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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n care_n child_n parent_n 3,714 5 8.8140 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A32091 A practical discourse concerning vows with a special reference to baptism and the Lord's Supper / by Edmund Calamy. Calamy, Edmund, 1671-1732. 1697 (1697) Wing C274; ESTC R6151 137,460 320

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thy_o bond_n we_o bring_v they_o with_o the_o institute_v solemnity_n even_o in_o their_o very_a infancy_n and_o we_o do_v all_o that_o in_o we_o lay_v to_o bring_v they_o under_o as_o strong_a and_o firm_a engagement_n as_o be_v possible_a and_o often_o do_v we_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o sensible_a how_o much_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o live_v to_o thou_o to_o who_o they_o be_v devote_v their_o blood_n therefore_o be_v upon_o themselves_o if_o they_o have_v wicked_o and_o obstinate_o revolt_a from_o thou_o their_o ruin_n will_v lie_v at_o their_o own_o door_n whereof_o we_o be_v witness_n all_z other_o also_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o solemnity_n of_o their_o baptism_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o bear_v witness_n that_o they_o come_v early_o under_o god_n gracious_a covenant_n and_o be_v enter_v in_o a_o bond_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o which_o if_o they_o have_v wicked_o neglect_v and_o live_v to_o themselves_o instead_o of_o live_v to_o god_n they_o can_v attest_v they_o have_v break_v a_o divine_a vow_n that_o be_v upon_o they_o which_o imply_v a_o high_o aggravate_v gild_n and_o oh_o how_o sad_a a_o thing_n will_v it_o be_v for_o person_n to_o have_v minister_n parent_n and_o christian_a friend_n rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o at_o last_o for_o their_o revolt_n from_o that_o god_n to_o who_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n be_v consecrate_a and_o break_v those_o band_n that_o shall_v have_v fasten_v they_o to_o he_o but_o after_o all_o because_o there_o be_v some_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o that_o question_v parent_n power_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n while_o infant_n under_o such_o a_o obligation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o make_v their_o incapacity_n personal_o to_o consent_v a_o grand_a objection_n against_o this_o practice_n i_o shall_v now_o 5thly_a a_o little_a distinct_o consider_v the_o power_n of_o parent_n to_o bring_v they_o and_o the_o child_n capacity_n of_o be_v bring_v under_o such_o a_o obligation_n as_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o parental_a power_n it_o be_v the_o great_a that_o nature_n give_v the_o interest_n of_o parent_n in_o their_o child_n be_v great_a and_o such_o also_o must_v their_o power_n over_o they_o needs_o consequent_o be_v child_n have_v no_o use_n of_o their_o understanding_n to_o deliberate_v or_o will_n to_o choose_v they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o act_v nature_n invest_v parent_n therefore_o with_o a_o right_n of_o deliberate_v choose_v and_o act_v for_o they_o during_o their_o own_o incapacity_n child_n be_v the_o product_n even_o of_o their_o own_o bowel_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v well_o suppose_v they_o will_v do_v their_o best_a for_o they_o and_o they_o can_v never_o make_v their_o parent_n a_o return_n for_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o can_v never_o pay_v they_o the_o debt_n that_o be_v natural_o owe_v they_o and_o therefore_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v ready_a to_o hearken_v to_o they_o and_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v reasonable_a nature_n put_v parent_n in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n to_o child_n during_o their_o infant_n state_n they_o have_v as_o great_a a_o power_n of_o command_n over_o they_o even_o as_o over_o their_o own_o hand_n or_o foot_n or_o any_o other_o member_n of_o their_o body_n where_o provide_v they_o keep_v within_o the_o limit_n and_o inclination_n of_o nature_n i._n e._n love_n and_o cherish_v and_o be_v tender_a of_o they_o they_o can_v overdo_v all_o civil_a law_n have_v allow_v great_a scope_n to_o the_o parental_a power_n because_o it_o be_v presume_v it_o will_v be_v use_v for_o their_o child_n good_n in_o no_o country_n have_v it_o be_v so_o straighten_a by_o any_o particular_a law_n as_o that_o parent_n have_v not_o have_v a_o free_a liberty_n of_o dispose_n of_o their_o child_n and_o enter_v into_o contract_n for_o they_o which_o shall_v be_v bind_v upon_o they_o and_o of_o lay_v charge_n and_o command_v on_o they_o which_o shall_v be_v obligatory_a we_o have_v a_o know_a instance_n of_o this_o latter_a sort_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o rechabite_v who_o be_v charge_v by_o jonadab_n their_o forefather_n that_o none_o of_o they_o their_o wife_n 〈◊〉_d their_o son_n or_o their_o daughter_n shall_v drink_v any_o wine_n that_o they_o shall_v neither_o build_v house_n nor_o sow_n seed_n nor_o plant_v vineyard_n nor_o have_v any_o but_o all_o their_o day_n dwell_v in_o tent_n which_o charge_n they_o punctual_o obey_v and_o there_o be_v a_o solemn_a blessing_n give_v they_o by_o god_n for_o this_o their_o obedience_n and_o can_v it_o 19_o be_v suppose_v parent_n shall_v have_v great_a power_n over_o their_o child_n in_o natural_a matter_n and_o civil_a affair_n and_o none_o in_o religious_a concern_v god_n take_v care_n of_o the_o infant_n seed_n of_o pious_a parent_n have_v make_v great_a promise_n and_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o offer_v to_o entail_v the_o blessing_n of_o it_o on_o they_o and_o have_v parent_n no_o power_n to_o give_v up_o their_o child_n to_o he_o and_o enter_v they_o into_o his_o covenant_n and_o bind_v they_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o child_n be_v bind_v to_o stand_v to_o any_o engagement_n their_o parent_n come_v under_o for_o they_o unless_o in_o any_o thing_n sinful_a and_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o can_v they_o safe_o reject_v the_o force_n of_o the_o vow_n they_o bring_v they_o under_o in_o baptism_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o plead_v that_o it_o be_v a_o stretch_n of_o the_o parental_a power_n why_o if_o parent_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v a_o physician_n for_o their_o body_n a_o instructor_n for_o their_o mind_n a_o master_n for_o their_o call_v etc._n etc._n what_o shall_v hinder_v their_o power_n from_o exte●…ing_v to_o the_o choose_n of_o god_n for_o the_o portion_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o bind_v they_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n owe_v to_o he_o it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v plead_v that_o parent_n will_v not_o want_v power_n in_o the_o case_n be_v but_o their_o child_n capable_a of_o such_o a_o obligation_n in_o their_o infant_n state_n but_o they_o be_v unmeet_a