such_o a_o objection_n as_o this_o we_o can_v believe_v we_o can_v obey_v they_o be_v thing_n above_o we_o and_o hereupon_o we_o take_v discouragement_n and_o begin_v to_o think_v our_o condition_n be_v as_o remote_a from_o hope_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n as_o ever_o we_o mistake_v the_o covenant_n for_o god_n know_v that_o we_o can_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o understand_v it_o aright_o the_o covenant_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n do_v not_o expect_v at_o our_o hand_n nor_o will_v he_o accept_v of_o we_o a_o faith_n of_o our_o own_o make_n or_o a_o obedience_n do_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o that_o if_o thus_o we_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o he_o we_o shall_v but_o irritate_fw-la or_o make_v it_o void_a and_o therefore_o christ_n stand_v as_o a_o mediator_n in_o the_o covenant_n proffer_v himself_o to_o be_v our_o surety_n and_o undertaker_n to_o help_v we_o and_o work_v all_o our_o work_n in_o and_o for_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v perform_v the_o term_n and_o attend_v the_o requisite_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o perfect_v we_o in_o holiness_n and_o so_o to_o keep_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o if_o we_o set_v about_o or_o think_v to_o do_v any_o new-covenant-duty_n without_o a_o eye_n hither_o and_o reliance_n here_o we_o run_v upon_o woeful_a undo_n mistake_v and_o utter_o lose_v ourselves_o let_v all_o these_o thought_n teach_v we_o to_o see_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n coll._n 2._o we_o have_v here_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o people_n that_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o also_o it_o teach_v we_o what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a ground_n of_o a_o stable_a hope_n that_o such_o a_o people_n may_v comfortable_o rely_v upon_o we_o see_v that_o it_o all_o have_v a_o certain_a reference_n to_o our_o dependence_n upon_o this_o one_o supposition_n if_o they_o keep_v covenant_n this_o be_v the_o only_a three_o argument_n from_o whence_o may_v be_v draw_v a_o sure_a conclusion_n for_o our_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o take_v these_o assertion_n 1._o that_o for_o a_o people_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o visible_a and_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o good_a be_v outward_a and_o probationary_a favour_n it_o be_v true_a the_o ordinance_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v in_o a_o sense_n be_v call_v spiritual_a relate_v to_o the_o end_n they_o direct_v we_o unto_o because_o they_o be_v mean_n guide_v and_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o spiritual_a good_a but_o yet_o in_o themselves_o as_o they_o be_v enjoy_v by_o a_o visible_a church_n visible_o they_o be_v outward_a thing_n i_o e._n they_o be_v separable_a from_o and_o may_v be_v enjoy_v without_o true_a inward_a save_v grace_n a_o people_n high_a in_o mean_n may_v be_v low_a in_o grace_n yea_o empty_a of_o it_o such_o be_v capernaum_n mat._n 11._o 23._o laodicea_n may_v be_v rich_a and_o yet_o poor_a rev._n 3._o 17._o etc._n etc._n the_o best_a manure_v and_o most_o careful_o tend_v vineyard_n may_v bring_v forth_o wild_a and_o sour_a grape_n isa_n 5._o begin_v and_o as_o they_o be_v outward_a so_o also_o they_o be_v probationary_a god_n try_v and_o prove_v a_o people_n with_o gospell-priviledge_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a security_n to_o a_o figtree_n that_o because_o it_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o vineyard_n and_o there_o careful_o manure_v it_o shall_v therefore_o bear_v fig_n but_o the_o husband_n man_n come_v year_n after_o year_n to_o see_v whither_o it_o bear_v or_o no_o and_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o he_o shall_v find_v it_o barren_a though_o in_o the_o vineyard_n so_o that_o parable_n seem_v to_o hold_v forth_o luk._n 13._o 7_o 8._o god_n indeed_o expect_v fruit_n according_a to_o his_o lay_v out_o and_o that_o just_o and_o therefore_o he_o come_v and_o look_v for_o it_o but_o it_o do_v not_o always_o prove_v according_a to_o his_o just_a expectation_n not_o that_o god_n can_v indeed_o be_v frustrate_v of_o any_o of_o his_o purpose_n but_o god_n here_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o take_v pain_n in_o their_o husbandry_n with_o a_o eye_n to_o profit_n and_o therefore_o observe_v what_o income_n they_o receive_v 2._o to_o confide_v in_o these_o outward_a enjoyment_n as_o if_o they_o be_v real_a assurance_n of_o god_n complacency_n be_v not_o faith_n but_o presumption_n they_o be_v indeed_o expression_n of_o his_o beneficence_n and_o bring_v with_o they_o a_o demonstration_n of_o his_o great_a benevolence_n but_o they_o be_v not_o assurance_n that_o he_o take_v inward_a delight_n in_o such_o a_o people_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o vain_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o repose_v their_o trust_n &_o confidence_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o yet_o what_o more_o common_a then_o for_o the_o child_n of_o man_n thus_o to_o delude_v themselves_o with_o such_o opinion_n to_o trust_v in_o church-priviledge_n as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a so_o it_o be_v the_o most_o common_a mischief_n and_o misery_n of_o a_o people_n in_o visible_a covenant_n god_n call_v it_o to_o trust_v in_o lie_v word_n jer._n 7._o 4._o and_o it_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o the_o jew_n ruin_n who_o when_o they_o abound_v and_o be_v immerse_v in_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n yet_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v they_o be_v abraham_n child_n john_n baptist_n therefore_o so_o solemn_o warn_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o mat._n 3._o 9_o think_v not_o to_o say_v etc._n etc._n q._n d._n it_o be_v vain_a and_o will_v not_o profit_v it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o god_n indulge_v not_o only_o with_o worldly_a favour_n and_o the_o affluence_n of_o earthly_a abundance_n but_o also_o with_o gospellenjoyment_n and_o plenty_n of_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n a_o multitude_n that_o be_v the_o generation_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o child_n of_o his_o curse_n who_o shall_v be_v press_v to_o eternal_a death_n and_o sink_v down_o to_o hell_n by_o the_o weight_n of_o ordinance_n such_o be_v those_o unto_o who_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n be_v send_v isai_n 6._o 9_o 10._o the_o mean_v they_o have_v have_v have_v help_v to_o fit_v they_o for_o their_o own_o place_n 3._o where_o god_n have_v do_v more_o for_o a_o people_n there_o he_o expect_v more_o from_o they_o clear_v for_o this_o be_v that_o of_o our_o saviour_n luk._n 12._o 48._o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n compare_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i_o e._n the_o visible_a church_n to_o a_o vineyard_n which_o the_o owner_n let_v out_o to_o husbandman_n and_o in_o the_o season_n send_v for_o his_o revenue_n gospell-priviledge_n as_o free_o as_o man_n think_v they_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o indeed_o inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v undeserved_a they_o be_v free_a yet_o they_o shall_v find_v when_o god_n come_v to_o reckon_v with_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o severe_a account_n for_o they_o god_n keep_v a_o book_n of_o account_n what_o ever_o man_n think_v of_o he_o or_o how_o careless_a soever_o they_o may_v judge_v he_o to_o be_v and_o there_o he_o charge_v down_o to_o man_n score_n all_o the_o several_a particular_a disbursement_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v out_o upon_o this_o and_o that_o man_n these_o and_o those_o church_n you_o find_v the_o several_n enumerate_v of_o what_o he_o have_v be_v out_o upon_o or_o do_v for_o his_o vineyard_n isai_n 5._o begin_v and_o so_o he_o do_v for_o every_o vineyard_n and_o every_o figtree_n every_o sermon_n that_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o every_o sacrament_n that_o be_v administer_v every_o labourer_n who_o he_o either_o fix_v among_o they_o or_o send_v occasional_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o his_o husbandry_n there_o these_o be_v in_o his_o treasure_n and_o a_o memorial_n of_o they_o register_v with_o he_o not_o a_o item_n forget_v poor_a heathen_a have_v not_o so_o much_o to_o account_v for_o as_o a_o people_n who_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n with_o god_n have_v god_n connive_n at_o abundance_n of_o sin_n in_o place_n of_o darkness_n which_o he_o will_v not_o where_o gospell-light_n shine_v observable_a be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n acts._n 17._o 30._o the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o what_o a_o difference_n of_o time_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v our_o saviour_n christ_n make_v joh._n 15._o 22._o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v to_o they_o they_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o
