general_a and_o do_v not_o exclude_v any_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v admit_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n infant_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v admit_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n therefore_o the_o precept_n do_v and_o must_v include_v they_o the_o first_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a word_n of_o st._n matt._n 28._o go_v make_v disciple_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o baptize_v they_o which_o be_v give_v in_o general_a and_o unlimited_a term_n and_o ordain_v by_o almighty_a god_n as_o one_o of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n aught_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o admission_n into_o the_o covenant_n infant_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n and_o then_o infant_n be_v also_o include_v in_o this_o precept_n or_o command_n the_o latter_a i_o have_v in_o great_a measure_n prove_v already_o in_o my_o answer_n to_o the_o two_o first_o objection_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v here_o that_o it_o seem_v strange_a to_o i_o when_o so_o many_o of_o your_o persuasion_n allow_v infant_n to_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o believe_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v which_o they_o can_v be_v but_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n that_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v think_v infant_n entitle_v to_o this_o sacrament_n for_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o covenant_n be_v confirm_v to_o all_o those_o to_o who_o the_o promise_v of_o it_o belong_v if_o indeed_o all_o infant_n be_v say_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o inevitable_a damnation_n this_o will_v be_v a_o real_a argument_n against_o we_o for_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v charge_v with_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n to_o those_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o belong_v and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o crime_n indeed_o but_o if_o infant_n may_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n nothing_o of_o this_o can_v be_v allege_v but_o you_o say_v that_o we_o baptize_v infant_n that_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v almost_o as_o bad_a why_o so_o we_o only_o by_o this_o seal_n confirm_v the_o covenant_n to_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o blessing_n of_o it_o and_o where_o be_v the_o impropriety_n of_o that_o or_o why_o be_v it_o more_o absurd_a to_o baptize_v those_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o he_o than_o to_o redeem_v and_o save_v those_o by_o christ_n that_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o he_o in_o short_a if_o no_o good_a reason_n of_o difference_n can_v be_v allege_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n let_v man_n wrangle_v never_o so_o long_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o if_o infant_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v also_o fit_a subject_n of_o christian_a baptism_n and_o if_o they_o be_v fit_a subject_n of_o christian_a baptism_n than_o the_o general_a precept_n include_v they_o and_o so_o the_o baptim_n of_o infant_n be_v as_o much_o found_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n as_o the_o baptism_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n but_o i_o be_o sensible_a sir_n you_o will_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o this_o no_o baptism_n be_v a_o sacrament_n a_o fundamental_a in_o religion_n that_o give_v be_v to_o a_o church_n in_o which_o you_o must_v have_v a_o command_n mention_v infant_n express_o totidem_fw-la verbis_fw-la or_o it_o will_v not_o do_v inference_n and_o deduction_n here_o be_v not_o of_o sufficient_a force_n but_o by_o the_o way_n what_o be_v your_o second_o objection_n but_o a_o deduction_n that_o infant_n not_o be_v capable_a of_o faith_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o baptism_n this_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o very_o hard_a when_o you_o yourself_o must_v argue_v by_o deduction_n and_o inference_n against_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n not_o to_o allow_v we_o to_o do_v so_o for_o it_o i_o appeal_v whether_o this_o be_v fair_a however_o foreseeing_a that_o this_o my_o argument_n will_v be_v thus_o withstand_v i_o proceed_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o clear_a and_o evident_a deduction_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o equal_a force_n with_o the_o express_a word_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o fundamental_a as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o principle_n of_o religion_n for_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o all_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n god_n will_v have_v we_o supersede_n all_o use_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n in_o the_o conclusion_n to_o be_v draw_v and_o the_o consequence_n that_o follow_v from_o such_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v do_v this_o if_o the_o inference_n and_o deduction_n from_o they_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v of_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o determine_v our_o judgement_n and_o guide_v our_o practice_n it_o be_v certain_o no_o part_n of_o god_n design_n to_o undermine_v our_o reason_n by_o revelation_n but_o to_o enlighten_v and_o improve_v it_o to_o supply_v its_o defect_n by_o teach_v we_o those_o thing_n which_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o find_v out_o and_o to_o clear_v some_o principle_n of_o religion_n that_o to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n