as_o at_o first_o make_v to_o abraham_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o seed_n it_o be_v make_v to_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n that_o be_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o seed_n or_o their_o child_n as_o immediate_o descend_v from_o they_o for_o so_o the_o covenant_n be_v establish_v not_o only_o with_o abraham_n himself_o but_o with_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n and_o in_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n must_v be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v as_o the_o covenant_n be_v establish_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n so_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n and_o answerable_o i_o have_v so_o express_v myself_o throughout_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n and_o here_o let_v two_o thing_n be_v careful_o observe_v first_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o abraham_n whole_a seed_n both_o natural_a and_o mystical_a in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o tenor_n hence_o second_o look_v how_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o refer_v to_o either_o kind_n or_o species_n of_o his_o seed_n so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o refer_v to_o the_o other_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o refer_v to_o his_o natural_a seed_n so_o it_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o refer_v to_o his_o mystical_a seed_n now_o that_o it_o be_v as_o refer_v to_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n to_o be_v understand_v as_o include_v parent_n and_o child_n be_v evident_a partly_o because_o the_o promise_n as_o thus_o make_v as_o refer_v to_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o sense_n or_o meaning_n consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n partly_o because_o god_n by_o he_o after_o deal_v with_o the_o jew_n declare_v that_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o and_o partly_o because_o the_o prophet_n so_o expound_v it_o as_o to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o gospel_n time_n now_o this_o promise_n be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o refer_v to_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o understand_v as_o refer_v to_o his_o mystical_a seed_n second_o this_o second_o proposition_n be_v further_a evident_a from_o the_o promise_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n relate_v to_o new_a testament_n time_n three_o from_o the_o express_a letter_n of_o new_a testament_n which_o affirm_v positive_o that_o the_o blessing_n not_o this_o or_o that_o part_n of_o the_o blessing_n but_o the_o blessing_n simple_o and_o absolute_o be_v come_v upon_o believe_a gentile_n by_o christ_n four_o from_o several_a passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o though_o they_o do_v not_o in_o express_a term_n hold_v forth_o this_o settlement_n of_o this_o promise_n upon_o believe_a gentile_n yet_o do_v plain_o imply_v it_o for_o satisfaction_n in_o all_o which_o thing_n i_o be_o necessitate_v to_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o discourse_n itself_o where_o he_o will_v find_v they_o large_o speak_v to_o these_o two_o former_a proposition_n be_v establish_v the_o three_o as_o i_o judge_v will_v be_v question_v but_o by_o few_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a thus_o for_o as_o abraham_n whole_a seed_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n that_o be_v both_o parent_n and_o immediate_a child_n under_o the_o promise_n so_o they_o be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o command_n to_o keep_v the_o covenant_n that_o be_v the_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n whence_o its_o evident_a that_o as_o the_o covenant_n that_o abraham_n seed_n in_o their_o generation_n than_o be_v or_o after_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o have_v and_o be_v to_o have_v a_o sign_n or_o token_n annex_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o so_o that_o it_o always_o be_v and_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n in_o covenant_n as_o to_o receive_v and_o bear_v that_o sign_n or_o token_n themselves_o so_o to_o take_v care_n that_o their_o infant-seed_n as_o joint_a heir_n with_o themselves_o of_o the_o same_o promise_n shall_v receive_v and_o bear_v it_o and_o consequent_o that_o believe_a gentile_n they_o be_v the_o mystical_a seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v still_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o command_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v baptize_v themselves_o baptism_n be_v the_o present_a sign_n and_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n into_o which_o they_o be_v receive_v so_o to_o see_v that_o their_o infant-seed_n be_v also_o baptize_v and_o as_o the_o promise_n and_o command_n be_v of_o a_o equal_a extent_n so_o interest_n in_o this_o promise_n declare_v the_o person_n so_o interest_v to_o have_v such_o a_o relation_n to_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v a_o undoubted_a ground_n of_o implantation_n and_o incorporation_n into_o that_o body_n as_o visible_a by_o baptism_n the_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o christ_n and_o only_o to_o he_o either_o personal_o or_o mystical_o consider_v hence_o whoever_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o this_o promise_n they_o