keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v bring_v upon_o abraham_n that_o which_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o he_o it_o be_v with_o abraham_n as_o a_o believer_n and_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n that_o god_n treat_v and_o make_v this_o covenant_n and_o so_o take_v his_o child_n also_o into_o that_o near_a relation_n to_o himself_o when_o the_o child_n of_o the_o heathen_a be_v neglect_v as_o their_o father_n be_v and_o so_o this_o blessing_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v to_o be_v continue_v to_o his_o child_n and_o posterity_n to_o successive_a generation_n as_o believer_n or_o child_n of_o abraham_n faith_n still_o continue_v to_o believe_v in_o and_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n in_o this_o respect_n god_n promise_v to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o their_o seed_n upon_o condition_n that_o they_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o his_o statute_n but_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o do_v so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o to_o have_v no_o part_n or_o inheritance_n in_o god_n or_o the_o blessing_n of_o his_o covenant_n neither_o they_o nor_o their_o seed_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n but_o be_v buy_v with_o his_o money_n or_o be_v bear_v of_o gentile_a parent_n in_o his_o house_n they_o be_v bring_v into_o this_o near_a capacity_n to_o be_v instruct_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v likewise_o to_o share_v in_o this_o covenant_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a privilege_n with_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v and_o number_v with_o they_o as_o the_o people_n and_o child_n of_o god_n and_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v their_o god_n likewise_o as_o well_o as_o of_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n and_o so_o also_o afterward_o all_o those_o gentile_n that_o be_v at_o any_o time_n proselyte_v and_o bring_v over_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n of_o abraham_n be_v with_o their_o child_n admit_v to_o the_o same_o privilege_n so_o that_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v with_o abraham_n only_o as_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o consequent_o with_o all_o those_o that_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n be_v this_o covenant_n make_v that_o god_n will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o their_o seed_n though_o they_o be_v not_o abraham_n child_n or_o seed_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n by_o natural_a generation_n the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o abraham_n and_o all_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n and_o not_o with_o his_o seed_n mere_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n the_o apostle_n have_v clear_v this_o to_o we_o rom._n 9.6_o 7_o 8._o not_o as_o though_o the_o word_n or_o promise_n of_o god_n have_v take_v none_o effect_n because_o he_o will_v reject_v and_o cast_v off_o those_o that_o be_v descend_v of_o abraham_n for_o their_o unbelief_n and_o reject_v the_o gospel_n to_o who_o you_o think_v that_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v for_o they_o be_v not_o all_o the_o true_a israel_n of_o god_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n belong_v which_o be_v descend_v of_o israel_n neither_o because_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n by_o natural_a generation_n only_o be_v they_o all_o child_n of_o god_n covenant_n but_o in_o israel_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v and_o choose_v to_o who_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n shall_v belong_v that_o be_v all_o they_o which_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o proceed_v from_o abraham_n only_o by_o natural_a generation_n these_o mere_o as_o such_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o he_o reckon_v among_o his_o covenant-people_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n only_o as_o isaac_n be_v that_o be_v that_o be_v abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n be_v account_v for_o the_o seed_n that_o god_n take_v into_o that_o near_a covenant-relation_n to_o himself_o and_o these_o he_o will_v own_v still_o in_o the_o same_o capacity_n as_o ever_o both_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n and_o therefore_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n stand_v firm_a against_o all_o the_o vain_a objection_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n from_o this_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v not_o with_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n only_o as_o