apostasy_n reject_v hence_o the_o text_n say_v child_n child_n i._n e._n the_o succeed_a generation_n of_o they_o and_o so_o be_v abraham_n covenant_n which_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v we_o viz._n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n see_v gen._n 17._o 9_o 10._o and_o if_o any_o do_v object_n that_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o those_o only_a that_o keep_v covenant_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o keep_v covenant_n presume_v be_v in_o covenant_n and_o when_o i_o say_v they_o be_v equal_o interest_v i_o will_v be_v cautious_o understand_v i_o do_v not_o therefore_o mean_a 1._o that_o they_o be_v always_o equal_o capable_a of_o actual_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n divine_v well_o distinguish_v between_o jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la and_o jus_o in_o re_fw-mi a_o child_n may_v have_v as_o good_a a_o right_n to_o his_o estate_n when_o a_o child_n as_o afterward_o but_o he_o can_v take_v possession_n of_o it_o till_o he_o be_v legal_o of_o age_n so_o neither_o do_v their_o be_v in_o covenant_n bring_v they_o immediate_o to_o all_o the_o privilege_n but_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o 2._o that_o they_o have_v always_o a_o equal_a invisible_a right_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o advantage_n here_o be_v secret_a and_o may_v sometime_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o parent_n sometime_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o child_n according_a to_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v only_o the_o visible_a covenant_n then_o which_o these_o stand_v equal_o relate_v to_o nor_o 3._o do_v i_o dispute_v concern_v the_o parent_n conveyance_n of_o visible_a privilege_n or_o how_o far_o they_o be_v to_o stand_v of_o fall_n with_o their_o parent_n or_o whither_o parent_n by_o bring_v themselves_o under_o visible_a censure_n may_v obstruct_v the_o benefit_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o child_n till_o they_o do_v remove_v these_o obstruction_n some_o divine_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o immediate_a parent_n do_v equal_o hold_v or_o lose_v outward_a privilege_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o child_n while_o in_o their_o loin_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o child_n of_o visible_a believer_n stand_v right_a when_o their_o child_n be_v bear_v their_o equality_n appear_v in_o these_o respect_n 1._o when_o god_n extend_v the_o covenant_n to_o their_o parent_n he_o extend_v it_o to_o they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n though_o as_o to_o we_o who_o be_v child_n of_o time_n we_o must_v have_v a_o existence_n before_o we_o be_v actual_o in_o covenant_n yet_o as_o to_o god_n who_o dwell_v in_o eternity_n he_o engross_v all_o generation_n in_o one_o view_n and_o so_o he_o take_v father_n and_o child_n together_o though_o the_o father_n may_v be_v possible_o consider_v as_o agent_n and_o trustee_n for_o their_o child_n while_o in_o their_o loin_n god_n do_v not_o say_v to_o abraham_n i_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o thou_o now_o and_o will_v make_v one_o with_o thy_o child_n hereafter_o but_o he_o put_v they_o both_o together_o gen._n 17._o 7._o and_o hence_o they_o be_v call_v god_n child_n ezek._n 23._o 37._o son_n who_o they_o bear_v to_o i_o 2._o the_o covenant_n come_v to_o each_o upon_o equal_a term_n or_o proposition_n the_o covenant_n stand_v visible_o under_o the_o very_a same_o respect_n to_o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o child_n the_o text_n be_v clear_a for_o this_o father_n and_o child_n child_n if_o they_o keep_v covenant_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o mercy_n if_o they_o keep_v it_o the_o blessing_n be_v they_o if_o they_o keep_v it_o not_o they_o can_v expect_v it_o or_o challenge_v it_o those_o therefore_o that_o object_n from_o such_o scripture_n that_o the_o child_n be_v not_o in_o covenant_n but_o only_o conditional_o if_o they_o keep_v it_o be_v to_o remember_v as_o be_v hint_v before_o that_o keep_v of_o covenant_n necessary_o presuppose_v a_o covenant_n to_o be_v keep_v and_o the_o person_n that_o so_o keep_v it_o to_o be_v relate_v to_o it_o for_o none_o can_v keep_v covenant_n but_o one_o that_o be_v first_o in_o covenant_n nor_o yet_o can_v any_o but_o such_o break_v covenant_n he_o only_o break_v his_o promise_n that_o first_o make_v one_o he_o only_o neglect_v his_o duty_n that_o be_v first_o oblige_v it_o be_v not_o the_o covenant_n itself_o but_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o those_o that_o keep_v it_o we_o read_v also_o of_o those_o that_o deal_v false_o in_o the_o covenant_n i._n e._n promise_v and_o so_o be_v in_o covenant_n but_o perform_v not_o psal_n 78._o 37._o jer._n 6._o 13._o 3._o they_o be_v equal_a in_o that_o the_o father_n shall_v not_o suffer_v for_o the_o child_n nor_o the_o child_n for_o the_o father_n in_o case_n of_o breach_n of_o covenant_n but_o each_o be_v actual_o under_o it_o stand_v personal_o relate_v to_o it_o the_o child_n now_o bear_v be_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v for_o himself_o the_o father_n faith_n will_v not_o save_v the_o child_n nor_o will_v his_o sin_n damn_v he_o god_n take_v it_o as_o a_o false_a charge_n when_o they_o count_v their_o misery_n to_o be_v for_o their_o father_n sin_n and_o not_o their_o own_o and_o hence_o use_v that_o proverb_n the_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n and_o the_o child_n tooth_n be_v set_v on_o edge_n and_o therefore_o declare_v against_o it_o profess_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v answer_v for_o himself_o see_v ezek._n 18._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la child_n may_v by_o their_o sin_n ripen_v judgement_n which_o god_n in_o patience_n delay_v to_o execute_v in_o their_o father_n day_n and_o thus_o he_o just_o visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n when_o they_o follow_v the_o same_o perverse_a course_n and_o grow_v worse_o in_o they_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o covenant_n every_o one_o stand_v upon_o his_o own_o bottom_n child_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n be_v save_v by_o a_o faith_n wrought_v in_o they_o personal_o and_o not_o act_v by_o their_o parent_n for_o they_o relative_o heb._n 10._o 38._o the_o just_a shall_v be_v save_v by_o his_fw-la faith_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o parent_n be_v instrument_n or_o media_n of_o derive_v the_o visible_a covenant_n to_o their_o child_n and_o may_v also_o lay_v in_o many_o outward_a blessing_n for_o they_o david_n fidelity_n be_v remember_v in_o time_n of_o apostasy_n many_o age_n after_o as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o history_n though_o some_o interpret_v that_o of_o christ_n which_o be_v true_a in_o the_o antitype_n yet_o it_o respect_v the_o type_n too_o but_o in_o these_o respect_v god_n act_v as_o a_o sovereign_n prop._n 2._o that_o there_o be_v great_a visible_a privilege_n which_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n do_v enjoy_v by_o virtue_n of_o