subject_n i_o will_v come_v to_o make_v some_o practical_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o this_o dispute_n and_o so_o end_n see_v all_o those_o argument_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n have_v be_v answer_v and_o our_o argument_n for_o it_o defend_v through_o the_o help_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o fear_n how_o sufficient_o let_v other_o judge_v so_o that_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o adversary_n argument_n have_v be_v detect_v and_o the_o truth_n vindicate_v against_o cavil_n and_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n ground_n that_o child_n of_o parent_n within_o covenant_n have_v right_a to_o baptism_n this_o discourse_n may_v serve_v first_o to_o admonish_v such_o as_o the_o author_n of_o this_o pamphlet_n answer_v that_o be_v so_o pragmatical_a in_o broach_v their_o new_a conceit_n that_o they_o will_v impartial_o and_o without_o prejudice_n weigh_v and_o examine_v their_o own_o tenant_n and_o ground_n by_o the_o scripture_n before_o they_o proceed_v with_o such_o confidence_n and_o heat_n to_o commend_v they_o to_o and_o urge_v they_o upon_o other_o deride_z rail_v upon_o and_o condemn_v as_o antichristian_a and_o deceiver_n all_o that_o will_v not_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n as_o infallible_a i_o will_v wish_v they_o to_o consider_v whether_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o they_o plead_v for_o and_o maintain_v with_o such_o gross_a pervert_n abuse_n and_o falsify_v of_o scripture_n as_o have_v be_v show_v throughout_o the_o book_n whether_o have_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n need_v to_o be_v uphold_v with_o manifest_a error_n and_o those_o of_o very_a dangerous_a consequence_n border_v on_o blasphemy_n such_o as_o have_v be_v discover_v in_o this_o author_n as_o call_v the_o covenant_n under_o which_o the_o faithful_a be_v before_o christ_n a_o covenant_n of_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o condemnation_n and_o cast_v out_o all_o infant_n of_o the_o holy_a christian_a parent_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o make_v they_o equal_a with_o the_o child_n of_o turk_n at_o least_o while_o infant_n and_o many_o error_n of_o like_a sort_n and_o that_o against_o plain_a scripture_n do_v god_n need_v man_n lie_n to_o maintain_v his_o truth_n it_o may_v be_v these_o error_n abuse_n of_o scripture_n and_o bold_a assertion_n of_o untruth_n and_o those_o not_o one_o or_o two_o but_o many_o proceed_v from_o ignorance_n and_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n for_o such_o be_v our_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v up_o embrace_z and_o maintain_v error_n for_o truth_n if_o so_o i_o hope_v such_o person_n upon_o conviction_n may_v be_v humble_v and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o confess_v the_o power_n of_o his_o truth_n in_o overcome_a they_o but_o if_o otherwise_o they_o proceed_v out_o of_o pride_n vainglory_n and_o they_o be_v thus_o active_a out_o of_o a_o desire_n to_o gather_v disciple_n after_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v follow_v and_o admire_v of_o the_o simple_a creep_v into_o house_n and_o lead_v captive_a 20.30_o act._n 20.30_o silly_a woman_n lade_v with_o iniquity_n ever_o learn_v but_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 7._o â—_o tim_n 3.6_o 7._o pretend_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n jesus_n when_o indeed_o they_o serve_v their_o own_o belly_n and_o by_o good_a word_n 16.17_o rom._n 16.17_o and_o fair_a speech_n deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a profess_v zealous_o to_o affect_v god_n people_n 4.17_o gal._n 4.17_o that_o they_o may_v exclude_v and_o withdraw_v they_o from_o christ_n minister_n i_o will_v wish_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o satan_n minister_n may_v be_v suffer_v for_o a_o time_n to_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n 14.15_o 2_o cor._n 11.13_o and_o 14.15_o yet_o their_o end_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o though_o there_o may_v be_v false_a teacher_n among_o god_n people_n 3._o 2_o pet._n 2.1_o 2_o 3._o who_o may_v privy_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o they_o shall_v bring_v upon_o themselves_o swift_a destruction_n yea_o though_o they_o so_o far_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o people_n that_o many_o shall_v follow_v their_o pernicious_a way_n by_o reason_n of_o who_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v evil_a speak_v of_o etc._n etc._n yet_o their_o judgement_n linger_v not_o and_o their_o damnation_n slumber_v not_o neither_o