a_o treatise_n concern_v the_o lawful_a subject_a of_o baptism_n wherein_o be_v handle_v these_o particular_n the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n confute_v and_o the_o ground_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o answer_v the_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n handle_v &_o how_o the_o same_o agree_v with_o the_o gentile_n &_o their_o seed_n the_o baptism_n administer_v by_o a_o antichristian_a power_n confute_v as_o no_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ground_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o answer_v if_o either_o church_n or_o ordinance_n be_v want_v where_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o how_o recover_v the_o covenant_n and_o not_o baptism_n form_n the_o church_n and_o the_o manner_n how_o there_o be_v no_o succession_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o what_o be_v spiritual_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o some_o other_o thing_n examine_v and_o brief_o discourse_v by_o i_o j._n s._n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o mat._n 28.19_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v mark_n 16.16_o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thes_n 5.21_o lord_n god_n the_o strength_n of_o my_o salvation_n cover_v thou_o my_o head_n in_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n psal_n 140.7_o london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1643._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n have_v a_o favourable_a construction_n of_o my_o so_o bold_a attempt_n of_o so_o great_a a_o work_n upon_o such_o weak_a ability_n which_o may_v possible_o seem_v to_o savour_v as_o deep_o of_o pride_n to_o some_o as_o david_n undertake_v the_o challenge_n of_o goliath_n do_v to_o his_o brother_n eliab_n 1_o sam_n 17.28_o but_o i_o be_o content_v to_o walk_v naked_a before_o the_o world_n and_o to_o under_o go_v the_o censure_n of_o man_n to_o perform_v any_o service_n to_o god_n or_o his_o people_n the_o occasion_n that_o press_v i_o on_o chief_o to_o this_o work_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o some_o godly_a person_n who_o conscience_n be_v scruple_v about_o the_o baptise_v of_o child_n before_o they_o come_v to_o know_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o same_o and_o other_o come_v to_o hear_v of_o it_o do_v much_o insult_v upon_o they_o in_o a_o reproachful_a manner_n with_o much_o revile_v and_o despise_v of_o they_o as_o i_o understand_v by_o a_o letter_n receive_v from_o they_o and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v make_v a_o challenge_n upon_o they_o with_o certain_a reason_n and_o argument_n gather_v up_o against_o they_o upon_o which_o occasion_n the_o say_a reason_n and_o argument_n be_v send_v to_o i_o from_o beyond_o the_o sea_n to_o be_v answer_v and_o press_v i_o with_o letter_n after_o letter_n to_o the_o same_o which_o at_o length_n i_o intend_v to_o do_v only_o in_o a_o private_a way_n until_o some_o here_o at_o home_n have_v publish_v their_o evil_a affection_n in_o a_o reproachful_a manner_n cast_v such_o unseemly_a aspersion_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o godly_a person_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n to_o make_v the_o same_o hateful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n in_o what_o they_o lie_v and_o other_o also_o in_o resemblance_n of_o the_o truth_n go_v on_o in_o such_o a_o confuse_a way_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o as_o bad_a order_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o disorder_n the_o bless_a name_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a truth_n be_v expose_v unto_o much_o suffire_n and_o thus_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n lie_v as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o stake_n and_o his_o people_n grieve_v and_o suffer_v together_o with_o the_o same_o i_o think_v in_o such_o a_o case_n that_o i_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o come_v forth_o to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o the_o mighty_a and_o to_o free_v myself_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o withhold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o according_a to_o that_o ability_n christ_n bathe_v give_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o bless_a truth_n against_o those_o ungodly_a aspersion_n cast_v upon_o the_o same_o and_o thus_o have_v show_v my_o courteous_a reader_n the_o ground_n force_v i_o to_o attempt_v so_o great_a a_o work_n with_o so_o weak_a meanâ—â—_n i_o trust_v he_o will_v spare_o consider_v rather_o than_o rash_o censure_v as_o the_o manner_n of_o too_o many_o be_v and_o to_o judge_v as_o he_o will_v be_v judge_v remember_v there_o be_v a_o righteous_a judge_n before_o who_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v and_o give_v account_v every_o one_o for_o himself_o as_o rom._n 14.10.12_o 2_o cor._n 5.10_o the_o subject_n controvert_v in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n one_o part_n of_o it_o be_v about_o infant_n baptism_n and_o whereas_o i_o oppose_v the_o same_o as_o a_o unwritten_a tradition_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v that_o i_o oppose_v infant_n in_o respect_n of_o either_o their_o person_n or_o age_n or_o salvation_n itself_o between_o god_n and_o they_o invisible_o but_o honour_v they_o with_o all_o natural_a respect_n desire_v their_o safety_n and_o well-being_n here_o and_o glory_n here_o after_o but_o what_o their_o estate_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o grace_n that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o as_o the_o same_o appear_v by_o some_o effect_n of_o faith_n until_o which_o time_n as_o i_o condemn_v none_o no_o more_o dare_v i_o justify_v all_o but_o leave_v they_o all_o unto_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n that_o only_o know_v who_o be_v he_o and_o this_o i_o believe_v that_o god_n of_o his_o mere_a grace_n before_o the_o world_n be_v do_v elect_v and_o choose_v a_o number_n in_o christ_n to_o salvation_n all_o which_o shall_v avoidable_o come_v to_o glory_n as_o ephes_n 1._o rom._n 8.30_o but_o who_o these_o be_v that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v until_o god_n reveal_v the_o same_o by_o some_o effect_n of_o his_o grace_n appear_v in_o they_o and_o all_o that_o i_o intend_v by_o oppose_a infant_n baptism_n be_v but_o only_o to_o forbear_v a_o while_n and_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n until_o faith_n appear_v to_o meet_v with_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n without_o which_o the_o same_o be_v void_a and_o of_o no_o effect_n but_o profane_v god_n provoke_v and_o the_o party_n endanger_v friend_n how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o not_o have_v a_o wedding_n garment_n take_v he_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 22.12_o 13._o and_o also_o that_o baptism_n administer_v in_o a_o antichristian_a church_n and_o by_o the_o same_o power_n be_v no_o ordinance_n of_o god_n so_o that_o all_o such_o so_o baptize_v be_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n of_o baptism_n whensoever_o god_n call_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o not_o hold_v any_o rebaptise_v for_o he_o that_o be_v once_o baptize_v with_o the_o lord_n true_a baptism_n he_o need_v no_o more_o nor_o yet_o a_o new_a way_n of_o baptise_v as_o some_o to_o please_v themselves_o so_o call_v it_o but_o only_o that_o good_a old_a way_n which_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n walk_v in_o before_o we_o and_o leave_v the_o same_o as_o a_o rule_n under_o command_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o such_o as_o will_v be_v follower_n of_o they_o to_o walk_v by_o and_o as_o it_o be_v record_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n even_o so_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o and_o best_o learn_v in_o the_o land_n so_o far_o as_o i_o have_v see_v or_o can_v come_v by_o any_o of_o their_o writing_n as_o in_o all_o the_o common_a dictionary_n which_o with_o one_o joint_a consent_n affirm_v that_o the_o word_n baptism_n or_o baptiâ—o_o be_v the_o original_a word_n signify_v to_o dipp_v wash_v or_o to_o plunge_v one_o into_o the_o water_n though_o some_o please_v to_o mock_v and_o deride_v by_o call_v it_o a_o new_a find_v way_n error_n yet_o truth_n be_v before_o error_n and_o what_o they_o please_v indeed_o it_o be_v a_o new_a find_v truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o old_a grow_v error_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o new_a thing_n to_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n be_v to_o the_o athenian_n act._n 17.19_o but_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n i_o shall_v leave_v it_o and_o turn_v such_o so_o mock_v over_o to_o consider_v of_o these_o scripture_n isa_n 28.22_o pro._n 17.5_o isa_n 57.4_o act._n 17.32_o heb._n 11.36_o judas_n 18._o &_o gen._n 21.9_o with_o gal._n 4.29_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o wise_a heart_a reader_n will_v thy_o and_z examine_v thing_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o build_v upon_o dark_a
to_o enter_v or_o admit_v any_o into_o the_o say_a covenant_n covenant_n what_o inright_v into_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o same_o that_o give_v right_a of_o entrance_n and_o only_o admit_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o neh._n 9.8_o the_o covenant_n aforesaid_a have_v these_o essential_a part_n and_o visible_a branch_n first_o grace_n in_o the_o agent_n god_n second_o faith_n in_o the_o subject_a man._n three_o a_o unite_n or_o close_v of_o these_o together_o which_o be_v that_o mutual_a consent_n &_o agreement_n by_o faith_n in_o the_o same_o grace_n reveal_v by_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o bless_a word_n of_o life_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o same_o that_o give_v right_a and_o admit_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n three_o who_o be_v the_o true_a approve_a subject_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o they_o be_v only_o such_o as_o believe_v for_o god_n approve_v of_o none_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o by_o his_o word_n out_o of_o christ_n nor_o of_o any_o in_o christ_n without_o faith_n nay_o god_n deny_v his_o approve_v of_o any_o in_o fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o he_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v as_o john_n 3.5_o 6_o 36._o heb._n 11.6_o rom._n 8.9_o thus_o god_n approve_v of_o none_o as_o subject_n of_o his_o gracious_a covenant_n but_o only_o such_o as_o he_o have_v elect_v and_o choose_v in_o christ_n and_o so_o appear_v by_o some_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o as_o these_o scripture_n with_o many_o other_o witness_n rom._n 8.29_o 30._o rom._n 11.7_o ephes_n 1.4_o 5_o 6._o 2_o thes_n 2.13_o 14._o 1_o pet._n 1.2_o act._n 2.47_o act._n 13.48_o so_o that_o such_o as_o be_v the_o choose_a and_o call_v of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o only_o approve_a subject_n by_o he_o in_o his_o save_n and_o everblessed_n covenant_n of_o life_n the_o four_o and_o last_o be_v this_o whether_o that_o all_o person_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n of_o entrance_n into_o the_o foresay_a covenant_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v judge_n and_o i_o find_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o approve_v of_o none_o in_o the_o lord_n holy_a covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o such_o as_o believe_v neither_o any_o approve_a of_o as_o to_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o no_o other_o way_n to_o come_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n as_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v but_o only_o by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o in_o he_o be_v all_o the_o promise_v confirm_v &_o make_v over_o only_o unto_o such_o as_o believe_v as_o 2_o cor._n 1.20_o rom._n 10_o 4_o 1_o joh._n 5.11_o 12._o rom._n 8.9_o the_o holy_a covenant_n of_o life_n consist_v of_o these_o three_o essentials_n for_o entrance_n thereinto_o covenant_n the_o essential_o of_o the_o covenant_n first_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v the_o same_o second_o christ_n to_o open_v the_o way_n and_o to_o inright_a the_o party_n therein_o and_o last_o faith_n without_o which_o none_o can_v enter_v thereinto_o so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o only_o one_o way_n of_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n that_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n &_o that_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n then_o all_o must_v enter_v this_o way_n that_o can_v be_v approve_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n for_o none_o can_v come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o the_o son_n nor_o any_o to_o the_o son_n but_o by_o faith_n as_o