m fflkVi J* ** *" %lmt0 * ki1t *ifc PRINCETON, N. J. 'ft Presented by Mr. Samuel Agnew of Philadelphia, Pa. c3 (■ / Agnciv Coll. on Baptism, No. Aime at an Up-ftiot FOR INFANT BAPTISME BY THE GOOD WILL OF CHRIST, A S Prieft , Prophet and King , To fill the earth with his ©lory. By Henry whifller 9 Bac. Theol. REVEL. VI. VERSE II. He that fate on the white borfe bad a bovfyMy 9 fmft fpced of mercy for fmall and great. LONDON, Primed by W, Wilfon , for Thomas Paybody » dwelling in Queenes Head Court in Pacer Nofter Row , and are to be fold by Thomas Vnderhill at the Anchor and Bible in Pauls Church-yard , neer the little North door , and John Ridley at the Caftle in Flect-ftrcet. Anno Dm. i 6 j 3. n ####€^#### > l , # ) ######## ^ ?6 f^HRIST the befi Archer , ^^ his jure Covenant the bow, Infants his blefi arrows s ? deftined here below : By his right band, % "%K in faith full-Cburch-yr dyers of love. With grateful I hearts, to the Glory of God above : God of Grace , bofe, as well as joy in bis Gofpell ; at Baptif mall Entrance into the Kingdom of Chrifl ^without Barre againji the Young Infantrie, whom in providence, Our Almighty Lord God of Hojlr admit- tetb under his Enfigne y inthe Militant 7 Church y upon Fathers faith full Engage- ment among Auxiliarie Refer ves > in Ex- pe&ative feafons ofGratious Agency , to- ward planting unto perpetuity, and defence The Epiftle Dedicatory^ of Gods City : For frefervation ofwbofe freedom of holy Right herein, againfl Ad- varices of 'Ojftofit unptty. That their yet fpeechlefs innocence may Rafter accuration of Eloquence in variety of languages with Libraries ) conferveyour ExcellentFame unto Poflerity , by their Gratitude allaying heft , Succejfours hearts : in Approache sof their fynaly growth > to walbg over the Graves , and talf^e over the Stories of pre- deceajmg age. With prayers of Chriftian fin- cerity for health, and whatsoever is bleffkl in Goto mcrcifulnefs , To -YourHonour Very awfully pr&fentetb this obfavant Humble Senior , Henry Whiftler. The,5 6. yeare fince his firft Studies in Trinity Golledg Oxford. THE LORD GO OF GLORY \ SHINE OUT, ALL PERFECTIVE AIDES OF GRACE, UNTO THE Honourable in Councill , FOR Propagating his Gospell. By Jiipreme ^Authority of the Common- wealth of England , where Truth hath freedom at the doore , O F Equall audience, open in hope for holy Scripturall evidence 3 in triall of Infants Right 5 to Baptifmall grace^and co-heritance by Chrifts ordinance: Rafter modeft enquirie with confcience 5 un- derfpirit of dutiej^ to this humbly fupplicating aged Minifter of Chriflo Henry whifiler. ^^^fejfe-. BiiilL bsis^^^ls^s^^^^^^gl^ «$> «$» +¥» «$3 ^3 *?> «y* «^» *^» . THE fe*> CON TENTS O F The Chapters contained in the B O O K E. CHAP. I. Cffrifi fulfilled what Vriefis of Levi figured fir Bap- tizing Infants. Numb. i. Sanctifying. Numb. 2. Redee mfng. "Numb. 3. Bleflingtbew. - ■ CHAP. II. Chri^^a Prophet for teaching. Infants Baptized. Numb . I. The leafl to be taught of Go^.Numb. 2. Mens duty to feale infants under covenant^ and afterwards to teach them. Numb. 3. Cbrifi to belike Mofes, appliableto Infants Baptised, GHA P. Ill, Numb.*, Infanp hound to convert: hlefledinconnim- a mg tng whensoever : Niraib. 2. Infants > children of the Cove- nant* 3« tofiurts Children of the Prophets. C H A P. IV. thrift the Son 0' God in that vifion of glory. Numb.l. directed Mofes firfi ,tofeale Infants, and teach afterwards. Nutnb. 2. Gaze the law to Mofes , with fuch caution for Infants, and on the fame da] gave the Holy Ghoji to Sanfti- fyfuch cautions of teaching. Numb. 2 t . The Covenant with Rahab 3 dW all in her houfe, a figure for the Church of Gen- tiles : Numb. 4. So the Gibeoriites had blejfwg for them, and their children by'fovenaz; 5 thr. ugh their believing the Prophecies. Numb. 5. The Prophets prayfe the ChurehyM an Eagle charging her little ones 3 but difpraife the Oftrich j Job 39. CHAP. V. Chri(i as King for Infant Baptifm : Numb. 1 . The Dove and Olive-branch. Chriji the Roy all branch becometh a Tree : the root his Covenant , faith and love : 4. forts of branches • Numb. 2. Firfi : branches broken of} after Baptifn or be- fore. CHAP. VI. ■ Numb. 1. Second fort of branches grafted in. Children of Gentiles. Numb. 2. Children of 'the remnant of 'the Jewes returne, the third fort of branches ^grafted in. CHAP. VII. Numb.l. Children of primitive believing Jewes,the 4 th fort ofbranches 9 undertujors atfr(t,yet heires had tight to Baptifm. Baptifm. Seal of the New Covenant. Numb. i.lheCove- nam the fame infubflancehwhat arefubftantialls : the infant correlative principalt , Num. 3. the young exprejje in the new covenant. GHAP. VIII. Infants ^*Angells guardians : Numb. 2. Infants ofPa~ triarks i preferved at waters in figure. Numb. 3. t^Men csfngells : the "Prophet called Angell*, ^Angelically and Evangelic all minifler) for engagement of Baptized Infants in the blejfmgs of the Covenant. CHAP. IX. Chrifl as King pxoclaimethhis goodwill to baptized In- fants by his Prophets : Num. 1. Efaias chap. 7. In the Child Immanuell chap.B. in the children of "Efaias for fignes [ap- plied Hebr. 2.] that figne Baptism : Efaias 9. Zabulon: Numb. 2. and Nepthali with their childrens children, firft captivedandfirfl delivered by Chrifl his Kingdom open- ed after baptifme (Math. 4.) Efaias chap. 11. where the generation of vipers and fucking infants are conjoyned at the enfigne : baptifme expounded by John Baptift •* and Efaias chap. 40. where John found him fe If called : to prepare the way of the Lord : the Lord therein accept- eth infants : fo like the flock of Jacob difliricl by a mark in water as infants baptized ] Numb. 3 . in Joel infants cal- led by the Lord, when he made the promife^ therefore infants included in the performance at bap'iifme. ACts 2. Numb. 4. Fzek. 9. Children preferved, therefore marked in the fore- bead, as 9 Revel. 9. That marke proved to be bap ifme. a 2 GHAP. CHAP. 10. Numb i . Chrift King comming>commandingforfujfer- Ance of children to come in parents armes 5 and blejftng them fo camming 5 accepteth the parents aft, covenant 3 promife 3 low for Infants, Numb. 2. The blejftng ofGhrififent to all Nations deferveth advifement ofnattonall wifdom andholi- ncfs, and allfubordinat helps of parents, fur eties 5 MinifierS. Numb. 3. Allfuch helps of duties give grace in the word of grace and prayer. Numb. 4. Baptifmallvotves blefjed bonds to the childrens good. CHAP. XI. Numb. 1. The leaft baptized myflically partake under the fpirituall mini fiery for their deliverance fiom Jpirituall Egypt into Chrifls Kingdom in fiirit : infants expreffed whenthe promife was made for theftirit to alljiefh oldmen y children Jonnes, daughters ? men-fervants, matds, infants > partaking in the fame grace of God 5 his Spirit on the feed of Jacobs blejfingon the budds 3 dews ': wumb. 2. the Spi- rit and water co-ordained at baptifme by Chrifi ■ co-ordina- tion ope neth the fence of S a.cr amen: all fpeeches. CHAP. XII. Sprinkling , washing 5 as in the figure :fo in the figured: andin Prophecies for Sprinkling Nations. Numb. 2. Chrijts warning againfi nakednefs : it is a fnare againfi abomina- tion. CHAP. X I f I. Objeft. About the word of faith 9 Rom. io, Numb.i . Anfw. Anfw. ft is the Parents faith for them and their children \ proved by all the 4. feftimomes there alkdged out of the old Testament 3 Ifaiah 52/Deut. 30. Numb. 2. God accepteth infants among penitents after examph of the Ninevites, to nhich the word of faith refer- 'reth : Rom. 10. by Chrift exceeding Jonah. Numb. 5. Infants included in "thofe that call upon God) proved by the Testimonies alledged Rom. I o. CHAP, XIV, Objeft. Numb. 1. tAbout putting on Chrift at baptifmy Gal. 3. Anfwered. Numb. 2. Obj. About the anfveer of a good confcieni.e y accommodate CHAP. \ Object. Numb. 1. zAbout praBice : accommodation^ praBice fuppofed ipon proofe of right by the commijfion in General L andinfveciall by 12. teftirrtonies in the nervyAlled- ■ 1 r I it ■ J gedout of the old. Numb. 2. The praBice affirmed in generally no exprefs for reft, -aim in right > or praBice : file nee no difproofe. Numb, 3. More for proofe of praBice in the Apoftles time by cbfervations out of antiquity. CHAP. XVI. Numb. 1. Objeft. About the reflraintofcommifton (Matthew .8. ) to the Apoftles. Anfwer >it extendeth to their fuccefjors in the Miniftery ^ by Uivfull Ordination > proz'edbj ennoies. Numb. 2. How thatfucceffwn w& uninterrupted > and Chrifl Chrifihifpromife performed in event before the reformation, and in fpectall our EngliOl ordinary Mini fiery was pre- ferred from the ob jetted Apofiacy, or depth of Antichrtfiia- nity by the ble(j'ed providence ofGodto his glory. Numb. 3. why the new dippers mini fiery not warrant' able p and their fcrme of Bapiifm unfuffcient tofhut out Sa- tan 5 or bind him up) or to feale chrifiians from hit power : after they have let Ioofe that hellifh enemy 3 by renouncing their former baptifmall vow 3 to forfake the Devi 11 and his works. CHAP. XVII. Numb. I. Anfwer to that other objection , about in- grafting dry (ticks jo whom Chvift giveth life, as in figure $ a dead man enlivened by the dr) bones of Elifha. Numb. 2. Anfwer 3 to that.afout wrong to the ele£f 9 by offer of grace to the reprobate^ whereas here is afcribedallthe glory of efficacy to God 1 'n his grace , and the blame of defici- ency to men in all : holy ground, n Sinai, Hagar for parents'} and infants as a holy people , under covenant-ordinances 3 Arke , mercy {e cr^ile jncenfe fignifc ative of grace in prayer for mercy 9 by the blo^dofthe Lambe their Lord^gratious and mercifull. Numb. 3. Obj. And anfwered about grace of child- baptifme 3 how confident with perfevc ranee Jj nee many bap- tized are unfaved. Parallell about admitting Women to the Holy Communi- on 3 upon reafon ofconfequentS : unlefs an exprefs be found in holy writ. A poflfcript ■> population in equity for infants. aA Refcript of what was blotted t from Chap. 1. Numb. I . If with leave humbly reprefenting at laft, ahout the bleffingof chrifi his Melchifedechian Pru-jlhood , as unitize unitive of the Father ,and the child, in Covenant at bap- tifme by the Baptitf a Levile, in refined ministry fentfrom Chrift 5 as God , to prepare for Chrift ? as man , Angell of the covenant : So bletfinginfa ;t Bapttfme % andthe Minifters ther of y in the Kingdom of Chrift his righteoufnes , and Salem his holy peace : tha all may he Abraham 7/£e in thriving 3 who mil be Abraham-///^ in believing 3 and in living by the Spirit 3 like the Dove undivided^ to reconcile the parts in divifion-,Hebr. each man againft other 3 Genef. I 5 . 1 o 9 1 1 . One Lord 9 one Baptifm , one Spirit 3 giving Apoftles 3 Valors 3 teachers for the work of the minifterie 9 for perfecting the faints unto a perfetl man in Chrift. Eph. 4. A mighty work of God, in refemblance of a young Dove : and through weak waters 5 and thefpirit of new birth 3 at Baptifm ofafmall infant by thewordofpromife^as an immort all feed of life everlafting 3 in the new creatures to overthrow the greateft prefumption that hath been in a mortall body of fin, to be godded God beyond the ordinances of Chrift contrary to the wordof chrift revealing the will of chrift t for his ordi- nances of grace , untill the end at his comming to Judgment with a blejjing to the Stewards , whom he findeth admini- firing as he commanded. Infant Infant-Baptifm bleiTed in all the Offices of Chrift^ our Pmft, Prophet, and King. CHAP. I. Cbrijl fulfilled what Pr lefts 0/Levi figu- red for Baptising Infants. Number i. SanBifying) Number 2. Redeeming, Number 3, Blejjingtbem. Number I. |Hat all the Tribes of ifrael might be San- ctified as one Myfticall Man 5 the younger of every Family in San&ification of the firft-born from their Infancy, the firfc- born in the Levites that appeared for them , the Levites in their High-Pried , their High-Prieft in the Sanftificatien of them All -by dependance in Truth on Chrifl: the Mediator of the new Covenant, In which we are come to the Church of the firft- born 3 whofe names are written in Heaven. Heb. 1 2. B All 2 Infants Redeemed Chap. i. All the members therefore of the true Church, in Numb. 2. that privilege of the firft-born, were either Sancti- fied in their Infancy , or did help toward Sanfti- cation of other Infants, or both, with Holy, blelled, indeavonrs, as thetnfelves had been Sanctified by the help of others, and all in Chrift the firft-born of the dead, (Revel, i. 5.) at his Refurre&ion 5 for raifing us up. Great and Small, (RweL 20. 1 2.) The vertue of which his Death and Refurreclion he con- vayeth by his Ordinance of Baptifm , Sanctifying andClenfinghis Church with the wafhingof wa- tcr,by his word, ( Ephef> 5. 26. ) his word of pro- mise, in truth of his own will begetting us, lames 1. Number II. THe firft-born were to be Redeemed : All from a Moneth old and upward, by the Levites in their ftead, appearing before God in the Services of his San&uary (figurative of Ghrift our Temple) in-" tereffing Small and Great in the fruits of his Holy- nelTe for fandf ification by the workes of Holy Mini- sters. Numb. chap. 3. 40,45, 46. Whether they were redeemed by the Vicarage of aJLevite,or(for want of fuch peculiar helpjby a ran- fome for neighbourly Levites afliftance Ordained of God, It was Gercmonious engagement for par- taking in the Redemption of Chrift, who was made under the Law to Redeem them that were under the Law: But Infants were under the Law, to which they were bound when circumcifdd, Gal. 5. And from which they were redeemed by the blood of Chrift, the true Sacrifice and Ranfome, figured by ike blood of the young Pigeon or Turtle j Myfticall of Infants Redeemed. 3 of love, to preferve, or happily recover the divided chap. fc. unto unity, laid each pcece (in Hebrew, each man) Numb. 2. in order one againft another (Gen, 1 5 . 1 o.) ready for union of all at laft 5 by the Spirit like a Dove 5 the Dove not to be divided as others, but by the Sacri- fices nail, in fo flow oblation to mind, how unar- med, God made him unapt for cruelty 3 receiving a like ranfome from every one numbred (Exod. 30.) that he might pray for them as every one equally redeemed by the blood of Chrift, figured by the blood of the Pigeon, young , for the young Chil- dren intereiTed in the Sin -offering after Child- birth, whereby the guiltinefleof Adam* fmne(as the Publique Truftee for man-kind ) originally tainteth Children, as their Sin: Sin needing the Saviour} be- hold the Saviour at need. Jehovah (God the Son)entring covenant with Jbrdhdrffjhat he would by (heding blood at his Cir- cumcifion be bound to the greater blood-ihed at his death: as the promifed feed of Abraham , in whom all Nations and Families might be bleffed. He that is Circumcifed, is a debtor to do the whole Law ( GsU 5 ) but Chrift chiefly ( Gal. 4 ) made un- der the Law, that wee might receive the Adoption ofSonnes, and becaufe yee(Galathian-exemplary Gentiles ) are Sons, God hath fent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, the fame Spirit of Adoption, calling God Father, as Children of his Covenant in Chrift through his blood, which as a Sin-offering he fhed at his death, as he was bound in that Cove- nant of blood, mutually (bed at the Circumcifion. His Gircumcifion binding him as debtor, in that a Surety to redeem them by the Sin-offering of his B 2 uttermoft 4 Circumcision of Heart promifedto the Seed. Chap. i. uttermofc blood, and their blood-ihed in Circum- Numb. 2. cifion ( as the Seal and token of Covenant ) bind- ing them bodily to depend on that his Redempti- on as his Circumcifed Covenanters: both fmall and great, as well of the Gentiles as of the Jewes, Exod. 12. 48, 49. And the ftranger upon condition of Circumcifing his male-Children, he was accep- ted with them into the Covenant , or elfe not. As for the outward, fo for inward Circumcifion of the heart D moft valued^ and chiefly, therefore or- dained in the Covenant of God (Deut.chap 29.10.) lee ft and this day all of you before the Lord your God : your Captains^ &c. your little ones y our wives , and thy ftranger in thy Camp: thjtt thou fljouldeft enter into Co- venant with the Lord thy God , And into his Oath that the Lord thy Godmaketh with thee this day : iff he may Stablifh thee to day to be a people unto himftlj^ and that he may be unto thee a God^ as he fware unto thy Fa* thers. Neither with thee onely do I make this Covenant and this Oath 3 but with him that ftandeth with us here this day before the Lord our God^ and with him that is not here with us this day ~] A Rule of equity . for the future alfo, binding Pa- rents, (Jews, and Centiles) to engage their young Children urrfter Covenant with God 3 and in that joynture with the Little Ones the Lord God addethhispromife to circumcife their hearts, and the hearts of the;r Seed. Deut.chap.30. 6. If any would reftrain the Goodnefs of God here- in onely to the Secret ones of Gods eternall pre- election, The word of Mofes may prevail at the end of the twenty ninjth of Deut. [ fscrct things* _j to th$ Lord Circnmcifion of Heart promfed to the Seed. 5 Lord our God: but thoje things which are revealed^ unto chap. I. hs and our children for ever , and that at the end of N#/»&. 2. the 30 th Chap. [_lcall Heaven and Earth to Record this day againji you 1 have Jet before you life and deaths bltffingandcurfing : Therefore choofe Ufe^ that both thou and thy Seed may live. Inawfull hope of Gods afiiftance under his Di- vine eternall providence, it is his Servants humble duty to choofe the good propofed with promife of ableffing, and to abftain from evill in fear of the curfethreatned. This duty bindeth Parents to choofe good for themfelves and for their Children, even their feed, to include them at the loweft foundation ofbleffing under the Covenant of God. Thou and thy Children fhallobey with all thy heart, Veut. chap. 30.2. thy heart obeyeth for them, and choofeth good for them, and derivethtkeblef- fing unto them. Yetf ftand this day all of you before the Lord your God your little ones~— that thou moulded enter into Covenant with the Lord thy God , and into his Oath which the Lord thy God maketh with thee this day : that he may eftablifh thee to day for a people unto himfelf, and that hemaj^e unto thee a God. Remember this Record of Hearen and Earth for litle childrens right by Covenant to live by their fathers choyce of life and bleffing for them among A: the chofen people in triis their ftanding (outward^ with their litle ones as the people of God chofen on purpofe for the glory of his faithfulnefs in truth and mercy : Ioflma conduced them every one to the land of promife 5 a pattern of Chrifts Ringdome B 3 under V 6 'the promife to Little ones. Chif.i. under his new Covenant of Grace -, appertaining Uumb. 2 . unto them as the trnth in Spirit to clrcumci fe their heart, and the heart of their Seed to love God, by vertue of that promife made, Deut. 30. 6. unto them while with their litle ones as Gods people un- der his Covenant and oath: not onely for that time, but for the future at their returning by repen- tance, yet ftill in acknowledged verification of the bleilings and curlings as fet before them in that their ftanding before God in covenant with their litle ones 3 and the ftranger and his litle ones alfo with them : in whofe favour the folemn Pfalm. Dtut. 32. hath an exprefs claufe inviting the Nati- ons to joyn with that people of God in fuch holy conftitution* for young 8c old,under promife of in- ward Cireumcifion, as well as outward, folemnly performed again at entrance into the promifed land for renewing the Covenant with God. It is often times called cutting a Govenant,in as much as beto- kened by cutting, at other times,cutting Beafts, but in this theperfons were cut in token of Gods right unto them, and their right unto God the Sonne by covenant ofmutuall cutting in their flefh as his, and his flefh as theirs, given in his love unto death, for their rede»*tion. The Fem^ras concerned as (in defire)one,in Spi- rit,Circumcifing the heart : which Cireumcifion of the heart is fo acceptable, that thereby the Male be- comethas Feminine in grace of marriage union with our Saviour} intended in that Circumcifion of heart unto his love. Dent. 30. 6. promifed to the Seed ( Male and Female as one at the beginning of life) in the heart of their Seed 5 to be perfected in Gods < Circumcifion of the heart by the Spirit y Gods good time,by his good Spirit, without which chap, i, that inward moderation of heart cannot be Numb. 2. wrought 3 on the contrary ,their adverfarics the Ca- mamtts hearts melted, neither was there Spirit in them any more,artcr the waters oflordan had yeel- dedpailage unto the faithfull Israelites with their little ones. The wifdom of God the Lord of Holts hath alio recorded there ( in the raft Chapter of Jo- fittab)that all the men of war w ch came out of Egypt were conlumedjaccording as God hadfwcrn,for di- fhufting Gods performance of promife about their little ones,except Jofittah&z Caleb well-fpirited wit- nefTes of Gods truth, in mercy caufing their little ones and all born after the departure out of E- gypt to be there circumcifed and bleiTed into pof. feilion, at that myfticall bleft paiTage through Jor- dan where the Ifraelites and their little ones, and Strangers and their little ones, being conjoyned in Covenant with God, and that Covenant being outwardly fealed by Circumcifion, under piomife for circumcifing the heart, which muft be by the Spirit, there to (hew the readinefs of the Spirit to be given and to yield the glory to the true giver, at that place, as there was opened the land of pro- mife, the heaven opened, and the holy Ghoft came down in likenefs of a Dove when at that place Ghrifr did chufe to be baptifed among others in Jordan , that all the duties of this myftery might bleiTedly be conjoined in him and in his grace. Abraham by Circumcifion, as "Jacob by halting,lef- ned in body, raifed up faith to the better in heart by the Spirit which Chrift ordained for a perpetn- all duty by Covenant of the Spirit (holy chrifti- an > g t fromifedto the Littk ones. Chap, i. an morality ) though exchanging the fign of out- Humh. 2. ward Circumcifion ( in pitty to fpare the leaft drop after his own fufficient bloodfheddingjfor the wa- ter of Baptifm, to mind warning and purifying the heart under the new covenant of the Spirit,for Jewes and Gentiles and their little ones, that they might with one mind and one mouth glorifie God, as the blefTed Apoftle perfwadeth, Rom . Chap. 1 5 . 6. And for fetlingthis joynt,obferve how he there addeth [ That Jefus Chrifi was a Minifier of the Circumcijion to confirm the promifes made unto the F4- ther, and that the Gentiles might glorifie God, as it is written - Rejoyceye Gentiles with his people And again Efa\asfaith 3 a root of Jtffe /hall rife to raign over the Gentiles ] All which favoreth his little ones intereft,if ye note Firft, That Chrift confirmed the promifes made to the Fathers : which comprehended little ones with them. Secondly, That the Gentiles were alike com- prehended with their little ones. Thirdly, That the places of Scripture here al- leged for proof thereof, alfo teach the little ones 5 that ( at the tenth verie of this fifteenth Chapter to the Romans ) being the very claufe which God prepared in that folemnPfalm£>e«f. 32. for invi- tation of the Nations to joyn with the ifraelites, as then with their little ones conftituted the peo- ple of God by Covenant under his promife, to cir- cumcife their hearts, and that other proof alleged out of Efaias for Chrift out of the root of JeJJe to reign over the Gentiles asEnfjgn for their fubmif- fion Chriji as Priejl bleffed Infants. 9 fion to the Kingdom of God at Baptifm, hath ex- Chap. 1. prefs mention of Sucking Children, to befurther W*mb. 3. opened in feafon about Chrift as King. Fourthly, this is all in vertueof theCircumci- (Ion in heart by the Spirit whereof Chrift is Mi- nifter. _ Accordingly behold the fpirituall Circumcifi- l ^ Hm ' 3» on of the Gentiles hearts at their Baptifm, Colof. chap. 2. II, 12. In Chnftyee are circumcifed , and buried with him in Baptifm, The Holy Ghoft there teaching, that the baptized are circumcifed as it were on purpofe to countenance the right of Gen- tiles (old and young) unto the prcmifedCircumci- fion of their hearts as appliable unto them at Bap- tifm , the old and young having right in the death and buriall as the redeemed of Chrift, by the price of his bloody facrifice to pacific God towards them. And with his prayers (as incenfe) appea- ring before God in the Heaven of Heavens (true high-Prieft in the Holie of Holies ) prefenting the memoriall of his blood-fhed, and bearing their me- moriall,as did Aaron on his (boulders, and on his breaft-plate, in love to fmall and great. Who is he that condemneth ? It is ChriSi that djied yea rather that is rifen again : who is at the right handofGod^ who aU fom&ktth inter 'cejfion for us, Rom. 8. For whom he prayed on Earth, John 17. 26. even for all that fhall beleeve on him in any generation at any time un- to the worlds end 5 praying for fuch as are unborn, the new-born arc included alfo for accomplifh- ment of what by the fame Spirit his father David beleeved, ffalm. 11 5. 12, 1 3. 7 he Lord will blefs the houfe of ifrael , he will blefs the Houfe of Aaron^ he C will to Chrifk as Friefk bleffed Infants. Chap. r. »>/// bbfs them that fear the Lord both fmall and Numb.^. great. Hetellethhow he bleffeth the houfeof //><*- el 9 in that he blefleth the houfe Aaron as appointed to blefs in his name them that fear the Lord. Dent. 2 j . 5. The Vriejis, the Sonncs of Levi 3 pall come near , for them hath Jehovah thy God chofen to minijier unto him, and to blefs in the Name of the Lord, as then they were ( the fmall with the great)when all the Children of ifrael were in that well-ordered Army , young and old, the Priefts, ^r^wandhis fons, were appointed to blefs them thus 3 N«/»^.chap. 6. Jehovah lift up his face upon thee and give unto thee peace. And they fiall put my name upon the Sons of ifrael, and I will blefs them Here is a threefold Relative unto Chrift, Fir ft, As Aaron and his Sons w ere all figures of Chrift his Priefthood. Secondly, For that itwashis face in which their bleffing was to be fulfilled, 2 Cor.\. 6. Ephef 1. 3. Thirdly, Becaufe his fulfiling of that Benedift- ion(in putting the name of God upon the Chil- dren of ifrael) was at their Baptifm , in the name o£ the Father, and of the Son , and of the holy Ghoft.. CHAP. Chrifta Prophet for Infants. I i CHAP. II. chap. '2. Ckitt a Prof bet for teachmglnfants^ Hffib Baptised. Number % The teaji to bee Wight of God. Numb. % Mens duty to Seal Infants under Covenant, and after- wards to teach them. Numb- 3. Chrijlto be lil\e Mofes., affiliable to Infants Bap- tised* Number i. ;Hat exprefs tenour of the new Cove* nant (ifaiah chap. 5 4.1 3. All thy Children fiail be taught of the Lord.^ applied in the Gofpell of jMwchap. 5. 25.) The hour is comming^ and, now is , when the dead fiall hear thevoyce of the Sonne of Cod, and they that heare fhall live 5 which is true both of the dead in body to revive at the laft refurrection , and of the dead in Sinne to revive by the firfl: refur- rection unto the life of grace} of both which Chrift affinneth there, as appeareth of the laft refurrect- ion in the words following 5 but of the flrft refur- reftion in the Woids preceding, Verily 9 verily 9 hee flail not come into condemnation ( for the future) but is pa fled from death to life Cforthe pre- fentj and hath everUfiing life begun in him, Grace beginning glory, and Glory finiihing grace, every part of everlafting is everlafting : the ear- ned: of the Spirit is an immortal! Seed though G 2 not 1. 1 2 The leaft to be taught of God, Chap. 2. not appearing fir ft in Little ones : yet that Numb. i. Seed hath life begotten by GjA the Son 9 that is the AH-quickning word, as eafily raifing the Children by the voices of his fervants(£//j/ and Elijha figures of him their Lord) as other men wereraifedbyhim 3 aseafily giving life of the Spi- rit as reftoring life of the body, whether to young or old 5 his Allmighty power equally can give life in death to make the dead hear, though their audi- ence be not equall m outward operation 3 the aft of- creation is the fame in vertueof iifetotheone in the Seed and root, to the other in the fruit, of hearing and beleeving. Jercwiaticap. 31. 33, 34. This is the Covnenat' that I will make in thofe dayes, they (hall all know me from the leaft unto the greateft. Admire the method of this Do&or al- mighty, from the leaft to the greateft , indefinitely from the leaft,fbr the manner difpute not with God, Who topofe Job chap. 38. asked. Haft thou entr/d inta the Springs of the Sea} Haft thou walked in the fearch of the deep } Gods mercies unfearchable : his unfpeakable gift, 2 Cor. 9. 15. bringing joy unfpeakable in. change from Gods wrath to the Covenant oflo\e in his appointed Seafons of good pleafure. At the prefenceof Chri ft in conception, the Babe exulted, that was to be theBaptifer^hope forbaptifed Infants through his miniftery of the Spirit 5 when their (ins are to be forgiven, as in the next words of the New ^Covenant about the Leaft ; Q / will forgive their Jniqmty ~] You will fay it is a converfion by prea- chings read the words again. It is a tranfeendent way of teaching afcribed unto God and not to Men Infants to be taught by Men in after Seafons. g i Men [_ They fiall teach no more every man his bro" chip. 2. ther ~] Jer. 31. 1 John 2. Tee need not that any man Numb. 2. t each yon , but as thi fame annointing teacheth you. The holy Ghoft a fountain of LIn&ion fpiritu- all and heavenly wind entereth as hee will} At Baptifme introducing elder men like New-born btfbes, the babes then are included, as when Gen. chap. 47. 13. J«fefh fed his Father and Brethren as. a little Child is nourifhed , the little ones alfo were nourifhed : So Chrift in comparifon of the Elder to a little includeth the Little one in his School of hope : if then without effect , it may be not without affeft of his Fatherly mercy , who calleth thofe things which be not , as though they were, becaufe they (hall be. Rom. 4. Where the Gentiles are taught after the Example of Abraham to beleeve in hope , God glorying therein to be trufted as God of hope whofe promife wanteth not efFedt in due feafon of mercy promifed for a thoufand age after age ,- and in his new Covenant exprefs to teach the Leaft either then or at the age of Underftanding , when ( afte r the peoples peti- tion Dent. 18 ) the Lord teacheth them by Man: Numo.i. The Man Chrift as Prophet appointeth fpeciall regard of Infants, as his, by Covenant under feal, binding them to knowledge, but in their future opportunitie whether Jews* orGeniiles. Exod. 13. 1 4. 16. It JJjall be when thy fon asketh thee in time to come, fay'wgJVhat is this ? that thou Jf)alt fay unto him, &c. Dcut.chap .6. J. Theje words which I command thee this day (liall be in thy heart : and thoujbalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and thoufialt bind them as ajtgn u$on thine hand, and they fo all be as front- 1 4 Infants to be afterwards taught in time. Chup.Ty Frontlets between thine eyes, &c. D^ut.^ .30. And Nttmb. 2. the wives with the Little ones entrmg Covenant with the Lord, The Lord faith , Chap. 31. 12. and 19. Gather the people together 9 men women and Children , and thy Stranger that is within thy Gates, that they may hear , and thit they may learn , and fear the Lord your God : Now therefore write yee this fsng for you 3 and teach it the Children of IJ ra- th parts of which fong (Deut. chap. 32. ) are re- peated in the new Covenant, as Rom. i> 8. 9. and chap.12. 19. and chap. 15. 10. On purpofe for invi- tation of the Nations to joyn with the Jewes 3 as the Lord then dire&ed for our Learning. Learn we therefore to bring our young Children into Cove- nant with the Lord, binding them to the duties which they are afterwards to learn, as the young Children brought through the waters of Jordan into the Land of promife were fealed with Ci r- cifion, in token of the Covenant obliging them for the future to learn Gods Commandmerfts plainly written upon twelve Stones taken out of lor dan by twelve men chofen out of the Tribes, as the Lord commanded Jofhua ch. 4. who thereup- fai&^When your children ask their fathers in time to come faying, what mean thefe Stones } Then yee Jhall let your Children know: for the Lord God dried up the waters of Jordan untill yee were paffed over, as the Lord God did the red Sea ( baptifing the young as well as the old in figurative myftery)Tta# all the people of the earth may know the hand of the Lord that it is mighty jhat ye might fear the Lord your God for ever. What was for ever unto them in figure, (hall find a truth in the Church of Chrift figured by that Land of promife. For Chrifl like Motes, how app liable. 15 For that Chrift was to be a Prophet like Mofes^ Chap. 2. fo to teach and blefs them,in bleffing and teaching Nn&b. 3. their Children. And that they whom the great Prophet (like Mo- fes) herein bleifeth under iuch Ordinance of his Prophetique Office in time of his new Covenant are to receive the bleffing in his name with the to- ken of his Covenant at Baptifm, that for his fake, in his fear,his bride the Mother- Church may fhew the bowells of her love to them. Parents their love^Bre- thren their love, in prayer, care, and needfull help toward them, as known to be his, in that figned with his feal, to the glory of his infinite wifdom and almighty power in helping the weak and fim- pie, as dearly purchafedas thegreateft, and accep- ted in his free mercy, which here feemeth to be revealed on purpofe by the holy Ghoft in appli- cation of the bleffing of that great Prophet to the baptized,^/ chap.2. and chap.^.as it were to (hew his will for their baptizing, whofe t eaching he pro* videth for, Great and Small. CHAP; 1 6 Infants to be Converted* Chap. 3. Numb. 1. CHAP. III. Numb. 1. Infants bound to convert , hlefjed in converting whensoever. Numb. 2. Infants Children of the Co- venant. Numb. 3. Infants children of the Prophets. Number. I. F the Small you doubt, by reafon of the laft verfe, chap. 3. God having raifed up his Son Jefus y fent him to blefs you, in turn' ing every one of you from his iniquity. 'EvTztimrfoeif :This Article( to )reacheth as far here as the fame Article Tit. 2.12, h t& d\avt , the whole life of man in this world being called this norv, wherein we ought to turn from worldly defires, to live foberly, juftly, and Religioufly, whenfoever the grace of God foturneth us :(«*») in this turning may be verified Chrift his Prophetique blelling^ a Prophet looketh upon every feafon of time, paft, prefent, or future : Mofes in the fpirit of Prophecie wrote of the beginning , and the great Prophet was in the beginning, yea he was both beginning and end. Thefenfeof this word Prophecie fprolpect- ing the future in beft propriety of fpeeh) his truth (as aPiophet in fenfe of his bleiling now) is not onely for now, but alfo for future opportunities in turning from fin. Chrift The Converted bleffed. 1 7 Chrift the fame yefterday,to day, and For ever i C™*i>» 2. his word of Bleffing the fame by his Omnifcient N**K I Wifdom- andOmniprefent Excellency, at all times which either wereprefent, or are, or (hall be pre- fent hereafter : his bleffing wa* h ™ &»r fain when Repentance was preached by lohn Baptrjf y and by Chrift;, when Chrift prayed on the Oofs, when he aroleand departed at his Afcenfion, bleffing his A- poftles Commiffion, with authority to blefs all fu- ture generations to the worlds end in his Name, by baptizing them with the baptifm of Repentance to turn from fin, though in event, their turning from fin be afterwards in any year, month, or day of their life, after they have with Peter denyed Chrift, or walked contrary to Chrift , in errour,fchifm, un- charitablenefs, untighteoufnefs , uncleannefs, I- dolatry , covetoufnefs , from which a time of re- turning by Repentance, is allowed unto fuch , as have thought, willed, and done contrary to Chrift after their baptifm. The Covenant of baptifm holding out fuch expeftative grace of Repentance, would you for expectation of grace deny the Co- venant of baptifm unto fuch as never have done, willed, or thought contrary to Chrift, who can in any moment blefsfor everlafting,ashe moft loving- ly provided from everlafting ? and dare you forbid bleffing in his Name for the future, without his ex- prefs word ? yea, againft his word , helping againft you by many notables in the very Text,which with good Coherence, are enough for Application of Chrifts bleffing againft you,unto thelittle ones bap- tized in his Name, A&s 3. 1. Befides that , to the baptized arc apply ed the D words .1-8 Infants Children of the Covenant. Chap. 3. words ofMofer, when he fpake of Parents duty to Numb. 2 2. teac h their Infants, when they mould afterwaids be * ' able to learn. 2. The great Prophet was to be WksMofcs p that had fuch care of Children. Numb. 2. 3, The holy Ghoft caUeth that Prophet r^//* 3 the child Jefus, to mind how the Covenant was fcaled unto Jefus a child,in regard of Children s fal- vation. 4. As the Parents are included in the feed by foe* derativ e correlation , what is faid of the feed. Gen. 22.17. is expounded of the Patents, #^.6.14. fo what was promifed to the Father, Gztt. 12. 3. is ex- pounded of the feed here, /*#/ 3. 2 5. 5. Abraham is named, whofe Covenant included his young fon ifaac, and ifaac is named here , w hofe Covenant included his fon Jacob, and Jacob is na- med, whofe Covenant of blelling included his fons alfo : thefe are named as examples for all other Co- venanting Fathers to include their Families, that the blelling might fo be communicable through the earth unto all Families, called here WJp/aJ, from the Father-hood, which hath light of including his In- fants under* the Covenant of bleffing, to be taught as they mould be able to leain. Nu 1 ^ The baptized (here capable of the bkflingin c *' that Prophets name) are called Children ef the Pro- phits, as their ftyleulually verify eth the blefiing of the future time in the words of the prefent or pre- terit, to aflure, what is in Gods Name affirmed by his fei vants the Prophets, as if it were already per- formed, in which fenfe Preaching the Word, in ad- nrinifriation of the Sacraments, aptly may be called Propjiefying, So Infants Children of the Prophets. p i So the preaching Jew, and the preaching Gentile, chap. 3. Gods two Witneffesfaid to Prophetic toMi. and Nttmk. 5, Rev, 12.16. are faid pjfiere to feed, implying their Pa flora 1 duties in Adminiflration of the Word with the Sacraments. 2. As theProphetique word expreffing Infants fucking at the breaft, as meant in the Promife to be applyed by baptiim elfewhere noted., by compa- ring ioel 2. with A&i 2. 3. As the Prophets own Infant-ions, fealed a- mong the Difcipks,to be fignes of what Chrift would have, done in his brotherly-kin dnefs, elfe- where argued more largely, by comparing Tja/ah8, with He b. 2. 4. Children of the Prophets, to learn this (with other things) which they fore-tel about admiflion of Infants among the bleiled. 7. Thewords here A&s 3. 23. are fo cited from Deut, 18.18*. with conjunction of other words from Gen, 17. 14. that include Infants, as well asthofeof riper age 5 ailuredly,the wifdom of the holy Ghoft would teach fomwhat by this notable conjuncti- on$ what other caufe, if not interefting Infants as well as others under the Covenant-blefling (by this great Prophet here) in fear of danger to be cut off for contempt of fuch his Oovenant-blefling?danger under the New Covenant as under the Old , which threatens alfo Parents, as deferving to be cut off, if they (through contempt) engaged not their Infants under the Covenant of blefting by that great Pro- phet} danger threatned to the foul, argueth thefe words, (Gen, 17. 14. as repeated Aftf%, in time of the new Covenant) to concern the falvation of the D 2 foul, 1 Chrifl the Prophet lihg Mofes. Chap. 3. foul, for which Almighty God tyeth us to means Numb. 3. when they may be procured, though his own Infi- nite free mercy can help other wayes. 8. They all are to be baptized under the blef- fing of this Prophet, that were then Children of the Covenant made with the Fathers ; But Infants then were Children of the Covenant which God made with the Father, Gen. \ 1. faying, All the Kin- dreds of the earthfhatt be bieffedjn thy Seed'-) an ever- lafting Seed to blefs them that hold the Covenant in truth, rightly called an everlafting Covenant, even where Infants are included (Gen. 17. 