subject_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o a_o power_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v insignificant_a le_fw-fr we_o therefore_o 2._o a_o little_a consider_v child_n capacity_n of_o come_v under_o such_o a_o bond_n as_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n i._n e._n their_o passive_a not_o their_o active_a capacity_n which_o be_v not_o pretend_v or_o plead_v for_o and_o here_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v bind_v in_o civil_n why_o not_o in_o spiritual_n to_o man_n why_o not_o to_o god_n a_o infant_n may_v have_v a_o estate_n make_v over_o and_o secure_v to_o he_o by_o law_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o become_v a_o tenant_n and_o be_v oblige_v to_o pay_v a_o certain_a rent_n and_o homage_n when_o he_o come_v to_o age_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n of_o have_v provision_n from_o the_o estate_n he_o have_v a_o title_n to_o in_o such_o a_o case_n none_o will_v deny_v but_o a_o parent_n or_o even_o a_o guardian_n may_v act_v for_o he_o and_o that_o so_o as_o that_o he_o shall_v stand_v engage_v if_o so_o why_o be_v he_o not_o as_o capable_a of_o be_v oblige_v by_o a_o sacred_a vow_n whereby_o his_o parent_n will_v bind_v he_o to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o secure_v the_o everlasting_a inheritance_n which_o he_o by_o gospel-grant_a have_v settle_v on_o all_o his_o child_n let_v it_o therefore_o here_o be_v observe_v that_o whatever_o be_v plead_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o incapacity_n of_o infant_n to_o come_v under_o a_o vow_n to_o god_n in_o baptism_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o parent_n transact_v on_o their_o behalf_n prove_v they_o equal_o incapable_a of_o come_v under_o any_o obligation_n whatsoever_o till_o they_o be_v able_a to_o transact_v for_o themselves_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a that_o have_v live_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o let_v it_o be_v further_o observe_v that_o infant_n even_o while_o such_o be_v capable_a of_o share_v in_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o if_o so_o why_o not_o of_o come_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o share_v in_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n blood_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o other_o mark_n of_o divine_a favour_n and_o of_o be_v treat_v by_o god_n as_o his_o child_n and_o that_o by_o their_o parent_n mean_n who_o covenant_n interest_n be_v available_a for_o their_o good_a in_o their_o infant_n state_n why_o may_v they_o not_o then_o by_o their_o mean_n also_o come_v under_o a_o engagement_n and_o
to_o come_v unto_o his_o table_n when_o i_o be_o invite_v and_o call_v and_o to_o join_v in_o that_o sacred_a solemnity_n that_o i_o may_v thereby_o testify_v my_o union_n with_o the_o church_n my_o charity_n for_o all_o and_o my_o thankfulness_n to_o christ_n and_o will_v never_o forget_v his_o unspeakable_a love_n to_o my_o poor_a soul_n manifest_v in_o his_o sacrifice_n of_o everlasting_a virtue_n and_o will_v hope_v according_a to_o the_o integrity_n of_o my_o heart_n that_o though_o my_o fail_n be_v many_o yet_o he_o will_v increase_v my_o grace_n and_o heavenly_a comfort_n upon_o my_o wait_v upon_o he_o therein_o and_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o this_o my_o vow_n and_o act_v agreeable_o thereunto_o i_o resolve_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o persevere_v and_o hold_v on_o to_o the_o end_n of_o my_o day_n live_v in_o the_o constant_a expectation_n of_o death_n judgement_n and_o eternity_n and_o my_o lord_n return_v this_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o purport_n of_o that_o vow_n or_o engagement_n which_o christianity_n oblige_v all_o its_o adult_n votary_n free_o to_o come_v under_o and_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o our_o religion_n i_o appeal_v to_o all_o that_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v and_o review_v it_o whether_o this_o vow_n thus_o draw_v up_o contain_v any_o thing_n unreasonable_a whether_o there_o be_v not_o the_o high_a reason_n run_v through_o it_o whether_o any_o branch_n of_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o any_o just_a exception_n whether_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o come_v under_o it_o or_o be_v under_o it_o to_o obey_v it_o be_v not_o enemy_n to_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o to_o god_n whether_o it_o contain_v any_o thing_n impossible_a to_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v happy_a for_o the_o world_n and_o reflect_v a_o great_a lustre_n upon_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v faithful_o and_o punctual_o keep_v by_o all_o that_o be_v under_o it_o here_o i_o 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of_o be_v baptise_a and_o come_v under_o the_o vow_n forego_v but_o when_o christianity_n have_v justle_v out_o its_o rival_n religion_n come_v to_o be_v fix_v and_o settle_v parent_n general_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o get_v their_o child_n name_n inscribe_v in_o the_o christian_a roll_n from_o their_o infancy_n and_o to_o enter_v they_o into_o a_o sacred_a bond_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n in_o baptism_n and_o actual_o do_v so_o so_o that_o afterward_o none_o remain_v to_o be_v baptise_a when_o adult_n but_o either_o those_o who_o parent_n neglect_v to_o devote_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n by_o that_o sacred_a rite_n in_o their_o infant_n state_n or_o those_o who_o be_v themselves_o proselyte_v to_o christianity_n after_o they_o come_v to_o maturity_n which_o after_o the_o three_o or_o four_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v all_o along_o comparative_o few_o 2._o that_o the_o more_o public_o this_o vow_n be_v make_v by_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a when_o adult_n it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o better_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n it_o be_v general_o in_o the_o face_n of_o a_o christian_a assembly_n that_o this_o affair_n be_v transact_v and_o though_o it_o can_v be_v just_o pretend_v that_o its_o validity_n at_o all_o depend_v upon_o the_o publickness_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v it_o unquestionable_a that_o its_o end_n will_v be_v thereby_o the_o better_a answer_v it_o make_v it_o much_o more_o solemn_a there_o will_v be_v the_o more_o witness_n who_o may_v be_v afterward_o monitor_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o the_o great_a force_n will_v it_o probable_o have_v and_o the_o great_a be_v the_o awe_n that_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v thereby_o impress_v 3._o that_o this_o vow_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o adult_n but_o even_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a when_o infant_n area_n much_o concern_v in_o it_o for_o 1._o their_o infant_n dedication_n to_o god_n