Selected quad for the lemma: ground_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
ground_n consider_v education_n great_a 24 3 2.1448 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A80854 The vertue and value of baptism: in which the dignity and duty of [baptism], the due right of infants to [baptism], and their right above that of grown persons by [baptism], the degrading and destructive principles and practices of [baptism] are / catechetically propounded, plainly preached, and now published as an antidote to the baptism-despising dictates of John Simpson. By Zachariah Crofton ... ; Imprimatur, Edm. Calamy. Crofton, Zachary, 1625 or 6-1672. 1658 (1658) Wing C7003B; ESTC R174314 79,234 315

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

valid_a and_o of_o force_n the_o grant_v of_o a_o cruel_a king_n and_o profane_a prince_n will_v be_v by_o these_o man_n admit_v as_o the_o substantial_a bind_a charter_n of_o the_o people_n privilege_n we_o read_v often_o of_o the_o profaneness_n of_o the_o priest_n of_o israel_n but_o never_o of_o a_o nonentitie_n bring_v upon_o god_n ordinance_n in_o their_o hand_n if_o they_o be_v in_o moses_n chair_n though_o we_o must_v not_o do_v as_o they_o do_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o attention_n and_o obedience_n of_o what_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o preach_v to_o other_o and_o himself_o be_v a_o cast_v away_o i_o never_o read_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o those_o baptise_a by_o the_o unworthy_a hand_n of_o judas_n be_v ever_o pronounce_v void_a or_o null_a a_o pure_a ordinance_n be_v unhandsome_a in_o a_o profane_a hand_n but_o yet_o its_o essence_n be_v not_o impair_v it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n effectual_a to_o its_o end_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v baptise_a by_o minister_n though_o unworthy_a wherein_o i_o w●sh_v charity_n be_v not_o violate_v for_o that_o many_o know_v not_o who_o they_o be_v they_o do_v censure_n as_o unworthy_a nay_o some_o worthy_a man_n to_o themselves_o so_o know_v they_o now_o call_v unworthy_a it_o be_v a_o corruption_n consistent_a with_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o ordinance_n not_o any_o way_n destructive_a to_o its_o be_v the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v for_o the_o annex_v ceremony_n that_o they_o be_v profane_o add_v but_o yet_o do_v not_o nullify_v the_o ordinance_n but_o it_o stand_v in_o full_a force_n as_o a_o ground_n of_o confidence_n in_o access_n to_o god_n but_o second_o as_o they_o appear_v great_o irrational_a in_o infer_v more_o than_o their_o premise_n will_v allow_v so_o they_o be_v gross_o ignorant_a nay_o i_o fear_v many_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n may_v be_v charge_v to_o be_v gross_o obstinate_a they_o renounce_v their_o baptism_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o superstition_n not_o consider_v they_o run_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o sacrilege_n charity_n must_v persuade_v we_o these_o man_n understand_v not_o the_o method_n and_o ministration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n otherwise_o they_o can_v never_o charge_v infant_n baptism_n with_o superstition_n which_o be_v the_o very_a application_n of_o god_n ordinance_n to_o its_o proper_a subject_n and_o so_o sacrilegious_o rob_v god_n his_o church_n believe_v parent_n and_o their_o child_n of_o those_o holy_a duty_n and_o dignity_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o have_v we_o not_o before_o note_v that_o they_o who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v baptise_a and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o principle_n wherein_o we_o all_o agree_v and_o if_o these_o man_n know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o method_n and_o and_o ministration_n of_o the_o covenant_n must_v they_o not_o needs_o confess_v that_o the_o natural_a issue_n of_o one_o or_o both_o believe_a parent_n be_v in_o covenant_n as_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v and_o so_o fit_a subject_n for_o baptism_n that_o may_v and_o must_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o first_o initiate_a seal_n of_o which_o god_n have_v make_v they_o capable_a in_o their_o passive_a age_n and_o estate_n can_v any_o stand_v convince_v that_o such_o infant_n be_v as_o soon_o as_o bear_v the_o lord_n heritage_n psal_n 127.3_o the_o lord_n servant_n lev_n 25.42_o child_n beget_v to_o he_o ezek._n 16.20_o 21._o holy_a one_o rom._n 11.16_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n act._n 4.25_o to_o who_o belong_v the_o promise_n act._n 2.28_o interressed_a in_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n mar._n 10_o 14._o and_o withhold_v the_o keeper_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o steward_n of_o god_n household_n from_o set_v of_o god_n mark_n in_o their_o flesh_n or_o withstand_v their_o dedication_n unto_o god_n must_v not_o we_o give_v caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n will_v not_o god_n account_v it_o a_o r●bbery_n t●at_v they_o which_o be_v his_o shall_v be_v withhold_v from_o he_o again_o c●n_o any_o consider_v the_o issue_n of_o believe_a parent_n to_o be_v the_o church_n child_n beget_v to_o the_o lord_n ezek_n 16.20_o a_o holy_a seed_n scatter_v for_o her_o increase_n and_o yet_o snatch_v they_o out_o of_o her_o arm_n and_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o her_o bosom_n into_o the_o wide_a wilderness_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o the_o church_n lament_v and_o refuse_v to_o be_v comfort_v while_o she_o be_v bereave_v of_o her_o babe_n and_o as_o a_o bear_n robe_a of_o her_o whelp_n will_v not_o such_o robbery_n prove_v she_o ruise_z and_o the_o dry_n up_o her_o seed_n hinder_v her_o increase_n and_o make_v her_o barren_a and_o fruitless_a again_o shall_v the_o child_n of_o such_o believe_a parent_n be_v bear_v member_n into_o th●_n household_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o be_v incorporate_v by_o baptism_n shall_v loyalty_n be_v their_o bear_a duty_n and_o not_o god_n livery_n their_o dignity_n shall_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o charter_n of_o their_o privilege_n and_o the_o seal_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o they_o as_o t●ey_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v they_o shall_v they_o be_v holy_a in_o their_o kind_n and_o the_o badge_n of_o distinction_n be_v deny_v they_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v make_v a_o new_a bear_v babe_n to_o speak_v sure_o this_o sacrilege_n will_v do_v it_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o the_o real_a demand_n that_o be_v fable_v of_o one_o rumball_n son_n to_o a_o english_a king_n at_o brack●ly_a in_o northhamptonshire_n that_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v bear_v he_o request_v to_o be_v baptise_a for_o that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n i●_n it_o not_o a_o cruel_a sacrilege_n to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n of_o salvation_n such_o who_o title_n to_o entrance_n can_v be_v deny_v yet_o further_o be_v baptism_n the_o only_a