to_o the_o possession_n of_o they_o 2._o but_o second_o and_o rather_o that_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n of_o believer_n now_o be_v no_o otherwise_o concern_v in_o this_o objection_n than_o the_o case_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n under_o the_o first_o testament_n be_v and_o it_o may_v be_v plead_v with_o equal_a strength_n against_o their_o have_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n then_o as_o against_o the_o right_n of_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n to_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n now_o the_o church_n then_o constitute_v and_o make_v up_o of_o the_o natural_a posterity_n of_o abraham_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o some_o few_o proselyte_n from_o among_o the_o gentile_n be_v the_o visible_a body_n of_o christ_n then_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n make_v up_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v this_o i_o have_v so_o full_o evidence_v elsewhere_o that_o nothing_o more_o need_v be_v add_v here_o and_o indeed_o the_o apostle_n in_o eph._n 3.6_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o express_v that_o the_o gentile_n as_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o first_o testament_n that_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o have_v be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n now_o to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v there_o of_o the_o visible_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v undeniable_a in_o that_o what_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o gentile_n more_o general_o he_o apply_v to_o that_o church_n of_o the_o ephesian_n in_o particular_a chap._n 2.19_o each_o individual_a member_n of_o which_o church_n that_o they_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o invisible_a body_n of_o christ_n he_o will_v not_o affirm_v but_o plain_o intimate_v his_o suspicion_n of_o the_o contrary_a act_v 20._o ult_n yet_o he_o speak_v indefinite_o or_o universal_o of_o this_o church_n as_o enjoy_v this_o privilege_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n viz._n of_o christ_n that_o the_o jew_n afore_o be_v of_o a_o undoubted_a evidence_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o visible_a so_o that_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o jewish_a church_n under_o the_o first_o testament_n be_v the_o visible_a body_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o gentile_n as_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o gather_v into_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n now_o it_o be_v pass_v all_o rational_a contradiction_n that_o the_o infant-seed_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o proselit_v gentile_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o their_o parent_n hence_o let_v it_o be_v resolve_v how_o far_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n membership_n in_o the_o visible_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o as_o the_o head_n be_v necessary_a or_o presuppose_v to_o their_o membership_n in_o his_o visible_a body_n the_o same_o and_o no_o other_o be_v necessary_a and_o must_v be_v presuppose_v to_o infant_n membership_n in_o the_o visible_a body_n of_o christ_n still_o the_o same_o answer_n than_o that_o will_v satisfy_v this_o objection_n as_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o will_v alike_o satisfy_v it_o as_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n now_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v equal_o and_o alike_o concern_v in_o it_o 3._o three_o and_o last_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v yea_o i_o conceive_v it_o must_v be_v affirm_v that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o universal_o have_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n enter_v with_o they_o a_o real_a and_o proper_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o answerable_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o and_o repute_v in_o some_o sense_n as_o member_n of_o his_o invisible_a body_n and_o on_o that_o ground_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o visible_a body_n church_n or_o kingdom_n only_o here_o that_o all_o mistake_n may_v be_v obviate_v we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v either_o political_a or_o physical_a 225._o physical_a it_o a_o christo_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la unita_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o ea_fw-la union_n extet_fw-la exemplum_fw-la utriusque_fw-la unionis_fw-la scilicet_fw-la polit_n come_v &_o physicae_fw-la vide_fw-la camer_n de_fw-fr ecclesiae_fw-la p._n 225._o by_o that_o union_n i_o call_v political_n i_o intend_v that_o union_n which_o consist_v in_o those_o mutual_a relation_n wherein_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n stand_v relate_v each_o to_o other_o as_o king_n and_o subject_n master_n and_o servant_n shepherd_z and_o sheep_n the_o ratio_fw-la fundendi_fw-la or_o fundamentum_fw-la proximum_fw-la of_o this_o union_n be_v the_o mutual_a consent_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o unite_v to_o he_o either_o in_o their_o own_o person_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o adult_n or_o on_o their_o behalf_n by_o those_o cujus_fw-la juris_fw-la sunt_fw-la as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n to_o accept_v and_o take_v each_o other_o in_o these_o respective_a relation_n and_o this_o be_v that_o union_n proper_o constitute_v by_o the_o covenant_n by_o that_o union_n i_o call_v physical_a i_o intend_v a_o high_a kind_n of_o union_n viz._n cujus_fw-la vinculum_fw-la est_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sanctus_fw-la that_o which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o indwel_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o be_v first_o pour_v out_o upon_o christ_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o those_o that_o be_v true_o regenerate_v in_o regard_n of_o which_o they_o be_v compare_v to_o branch_n and_o christ_n to_o a_o vine_n and_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 6.17_o or_o one_o spiritual_a body_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o adult_n those_o that_o have_v a_o political_a union_n with_o christ_n be_v suppose_v also_o to_o have_v a_o physical_a union_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o all_o that_o have_v the_o former_a shall_v have_v the_o latter_a jesus_n christ_n may_v take_v man_n into_o what_o degree_n or_o kind_n of_o union_n with_o himself_o he_o see_v mere_a now_o when_o i_o say_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v a_o real_a union_n with_o christ_n i_o mean_v it_o only_o of_o a_o political_a which_o we_o may_v call_v a_o mere_a relative_a union_n he_o be_v their_o king_n they_o be_v his_o subject_n he_o their_o master_n they_o his_o servant_n he_o their_o shepherd_n they_o his_o sheep_n and_o this_o union_n they_o have_v with_o christ_n be_v the_o proper_a ground_n of_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n visible_a or_o into_o the_o kingdom_n family_n household_n or_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v sheepfold_v of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o universal_o have_v such_o a_o union_n with_o christ_n may_v be_v evidence_v by_o a_o twofold_a argument_n 1._o first_o all_o those_o by_o who_o or_o on_o who_o behalf_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v real_o and_o true_o perform_v have_v a_o real_a and_o true_a union_n with_o christ_n but_o though_o not_o by_o for_o that_o be_v not_o require_v of_o they_o yet_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o universal_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v real_o and_o true_o perform_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n both_o proposition_n carry_v their_o own_o evidence_n with_o so_o much_o clearness_n that_o as_o i_o can_v at_o present_v apprehend_v what_o can_v be_v reply_v to_o so_o i_o conceive_v the_o add_v of_o any_o thing_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o either_o will_v be_v superfluous_a sure_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o christ_n and_o god_n in_o he_o and_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v perform_v though_o not_o by_o they_o yet_o on_o their_o behalf_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o though_o by_o they_o there_o must_v needs_o immediate_o result_v such_o a_o union_n with_o christ_n take_v it_o in_o all_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o union_n and_o the_o mutual_a acceptation_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o contract_n by_o which_o that_o union_n be_v constitute_v and_o the_o union_n itself_o necessary_o result_v and_o flow_v therefrom_o now_o that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v real_o and_o true_o perform_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n need_v no_o other_o proof_n than_o that_o they_o be_v believer_n who_o seed_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o repentance_n of_o parent_n that_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o seed_n acceptation_n into_o covenant_n 2._o the_o same_o union_n that_o the_o covenant_n constitute_v between_o christ_n and_o some_o it_o constitute_v between_o he_o and_o all_o with_o who_o it_o be_v equal_o and_o alike_o establish_v but_o the_o covenant_n constitute_v a_o true_a and_o real_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o some_o viz._n adult_n
