present_v thou_o blameless_a before_o the_o throne_n of_o my_o glorious_a holiness_n in_o the_o three_o heaven_n be_v subjective_o inherent_a in_o the_o person_n of_o god-man_n thy_o mediator_n and_o surety_n to_o this_o mediatorial_n righteousness_n of_o he_o thou_o shall_v add_v nothing_o neither_o thy_o own_o personal_a qualification_n nor_o yet_o the_o holiness_n of_o saint_n or_o angel_n as_o if_o thereby_o thou_o can_v be_v make_v more_o acceptable_a than_o that_o righteousness_n of_o he_o do_v make_v thou_o thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o covenant_n both_o thou_o and_o all_o thy_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n seed_n throughout_o your_o generation_n till_o my_o son_n come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n at_o the_o last_o day_n thou_o and_o all_o thy_o church_n seed_n which_o spring_v from_o thou_o by_o fleshly_a generation_n shall_v observe_v to_o have_v all_o your_o male_n mark_v with_o circumcision_n the_o visible_a token_n and_o seal_n of_o this_o my_o gracious_a covenant_n which_o i_o have_v now_o enter_v into_o with_o thou_o for_o thyself_o a_o stipulate_a father_n and_o for_o all_o thy_o child_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o member_n of_o my_o son_n mediatorial_n kingdom_n or_o visible_a church_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o when_o christ_n my_o son_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o shall_v enter_v upon_o his_o mediatorial_n kingdom_n whatever_o visible_a token_n or_o seal_n he_o shall_v appoint_v to_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n thy_o gentile_a church_n seed_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n who_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v careful_o observe_v to_o be_v seal_v therewith_o both_o they_o and_o their_o infant_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o my_o covenant_n i_o now_o make_v with_o thou_o for_o thyself_o and_o they_o and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o neither_o thou_o nor_o thy_o child_n in_o succeed_a age_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o my_o will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v concern_v the_o non-elect_a who_o be_v to_o come_v and_o spring_n from_o believe_v and_o holy_a parent_n in_o my_o visible_a church_n or_o churches_n i_o notify_v to_o thou_o and_o thy_o church_n seed_n after_o thou_o throughout_o their_o generation_n that_o my_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n be_v that_o all_o the_o infant_n of_o my_o believe_v profess_v church_n membr_n shall_v be_v mark_v with_o the_o visible_a token_n or_o seal_n of_o this_o my_o covenant_n in_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o profess_v parent_n or_o parent_n be_v member_n and_o that_o without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o elect_n or_o non-elect_a for_o see_v that_o the_o secret_n of_o my_o decree_n and_o counsel_n be_v know_v to_o myself_o alone_o i_o will_v that_o thou_o and_o thy_o church_n seed_n after_o thou_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n do_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o rational_a charity_n judge_v all_o the_o seed_n and_o infant_n posterity_n of_o my_o profess_v people_n who_o have_v lay_v hold_v on_o my_o covenant_n by_o a_o eternal_a visible_a profession_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o election_n and_o to_o own_v they_o for_o such_o until_o they_o by_o open_a apostasy_n and_o final_a impenitency_n do_v manifest_v the_o contrary_n for_o albeit_o my_o visible_a church_n do_v consist_v of_o elect_n and_o non_fw-fr elect_n and_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o seal_n of_o my_o covenant_n and_o be_v partaker_n of_o all_o church_n privilege_n yet_o none_o shall_v ever_o partake_v internal_o and_o saving_o of_o the_o inward_a grace_n and_o mercy_n signify_v and_o seal_v by_o the_o token_n and_o seal_n of_o my_o covenant_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a but_o the_o elect_a only_o who_o name_n be_v particular_o register_v in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n and_o although_o the_o non-elect_a in_o my_o church_n do_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o my_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o shall_v they_o find_v that_o i_o be_o no_o way_n behind_o with_o they_o for_o although_o i_o the_o absolute_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o way_n oblige_v to_o the_o creature_n especial_o fall_v rebel_n yet_o see_v it_o be_v my_o pleasure_n to_o employ_v the_o non-elect_a in_o the_o service_n of_o my_o church_n while_o it_o be_v in_o a_o militant_a state_n that_o those_o common_a gift_n of_o my_o spirit_n