jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n then_o how_o be_v the_o axe_n lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o how_o be_v the_o chaff_n sanned-away_a out_o of_o the_o floor_n it_o be_v evident_a his_o ministry_n be_v to_o separate_v or_o sever_v the_o wheat_n from_o the_o chaff_n the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a the_o carnal_a seed_n from_o the_o spiritual_a and_o not_o to_o continue_v they_o together_o for_o his_o ministry_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o though_o christ_n have_v the_o precedency_n or_o the_o far_o great_a glory_n yet_o the_o design_n of_o john_n ministry_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o ministry_n of_o jesus_n christ._n obj._n but_o say_v mr._n exell_n it_o can_v be_v intend_v of_o no_o other_o confession_n than_o what_o will_v consist_v with_o john_n exclude_v or_o cast_v of_o none_o cut_v or_o purge_v of_o none_o out_o of_o 〈◊〉_d floor_n or_o cut_v of_o no_o tree_n down_o for_o that_o he_o do_v not_o that_o but_o threaten_v they_o with_o christ_n do_v of_o it_o mat._n 3.9_o 10.12_o speak_v of_o that_o confession_n the_o people_n make_v to_o john_n answ._n this_o man_n will_v have_v we_o believe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o work_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o of_o john_n be_v not_o consistent_a or_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o nature_n but_o direct_o or_o repugnant_a contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o viz._n john_n receive_v all_o baptize_v all_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o let_v every_o tree_n stand_v and_o grow_v as_o it_o will_v on_o its_o own_o natural_a and_o evil_a root_n he_o gather_v all_o into_o the_o garner_n even_o both_o the_o wheat_n and_o the_o chaff_n too_o but_o christ_n quite_o overthrow_v and_o destroy_v when_o he_o come_v all_o this_o that_o john_n do_v i._n e._n christ_n lay_v the_o axe_n at_o the_o root_n and_o cut_v sinner_n down_o all_o must_v be_v true_a penitent_n all_o must_v believe_v or_o christ_n will_v receive_v they_o not_o baptize_v they_o not_o and_o he_o so_o purge_v his_o floor_n that_o no_o chaff_n must_v be_v receive_v into_o his_o garner_n i._n e._n into_o his_o gospel_n church_n for_o this_o the_o man_n word_n imply_v let_v the_o paedo-baptist_n view_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o champion_n do_v not_o john_n tell_v the_o people_n when_o they_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n now_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o tree_n his_o doctrine_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n and_o tend_v to_o purge_v out_o the_o chaff_n as_o palpable_o as_o do_v the_o ministry_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n though_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v christ_n work_n to_o make_v all_o john_n preach_v or_o any_o other_o minister_n effectual_a john_n preach_v say_v repent_v etc._n etc._n christ_n preach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n say_v repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n john_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o one_o cry_v in_o the_o wilderness_n prepare_v you_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o path_n straight_o mark_v 1.3_o the_o jew_n have_v make_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n broad_a and_o easy_a but_o john_n strive_v to_o undeceive_v they_o and_o to_o show_v the_o way_n be_v narrow_a and_o the_o gate_n straight_o like_a as_o christ_n himself_o speak_v because_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o mat._n 7.14_o but_o this_o man_n intimate_v that_o john_n preach_v not_o this_o doctrine_n but_o one_o quite_o different_a he_o make_v the_o way_n so_o broad_a that_o all_o jerusalem_n judea_n and_o all_o the_o multitude_n round_o about_o may_v come_v and_o walk_v in_o it_o which_o if_o so_o instead_o of_o prepair_v of_o christ_n way_n he_o obstruct_v and_o hinder_v christ_n in_o his_o way_n and_o make_v he_o more_o work_n to_o do_v even_o to_o undo_v all_o that_o john_n have_v be_v a_o do_v but_o pray_v be_v please_v to_o take_v his_o answer_n to_o one_o of_o our_o argument_n bring_v against_o what_o he_o affirm_v that_o john_n baptize_v infant_n viz._n all_o those_o that_o john_n baptize_v confess_v their_o sin_n but_o infant_n can_v not_o confess_v their_o sin_n ergo_fw-la john_n do_v not_o baptise_v infant_n obj._n say_v he_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v any_o other_o confession_n here_o intend_v than_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o promise_n