gen._n 12.3_o and_o elsewhere_o but_o yet_o this_o promise_n which_o the_o apostle_n deduce_v from_o these_o word_n must_v likewise_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o covenant_n and_o so_o those_o word_n must_v be_v also_o a_o part_n of_o it_o though_o speak_v at_o another_o time_n because_o circumcision_n that_o be_v the_o token_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v a_o seal_n to_o abraham_n of_o this_o promise_n rom._n 4.11_o and_o he_o receive_v the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v be_v yet_o uncircumcised_a which_o must_v be_v found_v on_o the_o promise_n so_o that_o that_o promise_v likewise_o belong_v to_o this_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o be_v seal_v by_o it_o and_o this_o covenant_n as_o deliver_v to_o abraham_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o also_o be_v confirm_v in_o christ_n gal._n 3.17_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o gospel_n or_o new_a covenant_n yea_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n for_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v contain_v also_o in_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n for_o so_o we_o find_v it_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o church_n former_o mic._n 7.19_o 20._o he_o will_v subdue_v our_o iniquity_n and_o thou_o will_v cast_v their_o sin_n into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n thou_o will_v perform_v the_o truth_n unto_o jacob_n and_o the_o mercy_n to_o abraham_n which_o thou_o have_v swear_v to_o our_o father_n from_o the_o day_n of_o old_a which_o must_v needs_o have_v respect_n to_o god_n oath_n and_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o so_o also_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n christ_n to_o bless_v they_o and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o their_o iniquity_n be_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n act_v 3.25_o 26._o for_o the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n in_o this_o covenant_n at_o first_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o first_o call_v that_o be_v give_v he_o gen._n 12.1_o be_v to_o separate_v he_o and_o his_o family_n and_o seed_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o be_v fall_v into_o the_o vile_a idolatry_n and_o to_o preserve_v religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n in_o his_o family_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o who_o the_o covenant_n be_v found_v have_v this_o design_n in_o it_o luke_o 1.72_o 73_o 74_o 75._o the_o oath_n that_o he_o swear_v to_o our_o father_n abraham_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n may_v serve_v he_o without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n so_o that_o the_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v a_o church-covenant_n and_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o the_o term_n and_o design_n that_o belong_v to_o such_o a_o covenant_n and_o be_v make_v with_o all_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n in_o which_o his_o infant-seed_n be_v also_o comprehend_v and_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o privilege_n that_o appertain_v to_o it_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o his_o family_n in_o the_o external_a dispensation_n of_o it_o and_o none_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o that_o do_v not_o exclude_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o actual_a unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o term_n of_o it_o and_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o it_o to_o all_o with_o who_o it_o be_v make_v as_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o abraham_n as_o part_n or_o member_n thereof_o for_o sacrament_n or_o sign_n be_v not_o appoint_v to_o the_o church_n invisible_a for_o who_o shall_v judge_n then_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v but_o to_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a thus_o have_v clear_v up_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o abrahamical_a covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n even_o in_o their_o infant-state_n i_o shall_v now_o go_v forward_o and_o shall_v observe_v how_o god_n have_v show_v the_o same_o gracious_a respect_n to_o infant_n in_o the_o progress_n of_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o the_o jewish_a people_n and_o thus_o we_o find_v afterward_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o jewish_a people_n in_o jacob_n line_n among_o who_o child_n also_o be_v contain_v be_v collective_o style_v by_o god_n himself_o his_o son_n exod._n 4.22_o 23._o say_v unto_o pharaoh_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n israel_n be_v my_o son_n even_o my_o first-born_a and_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o let_v my_o son_n go_v that_o he_o may_v serve_v i_o thus_o god_n speak_v of_o they_o before_o they_o be_v form_v into_o a_o political_a commonwealth_n only_o because_o he_o have_v choose_v and_o call_v they_o out_o of_o the_o nation_n to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o himself_o and_o in_o this_o appellation_n their_o little_a one_o be_v comprehend_v as_o appear_v because_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o go_v also_o for_o pharaoh_n will_v have_v let_v the_o man_n of_o israel_n go_v but_o not_o their_o little_a one_o exod._n 10.10_o but_o we_o will_v go_v say_v moses_n with_o our_o young_a and_o with_o our_o old_a ver_fw-la 9_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o israel_n include_v little_a one_o also_o be_v god_n son_n for_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o call_v all_o the_o seed_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v his_o covenant-people_n and_o therefore_o thus_o also_o moses_n afterward_o enter_v and_o engage_v all_o into_o covenant_n with_o god_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o take_v in_o the_o little_a one_o likewise_o deut._n 29.10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o you_o stand_v this_o day_n all_o of_o you_o before_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n your_o captain_n of_o your_o tribe_n your_o elder_n and_o your_o officer_n with_o all_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n your_o little_a one_o your_o wife_n and_o the_o strange_a that_o be_v in_o thy_o camp_n from_o the_o hewer_n of_o thy_o wood_n to_o the_o drawer_n of_o thy_o water_n that_o thou_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o into_o his_o oath_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n make_v with_o thou_o this_o day_n that_o he_o may_v establish_v thou_o to_o day_n for_o a_o people_n unto_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v unto_o thou_o a_o god_n as_o he_o have_v say_v unto_o thou_o and_o as_o he_o have_v swear_v unto_o thy_o father_n to_o abraham_n to_o isaac_n and_o to_o jacob._n so_o that_o this_o be_v but_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o abrahamical_a covenant_n with_o the_o people_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o latter_a clause_n