believer_n therefore_o it_o constitute_v the_o same_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o other_o viz._n their_o infant-seed_n it_o be_v equal_o and_o alike_o establish_v with_o they_o as_o it_o be_v with_o believer_n themselves_o this_o argument_n carry_v its_o evidence_n with_o the_o same_o clearness_n as_o the_o former_a for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o establish_v with_o adult_a believer_n differ_v from_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o as_o establish_v with_o infant_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o the_o union_n constitute_v between_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o that_o constitute_v between_o he_o and_o adult_n believer_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o covenant_n accept_v of_o the_o parent_n faith_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o child_n admission_n thereinto_o as_o will_v as_o the_o faith_n of_o grow_v person_n for_o their_o own_o admission_n thereinto_o now_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n as_o absolute_o consider_v and_o not_o as_o require_v such_o and_o such_o condition_n that_o constitute_v this_o kind_n of_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o man_n be_v they_o adult_v or_o infant_n neither_o can_v that_o high_a kind_n of_o union_n viz._n physical_a that_o believer_n have_v with_o christ_n be_v plead_v as_o a_o prejudice_n to_o infant_n enjoyment_n of_o this_o low_a kind_n of_o union_n with_o he_o see_v neither_o the_o antecedent_n operation_n or_o consequent_a indwel_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n whereby_o that_o high_a kind_n of_o union_n be_v effect_v be_v any_o otherwise_o necessary_a to_o this_o low_a kind_n of_o union_n which_o i_o call_v political_n or_o mere_o relative_a than_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o adult_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n appertain_v to_o they_o have_v personal_o perform_v they_o make_v so_o to_o be_v when_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v true_o and_o real_o perform_v without_o such_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n they_o may_v and_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o the_o indwelling_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v also_o their_o case_n there_o a_o political_a union_n may_v be_v real_o constitute_v and_o yet_o no_o high_a union_n grant_v so_o that_o infant_n have_v a_o real_a political_a union_n with_o christ_n be_v evident_a and_o indeed_o to_o grant_v they_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o yet_o deny_v they_o such_o a_o union_n will_v be_v absolute_o contradictory_n what_o objection_n carry_v any_o appearance_n of_o opposition_n against_o what_o have_v be_v now_o grant_v yea_o assert_v shall_v be_v consider_v hereafter_o this_o i_o say_v at_o present_a that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n may_v be_v grant_v yea_o must_v be_v affirm_v to_o have_v a_o true_a and_o real_a political_n or_o relative_a union_n with_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o as_o it_o give_v they_o a_o right_n to_o membership_n so_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o that_o their_o right_n in_o the_o church_n kingdom_n or_o family_n of_o christ_n as_o visible_a here_o upon_o earth_n neither_o be_v we_o concern_v as_o i_o conceive_v to_o inquire_v or_o determine_v how_o far_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n they_o may_v be_v say_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o union_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o invisible_a see_v our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n relate_v unto_o they_o have_v divine_a revelation_n for_o their_o ground_n and_o rule_v this_o objection_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o our_o way_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v what_o good_a benefit_n or_o advantage_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n body_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o first_o which_o i_o shall_v but_o touch_v upon_o they_o as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v comprehend_v in_o and_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o those_o prayer_n that_o be_v continual_o make_v for_o the_o whole_a israel_n of_o god_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o more_o general_a assembly_n so_o of_o each_o particular_a believer_n to_o make_v know_v their_o request_n unto_o god_n for_o themselves_o or_o on_o his_o own_o behalf_n by_o prayer_n supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v phil._n 4._o so_o to_o pray_v for_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o psal_n 122.6_o by_o jerusalem_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o believer_n so_o that_o love_n both_o to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o which_o each_o in_o particular_a be_v a_o member_n that_o be_v the_o inseparable_a effect_n of_o regeneration_n oblige_v and_o constrain_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v but_o seldom_o but_o sincere_a saint_n especial_o in_o their_o more_o solemn_a address_n unto_o god_n 〈◊〉_d leave_v some_o 〈…〉_o in_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 51.18_o so_o in_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 1.16_o though_o the_o one_o be_v only_o make_v application_n to_o god_n for_o relief_n in_o a_o particular_a case_n the_o other_o leave_v his_o valedictory_n benediction_n with_o those_o he_o have_v write_v to_o yet_o zion_n or_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v forget_v by_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o hence_o there_o be_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v a_o stock_n of_o prayer_n not_o treasury_n of_o merit_n continual_o treasure_v up_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v their_o interest_n and_o share_n and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a benefit_n to_o have_v so_o many_o thousand_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v as_o his_o remembrancer_n daily_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o promise_n as_o make_v with_o and_o to_o his_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v make_v with_o and_o to_o they_o in_o special_a as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n and_o this_o if_o due_o consider_v may_v yield_v great_a comfort_n to_o believe_a parent_n that_o they_o as_o well_o as_o themselves_o be_v daily_o present_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n by_o so_o many_o who_o be_v under_o the_o promise_n of_o have_v the_o ear_n of_o god_n open_a to_o they_o 2._o and_o rather_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n or_o family_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n they_o have_v a_o joint_a interest_n with_o all_o other_o member_n in_o that_o special_a providential_a care_n that_o he_o exercise_n over_o his_o own_o house_n that_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o father_n be_v evident_a as_o from_o variety_n of_o other_o scripture_n so_o in_o special_a from_o that_o john_n 5.22_o where_o christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o father_n judge_v no_o man_n but_o have_v commit_v all_o judgement_n unto_o the_o son_n yet_o not_o so_o as_o to_o cease_v to_o work_v himself_o for_o the_o father_n work_v in_o and_o by_o the_o son_n but_o that_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o son_n be_v evident_a and_o this_o work_n of_o providence_n or_o providential_a care_n of_o christ_n be_v twofold_a 1._o first_o more_o general_a and_o so_o it_o extend_v to_o the_o utmost_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n no_o creature_n that_o receive_v its_o be_v from_o god_n but_o it_o be_v under_o providence_n as_o administer_v by_o christ_n as_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o so_o by_o he_o do_v all_o thing_n consist_v 2._o second_o more_o special_a and_o thus_o the_o church_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o special_a providential_a care_n of_o christ_n therefore_o he_o be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o emphasis_n to_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o israel_n psal_n 121.4_o he_o that_o keep_v israel_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v read_v he_o that_o be_v keep_v israel_n neither_o slumber_v nor_o sleep_v as_o we_o have_v here_o the_o special_a object_n of_o divine_a providence_n viz._n israel_n that_o be_v the_o church_n so_o the_o exactness_n and_o speciality_n of_o that_o providential_a care_n exercise_v towards_o or_o over_o that_o object_n intimate_v partly_o in_o the_o word_n keep_v or_o keep_v that_o be_v careful_o and_o diligent_o keep_v connotat_fw-la keep_v curam_fw-la solicitudinem_fw-la &_o diligentiam_fw-la connotat_fw-la more_o full_o declare_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n neither_o slumber_v nor_o sleep_v a_o man_n though_o he_o fall_v not_o
