the_o trinity_n and_o the_o deity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v fair_o and_o sufficient_o prove_v from_o those_o text_n which_o the_o orthodox_n bring_v for_o they_o without_o ancient_a tradition_n though_o without_o it_o they_o can_v not_o be_v demonstrate_v from_o they_o because_o they_o do_v not_o assert_v it_o in_o express_a word_n but_o then_o as_o those_o text_n in_o conjunction_n with_o tradition_n do_v put_v those_o doctrine_n out_o of_o all_o reasonable_a doubt_n so_o do_v the_o other_o which_o i_o have_v cite_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n put_v the_o requisite_a necessity_n of_o infant-baptism_n out_o of_o question_n because_o the_o church_n in_o the_o next_o age_n unto_o the_o apostle_n practise_a infant-baptism_n as_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o by_o consequence_n as_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o the_o intrinsical_a argument_n take_v rome_v the_o style_n sanctity_n dignity_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o perpetual_a analogy_n and_o conformity_n of_o the_o several_a book_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v by_o themselves_o but_o probable_a and_o no_o demonstrative_a reason_n that_o all_o the_o book_n contain_v in_o the_o canon_n and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_n catholic_n church_n amount_v to_o a_o demonstration_n so_o though_o the_o text_n which_o i_o have_v cite_v be_v of_o themselves_o but_o probable_a argument_n for_o the_o requisite_a necessity_n of_o infant-baptism_n yet_o in_o concurrence_n with_o such_o a_o comment_n upon_o they_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o next_o age_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o age_n since_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o they_o amount_v to_o such_o a_o demonstration_n as_o be_v call_v in_o logic_n demonstratio_fw-la ducens_fw-la ad_fw-la absurdum_fw-la and_o be_v a_o violent_a presumption_n that_o child_n ought_v to_o be_v baptise_a i_o may_v run_v on_o the_o parallel_n as_o to_o the_o other_o instance_n of_o episcopal_a government_n the_o admit_v of_o woman_n to_o the_o communion_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o therefore_o let_v the_o adversary_n of_o infant-baptism_n consider_v well_o with_o themselves_o whether_o reject_v of_o it_o after_o a_o concurrence_n of_o such_o text_n and_o such_o a_o tradition_n to_o establish_v it_o they_o do_v not_o teach_v other_o especial_o atheist_n pure_a deist_n and_o sabbatizer_n to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v sceptic_n socinian_n and_o quaker_n a_o way_n to_o deny_v all_o the_o rest_n thus_o much_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v the_o requisite_a necessity_n of_o infant-baptism_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o appoint_v of_o infant_n to_o be_v baptise_a when_o there_o be_v such_o cogent_a reason_n arise_v from_o the_o concurrence_n of_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n to_o presume_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o i_o have_v design_o call_v it_o a_o requisite_a to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n lest_o the_o reader_n shall_v think_v i_o be_v of_o st._n augustin_n opinion_n who_o think_v baptism_n indispensible_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o infant_n so_o that_o a_o child_n die_v unbaptise_v through_o the_o carelessness_n or_o superstition_n of_o the_o parent_n or_o through_o their_o mistake_a belief_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o infant-baptism_n be_v 8._o be_v potest_fw-la proinde_fw-la rectè_fw-la dici_fw-la parvulos_fw-la sine_fw-la baptismo_fw-la de_fw-la corpore_fw-la exeuntes_fw-la in_o damnatione_fw-la omnium_fw-la mitissimâ_fw-la futuros_fw-la multum_fw-la autem_fw-la fallit_fw-la &_o fallitur_fw-la qui_fw-la eos_fw-la in_o damnatione_fw-la praedicat_fw-la non_fw-la futuros_fw-la dicente_fw-la apostolo_n judicium_fw-la ex_fw-la uno_fw-la delicto_fw-la august_n de_fw-fr peccat_fw-la merit_n &_o remiss_a contra_fw-la pelag._n l._n 1._o c._n 16._o vid._n &_o contra_fw-la julianum_fw-la pelag._n l._n 5._o c._n 8._o infallible_o damn_v no_o i_o intend_v no_o such_o severe_a conclusion_n because_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o tie_v god_n to_o the_o same_o mean_n to_o which_o he_o have_v tie_v we_o but_o only_a to_o show_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o young_a child_n be_v antecedent_o necessary_a and_o 27._o and_o article_n of_o religion_n artic._n 27._o in_o any_o wise_a to_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o set_v this_o way_n of_o argue_v more_o home_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o dissent_n from_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o infant-baptism_n i_o appeal_v unto_o they_o whether_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n stand_v against_o infant-baptism_n in_o the_o same_o posture_n of_o evidence_n that_o they_o now_o stand_v for_o it_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unjustifiable_a for_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n for_o not_o baptise_v infant_n as_o they_o do_v now_o for_o baptise_v of_o they_o let_v we_o suppose_v for_o example_n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n instead_o of_o rebuke_v those_o that_o bring_v little_a child_n unto_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o he_o themselves_o and_o he_o have_v be_v