wherewith_o they_o be_v to_o be_v endow_v may_v be_v lay_v out_o and_o improve_v for_o the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o my_o elect_n and_o choose_a i_o will_v give_v they_o a_o place_n in_o my_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v by_o my_o name_n and_o shall_v have_v a_o equal_a right_n with_o my_o elect_a to_o the_o seal_n of_o my_o covenant_n and_o all_o outward_a help_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a whereby_o it_o shall_v plain_o appear_v in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o their_o miss_v heaven_n and_o fall_v short_a of_o eternal_a life_n be_v of_o their_o own_o procurement_n notwithstanding_o as_o be_v the_o service_n wherein_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o my_o church_n i_o will_v give_v they_o a_o plentiful_a recompense_n viz._n a_o temperal_n reward_n in_o lieu_n of_o a_o temporal_a service_n such_o as_o bodily_a health_n worldly_a wealth_n pleasure_n and_o honour_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v every_o way_n more_o suitable_a to_o their_o spirit_n and_o be_v more_o seek_v and_o delight_v in_o by_o they_o than_o be_v the_o thing_n lay_v up_o for_o my_o choose_a plain_a instance_n hereof_o i_o have_v see_v fit_a to_o leave_v on_o record_n in_o the_o person_n of_o ishmael_n and_o isaac_n both_o bear_v of_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n the_o one_o a_o reprobate_n the_o other_o elect_n both_o must_v be_v of_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o seal_v with_o the_o visible_a token_n and_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v that_o of_o esau_n and_o jacob_n both_o bear_v of_o isaac_n according_a to_o fleshly_a generation_n yet_o the_o one_o a_o reprobate_n and_o the_o other_o elect_n both_o must_v be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o seal_v with_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o pass_v currant_n for_o church_n member_n before_o man_n until_o they_o themselves_o make_v the_o contrary_a to_o appear_v as_o do_v ishmael_n esau_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o have_v as_o plain_o and_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v for_o the_o information_n of_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o abraham_n covenant_n explain_v and_o show_v the_o substance_n and_o tenure_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n for_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n seed_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o come_v now_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o scriptural_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n as_o now_o explain_v be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n propound_v to_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o the_o anabaptist_n teach_v it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o no_o other_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o any_o who_o look_v not_o asquint_o on_o the_o argument_n follow_v arg._n 1._o the_o first_o argument_n be_v this_o if_o god_n never_o yet_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n with_o any_o meeâ—_n man_n but_o that_o which_o he_o make_v with_o sinless_a adam_n the_o natural_a and_o federal_n head_n of_o all_o mankind_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n before_o the_o fall_n then_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v the_o coun_a ant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o god_n never_o yet_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n with_o any_o mere_a man_n but_o that_o which_o he_o make_v with_o sinless_a adam_n the_o natural_a and_o federal_n head_n of_o all_o mankind_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n before_o the_o fall_n therefore_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o no_o other_o plain_o it_o be_v and_o none_o without_o lie_v against_o god_n can_v deny_v it_o that_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n with_o adam_n and_o in_o he_o with_o all_o mankind_n the_o condition_n whereof_o be_v do_v and_o live_v sin_n and_o dye_n and_o as_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o adam_n fall_v by_o transgress_v that_o covenant_n by_o which_o fall_n he_o lose_v the_o bless_a image_n of_o god_n to_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o posterity_n whereby_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n become_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o life_n and_o salvation_n by_o that_o covenant_n now_o abraham_n be_v by_o natural_a birth_n a_o son_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n and_o as_o such_o bear_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o adam_n covenant_n and_o partaker_n of_o a_o sinful_a and_o pollute_a nature_n which_o render_v he_o as_o uncapable_a of_o perform_v any_o work_n which_o as_o a_o condition_n can_v answer_v
