long_o here_o i_o may_v very_o just_o lie_v down_o my_o pen_n and_o at_o present_a say_v no_o more_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n i_o mean_v not_o of_o england_n only_o but_o all_o or_o most_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o western_a and_o northern_a part_n of_o the_o world_n now_o use_v the_o sprinkle_v or_o pour_v water_n upon_o infant_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o baptism_n instead_o of_o dip_v of_o they_o be_v methinks_v sufficient_a satisfaction_n to_o i_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o to_o any_o indifferent_a or_o unprejudiced_a christian_a until_o the_o contrary_n be_v make_v appear_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o essential_a necessity_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n that_o immerge_v or_o plunge_v be_v the_o only_a mode_n of_o administration_n yet_o on_o second_o thought_n when_o i_o consider_v i_o be_o not_o dispute_v against_o a_o adversary_n as_o to_o who_o i_o ought_v to_o take_v all_o reasonable_a advantage_n in_o the_o way_n of_o argument_n but_o that_o i_o be_o write_v to_o a_o parishioner_n and_o a_o friend_n and_o be_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v one_o under_o my_o charge_n in_o some_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o my_o office_n upon_o this_o consideration_n neighbour_n i_o shall_v be_v free'r_o with_o you_o than_o otherwise_o i_o have_v need_v to_o have_v be_v and_o so_o will_v give_v you_o some_o reason_n why_o i_o think_v dip_v not_o essential_o necessary_a in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o one_a for_o that_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n to_o be_v make_v betwixt_o a_o legal_a wash_n and_o a_o sacramental_a one_o john_n indeed_o in_o his_o baptism_n do_v seem_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o jewish_a mode_n of_o immerge_v and_o this_o symbol_n may_v true_o better_o comport_v with_o the_o then_o present_a circumstance_n of_o those_o his_o disciple_n who_o be_v pollute_v with_o a_o outward_a and_o as_o it_o be_v visible_a stain_n as_o well_o as_o a_o inward_a one_o either_o of_o tradition_n of_o be_v grow_v very_o corrupt_a by_o their_o superstititious_a tradition_n judaisme_n or_o heathenism_n but_o now_o thank_v god_n the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o jew_n or_o a_o heathen_a be_v among_o we_o in_o the_o country_n a_o strange_a thing_n the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n general_o speak_v be_v now_o the_o offspring_n of_o christian_a parent_n and_o to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o promisory_a right_n or_o title_n include_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o this_o covenant_n 2.39_o act_n 2.39_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o your_o child_n in_o who_o there_o remain_v no_o legal_a or_o outward_a impurity_n but_o now_o to_o come_v to_o the_o point_n in_o question_n why_o shall_v not_o a_o little_a water_n as_o well_o as_o a_o great_a deal_n represent_v the_o inward_a wash_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o infant_n at_o their_o baptism_n who_o be_v after_o a_o sort_n clean_o before_o as_o be_v of_o the_o stock_n of_o believer_n so_o the_o apostle_n else_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a but_o now_o be_v they_o holy_a for_o instance_n herein_o by_o way_n of_o simile_n be_v i_o to_o sign_v you_o a_o bond_n will_v not_o the_o impress_n of_o a_o little_a wax_n the_o bigness_n of_o my_o finger's-end_n make_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o bond_n as_o good_a and_o as_o sure_a unto_o you_o to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v stamp_v with_o a_o seal_n ten_o time_n as_o big_a now_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n why_o shall_v not_o a_o little_a water_n be_v as_o good_a a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o baptism_n as_o a_o great_a quantity_n and_o why_o be_v not_o the_o inward_a wash_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o virtual_o represent_v in_o a_o small_a quantity_n of_o water_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n in_o a_o little_a quantity_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n the_o excess_n herein_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o corinthian_n and_o just_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o i_o never_o understand_v it_o be_v a_o crime_n to_o eat_v or_o drink_v spare_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n for_o that_o the_o food_n there_o be_v sacramental_a and_o the_o strengthen_n and_o refresh_v of_o our_o soul_n by_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v