must_v undoubted_o have_v so_o far_o relation_n to_o christ_n as_o will_v warrant_v their_o implantation_n into_o he_o as_o mystical_o consider_v by_o baptism_n that_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o implantation_n of_o any_o into_o his_o mystical_a body_n and_o further_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n ground_n his_o exhortation_n to_o baptism_n upon_o interest_n either_o in_o this_o or_o some_o other_o equivalent_a promise_n which_o he_o will_v never_o have_v do_v have_v not_o interest_n in_o that_o promise_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o application_n or_o reception_n of_o baptism_n but_o i_o must_v come_v to_o a_o close_a and_o thus_o reader_n though_o there_o be_v some_o other_o thing_n i_o will_v willing_o have_v speak_v to_o yet_o i_o shall_v only_o acquaint_v thou_o with_o two_o thing_n and_o request_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n of_o thou_o and_o then_o dismiss_v thou_o to_o the_o serious_a perusal_n of_o what_o be_v here_o tender_v to_o thou_o first_o that_o which_o i_o will_v acquaint_v thou_o with_o be_v that_o whereas_o there_o be_v several_a scripture_n usual_o insist_v upon_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n which_o thou_o will_v find_v in_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n either_o not_o at_o all_o or_o very_o little_a touch_v upon_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o that_o i_o judge_v they_o impertinent_a or_o insufficient_a for_o the_o proof_n of_o that_o practice_n i_o judge_v they_o be_v full_a and_o pertinent_a and_o some_o of_o they_o especial_o that_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o as_o manage_v in_o special_a by_o mr._n baxter_n unanswerable_a but_o know_v that_o i_o do_v but_o glean_v after_o other_o and_o therefore_o have_v especial_o insist_v both_o in_o the_o argument_n i_o have_v manage_v and_o objection_n i_o have_v answer_v upon_o such_o scripture_n as_o have_v be_v more_o brief_o touch_v upon_o by_o they_o and_o will_v desire_v the_o reader_n as_o he_o have_v opportunity_n to_o take_v what_o they_o have_v say_v from_o those_o scripture_n for_o his_o more_o full_a confirmation_n suppose_v any_o doubt_n may_v yet_o remain_v in_o his_o mind_n in_o the_o truth_n that_o i_o in_o common_a with_o they_o have_v plead_v for_o second_o another_o thing_n reader_n that_o i_o will_v acquaint_v thou_o with_o be_v this_o that_o whereas_o it_o be_v possible_a thou_o may_v have_v meet_v with_o some_o objection_n which_o be_v not_o here_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o i_o judge_v they_o no_o way_n able_a to_o counterbalance_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o of_o a_o competent_a understanding_n the_o evidence_n produce_v in_o confirmation_n of_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v or_o else_o because_o they_o whole_o concern_v other_o and_o not_o myself_o in_o the_o way_n i_o have_v proceed_v in_o that_o which_o i_o will_v request_v of_o thou_o be_v first_o that_o thou_o take_v the_o three_o subordinate_a proposition_n in_o that_o order_n i_o have_v lay_v they_o down_o and_o full_o weigh_v the_o first_o before_o thou_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o and_o then_o thorough_o weigh_v the_o second_o before_o thou_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o first_o will_v conduce_v not_o a_o little_a to_o thy_o entertain_v the_o evidence_n produce_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o second_o and_o to_o be_v well_o establish_v in_o these_o two_o will_v much_o facillitate_v thy_o embracement_n of_o the_o last_o wherein_o the_o main_a truth_n contend_v for_o be_v contain_v second_o let_v i_o request_v a_o favourable_a construction_n of_o what_o weakness_n appear_v in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o whole_a debate_n thou_o will_v soon_o find_v that_o the_o discourse_n here_o put_v into_o thy_o hand_n come_v abroad_o in_o a_o very_a mean_a dress_n and_o not_o without_o many_o incongruity_n in_o
not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o some_o grant_v that_o ishmael_n be_v intend_v in_o that_o promise_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o be_v a_o party_n in_o that_o covenant_n but_o deny_v that_o that_o covenant_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n other_o grant_v that_o that_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o deny_v ishmael_n to_o be_v a_o party_n in_o it_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o all_o these_o three_o assertion_n viz._n that_o ishmael_n be_v intend_v in_o that_o promise_n that_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v contain_v be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n can_v be_v break_v we_o have_v the_o suffrage_n of_o some_o of_o our_o opposite_n as_o they_o be_v take_v several_o but_o you_o will_v say_v they_o all_o agree_v 〈…〉_o be_v all_o true_a take_v conjunctive_o it_o be_v tâ—â—â—_n they_o do_v so_o and_o where_o their_o mistake_n lie_v either_o as_o 〈◊〉_d what_o we_o affirm_v or_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n itself_o shall_v be_v now_o consider_v first_o and_o i_o shall_v first_o show_v in_o what_o sense_n we_o hold_v and_o maintain_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v a_o immutable_a and_o unchangeable_a covenant_n a_o covenant_n that_o can_v be_v break_v second_o lay_v down_o some_o proposition_n for_o the_o vindicate_a the_o