gen._n 12.3_o and_o elsewhere_o but_o yet_o this_o promise_n which_o the_o apostle_n deduce_v from_o these_o word_n must_v likewise_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o covenant_n and_o so_o those_o word_n must_v be_v also_o a_o part_n of_o it_o though_o speak_v at_o another_o time_n because_o circumcision_n that_o be_v the_o token_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v a_o seal_n to_o abraham_n of_o this_o promise_n rom._n 4.11_o and_o he_o receive_v the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v be_v yet_o uncircumcised_a which_o must_v be_v found_v on_o the_o promise_n so_o that_o that_o promise_v likewise_o belong_v to_o this_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o be_v seal_v by_o it_o and_o this_o covenant_n as_o deliver_v to_o abraham_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o also_o be_v confirm_v in_o christ_n gal._n 3.17_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o gospel_n or_o new_a covenant_n yea_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n for_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v contain_v also_o in_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n for_o so_o we_o find_v it_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o church_n former_o mic._n 7.19_o 20._o he_o will_v subdue_v our_o iniquity_n and_o thou_o will_v cast_v their_o sin_n into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n thou_o will_v perform_v the_o truth_n unto_o jacob_n and_o the_o mercy_n to_o abraham_n which_o thou_o have_v swear_v to_o our_o father_n from_o the_o day_n of_o old_a which_o must_v needs_o have_v respect_n to_o god_n oath_n and_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o so_o also_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n christ_n to_o bless_v they_o and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o their_o iniquity_n be_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n act_v 3.25_o 26._o for_o the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n in_o this_o covenant_n at_o first_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o first_o call_v that_o be_v give_v he_o gen._n 12.1_o be_v to_o separate_v he_o and_o his_o family_n and_o seed_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o be_v fall_v into_o the_o vile_a idolatry_n and_o to_o preserve_v religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n in_o his_o family_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o who_o the_o covenant_n be_v found_v have_v this_o design_n in_o it_o luke_o 1.72_o 73_o 74_o 75._o the_o oath_n that_o he_o swear_v to_o our_o father_n abraham_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n may_v serve_v he_o without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n so_o that_o the_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v a_o church-covenant_n and_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o the_o term_n and_o design_n that_o belong_v to_o such_o a_o covenant_n and_o be_v make_v with_o all_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n in_o which_o his_o infant-seed_n be_v also_o comprehend_v and_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o privilege_n that_o appertain_v to_o it_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o his_o family_n in_o the_o external_a dispensation_n of_o it_o and_o none_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o that_o do_v not_o exclude_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o actual_a unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o term_n of_o it_o and_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o it_o to_o all_o with_o who_o it_o be_v make_v as_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o abraham_n as_o part_n or_o member_n thereof_o for_o sacrament_n or_o sign_n be_v not_o appoint_v to_o the_o church_n invisible_a for_o who_o shall_v judge_n then_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v but_o to_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a thus_o have_v clear_v up_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o abrahamical_a covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n even_o in_o their_o infant-state_n i_o shall_v now_o go_v forward_o and_o shall_v observe_v how_o god_n have_v show_v the_o same_o gracious_a respect_n to_o infant_n in_o the_o progress_n of_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o the_o jewish_a people_n and_o thus_o we_o find_v afterward_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o jewish_a people_n in_o jacob_n line_n among_o who_o child_n also_o be_v contain_v be_v collective_o style_v by_o