be_v viz._n that_o it_o lay_v a_o foundation_n to_o ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n and_o how_o much_o more_o just_o that_o charge_n may_v be_v lay_v upon_o the_o contrary_a judgement_n and_o practice_n we_o see_v paedo-baptist_n be_v under_o vast_o great_a obligation_n to_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n and_o their_o personal_a embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o the_o contrary-minded_n can_v according_o to_o their_o judgement_n look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o under_v and_o have_v vast_o more_o ground_n to_o expect_v that_o their_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o duty_n shall_v be_v successful_a than_o they_o have_v but_o let_v that_o suffice_v for_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n appoint_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o they_o respect_v the_o parent_n to_o who_o seed_n that_o application_n be_v to_o be_v make_v 3._o the_o reason_n respect_v the_o child_n themselves_o to_o who_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v and_o thus_o the_o great_a reason_n be_v their_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n but_o that_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o grand_a enquiry_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v evident_o see_v that_o the_o rationality_n of_o this_o institution_n be_v not_o only_o secure_v to_o we_o by_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n institute_v but_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o lie_v obvious_a to_o all_o serious_a considerate_a mind_n chap._n iii_o the_o second_o question_n propose_v a_o brief_a introduction_n to_o the_o answer_n of_o it_o the_o first_o benefit_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n receive_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o declare_v viz._n they_o have_v thereby_o a_o solemn_a admission_n into_o and_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n or_o family_n of_o christ_n a_o objection_n answer_v the_o good_a redound_v to_o they_o by_o that_o their_o admission_n and_o membership_n show_v in_o two_o instance_n 1._o they_o be_v comprehend_v in_o and_o have_v a_o equal_a benefit_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o all_o these_o prayer_n put_v up_o for_o the_o church_n in_o general_n 2._o they_o be_v under_o that_o special_a providential_a care_n that_o christ_n exercise_v over_o his_o church_n 3._o question_n relate_v thereunto_o resolve_v quest_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n arise_v to_o the_o infant-feed_n of_o believer_n from_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o or_o what_o good_a do_v they_o receive_v thereby_o answ_n that_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a original_a be_v a_o signification_n and_o signal_n expression_n of_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n unto_o man_n and_o consequent_o aim_v at_o and_o tend_v to_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o due_a and_o proper_a subject_n of_o they_o have_v be_v intimate_v already_o and_o may_v be_v alike_o infallible_o conclude_v from_o the_o goodness_n as_o their_o rationality_n from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o institutor_n as_o for_o that_o special_a ordinance_n under_o our_o present_a consideration_n the_o apostle_n answer_v to_o much_o the_o same_o question_n put_v with_o respect_n to_o circumcision_n be_v applicable_a to_o and_o may_v be_v give_v as_o a_o more_o general_a solution_n of_o the_o question_n now_o put_v respective_a to_o both_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n as_o apply_v to_o infant_n the_o advantage_n they_o have_v thereby_o be_v much_o and_o that_o every_o way_n what_o that_o good_a and_o advantage_n be_v and_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v be_v now_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o and_o in_o general_a or_o as_o to_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v threefold_a 1._o first_o they_o thereby_o be_v solemn_o admit_v into_o and_o incorporate_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n or_o family_n of_o christ_n and_o thereupon_o become_v to_o use_v the_o aposlte_n phrase_n fellow-citizen_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n that_o baptism_n now_o be_v as_o circumcision_n of_o old_a be_v a_o solemn_a right_n for_o the_o initiation_n and_o admission_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v rightful_a subject_n of_o it_o into_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v agree_v on_o on_o all_o hand_n which_o that_o the_o infant_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v have_v be_v already_o prove_v and_o be_v now_o take_v for_o grant_v which_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o have_v this_o good_a and_o benefit_n by_o it_o will_v receive_v a_o ready_a acknowledgement_n from_o all_o and_o indeed_o that_o to_o have_v a_o membership_n in_o the_o church_n or_o to_o be_v fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n be_v a_o good_a or_o advantage_n unto_o man_n can_v be_v rational_o question_v by_o any_o though_o wherein_o the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n do_v consist_v be_v not_o obvious_a unto_o all_o and_o therefore_o must_v now_o be_v more_o thorough_o search_v into_o and_o declare_v but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o that_o one_o objection_n must_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o our_o way_n which_o seem_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o strong_o to_o oppose_v infant_n enjoyment_n of_o that_o privilege_n and_o consequent_o their_o right_n to_o that_o ordinance_n appoint_v for_o the_o solemn_a admission_n of_o man_n into_o it_o and_o it_o be_v this_o object_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o infant_n as_o such_o can_v rightful_o be_v admit_v into_o or_o incorporate_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o be_v of_o his_o household_n and_o family_n as_o visible_a and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n body_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n do_v presuppose_v membership_n in_o his_o invisible_a body_n see_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a body_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o visible_o to_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o real_a member_n of_o his_o invisible_a body_n that_o distinction_n of_o visible_a and_o invisible_a not_o be_v distinctio_fw-la rei_fw-la sed_fw-la tantum_fw-la nominis_fw-la only_o a_o distinction_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n à _fw-la duplici_fw-la modo_fw-la unionis_fw-la &_o communionis_fw-la cum_fw-la christo_fw-la capite_fw-la still_a interno_fw-la &_o externo_fw-la so_o that_o the_o church_n by_o these_o term_n of_o visible_a and_o invisible_a be_v only_o distinguish_v of_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o certain_a adjunct_n viz._n the_o manner_n or_o kind_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n that_o the_o