truth_n assert_v in_o this_o first_o proposition_n for_o carry_v any_o appearance_n of_o repugnancy_n to_o that_o principle_n hold_v and_o maintain_v by_o we_o in_o the_o sense_n it_o be_v hold_v and_o maintain_v by_o we_o concern_v the_o immutability_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o first_o and_o thus_o we_o must_v observe_v a_o twofold_a distinction_n first_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a and_o a_o internal_a and_o invisible_a be_v in_o covenant_n or_o between_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o external_o and_o visible_o and_o as_o internal_o and_o invisible_o plight_v or_o mutual_o enter_v between_o god_n and_o man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o external_a and_o visible_a be_v in_o covenant_n or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o external_a and_o visible_a plight_v or_o mutual_a enter_v of_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n where_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o a_o internal_a and_o invisible_a be_v in_o covenant_n nor_o any_o internal_a mutual_a enter_v covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v evident_a through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o be_v so_o demonstrative_o prove_v by_o other_o especial_o mr._n cobbett_n of_o new-england_n that_o it_o be_v whole_o superfluous_a to_o add_v any_o thing_n i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o say_v that_o unless_o we_o do_v grant_v this_o distinction_n we_o must_v hold_v that_o either_o christ_n have_v no_o visible_a body_n church_n or_o people_n in_o the_o world_n or_o else_o that_o some_o may_v be_v of_o the_o visible_a body_n church_n or_o people_n of_o christ_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o in_o any_o sense_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o former_a sure_a none_o will_v affirm_v and_o the_o grant_v the_o latter_a will_v grant_v what_o i_o contend_v for_o as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o process_n of_o our_o discourse_n second_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o be_v in_o covenant_n through_o a_o personal_a acceptation_n of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o engage_v with_o god_n in_o a_o covenant_n way_n and_o be_v in_o covenant_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o gracious_a tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o as_o make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v in_o covenant_n by_o a_o personal_a acceptation_n of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o engage_v with_o god_n in_o a_o covenant_n way_n will_v be_v deny_v by_o none_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v in_o covenant_n or_o be_v under_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o gracious_a tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o will_v i_o hope_v sufficient_o appear_v from_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o and_o our_o next_o proposition_n now_o when_o we_o say_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o immutable_a and_o unchangeable_a covenant_n a_o covenant_n that_o can_v be_v break_v we_o intend_v it_o of_o the_o covenant_n as_o personal_o and_o that_o intnely_a and_o sincere_o enter_v by_o a_o true_o regenerate_v soul_n and_o not_o of_o the_o covenant_n as_o only_o external_o and_o unsincere_o enter_v by_o hypocrite_n nor_o of_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o believe_v parent_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o natural_a seed_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o what_o be_v affirm_v concern_v the_o immutability_n and_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v only_o this_o that_o when_o once_o a_o soul_n be_v save_o wrought_v upon_o to_o a_o right_o close_v in_o with_o christ_n and_o a_o save_a close_a with_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o soul_n shall_v never_o total_o and_o final_o fall_v away_o so_o as_o to_o suffer_v a_o absolute_a and_o total_a loss_n of_o that_o grace_n wrought_v in_o it_o nor_o be_v absolute_o cast_v out_o of_o a_o covenant_n state_n and_o relation_n god-ward_o whether_o these_o promise_n upon_o the_o warrant_n of_o which_o this_o immutability_n and_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v affert_v and_o maintain_v will_v prove_v any_o more_o shall_v be_v consider_v at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v my_o present_a purpose_n by_o and_o by_o have_v then_o give_v the_o sense_n in_o which_o we_o hold_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v immutable_a and_o unchangeable_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n promise_v the_o proposition_n and_o they_o be_v these_o first_o that_o this_o covenant_n now_o establish_v between_o god_n and_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n which_o i_o grant_v yea_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o same_o in_o substance_n that_o believer_n be_v still_o under_o be_v and_o still_o be_v a_o conditional_a covenant_n let_v not_o that_o term_n conditional_a offend_v i_o intend_v no_o more_o than_o what_o i_o suppose_v will_n on_o all_o hand_n be_v grant_v viz._n that_o as_o god_n promise_v good_a to_o abraham_n with_o reference_n both_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n so_o he_o require_v the_o performance_n of_o duty_n as_o from_o abraham_n himself_o so_o from_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o