the_o church_n universal_a and_o when_o not_o there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o uncertainty_n by_o what_o how_o and_o when_o to_o esteem_v they_o member_n thereof_o shall_v we_o make_v any_o thing_n else_o the_o rule_n of_o this_o judgement_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o at_o a_o strange_a loss_n to_o give_v right_a judgement_n herein_o for_o example_n shall_v we_o make_v a_o man_n profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_a this_o rule_n then_o the_o question_n will_v be_v whether_o every_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v render_v a_o man_n reputable_o a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n if_o not_o as_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v assert_v that_o it_o do_v than_o the_o question_n will_v be_v to_o what_o degree_n a_o man_n must_v profess_v before_o he_o be_v worthy_a that_o denomination_n and_o who_o be_v able_a here_o to_o give_v the_o rule_n unto_o his_o brother_n yea_o or_o unto_o himself_o either_o but_o that_o he_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o make_v it_o too_o high_a or_o too_o low_a too_o narrow_a or_o too_o wide_a but_o now_o if_o we_o take_v the_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v fit_v to_o our_o hand_n baptism_n i_o mean_v we_o shall_v then_o find_v ourselves_o deliver_v from_o those_o uncertainty_n difficulty_n and_o dis-satisfaction_n yea_o from_o that_o un-evangelical_a arbitrariness_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o otherwise_o will_v of_o necessity_n and_o unavoidable_o befall_v we_o herein_o for_o according_a to_o scripture_n rule_n all_o they_o and_o only_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v visible_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n who_o so_o far_o profess_v repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n faith_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o foundation_n principle_n as_o thereupon_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n as_o engage_v themselves_o thereby_o to_o be_v no_o long_o the_o servant_n of_o sin_n but_o thenceforth_o the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o righteousness_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v the_o proof_n of_o this_o you_o have_v it_o already_o if_o than_o none_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v as_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v than_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v may_v be_v admit_v as_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o it_o be_v altogether_o irregular_a indeed_o absurd_a to_o admit_v any_o into_o particular_a church-fellowship_n who_o be_v not_o first_o visible_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a because_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o particular_a church-member_n receive_v their_o right_n of_o be_v such_o of_o and_z from_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o from_o that_o precedent_n stand_v they_o have_v there_o as_o branch_n and_o member_n of_o it_o as_o the_o special_a must_v and_o do_v agree_v with_o the_o general_a kind_n in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o it_o or_o else_o it_o be_v no_o special_a of_o that_o general_a as_o logician_n speak_v so_o must_v a_o particular_a church_n agree_v with_o the_o universal_a in_o the_o universal_a nature_n of_o it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o particular_a of_o the_o universal_a but_o be_v something_o of_o another_o kind_n but_o now_o baptism_n be_v so_o essential_o formal_o and_o universal_o necessary_a to_o the_o visible_a be_v i_o say_v visible_a be_v of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o of_o every_o member_n of_o it_o as_o that_o it_o be_v the_o distinguish_a mark_n between_o those_o that_o be_v and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o visible_o of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v that_o mean_v or_o only_o visible_a door_n by_o which_o visible_o man_n pass_v out_o of_o the_o world_n into_o the_o church_n from_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n into_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v assign_v this_o office_n unto_o baptism_n i_o have_v former_o prove_v as_o i_o suppose_v and_o be_v the_o vote_n and_o concession_n of_o all_o man_n general_o a_o few_o only_o except_v of_o those_o that_o profess_v christianity_n if_o the_o scripture_n do_v in_o any_o other_o quarter_n of_o they_o repeal_v this_o mean_a and_o ordain_v another_o in_o its_o stead_n or_o do_v assign_v any_o other_o beside_o this_o to_o the_o same_o service_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v direct_v therein_o that_o i_o may_v know_v what_o it_o be_v and_o where_o i_o may_v find_v it_o for_o i_o must_v profess_v my_o total_a ignorance_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n though_o i_o have_v make_v diligent_a search_n for_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o indeed_o god_n way_n and_o method_n to_o levy_v more_o mean_n for_o the_o same_o end_n when_o one_o be_v every_o way_n sufficient_a as_o i_o have_v former_o show_v baptism_n then_o be_v so_o much_o of_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v as_o that_o no_o man_n can_v according_a to_o scripture-rule_a esteem_v any_o one_o due_o and_o regular_o a_o member_n thereof_o without_o it_o those_o particular_a church_n or_o church-member_n then_o that_o partake_v not_o hereof_o can_v in_o due_a form_n of_o evangelical_n law_n nor_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v esteem_v particucular_a church_n or_o church-member_n of_o the_o universal_a but_o either_o of_o some_o other_o kind_n or_o at_o the_o best_a of_o a_o un-evangelical_a form_n and_o constitution_n 4._o this_o be_v god_n method_n order_n and_o way_n of_o bring_v man_n into_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o church-communion_n and_o church_n privilege_n viz._n through_o the_o door_n of_o baptism_n as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v this_o very_a method_n and_o order_n of_o he_o aught_o to_o be_v very_o sacred_a unto_o we_o and_o inviolable_o observe_v by_o we_o for_o as_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n so_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n viz._n which_o he_o have_v command_v in_o church-affair_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n 1_o cor._n 14.40_o now_o what_o be_v it_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o order_n but_o to_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o its_o due_a place_n that_o first_o which_o in_o order_n of_o institution_n be_v first_o and_o that_o afterward_o which_o have_v a_o relative_a dependence_n upon_o that_o which_o go_v before_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o beautiful_a harmony_n and_o comely_a agreement_n between_o the_o way_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ordinance_n and_o ordinance_n when_o each_o of_o they_o be_v observe_v in_o that_o order_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o they_o in_o which_o respect_n i_o suppose_v the_o tabernacle_n or_o house_n of_o god_n of_o old_a be_v call_v the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n or_o the_o ordinannance_n thereof_o the_o comely_a honour_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n as_o master_n ainsworth_n tender_v it_o which_o yet_o be_v but_o a_o pattern_n of_o heavenly_a i._n e._n spiritual_a or_o gospel_n thing_n heb._n 9.23_o and_o 8.5_o the_o which_o spiritual_a beauty_n be_v behold_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n at_o colosse_n he_o be_v much_o take_v there_o with_o joy_v and_o behold_v your_o order_n etc._n etc._n coloss_n 2.5_o i.e._n joy_v to_o behold_v your_o order_n which_o argue_v that_o this_o order_n of_o they_o be_v a_o lovely_a object_n and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o every_o one_o of_o they_o who_o have_v devote_v themselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o gospel_n to_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o master_n and_o of_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o house_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o piece_n of_o comeliness_n or_o beauty_n more_o in_o one_o way_n than_o there_o be_v in_o another_o as_o doubless_v there_o be_v more_o in_o god_n order_n and_o method_n than_o there_o be_v in_o that_o which_o be_v but_o of_o man_n it_o will_v well_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o be_v zealous_a of_o that_o the_o best_a way_n and_o method_n of_o do_v the_o best_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v covet_v as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a thing_n themselves_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o well_o please_v unto_o god_n to_o have_v his_o own_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o order_n so_o it_o be_v a_o provocation_n to_o he_o to_o have_v his_o way_n and_o order_n neglect_v and_o another_o introduce_v instead_o of_o it_o yea_o though_o such_o a_o disorder_n proceed_v from_o no_o wicked_a intent_n out_o from_o inadvertancie_n only_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n say_v david_n make_v a_o breach_n upon_o we_o for_o that_o we_o seek_v he_o not_o after_o the_o due_a order_n 1_o chron._n 15.13_o mean_v in_o that_o stroke_n upon_o vzzah_n who_o do_v but_o touch_v the_o ark_n out_o of_o a_o intent_n doubtless_o to_o uphold_v it_o upon_o the_o stumble_n of_o the_o ox_n otherwise_o then_o god_n order_n be_v and_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o the_o