several_a member_n it_o be_v constitute_v of_o have_v with_o christ_n the_o head_n viz._n internal_a and_o real_a or_o only_o external_a or_o appear_v hence_o all_o that_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v such_o as_o visible_o appear_v to_o have_v real_a internal_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n now_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o infant_n as_o such_o seem_v incapable_a of_o any_o such_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o or_o suppose_v they_o simple_o or_o absolute_o capable_a yet_o whether_o any_o actual_o have_v especial_o which_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a have_v such_o a_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o chest_n be_v whole_o unknown_a to_o we_o and_o then_o how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v visible_o to_o appear_v member_n of_o the_o invisible_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o must_v do_v in_o case_n they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o membership_n in_o his_o visible_a body_n answ_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n i_o will_v say_v these_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n 1._o first_o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o resolve_v some_o doubt_n that_o may_v arise_v with_o reference_n to_o person_n right_a to_o or_o enjoyment_n of_o gospel-priviledge_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v please_v for_o the_o overthrow_v or_o disannul_v their_o right_n to_o they_o when_o god_n have_v evident_o declare_v they_o in_o his_o word_n to_o have_v such_o a_o right_a to_o or_o to_o have_v have_v by_o his_o own_o approbation_n the_o actual_a possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o god_n may_v have_v plain_o reveal_v their_o right_n and_o yet_o more_o dark_o reveal_v many_o thing_n relate_v to_o that_o their_o right_n instance_n will_v not_o be_v want_v will_v i_o insist_v upon_o they_o of_o gospel-priviledge_n that_o the_o scripture_n evident_o declare_v person_n so_o and_o so_o qualify_v to_o have_v a_o real_a right_n to_o and_o to_o have_v the_o actual_a possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o and_o yet_o doubt_v of_o no_o easy_a resolution_n may_v be_v raise_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o right_n to_o they_o and_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o come_n
eternal_a life_n to_o themselves_o as_o the_o psalmist_n psalm_n 16._o so_o psalm_n 37.24_o so_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 4.8_o so_o again_o eternal_a light_n be_v lay_v hold_v on_o by_o ardency_n of_o affection_n and_o desire_n by_o possess_v ourselves_o of_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n now_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n these_o or_o the_o like_a way_n put_v lise_fw-fr into_o believer_n endeavour_n so_o to_o fight_v this_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n as_o thereby_o to_o come_v to_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o life_n in_o heaven_n when_o a_o man_n have_v get_v any_o hold_n of_o any_o good_a for_o himself_o or_o he_o he_o will_v strive_v and_o tug_v hard_o rather_o than_o part_v with_o it_o now_o i_o say_v believer_n have_v some_o hold_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o their_o child_n they_o see_v their_o child_n have_v some_o hold_n through_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o hence_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o effectual_o engage_v and_o provoke_v to_o great_a diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n that_o their_o child_n may_v come_v to_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o grace_n those_o blessing_n and_o privilege_n than_o they_o will_v be_v have_v not_o either_o themselves_o or_o child_n any_o such_o hold_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o those_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n 4._o there_o be_v the_o goodness_n love_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n in_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o their_o seed_n and_o vouchsafe_v the_o ratification_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o unto_o they_o as_o a_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o and_o motive_n to_o parent_n to_o use_v their_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o order_n to_o their_o child_n embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n as_o his_o people_n as_o thereby_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v enlarge_v and_o his_o interest_n promote_v in_o the_o world_n the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n how_o or_o which_o way_n soever_o express_v either_o towards_o themselves_o or_o they_o be_v great_o oblige_v to_o sincere_a believer_n to_o endeavour_v to_o their_o utmost_a power_n the_o promotion_n of_o the_o interest_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n love_n be_v of_o a_o constrain_a nature_n it_o have_v a_o compulsive_a force_n and_o power_n in_o it_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o say_v john_n love_n beget_v and_o excite_v love_n and_o love_n be_v industrious_a and_o laborious_a hence_o we_o read_v of_o the_o labour_n of_o love_n 1_o thess_n 1.3_o the_o apostle_n give_v it_o as_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o their_o so_o zealous_a preach_v the_o gospel_n that_o to_o some_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v beside_o themselves_o viz._n because_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n do_v constrain_v they_o 2_o cor._n 5.14_o 15._o it_o be_v true_a the_o love_n that_o god_n have_v express_v towards_o a_o believer_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v do_v for_o and_o the_o good_a he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o himself_o as_o personal_o consider_v in_o and_o by_o christ_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o constrain_a force_n upon_o he_o to_o live_v to_o he_o and_o answerable_o to_o endeavour_v to_o his_o utmost_a power_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n wherein_o he_o stand_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o god_n extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o their_o seed_n and_o confirm_v it_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o unto_o they_o must_v rational_o great_o add_v to_o the_o compulsive_a force_n and_o efficacy_n that_o his_o love_n have_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o for_o a_o twofold_a reason_n 1._o because_o his_o love_n to_o themselves_o be_v great_o heighten_v thereby_o to_o all_o he_o have_v do_v for_o and_o vouchsafe_v to_o themselves_o there_o be_v the_o addition_n of_o that_o grace_n vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o great_a the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v and_o appear_v to_o be_v to_o a_o believer_n the_o areat_a efficacy_n and_o power_n it_o have_v to_o excite_v his_o love_n unto_o god_n and_o constrain_v he_o to_o lay_v out_o himself_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o