in_o covenant_n oblige_v they_o to_o stand_v to_o and_o keep_v this_o vow_n as_o much_o as_o if'twere_v personal_o make_v in_o their_o first_o consecration_n and_o 2._o their_o infant_n baptism_n oblige_v they_o actual_o to_o make_v a_o vow_n of_o this_o nature_n when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n and_o so_o be_v capable_a of_o personal_n covenant_v for_o themselves_o which_o matter_n will_v receive_v no_o small_a light_n from_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n v._n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n as_o to_o those_o baptise_a in_o infancy_n a_o account_n of_o the_o distinct_a concern_v of_o parent_n and_o child_n in_o it_o and_o a_o distinct_a address_n to_o each_o concern_v the_o duty_n thence_o result_v though_o the_o case_n of_o person_n baptise_a when_o adult_n be_v more_o clear_a yet_o be_v that_o of_o those_o baptise_a in_o infancy_n much_o more_o common_a in_o the_o day_n we_o live_v in_o and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n now_o for_o several_a age_n though_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o former_a by_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n be_v more_o immediate_a and_o therefore_o more_o obvious_a and_o sensible_o discernible_a yet_o be_v that_o of_o the_o latter_a as_o full_o and_o sufficient_o evident_a if_o right_o state_v i_o design_v not_o to_o run_v out_o into_o dispute_n and_o shall_v therefore_o take_v that_o for_o grant_v which_o so_o many_o eminent_a person_n of_o all_o profession_n have_v so_o laborious_o and_o clear_o prove_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_a parent_n to_o enter_v their_o child_n while_o infant_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o christian_a covenant_n by_o baptism_n and_o so_o from_o the_o first_o to_o bring_v they_o under_o the_o vow_n fore_o go_v i_o lay_v that_o down_o here_o as_o a_o postulatum_fw-la and_o take_v it_o to_o be_v but_o a_o reasonable_a one_o and_o suppose_v it_o evident_a shall_v set_v myself_o to_o show_v what_o apprehensious_a we_o be_v to_o form_v of_o the_o engagement_n which_o such_o baptise_a infant_n come_v under_o and_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o come_n under_o it_o and_o here_o i_o think_v it_o undeniable_a that_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o parent_n right_a that_o infant_n be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n so_o it_o be_v by_o their_o engagement_n that_o they_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o vow_n which_o that_o solemnity_n carry_v in_o it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v clear_a in_o this_o matter_n therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a distinct_o to_o consider_v 1._o the_o part_n and_o work_v of_o parent_n in_o devote_v their_o child_n to_o god_n and_o bring_v they_o under_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n 2._o the_o concern_v of_o child_n in_o what_o upon_o that_o occasion_n be_v do_v by_o their_o parent_n for_o they_o and_o on_o their_o hehalf_n and_o 3._o the_o parent_n power_n to_o bring_v they_o and_o the_o child_n capacity_n of_o be_v bring_v under_o such_o a_o obligation_n as_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o part_n and_o work_v of_o parent_n in_o devote_v their_o child_n to_o god_n and_o bring_v they_o under_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n that_o be_v comprise_v under_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o they_o disclaim_v all_o right_n to_o their_o child_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o god_n absolute_a propriety_n and_o resign_v they_o as_o a_o part_n of_o themselves_o entire_o to_o his_o management_n and_o disposal_n from_o he_o they_o receive_v they_o and_o to_o he_o they_o return_v they_o beg_v his_o acceptance_n of_o they_o for_o his_o own_o 2._o they_o bring_v they_o to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n and_o hold_v they_o up_o before_o he_o with_o earnest_a desire_n that_o these_o little_a part_n of_o themselves_o may_v be_v not_o only_o under_o his_o providential_a care_n but_o under_o the_o entail_n of_o his_o covenant_n love_n as_o they_o embrace_v that_o covenant_n which_o the_o gospel_n offer_v for_o themselves_o so_o be_v it_o also_o their_o earnest_a request_n
that_o their_o child_n may_v partake_v of_o the_o inestimable_a blessing_n of_o it_o in_o order_n whereto_o they_o bring_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o institute_v seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o so_o that_o promise_n of_o pardon_n favour_n grace_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v to_o their_o child_n as_o well_o as_o they_o may_v actual_o reach_v 39_o they_o 3._o they_o consent_v for_o their_o child_n to_o all_o god_n claim_v and_o demand_n and_o bind_v they_o if_o they_o live_v to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o ever_o they_o expect_v or_o desire_v they_o shall_v share_v in_o the_o blessing_n of_o it_o that_o their_o child_n shall_v eventual_o live_v in_o god_n fear_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o carry_v it_o as_o his_o devote_a servant_n be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o best_a of_o parent_n to_o promise_v that_o can_v only_o be_v bring_v about_o by_o the_o aid_n of_o divine_a grace_n which_o be_v not_o at_o their_o dispose_n but_o have_v a_o natural_a 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they_o shall_v be_v his_o master_n for_o they_o 4_o be_v bear_v in_o his_o family_n so_o all_o the_o child_n of_o christian_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v in_o christ_n family_n and_o to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o peculiar_a propriety_n which_o propriety_n of_o he_o be_v own_a in_o their_o infant_n dedication_n for_o parent_n in_o that_o solemnity_n acknowledge_v our_o bless_a redeemer_n to_o be_v the_o rightful_a lord_n and_o master_n both_o of_o they_o and_o they_o to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o who_o family_n they_o bind_v both_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o keep_v close_o and_o he_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o testify_v his_o acceptance_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o by_z certain_z solemn_z rite_n he_o have_v appoint_v to_o be_v use_v by_o his_o minister_n 5._o christian_n parent_n do_v as_o it_o be_v enter_v a_o protest_v against_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o bowel_n and_o solemn_o lay_v they_o under_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n if_o they_o live_v to_o cast_v off_o his_o yoke_n and_o lay_v aside_o his_o fear_n and_o revolt_v from_o his_o covenant_n i_o believe_v this_o be_v but_o rare_o so_o much_o as_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o actual_a thought_n of_o a_o parent_n upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n but_o it_o be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o solemnity_n itself_o a_o vow_n can_v be_v make_v without_o a_o