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
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
complete_o justify_v before_o god_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o original_a sin_n both_o originans_n and_o origination_n and_o yet_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n may_v yea_o must_n by_o their_o actual_a close_n with_o or_o refuse_v the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n either_o obtain_v the_o continuation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o their_o covenant_n interest_n or_o be_v utter_o and_o final_o cut_v off_o from_o it_o and_o so_o perish_v eternal_o in_o their_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o rebellion_n against_o he_o answer_v to_o which_o i_o must_v say_v that_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n such_o a_o conditional_a covenant_n that_o render_v it_o in_o nature_n and_o quality_n like_o the_o sinai_n covenant_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n i._n e._n if_o they_o perform_v the_o righteousness_n require_v they_o shall_v live_v if_o they_o obey_v not_o or_o make_v not_o good_a this_o pretend_a covenant_n of_o grace_n they_o shall_v die_v or_o be_v cut_v off_o let_v our_o brethren_n who_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o freegrace_n consider_v this_o 2._o and_o as_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o new_a covenant_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o such_o partial_a interest_n say_v a_o learned_a author_n so_o neither_o can_v this_o opinion_n consist_v with_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n in_o other_o respect_n for_o either_o the_o stain_n of_o original_a sin_n in_o these_o infanr_n be_v purge_v and_o the_o dominion_n of_o concupiscence_n in_o they_o destroy_v when_o their_o gild_n be_v pardon_v or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o the_o case_n of_o these_o infant_n in_o point_n of_o perseverance_n be_v the_o same_o with_o adult_n person_n that_o be_v under_o grace_n by_o actual_a faith_n and_o then_o a_o final_a apostasy_n from_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o befall_v the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o notwithstanding_o all_o provision_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o engagement_n of_o god_n therein_o to_o make_v the_o promise_v sure_a to_o all_o the_o seed_n rom._n 4.16_o but_o this_o the_o author_n will_v not_o admit_v if_o he_o say_v that_o their_o gild_n be_v pardon_v but_o their_o nature_n be_v not_o change_v or_o renew_v nor_o the_o power_n of_o original_a corruption_n destroy_v so_o as_o that_o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o they_o it_o will_v be_v reply_v that_o then_o notwithstanding_o their_o suppose_a pardon_n they_o remain_v as_o a_o unclean_a thing_n and_o so_o uncapable_a of_o admission_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n thus_o this_o worthy_a author_n 3._o to_o which_o let_v i_o add_v certain_o if_o divine_a habit_n be_v in_o those_o infant_n they_o will_v immediate_o be_v manifest_v or_o be_v sure_a when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o will_v appear_v in_o they_o by_o gracious_a operation_n flow_v from_o thence_o but_o since_o those_o act_n or_o product_n of_o such_o a_o gracious_a habit_n appear_v not_o in_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o never_o have_v they_o infuse_v 4._o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n if_o they_o live_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n will_v flow_v natural_o from_o those_o sacred_a habit_n god_n have_v by_o his_o spirit_n plant_v in_o they_o as_o heat_n and_o light_n do_v from_o the_o fire_n when_o it_o be_v kindle_v on_o the_o hearth_n the_o truth_n be_v such_o who_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o have_v faith_n in_o he_o and_o so_o be_v actual_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v also_o wash_v and_o purge_v from_o sin_n and_o pollution_n see_v ezek._n 16._o rom._n 5.14_o act._n 15.10_o none_o can_v have_v union_n with_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o indwelling_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o wheresoever_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o apply_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o only_o for_o pardon_n but_o also_o for_o the_o purge_v the_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o same_o learned_a author_n observe_v as_o certain_a as_o any_o derive_v a_o new_a covenant_n rite_n from_o christ_n for_o pardon_n they_o also_o receive_v a_o vital_a influence_n from_o he_o for_o the_o renovation_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o conform_v their_o soul_n to_o his_o image_n therefore_o to_o assert_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n