a_o brief_a and_o plain_a discovery_n of_o the_o falseness_n and_o unscripturalness_n of_o anabaptism_n as_o the_o same_o be_v now_o practise_v by_o those_o of_o that_o persuasion_n wâ—â—â—â—in_o be_v plain_o prove_v from_o god_n word_n the_o five_o particular_n here_o handle_v i._o that_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n gen._n 17.7_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whereby_o all_o god_n elect_n be_v save_v ii_o that_o circumcision_n be_v the_o initiatory_a seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o church-seed_n during_o that_o dispensation_n iii_o that_o water-baptism_n be_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n succeed_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o iv_o that_o the_o gentile_a believer_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n have_v as_o real_a a_o right_n to_o the_o same_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o seal_n thereof_o as_o have_v abraham_n and_o his_o infant-seed_n v._o that_o sprinkle_v or_o pouring-out_a water_n on_o the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n be_v the_o undoubted_a right_a way_n of_o administer_a baptism_n under_o the_o gospel_n by_o ja._n barry_n a_o unworthy_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n london_n print_v for_o the_o author_n 1699._o to_o the_o impartial_a and_o unprejudiced_a reader_n who_o desire_v to_o be_v right_o inform_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n his_o friend_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n seed_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n courteous_a reader_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n reign_v in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o ready_o believe_v i_o especial_o when_o i_o most_o solemn_o profess_v as_o if_o i_o be_v immediate_o to_o be_v call_v to_o the_o bar_n of_o the_o great_a judge_n that_o no_o prejudice_n '_o or_o hatred_n against_o the_o person_n of_o the_o people_n who_o without_o any_o warrant_n from_o god_n word_n style_v themselves_o baptist_n and_o baptise_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v stir_v i_o up_o to_o appear_v in_o print_n in_o oppose_v those_o pernicious_a principle_n which_o the_o man_n of_o that_o persuasion_n do_v with_o so_o much_o violence_n and_o unscriptural_a zeal_n teach_v and_o maintain_v i_o sincere_o bless_v god_n that_o his_o good_a spirit_n have_v teach_v i_o to_o distinguish_v between_o person_n and_o the_o error_n which_o they_o hold_v and_o maintain_v their_o person_n i_o love_v and_o be_o real_o grieve_v that_o i_o love_v they_o no_o more_o than_o i_o do_v and_o i_o hope_v neither_o they_o nor_o any_o other_o will_v be_v angry_a with_o i_o for_o so_o do_v but_o their_o error_n in_o religion_n i_o do_v from_o my_o heart_n abominate_a and_o loath_a because_o hateful_a to_o god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n who_o know_v and_o understand_v they_o so_o to_o be_v and_o for_o thus_o do_v i_o neither_o fear_v a_o frown_n from_o god_n nor_o yet_o blame_v from_o any_o man_n truly-wise_a who_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o error_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v censure_v and_o uncharitable_o reflect_v on_o for_o what_o i_o have_v do_v in_o print_v this_o small_a tract_n i_o be_o not_o insensible_a i_o be_o very_o sure_a none_o will_v thus_o do_v but_o such_o as_o either_o know_v not_o or_o care_v not_o what_o they_o say_v these_o kind_n of_o blow_n i_o be_o teach_v to_o ward_v off_o with_o a_o religious_a scorn_n and_o a_o holy_a contempt_n resolve_v in_o christ_n strength_n to_o pursue_v and_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n let_v who_o will_v bark_n and_o cavil_v against_o it_o it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o valerius_n maximus_n aequo_fw-la animo_fw-la ferenda_fw-la sunt_fw-la imperitorum_fw-la convitia_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la honesta_fw-la vadenti_fw-la contemnendus_fw-la est_fw-la iste_fw-la contemplus_fw-la the_o reproach_n say_v he_o of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unskilful_a be_v to_o be_v bear_v with_o a_o even_o or_o patient_a mind_n and_o he_o that_o intend_v to_o advance_v towards_o good_a and_o honest_a thing_n must_v contemn_v their_o contempt_n that_o somewhat_o will_v come_v out_o in_o answer_n hereto_o i_o question_v not_o if_o the_o man_n of_o that_o principle_n have_v not_o lose_v their_o old_a wont_a but_o my_o comfort_n and_o confidence_n be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n of_o age_n i_o never_o fear_v a_o confutation_n from_o any_o nay_o all_n of_o that_o persuasion_n who_o breath_n on_o the_o earth_n until_o they_o procure_v from_o heaven_n another_o gospel_n which_o be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a