and_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o if_o it_o must_v give_v no_o right_n to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n that_o be_v a_o confession_n must_v give_v no_o right_n for_o then_o say_v he_o the_o promise_n and_o covenant_n must_v be_v put_v a_o end_n to_o and_o they_o must_v have_v no_o right_n by_o they_o p_o 37._o answ._n 1._o do_v not_o john_n positive_o deny_v that_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n as_o such_o do_v give_v they_o a_o right_n to_o his_o baptism_n for_o this_o we_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o proper_a purport_n of_o that_o expression_n of_o 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 and_o mr._n cotton_n assert_v the_o same_o as_o i_o have_v show_v 2._o we_o have_v also_o prove_v that_o the_o legal_a covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n as_o such_o be_v put_v a_o end_n to_o by_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n obj._n 2._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v as_o intend_v of_o any_o other_o confession_n than_o what_o will_v consist_v with_o the_o capacity_n of_o they_o that_o be_v represent_v to_o john_n to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o ministry_n which_o be_v parent_n and_o child_n mat._n 4.6_o luk._n 1.17_o if_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v any_o other_o confession_n than_o what_o will_v consist_v with_o these_o how_o shall_v john_n turn_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n unless_o they_o may_v be_v as_o well_o turn_v without_o a_o confession_n and_o without_o baptism_n as_o with_o it_o p._n 37._o answ._n 1._o if_o the_o confession_n consist_v with_o the_o capacity_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v his_o ministry_n than_o infant_n be_v exclude_v because_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a to_o make_v any_o confession_n at_o all_o but_o it_o be_v so_o ergo_fw-la 2._o what_o though_o it_o be_v say_v john_n be_v to_o turn_v the_o people_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o child_n to_o the_o father_n be_v he_o able_a to_o change_v the_o heart_n of_o infant_n or_o be_v infant_n heart_n turn_v from_o their_o father_n that_o they_o need_v whilst_o jufant_n to_o have_v their_o heart_n turn_v to_o they_o be_v not_o my_o son_n and_o daughter_n my_o child_n when_o they_o be_v 20_o 30_o or_o 40_o year_n old_a as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v my_o child_n when_o but_o two_o day_n old_a obj._n 3_o it_o can_v be_v take_v to_o be_v any_o other_o confession_n than_o what_o will_v consist_v with_o all_o the_o people_n be_v then_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n p._n 38._o answ._n then_o it_o appear_v by_o this_o man_n all_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n both_o parent_n and_o child_n be_v by_o john_n baptist_n to_o be_v take_v into_o the_o gospel_n church_n by_o baptism_n for_o else_o say_v he_o all_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v be_v overturn_v and_o so_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o be_v even_o the_o whole_a jewish_a church_n and_o church-membership_n obj._n 4._o no_o such_o confession_n can_v be_v intend_v as_o will_v exalt_v natural_a strength_n or_o number_n of_o year_n or_o acquire_v ability_n as_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 1.27_o p._n 41._o answ._n if_o it_o be_v a_o confession_n of_o sin_n it_o must_v be_v make_v by_o such_o who_o be_v at_o such_o a_o age_n as_o be_v able_a to_o confess_v sin_n and_o without_o natural_a ability_n what_o person_n be_v able_a to_o make_v such_o a_o confession_n can_v a_o infant_n confess_v sin_n 2._o though_o all_o boast_n be_v exclude_v by_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n of_o our_o own_o natural_a or_o acquire_v part_n and_o ability_n yet_o we_o may_v glory_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o rich_a grace_n bestow_v upon_o we_o will_v this_o man_n say_v gracious_a ability_n to_o confess_v sin_n be_v exclude_v then_o all_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v exclude_v obj._n 5._o no_o other_o confession_n can_v be_v intend_v than_o what_o will_v consiâ—â—_n with_o all_o the_o region_n jerusalem_n all_o judea_n all_o the_o people_n and_o all_o the_o multitude_n answ._n that_o be_v i_o suppose_v all_o the_o people_n one_o or_o another_o who_o can_v speak_v or_o say_v they_o be_v sinner_n may_v be_v baptize_v and_o upon_o that_o confession_n their_o child_n also_o who_o can_v make_v no_o confession_n at_o all_o if_o so_o all_o the_o world_n by_o this_o argument_n may_v
