principle_n on_o which_o all_o sound_a protestant_n do_v maintain_v and_o justify_v the_o right_a of_o believer_n infant_n to_o baptism_n be_v beyond_o contradiction_n when_o the_o most_o high_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n god_n see_v fit_a to_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o be_v that_o his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n agree_v on_o between_o himself_o and_o his_o son_n christ_n in_o eternity_n shall_v be_v dispense_v in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n way_n he_o single_v out_o above_o all_o other_o man_n abraham_n his_o friend_n on_o who_o he_o confer_v the_o honourable_a title_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a rom._n 4.11_o not_o that_o abraham_n do_v or_o can_v possible_o beget_v a_o believer_n as_o such_o or_o can_v convey_v into_o the_o child_n he_o beget_v according_a to_o fleshly_a generation_n that_o noble_a grace_n of_o faith_n wherewith_o god_n free-gift_n have_v bless_v himself_o but_o god_n open_v and_o propound_v his_o everlasting_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o he_o as_o a_o public_a person_n who_o be_v to_o personate_v all_o true_a believer_n who_o in_o after_o age_n be_v to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n to_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o the_o word_n of_o gen._n 17.7_o i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n for_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o this_o covenant_n have_v two_o essential_a part_n as_o all_o right_a covenant_n have_v 1._o god_n part_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o word_n i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o etc._n etc._n the_o meaning_n whereof_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v thus_o understand_v though_o thou_o abraham_n who_o i_o now_o call_v to_o become_v my_o friend_n and_o favoright_n and_o a_o public_a head_n or_o representative_a of_o all_o believe_a church_n member_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o undo_v and_o guilty_a sinner_n pollute_v in_o thy_o nature_n and_o bear_v under_o adam_n covenant_n of_o work_n liable_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o its_o curse_n and_o to_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v unable_a to_o recover_v or_o help_v thyself_o out_o of_o that_o deplorable_a condition_n into_o which_o thy_o natural_a birth_n as_o adam_n child_n have_v put_v thou_o and_o albeit_o thou_o be_v no_o way_n worthy_a of_o any_o favour_n yet_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o let_v thou_o know_v what_o thought_n and_o purpose_n of_o mercy_n and_o kindness_n i_o have_v in_o store_n for_o thou_o abraham_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o elect_a who_o i_o have_v choose_v to_o myself_o in_o christ_n the_o promise_a messiah_n of_o who_o that_o son_n which_o i_o have_v promise_v thou_o be_v to_o be_v a_o type_n and_o in_o who_o person_n all_o my_o elect_a be_v to_o be_v allegorical_o or_o typical_o represent_v and_o that_o as_o thy_o son_n be_v to_o be_v a_o type_n of_o i_o in_o who_o i_o have_v elect_v and_o choose_v they_o i_o frank_o and_o free_o pardon_v and_o forgive_v thou_o all_o those_o transgression_n and_o sin_n wherewith_o as_o adam_n child_n thou_o stand_v chargeable_a for_o break_v that_o covenant_n of_o work_n i_o make_v with_o adam_n thy_o and_o all_o mankind_n natural_a and_o faederal_n head_n i_o account_v thou_o perfect_o just_a and_o righteous_a in_o my_o sight_n not_o by_o or_o for_o that_o principal_a of_o inherent_a holiness_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o effectual_a call_v have_v wrought_v in_o thou_o which_o inherent_a holiness_n be_v ever_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o justify_v state_n but_o never_o the_o procure_n or_o merit_v cause_n but_o i_o account_v and_o esteem_v thou_o as_o just_a and_o righteous_a as_o if_o thou_o have_v in_o thy_o own_o person_n exact_o perform_v that_o legal_a righteousness_n which_o the_o law_n moral_n require_v on_o the_o alone_a account_n of_o my_o son_n righteousness_n which_o as_o the_o mediator_n and_o surety_n of_o this_o my_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o be_v to_o perform_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o thou_o and_o all_o my_o elect_a i_o most_o free_o impute_v to_o thou_o i_o sanctify_v and_o renew_v thy_o vitiate_a and_o pollute_a nature_n by_o my_o sanctify_a spirit_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o i_o both_o here_o in_o my_o church_n militant_a and_o here_o after_o in_o my_o church_n triumphant_a i_o adopt_v thou_o to_o be_v my_o son_n by_o grace_n and_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o thou_o be_v restore_v to_o all_o the_o blessing_n right_n and_o privilege_n which_o adam_n thy_o natural_a and_o federal_n head_n lose_v and_o forfeit_v by_o his_o apostasy_n and_o defection_n hereby_o thou_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o free_a denizon_n into_o the_o family_n and_o household_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o thou_o be_v cast_v out_o in_o adam_n when_o he_o be_v eject_v and_o cast_v out_o for_o his_o rebellion_n witness_v his_o expulsion_n out_o of_o earthly_a paradise_n a_o lively_a type_n of_o the_o heavenly_a i_o promise_v to_o establish_v thou_o in_o grace_n so_o as_o thou_o shall_v never_o more_a be_v in_o danger_n of_o lose_v thyself_o or_o forfeit_v my_o love_n and_o favour_n any_o more_o for_o ever_o i_o will_v be_v a_o sun_n and_o a_o shield_n to_o furnish_v and_o supply_v thou_o with_o all_o necessary_a accommodation_n for_o life_n in_o this_o world_n i_o will_v protect_v and_o defend_v thou_o from_o all_o adverse_a power_n spiritual_o and_o bodily_a which_o shall_v contrive_v and_o seek_v thy_o ruin_n and_o final_o i_o will_v receive_v thou_o into_o heaven_n when_o by_o death_n thou_o go_v hence_o where_o thou_o shall_v live_v and_o reign_v with_o i_o eternal_o and_o the_o very_a same_o mercy_n and_o favour_n which_o i_o have_v now_o express_v and_o show_v to_o thou_o i_o do_v oblige_v myself_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o my_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v do_v to_o all_o my_o elect_a who_o be_v to_o spring_v from_o thy_o loin_n as_o also_o to_o all_o my_o elect_a who_o be_v to_o come_v of_o the_o gentile_a race_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o man_n part_n as_o for_o thou_o abraham_n this_o thou_o must_v do_v on_o thy_o part_n thou_o must_v walk_v humble_o and_o upright_o before_o i_o thou_o must_v make_v the_o moral_a law_n engrave_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o my_o spirit_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o adam_n thy_o natural_a and_o federal_n head_n the_o stand_a rule_n of_o thy_o obedience_n both_o negative_o and_o positive_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o thy_o obedience_n thou_o must_v look_v exact_o to_o three_o thing_n 1._o to_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o thy_o obedience_n let_v it_o be_v what_o i_o command_v and_o require_v not_o what_o creature_n devise_v or_o enjoin_v 2._o to_o the_o manner_n see_v that_o thou_o do_v it_o in_o faith_n keep_v thy_o eye_n on_o christ_n my_o son_n for_o acceptance_n and_o act_v all_o by_o strength_n derive_v from_o he_o 3._o to_o the_o end_n see_v that_o my_o glory_n be_v that_o thou_o aim_v at_o and_o design_a in_o all_o thou_o go_v about_o thou_o shall_v not_o do_v my_o work_n and_o service_n in_o a_o mercenary_a way_n as_o a_o servant_n that_o work_v for_o wage_n but_o thou_o must_v obey_v my_o command_n as_o a_o son_n with_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n and_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n know_v and_o consider_v that_o my_o grace_n and_o love_n have_v make_v provision_n of_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v thou_o every_o way_n eternal_o happy_a both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o the_o dreadful_a curse_n and_o eternal_a death_n to_o which_o by_o sin_n thou_o become_v obnoxious_a my_o son_n christ_n type_v out_o by_o the_o ram_n have_v set_v thou_o for_o ever_o free_a from_o it_o and_o that_o by_o his_o be_v make_v a_o curse_n and_o undergo_a death_n for_o thou_o as_o be_v thy_o sponsor_n or_o surety_n at_o his_o hand_n i_o have_v receive_v the_o full_a of_o that_o debt_n whereto_o thou_o become_v liable_a by_o break_v my_o law_n there_o remain_v not_o the_o least_o mite_n for_o thou_o to_o pay_v so_o that_o now_o thou_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o fear_v my_o vindicative_a justice_n the_o many_o and_o sharp_a affliction_n wherewith_o thou_o shall_v meet_v in_o thy_o way_n to_o glory_n shall_v be_v but_o the_o gentle_a chastisement_n of_o thy_o dear_o love_v and_o reconcile_v father_n who_o by_o they_o will_v purge_v out_o the_o remains_z of_o thy_o indwelling_a corruption_n and_o sweet_o wean_v thou_o from_o the_o entice_a object_n of_o the_o vain_a and_o bewitch_a world_n thou_o live_v in_o that_o perfect_a and_o spotless_a righteousness_n which_o must_v recommend_v thou_o to_o i_o and_o