only_o seem_v disputable_a and_o doubtful_a but_o where_o that_o light_n shine_v bright_a and_o clear_a of_o itself_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a lamp_n hold_v forth_o from_o heaven_n to_o direct_v we_o and_o its_o authority_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v thus_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o a_o sacrament_n we_o must_v expect_v a_o particular_a revelation_n for_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n but_o a_o positive_a ordinance_n and_o depend_v on_o the_o sole_a pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o god_n we_o can_v know_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v for_o though_o baptise_v be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o rite_n in_o admit_v proselyte_n and_o by_o our_o saviour_n receive_v from_o they_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v his_o positive_a decree_n and_o command_n that_o must_v make_v it_o a_o sacrament_n to_o we_o have_v it_o therefore_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o institiution_n itself_o that_o have_v be_v in_o dispute_n you_o have_v argue_v well_o that_o a_o express_a precept_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v but_o as_o to_o the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n or_o the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o nor_o be_v there_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o look_v for_o a_o command_n mention_v infant_n in_o express_a word_n for_o though_o the_o sacrament_n be_v new_a the_o covenant_n be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v here_o argue_v and_o be_v particular_o instruct_v by_o parity_n of_o reason_n viz._n that_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o old_a covenant_n may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o new_a because_o the_o condition_n and_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o and_o here_o deduction_n and_o inference_n from_o god_n word_n be_v of_o sufficient_a force_n to_o determine_v the_o argument_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o all_o such_o case_n and_o the_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v respect_v be_v not_o whether_o the_o matter_n be_v fundamental_a or_o no_o but_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o and_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n a_o certain_a and_o evident_a truth_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v in_o thing_n fundamental_a as_o well_o as_o not_o fundamental_a let_v the_o way_n of_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n be_v what_o it_o will_v whether_o from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o revelation_n or_o deduction_n and_o inference_n from_o it_o 2._o but_o to_o make_v this_o more_o plain_a i_o shall_v further_o show_v from_o st._n peter_n own_o example_n in_o be_v determine_v by_o such_o argument_n in_o a_o case_n equal_o fundamental_a that_o this_o authority_n ought_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o in_o the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o the_o case_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o be_v the_o admission_n of_o the_o gentile_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o baptise_v they_o and_o there_o the_o question_n once_o be_v much_o as_o it_o be_v now_o viz._n about_o the_o fit_a subject_n of_o baptism_n for_o some_o than_o do_v as_o firm_o believe_v that_o the_o gentile_n as_o pollute_a and_o unclean_a be_v as_o unfit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o other_o nowadays_o will_v have_v infant_n exclude_v for_o their_o incapacity_n and_o i_o will_v beg_v these_o man_n to_o observe_v what_o method_n the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o how_o he_o direct_v he_o by_o such_o a_o train_n of_o general_a instruction_n as_o all_o along_o require_v the_o sincere_a and_o impartial_a use_n of_o his_o reason_n in_o the_o application_n of_o they_o and_o at_o last_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a command_n for_o baptise_v they_o all_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n
discover_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o to_o show_v that_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o by_o almighty_a god_n exclude_v from_o the_o covenant_n from_o whence_o st._n peter_n own_o reason_n convince_v he_o that_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v st._n peter_n have_v a_o vision_n from_o heaven_n wherein_o there_o appear_v act_v 10._o 11._o a_o certain_a vessel_n descend_v unto_o he_o as_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a sheet_n knit_v at_o the_o four_o corner_n and_o let_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n wherein_o be_v all_o manner_n of_o fourfooted_a beast_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o wild_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n and_o foul_n of_o the_o air._n and_o there_o come_v a_o voice_n to_o he_o rise_v peter_n kill_v and_o eat_v and_o when_o peter_n say_v not_o so_o lord_n for_o i_o have_v never_o eat_v any_o thing_n common_a or_o unclean_a the_o voice_n speak_v the_o second_o time_n what_o god_n have_v cleanse_v that_o call_v not_o thou_o common_a and_o this_o be_v do_v thrice_o and_o the_o vessel_n be_v receive_v up_o again_o into_o heaven_n here_o be_v nothing_o in_o express_a word_n about_o the_o gentile_n nor_o do_v st._n peter_n yet_o apprehend_v that_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o vision_n for_o it_o be_v say_v ver._n 17._o that_o peter_n doubt_v in_o himself_o what_o the_o vision_n which_o he_o have_v see_v shall_v mean_v but_o when_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v he_o warn_v