the_o axe_n lay_v to_o the_o root_n contain_v a_o exposition_n of_o that_o metaphorical_a text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n mat._n 3.10_o part_n ii_o wherein_o mr._n john_n flavel_n last_o grand_a argument_n in_o his_o vindiciarum_n vindex_n to_o prove_v circumcision_n a_o gospel-covenant_n be_v answer_v also_o a_o brief_a reply_n to_o mr._n rothwell_n late_a treatise_n entitle_v paedo-baptismus_a vindicatus_fw-la as_o to_o what_o seem_v most_o material_a to_o which_o be_v add_v â—ome_o short_a reflection_n by_o way_n of_o confutation_n of_o a_o book_n new_o publish_v by_o mr._n joshua_n exell_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n entitle_v a_o serious_a enquiry_n into_o and_o certain_a produce_v of_o plain_a and_o express_v proof_n that_o john_n baptist_n do_v as_o certain_o baptize_v infant_n as_o the_o adult_n job_n 6.25_o how_o forcible_a be_v right_a word_n but_o what_o do_v your_o argue_v reprove_v â—â—ndon_v print_v for_o the_o author_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sâ—â—â—â—y_a john_n harris_n at_o the_o harrow_n in_o the_o poultry_n â—â—â—â—_o errata_fw-la pag._n 2_o line_n 39_o r._n disprove_v p._n 4._o line_n 26_o for_o ordinal_n r._n original_a p._n 4._o l._n 32._o for_o the_o law_n r._n this_o p._n 11._o l._n 12._o for_o 12._o r._n 2._o p._n 13._o l._n 14._o for_o rite_n r._n right_o in_o p._n 29._o l._n 33._o for_o circumcision_n r._n commission_n p._n 13._o l._n 28._o for_o usurbed_a r._n absurd_a p._n 16._o l._n 2._o blot_n out_o against_o p._n 20._o l._n 12._o a_o false_a point_n r._n covenant-ho_o blot_v out_o the_o interrogation_n point_n and_o put_v a_o colon_n after_o holy_a p._n 24._o l._n 29._o for_o abraham_n r._n god_n p._n 34._o l._n 12._o for_o rite_n r._n right_o p._n 34._o l._n 34._o for_o rite_n r._n right_o p._n 38_o l._n 10._o for_o rome_n r._n from_o p._n 39_o l._n 10._o for_o weighty_a r._n mighty_a p._n 41._o l._n 39_o for_o profane_v r._n profane_a p._n 39_o l._n 40._o for_o profane_v r._n profane_a p._n 43._o l._n 5._o for_o penitent_a r._n penitent_n p._n 43._o l._n 6_o for_o must_v r._n might_n p._n 46._o l._n 25._o for_o internal_o r._n internal_a p._n 47._o l._n 37._o blot_n out_o truth_n p._n 48._o l._n 26_o blot_n out_z the._n the_o axe_n lay_v to_o the_o root_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n iii_o part_n ii_o mat._n iii_o ver_fw-la 10._o and_o now_o also_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n every_o tree_n therefore_o that_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n belove_a i_o have_v already_o open_v the_o scope_n and_o coherence_n of_o this_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n as_o also_o the_o part_n and_o term_n and_o then_o take_v notice_n of_o one_o or_o two_o point_n of_o doctrine_n that_o which_o i_o have_v large_o prosecute_v be_v this_o viz._n doct._n now_o the_o dispensation_n be_v change_v to_o be_v of_o the_o natural_a root_n viz._n of_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n or_o child_n of_o believer_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n be_v no_o ground_n for_o church-membership_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o gospel-church_n or_o to_o gospel-baptism_n we_o have_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v two_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n â—ne_a with_o he_o and_o his_o natural_a seed_n as_o such_o signify_v by_o agar_n the_o bondwoman_n the_o other_o make_v with_o he_o and_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n as_o such_o signify_v 〈◊〉_d sarah_n the_o free_a woman_n and_o also_o have_v clear_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o â—â—e_v covenant_n of_o circumcision_n do_v not_o appertain_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o â—race_n but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o rite_n of_o the_o legal_a covenant_n we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o answer_v the_o other_o objection_n have_v the_o last_o day_n only_o insist_v upon_o one._n 2._o obj._n circumcision_n be_v the_o type_n of_o baptism_n 1._o answ._n if_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o antitype_n of_o circumcision_n in_o the_o flesh_n then_o certain_o baptism_n be_v not_o can_v not_o be_v the_o antitype_n thereof_o but_o this_o the_o holy_a ghost_n full_o intimate_v be_v the_o antitype_n of_o it_o see_v 1_o col._n 2.12.13_o rom._n 2.29_o see_v dr._n taylor_n as_o recite_v in_o rector_n rectify_v p._n 9_o 10_o 11._o 2._o if_o baptism_n and_o circumcision_n be_v both_o in_o force_n together_o for_o some_o time_n then_o baptism_n be_v not_o the_o antitype_n of_o nor_o do_v it_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n but_o that_o they_o be_v both_o in_o force_n together_o for_o some_o time_n i_o show_v before_o john_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n baptise_a joh._n 4.1_o 2._o sometime_o before_o circumcision_n be_v nail_v to_o the_o cross_n or_o do_v cease_v can_v one_o thing_n come_v in_o the_o room_n or_o place_n of_o another_o till_o the_o other_o be_v actual_o and_o legal_o remove_v and_o take_v away_o why_o now_o since_o these_o two_o rite_n have_v a_o be_v together_o i_o affirm_v as_o i_o have_v former_o do_v one_o can_v not_o be_v the_o type_n of_o the_o other_o a_o type_n can_v abide_v no_o long_o then_o till_o the_o antitype_n be_v come_v therefore_o circumcision_n be_v not_o the_o type_n of_o baptism_n 3_o dly_z and_o last_o as_o to_o this_o i_o see_v not_o indeed_o how_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o figure_n can_v be_v the_o proper_a shadow_n or_o type_n of_o a_o figure_n sure_a no_o wise_a man_n have_v reason_n so_o to_o think_v all_o may_v see_v that_o baptism_n itself_o be_v call_v a_o figure_n 1_o pet._n 3.21_o and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v the_o second_o objection_n 3._o obj._n the_o three_o objection_n i_o mention_v be_v this_o viz._n infant_n be_v once_o in_o covenant_n and_o never_o cast_v out_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o still_o see_v mr._n rothwell_n paedo-baptism_n answ._n i_o answer_v though_o infant_n be_v in_o covenant_n under_o the_o law_n in_o the_o legal_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o by_o god_n appointment_n gen._n 17.7_o which_o be_v not_o deny_v yet_o what_o of_o this_o their_o be_v once_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n do_v not_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n they_o have_v then_o many_o outward_a privilege_n which_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o they_o go_v all_o off_o when_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n i._n e._n when_o the_o old_a covenant_n be_v abrogated_a and_o the_o old_a church_n state_n cut_v down_o than_o their_o old_a church_n member_n fall_v likewise_o the_o branch_n can_v stand_v when_o the_o tree_n be_v cut_v down_o or_o root_v up_o 2._o we_o have_v prove_v the_o covenant_n for_o in_o covenant_v of_o infant_n under_o the_o law_n be_v no_o gospel_n covenant_n and_o therefore_o this_o objection_n hatâ—_n nothing_o in_o it_o to_o hurt_v we_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v they_o be_v take_v anew_o into_o the_o gospel_n church_n or_o gospel_n covenant_n which_o we_o positive_o deny_v and_o they_o can_v disprove_v for_o according_a to_o that_o maxim_n omnis_fw-la privati_fw-la intimate_fw-la babitum_fw-la you_o know_v that_o every_o dispossession_n imply_v a_o possessâ—â—on_n infant_n therefore_o can_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n or_o godspel_v church_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v first_o receive_v into_o it_o therefore_o they_o muâ—â—_n prove_v if_o they_o can_v they_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n take_v in_o as_o meâ—â—bers_n if_o so_o i_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o prove_v they_o cast_v out_o but_o i_o be_o sure_a at_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o lose_v their_o right_n of_o church_n membership_n and_o god_n have_v not_o constitute_v another_o national_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o bring_v in_o the_o carnal_a seed_n again_o but_o the_o church_n be_v now_o pure_o congregational_a god_n spiritual_a temple_n be_v build_v up_o with_o spiritual_a and_o lively_a stone_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5._o you_o also_o as_o lively_a stone_n be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n a_o holy_a priesthood_n to_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n acceptable_a to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ._n obj._n 4._o circumcision_n be_v part_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n thus_o i_o find_v mr._n john_n flavel_n express_v himself_o in_o his_o vindiciarum_n vindex_n in_o answer_n to_o mr._n philip_n cary_n pag._n 214._o viz._n if_o circumcision_n be_v part_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v dedicate_v by_o blood_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v so_o dedicate_v be_v by_o you_o confess_v no_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n than_o circumcision_n can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v so_o ergo._fw-la answ._n 1._o i_o answer_v it_o argue_v these_o man_n be_v hard_o put_v
