and_o participle_n you_o see_v we_o have_v diligent_o consider_v the_o general_a scope_n of_o the_o commission_n by_o compare_v matthew_n and_o mark_n together_o and_o the_o consequent_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n thereon_o who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o wherein_o we_o have_v plain_o prove_v to_o you_o the_o antecedency_n of_o teach_v or_o preach_v to_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o unless_o you_o can_v produce_v another_o commission_n for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n who_o be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v thus_o teach_v all_o you_o can_v say_v beside_o will_v avail_v you_o nothing_o mr._n allen_n second_o argument_n be_v derive_v from_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 19_o 14._o suffer_v little_a child_n and_o forbid_v they_o not_o to_o come_v unto_o i_o for_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o if_o little_a child_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o membership_n in_o the_o kingdom_n from_o the_o gracious_a respect_n christ_n bear_v unto_o they_o than_o they_o be_v equal_o capable_a of_o the_o sign_n or_o cognizance_n thereof_o which_o be_v baptism_n for_o answer_n first_a it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o it_o remain_v as_o yet_o unprove_v that_o the_o little_a child_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v infant_n the_o context_n both_o here_o and_o elsewhere_o give_v shrewd_a ground_n of_o conjecture_n that_o they_o be_v rather_o such_o little_a child_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v a_o actual_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o cbrist_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v intimate_v by_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 18._o 2._o when_o have_v call_v a_o little_a child_n unto_o he_o and_o set_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o say_v ver._n 6._o whoso_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o etc._n etc._n which_o after_o a_o ordinary_a rate_n can_v with_o any_o shadow_n of_o pretence_n be_v intend_v of_o young_a suck_v infant_n for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o such_o little_a child_n according_a to_o a_o ordinary_a reckon_a be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o nor_o do_v the_o greek_a word_n use_v luke_n 18._o 15._o which_o be_v translate_v in_o english_a infant_n prove_v it_o for_o the_o greek_a word_n which_o be_v there_o translate_v infant_n as_o piscator_fw-la himself_z tell_v we_o signify_v a_o child_n capable_a of_o teach_v as_o when_o it_o be_v say_v timothy_n know_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n from_o a_o child_n that_o be_v ever_o since_o he_o be_v a_o boy_n not_o a_o infant_n it_o be_v the_o same_o greek_a word_n that_o be_v use_v in_o both_o place_n it_o be_v a_o ungrounded_a supposition_n therefore_o that_o these_o be_v suck_v infant_n of_o who_o christ_n here_o speak_v which_o till_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v the_o inference_n that_o be_v hence_o draw_v concern_v the_o baptise_v of_o such_o must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v a_o very_a infirm_a and_o slender_a bottom_n second_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o young_a infant_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o as_o such_o unto_o who_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o may_v be_v as_o piscator_fw-la also_o observe_v refer_v not_o to_o their_o present_a state_n as_o if_o for_o the_o present_a they_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v believer_n and_o justify_v but_o that_o they_o be_v elect_a person_n and_o so_o in_o time_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n now_o that_o which_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n be_v the_o present_a state_n of_o a_o person_n and_o three_o it_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v due_o consider_v that_o the_o little_a child_n here_o speak_v of_o whatever_o they_o be_v be_v express_o order_v to_o be_v bring_v unto_o christ_n who_o himself_z baptise_a not_o and_o not_o unto_o his_o disciple_n who_o proper_a work_n that_o be_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n make_v at_o all_o of_o their_o baptise_v but_o his_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o and_o blessing_n they_o and_o from_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n blessing_n they_o to_o infer_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a prove_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o want_n of_o better_a argument_n for_o the_o conclusion_n will_v with_o more_o probability_n be_v derive_v thus_o christ_n bless_a child_n and_o so_o dismiss_v they_o but_o baptise_a they_o not_o therefore_o infant_n be_v not_o to_o be_v baptise_a but_o let_v this_o argument_n be_v as_o weak_a as_o its_o fellow_n sure_o we_o be_v that_o christ_n have_v other_o way_n of_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n than_o by_o baptism_n and_o as_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n have_v not_o command_v infant_n to_o be_v baptise_a so_o we_o be_v sure_a god_n will_v do_v they_o no_o injustice_n nor_o damn_v they_o for_o what_o they_o can_v help_v viz._n if_o the_o parent_n baptise_v they_o not_o many_o thousand_o way_n there_o be_v by_o which_o god_n can_v bring_v any_o reasonable_a soul_n unto_o he_o but_o nothing_o be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o because_o he_o have_v tie_v all_o man_n of_o year_n and_o discretion_n to_o this_o way_n therefore_o we_o of_o our_o own_o head_n shall_v carry_v infant_n to_o he_o that_o way_n without_o his_o direction_n so_o to_o conceive_v be_v groundless_a and_o the_o action_n consequent_a to_o it_o be_v too_o bold_a and_o venturous_a let_v he_o do_v what_o he_o please_v with_o our_o infant_n we_o must_v not_o but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o bring_v our_o child_n unto_o christ_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o faith_n and_o prayer_n at_o least_o in_o order_n to_o their_o receive_v the_o holy_a spirit_n so_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o in_o all_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o ask_v of_o he_o according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_o and_o if_o so_o who_o can_v forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptise_a that_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o well_o as_o we_o act._n 10._o 47._o to_o this_o we_o reply_v that_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o our_o duty_n to_o be_v wrestle_a with_o god_n for_o ourselves_o our_o child_n and_o other_o also_o in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o ourselves_o and_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n certain_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n hear_v our_o prayer_n in_o this_o respect_n for_o other_o than_o ourselves_o of_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o if_o we_o sincere_o desire_v it_o for_o ourselves_o god_n will_v not_o deny_v we_o the_o same_o have_v to_o this_o purpose_n give_v we_o his_o most_o faithful_a promise_n that_o he_o will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n unto_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o luk._n 11._o 13._o but_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o assurance_n in_o respect_n of_o other_o the_o promise_n be_v only_o to_o those_o that_o ask_v it_o for_o themselves_o he_o say_v not_o that_o he_o will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o not_o or_o that_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n true_a it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v find_v sometime_o of_o they_o that_o do_v not_o seek_v he_o and_o he_o may_v according_o give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o do_v not_o desire_v he_o when_o so_o it_o please_v he_o but_o he_o have_v no_o where_o bind_v himself_o so_o to_o do_v what_o he_o may_v do_v be_v one_o thing_n and_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v be_v another_o and_o it_o be_v god_n promise_n only_o that_o we_o be_v to_o build_v upon_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v to_o ask_v god_n spirit_n as_o for_o ourselves_o