be_v find_v in_o the_o great_a day_n to_o be_v but_o as_o hay_o wood_n stubble_n or_o if_o possible_a some_o more_o cumbustible_a matter_n notwithstanding_o i_o have_v thus_o clear_o state_v and_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n from_o scripture_n that_o none_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n in_o their_o sin_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o who_o never_o be_v lead_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o see_v their_o natural_a enmity_n against_o christ_n and_o utter_a inability_n to_o perform_v any_o duty_n spiritual_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o set_v to_o their_o seal_n that_o this_o be_v true_a that_o they_o will_v be_v but_o the_o more_o exasperate_v we_o read_v in_o act_n 7.54_o that_o when_o the_o apostle_n have_v reprove_v those_o jew_n for_o their_o sin_n in_o crucify_a christ_n to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v not_o be_v their_o ruin_n they_o be_v cut_v to_o the_o heart_n but_o instead_o of_o blessing_n god_n for_o such_o a_o faithful_a reprover_n it_o be_v say_v they_o gnash_v on_o he_o with_o their_o tooth_n man_n be_v natural_o prone_a to_o set_v up_o himself_o and_o when_o he_o can_v make_v himself_o the_o purchaser_n of_o his_o salvation_n he_o will_v have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o application_n and_o how_o unwelcome_a shall_v a_o faithful_a minister_n be_v to_o such_o when_o they_o come_v to_o beat_v down_o their_o carnal_a confidence_n and_o to_o spoil_v their_o glory_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o how_o hard_o for_o a_o minister_n who_o shun_v not_o to_o declare_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o who_o design_n be_v that_o christ_n alone_o may_v be_v exalt_v to_o preach_v such_o doctrine_n as_o this_o but_o by_o and_o by_o some_o will_v be_v offend_v such_o doctrine_n as_o this_o will_v not_o be_v receive_v from_o christ_n himself_o by_o some_o be_v he_o now_o on_o earth_n john_n 6.65,66_o and_o he_o say_v therefore_o say_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o i_o except_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o my_o father_n from_o that_o time_n many_o of_o his_o disciple_n go_v back_o and_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o mind_n no_o soon_o have_v he_o tell_v they_o in_o plain_a word_n what_o i_o have_v be_v prove_v but_o from_o that_o time_n many_o go_v back_o and_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o now_o if_o i_o be_o judge_v erroneous_a yet_o i_o hope_v such_o as_o differ_v from_o i_o in_o this_o point_n will_v not_o judge_v christ_n so_o yet_o why_o christ_n shall_v be_v judge_v a_o true_a witness_n and_o i_o a_o false_a witness_n for_o relate_v his_o very_a word_n i_o see_v not_o but_o if_o i_o be_o yet_o it_o more_o encourage_v i_o that_o christ_n be_v on_o my_o side_n than_o it_o shall_v discourage_v i_o though_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n wear_v against_o i_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o he_o will_v be_v the_o judge_n at_o the_o great_a day_n not_o only_o of_o our_o life_n but_o of_o our_o doctrine_n nor_o will_v any_o doctrine_n pass_v for_o truth_n then_o if_o they_o have_v not_o a_o divine_a stamp_n upon_o they_o and_o sure_o i_o be_o this_o doctrine_n i_o oppose_v have_v none_o i_o be_o satisfy_v if_o those_o search_v the_o scripture_n from_o genesis_n to_o the_o revelation_n they_o can_v find_v no_o text_n write_v to_o prove_v that_o sinner_n can_v or_o aught_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n in_o their_o sin_n though_o many_o text_n prove_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o sinner_n to_o come_v but_o to_o take_v a_o review_n of_o the_o forecited_a text_n and_o to_o see_v who_o they_o be_v that_o forsake_v christ_n for_o deliver_v such_o doctrine_n you_o may_v see_v verse_n 64._o such_o as_o believe_v not_o none_o else_o christ_n turn_v he_o to_o the_o twelve_o will_v you_o also_o go_v away_o peter_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o rest_n reply_n lord_n to_o who_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v lord_n do_v thou_o think_v we_o be_v so_o unacquainted_a with_o our_o own_o heart_n as_o to_o go_v from_o thou_o for_o deliver_v that_o truth_n that_o 〈◊〉_d who_o have_v but_o taste_v thou_o be_v gracious_a have_v experience_v these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o therefore_o thou_o may_v as_o well_o ask_v we_o whether_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o miss_v of_o life_n as_o forsake_v thou_o for_o these_o truth_n sake_n thus_o you_o see_v however_o contemptible_a this_o doctrine_n be_v then_o to_o those_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o may_v be_v to_o such_o who_o eye_n be_v not_o yet_o open_v or_o at_o least_o who_o see_v no_o clear_a into_o divine_a mystery_n than_o he_o who_o see_v man_n as_o tree_n yet_o this_o be_v judge_v such_o a_o fundamental_a truth_n to_o the_o twelve_o that_o it_o behove_v they_o as_o they_o tender_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o receive_v it_o in_o a_o word_n and_o i_o shall_v close_v though_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o i_o in_o this_o point_n may_v for_o my_o goodwill_n become_v my_o enemy_n because_o i_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n yet_o in_o love_n to_o their_o soul_n i_o will_v have_v they_o consider_v whether_o this_o doctrine_n they_o defend_v do_v not_o exclude_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o it_o do_v i_o hope_v you_o will_v see_v it_o to_o be_v a_o error_n indeed_o now_o i_o think_v none_o dare_v deny_v but_o that_o upon_o our_o come_n to_o christ_n his_o benefit_n be_v apply_v to_o all_o now_o the_o question_n be_v how_o or_o by_o what_o power_n the_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o come_v say_v i_o as_o renew_v and_o bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n tit._n 3.3,5_o say_v they_o though_o without_o one_o syllable_n in_o scripture_n to_o prove_v it_o no_o the_o soul_n come_v wreek_v in_o all_o his_o sin_n unchanged_a unrenewed_a and_o if_o so_o then_o judge_v if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o exclude_v the_o spirit_n whole_o from_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o this_o work_n for_o if_o such_o as_o come_v to_o christ_n have_v the_o spirit_n than_o they_o do_v not_o come_v as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o sin_n let_v i_o close_o all_o with_o a_o word_n to_o you_o my_o auditor_n and_o especial_o to_o you_o my_o brethren_n i_o chief_o design_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o book_n for_o you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n take_v you_o heed_n of_o reject_v sound_a doctrine_n lest_o god_n give_v you_o over_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n it_o be_v the_o truth_n must_v make_v you_o free_a stand_v you_o therefore_o and_o inquire_v for_o the_o good_a old_a way_n and_o walk_v therein_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n to_o your_o soul_n contend_v you_o earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n beware_v of_o such_o pretend_a light_n as_o do_v not_o shine_v forth_o in_o god_n word_n in_o a_o word_n if_o i_o have_v deliver_v nothing_o in_o this_o book_n but_o what_o i_o have_v prove_v from_o scripture_n than_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v see_v it_o your_o duty_n to_o receive_v these_o truth_n it_o be_v sad_a when_o any_o love_n darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n but_o if_o any_o of_o you_o after_o all_o my_o labour_n for_o your_o sake_n shall_v reject_v these_o truth_n i_o leave_v this_o book_n not_o as_o a_o legacy_n but_o as_o a_o witness_n against_o you_o at_o the_o great_a day_n finis_fw-la
