o hand_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n this_o term_n be_v apply_v to_o signify_v 1._o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n single_o and_o universal_o consider_v 2._o it_o be_v apply_v to_o singifie_v the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n according_a to_o divine_a institution_n as_o to_o the_o first_o signification_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n signify_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n wherein_o the_o father_n have_v establish_v jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n the_o head_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o give_v unto_o he_o a_o bless_a seed_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o be_v by_o he_o and_o with_o he_o heir_n of_o the_o glorious_a inheritance_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a consequence_n thereof_o against_o all_o possibility_n of_o miscarriage_n according_a to_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n this_o covenant_n be_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o first_o publish_v to_o man_n in_o paradise_n gen._n 3.15_o i_o will_v put_v enmity_n between_o thou_o and_o the_o woman_n and_o between_o thy_o seed_n and_o her_o seed_n it_o shall_v bruise_v thy_o head_n and_o thou_o shall_v bruise_v his_o heel_n this_o covenant_n be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal_n 2.7_o i_o will_v declare_v the_o decree_n the_o lord_n have_v say_v unto_o i_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v 1_o beget_v thou_o verse_n 8._o ask_v of_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thins_n inheritance_n and_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n verse_n 9_o thou_o shall_v break_v they_o mith_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n thou_o shall_v dash_v they_o in_o piece_n as_o a_o potter_n vessel_n this_o covenant_n be_v it_o which_o isaiah_n publish_v and_o preach_v chap._n 42._o and_o 49._o and_o elswere_v frequent_o this_o covenant_n god_n call_v his_o everlasting_a covenant_n be_v still_o one_o and_o the_o same_o immutable_a from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a this_o covenant_n be_v it_o which_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o after_o divers_a manner_n under_o divers_a sign_n figure_n and_o type_n by_o promise_n and_o prophecy_n be_v renew_v and_o ratify_v with_o the_o bless_a patriarch_n abel_n seth_n enoch_n noah_n sem_fw-mi melchisedeck_v and_o with_o the_o father_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n with_o moses_n with_o david_n the_o king_n and_o with_o the_o prophet_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o covenant_n which_o open_o and_o plain_o be_v borough_n to_o light_n and_o reveal_v in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o by_o john_n the_o baptist_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v minister_v in_o the_o church_n and_o shall_v continue_v without_o change_n to_o the_o world_n end_n this_o covenant_n have_v one_o spiritual_a father_n which_o be_v christ_n isaiah_n 9.6_o the_o mighty_a ge_v the_o everlasting_a father_n and_o one_o spiritual_a seed_n psal_n 22.30_o a_o seed_n shall_v serve_v he_o it_o shall_v be_v account_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o generation_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o it_o signify_v the_o manner_n of_o administration_n according_a to_o divine_a appointment_n may_v be_v thus_o describe_v minister_a the_o covenant_n minister_a it_o do_v contain_v the_o whole_a and_o every_o part_n of_o that_o institute_v worship_n whereby_o god_n do_v ordinary_o bring_v about_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n that_o be_v to_o set_v christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o to_o gather_v to_o he_o the_o seed_n give_v he_o by_o his_o father_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n under_o this_o acceptation_n be_v not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o always_o but_o have_v pass_v under_o many_o great_a alteration_n and_o change_n the_o lord_n hate_v his_o ordinance_n and_o appointmens_n to_o the_o person_n season_n and_o work_n which_o he_o have_v to_o do_v as_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o his_o heavenly_a wisdom_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o force_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n consider_v under_o this_o head_n to_o wit_n according_a to_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o depend_v entire_o upon_o the_o law_n of_o its_o institution_n and_o be_v in_o force_n as_o that_o law_n direct_v and_o not_o otherwise_o and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o sense_n stand_v distinguish_v in_o scripture_n under_o two_o know_a head_n respect_v two_o season_n the_o season_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o season_n which_o follow_v after_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n christ_n the_o minister_a before_o christ_n before_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n pass_v under_o very_o great_a alteration_n and_o change_n for_o the_o first_o two_o thousand_o year_n from_o adam_n to_o abraham_n the_o ordinance_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n then_o in_o practice_n and_o other_o occasional_a figure_n have_v respect_n unto_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n and_o the_o choose_a and_o reject_v seed_n therein_o consider_v be_v a_o ministry_n dignify_v with_o as_o eminent_a and_o glorious_a saint_n as_o any_o the_o book_n of_o god_n record_v and_o although_o this_o ministry_n be_v also_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o the_o same_o with_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o
proportion_v to_o it_o and_o afterward_o fall_v in_o with_o it_o yet_o in_o all_o this_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n there_o be_v no_o distinguish_a ordinance_n to_o be_v administer_v to_o infant_n of_o believer_n or_o any_o know_a doctrine_n to_o that_o purpose_n notwithstanding_o the_o far-fetched_a notion_n which_o some_o have_v wander_v after_o to_o find_v it_o out_o from_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n gen._n 6.2_o which_o very_o probable_o be_v find_v in_o the_o family_n of_o holy_a seth_n in_o that_o time_n of_o universal_a corruption_n of_o all_o mankind_n nor_o in_o that_o other_o of_o the_o save_n of_o noah_n and_o his_o family_n in_o the_o ark_n neither_o of_o which_o nor_o any_o other_o thing_n be_v or_o be_v deem_v to_o be_v a_o ordinance_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v administer_v in_o infancy_n true_a it_o be_v at_o circumcision_n it_o begin_v and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n circumcision_n be_v take_v in_o with_o the_o other_o institution_n which_o go_v before_o it_o and_o there_o it_o receive_v its_o full_a installment_n and_o become_v the_o head-ordinance_n of_o the_o levitical_a ministry_n this_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v usual_o call_v in_o scripture_n the_o old_a covenant_n or_o the_o first_o covenant_n heb._n 8.7_o for_o if_o that_o first_o covenant_n have_v be_v faultless_a etc._n etc._n ver._n 13._o in_o that_o he_o say_v a_o new_a covenant_n he_o have_v make_v the_o first_o old_a it_o be_v also_o usual_o call_v the_o law_n rom._n 4.13_o 14_o for_o the_o promise_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o abraham_n or_o to_o his_o seed_n through_o the_o law_n but_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n to_o wit_n the_o people_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n be_v heir_n faith_n be_v make_v void_a to_o wit_n the_o people_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o heb._n 10.1_o the_o law_n have_v a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v and_o not_o the_o very_a image_n of_o the_o thing_n etc._n etc._n gal._n 4.21_o you_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v under_o the_o law_n do_v you_o not_o hear_v the_o law_n this_o covenant_n while_o it_o stand_v although_o it_o be_v very_o glorious_a yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n never_o exalt_v it_o in_o dignity_n above_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o handmaid_n appoint_v for_o the_o time_n be_v to_o minister_v to_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n and_o then_o to_o be_v utter_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o her_o seed_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n who_o the_o apostle_n call_v servant_n and_o not_o son_n gal._n 4.7_o all_o which_o we_o have_v prophetical_o yet_o plain_o and_o full_o instance_a in_o the_o family_n of_o abrahan_n under_o the_o type_n of_o the_o gospel-church_n under_o the_o person_n of_o hagar_n and_o ishmael_n gen._n 21.10_o 11_o 12._o cast_v out_o this_o bondwoman_n and_o her_o sen_fw-mi for_o the_o son_n of_o this_o bond_n woman_n shall_v not_o be_v heir_n with_o my_o son_n with_o isaac_n etc._n etc._n the_o mystery_n of_o this_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n unvail_v at_o large_a gal._n 4.22_o 31._o where_o he_o show_v that_o the_o two_o woman_n vers_fw-la 24._o under_o a_o allegory_n be_v the_o two_o covenant_n the_o bondage_n covenant_n and_o the_o free_a covenant_n vers_fw-la 25_o 26._o that_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o the_o isaac_n be_v the_o true_a seed_n of_o the_o gospel-administration_n for_o s_o 28._o call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o say_v the_o apostle_n such_o be_v himself_o and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n to_o who_o he_o write_v vers_fw-la 31._o not_o bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n as_o be_v ishmael_n vers_fw-la 23._o but_o bear_v where_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o nature_n to_o bring_v forth_o a_o seed_n even_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n vers_fw-la 5_o 6_o 7._o by_o a_o mother_n which_o in_o the_o other_o respect_n be_v altogether_o barren_a and_o desolate_a vers_fw-la 27._o rejoice_v thou_o barren_a that_o bear_v not_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v she_o be_v in_o no_o such_o mariage-covenant_n whereby_o child_n shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o unto_o she_o as_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o former_a marriage-covenant_n but_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v leave_v absolute_o destitute_a shall_v yet_o have_v many_o