the_o head_n of_o such_o family_n it_o be_v no_o more_o necessary_a that_o infant_n shall_v be_v make_v mention_n of_o as_o be_v in_o such_o family_n when_o baptise_a than_o it_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v name_v in_o the_o grand_a commission_n the_o spirit_n which_o give_v out_o the_o grand_a commission_n be_v in_o and_o with_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o baptise_a and_o it_o be_v to_o i_o convince_a that_o infant_n be_v intend_v in_o both_o see_v they_o be_v except_v against_o in_o neither_o which_o the_o adversary_n must_v needs_o be_v convince_v of_o unless_o he_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o infant_n be_v neither_o a_o part_n of_o nation_n or_o of_o family_n the_o other_o word_n teach_v in_o the_o commission_n be_v didaskontes_n which_o proper_o signify_v a_o teach_v or_o instruct_v doctrinal_o those_o who_o be_v already_o make_v disciple_n by_o the_o former_a way_n of_o teach_v neither_o can_v it_o without_o lie_v be_v say_v to_o be_v nonsense_n and_o folly_n to_o term_v infant_n who_o be_v by_o the_o first_o teach_v make_v disciple_n scholar_n or_o disciple_n see_v that_o infant_n in_o age_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n so_o style_v witness_n act_v 15.10_o where_o such_o be_v call_v disciple_n who_o be_v make_v so_o by_o the_o initiate_a ordinance_n of_o circumcision_n who_o afterward_o when_o grow_v up_o be_v teach_v doctrinal_o what_o they_o be_v to_o know_v and_o practice_n neither_o be_v this_o any_o whit_n repugnant_a to_o the_o method_n god_n take_v with_o abraham_n but_o rather_o agree_v with_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o gen._n 18.19_o and_o even_o among_o man_n nothing_o more_o common_a and_o frequent_a than_o to_o call_v our_o little_a child_n scholar_n or_o disciple_n and_o that_o from_o the_o very_a first_o day_n of_o their_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o school_n and_o as_o in_o man_n school_n there_o be_v sundry_a rank_n or_o class_n of_o scholar_n some_o low_a and_o some_o high_a so_o in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a prophet_n of_o his_o church_n there_o be_v several_a rank_n or_o degree_n of_o church_n member_n it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o ignorant_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o be_v when_o they_o first_o enter_v into_o christ_n school_n yet_o christ_n call_v they_o his_o disciple_n for_o all_o that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n can_v not_o write_v or_o speak_v unto_o the_o corinthian_n but_o as_o unto_o babe_n as_o unto_o carnal_a man_n yet_o they_o be_v church_n member_n for_o all_o that_o these_o thing_n due_o consider_v force_v i_o to_o conclude_v those_o man_n profound_o ignorant_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n holy_a covenant_n who_o because_o infant_n be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v teach_v and_o instruct_v doctrinal_o as_o adult_v and_o grow_v man_n be_v peremptory_o deny_v that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v disciple_n to_o christ_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o men._n this_o principle_n come_v no_o doubt_n from_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o teach_v that_o infant_n while_o infant_n be_v uncapable_a of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v both_o manifest_o false_a because_o contrary_a to_o god_n reveal_v will._n object_n 3._o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n to_o which_o none_o have_v a_o right_n but_o he_o or_o she_o who_o be_v a_o real_a true_a believer_n answ_n i_o answer_v in_o three_o particular_n first_o if_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n then_o must_v it_o need_v succeed_v and_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n and_o so_o the_o truth_n be_v here_o grant_v which_o else_o where_o be_v deny_v that_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v most_o plain_a from_o rom._n 4.11_o now_o if_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o objector_n grant_v and_o as_o i_o believe_v and_o affirm_v it_o be_v than_o baptism_n do_v undeniable_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v to_o believe_a gentile_n under_o the_o gospel_n what_o circumcision_n be_v of_o old_a to_o abraham_n viz._n a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n second_o if_o none_o but_o actual_a believer_n have_v a_o right_n to_o that_o righteousness_n of_o wâ—ich_a baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n then_o must_v it_o follow_v avoidable_a that_o all_o infant_n who_o dye_v in_o infancy_n be_v eternal_o lose_v and_o how_o cruel_a this_o doctrine_n be_v and_o how_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n which_o teach_v that_o all_o infant_n die_v infant_n be_v save_v all_o man_n may_v see_v three_o if_o none_o but_o real_a true_a believer_n have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n i_o will_v glad_o see_v how_o those_o i_o dispute_v against_o can_v justify_v their_o own_o practice_n in_o admit_v so_o many_o poor_a ignorant_a folk_n to_o that_o ordinance_n in_o their_o way_n who_o with_o some_o who_o admit_v they_o be_v as_o ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o regeneration_n and_o of_o baptism_n the_o external_a seal_n thereof_o as_o be_v nicodemus_n can_v they_o without_o a_o divine_a revelation_n know_v that_o those_o who_o they_o admit_v to_o baptism_n be_v infallible_o real_a true_a believer_n object_n 4._o to_o apply_v baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o a_o unintelligent_a subject_n who_o neither_o know_v what_o be_v do_v to_o he_o nor_o yield_v consent_n thereto_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o present_v a_o picture_n to_o a_o blind_a man_n which_o to_o do_v be_v most_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a answ_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v reply_v in_o four_o particular_n and_o first_o i_o say_v with_o a_o learned_a man_n this_o be_v at_o best_o but_o a_o blind_a comparison_n and_o which_o be_v far_o worse_o a_o high_a and_o fancy_n reflection_n on_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o uncontrollable_a sovereignty_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n for_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v offer_v as_o a_o argument_n to_o keep_v infant_n from_o baptism_n mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v unintelligent_a subject_n and_o uncapable_a of_o yield_v their_o consent_n to_o what_o be_v do_v to_o they_o in_o baptism_n but_o what_o will_v be_v of_o as_o great_a force_n to_o keep_v they_o back_o from_o circumcision_n and_o so_o the_o objector_n may_v see_v plain_o how_o herein_o he_o arraign_v the_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o a_o shallow_a and_o corrupt_a creature_n reason_n which_o demonstrate_v he_o to_o be_v more_o brutish_a i_o be_o sure_o more_o proud_a end_n wicked_a than_o those_o non-intelligent_a subject_n which_o the_o objection_n be_v level_v against_o this_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v god_n deal_v with_o abraham_n in_o that_o he_o command_v he_o to_o mark_n or_o seal_n his_o son_n isaac_n with_o the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n at_o eight_o day_n old_a have_v isaac_n the_o use_n of_o reason_n at_o that_o age_n have_v he_o actual_a faith_n or_o speech_n to_o express_v his_o consent_n to_o what_o be_v then_o do_v to_o he_o no_o sure_o what_o then_o must_v god_n be_v charge_v with_o weakness_n or_o unreasonableness_n for_o apply_v the_o seal_n of_o his_o covenant_n to_o a_o unintelligent_a subject_n by_o these_o kind_n of_o objector_n god_n act_n herein_o stand_v charge_v with_o weakness_n and_o folly_n but_o i_o conclude_v with_o paul_n rom._n 3.4_o yea_o let_v god_n be_v true_a but_o every_o man_n a_o lyar._n god_n command_v nothing_o in_o vain_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o his_o ordinance_n have_v no_o kind_n of_o dependence_n on_o the_o creature_n to_o give_v it_o power_n or_o to_o make_v it_o effectual_a to_o accomplish_v what_o he_o have_v appoint_v it_o to_o but_o on_o his_o own_o free_a spirit_n which_o work_v most_o powerful_o yea_o irresistable_o where_o he_o himself_o have_v purpose_v to_o confer_v the_o spiritual_a good_a signify_v by_o the_o outward_a ordinance_n object_n 5._o the_o promise_n of_o god_n covenant_n be_v make_v to_o the_o elect_n and_o none_o but_o they_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n no_o man_n can_v affirm_v that_o a_o infant_n bring_v to_o baptism_n be_v elect._n answ_n i_o answer_v to_o this_o in_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o grant_v that_o none_o shall_v ever_o reap_v any_o save_a benefit_n by_o the_o covenant_n but_o the_o elect_n and_o that_o in_o the_o right_n of_o election_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o hence_o follow_v that_o none_o but_o they_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a see_v that_o by_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n the_o ecclesiastical_a father_n and_o pub_fw-la ick_fw-mi visible_a head_n of_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a church-member_n god_n command_v that_o the_o seal_n of_o his_o covenant_n shall_v be_v equal_o apply_v to_o
