make_v to_o they_o yet_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o redound_v to_o and_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o thus_o when_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n seed_n aster_v he_o the_o promise_n be_v first_o make_v to_o abraham_n himself_o though_o the_o good_a contain_v therein_o redound_v to_o and_o be_v enjoy_v by_o his_o seed_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o the_o promise_v as_o continue_v to_o believer_n they_o be_v first_o make_v to_o parent_n say_v god_n concern_v abraham_n i_o know_v he_o that_o the_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v judgement_n and_o justice_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v bring_v upon_o abraham_n that_o which_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o he_o that_o be_v that_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o he_o gen_n 18.19_o now_o what_o be_v it_o that_o god_n have_v speak_v of_o or_o promise_v to_o abraham_n why_o not_o only_o that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o as_o personal_o consider_v but_o a_o god_n to_o his_o seed_n or_o household_n after_o he_o and_o will_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o everlasting_a possession_n this_o twofold_a good_a of_o god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o his_o seed_n and_o give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o everlasting_a possession_n though_o enjoy_v by_o his_o seed_n yet_o be_v first_o promise_v to_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o and_o on_o their_o behasf_n child_n stand_v at_o so_o little_a a_o distance_n from_o parent_n that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o parent_n themselves_o multiply_v parent_n do_v after_o a_o sort_n subsist_v in_o their_o child_n and_o answerable_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o child_n be_v account_v both_o in_o scripture_n and_o according_a to_o the_o di_fw-mi ctate_v of_o nature_n the_o good_a or_o evilof_o their_o parent_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o say_v the_o syrophenician_a when_o she_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o cure_v for_o her_o afflict_a daughter_n matth._n 15.22_o she_o account_v her_o daughter_n affliction_n her_o own_o and_o the_o daughter_n cure_n will_v be_v the_o mother_n mercy_n hence_o promise_v of_o good_a to_o and_o thâ—â—â—â—tnings_n of_o evil_n against_o child_n be_v frequent_o first_o make_v to_o or_o denounce_v against_o the_o parent_n themselves_o as_o a_o good_a or_o evil_n unto_o they_o so_o here_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n respect_v the_o seed_n be_v particular_a and_o distinct_a branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o establish_v with_o believer_n themselves_o but_o 2._o these_o promise_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n they_o be_v not_o make_v only_o to_o their_o parent_n but_o also_o to_o their_o seed_n with_o they_o and_o hence_o parent_n and_o childaen_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o joynt-confederates_a with_o god_n hence_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o abraham_n i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n gen._n 17.7_o the_o covenant_n be_v establish_v with_o abraham_n seed_n as_o well_o with_o abraham_n himself_o and_o seed_n here_o include_v his_o immediate_a child_n as_o well_o as_o mediate_v and_o hence_o again_o the_o promise_n be_v say_v to_o be_v to_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o to_o believer_n themselves_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n act_n 2.39_o and_o child_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n may_v and_o ougth_n to_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o promise_v as_o make_v to_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o make_v to_o their_o parent_n on_o their_o behalf_n now_o according_a to_o this_o twofold_a consideration_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a use_n and_o end_n of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n 1._o thereby_o that_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n enter_v with_o parent_n respect_v their_o seed_n be_v ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o the_o parent_n hence_o in_o gen._n 17.10_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o be_v my_o covenant_n which_o you_o shall_v keep_v between_o i_o and_o you_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o every_o manchild_n among_o you_o shall_v be_v circumcise_v you_o in_o the_o former_a 〈…〉_o the_o verse_n intend_v both_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n as_o distinguish_v from_o his_o and_o their_o respective_a natural_a childre_n this_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o they_o shall_v keep_v between_o god_n and_o they_o viz._n that_o every_o manchild_n among_o they_o shall_v be_v circumcise_v hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o circumcision_n of_o their_o male_a child_n be_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o they_o and_o how_o be_v the_o circumicision_n of_o their_o child_n say_v to_o be_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o to_o be_v keep_v by_o they_o why_o partlyas_n that_o be_v in_o part_n the_o restipulation_n of_o the_o covenant_n require_v on_o their_o part_n and_o partly_o as_o it_o be_v the_o ratification_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o viz._n that_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n respect_v their_o seed_n so_o that_o circumcision_n of_o their_o male_a child_n be_v in_o part_n their_o duty_n or_o a_o part_n of_o the_o restipulation_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o and_o also_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o promise_n viz._n those_o respect_v their_o seed_n make_v unto_o they_o and_o what_o be_v here_o say_v of_o circumcision_n be_v true_a of_o baptism_n in_o as_o much_o as_o circumcision_n be_v here_o speak_v of_o as_o consider_v under_o that_o general_a notion_n viz._n the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o circumcision_n as_o consider_v in_o that_o general_a notion_n be_v alike_o applicable_a to_o baptism_n it_o succeed_v circumicsion_n in_o that_o notion_n and_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a aptness_n and_o fitness_n in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n to_o seal_v and_o confirm_v unto_o believer_n this_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n enter_v with_o they_o on_o the_o behalf_n or_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o seed_n when_o god_n shall_v add_v to_o his_o promise_n a_o token_n to_o be_v apply_v not_o only_o to_o believer_n themselves_o but_o to_o their_o seed_n that_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o very_a great_a aptness_n and_o fitness_n further_o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v the_o promise_n to_o they_o respect_v their_o seed_n and_o a_o twofold_a reason_n may_v be_v assign_v of_o god_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v to_o believer_n this_o part_n or_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n respect_v their_o seed_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o 1._o that_o the_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o which_o it_o be_v the_o sign_n or_o token_n the_o covenant_n enter_v with_o believer_n consist_v as_o i_o have_v say_v in_o two_o branch_n the_o first_o respect_n themselves_o the_o second_o their_o seed_n now_o the_o sign_n or_o token_n as_o apply_v only_o to_o themselves_o though_o it_o be_v true_a it_o do_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o whole_a covenant_n yet_o it_o have_v a_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o that_o branch_n respect_v themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o token_n as_o apply_v to_o themselves_o signify_v their_o be_v blessing_n to_o their_o seed_n and_o consequent_o that_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n will_v not_o have_v be_v confirm_v at_o least_o so_o express_o and_o clear_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o the_o sole_a applicatin_n of_o the_o token_n to_o themselves_o because_o then_o the_o token_n have_v not_o be_v full_o proportionate_a to_o the_o covenant_n hence_o that_o the_o token_n may_v be_v proportionate_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o answerable_o more_o full_o advantageous_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o believer_n god_n have_v ordain_v the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o seed_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o parent_n themselves_o 2._o the_o great_a addition_n that_o by_o these_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n respect_v their_o seed_n be_v make_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n seem_v to_o make_v such_o a_o superadditional_a confirmation_n necessary_a so_o great_a a_o addition_n be_v make_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n as_o enter_v with_o parent_n by_o the_o extension_n of_o it_o to_o their_o seed_n that_o the_o promise_n may_v have_v even_o nonplus_v their_o faith_n have_v not_o this_o superadditional_a confirmation_n be_v give_v we_o see_v how_o david_n stand_v even_o amaze_v as_o not_o know_v what_o to_o say_v when_o he_o not_o only_o review_v what_o god_n have_v already_o do_v for_o he_o but_o confider_v the_o
propriety_n that_o god_n have_v in_o they_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o be_v entrust_v with_o they_o for_o he_o be_v a_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o they_o so_o to_o do_v sure_o it_o must_v be_v grievous_a to_o tender_a heart_n to_o think_v that_o god_n own_o servant_n shall_v prove_v enemy_n to_o he_o especial_o this_o be_v through_o any_o neglect_n on_o their_o part_n that_o those_o that_o god_n have_v design_v for_o himself_o shall_v rebel_v against_o he_o through_o a_o failure_n on_o their_o part_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o but_o 2._o there_o be_v the_o parent_n own_o act_n in_o dedicate_a they_o unto_o god_n and_o ratify_v and_o solemnize_n that_o dedication_n of_o they_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v not_o only_a god_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o choice_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o parent_n resignation_n and_o dedication_n of_o they_o to_o he_o which_o dedication_n they_o have_v make_v of_o they_o to_o god_n they_o have_v also_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v in_o a_o outward_a and_o solemn_a way_n by_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o that_o must_v needs_o suppose_v they_o to_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v more_o strong_o oblige_v and_o more_o effectual_o move_v then_o to_o bring_v they_o up_o for_o god_n they_o give_v they_o up_o to_o god_n to_o be_v his_o under_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o seal_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v now_o parent_n thus_o dedicate_a and_o give_v up_o their_o child_n to_o god_n do_v necessary_o imply_v and_o include_v a_o purpose_n to_o bring_v they_o up_o for_o god_n otherwise_o their_o give_v they_o up_o to_o he_o will_v be_v mere_a hypocrisy_n and_o deceit_n and_o therefore_o when_o elkanah_n and_o hannah_n have_v dedicate_v samuel_n unto_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o in_o the_o tabernacle_n from_o his_o very_a childhood_n they_o bring_v he_o up_o betimes_o to_o the_o tabernacle_n probable_o before_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o perfome_v any_o service_n there_o it_o be_v immediate_o as_o he_o be_v wean_v therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v young_a 1_o sam._n 1.24_o a_o child_n a_o child_n as_o the_o hebrew_n utuntur_fw-la hebrew_n hebraei_n cum_fw-la superlativis_fw-la careant_fw-la pro_fw-la iis_fw-la geminatione_fw-la utuntur_fw-la be_v that_o be_v a_o very_a young_a child_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o bring_v he_o up_o so_o early_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v that_o he_o may_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o law_n and_o thereby_o fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o future_a service_n have_v give_v he_o up_o to_o god_n they_o be_v careful_a to_o bring_v he_o up_o for_o god_n to_o bring_v he_o up_o so_o as_o he_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o his_o service_n and_o this_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n in_o the_o dedication_n that_o parent_n make_v of_o their_o child_n unto_o god_n do_v indispensible_o require_v i_o know_v abraham_n say_v god_n that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o boushold_n after_o he_o gen._n 18.19_o as_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v say_v i_o know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o faithful_a and_o upright_a man_n hence_o have_v give_v up_o his_o child_n and_o household_n to_o i_o he_o will_v use_v the_o mean_n that_o they_o may_v serve_v i_o so_o when_o jepthah_n have_v vow_v that_o whosoever_o come_v first_o out_o of_o his_o door_n to_o meet_v he_o shall_v be_v the_o lord_n though_o it_o prove_v to_o be_v his_o daughter_n and_o she_o his_o only_a child_n yet_o he_o will_v give_v she_o up_o to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o intendment_n of_o his_o vow_n what_o that_o be_v i_o determine_v not_o and_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n i_o have_v open_v my_o mouth_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o i_o can_v go_v back_o judg._n 11.35_o his_o own_o act_n in_o dedicate_a his_o daughter_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o implicit_a dedication_n of_o she_o in_o particular_a be_v to_o he_o a_o indispensible_a obligation_n to_o give_v she_o up_o to_o god_n so_o parent_n actual_a dedication_n of_o their_o child_n unto_o god_n especial_o have_v ratify_v and_o solemnize_v that_o dedication_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o add_v great_o to_o the_o obligation_n that_o they_o be_v under_o to_o bring_v they_o up_o so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o lord_n may_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o serve_v and_o honour_v he_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o capacity_n so_o to_o do_v 3._o there_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n that_o their_o child_n be_v under_o in_o order_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o grace_n benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o a_o further_a obligation_n upon_o and_o motive_n to_o believe_a parent_n diligent_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n and_o perform_v their_o duty_n subservient_fw-fr thereunto_o what_o these_o advantage_n be_v shall_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v show_v hereafter_o at_o present_a i_o say_v for_o parent_n to_o see_v their_o child_n under_o special_a advantage_n in_o order_n to_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o grace_n benefit_n and_o blession_n of_o the_o covenant_n must_v needs_o strong_o oblige_v and_o powerful_o move_v as_o well_o as_o encourage_v they_o to_o endeavour_v that_o they_o may_v come_v to_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o when_o a_o man_n either_o seethe_v himself_o or_o his_o child_n in_o a_o fair_a way_n and_o under_o special_a advantage_n to_o enjoy_v any_o good_a he_o be_v thereby_o provoke_v to_o great_a diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n that_o either_o himself_o or_o his_o child_n may_v enjoy_v that_o good_a this_o be_v that_o which_o at_o least_o in_o part_n quicken_v moses_n to_o so_o great_a importunity_n that_o he_o may_v go_v over_o jordan_n to_o see_v the_o good_a land_n viz._n canaan_n because_o god_n have_v begin_v to_o show_v he_o his_o greatness_n and_o his_o mighty_a hand_n deut._n 3.24_o oh_o lord_n say_v he_o thou_o have_v begin_v to_o show_v thy_o servant_n thy_o greatness_n and_o thy_o mighty_a hand_n i_o pray_v thou_o let_v i_o go_v over_o and_o see_v the_o good_a land_n that_o be_v beyond_o jordan_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v thou_o have_v bring_v i_o through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n of_o the_o wilderness_n thou_o have_v begin_v to_o make_v way_n to_o thy_o people_n entrance_n into_o and_o possession_n of_o this_o good_a land_n and_o must_v i_o now_o when_o so_o nigh_o unto_o it_o and_o in_o such_o a_o fair_a way_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o thy_o people_n to_o come_v to_o the_o possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o never_o come_v to_o it_o the_o loss_n of_o fall_v short_a of_o a_o mercy_n when_o a_o man_n come_v nigh_o to_o it_o and_o be_v under_o peculiar_a advantage_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o trouble_v more_o than_o the_o non-injoyment_n of_o the_o same_o ot_fw-mi like_o mercy_n when_o a_o man_n be_v under_o no_o probability_n or_o have_v no_o peculiar_a advantage_n ever_o to_o in_o joy_n it_o hence_o to_o be_v nigh_o to_o or_o under_o peculiar_a advantage_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o any_o mercy_n quicken_v to_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n that_o we_o may_v not_o then_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o but_o may_v actual_o enjoy_v it_o and_o this_o hold_v true_a whether_o the_o mercy_n respect_v a_o man_n self_n or_o his_o child_n or_o near_a relation_n now_o i_o say_v the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v near_o to_o and_o under_o more_o peculiar_a advantage_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o grace_n benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o the_o seed_n of_o other_o be_v parent_n have_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v some_o kind_a os_fw-la hold_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o those_o blessing_n and_o benefic_n for_o their_o child_n and_o child_n have_v some_o hold_n for_o themselves_o and_o when_o a_o man_n have_v any_o hold_n of_o a_o good_a for_o himself_o or_o he_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o let_v it_o go_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o timothy_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o christian_n fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n lay_v hold_v on_o eternal_a life_n 1_o tim._n 6.12_o the_o latter_a branch_n of_o this_o exhortation_n viz._n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n may_v be_v take_v as_o directive_n to_o christian_n what_o to_o do_v more_o effectual_o to_o engage_v and_o quicken_v themselves_o to_o a_o vigorous_a prosecution_n of_o their_o spiritual_a warsare_n they_o be_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o apostle_n which_o may_v be_v do_v by_o christian_n while_n in_o this_o life_n there_o be_v several_a way_n whereby_o believer_n may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a lfe_n while_o in_o the_o world_n as_o by_o a_o applicatory_a faith_n whereby_o they_o apply_v and_o appropriate_v the_o promise_n of_o