interest_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o because_o god_n make_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n partaker_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n and_o goodness_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o make_v it_o alike_o reasonable_a that_o they_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n shall_v live_v to_o he_o as_o they_o themselves_o desire_v to_o do_v there_o be_v a_o meetness_n and_o fitness_n that_o those_o that_o partake_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v live_v to_o he_o and_o parent_n see_v their_o child_n make_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o themselves_o do_v partake_v of_o have_v the_o same_o covenant_n extend_v to_o they_o that_o be_v enter_v with_o themselves_o and_o that_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o the_o same_o way_n as_o it_o be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v to_o themselves_o they_o must_v needs_o judge_v it_o alike_o reasonable_a and_o meet_v that_o they_o shall_v live_v unto_o god_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o hence_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o effectual_o stir_v up_o and_o provoke_v to_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n that_o they_o may_v so_o do_v so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o love_n grace_n and_o good_a ness_n of_o god_n in_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n and_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v it_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o to_o they_o be_v a_o very_a great_a obligation_n upon_o and_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v improve_v as_o a_o powerful_a motive_n by_o they_o to_o provoke_v and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o use_v all_o mean_n that_o their_o child_n may_v personal_o embrace_v the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n as_o his_o people_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n as_o thereby_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n be_v promote_v and_o his_o kingdom_n enlarge_v and_o yet_o further_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n the_o consideration_n of_o which_o may_n and_o will_v still_o heighten_v and_o increase_v the_o constrain_a efficacy_n and_o force_n that_o the_o love_n grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o believe_a parent_n to_o move_v and_o provoke_v they_o to_o the_o aforementioned_a diligence_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o redeemer_n that_o be_v promote_v and_o his_o kingdom_n that_o be_v enlarge_v thereby_o 2._o that_o god_n have_v extend_v his_o covenant_n and_o appoint_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n with_o reference_n to_o this_o very_a end_n viz._n the_o increase_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o promise_n make_v to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o heathen_a for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o the_o utmost_a end_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o his_o possession_n 3._o that_o they_o be_v their_o own_o child_n those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o their_o own_o bowel_n towards_o who_o they_o be_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o the_o end_v mention_v the_o love_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v a_o constrain_a power_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n to_o do_v his_o will_n however_o reveal_v or_o whatever_o reference_n their_o do_v of_o it_o have_v but_o when_o the_o thing_n whereabout_o his_o will_n be_v reveal_v relate_v to_o the_o promotion_n of_o the_o interest_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o increase_n and_o enlargement_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v design_v by_o his_o express_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o they_o in_o the_o way_n he_o have_v do_v and_o they_o be_v their_o child_n the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o body_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o duty_n which_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o perrorm_v sure_o now_o the_o love_n grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o have_v the_o great_a efficacy_n and_o power_n in_o it_o to_o engage_v yea_o constrain_v they_o to_o a_o vigorous_a and_o diligent_a performance_n of_o that_o their_o duty_n 5._o there_o be_v the_o aggravation_n that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o not_o accept_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o receive_v from_o their_o precedent_a covenant-state_n further_o to_o oblige_v and_o provoke_v parent_n who_o own_o that_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o have_v apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o the_o account_n thereof_o to_o
paedo-baptist_n in_o care_n and_o diligence_n in_o instruct_v their_o child_n or_o use_v the_o mean_n subserve_v their_o conversion_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o grow_v to_o year_n of_o materity_n let_v we_o then_o set_v aside_o the_o mistake_v of_o some_o and_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o other_o on_o the_o one_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o inquire_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n maintain_v by_o we_o or_o by_o they_o as_o true_o state_v may_v be_v more_o deserve_o charge_v with_o the_o mischief_n aforemention_v and_o here_o two_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o enquiry_n 1._o whether_o paedo-baptist_n or_o anti-paedo-baptists_n according_a to_o their_o respective_a judgement_n and_o practice_n lie_v under_o the_o great_a obligation_n and_o have_v the_o more_o effectual_a motive_n to_o provoke_v and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o all_o mean_n and_o faithful_a performance_n of_o all_o duty_n subserve_v their_o child_n conversion_n and_o personal_a embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n 2._o whether_o have_v they_o great_a and_o sure_a ground_n of_o hope_n or_o be_v under_o a_o great_a probability_n that_o their_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o duty_n shall_v be_v effectual_a to_o the_o end_v mention_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n to_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n and_o use_v of_o all_o mean_n in_o order_n thereunto_o and_o that_o the_o success_n and_o efficacy_n of_o all_o end_n eavour_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o use_v of_o mean_n for_o that_o end_n depend_v upon_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v at_o present_a take_v for_o grant_v our_o only_a enoviry_n be_v whether_o parent_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o perswafion_n have_v the_o strong_a obligation_n and_o more_o effectual_a motive_n to_o provoke_v and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n subserve_v the_o forementioned_a end_n and_o whether_o have_v the_o great_a ground_n to_o hope_v for_o