penalty_n either_o suppose_v or_o express_v and_o all_o sacramental_a vow_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n carry_v imprecation_n in_o they_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n make_v personal_o by_o any_o one_o have_v this_o imprecation_n imply_v in_o it_o if_o not_o express_o intimate_v the_o lord_n do_v so_o to_o i_o ●…nd_v more_o also_o if_o i_o ●…erfidiously_o break_v it_o the_o lord_n shut_v i_o for_o ever_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o verify_v all_o his_o threaten_n in_o my_o exemplary_a punishment_n if_o i_o wicked_o revolt_v from_o he_o so_o also_o when_o parent_n come_v to_o devote_v a_o little_a one_o of_o they_o to_o god_n in_o baptism_n such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o transaction_n on_o its_o behalf_n that_o they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n renounce_v thou_o my_o child_n if_o ever_o thou_o live_v to_o renounce_v this_o vow_n i_o be_o enter_v thou_o under_o to_o be_v his_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o thou_o if_o thou_o break_v his_o bond_n and_o irreclaimable_o persiste_v in_o rebellion_n against_o he_o 6._o parent_n solemn_o vow_v and_o promise_v to_o do_v all_o that_o in_o they_o lie_v as_o their_o child_n grow_v up_o to_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o their_o engagement_n and_o obligation_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n to_o who_o they_o be_v so_o early_o consecrate_a and_o devote_v they_o oblige_v themselves_o if_o they_o and_o their_o child_n live_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n to_o help_v they_o to_o understand_v what_o their_o baptism_n oblige_v they_o to_o and_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o live_v answerable_o to_o that_o sacred_a vow_n they_o then_o enter_v they_o under_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o understand_o serious_o and_o personal_o to_o renew_v it_o themselves_o that_o so_o its_o bind_n and_o oblige_v force_n may_v be_v the_o strong_a upon_o they_o and_o the_o entail_n of_o covenant_n blessing_n may_v be_v the_o more_o firm_o secure_v to_o they_o this_o in_o short_a be_v parent_n work_v in_o the_o baptismal_a consecration_n of_o their_o little_a one_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o in_o that_o solemnity_n not_o only_o bring_v their_o child_n under_o a_o sacred_a vow_n but_o also_o come_v under_o one_o themselves_o you_o may_v take_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o vow_n in_o form_n brief_o thus_o behold_v o_o lord_n we_o who_o have_v devote_v ourselves_o and_o all_o that_o we_o be_v and_o have_v to_o thou_o do_v according_a to_o thy_o injunction_n and_o expectation_n particular_o now_o consecrate_v a_o little_a one_o of_o we_o to_o thou_o from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v it_o we_o own_v it_o to_o be_v more_o thine_a than_o we_o by_o right_n and_o we_o desire_v that_o thy_o right_n may_v take_v place_n it_o be_v bear_v in_o thy_o family_n we_o therefore_o bring_v it_o to_o be_v enroll_v in_o the_o list_n of_o thy_o servant_n and_o to_o receive_v thy_o badge_n and_o put_v on_o thy_o livery_n in_o order_n to_o its_o share_n in_o all_o the_o bless_a privilege_n of_o thy_o domestic_n we_o have_v hand_v it_o into_o a_o miserable_a world_n and_o be_v instrumental_a to_o convey_v a_o a_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o it_o but_o thou_o alone_o by_o give_v it_o thy_o grace_n can_v make_v it_o happy_a we_o present_v it_o to_o thou_o for_o thy_o blessing_n we_o now_o enter_v it_o into_o thy_o covenant_n the_o blessing_n whereof_o thou_o have_v in_o thy_o word_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o declare_v do_v descend_v from_o believer_n to_o their_o infant_n seed_n we_o offer_v it_o to_o receive_v the_o outward_a seal_n and_o beg_v that_o thou_o will_v convey_v and_o assure_v the_o great_a thing_n thereby_o betoken_v and_o intimate_v we_o humble_o lie_v hold_v of_o thy_o covenant_n for_o ourselves_o and_o this_o little_a one_o on_o who_o behalf_n we_o free_o consent_v to_o all_o thy_o claim_n and_o demand_n hope_v that_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v thou_o to_o to_o remove_v it_o out_o of_o this_o sinful_a and_o troublesome_a world_n before_o it_o shall_v become_v capable_a of_o transact_v with_o thou_o personal_o for_o itself_o thou_o will_v take_v it_o to_o thyself_o and_o make_v it_o happy_a in_o thyself_o and_o firm_o bind_v and_o engage_v it_o if_o thou_o shall_v please_v to_o spare_v its_o life_n to_o live_v in_o thy_o fear_n and_o walk_v in_o thy_o way_n and_o sincere_o keep_v all_o thy_o holy_a commandment_n as_o ever_o we_o desire_v or_o expect_v it_o shall_v share_v in_o the_o invaluable_a blessing_n which_o thou_o have_v promise_v to_o thy_o servant_n and_o if_o which_o we_o humble_o beseech_v thou_o merciful_o to_o prevent_v it_o shall_v live_v perfidious_o to_o break_v thy_o bond_n and_o wicked_o to_o revolt_n from_o thou_o and_o persist_v so_o do_v without_o be_v reclaim_v we_o can_v desire_v no_o other_o than_o that_o it_o may_v be_v treat_v as_o a_o insolent_a contemner_n of_o thy_o covenant_n and_o a_o perfidious_a revolter_n from_o it_o to_o prevent_v which_o nevertheless_o we_o solemn_o promise_v as_o in_o thy_o especial_a presence_n to_o do_v all_o that_o lie_v in_o our_o power_n by_o wholesome_a instruction_n and_o serious_a admonition_n parental_a counsel_n seasonable_a reproof_n and_o suitable_a correction_n as_o we_o can_v discern_v occasion_n which_o endeavour_n of_o we_o we_o humble_o and_o earnest_o beseech_v thou_o to_o accompany_v with_o thy_o heavenly_a blessing_n that_o they_o may_v be_v effectual_a let_v
we_o now_o consider_v the_o concern_v of_o child_n in_o this_o transaction_n of_o their_o parent_n on_o their_o behalf_n of_o which_o you_o may_v take_v a_o account_n in_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o they_o be_v hereby_o bind_v to_o lead_v a_o life_n of_o holy_a devotedness_n to_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n to_o this_o they_o henceforth_o stand_v bind_v not_o only_o by_o that_o divinelaw_n that_o require_v it_o of_o they_o but_o also_o by_o their_o parent_n engagement_n and_o stipulation_n which_o in_o matter_n of_o plain_a duty_n to_o be_v sure_o be_v bind_v whatever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v indifferent_a we_o find_v samuel_n under_o the_o law_n think_v himself_o oblige_v by_o his_o mother_n vow_n and_o therefore_o give_v himself_o free_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o tabernacle_n according_a to_o the_o dedication_n she_o have_v make_v of_o he_o yea_o iepthath_n daughter_n comply_v with_o her_o father_n vow_n though_o as_o most_o think_v it_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o in_o sacrifice_n my_o father_n say_v she_o if_o thou_o have_v open_v thy_o mouth_n to_o the_o lord_n do_v 36._o to_o i_o according_a to_o that_o which_o have_v proceed_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n how_o much_o more_o than_o