so_o for_o other_o also_o that_o if_o peradventure_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o same_o benefit_n with_o ourselves_o and_o much_o more_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o become_v petitioner_n to_o heaven_n for_o our_o child_n upon_o that_o account_n but_o till_o they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v some_o convince_v evidence_n that_o our_o prayer_n be_v hear_v we_o have_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v actual_o possess_v of_o so_o rich_a a_o benefit_n there_o be_v no_o promise_n give_v we_o assurance_n to_o this_o purpose_n as_o for_o that_o promise_n isa_n 59_o 21._o which_o be_v mention_v by_o mr._n allen_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o can_v without_o palpable_a strein_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o natural_a offspring_n of_o believer_n now_o as_o he_o suppose_v it_o have_v a_o most_o plain_a and_o absolute_a reference_n to_o the_o redeemer_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n and_o can_v be_v apply_v unto_o none_o other_o than_o unto_o he_o and_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n and_o that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o second_o appearance_n according_a to_o rom._n 26._o
forgive_v and_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a now_o to_o affirm_v that_o all_o infant_n of_o believer_n either_o actual_o or_o imputative_o be_v sanctify_v regenerate_v justify_v be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o rom._n 9_o 6._o etc._n etc._n as_o also_o to_o daily_a experience_n to_o baptise_v they_o all_o therefore_o be_v most_o certain_o a_o preposterous_a and_o irregular_a practice_n the_o outward_a sign_n according_a to_o your_o own_o reckon_a of_o right_n belong_v to_o none_o but_o such_o as_o have_v the_o inward_a grace_n and_o who_o they_o be_v among_o they_o that_o have_v or_o have_v not_o this_o inward_a grace_n be_v not_o determinable_a according_a to_o ordinary_a rule_n till_o discover_v by_o a_o answerable_a profession_n when_o come_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n and_o then_o indeed_o when_o such_o a_o profession_n be_v make_v we_o be_v bind_v according_a to_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o reckon_v they_o as_o such_o as_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o inward_a grace_n whether_o so_o in_o realty_n or_o no._n and_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n only_o be_v we_o to_o proceed_v in_o our_o admission_n unto_o baptism_n obj._n 15._o but_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o unto_o such_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o child_n therefore_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o great_a than_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o lesser_a if_o capable_a of_o a_o membership_n in_o the_o kingdom_n then_o of_o the_o sign_n and_o cognisance_n thereof_o but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a ergo_fw-la the_o latter_a to_o this_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o that_o which_o you_o be_v to_o prove_v be_v that_o all_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n or_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v the_o infant_n of_o believer_n be_v actual_o partaker_n of_o the_o inward_a grace_n of_o baptism_n and_o consequent_o such_o to_o who_o appertain_v the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n now_o neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n speech_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o prove_v it_o as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v nor_o do_v this_o text_n mat._n 19_o 14._o prove_v it_o and_o as_o neither_o of_o these_o prove_v it_o so_o rom_n 9_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o positive_o disprove_v it_o for_o first_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o those_o be_v infant_n or_o no_o of_o who_o christ_n here_o speak_v there_o be_v several_a learned_a man_n as_o piscator_fw-la and_o other_o that_o do_v maintain_v that_o the_o speech_n of_o christ_n mat._n 19_o 14._o be_v not_o of_o infant_n but_o of_o child_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o instruction_n which_o they_o gather_v from_o this_o that_o christ_n call_v they_o luke_o 18._o 16._o and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v whoso_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o me._n mat._n 18._o 6._o mark_v 9_o 42._o which_o after_o a_o ordinary_a rate_n of_o speech_n can_v be_v intend_v of_o infant_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v in_o mark_n he_o take_v they_o up_o in_o his_o arms._n the_o word_n so_o translate_v be_v use_v mark_v 9_o 36._o for_o the_o embrace_v of_o those_o that_o be_v of_o some_o growth_n who_o he_o place_v in_o the_o midst_n and_o of_o who_o scandalize_a he_n there_o warn_v nor_o do_v the_o greek_a word_n use_v luke_n 18._o 15._o translate_v in_o english_a infant_n prove_v it_o for_o the_o greek_a word_n there_o translate_v infant_n as_o piscator_fw-la himself_z tell_v we_o signify_v a_o child_n capable_a of_o teach_v as_o when_o it_o be_v say_v timothy_n know_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n from_o a_o child_n that_o be_v ever_o since_o he_o be_v a_o boy_n not_o a_o infant_n it_o be_v the_o same_o greek_a word_n that_o be_v use_v in_o both_o place_n second_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o those_o be_v infant_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n only_a conjecture_n that_o they_o be_v believer_n infant_n which_o yet_o ought_v to_o be_v prove_v if_o you_o say_v any_o thing_n from_o hence_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o though_o christ_n be_v then_o in_o the_o coast_n of_o judea_n yet_o it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v that_o the_o child_n be_v bring_v by_o other_o as_o parent_n and_o that_o without_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o the_o messiah_n upon_o the_o fame_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o conceit_n that_o â—e_n be_v a_o prophet_n and_o so_o they_o may_v bring_v child_n to_o he_o to_o be_v bless_v as_o jacob_n and_o esau_n by_o isaac_n and_o joseph_n child_n by_o jacob._n three_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v they_o be_v the_o infant_n of_o believer_n of_o who_o our_o saviour_n here_o speak_v that_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v as_o piscator_fw-la also_o observe_v refer_v not_o to_o their_o present_a state_n as_o if_o for_o the_o present_a they_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v believer_n and_o justify_v but_o that_o they_o be_v elect_a person_n and_o so_o in_o time_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n now_o that_o which_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n be_v the_o present_a estate_n of_o a_o person_n four_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o little_a child_n christ_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v indeed_o young_a suck_v infant_n that_o they_o be_v also_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o unto_o they_o also_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n or_o warrant_n for_o we_o therefore_o to_o administer_v baptism_n to_o infant_n it_o be_v only_o the_o ground_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o institution_n that_o can_v just_o warrant_v the_o same_o that_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n be_v undeniable_o to_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o because_o some_o of_o our_o infant_n be_v or_o may_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n or_o because_o for_o aught_o as_o we_o know_v unto_o all_o of_o they_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o therefore_o they_o must_v all_o be_v baptise_a whether_o capable_a of_o make_v a_o answerable_a profession_n or_o no_o neither_o do_v the_o present_a scripture_n prove_v it_o which_o speak_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o baptism_n nor_o do_v any_o other_o that_o we_o can_v meet_v with_o give_v any_o warrant_n or_o countenance_n at_o all_o unto_o such_o a_o practice_n obj._n 16._o but_o the_o gospel_n take_v place_n just_a as_o the_o old_a administration_n do_v 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 