13.) in the everlafting vertue of that blelTed Seed 5 that blelTedSced byblood-fhed in his Infancy? bound tofhed his uttermoft blood at death for young In- fants like himfelf, as well as for elder ^ it is called The blood of the everlafting Covenant , Heb. 1 3. Infants thus therefore, as well as other Children of the everlafting Covenant are comprehended in the blefiingjby this great Prophet, Atis^. like Mo- fits in that care of Children . ■ ■ CHAP. IV. Cbrifl the Son of God in that Vnion of G/^ Numb. 1. Dire&edNLofes to Seal Infants, and teach afterwards. Numb. 2. Gave the Law to Moles with Cbrijl the Son of Coif, 2 i with fitch caution for Infants, and on cha P- 4- the fame day 3 gave the holy Gbofl to m ' s ' San&ifie fuch cautions of teaching. Numb. 3. The Covenant with Ra- hab and all in herhonfe aFigurefor the Church of Gentiles, Numb. 4. So the Gibeonites had blefjing for them and their Children by Covenant, through their believing the Prophecies. Numb. 5. The Prophets praife the Church, as an Eagle carrying her htle ones , but difpraife the Oflridge y Job 39 . NUMEER I. Ea this great Prophet here was the very fame in perfon who made the Covenant with Abraham for Sealing the young Children, and who fpake toMofes with; Commandement for Fathers to teach young Chil- dren when they (hall be able to learn. The Prophet (fo to blefs^&s 3.) was no other peifon but the perfon of Chrift the Son of God 3 who fo fpake to Mofes in love of Children y Deut. 5. 29. that there were fuch a heart in them, that they would fear me, and feep all my Commandments alwayes -> that it might be D 3 well . a i Chrift the Son ofGodfpakg to Mofes* Chap* 4. well with them 9 and with their children for ever, Deut . Numb. 1. 6, Now t h- fe are the Co mm an dements which the Lord your God commanded to teach yen : Hear ifrael, and thoufoalt teach them diligently thy Children, Sec. Chrift being Gcd the Son, (pake in the glory the virion of Majefty prefentative of Chrift as he was to be man in future Offices of our Prophet, Prieft, and King : The vifional prefencein the Name of God, but in the flmilitudecf man, fpeaking face to face with Afofef, by interpretation, taken out, (to wit, out of the water an Infant) defigned in great My- fterie to guide the people of Ifrael and their Infants at their myftical baptifm through the Red Sea, the Prefence , or Angel of the Prefence of the Lord, that in appeal ance of a flame of fire faid unto Mofes, "Behold , the cry of the Children of ifrael if come unto ate: Come now therefore, I will fend thee , that thou may eft bring forth the Children of ifrael out of Mgyp. Thou JJjaltfay unto the Children of ifrael , I A M hath fent me unto you : I am that lam, or [I will be that I will be] glorying for the future, as well asforthepre- fent, in mercy to the Children, as well as to the Pa- rents : As before in Abraham's Family to Children new born, yea unborn, to Jacob unborn, the fon of ifaac-, to Ifaac when he was new born, and when he was unborn } Yea to that other fon o£ Abraham, the firft whom Gcd named before he was born, putting fome of Gods Name [E L~] into his Name \jfmaef\ in a myftical bleffing under aftiadowofa curfe , for him in Type, and his Anti-Type the Jewes now. As his Mother had a double Relation, one blcf- fed, another accurfed 3 as Hagar, by interpretation a Fugi- For Sealing Infants and teaching. q j fugitive, baniihed from the houfc of Abraham , but Chip. 4. blclled in returning thither;, in an Allegory figuring Numb. 1. t he old Jerufahm, Gal.\. with her carnal Children, the ijraelites, that mail beblefled in returning to the Church of Chriftjn the Graces , Mercies, and Du- ties of new ferufa\em, figured in Allegory by Sarah the Free- woman, true W ife of Abraha w , which re- turn of the carnal ffraelites, muft be by the gate of entrance into th^ Church of Chrift, and that gate appeareth afterwards to be by baptifm, as at a Fountain Hagar met this Angel of God , which af- fured the Birth of her fon , with addition of Gods Name in the end, faying, Thou Jhalt have a fon, and thon ft alt call his name Ifmacl, bccaufe God hath heard thy affliction, andfte called the Name of Cod thatfpakp unto her, [Thou the God that feejime~] therefore they (Heb. therefore he) called it ,\lhe well of him that it- vtth andfeeth"] Whence Pfal. 3 5. the fpeech of Pro- , phetique my ftery raifeth the Well of Life with him in the Spirit of Dxvid,t\iQ Spirit of the Son otDavrd? in truth whereof, the houfe dDavidtas God, as the Angel of God before them, and the feeble as David, Zacb. 12, 8. Who more feeble then Infants? yet ftrong as David, having God for his ftrcngth by Covenant. In that day ft all be a Fountain opened to the houfe of David,and to the Inhabitants ofjerufalem, for fin, <& for turning f row uncle annef^Zzch. 1 3. i.Ifp. 5 $.1,3. Every one that thirfieth,come to the waters :The furemercies of David , in everlafting Covenant to the houfe otjudah firft, and to the Gentiles , and at laft to the Rebellious ifraehtes at the Well of Life, myftically returning from their finful averfnefs, un- to the myftical Sarah under the new Covenant, as perfo- 2 a For Sealing Infants and Teaching, Chap. 4» perfonal Hagar Cwith Child) was directed to return Unmb. 3. at that Well by that Angel of God , who (for that myftical joynture of both Covenants in one) might rightly be called the Angel of the Covenant , (till thefameinElYence to faithful Believers and their Children^ by the prayer of Parents faith, in hope for their young Ones to be under Covenant of Cods mercy. Was not Abraham's defire and prayer unto God 3 that Ifmael might live before thee > And God h\d 5 For Ifmael I have heard thee, behold I bhfs him, And Abraham tool{ Ifmael his fan , and all the hi alt Children of his houfe, andcircumcijed theflfjfjof their fore- sk^n, in the f elf fame day, as God hadfpoken with him.Gen . 1 7. What knowcft thou to the con- trary, but Circumcifion was to him a Seal of Gods promifed blelling for Righteoufnefs by Faith?As to his father, who for him (in faithj procured a blef- fing , though not to be the Progenitor of Chrift, nor to inherit the figurative Holy Land, yet fo,that ■ he might inherit Heaven thereby figured, and to be blelTed in Ghrift according to the Gofpel-pro- mifes preached unto Abraham, and to his Seed, un- lefs in time of tryal they refufe the inward Circum- cifion of their heart : promifed alfo by God unto fuch as walk not contrary thereunto for ever. In Mgypt the Lord fpared all the firft-born of if raely young or old, by claim of the firft unto his fervice, preferving all their other Children. In that famous deliverance (not forfaking any one of them to be left behind in the fervitude of Mgypt) he Spi- ritually baptized young and old in the Cloud, and in the Red Sea : in the Cloud, as a token of his prefence by Covenant, when the Cloud refted,they refted, Cbriji gave the Law to Mofef 2 5 retted, and when the Cloud progreffed , they pro- Chap. 4. grefledi, all in the Army, young and old, Numb. 1 o. Numb. 2. 34. The Cloud of the Lord upon them by day, when they xvtnt out of the Camp, and when the Arl^ of the Cove- nant of the Lord fet forward^ Mofes faid. Rife np Lord, and let thine Enemies be feat teredo and when it rejled, he fard t Return Lord unto the many thoufands of If- rael : Which the fpirit of David enlarged with a Commentary, VfaL 68. Let God arife , A Father of the fatherlefs : The Heavens dropped at the prefence of Gody ihon Cod diaji fend a gratious rain upon thine Inheritance-^fVnto God the Lord tht iffues from death. Doth not this relate unto the RefurretHon ofclSHinb.i. Chrift,and his Afcenfion, giving Gifts unto men at baptifm, as Peter interpreted at Defcenfion of the Holy Ghoft on the fame day of Pentecojl, whereon formerly the Law had been given ) In remembrance whereof, k is here added in Pfal. 68. 1 7. The Chari- ots of God are twenty thoufands , (even) thoufands of Angels'-y the Lord (is) among them (as) in Sinai, in the holy place. By this gift of the holy Ghoft, upon the fame day whereon the Law was formerly given , this Leflbn is held out unto us , That the holy Ghoft was given on purpofeto put the Lawesinour inward parts, as he promifeth in the new Covenant, to write in our hearts even the fame Lawes of Morality, which were given on Sinai among the Thoufand of An- gels. By that Angel of the Lord Chrift (his vifional prefence called Arch- Angel) as Prince among the thoufands of Angels, when the Law was given on E Sinai, $6 With cautions of teaching Infants. Chap a Sinai^ in the hand of a Mediator : by fuch Angelical Ntifffl ' 2 Miniftry, Chrift (who (hall proclaim liis Advent by the.voyceofthe^nr/j-^tf£e/) did then deliver the Law by the hand (\t may feem) of the Arch-Angel i Chriir as the Son of God the Lord, fpeakingby that glorious Prefence, viiionally presenting Chrift as man,(that was to be Mediator) and alfo writing the Law in that vifional Pi corruptions of new Babylon, Though thefe pra&ifes of Rahab and the Gibeo- cnites were corrupted with fome fraud and falf- hbod, their Covenant was not theieby annulled,. but: Gibeonites believing the Prophets, 29 but they Covenanting for themfelves and their Fa- Chap. 4. milies, were accepted, and fobleffed, though under Nnmb. 5, the general charge to be cut off as Enemies unto Gjds people , much more may Gods beloved peo- ple hope to be accepted and blefied in Covenanting for their families to ftrve their Lord God,as Sureties by PromifeandVowin their name at Infant-bap- tifm, under the new Covenant , Rahab being com- mended unto the faithful for example of fruitful- nefs in works of faith, juftifying her before men by interpretation of the Apoftle James, chap. 2. And the Gibeonites finding mercy when the Plague was upon, ifrael for their fake, and that Plague ceafing through Gods mercy, when juftice was doneagainft their Adverfaries by David after his Inquifition y and Gods moil holy direction : This appertaineth' to the holy mercies of David under Covenant , if a, 55.anda&rted by the Apofde, AUs 13. through the Refurre&ion of Chrift, the power whereof (hall raifeup great and fmall, according to the Prophets high exaltation of Gods Heavenly mercies in Cove- nant toward his Servants and their little Ones, car- Nftmb.y \ ried as upon Eagles wings, from bondage towards their reft, Z>e»/. 32. In progrefs of which myftery. Rev. i2.behoklthe myftical woman upon Eagles wings in the Wildernefs again, affured fignification of mercy to young Children again 5 by the way,not to forget the contrary note againfttheO^m/j , for leaving her Egs in the duft } forgeting that the foot may crufh them, or the wild beaft may break them^ ihe is hardened againft her young Ones, for that God hath not given her wifdom, Job 39. Look ye rather on the Eagles face of the Cherubins, by their E 3 thankf- $0 Bkffed under Covenant. Chap, 4. thankfp.iving unto the Lamb of God, for Redee m - NHmb. 5 . ing them by his blood out of every Tribe, wherefo- ever fcattered among the Nations , Rev. 5. 8 S 9. with grateful joy at fuch performance of mercy, re- membring how (to betoken intereft in this great re- demption) their Infants at a month old, were re- deemed in that their well-ordered Camp of ifrtd, upon the four parts about the Mercy-Seat , on the Ark of the Covenant, vifiontd Prophetiquely by thofe four Cherubins $ the found of whole wings (like the Hoft of ifrael, Ezek. 1. 24.J comprehend- ing the young as Chickens under the wings of Chrift:, on his myftical Throne, as prince of Pro- phets, for San&ihcation of fmall as well as great,ac- cording to the Prophetique holy Rules, and that at baptifm, as undeniably cleared in holy Prophecies, about Chrift his next Office of Kinglinefs. CHAP. Chrijl King for the Small. g 1 chap. 5. ~ Numb. 1 . CHAP. V. Chill as King for Infant-baptifm. Numb. 1. The Dove and Olive- branch. Chriji the Royal Branch be- cometb a Tree. The Root his Cove- nant, and Faith and love. Four forts of Branches. Numb. 2. Firfi Bran- ches broken off after bapifrn or before, Nu MBE'R I. singly prefentation in that Apoca- Num. 1. lyptical Office 3 defendgtbrrfc&ftr whom his Prieftly wafheth in his blood at baptilm D and Sealcth in the forehead, to learn the fong of the Laodb, and of il^/e/^prefcrib- ed by God 3 as already noted a- bout the Prophetique Office of Chri(t 3 for inftru- ftion of Gods Servants fmall and great , the fmall preceding the great in that exprefs from his Throne., Rev. 19. 5. All his Offices well agree., touching Tnfants Ad- miffion into the Kingdome of Chrift 3 having a Crown of gold round about his Ark 3 where was his Throne or Mercy-Seat , Exodus Chapter 25. and a Crown of Gold round about his Altar of: 3 a At baptifm the holy Ghofl like a Dove. Chap. 5. of Incenfe 3 E#M/. 30. arguing his Kingly Prieft-hood UHtnb.1. m his continual lnterceffion of Prayer unto Cod for his Servants, and their Children of all Tribes, which furnimed his Altar with Jncenfe. i Kis Piophetique promife oflnftru&ion alfowas I Kingly 3 by way of Covenant, to write his Lawes in his peoples hearts, that they might know him from theleaft to thegreateft in appointed limes of his Grace, as merciful, and faithful, to the leaft, as to the greateftj to the Children, as to the Parents 5 his eternal mercy co-exifting equally to all Times and Ages , that his glory may reign over all : Thus fpeaketh the Lord of Holts by the mouth of his Prophet, Zach. 6. The man rvhofe name //BRANCH Jhall bear the glory , and Jhall jit and Rule upon his lhrone 9 and he pall be a Vrieft upon his Throne, An Olive-branch in token of peace and mercy, brought in the mouth of a Dove unto Noah y prefer- ved by waters, as we by baptifm. Behold the Holy Ghoft in likenefs as a Dove at baptifm of Chrift, that Branch of the houfe of David 5 but thenceforth becoming an Olive-tree , to which the Holy Ghoft by the word of Grace and Peace , bringeth young Plants ofjewes and Gentiles^that they may be ftWfc' complantati planted together in Chrift at baptifm, Rom. 6. Four forts of Branches. Some to be broken off. Some to be Grafted in 9 Some to be re-grafted that were broken off, Some to continue on the Tree. All help to clear Infants Right for their com- plan- The Root his Covenant j Faith^Love. 5 2 plantation into Chrift by baptifm , as an entrance Chap, 5. into his Kingdom under Covenant 3 with holy Numb. 1. Scripture warrant. For underftanding whereof, the condition of the Treeand the Root are to be feriouily viewed. Ga- briel having revealed the time when the Mejjias was to be cut off, not forhimfelf,but for our Redem- ption,^/. x£rreuwe to graft in^Rom. if . 23. and thofe that are grafted in 'prMvieiMwr**, tonote^that their grafting into Ghrift, is to have felowfhip in the benefit of his death, that fellowlhip is one Root. A fecond Root, is fellowfhip in the benefit of Chrift his Refurredion, both which are joyned to- gether by the wifdom of the Apoftle Paul our Pa- tern, Phil.%. I do count all things lofs, that I may gain Chrifi 5 that I may know him, and the Power of his Rs- furreUion , and the fellowship of his Suffering , being made conformable to his death , if I may apprehend it for which alfo I am apprehended of Jefu* Chrifi, A F double 5 4 The Church of the J ewes and Gentiles' Chap. 5. double apprehenfion , As the Branch taketh hold of Numb. I. the vertue of the Root, and the Root holdeth the Branch in life by Sap, without which the Branch dyeth,andisto be broken off: Anfwerable to the Sap of Branches, is the grace of Chriftians faith, in love of Chrift, who faith, I am the Root and Off-fpring ofDavid, Rev. 1 1. The words of Davids Spirit and Zeal are applyed to Chrift in the Gofpel,and Chrift applyeth to himfelf as the green Tree 3 what David (who lived not to fee the Temple) forefaw of Chrift, I like a green Olive -Tree inthehoufe of God^ Pfal. 5 2. Chrift verifying in himfelf whatfoever was in the Temple the Houfe of God. When Zachariah thought he had feen two Olive- Trees, upon farther view-he called them two O- live-Branches, thejfen?, and the Gentile: The Je& called Natural, not as in pure naturals, nor as in naturals corrupted with fin 5 but as exalted above natural corruption, to be in dignity and duty the people of God,the choyfeft Plant,in the 5 th oijfaiah by Covenant with Abraham and his fucceflive Chil- dren, in that fenfe his Natural Branch. The Gentile called Wilde, as neglected in the wildernefs of Self will, without the Covenant of God, though it-had al wayes a door open for admit fion of the ftrangers that would come in unto them, as Prophecie forefr^ewed, that the Gentiles would be grafted in amongft the Jewes , and with them partake of the Root and fatnefs of the Olive- Tree. Thefe two Branches the Revelation calleth Can- dlefticks, two Churches, chap. 1 r . two Catholique Churches , One of the Jewes in all Countryes of all Tribes, The Church of the Jewes and Gentiles^ g 5 Tribes, according to the Prophecies of their difper- chap. 5. fion, and recovery from thence in Gods moft Righ- Numb, i, teous and moft merciful true judgments , for ac- complishment whereof , the Canonical Epiftles written by (their defigned Apoftles, Gal. 2 .) Peter, James , and John , are called Catholique^ Epiftles, though pertaining fas profitable for learning) to all Nations : The other Catholique Church of Gen- tiles , for accomplifhment of other Prophecies a- bout their Converfion, yet both for their unity of Spirit, and light in Evangelical Doctrine of Chrifti- an faith, appeared as one*Gandleftick in Zach. 4. yea as one Olive-Tree.Thougb twice before he con- ceived them to be two Olive- Trees in diftind ob- fervations : Yet at his laft re- view, when he concei- ved them as two Branches \ the Angel interpreted them to be two Anointed Oner 5 in the Hebrue, Two Sons of Oyl^flanding before the Lord of the whole earthy The Ghriftian Jew, and the Chriftian Gentile colle- ctive, reprefenting Jewes and Gentiles, full Witnef- fesofGods truth in his Church , one true Catho- lique holy Church, uniting them, or admiting as u- nitedin Chriftto Regeneration (their warning o£ Regeneration, Tit, 3.) by Grace in baptifm , Rege- nerated fonsor Oyl, Grace, Grace who hath defpi- fed the day of fmall things > Let the Defpifers (as they would feem Religi- ous) ingenuouily confider, how Oyl-Olive, (fignifi- cative of Grace) fweet Incenfe, (fignificative, of prayer,) and the blood of Sacrifice, (fignificative of Ghrifts bloody) were by Divine Ordinance ap- ply ed, to the Ark of Teftimony , the token fignifi- mi ve of the Lords prefence on his Mercy-feat , be- F 2 twixt 3$ Of Calling. Chap. 5. twixt the Cheruhims wings made of Olive- Tree, Unmh. 1. CHebr. tree of olive') fignificative of Peace , 1 Kings 6. 2 3 3 and 32. Within the two doors of olive-Tree jvith carvings oj cherubim s , (in face Child-like) as the Rabbins have conceived the fignification of their names alfo to be Cerubh , by compounding with a Particle of fimilitude. Our faith believeth the fub- ftance of whatfoever Divine Ordinance of that fi- gurative Temple, to be fulfilled in truth by Chrift, the Temple, the Door, the Light, the Bread, the Veil, the moft Holy, the King of Glory compafled with" his cheruhims wings of mercy, by Covenant of his good will, for admiffion of little Children , as a Hen gathereth her Chicken under her wings in to- ken of love 5 his Fathers love in fending, his own love in coming to dy for the fins of the World 3 love unto blood- (hed for us, when we were his Enc- mies,R0«*.5. Praying for his Enemies, Prayer of love For his Enemies , even for them that (hed the blood of his love 5 and after his Afcenfion 'from Mount Olivet the place of his Prayer, in love he fends down Gifts for his Enemies, even love the fruits f the holy Spirit ,' to make the Branches of his Olive- Tree fruitful in diligence to make their Calling and Election fur e, firft their Calling to be fure. The firft Calling is from God his ad of Eternity, the fame without change in it felf for ever , God hath Ele&ed, Called , Juftified, and Glorified, in that act, all that (hall be Called, Rom.8. 30. in iden- tification of that Infinite, all-perfect^ unchanged ac% acting in others a&s of change, paft, prefent 3 or to come, as he purpofed from everlafting. From this Calling of his Divine purpofe , are the Children Arrows 27 the a&s offecondary calling by Man, Minifters, Pa- Chap. 5. rents, and helping Friends : Minifters call by the Numb. I. Word and Prayer, the two means calling effectual- ly towards San&ification ordained of God , 1 Tim, 4. Minifters calling by the Word;, is either Inde- finite by Preaching the pure Word,which declareth what manner of men the Elect are to be in their du- ties if they willbefavedj or definite, applying the promifes of the Word unto the baptized by name in Prayers with them, or for them, if Infants 3 that thefe means of theWord and Prayer may be effectu- al for them to the glory of Godsgrace^fo calling out toiMgyp Spiritual, as of the Typical. At theTranf- figuration of Chrift , appeared only Mofes and Elias, two notab le Witnefles of great mercies , in love to little Ones} and their difcourfe was about Chrifts deceafe (his Exodus in Greek) glorious for conduct., moft effectual to little Ones departing thence , and their «WV entrance into the Kingdom of Chrift, as before through water into the figurative place of reft , 2 Pet. 1. 11. So they made fure Election alfo, while they made fure the calling by diligence in ad- ding to Faith, Love, either for themfelves,or others, as Minifters to the Flock, Gods heritage, Pfal. 127. Children an heritage of the Lord, (to inherit their Fa- thers God) the fruit of the womb a reward. As Ar- rows in the hand of the Mighty r fo Sons of the youth : bleffed the man that hath filled his Quiver with them, as helps againft Enemies in the Gate, either of judge- ment or defence : A Quiver keeps them ready pre- pared to be (hot, the Father fhooteth them as Ar- rows at a Mark, by good means , good Ccunfels to the Intelligent at ripe age} good Prayers, good pur- F 3 pofes 3 j8 ' fbot in outward frofefpon efthe Covenant. Chap, 5. pofes, good v owes, to Gods glory, by Gods Ordi- Nkmh.i* nancesjGods Minifters, Gods Deputies, Parents, or Parents Deputies, good Sureties may be faid to fhoot, deftinate, or fub-predeftinate Infantum fub- ordination to Gods good Will, revealing his Eter- nal Predeftination by good means, to a good end 5 all in the Bow of Gods Covenant,which Ghrift hath in his hand. Rev. 6. wherein hfi holdeth the Book for dire&ion. Rev. 10. and Minifters, Rev. 2. and the Spirits, Rev. 3. enabling the Shooters to direft, and others as Arrowes dirededin Covenant to proceed by Faith and Love. Thofe Children as Arrowes here, (in the next pfal.i 28.)are called Olive-Plants, Vaul plant eth, Apollo watereth , in hope God will give the increafe. Faith is the ground of hoped things, and the evidence of what is yet unfeen - In- fants capacity, Grace-hability, Grace-agibility to do the work of Faith, in love of Chrift his Cove- nant. Election to Faith grafteth not fufficiently , Faith is Temporal injbme. Eternal innone$ yielding to the light of Glory : Gharity rooteth unto Eternity by Prayer, Eph. 3.17. So rooted in love> that ye may know the love ofchriji in you , your calling made fure unto the end^ makgth fare your Ele8ion y according to the Eternal pnrpofe in Chriji Jefus our Lord. Allured finally by your own Prayers for perfe- verance in love, toward which the Prayer of Mini- fters, Parents, and Sureties, are helpful to make all men fee the fellowfhip of the Myfterie, that the ma- nifold Wifdom of God might be known by the Church, (faith the Apoftle) intending thereby to praife the vifible difpenfation of thje Gofpel- Un- Brohgn off. 39 Unfcarchabl- Riches among the Gentile t. chap. 4. Although the faithfulleft in their infirmities of- Numb. 1. tentimes intermit the duties of love, Rev. 1. The Church oiEphefus firffc of the feven Candlefticks,; receiving the hrft praife,and firffc promife of reward ofConqueft 5 £ J will give to eat of the Tree of Life in Pa r radife'] yet the paftor thereof heard, Thou haji left thy firji love. Re Member therefore from whence thou art fain and repent \anddo thy firji works^or elfe I will come unto thee quickly \and remove thy Candlejiick^^except thou re- pent. Had not thofe other exemplary Churches falte- red under fin alfo ? QwUtettfio-EccleJiate^Godekdcon- elude all (in the Church) under Jin or dif obedience jhdt he might have mercy upon all^ Rom. 3 . n. Mercy to the 'jewes that are broken off, forth^yhad rfold before they were broken off, and polTibly might be grafted in again, by the Spirit anointing Chrift to heal and bind up the broken, L»ks 4.10. that no, fragment be loft, lohn 6. 1 2. his goodnefs agitating to Repen- tance,even the impenitent D Kf op hie ^ that had experience e- nough againft condemning any before their end, and againft flattering any that muft end. 4. Caution, not to wrong Children new born, whom God appointeth to be his WitneiTes and Judges 3 after thoufands in the dull: and waters (ink} that with liberty ,like as the Olive- fprig (betoken- ing peace by Grace in Jefus Chrift) the Gofpel of peace in the mouth of Mini ftes, (bid to be like Doves, in remembrance of that Dove taken in by Noah the Type of Chrift) might with Prayer for ad- mittance at baptifm, offer young Infants (the fitter for tendernefsj to be ingrafted in the green Olive- Tree, whereof Chrift maketh Application to him- felfj Luke 23. 31. as in figure of Chrift, Jeremiah 1 1 . did to himfelf, and to the people in Covenapt with God : The Lord called thy name Green Olive- Tree, fair, ofgoodfruit 9 yet to he cutoff. I like a Lamb brought to the Slaughter — they devifed devifesjet us dejlroy the Tree? let us cut him off from the Land of the living. To cutoff, the Prophet Jeremiah (in figure of ChrilY) fore- warning that they mould be cut off, for cutting themfelves from the Covenant,by cuttinp, ofTChrift t^ie Lord of Life : So fure that Jeremiah was forbid G to 4 fc Children bkffed. Chap. 5. to prayagainfEit 3 asa Prophet 5 aadyet to teach how Nuwb.i . they by Prayer might he re- grafted , as a charitable Servant of God then prayed againfc their cutting VrZd J Tnf ah off V when God temembred his Covenant , faying,. twtdnot. Obey my voyce^fo fiall ye be my People^ that I may per- form the Oath which I have [worn unto your fathers. To that anfvvered Jeremiah t [Amen O Lord^] Amen the nameof Chrift, Rev. 3. the God of Truth., Jer. 10. 8. Jfa.65. That he who bleiTeth himfelfin the earthy fhallblefs himfelf in the Name of God 3 Amen. In whom all the Oaths, and Promifes of God are Yea and Amen^ to fuch as pray in his Name 3 by vertue of his Interceffion as Incenie with their Prayers 3 even fuch as had been his Enemies: The world he prayed fov^loh. i7.2i,23-)yet(V9.) not for the worid$for- afmuch as they applyed not his Prayer , it was not efFectuall forthenn who would not be Sanctified by his Atonement for them among his Enemies, nor hlefs themfelves in his Name Amen^ as ifa. faid 3 and Jer. did here,that the Covenant might be true and nrm 3 which God had fworn, fee Dent. 7. v.6^^2^ Thou art a holy people y the Lord thy God hath chofeu thee to be a fpecial people unlo himftlj \ the faithful Cod •which keepetb Covenant and mercy with them that love btm y andkeep his Co mm an dements Jo a thoufand Gene- rations , and repay eth them that hate hint. Wherefore if ye hearken to thefe judgment s^ and keep thern^ and do them •> the Lord thy God fiall keep unto thee^ the Covenant , and the mercy which he fware unto the fathers , and he will love thee^ and blefs thee , and multiply thee he will alfo biefs the Fruit of thy body. 1. Confider, that Children being thus bleiled m this fixft Covenant > made with the Houfe of ifra- el Tomak$ fttre E/e£f ion. 43 e/andjM^, the new Covenant alfo made with the Chap. $. fame Houfe otlfrael and Judah (Ueb.B.) for enlarge- A***- « mcnt of Gods mercies and love, includes alfo Chil- dren with their Fathers. 2. Confider, that this firfi: Covenant of the tfrae- lites as a chofen People, was from Gods Election of them to an outward Holy State by Covenant. 3 . Confider how there was veiled under the flrfl: Covenant fomewhat of the fubftance of that fe- cond, in that Oath of God in his mercy , love , and blefling to them and their fruits, as holy to God by Covenant. Thus it appeareth that here is no warrant for prefumptuousfearching in that unfearchable Foun- tain- Election of Gods Eternal, Infinite , free , good pleafure by mortal men, thereupon to (hut out o- thers , old or young in particular , or to reftrain the means of Grace frqm them now as of certainty, but in the fear of God, with awful humility, to con- fider how (by good means) to make fure Gods Ele- ction as revealed in his holy Word, and Oath, and Covenant of his free love and mercy to faithful Fa- thers 5 and by their Prayerful acceptance thereof, with hopeful and thankful obedience toward in- grafting alfo their Children, (a Branch in our Tranflation being a Son of the Tree in Heb. Pfal.Ba, 1 5.) accordingly now at baptifm into the benefit ofChrifts death, the precious Corner-Stone, for Jewes and Gentiles to be laid upon him, little as well as great, helping to fill up, as in material, fo in Spi- ritual edification , (praifed 1 Pet. 2.) in truth , an- fwerable to that of the Covenanted holy people, G 2 (Dent. 44 Infants Branches . Chap. 5. (Deut.j.) if the Pharifees "were here to deride them,, Numb. 2. as underftanding in their Infancy no more then ftones, Iohn's anfwer might ferve 9 to the glory of Gods mercifulnefsj able (as railing Ifaac in a manner out of a dead hope) fo to raife up Children unto A- Numb.2. braham out of thefe Stones, ifaiah 54. SingO barren (Sarah) that did not travel wrth Child , thy need Jhall inherit the Gentiles, and make the defblate places t& be inhabited : I will have mercy on thee Qaith the Lord thy Redeemer) neither fiall my Covenant of Peace be re moved faith the Lord that hath mercy on thee. I will lay thy Stones with fair Colours , and I will make thy Windowes of Agats, and all thy Borders of pleafant Stones'? and all thy children fl) all be taught of the Lord 9 and great pall be the peace of thy Children : With whom God adorneth his Temple of mercy , as the tender afFe&ioned Mother adorneth her Children with Agats and other precious Stones,Rcz/.2 J .Holy newjfer#/rf/e«*defcending out of Heaven to be the Lambs Bride, his Church pregnant and Militant on the breadth of the earth,having the glory of God (to fill the earth, from thegreateft to the leaff) and her light like unto a ftone, moft precious^ even like Be*, «. 1 1, a J J fP er ftone, clear as Chriftal, (All in Chrift the 33,19,22. Lamb, being the Temple thereof) and the build- ing of the Wall of it was ofjafper 3 the laft ftone whereon the name of Benjamin as youngeft was written, according to the order of their birth,E*W, 28. to mew that the young are dearly beloved of ^he Lamb of God, and others dear as they comply with the young. All ye dear Ghriftian Motheis, and all others, whom Chrift would have to be his Mothers in dear- nefs Fir fl fort of Branches 4 1 nofs of love to young Children} all trufty good Nur- Chap. 5. fes, and dearly dear affectionate Sifters, as you a- Numb. 2. dorn Infants with Corral-ftone , that grew on a 7 ree in the watery Alfo ye grave Fathers and Bre- thren, who find among the Mirables of Oxferd Li- brary that Coat (which as an honourable Agent of Queen Elizabeth had for a prefentment in Mnfcovia 9 and from him I beheld, when^eprefenced from his Honour, with Preface of gratitude to blefled-Uni- verfiry) madeofthe Wool of the Mttfcovit c-Lzmb, that from the Navil, as a Plant groweth on the earth by Divine Providence of our Almighty good Creator, in fuch conjunction of the Plantanimal, —a Tree-Lamb, and a Coral-ftone-Tree, to fhew howhisexcellenteftgoodnefs delighteth in accord of his handy- works, whereof Chrift the Lamb of God is chief under his holy Government. Pray for the bleffing of baptifm in effectual Grace, according unto fuch unoffenfive reprefen- tation of the nunlng Child, as a Lamb, a Stone, and a Plant to be complanted at baptifm into Chrift the Lamb, the Stone, and the Tree of Paradife 5 having fuch fruit(a month oldj) every month for accrefcion of Jen? and Gentile^ twelve manner of fruits for- the twelve Tribes oflfrael, in accomplifhment of their fore-fathers Prayers, Proprieties, Benedictious, to be communicated unto the Gentiles entring by the Gates, that have their twelve names after exam- ple of their baptifmal ingraftings into their Olive- Tree,with an Ax laid by the firft baptizer unto their R.oot , for cutting (as fuel for Hell-fire) all that bring not their fruit to good, as in Covenant with the only true God 5 the Apoftle Jude for his G 3 care .^6 Broken off, Chap. 5. care for thecommon falvation, lamented to fee Numb. 2, fuch, whofe fruit withered as fruitlefs already, then rooted out in his time, and twice dead , through their unbelief cut ofFfrom the comfort of both Co- venants, (theirs by right D Rom.ci.) alleged by the Apoftle Minifterially, to try for reviving them , or fome of them fo far as he could in his Office of Mini- ftery , that made him a debtor to Jew and Gentile for outward difpenfation]of Gofpel-my fteries. Or- dinances of Grace, in care for all the Churches of Chrift. The old Covenant of Ceremonies at firft being mortal, appointed to dy, mortua^ dead at the death of Chrift, but mortifera, deadly through unbeleef of the new Covenant, after fufhcient proclamation thereof: Such final unbeleeving Jewef became twice dead from helps by either Covenant, dead in themfelves, and dead toward their Children, whom they might have helped by their Prayers of lively faith and love to Chrift, and the Children al- ■fb twice dead, dead in the root of their unbeleeving Parents, and dead in themfelves, by want of lively faith in the Covenant of Chrift , and want of hung- ringand thirfting in Prayers of love, for his love unto the death by his blood (head, precious enough to Redeem them with others, all in fin. They that were baptized by lohn^ about the 30. year of Chrift, above the 5 1. year of Chrift, (when theEpiftleto the Romms was written) were of age to be cutoff by their own dillent : and others by their Fathers diiTwafion, either after baptifm , or a- gainftbaptifmin Chrifts time , who for remedy thereof taught, that the holy Rule Matth. ro.3& He before or after Baptifm, 4.7 He that loveih Father or Mother more than me , is not chip. 5. worthy of me. Numb. 2. Worthily therefore cut off from beneik of the Root;, as fruitlefs Sprigs or Branches of withered bow £5 faithlefs Parents through unb el ief deftroying themfelves and their Children with after-conients to their evil example 5 and evil counfel, contrary to the good will 01 Chrift. [^1 would, and ye would not, .] Contrary caufes hindring the work one of ano- ther. \J. vpouldhave gathered together, andye would not.~] It feemeth as if he had faid, I would have admit- ted into my Church., my Convocation, or Congre- gation., my Myftical body, you andyour Children as my Members in my Church- AiTemblies in Cove- nant with me, for protection under my Mercy-feat, as fulfilling the mercy which called for Infants (licking at the bread to be Members of the holy AiTemblies otlfrael. That this defired gathering (as under theHens wings) was at baptifm, the Reafon of our perfwa- fion may be feen. QChrift would : ] A favourable affect, of a reafo* nable (and as confidered by it felf poilible) effect 5 the Parents belief in prefent, and their Childrens with them, to be gathered together amongft Belie- vers, in expectance of their belief afterwards : The Jewes would not have this, but rather the defect in both their own and their Childrens unbelief, yea and a contrary effect of hatred againfc the belief of Chrift. Such efied and deleft privatively, but effects in love 48 Againft the mil of Chrift. Chap. 5. Jove and hatred of belief contrarily oppofites, ap- Humb. 2. pertain to the fame fubjects capacity. The fame Children which Chrift would have had to be colle- cled 3 the Jewes would not, their belief which Chrift would, and the unbelief and hatred of belief which the Jewes would, concerned the fame object. , the fame Gofpel concerning the Jewes and their Chil- dren:, the fame by which Chrift would have gather- ed their Children into his Congregation, they re- jected from themfelves , and from their Chil- dren. CHAP. VI. Numb. 1. Second fort of Branches graft- ed in y Children of Gentiles. Nunib.2. Children of the remnant of the Jewes return , the third fort of Branches re- grafted in. Number I. ^ He fame which the Jewes refufed , was offered upon occafion in Gods great mercy tous Gentiles ^by difpenfation of the fame Gofpel of Chrift , therefore Chrift by his Gofpel would gather together our Children, the fecond fort of Branches fucceeding in the place of the firft fo cut off. The firft fort of Branches (the Jewes Children) were Second fort of Branches grafted in. 49 were cut off by their Parents unbcleef. Chap, 6. So great force as the Parents diifent had in cut- Numb, 1. ting orf,their confent and faith, might y and ought to have had in corn-planting their Children with Chrift, and in Chrift. What they neglected^ may, and ought to be by the Gentiles accepted. Therefore our confent and faith, may, and ought to conclude our Children under the Gofpel-blef- fing to be believed} beleef taking hold of the pro- mifed bleffing under the new Covenant of the Co/pel. 1. God directing the Wife men of Nations to woruiip Chrift new born, encourageth by that Sa- viour a Child, to hope for falvation of their Chil- dren. 2. Joel calling the Nations for the future to be Judged in the Valley of JehoJhaphat 9 in reference to what had fore-paiTed there, 2 chron. 2. 13. when the little ones prefented, immediately the Spirit of the Prophet allured of victory, while the Minifters praifed God 3 for his mercy enaureth for ever, the E- nemies fell to the earth dead bodies a that theNations might learn not to oppofe, but joyn with the Chil- dren of if rW, and partake in the promife of Spirit on all flefh, including Infants fucking at the breafts, applyed to baptifm, A&s 2. See our Chapter 9. Number 4. 3. Chrift being baptized, openeth the door of his Kingdom by baptifm to Galilee of the Gentiles^ Matth. 4. 1 5. fulfilling what if aiah prophecied chap. 9. of them that in Galilee of the Gentiles fate in daik- nefs : W ho more dark than Children ? who need- H ing 50 Children of Gentiles, Chap. 6. ing more to be warmed by that comfort of the Savi- Numb. i . our there mining out, as born a Child > of which a- non more in our Chapter 9. Number 1. See there alfo for 4. The generation of Vipers 8c other fort of cruel hearts, meeked with Infants at the Enfign of Chrifts Kingdom, explained to be baptifm, and that to be fet an Enfign for Nations, from the four corners of thecarth, ljaiah 11. 8,10,11,12. applyed Acts 10. myftically by that VeiTel (as it had been a great meet tyed at the four coinersj containing all man- ner of beafts to be cleanfed } Nations of all forts to be baptized, with pre-caution for Infants and fuck- ing Children, by the precedent word of the Pro- phet ifaiah. 