will_v never_o be_v i_o have_v make_v no_o deviation_n from_o the_o good_a old_a way_n chalk_v out_o by_o abraham_n god_n wherein_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n with_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o be_v go_v to_o heaven_n walk_v in_o that_o i_o know_v of_o if_o i_o have_v i_o do_v faithful_o promise_v that_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o my_o error_n i_o will_v own_v myself_o therein_o mistake_v i_o have_v be_v for_o several_a year_n pass_v importune_v by_o many_o serious_a and_o godly_a christian_n to_o print_v what_o now_o i_o expect_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o but_o never_o find_v myself_o thereto_o incline_v till_o of_o late_a not_o that_o i_o question_v any_o part_n of_o what_o i_o have_v print_v be_v god_n truth_n but_o indeed_o the_o variety_n of_o trial_n and_o sharp_a affliction_n which_o haâ—e_n incessant_o follow_v i_o since_o call_v to_o the_o sacred_a office_n both_o in_o my_o native_a city_n dublin_n and_o also_o in_o england_n have_v keep_v i_o back_o together_o with_o my_o own_o great_a aversion_n to_o appear_v in_o print_n in_o any_o matter_n controversal_a but_o observe_v of_o late_a how_o strange_o anabaptism_n spread_v both_o in_o city_n and_o country_n and_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o ignorance_n of_o and_o vnacquaintedness_n with_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v and_o still_o be_v that_o which_o have_v give_v advantage_n to_o the_o preacher_n of_o that_o way_n in_o draw_v proselyte_n after_o they_o i_o have_v in_o conscience_n of_o my_o duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n improve_v my_o poor_a talon_n in_o explain_v and_o open_v up_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o in_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v bless_v the_o plainness_n and_o brevity_n therein_o use_v to_o inform_v poor_a ignorant_n and_o unthinking_a soul_n how_o wretched_o they_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o preacher_n of_o that_o persuasion_n who_o have_v themselves_z as_o great_a need_n to_o be_v instruct_v and_o teach_v what_o the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v as_o the_o poor_a tongue-tied_a bades_n who_o they_o in_o vain_a labour_v to_o exclude_v and_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o benefit_n and_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o their_o deny_v abraham_n covenant_n to_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n administer_v just_a ground_n of_o suspect_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o other_o than_o dark_a and_o confuse_a notion_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n so_o much_o speak_v of_o in_o pulpit_n and_o print_n so_o their_o vnmercifulness_n and_o hardheartedness_n to_o the_o infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n in_o not_o allow_v such_o to_o be_v account_v of_o the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_n mere_o because_o of_o the_o incapacity_n of_o such_o to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n themselves_o administer_v just_a ground_n of_o suspect_v whether_o they_o be_v orthodox_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n i_o be_o very_o sure_a the_o state_n of_o infancy_n can_v neither_o null_a or_o make_v void_a the_o elect_v decree_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o render_v the_o elect_a infant_n any_o way_n uncapable_a of_o that_o grace_n of_o god_n covenant_n to_o which_o he_o be_v elect_v or_o of_o the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a for_o any_o to_o hold_v or_o say_v it_o do_v be_v to_o reflect_v on_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o to_o make_v he_o a_o mutable_a agent_n like_v to_o a_o fickle_a man_n contrary_a to_o mal._n 3.6_o rom._n 11.29_o and_o unavoidable_o to_o send_v all_o elect_a infant_n to_o hell_n who_o die_v infant_n contrary_a to_o mar._n 10_o 14._o jo._n 6.39_o rom._n 11.7_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v far_o say_v be_v only_o to_o â—eg_v and_o pray_v thou_o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n for_o thy_o own_o soul_n sake_n and_o for_o that_o love_n and_o tenderness_n which_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n especial_o that_o of_o grace_n oblige_v thou_o to_o have_v for_o poor_a infant_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o parent_n consider_v well_o and_o weigh_v judicious_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n sanctuary_n the_o argument_n lay_v down_o in_o this_o small_a tract_n to_o prove_v what_o i_o have_v therein_o undertake_v if_o
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