so_o in_o this_o new_a administration_n usual_o if_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n turn_v christian_n the_o whole_a family_n come_v in_o and_o be_v baptise_a with_o he_o the_o whole_a household_n of_o cornelius_n the_o first_o convert_v gentile_a act_n 11._o 14._o the_o household_n of_o stephanus_n the_o household_n of_o lydia_n the_o household_n of_o the_o jailor_n reply_n whereas_o you_o say_v 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 by_o the_o old_a administration_n you_o mean_v circumcision_n but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v the_o gospel_n or_o baptism_n take_v place_n just_a in_o the_o manner_n that_o circumcision_n do_v for_o circumcision_n be_v but_o in_o one_o family_n single_v out_o from_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n of_o the_o male_n only_o whether_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o no_o child_n or_o servant_n elder_a or_o young_a by_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n or_o other_o in_o his_o stead_n but_o in_o baptism_n it_o be_v clean_o otherwise_o and_o as_o to_o the_o bring_n in_o oâ—_n whole_a family_n together_o it_o be_v but_o contingent_o so_o not_o always_o so_o nor_o constant_o so_o according_a to_o any_o promise_n or_o prophecy_n and_o when_o it_o do_v so_o happen_v we_o find_v not_o any_o infant_n baptise_a nor_o any_o intimation_n of_o baptise_v household_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o administration_n of_o circumcision_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a express_v notice_n be_v give_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o repentance_n of_o those_o admit_v unto_o baptism_n in_o the_o several_a household_n record_v to_o have_v be_v baptise_a whereas_o all_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a that_o be_v of_o abraham_n family_n both_o child_n servant_n slave_n and_o all_o whether_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o no._n and_o this_o may_v appear_v by_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o several_a example_n of_o baptise_v record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v john_n the_o baptist_n it_o be_v say_v mat._n 3._o 5._o there_o go_v out_o to_o he_o all_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n about_o jordan_n and_o be_v baptise_a of_o he_o in_o jordan_n confess_v their_o sin_n in_o which_o the_o practice_n of_o baptise_v
only_o give_v himself_o but_o all_o his_o child_n and_o even_o his_o servant_n all_z his_o to_o god_n to_o take_v his_o sign_n upon_o they_o and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v now_o answer_v p._n 28_o 29._o but_o for_o the_o further_o support_v of_o infant_n baptism_n it_o be_v object_v first_o that_o since_o infant_n stand_v visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o 2000_o year_n under_o the_o legal_a administration_n it_o be_v unlikely_a they_o shall_v be_v now_o exclude_v answer_v from_o p._n 27_o to_o 30._o obj_fw-la 2._o if_o infant_n be_v now_o exclude_v there_o will_v be_v a_o very_a great_a change_n in_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o covenant_n narrow_a under_o the_o gospel_n than_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o no_o notice_n in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o god_n give_v of_o such_o a_o change_n answer_v from_o p._n 30_o to_o 36._o obj._n 3_o the_o believe_a jew_n shall_v have_v loss_n upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o their_o child_n former_o church-member_n shall_v now_o be_v exclude_v upon_o the_o faith_n and_o repentance_n of_o their_o parent_n answer_v p._n 37._o obj._n 4._o what_o hope_n can_v we_o have_v of_o our_o infant_n if_o they_o must_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o christian_a baptism_n nor_o repute_v as_o member_n of_o the_o common_a body_n and_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a answer_v p._n 38._o obj._n 5._o if_o child_n may_v not_o now_o be_v baptise_a this_o make_v the_o privilege_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v less_o than_o be_v they_o under_o the_o law_n for_o their_o child_n be_v all_o admit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o circumcision_n and_o we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o privilege_n for_o ourselves_o and_o for_o our_o child_n be_v at_o least_o as_o honourable_a large_a and_o comfortable_a as_o they_o answer_v p._n 38_o 39_o obj._n 6._o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o believer_n and_o their_o seed_n under_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o so_o be_v baptism_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o christian_a parent_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o denial_n therefore_o of_o baptism_n to_o infant_n in_o the_o denial_n of_o a_o great_a privilege_n which_o of_o right_o belong_v unto_o they_o answer_v p._n 39_o 40._o obj._n 7._o circumcision_n be_v administer_v to_o believer_n as_o believer_n and_o to_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o as_o such_o to_o which_o baptism_n be_v to_o correspond_v answer_v p._n 40_o 41._o obj._n 8._o since_o by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n the_o jewish_a infant_n be_v circumcise_a be_v not_o now_o infant_n as_o capable_a of_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o christian_a baptism_n as_o they_o of_o circumcision_n answer_v p._n 41_o 42._o obj._n 9_o if_o the_o infant_n of_o believe_a gentile_n be_v not_o to_o be_v baptise_a how_o do_v the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n come_v on_o the_o gentile_n gal._n 3._o 14._o which_o bless_v of_o abraham_n be_v i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n unto_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n gen._n 17._o 7._o answer_v p._n 42._o 43._o obj._n 10._o then_o also_o how_o can_v believer_n be_v heir_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n gal._n 24._o if_o their_o child_n shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o promise_n for_o the_o child_n right_a to_o the_o promise_n be_v part_n of_o the_o father_n inheritance_n for_o the_o promise_n unto_o abraham_n be_v i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o answer_v p._n 44_o 45._o obj._n 11._o those_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n belong_v to_o they_o the_o seal_v thereof_o appertain_v but_o to_o believer_n and_o their_o seed_n the_o gospel_n covenant_n belong_v gen._n 17._o 7._o i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n therefore_o to_o they_o the_o seal_v thereof_o do_v appertain_v for_o the_o faederati_fw-la be_v to_o be_v signati_fw-la that_o be_v those_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n be_v to_o have_v the_o seal_n thereof_o gen._n 17._o 10._o by_o way_n of_o consequence_n therefore_o it_o natural_o follow_v that_o if_o circumcision_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n belong_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o law_n then_o do_v the_o gospel_n seal_v baptism_n much_o more_o appertain_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n now_o answer_v from_o p._n 45._o to_o 61._o obj._n 12._o though_o it_o be_v true_a when_o god_n make_v a_o promise_n to_o abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n gen._n 17_o 7._o the_o seed_n there_o mention_v be_v by_o the_o apostle_n apply_v to_o christ_n gal._n 3._o 16._o he_o say_v not_o unto_o seed_n as_o many_o but_o as_o of_o one_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n which_o be_v christ_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o christ_n personal_n but_o of_o christ_n mystical_a as_o in_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o which_o infant_n bear_v of_o believe_a parent_n be_v a_o part_n answer_v p._n 61_o 62._o obj._n 13._o in_o the_o commission_n mat._n 28._o the_o apostle_n be_v command_v to_o teach_v or_o disciple_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o but_o infant_n be_v disciple_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v baptise_a answer_v from_o p._n 62_o to_o 65._o obj._n 14._o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n even_o while_o they_o be_v infant_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o inward_a grace_n of_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v