of_o it_o run_v in_o the_o same_o term_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o oath_n make_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n â—_o deut._n 3â—_n â—_o and_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n the_o grace_n signify_v by_o circumcision_n be_v there_o promise_v to_o parent_n and_o child_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v the_o term_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v promise_v to_o both_o it_o import_v that_o the_o covenant_n which_o circumcision_n seal_v belong_v to_o both_o for_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v circumcise_v thy_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o thy_o seed_n and_o after_o this_o again_o even_o when_o the_o people_n be_v fall_v off_o also_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o other_o god_n yet_o retain_v still_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n though_o they_o join_v other_o with_o he_o god_n challenge_v and_o own_v their_o child_n for_o he_o ezek._n 16.20_o 21._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 thou_o have_v slay_v my_o child_n and_o deliver_v they_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o fire_n now_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n viz._n by_o virtue_n of_o god_n choose_v and_o call_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n that_o they_o be_v style_v his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o child_n and_o not_o upon_o a_o mere_a political_a account_n or_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o other_o carnal_a and_o temporal_a respect_n for_o in_o this_o manner_n we_o find_v moses_n speak_v to_o they_o deut_n 14.1_o 2._o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v or_o comport_v with_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o heathen_a for_o thou_o be_v a_o holy_a people_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o himself_o above_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o chap._n 7.6_o for_o thou_o be_v a_o
descend_v from_o nothing_o else_o than_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o this_o custom_n and_o practice_n be_v still_o continue_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 27._o vid._n dr._n walker_n plea_n for_o infant_n baptism_n c._n 27._o though_o of_o several_a denomination_n unto_o this_o day_n all_o the_o protestant_a confession_n of_o helvetia_n bohemia_n belgia_n auspurg_n saxony_n wittenberg_n sweveland_n france_n and_o piedmont_n do_v universal_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o it_o and_o history_n give_v we_o the_o same_o account_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o among_o the_o russian_n muscovite_n the_o christian_n of_o st._n thomas_n in_o india_n those_o in_o syria_n cyprus_n mesopotamia_n babylon_n palestine_n among_o the_o cofti_n in_o egypt_n the_o abassins_n in_o africa_n the_o armenian_n in_o turkey_n the_o maronites_n inhabit_v aleppo_n damascus_n tripoli_n of_o syria_n cyprus_n and_o mount_v libanus_n and_o many_o of_o these_o church_n be_v at_o vast_a distance_n one_o from_o another_o and_o therefore_o can_v have_v but_o very_o little_a intercourse_n or_o communication_n one_o with_o another_o and_o as_o for_o the_o abassine_n and_o indian_a church_n they_o seem_v in_o all_o probability_n to_o be_v original_a plantation_n and_o not_o to_o have_v derive_v their_o faith_n and_o practice_n from_o any_o other_o church_n and_o yet_o all_o retain_v and_o continue_v the_o practice_n of_o baptise_v infant_n these_o thing_n one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v enough_o to_o sway_v with_o all_o modest_a person_n and_o they_o will_v learn_v not_o to_o prefer_v the_o new_a upstart_n opinion_n of_o those_o who_o because_o of_o the_o smallness_n of_o their_o number_n be_v fain_o to_o call_v themselves_o the_o little_a flock_n before_o the_o universal_a consentient_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n beside_o in_o the_o world_n a_o humble_a person_n shall_v far_o more_o high_o esteem_v of_o godly_a antiquity_n and_o the_o universal_a church_n than_o of_o such_o late_a and_o novel_a singularity_n objection_n against_o infant-baptism_n answer_v have_v thus_o with_o all_o possible_a convenient_a brevity_n endeavour_v to_o clear_v up_o and_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o objection_n that_o use_v common_o to_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v they_o a_o satisfactory_a answer_n object_n 1._o that_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o end_n of_o baptism_n that_o it_o do_v they_o no_o good_a but_o they_o be_v as_o well_o without_o it_o as_o with_o it_o because_o there_o be_v no_o benefit_n that_o they_o can_v receive_v thereby_o answ_n the_o contrary_a to_o this_o be_v most_o true_a for_o 1._o they_o be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n as_o it_o be_v a_o outward_a badge_n or_o mark_n of_o their_o relation_n to_o god_n as_o his_o child_n and_o peculiar_a people_n and_o of_o god_n gracious_a respect_n to_o they_o and_o own_v they_o for_o such_o and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a rite_n of_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o end_n of_o baptism_n and_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o because_o for_o this_o end_v it_o may_v be_v administer_v to_o those_o that_o be_v mere_o passive_a and_o do_v not_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o matter_n as_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o civil_a adoption_n and_o of_o be_v enter_v into_o any_o family_n tribe_n college_n or_o other_o society_n by_o such_o a_o rite_n as_o shall_v be_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n and_o thus_o infant_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v baptize_v to_o this_o end_n together_o with_o their_o proselyted_a parent_n as_o we_o have_v see_v before_o and_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o ever_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n or_o our_o saviour_n or_o the_o apostle_n do_v find_v fault_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o infant_n incapacity_n or_o otherwise_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n and_o that_o their_o baptism_n be_v likewise_o well_o approve_v of_o and_o so_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n and_o institution_n infant_n be_v circumcise_v to_o the_o aforesaid_a end_n and_o purpose_n and_o how_o be_v they_o uncapable_a then_o of_o baptism_n to_o the_o same_o end_n to_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o circumcision_n 2._o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n as_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n or_o note_v or_o seal_v on_o god_n or_o christ_n part_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o his_o gracious_a favour_n to_o we_o and_o to_o consign_v over_o to_o we_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n thus_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n as_o it_o be_v a_o mark_n or_o seal_v of_o the_o remission_n or_o do_v away_o that_o original_a gild_n and_o obligation_n