will_v god_n suffer_v such_o abuse_n and_o pervert_n of_o his_o scripture_n vent_v of_o error_n rail_v against_o authority_n speak_v evil_a of_o his_o minister_n seek_v to_o seduce_v his_o people_n and_o empoison_v many_o unstable_a soul_n with_o fond_a opinion_n go_v unpunished_a 12._o 1_o cor._n 11.19_o 2_o thess_n 2.11_o 12._o though_o for_o a_o time_n he_o may_v for_o the_o correction_n and_o trial_n of_o his_o own_o people_n the_o discover_v of_o the_o sound_n and_o punish_v of_o the_o unsound_a by_o give_v they_o over_o to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n suffer_v such_o person_n to_o escape_v yet_o sure_o man_n at_o last_o shall_v know_v what_o it_o be_v with_o a_o great_a show_n of_o scripture_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o draw_v people_n from_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n i_o know_v the_o best_a of_o god_n servant_n may_v err_v in_o judgement_n aswell_o as_o fail_v in_o practice_n but_o such_o will_v bless_v god_n for_o discover_v their_o error_n and_o be_v thankful_a to_o the_o instrument_n which_o he_o use_v for_o that_o end_n and_o to_o such_o doubtless_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o show_v mercy_n in_o forgive_a their_o error_n but_o as_o for_o they_o who_o for_o their_o credit_n sake_n as_o they_o think_v when_o their_o error_n be_v discover_v and_o oppose_v shall_v be_v more_o bold_a in_o assert_v they_o fly_v out_o in_o rail_v and_o bitterness_n against_o those_o that_o will_v have_v give_v a_o help_a hand_n to_o the_o reduce_n of_o they_o to_o the_o truth_n set_v their_o wit_n a_o work_n to_o invent_v new_a argument_n to_o maintain_v falsehood_n against_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o so_o to_o uphold_v one_o error_n by_o another_o for_o no_o truth_n will_v patronize_v a_o error_n and_o consequent_o run_v from_o one_o fond_a opinion_n into_o another_o such_o we_o be_v command_v after_o once_o or_o twice_o admonition_n to_o reject_v 11._o tit._n 3.10_o 11._o as_o know_v that_o they_o be_v subvert_v and_o sin_n be_v condemn_v of_o themselves_o second_o it_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o warn_n to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v too_o apt_a to_o listen_v to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o such_o busy_a pragmatical_a person_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o simple_a as_o to_o think_v the_o great_a confidence_n and_o bold_a peremptorinesse_n and_o fair_a show_n of_o zeal_n be_v a_o infallible_a sign_n of_o the_o best_a cause_n maintain_v or_o best_a heart_n in_o the_o maintainer_n hypocrisy_n oft_o be_v attend_v with_o appearance_n of_o zeal_n and_o ignorance_n be_v ordinary_o accompany_v with_o peremptorinesse_n for_o none_o usual_o be_v more_o pragmatical_a busy_a and_o bold_a than_o they_o that_o be_v most_o ignorant_a 1.13_o 1_o tim._n 1.13_o none_o more_o desirous_a to_o teach_v other_o there_o they_o that_o understand_v not_o what_o they_o say_v nor_o whereof_o they_o affirm_v none_o so_o unruly_a and_o hard_o to_o have_v their_o mouth_n stop_v pervert_v whole_a house_n by_o teach_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o as_o those_o that_o be_v but_o vain_a talker_n and_o mere_a deceiver_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v try_v christian_n shall_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o not_o believe_v a_o tenant_n forthwith_o because_o man_n come_v with_o it_o to_o we_o 4.1_o 1_o joh._n 4.1_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o love_n 15._o 2_o cor._n 11.13_o 14_o 15._o zeal_n humility_n etc._n etc._n see_v satan_n can_v change_v himself_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o his_o minister_n be_v teach_v his_o art_n god_n have_v give_v we_o his_o word_n as_o a_o touchstone_n that_o we_o may_v try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a he_o have_v appoint_v the_o minister_n &_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n to_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v henceforth_o such_o child_n 14._o eph._n 4.11_o 12_o 14._o as_o to_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o vain_a doctrine_n by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o seldom_o do_v we_o see_v any_o ensnare_v in_o these_o and_o such_o like_a error_n till_o they_o leave_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o special_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o prevent_v they_o it_o be_v true_a all_o christian_n ought_v to_o make_v trial_n of_o their_o
