the_o law_n demand_v as_o a_o man_n natural_o dead_a be_v uncapable_a of_o raise_v or_o quicken_a himself_n or_o as_o a_o sparrow_n be_v uncapable_a to_o remove_v or_o carry_v on_o its_o back_n the_o great_a mountain_n in_o the_o world_n to_o what_o end_n shall_v the_o only_a wise_a god_n make_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n with_o such_o a_o fall_v sinner_n arg._n 2._o if_o to_o hold_v and_o teach_v that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o high_a reflection_n on_o god_n and_o also_o destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n then_o be_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o to_o hold_v and_o teach_v that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o high_a reflection_n on_o god_n and_o destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n therefore_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n gen._n 17.7_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o render_v this_o argument_n unanswerable_a two_o thing_n want_v confirmation_n first_o that_o to_o hold_v and_o teach_v that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v a_o high_a reflection_n on_o god_n and_o second_o that_o the_o same_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n the_o first_o of_o these_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o the_o unprejudiced_a and_o impartial_a reader_n if_o he_o serious_o consider_v how_o inconsistent_a it_o be_v with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o god_n to_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n with_o a_o lapse_v pollute_v sinner_n who_o he_o know_v to_o be_v altogether_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o every_o way_n as_o unable_a to_o will_n or_o do_v any_o work_n that_o be_v spiritual_o good_a as_o a_o dead_a man_n be_v able_a to_o quicken_v and_o raise_v himself_o for_o illustration_n sake_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v how_o unbecoming_a a_o wise_a and_o prudent_a man_n it_o will_v be_v to_o strike_v a_o covenant_n or_o bargain_n for_o ten_o or_o twenty_o thousand_o pound_n with_o a_o insolvent_a person_n who_o be_v well_o know_v not_o to_o be_v worth_a ten_o farthing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o worse_o who_o have_v neither_o wit_n to_o contrive_v nor_o health_n or_o limb_n to_o work_n to_o get_v a_o penny_n towards_o pay_v such_o a_o vast_a sum._n i_o can_v so_o much_o as_o doubt_v of_o any_o worldly_a wise_a man_n unwillingness_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o oversight_n as_o this_o and_o shall_v the_o uner_o wise_a god_n be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a a_o absurdity_n sâ—condly_o as_o this_o principle_n reflect_v on_o god_n so_o it_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n this_o appear_v beyond_o all_o contradiction_n in_o that_o it_o rase_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o deny_v that_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n with_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o old-testament_n believer_n depend_v on_o for_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o by_o which_o we_o gentile_a believer_n hope_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n for_o most_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o by_o this_o pernicious_a principle_n abraham_n be_v lose_v with_o all_o who_o die_v trust_v to_o the_o grace_n exhibit_v in_o that_o covenant_n and_o if_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v trust_v to_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o of_o his_o eccelsiastical_a church_n seed_n can_v be_v save_v any_o more_o than_o he_o be_v for_o by_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n no_o mere_a man_n ever_o be_v or_o shâ—ll_v be_v justify_v and_o save_v arg._n 3_o if_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o either_o direct_o or_o by_o consequence_n call_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n gen._n 17.7_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n than_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_n either_o direct_o or_o by_o consequence_n call_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n a_o covenant_n of_o work_n therefore_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n if_o it_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o write_a word_n or_o by_o argument_n deducible_a therefrom_o that_o abraham_n covenant_n gen._n 17.7_o be_v call_v or_o can_v be_v prove_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n they_o who_o so_o hold_v and_o teach_v will_v be_v find_v rank_v among_o those_o who_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a and_o who_o put_v light_n for_o darkness_n and_o darkness_n for_o light_n esa_n 5.10_o for_o man_n to_o take_v on_o they_o to_o term_v abraham_n covenant_n a_o covenant_n of_o work_n without_o any_o warrant_n divine_a be_v to_o i_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o ignorant_a rash_a and_o presumptuous_a spirit_n from_o which_o charge_n let_v such_o man_n see_v how_o they_o can_v acquit_v and_o free_v themselves_o arg._n 4._o if_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o work_n then_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o he_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o work_n but_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o work_n therefore_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o he_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n that_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o work_n the_o scripture_n be_v express_v and_o clear_a rom._n 4.2_o 3_o 4._o gal._n 2.5_o 6_o 7._o arg._n 5._o if_o god_n have_v make_v no_o other_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o abraham_n distinct_a from_o that_o in_o gen._n 17.7_o then_o that_o covenant_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o god_n make_v no_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o abraham_n distinct_a from_o that_o in_o gen._n 17.7_o therefore_o that_o covenant_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n that_o which_o will_v determine_v the_o point_n in_o controversy_n be_v this_o let_v those_o who_o herein_o oppose_v i_o lay_v down_o a_o scriptural_a definition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o in_o such_o term_n as_o best_o please_v themselves_o and_o in_o case_n their_o own_o definition_n do_v not_o agree_v at_o least_o for_o substance_n with_o gen._n 17.7_o if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o god_n word_n then_o be_o i_o free_o willing_a to_o own_v myself_o herein_o mistake_v if_o they_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o so_o fair_a a_o proposal_n let_v the_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a reader_n judge_n who_o be_v at_o the_o loss_n herein_o they_o or_o i_o i_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o this_o dilemma_n viz._n abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a he_o be_v