such_o a_o objection_n as_o this_o we_o can_v believe_v we_o can_v obey_v they_o be_v thing_n above_o we_o and_o hereupon_o we_o take_v discouragement_n and_o begin_v to_o think_v our_o condition_n be_v as_o remote_a from_o hope_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n as_o ever_o we_o mistake_v the_o covenant_n for_o god_n know_v that_o we_o can_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o understand_v it_o aright_o the_o covenant_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n do_v not_o expect_v at_o our_o hand_n nor_o will_v he_o accept_v of_o we_o a_o faith_n of_o our_o own_o make_n or_o a_o obedience_n do_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o that_o if_o thus_o we_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o he_o we_o shall_v but_o irritate_fw-la or_o make_v it_o void_a and_o therefore_o christ_n stand_v as_o a_o mediator_n in_o the_o covenant_n proffer_v himself_o to_o be_v our_o surety_n and_o undertaker_n to_o help_v we_o and_o work_v all_o our_o work_n in_o and_o for_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v perform_v the_o term_n and_o attend_v the_o requisite_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o perfect_v we_o in_o holiness_n and_o so_o to_o keep_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o if_o we_o set_v about_o or_o think_v to_o do_v any_o new-covenant-duty_n without_o a_o eye_n hither_o and_o reliance_n here_o we_o run_v upon_o woeful_a undo_n mistake_v and_o utter_o lose_v ourselves_o let_v all_o these_o thought_n teach_v we_o to_o see_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n coll._n 2._o we_o have_v here_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o people_n that_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o also_o it_o teach_v we_o what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a ground_n of_o a_o stable_a hope_n that_o such_o a_o people_n may_v comfortable_o rely_v upon_o we_o see_v that_o it_o all_o have_v a_o certain_a reference_n to_o our_o dependence_n upon_o this_o one_o supposition_n if_o they_o keep_v covenant_n this_o be_v the_o only_a three_o argument_n from_o whence_o may_v be_v draw_v a_o sure_a conclusion_n for_o our_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o take_v these_o assertion_n 1._o that_o for_o a_o people_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o visible_a and_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o good_a be_v outward_a and_o probationary_a favour_n it_o be_v true_a the_o ordinance_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v in_o a_o sense_n be_v call_v spiritual_a relate_v to_o the_o end_n they_o direct_v we_o unto_o because_o they_o be_v mean_n guide_v and_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o spiritual_a good_a but_o yet_o in_o themselves_o as_o they_o be_v enjoy_v by_o a_o visible_a church_n visible_o they_o be_v outward_a thing_n i_o e._n they_o be_v separable_a from_o and_o may_v be_v enjoy_v without_o true_a inward_a save_v grace_n a_o people_n high_a in_o mean_n may_v be_v low_a in_o grace_n yea_o empty_a of_o it_o such_o be_v capernaum_n mat._n 11._o 23._o laodicea_n may_v be_v rich_a and_o yet_o poor_a rev._n 3._o 17._o etc._n etc._n the_o best_a manure_v and_o most_o careful_o tend_v vineyard_n may_v bring_v forth_o wild_a and_o sour_a grape_n isa_n 5._o begin_v and_o as_o they_o be_v outward_a so_o also_o they_o be_v probationary_a god_n try_v and_o prove_v a_o people_n with_o gospell-priviledge_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a security_n to_o a_o figtree_n that_o because_o it_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o vineyard_n and_o there_o careful_o manure_v it_o shall_v therefore_o bear_v fig_n but_o the_o husband_n man_n come_v year_n after_o year_n to_o see_v whither_o it_o bear_v or_o no_o and_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o he_o shall_v find_v it_o barren_a though_o in_o the_o vineyard_n so_o that_o parable_n seem_v to_o hold_v forth_o luk._n 13._o 7_o 8._o god_n indeed_o expect_v fruit_n according_a to_o his_o lay_v out_o and_o that_o just_o and_o therefore_o he_o come_v and_o look_v for_o it_o but_o it_o do_v not_o always_o prove_v according_a to_o his_o just_a expectation_n not_o that_o god_n can_v indeed_o be_v frustrate_v of_o any_o of_o his_o purpose_n but_o god_n here_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o take_v pain_n in_o their_o husbandry_n with_o a_o eye_n to_o profit_n and_o therefore_o observe_v what_o income_n they_o receive_v 2._o to_o confide_v in_o these_o outward_a enjoyment_n as_o if_o they_o be_v real_a assurance_n of_o god_n complacency_n be_v not_o faith_n but_o presumption_n they_o be_v indeed_o expression_n of_o his_o beneficence_n and_o bring_v with_o they_o a_o demonstration_n of_o his_o great_a benevolence_n but_o they_o be_v not_o assurance_n that_o he_o take_v inward_a delight_n in_o such_o a_o people_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o vain_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o repose_v their_o trust_n &_o confidence_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o yet_o what_o more_o common_a then_o for_o the_o child_n of_o man_n thus_o to_o delude_v themselves_o with_o such_o opinion_n to_o trust_v in_o church-priviledge_n as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a so_o it_o be_v the_o most_o common_a mischief_n and_o misery_n of_o a_o people_n in_o visible_a covenant_n god_n call_v it_o to_o trust_v in_o lie_v word_n jer._n 7._o 4._o and_o it_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o the_o jew_n ruin_n who_o when_o they_o abound_v and_o be_v immerse_v in_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n yet_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v they_o be_v abraham_n child_n john_n baptist_n therefore_o so_o solemn_o warn_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o mat._n 3._o 9_o think_v not_o to_o say_v etc._n etc._n q._n d._n it_o be_v vain_a and_o will_v not_o profit_v it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o god_n indulge_v not_o only_o with_o worldly_a favour_n and_o the_o affluence_n of_o earthly_a abundance_n but_o also_o with_o gospellenjoyment_n and_o plenty_n of_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n a_o multitude_n that_o be_v the_o generation_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o child_n of_o his_o curse_n who_o shall_v be_v press_v to_o eternal_a death_n and_o sink_v down_o to_o hell_n by_o the_o weight_n of_o ordinance_n such_o be_v those_o unto_o who_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n be_v send_v isai_n 6._o 9_o 10._o the_o mean_v they_o have_v have_v have_v help_v to_o fit_v they_o for_o their_o own_o place_n 3._o where_o god_n have_v do_v more_o for_o a_o people_n there_o he_o expect_v more_o from_o they_o clear_v for_o this_o be_v that_o of_o our_o saviour_n luk._n 12._o 48._o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n compare_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i_o e._n the_o visible_a church_n to_o a_o vineyard_n which_o the_o owner_n let_v out_o to_o husbandman_n and_o in_o the_o season_n send_v for_o his_o revenue_n gospell-priviledge_n as_o free_o as_o man_n think_v they_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o indeed_o inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v undeserved_a they_o be_v free_a yet_o they_o shall_v find_v when_o god_n come_v to_o reckon_v with_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o severe_a account_n for_o they_o god_n keep_v a_o book_n of_o account_n what_o ever_o man_n think_v of_o he_o or_o how_o careless_a soever_o they_o may_v judge_v he_o to_o be_v and_o there_o he_o charge_v down_o to_o man_n score_n all_o the_o several_a particular_a disbursement_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v out_o upon_o this_o and_o that_o man_n these_o and_o those_o church_n you_o find_v the_o several_n enumerate_v of_o what_o he_o have_v be_v out_o upon_o or_o do_v for_o his_o vineyard_n isai_n 5._o begin_v and_o so_o he_o do_v for_o every_o vineyard_n and_o every_o figtree_n every_o sermon_n that_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o every_o sacrament_n that_o be_v administer_v every_o labourer_n who_o he_o either_o fix_v among_o they_o or_o send_v occasional_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o his_o husbandry_n there_o these_o be_v in_o his_o treasure_n and_o a_o memorial_n of_o they_o register_v with_o he_o not_o a_o item_n forget_v poor_a heathen_a have_v not_o so_o much_o to_o account_v for_o as_o a_o people_n who_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n with_o god_n have_v god_n connive_n at_o abundance_n of_o sin_n in_o place_n of_o darkness_n which_o he_o will_v not_o where_o gospell-light_n shine_v observable_a be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n acts._n 17._o 30._o the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o what_o a_o difference_n of_o time_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v our_o saviour_n christ_n make_v joh._n 15._o 22._o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v to_o they_o they_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o
apostasy_n reject_v hence_o the_o text_n say_v child_n child_n i._n e._n the_o succeed_a generation_n of_o they_o and_o so_o be_v abraham_n covenant_n which_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v we_o viz._n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n see_v gen._n 17._o 9_o 10._o and_o if_o any_o do_v object_n that_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o those_o only_a that_o keep_v covenant_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o keep_v covenant_n presume_v be_v in_o covenant_n and_o when_o i_o say_v they_o be_v equal_o interest_v i_o will_v be_v cautious_o understand_v i_o do_v not_o therefore_o mean_a 1._o that_o they_o be_v always_o equal_o capable_a of_o actual_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n divine_v well_o distinguish_v between_o jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la and_o jus_o in_o re_fw-mi a_o child_n may_v have_v as_o good_a a_o right_n to_o his_o estate_n when_o a_o child_n as_o afterward_o but_o he_o can_v take_v possession_n of_o it_o till_o he_o be_v legal_o of_o age_n so_o neither_o do_v their_o be_v in_o covenant_n bring_v they_o immediate_o to_o all_o the_o privilege_n but_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o 2._o that_o they_o have_v always_o a_o equal_a invisible_a right_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o advantage_n here_o be_v secret_a and_o may_v sometime_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o parent_n sometime_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o child_n according_a to_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v only_o the_o visible_a covenant_n then_o which_o these_o stand_v equal_o relate_v to_o nor_o 3._o do_v i_o dispute_v concern_v the_o parent_n conveyance_n of_o visible_a privilege_n or_o how_o far_o they_o be_v to_o stand_v of_o fall_n with_o their_o parent_n or_o whither_o parent_n by_o bring_v themselves_o under_o visible_a censure_n may_v obstruct_v the_o benefit_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o child_n till_o they_o do_v remove_v these_o obstruction_n some_o divine_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o immediate_a parent_n do_v equal_o hold_v or_o lose_v outward_a privilege_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o child_n while_o in_o their_o loin_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o child_n of_o visible_a believer_n stand_v right_a when_o their_o child_n be_v bear_v their_o equality_n appear_v in_o these_o respect_n 1._o when_o god_n extend_v the_o covenant_n to_o their_o parent_n he_o extend_v it_o to_o they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n though_o as_o to_o we_o who_o be_v child_n of_o time_n we_o must_v have_v a_o existence_n before_o we_o be_v actual_o in_o covenant_n yet_o as_o to_o god_n who_o dwell_v in_o eternity_n he_o engross_v all_o generation_n in_o one_o view_n and_o so_o he_o take_v father_n and_o child_n together_o though_o the_o father_n may_v be_v possible_o consider_v as_o agent_n and_o trustee_n for_o their_o child_n while_o in_o their_o loin_n god_n do_v not_o say_v to_o abraham_n i_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o thou_o now_o and_o will_v make_v one_o with_o thy_o child_n hereafter_o but_o he_o put_v they_o both_o together_o gen._n 17._o 7._o and_o hence_o they_o be_v call_v god_n child_n ezek._n 23._o 37._o son_n who_o they_o bear_v to_o i_o 2._o the_o covenant_n come_v to_o each_o upon_o equal_a term_n or_o proposition_n the_o covenant_n stand_v visible_o under_o the_o very_a same_o respect_n to_o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o child_n the_o text_n be_v clear_a for_o this_o father_n and_o child_n child_n if_o they_o keep_v covenant_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o mercy_n if_o they_o keep_v it_o the_o blessing_n be_v they_o if_o they_o keep_v it_o not_o they_o can_v expect_v it_o or_o challenge_v it_o those_o therefore_o that_o object_n from_o such_o scripture_n that_o the_o child_n be_v not_o in_o covenant_n but_o only_o conditional_o if_o they_o keep_v it_o be_v to_o remember_v as_o be_v hint_v before_o that_o keep_v of_o covenant_n necessary_o presuppose_v a_o covenant_n to_o be_v keep_v and_o the_o person_n that_o so_o keep_v it_o to_o be_v relate_v to_o it_o for_o none_o can_v keep_v covenant_n but_o one_o that_o be_v first_o in_o covenant_n nor_o yet_o can_v any_o but_o such_o break_v covenant_n he_o only_o break_v his_o promise_n that_o first_o make_v one_o he_o only_o neglect_v his_o duty_n that_o be_v first_o oblige_v it_o be_v not_o the_o covenant_n itself_o but_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o those_o that_o keep_v it_o we_o read_v also_o of_o those_o that_o deal_v false_o in_o the_o covenant_n i._n e._n promise_v and_o so_o be_v in_o covenant_n but_o perform_v not_o psal_n 78._o 37._o jer._n 6._o 13._o 3._o they_o be_v equal_a in_o that_o the_o father_n shall_v not_o suffer_v for_o the_o child_n nor_o the_o child_n for_o the_o father_n in_o case_n of_o breach_n of_o covenant_n but_o each_o be_v actual_o under_o it_o stand_v personal_o relate_v to_o it_o the_o child_n now_o bear_v be_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v for_o himself_o the_o father_n faith_n will_v not_o save_v the_o child_n nor_o will_v his_o sin_n damn_v he_o god_n take_v it_o as_o a_o false_a charge_n when_o they_o count_v their_o misery_n to_o be_v for_o their_o father_n sin_n and_o not_o their_o own_o and_o hence_o use_v that_o proverb_n the_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n and_o the_o child_n tooth_n be_v set_v on_o edge_n and_o therefore_o declare_v against_o it_o profess_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v answer_v for_o himself_o see_v ezek._n 18._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la child_n may_v by_o their_o sin_n ripen_v judgement_n which_o god_n in_o patience_n delay_v to_o execute_v in_o their_o father_n day_n and_o thus_o he_o just_o visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n when_o they_o follow_v the_o same_o perverse_a course_n and_o grow_v worse_o in_o they_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o covenant_n every_o one_o stand_v upon_o his_o own_o bottom_n child_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n be_v save_v by_o a_o faith_n wrought_v in_o they_o personal_o and_o not_o act_v by_o their_o parent_n for_o they_o relative_o heb._n 10._o 38._o the_o just_a shall_v be_v save_v by_o his_fw-la faith_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o parent_n be_v instrument_n or_o media_n of_o derive_v the_o visible_a covenant_n to_o their_o child_n and_o may_v also_o lay_v in_o many_o outward_a blessing_n for_o they_o david_n fidelity_n be_v remember_v in_o time_n of_o apostasy_n many_o age_n after_o as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o history_n though_o some_o interpret_v that_o of_o christ_n which_o be_v true_a in_o the_o antitype_n yet_o it_o respect_v the_o type_n too_o but_o in_o these_o respect_v god_n act_v as_o a_o sovereign_n prop._n 2._o that_o there_o be_v great_a visible_a privilege_n which_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n do_v enjoy_v by_o virtue_n of_o be_v relate_v to_o the_o covenant_n the_o objection_n which_o the_o apostle_n see_v reason_n to_o anticipate_v of_o old_a be_v much_o in_o use_n now_o adays_o and_o may_v admit_v the_o same_o resolution_n rom._n 3._o begin_v what_o advantage_n &_o c_o much_o every_o way_n a_o great_a enquiry_n be_v make_v about_o privilege_n and_o many_o ask_v of_o we_o what_o do_v we_o get_v by_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o covenant_n yea_o there_o be_v many_o that_o discourage_v those_o who_o will_v do_v it_o and_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v but_o a_o snare_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v man_n may_v make_v snare_n to_o themselves_o of_o the_o best_a visible_a favour_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v that_o which_o may_v be_v for_o their_o advantage_n to_o be_v for_o their_o hurt_n yet_o the_o covenant_n itself_o wrap_v up_o a_o great_a many_o privilege_n in_o it_o to_o name_v a_o few_o 1._o the_o ordinary_a reveal_v way_n of_o dispense_n salvation_n be_v by_o the_o visible_a covenant_n hence_o they_o be_v apparent_o near_a salvation_n than_o other_o what_o god_n do_v in_o a_o secret_a way_n by_o sovereign_a prerogative_n be_v not_o our_o business_n to_o inquire_v deut._n 29._o 29._o but_o according_a to_o what_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o way_n to_o life_n be_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o dispensation_n of_o it_o and_o visible_a acceptance_n of_o and_o submition_n to_o it_o not_o that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o save_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o outward_a way_n of_o god_n appointment_n hence_o that_o rom._n 10._o 14._o god_n may_v save_v those_o that_o be_v at_o present_a out_o of_o visible_a covenant_n but_o then_o he_o bring_v they_o under_o the_o bond_n of_o it_o now_o in_o as_o much_o as_o these_o in_o question_n be_v already_o under_o it_o this_o be_v their_o great_a advantage_n 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v privilege_v with_o gospel-ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n ordinance_n be_v
