wilful_a contempt_n and_o careless_a neglect_n of_o this_o ordinance_n when_o it_o may_v convenient_o be_v have_v be_v dangerous_a and_o damnable_a and_o to_o such_o that_o threat_n belong_v gen._n 17.14_o that_o soul_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o three_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v free_a and_o not_o tie_v to_o the_o outward_a element_n joh._n 3.8_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v i._n e._n god_n give_v grace_n when_o where_o and_o to_o who_o he_o please_v four_o infant_n bear_v of_o believe_a parent_n be_v holy_a before_o baptism_n and_o baptism_n be_v but_o a_o seal_n of_o that_o holiness_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o yea_o to_o they_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mark_v 10.14_o object_n they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v have_v faith_n which_o infant_n have_v not_o answ._n god_n say_v i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o promise_v the_o parent_n lay_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n for_o himself_o and_o his_o child_n and_o the_o child_n believe_v because_o the_o father_n believe_v object_n infant_n be_v bear_v in_o original_a sin_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v holy_a answ._n every_o believe_a parent_n sustain_v a_o double_a person_n 1._o as_o descend_v from_o adam_n by_o corrupt_a seed_n and_o thus_o both_o himself_o and_o his_o child_n be_v corrupt_v 2._o as_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o believe_a man_n ingraff_v by_o faith_n into_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n and_o thus_o by_o his_o faith_n his_o child_n come_v to_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o partaker_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n thereof_o and_o by_o the_o same_o faith_n he_o be_v a_o believer_n the_o guilt_n of_o original_a corruption_n in_o the_o infant_n be_v not_o impute_v to_o he_o to_o condemnation_n object_n other_o that_o will_v make_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a object_n john_n 3.5_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n answ._n first_o if_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o baptism_n than_o the_o word_n may_v carry_v one_o of_o these_o two_o sense_n 1._o christ_n direct_v his_o speech_n principal_o to_o nicodemus_n who_o be_v a_o timorous_a professor_n who_o remain_v ignorant_a and_o have_v long_o neglect_v his_o baptism_n 2._o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o here_o put_v for_o everlasting_a happiness_n but_o to_o signify_v the_o visible_a state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o then_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o make_v a_o visible_a member_n thereof_o but_o by_o baptism_n nor_o can_v any_o be_v make_v a_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n second_o or_o this_o place_n be_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o baptism_n but_o of_o regeneration_n wherein_o christ_n allude_v to_o exod._n 35.26_o which_o speak_v of_o clean_a water_n and_o then_o the_o meaning_n be_v thou_o nicodemus_n be_v a_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o use_v many_o outward_a wash_n but_o unless_o thou_o be_v wash_v inward_o by_o clean_a water_n i._n e._n regenerate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thou_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o heaven_n three_o or_o the_o necessity_n of_o salvation_n lie_v not_o in_o both_o but_o only_o in_o the_o new_a birth_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n quest._n whether_o be_v not_o witness_n common_o call_v godfather_n and_o godmother_n necessary_a answ._n no._n first_o for_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n the_o parent_n of_o child_n which_o be_v heathen_n and_o new_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v either_o ignorant_a and_o can_v not_o or_o careless_a and_o will_v not_o bring_v up_o their_o child_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o true_a religion_n which_o they_o new_o profess_v therefore_o person_n of_o good_a knowledge_n and_o life_n be_v call_v to_o witness_v baptism_n and_o promise_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o child_n education_n but_o now_o parent_n be_v better_o teach_v and_o qualify_v the_o other_o be_v not_o necessary_a second_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v teach_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a about_o baptism_n among_o all_o which_o he_o have_v not_o appoint_v the_o use_n of_o surety_n three_o the_o whole_a congregation_n present_a do_v present_v the_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o there_o need_v no_o other_o four_o that_o