a_o numerous_a seed_n be_v also_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o salvation_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o consequent_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o we_o be_v please_v sir_n to_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v on_o the_o same_o general_a condition_n 2._o that_o it_o contain_v the_o same_o general_a promise_n 3._o that_o both_o be_v found_v on_o the_o same_o consideration_n and_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o same_o mediator_n jesus_n christ._n 1._o that_o this_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n be_v found_v on_o the_o very_a same_o condition_n on_o which_o that_o be_v establish_v which_o we_o christian_n make_v with_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v only_o a_o firm_a faith_n and_o sincere_a obedience_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o the_o agreement_n in_o this_o respect_n be_v very_o exact_a god_n have_v require_v faith_n and_o obedience_n by_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o abraham_n as_o strict_o and_o as_o indispensable_o as_o he_o have_v do_v by_o christ_n as_o to_o faith_n the_o case_n be_v so_o very_a plain_n and_o so_o universal_o acknowledge_v on_o all_o side_n that_o i_o shall_v need_v to_o say_v but_o little_a upon_o it_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n be_v so_o eminent_o renown_v and_o so_o illustrious_a a_o pattern_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n that_o to_o the_o everlasting_a memory_n of_o it_o he_o be_v distinguish_v by_o that_o signal_n character_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v call_v his_o child_n as_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o step_v of_o that_o faith_n rom._n 4._o 12._o and_o that_o this_o faith_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o abraham_n be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o say_v gen._n 15._o 6._o that_o 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 but_o also_o from_o the_o new_a in_o which_o st._n paul_n convince_v the_o jewish_a convert_v that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o the_o condition_n of_o justification_n and_o salvation_n because_o abraham_n himself_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n rom._n 4._o 2_o to_o 11._o and_o that_o his_o posterity_n be_v bind_v to_o this_o general_a faith_n be_v plain_a in_o st._n paul_n vindication_n of_o his_o orthodoxy_n on_o the_o very_a account_n of_o his_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n act_n 24._o 14._o and_o as_o faith_n be_v one_o part_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n so_o obedience_n be_v another_o and_o this_o appear_v plain_o by_o that_o injunction_n which_o god_n give_v he_o at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n that_o he_o be_v establish_v his_o covenant_n with_o he_o gen._n 17._o 12._o the_o lord_n appear_v unto_o abraham_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o i_o be_o the_o almighty_a god_n walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a which_o word_n the_o jew_n themselves_o look_v upon_o to_o be_v so_o much_o a_o command_n of_o universal_a obedience_n as_o from_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o in_o circumcision_n they_o all_o covenant_v to_o have_v no_o other_o god_n but_o he_o see_v bishop_n patrick_n 2._o as_o abraham_n covenant_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o in_o its_o condition_n so_o it_o be_v in_o its_o promise_n too_o the_o two_o great_a blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v justification_n here_o and_o eternal_a life_n hereafter_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o his_o faith_n and_o that_o consequent_o justification_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o he_o be_v so_o plain_o and_o express_o assert_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o and_o that_o eternal_a life_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v promise_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n by_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v to_o we_o appear_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n have_v always_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o we_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v so_o esteem_v by_o st._n paul_n himself_o heb._n 3._o 1._o and_o from_o the_o account_n which_o the_o new_a testament_n give_v of_o the_o spiritual_a mean_v and_o design_n of_o the_o old_a when_o god_n declare_v to_o abraham_n that_o he_o will_v be_v his_o god_n gen._n 17._o 7._o and_o to_o isaac_n gen._n 26._o 3._o and_o to_o jacob_n gen._n 28._o 13_o that_o he_o intend_v hereby_o to_o reward_v their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n with_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n who_o from_o these_o promise_n prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o such_o a_o future_a state_n to_o the_o jew_n among_o who_o it_o be_v controvert_v mat._n 22._o 31_o 32._o and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o abraham_n and_o the_o patriarch_n expect_v such_o a_o recompense_n to_o be_v couch_v under_o those_o temporal_a promise_n heb._n 11._o 13._o where_o he_o