visible_a evidence_n god_n have_v give_v to_o parent_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o their_o child_n and_o shall_v any_o deprive_v they_o of_o this_o reason_n of_o hope_n cause_n of_o joy_n ground_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n and_o spur_n to_o duty_n in_o dedication_n to_o god_n and_o education_n of_o their_o child_n for_o god_n so_o that_o these_o thing_n consider_v such_o as_o on_o this_o ground_n of_o be_v baptise_a in_o infancy_n do_v renounce_v th●ir_a baptism_n do_v out_o of_o ignorance_n of_o god_n covenant_n commit_v most_o horrid_a sacrilege_n by_o rob_v g●d_v of_o his_o heritage_n the_o church_n of_o child_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n to_o infant_n which_o by_o god_n grace_n i_o shall_v show_v to_o be_v great_a the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n of_o their_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o their_o parent_n of_o that_o ground_n of_o faith_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v award_v they_o and_o so_o they_o g_o ve_fw-la us_o cause_v not_o only_o to_o charge_v they_o with_o irrationality_n in_o fancry_v god_n holy_a ordinance_n to_o be_v superstition_n but_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o say_v thou_o that_o abhor_v idol_n do_v commit_v sacrilege_n rom._n 2_o 22._o so_o that_o not_o only_o groundless_o but_o even_o contrary_a to_o divine_a method_n and_o order_n they_o disow_v the_o regular_a wash_n of_o their_o body_n in_o pure_a water_n do_v divest_v themselves_o of_o that_o seal_n of_o sanctity_n and_o ve●ture_n of_o holiness_n by_o which_o they_o be_v fit_v for_o a_o confident_a approach_n to_o god_n and_o decline_v the_o assemble_v of_o god_n people_n in_o which_o alone_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o be_v adore_v and_o join_v themselves_o to_o false_a assembly_n where_o they_o be_v consecrate_v to_o and_o come_v before_o god_n in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o appointment_n nor_o can_v expect_v his_o approvement_n how_o high_a soever_o false_a hope_n and_o joy_n may_v carry_v their_o spirit_n for_o those_o to_o who_o they_o join_v be_v divide_v from_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o void_a of_o all_o commission_n to_o administer_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n if_o you_o look_v at_o their_o constitution_n you_o shall_v find_v it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o se●f-congregation_n with_o the_o cry_n of_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v holy_a and_o invective_n against_o aaron_n and_o moses_n as_o they_o which_o take_v too_o mu●h_o upon_o they_o the_o which_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o find_v warrant_v in_o scripture_n but_o be_v remarkable_o condemn_v in_o the_o company_n of_o k●rah_n that_o be_v thus_o constitute_v ministerial_a authority_n be_v no_o less_o essential_a to_o constitute_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n then_o magistratical_a to_o constitute_v a_o corporation_n or_o company_n my_o litt_v e_o skill_n in_o politic_n can_v never_o
proselyte_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o same_o this_o year_n he_o be_v the_o last_o a_o man_n under_o judicial_a minister_n judicial_a the_o committee_n for_o plunder_v minister_n parliamentary_a censure_n for_o his_o error_n a_o man_n by_o the_o most_o sage_a grave_n and_o pious_a etc._n pious_a london_n testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n minister_n of_o his_o city_n the_o place_n of_o his_o residence_n brand_v as_o a_o seducer_n from_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n a_o man_n for_o sedition_n so_o own_v by_o himself_o imprison_v banish_a and_o afflict_a as_o a_o evil_a doer_n a_o man_n of_o such_o violence_n commotion_n division_n confusion_n distraction_n disorder_n that_o bishopsgate_n and_o aldgate_n must_v needs_o lament_v the_o day_n of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o inquire_v why_o shall_v master_n crofton_n so_o much_o withstand_v john_n simpson_n preach_v but_o if_o he_o or_o all_o his_o adherent_n be_v as_o they_o never_o can_v be_v able_a to_o acquit_v he_o from_o these_o blot_n that_o must_v needs_o render_v he_o unfit_a for_o gospel-work_n yet_o master_n crofton_n have_v too_o too_o just_a cause_n to_o withstand_v his_o ministry_n not_o only_o for_o his_o unjust_a intrusion_n and_o disingenuous_a silence_n under_o any_o propound_a conveniency_n for_o the_o people_n and_o malicious_a exercise_n of_o his_o pretend_a ministry_n to_o the_o mere_a humour_v of_o a_o envious_a profane_a faction_n pursue_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n not_o have_v any_o assembly_n of_o his_o own_o to_o engage_v he_o to_o it_o but_o for_o those_o falsehood_n that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v utter_a to_o the_o decry_v of_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o danger_n of_o man_n salvation_n herein_o he_o be_v frequent_a and_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v it_o not_o that_o my_o weak_a people_n be_v apt_a to_o take_v boldness_n to_o sit_v under_o his_o ministry_n from_o my_o hear_v he_o make_v a_o full_a detection_n can_v any_o man_n think_v ministerial_a zeal_n can_v in_o the_o least_o admit_v a_o afternoon_n contradiction_n of_o a_o forenoon_n doctrine_n of_o truth_n i_o have_v before_o note_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o no_o soon_o violent_o enter_v my_o church_n and_o interrupt_v some_o of_o god_n ordinance_n but_o he_o present_o vilify_a those_o he_o can_v not_o hinder_v open_o aver_v that_o to_o learn_v a_o catechism_n be_v not_o to_o worship_n god_n you_o may_v as_o well_o take_v your_o child_n to_o the_o market_n or_o fair_a and_o buy_v they_o bauble_n rattle_n and_o hobby_n horse_n as_o catechism_n i_o well_o know_v that_o he_o do_v with_o most_o profane_a impudence_n in_o the_o pulpit_n at_o great_a alhallows_a and_o in_o my_o own_o pulpit_n make_v a_o dreadful_a appeal_n to_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n that_o he_o never_o preach_v such_o doctrine_n but_o i_o have_v offer_v and_o do_v yet_o offer_v if_o he_o will_v be_v convict_v before_o any_o competent_a judge_n to_o convince_v he_o by_o some_o of_o his_o late_a proselyte_n and_o many_o other_o that_o hear_v he_o speak_v it_o and_o after_o most_o wicked_o deny_v that_o he_o speak_v it_o he_o must_v not_o think_v but_o we_o know_v the_o serpentine_a wisdom_n of_o seducer_n lead_v they_o to_o deny_v they_o speak_v the_o doctrine_n they_o divulge_v if_o the_o time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n will_v not_o defend_v they_o in_o it_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o sermon_n wherein_o he_o will_v deny_v this_o notion_n he_o do_v but_o familistical_o spiritualise_v and_o run_v into_o this_o assertion_n which_o be_v yet_o tantamount_n that_o it_o be_v gross_a ignorance_n to_o say_v or_o think_v that_o the_o teach_n of_o catechitical_a head_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o way_n to_o bring_v any_o man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n i_o confess_v this_o contempt_n of_o catechise_n be_v in_o my_o ear_n but_o