a_o argument_n for_o infant_n baptism_n deduce_v from_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n a_o 〈◊〉_d harmony_n of_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—iptures_n in_o which_o in_o a_o method_n whole_o new_a and_o upon_o ground_n not_o common_o observe_v 〈◊〉_d doctrine_n of_o infant_n baptism_n be_v full_o assert_v and_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o be_v obviate_v by_o richard_n burthogge_n m._n d._n london_n print_v for_o jonathan_n greenwood_n at_o the_o crown_n in_o the_o poultry_n 1684._o to_o the_o excellent_a lady_n the_o lady_z anne_z drake_n of_o place_n in_o buckland_n monachorum_fw-la in_o the_o county_n of_o devon_n madam_n what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o follow_a letter_n in_o defence_n of_o infant_n baptism_n be_v so_o just_o your_o ladyship_n upon_o so_o many_o title_n that_o to_o disow_v it_o by_o dedicate_a of_o they_o to_o any_o other_o or_o not_o to_o own_v it_o by_o not_o dedicate_a of_o they_o to_o your_o ladyship_n will_v be_v as_o great_a injustice_n as_o but_o for_o your_o interest_n in_o they_o to_o do_v the_o last_o a_o presumption_n the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v a_o second_o edition_n of_o a_o former_a send_v my_o adversary_n in_o which_o as_o i_o think_v the_o return_v he_o give_v oblige_v i_o to_o do_v i_o make_v such_o alteration_n addition_n and_o emendation_n as_o may_v illuminate_v my_o principal_a argument_n without_o engage_v i_o in_o matter_n foreign_a to_o it_o and_o to_o his_o rejoynder_n unto_o this_o as_o so_o enlarge_v the_o second_o be_v a_o reply_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v be_v defence_n to_o both_o my_o argument_n be_v found_v on_o that_o covenant_n of_o grace_n it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v with_o abraham_n and_o with_o his_o seed_n in_o which_o as_o he_o give_v himself_o and_o all_o he_o have_v to_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o seed_n so_o he_o require_v what_o be_v most_o high_o reasonable_a he_o shall_v that_o abraham_n and_o all_o he_o own_v and_o that_o abraham_n seed_n and_o all_o they_o own_o shall_v be_v his_o and_o that_o in_o token_n of_o be_v so_o both_o abraham_n himself_o shall_v keep_v the_o covenant_n by_o wear_v the_o initiate_a sign_n thereof_o himself_o and_o put_v it_o on_o all_o his_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o also_o that_o his_o seed_n shall_v keep_v it_o in_o like_a manner_n certain_a it_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o keep_v the_o covenant_n as_o abraham_n himself_o thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o covenant_n therefore_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n and_o i_o have_v prove_v the_o believe_a gentile_n to_o be_v that_o seed_n so_o that_o though_o the_o gentile_n must_v believe_v to_o become_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n yet_o on_o become_v his_o seed_n they_o come_v also_o under_o the_o obligation_n to_o observe_v the_o covenant_n as_o much_o as_o abraham_n himself_o i_o have_v also_o prove_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n be_v the_o first_o solemn_a formal_a covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n through_o our_o lord_n christ_n that_o in_o account_n and_o reckon_a of_o the_o scripture_n it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v with_o man_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o first_o separate_a and_o institute_v church_n be_v then_o appoint_v in_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n so_o that_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o establish_v and_o ratify_v his_o covenant_n and_o to_o constitute_v and_o frame_v a_o church_n as_o do_v orâ—â—â—n_v the_o sign_v of_o the_o aâ—â—â—â—_n so_o he_o do_v the_o sing_v of_o infant_n therein_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o membership_n of_o child_n as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o parent_n god_n never_o constitute_v any_o formal_a church_n until_o he_o have_v make_v a_o formal_a covenant_n and_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o rite_n of_o initiation_n into_o the_o church_n none_o come_v into_o the_o latter_a but_o by_o the_o former_a and_o baptism_n be_v such_o a_o sign_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o baptism_n be_v come_v in_o the_o place_n of_o circumcision_n i_o know_v too_o well_o the_o use_n be_v make_v of_o that_o expression_n though_o in_o itself_o and_o as_o mean_v it_o be_v most_o innocent_a and_o inoffensive_a but_o i_o say_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o as_o circumcision_n be_v the_o initiate_a rite_n and_o sign_n before_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n so_o that_o baptism_n be_v after_o it_o and_o