john_n 14.6_o with_o john_n 6.44.45_o heb._n 11.6_o let_v all_o this_o be_v well_o consider_v and_o then_o see_v how_o infant_n be_v discover_v to_o be_v in_o this_o covenant_n &_o what_o way_n of_o entrance_n have_v god_n by_o his_o word_n appoint_v for_o they_o to_o come_v in_o and_o deny_v the_o same_o unto_o other_o except_o they_o be_v natural_o beget_v &_o bear_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o be_v never_o out_o of_o the_o same_o which_o thing_n indeed_o the_o opposite_a doctrine_n affirm_v for_o if_o infant_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v bear_v of_o believe_a parent_n who_o be_v in_o the_o same_o than_o such_o infant_n be_v bear_v in_o a_o save_a estate_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v never_o out_o of_o the_o same_o which_o doctrine_n make_v void_a many_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a truth_n that_o speak_v to_o the_o contrary_a which_o lie_v all_o under_o sin_n and_o wrath_n for_o the_o same_o as_o conceive_v in_o sin_n bear_v child_n of_o wrath_n and_o so_o under_o the_o curse_n until_o christ_n by_o his_o blood_n and_o death_n redeem_v they_o and_o by_o his_o heavenly_a voice_n call_v they_o and_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n beget_v they_o unto_o a_o lively_a hope_n work_v faith_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n god_n arm_n of_o salvation_n that_o carry_v they_o up_o to_o glory_n and_o therefore_o all_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o from_o above_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n before_o they_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n now_o for_o such_o as_o be_v beget_v and_o bear_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v affirm_v than_o such_o be_v never_o out_o of_o the_o same_o which_o doctrine_n disable_v they_o of_o any_o of_o the_o former_a privilege_n by_o christ_n for_o none_o can_v be_v under_o grace_n wrath_n &_o the_o curse_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o same_o the_o which_o all_o out_o discourse_n intend_v for_o invisible_a thing_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o some_o other_o ground_n tend_v to_o prove_v infant_n to_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n now_o as_o they_o be_v of_o old_a and_o they_o be_v these_o first_o obj._n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o than_o this_o covenant_n will_v not_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o and_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o ans_fw-fr i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o have_v be_v aforesaid_a concern_v the_o differencebetween_n the_o covenant_n then_o and_o this_o now_o not_o the_o same_o in_o a_o typical_a way_n nor_o the_o same_o in_o a_o fleshly_a seed_n nor_o the_o same_o in_o the_o outward_a privilege_n nor_o the_o same_o in_o the_o visible_a profession_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n all_o which_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o and_o shall_v add_v more_o here_o after_o another_o ground_n be_v this_o obj._n else_o the_o state_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v straighten_a and_o make_v of_o less_o extent_n by_o christ_n come_n then_o it_o be_v before_o whereas_o it_o be_v more_o enlarge_a and_o of_o great_a extent_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o require_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n to_o interest_n infant_n into_o the_o covenant_n then_o then_o be_v now_o this_o particular_a consist_v of_o two_o part_n ans_fw-fr and_o the_o first_o be_v to_o this_o effect_n if_o infant_n be_v not_o in_o the_o covenant_n now_o as_o they_o be_v at_o the_o first_o then_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o less_o extent_n since_o christ_n come_n than_o it_o be_v before_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o indeed_o it_o be_v of_o less_o extent_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o flesh_n by_o christ_n come_n than_o it_o be_v before_o because_o that_o by_o he_o be_v take_v away_o all_o fleshly_a respect_n either_o in_o regard_n of_o person_n or_o privilege_n in_o matter_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v a_o further_o enlarge_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n for_o the_o near_o the_o covenant_n come_v to_o perfection_n the_o large_a it_o be_v and_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o one_o sense_n be_v this_o to_o have_v nothing_o contain_v in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v true_o of_o it_o and_o the_o contrary_n be_v a_o straighten_n of_o the_o same_o and_o a_o bondage_n unto_o the_o true_a subject_n thereof_o again_o it_o can_v not_o proper_o be_v say_v that_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o same_o in_o glory_n will_v be_v more_o straight_o &_o of_o less_o extent_n than_o now_o in_o grace_n and_o yet_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o but_o only_o such_o as_o true_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n lie_v to_o this_o effect_n obj._n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v in_o infant_n then_o to_o interest_n they_o into_o the_o covenant_n than_o there_o be_v require_v of_o infant_n now_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o in_o a_o word_n ans_fw-fr let_v the_o reader_n consider_v well_o what_o be_v require_v to_o interest_n infant_n into_o the_o covenant_n
they_o what_o will_v such_o do_v when_o more_o light_n come_v they_o will_v then_o yield_v or_o else_o appear_v to_o be_v wilful_a opposer_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o lord_n give_v they_o heart_n to_o consider_v and_o to_o put_v their_o cause_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o bring_v all_o his_o people_n into_o one_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o uniform_a order_n of_o truth_n that_o god_n may_v have_v glory_n the_o gospel_n honour_n the_o saint_n comfort_n the_o subject_n of_o the_o former_a discourse_n have_v be_v about_o the_o right_a subject_n of_o baptism_n and_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v discover_v to_o be_v a_o believer_n only_o in_o the_o prove_v of_o which_o truth_n there_o in_o also_o disprove_v two_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o they_o be_v either_o believer_n infant_n or_o such_o that_o receive_v their_o baptism_n of_o antichrist_n and_o yet_o all_o in_o their_o infancy_n both_o which_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n disapprove_v the_o one_o be_v uncapable_a and_o so_o without_o any_o rule_n from_o god_n for_o the_o same_o and_o the_o other_o also_o unlawful_a and_o so_o direct_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o disclaim_v all_o communion_n with_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n in_o any_o of_o his_o divine_a ordinance_n who_o receive_v nothing_o of_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o he_o can_v administer_v unto_o any_o be_v both_o of_o himself_o from_o himself_o and_o for_o himself_o and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v justify_v nor_o retain_v as_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n and_o this_o fall_v out_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v now_o to_o seek_v for_o the_o lord_n true_a baptism_n and_o for_o a_o case_n so_o difficult_a as_o some_o will_v make_v it_o two_o thing_n in_o special_a be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o first_o how_o or_o where_o to_o find_v it_o second_o how_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v be_v find_v for_o the_o first_o if_o any_o ordinance_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o decease_v in_o its_o constitution_n as_o that_o we_o do_v not_o know_v where_o it_o be_v afoot_a in_o god_n way_n in_o the_o world_n so_o as_o to_o come_v by_o it_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n a_o people_n in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v convict_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o he_o necessity_n of_o their_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o the_o same_o and_o yet_o know_v not_o the_o way_n or_o manner_n how_o to_o accomplish_v their_o holy_a desire_n in_o the_o find_n &_o obtain_v the_o same_o they_o be_v to_o go_v as_o of_o old_a to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o the_o godly_a than_o do_v that_o be_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n speak_v in_o they_o unto_o a_o believe_a heart_n so_o they_o stand_v in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n with_o the_o same_o ability_n &_o authority_n to_o furnish_v a_o man_n of_o faith_n with_o all_o truth_n as_o these_o scripture_n compare_v together_o sufficient_o prove_v 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17._o 2_o pet._n 1.19_o 20._o rom._n 16.25_o 26._o job_n 5.39_o mat._n 22.29_o luk._n 24.25.27.44_o 45_o 46._o 1_o cor._n 15.3_o 4._o by_o all_o which_o we_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lead_v man_n to_o prove_v and_o find_v all_o thing_n concern_v faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v the_o prophetical_a mouth_n of_o christ_n that_o all_o must_v have_v recourse_n unto_o that_o will_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o he_o act._n 3.22_o 23._o and_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o all_o must_v be_v try_v though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o gal._n 1.8_o 9_o so_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a place_n where_o any_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o case_n aforesaid_a be_v to_o be_v find_v they_o be_v the_o fountainhead_n contain_v all_o the_o institute_v rule_n both_o of_o church_n and_o ordinance_n so_o that_o where_o or_o wheresoever_o any_o of_o these_o be_v want_v in_o their_o constitution_n and_o can_v be_v find_v in_o their_o outward_a orderly_a form_n we_o be_v to_o go_v direct_o unto_o its_o institution_n and_o recover_v the_o same_o again_o from_o thence_o as_o cant._n 1.7_o isa_n 8.19_o 20._o rom._n 10.6_o 7_o 8._o and_o thus_o have_v find_v the_o place_n or_o subject_n wherein_o baptism_n ever_o subsist_v as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o know_v how_o such_o as_o want_v it_o may_v come_v orderly_o by_o it_o for_o though_o that_o god_n have_v join_v his_o word_n and_o ordinance_n together_o yet_o he_o have_v also_o ordain_v a_o orderly_a way_n for_o his_o people_n to_o come_v to_o enjoy_v they_o which_o orderly_a way_n i_o conceive_v to_o be_v only_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n wherein_o be_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n to_o set_v afoot_a his_o ordinance_n as_o when_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o take_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o truth_n unite_v they_o to_o his_o son_n and_o so_o into_o a_o orderly_a body_n among_o themselves_o now_o such_o a_o people_n so_o constitute_v have_v right_a unto_o all_o such_o privilege_n ordain_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o their_o mutual_a comfort_n and_o well-being_n as_o rom._n 8.17_o 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22_o 23._o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o union_n they_o have_v with_o their_o head_n christ_n the_o body_n thus_o joint_o consider_v have_v the_o power_n &_o authority_n of_o christ_n within_o herself_o to_o choose_v and_o make_v use_n of_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o her_o member_n as_o occasion_n offer_v and_o authorise_v he_o or_o they_o to_o administer_v baptism_n upon_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o so_o upon_o themselves_o in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o apart_z of_o the_o same_o such_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v send_v and_o authorize_v by_o christ_n as_o of_o old_a by_o christ_n in_o his_o humane_a body_n even_o so_o now_o by_o he_o in_o his_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a body_n for_o wheresoever_o a_o church_n do_v rise_v in_o her_o true_a constitution_n there_o be_v her_o ordinance_n and_o also_o power_n to_o administer_v the_o same_o and_o where_o a_o thing_n be_v want_v there_o must_v be_v of_o necessity_n a_o beginning_n to_o reduce_v that_o thing_n again_o into_o be_v and_o thus_o brief_o i_o have_v show_v my_o judgement_n in_o case_n baptism_n shall_v be_v want_v where_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o god_n second_o how_o from_o thence_o to_o be_v obtain_v and_o that_o be_v by_o god_n call_v a_o people_n into_o a_o holy_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o have_v power_n to_o assume_v as_o a_o church_n so_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n upon_o themselves_o i_o shall_v yet_o further_o clear_v up_o this_o truth_n by_o show_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o foresay_a constitution_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o but_o before_o i_o can_v do_v this_o i_o must_v give_v answer_n to_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o oppose_v the_o aforesaid_a truth_n first_o such_o as_o stand_v for_o a_o personal_a succession_n second_o such_o as_o will_v have_v no_o church_n before_o baptism_n and_o so_o make_v baptism_n the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o first_o that_o hold_v baptism_n by_o personal_a succession_n they_o have_v receive_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n in_o prove_v of_o that_o baptism_n administer_v by_o antichrist_n to_o be_v none_o of_o god_n ordinance_n only_o a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o such_o as_o hold_v a_o succession_n in_o the_o defection_n of_o antichrist_n as_o they_o call_v it_o if_o they_o mean_v by_o defection_n the_o outward_a form_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n ecclesiastical_a a_o i_o think_v they_o do_v than_o all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o ever_o have_v carry_v out_o any_o administration_n or_o constitute_v ordinance_n have_v take_v its_o be_v thence_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o same_o and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o power_n and_o ordainer_n and_o the_o ordinance_n so_o ordain_v must_v be_v both_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o stamp_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v if_o the_o one_o be_v antichrist_n the_o other_o must_v be_v also_o antichristian_a and_o to_o dream_v of_o any_o approve_a church_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o or_o under_o this_o defection_n and_o yet_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o be_v to_o look_v for_o a_o man_n in_o the_o moon_n and_o to_o suppose_v a_o church_n to_o consist_v in_o such_o matter_n that_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o form_n and_o therein_o to_o hold_v a_o succession_n of_o truth_n be_v against_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o pope_n upon_o the_o throne_n of_o