say_v these_o all_o die_v in_o faith_n not_o have_v actual_o receive_v the_o promise_n that_o be_v the_o blessing_n promise_v while_o they_o be_v on_o earth_n but_o have_v see_v they_o afar_o of_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o earth_n and_o desire_v or_o look_v for_o a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o heavenly_a and_o what_o can_v be_v a_o better_a proof_n that_o this_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o to_o find_v the_o chief_a blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n here_o promise_v by_o god_n and_o believe_v and_o expect_v by_o the_o patriarch_n on_o the_o very_a condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o 3._o last_o both_o these_o be_v found_v on_o the_o same_o consideration_n and_o equal_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o same_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n and_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o we_o all_o know_v that_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n say_v in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v be_v true_o and_o ready_o fulfil_v only_o in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v teach_v we_o this_o so_o christ_n tell_v we_o that_o abraham_n himself_o understand_v it_o so_o for_o discourse_v with_o the_o jew_n about_o he_o he_o say_v john_n 8._o 56._o your_o father_n abraham_n rejoice_v and_o desire_v to_o see_v my_o day_n and_o he_o see_v it_o and_o be_v glad_a i._n e._n he_o be_v solicitous_a more_o perfect_o to_o understand_v the_o substance_n of_o these_o promise_n and_o he_o do_v understand_v they_o to_o be_v intend_v of_o i_o and_o be_v delight_v in_o the_o contemplation_n but_o whether_o all_o that_o succeed_v this_o patriarch_n have_v the_o same_o particular_a communication_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o new_a testament_n declare_v that_o what_o blessing_n be_v thus_o gracious_o promise_v in_o this_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v with_o reference_n to_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o this_o st._n paul_n have_v express_o affirm_v gal._n 3._o 16_o 17._o now_o to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o promise_v make_v he_o say_v not_o to_o seed_n as_o of_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 so_o he_o go_v on_o this_o i_o say_v that_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v confirm_v before_o of_o god_n in_o christ_n etc._n etc._n affirm_v in_o short_a all_o that_o i_o have_v here_o be_v prove_v viz._n that_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o that_o very_a covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n in_o christ_n four_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n before_o the_o law_n be_v give_v so_o that_o abraham_n have_v not_o only_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o we_o but_o the_o very_a same_o gospel_n that_o be_v preach_v to_o we_o be_v preach_v to_o abraham_n also_o gal._n 3._o 8._o the_o scripture_n foreseeing_a that_o god_n will_v justify_v the_o heathen_a through_o faith_n preach_v before_o the_o gospel_n unto_o abraham_n what_o gospel_n be_v it_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n through_o who_o alone_o it_o be_v say_v to_o abraham_n in_o thou_o shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v and_o it_o be_v certain_o at_o the_o time_n when_o he_o establish_v that_o covenant_n which_o be_v confirm_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o be_v circumcise_v be_v bind_v to_o worship_v
the_o true_a god_n and_o believe_v the_o general_a promise_n of_o a_o messiah_n as_o we_o christian_n be_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n more_o particular_o reveal_v by_o christ_n from_o hence_o i_o conclude_v see_v infant_n at_o eight_o day_n old_a be_v circumcise_v and_o admit_v into_o this_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o command_n this_o command_n be_v a_o good_a authority_n for_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n which_o be_v but_o a_o new_a way_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o same_o covenant_n for_o while_o there_o be_v no_o alteration_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o only_o of_o the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o admission_n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o it_o all_o thing_n else_o be_v to_o continue_v as_o they_o be_v till_o god_n shall_v ordain_v otherwise_o by_o a_o new_a law_n but_o when_o he_o do_v change_v the_o seal_n from_o circumcision_n to_o baptism_n he_o do_v not_o by_o any_o express_a law_n forbid_v infant_n to_o be_v admit_v therefore_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o first_o original_a institution_n when_o god_n make_v this_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n by_o circumcision_n and_o command_v infant_n to_o be_v admit_v we_o have_v authority_n to_o admit_v they_o now_o by_o baptism_n for_o where_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o capacity_n be_v the_o same_o the_o reason_n also_o must_v be_v of_o the_o same_o force_n but_o to_o this_o argument_n i_o have_v find_v it_o object_v 1._o that_o what_o be_v do_v in_o abraham_n time_n be_v in_o the_o minority_n