more_o child_n than_o that_o covenant_n have_v which_o bring_v forth_o child_n by_o fleshly_a generation_n again_o this_o old_a administration_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n heb._n 8.5_o term_v a_o service_n unto_o the_o example_n and_o shadow_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o chap._n 9_o vers_fw-la 9_o a_o figure_n for_o the_o time_n then_o present_a and_o in_o chap._n 7._o v._n 19_o and_o i_o 10._o v._n 1._o that_o it_o make_v nothing_o perfect_a and_o that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n blot_v out_o as_o a_o hand-writing_n of_o ordinance_n that_o be_v against_o we_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o we_o and_o take_v it_o out_o of_o the_o way_n nail_v it_o to_o his_o cross_n col._n 2_o 24._o there_o end_v that_o covenant_n there_o expire_v the_o law_n the_o force_n and_o authority_n upon_o which_o that_o administration_n stand_v and_o there_o be_v the_o pprophecy_n gen._n 21.10_o of_o cast_v out_o the_o seed_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n never_o more_o to_o claim_v a_o privilege_n upon_o that_o account_n absolute_o accomplish_v and_o fulfil_v and_o thenceforth_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v count_v for_o the_o seed_n rom._n 9.8_o two_o hard_a shift_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o some_o to_o avoid_v the_o evidence_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a scripture_n against_o infaint-baptisme_n which_o may_v be_v allege_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n first_o obj._n 1_o they_o say_v that_o what_o have_v be_v allege_v from_o gen._n 24._o and_o gal._n 4._o tend_v only_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o legal_a covenant_n and_o carnal_a seed_n as_o it_o stand_v privilege_v by_o that_o covenant_n be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o free_a gospel-covenant_n to_o this_o we_o say_v rep._n 1_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n in_o the_o letter_n of_o circumcision_n have_v with_o they_o a_o eminent_a renovation_n and_o ratification_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n yet_o be_v both_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o nature_n authority_n and_o use_v john_n 7.23_o act_n 15.5_o although_o not_o give_v together_o as_o neither_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o sacrifice_a and_o all_o alike_o signify_v and_o serve_v unto_o the_o same_o heavenly_a mystery_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n we_o close_v with_o they_o herein_o and_o crave_v no_o more_o from_o these_o scripture_n than_o the_o total_a abolish_n of_o the_o legal_a covenant_n with_o all_o its_o apputtenance_n of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v a_o chief_a as_o have_v be_v prove_v we_o say_v that_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o seed_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o exclusion_n of_o that_o covenant_n exclude_v the_o seed_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n for_o ever_o because_o it_o can_v claim_v a_o stand_n by_o no_o other_o right_n it_o be_v also_o suggest_v obj._n 2_o that_o the_o scripture_n allege_v unto_o the_o point_n of_o the_o two_o covenant_n and_o the_o two_o seed_n in_o they_o respective_o privilege_v be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o other_o intend_v by_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o free_a woman_n then_o of_o real_a or_o invisible_a saint_n and_o not_o of_o the_o visible_a subject_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n to_o which_o we_o say_v rep._n that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o these_o discovery_n as_o a_o standard_n and_o rule_n to_o reform_v and_o conform_v visible_a church_n unto_o both_o in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o that_o also_o upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o corruption_n which_o by_o the_o impose_v of_o the_o legal_a covenant_n and_o natural_a seed_n have_v invade_v they_o as_o be_v most_o evident_a to_o have_v be_v the_o case_n act_v 15.5_o 10._o if_o no_o such_o matter_n at_o all_o concern_v invisible_a faint_v any_o otherways_o consider_v then_o in_o visible_a church-order_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scope_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o also_o be_v evident_a then_o let_v no_o person_n give_v up_o their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o such_o impertinent_a and_o incoherent_a interpretation_n against_o the_o plain_a drift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n therein_o pursue_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n before_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n wherein_o we_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v in_o what_o have_v be_v
say_v touch_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o legal_a covenant_n to_o teach_v the_o abrogation_n of_o any_o moral_a doctrine_n or_o precept_n the_o last_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n christ_n the_o ministry_n by_o christ_n usual_o call_v the_o new_a covenant_n be_v that_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o jesus_n christ_n at_o his_o come_n which_o be_v altogether_o of_o another_o nature_n to_o that_o which_o go_v before_o it_o this_o be_v not_o a_o covenant_n minister_a or_o serve_v to_o any_o doctrine_n above_o or_o beyond_o itself_o as_o be_v the_o other_o heb._n 10.1_o but_o this_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n itself_o plain_o administer_v a_o mystery_n hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n golos_n 1.26_o ephes_n 3.8_o 9_o it_o be_v under_o a_o veil_n or_o behind_o a_o curtain_n till_o christ_n himself_o come_v to_o reveal_v it_o and_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n run_v quite_o beside_o the_o pretend_v privilege_n of_o the_o seed_n after_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v place_v upon_o the_o seed_n after_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a seed_n who_o be_v real_o state_v by_o god_n in_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n through_o their_o new-birth_n and_o not_o otherwise_o mark_v the_o preach_n and_o practice_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n matth._n 3.8_o 9_o bring_v forth_o therefore_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o think_v not_o to_o say_v within_o yourselves_o we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n observe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n upon_o what_o foundation_n he_o build_v the_o gospel-church_n matth._n 16.18_o upon_o the_o profession_n of_o actual_a faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o birth-priviledg_n can_v be_v square_v by_o this_o rule_n to_o have_v a_o place_n in_o this_o build_n again_o isaiah_n 54.13_o prophesy_v of_o the_o gospel-church_n say_v and_o all_o thy_o child_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o god_n be_v apply_v by_o christ_n john_n 6.44_o 45._o with_o this_o introduction_n no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o except_o the_o father_n which_o send_v i_o draw_v he_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o come_n unto_o christ_n nor_o sonship_n in_o the_o church_n upon_o birth-priviledge_n any_o long_o again_o luke_n 14.26_o if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o and_o hate_v not_o his_o father_n etc._n etc._n he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n here_o be_v no_o room_n for_o birth-priviledg_n to_o make_v disciple_n to_o christ_n or_o upon_o that_o title_n to_o come_v unto_o he_o gospel-priviledge_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o gospel-inheritance_n and_o follow_v gospelsonship_n if_o sous_fw-fr than_o heir_n gal._n 4.7_o rom._n 8.17_o now_o gospel-son_n be_v not_o bear_v such_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o james_n 1.18_o and_o therefore_o the_o visible_a profession_n hereof_o must_v be_v the_o common_a principle_n to_o constitute_v visible_a child_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n under_o the_o administration_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o grace_n and_o truth_n be_v administer_v not_o flesh_n and_o figure_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o term_n that_o come_v to_o hand_n in_o our_o opponent_n first_o proposition_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o next_o expression_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v stand_v now_o in_o force_n it_o seem_v to_o we_o a_o hard_a kind_n of_o expression_n to_o say_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n stand_v now_o in_o force_n as_o if_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v or_o not_o be_v in_o force_n with_o respect_n to_o season_n but_o thus_o we_o understand_v our_o opponent_n mean_v by_o this_o term_n that_o it_o signify_v a_o person_n to_o be_v comprise_v and_o state_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o god_n another_o expression_n crave_v explanation_n be_v the_o child_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n which_o in_o our_o opponent_n intention_n we_o take_v not_o to_o be_v such_o child_n as_o be_v beget_v unto_o the_o faith_n by_o believer_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n come_v under_o that_o appellation_n of_o which_o we_o read_v 1_o cor._n 4.15_o 3_o epist_n joh._n ver_fw-la 4._o but_o we_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o child_n beget_v of_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o no_o other_o we_o ourselves_o crave_v to_o be_v understand_v throughout_o this_o reply_n by_o the_o term_n of_o carnal_a or_o natural_a seed_n seed_n after_o the_o flesh_n seed_n of_o the_o birth-priviledge_n which_o caution_n we_o premise_v that_o these_o term_n make_v use_v of_o by_o we_o be_v not_o apply_v to_o signify_v some_o evil_a qualification_n the_o second_o proposition_n needoth_a not_o to_o have_v any_o thing_n far_o say_v unto_o it_o be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o first_o and_o must_v stand_v and_o fall_v with_o it_o these_o thing_n premise_v we_o return_v answer_v to_o these_o his_o two_o proposition_n viz._n 1_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n stand_v now_o in_o force_n to_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n 2_o that_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n by_o god_n appointment_n why_o child_n of_o believer_n shall_v be_v