people_n and_o their_o seed_n successive_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o to_o those_o that_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o promise_n or_o that_o they_o be_v tobe_n interpret_v and_o understand_v not_o in_o a_o definite_a but_o in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n and_o do_v impartial_o observe_v the_o way_n of_o god_n procedure_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o man_n any_o endeavour_n to_o vindicate_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o their_o performance_n will_v be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a for_o though_o some_o have_v contemn_v that_o observation_n that_o other_o have_v make_v viz._n that_o that_o seed_n that_o god_n have_v reserve_v out_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o fall_a man_n to_o serve_v he_o be_v in_o a_o considerable_a measure_n raise_v out_o of_o the_o family_n of_o the_o faithful_a yet_o it_o be_v indeed_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o so_o evident_a to_o unbiased_a observer_n that_o it_o may_v be_v no_o little_a confirmation_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n now_o give_v of_o these_o promise_n and_o be_v a_o abundant_a vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o as_o it_o have_v in_o all_o age_n pass_v give_v so_o still_o give_v he_o the_o just_a name_n and_o repute_v of_o a_o god_n keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n for_o ever_o but_o to_o put_v a_o close_a to_o this_o three_o benefit_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o say_v they_o be_v thereby_o bring_v nigh_o to_o the_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v they_o be_v os_fw-la that_o collective_a body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n unto_o who_o these_o promise_n do_v in_o the_o general_n appertain_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o be_v that_o special_a part_n of_o or_o species_n of_o member_n in_o that_o body_n or_o society_n to_o who_o these_o promise_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n do_v belong_v they_o be_v nigh_o to_o the_o promise_v as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o they_o be_v yet_o nigh_o as_o they_o be_v specify_v and_o point_v out_o to_o be_v the_o person_n peculiar_o intend_v in_o they_o and_o according_a to_o their_o nignness_n to_o these_o promise_n so_o especial_o when_o parent_n be_v faithful_a in_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o be_v their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v how_o rare_o be_v it_o find_v when_o parent_n with_o abraham_n be_v faithful_a in_o instruct_v and_o command_v their_o child_n to_o walk_v in_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o if_o not_o all_o yet_o some_o though_o sometime_o more_o sometime_o sewer_a according_a to_o the_o number_n they_o be_v bless_v with_o be_v find_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n accompany_v of_o those_o instruction_n walk_v in_o these_o way_n yea_o how_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o parent_n so_o perform_v their_o duty_n who_o can_v walk_v in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o strange_a land_n with_o comfortable_a hope_n that_o all_o they_o be_v heir_n with_o they_o of_o the_o same_o promise_n now_o then_o how_o strange_a be_v it_o that_o believe_a parent_n shall_v have_v their_o understanding_n so_o far_o darken_v and_o their_o judgement_n so_o far_o blind_v to_o make_v that_o which_o sometime_o be_v the_o gentile_n and_o be_v now_o the_o jew_n misery_n viz._n to_o be_v far_o from_o god_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n their_o choice_n though_o not_o for_o themselves_o yet_o for_o they_o and_o shall_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v set_v they_o at_o the_o utmost_a distance_n from_o those_o promise_n that_o be_v the_o great_a ground_n of_o hope_n to_o fall_v man_n that_o he_o may_v obrain_n a_o exchange_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o misery_n for_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o take_v their_o lot_n among_o those_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o we_o may_v well_o call_v to_o the_o heaven_n to_o be_v astonish_v at_o this_o and_o to_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v move_v out_o of_o its_o place_n but_o to_o pass_v from_o this_o first_o head_n of_o benefy_v accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n from_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o they_o have_v admission_n into_o and_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o god_n by_o command_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n speak_v to_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o seed_n as_o jacob_n to_o joseph_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o two_o son_n bring_v your_o child_n near_o to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v bless_v they_o bring_v they_o into_o my_o house_n and_o family_n and_o as_o they_o then_o shall_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o prayer_n put_v up_o for_o it_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o special_a providential_a care_n of_o my_o son_n over_o they_o he_o shall_v give_v his_o angel_n a_o charge_n concern_v they_o they_o shall_v come_v into_o a_o nigh_a capacity_n to_o enjoy_v grace_n promise_v than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v you_o faithful_a in_o your_o duty_n and_o i_o will_v be_v faithful_a in_o my_o promise_n now_o shall_v any_o reject_v such_o a_o gracious_a invitation_n how_o just_o may_v child_n cnrse_v the_o day_n they_o be_v ever_o bring_v forth_o by_o such_o parent_n chap._n v._o the_o second_o good_a or_o benefit_n accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n propose_v viz._n they_o have_v thereby_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o appertain_v to_o they_o ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v a_o enquiry_n make_v whether_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n be_v enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n definit_o or_o only_o indefinite_o the_o various_a judgement_n of_o paedo-baptist_n about_o it_o that_o they_o be_v enter_v and_o make_v definite_o prove_v two_o way_n first_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o abraham_n seed_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n where_o two_o reason_n be_v offer_v second_o it_o be_v further_a prove_v by_o three_o reason_n respect_v both_o abraham_n and_o all_o other_o believer_n seed_n the_o forementioned_a good_a accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n open_v in_o the_o resolution_n of_o two_o question_n the_o former_a propose_v viz._n what_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v reference_n unto_o that_o it_o have_v a_o twofold_a reference_n show_v first_o to_o the_o covenant_n as_o abstract_o and_o absolute_o consider_v the_o thing_n ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o it_o as_o consider_v in_o that_o its_o reference_n determine_v to_o be_v their_o covenant_n that_o the_o necessary_a result_n of_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o two_o argument_n to_o be_v their_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o originalsin_n and_o that_o both_o originans_n and_o originatum_fw-la 2._o the_o second_o good_a or_o benefit_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v this_o viz._n they_o have_v thereby_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o appertain_v to_o they_o seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o particular_a unfolding_n of_o this_o good_a or_o benefit_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unuseful_a but_o seem_v necessary_a that_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o different_a apprehension_n of_o poedo-baptists_n themselves_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n as_o enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o judgement_n about_o that_o must_v be_v grant_v and_o according_a to_o their_o different_a apprehension_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n they_o be_v different_o persuade_v as_o to_o the_o good_a accrue_v to_o infant_n by_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o their_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o which_o i_o shall_v also_o brief_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o i_o go_v along_o 1._o first_o some_o conserve_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n only_o indefinite_o and_o anfwerable_o that_o the_o promise_v appertain_v to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n that_o be_v as_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o they_o as_o general_o and_o collective_o consider_v but_o not_o make_v to_o any_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a and_o of_o those_o that_o go_v this_o way_n some_o conceive_v that_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n appertain_v only_o to_o the_o elect_n and_o secure_a to_o they_o only_o the_o future_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o save_a fruit_n and_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o christ_n but_o do_v not_o necessary_o convey_v to_o or_o confer_v
to_o write_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v safe_a for_o you_o yet_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v write_v or_o speak_v in_o variety_n of_o phrase_n and_o different_a expression_n and_o so_o to_o do_v be_v useful_a to_o prevent_v tediousness_n and_o loathe_v but_o to_o have_v the_o same_o thing_n frequent_o repeat_v and_o inculcate_v if_o not_o in_o the_o same_o yet_o in_o different_a phrase_n and_o expression_n be_v exceed_v safe_a for_o grow_v christian_n and_o much_o more_o for_o child_n yea_o to_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o expression_n suppose_v purdence_n be_v use_v be_v useful_a for_o they_o the_o lord_n speak_v of_o the_o commandment_n statute_n and_o judgement_n he_o have_v give_v his_o ancient_a people_n give_v they_o this_o charge_n about_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o to_o their_o child_n deut._n 6.7_o and_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o teach_v they_o diligent_o he_o explain_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n thou_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o viz._n to_o thy_o child_n when_o thou_o sit_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o when_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v thou_o shall_v be_v frequent_o talk_v of_o and_o inculcate_v they_o upon_o thy_o child_n the_o capacity_n of_o child_n require_v a_o frequent_a repetition_n and_o inculcation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o natural_a sood_n as_o they_o can_v receive_v and_o digest_v but_o a_o little_a at_o a_o time_n so_o they_o must_v be_v frequent_o feed_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o instruction_n which_o be_v the_o food_n of_o their_o soul_n they_o must_v be_v frequent_o instruct_v in_o the_o same_o thing_n 3._o the_o intermingle_v exhortation_n persuasion_n entreaty_n command_n etc._n etc._n with_o instruction_n tend_v great_o to_o render_v those_o instruction_n more_o effectual_a it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o inlighten_v the_o understanding_n and_o inform_v the_o judgement_n but_o the_o affection_n and_o passion_n must_v be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o excite_v we_o find_v the_o work_n upon_o and_o exciting_a of_o the_o affection_n and_o passion_n in_o grow_v person_n be_v high_o serviceable_a to_o their_o conversion_n embracement_n of_o and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o much_o more_o must_v it_o be_v so_o in_o child_n now_o the_o aflection_n and_o passion_n be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o mean_n now_o mention_v these_o exhortation_n persuasion_n command_n etc._n etc._n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v include_v in_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o translate_v admonition_n parent_n be_v to_o bring_v up_o up_o their_o child_n in_o the_o admonition_n as_o well_o as_o nurture_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o say_v god_n of_o abraham_n i_o know_v abraham_n that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n and_o what_o the_o issue_n of_o that_o shall_v be_v he_o tell_v we_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n gen._n 18.19_o of_o which_o more_o by_o and_o by_o such_o persuasion_n and_o exhortation_n entreaty_n and_o command_n be_v expressive_a of_o the_o affection_n of_o parent_n towards_o as_o well_o as_o their_o authority_n over_o their_o child_n and_o the_o more_o child_n be_v sensible_a of_o their_o parent_n affection_n towards_o and_o authority_n over_o they_o the_o great_a efficacy_n will_v their_o instruction_n have_v upon_o their_o heart_n their_o parent_n be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o visible_a to_o they_o god_n be_v out_o of_o their_o sight_n their_o apprehension_n of_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v but_o low_a and_o confuse_a they_o live_v by_o sense_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n hence_o a_o affectionate_a exhortation_n or_o entreaty_n from_o their_o parent_n may_v and_o possible_o will_v do_v more_o with_o they_o than_o the_o bare_a command_n of_o god_n however_o such_o exhortation_n and_o command_n etc._n etc._n from_o their_o parent_n add_v to_o the_o exhortation_n and_o command_n from_o god_n in_o his_o word_n must_v needs_o rational_o be_v more_o effectual_a there_o be_v their_o parent_n affection_n answer_v by_o a_o natural_a storge_n and_o filial_a affection_n towards_o they_o and_o paternal_a authority_n answer_v by_o a_o natural_a kind_n of_o instinct_n or_o inclination_n to_o obey_v superad_v to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o those_o dawning_n of_o light_n let_v into_o their_o understanding_n by_o instruction_n give_v they_o and_o of_o those_o morning-apprehension_n they_o have_v of_o god_n more_o effectual_o to_o induce_v and_o engage_v they_o to_o act_n and_o practice_v according_o hence_o this_o intermixture_n of_o exhortation_n persuasion_n entreaty_n and_o command_n must_v needs_o great_o further_a their_o conversion_n and_o embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n 4._o good_a example_n be_v great_a furtherance_n to_o child_n fall_v in_o with_o and_o embracement_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o neither_o instruction_n nor_o the_o use_n of_o any_o other_o mean_n can_v be_v rational_o expect_v to_o be_v successful_a without_o this_o example_n conduce_v to_o the_o render_v instruction_n effectual_a two_o way_n 1._o they_o reallize_v to_o child_n apprehension_n the_o thing_n they_o be_v instruct_v in_o and_o about_o for_o parent_n to_o speak_v of_o a_o god_n infinite_o holy_a and_o a_o perfect_a hater_n of_o sin_n to_o speak_v of_o god_n infinite_o just_a and_o a_o severe_a avenger_n of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o not_o express_v any_o fear_n towards_o he_o themselves_o nor_o take_v heed_n of_o what_o be_v sinful_a will_v signify_v little_a child_n will_v quick_o apprehend_v the_o inconsistency_n between_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o or_o concern_v god_n and_o their_o parent_n way_n and_o action_n now_o how_o can_v parent_n expect_v their_o child_n shall_v believe_v what_o their_o own_o way_n and_o action_n declare_v themselves_o believe_v not_o 2._o examply_v induce_v and_o provoke_v to_o imitation_n exempla_fw-la magis_fw-la movent_fw-la quà m_fw-la documenta_fw-la be_v peculiar_o true_a as_o apply_v to_o child_n we_o see_v how_o prone_a they_o be_v to_o imitation_n their_o manner_n be_v much_o form_v by_o example_n men._n example_n aristotle_n will_v have_v youth_n keep_v even_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o picture_n of_o any_o limner_n except_v of_o such_o a_o one_o who_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d represent_v the_o honest_a manner_n of_o worthy_a men._n hence_o good_a example_n not_o only_o from_o parent_n but_o other_o high_o further_a their_o fall_n in_o with_o and_o embrace_v of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n 5._o to_o put_v child_n upon_o and_o inure_v they_o to_o holy_a exercise_n will_v great_o further_o the_o end_n aim_v at_o hence_o parent_n shall_v put_v their_o child_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o they_o have_v teach_v they_o thus_o they_o be_v to_o cause_v they_o to_o join_v in_o holy_a duty_n both_o public_a and_o private_a it_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o child_n to_o be_v exclude_v from_o family_n duty_n at_o least_o when_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o join_v in_o they_o without_o cause_v distraction_n and_o let_v i_o say_v for_o parent_n to_o plead_v child_n will_v be_v troublesome_a when_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o themselves_o in_o not_o bring_v of_o they_o under_o their_o command_n will_v be_v but_o a_o bad_a excuse_n at_o the_o last_o so_o again_o parent_n shall_v inure_v they_o to_o holy_a exercise_n themselves_o as_o read_v and_o pray_v and_o direct_v they_o in_o a_o right_a performance_n of_o that_o duty_n we_o find_v both_o our_o lord_n christ_n and_o john_n baptist_n instruct_v their_o disciple_n in_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n and_o probable_o betimes_o luk._n 11.1_o let_v they_o know_v that_o all_o good_a must_v come_v from_o god_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o seek_n for_o it_o from_o he_o let_v they_o know_v their_o continuance_n in_o a_o covenant-state_n depend_v upon_o their_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n themselves_o but_o let_v they_o know_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v god_n must_v give_v what_o himself_o require_v 6._o the_o add_v of_o due_a correction_n as_o the_o case_n may_v require_v will_v yet_o promote_v the_o same_o end_n the_o rod_n be_v the_o child_n ordinance_n hence_o so_o frequent_o recommend_v by_o solomon_n though_o correction_n convey_v not_o grace_n to_o nor_o can_v it_o work_v grace_n in_o the_o soul_n yet_o it_o high_o subserve_v their_o gain_n of_o grace_n 2._o but_o second_o let_v i_o just_a touch_n upon_o some_o few_o rule_n that_o may_v be_v of_o use_n unto_o parent_n in_o their_o right_n and_o successful_a performance_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n 1._o by_o grave_n and_o serious_a deal_n with_o they_o about_o the_o concern_v of_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n with_o a_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n become_v matter_n of_o such_o a_o importance_n it_o be_v say_v of_o a_o bishop_n he_o must_v be_v one_o
