ordinance_n that_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o probability_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o only_a instance_n in_o a_o fourfold_a use_n and_o end_n whereunto_o circumcision_n as_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v appoint_v and_o whereunto_o it_o do_v serve_v and_o then_o show_v the_o agreement_n of_o baptism_n with_o circumcision_n in_o regard_n of_o those_o use_n and_o end_n the_o first_o and_o two_o last_o i_o shall_v do_v little_o more_o than_o mention_n and_o a_o little_a insist_v upon_o the_o second_o first_o circumcision_n as_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o solemn_a rite_n or_o ordinance_n whereby_o person_n be_v admit_v into_o and_o incorporate_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o by_o the_o reception_n of_o which_o they_o become_v actual_a member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o consequent_o be_v that_o solemn_a rite_n or_o ordinance_n whereby_o person_n be_v incorporate_v in_o and_o unite_v to_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n as_o visible_a the_o prove_v of_o this_o i_o suppose_v be_v needless_a it_o will_v sure_o be_v deny_v by_o none_o and_o therefore_o second_o circumcision_n be_v to_o seal_v and_o assure_v to_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n benefit_n and_o blessing_n promise_v in_o according_a to_o the_o true_a tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o administration_n of_o which_o it_o be_v annex_v see_v this_o in_o a_o particular_a instance_n viz._n remission_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v it_o do_v seal_v and_o assure_v to_o the_o due_a subject_n of_o it_o the_o non-imputation_n of_o their_o sin_n or_o the_o imputation_n of_o righteousness_n to_o they_o upon_o condition_n of_o their_o faith_n thus_o it_o be_v say_v of_o abraham_n he_o receive_v the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v be_v yet_o uncircumcised_a rom._n 4.11_o the_o apostle_n here_o show_v we_o one_o special_a use_n and_o end_n of_o circumcision_n respective_a to_o all_o to_o who_o it_o be_v due_o apply_v object_n but_o here_o it_o be_v object_v that_o to_o have_v circumcision_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o be_v not_o of_o that_o use_n nor_o appoint_v for_o that_o end_n to_o all_o to_o who_o it_o be_v rightful_o apply_v therefore_o it_o be_v say_v he_o receive_v the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o that_o believe_v and_o hence_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o he_o receive_v circumcision_n under_o that_o notion_n and_o consideration_n upon_o a_o reason_n and_o ground_n peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o himself_o the_o privilege_n be_v peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o he_o and_o not_o common_a to_o any_o other_o with_o he_o there_o not_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o their_o receive_n of_o it_o under_o the_o same_o notion_n and_o consideration_n to_o that_o i_o answer_v two_o thing_n first_o those_o word_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v depend_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o word_n immediate_o forego_v but_o upon_o the_o ten_o verse_n take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o former_a part_n of_o v._o 11._o he_o do_v not_o only_o receive_v circumcision_n as_o a_o seal_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o he_o both_o have_v righteousness_n impute_v to_o he_o while_o in_o uncircumcision_n and_o also_o receive_v the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n as_o a_o seal_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v believe_v whether_o circumcise_v or_o uncircumcised_a so_o that_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v circumcision_n as_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n upon_o any_o reason_n peculiar_a and_o special_a to_o himself_o any_o more_o than_o he_o have_v righteousness_n impute_v to_o he_o upon_o a_o reason_n peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o himself_o and_o consequent_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o our_o opposite_n appropriate_a circumcision_n as_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n to_o abraham_n himself_o and_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o use_n to_o his_o seed_n they_o may_v appropriate_v the_o imputation_n of_o righteousness_n through_o faith_n and_o circumcision_n itself_o to_o he_o alone_o and_o deny_v that_o any_o of_o his_o seed_n have_v righteousness_n impute_v unto_o they_o or_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v circumcise_v second_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o rather_o speak_v of_o the_o finis_fw-la cvi_fw-la than_o the_o finis_fw-la cujus_fw-la of_o abraham_n receive_v circumcision_n as_o a_o seal_n my_o meaning_n be_v this_o abraham_n receive_v circumcision_n as_o a_o seal_n not_o bare_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o relation_n of_o his_o be_v a_o father_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v believe_v as_o it_o be_v