give_v he_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n this_o they_o can_v deny_v nay_o and_o not_o only_o to_o himself_o but_o to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o his_o true_a spiritual_a seed_n and_o that_o also_o before_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o say_a covenant_n of_o circumcision_n with_o he_o and_o his_o natural_a seed_n see_v gen._n 12.3_o gen._n 15.1_o i_o be_o thy_o shield_n and_o thy_o exceed_a great_a reward_n see_v ver_fw-la 5._o and_o then_o it_o be_v say_v he_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v account_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n ver_fw-la 6._o therefore_o 2_o dly_a it_o be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v note_v that_o this_o special_a interest_n in_o god_n he_o obtain_v through_o faith_n in_o the_o free_a promise_n which_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n god_n make_v with_o he_o and_o the_o apostle_n plain_o show_v in_o rom._n 4.9_o 10._o that_o this_o blessedness_n he_o in_o the_o negative_a receive_v not_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n but_o in_o uncircumcision_n how_o be_v it_o then_o reckon_v when_o he_o be_v in_o circumcision_n or_o in_o uncircumcision_n not_o in_o circumcision_n but_o in_o uncircumcision_n ver_fw-la 10._o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o the_o darkness_n of_o those_o man_n who_o affirm_v that_o abraham_n receive_v special_a interest_n in_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n positive_o deny_v it_o or_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a his_o main_a business_n be_v there_o to_o take_v they_o off_o of_o circumcision_n and_o so_o to_o distinguish_v between_o circumcison_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o faith_n but_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o apostle_n design_n these_o man_n go_v about_o to_o magnify_v circumcision_n by_o ascribe_v it_o to_o that_o 3._o and_o let_v it_o also_o be_v note_v that_o the_o same_o apostle_n exclude_v abraham_n natural_a seed_n as_o such_o with_o who_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n be_v make_v from_o this_o special_a blessing_n of_o special_a interest_n in_o god_n in_o rom._n 9.5_o not_o as_o though_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v take_v none_o effect_n for_o they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n which_o be_v of_o israel_n neither_o because_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v they_o all_o child_n that_o be_v by_o way_n of_o special_a interest_n in_o god_n so_o as_o to_o have_v god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o abraham_n but_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v ver_fw-la 7._o that_o be_v they_o which_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o flâ—sh_n these_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v count_v for_o the_o seed_n ver_fw-la 8._o none_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o flesh_n who_o he_o deny_v to_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o god_n as_o such_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n do_v belong_v unto_o and_o be_v make_v with_o as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v make_v with_o the_o true_a spiritual_a seed_n therefore_o i_o may_v from_o hence_o with_o the_o great_a boldness_n imaginable_a affirm_v that_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n god_n do_v not_o make_v over_o himself_o to_o be_v abraham_n god_n so_o as_o to_o give_v he_o or_o to_o his_o seed_n special_a interest_n in_o himself_o obj._n but_o it_o be_v positive_o say_v that_o god_n do_v promise_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o in_o their_o generation_n when_o he_o promise_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n gen._n 17.8_o 9_o 10._o answ._n i_o do_v not_o deny_v it_o but_o not_o by_o way_n of_o special_a interest_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o differ_v in_o so_o he_o be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o his_o seed_n as_o such_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n before_o urge_v therefore_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o consider_v in_o what_o respect_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o do_v not_o say_v neither_o that_o ever_o god_n make_v himself_o over_o to_o man_n to_o be_v their_o god_n by_o way_n of_o special_a interest_n upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o sinai_n covenant_n that_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o answer_n nor_o can_v i_o believe_v notwithstanding_o what_o mr._n flavel_n have_v affirm_v that_o my_o reverend_a brother_n