all_o the_o male-seed_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o that_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o election_n which_o be_v a_o secret_a know_v only_o to_o god_n about_o which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v we_o to_o trouble_v our_o spirit_n any_o far_a than_o to_o give_v all_o become_v diligence_n to_o make_v our_o own_o pe_n sonal_a election_n sure_a to_o our_o sâ—lves_n as_o touch_v the_o infant_n of_o church_n membâ—rs_n about_o who_o all_o the_o dispute_n be_v we_o be_v not_o anxious_o to_o be_v concern_v about_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o election_n of_o god_n yea_o or_o no._n it_o be_v ground_n sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o bless_v and_o thank_v god_n for_o his_o deal_n so_o gracious_o with_o our_o infant_n in_o that_o they_o with_o we_o be_v take_v into_o the_o same_o covenant_n and_o seal_v with_o the_o seal_n thereof_o for_o by_o god_n deal_n thus_o with_o believer_n infant-seed_n believer_n have_v a_o good_a foundation_n lay_v whereon_o to_o bottom_v their_o hope_n and_o comfort_n with_o reference_n to_o theiâ—_n die_v or_o decease_a infant_n and_o also_o of_o wrestle_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o eternal_a welfare_n the_o which_o the_o enemy_n to_o infant-baptism_n do_v by_o deny_v that_o infant_n belong_v to_o the_o covenant_n or_o have_v any_o right_n to_o the_o promise_v thereof_o till_o they_o themselves_o believe_v deprive_v and_o insensible_o spoil_v themselves_o of_o this_o be_v most_o evident_o true_a as_o will_v appear_v if_o it_o be_v serious_o consider_v thaâ—_n all_o right_a prayer_n be_v a_o plâ—â—â—iâ—g_a the_o promise_n of_o god_n covenant_n in_o the_o name_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n his_o own_o soâ—_n in_o and_o through_o who_o the_o say_a promise_n be_v entail_v on_o all_o the_o child_n of_o promise_n now_o if_o my_o infant_n be_v sick_a or_o ailing_n if_o he_o be_v go_v on_o in_o sin_n etc._n etc._n how_o can_v i_o by_o the_o anabaptist_n principle_n put_v up_o a_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o he_o see_v there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o god_n covenant_n belong_v to_o he_o or_o how_o can_v i_o comfort_v my_o sorrowful_a spirit_n with_o reference_n to_o my_o decease_a child_n if_o i_o must_v look_v on_o my_o dear_a babe_n as_o stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o god_n the_o which_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n and_o must_v remain_v so_o for_o ever_o in_o case_n they_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n covenant_n second_o if_o none_o but_o the_o elect_n have_v right_a to_o baptism_n this_o objection_n will_v fall_v like_o a_o millstone_n on_o they_o who_o baptise_v whole_a drove_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o who_o election_n to_o eternal_a life_n neither_o baptizer_n nor_o baptise_a know_v any_o more_o than_o they_o know_v how_o many_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n so_o that_o by_o thus_o argue_v against_o poor_a tongue-tied_a infant_n they_o may_v see_v how_o they_o deny_v salvation_n to_o their_o own_o as_o wâ—ll_n as_o other_o infant_n and_o render_v themselves_o uncapable_a of_o discharge_v a_o good_a conscience_n to_o their_o poor_a child_n in_o put_v up_o daily_o petition_n to_o god_n for_o they_o object_n 6._o we_o have_v a_o open_a profession_n from_o those_o we_o baptise_v and_o that_o warrant_v our_o baptise_v such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o to_o join_v to_o the_o church_n you_o have_v not_o the_o like_a from_o infant_n answ_n i_o answer_v hereto_o in_o three_o particular_n first_o it_o be_v well_o for_o both_o baptizer_n and_o baptise_a if_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o right_a conversion_n than_o they_o be_v and_o that_o they_o be_v better_o ground_v in_o the_o sound_n and_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o which_o if_o they_o be_v i_o dare_v bold_o say_v they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o precipitant_a and_o rash_a in_o condemn_v and_o despise_v those_o poor_a infant_n who_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o pattern_n and_o example_n by_o which_o grow_a person_n be_v to_o be_v mould_v and_o sit_v for_o heaven_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o offer_v themselves_o to_o baptism_n on_o such_o slight_a and_o evanid_a motion_n as_o fall_v short_a in_o too_o many_o of_o common_a conviction_n second_o poor_a infant_n never_o yet_o break_v or_o transgress_v the_o moral_a law_n personal_o and_o that_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o a_o actual_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v not_o require_v of_o they_o to_o qualify_v they_o for_o baptism_n as_o the_o sin_n of_o infant_n lie_v in_o the_o imputation_n of_o adam_n disobedience_n and_o the_o pollution_n of_o nature_n derive_v by_o fleshly_a generation_n so_o their_o help_n and_o remedy_n lie_v in_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n spotless_a righteousness_n to_o their_o person_n and_o his_o spirit_n renew_v their_o inward_a faculty_n in_o regenerate_v they_o and_o this_o twofold_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o justify_v and_o sanctify_v the_o elect_a infant_n be_v plain_o signify_v and_o seal_v in_o that_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n to_o the_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o to_o a_o grow_a â—eliever_n three_o albeit_o infant_n be_v not_o able_a to_o speâ—k_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o claim_v that_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n which_o the_o covenant_n itself_o have_v entail_v on_o they_o as_o they_o be_v the_o church_n seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n yet_o there_o be_v one_o who_o speak_v for_o they_o who_o judgement_n and_o testimony_n of_o they_o be_v more_o sure_a and_o infallible_a than_o all_o other_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n the_o lord_n jesus_n i_o mean_v who_o with_o his_o father_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n contrive_v and_o make_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o they_o be_v comprehend_v i_o will_v lay_v down_o in_o six_o particular_n what_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n concern_v infant_n as_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o covenant_n first_o he_o propound_v they_o as_o pattern_n by_o which_o grow_a person_n must_v be_v mould_v and_o fit_v for_o heaven_n mat._n 18.3_o second_o declare_v their_o right_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mar_n 10.14_o for_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n three_o rebuke_n most_o severe_o his_o disciple_n for_o hinder_v infant_n be_v bring_v to_o he_o mar._n 10.14_o but_o when_o jesus_n see_v it_o he_o be_v much_o displease_v etc._n etc._n in_o the_o greek_a it_o be_v eganaktese_n which_o signify_v to_o have_v the_o bowel_n inward_o move_v or_o affect_v with_o grief_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o indignation_n as_o beza_n render_v it_o indignatus_fw-la est_fw-la to_o be_v stomach_v at_o a_o person_n or_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v