success_n therein_o and_o consequent_o whether_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o duty_n may_v be_v rational_o conclude_v to_o be_v ordinary_o more_o effectual_a and_o successful_a to_o begin_v with_o the_o 1._o first_o which_o how_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v refolve_v will_v easy_o appear_v by_o a_o double_a consideration_n 1._o that_o whatever_o obligation_n anti-paedo-baptists_n can_v plead_v or_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o lie_v under_o or_o whatever_o motive_n they_o can_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n rational_o improve_v to_o proulke_v and_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n the_o same_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o and_o the_o same_o motive_n may_v as_o rational_o be_v improve_v by_o paedo-baptist_n for_o the_o provoke_a and_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o alike_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n i_o can_v at_o present_a call_n to_o mind_n only_o two_o thing_n that_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v pretend_v to_o lie_v as_o obligation_n upon_o and_o be_v improve_v as_o motive_n by_o anti-paedo-baptists_n for_o the_o purpose_n mention_v beyond_o what_o confess_o lie_v upon_o or_o may_v be_v improve_v by_o paedo-baptist_n the_o 1._o be_v their_o profess_a own_v and_o acknowledge_v their_o child_n as_o such_o to_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n or_o right_o to_o the_o token_n thereof_o now_o it_o may_v be_v say_v those_o that_o profess_o disclaim_v their_o child_n have_n a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o right_a to_o the_o seal_n thereof_o and_o answerable_o apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v yet_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n must_v rational_o be_v under_o a_o strong_a obligation_n to_o endeavour_v their_o conversion_n that_o so_o they_o may_v come_v regular_o to_o a_o interest_n in_o both_o the_o covenant_n and_o token_n thereof_o than_o those_o who_o take_v their_o child_n to_o be_v already_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o answerable_o have_v apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o can_v a_o man_n that_o conveive_v his_o child_n to_o be_v already_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o have_v answerable_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o apprehend_v himself_o under_o such_o a_o obligation_n to_o instruct_v they_o and_o use_v the_o mean_n for_o their_o conversion_n as_o a_o man_n must_v needs_o apprehend_v himself_o to_o be_v that_o utter_o disclaim_v any_o present_a interest_n that_o they_o havei_fw-mi in_o it_o and_o anserable_o suspend_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n to_o they_o but_o to_o that_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a the_o judgement_n and_o praactice_n of_o auti-pedo-baptists_n lay_v no_o small_a obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n after_o the_o early_a conversion_n of_o their_o child_n those_o that_o suppose_v their_o child_n to_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o or_o benefit_n by_o the_o covenant_n as_o descend_v from_o they_o sure_o be_v great_o concern_v to_o use_v all_o mean_v the_o scripture_n direct_v they_o to_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n through_o their_o own_o personal_a performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o themselves_o and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o man_n of_o that_o persuasion_n will_v serious_o consider_v the_o obligation_n they_o be_v under_o and_o how_o they_o acquit_v themselves_o with_o reference_n thereunto_o but_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o to_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n and_o that_o they_o do_v personal_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n equal_o concern_v paedo-baptist_n as_o it_o do_v anti-paedo-baptists_n though_o not_o with_o reference_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o end_n anti-paedo-baptists_n be_v to_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n and_o their_o personal_a embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o they_o may_v come_v under_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o it_o paedo-baptist_n be_v to_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n and_o their_o personal_a embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o their_o covenant-state_n may_v be_v continue_v to_o they_o and_o consequent_o that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o that_o both_o be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v their_o child_n personal_a embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n only_o the_o one_o in_o order_n to_o their_o come_n into_o the_o other_o in_o order_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o late_a author_n it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n to_o baptize_v the_o child_n of_o believer_n as_o include_v they_o in_o the_o covevenant_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o after_o teach_v they_o conversion_n to_o keep_v to_o his_o phrase_n but_o this_o imagination_n arise_v mere_o from_o ignorance_n about_o the_o covenant_n as_o enter_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n their_o covenant-state_n simple_o and_o absolute_o of_o itself_o infallible_o secure_v not_o their_o regeneration_n or_o a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o their_o heart_n during_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n the_o condition_n of_o their_o covenant-interest_n be_v whole_o without_o they_o viz._n in_o their_o parent_n but_o as_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n it_o be_v devolve_v upon_o themselves_o and_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o save_v close_o with_o christ_n and_o sincere_a resignation_n of_o themselves_o to_o god_n in_o he_o as_o he_o on_o their_o part_n in_o order_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n which_o that_o they_o may_v do_v their_o parent_n be_v to_o endeavour_v in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_v god_n have_v direct_v they_o to_o and_o the_o necessity_n hereof_o be_v a_o equal_a obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o use_v those_o mean_n in_o order_n thereunto_o that_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o close_a with_o christ_n be_v upon_o those_o who_o disclaim_v their_o present_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n to_o use_v the_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o that_o their_o close_n in_o with_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n so_o that_o i_o say_v both_o paedo-baptist_n and_o anti-paedo-baptists_n be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n or_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o save_v personal_a close_o with_o christ_n though_o the_o one_o do_v it_o that_o his_o child_n may_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n which_o before_o he_o apprehend_v