covenant_n relation_n to_o god_n at_o all_o the_o dispensation_n be_v change_v the_o old_a house_n pull_v down_o agar_n and_o her_o son_n cast_v out_o old_a thing_n pass_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v now_o become_v new_a but_o this_o new_a state_n new_a blessing_n and_o new_a church_n privilege_n they_o reject_v and_o so_o be_v the_o natural_a branch_n break_v off_o and_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v wild_a by_o nature_n that_o be_v never_o be_v in_o any_o visible_a covenant_n state_n with_o god_n nor_o in_o any_o sense_n relate_v to_o abraham_n as_o a_o root_n be_v graft_v into_o the_o true_a olive_n jesus_n christ_n and_o into_o the_o gospel_n church_n and_o so_o partaker_n of_o the_o sap_n and_o fatness_n of_o the_o root_n and_o of_o the_o olive_n that_o be_v of_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n and_o this_o they_o receive_v and_o partake_v of_o we_o as_o be_v first_o graft_v by_o save_a faith_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o unite_v to_o his_o mystical_a body_n but_o since_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o the_o natural_a branch_n that_o be_v belove_v for_o their_o father_n sake_n that_o be_v for_o their_o father_n abraham_n sake_n as_o the_o root_n and_o father_n of_o all_o the_o elect_a seed_n they_o shall_v in_o due_a time_n be_v graft_v in_o again_o and_o so_o become_v a_o people_n visible_o own_v of_o god_n and_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o as_o the_o true_a seed_n now_o actual_o be_v and_o former_o be_v and_o if_o this_o be_v consider_v what_o do_v this_o text_n do_v to_o prove_v the_o natural_a seed_n of_o believer_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n or_o be_v external_o relative_o and_o federal_o holy_a for_o if_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n can_v lay_v no_o claim_n nor_o have_v any_o right_n to_o gospel_n precept_n or_o privilege_n as_o such_o but_o be_v break_v off_o what_o ground_n be_v there_o for_o we_o to_o think_v within_o ourselves_o that_o we_o or_o our_o natural_a offspring_n as_o such_o shall_v be_v take_v in_o and_o so_o another_o wall_n of_o partition_n and_o cause_n of_o enmity_n set_v up_o between_o believe_v and_o unbelieving_a gentile_n and_o their_o seed_n as_o such_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o of_o branch_n or_o of_o be_v holy_a with_o a_o external_a relative_a covenant_n holiness_n but_o of_o such_o a_o spiritual_a gospel_n holiness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o root_n viz._n abraham_n who_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o it_o be_v count_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n and_o thus_o all_o his_o true_a spiritual_a seed_n who_o be_v actual_a branch_n and_o in_o covenant_n be_v holy_a and_o also_o all_o the_o elect_a of_o abraham_n not_o yet_o call_v be_v discretive_o holy_a or_o in_o god_n sight_n so_o who_o call_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v they_o be_v all_o holy_a in_o his_o account_n and_o beleve_v for_o their_o father_n sake_n with_o who_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v for_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n and_o it_o be_v from_o this_o argument_n the_o apostle_n argue_v for_o the_o call_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o graft_v they_o in_o who_o belong_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o infant_n church_n membership_n or_o baptism_n from_o hence_o and_o those_o who_o make_v every_o believer_n a_o common_a head_n or_o root_n of_o their_o natural_a offspring_n as_o abraham_n be_v either_o way_n know_v not_o what_o they_o affirm_v nor_o what_o they_o say_v see_v rector_n rectify_v moreover_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v break_v off_o be_v still_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o if_o therefore_o this_o holiness_n be_v a_o external_a relative_a foederal_a holiness_n they_o be_v still_o in_o that_o sense_n holy_a as_o far_o forth_o as_o any_o child_n of_o believe_a gentile_n as_o such_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v but_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o be_v not_o that_o holiness_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o such_o holiness_n under_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n speak_v of_o as_o to_o that_o text_n in_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o else_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a but_o now_o be_v they_o holy_a this_o be_v so_o full_o answer_v in_o that_o late_a treatise_n entitle_v the_o rector_n rectify_v etc._n etc._n that_o i_o shall_v speak_v nothing_o now_o to_o it_o for_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o matrimonial_a sanctification_n and_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o legitimation_n see_v pag._n 134._o to_o 140._o so_o that_o there_o mr._n rothwell_n have_v his_o argument_n answer_v touch_v infant_n faedoral_a holiness_n under_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n obj._n 11._o if_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n as_o such_o be_v not_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n in_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o so_o to_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o former_o than_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n and_o membership_n be_v straighten_a and_o few_o than_o they_o be_v under_o the_o law_n mr._n r_n paedo-baptismus_a pag._n 2.3_o answ._n it_o be_v not_o once_o to_o be_v suppose_v but_o that_o the_o external_n or_o temporal_a privilege_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n be_v more_o and_o large_a as_o well_o as_o church-membership_n than_o those_o we_o have_v under_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n since_o their_o church_n be_v national_a and_o their_o promise_n and_o privilege_n consist_v in_o earthly_a blessing_n as_o they_o be_v a_o people_n consider_v in_o that_o old_a covenant_n relation_n for_o the_o jewish_a teacher_n or_o priest_n of_o god_n have_v many_o external_a privilege_n which_o no_o gospel_n minister_n can_v once_o pretend_v unto_o minister_n son_n have_v all_o a_o right_n to_o the_o ministry_n they_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o ten_o of_o all_o their_o brethren_n increase_n and_o first_o fruit_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o advantage_n beside_o viz._n they_o have_v a_o civil_a government_n of_o their_o own_o power_n to_o punish_v capital_a offender_n with_o death_n their_o temporal_a ruler_n be_v among_o themselves_o but_o christ_n have_v not_o set_v up_o such_o a_o gospel_n political_a church-state_n nor_o give_v such_o power_n and_o such_o a_o government_n to_o his_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n what_o will_v be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o last_o day_n we_o know_v not_o they_o have_v a_o lovely_a and_o fruitful_a land_n give_v to_o they_o for_o their_o inheritance_n that_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n