vary_v in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n from_o the_o whole_a ancient_a church_n constitution_n no_o less_o than_o from_o this_o of_o england_n be_v likely_a to_o differ_v among_o themselves_o even_o till_o doomsday_n unless_o they_o return_v under_o some_o new_a name_n and_o disguised_z notion_n of_o moderator_n and_o superintendent_o to_o what_o they_o have_v rash_o desert_v the_o true_a pattern_n in_o the_o mount_n that_o paternal_a primitive_a and_o catholic_n episcopacy_n which_o be_v the_o centre_n and_o crown_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n peace_n order_n and_o honour_n which_o import_v no_o more_o after_o all_o this_o clamour_n and_o terror_n than_o one_o grave_n and_o worthy_a presbyter_n due_o choose_v in_o the_o several_a diocese_n &_o limit_n to_o be_v the_o chief_a ecclesiastic_a overseer_n and_o governor_n succeed_v in_o the_o manage_n of_o that_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o without_o a_o apostolic_a precedent_n or_o bishop_n proper_o so_o call_v presbyter_n alone_o in_o parity_n or_o equality_n never_o do_v enjoy_v and_o so_o never_o ought_v to_o exercise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n no_o more_o than_o bishop_n regular_o may_v without_o the_o counsel_n and_o assistance_n of_o presbyter_n which_o ancient_a order_n &_o eminent_a authority_n of_o primitive_a episcopacy_n if_o neither_o right_a reason_n nor_o the_o word_n of_o god_n either_o in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n do_v clear_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o as_o best_a if_o neither_o apostle_n at_o first_o nor_o the_o primitive_a father_n after_o they_o if_o neither_o church-history_n nor_o catholic_n custom_n nor_o primitive_a antiquity_n nor_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o divine_n if_o all_o these_o do_v not_o commend_v it_o as_o they_o evident_o do_v to_o my_o best_a understanding_n yet_o the_o late_a mad_a and_o sad_a extravagancy_n in_o religion_n do_v high_o recommend_v it_o yea_o the_o great_a want_n of_o it_o in_o england_n show_v the_o great_a use_n necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o especial_o if_o advance_v to_o its_o great_a improvement_n of_o counsel_n order_n and_o authority_n i_o may_v add_v the_o vote_n of_o all_o sober_a and_o impartial_a christian_n even_o now_o in_o england_n who_o be_v grow_v so_o wise_a by_o their_o woe_n as_o general_o to_o wish_v for_o such_o episcopacy_n who_o restitution_n will_v be_v more_o welcome_a to_o the_o wise_a and_o better_a sort_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o nation_n than_o ever_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o be_v or_o the_o medlies_n of_o presbytery_n and_o independency_n be_v like_a to_o be_v nor_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o the_o restauration_n of_o a_o right_a episcopacy_n will_v be_v unacceptable_a to_o many_o of_o the_o sober_a man_n even_o of_o those_o two_o party_n if_o any_o expedient_a can_v be_v find_v to_o salve_v and_o redeem_v the_o reputation_n of_o some_o lay-leader_n and_o popular_a primate_fw-la of_o those_o side_n who_o credit_n lie_v much_o at_o pawn_n with_o the_o people_n upon_o this_o very_a score_n as_o have_v be_v by_o they_o rash_o bias_v against_o all_o episcopacy_n the_o abuse_v of_o which_o apostolic_a order_n on_o one_o side_n and_o the_o abolish_n of_o it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v i_o think_v two_o of_o the_o great_a engine_n the_o devil_n use_v to_o batter_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n withal_o pride_n and_o parity_n insolency_n and_o anarchy_n be_v equal_o pernicious_a to_o church-polity_n and_o christian_a piety_n the_o overboyling_n of_o some_o man_n passion_n which_o the_o scotch_a thistle_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n under_o they_o chief_o occasion_v have_v now_o almost_o quench_v themselves_o by_o bring_v infinite_a fedity_n and_o deformity_n upon_o the_o whole_a face_n of_o the_o christian_a reform_a religion_n in_o this_o church_n as_o well_o as_o otherwhere_o these_o sad_a event_n may_v save_v i_o the_o labour_n of_o further_a assert_v in_o this_o place_n the_o use_n and_o honour_n of_o catholic_n episcopacy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v already_o do_v p.m._n as_o by_o my_o own_o so_o many_o able_a pen_n as_o it_o be_v also_o do_v by_o mr._n hooker_n sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n deserve_v not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o retain_v the_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a order_n of_o episcopacy_n to_o have_v suffer_v these_o many_o calamity_n which_o have_v ensue_v since_o the_o schism_n and_o apostasy_n of_o many_o from_o this_o church_n and_o from_o that_o primitive_a government_n other_o than_o which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o know_v or_o think_v of_o in_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n for_o 1500_o year_n nor_o then_o when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n begin_v its_o