be_v viz._n that_o it_o lay_v a_o foundation_n to_o ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n and_o how_o much_o more_o just_o that_o charge_n may_v be_v lay_v upon_o the_o contrary_a judgement_n and_o practice_n we_o see_v paedo-baptist_n be_v under_o vast_o great_a obligation_n to_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n and_o their_o personal_a embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o the_o contrary-minded_n can_v according_o to_o their_o judgement_n look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o under_v and_o have_v vast_o more_o ground_n to_o expect_v that_o their_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o duty_n shall_v be_v successful_a than_o they_o have_v but_o let_v that_o suffice_v for_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n appoint_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o they_o respect_v the_o parent_n to_o who_o seed_n that_o application_n be_v to_o be_v make_v 3._o the_o reason_n respect_v the_o child_n themselves_o to_o who_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v and_o thus_o the_o great_a reason_n be_v their_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n but_o that_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o grand_a enquiry_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v evident_o see_v that_o the_o rationality_n of_o this_o institution_n be_v not_o only_o secure_v to_o we_o by_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n institute_v but_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o lie_v obvious_a to_o all_o serious_a considerate_a mind_n chap._n iii_o the_o second_o question_n propose_v a_o brief_a introduction_n to_o the_o answer_n of_o it_o the_o first_o benefit_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n receive_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o declare_v viz._n they_o have_v thereby_o a_o solemn_a admission_n into_o and_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n or_o family_n of_o christ_n a_o objection_n answer_v the_o good_a redound_v to_o they_o by_o that_o their_o admission_n and_o membership_n show_v in_o two_o instance_n 1._o they_o be_v comprehend_v in_o and_o have_v a_o equal_a benefit_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o all_o these_o prayer_n put_v up_o for_o the_o church_n in_o general_n 2._o they_o be_v under_o that_o special_a providential_a care_n that_o christ_n exercise_v over_o his_o church_n 3._o question_n relate_v thereunto_o resolve_v quest_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n arise_v to_o the_o infant-feed_n of_o believer_n from_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o or_o what_o good_a do_v they_o receive_v thereby_o answ_n that_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a original_a be_v a_o signification_n and_o signal_n expression_n of_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n unto_o man_n and_o consequent_o aim_v at_o and_o tend_v to_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o due_a and_o proper_a subject_n of_o they_o have_v be_v intimate_v already_o and_o may_v be_v alike_o infallible_o conclude_v from_o the_o goodness_n as_o their_o rationality_n from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o institutor_n as_o for_o that_o special_a ordinance_n under_o our_o present_a consideration_n the_o apostle_n answer_v to_o much_o the_o same_o question_n put_v with_o respect_n to_o circumcision_n be_v applicable_a to_o and_o may_v be_v give_v as_o a_o more_o general_a solution_n of_o the_o question_n now_o put_v respective_a to_o both_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n as_o apply_v to_o infant_n the_o advantage_n they_o have_v thereby_o be_v much_o and_o that_o every_o way_n what_o that_o good_a and_o advantage_n be_v and_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v be_v now_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o and_o in_o general_a or_o as_o to_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v threefold_a 1._o first_o they_o thereby_o be_v solemn_o admit_v into_o and_o incorporate_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n or_o family_n of_o christ_n and_o thereupon_o become_v to_o use_v the_o aposlte_n phrase_n fellow-citizen_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n that_o baptism_n now_o be_v as_o circumcision_n of_o old_a be_v a_o solemn_a right_n for_o the_o initiation_n and_o admission_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v rightful_a subject_n of_o it_o into_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v agree_v on_o on_o all_o hand_n which_o that_o the_o infant_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v have_v be_v already_o prove_v and_o be_v now_o take_v for_o grant_v which_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o have_v this_o good_a and_o benefit_n by_o it_o will_v receive_v a_o ready_a acknowledgement_n from_o all_o and_o indeed_o that_o to_o have_v a_o membership_n in_o the_o church_n or_o to_o be_v fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n be_v a_o good_a or_o advantage_n unto_o man_n can_v be_v rational_o question_v by_o any_o though_o wherein_o the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n do_v consist_v be_v not_o obvious_a unto_o all_o and_o therefore_o must_v now_o be_v more_o thorough_o search_v into_o and_o declare_v but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o that_o one_o objection_n must_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o our_o way_n which_o seem_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o strong_o to_o oppose_v infant_n enjoyment_n of_o that_o privilege_n and_o consequent_o their_o right_n to_o that_o ordinance_n appoint_v for_o the_o solemn_a admission_n of_o man_n into_o it_o and_o it_o be_v this_o object_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o infant_n as_o such_o can_v rightful_o be_v admit_v into_o or_o incorporate_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o be_v of_o his_o household_n and_o family_n as_o visible_a and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n body_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n do_v presuppose_v membership_n in_o his_o invisible_a body_n see_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a body_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o visible_o to_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o real_a member_n of_o his_o invisible_a body_n that_o distinction_n of_o visible_a and_o invisible_a not_o be_v distinctio_fw-la rei_fw-la sed_fw-la tantum_fw-la nominis_fw-la only_o a_o distinction_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n à _fw-la duplici_fw-la modo_fw-la unionis_fw-la &_o communionis_fw-la cum_fw-la christo_fw-la capite_fw-la still_a interno_fw-la &_o externo_fw-la so_o that_o the_o church_n by_o these_o term_n of_o visible_a and_o invisible_a be_v only_o distinguish_v of_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o certain_a adjunct_n viz._n the_o manner_n or_o kind_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n that_o the_o several_a member_n it_o be_v constitute_v of_o have_v with_o christ_n the_o head_n viz._n internal_a and_o real_a or_o only_o external_a or_o appear_v hence_o all_o that_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v such_o as_o visible_o appear_v to_o have_v real_a internal_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n now_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o infant_n as_o such_o seem_v incapable_a of_o any_o such_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o or_o suppose_v they_o simple_o or_o absolute_o capable_a yet_o whether_o any_o actual_o have_v especial_o which_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a have_v such_o a_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o chest_n be_v whole_o unknown_a to_o we_o and_o then_o how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v visible_o to_o appear_v member_n of_o the_o invisible_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o must_v do_v in_o case_n they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o membership_n in_o his_o visible_a body_n answ_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n i_o will_v say_v these_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n 1._o first_o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o resolve_v some_o doubt_n that_o may_v arise_v with_o reference_n to_o person_n right_a to_o or_o enjoyment_n of_o gospel-priviledge_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v please_v for_o the_o overthrow_v or_o disannul_v their_o right_n to_o they_o when_o god_n have_v evident_o declare_v they_o in_o his_o word_n to_o have_v such_o a_o right_a to_o or_o to_o have_v have_v by_o his_o own_o approbation_n the_o actual_a possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o god_n may_v have_v plain_o reveal_v their_o right_n and_o yet_o more_o dark_o reveal_v many_o thing_n relate_v to_o that_o their_o right_n instance_n will_v not_o be_v want_v will_v i_o insist_v upon_o they_o of_o gospel-priviledge_n that_o the_o scripture_n evident_o declare_v person_n so_o and_o so_o qualify_v to_o have_v a_o real_a right_n to_o and_o to_o have_v the_o actual_a possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o and_o yet_o doubt_v of_o no_o easy_a resolution_n may_v be_v raise_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o right_n to_o they_o and_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o come_n