which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o to_o promise_v and_o perform_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o parent_n of_o the_o infant_n baptize_v who_o by_o god_n command_n ought_v to_o bring_v up_o their_o child_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o other_o be_v not_o necessary_a quest._n whether_o have_v child_n of_o excommunicate_v person_n right_a to_o baptism_n answ._n before_o this_o question_n be_v answer_v some_o ground_n must_v be_v lay_v down_o as_o 1._o there_o be_v two_o text_n principal_o about_o excommunication_n mat._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.5_o the_o scope_n of_o both_o which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o excommunicate_v person_n be_v debar_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hold_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n 2._o in_o excommunication_n there_o be_v three_o judgement_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o of_o god_n 2._o of_o the_o church_n 3._o again_o of_o god_n the_o first_o be_v when_o god_n hold_v any_o obstinate_a sinner_n guilty_a of_o the_o offence_n and_o consequent_o of_o condemnation_n except_o he_o repent_v the_o second_o be_v of_o the_o church_n which_o follow_v god_n judgement_n pronounce_v the_o party_n guilty_a and_o subject_a to_o condemnation_n which_o judgement_n be_v not_o to_o be_v give_v absolute_o but_o with_o condition_n of_o repentance_n and_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o man_n can_v judge_v by_o the_o fault_n commit_v as_o also_o by_o the_o word_n which_o direct_v how_o to_o discern_v of_o the_o impenitency_n of_o the_o sinner_n the_o three_o again_o be_v god_n judgement_n whereby_o he_o confirm_v that_o in_o heaven_n which_o the_o church_n have_v do_v on_o earth_n so_o then_o the_o answer_n may_v be_v 1._o that_o the_o person_n excommunicate_a be_v in_o some_o respect_n no_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o in_o some_o other_o respect_v they_o be_v quest._n how_o be_v they_o not_o answ._n first_o in_o that_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n and_o so_o have_v no_o participation_n with_o they_o in_o prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o that_o because_o the_o action_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v in_o force_n god_n ratify_v that_o which_o his_o church_n have_v do_v second_o because_o by_o their_o sin_n they_o have_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o effectual_a power_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o shall_v rule_v and_o govern_v they_o quest._n how_o be_v they_o member_n answ._n first_o some_o be_v member_n not_o actual_o and_o in_o present_a but_o in_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v in_o time_n when_o they_o be_v call_v hence_o gal._n 1.15_o paul_n say_v god_n have_v separate_v he_o from_o the_o womb_n and_o call_v he_o by_o his_o grace_n so_o rom._n 5.20_o when_o we_o be_v enemy_n we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o christ._n second_o some_o be_v member_n only_o in_o show_n and_o appearance_n as_o hypocrite_n three_o some_o be_v lively_a member_n which_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 8.14_o four_o some_o be_v decay_v member_n who_o though_o they_o belong_v to_o god_n election_n and_o be_v true_o ingraff_v into_o christ_n yet_o for_o the_o present_n have_v not_o a_o lively_a sense_n thereof_o like_o a_o member_n in_o the_o body_n that_o have_v the_o dead_a palsy_n such_o be_v excommunicate_v person_n for_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o engraff_n they_o be_v true_a member_n and_o can_v be_v quite_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n john_n 10.28_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o hold_v so_o to_o be_v in_o three_o respect_n 1._o in_o regard_n of_o man_n because_o they_o be_v exclude_v from_o communion_n with_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o in_o regard_n of_o god_n because_o what_o the_o church_n right_o bind_v on_o earth_n he_o bind_v in_o heaven_n 3._o in_o regard_n of_o themselves_o because_o for_o a_o time_n they_o want_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n till_o by_o true_a repentance_n they_o recover_v life_n again_o now_o though_o in_o these_o respect_v they_o be_v not_o esteem_v member_n yet_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v not_o whole_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o