wise_a and_o happy_a reformation_n which_o do_v not_o indeed_o abolish_v but_o reform_v and_o continue_v as_o become_v its_o wisdom_n that_o ancient_n and_o apostolic_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v primitive_o plant_v in_o these_o british_a church_n as_o in_o all_o other_o throughout_o the_o world_n long_o before_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v any_o influence_n or_o authority_n among_o they_o be_v high_o bless_v of_o god_n and_o honour_v of_o all_o good_a man_n nor_o have_v yet_o any_o cause_n appear_v why_o it_o shall_v be_v blast_v or_o accurse_a or_o scare_v by_o smectymnuan_a terror_n chap._n xi_o doctrinall_n as_o for_o the_o doctrinal_n of_o christian_a religion_n this_o church_n of_o england_n ever_o have_v so_o high_a a_o approbation_n from_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o so_o harmonious_a a_o consent_n with_o the_o most_o orthodox_n and_o primitive_a church_n that_o it_o must_v be_v extreme_a ignorance_n or_o impudence_n on_o this_o part_n to_o esteem_v the_o present_a misery_n of_o this_o church_n as_o merit_v by_o she_o wherein_o it_o be_v indeed_o most_o exact_a and_o complete_a as_o whole_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o nothing_o dissonant_n from_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_v of_o the_o ancient_a and_o pure_a church_n yea_o i_o find_v that_o the_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v in_o this_o least_o show_n their_o tooth_n or_o claw_n except_o only_o in_o the_o point_n of_o infant-baptism_n not_o for_o want_v of_o ill_a will_n for_o nothing_o more_o pinch_v they_o then_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n teach_v all_o man_n that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n they_o shall_v live_v righteous_o sober_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n but_o for_o want_v as_o of_o just_a cause_n so_o of_o skill_n and_o ability_n most_o of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o great_a stock_n of_o knowledge_n learning_n or_o judgement_n nor_o very_o capable_a on_o this_o side_n to_o assault_v the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o strength_n and_o shield_n be_v the_o invincible_a word_n of_o god_n right_o understand_v therefore_o the_o cunning_a adversary_n and_o vastator_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n drive_v a_o lesser_a trade_n of_o small_a cavelling_n and_o bite_n rather_o as_o the_o serpent_n at_o the_o heel_n than_o head_n not_o much_o engage_v themselves_o in_o any_o grand_a controversy_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v general_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o their_o capacity_n who_o feeble_a assault_v the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v no_o cause_n to_o fear_v against_o the_o doctrine_n set_v forth_o in_o her_o 39_o article_n her_o catechism_n her_o liturgy_n and_o her_o homily_n since_o she_o have_v so_o many_o year_n mighty_o maintain_v this_o post_n of_o her_o doctrine_n against_o the_o learning_n power_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o roman_a party_n who_o be_v veterane_n soldier_n and_o mighty_a trooper_n weighty_o arm_v in_o comparison_n of_o who_o puissance_n these_o light-armed_n schismatic_n and_o small_a skirmisher_n be_v like_o potgun_n to_o canon_n or_o pigmy_n to_o giant_n seek_v to_o deface_v the_o pinnacle_n and_o ornamentall_n of_o religion_n but_o not_o capable_a to_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v happy_o establish_v and_o due_o profess_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n chap._n xii_o nor_o have_v they_o have_v either_o more_o cause_n for_o assert_v or_o better_a success_n in_o their_o dispute_n against_o the_o devotionals_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o public_a worship_v of_o god_n by_o confession_n prayer_n praise_n psalmody_n 12.1_o and_o other_o holy_a oblation_n of_o rational_a and_o evangelicall_n service_n offer_v up_o to_o god_n by_o the_o joint_a devotion_n of_o this_o church_n the_o subject_n and_o holy_a matter_n of_o which_o ever_o be_v &_o be_v too_o hard_o for_o their_o bite_n therefore_o most_o of_o they_o content_v themselves_o to_o bark_v at_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v they_o chief_o quarrel_v at_o that_o prescript_n form_n or_o liturgy_n use_v in_o this_o church_n under_o the_o title_n