let_v they_o look_v backward_o unto_o their_o baptism_n and_o their_o consecration_n unto_o god_n and_o their_o abrenunciation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n transact_v therein_o and_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n in_o baptism_n and_o profess_v a_o death_n unto_o sin_n and_o a_o resurrection_n to_o holiness_n so_o that_o now_o it_o be_v a_o monstrous_a and_o absurd_a thing_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n as_o for_o a_o dead_a man_n to_o rise_v or_o a_o live_a man_n to_o lie_v in_o the_o grave_n remember_v you_o be_v not_o your_o own_o but_o christ_n who_o be_v your_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o so_o resolve_v to_o continue_v still_o do_v his_o work_n and_o resist_v his_o and_o your_o soul_n enemy_n thus_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o from_o baptism_n to_o fetch_v argument_n of_o sanctification_n both_o for_o the_o mortify_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o for_o the_o quicken_a of_o we_o to_o holiness_n rom._n 6.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n five_o in_o time_n of_o doubt_n desertion_n temptation_n to_o distrust_n etc._n etc._n christian_n shall_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o baptism_n and_o remember_v the_o ancient_a love_n of_o god_n to_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n in_o take_v they_o into_o his_o family_n and_o undertake_v to_o be_v their_o god_n in_o baptism_n wherein_o the_o whole_a trinity_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n become_v we_o give_v we_o under_o seal_n assurance_n of_o pardon_n and_o peace_n direction_n and_o support_n perseverance_n and_o salvation_n so_o that_o let_v our_o temptation_n misery_n and_o discomfort_n be_v what_o they_o will_v if_o we_o can_v but_o cast_v our_o eye_n back_o on_o baptism_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n seal_v therein_o we_o may_v gather_v strong_a consolation_n therefrom_o and_o if_o we_o can_v in_o these_o and_o such_o like_a particular_n testify_v our_o prize_v and_o improvement_n of_o our_o baptism_n we_o shall_v not_o easy_o be_v cheat_v of_o it_o or_o draw_v to_o question_n whether_o we_o be_v ever_o true_o baptize_v see_v we_o daily_o find_v the_o comfortable_a fruit_n and_o effect_n thereof_o not_o shall_v we_o give_v occasion_n to_o other_o to_o question_n whether_o our_o infant_n baptism_n be_v true_a baptism_n when_o we_o give_v a_o real_a demonstration_n to_o they_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n seal_v therein_o unto_o we_o we_o walk_v as_o christian_n in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n six_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n among_o who_o i_o profess_v myself_o the_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a of_o any_o that_o see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o pragmatical_a deceiver_n abroad_o to_o seduce_v god_n people_n not_o afraid_a to_o call_v in_o question_n wellgrounded_n truth_n buzz_v into_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o simple_a such_o thing_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o christian_a consolation_n and_o cheerful_a obedience_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n by_o which_o they_o overturn_v whole_a house_n this_o i_o say_v shall_v stir_v we_o up_o if_o there_o be_v any_o conscience_n of_o our_o own_o weighty_a duty_n and_o dreadful_a charge_n any_o spark_n of_o compassion_n to_o man_n soul_n love_v to_o the_o truth_n or_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n to_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v the_o inundation_n of_o error_n rent_n distraction_n licentiousness_n and_o profaneness_n that_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v upon_o the_o pluck_n up_o of_o these_o floodgate_n to_o the_o overflow_a of_o the_o church_n if_o some_o speedy_a remedy_n be_v not_o apply_v which_o belong_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n principal_o shall_v it_o not_o grieve_v we_o to_o hear_v this_o holy_a function_n of_o the_o ministry_n speak_v of_o so_o disdainful_o as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o pamphlet_n answer_v as_o if_o our_o minister_n be_v but_o a_o company_n of_o ignorant_a covetous_a and_o ambitious_a man_n and_o oh_o will_v too_o great_a occasion_n of_o this_o imputation_n be_v not_o give_v by_o too_o many_o of_o our_o minister_n woe_n to_o the_o world_n say_v christ_n because_o of_o offence_n 2._o luk._n 17.1_o 2._o but_o woo_v to_o they_o by_o who_o offence_n come_v they_o that_o run_v into_o these_o error_n of_o anabaptism_n by_o occasion_n of_o the_o badness_n of_o some_o minister_n shall_v not_o thereby_o be_v excuse_v nor_o escape_v the_o woe_n unless_o they_o repent_v but_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o