the_o law_n demand_v as_o a_o man_n natural_o dead_a be_v uncapable_a of_o raise_v or_o quicken_a himself_n or_o as_o a_o sparrow_n be_v uncapable_a to_o remove_v or_o carry_v on_o its_o back_n the_o great_a mountain_n in_o the_o world_n to_o what_o end_n shall_v the_o only_a wise_a god_n make_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n with_o such_o a_o fall_v sinner_n arg._n 2._o if_o to_o hold_v and_o teach_v that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o high_a reflection_n on_o god_n and_o also_o destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n then_o be_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o to_o hold_v and_o teach_v that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o high_a reflection_n on_o god_n and_o destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n therefore_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n gen._n 17.7_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o render_v this_o argument_n unanswerable_a two_o thing_n want_v confirmation_n first_o that_o to_o hold_v and_o teach_v that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v a_o high_a reflection_n on_o god_n and_o second_o that_o the_o same_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n the_o first_o of_o these_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o the_o unprejudiced_a and_o impartial_a reader_n if_o he_o serious_o consider_v how_o inconsistent_a it_o be_v with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o god_n to_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n with_o a_o lapse_v pollute_v sinner_n who_o he_o know_v to_o be_v altogether_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o every_o way_n as_o unable_a to_o will_n or_o do_v any_o work_n that_o be_v spiritual_o good_a as_o a_o dead_a man_n be_v able_a to_o quicken_v and_o raise_v himself_o for_o illustration_n sake_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v how_o unbecoming_a a_o wise_a and_o prudent_a man_n it_o will_v be_v to_o strike_v a_o covenant_n or_o bargain_n for_o ten_o or_o twenty_o thousand_o pound_n with_o a_o insolvent_a person_n who_o be_v well_o know_v not_o to_o be_v worth_a ten_o farthing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o worse_o who_o have_v neither_o wit_n to_o contrive_v nor_o health_n or_o limb_n to_o work_n to_o get_v a_o penny_n towards_o pay_v such_o a_o vast_a sum._n i_o can_v so_o much_o as_o doubt_v of_o any_o worldly_a wise_a man_n unwillingness_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o oversight_n as_o this_o and_o shall_v the_o uner_o wise_a god_n be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a a_o absurdity_n sâ—condly_o as_o this_o principle_n reflect_v on_o god_n so_o it_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n this_o appear_v beyond_o all_o contradiction_n in_o that_o it_o rase_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o deny_v that_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n with_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o old-testament_n believer_n depend_v on_o for_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o by_o which_o we_o gentile_a believer_n hope_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n for_o most_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o by_o this_o pernicious_a principle_n abraham_n be_v lose_v with_o all_o who_o die_v trust_v to_o the_o grace_n exhibit_v in_o that_o covenant_n and_o if_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v trust_v to_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o of_o his_o eccelsiastical_a church_n seed_n can_v be_v save_v any_o more_o than_o he_o be_v for_o by_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n no_o mere_a man_n ever_o be_v or_o shâ—ll_v be_v justify_v and_o save_v arg._n 3_o if_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o either_o direct_o or_o by_o consequence_n call_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n gen._n 17.7_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n than_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_n either_o direct_o or_o by_o consequence_n call_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n a_o covenant_n of_o work_n therefore_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n if_o it_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o write_a word_n or_o by_o argument_n deducible_a therefrom_o that_o abraham_n covenant_n gen._n 17.7_o be_v call_v or_o can_v be_v prove_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n they_o who_o so_o hold_v and_o teach_v will_v be_v find_v rank_v among_o those_o who_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a and_o who_o put_v light_n for_o darkness_n and_o darkness_n for_o light_n esa_n 5.10_o for_o man_n to_o take_v on_o they_o to_o term_v abraham_n covenant_n a_o covenant_n of_o work_n without_o any_o warrant_n divine_a be_v to_o i_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o ignorant_a rash_a and_o presumptuous_a spirit_n from_o which_o charge_n let_v such_o man_n see_v how_o they_o can_v acquit_v and_o free_v themselves_o arg._n 4._o if_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o work_n then_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o he_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o work_n but_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o work_n therefore_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o he_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n that_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o work_n the_o scripture_n be_v express_v and_o clear_a rom._n 4.2_o 3_o 4._o gal._n 2.5_o 6_o 7._o arg._n 5._o if_o god_n have_v make_v no_o other_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o abraham_n distinct_a from_o that_o in_o gen._n 17.7_o then_o that_o covenant_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o god_n make_v no_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o abraham_n distinct_a from_o that_o in_o gen._n 17.7_o therefore_o that_o covenant_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n that_o which_o will_v determine_v the_o point_n in_o controversy_n be_v this_o let_v those_o who_o herein_o oppose_v i_o lay_v down_o a_o scriptural_a definition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o in_o such_o term_n as_o best_o please_v themselves_o and_o in_o case_n their_o own_o definition_n do_v not_o agree_v at_o least_o for_o substance_n with_o gen._n 17.7_o if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o god_n word_n then_o be_o i_o free_o willing_a to_o own_v myself_o herein_o mistake_v if_o they_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o so_o fair_a a_o proposal_n let_v the_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a reader_n judge_n who_o be_v at_o the_o loss_n herein_o they_o or_o i_o i_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o this_o dilemma_n viz._n abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a he_o be_v eâ—ther_o save_v or_o else_o he_o be_v damn_a one_o of_o these_o two_o the_o adversary_n i_o now_o oppose_v must_v grant_v for_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a state_n for_o soul_n depart_v if_o they_o say_v he_o be_v damn_a then_o be_v there_o no_o ground_n leave_v we_o to_o hope_v that_o any_o of_o adam_n posterity_n ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o we_o have_v no_o other_o covenant_n whereby_o to_o expect_v salvation_n but_o that_o of_o abraham_n and_o if_o he_o perish_v under_o that_o covenant_n so_o must_v we_o if_o they_o grant_v that_o abraham_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n as_o they_o must_v if_o they_o speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n than_o abraham_n be_v justify_v and_o save_v by_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o if_o by_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o that_o covenant_n mention_v in_o gen._n 17.7_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o beside_o that_o covenant_n the_o scripture_n know_v no_o other_o against_o what_o i_o have_v say_v and_o all_o orthodox_n protestant_n constant_o â—old_a and_o affâ—â—m_a concern_v abraham_n covenant_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o pure_a and_o absolute_a grace_n this_o be_v object_v by_o the_o adversary_n object_n the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v a_o temporal_a blessing_n therefore_o such_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v a_o temporary_a seal_n i_o answer_v in_o two_o particular_n first_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v no_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n let_v the_o word_n in_o the_o seven_o verse_n be_v read_v without_o prejudice_n the_o last_o clause_n of_o the_o verse_n do_v full_o comprehend_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o abraham_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o addition_n or_o overplus_n no_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n