honour_n merit_v by_o the_o emperor_n propagato_fw-la diocletian_n &_o galerius_n for_o their_o extirpate_v christian_n superstition_n &_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o go_n superabat_fw-la no_o pen_n say_v eusebius_n can_v equal_v the_o atrocity_n of_o those_o time_n against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yet_o even_o then_o the_o gracious_a spirit_n of_o sincere_a christian_n as_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o deluge_n rise_v high_a towards_o heaven_n then_o godly_a bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v as_o another_o historian_n write_v more_o ambitious_a of_o martyrdom_n per_n than_o now_o presbyter_n be_v of_o be_v all_o make_v bishop_n then_o be_v christian_n more_o than_o conqueror_n and_o true_a christianity_n most_o triumphant_a when_o it_o seem_v most_o depress_v despise_a and_o almost_o destroy_v as_o sulpitius_n severus_n write_v of_o the_o same_o time_n in_o his_o short_a but_o elegant_a history_n thus_o eusebius_n and_o other_o describe_v that_o horrid_a storm_n and_o black_a night_n which_o be_v relieve_v by_o the_o bless_a daystar_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a appear_v in_o which_o dismal_a time_n learned_a man_n do_v not_o quarrel_v at_o the_o profession_n and_o state_n of_o religion_n but_o at_o the_o irreligion_n and_o scandal_n of_o christian_n life_n the_o fault_n and_o provocation_n be_v not_o from_o the_o faith_n doctrine_n liturgy_n order_n and_o government_n then_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o from_o the_o degenerous_a deprave_a and_o ungoverned_a passion_n of_o man_n as_o they_o all_o blame_v these_o last_o whenever_o they_o appear_v 28._o so_o they_o constant_o assert_v the_o other_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o synod_n of_o antioch_n in_o which_o a_o little_a before_o diocletian_o time_n the_o heresy_n of_o paulus_n samâ—satenus_n deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n be_v condemn_v by_o all_o be_v confute_v by_o malchion_n a_o learned_a man_n &_o a_o accurate_a disputant_n the_o euseb_n author_n or_o heresiarch_n be_v excommunicate_v not_o only_o from_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n but_o also_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o separate_v from_o all_o christian_a communion_n throughout_o the_o world_n by_o a_o just_a and_o unanimous_a severity_n holy_a man_n then_o right_o judge_v that_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o sore_a calamity_n arise_v not_o from_o the_o frame_n of_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v holy_a uniform_a and_o apostolic_a as_o yet_o but_o from_o the_o wantonness_n and_o wickedness_n of_o christian_a professor_n neglect_v so_o great_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o abuse_v such_o halcyon_n day_n as_o have_v be_v sometime_o afford_v they_o which_o censure_n i_o may_v without_o rashness_n or_o uncharitableness_n pass_v as_o to_o the_o present_a distress_n incumbent_a upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o holy_a wise_a honourable_a and_o happy_a reformation_n must_v ever_o be_v vindicate_v as_o much_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v against_o all_o such_o gainsayers_a as_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o condemn_v as_o all_o the_o generation_n of_o god_n child_n in_o former_a age_n so_o those_o especial_o who_o worthy_o settle_v and_o valiant_o maintain_v the_o christian_a reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o against_o all_o heathenish_a and_o heretical_a profaneness_n so_o against_o the_o more_o puissant_a and_o superstitious_a papist_n also_o against_o the_o more_o peevish_a but_o then_o more_o feeble_a schismatic_n chap._n x._o it_o be_v as_o impertinent_a a_o work_n for_o i_o in_o these_o time_n unanswerable_a to_o insist_v upon_o every_o particular_a in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o to_o cry_v up_o every_o small_a lineament_n in_o she_o for_o most_o rare_a and_o incomparable_a as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o spiteful_a in_o those_o that_o deny_v she_o to_o have_v have_v any_o one_o handsome_a feature_n in_o she_o or_o any_o thing_n grave_n comely_a christian-like_a or_o church-like_a in_o her_o main_a constitution_n and_o complexion_n mr._n richard_n hooker_n one_o of_o the_o able_a pen_n and_o best_a spirit_n that_o ever_o england_n employ_v or_o enjoy_v have_v beside_o many_o other_o worthy_a man_n abundant_o examine_v every_o feature_n and_o dress_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n assert_v it_o by_o calm_a clear_a and_o unanswerable_a demonstration_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v very_o far_o from_o have_v any_o thing_n unchristian_a or_o uncomely_a deform_a or_o intolerable_a which_o her_o then_o enemy_n declaim_v and_o now_o have_v proclaim_v who_o wrathful_a menace_n the_o meekness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o that_o good_a man_n foresee_v and_o in_o his_o epistle_n foretell_v will_v be_v very_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a if_o once_o they_o get_v power_n answerable_a to_o their_o prejudices_fw-la superstition_n and_o passion_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o he_o full_o prove_v to_o differ_v no_o more_o from_o the_o primitive_a temper_n and_o prudence_n than_o be_v either_o lawful_a convenient_a or_o necessary_a in_o the_o variation_n of_o time_n and_o occasion_n the_o excellent_a endeavour_n of_o that_o rarely-learned_n and_o godly_a divine_a so_o full_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n one_o will_v have_v think_v may_v have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o ever_o to_o have_v keep_v up_o the_o