that_o now_o to_o dedicate_v and_o give_v a_o person_n to_o god_n visible_o and_o solemn_o be_v by_o that_o sign_n and_o rite_n to_o matriculate_v he_o that_o be_v to_z enter_z and_o initiate_v he_o into_o the_o church_n and_o now_o madam_n be_v not_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n in_o the_o notion_n i_o have_v of_o it_o a_o thing_n of_o high_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o of_o great_a significancy_n when_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o baby-sprinkling_a and_o seal_v to_o a_o blank_a as_o some_o do_v phrase_n it_o but_o do_v in_o token_n of_o our_o dedicate_a of_o they_o unto_o god_n and_o in_o evidence_n and_o token_n that_o they_o be_v his._n all_o delivery_n and_o surrender_n must_v pass_v with_o some_o formality_n some_o rite_n and_o baptism_n be_v that_o formality_n that_o rite_n by_o which_o we_o christian_n do_v pass_v over_o and_o assign_v ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o child_n to_o god_n the_o fair_a state_v and_o illustrate_v the_o mention_a point_n in_o which_o i_o beat_v a_o path_n but_o little_a tread_v be_v main_o the_o business_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o which_o i_o make_v a_o humble_a offer_v to_o your_o ladyship_n in_o write_v which_o next_o to_o the_o zeal_n and_o deference_n that_o i_o owe_v to_o truth_n i_o propound_v to_o myself_o no_o great_a satisfaction_n than_o the_o occasion_n they_o will_v give_v i_o of_o gratify_v a_o ambition_n i_o have_v ever_o have_v to_o publish_v myself_o madam_n your_o ladyship_n be_v most_o humble_a and_o devote_a servant_n richard_n burthogge_n advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o concurrence_n of_o event_n that_o at_o last_o prevail_v upon_o i_o to_o engage_v in_o the_o controversy_n of_o infant_n baptism_n manage_v on_o my_o part_n in_o the_o follow_a letter_n be_v so_o little_a ordinary_a that_o if_o any_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o providence_n this_o reader_n be_v it_o proper_a to_o acquaint_v thou_o with_o it_o will_v i_o be_o confident_a even_o in_o thy_o judgement_n be_v thy_o persuasion_n otherwise_o what_o it_o will_v appear_v a_o great_a one_o the_o letter_n themselves_o do_v intimate_v on_o what_o occasion_n original_o they_o come_v to_o be_v write_v and_o also_o how_o to_o be_v publish_v and_o that_o too_o without_o my_o adversary_n and_o therefore_o i_o need_v not_o give_v myself_o the_o trouble_n of_o write_v or_o thou_o the_o trouble_n of_o read_v more_o in_o reference_n to_o these_o point_n only_o it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o do_v myself_o this_o piece_n of_o justice_n to_o add_v that_o though_o i_o do_v not_o publish_v my_o adversary_n letter_n for_o that_o i_o leave_v to_o he_o as_o most_o proper_a yet_o i_o have_v not_o be_v want_v in_o my_o own_o to_o publish_v all_o his_o argument_n that_o concern_v i_o both_o in_o all_o the_o strength_n he_o give_v they_o and_o with_o all_o the_o further_a enforcement_n myself_o can_v possible_o add_v to_o they_o this_o a_o judicious_a reader_n will_v easy_o perceive_v i_o to_o have_v do_v and_o this_o i_o do_v as_o well_o for_o that_o respect_n and_o care_n i_o owe_v to_o my_o own_o reputation_n as_o for_o that_o i_o owe_v and_o pay_v to_o truth_n i_o be_o of_o alexander_n mind_n i_o will_v not_o steal_v a_o victory_n and_o truth_n need_v not_o it_o be_v strong_a than_o all_o thing_n i_o acknowledge_v i_o have_v receive_v a_o letter_n from_o he_o since_o my_o last_o but_o that_o letter_n as_o other_o so_o little_a to_o the_o purpose_n unless_o reflection_n and_o extravagancy_n be_v so_o that_o i_o do_v not_o find_v myself_o oblige_v to_o any_o other_o answer_n than_o what_o in_o my_o last_o be_v add_v and_o mark_v thus_o *_o and_o that_o be_v but_o little_a and_o a_o understand_a reader_n will_v plain_o see_v there_o be_v not_o much_o need_n of_o that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o paragraph_n and_o two_o or_o three_o word_n by_o way_n of_o illustration_n some_o happy_o may_v admire_v that_o in_o a_o rich_a and_o fruitful_a subject_n as_o this_o be_v i_o be_o so_o barren_a in_o citation_n but_o they_o may_v please_v to_o know_v that_o see_v a_o doctrine_n be_v not_o true_a because_o a_o multitude_n avouch_v it_o any_o more_o than_o a_o custom_n good_a because_o a_o multitude_n follow_v it_o i_o do_v not_o value_v authority_n in_o the_o search_n and_o investigation_n of_o truth_n further_o than_o as_o they_o be_v evidence_n to_o