great_o or_o high_o displease_v a_o word_n which_o judicious_a sydenham_n observe_v be_v never_o use_v by_o christ_n in_o any_o case_n or_o on_o any_o occasion_n beside_o this_o of_o poor_a infant_n to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v man_n no_o doubt_n how_o great_o he_o be_v concern_v for_o helpless_a infant_n and_o how_o displease_v he_o be_v at_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o disciple_n heart_n against_o they_o oh_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o may_v melt_v the_o hard_a heart_n of_o such_o into_o a_o christ_n like_o tenderness_n towards_o poor_a infant_n four_o command_v infant_n to_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o mar._n 10.14_o suffer_v little_a child_n to_o come_v unto_o i_o etc._n etc._n five_o pronounce_v they_o holy_a rom._n 11.16_o 1._o cor._n 7.14_o six_o bless_v they_o mar._n 10.16_o and_o he_o take_v they_o up_o in_o his_o arm_n lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o and_o bless_v they_o these_o six_o particular_n lay_v together_o and_o weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n sanctuary_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o man_n of_o sense_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n to_o judge_v whether_o be_v safe_a to_o credit_v this_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n concern_v infant_n than_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o bare_a testimony_n of_o a_o mere_a man_n concern_v himself_o who_o may_v in_o all_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v but_o a_o paint_a sepulchre_n object_n 7._o if_o infant_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n because_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n also_o for_o that_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n the_o wine_n in_o the_o supper_n may_v as_o well_o be_v pour_v down_o the_o infant_n mouth_n with_o a_o spoon_n as_o to_o sprinkle_v water_n on_o his_o face_n answ_n this_o objection_n better_o become_v a_o superannuated_a man_n who_o border_n on_o perfect_a dotage_n than_o one_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o ignorant_a and_o misguide_a soul_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o who_o
god_n bless_v the_o read_n thereof_o to_o the_o keep_v thou_o back_o from_o espouse_v the_o error_n herein_o decry_v or_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o thy_o vomit_v up_o by_o sound_a repentance_n and_o hearty_a reformation_n the_o love_n and_o like_n thou_o have_v have_v to_o those_o principle_n of_o darkness_n give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o suffer_v thyself_o no_o long_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o such_o preacher_n who_o be_v not_o only_a intruder_n into_o the_o sacred_a office_n but_o also_o heterodox_n and_o unsound_a in_o what_o they_o teach_v concern_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n concern_v infants-baptism_n be_v but_o a_o popish_a invention_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o will-worship_n and_o what_o they_o teach_v and_o confident_o affirm_v of_o dip_v be_v the_o only_a right_a mode_n of_o baptise_v command_v by_o christ_n and_o practise_v by_o john_n and_o all_o the_o first_o baptizer_n by_o which_o principle_n they_o raze_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o salvation_n to_o grow_v believer_n as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o infant_n and_o disown_n that_o christ_n have_v any_o right_a gospel_n church_n but_o themselves_o from_o which_o principle_n i_o shall_v ever_o say_v and_o hearty_o pray_v good_a lord_n deliver_v i_o and_o all_o the_o family_n of_o thy_o faithful_a people_n the_o introduction_n a_o occasional_a discourse_n between_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o church_n member_n concern_v infant-baptism_n wherein_o sundry_a material_a question_n be_v put_v by_o the_o church_n member_n and_o plain_o and_o particular_o answer_v by_o the_o minister_n for_o the_o information_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o as_o be_v stagger_v in_o their_o judgement_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o infants-baptism_n minister_n brother_n edward_n by_o what_o i_o have_v hear_v from_o some_o of_o my_o neighbour_n as_o also_o by_o the_o discourse_n which_o pass_v between_o you_o and_o i_o when_o last_o together_o i_o suspect_v that_o some_o have_v be_v tamper_n with_o you_o to_o draw_v you_o away_o to_o anabaptism_n be_v it_o so_o or_o no_o deal_v plain_o to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v address_v myself_o to_o my_o duty_n in_o give_v you_o satisfaction_n herein_o from_o god_n word_n church_n member_n i_o must_v ingenious_o acknowledge_v sir_n that_o i_o be_o not_o without_o waver_v and_o doubtful_a thought_n in_o my_o mind_n about_o infant-baptism_n occasion_v partly_o by_o discourse_v with_o some_o of_o that_o way_n and_o persuasion_n partly_o by_o read_v some_o book_n which_o be_v put_v into_o my_o hand_n which_o to_o i_o seem_v full_a of_o clearness_n that_o infant-baptism_n be_v no_o way_n warrantable_a or_o justifiable_a by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n minist_n i_o find_v then_o that_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v in_o my_o apprehension_n of_o you_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o for_o your_o encouragement_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o you_o be_v but_o try_v herein_o by_o a_o temptation_n for_o which_o i_o think_v never_o the_o worse_o of_o your_o soul_n state_n neither_o be_v my_o hope_n and_o confidence_n of_o your_o integrity_n towards_o god_n a_o jot_n or_o whit_n lessen_v by_o the_o inclination_n in_o your_o mind_n to_o favour_v that_o opinion_n for_o i_o have_v know_v some_o very_a holy_a and_o upright_o heart_a christian_n who_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n have_v strong_o incline_v to_o favour_n and_o espouse_v that_o cause_n and_o principle_n as_o the_o most_o plausible_a and_o likely_a to_o agree_v with_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o infant-baptism_n in_o the_o gospel_n neither_o in_o precept_n nor_o yet_o in_o example_n to_o recommend_v it_o yea_o i_o myself_o have_v in_o my_o first_o set_v out_o in_o the_o way_n of_o christianity_n meet_v with_o temptation_n to_o draw_v i_o to_o that_o opinion_n and_o that_o by_o the_o very_a same_o mean_n which_o have_v occasion_v your_o stagger_v herein_o and_o the_o main_a thing_n which_o induce_v i_o to_o hanker_v after_o that_o principle_n be_v 1._o the_o high_a and_o charitable_a opinion_n i_o have_v of_o some_o of_o that_o party_n be_v man_n of_o high_a attainment_n in_o grace_n and_o gospel_n holiness_n 2._o there_o appear_v to_o i_o no_o command_n for_o infant-baptism_n in_o all_o the_o gospel_n nor_o yet_o any_o one_o instance_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o such_o be_v baptise_a 3._o the_o many_o quotation_n of_o learned_a divine_n and_o counsel_n which_o the_o anabaptist_n book_n assure_v i_o be_v all_o of_o their_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n herein_o which_o much_o startle_v and_o sway_v i_o to_o kind_a apprehension_n of_o their_o way_n 4_o their_o brand_a infant-baptism_n with_o the_o black_a brand_n of_o will-worship_n and_o popery_n against_o both_o which_o i_o always_o have_v since_o i_o know_v christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o ever_o shall_v have_v i_o humble_o hope_v in_o christ_n a_o mortal_a dislike_n and_o root_v hatred_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o 4_o particular_n now_o mention_v i_o be_v draw_v to_o the_o very_a verge_n or_o brink_n of_o anabaptism_n be_v just_a on_o the_o point_n of_o renounce_v my_o baptism_n receive_v in_o my_o infant_n state_n as_o be_v a_o mere_a nullity_n or_o no_o baptism_n at_o all_o my_o rove_a spirit_n thus_o fluctuate_a and_o toss_v between_o the_o wave_n and_o billow_n of_o doubtful_a and_o distract_n cogitation_n what_o i_o have_v best_a to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n whether_o to_o offer_v myself_o to_o be_v dip_v yea_o or_o not_o or_o to_o address_v myself_o to_o minister_n of_o the_o contrary_a judgement_n for_o resolution_n in_o so_o weighty_a