god_n bless_v the_o read_n thereof_o to_o the_o keep_v thou_o back_o from_o espouse_v the_o error_n herein_o decry_v or_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o thy_o vomit_v up_o by_o sound_a repentance_n and_o hearty_a reformation_n the_o love_n and_o like_n thou_o have_v have_v to_o those_o principle_n of_o darkness_n give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o suffer_v thyself_o no_o long_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o such_o preacher_n who_o be_v not_o only_a intruder_n into_o the_o sacred_a office_n but_o also_o heterodox_n and_o unsound_a in_o what_o they_o teach_v concern_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n concern_v infants-baptism_n be_v but_o a_o popish_a invention_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o will-worship_n and_o what_o they_o teach_v and_o confident_o affirm_v of_o dip_v be_v the_o only_a right_a mode_n of_o baptise_v command_v by_o christ_n and_o practise_v by_o john_n and_o all_o the_o first_o baptizer_n by_o which_o principle_n they_o raze_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o salvation_n to_o grow_v believer_n as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o infant_n and_o disown_n that_o christ_n have_v any_o right_a gospel_n church_n but_o themselves_o from_o which_o principle_n i_o shall_v ever_o say_v and_o hearty_o pray_v good_a lord_n deliver_v i_o and_o all_o the_o family_n of_o thy_o faithful_a people_n the_o introduction_n a_o occasional_a discourse_n between_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o church_n member_n concern_v infant-baptism_n wherein_o sundry_a material_a question_n be_v put_v by_o the_o church_n member_n and_o plain_o and_o particular_o answer_v by_o the_o minister_n for_o the_o information_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o as_o be_v stagger_v in_o their_o judgement_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o infants-baptism_n minister_n brother_n edward_n by_o what_o i_o have_v hear_v from_o some_o of_o my_o neighbour_n as_o also_o by_o the_o discourse_n which_o pass_v between_o you_o and_o i_o when_o last_o together_o i_o suspect_v that_o some_o have_v be_v tamper_n with_o you_o to_o draw_v you_o away_o to_o anabaptism_n be_v it_o so_o or_o no_o deal_v plain_o to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v address_v myself_o to_o my_o duty_n in_o give_v you_o satisfaction_n herein_o from_o god_n word_n church_n member_n i_o must_v ingenious_o acknowledge_v sir_n that_o i_o be_o not_o without_o waver_v and_o doubtful_a thought_n in_o my_o mind_n about_o infant-baptism_n occasion_v partly_o by_o discourse_v with_o some_o of_o that_o way_n and_o persuasion_n partly_o by_o read_v some_o book_n which_o be_v put_v into_o my_o hand_n which_o to_o i_o seem_v full_a of_o clearness_n that_o infant-baptism_n be_v no_o way_n warrantable_a or_o justifiable_a by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n minist_n i_o find_v then_o that_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v in_o my_o apprehension_n of_o you_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o for_o your_o encouragement_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o you_o be_v but_o try_v herein_o by_o a_o temptation_n for_o which_o i_o think_v never_o the_o worse_o of_o your_o soul_n state_n neither_o be_v my_o hope_n and_o confidence_n of_o your_o integrity_n towards_o god_n a_o jot_n or_o whit_n lessen_v by_o the_o inclination_n in_o your_o mind_n to_o favour_v that_o opinion_n for_o i_o have_v know_v some_o very_a holy_a and_o upright_o heart_a christian_n who_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n have_v strong_o incline_v to_o favour_n and_o espouse_v that_o cause_n and_o principle_n as_o the_o most_o plausible_a and_o likely_a to_o agree_v with_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o infant-baptism_n in_o the_o gospel_n neither_o in_o precept_n nor_o yet_o in_o example_n to_o recommend_v it_o yea_o i_o myself_o have_v in_o my_o first_o set_v out_o in_o the_o way_n of_o christianity_n meet_v with_o temptation_n to_o draw_v i_o to_o that_o opinion_n and_o that_o by_o the_o very_a same_o mean_n which_o have_v occasion_v your_o stagger_v herein_o and_o the_o main_a thing_n which_o induce_v i_o to_o hanker_v after_o that_o principle_n be_v 1._o the_o high_a and_o charitable_a opinion_n i_o have_v of_o some_o of_o that_o party_n be_v man_n of_o high_a attainment_n in_o grace_n and_o gospel_n holiness_n 2._o there_o appear_v to_o i_o no_o command_n for_o infant-baptism_n in_o all_o the_o gospel_n