their_o child_n than_o other_o have_v or_o do_v take_v in_o they_o but_o now_o the_o covenant_n as_o enter_v with_o believer_n extend_v to_o and_o take_v in_o their_o child_n with_o they_o and_o that_o as_o seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n or_o token_n both_o to_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n be_v a_o precious_a ground_n of_o hope_n to_o they_o concernign_a their_o child_n and_o may_v if_o not_o whole_o yet_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n relieve_v they_o under_o that_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n that_o other_o wise_a will_v arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o jo_v state_n by_o nature_n now_o they_o may_v rational_o rejoice_v and_o take_v comfort_n in_o they_o as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o hereafter_o to_o have_v have_v a_o bare_a promise_n belong_v ot_fw-mi their_o child_n will_v have_v conduce_v great_o to_o their_o comfort_n and_o joy_n in_o they_o but_o to_o have_v the_o promise_v confirm_v and_o that_o such_o various_a way_n must_v need_v 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and_o end_n of_o baptism_n as_o have_v a_o too_o evident_a tendency_n to_o further_a ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n among_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v observe_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v only_o the_o mistake_n of_o some_o particular_a man_n that_o can_v be_v just_o charge_v to_o be_v of_o that_o tendency_n 2._o that_o those_o mistake_n respect_v baptism_n in_o general_n and_o not_o as_o apply_v to_o infant_n rather_o than_o to_o grow_v person_n and_o what_o a_o unrighteous_a charge_n that_o be_v when_o that_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n which_o may_v only_o possible_o ensue_v from_o the_o mistake_v of_o some_o particular_a man_n and_o those_o respect_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n no_o more_o than_o the_o baptism_n of_o grow_v person_n be_v obvious_a to_o all_o such_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o indeed_o lay_v the_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o their_o duty_n either_o towards_o god_n 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the_o soundness_n or_o unsoundness_n of_o their_o or_o our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v willing_a that_o the_o controversy_n shall_v be_v determine_v by_o that_o rule_n it_o be_v too_o notorious_a that_o some_o have_v prosess_o declare_v their_o judgement_n to_o be_v against_o catechise_v and_o the_o likeways_o of_o instruct_v child_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o against_o a_o authorative_n require_v they_o so_o much_o as_o to_o use_v and_o attend_v upon_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o against_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n and_o how_o evident_a a_o foundation_n be_v lay_v thereby_o to_o ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n be_v not_o difficult_a to_o apprehend_v neither_o dare_v any_o of_o our_o opposer_n as_o i_o suppose_v affirm_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o anti-paedo-baptists_n go_v beyond_o the_o generality_n of_o
eternal_a life_n to_o themselves_o as_o the_o psalmist_n psalm_n 16._o so_o psalm_n 37.24_o so_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 4.8_o so_o again_o eternal_a light_n be_v lay_v hold_v on_o by_o ardency_n of_o affection_n and_o desire_n by_o possess_v ourselves_o of_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n now_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n these_o or_o the_o like_a way_n put_v lise_fw-fr into_o believer_n endeavour_n so_o to_o fight_v this_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n as_o thereby_o to_o come_v to_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o life_n in_o heaven_n when_o a_o man_n have_v get_v any_o hold_n of_o any_o good_a for_o himself_o or_o he_o he_o will_v strive_v and_o tug_v hard_o rather_o than_o part_v with_o it_o now_o i_o say_v believer_n have_v some_o hold_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o their_o child_n they_o see_v their_o child_n have_v some_o hold_n through_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o hence_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o effectual_o engage_v and_o provoke_v to_o great_a diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n that_o their_o child_n may_v come_v to_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o grace_n those_o blessing_n and_o privilege_n than_o they_o will_v be_v have_v not_o either_o themselves_o or_o child_n any_o such_o hold_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o those_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n 4._o there_o be_v the_o goodness_n love_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n in_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o their_o seed_n and_o vouchsafe_v the_o ratification_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o unto_o they_o as_o a_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o and_o motive_n to_o parent_n to_o use_v their_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o order_n to_o their_o child_n embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n as_o his_o people_n as_o thereby_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v enlarge_v and_o his_o interest_n promote_v in_o the_o 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towards_o a_o believer_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v do_v for_o and_o the_o good_a he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o himself_o as_o personal_o consider_v in_o and_o by_o christ_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o constrain_a force_n upon_o he_o to_o live_v to_o he_o and_o answerable_o to_o endeavour_v to_o his_o utmost_a power_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n wherein_o he_o stand_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o god_n extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o their_o seed_n and_o confirm_v it_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o unto_o they_o must_v rational_o great_o add_v to_o the_o compulsive_a force_n and_o efficacy_n that_o his_o love_n have_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o for_o a_o twofold_a reason_n 1._o because_o his_o love_n to_o themselves_o be_v great_o heighten_v thereby_o to_o all_o he_o have_v do_v for_o and_o vouchsafe_v to_o themselves_o there_o be_v the_o addition_n of_o that_o grace_n vouchsafe_v 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covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n as_o his_o people_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n as_o thereby_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n be_v promote_v and_o his_o kingdom_n enlarge_v and_o yet_o further_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n the_o consideration_n of_o which_o may_n and_o will_v still_o heighten_v and_o increase_v the_o constrain_a efficacy_n and_o force_n that_o the_o love_n grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o believe_a parent_n to_o move_v and_o provoke_v they_o to_o the_o aforementioned_a diligence_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o redeemer_n that_o be_v promote_v and_o his_o kingdom_n that_o be_v enlarge_v thereby_o 2._o that_o god_n have_v extend_v his_o covenant_n and_o appoint_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n with_o reference_n to_o this_o very_a end_n viz._n the_o increase_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o promise_n make_v to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o heathen_a for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o the_o utmost_a end_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o his_o possession_n 3._o that_o they_o be_v their_o own_o child_n those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o their_o own_o bowel_n towards_o who_o they_o be_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o the_o end_v mention_v the_o love_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v a_o constrain_a power_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n to_o do_v his_o will_n however_o reveal_v or_o whatever_o reference_n their_o do_v of_o it_o have_v but_o when_o the_o thing_n whereabout_o his_o will_n be_v reveal_v relate_v to_o the_o promotion_n of_o the_o interest_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o increase_n and_o enlargement_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v design_v by_o his_o express_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o they_o in_o the_o way_n he_o have_v do_v and_o they_o be_v their_o child_n the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o body_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o duty_n which_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o perrorm_v sure_o now_o the_o love_n grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o have_v the_o great_a efficacy_n and_o power_n in_o it_o to_o engage_v yea_o constrain_v they_o to_o a_o vigorous_a and_o diligent_a performance_n of_o that_o their_o duty_n 5._o there_o be_v the_o aggravation_n that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o not_o accept_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o receive_v from_o their_o precedent_a covenant-state_n further_o to_o oblige_v and_o provoke_v parent_n who_o own_o that_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o have_v apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o the_o account_n thereof_o to_o
endeavour_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n that_o they_o may_v accept_v of_o and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o not_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o covenant_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o reject_v it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o those_o that_o have_v a_o precedent_a interest_n in_o it_o than_o in_o those_o that_o have_v no_o such_o interest_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o esan_n to_o despise_v his_o birthright_n and_o blessing_n than_o the_o bear_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o those_o that_o have_v no_o such_o birth-priviledg_n to_o despise_v or_o reject_v a_o good_a grant_v be_v more_o than_o the_o bear_v not_o receive_v any_o good_a offer_v now_o parent_n consider_v how_o great_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o child_n will_v be_v aggravate_v in_o case_n they_o perform_v not_o the_o condition_n of_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n reject_v the_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o that_o their_o condemnation_n will_v be_v great_a than_o the_o condemnation_n of_o other_o must_v needs_o strong_o oblige_v and_o more_o effectual_o provoke_v they_o to_o great_a diligence_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prevent_v their_o rejection_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o order_n to_o their_o accept_n and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n 6._o there_o be_v the_o reference_n that_o parent_n faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n have_v to_o their_o child_n preservation_n in_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o consequen_o enjoy_v the_o full_a good_a and_o benefit_n thereof_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n as_o a_o far_a obligation_n upon_o and_o motive_n to_o provoke_v they_o thereunto_o god_n have_v take_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o as_o they_o be_v their_o seed_n and_o continue_v their_o covenant-state_n during_o their_o infancy_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o parent_n faith_n but_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n the_o condition_n of_o their_o continuance_n in_o that_o covenant-state_n and_o consequent_o in_o joy_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v devolve_v upon_o themselves_o they_o must_v in_o their_o own_o person_n embrace_v and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o which_o that_o they_o may_v do_v god_n require_v their_o parent_n to_o teach_v they_o his_o way_n and_o command_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o which_o duty_n of_o parent_n in_o teach_v and_o command_v their_o child_n be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a mean_n appoint_v of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o their_o personal_a embracement_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o his_o covenant_n and_o hence_o in_o case_n parent_n fail_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n their_o child_n be_v deprive_v of_o the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a mean_n subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o prefervation_n in_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v hard_a to_o say_v that_o god_n will_v not_o vouchsafe_v other_o mean_n and_o bless_v they_o to_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o end_n yet_o this_o i_o must_v say_v there_o be_v more_o depend_v upon_o parent_n discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n than_o most_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o that_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v other_o mean_n and_o bless_v they_o to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o parent_n duty_n be_v as_o i_o judge_v more_o than_o they_o have_v warrant_v to_o expect_v however_o the_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a mean_n must_v needs_o be_v extreme_o hazardous_a and_o be_v usual_o give_v as_o a_o main_a reason_n of_o so_o many_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o righteous_a prove_v wicked_a and_o do_v parent_n but_o understand_v and_o serious_o consider_v this_o how_o great_a a_o obligation_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o they_o faithful_o to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n 7._o and_o last_o there_o be_v the_o dishonour_n redound_v unto_o god_n by_o child_n reject_v the_o covenant_n and_o fall_v off_o to_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o profaneness_n yet_o far_o to_o oblige_v parent_n to_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o when_o man_n hear_v the_o covenant-interest_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n assert_v and_o see_v the_o token_n thereof_o apply_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o after_o see_v they_o to_o run_v into_o the_o same_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o ungodliness_n with_o the_o child_n of_o other_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o reflect_v upon_o god_n and_o to_o charge_v he_o with_o unfaithfulness_n in_o his_o promise_n or_o delude_v the_o world_n with_o a_o show_n of_o extend_v more_o grace_n to_o believer_n than_o indeed_o he_o do_v and_o this_o very_a thing_n viz._n the_o frequent_a apostasy_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o their_o walk_n in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o impiety_n with_o the_o child_n of_o other_o though_o whole_o groundless_o yet_o i_o conceive_v be_v no_o little_a stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o those_o who_o judgement_n and_o practice_n lie_v opposite_a to_o what_o have_v be_v plead_v for_o now_o the_o prevent_v this_o dishonour_n redound_v unto_o god_n and_o remove_v this_o stumbling-block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o weak_a be_v a_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o a_o faithful_a performance_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n and_o the_o lay_v these_o and_o the_o like_a obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o a_o diligent_a performance_n of_o that_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n may_v be_v one_o special_a reason_n of_o god_n appoint_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v see_v how_o much_o great_a obligation_n be_v upon_o believer_n who_o own_o their_o child_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v the_o token_n thereof_o apply_v to_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n and_o how_o many_o motive_n be_v improveable_a by_o they_o to_o provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o than_o what_o be_v upon_o or_o improveable_a by_o the_o contrary_n mind_v according_a to_o their_o respective_a judgement_n and_o practice_n 2._o the_o other_o enquiry_n be_v whether_o paedo-baptist_n or_o anti-paedo-baptists_n according_a to_o what_o they_o respective_o hold_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o child_n have_v great_a and_o sure_a ground_n to_o hope_n and_o expect_v that_o the_o mean_v use_v or_o duty_n perform_v by_o they_o shall_v be_v effectual_a and_o successful_a or_o whether_o the_o mean_v use_v and_o duty_n perform_v by_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o prove_v effectual_a and_o successful_a for_o the_o accomplish_n the_o end_n aim_v at_o answ_n now_o for_o this_o that_o the_o advantage_n lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o paedo-baptist_n will_v be_v undeniable_o evident_a by_o a_o double_a consideration_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o as_o it_o be_v mention_n because_o they_o must_v both_o be_v more_o full_o insist_v upon_o in_o a_o more_o proper_a place_n 1._o consider_v that_o paedo-baptist_n according_a to_o what_o they_o hold_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o child_n have_v vast_o more_o mean_n to_o use_v in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n and_o embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o it_o than_o anti-paedo-baptists_n have_v they_o have_v many_o more_o motive_n argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o propose_v apply_v to_o and_o press_v upon_o their_o child_n than_o the_o contrary-minded_n have_v and_o where_o the_o mean_n be_v great_a and_o more_o effectual_a in_o themselves_o their_o efficacy_n and_o success_n may_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o god_n work_v upon_o man_n be_v expect_v to_o be_v answerable_a 2._o they_o have_v many_o promise_n both_o make_v to_o themselves_o with_o reference_n to_o their_o child_n and_o household_n and_o to_o their_o child_n as_o under_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n beyond_o what_o the_o contrary-minded_n can_v according_o to_o their_o judgement_n and_o principle_n apply_v to_o themselves_o or_o they_o whâ—â—â—_n promise_n though_o they_o shall_v not_o infallible_o secure_a grace_n to_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n how_o careful_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o how_o faithful_a soever_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v vast_o great_a ground_n to_o hope_v for_o success_n than_o there_o will_v be_v suppose_v no_o such_o promise_n be_v make_v either_o to_o parent_n or_o child_n but_o these_o thing_n shall_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v more_o clear_v up_o hereafter_o now_o then_o let_v all_o man_n judge_v how_o unrighteous_a and_o unreasonable_a that_o charge_v lay_v upon_o paedo-baptism_n