they_o be_v promise_v outward_a peace_n riches_n and_o gather_v of_o much_o wealth_n so_o be_v not_o we_o they_o have_v a_o glorious_a external_a temple_n and_o what_o not_o also_o all_o their_o natural_a offspring_n be_v bear_v member_n of_o their_o church_n but_o none_o of_o these_o privilege_n can_v we_o lay_v claim_n unto_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o gospel-church_n have_v only_o a_o right_n by_o regeneration_n by_o the_o second_o birth_n and_o not_o by_o the_o first_o birth_n we_o be_v to_o expect_v persecution_n and_o trouble_n in_o the_o world_n and_o not_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n poverty_n and_o want_n and_o not_o riches_n or_o earthly_a fullness_n yet_o our_o privilege_n be_v better_a and_o great_a under_o the_o gospel_n than_o they_o be_v under_o the_o law_n the_o gospel_n covenant_n be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n our_o child_n when_o grow_v up_o sit_v under_o the_o clear_a and_o glorious_a light_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o and_o they_o have_v then_o hold_v forth_o but_o in_o dark_a shadow_n moreover_o the_o partition_n wall_n be_v now_o break_v down_o the_o gospel_n church_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o one_o people_n or_o nation_n only_o but_o now_o all_o in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n who_o believe_v and_o embrace_v christ_n by_o save_v faith_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n be_v joint-heir_n together_o and_o have_v interest_n in_o like_a spiritual_a blessing_n now_o great_a infusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n alas_o what_o privilege_n have_v the_o poor_a gentile_n under_o the_o law_n and_o their_o child_n be_v not_o the_o matter_n well_o amend_v with_o we_o sir_n this_o be_v so_o what_o be_v become_v of_o your_o rational_a argument_n for_o infant_n baptism_n p._n 2_o 3._o obj._n 12._o circumcision_n in_o the_o very_a direct_a and_o primary_n end_v of_o it_o teach_v man_n the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n by_o sin_n and_o the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n therefore_o 〈◊〉_d covenant_n of_o work_n or_o condition_n of_o it_o to_o this_o purpose_n mr._n flavel_n speak_v pag._n 231._o answ._n i_o answer_v though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o circumcision_n have_v such_o a_o end_n yet_o that_o that_o be_v the_o direct_a
have_v you_o from_o god_n word_n to_o affirm_v such_o thing_n you_o give_v no_o more_o proof_n for_o what_o you_o assert_v than_o the_o papist_n do_v for_o their_o vain_a tradition_n and_o popish_a ceremony_n grace_n must_v be_v implant_v in_o the_o soul_n before_o baptism_n or_o the_o person_n have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o outward_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a grace_n as_o your_o church_n assert_n baptism_n be_v not_o grace_n nor_o convey_v grace_n if_o you_o can_v prove_v it_o do_v i_o will_v say_v no_o more_o but_o submit_v and_o acknowledge_v my_o mistake_n but_o if_o you_o err_v in_o say_v it_o do_v do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o deceive_v your_o people_n any_o more_o you_o plead_v for_o make_v false_a christian_a nominal_a christian_n christianity_n be_v another_o thing_n than_o what_o you_o seem_v to_o imagine_v the_o way_n be_v narrow_a and_o the_o gate_n be_v straight_o regeneration_n be_v a_o difficult_a work_n it_o require_v the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n to_o be_v put_v forth_o on_o the_o soul_n nay_o the_o same_o power_n that_o god_n wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a ephes._n 1.19_o 20._o as_o to_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o be_v heathen_n and_o pagan_n when_o god_n call_v they_o and_o infuse_v grace_n into_o their_o soul_n i_o have_v answer_v all_o you_o say_v upon_o that_o account_n in_o my_o answer_n to_o mr._n burkit_n the_o commission_n in_o the_o large_a extent_n comprehend_v no_o more_o than_o such_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d disciplize_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o nation_n the_o parent_n must_v be_v disciple_v and_o the_o child_n must_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o person_n be_v disciple_v as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n and_o as_o their_o parent_n be_v before_o baptize_v and_o when_o a_o whole_a nation_n both_o parent_n and_o child_n be_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n make_v christ_n true_a and_o holy_a disciple_n and_o as_o such_o baptize_v than_o all_o the_o nation_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o to_o be_v christian_n but_o we_o know_v what_o sort_n of_o christian_n you_o make_v and_o your_o national_a church_n do_v consist_v of_o that_o be_v make_v so_o by_o baptism_n to_o our_o trouble_n if_o god_n do_v not_o make_v your_o member_n better_a christian_n than_o your_o sprinkle_v or_o baptise_v they_o as_o you_o call_v it_o have_v do_v none_o of_o they_o as_o it_o appear_v from_o christ_n own_o word_n joh._n 3.3_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o my_o former_a book_n you_o may_v read_v mr._n perkin_n and_o mr._n baxter_n exposition_n of_o the_o commission_n they_o talk_v not_o at_o such_o a_o rate_n as_o you_o do_v though_o pedo-baptist_n and_o though_o in_o your_o late_a letter_n to_o i_o you_o seem_v to_o boast_v as_o if_o some_o admire_v your_o book_n and_o that_o your_o argument_n be_v invincible_a or_o unanswerable_a yet_o that_o be_v not_o my_o conception_n concern_v it_o and_o have_v your_o antagonist_n so_o judge_v of_o it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o will_v attempt_v your_o strong_a fort_n before_o this_o time_n for_o i_o know_v very_o well_o his_o ability_n to_o defend_v this_o cause_n indeed_o i_o wonder_v at_o his_o silence_n but_o if_o you_o do_v proceed_v to_o provoke_v a_o far_a answer_n you_o may_v have_v it_o this_o which_o i_o have_v do_v be_v occasion_v by_o my_o preach_v on_o this_o text_n not_o intend_v a_o particular_a reply_n to_o every_o thing_n you_o have_v say_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o need_n for_o you_o be_v full_o answer_v already_o in_o our_o late_a treatise_n yet_o i_o think_v the_o controversy_n much_o concern_v you_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o such_o who_o be_v for_o a_o national_a church_n as_o for_o our_o brethren_n call_v congregational_a i_o can_v tell_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o contend_v for_o the_o practice_n of_o paedo-baptism_n nor_o do_v i_o well_o know_v what_o their_o sentiment_n be_v about_o it_o they_o agree_v as_o i_o do_v understand_v with_o we_o and_o other_o christian_n that_o baptism_n be_v a_o initiate_a rite_n or_o ordinance_n now_o if_o their_o infant_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o themselves_o and_o be_v make_v visible_a church-member_n by_o baptism_n in_o infancy_n and_o until_o by_o actual_a sin_n they_o violate_v their_o rite_n and_o privilege_n abide_v member_n thereof_o 1._o then_o i_o will_v know_v whether_o they_o have_v their_o name_n in_o their_o church-book_n or_o register_n as_o member_n and_o 2_o dly_a whether_o they_o ever_o excommunicate_v or_o bring_v under_o any_o church_n censure_n such_o of_o their_o child_n who_o fall_v into_o scandalous_a sin_n or_o actual_a transgression_n or_o not_o 3_o dly_a if_o not_o what_o kind_n of_o pollute_a church_n must_v thir'_v be_v who_o have_v not_o purge_v out_o such_o corrupt_a member_n the_o truth_n be_v i_o see_v not_o how_o infant_n baptism_n be_v consistent_a with_o any_o church_n state_n unless_o it_o be_v national_a and_o no_o doubt_n the_o first_o contriver_n or_o founder_n of_o it_o devise_v that_o way_n for_o the_o progress_n of_o that_o they_o call_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o so_o open_v a_o door_n that_o christ_n shut_v when_o he_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n therefore_o i_o wonder_v at_o our_o strict_a independent_n consider_v their_o notion_n know_v how_o their_o principle_n differ_v from_o and_o their_o understanding_n or_o knowledge_n of_o gospel-church_n constitution_n