peace_n order_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n also_o to_o have_v silence_v the_o prating_n and_o petulancy_n of_o her_o adversary_n but_o alas_o few_o of_o those_o plebeian_a spirit_n and_o weak_a capacity_n to_o who_o error_n anger_n and_o activity_n the_o church_n of_o england_n now_o chief_o owe_v her_o misery_n tear_n and_o fear_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o understand_v or_o bear_v away_o the_o weight_n strength_n and_o profoundness_n of_o that_o most_o ample_a man_n reason_v and_o his_o eloquent_a write_n other_o of_o they_o that_o be_v more_o able_a be_v so_o cunning_a and_o partial_a for_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o faction_n as_o common_o to_o decry_v for_o obscure_a or_o to_o suspect_v as_o dangerous_a because_o prejudicial_a to_o their_o interest_n or_o to_o bury_v in_o silence_n as_o their_o enemy_n that_o rare_a piece_n of_o mr._n hooker_n ecclesiastical_a polity_n which_o many_o of_o they_o have_v seldom_o either_o the_o courage_n or_o the_o honesty_n to_o read_v none_o of_o they_o the_o power_n ever_o to_o reply_v or_o the_o hardiness_n so_o much_o as_o to_o endeavour_v a_o just_a confutation_n of_o his_o mighty_a demonstration_n yea_o i_o have_v be_v credible_o inform_v that_o some_o of_o the_o then-dissenters_a from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v the_o good_a or_o rather_o evil_a fortune_n utter_o to_o suppress_v those_o now_o defective_a but_o by_o he_o promise_v and_o perform_v book_n touch_v the_o vindication_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o ordination_n jurisdiction_n and_o government_n by_o the_o way_n of_o ancient_n catholic_n primitive_a and_o apostolic_a episcopacy_n which_o one_o word_n episcopacy_n have_v of_o late_a year_n cost_v more_o blood_n and_o treasure_n in_o scotland_n and_o england_n than_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o bishop_n and_o of_o this_o church_n have_v in_o their_o vein_n or_o be_v worth_a 20._o year_n ago_o who_o importune_a clamour_n of_o old_a and_o endeavour_n of_o late_a to_o extirpate_v primitive_a catholic_n and_o apostolical_a episcopacy_n out_o of_o this_o church_n and_o to_o introduce_v by_o head_n and_o shoulder_n the_o exotic_a novelty_n and_o vanity_n of_o humane_a invention_n have_v bring_v themselves_o and_o this_o whole_a church_n to_o so_o various_a and_o divide_v a_o posture_n as_o make_v no_o settle_a or_o uniform_a church-government_n at_o all_o by_o a_o popular_a precipitancy_n ruine_v a_o ancient_a and_o goodly_a fabric_n who_o temporary_a decay_n or_o defect_n may_v easy_o and_o wise_o have_v be_v amend_v before_o they_o have_v agree_v of_o a_o new_a model_n or_o serious_o consider_v either_o their_o skill_n or_o their_o authority_n to_o erect_v a_o new_a one_o if_o they_o can_v find_v out_o a_o better_a which_o hitherto_o they_o have_v not_o do_v nor_o will_v they_o i_o believe_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o do_v as_o destitute_a in_o this_o point_n of_o any_o just_a commission_n direction_n power_n or_o precedent_n either_o from_o god_n or_o man_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o supreme_a power_n of_o regulate_v all_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n be_v under_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o england_n invest_v in_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n and_o governor_n of_o this_o church_n without_o and_o against_o who_o judgement_n consent_n and_o conscience_n no_o innovation_n be_v to_o be_v carry_v on_o nor_o indeed_o begin_v in_o this_o church_n who_o event_n or_o success_n hitherto_o have_v be_v only_o worthy_a of_o such_o tumultuary_a beginning_n the_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v full_a of_o dissolution_n &_o confusion_n to_o all_o of_o injurious_a affliction_n to_o many_o worthy_a man_n beside_o penal_a and_o perpetual_a division_n among_o the_o innovator_n themselves_o who_o
any_o justice_n or_o reason_n to_o be_v odious_o charge_v upon_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o their_o profession_n no_o more_o than_o the_o fall_n of_o some_o angel_n be_v imputable_a to_o the_o whole_a angelic_a nature_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v any_o reason_n why_o the_o infirmity_n or_o deformity_n of_o some_o clergyman_n and_o those_o not_o many_o in_o comparison_n shall_v be_v more_o a_o stain_n and_o reproach_n to_o their_o call_n than_o other_o man_n misdemeanour_n be_v to_o their_o either_o civil_a or_o military_a profession_n in_o which_o though_o there_o ever_o will_v be_v some_o cheat_n and_o pettifogger_n other_o quack_n and_o mountebank_n a_o three_o coward_n and_o traitor_n yet_o these_o do_v not_o diminish_v the_o just_a honour_n and_o use_v of_o learned_a lawyer_n discreet_a physician_n or_o gallant_a soldier_n who_o employment_n be_v then_o liberal_a and_o ingenuous_a when_o they_o be_v honest_a and_o useful_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v a_o madness_n to_o quarrel_v 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to_o destroy_v