and_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n in_o that_o some_o have_v have_v a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n or_o in_o that_o such_o a_o power_n have_v be_v exert_v in_o the_o church_n though_o possible_o not_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o it_o by_o any_o one_o particular_a believer_n so_o in_o our_o present_a case_n the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o and_o promise_v as_o make_v to_o the_o church_n or_o house_n of_o israel_n as_o a_o collective_a body_n be_v indefinite_a they_o do_v not_o infallible_o secure_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o to_o every_o individual_a member_n only_o such_o a_o good_a to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o answerable_o every_o individual_a member_n stand_v night_n to_o and_o be_v a_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o they_o than_o those_o that_o be_v without_o and_o yet_o for_o the_o far_o clear_v up_o and_o confirm_v of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v observe_v that_o that_o twofold_a good_a before_o mention_v intend_v in_o these_o promise_n be_v distinct_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o collective_a body_n 1._o first_o for_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n thus_o in_o that_o psal_n 147.17_o he_o have_v show_v his_o judgement_n unto_o jacob_n and_o his_o statute_n unto_o israel_n he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o to_o every_o nation_n i_o conceive_v we_o be_v to_o take_v these_o word_n not_o bare_o as_o historical_a of_o what_o god_n do_v for_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o promissory_a wherein_o god_n do_v gracious_o engage_v himself_o to_o vouchsafe_v such_o outward_a mean_n to_o his_o church_n throughout_o all_o age_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a through_o the_o concur_v operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o convey_v the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o in_o christ_n to_o and_o work_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o several_a member_n thereof_o however_o this_o seem_v evident_a that_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v not_o of_o god_n show_v his_o judgement_n to_o jacob_n and_o statute_n to_o israel_n as_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o answerable_o declare_v what_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o age_n viz._n to_o enjoy_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n or_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o jew_n as_o than_o not_o unchurch_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o of_o necessity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v first_o preach_v unto_o they_o act_n 13.46_o and_o why_o be_v this_o necessary_a or_o of_o necessity_n but_o because_o they_o yet_o appertain_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n shall_v while_o they_o so_o continue_v have_v a_o sufficiency_n of_o outward_a mean_n whereby_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v communicate_v to_o and_o wrought_v in_o they_o god_n have_v grant_v that_o to_o his_o church_n as_o one_o of_o her_o great_a privilege_n here_o upon_o earth_n 2._o second_o for_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o their_o inseparable_a fruit_n and_o sffect_n and_o thus_o our_o lord_n christ_n have_v promise_v the_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o and_o with_o his_o church_n i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o john_n 14.16_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o as_o a_o promise_n to_o particular_a believer_n though_o in_o whosoever_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v dwell_v he_o dwell_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o yet_o of_o that_o indwelling_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o particular_a believer_n i_o conceive_v our_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v but_o of_o his_o presence_n in_o and_o with_o his_o church_n in_o general_n in_o which_o sense_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n now_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v presence_n in_o and_o with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o make_v effectual_a by_o his_o internal_a operation_n the_o external_a mean_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v vouchsase_v so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n both_o of_o the_o external_a mean_n whereby_o that_o grace_n be_v wrought_v and_o of_o the_o spirit_n by_o who_o operation_n those_o mean_n be_v make_v effectual_a do_v in_o a_o particular_a and_o special_a manner_n appertain_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o consequent_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v member_n thereof_o they_o must_v needs_o stand_v nigh_o to_o and_o be_v more_o especial_o the_o object_n of_o those_o promise_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v no_o small_a benefit_n or_o advantage_n to_o stand_v in_o so_o nigh_o a_o capacity_n to_o these_o promise_n to_o be_v of_o that_o body_n or_o family_n to_o who_o they_o do_v belong_v though_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_o secure_v to_o every_o individual_a to_o be_v of_o any_o body_n politic_a corporation_n or_o society_n unto_o which_o any_o peculiar_a grant_n do_v belong_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n though_o the_o good_a grant_v be_v not_o infallible_o secure_v to_o every_o individual_a member_n yet_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a be_v in_o a_o nigh_a and_o great_a capacity_n to_o enjoy_v that_o good_a than_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o body_n corporation_n or_o society_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o here_o 2._o but_o second_o and_o more_o particular_o and_o thus_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o these_o promise_n do_v yet_o in_o a_o more_o especial_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n belong_v to_o that_o part_n of_o or_o species_n of_o member_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o consist_v in_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n the_o adult_n be_v suppose_v already_o to_o have_v the_o first_o grace_n and_o therefore_o these_o promise_n at_o least_o as_o they_o hold_v forth_o the_o first_o grace_n have_v a_o more_o especial_a respect_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n hence_o we_o shall_v find_v promise_n of_o that_o twosold_a good_a before_o mention_v express_o and_o particular_o make_v unto_o they_o thus_o isa_n 44.4_o 5._o say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o thy_o seed_n and_o my_o blessing_n upon_o thy_o offspring_n seed_n and_o offspring_n here_o be_v synonimous_a term_n they_o intend_v the_o same_o subject_n and_o by_o both_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o believer_n be_v intend_v as_o be_v evident_a in_o as_o much_o as_o that_o term_n offspring_n be_v never_o use_v in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o to_o signify_v natural_a child_n or_o posterity_n and_o by_o spirit_n and_o blessing_n the_o same_o good_a be_v intend_v only_o the_o latter_a term_n be_v explicative_a of_o the_o former_a i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n and_o blessing_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n who_o as_o pour_v out_o upon_o shall_v be_v a_o blessing_n to_o they_o and_o in_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v employ_v the_o vouchsafement_n of_o the_o outward_a mean_n through_o and_o by_o which_o god_n do_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o his_o people_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o some_o way_n communicate_v unto_o man_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o they_o 2_o cor._n 3.8_o and_o hence_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v necessary_o imply_v and_o include_v in_o it_o such_o a_o communication_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o through_o which_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o man_n the_o spirit_n may_v be_v minister_v to_o those_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n do_v appertain_v and_o as_o the_o spirit_n be_v here_o express_o promise_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n employ_v therein_o so_o in_o isa_n 59_o ult_n this_o twofold_a good_a be_v exprefs_o and_o in_o terminis_fw-la promise_v my_o spirit_n which_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n seed_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o say_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v a_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o declare_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n how_o and_o whereby_o god_n do_v uphold_v maintain_v and_o perpetuate_v his_o church_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v by_o vouchsase_v his_o word_n or_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o his_o spirit_n in_o a_o concurrence_n with_o they_o to_o his_o