to_o they_o as_o be_v first_o promise_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n so_o jer._n 31.33_o isa._n 59.21_o joel_n 2.32_o but_o more_o full_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n luke_n 1.54_o 55_o 69_o 70_o 72_o 73._o luke_n 2.31_o 32_o mat._n 21_o 4â—_n 43._o gal._n 3.8_o 14_o 16._o eph._n 2.13_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chap._n so_o gal._n 3.16_o we_o find_v three_o sort_n of_o abraham_n seed_n 1._o christ_n the_o root_n of_o the_o rest_n 2._o all_o true_a believer_n chap._n 3.19_o these_o partake_v of_o the_o spiritual_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n 3._o such_o as_o be_v only_o circumcise_v in_o the_o flesh_n but_o not_o in_o the_o heart_n rom._n 10.3_o of_o who_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n be_v type_n gal._n 4.22_o etc._n etc._n such_o as_o be_v only_o holy_a by_o a_o external_a profession_n gal._n 4.29_o that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o infant_n of_o such_o as_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o be_v count_v he_o be_v prove_v thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o jew_n gen._n 17.9_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o it_o be_v still_o act_v 2.38_o 39_o luke_n 19.9_o rom._n 11.10_o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o that_o the_o seal_n of_o initiation_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v unto_o they_o who_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v clear_a circumcision_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n infant_n and_o therefore_o baptism_n be_v both_o of_o they_o be_v the_o same_o sacrament_n for_o the_o spiritual_a part_n of_o they_o none_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n till_o circumcise_a nor_o of_o the_o christian_n till_o baptize_v that_o baptism_n succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n be_v clear_a col._n 2.11_o 12._o that_o infant_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v initiate_v and_o seal_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n which_o though_o actual_o apply_v to_o the_o male_n yet_o the_o female_n be_v virtual_o circumcise_v in_o they_o hence_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v the_o circumcision_n and_o exod._n 12.48_o no_o uncircumcised_a person_n may_v eat_v of_o the_o passeover_n whereof_o woman_n do_v eat_v as_o well_o as_o man_n ob._n but_o circumcision_n be_v not_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o spiritual_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o of_o some_o temporal_a and_o earthly_a blessing_n as_o of_o their_o right_n to_o canaan_n etc._n etc._n answ._n that_o circumcision_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v plain_a rom._n 4.11_o abraham_n receive_v circumcision_n for_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o privilege_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o large_a honourable_a and_o comfortable_a appear_v heb._n 8.6_o 2_o cor._n 3.10_o gal._n 4.1_o etc._n etc._n now_o 1._o how_o uncomfortable_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o parent_n to_o take_v away_o the_o very_a ground_n of_o their_o hope_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o infant_n for_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n of_o hope_n for_o any_o particular_a person_n till_o he_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o how_o unwilling_a also_o must_v christian_n parent_n be_v to_o part_v with_o their_o child_n right_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n this_o their_o right_n to_o the_o covenant_n be_v all_o ground_n of_o hope_n that_o believe_a parent_n have_v that_o their_o infant_n that_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n be_v save_v rather_o than_o the_o infant_n of_o turk_n or_o pagan_n ob._n but_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n precedent_n nor_o express_v institution_n in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n answ._n i_o deny_v the_o consequence_n that_o if_o in_o so_o many_o word_n it_o be_v not_o command_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o express_a revive_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v the_o forbid_a degree_n of_o marriage_n nor_o against_o polygamy_n or_o for_o the_o celebration_n of_o a_o weekly_a sabbath_n nor_o for_o woman_n receive_n the_o lord_n supper_n no_o express_a command_n for_o believer_n child_n when_o grow_v up_o to_o be_v baptize_v nor_o example_n of_o it_o though_o there_o be_v for_o the_o instruct_n and_o baptise_v jew_n and_o heathen_n but_o we_o have_v virtual_o and_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n sufficient_a evidence_n for_o the_o baptism_n of_o child_n both_o command_n and_o example_n as_o god_n command_n to_o abraham_n as_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o covenanter_n that_o he_o shall_v seal_v his_o child_n with_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n again_o mar._n 16.15_o