that_o holy_a order_n and_o evangelicall_n function_n from_o who_o declare_a rule_n and_o injunction_n in_o the_o church_n they_o have_v degenerate_v for_o neither_o the_o infirmity_n nor_o the_o presumption_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o annul_v that_o office_n or_o abolish_v that_o authority_n which_o be_v divine_a christ_n commission_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v void_v or_o cancel_v by_o reason_n of_o any_o minister_n omission_n sacred_a institution_n such_o as_o the_o ministry_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v ought_v to_o continue_v notwithstanding_o the_o intervening_a of_o man_n ignorance_n error_n profaneness_n or_o idolatry_n the_o plague_n and_o leprosy_n arise_v from_o man_n person_n and_o adhere_v to_o they_o be_v not_o imputable_a to_o that_o place_n power_n station_n and_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o church_n man_n may_v be_v unworthy_a of_o their_o holy_a function_n but_o the_o function_n itself_o 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which_o testimony_n no_o ingenuous_a know_v and_o conscientious_a
succession_n of_o christianity_n impart_v to_o the_o infant_n of_o christian_a parent_n who_o own_o their_o own_o baptism_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n communion_n profess_v to_o believe_v that_o covenant_n of_o god_n make_v to_o they_o and_o their_o child_n as_o god_n people_n or_o christ_n disciple_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n original_a and_o actual_a through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n against_o which_o gracious_a sign_n of_o the_o evangelicall_n covenant_n seal_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o confer_v the_o grace_n of_o it_o also_o distinguish_v as_o by_o a_o visible_a mark_n of_o church-fellowship_n the_o infant_n of_o christian_n or_o believer_n from_o those_o of_o heathen_n and_o profess_a unbeliever_n who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n the_o anabaptist_n have_v ever_o since_o their_o rise_n in_o germany_n which_o be_v about_o 130_o year_n be_v not_o so_o much_o fair_a and_o candid_a disputant_n as_o bitter_a and_o reproachful_a enemy_n for_o the_o most_o part_n not_o modest_o doubt_v or_o civil_o deny_v it_o as_o to_o their_o own_o private_a judgement_n with_o a_o latitude_n of_o charity_n to_o such_o in_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o from_o the_o apostle_n day_n have_v and_o do_v retain_v infant-baptisme_n but_o as_o if_o all_o the_o church_n have_v err_v till_o their_o day_n they_o imperious_o deny_v it_o they_o rude_o despise_v it_o they_o scurrilous_o disdain_v and_o mock_v at_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n as_o whole_o void_a and_o null_a therefore_o they_o repeat_v baptism_n to_o their_o disciple_n whence_o they_o have_v their_o name_n chap._n vii_o in_o this_o one_o vexatious_a controversy_n heretofore_o happy_o settle_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n infant-baptisme_n both_o by_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n conform_v to_o all_o antiquity_n i_o presume_v as_o much_o have_v be_v say_v and_o write_v on_o either_o side_n as_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v well_o invent_v or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n bear_v and_o possible_o more_o than_o can_v well_o agree_v with_o christian_a charity_n on_o either_o side_n if_o the_o difference_n be_v only_o as_o to_o a_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o not_o about_o the_o very_a essence_n or_o substance_n of_o our_o baptism_n against_o which_o the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n do_v so_o fierce_o drive_v that_o by_o absolute_o null_v all_o infant-baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n they_o may_v overthrow_v not_o only_o the_o honour_n fidelity_n and_o credit_n of_o this_o church_n but_o of_o all_o other_o yea_o and_o the_o whole_a frame_n even_o to_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o christian_a ministration_n privilege_n comfort_n and_o communion_n both_o in_o england_n and_o all_o christian_a church_n through_o the_o world_n as_o if_o all_o we_o have_v do_v say_v or_o enjoy_v as_o christian_a minister_n and_o people_n have_v be_v irregular_a confuse_a inauthoritative_a invalid_a all_o thing_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v begin_v and_o continue_v exhibit_v and_o receive_v by_o such_o minister_n and_o people_n as_o have_v no_o visible_a right_n to_o any_o christian_a duty_n or_o privilege_n in_o a_o church-communion_n as_o have_v never_o be_v baptize_v after_o the_o way_n which_o christ_n institute_v so_o that_o their_o claim_n to_o be_v christian_n or_o church_n be_v as_o false_a and_o insufficient_a as_o they_o be_v to_o a_o estate_n of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o deed_n seal_n or_o seisin_n but_o what_o be_v false_a or_o counterfeit_n by_o which_o high_a and_o bold_a reproach_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n against_o this_o and_o all_o other_o