be_v apply_v to_o some_o for_o remission_n of_o sin_n only_o or_o that_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o sin_n can_v be_v pardon_v to_o any_o person_n and_o yet_o that_o sin_n retain_v its_o dominion_n over_o they_o be_v a_o doctrine_n i_o understand_v not_o to_o be_v sound_n or_o agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n 5._o to_o conclude_v with_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a these_o man_n must_v by_o their_o notion_n make_v every_o believe_a parent_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o respect_n of_o that_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n a_o common_a head_n and_o father_n not_o only_o to_o his_o own_o natural_a seed_n but_o to_o all_o believer_n also_o as_o abraham_n be_v and_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v as_o many_o common_a father_n like_v as_o abraham_n be_v so_o call_v as_o there_o be_v believe_v man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o a_o know_v or_o knowledge_n of_o man_n still_o after_o the_o flesh_n which_o the_o apostle_n disclaim_v 2_o cor._n 5._o 17._o beside_o the_o thing_n be_v usurp_v in_o itself_o therefore_o let_v all_o know_v that_o a_o believer_n right_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o abraham_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o promise_v make_v with_o he_o do_v relate_v to_o such_o a_o seed_n as_o do_v believe_v and_o not_o as_o coordinate_a with_o he_o in_o covenant_n interest_n they_o be_v not_o each_o one_o by_o this_o covenant_n make_v the_o father_n of_o a_o bless_a seed_n as_o abraham_n be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a neither_o can_v they_o claim_v the_o promise_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n as_o he_o may_v as_o this_o author_n observe_v but_o they_o must_v believe_v as_o abraham_n do_v or_o have_v a_o faith_n of_o their_o own_o for_o if_o you_o be_v christ_n then_o be_v you_o abraham_n be_v seed_n and_o heir_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n gal._n 3_o 29._o this_o the_o same_o author_n note_n obj._n 7._o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n be_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n answ._n i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o our_o opponant_n that_o the_o hebrew_n word_n for_o everlasting_a sometime_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o long_a continuance_n of_o time_n and_o so_o extensive_a be_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n peculiar_a favour_n to_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o original_n of_o their_o claim_n therefrom_o that_o the_o severity_n of_o that_o law_n afterward_o give_v to_o they_o be_v so_o far_o restrain_v as_o that_o notwithstanding_o their_o manifold_a breach_n of_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o forfeiture_n of_o all_o legal_a claim_n of_o their_o right_n and_o privilege_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n thereby_o that_o they_o be_v never_o utter_o cut_v off_o from_o that_o good_a land_n and_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o god_n until_o the_o end_n or_o period_n of_o that_o time_n determine_v by_o the_o almighty_a be_v full_o come_v which_o be_v the_o revealation_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o set_n up_o his_o spiritual_a temple_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o thus_o far_o the_o word_n everlasting_a do_v extend_v it_o be_v say_v god_n promise_v to_o give_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n to_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o seed_n for_o ever_o and_o again_o gen._n 17.8_o for_o a_o everlasting_a inheritance_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o have_v for_o many_o age_n be_v dispossess_v of_o it_o nor_o may_v this_o seem_v strange_a if_o we_o consult_v other_o text_n where_o the_o same_o term_n be_v use_v with_o the_o like_a restriction_n for_o the_o priesthood_n of_o levi_n be_v call_v a_o everlasting_a priesthood_n numb_a 25.13_o and_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o temple_n everlasting_a door_n psal._n 24.6_o so_o the_o statute_n to_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o the_o holy_a sanctuary_n and_o for_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o for_o the_o altar_n and_o for_o the_o priest_n and_o for_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v call_v a_o everlasting_a statute_n levit._n 16.34_o and_o this_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o everlasting_a statute_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v very_o clear_a that_o the_o word_n everlasting_a be_v to_o be_v take_v sometime_o with_o restriction_n and_o refer_v to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o dispensation_n to_o which_o the_o law_n statute_n or_o covenant_n do_v belong_v and_o when_o christ_n come_v as_o