exceed_v other_o for_o baptism_n do_v not_o initiate_v into_o their_o church_n it_o seem_v by_o their_o practice_n unless_o their_o child_n when_o baptize_v be_v thereby_o make_v member_n with_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o under_o the_o law_n when_o infant_n be_v member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n they_o be_v bear_v member_n thereof_o though_o the_o male_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a on_o the_o eight_o day_n nor_o be_v the_o case_n difficult_a to_o know_v the_o right_n infant_n have_v to_o circumcision_n it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o faith_n of_o immediate_a parent_n but_o it_o be_v their_o be_v the_o true_a natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n or_o be_v proselyte_n etc._n etc._n which_o give_v they_o a_o right_n to_o circumcision_n by_o virtue_n of_o god_n positive_a command_n to_o abraham_n but_o now_o if_o the_o infant_n be_v rite_n arise_v only_o from_o the_o true_a and_o real_a faith_n of_o their_o parent_n the_o child_n when_o grow_v up_o may_v doubt_v if_o its_o parent_n or_o father_n or_o mother_n be_v not_o true_a believer_n whether_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o or_o not_o or_o may_v see_v cause_n to_o question_n whether_o either_o of_o they_o be_v in_o truth_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o no_o for_o who_o know_v who_o be_v in_o a_o true_a spiritual_a sense_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n especial_o if_o their_o parent_n shall_v fall_v away_o or_o apostatise_v and_o become_v vicious_a which_o may_v demonstrate_v they_o be_v not_o true_a believer_n and_o so_o not_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n themselves_o and_o if_o so_o their_o child_n have_v no_o more_o right_o to_o baptism_n than_o the_o child_n of_o open_a and_o profane_a unbeliever_n child_n have_v the_o truth_n be_v what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o these_o sermon_n may_v serve_v to_o reprove_v such_o who_o set_v up_o a_o new_a wall_n of_o partition_n like_o that_o which_o christ_n abolish_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o cross_n and_o so_o cause_n enmity_n to_o rise_v between_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a gentile_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o unbelieve_a gentile_n by_o make_v the_o child_n of_o ungodly_a one_o to_o say_v our_o parent_n be_v wicked_a and_o not_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o though_o we_o be_v baptize_v yet_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o we_o can_v but_o envy_v your_o privilege_n you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n and_o be_v in_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n nay_o and_o it_o may_v cause_v too_o to_o trust_v to_o that_o birth-privilege_n and_o so_o destroy_v their_o soul_n by_o look_v out_o for_o no_o other_o regeneration_n but_o that_o which_o they_o have_v in_o baptism_n in_o their_o infancy_n some_o reflection_n on_o mr._n exell_n new_a treatise_n entitle_v a_o serious_a enquiry_n into_o and_o contain_v plain_a and_o express_v scripture-proof_n that_o john_n baptist_n do_v as_o certain_o baptise_v infant_n as_o the_o adult_n reader_n just_a as_o i_o have_v close_v with_o all_o i_o intend_v to_o have_v add_v to_o this_o short_a tract_n a_o gentleman_n bring_v i_o another_o book_n new_o publish_v call_v plain_a scripture-proof_n that_o john_n baptist_n do_v certain_o baptise_v infant_n as_o the_o adult_n this_o book_n be_v write_v by_o one_o mr._n exell_n who_o call_v himself_o
give_v he_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n this_o they_o can_v deny_v nay_o and_o not_o only_o to_o himself_o but_o to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o his_o true_a spiritual_a seed_n and_o that_o also_o before_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o say_a covenant_n of_o circumcision_n with_o he_o and_o his_o natural_a seed_n see_v gen._n 12.3_o gen._n 15.1_o i_o be_o thy_o shield_n and_o thy_o exceed_a great_a reward_n see_v ver_fw-la 5._o and_o then_o it_o be_v say_v he_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v account_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n ver_fw-la 6._o therefore_o 2_o dly_a it_o be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v note_v that_o this_o special_a interest_n in_o god_n he_o obtain_v through_o faith_n in_o the_o free_a promise_n which_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n god_n make_v with_o he_o and_o the_o apostle_n plain_o show_v in_o rom._n 4.9_o 10._o that_o this_o blessedness_n he_o in_o the_o negative_a receive_v not_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n but_o in_o uncircumcision_n how_o be_v it_o then_o reckon_v when_o he_o be_v in_o circumcision_n or_o in_o uncircumcision_n not_o in_o circumcision_n but_o in_o uncircumcision_n ver_fw-la 10._o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o the_o darkness_n of_o those_o man_n who_o affirm_v that_o abraham_n receive_v special_a interest_n in_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n positive_o deny_v it_o or_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a his_o main_a business_n be_v there_o to_o take_v they_o off_o of_o circumcision_n and_o so_o to_o distinguish_v between_o circumcison_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o faith_n but_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o apostle_n design_n these_o man_n go_v about_o to_o magnify_v circumcision_n by_o ascribe_v it_o to_o that_o 3._o and_o let_v it_o also_o be_v note_v that_o the_o same_o apostle_n exclude_v abraham_n natural_a seed_n as_o such_o with_o who_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n be_v make_v from_o this_o special_a blessing_n of_o special_a interest_n in_o god_n in_o rom._n 9.5_o not_o as_o though_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v take_v none_o effect_n for_o they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n which_o be_v of_o israel_n neither_o because_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v they_o all_o child_n that_o be_v by_o way_n of_o special_a interest_n in_o god_n so_o as_o to_o have_v god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o abraham_n but_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v ver_fw-la 7._o that_o be_v they_o which_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o flâ—sh_n these_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v count_v for_o the_o seed_n ver_fw-la 8._o none_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o flesh_n who_o he_o deny_v to_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o god_n as_o such_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n do_v belong_v unto_o and_o be_v make_v with_o as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v make_v with_o the_o true_a spiritual_a seed_n therefore_o i_o may_v from_o hence_o with_o the_o great_a boldness_n imaginable_a affirm_v that_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n god_n do_v not_o make_v over_o himself_o to_o be_v abraham_n god_n so_o as_o to_o give_v he_o or_o to_o his_o seed_n special_a interest_n in_o himself_o obj._n but_o it_o be_v positive_o say_v that_o god_n do_v promise_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o in_o their_o generation_n when_o he_o promise_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n gen._n 17.8_o 9_o 10._o answ._n i_o do_v not_o deny_v it_o but_o not_o by_o way_n of_o special_a interest_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o differ_v in_o so_o he_o be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o his_o seed_n as_o such_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n before_o urge_v therefore_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o consider_v in_o what_o respect_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o do_v not_o say_v neither_o that_o ever_o god_n make_v himself_o over_o to_o man_n to_o be_v their_o god_n by_o way_n of_o special_a interest_n upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o sinai_n covenant_n that_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o answer_n