be_v that_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v and_o that_o the_o adoption_n do_v belong_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o seed_n but_o it_o be_v and_o be_v a_o benefit_n belong_v to_o all_o believer_n as_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o do_v or_o ever_o shall_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n all_o such_o be_v still_o a_o holy_a and_o peculiar_a people_n to_o god_n both_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n till_o they_o cut_v themselves_o off_o by_o their_o own_o actual_a rebellion_n and_o apostasy_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o their_o not_o receive_v he_o that_o be_v send_v of_o god_n the_o same_o spiritual_a privilege_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o believe_a parent_n and_o to_o their_o seed_n and_o family_n or_o those_o they_o become_v guardian_n or_o tutor_n to_o to_o bring_v they_o up_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n now_o in_o the_o gospel-ministration_n as_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o child_n and_o family_n of_o jewish_a believer_n former_o this_o appear_v yet_o further_o by_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n act_v 2.39_o for_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n for_o these_o be_v term_n that_o do_v mutual_o infer_v each_o other_o be_v unto_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n 6.17_o compare_v act_n 3.25_o gal._n 3.16_o 17_o 18_o 29._o rom._n 4.16_o heb._n 6.17_o upon_o your_o faith_n and_o also_o to_o all_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v afar_o off_o yet_o even_o as_o many_o as_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v call_v to_o the_o receive_n and_o own_v of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o their_o child_n and_o seed_n also_o as_o well_o as_o unto_o yourselves_o here_o the_o old_a grant_n to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o seed_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v continue_v and_o so_o by_o consequence_n to_o the_o offspring_n of_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v hereafter_o believe_v but_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v render_v yet_o more_o clear_a from_o several_a passage_n in_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o rom._n 11._o for_o it_o appear_v there_o by_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n be_v radical_o and_o fundamental_o the_o same_o church_n the_o same_o stock_n and_o root_n and_o the_o same_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o church-membership_a or_o dischurch_a do_v belong_v to_o both_o nor_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n any_o new_a constitution_n distinct_a from_o the_o jewish_a nor_o be_v the_o way_n of_o church-membership_a in_o it_o any_o other_o now_o than_o what_o be_v before_o the_o law_n be_v indeed_o alter_v in_o many_o thing_n but_o in_o this_o matter_n there_o be_v no_o alteration_n there_o be_v the_o same_o covenant_n and_o the_o same_o church_n and_o the_o church_n be_v still_o constitute_v of_o abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n as_o it_o be_v before_o so_o that_o the_o same_o church-member_n also_o keep_v their_o place_n in_o it_o as_o there_o do_v then_o and_o consequent_o as_o infant_n or_o little_a child_n of_o believer_n be_v member_n of_o it_o before_o their_o parent_n become_v christian_a so_o they_o continue_v to_o be_v still_o after_o they_o become_v so_o and_o so_o the_o child_n of_o all_o gentile_a believer_n for_o the_o future_a for_o consider_v ver_fw-la 17._o the_o believe_a gentile_n be_v but_o graft_v in_o among_o they_o and_o with_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a privilege_n and_o ver_fw-la 20._o it_o be_v because_o of_o unbelief_n that_o any_o of_o the_o branch_n be_v break_v off_o and_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v always_o in_o it_o so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o same_o and_o still_o remain_v without_o any_o discontinuance_n or_o dissolution_n of_o it_o only_a unbeliever_n be_v break_v off_o from_o it_o and_o other_o that_o believe_v be_v graft_v in_o their_o room_n it_o be_v the_o same_o olive-tree_n or_o the_o same_o church_n still_o but_o some_o of_o the_o branch_n be_v break_v off_o sc_n the_o unbelieve_a jew_n and_o other_o that_o be_v believe_v gentile_n be_v graft_v in_o and_o none_o be_v shut_v out_o but_o only_o through_o unbelief_n they_o that_o believe_v continue_v still_o of_o it_o and_o so_o also_o their_o child_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o before_o they_o have_v no_o unbelief_n of_o their_o own_o by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v break_v off_o nor_o yet_o any_o impute_v to_o they_o from_o their_o parent_n they_o be_v believer_n and_o ver_fw-la
