My Parents then looking upon me as being in Covenant, and a Church-member with them, they did Dedicate me to God, and brought me under the Seal of his gracious Covenant in Baptism. And what our Lord said to Peter when he washed his Feet, John 13. 6, 7. What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter: Was truly verified of me. What the Lord did then, when he poured clean water upon me in my Baptism, I know not, ⟨p. 69⟩but now I do know, and did many years since. What was the opinion of the ancient Fathers, and many Divines now, about the Efficacy of Baptism, I did not then know, nor do I now concern my self about it, to discourse it. But this I took for a Truth, It doth not consist with the Infinite wisdom and holiness of God, to Institute any Ordinance in his House that is of trivial concernment, whatever they seem to be to a carnal heart: they are things of great weight; Where the great God engages himself to a Creature, and therefore to be attended with great reverence, and as diligently improved. Now when I came to reflect upon my Baptism, how God was first with me, before I understood him, he was afore-hand with me, took hold of me, brought me under the Seal of his blessed Covenant; and when I read over the several Texts, which tells us what blessings are there signified and sealed, God was engaged for his part; if I will look to my part, to answer the Condition, then these should be mine; this gave me encouragement. As for my Dedication to him, I was willing to stand to it, I did like it very well: but both for the Condition, and to answer my Dedication, I went to him, whose Covenant it is, and who was first with me, that ⟨p. 70⟩he would please to perform his part, and in the strength of his performance, I would perform my part. Why would that blessed One be first? Why did he begin with me, when I did not know him? But since he will be a God, and Triumph in his Grace, since I came to understand it, by his Grace I have held him, and will hold him. And though as I said, I have not attained what I seek after, yet I have found in my dismal Temptations, wherein I have had as deep a share as most Christians ever had, when I could not tell where to lay hold, my Parent all-covenant and Infant-baptism, which I am still improving now my Head is grey, have been a support unto me. So that I bless God, 1.
My Parents then looking upon me as being in Covenant, and a Church-member with them, they did Dedicate me to God, and brought me under the Seal of his gracious Covenant in Baptism. And what our Lord said to Peter when he washed his Feet, John 13. 6, 7. What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter: Was truly verified of me. What the Lord did then, when he poured clean water upon me in my Baptism, I know not, ⟨p. 69⟩but now I do know, and did many years since. What was the opinion of the ancient Fathers, and many Divines now, about the Efficacy of Baptism, I did not then know, nor do I now concern my self about it, to discourse it. But this I took for a Truth, It doth not consist with the Infinite wisdom and holiness of God, to Institute any Ordinance in his House that is of trivial concernment, whatever they seem to be to a carnal heart: they are things of great weight; Where the great God engages himself to a Creature, and therefore to be attended with great reverence, and as diligently improved. Now when I came to reflect upon my Baptism, how God was first with me, before I understood him, he was afore-hand with me, took hold of me, brought me under the Seal of his blessed Covenant; and when I read over the several Texts, which tells us what blessings are there signified and sealed, God was engaged for his part; if I will look to my part, to answer the Condition, then these should be mine; this gave me encouragement. As for my Dedication to him, I was willing to stand to it, I did like it very well: but both for the Condition, and to answer my Dedication, I went to him, whose Covenant it is, and who was first with me, that ⟨p. 70⟩he would please to perform his part, and in the strength of his performance, I would perform my part. Why would that blessed One be first? Why did he begin with me, when I did not know him? But since he will be a God, and Triumph in his Grace, since I came to understand it, by his Grace I have held him, and will hold him. And though as I said, I have not attained what I seek after, yet I have found in my dismal Temptations, wherein I have had as deep a share as most Christians ever had, when I could not tell where to lay hold, my Parent al-covenant and Infant-baptism, which I am still improving now my Head is gray, have been a support unto me. So that I bless God, 1.