eâ—ther_o save_v or_o else_o he_o be_v damn_a one_o of_o these_o two_o the_o adversary_n i_o now_o oppose_v must_v grant_v for_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a state_n for_o soul_n depart_v if_o they_o say_v he_o be_v damn_a then_o be_v there_o no_o ground_n leave_v we_o to_o hope_v that_o any_o of_o adam_n posterity_n ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o we_o have_v no_o other_o covenant_n whereby_o to_o expect_v salvation_n but_o that_o of_o abraham_n and_o if_o he_o perish_v under_o that_o covenant_n so_o must_v we_o if_o they_o grant_v that_o abraham_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n as_o they_o must_v if_o they_o speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n than_o abraham_n be_v justify_v and_o save_v by_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o if_o by_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o that_o covenant_n mention_v in_o gen._n 17.7_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o beside_o that_o covenant_n the_o scripture_n know_v no_o other_o against_o what_o i_o have_v say_v and_o all_o orthodox_n protestant_n constant_o â—old_a and_o affâ—â—m_a concern_v abraham_n covenant_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o pure_a and_o absolute_a grace_n this_o be_v object_v by_o the_o adversary_n object_n the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v a_o temporal_a blessing_n therefore_o such_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v a_o temporary_a seal_n i_o answer_v in_o two_o particular_n first_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v no_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n let_v the_o word_n in_o the_o seven_o verse_n be_v read_v without_o prejudice_n the_o last_o clause_n of_o the_o verse_n do_v full_o comprehend_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o abraham_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o addition_n or_o overplus_n no_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n
a_o brief_a and_o plain_a discovery_n of_o the_o falseness_n and_o unscripturalness_n of_o anabaptism_n as_o the_o same_o be_v now_o practise_v by_o those_o of_o that_o persuasion_n wâ—â—â—â—in_o be_v plain_o prove_v from_o god_n word_n the_o five_o particular_n here_o handle_v i._o that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n gen._n 17.7_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whereby_o all_o god_n elect_n be_v save_v ii_o that_o circumcision_n be_v the_o initiatory_a seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o church-seed_n during_o that_o dispensation_n iii_o that_o water-baptism_n be_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n succeed_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o iv_o that_o the_o gentile_a believer_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n have_v as_o real_a a_o right_n to_o the_o same_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o seal_n thereof_o as_o have_v abraham_n and_o his_o infant-seed_n v._o that_o sprinkle_v or_o pouring-out_a water_n on_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n be_v the_o undoubted_a right_a way_n of_o administer_a baptism_n under_o the_o gospel_n by_o ja._n barry_n a_o unworthy_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n london_n print_v for_o the_o author_n 1699._o to_o the_o impartial_a and_o unprejudiced_a reader_n who_o desire_v to_o be_v right_o inform_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n his_o friend_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n seed_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n courteous_a reader_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n reign_v in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o ready_o believe_v i_o especial_o when_o i_o most_o solemn_o profess_v as_o if_o i_o be_v immediate_o to_o be_v call_v to_o the_o bar_n of_o the_o great_a judge_n that_o no_o prejudice_n '_o or_o hatred_n against_o the_o person_n of_o the_o people_n who_o without_o any_o warrant_n from_o god_n word_n style_v themselves_o baptist_n and_o baptise_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v stir_v i_o up_o to_o appear_v in_o print_n in_o oppose_v those_o pernicious_a principle_n which_o the_o man_n of_o that_o persuasion_n do_v with_o so_o much_o violence_n and_o unscriptural_a zeal_n teach_v and_o maintain_v i_o sincere_o bless_v god_n that_o his_o good_a spirit_n have_v teach_v i_o to_o distinguish_v between_o person_n and_o the_o error_n which_o they_o hold_v and_o maintain_v their_o person_n i_o love_v and_o be_o real_o grieve_v that_o i_o love_v they_o no_o more_o than_o i_o do_v and_o i_o hope_v neither_o they_o nor_o any_o other_o will_v be_v angry_a with_o i_o for_o so_o do_v but_o their_o error_n in_o religion_n i_o do_v from_o my_o heart_n abominate_a and_o loath_a because_o hateful_a to_o god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n who_o know_v and_o understand_v they_o so_o to_o be_v and_o for_o thus_o do_v i_o neither_o fear_v a_o frown_n from_o god_n nor_o yet_o blame_v from_o any_o man_n truly-wise_a who_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o error_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v censure_v and_o uncharitable_o reflect_v on_o for_o what_o i_o have_v do_v in_o print_v this_o small_a tract_n i_o be_o not_o insensible_a i_o be_o very_o sure_a none_o will_v thus_o do_v but_o such_o as_o either_o know_v not_o or_o care_v not_o what_o they_o say_v these_o kind_n of_o blow_n i_o be_o teach_v to_o ward_v off_o with_o a_o religious_a scorn_n and_o a_o holy_a contempt_n resolve_v in_o christ_n strength_n to_o pursue_v and_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n let_v who_o will_v bark_n and_o cavil_v against_o it_o it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o valerius_n maximus_n aequo_fw-la animo_fw-la ferenda_fw-la sunt_fw-la imperitorum_fw-la convitia_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la honesta_fw-la vadenti_fw-la contemnendus_fw-la est_fw-la iste_fw-la contemplus_fw-la the_o reproach_n say_v he_o of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unskilful_a be_v to_o be_v bear_v with_o a_o even_o or_o patient_a mind_n and_o he_o that_o intend_v to_o advance_v towards_o good_a and_o honest_a thing_n must_v contemn_v their_o contempt_n that_o somewhat_o will_v come_v out_o in_o answer_n hereto_o i_o question_v not_o if_o the_o man_n of_o that_o principle_n have_v not_o lose_v their_o old_a wont_a but_o my_o comfort_n and_o confidence_n be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n of_o age_n i_o never_o fear_v a_o confutation_n from_o any_o nay_o all_n of_o that_o persuasion_n who_o breath_n on_o the_o earth_n until_o they_o procure_v from_o heaven_n another_o gospel_n which_o be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a will_v never_o be_v i_o have_v make_v no_o deviation_n from_o the_o good_a old_a way_n chalk_v out_o by_o abraham_n god_n wherein_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n