scripture_n that_o any_o of_o the_o father_n of_o that_o time_n have_v hear_v of_o that_o revelation_n i_o do_v not_o say_v they_o have_v not_o hear_v but_o i_o say_v the_o scripture_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hint_n they_o have_v and_o though_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o that_o time_n righteousness_n be_v preach_v by_o the_o spirit_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v preach_v by_o it_o and_o sure_o have_v the_o declaration_n make_v concern_v christ_n in_o the_o three_o geneâ—â—â—…_n be_v in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o covenant_n or_o promise_n of_o he_o to_o adam_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v much_o admire_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v insist_v so_o high_o as_o he_o do_v on_o the_o be_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n for_o but_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n before_o the_o law_n when_o have_v this_o be_v so_o he_o may_v have_v insist_v on_o thousand_o and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n date_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n from_o abraham_n act._n 2._o 25_o 26._o and_o before_o he_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 105._o 8_o 9_o 42._o but_o second_o on_o supposal_n that_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o transact_v with_o adam_n or_o any_o of_o the_o old_a father_n before_o abraham_n in_o way_n of_o covenant_n and_o promise_n for_o grace_n eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n yet_o that_o covenant_n and_o promise_n can_v not_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n in_o which_o it_o please_v god_n to_o promise_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o particular_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o for_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n can_v not_o be_v before_o abraham_n himself_o exi_v and_o therefore_o see_v the_o believe_a gentile_n do_v not_o claim_v eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n from_o by_z and_o under_o adam_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n before_o abraham_n nor_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o covenant_n transaction_n that_o have_v pass_v between_o god_n and_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o but_o only_o from_o by_z and_o under_o abraham_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n make_v with_o he_o it_o be_v as_o clear_v that_o the_o term_n condition_n and_o method_n on_o and_o in_o which_o it_o please_v god_n to_o transact_v with_o all_o or_o any_o of_o those_o old_a father_n be_v those_o term_n and_o method_n any_o whatever_o they_n be_v nothing_o to_o we_o as_o that_o the_o term_n condition_n and_o method_n he_o be_v please_v to_o transact_v upon_o with_o abraham_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n be_v all_o in_o all_o to_o we_o that_o be_v in_o plain_a english_a that_o it_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o least_o to_o we_o believe_v gentile_n whether_o the_o father_n before_o the_o flood_n or_o after_o the_o flood_n before_o abraham_n be_v in_o covenant_n or_o not_o in_o covenant_n be_v sign_v or_o not_o sign_v see_v we_o claim_v not_o from_o by_z and_o under_o they_o as_o heir_n to_o they_o but_o it_o be_v much_o to_o we_o on_o what_o term_n it_o please_v god_n to_o transact_v and_o deal_v with_o abraham_n and_o under_o what_o condition_n and_o with_o what_o duty_n abraham_n do_v receive_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n whether_o himself_o and_o he_o must_v be_v sign_v or_o not_o sign_v see_v it_o be_v from_o by_z and_o under_o he_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n make_v with_o he_o that_o we_o do_v claim_v and_o hold_v and_o sure_o if_o we_o do_v claim_v and_o hold_v in_o by_z and_o under_o abraham_n by_o the_o deed_n and_o charter_n make_v to_o he_o we_o must_v also_o claim_v and_o hold_v as_o he_o do_v under_o the_o duty_n and_o condition_n in_o that_o deed_n and_o charter_n and_o now_o be_v it_o not_o to_o deny_v the_o conclusion_n after_o concession_n of_o the_o premise_n for_o you_o to_o deny_v believer_n and_o their_o child_n must_v be_v sign_v when_o yet_o you_o do_v acknowledge_v they_o be_v under_o abraham_n covenant_n which_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v require_v such_o sign_v ay!