god_n bless_v the_o read_n thereof_o to_o the_o keep_v thou_o back_o from_o espouse_v the_o error_n herein_o decry_v or_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o thy_o vomit_v up_o by_o sound_a repentance_n and_o hearty_a reformation_n the_o love_n and_o like_n thou_o have_v have_v to_o those_o principle_n of_o darkness_n give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o suffer_v thyself_o no_o long_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o such_o preacher_n who_o be_v not_o only_a intruder_n into_o the_o sacred_a office_n but_o also_o heterodox_n and_o unsound_a in_o what_o they_o teach_v concern_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n concern_v infants-baptism_n be_v but_o a_o popish_a invention_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o will-worship_n and_o what_o they_o teach_v and_o confident_o affirm_v of_o dip_v be_v the_o only_a right_a mode_n of_o baptise_v command_v by_o christ_n and_o practise_v by_o john_n and_o all_o the_o first_o baptizer_n by_o which_o principle_n they_o raze_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o salvation_n to_o grow_v believer_n as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o infant_n and_o disown_n that_o christ_n have_v any_o right_a gospel_n church_n but_o themselves_o from_o which_o principle_n i_o shall_v ever_o say_v and_o hearty_o pray_v good_a lord_n deliver_v i_o and_o all_o the_o family_n of_o thy_o faithful_a people_n the_o introduction_n a_o occasional_a discourse_n between_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o church_n member_n concern_v infant-baptism_n wherein_o sundry_a material_a question_n be_v put_v by_o the_o church_n member_n and_o plain_o and_o particular_o answer_v by_o the_o minister_n for_o the_o information_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o as_o be_v stagger_v in_o their_o judgement_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o infants-baptism_n minister_n brother_n edward_n by_o what_o i_o have_v hear_v from_o some_o of_o my_o neighbour_n as_o also_o by_o the_o discourse_n which_o pass_v between_o you_o and_o i_o when_o last_o together_o i_o suspect_v that_o some_o have_v be_v tamper_n with_o you_o to_o draw_v you_o away_o to_o anabaptism_n be_v it_o so_o or_o no_o deal_v plain_o to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v address_v myself_o to_o my_o duty_n in_o give_v you_o satisfaction_n herein_o from_o god_n word_n church_n member_n i_o must_v ingenious_o acknowledge_v sir_n that_o i_o be_o not_o without_o waver_v and_o doubtful_a thought_n in_o my_o mind_n about_o infant-baptism_n occasion_v partly_o by_o discourse_v with_o some_o of_o that_o way_n and_o persuasion_n partly_o by_o read_v some_o book_n which_o be_v put_v into_o my_o hand_n which_o to_o i_o seem_v full_a of_o clearness_n that_o infant-baptism_n be_v no_o way_n warrantable_a or_o justifiable_a by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n minist_n i_o find_v then_o that_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v in_o my_o apprehension_n of_o you_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o for_o your_o encouragement_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o you_o be_v but_o try_v herein_o by_o a_o temptation_n for_o which_o i_o think_v never_o the_o worse_o of_o your_o soul_n state_n neither_o be_v my_o hope_n and_o confidence_n of_o your_o integrity_n towards_o god_n a_o jot_n or_o whit_n lessen_v by_o the_o inclination_n in_o your_o mind_n to_o favour_v that_o opinion_n for_o i_o have_v know_v some_o very_a holy_a and_o upright_o heart_a christian_n who_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n have_v strong_o incline_v to_o favour_n and_o espouse_v that_o cause_n and_o principle_n as_o the_o most_o plausible_a and_o likely_a to_o agree_v with_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o infant-baptism_n in_o the_o gospel_n neither_o in_o precept_n nor_o yet_o in_o example_n to_o recommend_v it_o yea_o i_o myself_o have_v in_o my_o first_o set_v out_o in_o the_o way_n of_o christianity_n meet_v with_o temptation_n to_o draw_v i_o to_o that_o opinion_n and_o that_o by_o the_o very_a same_o mean_n which_o have_v occasion_v your_o stagger_v herein_o and_o the_o main_a thing_n which_o induce_v i_o to_o hanker_v after_o that_o principle_n be_v 1._o the_o high_a and_o charitable_a opinion_n i_o have_v of_o some_o of_o that_o party_n be_v man_n of_o high_a attainment_n in_o grace_n and_o gospel_n holiness_n 2._o there_o appear_v to_o i_o no_o command_n for_o infant-baptism_n in_o all_o the_o gospel_n nor_o yet_o any_o one_o instance_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o such_o be_v baptise_a 3._o the_o many_o quotation_n of_o learned_a divine_n and_o counsel_n which_o the_o anabaptist_n book_n assure_v i_o be_v all_o of_o their_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n herein_o which_o much_o startle_v and_o sway_v i_o to_o kind_a apprehension_n of_o their_o way_n 4_o their_o brand_a infant-baptism_n with_o the_o black_a brand_n of_o will-worship_n and_o popery_n against_o both_o which_o i_o always_o have_v since_o i_o know_v christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o ever_o shall_v have_v i_o humble_o hope_v in_o christ_n a_o mortal_a dislike_n and_o root_v hatred_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o 4_o particular_n now_o mention_v i_o be_v draw_v to_o the_o very_a verge_n or_o brink_n of_o anabaptism_n be_v just_a on_o the_o point_n of_o renounce_v my_o baptism_n receive_v in_o my_o infant_n state_n as_o be_v a_o mere_a nullity_n or_o no_o baptism_n at_o all_o my_o rove_a spirit_n thus_o fluctuate_a and_o toss_v between_o the_o wave_n and_o billow_n of_o doubtful_a and_o distract_n cogitation_n what_o i_o have_v best_a to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n whether_o to_o offer_v myself_o to_o be_v dip_v yea_o or_o not_o or_o to_o address_v myself_o to_o minister_n of_o the_o contrary_a judgement_n for_o resolution_n in_o so_o weighty_a and_o material_a a_o point_n matter_n be_v thus_o i_o providential_o and_o happy_o happen_v into_o the_o company_n of_o some_o of_o the_o congregational_a persuasion_n man_n no_o whit_n inferior_a to_o those_o i_o so_o much_o admire_v for_o piety_n and_o holiness_n and_o who_o i_o very_o well_o know_v be_v able_a to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v the_o other_o for_o matter_n of_o learning_n and_o deep_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o debate_v sundry_a point_n in_o controversy_n between_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o the_o orthodox_n protestant_n reform_v church_n concern_v infant-baptism_n i_o apprehend_v and_o see_v so_o far_o into_o the_o mystery_n of_o baptism_n that_o i_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o begin_v to_o question_v whether_o i_o be_v not_o under_o a_o delusion_n in_o dislike_a my_o infant-baptism_n receive_v in_o infancy_n by_o mean_n hereof_o i_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o pray_v earnest_o to_o god_n that_o his_o good_a spirit_n may_v teach_v and_o guide_v i_o in_o the_o way_n of_o gospel-truth_n which_o be_v second_v by_o a_o diligent_a search_n into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o a_o careful_a read_n and_o weigh_v the_o argument_n bring_v by_o both_o party_n both_o for_o and_o against_o infant-baptism_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n through_o the_o special_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n i_o be_v enable_v to_o see_v and_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o solid_a weight_n in_o the_o reason_n bring_v against_o infant-baptism_n but_o what_o be_v in_o reality_n repugnant_a and_o contradictory_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o will_v i_o hope_v in_o time_n most_o plain_o appear_v to_o your_o understanding_n i_o have_v be_v the_o more_o prolix_a in_o speak_v my_o experience_n herein_o that_o you_o may_v become_v sensible_a that_o even_o godly_a man_n may_v be_v entangle_v in_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o to_o let_v you_o know_v what_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o escape_v the_o net_n of_o crafty_a man_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o ensnare_v poor_a unstable_a though_o honest_a and_o well_o meaning_n soul_n now_o as_o christ_n my_o lord_n and_o master_n say_v to_o peter_n after_o his_o recovery_n from_o his_o fall_n when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n luke_n 22._o so_o i_o be_o now_o come_v as_o my_o duty_n bind_v i_o to_o endeavour_v your_o recovery_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o these_o point_n about_o infant-baptim_a wherein_o you_o seem_v to_o stagger_v church_n memb._n i_o hope_v i_o can_v say_v through_o special_a grace_n that_o i_o be_o no_o way_n fond_a of_o error_n but_o what_o i_o do_v herein_o i_o do_v it_o real_o from_o my_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o light_n thereof_o i_o hope_v sir_n you_o will_v not_o blame_v i_o for_o act_v according_a thereto_o minist_n i_o be_o far_o from_o arraign_v your_o integrity_n to_o god_n be_v very_o sensible_a that_o herein_o you_o be_v but_o under_o a_o temptation_n as_o strong_a christian_n than_o you_o or_o i_o have_v be_v and_o now_o be_v neither_o shall_v i_o in_o the_o least_o attempt_v to_o press_v you_o to_o act_v herein_o against_o your_o conscience_n conscience_n i_o be_o sensible_a be_v a_o