in_o any_o favour_n to_o those_o that_o be_v under_o his_o power_n and_o who_o he_o may_v as_o well_o have_v make_v to_o feel_v his_o severity_n so_o that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o superiority_n and_o inferiority_n which_o be_v absolute_a a_o law_n give_v with_o a_o promise_n or_o threaten_v or_o both_o annex_v to_o it_o from_o one_o that_o have_v full_a and_o free_a power_n to_o enjoin_v it_o and_o signify_v unto_o those_o that_o do_v stand_v under_o a_o tie_n of_o necessity_n or_o duty_n to_o accept_v of_o it_o and_o do_v not_o withstand_v it_o be_v proper_o to_o be_v repute_v a_o covenant_n it_o be_v a_o mutual_a obligation_n between_o two_o party_n which_o ever_o constitute_v a_o covenant_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o explain_n of_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o it_o the_o particular_a consideration_n of_o which_o thing_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o applicable_a to_o the_o present_a design_n viz._n the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n will_v follow_v in_o the_o sequel_n ii_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o covenant_n this_o be_v which_o be_v here_o intend_a and_o something_o of_o its_o dictinct_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o way_n unto_o this_o may_v be_v make_v clear_a we_o must_v take_v a_o brief_a survey_n and_o view_v of_o the_o whole_a transaction_n between_o god_n and_o man_n since_o the_o time_n that_o god_n create_v he_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o accommodation_n of_o each_o covenant_n to_o the_o state_n of_o man_n whether_o pure_a or_o lapse_v 8._o lapse_v lapse_v lapse_v see_v dr._n gouge_n comment_fw-fr on_o heb._n 8._o 6_o 7_o 8._o now_o these_o covenant_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n viz._n of_o work_n and_o of_o grace_n and_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o each_o i_o shall_v speak_v something_o to_o show_v wherein_o they_o agree_v and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v 1._o the_o old_a covenant_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o man_n in_o his_o innocency_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v of_o work_n because_o it_o be_v propound_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o work_n and_o wage_n 361._o wage_n wage_n wage_n vi_o foederis_fw-la moralia_fw-la opera_fw-la creaturae_fw-la respectum_fw-la habent_fw-la ad_fw-la felicitatem_fw-la alsted_n theol._n pag._n 361._o though_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o grace_n in_o that_o take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n for_o not_o only_o all_o those_o habitual_a principle_n with_o which_o man_n be_v furnish_v as_o knowledge_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n impowr_v he_o to_o do_v his_o duty_n which_o be_v addition_n to_o his_o nature_n and_o be_v entitle_v the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v god_n free_a gift_n nay_o his_o creation_n itself_o be_v a_o effect_n god_n bounty_n who_o do_v not_o owe_v he_o a_o be_v but_o also_o the_o reward_n propose_v be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o value_n as_o that_o the_o pepper-corn_n of_o man_n most_o perfect_a obedience_n which_o can_v no_o way_n enrich_v or_o profit_v his_o lord_n can_v not_o be_v think_v to_o hold_v a_o valuable_a proportion_n to_o it_o yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o justice_n also_o attend_v in_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v no_o egyptian_a taskmaster_n require_v brick_n where_o no_o straw_n be_v give_v god_n therefore_o make_v man_n upright_o eccl._n 7_o 29._o i_o e._n fit_v he_o for_o his_o rule_n with_o a_o concreated_a power_n to_o attend_v it_o and_o he_o suit_v a_o rule_n to_o this_o capacity_n and_o both_o tell_v he_o what_o be_v his_o work_n he_o expect_v from_o he_o what_o shall_v be_v his_o wage_n if_o faithful_o perform_v what_o shall_v be_v his_o damage_n in_o case_n of_o non-performance_n his_o talon_n be_v give_v he_o and_o he_o be_v himself_o to_o improve_v it_o and_o therefore_o be_v it_o call_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n 2._o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v every_o way_n suit_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o fall_a man_n who_o have_v lose_v the_o stock_n and_o estate_n the_o trust_n whereof_o be_v at_o the_o first_o commit_v to_o he_o and_o now_o become_v utter_o bankrupt_a and_o no_o way_n able_a to_o set_v up_o again_o of_o himself_o must_v have_v indulgence_n show_v he_o and_o help_v afford_v to_o he_o otherwise_o he_o be_v ruin_v for_o ever_o and_o it_o be_v therefore_o principal_o say_v to_o be_v of_o grace_n because_o the_o whole_a contrivance_n of_o it_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o respect_v the_o object_n namely_o man_n be_v absolute_o free_a man_n be_v a_o forfeit_a creature_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o revenge_a justice_n and_o god_n may_v have_v leave_v he_o there_o for_o ever_o and_o do_v he_o no_o more_o but_o his_o right_n it_o be_v then_o great_a grace_n to_o stoop_v to_o make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o he_o and_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o its_o constitution_n be_v so_o consider_v and_o state_v as_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o manifest_a demonstration_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o grace_n that_o these_o two_o covenant_n be_v not_o only_o diverse_a but_o opposite_a the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o declare_v though_o this_o be_v the_o opposition_n of_o species_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o which_o they_o do_v agree_v and_o there_o have_v be_v dangerous_a error_n which_o have_v arise_v from_o mistake_n in_o this_o point_n it_o may_v not_o then_o be_v amiss_o for_o prevention_n here_o to_o put_v in_o two_o or_o three_o consideration_n 1._o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o of_o grace_n agree_v in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o a_o covenant_n for_o this_o we_o may_v see_v the_o description_n give_v under_o the_o former_a head_n for_o they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o equal_o covenant_n my_o meaning_n be_v the_o transaction_n in_o they_o be_v analogical_a or_o accommodate_v to_o our_o conception_n of_o a_o covenant_n in_o both_o alike_o 2._o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v not_o destroy_v but_o accomplish_v by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n a_o everlasting_a covenant_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v away_o by_o disannul_v but_o by_o accomplishment_n this_o he_o who_o know_v his_o own_o work_n profess_v mat._n 5._o 17._o i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v viz._n the_o law_n i._n e._n the_o first_o covenant_n for_o he_o come_v to_o merit_v heaven_n for_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o do_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n one_o covenant_n be_v not_o against_o another_o see_v gal._n 3._o 21._o be_v the_o law_n then_o against_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n god_n forbid_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n stand_v of_o such_o force_n and_o bear_v such_o a_o relation_n to_o all_o mankind_n that_o it_o must_v be_v fulfil_v to_o a_o tittle_n and_o so_o satisfy_v or_o else_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wage_v no_o war_n with_o that_o of_o work_n but_o its_o business_n be_v to_o find_v out_o and_o propound_v a_o way_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v full_o perform_v according_a to_o all_o the_o challenge_n of_o it_o and_o so_o as_o thereby_o clear_a discovery_n may_v be_v make_v of_o grace_n unto_o man_n for_o who_o it_o be_v fulfil_v 3._o yea_o man_n salvation_n be_v so_o contrive_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o first_o and_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o second_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o first_o and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o second_o do_v entertain_v each_o the_o other_o with_o mutual_a embracc_n of_o perfect_a amity_n psal_n 85._o 10_o 11._o and_o herein_o indeed_o be_v manifest_v the_o unsearchable_a depth_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v not_o lay_v by_o as_o a_o useless_a thing_n but_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o all_o its_o claim_n and_o challenge_n yea_o and_o glorious_o triumphant_o exalt_v and_o yet_o the_o people_n of_o god_n remove_v out_o of_o harm_n way_n and_o no_o whit_n endanger_v by_o it_o as_o be_v not_o personal_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n rom._n 6._o 14._o but_o i_o proceed_v that_o covenant_n which_o be_v now_o under_o consideration_n be_v the_o second_o or_o new-covenant_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o which_o only_o it_o be_v that_o the_o everlasting_a mercy_n of_o god_n break_v forth_o and_o appear_v to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n now_o fall_v from_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o first_o this_o be_v by_o some_o call_v one_o covenant_n because_o it_o indeed_o contain_v in_o it_o but_o one_o design_n viz._n the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o mercy_n temper_v with_o justice_n towards_o a_o company_n of_o undo_v man_n the_o procure_v and_o accomplish_v of_o which_o in_o this_o way_n be_v that_o one_o business_n which_o be_v direct_o aim_v at_o in_o it_o but_o yet_o if_o
neither_o be_v preven_v nor_o oblige_v by_o any_o thing_n in_o or_o for_o we_o be_v a_o pillar-truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n rom._n 9_o 16._o it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v etc._n etc._n so_o far_o as_o we_o detract_v from_o god_n sovereignty_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o convert_v and_o save_v grace_n we_o so_o far_o make_v god_n a_o debtor_n to_o the_o creature_n before_o he_o make_v himself_o so_o by_o a_o free_a promise_n 2._o that_o all_o which_o parent_n can_v do_v for_o their_o child_n in_o attendance_n to_o the_o precept_n viz._n in_o bring_v they_o up_o for_o god_n instruct_v they_o in_o his_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o keep_v they_o in_o from_o lewd_a course_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o visible_a attendance_n on_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o their_o duty_n and_o be_v in_o no_o way_n to_o be_v count_v meritorious_a luk._n 17._o 10._o hence_o for_o their_o own_o soul_n safety_n they_o must_v do_v it_o except_o they_o will_v hazard_v the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o it_o outdo_v the_o power_n of_o moral-mean_n and_o endeavour_n though_o never_o so_o sincere_o use_v to_o plant_v or_o infuse_v grace_n into_o any_o soul_n the_o work_n of_o conversion_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n only_o joh._n 1._o 13._o if_o good_a man_n can_v will_n can_v pray_v can_v labour_v faith_n into_o any_o according_a to_o their_o desire_n their_o will_v none_o of_o their_o child_n none_o of_o their_o servant_n none_o of_o their_o neighbour_n none_o in_o the_o world_n perish_v 4._o that_o divine_a faith_n be_v not_o only_o a_o confidence_n but_o a_o ground_a confidence_n the_o rule_n do_v not_o only_o command_v and_o bind_v we_o to_o believe_v but_o it_o also_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o hold_v of_o faith_n be_v the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o any_o thing_n no_o further_o than_o that_o go_v faith_n must_v have_v a_o clear_a word_n for_o its_o trust_n else_o it_o be_v but_o vain_a all_o our_o plea_n be_v in_o the_o covenant-promise_a and_o if_o we_o can_v find_v that_o we_o look_v for_o there_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o build_v upon_o but_o be_v at_o uncertainty_n 5._o that_o believer_n have_v no_o absolute_a and_o illimited_a promise_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o their_o child_n or_o this_o or_o that_o child_n shall_v be_v save_v no_o nor_o limit_v neither_o to_o their_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o if_o they_o do_v their_o best_a he_o will_v infallible_o add_v save_v grace_n this_o will_v appear_v by_o two_o argument_n 1._o because_o god_n be_v faithful_a to_o every_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v or_o repent_v i_o know_v godly_a parent_n may_v be_v remiss_a but_o they_o be_v not_o always_o so_o and_o yet_o have_v have_v their_o child_n who_o god_n have_v reject_v abraham_n his_o ishmael_n isaac_n his_o esau_n david_n his_o ahsolom_n and_o adonijah_n eli_n his_o hophni_n and_o phinehas_n now_o of_o abraham_n we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v trusty_a and_o faithful_a in_o teach_v his_o child_n gen._n 18._o 19_o and_o therefore_o he_o instruct_v and_o discipline_v ishmael_n he_o circumcise_v he_o and_o pray_v earnest_o for_o he_o 2._o because_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n have_v themselves_o thus_o interpret_v the_o promise_n they_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v upon_o supposition_n &_o to_o carry_v a_o condition_n in_o it_o eminent_a for_o this_o be_v the_o forementioned_a instance_n of_o david_n that_o he_o thus_o understand_v it_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o by_o that_o forecited_a warning_n which_o he_o give_v to_o solomon_n 1_o chron._n 28._o 9_o but_o also_o by_o that_o knowledgment_n which_o he_o make_v of_o it_o to_o god_n himself_o psal_n 132._o 11_o 12._o object_n but_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n to_o david_n that_o he_o will_v establish_v his_o covenant_n with_o his_o seed_n and_o not_o violate_v it_o psal_n 89._o 28_o 29._o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o in_o that_o place_n david_n represent_v or_o typifyes_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o his_o child_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v only_o those_o that_o be_v give_v to_o christ_n of_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o shall_v obtain_v salvation_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v his._n but_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o subject_n of_o the_o visible_a covenant_n who_o have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n que._n but_o you_o will_v say_v then_o what_o encouragement_n be_v there_o for_o parent_n to_o pray_v for_o to_o instruct_v and_o take_v pain_n with_o their_o child_n and_o give_v they_o up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n if_o they_o can_v do_v all_o this_o in_o faith_n what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v of_o sin_n ans_fw-fr there_o be_v other_o way_n for_o faith_n to_o act_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n beside_o this_o particular_a confident_a persuasion_n of_o this_o fruit_n and_o effect_n consider_v then_o 1._o that_o faith_n be_v to_o eye_n the_o precept_n as_o well_o as_o the_o promise_n faith_n be_v to_o influence_n our_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o our_o assurance_n faith_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v this_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o perform_v because_o god_n command_v it_o and_o be_v hereby_o animate_v to_o our_o duty_n this_o be_v obedience_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o sow_v our_o seed_n in_o the_o morning_n etc._n etc._n although_o we_o know_v not_o which_o shall_v prosper_v this_o or_o that_o because_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n 2._o that_o a_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v engage_v to_o his_o duty_n not_o only_o by_o a_o promise_n but_o also_o by_o the_o precept_n it_o be_v true_a the_o promise_n be_v our_o encouragement_n but_o the_o precept_n be_v our_o rule_n in_o submission_n to_o the_o command_n therefore_o he_o be_v to_o go_v about_o his_o work_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o success_n of_o it_o to_o divine_a dispose_n and_o so_o do_v he_o perform_v his_o duty_n in_o faith_n and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o act_v by_o this_o principle_n but_o do_v all_o mere_o as_o he_o think_v it_o may_v succeed_v be_v true_o mercenary_a 3._o there_o be_v other_o promise_n which_o may_v encourage_v a_o believer_n in_o this_o duty_n viz._n that_o if_o he_o do_v it_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n it_o shall_v be_v accept_v and_o reward_v by_o god_n god_n will_v some_o way_n or_o other_o make_v he_o to_o find_v that_o his_o labour_n have_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a the_o husbandman_n be_v in_o duty_n to_o sow_v his_o seed_n in_o faith_n but_o he_o be_v not_o sure_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o good_a crop_n the_o figtree_n may_v not_o blossom_n though_o he_o manure_n it_o with_o care_n but_o this_o be_v his_o encouragement_n that_o in_o a_o way_n of_o do_v duty_n god_n have_v say_v that_o he_o will_v bless_v he_o 4._o i'faith_o also_o teach_v we_o that_o attend_v the_o mean_n be_v near_o to_o the_o particular_a blessing_n than_o not_o attend_v but_o neglect_v they_o god_n often_o meet_v his_o people_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o ordinary_a then_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a providence_n nor_o do_v god_n always_o though_o he_o may_v sometime_o in_o sovereignty_n deny_v the_o desire_a blessing_n to_o his_o people_n yea_o and_o although_o he_o may_v sometime_o work_v there_o where_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o shameful_a neglect_n as_o in_o convert_v josiah_n the_o son_n of_o a_o wicked_a amon_n yet_o our_o neglect_n be_v inexcusable_a because_o we_o have_v despise_v the_o command_n such_o a_o parent_n as_o have_v faithful_o do_v his_o duty_n may_v die_v in_o hope_n that_o although_o he_o see_v not_o the_o desire_a fruit_n of_o his_o pain_n and_o prayer_n yet_o they_o may_v appear_v when_o his_o head_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n to_o be_v sure_o he_o may_v with_o this_o comfort_n leave_v the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o his_o place_n 3._o the_o provocation_n of_o covenant-children_n be_v most_o heinous_a and_o consequent_o most_o provoke_v to_o god_n the_o sin_n of_o none_o be_v so_o offensive_a in_o his_o sight_n as_o they_o you_o shall_v find_v therefore_o that_o the_o scripture_n set_v a_o note_n observable_a upon_o this_o consideration_n amos._n 3._o 2._o so_o deut._n 32._o 19_o the_o provoking_n of_o son_n and_o daughter_n be_v bitter_a jer._n 5._o 7._o thy_o child_n have_v