prove_v thus_o from_o this_o follow_a argument_n and_o it_o seem_v cogent_a argument_n 2._o those_o that_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o good_a ground_n to_o hope_n be_v believer_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v baptise_a but_o the_o infant_n seed_n of_o believer_n be_v such_o as_o we_o have_v good_a ground_n from_o scripture_n to_o hope_n be_v believer_n therefore_o such_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v baptise_a all_o that_o i_o can_v conceive_v can_v be_v say_v against_o my_o major_a proposition_n be_v to_o deny_v that_o we_o be_v to_o baptise_v any_o upon_o hope_n that_o they_o be_v believer_n and_o to_o affirm_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o baptise_v none_o but_o such_o as_o we_o be_v sure_o have_v true_a justify_v faith_n but_o sure_o i_o be_o such_o a_o objection_n savour_v of_o high_a presumption_n since_o this_o be_v to_o pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o the_o apostle_n and_o as_o wise_a as_o god_n himself_o first_o wise_a than_o the_o bless_a apostle_n as_o you_o may_v see_v by_o compare_v act_n 8.13_o with_o 22.23_o where_o you_o read_v of_o one_o baptise_a that_n be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o think_v they_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o he_o when_o they_o baptise_a he_o but_o if_o any_o shall_v so_o judge_v it_o make_v the_o more_o for_o i_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o baptise_a such_o as_o they_o have_v no_o hope_n have_v true_a faith_n then_o sure_o we_o may_v baptise_v such_o 〈◊〉_d we_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o hope_v 〈◊〉_d faith_n but_o if_o they_o have_v hope_n it_o be_v evident_a it_o be_v but_o hope_n unless_o he_o can_v lose_v his_o faith_n or_o have_v faith_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v second_o this_o be_v to_o pretend_v to_o be_v as_o wise_a as_o god_n at_o least_o in_o this_o point_n since_o he_o only_o that_o work_v faith_n can_v infallible_o judge_v where_o it_o be_v it_o be_v peculiar_a to_o god_n to_o search_v the_o heart_n where_o faith_n be_v seat_v the_o lord_n only_o know_v who_o be_v he_o we_o see_v the_o best_a of_o church_n have_v be_v mistake_v in_o take_v in_o of_o member_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o know_v judas_n to_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n till_o he_o betray_v his_o lord_n unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v they_o will_v take_v in_o know_a hypocrite_n and_o i_o will_v ask_v my_o friend_n the_o anabaptist_n if_o they_o themselves_o have_v not_o baptise_a some_o as_o believer_n who_o have_v afterward_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n so_o that_o in_o a_o word_n if_o we_o must_v baptise_v none_o but_o such_o as_o we_o be_v sure_o have_v true_a justify_v faith_n we_o must_v baptise_v none_o in_o this_o world_n for_o though_o many_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n yet_o no_o man_n can_v infallible_o tell_v the_o anabaptist_n themselves_o not_o except_v who_o they_o be_v this_o be_v that_o new_a name_n which_o none_o know_v but_o god_n and_o they_o that_o have_v it_o so_o that_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o add_v any_o more_o to_o confirm_v the_o former_a part_n of_o my_o argument_n viz._n that_o we_o can_v only_o hope_v that_o this_o or_o the_o other_o person_n have_v true_a faith_n minor_a proposition_n but_o the_o infant_n seed_n of_o believer_n be_v such_o as_o we_o have_v good_a ground_n from_o scripture_n to_o hope_n be_v believer_n now_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o force_n be_v object_v it_o must_v be_v against_o this_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v labour_v the_o more_o to_o confirm_v it_o but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n i_o must_v add_v a_o caution_n that_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o faith_n in_o infant_n i_o mean_v habitual_a faith_n for_o though_o it_o can_v on_o good_a ground_n be_v deny_v but_o that_o some_o infant_n may_v actual_o believe_v since_o god_n be_v able_a to_o cause_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o have_v no_o where_n in_o his_o word_n declare_v he_o will_v not_o yet_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v that_o some_o infant_n have_v habitual_a faith_n and_o that_o will_v render_v one_o as_o true_o a_o believer_n as_o the_o act._n he_o that_o have_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o believer_n though_o asleep_o and_o so_o as_o uncapable_a of_o act_v faith_n as_o a_o infant_n have_v during_o that_o time_n no_o more_o use_v of_o reason_n than_o a_o child_n at_o the_o breast_n nor_o perhaps_o so_o much_o for_o a_o infant_n have_v so_o much_o sense_n as_o to_o know_v when_o it_o be_v hungry_a or_o to_o cry_v for_o food_n and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o pain_n but_o let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o hungry_a or_o in_o pain_n yet_o when_o asleep_a he_o be_v unsensible_a of_o either_o and_o yet_o such_o may_v be_v believer_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o have_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n now_o by_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n in_o infant_n i_o mean_v a_o principle_n of_o grace_n or_o internal_a renovation_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o regeneration_n for_o regeneration_n be_v a_o infuse_v the_o seed_n of_o all_o grace_n into_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o of_o faith_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o come_v to_o lay_v down_o a_o proposition_n for_o the_o clear_n the_o way_n to_o that_o which_o i_o intend_v more_o large_o to_o insist_v upon_o proposition_n that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o have_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n wrought_v in_o they_o and_o though_o we_o can_v from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o all_o such_o have_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o good_a foundation_n for_o my_o follow_a argument_n and_o because_o in_o all_o case_n the_o foundation_n have_v need_n stand_v fast_o i_o shall_v therefore_o confirm_v it_o that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o grace_n be_v not_o my_o judgement_n alone_o however_o strange_a a_o doctrine_n it_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o for_o i_o have_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o england_n on_o my_o side_n their_o word_n after_o baptism_n be_v see_v now_o dear_o belove_a brethren_n that_o this_o child_n be_v by_o baptism_n regenerate_v etc._n etc._n and_o again_o we_o yield_v thou_o most_o hearty_a thanks_o most_o merciful_a father_n that_o it_o have_v please_v thou_o to_o regenerate_v this_o infant_n by_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n now_o though_o i_o be_o far_o from_o be_v of_o the_o judgement_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o this_o that_o all_o that_o be_v baptise_a be_v in_o that_o ordinance_n regenerate_v and_o so_o consequent_o many_o fall_n from_o grace_n my_o soul_n abhor_v that_o popish_a doctrine_n that_o baptism_n confer_v grace_n ex_fw-la opere_fw-la operato_fw-la from_o the_o workwrought_a but_o while_o they_o thank_v god_n for_o the_o work_v do_v it_o be_v evident_a they_o suppose_v they_o capable_a of_o have_v that_o work_n wrought_v in_o they_o and_o so_o far_o i_o agree_v with_o they_o but_o because_o the_o very_a cite_n any_o thing_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v make_v some_o giddy-headed_a people_n who_o have_v more_o zeal_n than_o sound_a knowledge_n nauseate_n what_o i_o have_v say_v i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v to_o prove_v that_o both_o they_o and_o i_o have_v divine_a testimony_n on_o our_o side_n in_o this_o that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o grace_n and_o i_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o plain_a scripture_n since_o the_o anabaptist_n pretend_v so_o much_o delight_n in_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v produce_v several_a instance_n that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n this_o truth_n may_v be_v establish_v jer._n 1.5_o before_o thou_o come_v