baptize_v and_o first_o we_o say_v if_o by_o this_o term_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o first_o proposition_n be_v mean_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o our_o first_o acceptation_n of_o it_o and_o by_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_n mean_v their_o natural_a seed_n as_o before_o explain_v then_o we_o deny_v the_o first_o proposition_n because_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o that_o sense_n be_v not_o in_o force_n to_o any_o upon_o any_o other_o consideration_n then_o as_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n then_o also_o be_v the_o second_o proposition_n to_o be_v deny_v because_o god_n have_v make_v no_o such_o appointment_n that_o baptism_n shall_v be_v administer_v to_o person_n upon_o the_o single_a ground_n of_o election_n if_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v mean_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n minister_a according_a to_o our_o second_o acceptation_n then_o if_o it_o be_v also_o mean_v to_o be_v in_o force_n etc._n etc._n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o institution_n appoint_v of_o god_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n we_o deny_v the_o second_o proposition_n that_o that_o be_v any_o sufficient_a ground_n by_o god_n appointment_n of_o baptise_v infant_n now_o such_o institution_n be_v vanish_v with_o the_o other_o shadow_n if_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v mean_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v now_o minister_v since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n we_o also_o deny_v the_o same_o proposition_n in_o this_o particular_a that_o there_o can_v be_v find_v no_o such_o appointment_n institute_v by_o christ_n or_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o baptise_v of_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n last_o of_o all_o we_o say_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v always_o in_o force_n to_o the_o elect_a as_o such_o call_v or_o uncalled_a infant_n or_o age_a it_o be_v also_o in_o force_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n as_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n by_o god_n appointment_n to_o be_v publish_v for_o the_o call_n of_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n but_o we_o utter_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o in_o force_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o by_o any_o appointment_n of_o god_n for_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o institute_v worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o force_n and_o authority_n that_o it_o have_v upon_o the_o conscience_n in_o point_n of_o practice_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n by_o which_o it_o be_v make_v a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o in_o point_n of_o practice_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n not_o to_o be_v swerve_v from_o god_n have_v be_v very_o jealous_a of_o all_o his_o ordinance_n to_o keep_v they_o exact_o to_o his_o own_o method_n and_o manner_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v very_o presumptuous_a to_o be_v interpose_v and_o meddle_v let_v we_o not_o forget_v that_o of_o heb._n 8.5_o exod._n 25.9_o 40._o see_v that_o thou_o make_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v to_o thou_o in_o the_o mount_n all_o institute_v worship_n must_v be_v conform_v to_o the_o heavenly_a pattern_n but_o to_o follow_v our_o opponent_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o proposition_n this_o be_v evident_a say_v he_o from_o many_o scripture_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o so_o give_v you_o a_o instance_n in_o that_o one_o act_v 2.39_o and_o then_o fair_o leave_v you_o to_o make_v the_o application_n as_o you_o please_v without_o manage_v his_o authority_n to_o prove_v any_o one_o point_n
and_o by_o faith_n alone_o can_v it_o be_v enjoy_v and_o partake_v in_o and_o profession_n the_o visible_a title_n thereunto_o and_o against_o this_o change_n the_o jew_n have_v nothing_o to_o except_v but_o his_o unbelieving_a mind_n which_o god_n determine_v shall_v break_v he_o off_o rom._n 11.20_o the_o change_n of_o the_o administration_n from_o the_o carnal_a seed_n to_o the_o seed_n by_o adoption_n do_v not_o at_o all_o abridge_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n or_o any_o privilege_n thereof_o but_o unbeleef_n we_o consent_v thus_o far_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v avay_v but_o that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v become_v a_o sore_a offence_n to_o the_o carnal_a jew_n that_o can_v not_o discern_v the_o mystery_n which_o be_v beyond_o his_o typical_a state_n which_o exalt_v his_o nation_n so_o much_o above_o other_o people_n and_o consequent_o his_o child_n of_o the_o flesh_n who_o be_v to_o succeed_v in_o the_o like_a pre-eminence_n and_o all_o this_o to_o cease_v and_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o same_o grace_n with_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v doubtless_o that_o stumble_a block_n which_o offend_v many_o of_o they_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v foretell_v by_o isaiah_n 8.14_o apply_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o 9_o but_o what_o of_o all_o this_o must_v the_o mystery_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o elect_a to_o christ_n be_v still_o cumber_v and_o cloud_v with_o the_o pretension_n of_o a_o carnal_a seed_n which_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o standard_n of_o so_o high_a a_o mystery_n as_o christ_n be_v come_v to_o call_v man_n up_o unto_o viz_o faith_n repentance_n lay_v down_o of_o life_n and_o all_o for_o christ_n in_o or_o to_o the_o glory_n promise_v rather_o than_o the_o jew_n must_v take_v offence_n we_o therefore_o deny_v that_o the_o argument_n from_o sadden_v and_o offend_v the_o carnal_a jew_n be_v of_o any_o worth_n at_o all_o accuser_n arg._n 4_o if_o so_o than_o child_n will_v be_v superfluous_a in_o the_o text_n and_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v be_v charge_v with_o tautology_n which_o will_v be_v blasphemy_n to_o affirm_v answer_n it_o seem_v superfluity_n and_o tautology_n must_v all_o be_v one_o but_o we_o say_v that_o our_o denial_n of_o baptism_n to_o infant_n do_v not_o render_v the_o declaration_n of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o this_o scripture_n superfluous_a because_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v many_o great_a right_n in_o the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o and_o yet_o through_o present_a personal_a incapacity_n may_v not_o have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v baptize_v baptism_n be_v a_o part_n of_o institute_v worship_n and_o must_v be_v administer_v just_a as_o the_o law_n of_o its_o institution_n direct_v and_o not_o otherways_o and_o it_o have_v well_o become_v our_o accuser_n to_o have_v find_v one_o little_a place_n within_o some_o of_o his_o argument_n to_o have_v convince_v we_o of_o error_n from_o a_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n whereby_o this_o form_n of_o infant-baptisme_n come_v to_o be_v a_o gospel-ordinance_n or_o at_o least_o some_o example_n of_o its_o practice_n in_o the_o manner_n he_o pretend_v unto_o and_o to_o have_v pass_v by_o these_o empty_a notion_n accuser_n arg._n 5._o the_o tense_n be_v change_v the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o your_o child_n in_o the_o present_a tense_n but_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o call_n he_o speak_v in_o the_o future_a tense_n as_o many_o as_o god_n shall_v call_v which_o must_v needs_o be_v apply_v to_o they_o afar_o off_o and_o not_o to_o child_n answer_n must_v it_o need_v be_v apply_v to_o they_o afar_o off_o and_o not_o to_o child_n then_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o the_o gentile_n and_o their_o child_n must_v be_v all_o call_v before_o baptize_v for_o all_o these_o be_v mean_v by_o they_o afar_o off_o be_v oppose_v in_o the_o text_n to_o you_o and_o your_o child_n that_o be_v the_o jew_z so_o that_o infant-baptisme_n can_v have_v no_o place_n in_o the_o gentile-church_n by_o this_o interpretation_n but_o must_v remain_v with_o the_o jew_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o they_o and_o their_o child_n before_o call_v this_o absurd_a disproportion_n can_v be_v shift_v aside_o by_o reply_v that_o they_o afar_v off_o must_v be_v limit_v to_o the_o first_o call_v gentile_n because_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o in_o the_o case_n whether_o call_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o present_a tense_n the_o jew_n and_o his_o child_n or_o to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o future_a tense_n they_o afar_o off_o because_o it_o be_v consent_v that_o the_o first_o father_n of_o the_o jewish_a people_n themselves_o must_v be_v call_v before_o baptize_v this_o trifle_a dispute_n from_o the_o change_n of_o the_o tense_n be_v very_o absurd_a as_o well_o as_o frothy_a as_o suppose_v that_o the_o same_o qualification_n of_o call_v may_v not_o also_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o present_a time_n because_o it_o be_v here_o set_v down_o as_o require_v in_o the_o future_a not_o consider_v that_o calling_n must_v reed_n be_v find_v in_o the_o first_o jew_n themselves_o the_o like_a absurdity_n be_v in_o his_o argument_n of_o the_o change_n of_o the_o tense_n by_o his_o change_n of_o the_o subject_n from_o promise_n to_o call_v the_o promise_n be_v the_o call_n shall_v be_v what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o ground_v a_o argument_n upon_o accuser_n arg._n 6._o if_o their_o interpretation_n hold_v good_a there_o will_v be_v a_o very_a great_a change_n in_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o covenant_n narrow_a under_o the_o gospel_n than_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o no_o notice_n in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o god_n give_v of_o such_o a_o change_n answer_n pass_v by_o the_o unexpressed_a interpretation_n we_o shall_v apply_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o argument_n as_o it_o stand_v oppose_v to_o 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small_a people_n the_o bound_n of_o the_o other_o be_v stretch_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o flood_n to_o the_o world_n end_n this_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o seed_n and_o family_n of_o abraham_n the_o other_o extend_v to_o the_o seed_n and_o family_n of_o christ_n this_o have_v its_o existence_n but_o two_o thousand_o year_n upon_o a_o occasional_a temporary_a principle_n the_o other_o be_v suit_v to_o answer_v a_o principle_n exist_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a this_o administration_n be_v the_o shadow_n figure_n and_o example_n the_o other_o the_o substance_n this_o be_v the_o handmaid_n the_o other_o the_o mistress_n and_o if_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o between_o these_o two_o administration_n will_v any_o presume_v to_o charge_v the_o gospel-adminstration_a with_o more_o narrowness_n than_o the_o law_n because_o of_o the_o dis-continuance_n of_o the_o birth-priviledge_n 3._o although_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v extend_v far_o beyond_o the_o grace_n under_o the_o law_n yet_o as_o to_o person_n the_o child_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v form_v to_o so_o strict_a and_o refine_a a_o qualification_n that_o in_o that_o respect_n we_o allow_v the_o law_n a_o latitude_n beyond_o the_o gospel_n but_o yet_o with_o this_o mark_n that_o that_o indulgence_n of_o the_o law_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a imperfection_n which_o the_o gospel_n come_v to_o reform_v mat._n 3.