and_o material_a a_o point_n matter_n be_v thus_o i_o providential_o and_o happy_o happen_v into_o the_o company_n of_o some_o of_o the_o congregational_a persuasion_n man_n no_o whit_n inferior_a to_o those_o i_o so_o much_o admire_v for_o piety_n and_o holiness_n and_o who_o i_o very_o well_o know_v be_v able_a to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v the_o other_o for_o matter_n of_o learning_n and_o deep_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o debate_v sundry_a point_n in_o controversy_n between_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o the_o orthodox_n protestant_n reform_v church_n concern_v infant-baptism_n i_o apprehend_v and_o see_v so_o far_o into_o the_o mystery_n of_o baptism_n that_o i_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o begin_v to_o question_v whether_o i_o be_v not_o under_o a_o delusion_n in_o dislike_a my_o infant-baptism_n receive_v in_o infancy_n by_o mean_n hereof_o i_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o pray_v earnest_o to_o god_n that_o his_o good_a spirit_n may_v teach_v and_o guide_v i_o in_o the_o way_n of_o gospel-truth_n which_o be_v second_v by_o a_o diligent_a search_n into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o a_o careful_a read_n and_o weigh_v the_o argument_n bring_v by_o both_o party_n both_o for_o and_o against_o infant-baptism_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n through_o the_o special_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n i_o be_v enable_v to_o see_v and_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o solid_a weight_n in_o the_o reason_n bring_v against_o infant-baptism_n but_o what_o be_v in_o reality_n repugnant_a and_o contradictory_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o will_v i_o hope_v in_o time_n most_o plain_o appear_v to_o your_o understanding_n i_o have_v be_v the_o more_o prolix_a in_o speak_v my_o experience_n herein_o that_o you_o may_v become_v sensible_a that_o even_o godly_a man_n may_v be_v entangle_v in_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o to_o let_v you_o know_v what_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o escape_v the_o net_n of_o crafty_a man_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o ensnare_v poor_a unstable_a though_o honest_a and_o well_o meaning_n soul_n now_o as_o christ_n my_o lord_n and_o master_n say_v to_o peter_n after_o his_o recovery_n from_o his_o fall_n when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n luke_n 22._o so_o i_o be_o now_o come_v as_o my_o duty_n bind_v i_o to_o endeavour_v your_o recovery_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o these_o point_n about_o infant-baptim_a wherein_o you_o seem_v to_o stagger_v church_n memb._n i_o hope_v i_o can_v say_v through_o special_a grace_n that_o i_o be_o no_o way_n fond_a of_o error_n but_o what_o i_o do_v herein_o i_o do_v it_o real_o from_o my_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o light_n thereof_o i_o hope_v sir_n you_o will_v not_o blame_v i_o for_o act_v according_a thereto_o minist_n i_o be_o far_o from_o arraign_v your_o integrity_n to_o god_n be_v very_o sensible_a that_o herein_o you_o be_v but_o under_o a_o temptation_n as_o strong_a christian_n than_o you_o or_o i_o have_v be_v and_o now_o be_v neither_o shall_v i_o in_o the_o least_o attempt_v to_o press_v you_o to_o act_v herein_o against_o your_o conscience_n conscience_n i_o be_o sensible_a be_v a_o
seal_v thereof_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n must_v belong_v to_o they_o also_o but_o infant_n be_v save_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o in_o no_o other_o way_n therefore_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n grace_n by_o which_o they_o be_v save_v and_o the_o seal_n thereof_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n must_v belong_v to_o they_o also_o this_o argument_n have_v be_v constant_o maintain_v by_o the_o orthodox_n against_o the_o enemy_n of_o infant-baptism_n with_o such_o success_n that_o i_o never_o yet_o hear_v the_o man_n name_n who_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v or_o overthrow_v the_o same_o by_o sound_n or_o solid_a argument_n to_o deny_v salvation_n to_o infant_n be_v a_o principle_n so_o monstrous_o cruel_a and_o uncharitable_a expose_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o deserve_a frown_n of_o all_o tender-hearted_n parent_n that_o some_o who_o account_v it_o a_o point_n of_o great_a skill_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o decry_v and_o witness_v against_o infant-baptism_n have_v declare_v themselves_o strong_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o all_o infant_n be_v save_v and_o that_o without_o distinguish_v between_o elect_a and_o reprobate_n or_o between_o the_o seed_n of_o profess_v godly_a believer_n and_o that_o of_o mahometan_n etc._n etc._n a_o principle_n altogether_o as_o silly_a and_o groundless_a as_o that_o of_o deny_v the_o right_n of_o believer_n infant-seed_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o visible_a token_n or_o seal_n thereof_o in_o the_o church_n and_o at_o what_o door_n this_o heterodox_n dream_v shall_v enter_v or_o from_o what_o root_n or_o principle_n it_o shall_v spring_v i_o know_v not_o unless_o from_o that_o popish_a arminian_n principle_n of_o general_a redemption_n and_o universal_a grace_n here_o by_o the_o concession_n or_o grant_v of_o the_o very_a adversary_n infant_n be_v save_v but_o how_o or_o in_o what_o way_n whether_o by_o a_o covenant_n or_o without_o a_o covenant_n here_o they_o be_v profound_o silent_a not_o dare_v to_o mention_v any_o covenant_n at_o all_o fear_v a_o advantage_n may_v be_v thereby_o give_v to_o discover_v or_o prove_v the_o right_n of_o infant_n to_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v sufficient_a such_o dreamer_n judge_v to_o leave_v poor_a infant_n to_o the_o general_a mercy_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o those_o do_v who_o dream_n and_o conceit_n that_o the_o very_o damn_a in_o hell_n shall_v at_o length_n be_v deliver_v from_o the_o torment_n of_o that_o place_n for_o which_o chimerical_a whym_n there_o be_v as_o much_o to_o be_v say_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o there_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n will_v extend_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o covenant_n to_o all_o infant_n die_v so_o the_o adversary_n i_o dispute_v against_o know_v very_o well_o that_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v in_o terminis_fw-la in_o plain_a term_n that_o infant_n be_v save_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o can_v no_o way_n be_v avoid_v but_o that_o infant_n must_v be_v in_o that_o covenant_n and_o must_v have_v a_o indisputable_a right_n in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la to_o the_o outward_a seal_n thereof_o but_o this_o must_v be_v deny_v and_o its_o contrary_n assert_v for_o the_o most_o glorious_a gospel-truth_n viz._n that_o believer_n only_a exclude_v their_o infant_n be_v interest_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n thereof_o and_o that_o in_o the_o right_n of_o the_o profession_n they_o make_v before_o men._n now_o how_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a tenure_n and_o design_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o elect_a this_o principle_n of_o anabaptism_n be_v i_o leave_v to_o every_o unprejudiced_a reader_n who_o understand_v any_o thing_n in_o religion_n to_o judge_n and_o whether_o to_o restrain_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n covenant_n which_o equal_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o elect_a to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o elect_n which_o be_v adult_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o make_v a_o profession_n and_o to_o extend_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o his_o own_o covenant_n be_v not_o equal_o to_o raze_v the_o foundation_n of_o gospel-truth_n and_o to_o usurp_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n or_o to_o invade_v his_o prerogative_n in_o the_o church_n i_o leave_v to_o wise_a man_n to_o determine_v if_o thus_o to_o do_v fall_v not_o under_o that_o dreadful_a commination_n