respective_a generation_n in_o brief_a thus_o this_o covenant_n contain_v promise_n of_o good_a from_o god_n yet_o with_o a_o restipulation_n of_o duty_n from_o the_o party_n with_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o unto_o who_o the_o promise_n do_v appertain_v and_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o a_o covenant_n as_o proper_o take_v it_o be_v true_a this_o term_n covenant_n be_v various_o use_v in_o scripture_n sometime_o for_o a_o bare_a promise_n on_o god_n part_n sometime_o for_o the_o restipulation_n on_o man_n part_n sometime_o for_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o these_o be_v improper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n when_o it_o be_v proper_o take_v it_o always_o signify_v a_o mutual_a compact_n between_o god_n and_o man_n wherein_o god_n engage_v himself_o by_o promise_n to_o they_o and_o engage_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o what_o himself_o have_v constitute_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n a_o covenant_n in_o general_n when_o proper_o take_v and_o consequent_o this_o covenant_n in_o particular_a which_o must_v partake_v of_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o covenant_n every_o species_n must_v partake_v of_o its_o genus_fw-la be_v quiddam_fw-la complexum_fw-la imply_v two_o or_o more_o party_n covenant_v so_o two_o party_n covenant_v the_o give_v of_o some_o good_a on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o return_n of_o some_o performance_n on_o the_o other_o and_o that_o as_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o covenant_n inviolate_a on_o each_o part_n second_o that_o this_o restipulation_n or_o condition_n on_o abraham_n part_n do_v concern_v he_o both_o as_o a_o single_a person_n and_o as_o a_o parent_n stand_v in_o a_o parental_a relation_n towards_o his_o seed_n take_v in_o as_o joint_a party_n with_o himself_o into_o covenant_n my_o meaning_n be_v evident_a abraham_n stand_v in_o a_o double_a capacity_n as_o a_o single_a party_n with_o who_o god_n enter_v covenant_n and_o as_o a_o father_n of_o child_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v in_o common_a with_o himself_o appertain_v now_o as_o abraham_n as_o a_o single_a person_n in_o covenant_n be_v to_o accept_v of_o and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n he_o be_v in_o that_o capacity_n engage_v to_o by_o god_n so_o as_o a_o parent_n he_o have_v something_o of_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o seed_n as_o immediate_o descend_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n and_o as_o his_o faithful_a performance_n of_o that_o duty_n incumbent_a
upon_o he_o in_o his_o single_a capacity_n so_o his_o perform_v that_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o he_o as_o a_o parent_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o seed_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o his_o enjoy_n the_o good_a promise_v with_o reference_n both_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o seed_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v evident_a from_o these_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n compare_v together_o gen._n 17.1_o and_o gen._n 18.19_o walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a there_o be_v abraham_n duty_n in_o reference_n to_o himself_o as_o a_o single_a person_n with_o who_o the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v for_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v judgement_n and_o justice_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v bring_v upon_o abraham_n that_o which_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o he_o that_o be_v that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o there_o be_v abraham_n duty_n as_o a_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o a_o family_n and_o under_o this_o term_n command_v all_o other_o duty_n subserve_v or_o refer_v to_o their_o walk_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v employ_v and_o comprehend_v now_o say_v the_o lord_n abraham_n will_v thus_o command_v his_o child_n and_o household_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v bring_v upon_o he_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o he_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o abraham_n performance_n of_o his_o duty_n towards_o his_o child_n and_o household_n be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o god_n bring_v upon_o he_o or_o make_v good_a to_o he_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o reference_n to_o his_o child_n and_o household_n and_o that_o without_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n he_o can_v not_o expect_v according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o god_n shall_v bring_v that_o good_a upon_o he_o or_o do_v that_o good_a to_o he_o and_o what_o be_v say_v of_o abraham_n be_v true_a of_o all_o his_o seed_n suppose_v they_o under_o that_o double_a capacity_n abraham_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o his_o seed_n both_o in_o privilege_n and_o in_o duty_n three_o that_o whatever_o be_v the_o condition_n or_o restipulation_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o abraham_n be_v the_o condition_n or_o restipulation_n require_v of_o his_o natural_a seed_n and_o to_o be_v actual_o perform_v by_o they_o in_o their_o own_o person_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v to_o that_o