much_o displease_v at_o they_o for_o it_o and_o say_v i_o suffer_v not_o little_a child_n to_o come_v unto_o i_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o of_o such_o let_v we_o put_v the_o case_n that_o two_o evangelist_n have_v record_v this_o suppose_a story_n and_o according_o we_o have_v be_v assure_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o two_o next_o age_n to_o the_o apostle_n that_o then_o there_o be_v no_o baptise_v of_o infant_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a they_o not_o and_o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o church_n in_o after_o age_n which_o do_v practice_v infant-baptism_n upon_o this_o supposition_n i_o appeal_v unto_o they_o whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a to_o separate_v from_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o not_o allow_v of_o infant-baptism_n against_o the_o concurrence_n of_o such_o a_o text_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o case_n which_o i_o suppose_v one_o way_n be_v the_o real_a case_n the_o other_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o suppose_a case_n will_v have_v but_o the_o benefit_n of_o one_o text_n whereas_o the_o real_a have_v the_o benefit_n of_o many_o in_o conjunction_n with_o tradition_n and_o therefore_o see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o text_n and_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n for_o infant-baptism_n why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o one_o of_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o christianity_n like_o the_o parallel_n doctrine_n abovementioned_a though_o it_o be_v not_o command_v especial_o when_o as_o i_o have_v show_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o command_v of_o it_o in_o express_a word_n i_o know_v the_o dissenter_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o especial_o those_o for_o who_o sake_n i_o be_o now_o write_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o great_a prejudice_n and_o sinister_a suspicion_n against_o tradition_n declaim_v against_o it_o as_o very_o uncertain_a and_o against_o the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o very_a derogatory_n to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o as_o to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o their_o objection_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n i_o desire_v they_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a as_o well_o as_o a_o uncertain_a a_o undoubted_a as_o well_o as_o a_o pretend_a tradition_n as_o there_o be_v true_a certain_a and_o undoubted_a as_o well_o as_o pretend_v and_o uncertain_a scripture_n and_o that_o there_o be_v sure_a way_n whereby_o ingenious_a and_o inquisitive_a man_n may_v satisfy_v themselves_o which_o be_v one_o and_o which_o be_v the_o other_o the_o way_n then_o to_o find_v out_o true_a and_o undoubted_a tradition_n as_o 3._o as_o advers._fw-la haeres_fw-la c._n 3._o vincentius_n lirinensis_n teach_v be_v to_o try_v it_o by_o these_o three_o test_n universality_n antiquity_n and_o consent_v first_o by_o universality_n if_o all_o the_o church_n wheresoever_o disperse_v or_o how_o different_a soever_o in_o their_o language_n and_o custom_n do_v believe_v or_o practise_v such_o a_o doctrine_n second_o antiquity_n if_o what_o all_o the_o church_n all_o the_o world_n over_o do_v so_o believe_v or_o practice_n be_v no_o innovation_n but_o believe_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o age_n next_o to_o the_o apostle_n when_o such_o father_n govern_v the_o church_n or_o such_o famous_a man_n live_v in_o they_o as_o know_v the_o apostle_n and_o converse_v with_o they_o or_o live_v near_o unto_o those_o or_o with_o those_o apostolical_a man_n who_o so_o know_v they_o or_o converse_v with_o they_o or_o live_v near_o unto_o they_o three_o
age._n these_o be_v all_o the_o authority_n for_o infant-communion_n that_o i_o know_v of_o till_o st._n augustin_n time_n whereas_o beside_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n cyprian_n which_o be_v the_o first_o they_o have_v for_o communicate_v infant_n we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o whole_a council_n of_o father_n in_o which_o he_o preside_v and_o of_o origen_n tertullian_n and_o irenaeus_n who_o be_v the_o scholar_n of_o st._n polycarp_n and_o the_o grand-scholar_n of_o st._n john_n and_o then_o whereas_o among_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o four_o century_n there_o be_v but_o the_o two_o above-cited_n who_o make_v mention_v of_o infant-communion_n we_o have_v st._n 275._o st._n see_v they_o all_o cite_v at_o large_a in_o walker_n plea_n for_o infant-baptism_n from_o p._n 266._o to_o p._n 275._o hierom_n st._n ambrose_n st._n chrysostom_n st._n athanasius_n gregory_n nazianzen_n and_o the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n who_o all_o speak_v of_o infant-baptism_n as_o of_o a_o thing_n general_o practise_v and_o most_o of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n furthermore_o none_o of_o the_o four_o testimony_n for_o infant-communion_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n as_o origen_n do_v of_o infant-baptism_n not_o to_o mention_v that_o the_o pelagian_o never_o own_v the_o necessity_n of_o infant-communion_n as_o they_o do_v of_o infant-baptism_n all_o which_o thing_n consider_v show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o near_o the_o like_a evidence_n in_o