christ_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o teach_v all_o thing_n what_o he_o have_v command_v they_o i._n e._n the_o whole_a gospel_n contain_v all_o the_o promise_n whereof_o this_o be_v one_o i_o will_v be_v the_o god_n of_o believer_n and_o of_o their_o seed_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v take_v into_o covenant_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o mat._n 28._o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n now_o as_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v the_o aforesaid_a promise_n so_o they_o be_v to_o baptize_v they_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o do_v this_o be_v all_o nation_n whereas_o before_o the_o church_n be_v tie_v to_o the_o jew_n only_a now_o we_o know_v that_o when_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v make_v disciple_n and_o circumcise_v their_o infant_n be_v make_v disciple_n and_o circumcise_a and_o god_n manner_n be_v when_o promise_n or_o threaten_n be_v denounce_v against_o nation_n to_o include_v infant_n which_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o every_o nation_n except_o they_o be_v particular_o except_v as_o they_o be_v numb_a 14.31_o ob._n but_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v disciple_n answ._n first_o they_o be_v as_o capable_a as_o the_o infant_n of_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n be_v when_o they_o be_v make_v disciple_n second_o they_o be_v devote_v to_o be_v disciple_n three_o thâ—y_o be_v capable_a of_o god_n teach_v though_o not_o of_o man_n four_o they_o belong_v to_o christ_n and_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n mai._n 10.42_o mar._n 9.41_o mat._n 18.5_o and_o therefore_o be_v his_o disciple_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o text_n if_o compare_v together_o five_o they_o be_v call_v disciple_n act._n 15.1_o and_o 10._o compare_v another_o command_n by_o good_a consequence_n for_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n be_v from_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o because_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o and_o their_o child_n which_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v take_v into_o covenant_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o example_n though_o there_o be_v none_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o argument_n in_o it_o yet_o we_o have_v example_n by_o good_a consequence_n for_o the_o gospel_n take_v place_n just_a as_o the_o old_a administration_n by_o bring_v in_o whole_a family_n together_o when_o abraham_n be_v take_v in_o his_o whole_a family_n be_v take_v in_o together_o with_o he_o so_o of_o the_o proselyte_n likewise_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n usual_o if_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n turn_v christian_n his_o whole_a family_n come_v in_o and_o be_v baptize_v with_o he_o so_o we_o see_v act_v 11.14_o so_o the_o household_n of_o stephanus_n of_o aristobulus_n of_o narcissus_n of_o lidea_n of_o the_o jailor_n etc._n etc._n 2._o argum._n to_o who_o the_o inward_a grace_n of_o baptism_n do_v belong_v to_o they_o belong_v the_o outward_a sign_n but_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n even_o while_o infant_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o inward_a grace_n of_o baptism_n therefore_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o receive_v the_o outward_a sign_n of_o baptism_n the_o major_a proposition_n be_v prove_v act_v 10.47_o can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n etc._n etc._n act._n 11.17_o the_o minor_a be_v prove_v mark_v 10.14_o to_o such_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o they_o be_v holy_a beside_o there_o be_v nothing_o belong_v to_o the_o initiation_n and_o be_v of_o a_o christian_a where_o of_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n which_o infant_n be_v not_o as_o capable_a of_o as_o grow_v man_n for_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n of_o adoption_n of_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n of_o regeneration_n of_o everlasting_a life_n all_o which_o be_v signify_v and_o seal_v by_o baptism_n for_o in_o receive_v the_o inward_a grace_n of_o which_o baptism_n be_v the_o sign_n and_o seal_n we_o be_v mere_a passives_n whereof_o infant_n be_v as_o fit_a subject_n as_o grow_v man_n or_o else_o none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v save_v ob._n though_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o grace_n and_o may_v be_v save_v yet_o we_o may_v not_o baptize_v they_o because_o by_o preach_v they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v disciple_n