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o of_o this_o change_n the_o book_n of_o god_n do_v give_v abundant_a notice_n although_o the_o accuser_n be_v inform_v to_o the_o contrary_a gen._n 21.10_o cast_v out_o the_o bondwoman_n and_o her_o son_n etc._n etc._n short_o after_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o circumcision_n for_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o seed_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n the_o lord_n bring_v forth_o a_o
magistracy_n and_o ministry_n as_o he_o have_v inform_v the_o world_n than_o indeed_o leave_v we_o as_o he_o have_v persuade_v you_o but_o if_o these_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o unrighteous_a accusation_n of_o a_o person_n puff_v up_o at_o best_a with_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o own_o passion_n then_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o that_o spirit_n which_o have_v act_v this_o man_n and_o lead_v he_o aside_o according_a to_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n to_o play_v both_o the_o unrighteous_a judge_n and_o false_a accuser_n against_o the_o way_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o stand_v friend_n we_o intend_v not_o in_o this_o defence_n to_o justify_v any_o evil_a person_n or_o matter_n for_o our_o advantage_n we_o be_v assure_v we_o have_v in_o hand_n a_o cause_n of_o god_n that_o need_v not_o save_v to_o be_v state_v in_o its_o own_o simplicity_n wherein_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v faithful_a with_o you_o be_v make_v willing_a by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o stand_v and_o fall_v with_o it_o the_o person_n of_o man_n we_o shall_v not_o care_v to_o overvalue_v or_o presume_v to_o detract_v but_o as_o man_n stand_v approve_v or_o disapprove_v of_o the_o truth_n to_o give_v they_o their_o due_n and_o particular_o for_o this_o our_o judge_n and_o accuser_n we_o shall_v cast_v behind_o we_o the_o filth_n of_o his_o invective_n without_o retaliation_n his_o impertinency_n and_o absurdity_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v we_o shall_v pass_v over_o with_o silence_n that_o what_o may_v be_v find_v in_o he_o to_o bear_v upon_o the_o main_a cause_n may_v be_v deal_v withal_o accuser_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a to_o all_o that_o know_v i_o to_o see_v i_o in_o print_n and_o if_o any_o that_o see_v i_o thus_o appear_v judge_v that_o it_o be_v my_o main_a business_n to_o vindicate_v myself_o they_o be_v mistake_v i_o be_o partly_o drive_v to_o this_o by_o the_o irregular_a proceed_n of_o those_o who_o have_v judge_v i_o at_o a_o offender_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o give_v i_o liberty_n to_o speak_v for_o myself_o so_o that_o i_o be_o enforce_v to_o speak_v this_o way_n or_o to_o justify_v they_o by_o my_o silence_n but_o that_o which_o most_o of_o all_o prevail_v with_o i_o be_v first_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god-in_a acknowledge_v his_o mercy_n who_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n and_o show_v i_o the_o error_n of_o my_o way_n 2._o i_o judge_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o labour_v to_o undeceive_v all_o the_o simple_a and_o plain_a heart_a 3._o i_o think_v it_o as_o necessary_a to_o discover_v the_o hypocrisy_n of_o some_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o by_o cunning_a insinuation_n and_o pretence_n to_o draw_v aside_o many_o soul_n to_o their_o own_o loss_n if_o not_o to_o their_o destruction_n answer_n it_o be_v not_o much_o that_o we_o shall_v think_v needful_a to_o speak_v to_o this_o paragraph_n only_o whereas_o he_o begin_v it_o may_v seem_v strange_a to_o all_o that_o know_v i_o to_o see_v i_o in_o print_n in_o this_o the_o accuser_n speak_v right_a for_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o judge_v he_o do_v but_o personate_v the_o contrivance_n of_o other_o man_n who_o have_v judge_v i_o as_o a_o offender_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o give_v i_o liberty_n to_o speak_v for_o myself_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o meet_v our_o accuser_n in_o this_o his_o false_a allegation_n in_o its_o due_a place_n i_o think_v it_o as_o necessary_a to_o discover_v the_o hypocrisy_n of_o some_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v etc._n etc._n who_o he_o intend_v under_o these_o expression_n as_o hypocrite_n liar_n in_o wait_n etc._n etc._n he_o manifest_v in_o the_o title_n page_n how_o well_o he_o prove_v we_o to_o be_v such_o appear_v by_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o book_n where_o we_o shall_v have_v full_a opportunity_n to_o examine_v it_o he_o proceed_v accuser_n it_o be_v notorious_o know_v to_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o tyverton_n that_o i_o be_v deep_o engage_v in_o that_o way_n which_o be_v common_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o anabaptist_n yea_o so_o far_o as_o that_o i_o think_v i_o be_v bind_v to_o oppose_v all_o that_o dissent_v from_o that_o way_n as_o be_v antichristian_a &_o so_o zealous_a be_v i_o to_o promote_v that_o interest_n that_o i_o forsake_v my_o relation_n and_o leave_v my_o father_n house_n not_o care_v for_o any_o society_n but_o such_o as_o be_v for_o that_o way_n refuse_v to_o join_v in_o prayer_n with_o such_o as_o differ_v from_o i_o in_o that_o though_o otherwise_o godly_a thus_o i_o continue_v for_o the_o space_n of_o nigh_o two_o year_n but_o at_o last_o god_n be_v please_v to_o cause_v i_o to_o reflect_v upon_o myself_o and_o way_n and_o by_o some_o special_a providence_n of_o which_o by_o and_o by_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n he_o make_v i_o willing_a to_o stand_v upon_o the_o way_n and_o see_v and_o inquire_v for_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o until_o this_o time_n i_o be_v so_o fill_v with_o prejudice_n against_o the_o public_a ministry_n that_o i_o refuse_v all_o conference_n and_o debate_n with_o any_o though_o offer_v with_o never_o so_o much_o mildness_n concern_v the_o way_n in_o which_o i_o be_v or_o if_o i_o do_v at_o any_o time_n admit_v of_o any_o it_o be_v to_o defend_v and_o not_o to_o examine_v it_o answer_n all_o this_o rash_a and_o uneven_a walk_a while_n under_o this_o profession_n that_o this_o man_n make_v discovery_n of_o himself_o in_o for_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v judge_v it_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o have_v give_v such_o a_o character_n of_o he_o it_o easy_o appear_v to_o have_v spring_v from_o the_o youthful_a vanity_n and_o lightness_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n not_o from_o any_o priaciple_n own_v among_o we_o nor_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o any_o comfort_n to_o we_o in_o that_o he_o be_v several_a time_n reprove_v for_o sundry_a of_o those_o very_a thing_n accuser_n but_o now_o god_n have_v put_v some_o check_n upon_o my_o spirit_n i_o begin_v to_o lay_v thing_n in_o the_o balance_n and_o observe_v another_o people_n in_o this_o place_n walk_v under_o ordinance_n and_o join_v with_o the_o public_a ministry_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o will_v come_v in_o sometime_o we_o say_v we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o they_o say_v they_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n may_v not_o i_o all_o this_o while_n be_v mistake_v though_o i_o often_o oppose_v such_o thought_n as_o these_o yet_o they_o return_v upon_o i_o by_o my_o observation_n for_o i_o can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n that_o those_o i_o walk_v withal_o be_v loose_a both_o in_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n than_o those_o i_o dissent_v from_o answer_n then_o i_o begin_v to_o lay_v thing_n in_o the_o balance_n etc._n etc._n those_o unsteady_a revolution_n of_o thought_n always_o learning_n never_o come_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n argue_v a_o mind_n unstable_a as_o water_n and_o therefore_o can_v excel_v i_o can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n that_o those_o i_o walk_v with_o be_v loose_a both_o in_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n than_o those_o i_o dissent_v from_o we_o shall_v not_o in_o this_o place_n insist_v on_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o argument_n urge_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o person_n to_o the_o error_n of_o their_o profession_n but_o to_o the_o general_a charge_n we_o say_v that_o if_o to_o state_n the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v and_o give_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o for_o the_o redemption_n of_o sinner_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o ministration_n thereof_o upon_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n alone_o and_o so_o state_v to_o minister_v the_o same_o for_o the_o call_n and_o gather_v of_o the_o elect_a the_o true_a seed_n in_o that_o covenant_n give_v unto_o christ_n for_o the_o bring_v they_o into_o visible_a communion_n with_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o each_o with_o other_o if_o to_o require_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o work_n before_o admission_n into_o such_o visible_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o a_o pen_n profession_n upon_o such_o admission_n to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o follow_v he_o in_o do_v and_o suffer_v his_o whole_a will_n as_o himself_o require_v 14.26_o mat._n 16.24_o luk._n 14.26_o if_o to_o administer_v such_o gospel_n ordinance_n as_o import_v the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o child_n and_o family_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o person_n so_o approve_v and_o no_o other_o if_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o believe_v the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o priesthood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o provide_v for_o govern_v and_o perfect_v his_o people_n although_o a_o feeble_a flock_n and_o therefore_o set_v at_o nought_o by_o they_o that_o be_v full_a and_o at_o ease_n if_o while_o these_o