be_v relate_v to_o the_o covenant_n the_o objection_n which_o the_o apostle_n see_v reason_n to_o anticipate_v of_o old_a be_v much_o in_o use_n now_o adays_o and_o may_v admit_v the_o same_o resolution_n rom._n 3._o begin_v what_o advantage_n &_o c_o much_o every_o way_n a_o great_a enquiry_n be_v make_v about_o privilege_n and_o many_o ask_v of_o we_o what_o do_v we_o get_v by_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o covenant_n yea_o there_o be_v many_o that_o discourage_v those_o who_o will_v do_v it_o and_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v but_o a_o snare_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v man_n may_v make_v snare_n to_o themselves_o of_o the_o best_a visible_a favour_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v that_o which_o may_v be_v for_o their_o advantage_n to_o be_v for_o their_o hurt_n yet_o the_o covenant_n itself_o wrap_v up_o a_o great_a many_o privilege_n in_o it_o to_o name_v a_o few_o 1._o the_o ordinary_a reveal_v way_n of_o dispense_n salvation_n be_v by_o the_o visible_a covenant_n hence_o they_o be_v apparent_o near_a salvation_n than_o other_o what_o god_n do_v in_o a_o secret_a way_n by_o sovereign_a prerogative_n be_v not_o our_o business_n to_o inquire_v deut._n 29._o 29._o but_o according_a to_o what_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o way_n to_o life_n be_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o dispensation_n of_o it_o and_o visible_a acceptance_n of_o and_o submition_n to_o it_o not_o that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o save_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o outward_a way_n of_o god_n appointment_n hence_o that_o rom._n 10._o 14._o god_n may_v save_v those_o that_o be_v at_o present_a out_o of_o visible_a covenant_n but_o then_o he_o bring_v they_o under_o the_o bond_n of_o it_o now_o in_o as_o much_o as_o these_o in_o question_n be_v already_o under_o it_o this_o be_v their_o great_a advantage_n 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v privilege_v with_o gospel-ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n ordinance_n be_v
covenant_n that_o will_v secure_v you_o except_o you_o be_v keeper_n of_o it_o the_o promise_n in_o our_o text_n be_v not_o to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o it_o but_o to_o they_o that_o keep_v it_o there_o be_v in_o this_o temptation_n no_o little_a danger_n that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v expose_v to_o by_o be_v delude_v by_o satan_n there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o bitter_o complain_v of_o it_o when_o god_n have_v a_o waken_v they_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o lean_v the_o weight_n of_o their_o hope_n upon_o the_o covenant_n the_o jew_n in_o jeremiah_n time_n deceive_v themselves_o with_o this_o pretence_n jer._n 7._o and_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n joh._n 8._o we_o be_v abraham_n '_o s_z child_n nay_o we_o have_v one_o father_n which_o be_v god_n many_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o strong_a confidence_n that_o they_o must_v needs_o do_v well_o they_o have_v strong_a hope_n of_o salvation_n &_o their_o plea_n for_o it_o be_v their_o parent_n be_v godly_a they_o themselves_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n own_a and_o acknowledge_v as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o hence_o they_o think_v the_o gospel-promises_a be_v they_o christ_n be_v they_o by_o covenant_n but_o this_o will_v not_o hold_v remember_v there_o be_v a_o jew_n that_o be_v so_o outward_o &_o there_o be_v that_o be_v so_o inward_o there_o be_v a_o circumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o heart_n a_o baptism_n of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o one_o external_n the_o other_o internal_a and_o that_o will_v never_o stead_v a_o man_n without_o this_o covenant-priviledge_n be_v to_o be_v improve_v not_o to_o be_v bold_o rely_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o fearful_a name_n god_n be_v holy_a and_o expect_v all_o shall_v be_v so_o that_o will_v prove_v themselves_o his_o people_n hence_o that_o counsel_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n 3._o beware_v of_o reject_v or_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n do_v not_o cast_v off_o your_o subjection_n to_o it_o by_o any_o wilful_a act_n of_o you_o and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v two_o way_n 1._o by_o disow_v yourselves_o or_o withdraw_v from_o own_v yourselves_o to_o stand_v engage_v to_o god_n in_o covenant_n not_o to_o own_o be_v interpretative_o to_o reject_v when_o we_o withdraw_v the_o shoulder_n pluck_v back_o the_o neck_n and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o man_n count_v it_o a_o liberty_n to_o live_v at_o large_a and_o under_o no_o church_n cognizance_n and_o control_v and_o a_o bondage_n to_o stoop_v to_o the_o way_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o this_o spirit_n among_o we_o man_n be_v loath_a to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o under_o any_o visible_a tie_n of_o restraint_n from_o sin_n and_o this_o provoke_v god_n to_o bring_v judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o they_o he_o will_v bring_v we_o under_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n ezek._n 20._o 37._o 2._o by_o not_o harken_v or_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n appoint_v for_o their_o good_a when_o by_o any_o sin_n or_o scandal_n they_o have_v dishonour_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n they_o submit_v not_o nor_o be_v willing_a to_o obey_v the_o rule_n he_o have_v set_v down_o for_o their_o humble_v and_o reform_v when_o they_o be_v impenitent_a and_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n many_o will_v acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n who_o do_v yet_o practical_o choose_v rather_o to_o stand_v off_o and_o be_v from_o under_o watch_n and_o discipline_n &_o so_o debar_v themselves_o &_o posterity_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v from_o visible_a privilege_n this_o be_v also_o a_o renounce_n beware_v of_o it_o though_o you_o can_v by_o so_o do_v dissolve_v your_o covenant_n relation_n yet_o you_o may_v provoke_v god_n to_o reject_v and_o cast_v you_o off_o 4._o be_v much_o and_o earnest_a with_o god_n in_o prayer_n that_o he_o will_v afford_v you_o his_o grace_n whereby_o you_o may_v keep_v covenant_n with_o he_o this_o be_v a_o great_a duty_n encumbent_a on_o child_n know_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n to_o serve_v a_o holy_a and_o jealous_a god_n remember_v that_o you_o be_v by_o nature_n averse_a and_o obstinate_a your_o heart_n be_v estrange_v from_o god_n and_o christ_n from_o the_o womb_n the_o power_n to_o serve_v god_n &_o keep_v his_o commandment_n be_v not_o a_o gift_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v all_o enmity_n supernatural_a grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o do_v so_o great_a a_o work_n faith_n be_v the_o great_a covenant-condition_n and_o that_o be_v not_o of_o yourselves_o without_o this_o you_o can_v please_v god_n you_o can_v keep_v his_o covenant_n nor_o can_v you_o work_v it_o in_o your_o heart_n it_o must_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o create_a power_n and_o you_o must_v go_v to_o god_n for_o it_o it_o be_v his_o gift_n and_o he_o will_v be_v seek_v to_o as_o long_o as_o you_o live_v in_o your_o unbelief_n you_o do_v nothing_o but_o break_v your_o promise_n violate_v your_o covenant_n and_o thereby_o lie_v in_o wrath_n and_o condemnation_n for_o yourselves_o except_o you_o be_v convert_v you_o can_v be_v true_a to_o god_n see_v then_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o nature_n the_o impotency_n that_o be_v in_o you_o you_o be_v in_o your_o natural_a estate_n like_o ephraim_n unaccustomed_a to_o the_o yoke_n bewail_v it_o with_o he_o and_o ask_v grace_n jer._n 31._o 18._o 5._o get_v as_o near_o to_o god_n as_o you_o can_v in_o all_o those_o visible_a and_o outward_a way_n of_o communion_n which_o he_o afford_v you_o the_o advantage_n and_o opportunity_n of_o god_n have_v appoint_v no_o ordinance_n