this_o be_v 1._o it_o call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o free_a and_o gracious_a covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o believe_a parent_n and_o their_o posterity_n express_v gen._n 17.7_o 9_o act_n 2.39_o which_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v make_v to_o the_o believe_a parent_n and_o his_o seed_n so_o do_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o parent_n apprehend_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o himself_o and_o his_o seed_n and_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o tender_a which_o a_o christian_a make_v of_o his_o child_n to_o holy_a baptism_n for_o by_o natural_a generation_n child_n of_o believe_a parent_n be_v defile_v with_o sin_n and_o so_o under_o wrath_n but_o they_o be_v holy_a by_o covenant_n and_o free_a acceptation_n the_o believe_a parent_n embrace_v god_n promise_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n second_o by_o faith_n believe_v parent_n must_v give_v themselves_o to_o god_n choose_v he_o to_o be_v their_o portion_n etc._n etc._n for_o he_o that_o will_v give_v his_o child_n to_o god_n must_v first_o give_v himself_o too_o god_n three_o it_o provoke_v parenr_n to_o offer_v their_o child_n to_o god_n by_o fervent_a and_o faithful_a prayer_n so_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o have_v receive_v they_o from_o he_o god_n promise_n call_v for_o our_o prayer_n as_o 2_o sam._n 7.27_o four_o it_o consider_v what_o a_o singular_a prerogative_n it_o be_v to_o be_v actual_o admit_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n receive_v into_o his_o family_n and_o have_v his_o name_n put_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v a_o partaker_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o regeneration_n pardon_v of_o sin_n adoption_n and_o everlasting_a inheritance_n solemn_o to_o be_v make_v free_a of_o the_o society_n of_o saint_n and_o to_o wear_v the_o lord_n livery_n and_o what_o a_o high_a and_o incomprehensible_a a_o mercy_n it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o do_v vouchsafe_v these_o great_a and_o inestimable_a blessing_n not_o only_o to_o himself_o a_o wretched_a sinner_n but_o also_o to_o his_o posterity_n who_o by_o nature_n be_v enemy_n to_o god_n dead_a in_o sin_n and_o in_o bondage_n under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n five_o it_o stir_v up_o hearty_a rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v in_o tender_a compassion_n to_o look_v upon_o they_o and_o their_o posterity_n and_o thus_o to_o honour_v and_o advance_v they_o six_o it_o stir_v up_o parent_n to_o be_v diligent_a and_o careful_a to_o bring_v up_o their_o child_n in_o the_o information_n and_o fear_v of_o the_o lord_n be_v instant_a with_o he_o to_o bless_v their_o endeavour_n for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o child_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n for_o the_o same_o conscience_n that_o move_v parent_n to_o offer_v their_o child_n to_o god_n in_o baptism_n will_v quicken_v they_o to_o endeavour_v their_o education_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o service_n of_o god_n quest._n what_o use_n shall_v christian_n make_v of_o their_o baptism_n when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n answ._n they_o shall_v remember_v that_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n betwixt_o god_n and_o they_o of_o god_n promise_n that_o he_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o of_o their_o promise_n that_o they_o will_v be_v his_o people_n repent_v of_o sin_n believe_v in_o christ_n and_o walk_v before_o he_o in_o sincere_a obedience_n and_o that_o the_o signification_n force_n use_v and_o fruit_n of_o it_o continue_v not_o for_o that_o present_a only_a when_o it_o be_v administer_v but_o for_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n for_o as_o its_o the_o seal_n of_o a_o free_a everlasting_a and_o unchangeable_a covenant_n so_o be_v the_o force_n and_o use_v of_o it_o perpetual_a so_o than_o the_o use_n to_o be_v make_v of_o baptism_n be_v twofold_a first_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o pledge_n and_o token_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o that_o divers_a way_n 1._o in_o that_o its_o a_o seal_n of_o our_o regeneration_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o a_o divine_a quality_n be_v infuse_v into_o we_o in_o the_o room_n and_o place_n of_o original_a corruption_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n tit._n 3.5_o it_o be_v usual_a to_o call_v the_o principal_a cause_n and_o the_o instrument_n by_o the_o same_o name_n 2._o it_o seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n act_n 2.38_o and_o 22.16_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o