maturity_n of_o age_n as_o render_v they_o capable_a thereof_o and_o that_o as_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o complete_n and_o continuance_n of_o their_o covenant_n relation_n with_o god_n into_o which_o they_o as_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n be_v admit_v in_o their_o infancy_n though_o god_n be_v please_v to_o enter_v covenant_n not_o only_o with_o abraham_n himself_o but_o with_o his_o seed_n together_o with_o he_o and_o his_o accept_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o himself_o and_o they_o constitute_v a_o covenant_n relation_n between_o god_n and_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o that_o covenant-relation_n be_v continue_v during_o his_o seed_n infant_n capacity_n upon_o abraham_n account_n yet_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o a_o personal_a engage_v with_o god_n in_o a_o covenant_n way_n and_o perform_v the_o restipulation_n require_v now_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o covenant-relation_n between_o god_n and_o they_o indispensable_o require_v their_o personal_a accept_n of_o and_o perform_v that_o restipulation_n or_o condition_n that_o abraham_n in_o their_o infancy_n have_v accept_v for_o they_o and_o their_o non-acceptance_n or_o non-performance_n of_o that_o condition_n do_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la disannul_v the_o covenant_n or_o forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o and_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o god_n stand_v the_o long_a by_o virtue_n of_o that_o promise_v oblige_v to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o they_o and_o for_o they_o to_o have_v suppose_v the_o continuance_n of_o that_o covenant-relation_n between_o god_n and_o they_o into_o which_o they_o be_v afore_o admit_v and_o upon_o that_o account_n expect_v the_o good_a promise_v without_o their_o personal_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o covenant_n do_v oblige_v they_o to_o have_v be_v a_o groundless_a presumption_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v evident_a in_o part_n from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v and_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v when_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o second_o proposition_n abraham_n command_v his_o child_n and_o household_n to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n namely_o their_o enjoy_n the_o good_a promise_v necessary_o suppose_v it_o for_o why_o shall_v he_o command_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o relation_n to_o such_o a_o end_n if_o their_o keep_v that_o way_n have_v no_o necessary_a reference_n to_o that_o end_n but_o the_o end_n have_v be_v attain_v without_o their_o keep_v that_o way_n beside_o be_v not_o this_o true_a there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o breach_n of_o covenant_n find_v among_o any_o of_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n as_o will_v be_v obvious_a to_o every_o ordinary_a capacity_n before_o i_o proceed_v further_o let_v i_o note_v by_o the_o way_n that_o this_o covenant_n now_o establish_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n employ_v a_o twofold_a condition_n necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o order_n to_o god_n make_v good_a the_o promise_n of_o it_o refer_v to_o his_o seed_n first_o there_o be_v a_o condition_n incumbent_n on_o abraham_n himself_o there_o be_v something_o of_o duty_n require_v of_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o seed_n viz._n that_o he_o command_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o forego_n proposition_n second_o there_o be_v a_o condition_n incumbent_n upon_o the_o seed_n as_o grow_v up_o and_o become_v capable_a of_o understanding_n and_o perform_v it_o that_o be_v that_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o suppose_v that_o either_o abraham_n have_v fail_v in_o his_o duty_n or_o his_o seed_n in_o they_o god_n have_v be_v acquit_v of_o any_o charge_n of_o unfaithfulness_n to_o his_o promise_n though_o the_o good_a promise_v with_o reference_n to_o his_o seed_n have_v never_o be_v give_v in_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n seed_n as_o well_o as_o to_o himself_o yet_o with_o this_o condition_n that_o he_o instruct_v and_o command_v his_o seed_n and_o that_o they_o accept_v of_o and_o perform_v the_o duty_n engage_v to_o by_o covenant_n four_o that_o ishmael_n breach_n of_o covenant_n do_v neither_o proceed_v from_o a_o failure_n on_o god_n part_n in_o make_v good_a the_o promise_v make_v to_o he_o nor_o consist_v in_o his_o own_o lose_n or_o fall_v from_o inherent_a grace_n but_o do_v whole_o lie_v in_o his_o non_fw-la performance_n of_o that_o duty_n require_v as_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o complete_n and_o continuance_n of_o that_o covenant-relation_n he_o be_v admit_v into_o with_o god_n and_o transgress_v those_o command_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o in_o brief_a he_o fall_v from_o a_o covenant-state_n but_o not_o from_o covenanted-grace_n for_o that_o he_o never_o have_v a_o actual_a possession_n of_o so_o that_o to_o affirm_v that_o ishmael_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n now_o establish_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o that_o that_o covenant_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o believer_n be_v sâ—ill_o under_o notwithstanding_o