a_o praeludium_n to_o the_o decry_v of_o infant_n baptism_n which_o engage_v i_o to_o attend_v his_o wednesday_n lecture_n for_o some_o few_o day_n when_o he_o be_v from_o 1_o peter_n 3.21_o treat_v of_o baptism_n wherein_o i_o hear_v many_o absurdity_n false_a interpretation_n and_o incongruous_a expression_n utter_v but_o at_o length_n find_v he_o that_o pretend_v he_o have_v reader_n have_v his_o book_n of_o justification_n in_o the_o epist_n to_o the_o reader_n run_v over_o the_o bog_n of_o familism_n yet_o not_o to_o have_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o they_o to_o have_v fall_v up_o to_o the_o arm_n hole_n if_o not_o over_o head_n and_o ear_n for_o not_o only_o do_v he_o despise_v poedo-baptism_n by_o the_o contemptible_a term_n of_o baby-sprinkling_a cozen_a infant_n and_o the_o like_a but_o proclaim_v water-baptism_n the_o very_a ordinance_n itself_o to_o be_v nothing_o worth_a and_o the_o spirit_n inward_a grace_n the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o even_o unto_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o this_o he_o do_v in_o a_o full_a discourse_n half_o a_o hour_n long_o direct_v to_o his_o own_o proselyte_n with_o many_o invective_n against_o such_o as_o will_v not_o admit_v communion_n with_o the_o unbaptised_a in_o flesh_n these_o nullify_a notion_n of_o god_n ordinance_n i_o can_v not_o bear_v and_o resolve_v they_o shall_v not_o corrupt_v on_o my_o stomach_n or_o he_o have_v liberty_n to_o make_v a_o false_a appeal_n to_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n in_o the_o denial_n of_o what_o he_o have_v deliver_v or_o to_o complain_v i_o deal_v not_o fair_o by_o he_o public_o to_o render_v he_o erroneous_a before_o i_o have_v charge_v he_o personal_o i_o do_v on_o the_o day_n on_o which_o he_o preach_v it_o be_v the_o 2._o of_o september_n 1657._o and_o assoon_o as_o sermon_n be_v end_v repair_n to_o my_o study_n and_o write_v unto_o he_o this_o letter_n follow_v mr._n simpson_n i_o do_v this_o day_n with_o no_o little_a trouble_n hear_v your_o discourse_n and_o pretermit_v your_o incongruous_a impertinent_a expression_n and_o misapplication_n of_o scripture_n with_o many_o ordinance-degrading_a and_o church-confounding_a speech_n you_o lay_v down_o this_o inference_n that_o baptism_n be_v not_o the_o ground_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n but_o real_a grace_n the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o therefore_o you_o do_v declare_v though_o a_o man_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n and_o have_v never_o pass_v under_o that_o outward_a ordinance_n you_o can_v own_v he_o as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o hold_v communion_n with_o he_o and_o admit_v he_o to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o much_o to_o this_o purpose_n you_o deliver_v sir_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v only_o know_v to_o god_n i_o can_v believe_v god_n have_v make_v it_o the_o ground_n of_o communion_n with_o man_n and_o outward_a baptism_n to_o be_v the_o first_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o the_o church_n and_o external_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o very_a door_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n erect_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o reckon_v by_o the_o apostle_n among_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n make_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n ordinance_n in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la i_o can_v conserve_n to_o communion_n with_o such_o as_o be_v unbaptise_v but_o must_v fear_v in_o this_o case_n god_n may_v say_v to_o i_o as_o to_o they_o in_o isa_n 44.7_o for_o though_o outward_a baptism_n without_o inward_a grace_n can_v carry_v no_o man_n to_o heaven_n yet_o the_o church_n can_v without_o palpable_a profaneness_n admininister_v other_o ordinance_n of_o communion_n to_o the_o unbaptised_a i_o pray_v you_o tell_v i_o whether_o you_o do_v not_o in_o vain_a press_v i_o to_o outward_a baptism_n when_o you_o tell_v i_o i_o may_v live_v and_o die_v in_o commmunion_n with_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n all_o my_o day_n and_o yet_o never_o know_v the_o doctrine_n nor_o pass_v under_o the_o ordinance_n of_o water-baptism_n be_v baptism_n become_v a_o adiaphoron_n these_o thing_n i_o thus_o timely_o signify_v to_o you_o to_o prevent_v mistake_n desire_v your_o argument_n for_o your_o position_n for_o that_o your_o cite_a scripture_n rom._n 15.7_o do_v not_o conclude_v it_o but_o be_v far_o wide_a to_o which_o i_o promise_v you_o a_o speedy_a answer_n unless_o they_o be_v convince_a to_o zath_n crofton_n sept._n 2_o 1657._o though_o this_o letter_n be_v by_o a_o messenger_n send_v of_o purpose_n deliver_v into_o his_o hand_n disingenuous_a be_v never_o return_v answer_n to_o it_o either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a but_o suffer_v these_o contemptible_a notion_n to_o abide_v on_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o people_n as_o it_o they_o be_v gospel_n truth_n have_v observe_v
out_o of_o your_o common_a discourse_n a_o ordinary_a term_n relate_v to_o baptism_n viz_o such_o a_o one_o be_v christen_v if_o i_o do_v not_o hope_v you_o well_o understand_v it_o baptism_n may_n christianum_fw-la dicere_fw-la declare_v and_o pronounce_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n but_o it_o do_v not_o christianum_fw-la facere_fw-la make_v a_o christian_a if_o your_o child_n be_v not_o make_v christian_n by_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o believer_n and_o their_o seed_n bring_v they_o not_o to_o i_o to_o be_v baptise_a most_o curse_o profane_v be_v the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o spanish_a papist_n in_o america_n who_o with_o whip_n and_o scourge_n drive_v the_o unchristanize_v untaught_a indian_n to_o the_o font_n to_o be_v baptise_a for_o that_o baptism_n belong_v to_o none_o but_o christ_n disciple_n and_o covenant_n people_n baptism_n belong_v to_o all_o christ_n disciple_n and_o god_n covenant_n people_n so_o that_o none_o of_o they_o may_v without_o sin_n nay_o sacrilege_n be_v bar_v from_o baptism_n and_o these_o be_v resolve_v into_o two_o rank_n and_o know_v by_o two_o name_n in_o the_o church_n viz_o infidel_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o infant_n of_o one_o or_o both_o christian_a parent_n these_o two_o be_v the_o order_n into_o which_o god_n faederate_n have_v be_v rank_v ever_o since_o god_n covenant_n be_v establish_v and_o his_o church_n be_v estate_v in_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o their_o seed_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o they_o they_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n consent_v to_o as_o fit_v and_o proper_a subject_n only_o our_o over-pious_a age_n have_v start_v the_o query_n how_o and_o when_o they_o must_v be_v judge_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n which_o i_o must_v needs_o resolve_v to_o be_v by_o a_o profession_n of_o save_a faith_n not_o the_o save_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o possession_n of_o sincere_a grace_n which_o the_o congregate_a