those_o man_n never_o to_o have_v meddle_v with_o the_o ministry_n yea_o to_o have_v be_v throw_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n with_o a_o millstone_n about_o their_o neck_n when_o they_o undertake_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n who_o by_o their_o ignorance_n laziness_n covetousness_n pride_n and_o superstition_n have_v give_v occasion_n unto_o some_o to_o rail_v on_o our_o ministry_n as_o antichristian_a and_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o these_o error_n be_v grow_v so_o rife_a and_o overspreading_a through_o the_o silence_v of_o good_a minister_n and_o set_v up_o and_o maintain_v of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v careless_a and_o scandalous_a therefore_o it_o great_o concern_v all_o good_a minister_n to_o seek_v a_o remedy_n to_o this_o evil_a 4.2_o 1_o tim._n 4.15_o 2_o tim._n 2.15_o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o by_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n to_o study_v to_o show_v themselves_o approve_v workman_n of_o god_n that_o need_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a right_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n yea_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n rebuke_v and_o reprove_v and_o exhort_v with_o all_o long-suffering_a and_o doctrine_n see_v the_o time_n be_v come_v when_o people_n will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n if_o ever_o they_o have_v need_v it_o be_v now_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n both_o to_o exhort_v 11._o tit._n 1.9_o 10_o 11._o and_o convince_v the_o gainsayers_a because_o there_o be_v many_o unruly_a vaine-talker_n and_o deceiver_n who_o mouth_n must_v be_v stop_v who_o subvert_v whole_a house_n teach_v thing_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o there_o be_v great_a need_n that_o minister_n shall_v take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o 30._o act._n 20.28_o 29_o 30._o &_o to_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n see_v grievous_a wolf_n be_v enter_v among_o we_o not_o spare_v the_o flock_n and_o from_o among_o ourselves_o be_v man_n rise_v which_o speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o these_o exhortation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o many_o more_o in_o scripture_n to_o call_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n be_v never_o more_o seasonable_a and_o necessary_a in_o obedience_n to_o which_o charge_v of_o god_n let_v we_o therefore_o by_o painful_a study_n constant_a preach_v fervent_a prayer_n and_o holy_a conversation_n fit_v ourselves_o for_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o and_o procure_v authority_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o we_o may_v be_v free_a from_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o man_n and_o that_o the_o people_n may_v be_v no_o more_o as_o child_n carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n nor_o for_o want_v of_o plenty_n of_o pure_a stream_n be_v force_v to_o drink_v up_o the_o puddle_n water_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n last_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o pragmaticalnesse_n of_o many_o in_o these_o day_n to_o impoison_v the_o mind_n and_o trouble_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n with_o strange_a doctrine_n and_o dangerous_a error_n who_o do_v not_o only_o creep_v into_o house_n to_o pervert_v the_o simple_a but_o also_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o divulge_v their_o opinion_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o many_o soul_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o this_o pamphlet_n answer_v and_o the_o effect_n it_o have_v wrought_v the_o consideration_n i_o say_v of_o the_o boldness_n of_o such_o person_n and_o of_o the_o distraction_n and_o unsettlednesse_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n by_o occasion_n thereof_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o every_o one_o in_o his_o place_n to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v for_o apply_v a_o remedy_n to_o this_o miserable_a distraction_n and_o spread_a sore_n let_v we_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n thereof_o 4.1_o 2_o thess_n 2.10_o 11._o 1_o joh._n 4.1_o lest_o god_n be_v provoke_v to_o give_v we_o over_o to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n let_v we_o not_o be_v so_o fond_a as_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n let_v we_o labour_n for_o soundness_n of_o judgement_n that_o we_o may_v discern_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v but_o especial_o that_o we_o may_v procure_v a_o general_a