his_o breach_n of_o covenant_n in_o the_o sense_n now_o open_v be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o what_o be_v affirm_v concern_v the_o immutability_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n we_o free_o grant_v and_o our_o opposite_n must_v grant_v it_o too_o unless_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o the_o absurdity_n aforementioned_a verse_n 12._o that_o person_n may_v be_v in_o a_o external_a covenant_n state_n god_n ward_n and_o yet_o want_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n may_v loose_v a_o covenant-state_n though_o not_o loose_a covenanted-grace_n or_o fall_v from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n but_o not_o to_o leave_v any_o doubt_n that_o may_v a_o rise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o about_o what_o have_v be_v say_v unsatisfy_a i_o be_o aware_a of_o one_o objection_n and_o that_o not_o without_o a_o seem_a weight_n and_o strength_n in_o it_o will_v be_v make_v against_o what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o that_o be_v this_o object_n it_o will_v be_v say_v do_v not_o the_o scripture_n plain_o intimate_v it_o not_o positive_o offer_v â—_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n can_v be_v break_v no_o not_o in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o be_v now_o suppose_a ishmael_n do_v break_v it_o and_o be_v not_o that_o at_o least_o one_o
be_v a_o full_a comment_n upon_o the_o command_n as_o more_o general_o lay_v down_o viz._n that_o as_o in_o that_o phrase_n thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n he_o intend_v both_o parent_n and_o infant-seed_n so_o that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o child_n receive_v and_o bear_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o its_o keep_n of_o it_o do_v appertain_v to_o the_o parent_n as_o their_o duty_n and_o hence_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v circumcision_n show_v we_o what_o be_v his_o will_n concern_v baptism_n that_o as_o the_o one_o so_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o parent_n themselves_o and_o that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o other_o lie_v upon_o the_o parent_n where_o note_n that_o i_o argue_v not_o from_o anallogy_n but_o only_o take_v that_o discovery_n god_n make_v of_o his_o will_n concern_v circumcision_n as_o a_o comment_n upon_o that_o command_n enjoin_v the_o keep_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o more_o general_o lay_v down_o but_o not_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o three_o particular_a sufficient_o appear_v four_o that_o as_o circumcision_n be_v the_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n during_o the_o old_a testament_n administration_n so_o baptism_n be_v the_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n administration_n where_o note_n that_o when_o i_o say_v circumcision_n be_v and_o baptism_n be_v the_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o will_v be_v thus_o understand_v viz._n that_o circumcision_n be_v and_o baptism_n be_v that_o ordinance_n or_o institution_n that_o god_n then_o do_v annex_v and_o now_o have_v annex_v to_o the_o covenant_n serve_v to_o and_o perform_v of_o those_o various_a use_n and_o end_n with_o reference_n unto_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v that_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o as_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o his_o annex_v a_o sign_n or_o token_n in_o the_o general_a to_o the_o covenant_n establish_v between_o himself_o and_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n that_o circumcision_n be_v this_o ordinance_n or_o institution_n be_v express_o declare_v genesis_n 17.10_o 11._o that_o baptism_n be_v the_o present_a sign_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n will_v appear_v these_o two_o way_n first_o more_o general_o and_o thus_o unless_o baptism_n be_v the_o present_a sign_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n during_o this_o present_a administration_n be_v leave_v whole_o destitute_a of_o any_o sign_n or_o token_n at_o all_o let_v the_o sign_n or_o token_n be_v produce_v in_o case_n baptism_n be_v not_o it_o it_o be_v true_a it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o the_o covenant_n under_o the_o present_a administration_n have_v no_o external_a sign_n or_o token_n annex_v to_o it_o neither_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v the_o spirit_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o more_o plentiful_a powring_n forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o believer_n especial_o under_o that_o notion_n of_o a_o seal_n make_v a_o outward_a sign_n or_o token_n whole_o unnecessary_a to_o that_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o though_o believer_n be_v say_v to_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n yet_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o where_o call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n neither_o indeed_o can_v it_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n be_v so_o call_v for_o if_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o all_o that_o be_v under_o the_o covenant_n the_o contrary_a thereunto_o both_o scripture_n and_o experience_n abundant_o declare_v the_o seal_n of_o i_o covenant_n must_v be_v as_o extensive_a as_o the_o covenant_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o