out_o of_o the_o womb_n i_o sanctify_v thou_o and_o luke_n 1.15_o of_o john_n it_o be_v say_v he_o shall_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n even_o from_o his_o mother_n womb_n and_o then_o no_o doubt_n sanctify_v and_o of_o christ_n it_o be_v say_v verse_n 35._o that_o holy_a thing_n that_o shall_v be_v bear_v of_o thou_o etc._n etc._n mind_n bear_v of_o thou_o be_v holy_a when_o bear_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v pass_v all_o dispute_n unless_o we_o dare_v dispute_v with_o god_n that_o infant_n even_o in_o the_o womb_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o bear_v be_v capable_a of_o grace_n nor_o do_v it_o seem_v hard_a to_o i_o to_o conceive_v that_o infant_n shall_v have_v grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o than_o adult_n since_o the_o latter_a be_v pure_o passive_a in_o the_o work_n and_o so_o may_v the_o former_a be_v if_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o reason_n or_o perform_v by_o humane_a power_n or_o policy_n something_o may_v be_v say_v but_o it_o be_v not_o eph._n 1.19_o nay_o according_a to_o our_o apprehension_n it_o seem_v hard_a to_o work_v grace_n in_o adult_n than_o in_o infant_n for_o as_o a_o tender_a plant_n
by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o they_o a_o answer_v no_o doubt_n please_v to_o the_o ignorant_a sort_n that_o will_v swallow_v down_o any_o thing_n true_a or_o false_a that_o have_v but_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n annex_v to_o it_o but_o sure_o this_o bold_a asserter_n have_v forget_v that_o text_n isa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o any_o man_n a_o anabaptist_n not_o except_v walk_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o he_o or_o rather_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o judge_v he_o be_v resolve_v his_o own_o fancy_n shall_v guide_v he_o in_o this_o matter_n now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v where_o this_o author_n can_v prove_v from_o scripture_n any_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n to_o any_o but_o believer_n i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v and_o till_o he_o can_v however_o fond_a he_o or_o his_o brethren_n may_v be_v of_o his_o notion_n it_o not_o agree_v with_o the_o rule_n in_o god_n word_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o arise_v from_o the_o darkness_n his_o own_o delude_a fancy_n since_o i_o have_v be_v a_o student_n in_o divinity_n i_o have_v be_v teach_v both_o out_o of_o god_n word_n and_o from_o our_o most_o worthy_a author_n that_o the_o imputation_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o removal_n of_o our_o gild_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n within_o we_o to_o remove_v the_o filth_n and_o destroy_v the_o power_n of_o sin_n tit._n 3.5_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o renewing_n of_o the_o hely_n ghost_n hence_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n justification_n and_o sanctification_n though_o inseparable_a yet_o be_v wide_o distinguish_v by_o all_o but_o papist_n and_o such_o as_o do_v adhere_v to_o they_o sure_o this_o gentleman_n have_v strange_o forget_v the_o great_a difference_n between_o our_o title_n to_o 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all_o saint_n what_o do_v this_o imply_v but_o that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v impute_v to_o infant_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n reek_v in_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v exempt_v from_o regeneration_n but_o to_o put_v all_o out_o of_o doubt_n i_o come_v now_o to_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o infant_n to_o have_v faith_n in_o the_o sense_n aforesaid_a if_o ever_o they_o get_v to_o heaven_n whatever_o such_o bold_a man_n may_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a who_o care_v not_o how_o much_o they_o say_v and_o how_o little_a they_o prove_v let_v god_n be_v true_a though_o all_o such_o be_v find_v liar_n now_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a necessity_n for_o infant_n to_o have_v faith_n in_o order_n to_o their_o get_n to_o heaven_n one_o arise_v from_o god_n ordination_n and_o appointment_n the_o other_o from_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n as_o we_o come_v into_o the_o world_n first_o from_o god_n appointment_n and_o ordination_n he_o have_v make_v this_o the_o way_n and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o heaven_n mark_v 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v i_o think_v that_o be_v plain_a scripture_n since_o it_o be_v so_o desire_v by_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o the_o expression_n be_v indefinite_a be_v equivolent_a to_o a_o universe_n he_o that_o be_v any_o he_o high_a or_o low_a rich_a or_o poor_a adult_n or_o infant_n so_o john_n 3.3,5_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o then_o add_v by_o way_n of_o explanation_n except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n now_o regeneration_n be_v a_o infuse_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o grace_n into_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o learned_a pemble_n observe_v one_o grace_n not_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o another_o and_o if_o of_o all_o grace_n then_o of_o faith_n for_o that_o be_v a_o grace_n but_o perhaps_o the_o anabaptist_n may_v object_v that_o by_o the_o word_n man_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v adult_n only_o yet_o at_o best_a this_o be_v but_o a_o bare_a conjecture_n which_o in_o other_o case_n be_v contemn_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o with_o their_o leave_n or_o without_o it_o i_o shall_v tie_v they_o up_o to_o the_o same_o measure_n for_o it_o seem_v unreasonable_a to_o contemn_v this_o in_o other_o which_o we_o allow_v in_o ourselves_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n may_v we_o not_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n exclude_v woman_n and_o then_o i_o know_v no_o scripture_n to_o prove_v a_o necessity_n for_o they_o to_o be_v regenerate_v but_o lest_o this_o shall_v not_o suffice_v for_o by_o this_o time_n i_o may_v suppose_v the_o anabaptist_n to_o be_v like_o a_o man_n drown_v that_o catch_v hold_v of_o every_o straw_n to_o keep_v he_o from_o sink_a i_o shall_v therefore_o prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o the_o word_n man_n oft_o take_v in_o woman_n and_o child_n without_o distinction_n of_o age_n or_o sex_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o may_v multiply_v text_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o give_v you_o two_o for_o many_o the_o first_o be_v gen._n 6.7_o i_o will_v destroy_v man._n now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o all_o the_o old_a world_n be_v destroy_v both_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n except_v those_o few_o in_o the_o ark_n and_o yet_o only_a man_n be_v mention_v so_o john_n 16.21_o a_o woman_n when_o she_o be_v in_o travail_n have_v sorrow_n because_o her_o hour_n be_v come_v but_o as_o soon_o as_o she_o be_v deliver_v of_o the_o child_n she_o remember_v no_o more_o her_o anguish_n for_o joy_n that_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v mind_n that_o which_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v call_v a_o child_n be_v after_o call_v a_o man_n nor_o can_v we_o once_o suppose_v that_o we_o come_v grow_v man_n immediate_o out_o of_o the_o womb_n and_o yet_o this_o may_v be_v as_o easy_o prove_v as_o the_o former_a and_o as_o the_o word_n man_n sometime_o be_v of_o this_o extent_n so_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a it_o be_v so_o here_o for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o greek_a signify_v any_o one_o beza_n render_v it_o aliquis_fw-la any_o body_n or_o any_o one_o but_o notwithstandstand_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o late_o see_v a_o piece_n put_v out_o by_o one_o of_o the_o able_a of_o the_o anabaptist_n in_o