in_o vain_a it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o just_a grief_n to_o see_v so_o few_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n seek_v after_o full_a fellowship_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o precipitate_v such_o as_o be_v unworthy_a to_o make_v more_o haste_n than_o good_a speed_n but_o to_o rouse_v up_o the_o negligent_a who_o either_o take_v no_o care_n that_o they_o may_v be_v worthy_a or_o do_v withdraw_v and_o keep_v themselves_o back_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v hopeful_o prepare_v for_o these_o ordinance_n these_o be_v both_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o help_v to_o our_o keep_n of_o covenant_n i_o know_v that_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n be_v a_o cheat_n to_o they_o that_o please_v themselves_o with_o it_o but_o i_o know_v too_o that_o if_o the_o face_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n cease_v or_o be_v take_v away_o from_o we_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a and_o sore_a judgement_n and_o if_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o this_o burden_n and_o content_v themselves_o without_o seek_v it_o and_o set_v their_o shoulder_n to_o it_o it_o be_v in_o great_a likelihood_n thus_o to_o go_v to_o decay_v it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o a_o cry_a shame_n to_o see_v such_o multitude_n of_o christian_n and_o professor_n turn_v their_o back_n upon_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o they_o be_v unworthy_a it_o be_v their_o shame_n that_o they_o have_v no_o better_o profit_v under_o the_o ordinance_n and_o a_o dreadful_a sign_n it_o be_v of_o god_n departure_n from_o such_o a_o people_n if_o they_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n fit_a it_o shall_v grieve_v they_o that_o they_o put_v such_o a_o contempt_n and_o undervalue_v upon_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n for_o it_o be_v the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o such_o a_o act_n that_o it_o be_v so_o practical_o and_o interpretative_o and_o let_v i_o add_v this_o that_o if_o you_o rest_v in_o that_o that_o your_o child_n may_v be_v baptize_v as_o yourselves_o be_v and_o seek_v not_o after_o mean_n of_o growth_n and_o strength_n if_o now_o you_o have_v no_o spiritual_a appetite_n to_o these_o thing_n you_o discover_v a_o dangerous_a sign_n of_o much_o hypocrisy_n lodging_n in_o your_o heart_n 6._o beware_v you_o do_v not_o wilful_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n which_o your_o father_n have_v lay_v i_o know_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v charge_v for_o do_v it_o &_o another_o to_o do_v it_o indeed_o many_o have_v be_v brand_v for_o this_o injurious_o while_o they_o have_v assert_v those_o thing_n which_o though_o believe_v by_o our_o predecessor_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o such_o occasion_n of_o practice_n as_o afterward_o beside_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o pattern_n or_o precedent_n or_o precept_n of_o
neither_o be_v preven_v nor_o oblige_v by_o any_o thing_n in_o or_o for_o we_o be_v a_o pillar-truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n rom._n 9_o 16._o it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v etc._n etc._n so_o far_o as_o we_o detract_v from_o god_n sovereignty_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o convert_v and_o save_v grace_n we_o so_o far_o make_v god_n a_o debtor_n to_o the_o creature_n before_o he_o make_v himself_o so_o by_o a_o free_a promise_n 2._o that_o all_o which_o parent_n can_v do_v for_o their_o child_n in_o attendance_n to_o the_o precept_n viz._n in_o bring_v they_o up_o for_o god_n instruct_v they_o in_o his_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o keep_v they_o in_o from_o lewd_a course_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o visible_a attendance_n on_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o their_o duty_n and_o be_v in_o no_o way_n to_o be_v count_v meritorious_a luk._n 17._o 10._o hence_o for_o their_o own_o soul_n safety_n they_o must_v do_v it_o except_o they_o will_v hazard_v the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o it_o outdo_v the_o power_n of_o moral-mean_n and_o endeavour_n though_o never_o so_o sincere_o use_v to_o plant_v or_o infuse_v grace_n into_o any_o soul_n the_o work_n of_o conversion_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n only_o joh._n 1._o 13._o if_o good_a man_n can_v will_n can_v pray_v can_v labour_v faith_n into_o any_o according_a to_o their_o desire_n their_o will_v none_o of_o their_o child_n none_o of_o their_o servant_n none_o of_o their_o neighbour_n none_o in_o the_o world_n perish_v 4._o that_o divine_a faith_n be_v not_o only_o a_o confidence_n but_o a_o ground_a confidence_n the_o rule_n do_v not_o only_o command_v and_o bind_v we_o to_o believe_v but_o it_o also_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o hold_v of_o faith_n be_v the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o any_o thing_n no_o further_o than_o that_o go_v faith_n must_v have_v a_o clear_a word_n for_o its_o trust_n else_o it_o be_v but_o vain_a all_o our_o plea_n be_v in_o the_o covenant-promise_a and_o if_o we_o can_v find_v that_o we_o look_v for_o there_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o build_v upon_o but_o be_v at_o uncertainty_n 5._o that_o believer_n have_v no_o absolute_a and_o illimited_a promise_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o their_o child_n or_o this_o or_o that_o child_n shall_v be_v save_v no_o nor_o limit_v neither_o to_o their_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o if_o they_o do_v their_o best_a he_o will_v infallible_o add_v save_v grace_n this_o will_v appear_v by_o two_o argument_n 1._o because_o god_n be_v faithful_a to_o every_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v or_o repent_v i_o know_v godly_a parent_n may_v be_v remiss_a but_o they_o be_v not_o always_o so_o and_o yet_o have_v have_v their_o child_n who_o god_n have_v reject_v abraham_n his_o ishmael_n isaac_n his_o esau_n david_n his_o ahsolom_n and_o adonijah_n eli_n his_o hophni_n and_o phinehas_n now_o of_o abraham_n we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v trusty_a and_o faithful_a in_o teach_v his_o child_n gen._n 18._o 19_o and_o therefore_o he_o instruct_v and_o discipline_v ishmael_n he_o circumcise_v he_o and_o pray_v earnest_o for_o he_o 2._o because_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n have_v themselves_o thus_o interpret_v the_o promise_n they_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v upon_o supposition_n &_o to_o carry_v a_o condition_n in_o it_o eminent_a for_o this_o be_v the_o forementioned_a instance_n of_o david_n that_o he_o thus_o understand_v it_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o by_o that_o forecited_a warning_n which_o he_o give_v to_o solomon_n 1_o chron._n 28._o 9_o but_o also_o by_o that_o knowledgment_n which_o he_o make_v of_o it_o to_o god_n himself_o psal_n 132._o 11_o 12._o object_n but_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n to_o david_n that_o he_o will_v establish_v his_o covenant_n with_o his_o seed_n and_o not_o violate_v it_o psal_n 89._o 28_o 29._o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o in_o that_o place_n david_n represent_v or_o typifyes_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o his_o child_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v only_o those_o that_o be_v give_v to_o christ_n of_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o shall_v obtain_v salvation_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v his._n but_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o subject_n of_o the_o visible_a covenant_n who_o have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n que._n but_o you_o will_v say_v then_o what_o encouragement_n be_v there_o for_o parent_n to_o pray_v for_o to_o instruct_v and_o take_v pain_n with_o their_o child_n and_o give_v they_o up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n if_o they_o can_v do_v all_o this_o in_o faith_n what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v