seal_n now_o take_v the_o spirit_n as_o a_o seal_n that_o be_v as_o give_v for_o that_o particular_a use_n and_o end_n viz._n to_o assure_v and_o ascertain_v the_o subject_a recipient_a of_o it_o of_o the_o good_a promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v not_o give_v to_o every_o one_o true_o and_o internal_o in_o covenant_n for_o a_o long_a time_n nor_o to_o some_o possible_o while_o they_o live_v how_o many_o live_v many_o year_n and_o it_o may_v be_v at_o last_o die_v without_o any_o sensible_a assurance_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v i_o so_o that_o the_o spirit_n can_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n he_o be_v rather_o as_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o a_o private_a seal_n give_v by_o god_n to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a believer_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o will_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o to_o seal_v and_o assure_v to_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a promise_a be_v not_o the_o only_a use_n and_o end_n with_o reference_n whereunto_o the_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v appoint_v hence_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o seal_n yea_o the_o only_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o that_o do_v no_o way_n oppose_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o here_o affirm_v concern_v baptism_n for_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v not_o or_o that_o particular_a use_n nor_o appoint_v for_o that_o special_a end_n which_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o will_v appear_v by_o and_o by_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v the_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o may_v be_v of_o those_o other_o use_n and_o serve_v to_o those_o other_o end_n that_o god_n do_v propound_v to_o himself_o as_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o his_o annex_v a_o sign_n or_o token_n in_o the_o general_n to_o the_o covenant_n so_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o spirit_n can_v 〈◊〉_d rational_o suppose_v to_o be_v that_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o abraham_n seed_n in_o their_o generation_n be_v enjoin_v to_o keep_v and_o consequent_o for_o aught_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o spirit_n unless_o baptism_n be_v the_o present_a token_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o any_o sign_n or_o token_n at_o all_o which_o that_o it_o can_v be_v have_v be_v prove_v already_o as_o for_o the_o lord_n supper_n i_o suppose_v none_o will_v ever_o imagine_v that_o that_o can_v be_v the_o token_n here_o enjoin_v if_o they_o shall_v their_o vanity_n will_v easy_o appear_v second_o this_o will_n more_o clear_o appear_v if_o we_o compare_v baptism_n with_o circumcision_n the_o former_a token_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o circumcision_n be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v unquestionable_a and_o hence_o look_v what_o ordinance_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v most_o full_o agree_v with_o circumcision_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o use_n and_o end_n which_o as_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v appoint_v for_o and_o do_v serve_v unto_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o ordinance_n design_v by_o our_o lord_n christ_n for_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n upon_o the_o cessation_n of_o circumcision_n and_o here_o for_o the_o evidence_n what_o be_v affirm_v i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o instance_n in_o some_o of_o the_o more_o especial_a use_n and_o end_n whereunto_o circumcision_n be_v appoint_v and_o whereunto_o it_o as_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v serve_v 2._o show_v the_o exact_a agreement_n of_o baptism_n with_o circumcision_n in_o regard_n of_o those_o use_n and_o end_n where_o let_v it_o be_v careful_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a for_o the_o prove_a baptism_n to_o be_v the_o present_a sign_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o i_o shall_v prove_v a_o exact_a agreement_n between_o it_o and_o circumcision_n in_o all_o cicumstance_n nor_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o all_o the_o use_n or_o end_n of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o if_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o their_o agreement_n be_v such_o as_o will_v evidence_n baptism_n to_o be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n upon_o the_o cessation_n of_o circumcision_n it_o be_v enough_o as_o to_o my_o present_a purpose_n and_o that_o may_v be_v sufficient_o evident_a by_o their_o agreement_n in_o some_o thing_n though_o they_o shall_v disagree_v in_o other_o especial_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ordinance_n that_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v that_o token_n the_o application_n and_o reception_n of_o which_o be_v here_o enjoin_v abraham_n seed_n in_o their_o generation_n a_o little_a may_v suffice_v to_o prove_v that_o baptism_n be_v that_o ordinance_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o