5. The Gentiles (hall joyn with the Jewes to be Children otjtrufalcm which is from above , Gal. 4. born from above at baptifm, Ichn 3. If at ah 60. The Gentiles (hall come,' then thou (halt fee flow together the Nations by National confent in their Councils, as Rivers fliall flow, and fo the noyfe of the Sea fhali be converted unto thee} the Nations that will not ferve thee, (hall be utterly wafted. The Sonsalfoof them that afflicted thee mail come bending unto thee, to wit , as the Wife-men in worfhip of Chrift thy Son,thy Saviour and theirs. An eternal Excellency, by whom, a little One fhall become a thoufand} the greater his glory , to haften fo great a work through a little One. Whether in truth it were intended by way of ex- ample, upon demonstration, fufficient for ;he duty to baptize one little Infant, a thoufand mould be brought into the like baptifm ; Or whether (other- wife Converfion efTnrkf Mndjewes *j I wife of introduction) a (ingle one baptized ( aftar Chap. 6. Sufficient ad vertifes of Chriftian duty ) were to be Numb. i. fo ftrengthned in confcience thereof, that he mould become Eloquent , or Potent enough in Chrift, who hath all Power in Heaven and Earth, to Strengthen a whole Nation in love of Chiift, to ftib- mit under his Enfign of baptifm, and that fuch a Nation as had afflicted Chriftians before : The Cha- rafteroftrueChrifl:ianity :> to'S/^/>E»e'w/e/ and o- vercome evil with good. Hath any more afflicted the People of God than the Turk ? Hath not his Alcoron a claufe about Je- rufalem to be a Village until the Nations come in? By the Providence of God it may feem a prepara- tive for an expectation of the Nations coming fore- told herein by the Prophet ifaiah : It being not un- like, that the Contrivers of the Tuikifh devotion, had fome know ledge of the Scriptures, as waged in the great Armies of Hcraclius a Chriltian,after the fix hundredth year of Chrift , and the ftory not dis- covering impatience in the Turk at a late addrefs in w riting, to perfwade, that the time was come for his conversion unto Chrift j, in which was alleged a Tradition from the Priefts of Mahomet , that he being asked on his death-bed how long his Religi- on and Empire Ihould laft, in anfwer only lift up his ten fingers toward Heaven. Whether his m«aning were to have the Rule con- tinued fo long as could by ftrength of hands , or that it was to be over- ruled by the Angel of the Lord, who lift up both his hands in Oath , for the good of his people Ifrael, 1290 dayes, (years in Pro- phetique accompt) after the full fcattering of Dani- H 2 eh 5 i to be to Baptifm* Chap. 6, els $eople y Chap. 12. Their moft famous fcattering, Wumb.i. when they had digged up thefoundation of their Temple, not leaving a (lone upon a ftone. Ecclefiaftical Story reporteth, as about the year of our Lord 363. which added unto the fatal Num- ber 1290. pointeth atthe year 1659. Many great concurrences have appeared lately for encourage- ment hereof both in this Nation and elfewhere , as in the Jims late AfTembling to difpute about Chriff, and their appointment of another AfTem- bling, That the converfion muftbe to baptifm , it well accordeth with the Prophetique expreflion of Da- #/*/, chap. 12. As upon the waters to be purified and made white , Rev. 1 . expoundeth to be by Chrift, in his white Robes of Prieftly Function., to make atonement , wafhing us in his blood^and put- ting on us his white Garment of Praife^ in ftead of the red Cap put on them by the Romane Beaft in pride., of Scarlet, pointed at by the finger of Gods Spirit, for the Jervef and the Roman t confpiring in derifion, to put a Scarlet Robe en Chrift King of ihej^eir^whotriurophethm his white of mercy, leading Captivity captive, and giving Gifts unto his Enemies , over-ruled by his victorious Grace, willingly to yield their Children captive to Jerufa- lem, whofe Children they had held captive , fold as Tribute, fpecially to Grtcia : where the Turk now Reigns. Onebaptized Child becoming Tributary , may work about the great work, when his baptifmal Grace, which is but ablenefs, orhability , (hall re- ceive further efficacy of Gods efficacious Grace. com- Bdptr&ed Children way do this. 32 compared to flafhcs of Lightning 3 in Scholaftique Chap. 6. theologies by rule of Prophecie, thofe flaihes of N*A»^f I. Lightning are out of the fire amidft the Gherubims of the redeemed Ones , under the Throne of the Mercy-feat of God by Covenant , Ez,ek. 1. the Throne of Grace 5 whence efficaciousTto help in time, is by Prayer, with freedom of accefs, and con- fidence of fuccefs : If Ghriftians did pray enough^ efficacious Grace would flow to all baptized , and mod: where is moft need, under the Turkifh cruel- ty for the fmall to mine the great unto Chrifts moft Glory. Efaias named the .Child about fix fcore years before he was born, that was to deliver ifrael out from the 'Babylonian Captivity : Daniel, Cone of the Captive) prayed God not to defer ,for the Tem- ple, and for the City Jerufalenf, and for his People 5 and God deferred not, but granted his defire, and the People had liberty to return authorized. And God fold, I will remove the iniquity of the land in one day^Zach. 3.9. In gratious anfwer unto the Pro- phet Efayas, chap. 66. 8. shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day a Nation at once ? The Lord undertook it, and that he would haften it in his time, chap. 60. 22. His heart in love abideth not hinderances,butoverthrowcth them all, whether Wife, Rich, or Mighty : Not to glory but in him, a God of loving-kindnefs to the Small alfo. shall I bring to the birth and not bring forth ? faith the Lord, Ifaiah 66. upon complaint of Children brought to the birth, but not brought forth. The wrath of the Lord broke forth, and flew in one night thoufands in the Ajfyrian Army, an hundred fourfcore and five thoufands in the morning, all dqad corpfes, H 3 and: W Children not brought forth. Chap. 6. and Sennacherib himfelf was {lain by his own Sons 5 Numb. 1 . many more having perifhed in Turkifh Armies, the Turk may happily relent toward Chriftians jQhildren, and for fafegtfard of their own lives , de- fire to have their Children feafoned with duties, ai baptifm by the grace of Chrift. Interpreters agree not about the fenfe of that complaint about Children not brought forth. But the MeiTenger was Elia^im, by interpretation \jlhe refurreffion of God , or Godarifeth~] anfwerable whereunto, the Apocalyptical Angel of Chrift his prefcnce , One like unto the Son of Man faith , I was dead) and am alive for evermore : dndhave ths Keyes of life and death , Rev. 1. and chap. 3. I fiut, and no man openeth, I open, and no manfhuteth : So ta- king unto himfelf thefe words that were fpoken of Eliakim Ifa. 22. 22. and by confequence hath right alfo to the words there following about tliakjm his glory, to have hanged on him all Veffels of fmall quantity, from the Veffels of Cups, even to all the Veffels of Flaggons, or Vials, v. 24. to be purged and warned for the ufes of the Lord, (baptizing in his Name) for that purpofe (without- over curious prefumption) our humblenefs of fincerity ftayeth at the outride of the complaint by way ofcomparifon, whereas in extremities of Peftilence, Famine, War, or any great calamity. Faint women unable to bring forth their Children, fall to fad complainings s So when after feeking from place to place, from Mini- ftertoMinifter, if there be not procured liberty for their Childrens AdmifTion to baptifm, (wherein they hope for partaking of the Covenant of New- birth, by tiie Water and Spirit of Chrift, in their e- fti- C odw e Up leafed in Chrift, *$ ftimation more precious than the firft birth to life:) chap. 6. In pitty blame not their lamentations, but \nawGNumb.i. of Gods more dreadful judgements, uprightly feek to know his good will herein. In truth of humble docibility praying to learn how Godordainethtobe well pleafed in Chrift his Son towards us great and fmall. i. His Divine Providence revealed that his good pleafure., firft after his baptifm, by John, who bap- tized others, as it were Gods purpofe to raife up their hope of partaking in that good pleafure of God for his Sons fake,as an eftablimment,or accom- plimment of their baptifm through his Prayer, Luk. 3. 21. When all the people were baptized , «# t$> C words it may be of temptation to defpair (what have I to do with thee) yet not of defperation,asremembringfrom whom he was fent : O thou Man of God in whofename thou earned faying, Fear not, for thju faith the Lord God oflfrael, the Barrell of meal fiall not waft, neither Jhall the Crttfe ofOyl fail jwt ill the day that the Lordgi- veth rain, and the Barrel of Meal wajied not , neither did the Crufe of Oy I fail , according the word of the Lord w cb hefpake by Eliah : Had (he not faith to beleeve this and upon this to beleeve fuither? Ought her Faith to dye with her fon ? or rather ought (he to beleeve in that God who preferved life fo mightily, fo mer- cifully;, that he could and would reftore life upon prayer of a penitent and faithfull heart feekingin the name of God to confult abont the Uttermoft of his Meffage fent in his Word? Anfwer O Man of God} Anfwer for thy Meffage wherein thou art fent from God 5 Anfwer for the Glory of God, the God of Ifrael ■* Elias had not then an exprefs warrant,but (lined upthe fpirit in him to the utter- moft that he could : In reafon as a Man arguing by confequence to the full performance of his warrant, in effed his warrant was at Sarepta to a. Widddow not named, but by confequence hee concluded her that he met to be the Widdow intended for his fuftenanceSupon her readinefs to fetch a little wa- ter in a. VeiTell, by confequence hee required her to bring for him a M&rfell of Brea>d in h^r hand: TIpon.her Oathof fcarcity that there wasbutonc dretiKig: The Widows Son. drefllng for her and her Ton to eat and fo to dye, . J , by confequence of Gods promife that Ettas mould ~f*? m 6 ' be fufteined by her untill the end of three yeares ***' *• and a half, hlUs would firft have a little Ca^e, and then he bid her make for her j elf and her Son? in hope of fupply , which promifed without an exprefs, in as much as God commanded her to fu- ftein Elias ^ Elias was bold to promife by confe- quence that God would fuftein her and her Ton by continuance of the Meal and Oyl,and it continued according to the word of the Lord which he fpake by £///*/>( the Hebrew faith by the hand o£Elizah i the hand lift up in Prayer) it was blelTed as the word of the Lord which the faithfull and praierfull fpirit of Elijah fpake by confequence of reafon deducing fuch hope out of Gods word though not exprefs 3 The Lord made good the word of his fer- vant the Prophet , and fo the widdow and he and her houfe did eat thereof many dayes. She affor- ded one meal to him , his miniftery procured ma- ny meales to her and hers,and fed her with fpiritual fweetning of hope for continuance of bleffing to them and him , hoping foby confequence of Gods word in that the Lord faid / have commanded her to fuftein thee> theJLord of all ufing mercifully to blefs them with fufficiency whofoever obey him commanding for good to the obedient } By confe- quence whereof Elias bid her not fear what fhe had feared, untimely death of her and her (on together, Which the pood affe&ion of the Mother would have to furvive after her deceafe for a living me- moriall of her Name and Kindred to pofterity, but if he dye before her , her foul moredreadeth I 2 it 60 EffeSluall Prayer ^Elias. Chap. 6. it than dying with her., which I bid her not fear: Nutnh. l. what'' will be laid there among the Gentiles , where Ibid her not fear, and that in thy Named) God of hope the Lord God oflfraei} How fhall thy name be Sanctified by thy Servant a fugitive from ifrael, If Imuft be fugitive hence alfo from amongft the Gentiles ? afking what to do with me there : Haft thou no, bleflings nor mercies for them by thy Servant?and hiecriedunto the Lord and faid, O Lord my Qod Haft thou brought evill upon this Widdovo with whom ifojourn by flaying her Son ) Is it for evill? And not at extreme opportunity rather for greater good in thy rich Mercy ? Mercy thou treafurefr. up for them that dwell in thy blefled enjoyment for everlafiingf. But would not that be more loved and thy name magnified if here were an outward token of thy gracious dealing with thy Servant fent; hither as on purpofe that thy Glory may mine among the Nations? in hope of which defireable, among the Nations, and ccn- fequence of fuch hope Elias cryed unto the Lord and faid} O Lord: my Cod, I pray thee let thisChildt Soul come nnto him again 5 And the Lord heard the voice of Elias 3 and the Soul of the Child came into him again^and he revived. This Chrifr. called to mind in that his Catechifticall Lecture after Baptifm, Luke 4. When he faid the Word Prophetiquely foretold was that day performed, by confequence whereof the Church of the Gen- tiles hopeth good intended thereby to her young Children in Chrilt his fullfilling his prayer at Bap- tifm 5 being more powerful & his heart more pittifWl in joyning his efTe&uall prayer with the prayers of Refurretiion from the dead ajfttrediv Baptifm. ' £t cf tender-hearted mothers 3 8t the prayers of Mini- chap. 6. iters in tendernefs of Spirit as Mothers to beget istob. T. a new life of theSpirit 3 as jM># Baptiftin thefpirit of Elias^Elias procuring Oyl for preiervation of the Childs life, & reftitution of life after death 5 By con- fequence hope much more in Chriffc the Lord bcth oiEliai and John, and the Lord of Life and Death ', Chrift his promife being exptefs for grant of the Spirit unto Children upon the prayers of Parents whofe Spirit is the more rooted in themfelves ther- by, like as this Widdow of Sarepta procured the continuall Supply of Oyi to Her felf and her fon by continuall dependanceon the word of God fent by Ghat) though not exprefs 5 but in this bycon- fequence of good reafon in prayer Our Mother Church Miniftery promifeth in "Ch rifts name the Spirit like Oyl to the Children of faithfull Parents at Baptifm : Which fome divert, abhor, and blaf- pherne, and in thatblafphemy forfakethe Mother- Church of England and her baptifm, and herMi- niftery for fobaptifing Infants. Thus while they refufe to beleeve.the Sanclifi- cation or the Spirit at Infant-Baptifrrs, their faith faileth about their own Baptifm, that Oil ceafeth to them and their Children by their own confeffion, andfothey run into the Wildernefs "after new de- vifes:God in mercy call back, or hold us and others back from following them, and make us faithfull and thankful! for the Graces of our Baptifm , and dutifull in performing the vowes and promifes thereof iniforfaking the Devil & all his workes,that the Devil may have no more powerover us or ours, in imfuil wares of the world or flelh ? that we 1 3 may g 2 Uaama n cknfed. Chap. 6. maybeleevethe Articles of our Chriftian faith, do- Numb. I . m g tn e will of God in his Commandements as his Children : a Gofpel way of Love. Chri(tinthis(4Gfl«^) after Baptifm mindeth of two more Prophetique Inftances, both from the figurative fervice of Elrfba by his double portion of Elids his Spirit t designed chief in fucceffionofhis Minifteiy } the rlrfc implyed,the fecond exprefled : tjhat implied was of the like fuccefs in restitution of life by that fucceeding Minifter at the like im- portunate intreaty for a Child j and if you will ra- ther minde the other widdow complayningthat fhe and her fonnes were to be fold to pay the debts of her husband C a Sonne of the Prophets) by mutu- all intereft of Parents and Children as One 5 by confequence whereof as Children were liable to furTer towards difcharge,of their Parents debts 3 Pa- rents ought to have prevented the Childrens fuffe- rings by difcharge of thofe debts, thofe debt* being difchargedby the Oyl figurative of Grace^By confe- quence the Parents ought to have provided, 8c one failing, the other ought 8c did by prayer with Elijfj* provide for the Childrens redemption , in event by Oil then, by Grace now in Chrift redeeming Chil- dren from the debts of their parents faults: and bor- rowing vefTels from their Neighbours houfes, that theyalfo might bee filled as with oyl of £///&*, with grace of Chrift. That other exprefled was ofNaatnan ( helped by direction of a good wi(h from his wife her captive 1 ittle maid) a noble inftance of hopely probability b y divine Providence as it were on purpofeapted for the great Syrian^ -djjyriatt, Scythian , or Barbarian^ all Elias bis Spirit, andEliJJja. 6 3 all one in Chrift, not to difdain helpers bond or chip. 6. free, fmceGod the Holy Ghoft hath fan&ified the Nttftb.i. duties of Seivants to their Mafters 1 Tint. 6.1. and thefaithfull wives 1 ret. 3. 16. to win their Hus- bands unto the honour of his Holy Name , and powerfull do&tine by Minifteriall interceflion of Elifid for that Leper w hofe flefh became like the flefh of a young child by warning in Jordan, where Chrift was to be baptized, for accompliftiment of his Myfticall warning away linnes both of old and young, as the children of lfrael young and oldpaf- led through Jordan into the land of promife in fi- gure of Chi ifts Kingdome. The figurative palTage of Mercy for Children at Jordattywhert the fpirit ofEliar 8c Ehjha both in paf- iing were difcerned by the children of the Prophets. 2 Kings 2 . A lelTon of the Spirit of Prophefie look- ing toward the Spirit £/M/-like in ^^Bapti- zing at Jordan, under Chrift his Almighty Spirit for San&ification of Baptifm, Originally there, where the waters were fo divided for paflage of iafety to the glory of the Spirit Q And Jifos being full of the Holy Ghofl returned from Jordan ~] This folemne Re- petition was not in vain at the beginning of the 4th. Chapter of Luk/s Gofpel, where Chrift pre- mifeth the mention of thefe Prophets Elias and Eli/ha lent to the Gentiles^ againft the malignant Jtvpes ready there to have caft him down head- long from the brow of the hill whereon theie Ci- ty was built: perverting to evill in envy toward the Gentries what Chrift intended for mercy both to Gentiles and J.wfs in favour of our purpofe, Thus the Spirit of Elias refted w.fiifl;a , andjM>» Baptift 64 Of John Baptift his Spirit:. Chap. 6. Baptift came in the fpirit of Elias a Fore runner Numb. i. of Chriffc the Loid or the fame fpirit baptized at Jordan being Author of Baptifm and ordainer of Sanfrification through thefatneBaptifmal Spirit of Unity to his Glory. The Spirit of Elias and Elifii was efficacious by prayer for mercy to young Children of the Gentiles. The Spirit oijobn Baptift was the Spirit of Elias and Eliftja. Therefore the Spirit of John Baptift was a Spirit efficacious in prayer for mercy to young Children of theGentiler. The Strength of this incieafeth by Chiift his praife oijohn Baptift as more than a Prophet: And therefore his fpirit by neernefs unto Chrift, likely to be more efficacious in prayers for mercy both in Power and Aft ofefficacioufnefs as at fulfilling,, ihis day is this Scripture fulfilled in your tares , Luke 4. 21. about the Spirit anointing 3 and deli- vering 3 and accepting} as the acceptable year of the Lord 3 acccpting in mercy Young and Old} And this acceptablenefs in Spirit like fweet healing Oyl being mentioned by the providence -of Chrift(a- nointed with the Holy Ghoft) upon his bapti- zing the great Meflias anointed above his Fellows. rj. 4«;. In his focietieto be anointed under him, ashisby Covenant of Grace : That Grace as pre- cious anointing oyl may bleiledly flow from his Head-fhip down on them as members of his bo- dy, fobaptifed in his Spirit of Chriftianity. Thus by rcafonable and mighty confequence ofapply- plying to the baptifmall fpirit Efficacioufnef like that of Elias and Elijha by prayer eft^clu all for mercy Infants oflewes ingrafted' 6$ mercy to young Children of the Gentile r, mercy Chap. 6. to be fo ba prized into the Spirit of Chrift, alike the Numb. 2. Saviour of GcntiUs asoijewes. And behold a like Argument of Gracious ESi- NumL ?. cacy for the Jcwcs and their young Children in that the blefled Apoftle James in his Epifkle gene- ral to the twelve Tribes Scattered abroad, chap. 1. Warranting them to fpeed when they asf^infaith of God the Father of lights, who giveth liberally to his Children, of his own will begat hee us with the word of Truth , that wee fiould bee a kjnde of firft fruits of his Creatures, according to the Pro- phetique Word,Jeremi.2.^.lfrael holiuefs to the Lord, the firft Fruit es of his increafe : Applied to all the Families in Jfrael, v. 4. & 9. Wherefore I will yet plead with you faith the Lord,and with your Childrens Children will I plead : All engaged in that holinefs according to Gods Ordinance of the figurative Fruits,fan&ifiedandfan&ifying others. Romxhap. II. If the firft Fruits be holy , the lump is alfo holy. Yea and in offering the fruits, the Israelites per- fons were offered alfo to be firft Fruits as firft Poffeffors of that holy Land , in duties to be holy to the praife of God in Profeffion and in Prayer. Deut. 26. Inprofeflion : Thou (halt take the firft of all the Fruit of the Land, and fay unto the Prieft, I profefs this day unto the Lord thy God , that I am come into the Countrey which the Lordfware unto our Fathers to give us, (mark how they were included at firft as Children, and in confeience then of the like Duty to include Children ) 1 have brought the firft fruits of the Land, v. 9. & v. 13. I have brought the hallowed things & given to the Fatherlefs and wid- K dow £6 James Apofth for young Orphans Chap, 6* dotvs.l have done according to al that thou haft cowman- Wmb. 2. ded — And then in prayer unto the Lord Go&^Look. down from thy holy Habitations from Heaven and blefs thy people ifrael Thou haft proffjfed or avouched the Lord this day to be thy God: And the Lord hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar People : They and their Little Children in Covenant with Cod s chap. 29. partakers in the blcffmg^chap. 2.^.4. Blefiedjhalbe the Fruit of thy Body . As the Fatherlefs and Widdowes partaked in theProfefllon and Prayer at oblation or the firft Fruits 3 in reference whereunto the blelTed Apoftle James praifeth it as the pure Religion to vifit the Fatherlefs and Widdowes : The word 2p?*F©- cntendeth to the leaft Pupils that fee not how to help themfelves 3 asin''?«P*v&darkof igno- rance 3 for help whereof the vifit herein the Greek is emiMTrid** from which the Pallor or Elder is cal- led tMmm- 3 implying the Paftorall Acl: of Miniftery for Orphans help: A religious acl: toward them for their Sanftification amongfl: the blelTed fruits of JfraeL And that oblation of Fruits being an Acl: commanded for the time after their poiTefli on of the holy Land as a figure 3 mull have anfwerable truth under ChriPc his Kingdom of Grace for their young Children. That intereft of ifraels young Children at their return ( the third fort of Branches ) hath fur- ther growth by this Thundring Apoftle J j«fe/ 3 blef- fedly fhowred out in that rain of E//4/, who fhewed himfelf before a ready Friend in effectual! prayer for that Widdowes little Child among the Nati- ons: And his own Country men beleeving that fas hefaid)there fliouldbeno rain but at his word for three to be vifittd with a Mimfleriall A$i. $ 7 three yeares and an half , long enough to bring ^^ $ them into extremity like that of another dearth. Ier. ^ly 14 Their Nobles fent their little Ones to feck, but finding no water they returned with their veffels empty^Their little ones in what fenfefoever needed help, no marvell if they fent into every Nation to feek tlias his help who by Gods command was found offaithfull ob&diah j And ths heavens gave a little fign of rain firft like a man's hand, and then great abundance of rain 3 and the Earth brought forth fiu it, from little beginnings abundance of fruit. Almighty God hath a great delight in che- rifhing the Little by degrees to encourage the Progrefs of Zeal in prayers with fervency to pro- cure efficacy through the Spirit of prayer in El- ders of the Church fcatteved abroad to mind Lit- tle Ones as Elits did: Although his prayer be not expreiTed in the Storie, but by confequence, e- nough for St Jtmes to fay that Elias prayed again, and the Heavens gave rain. If you will not allow alike confequence of effe&uall praier for Orphans and other young Children to be fanclified a- mdng the firft fruits as the firft born formerly to- wards fanclifying others t. Kings 19. 3. Behold £- lias in Zeal of the Covenant fugitive again for life:Hee came to Eeerfheba blefTed to Abraham^ Gen. 21. blefTed again to I/W,Gen. 26. 23. 33. By inter- pretation the well of oath, for him and his Pofte- rity 5 degenerated fince into the condition of Ha - garenes.G*/ how this appertained unto their baptifm , it more will appear anon. , The. New Covenant of wercy for Children, 69 The Remnant of ifracl were not to leave the chap. 6« Children out of the new Covenant at their return Numb.!* which Prophetically was brought unto their Chil- dren as Difciples by this leflbn in their very names, and for allaying the tedious nip,hts, and carefull daiesofNurfery, confider the reward everlafting 3 for what is done or fuffered about Gods Children the fons and daughters ofjerufalem a after return unto ihelove of Chrift her dear Husband. And /- faith 66. Rejoyce with Jcrufalem y that yee may fuck^ and be fatisfied with the brejis of her conf elation s^ for thus faith the Lord , Behold 1 will extend peace to her like a River and the Glory of the Gentiles life a flawing Stream 3 and then full yee fuck. 5 yeefhall be dandled upon her knees 3 as om whom his Mother com- fortethj likewaies Hofea chap. 2. 14. 1 will fpeak.com- fortably unto her ( 23. ) I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy : Of the houfe of ifracl faith the Lord(verfe 2.y$heis not my wife (verfe 4.) I will not have mercy upon her Children. This change of if r del from having Gods mer- cy to be without mercy, reached from the Parents to their Children 3 after which another Change of them that were without mercy was to bring them under the new Covenant of mercy. But the Children were without mercy. Therefore the new Covenant of mercy was for Children alfo. Yea and that it might be known to conclude them in their Childhood the Lord revealed this great Myftery to the Prophet in the names which the Lord prefcribed for the young Children of that Prophet, Hofea chap. 1 . If (hall come to pafs that K . 3 in» jb Children feakd under Covenant of Mercy. Chap. 6, ** the place where it was faid yee are not my People? t^nmb.2. There iifiall be J aid unto thtm the Sons of the li- vingGod: Upon this change followeth that com- mand 5 Say unto your Brethren [_ Awmi ] that is, my People: And to your Sifter j[_Rubamah~] that is, having obtained mercy ] Behold the Children of the Pro- phets Ho fed aud ifaiah Children under Covenant of mercy for fignes to the houfe of ifrael in their changes. Children fealed under Covenant, as prophetical fignes to foreihew the fealing of children under the New Covenant of mercy : When the Chil- dren of ifrael return andfeek. the Lord their Cod 9 and David their King ( in his Son Chrift) In the latter dayes Hofea chap 3. 5. and chap 2.15.18 I will give her the valley of Achorfor a door of a hope^ And fie fiall fmg there as in the day es of her youth , When (he had newly fealed her Children at Gilgal the way to that their door of hope betwixt their place of bondage and Jtrufalem their holy place of reft in peace and mercy, there grow eth the Tree of life wherein they are to be regrafted Rom.\ 1 . Such as were cut off through unbelief are to be grafted in again by faith. Children are to be grafted in again through faith, that God may be glorified for his mercy to fuch as had no mercy. Children had not mercy when they were cut off for their Parents unbelief. Children are to find mercy when through their Parents faith in the New Covenant they are to bee grafted in again : fuch being grafted into Chrift, Rom, 1 1 . as were complanted with Chrift at Bap- tifnr Children to find mercyl n \ tifm (Rom. 6.) according to thefenfe of the Pro- chap. 7. phets children fealed young to be fignes for the Church of Chrift to learn this leflbn of mercy for fealing her young in Chrifts name., Hofea 14. like dew to ifrael, his branches flail fpread and his bemty fijall be as the Olive Tree 5 they that dwell under Ins Jka- dow pall return : ifrael return unto the Lord God 9 for thou haft fallen by thine own iniquity 5 take with y su words and fay , Take away all iniquity 3 and receive us gritioujly 5 who is wife and he pall under ft and ? pru- dent ■ andhefhall know them ) as this hath a reflection of like comfort unto us Gentiles for our Infants Baptifoa, fince they were to find mercy in our mer- cy, VLom. 11. both concluded alike in mercy with- out difference. The Jew and the Gentile one in Chrift. CHAP. VII. Numb. 1. Children of Primitive belee- vingjewes the fourth fort of branches, under tutors at fir ft y yet heirs , bad right to Baftifme fed of the New Cove- nant. Numb. 2. The Covenant the fame infubflance; what are fubfianth tidls : the Infant correlative frinci- full. Numb. 3, The young exprefs in the New Covenant. Numb, 7 2 Fourth fort of Branches. cLtp. j. Kumb.i. Number i. O did it moftfpecially prepare to blefs Children of the Primitive Chriftian Jewes, whofe Children arc the fourth fort of branches complantcd with Chrift , and in Chrift, at Baptifm as under the Covenant of mercy, which then began (according to the Prophet H^/e^praifed Rom. 1 o.) though it were to be more accomplifhed at the return of IJradxmX.o Chrift their Dtvtd Prince of the Covenant, extending Armes of Mercy to young and old j he ufeth not to take away privilege from any without their default, The Children of belee- ving Jewes in Chrifts time had committed no fault in their Infancy to lofe their privilege of their for- mer fealed inheritance. Had the moft mercifull God of Jfrael exacted of thofe Infants, blood in his Covenant of Circumci- fion for nothing > onely that his Seal of Covenant might remain in their fleiTi, to betoken thereby no bleiling covenanted in Chrift } no truth anfwerable to that figure } no fubftance but emptinefs at that fulnefs of time for fulfilling all things by Chrift his fulnefs, to fill all in all , the fmall veffells as well as the great? this Ordinance of Ceremonies under that dih^for ever"] had right for ever to fome bleiTed ac- complifhmentin him? thcSunofRighteoufnefs had warmth for the leaft in Covenant with him. Infants while Infants fas his in Covenant) had certainly right to what he gave and promifed by his fervants Minifters then : whofe word he maketh good and conde- Children though under 'tutor $ y * condefcendedforhimfelfto be tryedbytheirtydrd Chjp. 7. which they had from him: Hee is rich in mercy Ntt/nh 1,. to all for whom he is called on: And his gifts are without repentance ,as a molt mercifull Father, fptcially to the Children oflfrael whom he made Judge in their owncaufe[ What could 1 have done wore to my Vineyard, that I have not done in it } Ifaiah 5. Gal. the 4th. The Heir while he is a child it under Tutors nntill the time appointed by the Father. Even fo wee were children : But when the fulnefs of the time was come frod fent forth his Son made of a wo- man made under the Law to redeem them that were under the Law '■) Were not Infants under the Law> was not the price of his redemption enough for them alfo ? Did he reject them after he had fo dear- ly redeemed them, Unlefs they afterwards un- gratefully rejected him > Infants while Infants un- der the Law were acknowledged Heirs of all by the holy Ghoft 5 though at the time appointed by the Fathers higher elevation of Spirit in du- ties anfwerable to higher occafion of dignities are ordained, yet the fame perfons Heirs ftill: though under greater manifestations of the Fa- thers will , yet in truth for the fame bleiTed inhe- ritance, granted by the Steward , confirmed by the Lord} iealed atfirft by the fervant , afterwards fealed by the fon of God Chrift the true Lord of all, in brotherly kkidnefs offering to make his Confederates Joynt-Heires : Firft: by the feal of more fpeciall commifflon to the Children of if- rael, afterwards by the great feal ofhisCommif- fion for all Nations. The former Special^ The lat- L ter .74 Heiresto both Covenants. Chap. 7. ter Generall 5 but national Commillions both. Numb. 1. The prayers of faithfull Israelites (as that of David ' Pf. 83. was) againit their fpirit as Malig- nant who would have ifruel cut off from being a Nation. Jeremiah chap. 3*. 24. the Lord him- felf obfeiveth, Thus they have defpifed my people , that theyfliould be no more a Nation before me : But allegeth his own Covenant as. fure as that with Heaven and Earth to the contrary. Ezek^ chap. 37. Thus faith the Lord Cod , I will take the Children of lfrael from among the Hzathen , and I will make them one Nation , and I will make a Covenant of Peace with them ,. and I will be their God , and they ffjall be my people. Rom. chap. 11. 2. G&d hath not caft a- xv jy his People. The New Covenant was their Nationall Cove- nant fir ft, Heb. chap. 8. 8. as their fpeciall prefer- ment Rom. 3. 2. and chap. 9.4^0 be the firit fruits, a pattern of other Nations, Rom. chap. 1 5. as pre- ferred in Gods own holy directions, Deut. 3?. for other Nations to joyn with them, while they and their little ones were in Covenant with God, as one people, Dcut. 29. 11. Jfaiah chap. 60. 12. The Nation th.it will not ferve thee fiall perifi-^ For accomplishment of Prophecies , John is to pro- phecy before many people and Nations, Rev. chap. 10. 11. and Re v. chap. 22. The leaves of the Tree of life are upon, the firft difcovery(that my- fticall way ) to heal the Nations 3 And then the 12 fruits of that Tree for the twelve Tribes,accor~ ding to the prayerfull predictions and benedicti- ons of Jacob ancl Mofes^ in the new City of God, wJhofe 12 Gates have the Names of the 12 Tribes of Both Covenants National I. ' 7 $ of ifrael for all Nations to enter as fellow-Citi- Chap. 7. zens in the Covenant of holinefs and peace to Numb. 2. find Chrift our beginning and end there. To this glory, ble fling, and nationall way, whe- ther in fpeciall for his people ifrael or in gene- rail for other Nations to joyn with them by ver- tue of his all-power. Math, 28. ordaining a Suc- ceflive miniftery for all ages to baptize and teach what he commanded } not excepting that com- mand [_ Sttfftr little Children to come unto me ~] to come in the Armes of their Parents to partake in his bleffings , as by their Parents finfulnefs they are infe&ed with our firft-Parentsfins. The Children of beleeving Jewes had light to help by their Parents Faith and Charities procu- ring them to be fealed within the Covenant of Mercy. The Nation comprehendeth Infants, as the whole comprehendeth each part. Neither is there any word exprefs in holy writ for excluding Infants from under the command of baptizing the Nations, as if they either were not baptized, or ought not y being formerly fealed un der Gods Covenant. The Covenant is the fame ftill in ElTence though Numb* for the change of Circumftances ( fome ceafing and others fucceding, as the Lord of the Cove- nant willeth ) it is for diftin&ion fake called old in refpect of the ceafing , and new in refpecl: of fucceding circumftances : The covenants be the fame in eiTence,according to Gods Oath, Ink*. chap. 1.72. To remember his holy Covenant ^the Oath which hefware to our Father Abraham^ hat he would L 2 grant Both Covenants one in Sub fiance. grant unto us i Gal. 3. The Gofpell was preached before unto Abraham, when the Lord faid, In thee fiallall Natron t be bit (fed, Gen. i2,and 21. By myfelf have I fworn faith the Lord, In thy Seed fi all all Na- tions of the Earth be blefied. This is the Matter co- venanted. And fecondly the Form is an agreement fea<- led 3 for though a promife might hold without a feal, yet when it is agreed to be fealed, then it is Null if it remain unfealed : God after his promife of Salvation willing to enter Covenant with man, for further affurancc agreed to have it fealed by a token. And in that fenfe he called the token by the name of Covenant,' as it were intimating the Covenant to be void if not fealed, as agreed. Gen, 17.10311. This is my Covenant which yeefiall keep betwixt me and you and your feed after you, it Jhall be ato^enof the Covenant betwixt me and you. After fuch agreement the token or feal is cal- led the 'Covenant, as efientiall to the Covenant^ which if Papifts would hear they needed not drea m of Chrift tranfubftantiated , the token as a feal alluring the benefit agreed on , though the matter of the feal be but circumftantiall , as in Contracts of men whether their feal be wood or brafs. So the Covenant of God for our pardon ought to be fealed as covenanted , though whether the feal be flefh or water, that was a circumftance, changed, not at our plcafure, but as pleafed the fupreme heavenly power in pardoning. Thirdly the C ovenant being a relative agreement., UieCorrelatiyes areeflentiall as agreed betwixt God and Of the Covenant Correlatives'. j y and Man, correlative , Parents and Children, great Chap. 7. and fmall, principally the fmali in truth of thi$N#/w&.2. claufe in the agieement, the Child Qirift being included ; as the promife was made principally to the feed exprefied alone, Gen. 5. So the Covenant principally to Chrift the Seedmoftblefied , and bleiling others, the feed of the woman, the feed of Ahralum^ the feed of David covenanted in unity of Pet fon to be God who covenanted with Man; the Son of God in unity of Perfon to be the Son of Man, fealed to be the Mediator betwixt God and Man, Parents and Children, great and fmall, fealed fmall as agreed by himfelf in his God-head covenanting with Man tobe fealed in childhood,with obligation of duty to pay in fulnefs of time the ranfonu for Mans redemption at his death by the blood ofE- verlafting Covenant to Juftifie the circumcifed in heart. The mercies and bleilings of the Circumcifion in heart appertaining by Gods promife to young chil- dren with their Parents upon their entring into Co- venant with God as formerly proved, Deut. chap. 29. it. & 30. 6. the Covenant of love to be fealed inwardly by the Spirit, outwardly by Gods Ordi- nance, though the manner ofthat Seal were a cir- cumftance, yet needfull , as commanded by God though di verily, firft by Circumcifion alone, at laft by Baptifm alone, but by both at the fulnefs of time to compleat all in Chrift, whobeing circumcifed wasalfotobe baptized to fulfill all Righteouf- nefs: all extendeth unto Jewes and Gentiles trea- ding in the itepsof the faith of faithfull Abraham^ fealed with the feal of righteoufnefs by faith as L 3 beleeving. 7 8 The Infant correlative Principal. Chap. 7. beleeving Gods everlafting Covenant to be God Numb. 2. unto bim and to his feed as their God : That claufe of the Covenant to be[^their God ] being the principall objeft of faith , as interefiing him and them in Chrift the blefled feed to blefs all Nations and Families on earth to find righteouf- nefs in faith by Chrift in that everlafting Cove- nant for them and their Children fealed, as Abra- ham found Righteoufnels by faith for himfelf and his Children though fealed young \ under Covenant of faith binding them in their appoin- ted feafon alfo to beleeve in him unto their Ju- ftification, for which the Prophet Jeremy faid chap. 23. this is the name whereby he fiall be cal- led [_lhe Lord our Right eonfnefs ~] in mercy fo far exceeding the deliverance of Fathers with their Jcr.i$.i4. Children out o£j£gypt,as if that were no more to be named in comparifon of this, where Fa- thers and Children are delivered from the wrath of God, thecurfeoftheLaw, and power of Satan and Hell, and admitted into the Kingdom of God as partakers of Chrift s righteoufnefs put on them by vertue of their faith in the Covenant for them and for their Children brought under Covenant with them , that Chrift his fulfilling all righte- oufnefs in the new Covenant under feal of Bap- tifm, may thus reach them with his Covenant blefling , revealed under the new Teftament, vei- led under the 01d,in efTence thus the fame through the meditation of that blefled feed Chrift the Child fealed, as by the former feal, fo by the latter, to become Mediatour of the Covenant of Salva- tion unto them that would apply the fame under the The Infant correlative Frincipa 11 > j a the New feal unto which they have right through chat), 7. theformer Seal of Righteoufnefs by faith in God: jy#w&.3. The eyes of faith which faw the day-ftar of the Prophets in dreams and types, might and ought to have perceived this fun of righteoufnefs arifing, if they had not winked with their eyes, and yet boafled as if they faw reafon in worldly policy, for which the wrath of God remained on them, and on their Children throughgunbelief rehiring the righteoufnefs of Chrift at Baptifm, that might and ought to have fealed unto them , and their young Children this effence of the Covenant de- pending thus on that claufe for fealing principally the young, others aies void both toward the Chil- dren and toward their Parents. Toward their Children, Gen. 1 7. 1 4. The unclr- cumcifed Male his Soul pall be cut off from his peo- ple : Hee hath broken my Covenant^ that was to be in the flefh, an everlafting Covenant for ever- lafting good, but upon breach for everlafting con- demnation of his foul to be cut off for ever 5 in which fenfe the word is doubled. Numb. 15. 31. That Soul fiall be cut off in cutting offin this world, and cut offinthe world to come % his iniquity V eing upon him: And while iniquity remaineth the wrath of God is remaining toward the Parents, though circumcized, yet obnoxious for neg- lecting the circumcifion of their Children. Exod. 4. The Lord met Mofes an-d fought to kill him; But upon circumcifion of his fon 5 Zipporah ( by way of Plea in form of foederall claim) might fay a husbaud of bloods thou art to me, and he (the Lord Jehovah) letting him go, fhe might faith- fully 8$ the Infant Correlative Principal. Chap. 7. fully and thankfully fay a husband of bloods for Numb. 1. circumcifions : blcod in the Circumcifion of her hu.band, and blood in the Circumcifion of her fon and their Pofterity that h?d been cut off if not fanctified with that outward feal of Circum- cifion 5 hearing the Lords threatning ( to cut off) in the very fame words, from circumcifion of Child ren,Ge*. 17. 14. applied under the new Co- venant, ^.3. 2^ about them that were admit- ted to the new feal of baptifm } betwixt fuch fear and hope would the religious Fathers of if- rael have dared to leave their Children unfea- led without exprefs countermaund for not fea- ling them } would not they elfe defire earneftly both as a comfort in their own hearts, and an honour and fafeguard unto their Children to have them outwardly fealed for diftin&ion fake as the Lords people?would the Lord abbre- viate his covenant which he fware to enlarge, that his Glory might fill the Earth (Numb. 14.) in that promifed blernng for all Nations and all Fa- milies ? as for the honour of the Lord who created the whole Nation and redeemed the whole Na- tion , is the whole Nation claymed for his holy name unto his fervice by the feal of San&ification which hee fent for the whole nation needing his help^Uife life sheep have gone aftrpy,& the Lordlay- ed on him the Iniquity of us <*//,Efaias 5 2. As a Lamb for the tranfgrejfion of my people Thus he offered for fin. And exprefTed care of the Lambs as his,in love to them ? afwell as the fheep, in that threefold charge of love commended unto Peter , it was the Lord * who faid All fades Are mine^ thejonks of the ChiU fing The new Covenant expreflfor Infants. 