look_v at_o and_o not_o the_o strengthen_n of_o our_o body_n by_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n shall_v any_o think_v otherwise_o i_o must_v stop_v their_o mouth_n with_o st._n paul_n question_n 11.22_o 1_o cor._n 11.22_o have_v you_o not_o house_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o or_o despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n so_o in_o the_o other_o sacrament_n we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o look_v at_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o it_o viz._n how_o much_o or_o how_o little_a water_n be_v necessary_a towards_o its_o due_a administration_n as_o to_o consider_v the_o design_n and_o end_v of_o it_o and_o not_o the_o outward_a wash_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o person_n baptize_v the_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o st._n peter_n speak_v which_o may_v require_v more_o or_o less_o water_n for_o its_o purification_n according_a to_o the_o stature_n age_n or_o uncleanness_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v wash_v for_o the_o use_n of_o water_n in_o this_o sacrament_n be_v symbolical_a and_o representative_a of_o the_o inward_a wash_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o the_o time_n of_o administration_n cat._n church_n cat._n it_o be_v a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a grace_n give_v unto_o we_o and_o ordain_v by_o christ_n himself_o as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o receive_v the_o same_o and_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o thereof_o and_o so_o a_o little_a water_n do_v as_o virtual_o represent_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o new_a birth_n as_o well_o as_o a_o little_a bread_n and_o wine_n do_v represent_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o exhibit_v to_o we_o spiritual_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v in_o we_o the_o new_a birth_n that_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n two_o to_o this_o add_v head_n add_v upon_o this_o very_a account_n the_o anabaptist_n in_o holland_n do_v only_o pour_v water_n upon_o or_o dip_v the_o head_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o custom_n be_v alter_v from_o dip_v to_o sprinkle_v even_a necessity_n herein_o compel_v for_o in_o our_o cold_a and_o northern_a climate_n shall_v all_o the_o child_n and_o those_o be_v the_o most_o who_o want_n baptise_v now_o be_v dip_v well_o true_o they_o may_v be_v say_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n to_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n in_o their_o baptism_n the_o wash_a 〈◊〉_d of_o regeneration_n may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o send_v they_o to_o their_o grave_n but_o god_n love_v and_o delight_n in_o mercy_n more_o than_o in_o sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o that_o commission_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v in_o order_n to_o the_o health_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o can_v without_o manifest_a prejudice_n to_o the_o gracious_a intention_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n suppose_v he_o will_v have_v so_o execute_v as_o to_o endanger_v the_o health_n of_o our_o body_n upon_o this_o very_a account_n also_o we_o read_v that_o the_o sanhedrim_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v petition_v that_o dip_v in_o their_o female_a purgation_n may_v be_v take_v away_o for_o what_o cause_n for_o that_o the_o woman_n of_o galilee_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o cold_a they_o then_o get_v become_v barren_a do_v the_o galilean_n pity_v their_o menstruous_a woman_n and_o shall_v not_o christ_n have_v compassion_n of_o his_o poor_a babe_n to_o who_o when_o on_o earth_n he_o make_v such_o kind_a promise_n give_v such_o tender_a embrace_n and_o his_o divine_a blessing_n and_o be_v so_o angry_a they_o shall_v be_v keep_v from_o he_o in_o fine_a i_o shall_v never_o condemn_v any_o person_n for_o desire_v to_o have_v his_o child_n dip_v but_o shall_v he_o stand_v upon_o it_o as_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o sacrament_n sine_fw-la quâ_fw-la non_fw-la that_o i_o think_v will_v argue_v his_o hanker_a too_o much_o after_o the_o legal_a and_o judaical_a wash_n his_o put_v too_o much_o stress_n on_o the_o outward_a element_n of_o water_n which_o be_v but_o the_o visible_a sing_n and_o his_o slight_v the_o thing_n signify_v viz._n the_o inward_a invisible_a grace_n the_o secret_a wash_v and_o purification_n make_v by_o the_o spirit_n at_o the_o time_n of_o administration_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o point_n with_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o ancient_a father_n when_o consult_v upon_o this_o very_a account_n his_o word_n be_v these_o that_o immersion_n