nor_o can_v i_o believe_v notwithstanding_o what_o mr._n flavel_n have_v affirm_v that_o my_o reverend_a brother_n mr._n philip_n cary_n will_v assert_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o inheritance_n be_v not_o by_o the_o law_n 1._o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o a_o people_n in_o a_o covenant_n way_n two_o manner_n of_o way_n 1_o sy_n by_o the_o free_a promise_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o a_o spiritual_a gospel_n sense_n which_o give_v special_a and_o soulsaving_a interest_n in_o he_o as_o all_o abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n i._n e._n true_a believer_n have_v or_o 2_o d._n god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o a_o people_n by_o enter_v into_o a_o external_a legal_a covenant_n with_o they_o and_o thus_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o natural_a or_o fleshly_a seed_n i._n e._n he_o take_v they_o into_o a_o visible_a external_a covenant_n church-state_n and_o separate_v they_o from_o all_o other_o people_n and_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n in_o that_o covenant_n unto_o himself_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n he_o be_v say_v federal_o or_o by_o covenant_n to_o be_v marry_v to_o the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n as_o so_o consider_v and_o to_o be_v a_o husband_n to_o they_o see_v jer._n 21.31_o god_n there_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o israel_n and_o judah_n that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n i_o make_v with_o their_o father_n in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o take_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n which_o covenant_n they_o break_v although_o i_o be_v a_o husband_n to_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 32_o in_o this_o covenant_n god_n give_v they_o their_o church_n state_n and_o many_o external_a or_o earthly_a blessing_n law_n and_o ordinance_n and_o they_o former_o strike_v hand_n as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v with_o god_n and_o promise_a obedience_n exod._n 24.3_o 7_o 8._o and_o he_o take_v the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o read_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o the_o people_n and_o they_o say_v all_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v will_v we_o do_v and_o be_v obedient_a and_o thus_o god_n become_v as_o a_o husband_n to_o they_o i._n e._n he_o feed_v they_o and_o take_v special_a care_n of_o they_o and_o to_o lead_v they_o with_o great_a bowel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o bestow_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n upon_o they_o with_o other_o temporal_a blessing_n according_a as_o it_o be_v promise_v to_o they_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n like_a as_o a_o husband_n care_n for_o and_o provide_v for_o the_o wife_n so_o do_v god_n care_n and_o provide_v for_o they_o and_o preserve_v they_o so_o long_o as_o that_o law_n i_o mean_v the_o law_n of_o their_o husband_n do_v continue_v but_o that_o law_n be_v now_o dead_a rom._n 7.4_o and_o god_n now_o be_v no_o long_o such_o a_o husband_n to_o they_o nor_o have_v he_o marry_v in_o that_o sense_n any_o other_o external_a nation_n or_o people_n of_o the_o world_n but_o now_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n be_v a_o husband_n indeed_o to_o they_o he_o be_v but_o a_o typical_a husband_n and_o their_o god_n in_o a_o external_a faedoral_a relation_n and_o thus_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o abraham_n natural_a offspring_n for_o in_o he_o he_o first_o espouse_v they_o as_o a_o national_a church_n and_o people_n and_o give_v they_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n as_o the_o sign_n or_o token_n thereof_o with_o many_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a rite_n and_o this_o be_v further_a confirm_v by_o a_o reverend_n and_o learned_a writer_n howbeit_o from_o the_o strict_a connexion_n of_o this_o seven_o verse_n with_o the_o 6_o and_o the_o assurance_n here_o give_v that_o god_n will_v establish_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n seed_n to_o be_v their_o god_n it_o be_v evident_a say_v he_o that_o the_o number_n of_o abraham_n carnal_a seed_n and_o the_o grandeur_n of_o their_o civil_a state_n be_v not_o all_o that_o be_v promise_v nor_o yet_o the_o principal_a blessing_n bestow_v on_o they_o therein_o but_o rather_o the_o form_v they_o into_o a_o church_n state_n with_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o public_a worship_n among_o they_o wherein_o they_o shall_v walk_v in_o covenant_n relation_n to_o god_n as_o his_o peculiar_a people_n understand_v it_o still_o say_v he_o
the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v they_o yet_o be_v uncircumcised_a that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o man_n that_o believe_v though_o they_o be_v not_o circumcise_v that_o righteousness_n may_v be_v impute_v to_o they_o also_o rom._n 4.11_o first_o observe_v circumcision_n be_v direct_o here_o call_v a_o sign_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o 1._o a_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o god_n make_v good_a his_o covenant_n to_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n that_o from_o his_o loin_n christ_n shall_v come_v by_o isaac_n 2._o a_o sign_n or_o token_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o all_o these_o blessing_n grant_v to_o they_o either_o ecclesiastical_a respect_v their_o national_a church_n state_n and_o civil_a state_n and_o temporal_a blessing_n with_o their_o possess_v of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n 3._o of_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o 2._o but_o it_o be_v not_o call_v any_o more_o a_o seal_n to_o abraham_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o that_o faith_n he_o have_v before_o he_o be_v circumcise_a than_o it_o be_v of_o his_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v now_o since_o it_o be_v principal_o call_v a_o seal_n to_o he_o of_o that_o peculiar_a privilege_n and_o prerogative_n of_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n which_o none_o have_v ever_o grant_v to_o they_o beside_o himself_o why_o shall_v they_o suppose_v that_o circumcision_n be_v here_o call_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o as_o well_o as_o to_o abraham_n himself_o i_o desire_v this_o may_v be_v consider_v for_o mr._n flavel_n pass_v it_o by_o in_o silence_n and_o speak_v nothing_o to_o it_o 3._o but_o three_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o doubt_n it_o can_v be_v a_o seal_n to_o no_o other_o person_n or_o person_n but_o to_o abraham_n only_o because_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o that_o righteousness_n abraham_n have_v be_v yet_o uncircumcised_a and_o such_o a_o righteousness_n none_o of_o his_o seed_n ever_o have_v actual_o as_o he_o have_v it_o neither_o of_o his_o fleshly_a nor_o spiritual_a seed_n for_o first_o isaac_n have_v no_o such_o faith_n before_o he_o be_v circumcise_a because_o circumcise_a when_o but_o eight_o day_n old_a and_o so_o be_v general_o all_o his_o seed_n except_o you_o will_v mention_v such_o who_o neglect_v to_o circumcise_v their_o child_n and_o so_o transgress_v the_o command_n of_o god_n or_o mention_v adult_a proselyte_n but_o that_o will_v not_o help_v the_o matter_n they_o must_v carry_v it_o to_o be_v a_o seal_n to_o all_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n belong_v to_o or_o else_o to_o none_o but_o to_o abraham_n only_o but_o to_o all_o it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o seal_n as_o it_o be_v to_o abraham_n it_o be_v positive_o say_v not_o to_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o shall_v have_v after_o circumcise_a but_o of_o that_o faith_n abraham_n particular_o have_v be_v yet_o uncircumcised_a 4._o the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v thus_o as_o we_o say_v for_o else_o there_o be_v no_o need_n for_o the_o apostle_n to_o mention_v it_o as_o a_o seal_n of_o that_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n he_o have_v before_o