must_v those_o child_n who_o be_v in_o infancy_n enter_v into_o the_o christian_a covenant_n by_o their_o parent_n be_v oblige_v to_o stand_v to_o it_o when_o it_o engage_v they_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v of_o itself_o antecedent_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o honour_n nature_n have_v make_v due_a to_o parent_n from_o their_o child_n that_o they_o own_v themselves_o bind_v by_o their_o engagement_n for_o they_o and_o interest_n in_o this_o case_n fall_v in_o with_o duty_n the_o advantage_n of_o a_o compliance_n with_o their_o parental_a dedication_n be_v very_o great_a and_o the_o mischief_n of_o a_o refusal_n evident_a and_o notorious_a withal_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o family_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o to_o the_o master_n whereof_o their_o parent_n bring_v they_o to_o pay_v so_o early_a a_o homage_n and_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o service_n of_o that_o lord_n who_o badge_n they_o so_o soon_o receive_v till_o they_o can_v find_v a_o better_a and_o if_o they_o stay_v till_o then_o without_o all_o question_n they_o will_v never_o quit_v he_o the_o obligation_n infant_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o baptism_n come_v under_o to_o a_o holy_a devotedness_n be_v of_o a_o mix_a nature_n it_o be_v partly_o natural_a and_o partly_o positive_a it_o be_v natural_a so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o parental_a power_n due_o exercise_v it_o be_v positive_a so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v any_o force_n in_o the_o rite_n then_o use_v which_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o the_o case_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n the_o same_o as_o to_o circumcision_n of_o old_a st._n paul_n observe_v that_o every_o man_n that_o be_v circumcise_a be_v a_o debtor_n to_o do_v the_o whole_a law_n circumcision_n oblige_v all_o that_o 3._o receive_v it_o to_o a_o subjection_n to_o the_o whole_a mosaic_a law_n and_o that_o although_o it_o be_v administer_v to_o all_o of_o jewish_a extraction_n in_o their_o infancy_n and_o on_o their_o parent_n account_v and_o at_o their_o desire_n they_o be_v bind_v by_o it_o without_o stay_v for_o their_o consent_n so_o also_o be_v all_o baptise_a person_n though_o infant_n bind_v to_o asubjection_n to_o the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o the_o denial_n hereof_o by_o any_o so_o baptise_a be_v a_o spit_v in_o their_o parent_n face_n nay_o a_o pour_v contempt_n on_o god_n sacred_a institution_n 2._o they_o be_v bind_v to_o own_o their_o baptismal_a obligation_n as_o soon_o as_o capable_a if_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o stand_v to_o it_o there_o be_v certain_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v own_v they_o do_v so_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o own_o it_o in_o duty_n to_o their_o parent_n who_o by_o give_v they_o up_o to_o god_n more_o effectul_o consult_v their_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n than_o they_o can_v have_v do_v any_o other_o way_n they_o be_v bind_v also_o to_o do_v it_o in_o gratitude_n to_o god_n for_o so_o inestimable_a a_o privilege_n as_o be_v so_o early_a a_o admission_n into_o his_o family_n and_o come_v under_o his_o covenant_n it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v do_v it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o secure_v the_o entail_n of_o covenant_n blessing_n to_o which_o their_o own_o personal_a take_n upon_o they_o that_o vow_v which_o they_o first_o come_v under_o in_o baptism_n be_v necessary_a for_o they_o be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o part_v of_o their_o parent_n than_o till_o they_o arrive_v at_o a_o capacity_n of_o act_v for_o themselves_o at_o which_o time_n god_n expect_v both_o that_o they_o shall_v own_v their_o baptismal_a dedication_n to_o have_v be_v a_o signal_n mercy_n declare_v their_o readiness_n to_o stand_v to_o the_o vow_n they_o be_v then_o enter_v under_o and_o personal_o make_v it_o for_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n as_o ever_o they_o expect_v to_o reap_v the_o bless_a benefit_n that_o depend_v thereon_o and_o though_o this_o vow_n be_v real_o bind_v when_o it_o be_v mere_o parental_a yet_o be_v it_o more_o firm_o bind_v when_o it_o thus_o become_v personal_n and_o those_o must_v look_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o parent_n over_o child_n to_o be_v very_o small_a that_o question_n whether_o they_o may_v rightful_o exert_v their_o authority_n in_o bring_v their_o child_n under_o a_o bond_n to_o do_v that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n which_o be_v their_o unquestionable_a duty_n then_o to_o do_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o prior_n engagement_n or_o not_o but_o however_o we_o may_v hence_o observe_v another_o notion_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n that_o be_v proper_a enough_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v that_o vow_n which_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o infant_n baptism_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v explicit_o when_o we_o come_v to_o age_n in_o which_o case_n the_o form_n draw_v up_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n be_v as_o suitable_a as_o it_o be_v with_o reference_n to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o baptise_a till_o they_o be_v adult_n 3._o those_o who_o stand_v not_o to_o their_o infant_n baptismal_a obligation_n when_o they_o grow_v up_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v treat_v as_o obstinate_a contemner_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n as_o sacrilegious_a alienator_n of_o what_o be_v peculiar_o devote_v and_o as_o perjure_a violator_n of_o god_n covenant_n their_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n who_o remain_v undedicate_v and_o unconsecrate_v to_o god_n but_o as_o their_o advantage_n will_v be_v great_a if_o they_o be_v faithful_a so_o will_v their_o misery_n be_v great_a if_o they_o be_v false_a to_o the_o vow_n they_o come_v under_o in_o their_o baptism_n that_o very_a bond_n that_o shall_v have_v keep_v they_o close_o to_o god_n will_v 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justify_v he_o again_o 5._o may_v not_o your_o frequent_a breach_n of_o your_o sacramental_a engagement_n much_o blur_v the_o evidence_n of_o your_o sincerity_n time_n be_v it_o may_v be_v when_o upon_o a_o serious_a examination_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o survey_n of_o your_o life_n you_o find_v comfortable_a ground_n to_o hope_v that_o you_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n have_v a_o special_a interest_n in_o he_o and_o be_v well_o fix_v for_o heaven_n but_o now_o make_v the_o same_o enquiry_n and_o alas_o you_o find_v the_o matter_n dubious_a your_o ground_n of_o hope_n be_v exceed_o diminish_v you_o know_v not_o whether_o that_o which_o appear_v like_o grace_n in_o