tender_a thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v inform_v not_o violent_o impel_v or_o force_v i_o hope_v you_o have_v the_o same_o charity_n for_o i_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o what_o i_o do_v act_n in_o baptise_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o encovenant_v parent_n and_o plead_v for_o such_o i_o do_v the_o same_o from_o my_o conscience_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o i_o do_v herein_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o though_o i_o do_v not_o take_v on_o i_o to_o force_v or_o lord_n it_o over_o your_o conscience_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v without_o offence_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o use_v the_o freedom_n of_o a_o pastor_n with_o you_o in_o do_v two_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o recover_v you_o the_o first_o be_v to_o reprove_v you_o for_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n in_o expose_v your_o conscience_n to_o those_o soul_n delude_v entanglement_n which_o have_v occasion_v your_o present_a disturbance_n and_o unsettledness_n in_o your_o principle_n by_o delude_a entanglement_n i_o mean_v your_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o your_o call_v to_o stare_v and_o gaze_v out_o of_o curiosity_n at_o the_o plunge_a of_o person_n under_o the_o water_n which_o albeit_o you_o and_o other_o may_v think_v may_v be_v do_v without_o either_o offence_n to_o your_o brethren_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o danger_n to_o yourself_o have_v in_o it_o a_o infatuate_n charm_a energy_n to_o allure_v and_o draw_v into_o a_o like_n of_o it_o your_o frequent_a discourse_v with_o man_n of_o that_o principle_n who_o you_o very_a well_o know_v glory_v not_o a_o little_a in_o proselyte_v people_n to_o that_o way_n and_o your_o so_o much_o delight_v to_o read_v their_o book_n be_v not_o able_a to_o grapple_v with_o such_o subtle_a enemy_n the_o deceit_n of_o who_o argument_n lie_v cover_v under_o a_o false_a vizard_n by_o these_o your_o practice_n you_o have_v fill_v the_o eye_n of_o your_o conscience_n so_o full_a of_o that_o dust_n and_o smoke_n which_o be_v always_o raise_v by_o doubtful_a disputation_n that_o for_o want_v of_o your_o monitor_n your_o conscience_n i_o mean_v you_o be_v now_o at_o a_o apparent_a stand_n in_o those_o way_n of_o truth_n wherein_o you_o ought_v to_o run_v swift_o and_o well_o it_o be_v if_o you_o have_v be_v at_o a_o stand_n before_o you_o have_v so_o far_o advance_v in_o these_o unscriptural_a tenant_n but_o however_o see_v you_o be_v not_o ascend_v so_o high_a in_o these_o error_n as_o to_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o scorners-chair_n to_o laugh_v at_o and_o deride_v baby-sprinkling_a as_o a_o piece_n of_o will-worship_n and_o mere_a popery_n as_o the_o anabaptist_n be_v well_o know_v to_o term_n and_o account_v infant-baptism_n not_o for_o want_v of_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n the_o lord_n know_v i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n endeavour_v to_o help_v you_o out_o of_o this_o quagmire_n into_o which_o your_o own_o incautelousness_n and_o sinful_a curiosity_n have_v by_o the_o art_n of_o a_o subtle_a adversary_n involve_v you_o in_o order_n then_o to_o a_o speedy_a help_v you_o herein_o i_o desire_v you_o will_v reduce_v those_o thing_n wherein_o you_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o infant-baptism_n to_o as_o few_o head_n and_o in_o as_o plain_a a_o method_n as_o you_o possible_o can_v and_o then_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v your_o objection_n wherein_o i_o faithful_o promise_v you_o i_o shall_v most_o free_o refer_v myself_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o write_n of_o those_o divine_n now_o in_o glory_n at_o who_o write_n the_o wise_a of_o anabaptist_n be_v glad_a to_o light_v their_o candle_n though_o in_o the_o point_n of_o baptism_n they_o be_v account_v neither_o able_a nor_o worthy_a to_o teach_v they_o and_o when_o you_o and_o i_o be_v come_v to_o conclusion_n you_o in_o object_v and_o i_o in_o answer_v it_o will_v then_o appear_v whether_o infant-baptism_n be_v any_o part_n of_o will-worship_n or_o mere_a popery_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v by_o its_o adversary_n church_n memb._n sir_n i_o like_v your_o proposal_n very_o well_o and_o in_o compliance_n with_o your_o reasonable_a request_n as_o also_o in_o order_n to_o my_o own_o satisfaction_n i_o shall_v reduce_v those_o particular_n wherein_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v to_o 3_o general_a head_n under_o each_o of_o which_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v give_v i_o liberty_n to_o propose_v by_o way_n of_o objection_n what_o i_o think_v convenient_a and_o fit_a to_o start_v minist_n i_o like_v very_o well_o to_o hear_v you_o name_v but_o 3_o general_a head_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v observe_v order_n and_o method_n in_o what_o you_o intend_v to_o object_n under_o those_o 3_o head_n church_n memb._n i_o will_v observe_v order_n and_o method_n as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v and_o shall_v i_o hope_v with_o become_v candour_n weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o a_o impartial_a and_o unprejudicate_a consideration_n and_o judgement_n what_o strength_n appear_v to_o be_v in_o your_o answer_n and_o in_o case_n i_o find_v my_o conscience_n satisfy_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o your_o answer_n i_o shall_v ready_o own_v it_o and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n minist_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o name_v the_o 3_o general_a head_n for_o fear_v we_o shall_v forget_v they_o when_o we_o come_v to_o be_v earnest_a in_o our_o dispute_n church_n memb._n the_o 3_o general_a head_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o be_v as_o follow_v 1._o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n mention_v in_o gen._n 17.7_o 2._o the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o 3._o the_o subject_n who_o have_v a_o visible_a right_n to_o that_o covenant_n and_o the_o seal_n thereof_o under_o these_o 3_o head_n i_o suppose_v may_v be_v bring_v in_o all_o that_o i_o need_v to_o say_v minist_n as_o touch_v your_o first_o general_n head_n viz._n the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n what_o will_v you_o be_v at_o about_o it_o church_n memb._n i_o will_v pray_v you_o to_o clear_v it_o up_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o that_o covenant_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o the_o apprehension_n i_o always_o have_v till_o of_o late_a that_o that_o covenant_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o foundation_n whereon_o my_o former_a principle_n viz._n infant-baptism_n be_v found_v but_o be_v inform_v and_o teach_v otherwise_o both_o by_o man_n preach_v and_o also_o by_o their_o book_n i_o be_o much_o in_o doubt_n as_o touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o infant-baptism_n minist_n i_o perceive_v than_o you_o apprehend_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v like_a to_o stand_v or_o fall_v as_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v either_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o otherwise_o what_o if_o it_o be_v make_v good_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o mere_a grace_n church_n memb._n true_o to_o be_v plain_a and_o ingenious_a i_o can_v see_v how_o infant-baptism_n can_v stand_v if_o that_o covenant_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o i_o be_o sensible_a the_o baptist_n hold_n and_o teach_v it_o be_v and_o which_o i_o be_o incline_v under_o my_o present_a light_n to_o judge_v it_o must_v be_v as_o they_o say_v but_o in_o case_n it_o be_v prove_v otherwise_o i_o plain_o see_v the_o anabaptist_n be_v like_a to_o suffer_v a_o miserable_a shipwreck_n for_o their_o hold_v and_o teach_v that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v the_o principal_a pillar_n on_o which_o almost_o all_o their_o argument_n against_o infant-baptism_n lean_a if_o that_o pillar_n then_o be_v shake_v and_o overthrow_v by_o scriptural_a argument_n the_o whole_a structure_n will_v tumble_v of_o course_n minist_n i_o be_o very_o glad_a that_o you_o and_o i_o do_v in_o any_o measure_n agree_v in_o our_o sentiment_n about_o this_o matter_n to_o let_v you_o see_v then_o how_o sandy_a a_o foundation_n the_o anabaptist_n build_v on_o i_o shall_v bgin_v to_o lay_v down_o some_o scriptural_a argument_n to_o prove_v they_o most_o heterodox_n and_o unsound_a in_o this_o point_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n wherein_o they_o do_v most_o evident_o raze_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n to_o abraham_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o seed_n chap._n i._n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n wherein_o be_v plain_o prove_v that_o that_o covenant_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n dispense_v in_o a_o church_n way_n none_o of_o the_o orthodox_n ever_o do_v or_o do_v deny_v that_o i_o can_v find_v that_o the_o take_v that_o covenant_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o foundation_n