with_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o be_v go_v to_o heaven_n walk_v in_o that_o i_o know_v of_o if_o i_o have_v i_o do_v faithful_o promise_v that_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o my_o error_n i_o will_v own_v myself_o therein_o mistake_v i_o have_v be_v for_o several_a year_n pass_v importune_v by_o many_o serious_a and_o godly_a christian_n to_o print_v what_o now_o i_o expect_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o but_o never_o find_v myself_o thereto_o incline_v till_o of_o late_a not_o that_o i_o question_v any_o part_n of_o what_o i_o have_v print_v be_v god_n truth_n but_o indeed_o the_o variety_n of_o trial_n and_o sharp_a affliction_n which_o haâ—e_n incessant_o follow_v i_o since_o call_v to_o the_o sacred_a office_n both_o in_o my_o native_a city_n dublin_n and_o also_o in_o england_n have_v keep_v i_o back_o together_o with_o my_o own_o great_a aversion_n to_o appear_v in_o print_n in_o any_o matter_n controversal_a but_o observe_v of_o late_a how_o strange_o anabaptism_n spread_v both_o in_o city_n and_o country_n and_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o ignorance_n of_o and_o vnacquaintedness_n with_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v and_o still_o be_v that_o which_o have_v give_v advantage_n to_o the_o preacher_n of_o that_o way_n in_o draw_v proselyte_n after_o they_o i_o have_v in_o conscience_n of_o my_o duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n improve_v my_o poor_a talon_n in_o explain_v and_o open_v up_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o in_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v bless_v the_o plainness_n and_o brevity_n therein_o use_v to_o inform_v poor_a ignorant_n and_o unthinking_a soul_n how_o wretched_o they_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o preacher_n of_o that_o persuasion_n who_o have_v themselves_z as_o great_a need_n to_o be_v instruct_v and_o teach_v what_o the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v as_o the_o poor_a tongue-tied_a bades_n who_o they_o in_o vain_a labour_v to_o exclude_v and_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o benefit_n and_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o their_o deny_v abraham_n covenant_n to_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n administer_v just_a ground_n of_o suspect_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o other_o than_o dark_a and_o confuse_a notion_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n so_o much_o speak_v of_o in_o pulpit_n and_o print_n so_o their_o vnmercifulness_n and_o hardheartedness_n to_o the_o infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n in_o not_o allow_v such_o to_o be_v account_v of_o the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_n mere_o because_o of_o the_o incapacity_n of_o such_o to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n themselves_o administer_v just_a ground_n of_o suspect_v whether_o they_o be_v orthodox_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n i_o be_o very_o sure_a the_o state_n of_o infancy_n can_v neither_o null_a or_o make_v void_a the_o elect_v decree_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o render_v the_o elect_a infant_n any_o way_n uncapable_a of_o that_o grace_n of_o god_n covenant_n to_o which_o he_o be_v elect_v or_o of_o the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a for_o any_o to_o hold_v or_o say_v it_o do_v be_v to_o reflect_v on_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o to_o make_v he_o a_o mutable_a agent_n like_v to_o a_o fickle_a man_n contrary_a to_o mal._n 3.6_o rom._n 11.29_o and_o unavoidable_o to_o send_v all_o elect_a infant_n to_o hell_n who_o die_v infant_n contrary_a to_o mar._n 10_o 14._o jo._n 6.39_o rom._n 11.7_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v far_o say_v be_v only_o to_o â—eg_v and_o pray_v thou_o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n for_o thy_o own_o soul_n sake_n and_o for_o that_o love_n and_o tenderness_n which_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n especial_o that_o of_o grace_n oblige_v thou_o to_o have_v for_o poor_a infant_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o parent_n consider_v well_o and_o weigh_v judicious_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n sanctuary_n the_o argument_n lay_v down_o in_o this_o small_a tract_n to_o prove_v what_o i_o have_v therein_o undertake_v if_o
principle_n on_o which_o all_o sound_a protestant_n do_v maintain_v and_o justify_v the_o right_a of_o believer_n infant_n to_o baptism_n be_v beyond_o contradiction_n when_o the_o most_o high_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n god_n see_v fit_a to_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o be_v that_o his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n agree_v on_o between_o himself_o and_o his_o son_n christ_n in_o eternity_n shall_v be_v dispense_v in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n way_n he_o single_v out_o above_o all_o other_o man_n abraham_n his_o friend_n on_o who_o he_o confer_v the_o honourable_a title_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a rom._n 4.11_o not_o that_o abraham_n do_v or_o can_v possible_o beget_v a_o believer_n as_o such_o or_o can_v convey_v into_o the_o child_n he_o beget_v according_a to_o fleshly_a generation_n that_o noble_a grace_n of_o faith_n wherewith_o god_n free-gift_n have_v bless_v himself_o but_o god_n open_v and_o propound_v his_o everlasting_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o he_o as_o a_o public_a person_n who_o be_v to_o personate_v all_o true_a believer_n who_o in_o after_o age_n be_v to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n to_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o the_o word_n of_o gen._n 17.7_o i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n for_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o this_o covenant_n have_v two_o essential_a part_n as_o all_o right_a covenant_n have_v 1._o god_n part_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o word_n i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o etc._n etc._n the_o meaning_n whereof_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v thus_o understand_v though_o thou_o abraham_n who_o i_o now_o call_v to_o become_v my_o friend_n and_o favoright_n and_o a_o public_a head_n or_o representative_a of_o all_o believe_a church_n member_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o undo_v and_o guilty_a sinner_n pollute_v in_o thy_o nature_n and_o bear_v under_o adam_n covenant_n of_o work_n liable_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o its_o curse_n and_o to_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v unable_a to_o recover_v or_o help_v thyself_o out_o of_o that_o deplorable_a condition_n into_o which_o thy_o natural_a birth_n as_o adam_n child_n have_v put_v thou_o and_o albeit_o