of_o the_o church_n when_o thing_n be_v obscure_o represent_v but_o now_o that_o we_o have_v clear_a light_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v under_o a_o better_a dispensation_n there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o admit_v infant_n which_o there_o be_v then_o all_o the_o force_n of_o this_o objection_n lie_v in_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o revelation_n that_o have_v be_v make_v to_o abraham_n and_o to_o we_o and_o this_o i_o ready_o acknowledge_v for_o a_o great_a truth_n that_o which_o god_n intend_v in_o that_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v but_o obscure_o and_o in_o general_n set_v forth_o and_o the_o particular_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o also_o of_o our_o reward_n and_o happiness_n be_v more_o full_o and_o clear_o bring_v to_o light_n by_o jesus_n christ_n when_o therefore_o i_o assert_v that_o our_o covenant_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n i_o speak_v of_o general_n not_o of_o particular_n and_o my_o mean_v be_v that_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v require_v in_o abraham_n covenant_n as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v from_o we_o not_o but_o that_o the_o particular_a article_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o that_o obedience_n too_o be_v now_o more_o full_o discover_v and_o set_v in_o a_o clear_a light_n but_o i_o can_v see_v how_o this_o make_v any_o difference_n either_o as_o to_o the_o capacity_n or_o the_o right_n of_o admission_n to_o this_o sacrament_n because_o child_n be_v equal_o insensible_a of_o both_o can_v be_v less_o capable_a of_o the_o one_o than_o of_o the_o other_o 2._o it_o be_v object_v that_o there_o be_v a_o express_a command_n for_o the_o circumcision_n of_o infant_n but_o there_o be_v none_o for_o baptise_v they_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o necessity_n for_o it_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o command_a infant_n express_o to_o be_v circumcise_v because_o there_o be_v nothing_o antecedent_n to_o that_o institution_n that_o can_v give_v light_a or_o knowledge_n to_o direct_v to_o it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o necessity_n for_o a_o express_a precept_n for_o baptise_v infant_n because_o this_o may_v be_v learn_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o antecedent_n institution_n under_o abraham_n for_o they_o be_v certain_o as_o fit_a subject_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o because_o the_o condition_n be_v the_o same_o and_o if_o as_o fit_a subject_n of_o the_o covenant_n equal_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o this_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o believe_v be_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o baptise_v infant_n among_o christian_n when_o the_o apostle_n first_o begin_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o jew_n the_o substance_n of_o their_o preach_v be_v that_o what_o god_n have_v long_o before_o declare_v by_o abraham_n and_o the_o prophet_n he_o have_v now_o fulfil_v and_o accomplish_v by_o jesus_n christ_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v to_o learn_v that_o this_o gospel_n be_v no_o new_a thing_n but_o what_o have_v be_v long_o declare_v and_o prophesy_v in_o old_a time_n the_o covenant_n be_v the_o same_o the_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o only_o bring_v into_o a_o clear_a light_n by_o a_o more_o perfect_a revelation_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o st._n peter_n sermon_n act_v 3._o 18._o those_o thing_n that_o god_n before_o have_v show_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o all_o his_o prophet_n that_o christ_n shall_v suffer_v he_o have_v so_o fulfil_v and_o act_v 11._o 25._o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o our_o father_n say_v unto_o abraham_n and_o in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 15._o 8._o that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o circumcision_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v the_o promise_n make_v unto_o the_o father_n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o common_a subject_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v so_o those_o who_o be_v hereby_o convince_v and_o prevail_v on_o to_o believe_v be_v immediate_o admit_v into_o the_o christian_a covenant_n by_o baptism_n here_o be_v indeed_o no_o express_a mention_n make_v of_o infant_n because_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o it_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v they_o that_o what_o god_n have_v authorize_v and_o command_v from_o the_o beginning_n be_v a_o very_a good_a example_n for_o they_o to_o imitate_v and_o consequent_o that_o when_o circumcision_n be_v abolish_v from_o be_v any_o long_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o baptism_n be_v institute_v in_o its_o stead_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o baptise_v infant_n that_o there_o have_v be_v for_o circumcise_n they_o god_n have_v command_v the_o one_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o other_o and_o what_o they_o be_v sufficient_o instruct_v in_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a