church_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o contrary_a to_o christ_n promise_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n have_v so_o long_o prevail_v against_o the_o catholic_n church_n 16.18_o in_o so_o great_a a_o concern_v as_o this_o sacrament_n must_v needs_o be_v which_o be_v make_v void_a and_o null_a as_o to_o any_o initiation_n obsignation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o all_o evangelicall_n gift_n grace_n and_o privilege_n it_o will_v follow_v not_o only_o that_o all_o the_o ministry_n and_o ministration_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v illegitimate_a invalid_a irregular_a be_v act_v dispense_v and_o receive_v by_o such_o as_o have_v no_o right_n title_n or_o authority_n to_o they_o be_v person_n unbaptise_v but_o also_o all_o the_o faith_n and_o repentance_n all_o the_o confession_n and_o absolution_n all_o the_o celebration_n and_o consecration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n all_o the_o perception_n of_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a comfort_n all_o sense_n of_o peace_n joy_n love_v of_o god_n and_o christian_a charity_n all_o the_o patience_n and_o hope_n of_o all_o christian_n as_o believer_n confessor_n martyr_n all_o must_v be_v either_o very_a defective_a of_o christ_n order_n and_o method_n or_o mere_o fancifull_a and_o superstitious_a or_o gross_o presumptuous_a preposterous_a and_o whole_o impertinent_a because_o want_v the_o first_o root_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o badge_n and_o band_n of_o christ_n disciple_n right_a or_o lawful_a true_a and_o valid_a baptism_n so_o that_o however_o god_n guide_v his_o church_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n aright_o yet_o in_o this_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v err_v a_o catholic_n error_n so_o far_o that_o in_o stead_n of_o one_o baptism_n which_o the_o apostle_n urge_v 4.5_o as_o concurrent_a with_o other_o unity_n of_o christian_a accord_n as_o one_o god_n one_o faith_n one_o body_n one_o christ_n one_o head_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o the_o true_a church_n retain_v constant_o there_o must_v have_v be_v no_o baptism_n at_o all_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o 1600_o year_n in_o which_o time_n as_o general_o before_o so_o universal_o after_o the_o church_n have_v peace_n all_o christian_n bring_v their_o infant_n to_o baptism_n which_o abominable_a consequence_n or_o conclusion_n follow_v the_o anabaptistick_a opinion_n and_o practice_n seem_v to_o i_o so_o uncharitable_a so_o immodest_a so_o absurd_a so_o cruel_a so_o every-way_n unworthy_a of_o any_o good_a christian_a who_o understand_v the_o fidelity_n exactness_n and_o constancy_n of_o primitive_a and_o persecute_a church_n 3_o in_o follow_v the_o way_n once_o deliver_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n from_o which_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o a_o easy_a recede_a that_o they_o rather_o choose_v to_o die_v that_o this_o jealousy_n and_o scandal_n rather_o become_v turk_n jew_n heathen_n heretic_n and_o infidel_n or_o downright_a atheist_n than_o any_o good_a christian_n so_o far_o to_o charge_v open_o or_o but_o secret_o indeed_o to_o suspect_v the_o fidelity_n honesty_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v how_o any_o judicious_a sober_a and_o humble_a christian_a can_v with_o charity_n comfort_n and_o good_a conscience_n entertain_v and_o promote_v so_o horrid_a a_o jealousy_n and_o censure_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n as_o if_o have_v keep_v the_o two_o testament_n entire_a which_o i_o suppose_v the_o anabaptist_n do_v not_o deny_v or_o doubt_v yet_o they_o have_v lose_v one_o of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o first_o foundation_n main_a hinge_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o the_o church_n polity_n privilege_n community_n and_o unity_n in_o this_o world_n both_o to_o christ_n and_o to_o each_o other_o it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n in_o this_o place_n or_o work_v which_o be_v rather_o to_o deplore_v the_o lapse_v state_n of_o this_o church_n than_o to_o dispute_v this_o or_o any_o other_o point_n long_o ago_o settle_v in_o this_o and_o all_o true_a church_n my_o aim_n be_v not_o to_o tire_v you_o my_o honour_a countryman_n with_o draw_v over_o the_o rough_a sand_n of_o this_o controversy_n at_o large_a which_o have_v of_o late_a by_o sharp_a reciprocation_n make_v such_o deep_a wound_n or_o incision_n on_o this_o church_n face_n and_o peace_n agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n wherever_o they_o come_v and_o prevail_v only_o give_v i_o leave_v since_o this_o anabaptistick_a poison_n be_v still_o pregnant_a in_o this_o nation_n in_o order_n to_o move_v your_o compassion_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o your_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n to_o show_v you_o how_o unjust_o she_o have_v and_o still_o do_v suffer_v yea_o and_o be_v daily_o more_o threaten_v by_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o upon_o weak_a and_o shallow_a pretension_n seek_v to_o overthrow_v so_o great_a so_o ancient_a so_o catholic_n so_o primitive_a so_o apostolic_a so_o scriptural_a so_o christian_n a_o practice_n and_o privilege_n as_o that_o be_v of_o baptise_v the_o infant_n of_o christian_a professor_n first_o the_o anabaptist_n can_v with_o any_o forehead_n or_o face_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o the_o sober_a of_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o infant_n of_o christian_n have_v both_o in_o respect_n of_o sinful_a