mr._n philip_n cary_n will_v assert_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o inheritance_n be_v not_o by_o the_o law_n 1._o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o a_o people_n in_o a_o covenant_n way_n two_o manner_n of_o way_n 1_o sy_n by_o the_o free_a promise_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o a_o spiritual_a gospel_n sense_n which_o give_v special_a and_o soulsaving_a interest_n in_o he_o as_o all_o abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n i._n e._n true_a believer_n have_v or_o 2_o d._n god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o a_o people_n by_o enter_v into_o a_o external_a legal_a covenant_n with_o they_o and_o thus_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o natural_a or_o fleshly_a seed_n i._n e._n he_o take_v they_o into_o a_o visible_a external_a covenant_n church-state_n and_o separate_v they_o from_o all_o other_o people_n and_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n in_o that_o covenant_n unto_o himself_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n he_o be_v say_v federal_o or_o by_o covenant_n to_o be_v marry_v to_o the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n as_o so_o consider_v and_o to_o be_v a_o husband_n to_o they_o see_v jer._n 21.31_o god_n there_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o israel_n and_o judah_n that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n i_o make_v with_o their_o father_n in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o take_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n which_o covenant_n they_o break_v although_o i_o be_v a_o husband_n to_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 32_o in_o this_o covenant_n god_n give_v they_o their_o church_n state_n and_o many_o external_a or_o earthly_a blessing_n law_n and_o ordinance_n and_o they_o former_o strike_v hand_n as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v with_o god_n and_o promise_a obedience_n exod._n 24.3_o 7_o 8._o and_o he_o take_v the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o read_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o the_o people_n and_o they_o say_v all_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v will_v we_o do_v and_o be_v obedient_a and_o thus_o god_n become_v as_o a_o husband_n to_o they_o i._n e._n he_o feed_v they_o and_o take_v special_a care_n of_o they_o and_o to_o lead_v they_o with_o great_a bowel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o bestow_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n upon_o they_o with_o other_o temporal_a blessing_n according_a as_o it_o be_v promise_v to_o they_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n like_a as_o a_o husband_n care_n for_o and_o provide_v for_o the_o wife_n so_o do_v god_n care_n and_o provide_v for_o they_o and_o preserve_v they_o so_o long_o as_o that_o law_n i_o mean_v the_o law_n of_o their_o husband_n do_v continue_v but_o that_o law_n be_v now_o dead_a rom._n 7.4_o and_o god_n now_o be_v no_o long_o such_o a_o husband_n to_o they_o nor_o have_v he_o marry_v in_o that_o sense_n any_o other_o external_a nation_n or_o people_n of_o the_o world_n but_o now_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n be_v a_o husband_n indeed_o to_o they_o he_o be_v but_o a_o typical_a husband_n and_o their_o god_n in_o a_o external_a faedoral_a relation_n and_o thus_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o abraham_n natural_a offspring_n for_o in_o he_o he_o first_o espouse_v they_o as_o a_o national_a church_n and_o people_n and_o give_v they_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n as_o the_o sign_n or_o token_n thereof_o with_o many_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a rite_n and_o this_o be_v further_a confirm_v by_o a_o reverend_n and_o learned_a writer_n howbeit_o from_o the_o strict_a connexion_n of_o this_o seven_o verse_n with_o the_o 6_o and_o the_o assurance_n here_o give_v that_o god_n will_v establish_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n seed_n to_o be_v their_o god_n it_o be_v evident_a say_v he_o that_o the_o number_n of_o abraham_n carnal_a seed_n and_o the_o grandeur_n of_o their_o civil_a state_n be_v not_o all_o that_o be_v promise_v nor_o yet_o the_o principal_a blessing_n bestow_v on_o they_o therein_o but_o rather_o the_o form_v they_o into_o a_o church_n state_n with_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o public_a worship_n among_o they_o wherein_o they_o shall_v walk_v in_o covenant_n relation_n to_o god_n as_o his_o peculiar_a people_n understand_v it_o still_o say_v he_o