god_n do_v sanctify_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o same_o lump_n so_o believe_v parent_n sanctify_v all_o their_o seed_n that_o proceed_v from_o their_o loin_n and_o so_o as_o the_o first_o fruit_n and_o the_o root_n be_v believe_a parent_n be_v holy_a even_o so_o the_o lump_n and_o branch_n be_v their_o infant_n be_v holy_a also_o and_o so_o to_o be_v baptize_v as_o their_o parent_n be_v which_o be_v a_o mere_a fallacy_n and_o far_o from_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o those_o word_n and_o for_o our_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o same_o let_v we_o a_o little_a examine_v the_o scripture_n allege_v and_o first_o for_o rom._n 11.16_o the_o general_a scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v concern_v the_o jew_n break_v off_o and_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o as_o also_o their_o call_n by_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o a_o two_o fold_v consideration_n first_o as_o they_o be_v a_o national_a people_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n with_o many_o outward_a privilege_n suitable_a to_o the_o same_o by_o which_o god_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o his_o people_n above_o all_o other_o in_o the_o world_n second_o some_o of_o they_o god_n own_v in_o a_o more_o special_a manner_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o gracious_a covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o establish_v with_o isaac_n and_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o for_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n as_o gen._n 17._o which_o consideration_n can_v be_v of_o the_o jew_n national_o consider_v as_o i_o have_v former_o prove_v for_o if_o so_o than_o all_o the_o whole_a nation_n must_v have_v be_v in_o a_o true_a and_o save_a estate_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o all_o of_o they_o to_o have_v be_v save_v or_o else_o to_o fall_v from_o a_o estate_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o as_o god_n have_v then_o a_o national_a church_n and_o people_n even_o so_o have_v he_o for_o the_o same_o also_o national_a privilege_n both_o for_o order_n ordinance_n and_o government_n which_o order_n can_v now_o be_v expect_v for_o we_o gentile_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o though_o that_o god_n admit_v they_o all_o alike_o to_o the_o outward_a privilege_n in_o the_o type_n yet_o god_n have_v another_o consideration_n of_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o substance_n as_o not_o to_o approve_v of_o they_o all_o in_o his_o holy_a covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o of_o that_o whole_a body_n in_o general_a abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n be_v the_o stock_n or_o root_n from_o who_o they_o spring_v as_o natural_a branch_n as_o joh._n 8._o which_o national_a people_n must_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n first_o a_o civil_a state_n or_o commonwealth_n under_o a_o civil_a government_n as_o king_n judges_z and_o other_o the_o like_a governor_n of_o that_o nature_n second_o a_o church_n consist_v of_o a_o holy_a assembly_n of_o worship_n and_o worshipper_n and_o so_o a_o spiritual_a state_n with_o the_o like_a government_n and_o governor_n as_o priest_n prophet_n and_o the_o like_a of_o that_o nature_n all_o which_o hold_v fellowship_n and_o communion_n together_o because_o god_n take_v into_o one_o body_n that_o whole_a nation_n for_o his_o own_o people_n or_o rather_o one_o head_n comprehend_v they_o all_o which_o be_v abraham_n from_o who_o they_o descend_v as_o child_n spring_v from_o the_o loin_n of_o a_o father_n all_o which_o so_o spring_v out_o of_o his_o loin_n do_v assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o equal_a right_n and_o privilege_n in_o god_n gracious_a covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n suppose_v god_n have_v bind_v his_o covenant_n general_o upon_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n in_o his_o natural_a generation_n after_o the_o flesh_n but_o god_n respect_v in_o the_o same_o only_a his_o choose_a in_o christ_n with_o who_o he_o confirm_v his_o covenant_n with_o isaac_n in_o reference_n to_o christ_n gen._n 17._o gal._n 3._o who_o in_o god_n own_o time_n he_o call_v they_o to_o the_o faith_n that_o they_o may_v appear_v to_o who_o they_o belong_v rom._n 8_o 28.29_o 30._o gal._n 4.4_o 6._o these_o the_o apostle_n ever_o defend_v against_o the_o general_a rejection_n of_o that_o nation_n for_o though_o such_o be_v reject_v as_o be_v not_o elect_v this_o make_v not_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v to_o those_o who_o stand_v firm_a in_o the_o covenant_n by_o grace_n in_o christ_n jesus_n as_o branch_n in_o their_o root_n which_o grace_n the_o rest_n oppose_v and_o be_v cast_v off_o for_o their_o unbeleef_n and_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n time_n be_v come_v to_o call_v they_o to_o belief_n they_o shall_v be_v receive_v again_o into_o their_o former_a estate_n as_o alive_a from_o the_o dead_a as_o rom._n 11.23_o 24._o luke_n 15.24_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n after_o he_o have_v prove_v the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o labour_v to_o make_v good_a the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o effectual_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o save_a effect_n thereof_o in_o such_o as_o believe_v through_o grace_n though_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o national_a respect_n be_v reject_v and_o so_o few_o of_o they_o gain_v to_o the_o truth_n as_o rom._n 3.3_o 4._o rom._n 9.6_o rom._n 11._o and_o he_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o it_o thus_o though_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v all_o under_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o profession_n of_o god_n name_n and_o truth_n and_o so_o his_o people_n in_o that_o respect_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o a_o remnant_n that_o he_o approve_v of_o in_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o his_o election_n of_o grace_n unto_o who_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n do_v belong_v as_o rom._n 9.6_o 7_o 8._o rom._n 11.5.7_o now_o to_o these_o god_n special_a care_n be_v to_o perform_v his_o covenant_n and_o all_o that_o he_o promise_v to_o they_o in_o their_o father_n abraham_n with_o reference_n to_o christ_n in_o who_o as_o the_o root_n god_n establish_v his_o holy_a covenant_n for_o these_o his_o holy_a branch_n rom._n 9.11.12.23_o rom._n 11.1.2_o rom._n 8.28_o 29_o 30._o rom._n 11.26.2_o pet._n 3.9_o now_o the_o lump_n general_o consider_v comprehend_v all_o both_o the_o first_o fruit_n and_o the_o latter_a for_o except_o the_o first_o fruit_n be_v part_n of_o the_o lump_n it_o can_v not_o give_v testimony_n that_o the_o lump_n be_v holy_a which_o lump_n so_o consider_v be_v god_n elect_v and_o choose_v in_o christ_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o believe_a in_o he_o and_o so_o the_o approve_a subject_n of_o god_n gracious_a covenant_n and_o heir_n apparent_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o which_o sense_n god_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o respect_n unto_o all_o and_o every_o part_n of_o the_o same_o lump_n and_o that_o be_v as_o he_o consider_v the_o same_o in_o a_o conformity_n to_o his_o son_n as_o the_o end_n of_o his_o election_n rom._n 8.28.29_o 30._o ephes_n 1.8.4.5_o 6.1_o pet._n 1.1_o 2._o so_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o truth_n one_o and_o the_o same_o consideration_n in_o the_o first_o fruit_n and_o the_o lump_n according_a to_o what_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o proposition_n the_o lump_n be_v as_o aforesaid_a a_o remnant_n according_a to_o god_n election_n with_o reference_n to_o faith_n and_o so_o approve_a subject_n in_o his_o holy_a covenant_n appear_v in_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n believe_v as_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o same_o now_o as_o those_o first_o fruit_n of_o that_o bless_a crop_n in_o god_n holy_a covenant_n be_v holy_a only_o so_o appear_v for_o we_o speak_v of_o visible_a thing_n so_o be_v the_o lump_n out_o of_o which_o these_o first_o appear_v by_o faith_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o also_o holy_a in_o the_o same_o consideration_n again_o the_o lump_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o not_o of_o the_o gentile_n as_o he_o here_o apply_v it_o for_o though_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o gentile_n yet_o here_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o jew_n for_o in_o the_o chapter_n before_o labour_n to_o provoke_v the_o jew_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n as_o vers_n 14._o therefore_o he_o intend_v the_o jew_n by_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o lump_n the_o first_o fruit_n the_o believe_a father_n as_o aforesaid_a that_o first_o appear_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o such_o a_o way_n by_o faith_n and_o so_o holy_a be_v that_o remnant_n which_o god_n have_v still_o among_o they_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o same_o state_n the_o first_o fruit_n be_v in_o and_o so_o holy_a the_o same_o consideration_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o the_o lump_n with_o reference_n to_o that_o state_n which_o god_n in_o his_o time_n shall_v call_v they_o unto_o by_o his_o gospel_n and_o so_o be_v