endeavour_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n that_o they_o may_v accept_v of_o and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o not_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o covenant_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o reject_v it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o those_o that_o have_v a_o precedent_a interest_n in_o it_o than_o in_o those_o that_o have_v no_o such_o interest_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o esan_n to_o despise_v his_o birthright_n and_o blessing_n than_o the_o bear_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o those_o that_o have_v no_o such_o birth-priviledg_n to_o despise_v or_o reject_v a_o good_a grant_v be_v more_o than_o the_o bear_v not_o receive_v any_o good_a offer_v now_o parent_n consider_v how_o great_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o child_n will_v be_v aggravate_v in_o case_n they_o perform_v not_o the_o condition_n of_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n reject_v the_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o that_o their_o condemnation_n will_v be_v great_a than_o the_o condemnation_n of_o other_o must_v needs_o strong_o oblige_v and_o more_o effectual_o provoke_v they_o to_o great_a diligence_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prevent_v their_o rejection_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o order_n to_o their_o accept_n and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n 6._o there_o be_v the_o reference_n that_o parent_n faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n have_v to_o their_o child_n preservation_n in_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o consequen_o enjoy_v the_o full_a good_a and_o benefit_n thereof_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n as_o a_o far_a obligation_n upon_o and_o motive_n to_o provoke_v they_o thereunto_o god_n have_v take_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o as_o they_o be_v their_o seed_n and_o continue_v their_o covenant-state_n during_o their_o infancy_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o parent_n faith_n but_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n the_o condition_n of_o their_o continuance_n in_o that_o covenant-state_n and_o consequent_o in_o joy_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v devolve_v upon_o themselves_o they_o must_v in_o their_o own_o person_n embrace_v and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o which_o that_o they_o may_v do_v god_n require_v their_o parent_n to_o teach_v they_o his_o way_n and_o command_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o which_o duty_n of_o parent_n in_o teach_v and_o command_v their_o child_n be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a mean_n appoint_v of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o their_o personal_a embracement_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o his_o covenant_n and_o hence_o in_o case_n parent_n fail_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n their_o child_n be_v deprive_v of_o the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a mean_n subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o prefervation_n in_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v hard_a to_o say_v that_o god_n will_v not_o vouchsafe_v other_o mean_n and_o bless_v they_o to_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o end_n yet_o this_o i_o must_v say_v there_o be_v more_o depend_v upon_o parent_n discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n than_o most_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o that_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v other_o mean_n and_o bless_v they_o to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o parent_n duty_n be_v as_o i_o judge_v more_o than_o they_o have_v warrant_v to_o expect_v however_o the_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a mean_n must_v needs_o be_v extreme_o hazardous_a and_o be_v usual_o give_v as_o a_o main_a reason_n of_o so_o many_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o righteous_a prove_v wicked_a and_o do_v parent_n but_o understand_v and_o serious_o consider_v this_o how_o great_a a_o obligation_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o they_o faithful_o to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n 7._o and_o last_o there_o be_v the_o dishonour_n redound_v unto_o god_n by_o child_n reject_v the_o covenant_n and_o fall_v off_o to_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o profaneness_n yet_o far_o to_o oblige_v parent_n to_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o when_o man_n hear_v the_o covenant-interest_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n assert_v and_o see_v the_o token_n thereof_o apply_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o after_o see_v they_o to_o run_v into_o the_o same_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o ungodliness_n with_o the_o child_n of_o other_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o reflect_v upon_o god_n and_o to_o charge_v he_o with_o unfaithfulness_n in_o his_o promise_n or_o delude_v the_o world_n with_o a_o show_n of_o extend_v more_o grace_n to_o believer_n than_o indeed_o he_o do_v and_o this_o very_a thing_n viz._n the_o frequent_a apostasy_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o their_o walk_n in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o impiety_n with_o the_o child_n of_o other_o though_o whole_o groundless_o yet_o i_o conceive_v be_v no_o little_a stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o those_o who_o judgement_n and_o practice_n lie_v opposite_a to_o what_o have_v be_v plead_v for_o now_o the_o prevent_v this_o dishonour_n redound_v unto_o god_n and_o remove_v this_o stumbling-block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o weak_a be_v a_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o a_o faithful_a performance_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n and_o the_o lay_v these_o and_o the_o like_a obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o a_o diligent_a performance_n of_o that_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n may_v be_v one_o special_a reason_n of_o god_n appoint_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v see_v how_o much_o great_a obligation_n be_v upon_o believer_n who_o own_o their_o child_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v the_o token_n thereof_o apply_v to_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n and_o how_o many_o motive_n be_v improveable_a by_o they_o to_o provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o than_o what_o be_v upon_o or_o improveable_a by_o the_o contrary_n mind_v according_a to_o their_o respective_a judgement_n and_o practice_n 2._o the_o other_o enquiry_n be_v whether_o paedo-baptist_n or_o anti-paedo-baptists_n according_a to_o what_o they_o respective_o hold_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o child_n have_v great_a and_o sure_a ground_n to_o hope_n