be_v baptize_v for_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v many_o thousand_o family_n that_o live_v either_o in_o jerusalem_n judea_n or_o in_o the_o region_n round_o about_o that_o be_v not_o jew_n broad_a be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n if_o this_o man_n doctrine_n be_v true_a or_o into_o the_o church_n at_o least_o the_o man_n mistake_n lie_v here_o i._n e._n because_o great_a multitude_n go_v out_o either_o to_o see_v or_o hear_v john_n baptist_n he_o therefore_o conclude_v john_n baptize_v they_o all_o because_o it_o be_v say_v he_o baptize_v they_o not_o observe_v the_o severe_a doctrine_n he_o preach_v and_o what_o a_o holy_a sight_n and_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o godly_a repentance_n he_o enjoin_v on_o all_o those_o he_o admit_v to_o baptism_n for_o they_o he_o baptize_v confess_v their_o sin_n i._n e._n their_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o be_v turn_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o be_v his_o work_n and_o the_o grand_a purport_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o comparative_o baptize_v by_o john_n because_o christ_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o disciple_n baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o he_o joh._n 4.1_o and_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n flock_n be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n and_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n the_o whole_a number_n of_o his_o disciple_n be_v about_o one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o act._n 1.15_o though_o may_v be_v some_o few_o more_o there_o may_v be_v in_o some_o orhe_a place_n mr._n baxter_n though_o a_o great_a asserter_n of_o paedo-baptism_n contradict_v this_o man_n john_n baptist_n say_v he_o receive_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o penitent_n before_o he_o do_v baptize_v they_o baxt._n confirmat_fw-la restor_fw-la p._n 68_o it_o be_v such_o a_o confession_n that_o john_n require_v of_o those_o that_o he_o baptize_v that_o give_v he_o ground_n to_o believe_v they_o have_v right_o to_o remission_n of_o sin_n for_o he_o baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n read_v the_o late_a annotator_n on_o luk._n 3.3_o the_o sum_n of_o john_n doctrine_n say_v they_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n his_o press_a faith_n in_o christ_n be_v most_o clear_o declare_v by_o the_o evangelist_n john_n matthew_n mark_n and_o luke_n insist_v more_o upon_o his_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n baptism_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o it_o john_n do_v not_o preach_v that_o baptism_n be_v repentance_n or_o that_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v infallible_o annex_v to_o it_o but_o that_o the_o way_n to_o obtain_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v by_o repentance_n and_o baptism_n be_v a_o external_n sign_n and_o symbol_n of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n such_o a_o confession_n that_o philip_n require_v of_o the_o eunoch_n act._n 8.37_o see_v here_o be_v water_n what_o do_v hinder_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v philip_n answer_v if_o thou_o believe_v withal_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v this_o man_n will_v render_v john_n baptist_n less_o faithful_a than_o any_o ordinary_a pious_a minister_n i_o believe_v say_v gullespy_n no_o conscientious_a minister_n will_v adventure_v to_o baptize_v any_o who_o have_v manifest_v infallible_a sign_n of_o unregeneration_n gil_n aaron_n rod._n blossom_n obj._n but_o say_v mr._n exell_n to_o conclude_v that_o this_o confession_n mention_v mat._n 3.5_o be_v a_o confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n or_o tongue_n without_o consider_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o word_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o discovery_n in_o the_o text_n be_v somewhat_o too_o quick_a and_o too_o bold_a for_o what_o be_v express_v be_v express_o assert_v of_o all_o the_o region_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o jerusalem_n and_o those_o call_v multitude_n and_o these_o general_a expression_n contain_v and_o comprehend_v man_n woman_n and_o child_n etc._n etc._n answ._n i_o must_v needs_o say_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n you_o dare_v so_o bold_o affirm_v all_o both_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n be_v baptize_v by_o john_n whereas_o it_o be_v positive_o say_v that_o they_o he_o baptize_v confess_v their_o sin_n you_o conclude_v against_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o assert_v