to_o death_n which_o they_o derive_v from_o the_o first_o adam_n and_o of_o their_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o new_a state_n of_o regeneration_n and_o life_n by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o sanctify_a and_o renew_v they_o hereafter_o though_o for_o the_o present_a they_o understand_v nothing_o of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v sufficient_a also_o for_o this_o that_o they_o be_v mere_o passive_a in_o the_o administration_n as_o baptism_n be_v to_o the_o adult_n a_o sign_n or_o seal_n of_o the_o remission_n or_o wash_v away_o of_o that_o original_a gild_n which_o they_o have_v from_o adam_n and_o also_o of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v contract_v by_o their_o own_o actual_a sin_n so_o may_v baptism_n be_v a_o sign_n or_o seal_n of_o the_o wash_n away_o of_o the_o original_a gild_n to_o infant_n derive_v from_o adam_n though_o they_o have_v no_o gild_n at_o all_o of_o any_o actual_a sin_n of_o their_o own_o to_o be_v remit_v or_o wash_v away_o and_o yet_o as_o baptism_n be_v a_o sign_n or_o seal_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o all_o sin_n to_o believer_n not_o only_o of_o what_o be_v past_a but_o also_o of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v when_o they_o come_v to_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o to_o perform_v the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n require_v to_o such_o remission_n so_o may_v baptism_n be_v to_o infant_n a_o sign_n or_o seal_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o all_o the_o actual_a sin_n that_o shall_v ever_o be_v commit_v by_o they_o upon_o their_o future_a perform_v of_o the_o same_o term_n and_o so_o as_o baptism_n be_v to_o the_o adult_n a_o sign_n or_o seal_n of_o their_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o new_a regenerate_v state_n and_o of_o have_v a_o right_a to_o life_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o adoption_n their_o sin_n be_v do_v away_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n so_o may_v it_o likewise_o be_v to_o infant_n a_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o god_n gracious_a favour_n in_o give_v they_o a_o right_n to_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n as_o infant_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o civil_a adoption_n may_v be_v heir_n to_o a_o temporal_a estate_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o act_n of_o favour_n from_o man_n and_o to_o be_v instate_v in_o any_o privilege_n 34._o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n p._n 34._o before_o they_o come_v to_o understand_v what_o they_o be_v as_o suppose_v the_o king_n shall_v send_v for_o a_o traitor_n child_n out_o of_o the_o cradle_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o several_a person_n assemble_v for_o that_o purpose_n shall_v say_v you_o know_v the_o blood_n of_o this_o child_n be_v attaint_v by_o his_o father_n treason_n and_o by_o law_n he_o have_v forfeit_v all_o right_n to_o his_o ancestor_n estate_n and_o title_n and_o be_v quite_o undo_v though_o he_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o his_o wretched_a condition_n but_o i_o will_v pardon_v this_o infant_n free_o and_o here_o i_o restore_v he_o to_o all_o his_o forfeit_a right_n i_o justify_v he_o free_o and_o declare_v myself_o reconcile_v unto_o he_o and_o moreover_o do_v adopt_v he_o into_o my_o royal_a family_n and_o do_v settle_v part_n of_o my_o dominion_n upon_o he_o and_o as_o a_o confirmatory_n sign_n of_o this_o my_o respect_n unto_o he_o i_o do_v order_n and_o command_v before_o you_o all_o that_o he_o be_v wash_v with_o pure_a water_n to_o signify_v that_o he_o be_v cleanse_v from_o his_o original_a attainder_n and_o corruption_n of_o blood_n and_o that_o i_o be_o perfect_o reconcile_v unto_o he_o who_o will_v say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o insignificant_a or_o useless_a sign_n because_o the_o child_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o or_o who_o can_v say_v that_o the_o child_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o thing_n signify_v viz._n the_o remove_v the_o attainder_n and_o be_v vest_v in_o a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o a_o noble_a inheritance_n shall_v be_v uncapable_a of_o the_o wash_n with_o water_n for_o a_o sign_n
their_o infant-state_n but_o it_o may_v come_v to_o affect_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o any_o thing_n else_o can_v that_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o be_v as_o soon_o as_o their_o reason_n come_v to_o be_v of_o use_n to_o they_o whereas_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v do_v for_o they_o betimes_o there_o will_v have_v want_v this_o argument_n to_o deal_v with_o they_o and_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v have_v be_v very_o long_o before_o they_o themselves_o may_v have_v be_v bring_v to_o consent_v to_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o obligation_n as_o we_o read_v it_o often_o be_v among_o may_v that_o yet_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n infant-baptism_n dr._n walker_n be_v preface_n to_o his_o plea_n for_o infant-baptism_n some_o stay_v off_o for_o this_o some_o for_o that_o carnal_a reason_n or_o fear_v for_o a_o long_a time_n to_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o their_o profession_n some_o keep_n off_o for_o fear_n of_o sin_v after_o baptism_n and_o so_o forfeit_v the_o grace_n of_o it_o as_o they_o think_v thereby_o some_o from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o pleasure_n thereof_o be_v loath_a to_o part_v with_o their_o sin_n and_o their_o vain_a pleasure_n which_o they_o be_v sensible_a this_o oblige_v they_o to_o notwithstanding_o they_o own_v themselves_o christian_n some_o again_o defer_v it_o out_o of_o want_n of_o leisure_n some_o plead_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o time_n and_o other_o because_o they_o can_v not_o have_v it_o do_v in_o the_o place_n they_o desire_v or_o by_o the_o person_n they_o most_o affect_v some_o take_a exception_n at_o the_o mix_v company_n they_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v with_o and_o some_o delay_n it_o for_o fear_n of_o perfecution_n from_o the_o heathen_a and_o some_o for_o fear_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v account_v tritheite_n some_o on_o pretence_n that_o their_o relation_n be_v not_o present_a and_o some_o hang_a back_n because_o of_o the_o little_a charge_n they_o do_v use_v to_o be_v at_o at_o that_o time_n these_o thing_n give_v occasion_n to_o such_o vehement_a and_o sharp_a expostulation_n of_o the_o father_n of_o that_o age_n to_o reprove_v their_o slackness_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o their_o write_n and_o how_o many_o do_v you_o think_v upon_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o pretence_n there_o will_v be_v that_o will_v put_v it_o off_o in_o like_a manner_n still_o if_o they_o be_v not_o baptize_v in_o infancy_n and_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v hardly_o ever_o bring_v