and_o expect_v that_o the_o mean_v use_v or_o duty_n perform_v by_o they_o shall_v be_v effectual_a and_o successful_a or_o whether_o the_o mean_v use_v and_o duty_n perform_v by_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o prove_v effectual_a and_o successful_a for_o the_o accomplish_n the_o end_n aim_v at_o answ_n now_o for_o this_o that_o the_o advantage_n lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o paedo-baptist_n will_v be_v undeniable_o evident_a by_o a_o double_a consideration_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o as_o it_o be_v mention_n because_o they_o must_v both_o be_v more_o full_o insist_v upon_o in_o a_o more_o proper_a place_n 1._o consider_v that_o paedo-baptist_n according_a to_o what_o they_o hold_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o child_n have_v vast_o more_o mean_n to_o use_v in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n and_o embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o it_o than_o anti-paedo-baptists_n have_v they_o have_v many_o more_o motive_n argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o propose_v apply_v to_o and_o press_v upon_o their_o child_n than_o the_o contrary-minded_n have_v and_o where_o the_o mean_n be_v great_a and_o more_o effectual_a in_o themselves_o their_o efficacy_n and_o success_n may_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o god_n work_v upon_o man_n be_v expect_v to_o be_v answerable_a 2._o they_o have_v many_o promise_n both_o make_v to_o themselves_o with_o reference_n to_o their_o child_n and_o household_n and_o to_o their_o child_n as_o under_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n beyond_o what_o the_o contrary-minded_n can_v according_o to_o their_o judgement_n and_o principle_n apply_v to_o themselves_o or_o they_o whâ—â—â—_n promise_n though_o they_o shall_v not_o infallible_o secure_a grace_n to_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n how_o careful_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o how_o faithful_a soever_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v vast_o great_a ground_n to_o hope_v for_o success_n than_o there_o will_v be_v suppose_v no_o such_o promise_n be_v make_v either_o to_o parent_n or_o child_n but_o these_o thing_n shall_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v more_o clear_v up_o hereafter_o now_o then_o let_v all_o man_n judge_v how_o unrighteous_a and_o unreasonable_a that_o charge_v lay_v upon_o paedo-baptism_n
sense_n of_o any_o difference_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o unbeliever_n be_v no_o rational_a ground_n for_o any_o to_o conclude_v either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o special_a care_n extend_v to_o or_o exercise_v over_o the_o former_a or_o that_o they_o receive_v no_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n thereby_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o sea_n his_o path_n in_o the_o deep_a water_n as_o for_o his_o footstep_n they_o be_v not_o know_v psal_n 77.19_o how_o many_o glorious_a design_n do_v our_o lord_n christ_n carry_v on_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o family_n and_o the_o several_a member_n thereof_o when_o yet_o neither_o the_o time_n when_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o they_o be_v lay_v nor_o the_o various_a working_n of_o providence_n in_o their_o accomplishment_n be_v discern_v or_o observe_v either_o by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o or_o by_o saint_n themselves_o only_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o their_o intend_a perfection_n they_o give_v abundant_a cause_n to_o those_o who_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o they_o to_o admire_v and_o say_v it_o be_v good_a for_o they_o that_o they_o ever_o have_v a_o place_n in_o that_o kingdom_n or_o family_n over_o which_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o that_o god_n who_o ride_v upon_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n and_o who_o strength_n be_v in_o the_o cloud_n who_o that_o have_v any_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v his_o sense_n at_o all_o exercise_v to_o discern_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v will_v willing_o be_v remove_v from_o under_o this_o special_a providential_a care_n of_o christ_n though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v set_v over_o the_o great_a empire_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o though_o yet_o continue_v under_o that_o general_a providence_n that_o extend_v to_o the_o whole_a creation_n of_o god_n so_o that_o not_o to_o descend_v to_o particular_n to_o be_v under_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v a_o singular_a good_a by_o all_o those_o that_o will_v not_o disclaim_v christianity_n and_o avow_v themselves_o open_a infidel_n now_o i_o say_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n as_o admit_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n and_o family_n of_o christ_n be_v under_o that_o special_a providential_a care_n he_o exercise_n over_o it_o but_o now_o parent_n by_o disclaim_v their_o seed_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o refuse_v on_o that_o account_n to_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o do_v if_o not_o absolute_o yet_o at_o lest_o what_o in_o they_o lie_v deprive_v they_o of_o this_o privilege_n and_o leave_v they_o under_o only_o that_o general_a and_o common_a providence_n that_o be_v exercise_v over_o the_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v full_a of_o the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n and_o oh_o that_o man_n yea_o that_o christian_n shall_v become_v so_o cruel_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o body_n chap._n iu._n the_o good_a redound_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n from_o their_o admission_n into_o and_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n or_o family_n of_o christ_n further_o open_v in_o a_o three_o instance_n viz._n they_o stand_v nigh_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o and_o be_v the_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n some_o of_o these_o promise_v mention_v the_o full_a good_a contain_v in_o they_o unfold_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v stand_v nigh_o to_o they_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n full_o prove_v a_o exaggeration_n of_o parent_n evil_a in_o reject_v their_o child_n church-membership_a 3._o three_o and_o especial_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n stand_v nigh_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n do_v to_o and_o answerable_o be_v the_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n the_o promise_v i_o have_v reference_n to_o be_v such_o as_o these_o isa_n 54.13_o jer._n 31.31_o that_o the_o very_a first_o special_a or_o save_a grace_n i_o mean_v inherent_a or_o renew_v grace_n whereby_o the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v renew_v in_o and_o reinstamp_v upon_o the_o soul_n be_v original_o from_o god_n and_o not_o