a_o learned_a and_o full_a answer_n to_o a_o treatise_n entitle_v the_o vanity_n of_o childish_a baptism_n wherein_o the_o several_a argument_n bring_v to_o overthrow_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o infant_n baptism_n together_o with_o the_o answer_n to_o those_o argument_n maintain_v its_o lawfulness_n be_v due_o examine_v as_o also_o the_o question_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o dip_v in_o baptism_n be_v full_o discuss_v by_o william_n cook_n minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n at_o wroxall_n in_o warwickshire_n print_v and_o enter_v according_a to_o order_n matth._n 19.14_o but_o jesus_n say_v suffer_v little_a child_n and_o forbid_v they_o not_o to_o come_v unto_o i_o for_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n london_n print_v by_o i._n l._n for_o christopher_n meredith_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o crane_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1644._o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a and_o much_o honour_a sr._n john_n burgoyne_n knight_n and_o baronet_n sir_n the_o reason_n prevail_v with_o my_o dear_a friend_n this_o author_n to_o desire_v i_o in_o his_o absence_n to_o direct_v this_o treatise_n to_o your_o patronage_n be_v partly_o to_o testify_v his_o gratitude_n as_o for_o many_o other_o favour_n so_o especial_o that_o you_o be_v the_o chief_a mean_a in_o open_v a_o door_n to_o he_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n partly_o because_o he_o can_v find_v in_o yourself_o and_o faimily_n a_o great_a instance_n of_o that_o truth_n in_o this_o book_n assert_v i_o mean_v a_o gracious_a covenant_n make_v and_o make_v good_a in_o your_o family_n from_o parent_n to_o child_n to_o several_a generation_n and_o can_v any_o dedication_n fall_v out_o more_o happy_o than_o this_o when_o you_o be_v not_o more_o a_o patron_n to_o than_o a_o pattern_n of_o the_o truth_n herein_o publish_v as_o concern_v the_o book_n itself_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o to_o you_o of_o it_o then_o this_o when_o your_o leisure_n shall_v respite_v you_o so_o as_o to_o read_v it_o you_o will_v not_o repent_v that_o you_o help_v the_o author_n of_o it_o into_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o other_o who_o be_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o its_o value_n nay_o itself_o will_v be_v its_o own_o abundant_a commendation_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v find_v acceptance_n with_o all_o that_o love_v this_o truth_n from_o some_o great_a patron_n whereof_o it_o have_v when_o a_o manuscript_n a_o ample_a and_o full_a testimony_n and_o for_o other_o however_o it_o do_v not_o find_v they_o such_o yet_o if_o they_o will_v read_v it_o impartial_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o by_o god_n blessing_n it_o will_v make_v they_o such_o sir_n all_o i_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o business_n be_v in_o the_o absence_n of_o and_o at_o the_o desire_n of_o my_o dear_a friend_n to_o offer_v these_o his_o first_o labour_n to_o your_o favour_n and_o patronage_n be_v not_o a_o little_a glad_a i_o have_v this_o opportunity_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o many_o great_a favour_n you_o have_v sometime_o heap_v upon_o myself_o as_o also_o because_o of_o they_o to_o testify_v i_o be_o your_o faithful_a honourer_n and_o servant_n fra_n wood_n cock_n to_o the_o reader_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o wile_n and_o method_n of_o satan_n 2.11_o 2_o cor._n 2.11_o who_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n 8.44_o joh._n 8.44_o have_v make_v it_o his_o perpetual_a practice_n by_o lie_n to_o seek_v the_o destruction_n of_o soul_n his_o lie_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n one_o sort_n whereby_o he_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o embrace_v falsehood_n as_o truth_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o swallow_v down_o deadly_a poison_n as_o wholesome_a food_n the_o other_o whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o reject_v truth_n as_o falsehood_n and_o call_v good_a evil_n that_o so_o man_n soul_n may_v be_v famish_v for_o want_v of_o necessary_a nourishment_n this_o he_o do_v in_o matter_n of_o estate_n practice_n faith_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o more_o error_n he_o can_v entangle_v we_o in_o the_o strong_a hold_n he_o have_v of_o we_o his_o principal_a endeavour_n therefore_o be_v to_o keep_v we_o in_o dislike_n and_o detestation_n of_o all_o good_a and_o love_n and_o delight_n in_o all_o evil_a if_o he_o can_v prevail_v so_o far_o he_o labour_v at_o least_o to_o