you_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a or_o not_o and_o therefore_o be_v full_a of_o fear_n upon_o what_o can_v you_o charge_v this_o difference_n be_v not_o your_o carelessness_n and_o remissness_n in_o keep_v and_o live_v up_o to_o your_o sacramental_a vow_n as_o likely_a and_o probable_a a_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o may_v not_o that_o which_o betray_v the_o great_a prevalence_n of_o corruption_n in_o you_o often_o make_v your_o integrity_n dubious_a and_o will_v you_o not_o then_o endeavour_v to_o take_v up_o will_v you_o persist_v in_o a_o course_n which_o continue_v may_v make_v your_o uprightness_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o grace_n and_o sincerity_n of_o your_o piety_n a_o thing_n always_o questionable_a and_o so_o perpetual_o fill_v you_o with_o doubt_n and_o fear_n again_o 6._o be_v not_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o to_o who_o your_o vow_n be_v make_v always_o upon_o you_o do_v not_o he_o search_v and_o try_v you_o eye_n and_o view_v you_o and_o will_v you_o be_v careless_a and_o remiss_a even_o while_o he_o look_v on_o do_v not_o he_o see_v your_o warmth_n and_o seriousness_n at_o a_o sacrament_n and_o do_v not_o he_o afterward_o see_v how_o soon_o you_o grow_v cold_a and_o dead_a and_o dull_a again_o return_v to_o former_a remissness_n and_o how_o little_a you_o be_v influence_v by_o renew_a and_o repeat_v vow_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o inspection_n awe_n and_o affect_v you_o again_o 7._o will_v your_o experience_n teach_v you_o have_v you_o not_o feel_v the_o good_a effect_n of_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n after_o a_o sacrament_n that_o you_o may_v answer_v and_o pay_v the_o vow_n you_o renew_v there_o and_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o negligence_n and_o remissness_n many_o and_o many_o a_o time_n heretofore_o and_o will_v you_o never_o learn_v to_o keep_v close_o to_o god_n have_v you_o not_o smart_v for_o past_a fault_n and_o will_v you_o run_v into_o the_o same_o again_o will_v you_o leave_v the_o same_o gap_n open_a by_o which_o dulness_n and_o formality_n former_o creep_v in_o upon_o you_o will_v you_o let_v the_o
temptation_n that_o prevail_v on_o such_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o prevalence_n and_o the_o time_n of_o their_o continuance_n which_o make_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v sure_a a_o state_n for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o continue_v in_o he_o be_v uneasy_a under_o it_o he_o often_o blame_v and_o chide_v and_o expostulate_v with_o himself_o and_o look_v upward_o for_o help_v and_o therefore_o you_o will_v find_v he_o in_o this_o case_n long_o but_o in_o a_o little_a time_n you_o may_v 4._o observe_v he_o rise_v again_o by_o repentance_n and_o renew_v his_o resolution_n of_o a_o conscientious_a fidelity_n his_o merciful_a saviour_n pity_v he_o and_o though_o he_o fall_v yet_o raise_v he_o with_o his_o hand_n and_o set_v he_o on_o his_o leg_n again_o for_o which_o he_o think_v he_o can_v never_o be_v due_o thankful_a and_o then_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n observe_v in_o a_o particular_a case_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o corinthian_n what_o carefuless_a it_o wrought_v in_o he_o yea_o what_o indignation_n yea_o what_o fear_v yea_o what_o vehement_a desire_n yea_o what_o zeal_n 11._o yea_o what_o revenge_n although_o he_o fall_v into_o the_o mire_n yet_o he_o wallow_v not_o in_o it_o he_o take_v no_o delight_n in_o it_o and_o be_v recover_v he_o double_v his_o diligence_n watchfulness_n and_o care_n with_o a_o renew_v vigour_n he_o resolve_v to_o pay_v his_o vow_n the_o force_n whereof_o he_o own_v and_o his_o breach_n whereof_o he_o lament_v with_o unfeigned_a sorrow_n he_o repeat_v his_o address_n to_o heaven_n for_o fresh_a strength_n which_o be_v afford_v he_o set_v himself_o to_o his_o duty_n without_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o any_o delay_n or_o excuse_n 5._o another_o posture_n wherein_o you_o will_v often_o find_v he_o be_v bemoan_v his_o unhappiness_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o manifold_a imperfection_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o death_n be_v his_o frequent_a complaint_n often_o will_v his_o soul_n be_v send_v forth_o its_o sorrowful_a moan_n in_o secret_a on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o sickleness_n and_o instability_n his_o heart_n deceitfulness_n and_o treachery_n the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o pravity_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o his_o great_a proneness_n to_o be_v lead_v aside_o from_o his_o god_n and_o saviour_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o strong_a bond_n he_o be_v under_o and_o the_o many_o powerful_a motive_n and_o quicken_a consideration_n he_o have_v to_o engage_v he_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o he_o oh_o who_o have_v so_o dead_a and_o cold_a and_o dull_a and_o listless_a and_o slippery_a a_o heart_n as_o i_o will_v he_o often_o say_v certain_o i_o be_o more_o senseless_a than_o any_o man_n sure_a god_n have_v few_o such_o careless_a servant_n that_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n true_a to_o he_o christ_n have_v few_o such_o follower_n that_o be_v at_o all_o sincere_a sure_o it_o be_v not_o with_o other_o as_o it_o be_v with_o i_o oh_o the_o levity_n and_o blindness_n of_o my_o mind_n the_o hardness_n and_o stupidity_n of_o my_o heart_n the_o carnality_n of_o my_o affection_n the_o unevenness_n of_o my_o temper_n the_o many_o irregularity_n of_o my_o life_n so_o many_o vow_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o hold_v i_o fast_o to_o my_o saviour_n and_o engage_v i_o to_o my_o duty_n o_o unhappy_a creature_n to_o be_v so_o changeable_a so_o unmanageable_a so_o inconstant_a so_o in_o love_n with_o vanity_n so_o little_o enamour_v with_o thy_o saviour_n so_o soon_o to_o forget_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o thou_o and_o to_o thou_o which_o natural_o lead_v 6._o and_o last_o to_o a_o longing_n for_o that_o state_n where_o he_o will_v ever_o keep_v close_o to_o god_n without_o any_o failure_n or_o breach_n which_o be_v another_o posture_n wherein_o you_o will_v often_o find_v he_o o_o will_v he_o often_o say_v that_o i_o have_v but_o the_o wing_n of_o a_o dove_n that_o i_o may_v fly_v into_o the_o celestial_a region_n and_o be_v at_o rest_n this_o that_o i_o now_o inhabit_v be_v at_o best_a a_o region_n of_o sorrow_n and_o darkness_n sin_n and_o misery_n now_o i_o often_o break_v with_o my_o saviour_n and_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o he_o and_o f●…ll_o into_o sin_n notwithstanding_o all_o my_o resolution_n against_o it_o my_o pr●…sent_a vow_n i_o find_v at_o best_a too_o weak_a to_o hold_v i_o so_o close_a as_o i_o will_v be_v to_o my_o dear_a saviour_n but_o have_v i_o once_o lay_v aside_o my_o fleshly_a veil_n than_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v