god_n himself_o his_o son_n exod._n 4.22_o 23._o say_v unto_o pharaoh_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n israel_n be_v my_o son_n even_o my_o first-born_a and_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o let_v my_o son_n go_v that_o he_o may_v serve_v i_o thus_o god_n speak_v of_o they_o before_o they_o be_v form_v into_o a_o political_a commonwealth_n only_o because_o he_o have_v choose_v and_o call_v they_o out_o of_o the_o nation_n to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o himself_o and_o in_o this_o appellation_n their_o little_a one_o be_v comprehend_v as_o appear_v because_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o go_v also_o for_o pharaoh_n will_v have_v let_v the_o man_n of_o israel_n go_v but_o not_o their_o little_a one_o exod._n 10.10_o but_o we_o will_v go_v say_v moses_n with_o our_o young_a and_o with_o our_o old_a ver_fw-la 9_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o israel_n include_v little_a one_o also_o be_v god_n son_n for_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o call_v all_o the_o seed_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v his_o covenant-people_n and_o therefore_o thus_o also_o moses_n afterward_o enter_v and_o engage_v all_o into_o covenant_n with_o god_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o take_v in_o the_o little_a one_o likewise_o deut._n 29.10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o you_o stand_v this_o day_n all_o of_o you_o before_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n your_o captain_n of_o your_o tribe_n your_o elder_n and_o your_o officer_n with_o all_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n your_o little_a one_o your_o wife_n and_o the_o strange_a that_o be_v in_o thy_o camp_n from_o the_o hewer_n of_o thy_o wood_n to_o the_o drawer_n of_o thy_o water_n that_o thou_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o into_o his_o oath_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n make_v with_o thou_o this_o day_n that_o he_o may_v establish_v thou_o to_o day_n for_o a_o people_n unto_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v unto_o thou_o a_o god_n as_o he_o have_v say_v unto_o thou_o and_o as_o he_o have_v swear_v unto_o thy_o father_n to_o abraham_n to_o isaac_n and_o to_o jacob._n so_o that_o this_o be_v but_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o abrahamical_a covenant_n with_o the_o people_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o latter_a clause_n of_o it_o run_v in_o the_o same_o term_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o oath_n make_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n â—_o deut._n 3â—_n â—_o and_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n the_o grace_n signify_v by_o circumcision_n be_v there_o promise_v to_o parent_n and_o child_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v the_o term_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v promise_v to_o both_o it_o import_v that_o the_o covenant_n which_o circumcision_n seal_v belong_v to_o both_o for_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v circumcise_v thy_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o thy_o seed_n and_o after_o this_o again_o even_o when_o the_o people_n be_v fall_v off_o also_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o other_o god_n yet_o retain_v still_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n though_o they_o join_v other_o with_o he_o god_n challenge_v and_o own_v their_o child_n for_o he_o ezek._n 16.20_o 21._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 thou_o have_v slay_v my_o child_n and_o deliver_v they_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o fire_n now_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n viz._n by_o virtue_n of_o god_n choose_v and_o call_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n that_o they_o be_v style_v his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o child_n and_o not_o upon_o a_o mere_a political_a account_n or_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o other_o carnal_a and_o temporal_a respect_n for_o in_o this_o manner_n we_o find_v moses_n speak_v to_o they_o deut_n 14.1_o 2._o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v or_o comport_v with_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o heathen_a for_o thou_o be_v a_o holy_a people_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o himself_o above_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o chap._n 7.6_o for_o thou_o be_v a_o