entangle_v the_o soul_n in_o one_o or_o two_o dangerous_a error_n that_o will_v bring_v certain_a perdition_n many_o he_o detain_v in_o sottish_a ignorance_n gross_a profaneness_n and_o heathenish_a impiety_n persuade_v they_o that_o their_o estate_n practice_n faith_n and_o worship_n be_v good_a enough_o so_o that_o they_o can_v say_v god_n be_v merciful_a christ_n die_v for_o sinner_n they_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o plead_v that_o all_o forwardness_n in_o religion_n which_o exceed_v their_o lazy_a strain_n be_v but_o curious_a preciseness_n and_o needless_a now_o fangle_a singularity_n thus_o he_o prevail_v with_o many_o to_o the_o grievous_a scandal_n of_o religion_n and_o danger_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o lamentable_a profannesse_n error_n and_o ignorance_n in_o some_o church_n â—_o see_v 1_o cor._n chap._n 5._o &_o 6.8_o &_o 10._o &_o 15._o &_o 2_o ep._n etc._n etc._n â—_o especial_o that_o of_o the_o corinthian_n if_o he_o can_v thus_o prevail_v with_o some_o who_o leave_v their_o sinful_a course_n and_o desire_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o make_v their_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n worship_n and_o practice_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o truth_n he_o will_v raise_v in_o they_o scruple_n that_o they_o may_v ever_o be_v question_v god_n love_n unto_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o the_o soundness_n of_o their_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o to_o hold_v they_o down_o with_o desperate_a discouragement_n and_o deep_a perplexity_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o deny_v god_n gracious_a work_n in_o they_o how_o many_o do_v satan_n in_o our_o day_n abuse_v by_o lead_v they_o to_o misjudge_a of_o their_o estate_n one_o party_n sit_v secure_o without_o question_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n as_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o well_o with_o they_o that_o they_o need_v nothing_o more_o another_o party_n on_o who_o god_n have_v show_v much_o mercy_n yet_o ever_o doubt_v and_o question_v so_o for_o matter_n of_o faith_n practice_n and_o worship_n a_o great_a part_n be_v hold_v in_o such_o carelessness_n that_o any_o religion_n will_v content_v they_o that_o suit_n with_o their_o carnal_a end_n and_o they_o take_v up_o their_o religion_n without_o examine_v the_o ground_n thereof_o other_o as_o much_o be_v abuse_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n who_o because_o they_o see_v some_o thing_n question_v and_o prove_v unsound_a that_o hau_v go_v for_o currant_n therefore_o will_v make_v bold_a not_o only_o to_o question_v but_o also_o in_o their_o manner_n to_o declaim_v and_o dispute_v against_o many_o lawful_a warrantable_a well_o ground_v yea_o and_o necessary_a truth_n and_o practice_n teach_v enjoin_v or_o approve_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o for_o example_n the_o morality_n of_o the_o sabbath_n yea_o the_o use_n of_o the_o whole_a moral_a law_n subjection_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o oath_n presence_n and_o communion_n in_o god_n worship_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o perform_v punctual_o according_a to_o their_o humour_n yea_o humane_a learning_n and_o what_o not_o have_v be_v cry_v down_o as_o antichristian_a among_o the_o rest_n the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n of_o christian_a parent_n be_v condemn_v concern_v which_o they_o do_v not_o make_v sober_a inquisition_n as_o desirous_a to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o earnest_o dispute_v use_v vehement_a asseveration_n and_o carry_v on_o the_o matter_n with_o so_o great_a confidence_n and_o boldness_n together_o with_o citation_n of_o many_o scripture_n and_o pretence_n of_o sincere_a love_n and_o zeal_n to_o the_o truth_n that_o possible_o the_o heart_n of_o simple_a and_o upright_a christian_n may_v be_v trouble_v if_o not_o ensnare_v which_o have_v be_v the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o satan_n by_o his_o instrument_n whether_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o do_v or_o know_v i_o say_v not_o act._n 15._o see_v the_o magisteriall_a peremptorinesse_n of_o those_o false_a teacher_n and_o how_o apt_a god_n people_n be_v to_o be_v trouble_v with_o word_n or_o writing_n of_o this_o kind_n appear_v in_o the_o same_o place_n act._n 15._o vers_fw-la 2._o &_o 2.4_o &_o 2_o thess_n 2.2_o our_o dark_a mind_n and_o corrupt_a will_n be_v far_o more_o prone_a to_o error_n and_o vice_n then_o to_o truth_n and_o virtue_n and_o