precept_n and_o command_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v repeat_v in_o the_o new_a for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v there_o be_v a_o particular_a revelation_n to_o discover_v that_o which_o man_n may_v be_v sufficient_o convince_v of_o without_o one_o and_o yet_o again_o 2._o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v found_v on_o god_n word_n in_o that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o precept_n or_o command_v of_o baptise_v in_o which_o infant_n be_v totidem_fw-la verbis_fw-la express_v yet_o there_o be_v such_o a_o precept_n and_o command_n in_o which_o infant_n be_v certain_o include_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v prove_v thus_o 1._o from_o st._n peter_n word_n act_n 2._o 39_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o for_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o your_o child_n in_o which_o word_n child_n be_v fair_o intimate_v at_o least_o to_o be_v entitle_v both_o to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o confirm_v it_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o some_o laugh_v at_o this_o argument_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o scorn_n and_o derision_n and_o think_v it_o ridiculous_a to_o mention_v it_o because_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v often_o call_v child_n in_o scripture_n as_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v often_o speak_v of_o when_o infant_n be_v not_o all_o intend_a but_o only_a man_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o israel_n i_o grant_v it_o and_o yet_o when_o they_o have_v laugh_v their_o fill_n i_o can_v think_v this_o argument_n so_o ridiculous_a nor_o so_o much_o to_o be_v despise_v for_o though_o its_o true_a the_o word_n child_n if_o that_o be_v all_o may_v import_v no_o more_o than_o the_o posterity_n yet_o the_o promise_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v that_o very_a covenant_n into_o which_o child_n i_o mean_v infant_n be_v command_v to_o be_v admit_v so_o that_o if_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o child_n include_v infant_n this_o promise_v make_v to_o christian_n and_o their_o child_n will_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n include_v infant_n also_o for_o the_o promise_n be_v still_o the_o same_o 2._o the_o precept_n for_o baptise_v be_v
alike_o but_o before_o i_o explain_v this_o argument_n i_o can_v but_o observe_v to_o you_o by_o that_o little_a i_o have_v see_v in_o these_o controversy_n that_o the_o name_n of_o such_o a_o argument_n will_v raise_v some_o man_n wonder_n who_o be_v quick_a to_o wrangle_v about_o word_n than_o to_o weigh_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n will_v break_v out_o into_o exclamation_n and_o say_v prove_v baptism_n of_o infant_n from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n do_v christ_n ever_o baptize_v a_o infant_n be_v there_o one_o syllable_n of_o such_o a_o practice_n in_o all_o sacred_a writ_n this_o must_v be_v the_o old_a threadbare_a argument_n from_o the_o analogy_n between_o baptism_n and_o circumcision_n infant_n under_o the_o law_n or_o before_o it_o be_v circumcise_a ergo_fw-la they_o may_v be_v baptise_a and_o what_o a_o nonsequitur_a be_v this_o but_o sir_n after_o all_o that_o raillery_n and_o disdain_n with_o which_o this_o argument_n be_v treat_v which_o have_v indeed_o be_v often_o urge_v and_o as_o often_o laugh_v at_o yet_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v despise_v it_o but_o be_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v great_a force_n in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v state_v well_o and_o set_v in_o a_o true_a light_n i_o do_v not_o then_o insist_v that_o one_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o other_o nor_o argue_v from_o a_o bare_a analogy_n as_o to_o jewish_a church_n member-ship_n or_o the_o like_a but_o my_o argument_n be_v this_o baptism_n be_v now_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v once_o seal_v by_o circumcision_n infant_n be_v by_o god_n own_o command_n admit_v then_o ergo_fw-la infant_n may_v be_v admit_v now_o or_o thus_o god_n do_v admit_v infant_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o that_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n baptism_n of_o infant_n do_v but_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o same_o covenant_n upon_o the_o same_o condition_n and_o as_o a_o seal_n confirm_v that_o covenant_n to_o they_o ergo_fw-la in_o baptise_v infant_n we_o act_v by_o god_n own_o authority_n and_o example_n for_o we_o do_v no_o more_o in_o baptise_v they_o than_o by_o god_n own_o ordinance_n be_v do_v in_o circumcise_n they_o the_o rite_n indeed_o be_v change_v it_o be_v circumcise_n it_o be_v now_o baptism_n what_o then_o the_o use_n of_o both_o these_o rite_n be_v still_o the_o same_o the_o one_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v the_o other_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n and_o so_o after_o all_o the_o pretend_a non-sequiturs_a in_o this_o argument_n from_o circumcision_n to_o baptism_n when_o the_o use_n or_o main_a design_n of_o both_o these_o rite_n or_o sacrament_n