holy_a people_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v choose_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o special_a people_n unto_o himself_o above_o all_o the_o people_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o appellation_n that_o be_v likewise_o give_v to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o new-testament-time_n by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 2.9_o you_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n that_o you_o shall_v show_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o he_o who_o have_v call_v you_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n which_o in_o time_n past_o be_v not_o a_o people_n but_o be_v now_o the_o people_n of_o god_n so_o that_o these_o title_n be_v give_v to_o the_o jew_n import_v their_o like_a covenent-relation_n to_o god_n in_o a_o church-sense_n as_o they_o here_o belong_v to_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n now_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v by_o god_n into_o this_o holy_a covenant-relation_n to_o himself_o be_v style_v by_o the_o prophet_n israel_n his_o call_v isa_n 48.12_o and_o as_o thus_o he_o choose_v and_o call_v they_o so_o he_o choose_v their_o seed_n after_o they_o deut._n 4.37_o the_o great_a design_n of_o this_o election_n and_o call_v of_o god_n be_v to_o preserve_v pure_a religion_n among_o they_o which_o be_v extinguish_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o he_o take_v and_o adopt_v their_o seed_n likewise_o to_o be_v as_o a_o nursery_n to_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v 78.5_o psal_n 78.5_o he_o establish_v a_o testimony_n in_o jacob_n and_o appoint_v a_o law_n in_o israel_n which_o he_o command_v our_o father_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v know_v unto_o their_o child_n that_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v may_v know_v they_o even_o the_o child_n which_o shall_v be_v bear_v who_o shall_v arise_v and_o declare_v they_o to_o their_o child_n according_a to_o deut._n 4.9_o and_o chap._n 6.7_o the_o great_a care_n and_o design_n of_o god_n be_v to_o raise_v up_o a_o holy_a people_n to_o himself_o among_o the_o nation_n to_o preserve_v the_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v of_o great_a import_n to_o this_o to_o have_v child_n and_o little_a one_o well_o educate_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o own_v and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n he_o therefore_o order_v they_o a_o visible_a admission_n or_o partnership_n and_o membership_n in_o his_o church_n that_o they_o may_v be_v also_o own_v and_o receive_v as_o his_o people_n and_o child_n that_o their_o parent_n and_o guardian_n may_v be_v oblige_v to_o take_v the_o more_o care_n of_o their_o education_n for_o the_o promote_a the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o covenant_n thus_o the_o adoption_n and_o the_o promise_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 9.4_o rom._n 9.4_o pertain_v to_o all_o israel_n among_o who_o the_o young_a child_n also_o be_v include_v they_o be_v all_o god_n choose_a and_o call_v and_o so_o continue_v till_o they_o be_v reject_v and_o cut_v off_o through_o their_o own_o actual_a apostasy_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o then_o they_o be_v discovenant_v both_o they_o and_o the_o child_n of_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o apostasy_n but_o for_o other_o that_o continue_v still_o in_o a_o profess_a adhesion_n to_o god_n and_o persist_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n this_o their_o church-state_n and_o covenant-relation_n to_o god_n as_o his_o peculiar_a people_n be_v continue_v still_o both_o to_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n and_o be_v never_o take_v off_o from_o either_o unto_o this_o day_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n i_o be_o now_o to_o come_v to_o show_v 2._o i_o say_v that_o this_o adoption_n of_o the_o infant_n or_o young_a child_n of_o his_o covenant-people_n into_o this_o near_a relation_n to_o himself_o as_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o their_o partnership_n or_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n be_v never_o abolish_v or_o take_v away_o by_o god_n but_o be_v still_o continue_a and_o rather_o confirm_v for_o how_o indeed_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v or_o suppose_v that_o now_o in_o the_o gospel-administration_n which_o be_v a_o administration_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o great_a extensiveness_n and_o enlargement_n of_o god_n gracious_a respect_n to_o the_o world_n in_o respect_n of_o spiritual_a privilege_n