in_o baptism_n be_v now_o general_o disuse_v in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o sprinkle_v succeed_v in_o its_o room_n because_o the_o tender_a body_n of_o most_o infant_n the_o only_a person_n now_o to_o be_v baptize_v can_v not_o be_v put_v under_o water_n in_o these_o cold_a northern_a climate_n without_o apparent_a prejudice_n to_o their_o health_n if_o not_o their_o life_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o case_n god_n require_v mercy_n rather_o than_o sacrifice_n especial_o consider_v that_o the_o main_a end_n of_o baptism_n be_v attain_v this_o way_n and_o the_o mystical_a effect_n thereof_o as_o virtual_o represent_v by_o sprinkle_v 〈◊〉_d dip_v and_o to_o this_o mode_n of_o baptise_v the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n chap._n 36._o ver_fw-la 25_o 26._o seem_v prophetical_o to_o refer_v when_o he_o say_v then_o will_v i_o sprinkle_v clean_a water_n upon_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v clean_o from_o all_o your_o filthiness_n and_o a_o new_a heart_n will_v i_o give_v you_o and_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o now_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o head_n will_n i_o hope_v satisfy_v you_o neighbour_n and_o all_o other_o person_n that_o be_v not_o wilful_o prejudice_v against_o reason_n and_o truth_n and_o as_o for_o such_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o dissent_v and_o wrangle_v on_o whatever_o be_v say_v or_o whatever_o be_v prove_v i_o shall_v advise_v they_o to_o consult_v st._n paul_n for_o a_o answer_n that_o may_v be_v more_o satisfactory_a namely_o if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o and_o now_o neighbour_n have_v go_v through_o the_o particular_n i_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o and_o have_v also_o fair_o answer_v some_o of_o the_o main_a objection_n our_o adversary_n the_o anabaptist_n chief_o insist_v on_o i_o shall_v only_o leave_v the_o whole_a matter_n before_o you_o in_o order_n as_o it_o be_v write_v with_o some_o useful_a inference_n and_o so_o conclude_v in_o the_o introductory_n part_n of_o my_o letter_n i_o give_v you_o to_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o man_n call_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o zeal_n sometime_o which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o hence_o i_o infer_v what_o a_o prudent_a and_o soberminded_n christian_n ought_v to_o do_v when_o he_o have_v some_o scruple_n upon_o he_o before_o he_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v in_o he_o ought_v first_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n to_o examine_v into_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o scruple_n that_o seem_v to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o his_o former_a profession_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v the_o best_a he_o can_v herein_o if_o his_o scruple_n still_o grow_v upon_o he_o before_o he_o quit_v his_o old_a way_n he_o shall_v then_o by_o all_o due_a way_n and_o mean_n examine_v into_o the_o truth_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o new_a way_n propose_v unto_o he_o instead_o of_o the_o old_a one_o else_o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o his_o change_n may_v be_v for_o the_o worse_o and_o this_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v make_v now_o in_o the_o make_v this_o examination_n i_o put_v you_o in_o this_o way_n for_o find_v out_o whether_o your_o old_a profession_n or_o the_o new_a propose_v one_o be_v the_o better_a i_o advise_v you_o to_o consult_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o standard_n of_o truth_n and_o thereby_o try_v your_o old_a religion_n and_o your_o pretend_a new_a one_o and_o see_v which_o of_o they_o be_v pure_a in_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o worship_n and_o if_o upon_o a_o fair_a hear_n of_o the_o cause_n the_o old_a one_o shall_v prove_v the_o better_a it_o will_v then_o be_v clear_a you_o ought_v not_o in_o prudence_n to_o change_v and_o till_o this_o be_v do_v you_o be_v to_o keep_v to_o your_o old_a way_n and_o for_o the_o more_o orderly_o try_v this_o cause_n our_o adversary_n be_v complainants_n and_o accuse_v our_o church_n of_o false_a doctrine_n it_o lie_v upon_o they_o to_o prove_v what_o those_o doctrine_n be_v and_o what_o be_v those_o unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n she_o require_v that_o be_v not_o justifiable_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o till_o than_o we_o be_v to_o keep_v our_o ground_n