themselves_o into_o so_o near_a a_o covenant-engagement_n to_o god_n at_o all_o whereas_o this_o be_v do_v for_o they_o so_o early_o in_o their_o infant-state_n it_o may_v be_v a_o powerful_a and_o prevail_a motive_n to_o engage_v they_o betimes_o to_o a_o sincere_a and_o upright_o walk_v with_o god_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v not_o probable_o have_v be_v bring_v so_o soon_o to_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o this_o will_v be_v more_o apt_a to_o prevail_v with_o they_o if_o it_o have_v be_v their_o own_o act_n when_o they_o come_v to_o age._n it_o be_v plain_a by_o experience_n that_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_a or_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o honour_n or_o gratitude_n among_o those_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n do_v hold_v themselves_o as_o much_o oblige_v by_o it_o and_o do_v stand_v to_o the_o obligation_n that_o they_o be_v then_o bring_v under_o and_o as_o faithful_o discharge_v it_o as_o any_o of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v at_o age_n and_o do_v look_v upon_o it_o a_o great_a blessing_n that_o they_o be_v bring_v under_o so_o early_a a_o pre-engagement_n and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o sincere_a that_o be_v baptize_v at_o age_n do_v as_o little_o perform_v or_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n that_o they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o a_o act_n of_o their_o own_o as_o any_o of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o infancy_n object_n 2._o that_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o perform_v those_o act_n or_o have_v those_o condition_n that_o be_v pre-required_n in_o scripture_n in_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v for_o asmuch_o as_o they_o can_v learn_v or_o be_v teach_v or_o confess_v their_o sin_n or_o believe_v or_o repent_v or_o make_v any_o visible_a profession_n of_o their_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o these_o thing_n be_v require_v in_o scripture_n of_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v and_o be_v always_o perform_v by_o person_n before_o the_o apostle_n do_v baptize_v any_o according_a to_o these_o and_o the_o like_a text_n mark_v 16.15_o 16._o go_v into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v matth._n 3.6_o they_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o in_o jordan_n confess_v their_o sin_n act_n 2.38_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o ver_fw-la 41._o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n be_v baptize_v act_n 8.12_o when_o they_o believe_v philip_n preach_v the_o thing_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o be_v baptize_v ver._n 13._o then_o simon_n himself_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o ver_fw-la 36._o the_o eunuch_n say_v see_v here_o be_v water_n what_o do_v hinder_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v and_o philip_n say_v if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v act_n 18.8_o and_o many_o of_o the_o corinthian_n hear_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v from_o these_o and_o such_o like_a text_n it_o be_v argue_v that_o here_o be_v a_o prohibition_n lay_v and_o a_o bar_n put_v against_o infant_n baptism_n because_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n or_o understanding_n about_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v or_o do_v and_o can_v neither_o hear_v learn_v repent_v or_o believe_v or_o make_v profession_n of_o either_o in_o their_o infant-state_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o baptism_n before_o the_o administration_n of_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v require_v and_o use_v to_o be_v do_v answ_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o covenant-relation_n to_o god_n as_o his_o people_n and_o child_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o admit_v infant_n to_o though_o themselves_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o be_v the_o seed_n or_o pupil_n of_o profess_a believer_n with_o who_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v and_o with_o their_o seed_n and_o family_n that_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o they_o the_o ground_n then_o which_o i_o build_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n upon_o be_v god_n election_n or_o choose_n of_o they_o together_o with_o their_o believe_a parent_n or_o those_o that_o shall_v undertake_v for_o they_o to_o be_v his_o own_o peculiar_a covenant-people_n as_o likewise_o their_o parent_n or_o susceptor_n be_v for_o this_o be_v always_o god_n method_n and_o the_o way_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o own_o and_o receive_v the_o child_n of_o his_o covenant-people_n into_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o their_o father_n and_o so_o to_o treat_v with_o they_o and_o to_o seal_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n to_o they_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rite_n as_o he_o do_v to_o their_o parent_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o child_n own_o faith_n or_o profession_n that_o qualify_v they_o for_o baptism_n but_o it_o be_v god_n election_n or_o choice_n of_o they_o for_o his_o people_n though_o they_o have_v not_o actual_a faith_n or_o repentance_n of_o their_o own_o upon_o their_o descend_v of_o such_o parent_n or_o be_v take_v into_o such_o family_n or_o undertake_v for_o by_o such_o person_n as_o stand_v in_o a_o covenant-relation_n to_o god_n and_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o they_o and_o in_o prospect_n of_o that_o religious_a education_n that_o they_o shall_v afterward_o receive_v from_o they_o god_n be_v please_v to_o own_v they_o for_o he_o and_o to_o confirm_v his_o promise_n and_o covenant_n to_o they_o so_o that_o their_o parent_n or_o susceptors_n faith_n be_v as_o it_o be_v vicarious_o impute_v to_o they_o for_o a_o while_n till_o they_o come_v to_o year_n and_o be_v reckon_v according_o for_o their_o good_a though_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o actual_o believe_v themselves_o because_o hereafter_o they_o be_v to_o do_v it_o through_o their_o parent_n instruction_n as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o levite_n of_o a_o month_n old_a be_v say_v to_o keep_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n numb_a 3.28_o because_o they_o be_v so_o design_v and_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v up_o to_o it_o and_o be_v in_o a_o near_a capacity_n for_o it_o and_o levi_n be_v say_v after_o a_o sense_n to_o have_v pay_v tithe_n in_o abraham_n be_v in_o the_o loin_n of_o abraham_n when_o he_o pay_v it_o to_o melchizedek_n heb._n 7.9_o and_o why_o shall_v these_o thing_n