from_o man_n himself_o needs_o no_o other_o proof_n than_o the_o bare_a recital_n of_o those_o scripture_n that_o affirm_v it_o john_n 3.3_o 7._o compare_v with_o john_n 1.13_o ephes_n 2.8_o 10._o james_n 1.17_o 18._o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o promise_v aforemention_v and_o unto_o which_o i_o have_v reference_n do_v contain_v and_o hold_v forth_o save_v grace_n and_o at_o least_o that_o isai_n 54.13_o the_o very_a first_o special_a or_o save_a grace_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o the_o word_n themselves_o so_o from_o the_o application_n our_o lord_n christ_n make_v of_o that_o promise_n in_o john_n 6.44_o 45._o where_o we_o see_v our_o lord_n christ_n apply_v these_o teach_n of_o god_n to_o those_o effectual_a teach_n and_o drawing_n of_o the_o father_n whereby_o sinner_n be_v bring_v to_o he_o and_o which_o whosoever_o do_v enjoy_v do_v actual_o come_v to_o he_o and_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o by_o he_o at_o the_o last_o day_n that_o be_v unto_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o yet_o far_o that_o these_o promise_v i_o now_o reser_fw-ge unto_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n in_o new-testament-time_n and_o that_o during_o the_o present_a administration_n be_v undeniable_o secure_v both_o by_o our_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n interpretation_n and_o application_n of_o they_o compare_v those_o forecited_a text_n with_o john_n 6.44_o 45._o heb._n 8.11_o so_o that_o as_o all_o special_a or_o save_v grace_n especial_o that_o first_o whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v and_o unite_v unto_o christ_n be_v original_o from_o god_n so_o these_o promise_n do_v hold_v forth_o and_o assure_v that_o grace_n unto_o some_o in_o new-testament-time_n during_o the_o present_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n now_o i_o say_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n as_o incorporate_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o do_v stand_v nigh_o to_o these_o promise_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n do_v and_o be_v the_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o they_o and_o consequent_o they_o have_v and_o be_v parent_n saithful_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n will_v more_o abundant_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n especial_o among_o they_o but_o that_o we_o may_v more_o clear_o see_v how_o great_a a_o good_a and_o advantage_n the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o respect_n have_v by_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o first_o show_v more_o particular_o what_o be_v the_o good_a that_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o promise_n and_o 2._o second_o prove_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n do_v stand_v nigh_a to_o they_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n what_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o these_o promise_v be_v and_o that_o be_v twofold_a the_o former_a employ_v and_o presuppose_v the_o latter_a more_o plain_o express_v first_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o these_o promise_v be_v the_o vouchsafement_n of_o such_o outward_a mean_n as_o be_v ape_n and_o sufficient_a according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a deal_n of_o god_n with_o and_o his_o ordinary_a way_n of_o work_a grace_n in_o man_n instrumental_o to_o convey_v grace_n to_o and_o work_v it_o in_o the_o heart_n these_o mean_n in_o the_o general_n be_v the_o outward_a communication_n or_o publication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n declare_v the_o way_n of_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n as_o some_o way_n communicate_v to_o the_o understanding_n and_o apply_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o mean_n by_o and_o through_o which_o god_n do_v ordinary_o work_v grace_n in_o those_o who_o salvation_n he_o intend_v i_o mean_v it_o of_o such_o who_o capacity_n admit_v of_o their_o reception_n of_o grace_n that_o way_n now_o when_o god_n promise_v grace_n he_o implicit_o promise_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o may_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o man_n be_v wrought_v in_o those_o intend_v in_o the_o promise_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v it_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o unuseful_a to_o remove_v one_o objection_n that_o may_v possible_o arise_v in_o the_o mind_n at_o least_o of_o some_o man_n obj._n possible_o it_o may_v be_v say_v these_o promise_n seem_v rather_o to_o exclude_v than_o include_v any_o external_a mean_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v when_o these_o promise_n come_v to_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n man_n shall_v not_o teach_v every_o
people_n and_o their_o seed_n successive_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o to_o those_o that_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o promise_n or_o that_o they_o be_v tobe_n interpret_v and_o understand_v not_o in_o a_o definite_a but_o in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n and_o do_v impartial_o observe_v the_o way_n of_o god_n procedure_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o man_n any_o endeavour_n to_o vindicate_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o their_o performance_n will_v be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a for_o though_o some_o have_v contemn_v that_o observation_n that_o other_o have_v make_v viz._n that_o that_o seed_n that_o god_n have_v reserve_v out_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o fall_a man_n to_o serve_v he_o be_v in_o a_o considerable_a measure_n raise_v out_o of_o the_o family_n of_o the_o faithful_a yet_o it_o be_v indeed_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o so_o evident_a to_o unbiased_a observer_n that_o it_o may_v be_v no_o little_a confirmation_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n now_o give_v of_o these_o promise_n and_o be_v a_o abundant_a vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o as_o it_o have_v in_o all_o age_n pass_v give_v so_o still_o give_v he_o the_o just_a name_n and_o repute_v of_o a_o god_n keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n for_o ever_o but_o to_o put_v a_o close_a to_o this_o three_o benefit_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o say_v they_o be_v thereby_o bring_v nigh_o to_o the_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v they_o be_v os_fw-la that_o collective_a body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n unto_o who_o these_o promise_n do_v in_o the_o general_n appertain_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o be_v that_o special_a part_n of_o or_o species_n of_o member_n in_o that_o body_n or_o society_n to_o who_o these_o promise_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n do_v belong_v they_o be_v nigh_o to_o the_o promise_v as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o they_o be_v yet_o nigh_o as_o