and_o mercy_n than_o there_o be_v before_o that_o his_o goodness_n and_o gracious_a respect_n shall_v be_v more_o restrain_v in_o reference_n to_o infant_n and_o young_a child_n than_o it_o be_v former_o for_o the_o infant_n of_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n former_o be_v take_v into_o the_o number_n of_o god_n covenant-people_n and_o child_n and_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o for_o the_o confirmation_n thereof_o and_o if_o this_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n shall_v be_v now_o take_v away_o their_o condition_n after_o christ_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o before_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v loser_n by_o the_o world_n be_v become_v christian_n this_o one_o will_v think_v none_o shall_v ever_o imagine_v neither_o when_o we_o speak_v thus_o do_v we_o complain_v against_o god_n but_o against_o they_o who_o will_v exclude_v who_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o exclude_v for_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o ever_o god_n have_v repent_v of_o any_o grace_n or_o favour_n that_o he_o have_v show_v to_o the_o little_a one_o of_o his_o covenant-people_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v of_o his_o church_n but_o in_o those_o prophecy_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o future_a discovery_n and_o declaration_n of_o his_o favour_n we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o grace_n and_o kindness_n foretell_v and_o intend_v to_o be_v show_v to_o the_o child_n as_o to_o the_o parent_n so_o that_o in_o this_o manner_n the_o church_n shall_v be_v propagate_v from_o parent_n to_o child_n and_o so_o the_o true_a religion_n preserve_v in_o this_o way_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n for_o it_o thus_o in_o that_o prophecy_n which_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o call_v of_o the_o jew_n in_o gospel-time_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o apostle_n quote_v some_o part_n of_o it_o to_o that_o purpose_n rom._n 11.26_o viz._n isa_n 59.20_o as_o for_o i_o this_o be_v my_o covenant_n say_v the_o lord_n my_o spirit_n that_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n seed_n say_v the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o and_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o gospel_n time_n isa_n 44.3_o i_o will_v pour_v water_n upon_o he_o that_o be_v thirsty_a and_o flood_n upon_o the_o dry_a ground_n i_o will_v pour_v my_o spirit_n upon_o thy_o seed_n and_o my_o blessing_n upon_o thy_o offspring_n and_o they_o shall_v spring_v up_o as_o among_o the_o grass_n as_o willow_n by_o the_o watercourse_n and_o ezek._n 47.22_o the_o tenor_n and_o intendment_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o little_a one_o be_v always_o the_o same_o as_o it_o ever_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o their_o be_v of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o indication_n of_o any_o design_n of_o the_o dissolution_n or_o alteration_n thereof_o for_o first_o for_o clear_v of_o this_o matter_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o when_o god_n first_o show_v this_o respect_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o infant-seed_n to_o take_v they_o near_o to_o himself_o as_o his_o peculiar_a people_n god_n election_n and_o call_v of_o they_o to_o this_o peculiar_a covenant-relation_n to_o himself_o as_o his_o child_n and_o people_n and_o so_o his_o give_v they_o a_o partnership_n or_o membership_n in_o the_o abrahamical_a church_n be_v not_o with_o respect_n mere_o to_o their_o proceed_v by_o natural_a generation_n from_o abraham_n but_o from_o abraham_n as_o a_o believer_n and_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n there_o be_v a_o fair_a prospect_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o abraham_n will_v take_v care_n to_o train_v they_o up_o and_o educate_v they_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n whereas_o the_o child_n of_o heathen_n where_o there_o be_v no_o such_o prospect_n have_v no_o such_o regard_n show_v they_o by_o god_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v much_o upon_o god_n heart_n as_o we_o may_v express_v it_o in_o his_o treat_v with_o abraham_n and_o give_v of_o he_o those_o great_a promise_n gen._n 18.19_o for_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v
thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n and_o then_o follow_v the_o institution_n of_o circumcision_n ver_fw-la 10_o 11._o and_o you_o shall_v circumcise_v the_o flesh_n of_o your_o foreskin_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o you_o and_o he_o that_o be_v eight_o day_n old_a shall_v be_v circumcise_v among_o you_o because_o god_n have_v choose_v they_o and_o take_v they_o into_o covenant_n and_o into_o a_o near_a relation_n to_o himself_o as_o his_o peculiar_a people_n so_o that_o they_o be_v thereby_o separate_v and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n therefore_o he_o appoint_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v circumcision_n as_o a_o badge_n and_o mark_n of_o this_o call_n and_o distinction_n and_o for_o a_o seal_n and_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o and_o when_o god_n have_v continue_v the_o same_o respect_n and_o privilege_n to_o some_o child_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v appoint_v the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o purpose_n which_o all_o those_o that_o be_v his_o people_n and_o call_v one_o shall_v partake_v of_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a to_o infer_v that_o child_n who_o be_v call_v to_o the_o same_o privilege_n and_o have_v the_o same_o respect_n from_o god_n shall_v partake_v of_o baptism_n as_o the_o common_a visible_a badge_n of_o his_o choose_a and_o peculiar_a people_n and_o as_o a_o mark_n and_o seal_v of_o god_n covenant_n now_o as_o they_o do_v former_o partake_v of_o circumcision_n which_o be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o the_o time_n be_v if_o baptism_n be_v of_o the_o same_o use_v and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n now_o as_o circumcision_n be_v then_o be_v it_o not_o a_o reasonable_a conclusion_n that_o infant_n shall_v now_o partake_v of_o baptism_n to_o the_o same_o end_n to_o which_o former_o they_o do_v partake_v of_o circumcision_n there_o be_v the_o same_o ground_n for_o this_o as_o there_o be_v for_o that_o viz._n god_n election_n of_o they_o into_o the_o number_n of_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o his_o covenant_n with_o they_o for_o the_o covenant_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n both_o then_o and_o now_o and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o party_n in_o the_o covenant_n now_o as_o there_o be_v then_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v likewise_o and_o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n now_o which_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o then_o and_o the_o church_n be_v radical_o and_o fundamental_o the_o same_o both_o then_o and_o now_o and_o circumcision_n then_o and_o baptism_n now_o the_o sacrament_n of_o initiation_n into_o it_o and_o what_o though_o the_o token_n be_v change_v as_o long_o as_o the_o covenant_n church_n church-member_n and_o party_n in_o it_o be_v the_o same_o and_o little_a child_n be_v of_o the_o number_n it_o be_v reasonable_a sure_a that_o they_o shall_v partake_v of_o that_o mark_n and_o token_n now_o which_o be_v for_o initiation_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o covennant_v as_o they_o do_v of_o that_o which_o be_v then_o so_o for_o the_o time_n be_v and_o so_o that_o now_o child_n shall_v be_v baptize_v as_o than_o they_o be_v circumcise_v there_o be_v the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o either_o of_o the_o sign_n viz._n their_o be_v alike_o church-member_n and_o party_n in_o the_o same_o covenant_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n on_o god_n part_n of_o spiritual_a benefit_n to_o abraham_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o all_o believer_n then_o rom._n 4.11_o and_o he_o receive_v the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v be_v yet_o uncircumcised_a that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v though_o they_o be_v not_o circumcise_v that_o righteousness_n may_v be_v impute_v to_o they_o also_o just_o as_o baptism_n be_v now_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o take_n off_o the_o gild_n of_o death_n which_o cleave_v to_o it_o and_o so_o of_o justification_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o other_o term_n with_o that_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n then_o impute_v to_o abraham_n and_o so_o circumcision_n be_v a_o sign_n on_o the_o part_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n of_o their_o covenant_a and_o obligation_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o labour_v after_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o baptism_n be_v now_o a_o mark_n or_o seal_v of_o obligation_n to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n hence_o moses_n exhort_v the_o people_n deut._n 10.16_o circumcise_v the_o