covenant_n that_o will_v secure_v you_o except_o you_o be_v keeper_n of_o it_o the_o promise_n in_o our_o text_n be_v not_o to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o it_o but_o to_o they_o that_o keep_v it_o there_o be_v in_o this_o temptation_n no_o little_a danger_n that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v expose_v to_o by_o be_v delude_v by_o satan_n there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o bitter_o complain_v of_o it_o when_o god_n have_v a_o waken_v they_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o lean_v the_o weight_n of_o their_o hope_n upon_o the_o covenant_n the_o jew_n in_o jeremiah_n time_n deceive_v themselves_o with_o this_o pretence_n jer._n 7._o and_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n joh._n 8._o we_o be_v abraham_n '_o s_z child_n nay_o we_o have_v one_o father_n which_o be_v god_n many_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o strong_a confidence_n that_o they_o must_v needs_o do_v well_o they_o have_v strong_a hope_n of_o salvation_n &_o their_o plea_n for_o it_o be_v their_o parent_n be_v godly_a they_o themselves_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n own_a and_o acknowledge_v as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o hence_o they_o think_v the_o gospel-promises_a be_v they_o christ_n be_v they_o by_o covenant_n but_o this_o will_v not_o hold_v remember_v there_o be_v a_o jew_n that_o be_v so_o outward_o &_o there_o be_v that_o be_v so_o inward_o there_o be_v a_o circumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o heart_n a_o baptism_n of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o one_o external_n the_o other_o internal_a and_o that_o will_v never_o stead_v a_o man_n without_o this_o covenant-priviledge_n be_v to_o be_v improve_v not_o to_o be_v bold_o rely_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o fearful_a name_n god_n be_v holy_a and_o expect_v all_o shall_v be_v so_o that_o will_v prove_v themselves_o his_o people_n hence_o that_o counsel_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n 3._o beware_v of_o reject_v or_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n do_v not_o cast_v off_o your_o subjection_n to_o it_o by_o any_o wilful_a act_n of_o you_o and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v two_o way_n 1._o by_o disow_v yourselves_o or_o withdraw_v from_o own_v yourselves_o to_o stand_v engage_v to_o god_n in_o covenant_n not_o to_o own_o be_v interpretative_o to_o reject_v when_o we_o withdraw_v the_o shoulder_n pluck_v back_o the_o neck_n and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o man_n count_v it_o a_o liberty_n to_o live_v at_o large_a and_o under_o no_o church_n cognizance_n and_o control_v and_o a_o bondage_n to_o stoop_v to_o the_o way_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o this_o spirit_n among_o we_o man_n be_v loath_a to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o under_o any_o visible_a tie_n of_o restraint_n from_o sin_n and_o this_o provoke_v god_n to_o bring_v judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o they_o he_o will_v bring_v we_o under_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n ezek._n 20._o 37._o 2._o by_o not_o harken_v or_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n appoint_v for_o their_o good_a when_o by_o any_o sin_n or_o scandal_n they_o have_v dishonour_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n they_o submit_v not_o nor_o be_v willing_a to_o obey_v the_o rule_n he_o have_v set_v down_o for_o their_o humble_v and_o reform_v when_o they_o be_v impenitent_a and_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n many_o will_v acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n who_o do_v yet_o practical_o choose_v rather_o to_o stand_v off_o and_o be_v from_o under_o watch_n and_o discipline_n &_o so_o debar_v themselves_o &_o posterity_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v from_o visible_a privilege_n this_o be_v also_o a_o renounce_n beware_v of_o it_o though_o you_o can_v by_o so_o do_v dissolve_v your_o covenant_n relation_n yet_o you_o may_v provoke_v god_n to_o reject_v and_o cast_v you_o off_o 4._o be_v much_o and_o earnest_a with_o god_n in_o prayer_n that_o he_o will_v afford_v you_o his_o grace_n whereby_o you_o may_v keep_v covenant_n with_o he_o this_o be_v a_o great_a duty_n encumbent_a on_o child_n know_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n to_o serve_v a_o holy_a and_o jealous_a god_n remember_v that_o you_o be_v by_o nature_n averse_a and_o obstinate_a your_o heart_n be_v estrange_v from_o god_n and_o christ_n from_o the_o womb_n the_o power_n to_o serve_v god_n &_o keep_v his_o commandment_n be_v not_o a_o gift_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v all_o enmity_n supernatural_a grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o do_v so_o great_a a_o work_n faith_n be_v the_o great_a covenant-condition_n and_o that_o be_v not_o of_o yourselves_o without_o this_o you_o can_v please_v god_n you_o can_v keep_v his_o covenant_n nor_o can_v you_o work_v it_o in_o your_o heart_n it_o must_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o create_a power_n and_o you_o must_v go_v to_o god_n for_o it_o it_o be_v his_o gift_n and_o he_o will_v be_v seek_v to_o as_o long_o as_o you_o live_v in_o your_o unbelief_n you_o do_v nothing_o but_o break_v your_o promise_n violate_v your_o covenant_n and_o thereby_o lie_v in_o wrath_n and_o condemnation_n for_o yourselves_o except_o you_o be_v convert_v you_o can_v be_v true_a to_o god_n see_v then_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o nature_n the_o impotency_n that_o be_v in_o you_o you_o be_v in_o your_o natural_a estate_n like_o ephraim_n unaccustomed_a to_o the_o yoke_n bewail_v it_o with_o he_o and_o ask_v grace_n jer._n 31._o 18._o 5._o get_v as_o near_o to_o god_n as_o you_o can_v in_o all_o those_o visible_a and_o outward_a way_n of_o communion_n which_o he_o afford_v you_o the_o advantage_n and_o opportunity_n of_o god_n have_v appoint_v no_o ordinance_n in_o vain_a it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o just_a grief_n to_o see_v so_o few_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n seek_v after_o full_a fellowship_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o precipitate_v such_o as_o be_v unworthy_a to_o make_v more_o haste_n than_o good_a speed_n but_o to_o rouse_v up_o the_o negligent_a who_o either_o take_v no_o care_n that_o they_o may_v be_v worthy_a or_o do_v withdraw_v and_o keep_v themselves_o back_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v hopeful_o prepare_v for_o these_o ordinance_n these_o be_v both_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o help_v to_o our_o keep_n of_o covenant_n i_o know_v that_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n be_v a_o cheat_n to_o they_o that_o please_v themselves_o with_o it_o but_o i_o know_v too_o that_o if_o the_o face_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n cease_v or_o be_v take_v away_o from_o we_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a and_o sore_a judgement_n and_o if_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o this_o burden_n and_o content_v themselves_o without_o seek_v it_o and_o set_v their_o shoulder_n to_o it_o it_o be_v in_o great_a likelihood_n thus_o to_o go_v to_o decay_v it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o a_o cry_a shame_n to_o see_v such_o multitude_n of_o christian_n and_o professor_n turn_v their_o back_n upon_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o they_o be_v unworthy_a it_o be_v their_o shame_n that_o they_o have_v no_o better_o profit_v under_o the_o ordinance_n and_o a_o dreadful_a sign_n it_o be_v of_o god_n departure_n from_o such_o a_o people_n if_o they_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n fit_a it_o shall_v grieve_v they_o that_o they_o put_v such_o a_o contempt_n and_o undervalue_v upon_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n for_o it_o be_v the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o such_o a_o act_n that_o it_o be_v so_o practical_o and_o interpretative_o and_o let_v i_o add_v this_o that_o if_o you_o rest_v in_o that_o that_o your_o child_n may_v be_v baptize_v as_o yourselves_o be_v and_o seek_v not_o after_o mean_n of_o growth_n and_o strength_n if_o now_o you_o have_v no_o spiritual_a appetite_n to_o these_o thing_n you_o discover_v a_o dangerous_a sign_n of_o much_o hypocrisy_n lodging_n in_o your_o heart_n 6._o beware_v you_o do_v not_o wilful_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n which_o your_o father_n have_v lay_v i_o know_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v charge_v for_o do_v it_o &_o another_o to_o do_v it_o indeed_o many_o have_v be_v brand_v for_o this_o injurious_o while_o they_o have_v assert_v those_o thing_n which_o though_o believe_v by_o our_o predecessor_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o such_o occasion_n of_o practice_n as_o afterward_o beside_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o pattern_n or_o precedent_n or_o precept_n of_o
gentile_n have_v vouchsafe_v not_o only_o to_o i_o but_o to_o my_o child_n to_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n better_o than_o any_o earthly_a inheritance_n which_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v and_o true_o they_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v bless_v they_o in_o their_o posterity_n who_o set_v at_o nought_o so_o bless_v a_o privilege_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n will_v i_o trust_v be_v of_o good_a use_n among_o the_o lord_n people_n therein_o the_o reverend_n and_o worthy_a author_n have_v with_o candour_n deliver_v his_o own_o judgement_n in_o point_n that_o be_v of_o a_o more_o controversial_a and_o circumstantial_a nature_n not_o be_v willing_a to_o contend_v about_o word_n where_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o the_o main_a principle_n on_o which_o the_o truth_n stand_v immovable_a i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o excellent_a treatise_n on_o this_o argument_n already_o extant_a nevertheless_o what_o be_v here_o present_v be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v supervacaneous_a since_o the_o reader_n will_v find_v that_o these_o sermon_n as_o to_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o they_o be_v succinct_a solid_a and_o judicious_a and_o that_o the_o applicatory_a part_n be_v both_o powerful_a and_o seasonable_a be_v wise_o accommodate_v unto_o the_o present_a state_n of_o these_o church_n more_o especial_o unto_o such_o as_o have_v late_o and_o explicit_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o one_o another_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n in_o that_o he_o have_v stir_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o this_o his_o servant_n to_o give_v such_o faithful_a exhortation_n and_o caution_n as_o be_v here_o to_o be_v see_v in_o special_a i_o rejoice_v to_o see_v what_o be_v express_v pag._n 107_o 110._o where_o professor_n be_v call_v upon_o to_o deny_v themselves_o in_o some_o lawful_a libertye_n rather_o than_o to_o occasion_v other_o to_o sin_n against_o the_o bless_a god_n and_o the_o neglect_v of_o church-watch_n and_o discipline_n be_v bewail_v as_o that_o which_o do_v make_v religion_n to_o languish_v among_o we_o and_o it_o be_v a_o delight_n to_o see_v that_o serious_a and_o solemn_a caution_n pag._n 124_o 125._o to_o the_o child_n rise_v up_o that_o they_o shall_v beware_v of_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n which_o our_o father_n have_v lay_v now_o the_o lord_n own_o and_o go_v along_o with_o his_o truth_n that_o thereby_o many_o may_v be_v awaken_v quicken_v encourage_v in_o faithful_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n so_o may_v they_o hope_v that_o the_o lord_n faithfulness_n in_o keep_v covenant_n with_o they_o will_v extend_v itself_o to_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o yea_o unto_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n and_o unto_o their_o child_n child_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n boston_n n._n england_n novemb_n 15._o 1682._o increase_v mather_n covenant-keeping_a the_o way_n to_o blessedness_n psal._n 103._o 17_o 18._o 17._o but_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o his_o righteousness_n unto_o child_n child_n 18._o to_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o to_o those_o that_o remember_v his_o commandment_n to_o do_v they_o it_o be_v a_o observation_n worth_a our_o serious_a mind_v that_o ever_o since_o god_n make_v man_n upon_o the_o earth_n he_o have_v deal_v with_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o covenant_n he_o be_v no_o soon_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n but_o be_v transact_v with_o in_o this_o way_n and_o when_o he_o have_v utter_o lose_v himself_o by_o his_o disobedience_n to_o the_o first_o than_o be_v a_o new_a &_o gospel_n covenant_n open_v and_o reveal_v unto_o he_o in_o that_o first_o glorious_a promise_n make_v after_o man_n apostasy_n that_o the_o woman_n seed_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n gen._n 3._o 15._o the_o knowledge_n therefore_o and_o understand_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o our_o true_a relation_n to_o it_o be_v that_o which_o only_o can_v help_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o true_a estate_n which_o be_v do_v by_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o it_o here_o also_o we_o learn_v our_o duty_n by_o frame_v ourselves_o according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o this_o last_o be_v of_o special_a moment_n to_o be_v ponder_v by_o a_o church_n or_o people_n design_v to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o present_a discourse_n this_o psalm_n be_v a_o psalm_n of_o praise_n its_o proper_a design_n be_v to_o move_v and_o persuade_v the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o celebrate_v his_o glorious_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n to_o his_o people_n to_o which_o end_n there_o be_v from_o vers_n 3._o to_o 20._o a_o particular_a enumeration_n of_o various_a benefit_n for_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o honour_v in_o the_o lip_n and_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n one_o of_o these_o be_v record_v and_o illustrate_v from_o vers_fw-la 15._o to_o 19_o viz._n his_o endless_a mercy_n and_o describe_v 1._o by_o its_o duration_n from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a it_o be_v not_o a_o fade_a or_o soon-expiring_a love_n but_o abide_v this_o be_v illustrate_v by_o the_o contrary_a or_o compare_v with_o the_o mercy_n of_o man_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v like_o himself_o and_o what_o he_o be_v he_o tell_v we_o vers_fw-la 15_o 16._o his_o day_n be_v as_o grass_n etc._n etc._n he_o be_v a_o poor_a frail_a wither_a die_a thing_n blow_v down_o like_o a_o bubble_n with_o a_o little_a puff_n soon_o go_v and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o lose_v in_o a_o little_a time_n 2._o by_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o whereof_o here_o be_v a_o threefold_a character_n all_o indeed_o aim_v at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o vary_v in_o the_o expression_n and_o that_o for_o our_o better_a information_n the_o subject_n thereof_o be_v describe_v by_o 1._o the_o inward_a principle_n whereby_o they_o be_v act_v they_o that_o fear_v he_o which_o word_n be_v chemn_v jara_n quando_fw-la ad_fw-la de_fw-fr â—m_n refertur_fw-la generale_fw-mi est_fw-la complectens_fw-la omnem_fw-la reverentiam_fw-la quae_fw-la cum_fw-la veneratione_n &_o religione_fw-la deo_fw-la exhibetur_fw-la chemn_v use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n they_o that_o fear_v god_n be_v true_a believer_n that_o have_v receive_v the_o heart_n of_o child_n it_o intend_v that_o reverential_a and_o filial_a fear_n that_o be_v in_o true_a convert_v which_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o principl_n of_o obedience_n 2._o the_o practice_n of_o this_o principle_n such_o as_o keep_v his_o covenant_n i._n e._n those_o that_o so_o order_v their_o life_n as_o to_o observe_v the_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o endeavour_v to_o frame_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o term_n and_o prescript_n of_o it_o and_o that_o observe_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o rule_n which_o they_o follow_v in_o their_o practice_n and_o how_o they_o follow_v this_o rule_n that_o remember_v his_o commandment_n to_o do_v they_o i._n e._n that_o study_n much_o to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n about_o their_o duty_n or_o how_o he_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v order_v themselves_o and_o their_o way_n and_o this_o with_o full_a purpose_n and_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o practice_v according_o though_o it_o be_v the_o second_o of_o these_o i_o main_o intend_v to_o follow_v yet_o so_o as_o include_v or_o comprehend_v of_o the_o other_o two_o for_o he_o that_o keep_v covenant_n be_v one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n these_o two_o comprise_v all_o that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o covenant_n eccl._n 12._o 13._o 3._o by_o the_o entail_v of_o it_o vers_n 17._o where_o the_o word_n righteousness_n be_v put_v in_o instead_o of_o the_o word_n mercy_n to_o note_v unto_o we_o the_o sweet_a consent_n that_o be_v between_o justice_n and_o mercy_n in_o this_o work_n and_o also_o to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o promise_n inasmuch_o as_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o righteousness_n can_v but_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a he_o will_v therefore_o perpetuate_v his_o mercy_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o term_n of_o his_o covenant_n *_o the_o word_n covenant_n use_v in_o our_o re_fw-la berith_n ab_fw-la eligendo_fw-la quia_fw-la eliguntur_fw-la personae_fw-la etc._n etc._n buxtorf_n quod_fw-la foedus_fw-la est_fw-la mutuus_fw-la consensas_fw-la duorum_fw-la super_fw-la aliqua_fw-la re_fw-la text_n imply_v a_o mutual_a obligation_n and_o voluntary_a between_o party_n come_v from_o a_o root_n which_o signify_v to_o choose_v because_o in_o a_o covenant_n there_o be_v a_o choice_n of_o party_n and_o condition_n *_o the_o word_n keep_v imply_v a_o watchful_a care_n a_o noun_n from_o the_o verb_n