upon_o they_o any_o of_o those_o fruit_n or_o beaefit_n for_o the_o present_a and_o consequent_o that_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n only_o jus_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la not_o jus_n in_o re_fw-la be_v seal_v and_o confirm_v but_o other_o conceive_v that_o as_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o have_v only_o a_o indefinite_a respect_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n so_o that_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o have_v those_o save_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n actual_o grant_v to_o and_o confer_v upon_o they_o and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v actual_o regenerate_v and_o have_v a_o full_a and_o complete_a union_n with_o christ_n the_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o some_o have_v there_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n actual_o confer_v upon_o they_o in_o their_o infance_n we_o be_v to_o presume_v it_o may_v be_v so_o with_o each_o one_o in_o pqrticular_a and_o on_o that_o ground_n be_v to_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o universal_o and_o this_o opinion_n can_v it_o be_v clear_o prove_v from_o scripture_n will_v free_v the_o controversy_n about_o infant_n baptism_n from_o many_o difficulty_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v it_o be_v otherwise_o attend_v with_o and_o on_o that_o account_n i_o shall_v ready_o comply_v with_o it_o but_o for_o the_o reason_n after_o to_o be_v give_v i_o can_v but_o at_o present_a lie_v it_o aside_o cum_fw-la pace_fw-la tantorum_fw-la virorum_fw-la 2._o second_o other_o conceive_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n definite_o and_o answerable_o that_o the_o promise_v appertain_v to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o definite_a notion_n and_o consequent_o that_o as_o the_o covenant_n as_o at_o first_o establish_v with_o abraham_n do_v extend_v to_o ishmael_n as_o well_o as_o to_o isaac_n so_o be_v still_o continue_a to_o all_o believer_n and_o each_o one_o of_o their_o seed_n in_o particular_a and_o some_o of_o these_o that_o go_v this_o way_n conceive_v that_o all_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n have_v true_a grace_n in_o particular_a true_a faith_n wrought_v in_o they_o either_o antecedent_n to_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o application_n if_o not_o by_o yet_o in_o a_o concurrence_n with_o it_o but_o this_o opinion_n necessary_o infer_v a_o possibility_n to_o lose_v and_o fall_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n be_v reject_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o protestant_n especial_o that_o bear_v the_o denomination_n of_o calvinist_n yet_o some_o grant_n yea_o assert_v some_o kind_n of_o supernatural_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o antecede_v at_o least_o accompany_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o whereby_o at_o least_o a_o posse_fw-la agere_fw-la or_o some_o disposition_n facilitate_v their_o save_a act_v of_o grace_n be_v wrought_v but_o other_o distinguish_v of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v say_v they_o internum_fw-la out_o externum_fw-la it_o be_v either_o internal_a or_o external_n by_o the_o internal_a covenant_n they_o seem_v to_o mean_v the_o covenant_n as_o real_o and_o true_o enter_v with_o the_o elect_n ensure_v to_o they_o grace_n and_o glory_n by_o the_o external_n covenant_n they_o seem_v to_o mean_v the_o covenant_n as_o visible_o appear_v to_o be_v make_v with_o man_n whether_o infant_n or_o adult_n when_o as_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o real_o enter_v mutual_o between_o god_n and_o they_o this_o latter_a way_n of_o god_n enter_v covenant_n with_o man_n whether_o young_a or_o old_a be_v express_v by_o some_o by_o enter_v covenant_n with_o they_o in_o or_o according_a to_o a_o ecclesiastical_a dispensation_n that_o be_v as_o they_o express_v themselves_o in_o a_o visible_a churchway_n again_o other_o and_o sometime_o the_o same_o man_n distinguish_v of_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o and_o convey_v by_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n appertain_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n it_o be_v say_v they_o either_o spiritual_a and_o saving_n or_o else_o only_a external_n and_o ecclesiastical_a as_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n a_o right_a to_o the_o outward_a ordinance_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o like_a and_o they_o conceive_v that_o the_o covenant_n as_o contain_v save_v spiritual_a mercy_n only_o appertain_v to_o the_o elect_n but_o as_o contain_v external_n ecclesiastical_a privilege_n it_o appertain_v to_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n hence_o they_o call_v it_o as_o enter_v with_o they_o a_o covenant_n of_o privilege_n this_o latter_a opinion_n concern_v the_o definiteness_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o take_v to_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n though_o to_o distinguish_v either_o of_o the_o covenant_n or_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o it_o as_o enter_v with_o or_o extend_v to_o infant_n i_o see_v no_o ground_n neither_o do_v i_o think_v it_o be_v at_o all_o necessary_a but_o i_o say_v as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v enter_v with_o and_o extend_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n os_fw-la believer_n definite_o and_o answerable_o that_o the_o promise_v appertain_v to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o definite_a notion_n as_o appertain_v equal_o and_o alike_o to_o each_o one_o in_o particular_a i_o speak_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n as_o enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n mere_o as_o such_o there_o be_v it_o be_v true_a some_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n appertain_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n as_o have_v be_v afore_o declare_v but_o those_o appertain_v not_o to_o they_o mere_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n but_o as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o be_v there_o show_v but_o now_o for_o the_o covenant_n as_o extend_v to_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n so_o it_o be_v extend_v to_o they_o definite_o and_o answerable_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n appertain_v to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o definite_a notion_n 2._o infant_n baptism_n from_o heaven_n book_n 1._o chap._n 2._o this_o i_o have_v in_o part_n proy_v already_o yet_o i_o shall_v add_v somewhat_o morefor_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o it_o may_v be_v as_o i_o conceive_v prove_v two_o way_n 1._o in_o the_o instance_n of_o abraham_n natural_a child_n proceed_v immediate_o from_o his_o own_o loin_n 2._o by_o some_o further_a reason_n equal_o respect_v abraham_n and_o all_o other_o believer_n infant-seed_n 1._o let_v we_o see_v it_o in_o that_o particular_a instance_n of_o abraham_n infant-seed_n and_o thus_o i_o shall_v only_o offer_v these_o two_o reason_n beyond_o what_o i_o have_v give_v in_o the_o treatise_n forecited_a 1._o unless_o the_o covenant_n have_v be_v enter_v definite_o with_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n there_o have_v be_v no_o rational_a ground_n for_o ishmael_n circumcision_n that_o circumcision_n be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v express_o assert_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o answerable_o that_o the_o application_n of_o it_o do_v presuppose_v the_o subject_n to_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n at_o least_o according_a to_o visible_a appearance_n or_o according_a to_o arational_a judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v above_o any_o rational_a doubt_n evident_a this_o i_o have_v also_o prove_v elsewhere_o but_o now_o unless_o the_o covenant_n do_v extend_v unto_o ishmael_n in_o particular_a there_o be_v no_o appearance_n at_o all_o of_o his_o be_v in_o covenant_n but_o a_o undeniable_a discovery_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n himself_o by_o promise_v abraham_n a_o son_n of_o sarah_n and_o that_o as_o the_o mother_n of_o that_o son_n she_o shall_v be_v a_o mother_n of_o nation_n he_o do_v set_v aside_o ishmael_n and_o exclude_v he_o from_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v inherit_v the_o good_a promise_v and_o be_v so_o understand_v by_o abraham_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o prayer_n for_o he_o and_o be_v according_o interpret_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o rom._n 9.1_o hence_o have_v not_o the_o covenant_n extend_v to_o ishmael_n in_o particular_a there_o have_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o the_o application_n of_o circumcision_n to_o he_o especial_o under_o that_o notion_n viz._n as_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n under_o which_o notion_n it_o be_v yet_o apply_v to_o he_o he_o can_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o heir_n design_v to_o inherit_v the_o good_a of_o the_o promise_n now_o make_v much_o less_o to_o have_v true_a grace_n already_o wrought_v in_o he_o see_v he_o be_v exclude_v by_o god_n
real_a work_n of_o grace_n may_v great_o apostatise_v from_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o sometime_o be_v find_v walk_v and_o that_o for_o a_o great_a while_n how_o long_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o ungodliness_n be_v past_o all_o rational_a doubt_n in_o variety_n of_o instance_n as_o that_o of_o solomon_n and_o other_o and_o if_o so_o be_v this_o supposition_n that_o god_n have_v wrought_v grace_n in_o this_o or_o that_o infant_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n why_o may_v not_o the_o same_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v exercise_v towards_o the_o same_o person_n as_o grow_v up_o though_o at_o present_a great_o apostatise_v from_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o suppose_v the_o promise_n alike_o appertain_v to_o they_o as_o they_o do_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o the_o same_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o be_v exercise_v towards_o they_o as_o may_v be_v exercise_v during_o their_o infant-state_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v their_o case_n be_v more_o doubtful_a yet_o i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v hardly_o prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o to_o grant_v they_o this_o privilege_n their_o case_n be_v as_o now_o put_v will_v be_v attend_v with_o no_o small_a inconveniency_n 3._o if_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v only_o indefinite_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n than_o they_o seem_v evident_o to_o appertain_v alike_o to_o their_o mediate_v as_o to_o their_o immediate_a seed_n in_o abraham_n case_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o as_o take_v in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n they_o do_v equal_o and_o alike_o appertain_v to_o his_o seed_n and_o posterity_n mediate_o descend_v from_o he_o as_o to_o his_o immediate_a seed_n neither_o have_v his_o immediate_a seed_n any_o other_o interest_n in_o they_o then_o his_o mediate_a now_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o express_o that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v come_v upon_o believe_a gentile_n or_o suppose_v we_o can_v from_o any_o scripture-warrant_a limit_n the_o promise_v as_o make_v only_o to_o the_o immediate_a seed_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o see_v we_o can_v limit_v they_o to_o abraham_n immdeiate_n but_o must_v grant_v they_o equal_o and_o alike_o to_o respect_v and_o be_v extend_v to_o his_o mediate_v as_o to_o his_o immediate_a seed_n it_o will_v certain_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o this_o very_a day_n have_v a_o equal_a and_o alike_a interest_n in_o the_o promise_n that_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o both_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n child_n have_v and_o if_o so_o i_o conceive_v no_o reason_n can_v possible_o be_v assign_v why_o the_o same_o judgement_n of_o charity_n may_v not_o be_v exercise_v towards_o these_o as_o be_v exercise_v towards_o they_o and_o consequent_o they_o will_v be_v as_o due_a and_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v it_o apply_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o so_o be_v we_o can_v limit_v the_o promise_n to_o the_o immediate_a seed_n of_o believer_n as_o i_o much_o think_v we_o can_v in_o case_n we_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v only_o indefinite_o make_v to_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n then_o there_o will_v be_v lay_v a_o fair_a ground_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o now_o be_v baptism_n to_o all_o infant_n universal_o as_o may_v be_v easy_o show_v if_o necessary_a but_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o these_o reason_n convince_v i_o past_o all_o rational_a contradiction_n that_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o neither_o be_v enter_v with_o nor_o make_v to_o either_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n or_o any_o other_o believer_n in_o a_o mere_a indefinite_a notion_n but_o however_o god_n may_v have_v and_o still_o have_v a_o more_o general_a respect_n both_o to_o abraham_n and_o all_o believer_n seed_n mediate_o descend_v from_o they_o respective_o yet_o as_o enter_v with_o and_o make_v both_o to_o he_o and_o their_o immediate_a seed_n so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v ad_fw-la understand_v in_o a_o definite_a notion_n reach_v and_o take_v in_o each_o one_o of_o their_o seed_n in_o particular_a this_o question_n be_v resolve_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o application_n and_o unfolding_n of_o this_o second_o benefit_n assign_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o here_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o what_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v reference_n to_o or_o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o infant_n thereby_o 2._o wherein_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o have_v that_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v reference_n unto_o ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o outward_a sign_n and_o token_n do_v consist_v 1._o for_o the_o first_o and_o thus_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v a_o double_a reference_n first_o to_o the_o covenant_n it_o fell_v as_o more_o general_o and_o absolute_o consider_v second_o to_o the_o particular_a promise_n contain_v in_o it_o 1._o i_o say_v the_o token_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o covenant_n itself_o as_o absolute_o and_o more_o general_o consider_v and_o hence_o that_o which_o be_v first_o and_o primary_o ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o infant_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o the_o adult_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o be_v the_o covenant_n itself_o as_o more_o general_o and_o absolute_o consider_v and_o consequent_o and_o as_o the_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a result_n thereof_o that_o which_o be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v be_v their_o covenant-state_n they_o be_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v solemn_o invest_v and_o seal_v in_o a_o covenant-state_n with_o god_n they_o be_v absolute_o the_o presenti_fw-la remove_v from_o under_o the_o first_o covenant_n enter_v with_o all_o mankind_n in_o adam_n and_o solemn_o invest_v with_o and_o initiate_v into_o a_o new_a covenant-state_n hence_o circumcision_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o baptism_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o absolute_o consider_v gen._n 17.11_o as_o the_o one_o have_v so_o the_o other_o have_v a_o first_o and_o primary_n respect_n and_o reference_n to_o the_o covenant_n as_o absolute_o take_v and_o consequential_o to_o the_o state_n of_o those_o that_o be_v take_v into_o covenant_n they_o be_v thereby_o solemn_o put_v and_o settle_v in_o a_o new_a covenant-state_n and_o relation_n godward_o though_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o the_o new_a covenant_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v conditional_o make_v with_o all_o or_o rather_o offer_v to_o mankind_n there_o be_v a_o offer_n and_o tender_v of_o christ_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o all_o man_n upon_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n go_v say_v christ_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v in_o that_o mark_n 16.15_o 16._o but_o condionale_fw-la nihil_fw-la ponit_fw-la in_o usu_fw-la a_o conditional_a covenant_n though_o it_o make_v a_o great_a alteration_n in_o the_o case_n of_o man_n they_o be_v not_o now_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n or_o term_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o change_v their_o state_n they_o be_v yet_o heir_n of_o the_o curse_n denounce_v in_o case_n of_o the_o transgression_n of_o that_o covenant_n they_o be_v yet_o child_n of_o wrath_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v upon_o they_o john_n 3.36_o loco_fw-la 3.36_o non_fw-la dixit_fw-la it_o a_o dei_fw-la veniet_fw-la ad_fw-la eum_fw-la sed_fw-la it_o a_o dei_fw-la manet_fw-la super_fw-la eum_fw-la omnes_fw-la qui_fw-la nascuntur_fw-la mortales_fw-la habent_fw-la secum_fw-la iram_fw-la dei._n quam_fw-la iram_fw-la dei_fw-la quam_fw-la excepit_fw-la primus_fw-la homo_fw-la adam_n august_n in_o loco_fw-la but_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v actual_o receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n solemnize_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o from_o this_o change_n in_o their_o state_n i_o conceive_v a_o discharge_n and_o immunity_n from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n whether_o originan_n or_o originatum_fw-la do_v necessary_o arise_v and_o result_v unto_o they_o how_o far_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n mankind_n in_o general_n be_v free_v from_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n by_o the_o new_a covenant_n as_o make_v