of_o sin_n ans_fw-fr there_o be_v other_o way_n for_o faith_n to_o act_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n beside_o this_o particular_a confident_a persuasion_n of_o this_o fruit_n and_o effect_n consider_v then_o 1._o that_o faith_n be_v to_o eye_n the_o precept_n as_o well_o as_o the_o promise_n faith_n be_v to_o influence_n our_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o our_o assurance_n faith_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v this_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o perform_v because_o god_n command_v it_o and_o be_v hereby_o animate_v to_o our_o duty_n this_o be_v obedience_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o sow_v our_o seed_n in_o the_o morning_n etc._n etc._n although_o we_o know_v not_o which_o shall_v prosper_v this_o or_o that_o because_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n 2._o that_o a_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v engage_v to_o his_o duty_n not_o only_o by_o a_o promise_n but_o also_o by_o the_o precept_n it_o be_v true_a the_o promise_n be_v our_o encouragement_n but_o the_o precept_n be_v our_o rule_n in_o submission_n to_o the_o command_n therefore_o he_o be_v to_o go_v about_o his_o work_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o success_n of_o it_o to_o divine_a dispose_n and_o so_o do_v he_o perform_v his_o duty_n in_o faith_n and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o act_v by_o this_o principle_n but_o do_v all_o mere_o as_o he_o think_v it_o may_v succeed_v be_v true_o mercenary_a 3._o there_o be_v other_o promise_n which_o may_v encourage_v a_o believer_n in_o this_o duty_n viz._n that_o if_o he_o do_v it_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n it_o shall_v be_v accept_v and_o reward_v by_o god_n god_n will_v some_o way_n or_o other_o make_v he_o to_o find_v that_o his_o labour_n have_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a the_o husbandman_n be_v in_o duty_n to_o sow_v his_o seed_n in_o faith_n but_o he_o be_v not_o sure_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o good_a crop_n the_o figtree_n may_v not_o blossom_n though_o he_o manure_n it_o with_o care_n but_o this_o be_v his_o encouragement_n that_o in_o a_o way_n of_o do_v duty_n god_n have_v say_v that_o he_o will_v bless_v he_o 4._o i'faith_o also_o teach_v we_o that_o attend_v the_o mean_n be_v near_o to_o the_o particular_a blessing_n than_o not_o attend_v but_o neglect_v they_o god_n often_o meet_v his_o people_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o ordinary_a then_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a providence_n nor_o do_v god_n always_o though_o he_o may_v sometime_o in_o sovereignty_n deny_v the_o desire_a blessing_n to_o his_o people_n yea_o and_o although_o he_o may_v sometime_o work_v there_o where_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o shameful_a neglect_n as_o in_o convert_v josiah_n the_o son_n of_o a_o wicked_a amon_n yet_o our_o neglect_n be_v inexcusable_a because_o we_o have_v despise_v the_o command_n such_o a_o parent_n as_o have_v faithful_o do_v his_o duty_n may_v die_v in_o hope_n that_o although_o he_o see_v not_o the_o desire_a fruit_n of_o his_o pain_n and_o prayer_n yet_o they_o may_v appear_v when_o his_o head_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n to_o be_v sure_o he_o may_v with_o this_o comfort_n leave_v the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o his_o place_n 3._o the_o provocation_n of_o covenant-children_n be_v most_o heinous_a and_o consequent_o most_o provoke_v to_o god_n the_o sin_n of_o none_o be_v so_o offensive_a in_o his_o sight_n as_o they_o you_o shall_v find_v therefore_o that_o the_o scripture_n set_v a_o note_n observable_a upon_o this_o consideration_n amos._n 3._o 2._o so_o deut._n 32._o 19_o the_o provoking_n of_o son_n and_o daughter_n be_v bitter_a jer._n 5._o 7._o thy_o child_n have_v
infancy_n god_n give_v man_n ordinance_n not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v convert_v though_o they_o be_v also_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n eph_n 4._o 12._o but_o also_o that_o they_o may_v be_v convert_v mat._n 3._o 11_o it_o be_v therefore_o our_o duty_n to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o may_v want_v nothing_o of_o that_o which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o they_o for_o their_o good_a we_o can_v give_v save_v 〈◊〉_d to_o our_o child_n that_o god_n reserve_v to_o 〈…〉_o work_v but_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n we_o ought_v to_o 〈…〉_o as_o 〈…〉_o work_v so_o have_v 〈…〉_o child_n be_v to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v 〈…〉_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o be_v 〈…〉_o he_o have_v appoint_v all_o his_o subject_n to_o wear_v and_o a_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o our_o initiation_n into_o his_o kingdom_n to_o exclude_v they_o from_o church-watch_n be_v to_o refuse_v they_o that_o help_v for_o their_o spiritual_a good_a which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v allot_v they_o and_o exspect_v we_o shall_v afford_v they_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o body_n touch_v their_o admission_n to_o the_o lord's-table_n i_o know_v there_o be_v beside_o their_o birthright_n such_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o as_o may_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o a_o well_o ground_a charity_n that_o they_o be_v spiritual_o fit_a for_o it_o and_o to_o thrust_v or_o force_v they_o upon_o it_o though_o without_o these_o requisite_a preparation_n be_v cruel_a charity_n but_o 3._o that_o all_o mean_n be_v use_v whereby_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o such_o a_o fitness_n and_o so_o encourage_v and_o help_v in_o come_v to_o this_o ordinance_n be_v also_o a_o duty_n the_o church_n owe_v they_o touch_v the_o great_a care_n and_o pain_n which_o be_v take_v upon_o this_o score_n by_o the_o primitive_a gospel-churche_n ecclesiastical_a history_n will_v give_v we_o a_o plentiful_a account_n god_n make_v a_o great_a complaint_n ezek._n 16._o 20._o thou_o have_v take_v thy_o son_n and_o thy_o daughter_n which_o thou_o have_v bear_v unto_o i_o and_o these_o have_v thou_o sacrifice_v unto_o they_o to_o be_v devour_v now_o this_o be_v do_v in_o god_n account_n when_o they_o be_v neglect_v and_o not_o bring_v up_o for_o god_n peter_n have_v one_o particular_a charge_n give_v he_o by_o christ_n to_o seed_v his_o lamb_n now_o the_o care_n which_o the_o church_n owe_v to_o the_o child_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v fit_a to_o receive_v and_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o gospel-priviledge_n be_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o knowledge_n i_o know_v the_o first_o care_n and_o endeavour_v upon_o this_o account_n lie_v upon_o family_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v begin_v but_o because_o parent_n owe_v their_o fidelity_n in_o this_o point_n not_o only_o to_o their_o child_n but_o to_o the_o church_n also_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o child_n hence_o inquiry_n be_v to_o be_v make_v into_o their_o proficiency_n and_o parent_n be_v according_o to_o be_v further_o quicken_v or_o encourage_v yea_o when_o they_o have_v do_v their_o best_a there_o may_v more_o be_v need_v to_o be_v do_v for_o their_o further_a proficiency_n public_a catechise_v be_v a_o great_a business_n of_o our_o first_o and_o best_a time_n and_o it_o be_v bless_v with_o no_o small_a success_n and_o i_o believe_v it_o one_o part_n of_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o our_o time_n that_o it_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o can_v it_o be_v revive_v again_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o acceptable_a service_n to_o god_n and_o profitable_a to_o this_o and_o after_o generation_n this_o be_v train_v up_o child_n in_o knowledge_n according_a to_o scripture_n and_o the_o neglect_n of_o which_o be_v so_o condemn_v hos_fw-la 4._o 6._o and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a loss_n if_o religion_n shall_v be_v lose_v in_o new-england_n