shamar_n cannotat_fw-la signify_v watch-tower_n imply_v that_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o keep_v covenant_n rivet_n curam_fw-la solicitudinem_fw-la &_o diligentiam_fw-la rivet_n but_o require_v care_n diligence_n vigilance_n observation_n and_o much_o pain_n all_o which_o be_v require_v in_o a_o watchman_n the_o text_n propound_v a_o great_a benefit_n with_o a_o condition_n i._n e._n it_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n to_o be_v have_v with_o god_n and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v and_o lest_o any_o shall_v suppose_v this_o to_o be_v a_o legal_a and_o not_o evangelical_a proposition_n let_v the_o term_n of_o it_o be_v exact_o mind_v and_o we_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v the_o promise_n speak_v not_o of_o thing_n to_o be_v merit_v purchase_v or_o earn_v by_o we_o which_o be_v legal_a term_n but_o it_o speak_v of_o mercy_n now_o the_o dispensation_n of_o everlasting_a mercy_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o of_o grace_n the_o covenant_n of_o work_n have_v no_o mention_n of_o mercy_n beside_o wherever_o any_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o favour_n to_o fall_v adam_n child_n it_o be_v of_o grace_n the_o first_o covenant_n afford_v no_o relief_n to_o these_o it_o outreach_v the_o power_n of_o fall_v man_n to_o keep_v that_o covenant_n and_o in_o such_o a_o way_n to_o obtain_v the_o promise_n maccov_n promise_n promise_n promise_n vide_fw-la synop_n pur_fw-it theol._n disput_fw-la 22._o s._n 13_o 14._o etc._n etc._n poedus_fw-la evangelicum_fw-la vel_fw-la vetus_fw-la est_fw-la vel_fw-la novum_fw-la maccov_n it_o be_v a_o grand_a mistake_n for_o any_o to_o account_v nothing_o gospel_n but_o the_o new-testament_n indeed_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o old-testament_n be_v gospel_n contain_v the_o gracious_a transaction_n of_o god_n with_o fall_v man_n now_o wherever_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v make_v mention_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o come_v under_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n the_o first_o be_v make_v weak_a by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n &_o no_o way_n able_a to_o help_v he_o gal._n 3._o 21._o which_o can_v have_v give_v life_n viz._n to_o fall_v man._n moreover_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o whole_a psalm_n be_v evangelical_a namely_o to_o represent_v god_n to_o we_o act_v in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n pardon_v forgiveness_n pity_n tender_a care_n etc._n etc._n object_n but_o if_o fear_v god_n keep_v his_o covenant_n do_v his_o commandment_n be_v here_o condition_n of_o this_o promise_n than_o it_o be_v legal_a for_o these_o be_v work_n a._n condition_n be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o antecedent_n which_o hold_v forth_o the_o cause_n whereof_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o such_o condition_n in_o a_o covenant_n be_v say_v to_o merit_n or_o earn_v such_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o adam_n do_v and_o live_v he_o be_v to_o have_v earn_v his_o happiness_n in_o a_o way_n of_o do_v and_o this_o be_v legal_a 2_o connex_v and_o consequent_a which_o only_o hold_v forth_o the_o connexion_n of_o thing_n or_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o conveyance_n by_o and_o in_o which_o god_n give_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v promise_v but_o not_o for_o which_o and_o yet_o without_o which_o they_o be_v not_o give_v see_v rom._n 8._o 13._o and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n maccov_n d_o requiruntur_fw-la equidem_fw-la in_o hoc_fw-la scil_n foedere_fw-la fidei_fw-la opera_fw-la rerum_fw-la non_fw-la primario_fw-la ut_fw-la scil_n ex_fw-la iis_fw-la homo_fw-la justificetur_fw-la sed_fw-la consequenter_fw-la &c._n &c._n maccov_n among_o which_o these_o in_o our_o text_n be_v to_o be_v number_v and_o this_o be_v not_o legal_a but_o pure_o evangelical_a they_o merit_v not_o as_o work_n but_o only_o lead_v as_o the_o way_n to_o inherit_v the_o promise_n otherways_o many_o expression_n in_o the_o gospel_n must_v needs_o be_v account_v legal_a where_o do_v this_o and_o that_o bear_v the_o respect_n of_o a_o connex-condition_n see_v heb._n 12._o 14._o rev._n 2._o 17._o etc._n etc._n tit._n 3._o 8._o moreover_o in_o the_o legal_a condition_n there_o be_v require_v perfection_n in_o these_o god_n respect_v sincerity_n hence_o doct._n god_n have_v in_o the_o gospel_n promise_v everlasting_a mercy_n to_o all_o those_o that_o keep_v his_o covenant_n the_o matter_n now_o to_o be_v treat_v of_o be_v the_o covenant_n in_o which_o god_n profess_a people_n stand_v oblige_v and_o principal_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v incnmbent_a on_o they_o to_o look_v careful_o to_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o clear_o understand_v it_o the_o explication_n may_v be_v take_v up_o in_o consider_v 1._o something_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o covenant_n in_o general_n 2._o what_o covenant_n be_v here_o intend_a and_o something_o of_o its_o distinct_a nature_n 3._o what_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v this_o covenant_n 4._o what_o be_v those_o everlasting_a mercy_n that_o be_v therein_o engage_v 5._o the_o evidence_n and_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o these_o in_o order_n i._o concern_v the_o natnre_n of_o a_o covenant_n in_o general_a maccov_n general_a general_a general_a foedus_fw-la inter_fw-la deum_fw-la &_o homines_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la proprie_fw-la foedus_fw-la sed_fw-la analogice_n maccov_n there_o be_v something_o analogical_a for_o god_n transaction_n with_o his_o people_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n hence_o whatsoever_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o covenant_n among_o man_n be_v here_o applicable_a by_o way_n of_o analogy_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o humane_a deal_n by_o way_n of_o paction_n will_v serve_v to_o afford_v much_o of_o light_n for_o the_o clear_n up_o of_o our_o understanding_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n a_o covenant_n in_o general_a may_v then_o be_v thus_o describe_v it_o it_o a_o mutual_a engagement_n between_o two_o party_n whatsoever_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o description_n necessary_o belong_v to_o every_o covenant_n and_o if_o you_o take_v away_o any_o one_o syllable_n of_o it_o it_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o covenant_n in_o this_o description_n three_o thing_n be_v observable_a 1._o 6._o 1._o 1._o 1._o ark_n of_o covenant_n open_v pag._n 6._o that_o it_o be_v require_v to_o every_o covenant_n that_o there_o be_v two_o party_n concern_v in_o it_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o covenant_n belong_v to_o the_o head_n of_o relation_n now_o all_o relation_n be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o party_n every_o relate_v must_v have_v its_o correlate_n if_o there_o be_v a_o father_n there_o must_v be_v a_o child_n if_o there_o be_v a_o lender_n there_o must_v be_v a_o borrower_n so_o if_o there_o be_v a_o covenanter_n there_o must_v be_v one_o to_o be_v covenant_v withal_o it_o be_v improper_a to_o say_v a_o man_n covenant_n with_o himself_o or_o if_o he_o do_v he_o must_v pnt_v on_o a_o double_a respect_n or_o represent_v himself_o under_o various_a consideration_n to_o himself_o and_o as_o there_o must_v be_v two_o party_n so_o no_o more_o than_o two_o party_n be_v in_o a_o covenant_n absolute_o necessary_a nay_o proper_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o for_o although_o there_o may_v be_v ten_o thousand_o man_n engage_v in_o a_o covenant_n thus_o all_o the_o subject_n in_o a_o kingdom_n do_v stand_v in_o covenant-relation_n to_o their_o prince_n yet_o still_o they_o constitute_v but_o one_o party_n in_o that_o engagement_n this_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o a_o covenant_n may_v in_o case_n of_o need_n admit_v of_o a_o interpose_v party_n who_o place_n and_o business_n may_v be_v to_o stand_v as_o a_o surety_n and_o that_o either_o for_o one_o party_n or_o else_o between_o both_o and_o for_o each_o which_o latter_a sort_n of_o surety_n be_v also_o call_v a_o mediator_n 7._o mediator_n mediator_n mediator_n id._n cap_n 7._o yet_o this_o be_v not_o essential_a unto_o a_o covenant_n as_o such_o i._n e._n there_o may_v be_v a_o proper_a covenant_n without_o it_o although_o as_o case_n may_v be_v circumstance_v it_o be_v sometime_o very_o needful_a for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o firm_a establishment_n of_o a_o covenant_n but_o this_o make_v not_o a_o increase_n of_o the_o number_n of_o party_n because_o his_o suretyship_n place_v he_o with_o and_o put_v he_o into_o the_o same_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o which_o the_o party_n or_o party_n do_v stand_v he_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o same_o obligation_n with_o they_o 2._o rm_n 2._o 2._o 2._o in_o foedere_fw-la se_fw-la mutuo_fw-la solenniter_fw-la obligant_fw-la kecke_n rm_n in_o every_o covenant_n there_o be_v a_o obligation_n or_o engagement_n and_o therein_o it_o agree_v with_o all_o bill_n bond_n mortgage_n or_o whatsoever_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n that_o a_o covenant_n be_v a_o obligation_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o end_n
only_o as_o a_o consequent_a condion_fw-la or_o the_o way_n in_o which_o we_o be_v to_o attain_v unto_o felicity_n jam._n 1._o 25._o beside_o in_o the_o former_a it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n own_o strength_n or_o the_o improvement_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v man_n in_o his_o creation_n in_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n and_o strength_n of_o christ_n phil._n 4._o 14._o in_o the_o former_a it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v perfect_o else_o man_n be_v to_o lose_v his_o reward_n in_o this_o though_o every_o believer_n ought_v to_o press_v earnest_o after_o perfection_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o every_o defect_n and_o bewail_v it_o before_o god_n yet_o none_o be_v to_o expect_v to_o be_v perfect_a in_o this_o life_n but_o god_n have_v respect_n to_o and_o ready_o acknowledge_v the_o sincerity_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o people_n in_o the_o former_a god_n punish_v the_o least_o defect_n with_o death_n in_o this_o god_n be_v tender_a and_o pitiful_a to_o his_o poor_a people_n bear_v with_o their_o many_o infirmity_n and_o accept_v of_o their_o humble_a confession_n and_o repentance_n there_o god_n animedvert_v on_o the_o least_o defect_n here_o he_o cover_v many_o transgression_n there_o he_o cast_v the_o sinner_n out_o of_o his_o favour_n here_o his_o child_n be_v only_o chastise_v but_o his_o love_n be_v not_o take_v away_o nor_o covenant_n profane_v psal_n 89._o 30._o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o former_a repentance_n be_v of_o no_o worth_n nor_o account_n for_o it_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o it_o in_o this_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v in_o a_o way_n of_o repentance_n obtain_v pardon_n and_o there_o sin_n be_v do_v away_o psal_n 32._o 7._o 2_o sam._n 12._o 13._o these_o difference_n well_o observe_v will_v give_v we_o light_n into_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o gospel-obedience_n and_o there_o be_v these_o thing_n requisite_a in_o it_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a love_n and_o respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n david_n a_o evangelicall_n man_n profess_v his_o endear_a love_n to_o god_n law_n and_o declare_v that_o his_o precept_n be_v his_o delight_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v sweet_a and_o precious_a to_o he_o psal_n 19_o 7._o etc._n etc._n yea_o though_o he_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a with_o his_o own_o frailty_n yet_o by_o this_o token_n he_o be_v quiet_v and_o not_o afraid_a of_o be_v put_v to_o shame_n psal_n 119._o 6._o 2._o that_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o faithful_a endeavour_n after_o conformity_n to_o the_o whole_a know_v and_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n this_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o former_a for_o if_o we_o do_v love_n god_n we_o will_v keep_v his_o commandment_n joh._n 14._o 15._o i_o e._n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v we_o will_v observe_v they_o with_o a_o upright_a and_o devote_a heart_n david_n will_v exercise_v himself_o in_o the_o law_n day_n and_o night_n because_o he_o love_v it_o psal_n 119._o we_o must_v avoid_v temptation_n abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n walk_v according_a to_o rule_n do_v our_o outmost_a that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v by_o we_o and_o therefore_o endeavour_v conformity_n to_o his_o holiness_n in_o our_o whole_a conversation_n 3._o to_o bear_v about_o a_o humble_a sense_n or_o consciousness_n of_o and_o a_o spirit_n of_o mourning_n for_o our_o frailty_n and_o daily_a neglect_n we_o must_v bewail_v both_o our_o impotency_n and_o exorbitancy_n though_o we_o do_v sin_n for_o who_o live_v and_o sin_v not_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v it_o though_o we_o do_v omit_v much_o of_o our_o duty_n yet_o we_o condemn_v ourselves_o for_o it_o though_o sin_n be_v too_o subtle_a and_o potent_a for_o we_o and_o often_o we_o be_v entangle_v by_o it_o yet_o we_o do_v account_v it_o a_o sore_a oppression_n a_o distress_a captivity_n and_o cry_v out_o earnest_o to_o heaven_n for_o help_n and_o deliverance_n this_o be_v paul_n spirit_n and_o practice_n rom._n 7._o this_o show_v the_o heart_n be_v true_a to_o god_n and_o be_v therefore_o in_o his_o account_n and_o interpretation_n esteem_v evangelicall-obedience_n 4._o that_o we_o do_v constant_o repair_v to_o christ_n for_o his_o strength_n to_o help_v we_o and_o that_o sole_o rely_v upon_o his_o grace_n to_o give_v we_o favour_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o ultimate_o resolve_v all_o our_o hope_n not_o into_o our_o own_o but_o his_o righteousness_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v engage_v and_o require_v to_o do_v in_o the_o new-covenant_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o this_o let_v our_o obedience_n be_v never_o so_o specious_a it_o be_v still_o repute_v but_o legal_a and_o so_o become_v worthless_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o infirmity_n disable_n we_o from_o do_v duty_n perfect_o ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v we_o from_o endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o sincere_o but_o its_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o this_o lesson_n that_o since_o our_o strength_n be_v not_o in_o ourselves_o but_o in_o another_o we_o ought_v to_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o repair_v unto_o he_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o strength_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v exhibit_v and_o proffer_v in_o the_o covenant_n for_o the_o help_n of_o a_o believer_n in_o perform_v of_o his_o duty_n and_o here_o appear_v the_o work_n of_o faith_n in_o quicken_a and_o enliun_a of_o obedience_n that_o it_o enable_v we_o to_o rely_v upon_o this_o strength_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o help_n and_o have_v place_v our_o hope_n here_o in_o this_o confidence_n to_o set_v about_o our_o duty_n and_o now_o have_v cast_v ourselves_o upon_o christ_n to_o go_v on_o in_o it_o with_o courage_n not_o be_v dismay_v for_o its_o imperfection_n but_o leave_v it_o with_o he_o to_o render_v the_o service_n we_o do_v acceptable_a with_o his_o father_n look_v to_o have_v our_o prayer_n and_o performance_n offer_v not_o by_o themselves_o but_o with_o his_o sweet_a incense_n and_o hence_o when_o we_o have_v thus_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v our_o duty_n we_o be_v to_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o worth_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o purchase_v aught_o of_o favour_n and_o happiness_n for_o we_o but_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n only_o in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n