a_o good_a benefit_n or_o privilege_n to_o himself_o but_o he_o receive_v it_o under_o that_o notion_n and_o consideration_n in_o eorum_fw-la gratiam_fw-la qui_fw-la credituri_fw-la sint_fw-la for_o their_o sake_n to_o who_o he_o shall_v sustain_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o father_n and_o so_o the_o meaning_n be_v he_o receive_v the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n as_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n not_o bare_o that_o he_o may_v sustain_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o father_n to_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v as_o that_o be_v a_o good_a to_o himself_o but_o that_o he_o may_v as_o a_o father_n or_o common_a person_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o that_o shall_v sustain_v that_o relation_n of_o child_n to_o he_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o good_a which_o they_o as_o his_o child_n shall_v receive_v now_o then_o have_v remove_v this_o objection_n i_o shall_v offer_v two_o or_o three_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o circumcision_n be_v appoint_v for_o this_o use_n and_o end_n viz._n to_o seal_n and_o confirm_v the_o whole_a covenant_n to_o all_o to_o who_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v apply_v the_o first_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o end_n of_o abraham_n receive_v of_o it_o as_o here_o declare_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o thus_o i_o argue_v if_o abraham_n receive_v circumcision_n as_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n which_o he_o have_v through_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o and_o as_o the_o father_n of_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o that_o be_v circumcise_v shall_v believe_v then_o to_o all_o that_o be_v circumcise_v do_v believe_v their_o circumcision_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o and_o improve_v by_o they_o as_o a_o seal_n of_o that_o righteousness_n they_o have_v through_o faith_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o consequence_n in_o the_o major_a proposition_n i_o suppose_v that_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v it_o be_v past_o all_o rational_a doubt_n that_o if_o abraham_n receive_v circumcision_n under_o that_o very_a notion_n and_o consideration_n as_o a_o seal_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o and_o as_o the_o father_n of_o may_v be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o that_o be_v circumcise_v shall_v believe_v as_o he_o do_v then_o look_v of_o what_o use_v it_o be_v to_o he_o or_o to_o what_o end_n he_o receive_v it_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o same_o use_n and_o appoint_v for_o the_o same_o end_n unto_o they_o to_o who_o he_o be_v a_o pattern_n as_o receive_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v only_o the_o antecedent_n that_o can_v be_v question_v which_o yet_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o to_o understanding_n and_o unprejudiced_a person_n the_o prove_v of_o it_o may_v seem_v whole_o superfluous_a that_o abraham_n receive_v circumcision_n under_o this_o very_a notion_n as_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n which_o he_o have_v through_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o they_o who_o be_v circumcise_v do_v believe_v be_v express_o affirm_v by_o the_o apostle_n all_o that_o can_v be_v doubt_v of_o be_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o it_o as_o receive_v by_o himself_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o to_o who_o he_o be_v a_o father_n but_o now_o this_o be_v undeniable_a in_o as_o much_o as_o his_o paternity_n or_o fatherhood_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o part_n if_o not_o principal_o confisted_a in_o his_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o all_o tow_n hom_n he_o be_v a_o father_n this_o title_n of_o a_o father_n be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o special_a manner_n give_v to_o and_o predicate_v of_o abraham_n in_o this_o very_a regard_n that_o he_o be_v set_v up_o
household_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o any_o beside_o lydia_n herself_o yea_o there_o be_v as_o we_o have_v already_o see_v tantum_fw-la non_fw-la a_o certainty_n that_o at_o least_o some_o of_o her_o household_n be_v baptize_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o her_o faith_n and_o not_o their_o own_o personal_a profession_n and_o as_o for_o the_o gaoler_n household_n it_o do_v not_o certain_o appear_v that_o any_o in_o or_o of_o he_o say_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v convert_v antecedent_n to_o that_o their_o baptism_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v two_o passage_n urge_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v such_o of_o his_o as_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o word_n as_o speak_v by_o paul_n first_o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 32._o that_o they_o that_o be_v paul_n and_o silas_n speak_v to_o he_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o