shall_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o same_o the_o argument_n will_v have_v force_n and_o the_o change_n of_o the_o external_a ordinance_n can_v lessen_v it_o in_o the_o prosecution_n therefore_o of_o this_o argument_n i_o have_v two_o thing_n which_o you_o will_v challenge_v i_o to_o prove_v 1._o that_o circumcision_n when_o enjoin_v abraham_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o he_o 2._o that_o the_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o that_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o if_o these_o proposition_n be_v find_v true_a the_o consequence_n i_o think_v will_v be_v so_o clear_a as_o to_o want_v no_o proof_n first_o that_o circumcision_n when_o enjoin_v abraham_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o he_o and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v very_o plain_a both_o from_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o circumcision_n in_o the_o old_a law_n and_o the_o explanation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o new_a as_o to_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n have_v make_v some_o trial_n of_o abraham_n by_o call_v he_o out_o of_o his_o own_o country_n and_o have_v find_v he_o ready_o observant_a in_o all_o that_o he_o command_v he_o declare_v gen._n 17._o 2._o that_o he_o will_v now_o establish_v a_o covenant_n with_o he_o i_o will_v make_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v be_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n ver._n 4._o and_o again_o ver._n 7._o i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n for_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o and_o as_o every_o contract_n among_o man_n must_v have_v its_o sanction_n and_o establishment_n so_o here_o god_n declare_v after_o what_o manner_n this_o covenant_n shall_v be_v confirm_v ver._n 10._o this_o be_v my_o covenant_n which_o you_o shall_v keep_v between_o i_o and_o you_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o every_o manchild_n among_o you_o shall_v be_v circumcise_a which_o word_n do_v not_o make_v circumcision_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o only_o the_o manner_n of_o establish_v and_o confirm_v it_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n 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 or_o sign_n of_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o you_o and_o again_o ver._n 13._o my_o covenant_n shall_v be_v in_o your_o flesh_n for_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n that_o be_v a_o token_n or_o pledge_n in_o your_o flesh_n of_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n 〈◊〉_d bishop_n patrick_n in_o 〈◊〉_d for_o as_o a_o reverend_a father_n of_o our_o own_o say_v it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a mark_n whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v know_v to_o be_v abraham_n seed_n and_o distinguish_v from_o other_o nation_n but_o they_o be_v hereby_o make_v the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o entitle_v to_o the_o blessing_n of_o it_o and_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v far_a evident_a from_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o controversy_n with_o the_o jew_n about_o justification_n instance_n in_o abraham_n who_o he_o declare_v to_o be_v justify_v not_o for_o his_o be_v circumcise_v but_o for_o the_o faith_n he_o have_v before_o it_o rom._n 4._o 11._o he_o receive_v the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n a_o seal_n or_o pledge_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v yet_o be_v uncircumcised_a a_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n by_o which_o god_n receive_v he_o as_o righteous_a for_o his_o faith_n and_o thus_o st._n peter_n act_v 7._o 8._o he_o give_v he_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n that_o be_v he_o give_v he_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o circumcision_n which_o be_v both_o a_o usual_a and_o very_o intelligible_a way_n of_o speak_v so_o also_o st._n paul_n gal._n 3._o 15._o brethren_n i_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o man_n covenant_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v confirm_v no_o man_n disannul_v or_o add_v thereto_o and_o again_o ver._n 17._o he_o speak_v of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v confirm_v before_o of_o god_n in_o christ_n plain_o allude_v to_o this_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n which_o be_v seal_v and_o have_v its_o confirmation_n by_o circumcision_n 2._o the_o second_o observation_n be_v that_o this_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n be_v the_o same_o covenant_n with_o that_o which_o we_o christian_n be_v now_o admit_v into_o with_o god_n by_o christ_n mr._n keach_n i_o remember_v disow_v this_o and_o contrary_a to_o what_o i_o now_o maintain_v offer_v this_o argument_n p._n 47._o that_o covenant_n that_o be_v make_v to_o separate_v the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n from_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o make_v sure_a unto_o they_o the_o earthly_a promise_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n can_v not_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o