be_v no_o actual_a sin_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o repentance_n it_o may_v be_v administer_v to_o they_o without_o repentance_n to_o oblige_v only_o to_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o keep_v of_o the_o command_v of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o great_a thing_n than_o repentance_n and_o which_o repentance_n itself_o be_v for_o and_o to_o lead_v to_o in_o those_o that_o have_v sin_v thus_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n though_o it_o be_v a_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n to_o other_o that_o have_v sin_v and_o to_o that_o end_n he_o main_o preach_v it_o yet_o be_v administer_v to_o our_o saviour_n without_o repentance_n because_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o repentance_n but_o he_o have_v perfect_a holiness_n which_o be_v better_a than_o repentance_n and_o it_o be_v to_o he_o also_o a_o sign_n of_o obligation_n to_o holiness_n though_o not_o to_o repentance_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v administer_v to_o those_o that_o have_v no_o repentance_n because_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o in_o their_o present_a state_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v administer_v to_o oblige_v to_o holiness_n and_o to_o repentance_n too_o hereafter_o when_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o have_v actual_a sin_n and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v proper_o also_o to_o they_o a_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n which_o it_o can_v no_o way_n be_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o yet_o be_v administer_v to_o he_o it_o be_v a_o baptism_n to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o future_a repentance_n but_o as_o for_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n which_o infant_n can_v make_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v not_o for_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o for_o obligation_n to_o it_o which_o we_o have_v see_v before_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o 3._o as_o for_o those_o text_n than_o that_o be_v urge_v to_o show_v what_o be_v prerequire_v of_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o or_o to_o grow_v or_o adult_a person_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o perform_v those_o act_n and_o be_v oblige_v to_o it_o as_o the_o condition_n or_o proof_n of_o their_o adoption_n and_o they_o do_v only_o concern_v they_o and_o no_o other_o but_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v no_o bar_n to_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n who_o adoption_n or_o sonship_n may_v otherwise_o be_v judge_v of_o without_o these_o acts._n as_o for_o the_o adult_n we_o own_o and_o contend_v as_o much_o as_o they_o that_o make_v this_o objection_n that_o grow_v person_n who_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n that_o have_v be_v infidel_n and_o unbeliever_n before_o aught_o to_o be_v teach_v and_o profess_v faith_n and_o repentance_n before_o they_o be_v baptize_v there_o be_v no_o judgement_n by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v make_v any_o other_o way_n of_o god_n receive_v and_o own_v they_o for_o his_o child_n and_o covenant-people_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o these_o scripture_n do_v prove_v or_o hold_v out_o to_o we_o concern_v this_o matter_n but_o they_o be_v no_o rule_n for_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n and_o as_o for_o infant_n they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o their_o baptism_n be_v not_o prohibit_v by_o they_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o qualification_n require_v in_o they_o for_o baptism_n as_o there_o be_v in_o other_o so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o virtual_a prohibition_n of_o the_o baptism_n of_o grow_v person_n if_o they_o do_v not_o perform_v these_o act_n first_o here_o be_v no_o prohibition_n of_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n though_o they_o do_v not_o perform_v they_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o all_o such_o expression_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o from_o the_o nature_n and_o capacity_n of_o those_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v speak_v and_o therefore_o as_o by_o the_o apostle_n word_n 2_o thess_n 3.10_o they_o that_o will_v not_o work_v neither_o shall_v they_o eat_v the_o relief_n of_o lazy_a drone_n be_v forbid_v that_o can_v work_v and_o yet_o will_v not_o but_o here_o be_v no_o prohibition_n of_o the_o relief_n or_o sustentation_n of_o infant_n or_o those_o that_o