of_o the_o old_a covenant_n wherein_o they_o have_v their_o peculiar_a right_n and_o privilege_n no_o less_o can_v be_v intend_v in_o this_o i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n unto_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n and_o it_o be_v also_o make_v more_o evident_a by_o the_o follow_a account_n that_o be_v give_v of_o this_o transaction_n with_o respect_n to_o isaac_n and_o ishmael_n gen._n 17.18_o 21._o when_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v unto_o abraham_n a_o son_n by_o sarah_n who_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v isaac_n he_o thus_o pray_v o_o that_o ishmael_n may_v live_v before_o thou_o which_o the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_v thus_o i._n e._n may_v live_v and_o worship_v before_o thou_o no_o doubt_n his_o prayer_n be_v that_o ishmael_n may_v also_o be_v a_o heir_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o covenant_n but_o that_o be_v not_o grant_v to_o he_o for_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v his_o covenant_n seed_n call_v by_o isaac_n only_o with_o he_o god_n will_v establish_v his_o covenant_n have_v appoint_v and_o choose_v he_o alone_o to_o be_v the_o heir_n thereof_o who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o son_n of_o the_o free_a woman_n and_o yet_o for_o ishmael_n in_o special_a favour_n with_o abraham_n who_o seed_n he_o be_v thus_o much_o he_o obtain_v i._n e._n that_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v fruitful_a and_o multiply_v exceed_o twelve_o prince_n or_o head_n of_o great_a family_n shall_v spring_v of_o he_o which_o import_v some_o analogy_n to_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n after_o the_o flesh_n and_o god_n will_v make_v he_o a_o great_a nation_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n natural_a offspring_n by_o isaac_n from_o which_o ishmael_n be_v now_o exclude_v it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a as_o well_o as_o the_o flourish_a of_o the_o civil_a state_n of_o israel_n do_v arise_v unto_o they_o out_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n we_o conclude_v therefore_o say_v he_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o carnal_a seed_n of_o abraham_n can_v not_o as_o such_o claim_v a_o right_n in_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n because_o of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n yet_o their_o privilege_n and_o advantage_n in_o their_o church-state_n though_o immediate_o consist_v in_o thing_n outward_a and_o typical_a be_v of_o far_o great_a value_n and_o use_v than_o any_o mere_a worldly_n or_o earthly_a blessing_n as_o to_o give_v they_o choice_a mean_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o set_v they_o near_o to_o he_o than_o any_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o thus_o far_o this_o learned_a author_n dr._n bates_n also_o in_o his_o sermon_n preach_v at_o mr._n baxter_n funeral_n show_v that_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o a_o people_n several_a manner_n of_o way_n 1._o upon_o the_o account_n of_o creation_n thus_o he_o be_v our_o god_n and_o father_n o_o lord_n thou_o be_v our_o father_n we_o be_v the_o clay_n and_o thou_o be_v our_o potter_n and_o we_o all_o be_v the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n isa._n 64.8_o 2._o upon_o the_o account_n of_o external_a call_v and_o profession_n there_o be_v a_o intercurrent_a relation_n of_o the_o father_n and_o son_n between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n thus_o the_o posterity_n of_o seth_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n gen._n 6._o and_o the_o entire_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o style_v when_o israel_n be_v young_a i_o call_v my_o son_n from_o egypt_n hos._n 11._o and_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o holy_a covenant_n and_o profess_v christianity_n in_o this_o general_a sense_n may_v be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n thus_o he_o clear_o confirm_v what_o i_o have_v say_v but_o observe_v in_o this_o sense_n god_n be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o a_o people_n by_o way_n of_o special_a interest_n but_o it_o be_v not_o say_v he_o the_o outward_a dedication_n entitle_v man_n to_o save_a interest_n in_o god_n unless_o they_o live_v according_a to_o that_o dedication_n there_o be_v baptize_v infidel_n as_o well_o as_o unbaptise_v etc._n etc._n then_o say_v i_o some_o infant_n baptize_v be_v in_o his_o opinion_n but_o in_o a_o external_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o so_o have_v no_o special_a interest_n moreover_o sure_a none_o can_v