nor_o yet_o any_o one_o instance_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o such_o be_v baptise_a 3._o the_o many_o quotation_n of_o learned_a divine_n and_o counsel_n which_o the_o anabaptist_n book_n assure_v i_o be_v all_o of_o their_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n herein_o which_o much_o startle_v and_o sway_v i_o to_o kind_a apprehension_n of_o their_o way_n 4_o their_o brand_a infant-baptism_n with_o the_o black_a brand_n of_o will-worship_n and_o popery_n against_o both_o which_o i_o always_o have_v since_o i_o know_v christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o ever_o shall_v have_v i_o humble_o hope_v in_o christ_n a_o mortal_a dislike_n and_o root_v hatred_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o 4_o particular_n now_o mention_v i_o be_v draw_v to_o the_o very_a verge_n or_o brink_n of_o anabaptism_n be_v just_a on_o the_o point_n of_o renounce_v my_o baptism_n receive_v in_o my_o infant_n state_n as_o be_v a_o mere_a nullity_n or_o no_o baptism_n at_o all_o my_o rove_a spirit_n thus_o fluctuate_a and_o toss_v between_o the_o wave_n and_o billow_n of_o doubtful_a and_o distract_n cogitation_n what_o i_o have_v best_a to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n whether_o to_o offer_v myself_o to_o be_v dip_v yea_o or_o not_o or_o to_o address_v myself_o to_o minister_n of_o the_o contrary_a judgement_n for_o resolution_n in_o so_o weighty_a and_o material_a a_o point_n matter_n be_v thus_o i_o providential_o and_o happy_o happen_v into_o the_o company_n of_o some_o of_o the_o congregational_a persuasion_n man_n no_o whit_n inferior_a to_o those_o i_o so_o much_o admire_v for_o piety_n and_o holiness_n and_o who_o i_o very_o well_o know_v be_v able_a to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v the_o other_o for_o matter_n of_o learning_n and_o deep_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o debate_v sundry_a point_n in_o controversy_n between_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o the_o orthodox_n protestant_n reform_v church_n concern_v infant-baptism_n i_o apprehend_v and_o see_v so_o far_o into_o the_o mystery_n of_o baptism_n that_o i_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o begin_v to_o question_v whether_o i_o be_v not_o under_o a_o delusion_n in_o dislike_a my_o infant-baptism_n receive_v in_o infancy_n by_o mean_n hereof_o i_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o pray_v earnest_o to_o god_n that_o his_o good_a spirit_n may_v teach_v and_o guide_v i_o in_o the_o way_n of_o gospel-truth_n which_o be_v second_v by_o a_o diligent_a search_n into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o a_o careful_a read_n and_o weigh_v the_o argument_n bring_v by_o both_o party_n both_o for_o and_o against_o infant-baptism_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n through_o the_o special_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n i_o be_v enable_v to_o see_v and_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o solid_a weight_n in_o the_o reason_n bring_v against_o infant-baptism_n but_o what_o be_v in_o reality_n repugnant_a and_o contradictory_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o will_v i_o hope_v in_o time_n most_o plain_o appear_v to_o your_o understanding_n i_o have_v be_v the_o more_o prolix_a in_o speak_v my_o experience_n herein_o that_o you_o may_v become_v sensible_a that_o even_o godly_a man_n may_v be_v entangle_v in_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o to_o let_v you_o know_v what_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o escape_v the_o net_n of_o crafty_a man_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o ensnare_v poor_a unstable_a though_o honest_a and_o well_o meaning_n soul_n now_o as_o christ_n my_o lord_n and_o master_n say_v to_o peter_n after_o his_o recovery_n from_o his_o fall_n when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n luke_n 22._o so_o i_o be_o now_o come_v as_o my_o duty_n bind_v i_o to_o endeavour_v your_o recovery_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o these_o point_n about_o infant-baptim_a wherein_o you_o seem_v to_o stagger_v church_n memb._n i_o hope_v i_o can_v say_v through_o special_a grace_n that_o i_o be_o no_o way_n fond_a of_o error_n but_o what_o i_o do_v herein_o i_o do_v it_o real_o from_o my_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o light_n thereof_o i_o hope_v sir_n you_o will_v not_o blame_v i_o for_o act_v according_a thereto_o minist_n i_o be_o far_o from_o arraign_v your_o integrity_n to_o god_n be_v very_o sensible_a that_o herein_o you_o be_v but_o under_o a_o temptation_n as_o strong_a christian_n than_o you_o or_o i_o have_v be_v and_o now_o be_v neither_o shall_v i_o in_o the_o least_o attempt_v to_o press_v you_o to_o act_v herein_o against_o your_o conscience_n conscience_n i_o be_o sensible_a be_v a_o