and_o to_o act_v only_o as_o defendant_n in_o the_o cause_n no_o man_n be_v by_o law_n bind_v to_o accuse_v himself_o and_o he_o that_o voluntary_o espouse_n a_o quarrel_n against_o the_o religion_n he_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o without_o know_v first_o why_o and_o wherefore_o act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o weak_a not_o to_o say_v a_o contentious_a christian_n and_o it_o be_v a_o true_a maxim_n he_o that_o accuse_v another_o of_o dishonesty_n aught_o to_o look_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o first_o place_n therefore_o in_o deal_v with_o our_o adversary_n who_o be_v so_o free_a of_o their_o obloquy_n i_o take_v this_o method_n pursuant_n to_o the_o proverbial_a say_v now_o mention_v and_o so_o inquire_v what_o pretence_n they_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n for_o if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o your_o join_n with_o they_o what_o ever_o there_o may_v be_v for_o your_o leave_v the_o church_n for_o suppose_v for_o argument_n sake_n the_o way_n you_o have_v be_v in_o be_v not_o good_a yet_o if_o the_o new_a way_n you_o be_v invite_v to_o be_v worse_o it_o be_v madness_n to_o change_v so_o that_o be_v the_o title_n naught_o that_o in_o possession_n by_o the_o courtesy_n of_o all_o law_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o the_o best_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o esteem_v until_o a_o better_a be_v prove_v in_o examine_v then_o into_o the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n of_o their_o cause_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o take_v this_o method_n one_a i_o give_v the_o character_n of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v the_o first_o broacher_n of_o this_o sect_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o this_o neighbour_n be_v a_o very_a material_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v for_o suppose_v i_o have_v a_o journey_n to_o take_v of_o great_a consequence_n and_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o way_n some_o person_n come_v and_o do_v very_o officious_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v my_o guide_n pretend_v they_o understand_v the_o road_n very_o well_o and_o be_v make_v to_o the_o same_o place_n well_o sure_o in_o this_o case_n before_o i_o give_v myself_o up_o to_o their_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n i_o shall_v know_v who_o they_o be_v inquire_v into_o their_o character_n whether_o they_o be_v boni_fw-la &_o legales_fw-la homines_fw-la honest_a and_o true_a man_n and_o shall_v i_o find_v they_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v very_a madness_n to_o take_v they_o for_o guide_n let_v they_o pretend_v never_o so_o fair_o for_o thus_o have_v many_o a_o honest_a man_n be_v chou_v out_o of_o his_o money_n and_o sometime_o his_o life_n too_o by_o the_o fair_a speech_n of_o thief_n and_o robber_n in_o this_o case_n he_o that_o value_v his_o own_o safety_n shall_v with_o all_o speed_n rid_v himself_o of_o their_o company_n and_o while_o he_o may_v without_o hazard_n bid_v they_o adieu_o now_o to_o bring_v this_o matter_n home_o i_o have_v let_v you_o know_v what_o the_o first_o setter_n up_o of_o this_o sect_n be_v when_o and_o where_o it_o be_v they_o cry_v up_o their_o stupendous_a doctrine_n repent_v and_o be_v rebaptise_v or_o else_o you_o be_v damn_v what_o horrid_a exploit_n they_o play_v what_o barbarous_a act_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o how_o they_o sack_v and_o plunder_v all_o before_o they_o fill_v all_o the_o place_n wherever_o they_o come_v with_o blood_n and_o confusion_n at_o leyden_n munster_n amsterdam_n utrecht_n and_o other_o place_n now_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o can_v be_v deny_v and_o pray_v what_o think_v you_o of_o these_o new_a guide_n be_v it_o safe_a to_o follow_v they_o do_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ever_o take_v these_o method_n to_o plant_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o shall_v it_o be_v allege_v that_o the_o present_a leader_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n be_v other_o sort_n of_o man_n i_o answer_v where_o there_o be_v the_o same_o principle_n there_o want_v nothing_o but_o power_n and_o opportunity_n to_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o 2_o to_o consider_v what_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v they_o hold_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o true_a god_n to_o this_o let_v they_o take_v st._n john_n answer_n 2.22_o 1_o john_n 2.22_o who_o be_v a_o liar_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n he_o be_v antichrist_n that_o deny_v the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n they_o teach_v also_o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o suffering_n and_o that_o there_o