foreskin_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v no_o more_o stiffnecked_a as_o be_v that_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o outward_a circumcision_n and_o so_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n in_o like_a manner_n chap._n 4.4_o circumcise_v yourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o take_v away_o the_o foreskin_n of_o your_o heart_n this_o be_v that_o it_o seem_v which_o the_o circumcision_n in_o the_o flesh_n oblige_v they_o to_o and_o for_o this_o god_n assistance_n be_v promise_v they_o in_o the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n deut._n 30.6_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v circumcise_v thy_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o thy_o seed_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o circumcision_n than_o be_v for_o circumcise_n they_o to_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v for_o the_o dedication_n of_o they_o to_o his_o service_n as_o their_o god_n just_o as_o baptism_n be_v now_o for_o the_o like_a solemn_a dedication_n and_o consecration_n of_o they_o to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o all_o the_o filthiness_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o sign_n of_o obligation_n and_o engagement_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o same_o yea_o the_o apostle_n show_v that_o as_o the_o chief_a thing_n in_o baptism_n now_o be_v not_o the_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v signify_v thereby_o so_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n intend_v in_o circumcision_n without_o which_o that_o in_o the_o outward_a ceremony_n be_v of_o no_o value_n rom._n 2.28_o for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n that_o god_n will_v accept_v as_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_v abraham_n which_o be_v one_o outward_o only_a in_o the_o ceremony_n neither_o be_v that_o the_o acceptable_a circumcision_n which_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n accept_v by_o god_n as_o his_o peculiar_a which_o be_v one_o inward_o and_o circumcision_n be_v that_o of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o letter_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n in_o a_o word_n the_o apostle_n intimate_v to_o we_o elsewhere_o that_o baptism_n be_v now_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n of_o the_o same_o use_v and_o significancy_n with_o circumcision_n then_o so_o that_o what_o circumcision_n be_v then_o baptism_n be_v now_o and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o circumcision_n now_o to_o these_o end_n because_o baptism_n do_v full_o serve_v to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o therefore_o be_v enough_o without_o circumcision_n this_o be_v the_o apostle_n argument_n col._n 2.10_o 11_o 12._o you_o be_v complete_a in_o he_o that_o be_v christ_n in_o who_o also_o you_o be_v circumcise_v with_o the_o circumcision_n make_v without_o hand_n in_o put_v off_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n by_o the_o circumcision_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v the_o outward_a seal_n thereof_o too_o in_o baptism_n be_v bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n so_o that_o you_o have_v no_o need_n now_o of_o the_o literal_a circumcision_n have_v both_o the_o inward_a grace_n of_o it_o by_o christ_n and_o the_o outward_a seal_n of_o it_o likewise_o in_o baptism_n as_o you_o have_v before_o in_o the_o literal_a circumcision_n and_o therefore_o hereupon_o the_o believe_a jew_n may_v well_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o abolishment_n of_o circumcision_n when_o baptism_n serve_v to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o the_o jewish_a believer_n that_o have_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o thing_n acquiesce_v in_o have_v the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n to_o the_o same_o use_v as_o circumcision_n be_v and_o so_o that_o they_o make_v no_o debate_n nor_o quarrel_n about_o the_o want_n of_o a_o outward_a sign_n to_o their_o seed_n because_o they_o take_v baptism_n to_o be_v of_o that_o use_v that_o circumcision_n be_v before_o which_o their_o child_n likewise_o may_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n partake_v of_o whereas_o when_o circumcision_n be_v abolish_v which_o they_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o because_o it_o be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n