present_v thou_o blameless_a before_o the_o throne_n of_o my_o glorious_a holiness_n in_o the_o three_o heaven_n be_v subjective_o inherent_a in_o the_o person_n of_o god-man_n thy_o mediator_n and_o surety_n to_o this_o mediatorial_n righteousness_n of_o he_o thou_o shall_v add_v nothing_o neither_o thy_o own_o personal_a qualification_n nor_o yet_o the_o holiness_n of_o saint_n or_o angel_n as_o if_o thereby_o thou_o can_v be_v make_v more_o acceptable_a than_o that_o righteousness_n of_o he_o do_v make_v thou_o thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o covenant_n both_o thou_o and_o all_o thy_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n seed_n throughout_o your_o generation_n till_o my_o son_n come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n at_o the_o last_o day_n thou_o and_o all_o thy_o church_n seed_n which_o spring_v from_o thou_o by_o fleshly_a generation_n shall_v observe_v to_o have_v all_o your_o male_n mark_v with_o circumcision_n the_o visible_a token_n and_o seal_n of_o this_o my_o gracious_a covenant_n which_o i_o have_v now_o enter_v into_o with_o thou_o for_o thyself_o a_o stipulate_a father_n and_o for_o all_o thy_o child_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o member_n of_o my_o son_n mediatorial_n kingdom_n or_o visible_a church_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o when_o christ_n my_o son_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o shall_v enter_v upon_o his_o mediatorial_n kingdom_n whatever_o visible_a token_n or_o seal_n he_o shall_v appoint_v to_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n thy_o gentile_a church_n seed_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n who_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v careful_o observe_v to_o be_v seal_v therewith_o both_o they_o and_o their_o infant_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o my_o covenant_n i_o now_o make_v with_o thou_o for_o thyself_o and_o they_o and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o neither_o thou_o nor_o thy_o child_n in_o succeed_a age_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o my_o will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v concern_v the_o non-elect_a who_o be_v to_o come_v and_o spring_n from_o believe_v and_o holy_a parent_n in_o my_o visible_a church_n or_o churches_n i_o notify_v to_o thou_o and_o thy_o church_n seed_n after_o thou_o throughout_o their_o generation_n that_o my_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n be_v that_o all_o the_o infant_n of_o my_o believe_v profess_v church_n membr_n shall_v be_v mark_v with_o the_o visible_a token_n or_o seal_n of_o this_o my_o covenant_n in_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o profess_v parent_n or_o parent_n be_v member_n and_o that_o without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o elect_n or_o non-elect_a for_o see_v that_o the_o secret_n of_o my_o decree_n and_o counsel_n be_v know_v to_o myself_o alone_o i_o will_v that_o thou_o and_o thy_o church_n seed_n after_o thou_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n do_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o rational_a charity_n judge_v all_o the_o seed_n and_o infant_n posterity_n of_o my_o profess_v people_n who_o have_v lay_v hold_v on_o my_o covenant_n by_o a_o eternal_a visible_a profession_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o election_n and_o to_o own_v they_o for_o such_o until_o they_o by_o open_a apostasy_n and_o final_a impenitency_n do_v manifest_v the_o contrary_n for_o albeit_o my_o visible_a church_n do_v consist_v of_o elect_n and_o non_fw-fr elect_n and_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o seal_n of_o my_o covenant_n and_o be_v partaker_n of_o all_o church_n privilege_n yet_o none_o shall_v ever_o partake_v internal_o and_o saving_o of_o the_o inward_a grace_n and_o mercy_n signify_v and_o seal_v by_o the_o token_n and_o seal_n of_o my_o covenant_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a but_o the_o elect_a only_o who_o name_n be_v particular_o register_v in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n and_o although_o the_o non-elect_a in_o my_o church_n do_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o my_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o shall_v they_o find_v that_o i_o be_o no_o way_n behind_o with_o they_o for_o although_o i_o the_o absolute_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o way_n oblige_v to_o the_o creature_n especial_o fall_v rebel_n yet_o see_v it_o be_v my_o pleasure_n to_o employ_v the_o non-elect_a in_o the_o service_n of_o my_o church_n while_o it_o be_v in_o a_o militant_a state_n that_o those_o common_a gift_n of_o my_o spirit_n wherewith_o they_o be_v to_o be_v endow_v may_v be_v lay_v out_o and_o improve_v for_o the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o my_o elect_n and_o choose_a i_o will_v give_v they_o a_o place_n in_o my_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v by_o my_o name_n and_o shall_v have_v a_o equal_a right_n with_o my_o elect_a to_o the_o seal_n of_o my_o covenant_n and_o all_o outward_a help_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a whereby_o it_o shall_v plain_o appear_v in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o their_o miss_v heaven_n and_o fall_v short_a of_o eternal_a life_n be_v of_o their_o own_o procurement_n notwithstanding_o as_o be_v the_o service_n wherein_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o my_o church_n i_o will_v give_v they_o a_o plentiful_a recompense_n viz._n a_o temperal_n reward_n in_o lieu_n of_o a_o temporal_a service_n such_o as_o bodily_a health_n worldly_a wealth_n pleasure_n and_o honour_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v every_o way_n more_o suitable_a to_o their_o spirit_n and_o be_v more_o seek_v and_o delight_v in_o by_o they_o than_o be_v the_o thing_n lay_v up_o for_o my_o choose_a plain_a instance_n hereof_o i_o have_v see_v fit_a to_o leave_v on_o record_n in_o the_o person_n of_o ishmael_n and_o isaac_n both_o bear_v of_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n the_o one_o a_o reprobate_n the_o other_o elect_n both_o must_v be_v of_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o seal_v with_o the_o visible_a token_n and_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v that_o of_o esau_n and_o jacob_n both_o bear_v of_o isaac_n according_a to_o fleshly_a generation_n yet_o the_o one_o a_o reprobate_n and_o the_o other_o elect_n both_o must_v be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o seal_v with_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o pass_v currant_n for_o church_n member_n before_o man_n until_o they_o themselves_o make_v the_o contrary_a to_o appear_v as_o do_v ishmael_n esau_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o have_v as_o plain_o and_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v for_o the_o information_n of_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o abraham_n covenant_n explain_v and_o show_v the_o substance_n and_o tenure_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n for_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n seed_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o come_v now_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o scriptural_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n as_o now_o explain_v be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n propound_v to_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o the_o anabaptist_n teach_v it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o no_o other_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o any_o who_o look_v not_o asquint_o on_o the_o argument_n follow_v arg._n 1._o the_o first_o argument_n be_v this_o if_o god_n never_o yet_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n with_o any_o meeâ—_n man_n but_o that_o which_o he_o make_v with_o sinless_a adam_n the_o natural_a and_o federal_n head_n of_o all_o mankind_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n before_o the_o fall_n then_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v the_o coun_a ant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o god_n never_o yet_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n with_o any_o mere_a man_n but_o that_o which_o he_o make_v with_o sinless_a adam_n the_o natural_a and_o federal_n head_n of_o all_o mankind_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n before_o the_o fall_n therefore_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o no_o other_o plain_o it_o be_v and_o none_o without_o lie_v against_o god_n can_v deny_v it_o that_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n with_o adam_n and_o in_o he_o with_o all_o mankind_n the_o condition_n whereof_o be_v do_v and_o live_v sin_n and_o dye_n and_o as_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o adam_n fall_v by_o transgress_v that_o covenant_n by_o which_o fall_n he_o lose_v the_o bless_a image_n of_o god_n to_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o posterity_n whereby_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n become_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o life_n and_o salvation_n by_o that_o covenant_n now_o abraham_n be_v by_o natural_a birth_n a_o son_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n and_o as_o such_o bear_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o adam_n covenant_n and_o partaker_n of_o a_o sinful_a and_o pollute_a nature_n which_o render_v he_o as_o uncapable_a of_o perform_v any_o work_n which_o as_o a_o condition_n can_v answer_v