pledge_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o of_o our_o fellowship_n therein_o rom._n 6.3_o 4._o it_o be_v a_o pledge_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o of_o our_o communion_n with_o he_o therein_o rom._n 6.5_o col._n 2.12_o 5._o it_o be_v a_o pledge_n of_o our_o adoption_n in_o jesus_n christ._n for_o when_o god_n put_v his_o name_n upon_o we_o he_o signify_v and_o assure_v that_o we_o be_v his_o son_n gal._n 3.26_o 27._o 6._o it_o be_v a_o solemn_a testimony_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o all_o the_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n jesus_n it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o bond_n and_o mutual_a love_n and_o fellowship_n both_o of_o christ_n with_o his_o member_n and_o of_o his_o member_n one_o with_o another_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o 7._o it_o be_v a_o seal_n and_o pledge_v to_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v provide_v for_o we_o in_o this_o life_n raise_v up_o our_o body_n to_o life_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o inheritance_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o we_o mar._n 16.16_o tit._n 3.5_o 6_o 7._o 1_o pet._n 3.21_o second_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o our_o duty_n promise_v and_o so_o a_o spur_n and_o provocation_n to_o repentance_n faith_n new_a obedience_n brotherly_a love_n and_o unity_n and_o that_o as_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o spur_n to_o repentance_n and_o mortification_n for_o baptism_n seal_v remission_n of_o sin_n to_o they_o only_o that_o repent_v and_o as_o we_o expect_v the_o blessing_n we_o must_v see_v that_o we_o perform_v the_o condition_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o provocation_n to_o faith_n and_o a_o pledge_n thereof_o we_o have_v god_n promise_v under_o his_o hand_n and_o seal_v that_o he_o will_v wash_v we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n receive_v we_o for_o his_o child_n remember_v our_o necessity_n and_o bestow_v upon_o we_o his_o kingdom_n now_o we_o much_o dishonour_v he_o if_o we_o question_v his_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v so_o free_o promise_v and_o confirm_v by_o covenant_n and_o seal_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o incitement_n to_o new_a obedience_n and_o a_o pledge_n thereof_o rom._n 6.4_o we_o have_v solemn_o swear_v to_o fight_v against_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o have_v take_v press-money_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v a_o foul_a fault_n to_o accept_v of_o a_o truce_n with_o satan_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o pledge_n or_o pawn_v of_o love_n and_o unity_n we_o must_v keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n for_o we_o be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n we_o must_v not_o jar_v for_o we_o be_v brethren_n it_o be_v unnatural_a that_o the_o member_n of_o this_o mystical_a body_n shall_v be_v divide_v see_v ball_n on_o faith_n p._n 419._o quest._n by_o what_o argument_n may_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o infant-baptisme_n be_v prove_v answ._n first_o the_o infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v to_o christ_n body_n kingdom_n family_n therefore_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n or_o the_o distinguish_a badge_n between_o they_o who_o be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o they_o who_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a argument_n will_v be_v clear_v by_o these_o five_o conclusion_n 1._o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n have_v always_o be_v for_o the_o substance_n one_o and_o the_o same_o 2._o that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o infant_n of_o such_o as_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o be_v count_v he_o as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n 3._o god_n have_v ever_o since_o abraham_n time_n have_v a_o seal_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o such_o as_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o 4._o by_o god_n own_o order_n the_o seed_n or_o infant_n of_o covenanter_n before_o christ_n time_n be_v to_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o seal_n of_o admission_n into_o his_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n 5._o the_o privilege_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o covenant_n since_o chtists_n time_n be_v as_o honourable_a large_a and_o comfortable_a both_o to_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n as_o they_o be_v before_o christ_n time_n that_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v prove_v fiâ—st_n by_o the_o prophecy_n where_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o gentile_n when_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v