antiquity_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o one_o as_o there_o be_v for_o that_o of_o the_o other_o and_o as_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a evidence_n for_o the_o constant_a successive_a and_o general_a practice_n of_o infant-communion_n that_o there_o be_v for_o infant-baptism_n so_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o first_o because_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n or_o mystery_n of_o initiation_n of_o which_o person_n of_o all_o age_n be_v capable_a it_o be_v institute_v chief_o for_o a_o initiatory_a sign_n to_o solemnize_v the_o admission_n of_o the_o baptise_a person_n into_o the_o church_n and_o to_o seal_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o he_o as_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n or_o chief_a end_n of_o baptism_n which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v upon_o the_o second_o and_o four_o question_n be_v equal_o answer_v in_o the_o baptism_n of_o child_n as_o well_o as_o of_o profess_v believer_n confession_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o accidental_a circumstantial_o which_o be_v necessary_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v baptise_a but_o not_o to_o baptism_n itself_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o holy_a eucharist_n or_o communion_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o perfection_n and_o consummation_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v primary_o and_o chief_o institute_v for_o a_o sacrificial_a feast_n in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o piety_n child_n be_v not_o capable_a to_o perform_v but_o second_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o baptise_v and_o communicate_v infant_n because_o that_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o tradition_n be_v fair_o and_o genuine_o interpretable_a for_o it_o but_o this_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o one_o text_n john_n 6.53_o except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o which_v it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n or_o no_o because_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o it_o but_o in_o a_o proleptical_a sense_n the_o lord_n supper_n have_v not_o be_v yet_o institute_v by_o he_o or_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v so_o understand_v yet_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n contain_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o this_o do_v you_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o wherefore_o though_o this_o text_n be_v literal_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n as_o st._n augustine_n first_o interpret_v it_o yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v strain_v to_o infant-communion_n because_o infant_n can_v partake_v of_o the_o holy_a banquet_n in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o custom_n of_o communicate_v infant_n prevail_v by_o degree_n in_o some_o age_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o western_a church_n discern_v the_o mistake_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v ground_v have_v long_o since_o lay_v it_o aside_o though_o they_o still_o continue_v the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n as_o full_o answer_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o baptism_n and_o as_o be_v found_v upon_o more_o and_o clear_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o much_o more_o noble_a tradition_n than_o infant-communion_n be_v but_o three_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o baptise_v and_o communicate_v infant_n because_o the_o correspondent_a practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o infant-circumcision_n and_o infant-baptism_n answer_v as_o a_o pattern_n unto_o that_o under_o the_o law_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o pattern_n under_o it_o which_o answer_v so_o to_o infant-communion_n because_o a_o child_n never_o partake_v of_o the_o 27._o the_o exod._n 12.26_o 27._o passover_n before_o he_o be_v old_a enough_o to_o take_v his_o father_n by_o the_o hand_n and_o to_o go_v up_o from_o the_o gate_n of_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o mount_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o to_o inquire_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o service_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o the_o child_n of_o christian_n be_v old_a enough_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o to_o understand_v that_o than_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o it_o be_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o will_v if_o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o confirm_v though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o christian_a child_n be_v usual_o much_o old_a than_o the_o jewish_a be_v before_o they_o communicate_v which_o be_v mere_o accidental_a because_o it_o require_v a_o ripe_a reason_n to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n which_o be_v do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o our_o spiritual_a deliverance_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n both_o god_n and_o man_n upon_o the_o cross_n than_o to_o understand_v the_o plain_a and_o easy_a meaning_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v annual_o keep_v in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o temporal_a deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o