thou_o be_v no_o way_n worthy_a of_o any_o favour_n yet_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o let_v thou_o know_v what_o thought_n and_o purpose_n of_o mercy_n and_o kindness_n i_o have_v in_o store_n for_o thou_o abraham_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o elect_a who_o i_o have_v choose_v to_o myself_o in_o christ_n the_o promise_a messiah_n of_o who_o that_o son_n which_o i_o have_v promise_v thou_o be_v to_o be_v a_o type_n and_o in_o who_o person_n all_o my_o elect_a be_v to_o be_v allegorical_o or_o typical_o represent_v and_o that_o as_o thy_o son_n be_v to_o be_v a_o type_n of_o i_o in_o who_o i_o have_v elect_v and_o choose_v they_o i_o frank_o and_o free_o pardon_v and_o forgive_v thou_o all_o those_o transgression_n and_o sin_n wherewith_o as_o adam_n child_n thou_o stand_v chargeable_a for_o break_v that_o covenant_n of_o work_n i_o make_v with_o adam_n thy_o and_o all_o mankind_n natural_a and_o faederal_n head_n i_o account_v thou_o perfect_o just_a and_o righteous_a in_o my_o sight_n not_o by_o or_o for_o that_o principal_a of_o inherent_a holiness_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o effectual_a call_v have_v wrought_v in_o thou_o which_o inherent_a holiness_n be_v ever_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o justify_v state_n but_o never_o the_o procure_n or_o merit_v cause_n but_o i_o account_v and_o esteem_v thou_o as_o just_a and_o righteous_a as_o if_o thou_o have_v in_o thy_o own_o person_n exact_o perform_v that_o legal_a righteousness_n which_o the_o law_n moral_n require_v on_o the_o alone_a account_n of_o my_o son_n righteousness_n which_o as_o the_o mediator_n and_o surety_n of_o this_o my_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o be_v to_o perform_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o thou_o and_o all_o my_o elect_a i_o most_o free_o impute_v to_o thou_o i_o sanctify_v and_o renew_v thy_o vitiate_a and_o pollute_a nature_n by_o my_o sanctify_a spirit_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o i_o both_o here_o in_o my_o church_n militant_a and_o here_o after_o in_o my_o church_n triumphant_a i_o adopt_v thou_o to_o be_v my_o son_n by_o grace_n and_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o thou_o be_v restore_v to_o all_o the_o blessing_n right_n and_o privilege_n which_o adam_n thy_o natural_a and_o federal_n head_n lose_v and_o forfeit_v by_o his_o apostasy_n and_o defection_n hereby_o thou_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o free_a denizon_n into_o the_o family_n and_o household_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o thou_o be_v cast_v out_o in_o adam_n when_o he_o be_v eject_v and_o cast_v out_o for_o his_o rebellion_n witness_v his_o expulsion_n out_o of_o earthly_a paradise_n a_o lively_a type_n of_o the_o heavenly_a i_o promise_v to_o establish_v thou_o in_o grace_n so_o as_o thou_o shall_v never_o more_a be_v in_o danger_n of_o lose_v thyself_o or_o forfeit_v my_o love_n and_o favour_n any_o more_o for_o ever_o i_o will_v be_v a_o sun_n and_o a_o shield_n to_o furnish_v and_o supply_v thou_o with_o all_o necessary_a accommodation_n for_o life_n in_o this_o world_n i_o will_v protect_v and_o defend_v thou_o from_o all_o adverse_a power_n spiritual_o and_o bodily_a which_o shall_v contrive_v and_o seek_v thy_o ruin_n and_o final_o i_o will_v receive_v thou_o into_o heaven_n when_o by_o death_n thou_o go_v hence_o where_o thou_o shall_v live_v and_o reign_v with_o i_o eternal_o and_o the_o very_a same_o mercy_n and_o favour_n which_o i_o have_v now_o express_v and_o show_v to_o thou_o i_o do_v oblige_v myself_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o my_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v do_v to_o all_o my_o elect_a who_o be_v to_o spring_v from_o thy_o loin_n as_o also_o to_o all_o my_o elect_a who_o be_v to_o come_v of_o the_o gentile_a race_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o man_n part_n as_o for_o thou_o abraham_n this_o thou_o must_v do_v on_o thy_o part_n thou_o must_v walk_v humble_o and_o upright_o before_o i_o thou_o must_v make_v the_o moral_a law_n engrave_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o my_o spirit_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o adam_n thy_o natural_a and_o federal_n head_n the_o stand_a rule_n of_o thy_o obedience_n both_o negative_o and_o positive_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o thy_o obedience_n thou_o must_v look_v exact_o to_o three_o thing_n 1._o to_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o thy_o obedience_n let_v it_o be_v what_o i_o command_v and_o require_v not_o what_o creature_n devise_v or_o enjoin_v 2._o to_o the_o manner_n see_v that_o thou_o do_v it_o in_o faith_n keep_v thy_o eye_n on_o christ_n my_o son_n for_o acceptance_n and_o act_v all_o by_o strength_n derive_v from_o he_o 3._o to_o the_o end_n see_v that_o my_o glory_n be_v that_o thou_o aim_v at_o and_o design_a in_o all_o thou_o go_v about_o thou_o shall_v not_o do_v my_o work_n and_o service_n in_o a_o mercenary_a way_n as_o a_o servant_n that_o work_v for_o wage_n but_o thou_o must_v obey_v my_o command_n as_o a_o son_n with_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n and_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n know_v and_o consider_v that_o my_o grace_n and_o love_n have_v make_v provision_n of_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v thou_o every_o way_n eternal_o happy_a both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o the_o dreadful_a curse_n and_o eternal_a death_n to_o which_o by_o sin_n thou_o become_v obnoxious_a my_o son_n christ_n type_v out_o by_o the_o ram_n have_v set_v thou_o for_o ever_o free_a from_o it_o and_o that_o by_o his_o be_v make_v a_o curse_n and_o undergo_a death_n for_o thou_o as_o be_v thy_o sponsor_n or_o surety_n at_o his_o hand_n i_o have_v receive_v the_o full_a of_o that_o debt_n whereto_o thou_o become_v liable_a by_o break_v my_o law_n there_o remain_v not_o the_o least_o mite_n for_o thou_o to_o pay_v so_o that_o now_o thou_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o fear_v my_o vindicative_a justice_n the_o many_o and_o sharp_a affliction_n wherewith_o thou_o shall_v meet_v in_o thy_o way_n to_o glory_n shall_v be_v but_o the_o gentle_a chastisement_n of_o thy_o dear_o love_v and_o reconcile_v father_n who_o by_o they_o will_v purge_v out_o the_o remains_z of_o thy_o indwelling_a corruption_n and_o sweet_o wean_v thou_o from_o the_o entice_a object_n of_o the_o vain_a and_o bewitch_a world_n thou_o live_v in_o that_o perfect_a and_o spotless_a righteousness_n which_o must_v recommend_v thou_o to_o i_o and_o