deny_v but_o by_o gross_a idolatry_n the_o israelite_n break_v this_o covenant_n and_o yet_o when_o they_o in_o ezekiel_n time_n become_v guilty_a of_o vile_a abomination_n the_o lord_n still_o claim_v a_o interest_n in_o their_o child_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o covenant_n moreover_o thou_o have_v take_v thy_o son_n and_o thy_o daughter_n who_o thou_o have_v bear_v unto_o i_o and_o these_o have_v thou_o sacrifice_v unto_o they_o to_o be_v devour_v be_v this_o of_o thy_o whoredom_n a_o small_a matter_n that_o thou_o have_v slay_v my_o child_n ezek._n 16.20_o 12._o the_o child_n they_o beget_v in_o a_o natural_a way_n when_o by_o curse_a idolatry_n they_o have_v apostatise_v from_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o covenant_n god_n call_v his_o child_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v if_o their_o covenant_n interest_n have_v be_v as_o our_o brethren_n affirm_v i._n e._n suspend_v on_o the_o good_a bear_n or_o faith_n of_o immediate_a parent_n but_o as_o the_o apostasy_n of_o parent_n can_v not_o hinder_v their_o child_n from_o that_o external_a covenant_n interest_n they_o have_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o they_o so_o the_o faith_n and_o holiness_n of_o parent_n can_v not_o interest_n their_o child_n in_o the_o special_a blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n last_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o when_o god_n give_v the_o sinai_n covenant_n exod._n 20.1_o 2._o where_o he_o plead_v interest_n in_o they_o as_o his_o people_n he_o mention_n express_o upon_o what_o account_n he_o so_o own_v they_o read_v the_o text_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n which_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n thou_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o god_n before_o i_o i_o be_o jehovah_n and_o thy_o god_n have_v choose_v you_o to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o myself_o above_o all_o people_n as_o it_o be_v say_v elsewhere_o not_o that_o as_o they_o be_v thus_o his_o people_n and_o a_o choose_a nation_n they_o have_v special_a interest_n in_o god_n by_o eternal_a election_n and_o peculiar_a adoption_n no_o but_o a_o few_o of_o they_o as_o it_o appear_v be_v in_o that_o sense_n his_o people_n but_o their_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o legal_a and_o external_a covenant_n he_o make_v with_o their_o father_n and_o now_o again_o with_o they_o and_o so_o bestow_v temporal_a blessing_n upon_o they_o therefore_o it_o be_v add_v that_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n not_o land_n of_o spiritual_a darkness_n nor_o house_n of_o spiritual_a bondage_n but_o literal_a bondage_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n say_v reverend_a mr._n cotton_n the_o lord_n offer_v himself_o upon_o a_o condition_n of_o work_n he_o bid_v they_o obey_v his_o voice_n and_o provoke_v he_o not_o for_o i_o will_v not_o pardon_v your_o transgression_n but_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o will_v do_v this_o but_o not_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n all_o be_v give_v upon_o condition_n of_o obedience_n the_o lord_n give_v himself_o etc._n etc._n though_o it_o be_v but_o to_o work_v yet_o he_o be_v please_v to_o receive_v they_o into_o some_o kind_n of_o relative_a union_n express_v jer._n 32.32_o which_o my_o covenant_n they_o break_v as_o though_o i_o be_v a_o husband_n unto_o they_o he_o be_v marry_v to_o they_o in_o church-covenant_n he_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n cast_v they_o off_o from_o this_o marriage-covenant_n from_o this_o union_n thus_o mr._n cotton_n on_o the_o covenant_n p._n 39.40_o so_o much_o shall_v serve_v to_o the_o answer_v this_o grand_a objection_n obj._n 6._o six_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n if_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n say_v mr._n flavell_n it_o do_v not_o appertain_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o work_n be_v opposite_a but_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.11_o ergo_fw-la pag._n 220._o 1_o answ._n we_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o text_n they_o bring_v do_v not_o call_v circumcision_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v such_o or_o in_o common_a to_o all_o that_o be_v circumcise_a pray_v let_v we_o read_v the_o word_n and_o he_o receive_v the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n a_o seal_n of_o