which_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o christ_n in_o that_o place_n mean_v adult_v only_o and_o he_o prove_v it_o thus_o it_o must_v be_v so_o because_o nicodemus_n understand_v he_o so_o but_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v strange_a that_o any_o unless_o one_o as_o ignorant_a as_o nicodemus_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n shall_v think_v such_o a_o blind_a idiot_n as_o he_o a_o meet_a judge_n of_o christ_n mean_v and_o infallible_o to_o conclude_v it_o must_v be_v so_o because_o he_o understand_v he_o so_o as_o if_o nicedomus_n be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o this_o matter_n that_o nicedomus_n understand_v he_o so_o i_o can_v deny_v but_o if_o that_o must_v be_v his_o meaning_n because_o he_o understand_v he_o so_o than_o we_o must_v conclude_v christ_n mean_v a_o natural_a birth_n also_o for_o so_o nicodemus_n understand_v he_o verse_n 4._o can_v he_o enter_v the_o second_o time_n into_o his_o mother_n womb_n and_o be_v bear_v which_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o verse_n 5._o which_o word_n be_v a_o reproof_n of_o his_o ignorance_n and_o carnal_a conception_n and_o a_o interpretation_n of_o christ_n own_o word_n and_o may_v he_o not_o mistake_v as_o to_o the_o subject_a as_o well_o as_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n sure_o i_o be_o that_o cause_n
be_v like_a to_o infect_v the_o more_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o stay_v you_o any_o long_o at_o the_o threshold_n but_o lead_v you_o into_o the_o point_n before_o we_o but_o that_o our_o difference_n may_v not_o seem_v great_a than_o they_o real_o be_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o thing_n as_o cautious_a to_o prevent_v mistake_n for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o most_o of_o our_o unhappy_a difference_n do_v arise_v from_o a_o want_n of_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o each_o other_o term_n and_o therefore_o observe_v careful_o 1._o the_o enquiry_n be_v not_o concern_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n which_o christ_n find_v the_o soul_n in_o when_o he_o first_o come_v to_o take_v hold_n on_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o order_n to_o regenerate_v of_o we_o if_o it_o be_v i_o will_v ready_o grant_v he_o than_o find_v the_o soul_n wreek_v in_o sin_n indeed_o without_o the_o least_o propensity_n or_o inclination_n to_o do_v good_a yea_o to_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_v reprobate_a with_o a_o strong_a inclination_n to_o evil_a in_o a_o dead_a blind_a ignorant_a senseless_a and_o stupid_a condition_n in_o the_o snere_fw-la of_o the_o devil_n in_o this_o state_n we_o all_o be_v by_o nature_n and_o consequent_o in_o this_o state_n he_o must_v find_v all_o when_o he_o come_v to_o change_v their_o nature_n our_o nature_n be_v all_o the_o same_o as_o derive_v from_o one_o common_a root_n though_o our_o action_n may_v differ_v according_a to_o the_o various_a temptation_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o but_o it_o be_v about_o the_o soul_n come_v to_o christ_n between_o which_o a_o clear_a distinction_n must_v be_v make_v for_o though_o christ_n enable_v we_o to_o come_v to_o he_o or_o believe_v in_o he_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v for_o we_o to_o excuse_v we_o the_o act_n of_o come_v be_v we_o and_o till_o the_o soul_n thus_o come_v the_o union_n be_v incomplete_a i_o grant_v when_o christ_n come_v thus_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o soul_n shall_v come_v to_o christ_n yet_o his_o come_n to_o we_o be_v not_o our_o come_n to_o he_o though_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o come_n thing_n that_o be_v inseparable_a must_v not_o be_v confound_v the_o humane_a and_o divine_a nature_n be_v inseparable_a in_o christ_n yet_o the_o divine_a be_v not_o the_o humane_a nor_o the_o humane_a the_o divine_a so_o in_o marriage_n the_o man_n consent_v to_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o woman_n to_o the_o man_n but_o yet_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o woman_n be_v not_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o man._n so_o in_o this_o case_n christ_n be_v first_o willing_a and_o he_o make_v we_o willing_a yet_o his_o will_n and_o our_o will_n be_v distinct_a 2._o nor_o be_v we_o inquire_v by_o what_o power_n the_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o though_o i_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o question_n whether_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o i_o in_o the_o other_o will_v agree_v with_o i_o in_o this_o yet_o for_o my_o own_o part_n though_o i_o plead_v for_o a_o mighty_a change_n wrought_v in_o order_n to_o our_o come_n to_o christ_n yet_o i_o free_o acknowledge_v this_o change_n to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o very_a seed_n of_o our_o life_n of_o sanctification_n be_v from_o christ_n work_v as_o a_o most_o free_a agent_n in_o we_o and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a and_o irresistible_a power_n by_o which_o he_o work_v 3._o nor_o be_v we_o inquire_v what_o virtue_n there_o be_v in_o this_o act_n of_o come_v in_o order_n to_o our_o justification_n or_o glorification_n for_o though_o i_o believe_v and_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v that_o unless_o we_o believe_v we_o shall_v never_o be_v justify_v nor_o glorify_v yet_o i_o believe_v both_o be_v according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n freegrace_n it_o be_v freegrace_n that_o work_v this_o change_n enable_v of_o we_o to_o come_v and_o it_o be_v freegrace_n that_o we_o be_v accept_v when_o we_o do_v come_v but_o positive_o the_o enquiry_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o change_n wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n in_o order_n to_o our_o come_n to_o christ_n or_o whether_o we_o must_v come_v as_o we_o be_v in_o a_o natural_a and_o unregenerate_a state_n wreek_v in_o the_o filth_n of_o sin_n and_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o our_o lust_n or_o whether_o the_o drunkard_n swearer_n etc._n etc._n can_v or_o aught_o without_o any_o change_n to_o come_v in_o those_o lust_n to_o christ_n so_o that_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o sinner_n can_v or_o aught_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n in_o his_o sin_n but_o before_o i_o affirm_v or_o deny_v i_o must_v further_o explain_v if_o possible_a what_o we_o mean_v by_o come_v and_o what_o by_o come_v in_o our_o sin_n lest_o my_o opposer_n when_o not_o able_a to_o stand_v their_o ground_n shall_v slip_v out_o at_o some_o backdoor_n now_o by_o come_v to_o christ_n i_o understand_v believe_v in_o christ_n according_a to_o scripture_n dialect_n isa_n 55.1_o mat._n 11.28_o and_o to_o put_v all_o out_o of_o doubt_n i_o have_v be_v assure_v again_o and_o again_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o i_o in_o this_o point_n that_o they_o mean_v nothing_o else_o and_o by_o come_v in_o sin_n i_o understand_v it_o for_o one_o utter_o devoid_a of_o any_o principle_n of_o grace_n one_o in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n and_o not_o one_o that_o only_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o so_o i_o have_v also_o be_v assure_v by_o my_o opposer_n they_o mean_v and_o indeed_o we_o can_v understand_v it_o otherwise_o for_o though_o the_o best_a of_o saint_n have_v sin_n yet_o the_o least_o of_o saint_n be_v not_o a_o sinner_n i_o distinguish_v between_o action_n and_o a_o state_n a_o sinner_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v not_o oppose_v to_o perfection_n but_o to_o sincerity_n so_o that_o in_o the_o most_o plain_a term_n the_o question_n lie_v thus_o whether_o a_o person_n utter_o devoid_a of_o all_o grace_n and_o under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n can_v or_o aught_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n in_o that_o state_n before_o any_o change_n be_v wrought_v in_o he_o this_o some_o affirm_v