which_o shall_v have_v render_v they_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o christian_n indeed_o while_o they_o have_v fancy_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o christendom_n as_o they_o call_v it_o i._n e._n that_o baptism_n which_o they_o receive_v in_o their_o infancy_n for_o whereas_o they_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v be_v baptise_a into_o christ_n and_o thereby_o receive_v into_o the_o number_n of_o christ_n flock_n and_o incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n by_o that_o baptism_n they_o have_v hereupon_o presume_v themselves_o good_a christian_n and_o in_o safe_a condition_n and_o have_v take_v it_o ill_o that_o any_o shall_v make_v question_n to_o the_o contrary_a though_o otherwise_o they_o have_v have_v little_o more_o than_o this_o upon_o which_o to_o build_v such_o a_o confidence_n whereas_o otherwise_o if_o they_o can_v not_o have_v attain_v so_o much_o as_o the_o name_n and_o repute_v of_o christian_n much_o less_o the_o hope_n of_o that_o salvation_n which_o belong_v to_o christian_n indeed_o without_o a_o manifestation_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n precede_v their_o baptism_n and_o their_o reception_n of_o baptism_n thereupon_o which_o yet_o be_v the_o gospel_n way_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o million_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n will_v have_v quit_v themselves_o upon_o far_o better_a term_n than_o now_o they_o have_v do_v in_o labour_v after_o knowledge_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o such_o other_o qualification_n as_o will_v have_v render_v they_o meet_v for_o baptism_n and_o consequent_o for_o communion_n in_o other_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v have_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o confidence_n of_o be_v christian_n and_o the_o repute_n of_o such_o and_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n which_o belong_v to_o those_o that_o be_v such_o indeed_o for_o man_n extreme_a impatience_n of_o not_o be_v repute_v christian_n indeed_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o infant_n baptism_n and_o that_o slender_a and_o contradictory_n profession_n which_o they_o make_v argue_v the_o name_n and_o repute_v of_o such_o and_o that_o hope_v they_o have_v thereby_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o dear_a and_o precious_a to_o they_o as_o that_o they_o will_v do_v much_o more_o than_o now_o they_o do_v for_o the_o gain_n of_o it_o if_o they_o have_v it_o not_o upon_o such_o easy_a term_n as_o now_o they_o have_v as_o man_n have_v order_v the_o matter_n second_o from_o what_o else_o then_o the_o practice_n of_o infant_n baptism_n have_v proceed_v the_o church_a of_o whole_a nation_n and_o kingdom_n while_o all_o infant_n in_o a_o nation_n except_o such_o as_o have_v be_v prevent_v by_o death_n have_v be_v baptise_a and_o thereby_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o if_o so_o why_o may_v we_o not_o say_v that_o the_o national_a church_n officer_n the_o bishop_n yea_o the_o universal_a bishop_n himself_o the_o pope_n have_v grow_v out_o of_o the_o same_o root_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o national_a baptism_n in_o this_o kind_n as_o doubtless_o there_o will_v not_o if_o baptism_n have_v not_o be_v to_o be_v have_v but_o upon_o scripture_n term_n viz._n apparent_a repentance_n and_o faith_n precede_v then_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o national_a church_n that_o be_v as_o to_o outward_a form_n the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v build_v and_o door_n of_o entrance_n thereinto_o and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o national_a church_n there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o national_a church_n officer_n and_o if_o no_o national_a church_n officer_n then_o sure_o no_o universal_a officer_n over_o all_o national_a both_o church_n and_o officer_n so_o that_o infant_n baptism_n may_v well_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la that_o without_o which_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o of_o these_o will_v have_v be_v as_o now_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o how_o small_a a_o matter_n or_o innocent_a thing_n soever_o infant_n baptism_n seem_v to_o most_o yet_o who_o may_v not_o see_v if_o they_o will_v but_o serious_o consider_v it_o that_o the_o evil_n and_o mischief_n that_o have_v take_v place_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o take_a place_n of_o national_a church_n and_o their_o officer_n and_o the_o head_n of_o they_o all_o the_o pope_n may_v in_o great_a part_n be_v charge_v upon_o that_o dangerous_a error_n infant_n baptism_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v and_o what_o a_o dishonour_n and_o reproach_n have_v it_o be_v to_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o head_n of_o such_o church_n and_o that_o such_o vile_a and_o unworthy_a person_n shall_v be_v esteem_v member_n of_o his_o body_n as_o those_o national_a church_n and_o the_o person_n of_o who_o they_o have_v most_o consist_v have_v be_v as_o if_o christ_n and_o belial_n have_v be_v well_o agree_v beside_o these_o nationall_n corrupt_a indeed_o antichristian_a church_n have_v in_o great_a part_n thrust_v out_o the_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o discipline_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o administration_n of_o ordinance_n and_o have_v contemper_v themselves_o in_o constitution_n discipline_n and_o worship_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o world_n by_o which_o they_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v inspire_v and_o act_v and_o therefore_o however_o this_o after_o baptism_n as_o it_o be_v call_v be_v charge_v with_o rend_v and_o tear_v of_o church_n which_o in_o true_a construction_n be_v but_o a_o rend_n and_o divide_v of_o person_n from_o church_n of_o a_o undue_a and_o humane_a constitution_n that_o they_o may_v be_v gather_v into_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n own_o make_v and_o such_o a_o division_n as_o this_o the_o gospel_n have_v always_o wrought_v in_o the_o world_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o or_o other_o of_o its_o truth_n luke_n 12.51_o yet_o indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o fiducial_a baptism_n i._n e._n the_o baptise_v of_o man_n after_o they_o believe_v but_o infant_n baptism_n that_o be_v true_o guilty_a of_o rend_v and_o tear_v indeed_o of_o dissolve_v the_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o three_o place_n though_o those_o congregationall_a or_o independent_a church_n as_o they_o be_v call_v have_v conceive_v with_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v provide_v well_o against_o that_o sin_n of_o corrupt_v and_o carnalize_a church_n of_o which_o the_o nationall_n and_o parochial_a association_n be_v guilty_a by_o that_o separation_n which_o they_o have_v make_v from_o they_o yet_o upon_o due_a consideration_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o have_v but_o only_o for_o the_o present_a lop_v off_o some_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a branch_n