have_v another-guess_a sight_n of_o he_o than_o i_o can_v now_o attain_v unto_o which_o sight_n will_v kindle_v another_o sort_n of_o a_o love_n to_o he_o than_o any_o thing_n now_o can_v raise_v i_o to_o then_o i_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v continual_o behold_v his_o glory_n be_v overpower_a with_o his_o love_n and_o perpetual_o enjoy_v he_o without_o any_o danger_n of_o stumble_v or_o fall_v without_o any_o mixture_n of_o frown_n and_o without_o be_v ever_o part_v from_o he_o lord_n let_v i_o stay_v no_o long_o in_o this_o distant_a imperfect_a state_n than_o i_o may_v serve_v the_o purpose_n of_o thy_o glory_n smile_v on_o i_o and_o assist_v i_o in_o all_o my_o present_a conflict_n and_o when_o they_o be_v finish_v take_v i_o unto_o thyself_o into_o thy_o most_o desirable_a everlasting_a embrace_n and_o now_o i_o will_v leave_v it_o to_o any_o to_o judge_v whether_o the_o state_n and_o temper_n before_o describe_v fall_v and_o breach_n only_o be_v bate_v to_o which_o nevertheless_o the_o best_a be_v incident_a and_o the_o spirit_n that_o run_v through_o the_o several_a period_n and_o posture_n mention_v be_v not_o very_o desirable_a very_o fit_v very_o lovely_a very_o become_v very_o please_v to_o god_n and_o comfortable_a to_o person_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o earnest_o to_o be_v pray_v and_o labour_v for_o and_o aspire_v after_o chap._n xvi_o of_o particular_a vow_n how_o they_o must_v be_v limit_v that_o they_o may_v be_v warrantable_a and_o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o case_n they_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o have_v thus_o large_o handle_v and_o improve_v the_o sacred_a vow_n which_o both_o the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n natural_o carry_v in_o they_o which_o be_v the_o main_a intent_n and_o aim_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v now_o subjoin_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o vow_n make_v on_o particular_a occasion_n and_o especial_o in_o a_o hour_n of_o distress_n trouble_v or_o danger_n and_o make_v those_o remark_n on_o they_o that_o may_v be_v most_o helpful_a to_o a_o plain_a serious_a christian_a to_o enable_v he_o to_o discern_v his_o duty_n and_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n particular_a vow_n be_v those_o whereby_o we_o serious_o engage_v ourselves_o to_o god_n either_o to_o give_v or_o withhold_v to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o thing_n mention_v for_o end_n either_o direct_o specify_v or_o plain_a to_o be_v understand_v concern_v which_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o the_o mosaic_a law_n allow_v they_o and_o give_v special_a direction_n about_o they_o the_o moysaicall_a oeconomy_n have_v indeed_o something_o peculiar_a in_o it_o with_o reference_n to_o vow_n there_o be_v a_o vow_n in_o use_n under_o it_o that_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n of_o divine_a ordination_n that_o be_v god_n himself_o appoint_v the_o manner_n and_o rite_n of_o it_o leave_v it_o free_a to_o any_o who_o be_v so_o incline_v and_o dispose_v to_o bind_v themselves_o to_o it_o without_o any_o source_n and_o that_o be_v the_o vow_n of_o the_o nazarite_n which_o vow_v of_o nazaritism_n be_v proper_o a_o vow_n of_o humiliation_n that_o a_o man_n will_v chastise_v himself_o and_o deny_v himself_o in_o his_o ordinary_a delight_n of_o liberty_n and_o neatness_n the_o particular_a rule_n and_o law_n of_o which_o vow_n may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a numb_a 6._o and_o some_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v easy_o intelligible_a but_o other_o of_o they_o be_v very_o difficult_o account_v for_o by_o we_o as_o to_o their_o design_n but_o beside_o this_o peculiar_a institution_n it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n lawful_a for_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o power_n and_o not_o under_o control_v by_o a_o vow_n upon_o any_o particular_a occasion_n to_o consecrate_v to_o god_n what_o part_n of_o their_o good_n or_o possession_n or_o any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v a_o propriety_n that_o they_o think_v meet_v concern_v which_o sort_n of_o vow_n we_o have_v this_o law_n upon_o record_n when_o thou_o shall_v vow_v a_o vow_n unto_o etc._n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n thou_o shall_v not_o slack_v to_o pay_v it_o for_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v sure_o require_v
bring_v themselves_o into_o by_o rush_v rash_o into_o such_o engagement_n jepthah_n vow_v that_o whatever_o meet_v he_o first_o out_o of_o his_o house_n when_o he_o return_v from_o his_o victory_n shall_v be_v offer_v up_o in_o sacrifice_n to_o punish_v he_o for_o his_o rashness_n providence_n so_o order_v it_o that_o his_o daughter_n be_v the_o person_n and_o therefore_o he_o present_o repent_v this_o be_v also_o saul_n fault_n who_o vow_v the_o death_n of_o any_o of_o his_o follower_n that_o shall_v stay_v to_o taste_v any_o of_o the_o honey_n that_o lie_v in_o his_o way_n whereby_o he_o exceed_o prejudice_v himself_o by_o reason_n that_o the_o want_n of_o this_o refreshment_n disable_v his_o army_n from_o pursue_v the_o enemy_n of_o this_o sort_n also_o be_v the_o vow_n of_o the_o eleven_o tribe_n that_o they_o will_v none_o of_o they_o give_v any_o wife_n to_o the_o man_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o benjamin_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o judg._n 21._o but_o we_o find_v when_o they_o come_v sober_o to_o reflect_v on_o the_o consequence_n of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v viz._n that_o a_o tribe_n be_v hereby_o likely_a to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o israel_n they_o present_o repent_v and_o indeed_o we_o may_v general_o observe_v that_o repentance_n and_o sorrow_n be_v the_o genuine_a product_n of_o rash_a vow_n we_o shall_v beware_v therefore_o of_o make_v a_o vow_n in_o a_o passion_n which_o be_v once_o move_v blind_v reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o hinder_v the_o weigh_a thing_n in_o a_o just_a balance_n a_o calm_a spirit_n and_o deliberate_a judgement_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o make_v vow_n that_o will_v give_v no_o cause_n for_o repentance_n 4._o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o make_v too_o many_o particular_a vow_n by_o mean_n whereof_o we_o may_v easy_o run_v into_o superstition_n this_o be_v the_o great_a fault_n of_o the_o time_n next_o precede_v the_o reformation_n in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n all_o religion_n almost_o be_v general_o run_v into_o vow_n about_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a meat_n fasting-day_n pilgrimage_n and_o visit_n to_o the_o shrine_n of_o saint_n bodily_a mortification_n and_o a_o thousand_o monkish_a invention_n which_o be_v also_o one_o great_a fault_n of_o the_o romanist_n to_o this_o day_n who_o by_o their_o particular_a vow_n eat_v out_o all_o real_a religion_n but_o