if_o he_o granâ—_n that_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n i_o have_v what_o i_o be_v to_o prove_v if_o he_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n than_o it_o lie_v at_o his_o door_n to_o demonstrate_v what_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n if_o he_o say_v that_o that_o covenant_n have_v no_o seal_n at_o all_o he_o will_v thereby_o not_o only_o gainsay_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o also_o speak_v against_o reason_n for_o all_o man_n know_v it_o be_v a_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o covenant_n to_o have_v a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n arg._n 2._o if_o circumcision_n be_v by_o god_n himself_o call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o be_v it_o beyond_o all_o controversy_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o circumcision_n be_v by_o god_n himself_o call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n therefore_o circumcision_n be_v beyond_o all_o controversy_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o proof_n of_o the_o argument_n compare_v act_n 7_o 8_o with_o gen._n 17_o 10._o to_o which_o i_o will_v only_o add_v rom._n 4_o 11_o which_o will_v put_v the_o matter_n in_o dispute_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o dispute_n the_o word_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v in_o call_v circumcision_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n which_o plain_o prove_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n second_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o no_o other_o chap._n iii_o that_o water-baptism_n succeed_v or_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n under_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n i_o prove_v by_o 3_o convince_a argument_n arg._n 1._o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o initiatory_a seal_n appoint_v by_o christ_n â—nder_v the_o gospel_n but_o water-baptism_n then_o be_v water-baptism_n come_v or_o suceee_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n to_o be_v the_o initiate_a seal_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o initiatory_a seal_n appoint_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o water-baptism_n therefore_o water-baptism_n be_v come_v or_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n to_o be_v the_o initiatory_a seal_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n and_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n will_v the_o more_o clear_o appear_v by_o due_o consider_v that_o circumcision_n be_v under_o the_o dark_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o will_v not_o can_v be_v deny_v unless_o by_o man_n who_o understand_v or_o care_n not_o what_o they_o say_v that_o water-baptism_n be_v and_o must_v be_v so_o now_o mun_o of_o necessity_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o own_o that_o the_o lord_n supper_n succeed_v or_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o passeover_n i_o humble_o conceive_v no_o wise_a man_n will_v oppose_v i_o in_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new-testament_n have_v as_o great_a need_n of_o a_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o have_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o old_a and_o if_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o seal_n i_o know_v not_o what_o be_v for_o that_o circumcision_n be_v now_o abrogate_a and_o abolish_v under_o the_o gospel_n none_o can_v deny_v and_o that_o some_o other_o visible_a sign_n must_v succeed_v or_o come_v in_o its_o room_n must_v be_v grant_v by_o they_o who_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o lord_n supper_n succeed_v or_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o passeover_n arg._n 2._o if_o the_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v practical_o own_o baptism_n to_o be_v the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n than_o baptism_n be_v the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n but_o the_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v practical_o own_o baptism_n to_o be_v the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n therefore_o baptism_n be_v the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n those_o i_o here_o dispute_v against_o before_o they_o can_v overthrow_v this_o argument_n must_v abandon_v their_o own_o practice_n in_o make_v baptism_n by_o dip_v the_o door_n of_o entrance_n into_o their_o church_n by_o which_o practice_n they_o unchurch_n all_o other_o church_n who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n it_o be_v well_o know_v in_o london_n and_o else_o where_o where_o anabaptism_n be_v practise_v that_o they_o make_v baptism_n by_o dip_v the_o form_n of_o a_o right_a gospel_n church_n on_o which_o account_n it_o be_v they_o refuse_v communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n with_o the_o most_o sanctify_a believer_n if_o they_o be_v not_o dip_v after_o their_o mode_n it_o be_v true_a that_o some_o of_o that_o persuasion_n will_v seem_v more_o moderate_a and_o charitable_a than_o other_o of_o that_o way_n while_o they_o make_v saintship_n the_o only_o term_v of_o church_n communion_n these_o seem_v not_o to_o lay_v such_o stress_n on_o baptism_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o persuasion_n do_v they_o will_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n with_o they_o those_o of_o other_o persuasion_n though_o not_o baptise_a in_o their_o way_n but_o how_o such_o will_v be_v able_a to_o justify_v their_o practice_n in_o admit_v unbaptised_a person_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n i_o can_v understand_v to_o i_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o parity_n of_o reason_n for_o keep_v back_o a_o unbaptised_a person_n from_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o there_o be_v for_o keep_v back_o a_o uncircumcised_a person_n from_o the_o passover_n of_o old_a the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n baptism_n be_v the_o visible_a badge_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regeneration_n as_o circumcision_n be_v to_o the_o believe_a jew_n the_o other_o viz._n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o visible_a badge_n of_o our_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n as_o the_o passover_n of_o old_a be_v to_o the_o believe_a circumcise_a jew_n now_o as_o communion_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o union_n and_o follow_v after_o it_o so_o no_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o second_o that_o be_v not_o actual_o a_o visible_a partaker_n of_o the_o first_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o these_o who_o in_o charity_n invite_v we_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o they_o do_v account_v we_o as_o unbaptised_a person_n while_o they_o reckon_v our_o baptism_n receive_v in_o infancy_n and_o by_o sprinkle_v but_o a_o mere_a nullity_n that_o be_v no_o baptism_n at_o all_o arg._n 3._o if_o water_n baptism_n have_v the_o same_o end_n and_o use_v assign_v it_o by_o god_n as_o circumcision_n have_v of_o old_a viz._n to_o signify_v and_o seal_v to_o believer_n and_o their_o infant_n elect_n the_o truth_n of_o their_o regeneration_n &c_n &c_n