concern_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n he_o who_o often_o find_v fault_n with_o other_o people_n logic_n shall_v take_v special_a care_n of_o his_o own_o here_o be_v one_o little_a but_o material_a word_n omit_v in_o this_o first_o proposition_n it_o shall_v have_v run_v thus_o that_o covenant_n which_o be_v make_v only_o to_o separate_v etc._n etc._n the_o want_n of_o that_o only_a spoil_n the_o consequence_n it_o may_v be_v make_v thus_o to_o separate_v abraham_n seed_n and_o it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o other_o end_v too_o and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n notwithstanding_o god_n intend_v by_o it_o that_o distinction_n of_o his_o people_n also_o to_o prove_v then_o that_o the_o covenant_n beside_o the_o promise_v it_o contain_v of_o a_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o
divorce_n will_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n unless_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o fornication_n 2._o ab_fw-la absurdo_fw-la from_o the_o absurdity_n that_o will_v follow_v shall_v they_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n thereby_o disow_v their_o marriage_n and_o consequent_o bastardize_n their_o child_n which_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v they_o unwilling_a to_o do_v advise_v they_o to_o continue_v with_o their_o unbelieving_a husband_n or_o wife_n notwithstanding_o their_o difference_n in_o religion_n thus_o this_o text_n mr._n a_o say_z be_v expound_v by_o melancthon_n camerarius_fw-la and_o musculus_fw-la who_o also_o cite_v st._n jerome_n and_o ambrose_n for_o it_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o have_v former_o abuse_v it_o against_o the_o anabaptist_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v in_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v both_o the_o interpretation_n and_o the_o autority_n produce_v to_o confirm_v it_o as_o to_o the_o argument_n i_o have_v these_o thing_n to_o offer_v 1._o that_o such_o a_o sense_n be_v put_v upon_o these_o word_n as_o some_o of_o they_o be_v never_o find_v to_o have_v in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o holiness_n be_v sometime_o use_v for_o chastity_n and_o particular_o 1_o thess_n 3._o 3_o 4_o 7._o in_o opposition_n to_o fornication_n yet_o uncleanness_n be_v never_o take_v for_o illegitimacy_n or_o bastardy_n in_o a_o literal_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v here_o render_v by_o mr._n a_o as_o to_o what_o be_v allege_v concern_v a_o godly_a or_o holy_a seed_n mal._n 2._o 15._o which_o mr._n a_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o calvin_n and_o other_o learned_a interpreter_n will_v understand_v to_o be_v legitimacy_n let_v those_o learned_a interpreter_n be_v who_o they_o will_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o they_o must_v take_v legitimacy_n there_o not_o in_o a_o litteral_n sense_n but_o figurative_a according_a to_o the_o usual_a language_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o often_o express_v idolatry_n by_o whoredom_n and_o fornication_n and_o call_v the_o revolt_n into_o it_o the_o marry_v a_o strange_a god_n and_o go_v a_o whore_v after_o idol_n ezek._n 6._o 9_o st._n jerome_n and_o and_o the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n by_o the_o holy_a seed_n understand_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o former_a say_v the_o prophet_n purpose_n here_o be_v to_o reprove_v the_o jew_n for_o marry_v wife_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a nation_n and_o he_o ground_n this_o interpretation_n on_o ezra_n 9_o 2._o and_o if_o this_o be_v good_a the_o holy_a seed_n be_v the_o people_n under_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o distinction_n from_o the_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v again_o that_o though_o uncleanness_n be_v use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o fornication_n and_o sensuality_n yet_o not_o once_o for_o bastardy_n nor_o holiness_n for_o legitimacy_n but_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v that_o whenever_o these_o word_n be_v use_v and_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v set_v in_o opposition_n one_o to_o another_o uncleanness_n denote_v something_o of_o the_o vile_a pollution_n that_o be_v common_a among_o the_o idolatrous_a heathen_n and_o holiness_n when_o attribute_v to_o person_n always_o include_v something_o of_o distinction_n and_o discrimination_n from_o the_o heathen_n either_o by_o way_n of_o personal_a excellence_n or_o of_o privilege_n and_o therefore_o 2._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o as_o these_o word_n be_v not_o use_v for_o bastardy_n and_o legitimacy_n in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o they_o can_v have_v any_o such_o signification_n here_o mr._n a_o say_v that_o st._n paul_n here_o speak_v of_o matrimonial_a chastity_n in_o opposition_n to_o fornication_n and_o that_o his_o design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o marriage_n be_v good_a notwithstanding_o their_o difference_n in_o religion_n and_o that_o they_o be_v therefore_o under_o no_o obligation_n to_o separate_v on_o that_o account_n which_o seem_v plain_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o