phil._n 3._o 8_o 9_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o dependence_n between_o the_o two_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n must_v always_o be_v consider_v with_o the_o respect_n it_o have_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n go_v before_o it_o and_o make_v way_n for_o it_o for_o till_o we_o be_v redeem_a we_o can_v be_v reconcile_v and_o when_o through_o the_o grace_n and_o help_v of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o only_a surety_n we_o be_v enable_v thus_o to_o walk_v and_o do_v then_o do_v we_o in_o god_n account_n keep_v covenant_n with_o he_o we_o answer_v the_o law_n and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n enjoin_v we_o and_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o he_o to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o his_o special_a grace_n and_o heir_n of_o everlasting_a mercy_n iu._n what_o be_v those_o everlasting_a mercy_n that_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o covenant_n ans_fw-fr these_o mercy_n comprise_v under_o they_o the_o whole_a blessing_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n whatsoever_o be_v in_o particular_a promise_v to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n come_v under_o this_o general_a denomination_n in_o our_o text._n these_o mercy_n be_v call_v everlasting_a for_o several_a reason_n 1._o from_o the_o big_a and_o better_a part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v positive_o and_o proper_o so_o not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v transitory_a and_o pass_a mercy_n include_v in_o the_o covenant-promise_a for_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o but_o these_o temporal_a mercy_n be_v though_o great_a in_o respect_n of_o our_o deserve_n who_o be_v less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o god_n mercy_n yet_o little_a and_o of_o low_a consideration_n when_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o which_o be_v in_o reversion_n in_o another_o world_n and_o be_v therefore_o swallow_v up_o and_o lose_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o these_o 2._o to_o note_v to_o we_o the_o original_a and_o continuance_n of_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o covenant-mercy_n for_o their_o original_a they_o proceed_v from_o everlasting_a love_n and_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o be_v from_o everlasting_a the_o love_n of_o god_n decree_v they_o before_o the_o creature_n have_v a_o be_v yea_o and_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n they_o be_v provide_v &_o secure_v for_o god_n elect_n before_o man_n either_o be_v or_o actual_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o mercy_n for_o their_o continuance_n also_o although_o some_o mercy_n be_v
transient_a and_o pass_v away_o and_o there_o be_v innumerable_a of_o these_o that_o visit_n and_o pass_v by_o we_o every_o day_n and_o when_o we_o have_v taste_v of_o they_o be_v go_v yet_o mercy_n continue_v and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v enjoy_v all_o needful_a blessing_n through_o time_n and_o eternity_n they_o be_v spring_n who_o water_n though_o always_o run_v yet_o never_o fail_v as_o one_o mercy_n go_v another_o come_v and_o they_o shall_v never_o cease_v psal_n 82._o 33._o and_o be_v therefore_o call_v everlasting_a 3._o because_o all_o god_n mercy_n that_o be_v covenant-blessing_n or_o fulfilling_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v lead_v to_o everlasting_a good_a it_o be_v the_o difference_n whereby_o mercy_n in_o themselves_o or_o material_o the_o same_o become_v as_o it_o be_v of_o another_o kind_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n god_n only_o bless_v the_o wicked_a but_o in_o blessing_n he_o bless_v his_o child_n i._n e._n put_v real_a sure_a blessing_n into_o their_o mercy_n the_o mercy_n of_o common_a providence_n be_v every_o way_n fade_v mercy_n they_o be_v snare_n and_o trap_n and_o be_v misuse_v become_v a_o curse_n to_o those_o that_o possess_v they_o the_o comfort_n of_o they_o soon_o die_v but_o the_o bitterness_n abide_v but_o covenant-mercy_n be_v sanctify_v mercy_n have_v a_o stamp_n of_o love_n upon_o they_o and_o contribute_v to_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o god_n people_n rom._n 8._o 28._o to_o enumerate_v these_o mercy_n in_o particular_a will_v be_v a_o endless_a task_n so_o rich_a be_v god_n in_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o all_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o it_o be_v the_o psalmist_n ready_a acknowledgement_n psal_n 139._o 17_o 18._o their_o number_n pass_v the_o reach_n of_o our_o arithmetic_n but_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o gross_a they_o will_v fall_v under_o three_o comprehensive_a head_n temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a in_o each_o of_o which_o bundle_n be_v contain_v favour_n exceed_v count_n 1._o temporal_a the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o godliliness_n concern_v the_o life_n which_o now_o be_v 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o whatsoever_o the_o wicked_a enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n by_o mere_a indulgence_n all_o this_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v by_o promise_n and_o that_o which_o those_o have_v very_o little_a reason_n to_o hope_v for_o these_o may_v lawful_o challenge_v as_o their_o own_o if_o you_o search_v the_o scripture_n there_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n be_v very_o large_a in_o his_o promise_n to_o his_o people_n upon_o this_o account_n if_o they_o will_v obey_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o covenant_n particular_o see_v deut._n 28._o begin_v covenant-relation_n engage_v god_n love_n to_o his_o people_n and_o covenant-promise_a oblige_v his_o fidelity_n if_o god_n feed_v the_o raven_n much_o more_o will_v he_o take_v care_n for_o his_o child_n if_o god_n give_v good_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o hate_v he_o much_o more_o will_v he_o be_v bountiful_a to_o those_o that_o love_n he_o if_o god_n can_v hold_v back_o his_o wrath_n from_o and_o give_v mercy_n to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o curse_n then_o sure_o the_o child_n of_o promise_n shall_v not_o be_v forget_v 2._o spiritual_a by_o which_o i_o understand_v all_o that_o grace_n and_o those_o supply_n of_o soul-good_a which_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o nourishment_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n those_o that_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n may_v go_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n for_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o keep_v covenant_n and_o to_o encourage_v they_o in_o so_o do_v grace_n sufficient_a to_o carry_v he_o through_o be_v promise_v to_o paul_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o every_o child_n of_o god_n as_o well_o under_o these_o spiritual_a mercy_n be_v comprehend_v all_o those_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v sanctify_v and_o improve_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o save_a fruit_n of_o those_o mean_n all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirlt_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o grace_n yea_o and_o the_o spiritual_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o all_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n these_o be_v thing_n of_o such_o inestimable_a value_n that_o they_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o any_o natural_a man_n to_o conceive_v or_o understand_v what_o they_o be_v so_o paul_n commend_v they_o god_n they_o they_o they_o bolton_n direction_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o 3._o eternal_a in_o which_o i_o aim_v at_o all_o those_o which_o be_v reserve_v and_o keep_v in_o store_n to_o be_v the_o complete_a happiness_n and_o perfect_a glory_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o life_n these_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n luk._n 12._o 32._o of_o these_o the_o apostle_n john_n speak_v in_o a_o yet_o more_o sublime_a manner_n than_o paul_n do_v of_o the_o former_a 1_o joh._n 3._o 2._o unregenerate_a man_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o spiritual_a blessing_n but_o saint_n themselves_o here_o know_v but_o little_a of_o those_o which_o be_v eternal_a all_o we_o can_v know_v of_o they_o at_o present_a be_v only_o thus_o much_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v the_o enjoyer_n happy_a beyond_o his_o thought_n expectation_n or_o possible_a desire_n in_o which_o happiness_n there_o shall_v be_v find_v no_o mixture_n or_o allay_v of_o any_o trouble_n or_o grief_n nor_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o either_o kind_n or_o degree_n of_o good_a want_v to_o make_v it_o perfect_a up_o to_o the_o outmost_a of_o create_a capacity_n to_o be_v entertain_v withal_o these_o be_v in_o brief_a the_o everlasting_a mercy_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v reserve_v for_o glory_n v._o in_o order_n to_o the_o evidence_n and_o clear_v up_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o these_o mercy_n be_v certain_o engage_v it_o be_v needful_a that_o we_o first_o consider_v something_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant-promise_a and_o how_o or_o in_o what_o way_n god_n fulfil_v it_o because_o many_o weak_a and_o tempt_v christian_n be_v apt_a to_o stumble_v and_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a about_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v only_o very_o brief_o here_o present_a these_o follow_a conclusion_n 1._o that_o the_o mercy_n lie_v in_o the_o covenant-promise_a do_v some_o of_o they_o bear_v a_o proper_a respect_n to_o the_o end_n and_o other_o to_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o end_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o these_o it_o be_v therefore_o good_a that_o a_o christian_n shall_v be_v well_o skill_v in_o this_o distinction_n and_o to_o know_v to_o which_o of_o these_o two_o every_o mercy_n of_o the_o promise_n do_v belong_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o distinction_n be_v because_o as_o there_o be_v a_o glorious_a happy_a end_n to_o which_o god_n lead_v all_o his_o people_n so_o there_o be_v a_o order_n of_o mean_n by_o which_o he_o lead_v they_o home_o to_o this_o end_n the_o end_n be_v glory_n the_o mean_n be_v sustentation_n protection_n and_o preservation_n in_o a_o way_n of_o holiness_n you_o shall_v find_v both_o these_o join_v in_o psal_n 16._o ult_n also_o psal_n 73._o 24._o 2._o that_o as_o the_o end_n be_v certain_a and_o unfailing_a so_o also_o be_v the_o mean_n so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v absolute_o respect_v the_o end_n i._n e._n mean_n shall_v never_o be_v so_o want_v as_o to_o frustrate_v the_o end_n the_o end_n be_v indubititable_a no_o believer_n shall_v fall_v short_a of_o a_o happy_a estate_n after_o this_o life_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o perfect_a blessedness_n and_o full_a fruition_n of_o the_o good_a of_o all_o the_o promise_n that_o this_o be_v not_o disappoint_v a_o safe_a conduct_n in_o the_o way_n and_o preservation_n from_o fail_v and_o a_o accomplish_n of_o all_o that_o in_o we_o which_o be_v needful_a to_o prepare_v and_o fit_v we_o for_o this_o glorious_a estate_n can_v be_v want_v the_o psalmist_n can_v therefore_o acquiesce_v in_o this_o after_o many_o wrangle_a thought_n which_o have_v disturb_v his_o mind_n and_o throw_v he_o into_o much_o disorder_n about_o many_o particular_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n here_o he_o rest_v psal_n 73._o 24._o thou_o shall_v guide_v etc._n etc._n 3._o that_o in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o these_o promise_n which_o under_o the_o title_n or_o head_n of_o mean_n god_n reserve_v a_o sovereignty_n to_o himself_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o particular_a way_n of_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o as_o the_o good_a promised_n be_v first_o make_v over_o to_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o by_o he_o purchase_v in_o behalf_n of_o h_n be_v redeem_a so_o also_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o be_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n as_o he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o
the_o promise_n itself_o to_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o to_o make_v the_o question_n itself_o the_o three_o argument_n by_o which_o it_o be_v prove_v then_o which_o way_n of_o argue_v what_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a if_o it_o be_v know_v it_o must_v be_v know_v by_o the_o condition_n so_o the_o apostle_n john_n argue_v 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o 2._o upon_o supposition_n for_o we_o may_v suppose_v thing_n that_o never_o shall_v be_v that_o a_o true_a believer_n may_v fall_v from_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n total_o and_o final_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o shall_v lose_v or_o miss_v of_o salvation_n and_o not_o inherit_v these_o everlasting_a mercy_n heb._n 10._o 38._o if_o any_o draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o every_o believer_n shall_v certain_o be_v save_v that_o be_v a_o impregnable_a truth_n but_o yet_o if_o the_o believer_n can_v become_v a_o unbeliever_n and_o so_o remain_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v for_o there_o shall_v no_o unbeliever_n so_o die_v go_v to_o heaven_n the_o sum_n be_v that_o a_o believer_n title_n to_o these_o mercy_n be_v continue_v by_o preserve_v and_o fortify_v and_o render_v immortal_a that_o grace_n whereby_o they_o may_v keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n jer._n 32._o 40._o 3._o that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n themselves_o do_v miss_v of_o many_o present_a blessing_n and_o suffer_v many_o present_a sorrow_n and_o evil_n through_o their_o heedlessness_n and_o particular_a sinful_a failure_n in_o their_o covenant_n duty_n though_o they_o fall_v not_o whole_o from_o it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o these_o dispensation_n god_n act_v very_o sovereign_o but_o still_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o keep_v a_o constant_a eye_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o thereby_o to_o discern_v of_o god_n both_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n why_o be_v a_o plague_n bring_v upon_o israel_n but_o for_o david_n sin_n why_o must_v the_o sword_n never_o depart_v from_o his_o house_n but_o because_o he_o have_v faulter_v in_o the_o covenant_n psal_n 89._o 30._o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n spiritual_a seed_n of_o who_o david_n be_v a_o type_n god_n by_o thus_o do_v assert_n his_o own_o holiness_n and_o let_v his_o covenant-people_n know_v how_o much_o sin_n be_v displease_v to_o he_o and_o hence_o also_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o escape_v punishment_n when_o we_o have_v provoke_v god_n by_o onr_o careless_a neglect_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o his_o merciful_a indulgence_n but_o if_o we_o suffer_v sorrow_n and_o break_a bone_n for_o our_o fault_n we_o must_v say_v as_o david_n psal_n 51._o 6._o thou_o be_v just_a when_o thou_o judge_v use_v i._n for_o information_n we_o may_v hence_o learn_v collect._n 1_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o wondrous_a kindness_n and_o good_a will_n of_o god_n exhibit_v to_o man_n in_o the_o covevant_n of_o reconciliation_n the_o very_a news_n of_o a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o fall_v man_n be_v matter_n of_o just_a admiration_n and_o the_o matter_n or_o content_n of_o it_o call_v the_o child_n of_o man_n to_o see_v and_o adore_v viz._n that_o god_n be_v in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o reconcile_a the_o world_n to_o himself_o and_o there_o be_v five_o thing_n in_o special_a which_o do_v serve_v to_o illustrate_v the_o great_a kindness_n of_o god_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n in_o it_o viz._n i._o if_o we_o serious_o consider_v who_o they_o be_v that_o be_v the_o subject_n with_o who_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v there_o be_v a_o emphasis_n in_o that_o phrase_n luk._n 2._o 14._o goodwill_n towards_o man_n and_o that_o be_v discoverable_a in_o many_o respect_n if_o we_o consider_v 1._o what_o man_n have_v do_v to_o alienate_v god_n heart_n and_o good_a will_n from_o he_o for_o ever_o who_o when_o god_n have_v create_v and_o put_v he_o in_o a_o glorious_a estate_n give_v he_o a_o holy_a law_n for_o his_o direction_n furnish_v he_o with_o his_o own_o image_n implant_n all_o needful_a grace_n to_o render_v his_o obedience_n to_o that_o law_n fiezable_a make_v a_o good_a covenant_n with_o he_o a_o covenant_n of_o life_n put_v all_o the_o visible_a creation_n in_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o promise_v he_o all_o happiness_n if_o he_o will_v obey_v he_o he_o this_o notwithstanding_o wilful_o slight_v his_o law_n profane_v his_o covenant_n abuse_v all_o his_o favour_n trample_v upon_o his_o glory_n and_o set_v up_o vile_a thing_n in_o his_o room_n how_o shall_v god_n have_v good_a thought_n more_o of_o such_o a_o creature_n 2._o that_o god_n have_v no_o need_n of_o man_n to_o glorify_v he_o nor_o be_v he_o oblige_v to_o any_o such_o way_n as_o this_o to_o glorify_v himself_o by_o he_o he_o can_v have_v get_v himself_o a_o name_n by_o destroy_v he_o and_o make_v his_o justice_n triumph_n in_o everlasting_a revenge_n he_o have_v glorious_a angel_n enough_o to_o do_v he_o service_n and_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v with_o he_o whereby_o he_o can_v have_v create_v a_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n even_o out_o of_o the_o very_a stone_n have_v he_o â—een_n meet_v 3._o that_o man_n be_v in_o himself_o a_o creature_n serviceless_a