anabaptist_n call_v for_o sincere_a grace_n and_o save_a profession_n must_v be_v the_o soul_n care_n and_o ground_n of_o joy_n but_o can_v be_v the_o sign_n that_o shall_v guide_v the_o church_n in_o give_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n assoon_o as_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v philip_n preach_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v baptise_a both_o man_n and_o woman_n act._n 8.12_o philip_n require_v no_o more_o of_o the_o eunuch_n in_o v._o 37._o and_o when_o i_o hear_v peter_n declare_v simon_n the_o sorcerer_n to_o be_v after_o his_o baptism_n in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n as_o v._o 23._o i_o perceive_v they_o in_o who_o company_n he_o be_v baptise_a yield_a no_o more_o and_o when_o i_o remember_v annànias_n and_o saphira_n demas_n and_o other_o baptise_a person_n prove_v hypocrite_n and_o reprobate_n i_o can_v believe_v they_o possess_v sincere_a grace_n or_o make_v a_o save_a profession_n though_o they_o profess_v save_v faith_n i_o can_v yet_o turn_v arminian_n and_o believe_v true_a grace_n may_v be_v final_o and_o total_o lose_v and_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n to_o day_n and_o a_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o morrow_n i_o have_v not_o faith_n enough_o to_o believe_v that_o when_o god_n make_v i_o a_o minister_n he_o make_v i_o a_o god_n and_o endow_v i_o with_o the_o property_n of_o to_o search_v the_o heart_n nor_o have_v i_o wit_n enough_o to_o conceive_v that_o god_n make_v i_o a_o steward_n of_o his_o mystery_n prescribe_v to_o my_o as_o my_o guide_n the_o qualification_n of_o subject_n which_o lie_v beyond_o my_o knowledge_n i_o believe_v the_o gross_a enormity_n of_o many_o baptize_v saint_n as_o they_o call_v themselves_o have_v convince_v they_o that_o true_a grace_n be_v not_o within_o their_o sight_n but_o they_o may_v and_o have_v baptize_v hypocrite_n why_o then_o do_v they_o call_v for_o that_o qualification_n god_n have_v not_o direct_v and_o they_o can_v not_o discern_v god_n have_v make_v the_o tongue_n the_o trumpet_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o i_o can_v better_o hope_v man_n will_v not_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n and_o make_v that_o utter_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n than_o i_o can_v know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o grace_n though_o infidel_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n be_v general_o resolve_v within_o the_o covenant_n yet_o since_o the_o day_n of_o balthasar_n pacimontanus_n who_o pretend_v to_o have_v derive_v his_o fancy_n from_o luther_n constrain_v luther_n to_o write_v against_o he_o in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1527._o the_o right_n of_o infant_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o their_o capacity_n for_o baptism_n have_v be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o of_o late_a year_n have_v meet_v with_o most_o high_a and_o violent_a though_o irrational_a and_o unscripturall_a opposition_n wherein_o i_o can_v but_o admire_v at_o the_o erroneous_a industry_n of_o the_o antipaedobaptist_n to_o curtail_v god_n covenant_n cut_v off_o their_o seed_n from_o the_o privilege_n of_o grace_n and_o cast_v away_o their_o own_o reason_n blind_a their_o eye_n against_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o must_v see_v better_a warrant_n before_o we_o strike_v hand_n with_o they_o and_o be_v of_o their_o uncharitable_a belief_n for_o if_o i_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o method_n of_o god_n covenant_n or_o in_o the_o least_o how_o to_o reason_n from_o scripture_n it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n god_n covenant_n people_n whilst_o infant_n and_o as_o their_o natural_a seed_n be_v god_n faederates_n and_o within_o his_o covenant_n and_o so_o fit_a subject_n of_o baptism_n in_o political_a and_o all_o civil_a transaction_n of_o man_n we_o find_v all_o the_o world_n over_o that_o covenant_n make_v from_o or_o to_o parent_n do_v usual_o include_v child_n as_o their_o child_n so_o that_o by_o that_o very_a relation_n without_o any_o new_a formal_a contract_n they_o claim_v privilege_n and_o stand_v bind_v to_o duty_n and_o when_o i_o consider_v god_n way_n of_o deal_v to_o be_v according_a to_o man_n capacity_n and_o humane_a method_n i_o have_v no_o ground_n on_o which_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o have_v invert_v the_o order_n and_o cut_v off_o relation_n in_o the_o convey_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o grace_n and_o constitute_v a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o himself_o for_o god_n special_a dispensation_n do_v ordinary_o run_v in_o the_o same_o channel_n though_o not_o with_o the_o same_o latitude_n that_o his_o general_n providence_n do_v and_o then_o when_o god_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n assume_v to_o himself_o a_o kingdom_n without_o doubt_n he_o confer_v honour_n on_o and_o look_v for_o loyalty_n from_o his_o subject_n and_o their_o seed_n or_o offspring_n who_o as_o their_o seed_n be_v bear_v heir_n of_o such_o honour_n and_o duty_n further_o in_o all_o the_o transaction_n of_o god_n with_o man_n ever_o since_o he_o have_v a_o be_v the_o covenant_n have_v extend_v to_o his_o seed_n as_o his_o seed_n without_o any_o personal_a qualification_n all_o that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o adam_n know_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v make_v to_o he_o for_o himself_o and_o his_o seed_n as_o they_o be_v his_o natural_a seed_n he_o receive_v privilege_n for_o himself_o and_o they_o and_o so_o he_o lose_v they_o and_o by_o one_o man_n disobedience_n we_o be_v all_o make_v sinner_n if_o this_o be_v god_n method_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n we_o must_v have_v good_a reason_n to_o make_v we_o believe_v it_o be_v alter_v in_o the_o extent_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o not_o to_o stand_v on_o general_n equity_n and_o demonstration_n the_o scripture_n do_v by_o plain_a and_o clear_a instance_n in_o both_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n evidence_n the_o child_n of_o man_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v also_o in_o covenant_n as_o they_o be_v their_o natural_a issue_n there_o be_v nothing_o plain_a in_o scripture_n then_o that_o when_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v establish_v in_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n it_o be_v extend_v to_o their_o natural_a seed_n their_o child_n as_o their_o child_n even_o in_o infancy_n and_o before_o they_o attain_v to_o any_o personal_a qualification_n be_v in_o covenant_n and_o the_o child_n of_o god_n this_o be_v express_v in_o the_o very_a form_n of_o the_o covenant_n gen._n 17.7_o i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n unto_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o this_o be_v evidence_v by_o circumcision_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n set_v in_o their_o flesh_n on_o this_o very_a ground_n and_o that_o at_o eight_o day_n old_a whilst_o infant_n unable_a to_o any_o personal_a act_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v