to_o speak_v yet_o more_o full_o of_o infant-communion_n the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o prejudice_v the_o cause_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o it_o mighty_o confirm_v it_o because_o none_o be_v or_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n till_o they_o be_v valid_o 〈◊〉_d valid_o theodoret._n therapeut_n serm._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d baptise_a and_o therefore_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n be_v a_o most_o emphatical_a declaration_n that_o all_o the_o church_n wherein_o it_o ever_o be_v or_o indies_n or_o as_o in_o the_o greek_a russian_a and_o abyssin_n church_n and_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o st._n thomas_n in_o the_o indies_n still_o be_v practise_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v as_o lawful_a and_o valid_a as_o that_o of_o profess_v believer_n can_v be_v as_o for_o the_o original_a of_o this_o custom_n it_o be_v not_o know_v when_o it_o begin_v probable_o it_o come_v in_o by_o degree_n from_o the_o ancient_a and_o laudable_a custom_n of_o administer_a the_o lord_n supper_n to_o grow_v person_n present_o after_o their_o baptism_n and_o if_o so_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v so_o tender_a towards_o infant_n as_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o communion_n rather_o than_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o right_n what_o shall_v be_v say_v in_o excuse_n of_o those_o uncharitable_a man_n who_o will_v rather_o destroy_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n than_o bring_v their_o child_n unto_o baptism_n of_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o right_a so_o high_o probable_a if_o not_o certain_a and_o infallible_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v above_o the_o second_o objection_n against_o infant-baptism_n which_o i_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o but_o reserve_v for_o this_o place_n be_v take_v from_o their_o incapacity_n to_o engage_v themselves_o in_o covenant_n unto_o god_n for_o say_v these_o man_n
kingdom_n of_o heaven_n though_o they_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o original_a sin_n but_o three_o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o in_o practice_n from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o christian_a church_n or_o be_v derivable_a from_o any_o other_o cause_n than_o apostolical_a tradition_n let_v the_o opposer_n of_o it_o tell_v we_o any_o other_o probable_a way_n how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v the_o uniform_a practice_n of_o all_o church_n not_o only_o of_o such_o as_o be_v colony_n of_o the_o same_o mother-church_n or_o have_v correspondence_n with_o one_o another_o by_o their_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n but_o of_o such_o as_o be_v original_a plantation_n and_o betwixt_o which_o there_o be_v likely_a none_o or_o but_o very_o little_a communication_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o vast_a distance_n and_o want_v of_o intercourse_n betwixt_o the_o country_n where_o 692._o where_o brerewoods_n inquiry_n c._n 23_o cassand_n exposit_n de_fw-fr auctor_fw-la consult_v bapt._n infant_n p._n 692._o they_o live_v among_o these_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n be_v the_o abassin-church_n in_o the_o further_a ethiopia_n and_o the_o 20._o the_o osor_n l._n 3._o de_fw-la rebus_fw-la gest_n eman_n cit_fw-la à _fw-fr vossio_n in_o disp_n 14._o de_fw-la baptismo_fw-la brerewood_n inquiry_n c._n 20._o indian_a church_n in_o coulan_n and_o crangonor_n and_o about_o maliapur_n plant_v by_o st._n thomas_n both_o which_o practice_n infant-baptism_n though_o in_o all_o probability_n they_o never_o have_v it_o one_o from_o the_o other_o or_o both_o from_o any_o three_o church_n it_o be_v very_o incredible_a that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v all_o church_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o fall_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o practice_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o church-destroying_a practice_n if_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o assistant_n do_v not_o baptise_v infant_n but_o only_o grow_v person_n one_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o god_n may_v suffer_v all_o church_n to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o harmless_a practice_n as_o that_o of_o infant_n communion_n or_o that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n may_v comply_v with_o the_o religious_a fondness_n of_o the_o people_n in_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o the_o sacrament_n as_o we_o do_v with_o bring_v they_o to_o prayer_n but_o that_o god_n shall_v let_v they_o all_o not_o preserve_v any_o one_o for_o a_o monument_n of_o apostolical_a purity_n fall_v into_o a_o practice_n which_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v at_o least_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o incredible_a than_o that_o the_o apostle_n without_o a_o prohibition_n from_o christ_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o no_o such_o prohibition_n be_v extant_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v baptise_v infant_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o in_o the_o four_o place_n what_o account_n can_v rational_o be_v give_v why_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o neglect_n of_o