and_o i_o deny_v and_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v prove_v none_o can_v come_v thus_o in_o their_o sin_n to_o christ_n and_o then_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o come_v thus_o in_o his_o sin_n to_o christ_n i_o prove_v the_o former_a from_o most_o express_a scripture_n eph._n 1.19_o and_o what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o us-ward_n who_o believe_v and_o if_o we_o can_v believe_v without_o this_o power_n than_o not_o as_o we_o be_v for_o all_o be_v not_o act_v by_o this_o power_n john_n 6.44_o no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o i_o except_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o now_o i_o will_v ask_v if_o all_o man_n be_v thus_o draw_v if_o not_o you_o give_v away_o the_o cause_n if_o you_o say_v they_o be_v than_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o must_v actual_o be_v save_v or_o else_o some_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v those_o drawing_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o be_v grand_a arminianism_n the_o former_a many_o degree_n worse_o so_o john_n 15.5_o for_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o now_o i_o will_v ask_v if_o come_v to_o christ_n be_v not_o something_o nay_o be_v it_o not_o the_o most_o noble_a act_v the_o soul_n can_v put_v forth_o and_o that_o which_o be_v most_o please_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o if_o so_o the_o text_n say_v without_o christ_n we_o can_v do_v it_o now_o i_o will_v ask_v if_o every_o man_n have_v christ_n in_o he_o as_o the_o quaker_n affirm_v if_o you_o say_v he_o have_v you_o show_v what_o you_o be_v if_o not_o then_o when_o assist_v by_o christ_n we_o do_v not_o come_v as_o we_o be_v thus_o you_o see_v how_o express_o the_o scripture_n be_v on_o my_o side_n and_o whether_o we_o may_v most_o safe_o trust_v that_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o delude_v fancy_n of_o man_n judge_v you_o and_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o from_o most_o express_a scripture_n so_o i_o shall_v further_o prove_v it_o from_o those_o metaphor_n the_o scripture_n use_v to_o express_v it_o as_o first_o it_o be_v frequent_o style_v a_o come_v a_o metaphor_n or_o borrow_a expression_n from_o a_o man_n walk_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o and_o from_o this_o two_o consideration_n offer_v themselves_o for_o the_o confirm_v and_o illustrate_v the_o truth_n i_o have_v affirm_v for_o as_o no_o man_n can_v act_v corporal_o till_o he_o be_v first_o alive_a so_o no_o man_n can_v put_v forth_o such_o a_o vital_a act_n as_o believe_v in_o christ_n till_o christ_n have_v first_o infuse_v into_o he_o a_o vital_a principle_n and_o till_o then_o a_o dead_a man_n
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under_o my_o hand_n and_o more_o especial_o on_o such_o a_o subject_a as_o have_v be_v so_o frequent_o and_o learned_o insist_v on_o by_o so_o many_o worthy_a servant_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v be_v daily_o bring_v out_o of_o their_o treasury_n concern_v this_o matter_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n thing_n new_a and_o old_a and_o what_o can_v the_o man_n say_v that_o come_v after_o the_o king_n but_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a on_o this_o account_n yet_o i_o hope_v some_o satisfactory_a reason_n may_v be_v produce_v why_o i_o have_v engage_v in_o this_o work_n for_o since_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v cast_v my_o lot_n at_o northampton_n it_o have_v no_o little_a concern_v i_o to_o see_v how_o general_o the_o county_n be_v infect_v not_o only_o with_o anabaptism_n but_o also_o with_o those_o many_o and_o gross_a error_n which_o common_o that_o doctrine_n be_v a_o inlet_n into_o and_o especial_o with_o that_o soul-damning_a error_n of_o freewill_n and_o not_o only_o 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to_o keep_v the_o plague_n out_o of_o their_o head_n as_o well_o as_o their_o hand_n from_o be_v defile_v judge_v a_o blind_a eye_n worse_o than_o a_o lame_a foot_n error_n in_o judgement_n be_v like_a to_o be_v a_o inlet_n into_o continual_a error_n in_o practice_n and_o as_o some_o of_o my_o people_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o information_n in_o this_o point_n so_o there_o be_v some_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v inform_v which_o be_v no_o small_a motive_n to_o i_o to_o write_v and_o because_o i_o love_v not_o to_o spend_v my_o time_n in_o my_o pulpit_n in_o controvert_v point_n i_o have_v therefore_o expose_v my_o sentiment_n to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n that_o can_v but_o read_v but_o beside_o all_o this_o i_o have_v be_v importunate_o urge_v by_o several_a friend_n who_o i_o high_o esteem_v to_o print_v this_o have_v see_v the_o copy_n who_o hope_v it_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o neighbour_a part_n and_o though_o i_o love_v to_o live_v a_o 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spiritual_a that_o so_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n may_v the_o better_a suit_n with_o those_o for_o who_o i_o design_v it_o i_o hope_v reader_n thou_o will_v find_v that_o i_o have_v manage_v this_o discourse_n with_o all_o mildness_n and_o moderation_n and_o have_v only_o put_v a_o genuine_a construction_n on_o those_o many_o text_n i_o have_v cite_v and_o yet_o i_o can_v but_o fear_v this_o will_v enrage_v some_o man_n who_o be_v lover_n of_o a_o party_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o truth_n who_o can_v easy_o cry_v up_o their_o own_o opinion_n than_o solid_o confute_v other_o argument_n as_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v in_o write_v this_o to_z enter_z the_o list_n with_o any_o in_o a_o public_a debate_n or_o to_o provoke_v any_o to_o make_v a_o reply_n so_o if_o contrary_a to_o my_o expectation_n any_o of_o the_o common_a disputant_n of_o our_o age_n shall_v think_v good_a to_o answer_v it_o i_o design_v to_o take_v no_o further_o notice_n of_o it_o than_o to_o read_v it_o not_o doubt_v but_o they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o oppose_v god_n as_o well_o as_o i_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o who_o esteem_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o prefer_v it_o above_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o that_o while_o they_o open_v their_o mouth_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n so_o clear_o prove_v they_o will_v but_o belch_v out_o their_o arminian_n tenet_n and_o as_o rage_a wave_n foam_v out_o their_o own_o shame_n and_o be_v as_o unsuccessful_a in_o their_o attempt_n as_o those_o who_o never_o will_v cease_v endeavour_v to_o set_v up_o dagon_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o ark_n till_o only_o the_o stump_n remain_v but_o however_o this_o may_v enrage_v other_o who_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o yet_o if_o it_o may_v but_o profit_v my_o own_o flock_n i_o have_v gain_v my_o chief_a design_n which_o that_o it_o may_v shall_v be_v the_o earnest_a and_o continual_a prayer_n of_o he_o who_o bear_v a_o dear_a love_n and_o affection_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o serve_v the_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mean_a place_n in_o his_o house_n john_n hunt_n infant_n faith_n and_o right_n to_o baptism_n prove_v from_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o unhappy_a difference_n which_o be_v this_o day_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o infant_n baptism_n whereby_o god_n be_v much_o dishonour_v and_o the_o adversary_n mouth_n open_v to_o reproach_v the_o way_n and_o people_n of_o god_n whereby_o much_o time_n be_v spend_v in_o controversy_n which_o may_v be_v better_o improve_v in_o give_v diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a and_o in_o help_v