people_n and_o their_o seed_n successive_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o to_o those_o that_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o promise_n or_o that_o they_o be_v tobe_n interpret_v and_o understand_v not_o in_o a_o definite_a but_o in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n and_o do_v impartial_o observe_v the_o way_n of_o god_n procedure_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o man_n any_o endeavour_n to_o vindicate_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o their_o performance_n will_v be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a for_o though_o some_o have_v contemn_v that_o observation_n that_o other_o have_v make_v viz._n that_o that_o seed_n that_o god_n have_v reserve_v out_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o fall_a man_n to_o serve_v he_o be_v in_o a_o considerable_a measure_n raise_v out_o of_o the_o family_n of_o the_o faithful_a yet_o it_o be_v indeed_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o so_o evident_a to_o unbiased_a observer_n that_o it_o may_v be_v no_o little_a confirmation_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n now_o give_v of_o these_o promise_n and_o be_v a_o abundant_a vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o as_o it_o have_v in_o all_o age_n pass_v give_v so_o still_o give_v he_o the_o just_a name_n and_o repute_v of_o a_o god_n keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n for_o ever_o but_o to_o put_v a_o close_a to_o this_o three_o benefit_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o say_v they_o be_v thereby_o bring_v nigh_o to_o the_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v they_o be_v os_fw-la that_o collective_a body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n unto_o who_o these_o promise_n do_v in_o the_o general_n appertain_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o be_v that_o special_a part_n of_o or_o species_n of_o member_n in_o that_o body_n or_o society_n to_o who_o these_o promise_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n do_v belong_v they_o be_v nigh_o to_o the_o promise_v as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o they_o be_v yet_o nigh_o as_o they_o be_v specify_v and_o point_v out_o to_o be_v the_o person_n peculiar_o intend_v in_o they_o and_o according_a to_o their_o nignness_n to_o these_o promise_n so_o especial_o when_o parent_n be_v faithful_a in_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o be_v their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v how_o rare_o be_v it_o find_v when_o parent_n with_o abraham_n be_v faithful_a in_o instruct_v and_o command_v their_o child_n to_o walk_v in_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o if_o not_o all_o yet_o some_o though_o sometime_o more_o sometime_o sewer_a according_a to_o the_o number_n they_o be_v bless_v with_o be_v find_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n accompany_v of_o those_o instruction_n walk_v in_o these_o way_n yea_o how_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o parent_n so_o perform_v their_o duty_n who_o can_v walk_v in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o strange_a land_n with_o comfortable_a hope_n that_o all_o they_o be_v heir_n with_o they_o of_o the_o same_o promise_n now_o then_o how_o strange_a be_v it_o that_o believe_a parent_n shall_v have_v their_o understanding_n so_o far_o darken_v and_o their_o judgement_n so_o far_o blind_v to_o make_v that_o which_o sometime_o be_v the_o gentile_n and_o be_v now_o the_o jew_n misery_n viz._n to_o be_v far_o from_o god_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n their_o choice_n though_o not_o for_o themselves_o yet_o for_o they_o and_o shall_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v set_v they_o at_o the_o utmost_a distance_n from_o those_o promise_n that_o be_v the_o great_a ground_n of_o hope_n to_o fall_v man_n that_o he_o may_v obrain_n a_o exchange_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o misery_n for_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o take_v their_o lot_n among_o those_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o we_o may_v well_o call_v to_o the_o heaven_n to_o be_v astonish_v at_o this_o and_o to_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v move_v out_o of_o its_o place_n but_o to_o pass_v from_o this_o first_o head_n of_o benefy_v accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n from_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o they_o have_v admission_n into_o and_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o god_n by_o command_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n speak_v to_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o seed_n as_o jacob_n to_o joseph_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o two_o son_n bring_v your_o child_n near_o to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v bless_v they_o bring_v they_o into_o my_o house_n and_o family_n and_o as_o they_o then_o shall_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o prayer_n put_v up_o for_o it_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o special_a providential_a care_n of_o my_o son_n over_o they_o he_o shall_v give_v his_o angel_n a_o charge_n concern_v they_o they_o shall_v come_v into_o a_o nigh_a capacity_n to_o enjoy_v grace_n promise_v than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v you_o faithful_a in_o your_o duty_n and_o i_o will_v be_v faithful_a in_o my_o promise_n now_o shall_v any_o reject_v such_o a_o gracious_a invitation_n how_o just_o may_v child_n cnrse_v the_o day_n they_o be_v ever_o bring_v forth_o by_o such_o parent_n chap._n v._o the_o second_o good_a or_o benefit_n accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n propose_v viz._n they_o have_v thereby_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o appertain_v to_o they_o ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v a_o enquiry_n make_v whether_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n be_v enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n definit_o or_o only_o indefinite_o the_o various_a judgement_n of_o paedo-baptist_n about_o it_o that_o they_o be_v enter_v and_o make_v definite_o prove_v two_o way_n first_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o abraham_n seed_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n where_o two_o reason_n be_v offer_v second_o it_o be_v further_a prove_v by_o three_o reason_n respect_v both_o abraham_n and_o all_o other_o believer_n seed_n the_o forementioned_a good_a accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n open_v in_o the_o resolution_n of_o two_o question_n the_o former_a propose_v viz._n what_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v reference_n unto_o that_o it_o have_v a_o twofold_a reference_n show_v first_o to_o the_o covenant_n as_o abstract_o and_o absolute_o consider_v the_o thing_n ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o it_o as_o consider_v in_o that_o its_o reference_n determine_v to_o be_v their_o covenant_n that_o the_o necessary_a result_n of_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o two_o argument_n to_o be_v their_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o originalsin_n and_o that_o both_o originans_n and_o originatum_fw-la 2._o the_o second_o good_a or_o benefit_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v this_o viz._n they_o have_v thereby_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o appertain_v to_o they_o seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o particular_a unfolding_n of_o this_o good_a or_o benefit_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unuseful_a but_o seem_v necessary_a that_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o different_a apprehension_n of_o poedo-baptists_n themselves_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n as_o enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o judgement_n about_o that_o must_v be_v grant_v and_o according_a to_o their_o different_a apprehension_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n they_o be_v different_o persuade_v as_o to_o the_o good_a accrue_v to_o infant_n by_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o their_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o which_o i_o shall_v also_o brief_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o i_o go_v along_o 1._o first_o some_o conserve_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n only_o indefinite_o and_o anfwerable_o that_o the_o promise_v appertain_v to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n that_o be_v as_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o they_o as_o general_o and_o collective_o consider_v but_o not_o make_v to_o any_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a and_o of_o those_o that_o go_v this_o way_n some_o conceive_v that_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n appertain_v only_o to_o the_o elect_n and_o secure_a to_o they_o only_o the_o future_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o save_a fruit_n and_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o christ_n but_o do_v not_o necessary_o convey_v to_o or_o confer_v