house_n whence_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o house_n and_o consequent_o he_o say_v to_o he_o baptize_v for_o 33._o must_v needs_o be_v such_o as_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v the_o word_n preach_v to_o they_o but_o to_o that_o four_o thing_n may_v be_v reply_v first_o it_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o this_o speak_n of_o the_o word_n of_o which_o luke_n speak_v be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o gaoler_n and_o his_o house_n thing_n be_v not_o always_o declare_v in_o that_o order_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v second_o suppose_v that_o be_v grant_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v none_o incapable_a of_o have_v the_o word_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o his_o house_n see_v a_o like_a instance_n deut._n 31._o verse_n last_o it_o be_v say_v moses_n speak_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n the_o word_n of_o this_o song_n until_o they_o be_v end_v now_o shall_v we_o conclude_v there_o be_v no_o infant_n or_o little_a child_n in_o that_o congregation_n the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a verse_n 12._o three_o it_o be_v no_o way_n evident_a that_o the_o person_n in_o his_o house_n to_o who_o the_o word_n be_v speak_v be_v numerical_o the_o same_o person_n say_v to_o be_v baptize_v all_o of_o his_o say_v to_o be_v baptize_v seem_v plain_o to_o intend_v different_a person_n from_o all_o those_o in_o his_o house_n to_o who_o the_o word_n be_v speak_v but_o fourthly_a suppose_v the_o person_n be_v numerical_o the_o same_o yet_o the_o have_v the_o word_n speak_v to_o they_o will_v not_o conclude_v their_o conversion_n by_o that_o word_n the_o word_n may_v be_v speak_v to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o convert_v by_o it_o so_o that_o this_o passage_n do_v no_o way_n evince_v the_o conversion_n of_o any_o in_o his_o house_n beside_o himself_o alone_o antecedent_n to_o he_o and_o his_o households_n baptism_n i_o do_v not_o say_v absolute_o there_o be_v none_o but_o it_o can_v be_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v any_o second_o the_o other_o passage_n urge_v to_o prove_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o household_n antecedent_n to_o their_o baptism_n be_v that_o verse_n 34_o where_n it_o be_v say_v according_a as_o we_o read_v he_o rejoice_v believe_v in_o god_n with_o all_o his_o household_n but_o the_o greek_a run_v exact_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o rejoice_v with_o all_o his_o house_n he_o believe_v in_o god_n now_o his_o house_n may_v rejoice_v though_o none_o be_v save_o wrought_v upon_o but_o the_o gaoler_n himself_o and_o indeed_o the_o apostle_n lay_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o joy_n in_o his_o personal_a believe_v they_o rejoice_v he_o believe_v in_o god_n do_v plain_o intimate_v that_o as_o yet_o the_o gaoler_n alopne_a do_v believe_v for_o why_o else_o shall_v he_o not_o say_v they_o believe_v in_o god_n or_o at_o least_o that_o the_o benefit_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o occasion_n of_o their_o joy_n do_v accrue_v unto_o they_o through_o his_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o the_o apostle_n make_v his_o personal_a believe_v in_o god_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a house_n so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o certain_o appear_v that_o any_o in_o the_o gaoler_n house_n do_v believe_v antecedent_n to_o their_o baptism_n and_o for_o the_o household_n of_o stephanus_n there_o be_v nothing_o evidence_v their_o or_o any_o of_o their_o faith_n antecedent_n to_o their_o baptism_n it_o be_v true_a we_o read_v that_o his_o household_n do_v addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o saint_n 1_o cor._n 16.15_o but_o whether_o these_o say_v to_o addict_v themselves_o to_o this_o ministry_n be_v convert_v before_o or_o after_o his_o embracement_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o and_o his_o households_n baptism_n be_v altogether_o uncertain_a three_o observe_v that_o suppose_v some_o particular_a person_n in_o or_o of_o these_o house_n say_v to_o be_v baptize_v may_v be_v convert_v antecedent_n to_o their_o baptism_n yet_o from_o thence_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v that_o in_o other_o house_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o also_o not_o yet_o that_o the_o household_n as_o general_o consider_v be_v not_o baptize_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o parent_n faith_n as_o suppose_v there_o be_v any_o convert_v in_o the_o gaoler_n house_n antecedent_n to_o their_o baptism_n from_o thence_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v that_o any_o in_o lydia_n house_n be_v convert_v antecedent_n to_o their_o baptism_n so_o suppose_v there_o shall_v be_v some_o of_o the_o gaoler_n house_n convert_v before_o their_o baptism_n yet_o to_o argue_v from_o thence_o that_o baptism_n be_v not_o administer_v to_o the_o house_n as_o more_o general_o take_v as_o the_o house_n of_o