a_o place_n of_o so_o great_a light_n and_o means_n for_o want_v of_o attend_v upon_o this_o duty_n 2._o that_o a_o due_a and_o careful_a inspection_n be_v make_v into_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n that_o what_o there_o be_v of_o good_a may_v be_v encourage_v and_o what_o be_v otherwise_o may_v be_v faithful_o reprove_v it_o be_v a_o temptation_n by_o which_o satan_n gain_v much_o advantage_n that_o we_o be_v afraid_a of_o incur_v the_o censure_n and_o title_n of_o busybody_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n and_o hereupon_o neglect_v the_o charge_n and_o duty_n of_o watch_v one_o over_o another_o and_o it_o much_o discourage_v child_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n from_o mind_v that_o which_o be_v good_a at_o least_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o follow_v their_o natural_a and_o corrupt_a inclination_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o evil_n when_o they_o see_v no_o notice_n be_v take_v of_o they_o but_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o stranger_n they_o be_v not_o regard_v but_o they_o live_v and_o do_v as_o they_o listen_v i_o be_o persuade_v nay_o i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n will_v thankful_o accept_v of_o faithful_a admonition_n and_o serious_a counsel_n from_o they_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o there_o be_v great_a hope_n be_v this_o practise_v god_n will_v bless_v it_o with_o good_a success_n 3._o that_o the_o way_n and_o order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n house_n may_v be_v leave_v to_o they_o not_o deprave_v or_o pollute_v but_o pure_a and_o entire_a according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o instruction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o we_o shall_v through_o neglect_n suffer_v corruption_n to_o creep_v in_o in_o our_o day_n we_o may_v expect_v that_o they_o will_v grow_v apace_o upon_o our_o posterity_n apostasy_n have_v always_o be_v observe_v to_o grow_v much_o fast_a than_o reformation_n there_o be_v some_o public_a church_n duty_n which_o if_o practical_o neglect_v when_o once_o lose_v will_v hardly_o be_v recover_v some_o evil_a practice_n which_o if_o once_o grow_v into_o a_o custom_n will_v soon_o plead_v prescription_n and_o not_o without_o great_a difficulty_n be_v suppress_v something_o of_o this_o new-england_n experience_n will_v attest_v to_o what_o bicker_n controversy_n and_o dispute_n have_v be_v what_o opposition_n have_v be_v break_v through_o in_o redeem_v our_o child_n interest_n and_o there_o be_v many_o exit_fw-la orbitance_n stand_v at_o the_o door_n ready_a to_o thrust_v in_o the_o rule_n leave_v we_o by_o christ_n must_v be_v stand_v to_o if_o we_o will_v have_v his_o peace_n and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o little_a comfort_n to_o you_o when_o you_o leave_v this_o world_n that_o you_o leave_v behind_o religion_n settle_v upon_o the_o right_a basis_n and_o unpolluted_a and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o good_a argument_n of_o hope_n that_o god_n intend_v a_o blessing_n to_o succeed_a generation_n however_o it_o will_v afford_v great_a peace_n to_o your_o conscience_n that_o though_o religion_n shall_v die_v decay_n suffer_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o you_o have_v be_v true_a to_o your_o covenant_n with_o god_n have_v be_v faithful_a observer_n of_o it_o in_o this_o your_o generation_n and_o have_v do_v the_o best_a to_o leave_v it_o nothing_o worse_o than_o you_o find_v it_o and_o can_v therefore_o quiet_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o world_n yea_o go_v hence_o with_o a_o solid_a hope_n and_o groud_v expectation_n to_o receive_v the_o promise_n and_o take_v possession_n of_o everlasting_a mercy_n ii_o give_v i_o leave_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o speak_v a_o few_o word_n in_o particular_a to_o those_o that_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v close_v this_o discourse_n and_o let_v these_o careful_o receive_v and_o lay_v up_o in_o their_o heart_n these_o few_o thing_n you_o here_o see_v the_o way_n for_o you_o either_o to_o keep_v or_o lose_v these_o covenant-mercye_n be_v therefore_o persuade_v to_o know_v your_o duty_n and_o careful_o to_o set_v yourselves_o to_o perform_v it_o if_o you_o will_v have_v your_o father_n god_n continue_v to_o be_v you_o you_o must_v make_v it_o your_o study_n and_o business_n to_o know_v and_o serve_v he_o solemn_a be_v david_n advice_n to_o his_o son_n solomon_n 1_o chro._n 28._o 9_o beside_o the_o general_a motive_n which_o be_v propound_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o use_n i_o will_v leave_v a_o few_o special_a consideration_n with_o you_o god_n grant_v you_o may_v receive_v the_o impression_n of_o they_o 1._o the_o main_a errand_n which_o bring_v your_o father_n into_o this_o wilderness_n be_v not_o only_o that_o they_o may_v themselves_o enjoy_v but_o that_o they_o may_v settle_v for_o their_o child_n and_o leave_v they_o in_o full_a possession_n of_o the_o free_a pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a libertye_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n they_o have_v make_v this_o profession_n open_o to_o the_o world_n yea_o let_v reason_n speak_v and_o say_v what_o else_o be_v there_o which_o can_v have_v
covenant-keeping_a the_o way_n to_o blessedness_n or_o a_o brief_a discourse_n wherein_o be_v show_v the_o connexion_n which_o there_o be_v between_o the_o promise_n on_o god_n part_n and_o duty_n on_o our_o part_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o several_a sermon_n preach_v in_o order_n to_o solemn_a renew_n of_o covenant_n by_o samvel_n willard_n teacher_n of_o a_o church_n in_o boston_n in_o new-england_n deut._n 7._o 9_o know_v therefore_o that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n he_o be_v god_n the_o faithful_a god_n which_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n with_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n 10._o and_o repay_v they_o that_o hate_v he_o to_o their_o face_n to_o destroy_v they_o he_o will_v not_o be_v slack_a to_o he_o that_o hate_v he_o he_o will_v repay_v he_o to_o his_o face_n boston_n in_o new-england_a print_v by_o james_n glen_n for_o samuel_n sewall_n 1682._o to_o the_o reader_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o covenant_n however_o full_a of_o grace_n and_o light_n and_o glory_n have_v occasion_v as_o deep_a enquirye_n so_o dispute_v and_o variety_n of_o apprehension_n and_o that_o too_o among_o man_n both_o godly_a and_o learned_a yea_o that_o have_v be_v eminent_o so_o true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o principle_n which_o do_v more_o near_o concern_v the_o foundation_n or_o that_o relate_v to_o the_o substantial_o of_o the_o covenant_n orthodox_n writer_n be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o their_o circumstantial_a difference_n have_v cause_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n to_o break_v forth_o with_o a_o great_a brightness_n and_o glory_n exit_fw-la collisione_n ingeniorum_fw-la fit_a scintilla_fw-la veritatis_fw-la there_o be_v very_o judicious_a blake_n judicious_a dr._n jacob_n mr._n blake_n divine_n who_o in_o their_o discourse_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n take_v it_o in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n for_o the_o same_o with_o that_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n which_o the_o electbeleeve_a world_n be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o other_o and_z those_z who_o have_v be_v great_a ball._n great_a dr._n preston_n mr._n rutherford_n mr._n gelaspy_n mr._n ball._n light_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n comprehend_v the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n those_o glorious_a &_o bless_a transaction_n which_o have_v from_o the_o day_n of_o eternity_n pass_v between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n concern_v the_o redemption_n of_o lose_a sinner_n be_v though_o decree_n &_o purpose_n by_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o and_o express_v unto_o we_o in_o a_o