because_o common_o to_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v twenty_o bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n three_o it_o be_v a_o practice_n that_o overthrow_v and_o destroy_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o holy_a temple_n of_o god_n for_o in_o time_n it_o will_v come_v to_o consist_v of_o natural_a and_o so_o a_o nation_n and_o so_o a_o national_a generation_n &_o carnal_a member_n among_o who_o if_o any_o godly_a be_v they_o will_v be_v bring_v in_o bondage_n and_o become_v subject_n of_o scorn_n &_o contempt_n and_o the_o power_n of_o government_n rest_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a four_o because_o it_o be_v a_o ground_n both_o of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n for_o it_o hold_v people_n in_o blindness_n that_o they_o can_v come_v to_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o holy_a ordinance_n nor_o what_o the_o same_o require_v in_o the_o subject_n thereof_o &_o also_o it_o cause_v the_o simple_a to_o conceive_v that_o baptism_n be_v of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n five_o it_o keep_v up_o the_o state_n of_o antichrist_n by_o grant_v he_o this_o so_o chief_a a_o cornerstone_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n to_o lie_v in_o his_o foundation_n for_o that_o church_n where_o baptism_n be_v the_o true_a ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o administration_n thereof_o be_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o true_a church_n so_o that_o if_o antichrist_n baptism_n which_o he_o administer_v be_v god_n ordinance_n than_o that_o church_n wherein_o he_o do_v so_o administer_v the_o same_o must_v be_v also_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o in_o sin_n that_o refuse_v communion_n with_o it_o six_o because_o it_o build_v faith_n upon_o humane_a testimony_n in_o matter_n fundamental_a for_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o satisfy_v either_o themselves_o or_o other_o but_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o man_n that_o must_v stand_v in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o such_o to_o believe_v their_o true_a receive_n of_o so_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n seven_o to_o baptise_v infant_n make_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n a_o lie_a sign_n because_o none_o of_o those_o thing_n can_v be_v expect_v in_o a_o infant_n which_o the_o say_a ordinance_n hold_v forth_o or_o signify_v in_o the_o administration_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o party_n regeneration_n and_o spiritual_a new_a birth_n a_o die_a and_o bury_v with_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o rise_n with_o he_o in_o a_o new_a life_n to_o god_n and_o a_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o free_a remission_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o same_o as_o rom._n 6.3_o 4._o col._n 2.12_o 1_o pet._n 3.21_o act._n 2.38_o 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o none_o of_o all_o which_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o a_o infant_n eight_o because_o the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v passive_a but_o a_o infant_n be_v no_o way_n passive_a as_o that_o ordinance_n require_v 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o i_o mean_v a_o passive_a subject_n threefold_a 1._o a_o thing_n uncapable_a and_o thus_o be_v a_o stone_n 2._o a_o thing_n force_v and_o thus_o be_v a_o infant_n who_o oppose_v its_o baptism_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o its_o ability_n so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o be_v passive_a in_o the_o same_o 3._o a_o thing_n be_v passive_a by_o a_o subject_n power_n produce_v the_o same_o in_o the_o subject_n by_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a subjection_n and_o thus_o be_v the_o true_a subject_n of_o baptism_n none_o can_v be_v passive_a to_o receive_v grace_n but_o by_o grace_n because_o it_o consist_v of_o selfe-deniall_n and_o last_o this_o doctrine_n of_o infant_n baptism_n oppose_v direct_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n by_o teach_v that_o infant_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v bear_v of_o believe_a parent_n and_o so_o a_o holy_a seed_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o they_o have_v right_a to_o baptism_n as_o a_o privilege_n of_o grace_n against_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n affirm_v that_o all_o be_v conceive_v in_o sin_n bring_v forth_o in_o iniquity_n and_o so_o by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n and_o under_o the_o curse_n and_o except_o they_o be_v bear_v again_o from_o above_o they_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n psal_n 51.5_o eph._n 2.1_o 2_o 3._o rom._n 3_o 9_o gal._n 3_o 10.13_o 14._o job_n 3.3.5_o 6._o job_n 1.12_o 13._o here_o man_n say_v that_o infant_n be_v clean_a and_o holy_a in_o and_o from_o the_o womb_n and_o so_o be_v subject_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n but_o god_n say_v that_o all_o infant_n as_o well_o one_o as_o another_o be_v first_o in_o sin_n and_o unholy_a and_o so_o be_v subject_n of_o wrath_n until_o the_o second_o birth_n make_v the_o difference_n as_o joh._n 3.5.6_o and_o now_o which_o to_o believe_v let_v the_o upright_a heart_n to_o god_n judge_n but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o seed_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v the_o apostle_n apply_v the_o say_a covenant_n to_o believer_n and_o their_o seed_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o act._n 2.39_o ans_fw-fr the_o word_n be_v not_o unto_o your_o seed_n but_o unto_o your_o child_n wherein_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n for_o by_o seed_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o often_o put_v for_o a_o natural_a generation_n beget_v and_o bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o by_o child_n a_o spiritual_a generation_n walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o as_o have_v go_v before_o they_o as_o act._n 3.25_o act._n 13.26.33_o and_o so_o job_n 8.37.39_o with_o rim._n 9.7_o 8._o and_o so_o the_o word_n import_v as_o much_o which_o be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n and_o to_o all_o afar_o off_o even_o as_o many_o as_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v call_v so_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v only_o to_o such_o as_o god_n shall_v call_v and_o to_o none_o else_o again_o it_o be_v call_v the_o promise_n and_o not_o the_o covenant_n and_o we_o know_v that_o every_o promise_n be_v not_o a_o covenant_n there_o be_v a_o large_a difference_n between_o a_o promise_n and_o a_o covenant_n and_o now_o let_v it_o be_v well_o consider_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o promise_n and_o that_o be_v god_n send_v of_o the_o messiah_n or_o the_o seed_n in_o who_o the_o nation_n shall_v be_v bless_v and_o so_o the_o send_n of_o a_o saviour_n or_o redeemer_n unto_o israel_n as_o these_o scripture_n manifest_a compare_v together_o isa_n 11.1_o jer._n 23.5_o 6._o with_o luke_n 1.68.74_o act._n 13.23_o act._n 3.25.26_o this_o be_v perform_v by_o christ_n come_n first_o in_o the_o flesh_n in_o which_o respect_n he_o come_v both_o of_o and_o to_o the_o jew_n only_o by_o promise_n as_o joh_n 4.22_o rom._n 9.5_o matth_n 10.5_o 6._o matth._n 15.24_o joh._n 1.11_o second_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o he_o be_v hold_v forth_o as_o a_o saviour_n to_o all_o that_o by_o faith_n lay_v hold_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o arm_n of_o god_n grace_n stretch_v out_o unto_o they_o and_o this_o way_n also_o christ_n be_v first_o tender_v to_o the_o jew_n for_o a_o saviour_n to_o save_v they_o from_o their_o fin_n act._n 4.12_o and_o for_o to_o be_v their_o king_n as_o to_o save_v they_o so_o unto_o who_o state_n and_o government_n they_o be_v to_o submit_v as_o luk._n 19.14.27_o act._n 2.36_o in_o which_o sense_n the_o apostle_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n and_o to_o all_o far_a and_o near_o as_o god_n shall_v call_v that_o be_v the_o promise_n or_o promise_a saviour_n be_v come_v and_o be_v now_o according_a to_o god_n promise_v tender_v to_o you_o by_o the_o gospel_n call_v you_o and_o your_o child_n and_o all_o else_o where_o the_o word_n of_o grace_n shall_v come_v to_o believe_v and_o receive_v he_o by_o say_v who_o be_v now_o come_v to_o save_v you_o and_o all_o that_o believe_v from_o their_o sin_n act._n 3.25_o 26._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v as_o many_o as_o glad_o receive_v or_o believe_v this_o glad_a tiding_n the_o same_o be_v seal_v or_o confirm_v unto_o they_o by_o baptism_n act._n 2.41_o according_a to_o joh._n 1.11_o 12_o 13._o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o promise_n act._n 2.39_o be_v mean_v the_o send_n of_o the_o messiah_n or_o a_o saviour_n to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n to_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o save_v such_o as_o believe_v from_o their_o sin_n as_o be_v clear_a also_o by_o these_o scripture_n isa_n 59.20_o act._n 13.23.26_o 32.38.39_o and_o thus_o the_o promise_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o your_o child_n that_o be_v the_o promise_a saviour_n be_v offer_v and_o
offer_v himself_o free_o to_o save_v you_o notwithstanding_o your_o crucify_a of_o he_o yet_o now_o repent_v and_o believe_v for_o his_o promise_n be_v upon_o the_o same_o free_o to_o forgive_v and_o to_o save_v you_o from_o all_o your_o sin_n thus_o the_o promise_n be_v apply_v to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o not_o a_o absolute_a conclusion_n of_o person_n to_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n whether_o they_o have_v faith_n or_o not_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o keep_v the_o wicked_a from_o leave_v of_o his_o way_n by_o promise_v he_o life_n this_o god_n do_v not_o in_o make_v of_o his_o covenant_n at_o the_o first_o nor_o the_o apostle_n by_o his_o apply_v of_o the_o same_o at_o the_o last_o otherwise_o to_o bring_v the_o personal_a or_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o so_o of_o all_o believer_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o by_o god_n appointment_n who_o word_n iâ—_n like_o himself_o both_o true_a and_o stable_a as_o a_o word_n of_o faith_n pure_o try_v as_o gold_n seven_o time_n in_o the_o fire_n hence_o observe_v the_o evil_n that_o attend_v this_o doctrine_n unavoidable_o first_o it_o make_v void_a the_o stability_n of_o god_n covenant_n of_o grace_n itself_o thus_o if_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v absolute_a and_o stable_a than_o all_o within_o the_o same_o must_v be_v save_v but_o all_o within_o the_o say_a covenant_n be_v not_o save_v ergo_fw-la the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o absolute_a and_o stable_a the_o major_n be_v confess_v that_o a_o believer_n seed_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o exception_n the_o minor_a be_v prove_v from_o ishmael_n esau_n and_o the_o reject_a jew_n all_o which_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o yet_o not_o all_o save_v 2._o it_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o fall_v from_o grace_n thus_o all_o that_o god_n take_v into_o his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v in_o a_o estate_n of_o grace_n but_o all_o that_o god_n take_v into_o his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v not_o there_o continue_v ergo_fw-la such_o fell_a from_o a_o estate_n of_o grace_n i_o prove_v this_o the_o same_o way_n with_o the_o former_a 3._o it_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o universal_a redemption_n for_o it_o make_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n equal_a as_o well_o to_o such_o as_o perish_v as_o to_o such_o as_o be_v save_v thus_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n christ_n die_v for_o but_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o save_v ergo_fw-la christ_n die_v for_o such_o as_o be_v not_o save_v the_o proof_n of_o this_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o former_a if_o god_n take_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n into_o his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o exception_n 4._o it_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o man_n believe_a untruth_n by_o enjoin_v he_o to_o believe_v the_o salvation_n of_o such_o as_o he_o himself_o know_v and_o reveal_v the_o contrary_a as_o ishmael_n esau_n and_o but_o a_o remnant_n among_o the_o jew_n nay_o none_o at_o all_o but_o such_o as_o believe_v gen_n 17._o gen._n 25._o gen._n 48._o rom._n 9.27_o against_o which_o opinion_n and_o evil_n aforesaid_a i_o argue_v thus_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v absolute_a and_o save_v unto_o all_o once_o with_o in_o the_o same_o but_o all_o the_o personal_a seed_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o save_v therefore_o all_o believer_n seed_n be_v not_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o proposition_n be_v clear_a from_o these_o scripture_n jer._n 32.40_o isa_n 49.21_o jer._n 31.3_o joh._n 13.1_o mal._n 3.6_o joh._n 10.28.29_o the_o assumption_n from_o these_o gen._n 21.10_o with_o gal._n 4_o 29.30_o gen._n 25.23_o with_o rom._n 9.11_o 12_o 13.27_o god_n require_v no_o man_n to_o believe_v untruth_n but_o for_o a_o believer_n to_o believe_v that_o all_o his_o seed_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o believe_v untruth_n therefore_o god_n require_v no_o such_o thing_n this_o argument_n be_v sully_v prove_v in_o the_o former_a and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o promise_n act._n 2.39_o which_o be_v well_o understand_v man_n will_v never_o go_v about_o to_o build_v the_o baptise_n of_o the_o gentile_n infant_n upon_o that_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n admit_v of_o little_a child_n to_o come_v unto_o he_o blessing_n they_o and_o acknowledge_v their_o right_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mark_v 10.14_o therefore_o such_o may_v be_v baptize_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v brief_o thus_o that_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n upon_o these_o child_n be_v for_o bodily_a cure_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o desire_n of_o those_o that_o bring_v they_o to_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v baptise_v they_o but_o that_o he_o will_v touch_v they_o and_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o and_o pray_v as_o mark_v 5.23_o matth._n 19.13.15_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o heal_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n by_o such_o as_o be_v enable_v by_o god_n thereunto_o as_o be_v clear_a by_o these_o scripture_n compare_v together_o 2._o king_n 5.11_o with_o matth._n 19.13_o matth._n 8.3_o matth._n 9_o 18._o luk._n 4.38.40_o never_o be_v any_o so_o bring_v to_o christ_n but_o for_o some_o cure_n and_o for_o his_o blessing_n of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o that_o temporal_a mercy_n he_o bestow_v upon_o they_o according_a to_o that_o they_o come_v to_o he_o for_o and_o to_o show_v his_o bounty_n and_o humility_n that_o he_o be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n as_o such_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v that_o suffer_v other_o to_o come_v and_o will_v have_v keep_v back_o child_n and_o for_o such_o to_o belong_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n so_o those_o child_n do_v and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o come_v as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o for_o they_o be_v child_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o at_o that_o time_n member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o so_o of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o have_v as_o much_o interest_n in_o christ_n for_o outward_a blessing_n as_o any_o else_o and_o further_o christ_n be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o child_n humility_n and_o innocence_n to_o reprove_v the_o high_a mindedness_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o to_o draw_v they_o forth_o a_o pattern_n from_o the_o same_o as_o mat._n 18.