proposition_n or_o allege_a text._n accuser_n if_o child_n shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o promise_n arg._n 2_o this_o can_v not_o have_v comfort_v the_o patent_n but_o have_v sadn_v they_o that_o their_o child_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o with_o heathen_n but_o here_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o text_n be_v urge_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o consolation_n answer_n this_o argument_n suppose_v our_o denial_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o child_n wherein_o the_o man_n run_v after_o his_o own_o mistake_n denial_n of_o baptism_n be_v no_o exclusion_n from_o the_o promise_n as_o to_o the_o odious_a comparison_n of_o child_n of_o believer_n to_o heathen_n false_o charge_v on_o we_o we_o reject_v heathen_n differ_v as_o much_o from_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n in_o our_o account_n as_o open_a apostate_n do_v from_o hopeful_a expectant_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o consolation_n our_o denial_n of_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n withdraw_v from_o the_o parent_n no_o real_a ground_n of_o consolation_n found_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o apply_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o scripture_n but_o we_o say_v that_o the_o application_n thereof_o to_o particular_a person_n if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o scripture-â—ule_a will_v prove_v a_o groundless_a fiction_n and_o no_o consolation_n and_o as_o to_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n we_o far_o say_v that_o beside_o our_o assurance_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o election_n because_o it_o be_v bestow_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n do_v reach_v infant_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o it_o be_v likely_a more_o frequent_o the_o infant_n of_o the_o godly_a than_o other_o that_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n have_v also_o a_o nearness_n not_o only_o to_o the_o promise_n but_o also_o to_o the_o fruition_n of_o the_o grace_n promise_v by_o reason_n of_o many_o high_a advantage_n which_o other_o enjoy_v not_o and_o among_o the_o rest_n that_o the_o godly_a to_o who_o they_o stand_v relate_v and_o be_v commit_v have_v promise_n of_o be_v hear_v of_o god_n in_o their_o faithful_a prayer_n even_o to_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n job_n 1.5_o james_n 5.15_o 16._o 1_o john_n 5.16_o and_o that_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a ground_n give_v to_o such_o parent_n of_o a_o holy_a hope_n that_o god_n do_v hear_v their_o prayer_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o infant_n see_v they_o be_v not_o under_o that_o sin_n unto_o death_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v pray_v for_o and_o we_o can_v never_o find_v our_o sober_a opposite_n to_o ascribe_v a_o great_a ground_n for_o a_o believer_n to_o conclude_v the_o salvation_n of_o his_o infant_n if_o he_o die_v after_o he_o be_v baptize_v then_o if_o he_o do_v before_o beside_o which_o great_a advantage_n there_o be_v also_o reserve_v to_o the_o child_n the_o same_o tender_n of_o grace_n for_o their_o full_a investure_n into_o the_o real_a fruition_n of_o the_o promise_n we_o remain_v yet_o to_o be_v inform_v what_o discouragement_n be_v put_v upon_o the_o parent_n labour_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o guilt_n to_o receive_v a_o dectrine_n thus_o tender_v bring_v with_o it_o the_o same_o grace_n upon_o the_o like_a term_n to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o his_o posterity_n together_o with_o these_o high_a advantage_n premise_v we_o also_o say_v whatever_o benefit_n may_v be_v just_o say_v to_o accrue_v to_o the_o infant_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n through_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o parent_n all_o that_o will_v be_v more_o effectual_o and_o certain_o make_v out_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o they_o both_o by_o baptism_n upon_o faith_n then_o can_v be_v by_o baptisine_n in_o infancy_n by_o how_o much_o baptism_n upon_o faith_n more_o certain_o declare_v the_o parent_n by_o who_o the_o benefit_n do_v accrue_v to_o be_v real_o in_o the_o covenant_n than_o baptism_n in_o infancy_n can_v be_v say_v to_o do_v accuser_n arg._n 3._o if_o so_o than_o this_o can_v not_o encourage_v the_o parent_n to_o submit_v to_o christ_n under_o this_o administration_n but_o will_v have_v hinder_v they_o that_o their_o child_n shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o promise_n who_o stand_v in_o it_o two_o thousand_o year_n before_o under_o the_o other_o administration_n answer_n this_o argument_n run_v upon_o the_o same_o supposition_n with_o the_o former_a whither_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n for_o a_o answer_n in_o part_n only_a there_o it_o pretend_v to_o sadden_v here_o to_o discouragement_n here_o also_o we_o have_v the_o old_a common_a mistake_n that_o a_o incapacity_n to_o baptism_n exclude_v from_o the_o promise_n but_o to_o pass_v by_o these_o faulâ—s_n we_o come_v to_o what_o may_v be_v further_o find_v a_o colour_n for_o a_o objection_n object_n infant_n stand_v visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o two_o thousand_o year_n in_o the_o administration_n this_o administration_n exclude_v they_o answ_n they_o stand_v exclude_v altogether_o as_o much_o above_o two_o thousand_o year_n before_o circumcision_n as_o they_o do_v now_o so_o that_o a_o ordinance_n for_o their_o church-membership_a be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o beginning_n but_o come_v in_o by_o special_a institution_n long_o since_o 2._o the_o other_o administration_n in_o which_o they_o stand_v be_v establish_v with_o a_o seed_n to_o be_v propagate_v by_o natural_a generation_n according_a to_o express_v command_n gen._n 17.9_o thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o covenant_n therefore_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n this_o be_v my_o covenant_n which_o you_o shall_v keep_v etc._n etc._n every_o manchild_n among_o you_o shall_v be_v circumcise_v but_o where_o have_v we_o command_v for_o the_o like_a in_o this_o administration_n that_o administration_n be_v a_o typical_a temporary_a bondage-covenant_n and_o in_o a_o sigure_n it_o minister_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n and_o therefore_o it_o suffice_v as_o unto_o that_o administration_n if_o the_o people_n the_o child_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n because_o by_o that_o shadowy_a covenant_n young_a and_o old_a good_a and_o bad_a be_v all_o alike_a covenanter_n and_o all_o alike_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v subject_n of_o a_o administration_n which_o be_v to_o serve_v unto_o the_o example_n and_o shadow_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n till_o the_o seed_n shall_v come_v to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v gal._n 3.19_o as_o have_v be_v former_o prove_v whereunto_o we_o reser_fw-ge the_o reader_n but_o the_o gospel-administration_n that_o bring_v christ_n and_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n and_o not_o in_o the_o figure_n and_o example_n be_v not_o receptive_a of_o child_n as_o to_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o it_o stand_v any_o other_o way_n then_o upon_o some_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o faith_n whereby_o christ_n come_v to_o be_v receive_v who_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n john_n 1.12_o 13._o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n right_a or_o privilege_v to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n bear_v not_o of_o blood_n etc._n etc._n thus_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 4_o 28._o call_v the_o saint_n of_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n child_n of_o the_o promise_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o seed_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n vers_fw-la 23._o and_o their_o mother_n the_o free_a gospel-covenant_n v._o 26._o and_o the_o same_o apostle_n declare_v rom._n 9_o 8_o that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v count_v for_o the_o seed_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o seed_n according_a to_o the_o flâ—sh_n v._o 7_o neither_o because_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n etc._n etc._n whereunto_o many_o other_o scripture_n may_v be_v add_v yea_o the_o whole_a stream_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n witness_v to_o a_o seed_n according_a to_o call_v and_o as_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o admission_n all_o live_a stone_n for_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o not_o one_o word_n in_o favour_n of_o a_o seed_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n as_o to_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n upon_o that_o principle_n of_o birth-priviledge_n 3._o though_o the_o gospel-church_n may_v not_o be_v build_v by_o such_o a_o seed_n nor_o can_v be_v receptive_a of_o it_o upon_o that_o account_n yet_o will_v there_o arise_v no_o ground_n of_o discouragement_n or_o sadness_n to_o the_o jew_n thereby_o his_o shadowy_a glory_n be_v now_o to_o cease_v but_o real_a glory_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o and_o the_o same_o special_o prepare_v and_o hold_v forth_o to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n as_o amphe_n as_o ever_o and_o by_o a_o better_a and_o more_o last_a covenant_n to_o be_v make_v good_a upon_o better_a promise_n but_o this_o glory_n must_v be_v receive_v as_o it_o be_v tender_v it_o be_v tender_v to_o faith_n