circumcision_n if_o other_o may_v have_v it_o in_o circumcision_n viz._n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o that_o they_o must_v say_v or_o they_o say_v nothing_o and_o it_o far_o appear_v by_o what_o the_o apostle_n speak_v viz._n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v that_o be_v not_o circumcise_a if_o it_o have_v be_v in_o circumcision_n or_o after_o circumcision_n what_o argument_n will_v there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o case_n i._n e._n that_o abraham_n shall_v be_v the_o father_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v that_o be_v not_o circumcise_a therefore_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o what_o dr._n ames_n speak_v as_o cite_v by_o mr._n flavel_n i_o must_v say_v the_o main_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n from_o the_o coherence_n of_o the_o text_n be_v to_o take_v off_o the_o jew_n from_o seek_v any_o spiritual_a benefit_n from_o circumcision_n or_o the_o law_n but_o by_o faith_n only_o see_v abraham_n be_v justify_v and_o receive_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n before_o he_o be_v circumcise_a or_o without_o circumcision_n and_o his_o receive_a circumcision_n seal_v not_o only_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n to_o he_o which_o he_o have_v be_v uncircumcised_a and_o so_o to_o none_o else_o but_o also_o his_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o that_o believe_v whether_o circumcise_a or_o not_o circumcise_a 5._o but_o again_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o belong_v to_o abraham_n only_o as_o a_o seal_n because_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o circumcision_n rom._n 3.12_o say_v the_o chief_a advantage_n or_o privilege_n they_o have_v thereby_o be_v because_o that_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n certain_o he_o will_v not_o have_v call_v that_o the_o chief_a if_o circumcision_n have_v be_v give_v in_o common_a as_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n however_o when_o he_o be_v a_o treat_v of_o the_o privilege_n that_o come_v by_o circumcision_n sure_o he_o can_v not_o have_v forget_v this_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n 6._o let_v not_o man_n mistake_v themselves_o any_o more_o for_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o circumcision_n as_o it_o be_v call_v a_o seal_n to_o abraham_n so_o it_o do_v not_o seal_v to_o he_o something_o which_o he_o then_o have_v not_o but_o may_v have_v but_o it_o do_v seal_v real_o and_o true_o the_o righteousness_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o at_o that_o time_n have_v if_o therefore_o you_o baptise_v child_n who_o before_o they_o be_v baptise_a do_v true_o believe_v no_o body_n will_v be_v dispease_v with_o you_o or_o if_o you_o can_v prove_v your_o infant_n have_v real_o and_o true_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o abraham_n have_v and_o that_o their_o baptism_n do_v seal_v that_o faith_n to_o they_o for_o righteousness_n which_o circumcision_n seal_v to_o abraham_n you_o do_v your_o business_n but_o sir_n pray_v what_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v baptism_n now_o seal_v to_o your_o infant_n o_o say_v one_o the_o covenant_n be_v they_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o shall_v we_o deny_v they_o the_o seal_n what_o not_o let_v they_o have_v a_o bit_n of_o wax_n but_o stay_v a_o little_a you_o must_v first_o prove_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v indeed_o belong_v to_o believer_n child_n as_o such_o before_o you_o talk_v at_o such_o a_o rate_n as_o you_o do_v a_o seal_n all_o man_n know_v make_v firm_a and_o sure_o all_o the_o blessing_n to_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v seal_v which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n to_o which_o it_o be_v fix_v therefore_o take_v heed_n you_o do_v not_o blind_v the_o mind_n of_o people_n and_o deceive_v they_o by_o make_v they_o think_v they_o be_v in_o covenant_n when_o indeed_o it_o may_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n 7._o beside_o if_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o abraham_n be_v abrogate_a for_o the_o break_n off_o the_o seal_n all_o man_n know_v cancel_v the_o covenant_n and_o make_v it_o of_o none_o effect_v and_o that_o circumcision_n which_o you_o call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v make_v with_o abraham_n be_v break_v off_o or_o tear_v off_o by_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v evident_a and_o this_o prove_v if_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o sinai_n covenant_n which_o i_o say_v not_o but_o only_o a_o sign_n that_o covenant_n be_v go_v because_o the_o seal_n be_v break_v off_o 8._o circumcision_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o to_o who_o it_o do_v belong_v that_o it_o seal_v not_o all_o those_o outward_a blessing_n to_o the_o bondman_n or_o such_o who_o be_v buy_v with_o money_n and_o so_o be_v admit_v to_o dwell_v in_o abraham_n family_n for_o it_o do_v not_o seal_v to_o they_o all_o the_o outward_a and_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n for_o they_o only_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o be_v natural_a israelite_n now_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n which_o be_v late_o assert_v viz._n that_o the_o infant_n seed_n of_o believer_n during_o their_o infancy_n have_v all_o of_o they_o a_o certain_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o they_o be_v
it_o be_v his_o liberty_n for_o some_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o but_o those_o christian_n corrupt_v by_o false_a teacher_n do_v not_o believe_v that_o circumcision_n and_o other_o legal_a rite_n be_v abolish_v but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o full_a force_n as_o ever_o and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v they_o grant_v it_o be_v as_o they_o believe_v if_o they_o be_v circumcise_a they_o be_v oblige_v to_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n though_o his_o great_a design_n be_v to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o seek_v justification_n by_o work_n therefore_o 3._o it_o be_v evident_a paul_n do_v not_o circumcise_v timothy_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n give_v by_o the_o lord_n but_o for_o other_o politic_a reason_n in_o comply_v with_o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o jewish_a christian_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n he_o submit_v to_o some_o other_o rite_n also_o of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o shave_v the_o head_n and_o purify_n himself_o which_o be_v then_o also_o abolish_v though_o not_o deadly_a say_v expositor_n then_o though_o those_o ceremony_n be_v dead_a and_o so_o nothing_o in_o they_o act._n 21.24_o circumcision_n be_v alas_o dead_a and_o this_o paul_n know_v therefore_o can_v not_o hurt_v timothy_n but_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v think_v it_o be_v alive_a and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o only_o hurt_v but_o destroy_v they_o or_o be_v destructive_a to_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o obligation_n it_o lay_v they_o under_o if_o it_o be_v as_o they_o conceive_v this_o be_v so_o what_o be_v become_v of_o mr._n flavel_n argument_n which_o he_o make_v such_o boast_n of_o as_o if_o unanswerable_a pag._n 231._o obj._n 10._o the_o root_n be_v holy_a therefore_o the_o branch_n that_o be_v as_o abraham_n be_v holy_a so_o be_v all_o his_o seed_n and_o as_o believer_n be_v holy_a so_o be_v all_o their_o child_n and_o as_o the_o natural_a branch_n of_o abraham_n be_v break_v off_o for_o their_o unbelief_n so_o the_o gentile_n be_v graft_v in_o in_o their_o stead_n and_o succeed_v in_o their_o privilege_n and_o so_o their_o seed_n be_v holy_a with_o a_o external_a relative_a covenant_n holiness_n rom._n 11.16_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v baptise_a and_o have_v right_o to_o church_n membership_n 110._o answ._n there_o be_v a_o two_o fold_v holiness_n speak_v of_o 1_o sy_n a_o external_a foederal_a holiness_n 2_o d._n a_o true_a