hereof_o especial_o consider_v that_o a_o bit_n of_o flesh_n be_v appoint_v and_o order_v by_o god_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o circumcision_n when_o the_o child_n be_v but_o eight_o day_n old_a to_o the_o same_o intent_n and_o purpose_n though_o he_o understand_v as_o little_a of_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o as_o infant_n do_v of_o the_o meaning_n of_o baptism_n now_o for_o this_o end_n 3._o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n as_o it_o be_v a_o mark_n or_o sign_n on_o our_o part_n of_o their_o dedication_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o service_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o their_o entrance_n into_o and_o come_v under_o a_o covenant-engagement_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v for_o the_o future_a even_o whilst_o they_o be_v under_o the_o age_n of_o consent_n to_o concur_v hereto_o by_o any_o act_n of_o their_o own_o as_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o school_n or_o college_n and_o of_o wear_v a_o badge_n belong_v to_o it_o in_o order_n to_o future_a instruction_n and_o learning_n though_o at_o present_a they_o understand_v nothing_o of_o it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v usual_a by_o will_n and_o contract_v to_o bring_v infant_n under_o a_o obligation_n to_o perform_v certain_a condition_n when_o they_o come_v to_o age._n this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o covenant-engagement_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v bring_v under_o as_o well_o as_o abraham_n himself_o and_o receive_v the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n to_o confirm_v this_o at_o eight_o day_n old_a for_o that_o rite_n lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o observe_v all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n though_o the_o rite_n be_v administer_v to_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n by_o the_o act_n of_o their_o parent_n long_o enough_o before_o they_o themselves_o come_v to_o age_n of_o consent_n gal._n 5.3_o for_o i_o testify_v to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v circumcise_v that_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o do_v the_o whole_a law_n circumcision_n though_o primary_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o abrahamical_a covenant_n yet_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o political_a law_n of_o moses_n also_o and_o so_o be_v withal_o a_o obligatory_a rite_n to_o the_o observance_n thereof_o thus_o also_o in_o like_a manner_n deut._n 29.11_o the_o little_a one_o be_v likewise_o say_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o into_o his_o oath_n as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n and_o it_o have_v be_v ever_o reckon_v that_o the_o parent_n may_v lay_v a_o obligation_n on_o the_o child_n as_o esth_n 9.27_o the_o jew_n ordain_v and_o take_v upon_o they_o and_o upon_o their_o seed_n and_o upon_o all_o such_o as_o join_v themselves_o unto_o they_o so_o as_o it_o shall_v not_o fail_v that_o they_o will_v keep_v the_o feast_n of_o purim_n and_o thus_o hanna_n dedicate_v samuel_n to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o the_o time_n of_o his_o wean_n 1_o sam._n 1.28_o and_o samson_n be_v a_o nazarite_n from_o the_o womb_n judg._n 13.15_o and_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v between_o david_n and_o jonathan_n both_o for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n 1_o sam._n 20.42_o and_o the_o covenant_n that_o joshua_n and_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n make_v with_o the_o gibeonite_n oblige_v all_o their_o posterity_n and_o thus_o as_o have_v be_v say_v all_o the_o jewish_a infant_n be_v consecrate_v and_o devote_v to_o god_n by_o the_o rite_n of_o circumcision_n for_o child_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o part_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v for_o themselves_o or_o they_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v in_o their_o infant-state_n and_o under_o the_o age_n of_o consent_n themselves_o be_v reasonable_o esteem_v as_o lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o they_o as_o if_o it_o be_v do_v by_o they_o when_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o may_v be_v beneficial_a to_o they_o for_o though_o we_o can_v lay_v a_o burden_n upon_o other_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n yet_o we_o may_v procure_v a_o favour_n for_o they_o and_o oblige_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o certain_a condition_n for_o their_o future_a participation_n thereof_o when_o it_o be_v for_o their_o benefit_n to_o be_v so_o oblige_v indeed_o if_o they_o will_v they_o may_v afterward_o renounce_v the_o obligation_n but_o then_o they_o must_v renounce_v and_o quit_v the_o benefit_n too_o which_o if_o it_o be_v considerable_a there_o be_v no_o wise_a man_n that_o be_v in_o his_o wit_n will_v ever_o do_v but_o will_v stand_v to_o the_o obligation_n under_o which_o he_o be_v bring_v for_o his_o own_o advantage_n and_o will_v esteem_v it_o a_o great_a advantage_n that_o he_o be_v bring_v under_o it_o and_o now_o be_v all_o this_o no_o benefit_n they_o shall_v be_v save_v without_o it_o they_o will_v say_v but_o what_o then_o be_v there_o nothing_o to_o be_v ever_o esteem_v a_o benefit_n but_o salvation_n itself_o alone_o be_v all_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v of_o infant-baptism_n no_o benefit_n be_v it_o no_o benefit_n to_o be_v enroll_v thereby_o into_o the_o number_n of_o god_n peculiar_a people_n to_o have_v the_o mark_n and_o badge_n of_o his_o child_n and_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o those_o that_o he_o have_v call_v to_o a_o covenant-relation_n to_o himself_o be_v it_o no_o benefit_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o rite_n of_o visible_a admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v this_o no_o privilege_n no_o benefit_n if_o the_o contrary_n will_v be_v a_o great_a evil_n to_o be_v cast_v out_o as_o common_a and_o unclean_a among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o benefit_n to_o have_v the_o badge_n and_o mark_n of_o a_o holy_a separation_n to_o god_n as_o the_o people_n of_o his_o adoption_n and_o grace_n be_v it_o no_o benefit_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o mark_n and_o seal_v of_o the_o blessing_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n of_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o gild_n and_o death_n which_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o by_o adam_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o their_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n who_o assistance_n therefore_o to_o that_o end_n they_o may_v comfortable_o hope_v for_o and_o expect_v from_o god_n as_o they_o have_v need_n of_o it_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o present_a operation_n or_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o or_o no_o and_o be_v it_o no_o a_o benefit_n to_o they_o that_o they_o have_v a_o seal_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o all_o their_o actual_a sin_n also_o afterward_o upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o return_n to_o god_n as_o baptism_n be_v a_o benefit_n to_o grow_v person_n as_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n and_o pledge_n both_o of_o present_a and_o future_a blessing_n so_o it_o be_v