but_o have_v not_o at_o all_o take_v away_o the_o root_n that_o bear_v they_o for_o their_o practice_n of_o baptise_v their_o infant_n and_o thereupon_o imbody_v they_o with_o themselves_o will_v within_o the_o space_n and_o compass_v of_o less_o than_o a_o age_n as_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a render_v these_o church_n also_o muchwhat_a as_o carnal_a as_o the_o parochial_a and_o nationall_n be_v for_o whatsoever_o child_n be_v while_o but_o infant_n during_o which_o time_n i_o can_v but_o hold_v their_o condition_n good_a and_o safe_a god-ward_n the_o scripture_n favourable_a aspect_n that_o way_n consider_v yet_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n they_o so_o corrupt_v themselves_o with_o actual_a sin_n even_o the_o child_n of_o good_a man_n as_o well_o as_o bad_a as_o that_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n must_v take_v place_n concern_v they_o joh._n 3.3_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o without_o controversy_n those_o who_o in_o reason_n can_v on_o this_o account_n be_v judge_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n can_v in_o reason_n be_v judge_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o with_o his_o saint_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o very_o rare_a for_o person_n to_o be_v as_o early_o in_o their_o repentance_n and_o faith_n as_o in_o their_o actual_a sin_v which_o yet_o have_v no_o promise_n of_o pardon_n without_o a_o actual_a turn_n unto_o god_n i_o leave_v to_o themselves_o to_o consider_v who_o experience_n and_o observation_n i_o doubt_v not_o will_v incline_v they_o to_o conclude_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v in_o all_o probability_n but_o that_o such_o church_n if_o they_o shall_v continue_v for_o the_o space_n of_o a_o age_n in_o that_o way_n in_o which_o they_o now_o be_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n consist_v in_o great_a part_n of_o carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a person_n as_o the_o parochial_a church_n do_v if_o any_o shall_v conceive_v this_o a_o convenient_a remedy_n against_o this_o evil_a viz._n to_o excommunicate_a child_n
or_o youth_n about_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o come_v to_o know_v the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a at_o which_o time_n they_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o actual_a transgression_n and_o consequent_o put_v themselves_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o conversion_n to_o wit_n repentance_n and_o faith_n for_o the_o obtain_n remission_n of_o those_o actual_a sin_n and_o therefore_o in_o reason_n can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o regenerate_v until_o the_o fruit_n worthy_a amendment_n of_o life_n and_o of_o faith_n do_v appear_v though_o this_o remedy_n i_o say_v shall_v be_v think_v on_o which_o be_v not_o likely_a yet_o for_o they_o to_o retain_v they_o in_o the_o church_n whilst_o infant_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n be_v such_o a_o thing_n which_o as_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n prescribe_v it_o so_o i_o believe_v my_o own_o observation_n in_o some_o other_o case_n prompt_v i_o hereunto_o it_o will_v prove_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a difficulty_n then_o indulgent_a parentall_a member_n will_v know_v how_o to_o overcome_v if_o any_o shall_v think_v to_o prevent_v this_o more_o than_o inconvenience_n another_o way_n viz._n by_o baptise_v infant_n into_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o not_o receive_v they_o into_o any_o particular_a church_n till_o they_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n towards_o god_n or_o else_o if_o they_o do_v receive_v they_o into_o a_o particular_a church_n shall_v think_v to_o prevent_v this_o by_o not_o admit_v they_o unto_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o other_o ordinance_n till_o they_o can_v give_v the_o aforesaid_a account_n herein_o likewise_o beside_o the_o evil_a of_o unregenerate_a person_n permissive_a abode_n in_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v give_v a_o rule_n unto_o themselves_o which_o god_n have_v not_o give_v for_o whoever_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v and_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la be_v member_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n be_v fit_a also_o to_o be_v member_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o whosoever_o be_v member_n of_o particular_a church_n can_v according_o to_o any_o rule_n in_o scripture_n that_o i_o know_v be_v exclude_v part_n and_o fellowship_n in_o any_o the_o ordinance_n there_o administer_v for_o during_o the_o time_n in_o which_o god_n will_v have_v infant_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o partaker_n of_o one_o ordinance_n to_o wit_n circumcision_n he_o do_v neither_o order_n their_o excommunication_n out_o of_o the_o church_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o unregeneration_n when_o they_o become_v actual_a sinner_n nor_o yet_o debar_v they_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o any_o other_o ordinance_n till_o sign_n of_o their_o regeneration_n appear_v nor_o be_v they_o exclude_v communion_n in_o any_o the_o ordinance_n of_o that_o church_n at_o any_o time_n from_o their_o very_a infancy_n otherwise_o or_o long_o than_o the_o term_n of_o natural_a necessity_n and_o debility_n do_v impose_v it_o upon_o they_o nor_o do_v it_o at_o all_o follow_v that_o infant_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v church_n member_n under_o the_o gospel_n because_o they_o be_v so_o under_o the_o law_n as_o some_o vain_o imagine_v nor_o yet_o that_o person_n of_o like_a disqualification_n may_v be_v admit_v into_o or_o continue_v in_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o may_v be_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o under_o the_o law_n no_o more_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o gospel_n ministration_n be_v carnal_a beggarly_a weak_a and_o unprofitable_a because_o that_o of_o the_o law_n be_v such_o heb._n 7.18_o &_o 9.10_o gal._n 4.9_o for_o under_o the_o law_n church_n membership_n be_v vest_v in_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n in_o which_o capacity_n infant_n be_v as_o well_o as_o man_n but_o under_o the_o gospel_n that_o privilege_n be_v proper_a only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v or_o appear_v to_o be_v his_o spiritual_a seed_n to_o wit_n believer_n gal._n 3.7_o 26-29_a rom._n 9.8_o in_o which_o capacity_n infant_n be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n spiritual_a defilement_n such_o as_o be_v ignorance_n unbelief_n or_o moral_a pollution_n such_o as_o be_v extortion_n rail_v covetousness_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o exclude_v person_n from_o church_n membership_n if_o they_o do_v but_o keep_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 9.9_o 10._o stand_v only_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o divers_a wash_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n impose_v on_o they_o until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n which_o can_v not_o make_v he_o that_o do_v the_o service_n perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n which_o yet_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o perform_v but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n both_o spiritual_a and_o moral_a defilement_n such_o as_o be_v ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o his_o way_n unbelief_n covetousness_n drunkenness_n rail_v extortion_n etc._n etc._n do_v de_fw-fr jure_fw-la exclude_v person_n from_o church_n fellowship_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o &_o 15.34_o under_o the_o law_n as_o the_o service_n and_o administration_n of_o that_o church_n do_v consist_v of_o element_n of_o the_o world_n beggarly_a rudiment_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n gal._n 4.3.9_o heb._n 9.10_o so_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n that_o be_v permit_v communion_n in_o those_o ordinance_n 65.2_o isa_n 53.1_o &_o 8_o 18._o &_o 10.22_o heb._n 4_o 2._o psal_n 81.11_o isa_n 65.2_o be_v at_o least_o sometime_o for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o carnal_a likewise_o in_o which_o respect_n infant_n and_o youth_n be_v not_o less_o capable_a