asleep_a yet_o if_o he_o stumber_v be_v great_o indispose_v to_o discharge_v any_o work_n he_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o shepherd_n though_o he_o be_v not_o fast_o asleep_a as_o we_o say_v yet_o if_o in_o a_o slumber_n his_o sheep_n be_v expose_v to_o danger_n but_o to_o show_v the_o exactness_n of_o that_o providential_a care_n that_o our_o lord_n christ_n exercise_v over_o his_o church_n it_o be_v here_o say_v of_o he_o nec_fw-la dormit_fw-la nec_fw-la dormitat_fw-la he_o neither_o sleep_v nor_o slumber_n and_o hence_o again_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o keep_v his_o church_n speak_v of_o it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o vineyard_n night_n and_o day_n isa_n 27.3_o as_o his_o eye_n be_v always_o open_a he_o be_v always_o awake_a not_o in_o the_o least_o slumber_v so_o his_o eye_n be_v always_o upon_o his_o church_n he_o keep_v it_o night_n and_o day_n now_o night_n and_o day_n divide_v time_n from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v see_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o special_a object_n of_o the_o providential_a care_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n be_v his_o special_a charge_n so_o his_o care_n be_v answerable_a towards_o or_o over_o it_o he_o exercise_v a_o most_o exact_a providential_a care_n towards_o or_o over_o his_o own_o family_n and_o here_o we_o may_v further_o observe_v that_o as_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n so_o he_o employ_v the_o angel_n as_o his_o minister_n in_o the_o administration_n thereof_o he_o make_v his_o angel_n spirit_n and_o his_o minister_n a_o flame_n of_o fire_n heb._n 1.7_o according_a to_o their_o essence_n and_o nature_n so_o he_o employ_v they_o as_o his_o servant_n and_o minister_n in_o manage_v the_o work_n of_o providence_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n hence_o as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o special_a providential_a care_n so_o the_o angel_n perform_v their_o ministry_n with_o a_o special_a respect_n to_o and_o for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o it_o hence_o say_v to_o be_v send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n heb._n 1.14_o though_o they_o serve_v christ_n in_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o providence_n yet_o they_o have_v their_o service_n and_o ministry_n especial_o assign_v they_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o particular_a member_n thereof_o as_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n now_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v rightful_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o wing_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n stretch_v over_o they_o and_o have_v a_o joint_a interest_n in_o this_o service_n and_o ministry_n of_o angel_n with_o the_o adult_n member_n yea_o at_o least_o as_o some_o if_o not_o most_o of_o our_o best_a expositor_n understand_v that_o passage_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n in_o mat._n 18.10_o infant_n have_v a_o more_o special_a interest_n in_o their_o ministry_n their_o state_n incapacify_v they_o to_o take_v any_o care_n of_o themselves_o be_v more_o especial_o commit_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o angel_n take_v heed_n say_v our_o lord_n christ_n that_o you_o despise_v not_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o in_o heaven_n their_o angel_n do_v always_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n by_o these_o little_a one_o be_v understand_v little_a child_n if_o not_o alone_o intend_v yet_o as_o include_v and_o comprehend_v they_o have_v their_o angel_n that_o in_o heaven_n behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n that_o be_v stand_v always_o ready_a to_o receive_v command_n from_o god_n for_o their_o guidance_n in_o their_o service_n and_o ministration_n unto_o these_o little_a one_o to_o who_o care_n and_o charge_n they_o be_v commit_v videre_fw-la faciem_fw-la patris_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la astare_fw-la deo_fw-la tanquam_fw-la regi_fw-la observantes_fw-la ejus_fw-la nutum_fw-la ut_fw-la capessant_fw-la ipsius_fw-la mandata_fw-la de_fw-la ipsis_fw-la emittendis_fw-la ad_fw-la custodiam_fw-la puerorum_fw-la say_v piscator_fw-la etc._n piscator_fw-la vide_fw-la bull_v in_o loco_fw-la junius_n his_o irenicum_fw-la meditatio_fw-la in_o ps_n 121.2_o gerhard_n de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la mr._n perkins_n doct._n prideux_n in_o their_o sermon_n upon_o this_o place_n etc._n etc._n but_o whether_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v our_o lord_n christ_n as_o speak_v of_o little_a one_o in_o a_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n or_o no_o yet_o that_o his_o providential_a care_n exercise_v towards_o or_o over_o his_o church_n or_o family_n do_v extend_v to_o they_o in_o common_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o the_o universality_n of_o that_o phrase_n he_o keep_v israel_n none_o that_o appertain_v to_o his_o israel_n be_v from_o under_o his_o care_n or_o exclude_v from_o the_o service_n or_o ministration_n of_o the_o angel_n and_o sure_o this_o be_v no_o little_a benefit_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o be_v under_o that_o special_a providential_a care_n he_o exercise_n over_o his_o own_o house_n but_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v up_o of_o this_o the_o resolution_n of_o two_o or_o three_o question_n may_v be_v necessary_a first_o whether_o this_o providential_a care_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o church_n be_v extend_v equal_o and_o alike_o to_o all_o that_o be_v visible_a member_n of_o it_o or_o whether_o he_o have_v not_o a_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o election_n and_o a_o real_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o consequent_o see_v we_o deny_v infant_n as_o such_o to_o have_v a_o real_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o election_n of_o grace_n among_o they_o unto_o which_o some_o do_v other_o do_v not_o appertain_v whether_o this_o providential_a care_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o appropriate_v only_o to_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o answ_n in_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_n several_a thing_n may_v be_v consider_v which_o yet_o i_o shall_v wave_v and_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o the_o angel_n who_o our_o lord_n christ_n employ_v as_o his_o servant_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n do_v act_n in_o their_o ministration_n either_o according_a to_o a_o more_o general_a commission_n and_o charge_n they_o have_v receive_v or_o else_o according_a to_o particular_a command_n relate_v to_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o each_o particular_a person_n hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la and_o that_o angel_n do_v act_n according_a to_o a_o more_o general_a commission_n as_o well_o as_o according_a to_o particular_a command_n they_o receive_v from_o christ_n for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n be_v not_o only_a consonant_n to_o reason_n but_o may_v be_v evidence_v from_o scripture_n and_o hence_o our_o divine_n distinguish_v of_o their_o ministry_n 1548._o ministry_n ministerium_fw-la angelorum_fw-la est_fw-la duplex_fw-la ordinarium_fw-la &_o extraordinartum_fw-la junii_fw-la eccles_n cap._n 4._o pag._n 1548._o it_o be_v either_o say_v they_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a their_o ordinary_a ministry_n be_v that_o they_o perform_v by_o virtue_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o more_o general_a commission_n their_o extraordinary_a ministry_n be_v that_o they_o perform_v in_o obedience_n to_o and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o particular_a command_n and_o direction_n they_o receive_v from_o christ_n whether_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o in_o this_o or_o that_o nation_n or_o any_o particular_a member_n now_o suppose_v we_o grant_v that_o angel_n have_v many_o particular_a command_n relate_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o elect_n beyond_o what_o they_o have_v relate_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o non-elect_a yet_o so_o far_o as_o they_o perform_v their_o ministry_n according_a to_o their_o more_o general_a commission_n they_o have_v a_o equal_a respect_n to_o all_o without_o consideration_n have_v to_o election_n or_o nonelection_n which_o be_v secret_n to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o yea_o it_o may_v be_v further_o observe_v that_o our_o lord_n christ_n himself_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o his_o providential_a care_n over_o his_o church_n have_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o the_o non-elect_a infant_n member_n i_o may_v add_v to_o the_o non-elect_a adult_n suppose_v their_o way_n and_o action_n do_v not_o open_o proclaim_v the_o hypocrisy_n of_o their_o heart_n than_o he_o have_v to_o those_o that_o be_v whole_o alien_n whether_o infant_n or_o adult_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o answerable_o do_v give_v many_o particular_a direction_n to_o his_o angel_n relate_v to_o their_o good_a beyond_o what_o he_o give_v relate_v to_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v without_z the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v now_o affirm_v be_v establish_v upon_o a_o