then_o water_n baptism_n have_v succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n but_o water_n baptism_n have_v the_o same_o end_n and_o use_v assign_v it_o by_o god_n as_o circumcision_n have_v of_o old_a viz._n to_o signify_v and_o seal_v to_o believer_n and_o their_o elect_a infant_n the_o truth_n of_o their_o regeneration_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o water_n baptism_n have_v succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n this_o argument_n depend_v on_o the_o right_n and_o genuine_a explication_n of_o that_o text_n in_o colos_n 2.11_o in_o who_o also_o you_o be_v circumcise_a with_o the_o circumcision_n make_v without_o hand_n in_o put_v off_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n by_o the_o circumcision_n of_o christ_n bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n wherein_o also_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o he_o through_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n who_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a i_o shall_v not_o here_o meddle_v with_o explain_v this_o because_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v to_o it_o when_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v the_o objection_n bring_v against_o baptism_n be_v come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n whereto_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n against_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v object_v thus_o object_n circumcision_n be_v only_o a_o seal_n of_o a_o temporal_a carnal_a covenant_n seal_v only_o earthly_a and_o temporal_a blessing_n to_o the_o carnal_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n ans_fw-fr to_o this_o objection_n i_o answer_v in_o three_o particular_n 1._o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o some_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a teacher_n will_v fain_o have_v it_o to_o be_v and_o that_o mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o keep_v poor_a infant_n from_o baptism_n which_o they_o know_v can_v never_o
change_n lie_v or_o consist_v which_o in_o divinity_n be_v call_v justification_n the_o second_o be_v goâ—s_v quicken_a and_o renew_v the_o inward_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o communicate_v a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n to_o the_o sinner_n in_o every_o of_o the_o soul_n faculty_n within_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v or_o intend_v that_o in_o this_o work_n of_o regenerate_v the_o sinner_n the_o natural_a faculty_n concreated_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o adam_n be_v destroy_v or_o annihilate_v but_o that_o the_o predominancy_n of_o those_o vicious_a quality_n inhere_v in_o the_o soul_n faculty_n be_v overpower_v by_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o contrary_a principle_n of_o save_v and_o unloosable_a grace_n be_v communicate_v to_o every_o of_o these_o faculty_n in_o the_o soul_n whereby_o the_o new_a principle_n communicate_v maintain_v its_o own_o be_v in_o those_o respective_a faculty_n and_o this_o through_o the_o continual_a supply_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o produce_v the_o change_n and_o make_v continual_a resistance_n against_o that_o vice_n and_o corruption_n as_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o same_o faculty_n where_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v appoint_v to_o war_n and_o combat_n until_o that_o sinless_a perfection_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n supersede_n and_o dispossess_v that_o indwelling_a corruption_n in_o the_o soul_n under_o which_o the_o new_a creature_n continue_v to_o groan_v until_o a_o perfect_a release_n come_v this_o be_v call_v sanctification_n and_o when_o the_o set_a time_n prefix_v in_o god_n decree_n for_o call_v a_o elect_a sinner_n be_v come_v what_o produce_v this_o great_a change_n i_o will_v suppose_v the_o sinner_n to_o be_v come_v to_o the_o year_n of_o manhood_n capable_a of_o act_v or_o exercise_v his_o natural_a faculty_n do_v his_o will_n or_o his_o reason_n help_v the_o almighty_a in_o produce_v so_o miraculous_a a_o change_n can_v the_o eye_n of_o this_o sinner_n blind_a reason_n and_o understand_v see_v into_o or_o comprehend_v the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o that_o wisdom_n manifest_v and_o set_v forth_o in_o that_o stupendous_a and_o astonish_a contrivance_n of_o god_n justify_v and_o reconcile_n to_o himself_o a_o apostate_n rebel_n sinner_n by_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o another_o can_v the_o eye_n of_o blind_a reason_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o can_v the_o will_n of_o this_o dead_a sinner_n incline_v or_o move_v itself_o towards_o the_o sinner_n own_o conversion_n to_o be_v a_o coadjutor_n or_o fellow-helper_n to_o forward_o or_o help_v the_o almighty_a in_o effect_v this_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a change_n can_v it_o possible_o be_v that_o spiritual_a or_o corporal_n blindness_n can_v cure_v itself_o or_o that_o enmity_n and_o rebellion_n can_v change_v its_o own_o nature_n let_v the_o experience_n of_o every_o right_o assure_v believer_n speak_v to_o this_o if_o than_o nothing_o in_o the_o poor_a dead_a sinner_n neither_o the_o use_n of_o his_o natural_a reason_n nor_o yet_o any_o activity_n in_o his_o unrenewed_a will_n do_v contribute_v any_o help_n to_o produce_v so_o wonderful_a a_o change_n the_o work_n must_v needs_o be_v entire_o god_n own_o work_n from_o which_o i_o argue_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o poor_a infant_n if_o god_n can_v and_o do_v free_o pardon_v and_o blot_v out_o the_o million_o of_o actual_a sin_n add_v to_o the_o original_a guilt_n of_o a_o adult_n sinner_n if_o he_o can_v and_o do_v free_o and_o most_o gracious_o impute_v the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o son_n and_o by_o thus_o do_v justify_v a_o adult_n sinner_n if_o god_n can_v and_o do_v by_o the_o irresistible_a efficacy_n of_o his_o own_o holy_a spirit_n renew_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o adult_n sinner_n which_o be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v steep_v and_o even_o soak_v in_o vitiosity_n and_o actual_a pollution_n can_v the_o same_o almighty_a just_a wise_a and_o gracious_a god_n do_v and_o effect_v the_o like_a change_n in_o and_o upon_o a_o poor_a helpless_a infant_n though_o that_o infant_n understand_v not_o what_o be_v do_v to_o it_o neither_o be_v capable_a of_o contribute_v any_o help_n towards_o so_o great_a a_o change_n from_o what_o have_v be_v here_o offer_v to_o consideration_n to_o i_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o plain_a that_o when_o man_n cry_v out_o and_o say_v infant_n while_o infant_n be_v uncapable_a of_o regeneration_n because_o they_o want_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n etc._n etc._n they_o speak_v most_o injurious_o and_o ignorant_o against_o god_n himself_o