of_o person_n baptize_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o the_o way_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n be_v by_o dip_v and_o the_o probability_n be_v rather_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o it_o be_v not_o by_o dip_v but_o rather_o some_o other_o way_n as_o when_o we_o read_v of_o such_o vast_a multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n which_o the_o evangelist_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o matth._n 3.5_o 6._o then_o go_v out_o to_o he_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o jordan_n and_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o this_o great_a conflux_n of_o people_n to_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v chief_o at_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o ministry_n though_o that_o continue_v but_o a_o little_a time_n neither_o at_o most_o and_o we_o have_v no_o account_n that_o john_n have_v any_o assistance_n in_o baptise_v any_o for_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o his_o disciple_n baptize_v though_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n do_v so_o that_o the_o whole_a work_n must_v lie_v upon_o he_o in_o baptise_v so_o many_o thousand_o people_n as_o it_o be_v likely_a there_o be_v that_o come_v to_o he_o day_n by_o day_n and_o what_o a_o tedious_a and_o dangerous_a drudgery_n must_v this_o be_v for_o he_o if_o he_o must_v stand_v so_o many_o hour_n or_o whole_a day_n together_o in_o deep_a water_n and_o must_v take_v all_o this_o company_n one_o by_o one_o to_o bury_v they_o under_o water_n and_o take_v they_o up_o again_o after_o the_o mode_n how_o unlikely_a or_o improbable_a therefore_o be_v this_o and_o so_o when_o we_o read_v of_o three-thousand_a person_n that_o be_v baptize_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n the_o same_o day_n act_v 2.41_o for_o it_o seem_v that_o they_o be_v baptize_v the_o same_o day_n that_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o work_n it_o can_v well_o be_v suppose_v that_o they_o can_v go_v about_o before_o noon_n at_o soon_a for_o st._n peter_n begin_v his_o sermon_n but_o about_o nine_o of_o the_o clock_n in_o the_o morning_n or_o the_o three_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n ver_fw-la 15._o and_o after_o that_o there_o must_v needs_o some_o time_n pass_v in_o discourse_n etc._n etc._n before_o they_o can_v be_v ready_a for_o the_o work_n of_o baptism_n and_o how_o unlikely_a be_v this_o that_o all_o this_o can_v be_v do_v and_o so_o many_o person_n dip_v after_o the_o mode_n by_o so_o few_o as_o there_o be_v to_o do_v it_o in_o a_o afternoon_n and_o that_o in_o the_o city_n jerusalem_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o water_n of_o depth_n there_o be_v only_o the_o little_a brook_n cedron_n run_v by_o and_o as_o for_o cistern_n or_o other_o receptacle_n of_o water_n where_o shall_v they_o find_v they_o to_o dip_v such_o a_o multitude_n in_o and_o that_o upon_o a_o sudden_a the_o most_o of_o that_o nature_n we_o may_v suppose_v be_v about_o the_o temple_n for_o the_o wash_n and_o bathe_v of_o the_o priest_n but_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a there_o can_v be_v so_o many_o as_o to_o serve_v for_o such_o a_o multitude_n nor_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v leave_n to_o use_v those_o that_o be_v and_o the_o water-pot_n that_o be_v in_o private_a house_n be_v common_o less_o as_o serve_v chief_o for_o the_o wash_n of_o their_o foot_n when_o they_o come_v in_o from_o travel_n and_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o their_o go_v out_o of_o the_o city_n to_o perform_v this_o work_n and_o if_o they_o have_v that_o will_v have_v take_v up_o more_o time_n than_o what_o can_v have_v be_v spare_v in_o a_o afternoon_n and_o yet_o as_o geographer_n report_v there_o be_v not_o any_o water_n near_o the_o city_n of_o that_o quantity_n that_o can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o performance_n neither_o and_o beside_o be_v all_o this_o do_v and_o be_v they_o baptize_v naked_a or_o in_o their_o clothes_n if_o naked_a where_o be_v the_o modesty_n that_o become_v such_o a_o ordinance_n in_o the_o dip_v of_o such_o a_o vast_a mix_v multitude_n as_o it_o be_v likely_a of_o man_n and_o woman_n together_o at_o noonday_n if_o in_o some_o clothes_n must_v they_o all_o go_v home_o first_o and_o fetch_v clothes_n to_o change_v or_o must_v they_o walk_v to_o their_o several_a habitation_n it_o may_v be_v a_o considerable_a space_n in_o their_o wet_a clothes_n which_o way_n soever_o man_n imagination_n may_v work_v to_o form_v a_o supposition_n how_o strange_o improbable_a be_v all_o so_o when_o we_o read_v of_o baptise_v a_o whole_a household_n in_o the_o deep_a of_o the_o