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Obj. YOu cannot deny but that we Gentiles are made the children of Abraham by faith, as well as the Jewes, for the Apostle saith, that as many as are of faith, are of faithfull Abraham, Rom. 4. 16.
Ans. It is granted we are so, but not then, before we have* 1.1 faith, and that by your owne confession; therefore untill we have faith, we are not heires of the Promise, and so consequent∣ly ought not to be admitted to the badge or seale of the Pro∣mise.
But suppose (that which cannot be proved by Scripture) that the externall Covenant did belong to the Gentiles, as well as to the Jewes, yet certainly we ought not to thinke that we have a greater priviledge then the Jewes could obtaine by vertue of the promise made unto them in Abraham, they being the na∣turall branches of the true Olive Tree, and we branches of the wilde Olive only incerted by faith, Rom. 11. 20. 24.
Obj. We desire no greater a priviledge, but only the same.
Ans. But you doe, and that a farre greater priviledge then the Jewes could obtaine by vertue of the promise made unto them.
Obj. Wherein I pray you, did they not obtaine Circumcision by the vertue of that Covenant made to their father Abraham, where∣by they were made members of the externall Church; and doe we any more in requiring Baptisme, then to be acknowledged Mem∣bers of the same now?
Ans. Yea, and that a farre greater priviledge then the Jewes* 1.2 had; for though they by meanes of the Covenant, and promise aforesaid, were admitted to Circumcision, and so made members of the externall Church of the Jewes, yet were not them Jewes (so Circumcised) admitted to Baptisme, before an actuall ac∣knowledgement of their faith, and repentance; as in Act. 2. 23. to which purpose the Scripture is very significant; (yea upon every occasion of Baptisme, whether they were Jewes, and so in∣cluded in the externall covenant of Circumcision; or Gentiles, and so excluded the same) but we Gentiles expect to be admit∣ted to Baptisme by vertue of that Covenant made to them, and that without that faith and repentance (which was required of them) therefore certainly we claime a farre greater priviledge then the Jewes could obtaine by vertue of the Covenant aforesaid.
We are not of Abrahams seed untill we have Abra∣hams faith.
We assume a greater privi∣ledge in Gods Covenant to Abraham then did the J••wes.