it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o that_o be_v believer_n child_n of_o abraham_n and_o will_v be_v bless_v in_o abraham_n seed_n that_o be_v christ_n to_o imitate_v abraham_n example_n in_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n and_o give_v they_o up_o to_o god_n even_o in_o their_o infancy_n by_o require_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v administer_v unto_o they_o and_o not_o to_o loose_v any_o part_n of_o that_o inheritance_n that_o god_n entail_v upon_o abraham_n and_o his_o child_n see_v as_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v it_o be_v no_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o abraham_n to_o have_v his_o seed_n in_o covenant_n nor_o his_o peculiar_a duty_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o covenant_n for_o his_o child_n but_o the_o common_a privilege_n and_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a you_o proceed_v therefore_o though_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n yet_o the_o consequence_n will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v likewise_o make_v with_o all_o believer_n and_o their_o seed_n for_o believer_n only_o be_v the_o seed_n and_o the_o seed_n only_o and_o none_o of_o they_o a_o father_n in_o the_o gospel_n sense_n nor_o any_o other_o save_v only_a abraham_n to_o who_o and_o his_o seed_n the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n be_v make_v answ_n first_o if_o the_o consequence_n will_v not_o follow_v because_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n therefore_o he_o be_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n how_o be_v abraham_n a_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o pattern_n of_o believer_n or_o how_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o abraham_n perform_v any_o duty_n or_o receive_v any_o privilege_n therefore_o all_o believer_n ought_v to_o do_v those_o duty_n may_v receive_v those_o privilege_n second_o your_o reason_n that_o you_o bring_v for_o your_o denial_n of_o our_o consequence_n be_v a_o bold_a assertion_n manifest_o repugnant_a to_o plain_a scripture_n as_o exod._n 20.5.6_o where_o god_n have_v lay_v down_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o covenant_n vers_fw-la 2._o bind_v his_o people_n to_o his_o true_a worship_n and_o to_o avoid_v idolatry_n with_o a_o promise_n of_o mercy_n unto_o thousand_o of_o those_o that_o shall_v love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n now_o these_o thousand_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o godly_a man_n posterity_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o antithesis_fw-la of_o vers_fw-la 5._o visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n on_o their_o child_n unto_o the_o three_o and_o four_o generation_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o this_o promise_n belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o to_o the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o abstinence_n from_o idolatry_n so_o esa_fw-es 59_o last_v vers_fw-la act._n 2.37_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o god_n show_v mercy_n to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n make_v a_o covenant_n that_o his_o spirit_n and_o word_n shall_v be_v continue_v to_o their_o seed_n and_o seed_n seed_n that_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o who_o the_o lord_n do_v call_v and_o their_o child_n but_o the_o same_o that_o god_n promise_v unto_o abraham_n that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n so_o that_o this_o answer_n to_o your_o boldly-affirmed_n but_o never-proved_n assertion_n that_o to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n only_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v may_v suffice_v to_o overthrow_v the_o inference_n you_o bring_v thereupon_o and_o your_o absurdity_n that_o you_o will_v father_n upon_o we_o mingle_v with_o divers_a untruth_n as_o may_v appear_v to_o any_o intelligent_a reader_n not_o worth_a answer_v only_o that_o which_o you_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o beginning_n for_o believer_n only_o be_v the_o seed_n and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n abraham_n have_v not_o two_o sort_n of_o seed_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o acceptation_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o which_o as_o upon_o a_o groundwork_n of_o all_o your_o reason_n be_v build_v that_o the_o rottenness_n of_o the_o foundation_n be_v discover_v it_o may_v appear_v how_o easy_o the_o superstruction_n will_v come_v down_o of_o itself_o i_o answer_v therefore_o answ_n we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o new_a testament_n of_o three_o sort_n of_o abraham_n seed_n first_o christ_n