child_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o the_o text_n allege_v if_o you_o be_v christ_n then_o be_v you_o abraham_n not_o if_o you_o be_v child_n of_o believer_n 4._o as_o to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o that_o passage_n take_v from_o vers_fw-la 16._o the_o promise_n be_v to_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o seed_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o ten_o argument_n we_o say_v that_o the_o application_n of_o this_o scripture_n must_v be_v make_v between_o competent_a person_n and_o under_o their_o proper_a qualification_n and_o respect_n respective_o consider_v the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o abraham_n as_o a_o common_a ancestor_n and_o he_o have_v a_o noble_a seed_n to_o who_o the_o blessing_n as_o a_o inheritance_n do_v inure_v but_o under_o this_o qualification_n as_o they_o be_v his_o natural_a seed_n privilege_v under_o the_o typical_a administration_n by_o which_o this_o prerogative_n be_v so_o settle_v now_o to_o improve_v this_o scripture_n aright_o the_o heavenly_a mystery_n veil_v in_o this_o dispensation_n must_v be_v seek_v out_o and_o first_o we_o must_v find_v the_o common_a ancestor_n and_o he_o the_o apostle_n discover_v to_o we_o to_o be_v christ_n if_o christ_n than_o abraham_n seed_n vers_fw-la 29._o so_o then_o although_o abraham_n stand_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n under_o the_o law_n yet_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a father_n the_o everlasting_a father_n under_o the_o gospel-administration_n and_o this_o ancestor_n have_v also_o his_o seed_n more_o noble_o descend_v than_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n they_o be_v all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n vers_fw-la 26._o yea_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o by_o any_o other_o qualification_n man_n can_v come_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o this_o ancestor_n then_o by_o be_v make_v one_o with_o he_o in_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o everlasting_a grace_n of_o the_o unchangeable_a covenant_n now_o then_o it_o be_v a_o incompetent_a application_n of_o person_n to_o compare_v every_o particular_a believer_n and_o his_o child_n to_o abraham_n the_o common_a ancestor_n of_o a_o whole_a administration_n and_o the_o seed_n privilege_v thereby_o and_o no_o less_o incompetent_a be_v the_o application_n of_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a in_o person_n to_o be_v account_v heir_n that_o because_o it_o suffice_v to_o abraham_n heir_n that_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o his_o natural_a generation_n and_o thereby_o make_v capable_a of_o a_o inheritance_n in_o the_o figure_n and_o in_o the_o letter_n that_o therefore_o it_o suffice_v by_o be_v the_o child_n according_a to_o natural_a generation_n of_o any_o believer_n to_o be_v upon_o that_o account_n a_o heir_n of_o god_n and_o joynt-heir_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o very_a substance_n and_o mystery_n which_o the_o former_a administration_n do_v prefigure_v we_o therefore_o shall_v deny_v the_o argument_n rake_v up_o out_o of_o these_o two_o abuse_a scripture_n and_o we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o absurd_a as_o well_o as_o a_o presumptuous_a reason_n from_o the_o promise_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n to_o infer_v or_o suppose_v that_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n be_v joynt-heir_n with_o christ_n and_o their_o godly_a parent_n under_o the_o administration_n of_o grace_n because_o of_o the_o birth-priviledge_n give_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n by_o the_o law_n accuser_n arg._n 12._o last_o if_o child_n be_v exclude_v from_o the_o promise_n it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n go_v about_o rather_o to_o deceive_v his_o hearer_n then_o to_o inform_v they_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a the_o apostle_n will_v use_v the_o same_o dialect_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v former_o use_v to_o abraham_n i_o be_o thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o your_o child_n if_o it_o have_v be_v his_o mind_n that_o child_n shall_v be_v exclude_v i_o wish_v that_o man_n will_v with_o unbiased_a heart_n weigh_v these_o thing_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v in_o the_o promise_n answer_n 1._o we_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o plain_a term_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n and_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o that_o gracious_a promise_n persuade_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o baptism_n but_o what_o if_o children_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o the_o promise_n where_o come_v in_o infant-baptism_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o this_o shall_v have_v be_v the_o very_a first_o thing_n if_o he_o have_v intend_v ingenuous_o to_o have_v proceed_v and_o there_o be_v a_o fair_a occasion_n for_o it_o in_o the_o first_o proposition_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n stand_v now_o in_o force_n to_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o in_o stead_n of_o a_o fair_a proof_n as_o well_o there_o as_o all_o along_o we_o have_v a_o parcel_n of_o doubtful_a and_o equivocal_a term_n make_v use_v of_o without_o any_o discovery_n in_o what_o sense_n they_o be_v apply_v of_o which_o artifice_n we_o have_v frequent_a experience_n and_o we_o have_v some_o ground_n to_o judge_v by_o the_o management_n of_o what_o have_v pass_v that_o the_o opponent_n dare_v not_o open_v that_o door_n lest_o the_o light_n thereby_o enter_v will_v have_v manifest_v these_o and_o the_o like_a inconsequential_a and_o confuse_a reason_v and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v think_v best_o silent_o to_o trust_v the_o credit_n of_o that_o point_n with_o the_o good_a disposition_n of_o the_o credulous_a reader_n have_v to_o deal_v with_o we_o who_o in_o a_o jeer_n he_o scorn_v with_o the_o title_n of_o a_o learned_a company_n mean_v a_o company_n of_o silly_a follow_v 2._o what_o a_o odious_a and_o audacious_a inference_n he_o here_o impose_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o if_o infant-baptism_n may_v not_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o word_n allege_v the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n then_o the_o apostle_n use_v of_o they_o be_v in_o a_o deceit_n we_o have_v already_o make_v know_v that_o the_o use_v make_v of_o these_o word_n be_v to_o induce_v poor_a grieve_a sinner_n to_o repentance_n as_o contain_v a_o doctrine_n full_a of_o comfort_n for_o such_o that_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v they_o and_o they_o in_o all_o generation_n have_v promise_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n and_o what_o be_v the_o deceit_n herein_o indeed_o to_o promise_v a_o inheritance_n in_o christ_n to_o poor_a creature_n and_o to_o affix_v a_o seal_n of_o god_n to_o that_o promise_n without_o any_o colour_n of_o authority_n by_o any_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n may_v perhaps_o be_v in_o time_n charge_v as_o a_o notorious_a deceit_n the_o good_a lord_n draw_v all_o his_o faithful_a servant_n out_o of_o it_o 3._o that_o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o like_a dialect_n as_o he_o please_v to_o set_v it_o out_o phrase_n of_o speech_n to_o these_o infant_n that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o use_v to_o abraham_n at_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n viz._n i_o be_o thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n be_v no_o help_n to_o infant-baptism_n at_o all_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o allegation_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o people_n to_o repentance_n and_o baptism_n without_o which_o the_o promise_v contribute_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o justify_v a_o person_n baptism_n 4._o these_o word_n speak_v by_o god_n to_o abraham_n i_o be_o thy_o god_n etc._n etc._n do_v prophetical_o and_o main_o refer_v to_o christ_n and_o gospel-time_n to_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n for_o the_o gather_n in_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n to_o christ_n scatter_v abroad_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n especical_o and_o first_o of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a that_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v form_v to_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o authority_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v draw_v but_o still_o the_o interpretation_n suit_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o wit_n the_o gather_n of_o a_o spiritual_a not_o a_o carnal_a seed_n to_o abraham_n that_o be_v christ_n accuser_n further_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v two_o way_n 1._o as_o it_o be_v invisible_o make_v so_o it_o be_v alone_o to_o the_o elect_a 2._o as_o it_o be_v visible_o make_v so_o it_o be_v with_o visible_a professor_n and_o their_o child_n whoever_o be_v in_o covenant_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n can_v never_o fall_v away_o but_o many_o may_v be_v in_o covenant_n in_o the_o late_a sense_n who_o may_v afterward_o degenerate_a and_o fall_v away_o here_o let_v the_o impartial_a reader_n take_v notice_n that_o the_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v visible_o exhibit_v be_v the_o ground_n for_o baptism_n see_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o covenant_n internal_o be_v know_v to_o god_n