8 1 <&•<:# afwell as of the Fathers > Ezek. 18. he profef- Chip.j, fmghimfelfto come unto the loft Sheep ofthehottfeNuatb.^, of ifrael: By this light we may fee to whom he lent his word of falvation by Baptifm. //.*//>. 3.5. Alljtulta went and were baptized of him 5 though not frf/^particularly, yet (all) generally? without reltraint of any fort or age. Their confeffion al- fo might be generally without confefiing par- ticularly. John preached repentance to(V/) people of ifrael, Ads 13.14. Thus the prefentment of Gods' rich mercies (at performance of what he promifed) ought not to leffen the parents hope of their Childrens benedi&ion through thebleiled feed as if now un- fealed unto them in the new 3 though formerly fealed in the old Covenant. The new Covena-nt extending alfo to Chil- N Hm l* 3. dren exprefly by moft merciful providon of the holy Ghoft. Jeremiah chap. 32. 383 39, 40. iheyfoall be* my people and I mil he their God, and I will give them one heart and one way^ that they may fear me for ever (all dayes) for the good of them and their Children after them: Andlwil make an everlafting Covenant with them, that Iwilnot turn away from them to do them good : But Iwrtput my fear in their hearts, that they flail not(pr w\lLnot)dep art from we. Thus the Lord interpreteth the fenfe of his own promife in the next precedent chap, of Jeremiah 31. 31. I will make a new Covenant with thehoufeof ifrael and the houfe ofjudah 5 houfe here compre- hending the. Children- by fuch exprefs interpre- tation of the Lord : Therefore it alfo compre- hended Children in that recitall of the new M Cove- gi The new Covenant exprejl for Infants. chap. 7. Covenant by the holy Choft after Chrifts time, Unmb. S. Hebrewes chap. 8. 8. The name of houfe compre- hending Children and all therein, unlefs excep- tion thereof be founds when Jerufalem and all Ju- dex went to Johns baptifm, exception of their Little Ones is neither exprelTed nor implied, but rather the contrary, for that the Mothers did carry the Little Ones in their Arms at fuch new wonder- full prefentments. Matth. chap. 1 4. 2 1 . They that had eaten were about five thoufjnd^ bejides women and children, chap. 19, 13. then were there brought unto Chrift Little Children that heflwuld put his hands en them and pray. Hebrews chap. 6. 2. Impofitionof hands following after Baptifmes in the plurall number^ baptifm of old and young among prin- ciples of religions for though fome were as babes new born in the Spirit, yet that exeludeth not, but rather includeth the babes new born in body by vertue of comparifon. Ift he fenfe had been that onely fuch young men are admitted into this Kingdom of Chrift as are in meeknefs like unto young Children,it had been a reafon of fuch grown mensaccefs: would Chrift have alleged others intereft in his Kingdom as reafon of his command about Little childrensac- cefs unto him without intereft of the Little chil- dren, as if they and others fuch Little ones were not in that his Kingdom fubje&s of his love and beneficence? Jefus faid, Suffer little Children to come unto me and forbid them not , for of fuch is the. King- dom of heaven, into which none can enter unlefs hebeborn of water and of the Spirit, John 3. 5. behold Baptifmall regeneration appointed as the Nw Covenant exprejlfor Infants, 8 -* the entrance into the Kingdom of God. They chap. 7* therefore had right unto Baptifmall regcnerati- Unmb. 3. on who by Chiifts appointment had right unto the Kingdom: But thofe little children had right unto the Kingdom, and for confirmation there- of Ghrift impofed his hands on them, and affir- matively commanded their accefsunto him 3 and ne- gatively forbad the prohibition of them or of fuch otherLittle children indefinitely for their accefsun- to fuch efTec"r,as perteininig to his Kingdomjand for- get we not Chrift hisproteftation, That all muftbe like children who fhall enter into the Kingdom of Gods come therefore all old Men ,and old Chi i- ftian Women, profefs your confents unto what was promifed for you in hope of what was pro- mifed unto you at baptifme in the name of Ghrift as his members to be joynt-heires of [his Kingdom of heaven , that you may fay with our bleiTed Apoftle the pattern of mercy to us Gentile /, j have Jinified my courfe , and with old Simeon about t6 depart in peace according to what was revealed unto him by the holy Ghoft after he had feenthatin jfaiah thrice blotted out by him 3 and thrice wonderfully reprinted at laft in golden letters about the fon of a viigin 3 as it waafaid^oldmenJhoHld dreavt dreames^ blelTedly becomming twice Children, as new born babes in the milk of the word tailing how gracious the Lord is to fuch as in the Spirit of David having engaged their Children under the Covenant of God, behave themfelves as his weaned Children, in fuch humiliation, the Pfalmlft framing the 25: Pfalm by the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, M 2 what 84, Infants of "T atriarchs preferred. Chap. 7. what fwcet leflbns of Goes Covenant were there Numb. 3. taught > And Pf. 34. 6c 37. & P/.111.& pf.i 2.fome- times two verfesuntoe\ery letter., fometimes two letters for a verfe: And in that longeft pf. 119. 8 verfesfor every letter in the alphabet, leaving 0- megatov Chrift. As the Locks having upoiynany wheeles letters to be joyned in, a certain^before they can open, Co the great myfteries are locked up until! the word be found. Is not that the word of Chrift Revel. i\. 6. ytyevtb, I am Alpha and Omega,the beginning 8c the end: It i? done in Chrift the Temple, the Lamb D all in all: the Angell of his prefence reinftiled Alpha and O- mega 5 the beginning and the end 5 for ail in Chrift, thefirft andthelaft^Kc^. 22. 13. Be filen tall contro- versies of imaginaries before Chrift 3 or after Chrift, that his fmiting Angell may be flayed in mercy,, which God grant in Jefus. Amen. CHAP. VIII, ^Angels Infants guardians. Num b. % In- fants ofPatriarfy, prefervedat waters infigure.Namb. 3. Men oJngels, the Prophet called Angela (tAngelicall and Evangelicallminifiery for engagement of Baptised Infants in the hlejfings of the Covenant. NUM. Angels Infants Guardians. g <- Number i . c j g ;Atthew 18. 10. Take heed that ye defpife not N *\ one of thefe little ones , for I fay unto you that in Heaven their Angels doe alwaies be- hold the face of my Father which is in Hea- ven^ f>* vanls 3 a very generall word for the readinefs of thofe heavenly mefTengers attentive to ferve Gods good pleafure at any time, any way, upon any occanon, for the Children as members of Chrift their Lord 5 /V/^r49.37. Whofoeverfloall receive one of fuch Children in my name receiveth me : Ghrift ac- compteth the Childrens good 5 his own, having in- tereft in that their common caufe under the blood- thirfty commiflion of Herod (fubordinate Agent of Roman cruelty ) to kill the young children in hope of destroying Chrift among them : But as Chrift was delivered by the MelTage of an Angell, hecal- leth fuch heavenly mefTengers the Childrens An- gels. Herods Edict for killing all the children that were two yeares old and under, was overcome by Chrifts heavenly praedift for them. If you plead fuch Infants faved though unbap- tized, it was (before inftitution of Baptifm) by vertue of Circumciilion 3 or if any uncircumft- cized (as the Son of Herod or of other Gentiles) had then their foules accepted 3 it was the fuperabun- dancc of Chrifts companion towards them that fuf- fered for him a Baptifm of blood ( anciently-; fo called ) not that they could be faved by fuch warn- ing of their own blood, but by the blood of Chrift inhisfuppofedfree love unto them, exceeding the love of Jofeph unto his Brethren, for them and their little g 6 Ephraim the (irji-born . Chap. 8. Little ones, Gen. 45. 19. and 46. 1 5. for which the Numb. 1. Church dilfrael was called Rachel, Mat. 2. as Iere- miah%\, 5. Rachel mourning for her children: Thus faith the Lord, refrain thy voice from peeping , and thine eyes from teares,for thywprk^fkall be rewarded faith the Lord, A reward to her comfort for her lit- tle Children D not onely thofe Children fo flain} for Chrifts abundant mercies appear to the chil- drens Children in the precedent and fubfequent expreffes of that Prophet Jeremiah, as chap.3.1. v. 1 . I wil be the God of all Families of lfrael, faith the Lord. (7.) Sing with giadnefs for Jacob, and fay, Lord fave the remnant of lfrael. ($.*) 1 w ill gat her them from the. Coafis of the earth , and the woman with Child and her that travelleth with Child.($.)l am a father to if- rael, Ephraim is my firfi born, partaking of the Pri- mogeniture , though the younger, referring to the benediction oilacob, The Angell which redeemed me from allevill(the Angell vifionallvj prefenta- tive Chrift our Redeemer ) blefs the Lad (10. )Hear the word of the Lordyee Nations, and declare it among the Jfles afar off: Hee that f cat ttreih if rael will gather him, and keep him as a Shtpheard hisfioc^i2.)sing for the young of the flock and of the herd, and their Soules fhall be as a watered Garden. (20. ) Ephraim is my dear Son, apleafant Child, for fince I fpake againfi him I do earneftly remember him fiil, therefore my boweUs are troubled for him , 1 will fur ely have mercy upon him faith the Lord : Thus the Lord expreiTeth his mercies by the bowels of love to the Israelites, as to Ephraim a child.(27. ) The dayes come faith the Lord, that I will fow the houfe of lfrael and the houfe oj r Judah with the feed of ~man, (29. ) a fignification of hal- Baby Ions fall gy hallowing their young fucceilively., In thofe dayes Chap. 8. they fh all fay no more , The Fathers hxve eaten JowrNnmb.i. grapes, and the children; teeth are fc tan edge } (30.) Every one Jhall dye for his own iniquity every man that eateth the Jowr grapes his teeth fiall be jet an edge. Original fin being forpiven in Baptifm by the new Covenant which God promifeth in the fol- lowing words 3 to lemember their fins no more : 34. This being the blefTed Mercy promifed unto fuch as efcapefrom Babylon accurfed for her crnelty, fpecially toward young Children 3 for which Eli- fia wept, 2 Kings 8. 1 2. fc/d/4/complained,chap. 13. 16. with a threads J"/. 137. 9. and Jeremiah magni- flethitas the vengeance of the Lori chap. 50. 29. & 51 .11. 64. behold as the deitru&ion ofoldBabylon was fignified by carting a (tone into thewater, A mighty Angel call: a great Milftone into the Sea, Rev.iS.Sayingjhus with violence fiall be thrown down that great City Babylon , in whofe forhead is written Myftery, the Mother of Harlots, hi which is to be found the blood of all flain upon the earth, Rev. 18. For which they (hall rife up in judgement a- gainft her both great and fmall : Infants of vota- ries in fingle life without the giftofChaftity for (hame in fecret murthering them unbaptized in danger of his wrath as dreadfully denounced, Luk.. ij.z.Wobe to him by whom offences come, it were bet- ter for him that a Millfione were hanged about his neck^ and he caft into the Sea ', thin that he fjould 1 offend one of theft little ones : i*af**l** , by putting a hindrance or hindring him from Chrift, to come as they could by ; 8 8 Infants of Patriarchs preferve d. Chap. 8. by others help unto Chrift, and be joyned with Numb. I. him m bis name, in his companion weeping be- caufe when he would their parents would not fuffer him to gather their Children as a hen her chicken, and bid the company of women not to weep for him but to weep *for themfelves and their Children,for the miferies to come upon them by the Roman of the new Babylon under that Im- periall headfhip of cruell Rome oppreflive of Chri- itians then, after whofe deIiverance,Kca<7. chap. 21 4. and 6. with the promife of wiping away all tears, is a promife to give of the Fountaine of the waters of life freely the fame which if at ah 55. his proclamation expounded by buying milk? with- out money , Milk is for Children, and fo for Chil- the wiping away teares, the tears of all the Tribes, by the angell of Chrifts prefence officiating Rev. chap. 1. 7. ^3. chap. 3. 7.aiTuming to himfelf the accomplifhing of Eliakims charge If aiah chap. 22.22. and by confequence ofhisglory(24. )[_The Offspring and the ifjue^&llveffels off mall quantity front the Viffels of cups even fo all the veffelt ofFlaggons or vialls 9 to be purified by voaflring ~] the Angell over ordering all other angells as from the beginning , to the end. numb. 2. jj ie Angell promifing vidory to and by the feed orfon of the Woman before his birth, Gen. 3. the Angel promifing to fave Noah and his Children while they were unborn or new born by an Aik to be prepared for their future prefervation by the Fathers faith. Heb.u.y. The angell which feeing fawthe Jfraelites "afilitWon, Mofes a child in water, other male Children under charge of threats to be killed at waters in figure. 89 killed^ yet concluding them through the red Sea Chap.%. asa baptifm} The angell that fvvore for preferva- Nttmb: 3. tion of little children in the figurative wildemefsS The Angell that protected them in polleffion of the holy Land, The Angell of good newes for the J ucl ^ Child Sampfon y for the (jbA&Itnmanuih the Child J'fuf) the Jehovah that fpake to his father Jehovah, Zach. 3. 2.Archangell, Prince cf angels coeleiHall, ^ . vi(ionall 5 or paftoralls The feven angels paftorall *." of the feven exemplary Churches are the feven Spirits breathing by the feven horns of the Lamb, Kiv. chap 3.1. and chap. 5. 6. throughout the Reve- lation, for fmali and great 5 and as they are the feven Eyes of the Lamb in love and pitty feeing fmali afwell as great Objects of minifberiall care- fulled: duty 5 thus angelicall as fent from God, the name of Angell Signifying a melTenger, by an ex- cellency fuch as God fendeth on his meiTage for the good of his Children,young afwell as oldj and children for a bleffing to their parents ,for efcaping the curfe of the whole eaith by the holy fced,asat thebeginning,fo now at the end of the old Covenant in mercifull remembrance of his holy promife for ail Nations and all Fami- lies to be blefled from the curie in that holy feed to corrie} So blelTcdly joyning the beginning and end of the old Teftament , with the beginning of the New Teftament of Jcfus Chrift the Lord (who faid. Twill J end my Angell^ fo 3 to prepare my way before i;jc ■ (expoundeth that angell to be Jqhtt baptift) M th. it. io. Jbkh himfelf after fanclification of his Childhood by the Spirit,fo prepared for bleffing Parents and Children to Chrift the blcffed feed in Spirit of £//'.*/ an approved minifreriai! helper of the young,k that Spirit of mini ft eiy being applied by Chrift here ( in the name of his angell ) unto John thebaptizer,are not al thofc among the angers of Little Children in prayers of Charity behol- ding the face of God for thern to be joynt-heires with Chrift? take heed of a curfe in his difpleafure ifyou caft a fcandall to hinder them from his arms, and 2// bkffings of the Covenant. p i and fiom the bdlbme of his beloved the Congre- Chap, 8. gation of Chrifts flock to maik them for his af- Numb, 3. well Lambs as Sheep;, to wafh them in the Co- venant of his blood, lhed for young afvvell as old, all needing his help under the curfe of the Law to free them from the wrath of God againft Sin, Hee laid his hand on them and blejjtdihem , and {hall not the minifcers of his word blefs them in his name with the hgn and meanes of bleffmg which he mercifully fent to every Creature,to deliver them from the power of Satan, and admit them into the Kingdom of Chrift who proftfTeth him- felfthe door afwell as keykeeper, faying, I open, and nofnanjlmitcth} The Kingdom of heaven is of fuch as thefe young ones, ye cannot enter into the King- dom of God except yee be born of water and of the Spirit: This is the way,prefume not to ftop this way againft young ones 5 would you hinder their new birth eafie to God the Father of Spirits as he will in fecret conception? afterward ordaining fpeech for profeffion of Faith? Ordinances of new Covenant being not lefs efTedtuall than that of the old,where Infants received circumcifwn of theheart 9 Deut. 30. and the Gentiles there being invited to walk in the fteps of Abraham as, the Father of the faithful 1 whether Ietvsr or Gentiles for inflating their Children : if they afterwards fufFer under Gods feverity for breach, neglect? or trans- greffion of covenanted fidelity,they ought to blame themfelvesonely, not their Parents, their Parents may joy in confeience of their careftm perfor- mance in hope of Gods acceptance unto the pro- mi fed reward, here and in heaven : It ritverthe- N 1 lefs 5 £2 Joy in the pre fence ofdngeh. Chap. 8. kfs Children through breach of fuch holy Cove- Htwtb.i,. nantfufferinhell, the blame is upon felf-wili not upon the good wiJ of Parents engaging therin under hope of right to the blefling hereditable-, asEfau had . to the birth-right untill he wilfully fold it 3 and as the Piodigall had light to his Portion 3 untill he vainly fpent it . - Extremity made him not ungratefully murmur againft his Fathers improvidence in providing the former 5 but humbly con felling himtelf unworthy to be the Son of fuch a Father as had another por- tion for him upon repentance^ owning him as a fon at firft , but with more joyfull manifefration of love atlaft, as the woman for finding her little piece of filver that had been loll:. Betwixt thefe two joyes immediately Chrift .faid there is a like joy in the pretence < f the Angells of God 5 and that heavenly joy of angels is compared to another like joy in the former words for rinding the loft fheep 3 afitemblemeofman lo(tiniin 3 not onely gone affray, but taken by the enemy Satan that gceth about feeking whom he can devour^yea the Spirit of Prophecy lamcnteth for a finner as it were fwallowed by the devourer almoft, A- mos chap. 3. 12. As the shepheard taketh out of the. Mouth of the Lien trro legs, or the piece of an ear 3 fo fiall the children oflfrael be taken out, Sec. Hee faith not that they (hall be delivered by their tongm, In- fants afweU as other children might be capable of that deliverance in that prophetique fenfe of the future tc be afiu red in fuch manner as it had been in time pafled 3 Amos herein feeming to refer unto that of David 1 Sam. 17. 34. There came a Lion and a Bear The Apolitical Angel, $ 3 Bear t andiookji Lamb out oft he Flocks and I went cut chap. 8. and delivered cut of his mouth the Lamb or the Kid) N/^.3. young and feeble? yet ftroBg as Davids the Ton of DawiZachary 12. 8. the houfe ofDavid^s thean- gell of the Lord for ftrength to the weak as his Lambs ? hisfons:itpleafethChn(tthefon ofGodas Prince ovei angels to make them miniftring fpirits for fuch as (hall be heirs of Salvation, though weak in their own appearance yet acceptable in mercy undei fuch relation as his under feal of covenant in expectance of their .ferviceablenefs when they mould be framed thereunto by their Parents or over-feers as deputy-Parents, Parents by reafofi of their mortality providing that their young might not be deftitute of help either from faith- full Men 3 Angels, or God the great helper,by pro- vidence ordering angells to attend his good plea- fure, and holy men for adminiftring unto young children as his 3 under Covenant. In token whereof that Apocalyptical angelCof his (imilitudinarypre- fence) had a rainbow about his head,his right foot on the waters (having all the Revelation in truft at his difpofa^and therefore the angell of the waters) in his right hand the feven exemplary Paftors and their fpirits to mark in the foreheads with the mark or feal of fubjedion( under theThrone)fmall and great in the Kingdom of Chrift, King of Saints, hisby Covenant old or new, as intended in Chrift his command to difcipulate or make difapies all Nations by baptifnt. The fenfe of our Saviour Ghrift in this Gofpel Commiffionis the fame with his fenfe in the Gof- pel-promife 3 the Gofpel-promife intended to in- N 3 . elude -: Go f pell bleffing includes Infants. elude Infants while Infants^ Therefore the fenfe of Chrifi: in Gofpel-commiflion intended to include Infants while Infant? h the Gofpel-commiflion be- ing but minifreriall for application of the Gofpel- bleffing, as it was promifed for all Nations. Now that the promife of Gofpel- bleffing inten- ded to include Infants ( while Infants ) is textually proved thus, Rom. 4. 20, Abraham Jtaggerecl not at the fromife of God through unbelief : But Abraham was firong w fa':th to the glory ofGod^who'as he promifed) gavea Son to Abraham in his old age 3 lfaac & blcfTed him an Infant D according to promife, Gen. 17.21. My covenant wil I esiablifi with ffaac which Sarah foal bear unto thee the nextyear^The Covenant of faith the fa- thers faith, a Covenant of Grace for a bleffing to all Nations, Rom. 4. all Nations deriving this con- folation by faith in the Covenant ofa bleffing pro- mifed to and through an Infant: Thenameof Nati- ons including Infantrie thus blefled in this Gofpel promife ? includcth. infancy to be WefTed in the Gof- pel commiflion} how unlike Abraham, 8c un- Gofpel like is the new fenfe obtruded on the Name of Na- tions now, for unbleffing an Infant ( while an In- fant) as if not within the Covenant ofgrace? Oh all ye Nations, having intereft in the Gofpel Covenant of grace publifhed thusby the Angell in Gods name about the child ffiac ( and afterwards by an Oath) be faithfull in beleeving and thank full for fuch mer- cifull heavenly condefcenfion to fuch Infunt-inte- reftin the.Gofpcl-prqmTe.andGofpel-ebmmifliQiij applying the promifed bleffing as to you heretofoie, So now byyou in j r&yerspffaith & charity to the good of your little ones favoured thus by mini- fters 9$ fters angelicall and evangelical!, as the childrens Chap. 9, minifters by Chrifrs will beholding the faceof his Father for their good^as heavenly minifters, of God to give a reafon of our minifteriaU acls herein at thisutmoft provocation for farther manifeftation ofhis holy good pleafure in his holy word of pro- phecy. CHAP. IX. Cbriflas King prochmttb his good will to Baptised Infants by his Prophets. Numb. 1. Ha. j 9 ln the Child Imma- nuel.chap~8. In the Children of Hams for figns applied Heb. 2. Numb, i.lb&t fign baptifm, Efaias 9,2Lebulon and Nepthali with their Childrens Chil- dren fir [I captived and firji delive- red by Ghrift his Kingdom opened af- ter baptifm (Math. 4.)E(aias chap. 1 1 . where the generation of vipers and fucking Infants are conjoynedattbeen- fignbapttfm expounded by }oh\\Bap- tijl,andlltimschap*^o. Where John found $6 9* Wmbn I. Nttmb.i. fomdbimf elf called to prepare the way of the Lord, the Lord therein accep- ted infants > fo lit\ethefloc\of]a.coh diflintt by a mar\ in water as Infants baptifed. Numb. 3* In Joel Infants called by the Lord when he made the promise therefore Infants included in the performance at baptifm, ASts 2. Numb. 4. E^el^ 9. Children prefer- ved, therefore marked in the fore-head, 4/ Rev. 9.' marhg$ proved to be bap- tifm. Numb er i. gj^g^^sHe name Immanuel ' 3 by interpretati- on God with us 9 given to a child, whether to the child Jefus imme- diatly or mediately let the more learned judge. Chriftian Rules ofinterpreta- tion ufe to take things of that old Teftament as figns of things future under the new, and not on the contrary things of the new fo many hundred yeares after to be fignes of afts in thsj former old Teftament. If the fon of Bfaias were immediately fo named Ita- Cbr'tft king his name ImmanudI to a child. pj Immanuel in event there might appear tiuth to Chap. 9. the glory ofChriitour Saviour. . Numb. i. This prophecy fignall under that Myfticall name for deliverance was in the reign of King Ahaz> when the King of Damafcns and the King of Samaria confpired in war, that war beginning in the reign of Ahaz^faias cap. 17. In which time alfo Damafeus was taken, and Rezin the King thereof (lain by the King of ^J$)r/rf,2 Kings chap. 16. 9. Ahaz reigned fixteen yeares 2 Kings 16. his fon Hczokjah was twenty five years old when he began to reign, in the fixt year of his reign was that other ma- lignant City Samaria taken by the king of Jjfyria, 2 Kings chap. 18. 2. 10. King Ahaz his fon Uezekjah being then at the age 41. could not be meant by the child, before whole yeares of difcre- tion that work was to be done for deliverance of Jerufalem from the war of thofe two malignant Cities confederate 3 but accompting from the 4. r of .As unto the fixt o£ Hezekjah y the time of that event it was within 18. yeares from that prophe- cy under the name of that other child , and by Davids rule s l Chron. 23. 24. The Levites did the worf^ of the fervice of the keufe of the Lord from the age of twenty yeares and upward, accordingly was the age of publique cognizance, 'Numb. chap. 1.3. So that reall accomplilhment appeareth before fuch a . child of Efaias atteined the full years of dilcreti- on legally to refufe the evill and choofe the good. In refped of which child as a prophetiquefign of fuch accomplilTiment for deliverance of Jeru- falem, the Jew allegeth the Mother to be called the prophetefs, as conceiving by the prophet Efaias O chap. 9 8 Cbrift king his name Immanuell to a child. Chdp. 9. c } ia p 8. 3. and therefore denyeth the tranilaticn l\umb. 1. p a virgin-mothei\,chap.7. 4, as if the hebrew word falma) did not properly (lgnifie a virgin 3 bnt one hid Caiam 3 abjfcndere, to hide ) there being a hidden Myftery prophetically alluring fuch deliverance as followed in manifeft event. Accommodation. God give ears &c heart to un- deritand, Oh jfei*! one event is not an impediment., but a fign of another in Gods moft mercifull accom- pli(hment,elevating thefaithfull fiom carnal to fpi- ritual help 3 from earthly deliverance and peace to heavenly 3 wherin God willing to (hew his abundant mercy bid King Ahaz asl^a fign in the height above, or in the depth, the former fon by that nominall fign extending to the return of the remnant in future predi&ion of pofterity 3 doth this fign nominal! fall fhort which aimeth at greater extenfion either in the height above or in thedepth?(0& altitudol) The depth of the riches both of the wifdom and mercier of God! would he give lefs than he profered^ who giveth ufually more than is defired? is all the mer- cy meant ( by that fign in theheight above or in the depth J but an overthrow of thofe two malignant Dtmajcus and Samaria , fubdued to the King of Ajj'yna^ more potent and more malignant in utter- moft oppefition at lair againft the land oijudah} Efaiaschap. 8. 8.- Behold the Lord [ringeth upon the waters jirong and mighty , the King of Ajfyria and all his glory , and he fhall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks, and he fiall pafs through Ju - d'dh,he fiall overflow, &the jlretching out of his wings fiall fill the breadth of thy Ixndoh Immanuel 5 Be- hold Jmm&nuel here intituled to the Kingdom of Judah Chrift fyig his name Immanuell to a child- 99 Judith to deliver the Land from the Affyrian, as the Chap. 9. prophet Micth interpreteth, chap. 5. Beth 1 em out Numb* I. of thee flyjll come forth unto me, to he ruler inlfrael, whofe goingt forth from of old, from the clajies of eter- nity, therefore will he give them up untill the time that foe that travelleth hath brought forth, then the remnant of his brethren pall return up to the Children oflfrael and he fhall fiand and rule in thefirengthofthe Lord, in thewajejly of the name of the Lord his God , and theyfhall abide : for now hefoall be great unto the ends of the earth 3 and thisfhall be the peace when the djfyri- an ft) til co we into cur land ( the land jof Immanuet) ikusfiall he deliver from the sijfyrian and the remnants of Jacob fhall be in the midjl of many peo- ple , as a dew from the Lord, as the fhowrs upon the grafs that tarneth not for man, Jkfieah 5. The dew oi the birth of him that was to rule among his enemies in the beau'y of holme fs, of whom David piopheciedjP/". no. David's, fon in whofe time the Lord would again recover the remnant of his peo- ple from Jffyria, Ifoinh chap.io.n. the recovery in Gablee where Zabulon and Napthalie were fir ft afff li- fted by the s-Jfyrian, in event Chrift there begin- ning to preach his Kingdom of pcace^Matth. 44. I l.aslfaiah prophecied chap.9.16. By plain coherence ofthefe prophetical! sit ap- peareth that there was intended in this courfeof Efaias prophecy deliverance not onely from the King of Samaria vanquifhed by the King oi^AJJy- ria, but alfo deliverance from the 4jfyri ;« bondage long after when the Meffias was to beboininthe city of Davids child and yet a God £ Immanud, God with us ] in the child intended principally by the O 2 prophet I Cbrift ki'tgbls name Tmmanuell to a child: Ch*p. y. prophet jfaiah chap 8. 13, 14. Santfjfy the Lord of Numb. 1. . hojis, the Lord himfelf, and Ut him be your fear, and he fhall be for a Sanctuary , but a ftone offiumb- ling , and for a rocl^ »f offence to both the houfer of If- rael , for a gin and for a fhare to the in habit ant t of.Jerufalem,and many among them JJjall (tumble and fal^ through ignorance ftumbling at the lownefs of that ftone cut out of the mountain without hands, as born without help of man;, yet becomming great to the confufion of the dfjyrian (the Babylonian) Dan. chap. 2. A precious ftone in Zion for falvation of the faithfull , but for fcandalls to the unfaith- full Jtrves, Which have eyes, yet fee not, and hearts, yet underftand not, as Bfaias chap. 6. C^ 8. fore- fhewed the Jetves ignorance about that hidden Myftery, chap. 7. Immanuel the fon of the hidden, that is the virgin hidden from man, according to themoft modeft Hebrew phrafe, calling the con- trary, knowing man and known of man,but (lie that wasunknownfo being hidden in this fenfej the word here tranflated virgin, Eftias 7. is the fame, which was afcribed to the virgin Rebecca, Gen. 24. 1 6.6c to the viigin Miriam ,Exod. ?SvEfaiahj*to the virgin (Mary) who fe child was to be called winder- full, becaufe boin not an oidinary way, butas the dew of the morning-womb without man: God open the Jenres eyes 6c others alfo, that they may not liumble and fall for ever 3 in as much as after the prediction of ftumblings in offence hereat Bfaias applieth Gods command. Seal the Lawamonpmy difciples— — Behold I and the children which the Lord hath given me for ftgns, in a propheticall fenfe de- fjgningthe child immanuel, Cod »>///>#/, in. his new cove- Chrift king bis name Immanuell to a child- i O i covenant of Grace, for falvation and fan&ificati- Chap. 9. on of fuch young leal eddifci pies as his brethren Numb.i. by the teftimony of the holy Ghoft applying thefe very words ('which the prophet Efay fpake of him-- and his children as fignesj to Chrift and Chriftian children, as fignified Heb.2. H 3 12, 13. Both he that fatitftfieth, and they who arefanttified^are all ofone^ for which caufe he is net afhamed to call them brethren^ fay ingj. will declare unto my Brethren, in the ntidjl of the Church will ifing praife unto thec$ and again 3 be hotel I and the children which God hath given me. Behold that verified in Chrift and his, which prophecy fpake of Efaias and his young Infants under feal for the perfed praife of Gods mercifulnefs toward young afwell as old, after Chrift came afwell as be- iove Jdatth. ii.lj.Have ye never read \j>ut of the mouth of babes and Sucklings thou baft perfected praife ] faid Jefus in defence of the children crying in the tern-' pleHofannatothefonofDavid, his kindnefs apply- ing that which was fpoken by fbme in event to thofe that could not fpeak. Infants as by their ex- clamation or prefence eloquent in- his mercifull acceptance to the praife of God; tub. 2. 14. Fotajwmh then as Children are partakers of fiefi and blood , he alfo likewife took,, part of the fame in all things 3 mercifulnefe defigned to children as Chrifts brethren un- der the feal of his covenant, their infancy per- teining to the Church, amidft whereof Chrift' was to praife the mercies of God both his fathers and ours,as partakers in his Spirit of adontion who thus did partake, in our flelh. Oh blefTed Union with him as fandYiried by Covenant in. his name, O3 final!* ii 1 02 Baptifm the enfign ofChrifls Kingdom* fmall and great, as young and old were prcferved in his name, Hcfea 1 1. i^When ifrael. was a child I loved him, and called myfon out ofJEgyp; Thus the excel- lency of Jacob was humbled to depend as a child, and a child advanced to fuch excellency to be firft engaged in that blefled application of lmmanuel, God with tf^iffo firft with the prophets infant fon in name, yet in nature firft with Jefui when he was an infant, all in favour of infancie thus dignified and to be fealed with the fign of Chrift his King- dom? That feal,fign.or enfign of Chrifts Kingdom to be baptifm, and that appertaining to Infants the words of Efaias are clear Gofpell, chap.' 9. as Ghrift began to preach his vi&orious word of grace where his people were firft captives, with their children, and their childrens children, 2 Kings 17. 14. there Ghrift newly baptized held forth that enfign of his Kingdom in military fpeech,an cnfign- bearer to the glory of God to reign over the Gentiles, Gentiles that (hall be faved being diffe- renced from others as a fign of their fub million to the Kingdom of Chrift, if 01 ah 11. A fign of change in themfelvesprofeflingto be- come as Chrift requireth, Maith.i 8. 3. Verily except ye he converted and become as little children , yeefhall not enter into the Kingdom ^/GW^Efaias^hap. 1 1.6.) prefcribed it excellently , The wolfjhall dwell with the Lamb, and the Leopard/hall lye down with the Kid, and the young Lion and fat ling together, and a little child fiall lead them (not by refemblance only but by prefence for encouragement of the great to partake with the fmall (in Gods gracious mercie to both ages ")And the Cow and the Bear /hall feed, their Baptifm thtenftgn ofChrifls kingdom > 104 thdr youngvnes pall I) e down together ^nd the Sttchtng Ohap.9. child ft dl pixy on i he hole of the Af^ and thewzaned Numb.21 child ft ill lay his hand on the hole oj the viper. In event compare this of the piophetique Spi- rit with that of John Baptift^M^k 3.0 Generation of vipers bring forth fruits meet for repentance} an- . fwerable to the amendment of life required of you at baptifm,) amending your poyfonrull malice to become harmlefs as children, and fo meet to par- take in mercy with fucking children at baptifm, the ftgn of Chrift his Kingdom in grace,that ye may be faved from the wrath of God under which you were born 5 And unlefs ye repent it burneth unto the nethermoft hell, where the worm fhallnotdye nor the lire be quenched, Efaiat 6. 6. a fpark of which divine wrath was erelong to burn old Jtru- falcm for their ungratefulll rejection of Chrift, the true Saviour. When fome Pharifees and Lawyers rejected ( »08w*{>, defeated ) the conn fell of God agninfi ihem- fehes ( being not baptifed^Luke J.^o^John faid unto others that came to his baptifm , who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to corned Matth. 3. by that : putting them in mind of what Efaias had fo fore- told of the vipers change, afwell as of other angry- creatures, Beares, Lions, and Leopards, mildly to converle as children and with children, at the fign offubmiflion unto the Kingdom of Chrift in bap- tifm, asitfoundeth incur humble eares by reflex- ion from thofequeftions, Why baptizefi thou} who art thou> and the Eaptiir. his anfwer alleging for his warrant only the prophet B'faiar^s if he had faid 3 Know yee IO4 That enfignK, n expounded Msd % 4 chap. 9. to flee from the wrath to come by thebaptifmof Numb* 2* Repentance for the remiflion of your fins upon your conversion from your fins at baptifm to be- come like children in harmlefs converfation, that you may be blelTed with children in fubje&ion to Chrift the King and Saviour of fmall and great together,as one people, fo to make ready a people pre- pared for the Lor d^ Luke 1. 17. how re?dy? but by baptifm in the name of the Lord} where may wee more likely find what fort of people the Lord accepteth to baptifm than where the Baptiffc himfelf perceived his originall warrant for bapti- zing,^ Efaia s 40. 1 1 .and there is an exprefs for lit- tle ones. Comfort yee comfort my people faith the Lords every valley fiall be exalted Behold the Lord God will come Jhe [hall feed his flock^as a foepherdjje fhall ga- ther the Lambs with his arm & carry them in his bojeml Behold his acceptation of Lambs more exprefs than of baptifm it ielf whereunto jf and floods upon the dry gronnd , 1 will pour my Spirit upon thy feed \*nd my blejfing upon my budsjny biffing upon thy offpring, and they fljall fpring up as willowes by the water- cour- fes ] the little plants of willowes ufing to grow aXwell as the greater, and the comfort is^the Wron- ger Efaias 40.^ 4 3 ,44 .for Infants at baptifnt: 1 05 ger 3 in that the Lord Jiere fpeaketh unto them as chap. 9. his iervant Jacob formed from the womb,the chil- Numb. 2i dren in the fathers name accepted to partake in the fathers blefling, as in Gods mercifull accep- tance by covenant, one myfticail man from age to age as Jacob chofen of God in the womb to chocfe thefervice of God in after feafons of free cove- nanting for good 5 Efaias 43. 1. Thus faith the Lord that created thee oh Jacob , and he that formed thee oh lfrael 3 /e4r not, when thoupaffefi through waters I will be with thee, for I am the Lord thy Godjhe holy one of Jfrael thy Saviour, How comfortably doth this explain the former words, Efaias 40. W.Hefl) all gather the Lambs with his arms, and carry them in his bofome^ndfiall gent- ly lead thofe that are with young ? in reference to the fafe conduct of Jacobs family toward the promifed holy land in figure of heaven D Ge«. 33. The children are tender^ and t he floc\mth young, I will lead on gently according as the* cattle and children be able to indure. Thus in confidence of gods mercifull an fwer to the prayer otlaccb in his fatherly tendernefs, chap. 3 2.0 God o\ my father Abraham^wd God of my father Ifaac? The Lord which faidfi unto me\return unto thy country , and to thy kjndred i and I will deal well with thee - deliver me I pray thee from the hand ofEfaujor I fear him , left he fmite the mother with the children (brought out onely by confequence of reafon in pitty without an exprefs then for them) lam not worthy the leaji of all thy mercies , and of all thy truth, which thou haft fiewed unto thy fervant , for with my jiajf I pafied over this Jordan s and now I am become two bands. Not withftanding two bands of P adverfa- 1 06 Infants baptifedas particoloured Lambs \ Chap, 'p^g L or d God made a Covenant to fpare all flefh from peri filing again byfuchan other flood over the whole earth : the whole earth rather (hall be covered with the knowledge of Gods glory like a Sea at Baptifm ■ , over-ruling the Element which was before deftrudtivetobe falvificall as a meancs 6c pledge betokening the Covenant for our common Salvability,fpiritually now in the Church who were bodily faved all as with our forefathers mNodkt Aike 3 even we now all alive were then pre- ferved in Gods love to Man-kind 5 and inprogrefs of his free mercy towards Sandtification of Old and Young, he prophetiquely promifed to powre out . his Spirit in abundance? fufficientto render all un- excu fable that are without the Spirit powred fo a- bundantly both on Old men and Young 3 on Sonnes and Daughter^ Men>fervants and Maid-fervantSj although with a difference in manner of effufion \ on fomevifible with an outward flgne, as on Chrift in likenefs of a Dove^n his Apoftles and others in likenefs cf flry tongues 3 for the more affured holy perfwafion of others to beleeve the promifcs of receiving the Spirit invifibly by ordinary difpen- fationinthe Church of Chrift, by his Co-ordina- tion of Water and Spirit for the New Birth at Bap- tifm. The vifible and invifible Effufion of his Spirit from the fa m e love of Chrift in the Holy Ghoft by divine expounded A£b 2 . i o o divine providence to ftirr up our gratefull admira- G > i7 - 5 tion in love 3 circumfpedly where we finde his word Numb. §, of a promife recited in part to fcarch for the whole, as the part, (Rom. l 1 .26.) The whole (ifdiah 59.20, 21.) So for the outward vifiblc efFufion of Spirit 3 -rt^j 2. 