may_v we_o suppose_v that_o possible_a their_o covenant-state_n will_v be_v discontinue_v or_o they_o will_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o covenant_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v alike_o rational_a for_o god_n to_o require_v somewhat_o of_o duty_n from_o child_n themselves_o in_o order_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o perform_v it_o which_o that_o they_o shall_v universal_o do_v it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a shall_v be_v secure_v to_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v more_o by_o and_o by_o so_o that_o god_n deal_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v altogether_o rational_a as_o suit_v with_o his_o deal_n with_o all_o man_n to_o who_o he_o offer_v his_o covenant_n or_o with_o who_o he_o do_v actual_o establish_v it_o 3._o consider_v that_o in_o case_n either_o god_n have_v not_o proceed_v so_o far_o in_o extend_v his_o covenant_n and_o promise_n and_o thereby_o vouchsafe_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n that_o good_a and_o those_o privilege_n afore_o declare_v or_o have_v proceed_v further_o viz._n to_o their_o universal_a regeneration_n or_o to_o the_o secure_v it_o unto_o they_o one_o of_o these_o inconvenience_n will_v have_v necessary_o follow_v thereupon_o either_o 1._o no_o infant_n must_v have_v dye_v in_o their_o infancy_n which_o yet_o that_o innumerable_a do_v our_o daily_a observation_n assure_v we_o or_o else_o 2._o all_o infant_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n must_v have_v eternal_o perish_v and_o be_v everlasting_o separate_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n or_o 3._o in_o case_n any_o be_v save_v it_o must_v be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n enter_v with_o or_o any_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o but_o mere_o from_o a_o absolute_a power_n and_o prerogative_n in_o god_n to_o save_v or_o condemn_v who_o he_o will_v of_o fall_a mankind_n without_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n establish_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n or_o 4._o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n whether_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n or_o live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n must_v infallible_o be_v save_v or_o last_o some_o may_v be_v true_o regenerate_v and_o have_v a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o yet_o after_o final_o fall_v away_o and_o eternal_o perish_v in_o case_n he_o shall_v not_o have_v extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o our_o opposer_n imagine_v or_o if_o he_o have_v extend_v it_o to_o they_o definite_o and_o yet_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v have_v that_o good_a and_o those_o privilege_n plead_v for_o then_o one_o of_o the_o three_o former_a inconvenience_n will_v have_v follow_v or_o if_o have_v so_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o they_o he_o shall_v thereby_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o work_v grace_n in_o they_o universal_o then_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o the_o two_o latter_a inconvenience_n will_v have_v follow_v obj._n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n may_v be_v make_v indefinite_o with_o and_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o then_o none_o of_o these_o inconenience_n will_v follow_v answ_n to_o that_o i_o answer_v i_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v appertain_v to_o they_o definite_o or_o suppose_v we_o shall_v grant_v they_o to_o appertain_v to_o they_o only_o indefinite_o yet_o this_o inconveniency_n will_v follow_v viz._n that_o as_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n that_o any_o of_o their_o infant_n who_o have_v one_o or_o more_o survive_v their_o pure_a infant-state_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n shalll_v be_v save_v so_o parent_n have_v no_o certain_a ground_n to_o hope_v that_o any_o one_o of_o they_o so_o die_a be_v save_v that_o none_o have_v any_o certain_a ground_n to_o hope_v for_o what_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n of_o will_v be_v ready_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n now_o suppose_v the_o covenant_n or_o promise_n be_v enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n only_o indefinite_o that_o they_o give_v no_o assurance_n that_o all_o yea_o or_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o believer_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n shall_v be_v save_v will_v evident_o appear_v thus_o because_o the_o covenant_n may_v stand_v firm_a and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o full_o accomplish_v in_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o those_o that_o survive_v their_o infant-state_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o hence_o by_o the_o way_n how_o can_v a_o supposal_n of_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o which_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n and_o further_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v and_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o those_o that_o conceive_v the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v only_o indefinite_o with_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n that_o it_o give_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n to_o infant_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n only_o so_o far_o as_o it_o give_v assurance_n to_o they_o of_o regeneration_n in_o their_o infancy_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n of_o regeneration_n to_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o pure_a infant_n state_n if_o it_o give_v assurance_n to_o any_o of_o regeneration_n in_o that_o state_n it_o be_v either_o as_o they_o be_v elect_a or_o as_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o some_o revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o will_v regenerate_v at_o least_o some_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o have_v the_o covenant_n so_o enter_v with_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n but_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a 1._o that_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o assure_v any_o of_o regeneration_n in_o their_o infancy_n as_o they_o be_v elect_a for_o then_o all_o the_o elect_a seed_n of_o believer_n shall_v be_v regenerate_v in_o their_o infancy_n the_o contrary_a whereunto_o be_v evident_a in_o that_o many_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o who_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o show_n or_o appearance_n of_o grace_n from_o their_o very_a infancy_n till_o they_o come_v to_o full_a age_n yea_o possible_o till_o they_o come_v to_o old_a age_n be_v yet_o at_o last_o convert_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o save_v close_o with_o christ_n to_o say_v that_o these_o may_v have_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o infancy_n will_v be_v attend_v with_o too_o bad_a consequence_n than_o to_o be_v grant_v without_o better_a proof_n than_o i_o suppose_v can_v be_v bring_v 2._o that_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o give_v assurance_n of_o regeneration_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o infancy_n as_o such_o will_n i_o doubt_v not_o be_v ready_o grant_v without_o further_a proof_n 3._o that_o god_n have_v no_o where_o reveal_v that_o he_o will_v regenerate_v any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n in_o their_o infancy_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v from_o the_o utter_a silence_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o any_o such_o revelation_n and_o for_o any_o to_o plead_v experience_n or_o observation_n in_o this_o case_n that_o can_v signify_v but_o little_a inasmuch_o as_o that_o grace_n some_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v of_o the_o time_n or_o mean_n when_o or_o whereby_o it_o be_v wrought_v they_o can_v give_v no_o account_n it_o may_v yet_o be_v wrought_v either_o by_o parental_a instruction_n or_o some_o other_o mean_v vouchsafe_v consequent_a to_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n now_o than_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n of_o the_o regeneration_n of_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n it_o give_v no_o assurance_n of_o any_o of_o their_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o parent_n have_v no_o certain_a ground_n to_o bottom_v a_o hope_n upon_o that_o any_o of_o they_o die_v in_o their_o infant-state_n be_v save_v all_o the_o hope_n they_o can_v have_v have_v only_o a_o possibility_n or_o at_o utmost_a a_o probability_n for_o its_o foundation_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v too_o weaken_v by_o a_o great_a probability_n of_o the_o contrary_a it_o seem_v vast_o more_o rational_a to_o i_o to_o suppose_v that_o in_o case_n the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o they_o only_o indefinite_o see_v god_n have_v give_v no_o assurance_n that_o he_o will_v regenerate_v any_o in_o their_o infancy_n and_o in_o do_v it_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n he_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n as_o full_o as_o though_o he_o do_v it_o in_o their_o infancy_n he_o shall_v suffer_v those_o that_o he_o have_v ordain_v to_o salvation_n to_o live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o answerable_o
true_a and_o real_a union_n with_o christ_n be_v discharge_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o sin_n have_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a interest_n in_o god_n as_o their_o god_n and_o a_o present_a right_n to_o salvation_n may_v yet_o fall_v away_o and_o final_o perish_v for_o so_o it_o be_v certain_a some_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n do_v now_o if_o union_n with_o christ_n a_o covenant-state_n with_o god_n a_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n propriety_n in_o god_n and_o right_a to_o future_a salvation_n will_v secure_v none_o from_o apostasy_n and_o final_o perish_v what_o assurance_n can_v any_o have_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o fall_v away_o and_o final_o perish_v and_o thus_o while_o we_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o saint_n one_o way_n we_o shall_v destroy_v it_o another_o while_o we_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n by_o establish_v their_o child_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o assign_v they_o so_o much_o good_a and_o so_o many_o privilege_n as_o interest_v therein_o we_o shall_v destroy_v their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n by_o weaken_v the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n that_o themselves_o have_v have_v of_o their_o own_o continuance_n in_o their_o covenant-state_n godward_o while_o we_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v their_o child_n covenant-state_n we_o shall_v leave_v they_o destitute_a of_o any_o sure_a ground_n that_o themselves_o shall_v be_v continue_v in_o they_o answ_n what_o union_n the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n as_o such_o have_v with_o christ_n what_o sin_n they_o be_v discharge_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o from_o whence_o their_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o sin_n do_v arise_v and_o accrue_v to_o they_o how_o far_o and_o upon_o what_o term_n the_o promise_n give_v they_o a_o interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o god_n lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o he_o to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o or_o act_v for_o their_o good_a as_o also_o what_o right_a they_o have_v to_o future_a salvation_n with_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o they_o alone_o can_v actual_o enjoy_v it_o suppose_v their_o growth_n up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n be_v have_v be_v already_o declare_v and_o must_v be_v careful_o remember_v which_o be_v remember_v and_o well_o weigh_v i_o see_v no_o just_a reason_n why_o the_o assignment_n of_o any_o or_o all_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n as_o afore_o explain_v and_o limit_v to_o they_o shall_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o of_o the_o tendency_n mention_v this_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o affirm_v though_o we_o grant_v all_o that_o have_v be_v assign_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o universal_o and_o mere_o as_o such_o yet_o the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n perseverance_n may_v be_v found_v upon_o such_o sure_a base_n and_o maintain_v by_o such_o scripture_n demonstration_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v stand_v firm_a maugre_o the_o utmost_a opposition_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o it_o so_o that_o nothing_o but_o their_o own_o deficiency_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o assurance_n that_o themselves_o be_v such_o and_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o that_o assurance_n can_v just_o deprive_v any_o true_a believer_n of_o the_o high_a plerophorie_n that_o the_o scripture_n give_v a_o encouragement_n to_o endeavour_v after_o to_o attempt_v the_o fix_v of_o that_o doctrine_n upon_o its_o true_a basis_n or_o improve_n and_o manage_v the_o various_a argument_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v establish_v will_v be_v excentrical_a to_o my_o present_a undertake_n yet_o let_v i_o say_v only_o thus_o much_o that_o the_o assurance_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o election_n of_o grace_n not_o only_o of_o person_n so_o and_o so_o qualify_v but_o of_o individual_a person_n to_o be_v so_o and_o so_o qualify_v 2._o that_o all_o appertain_a thereunto_o be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n unto_o christ_n with_o a_o explicit_a expression_n of_o his_o will_n to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v lose_v none_o of_o they_o but_o shall_v raise_v they_o up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n viz._n to_o the_o life_n of_o glory_n 3._o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v immutable_a when_o once_o that_o viz._n the_o spirit_n which_o render_v it_o so_o be_v actual_o give_v 4._o that_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o all_o believer_n be_v lay_v up_o and_o hide_a with_o christ_n in_o god_n and_o that_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o conserve_n cause_n of_o it_o and_o hence_o 5._o that_o there_o be_v a_o unseparable_a connexion_n between_o effectual_a vocation_n and_o glorification_n i_o say_v the_o assurance_n that_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o these_o thing_n with_o several_a other_o of_o the_o like_a importance_n secure_v that_o doctrine_n to_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n yea_o and_o that_o unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n of_o all_o saint_n though_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n afore_o declare_v be_v granied_a to_o all_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n among_o who_o yet_o many_o final_o fall_v away_o and_o perish_v so_o that_o i_o conceive_v that_o as_o what_o have_v be_v grant_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n may_v great_o promote_v their_o parent_n joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o they_o so_o the_o grant_n of_o it_o have_v no_o just_a tendency_n to_o allay_v their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n the_o assurance_n of_o their_o own_o stand_n in_o their_o covenant-state_n godward_o have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o yield_v their_o child_n may_v have_v all_o that_o good_a and_o yet_o their_o own_o assurance_n of_o perseverance_n in_o grace_n and_o infallible_o come_v to_o glory_n be_v no_o way_n weaken_v or_o prejudice_v thereby_o obj._n 3_o possible_o some_o may_v further_o say_v to_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n have_v so_o much_o good_a and_o so_o many_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n by_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o it_o unto_o they_o seem_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n for_o among_o other_o thing_n it_o have_v be_v affirm_v that_o they_o have_v all_o universal_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o election_n or_o preterition_n a_o present_a right_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o ratify_v seal_v and_o comfirm_v by_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o that_o in_o case_n of_o their_o death_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n they_o be_v infallible_o save_v which_o if_o so_o we_o must_v either_o grant_v that_o some_o that_o appertain_v not_o to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n be_v save_v which_o overthrow_v that_o doctrine_n or_o else_o affirm_v that_o all_o that_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n be_v elect_v which_o as_o it_o be_v improbable_a in_o itself_o so_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n answ_n that_o all_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o true_a believer_n die_v in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n be_v infallible_o save_v be_v past_o all_o rational_a doubt_n to_o i_o and_o as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n i_o apprehend_v not_o any_o solid_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v seem_v at_o all_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o see_v it_o be_v very_o rational_a to_o suppose_v that_o all_o such_o infant_n die_v in_o that_o state_n do_v indeed_o appertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n as_o for_o what_o be_v object_v concern_v the_o improbability_n of_o that_o and_o the_o want_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v it_o i_o conceive_v the_o quite_o contrary_a may_v be_v easy_o make_v to_o appear_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o high_o probable_a in_o itself_o but_o have_v countenance_n from_o scripture_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o improbable_a but_o rather_o high_o probable_a appear_v two_o way_n 1._o from_o the_o confess_a deal_n of_o god_n with_o the_o adult_n that_o no_o adult_n person_n can_v be_v save_v without_o regeneration_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v positive_o affirm_v by_o our_o lord_n christ_n john_n 3.3_o luke_n 13.3_o with_o mark_n 16.16_o hence_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v and_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o own_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n that_o god_n do_v so_o order_v his_o providence_n towards_o man_n that_o none_o among_o the_o adult_n that_o appertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n do_v die_v before_o a_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v wrought_v in_o they_o which_o be_v and_o must_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o god_n work_v upon_o man_n by_o the_o word_n as_o some_o way_n communicate_v to_o they_o and_o how_o often_o be_v it_o find_v that_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o lot_n be_v cast_v in_o place_n whole_o remote_a from_o all_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o conversion_n be_v yet_o possible_o after_o many_o year_n either_o bring_v to_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n or_o they_o carry_v to_o they_o whereby_o they_o be_v save_o