tender_a thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v inform_v not_o violent_o impel_v or_o force_v i_o hope_v you_o have_v the_o same_o charity_n for_o i_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o what_o i_o do_v act_n in_o baptise_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o encovenant_v parent_n and_o plead_v for_o such_o i_o do_v the_o same_o from_o my_o conscience_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o i_o do_v herein_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o though_o i_o do_v not_o take_v on_o i_o to_o force_v or_o lord_n it_o over_o your_o conscience_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v without_o offence_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o use_v the_o freedom_n of_o a_o pastor_n with_o you_o in_o do_v two_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o recover_v you_o the_o first_o be_v to_o reprove_v you_o for_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n in_o expose_v your_o conscience_n to_o those_o soul_n delude_v entanglement_n which_o have_v occasion_v your_o present_a disturbance_n and_o unsettledness_n in_o your_o principle_n by_o delude_a entanglement_n i_o mean_v your_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o your_o call_v to_o stare_v and_o gaze_v out_o of_o curiosity_n at_o the_o plunge_a of_o person_n under_o the_o water_n which_o albeit_o you_o and_o other_o may_v think_v may_v be_v do_v without_o either_o offence_n to_o your_o brethren_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o danger_n to_o yourself_o have_v in_o it_o a_o infatuate_n charm_a energy_n to_o allure_v and_o draw_v into_o a_o like_n of_o it_o your_o frequent_a discourse_v with_o man_n of_o that_o principle_n who_o you_o very_a well_o know_v glory_v not_o a_o little_a in_o proselyte_v people_n to_o that_o way_n and_o your_o so_o much_o delight_v to_o read_v their_o book_n be_v not_o able_a to_o grapple_v with_o such_o subtle_a enemy_n the_o deceit_n of_o who_o argument_n lie_v cover_v under_o a_o false_a vizard_n by_o these_o your_o practice_n you_o have_v fill_v the_o eye_n of_o your_o conscience_n so_o full_a of_o that_o dust_n and_o smoke_n which_o be_v always_o raise_v by_o doubtful_a disputation_n that_o for_o want_v of_o your_o monitor_n your_o conscience_n i_o mean_v you_o be_v now_o at_o a_o apparent_a stand_n in_o those_o way_n of_o truth_n wherein_o you_o ought_v to_o run_v swift_o and_o well_o it_o be_v if_o you_o have_v be_v at_o a_o stand_n before_o you_o have_v so_o far_o advance_v in_o these_o unscriptural_a tenant_n but_o however_o see_v you_o be_v not_o ascend_v so_o high_a in_o these_o error_n as_o to_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o scorners-chair_n to_o laugh_v at_o and_o deride_v baby-sprinkling_a as_o a_o piece_n of_o will-worship_n and_o mere_a popery_n as_o the_o anabaptist_n be_v well_o know_v to_o term_n and_o account_v infant-baptism_n not_o for_o want_v of_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n the_o lord_n know_v i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n endeavour_v to_o help_v you_o out_o of_o this_o quagmire_n into_o which_o your_o own_o incautelousness_n and_o sinful_a curiosity_n have_v by_o the_o art_n of_o a_o subtle_a adversary_n involve_v you_o in_o order_n then_o to_o a_o speedy_a help_v you_o herein_o i_o desire_v you_o will_v reduce_v those_o thing_n wherein_o you_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o infant-baptism_n to_o as_o few_o head_n and_o in_o as_o plain_a a_o method_n as_o you_o possible_o can_v and_o then_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v your_o objection_n wherein_o i_o faithful_o promise_v you_o i_o shall_v most_o free_o refer_v myself_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o write_n of_o those_o divine_n now_o in_o glory_n at_o who_o write_n the_o wise_a of_o anabaptist_n be_v glad_a to_o light_v their_o candle_n though_o in_o the_o point_n of_o baptism_n they_o be_v account_v neither_o able_a nor_o worthy_a to_o teach_v they_o and_o when_o you_o and_o i_o be_v come_v to_o conclusion_n you_o in_o object_v and_o i_o in_o answer_v it_o will_v then_o appear_v whether_o infant-baptism_n be_v any_o part_n of_o will-worship_n or_o mere_a popery_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v by_o its_o adversary_n church_n memb._n sir_n i_o like_v your_o proposal_n very_o well_o and_o in_o compliance_n with_o your_o reasonable_a request_n as_o also_o in_o order_n to_o my_o own_o satisfaction_n i_o shall_v reduce_v those_o particular_n wherein_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v