they_o be_v specify_v and_o point_v out_o to_o be_v the_o person_n peculiar_o intend_v in_o they_o and_o according_a to_o their_o nignness_n to_o these_o promise_n so_o especial_o when_o parent_n be_v faithful_a in_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o be_v their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v how_o rare_o be_v it_o find_v when_o parent_n with_o abraham_n be_v faithful_a in_o instruct_v and_o command_v their_o child_n to_o walk_v in_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o if_o not_o all_o yet_o some_o though_o sometime_o more_o sometime_o sewer_a according_a to_o the_o number_n they_o be_v bless_v with_o be_v find_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n accompany_v of_o those_o instruction_n walk_v in_o these_o way_n yea_o how_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o parent_n so_o perform_v their_o duty_n who_o can_v walk_v in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o strange_a land_n with_o comfortable_a hope_n that_o all_o they_o be_v heir_n with_o they_o of_o the_o same_o promise_n now_o then_o how_o strange_a be_v it_o that_o believe_a parent_n shall_v have_v their_o understanding_n so_o far_o darken_v and_o their_o judgement_n so_o far_o blind_v to_o make_v that_o which_o sometime_o be_v the_o gentile_n and_o be_v now_o the_o jew_n misery_n viz._n to_o be_v far_o from_o god_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n their_o choice_n though_o not_o for_o themselves_o yet_o for_o they_o and_o shall_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v set_v they_o at_o the_o utmost_a distance_n from_o those_o promise_n that_o be_v the_o great_a ground_n of_o hope_n to_o fall_v man_n that_o he_o may_v obrain_n a_o exchange_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o misery_n for_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o take_v their_o lot_n among_o those_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o we_o may_v well_o call_v to_o the_o heaven_n to_o be_v astonish_v at_o this_o and_o to_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v move_v out_o of_o its_o place_n but_o to_o pass_v from_o this_o first_o head_n of_o benefy_v accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n from_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o they_o have_v admission_n into_o and_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o god_n by_o command_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n speak_v to_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o seed_n as_o jacob_n to_o joseph_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o two_o son_n bring_v your_o child_n near_o to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v bless_v they_o bring_v they_o into_o my_o house_n and_o family_n and_o as_o they_o then_o shall_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o prayer_n put_v up_o for_o it_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o special_a providential_a care_n of_o my_o son_n over_o they_o he_o shall_v give_v his_o angel_n a_o charge_n concern_v they_o they_o shall_v come_v into_o a_o nigh_a capacity_n to_o enjoy_v grace_n promise_v than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v you_o faithful_a in_o your_o duty_n and_o i_o will_v be_v faithful_a in_o my_o promise_n now_o shall_v any_o reject_v such_o a_o gracious_a invitation_n how_o just_o may_v child_n cnrse_v the_o day_n they_o be_v ever_o bring_v forth_o by_o such_o parent_n chap._n v._o the_o second_o good_a or_o benefit_n accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n propose_v viz._n they_o have_v thereby_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o appertain_v to_o they_o ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v a_o enquiry_n make_v whether_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n be_v enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n definit_o or_o only_o indefinite_o the_o various_a judgement_n of_o paedo-baptist_n about_o it_o that_o they_o be_v enter_v and_o make_v definite_o prove_v two_o way_n first_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o abraham_n seed_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n where_o two_o reason_n be_v offer_v second_o it_o be_v further_a prove_v by_o three_o reason_n respect_v both_o abraham_n and_o all_o other_o believer_n seed_n the_o forementioned_a good_a accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n open_v in_o the_o resolution_n of_o two_o question_n the_o former_a propose_v viz._n what_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v reference_n unto_o that_o it_o have_v a_o twofold_a reference_n show_v first_o to_o the_o covenant_n as_o abstract_o and_o absolute_o consider_v the_o thing_n ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o it_o as_o consider_v in_o that_o its_o reference_n determine_v to_o be_v their_o covenant_n that_o the_o necessary_a result_n of_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o two_o argument_n to_o be_v their_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o originalsin_n and_o that_o both_o originans_n and_o originatum_fw-la 2._o the_o second_o good_a or_o benefit_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v this_o viz._n they_o have_v thereby_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o appertain_v to_o they_o seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o particular_a unfolding_n of_o this_o good_a or_o benefit_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unuseful_a but_o seem_v necessary_a that_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o different_a apprehension_n of_o poedo-baptists_n themselves_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n as_o enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o judgement_n about_o that_o must_v be_v grant_v and_o according_a to_o their_o different_a apprehension_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n they_o be_v different_o persuade_v as_o to_o the_o good_a accrue_v to_o infant_n by_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o their_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o which_o i_o shall_v also_o brief_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o i_o go_v along_o 1._o first_o some_o conserve_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n only_o indefinite_o and_o anfwerable_o that_o the_o promise_v appertain_v to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n that_o be_v as_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o they_o as_o general_o and_o collective_o consider_v but_o not_o make_v to_o any_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a and_o of_o those_o that_o go_v this_o way_n some_o conceive_v that_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n appertain_v only_o to_o the_o elect_n and_o secure_a to_o they_o only_o the_o future_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o save_a fruit_n and_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o christ_n but_o do_v not_o necessary_o convey_v to_o or_o confer_v
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