spiritual_a inherent_a holiness_n now_o the_o child_n of_o believe_a gentile_n be_v not_o holy_a with_o a_o external_a relative_a foederal_a holiness_n nor_o have_v they_o a_o right_n to_o baptism_n nor_o church_n membership_n for_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o baptism_n be_v of_o mere_a positive_a right_n nothing_o but_o a_o command_n example_n or_o some_o well_o ground_a authority_n from_o christ_n that_o can_v give_v they_o a_o right_a thereto_o second_o because_o the_o gospel_n church_n be_v not_o constitute_v as_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v it_o be_v not_o national_a but_o congregational_a it_o consist_v not_o of_o the_o carnal_a seed_n as_o such_o but_o only_o of_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n i._n e._n adult_n person_n who_o believe_v where_o do_v we_o find_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n as_o such_o be_v baptize_v and_o take_v into_o the_o church_n as_o be_v in_o a_o external_a relative_a covenant_n holy_a mr._n tho._n goodwin_n as_o i_o find_v he_o quote_v by_o a_o learned_a writer_n in_o a_o book_n call_v two_o treatise_n p._n 6â—_n say_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o other_o holiness_n speak_v of_o but_o personal_n or_o real_a by_o regeneration_n about_o which_o he_o challenge_v all_o the_o world_n to_o show_v to_o the_o contrary_n i_o have_v show_v you_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v at_o the_o root_n of_o all_o external_a relative_a foederal_a holiness_n which_o qualify_v under_o the_o law_n for_o jewish_a ordinance_n and_o church_n membership_n but_o 3_o we_o will_v now_o come_v to_o examine_v this_o text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n rom._n 11.16_o there_o be_v various_a interpretation_n of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o root_n in_o this_o place_n 1._o some_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o covenant_n 2._o some_o of_o christ._n 3._o some_o of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob._n 4._o some_o of_o abraham_n only_o i_o now_o agree_v with_o the_o last_o and_o say_v abraham_n be_v the_o root_n speak_v of_o here_o but_o pray_v observe_v as_o he_o be_v a_o twofold_n father_n so_o he_o be_v a_o twofold_n root_n first_o the_o father_n or_o root_n of_o all_o that_o believe_v second_o the_o father_n or_o root_n of_o all_o his_o natural_a seed_n as_o such_o but_o this_o place_n refer_v to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o his_o true_a spiritual_a seed_n and_o if_o so_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o branch_n be_v real_a spiritual_a and_o internal_a and_o not_o external_a foederal_a holiness_n for_o such_o as_o be_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o root_n as_o mean_v here_o such_o be_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o branch_n but_o abraham_n be_v believe_o personal_o spiritual_o and_o internal_o holy_a ergo_fw-la such_o be_v all_o the_o branch_n speak_v of_o here_o and_o indeed_o for_o want_v of_o faith_n and_o spiritual_a holiness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o root_n be_v many_o of_o the_o natural_a branch_n break_v of_o from_o be_v any_o more_o a_o people_n in_o a_o external_a covenant_n relation_n with_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n i_o have_v show_v the_o axe_n be_v now_o lay_v at_o the_o root_n of_o viz._n the_o external_n covenant_n the_o jew_n be_v break_v off_o or_o cut_v down_o by_o their_o unbelief_n their_o old_a church_n state_n and_o covenant_n be_v go_v they_o not_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o so_o unite_v to_o the_o true_a olive_n and_o the_o gentile_n by_o faith_n be_v graft_v in_o they_o have_v obtain_v the_o fatness_n of_o the_o root_n oâ—_n faith_n and_o righteousness_n of_o abraham_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o he_o who_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o all_o that_o believe_v a_o learned_a writer_n say_v 1._o the_o holiness_n here_o mean_v be_v first_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n election_n i._n e._n holiness_n personal_a and_o inherent_a in_o god_n intention_n 2._o it_o be_v also_o a_o holiness_n derivative_a not_o from_o any_o ancestor_n but_o abraham_n not_o as_o a_o natural_a father_n but_o as_o a_o spiritual_a father_n or_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o so_o derive_v from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o abraham_n from_o hence_o it_o appear_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o illustrious_a scripture_n for_o what_o these_o man_n bring_v it_o who_o think_v hereby_o to_o prove_v a_o holiness_n which_o the_o new_a testament_n know_v nothing_o of_o applying_z the_o holiness_n and_o insection_n to_o outward_a dispensation_n only_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v mean_v of_o save_v grace_n in_o the_o invisible_a and_o make_v every_o believe_a parent_n like_o root_n to_o his_o posterity_n with_o abraham_n to_o his_o seed_n which_o we_o deny_v let_v therefore_o the_o jew_n covenant_n stand_v before_o they_o be_v break_v off_o from_o be_v any_o more_o a_o covenant_n people_n be_v what_o it_o will_v i_o be_o sure_a no_o gentile_a be_v graften_o into_o christ_n nor_o jew_n neither_o but_o by_o faith_n nor_o can_v any_o be_v graft_v into_o the_o gospel_n church_n without_o the_o profession_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n the_o jew_n it_o be_v true_a be_v break_v off_o by_o their_o unbelief_n and_o be_v also_o now_o no_o more_o a_o church_n nor_o be_v there_o as_o i_o say_v once_o before_o any_o such_o kind_n of_o church_n constitute_v under_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n as_o they_o be_v viz._n a_o national_a one_o for_o they_o among_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v true_a believer_n or_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o abraham_n who_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n by_o faith_n be_v plant_v a_o new_a into_o the_o gospel_n church_n and_o between_o they_o and_o gentile_a believer_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n since_o the_o middle_a wall_n of_o partition_n be_v break_v down_o eph._n 2.14_o jew_n and_o gentile_a stand_v now_o by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o external_a relative_a covenant_n holiness_n thou_o stand_v say_v paul_n by_o faith_n o_o believer_n mark_v it_o not_o by_o birth_n privilege_n but_o by_o by_o faith_n as_o worthy_a mr._n gary_n observe_v thy_o stand_n be_v by_o faith_n yet_o not_o thy_o seed_n by_o thy_o faith_n but_o thou_o thyself_o by_o thou_o and_o they_o by_o their_o own_o faith_n faith_n be_v that_o by_o which_o thou_o stand_v and_o not_o thy_o seed_n haste_v right_o to_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o thy_o seed_n but_o if_o thy_o seed_n have_v faith_n and_o thou_o have_v none_o than_o they_o have_v right_o in_o this_o church_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v exclude_v and_o although_o