to_o 3_o general_a head_n under_o each_o of_o which_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v give_v i_o liberty_n to_o propose_v by_o way_n of_o objection_n what_o i_o think_v convenient_a and_o fit_a to_o start_v minist_n i_o like_v very_o well_o to_o hear_v you_o name_v but_o 3_o general_a head_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v observe_v order_n and_o method_n in_o what_o you_o intend_v to_o object_n under_o those_o 3_o head_n church_n memb._n i_o will_v observe_v order_n and_o method_n as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v and_o shall_v i_o hope_v with_o become_v candour_n weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o a_o impartial_a and_o unprejudicate_a consideration_n and_o judgement_n what_o strength_n appear_v to_o be_v in_o your_o answer_n and_o in_o case_n i_o find_v my_o conscience_n satisfy_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o your_o answer_n i_o shall_v ready_o own_v it_o and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n minist_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o name_v the_o 3_o general_a head_n for_o fear_v we_o shall_v forget_v they_o when_o we_o come_v to_o be_v earnest_a in_o our_o dispute_n church_n memb._n the_o 3_o general_a head_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o be_v as_o follow_v 1._o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n mention_v in_o gen._n 17.7_o 2._o the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o 3._o the_o subject_n who_o have_v a_o visible_a right_n to_o that_o covenant_n and_o the_o seal_n thereof_o under_o these_o 3_o head_n i_o suppose_v may_v be_v bring_v in_o all_o that_o i_o need_v to_o say_v minist_n as_o touch_v your_o first_o general_n head_n viz._n the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n what_o will_v you_o be_v at_o about_o it_o church_n memb._n i_o will_v pray_v you_o to_o clear_v it_o up_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o that_o covenant_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o the_o apprehension_n i_o always_o have_v till_o of_o late_a that_o that_o covenant_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o foundation_n whereon_o my_o former_a principle_n viz._n infant-baptism_n be_v found_v but_o be_v inform_v and_o teach_v otherwise_o both_o by_o man_n preach_v and_o also_o by_o their_o book_n i_o be_o much_o in_o doubt_n as_o touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o infant-baptism_n minist_n i_o perceive_v than_o you_o apprehend_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v like_a to_o stand_v or_o fall_v as_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v either_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o otherwise_o what_o if_o it_o be_v make_v good_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o mere_a grace_n church_n memb._n true_o to_o be_v plain_a and_o ingenious_a i_o can_v see_v how_o infant-baptism_n can_v stand_v if_o that_o covenant_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o i_o be_o sensible_a the_o baptist_n hold_n and_o teach_v it_o be_v and_o which_o i_o be_o incline_v under_o my_o present_a light_n to_o judge_v it_o must_v be_v as_o they_o say_v but_o in_o case_n it_o be_v prove_v otherwise_o i_o plain_o see_v the_o anabaptist_n be_v like_a to_o suffer_v a_o miserable_a shipwreck_n for_o their_o hold_v and_o teach_v that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v the_o principal_a pillar_n on_o which_o almost_o all_o their_o argument_n against_o infant-baptism_n lean_a if_o that_o pillar_n then_o be_v shake_v and_o overthrow_v by_o scriptural_a argument_n the_o whole_a structure_n will_v tumble_v of_o course_n minist_n i_o be_o very_o glad_a that_o you_o and_o i_o do_v in_o any_o measure_n agree_v in_o our_o sentiment_n about_o this_o matter_n to_o let_v you_o see_v then_o how_o sandy_a a_o foundation_n the_o anabaptist_n build_v on_o i_o shall_v bgin_v to_o lay_v down_o some_o scriptural_a argument_n to_o prove_v they_o most_o heterodox_n and_o unsound_a in_o this_o point_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n wherein_o they_o do_v most_o evident_o raze_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n to_o abraham_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o seed_n chap._n i._n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n wherein_o be_v plain_o prove_v that_o that_o covenant_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n dispense_v in_o a_o church_n way_n none_o of_o the_o orthodox_n ever_o do_v or_o do_v deny_v that_o i_o can_v find_v that_o the_o take_v that_o covenant_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o foundation_n