_o but_o you_o will_v say_v the_o patriarch_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n before_o abraham_n all_o as_o much_o as_o we_o and_o yet_o sign_v have_v no_o use_n among_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o incumbence_n and_o obligation_n to_o sign_n and_o to_o be_v sign_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v found_v not_o on_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o administration_n can_v be_v immutable_o and_o everlasting_o the_o same_o and_n indeed_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o sign_v be_v not_o in_o use_n among_o the_o father_n before_o abraham_n at_o least_o not_o in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n be_v deep_o silent_a touch_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o then_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o silent_a touch_v any_o covenant_n transaction_n make_v with_o those_o father_n as_o it_o be_v touch_v sign_v by_o virtue_n of_o such_o a_o covenant_n so_o that_o you_o be_v too_o positive_a sir_n and_o without_o book_n to_o affirm_v they_o as_o much_o in_o covenant_n as_o we_o and_o their_o child_n as_o holy_a by_o virtue_n of_o a_o covenant_n transaction_n as_o we_o but_o suppose_v though_o not_o grant_v a_o covenant_n transaction_n to_o have_v pass_v between_o god_n and_o the_o father_n before_o abraham_n for_o grace_n eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n through_o the_o messiah_n and_o suppose_v also_o no_o sign_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o covenant_n for_o all_o that_o space_n of_o time_n which_o however_o on_o supposal_n there_o be_v such_o a_o covenant_n be_v a_o hardness_n to_o think_v yet_o in_o regard_n that_o covenant_n can_v not_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n though_o there_o be_v no_o sign_v then_o the_o obligation_n to_o sign_n and_o to_o be_v sign_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v do_v indispensible_o and_o necessary_o require_v it_o be_v as_o immutable_o and_o everlasting_o the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o same_o scriptural_a sense_n as_o the_o very_a covenant_n itself_o be_v so_o it_o be_v for_o evera_v though_o not_o from_o everlasting_a it_o be_v everlasting_a à _fw-la parte_fw-la post_fw-la though_o not_o à _fw-la parte_fw-la ante_fw-la i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n for_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n etc._n etc._n everlasting_a not_o a_o part_n ante_fw-la as_o from_o everlasting_a for_o before_o abraham_n be_v this_o covenant_n can_v not_o be_v between_o god_n and_o abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v a_o part_n post_fw-la as_o a_o covenant_n to_o everlasting_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o obligation_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o be_v everlasting_a as_o the_o covenant_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o three_o particular_a to_o be_v demonstrate_v what_o i_o have_v discourse_v already_o may_v just_o supersede_n any_o further_a answer_n to_o what_o you_o offer_v in_o the_o follow_a paragraph_n about_o the_o church_n membership_n of_o infant_n on_o occasion_n of_o my_o saying_n that_o the_o church_n be_v one_o though_o the_o testament_n be_v not_o and_o that_o child_n be_v member_n not_o only_o of_o the_o legal_a but_o of_o the_o gospel_n church_n and_o that_o for_o above_o four_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o law_n it_o be_v gospel_n that_o be_v preach_v to_o abraham_n for_o you_o say_v on_o that_o occasion_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v too_o to_o adam_n at_o the_o time_n that_o he_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n but_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o tell_v as_o you_o express_v it_o to_o adam_n but_o to_o the_o serpent_n as_o be_v speak_v not_o by_o way_n of_o promise_n to_o the_o one_o but_o of_o denunciation_n of_o a_o sentence_n on_o the_o other_o nor_o in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o abel_n enoch_n noah_n etc._n etc._n nor_o be_v they_o in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o and_o under_o any_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n much_o less_o in_o and_o under_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o believe_v abraham_n and_o his_o true_a seed_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n for_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n be_v in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o scripture_n first_o transact_v with_o believe_v abraham_n and_o no_o otherwise_o and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n observe_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a moment_n that_o almighty_a god_n do_v no_o soon_o in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o scripture_n transact_v with_o man_n in_o way_n of_o covenant_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o