as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o or_o will_v not_o effect_v that_o in_o and_o for_o a_o elect_a infant_n which_o he_o do_v for_o a_o adult_n sinner_n as_o the_o justify_n and_o renew_v a_o adult_n sinner_n have_v no_o dependence_n on_o the_o reason_n will_n or_o speech_n of_o a_o grow_v sinner_n even_o so_o the_o want_n of_o actual_a reason_n activity_n of_o will_n or_o speech_n in_o a_o infant_n can_v possible_o hinder_v god_n from_o effect_v this_o great_a and_o gracious_a work_n in_o and_o upon_o a_o elect_a infant_n though_o the_o poor_a infant_n can_v do_v nothing_o towards_o so_o great_a a_o change_n the_o subject_a recipient_a of_o this_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v every_o way_n passive_a the_o adult_n as_o well_o as_o the_o infant_n agreeable_a to_o this_o act_n of_o god_n in_o change_v a_o sinner_n be_v that_o ordinance_n of_o water-baptism_n who_o principal_a use_n be_v twofold_a first_o to_o signify_v and_o represent_v his_o own_o gracious_a deal_n with_o the_o sinner_n baptise_a in_o pardon_v all_o his_o sin_n for_o christ_n sake_n who_o blood_n represent_v by_o the_o water_n in_o baptism_n be_v shed_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o comprehend_v in_o that_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whereof_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n and_o second_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v to_o the_o baptise_a if_o elect_a all_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o god_n work_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o true_a convert_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o sinner_n whole_o passive_a so_o baptism_n the_o outward_a sign_n and_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v altogether_o passive_a and_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n see_v fit_a to_o appoint_v the_o element_n of_o material_a water_n to_o be_v use_v in_o baptism_n as_o above_o all_o the_o other_o element_n most_o suit_v to_o the_o design_n of_o that_o ordinance_n because_o of_o the_o analogy_n and_o resemblance_n which_o be_v between_o water_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n so_o no_o mode_n or_o way_n of_o administer_a this_o water-baptism_n do_v so_o exact_o and_o to_o the_o life_n set_v forth_o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n exhibit_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o the_o act_n of_o sprinkle_v or_o pour_v out_o the_o water_n on_o the_o party_n baptise_a by_o this_o way_n of_o sprinkle_v under_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o sweet_a and_o orderly_a harmony_n keep_v between_o the_o penman_n of_o god_n word_n both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n dispensation_n with_o who_o whoever_o study_n to_o agree_v in_o apply_v the_o water_n of_o holy_a baptism_n they_o will_v be_v at_o length_n find_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_a how_o many_o and_o black_a censure_n soever_o be_v heap_v on_o they_o by_o injudicious_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n apply_v the_o spiritual_a baptism_n by_o sprinkle_v or_o pour_v out_o of_o his_o grace_n on_o the_o soul_n there_o must_v be_v a_o analogy_n keep_v between_o the_o thing_n signify_v and_o the_o outward_a sign_n against_o what_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o to_o prove_v infant_n right_a to_o baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n many_o thing_n be_v object_v i_o will_v for_o brevity_n sake_n contract_v the_o objection_n with_o my_o answer_n to_o as_o few_o particular_n as_o possible_o i_o can_v object_n 1._o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o grand_a commission_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n concern_v infant_n mat._n 28.19_o go_v you_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n etc._n etc._n this_o seem_v too_o weak_a though_o well_o meaning_n mind_n to_o be_v unanswerable_a but_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o he_o who_o give_v out_o this_o grand_a commission_n i_o hope_v to_o show_v how_o wretched_o the_o objector_n be_v mistake_v herein_o in_o order_n whereto_o let_v two_o thing_n be_v serious_o and_o wary_o consider_v first_o that_o albeit_o christ_n the_o lord_n do_v not_o mention_v infant_n in_o particular_a yet_o he_o include_v they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o general_a commissionâ—_n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n here_o the_o lord_n command_v express_o that_o all_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n gen._n 7.7_o shall_v be_v baptise_a namely_o all_o
the_o head_n of_o such_o family_n it_o be_v no_o more_o necessary_a that_o infant_n shall_v be_v make_v mention_n of_o as_o be_v in_o such_o family_n when_o baptise_a than_o it_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v name_v in_o the_o grand_a commission_n the_o spirit_n which_o give_v out_o the_o grand_a commission_n be_v in_o and_o with_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o baptise_a and_o it_o be_v to_o i_o convince_a that_o infant_n be_v intend_v in_o both_o see_v they_o be_v except_v against_o in_o neither_o which_o the_o adversary_n must_v needs_o be_v convince_v of_o unless_o he_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o infant_n be_v neither_o a_o part_n of_o nation_n or_o of_o family_n the_o other_o word_n teach_v in_o the_o commission_n be_v didaskontes_n which_o proper_o signify_v a_o teach_v or_o instruct_v doctrinal_o those_o who_o be_v already_o make_v disciple_n by_o the_o former_a way_n of_o teach_v neither_o can_v it_o without_o lie_v be_v say_v to_o be_v nonsense_n and_o folly_n to_o term_v infant_n who_o be_v by_o the_o first_o teach_v make_v disciple_n scholar_n or_o disciple_n see_v that_o infant_n in_o age_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n so_o style_v witness_n act_v 15.10_o where_o such_o be_v call_v disciple_n who_o be_v make_v so_o by_o the_o initiate_a ordinance_n of_o circumcision_n who_o afterward_o when_o grow_v up_o be_v teach_v doctrinal_o what_o they_o be_v to_o know_v and_o practice_n neither_o be_v this_o any_o whit_n repugnant_a to_o the_o method_n god_n take_v with_o abraham_n but_o rather_o agree_v with_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o gen._n 18.19_o and_o even_o among_o man_n nothing_o more_o common_a and_o frequent_a than_o to_o call_v our_o little_a child_n scholar_n or_o disciple_n and_o that_o from_o the_o very_a first_o day_n of_o their_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o school_n and_o as_o in_o man_n school_n there_o be_v sundry_a rank_n or_o class_n of_o scholar_n some_o low_a and_o some_o high_a so_o in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a prophet_n of_o his_o church_n there_o be_v several_a rank_n or_o degree_n of_o church_n member_n it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o ignorant_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o be_v