16. reciting the promife out of the fecond of lod > that we may find there Infants includedin the promife for invifible ordinary powring the Spi~ fit on all flern , the promife made to Parents and their children , from which Peter concludeth the duty to baptife them every one 5 Be baptifed every one of you ^ for the remi'Jion of finnes , andyeffiall re- ceive the gift of the Holy Ghjjl : Infants have fin, and have need of the Holy Ghoft, authouroflife, for their fandriHcation in Spirit that they may have intereft in that remiflion of finnes in the name of JefusChriftS Be ye baptifed every one of you : It is not faid for the prefent. Every one repent 3 there arefeafons for the reasonable fervice of this duty D no duties of precepts affirmative are reafonableat every feafon : It was feafonable then for every one to be baptifed as Peter bid, but the form of fpeech is altered for repenting then, he faith not there Re- , pent ye every one? but repent yej ye that have rea- fon to change your mind,for the fignification of Re- pentance is known to be tranfmentation, a change of the mind from evill to good by the grace of God: His Apoftle calleth it an unfpeakable gift as a Seed or Root enabling to grow and fru&ifieby Gods Cooperation in his proper feafons. And if no- thing will fatisfie the difputers rigid enquirie but actuall penitencie, let them refrain untill in our chap 13. Numb. 2. it may appear 3 how we fcriptu- P 3 rally no Jo el for Infants baptifm Chap.y. ally prove Gods a&uall acceptance of Infants as 'Numb. 3. penitent s=> Howbeit the duty well performed by parents penitency may help the child, hurt by the fathers unbelief and iniquity 3 deferving punim- ment into eternity,from whence to eternal good is a ready paffage by faith in the covenant of grace 3 though a gr eat depths wherein the minds of facred Theologie fwims with gratefull admiration of our deliverance fo wonderfull. The firft Adam forfaking God ( in whom is all good ) ingulfed himfelf and all his generation by him into all evill, from which cnely the fecond Adam(by comming to be one with the fon of God, Chrift, God and Man in one perfon ) hath redee- med us by his pretious blood , although the (hed- ding thereof was moft unrighteous by the lews falfe accufations, aggravated with the guiltinefs of all the righteous blood fhedfrom Abel to Chrifl:, all figuring his blood, which was to redeem all thofe Martyrs and all the Saints in the world as a propitiatory-facrifice for them all. Behold the Lamb of God that took away the fins of the world by his blood as a ranfome enough for fin in gene- rall as finfull even to redeem the fhedders of it his adverfaiies, for whom he prayed, and whom he would raife from death by vertue ofhisrefur- re&ion to life, notwithstanding the watch fet a- gainft it and their refuge in lies at laying that pre- tious (lone, as lfaiah chap. 28. forewarned of that untruth preached Mat. 28. by the Roman fouldiers, againtt their own profefTed knowledge, blafphe- ming the difciples of Chrift under his commiffi- on to mafy diftfyhs by baptifing and teaching all daies expounded A£t$ g • in daics unto the end of the world 3 with his word chap,9* of authority to eject the devill that engineer mNnmb.'i* all the Mines of lin through his old Terpentine enmity then at height againfr the feed of the wo- man) our faviour in tendtrnefsofhis lo\'efo care- full againft theeneiny, that for fuggeftionin a re- fpeftfull word ( majter pnty thy Jelj ) he called Peter Satan that would have difwaded. him from death}(his way J the like to be feared by any that would keep the leaft from benefit of his love un- to death yet cenfured them as children of the devil that in heart defired hisdeath(their way of enmity) with imprecation of his blood to be on them & on their children^** combined againfthimin their covenant with death and hell 3 to hold him fad with warrant of their feal upon his Tomb-done, to keep him ever under meagre of Satanicall confederacy. Yet all quickly difanulled by Ghrifthis ad ifa. 28.his(Vrange ads in rifing and; railing up finners in newnefs of life by his covenant of grace 3 manifold grace of manifold operations who can number them? to order them aright as God worketh them, beginning to manifeft fometimes one 3 fometimes a- nother,but enabling for all^Sc binding to all by faith in his holy feafon?, the word ppeachedaiTuted them by the mouth of his witnefles that God had made the fame Jefus whom they had crucified, both Lord andChrifr, Mejfias^ the anointed with the oylof gladnefs above his fellowes, for his oyl of grace to; ■ defcend from his head-fhip on them in fellowfhip with him by covenant of grace, which they dis- covered themfelves there to beleeve, by forrow pricked at the heart for it 3 and by ;defire of that anoio>< s 1 2 I° e ' for Infants baptifm Chap. „ anointing oyl his grace to do what he their MeffiA* Numb t ~ requireth 3 by fubrftiffion to what his mini iters taught, whatlhall we do? repent,changeyour mind 3 as from infidelity to faith, and from: enmity to the love of Chrift as Lord of life to you, fo to your children afwell as to you,and to all ( children being the next precedent fubftantive) to all whom the Lord our God ihallcall, children afwell as parents^ all afar offafwell as near, afar in time, afar off in place, whom the Lord (hall call in their feafons ashecallethyou to repent by change of mind from whatsoever hath made you guilty 5 guilty in your felvts,guilty towards your children, that they may be clenfed from the blood-guiltinefs and finful- nefs of all bloody fere-fathers in Ihedding all the righteous blood of Martyrs from Abel unto Chrift., and all finfulnefs in unjuftly fhedding the blood of Chrift, in fpitefully blafpheming Chrift and his good Spirit,in falfeaccufinghirn to death, and en- mity towardhim dead, in curfed imprecation of his blood on you and your children, as it were pre- fumptuoufly boafting to anfwer for it , from all fuch wickednefs you are not fufficiently changed untill you have done all that may be to recover your children from under that curfe to the con- trary blefling, that the blood of Chrift may an- fwer for you and your children by your earned: effectual! prayer of faith and charity to diftngage them from that your imprecatory curfe and cove- nant .with death and hell under the power of Satan, which is not done until you have ingaged them un- der Chrift the Lord of heaven and earth the true moft almighty Lord oflifeand death in his cove- nant expounded A &s 2 . 115 nant of grace to raifethem from the death of fin Chap. 9, untonevvnefs of life, as Debters totheSpirit, toM*w/>. 3* live in the Spirit, and walk in the Spirit, after the teachings of the Spirit , when they (hall be able to learn obedience to thrift in his Kingdom of grace, the enfign whereof is baptifm in his name 5 that others may regard them as his, fign them as his, teach "them, and they maybeblefledashisfig- ned ones, and in due time accordingly blefs themfelves in prayers and performances ofwhat- foever they were fanclified unto by their Mother- Churchy as his bride, in his holy name at baptifm of repentance 3 his bleffed ordinance for fuch change in every one, Repent and be baptized^ every one, Joe/ chap. 2. God expreily calleth for fucking- Chil- dren to be brought into the folemn affembly, when he made the promife Joel 2. applied by baptifm^ AUs 1. this is that which wasfpoken by the prophet Jo- el v. 38. Beyee baptized every one of you — - (v. 39. ) the promife is to you and to your children 9 for that promife fake as a caufe, effectually feeii to pro- cure the bleffing promifed, the caule and' effect are morall ingagements to be conjoyned. To whom the caufe apperteineth to them ap- perteineth this effect, forbecaufe the promife ap- perteineth unto you and unto your children mind your duty commended herein,that the effect ap- perteiningunto you and to your children , may by vertue of that promife be gained unto and to your 1 children, even fuch children as the Lord meant at L is proclamation of the promife by thatpiophecy. Such children are meant in applicationof that mife by baptifm. Ct But H4 Joel/ir Infants baptifm Chap. 9. But children fucking at the breafts were expre- Numb. 3. fly meant by the Lord at that his proclamation of the promife. Therefore fucking children are meant* by the Lord at his application of the promife in J baptifm '-, that application is by way of command! in the Imperative mood., preceptive, as taught I in the name of the Commander in chief by vertue | ofhiscommiflion., therefore go baptizing all nations and teaching them to obferve whatfoever things I have commandedyou. So taken in prattife, the Angell faid to Cornelius, fend to Peter, He pall tell thee what thou oughtefito { do, A&s chap. 10. v. 6. —v. 2 1 . Peter faidjsh at is the i caufe wherefore ye are come} v. 3 3. Cornelius faid y now therefore are wee all here prefent before God to hear nil things that are commanded thee oj God,v.d8.And he ^ commanded them to be baptized in the name ofth; Lord.' This openeth the fenfe of that imperative [ be ye baptifed~\ Ads 2. by way of command : both the promife and command appertaining to Chrift as principall efficient in the name of the Father Son and holy Ghoft, the minifter and his adminifttati- on of baptifm ferve as inftrumentall caufes in re- lation to Chrift his power and his Spirit for fanfti- | fication & remiffion of fins here promifed towards falvaticnofthebaptifed,and magnification of Gods glory, v. 21. v. ii.thefinall caufe toward all thefe caufes here vertually referreth this caufall particle for,enim,?*?> Acts 2.39. If any will attempt to barr, you from your right of inheritance unto the king dom of Chrift as if this con junction which the grar mar affirmeth to be caufal were not caufal for y ^ Tight to the blefling promifed by doing the &\ expounded A &s 2 . 1 1 5 which is commanded D attend &c pray you n g fcho- chap, 9. lars that you may rather hold than lofe your right Numb. 3. unto that bieffiug in heaven by holding rather than breaking your grammar rules, fo dearly learned in plenty of ftripes , hunger , and cold , and you likewife Students in the Univerfity by gratitude holding faft your excellent art of right reasoning in Logiques,and Theologiques principally which fin- deth in the facred text a prohibition a whatfoever thing I command thou jk*U not add thereto nor dimi- nift from it, Deut, 12. 32. and a commination mod terrible,2te^. 22. 19. with a moft folemn aiTe- VQY2Lt\on i Mdtth. 5. God who fuffereth not one lot or tittle of his Law to pafs unfulfilled, will not have to be fleighted what he hath commanded in duty for effe&uall attainment of what is promi- fedj as required in this caufall particle for appli- cation of the promifeasmade to fathers and their fucking children, although curiofity prefume to take the fenfe of caufality from the caufall here (for , y*t , Jby pretending fuch ufe of the particle in fome feeming miftaken inftances. 1 .Inftance y*rfor 9 AUs 4.34.miftaken,as if it were not caufall in yeelding fo good reafon of that which went before/or in that they lacked nothing in fuch times of perfecution it was great grace of God in fellow-members toward them, and great caufe of thanks to God for fo great charity by his grace in fuch extremity. s.Tnftance A&,8.% i.as if it were not caufall, ye^for^ being almoft at the beginning of an anfwer, mifta- *en that anfwer being by way of interrogans preg- nant of a negative the caufe whereof is expreifed to Q^2 be ti6 Severallinjlances mijlai^n Chap. 9. be for that he had no guide,St therfore defired Vhilip Ntt/fjb. 3. a Minifter to teach what he underftood not, & that a primary pattern of Gentiles becoming Chriftians if that caufe had bin obferved, here would not have monftered fo many corruptions againft the ordinan- ces of Chrift to grieve the goodSpirit of reformatio. 3 Jnftance,2 Cor. 1 3. 4. miftaken ( as meer fimili- tude without caufe J for Chrift being crucified in his willing infirmity for us,and yet living in power, is excellent caufe of comfort in our infiimity to fhew Chrift in us. 4.1nftance Philip. 9. 20. miftaken;, for the Apoftles heavenly converfation is alleged as caufe of that ex- hortation to walk after that example, the neglect whereof is caufe of deftruction 3 in the antecedent words. 5.Inftance,R^. 22. 18, 19. in that moft terrible commination to take his name out of the book of life, if any man (hall take away fiomthe word of that book, is it fafe even there to take away this caufall ufe of this caufall word (y*P for) where is fo dieadfull caufe to fear the neglect of that ufe in thofe needfuil things offered there tohim that hearethj about the bride of Chrift, or his mar- riage flipper, and the evei Lifting covenant in the fonofDwd with reference to prophetique invi- tation, lfaiah 55. to partake of the fure mercies of David.fov himfelf and his children, at the free wa- ter of life, for pardon of iins to be taken when thus offered at the waters? is it not a dangerfull * miftake to think that terrible commination not wellapplied by this [(y*p for )as a caufall (hewing fo great caufe why the hearer fhould ndtneo/cct fo Exckiel for Infants laptifm. i if Co great ordinances of Chrift for his bride the chap. 9. church in his and her marriage (upper at thecomo- Nimb.^. munion^nd for his and her children at the waters ofbaptifm? curiofity by fuch extreme provocation hath awaked charity thus as at perill ofextreming into eternity the feeming miftakes of fuch inftan- ces to help aggravated. The fixt Inftance in this of the y4#/ chap. 2. 3 9. about (yep)for') as if this caufall conjunction were not caulall,wheras the promife is applied as a caufe of right to procure the bleiling promifed,by the duty commanded, that parents and children might partake with Gods people in that bleffed effec~r, according to promife, to the glory of Gods truth and faithfulnefs in hispromifed child JefusChrjfr, at his great workofaccomplimment./f#/ 2. Ye to whom the promife was made be ye bapti- zed. The promife was made to you Fathers pnd to your children^ ye fathers and your children there- fore are to be baptifed. Obeyebaptifed everyone, O comfortable com- mandment in fweet accord of prophecy with event opened thus further by that virion of Chrift his glory which having filled the temple departed to aj Mount oW ontheEaft fide^Eze^ chap. 11. 23. whence Chrift afcended after that he there had bin betrayed D buc before his departure Eze^.y . the glory of the God of ifmel commanded a mark to be mar- ked in the fore-head of the men that figh and cry for the abominations of Jerttfalem, & all the marked tobefpared, but all to be dtftroyed old young, Wh maids and little children, whofoever were Q.3 not , r 8 EzekicI for Infants baptifm. Chap.y. not marked}, if crying little children were fpared Numb. 4 in Niniveh much rather in Jerufalem a remnant (hall be brought forth fonsanddaughters^chap. 2 2. God called her children his childrehj.chap. 1 6.21.8c faitfb J will preferve thy fatherlefs children alive>]zx. 49. 11. thofe that weie prefer ved were marked in the fore- head 5 little children were preferved^ therefore little children were marked in the forehead 3 in that mi- fticall marke was a designation of them to Chrifts glory by prophetically-figurative vifion of baptifm the Enfignof Chrift his Kinglinefsupon the throne. This was the appearance of the likenefs of the glory of the Lord fto wit of Chrift as Man king over his r Church) which glorious appearance of his kingly myftery ftood upon the fole of Cherubims feet like the fole of a calves foot, Ezek.u 7. it may well be minded whether to Mgnify Chrift his Kingdom of grace to be placed over Infants as calves in tender nefs at baptifm. That the prophctique fenfe is about fome quali- ties of man-kind myftically refembled in the vi- fion of calvesj it is not ufually denied^s Ez,e^. 1 . 5. The four living creatures had the likenefs of a man, Kev.chap. 5. the redeemed out of every tribe and every Nntion were fignified by them which had the faces of a Lion 5 an Eagle^Calf^Kez^.orthat the Calves fimplicity moft fitly refembleth' childrens infancy? but to prove that children as baptized are intended here aie three notable occurrences. As firft in reference to the divine command- ment for the children of ijraels departure out of jLgj pt to offer facrifice unto God 3 whenceproce- ded 3 confequences collected by reafon in par- ticulars of great confideration in this very cafe. 1. When Efcekiel for Infants baftifml 119 i.W hen the Lord faid unto Mofes in Midran,Go^re- Chap.9. turn mtoJZgypt, Exod chap 4 I9,20.by confcquence Numb.%. hereof Mojes took his wife and his fons and re- turned to the land otjF.gypt. 2. When God faid to Mofes, goe gtther the Elders of Jfrael together, and thou and they ft) all fty to the ^* n g rf&gyft 3 Now h* Hs & oe C ivee hefcech thee ") three dayes journey in thewildernefs, Exod. 3, 16. 1 8. Upon whofeeaineftnefs at laftthe Ring faid, Goe ye now that are men^andjerve the Lord, for that you diddefire, Exod; 1 o. 1 1 . A rigorous interpretation to (ray the litle ones in Egyptian ilavery whom M^fes by a eonfequenceof Reafon refolved to have included in the deliverance, chap 10. 9. We will goe with our young,ind with our old, with our Sonne ?■> and with our Daughters, for we have a Feaft nnto the Lord: mark, the young named in a caution Firft, as fpecially welcome unto the Lord of the Feaft, as if he feafted in delight of their fafety firft. • 3. When pharaoh faid, Serve the Lord, let your lit- tle ones alfo goe with yon, onely let your Flocks and your Herds bee flayed, chap. 10. 24. He had before faidj chap. 8. 28. 1 will let you goe that ye may facrifice to the Lord your God in the wildernefs, ('that was the word oftheir own Petition, chap. 3.18.) Mofes by eonfequenceof reafon required all , chap. 10. 16.. Our cat tell alfo (hall goe with us, there Jfj all not an hoof be left behind, for therof wemufl take toferve the Lord our God, and we kpow not with what wee muft ferve the Lord untill we come thither, and Pharaoh faid , goe ferve the L^rd as ye have faid, alfo ta^eyour flocks and your herds as ye havefaid,and begony andblefs m d~ p i) chapvi i 2i32i. The i 20 Eiekidfor Infants baptifw* Chjp. 0. The zeal of ifrael would not fp are one little Nmb.4.. Child to flay behind thcm ; nor one hoof of a Calf to be detained from ferviceablenefs at the pleafure of God , the glory of God brought them out of JE- gyp the place cf Eondage through the Red Sea in figure of Baptifm, 1 Cor.10.2 into the land of pro- mife, a figure of Chrifts promifed Kingdom in hea- ven, whence the multitude of ftrong men was (hut out D who murmured in diftruftof their childrcns •fafety. Thus Childrens Baptifmall fafety may feem con- cerned in that reference of Ezekjel about thefoles of a Calves foot to the lead: hoof fafe-guarded out from JEgnt through the Red Sea as was theleaft child concomitant in that wonderfull way of fafety through water,by confequence of reafon arguing to Gods glory from fo great care for calves to greater care of children : Children alfo becaufe of their great likenefs to calves in harmlefs tendernefs well according thus with that myfticall appearance of calves in this prophetique reference to what had pafTedin Ifraels ftoiy figurative of future mercy. Joyn a fecond notable occuirence in £z,e^>// vi- fion of a Rainbow there about the throne, chap. 1. -28. A token of mercy to allflelh, young afwcll as old, Gew.9. to be faved from a like periflring by w a- ter^ and as out of the waters at the making of the world, the living creatures abundantly came forth by vertue of the Spirit upon the waters as a hen hovereth over her young, fo the word fignifieth , herein is a third notable notable occurrence forun- derftanding the words of Ghrift (about gathering the children of Ifraelites like chicken under the • wing) Eickidfor Infant baptifm. 1 2 1 wing) with the Prophetique word ofEzekjel about Chap. 9. the Cherubins wings under the Throne of Ghrifts Nttfttb. 4. gloiy , by covenant of a new fpirit, a new heart with fprinkling water to make clean from fin, Ez,;- 4/e/, chap. 36. 7 he nojfe of their wings like the noyfe of great waters ^ as the voyce of the Almighty^ Ezek. ? . 34. the Revela- tion expounding waters to fignifie people and tongues, declaring the voyce of the Almighty, the voyce of his word in his name, a Baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghoit,as by the Gommandement or the Almighty Lord of Holts fanctifying People and Nations in his Name by the watery token of his holy Covenant in Bap- tifm. Jefus baptizing and John alfo where was much water, 'John 3. Inprofped of fuch myfteries, Cherubims being formed upon the bafes of the bra-jw siedrSea, the great velTell of water figuring Baptifm wherein the Minifters of the Temple warned before they were to adminifter the ceremonies for clenfing of others, and that great velTell ofbrafs ftandingupon 12. Oxen ofbrafs, three looking to- wards the North,and three towards the Weft,three towa'rds the South, and three towards the Eaft, fig- nificantof the twelve A.poftles labours to carrie the Doftrine of Baptifm towards the four quarters of the Earth, in which refpect the velTell of water was called Sea in comparifon of the Sea that running through the world about into little fprings afwell as great Rivers with recourfe towards the Sea a- gain. Habbac. 2.14. The earth fhall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord^as the waters cover the Sea. Revel. 4. Before the Throne was aSea^anda- R midfi 122 Ezekiel for Infants Bapnfm. Chip.io. midfi the Throne the foure living, (to wit Gheru- Nnxtb .1. bims) one face as a nun, another It kg a. calf, young and old, the redeemed. Revel. 5. the firft fruits (firft born) to God and the Lamb, Revel. 14.4,6,7. An Angell there exhorting to fear God, and give glory to him, and to worfhip him who made the Sea and the Fountaines of waters, the fmall as well as the great. Gods fatherly mercifalnefb hearing groanes as well as prayers,accepting Children in their dif- ferent abilities &: different duties by the fame Spi- rit in the fame Church, fo refembled by the vifton of Jiving Cherubins under the Throne, whether as Eagles in high flying meditations, or el fe offering up the Calves of lips in fimpleft affecYioned-lnfant- ■vociferations. In Hofea 14. the command to take words with them may appertain to fureties undertaking for Infants, to teach them the words of Covenant at years of difcretion, with obedience unto fuch fa- therly providence gratefull to God and Man. CHAP. X. Num. 1 . Chrifl King accept eth the parents covenant , promife Vow for Infants. Numb. 2. T he blefjingof Chrifl fern to all Nations deferveth dvifement of Nationallwifdome andholinefsnefs y and all ii3 all Subordinate helps of parents fur eties, ^y l °* MiniJlers.Nixmh. 3. All fuch helps of duties give grace in the word of grace and prayer .Num. 4* Baptifmalvowes bleffedbounds to the Children? good. . Number i. Oth duties of fatherly providence to care for young children, and of children s obedience unto their carefull parents undertaking to covenant for right unto both,hol- deth in truth as ordained of God in the new covenant alfo 5 for fuch intent propofed jfcr. 32. after his own prophetique pattern about the figurative inheritance, read, and confideri when the Babylonian conquerors had A- nathoth the place of Jeremiah his natitivity D from which the malignant inhabitants had threatned to cut him ofFtree and fruit, chap. 11. there the Lord God bid Jeremiah to purchafe land offered unto him by his cofen, in form of lawfull right by evi- dences of purchafe and fufficient witne&s of fuch his purchased right defcendable to the heirs whe- ther old or young, a prophetique application to encourage the peoples hope of returning from Babylonian captivity with their children unto the I land of promife a figure of Ghrifts Kingdom, chap, 29. Jeremiah faid^ take you wives and beget fons and daughters 1 and take wives for yonrfons^and give your R 2 daughters % a 4 €briji as King Chap a o. daughters to husbands^ that they may bear fan r and Humb, 1. daughters ^f or thus faith the Lordjhat after feaveniy yeares be accompltfhed at TSabylon , 1 will perform my good wo:ds towards you in canfing you to return to this place , Jeremiah 30. 10. Therefore fear thou not my fervant Jacob 9 faith the Lordyjor he I will fave thee from afar off, and thy feed from the land of their cap- tivity ^and Jacob fiall return ,chap. 3?. 37, 38, 39, 40. I Will bring them again unto this place ^ and theyfeallbs my people 5» 1 will be their God \and I will give them one heart that they may fear me for the good of them and their children after them^tnd I will make an everlafting covenant with themj the new covenant of grace ap- plied as meant here by the Lord in anfwer to faith- full Jeremiah admiring at the Lords command for conveyance,and the evidences thereof, one fealed, another open^to be put in an earthen veflell , for thus faith the God of ifrael '-> boufes and fields pall be poffeffed againin this Land^ as it came to pafs after expiration of the limitted tiineof feaventy years; Daniel received the meflage from Gabriel for fea- venty times feven weeks of yeares,wherein Chrifr, the prince of the covenant, came, and ( broken at death as an earthen veflell) difcovered the cove- nant, fealed it with his holy Spirit, and committed it fealed to the witnefles, his Apoftles witnefles of his Gofpcll of grace to all nations, the treafure in earthen veffels^i.Cor. 4. now made manifeft by the Scripture of the prophets according to the com- mandment of God to all Nations for the obedience of faith,Rix*. 16. faith in the covenant conveyed to children by their faithfull parents-right and help in life,and after their parents ( as veffels of earth J al- lured acceptetb parents vows for Infants. 12$ (bred by witnefles of the covenant fealed by their Chap.io. parents^and that other open evidence to be fealed Numb A. on the childs part by his own confent at foil age 3 all as by covenant to the glory of God through Jefus Chrift in his Kingdom, figured by that land of promife hereditable by the young through their fathei s acts, through faith and love purchafed by Chrifts blood as a ranfbm weighed for old as well as young. Behold in the Rechabites allb5jfer.35.an ever- lafting example encouraging obedience to parents undertaking for their children from one generation to another, as ifaiab (aid alfo^Behotd the childre which God hath given «r^chap.8.i8. Heb, 2. 13. The vow of Hannah the motherland the vow of Elcwah the fa- ther ,fbr their (bn^were accepted of God 1 .&* a».chap. i.n. 21. with a great blelling , Levi was blefled in theloines of his great grandfather Abraham jw& A- hrahams fervant ( enfeoffed tochoofe a wife for his mafters Con) was blefled with choice of Rebecca. mother in the blefled linage of Chrift 3 Chrift did choofe to be born of Judoh furety for Benjtmin^ Ghrift our fiirety biddeth us love as he did, and learn of him to take his yoak 3 and bear one anothers burthen, to covenant in others names atbaptifm$afterwards through manifold deceipis and flips of our hearts the covenant often on ous* parts is to be renewed, but not by renewing bap- tilin, for that were to make vain the iupper of the Lord, which is rather commanded toreftablifhiag us by way of renewing the covenant often, 1. Cor. 1 1. this cup is the new covenant in my blood ( the fea- ling covenanted on our part *)tbis do ascjtm &sye drinf^itinrememhrancefffnse^ fir as 9ft as jttatef'- rV 3 this 1 26 T^ Utjpng to Nations: Chap, 10. this br ead^nd drmk aphis cup yefl:etv the Lards death Numb . 1 untill ho cGmc--~But let a man examine himfelf^ &fo let htm eat of that bread^and drink^ofihat cup. Self exami- nation is pre- required in each worthy receiver of the holy Communion 5 not foforbaptifm, Godao cepting the nationall acknowledgment of confent for themfelves and their Infants as parts of the nati- ons unto which this Embafiage of mercy came. Numb. 2. The bleffing fent by Chrift to all nations may deferve the beft acrviiement of higheft in truft of nationall fupreme authority, to have their young ones prepared with hope of grace,in fubordinati- onofall duties toward efFectuall helps of grace in them? grace i s a gift of God above nature, to bind in duty to God, and to lift up man above his natu- rall ability toward the dutifull fervice acceptable unto God in his freedom of mercy, fure by cove- nant through the meritorious blood-ftied of .Chrift our Saviour admitting us all to be one body myfti- call under his headfhip which influenceth out of his fountain of Spirit clivers gifts into divers mem- bers, for their divers operations, towards the good one of another, in their feverall meafures and fea- fons, according to the rules of his manifold wif- dom in his word, fufficient for the duties to which he calleth them, and by which he worketh in them and with them for union, communion, and com- munication of his gracious gifts among them as j *>*/^ tm ft e d kv way of holy difpenfation in this pafto- its a~"A# : ^ M Af .rall ordinances and paternall offices at his com- 'SiiifZir'?*** " mand;'iPef. 4. 10. As every man hath received the gift) minifier the fame on to another 9 as good fleveards of the manifold grace 0/G^,miniftring^V«"; inclu- ded Bapifmal vo ws biejjed bonds \if " deth Deacons, and fpeaking the oracles of God as Chap. 10. ftewards,includeth fuch miniftcrsas Paul and thofe M'*»M-4* other called the (rewards of the myfteries of God, r Cor. Of. i .That they difpenfed grace Is undeniableby any that heareth Paul fay, My little Children of whom , I travetl in birth again untill Chrifi he formed in you, **Hmb>4. Galath.^.T?. / have begotten you, to Titus mine own fon after the common faith , but excludeth not others from difpenfing grace in their paternall duties alfo. Chrift accounteth fuch as do the will of God to be his mothers, begetting him by grace in others, not by their own ability but by the grace of God which is communicative as light of light, life of life,by the lively feed of the word ,lfuah chap. 59.10, 21. The redeemer fl?all come to Zion : as for me-> this my cove- With them faith the Lord, my fpirit that is upon thee, and my words that I put into thy mouth (})dl not de- fart-, nor cut of the mouth of thy feed , nor out of the mouth of thy feeds feed, faith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever } thus from age to age the word of feed , and the Spirit therewith, by the new Covenant are communicated from parents to their children as agift^E/j/j^.SQ. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is able to give grace to the hearers, it is the word of Chrift that gi- veth grace: But fo furely by the covenant, that they by the word and by prayer may freely procure it, Sc promife with confidence in the words of grace, and vow the work of grace, and bind their children in that baptifmall vow for their. Good :> 3 bleffed bond which bindeth to mercy/afety,ftlicity,tothe glory j^tpjib.jLi of Gods truth, wonderfull in mercies to the little ones in thegreat 3 and to the great in the little oncs z 3 ac- 1 28 for the Cbildrens good, chip. 1 o. according to his oath, and to othes oath in his holy ffHt/tb.fy name. As when Jofephbomid his brethren of Ifrael for their children afterward , to perform as they did inconfcienceofthatoathfoi bringing the bones otjvfeph from Mgypt into the landofpromife,be- lieved by him and to be believed by them for 1 Co- io 6 their own departure from bondage bodily figu- rative of fpirituall, for our learning, as our types or patterns 3 whereas Jofeph bound the Ifraelites by oath for what their children were afterwards to perform. We parents and fureties by vowes bind our felves at baptifm for our childrens departure from the bondage of fin to the Kingdom of Chrift ,to the glory of grace,in prayer of parents and for parents, as for Ruth -,tl:e Lord make her fa men s in Bethelem and he made her famous in Bethelem of David her great Grand-child, and Jefus her moft grand, of whofe fulnefs wee all receive grace for grace x*P". '*n1 xteflof grace againfl: grace, as in a looking glafs, to the glory of grace^in good example 3 as TVw.1.3.5. I thanks Cod whom iferve from fore- fathers in a pure confeience^and joy j or the faith which is in thee ■, which dwelt firji in thy Graad-mother Loys, and thy Mother Eunice ,gr 'ace fecon ding grace, from age to age, by good counfell and inftruclicn of the Spirit,as brea- thing makes alive the fire again (for fotheApoit- les word dothfignify)as dying coales under afhes of burning confumptions. All ye remaining yet in temptations call to mind how the lively fire of grace warmed in your hearts by the blefTmgs of religious grand-fathers? good grand- dames, dear Prrents \\xda\i furety for little Ben;aniia j 2 p parents, and other baptifmall fureties, for you jand Chap. 10. be thankfull and faithfull in* minding others ofNumb.^ the like 3 and prayerfull againft over-daring, with new extinguiftiers of thofe old Graces and ho- ly comforts] of your Infant-baptifm , and praife Gods fatherly providence(admirable heavenly pro- vidence ) having formerly fitted thofe many links in the pattern of mercy, m, hen old ifrael fent his children into Mgyp to piovide bread for the life of fmall and great in his family , Sin-eon was bound for fecuring the return of his brethren with young benjamin. lofeph afforded them corn for their jour- ney .,witri their money in their Sacks mouth.. ludah (in confidence of bleffing upon young and old ) offered to undenake for fafety 3 faying unto ifrael his father, fend the lad with me } and mefriil goe* that we may live and not die 3 both-, we and thou, ■ and our little ones : I will be furety for kikto rf my hands fljalt thou require him 3 If I bring him not unto thce\thett let me bear the blame for ever? without fuchafeafo- nable furety there had not been fafety to them or their little ones : All had untimely dyed with famine, all might live by meanes of fuch a furety. Father ifrael at fuch extremity fubmitted his belo- ved Benjamin with furety but in prayer > take your Brother, and God Almighty give you mercy before ths man. God hath heard the prayer beforehand in providing fuch a Man for mercy 3 though in an 0- ther Country : Mercy to Benjamin for his liberal! maintenance and education there? mercy to them .all, though fhadowed a little from them to make it fweeterunto them upon triall and exercife of the fureties fidelity, lofeph asked them of peace (/>e- S brcip) 1 20 Jafah furety for little Benjamin* Chip. 10. hrew) is there peace unto your father} and he lift up Hum! * 4. h*' e y es an ^f AVP hi* brother } Benjamin hir mothers fon} yet allied // this your younger brother} God be gracious unto thee my fon : And this prayer alfo before it was fpoken was heard by God in gracing Jojephs heart to become a father in providing gracioufly for him as a fon: Iofeph a new and true furety for Benjamins afTurance of welfare in a new Country. What now could his other furety do but ac- knowledge his charge? faithfully plead for it 3 and conftantly proceed through the difficulties of it? Judah [aid , / pray thee let me abide a Bondman to my Lord inftead of the Lad and let the Lad go up with his Brethren for I became a furety for the Lad unto my fa- ther who will dye if he fee not the Lad with his brethren, his life being bound up in the Lads life. Out broke the tears with the words of Jofephs brotherly kind heart, up went the waggons for fa- ther Jacob and the little ones, fo came thofe holy blefled (heafs bound intothe barns of bleffed plen- ty, with whom came alfo the Lord of the harveft., as he promifedto Jacob fitn. 46. a^.fear not 3 I will be with theejGod the God of thy father, Chrift the fon of God who chofe to be born of Judah the furety for his young brother, and became our furety to God the father even unto death fo* us, excelling all other in heavenly rich mercies of brotherly kindnefs, and acceptance of dear fure- tifhips in true gratious holy bonds of baptifmall vowes and promifes, acceptable to God and to his beloved Church, and profitable to the baptifed ra- ther in their rnfancie, more acceptable unto the (on of God Chrift Jefus incomparably more earneft m Infants hound for their good *3 f in love than was Jofepbf affecYionate dcfire of good Chap.io, fpeed for his brother 'Benjamins enjoyment 5 far Numb. 4. greater in the providence of our heavenly father by fan&ification in the holy Ghoft> than the heart of man can think or tongue exprefi y in $oo£Efitidf where baptifm was intended, read how the Spirit cenfuteth men as Gralhoppers^x\d.n:tions as the fmafl dkft > to fet forth the greatnefs of Gods glory toward the young children of ifrael, even fuchasjiaveno might :Hisunfearchable underftandinglayeth their firft foundation, the everlafting God their Crea- tourand Recreator foweth all their feeds, and beft accepteth the firft fruits without delay offered by their Mother-Church in prayers, with thanks of Parents love,care and vowes: T he pra&ice of more veitues,as the fruits of more graces,having promi- fes of more reward in his mercies to his greater glory, more acceptable to his loving Church and her faithfull minifters,with parents more congra- tulatory joyfull, feeing the fruits of theirbodies under covenant of blefling in Gods name before their doceafe, rather than tempt God by prefump- tion upon future uncertainties, with neglect ofpre- fent opportunities, for intereft in the ordinances of his free grace fo long denied as wilfully delayed in unalTurance for the future .-wife parents therefore haft, l/aiah 55. biddeth fay to the Hafty or ft rong fear not ,in performance of the duty to ftrengihtn the weak^bands and confirm thewetkjtyeen among others, joy to the defer t there blaffom'ng as a Rofe^ it Jhall binjfom abundantly by waters breaking out in the defert, a little water in a veffel by Gods co- venant having afpring of his Spirit, even in the S 2 dried 13$ ' by their parents v owes. Chap. 10. drieft Countires^elfwhere p'raifed by himasbuc- Nu.xb.^. kets of fabation)for falvarion of fools in that way of holmefsjfooles cannot erre, the Covenant ofGod faveththem according to the prayers and vowes formerly made for them: And if others' attain the gift of difcretion they may find thefe forward vows and prayers of faith in the covenant more profita- ble unto them in bringing them fo foon from un- derthe curfe of fin into the Kingdom of Ghrift, the curfe of parents in fin damaging the children^ by the pnofonedeath upon all^Kom.^.bj the jufticeofGod vijitingt he fins of the fathers upon the children to the third and \fcurth generation^ the iniquity of the Amo- rites npt thenfull^ Gen. 1 5. afterwards filled to the deftrriction of their children^and Ifraelites alfo were permitted to fill up themeafureoftheir fathers fins 5 treafuring up wrath as for themfelvesSc their chil- dren 5 yet tothemfelves onelywrathjifthey do duty for their children. 2. This pre-iragagement for their good preventeth temptation 3 not onely faveth from fa- thers fins, but prevents temptation at their firft dawning of knowledge, that the devil ufurp not the firft fruits by furreption in the deceivablenefs of the evill Spirit that rcorketh in the children of dif- ebedience^by nature children of wrath. 3 . That they harden not therein by tall: of things forbidden. 4.That delay make not duty more difficult through unruly ftrifes that would arife about limita- tions of the time for exigence of binding afterwards. 5. Left the licentious unbound flip from good utterly the next way to hell by felf-will 5 theRe- robate Infants bound for their good \ ? ? probate way of Bel ial,withoutyoak 3 from all which Chap.io. dangerous evils j Infants are bound in baptizing to Numb.A. their good by promife for this life and that which is for ever: fuch facred hope and fear are bleiled bonds of confcience to keep them fafeindutyby teachings ofparentsfureties^and friends, approved helps at firft in proceeding and finifhing by the preachers ofthe word. 6. To the glory of GckIs fuperabundant grace in Chrifts conqueft over fe'devils enmity 3 thatas In- fants are guilty but through anothers fault, they might have remedy coming on others feet, 6c with others mouth profefling the Chriftian faith, which alloweth one to bear anothers burthen, and com- mandeth the work, of the minifiery for the per- fecting and edifying of the body of chrifi, by that which every joy nt fupplyeth in feafon, effectual- ly working,as bound all to be companionate parts of the fame body,the fame holy myfticall incorpo- ration under one Chrift,who taketh upon him to pay for our fin,and putteth on us the robeofhis own tvighteoufnefs.Ij«?E/i* thyfirjl-bornfaid lacob, ifaakfaid, art thou my very fon Efau) audhe faidl am$ Underftanding by contract for the birth-right ofthe firft born, he gained the bleffing in the name ofthe firfr-born. We pray and attain in the name of Je- fus (who is the ^»e#,R.ev.3. e ° v A^Jyea and Chrift vouchfafeth himfelffor perfoimance of what was undertaken by that great God-father David, They part mygarmi nts and caft lots upon my veflure \?f. 22. Mat. 27. 