of_o church_n membership_n than_o they_o but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n require_v such_o only_a to_o worship_v he_o in_o his_o church_n as_o can_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o will_v have_v his_o church_n to_o be_v spiritual_a house_n build_v of_o live_a stone_n to_o wit_n such_o as_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v a_o holy_a priesthood_n to_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n acceptable_a to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n joh._n 4.23_o 24._o 1_o pet._n 1.5_o in_o which_o capacity_n infant_n be_v not_o so_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_n for_o other_o pretension_n beside_o these_o i_o know_v none_o infant_n baptism_n be_v in_o a_o little_a time_n like_o to_o prove_v a_o corrupt_a of_o the_o way_n the_o and_o doubtless_o that_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n church_n way_n wherein_o provision_n for_o church_n purity_n be_v make_v but_o only_o for_o one_o age_n or_o half_a one_o rather_o upon_o which_o account_n among_o other_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o mark_n and_o to_o miss_v of_o god_n way_n independent_a church_n themselves_o as_o well_o as_o it_o have_v be_v of_o the_o nationall_n which_o one_o will_v think_v be_v to_o they_o argument_n enough_o alone_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o premise_n therefore_o consider_v infant_n baptism_n that_o have_v prove_v so_o great_a a_o snare_n to_o man_n to_o think_v themselves_o secure_a in_o a_o unsafe_a condition_n that_o have_v be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o bottom_n mean_v of_o erect_v church_n contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n pattern_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o who_o they_o pretend_v relation_n and_o set_v of_o antichristian_a officer_n over_o they_o yea_o and_o be_v likely_a also_o in_o a_o little_a time_n to_o leaven_n even_o those_o church_n themselves_o that_o have_v be_v look_v after_o some_o reformation_n and_o purity_n that_o baptism_n i_o say_v be_v questionless_a no_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n as_o true_a baptism_n be_v but_o of_o ungodliness_n of_o which_o to_o i_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a promotresse_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o to_o i_o it_o clear_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o those_o that_o love_v the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o affair_n both_o in_o his_o church_n and_o in_o the_o world_n both_o which_o have_v suffer_v so_o deep_o by_o the_o spring_a up_o of_o this_o root_n of_o bitterness_n as_o be_v in_o part_n before_o express_v to_o endeavour_v with_o all_o their_o might_n in_o a_o christian_a way_n the_o extirpation_n of_o so_o evil_a a_o custom_n as_o this_o have_v be_v and_o the_o restitution_n of_o primitive_a baptism_n as_o one_o of_o those_o law_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o corrupt_a time_n have_v make_v void_a as_o indeed_o they_o have_v do_v many_o other_o upon_o which_o account_n i_o shall_v further_o encounter_v the_o one_o and_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o other_o in_o the_o ensue_a argument_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v thou_o with_o humble_a request_n to_o god_n to_o give_v thou_o a_o upright_a heart_n and_o single_a eye_n in_o thy_o
the_o profession_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o which_o do_v declare_v who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n than_o this_o say_n of_o he_o that_o because_o they_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n that_o therefore_o they_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n be_v a_o good_a reason_n or_o proof_n of_o their_o be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o their_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n because_o by_o their_o put_v on_o of_o christ_n in_o baptism_n and_o clothing_n themselves_o with_o his_o name_n they_o do_v declare_v who_o child_n they_o be_v and_o who_o it_o be_v they_o worship_v and_o resolve_v to_o serve_v and_o from_o who_o they_o expect_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n for_o so_o to_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o to_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o belief_n profession_n and_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o resign_v up_o one_o self_n to_o be_v he_o if_o you_o be_v christ_n say_v he_o verse_n 29._o as_o he_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v upon_o that_o very_a account_n of_o their_o be_v baptize_v into_o he_o as_o will_v appear_v if_o you_o compare_v v._o 27_o 28_o 29._o together_o if_o you_o be_v christ_n then_o be_v you_o abraham_n seed_n and_o heir_n according_a to_o promise_v the_o upshot_n or_o result_v then_o of_o this_o piece_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n be_v that_o person_n by_o baptism_n do_v make_v such_o a_o profession_n of_o christ_n as_o by_o which_o they_o be_v characterise_v to_o be_v he_o if_o this_o than_o be_v the_o characteristical_a mark_n to_o distinguish_v the_o child_n of_o god_n from_o the_o world_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o other_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n without_o this_o or_o with_o neglect_n of_o this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o any_o other_o than_o a_o partial_a own_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o a_o complete_a put_v he_o on_o so_o as_o to_o be_v esteem_v thereby_o visible_o the_o child_n of_o god_n which_o thing_n may_v be_v yet_o further_o confirm_v by_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v the_o baptism_n by_o water_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o interpreter_n so_o far_o as_o their_o judgement_n herein_o be_v come_v to_o any_o knowledge_n and_o observation_n the_o body_n into_o which_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n make_v up_o of_o christ_n as_o head_n and_o of_o the_o saint_n as_o member_n in_o that_o by_o one_o spirit_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v baptize_v hereinto_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v i_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o their_o heart_n by_o which_o man_n be_v incline_v to_o seek_v membership_n or_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o saint_n in_o this_o way_n of_o baptism_n as_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o attain_v hereunto_o but_o that_o which_o be_v principal_o for_o our_o purpose_n be_v that_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v initiate_v and_o bring_v into_o this_o body_n by_o baptism_n they_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n and_o if_o their_o entrance_n thereinto_o be_v make_v by_o baptism_n then_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v to_o be_v of_o this_o body_n till_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o consequent_o that_o baptism_n be_v the_o visible_a door_n by_o which_o man_n enter_v into_o this_o spiritual_a corporation_n and_o a_o wall_n of_o partition_n between_o the_o world_n and_o the_o saint_n those_o scripture_n witness_v the_o same_o thing_n also_o which_o speak_v of_o man_n be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n and_o of_o their_o be_v plant_v together_o with_o he_o rom._n 6.3_o 5._o gal._n 3.27_o for_o can_v we_o conclude_v less_o hence_o then_o that_o man_n visible_a being_n in_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o baptism_n that_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o immediate_a instrument_n or_o mean_n of_o their_o visible_a ingression_n into_o he_o for_o otherwise_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o have_v a_o visible_a be_v in_o christ_n by_o any_o act_n endowment_n or_o qualification_n precede_v baptism_n why_o shall_v their_o ingression_n their_o entrance_n into_o christ_n be_v attribute_v unto_o their_o baptism_n if_o man_n own_v of_o christ_n which_o still_o do_v precede_v their_o baptism_n have_v be_v sufficient_a as_o god_n account_v sufficient_a to_o have_v assert_v or_o declare_v their_o visible_a or_o cognisible_a stand_n in_o christ_n doubtless_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v not_o have_v ascribe_v or_o rather_o appropriate_v the_o same_o unto_o their_o baptism_n as_o now_o he_o have_v do_v