men._n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v the_o outward_a sign_n of_o baptism_n answer_v p._n 65._o obj._n 15._o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o unto_o such_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o child_n therefore_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o great_a than_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o lesser_a if_o capable_a of_o a_o membership_n in_o the_o kingdom_n then_o of_o the_o sign_n and_o cognisance_n thereof_o but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a ergo_fw-la the_o latter_a answer_v p._n 65_o 66._o obj._n 16._o the_o gospel_n take_v place_n just_a as_o the_o old_a administration_n do_v 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 so_o in_o this_o new_a administration_n usual_o if_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n turn_v christian_n the_o whole_a family_n come_v in_o and_o be_v baptise_a with_o he_o the_o whole_a household_n of_o cornelius_n the_o first_o convert_v gentile_a act._n 11._o 14._o the_o household_n of_o stephanus_n the_o household_n of_o lydia_n the_o household_n of_o the_o jailor_n answer_v from_o p._n 66._o to_o 69._o obj._n 17._o as_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n or_o example_n in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n so_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o concern_v the_o baptism_n of_o person_n at_o age_n who_o parent_n be_v christian_n when_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o who_o have_v be_v educate_v from_o their_o childhood_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o scripture_n give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o baptism_n of_o any_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n but_o such_o as_o be_v convert_v from_o judaisme_n or_o paganism_n to_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n be_v as_o lawful_a as_o the_o baptism_n of_o such_o there_o be_v no_o express_a warrant_n or_o example_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o one_o more_o than_o for_o the_o other_o and_o if_o a_o just_a consequence_n may_v be_v admit_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o one_o why_o not_o for_o the_o other_o also_o you_o be_v wont_a to_o reject_v all_o scripture_n consequence_n in_o respect_n of_o infant_n baptism_n and_o yet_o here_o you_o must_v of_o necessity_n admit_v of_o the_o same_o so_o that_o this_o argument_n therefore_o return_v upon_o yourselves_o answer_v from_o p_o 69_o to_o 71_o obj_fw-la 18._o infant_n be_v by_o god_n express_a command_n to_o be_v circumcise_a under_o the_o former_a administration_n and_o all_o god_n command_n about_o his_o institution_n then_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o analogy_n or_o proportion_n be_v equal_o bind_v unto_o we_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n then_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o christian_a sabbath_n unto_o we_o which_o the_o four_o commandment_n bind_v we_o as_o it_o do_v the_o jew_n to_o the_o former_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o infant_n baptism_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o though_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n to_o that_o purpose_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o god_n command_n unto_o the_o jew_n to_o circumcise_v their_o infant_n under_o the_o law_n carry_v with_o it_o the_o force_n at_o least_o of_o a_o virtual_a command_n unto_o we_o to_o baptise_v we_o answer_v p._n 71_o 72_o 73._o obj._n 19_o if_o the_o
§_o 2._o but_o then_o mr._n sidenham_n contradict_v himself_o and_o spoil_v all_o again_o afterward_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o whereas_o christ_n take_v up_o those_o infant_n in_o his_o arm_n and_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o in_o one_o of_o these_o 3_o sense_n either_o first_o in_o order_n to_o the_o cure_n of_o disease_n by_o a_o miraculous_a power_n second_o for_o consecration_n of_o any_o to_o any_o divine_a work_n and_o service_n or_o three_o for_o confirmation_n after_o baptism_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n say_v he_o may_v we_o apply_v christ_n act_n to_o these_o infant_n to_o confirm_v the_o promise_n solemn_o after_o baptism_n for_o say_v he_o it_o be_v most_o general_o use_v after_o baptism_n and_o presuppose_v baptism_n to_o precede_n and_o say_v he_o let_v any_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o show_v any_o where_n in_o the_o gospel_n when_o christ_n lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o any_o person_n in_o this_o latter_a sense_n unbaptise_v wherein_o he_o do_v express_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v or_o at_o least_o he_o do_v strong_o suppose_v that_o these_o infant_n have_v be_v already_o baptise_a and_o that_o this_o act_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o their_o confirmation_n after_o baptism_n now_o if_o those_o infant_n have_v be_v already_o baptise_a it_o must_v have_v be_v administer_v to_o they_o either_o by_o christ_n himself_o or_o his_o disciple_n not_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o as_o mr._n sidenham_n grant_v baptise_a noâ—e_n and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v already_o baptise_a by_o the_o disciple_n which_o must_v be_v by_o virtue_n of_o some_o special_a order_n or_o commission_n from_o christ_n then_o how_o do_v this_o agree_v with_o what_o mr._n sidenham_n have_v say_v before_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o p._n 91._o that_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o disciple_n forbid_v and_o rebuke_v those_o that_o bring_v these_o child_n unto_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o some_o such_o principle_n which_o those_o of_o a_o contrary_a judgement_n take_v up_o that_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a and_o be_v first_o to_o be_v teach_v that_o only_o grow_v man_n and_o professor_n of_o faith_n be_v fit_a for_o ordinance_n for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v already_o baptise_a upon_o christ_n special_a order_n to_o that_o purpose_n to_o they_o which_o must_v be_v suppose_v if_o they_o have_v be_v baptise_a at_o all_o there_o have_v be_v then_o no_o room_n for_o such_o scruple_n as_o these_o neither_o be_v it_o any_o way_n likely_a that_o they_o will_v have_v at_o all_o rebuke_v those_o that_o bring_v they_o but_o rather_o have_v encourage_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o have_v be_v helpful_a themselves_o to_o have_v introduce_v they_o into_o christ_n presence_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v his_o benediction_n on_o they_o after_o the_o administration_n of_o so_o solemn_a a_o ordinance_n §_o 3._o so_o that_o this_o do_v clear_o demonstrate_v to_o we_o that_o at_o least_o these_o little_a child_n be_v not_o then_o baptise_a nor_o indeed_o can_v this_o scripture_n be_v intend_v at_o all_o as_o a_o rule_n unto_o we_o to_o that_o purpose_n where_o nothing_o of_o baptism_n be_v at_o all_o mention_v or_o can_v at_o all_o rational_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v practise_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o disciple_n upon_o this_o occasion_n that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v baptise_a by_o christ_n himself_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o text_n he_o himself_o baptise_v not_o and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v baptise_a by_o the_o disciple_n be_v also_o as_o plain_a for_o otherwise_o they_o have_v not_o express_v the_o unwillingness_n they_o do_v that_o such_o shall_v be_v bring_v unto_o christ_n for_o their_o confirmation_n after_o baptism_n which_o as_o we_o see_v mr._n sidenham_n do_v so_o unground_o suppose_v have_v be_v already_o administer_v unto_o they_o let_v we_o then_o bring_v our_o infant_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o way_n that_o himself_o have_v appoint_v but_o let_v we_o not_o of_o our_o own_o head_n administer_v such_o a_o ordinance_n as_o baptism_n to_o they_o without_o his_o special_a warrant_n lest_o we_o incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o will_n worship_n and_o lest_o he_o say_v unto_o we_o at_o leaò_fw-la as_o he_o do_v unto_o the_o