can_v work_v so_o by_o these_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o show_v what_o be_v require_v of_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v impenitent_a unbeliever_n that_o be_v come_v to_o age_n be_v prohibit_v from_o baptism_n but_o not_o infant_n there_o be_v other_o ground_n for_o their_o be_v baptize_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n indeed_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o these_o text_n and_o whoever_o say_v it_o can_v but_o we_o have_v show_v there_o be_v other_o scripture-argument_n for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n and_o these_o text_n as_o they_o say_v nothing_o for_o it_o so_o they_o say_v nothing_o against_o it_o either_o direct_o or_o by_o consequence_n and_o therefore_o infant_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v baptize_v notwithstanding_o what_o be_v say_v in_o these_o text_n baptism_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o same_o use_v and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n for_o the_o main_a as_o circumcision_n be_v in_o the_o respect_v mention_v now_o as_o circumcision_n be_v administer_v to_o different_a person_n of_o different_a age_n so_o may_v baptism_n circumcision_n be_v administer_v to_o abraham_n as_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v before_o give_v evidence_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o so_o be_v baptism_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o same_o to_o grow_v believer_n now_o upon_o their_o profession_n of_o a_o like_a faith_n with_o abraham_n but_o circumcision_n be_v administer_v to_o isaac_n and_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o same_o righteousness_n which_o he_o shall_v have_v without_o any_o such_o profession_n make_v by_o he_o and_o why_o may_v not_o baptism_n then_o be_v administer_v to_o infant_n now_o without_o any_o such_o profession_n make_v by_o they_o for_o circumcision_n be_v administer_v to_o isaac_n as_o be_v the_o son_n of_o believe_v abraham_n by_o virtue_n of_o god_n take_v he_o into_o the_o same_o covenant-relation_n with_o abraham_n without_o any_o such_o profession_n of_o faith_n require_v of_o he_o which_o can_v not_o be_v as_o be_v perform_v by_o abraham_n and_o why_o may_v not_o baptism_n now_o be_v administer_v to_o infant_n as_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o as_o with_o their_o parent_n though_o they_o can_v themselves_o profess_v the_o faith_n as_o their_o parent_n do_v circumcision_n and_o baptism_n both_o be_v administer_v to_o proselyte_n among_o the_o jew_n after_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n but_o then_o be_v likewise_o administer_v to_o their_o infant_n and_o to_o the_o infant_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o and_o come_v to_o have_v child_n and_o why_o may_v not_o baptism_n be_v administer_v now_o to_o the_o infant_n of_o profess_a believer_n though_o the_o infant_n themselves_o can_v make_v no_o such_o profession_n to_o mark_v 16.16_o i_o answer_v particular_o because_o it_o be_v so_o much_o insist_v upon_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v from_o hence_o the_o argument_n be_v that_o faith_n must_v go_v before_o baptism_n because_o of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o word_n to_o which_o i_o may_v answer_v that_o no_o argument_n can_v reasonable_o be_v take_v from_o thence_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o then_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o word_n in_o other_o scripture_n baptism_n shall_v go_v first_o before_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o of_o those_o act_n which_o they_o say_v shall_v go_v before_o it_o and_o so_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v as_o much_o against_o they_o as_o for_o they_o thus_o mark_v 1.5_o baptism_n be_v place_v before_o confession_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o story_n there_o of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v they_o be_v baptize_v confess_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o text_n that_o be_v object_v especial_o as_o likewise_o that_o in_o act_n 2.38_o concern_v repentance_n and_o baptism_n be_v altogether_o insignificant_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n because_o here_o the_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o make_v faith_n a_o necessary_a prerequisite_a to_o baptism_n as_o neither_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o other_o place_n to_o make_v repentance_n prerequisite_a to_o baptism_n but_o faith_n and_o baptism_n that_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o faith_n by_o baptism_n prerequisite_a to_o salvation_n but_o i_o rather_o answer_v as_o before_o that_o this_o text_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n because_o it_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o child_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o exclude_v or_o prohibit_v their_o baptism_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o second_o part_n add_v by_o way_n of_o opposition_n he_o