itself_o the_o covenant_n be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o for_o in_o these_o word_n god_n engage_v himself_o by_o free_a and_o absolute_a promise_n to_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o elect_a church-seed_n that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o they_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o they_o which_o be_v needful_a to_o complete_a their_o happiness_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o second_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v promise_v not_o as_o it_o be_v any_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o as_o if_o real_a blessedness_n consist_v in_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n thereof_o but_o as_o the_o same_o be_v a_o temporary_a type_n of_o heaven_n and_o for_o want_v of_o understanding_n and_o consider_v this_o very_a thing_n many_o who_o have_v think_v themselves_o wise_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o their_o neighbour_n have_v prove_v themselves_o short_a of_o true_a wisdom_n in_o this_o particular_a at_o least_o to_o convince_v of_o this_o mistake_n let_v that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o mat._n 6.33_o but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n there_o of_o and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o you_o be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o a_o unprejudiced_a consideration_n and_o to_o a_o impartial_a eye_n that_o look_v not_o asquint_o at_o these_o two_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n gen._n 17.7_o and_o mat._n 6.33_o it_o will_v most_o plain_o appear_v that_o temporal_a blessing_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o one_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o if_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v that_o because_o god_n make_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n to_o abraham_n etc._n etc._n that_o therefore_o god_n covenant_n with_o he_o and_o he_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n it_o will_v as_o necessary_o follow_v that_o believer_n to_o who_o christ_n direct_v his_o speech_n in_o mat._n 6.33_o be_v now_o under_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o well_o as_o abraham_n be_v and_o so_o neither_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a nor_o any_o of_o his_o seed_n the_o elect_a i_o mean_v either_o of_o the_o jewish_a or_o gentile_a race_n be_v like_a to_o be_v save_v or_o enjoy_v god_n for_o their_o portion_n and_o by_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v it_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o any_o see_a man_n who_o shut_v not_o his_o eye_n for_o fear_n of_o be_v convince_v that_o while_o the_o adversary_n i_o now_o oppose_v in_o this_o controversy_n be_v employ_v in_o devise_v this_o shift_n to_o prove_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n to_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o that_o on_o purpose_n to_o exclude_v poor_a infant_n from_o that_o covenant_n and_o from_o baptism_n the_o now_o seal_v thereof_o they_o have_v insensible_o shut_v both_o abraham_n and_o themselves_o too_o out_o from_o be_v save_v and_o what_o advantage_n will_v hereby_o accrue_v to_o their_o cause_n let_v it_o be_v improve_v to_o the_o utmost_a object_n 2._o it_o be_v again_o object_v if_o the_o covenant_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o pure_a grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o that_o all_o abraham_n be_v child_n be_v alike_o interest_v therein_o then_o do_v grace_n come_v by_o natural_a generation_n contrary_a both_o to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n answ_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o objector_n mistake_v lie_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o his_o not_o distinguish_v or_o consider_v that_o the_o child_n of_o believe_a abraham_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n two_o way_n or_o in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n first_o internal_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n election_n and_o thus_o none_o be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v in_o covenant_n but_o abraham_n seed_n viz_o the_o elect_n who_o be_v in_o scripture_n by_o way_n of_o distinction_n style_v the_o child_n of_o promise_n type_v out_o in_o the_o person_n of_o jsaac_n gal._n 4_o 28._o these_o and_o they_o alone_a partake_v in_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v also_o a_o right_a to_o the_o visible_a sign_n or_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n second_o external_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o external_n profession_n make_v in_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o the_o non-elect_a as_o well_o as_o the_o elect_a be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o his_o church_n visible_a here_o on_o earth_n these_o albeit_o they_o never_o partake_v in_o the_o save_a blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o external_n profession_n make_v they_o and_o their_o infant-seed_n though_o not_o elect_a have_v a_o external_n right_o in_o the_o church_n visible_a to_o the_o token_n or_o seal_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n and_o to_o all_o other_o privilege_n and_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v capable_a according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n by_o virtue_n hereof_o it_o be_v that_o god_n call_v such_o his_o people_n and_o he_o will_v have_v his_o church_n to_o call_v and_o own_v they_o for_o such_o too_o until_o they_o manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o that_o by_o a_o voluntary_a defection_n and_o final_a apostasy_n plain_a instance_n hereof_o be_v graphical_o set_v down_o in_o god_n word_n in_o the_o person_n of_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n in_o who_o person_n the_o reprobate_a seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v allegorical_o type_v out_o as_o the_o elect_a seed_n be_v allegorical_o and_o typical_o represent_v in_o the_o person_n of_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n the_o former_a of_o these_o spring_v from_o the_o flesh_n of_o abraham_n as_o well_o as_o the_o latter_a and_o on_o this_o account_n they_o have_v a_o place_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o be_v mark_v with_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n as_o well_o as_o the_o latter_a they_o be_v esteem_v and_o reckon_v as_o god_n child_n and_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n until_o by_o defection_n and_o apostasy_n they_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v otherwise_o if_o this_o distinction_n be_v not_o allow_v i_o can_v see_v how_o god_n can_v be_v orderly_o worship_v by_o any_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o god_n covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o and_o with_o his_o elect_a seed_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n abraham_n and_o with_o he_o all_o his_o elect_a seed_n will_v have_v be_v most_o happy_a and_o eternal_o blessed_v have_v no_o promise_n be_v make_v of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n shall_v all_o true_a believer_n with_o their_o elect_a seed_n be_v eternal_o happy_a and_o bless_a be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n intend_v in_o mat._n 6.33_o albeit_o such_o believer_n and_o their_o elect_a seed_n shall_v with_o lazarus_n die_v on_o a_o dunghill_n for_o want_v of_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n hold_v forth_o by_o christ_n in_o the_o abovementioned_a promise_v which_o plain_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n of_o give_v to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v no_o more_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n than_o the_o promise_v hold_v forth_o by_o christ_n in_o the_o place_n abovenamed_a prove_v that_o believer_n and_o their_o elect_a seed_n be_v now_o under_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n all_o the_o difference_n which_o i_o can_v find_v between_o these_o two_o place_n be_v that_o the_o promise_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v typical_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o other_o be_v not_o so_o be_v this_o covenant_n of_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o he_o be_v a_o stipulate_v and_o a_o covenant_v representative_a in_o a_o church_n visible_a but_o right_o understand_v and_o believe_v with_o application_n to_o man_n own_o soul_n i_o be_o persuade_v there_o will_v be_v neither_o anabaptist_n nor_o arminian_n in_o the_o world_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n hold_v and_o teach_v that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a to_o say_v it_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o error_n in_o religion_n neither_o be_o i_o afraid_a to_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v both_o the_o mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o anabaptism_n and_o arminianism_n chap._n ii_o prove_v that_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n arg._n 1._o either_o circumcision_n be_v the_o external_a token_n or_o seal_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n of_o grace_n mention_v g._n 1â—_n 7._o or_o else_o that_o covenant_n have_v no_o seal_n at_o all_o the_o adversary_n can_v avoid_v here_o h_n must_v either_o grant_v or_o deny_v