for_o as_o paul_n speak_v in_o another_o case_n gal._n 3.21_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o law_n give_v which_o can_v have_v give_v life_n very_o righteousness_n shall_v have_v be_v by_o the_o law_n if_o the_o law_n have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v give_v life_n god_n will_v not_o have_v superadd_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o same_o end_n for_o he_o make_v nothing_o in_o vain_a so_o we_o may_v say_v in_o this_o case_n if_o any_o qualification_n action_n or_o profession_n precede_v baptism_n can_v have_v render_v man_n being_n in_o christ_n knowable_a upon_o term_n agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n he_o will_v not_o have_v superadd_v baptism_n for_o the_o same_o end_n but_o it_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o this_o case_n as_o it_o be_v among_o man_n a_o major_a or_o sheriff_n receive_v that_o kind_n of_o civil_a or_o magistratical_a be_v by_o which_o he_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o man_n from_o some_o solemn_a act_n do_v at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o installment_n into_o his_o office_n and_o as_o a_o husband_n and_o wife_n receive_v that_o conjugal_a relation_n and_o matrimonial_a be_v proper_a to_o they_o from_o some_o solemn_a act_n do_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o marriage_n or_o as_o a_o man_n receive_v a_o relative_a be_v as_o member_n of_o such_o a_o corporation_n by_o some_o solemn_a act_n do_v at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o enfranchisement_n even_o so_o according_a to_o the_o import_n of_o these_o scripture_n now_o insist_v on_o man_n and_o woman_n receive_v that_o relative_a be_v which_o they_o have_v in_o christ_n and_o as_o visible_a member_n of_o that_o spiritual_a corporation_n wherein_o christ_n be_v head_n and_o chief_a from_o that_o solemn_a act_n of_o their_o be_v baptize_v into_o he_o and_o as_o a_o major_a or_o sheriff_n be_v not_o vest_v with_o his_o authority_n or_o husband_n and_o wife_n with_o that_o power_n over_o the_o body_n of_o each_o other_o of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 7.4_o nor_o yet_o any_o member_n of_o a_o body_n corporate_a with_o those_o immunity_n proper_a to_o he_o by_o any_o prequalification_n or_o action_n preparatory_a thereunto_o until_o first_o that_o be_v act_v and_o do_v by_o way_n of_o solemnity_n which_o appropriate_o and_o immediate_o do_v invest_v they_o with_o their_o several_a and_o respective_a capacity_n in_o like_a manner_n none_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o capable_a of_o those_o spiritual_a privilege_n which_o visible_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o precedaneous_a qualification_n profession_n or_o action_n whatsoever_o until_o first_o they_o have_v pass_v through_o those_o spiritual_a solemnity_n in_o baptism_n by_o and_o upon_o which_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o denomination_n and_o visible_a privilege_n which_o do_v belong_v in_o common_a to_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n by_o the_o way_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o more_o large_o upon_o this_o particular_a to_o detect_v the_o repugnancy_n of_o that_o opinion_n against_o the_o plain_a current_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o hold_v baptism_n needless_a useless_a among_o those_o that_o have_v long_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o as_o yet_o never_o be_v baptize_v but_o it_o may_v be_v i_o shall_v deal_v further_o with_o this_o conceit_n in_o a_o place_n by_o itself_o and_o therefore_o shall_v come_v to_o bring_v home_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v on_o this_o head_n to_o our_o present_a purpose_n if_o then_o that_o public_a own_n of_o christ_n in_o baptism_n by_o which_o man_n put_v he_o on_o and_o by_o and_o upon_o which_o they_o be_v incorporate_v into_o christ_n visible_o be_v another_o end_n and_o use_v of_o baptism_n as_o you_o see_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o this_o end_n and_o use_n be_v
it_o be_v not_o intolerable_a presumption_n and_o boldness_n for_o any_o man_n to_o alter_v the_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o wipe_v out_o baptism_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v as_o part_v of_o the_o legacy_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n the_o apostle_n say_v though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o man_n testament_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v confirm_v no_o man_n disannul_v or_o add_v thereto_o gal._n 3.15_o and_o shall_v vain_a man_n make_v more_o bold_a with_o his_o redeemer_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n by_o who_o he_o must_v be_v short_o judge_v than_o the_o most_o ordinary_a ingenuity_n will_v suffer_v he_o to_o do_v with_o man_n when_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o go_v or_o if_o they_o will_v say_v that_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o have_v make_v any_o alteration_n in_o this_o behalf_n or_o that_o he_o ever_o do_v appropriate_a baptism_n to_o the_o elder_a brethren_n viz._n the_o primitive_a believer_n with_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o young_a brethren_n to_o 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corrupt_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n revel_v 2.24_o 25._o but_o unto_o you_o i_o say_v and_o unto_o the_o rest_n in_o thyatira_n as_o many_o at_o have_v not_o this_o doctrine_n and_o which_o have_v not_o know_v the_o depth_n of_o satan_n as_o they_o speak_v i_o will_v put_v upon_o you_o none_o other_o burden_n but_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o hold_v fast_o until_o i_o come_v see_v the_o like_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n revel_v 3.3_o and_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n revel_v 3.11_o and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o 2_o thess_n 2.15_o however_o other_o be_v look_v after_o other_o doctrine_n then_o what_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o christ_n or_o by_o his_o apostle_n yet_o say_v he_o as_o for_o you_o that_o have_v not_o this_o doctrine_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o corrupt_v with_o any_o new_a doctrine_n i_o will_v impose_v no_o further_o burden_n upon_o you_o than_o the_o keep_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o you_o have_v be_v already_o teach_v and_o have_v receive_v but_o as_o for_o these_o say_v he_o hold_v they_o fast_o till_o i_o come_v as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o christ_n that_o that_o church_n in_o the_o succession_n of_o its_o member_n shall_v have_v continue_v a_o pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a church_n until_o he_o shall_v come_v again_o so_o it_o be_v his_o will_n likewise_o that_o what_o ever_o ordinance_n they_o then_o have_v and_o sure_o baptism_n be_v not_o yet_o extinct_a according_a to_o our_o adversary_n own_o opinion_n the_o apostle_n john_n be_v yet_o alive_a the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v fast_o by_o they_o in_o the_o pure_a use_n of_o they_o even_o until_o his_o second_o come_v also_o for_o gospel_n ordinance_n among_o which_o baptism_n at_o least_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v one_o do_v not_o die_v with_o the_o apostle_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o teach_v other_o the_o same_o thing_n they_o themselves_o have_v learn_v from_o christ_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o matth._n 28.20_o so_o those_o that_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n be_v to_o transmit_v and_o carry_v over_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o other_o that_o shall_v come_v after_o they_o which_o they_o themselves_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o those_o also_o of_o the_o second_o remove_n from_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o hand_n over_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o the_o next_o generation_n to_o they_o and_o so_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o till_o christ_n shall_v come_v again_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o gospel_n ministration_n as_o at_o his_o first_o come_v he_o do_v put_v a_o period_n to_o the_o legal_a the_o thing_n that_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o