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o with_o mark_n 10.5_o 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o so_o that_o all_o this_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n they_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o christ_n for_o baptism_n but_o it_o be_v further_a object_v that_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v whole_a household_n as_o the_o household_n of_o stephanas_n lydia_n and_o the_o jailer_n 1_o cor._n 1.16_o act._n 16.15_o 33._o and_o infant_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o household_n therefore_o infant_n be_v baptize_v answer_n though_o that_o infant_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o family_n when_o there_o be_v infant_n in_o the_o same_o yet_o this_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n except_o it_o be_v first_o prove_v that_o infant_n be_v there_o in_o those_o household_n and_o also_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n we_o may_v prove_v that_o the_o jailer_n have_v a_o wife_n and_o lydia_n a_o husband_n because_o that_o husband_n and_o wife_n be_v common_o in_o a_o household_n or_o family_n and_o be_v there_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o and_o that_o the_o jaylers_n wife_n and_o lydias_n husband_n and_o servant_n though_o never_o so_o wicked_a be_v all_o baptise_a but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v require_v of_o they_o be_v of_o year_n hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o infant_n be_v then_o baptize_v because_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o condition_n be_v require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v and_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o jailer_n that_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v to_o he_o and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o house_n and_o that_o he_o believe_v and_o all_o his_o house_n and_o these_o be_v say_v to_o be_v baptize_v act._n 16.32.34_o and_o thus_o the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o they_o believe_v and_o such_o only_o be_v baptize_v and_o none_o else_o and_o what_o the_o apostle_n order_n and_o practice_n be_v in_o this_o family_n it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o other_o household_n and_o family_n for_o they_o walk_v always_o by_o one_o rule_n and_o therefore_o their_o order_n be_v not_o to_o baptise_v infant_n it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n send_v out_o his_o apostle_n to_o teach_v and_o to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n matth._n 28.19_o in_o which_o nation_n there_o be_v infant_n as_o well_o as_o man_n of_o year_n and_o so_o command_v to_o be_v baptize_v ans_fw-fr in_o a_o word_n brief_o to_o this_o for_o this_o scripture_n be_v well_o consider_v and_o right_o understand_v
gospel_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o give_v answer_n to_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a ground_n bring_v for_o the_o prove_v of_o the_o foresay_a baptism_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o antichrist_n to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o first_o it_o be_v say_v that_o as_o circumcision_n administer_v in_o israel_n great_a apostasy_n remain_v still_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n so_o that_o when_o any_o of_o they_o do_v repent_v and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n they_o be_v receive_v without_o be_v circumcise_v again_o and_o the_o like_a be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o baptism_n in_o the_o apostasy_n of_o antichrist_n the_o answer_n be_v first_o it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v a_o bad_a cause_n that_o must_v be_v maintain_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o other_o person_n or_o state_n be_v the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n new_a state_n and_o kingdom_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n more_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a then_o that_o under_o the_o old_a as_o we_o must_v go_v still_o unto_o circumcision_n for_o a_o rule_n how_o to_o make_v out_o our_o baptism_n be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o moon_n become_v now_o more_o bright_a than_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o heart_n veil_v to_o see_v clear_a than_o the_o face_n open_a and_o the_o servant_n to_o teach_v the_o son_n again_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o consideration_n from_o what_o church_n antichrist_n do_v apostinate_a and_o go_v away_o from_o as_o the_o ten_o tribe_n do_v under_o jeroboam_n 1_o king_n 12._o but_o i_o pass_v this_o second_o i_o answer_v that_o circumcision_n be_v not_o confine_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o priesthood_n then_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n be_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n three_o circumcision_n be_v then_o by_o they_o administer_v according_a as_o god_n have_v command_v the_o same_o to_o be_v both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n 1._o the_o same_o order_n 2._o a_o right_a subject_n 3._o the_o due_a time_n 4._o the_o true_a place_n and_o last_o a_o lawful_a minister_n but_o now_o the_o baptism_n administer_v by_o antichrist_n be_v contrary_a in_o all_o the_o foresay_a respect_n which_o be_v by_o a_o false_a power_n upon_o a_o wrong_a subject_n by_o a_o false_a minister_n in_o a_o false_a body_n the_o like_a can_v be_v show_v in_o circumcision_n nor_o yet_o in_o baptism_n and_o god_n approve_v of_o the_o same_o to_o be_v his_o ordinance_n and_o now_o to_o oppose_v this_o zipporah_n the_o wife_n of_o moses_n be_v bring_v for_o a_o example_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o baptism_n administer_v by_o a_o false_a minister_n may_v be_v true_a baptism_n as_o circumcision_n be_v be_v administer_v by_o a_o woman_n exod._n 4.25_o the_o answer_n be_v first_o that_o moses_n wife_n be_v in_o the_o action_n the_o hand_n of_o her_o husband_n for_o the_o preserve_n of_o his_o life_n for_o have_v not_o zipporah_n circumcise_v her_o son_n it_o seem_v that_o god_n have_v slay_v her_o husband_n as_o for_o 24.25_o 26._o compare_v together_o second_o herein_o god_n set_v forth_o his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n in_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o creature_n to_o bring_v she_o so_o far_o to_o submit_v unto_o his_o will_n in_o that_o ordinance_n as_o for_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n herself_o for_o who_o sake_n it_o be_v like_o the_o same_o be_v so_o long_o neglect_v because_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o contrary_a and_o opposite_a unto_o her_o the_o circumcision_n three_o i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o necessity_n a_o woman_n may_v lawful_o circumcise_v she_o be_v no_o where_o prohibit_v and_o last_o what_o of_o all_o this_o say_v she_o do_v it_o unlawful_o and_o in_o so_o do_v she_o be_v a_o false_a minister_n all_o which_o be_v more_o than_o god_n say_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o do_v in_o a_o false_a church_n upon_o a_o wrong_a subject_n authorise_v by_o a_o false_a power_n as_o baptism_n administer_v by_o antichrist_n be_v and_o therefore_o at_o the_o worst_a it_o make_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o that_o which_o it_o be_v pretend_v namely_o to_o prove_v baptism_n administer_v by_o antichrist_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n though_o the_o same_o be_v also_o administer_v by_o a_o false_a minister_n again_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v ever_o preserve_v and_o still_o own_v for_o his_o ordinance_n in_o hand_n of_o antichrist_n and_o so_o do_v god_n of_o baptism_n there_o also_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v and_o say_v that_o god_n indeed_o do_v preserve_v the_o scripture_n wherein_o be_v contain_v all_o goâ—â—_n holy_a ordinance_n as_o they_o be_v therein_o comprehend_v and_o lay_v forth_o in_o their_o institute_v rule_n and_o that_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o so_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o antichrist_n himself_o but_o never_o in_o their_o constitute_v order_n and_o form_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n his_o church_n and_o ministry_n and_o though_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n antichrist_n have_v corrupt_v the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o remain_v still_o in_o themselves_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o for_o the_o false_a exposition_n gloss_n and_o doctrine_n they_o gather_v from_o the_o scripture_n with_o the_o church_n ministry_n worship_n and_o government_n they_o build_v upon_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o their_o ordinance_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o constitute_v by_o they_o now_o these_o i_o can_v see_v to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n any_o more_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o so_o that_o if_o baptism_n with_o antichrist_n as_o they_o say_v be_v god_n ordinance_n then_o why_o not_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n the_o supper_n church_n and_o ministry_n be_v god_n ordinance_n also_o see_v they_o have_v the_o scripture_n as_o well_o for_o the_o one_o as_o for_o the_o other_o and_o for_o baptism_n as_o it_o be_v a_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n for_o the_o lord_n people_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o their_o obedience_n to_o he_o only_o so_o consider_v it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o who_o hand_n soever_o the_o scripture_n be_v but_o now_o for_o a_o false_a antichristian_a church_n to_o constitute_v and_o administer_v the_o like_a out_o of_o or_o apart_o from_o the_o scripture_n now_o so_o consider_v it_o be_v not_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o man_n invention_n compose_v from_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o pattern_n draw_v forth_o in_o the_o likeness_n or_o resemblance_n of_o god_n ordinance_n but_o not_o the_o same_o for_o god_n have_v communion_n with_o none_o in_o his_o word_n but_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o faith_n neither_o of_o which_o have_v antichrist_n and_o therefore_o though_o he_o have_v the_o write_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o no_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o same_o so_o as_o to_o receive_v his_o ordinance_n of_o he_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n constitute_v and_o so_o administer_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n without_o authority_n from_o christ_n the_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n which_o authority_n antichrist_n have_v not_o and_o therefore_o god_n ordinance_n of_o baptism_n can_v be_v administer_v by_o antichrist_n in_o his_o false_a anchristian_a church_n and_o state_n as_o some_o do_v so_o affirm_v but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v but_o only_o one_o baptism_n and_o have_v once_o receive_v that_o though_o it_o be_v by_o antichrist_n we_o need_v not_o to_o receive_v it_o any_o more_o for_o we_o can_v have_v but_o the_o same_o again_o and_o that_o which_o we_o have_v be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n with_o christ_n institution_n which_o for_o the_o matter_n there_o be_v water_n and_o for_o the_o form_n there_o be_v the_o same_o word_n use_v as_o christ_n institute_v the_o same_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n in_o the_o answer_n be_v first_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a baptism_n that_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o a_o man_n be_v once_o baptize_v by_o the_o same_o he_o need_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v again_o this_o be_v also_o true_a for_o i_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o rebaptise_v but_o now_o to_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o resemblance_n of_o that_o one_o true_a baptism_n and_o yet_o not_o the_o same_o this_o will_v not_o follow_v there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n and_o ministry_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v but_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v therefore_o that_o antichrist_n can_v resemble_v the_o same_o and_o set_v up_o one_o of_o his_o own_o like_a unto_o that_o or_o if_o that_o he_o do_v the_o same_o must_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o ministry_n because_o god_n approve_v but_o of_o one_o but_o if_o antichrist_n as_o you_o affirm_v may_v resemble_v the_o truth_n and_o set_v