between_o god_n and_o he_o and_o though_o they_o all_o do_v worship_n and_o honour_n god_n in_o way_n of_o sacrifice_n in_o all_o which_o the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o true_a lamb_n of_o god_n be_v figure_v and_o represent_v and_o though_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o say_v before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o yet_o that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o transact_v with_o all_o or_o any_o or_o either_o of_o they_o before_o abraham_n in_o way_n of_o covenant_n or_o promise_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n or_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v preach_v to_o they_o or_o otherwise_o exhibit_v then_o in_o type_n and_o figure_n which_o we_o be_v not_o tell_v they_o understand_v be_v no_o where_o say_v or_o record_v or_o so_o much_o as_o hint_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n our_o saviour_n say_v indeed_o that_o abraham_n do_v see_v his_o day_n but_o he_o say_v not_o nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n say_v that_o adam_n abel_n enoch_n noah_n etc._n etc._n see_v it_o what_o may_v be_v preach_v by_o the_o 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any_o such_o transaction_n must_v be_v see_v the_o scripture_n be_v so_o deep_o silent_a in_o it_o that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o mystery_n in_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o scripture_n touch_v melchisedeck_v so_o there_o be_v a_o mystery_n in_o the_o silence_n of_o it_o touch_v any_o such_o covenant_n or_o promise_n if_o any_o such_o be_v to_o the_o father_n and_o that_o as_o melchisedeck_v to_o be_v a_o figure_n of_o the_o eternal_a priest_n must_v be_v bring_v in_o in_o scripture_n as_o a_o man_n drop_v out_o of_o the_o cloud_n without_o any_o mention_n of_o father_n mother_n etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o to_o the_o end_n that_o abraham_n may_v be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n what_o in_o the_o divine_a council_n he_o be_v appoint_v and_o set_v up_o to_o be_v namely_o the_o father_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a or_o express_v believer_n in_o christ_n there_o must_v be_v no_o record_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n of_o any_o promise_n of_o christ_n before_o as_o make_v to_o any_o other_o or_o of_o any_o explicit_fw-la belief_n and_o faith_n in_o he_o before_o for_o have_v there_o be_v either_o how_o can_v abraham_n possible_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v the_o father_n and_o so_o the_o first_o of_o all_o the_o faithful_a of_o all_o believer_n in_o christ_n he_o only_o be_v first_o before_o who_o no_o other_o be_v christ_n i_o deny_v not_o may_v have_v be_v preach_v before_o abraham_n and_o also_o promise_v by_o the_o spirit_n but_o he_o be_v not_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o to_o have_v be_v either_o preach_v or_o promise_v the_o scripture_n be_v entire_o silent_a as_o to_o any_o such_o transaction_n if_o any_o such_o covenant_n or_o promise_n be_v of_o christ_n before_o certain_o in_o the_o account_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v as_o none_o and_o so_o must_v be_v look_v on_o of_o we_o as_o none_o not_o the_o least_o impression_n or_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o concern_v appear_v i_o acknowledge_v the_o old_a father_n to_o be_v say_v to_o have_v have_v faith_n in_o god_n but_o they_o be_v not_o say_v to_o have_v have_v any_o in_o christ_n and_o these_o faith_n be_v so_o distinguish_v that_o they_o may_v be_v actual_o divide_v you_o believe_v in_o god_n say_v christ_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o the_o old_a father_n do_v believe_v in_o god_n they_o believe_v both_o that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n but_o abraham_n do_v not_o only_o believe_v as_o they_o do_v in_o god_n but_o he_o also_o believe_v in_o christ._n if_o you_o ask_v i_o but_o be_v not_o god_n 〈◊〉_d a_o rewarder_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n and_o not_o otherwise_o i_o answer_v yes_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v believe_v in_o god_n and_o not_o believe_v in_o christ_n they_o may_v believe_v god_n to_o be_v a_o rewarder_n as_o some_o heathen_a do_v though_o they_o do_v not_o know_v he_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v so_o but_o in_o christ_n that_o god_n be_v and_o be_v a_o rewarder_n be_v point_n of_o natural_a religion_n but_o that_o christ_n be_v and_o god_n a_o rewarder_n in_o he_o be_v point_n of_o revelation_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o you_o say_v be_v common_o take_v for_o grant_v viz._n that_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n be_v make_v to_o adam_n and_o so_o much_o be_v true_a that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v introduce_v by_o the_o psalmist_n as_o speak_v of_o himself_o and_o say_v that_o in_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o book_n or_o as_o some_o do_v render_v it_o in_o the_o head_n of_o the_o book_n it_o be_v write_v of_o he_o and_o so_o though_o happy_o the_o psalmist_n may_v have_v aspect_n upon_o something_o else_o i_o grant_v it_o be_v gen._n 3._o 15._o for_o when_o it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n etc._n etc._n