also_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n to_o infant_n as_o be_v a_o seal_n both_o of_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o they_o have_v need_n of_o or_o do_v partake_v of_o at_o present_a and_o also_o of_o those_o which_o they_o have_v or_o may_v have_v need_n of_o afterward_o so_o that_o suppose_v they_o may_v be_v save_v without_o it_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o mark_n or_o seal_v of_o their_o salvation_n if_o they_o die_v in_o their_o infant-state_n and_o of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o privilege_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o now_o or_o be_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o afterward_o if_o they_o live_v according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n just_a in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v to_o grow_v person_n so_o that_o if_o upon_o these_o account_v it_o be_v a_o benefit_n to_o grow_v person_n it_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n also_o a_o benefit_n to_o infant_n that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o benefit_n both_o to_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o far_o as_o a_o sign_n or_o seal_v or_o pledge_v can_v be_v a_o benefit_n and_o last_o be_v it_o not_o a_o benefit_n to_o partake_v of_o that_o ordinance_n that_o be_v a_o mark_n or_o note_n of_o their_o early_a consecration_n and_o devotedness_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n whereby_o they_o be_v bring_v betimes_o into_o a_o covenant-engagement_n to_o be_v he_o for_o that_o this_o be_v so_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o according_o god_n so_o look_v upon_o they_o and_o thereupon_o there_o be_v to_o be_v all_o care_n take_v about_o their_o christian_a education_n that_o they_o may_v be_v instruct_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o people_n and_o child_n of_o god_n and_o this_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o they_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o live_v to_o god_n betimes_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o because_o of_o the_o oath_n and_o covenant_n that_o they_o be_v so_o early_o enter_v into_o and_o engage_v in_o this_o consideration_n indeed_o do_v not_o affect_v they_o immediate_o whilst_o they_o be_v in_o
be_v think_v unreasonable_a if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o own_o and_o adopt_v little_a one_o for_o his_o why_o shall_v our_o eye_n be_v evil_a because_o he_o be_v good_a or_o why_o rather_o shall_v we_o not_o rejoice_v in_o his_o mercy_n and_o grace_n in_o behalf_n of_o our_o little_a one_o if_o infant_n may_v contract_v gild_n or_o lie_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o death_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o parent_n why_o may_v it_o not_o likewise_o be_v suppose_v through_o the_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n by_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v be_v invest_v with_o a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o certain_a privilege_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o mark_n and_o seal_n of_o they_o through_o the_o faith_n of_o other_o so_o that_o as_o god_n visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n unto_o the_o three_o and_o four_o generation_n of_o they_o that_o hate_v he_o so_o he_o may_v also_o show_v mercy_n to_o thousand_o of_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 4.50_o mat._n 8.13_o mark_v 9.23_o john_n 4.50_o and_o as_o some_o be_v bring_v to_o be_v heal_v by_o christ_n and_o be_v heal_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o other_o so_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o think_v that_o infant_n may_v partake_v of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o badge_n or_o sign_n of_o this_o favour_n with_o respect_n also_o to_o other_o faith_n so_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o parent_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v their_o faith_n whilst_o they_o be_v in_o their_o infant-state_n they_o be_v as_o part_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o have_v no_o use_n of_o power_n understanding_n or_o will_v to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o till_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n as_o the_o parent_n act_n in_o take_v a_o house_n or_o make_v a_o bargain_n or_o covenant_n may_v be_v call_v the_o child_n act_n as_o no_o less_o beneficial_a and_o oblige_v to_o the_o child_n than_o to_o the_o parent_n and_o bind_v the_o child_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o condition_n and_o what_o indeed_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v require_v of_o parent_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o certain_a privilege_n that_o when_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o belong_v alike_o to_o their_o child_n though_o they_o can_v not_o do_v those_o thing_n thus_o those_o of_o a_o foreign_a nation_n must_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n require_v to_o a_o prince_n before_o they_o become_v his_o naturalize_a subject_n or_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o such_o but_o after_o they_o have_v take_v the_o oath_n and_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o privilege_n of_o naturalisation_n their_o child_n also_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o same_o privilege_n though_o they_o can_v take_v the_o oath_n so_o that_o their_o parent_n act_n be_v imputative_o they_o or_o to_o their_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n and_o so_o why_o may_v it_o not_o likewise_o be_v here_o and_o as_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o parent_n that_o be_v admit_v into_o a_o corporation_n shall_v partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n likewise_o of_o that_o corporation_n which_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o other_o parent_n shall_v not_o so_o if_o such_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n may_v the_o infant_n of_o covenant-believer_n likewise_o partake_v of_o their_o privilege_n which_o the_o infant_n of_o heathen_n and_o alien_n be_v to_o have_v no_o right_n unto_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n the_o infant_n understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o matter_n but_o be_v vest_v in_o these_o benefit_n before_o they_o come_v to_o understanding_n 2._o therefore_o i_o say_v as_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v pre-required_n to_o baptism_n that_o either_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o they_o at_o all_o in_o their_o infant-state_n and_o so_o may_v be_v baptize_v without_o they_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o covenant_n they_o have_v the_o same_o benefit_n without_o they_o to_o qualify_v they_o for_o baptism_n which_o other_o have_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v baptize_v without_o they_o though_o other_o can_v as_o for_o regeneration_n in_o the_o most_o common_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n it_o will_v