the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o name_n infant_n be_v then_o as_o obvious_a as_o now_o nor_o be_v there_o want_v heretical_a spirit_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gnostic_n who_o will_v have_v cavil_v in_o this_o as_o other_o point_n against_o the_o true_a and_o orthodox_n profession_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v so_o palpable_o overbear_v and_o convince_v by_o the_o pregnancy_n of_o the_o church_n practice_n and_o judgement_n agreeable_a to_o the_o apostolical_a tradition_n in_o this_o point_n who_o without_o doubt_n have_v baptize_v many_o infant_n some_o year_n before_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n write_v which_o the_o anabaptist_n so_o much_o urge_v that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o intolerable_a impudence_n to_o doubt_n or_o deny_v infant-baptism_n or_o to_o oppose_v the_o after-letter_n of_o the_o n._n testament_n against_o the_o constant_a and_o precedent_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n who_o action_n be_v a_o clear_a and_o sufficient_a yea_o the_o best_a interpretation_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o case_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o seem_v less_o explicit_a or_o any_o way_n dubious_a nor_o do_v i_o doubt_v but_o the_o church_n be_v ever_o in_o this_o so_o far_o commendable_a as_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o apostle_n practice_v and_o go_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n as_o they_o do_v not_o once_o err_v so_o catholic_n and_o great_a a_o error_n as_o to_o apply_v a_o sacrament_n to_o such_o as_o christ_n never_o intend_v yea_o deny_v and_o forbid_v it_o as_o be_v pretend_v and_o only_o therefore_o pertinacious_a in_o all_o age_n after_o yea_o so_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o so_o grand_a a_o error_n or_o misapplication_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o have_v err_v but_o rather_o the_o church_n continue_v constant_a and_o without_o scruple_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o practice_v of_o infant-baptism_n as_o s._n disciplinâ_fw-la austin_n urge_v against_o pelagius_n because_o they_o be_v assure_v from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n best_o understand_v and_o according_a to_o which_o they_o do_v constant_o practice_v the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n from_o the_o beginning_n where_o once_o the_o faith_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o parent_n the_o branch_n or_o seed_n be_v present_o 7.14_o holy_a in_o god_n claim_n or_o covenant_n and_o by_o the_o child_n relation_n to_o they_o and_o to_o god_n so_o soon_o as_o the_o parent_n be_v believer_n and_o have_v by_o receive_v the_o faith_n and_o be_v baptize_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o visible_a fold_n or_o flock_n of_o christ_n the_o scriptural_a religious_a and_o rational_a ground_n which_o this_o and_o all_o true_a church_n go_v upon_o in_o baptise_v infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n not_o apostate_v or_o excommunicate_v be_v these_o which_o i_o oppose_v to_o the_o petty_a and_o capricious_a cavil_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n as_o a_o mighty_a wall_n or_o bulwark_n plant_v with_o great_a canon_n against_o so_o many_o potgun_n or_o bulrush_n chap._n ix_o infant-bapt_n 1._o first_o the_o church_n of_o god_n consider_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o evangelical_n and_o perpetual_a covenant_n which_o be_v explicit_o make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n also_o confirm_v to_o he_o and_o his_o child_n by_o another_o parallel_a ceremony_n or_o sacrament_n namely_o of_o circumcision_n which_o sign_n or_o seal_n be_v as_o the_o anabaptist_n confess_v long_v ago_o abrogate_a rather_o by_o the_o consent_n &_o practice_v of_o the_o church_n than_o any_o personal_a command_n of_o christ_n that_o can_v be_v allege_v who_o himself_o be_v both_o circumcise_v and_o baptize_v yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o covenant_n still_o continue_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n as_o eminent_o contain_v in_o christ_n &_o by_o relation_n to_o he_o derive_v 17.13_o not_o only_o to_o the_o jew_n after_o the_o flesh_n but_o to_o those_o that_o be_v jew_n inward_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n or_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o abrah_n as_o he_o