uncleanness_n upon_o they_o namely_o judaisme_n or_o heathenism_n i_o agree_v far_o that_o this_o custom_n be_v probable_o in_o use_n in_o hot_a country_n some_o time_n after_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n where_o the_o same_o may_v be_v do_v without_o endanger_v the_o health_n of_o the_o baptize_v and_o i_o show_v you_o also_o that_o our_o church_n be_v not_o against_o this_o use_n when_o it_o may_v be_v do_v with_o safety_n as_o appear_v by_o her_o rubric_n of_o baptism_n but_o then_o to_o urge_v that_o this_o mode_n of_o dip_v be_v essential_a in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o i_o deny_v and_o put_v it_o to_o the_o anabaptist_n to_o prove_v it_o if_o they_o can_v and_o do_v say_v and_o do_v say_v still_o that_o a_o little_a water_n in_o baptism_n by_o sprinkle_v or_o pour_v the_o same_o upon_o the_o person_n baptize_v do_v as_o virtual_o and_o sacramental_o exhibit_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o the_o great_a quantity_n whatsoever_o even_o as_o i_o show_v you_o by_o the_o like_a parity_n of_o reason_n that_o a_o little_a bread_n and_o wine_n the_o least_o sup_v as_o well_o as_o the_o big_a draught_n in_o the_o other_o sacrament_n do_v sufficient_o represent_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o every_o worthy_a communicant_a and_o hereupon_o do_v urge_v far_o that_o for_o any_o person_n to_o insist_v upon_o dip_v as_o essential_a to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o lean_v too_o much_o to_o the_o judaical_a wash_n and_o put_v too_o much_o stress_n upon_o the_o outward_a sign_n the_o element_n of_o water_n and_o a_o slight_v the_o thing_n signify_v the_o inward_a wash_n and_o invisible_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o show_v you_o what_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o a_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n when_o consult_v on_o this_o occasion_n and_o what_o be_v and_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o or_o most_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o western_a and_o northern_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o now_o in_o the_o close_a i_o shall_v refer_v the_o whole_a matter_n of_o this_o letter_n to_o your_o serious_a and_o christian_a consideration_n with_o this_o caution_n only_o 2.14_o 2_o tim._n 2.14_o that_o you_o bear_v always_o in_o mind_n in_o the_o perusal_n of_o it_o st._n paul_n advice_n to_o timothy_n of_o these_o thing_n put_v they_o in_o remembrance_n charge_v they_o before_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o strive_v not_o about_o word_n to_o no_o profit_n but_o to_o the_o subvert_v of_o the_o hearer_n to_o conclude_v thus_o neighbour_n you_o see_v upon_o due_a enquiry_n make_v there_o be_v real_o nothing_o in_o the_o new_a way_n we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o to_o invite_v you_o to_o it_o unless_o principle_n of_o sedition_n heresy_n and_o schism_n can_v be_v any_o due_a motive_n herein_o no_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n positive_o affirm_v that_o they_o who_o upon_o this_o account_n cause_n division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v such_o as_o love_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o that_o by_o their_o good_a word_n and_o fair_a speech_n they_o deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a 16.18_o rom._n 16.18_o pray_v then_o be_v not_o lead_v away_o with_o a_o outward_a show_n of_o pretend_a sanctity_n and_o holiness_n for_o such_o a_o vizard_n the_o false_a teacher_n be_v to_o put_v on_o it_o be_v our_o saviour_n own_o affirmation_n that_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n who_o shall_v be_v so_o artful_a in_o their_o counterfeit_n show_v of_o piety_n as_o to_o go_v near_o impose_v upon_o the_o very_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n the_o elect_a or_o choose_v of_o god_n 25._o mat._n 24.24_o 25._o take_v therefore_o our_o lord_n advice_n herein_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v unto_o thou_o he_o be_v in_o the_o desert_n go_v not_o forth_o behold_v he_o be_v in_o the_o secret_a chamber_n believe_v it_o not_o for_o when_o the_o root_n be_v unsound_a the_o branch_n must_v be_v so_o likewise_o a_o corrupt_a tree_n may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n fair_a to_o the_o eye_n but_o not_o real_o good_a where_o the_o doctrine_n of_o any_o sect_n be_v against_o god_n word_n as_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o anabaptist_n be_v