up_o a_o false_a church_n and_o ministry_n which_o be_v the_o great_a upon_o the_o same_o ground_n do_v i_o affirm_v that_o he_o may_v nay_o that_o he_o must_v also_o resemble_v the_o true_a ordinance_n by_o set_v up_o false_a ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o lesser_a like_o unto_o the_o true_a otherwise_o he_o can_v not_o put_v off_o his_o ware_n for_o none_o will_v trade_v with_o he_o in_o his_o merchandise_n second_o antichrist_n have_v not_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n in_o his_o baptism_n though_o he_o use_v or_o rather_o abuse_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n institution_n in_o his_o administration_n for_o than_o he_o shall_v also_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o other_o ordinance_n of_o god_n because_o he_o use_v the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o they_o be_v institute_v and_o contain_v it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o scriptare_fw-la only_o but_o the_o true_a mind_n of_o christ_n there_o set_v down_o that_o bear_v a_o ordinance_n which_o none_o can_v know_v but_o only_o he_o who_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n as_o rom._n 8.1_o cor._n 2._o and_o this_o have_v not_o antichrist_n three_o i_o deny_v the_o water_n to_o be_v the_o matter_n but_o only_o the_o instrument_n in_o baptism_n for_o as_o fire_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o burn_a even_o so_o be_v water_n of_o wash_v and_o as_o the_o matter_n of_o burn_v be_v the_o sewell_n that_o be_v burn_v so_o the_o matter_n of_o wash_v be_v the_o party_n wash_v for_o as_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o saint_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o prophet_n so_o the_o matter_n of_o baptism_n be_v the_o person_n upon_o who_o the_o same_o be_v confer_v four_o i_o deny_v the_o form_n of_o word_n with_o the_o use_n of_o water_n in_o a_o false_a antichristian_a church_n to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o lord_n baptism_n institute_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o then_o every_o foolish_a use_n of_o they_o word_n with_o water_n must_v be_v the_o true_a ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o many_o ignorant_o do_v affirm_v but_o for_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n that_o be_v authorize_v person_n baptise_v the_o true_a matter_n into_o the_o true_a and_o orderly_a profession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o mat_n 28.19_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 13._o gal._n 3.27_o this_o be_v thus_o do_v by_o a_o true_a power_n and_o authority_n from_o christ_n be_v the_o form_n of_o baptism_n in_o the_o administration_n thereof_o but_o this_o do_v not_o antichrist_n and_o therefore_o his_o baptism_n be_v not_o god_n ordinance_n the_o next_o ground_n allege_v to_o prove_v baptism_n administer_v in_o a_o false_a antichristian_a church_n to_o be_v the_o true_a ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o be_v retain_v be_v the_o vessel_n of_o god_n house_n in_o babylon_n that_o as_o those_o vessel_n remain_v still_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n enemy_n and_o so_o may_v baptism_n as_o a_o vessel_n of_o god_n house_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o antichrist_n which_o be_v spiritual_a babylon_n i_o shall_v answer_v to_o this_o in_o brief_a first_o for_o the_o vessel_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n they_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o that_o while_o they_o be_v in_o babylon_n but_o not_o so_o as_o they_o only_o consist_v in_o their_o institute_v form_n and_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o constitute_v use_n that_o be_v as_o belshazzar_n the_o king_n and_o his_o prince_n make_v they_o their_o drink_a cup_n as_o dan._n 5.2_o 3._o thus_o consider_v with_o respect_n to_o this_o use_n and_o service_n that_o the_o babylonian_n apply_v they_o unto_o they_o be_v not_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o god_n never_o ordain_v they_o for_o such_o a_o use_n though_o in_o themselves_o simple_o consider_v they_o be_v god_n ordinance_n ordain_v by_o he_o to_o holy_a use_n in_o which_o consideration_n baptism_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antichrist_n or_o where_o soever_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o god_n be_v only_o as_o a_o institute_v rule_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o his_o own_o people_n to_o observe_v and_o obey_v he_o by_o use_v it_o in_o that_o way_n and_o to_o the_o same_o end_n as_o god_n ordain_v and_o appoint_v the_o same_o ordinance_n unto_o but_o now_o for_o antichrist_n to_o take_v the_o scripture_n and_o according_a to_o his_o right_n of_o authority_n and_o spirit_n shall_v from_o the_o same_o compose_v a_o form_n of_o worship_n with_o ordinance_n suitable_a thereunto_o among_o which_o baptism_n must_v be_v one_o without_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v nothing_o worth_a now_o though_o that_o baptism_n as_o a_o holy_a institution_n of_o christ_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n yet_o consider_v in_o antichrist_n constitution_n and_o false_a administration_n it_o be_v not_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n no_o more_o than_o the_o prince_n of_o babylon_n drink_v in_o the_o vessel_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n be_v his_o ordinance_n again_o second_o god_n be_v say_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o give_v or_o to_o send_v the_o vessel_n of_o his_o house_n to_o babylon_n as_o 2_o chron._n 36.17_o 18.21_o jer._n 27.2_o .22_o dan._n 1.2_o now_o let_v the_o like_o be_v show_v where_o ever_o god_n be_v say_v to_o give_v or_o to_o send_v his_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n unto_o antichrist_n until_o then_o the_o vessel_n of_o god_n house_n remain_v his_o ordinance_n in_o babylon_n shall_v make_v nothing_o for_o they_o to_o prove_v antichrist_n sprinkle_v of_o water_n in_o the_o face_n of_o a_o infant_n to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n of_o baptism_n but_o here_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o that_o antichrist_n as_o a_o thief_n have_v steal_v away_o god_n ordinance_n of_o baptism_n out_o of_o his_o church_n for_o which_o he_o be_v say_v not_o to_o have_v repent_v of_o his_o theft_n as_o rev._n 9.21_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v true_a herein_o they_o condemn_v themselves_o for_o whosoever_o communicate_v with_o the_o thief_n in_o the_o thing_n steal_v he_o be_v as_o deep_a in_o the_o sin_n as_o the_o thief_n himself_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o they_o have_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_a god_n have_v accept_v of_o that_o though_o they_o retain_v their_o baptism_n as_o his_o ordinance_n how_o can_v this_o be_v which_o way_n do_v their_o repentance_n appear_v so_o long_o as_o they_o retain_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v steal_v for_o nature_n teach_v thus_o much_o that_o so_o long_o as_o any_o man_n keep_v in_o possession_n that_o which_o he_o know_v be_v steal_v he_o be_v guiltle_a of_o the_o theft_n second_o how_o do_v such_o know_v that_o god_n have_v accept_v of_o their_o repentance_n while_o they_o rill_n retain_v the_o thing_n steal_v &_o justify_v the_o same_o and_o how_o can_v they_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o he_o approve_v of_o that_o baptism_n for_o his_o ordinance_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o antichrist_n all_o which_o be_v worth_a the_o consideration_n how_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o be_v so_o common_o take_v for_o grant_v truth_n again_o three_o though_o antichrist_n shall_v steal_v away_o the_o lord_n baptism_n out_o of_o his_o church_n yet_o he_o can_v not_o steal_v away_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n for_o to_o administer_v the_o same_o upon_o any_o other_o for_o though_o he_o shall_v bring_v away_o christ_n baptism_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o only_o in_o his_o own_o person_n which_o thing_n he_o can_v not_o pass_v from_o himself_o upon_o any_o other_o as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n without_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o last_o let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a what_o may_v be_v here_o mean_v by_o theft_n together_o with_o the_o help_n of_o other_o scripture_n and_o that_o be_v man_n bring_v in_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o humane_a tradition_n and_o press_v the_o same_o for_o truth_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o meâ—â—_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v displant_v and_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n obscure_v and_o so_o come_v to_o loose_v its_o esteem_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o gal._n 1.6_o 7._o &_o 4.17_o in_o which_o sense_n the_o false_a prophet_n be_v say_v to_o steal_v the_o word_n of_o god_n every_o one_o from_o his_o neighbour_n as_o jer._n 23.30_o that_o be_v by_o set_v up_o their_o own_o tradition_n and_o press_v the_o same_o for_o truth_n upon_o the_o people_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v make_v of_o no_o effect_n as_o mat._n 7.13_o of_o which_o the_o lord_n complain_v that_o the_o fear_n by_o which_o the_o people_n fear_v he_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n as_o isa_n 29.13_o
this_o way_n satan_n in_o his_o instrument_n lie_v at_o all_o advantage_n to_o disable_v and_o prevent_v the_o word_n for_o take_v effect_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o mat._n 13.19_o and_o this_o be_v the_o theft_n that_o the_o aforesaid_a thief_n and_o robber_n have_v not_o repent_v of_o and_o not_o antichrist_n steal_v of_o the_o lord_n baptism_n out_o of_o his_o church_n but_o it_o be_v think_v by_o some_o that_o the_o gold_n and_o rich_a attire_n by_o which_o antichrist_n be_v paint_v and_o the_o golden_a cup_n in_o the_o gentlewoman_n hand_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o rev._n 17.4_o as_o there_o be_v little_a matter_n in_o this_o to_o any_o purpose_n i_o shall_v answer_v in_o brief_a to_o the_o same_o and_o first_o that_o this_o be_v a_o comparative_a speech_n with_o reference_n to_o that_o outward_a pomp_n and_o glorious_a state_n wherein_o she_o sit_v triumph_v as_o a_o queen_n rev._n 18.7_o and_o withal_o the_o same_o wise_o and_o cunning_o compose_v by_o humane_a policy_n under_o a_o general_a form_n of_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n yet_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o power_n thereof_o cant._n 5.7_o under_o a_o show_n of_o humility_n and_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n by_o her_o forwardness_n in_o the_o execute_n of_o her_o power_n against_o all_o such_o that_o refuse_v subjection_n to_o her_o holy_a order_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o that_o image_n and_o form_n which_o she_o have_v set_v up_o col._n 2.8.18.