or_o woe_n threaten_v in_o rev._n 22.18_o i_o be_o great_o mistake_v arg._n 3._o if_o infant_n do_v stand_v in_o as_o real_a need_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n covenant_n as_o the_o adult_n do_v and_o be_v every_o way_n as_o capable_a thereof_o as_o the_o adult_n be_v then_o must_v they_o of_o necessity_n be_v allow_v the_o seal_n thereof_o in_o the_o church_n but_o infant_n do_v stand_v in_o as_o real_a need_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o be_v every_o way_n as_o capable_a thereof_o as_o the_o adult_n be_v therefore_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n in_o the_o church_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v allow_v they_o that_o infant_n be_v partaker_n of_o adam_n gild_n and_o also_o of_o that_o pravity_n and_o pollution_n of_o nature_n which_o come_v by_o adam_n fall_n i_o be_o confident_a will_v be_v deny_v by_o none_o unless_o by_o downright_a dreamer_n now_o to_o own_o this_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o teach_v and_o hold_v that_o infant_n be_v because_o not_o grow_v up_o to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o actual_a faith_n uncapable_a of_o regeneration_n be_v to_o deny_v salvation_n to_o all_o infant_n who_o die_v infant_n and_o how_o well_o this_o principle_n accord_v with_o all_o infant_n be_v save_v who_o die_v infant_n be_v not_o difficult_a to_o understand_v if_o this_o be_v not_o contradictio_fw-la in_o terminis_fw-la viz._n a_o contradiction_n in_o plain_a term_n i_o know_v not_o what_o a_o contradiction_n mean_n the_o lord_n christ_n who_o can_v neither_o lie_v nor_o be_v deceive_v in_o what_o he_o say_v assure_v we_o that_o except_o one_o be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v possible_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n jo._n 3.8_o wherein_o the_o absolute_a need_n of_o regeneration_n be_v discover_v and_o assert_v and_o the_o subject_a of_o which_o this_o be_v predicate_v in_o that_o text_n be_v indefinite_o and_o universal_o express_v we_o be_v teach_v that_o neither_o adult_n nor_o infant_n shall_v ever_o enter_v heaven_n till_o that_o work_n of_o regeneration_n pass_v on_o the_o guilty_a pollute_a soul_n and_o to_o say_v that_o a_o adult_n or_o grow_v person_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o age_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o great_a change_n but_o that_o a_o infant_n because_o he_o want_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n etc._n etc._n be_v uncapable_a of_o it_o what_o be_v this_o but_o interpretative_o to_o hold_v and_o say_v that_o the_o creature_n own_o will_n and_o reason_n must_v concur_v to_o the_o produce_v the_o new_a creature_n in_o a_o dead_a soul_n and_o how_o advantageous_a this_o principle_n be_v to_o papist_n arminian_o pelagian_o and_o socinian_o the_o learned_a and_o orthodox_n well_o know_v the_o enemy_n themselves_o do_v with_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o water-baptism_n be_v a_o passive_a ordinance_n and_o strange_a it_o be_v that_o those_o of_o that_o party_n who_o be_v concern_v to_o deck_v and_o adorn_v the_o frontispiece_n of_o their_o book_n against_o infant-baptism_n with_o such_o ornate_a flourish_v of_o greek_a hebrew_n and_o latin_a sentence_n do_v not_o in_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v about_o this_o matter_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o understand_v and_o know_v the_o meaning_n and_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n passive_n better_a than_o it_o appear_v they_o do_v certain_a it_o be_v and_o the_o learned_a know_v it_o that_o the_o term_n passive_n signify_v and_o import_v a_o non-agency_a in_o the_o subject_a when_o a_o change_n be_v pass_v on_o it_o or_o a_o work_n produce_v in_o it_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o which_o change_n or_o work_n the_o subject_a recipient_a neither_o will_n nor_o act_n any_o thing_n towards_o the_o production_n of_o such_o a_o change_n if_o i_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n mind_n reveal_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n or_o be_v ever_o experimental_o acquaint_v with_o the_o spirit_n method_n in_o pass_v that_o great_a change_n on_o a_o sinner_n in_o effectual_a call_v the_o work_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n first_o god_n gracious_a act_n in_o free_o pardon_v all_o the_o rebel_n sin_n and_o transgression_n commit_v against_o the_o law_n impute_v to_o he_o that_o spotless_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n his_o son_n the_o sinner_n sponsor_n or_o surety_n as_o true_o and_o real_o as_o if_o that_o spotless_a righteousness_n have_v be_v act_v perform_v by_o the_o sinner_n himself_o personal_o this_o be_v the_o first_o part_n wherein_o that_o great_a
change_n lie_v or_o consist_v which_o in_o divinity_n be_v call_v justification_n the_o second_o be_v goâ—s_v quicken_a and_o renew_v the_o inward_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o communicate_v a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n to_o the_o sinner_n in_o every_o of_o the_o soul_n faculty_n within_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v or_o intend_v that_o in_o this_o work_n of_o regenerate_v the_o sinner_n the_o natural_a faculty_n concreated_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o adam_n be_v destroy_v or_o annihilate_v but_o that_o the_o predominancy_n of_o those_o vicious_a quality_n inhere_v in_o the_o soul_n faculty_n be_v overpower_v by_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o contrary_a principle_n of_o save_v and_o unloosable_a grace_n be_v communicate_v to_o every_o of_o these_o faculty_n in_o the_o soul_n whereby_o the_o new_a principle_n communicate_v maintain_v its_o own_o be_v in_o those_o respective_a faculty_n and_o this_o through_o the_o continual_a supply_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o produce_v the_o change_n and_o make_v continual_a resistance_n against_o that_o vice_n and_o corruption_n as_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o same_o faculty_n where_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v appoint_v to_o war_n and_o combat_n until_o that_o sinless_a perfection_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n supersede_n and_o dispossess_v that_o indwelling_a corruption_n in_o the_o soul_n under_o which_o the_o new_a creature_n continue_v to_o groan_v until_o a_o perfect_a release_n come_v this_o be_v call_v sanctification_n and_o when_o the_o set_a time_n prefix_v in_o god_n decree_n for_o call_v a_o elect_a sinner_n be_v come_v what_o produce_v this_o great_a change_n i_o will_v suppose_v the_o sinner_n to_o be_v come_v to_o the_o year_n of_o manhood_n capable_a of_o act_v or_o exercise_v his_o natural_a faculty_n do_v his_o will_n or_o his_o reason_n help_v the_o almighty_a in_o produce_v so_o miraculous_a a_o change_n can_v the_o eye_n of_o this_o sinner_n blind_a reason_n and_o understand_v see_v into_o or_o comprehend_v the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o that_o wisdom_n manifest_v and_o set_v forth_o in_o that_o stupendous_a and_o astonish_a contrivance_n of_o god_n justify_v and_o reconcile_n to_o himself_o a_o apostate_n rebel_n sinner_n by_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o another_o can_v the_o eye_n of_o blind_a reason_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o can_v the_o will_n of_o this_o dead_a sinner_n incline_v or_o move_v itself_o towards_o the_o sinner_n own_o conversion_n to_o be_v a_o coadjutor_n or_o fellow-helper_n to_o forward_o or_o help_v the_o almighty_a in_o effect_v this_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a change_n can_v it_o possible_o be_v that_o spiritual_a or_o corporal_n blindness_n can_v cure_v itself_o or_o that_o enmity_n and_o rebellion_n can_v change_v its_o own_o nature_n let_v the_o experience_n of_o every_o right_o assure_v believer_n speak_v to_o this_o if_o than_o nothing_o in_o the_o poor_a dead_a sinner_n neither_o the_o use_n of_o his_o natural_a reason_n nor_o yet_o any_o activity_n in_o his_o unrenewed_a will_n do_v contribute_v any_o help_n to_o produce_v so_o wonderful_a a_o change_n the_o work_n must_v needs_o be_v entire_o god_n own_o work_n from_o which_o i_o