alone_o this_o distinction_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v clear_a from_o rom._n 9.4_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o covenant_n pertain_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o great_a heaviness_n for_o they_o vers_n 2._o it_o be_v clear_a from_o act._n 3.25_o where_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o yet_o but_o few_o of_o they_o internal_o in_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v clear_a from_o john_n 1.11_o where_o they_o be_v call_v god_n own_o which_o can_v not_o be_v by_o creation_n for_o so_o all_o be_v his_o own_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v by_o special_a grace_n for_o say_v the_o text_n they_o reject_v christ_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a church-covenant_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n visible_o exhibit_v that_o give_v they_o a_o claim_n to_o god_n answer_n he_o call_v upon_o the_o impartial_a reader_n to_o take_v notice_n etc._n etc._n so_o also_o do_v we_o and_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o the_o point_n in_o issue_n between_o we_o and_o our_o opponent_n viz._n whether_o the_o visible_a exhibition_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o ground_n of_o baptism_n will_v justify_v the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n or_o the_o baptism_n of_o believer_n and_o let_v the_o reader_n consider_v the_o evidence_n and_o pass_v a_o righteous_a sentence_n the_o visible_a exhibition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o that_o which_o the_o fancy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n call_v so_o but_o it_o be_v the_o visible_a way_n of_o worship_n which_o stand_v and_o must_v stand_v by_o special_a institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o under_o know_a ordinance_n and_o law_n revease_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o description_n whereof_o we_o have_v ezek._n 43.11_o 12._o show_v they_o the_o form_n of_o the_o house_n and_o the_o fashion_n thereof_o and_o the_o go_n out_o thereof_o and_o the_o come_n in_o thereof_o and_o all_o the_o form_n thereof_o and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o and_o all_o the_o form_n thereof_o and_o all_o the_o law_n thereof_o and_o write_v they_o in_o their_o sight_n that_o they_o may_v keep_v the_o whole_a form_n thereof_o and_o all_o the_o ordinancas_n thereof_o and_o do_v they_o this_o be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o house_n upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n the_o whole_a limit_n thereof_o round_o about_o shall_v be_v most_o holy_a behold_v this_o be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o house_n here_o we_o have_v a_o complete_a description_n of_o a_o visible_a exhibition_n of_o the_o covenant_n where_o we_o may_v see_v the_o lord_n exactness_n to_o give_v his_o people_n a_o unquestionable_a plain_n write_v rule_n for_o all_o visible_a worship_n with_o this_o caution_n that_o the_o whole_a limit_n thereof_o round_o about_o shall_v be_v most_o holy_a nothing_o to_o be_v take_v from_o it_o or_o add_v to_o it_o so_o do_v heat_n first_o by_o moses_n exod._n 25.9_o 40._o now_o we_o say_v if_o such_o exactness_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o figure_n and_o a_o suitable_a faithfulness_n be_v find_v in_o the_o servant_n what_o exactness_n may_v we_o expect_v from_o christ_n the_o lord_n see_v hob._n 3.5_o 6._o moses_n very_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n as_o a_o servant_n for_o a_o testimony_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v after_o but_o christ_n as_o a_o son_n over_o his_o own_o house_n which_o house_n we_o be_v and_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o want_v to_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n see_v mat._n 28.19_o 20._o but_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n be_v a_o very_a main_a ordinance_n of_o the_o institute_v worship_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o form_n of_o it_o which_o be_v practise_v among_o we_o to_o wit_n to_o baptise_v upon_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v a_o undoubted_a form_n institute_v and_o practise_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o no_o institution_n or_o practice_n for_o baptise_v infant_n be_v produce_v we_o therefore_o say_v that_o allow_v this_o distinction_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n invisible_o and_o visible_o make_v and_o that_o the_o visible_a exhibition_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o baptism_n we_o require_v the_o proof_n of_o this_o that_o infant-baptism_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o visible_a exhibition_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n day_n institured_a by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a comfort_n to_o we_o that_o in_o a_o day_n of_o so_o much_o contradiction_n envy_n and_o detraction_n wherein_o this_o truth_n become_v a_o word_n of_o patience_n to_o we_o all_o hitherto_o we_o have_v never_o be_v press_v by_o any_o one_o argument_n which_o do_v pretend_v to_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o apostle_n but_o by_o certain_a far-fetched_a reason_n from_o abraham_n carnal_a seed_n and_o from_o circumcision_n and_o supposition_n of_o strange_a inconvenience_n imagine_v by_o man_n to_o follow_v the_o denial_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o such_o like_a matter_n and_o indeed_o be_v try_v be_v find_v supposition_n and_o nothing_o else_o accuser_n in_o a_o word_n this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o anabaptist_n themselves_o else_o how_o can_v they_o call_v themselves_o a_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n if_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a exhibition_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o give_v man_n such_o a_o visible_a relation_n for_o there_o be_v no_o claym_v to_o god_n but_o by_o covenant_n answer_n you_o have_v hear_v we_o affirm_v a_o visible_a exhibition_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n and_o that_o in_o gospel-time_n the_o same_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n than_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n that_o now_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o clear_a unvail_v discovery_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o a_o orderly_a disposition_n of_o all_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o same_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n institute_v the_o new_a testament-administration_n all_o which_o we_o thus_o particular_o set_v down_o once_o more_o 1._o the_o exhibition_n be_v the_o only_o institute_v worship_n which_o god_n accept_v and_o in_o perform_v the_o same_o according_a to_o rule_v we_o be_v say_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o not_o otherwise_o exod._n 23.13_o deut._n 12.28_o 2._o all_o the_o force_n and_o authority_n which_o it_o have_v upon_o the_o conscience_n lie_v in_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o it_o be_v command_v and_o bind_v according_a to_o it_o and_o no_o far_o esa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n 3._o god_n so_o great_o detest_v all_o service_n which_o himself_o have_v not_o command_v that_o in_o this_o respect_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n who_o will_v not_o endure_v a_o provocation_n exod._n 20.4_o 5._o and_o because_o man_n nature_n be_v prone_a to_o be_v invent_v and_o meddle_v god_n have_v therefore_o never_o leave_v his_o church_n without_o certain_a plain_n and_o positive_a rule_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v and_o this_o provision_n be_v as_o needful_a in_o the_o gospel_n as_o under_o the_o law_n christ_n therefore_o be_v not_o want_v to_o the_o church_n therein_o mat._n 28.19_o 20._o and_o among_o other_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n we_o find_v a_o plain_a rule_n and_o institution_n for_o the_o baptise_v of_o believer_n and_o penitent_n but_o for_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n we_o have_v not_o a_o word_n and_o because_o we_o do_v not_o read_v it_o neither_o in_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n we_o dare_v not_o to_o practice_v the_o same_o accuser_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o child_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o promise_n according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o act_n 2.39_o answer_n that_o be_v to_o say_v these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n by_o he_o preach_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o christ_n by_o repentance_n and_o baptism_n do_v import_n that_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n visible_o exhibit_v such_o wretched_a abuse_n of_o scripture_n this_o bold_a person_n dare_v to_o affirm_v that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o his_o child_n before_o repentance_n and_o baptism_n be_v here_o express_v to_o be_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n be_v plain_a but_o from_o these_o word_n to_o conclude_v a_o interest_n yea_o a_o actual_a be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n will_v also_o conclude_v that_o the_o jew_n in_o his_o rank_a opposition_n be_v already_o in_o that_o state_n which_o the_o apostle_n labour_v by_o the_o tender_v of_o this_o grace_n to_o bring_v he_o into_o accuser_n now_o this_o covenant-right_a be_v a_o ground_n which_o god_n himself_o lay_v down_o why_o any_o shall_v be_v baptize_v act_v 2.38_o he_o require_v baptism_n v._o 39_o show_v the_o reason_n