if_o he_o granâ—_n that_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n i_o have_v what_o i_o be_v to_o prove_v if_o he_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n than_o it_o lie_v at_o his_o door_n to_o demonstrate_v what_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n if_o he_o say_v that_o that_o covenant_n have_v no_o seal_n at_o all_o he_o will_v thereby_o not_o only_o gainsay_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o also_o speak_v against_o reason_n for_o all_o man_n know_v it_o be_v a_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o covenant_n to_o have_v a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n arg._n 2._o if_o circumcision_n be_v by_o god_n himself_o call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o be_v it_o beyond_o all_o controversy_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o circumcision_n be_v by_o god_n himself_o call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n therefore_o circumcision_n be_v beyond_o all_o controversy_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o proof_n of_o the_o argument_n compare_v act_n 7_o 8_o with_o gen._n 17_o 10._o to_o which_o i_o will_v only_o add_v rom._n 4_o 11_o which_o will_v put_v the_o matter_n in_o dispute_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o dispute_n the_o word_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v in_o call_v circumcision_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n which_o plain_o prove_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n second_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o no_o other_o chap._n iii_o that_o water-baptism_n succeed_v or_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n under_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n i_o prove_v by_o 3_o convince_a argument_n arg._n 1._o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o initiatory_a seal_n appoint_v by_o christ_n â—nder_v the_o gospel_n but_o water-baptism_n then_o be_v water-baptism_n come_v or_o suceee_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n to_o be_v the_o initiate_a seal_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o initiatory_a seal_n appoint_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o water-baptism_n therefore_o water-baptism_n be_v come_v or_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n to_o be_v the_o initiatory_a seal_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n and_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n will_v the_o more_o clear_o appear_v by_o due_o consider_v that_o circumcision_n be_v under_o the_o dark_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o will_v not_o can_v be_v deny_v unless_o by_o man_n who_o understand_v or_o care_n not_o what_o they_o say_v that_o water-baptism_n be_v and_o must_v be_v so_o now_o mun_o of_o necessity_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o own_o that_o the_o lord_n supper_n succeed_v or_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o passeover_n i_o humble_o conceive_v no_o wise_a man_n will_v oppose_v i_o in_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new-testament_n have_v as_o great_a need_n of_o a_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o have_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o old_a and_o if_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o seal_n i_o know_v not_o what_o be_v for_o that_o circumcision_n be_v now_o abrogate_a and_o abolish_v under_o the_o gospel_n none_o can_v deny_v and_o that_o some_o other_o visible_a sign_n must_v succeed_v or_o come_v in_o its_o room_n must_v be_v grant_v by_o they_o who_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o lord_n supper_n succeed_v or_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o passeover_n arg._n 2._o if_o the_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v practical_o own_o baptism_n to_o be_v the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n than_o baptism_n be_v the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n but_o the_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v practical_o own_o baptism_n to_o be_v the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n therefore_o baptism_n be_v the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n those_o i_o here_o dispute_v against_o before_o they_o can_v overthrow_v this_o argument_n must_v abandon_v their_o own_o practice_n in_o make_v baptism_n by_o dip_v the_o door_n of_o entrance_n into_o their_o church_n by_o which_o practice_n they_o unchurch_n all_o other_o church_n who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n it_o be_v well_o know_v in_o london_n and_o else_o where_o where_o anabaptism_n be_v practise_v that_o they_o make_v baptism_n by_o dip_v the_o form_n of_o a_o right_a gospel_n church_n on_o which_o account_n it_o be_v they_o refuse_v communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n with_o the_o most_o sanctify_a believer_n if_o they_o be_v not_o dip_v after_o their_o mode_n it_o be_v true_a that_o some_o of_o that_o persuasion_n will_v seem_v more_o moderate_a and_o charitable_a than_o other_o of_o that_o way_n while_o they_o make_v saintship_n the_o only_o term_v of_o church_n communion_n these_o seem_v not_o to_o lay_v such_o stress_n on_o baptism_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o persuasion_n do_v they_o will_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n with_o they_o those_o of_o other_o persuasion_n though_o not_o baptise_a in_o their_o way_n but_o how_o such_o will_v be_v able_a to_o justify_v their_o practice_n in_o admit_v unbaptised_a person_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n i_o can_v understand_v to_o i_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o parity_n of_o reason_n for_o keep_v back_o a_o unbaptised_a person_n from_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o there_o be_v for_o keep_v back_o a_o uncircumcised_a person_n from_o the_o passover_n of_o old_a the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n baptism_n be_v the_o visible_a badge_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regeneration_n as_o circumcision_n be_v to_o the_o believe_a jew_n the_o other_o viz._n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o visible_a badge_n of_o our_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n as_o the_o passover_n of_o old_a be_v to_o the_o believe_a circumcise_a jew_n now_o as_o communion_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o union_n and_o follow_v after_o it_o so_o no_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o second_o that_o be_v not_o actual_o a_o visible_a partaker_n of_o the_o first_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o these_o who_o in_o charity_n invite_v we_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o they_o do_v account_v we_o as_o unbaptised_a person_n while_o they_o reckon_v our_o baptism_n receive_v in_o infancy_n and_o by_o sprinkle_v but_o a_o mere_a nullity_n that_o be_v no_o baptism_n at_o all_o arg._n 3._o if_o water_n baptism_n have_v the_o same_o end_n and_o use_v assign_v it_o by_o god_n as_o circumcision_n have_v of_o old_a viz._n to_o signify_v and_o seal_v to_o believer_n and_o their_o infant_n elect_n the_o truth_n of_o their_o regeneration_n &c_n &c_n then_o water_n baptism_n have_v succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n but_o water_n baptism_n have_v the_o same_o end_n and_o use_v assign_v it_o by_o god_n as_o circumcision_n have_v of_o old_a viz._n to_o signify_v and_o seal_v to_o believer_n and_o their_o elect_a infant_n the_o truth_n of_o their_o regeneration_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o water_n baptism_n have_v succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n this_o argument_n depend_v on_o the_o right_n and_o genuine_a explication_n of_o that_o text_n in_o colos_n 2.11_o in_o who_o also_o you_o be_v circumcise_a with_o the_o circumcision_n make_v without_o hand_n in_o put_v off_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n by_o the_o circumcision_n of_o christ_n bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n wherein_o also_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o he_o through_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n who_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a i_o shall_v not_o here_o meddle_v with_o explain_v this_o because_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v to_o it_o when_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v the_o objection_n bring_v against_o baptism_n be_v come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n whereto_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n against_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v object_v thus_o object_n circumcision_n be_v only_o a_o seal_n of_o a_o temporal_a carnal_a covenant_n seal_v only_o earthly_a and_o temporal_a blessing_n to_o the_o carnal_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n ans_fw-fr to_o this_o objection_n i_o answer_v in_o three_o particular_n 1._o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o some_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a teacher_n will_v fain_o have_v it_o to_o be_v and_o that_o mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o keep_v poor_a infant_n from_o baptism_n which_o they_o know_v can_v never_o