manifest_v to_o we_o in_o his_o die_n for_o we_o and_o thereby_o purchase_v and_o obtain_v so_o great_a benefit_n for_o we_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o that_o institution_n as_o appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n own_o word_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o now_o all_o this_o require_v great_a knowledge_n and_o consideration_n and_o pious_a reflection_n upon_o what_o we_o be_v about_o which_o infant_n be_v uncapable_a of_o nor_o be_v there_o the_o like_a scripture-ground_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord's-supper_n to_o infant_n as_o we_o have_v see_v there_o be_v for_o baptism_n nor_o be_v there_o the_o same_o parallel_n of_o it_o or_o pattern_n for_o it_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o there_o be_v for_o infant-baptism_n in_o their_o administration_n of_o circumcision_n to_o infant_n for_o a_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n betwixt_o god_n and_o they_o and_o likewise_o in_o their_o baptise_v the_o infant_n of_o proselyte_n whereas_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v that_o other_o jewish_a ordinance_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o answer_v most_o to_o the_o christian_a eucharist_n till_o they_o be_v old_a enough_o to_o inquire_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o service_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n exod._n 12.26_o 27._o and_o so_o agreeable_o to_o this_o therefore_o neither_o shall_v the_o child_n of_o christian_n communicate_v at_o the_o lord's-supper_n till_o they_o be_v capable_a likewise_o of_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sacrificial_a feast_n in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n and_o of_o our_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n and_o death_n which_o we_o have_v thereby_o and_o this_o indeed_o may_v well_o require_v more_o year_n over_o their_o head_n before_o child_n will_v be_v capable_a to_o come_v to_o the_o understanding_n thereof_o than_o what_o may_v capacitate_v the_o jewish_a child_n for_o the_o understanding_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o passover_n because_o that_o mystery_n be_v great_a but_o this_o be_v mere_o accidental_a but_o as_o soon_o as_o our_o child_n be_v capable_a of_o understand_v the_o design_n of_o this_o holy_a communion_n and_o of_o perform_v those_o act_n that_o be_v require_v with_o respect_n unto_o it_o we_o hold_v it_o their_o duty_n likewise_o to_o participate_v in_o it_o conclusion_n case_n of_o infant-baptism_n the_o conclusion_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o practice_n in_o infat-communion_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o have_v not_o near_o the_o like_a evidence_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o from_o antiquity_n either_o as_o to_o the_o antientness_n or_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o as_o we_o have_v for_o that_o of_o infant-baptism_n there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n ireneus_fw-la origen_n tertullian_n that_o speak_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o as_o they_o do_v of_o infant-baptism_n and_o origen_n particular_o as_o a_o custom_n or_o tradition_n derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n nor_o near_o so_o many_o in_o the_o follow_a age_n mention_v it_o as_o there_o do_v infant-baptism_n and_o many_o of_o those_o that_o own_v the_o necessity_n of_o infant-baptism_n as_o the_o pelagian_o yet_o never_o own_v the_o necessity_n of_o infant-communion_n and_o as_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n therefore_o the_o western_a church_n have_v long_o ago_o relinquish_v it_o as_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v a_o mistake_n ground_v neither_o upon_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n nor_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o it_o improper_a for_o infant_n but_o yet_o have_v still_o retain_v infant-baptism_n as_o be_v in_o all_o respect_n well_o ground_v and_o most_o apt_o to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a and_o charitable_a slip_n which_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v suffer_v to_o fall_v into_o among_o other_o thing_n to_o give_v the_o lord's-supper_n to_o infant_n as_o they_o use_v to_o do_v to_o grow_v person_n present_o after_o their_o baptism_n that_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o