they_o enjoy_v by_o their_o baptism_n and_o disavow_v the_o holiness_n thereby_o confer_v they_o declare_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v cozen_v when_o christen_v and_o although_o they_o have_v sometime_o deem_v themselves_o the_o people_n of_o god_n sanctify_v by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o sweet_a communion_n with_o his_o people_n now_o they_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v alien_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n without_o hope_n without_o god_n and_o without_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o renounce_v this_o baptism_n they_o seek_v another_o way_n of_o access_n to_o god_n and_o by_o a_o imagine_a baptism_n of_o their_o own_o creation_n they_o encourage_v their_o spirit_n and_o stamp_n holiness_n upon_o themselves_o and_o pretend_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n declare_v all_o other_o to_o be_v dog_n and_o only_o themselves_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n all_o other_o to_o be_v in_o the_o highway_n and_o hedge_n and_o themselves_o the_o only_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o man_n must_v be_v join_v on_o p●in_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n when_o i_o consider_v these_o man_n i_o can_v but_o consider_v the_o impetuous_a viol_n ce_fw-fr of_o a_o erroneous_a judgement_n in_o hurry_v to_o irregular_a practice_n and_o the_o giddy_a preposterous_a zeal_n that_o be_v produce_v by_o reason-darkning_a fancy_n this_o carriage_n do_v plain_o bespeak_v these_o man_n to_o be_v great_o irrational_a and_o gross_o ignorant_a first_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v great_o irrational_a and_o that_o because_o they_o nullify_v god_n ordinance_n by_o mistake_a or_o miscarry_v circumstance_n which_o no_o way_n destroy_v their_o essence_n their_o ground_n be_v infant_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v baptise_a and_o they_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n their_o ignorant_a parent_n in_o their_o ignorance_n do_v superstitious_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v sprinkle_v by_o some_o unworthy_a sir_n john_n or_o other_o and_o hereby_o they_o be_v cozen_v but_o now_o they_o thank_v god_n they_o see_v the_o superstition_n of_o baby-sprinkling_a and_o therefore_o will_v have_v their_o body_n wash_v and_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o baptise_a saint_n unto_o this_o plea_n of_o they_o i_o wish_v they_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o see_v the_o irrationality_n of_o it_o for_o presuppose_v which_o be_v not_o true_a that_o infant_n have_v no_o right_n to_o baptism_n it_o w●ll_n not_o thence_o follow_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v superstitious_a void_a and_o null_a for_o bap●●●●_n be_v god_n ordinance_n christ_n own_o institution_n age_n or_o infancy_n be_v but_o circumstance_n direct_v the_o subject_n to_o who_o it_o be_v apply_v and_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o ordinance_n if_o baptism_n be_v a_o worship_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n than_o infant_n baptism_n be_v out_o of_o all_o danger_n or_o possibilty_n of_o will-worship_n in_o case_n infant_n be_v not_o as_o undoubted_o they_o be_v within_o the_o verge_n yet_o their_o baptism_n can_v be_v no_o will-worship_n for_o we_o set_v not_o up_o the_o ordinance_n we_o apply_v to_o they_o but_o make_v application_n of_o the_o ordinance_n christ_n institute_v so_o that_o our_o utmost_a guilt_n be_v misapplication_n of_o worship_n institute_v by_o god_n not_o devise_v any_o worship_n o_o our_o own_o head_n so_o that_o they_o do_v irrational_o charge_v the_o corruption_n of_o a_o ordinance_n and_o misapplication_n of_o a_o institution_n with_o superstition_n and_o this_o corruption_n in_o a_o circumstance_n they_o imagine_v to_o nullify_v the_o ordinance_n and_o improve_v to_o a_o nonentit●e_n of_o their_o baptism_n most_o irrational_o make_v the_o age_n essential_a to_o the_o ordinance_n which_o god_n never_o do_v so_o appoint_v in_o either_o old_a or_o new_a testament-time_n either_o in_o the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o circumcision_n or_o baptism_n god_n do_v indeed_o direct_a circumcision_n to_o be_v apply_v at_o the_o eight_o day_n but_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o age_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o not_o of_o the_o essence_n thereof_o otherwise_o none_o m●g●t_v be_v circumcised_a after_o the_o eight_o day_n to_o have_v their_o circumcision_n valid_a and_o of_o force_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v neither_o institution_n of_o the_o age_n nor_o subsequent_a direction_n for_o it_o save_v only_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o subject_n as_o be_v make_v disciple_n bring_v into_o a_o propriety_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o like_a of_o what_o age_n soever_o unless_o our_o anabaptist_n will_v make_v christ_n baptism_n the_o institution_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o age_n to_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v and_o then_o i_o do_v believe_v their_o latter_a baptism_n will_v be_v as_o void_a as_o the_o former_a for_o i_o believe_v they_o be_v young_a or_o elder_a very_o few_o of_o the_o just_a direct_a age_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n when_o baptise_a so_o that_o the_o age_n can_v no_o way_n be_v make_v essential_a to_o the_o ordinance_n the_o corruption_n circumstantial_a will_v not_o bring_v upon_o it_o a_o nonentitie_n and_o necessity_n of_o rebaptisation_n though_o they_o may_v have_v cause_n to_o bewail_v the_o fin_n of_o their_o parent_n in_o corrupt_o misapply_v god_n seal_n but_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o pluck_v it_o off_o and_o cancel_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n to_o they_o confirm_v i_o can_v believe_v that_o if_o a_o jew_n have_v be_v circumcise_a before_o the_o eight_o day_n that_o he_o will_v have_v renounce_v the_o circumcision_n because_o misapply_v in_o point_n of_o time_n by_o his_o neglective_a parent_n deviation_n from_o order_n may_v be_v profaneness_n to_o be_v rebuke_v but_o can_v be_v destructive_a to_o the_o ordinance_n that_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o shall_v be_v lose_v and_o it_o be_v reiterated_a i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o these_o man_n will_v disfranchise_v themselves_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o freeman_n of_o london_n though_o they_o be_v incorporate_v before_o the_o age_n direct_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o chamber_n for_o admit_v freeman_n methink_v their_o reason_n shall_v be_v a_o chancery_n of_o more_o equity_n then_o to_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o congregation_n of_o god_n people_n and_o cast_v off_o the_o liberty_n of_o access_n because_o of_o their_o unseasonable_a and_o too_o early_a baptism_n if_o the_o church_n on_o such_o a_o miscarry_v circumstance_n shall_v disfranchize_v they_o or_o deny_v their_o relation_n to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n