covenant-way_n the_o lord_n christ_n be_v the_o prince_n head_n and_o mediator_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n he_o be_v the_o great_a patentee_n with_o who_o that_o heavenly_a charter_n be_v confirm_v and_o establish_v for_o ever_o indeed_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n be_v rather_o of_o work_n than_o of_o grace_n his_o obedience_n be_v every_o way_n perfect_a &_o meritorious_a but_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o we_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n since_o it_o be_v from_o infinite_a grace_n in_o the_o bless_a god_n that_o he_o have_v give_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o surety_n for_o sinner_n and_o that_o as_o to_o those_o who_o christ_n have_v undertake_v for_o he_o accept_v of_o the_o obedience_n of_o another_o without_o require_v personal_a satisfaction_n according_a to_o the_o rigour_n and_o holy_a severity_n of_o the_o law_n various_a also_o have_v the_o conception_n and_o expression_n of_o very_o worthy_a man_n be_v concern_v absolute_a and_o conditional_a promise_n some_o who_o affirm_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v etc._n be_v mr._n cotton_n mr._n bridge_n mr._n petto_n etc._n etc._n absolute_a yet_o acknowledge_v that_o faith_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o justification_n and_o that_o sincere_a obedience_n and_o perseverance_n therein_o be_v necessary_a necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la et_fw-la medij_fw-la in_o order_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o salvation_n only_o they_o be_v not_o free_a to_o use_v the_o word_n condition_n lest_o they_o shall_v make_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v causae_fw-la regnandi_fw-la which_o be_v but_o via_fw-la ad_fw-la regnum_fw-la on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o that_o assert_v condition_n to_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v nevertheless_o own_o that_o there_o be_v some_o promise_v therein_o covenant_n therein_o see_v mr._n bulkley_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o as_o to_o the_o subject_n of_o they_o be_v free_a and_o absolute_a viz._n the_o promise_v which_o respect_n first_o grace_n the_o pour_v down_o of_o the_o spirit_n the_o give_v a_o new_a heart_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o condition_n or_o qualification_n require_v of_o man_n under_o the_o gospel_n in_o order_n unto_o life_n and_o salvation_n viz._n faith_n repentance_n holiness_n perseverance_n shall_v most_o infallible_o be_v perform_v as_o to_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o some_o judicious_a and_o learned_a call_v the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n so_o that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o assert_v a_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n or_o a_o conditional_a will_n in_o god_n depend_v upon_o and_o determine_v by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o arminian_n heterodoxy_n have_v be_v elaborate_o confute_v by_o sundry_a great_a scientia_fw-la great_a twiss_n de_fw-fr scientia_fw-la media_fw-la voetius_fw-la disp_n de_fw-fr conditionata_fw-la seu_fw-la media_fw-la in_o deo_fw-la scientia_fw-la author_n thus_o far_o then_o the_o controversy_n about_o absolute_a &_o conditional_a promise_n be_v not_o of_o such_o moment_n but_o that_o we_o may_v saluâ_fw-la fide_fw-la &_o charitate_fw-la allow_v man_n to_o express_v their_o notion_n and_o peculiar_a sentiment_n therein_o only_o there_o be_v who_o under_o pretence_n of_o absolute_a promise_n destroy_v both_o save_a faith_n &_o obedience_n antinomian_o do_v no_o better_a and_o some_o there_o be_v that_o under_o that_o pretence_n will_v establish_v a_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n before_o and_o without_o those_o gracious_a qualification_n which_o the_o scripture_n declare_v all_o man_n that_o be_v destitute_a thereof_o to_o be_v christless_a under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o eternal_a death_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o such_o doctrine_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o comfort_v true_a believer_n but_o to_o harden_v presume_v hypocrite_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v sure_a of_o heaven_n and_o yet_o to_o retain_v some_o secret_a sin_n but_o what_o good_a will_v such_o a_o man_n assurance_n do_v he_o in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o soul_n it_o be_v of_o vast_a importance_n and_o concernment_n for_o man_n to_o be_v due_o instruct_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o covenant_n since_o most_o of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n be_v thereby_o confute_v blind_a popish_a error_n concern_v merit_n satisfaction_n many_o mediator_n etc._n etc._n arminian_n tenant_n about_o universal_a redemption_n free_a will_n apostasy_n from_o grace_n etc._n etc._n socinian_n haeresye_n deny_v the_o deity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n all_o these_o error_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n according_a as_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o have_v in_o these_o late_a time_n of_o light_n especial_o be_v hold_v forth_o from_o the_o scripture_n by_o redemption_n by_o see_v dr._n jacob_n and_o mr._n flavel_n sermon_n concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n several_a who_o the_o lord_n have_v raise_v up_o and_o enable_v unto_o that_o service_n for_o his_o name_n antinomian_n error_n oppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o covenant_n both_o as_o establish_v with_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n and_o with_o believer_n who_o be_v his_o seed_n that_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v require_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o holy_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v who_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o isa_n 60._o 21._o with_o 53._o 10_o 11._o anabaptistical_n error_n have_v be_v very_o fatal_a to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n since_o the_o reformation_n in_o which_o respect_n a_o 246._o a_o amiraldus_n de_fw-fr pace_n inter_fw-la evangel_n procurand_n p._n 246._o learned_a man_n give_v wise_a council_n when_o he_o advise_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a man_a industrious_a to_o establish_v their_o people_n in_o truth_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o such_o error_n it_o be_v from_o mistake_v about_o the_o covenant_n that_o man_n be_v carry_v away_o with_o delude_a opinion_n to_o the_o unspeakable_a prejudice_n of_o their_o child_n as_o well_o as_o of_o themselves_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o do_v solemn_o profess_v it_o i_o value_v that_o covenant-interest_n which_o god_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o christ_n through_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n come_v upon_o the_o