plain_a scripture_n proof_n that_o john_n baptist_n do_v certain_o baptize_v infant_n and_o yet_o give_v neither_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n to_o demonstrate_v what_o you_o say_v be_v true_a you_o can_v draw_v consequence_n to_o build_v a_o ordinance_n upon_o that_o which_o natural_o rise_v not_o from_o the_o text_n you_o refer_v to_o nay_o which_o be_v more_o when_o the_o text_n be_v express_o against_o such_o a_o conclusion_n it_o be_v say_v they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v you_o may_v say_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v infant_n as_o well_o as_o to_o affirm_v some_o of_o these_o john_n baptize_v be_v such_o for_o infant_n be_v as_o capable_a to_o receive_v the_o word_n as_o to_o confess_v their_o sin_n nay_o when_o it_o be_v say_v act_v 20._o the_o disciple_n come_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n you_o may_v affirm_v that_o infant_n come_v then_o with_o other_o together_o to_o break_v bread_n or_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n for_o you_o know_v how_o to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v disciple_n no_o doubt_n on_o it_o if_o you_o have_v not_o be_v too_o quick_a in_o assert_v what_o you_o with_o boldness_n have_v assert_v i_o be_o great_o mistake_v you_o make_v baptism_n a_o very_a insignificant_a sign_n what_o good_a can_v baptism_n do_v that_o parson_n that_o have_v no_o grace_n if_o you_o can_v prove_v what_o your_o brother_n rothwell_n affirm_v do_v viz._n that_o baptism_n do_v regenerate_v infant_n or_o be_v a_o convert_v ordinance_n certaint_o but_o very_o few_o of_o that_o great_a multitude_n you_o suppose_v john_n baptize_v receive_v any_o spiritual_a benefit_n by_o their_o baptism_n and_o i_o challenge_v all_o the_o world_n to_o prove_v if_o they_o can_v that_o ever_o one_o infant_n receive_v any_o kind_n of_o internal_n spiritual_n or_o eternal_a advantage_n by_o be_v baptize_v as_o you_o call_v it_o or_o external_n either_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o add_v a_o induction_n of_o twenty_o particular_n to_o show_v what_o a_o confession_n it_o be_v not_o that_o those_o john_n baptist_n baptize_v make_v but_o they_o need_v no_o further_o reply_v be_v all_o remote_a to_o the_o purpose_n bring_v for_o then_o he_o proceed_v into_o ten_o more_o to_o show_v it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o verbal_a confession_n of_o actual_a faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o most_o of_o they_o follow_v here_o obj._n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o command_n require_v such_o a_o confession_n neither_o declare_v by_o john_n nor_o reveal_v by_o any_o other_o messenger_n of_o god_n this_o contain_v his_o two_o first_o answ._n do_v not_o john_n require_v it_o when_o he_o say_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n &c_n &c_n a_o confession_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n and_o do_v not_o philip_n require_v it_o of_o the_o eunuch_n be_v not_o faith_n require_v and_o as_o a_o man_n believe_v with_o his_o heart_n so_o a_o confession_n be_v require_v with_o the_o mouth_n to_o make_v know_v that_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n obj._n if_o such_o a_o confession_n be_v command_v it_o must_v be_v gain_v by_o their_o own_o personal_a obediâ—cence_n and_o so_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n 2._o if_o command_v than_o it_o be_v not_o voluntary_a 3._o if_o command_v than_o it_o must_v not_o be_v to_o show_v the_o grâ—ce_n they_o have_v but_o their_o obedience_n these_o be_v three_o more_o of_o they_o pag._n 44._o 1._o answ._n i_o answer_v if_o what_o god_n command_v we_o to_o do_v those_o virtue_n so_o command_v be_v gain_v or_o merit_v by_o our_o own_o personal_a obedience_n then_o all_o our_o evangelical_n duty_n must_v be_v meritorious_a and_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n indeed_o for_o that_o the_o gospel_n do_v command_v many_o duty_n be_v evident_a can_v god_n give_v grace_n and_o then_o command_v we_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o cause_v those_o grace_n to_o appear_v in_o exercise_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n 2._o or_o can_v that_o which_o god_n command_v we_o to_o do_v be_v do_v free_o and_o voluntary_a by_o we_o or_o do_v free_a grace_n destroy_v the_o noble_a faculty_n of_o the_o will_n because_o it_o over-power_n its_o vicious_a habit_n and_o strong_o incline_v it_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a do_v not_o saint_n free_o and_o voluntary_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n will_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o well-pleasing_a to_o he_o or_o be_v a_o confession_n of_o sin_n not_o good_a or_o a_o evangelical_n duty_n 3._o do_v we_o