who_o shall_v embrace_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n if_o any_o they_o have_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o place_n be_v clear_a to_o any_o who_o do_v not_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n for_o evident_a it_o be_v and_o none_o can_v deny_v that_o he_o there_o command_v to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n not_o except_v against_o or_o forbid_v the_o disciple_n to_o baptise_v little_a infant_n he_o know_v that_o he_o speak_v to_o man_n who_o after_o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v know_v and_o consider_v that_o abraham_n covenant_n with_o believer_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n be_v to_o remain_v and_o continue_v the_o same_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o together_o with_o the_o sharp_a rebuke_n he_o give_v to_o his_o apostle_n for_o offer_v to_o hinder_v little_a one_o being_n bring_v to_o he_o and_o his_o lay_n before_o they_o such_o a_o convince_a reason_n wherefore_o such_o shall_v not_o be_v keep_v from_o come_v to_o he_o mar._n 10.14_o be_v the_o principal_a if_o not_o the_o only_a reason_n wherefore_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n see_v it_o not_o needful_a to_o mention_v infant_n in_o particular_a they_o be_v most_o certain_o include_v in_o the_o general_a term_n all_o nation_n all_o man_n who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o learning_n understand_v that_o omne_fw-la majus_fw-la continet_fw-la in_o se_fw-la minus_fw-la every_o great_a include_v or_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o lesser_a be_v a_o sure_a and_o stand_a rule_n both_o in_o logic_n and_o divinity_n agree_v with_o this_o sense_n i_o have_v give_v off_o the_o grand_a commission_n be_v that_o of_o peter_n act_v 2.39_o for_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n etc._n etc._n which_o afford_v a_o invincible_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n no_o change_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n any_o other_o than_o in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o it_o the_o covenant_n in_o its_o substance_n abide_v the_o same_o for_o ever_o by_o the_o grace_n thereof_o all_o god_n elect_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a race_n be_v to_o be_v save_v rom._n 3.29_o what_o i_o have_v say_v will_v yet_o receive_v far_a confirmation_n by_o what_o be_v lay_v down_o by_o paul_n in_o gal._n 3.14_o that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n may_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n through_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n the_o place_n now_o quote_v out_o of_o act_n 2.39_o and_o gal._n 3.14_o presuppose_v a_o command_n to_o all_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n who_o by_o faith_n receive_v jesus_n christ_n for_o a_o saviour_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v sign_v with_o the_o seal_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n according_a to_o gen._n 17.9_o for_o if_o the_o gentile_n who_o believe_v in_o abraham_n saviour_n do_v expect_v that_o they_o and_o their_o infant_n shall_v be_v make_v actual_a partaker_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n they_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o observe_v and_o keep_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n throughout_o their_o generation_n second_o see_v that_o christ_n himself_n word_n the_o commission_n so_o in_o general_a term_n which_o undoubted_o include_v the_o particular_a not_o except_v against_o infant_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o if_o infant_n be_v a_o part_n of_o those_o nation_n which_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n be_v command_v to_o baptise_v that_o christ_n command_v they_o to_o baptise_v infant_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o reader_n observe_v the_o word_n of_o the_o commission_n go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v no_o more_o mention_n of_o grow_v person_n man_n or_o woman_n than_o there_o be_v of_o infant_n if_o then_o anabaptist_n can_v deny_v that_o infant_n be_v a_o part_n of_o nation_n and_o that_o they_o can_v no_o way_n prove_v how_o abraham_n blessing_n can_v come_v on_o the_o gentile_n through_o christ_n jesus_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o and_o through_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v all_o the_o wit_n in_o man_n can_v oppose_v it_o with_o success_n that_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o adult_v person_n be_v as_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n intend_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o grand_a commission_n object_n 2._o none_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n but_o such_o as_o be_v first_o teach_v go_v and_o teach_v etc._n etc._n infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o