as_o to_o any_o actual_a employment_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n he_o be_v without_o strength_n rom._n 5._o 6._o more_o cost_n must_v be_v lay_v out_o upon_o he_o to_o make_v he_o a_o vessel_n of_o glory_n and_o fit_v he_o up_o for_o his_o master_n use_n than_o to_o have_v make_v a_o new_a world_n he_o be_v a_o creature_n like_a to_o be_v a_o great_a trial_n and_o exercise_n to_o divine_a patience_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v a_o creature_n not_o fit_a to_o be_v trust_v again_o with_o any_o stock_n of_o grace_n have_v so_o woeful_o fail_v and_o discover_v himself_o faithless_a in_o his_o first_o trust_n 4._o that_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o fall_v angel_n creature_n capable_a of_o do_v more_o service_n may_v they_o but_o have_v be_v restore_v creature_n for_o their_o make_n more_o noble_a and_o laudable_a and_o that_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o shall_v pass_v by_o these_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o in_o way_n of_o a_o second_o covenant_n but_o leave_v they_o hold_v under_o that_o just_a condemnation_n in_o which_o they_o have_v involve_v themselves_o to_o be_v hold_v prisoner_n of_o justice_n without_o any_o hope_n for_o ever_o that_o he_o may_v look_v in_o mercy_n upon_o man_n this_o be_v a_o think_v the_o apostle_n can_v not_o entertain_v without_o very_o great_a admiration_n heb._n 2._o 16._o 5._o that_o they_o be_v such_o creature_n into_o who_o the_o fall_n have_v put_v such_o a_o antipathy_n and_o enmity_n against_o any_o manner_n of_o treat_v and_o covenant_v with_o god_n or_o to_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o he_o they_o be_v enemy_n of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o come_v to_o treat_v with_o they_o about_o such_o matter_n as_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n they_o resist_v his_o spirit_n and_o reject_v his_o proffer_v this_o both_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n find_v and_o this_o god_n know_v before_o he_o treat_v with_o they_o they_o be_v mere_a enmity_n rom._n 8._o 7._o and_o that_o yet_o he_o shall_v condescend_v to_o have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o a_o subject_n in_o the_o treatye_n of_o a_o second_o covenant_n this_o be_v his_o wondrous_a kindness_n to_o man._n 2._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a thing_n which_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o bring_v about_o of_o this_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n it_o be_v no_o light_n or_o little_a matter_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o this_o treaty_n of_o correspondence_n between_o god_n and_o man_n to_o set_v open_a a_o door_n of_o salvation_n before_o man_n and_o make_v the_o proffer_n of_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a covenant_n of_o life_n with_o he_o 28._o he_o he_o he_o the_o cou._n make_v with_o we_o have_v its_o stability_n from_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o christ_n &_o therefore_o this_o must_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o ark_n of_o cou._n p._n 28._o we_o must_v therefore_o always_o carry_v in_o our_o mind_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n point_v we_o to_o and_o give_v we_o notice_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n necessary_o go_v before_o and_o make_v clear_a the_o way_n for_o it_o without_o which_o it_o can_v never_o have_v be_v propound_v to_o fall_v man._n it_o be_v here_o altogether_o needless_a to_o dispute_v whither_o god_n punish_v sin_n by_o necessity_n of_o nature_n this_o be_v certain_a and_o by_o all_o orthodox_n maintain_v that_o god_n holiness_n and_o justice_n be_v so_o concern_v and_o engage_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n that_o without_o due_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n give_v to_o
their_o sin_n judah_n have_v the_o temple_n and_o ordinance_n with_o they_o when_o the_o ten_o tribe_n by_o their_o rebellion_n from_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o carnal_a policy_n of_o their_o own_o king_n be_v obstruct_v in_o and_o much_o hinder_v from_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o liberty_n god_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o set_v a_o signal_n caution_n upon_o it_o hos_fw-la 4._o 15._o though_o israel_n play_v the_o harlot_n let_v not_o judah_n offend_v the_o sum_n be_v the_o more_o liberal_a god_n have_v be_v to_o a_o people_n the_o great_a account_n they_o have_v to_o make_v up_o with_o he_o 4._o nothing_o soon_o or_o more_o provoke_v god_n then_o the_o abuse_n or_o not_o well_o improve_n of_o visible_a covenant-priviledge_n we_o shall_v find_v how_o god_n expostulate_v with_o israel_n in_o these_o very_a term_n amos_n 3._o 2._o thou_o only_o have_v 〈◊〉_d know_v etc._n etc._n the_o great_a the_o kindness_n be_v that_o be_v abuse_v the_o great_a a_o provocation_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v now_o covenant-priviledge_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o exeelent_a privilege_n which_o a_o people_n can_v enjoy_v it_o be_v the_o jew_n advantage_n take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o apostle_n with_o a_o note_n of_o specialty_n put_v upon_o it_o rom._n 3._o 1_o 2._o chief_o that_o to_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o when_o david_n have_v enumerate_v the_o sundry_a favour_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o his_o people_n israel_n he_o set_v the_o peculiar_a emphasis_n upon_o this_o psal_n 147._o ult_n he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o any_o nation_n it_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o abuse_v the_o common_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v to_o treasure_n up_o wrath_n rom._n 2._o 3._o 4._o these_o be_v little_a and_o low_a favour_n compare_v with_o the_o gospel_n and_o covenant_n in_o which_o eternal_a life_n be_v exhibit_v and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o abuse_n god_n bear_v withal_o this_o he_o can_v away_o with_o if_o it_o once_o come_v to_o a_o despise_v and_o undervalue_v and_o not_o improve_n of_o such_o mercy_n than_o god_n can_v hold_v his_o peace_n but_o must_v declare_v his_o displeasure_n deut._n 32._o 6._o do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n 5._o when_o god_n purpose_v to_o bestow_v his_o everlasting_a mercy_n upon_o a_o people_n he_o show_v it_o by_o enable_v of_o they_o to_o keep_v his_o covenant_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o god_n intention_n if_o he_o withhold_v this_o grace_n the_o most_o excellent_a privilege_n of_o a_o people_n be_v to_o they_o judicial_a it_o be_v a_o sad_a complaint_n which_o moses_n make_v and_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o very_a bad_a omen_n to_o that_o so_o high_o privilege_v people_n of_o israel_n deut._n 29._o 4._o god_n have_v not_o give_v you_o a_o heart_n to_o perceive_v and_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o ear_n to_o hear_v unto_o this_o day_n and_o very_o observable_a be_v that_o expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 31._o 31-35_a the_o new-covenant_n there_o mention_v be_v not_o another_o covenant_n for_o the_o substance_n or_o matter_n propound_v it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n which_o be_v give_v to_o israel_n when_o they_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n but_o it_o be_v to_o they_o only_o propound_v and_o outward_o make_v with_o they_o but_o they_o break_v it_o and_o thereby_o provoke_v god_n to_o swear_v against_o they_o in_o his_o wrath_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n psalm_n 95._o ult_n but_o here_o be_v a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a application_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o work_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o a_o establishment_n of_o their_o soul_n upon_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o observe_v his_o commandment_n and_o to_o do_v they_o and_o thus_o they_o be_v make_v assure_v owner_n of_o and_o partaker_n in_o those_o everlasting_a mercy_n therein_o exhibit_v god_n treat_v with_o man_n only_o in_o a_o visible_a or_o outward_a way_n will_v vindicate_v his_o justice_n and_o leave_v they_o whole_o inexcusable_a when_o find_v despiser_n but_o it_o in_o only_a his_o gracious_a application_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o their_o soul_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o they_o all_o that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o his_o sight_n that_o bring_v save_v good_a with_o it_o to_o his_o people_n this_o be_v grace_n indeed_o 6._o hence_o a_o true_a ground_a and_o permanent_a hope_n must_v be_v establish_v by_o a_o inward_a and_o self-search_a many_o be_v ready_a to_o boast_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o the_o promise_n they_o hence_o carve_v out_o for_o themselves_o large_a consolation_n but_o who_o be_v they_o that_o so_o do_v there_o be_v some_o to_o who_o god_n will_v say_v hands_z off_z you_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o these_o thing_n the_o promise_n indeed_o be_v full_a everlasting_a mercy_n be_v soulsaving_a mercy_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o you_o you_o will_v say_v they_o be_v free_a mercy_n and_o why_o may_v not_o i_o embrace_v they_o as_o well_o as_o another_o true_a but_o if_o god_n shall_v ask_v you_o that_o question_n psal_n 50._o 16_o 17_o what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o take_v my_o covenant_n into_o thy_o mouth_n see_v thou_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v what_o answer_n can_v you_o make_v to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a piec_n of_o folly_n for_o a_o man_n to_o boast_v of_o a_o favour_n without_o consider_v of_o the_o way_n of_o a_o conveyance_n god_n say_v if_o you_o keep_v his_o covenant_n he_o have_v endless_a mercy_n for_o you_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v you_o oh_o yes_o say_v you_o give_v i_o everlasting_a mercy_n i_o need_v they_o i_o accept_v of_o they_o yes_o no_o doubt_n but_o do_v you_o accept_v of_o the_o covenant_n will_v you_o free_o close_a with_o jesus_n christ_n by_o a_o true_a and_o live_a faith_n will_v you_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n and_o cast_v off_o your_o vanity_n will_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n what_o do_v you_o wince_v and_o boggle_v here_o be_v these_o hard_a say_n which_o you_o can_v bare_v let_v i_o say_v then_o what_o have_v you_o to_o do_v with_o mercy_n be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v if_o the_o filthy_a will_v be_v filthy_a still_o if_o the_o proud_a vain_a profane_a lewd_a etc._n etc._n will_v be_v so_o still_o and_o hold_v on_o those_o course_n let_v they_o not_o glory_n in_o covenant-priviledge_n and_o dream_n of_o golden_a mountain_n of_o mercy_n but_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n collect._n 3_o it_o may_v instruct_v we_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o relation_n wherein_o child_n stand_v relate_v to_o the_o covenant_n this_o enquiry_n and_o consideration_n both_o our_o doctrine_n and_o text_n lead_v we_o to_o for_o though_o i_o mention_v not_o child_n particular_o in_o the_o doctrine_n yet_o they_o be_v include_v in_o the_o general_a expression_n of_o it_o and_o distinct_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n and_o god_n bear_v a_o respect_n to_o they_o in_o the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n there_o be_v some_o that_o whole_o exclude_v their_o child_n from_o the_o covenant_n other_o there_o be_v who_o place_n too_o much_o carnal_a confidence_n in_o their_o relation_n to_o it_o and_o many_o child_n too_o that_o cheat_n themselves_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v good_a therefore_o that_o they_o shall_v know_v both_o their_o privilege_n and_o their_o danger_n the_o text_n put_v parent_n and_o child_n child_n 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o relation_n and_o under_o the_o same_o condition_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v up_o this_o collection_n by_o open_v three_o proposition_n prop._n 1._o that_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v equal_o interest_v in_o the_o visible_a covenant_n with_o their_o father_n by_o believer_n i_o do_v not_o only_o intend_v those_o that_o be_v such_o by_o a_o true_a and_o live_a faith_n but_o such_o also_o as_o be_v so_o by_o a_o open_a and_o acknowledge_v profession_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o these_o also_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o true_a believer_n and_o it_o be_v to_o such_o and_o in_o such_o a_o notion_n that_o the_o apostle_n write_v all_o their_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n as_o have_v be_v before_o hint_v and_o prove_v by_o child_n also_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v only_o the_o immediate_a seed_n of_o such_o as_o first_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v this_o faith_n nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n so_o intend_v but_o their_o posterity_n in_o all_o generation_n reject_v generation_n generation_n generation_n till_o for_o
visible_a covenant-priviledge_n and_o they_o be_v for_o the_o bring_v the_o elect_a home_n unto_o glory_n eph._n 4._o 10_o 11_o 12._o object_n but_o this_o be_v no_o covenant-priviledge_n for_o the_o heathen_a have_v this_o liberty_n we_o keep_v they_o not_o away_o from_o come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n answ_n from_o the_o word_n preach_v we_o exclude_v none_o any_o may_v come_v that_o will_n but_o still_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o other_o ordinance_n which_o we_o admit_v they_o to_o till_o they_o do_v embrace_v the_o covenant_n and_o that_o by_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o so_o they_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n we_o baptise_v they_o not_o we_o admit_v they_o not_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n exercise_v not_o church_n watch_v cover_n or_o discipline_n to_o they_o till_o then_o so_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v unto_o they_o a_o necessary_a medium_fw-la of_o perticipation_n there_o must_v be_v a_o visible_a conversion_n wrought_v in_o they_o from_o the_o heathen_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o though_o the_o word_n may_v be_v preach_v to_o the_o heathen_a yet_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n or_o covenant_n people_n of_o god_n rom._n 3._o 2._o it_o be_v a_o depositum_fw-la that_o god_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n a_o gift_n of_o god_n favour_n which_o he_o have_v give_v his_o church_n possession_n of_o quest_n but_o it_o may_v then_o be_v demand_v why_o then_o do_v you_o not_o admit_v all_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n if_o they_o be_v they_o wrong_a be_v do_v they_o by_o debar_v they_o of_o their_o right_n answ_n that_o any_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v adult_n do_v not_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n be_v their_o own_o fault_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o door_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n stand_v open_a unto_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v in_o to_o it_o and_o be_v regular_o fit_a for_o it_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n they_o shall_v be_v prohibit_v nay_o all_o encouragement_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v set_v before_o they_o that_o they_o may_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n manner_n of_o expression_n be_v compel_v to_o come_v in_o i._n e._n by_o the_o force_n of_o argument_n and_o persuasion_n thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v a_o great_a privilege_n to_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o ordinance_n for_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o to_o mean_n be_v therein_o afford_v they_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n so_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 17._o the_o sacrament_n administer_v have_v abundance_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o afford_v great_a relief_n and_o sttength_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o who_o know_v how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o the_o church_n censure_n be_v medicinal_a and_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o heal_v and_o not_o for_o destruction_n 3._o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v privilege_v with_o much_o more_o of_o the_o presence_n and_o strive_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o other_o ordinary_o enjoy_v the_o spirit_n speak_v direct_o to_o the_o church_n he_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n church_n officer_n be_v star_n in_o christ_n own_o right_a hand_n and_o where_o god_n have_v record_v his_o name_n he_o have_v engage_v his_o presence_n exod._n 20._o 24._o he_o speak_v more_o dark_o obscure_o weak_o to_o heathen_a by_o the_o light_n of_o their_o natural_a conscience_n than_o he_o do_v to_o those_o who_o sit_v under_o the_o word_n and_o mean_n the_o word_n be_v the_o chariot_n in_o which_o he_o choose_v to_o ride_v most_o eminent_o and_o with_o which_o he_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n these_o to_o be_v sure_o shall_v have_v the_o first_o proffer_n of_o salvation_n make_v to_o they_o act._n 13._o 46._o and_o if_o they_o embrace_v and_o accept_v they_o to_o be_v they_o herein_o they_o 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deut._n 28._o 58._o there_o be_v none_o upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o stand_v upon_o more_o dangerous_a precipice_n than_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n may_v be_v make_v clear_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o few_o thing_n i._o that_o visible-covenant-interest_n