1 will declare thy name unto my brethren^in the midfiofthe Church r congregation will Ipraife thee. PC. 1 2 . Heb. 2.12. then f aid ijoe I come to do thy will S 3 Lord Infants bound for their good Lord. Pf. 40. Heb. 10. While thus Davi Jan fwered before for Chrift.) Chrift anfwereth for us , we pray as one with Chrift 3 and good faithmll Chriftians pray one for another: it isPietie 3 Piovidence 3 Cha- rity 5 not Mockery but earneftnefs, with bowels of mercy conforming in fpirit unto David after Gods own heart. 2. Samuel chap. 7. 25^ 27. Eft ablifi for- ever, and do as thou hafifaid, therefore hath tkyfervant •found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee 5 With thy blening let the houfe of thy fervant be blelTed, chap. 23. 5 . God hath made with me an everlajling co- venant , ordered in all things and fure, for this is all my falvation and all my dejire. Efaiah chap. % 5. Ho every one that defireth the mercies of David,£are by ever- laftingcovenantjtaketherofasye defire by prayer of faith in thateverlafting covenant for a bieilingto you and to your children in Chrift the ion of David. P f. 1 3 2. 1 2 . // tly Children will fyep my Covenant, their children alfo(loallfit upon thy throne for evermore,Mark this ye fathers covenanting for your children in hope that they alfo (hall reign with Chrift ac- croding to your prayer of Faith including them under his covenant of falvation. Vf 112. 2.Thege- tprtyl neration of tho fathers flail he bleffed. Prov. 13.22. A good man leaveth inheritance to his children s chil- dren, whether in Davids fenfe as becommeth the wifdomoffucha fori? The covenanting Father by prayer of Faith is heard for his children for the likeblefllng to be conveyed by the covenanting of his children for their children, in Hebrew, the Fa- ther leaveth heirs childrens children. If it were prooveable that Solomon (having re- ceived his right unto the myfticall inheritance by Gods by their parents vowsl 1 3 tt Gods covenant with Djvid his Father) did not here Chap. 10. gratefully remember that 3 but onely tcmporall in- Numb. 4. neritance on earth,yet this ferveth for argument by way of comparifon grounded in the word of God} as the myftical inheritance exceedeth the temporal fo the myftical father-hood in Gods mercies and in mens duties exceed the flefhly father-hood out of love to make childrens children heirs. The like force of juft comparifon inferred^ that as the vertue of ordinary Grand-fatherhood ( blef- fedly providing inheritance for childrens children) abhorreth the ion as unbleffed that provideth not in like love for his own family, but deceiveth them in cutting off childrens children from inheritance which their fore-fathers had' provided for them. So may the fon feem unbleffed who would cut offhis young children from the benefit which hee received for himfelf and them by forefathers faith in prayers for their intereft in the fignall covenant of grace to be fealed heirs of heaven in Godsmoft mercifull acceptance of fuch faithfull officioufnefs of forefathers or others in difpenfation of other du- ties by the manifold graces of God for one to help an others weakenefs,in the body myftlcall as well as politicall 5 Pupills have Guardians, Courts ofju- ftice 3 fureties ftand bound untill ripe age 5 then they fue out their liveries and take into their own con- fideration what are their duties :, how know they but by witneffes^r uaderftand but by counfellors> John 1 . As many as received Chrift, to them gave he power(the right or privilege ) to become the fins of God, To them that believe in his name : How Jk ill they believe in him of wham they have not heard} Rom.* o. T q g Infants bound for their geod l Chip. io. Preaching exciter h toconfider,and diredeth to find Numb. a. that privilege right or power of Gods children in actuall believing and living as they oughto whe- ther then prefently converted unto Chrift in their full age 5 or in minority before adopted in in the name of Chrift 5 a foederall adoption which whofoever have 5 certainly they were elected here- unto? therein alfo they were elect unto that their great and. blefled help of prayer in publique con- gregationywhereGoddelightethto be trufted ear- neftlyjcharitably, and faithfully beleeving his pro- mife to hear the prayer of Faith that the Lord would gracioufly vouchfafe to fanctifie and blefs his ordinance of baptifm, that he would joyn the inward baptifm of his Spirit with the out- ward baptifm of the water, and make this bap- tifm to the Infant ( the baptized) a feal of adop- tion, remiffion of fin, regeneration , and eternall life, and of all other promifes of the Covenant of grace,e£v. At fuller age it were another good help for aflu- rance of their continuance to pray fo for themfelves rather than to fpeak again ft their affectionate Mo- ther- Ghurch, againft her directory foto pray, and againft her thanksgiving unto God for them in hope of hbbleilinguponfuch good meanes which they had fo long \\ anted asunbaptifed,in danger of utter deftruction forever^if cut off before bap- tifm for contempt. No juftoccafion ofccntemningappearethin the words that are by way not of addition but of ex- plication in prayer 5 as bid to call on God, Afts 2. for the baptifed to receive effectuallly the benefits, .i ._ mer- by their Parents Vvwes. r 37 Mercies and Fruits of Chrifts inftitution which Chap.n, comprehendeth what Chrift didafwellas what he faid for our imitation at baptifmS As (hocfacite) do this leadeth to confider what Chrift did , and what he faid for our imitation at the Lords fupper* though each circurnftance be not required in that charge of imitation 3 as to receive unleavened bread, and after fupper, Judaicall rites to be pre-accom- pli(hed by Chrift anfwerable to the figure at the age of thirty when hee was to begin the publique difpenfation of the new covenant at inftitution of baptifm,hegaveno rule for others to delay their baptizing untill they attained his age, or to be baptifed at Jordan were he was in a myftery. CHAP. XI. The leaji baptised myflically partake un- der thefprituall Minifteryfor their de- liverance from Jfiritua/lJEgyptinto Cbrifts Kingdom in fpirit, bis Sprit on tbe feed of Jacotx, his bleffmg on the buiSydewes. Numb. 2.7 he Sprit and Water co-ordained : Co-ordination ope- netb tbefenfe ofSacramentallfpeecbes* Nurri. I 3 & Chap. ii. Humb. 1. Infants delivered from Spiritual JEgypt, Numbu r. ©Et may Jvtttohe well remembred by us, not that any fiiould delay their bapufin as Csnjiantine ac- knowledged at Nichomzdid that he had delayed untill he was rea- dy to dye.The wifdom of our re- formers added that Chrifts bap- tifmfan&ified other waters alfo for.this myfticall tife 3 though that of Jordan werefpecially renowned inrefpecl: of Chrifts own baptifm^as before by the purgation of Naavtan's leprofy, figuring baptifmali purgation of the Gentiles from theguilt of fin by a n-ewfpirit 3 and before that (in figure of our baptif- mali entrance into the Kingdom of Chrift ) for the Ifraelites entrance into the land of promife as out from bondage through the red Sea ( all my- fttcally baptized D youngand old, with fpiritualls, i. Cor io.2 3 1 1. as types for our learning)fo through Jordan for a memoriall, in that when the ark of the covenant paffed, the waters of Jordan were cut off from running towards the dead Sea of Sodom-> 1 2 shofen men for every Tribe one, carried from thence twelve frones to the fir ft lodging place in their polTeffion as a token for the remembrance of Gods mercy for ever according to his covenant. The firft nights lodging was at Gilgal the place of their circumcifion,jf fitying 3 this is the blood of the Covenant Chap. 1 2. vphichGod hath enjoyned you. All that had any of the Nttwb.i. ■fprinkltng were accepted, afwcl they that were prickled withkfsas they that werefpiinkled with more. The benefit arifing by Gods acceptance in his good plcafure for his glory, through the covenant of his mercy, not for the abundance of the material iign(then blood with water) a little fign being e- noughfor aiTurance of his infinite mercy by that voice from the Throne to frnall and great} The finall having precedence in expreflion of Gods lo- ving providence toward aM.Rtv. 1 9. 5. The foul after the image of God whole in eve- ry partofthebody 5 the warning of the whole may befrgnified by warning onepartofthebody,fpeci-* ally the face, appearing as it were for the whole- and many drops being fprinkled upon one little face may fuffice in Gods fight to whom many Na- tions are as one drop, Ifaiah40. 15. a drop is round and hath the nature of the whole element, as a lpark is fire 8c may enkindle a great flame to burn a great City, neither is a drop of lefs ability to quench that (park 5 yea 3 had it not been too late after death to cry for help in that torment of frame., by the tip of a finger dipt in water, Luke the 16. the tip of a bap- tizers finger through Gods Ordinance might have preferved the penitent from that everlafting flame into which he defired his brethren might not come. God grant the grace of providence unto all others that by delay of baptifm they fall not into the fame endlefs 5 eafelefs andremedilefs fire. For prevention whereof it may be Chrift ufed this 1 44 dean fing Nations. Chip. 1 2. this parable , or if it were a ftory, what miferable Numb. i. Dives ( in remembrance of what he had feen ufed inbapti/ing) perhaps did with**'* **4«, that the very- top of a finger baptifing might cool that tormen- tingflame 3 an erred fo great , that unlikely to be wilhed upon fo fmall means unlefs upon fuppo- fall of fuch like covenant though out of feafon, Zach.\. Who art thou that defpifeji the day of fmall things}! Cor. i. God hath chofzn weak, things to con- found thejirongythatnoflcjhfiouldbeprefumptuous in his prefcnce : It was a great offence of wofull con- fequence^as to eat the forbidden apple 3 fotodiC tiuft in that little Manna like coriander feed. A little feal in wax is enough for a durance of e- videncein a great purchafe 3 a little wafhing by way of token or fign in covenant of Ghriftianity may oblige a Chriftian to patience in fufFering with ChrinSthat he may reign with Chrift,this is the fimi- litude oC hrifts death unto which we are baptized, that we may be like him in refurre&ion, twofold. The firft from fin to the new life of grace. The fecond to the new life ofglory^Thetenfeis future^/w. 6. 5. We (lull be (to wit) in thelikenefs of the refurretfionjfwe be planted into the likenefs of his deaths How.*? it is expounded in the fixt verfe. Knowing this^that our old man is crucified with him ^ that the body of fin might be defiroyed 3 that hence- forth wee (hould not ferve finrfor he that is dead is freed from fin '-, Now if we be dead with Chriji^wee believe that we full alfo live with him. The death of Chrift was by crucifixion 3 The crucifixion of Chrift is not refembled by immerfion into the water : Therefore the death of Chrift is not refembled by immerfion in- Nakednefs a Snare and Abomination* 1^5 into the water. Or what refetnblance betwixt theChap.12. lock of Chrifts fepulcher in a Garden 9 andthe flow- Mw&.s. ing ftream ofjordan ? refemblance appeareth not, but aflurance of our hallowed reft by vertue of Ghrifts buriall , as reprefented to our belief for our refurre&ion,R0«*.6.8. mtivttnivJVe believe that wefiall alfo live with him. This Faith in our co-refurre&ion is that intended inbaptifm by St. Pauls own inter-, pretation j Colof. 2 . 12. Ask tk *ki»( buried with him in baptifm 3 wherein alfo yon are rifen through faith of the operation of God who hath raifed him from the d p adi And you being dead in your fins and the uncir- cumcifion of your flefh, hath he quickn^d together with him, having forgiwn you all trefpajfes,bemg circum- cifed with the circumcifion made without hands ,as St. Paul there promifed } to (hew how baptifm fuccee- deth in erted as a new kind of circumcifion my- fticall, engaging therefore Infants again according to their former inter eft of fuch in circumcifion 3 by fuch refemblance reall in fpirit and in truth va- nifhethyour imaginary refemblance fignall in bu- riall under water ,which St. Paul could not inftitute? nor doth exprefly teach tobe requifite by the ge- nerall tenour of Chrifts inftitution. Beware of flefh and blood in hanckering too much Num. 2. after what is carnal! in materials. It is not much water for putting away the filth of the flefh 5 but the anfwer of a good confeience which now faveth us by baptifm, as figuratively Noah was faved in the Ark from the flood of water > £f ter which,ex- ceflivetruft in the creature brought'unto his fhame drunkennefs and nakednefs together; If that high- virtuous David were overcomeby feeing once one, V how j a 6 Haksdnefs a Share and Abomination. chzp.12* how are they fure not to fall into temptation who Num. 2. luft to fee fp many nakedneffes though in pre* tended warning? The Scripture is exprefs for covering [Marly, i. 4, 5. 'John baptizing was clothed and guirded ) not exprefs for fuch uncovering in baptifm as hath been committed with fame and fcandals > as if they had not read our Saviours caution , Revel. 16. 1 5. blefling fuch as keep their garments 5 That they be not found naked to their Jhame, by way of Parenthe- fis, advertizing thus amidft the plagues of the laft and worft Myfticall ftormings, as it were purpofely , to prevent or correct fuch abufes. The foul Spirits 5 which through affectation of knowledg made our firft Parents fhamerully naked, have no lefs will nor lefs skill by the allurements of over*wife curiofity to make naked ftill out of dif- content or diftruft of what is rn the Name of God a v ll-fufficient. That his holy will be not defpighted under (hew of bettering his Ordinances p which with his con- currence once don are don for ever j thus his Pro- phecy prefcribed-* / rvillfprinkje clean water upon you ^ and ye Jhall be clean from all your filthinefs D Ezek . cap. 36. 25, And He fhall fprinhje many Nations , Efaias 52. 15. Is not that a promife for Baptifm ? that is wafhing though with little water 3 enough 3 as in fprinkling. Numb. cap. 19. 12.13. 18.19.20. 21. is expounded to be warning, Heb. 19. ic. Matth. 3. John had his raiment of Camels hair ? and a leather girdle about hfaloines : we read not that John or any other were ungirded to baptife or be baptifed. If that Eunuch voluntarily went into the water, that Nafydnefs a Snjire and Ab otn indtion* 147 that was not his baptifm, but his baptifm was in Chap. 12. what he received there by philips aft to baptife him : It was neither neceffary nor likely tobetotall immerfion in his apparell 5 nor is there any dif-ap- parelling of the whole body mentioned or implied 5 But rather according to the falhion of that Eaftern Countrey wherein they had onely Sandalls on their feet flipping them offthey might wade into the wa- tered by afperfion , or perfusion > receive a watrie token by the hand of facred Miniftery betokening their faith in the promifed affiftance of the Holy Ghoft for cleanfing their fouls inwardly by vertu of Chrifts Prayer for fan&ification in his Covenant, Luke cap. 3. 21.22. Did not the Baptift in fuch Prophetique fenfe of humiliation proteft, j am not worthy to untie the latchet ofkisfljoes} in ferviceit may feem prepafato- rie for fuch his Baptifm-Evidence. Enough of that Faftern fafliion. Lukey. 44. simon feefi thou this woman fje hath wafied my feet with teare* and wiped them with the haires of her head jfi nee the time I came in Jhe hath not ceafed to kifs my feet , Luke 24. See my hands and my feet that it is I, John 13. He wafjed the difciples feet, Atfs 12. Peters Sandalls argue the like fafhion^ as they had another gefture otaccubitvs at their laft fupper not required at ours : now fuch ' Nationall Circumfrances being not effentiall by in- ftitution for all 3 And the fick unfit to be dipt in a River might be baptifed though they difpairedof recovery. So that their Counfellors in Phyfick gave them off as dead in judgment of Art, 1 Cor, 15. Envieft thou that Children (hould have the benefit of like help and -care for their weaknefs ? Rather V 2 approve 1 48 Nakgdnefs a Snare and Abomination > Chap. 13. approve their fprinkling for convenience of their baptifm, than difprove their baptifm for fprinkling upon fo manifold urgencies of reafon in holy writ } about what Ghrift rent to Nations after publique Nationall advifement and confent of lawfull au- thority, tendernefs of goodconfcience may confide in Regular Obedience to Christian guidance, which God blefs unto them that need 3 as this Countrey difputant humbly prayeth in charity with zeal a- gainft deceivable contradiction. . CHAP. XIII. Objed. About the word of Faith, Rom . 10. Numb. 1. Anfwer ,It is the Pa- rents faith for them and their Children: proved by all the four Tefiimonies there alleged out of the old Teftament, Ifaiah 52. Dcut. 30. Numb. 2. God accepeth Infants among penitents after example of the Ninivits to which the word of faith referretb > Rom. 10. by Cbrijl exceeding Jonah. Numb. 3. Infants indnied m thofe that call upon God ObjeSiion agdin ft Children* belief Anfwered* 1 49 God proved by the Teftimonies alleged, cha P- 1 3- Rom, NUMBE'R. T. a>^X^^^^&c» He word of Faith proovcd to take H^ hold ofChildren at Baptifm by all the four teftimonies of holy Pro- phets alleged in that very tenth Chapter to the Romans: as Virfe 15. [Hon? beaut 7 full are the feet of them that p reach the Gofpell of peace, £■] which ifaiah foretold of Chrift in Angular, How beautifull are the feet of him that publiilieth peace? Chrift" and his Minifters in his name preach the fame Gofpell of peace , and that too applyed by Baptifm as followeth in that fame 52. Chapter of ifaiah } Be yee clean yee that hear the vejftlls of the Lord: yeeare the greater veflells, But yee bear the leifer veflells to be made clean by fprinkling with water , fo fhall he fprinklemany Nations. YeeMi- piften of fuch good newes remember it is for little young ones as well as old,inaccomplifhment of what God promiftd to his People aforetime when they went into Egypt to fojourn there. Behold al- ready prepared fo^you ( in« the fourth verfe of that Chap.) a Prophetique light of Reference to Geneps 46, 47. where God faid to Jacob , : I IB* God of thy Father will gee with th>;e into Egypt 3 nnd will aiffure- ly bring thee up ag tine 5 thereupon Jwoh aro/e and his fonns carried him and their little Ones, as in Event through the Red Sea figuring Baptifm : So the Prophet ifaiah there Chap. 5 2. forefhewed t he- return to Zion; Awah$ 1 5 o Word of Faith appertained to Children. Chap. 1 3. Awake , awake , />»* thou wilt\ perform the truth unto Jacob , the mercy which thou hajU fworn unto our fathers from the dayes of old, C Infants included in thofe that 153 O true and mercifull word of faith to be believed chap. 13. by Parents (Jacob like)for them and their Children, Numb. 4. and byChildren alfo,tor themfelves and their Chil- dren age after age, through the deep myfteries of • Chrifts death , like pittas his paflage through the Sea, to preach the Word of God , fo wonderfull in effecl: ofmeicy toward Infants, thus interelTed in the benefit of Chrifts death applied by Baptifm, Rent. 6 . according to that word of ta\th,Rom* 10.8. , according alfo to the prayer, of faith in the 1 3 verfe Hume. 4. of that chapter, grounded upon promife from Joel's Prophecy, where after preparatory monitions in the i chap. 3. 1 4. hear this ye old men (tell ye your Chil- dren and their Children another generation : SanUify yee a faji , call afolemn Affembly 3 gather the Elders , all the Inhabitants of the land to the tioufe of the Lord your God 3 and cry unto the Lord Chap. 2. 16.) who re- quireth Children to be gathered into that holy pray- erfull AfTembly fto fill up the cry) Rom. 8. 26, £ The Spirit helpeth our infirmities , andmaketh inter- cejfion for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."] If the ftrongeft are glad to plead infirmities , how can any deny the benefit of infirmity to the more infirm by the Spirits unfpeakable help £ Without fpeech,as a feed-root or principle inwardly moving • in Children fo required to cry by the Lord,who pnt- teth teares in his bottle as precious,and fighes in his regifter as prayers of immortall foules of his own appointing, his mercifulnefs excelling infinitely the tender companion of Mothers and Nurfes,w-ho day and night fatisfy the necefiities of Infants upon their cryes as Prayers efficacious for help unto them- felves 3 and ufually procuring helps of mercies to X their j** call upon God. Chap.1%. their Mothers and Nurfes alfo by fuch cryes. Num. 4. Secondly the cryes of Parents and others com- panionate friends in prayers for the Children \ and the cryes of Gods Minifters in Prayers for both Pa- rents and Children,and the cries of the High 'Priefts in prayers for them all 3 and for fanctification of all their prayers as was ufed every day , much more all (then in great dangers) were in that folemn alTem- bly to cry for prefervation of all 3 in their feverail .duties united as one man for better acceptance of their prayers in love, to the greater praife of the Lord God their preferver: who for preferring the whole families ofjfrael accepted the firft born , as holy to him from among the old 3 Humb. cap. 18. i 5. And for each firft born his holinefs accepted a Levit to fer ve the Priefts 5 and the Priefts to offer facrifice upon the Altar 5 and prayers 9 and over them the High-Prieft daily to offer prayers as Incenfe on the Altar of Incenfe in the holy place 3 with fire taken from the Altar wherein the Lamb was offered for a daily burnt Sacrifice? fignificative of the death of Chrift j to be offered by the fiery zeal of Chrifts love for redemption of young and old : All this be- ing implied by the utmoft earneftnefs of the Priefts, as Minifters of the Lord 3 crying in prayer between the Torch and the Altar (cap. 2. 17. of Joel.) Thirdly 5 the Spirit ( who knoweth the tecrets of God) intended all this for the blelTing there pro- mifed as moft needfull for all the members requi- iit in that crying affembly to be fan&ified by the Spirit : J will four out my Spirit upon all flejh all forts which the Lord required to be prefent in that affembly : Sucking- Infants being required there ef- pecially. Fourthly Infants included m thofe that i 5 5 Fourthly , that promife of the Spirit intended Ct *ap. 13 • obedience in the fcafon of Children from age to^ w ^« 4* age, as itappeareth y A&s 2. by application or that- promife upon the very day of Pentecoft, when the nrft born were to meet at Jerufalem as an holy pre- fentativeofi/nze/., Exod.2^. it being the very day wherein the law was formerly given at Sinai, with two gracious Allaiesof Evangelicall mercies by Co- venant in prcfent acceptance of Children , becaufe of Gods love to their parents , Deut. 4. 37. and ex- pe&ativefaithfulnefsofChildrens duties in future feafonsasthey that mould grow able to learn from parents and Minifters of Gods Word, Deut. cap. 5. 2 3 28, 2*9. the Lord our God made a Covenant with us in Horeb fpeak thou+ntouf all that the Lord our Godfiallfpea/^ unto thee , and we will do it And the Lord faid y the People have fpo ken well -0 that there werefuch an heart in them Alwjies , that it might be well with them and with their children after them for ever, Deut. cap. 6. 2 7- 20, or els- wheremore largely : Now in the fenfe of Joels pro- phecy thus opened, Almighty Godaccepteth the Prayers otlfrael'm that folemn Ailembly for Infants as required in the common cry through the Spirit helping infirmities (wayes unutterable,) And as one with their firft-born brethren, One with their ParentSjOne with their Deputy-Levites, One with the Minifters , and One with the High-Pried: Offi- ciating before the Lord for a memorial! of all ths Tribes of if r ael and their members as One man. Fiftly, This holy Prophetique Spirit of Prayer- full unity prepared for "'Infants baptizing actively and paiiively? Actively, Lukp 1. 10. the multitude X 2 of iij£ call upon Cod. Chap. \%. f the people were praying without at the time Nftfftb. 4. of Incenfe offered by Zachary the Prieft,upon whofe prayer the Angell brought the glad tidings for con- ception of John that was to be Baptizer in the Spirit o.iElias,to turn the heart of Parents to their children, and the heart of children to theirParents,fo joyning the end of the old Teftament with the beginning of the New as one in this fubftance of holy Covenant for union betwixt Parents & Children and betwixt People and Minifters of the Lord in prayer. Pafli vely 3 A&s 1.14. ihefe all continued with one accord in prayer, and chap. 2. They were all with one accord in one place on the day of Fentecofl ^ when the Holy Ghoft defcended , and refer faid , This is that which was fpo^en of the Prophet Joel Repent and be baptized, for the promife is-to you and to your Chil- dren — - — for applying ^e benefit of rhe promife, take the feal for ailurance thereof. The feal is Bap- tifrtVo 'Be ye baptized therefore applying the bene- fit of the promife to you and your Children even fuch as were meant in the promife which God made when He called for Infants fucking at the breads to partake in theblelling promifed. As by vertue of Chrifts prayer*, his prayer for the Spirit on the Baptized , and for fulfilling all righte- oufnefs by dealing for them who need, as all need him both fmall and great,for remiffion of fin, Matth. 3. Chrilr his prayer for them whofoever (hall be- lieve in after generations, and that the world might believe, John 17. 20, 2 1 . Chrift his prayer at death for them who knew not what they d\d,Luks 23. on. the tree of the Crofs, promifing Paradife and open- ing way thereby to the tree of life in which he graf- feth the baptized. The Infants include din thofethat 157 The prayer of Chrift at the right hand of God , Chap. 13 • his continual interceilion able to favetotheut- Numb.^ termoft T * * wl ' Ji A * f to all ends for Young and Old that come unto God by him,/fr £.7. 2 5.in his Prieft- hood after the Order of AIelchiz,edeck> bieffing Abra- ham Father of the faithful, in whofe blelTed Seed he believed that all Nations were to be fa ved before he had any Seed, God calling things to come, as if tfiey were already jfuffer little Children to come to me faid Chrifh how? by their Parents or friends arms bring- ing them to Ghrifts Arms, m the nunc of eternity, which verifieth the future in words prae- terit, Rom. 8. whom he hath pr if thou comprehended not, re- prehend not, CHAP. 1 60 Obj . About putting on t&^/j a t Baptifm Chap. 14. ***•*• CHAP. XIIII. Ob;e&. Numb. 1. About putting on Cbrijl at baptifm Gal. 3. ^Anfwered. Numb. 2, Objed. About the an- Jwer of a good confcience, accommo- date. Number 1 . ^GcommodationiChrift was put on them, when they were baptized to be Mem- bers of his myftical body the Church, to be covered with the Garment of his Rightecufnefs, through the merits of his blood- ilied to waih them from the guiltinefs of /in in his name, as their furety paying their debts, and be- comming a Mediator of the new Covenant betwixt God and the faithfull , according to their prayers of faith in that Covenant of mercy , to them and to their Children, through Chrifl: his right eoufnefs, applied unto them in Chrifl: , when Baptized in his holy name} fo made one my fticall Chrifl:, by his good pleafuretohaveintereft in him& hisrighte- oufnefs; And trufting in that alone, and glorying in that alone, as called thereunto, yea & known to be the trueChurch of Chrifl:, by profefling it for her felf and all her true Children, as the Prophet of the Lord forefhewed in praifeof the Covenant of mer- cy that endureth for ever, Jerusalem Jballdnell fafely 9 arid Anftvtred. i£t and this is the name wherewith fie fiall he called [The Chap. H« Lord our righteoufnefs ~] Jcremia 33. y6. Ours : mo- Numb. I. theily dear affecYton holding faft her young under her beft garment;, and moft precious ornament 3 her husbands heavenly good pleafure D for adorning and fubbrachiating them neer to his heart 3 under his white garment of love 3 both fafely together. Loe the Son of Right eouj lnefs 9 Malach. 4 Chrift his Face fiin- ing as the Sun 3 Rev. chap. 1. Rev. 12.1. 3.17. The Sun Clothingthe woman pregnant D and pained to be delivered of her Man-child : after which the rem- nant of her feed. So Jerufalent the mother of us all according to the analogic of Sarah and her young Ifaac in Covenant of Grace , a Covenant of faith : the Parents faith believing the promife before the Child was born , and afterwards all the time of his Minority 3 for example of all Nations to be blefTed in him 3 K^«/.chap.4.i6 3 i7,24,2 5. bleffedly believing the Covenant of Grace by faith about a Child and to a Child for the time to come , faith imputed for righteoufnefs unto Abraham as believing the pro- mife 3 and faith to be imputed unto the Nations for righteoufnefs in believing Chrift to be raifed from death for Juftification of them and their young Children in that Covenant to blelTed Ifaac as a pat- tern of grace in that allegory. For contempt whereof ifmael caft out of the fa- mily became a pattern of the ifraelits 3 and that bloody Jerufalem, degenerated into the condition of Hagar. Take heed of mocking at the Covenanted intereft of the young 3 by God judged perfecution there. Gal. cap. 4. 29. 27, Now we bethren are Children of the Y fro- 1 67 Qbje. About the Anfrver of a good Conference Chap. 14. promife as Ifaac was , before he believed a&ual- Nttwb. 2. ly 5 by vertue of his Father Abrahams faith : fo we by rertue of the faith of our parents and ghoftly Fa- thers, minifters ofChrift his Church, by vertue of Chrift. h : ; Commiffion for admitting all Nations at baptifm in his Name* fo putting Chrift on the faith- full and their Children. Ghrift was put on them at baptifm who were then not to be Circumcifed^Rut thejewes children were not then to be Circumcifed, Therefore the Jewes children had Chrift put on them then : If yon be Circumafed Chnfh /ball profit you nothing ^ yen are fallen from Grace j to which you were called in Chrift whom you have put on at baptifm 3 out of whom you fall again ifyouareCircumcifed sThey that are freed from Circumcifion have Chrift put on them at baptifm h Children are freed from Cir- cumcifion j Therefore Children have Chrift put on them at baptifm ? their freedom is in Chrift put on at baptifm hjhnd in the liberty vchinwith Cknji hath made you free. The wifdom of the Holy Ghoftie- proved the Qalat brans as if they were bewitched in refilling the grace of fuch liberty for them and their children in Chrift fiom the bond that was fured for ever, on them not to be exonerated , but in my ftery by fome higher verification of Chrift put on : and that putting on is by Covenant of union with Chrift in fpirit at baptifm in his name. Numb. 2. 2. Obj. 1 ret. 3. That which now faveth us is the anfveer of a good confaence , like Noah his Ark?- Accommodation 5 Thebenefitofthat prefervation was to us all 3 young and old, preferved in Noah and Iiis forms then , but by the fatherly providence of Anfrvered. 1 6y of Noah, praifed, Hebr. chap. n. Noah by faith being warned of God of things not fern c " a P* J 4* (then) as yet moved with fear prepared an Ark for the ™Mmb. 2. faving of his Family, by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteoufnefs which is by faith : faith in believing 3 what? Godspromife or Cove- nant Co to fave him 8c his family : Faith about what things , unfeen £ about the flood, and.about faving them of his family then unfeen 3 as unborn (it may feem ) or but new born $ when he began to prepare for the prefer vation of himfelf &ofhis family to the condemnation of unbelievers , when he preached unto them Gods righteous anger againft finfull man- kind : Anger revealed, when? in the next words precedent, Noah was five hundred years old, and he begat Sem , Bam , and Japhct : Sem about two yeares after. Sem an hundred yeares old two yeares after the flood, Gen. 11. and the flood came in the fix hundredth year of Noah his life,Ge«.7. by which In- terpreters argue Japhet to be elder , Noah begetting Children about the 500. year of his age, about his beginning to prepare for their prefervation by faith in Gods Covenant^ afterward eftablifhed with him and his that entred into the Ark 3 1 Pet, 3. to the praife of Gods longanimity, long patience , in the dayes of the Ack prepared, v- **HV* 9 the long affe- ction of God expecting thetriallon the one fide of the difobedient (corners, and on the other fideof ripening obedience unto the Covenant which the Father in faith had undertaken for his Childrens prefervation by water h k , Cm , to which the Gorrefponding Antitype in baptifm that now fa- veth uSj nowpreparethus to be faved in fellowship Y 2 with 1 6± Objc&l About the Anfwer of a good Conference Cktp. 1 4. with Chrift everlaftingly , by v irtue of his Refur- re&ionto raifeus up again j Not the putting away the filth of the fkfh , as by warning, which is the outward tokens but more principally 9 the Spiritu- all pait in duties ofagoodConfcience, Asking, Sti- pulating, Interrogating, Anfvvering, as the word is diverfly tranflated upon fuppofall of thefe divei fe fignificationsj all contained in this word, 'v^a-nt** from impal** to ask Cod or Man , to ask God in Prayer, as Chrift implyeth, Ioh. 16.26. and Luke 7. 3. in that word was the Petition that Chrift would fave or prefer ve. 1. In this alowed fenfe at Baptifm 5 as the Mini- fter afketh in prayer unto God, So the Parents or their Supplies afk in their prayer unto God for the baptized, and the baptized Infants afterwards are to afk in praying for themfelvs. 2. This is to be the prayer of Faith, believing the Covenant in Gods holy Name at his Command for baptizing all Nations. 3. This prayer of Faith in obedience to Gods command? and in belief of Gods Covenant, im- plieth thofe Ads of Duty to be covenanted in fea- fons refpedrively , fo to pray and believe as in truth each of their bounden duty. 4. This refpedtive covenanting for Acts of their own duties, implieth alfo Stipulation Minifteriall and Paternall. The Minifter in the name of the church, under whofe Charge, Nurture and Educa- tion the Motherhood of holy church admitteth and fealeth the baptized among her children as Gods children by his Ordained, and her trufted Minftery, may befaid to.^e ftipulatei undertaking. Anfwered. 195 her part in the Covenant betwixt Chrift and his Chap. 14. young babes 5 for whofe Future fidelity their Fa- Num. 2. thersalfo may be Sponfors to ftipulateand under- take the Vow of Duty for their Children , thatin acceptable time the Children may with their own gratefull confent be bound to perform and ftipulate for their Children, in faithful] nefs, tofandify the perpetua-11 fruit fulnefs of Holy Church. 5. This holy ftipulatingor undertaking by way of furety needeth and therefore implieth Interro- gation, to mind of thefe duties. As what dofk thou heteElialj'm Spirit forerunning thebaptizer? and Secondary baptizers interrogating Sureties^ and both Minifters and Sureties afterwards interroga- ting the baptized in Catechifm for confent unto he vows in their names. 6. By fuch needfull Interrogations, intending V dthfull anfwersof a good conscience unto God , lat the baptized with their own after- confent , lay willingly ftand bound in the promifes and 'owes as it was before covenanted for them. 7. There is intended alfo fteking in prayer unto rod for grace, that fuch anfwer of a good confci- ?nce with thefe other duties may effectually pre- pare the baptized in faith ofthe Covenant-bleffing bbefavedby the t\efutrecl:ion of Chrift jefus mi- dlife everlait'mg. 8. The Notion of all thefe duties being all com- jized by virtual! Implication in the large fenfe of tis r^fatuf^t the word here fignifying virtuall Qgagement of faith in a good con fcience, for fil- ing the baptized through all Future extremities, a'i thefe tranflations accord in truth, ^correfpond- ] Y % , ing -: 1 66 Ob). Al 'out the Anftver of 'a good Confcience Ghap.\\, j n g as t h e fubftamiall Antitype of what was fha- Num. 2. dowed by that outward prefervationofN^and his Children , it inferreth excellent comfort in our baptifmall covenant for Infants In believing and glorifying God for his longanimity } would yee rob him of his glory which the wifdom of the Holy Ghoft would have betokened unto pofterity by the token of his everlafting covenant in the Rainbow ? in remembrance whereof he might be faid for his Ifraelites fafety to baptize them in the cloud and ir the Sea 3 when the token of his prefence by covenant of mercy led them through the red Sea into the wiL dernefs ? as they went through the waters of Jordan into the land of Promife D fo when they were to re turn into the land of promife at their deliveranc from Babylonian captivity the Prophet EzefyelcaK I. faw the appearance of a Rainbow again at Gh- bar the river running into Euphrates s whofe wates were divided for fafe paffage of Cyrus their del- verer 5 by drying the water 3 as Jfaiah had prophecies chap. 44. 273 28. andthap. 54.8. I will hive mere upon thecfaith the Lord thy Redeemer ^for this the wa ters of Noah to me . Luke chap , 17. As it was in th days ofNoahfofiallit be in the days of the Son of Matt. Noah in his Artificiall Whale above water , Jon/ in his living Ark under water , figured Chrifliinte deep of Death for our fins 3 yet arifing again for or Jufti fixation : in truth whereof the Spirit of pr- phecy might fay , the Lord our God will cajl all thir Sins into the depths of the Sea 3 Micah 7. Enough o Baptize us all from our fins : all repenting after ec- ample ofNimvehytftsy and their children., of wh;h fee our chapter 13. CHAP. Obje. About PraSlke anfwered. CHAP. XV. \6j Chap .15. Nu/ab.i. ObjeSt. Numb. 1. About pra&ice. Ac- comodat. praBue fuppofed upon proof of right by the commiffion in generall, and infpeciall hy twelve teftimonies in the new alleged out of the old. Numb, 2, The pra&ice affirmed in generall: no exprefs for rejiraint in right or pra&ice : filence no difproof Numb. 3. More for -proof of pra- ctice in the Apojlles time by > observa- tions out of antiquity. Obi. Number, i. F it had been prophecied of Chrifts time, it would have been pra&ifed in Chrifts time. But what warrant of the writ- ten word for that ? Accomod. Enough many ways already noted here. 1 Chrift his generall Commiffion for the Miniftry to baptize all Nations as the fign of their fubjedli- onto the Kingdom of Ghrift, Infants being fuch parts of the Nations as have right unto the King- dom Obj. About Pra&ice anfrvered. dom of Chrift by Chrift his warrant , and by Chrift his interpretation ,all being required before their entrance into his Kingdom to be born of water and of the Spirit, which is the New birth of the bap- tized . 2. More fpeciall commiflion about Infants open- ed, by comparing the teftimonies of holy Prophe- cies alleged out of the old , and applyed to baptifm in the new Teftament a as above difcourfed 5 for In- ftance : 1. Comparing Efaias cap. 8. 4. 16. 18. alleged Heb. 2. 13. Infants were fealed Difciples as fignes to {hew that Chrift would fandtify fuch in his Church -. to be his brethren ( in the name of the Father cal- led on them at baptifm.) 2. Rom. cap. 15. 12. alleging Efaias cap. 11. where Infants meet at the'fign or enfign of Chrift with Vi- pers to be changed as the fign of baptifm, applied Matth.^. 9. John Baptift for warrant of his baptifm , to prepare a people for the Lord, alleging Efaiat cap. 40. where the Lord fpecially defigneth Infants among the people whom he will have 3 according to that Prophecy. 4. Chrift compareth his death three dayes to the three dayes- journey of Jonah through the Sea to preach the word which concerned mercy to Infants, And faith, there fiall none other figne be given ,none contrary to fuch mercy. 5. Ifrael a watered Garden Jfaiah 58 . 1 1 . A Gar- den having young Plants as well as old , applied to the Church at Baptifm , when they are Complanted, Rom,6 . as Willows by the water courfe,and as budds on 1 2 . Teftmomes in the New feftantent alleged 169 on which the bleffing is by proraife and the Spirit Chap. 15. on the Seed , ifaiah 44. 3, 4. Numb. I . 6. The acceptable year of Jubilee ( when Inhe- heritanceacrueth to Parents and their children, Xe- vit. 25.41. Efaias 6 1 .) fulfilled by Chrift, as He al- leged, Luke 4. upon his return from baptizing. 7. W hen he minded alfo the Spirit of his Fore- runner in Elias a Reliever of the young as well a* old with oil in figure of Grace. 8. The firft rruits fan&ifying the elder in pro* feflion and Prayer for young children, Dent. 26. ap- , plied by jf^w*/ cap. 1.18. 27. cap, 5. 16, 17. to make pure by the wafting ofRegeneration,T*f. 3. 5. John j.r. 5. if. 9. The Holy flock of Jacob diftinguiftied by marks through the Dams conception by reafbn of the party-coloured Rods in water 5 Figurative of Holy diftm&ion betwixt Infants marked unto the Gofpell- grace according to the Parents conception in prayers of Chriftian faith at baptifm , and others unbaptized: unclaimed by Chrift in his Righteouf- nefs> Mattb. 