all_o the_o visible_a seal_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o favour_n rather_o than_o deprive_v they_o of_o any_o they_o will_v give_v they_o all_o this_o though_o a_o mistake_v yet_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o dangerous_a consequence_n in_o religion_n as_o the_o anabaptist_n pretend_v that_o of_o infant-baptism_n to_o be_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n as_o introduce_v a_o mere_a mock-christianity_n and_o a_o mock-church_n and_o ministry_n into_o the_o world_n now_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v such_o a_o church-destroying_a corruption_n so_o early_o to_o prevail_v in_o that_o church_n that_o be_v so_o famous_a for_o miracle_n martyrdom_n and_o true_a unaffected_a holiness_n as_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v but_o for_o such_o a_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a mistake_n as_o that_o of_o infant-communion_n it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n that_o their_o charity_n shall_v a_o little_a be_v let_v alone_o to_o over-biass_a their_o judgement_n and_o i_o shall_v much_o rather_o choose_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o charity_n than_o with_o these_o duri_fw-la patres_fw-la infantum_fw-la that_o be_v so_o unkind_a to_o deny_v that_o to_o infant_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v in_o his_o great_a grace_n and_o kindness_n so_o free_o to_o vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o and_o to_o instate_v they_o in_o the_o conclusion_n thus_o have_v i_o endeavour_v with_o all_o convenient_a brevity_n and_o i_o hope_v with_o perspicuity_n to_o manage_v the_o argument_n i_o have_v take_v in_o hand_n and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o i_o have_v balk_v any_o considerable_a argument_n or_o objection_n that_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v of_o any_o force_n against_o it_o and_o i_o have_v desire_v to_o follow_v the_o apostle_n direction_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n without_o any_o bitter_a reflection_n upon_o the_o contrary-minded_n who_o notwithstanding_o their_o dissent_n i_o shall_v respect_v as_o brethren_n but_o as_o for_o the_o way_n that_o they_o have_v take_v up_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o defence_n of_o our_o own_o i_o can_v not_o otherwise_o esteem_v of_o it_o than_o as_o a_o very_a culpable_a schism_n if_o the_o denial_n of_o infant-baptism_n have_v be_v a_o simple_a error_n i_o shall_v have_v less_o concern_v myself_o about_o it_o but_o when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o train_n of_o dismal_a consequence_n follow_v at_o the_o heel_n of_o it_o as_o the_o unchurch_a all_o church_n that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o like_a communion_n and_o the_o denial_n of_o all_o other_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n beside_o their_o own_o which_o must_v needs_o natural_o be_v accompany_v with_o many_o fierce_a animosity_n and_o unbrother_o contention_n to_o the_o destroy_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o peace_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o look_v with_o a_o frightful_a aspect_n therefore_o they_o must_v excuse_v i_o if_o out_o of_o a_o love_n to_o truth_n and_o peace_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o rectify_v the_o mistake_v judgement_n of_o those_o that_o have_v go_v astray_o and_o to_o settle_v those_o that_o have_v need_n of_o establishment_n in_o the_o way_n of_o catholic_n verity_n love_n and_o union_n but_o that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v defend_v may_v be_v more_o effectual_o vindicate_v from_o that_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n that_o be_v pour_v upon_o it_o by_o those_o of_o the_o contrary_a persuasion_n it_o be_v our_o part_n to_o make_v that_o good_a and_o holy_a improvement_n of_o the_o baptism_n that_o we_o have_v receive_v as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o you_o that_o be_v parent_n and_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n pray_v consider_v your_o charge_n and_o trust_v that_o be_v commit_v to_o you_o and_o remember_v as_o it_o be_v excellent_o express_v in_o the_o exhortation_n after_o public_a baptism_n that_o it_o be_v your_o part_n and_o duty_n to_o see_v that_o the_o child_n be_v teach_v so_o soon_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o learn_v what_o a_o solemn_a vow_n promise_v and_o profession_n they_o have_v make_v by_o you_o and_o that_o they_o may_v know_v these_o thing_n the_o better_a to_o call_v upon_o they_o to_o hear_v sermon_n and_o provide_v that_o they_o may_v learn_v the_o creed_n the_o lord's-prayâ—r_a and_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o know_v and_o believe_v to_o his_o soul_n health_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v virtuous_o bring_v up_o to_o lead_v a_o godly_a and_o a_o christian_a life_n it_o be_v the_o carelessness_n of_o parent_n and_o godfather_n about_o the_o education_n of_o child_n and_o their_o neglect_n to_o enforce_v upon_o they_o their_o baptismal_a obligation_n that_o have_v be_v one_o great_a