to_o suppose_v that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o too_o absurd_a to_o be_v affirm_v by_o any_o to_o put_v then_o a_o period_n to_o this_o if_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o actual_o enter_v with_o all_o mankind_n and_o that_o as_o such_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o covenant_n or_o promise_n to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o any_o unintere_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o that_o good_a and_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n grant_v to_o and_o settle_v upon_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o confederates_n with_o their_o parent_n if_o that_o good_a and_o those_o benefit_n come_v not_o upon_o any_o by_o a_o mere_a resultancy_n from_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o intervening_a of_o some_o covenant_n or_o promise_n then_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v as_o under_o the_o covenant_n sign_v and_o seal_v by_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o it_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o mankind_n in_o general_n only_o let_v i_o add_v what_o will_v be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o infant_n bear_v of_o unbelieving_a parent_n and_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o how_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o eternal_a state_n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o affirm_v that_o as_o to_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n the_o good_a benefit_n and_o privilege_n assign_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v peculiar_a and_o proper_a unto_o they_o and_o not_o common_a to_o all_o infant_n in_o general_a they_o only_o have_v a_o actual_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o consequent_o as_o they_o alone_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o a_o unspeakable_a advantage_n by_o that_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o unto_o they_o above_o what_o all_o other_o infant_n as_o to_o what_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v have_v but_o let_v that_o suffice_v for_o the_o second_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o upon_o a_o precedent_a interest_n they_o have_v in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o chap._n ix_o the_o three_o benefit_n accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o propose_v a_o threefold_a subserviency_n thereof_o to_o their_o embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n show_v first_o such_o pre-ingagement_n as_o will_v obstruct_v that_o their_o embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v obviate_v and_o prevent_v what_o pre-ingagement_n child_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o spring_n of_o they_o discover_v how_o obviate_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n declare_v second_o their_o embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n subserve_v by_o way_n of_o obligation_n the_o several_a obligation_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v under_o as_o bearing_z the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o embrace_v the_o covenant_n open_v three_o the_o same_o end_n subserve_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o way_n of_o encouragement_n what_o encouragement_n the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v to_o embrace_v the_o covenant_n show_v 3._o the_o three_o and_o last_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n that_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o as_o antecedent_o interest_v in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v the_o subserviency_n thereof_o to_o their_o personal_a embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o good_a of_o it_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o threefold_a subserviency_n that_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o infant_n suppose_v they_o due_o instruct_v in_o the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o it_o have_v to_o their_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o it_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n i._o it_o have_v a_o potent_a tendency_n to_o obviate_v and_o prevent_v all_o such_o pre-ingagement_n as_o will_v be_v obstructive_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o their_o embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v preingaged_n three_o way_n first_o in_o way_n of_o idolatry_n second_o in_o a_o pursuance_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n three_o in_o way_n of_o moral_a impiety_n and_o debauchries_n now_o to_o be_v preingaged_n especial_o fix_v in_o any_o of_o these_o way_n must_v needs_o be_v great_o 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soon_o actual_o and_o explicit_o recognise_v the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o it_o and_o fear_n of_o that_o will_v render_v this_o consideration_n of_o little_a use_n to_o they_o that_o objection_n shall_v be_v answer_v by_o and_o by_o obj._n if_o it_o be_v yet_o say_v that_o what_o encouragement_n soever_o they_o have_v to_o believe_v and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o they_o will_v soon_o find_v by_o experience_n their_o own_o inability_n to_o do_v it_o they_o will_v find_v they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o the_o special_a teach_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o encouragement_n have_v they_o to_o hope_v for_o these_o teach_n and_o operation_n beyond_o what_o other_o have_v to_o that_o i_o add_v in_o a_o five_o encouragement_n that_o they_o have_v above_o other_o and_o that_o be_v this_o they_o stand_v near_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o and_o be_v the_o more_o 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their_o husband_n so_o they_o be_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a education_n of_o they_o and_o say_v the_o apostle_n bring_v up_o your_o child_n in_o or_o with_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n shall_v say_v to_o your_o seed_v clothing_n and_o provide_v necessary_n for_o their_o body_n and_o a_o comfortable_a subsistence_n in_o this_o life_n add_v the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n here_o i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o brief_o open_v their_o duty_n 2._o add_v some_o rule_n for_o a_o more_o successful_a performance_n of_o it_o 1._o for_o the_o first_o under_o these_o two_o term_n we_o be_v to_o comprehend_v two_o thing_n in_o the_o general_a 1._o first_o instruction_n 2._o second_o the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o all_o due_a and_o apt_a mean_n subserve_v or_o conduce_v to_o their_o embrace_n act_v and_o practise_v according_a to_o instruction_n give_v they_o loco_fw-la they_o hortatur_fw-la ut_fw-la 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creator_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o who_o themselves_o have_v original_o receive_v their_o being_n who_o they_o be_v and_o upon_o who_o they_o depend_v who_o they_o must_v worship_v and_o who_o will_v judge_v they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o then_o reward_v they_o according_a as_o they_o have_v obey_v or_o disobey_v his_o command_n and_o as_o they_o be_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n so_o to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o substence_n and_o nature_n as_o reveal_v by_o his_o name_n title_n and_o property_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o we_o find_v child_n soon_o comply_v with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o not_o altogether_o unready_o entertain_v especial_o such_o notion_n of_o and_o about_o his_o nature_n as_o be_v discoverable_a by_o and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n and_o dictate_v of_o nature_n some_o have_v observe_v that_o all_o religion_n be_v ingraff_v upon_o the_o stock_n of_o nature_n god_n have_v leave_v somewhat_o of_o those_o original_a principle_n of_o religion_n implant_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n at_o his_o first_o creation_n which_o facilitate_v the_o reception_n of_o the_o first_o fundamental_a principle_n upon_o which_o all_o religion_n be_v build_v as_o a_o brand_n soon_o inkindle_v than_o the_o green_a wood_n that_o have_v never_o be_v in_o the_o fire_n hence_o parent_n be_v to_o begin_v with_o the_o revival_n of_o such_o principle_n and_o notion_n as_o be_v not_o utter_o obliterated_a and_o blot_v out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o such_o be_v these_o concern_v the_o be_v of_o god_n his_o nature_n and_o relation_n towards_o man_n as_o his_o creator_n and_o governor_n etc._n etc._n let_v but_o these_o principle_n and_o notion_n be_v thorough_o revive_v and_o more_o full_o fix_v and_o revete_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o child_n it_o will_v great_o
facilitate_v their_o reception_n of_o all_o high_a truth_n and_o doctrine_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n 2._o they_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o man_n as_o his_o creature_n that_o it_o always_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v according_a to_o some_o covenant_n wherein_o he_o promise_v somewhat_o of_o good_a unto_o man_n upon_o condition_n of_o their_o perform_v that_o duty_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v and_o enjoin_v have_v always_o annex_v reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o performance_n or_o non-performance_n of_o that_o duty_n for_o parent_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o make_v they_o apprehensive_a and_o sensible_a that_o this_o always_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o man_n will_v great_o conduce_v to_o their_o more_o ready_a entertainment_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v show_v they_o concern_v the_o several_a covenant_n god_n have_v make_v with_o man_n and_o their_o state_n condition_n and_o duty_n as_o interest_v in_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o covenant_n that_o god_n have_v make_v with_o man._n 3._o they_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o and_o about_o the_o covenant_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o law_n of_o work_n establish_v with_o man_n at_o his_o first_o creation_n and_o here_o they_o be_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o that_o happy_a estate_n man_n be_v in_o as_o under_o that_o covenant_n how_o happy_a he_o shall_v have_v be_v have_v he_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o what_o penalty_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o transgression_n of_o that_o law_n how_o that_o covenant_n be_v break_v by_o adam_n the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n how_o far_o all_o his_o posterity_n be_v concern_v in_o that_o breach_n what_o the_o penalty_n be_v that_o all_o mankind_n as_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n be_v under_o and_o far_a subject_n to_o as_o involve_v in_o that_o breach_n how_o the_o guilt_n of_o adam_n sin_n redound_v to_o they_o how_o their_o 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covenant-state_n 5._o they_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o their_o baptism_n hild._n baptism_n doctrinam_fw-la baptismi_fw-la teneant_fw-la baptizati_fw-la hild._n what_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o how_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v receive_v into_o be_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o it_o what_o assurance_n they_o have_v thereby_o of_o enjoy_v all_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n promise_v unless_o they_o forfeit_v they_o by_o the_o non-performance_n of_o that_o duty_n god_n require_v on_o their_o part_n what_o encouragement_n they_o have_v to_o perform_v that_o duty_n what_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o they_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n what_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n will_v be_v in_o case_n they_o do_v it_o not_o how_o happy_a they_o shall_v be_v in_o case_n they_o do_v it_o thus_o the_o lord_n command_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o the_o passover_n and_o the_o same_o they_o be_v doubtless_o to_o do_v in_o respect_n of_o circumcision_n and_o other_o sacramental_a sing_v in_o use_n among_o they_o exod._n 12.26_o 27._o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v when_o your_o child_n say_v unto_o you_o what_o mean_v you_o by_o this_o service_n then_o you_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v passover_n who_o pass_v over_o the_o house_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o smite_v the_o egyptian_n and_o deliver_v our_o house_n and_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o usefulness_n of_o bring_v child_n to_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n to_o other_o it_o may_v occasion_v their_o enquiry_n after_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o ordinance_n but_o however_o whether_o they_o inquire_v or_o no_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n to_o let_v they_o behold_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o and_o thereupon_o take_v occasion_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o it_o but_o 2._o for_o the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o all_o due_a and_o apt_a mean_n conduce_v to_o their_o embrace_n act_v and_o practise_v according_a to_o these_o instruction_n give_v they_o and_o thus_o 1._o they_o be_v to_o keep_v they_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o any_o notice_n or_o knowledge_n of_o any_o object_n principle_n or_o doctrine_n as_o also_o from_o any_o such_o notion_n or_o apprehension_n of_o and_o about_o earthly_a thing_n as_o by_o mean_n whereof_o they_o may_v be_v obstruct_v and_o prejudice_v in_o their_o close_n in_o with_o god_n in_o christ_n embrace_v the_o covenant_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o it_o preserve_v their_o mind_n and_o affection_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o anticipation_n or_o pre-ingagement_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o their_o embrace_n act_v and_o practise_v according_a to_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v will_v be_v prejudice_v thus_o suppose_v believer_n to_o have_v their_o lot_n cast_v in_o place_n where_o some_o false_a god_n be_v worship_v their_o duty_n will_v be_v to_o keep_v their_o child_n from_o any_o notice_n of_o such_o a_o god_n so_o where_o corrupt_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n whether_o relate_v to_o worship_n or_o manner_n be_v preach_v or_o maintain_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o keep_v their_o child_n from_o any_o knowledge_n of_o they_o lest_o their_o mind_n and_o judgement_n shall_v be_v infect_v with_o they_o so_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o vitiate_v their_o mind_n and_o excite_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n for_o this_o reason_n aristotle_n tell_v we_o a_o lawgiver_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d viz._n lest_o the_o mind_n of_o youth_n shall_v be_v vitiate_a and_o they_o shall_v first_o learn_v to_o speak_v filthy_o and_o then_o to_o act_v filthy_o so_o again_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o any_o such_o notion_n or_o apprehension_n of_o and_o about_o earthly_a thing_n as_o tend_v to_o engage_v their_o affection_n to_o they_o parent_n be_v not_o a_o little_a prejudicial_a to_o their_o child_n to_o appland_n their_o bravery_n on_o the_o account_n of_o fine_a clothes_n and_o the_o like_a so_o by_o insinuate_v the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o money_n estate_n honour_n and_o the_o like_a they_o shall_v rather_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o nothingness_n insignificancy_n and_o vanity_n of_o these_o thing_n when_o child_n mind_n be_v prepossess_v with_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o a_o worth_n and_o excellency_n in_o such_o thing_n their_o desire_n run_v out_o after_o they_o and_o they_o begin_v to_o promise_v to_o themselves_o a_o kind_n of_o felicity_n in_o they_o whence_o they_o soon_o engage_v in_o a_o pursuance_n of_o they_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o inheritance_n above_o they_o be_v bear_v heir_n unto_o 2._o frequent_a repetition_n and_o inculcation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n great_o conduce_v to_o the_o end_v mention_v child_n as_o they_o receive_v but_o little_a at_o a_o time_n so_o they_o need_v frequent_a repetition_n and_o inculacation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n their_o understanding_n be_v weak_a their_o memory_n slippery_a and_o what_o impression_n may_v be_v make_v upon_o their_o heart_n and_o affection_n soon_o wear_v off_o again_o hence_o the_o same_o thing_n must_v be_v often_o repeat_v and_o inculcate_v upon_o they_o indeed_o repetition_n and_o inculcation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v useful_a to_o the_o adult_n to_o write_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o philippian_n to_o i_o indeed_o be_v not_o grievous_a but_o for_o you_o it_o be_v safe_a phil._n 3.1_o man_n it_o be_v true_a be_v desighted_a in_o variety_n and_o in_o the_o newness_n of_o thing_n propose_v but_o say_v the_o apostle_n