3.15, after his Forefather Jacob's ex- ample of Righteoufnefs in claiming only the mark- ed, Gen. 30. 33. I o. The Saviour otlfrael as a Shepheard faving young and olds His Arm {hall rule for Him (fiich as underftandnot yet his Word) with his Armes He will gather the Lambs* and carries them in his bo- fom 5 Ifaiah 40. 10, 11. the baptifm oijohn there being Prophetically premifed applied to Ghrift the good Shepheard. Lambs preceding the care of Sheep , John cap. ^ 21. Underftand our Heavenly Shepheards love feryour own pafturing 5 wafhing, Z an4 176 Out ofthe Old for Children* right* Chap. 15. and marking your Lambs? as your tender hearted Nm/». 2. Mothers by what you- do to your broods 3 your henns tochicken : So Chrift to your children and His. ir. Chrift granting to little children a right in the Kingdom or God, into which he faith that none can enter 9 except He /v born of water > and aft hi Spi- rit j thereupon by the Spirit blowing as the vpwd\ h called to mind that promife of his Prophet Ezekjel cap. 36. 25, 26. 1 vpfll fprinkte water upon you^nd you fldall be clean from all the filthinefs : And a new Spirit will J put into you 5 and chap. 37. A Spirit of life to re- vive the Children of ifraelfrom the four winds on the Quarters of the earth 3 blowing in events of Gods wrath again ft the obftinate 3 but in mercy to there- tuiiiing children of ifrael 3 and to their childrens children for ever. Rev. 7. At the prefentation of the four winds \ hurt is reftrained untill the children of Jjrael were marked in their foreheads 5 all that were td> befpared: Glxildrens children were to be fpared 3 while they were little } Therefore they were to be* marked into that prefervatiori y to "Within the fprink- l'ing of water by covenant in the Spirit. So come from the four winds., O Spirit, and blow upon the dead in fin >that they may be raifed ; fmall and great 3 unto the new life of grace. Ezek. 37.9. 24. a 5. Rev. 20.12. Amen. 12. For conclufion of baptifm from the promife- to them and their children Attsi. alleging the fe- cond of Joel 3 where God calleth for Infants, at the promife-making to pour his Spirit on all flefti : In-; rants are concluded in that promife performing at mmb. 2. baptifm*, Befides thefe manifold fpeciall reafons for^ pracYifing. FraStjce froved in generall words, 6j i pracVifingchildrensbaptifm , That practice was ex- Chap, if* prefltd in generall , Mark^ chap. l. 46. the land of Nftmb.%* JkdiCit went out , and they oi^trufalem were all bap- rized of him , confeffing their fins, (to wit Generall) the law then requiring and accepting confeflion in generalises. 16. verfe 21. 4. The Evangelift fuppofed that the world would not contein the books , if all (hould be writ- ten that J.efm did : Silence of holy writ therefore is not furlicient proof that there was no pra&ice of particular Infants baptized, if that be filence which noteth the women and children among the thou- fands that came to Ghrifc and had benefit in what he commanded s AfdJ?». 15. 35. \niMw» 9 the verb in- definite, from whence is derived x&ct/flpeb, (1 Thejf. 4.1 6i ) the word of command wherein the Lord will raife the dead, fmalland great (Revel, 20. 1 2.) unto which baptifm prepareth & interelTeth (Rom. 6. 5.) by vertue of Chrift his commarid, with promife of his pretence in baptizing to that end , as the ma- tter of a (Tiip for prefervation of fmall and great from perifhing by waters. 5. Refting in that excellent rule of Theology , That there is no fure hold for Chriftian people but the light of Gods word , all men being liable to de- ceive or be deceived , by report of errour or uncer- tainty yet Students in the Monuments of Antiqui- ty find many weighty graines for inclination of their Prudentiall Scales toward the reteining of Infant- Baptifm 3 asin accord with the practice of the Apo- ftles time,among the witneffes whereof is that con- tf Hffft g. felled antient book in the name of Denis the Areo- pagite 3 whofepraife is in the holy Scripture, a learn - Z 2 eel j j2- Notes out ofAntiqyiky Chap. 15. ed man,calied to be a Chriftian by report of Miracle Nn»t* 3. in fad , or probable obfervation of that Eclipfe of the Sun at noon- tide on the day of Chrift his pafli- on about the Pafchall full Moon. 6. The pra&ife of Apoftles is implied fo far , as their fucceflbrs praife Infant baptifm to bean Apo- ftolique Tradition : The firft traditors or writers whereof being fo antient , that their own immediat Fathersmight have converfed with John the longeft furviving Apoftle. 7. Antients both of Greek and Latin Church fo accepting the report of Infant-baptifm from the Primitive age, their agreement is a ftronger induce- ment of our credulity. 8. The firft Synod of Reverend Antients af- fembling in Gouncill to confider thereof approved Baptifm of Infants in the time of Cyprian, 9 . Jerome, who lived in the holy Land time fuf- ficient for Inquifilion , a diligent Inquifitor of A- poftolique pra&ices there, approved infant- Bap* tifm as derived from their times. Augujlin agreeing with Jerome therein , are of much efteem for their excellent Adminiftration in the Church of Chrift. Hence fame of Baptifm was more lowdly trumpeted, and the Church of Chi ift enlarged mightily thereby. 1 o. Yea 3 God blefled the practice and do&rine of Child- Baptizing, alfo to purge the Church from the wicked Pelagian herefy : for as much as the ma- lady beings perceived j to wit childrens guiltinefs of jtdjtms Originall Sin, Faithfull Chriftians held it tfceir Paternall duty for abundant caution of fafety t© (peed the reroed^by baptizing children : l^ote in for fr oof of Infant Baptifm. \y ^ in thofe Antients how they grounded their pra&ice Chap, 1 6. in the holy Scriptures though fome diffef ed out of error, doubting of remiffion if they finned after baptifm. 11. It was the fate of the Roman Imperioufnefs to be fo long unbaptized untill they were r^ady to be prevented by death : whereas their baptifm mould have fealed them from the temptations of Satan that affe&ed to ufurp them as his Inltruments, inadvancesofthefatall accurfed Komm Myfteiy : Think what it is to have the Seal of Chrift, for re- ftraint of Satan 3 (Rev. 20. 5.) by vow renouncing his works and fnares 3 for munition of the baptized. 12. The practice of Child-baptifm having con- tinued throughout all ages by fucceflion 3 Chriftian prayer had joyes in comfortable hope of bleiling by fo fucceeding from the Apoftles 3 with whom our Saviour promiied to be ( Mttth. 2S. ) unto the end of the worldjto witin thefucceflbrs of the Apoftles Miniftery 5 baptising and teaching as Chrift com- manded for all Nations and all times unto* the worlds ends. CHAP. XVI. Numb. 1. Ob;cd. About the reflraint of commiffwn (Mattb. 28.) to the Apoji/esr Anfwery/ extendetb to their Succejjbrs in the Miniftery, bylaw/nil Ordination proved by ten notes, Num. 2. How that Succeffion was uninter- rupted, and Cbrift hispromife perform- ed, in event before the reformation, and infpeciallour Englifti ordinary Mini- fiery was preferved from the ob)eUed Apofiacy , or depth ofAntichriftianity, by the blejfed providence of God to bis Glory. Numb. 3. Why the new Dip- pers Miniftery not warrantable 3 and their form ofBaptifm unfufficient to fhut out Satan , or bind ] him up, or to SealChrifiians from his power: after they have let loofe that HeUifh Enemy, by rmouncing their former Baptfmal vow toforfaty theDevill &his worlds. Number. 1 . Obj.jp> kpM&d gtokHri ft promifed to be prefent with his Apoftles 5 in whofe age many great things were to be done 3 for defhu&ion of .the Temple, defolation of "Jerusa- lem by an Army 3 dilTolution of the Judiciall Government there} In Senfe whereof, the The Comiifliottj'MAt 2 8 . the continmll. 1 7 5 the A potties admoniihed the Jews as then in the chap. 16. laft times yea, that it was the laft hour 3 and that Numb. i. the ends of World were come upon them. The name of the World maybe retrained unto the then prefent Age or Seculum D a fignification not unufuall of «'<^> the word there. An[)v. The words in Greek 'are all daycs", .•AdAiiyJc^A TYii cwl e -tetai y to the rimming, con- fummation, or accomplishment of all which Chrift commanded to be taught, believed, and to be done in all Nations, as his Difciples by teachers and bar- riers in Event, as Conclufiohs, Effects, and Inferen- ces from his all Power in Heaven- and Earthy All is ciien to me 9 Go ye therefore •> Lo I am with you all daies to the end for perfedive fMftiment of the World through efFedtuall prefenceof my Power in Spirit and truth. *Amen> Oar Saviour had foretold his departure, and was profeffedly departing even then from his A - pottles'? Therefore his promife was riot for the con : tinuance of his bodily prefence* vvith them, nor of their bodily * pre fence to. the end iTerV'iriten" ded. The woes tfrreatned for their rimes, he calleth the begimng of Sorrows, implying for the Future long- lafting calamities 5 baniihment ; 6'f the jewsfbtft ot^ their Land,oppreiiion in other Countries , and diC fipation to the four winds, and yet the Generation or Kindred of the lews not utterly to pafs in end- lefs mifery, but to be delivered 'a'ndcalled fro'&i'the four w inds in the end, when the times of: the Gen- tiles are fulfilled, by the free graceof God enliven- ing them from the death of fin and unbelief, to a 1 7 6 The CoMniffion, Matth- 1 8 . continual. Chap. \6. lively Faith in Chrift through the Seed of his holy Hum. I. Word fru&ifying to a plentifull harveft; which Chrift himfelf Lord of the harveft calleth the end of the World, CMath. 13. 39. &""***'* *««''•'*'' the very fame word in the fame fenie ufed, as in this promifeof his prefence with them to the end} in the fuccefiion of their minifteriall Authority by Chrifts his afliftance promifed to them, and in them ;, to their lawfull Succeflbrs , rather than to their perfonall Operation onely , which continued not unto that end of the Great harveft , the full In- gathering of Jews and Gentiles in Chrift, to the Glory of his Spirit by the Miniftryof Glory dif- penfing the Gofpell of Glory in the Face of Jefus Chrift, untill Chrift be all in all 5 Agratious pre- fence of his holy Spirit affifting , ordering and bleffedly fandifying all after his will in Piety, Cha- rity and unity to his Glory before his advent to Judgment jin awe whereof the Apoftle fo befeeched the Tbejfalonia*/, 2. epift. chap. 2. About or by the comming of our Lord Jefus , and by our gathering together unto him^ kmetui*yaiyn<. not to be Jhaken in mind , or be troubled 3 as that the day of Chrift is at hand, for before that day, the Man of fin was to be revealed , two wayes , One in virion difcovering the time, place,and manner of his arifing , the other in operation , according as the vifion forewarned j books are writ ten of both. Onely take here a littlegleaning,ifto thepur- pofe. Before that Vintage and Harveft of Jews and Gentiles gathered under the victorious Rider on the white horfe , by name the Word of God , Rev. 19. A voice of accufatioa was heard againft the feren- Proved by i o. Notes out Scripture. i yy feven-hilled city , for that in her was found the Chap. 16, blood of Saints and of all that were ilain upon the Num. I. earth, amongft whom there were of the Apoftles: Chrift forewarning Peter by what death, he (hould glorify God , and fecured not John from death as it was mif-reported, but faid, what if I will that he tarry till I come} Holv writ praifeth a threefold comming of Chrift." 1 . In appearance of vifion,as revealed to John. 2. In efficiency of the holy Spirit at fan&ifica- tion ofjewesand Gentiles in the day of their full conversion to the Kingdom of Chrift on Earth. 5. At his coming from heaven in great glory > to which Minifters ferve , and are prefer ved in order of Succeffion from the Apoftles. God in mercy give us amongft his faithfull fer- vants humble eyes of fincerity to fee what he hold- ethoutby Apocalypticall prefencefor warrant and affiftance of Minifteriall duties in fuchorderof fuc- ceflion untiH the finifhing of his Church by his com- ming the latter two ways, in accomplifbment of his Prophecies for the fulnefs of his Church and his glorious day of Judgment. The Angelf of Chrift, or vifionall appearance of Ghrift, in his office of Truft as adminiftring the Revelation, holdeth out many waves the manner and praife of fucceffion in tr*e Servitours about the Throne of Chrift , revealing in the fourth Chapter to John in the Spirit what muft be hereafter, Jis7 , oportet , it ought to be. 1. Bythe vifion of 24. Elders attendingabout the Throne 3 throughout the Revelation , in effica- cious accomplishment of Spirit, verifying the Type A a of 1 78 The Commijfion > Mattb. 1 8; continual Chap. 16. of fuceefliveMinifters elect for Gods fervice,i Chro. Nam, 1. 24^ 2. By vifion of the Minifteriall attendants on four fides of the Throne : in reference to the fuccef- five Miniftery on the four fides of the Mercy-Seat on the Ark of Covenant , in the book of Numbers chap. 3. 3. By vifion of feven lamps burning before the Throne 3 in Spirituality fulfilling what was typed by the feven lamps ordained by God to be kept burn- ing through the fucceffive Adminiftration of Mini- fters in the Temple,by facred intention of their con- tinuall prayers, with eyes toward God , in hope of his mercy 3 that his eyes may continually behold his people in all their neceflities nighrand day -, there- fore myftically called feven Eyes, and feven Spirit*, ?s breathing the peoples prayers unto Gods and Gods word of promifes to help the people. For which officious Adfpiration the feven- Spirits are joyned to the feven Pa ft or s by the Revelators right hand which he laid upon John , fo joyning them to- gether in Spirituall Myfterie 3 that all which have eares to hear (may) what the Spirit faith unto the feven Churches by their feven Paftours in Spirit, having not onely their feveraH Epiftles, but alfo the whole Revelation of Myfteries unto the end thereof from the Apoftle jM»*in Spirits ordered by Chrift myfticall the Revelator , at the beginning , and at the end of the Revelation attefted alfo by Ghrift 3 as having ek&ed thofe feven Paftours to be Pat- terns of fpirituall miniftery to the end : Not as if they were perfect without fault , but as that which Chrift reveleth to them ^ and about them, was to dire& Yrovedby i o. Notes out of Scripture. 679 direft the whole fucceffion of Miniftery to the end Chap.16. for confummafion of the Church , as a myfticall Numb.i. heavehby Chrift his gracious prefence, which there- fore holdeth out thofe feven Paftors 3 as feven Stars, in performance of what mined out by the Spirit of Prophecy es for the time of the new Go ven an roun- der which Ieremiah chap. 3 1 . 34, 3 5. iheyfhall teach no more every man hk neighbour , and every man bit brother , faying , know the Lord £ in fo faying alone every one (hall not efficiently teach another] £**,as they need, theyjhall be taught of God himfelf (in his teaching by his holy Spirit and his Word,in his Or- dinances of Miniftery ) Thus faith the Lord which giveth the Sun for a light by day , the Ordinancea of the Moon and of the Stars for a light by night ; thap. 33. 20, 21. Thus faith the Lord , If you can breaks my Covenant of the day , and my Covenant of the night , that there flould not be day and night in their feafon may aifomy Covenant be broken with my Mmifters. 4. By the name of Jezebel again Revel. 20. cal- ling to mind her fuperftition and prefumption in patronage of Mini fters that were not ordained ac- cording to the Lawes of the Lord then for right of fucceffion of the Miniftery: the prefumptuous breakers whereof through intrufion unblefled er- ring notorioufly were dreadfully blamed by Elias, and Elias (bid by the Lord ) annointed Eltjba to fuc- ceed in his room, and impofed his mantle on him, fuitable to his profeffion , & for performance there- of procured of his Spirit to be upon that his fuccef- four a double portion as hereditable , and as Elias was called Father, Father, by Elijha > Elifia was cal- Aa 2 led 1 80 the Cowmijjlon, Mdttb ■ a 8 . continual ch *p. 1 6* led Father Father in ifrad, having at his command Nhfff. 1 . Sons of the Pr6phets,Eye-witnefTes of Proof enough to teftify that fucceffion of Elias his Spirit to reft on Elifid} who diverted them from dependanceon ref- peds to the deceafed in body which they found unprofitable , that they rather attend to the fearch ofProphetique writing, as they lived in Colleges 3 to prepare for GicceiTion , as of Children after Fa- thers 3 in Prophetique learnings to adminifter aright the Word of the Lord unto his people, as in the ftill and fmall voyce regarding the (mall as his for grea- ter manifeftation of his glory , choofing to praife this fpiritof Elias as convenient for his forerunner John Baptiji and his followers by fucceffion in the Miniftery , to baptize in his holy name , without change of fuch novelties as are affe&ed by that old ghoftly enemy joyned with Jezebel, in that fore- warning to all which have eares to hear what the Spirit faith unto the Churches, Rev. 2. 24, 25. Un- to you , I fay , and unto the reft in Thiatyri , as ma- ny as have not known the depths of Satan as they fpeak , I will put upon you none other burden ,but that which you have already keep. 5. By the earthquake , Revel. 1 1. 19. after the Oath, chap. 10. for finifhing the Myfterie of God, as declared by the Prophets , the Prophet Zuhnry, 14. 5. Prophetically warning , fpecially to fly like as they fled in the days of King Vzziah , which Earth- quake Jofephus affirmetn to have been , when the Lord fmote King Vzziah with lepro(ie,forprefum- ing to do part of the Priefts Office in burning In- cenfe. 6. By the waters ilTuing out of Jerufalem there, Zach. Proved by i o. Notes ont of Serif ture. 1 8 1 Zach. 14. Rev. 22. from the Throne of the Lamb Ghap. tp. flaine., waters from under the threshold of the Tern- N««6. T. pie 3 Ezek- 47. as from the fervices of the ordinary Minifters in figure. 7. By vifion of the San<3:Uary D where to fan&ify the fucceffion of Minifters ordained 5 and ordaining others by a fpirituall fatherhood, for commendati- on whereof in Spirit andTruth correfpondent unto the Leviticall fucceffion 3 the wifdom of Prophecy by what had been in the old 3 aptIy foreihewed what fhould be in the new$aricl:uary 3 theGhu'rch ofChrift. the Lord of Glory 3 Cod of ifrael , £2^.43:2. %he Earth fiined with his glory. So the Spirit took^me up-— And behold the glory of the Lord filled the houfe , where the Priefts the Levites that be of the feed dfzadoch^ doe minifter,and chap. 44. yerie 15, 16, 23, 24. The Conns' hfZadock that kept the charge of my san&uary ( when the Children of ifrael went aftray ) they flail enter into my San&uary ? and they fhall come neeer to my Table to, Jllinifter unto me ^ and they ft all keep my charge 3 and they fhall teach my people to difcern between the holy and prophane^ and in Controverjie they flail fiand in judgment 3 and ihey fiall judg it according to my judgments : And they fidlt \eep my t awes and Statutes in all mine dffemblies j and they flail hallow my Sahbaths. Be- hold the Minifters of Chrifts Church in the look- ing glalTeof this figurative Orderly fucceffion from Zadock.s fourteen generations after Zadocl^ (Matth. 1 .yzadock having received that notable holy charge to take care that none fhoald intrude Dzza-Mke to ferve about the Ark. God mind us herein to fear the like confidering the San&uary open 5 and the Ark 1 8 1 *tbe Commtfpon^Asiih. ti.tke continuall Chap. 16. Ark, and lightnings, and voices 5 and thundtingsin Nftmb. 1. the Temple of heaven, heaven upon earth: The Church of Chrift in great and terrible tempefts C God help us.) Revel, 11. 19. Summaiie contents) but in event , Revel. 15. 8. The Temple was not opened for entrance untill the finifhing of the feven Plagues out of the fevenvialls; After the laft was powredout , a voyceout of the Temple from the 3 Throne faid [_It is dont, ] It is done : what was threatned about the plagues of fpirituall jEgypt&nd finncs of the wildernefs intruding into the Minifte- riall duties upon miftake of peoples holinefs, And about Babylon 'after the figure of the old tb^wfiom 9 the Minifters of Jfrael in their office fucceflively paiTed toward reparation of the Temple, figurative of Reformation : And another voyce from him up- on the Throne faid , It is done, lam Alpha and Omega> the beginning and the end^n teachings of the Church, And behold I come quickly 5 and my reward is with me , to give every man according as his workjhall be : And the Spirit and the Bride fay , Come. Behold even 10 untill Chrift his coming in Judgment his Ordinance in the Church as his Bride continueth, and that by fu.ch Minifters as Chrift ufed at the beginning. It appeareth thus they were JVkow/, minifters,imploy- ed in that cafe of fpirituall infliction upon him that wanted a wedding garment, Matth. 22.13. After o- thers were judged unworthy for their recufancy when formerly called *•**«(**>«, the Jewes : But af- ter many generations the xsxam^Iw/j they that had been called, to wit of the fame nation, came with their addition Aw*fc»'/* 5 a-ftsUagft in A j, W« - , to the full Communion with Chriftian Gentiles at the wed- ding Trwed by 10. Notes out of Scripture. 183 ding (upper of the Lamb,Rev. 19. his wife being the chap. 16. Church of the Jewes and Gentiles in Covenant otNumb. 1. Love and Mercy, Rom. 9. 24, 25, Hofea chap. 1. io, chap. 2. 15, 185 19, 20,23. I will give her the valley of Achor for a door of hope , and fie jhall fing there as in the dayes of her youth , and as in the day whenfhe came up out of the land of Mgypt ( under benediction of an orderly fucceffive prayerfull Miniftery) And in that day I will make a Covenant , and I will betroth thee un- to me for ever , in righteonfnefs 3 ~ and in judgment 9 affd in loving kindnefs , and in mercies , and I will fow her unto me in the Earth (a fcederall feed continued by fucceffion of Teachers) by whom I will fay to not my People , Thou my People 5 and theyfiall fay , my God : Efaias 30. 20, 2i 3 29. Thy teachers Jhall not be moved any more j thine eyes /hall fee thy Teachers , and thine tares Jhall hear a word behind thee faying : This is the way ^walk^yee in it: yee (hall have a Song as in the night when a holy folemnity is kept. Revel. 21. Hfc that fate on the Throne faid 3 It is done : And one of the (even(that powred out the laft plagues) faid^ I will ffcew thee the Bride the Lamb's wife 3 and he (hewed me that Great City the holy Jermfalem defend- ing out of heaven from God) and the wall of the City had twelve foundations^ in them the Names of the twelve Apo files of the Lamb : Hetherto Ghrift held his pro- mise to his Apoftles by his prefence with their fuc- cefibrs in building his Church on the foundati- ons in their names , and the beloved A poffiejohn hath countenanced the fucceffion of their miniftery from i the beginning of the Revelation unto the end. An&tothe like intent the blefled Apoftle Peter gave- 1 84 Cfirifthis prefence with chap. \6. gave charge unto his fellow Presbyters, to beconti- Numb. 2. nued for overfight of the Flock 5 untill the vifltation of (Thrift the Paftor and Biftiop of our Souls, Arch* Paftor of Paftors , to continue for manifestation of Chrifts Glory to the day of Eternity. Peter alfo de- clared it in the Afts 5 of Apoftolique duty, that an o- ther ought ( ^^oprtet ) to be ordained to the Mi- niftry from which Judas fell; And accordingly they ordained OKathias by their Suffrages implyedby the word No/Ira conjunttio ( falicei cum Cl.riftj ) nee mi feet perfonas nee unit fubjlaMias^fedatyeclus confoctat>conf$- derat lolstntates. This fenfe of holy my ftery being omitted by dark thoughts of Monks in their Cells, miftaking the magnificent words ofAntients 3 a new errour was hatched in the name of Tranfubftantiation never in publique Conciliar Authority monftred before the Councill of Trent. Then at Trent alfo was approved the fecond of Nice for adoration of Images,which flood condemn- ed in the Church about feven hundred yeares by the decrees of the Gouncill of Frankford condemn- ing that fecond of Nice 9 and preferring theGenerall Councill of Conjiantinople 3 which in the year feven hundred fifty and four, decreed againft the wor- ship of Images the firft decree of Generall Councill in matter of Controverfie betwixt us and Rome: which insinuated then with other novelties alfo fa- tally 3 whereof God forewarned in the Revelation , notwithftanding the manifold heavy grievances of good-meaning forefathers , and Petitions for, and Conciliary promifes of Reformations , abufes were eftablifhed for Lawes, and crrours of Opinion im- pofed for Articles of Faith 3 with peremptory pro- feflion of an Oath and bloody persecution , againft contrary Proteftants ? by the Popes Bull , actuating thus in his now pretended fulnefs ofSuper-conciliar authority , limiting the year 1 564. for obligation of all tobegin obedience under the definitions of faith and other Decrees of that Trent Councill 9 affecting tobethelaff 5 After which they prefumed, there {hoidd- Reformation in England. 187 fhould need no more definition nor declaration qEChap. 16. Generall Coimcill for Nations to meet in , as rivers Numb. 2. in the Sea. The dead Sea whofe waters are deadlyj Revel. 16. After which no more Sea, Revel. 21. 1. BleffedbeGod who kept us from tafting thereof by the Articles of our faith publilhed in the year 1 562. Our Reformation beginning on Saint John Baptijitfay ^ 1 559- as m love of the Baptifts Spirit for turning the difobedient to the wifdom of jufb primitive Fathers : to reform a Nation at once in their baptifmally vowed profeffion of Chriftian o^ bedience to faith in thecovenant ofnew birth with- out any recufant ; O faintly day of Chrift- worftiip- ping unity well according with the word and pray- er of Chrift , that they all may be one, John 17. 21. 1 Eli%. whofe Sages in Parliament having examined the complaints of Objectors , after deeper advife- ment 9 in great wifdom and piety eftablifhed our uioderat humble miniftery :with prayers and hope, ftudying how to blefs the people of God with peace and faving truth , in lawful) obedience eve- ry where for finishing by the holy Ghoft who began the fucceflion of Miniftery by that command [Let another take his office and charge."] Likewife the Apoftles Barnabas and ?ml ordained Minifters in every Church , Paul finally the Doctor of us Gentiles (and profelTed pattern of mercy for perpetuity with thanks unto Jefus Chrift our Lord for putting him into miniftery) illw.i. 2 Tim* 1. gave unto timothy this double charge : Tojiir up the gift which is in thee by putting on of my hands. And 2. chapter 2. Thou my Jon bejirong in the grace that is in the Lord Jefus , and the things which thm haji heard of Bb 2 me iS8 Clrifi his pefente Chip. 1 6, me by mart) rvitneffes the fame commit thou to faith/nil' Num. 3. wen who fhall be able to teach others alfo. Behold the praife , pattern , and ordinance of committing facredtruft in fucceffion of Miniftery for finifhing after intention of that good beginning, Eph. 4. Endeavouring to k^eep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. One Lord j one faith , One baptifm 3 but feveratl gifts for the perfecting oj the Saints 3 for the work^ oj the minifiery , for the edifying of the body of Chrijt in myftery revealed to his Apoftles,and Prophets j by the Spirit 3 that the Gentiles fhould be fellow heirs with the Jewes 3 and partakersof the fame promife in Chrift 3 by the Gofpell difpenfati- on of the grace of God 3 in the miniftery of G!ory 3 to the Glory of God > the rimming end of the world,to the end of its enduring: Both conteined in this pro- mile of Chrifts- prefence with his fervants in their commanded miniftery to the endot the world. .Aj»wr 3 the word which objectors would reftrain: to the Apoftles life-time alone , but the large fenfe is verified as by what is already noted in the Ante- cedents, fo by cleerufeofthe word in holy writ. The word «/*W t (Ephef. 3 . 2 1 . ) conteineth all Generations through which Pd»/wifheth Glory to God in the Church , and Titus chapter 2. the grace of God appearing that we fhould live fobei ly,righte- oufly 3 and godly in this now world (nunc, new) hin- dreth not the large fenfe of the world > there to fig- nifie fo long as thofe duties endure of living fober- fy 5 righteoufly, and godly 3 which are perpetual! du*- ties while men live in mortality before Chrifr come to Judge all } and while men marry in this world 3 Iiu\e 20. 34* which iruntillGhriftcome^L^e \j; iviih the fnccejpve Miniflry. l 8p 30. And while thelinagainft the Holy Ghoftis not Chap. 10. to be forgotten,A/4r^e 3. 29. and Matth. 12.32. Who- Numb. 2. focverfpeaketh againji thz holy Gbofl itfiall not be for- given him , neither in this world ,. nor, in the world to come : Both worlds are concerned in this promife of Ghrift his prefence with his Minifters in his Church unto the end or confummation , orfinifli- ment of the world. By their Miniftery (miming themfelves and the fouls of their chaige in duties preparative ,obfignative and apprehenlive to take hold of life everlafting in the world to come. Luke the 18. 30. Behold here gW, for the world to come., and «?/,»w,adje£Hvely for everlafting life, Heb. 9. 1 2. for everlafting redemption from evill , and the llhejf. 2. 16. everlafting confolation, according to the prayer and preaching of the Gofpell, whereby Minifters fave themfelves, and their hearers^ will they reftrain thefe everlaftings alio? Titus 1.2. God who cannot lye promijed before the world began : but hath in due time manifefied his Word through preaching according to the Commandment of God our Saving who will have his members , where he is 3 in happy manfions eternall in the heavens, 'John 13 . 2. Cor. 5.1. O enemy- fpirit, thou with fuch unbleft Cacocriti- cifmin vain atteifopteft to reftrain fuch eternity, and cut ofThumble and faithfull minifters,and their Flock jfrom the bodily prefence of Chriftin fuch Jo- call glory 3 by conformity to his glorious body, through the power of his , and our fellowfhip ofco- refurre&ion , as if he were not truth who told of Treafures where the Thief cannot Digg*. through , nor Sfe**/, and oibaggs that wax not old , a Crown of Glory thatfadeth not away for faithfull Paftours at the ap-- pearing 1 90 Chriji his prefence Chap. 16. pearing of Chrift their chief, iPet. 5. 4. Inheritance Numb, 2. uncorruptible in the heavens from whence thy fubtle malignity was call: down with thy fe&aries evill Angells examples of reprobate men: The God of peace will tread down Satan under the feet of Chrift 5 in Ghri- ftians, Ront.iS. 20. Chrift who faith., He that heareth . yen heareth me , And he that rejetteth you rejetfeth, d*,r /a ' ei * a8*7« d ifp lcafeth me. When the Difciples letumed with joy faying S Lord even Devills arefubjetf unto us through thy name j He f aid unto them , Behold , 1 give unto you power to tread on Serpents , and over all the power of the enemy , not as under the then head alone 5 but over all the power of the Seven-headed Dra- gon unto the end in the laft times alfo : Behold , I that have all power igwfa^authority^uke 10. (What ye fiall bind on earth fiall be bound in heaven") and what- foever ye fhail loofe on earth 3 fiall beloofedin heaven. So powerfully prefent is Chrift in Adminiftration of his Ordinances , his Minifters in his Name by his word and by his Spirit in prayer blefTedly and blef- fingly doe (hut out ofthemfelves 3 and out of all obedient members of Chrift 3 thee with thy malig- nant Sectaries •> and feal thee out by fetting on the feal of Chrift in everlafting Covenant of love , to fuch as by grace will believe and obey the Gom- mandements of Chrift in covenanted feafons? and minifterially by condudt of that Angell of glory, with the word of grace {hut up the Dragon that old Serpent theDevill Satan into the bottomlefs pit, though loofe too long already for want of fuch (hut- ting and binding in the great chain : God help us now by the word of Truth to bind his enmity faft in everlafting chaines in the fire of hell that never (hall be wkbthe fuccejfive Mwftry. ipt be quenched^&s'w , the fire goeth not out, * t&m-m^ chap. 1 6. the fire goeth not out 5 the fire goeth not out 3 the Numb, 2. worm dieth not, * tsm*^ endeth not 3 is not finifhed there •> here it may by doing what Chrift comman- ded his Minifters to teach in allured belief of his pro- mifed affiftance unto the finifhing of the world: But if neglected in this world never to be finifhed in the next world where they burn with the Devill and his Angells in chaines everlafting kMt< a another word for the Devills everlafting torment in hell to Hop the mouthes of his Critick gucekrifh ,, left by f*?&Afo miftake of the fame word which they urge to end Chriftsordinated Miniftery 3 they let loofe cheir li- centious curiofity 5 to think that the Devills tor- ment (hall be ended. And left by the like Criticall abufeofthiscu^ 3 the Devill alfo blafpheme Chrift his eternity who is God blejfedfor ever \u iimvttt. Rom, 9. 5. his going forth from everlafting 3 Michah 5. 2. by whom God made the woildsataW? and the De- crees of Predeftination and Elecl:ion,£e fore the foun- dation of the world^ Eph. I. 4, 5. Before the worlds be- gan 3 2 Tim. 1.9. King of the worlds , 1 Tim. 1. 17. whofe Kingdom hath no end : and his Trie ft hood no end AuMxfc., perpetuall 9 A Prieft without end of life,, «N«7 for that is unproptablefor thee, «Kven>Awen, > , 1 — 1 —. u € HAP. XVII, '. HuDTib. i . Anfwer to that other Obje&i- on about ingrafting dry fticfy, to whom Chrifi giveth life as in figure, dead man enlivened by the dry bones of IL* lifta. Numb. 2. Anfwer fo that a- bout wrong to the ele ft by offer of grpee to the reprobate >whem here is afcribed all Dry Jiickj ingrafing ,p 5 all the glory of efficacy to God in his c*jM7- grace and the blame of deficiency to men in all Numb. 5. Ob/c&. And anfwer, about grace of child-bapifm , bow con- fident with perfeverancyfince many baptised are nnjaved. Number i. iTher Objections have been fuffici- ently cleared in books of the more learned;, yet, left they may feem here to be declined , for their urgencies, a fyllable or two ofthem. Objeft. Infant-baptifm ingraff- eth dry fticks 5 and incorporateth dead members in- to Chrift. Accom. Elifha by the touch of his dead bones rai- fed up a dead Man, 2. Kings 1 3. In figure of Chrift who cured the withered hand, the blind eyes 3 the deaf ears , and raifed up the dead body: wonder not at our hope of Refurre&ion in Spirit to a new birth at baptifm by the merits of Ghrift dying for us all his Enemies to redeem us from death in our fins. ObjeB. The Do&rineof Child-baptifm profaneth ^ Hm \ )i 2 this privilege of Elect Saints, as if it were common to the reprobate. Out of miftake, as if redemption of all Particulars were meant in the words of holy Scripture 3 which intends but all Generalls verified Gc 2 in I p tf Objcft. Wrong to the EteSi , fy <:/>*/>. 1 7. in that Tome of all forts are accepted, as Electro be N* i maximefidelinm^ the Saviour of the faithfull in the higheft. TheSuperlativefuppofeth to ward others a Po- sitive and Comparative degree of mercy to glorifie God as Saviour of all , though of the faithfull in a fuperabundance of excellence, 1. Tim. 4. 10. 5. Falfe teachers bring in damnable herefies,c- ven denying the Lord that bought them, and bringnpon ihemfelvetfwift damnation 3 2 Pet. 2. 1. Seeing they STHcifie to themselves the SoncfCoddfreJI^UQb.6.5. - v Cc 3 6. Some ; r i pp Ob/ed, Wrong to the Ekfy'ty Chap. 1 7. 6. Some works never ck>ne, might have pofribry Num. 2. been done, abftra&edly confidered in the freedom of enabled Agents , v^ho chofe not to do them when they were able. And fomeby doing'efcaped the punifhment,unto which they polTibly had been f liable if they had not done. The NmcvHes had been deftroyed if they had not repented j as they of Jeru~ falem did not repent when Chrifl: would} and they of Tyre and Sidon would have repented if they had feen what Bethfaida faw. Poffibilities are very fup- pofable in Application of means 5 MaynotSalva- bility be well conceived of other Out-cafts , by the grounds of their pattern in our 4 th Chapter, about Chrifl: our great Prophet? who by his Angell( 1 ) called Hager to teturn unto Sarah , Mother of the faithfull in her bleiTed Family; ( 2) Promifing a Sen by name ifmaeh ( 3 ) Having in the end additi- tion of praife in Gods holy name^^J To Father Abrahams prayer that Ifimael may live before thee, ( 5 ) Cods anfwer for Ijlomael^ I have heard thee , be « hold I will blefs hi/x-, ( 6 ) Gods Covenant with A- braham and his Seed to be their God> Almighty eon- teining all good 3 Father of Spirts and giver of Spi- ritualise C 7 ) An everlafting Covenant with pro- mife of an everlafting Poffeflion? ( 8 ) Therefore Abraham and his ilTue male were tobecircumcifed every one in token of that Covenant^ Thefeal up- on every male in Abrahams Family betokened their interefl: in that everlafting , fo Covenanted by way of Inference as betwixt the Gaufe 8c the Effect* One inferring the other by right reafon of Conjunction in GodsGovenant for the one 3 and therefore the o- ther without exception of any. 9. Not Offer of grace to the Reprobate ,Anfw. Ip8 9. Not without diftin&ion betwixt the Land of Chap. 17. Promife as the figure, and eternall life in heaven tfumb. 2i figured thereby •■, Both in the Covenant, though not both alike inherited by the Covenanters^but in diftind difpenfations of Gods mercies to the grea- ter praife of his divine providence, true, faithfull, and mercifull in all. Firft to AbrabaM^ though he li- ved as a ftranger there y expecting that better pofTeflion Eternall in heaven to his full content 3 So that it feemeth little curtefie to bring him a icco years from his celeftiall Inheritanceconteiningall that need to be defired for perfect enjoyment? And leaving that other PofTeflion of the figurative In- heritance to his feed , as one with him in hope of the like everlafting. ( 10 ) Though with a diftincti- on alfo betwixt them of his feed 5 Mofes appeared with Chrift in glory j though having but profpect- ed and not ftept a foot in that Land of Promife? for the word of a flow or Hammering tongue 3 what fyllable mifs-fpoken by ljlmael? But laughing a. bout him that had hi-s name of laughter 3 And that not at full age for rejection of Inheritances by the Law,(i 1 Jmuch lefsby the Gofpl e of more mer- - cy patterned in Sarah^ Mother of the faitfull in be- Ifeving the Covenant of Gad , all i n finite for mer- cies above all his work^ And that for Ipmtd as hefr Son conceited in her mercifull heart to be blefted hdr in her Family, S*r)builded,(S£») fignifieth a Son, and fo Sara$ longed td have a Child by he*- Bond-m'atd Btgar. Bow wfafe it was from the beginning for a wo- man ;j ibo Obje&. Wrong to the EleSt, by Chap. 17. man (though wife and holy ) to have the wardfhip Nuwl>. 2. of her husbands faith in matters of Religion 5 Ail- though out of rare indulgence for him to take ano- ther wife as after her death Law alloweth* And her imagination of facred melancholy by felf deniall in barrennefs as a dead Womb man yielded to her husband in hope of the promifed feed to be Heir of the World. The Almighty who called Abraham to offer that promifed feed for a Burnt-Offering , (notwithftanding the Law of Nature againft kill- ing ) hindered the deed of flaying him, with accep- tance of the Fathers obedience, and the Sonspati- ence,in fimilitude of Chrifts true death, yet hindred him not ( againft the Law in ftate of Innocency for one wife to one) upon fuch imaginary death of Sa- rat to take another In his overftreced Patriarchall Agonic , by Gods permiffion ordered with Poeni- tentiall high Regreetj Sarah being ungratefully defpifed,. her Sonmocked> Hagar and her Son cafe out? they knew not whether in the Wildernefs, to Abraham's great grief, unto God's greater Glory , blefllng them all in his meicy through faith. Abra- ham and Sarah having therein dealt with faith > though not by faith in All : with faith believing God's protnife 3 but not by faith, in as much as they ftaid not for Gods performance in his feafon by his way, but overdared another way, as gracious fer- vants of God , erred in all ages, not as if they would abufe the grace of God, which they knew to abound in themfelves,but upon prefumption of fuch abun- dance unawares working after the wiles of the Tempter , by carnall devices. Thus with faith* though a weak faith of Abraham, and of satah % brought Two forts of feed. 201 brought they Jjhmael within their faithfull family to chip. 17. becircumciled in token of partaking in God's Co- Numb. 2. venant. 