among_o many_o witness_n the_o same_o commit_v thou_o to_o faithful_a man_n who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o also_o 2_o tim._n 2.2_o just_o as_o it_o be_v in_o israel_n of_o old_a when_o god_n have_v first_o give_v they_o the_o law_n and_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n those_o ordinance_n do_v not_o cease_v when_o moses_n cease_v to_o be_v any_o more_o among_o they_o but_o one_o generation_n be_v to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v another_o the_o knowledge_n and_o observation_n of_o those_o law_n and_o ordinance_n until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n psal_n 78.5_o 6_o 7._o for_o he_o establish_v a_o testimony_n in_o jacob_n and_o appoint_v a_o law_n in_o israel_n which_o he_o command_v our_o father_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v they_o know_v to_o their_o child_n that_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v may_v know_v they_o even_o the_o child_n who_o shall_v be_v bear_v who_o shall_v arise_v and_o declare_v they_o to_o their_o child_n that_o they_o may_v set_v their_o hope_n in_o god_n and_o not_o forget_v the_o work_n of_o god_n but_o keep_v his_o commandment_n the_o will_n and_o testament_n of_o christ_n then_o be_v ratify_v in_o his_o blood_n and_o confirm_v by_o his_o death_n 1_o cor._n 11.25_o heb._n 9.16_o 17._o he_o that_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o disannul_v or_o alter_v it_o to_o put_v out_o and_o put_v in_o at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o to_o say_v this_o part_n of_o it_o remain_v in_o force_n and_o that_o do_v not_o as_o touch_v such_o thing_n as_o at_o the_o first_o be_v enjoin_v christian_n as_o christian_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v paul_n himself_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n that_o shall_v do_v it_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v esteem_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o 9_o rev._n 22.18_o 19_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o severe_a against_o those_o alteration_n in_o the_o will_n and_o testament_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o perhaps_o some_o man_n may_v count_v matter_n of_o no_o great_a moment_n because_o by_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o one_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o whole_a gospel_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v thereby_o undermine_v as_o touch_v its_o credit_n and_o authority_n with_o they_o for_o as_o the_o say_n be_v in_o the_o civil_a law_n he_o that_o have_v wrong_v one_o have_v threaten_v many_o or_o rather_o as_o the_o apostle_n james_n have_v it_o jam._n 2.10_o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o so_o very_o they_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o deny_v the_o continuation_n of_o baptism_n in_o the_o church_n do_v in_o effect_n deny_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o and_o the_o gospel_n itself_o too_o as_o too_o many_o now_o a_o day_n have_v do_v who_o at_o first_o begin_v but_o where_o those_o antibaptist_n do_v begin_v because_o all_o the_o rest_n both_o doctrine_n and_o ordinance_n stand_v but_o upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n and_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n as_o baptism_n itself_o do_v and_o he_o that_o think_v he_o may_v make_v bold_a to_o slight_v the_o one_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n which_o be_v none_o at_o all_o due_o so_o call_v to_o proceed_v to_o despise_v the_o other_o and_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o if_o the_o devil_n be_v too_o hard_a for_o he_o in_o the_o one_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v he_o till_o he_o have_v bring_v he_o to_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o to_o such_o as_o be_v nibble_v and_o tamper_n with_o this_o or_o any_o other_o sacred_a ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o way_n of_o question_v its_o authority_n and_o perpetuity_n my_o advice_n to_o such_o shall_v be_v in_o this_o case_n the_o same_o which_o solomon_n give_v in_o another_o prov._n 17.14_o the_o beginning_n of_o strife_n be_v as_o when_o one_o let_v out_o water_n therefore_o
or_o reason_n of_o his_o exhortation_n to_o be_v of_o as_o large_a a_o extent_n as_o his_o exhortation_n itself_o otherwise_o you_o reflect_v disparagement_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o will_v use_v such_o a_o argument_n to_o persuade_v the_o whole_a church_n which_o concern_v only_o but_o a_o part_n of_o they_o but_o now_o if_o you_o will_v suppose_v the_o apostle_n foundation_n suitable_a to_o his_o build_n and_o such_o as_o will_v bear_v it_o than_o you_o must_v conclude_v that_o as_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v persuade_v to_o mortification_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o engagement_n thereunto_o in_o and_o by_o their_o baptism_n so_o also_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v former_o put_v themselves_o under_o such_o a_o engagement_n by_o their_o baptism_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v baptize_v 3._o last_o beside_o all_o this_o such_o a_o supposition_n that_o these_o church_n do_v consist_v partly_o of_o person_n unbaptise_v as_o well_o as_o of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v do_v cross_v those_o other_o scripture_n by_o which_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o none_o do_v due_o in_o a_o visible_a way_n enter_v into_o the_o universal_a church_n much_o less_o into_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v subordinate_a thereunto_o but_o by_o the_o door_n or_o through_o the_o water_n of_o baptism_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o say_v that_o some_o be_v but_o that_o all_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n i.e._n into_o one_o church_n body_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o 2._o other_o they_o object_v further_o thus_o object_n 2_o that_o such_o person_n as_o have_v repent_v and_o do_v believe_v and_o which_o be_v sanctify_v be_v fit_a matter_n whereof_o to_o make_v a_o church_n and_o according_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n for_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n rom._n 1.7_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o and_o sometime_o the_o faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n ephes_n 1.1_o and_o the_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o christ_n col._n 1.2_o and_o therefore_o in_o as_o much_o as_o many_o of_o those_o who_o though_o they_o have_v not_o be_v baptize_v since_o they_o believe_v yet_o be_v godly_a sanctify_a person_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n fit_a matter_n whereof_o to_o make_v church-member_n aught_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n upon_o their_o desire_n their_o non-baptism_n notwithstanding_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v by_o distinguish_v of_o fitness_n in_o man_n to_o make_v church-member_n answ_n and_o of_o their_o right_n thereunto_o upon_o that_o fitness_n there_o be_v a_o mediate_a and_o a_o immediate_a fitness_n in_o man_n for_o church-membership_n for_o though_o these_o word_n and_o phrase_n be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o distinction_n there_o that_o which_o i_o call_v a_o immediate_a fitness_n be_v such_o a_o qualification_n which_o do_v direct_o dispose_v a_o man_n for_o and_o render_v he_o regular_o capable_a of_o admission_n into_o church-fellowship_n without_o any_o other_o thing_n intervening_a or_o come_v between_o that_o which_o i_o call_v a_o mediate_a fitness_n be_v such_o a_o qualification_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v remote_o and_o to_o a_o degree_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v in_o all_o degree_n one_o only_o except_v render_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o admission_n as_o that_o be_v of_o which_o we_o speak_v but_o yet_o so_o that_o something_o else_o some_o other_o qualification_n than_o any_o yet_o he_o be_v invest_v with_o must_v intervene_v before_o he_o be_v regular_o complete_o and_o according_a to_o gospel-order_n capable_a of_o that_o admission_n according_a to_o this_o latter_a acceptation_n or_o notion_n of_o fitness_n i_o do_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n acknowledge_v that_o