those_o mean_n by_o and_o through_o which_o the_o soul_n have_v remission_n of_o sin_n peace_n which_o god_n and_o be_v bring_v to_o future_a salvation_n now_o child_n when_o they_o be_v instruct_v about_o this_o way_n and_o these_o mean_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o reflect_v upon_o their_o baptism_n and_o see_v how_o both_o be_v represent_v and_o illustrate_v thereby_o and_o by_o mean_n thereof_o they_o may_v come_v to_o more_o clear_a notion_n and_o conception_n of_o and_o about_o they_o instruction_n by_o sign_n be_v adapt_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o child_n indeed_o the_o sacrament_n be_v ordain_v in_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o christian_n in_o general_n but_o 2._o which_o follow_v upon_o this_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o baptism_n they_o will_v be_v keep_v under_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o they_o for_o their_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n for_o their_o regeneration_n and_o renovation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o continue_v of_o their_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o future_a salvation_n and_o a_o threefold_a advantage_n will_v arise_v herefrom_o 1._o they_o will_v be_v put_v upon_o serious_a inquiry_n how_o it_o be_v with_o themselves_o whether_o they_o have_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n so_o apply_v or_o no_o and_o whether_o they_o be_v so_o wash_v by_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o no_o 2._o how_o they_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o be_v quicken_v up_o to_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o prformance_n of_o those_o duty_n they_o be_v direct_v to_o subservient_fw-fr thereunto_o 3._o they_o will_v be_v keep_v from_o any_o attempt_n to_o establish_v a_o righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o on_o the_o other_o from_o presumptuous_a confide_n in_o christ_n without_o a_o real_a work_n of_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n baptism_n preach_v to_o all_o the_o way_n of_o pardon_n peace_n with_o god_n and_o future_a salvation_n to_o be_v by_o wash_v by_o wash_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o filth_n of_o sin_n by_o sanctification_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o use_n and_o improvement_n that_o all_o christian_n shall_v make_v of_o their_o baptism_n but_o 3._o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o improve_v their_o baptism_n to_o engage_v provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o closure_n in_o with_o the_o covenant_n and_o use_v of_o all_o mean_n conduce_v to_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o it_o as_o this_o be_v a_o special_a end_n of_o god_n in_o appoint_v the_o applicatio_fw-la of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n so_o they_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v teach_v to_o make_v that_o improvement_n of_o it_o and_o answerable_o they_o 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a_o early_o seek_v after_o god_n and_o inquire_v after_o his_o way_n 4._o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o improve_v their_o baptism_n for_o the_o help_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o for_o their_o encouragement_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o also_o to_o seek_v unto_o god_n for_o grace_n to_o enable_v they_o so_o to_o do_v what_o a_o help_v it_o may_v be_v to_o their_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o what_o a_o encouragement_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o have_v thereby_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v and_o i_o must_v still_o leave_v it_o to_o their_o parent_n to_o instruct_v they_o therein_o and_o shall_v hasten_v only_o before_o i_o put_v a_o close_a to_o the_o whole_a i_o shall_v brief_o touch_v upon_o one_o question_n which_o that_o i_o shall_v speak_v somewhat_o unto_o seem_v necessary_a and_o that_o be_v how_o long_o the_o covenant-state_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o consequent_o their_o right_n to_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v continue_v to_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n when_o do_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n become_v incumbent_a upon_o themselves_o so_o as_o that_o upon_o their_o failure_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o their_o covenant-state_n be_v for_o feit_v answ_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v this_o be_v a_o question_n of_o no_o easy_a resolution_n neither_o be_v it_o meet_v upon_o several_a account_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v perfect_o determine_v the_o exact_a resolution_n of_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o that_o day_n when_o all_o secret_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o adventure_v far_o into_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o offer_v some_o more_o general_a thing_n to_o consideration_n which_o may_v sufficient_o obviate_v and_o prevent_v such_o doubt_n and_o fear_n that_o either_o parent_n or_o child_n be_v subject_a to_o concern_v their_o have_v forfeit_v their_o covenant-state_n as_o may_v obstruct_v their_o respective_a due_a improvement_n of_o it_o for_o the_o several_a use_n and_o end_v aforemention_v 1._o let_v the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o the_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v consider_v the_o scripture_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o the_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o investigable_a and_o incomprehensible_a by_o any_o humane_a understanding_n hence_o be_v such_o passage_n oh_o how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n psal_n 31._o how_o precious_a be_v thy_o grace_n psal_n 36._o so_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v past_a knowledge_n and_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o this_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v conclude_v at_o least_o comfortable_o hope_v that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v very_o straight_o or_o rigid_a if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n and_o consequent_o have_v not_o him_v their_o stand_n under_o the_o covenant_n upon_o their_o parent_n account_v to_o the_o very_a first_o instant_n of_o their_o capability_n of_o any_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o supernatural_a thing_n or_o use_v of_o reason_n we_o may_v rational_o suppose_v he_o bathe_v allow_v they_o some_o time_n to_o attain_v to_o some_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o to_o use_v their_o reason_n in_o close_v in_o with_o or_o reject_v the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o hence_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v exceed_v useful_a for_o parent_n to_o acquaint_v their_o child_n betimes_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o if_o you_o will_v which_o be_v all_o one_o though_o that_o expression_n have_v be_v most_o unreasonable_o quarrel_v at_o by_o some_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v high_o useful_a to_o child_n to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o and_o instruct_v in_o and_o about_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n into_o who_o hand_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v put_v and_o here_o we_o have_v a_o instance_n of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n with_o reference_n to_o thing_n more_o dark_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o express_o reveal_v just_a when_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n become_v indispensible_o necessary_a to_o child_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n but_o now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o god_n in_o he_o as_o how_o unsearchable_a rich_a in_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n he_o be_v may_v much_o relieve_v both_o parent_n and_o child_n under_o those_o doubt_n and_o fear_v they_o be_v subject_a to_o about_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n they_o may_v conclude_v certain_o god_n have_v not_o be_v so_o rigid_a upon_o they_o as_o to_o limit_v their_o stand_n in_o it_o to_o so_o short_a a_o
time_n as_o that_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v little_o less_o than_o necessary_a or_o hardly_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n unavoidable_a 2._o it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v so_o extend_v the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o that_o their_o acceptation_n or_o refusal_n of_o it_o shall_v appear_v to_o angel_n and_o man_n just_o and_o rational_o rewardable_a or_o punishable_a this_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o his_o ultimate_a end_n viz._n the_o glorification_n of_o all_o his_o attribute_n in_o his_o deal_n especial_o in_o a_o covenant-way_n with_o man._n now_o this_o seem_v necessary_o to_o require_v that_o so_o much_o time_n shall_v be_v allow_v they_o as_o so_o far_o to_o understand_v and_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o contain_v such_o promise_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o that_o their_o acceptation_n or_o rejection_n shall_v be_v free_a and_o voluntary_a and_o not_o either_o a_o mere_a enforcement_n of_o their_o parent_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o on_o the_o other_o not_o the_o mere_a product_n of_o childish_a weakness_n and_o vanity_n what_o may_v be_v object_v against_o this_o from_o god_n punish_v original_a sin_n in_o infant_n will_v receive_v a_o ready_a answer_n from_o the_o difference_n between_o their_o case_n and_o the_o case_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o but_o 3._o i_o will_v oft_o at_v lest_o as_o matter_n of_o enquiry_n whether_o the_o covenant_n be_v or_o can_v be_v break_v by_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n any_o other_o way_n than_o it_o will_v be_v break_v by_o believer_n themselves_o suppose_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o break_v it_o which_o we_o grant_v all_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v not_o now_o it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a suspension_n of_o the_o due_a act_n and_o exercise_n of_o grace_n no_o nor_o every_o commission_n of_o sin_n no_o not_o of_o particular_a sin_n of_o a_o very_a heinous_a nature_n that_o break_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o one_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n i_o conceive_v be_v necessary_a thereunto_o either_o 1._o a_o man_n must_v make_v a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a choice_n of_o some_o false_a god_n and_o answerable_o free_o and_o voluntary_o engage_v in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o such_o a_o god_n or_o else_o 2._o must_v make_v a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a choice_n of_o some_o temporal_a good_a as_o his_o portion_n and_o answerable_o set_v that_o up_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o affection_n above_o god_n and_o pursue_v it_o as_o his_o supreme_a and_o chief_a good_a or_o else_o 3._o a_o man_n must_v with_o a_o free_a and_o full_a consent_n of_o will_v engage_v in_o some_o way_n of_o moral_a impiety_n as_o design_v if_o not_o explicit_o yet_o implicit_o the_o utmost_a of_o what_o happiness_n he_o expect_v in_o this_o life_n in_o the_o gratification_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o lust_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n covenant_n heart_n see_v doctor_n preston_n on_o the_o covenant_n i_o confess_v these_o thing_n require_v a_o large_a explication_n but_o i_o can_v but_o touch_v upon_o they_o in_o general_a at_o present_a but_o until_o one_o or_o another_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v the_o covenant_n be_v not_o break_v nor_o the_o covenant-relation_n between_o god_n and_o they_o dissolve_v now_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v positive_a only_o propose_v it_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o enquiry_n whether_o the_o covenant_n can_v be_v break_v any_o other_o way_n by_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n this_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o we_o have_v no_o instance_n in_o scripture_n of_o god_n reject_v any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n out_o of_o covenant_n but_o upon_o some_o overt_a act_n on_o their_o part_n evident_o declare_v their_o rejection_n of_o the_o covenant_n one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o those_o way_n mention_v and_o that_o when_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o make_v a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a choice_n those_o two_o instance_n of_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n be_v remarkable_a and_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o the_o guide_a our_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o one_o viz._n ishmael_n evident_o declare_v his_o rejection_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o persecute_v his_o brother_n isaac_n the_o other_o viz._n esau_n by_o seel_v his_o birthright_n now_o we_o know_v both_o these_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o make_v a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a choice_n it_o be_v true_a god_n may_v withdraw_v himself_o from_o some_o and_o leave_v they_o to_o such_o a_o rejection_n of_o the_o covenant_n soon_o than_o he_o do_v other_o which_o may_v be_v a_o caution_n to_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o defer_v personaly_a to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o whether_o their_o covenant-state_n be_v forfeit_v before_o such_o a_o actual_a rejection_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v question_v 4._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o until_o child_n rejection_n of_o the_o covenant_n one_o or_o another_o of_o the_o way_n mention_v become_v apparent_a by_o some_o overt_a act_n on_o their_o part_n both_o their_o parent_n and_o themselves_o may_v comfortable_o hope_v suppose_v they_o can_v positive_o conclude_v the_o covenant_n be_v not_o break_v by_o they_o while_o their_o omission_n or_o commission_n be_v only_o such_o as_o be_v incident_a to_o saint_n there_o be_v ground_n to_o hope_v the_o covenant_n may_v stand_v firm_a and_o there_o be_v a_o double_a ground_n for_o such_o a_o hope_n 1._o a_o possibility_n or_o probability_n that_o the_o covenant_n may_v yet_o be_v continue_v to_o they_o upon_o their_o parent_n account_n this_o appear_v from_o the_o aforegoing_a consideration_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n or_o probability_n that_o a_o seed_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v wrought_v or_o implant_v in_o the_o soul_n though_o it_o have_v not_o exert_v itself_o in_o any_o sensible_a act_n but_o have_v be_v suppress_v and_o keep_v under_o by_o the_o vain_a working_n of_o a_o childish_a and_o youthful_a mind_n and_o budding_n forth_o of_o corruption_n a_o seed_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v sow_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o very_a dawn_n of_o their_o youth_n or_o chilhood_n which_o yet_o discover_v not_o itself_o for_o a_o long_a time_n after_o at_o least_o in_o any_o sensible_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o righteous_a can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o time_n or_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o it_o may_v be_v from_o this_o seed_n of_o grace_n that_o the_o soul_n though_o it_o have_v not_o actual_o recognize_v the_o covenant_n nor_o explicit_o close_v in_o with_o god_n in_o christ_n yet_o be_v preserve_v from_o reject_v the_o covenant_n any_o of_o the_o way_n mention_v now_o whilst_o such_o as_o be_v descend_v from_o believe_a parent_n have_v any_o rational_a ground_n to_o hope_v that_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o be_v inviolate_a they_o may_v take_v great_a encouragement_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o to_o close_v in_o with_o christ_n and_o seek_v for_o renew_v grace_n yet_o 5._o let_v i_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o and_o that_o be_v this_o while_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v keep_v from_o a_o absolute_a rejection_n of_o the_o covenant_n though_o they_o may_v have_v a_o great_a while_n neglect_v to_o recognize_v it_o and_o make_v a_o actual_a save_n close_o with_o christ_n and_o answerable_o may_v not_o yet_o have_v a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o there_o be_v ground_n of_o hope_n they_o may_v yet_o abide_v for_o god_n and_o god_n may_v abide_v for_o they_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v hos_fw-la 3.3_o and_o suppose_v the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v forfeit_v according_a to_o the_o exact_a term_n of_o it_o and_o god_n may_v have_v just_o take_v the_o forfeiture_n yet_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o enter_v with_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n may_v be_v improve_v by_o they_o as_o a_o very_a great_a encouragement_n at_o last_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n god_n in_o such_o case_n be_v exceed_v ready_a to_o renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a encouragement_n that_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v to_o return_v unto_o god_n when_o he_o take_v away_o the_o vail_n from_o off_o their_o heart_n behold_v say_v they_o we_o come_v unto_o thou_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n jer._n 3.22_o the_o word_n be_v as_o a_o invitation_n from_o god_n to_o they_o to_o return_v so_o a_o prophecy_n of_o their_o answer_v that_o invitation_n
