A41329:327
The plea of the children of believing-parents for their interest in Abraham's covenant, their…
The plea of the children of believing-parents for their interest in Abraham's covenant, their right to church-member-ship with their parents, and consequently their title to baptism. The cause of publishing this discourse after so many learned men have laboured in this province, is declared in the preface to the reader. By Giles Firmin.
London: printed for Tho. Simons, 1683
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
As for Dr. Hammond, though I honour him much for his great Learning one way, yet I think as to an Argument, whether it be Concludent or not, other men may know as well as he. Vossius, Rivet, Calvin, Gerhard, Aretius, and the Assembly of Divines, [though slighted by him] do all conclude Infant-baptism from hence; they ⟨p. 102⟩could judge of a Concludent Argument.
1. What this Promise is, I see there are very different Apprehensions. Some take it to be that in Joel 2.28. So Dr. Hammond, and divers others. The Dutch say, Joel 2.28. & Gen. 17.7. Ahapide saith, The Promised Seed in whom all Nations should be blessed. Thus Aretius, The Promise of the Messiah, and the benefits that come by him, made to Abraham and his Seed, Gen. 13. To which the Apostle, Rom. 9.4. hath a respect, the Promises belong to them. Thus Aretius, and Horino inclines this way.
2ly, whatever the Promise be, it was that which the Jews and their Children were now under, [For to you do the benefit of that Promise appertain if you will lay hold of it, saith Dr. Hammond on Text.] The Promise did appertain to them, both Parents and Children, but not to the Gentiles as yet till they be called.