they_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n let_v they_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_n hear_v what_o our_o lord_n bid_v we_o do_v in_o this_o case_n judge_v not_o according_a to_o the_o appearance_n but_o judge_v righteous_a judgement_n and_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o new_a way_n thing_n right_o consider_v to_o invite_v you_o to_o it_o so_o you_o have_v hear_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o old_a way_n the_o good_a old_a religion_n you_o have_v be_v baptize_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o to_o dissuade_v you_o from_o it_o all_o the_o objection_n our_o adversary_n have_v yet_o make_v be_v vanish_v and_o flee_v as_o chaff_n before_o the_o wind._n truth_n be_v great_a and_o will_v prevail_v if_o you_o be_v therefore_o a_o lover_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o your_o own_o soul_n hold_v fast_o to_o your_o former_a profession_n without_o waver_v and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n give_v you_o a_o right_a understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o your_o love_a friend_n and_o minister_n hatfield_n jan._n 19_o 1699_o 1700._o william_n eratt_n postscript_n i_o be_o tell_v neighbour_n by_o several_a that_o you_o seem_v concern_v for_o that_o you_o hear_v i_o be_o angry_a at_o you_o now_o to_o be_v free_a with_o you_o and_o that_o you_o may_v have_v no_o more_o occasion_n to_o listen_v to_o hear-say_n i_o tell_v you_o frank_o i_o be_o in_o some_o measure_n real_o so_o but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v misunderstand_v in_o this_o you_o must_v give_v i_o leave_v herein_o to_o express_v my_o own_o mean_v and_o this_o be_v but_o common_a justice_n every_o man_n be_v suppose_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o his_o own_o word_n in_o order_n then_o that_o you_o or_o any_o other_o person_n may_v the_o better_o understand_v my_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v i_o be_o angry_a at_o you_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o matter_n two_o way_n with_o regard_n to_o a_o unjust_a or_o a_o just_a anger_n and_o the_o word_n bear_v these_o two_o sense_n in_o the_o common_a usage_n of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v also_o take_v in_o holy_a writ_n to_o these_o i_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a several_o 1._o as_o to_o unjust_a anger_n take_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n it_o import_v proper_o speak_v not_o so_o much_o a_o evil_a as_o a_o groundless_a and_o hasty_a passion_n the_o former_a of_o these_o our_o saviour_n condemn_v when_o he_o tell_v we_o 5.22_o matt._n 5.22_o we_o must_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o our_o brother_n without_o a_o cause_n of_o the_o latter_a i_o take_v the_o elder_a son_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v guilty_a for_o though_o his_o anger_n with_o regard_n to_o his_o prodigal_a brother_n may_v not_o be_v altogether_o groundless_a yet_o be_v it_o too_o rash_a and_o hasty_a the_o thought_n of_o his_o brother_n have_v waste_v his_o father_n good_n in_o riotous_a live_n give_v cause_n of_o just_a resentment_n but_o then_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o be_v reform_v of_o his_o become_v a_o new_a man_n of_o his_o be_v return_v home_o in_o his_o person_n but_o not_o in_o his_o vice_n which_o move_v the_o tenderness_n of_o a_o father_n to_o pardon_v shall_v also_o if_o it_o have_v be_v well_o consider_v have_v prevail_v with_o the_o brother_n too_o not_o to_o have_v be_v angry_a the_o great_a good_n shall_v have_v out-ballanced_n the_o lesser_a evil_n and_o so_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o father_n mirth_n shall_v have_v stir_v up_o joy_n in_o the_o brother_n also_o and_o not_o a_o fret_a passion_n be_v ground_v upon_o this_o solid_a reason_n for_o this_o thy_o brother_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o 32._o luke_n 15.28_o 32._o be_v lose_v and_o be_v find_v i_o be_o alas_o too_o much_o man_n to_o clear_v myself_o of_o have_v be_v never_o guilty_a of_o both_o these_o two_o foolish_a passion_n a_o groundless_a and_o hasty_a anger_n and_o to_o take_v up_o the_o word_n of_o holy_a job_n shall_v i_o justify_v myself_o herein_o my_o own_o mouth_n will_v condemn_v i_o 9.20_o job_n 9.20_o no_o far_o be_v that_o presumption_n from_o i_o but_o i_o must_v free_o with_o the_o apostle_n own_v myself_o of_o like_a passion_n with_o other_o man_n 14.15_o act_n 14.15_o now_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a instance_n of_o a_o hasty_a passion_n i_o wish_v i_o may_v with_o the_o elder_a brother_n be_v blame_v and_o condemn_v by_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v i_o be_v angry_a when_o i_o ought_v to_o rejoice_v if_o my_o stray_a brother_n who_o be_v lose_v shall_v be_v find_v and_o return_v home_o