be_v more_o easy_o eradicate_v than_o a_o grow_v tree_n so_o in_o this_o case_n sin_n by_o custom_n and_o continuance_n get_v root_n and_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v equal_o possible_a to_o god_n yet_o to_o change_v a_o old_a sinner_n be_v most_o difficult_a in_o itself_o we_o may_v conceive_v a_o great_a opposition_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o grow_v person_n to_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n than_o in_o infant_n the_o long_a we_o have_v be_v wed_v to_o sin_n the_o more_o unwilling_a we_o shall_v be_v to_o give_v it_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n and_o put_v it_o away_o so_o that_o infant_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o grace_n as_o adult_n and_o more_o capable_a as_o to_o the_o humane_a conception_n of_o any_o unless_o arminian_o and_o though_o it_o be_v say_v faith_n come_v by_o hear_v yet_o that_o only_a point_n out_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o god_n work_v faith_n in_o adult_n this_o direct_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n but_o set_v no_o bound_n or_o limit_n to_o his_o power_n god_n can_v work_v faith_n other_o way_n than_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o ear_n if_o he_o will_n thus_o have_v clear_v my_o proposition_n that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o faith_n i_o now_o come_v to_o confirm_v the_o minor_a proposition_n of_o my_o argument_n which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o infant_n seed_n of_o believer_n be_v such_o as_o we_o have_v good_a ground_n from_o scripture_n to_o hope_n be_v believer_n before_o i_o prove_v infant_n be_v capable_a of_o faith_n now_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v some_o infant_n have_v faith_n which_o i_o prove_v thus_o argument_n if_o some_o infant_n get_v to_o heaven_n than_o some_o infant_n have_v faith_n but_o some_o infant_n do_v get_v to_o heaven_n therefore_o some_o infant_n have_v faith_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o anabapatist_n may_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o infant_n to_o have_v faith_n in_o order_n to_o their_o get_n to_o heaven_n but_o i_o be_o loath_a to_o resign_v up_o such_o a_o gospel_n truth_n mere_o because_o they_o have_v say_v it_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o nothing_o but_o what_o i_o shall_v prove_v from_o plain_a scripture_n and_o i_o shall_v expect_v the_o same_o of_o they_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o such_o grand_a import_n and_o sure_o i_o be_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o affirm_v any_o such_o thing_n that_o any_o can_v get_v to_o heaven_n without_o faith-nay_a nay_o i_o be_o certain_a the_o whole_a currant_n of_o scripture_n do_v in_o most_o express_a term_n run_v direct_o contrary_a thereunto_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v anon_o so_o that_o we_o can_v open_v our_o mouth_n in_o defence_n of_o such_o a_o notion_n unless_o we_o dare_v even_o fight_v against_o god_n i_o grant_v indeed_o there_o be_v some_o secret_n in_o god_n work_v in_o infant_n yet_o this_o make_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o manner_n how_o god_n work_v grace_n in_o adult_n unless_o very_o imperfect_o as_o john_n 3.8_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v nor_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n mind_n every_o one_o adult_v as_o well_o as_o infant_n where_o christ_n himself_o make_v it_o as_o hard_o to_o know_v how_o god_n regenerate_v as_o to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o wind_n which_o have_v puzzle_v our_o wise_a philosopher_n we_o may_v feel_v the_o wind_n refresh_v we_o and_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o but_o can_v tell_v exact_o how_o it_o be_v cause_v so_o in_o this_o case_n we_o may_v find_v and_o feel_v the_o refresh_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o ourselves_o and_o may_v see_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o other_o yet_o can_v no_o more_o comprehend_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o work_n than_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o the_o body_n be_v form_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o she_o that_o be_v with_o child_n eccles_n 11.5_o there_o you_o have_v these_o two_o compare_v why_o then_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v incredible_a that_o god_n shall_v work_v faith_n in_o infant_n though_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v his_o way_n of_o work_v god_n can_v make_v use_n of_o various_a way_n to_o effect_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o give_v we_o no_o account_n of_o his_o matter_n his_o way_n be_v in_o the_o deep_a water_n and_o his_o footstep_n be_v not_o know_v and_o sure_o i_o be_o if_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n may_v stand_v in_o less_o room_n for_o what_o can_v we_o say_v as_o to_o the_o trinity_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v such_o a_o thing_n because_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o but_o alas_o how_o little_a can_v we_o comprehend_v of_o three_o in_o one_o or_o to_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n of_o two_o nature_n personal_o unite_v what_o shall_v we_o say_v as_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n or_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n if_o nothing_o must_v be_v believe_v but_o what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v we_o must_v blot_v out_o these_o and_o many_o more_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n be_v not_o this_o the_o way_n to_o atheism_n if_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v unless_o we_o can_v comprehend_v he_o since_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a portion_n we_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o job_n 26.14_o and_o since_o none_o can_v by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n to_o perfection_n this_o be_v to_o prefer_v the_o light_n within_o or_o carnal_a reason_n above_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v god_n word_n unless_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o nay_o this_o be_v to_o make_v a_o man_n worse_o than_o a_o beast_n while_o he_o must_v not_o believe_v that_o which_o he_o see_v hence_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o tide_n or_o sun_n since_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v both_o yet_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v either_o nay_o at_o this_o rate_n we_o must_v not_o believe_v ourselves_o to_o be_v creature_n since_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o we_o be_v form_v in_o the_o dark_a recess_n of_o the_o womb_n for_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v wonderful_o make_v in_o a_o word_n by_o this_o rule_n we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o do_v in_o some_o respect_n or_o other_o exceed_v our_o shallow_a understanding_n this_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v among_o all_o that_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n whatever_o god_n reveal_v we_o be_v to_o believe_v though_o it_o be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o reason_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n since_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v and_o blasphemous_a for_o we_o to_o suppose_v he_o shall_v and_o worse_o to_o suppose_v god_n to_o lie_v than_o to_o suppose_v he_o not_o to_o be_v as_o once_o plutarch_n say_v malo_fw-la de_fw-mi i_o dici_fw-la nullum_fw-la esse_fw-la plutarchum_fw-la quam_fw-la malum_fw-la plutarchum_fw-la i_o have_v rather_o say_v he_o man_n shall_v say_v i_o be_o not_o than_o say_v i_o be_o wicked_a and_o therefore_o since_o god_n have_v in_o his_o word_n set_v forth_o the_o necessity_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o our_o get_n to_o glory_n we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o one_o or_o to_o despair_n of_o the_o other_o some_o time_n since_o i_o be_v read_v a_o book_n put_v out_o by_o one_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o in_o that_o he_o own_v the_o