jew_n upon_o another_o account_n who_o have_v require_v these_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n but_o whereas_o mr._n sidenham_n tell_v we_o p._n 99_o that_o as_o for_o grow_v visible_a professor_n they_o be_v but_o probable_a member_n themselves_o and_o yet_o must_v we_o with_o scorn_n poor_a probable_a disciple_n ourselves_o deny_v a_o little_a water_n to_o infant_n §_o 4._o to_o this_o we_o answer_v we_o do_v not_o with_o scorn_n deny_v a_o little_a water_n to_o infant_n or_o with_o scorn_n reject_v they_o from_o christian_a baptism_n but_o it_o be_v the_o mere_a conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o allegiance_n to_o christ_n that_o make_v we_o refrain_v without_o his_o special_a warrant_n so_o to_o do_v as_o be_v afraid_a of_o profane_v so_o sacred_a a_o institution_n as_o baptism_n be_v by_o misapply_v it_o to_o a_o wrong_n subject_a and_o whereas_o mr._n sidenham_n call_v grow_v visible_a professor_n but_o probable_a member_n we_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o judgement_n of_o probability_n or_o charity_n that_o we_o can_v at_o all_o pretend_v unto_o in_o our_o admission_n of_o any_o such_o to_o baptism_n but_o than_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o sure_a ground_n when_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n we_o admit_v only_o grow_v visible_a professor_n thereto_o who_o beside_o that_o birth_n privilege_n which_o you_o so_o much_o insist_v upon_o which_o they_o may_v equal_o pretend_v unto_o as_o well_o as_o â—_z be_v capable_a of_o make_v also_o a_o verbal_a profession_n of_o their_o love_n to_o christ_n with_o a_o answerable_a conversation_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o we_o have_v a_o great_a ground_n of_o hope_n that_o unto_o such_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n who_o have_v this_o double_a advantage_n than_o we_o can_v have_v in_o respect_n of_o infant_n who_o have_v only_o a_o pretend_a birth_n privilege_n to_o be_v insist_v on_o and_o concern_v who_o there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o god_n that_o give_v the_o least_o warrant_n for_o their_o admission_n to_o baptism_n upon_o that_o account_n for_o however_o some_o of_o they_o may_v belong_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n and_o though_o our_o saviour_n do_v assure_v we_o that_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o administer_v baptism_n to_o they_o till_o capable_a of_o make_v a_o answerable_a profession_n as_o the_o gospel_n direct_v and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o refuse_v to_o baptise_v they_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o scorn_n as_o mr._n sidenham_n sugge_v but_o because_o we_o dare_v not_o take_v the_o holy_a and_o dreadful_a name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a as_o it_o use_v to_o be_v by_o those_o who_o presume_v to_o sprinkle_v water_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o a_o infant_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n without_o his_o special_a direction_n or_o appointment_n in_o that_o respect_n for_o as_o we_o have_v see_v that_o the_o present_a scripture_n do_v not_o prove_v it_o so_o neither_o do_v any_o other_o that_o we_o can_v meet_v with_o give_v any_o warrant_n or_o countenance_n at_o all_o unto_o such_o a_o practice_n sect_n vi_o §_o 1._o mr._n sidenham_n argue_v from_o the_o institution_n mat._n 28._o 19_o tell_v we_o p._n 128_o 129_o 130._o that_o if_o that_o place_n be_v the_o prime_a institution_n of_o baptise_v from_o which_o place_n we_o exclude_v infant_n where_o christ_n use_v such_o universal_a and_o comprehensive_a expression_n we_o shall_v desire_v say_v he_o but_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o on_o their_o ground_n and_o the_o same_o text_n will_v serve_v to_o prove_v our_o position_n more_o demonstrative_o than_o they_o and_o this_o text_n say_v he_o show_v that_o christ_n give_v commission_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n to_o preach_v and_o baptise_v but_o in_o what_o order_n to_o do_v it_o or_o what_o shall_v be_v require_v or_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o subject_a as_o absolute_o necessary_a be_v not_o at_o all_o discover_v in_o this_o scripture_n they_o must_v look_v for_o another_o text_n to_o exclude_v infant_n beside_o this_o eel_n give_v up_o their_o confidence_n either_o say_v he_o this_o place_n be_v the_o full_a and_o exact_a rule_n or_o institution_n of_o baptise_v or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v than_o it_o will_v describe_v the_o person_n and_o the_o manner_n the_o matter_n and_o the_o form_n of_o baptise_v and_o that_o in_o the_o usual_a phrase_n with_o other_o scripture_n but_o here_o be_v only_o a_o general_n commission_n to_o
angel_n there_o be_v great_a voice_n in_o heaven_n say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n which_o say_v he_o include_v infant_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n or_o kingdom_n to_o this_o we_o shall_v only_o give_v this_o brief_a reply_n that_o this_o scripture_n have_v a_o plain_a reference_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n which_o we_o have_v before_o speak_v of_o wherein_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v actual_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o for_o then_o indeed_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o his_o people_n shall_v be_v all_o righteous_a they_o and_o their_o offspring_n also_o the_o branch_n of_o his_o plant_v that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v isa_n 60._o 21._o which_o can_v be_v apply_v unto_o the_o present_a administration_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o now_o be_v wherein_o we_o can_v say_v that_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o much_o less_o that_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o believer_n be_v subject_a unto_o the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o far_o from_o the_o true_a gospel_n character_n of_o church-membership_a in_o the_o gospel_n church_n §_o 3._o as_o for_o mr_n allen_n other_o instance_n concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o rechabite_v wherein_o the_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o age_n be_v include_v it_o be_v altogether_o as_o insignificant_a in_o our_o present_a case_n as_o the_o former_a concern_v the_o kohathite_n or_o his_o other_o instance_n concern_v those_o little_a child_n who_o be_v say_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n when_o their_o parent_n do_v so_o deut_n 29._o 11_o 12_o which_o have_v be_v already_o discuss_v for_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o be-because_a the_o child_n of_o the_o rechahites_n be_v engage_v in_o a_o severe_a ceremonial_a covenant_n together_o with_o their_o parent_n that_o therefore_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v comprehend_v with_o themselves_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n this_o will_v be_v indeed_o to_o make_v christianity_n to_o be_v hereditary_a but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o grace_n do_v not_o now_o run_v in_o a_o blood_n what_o ever_o it_o shall_v do_v neither_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n now_o tie_v or_o entail_v unto_o any_o lineage_n of_o man_n whtsoever_o though_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v real_o and_o absolute_o include_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o their_o parent_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o therefore_o that_o baptism_n belong_v unto_o they_o till_o capable_a of_o make_v a_o actual_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v for_o it_o can_v just_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o administration_n of_o ordinance_n depend_v mere_o upon_o the_o law_n of_o institution_n and_o have_v vary_v in_o several_a age_n from_o adam_n to_o abraham_n there_o be_v no_o ordinance_n to_o be_v administer_v to_o infant_n in_o abraham_n time_n indeed_o circumcision_n be_v institute_v which_o belong_v peculiarly_a to_o the_o old_a testament_n administration_n and_o be_v part_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n which_o be_v now_o abolish_v and_o do_v away_o this_o be_v the_o first_o ordinance_n that_o be_v