circumcision_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v much_o more_o offend_v if_o the_o apostle_n have_v refuse_v to_o initiate_v child_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v always_o be_v initiate_v under_o the_o old_a be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o those_o who_o complain_v so_o much_o mere_o because_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o jew_n which_o live_v among_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o circumcise_v their_o child_n will_v not_o have_v complain_v much_o more_o if_o they_o have_v not_o baptise_a they_o but_o quite_o exclude_v they_o like_o the_o infant_n of_o unbeliever_n from_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n it_o must_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v gall_v they_o very_o much_o to_o see_v their_o child_n treat_v like_o the_o child_n of_o mere_a stranger_n and_o to_o have_v have_v no_o visible_a difference_n put_v between_o the_o infant_n of_o those_o that_o embrace_v and_o those_o that_o resist_v the_o faith_n for_o they_o always_o look_v upon_o pagan_a child_n as_o common_a and_o unclean_a but_o upon_o their_o own_o as_o separate_a and_o holy_a and_o st._n paul_n make_v the_o same_o distinction_n between_o they_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o but_o have_v the_o apostle_n teach_v that_o the_o child_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n have_v no_o more_o right_a unto_o baptismal_a initiation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o idolater_n who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o covenant_n they_o have_v teach_v a_o doctrine_n which_o certain_o will_v have_v offend_v they_o more_o than_o all_o they_o preach_v against_o circumcision_n and_o keep_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n wherefore_o since_o we_o never_o read_v among_o their_o many_o complaint_n upon_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o jew_n custom_n that_o they_o complain_v of_o their_o child_n not_o be_v initiate_v by_o baptism_n it_o be_v a_o great_a presumption_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o assistant_n baptise_a their_o child_n than_o the_o want_n of_o a_o express_a example_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o they_o baptise_a they_o not_o have_v now_o show_v first_o that_o infant_n be_v not_o uncapable_a of_o baptism_n second_o that_o they_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o it_o by_o christ_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o have_v very_o convince_a reason_n to_o presume_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o of_o grow_v person_n be_v intend_v by_o he_o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o make_v a_o fair_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n upon_o the_o three_o question_n quest_n iii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n which_o appoint_v infant_n to_o be_v baptise_a and_o this_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o the_o former_a question_n must_v be_v determine_v in_o the_o negative_a whether_o we_o consider_v infant-baptism_n only_o as_o a_o thing_n lawful_a and_o allowable_a or_o as_o a_o thing_n high_o requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o my_o adversary_n in_o this_o controversy_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o deny_v this_o distinction_n betwixt_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a as_o acknowledge_v nothing_o in_o religious_a matter_n to_o be_v lawful_a but_o what_o be_v necessary_a according_a to_o that_o common_a principle_n imbibe_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o dissenter_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v appoint_v in_o religious_a matter_n but_o what_o be_v command_v by_o some_o precept_n or_o direct_v unto_o by_o some_o special_a example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n hence_o they_o ordinary_o say_v can_v you_o show_v we_o any_o precept_n or_o example_n for_o baptise_v infant_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o you_o can_v we_o will_v grant_v that_o the_o appointment_n of_o it_o be_v lawful_a but_o if_o you_o can_v we_o disallow_v it_o as_o unlawful_a nay_o as_o a_o usurpation_n and_o will_v never_o be_v of_o a_o church_n which_o so_o usurp_v it_o over_o the_o conscience_n of_o men._n this_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v plausible_a to_o the_o vulgar_a and_o will_v be_v very_o good_a be_v there_o such_o a_o principle_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o this_o from_o whence_o they_o argue_v viz._n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v appoint_v in_o religious_a matter_n but_o what_o be_v warrant_v by_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wherefore_o as_o the_o man_n with_o who_o i_o have_v to_o deal_v in_o this_o controversy_n be_v general_o person_n of_o good_a natural_a understanding_n so_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o beg_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o rule_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o this_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o teach_v it_o for_o a_o scripture-rule_a or_o precept_n do_v themselves_o impose_v upon_o man_n conscience_n as_o bad_a as_o papist_n and_o like_o they_o and_o the_o pharisee_n of_o old_a teach_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n for_o doctrine_n of_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o