argue_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o poor_a infant_n if_o god_n can_v and_o do_v free_o pardon_v and_o blot_v out_o the_o million_o of_o actual_a sin_n add_v to_o the_o original_a guilt_n of_o a_o adult_n sinner_n if_o he_o can_v and_o do_v free_o and_o most_o gracious_o impute_v the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o son_n and_o by_o thus_o do_v justify_v a_o adult_n sinner_n if_o god_n can_v and_o do_v by_o the_o irresistible_a efficacy_n of_o his_o own_o holy_a spirit_n renew_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o adult_n sinner_n which_o be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v steep_v and_o even_o soak_v in_o vitiosity_n and_o actual_a pollution_n can_v the_o same_o almighty_a just_a wise_a and_o gracious_a god_n do_v and_o effect_v the_o like_a change_n in_o and_o upon_o a_o poor_a helpless_a infant_n though_o that_o infant_n understand_v not_o what_o be_v do_v to_o it_o neither_o be_v capable_a of_o contribute_v any_o help_n towards_o so_o great_a a_o change_n from_o what_o have_v be_v here_o offer_v to_o consideration_n to_o i_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o plain_a that_o when_o man_n cry_v out_o and_o say_v infant_n while_o infant_n be_v uncapable_a of_o regeneration_n because_o they_o want_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n etc._n etc._n they_o speak_v most_o injurious_o and_o ignorant_o against_o god_n himself_o as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o or_o will_v not_o effect_v that_o in_o and_o for_o a_o elect_a infant_n which_o he_o do_v for_o a_o adult_n sinner_n as_o the_o justify_n and_o renew_v a_o adult_n sinner_n have_v no_o dependence_n on_o the_o reason_n will_n or_o speech_n of_o a_o grow_v sinner_n even_o so_o the_o want_n of_o actual_a reason_n activity_n of_o will_n or_o speech_n in_o a_o infant_n can_v possible_o hinder_v god_n from_o effect_v this_o great_a and_o gracious_a work_n in_o and_o upon_o a_o elect_a infant_n though_o the_o poor_a infant_n can_v do_v nothing_o towards_o so_o great_a a_o change_n the_o subject_a recipient_a of_o this_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v every_o way_n passive_a the_o adult_n as_o well_o as_o the_o infant_n agreeable_a to_o this_o act_n of_o god_n in_o change_v a_o sinner_n be_v that_o ordinance_n of_o water-baptism_n who_o principal_a use_n be_v twofold_a first_o to_o signify_v and_o represent_v his_o own_o gracious_a deal_n with_o the_o sinner_n baptise_a in_o pardon_v all_o his_o sin_n for_o christ_n sake_n who_o blood_n represent_v by_o the_o water_n in_o baptism_n be_v shed_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o comprehend_v in_o that_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whereof_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n and_o second_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v to_o the_o baptise_a if_o elect_a all_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o god_n work_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o true_a convert_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o sinner_n whole_o passive_a so_o baptism_n the_o outward_a sign_n and_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v altogether_o passive_a and_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n see_v fit_a to_o appoint_v the_o element_n of_o material_a water_n to_o be_v use_v in_o baptism_n as_o above_o all_o the_o other_o element_n most_o suit_v to_o the_o design_n of_o that_o ordinance_n because_o of_o the_o analogy_n and_o resemblance_n which_o be_v between_o water_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n so_o no_o mode_n or_o way_n of_o administer_a this_o water-baptism_n do_v so_o exact_o and_o to_o the_o life_n set_v forth_o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n exhibit_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o the_o act_n of_o sprinkle_v or_o pour_v out_o the_o water_n on_o the_o party_n baptise_a by_o this_o way_n of_o sprinkle_v under_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o sweet_a and_o orderly_a harmony_n keep_v between_o the_o penman_n of_o god_n word_n both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n dispensation_n with_o who_o whoever_o study_n to_o agree_v in_o apply_v the_o water_n of_o holy_a baptism_n they_o will_v be_v at_o length_n find_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_a how_o many_o and_o black_a censure_n soever_o be_v heap_v on_o they_o by_o injudicious_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n apply_v the_o spiritual_a baptism_n by_o sprinkle_v or_o pour_v out_o of_o his_o grace_n on_o the_o soul_n there_o must_v be_v a_o analogy_n keep_v between_o the_o thing_n signify_v and_o the_o outward_a sign_n against_o what_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o to_o prove_v infant_n right_a to_o baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n many_o thing_n be_v object_v i_o will_v for_o brevity_n sake_n contract_v the_o objection_n with_o my_o answer_n to_o as_o few_o particular_n as_o possible_o i_o can_v object_n 1._o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o grand_a commission_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n concern_v infant_n mat._n 28.19_o go_v you_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n etc._n etc._n this_o seem_v too_o weak_a though_o well_o meaning_n mind_n to_o be_v unanswerable_a but_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o he_o who_o give_v out_o this_o grand_a commission_n i_o hope_v to_o show_v how_o wretched_o the_o objector_n be_v mistake_v herein_o in_o order_n whereto_o let_v two_o thing_n be_v serious_o and_o wary_o consider_v first_o that_o albeit_o christ_n the_o lord_n do_v not_o mention_v infant_n in_o particular_a yet_o he_o include_v they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o general_a commissionâ—_n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n here_o the_o lord_n command_v express_o that_o all_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n gen._n 7.7_o shall_v be_v baptise_a namely_o all_o
who_o shall_v embrace_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n if_o any_o they_o have_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o place_n be_v clear_a to_o any_o who_o do_v not_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n for_o evident_a it_o be_v and_o none_o can_v deny_v that_o he_o there_o command_v to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n not_o except_v against_o or_o forbid_v the_o disciple_n to_o baptise_v little_a infant_n he_o know_v that_o he_o speak_v to_o man_n who_o after_o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v know_v and_o consider_v that_o abraham_n covenant_n with_o believer_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n be_v to_o remain_v and_o continue_v the_o same_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o together_o with_o the_o sharp_a rebuke_n he_o give_v to_o his_o apostle_n for_o offer_v to_o hinder_v little_a one_o being_n bring_v to_o he_o and_o his_o lay_n before_o they_o such_o a_o convince_a reason_n wherefore_o such_o shall_v not_o be_v keep_v from_o come_v to_o he_o mar._n 10.14_o be_v the_o principal_a if_o not_o the_o only_a reason_n wherefore_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n see_v it_o not_o needful_a to_o mention_v infant_n in_o particular_a they_o be_v most_o certain_o include_v in_o the_o general_a term_n all_o nation_n all_o man_n who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o learning_n understand_v that_o omne_fw-la majus_fw-la continet_fw-la in_o se_fw-la minus_fw-la every_o great_a include_v or_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o lesser_a be_v a_o sure_a and_o stand_a rule_n both_o in_o logic_n and_o divinity_n agree_v with_o this_o sense_n i_o have_v give_v off_o the_o grand_a commission_n be_v that_o of_o peter_n act_v 2.39_o for_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n etc._n etc._n which_o afford_v a_o invincible_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n no_o change_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n any_o other_o than_o in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o it_o the_o covenant_n in_o its_o substance_n abide_v the_o same_o