all_o the_o male-seed_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o that_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o election_n which_o be_v a_o secret_a know_v only_o to_o god_n about_o which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v we_o to_o trouble_v our_o spirit_n any_o far_a than_o to_o give_v all_o become_v diligence_n to_o make_v our_o own_o pe_n sonal_a election_n sure_a to_o our_o sâ—lves_n as_o touch_v the_o infant_n of_o church_n membâ—rs_n about_o who_o all_o the_o dispute_n be_v we_o be_v not_o anxious_o to_o be_v concern_v about_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o election_n of_o god_n yea_o or_o no._n it_o be_v ground_n sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o bless_v and_o thank_v god_n for_o his_o deal_n so_o gracious_o with_o our_o infant_n in_o that_o they_o with_o we_o be_v take_v into_o the_o same_o covenant_n and_o seal_v with_o the_o seal_n thereof_o for_o by_o god_n deal_n thus_o with_o believer_n infant-seed_n believer_n have_v a_o good_a foundation_n lay_v whereon_o to_o bottom_v their_o hope_n and_o comfort_n with_o reference_n to_o theiâ—_n die_v or_o decease_a infant_n and_o also_o of_o wrestle_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o eternal_a welfare_n the_o which_o the_o enemy_n to_o infant-baptism_n do_v by_o deny_v that_o infant_n belong_v to_o the_o covenant_n or_o have_v any_o right_n to_o the_o promise_v thereof_o till_o they_o themselves_o believe_v deprive_v and_o insensible_o spoil_v themselves_o of_o this_o be_v most_o evident_o true_a as_o will_v appear_v if_o it_o be_v serious_o consider_v thaâ—_n all_o right_a prayer_n be_v a_o plâ—â—â—iâ—g_a the_o promise_n of_o god_n covenant_n in_o the_o name_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n his_o own_o soâ—_n in_o and_o through_o who_o the_o say_a promise_n be_v entail_v on_o all_o the_o child_n of_o promise_n now_o if_o my_o infant_n be_v sick_a or_o ailing_n if_o he_o be_v go_v on_o in_o sin_n etc._n etc._n how_o can_v i_o by_o the_o anabaptist_n principle_n put_v up_o a_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o he_o see_v there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o god_n covenant_n belong_v to_o he_o or_o how_o can_v i_o comfort_v my_o sorrowful_a spirit_n with_o reference_n to_o my_o decease_a child_n if_o i_o must_v look_v on_o my_o dear_a babe_n as_o stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o god_n the_o which_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n and_o must_v remain_v so_o for_o ever_o in_o case_n they_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n covenant_n second_o if_o none_o but_o the_o elect_n have_v right_a to_o baptism_n this_o objection_n will_v fall_v like_o a_o millstone_n on_o they_o who_o baptise_v whole_a drove_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o who_o election_n to_o eternal_a life_n neither_o baptizer_n nor_o baptise_a know_v any_o more_o than_o they_o know_v how_o many_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n so_o that_o by_o thus_o argue_v against_o poor_a tongue-tied_a infant_n they_o may_v see_v how_o they_o deny_v salvation_n to_o their_o own_o as_o wâ—ll_n as_o other_o infant_n and_o render_v themselves_o uncapable_a of_o discharge_v a_o good_a conscience_n to_o their_o poor_a child_n in_o put_v up_o daily_o petition_n to_o god_n for_o they_o object_n 6._o we_o have_v a_o open_a profession_n from_o those_o we_o baptise_v and_o that_o warrant_v our_o baptise_v such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o to_o join_v to_o the_o church_n you_o have_v not_o the_o like_a from_o infant_n answ_n i_o answer_v hereto_o in_o three_o particular_n first_o it_o be_v well_o for_o both_o baptizer_n and_o baptise_a if_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o right_a conversion_n than_o they_o be_v and_o that_o they_o be_v better_o ground_v in_o the_o sound_n and_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o which_o if_o they_o be_v i_o dare_v bold_o say_v they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o precipitant_a and_o rash_a in_o condemn_v and_o despise_v those_o poor_a infant_n who_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o pattern_n and_o example_n by_o which_o grow_a person_n be_v to_o be_v mould_v and_o sit_v for_o heaven_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o offer_v themselves_o to_o baptism_n on_o such_o slight_a and_o evanid_a motion_n as_o fall_v short_a in_o too_o many_o of_o common_a conviction_n second_o poor_a infant_n never_o yet_o break_v or_o transgress_v the_o moral_a law_n personal_o and_o that_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o a_o actual_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v not_o require_v of_o they_o to_o