she_o be_v deserve_o censure_v for_o cruel_a severity_n and_o h●r_v summum_fw-la jus_o must_n needs_o be_v deem_v summa_fw-la injuri●_n the_o great_a wrong_n be_v to_o punish_v fail_v circumstance_n with_o the_o high_a severity_n due_a to_o the_o great_a crime_n only_o blind_a zeal_n and_o irrational_a folly_n be_v censorious_a to_o themselves_o to_o disow_v their_o own_o interest_n on_o such_o a_o ground_n as_o will_v not_o warrant_v the_o church_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o it_o self-execution_n under_o the_o great_a guilt_n differ_v little_a from_o murder_n but_o must_v needs_o be_v sinful_o violent_a when_o extend_v in_o measure_n beyond_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o fault_n self-excommunication_n on_o so_o slight_a a_o ground_n can_v but_o be_v the_o sting_n of_o a_o a_o waken_a conscience_n apprehensive_a of_o t●e_v privilege_n lose_v the_o out_o cry_v of_o such_o a_o conscience_n must_v needs_o be_v this_o oh_o wretch_n my_o parent_n misapply_v the_o seal_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o covenant_n by_o my_o own_o will_n and_o deprive_v myself_o of_o those_o bless_a enjoyment_n the_o hand_n of_o justice_n never_o demand_v from_o i_o oh_o cruelty_n self_n cruelty_n how_o ju●●ly_o may_v god_n say_v amen_n to_o thyself_o censure_n and_o blind_v thou_o under_o thy_o loss_n for_o ever_o but_o to_o extenuate_v this_o irrationallity_n in_o the_o rejection_n of_o their_o baptism_n receive_v in_o infancy_n they_o endeavour_v to_o master_n by_o number_n of_o exception_n under_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n further_o plead_v why_o but_o we_o be_v baptise_a by_o some_o unworthy_a minister_n and_o in_o a_o superstitious_a manner_n with_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v make_v that_o baptism_n a_o ground_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o approach_n to_o god_n and_o hereby_o they_o do_v but_o act_v their_o irrationality_n the_o further_o for_o suppose_v you_o be_v baptise_a by_o a_o unworthy_a minister_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n though_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o ordinance_n may_v depend_v on_o the_o authority_n yet_o not_o on_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o administrator_n the_o wickedness_n of_o a_o ambassador_n make_v not_o his_o embassy_n conclude_v to_o be_v void_a and_o vain_a the_o impression_n of_o a_o lawful_o commissionated_a judge_n though_o he_o be_v unjust_a be_v
act_n of_o adoration_n the_o holy_a service_n that_o be_v assign_v by_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n much_o l●sse_o she_o uld_v such_o apostatise_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o n●me_n and_o run_v into_o open_a rebellion_n against_o he_o with_o who_o they_o stand_v confederated_a bind_v in_o covenant_n can_v any_o think_v baptism_n to_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o union_n and_o nerve_n of_o incorporation_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o sympathise_v with_o she_o under_o all_o the_o change_n of_o her_o condition_n much_o less_o c●n_v such_o make_v schism_n in_o or_o separation_n from_o her_o body_n and_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v much_o be_v the_o advantage_n baptism_n once_o receive_v may_v administer_v to_o a_o f●ul_a all_o his_o day_n if_o by_o ra●ional●_fw-la act_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v improve_v either_o as_o a_o moral_a instrument_n or_o outward_a sign_n exhibit_v matter_n of_o meditation_n or_o as_o a_o divine_a ordinance_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n by_o faith_n establish_v to_o assure_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n and_o yet_o to_o our_o shame_n be_v it_o speak_v how_o little_o thereof_o be_v reap_v by_o regardless_o we_o baptism_n be_v a_o memorial_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o god_n mercy_n a_o manifest_a expression_n of_o that_o natural_a uncleanness_n which_o set_v we_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o god_n and_o eminent_a act_n of_o sanctify_v unto_o a_o access_n to_o god_n and_o yet_o how_o many_o make_v no_o use_n of_o it_o nor_o find_v matter_n of_o meditation_n by_o it_o god_n have_v appoint_v it_o a_o instrument_n of_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n how_o few_o find_v these_o effect_n produce_v by_o it_o nay_o improve_v it_o thereunto_o it_o be_v that_o seal_n that_o assure_v of_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n yet_o when_o do_v man_n propound_v it_o to_o themselves_o as_o a_o ground_n of_o faith_n or_o plead_v it_o in_o prayer_n how_o many_o live_v in_o such_o profaneness_n that_o the_o church_n may_v charge_v they_o to_o have_v forget_v that_o they_o be_v purge_v from_o their_o old_a sin_n and_o god_n may_v complain_v that_o they_o have_v break_v their_o baptismal_a oath_n yet_o baptism_n be_v to_o they_o a_o mean_a and_o weak_a argument_n of_o conviction_n w●en_o i_o consider_v the_o dulness_n of_o profane_a christian_n under_o the_o enforcement_n of_o their_o baptism_n even_o ministerial_o urge_v i_o can_v wish_v according_a the_o sometime_o custom_n use_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o church_n when_o man_n be_v baptise_a they_n may_v leave_v behind_o they_o a_o white_a garment_n as_o a_o witness_n of_o their_o baptism_n that_o so_o we_o may_v upbraid_v wicked_a man_n as_o the_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n do_v elpid●phorus_n when_o revolt_v from_o the_o faith_n say_v o_o elpidophorus_fw-la i_o will_v ke●p_v this_o white_a garm_n nt_v as_o a_o monument_n against_o thou_o to_o all_o eternity_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o scripture_n aggravate_v guilt_n with_o this_o circumstance_n they_o have_v forget_v that_o they_o be_v purge_v it_o dictate_v to_o my_o mind_n that_o the_o condemnation_n of_o christian_n will_v be_v more_o grievous_a because_o of_o their_o baptism_n if_o this_o water_n quench_v not_o lust_n it_o will_v make_v wrath_n burn_v more_o vehement_o though_o i_o can_v consent_v to_o the_o novatian_o cruel_a and_o groundless_a conclusion_n that_o sin_n after_o bap_n ism_n be_v unpardonable_a i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o every_o sin_n not_o resi_v by_o baptism_n will_v be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a y_o damnable_a to_o the_o bap_n ize_v what_o a_o answer_n to_o every_o temptation_n unto_o sin_n be_v the_o soul_n furnish_v withal_o that_o be_v apprehensive_a that_o in_o baptism_n he_o do_v renou_a ce_fw-fr the_fw-fr flesh_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o devote_v himself_o to_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o stand_v dedicate_v to_o ●n_o holy_a god_n in_o who_o presence_n ●e_n may_v not_o presume_v defile_v with_o sin_n this_o argument_n if_o improve_v by_o a_o rational_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v of_o more_o advantage_n because_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o common_a ready_a at_o hand_n to_o reflect_v and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o obvious_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n without_o