believe_a parent_n be_v a_o meet_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la so_o that_o suppose_v it_o can_v be_v prove_v which_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v that_o some_o in_o or_o of_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o house_n say_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v baptze_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o own_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n yet_o that_o will_v not_o overthrow_v the_o evidence_n that_o the_o instance_n of_o any_o household_n be_v baptize_v as_o a_o household_n of_o a_o believer_n give_v in_o to_o the_o truth_n contend_v for_o the_o probability_n of_o any_o one_o household_n yea_o or_o any_o one_o in_o or_o of_o any_o one_o household_n be_v baptize_v as_o the_o household_n or_o as_o of_o the_o household_n of_o such_o a_o parent_n carry_v alike_o evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n plead_v for_o as_o take_v abstract_o in_o itself_o as_o it_o will_v do_v in_o case_n there_o be_v the_o same_o probability_n that_o all_o these_o household_n and_o all_o in_o they_o be_v baptize_v as_o such_o household_n from_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v touch_v these_o several_a instance_n and_o that_o as_o take_v abstract_o in_o themselves_o i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o a_o very_a great_a probability_n that_o in_o primitive_a time_n house_n be_v together_o with_o their_o convert_a parent_n baptize_v and_o that_o meeer_o as_o the_o house_n of_o such_o parent_n and_o yet_o further_o for_o the_o make_v it_o more_o probable_a that_o these_o household_n say_v to_o be_v baptize_v at_o least_o some_o in_o or_o of_o they_o be_v indeed_o baptize_v not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o personal_a profession_n of_o their_o own_o faith_n and_o repentance_n but_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o parent_n faith_n as_o receive_v into_o the_o same_o covenant-state_n with_o they_o let_v these_o thing_n be_v consider_v first_o how_o exceed_v improbable_a it_o be_v that_o in_o case_n none_o can_v be_v admit_v into_o communion_n with_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n by_o baptism_n but_o upon_o a_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o sacred_a historian_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n will_v mention_v and_o leave_v upon_o record_n the_o baptism_n of_o any_o one_o household_n without_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o at_o least_o one_o or_o more_o in_o or_o of_o that_o household_n that_o so_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o rest_n may_v have_v be_v clear_o infer_v that_o the_o covenant_n together_o with_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o latitude_n and_o extent_n in_o the_o administration_n and_o application_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v under_o the_o first_o testament_n may_v be_v rational_o expect_v by_o all_o man_n hence_o it_o may_v be_v well_o suppose_v thta_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n as_o moses_n be_v in_o his_o will_v if_o not_o have_v give_v some_o express_a and_o positive_a discovery_n of_o his_o will_n as_o to_o the_o baptism_n of_o
evil_n inconvenience_n and_o disadvantage_n suppose_v by_o they_o to_o follow_v upon_o the_o grant_n unto_o they_o such_o a_o covenant-interest_n and_o application_n of_o baptism_n upon_o the_o ground_n thereof_o but_o now_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o this_o be_v as_o for_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n arise_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n from_o both_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o baptism_n as_o apply_v unto_o they_o thereupon_o it_o be_v exceed_o great_a as_o will_v i_o hope_v through_o divine_a assistance_n be_v make_v to_o appear_v if_o providence_n disappoint_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n at_o present_a let_v this_o be_v consider_v as_o for_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o state_n a_o double_a benefit_n arise_v to_o they_o thereby_o first_o they_o be_v as_o distributive_o take_v under_o a_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v their_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n declare_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n second_o they_o be_v as_o collective_o take_v 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be_v only_o accidental_a and_o will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v some_o other_o original_a and_o not_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a fruit_n and_o consequence_n of_o either_o the_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n five_o that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o like_a importance_n with_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o mention_v be_v people_n place_v at_o least_o too_o much_o of_o their_o religion_n in_o a_o external_a way_n mode_n or_o form_n attend_v with_o a_o easiness_n and_o facility_n to_o be_v draw_v into_o this_o or_o that_o way_n by_o unsound_a