will_v not_o afford_v man_n sufficient_a security_n against_o eternal_a damnation_n many_o there_o be_v who_o fond_o think_v the_o covenant_n shall_v save_v they_o but_o they_o do_v but_o put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o their_o own_o soul_n keep_v of_o covenant_n will_v save_v a_o man_n according_a to_o god_n promise_n who_o will_v be_v true_a to_o his_o word_n but_o bare_o be_v outward_o in_o covenant_n will_v not_o do_v it_o the_o covenant_n indeed_o have_v save_v mercy_n in_o it_o but_o they_o be_v exhibit_v or_o propound_v to_o we_o with_o a_o if_o if_o you_o keep_v it_o there_o be_v many_o be_v admit_v to_o tread_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n who_o shall_v never_o be_v 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themselves_o in_o the_o church_n or_o under_o the_o covenant_n from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n he_o will_v search_v jerusalem_n with_o candle_n and_o his_o wrath_n find_v out_o all_o those_o who_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n god_n see_v we_o not_o zeph._n 1._o 12._o when_o die_v david_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o instruct_v his_o son_n solomon_n about_o the_o covenant_n he_o open_v the_o nature_n and_o hazard_n of_o it_o 1_o chron._n 28._o 9_o if_o thou_o seek_v he_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v cast_v thou_o off_o for_o ever_o a_o noble_a vine_n may_v degenerate_v and_o the_o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n may_v prove_v apostate_n and_o if_o they_o do_v what_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o destruction_n a_o man_n must_v be_v something_o more_o than_o outward_o a_o jew_n or_o church-member_n or_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n else_o this_o will_v deceive_v he_o and_o give_v he_o no_o sure_a title_n to_o heaven_n and_o glory_n 2._o that_o godly_a parent_n can_v by_o their_o faith_n nor_o all_o endeavour_n work_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o secure_v the_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n of_o their_o child_n it_o have_v be_v a_o question_n move_v by_o some_o whither_o godly_a parent_n do_v their_o duty_n to_o their_o child_n faithful_o and_o use_v their_o outmost_a endeavour_n in_o bring_v they_o up_o for_o god_n may_v not_o rely_v on_o the_o covenant-promise_n and_o positive_o believe_v their_o child_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o that_o although_o for_o the_o present_a they_o see_v no_o change_n wrought_v in_o they_o but_o they_o walk_v in_o vain_a course_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v propound_v a_o few_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o divine_a grace_n which_o can_v
forsake_v i_o how_o shall_v i_o pardon_v thou_o for_o this_o god_n have_v take_v such_o as_o these_o very_a near_a to_o he_o he_o have_v give_v they_o such_o privilege_n and_o so_o many_o advantage_n hence_o for_o a_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o live_v like_o the_o child_n of_o heathen_a and_o those_o who_o god_n have_v not_o know_v this_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o a_o deep_a dye_n yea_o far_o deep_o than_o they_o who_o only_o abuse_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o common_a goodness_n of_o god_n if_o you_o read_v ezek._n 16._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la you_o shall_v there_o see_v what_o a_o course_n god_n take_v to_o make_v jerusalem_n sin_n to_o appear_v unparrellele_v viz._n by_o declare_v what_o covenant_n privilege_n and_o favour_n they_o have_v enjoy_v and_o profane_o abuse_v very_o god_n can_v endure_v to_o see_v that_o in_o sodom_n which_o he_o can_v bear_v to_o see_v in_o zion_n 4._o hence_o to_o perish_v from_o under_o the_o covenant_n will_v be_v a_o most_o astonish_a 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very_o careful_a and_o watchful_a to_o yourselves_o that_o you_o keep_v it_o you_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o boast_v of_o or_o confide_v in_o your_o covenant_n relation_n as_o to_o see_v to_o your_o own_o part_n and_o duty_n in_o which_o you_o be_v next_o concern_v take_v these_o thing_n for_o motive_n 1._o it_o be_v no_o little_a or_o light_a matter_n to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n it_o be_v true_a evangelical_n duty_n be_v easy_a if_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o rigid_a and_o strict_a yea_o impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v demand_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n impossible_a i_o mean_v by_o the_o child_n of_o fall_v adam_n god_n give_v acceptance_n to_o such_o weak_a duty_n and_o withal_o give_v strength_n to_o do_v they_o but_o still_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v for_o matter_n very_o large_a and_o for_o difficulty_n exceed_v all_o our_o own_o power_n in_o 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in_o and_o worship_v our_o neighbour_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o love_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o relation_n which_o a_o christian_a stand_v in_o and_o every_o one_o have_v its_o particular_a respective_a duty_n moreover_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o all_o in_o it_o stand_v engage_v in_o these_o covenant_n duty_n every_o faculty_n and_o member_n owe_v obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v our_o heart_n to_o look_v after_o and_o keep_v with_o diligence_n for_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n prov._n 4._o 23._o our_o tongue_n to_o order_n and_o keep_v within_o bound_n which_o must_v be_v well_o look_v after_o psal_n 39_o 1._o and_o all_o our_o bodily_a action_n must_v be_v conform_v to_o divine_a prescript_n all_o our_o natural_a civil_a and_o religious_a action_n must_v be_v square_v by_o the_o right_a rule_n and_o direct_v to_o their_o proper_a end_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 31._o final_o that_o which_o make_v it_o so_o great_a a_o work_n to_o keep_v covenant_n be_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o strength_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o force_v of_o the_o temptation_n we_o be_v expose_v to_o we_o have_v every_o one_o of_o we_o a_o traitor_n in_o our_o bosom_n beside_o a_o solicitous_a and_o diligent_a enemy_n wait_v all_o opportunity_n to_o tempt_v and_o draw_v we_o aside_o and_o there_o must_v be_v great_a vigilancy_n and_o resolution_n to_o resist_v a_o subtle_a devil_n hold_v correspondence_n with_o a_o treacherous_a heart_n put_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o they_o will_v speak_v thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a work_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a whither_o you_o keep_v covenant_n or_o no._n if_o you_o will_v enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o promise_n you_o must_v have_v the_o witness_n of_o your_o own_o conscience_n unto_o this_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n and_o another_o to_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n positive_o engage_v to_o you_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o great_o with_o this_o opinion_n that_o they_o think_v if_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n they_o have_v christ_n for_o their_o surety_n and_o undertaker_n and_o hence_o can_v maintain_v strong_a confidence_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o own_o careless_a and_o carnal_a neglect_n abuse_v and_o pervert_v many_o scripture_n and_o particular_o that_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 1._o if_o we_o sin_v we_o have_v a_o advocate_n they_o promise_v themselves_o that_o christ_n shall_v answer_v for_o all_o their_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o hereupon_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n with_o they_o to_o neglect_v duty_n and_o live_v careless_o and_o irregular_o but_o we_o must_v beware_v of_o deceive_v ourselves_o for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v 1_o thes_n 4._o 7_o consider_v then_o 1._o we_o may_v be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n and_o yet_o not_o have_v christ_n for_o our_o engage_a undertaker_n it_o be_v only_a believer_n that_o have_v true_o place_v their_o soul_n trust_v in_o he_o that_o he_o stand_v engage_v to_o and_o for_o to_z other_o he_o be_v only_o propound_v all_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v not_o save_v faith_n wrought_v in_o they_o they_o have_v not_o cordial_o close_v with_o christ_n as_o their_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n though_o they_o have_v outward_o and_o verbal_o promise_v so_o to_o do_v and_o his_o mediation_n and_o redemption_n will_v not_o be_v profitable_a to_o such_o these_o have_v pardon_n peace_n and_o salvation_n promise_v to_o they_o only_o with_o this_o proviso_n if_o they_o believe_v and_o that_o with_o such_o a_o caveat_n annex_v to_o it_o too_o that_o if_o they_o believe_v not_o they_o shall_v be_v damn_v god_n indeed_o bestow_v upon_o they_o all_o visible_a mean_n and_o help_v to_o believe_v but_o if_o they_o improve_v they_o not_o unto_o the_o
will_v you_o not_o count_v he_o but_o a_o ill_a husband_n who_o can_v give_v a_o better_a account_n of_o his_o neighbour_n trade_n than_o of_o his_o own_o such_o be_v these_o who_o can_v make_v a_o better_a description_n of_o other_o life_n and_o way_n than_o their_o own_o if_o the_o wise_a man_n commend_v it_o as_o a_o point_n of_o prudence_n to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o our_o flock_n and_o herd_n how_o far_o great_a than_o be_v it_o to_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v above_o all_o keep_n david_n give_v we_o this_o advice_n psal_n 4._o 4._o commune_fw-la with_o your_o heart_n if_o man_n will_v do_v thus_o as_o it_o will_v prevent_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o repentance_n so_o it_o will_v produce_v more_o kindly_a repentance_n god_n indeed_o propound_v this_o as_o one_o way_n to_o the_o removal_n of_o his_o great_a judgement_n hag._n 1._o 7._o now_o therefore_o consider_v your_o way_n the_o exact_a christian_n if_o he_o will_v thus_o retire_v into_o the_o closet_n of_o meditation_n and_o reflect_v upon_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n world_n find_v abundant_a matter_n to_o humble_a and_o abase_v he_o to_o fill_v he_o with_o mourning_n and_o bitterness_n and_o drive_v he_o to_o christ_n for_o pardon_n there_o be_v so_o many_o stragling_n of_o a_o wander_a and_o sinful_o by_o assed_a heart_n so_o many_o aberration_n of_o a_o misguide_a life_n 3._o let_v all_o your_o sin_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n drive_v you_o to_o christ_n mourning_n and_o yet_o believe_v for_o pardon_n and_o wash_n he_o be_v the_o surety_n of_o the_o covenant_n get_v he_o engage_v he_o be_v the_o fountain_n set_v open_a for_o sin_n and_o for_o uncleanness_n go_v wash_v your_o filthy_a garment_n here_o and_o they_o that_o be_v often_o defile_v shall_v be_v often_o wash_v mourn_v after_o a_o godly_a sort_n that_o be_v a_o index_n of_o true_a repentance_n but_o think_v not_o that_o your_o tear_n will_v wash_v off_o the_o filth_n believe_v therefore_o on_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o repent_v and_o believe_v faith_n distinguish_v repentance_n evangelical_n from_o that_o which_o be_v legal_a it_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n make_v christ_n your_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o make_v he_o your_o intercessor_n bring_v your_o sin_n every_o day_n to_o his_o cross_n as_o those_o that_o be_v weary_v and_o burden_v with_o they_o and_o he_o will_v plead_v the_o covenant_n for_o you_o your_o folly_n shall_v not_o be_v lay_v to_o your_o charge_n your_o iniquity_n shall_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o his_o book_n of_o remembrance_n sink_v down_o as_o a_o millstone_n in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n bury_v in_o a_o grave_a of_o everlasting_a oblivion_n and_o god_n will_v confirm_v to_o you_o his_o everlasting_a mercy_n 2._o i_o now_o come_v to_o some_o more_o particular_a direction_n for_o our_o right_n keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n and_o here_o let_v i_o premise_v that_o it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o descend_v to_o the_o most_o particular_a rule_n for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o covenant-keeping_a be_v of_o equal_a extent_n with_o gospel-obedience_n and_o that_o be_v exceed_o broad_a i_o shall_v only_o propound_v some_o comprehensive_a particular_n and_o such_o as_o do_v most_o near_o concern_v we_o consider_v as_o a_o covenant_v reform_v people_n such_o we_o be_v by_o profession_n god_n grant_v we_o may_v be_v so_o in_o reality_n here_o i_o shall_v first_o propound_v a_o few_o rule_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o one_o and_o then_o single_a out_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o add_v some_o special_a word_n of_o counsel_n unto_o they_o apart_o by_o themselves_o 1._o let_v i_o prescribe_v some_o scripture-rule_n to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o society_n of_o god_n people_n will_v you_o be_v find_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o society_n that_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n observe_v then_o these_o direction_n 1._o 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and_o his_o people_n be_v therein_o uphold_v and_o continue_v they_o be_v the_o mean_n both_o of_o our_o keep_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o by_o which_o also_o he_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n thereof_o furthermore_o if_o the_o ordinance_n be_v corrupt_v the_o stream_n by_o which_o we_o receive_v the_o water_n of_o life_n be_v defile_v or_o obstruct_v which_o can_v but_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v certain_o expose_v many_o soul_n to_o great_a hazard_n and_o the_o more_o need_n have_v man_n to_o look_v to_o it_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o present_a time_n great_o labour_v of_o this_o disease_n and_o thereby_o there_o be_v occasion_v many_o and_o great_a temptation_n for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o lose_v much_o ground_n and_o give_v way_n to_o their_o own_o damage_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o lust_n of_o men._n now_o there_o be_v two_o way_n by_o which_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v corrupt_v and_o either_o of_o they_o be_v exceed_o dangerous_a and_o can_v be_v admit_v without_o our_o be_v guilty_a of_o break_v covenant_n viz._n 1._o by_o depravation_n i_o mean_v a_o contemptuous_a rejection_n and_o cast_v off_o the_o ordinance_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n some_o there_o be_v that_o do_v whole_o reject_v visible-ordinance_n as_o thing_n carnal_a and_o not_o suit_v to_o the_o spiritual_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n man_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o holiness_n and_o a_o extraordinary_a pitch_n of_o perfection_n do_v throw_v off_o and_o trample_v upon_o the_o very_a mean_n of_o holiness_n man_n that_o have_v gain_v too_o much_o charity_n in_o the_o world_n but_o be_v indeed_o dangerous_a enemy_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o subverter_n of_o covenant-duty_n other_o there_o be_v that_o call_v some_o ordinance_n in_o question_n either_o throw_v they_o whole_o aside_o or_o at_o the_o least_o turn_v they_o out_o of_o the_o right_a order_n and_o course_n anabaptism_n be_v a_o dangerous_a underminer_n of_o gospel-order_n and_o ordinance_n and_o many_o there_o be_v that_o account_n it_o but_o a_o light_a matter_n to_o neglect_v this_o or_o that_o of_o christ_n institution_n many_o plead_v this_o be_v not_o necessary_a and_o that_o may_v be_v omit_v without_o any_o danger_n a_o man_n may_v get_v to_o heaven_n though_o he_o be_v not_o baptize_v or_o though_o he_o never_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o to_o what_o end_n be_v all_o these_o cavelling_n and_o argumentation_n use_v but_o to_o throw_v a_o imputation_n of_o folly_n upon_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o lay_v out_o the_o way_n to_o man_n salvation_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n absolute_a power_n but_o according_a to_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o god_n that_o have_v annex_v to_o his_o covenant_n the_o mean_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n will_v not_o excuse_v we_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o his_o covenant_n because_o we_o therefore_o neglect_v and_o slight_v his_o ordinance_n because_o we_o have_v a_o confidence_n in_o his_o power_n and_o mercy_n hope_v that_o he_o will_v save_v we_o without_o they_o if_o god_n be_v so_o exact_a with_o moses_n that_o he_o strict_o engage_v he_o to_o follow_v the_o pattern_n give_v he_o in_o the_o mount_n in_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o his_o house_n not_o ommit_v to_o prescribe_v the_o number_n and_o place_n of_o every_o pin_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n sure_o than_o he_o will_v charge_v breach_n of_o covenant_n upon_o all_o such_o as_o dare_v to_o mutilate_v or_o curtail_v any_o of_o his_o gospel-appointment_n 2._o by_o innovation_n i._n e._n by_o introduce_v or_o bring_v into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o appendix_n or_o addition_n of_o man_n own_o invention_n