administer_v to_o infant_n and_o not_o to_o all_o infant_n but_o only_o to_o male_a infant_n live_v in_o abraham_n family_n if_o they_o do_v live_v to_o the_o eight_o day_n otherwise_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o though_o many_o of_o they_o doubtless_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o save_v for_o want_v of_o a_o institution_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o infant_n now_o many_o of_o who_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o save_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o free-promise_a yet_o not_o to_o be_v baptise_a if_o they_o do_v not_o live_v to_o the_o time_n of_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o only_a time_n appoint_v for_o baptism_n for_o none_o ever_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o positive_a law_n now_o if_o the_o natural_a branch_n the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n have_v no_o privilege_n to_o be_v circumcise_a though_o in_o covenant_n with_o their_o father_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n express_o require_v the_o same_o neither_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o our_o infant_n shall_v have_v any_o right_n to_o baptism_n without_o the_o same_o divine_a warrant_n the_o four_o part_n wherein_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v further_o disprove_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o the_o argument_n make_v use_v of_o by_o dr._n burthogge_n and_o other_o for_o the_o support_n of_o that_o practice_n wherein_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o israel_n at_o mount_n sinai_n exod._n 20._o as_o also_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n make_v with_o abraham_n gen._n 17._o 7_o 8_o 9_o whereon_o so_o much_o stress_n be_v lay_v for_o the_o support_n of_o infant_n baptism_n be_v plain_o prove_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o two_o several_a edition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o consequent_o that_o no_o just_a argument_n can_v thence_o be_v deduce_v for_o the_o justification_n of_o that_o practice_n together_o with_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a explanation_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o two_o covenant_n that_o of_o work_n and_o that_o of_o grace_n sect_n i._o we_o shall_v here_o have_v put_v a_o period_n to_o the_o present_a discourse_n but_o that_o there_o remain_v yet_o something_o further_o of_o great_a importance_n which_o require_v a_o solemn_a discussion_n and_o determination_n according_a to_o the_o light_n that_o shall_v be_v afford_v unto_o we_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o be_v whereas_o dr._n burthogge_n in_o his_o late_a print_a discourse_n upon_o the_o subject_a of_o infant_n baptism_n assert_n as_o many_o other_o have_v do_v before_o he_o that_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n gen._n 17._o 7_o 8_o 9_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o that_o original_a grant_n and_o great_a charter_n by_o which_o believe_v gentile_n always_o do_v and_o do_v claim_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o promise_v they_o have_v title_n to_o from_o whence_o he_o infer_v that_o they_o be_v to_o keep_v god_n covenant_n in_o the_o gospel_n sign_n of_o it_o that_o be_v baptism_n and_o that_o both_o by_o wear_v of_o it_o themselves_o and_o also_o by_o put_v it_o on_o all_o they_o as_o abraham_n be_v command_v to_o do_v in_o respect_n of_o circumcision_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o mistake_v which_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n have_v for_o some_o season_n labour_v under_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n in_o the_o forecited_n text_n have_v be_v the_o very_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o most_o of_o the_o argument_n which_o have_v of_o late_o at_o least_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o order_n to_o the_o justification_n of_o infant_n baptism_n we_o shall_v therefore_o the_o more_o solemn_o apply_v ourselves_o towards_o a_o substantial_a discovery_n or_o detection_n threof_o additional_a unto_o what_o have_v be_v already_o offer_v in_o that_o respect_n in_o the_o forego_n part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v substantial_o prove_v that_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n gen._n 17._o 7_o 8_o 9_o be_v not_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n nor_o a_o gospel_n but_o a_o legal_a covenant_n or_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o concern_v therein_o from_o hence_o it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o argument_n thence_o deduce_v for_o the_o support_n of_o the_o forementioned_a practice_n howsoever_o they_o may_v be_v form_v or_o frame_v do_v of_o themselves_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n §_o 2._o in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o though_o we_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n do_v indeed_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o believe_v abraham_n which_o be_v the_o great_a charter_n by_o which_o believe_v gentile_n always_o do_v and_o do_v claim_v both_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o promise_v they_o have_v title_n to_o yet_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n for_o so_o it_o be_v call_v by_o stephen_n acts._n 7._o 8._o which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n gen._n 17._o 7._o 8_o 9_o 10._o though_o there_o be_v grace_n in_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o all_o the_o covenant_n that_o god_n ever_o make_v with_o man_n as_o have_v be_v before_o note_v be_v not_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n proper_o so_o call_v nor_o a_o gospel_n covenant_n whereof_o christ_n be_v
respect_v a_o antecedent_n obedience_n in_o we_o so_o be_v all_o those_o which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o sinai_n they_o be_v indeed_o also_o of_o grace_n in_o that_o the_o reward_n do_v infinite_o exceed_v the_o merit_n of_o our_o obedience_n but_o yet_o they_o all_o suppose_v it_o and_o the_o subject_a of_o they_o be_v formal_o reward_v only_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o sundry_a of_o the_o promise_v thereof_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o be_v take_v into_o covenant_n of_o our_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n the_o first_o covenant_n absolute_a be_v establish_v on_o promise_n in_o that_o when_o man_n be_v actual_o take_v into_o it_o they_o be_v encourage_v unto_o obedience_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n but_o these_o promise_n namely_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o write_v of_o the_o law_n in_o our_o heart_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_o insi_v on_o as_o the_o peculiar_a promise_n of_o this_o new_a covenant_n do_v take_v place_n and_o be_v effectual_a antecedent_o unto_o our_o covenant_n obedience_n for_o although_o faith_n be_v require_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n antecedent_o unto_o our_o actual_a receive_v of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n yet_o be_v that_o faith_n itself_o wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o so_o its_o precedency_n to_o pardon_n respect_v only_o the_o order_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o intend_v not_o that_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n iâ—_n the_o reward_n of_o our_o faith_n §_o 4._o we_o shall_v conclude_v what_o concern_v this_o subject_a with_o another_o passage_n of_o the_o doctor_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n with_o the_o former_a in_o his_o accurate_a and_o judicious_a discourse_n entitle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n through_o the_o imputation_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n explain_v confirm_v and_o vindicated_n page_n 156._o it_o be_v common_o say_v say_v he_o that_o faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n but_o yet_o because_o of_o the_o ambiguous_a signification_n and_o various_a use_n of_o that_o term_n condition_n we_o can_v certain_o understand_v what_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o assertion_n if_o no_o more_o be_v intend_v but_o that_o