be_v very_o rash_a in_o any_o to_o say_v that_o they_o can_v have_v it_o in_o the_o seed_n or_o root_n of_o it_o for_o who_o can_v tell_v what_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v or_o can_v be_v upon_o they_o but_o though_o they_o shall_v not_o or_o can_v not_o have_v it_o in_o that_o sense_n that_o we_o common_o take_v it_o viz._n for_o a_o internal_a change_n and_o sanctification_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n yet_o they_o have_v that_o which_o may_v denominate_v they_o regenerate_v person_n and_o so_o they_o may_v be_v mark_v and_o sign_v as_o such_o as_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o new_a and_o save_a state_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o unless_o they_o fall_v from_o it_o by_o their_o own_o actual_a rebellion_n afterward_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n or_o from_o the_o prevail_a power_n of_o that_o death_n which_o sin_n bring_v in_o there_o be_v the_o forgiveness_n or_o dissolution_n of_o that_o death_n to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v quicken_v together_o with_o christ_n and_o so_o to_o partake_v of_o a_o new_a birth_n by_o be_v put_v into_o a_o new_a state_n wherein_o they_o have_v through_o christ_n as_o immediate_a a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o salvation_n as_o those_o have_v that_o have_v be_v regenerate_v in_o the_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o why_o may_v they_o not_o then_o be_v qualify_v for_o the_o sign_n or_o seal_v hereof_o for_o how_o can_v there_o be_v any_o more_o require_v to_o qualify_v for_o the_o sign_n than_o for_o the_o thing_n signify_v which_o they_o possess_v or_o have_v a_o present_a right_n to_o and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o faith_n proper_o speak_v yet_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o same_o condition_n of_o sonship_n and_o put_v into_o as_o immediate_a capacity_n for_o salvation_n as_o adult_v believer_n be_v through_o faith_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o partake_v of_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o these_o blessing_n as_o they_o do_v for_o though_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n proper_o speak_v yet_o be_v by_o christ_n redeem_v from_o death_n and_o put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o sonship_n and_o life_n as_o actual_a believer_n be_v though_o without_o actual_a faith_n till_o actual_a sin_n take_v place_n they_o may_v be_v number_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o faith_n with_o believer_n and_o if_o believe_v be_v baptize_v to_o seal_v the_o great_a grace_n of_o adoption_n to_o they_o through_o faith_n why_o shall_v not_o they_o likewise_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o seal_v and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n see_v in_o that_o respect_n they_o may_v well_o be_v reckon_v with_o believer_n as_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o favour_n with_o they_o through_o the_o grace_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n towards_o they_o for_o what_o faith_n be_v to_o adult_v person_n through_o the_o covenant_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n that_o the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v to_o infant_n without_o faith_n and_o so_o what_o baptism_n be_v to_o adult_v person_n upon_o their_o faith_n that_o it_o may_v be_v to_o they_o without_o faith_n through_o god_n covenant_n with_o they_o alone_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n hereof_o they_o may_v full_o as_o well_o be_v baptize_v as_o those_o that_o do_v believe_v because_o they_o have_v the_o same_o privilege_n without_o faith_n as_o believer_n have_v by_o their_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o faith_n itself_o or_o profession_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o immediate_a ground_n of_o baptism_n but_o that_o sonship_n or_o relation_n to_o god_n of_o which_o faith_n be_v the_o mean_n or_o evidence_n and_o when_o this_o can_v be_v evidence_v without_o profession_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o that_o profession_n to_o qualify_v for_o baptism_n as_o be_v show_v before_o in_o cornelius_n and_o his_o company_n and_o then_o as_o for_o repentance_n while_o they_o be_v in_o their_o infant-state_n they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v baptize_v without_o 〈◊〉_d they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o repentance_n for_o sin_n because_o they_o have_v no_o actual_a sin_n to_o repent_v of_o and_o therefore_o their_o want_n of_o repentance_n can_v be_v no_o bar_n to_o their_o baptism_n to_o those_o indeed_o that_o have_v actual_o sin_v baptism_n be_v a_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n signify_v it_o already_o to_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n and_o oblige_v to_o it_o far_o but_o where_o there_o
a_o brief_a defence_n of_o infant-baptism_n with_o a_o appendix_n wherein_o be_v show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o baptism_n shall_v be_v administer_v by_o dip_v by_o john_n ollyffe_n rector_n of_o almer_n in_o the_o county_n of_o dorset_n london_n print_v for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o john_n woolfrye_n bookseller_n in_o blandford_n mdcxciv_o to_o the_o reader_n the_o follow_a treatise_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o some_o discourse_n which_o i_o deliver_v in_o my_o parish-church_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o my_o hearer_n in_o the_o present_a truth_n which_o i_o now_o publish_v partly_o for_o their_o sake_n to_o put_v they_o in_o remembrance_n thereof_o and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v something_o still_o by_o they_o to_o oppose_v to_o the_o restless_a and_o importunate_a insinuation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o other_o persuasion_n and_o partly_o in_o hope_n that_o it_o may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o other_o that_o either_o need_n or_o desire_n settlement_n or_o information_n herein_o if_o it_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o of_o those_o of_o the_o other_o way_n i_o only_o desire_v this_o of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v endeavour_v to_o read_v it_o with_o as_o little_a prejudice_n as_o they_o can_v for_o i_o can_v assure_v they_o that_o i_o have_v no_o mind_n either_o to_o deceive_v or_o to_o be_v deceive_v but_o as_o i_o have_v learn_v and_o be_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n so_o do_v i_o desire_v to_o speak_v and_o preach_v and_o live_v if_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o this_o have_v be_v a_o province_n fit_a for_o other_o to_o have_v undertake_v i_o shall_v ready_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o opinion_n but_o yet_o i_o shall_v add_v this_o that_o i_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o incline_v i_o to_o do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o find_v excuse_n at_o least_o among_o all_o those_o that_o be_v true_o candid_a and_o sincere_a lover_n of_o truth_n if_o