holy_a people_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v choose_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o special_a people_n unto_o himself_o above_o all_o the_o people_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o appellation_n that_o be_v likewise_o give_v to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o new-testament-time_n by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 2.9_o you_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n that_o you_o shall_v show_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o he_o who_o have_v call_v you_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n which_o in_o time_n past_o be_v not_o a_o people_n but_o be_v now_o the_o people_n of_o god_n so_o that_o these_o title_n be_v give_v to_o the_o jew_n import_v their_o like_a covenent-relation_n to_o god_n in_o a_o church-sense_n as_o they_o here_o belong_v to_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n now_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v by_o god_n into_o this_o holy_a covenant-relation_n to_o himself_o be_v style_v by_o the_o prophet_n israel_n his_o call_v isa_n 48.12_o and_o as_o thus_o he_o choose_v and_o call_v they_o so_o he_o choose_v their_o seed_n after_o they_o deut._n 4.37_o the_o great_a design_n of_o this_o election_n and_o call_v of_o god_n be_v to_o preserve_v pure_a religion_n among_o they_o which_o be_v extinguish_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o he_o take_v and_o adopt_v their_o seed_n likewise_o to_o be_v as_o a_o nursery_n to_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v 78.5_o psal_n 78.5_o he_o establish_v a_o testimony_n in_o jacob_n and_o appoint_v a_o law_n in_o israel_n which_o he_o command_v our_o father_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v know_v unto_o their_o child_n that_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v may_v know_v they_o even_o the_o child_n which_o shall_v be_v bear_v who_o shall_v arise_v and_o declare_v they_o to_o their_o child_n according_a to_o deut._n 4.9_o and_o chap._n 6.7_o the_o great_a care_n and_o design_n of_o god_n be_v to_o raise_v up_o a_o holy_a people_n to_o himself_o among_o the_o nation_n to_o preserve_v the_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v of_o great_a import_n to_o this_o to_o have_v child_n and_o little_a one_o well_o educate_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o own_v and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n he_o therefore_o order_v they_o a_o visible_a admission_n or_o partnership_n and_o membership_n in_o his_o church_n that_o they_o may_v be_v also_o own_v and_o receive_v as_o his_o people_n and_o child_n that_o their_o parent_n and_o guardian_n may_v be_v oblige_v to_o take_v the_o more_o care_n of_o their_o education_n for_o the_o promote_a the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o covenant_n thus_o the_o adoption_n and_o the_o promise_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 9.4_o rom._n 9.4_o pertain_v to_o all_o israel_n among_o who_o the_o young_a child_n also_o be_v include_v they_o be_v all_o god_n choose_a and_o call_v and_o so_o continue_v till_o they_o be_v reject_v and_o cut_v off_o through_o their_o own_o actual_a apostasy_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o then_o they_o be_v discovenant_v both_o they_o and_o the_o child_n of_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o apostasy_n but_o for_o other_o that_o continue_v still_o in_o a_o profess_a adhesion_n to_o god_n and_o persist_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n this_o their_o church-state_n and_o covenant-relation_n to_o god_n as_o his_o peculiar_a people_n be_v continue_v still_o both_o to_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n and_o be_v never_o take_v off_o from_o either_o unto_o this_o day_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n i_o be_o now_o to_o come_v to_o show_v 2._o i_o say_v that_o this_o adoption_n of_o the_o infant_n or_o young_a child_n of_o his_o covenant-people_n into_o this_o near_a relation_n to_o himself_o as_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o their_o partnership_n or_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n be_v never_o abolish_v or_o take_v away_o by_o god_n but_o be_v still_o continue_a and_o rather_o confirm_v