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o rev._n 13.15_o 16._o thus_o by_o her_o policy_n she_o draw_v forth_o her_o form_n in_o some_o resemblance_n of_o truth_n so_o far_o as_o it_o suit_v with_o reason_n and_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o great_a politician_n and_o artificer_n be_v of_o her_o side_n rev._n 18.23_o and_o so_o carry_v out_o thing_n with_o a_o strong_a hand_n against_o all_o that_o shall_v oppose_v she_o rev._n 13.4_o and_o through_o her_o great_a wisdom_n art_n and_o policy_n she_o be_v exalt_v and_o become_v famous_a and_o in_o great_a esteem_n for_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n as_o ezek._n 2.8_o rev._n 13.3_o rev._n 18.18_o 19_o and_o therefore_o such_o be_v best_a accept_v of_o she_o that_o be_v the_o strong_a for_o reason_n and_o the_o most_o skilfulst_a artificer_n to_o paint_v and_o to_o trim_v she_o up_o and_o to_o set_v she_o forth_o in_o her_o glory_n and_o beauty_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v she_o as_o a_o harlot_n deceive_v the_o simple_a and_o bewitch_v the_o nation_n as_o pro._n 7.16_o 17._o nabum_n 3_o 4._o gal._n 3.1_o rev._n 18_o all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o her_o golden_a cup_n and_o all_o her_o rich_a attire_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v only_o of_o the_o gentlewoman_n own_o devise_v paint_v and_o not_o any_o of_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n as_o jer._n 51.7_o &_o jer_n 2.33_o with_o jer._n 4.30_o &_o rev._n 18.12_o 13.16_o so_o that_o here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v forth_o her_o state_n to_o be_v babylon_n spiritual_o consider_v as_o rev._n 11.8_o and_o her_o minister_n be_v set_v forth_o under_o the_o name_n of_o merchant_n because_o they_o buy_v and_o sell_v &_o trade_n for_o she_o in_o all_o the_o merchandise_n of_o her_o religion_n wherein_o all_o thing_n be_v set_v at_o sale_n as_o much_o as_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o man_n rev._n 18.13_o that_o be_v the_o penal_a law_n impose_v to_o the_o force_n of_o their_o conscience_n &_o such_o as_o be_v rich_a to_o escape_v for_o money_n or_o friend_n but_o such_o as_o be_v poor_a or_o conscious_a to_o abide_v the_o punishment_n as_o a_o pet._n 2.3_o the_o merchant_n be_v style_v or_o call_v the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o earth_n ver_fw-la 23._o that_o be_v great_a for_o humane_a learning_n art_n and_o policy_n to_o keep_v up_o her_o state_n and_o trade_n and_o make_v out_o the_o same_o against_o all_o gainsayers_a and_o what_o they_o want_v in_o skill_n they_o have_v it_o in_o power_n and_o so_o able_a to_o bear_v down_o all_o before_o they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o who_o be_v able_a to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o beast_n the_o thing_n they_o merchandise_n withal_o be_v all_o manner_n of_o precious_a stone_n and_o the_o like_a which_o hold_v forth_o the_o curious_a art_n of_o nature_n for_o the_o order_n and_o compose_v of_o all_o those_o thing_n concur_v for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o that_o state_n and_o form_n in_o so_o near_o a_o resemblance_n to_o truth_n all_o which_o be_v without_o substance_n for_o at_o length_n no_o man_n will_v buy_v their_o ware_n which_o cause_v great_a lamentation_n among_o the_o merchant_n rev._n 18.11_o and_o so_o i_o shall_v now_o leave_v this_o subject_n to_o the_o wise_a &_o godly_a reader_n consideration_n to_o mind_n well_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o practice_n that_o leave_v a_o church_n as_o false_a and_o antichristian_a and_o yet_o approve_v of_o that_o baptism_n there_o administer_v by_o a_o false_a and_o a_o antichristian_a power_n to_o be_v the_o true_a ordinance_n of_o god_n i_o must_v here_o conclude_v with_o doctor_n hall_n in_o his_o apology_n against_o the_o brownist_n pag._n 17_o 18.31_o that_o either_o such_o must_v go_v forward_o to_o baptism_n or_o else_o turn_v back_o again_o from_o whence_o they_o come_v for_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a way_n nor_o the_o least_o light_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v out_o the_o same_o but_o the_o contrary_n you_o shall_v not_o do_v whatsoever_o be_v right_a in_o your_o own_o eye_n for_o you_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o come_v to_o your_o rest_n and_o to_o the_o inheritance_n which_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n give_v you_o deut._n 12.8_o 9_o arise_v and_o depart_v for_o this_o be_v not_o your_o rest_n because_o it_o be_v pollute_v micah_n 2.10_o i_o be_o come_v a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o i_o shall_v not_o abide_v in_o darkness_n joh._n 12.46_o and_o now_o why_o tarry_v you_o arise_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o wash_v away_o your_o antichristian_a sin_n call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n act._n 22.16_o or_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n and_o way_n of_o christ_n they_o resist_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o be_v not_o baptize_v of_o he_o luk._n 7.30_o arise_v therefore_o and_o obey_v the_o lord_n and_o think_v not_o within_o yourselves_o we_o be_v baptize_v already_o and_o that_o by_o antichrist_n for_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o be_v never_o able_a to_o prove_v yourselves_o to_o be_v under_o the_o lord_n holy_a ordinance_n of_o baptism_n by_o all_o the_o light_n in_o scripture_n and_o be_v in_o nature_n in_o that_o way_n you_o go_v namely_o to_o deny_v the_o state_n as_o false_a and_o antichristian_a and_o yet_o retain_v your_o baptism_n there_o administer_v by_o the_o same_o power_n as_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n and_o assume_v a_o church_n to_o yourselves_o upon_o the_o same_o baptism_n i_o speak_v in_o subjection_n to_o better_a judgement_n i_o think_v the_o last_o church_n be_v as_o much_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o former_a for_o certain_o where_o there_o be_v a_o false_a state_n constitute_v by_o a_o false_a power_n all_o that_o stative_a ordinance_n essential_a to_o the_o same_o and_o constitute_v by_o the_o same_o power_n must_v be_v also_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n together_o with_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v all_o alike_o false_a therefore_o if_o you_o take_v hence_o a_o corner_n stone_n to_o lay_v in_o your_o foundation_n and_o build_v you_o a_o rest_a place_n upon_o the_o same_o know_v this_o that_o it_o will_v not_o lie_v firm_a but_o ever_o be_v roll_v under_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o rest_v long_o upon_o it_o therefore_o arise_v and_o depart_v for_o this_o be_v not_o your_o rest_n because_o it_o be_v pollute_v it_o will_v destroy_v you_o even_o with_o a_o sore_a destruction_n look_v betimes_o the_o high_a you_o build_v the_o great_a the_o fall_n will_v be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o right_a upon_o the_o true_a foundation_n i_o do_v believe_v that_o god_n will_v cause_v his_o truth_n to_o shine_v forth_o with_o power_n both_o to_o clear_v the_o dark_a cloud_n of_o ignorance_n off_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o bear_v down_o that_o which_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o same_o and_o if_o such_o have_v be_v so_o hard_o put_v to_o it_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o leave_v the_o holy_a and_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o antichrist_n power_n and_o testimony_n to_o prove_v they_o under_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n of_o baptism_n though_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o scripture_n lie_v against_o
christ_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o but_o to_o lay_v the_o chain_n of_o succession_n of_o truth_n this_o way_n namely_o through_o the_o popedom_n of_o rome_n as_o all_o such_o must_v do_v that_o hold_v a_o personal_a succession_n or_o a_o church_n and_o ordinance_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o same_o from_o the_o apostle_n until_o now_o what_o will_v such_o do_v and_o where_o will_v their_o succession_n of_o truth_n lie_v when_o the_o same_o come_v to_o the_o woman_n pope_n of_o who_o the_o papist_n themselves_o be_v ashamed_a for_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o personal_a succession_n of_o truth_n as_o in_o reference_n to_o church_n and_o church_n ordinance_n i_o look_v upon_o this_o in_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o bear_v the_o same_o and_o to_o hold_v a_o church_n to_o be_v true_a and_o the_o ordinance_n there_o administer_v the_o true_a ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o to_o leave_v this_o and_o set_v up_o a_o way_n of_o worship_n apart_o from_o it_o and_o deny_v communion_n with_o it_o be_v in_o my_o dark_a understanding_n a_o mere_a schism_n and_o the_o overthrow_n of_o all_o order_n in_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o i_o have_v learned_a christ_n man_n be_v to_o stand_v in_o their_o place_n and_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o reform_v and_o reclaim_v or_o disclaim_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o all_o be_v do_v and_o of_o necessity_n i_o must_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n leave_v off_o communion_n with_o they_o i_o think_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n i_o must_v disclaim_v they_o and_o so_o separate_v away_o from_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v and_o not_o to_o leave_v a_o true_a church_n and_o true_a ordinance_n and_o go_v apart_o and_o erect_v another_o church_n ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o ourselves_o apart_o from_o it_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o this_o in_o my_o judgement_n be_v as_o far_o from_o any_o rule_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o baptize_v himself_o neither_o of_o which_o do_v i_o approve_v of_o yet_o a_o word_n by_o the_o way_n because_o of_o such_o a_o error_n that_o some_o make_v and_o how_o far_o off_o from_o any_o rule_n or_o example_n for_o a_o man_n to_o baptize_v himself_o or_o to_o baptize_v other_o and_o himself_o unbaptise_v &_o so_o think_v hereby_o to_o shut_v up_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o strait_a that_o none_o can_v come_v by_o it_o but_o through_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o popedom_n of_o rome_n but_o for_o the_o open_n of_o this_o cloud_n that_o seem_v so_o to_o darken_v the_o sky_n let_v the_o reader_n consider_v who_o baptize_v john_n the_o baptist_n before_o he_o baptize_v other_o and_o if_o no_o man_n do_v then_o whether_o he_o do_v not_o baptize_v other_o he_o himself_o be_v unbadtize_v &_o if_o he_o be_v baptize_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o by_o a_o unbaptised_a person_n and_o all_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o this_o be_v one_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o this_o what_o to_o do_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n and_o for_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o christ_n word_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o etc._n etc._n i_o confess_v the_o same_o with_o this_o distinction_n which_o church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v either_o with_o respect_n to_o she_o institute_v state_n as_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o foundation_n or_o in_o her_o constitution_n or_o constitute_v form_n in_o her_o visible_a order_n against_o the_o first_o hell_n gate_n shall_v never_o prevail_v the_o foundation_n stand_v sure_a but_o against_o the_o last_o it_o have_v often_o prevail_v for_o the_o church_n in_o her_o outward_a visible_a order_n have_v be_v often_o scatter_v through_o persecution_n and_o the_o like_a in_o which_o sense_n she_o be_v say_v to_o be_v prevail_v against_o as_o dan._n 7._o rev._n 12._o act._n 8.1_o otherwise_o where_o be_v their_o church_n before_o it_o come_v from_o under_o the_o defection_n again_o that_o which_o once_o be_v in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o be_v and_o cease_v for_o a_o time_n and_o then_o come_v to_o the_o same_o estate_n again_o be_v and_o may_v tru_o be_v say_v to_o have_v ever_o a_o continuance_n as_o mat._n 22.31_o 32._o with_o luk._n â—0_n 38_o in_o which_o sense_n the_o church_n may_v true_o be_v say_v ever_o to_o continue_v for_o though_o she_o be_v cast_v down_o at_o one_o time_n yet_o god_n will_v raise_v she_o up_o at_o another_o so_o that_o she_o shall_v never_o be_v so_o prevail_v against_o as_o to_o be_v utter_o destroy_v and_o this_o way_n i_o suppose_v christ_n may_v have_v &_o enjoy_v ever_o as_o good_a a_o wife_n as_o any_o can_v be_v preserve_v for_o he_o under_o the_o defection_n of_o antichrist_n though_o some_o have_v so_o wide_a mouth_n open_v against_o such_o as_o ever_o wish_v they_o well_o but_o i_o leave_v they_o to_o god_n to_o who_o they_o shall_v give_v account_n of_o all_o their_o hard_a word_n against_o the_o lord_n &_o those_o that_o fear_v his_o name_n &_o out_o of_o conscience_n obey_v he_o in_o that_o way_n as_o some_o please_v to_o call_v error_n in_o a_o reproachful_a manner_n but_o man_n do_v in_o these_o day_n somewhat_o like_a to_o the_o tyrant_n in_o the_o ten_o persecution_n who_o cruelty_n be_v such_o that_o they_o expose_v the_o christian_n to_o be_v devour_v of_o wild_a beast_n and_o god_n so_o overpowr_v the_o creature_n cruelty_n that_o at_o length_n they_o cease_v to_o hurt_v they_o and_o when_o those_o bloody_a tyrant_n see_v that_o they_o put_v beares-skin_n upon_o they_o