gentile_n have_v vouchsafe_v not_o only_o to_o i_o but_o to_o my_o child_n to_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n better_o than_o any_o earthly_a inheritance_n which_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v and_o true_o they_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v bless_v they_o in_o their_o posterity_n who_o set_v at_o nought_o so_o bless_v a_o privilege_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n will_v i_o trust_v be_v of_o good_a use_n among_o the_o lord_n people_n therein_o the_o reverend_n and_o worthy_a author_n have_v with_o candour_n deliver_v his_o own_o judgement_n in_o point_n that_o be_v of_o a_o more_o controversial_a and_o circumstantial_a nature_n not_o be_v willing_a to_o contend_v about_o word_n where_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o the_o main_a principle_n on_o which_o the_o truth_n stand_v immovable_a i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o excellent_a treatise_n on_o this_o argument_n already_o extant_a nevertheless_o what_o be_v here_o present_v be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v supervacaneous_a since_o the_o reader_n will_v find_v that_o these_o sermon_n as_o to_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o they_o be_v succinct_a solid_a and_o judicious_a and_o that_o the_o applicatory_a part_n be_v both_o powerful_a and_o seasonable_a be_v wise_o accommodate_v unto_o the_o present_a state_n of_o these_o church_n more_o especial_o unto_o such_o as_o have_v late_o and_o explicit_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o one_o another_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n in_o that_o he_o have_v stir_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o this_o his_o servant_n to_o give_v such_o faithful_a exhortation_n and_o caution_n as_o be_v here_o to_o be_v see_v in_o special_a i_o rejoice_v to_o see_v what_o be_v express_v pag._n 107_o 110._o where_o professor_n be_v call_v upon_o to_o deny_v themselves_o in_o some_o lawful_a libertye_n rather_o than_o to_o occasion_v other_o to_o sin_n against_o the_o bless_a god_n and_o the_o neglect_v of_o church-watch_n and_o discipline_n be_v bewail_v as_o that_o which_o do_v make_v religion_n to_o languish_v among_o we_o and_o it_o be_v a_o delight_n to_o see_v that_o serious_a and_o solemn_a caution_n pag._n 124_o 125._o to_o the_o child_n rise_v up_o that_o they_o shall_v beware_v of_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n which_o our_o father_n have_v lay_v now_o the_o lord_n own_o and_o go_v along_o with_o his_o truth_n that_o thereby_o many_o may_v be_v awaken_v quicken_v encourage_v in_o faithful_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n so_o may_v they_o hope_v that_o the_o lord_n faithfulness_n in_o keep_v covenant_n with_o they_o will_v extend_v itself_o to_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o yea_o unto_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n and_o unto_o their_o child_n child_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n boston_n n._n england_n novemb_n 15._o 1682._o increase_v mather_n covenant-keeping_a the_o way_n to_o blessedness_n psal._n 103._o 17_o 18._o 17._o but_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o his_o righteousness_n unto_o child_n child_n 18._o to_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o to_o those_o that_o remember_v his_o commandment_n to_o do_v they_o it_o be_v a_o observation_n worth_a our_o serious_a mind_v that_o ever_o since_o god_n make_v man_n upon_o the_o earth_n he_o have_v deal_v with_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o covenant_n he_o be_v no_o soon_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n but_o be_v transact_v with_o in_o this_o way_n and_o when_o he_o have_v utter_o lose_v himself_o by_o his_o disobedience_n to_o the_o first_o than_o be_v a_o new_a &_o gospel_n covenant_n open_v and_o reveal_v unto_o he_o in_o that_o first_o glorious_a promise_n make_v after_o man_n apostasy_n that_o the_o woman_n seed_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n gen._n 3._o 15._o the_o knowledge_n therefore_o and_o understand_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o our_o true_a relation_n to_o it_o be_v that_o which_o only_o can_v help_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o true_a estate_n which_o be_v do_v by_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o it_o here_o also_o we_o learn_v our_o duty_n by_o frame_v ourselves_o according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o this_o last_o be_v of_o special_a moment_n to_o be_v ponder_v by_o a_o church_n or_o people_n design_v to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o present_a discourse_n this_o psalm_n be_v a_o psalm_n of_o praise_n its_o proper_a design_n be_v to_o move_v and_o persuade_v the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o celebrate_v his_o glorious_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n to_o his_o people_n to_o which_o end_n there_o be_v from_o vers_n 3._o to_o 20._o a_o particular_a enumeration_n of_o various_a benefit_n for_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o honour_v in_o the_o lip_n and_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n one_o of_o these_o be_v record_v and_o illustrate_v from_o vers_fw-la 15._o to_o 19_o viz._n his_o endless_a mercy_n and_o describe_v 1._o by_o its_o duration_n from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a it_o be_v not_o a_o fade_a or_o soon-expiring_a love_n but_o abide_v this_o be_v illustrate_v by_o the_o contrary_a or_o compare_v with_o the_o mercy_n of_o man_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v like_o himself_o and_o what_o he_o be_v he_o tell_v we_o vers_fw-la 15_o 16._o his_o day_n be_v as_o grass_n etc._n etc._n he_o be_v a_o poor_a frail_a wither_a die_a thing_n blow_v down_o like_o a_o bubble_n with_o a_o little_a puff_n soon_o go_v and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o lose_v in_o a_o little_a time_n 2._o by_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o whereof_o here_o be_v a_o threefold_a character_n all_o indeed_o aim_v at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o vary_v in_o the_o expression_n and_o that_o for_o our_o better_a information_n the_o subject_n thereof_o be_v describe_v by_o 1._o the_o inward_a principle_n whereby_o they_o be_v act_v they_o that_o fear_v he_o which_o word_n be_v chemn_v jara_n quando_fw-la ad_fw-la de_fw-fr â—m_n refertur_fw-la generale_fw-mi est_fw-la complectens_fw-la omnem_fw-la reverentiam_fw-la quae_fw-la cum_fw-la veneratione_n &_o religione_fw-la deo_fw-la exhibetur_fw-la chemn_v use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n they_o that_o fear_v god_n be_v true_a believer_n that_o have_v receive_v the_o heart_n of_o child_n it_o intend_v that_o reverential_a and_o filial_a fear_n that_o be_v in_o true_a convert_v which_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o principl_n of_o obedience_n 2._o the_o practice_n of_o this_o principle_n such_o as_o keep_v his_o covenant_n i._n e._n those_o that_o so_o order_v their_o life_n as_o to_o observe_v the_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o endeavour_v to_o frame_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o term_n and_o prescript_n of_o it_o and_o that_o observe_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o rule_n which_o they_o follow_v in_o their_o practice_n and_o how_o they_o follow_v this_o rule_n that_o remember_v his_o commandment_n to_o do_v they_o i._n e._n that_o study_n much_o to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n about_o their_o duty_n or_o how_o he_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v order_v themselves_o and_o their_o way_n and_o this_o with_o full_a purpose_n and_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o practice_v according_o though_o it_o be_v the_o second_o of_o these_o i_o main_o intend_v to_o follow_v yet_o so_o as_o include_v or_o comprehend_v of_o the_o other_o two_o for_o he_o that_o keep_v covenant_n be_v one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n these_o two_o comprise_v all_o that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o covenant_n eccl._n 12._o 13._o 3._o by_o the_o entail_v of_o it_o vers_n 17._o where_o the_o word_n righteousness_n be_v put_v in_o instead_o of_o the_o word_n mercy_n to_o note_v unto_o we_o the_o sweet_a consent_n that_o be_v between_o justice_n and_o mercy_n in_o this_o work_n and_o also_o to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o promise_n inasmuch_o as_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o righteousness_n can_v but_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a he_o will_v therefore_o perpetuate_v his_o mercy_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o term_n of_o his_o covenant_n *_o the_o word_n covenant_n use_v in_o our_o re_fw-la berith_n ab_fw-la eligendo_fw-la quia_fw-la eliguntur_fw-la personae_fw-la etc._n etc._n buxtorf_n quod_fw-la foedus_fw-la est_fw-la mutuus_fw-la consensas_fw-la duorum_fw-la super_fw-la aliqua_fw-la re_fw-la text_n imply_v a_o mutual_a obligation_n and_o voluntary_a between_o party_n come_v from_o a_o root_n which_o signify_v to_o choose_v because_o in_o a_o covenant_n there_o be_v a_o choice_n of_o party_n and_o condition_n *_o the_o word_n keep_v imply_v a_o watchful_a care_n a_o noun_n from_o the_o verb_n