for_o how_o indeed_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v or_o suppose_v that_o now_o in_o the_o gospel-administration_n which_o be_v a_o administration_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o great_a extensiveness_n and_o enlargement_n of_o god_n gracious_a respect_n to_o the_o world_n in_o respect_n of_o spiritual_a privilege_n and_o mercy_n than_o there_o be_v before_o that_o his_o goodness_n and_o gracious_a respect_n shall_v be_v more_o restrain_v in_o reference_n to_o infant_n and_o young_a child_n than_o it_o be_v former_o for_o the_o infant_n of_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n former_o be_v take_v into_o the_o number_n of_o god_n covenant-people_n and_o child_n and_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o for_o the_o confirmation_n thereof_o and_o if_o this_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n shall_v be_v now_o take_v away_o their_o condition_n after_o christ_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o before_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v loser_n by_o the_o world_n be_v become_v christian_n this_o one_o will_v think_v none_o shall_v ever_o imagine_v neither_o when_o we_o speak_v thus_o do_v we_o complain_v against_o god_n but_o against_o they_o who_o will_v exclude_v who_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o exclude_v for_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o ever_o god_n have_v repent_v of_o any_o grace_n or_o favour_n that_o he_o have_v show_v to_o the_o little_a one_o of_o his_o covenant-people_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v of_o his_o church_n but_o in_o those_o prophecy_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o future_a discovery_n and_o declaration_n of_o his_o favour_n we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o grace_n and_o kindness_n foretell_v and_o intend_v to_o be_v show_v to_o the_o child_n as_o to_o the_o parent_n so_o that_o in_o this_o manner_n the_o church_n shall_v be_v propagate_v from_o parent_n to_o child_n and_o so_o the_o true_a religion_n preserve_v in_o this_o way_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n for_o it_o thus_o in_o that_o prophecy_n which_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o call_v of_o the_o jew_n in_o gospel-time_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o apostle_n quote_v some_o part_n of_o it_o to_o that_o purpose_n rom._n 11.26_o viz._n isa_n 59.20_o as_o for_o i_o this_o be_v my_o covenant_n say_v the_o lord_n my_o spirit_n that_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n seed_n say_v the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o and_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o gospel_n time_n isa_n 44.3_o i_o will_v pour_v water_n upon_o he_o that_o be_v thirsty_a and_o flood_n upon_o the_o dry_a ground_n i_o will_v pour_v my_o spirit_n upon_o thy_o seed_n and_o my_o blessing_n upon_o thy_o offspring_n and_o they_o shall_v spring_v up_o as_o among_o the_o grass_n as_o willow_n by_o the_o watercourse_n and_o ezek._n 47.22_o the_o tenor_n and_o intendment_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o little_a one_o be_v always_o the_o same_o as_o it_o ever_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o their_o be_v of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o indication_n of_o any_o design_n of_o the_o dissolution_n or_o alteration_n thereof_o for_o first_o for_o clear_v of_o this_o matter_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o when_o god_n first_o show_v this_o respect_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o infant-seed_n to_o take_v they_o near_o to_o himself_o as_o his_o peculiar_a people_n god_n election_n and_o call_v of_o they_o to_o this_o peculiar_a covenant-relation_n to_o himself_o as_o his_o child_n and_o people_n and_o so_o his_o give_v they_o a_o partnership_n or_o membership_n in_o the_o abrahamical_a church_n be_v not_o with_o respect_n mere_o to_o their_o proceed_v by_o natural_a generation_n from_o abraham_n but_o from_o abraham_n as_o a_o believer_n and_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n there_o be_v a_o fair_a prospect_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o abraham_n will_v take_v care_n to_o train_v they_o up_o and_o educate_v they_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n whereas_o the_o child_n of_o heathen_n where_o there_o be_v no_o such_o prospect_n have_v no_o such_o regard_n show_v they_o by_o god_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v much_o upon_o god_n heart_n as_o we_o may_v express_v it_o in_o his_o treat_v with_o abraham_n and_o give_v of_o he_o those_o great_a promise_n gen._n 18.19_o for_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v