very_o many_o unbaptised_a person_n as_o i_o count_v unbaptise_v be_v fit_a to_o make_v church_n member_n that_o be_v they_o be_v so_o fit_a for_o it_o that_o there_o want_v nothing_o else_o to_o make_v they_o fit_a but_o only_o their_o baptismal_a obedience_n to_o wit_n their_o subjection_n to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o require_v they_o to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n unless_o it_o be_v the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n also_o with_o prayer_n in_o order_n to_o their_o receive_v a_o great_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o according_a to_o the_o primitive_a practice_n be_v wont_a to_o follow_v baptism_n act_v 8.15_o 16_o 17._o and_o 19.5_o 6._o hebr._n 6.2_o we_o may_v well_o suppose_v the_o person_n we_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v as_o fit_v for_o church_n communion_n as_o those_o convert_a jew_n be_v act_v 2._o and_o the_o eunuch_n the_o jailor_n and_o other_o be_v upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o belief_n before_o they_o be_v baptize_v but_o that_o they_o be_v immediate_o fit_a for_o admission_n into_o church_n fellowship_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o repentance_n faith_n or_o sanctification_n without_o baptism_n be_v that_o which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v still_o deny_v there_o be_v no_o rule_v case_n in_o scripture_n to_o justify_v such_o a_o admission_n whatever_o the_o faith_n or_o holiness_n of_o any_o man_n be_v before_o yet_o his_o baptism_n do_v still_o precede_v his_o church_n membership_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n as_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v let_v a_o man_n in_o all_o other_o respect_v imaginable_a be_v as_o fit_a as_o fitness_n itself_o can_v make_v he_o to_o be_v the_o husband_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o woman_n yet_o he_o may_v not_o enjoy_v she_o as_o a_o man_n enjoy_v his_o wife_n this_o his_o fitness_n notwithstanding_o until_o the_o solemnity_n of_o marriage_n be_v pass_v between_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n may_v no_o man_n regular_o and_o in_o due_a form_n of_o gospel_n proceed_v be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n upon_o any_o account_n of_o fitness_n otherwise_o if_o this_o fit_a and_o preparatory_a qualification_n of_o baptism_n be_v want_v in_o as_o much_o as_o god_n have_v as_o well_o institute_v baptism_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o bring_v man_n into_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o gal._n 3.27_o as_o he_o have_v institute_v marriage_n as_o a_o fit_a mean_n to_o bring_v man_n and_o woman_n into_o that_o civil_a communion_n which_o be_v proper_a only_o to_o man_n and_o wife_n and_o whereas_o those_o church_n to_o which_o the_o scripture_n quotation_n mention_v in_o the_o objection_n relate_v be_v describe_v not_o by_o their_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n but_o by_o their_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o by_o their_o sanctification_n or_o saintship_n i_o will_v to_o this_o say_v these_o three_o thing_n brief_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n 1._o though_o they_o be_v not_o describe_v by_o their_o be_v baptize_v yet_o the_o person_n so_o describe_v be_v baptize_v as_o appear_v by_o other_o passage_n in_o those_o very_a epistle_n where_o the_o say_v description_n be_v as_o rom._n 6.3_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o col._n 2.12_o eph._n 4_o 5._o and_o 5.26_o compare_v with_o act_n 19.1.5_o 2._o when_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n they_o be_v inclusive_o or_o by_o way_n of_o implication_n say_v to_o be_v baptize_v as_o the_o mention_v a_o effect_n suppose_v its_o cause_n so_o do_v their_o sanctification_n suppose_v their_o be_v baptize_v because_o their_o baptism_n be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o their_o sanctification_n ephes_n 5.26_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o his_o church_n say_v he_o do_v it_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o with_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n i.e._n baptism_n by_o the_o word_n they_o word_n and_o baptism_n then_o be_v two_o great_a instrument_n of_o their_o sanctification_n and_o if_o you_o understand_v by_o their_o be_v sanctify_v their_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o set_v apart_o or_o dedicate_v unto_o god_n which_o most_o proper_o answer_v the_o notion_n of_o sanctification_n than_o their_o be_v say_v to_o be_v sanctify_v may_v be_v understand_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o baptism_n in_o special_a though_o not_o that_o only_o because_o by_o their_o baptism_n they_o be_v visible_o put_v into_o a_o new_a condition_n and_o into_o new_a relation_n be_v thereby_o transmit_v or_o carry_v over_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o world_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o saint_n and_o solemn_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n 3._o the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n describe_v those_o of_o the_o church_n aforesaid_a rather_o by_o their_o sanctification_n then_o by_o their_o be_v baptize_v be_v not_o as_o may_v well_o be_v conceive_v because_o baptism_n be_v not_o positive_o necessary_a as_o to_o their_o church_n be_v but_o because_o
sanctification_n be_v more_o comprehensive_a of_o all_o particular_n requisite_a not_o only_o to_o their_o be_v a_o church_n simple_o consider_v as_o such_o but_o also_o as_o unto_o the_o excellency_n of_o such_o a_o be_v for_o their_o sanctification_n the_o thing_n by_o which_o they_o be_v describe_v include_v in_o it_o both_o their_o baptism_n and_o all_o other_o part_n and_o degree_n of_o that_o qualification_n by_o which_o they_o be_v or_o may_v have_v be_v eminent_o the_o church_n of_o god_n whereas_o baptism_n be_v one_o of_o the_o principle_n or_o beginning_n doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o as_o which_o the_o apostle_n leave_v behind_o as_o it_o be_v when_o he_o endeavour_v to_o advance_v the_o hebrew_n church_n to_o high_a perfection_n hebr._n 6.1_o 2_o 3._o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v describe_v they_o by_o this_o his_o description_n of_o they_o will_v have_v fall_v beneath_o their_o qualification_n they_o have_v now_o make_v some_o progress_n in_o christianity_n when_o those_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o they_o these_o thing_n then_o consider_v the_o apostle_n his_o describe_v the_o church_n to_o who_o he_o write_v by_o such_o qualification_n wherein_o baptism_n be_v not_o particular_o mention_v will_v not_o minister_v any_o ground_n of_o make_v church_n member_n of_o such_o who_o be_v not_o baptize_v 3._o object_n 3_o another_o objection_n and_o indeed_o all_o that_o i_o know_v further_o considerable_a be_v this_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n to_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n be_v that_o they_o will_v receive_v such_o as_o be_v but_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n to_o wit_n such_o as_o erroneous_o hold_v it_o necessary_a to_o abstain_v from_o such_o meat_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v indifferent_a and_o lawful_a to_o be_v use_v rom_n 14.1_o 2._o and_o if_o their_o weakness_n in_o the_o faith_n or_o error_n in_o their_o knowledge_n hereabout_o be_v no_o sufficient_a bar_n against_o their_o admission_n into_o church_n fellowship_n then_o why_o shall_v a_o like_a error_n and_o weakness_n in_o man_n now_o about_o baptism_n be_v count_v a_o sufficient_a and_o just_a impediment_n to_o their_o admission_n into_o church_n communion_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o answ_n several_a thing_n may_v be_v consider_v by_o which_o gradual_o we_o may_v come_v to_o a_o clear_a resolution_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o case_n as_o touch_v the_o invalidity_n of_o this_o objection_n as_o 1._o that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o every_o weakness_n in_o faith_n or_o error_n in_o knowledge_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o do_v exclude_v a_o man_n from_o church-fellowship_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o scripture_n now_o mention_v in_o the_o objection_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o