transient_a rebuke_n may_v be_v enough_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v more_o deliberate_a and_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o they_o more_o gradual_o they_o may_v also_o be_v eminent_o reproachful_a to_o religion_n and_o a_o dangerous_a snare_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v so_o tempt_v our_o connivance_n in_o such_o case_n may_v not_o only_o blemish_v our_o profession_n but_o be_v a_o great_a hazard_n to_o it_o also_o at_o such_o time_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n you_o break_v your_o covenant_n if_o you_o suffer_v sin_n in_o your_o brother_n without_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n which_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v and_o in_o the_o order_n he_o have_v prescribe_v they_o till_o the_o end_n be_v obtain_v if_o private_a admonition_n follow_v with_o gentleness_n and_o patience_n will_v not_o gain_v but_o they_o still_o presi_v in_o evil_a course_n or_o be_v not_o humble_v for_o such_o fault_n you_o must_v proceed_v by_o step_n as_o far_o as_o christ_n have_v bid_v you_o and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o one_o thing_n wherein_o the_o covenant_n be_v more_o universal_o break_v then_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o if_o the_o use_n of_o these_o ordinance_n shall_v once_o come_v to_o cease_v among_o the_o church_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o church-member_n be_v not_o regular_o suppress_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o unfaithfulness_n of_o brethren_n religion_n will_v languish_v and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n fail_v it_o be_v not_o the_o extend_v of_o the_o covenant_n to_o christian_n as_o some_o dream_n but_o it_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o covenant-duty_n towards_o they_o that_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o bane_n of_o our_o profession_n if_o any_o thing_n eli_n indulge_v his_o son_n and_o one_o professor_n indulge_v another_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o if_o this_o be_v search_v to_o the_o root_n and_o bottom_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o original_n of_o it_o be_v self-indulgence_n and_o that_o when_o man_n wink_v at_o scandal_n in_o their_o brethren_n it_o be_v because_o they_o expect_v the_o like_a in_o way_n of_o retaliation_n and_o if_o thing_n once_o come_v to_o this_o pass_n let_v any_o sober_a and_o prudent_a man_n conjecture_v whither_o this_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o cherish_v apostasy_n and_o what_o then_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n 4._o take_v diligent_a care_n to_o secure_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n unto_o posterity_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o natural_a thy_fw-mi lie_v upon_o parent_n to_o their_o child_n but_o there_o be_v also_o a_o covenant-ty_a lie_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o covenant_n to_o after_o age_n as_o god_n have_v take_v the_o child_n of_o his_o people_n into_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o their_o parent_n so_o have_v he_o likewise_o take_v care_n and_o make_v it_o a_o duty_n that_o they_o be_v own_v acknowledge_v and_o look_v after_o as_o his._n and_o though_o i_o know_v there_o be_v various_a apprehension_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v altogether_o silent_a in_o it_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o beside_o the_o family_n care_v which_o be_v due_a from_o parent_n to_o their_o child_n there_o be_v something_o also_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n do_v owe_v to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v the_o lamb_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o that_o be_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v own_v and_o acknowledge_v as_o such_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o their_o infancy_n and_o minority_n by_o apply_v the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n to_o they_o but_o also_o in_o ripe_a and_o more_o grow_v year_n some_o there_o be_v that_o acknowledge_v they_o not_o at_o all_o to_o have_v any_o visible_a covenant_n relation_n and_o interest_n if_o not_o in_o word_n yet_o in_o effect_n they_o deny_v it_o though_o possible_o they_o may_v confess_v it_o to_o be_v parent_n duty_n to_o instruct_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v plain_o anabaptistical_n other_o that_o own_o they_o in_o minority_n yet_o look_v upon_o they_o to_o grow_v out_o of_o that_o relation_n practical_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n but_o that_o such_o as_o be_v relate_v shall_v ordinary_o lose_v this_o relation_n any_o other_o way_n then_o by_o a_o course_n of_o discipline_n seem_v a_o paradox_n and_o have_v be_v elaborate_o confute_v by_o many_o viz._n that_o any_o person_n shall_v cast_v himself_o out_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o contrary_n mind_v to_o we_o have_v very_o good_a intention_n and_o be_v act_v by_o a_o zeal_n of_o holiness_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mistake_n and_o a_o misguide_a zeal_n in_o the_o people_n of_o god_n themselves_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v and_o whither_o they_o or_o we_o be_v in_o a_o error_n the_o day_n shall_v discover_v mean_v while_n as_o we_o believe_v so_o we_o speak_v many_o believe_a jew_n in_o paul_n time_n have_v their_o doubt_n and_o controversye_n about_o circumcision_n but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o yield_v no_o relation_n to_o child_n at_o all_o but_o do_v account_n of_o and_o carry_v it_o to_o they_o as_o stranger_n under_o pretence_n of_o preserve_a holiness_n in_o the_o church_n let_v any_o serious_a and_o understand_a man_n judge_n whether_o that_o be_v a_o way_n to_o propagate_v holiness_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o the_o serious_a &_o solemn_a speech_n of_o the_o two_o tribe_n and_o half_a to_o their_o brethren_n speak_v something_o to_o our_o time_n and_o church_n josh_n 22._o 24_o 25._o if_o we_o have_v not_o rather_o do_v it_o viz._n build_v the_o altar_n for_o fear_v of_o this_o thing_n say_v in_o time_n to_o come_v your_o child_n may_v speak_v unto_o our_o child_n say_v what_o have_v you_o to_o do_v with_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v jordan_n a_o border_n between_o we_o and_o you_o you_o child_n of_o reuben_n and_o child_n of_o gad_n you_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n so_o shall_v your_o child_n make_v our_o child_n cease_v from_o fear_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o fall_a man_n spontaneous_o to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v god_n it_o be_v worth_a our_o serious_a thought_n whether_o not_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o child_n to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a people_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o effect_n to_o say_v they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o put_v a_o occasion_n in_o they_o to_o reject_v his_o fear_n or_o whether_o such_o a_o expression_n as_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o carry_v more_o of_o encouragement_n in_o it_o act._n 3._o 25._o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o our_o father_n it_o be_v doubtless_o let_v man_n say_v or_o think_v what_o they_o please_v some_o privilege_n to_o be_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n there_o be_v in_o it_o great_a motive_n and_o persuasive_a to_o they_o although_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v none_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v this_o or_o any_o other_o argument_n to_o be_v effectual_a with_o they_o for_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n 2._o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v possessor_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n according_a as_o they_o be_v capable_a doubtless_o the_o visible_a privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o only_o a_o honorarium_fw-la to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o they_o be_v also_o and_o principal_o mean_v appoint_v and_o sanctify_v by_o god_n for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v one_o end_n of_o god_n confer_v these_o privilege_n upon_o any_o of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n that_o his_o choose_a may_v thereby_o in_o his_o way_n be_v bring_v to_o partake_v in_o the_o invisible_a the_o work_n of_o conversion_n since_o the_o plant_n of_o church_n by_o apostle_n and_o apostolical_a man_n be_v ordinary_o to_o be_v expect_v within_o and_o not_o out_o of_o the_o visibe_n church_n it_o be_v the_o church_n unto_o who_o the_o ordinance_n and_o office_n be_v give_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o and_o that_o for_o all_o those_o end_n which_o be_v there_o needful_a nor_o be_v we_o to_o presume_v or_o thereupon_o to_o ground_v the_o visible_a covenant-interest_n of_o child_n upon_o a_o presumption_n that_o they_o be_v bear_v convert_v or_o have_v receive_v save_v grace_n in_o the_o womb_n since_o we_o know_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o that_o god_n have_v reserve_v this_o work_n to_o be_v ordinary_o perform_v by_o the_o mean_v instrumental_o in_o such_o as_o live_v and_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o knowledge_n though_o we_o believe_v he_o do_v it_o in_o a_o secret_a way_n for_o those_o that_o die_v in_o
infancy_n god_n give_v man_n ordinance_n not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v convert_v though_o they_o be_v also_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n eph_n 4._o 12._o but_o also_o that_o they_o may_v be_v convert_v mat._n 3._o 11_o it_o be_v therefore_o our_o duty_n to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o may_v want_v nothing_o of_o that_o which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o they_o for_o their_o good_a we_o can_v give_v save_v 〈◊〉_d to_o our_o child_n that_o god_n reserve_v to_o 〈…〉_o work_v but_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n we_o ought_v to_o 〈…〉_o as_o 〈…〉_o work_v so_o have_v 〈…〉_o child_n be_v to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v 〈…〉_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o be_v 〈…〉_o he_o have_v appoint_v all_o his_o subject_n to_o wear_v and_o a_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o our_o initiation_n into_o his_o kingdom_n to_o exclude_v they_o from_o church-watch_n be_v to_o refuse_v they_o that_o help_v for_o their_o spiritual_a good_a which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v allot_v they_o and_o exspect_v 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doctrine_n of_o the_o covenant_n however_o full_a of_o grace_n and_o light_n and_o glory_n have_v occasion_v as_o deep_a enquirye_n so_o dispute_v and_o variety_n of_o apprehension_n and_o that_o too_o among_o man_n both_o godly_a and_o learned_a yea_o that_o have_v be_v eminent_o so_o true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o principle_n which_o do_v more_o near_o concern_v the_o foundation_n or_o that_o relate_v to_o the_o substantial_o of_o the_o covenant_n orthodox_n writer_n be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o their_o circumstantial_a difference_n have_v cause_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n to_o break_v forth_o with_o a_o great_a brightness_n and_o glory_n exit_fw-la collisione_n ingeniorum_fw-la fit_a scintilla_fw-la veritatis_fw-la there_o be_v very_o judicious_a blake_n judicious_a dr._n jacob_n mr._n blake_n divine_n who_o in_o their_o discourse_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n take_v it_o in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n for_o the_o same_o with_o that_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n which_o the_o electbeleeve_a world_n be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o other_o and_z those_z who_o have_v be_v great_a ball._n great_a dr._n preston_n mr._n rutherford_n mr._n gelaspy_n mr._n ball._n light_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n comprehend_v the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n those_o glorious_a &_o bless_a transaction_n which_o have_v from_o the_o day_n of_o eternity_n pass_v between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n concern_v the_o redemption_n of_o lose_a sinner_n be_v though_o decree_n &_o purpose_n by_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o and_o express_v unto_o we_o in_o a_o covenant-way_n the_o lord_n christ_n be_v the_o prince_n head_n and_o mediator_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n he_o be_v the_o great_a patentee_n with_o who_o that_o heavenly_a charter_n be_v confirm_v and_o establish_v for_o ever_o indeed_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n be_v rather_o of_o work_n than_o of_o grace_n his_o obedience_n be_v every_o way_n perfect_a &_o meritorious_a but_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o we_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n since_o it_o be_v from_o infinite_a grace_n in_o the_o bless_a god_n that_o he_o have_v give_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o surety_n for_o sinner_n and_o that_o as_o to_o those_o who_o christ_n have_v undertake_v for_o he_o accept_v of_o the_o obedience_n of_o another_o without_o require_v personal_a satisfaction_n according_a to_o the_o rigour_n and_o holy_a severity_n of_o the_o law_n various_a also_o have_v the_o conception_n and_o expression_n of_o very_o worthy_a man_n be_v concern_v absolute_a and_o conditional_a promise_n some_o who_o affirm_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v etc._n be_v mr._n cotton_n mr._n bridge_n mr._n petto_n etc._n etc._n absolute_a yet_o acknowledge_v that_o faith_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o justification_n and_o that_o sincere_a obedience_n and_o perseverance_n therein_o be_v necessary_a necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la et_fw-la medij_fw-la in_o order_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o salvation_n only_o they_o be_v not_o free_a to_o use_v the_o word_n condition_n lest_o they_o shall_v make_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v causae_fw-la regnandi_fw-la which_o be_v but_o via_fw-la ad_fw-la regnum_fw-la on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o that_o assert_v condition_n to_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v nevertheless_o own_o that_o there_o be_v some_o promise_v therein_o covenant_n therein_o see_v mr._n bulkley_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o as_o to_o the_o subject_n of_o they_o be_v free_a and_o absolute_a viz._n the_o promise_v which_o respect_n first_o grace_n the_o pour_v down_o of_o the_o spirit_n the_o give_v a_o new_a heart_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o condition_n or_o qualification_n require_v of_o man_n under_o the_o gospel_n in_o order_n unto_o life_n and_o salvation_n viz._n faith_n repentance_n holiness_n perseverance_n shall_v most_o infallible_o be_v perform_v as_o to_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o some_o judicious_a and_o learned_a call_v the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n so_o that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o assert_v a_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n or_o a_o conditional_a will_n in_o god_n depend_v upon_o and_o determine_v by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o arminian_n heterodoxy_n have_v be_v elaborate_o confute_v by_o sundry_a great_a scientia_fw-la great_a twiss_n de_fw-fr scientia_fw-la media_fw-la voetius_fw-la disp_n de_fw-fr conditionata_fw-la seu_fw-la media_fw-la in_o deo_fw-la scientia_fw-la author_n thus_o far_o then_o the_o controversy_n about_o absolute_a &_o conditional_a promise_n be_v not_o of_o such_o moment_n but_o that_o we_o may_v saluâ_fw-la fide_fw-la &_o charitate_fw-la allow_v man_n to_o express_v their_o notion_n and_o peculiar_a sentiment_n therein_o only_o there_o be_v who_o 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covenant_n since_o most_o of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n be_v thereby_o confute_v blind_a popish_a error_n concern_v merit_n satisfaction_n many_o mediator_n etc._n etc._n arminian_n tenant_n about_o universal_a redemption_n free_a will_n apostasy_n from_o grace_n etc._n etc._n socinian_n haeresye_n deny_v the_o deity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n all_o these_o error_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n according_a as_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o have_v in_o these_o late_a time_n of_o light_n especial_o be_v hold_v forth_o from_o the_o scripture_n by_o redemption_n by_o see_v dr._n jacob_n and_o mr._n flavel_n sermon_n concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n several_a who_o the_o lord_n have_v raise_v up_o and_o enable_v unto_o that_o service_n for_o his_o name_n antinomian_n error_n oppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o covenant_n both_o as_o establish_v with_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n and_o with_o believer_n who_o be_v his_o seed_n that_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v require_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o holy_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v who_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o isa_n 60._o 21._o with_o 53._o 10_o 11._o anabaptistical_n error_n have_v be_v very_o fatal_a to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n since_o the_o reformation_n in_o which_o respect_n a_o 246._o a_o amiraldus_n de_fw-fr pace_n inter_fw-la evangel_n procurand_n p._n 246._o learned_a man_n give_v wise_a council_n when_o he_o advise_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a man_a industrious_a to_o establish_v their_o people_n in_o truth_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o such_o error_n it_o be_v from_o mistake_v about_o the_o covenant_n that_o man_n be_v carry_v away_o with_o delude_a opinion_n to_o the_o unspeakable_a prejudice_n of_o their_o child_n as_o well_o as_o of_o themselves_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o do_v solemn_o profess_v it_o i_o value_v that_o covenant-interest_n which_o god_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o christ_n through_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n come_v upon_o the_o