be_v baptize_v for_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v many_o thousand_o family_n that_o live_v either_o in_o jerusalem_n judea_n or_o in_o the_o region_n round_o about_o that_o be_v not_o jew_n broad_a be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n if_o this_o man_n doctrine_n be_v true_a or_o into_o the_o church_n at_o least_o the_o man_n mistake_n lie_v here_o i._n e._n because_o great_a multitude_n go_v out_o either_o to_o see_v or_o hear_v john_n baptist_n he_o therefore_o conclude_v john_n baptize_v they_o all_o because_o it_o be_v say_v he_o baptize_v they_o not_o observe_v the_o severe_a doctrine_n he_o preach_v and_o what_o a_o holy_a sight_n and_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o godly_a repentance_n he_o enjoin_v on_o all_o those_o he_o admit_v to_o baptism_n for_o they_o he_o baptize_v confess_v their_o sin_n i._n e._n their_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o be_v turn_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o be_v his_o work_n and_o the_o grand_a purport_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o comparative_o baptize_v by_o john_n because_o christ_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o disciple_n baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o he_o joh._n 4.1_o and_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n flock_n be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n and_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n the_o whole_a number_n of_o his_o disciple_n be_v about_o one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o act._n 1.15_o though_o may_v be_v some_o few_o more_o there_o may_v be_v in_o some_o orhe_a place_n mr._n baxter_n though_o a_o great_a asserter_n of_o paedo-baptism_n contradict_v this_o man_n john_n baptist_n say_v he_o receive_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o penitent_n before_o he_o do_v baptize_v they_o baxt._n confirmat_fw-la restor_fw-la p._n 68_o it_o be_v such_o a_o confession_n that_o john_n require_v of_o those_o that_o he_o baptize_v that_o give_v he_o ground_n to_o believe_v they_o have_v right_o to_o remission_n of_o sin_n for_o he_o baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n read_v the_o late_a annotator_n on_o luk._n 3.3_o the_o sum_n of_o john_n doctrine_n say_v they_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n his_o press_a faith_n in_o christ_n be_v most_o clear_o declare_v by_o the_o evangelist_n john_n matthew_n mark_n and_o luke_n insist_v more_o upon_o his_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n baptism_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o it_o john_n do_v not_o preach_v that_o baptism_n be_v repentance_n or_o that_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v infallible_o annex_v to_o it_o but_o that_o the_o way_n to_o obtain_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v by_o repentance_n and_o baptism_n be_v a_o external_n sign_n and_o symbol_n of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n such_o a_o confession_n that_o philip_n require_v of_o the_o eunoch_n act._n 8.37_o see_v here_o be_v water_n what_o do_v hinder_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v philip_n answer_v if_o thou_o believe_v withal_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v this_o man_n will_v render_v john_n baptist_n less_o faithful_a than_o any_o ordinary_a pious_a minister_n i_o believe_v say_v gullespy_n no_o conscientious_a minister_n will_v adventure_v to_o baptize_v any_o who_o have_v manifest_v infallible_a sign_n of_o unregeneration_n gil_n aaron_n rod._n blossom_n obj._n but_o say_v mr._n exell_n to_o conclude_v that_o this_o confession_n mention_v mat._n 3.5_o be_v a_o confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n or_o tongue_n without_o consider_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o word_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o discovery_n in_o the_o text_n be_v somewhat_o too_o quick_a and_o too_o bold_a for_o what_o be_v express_v be_v express_o assert_v of_o all_o the_o region_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o jerusalem_n and_o those_o call_v multitude_n and_o these_o general_a expression_n contain_v and_o comprehend_v man_n woman_n and_o child_n etc._n etc._n answ._n i_o must_v needs_o say_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n you_o dare_v so_o bold_o affirm_v all_o both_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n be_v baptize_v by_o john_n whereas_o it_o be_v positive_o say_v that_o they_o he_o baptize_v confess_v their_o sin_n you_o conclude_v against_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o assert_v plain_a scripture_n proof_n that_o john_n baptist_n do_v certain_o baptize_v infant_n and_o yet_o give_v neither_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n