night_n in_o a_o private_a house_n in_o a_o city_n without_o the_o least_o intimation_n or_o likelihood_n of_o their_o go_v forth_o to_o a_o river_n or_o any_o water_n out_o of_o the_o house_n for_o it_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o jailor_n act_v 16.33_o for_o he_o take_v they_o the_o same_o hour_n of_o the_o night_n and_o wash_v their_o stripe_n that_o be_v of_o paul_n and_o silas_n and_o be_v baptize_v he_o and_o all_o his_o straightway_o viz._n in_o the_o very_a prison_n and_o then_o bring_v they_o into_o his_o own_o house_n which_o be_v probable_o join_v to_o the_o prison_n and_o set_v meat_n before_o they_o this_o be_v not_o very_o likely_a in_o these_o circumstance_n to_o be_v do_v by_o dip_v neither_o and_o what_o a_o unlikely_a thing_n be_v it_o that_o st._n paul_n when_o he_o be_v in_o that_o weak_a condition_n through_o fast_v and_o that_o great_a consternation_n of_o spirit_n that_o he_o be_v in_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o vision_n shall_v be_v baptize_v by_o dip_v in_o cold_a water_n in_o his_o private_a lodging_n as_o the_o series_n of_o the_o story_n seem_v to_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o he_o then_o be_v act_v 9.9_o he_o for_o three_o day_n be_v without_o sight_n and_o neither_o do_v eat_v nor_o drink_v but_o ver_fw-la 18._o when_o ananias_n come_v and_o speak_v to_o he_o he_o receive_v sight_n forthwith_o and_o arise_v be_v it_o be_v likely_a before_o upon_o the_o bed_n through_o weakness_n and_o trouble_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o when_o he_o have_v receive_v meat_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v not_o till_o after_o his_o baptism_n he_o be_v strengthen_v consider_v these_o thing_n therefore_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o bare_a relation_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o seem_v high_o improbable_a that_o in_o these_o instance_n baptism_n be_v administer_v by_o dip_v but_o it_o seem_v more_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v do_v some_o other_o way_n by_o aspersion_n or_o application_n of_o water_n not_o by_o dip_v so_o that_o if_o in_o the_o former_a instance_n there_o be_v a_o probability_n that_o baptism_n be_v by_o immersion_n or_o plunge_v in_o the_o water_n though_o in_o some_o of_o they_o we_o have_v see_v it_o hardly_o amount_v to_o that_o neither_o yet_o in_o these_o now_o mention_v there_o be_v a_o probability_n at_o least_o on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o that_o here_o be_v probability_n against_o probability_n and_o i_o will_v appeal_v to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o prejudice_v whether_o those_o account_n of_o baptism_n that_o we_o have_v in_o the_o former_a relation_n can_v ever_o be_v rational_o suppose_v to_o contain_v a_o demonstrative_a evidence_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o dip_v as_o be_v essential_a to_o baptism_n when_o there_o be_v such_o probability_n in_o other_o of_o a_o quite_o different_a administration_n 3._o but_o i_o shall_v add_v this_o further_a that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v demonstrative_o prove_v by_o scripture-example_n that_o the_o way_n of_o administration_n of_o baptism_n in_o those_o time_n be_v by_o immersion_n or_o dip_v under_o water_n yet_o can_v it_o lay_v no_o necessary_a obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o the_o like_a unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o this_o determinate_a manner_n be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n institution_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o prove_v by_o these_o example_n alone_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v perform_v otherwise_o for_o our_o saviour_n may_v give_v out_o the_o command_n of_o baptise_v with_o water_n in_o general_n without_o determine_v the_o manner_n of_o administration_n but_o leave_v the_o particular_a form_n or_o mode_n indifferent_a and_o to_o be_v use_v ad_fw-la libitum_fw-la this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n and_o they_o may_v take_v up_o this_o mode_n of_o immersion_n if_o they_o do_v do_v so_o as_o most_o suitable_a to_o their_o apprehension_n or_o inclination_n or_o custom_n but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v therefore_o that_o we_o must_v needs_o observe_v the_o same_o manner_n if_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v another_o way_n and_o to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o use_v therefore_o unless_o they_o can_v prove_v this_o particularity_n by_o the_o institution_n or_o such_o text_n as_o be_v clear_o