through_o christ_n with_o a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n and_o to_o be_v in_o charity_n with_o all_o man_n so_o that_o whether_o we_o respect_v the_o condition_n qualify_a a_o worthy_a communicant_a or_o the_o end_n of_o his_o receive_n that_o duty_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o babe_n but_o from_o those_o who_o be_v proficient_n be_v grow_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v take_v as_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n and_o we_o may_v therefore_o go_v on_o have_v then_o show_v both_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o matter_n of_o right_n that_o infant_n ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v let_v we_o make_v forward_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o first_o exception_n against_o the_o baptise_v of_o child_n namely_o repentance_n the_o scripture_n say_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v this_o i_o hope_v will_v not_o take_v we_o up_o much_o time_n so_o pray_v neighbour_n let_v we_o to_o it_o obj._n thus_o then_o object_v our_o adversary_n and_o argue_v upon_o it_o repentance_n ought_v to_o precede_v baptism_n but_o infant_n can_v repent_v and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v i_o answer_v there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o sin_n general_o speak_v original_a and_o actual_a as_o to_o the_o first_o i_o say_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o second_o adam_n be_v as_o extensive_a as_o the_o prevarication_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n reveal_v unto_o we_o to_o wash_v off_o this_o stain_n in_o infant_n but_o baptism_n and_o so_o most_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v as_o you_o have_v hear_v before_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o sacrament_n but_o of_o actual_a sin_n they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o those_o they_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o repent_v so_o that_o the_o exhortation_n of_o st._n peter_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v infant_n but_o adult_a person_n and_o this_o will_v be_v undeniable_a if_o we_o observe_v the_o occasion_n and_o purport_n of_o the_o discourse_n precede_v the_o same_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n be_v come_v and_o vast_a number_n of_o people_n reside_v then_o at_o jerusalem_n to_o keep_v the_o feast_n both_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n of_o divers_a nation_n as_o parthian_n mede_n elamites_n etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n be_v meet_v there_o also_o and_o assemble_v together_o in_o one_o of_o the_o upper_a room_n of_o the_o temple_n as_o their_o daily_a custom_n be_v whilst_o they_o be_v perform_v divine_a service_n 1._o vid._n dr._n hammond_n on_o act_n 1.13_o compare_v with_o cap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 1._o it_o please_v almighty_a god_n at_o that_o time_n to_o pour_v down_o upon_o they_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n hereupon_o they_o begin_v immediate_o to_o speak_v unto_o the_o people_n in_o their_o master_n name_n and_o upon_o his_o business_n in_o their_o several_a tongue_n and_o language_n the_o rumour_n of_o this_o bring_v a_o mighty_a concourse_n to_o they_o at_o the_o temple_n now_o the_o people_n find_v it_o even_o so_o as_o it_o be_v tell_v they_o whilst_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n expound_v unto_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n many_o of_o they_o be_v convict_v in_o their_o conscience_n at_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o therefore_o cry_v our_o of_o a_o sudden_a man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v answer_n be_v make_v by_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o plain_o show_v that_o repentance_n here_o require_v before_o baptism_n be_v of_o adult_n person_n whether_o jew_n or_o profelite_n for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o be_v all_o one_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o all_o the_o actual_a sin_n they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o resolve_v to_o become_v new_a man_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v qualify_v for_o baptism_n the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v therefore_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n touch_v the_o baptise_v of_o adult_n person_n they_o ought_v to_o repent_v and_o believe_v to_o qualify_v they_o