be_v justify_v by_o god_n word_n shall_v they_o judicious_o acknowledge_v that_o abraham_n covenant_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n thereof_o and_o that_o water_n baptism_n be_v now_o come_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o 2._o in_o that_o some_o have_v reflect_v on_o that_o covenant_n call_v it_o a_o carnal_a covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o observe_v and_o practise_v circumcision_n the_o seal_n thereof_o a_o carnal_a church_n all_o i_o need_v to_o say_v by_o way_n of_o reply_n be_v to_o bewail_v the_o carnality_n of_o their_o uncircumcised_a heart_n and_o lip_n who_o have_v no_o better_a or_o high_a apprehension_n of_o god_n holy_a covenant_n the_o grace_n whereof_o must_v bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n if_o ever_o they_o come_v thither_o and_o of_o his_o so_o high_o honour_a friend_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n prophet_n and_o godly_a believer_n of_o that_o day_n than_o to_o call_v it_o a_o carnal_a covenant_n and_o they_o a_o carnal_a church_n 3._o if_o abraham_n covenant_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n to_o he_o and_o his_o child_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o he_o so_o to_o we_o gentile_a believer_n and_o to_o our_o child_n now_o and_o if_o so_o let_v the_o adversary_n demonstrate_v if_o he_o can_v how_o abraham_n or_o any_o of_o that_o carnal_a church_n as_o they_o false_o term_v it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v now_o in_o a_o save_v state_n or_o what_o ground_n of_o hope_n we_o gentile_a believer_n and_o our_o child_n have_v that_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n when_o we_o die_v see_v that_o we_o be_v still_o under_o the_o very_a same_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n which_o covenant_n if_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o not_o of_o grace_n no_o salvation_n can_v be_v expect_v and_o if_o the_o believer_n under_o that_o dark_a dispensation_n be_v carnal_a and_o not_o spiritual_a how_o come_v the_o unerring_a wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o propound_v they_o to_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n for_o example_n and_o pattern_n of_o faith_n patience_n etc._n etc._n heb._n 11._o heb._n 12.1_o ja._n 5.10_o let_v it_o be_v far_o consider_v that_o albeit_o the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n seal_v no_o save_v blessing_n to_o the_o non-elect_a it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o it_o seal_v no_o other_o than_o temporal_a blessing_n to_o the_o elect_n see_v that_o to_o they_o the_o heavenly_a be_v typical_o include_v in_o the_o earthly_a as_o touch_v the_o earthly_a blessing_n which_o circumcision_n seal_v to_o the_o non-elect_a they_o be_v great_a and_o better_a than_o god_n be_v any_o way_n oblige_v to_o give_v they_o i_o be_o sure_a than_o they_o saving_o improve_v object_n we_o utter_o deny_v that_o water-baptism_n do_v succeed_v and_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n answ_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o affirmative_a let_v the_o three_o argument_n already_o lay_v down_o under_o this_o head_n be_v serious_o and_o without_o prejudice_n consider_v to_o which_o i_o will_v only_o add_v the_o explication_n of_o colos_n 2.11_o 12._o whereon_o i_o have_v ground_v a_o four_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o water-baptism_n succeed_v and_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n in_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v the_o apostle_n plain_o set_v forth_o to_o the_o believe_a colossian_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o believe_a gentile_n to_o the_o world_n end_n two_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v by_o all_o true_a believer_n first_o that_o they_o who_o by_o a_o true_a lively_a faith_n have_v embrace_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n evidence_v their_o faith_n by_o the_o truth_n of_o gospel-sanctification_a they_o and_o none_o else_o who_o be_v adult_n be_v make_v actual_a partaker_n of_o the_o true_a and_o save_a circumcision_n effect_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o which_o be_v external_o signify_v by_o the_o outward_a circumcision_n these_o believer_n have_v now_o obtain_v the_o spiritual_a circumcision_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v concern_v or_o trouble_v that_o they_o be_v not_o outward_o circumcise_a with_o the_o circumcision_n make_v with_o man_n hand_n forasmuch_o as_o that_o which_o be_v external_o signify_v and_o seaâ—ed_v to_o the_o believe_a jew_n by_o the_o outward_a circumcision_n be_v now_o internal_o and_o powerful_o wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n second_o the_o apostle_n set_v forth_o in_o this_o place_n that_o water-baptism_n be_v institute_v and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n to_o be_v to_o believe_v gentile_n the_o same_o that_o circumcision_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n viz._n a_o visible_a sign_n and_o seal_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n to_o all_o his_o ecclesiastical_a church-seed_n among_o the_o gentile_n viz._n all_o of_o that_o race_n who_o on_o god_n call_v they_o believe_v in_o and_o obey_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o these_o and_o their_o infant-seed_n and_o none_o else_o among_o the_o gentile_n baptism_n do_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n signify_v and_o seal_v the_o very_a same_o spiritual_a blessing_n and_o church-priviledge_n which_o circumcision_n of_o old_a do_v signify_v and_o seal_v to_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o so_o much_o controvert_v place_n in_o this_o sense_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v die_v satisfy_v and_o herein_o i_o humble_o conceive_v none_o of_o the_o orthodox_n will_v differ_v from_o i_o which_o sense_n be_v grant_v it_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o scriptural_a contradiction_n that_o water-baptism_n be_v institute_v and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n on_o purpose_n to_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n chap._n iu._n show_v and_o prove_v that_o the_o infant_n of_o believe_a gentile_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n have_v as_o real_a a_o right_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o baptism_n the_o now_o visible_a sign_n and_o seal_v thereof_o as_o have_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n to_o it_o and_o to_o circumcision_n the_o than_o seal_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o they_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o the_o grace_n and_o outward_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o be_v the_o most_o adult_n grow_v believer_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o four_o argument_n to_o evince_v and_o make_v good_a against_o all_o opposition_n what_o i_o now_o assert_v arg._n 1._o the_o first_o argument_n be_v thus_o frame_v if_o god_n himself_n do_v by_o absolute_a sovereign_a grace_n comprehend_v abraham_n church-seed_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o make_v with_o believe_v abraham_n their_o stipulate_v and_o covenant_v father_n and_o never_o since_o repeal_v that_o gracious_a act_n of_o he_o then_o the_o infant_n of_o abraham_n church-seed_n be_v still_o interest_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v as_o great_a right_n to_o and_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o the_o grace_n and_o seal_v of_o that_o covenant_n as_o ever_o but_o god_n himself_n do_v by_o absolute_a sovereign_a grace_n comprehend_v abraham_n church-seed_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o make_v with_o believe_v abraham_n their_o stipulate_v and_o covenant_v father_n which_o gracious_a act_n of_o his_o be_v never_o since_o repeal_v therefore_o the_o infant_n of_o abraham_n church-seed_n be_v still_o interest_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v as_o great_a a_o right_n to_o and_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o the_o grace_n and_o seal_v of_o that_o covenant_n as_o ever_o i_o can_v see_v how_o this_o argument_n can_v possible_o be_v overthrow_v but_o by_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v alter_v and_o change_v that_o covenant_n he_o make_v with_o abraham_n his_o friend_n for_o himself_o and_o for_o his_o church-seed_n the_o which_o when_o the_o adversary_n do_v by_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n not_o abuse_v and_o pervert_v i_o shall_v then_o yield_v the_o cause_n and_o bewail_v my_o mistake_n but_o two_o thing_n cause_n in_o i_o a_o unshaken_a confidence_n that_o this_o can_v never_o be_v do_v first_o the_o immutability_n and_o unchangableness_n of_o god_n on_o which_o very_a account_n he_o be_v style_v a_o covenant-keeping_a god_n who_o never_o yet_o cast_v off_o any_o poor_a sinner_n until_o that_o sinner_n do_v first_o actual_o cast_v god_n off_o the_o which_o i_o think_v the_o adversary_n dare_v not_o deny_v second_o the_o impossibility_n of_o poor_a infant_n actual_o cast_v god_n off_o and_o that_o because_o of_o their_o incapacity_n in_o respect_n of_o age._n arg._n 2._o if_o infant_n be_v at_o all_o save_v they_o be_v save_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n which_o covenant_n and_o the_o external_n