sin_n of_o child_n be_v do_v away_o and_o that_o some_o such_o if_o not_o all_o such_o do_v go_v to_o heaven_n but_o most_o bold_o affirm_v they_o be_v not_o do_v away_o in_o regeneration_n but_o sure_a that_o gentleman_n will_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v tell_v we_o which_o way_n they_o be_v cleanse_v and_o not_o to_o leave_v so_o many_o tender-hearted_a parent_n mourn_v for_o their_o decease_a infant_n as_o those_o without_o hope_n as_o they_o must_v needs_o do_v if_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o regeneration_n or_o if_o they_o can_v tell_v some_o other_o way_n how_o they_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o heaven_n but_o i_o perceive_v that_o gentleman_n be_v resolve_v none_o shall_v know_v his_o new-found_a way_n but_o himself_o let_v the_o effect_n be_v what_o they_o will_n but_o though_o he_o be_v thus_o unkind_a his_o dear_a brother_n mr._n c._n seem_v to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o better_a spirit_n and_o though_o he_o seem_v to_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o the_o former_a yet_o he_o tell_v we_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v he_o how_o sin_n come_v to_o be_v destroy_v in_o infant_n and_o that_o be_v say_v he_o
of_o baptism_n for_o since_o baptism_n come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n the_o subject_n of_o that_o ordinance_n be_v so_o well_o know_v they_o need_v not_o to_o be_v again_o mention_v if_o a_o express_a command_n be_v so_o necessary_a i_o will_v know_v what_o command_v the_o anabaptist_n can_v produce_v or_o instance_n either_o for_o to_o baptise_v by_o dip_v i_o be_o certain_a they_o can_v produce_v no_o such_o command_n in_o scripture_n but_o they_o will_v reply_v though_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n or_o precedent_n yet_o because_o the_o word_n signify_v so_o therefore_o they_o do_v it_o so_o say_v i_o to_o say_v nothing_o now_o how_o various_o that_o word_n be_v use_v as_o to_o baptise_v infant_n though_o we_o have_v no_o express_a precept_n in_o so_o many_o word_n or_o precedent_n yet_o because_o we_o have_v many_o word_n and_o great_a part_n of_o some_o chapter_n too_o in_o scripture_n that_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o some_o infant_n have_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v baptise_a therefore_o i_o do_v it_o and_o why_o signification_n and_o meaning_n in_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o i_o see_v not_o and_o thus_o have_v produce_v plain_a scripture_n for_o infant_n baptism_n since_o nothing_o less_o will_v do_v or_o at_o least_o i_o conceive_v as_o plain_a as_o can_v be_v produce_v to_o baptise_v adult_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o point_n touch_v the_o subject_a with_o a_o reasonable_a request_n to_o my_o christian_a friend_n the_o anabaptist_n which_o be_v that_o either_o they_o will_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n lay_v down_o or_o give_v some_o plain_a scripture_n to_o prove_v something_o of_o what_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o to_o be_v false_a and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o my_o request_n that_o which_o i_o have_v often_o fear_v will_v too_o evident_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v love_n to_o a_o party_n more_o than_o to_o the_o truth_n that_o have_v make_v they_o so_o earnest_o contend_v i_o have_v often_o observe_v it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o convince_v some_o man_n of_o truth_n when_o they_o have_v be_v accustom_v to_o error_n they_o scorn_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o other_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n make_v they_o shut_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o will_v not_o see_v and_o we_o say_v none_o be_v so_o blind_a as_o they_o that_o will_v not_o see_v and_o if_o this_o spirit_n or_o ignorance_n do_v not_o prevail_v with_o my_o reader_n i_o hope_v he_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v both_o of_o one_o mind_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v which_o will_v be_v the_o joy_n of_o my_o heart_n yet_o not_o so_o much_o that_o i_o have_v gain_v the_o cause_n i_o have_v be_v contend_v for_o as_o that_o this_o unhappy_a controversy_n be_v like_a to_o be_v end_v and_o my_o friend_n the_o anabaptist_n bring_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n have_v finish_v my_o discourse_n as_o to_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n i_o design_v at_o first_o to_o proceed_v no_o further_o but_o to_o the_o end_n that_o nothing_o may_v be_v want_v for_o the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o such_o as_o desire_v it_o about_o the_o whole_a of_o baptism_n i_o shall_v make_v some_o brief_a enquiry_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o ordinance_n ought_v to_o be_v administer_v whether_o by_o dip_v only_o or_o otherwise_o for_o i_o never_o expect_v that_o the_o anabaptist_n shall_v resignup_n their_o belove_a error_n so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n which_o look_v like_o a_o strong_a hold_v to_o shelter_v they_o and_o therefore_o know_v how_o earnest_o they_o contend_v about_o the_o manner_n how_o as_o well_o as_o the_o subject_n who_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a insist_v on_o that_o also_o and_o though_o perhaps_o my_o reader_n may_v cry_v victory_n before_o he_o read_v any_o further_a yet_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o forbear_v boast_v at_o least_o till_o he_o put_v off_o the_o harness_n lest_o all_o that_o hear_v he_o in_o the_o end_n laugh_v at_o he_o now_o the_o grand_a plea_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n for_o dip_v be_v the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a signify_v so_o but_o what_o if_o the_o only_a reply_n to_o they_o in_o this_o case_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o they_o give_v to_o we_o in_o other_o case_n give_v i_o a_o plain_a scripture_n since_o signification_n and_o doubtful_a meaning_n be_v of_o no_o force_n with_o they_o but_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o late_a portsmouth_n disputation_n about_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n by_o mr._n chandler_n etc._n etc._n not_o be_v willing_a to_o trouble_v my_o reader_n with_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o my_o book_n which_o he_o may_v read_v in_o another_o i_o shall_v keep_v to_o plain_a scripture_n since_o that_o be_v most_o like_a to_o convince_v the_o common_a sort_n of_o reader_n and_o shall_v consider_v if_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v use_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o we_o must_v suppose_v well_o know_v how_o to_o use_v proper_a word_n to_o express_v their_o meaning_n can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n always_o signify_v dip_v under_o water_n but_o to_o prevent_v all_o mistake_n and_o that_o the_o difference_n may_v not_o be_v by_o any_o suppose_a to_o be_v great_a than_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o it_o may_v not_o in_o some_o case_n be_v lawful_a to_o baptise_v by_o dip_v i_o grant_v it_o may_v but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o may_v not_o as_o lawful_o baptise_v some_o other_o way_n this_o the_o anabaptist_n deny_v and_o i_o affirm_v and_o hope_v i_o shall_v prove_v by_o these_o follow_a text_n act_n 1.5_o john_n baptise_a with_o water_n now_o while_o it_o be_v say_v with_o water_n not_o in_o water_n it_o seem_v to_o imply_v he_o do_v not_o dip_v they_o only_o make_v use_n of_o water_n in_o that_o ordinance_n for_o how_o improper_a will_v it_o be_v to_o say_v i_o dip_v such_o a_o thing_n with_o water_n but_o not_o at_o all_o to_o say_v i_o wash_v such_o a_o thing_n with_o water_n when_o we_o only_o sprinkle_v it_o or_o throw_v water_n upon_o it_o see_v another_o text_n mark_v 7.4_o and_o when_o they_o come_v from_o the_o market_n unless_o they_o wash_v they_o eat_v not_o those_o word_n unless_o they_o