Rich. Baxters apology against the modest exceptions of Mr. T. Blake and the digression…

But Mr. Bl's common phrase is, that they are [in the outward Covenant] and what that is, I cannot tell. I know what it is to covenant ore tenus, only outwardly, or by a dissembled profession, or else a profession maimed, or not understood; and I have said▪ that hereby they may further oblige themselves (so far as the creature can be said to oblige it self, who is not sui Juris, but wholly Gods, and is under his absolute ⟨p. 67⟩obligation already.) But it is Gods Covenant act that we are enquiring after. In what sense is that called Outward? 1. It cannot be as if God did as the dissembling creature, ore tenus, with the mouth only covenant with them, and not with the heart, as they deal with him: 2. I know therefore no possible sense but this, that it is called [Outward] from the Blessings promised which are outward. Here therefore, 1. I should have thought it but reasonable for Mr. Bl. to have told us what those outward Blessings are that this Covenant promiseth. 2. That he would have proved out of Scripture that God hath such a Covenant, distinct from the Covenant of Grace, which promiseth Justification and Salvation, and having other Conditions on our part. For both these I cannot find what outward blessings he means but Church Ordinances and Privileges. These consist in the Word, Sacraments, Prayer, Discipline. For the Word, God oft bestoweth it on Infidels, and in England there are men that deride the truth of Scripture, and esteem it a fiction, and yet for credit of men, come ordinarily to the Congregation. These have the Word given them, and so have other unregenerate men: but not by Covenant that I know of. Even the godly have no Covenant assuring them that for the future they shall enjoy the Word, further then it is in their hearts (except that promise with a reserve, If God see it Good, &c.) Where hath God said, If thou wilt with thy mouth profess to believe, I will give thee my Word preached? 2. For Baptism, It is part of our profession it self. And though God hath commissioned us to Baptize such professors and their seed, yet that is not a Covenant with them: Nor do I know where God saith, I will give thee Baptism, if thou wilt but say, thou believest, or if thou wilt profess seriously a half faith: More shall be said against this anon. 3. For the Lords Supper the same may be said.

But Mr. Bl's common phrase is, that they are [in the outward Covenant] and what that is, I cannot tell. I know what it is to covenant ore tenus, only outwardly, or by a dissembled profession, or else a profession maimed, or not understood; and I have said that hereby they may further oblige themselves (so far as the creature can be said to oblige it self, who is not sui Juris, but wholly Gods, and is under his absolute