that_o sin_n be_v the_o transgression_n of_o a_o law_n and_o that_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n and_o according_a to_o this_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a rule_n though_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n be_v not_o command_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o the_o church_n will_v have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o appoint_v it_o upon_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v second_o i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o pretend_a scripture-rule_a in_o that_o it_o take_v away_o the_o distinction_n betwixt_o bare_o lawful_a or_o allowable_a and_o necessary_a and_o leave_v no_o negative_a mean_n betwixt_o necessary_a and_o sinful_a but_o make_v thing_n forbid_v and_o thing_n not_o command_v to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o three_o i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o a_o slavish_a principle_n this_o be_v and_o how_o inconsistent_a it_o be_v with_o the_o free_a and_o manly_a nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n under_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o far_o more_o servile_a
consent_n if_o it_o appear_v that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v the_o consentient_a belief_n or_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o father_n in_o those_o age_n or_o of_o all_o except_o a_o very_a few_o who_o have_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o rest_n to_o which_o i_o will_v add_v first_o that_o this_o tradition_n must_v be_v write_v and_o not_o oral_a and_o second_o that_o it_o must_v be_v prove_v in_o every_o age_n from_o book_n that_o be_v write_v in_o it_o and_o who_o author_n whether_o under_o their_o own_o or_o under_o borrow_a name_n have_v no_o interest_n to_o write_v so_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o testimony_n for_o infant-baptism_n in_o the_o constitution_n go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o not_o of_o l._n 6._o c._n 19_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d baptise_v your_o infant_n &_o educate_v they_o in_o the_o discipline_n and_o admonition_n of_o god_n for_o say_v our_o lord_n suffer_v little_a child_n to_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o forbid_v they_o not_o clemens_n romanus_n and_o the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastical_a hierarchy_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o we_o of_o c._n 7._o where_o argue_v for_o infant-baptism_n he_o say_v of_o this_o we_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o our_o divine_a minister_n of_o holy_a thing_n instruct_v by_o divine_a tradition_n bring_v down_o to_o we_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n be_v of_o no_o authority_n as_o to_o the_o first_o century_n when_o st._n clement_n and_o st._n denis_n live_v yet_o they_o be_v most_o excellent_a authority_n for_o the_o three_o and_o four_o century_n when_o they_o be_v write_v because_o they_o have_v no_o interest_n to_o write_v for_o infant-baptism_n the_o like_a i_o may_v say_v of_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o baptism_n the_o quaest_n &_o respon_n 56._o where_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o baptise_a and_o unbaptise_v infant_n that_o baptise_a infant_n enjoy_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o baptism_n which_o those_o that_o be_v not_o baptise_a do_v not_o enjoy_v and_o that_o they_o enjoy_v they_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o those_o who_o offer_v they_o to_o baptism_n ancient_n and_o judicious_a author_n of_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o orthodox_n concern_v some_o question_n give_v of_o infant-baptism_n it_o be_v of_o no_o authority_n as_o for_o the_o second_o century_n when_o justin_n martyr_n who_o name_n it_o bear_v flourish_v but_o be_v a_o disinterest_v writer_n it_o be_v of_o excellent_a authority_n for_o the_o three_o when_o it_o be_v write_v so_o much_o for_o the_o test_n whereby_o to_o try_v certain_a and_o undoubted_a from_o uncertain_a and_o doubt_a tradition_n and_o happy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o all_o writer_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n have_v make_v this_o distinction_n and_o not_o write_v so_o as_o many_o of_o they_o have_v do_v against_o all_o tradition_n without_o any_o discrimination_n whereas_o tradition_n as_o i_o have_v here_o state_v it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o harmless_a thing_n but_o in_o many_o case_n very_o useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o church_n it_o be_v by_o tradition_n in_o this_o sense_n that_o the_o catholic_n or_o orthodox_n defend_v themselves_o in_o the_o four_o century_n against_o the_o arian_n and_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n against_o the_o donatist_n and_o the_o protestant_n defend_v themselves_o as_o to_o the_o scripture-canon_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n against_o the_o innovation_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o therefore_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o objection_n against_o tradition_n as_o detract_n from_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o must_v remind_v they_o that_o the_o scripture_n who_o sufficiency_n we_o admire_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o tradition_n and_o that_o though_o they_o be_v sufficient_a