of_o three_o man_n come_v to_o he_o and_o order_v he_o to_o go_v along_o with_o they_o doubt_v nothing_o and_o the_o messenger_n present_o come_v from_o cornelius_n the_o centurion_n who_o be_v a_o gentile_a then_o he_o understand_v by_o deduction_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n that_o the_o vision_n refer_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o that_o god_n have_v signify_v thereby_o that_o they_o notwithstanding_o their_o repute_a uncleanness_n may_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n ver._n 31._o of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o sear_v god_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v in_o all_o this_o no_o express_a command_n for_o admit_v the_o gentile_n but_o a_o vision_n from_o which_o this_o be_v to_o be_v learn_v by_o way_n of_o inference_n and_o deduction_n and_o st._n peter_n convince_v by_o this_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n unto_o they_o and_o as_o he_o be_v preach_v the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o all_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o magnify_v god_n ver._n 44_o 46._o here_o be_v all_o this_o while_n no_o precept_n or_o express_v command_n to_o baptize_v they_o but_o st._n peter_n be_v convince_v both_o by_o the_o vision_n and_o by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o that_o the_o covenant_n belong_v to_o they_o from_o thence_o conclude_v by_o way_n of_o inference_n that_o they_o therefore_o ought_v to_o be_v baptise_a ver._n 47_o 48._o can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v be_v baptize_v who_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o he_o command_v they_o to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v dispute_v but_o that_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v a_o very_a fundamental_a doctrine_n in_o christianity_n from_o this_o instance_n therefore_o i_o observe_v 1._o that_o the_o inference_n from_o a_o divine_a revelation_n have_v with_o st._n peter_n the_o force_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n as_o much_o as_o though_o it_o have_v be_v say_v totidem_fw-la verbis_fw-la you_o shall_v admit_v the_o gentile_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o he_o tell_v his_o brethren_n act_n 11._o 17._o that_o his_o not_o comply_v have_v be_v withstand_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o god_n give_v they_o the_o same_o gift_n that_o he_o do_v unto_o we_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n what_o be_v i_o that_o i_o can_v withstand_v god_n 2._o that_o when_o we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o any_o person_n be_v capable_a of_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a covenant_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o baptize_v they_o without_o any_o particular_a express_a command_n the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o vision_n give_v no_o command_n for_o baptise_v cornelius_n but_o only_o teach_v st._n peter_n that_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o covenant_n and_o from_o thence_o he_o himself_o can_v sufficient_o determine_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v baptize_v who_o can_v forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v be_v baptize_v and_o to_o bring_v this_o home_n to_o our_o case_n it_o be_v just_a thus_o that_o we_o argue_v for_o infant_n baptism_n god_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n with_o abraham_n teach_v we_o that_o infant_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o the_o covenant_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o thence_o we_o conclude_v as_o st._n peter_n do_v that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o the_o covenant_n be_v include_v in_o the_o general_a precept_n of_o admit_v they_o by_o baptism_n and_o how_o strange_a be_v the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o that_o way_n and_o method_n of_o conviction_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o use_v to_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o this_o i_o have_v find_v object_v that_o there_o be_v express_v law_n for_o baptise_v of_o the_o gentile_n matt._n 18._o go_v teach_v and_o baptize_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o though_o we_o who_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v god_n purpose_n to_o call_v the_o gentile_n do_v very_o well_o to_o interpret_v that_o command_n for_o convert_v and_o baptise_v they_o yet_o the_o apostle_n before_o this_o vision_n of_o st._n peter_n do_v not_o apprehend_v this_o to_o be_v the_o mean_v of_o it_o and_o a_o law_n can_v have_v no_o force_n nor_o be_v any_o warrant_n far_o than_o the_o purpose_n and_o mean_v of_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v 2._o the_o word_n themselves_o do_v not_o necessary_o and_o literal_o imply_v any_o such_o mean_v that_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v 7._o in_o mat._n 24._o 7._o admit_v for_o as_o dr._n hammond_n have_v true_o observe_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o then_o in_o common_a use_n import_v the_o gentile_n always_o exclusive_a of_o the_o jew_n but_o be_v oft_o use_v for_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o several_a nation_n and_o country_n and_o indeed_o have_v that_o word_n in_o common_a acceptation_n signify_v the_o gentile_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n can_v have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o on_o this_o account_n god_n may_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v further_a discovery_n of_o the_o call_v in_o of_o the_o gentile_n the_o better_a to_o instruct_v they_o what_o be_v his_o purpose_n and_o intention_n in_o those_o former_a word_n