12. With a diflinftion in the manner of par- taking diverfly for the diver fe forts of Seeds, One carnally prefumed upon miftakeofthe promife:the other truly promifed : Ifaac the true feed by pro- mis had two priviledges covenanted unto him: One to be the true Forefather of Chrift for a bltfling to all Nations: The other Priviledge to be right Inhe- ritourof the promifed holy Land. From both which ifimael the carnall feed was ejefted by the fentence of Sarah , ratified with Abra- ham's confent by God's appointment } in refpeft whereof Gal. 4. Paul affirmeth it to be the Scripture which faid : Cafl: out the Bond- woman and her Son5 For the Son of the Bond-woman (hall not be Heir with the Son of the Free- woman. Blefled be the Fa- herly providence of God,who made this to be fcrip- ture, that is 3 the written holy Word of God S whof« goodnefs overruleth all according to his everlafting Covenant,tobe God unto faithfull Abraham, and to his Seed:that will keep covenant with him in their different degrees: one Principall , another Acceflb- ry a both blefled: upon Ifaac Principall by right of -Inheritance : Ifimael by right of brotherhood , to havebenefit of accefs in feafons of duty by volunta- ry kind confent of ifaac. Ghrift the Son of God, "hearing the cry of IftmaeU by interpretation (God hath heard) by that very name prompting to faith , with warrant for believing 3 that God would hear and help : as he did in extremity 3 when Ifhmatl was about *o pertih with thirft^opening his mothers eyes D d to Ifaac and Ijbmaei. fo fee the well , and faid •> what aileth thee Hagar } Feare not : and God was with the Lad : When he wandered thus in the wildernefs , or wherefoever , untill he brought him hack : not in mocking, fcan- darjzing, or persecuting, but in living brotherly. W hat faid gratious, angry, juft Sarah then } not a a word 3 Peace , Piety 8 Reverence. All facred (i- lence in the Grave. Abraham alfo died, in whom was the High Priefthood , by death reconciling offen- ders, and pacifying avengers of blood. Numb. 35. Iri figure of Chrift, lfaa.cs blelTed feed 3 by whofe heavenly guidance and affiftance of brotherly kind- nefs , Ifaac and Ijlmael together in filiall duty buri- ed their Father Abraham h Then, and not till then a true Freeholder in the promifed Land, by Cove- nant allured, bleft , taking pofleflion of Inheritance in heaven, Ifhmael alfo died amongft them : not ex- communicatemor (which is worfe) excommunicat- ing himfelf, as a Separatift , but as God in bleffing had promifed. Gen. 16. 1 2.^ He full dwell in the prefence of all bfcBretbren. So Gen. chap. 2 5.18. : He dyrd in prefence of all his brethren. Chrift the beft brother,making attonement '■> Jew and Gentill 3 bond 8c free 3 all one by the blood of the everlafting Covenant at his death to flay enmity : yet is not the enmity dead : her mother Envy (that enchanting Witch ) her blafphemy ceafeth not to bring (from whence it camej into the reftlefs difor- I ders, torments and woes of hell , flaming continuaL- , tyfby the way, afTaulting, endangering, as perfonall ■ifaac , and ifhmael before : So myfticall ifaac 3 and Ifimael their Collective Iflues in their two Cove- nants , whether as diftinil, or as oftentimes inter- changeably ) Jofeph and Cbriftfold. *&$ changeably mixed : Ifimdelits becoming ifraelits Chap. ij. by faith in the Covenant of Jfaac his bleffed feed : M***. *• And his grand-children ifraelits becoming Ifirtae- lits in trufting onely to the Covenant of their out- ward works and Ceremonious priviledges otMofes his Laws. Heavenly providence interweaving them for op- portune exchange,or triall of cheir mutuall aides in his moil merciful! wife judgments : untill at un- awares for the common falvation one of the twelve Apoftles fold Chrift the bleffed Seed 3 as of the for- mer twelve brethren 3 Sons of ifrael^nvy fold Jofeph to the Ifimaeiits iffuing from Hagar ^ and Mddianits iffuing from Keturah , Abrahams other wives '■> their children, in affociation 5 as merchants carrying Balm from Gikad: And therewith felling Jofeph into Egypt > Hagars native Countrey 5 thus occafioning all ifta- e/ into that place of bondage 5 old Jacob himfelf,the beloved heir of tfaac, went : having fent thither balm of Gikad with prayerfull outcry for Mercy, to redeem his little Benjamin thence , but could not : untill himfelf came thither. Higheft fatherly Provi- dence ordering him and all his 3 to tail of that Egyp- tian Hagars cup 5 And by her Son IfhtiaeVs balm be- yond admiration fuddenly to heal that old fad ifraeVs heart, and all the woundsof his Sons 3 And by right application thereof how to heal Schifmes ' 9 Herefies, Envies , in Prophetique fence prefcribing that Balm ofGtlead, with fuch fathers prayers and brotherly Treaties of mercy bleffed by Jehovah the Lord God Almighty } who when he heard his Pro- phet wifh, his eyes had been a fountain of teares to weep day and night for that every brother will fup- D d 2 plant 204 Ti&e Children of Sarah andltagar ™*fc 1 7. pl an t,and every neighbour will walk with flanders. Numb, 2. thundered out that voice of Awe; Let not the wife- man glory in his wifdom 5 neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in hisriches : But lethim thatglorieth glory in this, that he underitandeth and knoweth me,that 1 £anfj the Lord which exercifeth loving kindnefs. This in conclufion directed to JF.gyp andjudab (who treat- ed fo dutifully for a Fathers lite, in the freedom of his little brother ^ to a brother great ned in profpe- rity ) likewifeto Edom , Ejau, the brother fupplant- ed by Jacob .-And to the children of Ammen and Moab 5 and all that are in the utmoft corners , that dwell in the wildernefs.-not excluding the children of ljhmael^ whofe Plaint in the wildernefs under a fiirub the Lord heard 3 and out of a bufh in fire faid to Mofes 3 Put ofFthy (hoes fromoffthy feet,, for the place whereon thou ftandeft is holy Ground: As the holy Mount Hortbi Alfo from the bramble bu(h,in Hebrew Senekyz&Wed Sinai : Inthis Allegories that is a figurative fpeech of another fenfe than at firit ap- peareth,G this holy Land of Agar. Now let envyceafe betwixt? the children of Sarah , andof Agar^hus conjoyned in holy myftery to ferve the Lord y as he commanded Mofes at his firft metTage of deliverance. Exod, %. When thou haft brought forth the People out of&gypt ? ye (hall ferve God at this Mountain>called Holy Ground^ for the prefence and apparition of God's hoKnefs tberes as,2 r«f, 1. That other was called Holy Mount ,whera the ■. Joynedtoferve the Lord in Mount Sinai, ao$ the Glory of the Lord outGiined. Chap.iy. And they oflfrael had there a promifetobe a ho- Numb. 2. ly Nation 3 Exod. 19. applyed 1 Pet. 2.9. to them that had not, but now had obtained mercy tobe the People otGod, expounded of Jewer zndGentils in Covenant, Rotn.y. 24, 25. outof Hofea 2.23. A Covenant to them and their Little Children to- be their God , and tocircumcife their hearts unto his love : A Covenant of the Spirirof grace : the ho- ly Ghoft covenanting to write his Lawes in their hearts , and to forgive their fins. Heb. 10. Though biit a Covenant of works , as written in Tables of StOne , and by the pride of Merit- Mongers j tiufting to the righteoufnefs of their own works > through fault of their unbelief not taking hold of Ch rift, but perfecuting him unto death 5 for which Jerufaietn it (elf then became Hagar, and the Children of Sarah were then bond (laves to fin , captived uuder the curfeof the Law , as tranfgrefibrs of the Law> untill yeildingthemfelves dead to the Law , and by grace of the new creature > finding the letter of the Law dead to them y they be married unto Ghiifta new Husband in Covenant of Love, fatisfying the Law for payment of her debts, and clothing her anew with the white Prieft-like rob of atonement , for which fhee (hall be called hrhis name ; ihe Lord our Righteoufnefj yjer. chap. 23. chap. 5^ of whatfoevef Nation. CoL ;. The: Partition-wall being down at the death of Chi ift, thereis neither diftinclion of"' Jew and Gentill , Barbarian 9 Scythian , nor of bond and free, but Chrift is all 3 and in all for his promife fake to faithfull Abra})am b in prayer for ljhmael alfb^ ' hlefling //Z^e/ into a Nation-. According 2o6 Mofes in Mount Sinai. Chap. 17. According to the vote of his Father David's heart Nttmb. 2. and harp Pfal. 68. 17, 18. The Lord among them in Sinai in the holy place, ihou haji afcended on high 3 thou haft led captivity captive : thou haft received gifts for men? Heb. in the man 5 Ghrift that afcended to the right hand of God 3 and by his difpenfation for oaen, yea, for his enemies. Ephef. 4. Our Tranflatours offer it in little letters [as] in Sinai, pfd. 68. was it not according to the Cove- nant of Grace/when the Lord faid in Sinai to Mofes'-) Thou haft found grace in my fight, and to Mofes his Petition [Shew me thy Glory] The Lord faid, I will make all my Goodnefspafs before thee*? teach- ing to be content in theknowledgof God as Good, and as it is good for us to know? (without overcuri- ous prefumption about his incomprehenfible fe- crets) and I will proclaim the Name of the Lord be- fore thee (to wit,that in hearing his gracious Name, thou fhouldft believe his Word of Grace, and re- ceive his gracious helps and gracious effects) and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious : and will (hew mercy on whom I will (hew mercy, chap. 33. and chap. 34. of Exodus : Mofes early went up into Mount Sinai^s the Lord had commanded him: And the Lord defcended in theGloud , and flood with him there ( it may be in that gracious prefence which had often vifited him in vifionj and pro- claimed the name of the Lord : The Lord God mer- cifull and gratious, long-fuffering 5 and aboundant in goodnefs and truth 3 keeping mercy for thou- fands , forgiving iniquity and tranfgreflion , and fin } according to the tenour of Covenant, for them that believe j and by repentance turn unto Gods love; Grace offered , and refufed by firmer s* 2 07 love : But for turners that continue as enemies , to ^ a P* * V hate God , is the latter part of that Proclamation Nw»»« 2 » of his righteous Name [That will by no means cleer : vifitingthe iniquity of the Fathers upon the children, and upon the childrens children, unto the third and the fourth generation. Not to forget the report of an AiTembly Oolle- giat, inhabiting Mount Sinai , whofe chief head cal- led Archimandrita this year in England , collecting Benevolencies toward his redemption^ as at Oxford , at London :What may be the mind of the Lord here- in , but mercy and juftice : juftice againft iniquity, yet mercy to iniquity, when forfaken by grace in love of God : and mercy to mercy , doing the leflbn of our Lord Jefus Chrift learned by our ApoftleP<*«/ in Paradife : how it is more blelTed to give than to receive •> certainly blelTed both. In loving kindnefs, righteoufnefs and judgement I delight 3 faith the Lord. Of infinite eternall free good pleafure having at firftput into the Creature ( after his Image) and now again into the new Creature , a free good pleafure of Grace offered to finners, and refufed, or foon eje&edby fuch as take more pleafure in fins of unbelief, and uncharita- blenefs andunrepentance 5 herein ( as they freely profefs , or profels not the Covenant of Chrift ) is a Copy legible, how Chrift will profefs,or not pro- fefs men in the book of the Lamb D his eternall, good pleafure , mercifully vouchfareing to mens weak capacities, by what they (made after dods Image ) do find in their books of Laws, Ordinances) Coun- fells, Purpofes, Decrees, and remembrances, help- ing to believe, infinitely more excellent in Gods- all-furricient 2o8 The Free Grace of God. Chap. 17. all- Sufficient, EiTential,inward,pure Ad of everlaft- HHm. 2. ing Covenant} constantly free, freely perfect, per- fectly conftanr, unchangable ordering outward, outward changables from everlafting to everlaft- ing,as in time pad, prefentor future, revealed to them that will not , or will hear, fee and love the good pleafure to, or for Babes made in Gods fight by the willofChrift, *yM 9 the word being of the middle voice, both of Active andPaffive iignifica- tion, Paflivej in prime Donation of Grace from God: Active, in uiing or refilling that offered gift of Grace , by men taking pleafure to wink with their eyes, and fo not feeing what they might fee, thus hid in that good pleafure madeiniheTightof God^UMaib. 11.26. To thofequeftions, Ezkiel 18. 23. Have I any I leafure at all \t hat t he wicked fhould die (faith the Lcrd)& not that he jhuuld return jromhis waies a'.dffaelWe dare not approve other anfwer, than what the Lord gi- veth, himfelf upon Oath, EzeL 3^.1 1 .line faith the Lo dGod^l h.ize no pleafure in the dea h of the wicked^but that the nicked turn 'rom his way-, and liue^turnye^ turn ye fromyotr exih. waies-> for why will ye die O houfc of IfraeH hath not God ordained his own Oath to be an end of all ftrifes and controverfies herein ? Heb.6. Cbjetl. Grace of Child-baptifm how confident with perfeverance in grace? Since many baptized are wicked in life, and accurfed in death? Here- tiquesor A po (rates from the profefiion of the faith, into which they were baptized. nAccorr.och At baptifm is applied outwardly the Covenant of grace, as by the token or Seal thereof? and the words of promise, which after- ward Voluntary Confent of hearts required. 2 09 ward upon advertifement inwardly prefenteth mchap. 17. offer of that promifed grace in the underftanding Numb. 2. to notice, confederation., and belief, as true, and thereupon an offer of the fame grace in the will to love, as good from the truth and goodnefs of God 3 co-ordaining that outward and inward offer in confequence 3 orderly to follow one an other though with difference of Effects [ according to different applies and circumft ancesj as feed by the way fide devoured by fowls. So the word ftollen by theDevillout of remembrance? Or as feed among thornes, fo the word among cares of the World and deceiveablcnefs of riches. Or as feed in ftony pla- ces fpringing up without deepnefs of earth , but when fcorched with the Sun 3 withering away for want of root 5 fohe that hearethit, but having no root in himfelf in the heat of perfecution , often doth but as the good feed in good giound •> the Saints rooted in faith and charity perifh not , belie- ving and loving the Covenant of falvation fore- ver. A voluntary confent of their hearts by the graces of faith and love,when for defecf thereof others de- ftru&ion is voluntary neglefting, oppofing, defeat- ing fomewhat in the way of falvation pofitive D the- ticall and federative 3 offered by the Counfell of Gods will in pofiibility toward faving them as (of that old word blu-xitotu: pono^fiatuo) Atfs 11/23. Ex propo/iie^x confilio voluntatis ^Ephf. 1*11. Ex fardtr^ H^.8.8.) in rejecting the word of falvation they re- ject Chrift^dsl^j defeating Chrift from being their Saviour, jM>w 12.48. Luke 7. qo. n$im*¥ 3 the Phari- fes defeated theCounfell of God again ft themfel- ves 5 being not baptized : in rejecting baptifm they E c rejected * i a Voluntary confent of hearts required. Chjp. 17. reje&ed Chrift from being a Saviour unto them^and 'Num. 2+ their children, it was their fault } how often would I have gathered thy children together , as a Hen ga- thereth her Chickens under her wings and yee would not, Lnks T3.andchap.T9. He weptoverthe City,faying:If thou hadft known^even thou in this thy dayman imperfect fpeech to be underftood by his teares: but of them who weep as he did for them 3 and their Children } Teares are melting prayers , fpirituall dewes defcending and afcending unto the Throne of Grace for young buddsas well as old, unto his glory who dyed for them } and as the Sun fhineth on them in his good pleafure , and blefled them with his own Mouth , and in his holy Name be they blefled with thofc that blelle thtm.Amert, A 211 A Parallel about admitting women to the £*^ - l? * holy communion^ upon reajon of confe- quence y unlefs an exprefsbe found in holy writ ^ A Para l l el. ^Hereas a Lady propofed the like doubt about admitting women unto the holy Communion} the like Accommodation by good confequencC) out of what the Holy writ expreiTeth. i . Women were baptized ( ABs 8. ) New birth by water and Spirit at Baptifm begetteth anew Creature, once born, yet needing to have that new life of the Spirit nourifhed often by Spiritual eating and drinking at the Supper of the Lord} The Lord in his Ordinances providing abundantly what is needful!. 2. Male and Female are one in Chrift, Gal. 3. -28. 9. Man and Wife are Heirs together of the Grace of life. 1 Pa. 3. 7. ™*M&vopoi Coheirs of the living Grace. Therefore to communicate in that means of Grace, eating the Bread of life by faith, and drink- ing into the fame Spirit of Grace. 4. By the Holy Ghoft there is commended the hidden Man in a Womansheart.iZV/-.34. ° &$!«*&, the very fame word which isufed. 1 Cor. 11. 28. and therefore under that word fin the name of Man) Woman alfo being comprehended^ is there bid to examine her felf, and fo eat of thai; Bread am drink of jhat Cup. Eq 2 A 2T2 A Poftfcript. C Nm'b 1 7 Vwfftnfi™ Poftnlation in equity for infants. Hat as you cannot hinder Infants from crying ( nor us from hearing their crie) you will not denie their infirmity,which being granted , our beneficence is due by Cuminaridement of the Holy Ghoft, « fit^tw de- bemu$ i we owe this duty to bear the weaknefs of the Impotent, Rom.\ 5. ver.j.10.1 2. where are alledged the very words of duty , which prefcribed for the Gentiles in joyning with the Jews as then with their Infants in covenant with God, Do/L 32.43. 29.11. and alfo the words of Jfaiah^ His Prophecie for the fierce Creatures, hoping in the Child Jef» s to agree with the fucking Babes, in this duty, proceed wee by the Grace of God accordingly to bear Infants in our arms of Charity to the Congregation at Bap- tifm, with prayers of faith in his holy Covenant of Grace unto his Glory , that in his name God may blefs them and us each in other, that their prayers may be heard for us in old aged extremities, when r unable tofpeakfor our felves ^ as they are now,by the fpirit of congratulation, Chrift in his fore Fa- ther David, fpeaker of theuniverfe made every creature hear and fpeak the praife of our Creator and the Lamb? A child expofed had on the fwad- ling clouts Infcription to this effedr. God hath bl which is as unlikely, that any Cana- anite was greater than *Abra- barni the preferment of the Jew being much every way (£om.%. Ee IP'T, WHo Melchife- dec was 3 an- tie fit writers agree not 3 Hieromyrp/rrt/? others opinions rather than his own> Epift, 1*26. ad Evagr'iumh affirming it to- he a mcfi famous quejiionj Fame had not then any certain defini- tion of Council^ or other interpretation of fuffici- entpublique Authority. Some ( out of their pri- vate pbancie") daxtedat 3 0" 214 Chap. 17. others , improperly the Numb. 2. name of here fie? which was retorted upon therr,^ as Epiphanius ( on the 5 5 here fie ) confu- ted thofe who took Mel- chifedec to be Scm, as di-zers of our Opponents and of Ftps (Is think. Now nb at thefe fay for their excufe, by the Lav of liber. j ^ dizerfe others may. For exc feo'the feccnd opinion jhinking Melchifedec to le a Gentile-Ganaanite 3 for which in Hierom are /z^w^4Hipolytus 5 Irenseus 3 Eufebius Gaefarienf. EmifTe- nus, Apollinarius 3 Euftachius Anti- och. For the fame is Theodoret 5 Q^ , /f.63. /V/Genef. and Pere- rius a fefuit again ft 0- ther Jefuiish wb) net the fame liberty for the third op nioinever expreffedly condemned in the fence here? But in the fence of Perfonal union-) imagi- ned of an AngelhOr of Who Melchifedec was. 3. Or whether he were not a bodily perfon of Man , being neither Jew nor Gen- tile 3 nor a Perfonall Angell 3 but the Vilion of Glory wherein God the Son fpake as King of Righteoufnefs and King of Peace «, which by in- terpretation is fignified in that name ( ^Melchifedec of Salem^beft fitting the Son of God himfelf, the God of Glory called often Jehova^ the Great and Glorious name allowed to no meer Creature, yet often to him who fpake in that appearance of Man's face -, not as if God the Son were perfonally united unto that appearance of Glory with Man's face '? wherein he fpake to foremew hispur- pofeofloye in the appointed time;, that he would come to be a true Man in our nature to faveusmen. 4. At that Prophetique Vifionall Prasfentation in ap- pearance of Man's face unto the face of thofe antient Fa- thers? he denied his face to befeen j So preparing them to believe; that he their Savi- our Who Melchifedec was. 2 1 5 our would have the Nature of the Son of God. Hcre c " a P; x 7* Cod 3 and the nature of man in one Perfon 3 but that the face wheiein he then appear- ed to the Patriarks was not his Perfonall face., nor that Outward vifion of Glory was Perfonally then united unto Him 3 but a prefentation of His gratious ErYe&s # in ap- pearance of man. The name of man ought to be writ in little letters , as not in the Greek Text. Heb. 7. 4. And thatt/. 15. to be called by Appofition 3 as in the fame cafe, without any Note of the Genitive, as ki two Subftan- tives , meeting with impor- tance of different things. So this third Exposition taketh the fimilitude to be' Melchi- fedec 3 and Melchifedec to be the fimilitude in appearance of Man's faces And in man- ner of Angeli like million 5 as fent about an heavenly good meiTage (that name Angeli 3 fignifying a Meflenger) and by an Excellence 3 as in that vifion of Glory named An- gell of the Face, or Prefence , I Preferments well as prefenting Chrift Vifionally \ the Golden Girdle ch .1. One the appearance of man ^mb. 2. k not intag'Tted hypo- Jiaticatl^as //Melchi- fedec were a Perfon a but a Trcfnce (fo cal- led Efaias. 63 ) Pre- fence vijiunall s or vi - poned-Face of Afpe- ft able Maj fiie 3 called thz Glory , wherein the Son of 'God 3 by Graci- ous Eff'efts appeared to be prefent^a Theo-pha- nie 3 preparing to ex- peft him afterward in iheanthropie^ That *r 3 Incarnation of God to he one Perfon with man for the Redemption of man\ind by the blood of God, Aft. chap. 20. 28. That Angeli of the prefence [pake f}etfaying,I was dead &am alive A & n, the Beginning and the End 5 chrifr his Glory y John 12. 41. Which Ifaiah {aw 3 chap. 6. chap. 62. all the dayes of old-receioing meat Gen. chap; 18. As he V%'2z4? prefented Bread and Wine : both might a- like be true" yet both r *<,~ a ».i*4>»f 7 i<;~ inth< prefence ofviji- en : God is "judge , his Word is Cri l wall 5 Heb. chap. 4.12 .regularly ju- dicative : ij this cohld be refuted 5 yet cur Aime holdeth. to the holy Prophets view : The Revelation moft expref- iirigly defctibed in a Priefts Habiliment 5 to teach us the benefits of Chrift his Office as Cur High-Prieft. Our princi- pall Hold whereof is in the Holy Ghoft, expounding it in the Gofpell of jW* chap. 12. 41. to be ChrilVs glory which Efay faw chap. 6. in the Tem- ple 3 as it were to fullfill t.he Prieftly function 3 prefented in the beauty and glory of Holi- nefs. And whereof Efay celebrat- ed the praifes, chap. 69. 7, 9. according to all that the Lord hath beftowed on us 3 and the great goodnefTe toward the houfe of ifrael, according to his mercies, and ac- cording to the multitude of his loving kindnelTes.So He was their Saviour in all their aflliftion^ He was afilifred^ndthe Angell of hisprefence( Angell of His Face) faved Them : in love , and in his patty he redeemed Them, and He bare and carried them, all the dayes of old] All thedayesof Old : Is not He fitly called the Beginning } Revel. 1. and John 1. In the Beginning was the Word 3 and the Word was with Cod', All things were made by Him : Man efpeciaily , created after his Similitude yet finned , Pjal. 49. 1 ? . In Hebrew Adam pernocled not in honor, continu- ed not one night , but in the lame day wherein he was The Order Melchifedec. 2 , 7 was Formed : fin deformed him. The Son of God (in chap.jy. appearance of Man walking in the Garden) reform- Numb, 3. ed man : informed him about the Sacrifice of the Lamb : confirmed him by a promife of Conqueft in the Seed of the woman, Genef. 3. thence to the pro- mifed bleffing in Abraham Genef. 1 2. Thence to the bleffing at appearance of Melchifedec 5 thence to the bleffing in .Abraham's Seed, Gen. 17. So to Gen, 22. by Oath repeated , Hebr. chap. 6. for bleffings ac- cording to the Order Melchifedec , Hebr, 7. 3. a- biding a Prieft continually like unto the Son of Goc\**w*t**»@',ctb-ajfimHlateiks from his glory made glorious like him , the Son of God;, not in his invi- fible Nature of God, but in his manhood, wherein his eternall Divinity dwelleth now in unity of the fame perfon, which formerly fpake in vifioned fimi- litnde,or Ab-ajjimulation : His Divine Perfon or- dering that fimilitude to foreihew what he would approve afterwards, as man in his Prieftly San&i- fication,exemplifyingin that Acl: of receiving Tithe by the Melchifedechian Prieft, fo faid , to abide con- tinually : by vertue of God's Oath, according to the Order Melchifedec 5 not of Melchifedec : but by Ap- portion , as the Similitxide-Melchifedec $ So the Order-Melchifedec 5 the Divine Providence order- ing that Similitude- Melchijedec , to forefhew what Ghrift would in truth perform according to that Order of Priefthood unchanged , dva&&*l», un- changing from one perfon to another , as it, had , if Melchifedec had been another perfon : Ghrift is another Perfon , in refpedt of Aaron y but not another Perfon in refpedt of Melchifedec : Aaron hi? Priefthood paffed from man to man , by reafbn 6f F f mortali- 2 1 c£ *Cbrifi 9 s Melchifcdcchian blejftttg. Chap, 17. mortality : not fo the Priefthood of Chrift : who Uuntb. 2. filleth in Truth what he predefcribed in that Or- der-Mdchifedec -•> The fimilitude of One in Previ- fion under the Old Teftament , as fince again in the Revelation j chap. 1. 1. defigned Agitant thereof; One like the Son of Man, with a Bow in his hand conquering, and to conquer j yet in the name of the Word of God revealing his will therein about Small and Great .• in his right aiming-Thunderbolts of righteous Judgments and Mercies : in truth of his Prophecies and promifes to blefs thofe that blefs, and curie their adverfaries that curfe his ifrael , his holy City, new Hkrufakm defcending from heaven, his habitation ofHolinefs and Rjghteoufnes. Alas beholding our frailties , as wormes-travel- lings 'twixt duft and aflies (but as archers in com» mon fpeech allow one to be called the giver of aime) fignifying what he feemeth to fee> when the high- flying arrowes of Gods Judgments manifeft them- felves in event as at their marke. 2. Our humbleft fidelity proceedeth in^hope^hold- iag of Ghrift his Melcbifedechian bleffing as Unitive. 1 . Unitive of Giver and Gift in Gods blefled ac- ceptance : Abraham paying Tithes , was himfelf Tithed,andblelTed by Melcbifedec. Heb. 7. 6. grate- fully tithing : bJeiTedly tithed : hollowed to bleiTed love of God. 2. Unitive of Father and Childrens Children, Tkhed in the Loines of 'Abraham. Hebr. 7. 9. and To partakes of his blefling. 3. . Unitive of People and Minifter in Abraham 9 l€v/Vbl^fled,as having charge over his brethren by *?• l f* blefled in Abraham. Gen. 18. 18. in Abraham '/blef- N**»- *• fing as a Father , having his Children alfo blefTed while Infants : Therefore all Nations are to be blefled, as Fathers to have their Children blefled alfo. 5. Unitive of both Je wet. and Gentiles, with Chrift the Seed of Abraham , in whom all are to be blef- fed. 6. Unitive of that blefled Seed with God the Son 4 who by Oath mediated c/xtrlnt/w, enterpofed him- felf Mediatour. So God and Man in one. 7. Unitive of Melchifedec with that Mediatour , not in perfon or nature,but in myfterie : Mdchifedec blefled Abraham that had the promifes in God's Name5 who promifed,and fware to be Mediator foi; performance of the Welling, that our hope might be in him as Prieft , after the Order of Melchifedec for ever, in a continued perfective progrefle of Melchi- fedechian myfterie, blefling from Ghrift the Son of God : promising and promifed from the beginning to thejendj bltffing and blefled for ever. 8. This MelchifedechiaH blefling is Unitive of Chrift , and his Minifters : in as much as it entreth within the vaile j that is 3 his flefh for Atonement in . truth of what was figured at that Atonement by ***** prefentation of Blood and Incenfe once a yeafe be- fore the mercy's Seat, to cleanfe ( from all fins) the people and their Minifters in all their fervices , that they might be pardoned , accepted and blefled of the Lord , throughout the whole courfe of the year : So Chrift after the vaile of his Flefh was rent by. death, entring into the mod Holy prefence of Ff 2 Cod as o Uniti've Mdchifedechian bkffmg. Chap. 1 7. God made Atonement for all our finns by his cdn- Numb. 2.. tinuall intereeflion with our. prayers before the Throne of Grace, toprocure all needfull bleflings on his People , through his meritorious bloodfhed prefented by his holy Melchifedechianfriefthood: applied by his Minifters in His Name, at his com- mand upon promife of Afliftance , and Acceptance with blefling as He ordained. & 'jd> 2. TKisllmtiveMelchifedechian blefling is byCove- nant:theNew Covenant in Ghrift J sBlood,the Blood oftheeverlafting Covenant , Hsbr^i 3. with prayer toward Perfection of duties acceptable to God through Jefus Chrift: in every good work of bleiTed people in unitie with their blefling Minifters. 2 Cor. 3. 6. Minifters of the new Covenant, blefling into the Kingdom of Chrift in righteoufnefle and peace in the Holy Ghoft : Rom. 14, Minifters of the Spirit ofPeace,accordingto the Covenant of Peace in the Gofpellof peace, glorious in the knowledg of the glory of God 5 in the face of Jefus Chrift : 2 Cor. 4. forgiving inthe face or Perfon of Jefus : 2 Cor. 2. In' His Name, by his gift and power in the Holy Ghofty Go in peace , as my Father fent me , fo fend I you : whatfoever ye bind on earth (hall be bound in Hea- ven : All power is given untomein Heaven and in' Earth 3 Goe ye therefore Baptizing, O Thou great Pofleflbur of heaven and earthy blefled by Melchifedec , in Melchifedec blefling Abra~ ham that had the promifes , and both Covenants to him and his young Children, haft- not thou efta- bliftied in him and his ifaac the new Covenant , Gc- mfts chap. 17. 19. conteining the Gofpell of grace. Mom,.^. 16. For an everlafting Covenant to blefle all- Nations Baptifwall Bhflings. 2 2 1- Nations and their young Children in thy holy name Chap. 17. atBaptifm? Hunk 2- 3. A Baptifmallbleffing to the baptized 3 and bap- tizing Minifters of thy Covenant for afiurance of Right to thy bleffing in Heaven and Earth. Thus faith the Lord, which giveth the Sun joy a light by day, the Ordinances ofth? Moon and of the Stars for a light by nighty Ier 3 1 . 3 $ . If you can break my Covenant of the day, anamy Covenant of ihe night , and that lherefhould' net be day and night in their feafon ( then ) may alfo my Covenant be broken with David and with the Levites 3 the Itrieftsmy Minifters^ Jzr. 33. Ifaiah 61.6. Men ft all call you the Minifters of our God y I will alfo take of them * f or Levites-faith the Lord: fir as the new Heavens and the new Ear J} jhall remain lefore me t faith the LordV So (hall your fee a and your nane remain , Ifaiah , Chap. 66. and Malachi , Chap. 2. Tee fhall know that I have fent this Commandment unto yoih That my Covenant might be with Levi ,fchh the Lord of Ht(ts'> and Chap. 3. He fhall purifie the Sonnes of 'Levi, and purge them as Gold and Silver^ that they may ojj. r un the Lord an Offering wi h righteoufnefs. I the Lord) I change not y therefore ye Sonns of Jacob are not con fumed 5 Return unto me wherein ye e haxenbbedme. Even this whole Nation in Tithes > this amidft Evangelicall duties , andEvangelicall' bleffings hath an Evangelicall Senfe^ If in coherence with the words precedent about Chrift his coming, and his forerunner John Baptift, and with the fubfe- quent words about lohnBabtif in the fpirit of Elias turning the hearts of Children toward their Fathers? Jacob by name, who vowed to pay tithes. Gen. 28. (and when he returned according to his defire the Lord minded him for the vow) excellently. Ff 3, bieflfe'efc Tithes tt be paid* bleffed in imitation of Grandfather Abraham, bleff. ed in his gratitude of tithing ( 400. years before the Law of Ceremonies, while he was under the Gof- pell preached ( an example for his blefling to come upon all Nations, Gal. 3. ) as the Gofpell increafed the reafon of equity, 1 dr. 9. 12. by the exeellencie of fpirituall administration. Herein is a bleffed reach, alfo for turning their hearts toward Forefather Noah, inwhofetimethe Earth was accurfed by the Flood-gates of Heaven $ Which upon their turning (hall abundantly blefs them , not to fear , want , by paying Tith , in that third of Ma\achi\ Try me faith the Lord of Hafts, if I mil not open the windows of Heaven, andp:wer you out a ble(f- ing^that there fyall not be place enough to receive it^ By covenant beginning in Abraham and h\slfaack(by the promife to be born and blefled young ) a Pattern for all Nations to be blefled with theiryoung Children h By Covenant afluring them to be blefled in him , that ( by fuch unitive vertue of his blefling ) all tilings in Heaven and Earth might work unto his Glory for their good in knowledgeof his blefled will, for right unto a fanftified ufeof all for lear- ners, communicating in all good with Teachers , G&L 6. 6". Faithfull, Praierfull, and thankfully fruit- receiving, and Child Baptizing Minifters ^appro- ved herein to be the true blefling Minifters of Chrift, our Prieft after the Order of Melcbifedec for ever: In his unchangable Priefthood> Not pafflng from one to another '•> as it had , if Me ichtfedfc had been an other perfonall Man indeed, and not the likenefsinVifion of Glory made like unto the Son of God, Heb, 7. 3. *9*>i*mtivQ- the word fignifieth Ab-affmufote , as from his Glory made glorious like him the Son of God , not in his unviable Na- ture of God, but in his Manhood wherein his eter- nal Divinity dwelleth now in unity of the fame peifon , which formerly fpake in the vifion of that HmWitude-Melchifedec ) his vifionall Afiimulation as a Prieft, is faid to continue ever in truth of holy writ, fo prefenting him from the beginnings yet without any notation of his beginning unto the end of the Revelation $ yet without any ngnification of his a2 4 The Covenant ofBaptifme. Chap. 1 7. f,- IS ending, as fent by Chrift: to defign the whole re- m ' 2 * velation: One like the Son of man in a white Gar- ment with a golden girdle 3 and a golden cenfer offe- ring incenfe of Prayers as a Prieft, as a Prophet > having the book open in his hand, with a Crown of gold as King of Salem , where the Lord of Glory dwelleth on his Throne; in his holy Citty New-jfc- rufalem : having the names of the twelve Apoftles of the Lamb in her foundation diftinguifhcd by 12 Gates^their Administrations of Baptifm 3 as 1 sGates, for entrance of the 1 2 Tribes 5 and of the Nationsby right of Covenant in the fame bleffing with them to be continuate by Minifters ordained with laying on of the Apoftles hands. Thefe are the Fundamentall Principles «'{$<> principle principatus* Beginning or Principality, laid by the word of God on Chrift for entrance into his Kingdom 3 not to be defeated upon pretence of laying a new^but tobebuilt upon toward perfection by this Melchifedechian Preifthoodof Ghrift, in hope of his bleffing, as an Anchor fure and itedfafl: in the deep waters or Gods mercifull promife and Oath , againft all contraty waves and winds of op- pofition deftru&ive, under (hew of amends. Take heed of that dreadfull curfe of defertion, for deferring that good word of God , formerly bleffing the Baptized in his Name, and the anger of God hardning toward finall impoffibility there threatnedj rather as there advifcd* Be followers of blefTed forefathers 9 with faith and patience retting in Gods Covenant to them and heir young Infants, not laying again the foundation of Baptifmesand of laying on of hands, but proceeding upon the for- former in ultra-ex pe&ative grace toward all the Benedi&ive , Unitive , Perfective duties hereof. Which God grant in Chrift the Amen^ our Amen ; Amen. If this upon examination mud be blotted out a- gaine : may here fucceed another briefe advertife prefer vati ve, againft the danger of fuppofititious new Hght 3 whereby fomeunfeemingly feeme above the ordinances of Chrift 3 tobe Godded : higher than Adam's affectation to be like God , againft the writ- ten WordofGod,whichis able in humility to make w;fe unto Talvation : thus. i. Our union with God is by way of ever* Iafting Covenant 3 requiring divers works on our parts. In the Epiftle to the Hebr, chap. 13. verfe 20, 21. 2. Thofe divers works are performed by di- vers gifts of Gods manifold Graces D 1 Cor, 12. verfe 4. 3. The Holy Ghoft, who is infinite without mea- fure 3 divideth thofe gifts to men feverally by mea- fure 1 Cor, 1 2. verfe 1 1 . Root, 12, verfe 3. 6, 4. The Receivers of thofe gifts are made new creatures, that all glory may be to the Creator. 2 Cor x 5. verfe 17. yet new borne by the Spirit , and water at Baptifm 9 that holy Church motherhood may not be contemned. 5. The New Creatures are new Men, created after God in Righteoufnefs and true holinefs , after the Image of Chrift, Rom, 8. verfe 2 9. Epbef. 4. verfe 24. 6. This Image of Chrift appeareth in us , as in a Looking- glafs , 2 Cor, 3. verfe 18. g 7. This appearance of drift's face in the Spirit, Gg is is by reflexion from the written Word of God 9 as a Prime Looking-glafs to dired our outward works alfo : James chap. 1. verfe 23, 24, 25. 8. That Looking-glafs of the written Word is to be held and obferved , to the end through all the myftery of Godlinefs foretold by Chrift D Revel. 1, verfe 1 9 . Writ the things which thou haftfeen, and the things which are and the things which full be hereafter. Revel. 14.1 5. Write 9 faith the ST/r/V.Marke the Prote- ftant Do&rine for reft unto the dead, written by the Spirit on purpofe , for the fall o£ Babylon , in the Ro- wan myfterie, which thrived with the contrary do- ctrine of Un-reft in Purgatory. Rev. 19. verfe y.Write^ BUffed are they which are called to the marriage-f upper of the Lamb. Marke how the Spirit warranteth that Ordinance of the Lord's Supper, to continue after the deftru&ion of Rome 3 defcribed in the former WOrdsjRez;. 1&. 21. verfe 5. He that fat upon the Throne faid j Behold 3 J make all things new. And he f aid unto mejrrite 5 Marke, Holy writ to be our Ruler after all mad new by the Reformation. 9. Created gifts continue in mans foule after death , his underftanding perfeded with the light of glory to know God : 1 Cor. 13. verfe 12. Now I know in part , but then fiall 1 kttow^ even as alfo lam known feeing] ace toface:h\s will perfefted in charity loving God. 1 Cor. 13. verfe 8. Charitie tteier faileth. 10. The body revivethattherefurre&ion. John 20. verfe 27> 28. Reach hither thy finger 5 Behold my hands : and reach hither thy hand , and thrufi it into my fide 3 be not faithleffe but believing. Thomas anfwered 9 and faid , Uy Lord and my God. Jefus faith unto him ? becaufe becaufc th m hafi feen > thou baft believed. Luke 24. vefe* 39 Behold my hands and my feet ^ that it k I my fdj : handle «?, and fee 7 for a Spirit hath not flefi and bones -js you fee me have. And when he had thus fpo- ken^he /hewed him his hands and his feet : And He did eat a piece of broiled fijh 5 and of an hony combe before them. aUs 1. The Apoftles beheld him afcending while they looked ftedfaftly toward heaven ; from whence alfo we look for the Saviour, or Lord Jefus 3 who (hall change our vile body , that it may be fa- mianed like unto his glorious body: Phii. 3. ver. 21. Row. 8. ver. 1 1. if the Spirit of him that raifedup Je~ fusjrom the dead dwell in you \ he that raifed up Chrifi from the dead,fiall alfo quieten your mortaIlthdyes\be~ caufe of his Spirit dwelling in you. Thus the true Spirit helpeththe Refurre&ion of the body 3 which the falfe fpirit disbelieveth , out of an imagination of a prefent enjoyment 3 which can- not be the prefent refurrection of the juft finally promifed by Chrift. Lnk? 20.verfe 3 5,3 6. Where they at the Rzfurrcftion of the dead 3 neither marry ., nor are given in mirriage. Neither can they dye any more. Ther- fore thefeOpinionifts who do marry 3 and (hall dye., have not attained the Refurrection intended by Chrifl: : and if they believe it not 3 it is to be feared^ they Ihali not attaineit 3 Gtad grant unto them , and us all needfull graces 3 that we may believe 3 and en- joy the Salvation ofour Souls and bodyes^as handy- wOrks of God in his children , members of ChrjiV, and Temples of the Holy Ghoft. iCor. 6.verfei5.i9. Know yee not : that your bodyes are the Temples of the Holy Ghojl ^inyou which you have of God land yee Are not your own^for yee are bought with a price: Therefore glorify glorify <3od in your body and Spirit , which are Of God : not God. Chrift in mercy to the glory of his Almighty Spirit, frame us aright, againll: the fpirits ofun- truth and blafphemy 9 to love him the way the truth and our life everlafting. Errata. T{ ,,e pag.'-bow f. 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