when_o they_o first_o enter_v into_o christ_n school_n yet_o christ_n call_v they_o his_o disciple_n for_o all_o that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n can_v not_o write_v or_o speak_v unto_o the_o corinthian_n but_o as_o unto_o babe_n as_o unto_o carnal_a man_n yet_o they_o be_v church_n member_n for_o all_o that_o these_o thing_n due_o consider_v force_v i_o to_o conclude_v those_o man_n profound_o ignorant_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n holy_a covenant_n who_o because_o infant_n be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v teach_v and_o instruct_v doctrinal_o as_o adult_v and_o grow_v man_n be_v peremptory_o deny_v that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v disciple_n to_o christ_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o men._n this_o principle_n come_v no_o doubt_n from_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o teach_v that_o infant_n while_o infant_n be_v uncapable_a of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v both_o manifest_o false_a because_o contrary_a to_o god_n reveal_v will._n object_n 3._o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n to_o which_o none_o have_v a_o right_n but_o he_o or_o she_o who_o be_v a_o real_a true_a believer_n answ_n i_o answer_v in_o three_o particular_n first_o if_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n then_o must_v it_o need_v succeed_v and_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n and_o so_o the_o truth_n be_v here_o grant_v which_o else_o where_o be_v deny_v that_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v most_o plain_a from_o rom._n 4.11_o now_o if_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o objector_n grant_v and_o as_o i_o believe_v and_o affirm_v it_o be_v than_o baptism_n do_v undeniable_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v to_o believe_a gentile_n under_o the_o gospel_n what_o circumcision_n be_v of_o old_a to_o abraham_n viz._n a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n second_o if_o none_o but_o actual_a believer_n have_v a_o right_n to_o that_o righteousness_n of_o wâ—ich_a baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n then_o must_v it_o follow_v avoidable_a that_o all_o infant_n who_o dye_v in_o infancy_n be_v eternal_o lose_v and_o how_o cruel_a this_o doctrine_n be_v and_o how_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n which_o teach_v that_o all_o infant_n die_v infant_n be_v save_v all_o man_n may_v see_v three_o if_o none_o but_o real_a true_a believer_n have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n i_o will_v glad_o see_v how_o those_o i_o dispute_v against_o can_v justify_v their_o own_o practice_n in_o admit_v so_o many_o poor_a ignorant_a folk_n to_o that_o ordinance_n in_o their_o way_n who_o with_o some_o who_o admit_v they_o be_v as_o ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o regeneration_n and_o of_o baptism_n the_o external_a seal_n thereof_o as_o be_v nicodemus_n can_v they_o without_o a_o divine_a revelation_n know_v that_o those_o who_o they_o admit_v to_o baptism_n be_v infallible_o real_a true_a believer_n object_n 4._o to_o apply_v baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o a_o unintelligent_a subject_n who_o neither_o know_v what_o be_v do_v to_o he_o nor_o yield_v consent_n thereto_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o present_v a_o picture_n to_o a_o blind_a man_n which_o to_o do_v be_v most_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a answ_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v reply_v in_o four_o particular_n and_o first_o i_o say_v with_o a_o learned_a man_n this_o be_v at_o best_o but_o a_o blind_a comparison_n and_o which_o be_v far_o worse_o a_o high_a and_o fancy_n reflection_n on_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o uncontrollable_a sovereignty_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n for_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v offer_v as_o a_o argument_n to_o keep_v infant_n from_o baptism_n mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v unintelligent_a subject_n and_o uncapable_a of_o yield_v their_o consent_n to_o what_o be_v do_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n but_o what_o will_v be_v of_o as_o great_a force_n to_o keep_v they_o back_o from_o circumcision_n and_o so_o the_o objector_n may_v see_v plain_o how_o herein_o he_o arraign_v the_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o a_o shallow_a and_o corrupt_a creature_n reason_n which_o demonstrate_v he_o to_o be_v more_o brutish_a i_o be_o sure_o more_o proud_a end_n wicked_a than_o those_o non-intelligent_a subject_n which_o the_o objection_n be_v level_v against_o this_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v god_n deal_v with_o abraham_n in_o that_o he_o command_v he_o to_o mark_n or_o seal_n his_o son_n isaac_n with_o the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n at_o eight_o day_n old_a have_v isaac_n the_o use_n of_o reason_n at_o that_o age_n have_v he_o actual_a faith_n or_o speech_n to_o express_v his_o consent_n to_o what_o be_v then_o do_v to_o he_o no_o sure_o what_o then_o must_v god_n be_v charge_v with_o weakness_n or_o unreasonableness_n for_o apply_v the_o seal_n of_o his_o covenant_n to_o a_o unintelligent_a subject_n by_o these_o kind_n of_o objector_n god_n act_n herein_o stand_v charge_v with_o weakness_n and_o folly_n but_o i_o conclude_v with_o paul_n rom._n 3.4_o yea_o let_v god_n be_v true_a but_o every_o man_n a_o lyar._n god_n command_v nothing_o in_o vain_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o his_o ordinance_n have_v no_o kind_n of_o dependence_n on_o the_o creature_n to_o give_v it_o power_n or_o to_o make_v it_o effectual_a to_o accomplish_v what_o he_o have_v appoint_v it_o to_o but_o on_o his_o own_o free_a spirit_n which_o work_v most_o powerful_o yea_o irresistable_o where_o he_o himself_o have_v purpose_v to_o confer_v the_o spiritual_a good_a signify_v by_o the_o outward_a ordinance_n object_n 5._o the_o promise_n of_o god_n covenant_n be_v make_v to_o the_o elect_n and_o none_o but_o they_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n no_o man_n can_v affirm_v that_o a_o infant_n bring_v to_o baptism_n be_v elect._n answ_n i_o answer_v to_o this_o in_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o grant_v that_o none_o shall_v ever_o reap_v any_o save_a benefit_n by_o the_o covenant_n but_o the_o elect_n and_o that_o in_o the_o right_n of_o election_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o hence_o follow_v that_o none_o but_o they_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a see_v that_o by_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n the_o ecclesiastical_a father_n and_o pub_fw-la ick_fw-mi visible_a head_n of_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a church-member_n god_n command_v that_o the_o seal_n of_o his_o covenant_n shall_v be_v equal_o apply_v to_o