but_o in_o short_a what_o be_v it_o that_o move_v st._n peter_n to_o baptize_v cornelius_n do_v he_o do_v it_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o precept_n mention_v matt._n 28._o it_o be_v plain_a he_o do_v not_o he_o do_v not_o then_o so_o understand_v those_o word_n and_o its_o observable_a that_o in_o all_o that_o affair_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n make_v of_o that_o forementioned_a precept_n but_o it_o be_v the_o vision_n that_o convince_v and_o rectify_v st._n peter_n judgement_n by_o the_o rational_a inference_n which_o he_o be_v to_o draw_v from_o it_o and_o i_o may_v add_v that_o what_o convince_v he_o convince_v all_o his_o brethren_n too_o act_n 11._o 18._o when_o they_o hear_v those_o thing_n they_o hold_v their_o peace_n and_o glorify_a god_n say_v then_o have_v god_n also_o to_o the_o gentile_n grant_v repentance_n unto_o life_n and_o thus_o it_o still_o remain_v good_a that_o a_o argument_n by_o deduction_n from_o scripture_n or_o revelation_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o who_o be_v the_o fit_a subject_n of_o christian_a baptism_n and_o by_o such_o a_o argument_n we_o do_v prove_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v found_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n chap._n iii_o the_o four_o and_o last_o objection_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o such_o practice_n among_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o most_o primitive_a time_n i_o must_v here_o observe_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v now_o change_v from_o matter_n of_o law_n to_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o we_o be_v now_o only_o to_o inquire_v what_o discovery_n we_o can_v find_v of_o such_o a_o practice_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n as_o to_o this_o objection_n therefore_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o though_o it_o be_v
a_o vindication_n of_o infant_n baptism_n from_o the_o four_o chief_a objection_n bring_v against_o it_o viz_o i._o from_o the_o natural_a incapacity_n of_o infant_n ii_o from_o their_o not_o actual_o believe_v iii_o from_o the_o want_n of_o a_o express_a command_n to_o baptise_v they_o iv_o from_o the_o want_n of_o scripture-precedent_n for_o it_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o mr._n ****_o by_o john_n turner_n a._n m._n lecturer_n of_o christchurch_n london_n london_n print_v for_o john_n wyatt_n at_o the_o rose_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n m_o dc_o xcix_o a_o vindication_n of_o infant_n baptism_n etc._n etc._n sir_n it_o be_v now_o some_o considerable_a time_n since_o you_o and_o i_o occasional_o revive_v some_o former_a discourse_n that_o have_v pass_v between_o we_o about_o the_o difference_n in_o our_o persuasion_n you_o desire_v to_o see_v my_o argument_n and_o to_o consider_v they_o at_o your_o leisure_n i_o have_v now_o comply_v with_o that_o request_n but_o see_v it_o necessary_a before_o i_o can_v do_v so_o to_o enlarge_v and_o illustrate_v they_o a_o little_a that_o they_o may_v come_v close_o to_o many_o of_o those_o scruple_n which_o i_o find_v sometime_o allege_v in_o these_o controversy_n if_o i_o give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n of_o my_o not_o comply_v soon_o with_o your_o desire_n though_o i_o have_v other_o reason_n for_o this_o delay_n yet_o you_o be_v sensible_a how_o just_a a_o excuse_n i_o have_v in_o the_o few_o minute_n i_o can_v spare_v from_o the_o constant_a engagement_n of_o my_o daily_a business_n you_o will_v perhaps_o ask_v why_o i_o now_o send_v you_o this_o in_o print_n which_o i_o once_o seem_v to_o be_v averse_a to_o but_o when_o i_o find_v you_o call_v in_o mr._n a_o to_o answer_v my_o argument_n from_o the_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o i_o apprehend_v the_o debate_n may_v not_o continue_v between_o you_o and_o i_o alone_o and_o therefore_o think_v it_o better_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o world_n than_o to_o part_v with_o my_o paper_n into_o private_a hand_n where_o the_o design_n of_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v i_o have_v careful_o avoid_v all_o undue_a reflection_n upon_o either_o person_n or_o party_n hope_v thereby_o that_o i_o shall_v make_v no_o man_n my_o enemy_n by_o a_o candid_a defence_n of_o what_o i_o firm_o believe_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o be_v desirous_a whatever_o difference_n there_o may_v be_v in_o our_o persuasion_n to_o observe_v strict_o all_o rule_n of_o christian_a charity_n love_n and_o friendship_n i_o will_v detain_v you_o no_o long_o in_o the_o way_n of_o preface_n but_o beg_v you_o fair_o to_o consider_v the_o follow_a argument_n chap._n i._n the_o most_o considerable_a objection_n that_o i_o have_v yet_o meet_v with_o against_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v these_o four_o i._o it_o be_v plead_v that_o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a practice_n in_o that_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o covenant_n into_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v by_o it_o ii_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o you_o say_v require_v person_n to_o be_v first_o instruct_v before_o baptise_a thereby_o exclude_v infant_n as_o incapable_a of_o that_o antecedent_n instruction_n iii_o that_o it_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a and_o unlawful_a practice_n in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n nor_o command_n nor_o authority_n for_o it_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god._n iu._n and_o last_o that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o make_v of_o such_o practice_n in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n