wash_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unless_o they_o baptise_v and_o the_o word_n of_o table_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o bed_n now_o it_o be_v scarce_o consistent_a with_o reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o they_o shall_v so_o frequent_o dip_v their_o bed_n if_o they_o do_v we_o may_v suppose_v they_o very_o unfit_a to_o lie_v on_o for_o some_o time_n the_o pharisee_n have_v such_o a_o proud_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o think_v if_o they_o do_v but_o deal_v with_o other_o they_o be_v defile_v by_o so_o do_v and_o therefore_o after_o they_o come_v from_o the_o market_n they_o be_v to_o wash_v their_o hand_n with_o which_o they_o have_v deliver_v any_o thing_n to_o or_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o other_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v on_o all_o such_o occasion_n dip_v themselves_o whole_o under_o water_n seem_v to_o be_v both_o incredible_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v in_o the_o original_a call_v a_o baptise_v as_o you_o have_v hear_v all_o i_o have_v find_v answer_v to_o this_o be_v that_o in_o wash_v they_o dip_v their_o hand_n and_o so_o it_o be_v dip_v still_o though_o not_o the_o whole_a body_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v in_o wash_v our_o hand_n we_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o dip_v they_o unless_o some_o part_n of_o they_o so_o that_o all_o they_o can_v from_o hence_o infer_v be_v that_o some_o little_a part_n of_o the_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v dip_v in_o baptism_n as_o much_o as_o the_o hand_n or_o finger_n end_n why_o then_o do_v the_o anabaptist_n impose_v dip_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o hazard_v the_o life_n by_o so_o do_v when_o it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v some_o little_a part_n of_o the_o body_n only_o if_o they_o love_v peace_n why_o do_v they_o not_o show_v themselves_o willing_a to_o comply_v with_o we_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n since_o they_o be_v force_v from_o this_o scripture_n to_o own_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n from_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n to_o dip_v or_o plung_v the_o whole_a body_n under_o water_n another_o text_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v 1_o cor._n 10.2_o and_o where_o all_o baptise_a into_o moses_n in_o the_o cloud_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n but_o can_v we_o suppose_v they_o be_v dip_v in_o the_o cloud_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n do_v not_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o rain_n from_o
our_o consent_n to_o christ_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o consent_n to_o we_o i_o must_v leave_v it_o to_o my_o reader_n to_o judge_v or_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o question_n be_v this_o whether_o the_o soul_n be_v first_o active_a or_o passive_a they_o that_o affirm_v that_o the_o soul_n come_v to_o christ_n in_o its_o sin_n unrenewed_a make_v the_o soul_n first_o active_a they_o who_o say_v the_o soul_n act_v as_o a_o renew_a soul_n make_v it_o first_o passive_a which_o be_v such_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o i_o dare_v venture_v my_o salvation_n on_o it_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v clear_a scripture_n on_o my_o side_n john_n 5.25_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v which_o can_v be_v mean_v only_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n because_o it_o be_v say_v the_o hour_n now_o be_v but_o it_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o quicken_a of_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o death_n in_o sin_n and_o it_o clear_o prove_v that_o christ_n find_v the_o soul_n dead_a when_o he_o come_v to_o put_v forth_o this_o quicken_a voice_n for_o look_v as_o with_o lazarus_n christ_n call_v he_o while_o dead_a lazarus_n come_v forth_o and_o by_o this_o call_n infuse_v life_n into_o he_o and_o so_o enable_v he_o to_o come_v forth_o have_v another_o call_v he_o may_v have_v waste_v his_o lung_n in_o calling_n before_o he_o will_v have_v stir_v so_o christ_n call_v we_o when_o dead_a in_o sin_n and_o with_o the_o call_n put_v life_n into_o we_o and_o so_o enable_v we_o to_o hear_v and_o obey_v his_o voice_n ephes_n 2.1_o you_o have_v he_o quicken_v etc._n etc._n then_o it_o seem_v christ_n quicken_v they_o and_o indeed_o if_o he_o do_v not_o we_o can_v and_o as_o gahazi_n can_v only_o lay_v the_o staff_n on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o child_n but_o can_v not_o put_v life_n into_o he_o till_o the_o prophet_n come_v 2_o king_n 4.31,32,33_o so_o till_o christ_n the_o great_a prophet_n bring_v home_o the_o word_n to_o the_o heart_n we_o call_v and_o cry_v in_o vain_a we_o can_v but_o prophecy_n over_o dry_a bone_n but_o that_o breath_n that_o quicken_v they_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n ezek._n 37.5_o hence_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n be_v call_v a_o quicken_a spirit_n 1_o cor._n 15.45_o and_o to_o prove_v yet_o further_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v first_o passive_a before_o it_o be_v active_a we_o have_v another_o most_o clear_a text_n eph._n 2.10_o for_o we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n mind_n we_o be_v create_v now_o you_o know_v that_o in_o creation_n we_o be_v passive_a as_o the_o clay_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o potter_n man_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o create_v of_o himself_o so_o that_o as_o man_n be_v first_o pure_o passive_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o must_v receive_v a_o natural_a life_n before_o he_o can_v perform_v a_o natural_a action_n so_o be_v the_o soul_n as_o pure_o passive_a while_o god_n infuse_v the_o first_o grace_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o put_v forth_o that_o vital_a act_n of_o come_v to_o christ_n so_o rom._n 10.20_o i_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v i_o not_o i_o be_v make_v manifest_a unto_o they_o that_o ask_v not_o after_o i_o i_o can_v but_o pity_v such_o delude_a soul_n as_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n i_o be_o confute_v for_o a_o doctrine_n of_o freegrace_n who_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o never_o able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o sore_a judgement_n to_o be_v give_v over_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n and_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o feed_v on_o a_o stone_n instead_o of_o bread_n and_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v between_o a_o fish_n to_o nourish_v we_o and_o a_o scorpion_n to_o sting_v we_o i_o have_v observe_v one_o great_a difference_n in_o doctrine_n among_o some_o dissenter_n whereby_o 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that_o purchase_v they_o do_v enable_v we_o to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o so_o i_o attribute_v the_o application_n to_o he_o also_o and_o now_o judge_v who_o preach_v free_a grace_n most_o clear_o i_o make_v christ_n the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n they_o make_v he_o only_o the_o beginning_n and_o affirm_v that_o if_o sinner_n do_v not_o come_v as_o they_o be_v they_o must_v be_v damn_v if_o christ_n save_v none_o but_o such_o as_o come_v to_o he_o thus_o in_o their_o sin_n that_o be_v by_o their_o own_o power_n for_o if_o sinner_n be_v act_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n than_o they_o do_v not_o come_v as_o they_o be_v what_o a_o remnant_n will_v be_v save_v a_o remnant_n do_v i_o say_v nay_o i_o dare_v affirm_v if_o that_o be_v true_a not_o one_o soul_n shall_v be_v save_v man_n be_v natural_o unwilling_a to_o come_v to_o christ_n john_n 5.40_o and_o you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n which_o text_n only_o prove_v there_o 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