sense_n of_o any_o difference_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o unbeliever_n be_v no_o rational_a ground_n for_o any_o to_o conclude_v either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o special_a care_n extend_v to_o or_o exercise_v over_o the_o former_a or_o that_o they_o receive_v no_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n thereby_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o sea_n his_o path_n in_o the_o deep_a water_n as_o for_o his_o footstep_n they_o be_v not_o know_v psal_n 77.19_o how_o many_o glorious_a design_n do_v our_o lord_n christ_n carry_v on_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o family_n and_o the_o several_a member_n thereof_o when_o yet_o neither_o the_o time_n when_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o they_o be_v lay_v nor_o the_o various_a working_n of_o providence_n in_o their_o accomplishment_n be_v discern_v or_o observe_v either_o by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o or_o by_o saint_n themselves_o only_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o their_o intend_a perfection_n they_o give_v abundant_a cause_n to_o those_o who_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o they_o to_o admire_v and_o say_v it_o be_v good_a for_o they_o that_o they_o ever_o have_v a_o place_n in_o that_o kingdom_n or_o family_n over_o which_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o that_o god_n who_o ride_v upon_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n and_o who_o strength_n be_v in_o the_o cloud_n who_o that_o have_v any_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v his_o sense_n at_o all_o exercise_v to_o discern_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v will_v willing_o be_v remove_v from_o under_o this_o special_a providential_a care_n of_o christ_n though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v set_v over_o the_o great_a empire_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o though_o yet_o continue_v under_o that_o general_a providence_n that_o extend_v to_o the_o whole_a creation_n of_o god_n so_o that_o not_o to_o descend_v to_o particular_n to_o be_v under_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v a_o singular_a good_a by_o all_o those_o that_o will_v not_o disclaim_v christianity_n and_o avow_v themselves_o open_a infidel_n now_o i_o say_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n as_o admit_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n and_o family_n of_o christ_n be_v under_o that_o special_a providential_a care_n he_o exercise_n over_o it_o but_o now_o parent_n by_o disclaim_v their_o seed_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o refuse_v on_o that_o account_n to_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o do_v if_o not_o absolute_o yet_o at_o lest_o what_o in_o they_o lie_v deprive_v they_o of_o this_o privilege_n and_o leave_v they_o under_o only_o that_o general_a and_o common_a providence_n that_o be_v exercise_v over_o the_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v full_a of_o the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n and_o oh_o that_o man_n yea_o that_o christian_n shall_v become_v so_o cruel_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o body_n chap._n iu._n the_o good_a redound_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n from_o their_o admission_n into_o and_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n or_o family_n of_o christ_n further_o open_v in_o a_o three_o instance_n viz._n they_o stand_v nigh_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o and_o be_v the_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n some_o of_o these_o promise_v mention_v the_o full_a good_a contain_v in_o they_o unfold_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v stand_v nigh_o to_o they_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n full_o prove_v a_o exaggeration_n of_o parent_n evil_a in_o reject_v their_o child_n church-membership_a 3._o three_o and_o especial_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n stand_v nigh_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n do_v to_o and_o answerable_o be_v the_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n the_o promise_v i_o have_v reference_n to_o be_v such_o as_o these_o isa_n 54.13_o jer._n 31.31_o that_o the_o very_a first_o special_a or_o save_a grace_n i_o mean_v inherent_a or_o renew_v grace_n whereby_o the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v renew_v in_o and_o reinstamp_v upon_o the_o soul_n be_v original_o from_o god_n and_o not_o from_o man_n himself_o needs_o no_o other_o proof_n than_o the_o bare_a recital_n of_o those_o scripture_n that_o affirm_v it_o john_n 3.3_o 7._o compare_v with_o john_n 1.13_o ephes_n 2.8_o 10._o james_n 1.17_o 18._o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o promise_v aforemention_v and_o unto_o which_o i_o have_v reference_n do_v contain_v and_o hold_v forth_o save_v grace_n and_o at_o least_o that_o isai_n 54.13_o the_o very_a first_o special_a or_o save_a grace_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o the_o word_n themselves_o so_o from_o the_o application_n our_o lord_n christ_n make_v of_o that_o promise_n in_o john_n 6.44_o 45._o where_o we_o see_v our_o lord_n christ_n apply_v these_o teach_n of_o god_n to_o those_o effectual_a teach_n and_o drawing_n of_o the_o father_n whereby_o sinner_n be_v bring_v to_o he_o and_o which_o whosoever_o do_v enjoy_v do_v actual_o come_v to_o he_o and_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o by_o he_o at_o the_o last_o day_n that_o be_v unto_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o yet_o far_o that_o these_o promise_v i_o now_o reser_fw-ge unto_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n in_o new-testament-time_n and_o that_o during_o the_o present_a administration_n be_v undeniable_o secure_v both_o by_o our_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n interpretation_n and_o application_n of_o they_o compare_v those_o forecited_a text_n with_o john_n 6.44_o 45._o heb._n 8.11_o so_o that_o as_o all_o special_a or_o save_v grace_n especial_o that_o first_o whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v and_o unite_v unto_o christ_n be_v original_o from_o god_n so_o these_o promise_n do_v hold_v forth_o and_o assure_v that_o grace_n unto_o some_o in_o new-testament-time_n during_o the_o present_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n now_o i_o say_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n as_o incorporate_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o do_v stand_v nigh_o to_o these_o promise_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n do_v and_o be_v the_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o they_o and_o consequent_o they_o have_v and_o be_v parent_n saithful_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n will_v more_o abundant_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n especial_o among_o they_o but_o that_o we_o may_v more_o clear_o see_v how_o great_a a_o good_a and_o advantage_n the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o respect_n have_v by_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o first_o show_v more_o particular_o what_o be_v the_o good_a that_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o promise_n and_o 2._o second_o prove_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n do_v stand_v nigh_a to_o they_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n what_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o these_o promise_v be_v and_o that_o be_v twofold_a the_o former_a employ_v and_o presuppose_v the_o latter_a more_o plain_o express_v first_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o these_o promise_v be_v the_o vouchsafement_n of_o such_o outward_a mean_n as_o be_v ape_n and_o sufficient_a according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a deal_n of_o god_n with_o and_o his_o ordinary_a way_n of_o work_a grace_n in_o man_n instrumental_o to_o convey_v grace_n to_o and_o work_v it_o in_o the_o heart_n these_o mean_n in_o the_o general_n be_v the_o outward_a communication_n or_o publication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n declare_v the_o way_n of_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n as_o some_o way_n communicate_v to_o the_o understanding_n and_o apply_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o mean_n by_o and_o through_o which_o god_n do_v ordinary_o work_v grace_n in_o those_o who_o salvation_n he_o intend_v i_o mean_v it_o of_o such_o who_o capacity_n admit_v of_o their_o reception_n of_o grace_n that_o way_n now_o when_o god_n promise_v grace_n he_o implicit_o promise_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o may_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o man_n be_v wrought_v in_o those_o intend_v in_o the_o promise_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v it_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o unuseful_a to_o remove_v one_o objection_n that_o may_v possible_o arise_v in_o the_o mind_n at_o least_o of_o some_o man_n obj._n possible_o it_o may_v be_v say_v these_o promise_n seem_v rather_o to_o exclude_v than_o include_v any_o external_a mean_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v when_o these_o promise_n come_v to_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n man_n shall_v not_o teach_v every_o