for_o ever_o by_o the_o grace_n thereof_o all_o god_n elect_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a race_n be_v to_o be_v save_v rom._n 3.29_o what_o i_o have_v say_v will_v yet_o receive_v far_a confirmation_n by_o what_o be_v lay_v down_o by_o paul_n in_o gal._n 3.14_o that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n may_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n through_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n the_o place_n now_o quote_v out_o of_o act_n 2.39_o and_o gal._n 3.14_o presuppose_v a_o command_n to_o all_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n who_o by_o faith_n receive_v jesus_n christ_n for_o a_o saviour_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v sign_v with_o the_o seal_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n according_a to_o gen._n 17.9_o for_o if_o the_o gentile_n who_o believe_v in_o abraham_n saviour_n do_v expect_v that_o they_o and_o their_o infant_n shall_v be_v make_v actual_a partaker_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n they_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o observe_v and_o keep_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n throughout_o their_o generation_n second_o see_v that_o christ_n himself_n word_n the_o commission_n so_o in_o general_a term_n which_o undoubted_o include_v the_o particular_a not_o except_v against_o infant_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o if_o infant_n be_v a_o part_n of_o those_o nation_n which_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n be_v command_v to_o baptise_v that_o christ_n command_v they_o to_o baptise_v infant_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o reader_n observe_v the_o word_n of_o the_o commission_n go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v no_o more_o mention_n of_o grow_v person_n man_n or_o woman_n than_o there_o be_v of_o infant_n if_o then_o anabaptist_n can_v deny_v that_o infant_n be_v a_o part_n of_o nation_n and_o that_o they_o can_v no_o way_n prove_v how_o abraham_n blessing_n can_v come_v on_o the_o gentile_n through_o christ_n jesus_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o and_o through_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v all_o the_o wit_n in_o man_n can_v oppose_v it_o with_o success_n that_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o adult_v person_n be_v as_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n intend_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o grand_a commission_n object_n 2._o none_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n but_o such_o as_o be_v first_o teach_v go_v and_o teach_v etc._n etc._n infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o man_n teach_v therefore_o they_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n answ_n this_o with_o the_o objection_n already_o speak_v to_o seem_v to_o weak_a and_o injudicious_a people_n to_o be_v unanswerable_a for_o exclude_v infant_n from_o baptism_n but_o he_o that_o look_v into_o it_o with_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n will_v find_v nothing_o in_o it_o against_o infant_n in_o order_n to_o discover_v the_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o objector_n let_v it_o be_v observe_v with_o care_n that_o the_o word_n teach_v be_v twice_o mention_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o commission_n go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o ver._n 20_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v etc._n etc._n the_o first_o teach_v be_v in_o the_o original_a matheteusate_a and_o the_o other_o be_v didaskontes_n which_o i_o choose_v to_o set_v down_o in_o the_o english_a rather_o than_o in_o the_o greek_a character_n to_o the_o end_n the_o unlearned_a may_v read_v they_o and_o in_o read_v observe_v the_o great_a difference_n which_o be_v between_o the_o two_o word_n and_o that_o both_o in_o the_o letter_n and_o sound_v of_o the_o word_n if_o this_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o will_v afford_v to_o the_o unlearned_a who_o will_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o ground_n to_o suspect_v not_o only_o the_o skill_n in_o tongue_n but_o also_o the_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o those_o guide_n who_o they_o judge_v come_v near_o to_o infallibility_n in_o what_o they_o teach_v than_o do_v the_o other_o eminent_a servant_n of_o christ_n who_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o at_o who_o labour_n the_o able_a preacher_n of_o that_o party_n be_v glad_a to_o light_v their_o candle_n as_o these_o two_o word_n differ_v in_o letter_n and_o sound_v as_o the_o unlearned_a themselves_o will_v find_v if_o they_o be_v but_o faithful_a to_o themselves_o so_o they_o differ_v also_o in_o their_o sense_n and_o signification_n as_o the_o orthodox_n and_o learned_a well_o know_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n matheteusate_fw-it which_o signify_v proper_o to_o disciple_n or_o to_o make_v disciple_n in_o all_o nation_n where_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v glad_o receive_v how_o be_v this_o to_o be_v do_v answ_n even_o as_o god_n teach_v abraham_n when_o he_o instruct_v he_o in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o which_o when_o abraham_n embrace_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o infant-seed_n he_o receive_v glad_o the_o visible_a token_n or_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n of_o grace_n viz._n circumcision_n and_o mark_n out_o his_o infant-seed_n by_o put_v the_o same_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o they_o and_o that_o in_o compliance_n with_o god_n command_n it_o be_v but_o rational_a to_o suppose_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o a_o ordinance_n shall_v be_v person_n adult_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o act_v for_o not_o only_a themselves_o but_o for_o their_o off_o spring_n and_o posterity_n also_o who_o be_v not_o while_o infant_n capable_a of_o act_v for_o themselves_o this_o be_v god_n way_n and_o method_n with_o abraham_n his_o friend_n he_o propound_v his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o he_o and_o in_o he_o to_o his_o seed_n as_o their_o stipulate_v and_o covenant_v head_n and_o representative_a in_o instruct_v abraham_n god_n in_o abraham_n person_n instruct_v his_o infant_n so_o as_o by_o that_o instruction_n his_o infant-seed_n become_v disciple_n and_o be_v according_o sign_v with_o the_o seal_n of_o their_o stipulate_a father_n covenant_n this_o undoubted_o be_v the_o method_n which_o the_o apostle_n go_v in_o when_o they_o be_v send_v forth_o to_o make_v disciple_n to_o christ_n in_o every_o nation_n they_o instruct_v adult_n and_o grow_v person_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n grace_n by_o christ_n and_o when_o such_o lay_v hold_v on_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n by_o a_o external_n profession_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o they_o be_v baptise_a with_o their_o infant_n if_o any_o they_o have_v hence_o we_o read_v of_o the_o jailor_n in_o act_n 16.33_o who_o on_o his_o believe_v be_v baptise_a he_o and_o all_o that_o be_v of_o he_o viz._n his_o own_o personal_a offspring_n so_o the_o greek_a word_n signify_v hence_o also_o we_o read_v of_o whole_a family_n who_o be_v baptise_a by_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o as_o be_v