these_o thing_n though_o promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o duty_n indispensible_o require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n unto_o the_o participation_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o full_a end_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o glory_n it_o be_v unquestionable_o true_a but_o if_o it_o be_v intend_v that_o they_o be_v such_o a_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o be_v by_o we_o perform_v antecedent_o unto_o the_o participation_n of_o any_o grace_n mercy_n or_o privilege_n of_o it_o so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o consideration_n and_o procure_v cause_n of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o of_o they_o as_o some_o speak_v the_o reward_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v most_o false_a and_o not_o only_o contrary_a to_o express_v testimony_n of_o scripture_n but_o destructive_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o sect_n xvi_o §_o 1._o last_o whereas_o we_o do_v affirm_v that_o though_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o circumcision_n infant_n be_v admit_v and_o reckon_v as_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n yet_o that_o old_a constitution_n be_v now_o pull_v down_o and_o all_o the_o appurtenance_n and_o privilege_n thereunto_o belong_v be_v now_o repeal_v a_o new_a church_n state_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n administration_n be_v now_o erect_v into_o which_o none_o be_v admit_v aâ—_n member_n but_o profess_v believer_n only_o by_o way_n of_o reply_n hereunto_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o infant_n relation_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o member_n be_v not_o repeal_v by_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v not_o found_v only_o on_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o if_o it_o have_v say_v you_o it_o be_v as_o such_o repeal_v but_o infant_n church-membership_n take_v place_n as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n before_o circumcision_n be_v enjoin_v or_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n institute_v why_o then_o shall_v it_o cease_v with_o it_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n we_o be_v also_o further_o tell_v that_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o typical_a administration_n but_o a_o moral_a institution_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n god_n ever_o have_v make_v a_o distinction_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o visible_o belong_v to_o the_o several_a kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o satan_n §_o 2._o to_o this_o we_o reply_v first_o that_o this_o notion_n of_o infant_n church-membership_n before_o the_o law_n of_o circumcision_n be_v but_o a_o bare_a affirmation_n without_o proof_n for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o infant_n church-membership_n do_v indeed_o take_v place_n as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n before_o circumcision_n where_o be_v that_o ordinance_n why_o be_v we_o not_o direct_v to_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o we_o may_v find_v it_o have_v god_n reveal_v it_o to_o some_o and_o to_o none_o else_o or_o in_o what_o ancient_a father_n shall_v we_o find_v it_o do_v any_o one_o ever_o say_v so_o before_o now_o therefore_o with_o what_o confidence_n soever_o we_o be_v now_o tell_v that_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o typical_a administration_n but_o a_o moral_a institution_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o we_o be_v direct_v where_o to_o find_v that_o institution_n whatever_o other_o do_v we_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v mal._n 2._o 15._o be_v indeed_o allege_a and_o wherefore_o one_o that_o he_o may_v seek_v a_o godly_a seed_n but_o that_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o no_o other_o than_o a_o legitimate_a seed_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o spurious_a offspring_n and_o thus_o the_o assembly_n do_v in_o their_o annotation_n carry_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n as_o likewise_o do_v calvin_n camer_n and_o divers_a other_o §_o 3._o second_o whereas_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o god_n ever_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o wicked_a what_o distinction_n be_v it_o that_o be_v intend_v do_v god_n single_a they_o out_o and_o separate_a they_o by_o any_o visible_a sign_n or_o character_n before_o the_o law_n of_o circumcision_n it_o be_v evident_a he_o do_v not_o or_o do_v god_n distinguish_v they_o by_o his_o providential_a care_n of_o they_o or_o provision_n for_o they_o more_o than_o other_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a as_o to_o this_o also_o or_o do_v god_n love_v they_o with_o a_o save_a love_n more_o than_o the_o child_n of_o unbeliever_n as_o visible_o belong_v to_o the_o several_a kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o satan_n so_o as_o that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n from_o adam_n to_o abraham_n belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o child_n of_o unbeliever_n belong_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n this_o be_v indeed_o suggest_v by_o you_o but_o not_o prove_v but_o then_o if_o this_o be_v always_o the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n between_o believer_n and_o unbeliever_n as_o to_o their_o respective_a seed_n and_o that_o both_o before_o and_o since_o the_o flood_n and_o that_o it_o so_o continue_v then_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n woe_n unto_o all_o the_o child_n of_o unbeliever_n most_o deplorable_a and_o desperate_a iâ—_n their_o state_n without_o any_o ground_n of_o comfort_n or_o hope_v of_o relief_n contrary_a to_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n whilst_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o grace_n be_v now_o extend_v to_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n whilst_o the_o natural_a branch_n the_o child_n of_o believe_a abraham_n be_v cut_v off_o but_o then_o we_o will_v willing_o know_v when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n take_v the_o daughter_n of_o man_n and_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n to_o what_o kingdom_n do_v the_o child_n of_o believer_n belong_v then_o do_v not_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n grow_v profane_a and_o wicked_a as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o be_v undeniable_a and_o do_v not_o the_o seed_n of_o unbeliever_n some_o of_o they_o prove_v pious_a and_o godly_a this_o also_o appear_v even_o in_o abraham_n himself_o who_o father_n be_v a_o idolater_n as_o be_v probable_o suppose_v he_o himself_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o idolatry_n §_o 4._o three_o whereas_o it_o be_v suggest_v that_o there_o be_v always_o from_o the_o beginning_n a_o lineal_a successive_a conveyance_n of_o grace_n from_o the_o parent_n to_o the_o child_n if_o so_o