and_o groundless_a motive_n and_o inducement_n too_o many_o think_v that_o if_o they_o be_v but_o of_o such_o a_o way_n they_o be_v good_a christian_n and_o secure_v as_o to_o their_o eternal_a state_n hence_o through_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n and_o deceit_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o overlook_v and_o neglect_v the_o main_a thing_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n do_v indeed_o consist_v and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o and_o fall_v in_o with_o this_o or_o that_o way_n as_o suppose_v themselves_o thereby_o insure_v for_o salvation_n and_o want_v judgement_n to_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n fall_v in_o with_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n under_o consideration_n as_o lead_v thereunto_o mere_o by_o some_o unsound_a and_o groundless_a motive_n and_o inducement_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a true_o conscientious_a christian_n can_v satisfy_v themselves_o in_o a_o bare_a way_n or_o form_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v lead_v by_o any_o motive_n or_o inducement_n without_o any_o regard_n at_o all_o have_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o even_o in_o respect_n of_o many_o of_o they_o especial_o such_o who_o be_v of_o weak_a judgement_n some_o unsound_a and_o groundless_a motive_n and_o inducement_n have_v no_o little_a interest_n in_o their_o embrace_v this_o or_o that_o way_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o and_o thus_o the_o motive_n and_o iuducement_n lead_v professor_n into_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o way_n or_o judgement_n and_o practice_n lie_v opposite_a to_o what_o we_o have_v here_o plead_v for_o be_v exceed_o various_a all_o which_o to_o enumerate_v will_v under_o i_o over_o tedious_a all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v therefore_o be_v if_o we_o will_v come_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n place_n religion_n where_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v place_v and_o then_o set_v all_o such_o motive_n and_o inducement_n aside_o weigh_v impartial_o the_o scripture_n and_o argument_n ground_v thereupon_o ready_o give_v up_o our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n to_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o light_n and_o evidence_n of_o those_o scripture_n and_o argument_n six_o and_o last_o the_o persuasion_n and_o practice_n here_o oppose_v have_v prevail_v so_o far_o among_o christian_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n through_o their_o preposterous_a inquiry_n after_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n relate_v to_o the_o practice_n here_o plead_v for_o take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o product_n of_o those_o inquiry_n in_o and_o upon_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o preposterousness_n of_o their_o inquiry_n lie_v more_o especial_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o their_o inquire_v after_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n before_o they_o have_v seek_v after_o or_o find_v out_o the_o proper_a use_n and_o end_n of_o baptism_n in_o the_o general_n and_o the_o true_a notion_n under_o which_o it_o be_v institute_v and_o command_v by_o christ_n second_o in_o their_o inquire_v after_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n relate_v to_o this_o practice_n without_o any_o precedent_a consideration_n have_v to_o his_o will_n relate_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o by_o these_o preposterous_a inquiry_n man_n put_v themselves_o under_o a_o threefold_a disadvantage_n as_o to_o their_o find_v out_o that_o will_v of_o christ_n they_o be_v inquire_v after_o first_o they_o terminate_v and_o limit_v their_o inquiry_n to_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o suppose_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o christ_n relate_v unto_o baptism_n it_o be_v a_o new_a testament_n ordinance_n must_v needs_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o second_o which_o follow_v hereupon_o they_o search_v not_o after_o nor_o attend_v unto_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o at_o first_o establish_v with_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a nor_o attend_v to_o the_o various_a scripture_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n open_v and_o confirm_v that_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o so_o establish_v with_o he_o three_o which_o follow_v from_o both_o they_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o those_o several_a inference_n that_o may_v rational_o and_o according_a to_o scripture_n warrant_v be_v draw_v from_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n for_o the_o determine_n and_o conclude_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o application_n of_o baptism_n but_o now_o will_v people_n begin_v their_o inquiry_n where_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o proceed_v regular_o therein_o they_o will_v find_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n