muchregarded_a in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o light_a as_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o general_o among_o all_o learned_a man_n know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o he_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v it_o beside_o his_o own_o book_n caâ—â—ies_v a_o sufficient_a antidote_n against_o any_o evil_a influence_n it_o may_v otherwise_o have_v upon_o wise_a man_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v immediate_o come_v to_o the_o other_o viz_o mr._n hutchison_n i_o be_o more_o especial_o concern_v in_o his_o attempt_n which_o be_v to_o obscure_v that_o foundation_n lay_v to_o the_o covenant-interest_n and_o baptism_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o in_o order_n whereunto_o he_o have_v make_v public_a a_o small_a treatise_n concern_v the_o covenant_n and_o baptism_n compose_v dialogue-wise_a between_o a_o baptist_n and_o a_o antipaedobaptist_n with_o some_o animadversion_n upon_o a_o late_a piece_n put_v forth_o by_o myself_o in_o answer_n to_o mr._n danvers_n his_o treatise_n of_o baptism_n as_o for_o the_o gentleman_n himself_o i_o be_o a_o equal_a stranger_n to_o he_o as_o to_o mr._n danvers_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o prejudice_n against_o either_o of_o their_o person_n neither_o will_v i_o in_o the_o least_o discourage_n or_o oppose_v any_o in_o any_o attempt_n to_o further_a the_o decision_n of_o this_o great_a controversy_n why_o shall_v i_o grudge_v any_o the_o eberty_n that_o myself_o have_v take_v only_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o those_o that_o conceive_v themselves_o under_o a_o call_n to_o appear_v either_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o what_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n or_o against_o what_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v opposite_a thereunto_o will_v remember_v that_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o timothy_a where_o he_o exhort_v he_o to_o show_v himself_o a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a it_o be_v true_a unavoidable_a failure_n will_v attend_v humane_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n which_o may_v just_o cause_v somewhat_o of_o shame_n but_o notwithstanding_o they_o the_o design_n and_o intendment_n of_o that_o exhortation_n may_v be_v answer_v whether_o our_o author_n have_v show_v himself_o such_o a_o workman_n will_v present_o appear_v whether_o himself_o be_v so_o free_a from_o gall_n and_o vinegar_n which_o he_o so_o vehement_o impeache_n his_o opposite_n writing_n of_o as_o become_v a_o reprover_n i_o shall_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o it_o be_v what_o he_o have_v write_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o writing_n that_o i_o shall_v concern_v myself_o about_o to_o begin_v with_o this_o treatise_n of_o the_o covenant_n three_o thing_n lie_v so_o obvious_a in_o it_o that_o to_o i_o how_o it_o may_v be_v to_o other_o i_o know_v not_o it_o be_v utter_o useless_a as_o to_o the_o design_n carry_v on_o in_o it_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o remark_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o one_o to_o value_n and_o improve_v it_o as_o they_o see_v cause_n the_o first_o be_v the_o mistake_v he_o proceed_v upon_o to_o give_v only_o a_o twofold_a instance_n first_o he_o suppose_v the_o only_a ground_n that_o can_v be_v lay_v to_o the_o church-membership_a and_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v their_o relation_n to_o abraham_n as_o his_o seed_n hence_o have_v as_o he_o suppose_v prove_v that_o they_o can_v stand_v in_o no_o such_o relation_n to_o he_o he_o conceive_v he_o have_v utter_o overthrow_v their_o church-membership_a and_o baptism_n thus_o page_n 3_o a_o gross_a mistake_n we_o find_v their_o church-membership_a and_o baptism_n upon_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o abraham_n seed_n in_o their_o generation_n that_o be_v with_o they_o and_o their_o natural_a child_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v to_o have_v the_o denomination_n of_o and_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o abraham_n seed_n be_v another_o question_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v obj._n but_o we_o do_v account_v they_o as_o abraham_n seed_n though_o we_o do_v not_o ground_v their_o church-membership_a and_o baptism_n thereupon_o answ_n it_o be_v true_a we_o do_v so_o but_o than_o it_o will_v be_v say_v how_o can_v we_o avoid_v the_o absurdity_n mention_v page_n the_o 5._o answ_n they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o our_o author_n himself_o father_n upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o use_v his_o phrase_n in_o affirm_v some_o infant_n to_o be_v save_v without_o a_o personal_a faith_n for_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o argue_v if_o none_o be_v save_v but_o such_o as_o believe_v than_o no_o infant_n can_v be_v save_v but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a mark_v 16._o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o adult_n the_o same_o suppose_a absurdity_n will_v follow_v for_o according_a to_o our_o author_n than_o christ_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o say_v he_o that_o believe_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v save_v let_v he_o avoid_v the_o absurdity_n in_o the_o one_o and_o we_o shall_v alike_o avoid_v the_o absurdity_n in_o the_o other_o another_o mistake_n that_o he_o proceed_v upon_o be_v that_o at_o least_o some_o paedo-baptist_n may_v ascribe_v their_o child_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n to_o abraham_n faith_n and_o consequent_o may_v plead_v that_o though_o their_o child_n have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o covenant_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o parent_n faith_n yet_o they_o may_v have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o abraham_n thus_o page_n 12_o and_o he_o spend_v about_o ten_o page_n to_o confute_v this_o plea_n that_o he_o suppose_v some_o paedo-baptist_n may_v make_v which_o be_v a_o mere_a mistake_n about_o his_o opposer_n principle_n or_o rather_o a_o mere_a impertinency_n for_o where_o have_v he_o find_v in_o all_o the_o writing_n of_o paedo-baptist_n such_o a_o plea_n manage_v and_o hence_o whereas_o he_o suppose_v himself_o to_o have_v utter_o overthrow_v the_o chief_a ground_n lay_v by_o paedo-baptist_n to_o the_o covenant-interest_n and_o baptism_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o thereupon_o tell_v we_o page_n 22._o he_o may_v end_v the_o matter_n there_o the_o truth_n be_v he_o have_v say_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o proceed_v mere_o upon_o mistake_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o of_o the_o ground_n that_o he_o suppose_v paedo-baptist_n bottom_n their_o claim_n to_o the_o covenant-interest_n and_o baptism_n of_o their_o infant-seed_n upon_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n they_o bottom_n that_o their_o claim_n upon_o whence_o his_o discourse_n hitherto_o have_v be_v utter_o impertinent_a of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o as_o to_o the_o end_n he_o design_n by_o it_o another_o thing_n render_v his_o whole_a discourse_n useless_a to_o i_o be_v his_o assume_v and_o take_v for_o grant_v without_o the_o least_o show_n or_o proof_n what_o he_o know_v at_o least_o may_v have_v know_v be_v absolute_o deny_v by_o at_o least_o some_o if_o not_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o paedo-baptist_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o covenant_n enter_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n do_v extend_v to_o and_o take_v in_o all_o his_o seed_n at_o least_o descend_v by_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n during_o their_o first-testament-administration_n and_o that_o mere_o as_o his_o seed_n upon_o this_o supposition_n he_o proceed_v in_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o his_o book_n but_o now_o he_o know_v at_o least_o may_v have_v know_v that_o this_o be_v absolute_o deny_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v affirm_v that_o jacob_n who_o be_v abraham_n grandchild_n be_v not_o in_o covenant_n mere_o as_o he_o be_v of_o abraham_n posterity_n but_o as_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o believe_v isaac_n include_v with_o he_o in_o that_o phrase_n thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n second_o he_o assume_v and_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v with_o the_o elect_n as_o such_o and_o consequent_o that_o all_o the_o elect_a and_o only_o they_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n hence_o he_o tell_v we_o page_n 23._o that_o the_o covenant_n or_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o he_o call_v and_o i_o blame_v he_o not_o for_o it_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v only_o proper_a to_o the_o elect._n this_o he_o may_v have_v know_v will_v be_v deny_v and_o it_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_n affirm_v that_o no_o covenant_n be_v actual_o make_v with_o any_o of_o the_o elect_a as_o such_o three_o he_o affirm_v and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o that_o covenant_n call_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o old_a covenant_n which_o be_v then_o vanish_v be_v a_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n which_o he_o may_v have_v know_v be_v deny_v and_o that_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o that_o covenant_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v that_o
covenant_n make_v with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o mount_n sinai_n and_o his_o affirm_v so_o many_o thing_n and_o proceed_v in_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o his_o book_n upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v all_o mistake_n and_o unsound_a supposition_n his_o whole_a discourse_n must_v needs_o be_v if_o not_o whole_o yet_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n useless_a three_o that_o which_o yet_o further_o render_v his_o treatise_n altogether_o useless_a to_o i_o be_v the_o great_a confusion_n attend_v with_o several_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n that_o it_o labour_v under_o thus_o for_o his_o whole_a discourse_n upon_o that_o of_o gen._n 17.7_o beginning_z page_z 22._o and_o reach_v to_o page_n 39_o this_o confusion_n with_o the_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n attend_v it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o of_o his_o assertion_n and_o compare_v they_o one_o with_o another_o together_o with_o what_o they_o do_v either_o as_o take_v single_o or_o joint_o necessary_o infer_v and_o imply_v thus_o first_o he_o positive_o affirm_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o its_o administration_n be_v two_o distinct_a covenant_n thus_o page_n 23._o and_o tell_v we_o page_n 93._o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n which_o must_v necessary_o intend_v that_o covenant_n which_o before_o he_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v call_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o then_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n may_v be_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o whether_o rational_a and_o congruous_a i_o shall_v leave_v all_o man_n to_o judge_v second_o he_o express_o affirm_v that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v call_v the_o new_a covenant_n thus_o again_o page_n 23._o where_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o have_v reference_n to_o heb._n 8.8_o and_o then_o all_o those_o promise_v there_o mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o god_n put_v his_o law_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o of_o the_o substance_n only_o appertain_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n three_o he_o affirm_v at_o least_o necessary_o imply_v that_o that_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n as_o make_v to_o one_o yea_o to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n as_o consider_v under_o one_o notion_n appertain_v only_o to_o the_o administration_n but_o as_o make_v to_o another_o or_o to_o the_o same_o person_n consider_v under_o another_o notion_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n thus_o page_n 26._o he_o tell_v we_o speak_v of_o this_o very_a promise_n that_o in_o it_o god_n promise_v only_o to_o abraham_n fleshly_a seed_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o in_o give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o to_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o in_o give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o he_o take_v isaac_n to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o take_v both_o way_n and_o the_o promise_v as_o make_v to_o abraham_n fleshly_a seed_n he_o call_v the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n which_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v be_v but_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o may_v be_v call_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o what_o confusion_n and_o what_o absurdity_n this_o imply_v let_v every_o one_o judge_n but_o to_o get_v out_o of_o these_o dark_a labyrinth_n four_o he_o affirm_v that_o isaac_n himself_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o fleshly_a descent_n as_o he_o speak_v have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n so_o he_o tell_v we_o page_n 27._o and_o yet_o five_o he_o positive_o affirm_v that_o none_o have_v or_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o through_o a_o personal_a faith_n in_o christ_n thus_o page_n 28._o which_o as_o it_o direct_o contradict_v what_o he_o have_v say_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n its_o be_v make_v only_o with_o the_o elect_n and_o with_o all_o they_o for_o sure_o he_o will_v grant_v some_o be_v elect_a that_o be_v not_o actual_a believer_n so_o it_o utter_o deprive_v isaac_n as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o abraham_n seed_n and_o indeed_o all_o infant_n whatsoever_o of_o any_o benefit_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o which_o yet_o he_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v save_v suppose_v their_o election_n and_o death_n in_o their_o infancy_n let_v we_o see_v then_o what_o a_o good_a god_n promise_v to_o isaac_n as_o one_o of_o abraham_n child_n why_o only_o this_o that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o in_o give_v he_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o yet_o he_o never_o do_v nor_o ever_o intend_v to_o give_v he_o of_o what_o use_n such_o a_o confuse_a absurd_a and_o contradictory_n discourse_n can_v be_v to_o any_o i_o can_v imagine_v i_o may_v yet_o further_o show_v what_o render_v his_o discourse_n useless_a to_o i_o viz._n his_o overlooking_a several_a of_o none_o of_o the_o least_o forcible_a scripture_n and_o scripture-argument_n produce_v by_o his_o opposer_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n but_o i_o shall_v go_v no_o further_o but_o leave_v his_o book_n to_o every_o one_o to_o make_v what_o use_n they_o see_v meet_v of_o it_o and_o proceed_v to_o his_o animadversion_n upon_o my_o answer_n to_o mr._n danvers_n indeed_o will_v but_o reader_n take_v mr._n danvers_n book_n and_o my_o answer_n with_o my_o former_a treatise_n so_o often_o refer_v to_o and_o his_o animadversion_n and_o peruse_v they_o with_o equal_a and_o unbiased_a mind_n it_o will_v be_v all_o that_o i_o desire_v yet_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v how_o needless_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o make_v any_o return_v to_o such_o reply_v as_o these_o animadversion_n carry_v a_o show_n of_o and_o may_v know_v how_o to_o regulate_v their_o expectation_n for_o the_o future_a i_o shall_v with_o much_o brevity_n review_v they_o my_o answer_n consist_v of_o three_o part_n in_o the_o first_o i_o lie_v down_o several_a consideration_n with_o reference_n to_o mr._n danvers_n authority_n in_o the_o two_o first_o which_o mr._n hutchinson_n more_o especial_o take_v notice_n of_o i_o charge_v he_o with_o unfaithfulness_n and_o impertinency_n in_o respect_n of_o both_o which_o mr._n hutchinson_n pretend_v his_o vindication_n for_o the_o former_a viz._n his_o unfaithfulness_n i_o only_o give_v two_o instance_n and_o both_o in_o his_o quotation_n out_o of_o the_o magdi-burgensian_a history_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o charge_n i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o that_o famous_a history_n with_o this_o only_a remark_n beyond_o my_o answer_n itself_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o say_v they_o find_v they_o baptize_v only_o the_o adult_n and_o they_o only_o find_v they_o baptize_v the_o adult_n indeed_o they_o neither_o say_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o but_o the_o direct_a contrary_n yet_o allow_v our_o opposer_n the_o utmost_a they_o can_v with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o reason_n desire_n it_o be_v only_o the_o latter_a that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o and_o sure_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o say_v they_o find_v they_o baptize_v only_o the_o adult_n and_o they_o only_o find_v the_o adult_n be_v baptize_v than_o be_v between_o two_o six_o pence_n and_o a_o shilling_n hence_o no_o man_n can_v excuse_v he_o of_o unfaithfulness_n but_o he_o will_v find_v at_o last_o he_o have_v give_v just_a cause_n to_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o accuse_v himself_o for_o the_o other_o viz._n his_o impertinency_n and_o thus_o mr._n hutchinson_n pretend_v his_o vindication_n two_o way_n first_o by_o way_n of_o recrimination_n second_o by_o acquit_v his_o book_n of_o that_o charge_n for_o this_o latter_a i_o shall_v only_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o my_o book_n with_o the_o instance_n there_o give_v for_o the_o former_a i_o have_v only_o this_o to_o say_v whether_o that_o instance_n give_v by_o mr._n hutchinson_n will_v prove_v his_o charge_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_n but_o this_o may_v be_v say_v for_o i_o to_o be_v guilty_a only_o of_o one_o impertinency_n and_o but_o one_o be_v charge_v upon_o i_o be_v no_o just_a vindication_n of_o mr._n danvers_n in_o the_o multitude_n i_o have_v charge_v upon_o he_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o have_v i_o know_v all_o man_n heart_n as_o well_o as_o mr._n hutchinson_n pretend_v to_o know_v i_o and_o have_v see_v no_o such_o objection_n as_o that_o suppose_a impertinency_n design_n the_o obviate_a of_o i_o have_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o one_o neither_o but_o that_o such_o a_o objection_n may_v possible_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n mr._n hutchinson_n book_n abundant_o confirm_v i_o
their_o engage_v in_o any_o destructive_a way_n obviate_v and_o prevent_v high_o conduce_v to_o their_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n ii_o the_o covenant-relation_n wherein_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n stand_v godward_o as_o solemnize_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n subserve_v their_o personal_a embracement_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o answerable_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o it_o by_o way_n of_o obligation_n they_o hereby_o become_v under_o the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o do_v it_o and_o we_o may_v observe_v a_o fourfold_a obligation_n that_o they_o be_v under_o beyond_o what_o the_o child_n of_o other_o be_v 1._o first_o there_o be_v all_o that_o love_n grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n express_v in_o the_o extend_v the_o covenant_n with_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n thereof_o unto_o 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