thou_o receive_v reader_n any_o benefit_n thereby_o give_v god_n the_o praise_n and_o pray_v for_o i_o john_n ollyffe_n a_o brief_a defence_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o i_o may_v proceed_v with_o all_o imaginable_a plainness_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v first_o set_v down_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v by_o way_n of_o argument_n for_o it_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v up_o and_o confirm_v and_o then_o i_o shall_v afterward_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v the_o objection_n that_o be_v most_o common_o make_v and_o most_o usual_o raise_v against_o it_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o that_o which_o i_o have_v to_o say_v by_o way_n of_o argument_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o infant-baptism_n be_v this_o viz._n they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v own_v and_o receive_v by_o we_o as_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o his_o peculiar_a and_o covenant-people_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o promise_a blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v belong_v aught_o to_o be_v baptize_v but_o there_o be_v some_o young_a child_n or_o infant_n who_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o own_a by_o we_o as_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o his_o peculiar_a and_o covenant-people_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o promise_a blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v belong_v therefore_o there_o be_v some_o young_a child_n or_o infant_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o clear_n and_o confirm_v of_o this_o argument_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v make_v out_o and_o confirm_v i._o that_o there_o be_v some_o young_a child_n or_o infant_n who_o be_v to_o be_v own_v and_o receive_v by_o we_o as_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o his_o peculiar_a and_o covenant-people_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o promise_a blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v belong_v ii_o that_o be_v to_o be_v so_o own_a and_o receive_v by_o we_o they_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v baptize_v i._o that_o there_o be_v some_o young_a child_n or_o infant_n who_o be_v to_o be_v own_v and_o receive_v by_o we_o as_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o his_o peculiar_a and_o covenant-people_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o promise_a blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v belong_v for_o there_o be_v some_o young_a child_n or_o infant_n that_o have_v be_v so_o receive_v and_o reckon_v and_o declare_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o his_o peculiar_a and_o covenant-people_n and_o child_n and_o member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o this_o their_o church-membership_n and_o relation_n to_o he_o as_o his_o peculiar_a covenant-people_n and_o child_n have_v never_o be_v abolish_v or_o take_v away_o by_o he_o but_o be_v still_o continue_a and_o rather_o confirm_v to_o some_o young_a child_n or_o infant_n still_o therefore_o there_o be_v some_o young_a child_n or_o infant_n that_o be_v likewise_o still_o to_o be_v own_v and_o receive_v by_o we_o for_o such_o 1._o i_o say_v that_o some_o young_a child_n or_o infant_n have_v be_v own_v and_o receive_v and_o declare_v by_o god_n for_o his_o child_n and_o member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o have_v be_v reckon_v and_o take_v by_o he_o into_o the_o number_n of_o his_o peculiar_a covenant-people_n by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o mean_v that_o body_n and_o number_n of_o person_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o call_v and_o set_v apart_o in_o a_o separate_a manner_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v bring_v near_o to_o himself_o in_o relation_n and_o learn_v the_o true_a religion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o partake_n of_o those_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n by_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o or_o do_v belong_v to_o this_o body_n or_o society_n of_o person_n i_o call_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v part_n or_o member_n of_o this_o body_n and_o these_o be_v such_o as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o take_v into_o a_o near_a and_o more_o appropriate_a relation_n to_o himself_o than_o he_o do_v other_o be_v therefore_o also_o call_v his_o child_n or_o covenant-people_n and_o he_o be_v their_o father_n and_o head_n so_o that_o to_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o the_o number_n of_o his_o peculiar_a covenant-people_n be_v all_o one_o that_o be_v do_v denote_v one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n now_o i_o say_v that_o some_o young_a child_n or_o infant_n have_v be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v thus_o choose_v and_o take_v by_o god_n into_o this_o near_a relation_n to_o himself_o as_o his_o covenant-people_n and_o child_n so_o that_o he_o have_v have_v a_o peculiar_a and_o separate_a respect_n to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o parent_n and_o other_o adult_a person_n in_o another_o and_o distinguish_a manner_n from_o what_o he_o have_v have_v to_o the_o other_o people_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o his_o respect_n to_o they_o he_o have_v open_o declare_v and_o testify_v that_o other_o in_o like_a manner_n may_v according_o own_o and_o receive_v they_o such_o have_v be_v the_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o choose_v and_o take_v the_o infant_n of_o such_o as_o he_o have_v call_v into_o a_o near_a covenant-relation_n to_o himself_o that_o they_o may_v partake_v also_o of_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v from_o the_o beginning_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v god_n covenant-people_n have_v be_v likewise_o own_v and_o take_v by_o god_n into_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o so_o have_v continue_v in_o that_o state_n till_o by_o their_o own_o wickedness_n and_o apostasy_n they_o have_v fall_v from_o it_o and_o so_o have_v be_v discovenant_v or_o reject_v by_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a current_n and_o harmony_n of_o scripture_n show_v that_o ever_o since_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n 12._o proposition_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n by_o a_o synod_n at_o boston_n p._n 12._o the_o child_n thereof_o have_v by_o the_o lord_n be_v appointment_n be_v a_o part_n thereof_o eve_n the_o mother_n of_o all_o live_n have_v a_o promise_n make_v gen._n 3.15_o not_o only_o of_o christ_n the_o head-seed_n but_o through_o he_o also_o of_o a_o church-seed_n to_o proceed_v from_o she_o in_o a_o continue_a lineal_a succession_n which_o shall_v continual_o be_v at_o visible_a enmity_n with_o and_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n under_o that_o promise_v make_v to_o eve_n and_o her_o seed_n the_o child_n of_o adam_n