before_o they_o may_v be_v baptize_v mat._n 28.19_o answ._n this_o be_v not_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o baptism_n but_o the_o enlargement_n of_o their_o commission_n before_o they_o be_v send_v only_o to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n but_o now_o to_o all_o nation_n who_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v to_o christ_n but_o before_o be_v out_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o their_o child_n have_v no_o right_n to_o baptism_n but_o when_o once_o themselves_o be_v instruct_v and_o baptize_v than_o their_o child_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n ob._n but_o it_o be_v say_v he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v therefore_o faith_n must_v precede_v baptism_n answ._n first_o if_o this_o argument_n have_v any_o strength_n against_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n it_o have_v much_o more_o against_o the_o salvation_n of_o infant_n and_o however_o they_o can_v evade_v the_o one_o we_o shall_v much_o more_o strong_o evade_v the_o other_o second_o it_o be_v no_o where_o say_v unbeliever_n or_o rather_o non-believer_n may_v not_o be_v baptize_v it_o be_v say_v indeed_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o it_o be_v no_o where_o say_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o may_v not_o be_v baptize_v christ_n exclude_v infant_n neither_o from_o baptism_n nor_o from_o salvation_n for_o want_v of_o faith_n but_o positive_a unbeliever_n such_o as_o refuse_v the_o gospel_n he_o exclude_v from_o both_o ob._n but_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o inward_a grace_n of_o baptism_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o warrant_n for_o our_o baptise_v of_o all_o infant_n because_o we_o know_v not_o upon_o who_o god_n do_v this_o work_n answ._n our_o knowledge_n that_o god_n have_v effectual_o wrought_v the_o thing_n signify_v be_v not_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v to_o apply_v the_o sign_n god_n no_o where_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v know_v that_o man_n be_v convert_v before_o we_o baptize_v they_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o know_v it_o not_o as_o we_o see_v in_o simon_n magus_n alexander_n hymenaeus_n ananias_n and_o saphira_n but_o he_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v know_v that_o they_o have_v in_o they_o that_o condition_n which_o must_v warrant_v we_o to_o administer_v the_o sign_n fallible_a conjecture_n must_v not_o be_v our_o rule_n in_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n either_o to_o infant_n or_o grow_v man_n but_o a_o know_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o apostle_n baptize_v grow_v man_n not_o because_o they_o judge_v they_o inward_o sanctify_v but_o because_o they_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o such_o christ_n will_v have_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v never_o receive_v into_o communion_n with_o himself_o and_o in_o this_o the_o rule_n to_o direct_v our_o knowledge_n which_o be_v but_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v as_o plain_a for_o infant_n as_o for_o grow_v man_n object_n but_o all_o that_o enter_v into_o covenant_n and_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o it_o must_v stipulate_v for_o their_o part_n as_o well_o as_o god_n do_v for_o his_o which_o infant_n can_v do_v answ._n first_o the_o infant_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v as_o much_o tie_v to_o this_o as_o the_o infant_n of_o christian_n be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v circumcise_v be_v bind_v to_o keep_v the_o law_n gal._n 5.5_o second_o god_n seal_v to_o they_o present_o their_o name_n be_v put_v into_o the_o deed_n and_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o they_o in_o their_o own_o person_n stand_v oblige_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o surety_n of_o all_o covenanter_n be_v please_v to_o be_v their_o surety_n we_o know_v that_o person_n stand_v oblige_v in_o the_o same_o bond_n may_v seal_v at_o several_a time_n and_o yet_o be_v in_o force_n afterward_o together_o so_o here_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n be_v please_v to_o seal_v to_o infant_n while_o they_o be_v such_o and_o accepts_z of_o such_o a_o seal_n on_o their_o part_n as_o they_o be_v then_o able_a to_o give_v expect_v a_o further_a ratification_n on_o their_o part_n when_o they_o come_v to_o ripe_a year_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n afford_v they_o the_o favour_n and_o privilege_n