where_o they_o be_v understand_v to_o determine_v any_o controversy_n yet_o to_o the_o right_a understanding_n and_o interpretation_n of_o they_o in_o many_o point_n tradition_n be_v as_o requisite_a as_o the_o praxi_fw-la the_o lex_fw-la currit_fw-la cum_fw-la praxi_fw-la practice_n of_o the_o court_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n this_o be_v so_o true_a that_o the_o anabaptist_n themselves_o can_v defend_v the_o baptise_v of_o such_o grow_v person_n as_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o the_o church_n mere_o from_o the_o scripture_n in_o which_o the_o very_a institution_n of_o baptism_n have_v a_o special_a regard_n unto_o proselyte_n who_o from_o judaisme_n or_o gentilism_n will_v come_v over_o unto_o the_o christian_a faith_n according_o they_o can_v produce_v one_o precept_n or_o example_n for_o baptise_v of_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o all_o the_o baptise_a person_n we_o read_v of_o in_o it_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v defend_v themselves_o against_o the_o quaker_n who_o for_o this_o and_o other_o reason_n have_v quite_o lay_v aside_o baptism_n without_o the_o tradition_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n quest_n iv_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o christian_a parent_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n unto_o baptism_n to_o state_n this_o question_n aright_o i_o must_v proceed_v in_o the_o same_o order_n that_o i_o do_v upon_o the_o last_o first_o in_o argue_v from_o the_o bare_a lawfulness_n and_o allowableness_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o second_o from_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o as_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o i_o have_v already_o show_v upon_o the_o last_o question_n that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o have_v a_o command_n or_o example_n for_o to_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o infant-initiation_a but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o make_v it_o lawful_a and_o allowable_a under_o the_o gospel_n nay_o i_o have_v show_v upon_o the_o second_o question_n that_o of_o the_o two_o there_o be_v more_o reason_n that_o christian_n shall_v have_v have_v a_o express_a command_n to_o leave_v off_o or_o lay_v down_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-initiation_a because_o it_o be_v command_v by_o god_n in_o infant-circumcision_n and_o approve_v by_o he_o in_o infant-baptism_n which_o the_o jewish_a church_n add_v to_o infant-circumcision_n under_o the_o legal_a state_n command_n be_v usual_o give_v for_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o something_o which_o be_v never_o in_o practice_n before_o but_o to_o justify_v the_o continuation_n of_o a_o ancient_o institute_v or_o ancient_o receive_v practice_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o power_n which_o institute_v or_o approve_v it_o do_v not_o countermand_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o this_o as_o i_o have_v show_v be_v the_o case_n of_o infants-initiation_a the_o initiation_n of_o they_o by_o baptism_n under_o the_o gospel_n must_v at_o least_o be_v lawful_a and_o allowable_a and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o than_o parent_n and_o pro-parent_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o bring_v they_o unto_o baptism_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o a_o people_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o in_o this_o society_n as_o in_o all_o other_o there_o be_v superior_n and_o in_o inferior_n some_o that_o must_v order_n and_o some_o that_o must_v observe_v order_n some_o that_o must_v command_v and_o some_o that_o must_v obey_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o any_o member_n of_o it_o command_v her_o child_n to_o observe_v any_o lawful_a thing_n they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o common-law_n of_o all_o government_n and_o by_o the_o precept_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o regard_v ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o discipline_n to_o observe_v her_o command_n obey_v they_o say_v the_o 13.17_o the_o heb._n 13.17_o apostle_n who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o unto_o they_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n according_o we_o read_v that_o st._n 16.4_o st._n act._n 16.4_o paul_n as_o he_o go_v through_o the_o grecian_a city_n deliver_v the_o christian_n the_o decree_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v make_v at_o jerusalem_n to_o keep_v but_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o spend_v more_o time_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o all_o dissenter_n will_v grant_v i_o for_o though_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o as_o to_o the_o subject_a of_o pure_a ecclesiastical_a power_n yet_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n and_o that_o all_o lawful_a command_n proceed_v from_o it_o aught_o to_o be_v obey_v wherefore_o if_o infant_n be_v not_o uncapable_a of_o baptismal_a initiation_n as_o be_v prove_v under_o the_o first_o question_n nor_o exclude_v from_o it_o by_o christ_n as_o be_v prove_v under_o the_o second_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v very_o good_a reason_n to_o presume_v that_o christ_n at_o least_o allow_v they_o the_o benefit_n and_o honour_n of_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o