it_o must_v i_o confess_v be_v understand_v of_o christ_n at_o least_o in_o the_o mystery_n thus_o it_o be_v write_v of_o 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scripture_n that_o declaration_n be_v not_o note_v as_o a_o transaction_n between_o god_n and_o adam_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n or_o promise_n all_o be_v say_v concern_v it_o be_v in_o what_o do_v pass_v between_o god_n and_o the_o serpent_n and_o some_o ad_fw-la loc_n choose_v to_o call_v it_o a_o prophecy_n not_o a_o promise_n of_o christ._n and_o it_o add_v no_o little_a confirmation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v that_o after_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o what_o pass_v between_o god_n and_o the_o serpent_n we_o have_v not_o for_o the_o long_a space_n of_o above_o two_o thousand_o year_n the_o least_o intimation_n in_o all_o the_o
salvation_n through_o the_o messiah_n but_o he_o oblige_v those_o in_o that_o covenant_n to_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o sign_n and_o that_o from_o the_o beginning_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o do_v institute_v any_o sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o parent_n which_o in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o establish_v the_o covenant_n he_o do_v ordain_v it_o shall_v be_v put_v on_o the_o child_n also_o and_o as_o much_o command_v the_o wear_n of_o it_o by_o infant_n as_o by_o the_o adult_n so_o that_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o a_o covenant_n transaction_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n or_o in_o the_o first_o make_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o be_v to_o begin_v our_o account_n where_o they_o do_v the_o obligation_n to_o keep_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o to_o keep_v the_o covenant_n in_o the_o sign_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o abraham_n for_o child_n and_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o for_o himself_o and_o other_o in_o age_n and_o that_o by_o special_a direction_n and_o now_o consider_v once_o again_o if_o there_o be_v no_o connexion_n between_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o obligation_n viz._n to_o be_v sign_v be_v not_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n the_o promise_n to_o abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o in_o their_o generation_n and_o have_v not_o god_n say_v because_o i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n therefore_o thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o covenant_n thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n so_o plain_o god_n have_v put_v together_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v on_o his_o part_n and_o the_o duty_n and_o obligation_n that_o lie_v on_o we_o and_o when_o god_n have_v join_v they_o and_o put_v they_o together_o what_o man_n or_o man_n shall_v dare_v to_o separate_v and_o put_v they_o asunder_o again_o whereas_o you_o say_v it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n for_o substance_n that_o the_o old_a patriarch_n before_o abraham_n and_o that_o we_o the_o believe_a gentile_n as_o well_o as_o believe_v abraham_n himself_o do_v and_o do_v belong_v unto_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o invisible_a church_n but_o if_o we_o take_v a_o church_n visible_o and_o formal_o as_o now_o we_o be_v to_o take_v it_o when_o we_o do_v speak_v of_o church-membership_n namely_o for_o a_o corporation_n or_o visible_a society_n of_o holy_a man_n frame_v and_o form_v under_o certain_a special_a external_a and_o distinguish_a law_n and_o institution_n for_o spiritual_a end_n then_o i_o say_v so_o take_v it_o we_o do_v not_o read_v in_o holy_a scripture_n of_o any_o church_n any_o formal_a church_n any_o more_o than_o of_o a_o formal_a covenant_n before_o abraham_n it_o be_v in_o his_o family_n that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o lay_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o polity_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o form_n to_o himself_o a_o special_a corporation_n and_o society_n of_o man_n under_o visible_a and_o distinguish_a token_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o call_v a_o church_n for_o indeed_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o company_n of_o call_v one_o visible_o associate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v ab_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o church_n be_v term_v so_o from_o call_v now_o as_o in_o the_o account_n of_o holy_a scripture_n abraham_n and_o his_o family_n be_v the_o first_o that_o god_n transact_v with_o in_o way_n of_o covenant_n for_o grace_n and_o salvation_n through_o the_o messiah_n so_o in_o the_o same_o account_n