we_o shall_v beware_v of_o frame_v a_o law_n and_o religion_n to_o ourselves_o by_o our_o voluntary_a vow_n which_o god_n never_o make_v we_o by_o his_o authority_n they_o be_v not_o to_o make_v we_o new_a duty_n and_o religion_n but_o to_o further_a we_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o that_o which_o our_o lord_n have_v impose_v on_o we_o 5._o it_o will_v be_v wisdom_n in_o we_o to_o take_v care_n that_o our_o particular_a vow_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n temporary_a for_o that_o vow_n which_o for_o a_o time_n may_v be_v tolerable_a and_o real_o beneficial_a may_v in_o time_n grow_v intolerable_a and_o wretched_o perplex_v we_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o bind_v ourselves_o for_o futurity_n to_o all_o that_o may_v possible_o be_v our_o duty_n at_o present_a by_o reason_n that_o a_o change_n of_o thing_n and_o circumstance_n may_v work_v a_o change_n in_o our_o duty_n we_o shall_v therefore_o take_v care_n that_o what_o we_o vow_v be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o our_o duty_n at_o present_a but_o that_o we_o bind_v ourselves_o to_o it_o by_o our_o vow_n no_o long_o than_o it_o shall_v remain_v consistent_a with_o our_o duty_n 6._o if_o we_o be_v under_o government_n we_o shall_v not_o without_o our_o governor_n be_v consent_n vow_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o we_o may_v not_o lawful_o do_v without_o their_o consent_n in_o case_n we_o have_v not_o vow_v it_o for_o that_o be_v for_o person_n actual_o at_o present_a to_o disobey_v those_o to_o who_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a and_o to_o bind_v themselves_o to_o disobey_v they_o for_o the_o future_a in_o the_o thirty_o of_o number_n god_n have_v plain_o determine_v this_o matter_n as_o to_o woman_n that_o be_v in_o subjection_n either_o to_o their_o father_n or_o husband_n their_o vow_n be_v not_o bind_v unless_o they_o be_v ratify_v by_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v in_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o vow_v without_o their_o consent_n and_o we_o may_v natural_o draw_v a_o parallel_n as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o other_o also_o that_o be_v proportionable_o in_o a_o state_n of_o subjection_n but_o in_o case_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v or_o must_v do_v although_o our_o governor_n shall_v forbid_v it_o then_o may_v we_o vow_v it_o although_o they_o shall_v be_v averse_a to_o it_o these_o limitation_n and_o caution_n we_o must_v mind_n and_o observe_v if_o we_o desire_v to_o make_v use_n of_o david_n word_n with_o reference_n to_o they_o thy_o vow_n be_v upon_o i_o o_o god_n for_o of_o all_o particular_a vow_n these_o only_o he_o allow_v it_o be_v none_o but_o such_o as_o these_o that_o he_o approus_a and_o if_o we_o will_v put_v all_o together_o we_o may_v without_o much_o difficulty_n discern_v what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v to_o the_o three_o monastic_a vow_n so_o much_o celebrate_v among_o the_o papist_n viz._n the_o vow_n of_o continence_n poverty_n and_o blind_a obedience_n none_o of_o they_o be_v any_o where_o command_v of_o god_n nor_o be_v they_o lawful_a or_o allowable_a for_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n nor_o depend_v at_o all_o on_o our_o will_v his_o determination_n be_v the_o subject_a of_o they_o and_o they_o be_v repugnant_a to_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o common_a call_v of_o all_o christian_n continence_n in_o their_o sense_n viz._n a_o total_a abstinence_n from_o the_o female_a sex_n without_o burn_v be_v not_o in_o some_o man_n power_n nor_o do_v it_o depend_v on_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o will_n but_o be_v the_o singular_a gift_n of_o god_n a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o a_o mortal_a man_n be_v contrary_a to_o christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o live_v by_o beg_v and_o on_o other_o labour_n without_o do_v any_o thing_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o common_a call_v of_o all_o to_o who_o this_o be_v give_v as_o a_o general_a rule_n that_o he_o who_o labour_v not_o shall_v not_o eat_v but_o those_o who_o will_v see_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o these_o sort_n of_o vow_n display_v must_v consult_v our_o protestant_a writer_n in_o their_o controversy_n with_o the_o romanist_n etc._n after_o all_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o observe_v how_o wretched_o some_o person_n be_v hamper_v and_o perplex_v about_o the_o bind_n and_o oblige_v force_n of_o their_o particular_a vow_n for_o who_o sake_n i_o shall_v close_v this_o chapter_n with_o some_o brief_n touch_v on_o this_o question_n how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o case_n such_o vow_n may_v be_v dispense_v with_o plain_o it_o be_v that_o vow_n well_o lawful_o and_o deliberate_o make_v about_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o our_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v careless_o nor_o will_v they_o be_v impune_o violate_v this_o be_v to_o break_v our_o faith_n with_o god_n which_o be_v a_o great_a impiety_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a such_o vow_n be_v not_o to_o be_v pay_v 1._o which_o be_v make_v about_o a_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a thing_n such_o vow_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n null_n and_o to_o attempt_v to_o pay_v they_o be_v a_o aggravate_v crime_n herod_n therefore_o need_v not_o for_o his_o oath_n or_o vow_n sake_n have_v do_v what_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o be_v flat_o unlawful_a as_o he_o do_v in_o take_v away_o john_n baptist_n life_n who_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o just_a man_n and_o to_o have_v do_v nothing_o deserve_v of_o death_n sorrow_n for_o his_o wicked_a vow_n or_o oath_n have_v be_v vast_o preferable_a to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o in_o any_o such_o case_n the_o conscience_n of_o he_o who_o make_v the_o vow_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o discern_v it_o to_o be_v unjust_a suffice_v to_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v proper_o none_o at_o all_o 2._o neither_o be_v such_o vow_n to_o be_v pay_v as_o be_v make_v about_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n for_o they_o be_v not_o lawful_o make_v nor_o be_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o loose_v we_o from_o they_o beside_o a_o discern_a that_o the_o thing_n vow_v be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n or_o that_o he_o who_o vow_v it_o be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o do_v so_o for_o such_o vow_n be_v real_o null_a the_o vower_n in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v indeed_o be_v grieve_v at_o his_o rashness_n and_o inconsiderateness_n repent_v of_o it_o and_o beg_v pardon_n of_o god_n but_o he_o need_v not_o the_o help_n of_o any_o superior_a to_o loosen_v his_o conscience_n before_o