of_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o of_o be_v reckon_v to_o be_v of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o not_o of_o the_o devil_n if_o they_o refuse_v to_o stand_v to_o this_o covenant_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v man_n there_o be_v no_o hurt_n do_v on_o god_n part_n they_o must_v take_v their_o lot_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v object_n but_o if_o the_o seal_n be_v but_o conditional_a on_o god_n part_n that_o they_o own_o and_o ratify_v it_o when_o they_o come_v to_o ripe_a age_n be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o defer_v it_o till_o then_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o will_v then_o make_v it_o their_o voluntary_a act_n yea_o or_o no_o answ._n first_o this_o objection_n lie_v as_o strong_o against_o god_n wisdom_n in_o require_v the_o jew_n infant_n to_o be_v circumcise_v and_o therefore_o argue_v no_o great_a wisdom_n and_o modesty_n in_o those_o who_o thus_o reason_n with_o god_n against_o his_o administration_n second_o god_n have_v other_o end_n and_o use_n of_o apply_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o than_o their_o present_a gain_n it_o be_v a_o homage_n worship_n and_o honour_n to_o himself_o and_o it_o behoove_v we_o even_o in_o that_o respect_n to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n when_o christ_n be_v baptize_v and_o circumcise_v he_o be_v as_o unfit_a for_o the_o ordinance_n through_o his_o perfection_n as_o child_n be_v through_o their_o imperfection_n be_v as_o much_o above_o they_o as_o child_n be_v below_o they_o three_o yet_o the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o at_o the_o present_a be_v very_o much_o both_o to_o parent_n and_o infant_n 1._o to_o the_o parent_n while_o god_n do_v hereby_o honour_v they_o to_o have_v their_o child_n count_v to_o his_o church_n to_o his_o kingdom_n and_o family_n and_o so_o under_o his_o wing_n and_o grace_n while_o all_o other_o infant_n in_o the_o world_n have_v their_o visible_a stand_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o so_o while_o other_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o their_o child_n spiritual_a welfare_n till_o they_o be_v call_v out_o of_o that_o condition_n these_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o their_o child_n welfare_n if_o they_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n or_o if_o they_o live_v till_o they_o show_v sign_n to_o the_o contrary_a god_n have_v reckon_v they_o to_o his_o people_n and_o give_v they_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n which_o theiâ—_n infant_n age_n be_v capable_a of_o 2._o to_o the_o child_n when_o as_o beside_o what_o inward_a secret_a work_n god_n be_v please_v to_o work_v in_o they_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v their_o share_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v remember_v at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n every_o day_n by_o all_o that_o pray_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n and_o particular_o in_o those_o prayer_n which_o be_v make_v for_o a_o blessing_n on_o his_o ordinance_n and_o last_o it_o be_v no_o small_a privilege_n to_o have_v that_o seal_v bestow_v upon_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n which_o they_o may_v afterward_o plead_v when_o they_o come_v to_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n object_n but_o if_o their_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o spiritual_a part_n entitle_v they_o to_o the_o outward_a sign_n why_o be_v they_o not_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o this_o for_o say_v they_o the_o jew_n infant_n do_v eat_v the_o passeover_n then_o if_o our_o infant_n have_v as_o large_a privilege_n as_o they_o have_v than_o they_o must_v partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n answ._n we_o be_v sure_o that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o baptism_n but_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o grace_n sign_v and_o seal_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o though_o both_o be_v seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o it_o be_v with_o some_o difference_n baptism_n proper_o seal_v our_o entrance_n into_o it_o the_o lord_n supper_n proper_o our_o growth_n nourishment_n and_o augmentation_n in_o it_o baptism_n for_o our_o birth_n the_o lord_n supper_n for_o our_o food_n now_o infant_n may_v be_v bear_v again_o while_o they_o be_v infant_n have_v their_o original_a sin_n pardon_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n have_v his_o image_n stamp_v upon_o they_o but_o concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o these_o grace_n and_o the_o augmentation_n