communion_n first_o to_o a_o particular_a member_n now_o with_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o unto_o the_o whole_a accuser_n 3._o as_o i_o find_v no_o profit_n myself_o by_o attend_v on_o their_o teach_n so_o i_o observe_v little_a to_o any_o other_o nay_o it_o have_v be_v not_o only_o i_o but_o the_o experience_n of_o other_o who_o have_v constant_o attend_v they_o as_o long_o as_o myself_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o deadness_n of_o spirit_n to_o be_v gain_v there_o which_o have_v at_o last_o cause_v they_o to_o desert_v they_o also_o answer_n the_o accuser_n do_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o those_o constant_a attender_n that_o have_v desert_v we_o be_v member_n with_o we_o there_o be_v but_o his_o wise_a and_o one_o or_o two_o more_o since_o that_o on_o that_o pretention_n have_v leave_v that_o church_n as_o for_o usual_a hearer_n if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v go_v on_o this_o ground_n as_o it_o be_v more_o than_o they_o have_v declare_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o visible_a by_o any_o loss_n of_o number_n in_o that_o great_a concourse_n but_o put_v case_n that_o we_o lie_v under_o so_o great_a reproach_n as_o the_o accuser_n have_v public_o and_o do_v daily_o wait_v and_o labour_n with_o his_o new_a friend_n to_o cast_v upon_o we_o both_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o attender_n on_o it_o shall_v be_v offend_v find_v fault_n with_o minister_n administration_n etc._n etc._n will_v this_o become_v a_o convince_a argument_n with_o a_o serious_a heart_n that_o god_n be_v witness_v against_o the_o way_n have_v it_o not_o be_v the_o common_a trial_n of_o god_n own_o people_n heretofore_o and_o at_o this_o day_n be_v there_o not_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o lament_v a_o spirit_n of_o giddiness_n take_v great_a hold_n of_o man_n and_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o what_o of_o late_a day_n have_v on_o it_o the_o impression_n of_o reformation_n seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o labour_n and_o incline_v towards_o its_o ancient_a corruption_n in_o which_o house_n of_o temptation_n we_o be_v indeed_o in_o expectation_n of_o great_a trial_n than_o these_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o have_v this_o to_o be_v glad_a in_o our_o god_n for_o that_o all_o along_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v we_o without_o several_a gracious_a testimony_n of_o his_o convert_n and_o quicken_a presence_n notwithstanding_o our_o accuser_n and_o such_o spirit_n as_o he_o be_v may_v have_v taste_v little_a of_o it_o but_o have_v be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o way_n accuser_n 4._o they_o be_v very_o vigilant_a and_o watchful_a to_o find_v out_o any_o that_o be_v convince_v and_o awaken_v under_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o see_v thing_n a_o little_a dark_o and_o confuse_o they_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o this_o twilight_n in_o which_o their_o soul_n be_v to_o put_v off_o their_o commadity_n where_o their_o soul_n have_v some_o tenderness_n and_o yet_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o ignorance_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o wrought_v upon_o by_o they_o for_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o first_o they_o dare_v not_o neglect_v a_o command_n of_o god_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o second_o it_o appear_v to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v dip_v answer_n this_o four_o experiment_n come_v to_o appearance_n very_o big_a into_o the_o world_n and_o promise_v great_a discovery_n sudden_o ease_v itself_o of_o six_o monstrous_a birth_n conceive_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o it_o all_o which_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o old_a pulpit_n and_o pressworne-slander_n that_o the_o dragon_n have_v have_v ready_a in_o all_o generation_n as_o a_o flood_n to_o pour_v out_o upon_o the_o lord_n people_n who_o have_v labour_v faithful_o to_o bear_v their_o testimony_n and_o set_v their_o shoulder_n to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n or_o to_o the_o recovery_n of_o any_o truth_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n from_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n against_o the_o interest_n and_o stream_n of_o the_o fleshly_a wisdom_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o time_n they_o have_v live_v in_o all_o which_o as_o we_o may_v cast_v off_o at_o once_o by_o testify_v a_o holy_a detestation_n through_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n against_o the_o baseness_n of_o the_o thing_n suggest_v so_o need_v we_o and_o shall_v we_o say_v the_o less_o to_o they_o 1._o for_o that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a person_n instance_a who_o in_o the_o thing_n lay_v to_o our_o charge_n may_v be_v make_v out_o demonstrable_o to_o be_v guilty_a and_o it_o be_v our_o comfortable_a assurance_n that_o on_o a_o faithful_a and_o impartial_a search_n they_o will_v not_o be_v find_v but_o that_o the_o slander_n will_v return_v on_o the_o accuser_n head_n and_o none_o be_v stumble_v at_o it_o unless_o such_o as_o may_v judge_v that_o this_o accuser_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o this_o narrative_a examine_v deserve_v for_o he_o that_o he_o be_v believe_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o moment_n upon_o his_o own_o word_n 2._o in_o that_o our_o accuser_n with_o his_o own_o pen_n free_v those_o that_o be_v godly_a among_o we_o from_o these_o thing_n say_v towards_o the_o close_o i_o speak_v not_o this_o of_o all_o for_o as_o i_o have_v say_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o godly_a among_o they_o etc._n etc._n our_o interest_n be_v not_o our_o cause_n need_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v plead_v for_o any_o ungodly_a one_o or_o any_o ungodly_a deed_n that_o they_o shall_v commit_v if_o any_o such_o shall_v be_v find_v guilty_a of_o the_o thing_n charge_v and_o persist_v in_o they_o let_v they_o bear_v their_o judgement_n whoever_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v we_o hope_v in_o due_a time_n discover_v they_o and_o deliver_v we_o from_o they_o for_o what_o be_v say_v of_o our_o insinuation_n on_o the_o ignorant_a with_o pretension_n of_o love_n from_o we_o or_o peace_n from_o god_n press_v they_o speedy_o to_o baptism_n and_o have_v all_o our_o zeal_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n run_v into_o that_o we_o abhor_v and_o reject_v as_o base_a falsehood_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o our_o not_o accept_v the_o tender_n of_o many_o person_n desire_v baptism_n and_o communion_n with_o we_o when_o we_o can_v be_v satisfy_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n of_o illumination_n in_o their_o understanding_n and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n on_o their_o heart_n though_o we_o judge_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o be_v tender_a to_o the_o babe_n in_o christ_n touch_v our_o own_o ignorance_n with_o which_o we_o be_v often_o brand_v by_o this_o our_o accuser_n and_o our_o shun_v the_o light_n its_o true_a we_o be_v repute_v and_o know_v ourselves_o to_o be_v a_o weak_a and_o dark_a people_n yet_o we_o declare_v that_o through_o the_o support_a mercy_n of_o god_n who_o we_o fear_v and_o on_o who_o in_o this_o day_n of_o rebuke_n and_o blasphemy_n we_o rely_v for_o help_v we_o shall_v not_o cease_v to_o witness_v be-before_a great_a and_o small_a as_o the_o lord_n shall_v minister_v ability_n and_o clear_v up_o our_o way_n that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o particular_o that_o point_n of_o baptise_v only_o upon_o personal_a profession_n of_o save_a faith_n be_v a_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n and_o the_o same_o which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n except_v nevertheless_o to_o ourselves_o and_o own_v whatever_o miscarriage_n through_o personal_a defect_n may_v accompany_v this_o profession_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n neither_o shall_v we_o shun_v to_o testify_v that_o the_o impose_v of_o the_o fleshly_a off_o spring_n upon_o the_o gospel-church_n be_v a_o doctrine_n without_o scripture_n foundation_n and_o we_o do_v testify_v that_o in_o this_o faith_n we_o stand_v through_o grace_n and_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n in_o it_o withal_o we_o desire_v the_o upright_a in_o heart_n to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v faithful_o as_o for_o god_n how_o much_o the_o say_a doctrine_n impose_v the_o fleshly_a offspring_n on_o the_o gospel_n church_n sperplex_v and_o obscure_v the_o light_n and_o order_n of_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n establish_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n how_o it_o confound_v the_o main_a distinction_n of_o the_o two_o convenant_n in_o the_o different_a principle_n of_o their_o respective_a subject_n typify_v by_o ishmael_n and_o isaac_n gen._n 21.10_o and_o explain_v gal_n 4_o 22-30_a &_o rom._n 9.8_o distinguish_v in_o plain_a term_n by_o the_o child_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o child_n of_o promise_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o several_a season_n of_o law_n and_o gospel_n rom._n 4.13_o 14._o how_o it_o also_o darkness_n the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n which_o the_o gospel_n ministration_n exalt_v the_o jew_n and_o his_o posterity_n unto_o by_o confirm_v unto_o they_o the_o first_o tender_v of_o divine_a grace_n by_o a_o special_a institution_n of_o this_o ministration_n mat._n 10.5_o 6._o whereby_o from_o their_o former_a privilege_n of_o servant_n under_o the_o bondage-convenant_a they_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o grace_n so_o tender_v to_o they_o obtain_v for_o ever_o the_o privilege_n and_o dignity_n of_o son_n and_o heir_n of_o god_n a_o more_o noble_a descent_n then_o that_o of_o abraham_n neither_o can_v that_o suggestion_n that_o baptise_v only_o upon_o personal_a profession_n be_v a_o narrow_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o any_o weight_n see_v no_o subject_n which_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n either_o in_o the_o nature_n or_o present_a exhibition_n thereof_o declare_v and_o judge_v competent_a in_o any_o degree_n stand_v exclude_v by_o it_o although_o we_o be_v thereof_o judge_v because_o we_o dare_v not_o presume_v in_o point_n of_o practice_n in_o institute_v worship_n to_o depart_v from_o a_o plain_a know_a rule_n to_o follow_v uncertain_a supposition_n notwithstanding_o also_o our_o accuser_n be_v among_o other_o come_v forth_o to_o mock_v and_o reproach_v we_o for_o it_o a_o man_n that_o have_v be_v our_o companion_n in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o as_o david_n find_v that_o a_o aggravation_n to_o his_o affliction_n psal_n 41.9_o and_o 55.12_o 13_o 14._o so_o be_v it_o with_o we_o this_o day_n in_o behalf_n of_o this_o poor_a man_n who_o may_v doubtless_o become_v a_o stumble_a stone_n to_o credulous_a &_o incantious_a soul_n but_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o cast_v our_o care_n in_o such_o a_o case_n upon_o god_n see_v the_o case_n be_v particular_o he_o to_o provide_v for_o and_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o though_o thousand_o shall_v fall_v off_o &_o be_v offend_v in_o this_o day_n of_o manifold_a temptation_n through_o worldly_a disadvantage_n yet_o that_o thereby_o the_o truth_n wherein_o we_o stand_v shall_v only_o receive_v purgation_n from_o the_o blemish_n that_o be_v bring_v upon_o it_o by_o