heb._n 8.11_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o these_o promise_n of_o put_v the_o law_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o write_v it_o in_o the_o heart_n be_v contain_v as_o make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o by_o house_n of_o israel_n we_o be_v again_o to_o understand_v the_o visible_a church_n that_o term_n house_n be_v frequent_o apply_v to_o the_o visible_a but_o never_o as_o i_o remember_v to_o the_o invisible_a church_n at_o least_o mere_o as_o such_o now_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o this_o house_n of_o israel_n they_o have_v a_o joint_a interest_n in_o this_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_v contain_v in_o it_o with_o the_o whole_a house_n and_o answerable_o stand_v nigh_o to_o and_o be_v the_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o these_o promise_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v who_o be_v not_o of_o this_o house_n of_o israel_n only_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o though_o the_o church_n or_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o these_o promise_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o exclude_v all_o other_o from_o partake_v of_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o for_o though_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o good_a be_v peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n or_o house_n of_o israel_n yet_o by_o the_o very_a vouchsafement_n of_o it_o other_o that_o be_v without_o be_v convert_v and_o bring_v into_o it_o those_o that_o god_n have_v design_v a_o place_n in_o his_o house_n be_v effectual_o teach_v by_o he_o and_o by_o mean_n thereof_o be_v bring_v into_o it_o but_o though_o god_n do_v vouchsase_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o these_o promise_n to_o foreigner_n as_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o his_o house_n yet_o they_o in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o special_a manner_n belong_v to_o his_o house_n or_o to_o such_o as_o be_v already_o in_o his_o house_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o member_n thereof_o obj._n but_o possible_o some_o may_v say_v if_o so_o be_v god_n have_v make_v the_o covenant_n with_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o therein_o have_v promise_v not_o only_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o concurrence_n with_o those_o mean_n and_o consequent_o save_v grace_n as_o the_o inseparable_a fruit_n of_o those_o operation_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v this_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o extend_v unto_o they_o in_o common_a with_o the_o adult_n member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o it_o may_v seem_v either_o that_o god_n fail_v in_o make_v good_a his_o covenant_n or_o else_o we_o must_v say_v they_o be_v all_o save_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o have_v true_a grace_n wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o if_o so_o we_o must_v necessary_o hold_v fall_v from_o grace_n answ_n this_o objection_n i_o have_v in_o part_n obviate_v already_o in_o a_o fromer_fw-ge treatise_n yet_o let_v i_o speak_v a_o little_a more_o distinct_o to_o it_o at_o present_a and_o for_o a_o more_o full_a answer_n to_o it_o we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o the_o covenant_n thus_o it_o be_v either_o make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n or_o with_o particular_a person_n and_o answerable_o there_o be_v some_o promise_n appertain_v to_o the_o church_n in_o general_a as_o a_o collective_a body_n and_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o promise_v appertain_v to_o particular_a person_n and_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o definite_a notion_n and_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v a_o threefold_a difference_n between_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o as_o so_o make_v and_o as_o make_v with_o particular_a person_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o as_o so_o make_v 1._o first_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o good_a covenant_v or_o promise_v as_o thus_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n contain_v promise_n of_o the_o first_o save_v or_o special_a grace_n as_o the_o promise_v i_o have_v at_o present_a reference_n unto_o these_o appertain_v to_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_a but_o now_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o particular_a person_n contain_v no_o promise_n of_o the_o first_o grace_n but_o only_o of_o consequential_a grace_n such_o as_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n the_o indwelling_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a and_o do_v presuppose_v the_o first_o grace_n already_o wrought_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o on_o man_n part_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o adult_n or_o else_o do_v presuppose_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o some_o other_o way_n perform_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n viz._n by_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o parent_n 2._o second_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o interest_n that_o person_n have_v in_o and_o title_n they_o have_v to_o it_o and_o answerable_o in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o god_n perform_v of_o it_o or_o give_v the_o good_a promise_v in_o it_o as_o it_o be_v make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n so_o none_o have_v a_o particulsr_n actual_a interest_n in_o or_o title_n to_o it_o as_o take_v several_o by_o themselves_o they_o have_v only_o a_o more_o general_a interest_n in_o and_o title_n to_o it_o as_o member_n of_o that_o collective_a body_n with_o which_o it_o be_v make_v but_o now_o as_o make_v with_o particular_a person_n each_o one_o with_o who_o it_o be_v so_o make_v have_v a_o actual_a interest_n in_o and_o title_n to_o it_o as_o take_v apart_o by_o themselur_n without_o respect_n have_v to_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o general_a and_o answerable_o as_o it_o be_v make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n god_n have_v reserve_v a_o liberty_n to_o himself_o to_o and_o answerable_o do_v make_v it_o good_a or_o give_v the_o good_a promise_v to_o particular_a person_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n what_o may_v be_v object_v against_o this_o from_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n have_v be_v answer_v elsewhere_o to_o which_o i_o must_v refer_v the_o reader_n 111._o reader_n infant_n baptism_n from_o heaven_n p._n 59_o 60_o 61._o so_o also_o p._n 108_o 109_o 110_o 111._o but_o as_o it_o be_v make_v with_o particular_a person_n so_o it_o do_v infallible_o secure_v the_o good_a covenant_v and_o promise_v to_o each_o in_o particular_a upon_o supposition_n of_o a_o non-failure_a on_o their_o part_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v 3._o three_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o as_o make_v with_o or_o to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n they_o be_v absolute_a but_o as_o make_v with_o or_o to_o particular_a person_n conditional_a yet_o let_v i_o say_v that_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v absolute_a as_o to_o the_o church_n as_o so_o consider_v that_o be_v no_o condition_n be_v impose_v upon_o the_o church_n in_o general_n or_o as_o collective_o consider_v in_o order_n to_o god_n make_v good_a these_o promise_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o somewhat_o of_o duty_n may_v be_v require_v of_o particular_a member_n in_o order_n to_o their_o own_o or_o they_o enjoy_v the_o good_a promise_v in_o which_o fail_v either_o themselves_o or_o they_o may_v be_v deny_v that_o good_a though_o yet_o the_o promise_n shall_v have_v their_o accomplishment_n and_o other_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o good_a of_o they_o though_o they_o do_v not_o but_o to_o return_v have_v then_o distinguish_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o forego_n objection_n be_v this_o that_o the_o promise_n under_o our_o present_a consideration_n do_v appertain_v to_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o answerable_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n and_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n among_o those_o to_o who_o in_o general_a they_o do_v appertain_v according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n promise_n of_o a_o like_a nature_n with_o these_o frequent_o occur_v in_o scripture_n the_o consideration_n of_o which_o may_v far_o clear_v up_o what_o have_v be_v say_v see_v mark_n 16.17_o 18._o john_n 14.12_o which_o promise_v though_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v definite_a as_o make_v to_o each_o particular_a believer_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v indefinite_o