and_o within_o the_o church_n by_o which_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v upbraid_v by_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v baptise_a the_o whole_a church_n will_v witness_v and_o shall_v not_o we_o have_v rec_fw-la worse_fw-mi unto_o our_o baptism_n as_o a_o b●r_n to_o our_o profaneness_n shall_v circumcise_a israel_n live_v in_o the_o vileness_n and_o vanit●_n of_o the_o uncircumcised_a gentile_n and_o have_v god_n make_v baptism_n a_o badge_n of_o distinction_n between_o the_o holy_a and_o profane_a and_o sh●ll_v we_o not_o make_v it_o a_o bar_n of_o divi_z on_o between_o their_o unclean_a lust_n and_o our_o holy_a life_n to_o live_v without_o mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o quicken_a to_o all_o holy_a duty_n do_v h_o clear_o declare_v we_o have_v never_o yet_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o baptism_n nor_o use_v it_o to_o its_o end_n as_o this_o deadness_n in_o sin_n so_o the_o despondency_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o duty_n to_o which_o even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v subject_a do_v witness_v a_o disesteem_a and_o disregard_n of_o their_o baptism_n of_o which_o they_o can_v sometime_o boast_v though_o in_o it_o they_o can_v rejoice_v a_o rig●t_a apprehension_n and_o real_a sense_n of_o baptism_n as_o the_o qualification_n of_o confident_a approach_n to_o god_n will_v dissolve_v many_o doubt_n if_o but_o due_o urge_v by_o faith_n ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v give_v for_o our_o encouragement_n but_o rational_a act_n of_o faith_n must_v pass_v from_o we_o to_o enforce_v they_o to_o their_o end_n what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o word_n be_v true_a of_o baptism_n it_o profit_v not_o because_o not_o mingle_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o many_o a_o s●d_a soul_n come_v tremble_o in●o_o god_n presence_n and_o go_v more_o trouble_v out_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v they_o do_v not_o righty_a husband_n god_n ordinance_n to_o the_o soul_n they_o pass_v from_o ordinance_n to_o ordinance_n but_o never_o consider_v t●e_v one_o entitle_v to_o and_o fit_v for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o another_o they_o suck_v no_o sweetness_n f●om_o all_o sacred_a administration_n sometime_o they_o abstain_v from_o and_o oftentimes_o approach_v to_o god_n in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o the_o discharge_n of_o holy_a duty_n as_o afraid_a they_o have_v no_o right_n to_o nor_o fitness_n for_o these_o privilege_n yet_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o w●shing_n of_o water_n they_o complain_v they_o see_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o yet_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v in_o their_o flesh_n they_o cry_v out_o they_o be_v alien_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o yet_o be_v baptise_v into_o one_o body_n a●d_v incorporate_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o saint_n they_o dare_v not_o ca●l_a god_n father_n yet_o be_v child_n beget_v unto_o he_o bear_v his_o mark_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o bear_v be_v by_o he_o own_a and_o place_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o church_n and_o do_v wear_v the_o coat_n he_o prepare_v for_o his_o jos●ph_n they_o see_v many_o good_a thing_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n but_o know_v not_o how_o to_o claim_v any_o of_o they_o in_o prayer_n and_o they_o have_v the_o broad-seal_a of_o heaven_n to_o secure_v th●ir_a title_n unto_o these_o soul_n let_v i_o free_o say_v shall_v god_n give_v you_o a_o ground_n of_o encouragement_n will_v you_o not_o use_v it_o shall_v he_o call_v for_o a_o approach_n in_o full_a assurance_n for_o th●t_v the_o b●dy_n be_v wash_v with_o pure_a water_n and_o will_v you_o not_o yield_v it_o d●d_v god_n mock_v you_o when_o he_o give_v you_o the_o dignity_n of_o baptism_n or_o be_v it_o not_o your_o madness_n that_o make_v it_o not_o a_o check_n to_o your_o g_o iefs_n and_o curb_v to_o your_o fear_n shall_v your_o practise_n proclaim_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o the_o papist_n h●ve_v endeavour_v to_o charge_n on_o the_o reform_a church_n viz._n that_o ●hey_n make_v b●●tism_n a_o nudum_fw-la signum_fw-la a_o bare_a empty_a sign_n of_o no_o use_n or_o advantage_n to_o the_o soul_n be_v god_n seal_n in_o vain_a and_o sanctification_n by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n to_o no_o purpose_n and_o matriculation_n into_o his_o household_n a_o matter_n of_o no_o moment_n that_o thou_o make_v they_o not_o ground_n of_o faith_n nor_o encouragement_n to_o thy_o soul_n be_v not_o circumcision_n of_o great_a benefit_n to_o the_o jew_n d_o d_o not_o god_n claim_v they_o by_o it_o when_o go_v astr●y_o from_o he_o and_o they_o
nature_n of_o baptism_n understand_v its_o end_n use_v and_o effect_n labour_v we_o to_o know_v the_o holiness_n it_o stamp_v on_o any_o the_o privilege_n it_o confer_v and_o how_o it_o confer_v they_o see_v the_o divine_a institution_n enforce_v the_o duty_n of_o subjection_n to_o it_o and_o the_o dignity_n receive_v by_o it_o ignorance_n be_v the_o nursery_n of_o error_n and_o guard_n of_o all_o profaneness_n all_o those_o ordinance_n degrade_n and_o vilify_a notion_n that_o be_v conceive_v in_o man_n mind_n blasphemy_n belch_v out_o of_o their_o mouth_n and_o contemptible_a carriage_n under_o and_o towards_o baptism_n and_o the_o baptize_v which_o we_o have_v before_o tax_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o mist_n and_o filthy_a fog_n of_o a_o blind_a mind_n to_o be_v disperse_v by_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o holy_a nature_n thereof_o ignorance_n be_v note_v in_o scripture_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o is●aels_n impiety_n very_o often_o do_v god_n complain_v they_o know_v not_o i_o and_o be_v a_o people_n who_o will_v not_o understand_v my_o people_n perish_v for_o lack_v of_o knowledge_n knowledge_n be_v the_o propound_a cure_n of_o all_o profaneness_n and_o contempt_n of_o holy_a thing_n it_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o regeneration_n to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o mind_n our_o saviour_n correct_v the_o profanation_n of_o the_o temple_n by_o a_o it_o be_v write_v my_o house_n shall_v be_v call_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n and_o dispel_v all_o rude_a tradition_n which_o make_v the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n by_o a_o exposition_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o apostle_n correct_v the_o profane_a use_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o explain_v the_o nature_n form_n and_o use_v thereof_o tell_v they_o sometime_o this_o be_v not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o other_o time_n point_v to_o the_o ordinance_n by_o a_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v the_o communion_n and_o a_o i_o receive_v from_o the_o lord_n what_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v the_o cure_n of_o the_o profaneness_n of_o every_o ordinance_n of_o god_n viz._n the_o understanding_n