for_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o say_a covenant_n and_o so_o far_o our_o mother_n the_o church_n do_v agree_v with_o the_o anabaptist_n if_o this_o be_v their_o doctrine_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o her_o office_n of_o baptism_n of_o those_o of_o ripe_a year_n thus_o the_o exhortation_n before_o it_o run_v save_v yourselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n for_o that_o baptism_n do_v now_o save_v not_o by_o the_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o rubric_n express_o require_v that_o due_a care_n be_v take_v for_o the_o examination_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v to_o be_v so_o baptize_v and_o that_o they_o prepare_v themselves_o with_o prayer_n and_o fast_v for_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o on_o this_o head_n and_o i_o hope_v this_o point_n will_v give_v you_o no_o occasion_n to_o leave_v the_o church_n have_v then_o agree_v thus_o well_o in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a if_o we_o can_v close_v so_o well_o in_o the_o next_o objection_n and_o that_o be_v as_o touch_v the_o manner_n or_o mode_n of_o baptise_v second_o general_n objection_n that_o dip_v not_o sprinkle_v be_v the_o essential_a and_o necessary_a mode_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n answer_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n i_o will_v not_o deny_v any_o thing_n herein_o that_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n seem_v to_o favour_n as_o to_o the_o custom_n of_o immerge_v or_o plunge_v under_o water_n person_n to_o be_v baptize_v it_o be_v confess_v then_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o proselyte_n or_o make_v disciple_n by_o baptism_n use_v i_o believe_v general_o to_o put_v the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v all_o under_o water_n be_v conformable_a to_o their_o legal_a purgation_n thus_o maimonides_n speak_v of_o their_o manner_n of_o baptise_v if_o any_o person_n say_v he_o wash_v or_o dip_v himself_o all_o over_o but_o the_o tip_n of_o his_o little_a finger_n he_o be_v yet_o in_o his_o uncleanness_n and_o if_o any_o one_o have_v much_o hair_n on_o his_o head_n that_o be_v also_o to_o be_v wash_v else_o the_o person_n be_v reckon_v unclean_a suppose_v far_o that_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o jewish_a custom_n the_o mode_n of_o john_n baptism_n be_v after_o this_o manner_n too_o as_o seem_v to_o be_v infer_v from_o his_o baptise_v in_o jordan_n and_o enon_n 3.23_o joh._n 3.23_o because_o there_o be_v much_o water_n there_o and_o suppose_v far_o that_o this_o custom_n continue_v in_o the_o church_n for_o some_o time_n after_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o hot_a country_n where_o dip_v of_o child_n may_v be_v safe_a as_o to_o cold_a and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o these_o place_n pray_v you_o who_o be_v against_o it_o what!_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o she_o be_v not_o for_o in_o her_o rubric_n about_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n it_o be_v thus_o order_v that_o after_o the_o name_v of_o the_o child_n the_o minister_n if_o they_o shall_v certify_v he_o the_o child_n may_v well_o endure_v it_o shall_v dip_v it_o wary_o in_o the_o water_n say_v i_o baptize_v thou_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o you_o see_v neighbour_n you_o or_o any_o other_o person_n may_v have_v your_o child_n dip_v at_o its_o baptism_n open_o at_o the_o font_n in_o the_o church_n if_o the_o same_o be_v desire_v here_o be_v therefore_o no_o plea_n leave_v for_o your_o separate_n from_o our_o church_n upon_o this_o account_n unless_o dip_v in_o the_o river_n dip_v river_n a_o river_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o axholm_n in_o lincolnshire_n famous_a for_o dip_v tear_v by_o a_o layman_n shall_v be_v look_v upon_o to_o answer_v better_o the_o end_n of_o baptism_n than_o dip_v in_o the_o font_n by_o a_o lawful_a minister_n but_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o dip_v be_v essential_a to_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o have_v not_o be_v dip_v have_v not_o yet_o be_v due_o baptize_v but_o this_o i_o deny_v and_o let_v they_o prove_v it_o if_o they_o can_v and_o till_o then_o in_o all_o reason_n you_o ought_v to_o stand_v to_o your_o former_a baptism_n and_o i_o make_v this_o fair_a offer_n do_v but_o continue_v of_o our_o communion_n till_o the_o anabaptist_n shall_v be_v able_a from_o scripture_n antiquiquity_n or_o reason_n to_o make_v appear_v that_o dip_v be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o baptism_n sine_fw-la quâ_fw-la non_fw-la and_o i_o shall_v desire_v your_o conformity_n no_o