the_o subject_a who_o must_v undoubted_o be_v in_o great_a fear_n and_o in_o apparent_a danger_n of_o be_v let_v fall_v if_o not_o of_o be_v suffocate_v or_o smother_v in_o the_o water_n and_o strange_a it_o be_v to_o i_o that_o arminian_o who_o plead_v so_o much_o for_o the_o universal_a love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_a shall_v not_o see_v how_o full_a of_o reflection_n on_o god_n this_o principle_n of_o they_o be_v which_o make_v the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o mode_n or_o way_n of_o baptise_v which_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v practise_v without_o apparent_a danger_n both_o to_o health_n and_o life_n of_o both_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o administrator_n too_o i_o conclude_v this_o argument_n with_o the_o say_v of_o judicious_a sydenham_n viz_o that_o if_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v in_o that_o way_n of_o dip_v only_o happy_a be_v those_o who_o live_v in_o hot_a climate_n or_o who_o have_v body_n of_o brass_n a_o three_o argument_n may_v be_v ground_v on_o scandal_n thus_o that_o mode_n or_o way_n of_o baptise_v which_o be_v both_o immodest_a and_o tend_v to_o excite_v lustful_a motion_n and_o carnal_a desire_n in_o man_n and_o woman_n can_v be_v command_v by_o christ_n neither_o be_v the_o same_o ever_o practise_v by_o john_n but_o that_o way_n of_o baptise_v by_o dip_v the_o whole_a body_n under_o water_n be_v both_o immodest_a and_o tend_v to_o excite_v lustful_a motion_n and_o carnal_a desire_n in_o man_n and_o woman_n therefore_o that_o mode_n of_o baptise_v by_o dip_v the_o whole_a body_n under_o water_n be_v never_o command_v by_o christ_n neither_o be_v the_o same_o ever_o practise_v by_o john_n he_o who_o command_v all_o matter_n relate_v to_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 1_o cor._n 14.40_o and_o who_o command_v believer_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a 1_o thes_n 5.22_o can_v never_o be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o disorderly_a practice_n as_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v his_o own_o general_a rule_n now_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o immodest_a and_o unseemly_a sight_n to_o see_v a_o mix_a company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n stand_v in_o garment_n to_o use_v mr._n sydenham_n expression_n next_o to_o nakedness_n itself_o let_v any_o not_o bereave_v of_o common_a modesty_n judge_v and_o whether_o the_o administrator_n can_v possible_o handle_v the_o female_a sex_n as_o he_o do_v when_o actual_o dip_v they_o and_o not_o feel_v the_o rise_n and_o motion_n of_o concupiscence_n in_o his_o nature_n i_o leave_v to_o think_v person_n to_o determine_v and_o judge_n again_o in_o the_o four_o place_n to_o add_v no_o more_o let_v the_o last_o argument_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o analogy_n which_o be_v and_o must_v be_v between_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o that_o of_o christ_n the_o argument_n be_v thus_o frame_v if_o christ_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o administer_a the_o inward_a spiritual_a baptism_n whereof_o that_o of_o john_n be_v but_o the_o outward_a visible_a sign_n be_v by_o sprinkle_v or_o pour_v out_o upon_o then_o john_n do_v certain_o baptise_v by_o sprinkle_v or_o pour_a out_o the_o water_n on_o those_o he_o baptise_a but_o christ_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o administer_a the_o inward_a spiritual_a baptism_n be_v by_o sprinkle_v or_o pour_v out_o upon_o therefore_o john_n do_v certain_o baptise_v by_o sprinkle_v or_o pour_v out_o water_n on_o those_o he_o baptise_a if_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o john_n shall_v harmonise_v with_o moses_n the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v as_o great_o concern_v to_o harmonise_v with_o christ_n himself_n and_o see_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o christ_n administer_a the_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a baptism_n be_v by_o pour_v out_o and_o sprinkle_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o elect_a in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n why_o john_n the_o forerunner_n of_o christ_n shall_v administer_v his_o baptism_n which_o be_v but_o a_o external_n sign_n or_o christ_n by_o dip_v or_o plunge_v the_o whole_a body_n into_o the_o water_n can_v never_o be_v demonstrate_v by_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o conceit_a skill_n in_o our_o doctor_n though_o he_o be_v as_o well_o verse_v in_o all_o the_o root_n and_o heemantique_a noun_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n as_o his_o so_o much_o admire_v robertson_n be_v and_o if_o the_o doctor_n will_v not_o be_v offend_v i_o be_o very_o desirous_a to_o know_v if_o his_o so_o high_o commend_v and_o admire_a robertson_n be_v by_o his_o so_o great_a excellency_n in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a tongue_n more_o infallible_o acquaint_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o other_o man_n and_o that_o mr._n robertson_n do_v certain_o believe_v that_o the_o etymology_n which_o he_o give_v of_o the_o word_n baptizo_fw-la be_v infalible_a as_o he_o say_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o learned_a robertson_n do_v not_o renounce_v that_o baptism_n which_o he_o receive_v in_o infancy_n and_o by_o sprinkle_v i_o think_v i_o know_v master_n william_n robertson_n as_o well_o as_o dr._n russel_n and_o during_o the_o time_n of_o my_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o anabaptism_n all_o the_o skill_n he_o have_v in_o the_o tongue_n with_o his_o acquaintance_n in_o the_o art_n do_v not_o convince_v he_o that_o the_o baptism_n he_o receive_v in_o infancy_n and_o by_o sprinkle_v be_v a_o nullity_n as_o the_o doctor_n hold_v it_o be_v but_o to_o return_v to_o john_n the_o dooper_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o assure_v the_o doctor_n that_o i_o own_v myself_o bind_v to_o believe_v john_n himself_o rather_o than_o doctor_n russel_n or_o any_o of_o those_o learned_a man_n he_o so_o great_o brag_v of_o the_o word_n of_o john_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o i_o can_v see_v no_o need_n of_o a_o commentator_n to_o explain_v their_o sense_n he_o tell_v we_o in_o mar._n 1.8_o and_o in_o mat._n 3.11_o that_o he_o do_v baptise_v with_o water_n but_o that_o christ_n shall_v baptise_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v both_o intend_v and_o signify_v the_o very_a same_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o administration_n all_o the_o difference_n between_o john_n and_o christ_n in_o both_o their_o baptism_n be_v in_o the_o subject_a matter_n viz._n in_o the_o outward_a water_n and_o the_o inward_a grace_n john_n he_o do_v administer_v water_n the_o outward_a sign_n but_o christ_n he_o do_v administer_v the_o spiritual_a grace_n but_o as_o touch_v the_o manner_n it_o be_v most_o certain_o the_o very_a same_o in_o both_o now_o if_o the_o doctor_n grant_v as_o he_o must_v if_o he_o speak_v truth_n that_o christ_n do_v administer_v the_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a baptism_n by_o pour_v out_o or_o sprinkle_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o will_v find_v it_o altogether_o incongruous_a and_o no_o way_n agree_v with_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n to_o hold_v or_o assert_v that_o john_n do_v administer_v the_o outward_a sign_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o christ_n there_o must_v be_v necessary_o a_o harmonious_a agreement_n between_o the_o sign_n and_o the_o thing_n signify_v thereby_o which_o can_v never_o be_v in_o case_n christ_n baptise_n by_o or_o with_o pour_v out_o or_o sprinkle_v and_o john_n shall_v baptise_v by_o dip_v or_o plunge_v into_o as_o christ_n apply_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o conversion_n not_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o spirit_n so_o in_o the_o outward_a baptism_n john_n he_o apply_v the_o water_n the_o outward_a sign_n to_o the_o person_n not_o the_o person_n to_o the_o water_n for_o make_v the_o thing_n or_o point_n now_o in_o debate_n obvious_a and_o plain_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n let_v it_o be_v serious_o consider_v how_o plain_a and_o express_v the_o scripture_n be_v in_o affirm_v that_o christ_n way_n or_o manner_n in_o administer_a the_o spiritual_a baptism_n be_v by_o pour_v out_o and_o sprinkle_v the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o soul_n which_o he_o regenerate_v but_o never_o by_o apply_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n read_v without_o prejudice_n tit._n 3.5_o 6._o not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o have_v save_v we_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o shed_v on_o we_o abundant_o through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v power_v on_o we_o the_o very_a same_o word_n be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o act_n 2.17_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o