of_o holy_a scripture_n the_o first_o visible_a gather_v church_n be_v in_o abraham_n family_n abraham_n be_v the_o first_o that_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v affirm_v to_o have_v call_v out_o from_o his_o own_o kindred_n and_o his_o own_o country_n to_o another_o that_o he_o know_v not_o which_o call_v of_o he_o from_o his_o own_o country_n to_o another_o that_o he_o know_v not_o be_v a_o figure_n and_o by_o our_o apostle_n be_v interpret_v to_o be_v so_o heb._n 11._o of_o the_o true_a spiritual_a calling_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v a_o call_n out_o of_o and_o from_o the_o present_a evil_a world_n unto_o the_o heavenly_a country_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o be_v above_o not_o but_o that_o before_o abraham_n there_o be_v righteous_a and_o good_a man_n who_o in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n divide_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o world_n man_n that_o live_v just_o and_o righteous_o and_o so_o be_v true_o call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o at_o least_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o intimate_v they_o do_v actual_o divide_v and_o separate_v from_o other_o into_o distinct_a society_n under_o any_o external_a and_o distinguish_a rite_n before_o abraham_n yes_o there_o be_v righteous_a and_o good_a man_n before_o abraham_n divide_v from_o the_o common_a in_o the_o piety_n sobriety_n and_o justice_n of_o their_o life_n there_o be_v son_n of_o god_n distinguish_v by_o their_o piety_n and_o righteousness_n from_o the_o son_n of_o man_n before_o the_o son_n of_o god_n take_v unto_o they_o the_o daughter_n of_o man_n the_o son_n of_o good_a man_n marry_v the_o daughter_n of_o bad_a but_o they_o be_v not_o actual_o divide_v into_o distinct_a society_n and_o corporation_n under_o distinguish_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n before_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v not_o a_o visible_a organical_a church_n before_o and_o if_o what_o i_o now_o assert_v be_v true_a as_o true_a it_o be_v for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n no_o where_o intimate_v not_o in_o the_o least_o any_o such_o formalization_n incorporation_n or_o distinguish_v association_n of_o righteous_a good_a man_n for_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a end_n before_o abraham_n then_o certain_o no_o reasonable_a man_n have_v any_o cause_n to_o admire_v that_o before_o abraham_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o sign_v i_o mean_v no_o use_n of_o any_o initiate_a rite_n and_o rite_n of_o matriculation_n or_o of_o enter_v into_o the_o spiritual_a corporation_n and_o society_n of_o the_o church_n for_o no_o matriculation_n no_o initiation_n into_o any_o corporation_n or_o society_n be_v to_o be_v conceive_v before_o the_o corporation_n and_o society_n itself_o be_v constitute_v and_o form_v nor_o can_v any_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o matriculation_n or_o initiation_n be_v conceive_v extant_a before_o matriculation_n and_o initiation_n itself_o be_v so_o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o no_o sign_v before_o abraham_n see_v no_o formal_a church_n before_o abraham_n but_o yet_o assoon_o as_o it_o please_v god_n in_o infinite_a wisdom_n to_o ordain_v the_o incorporate_n of_o holy_a man_n into_o a_o visible_a society_n for_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a end_n by_o make_v a_o formal_a covenant_n with_o they_o and_o so_o distinguish_v and_o divide_v of_o they_o from_o other_o he_o be_v then_o please_v to_o assume_v into_o that_o society_n as_o member_n of_o it_o child_n as_o well_o as_o parent_n infant_n as_o well_o as_o adult_v one_o and_o to_o ordain_v that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o their_o initiation_n and_o admission_n visible_o and_o external_o into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o righteous_a or_o into_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v put_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o in_o deep_a council_n the_o better_a to_o perpetuate_v his_o church_n so_o that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n infant_n be_v admit_v unto_o membership_n in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o nursery_n of_o the_o church_n what_o you_o next_o tell_v i_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v other_o sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n beside_o baptism_n for_o instance_n as_o circumcision_n of_o old_a i_o believe_v you_o mean_v the_o passover_n of_o old_a so_o the_o lord_n supper_n now_o of_o which_o infant_n be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o any_o administration_n of_o it_o 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