every_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n neither_o which_o man_n make_v that_o do_v render_v they_o due_o capable_a of_o it_o for_o then_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n if_o but_o make_v any_o kind_n of_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v admittable_a into_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o dissonant_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o church-communion_n some_o error_n than_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o some_o man_n profess_v the_o gospel_n which_o do_v just_o debar_v they_o from_o church-communion_n 2._o this_o be_v grant_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o the_o end_n man_n may_v be_v upon_o term_n of_o certainty_n be_v to_o know_v what_o error_n they_o be_v which_o do_v the_o jure_v exclude_v man_n from_o church-fellowship_n and_o what_o do_v not_o recourse_n must_v be_v have_v to_o some_o fix_a stand_v rule_n by_o which_o to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n in_o the_o case_n otherwise_o man_n will_v but_o rove_v at_o random_n and_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o make_v such_o error_n exclusive_a of_o man_n church-membership_a which_o be_v not_o as_o likewise_o of_o make_v the_o door_n of_o this_o admission_n wide_o than_o god_n have_v make_v it_o 3._o that_o than_o which_o must_v be_v the_o standard_n by_z and_z according_a to_o which_o to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n in_o the_o case_n must_v be_v that_o thing_n what_o ever_o it_o be_v which_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n as_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a mean_n appropriate_o of_o man_n visible_a union_n with_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v because_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n less_o than_o a_o man_n come_v up_o to_o that_o mean_a what_o ever_o it_o be_v which_o be_v the_o immediate_a inlet_n into_o the_o church_n can_v minister_v either_o a_o right_n or_o opportunity_n of_o his_o be_v of_o the_o church_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n nothing_o more_o than_o this_o can_v be_v due_o insist_v on_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n capable_a thereof_o and_o therefore_o who_o ever_o attain_v thereto_o can_v upon_o any_o account_n of_o infirmity_n otherwise_o be_v just_o debar_v his_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n 4._o that_o thing_n then_o which_o be_v the_o appropriate_a and_o immediate_a mean_n of_o a_o man_n visible_a entrance_n into_o and_o union_n with_o the_o church_n be_v baptism_n it_o be_v as_o the_o bridge_n over_o which_o or_o as_o the_o gate_n through_o which_o man_n declare_o pass_v over_o from_o the_o friendship_n of_o the_o world_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n this_o have_v former_o be_v prove_v and_o therefore_o need_v not_o here_o to_o be_v repeat_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o baptism_n be_v proper_o the_o immediate_a mean_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o whoever_o be_v by_o it_o due_o make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n have_v thereby_o a_o right_a of_o admission_n into_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o not_o otherwise_o 5._o therefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n if_o baptism_n due_o administer_v and_o receive_v or_o man_n come_n up_o to_o the_o law_n and_o term_n of_o its_o due_a administration_n be_v the_o standard_n according_a to_o which_o man_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v meet_v or_o unmeet_a for_o church-communion_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o whatever_o error_n or_o infirmity_n be_v in_o man_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o that_o nature_n as_o to_o detain_v they_o from_o embrace_v baptism_n on_o scripture_n term_n those_o error_n do_v not_o can_v just_o debar_v they_o of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n whatever_o other_o qualification_n there_o be_v in_o man_n towards_o the_o dispose_n and_o fit_v of_o they_o for_o church_n communion_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o command_v of_o any_o such_o error_n which_o cause_v they_o to_o refuse_v baptism_n upon_o those_o term_n according_a to_o which_o upon_o scripture_n account_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v administer_v and_o so_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o formal_a and_o immediate_a mean_n of_o their_o regular_a union_n and_o visible_a conjunction_n with_o the_o church_n that_o error_n do_v necessary_o deprive_v they_o both_o of_o right_n and_o opportunity_n of_o be_v of_o the_o church_n visible_o these_o thing_n then_o be_v due_o consider_v we_o may_v easy_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n about_o the_o two_o case_n mention_v in_o the_o objection_n viz._n whether_o this_o error_n about_o baptism_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v do_v no_o more_o deprive_v man_n of_o a_o right_a of_o admission_n into_o church-fellowship_n than_o that_o weakness_n in_o the_o faith_n do_v of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v for_o that_o error_n about_o abstain_v from_o meat_n which_o be_v the_o weakness_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n there_o speak_v be_v a_o error_n of_o that_o nature_n only_o which_o do_v not_o keep_v they_o that_o be_v under_o it_o from_o close_v with_o baptism_n as_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o church_n i_o mean_v upon_o those_o term_n according_a to_o which_o god_n have_v authorize_v the_o administration_n and_o reception_n of_o it_o but_o that_o they_o may_v and_o do_v repent_v and_o believe_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o term_n quallify_a man_n for_o baptism_n and_o do_v thereupon_o receive_v baptism_n for_o all_o this_o weakness_n of_o they_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o church-communion_n this_o weakness_n of_o they_o notwithstanding_o but_o now_o their_o error_n about_o baptism_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v be_v a_o error_n of_o that_o nature_n by_o which_o they_o be_v keep_v off_o from_o embrace_v baptism_n upon_o scripture_n term_n and_o so_o of_o attain_v to_o and_o make_v use_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o appropriate_a mean_a of_o their_o visible_a union_n with_o the_o church_n this_o error_n of_o they_o do_v in_o a_o direct_a way_n unavoidable_o cut_v they_o short_a both_o of_o right_n and_o opportunity_n of_o a_o regular_a admission_n into_o church-fellowship_n there_o be_v then_o so_o broad_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o two_o error_n compare_v in_o the_o objection_n as_o you_o see_v there_o be_v the_o one_o consist_v with_o the_o other_o be_v repugnant_a to_o that_o very_a mean_a without_o which_o a_o visible_a conjunction_n and_o union_n with_o the_o church_n be_v not_o attainable_a on_o scripture_n term_n it_o therefore_o no_o wise_n follow_v that_o because_o the_o one_o be_v no_o just_a impediment_n unto_o man_n church-fellowship_n that_o therefore_o the_o other_o be_v not_o neither_o for_o where_o thing_n and_o case_n do_v real_o differ_v as_o these_o do_v there_o the_o consequence_n of_o those_o thing_n can_v be_v the_o same_o thus_o have_v finish_v my_o answer_n to_o these_o objection_n i_o suppose_v it_o do_v appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o consideration_n on_o this_o behalf_n these_o objection_n notwithstanding_o that_o person_n baptize_v refuse_v to_o join_v themselves_o in_o church-communion_n with_o those_o who_o be_v unbaptise_v be_v not_o without_o such_o ground_n which_o will_v render_v they_o approve_v in_o so_o do_v errata_fw-la page_n 6._o l._n 29._o for_o to_o r._n by_o p._n 10._o l._n 15._o r._n be_v p._n 16._o l._n 3._o for_o end_n r._n need_v p._n 18._o l._n 19_o for_o disciple_n read_v visible_a member_n p._n 20._o l._n 35_o for_o who_o r._n we_o p._n 21._o l._n 20._o r._n of_o p._n 22._o l._n â—_o r._n no._n p._n 22._o l._n 33._o for_o any_o r._n my_o p._n 84._o l._n 20._o for_o deal_n r._n deelining_n p._n 89._o l._n 7._o r._n to_o p._n p_o 91._o l._n 4._o r._n upon_o p._n 93_o l._n 38._o omit_v old_a p._n 93._o l._n 37._o omit_v the_o deed_n p._n 94._o l._n 30._o omit_v in_o p._n 109._o l._n 7_o for_z into_z r._n unto_o p._n 109_o l._n 19_o for_o light_n r._n light_n the_o end_n