More proofs of infants church-membership and consequently their right to baptism, or, A second…

And here I note further, that in the beginning before the command for Circumcision, you plainly yield that Infants Church-membership is a thing separable from Circumcision, and begun not with it, but before. And indeed I have evinced that to you in my Book of Baptism. Abraham himself was not made a member by Circumcision, ⟨p. 125⟩but circumcised because a member of Christs Church by faith. Ishmael was a member before, and so was Isaac, and the Infants born in Abraham's house.

And here I note further, that in the beginning before the command for Circumcision, you plainly yield that Infants Church-membership is a thing separable from Circumcision, and begun not with it, but before. And indeed I have evinced that to you in my Book of Baptism. Abraham himself was not made a member by Circumcision, ⟨p. 125⟩but circumcised because a member of Christs Church by faith. Ishmael was a member before, and so was Isaac, and the Infants born in Abrahams house.

Whether there were any promise or precept of this (but a mere transeunt fact) let the Text last mentioned, and the following bear witness. Gen. 12.2, 3. In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed, and, Gen. 17.7, 9, 10. And I will establish my Covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee — and I will be their God. And God said to Abraham, Thou shalt keep my Covenant therefore, thou and thy seed after thee in their generations. This is my Covenant which you shall keep between me and you, &c. to vers. 15. In all this let these things be noted, 1. That here is an express promise or Covenant to Abraham and his seed after him. 2. That it is not only de praesenti, but for the future, called an everlasting Covenant. 3. That this promise or Covenant doth manifestly imply and include Infants Church-membership (as you confess.) 4. That yet here is not the least word that intimates an institution of it de novo, but rather the contrary plainly intimated. The promises before