abraham_n be_v their_o father_n or_o upon_o that_o account_n that_o abraham_n seed_n have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n but_o only_o as_o pretend_v abraham_n to_o be_v their_o father_n when_o they_o walk_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o abraham_n faith_n §_o 2._o for_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o there_o be_v 3_o question_n to_o be_v demand_v first_o why_o do_v mr._n sidenham_n say_v that_o john_n do_v not_o refuse_v they_o because_o abraham_n be_v their_o father_n who_o ever_o affirm_v that_o john_n refuse_v they_o because_o abraham_n be_v their_o father_n but_o as_o john_n do_v not_o refuse_v they_o on_o that_o score_n so_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o neither_o will_v he_o now_o receive_v they_o on_o that_o bottom_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o at_o the_o command_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o admission_n before_o because_o abraham_n be_v their_o father_n and_o this_o they_o still_o insist_v on_o but_o now_o say_v he_o think_v not_o to_o say_v within_o yourselves_o we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o he_o plain_o let_v they_o know_v that_o that_o plea_n will_v no_o long_o avail_v they_o on_o that_o account_n second_o why_o do_v mr._n sidenham_n say_v that_o john_n do_v not_o refuse_v they_o upon_o that_o account_n that_o abraham_n seed_n have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n we_o know_v of_o none_o that_o so_o affirm_v but_o this_o we_o say_v that_o as_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o the_o adequate_a formal_a or_o proper_a reason_n of_o the_o circumcise_n of_o they_o for_o ishmael_n and_o other_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a to_o who_o none_o of_o the_o promise_n in_o abraham_n covenant_n do_v belong_v as_o be_v plain_a from_o gen._n 17._o 21_o 23._o whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o be_v circumcise_a be_v the_o command_n not_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n the_o like_a we_o say_v in_o respect_n of_o baptism_n three_o why_o do_v mr._n sidenham_n say_v that_o john_n refuse_v they_o because_o they_o only_o pretend_v abraham_n to_o be_v their_o father_n for_o be_v they_o not_o abraham_n natural_a offspring_n now_o as_o much_o as_o ever_o and_o be_v not_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o admission_n former_o we_o do_v not_o say_v they_o be_v abraham_n offspring_n in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n so_o as_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o their_o father_n ahraham_n for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o admission_n former_o but_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o admission_n then_o be_v mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o command_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v abraham_n natural_a seed_n the_o question_n between_o we_o therefore_o be_v only_o this_o whether_o because_o abraham_n natural_a offspring_n bare_o as_o such_o be_v by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n admit_v to_o circumcision_n therefore_o without_o the_o like_a command_n so_o must_v we_o to_o baptism_n §_o 3._o it_o be_v true_a mr._n sidenham_n tell_v we_o that_o john_n reject_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n from_o baptism_n because_o they_o only_o pretend_v abraham_n to_o be_v their_o father_n when_o they_o walk_v contrary_a to_o the_o step_n of_o abraham_n be_v faith_n but_o then_o why_o be_v not_o such_o as_o these_o reject_v before_o for_o certain_a it_o be_v none_o be_v reject_v from_o circumcision_n how_o vile_a or_o profane_v soever_o there_o be_v then_o no_o faith_n nor_o repentance_n nor_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n at_o all_o require_v of_o any_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o jewish_a church_n whether_o they_o be_v child_n or_o man_n at_o age_n it_o be_v enough_o in_o that_o respect_n bare_o to_o be_v of_o abraham_n seed_n or_o family_n though_o only_o as_o servant_n bear_v in_o his_o house_n or_o stranger_n buy_v with_o money_n without_o any_o other_o consideration_n but_o now_o not_o so_o now_o say_v john_n you_o must_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n if_o you_o expect_v to_o be_v baptise_a with_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o bespeak_v they_o verse_n 10._o and_o now_o also_o say_v he_o be_v the_o axe_n lay_v unto_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n therefore_o every_o tree_n that_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n be_v hew_v down_o plain_o intimate_v that_o their_o birth_n privilege_n be_v now_o to_o be_v pull_v up_o by_o the_o root_n and_o god_n will_v no_o long_o take_v it_o as_o he_o have_v in_o time_n past_a since_o now_o nothing_o short_a of_o their_o actual_a faithfulness_n in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n a_o clear_a argument_n that_o the_o external_n administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o the_o ground_n of_o admission_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o external_n church-membership_n be_v now_o quite_o alter_v to_o what_o they_o be_v in_o abraham_n time_n §_o 4._o and_o indeed_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n be_v it_o that_o the_o natural_a posterity_n of_o abraham_n be_v to_o this_o day_n reject_v and_o exclude_v from_o any_o participation_n of_o gospel-church_n ordinanee_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a they_o have_v be_v for_o many_o generation_n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o birth-priviledge_n they_o former_o so_o much_o insist_v on_o and_o glory_v in_o be_v now_o at_o a_o end_n and_o the_o date_n thereof_o expire_v and_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o be_v those_o at_o age_n reject_v but_o their_o child_n also_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n viz._n for_o want_n of_o that_o actual_a faith_n and_o fruitfulness_n which_o the_o gospel_n now_o require_v for_o otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o both_o parent_n and_o child_n also_o have_v as_o fair_a a_o title_n to_o abraham_n their_o father_n as_o any_o of_o their_o progenitor_n ever_o have_v but_o we_o see_v this_o birth_n privilege_n of_o they_o though_o it_o stand_v they_o instead_o as_o to_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o legal_a church_n their_o unbelief_n and_o vnfruitfulness_n notwithstanding_o yet_o it_o avail_v they_o not_o under_o this_o more_o pure_a and_o refine_a administration_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o both_o parent_n and_o child_n also_o be_v now_o break_v off_o and_o have_v no_o right_n upon_o the_o former_a term_n only_o of_o stand_v any_o long_a as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n §_o 5._o and_o clear_v it_o be_v that_o even_o you_o yourselves_o will_v be_v apt_a enough_o to_o reject_v a_o infant_n beget_v of_o jewish_a parent_n from_o christian_a baptism_n until_o capable_a of_o make_v a_o actual_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n you_o ought_v as_o well_o to_o refuse_v those_o bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n till_o capable_a of_o make_v the_o same_o profession_n because_o in_o respect_n of_o parentage_n or_o natural_a descent_n the_o jewish_a infant_n have_v as_o much_o to_o plead_v as_o we_o and_o it_o may_v be_v more_o since_o they_o be_v descend_v from_o believe_v abraham_n who_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o the_o father_n of_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v which_o be_v more_o than_o any_o beside_o can_v pretend_v unto_o sect_n v._o §_o 1._o as_o for_o mr._n sidenham_n argument_n for_o infant_n baptism_n from_o mat._n 19_o 13._o 14._o we_o deny_v not_o but_o do_v believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v a_o most_o compassionate_a regard_n to_o child_n and_o little_a infant_n and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n therefore_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o he_o by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o they_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o we_o dare_v not_o bring_v they_o to_o such_o a_o gospel_n ordinance_n as_o baptism_n be_v unless_o christ_n have_v express_o appoint_v and_o call_v they_o to_o it_o or_o signify_v his_o pleasure_n that_o this_o way_n they_o shall_v have_v come_v unto_o he_o mr._n sidenham_n tell_v indeed_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o disciple_n forbid_v and_o rebuke_v those_o that_o bring_v those_o child_n unto_o christ_n can_v not_o be_v out_o of_o any_o cruelty_n to_o infant_n or_o that_o they_o have_v no_o bowel_n for_o they_o or_o affection_n to_o they_o but_o say_v he_o it_o must_v be_v from_o some_o such_o principle_n which_o those_o of_o a_o contrary_a judgement_n take_v up_o that_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a and_o be_v first_o to_o be_v teach_v that_o only_o grow_v man_n and_o professor_n of_o faith_n be_v fit_a for_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o rebuke_v or_o chod_n they_o and_o forbid_v they_o to_o do_v so_o any_o more_o as_o if_o they_o have_v say_v what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o child_n as_o to_o outward_a ordinance_n they_o be_v not_o capable_a they_o can_v profess_v their_o faith_n and_o we_o must_v have_v person_n able_a to_o hold_v forth_o christ_n gospel_n which_o must_v be_v the_o visible_a subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n