qualify_v they_o for_o baptism_n as_o the_o sin_n of_o infant_n lie_v in_o the_o imputation_n of_o adam_n disobedience_n and_o the_o pollution_n of_o nature_n derive_v by_o fleshly_a generation_n so_o their_o help_n and_o remedy_n lie_v in_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n spotless_a righteousness_n to_o their_o person_n and_o his_o spirit_n renew_v their_o inward_a faculty_n in_o regenerate_v they_o and_o this_o twofold_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o justify_v and_o sanctify_v the_o elect_a infant_n be_v plain_o signify_v and_o seal_v in_o that_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n to_o the_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o to_o a_o grow_a â—eliever_n three_o albeit_o infant_n be_v not_o able_a to_o speâ—k_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o claim_v that_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n which_o the_o covenant_n itself_o have_v entail_v on_o they_o as_o they_o be_v the_o church_n seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n yet_o there_o be_v one_o who_o speak_v for_o they_o who_o judgement_n and_o testimony_n of_o they_o be_v more_o sure_a and_o infallible_a than_o all_o other_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n the_o lord_n jesus_n i_o mean_v who_o with_o his_o father_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n contrive_v and_o make_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o they_o be_v comprehend_v i_o will_v lay_v down_o in_o six_o particular_n what_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n concern_v infant_n as_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o covenant_n first_o he_o propound_v they_o as_o pattern_n by_o which_o grow_a person_n must_v be_v mould_v and_o fit_v for_o heaven_n mat._n 18.3_o second_o declare_v their_o right_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mar_n 10.14_o for_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n three_o rebuke_n most_o severe_o his_o disciple_n for_o hinder_v infant_n be_v bring_v to_o he_o mar._n 10.14_o but_o when_o jesus_n see_v it_o he_o be_v much_o displease_v etc._n etc._n in_o the_o greek_a it_o be_v eganaktese_n which_o signify_v to_o have_v the_o bowel_n inward_o move_v or_o affect_v with_o grief_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o indignation_n as_o beza_n render_v it_o indignatus_fw-la est_fw-la to_o be_v stomach_v at_o a_o person_n or_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v great_o or_o high_o displease_v a_o word_n which_o judicious_a sydenham_n observe_v be_v never_o use_v by_o christ_n in_o any_o case_n or_o on_o any_o occasion_n beside_o this_o of_o poor_a infant_n to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v man_n no_o doubt_n how_o great_o he_o be_v concern_v for_o helpless_a infant_n and_o how_o displease_v he_o be_v at_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o disciple_n heart_n against_o they_o oh_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o may_v melt_v the_o hard_a heart_n of_o such_o into_o a_o christ_n like_o tenderness_n towards_o poor_a infant_n four_o command_v infant_n to_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o mar._n 10.14_o suffer_v little_a child_n to_o come_v unto_o i_o etc._n etc._n five_o pronounce_v they_o holy_a rom._n 11.16_o 1._o cor._n 7.14_o six_o bless_v they_o mar._n 10.16_o and_o he_o take_v they_o up_o in_o his_o arm_n lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o and_o bless_v they_o these_o six_o particular_n lay_v together_o and_o weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n sanctuary_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o man_n of_o sense_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n to_o judge_v whether_o be_v safe_a to_o credit_v this_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n concern_v infant_n than_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o bare_a testimony_n of_o a_o mere_a man_n concern_v himself_o who_o may_v in_o all_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v but_o a_o paint_a sepulchre_n object_n 7._o if_o infant_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n because_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n also_o for_o that_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n the_o wine_n in_o the_o supper_n may_v as_o well_o be_v pour_v down_o the_o infant_n mouth_n with_o a_o spoon_n as_o to_o sprinkle_v water_n on_o his_o face_n answ_n this_o objection_n better_o become_v a_o superannuated_a man_n who_o border_n on_o perfect_a dotage_n than_o one_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o ignorant_a and_o misguide_a soul_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o who_o