to_o appear_v with_o much_o more_o clearness_n of_o evidence_n on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o practice_n we_o plead_v for_o will_v they_o make_v their_o first_o inquiry_n after_o the_o proper_a use_n and_o end_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o true_a notion_n under_o which_o it_o be_v institute_v and_o then_o proceed_v in_o a_o impartial_a search_n after_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o here_o again_o begin_v where_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v viz._n at_o the_o first_o establishment_n of_o it_o with_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o so_o proceed_v regular_o as_o the_o covenant_n have_v be_v continue_v from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o to_o abraham_n seed_n whether_o natural_a
do_v so_o that_o the_o minor_a proposition_n be_v undoubted_o true_a whence_o the_o conclusion_n will_v undoubted_o follow_v my_o second_o argument_n be_v this_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v apply_v by_o the_o dispenser_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o believe_a parent_n both_o with_o reference_n to_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n mere_o as_o such_o that_o be_v as_o believe_v parent_n without_o consideration_n have_v to_o the_o personal_a faith_n and_o repentance_n of_o any_o in_o or_o of_o their_o house_n than_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n muse_v needs_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o their_o house_n without_o consideration_n have_v to_o the_o personal_a say_v and_o repentance_n of_o any_o in_o or_o of_o their_o house_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a certain_o if_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v apply_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v parent_n themselves_o but_o to_o their_o house_n than_o that_o promise_n belong_v not_o only_o to_o they_o but_o to_o their_o house_n minister_n may_v not_o apply_v promise_v any_o other_o way_n then_o as_o they_o belong_v to_o those_o to_o who_o the_o application_n be_v make_v now_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v apply_v in_o this_o extent_n and_o latitude_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v parent_n themselves_o but_o to_o their_o respective_a house_n and_o that_o mere_o as_o such_o without_o consideration_n have_v to_o the_o personal_a faith_n and_o repentance_n of_o any_o in_o or_o of_o their_o house_n be_v evident_a past_o all_o rational_a contradiction_n by_o the_o apostle_n propose_v the_o promise_n in_o this_o extent_n and_o latitude_n to_o the_o jailor_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v proplse_o it_o to_o the_o jailor_n as_o a_o motive_n to_o he_o to_o believe_v it_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v apply_v to_o he_o upon_o his_o actual_a believe_v he_o may_v have_v be_v assure_v that_o now_o he_o and_o his_o house_n shall_v be_v save_v yet_o in_o that_o way_n and_o according_a to_o that_o method_n or_o upon_o the_o term_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n a_o account_n of_o which_o we_o have_v already_o give_v and_o that_o the_o apostle_n propose_v this_o promise_n in_o the_o extent_n and_o latitu_fw-la de_fw-la before_o express_v to_o the_o jailor_n upon_o condition_n of_o his_o own_o believe_v without_o consideration_n have_v to_o the_o personal_a faith_n and_o repentance_n of_o any_o in_o or_o of_o his_o house_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o text_n thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o thy_o house_n and_o consequent_o may_v have_v be_v apply_v to_o he_o as_o a_o believer_n upon_o his_o actual_a believe_v and_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o promise_n do_v not_o appertain_v to_o he_o alone_o it_o be_v not_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o he_o to_o have_v his_o house_n under_o the_o same_o promise_n with_o himself_o but_o a_o privilege_n common_a to_o all_o believe_a barent_n quatenus_fw-la ipsum_fw-la conclude_v the_o omni_n the_o only_a objection_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v conditional_o to_o the_o jailor_n himself_o so_o to_o his_o house_n that_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n promise_v to_o he_o that_o if_o he_o believe_v he_o shall_v be_v save_v so_o he_o promise_v to_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o house_n that_o if_o they_o believe_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o interpretation_n give_v of_o that_o promise_n of_o peter_n act_v 2.39_o to_o that_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o it_o be_v ready_o grant_v that_o the_o promise_n as_o external_o propose_v be_v conditional_o both_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o house_n yet_o i_o say_v that_o his_o own_o believe_v do_v give_v his_o house_n a_o actual_a right_n to_o and_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n yet_o to_o be_v fulfil_v according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v evident_a