now_o if_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o none_o of_o these_o objection_n have_v any_o just_a force_n in_o they_o this_o i_o think_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o retain_v this_o ancient_a and_o pious_a practice_n 1._o the_o first_o objection_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a practice_n in_o that_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o want_n of_o which_o knowledge_n and_o the_o incapacity_n thereupon_o be_v think_v to_o make_v their_o baptism_n unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a but_o if_o all_o other_o objection_n have_v no_o more_o force_n than_o this_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o a_o very_a quick_a dispatch_n 1._o in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n for_o infant_n to_o be_v bind_v in_o covenant_n to_o the_o future_a performance_n of_o condition_n which_o they_o at_o present_a know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o nor_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o perform_v till_o they_o come_v to_o age._n this_o be_v common_a among_o man_n and_o practise_v almost_o every_o day_n every_o will_n and_o every_o conditional_a settlement_n of_o a_o estate_n on_o heir_n be_v a_o covenant_n and_o every_o contract_n that_o a_o guardian_n make_v for_o a_o minor_a be_v make_v in_o that_o infant_n be_v name_n and_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o it_o and_o real_o enjoin_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o in_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a performance_n of_o the_o condition_n by_o he_o and_o baptism_n be_v only_o the_o seal_n of_o a_o covenant_n or_o contract_n between_o god_n and_o man_n why_o then_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v strange_a or_o incredible_a that_o god_n shall_v thus_o deal_v with_o we_o in_o a_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n 2._o if_o the_o incapacity_n of_o infant_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n a_o necessary_a bar_n it_o must_v be_v a_o universal_a and_o indispensable_a one_o and_o must_v exclude_v infant_n from_o all_o covenant_n with_o god_n whatever_o whether_o of_o work_n or_o of_o grace_n whether_o by_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o gospel_n for_o what_o arise_v absolute_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v universal_a and_o perpetual_a and_o must_v have_v always_o the_o same_o influence_n but_o that_o the_o incapacity_n of_o infant_n be_v not_o a_o universal_a and_o perpetual_a bar_n to_o all_o covenant_n our_o adversary_n themselves_o i_o hope_v will_v grant_v in_o that_o infant_n be_v admit_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n under_o the_o law_n if_o then_o god_n admit_v infant_n into_o a_o covenant_n under_o the_o law_n he_o may_v do_v so_o under_o the_o gospel_n too_o if_o he_o please_v and_o if_o god_n may_v do_v so_o it_o can_v be_v neither_o improper_a nor_o unreasonable_a nor_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n absurd_a the_o difference_n in_o the_o condition_n or_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v nothing_o in_o the_o case_n the_o one_o be_v law_n the_o other_o gospel_n the_o one_o of_o work_n and_o the_o other_o of_o grace_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n because_o infant_n be_v equal_o incapable_a of_o understanding_n both_o and_o where_o the_o whole_a stress_n lie_v in_o the_o incapacity_n of_o the_o subject_a it_o must_v have_v as_o much_o force_n in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o if_o it_o be_v say_v god_n may_v admit_v they_o but_o do_v not_o this_o be_v run_v beforehand_o to_o a_o new_a objection_n that_o shall_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n the_o only_a thing_n now_o in_o debate_n be_v whether_o the_o natural_a incapacity_n of_o infancy_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o necessary_a bar_n if_o it_o be_v this_o must_v be_v allege_v as_o a_o universal_a obstacle_n to_o all_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o to_o this_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o universal_a obstacle_n because_o god_n have_v admit_v they_o into_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o bind_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o condition_n by_o that_o covenant_n therefore_o this_o objection_n be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o that_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o conclude_v 85._o mr._n keach_n p._n 85._o this_o indeed_o some_o of_o your_o persuasion_n seem_v to_o grant_v if_o then_o the_o incapacity_n of_o infant_n be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n a_o necessary_a and_o universal_a bar_n to_o all_o covenant_n in_o general_a i_o be_o to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a covenant_n peculiarly_a that_o exclude_v they_o from_o thence_o chap._n ii_o the_o second_o objection_n be_v that_o infant_n as_o incapable_a of_o understand_v the_o covenant_n and_o believe_v and_o repent_v be_v by_o our_o saviour_n institution_n prohibit_v and_o exclude_v from_o baptism_n for_o say_v you_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o make_v disciple_n by_o instruction_n before_o they_o be_v to_o baptise_v they_o matt._n 28._o 19_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n and_o then_o baptise_v they_o and_o mark_v 16._o 15_o 16._o he_o that_o beleive_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v this_o say_v you_o be_v the_o great_a charter_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o require_v person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v to_o be_v first_o make_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