have_v his_o name_n augment_v and_o be_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n not_o by_o natural_a succession_n but_o by_o fiduciary_a imitation_n of_o his_o faith_n who_o be_v call_v and_o commend_v to_o christian_n as_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o privilege_n evangelical_n descend_v to_o all_o those_o 18._o who_o after_o abraham_n example_n do_v believe_v the_o evangelical_n promise_v of_o blessedness_n by_o christ_n these_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n &_o abraham_n child_n have_v right_a to_o abraham_n covenant_n 6.10_o &_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n which_o reach_v as_o to_o the_o natural_a son_n of_o abraham_n and_o their_o infant_n jew_n so_o to_o these_o imitative_a son_n and_o their_o infant_n who_o since_o no_o word_n of_o restraint_n or_o forbid_v have_v exclude_v from_o the_o relation_n covenant_n right_n privilege_n &_o comfort_n evangelicall_n once_o give_v to_o abraham_n and_o to_o all_o the_o family_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n for_o the_o church-christian_a to_o exclude_v infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n from_o partake_v that_o evangelicall_n new_a sign_n and_o visible_a seal_n which_o be_v baptism_n set_v to_o the_o ancient_a covenant_n with_o which_o either_o anabapt_v must_v affirm_v no_o infant_n now_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v no_o right_a to_o it_o or_o the_o benefit_n by_o it_o or_o they_o must_v think_v infant_n have_v this_o in_o so_o tacit_a blind_a &_o implicit_a a_o way_n as_o they_o nor_o their_o parent_n have_v any_o visible_a sign_n seal_z and_o token_n of_o it_o now_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n unless_o they_o will_v fall_v to_o circumcise_v their_o child_n again_o who_o so_o obstinate_o deny_v baptism_n for_o that_o end_n to_o infant_n whatever_o they_o think_v of_o it_o as_o to_o those_o of_o ripe_a year_n 2._o however_o the_o anabaptistick_a flourish_n &_o ratling_n as_o to_o the_o cram_n of_o their_o negation_n that_o neither_o precept_n nor_o practice_n be_v find_v in_o scripture_n mention_v infant-baptism_n make_v a_o great_a show_n &_o noise_n with_o common_a people_n of_o small_a capacity_n and_o shortsighted_a yet_o the_o anabapt_a have_v no_o cause_n to_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a than_o all_o those_o divine_n of_o engl._n &_o other_o church_n who_o can_v render_v valid_a cogent_a &_o unanswerable_a both_o historick_n instance_n and_o reason_n for_o the_o catholic_n practice_n of_o this_o &_o all_o church_n in_o this_o point_n and_o these_o draw_v from_o the_o twist_a and_o concurrent_a sense_n of_o scripture_n 3.16_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n confirm_v by_o his_o action_n best_a interpret_v by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o in_o the_o second_o cent._n orig._n tell_v we_o the_o church_n always_o use_v infant-bapt_a which_o may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o have_v err_v from_o the_o apostle_n practise_v in_o this_o any_o more_o than_o the_o apostle_n do_v from_o christ_n mind_n 3._o so_o that_o the_o anabaptist_n err_v partly_o by_o not_o understand_v the_o scripture_n partly_o by_o wrest_v they_o they_o wrest_v the_o letter_n of_o one_o or_o two_o place_n to_o a_o exclusive_a sense_n contrary_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o many_o other_o which_o be_v inclusive_a of_o infant_n upon_o very_o great_a reason_n and_o to_o avoid_v many_o absurd_a consequence_n as_o to_o the_o state_n evangelicall_n they_o urge_v against_o infant_n baptism_n the_o scripture_n not_o express_o name_v they_o in_o precept_n or_o practice_n we_o may_v as_o well_o urge_v for_o they_o the_o like_a silence_n of_o scripture_n no_o where_o by_o name_n exclude_v forbid_v or_o except_v infant_n where_o in_o common_a sense_n they_o be_v include_v as_o in_o all_o nation_n whole_a family_n or_o household_n 10.2_o where_o they_o be_v either_o actual_o baptize_v or_o command_v to_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o apostle_n without_o any_o reserve_n limitation_n or_o exclusion_n as_o to_o infant_n 4._o the_o usual_a parallel_n also_o of_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n which_o s._n paul_n urge_v and_o s._n austin_n oft_o observe_v be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o those_o who_o consider_v that_o this_o latter_a sacrament_n or_o sign_n of_o god_n covenant_n to_o his_o church-christian_a succeed_v to_o the_o former_a as_o to_o its_o end_n use_v and_o virtue_n may_v not_o in_o reason_n be_v think_v less_o extensive_a to_o infant_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o the_o former_a be_v nor_o may_v the_o antitype_n be_v straighten_a short_a of_o the_o type_n in_o this_o all_o the_o jew_n church_n even_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v baptize_v to_o moses_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o the_o cloud_n so_o must_v all_o to_o christ_n in_o the_o baptism_n of_o his_o blood_n now_o in_o the_o church_n