because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n of_o the_o apostle_n add_v that_o other_o branch_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o a_o motive_n to_o he_o to_o believe_v unless_o by_o his_o believe_v a_o peculiar_a good_a which_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o this_o right_n to_o and_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n do_v accrue_v to_o his_o house_n it_o have_v be_v a_o strong_a motive_n for_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v say_v believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o all_o the_o town_n or_o country_n yea_o all_o the_o world_n if_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o intend_v a_o peculiar_a good_a in_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o house_n redound_v to_o they_o by_o his_o believe_v there_o have_v be_v no_o more_o reason_n for_o he_o to_o mention_v his_o house_n than_o for_o he_o to_o have_v mention_v the_o whole_a town_n or_o country_n or_o whole_a world_n in_o as_o much_o as_o thev_n shall_v all_o be_v save_v upon_o condition_n of_o their_o belieumg_n and_o hence_o whereas_o when_o this_o consideration_n be_v urge_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n peter_n hold_v forth_o and_o declare_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n thereof_o in_o this_o latitude_n and_o extent_n to_o those_o awaken_v jew_n acts._n 2.29_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o there_o be_v other_o reason_n of_o his_o mention_v their_o child_n than_o the_o assert_v their_o right_n to_o and_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o i_o romise_v thereof_o that_o shift_n for_o so_o i_o shall_v call_v it_o can_v have_v no_o place_n here_o for_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n peter_n may_v mention_v the_o child_n of_o these_o jew_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o imprecation_n they_o be_v under_o record_v in_o matth._n 27.25_o it_o wutg_a respect_n to_o that_o first_o offer_n and_o tender_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o reason_n of_o the_o apostle_n mention_v the_o jailor_n house_n they_o be_v under_o no_o such_o imprecation_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o privilege_n above_o other_o in_o point_n of_o the_o offer_n and_o tender_v of_o salvation_n to_o be_v make_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a reason_n imaginable_a of_o the_o apostle_n mention_v of_o his_o house_n be_v to_o assure_v he_o that_o upon_o his_o believe_v he_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o establishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n give_v unto_o abraham_n have_v not_o the_o promise_n extend_v to_o his_o house_n as_o well_o as_o to_o himself_o personal_o consider_v there_o have_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o the_o apostle_n to_o mention_v his_o house_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o not_o only_a himself_o but_o his_o house_n shall_v be_v save_v have_v not_o a_o peculiar_a good_a redound_v to_o his_o house_n by_o his_o believe_v it_o have_v be_v a_o more_o effectual_a motive_n to_o have_v tell_v he_o that_o the_o whole_a town_n shall_v have_v be_v save_v in_o as_o much_o as_o then_o his_o house_n have_v be_v include_v and_o he_o have_v have_v a_o further_a intimation_n of_o the_o probability_n of_o other_o of_o his_o friend_n relation_n and_o acquaintance_n salvation_n second_o i_o answer_v if_o we_o compare_v this_o promise_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o jailor_n with_o that_o forementioned_a passage_n of_o christ_n concern_v zacheus_n his_o house_n it_o be_v evident_a the_o apostle_n propound_v this_o promise_n in_o both_o branch_n of_o it_o to_o he_o upon_o the_o alone_a condition_n of_o his_o personal_a believe_v and_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o in_o case_n he_o himself_o shall_v believe_v he_o and_o his_o house_n shall_v be_v save_v that_o be_v as_o peter_z as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v expound_v it_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n will_v be_v to_o he_o and_o his_o house_n and_o that_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n appear_v from_o that_o parallel_n passage_n of_o christ_n christ_n tell_v zacheus_n salvation_n be_v come_v to_o his_o house_n upon_o his_o own_o believe_v and_o that_o upon_o that_o very_a ground_n or_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n because_o he_o now_o be_v a_o son_n of_o abraham_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o must_v suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o promise_n to_o the_o jailor_n the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o that_o of_o christ_n it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o thereby_o thou_o will_v become_v a_o son_n of_o abraham_n and_o as_o so_o relate_v to_o he_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o promise_n in_o the_o same_o exten_n and_o latitude_n in_o which_o it_o be_v make_v to_o he_o at_o the_o first_o establishment_n of_o it_o god_n will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o