or baptism were appoynted, which is also one, and the same in es∣sence from the beginning to the end of the world; which it could∣not be, if eyther circumcision, or baptism, were parts constitutive, or essentiall of it.
Thirdly, the Lord made his covenant (and so admitted them in∣to the Church) w••••h Abraham, and his seed, to be his and their God, in their ages and generations: so that he children of Abraham, and of the Iewes, were not without the Lord covenant, and him to be their God, til the tyme of their circumcision, which was the eighth day; but were born, yea begot in the covenant, and an holy seed: and therfore the manchilde, not circumcised the eight day, is sayd to have broken the Lords covenant, wherof circumcision was asigne. To this also add, that the Lord did admit into 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with himself (ac∣cepting them to be his people) all, and every one of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Israelites in the wildernes, where notwithstanding all of them in comparison, were vncircumcised. Ios. 5. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Fourthly if baptism were the constitution of the Church, as Mr B. speaks, then were all heretiques, and schismatiques bapti∣sed with water, into the name of the Father, Son, and H. Ghost, true christians, and their assemblyes, true Churches of Christ: so had the •• S••••ce••••tes been a true Church by circumcision, and so of the Is••••••elites or Agarians, which have retayned circumcision to this day: the same may be sayd of the E••••••ites, and Edomites, which were notwithstanding as far from being true Churches, as Mr B. is from the truth of God, in writing, a•• he doth.
A fourth consideration is to be had of an affirmation by you peremptorily and absolutely made, (as though it were without all contradiction, or limitation) in the third argument: and that is, that the baptism in the Romish Church is true baptism. Touching which I do commend vnto the godly reader this distinction. Baptism is to be considred of vs in a twofold respect: first nakedly, and •••• the essential causes; the matter, water; and the form, the washing with water into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the H. Ghost, and in this respect, I confesse true baptism both in England and Rome. Secondly, it is to be considered of vs, 〈…〉〈…〉, as they speak, & clothed with such appurtenances, as wherewith the