scruple_n about_o which_o the_o apostle_n write_v the_o christian_n indeed_o have_v scruple_n about_o their_o cohabitation_n with_o infidel_n but_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o scruple_n be_v that_o after_o their_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n their_o marriage_n be_v no_o long_o valid_a or_o good_a how_o do_v this_o appear_v their_o scruple_n be_v i_o confess_v whether_o or_o no_o they_o be_v to_o separate_v on_o account_n of_o their_o difference_n in_o religion_n but_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o scruple_n be_v not_o any_o fear_n that_o their_o marriage-contract_n be_v invalid_a and_o their_o cohabitation_n to_o be_v deem_v fornication_n but_o a_o tenderness_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o unbeliever_n be_v a_o infidel_n and_o idolater_n lest_o by_o so_o near_o a_o alliance_n to_o such_o a_o one_o they_o shall_v seem_v either_o to_o run_v into_o danger_n or_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o pollution_n and_o gild_n of_o idolatry_n and_o unbelief_n this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o apprehension_n which_o we_o find_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v a_o instance_n of_o which_o justin_n martyr_n give_v a_o account_n of_o of_o a_o woman_n who_o upon_o her_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n find_v that_o she_o can_v not_o reclaim_v her_o husband_n from_o the_o abominable_a lewdness_n of_o his_o heathen_a life_n will_v be_v divorce_v from_o he_o and_o though_o at_o the_o importunity_n of_o her_o friend_n she_o continue_v with_o he_o somewhat_o long_o yet_o find_v he_o grow_v worse_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n lest_o she_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o iniquity_n and_o impiety_n by_o cohabit_v with_o he_o and_o be_v partner_n with_o his_o table_n and_o bed_n she_o give_v he_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v part_v from_o he_o this_o remarkable_a instance_n show_v what_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n be_v and_o give_v no_o small_a light_n to_o the_o debate_n now_o in_o hand_n and_o that_o such_o as_o this_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o case_n upon_o which_o st._n paul_n there_o treat_v be_v far_a evident_a from_o the_o coherence_n of_o the_o text_n with_o what_o go_v before_o the_o question_n upon_o which_o st._n paul_n write_v be_v several_a first_o whether_o christian_n shall_v then_o marry_o which_o he_o rather_o dissuade_v as_o that_o which_o will_v more_o engage_v they_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o make_v they_o less_o willing_a to_o suffer_v persecution_n this_o he_o mention_n both_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n but_o then_o with_o this_o restriction_n that_o they_o shall_v rather_o marry_v than_o be_v subject_a to_o impulse_n of_o burn_a lust_n ver._n 9_o next_o to_o the_o marry_a he_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o to_o separate_v if_o they_o can_v avoid_v it_o to_o the_o marry_a i_o command_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o lord_n let_v not_o etc._n etc._n ver._n 10_o 11._o then_o come_v the_o case_n now_o in_o hand_n concern_v those_o who_o be_v marry_v but_o not_o both_o party_n as_o yet_o convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o among_o they_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o their_o difference_n in_o religion_n be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n now_o i_o say_v have_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o scruple_n be_v a_o opinion_n or_o fear_v that_o their_o continuance_n in_o that_o marry_a state_n have_v be_v equal_a to_o fornication_n or_o uncleanness_n st._n paul_n who_o know_v very_o well_o that_o their_o difference_n in_o religion_n make_v no_o such_o alteration_n in_o the_o case_n will_v never_o have_v usher_v in_o his_o determination_n with_o thus_o speak_v i_o not_o the_o lord_n but_o thus_o not_o i_o but_o the_o lord_n as_o v._o 10._o it_o be_v not_o credible_a or_o moral_o possible_a that_o he_o who_o be_v immediate_o influence_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o apostolic_a office_n shall_v only_o give_v his_o conjectural_a judgement_n or_o mere_o prudential_n determination_n in_o a_o question_n in_o which_o both_o he_o and_o they_o be_v afore_o determine_v by_o the_o express_a law_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n and_o in_o which_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o determine_v to_o the_o marry_a command_n i_o and_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o lord_n let_v not_o the_o wife_n depart_v from_o her_o husband_n ver._n 10._o especial_o if_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o separation_n will_v prove_v so_o pernicious_a as_o to_o bastardize_v their_o child_n as_o mr._n a_o suppose_n he_o be_v the_o more_o oblige_v to_o determine_v they_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n institution_n or_o law_n it_o be_v i_o say_v incredible_a that_o he_o shall_v usher_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o so_o important_a a_o question_n only_o by_o a_o conjectural_a order_n that_o can_v not_o