under_o the_o law_n we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o the_o natural_a seed_n or_o progeny_n of_o abraham_n be_v all_o holy_a with_o a_o external_n ceremonial_a typical_a holiness_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v then_o admit_v to_o a_o external_a participation_n of_o church_n privilege_n yet_o now_o it_o be_v otherwise_o old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a now_o we_o know_v no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n 2._o cor._n 5.16_o 17._o that_o old_a church_n state_n be_v dissolve_v and_o manner_n of_o admission_n into_o it_o by_o external_a birth_n privilege_n or_o â—â—â—â—â—ive_a covenant_n holiness_n and_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a this_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n see_v eph._n 2.14_o for_o he_o be_v our_o peace_n who_o have_v make_v both_o one_o and_o have_v break_v down_o the_o middle_a wall_n of_o partition_n between_o we_o have_v abolish_v in_o his_o flesh_n even_o the_o law_n of_o commandment_n contain_v in_o ordinance_n for_o to_o make_v in_o himself_o of_o twain_o one_o new_a man_n so_o make_v peace_n vers_fw-la 15._o the_o legal_a external_n covenant_n make_v with_o the_o jew_n whilst_o it_o abide_v be_v a_o wall_n of_o separation_n or_o partition_n between_o they_o and_o the_o gentile_n and_o cause_v enmity_n in_o they_o both_o in_o the_o jew_n because_o they_o contemn_v the_o gentile_n as_o a_o people_n unclean_a and_o abominable_a not_o be_v circumcise_a they_o hate_v they_o and_o the_o poor_a gentile_n they_o see_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o deem_v stranger_n and_o foreigner_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n they_o envy_v the_o jew_n but_o now_o jesus_n christ_n have_v break_v down_o this_o wall_n of_o partition_n and_o slay_v the_o enmity_n that_o be_v between_o they_o which_o be_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n and_o all_o other_o external_a privilege_n as_o they_o be_v god_n peculiar_a covenant_n people_n and_o these_o be_v abolish_v and_o go_v now_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v make_v one_o in_o christ_n and_o become_v one_o new_a body_n or_o church_n viz._n a_o christian_a gospel_n church_n and_o hence_o he_o add_v and_o that_o he_o may_v reconcile_v both_o unto_o god_n in_o one_o body_n by_o the_o cross_n ver_fw-la 16._o that_o be_v the_o outward_a wall_n of_o jewish_a rite_n and_o privilege_n be_v go_v christ_n thereby_o design_v to_o bring_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_a viz._n all_o the_o elect_a unto_o god_n and_o both_o into_o one_o church_n state_n no_o person_n nor_o people_n now_o have_v any_o external_a privilege_n above_o other_o by_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n and_o if_o the_o jew_n external_a birth-privilege_n be_v a_o wall_n of_o partition_n between_o they_o and_o the_o gentile_n let_v man_n take_v heed_n how_o they_o set_v up_o another_o like_a wall_n of_o partition_n among_o they_o who_o be_v believer_n and_o their_o seed_n and_o unbelieving_a gentile_n and_o their_o seed_n lest_o that_o prove_v a_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o like_a enmity_n between_o believe_v and_o unbelieving_a gentile_n as_o the_o old_a rite_n and_o covenant_n privilege_n do_v between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o to_o open_v that_o text_n rom._n 11.16_o a_o little_a more_o full_o as_o i_o have_v former_o do_v it_o be_v evident_a the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 9th_o and_o 10_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v treat_v of_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n god_n make_v with_o abraham_n these_o be_v his_o people_n which_o he_o have_v not_o cast_v away_o chap._n 10.1_o and_o of_o this_o sort_n god_n have_v 7000_o in_o elias_n day_n ver_fw-la 4._o even_o so_o say_v he_o at_o this_o present_a time_n also_o there_o be_v a_o remnant_n according_a to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n ver_fw-la 5._o hence_o he_o say_v what_o than_o israel_n have_v not_o obtain_v etc._n etc._n but_o the_o election_n have_v obtain_v and_o the_o rest_n be_v blind_v ver_fw-la 7._o he_o far_o show_v that_o abundance_n of_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v break_v off_o how_o be_v they_o break_v off_o why_o for_o their_o unbelief_n they_o not_o receive_v christ_n but_o reject_v he_o and_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o new_a church_n state_n be_v break_v off_o but_o that_o the_o gentile_n may_v not_o boast_v over_o they_o the_o apostle_n show_v there_o be_v ground_n leave_v to_o believe_v all_o those_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n shall_v in_o god_n due_a time_n be_v bring_v in_o again_o and_o so_o partake_v of_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n or_o promise_v of_o grace_n make_v to_o abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o he_o in_o ver_fw-la 16._o lay_n down_o a_o argument_n for_o if_o the_o first-fruit_n be_v holy_a the_o lump_n be_v also_o holy_a and_o if_o the_o root_n be_v holy_a so_o be_v the_o branch_n by_o the_o root_n i_o understand_v as_o i_o say_v before_o abraham_n be_v mean_v root_n and_o father_n signify_v here_o the_o same_o thing_n abraham_n be_v count_v the_o root_n or_o father_n as_o god_n represent_v he_o not_o only_o of_o his_o own_o natural_a offspring_n but_o of_o all_o that_o believe_v or_o the_o root_n of_o all_o his_o true_a holy_a and_o spiritual_a seed_n and_o so_o intend_v here_o by_o the_o first-fruit_n may_v be_v mean_v isaac_n jacob_n and_o all_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n for_o they_o be_v give_v to_o abraham_n as_o the_o first-fruit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o free_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o he_o and_o these_o be_v holy_a with_o a_o true_a spiritual_a personal_a and_o inherent_a holiness_n also_o three_o by_o the_o lump_n may_v be_v mean_v and_o doubtless_o be_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o elect_n or_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o abraham_n from_o the_o time_n the_o first_o fruit_n be_v give_v to_o he_o until_o the_o gospel_n day_n or_o whole_a lump_n of_o god_n true_a israel_n who_o also_o be_v all_o holy_a as_o the_o root_n and_o first-fruit_n be_v holy_a four_o by_o the_o branch_n he_o mean_v the_o true_a spiritual_a seed_n of_o abraham_n or_o the_o elect_a seed_n that_o then_o be_v live_v at_o that_o present_a time_n as_o ver_fw-la 5._o even_o so_o then_o at_o this_o present_a time_n also_o there_o be_v a_o remnant_n according_a to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n and_o these_o be_v holy_a likewise_o even_o as_o all_o the_o rest_n both_o as_o the_o root_n first-fruit_n and_o lump_n or_o whole_a body_n be_v holy_a that_o be_v all_o the_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v like_o himself_o viz._n holy_a in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n with_o a_o personal_a and_o inherent_a holiness_n now_o observe_v he_o speak_v of_o some_o branch_n that_o be_v break_v off_o these_o seem_v to_o be_v branch_n or_o child_n of_o abraham_n and_o so_o they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o be_v like_o those_o branch_n in_o christ_n who_o bear_v no_o fruit_n joh._n 15.2_o 3_o 4._o and_o therefore_o take_v away_o he_o allude_v to_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n to_o who_o he_o stand_v not_o as_o a_o spiritual_a father_n or_o root_n but_o as_o a_o natural_a and_o legal_a father_n as_o they_o be_v a_o national_a church_n and_o spring_v from_o he_o as_o such_o to_o who_o the_o external_a legal_a covenant_n be_v make_v and_o these_o as_o such_o for_o reject_v of_o christ_n be_v break_v off_o 1._o not_o break_v off_o from_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n for_o to_o that_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v 2._o nor_o be_v they_o break_v off_o of_o the_o gospel_n church_n for_o they_o never_o be_v graft_v into_o that_o but_o 3_o dly_a they_o be_v break_v off_o from_o be_v any_o more_o a_o church_n or_o people_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n the_o whole_a old_a church_n state_n and_o constitution_n be_v go_v by_o the_o come_n in_o of_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n and_o they_o not_o close_v in_o with_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o gospel_n church_n but_o utter_o reject_v he_o and_o the_o new_a church_n state_n for_o this_o they_o be_v break_v off_o as_o a_o lose_a people_n because_o not_o replant_v or_o implant_v into_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o true_a gospel_n church_n the_o old_a be_v go_v quite_o raze_v and_o take_v away_o they_o have_v now_o no_o root_n to_o stand_v upon_o have_v lose_v their_o legal_a stand_n and_o privilege_n as_o abraham_n be_v their_o father_n upon_o that_o very_a foot_n of_o account_n and_o they_o not_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o true_a branch_n or_o seed_n of_o abraham_n as_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a or_o of_o all_o the_o elect_a seed_n they_o must_v of_o necessity_n from_o hence_o be_v break_v off_o from_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n or_o belong_v to_o any_o common_a head_n or_o root_n in_o any_o