man_n teach_v therefore_o they_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n answ_n this_o with_o the_o objection_n already_o speak_v to_o seem_v to_o weak_a and_o injudicious_a people_n to_o be_v unanswerable_a for_o exclude_v infant_n from_o baptism_n but_o he_o that_o look_v into_o it_o with_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n will_v find_v nothing_o in_o it_o against_o infant_n in_o order_n to_o discover_v the_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o objector_n let_v it_o be_v observe_v with_o care_n that_o the_o word_n teach_v be_v twice_o mention_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o commission_n go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o ver._n 20_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v etc._n etc._n the_o first_o teach_v be_v in_o the_o original_a matheteusate_a and_o the_o other_o be_v didaskontes_n which_o i_o choose_v to_o set_v down_o in_o the_o english_a rather_o than_o in_o the_o greek_a character_n to_o the_o end_n the_o unlearned_a may_v read_v they_o and_o in_o read_v observe_v the_o great_a difference_n which_o be_v between_o the_o two_o word_n and_o that_o both_o in_o the_o letter_n and_o sound_v of_o the_o word_n if_o this_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o will_v afford_v to_o the_o unlearned_a who_o will_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o ground_n to_o suspect_v not_o only_o the_o skill_n in_o tongue_n but_o also_o the_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o those_o guide_n who_o they_o judge_v come_v near_o to_o infallibility_n in_o what_o they_o teach_v than_o do_v the_o other_o eminent_a servant_n of_o christ_n who_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o at_o who_o labour_n the_o able_a preacher_n of_o that_o party_n be_v glad_a to_o light_v their_o candle_n as_o these_o two_o word_n differ_v in_o letter_n and_o sound_v as_o the_o unlearned_a themselves_o will_v find_v if_o they_o be_v but_o faithful_a to_o themselves_o so_o they_o differ_v also_o in_o their_o sense_n and_o signification_n as_o the_o orthodox_n and_o learned_a well_o know_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n matheteusate_fw-it which_o signify_v proper_o to_o disciple_n or_o to_o make_v disciple_n in_o all_o nation_n where_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v glad_o receive_v how_o be_v this_o to_o be_v do_v answ_n even_o as_o god_n teach_v abraham_n when_o he_o instruct_v he_o in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o which_o when_o abraham_n embrace_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o infant-seed_n he_o receive_v glad_o the_o visible_a token_n or_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n of_o grace_n viz._n circumcision_n and_o mark_n out_o his_o infant-seed_n by_o put_v the_o same_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o they_o and_o that_o in_o compliance_n with_o god_n command_n it_o be_v but_o rational_a to_o suppose_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o a_o ordinance_n shall_v be_v person_n adult_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o act_v for_o not_o only_a themselves_o but_o for_o their_o off_o spring_n and_o posterity_n also_o who_o be_v not_o while_o infant_n capable_a of_o act_v for_o themselves_o this_o be_v god_n way_n and_o method_n with_o abraham_n his_o friend_n he_o propound_v his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o he_o and_o in_o he_o to_o his_o seed_n as_o their_o stipulate_v and_o covenant_v head_n and_o representative_a in_o instruct_v abraham_n god_n in_o abraham_n person_n instruct_v his_o infant_n so_o as_o by_o that_o instruction_n his_o infant-seed_n become_v disciple_n and_o be_v according_o sign_v with_o the_o seal_n of_o their_o stipulate_a father_n covenant_n this_o undoubted_o be_v the_o method_n which_o the_o apostle_n go_v in_o when_o they_o be_v send_v forth_o to_o make_v disciple_n to_o christ_n in_o every_o nation_n they_o instruct_v adult_n and_o grow_v person_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n grace_n by_o christ_n and_o when_o such_o lay_v hold_v on_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n by_o a_o external_n profession_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o they_o be_v baptise_a with_o their_o infant_n if_o any_o they_o have_v hence_o we_o read_v of_o the_o jailor_n in_o act_n 16.33_o who_o on_o his_o believe_v be_v baptise_a he_o and_o all_o that_o be_v of_o he_o viz._n his_o own_o personal_a offspring_n so_o the_o greek_a word_n signify_v hence_o also_o we_o read_v of_o whole_a family_n who_o be_v baptise_a by_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o as_o be_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
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