of_o its_o use_n and_o nature_n they_o that_o know_v not_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o denizen_n of_o england_n or_o a_o freeman_n of_o london_n must_v needs_o disesteem_a disregard_n and_o despise_v the_o privilege_n thereof_o be_v it_o any_o marvel_n to_o hear_v man_n speak_v and_o see_v man_n carry_v contemptible_o towards_o a_o seal_a parchment_n who_o use_n and_o nature_n he_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o such_o as_o know_v thereof_o the_o use_n and_o value_n will_v purchase_v they_o at_o a_o dear_a rate_n and_o prize_v they_o above_o many_o thing_n simple_o and_o in_o themselves_o more_o considerable_a in_o a_o word_n i_o must_v say_v if_o man_n know_v that_o god_n image_n and_o authority_n be_v set_v on_o baptism_n they_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o despise_v its_o simplicity_n and_o meanness_n if_o they_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v the_o door_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n incorporation_n into_o christ_n body_n and_o method_n of_o matriculation_n into_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n they_o can_v never_o scorn_v it_o or_o sit_v indifferent_a to_o it_o but_o must_v see_v as_o ever_o they_o will_v put_v on_o christ_n jesus_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o his_o body_n they_o must_v be_v baptize_v nay_o further_o such_o as_o be_v sensible_o affect_v with_o it_o as_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o a_o sacred_a qualification_n of_o approach_n to_o god_n without_o which_o we_o may_v not_o come_v nigh_o unto_o he_o and_o as_o the_o ordain_a ark_n of_o salvation_n whereby_o we_o stand_v separate_v from_o the_o world_n unto_o so_o great_a advantage_n he_o can_v not_o but_o set_v on_o it_o a_o high_a esteem_n rejoice_v in_o his_o baptism_n blessing_n god_n for_o such_o distinguish_a grace_n and_o thankful_o improve_v the_o same_o to_o his_o encouragement_n in_o and_o engagement_n unto_o duty_n let_v it_o therefore_o be_v your_o care_n with_o all_o diligence_n to_o study_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o understand_v its_o use_n virtue_n and_o value_n that_o by_o ignorance_n you_o lose_v not_o its_o effect_n or_o be_v lead_v into_o erroneous_a notion_n lukewarm_a affection_n to_o and_o profane_a expression_n towards_o so_o holy_a and_o necessary_a a_o ordinance_n the_o second_o exhortation_n be_v to_o act_v our_o conversation_n as_o sensible_a that_o the_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n must_v qualify_v we_o with_o confidence_n in_o access_n to_o god_n let_v your_o knowledge_n of_o the_o right_a use_n and_o nature_n of_o baptism_n appear_v in_o your_o life_n and_o carriage_n under_o and_o towards_o so_o holy_a a_o ordinance_n take_v heed_n of_o profane_v holy_a thing_n disesteem_v high_a privilege_n and_o contemn_v special_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o privilege_n of_o grace_n and_o more_o particular_o 1._o direct_v admit_v not_o man_n into_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o other_o ordinance_n and_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o have_v not_o be_v baptize_v let_v they_o enter_v at_o the_o right_a door_n that_o receive_v god_n alm_n call_v not_o they_o the_o lord_n people_n who_o wear_v not_o the_o lord_n livery_n communicate_v not_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o saint_n with_o they_o who_o stand_v alien_n &_o stranger_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n let_v not_o they_o approach_v the_o presence_n of_o a_o holy_a god_n who_o be_v never_o sanctify_v by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n and_o in_o a_o word_n take_v heed_n of_o run_v into_o the_o abomination_n of_o bring_v into_o god_n sanctuary_n the_o unbaptised_a in_o flesh_n invert_v not_o god_n order_n and_o the_o gospel_n method_n of_o approach_n to_o god_n these_o may_v have_v seem_v needless_a exhortation_n heretofore_o but_o now_o do_v not_o for_o that_o many_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o do_v not_o only_o disow_v their_o own_o baptism_n but_o bring_v up_o their_o issue_n unbaptise_v and_o great_a be_v the_o present_a and_o great_a will_v be_v the_o future_a danger_n of_o admit_v to_o sit_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n such_o as_o never_o be_v baptize_v i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v we_o can_v keep_v a_o register_n of_o the_o unbaptised_a as_o we_o do_v of_o the_o baptize_v however_o let_v the_o administrator_n of_o holy_a thing_n make_v it_o their_o first_o enquiry_n be_v you_o baptize_v and_o take_v heed_n they_o pollute_v not_o god_n sanctuary_n by_o admit_v thereunto_o the_o man_n who_o body_n be_v not_o wash_v with_o pure_a water_n be_v not_o deceive_v with_o a_o pretence_n of_o real_a grace_n for_o grace_n must_v needs_o be_v pretend_v where_o any_o of_o god_n ordinance_n be_v despise_v and_o christ_n prescribe_a order_n be_v neglect_v but_o if_o it_o be_v real_a it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n guide_n who_o can_v know_v it_o outward_a qualification_n must_v be_v their_o direction_n and_o gospel_n order_n in_o people_n approach_n to_o god_n be_v their_o charge_n and_o must_v be_v their_o care_n 2._o direct_v attend_v with_o reverence_n and_o affection_n the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n unto_o other_o turn_v not_o your_o back_n on_o so_o holy_a a_o ordinance_n and_o eminent_a action_n but_o consider_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o preach_v or_o prayer_n and_o our_o attendance_n on_o all_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v duty_n it_o be_v a_o solemn_a and_o sacred_a action_n separate_v person_n unto_o god_n sanctify_v they_o for_o god_n stamp_v upon_o man_n holiness_n to_o the_o lord_n set_v they_o as_o member_n of_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o solemn_o dedicate_a they_o to_o the_o service_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o do_v not_o this_o call_n for_o the_o attendance_n of_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n shall_v not_o the_o worth_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n church_n and_o consecration_n to_o god_n be_v witness_v to_o be_v of_o weight_n by_o the_o reverend_a attendance_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v not_o all_o concern_v in_o and_o to_o be_v edify_v by_o the_o ordinance_n and_o shall_v they_o sleight_v it_o and_o turn_v back_o on_o it_o consider_v the_o reproof_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o such_o neglect_n let_v it_o quicken_v you_o to_o duty_n let_v your_o presence_n at_o and_o reverence_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n bespeak_v your_o sense_n of_o its_o sacred_a nature_n and_o sanctify_a use_n make_v a_o church_n ordinance_n private_a by_o confine_v it_o to_o your_o house_n or_o run_v from_o its_o administration_n in_o the_o public_a place_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o result_n of_o low_a thought_n cland●stine_n baptism_n be_v the_o cloud_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o rude_a out-●unning_a that_o ordinance_n run_v it_o into_o contempt_n be_v witness_n