thereby_o to_o incense_n and_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o beast_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o thus_o i_o have_v hear_v report_v but_o whether_o this_o be_v true_a or_o not_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o such_o man_n can_v be_v little_o better_a mind_v that_o labour_n so_o to_o cover_v the_o godly_a with_o such_o filth_n as_o they_o vomit_v out_o of_o their_o own-selfe-sicke_a stomach_n but_o i_o desire_v the_o lord_n to_o pass_v by_o all_o and_o to_o give_v man_n more_o love_n and_o patience_n to_o bear_v one_o with_o another_o and_o to_o conclude_v i_o fear_v man_n put_v more_o in_o baptism_n then_o be_v of_o right_n due_a unto_o it_o that_o so_o prefer_v it_o above_o the_o church_n and_o all_o other_o ordinance_n beside_o for_o they_o can_v assume_v or_o erect_v a_o church_n take_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o member_n elect_v and_o ordain_v officer_n and_o administer_v the_o supper_n and_o all_o anew_o without_o any_o look_n after_o succession_n any_o further_a than_o the_o scripture_n but_o as_o for_o baptism_n they_o must_v have_v that_o successive_o from_o the_o apostle_n though_o it_o come_v through_o the_o hand_n of_o pope_n joan_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o that_o man_n can_v do_v all_o from_o the_o word_n but_o only_a baptism_n and_o that_o must_v come_v by_o man_n yea_o and_o that_o by_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n but_o we_o be_v to_o know_v this_o that_o truth_n depend_v not_o upon_o church_n nor_o any_o mortal_a creature_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o immortal_a god_n who_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o same_o when_o and_o to_o who_o he_o please_v and_o for_o succession_n of_o truth_n it_o come_v now_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n &_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n who_o he_o as_o aforesaid_a have_v take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n unto_o himself_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o who_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n stand_v only_o by_o succession_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o person_n for_o the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n the_o apostle_n have_v in_o their_o time_n for_o direction_n in_o godliness_n the_o scripture_n have_v now_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n which_o make_v up_o but_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.12.27_o eph._n 1.22_o 23._o eph._n 4.15_o 16._o so_o that_o what_o the_o church_n and_o the_o apostle_n together_o may_v do_v then_o the_o same_o may_v the_o head_n and_o body_n together_o with_o the_o scripture_n do_v now_o the_o scripture_n have_v the_o same_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n now_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v then_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v present_a now_o to_o reveal_v they_o as_o then_o to_o write_v they_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16._o the_o scripture_n remain_v in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o we_o to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o and_o serve_v as_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n to_o all_o believer_n 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v before_o they_o be_v write_v mat._n 28.20_o 2_o pet._n 1.19_o 20_o 21._o rom._n 10.6_o 7_o 8._o and_o as_o the_o people_n of_o old_a confer_v with_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n about_o their_o great_a affair_n so_o have_v
the_o lord_n people_n now_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o their_o writing_n as_o luk._n 16.29_o 30_o 31._o which_o be_v to_o we_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o they_o as_o effectual_a as_o their_o personal_a presence_n if_o not_o more_o as_o job_n 6.62_o 63._o 2_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o rev._n 11.3.5.11_o and_o thus_o all_o succession_n from_o the_o beginning_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o from_o christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o from_o they_o to_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o head-spring_n of_o all_o to_o we_o so_o that_o all_o succession_n now_o be_v only_o spiritual_a according_a to_o faith_n and_o follow_v not_o the_o personal_a succession_n of_o any_o but_o only_o the_o word_n that_o give_v be_v to_o all_o order_n and_o ordinance_n that_o be_v of_o god_n and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o such_o as_o will_v have_v no_o church_n before_o baptism_n and_o so_o make_v baptism_n the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v be_v brief_a in_o this_o because_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o cause_n constitute_v the_o church_n this_o i_o think_v we_o all_o agree_v in_o that_o matter_n and_o form_n constitute_v a_o church_n the_o matter_n be_v a_o company_n of_o saint_n or_o person_n profess_v faith_n in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o live_v according_o that_o be_v in_o holiness_n of_o life_n the_o form_n be_v that_o by_o which_o these_o be_v unite_v and_o knit_v up_o together_o in_o one_o fellowship_n and_o orderly_a body_n and_o that_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o lie_v between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n by_o which_o god_n visible_o become_v the_o god_n of_o such_o person_n and_o they_o his_o people_n above_o all_o other_o that_o this_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n and_o not_o baptism_n i_o prove_v thus_o that_o by_o which_o god_n and_o a_o people_n become_v each_o other_o apart_o from_o all_o other_o people_n that_o be_v the_o form_n of_o they_o but_o the_o covenant_n be_v that_o by_o which_o god_n own_v a_o people_n for_o he_o and_o they_o he_o for_o their_o god_n therefore_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o form_n jer._n 31.33_o heb._n 8.10_o act._n 2._o â—1_n gen._n 17.11_o luk._n 1.72_o act._n 3.25_o 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o second_o that_o which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o thing_n ever_o remain_v the_o form_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n without_o alteration_n but_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n at_o the_o first_o before_o ever_o any_o ordinance_n be_v annex_v therefore_o the_o same_o still_o the_o church_n remain_v the_o same_o without_o alteration_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o three_o that_o which_o both_o give_v a_o be_v to_o a_o thing_n and_o ever_o keep_v the_o same_o that_o must_v be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o the_o covenant_n both_o give_v a_o be_v to_o the_o church_n &_o ever_o keep_v the_o same_o therefore_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o form_n four_o that_o which_o make_v a_o member_n to_o be_v a_o member_n or_o no_o member_n of_o a_o church_n that_o make_v a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o church_n or_o no_o church_n and_o so_o that_o be_v the_o form_n of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o whole_a that_o be_v for_o every_o part_n but_o the_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o member_n and_o so_o the_o rest_n as_o esa_n 56.4.6_o therefore_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o form_n five_o that_o which_o person_n may_v have_v and_o yet_o be_v no_o church_n that_o can_v be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n but_o person_n may_v have_v baptism_n &_o yet_o no_o church_n ergo_fw-la not_o the_o form_n the_o church_n be_v the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o all_o ordinance_n as_o psal_n 87.7_o with_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o can_v be_v form_v by_o any_o particular_a ordinance_n no_o nor_o by_o any_o less_o than_o that_o which_o comprehend_v all_o the_o essential_a part_n and_o property_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v god_n gracious_a covenant_n that_o give_v be_v to_o all_o true_a church_n both_o first_o and_o last_o but_o some_o will_v say_v that_o the_o word_n speak_v of_o no_o church_n before_o baptism_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o must_v distinguish_v in_o baptism_n between_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n baptism_n be_v one_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o a_o truth_n to_o be_v reveal_v and_o by_o faith_n to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o essential_a truth_n together_o with_o other_o truth_n for_o the_o constitute_n of_o the_o church_n and_o no_o church_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o christ_n new_a testament_n either_o without_o it_o or_o before_o it_o but_o for_o the_o last_o namely_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o baptism_n that_o ever_o follow_v the_o saint_n join_v in_o fellowship_n by_o mutual_a faith_n &_o agreement_n in_o the_o doctrine_n wherein_o consist_v the_o state_v of_o the_o church_n in_o her_o conjoin_v in_o covenant_n which_o ever_o go_v before_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o give_v power_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o same_o so_o that_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v not_o before_o baptism_n but_o in_o the_o last_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v before_o baptism_n this_o distinction_n be_v observe_v i_o answer_v in_o a_o word_n thus_o we_o be_v not_o to_o deny_v a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o church_n until_o the_o word_n so_o call_v it_o for_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o most_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v church_n sometime_o before_o they_o be_v so_o call_v and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o same_o be_v so_o here_o be_v a_o church_n before_o baptism_n be_v administer_v again_o a_o church_n be_v only_o so_o a_o church_n before_o baptism_n as_o that_o the_o end_n of_o her_o union_n be_v for_o communion_n and_o so_o a_o immediate_a proceed_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n she_o agree_v upon_o by_o a_o free_a and_o mutual_a consent_n in_o her_o conjunction_n that_o which_o state_n a_o person_n or_o person_n in_o covenant_n instate_v they_o in_o church-fellowship_n but_o faith_n and_o not_o practice_v instate_v a_o people_n in_o covenant_n for_o a_o people_n must_v first_o agree_v upon_o truth_n in_o judgement_n before_o they_o practise_v the_o same_o therefore_o faith_n and_o not_o practice_v instate_v a_o people_n in_o church-fellowship_n and_o so_o a_o church_n in_o covenant_n and_o fellowship_n before_o baptism_n be_v administer_v a_o people_n be_v a_o church_n by_o covenant_n unto_o which_o ordinance_n be_v annex_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v the_o same_o as_o gen._n 17.11_o ezek_n 16.8_o 9_o act._n 2.41_o as_o eph._n 4.5_o so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o church_n before_o ordinance_n or_o that_o ever_o baptism_n be_v administer_v either_o by_o john_n the_o baptist_n on_o the_o 〈…〉_o some_o say_v from_o act_n 2.41_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n after_o they_o be_v baptize_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v and_o say_v if_o it_o shall_v bâ—_n so_o that_o they_o be_v after_o baptism_n add_v to_o the_o church_n than_o they_o shall_v neither_o put_v on_o christ_n by_o baptism_n not_o yet_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n not_o to_o the_o true_a profession_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n direct_o against_o these_o scripture_n gal._n 3.27_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 13._o mat._n 28.19_o and_o for_o act._n 2.41_o the_o word_n be_v these_o then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n there_o be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o show_v how_o many_o they_o be_v that_o receive_v the_o truth_n and_o so_o by_o the_o same_o be_v add_v to_o they_o hold_v forth_o the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o make_v his_o word_n so_o fruitful_a in_o bring_v in_o so_o many_o by_o one_o sermon_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o act._n 2.47_o which_o be_v only_o a_o repeat_n over_o the_o number_n of_o person_n god_n at_o that_o time_n add_v to_o the_o rest_n again_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o baptism_n signify_v our_o regeneration_n and_o new_a birth_n so_o that_o a_o child_n must_v be_v first_o bear_v and_o bring_v forth_o in_o baptism_n before_o it_o can_v be_v mad_a a_o live_a member_n in_o christ_n body_n the_o church_n baptism_n indeed_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o so_o hold_v forth_o the_o same_o as_o a_o thing_n do_v and_o not_o as_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o baptism_n requite_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o same_o as_o faith_n and_o repentance_n to_o go_v before_o the_o administration_n