be_v call_v his_o seed_n gal._n 3.16_o second_o the_o faithful_a of_o what_o nation_n soever_o be_v call_v his_o seed_n gal._n 3.29_o three_o those_o who_o natural_o desended_a from_o his_o loin_n john_n 8.37_o 2._o cor._n 11.22_o and_o in_o this_o last_o kind_n to_o be_v abraham_n seed_n be_v sufficient_a to_o intresse_n man_n to_o the_o outward_a covenant_n and_o the_o seal_n thereof_o and_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o abraham_n gen._n 17._o literal_o and_o proper_o in_o this_o last_o sense_n not_o in_o the_o first_o or_o second_o as_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o text_n for_o with_o that_o seed_n god_n make_v the_o covenant_n in_o abraham_n and_o to_o that_o seed_n god_n become_v a_o god_n which_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_v at_o eight_o day_n old_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o male_n &_o as_o you_o say_v the_o female_n in_o the_o male_n but_o the_o natural_a issue_n of_o abraham_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_v at_o 8_o day_n old_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o male_n &_o in_o they_o the_o female_n see_v gen._n 17.7.10.11.12_o for_o proof_n of_o both_o proposition_n therefore_o the_o natural_a issue_n of_o abraham_n be_v the_o seed_n to_o which_o according_a to_o the_o literal_a and_o proper_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n in_o covenant_n and_o so_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v false_a which_o you_o say_v that_o believer_n only_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n since_o many_o natural_o descend_v from_o abraham_n and_o circumcise_v and_o so_o outward_o in_o covenant_n be_v unbeliever_n you_o add_v that_o we_o say_v infant_n be_v then_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o demand_v when_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o to_o which_o you_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o when_o the_o jew_n church-state_n and_o old_a covenant_n be_v abrogate_v by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o plant_v of_o other_o church_n far_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n in_o many_o respect_n answ_n but_o i_o hope_v god_n people_n be_v not_o so_o simple_a as_o to_o believe_v your_o bare_a word_n against_o god_n express_a truth_n though_o you_o be_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n or_o a_o apostle_n â—_o gal._n 1._o â—_o much_o less_o be_v as_o you_o be_v discover_v and_o to_o think_v that_o in_o former_a time_n indeed_o infant_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n but_o now_o be_v exclude_v that_o now_o all_o infant_n of_o christian_n parent_n die_v without_o actual_a faith_n and_o under_o year_n of_o discretion_n must_v certain_o perish_v as_o alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o out_o of_o covenant_n with_o god_n that_o grace_n be_v so_o far_o straighten_a under_o the_o gospel_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n that_o whereas_o god_n be_v then_o a_o god_n to_o parent_n and_o to_o child_n even_o to_o many_o generation_n yea_o to_o the_o child_n of_o proselyte_n exod._n 12.48_o of_o what_o nation_n soever_o now_o the_o holy_a christian_a parent_n can_v apprehend_v no_o benefit_n from_o the_o covenant_n for_o their_o child_n at_o least_o till_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o actual_a faith_n and_o till_o then_o must_v account_v they_o infidel_n and_o whole_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v this_o to_o advance_v god_n grace_n to_o extol_v the_o gospel_n and_o glorify_v jesus_n christ_n or_o rather_o be_v it_o not_o a_o trick_n of_o the_o devil_n great_o to_o obscure_v and_o endeavour_v the_o utter_a extinguish_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n death_n the_o lustre_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o christian_a all_o at_o once_o they_o that_o will_v hearken_v to_o such_o deceit_n as_o these_o let_v they_o make_v account_n at_o the_o last_o to_o be_v cheat_v of_o all_o ground_n of_o comfort_n in_o god_n word_n 2.39_o act._n 2.39_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o your_o child_n and_o to_o they_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o etc._n etc._n when_o the_o jew_n church-state_n and_o old_a covenant_n be_v abrogate_a but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o many_o respect_n wherein_o you_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gospel_n differ_v from_o the_o jewish_a state_n or_o old_a covenant_n whence_o you_o will_v prove_v that_o infant_n be_v now_o cast_v out_o of_o covenant_n wherein_o because_o you_o repeat_v for_o substance_n some_o toy_n and_o