to_o demonstrate_v what_o you_o say_v be_v true_a you_o can_v draw_v consequence_n to_o build_v a_o ordinance_n upon_o that_o which_o natural_o rise_v not_o from_o the_o text_n you_o refer_v to_o nay_o which_o be_v more_o when_o the_o text_n be_v express_o against_o such_o a_o conclusion_n it_o be_v say_v they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v you_o may_v say_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v infant_n as_o well_o as_o to_o affirm_v some_o of_o these_o john_n baptize_v be_v such_o for_o infant_n be_v as_o capable_a to_o receive_v the_o word_n as_o to_o confess_v their_o sin_n nay_o when_o it_o be_v say_v act_v 20._o the_o disciple_n come_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n you_o may_v affirm_v that_o infant_n come_v then_o with_o other_o together_o to_o break_v bread_n or_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n for_o you_o know_v how_o to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v disciple_n no_o doubt_n on_o it_o if_o you_o have_v not_o be_v too_o quick_a in_o assert_v what_o you_o with_o boldness_n have_v assert_v i_o be_o great_o mistake_v you_o make_v baptism_n a_o very_a insignificant_a sign_n what_o good_a can_v baptism_n do_v that_o parson_n that_o have_v no_o grace_n if_o you_o can_v prove_v what_o your_o brother_n rothwell_n affirm_v do_v viz._n that_o baptism_n do_v regenerate_v infant_n or_o be_v a_o convert_v ordinance_n certaint_o but_o very_o few_o of_o that_o great_a multitude_n you_o suppose_v john_n baptize_v receive_v any_o spiritual_a benefit_n by_o their_o baptism_n and_o i_o challenge_v all_o the_o world_n to_o prove_v if_o they_o can_v that_o ever_o one_o infant_n receive_v any_o kind_n of_o internal_n spiritual_n or_o eternal_a advantage_n by_o be_v baptize_v as_o you_o call_v it_o or_o external_n either_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o add_v a_o induction_n of_o twenty_o particular_n to_o show_v what_o a_o confession_n it_o be_v not_o that_o those_o john_n baptist_n baptize_v make_v but_o they_o need_v no_o further_o reply_v be_v all_o remote_a to_o the_o purpose_n bring_v for_o then_o he_o proceed_v into_o ten_o more_o to_o show_v it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o verbal_a confession_n of_o actual_a faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o most_o of_o they_o follow_v here_o obj._n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o command_n require_v such_o a_o confession_n neither_o declare_v by_o john_n nor_o reveal_v by_o any_o other_o messenger_n of_o god_n this_o contain_v his_o two_o first_o answ._n do_v not_o john_n require_v it_o when_o he_o say_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n &c_n &c_n a_o confession_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n and_o do_v not_o philip_n require_v it_o of_o the_o eunuch_n be_v not_o faith_n require_v and_o as_o a_o man_n believe_v with_o his_o heart_n so_o a_o confession_n be_v require_v with_o the_o mouth_n to_o make_v know_v that_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n obj._n if_o such_o a_o confession_n be_v command_v it_o must_v be_v gain_v by_o their_o own_o personal_a obediâ—cence_n and_o so_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n 2._o if_o command_v than_o it_o be_v not_o voluntary_a 3._o if_o command_v than_o it_o must_v not_o be_v to_o show_v the_o grâ—ce_n they_o have_v but_o their_o obedience_n these_o be_v three_o more_o of_o they_o pag._n 44._o 1._o answ._n i_o answer_v if_o what_o god_n command_v we_o to_o do_v those_o virtue_n so_o command_v be_v gain_v or_o merit_v by_o our_o own_o personal_a obedience_n then_o all_o our_o evangelical_n duty_n must_v be_v meritorious_a and_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n indeed_o for_o that_o the_o gospel_n do_v command_v many_o duty_n be_v evident_a can_v god_n give_v grace_n and_o then_o command_v we_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o cause_v those_o grace_n to_o appear_v in_o exercise_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n 2._o or_o can_v that_o which_o god_n command_v we_o to_o do_v be_v do_v free_o and_o voluntary_a by_o we_o or_o do_v free_a grace_n destroy_v the_o noble_a faculty_n of_o the_o will_n because_o it_o over-power_n its_o vicious_a habit_n and_o strong_o incline_v it_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a do_v not_o saint_n free_o and_o voluntary_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n will_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o well-pleasing_a to_o he_o or_o be_v a_o confession_n of_o sin_n not_o good_a or_o a_o evangelical_n duty_n 3._o do_v we_o