possible_o the_o condition_n may_v not_o be_v perform_v and_o then_o god_n be_v disoblige_v from_o make_v good_a the_o promise_n it_o be_v true_a you_o will_v say_v suppose_v it_o be_v a_o conditional_a promise_n it_o will_v not_o infallible_o secure_v the_o good_a promise_v to_o all_o universal_o to_o who_o it_o do_v appertain_v but_o it_o be_v a_o absolute_a promise_n and_o the_o absoluteness_n of_o the_o promise_n take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o term_n do_v sure_a infallible_o secure_v the_o good_a promise_v to_o all_o universal_o to_o who_o it_o do_v appertain_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o promise_n though_o there_o express_v absolute_o yet_o be_v not_o absolute_o absolute_a as_o before_o prove_v so_o though_o express_v in_o universal_a term_n yet_o may_v be_v and_o be_v a_o indefinite_a promise_n indefinite_a promise_n be_v often_o express_v in_o universal_a term_n yea_o let_v i_o say_v that_o absolute_a promise_n how_o universal_o soever_o their_o term_n be_v be_v yet_o to_o be_v always_o understand_v in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n and_o the_o good_a promise_a be_v not_o infallible_o secure_v to_o any_o individual_a or_o particular_a person_n mere_o by_o the_o promise_n themselves_o but_o only_o upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o god_n to_o give_v the_o good_a so_o promise_v to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a person_n in_o respect_n of_o absolute_a promise_n god_n have_v reserve_v a_o libery_a to_o himself_o to_o give_v or_o withhold_v the_o good_a promise_v ina_fw-la commensurableness_n to_o his_o eternal_a decree_n and_o purpose_n and_o according_a as_o particular_a person_n be_v elect_v and_o appoint_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v or_o not_o elect_v or_o pass_v by_o from_o all_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o person_n may_v have_v a_o visible_a and_o external_a actual_a right_n and_o thle_v to_o this_o promise_n and_o yet_o never_o have_v the_o good_a promise_v in_o present_a possession_n nor_o yet_o ever_o have_v it_o make_v good_a to_o they_o and_o consequent_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o absoluteness_n or_o universality_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n be_v not_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n nor_o under_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o but_o let_v that_o suffice_v for_o our_o second_o subordinate_a proposition_n chap._n ix_o the_o three_o subordinate_a proposition_n lay_v down_o how_o handle_v declare_v the_o first_o argument_n for_o its_o confirmation_n propose_v and_o prosecute_v where_o that_o command_n concern_v the_o keep_n of_o the_o covenant_n gen._n 17.9_o be_v large_o speak_v to_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o subordinate_a proposition_n viz._n that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v under_o or_o be_v the_o actual_a subject_n of_o that_o promise_n wherein_o god_n engage_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n aught_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v baptize_v all_o that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o that_o promise_n be_v the_o due_a and_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n there_o may_v be_v its_o true_a a_o tender_a of_o the_o promise_n to_o such_o who_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v they_o may_v refese_v that_o tender_a but_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n do_v actual_o belong_v the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n ought_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v apply_v this_o proposition_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v in_o hypothesi_fw-la or_o as_o apply_v to_o the_o particular_a subject_n of_o our_o main_a proposition_n viz._n the_o infant-seed_n of_o one_o or_o both_o believe_a parent_n and_o thus_o suppose_v and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v as_o be_v already_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v the_o actual_a subject_n of_o that_o promise_n i_o shall_v prove_v that_o they_o ought_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v baptize_v and_o that_o by_o these_o three_o argument_n first_o if_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o believe_a parent_n not_o only_o to_o be_v baptize_v themselves_o but_o to_o take_v care_n that_o their_o infant-seed_n as_o joint_a subject_n with_o themselves_o of_o that_o promise_n be_v also_o baptize_v than_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n that_o not_o only_o believe_v parent_n themselves_o but_o their_o infant-seed_n also_o shall_v be_v baptize_v but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a the_o consequence_n in_o the_o major_a proposition_n be_v unquestionable_a what_o a_o believer_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v care_n be_v do_v the_o do_v of_o that_o must_v undoubted_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v the_o minor_a proposition_n will_v be_v deny_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o believe_a parent_n not_o only_o to_o be_v baptize_v themselves_o but_o to_o take_v care_n that_o their_o infant-seed_n as_o joint_a subject_n with_o themselves_o of_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v baptize_v but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n gen._n 17.9_o and_o god_n say_v unto_o abraham_n thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o covenant_n therefore_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n now_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o this_o command_n do_v constitute_v it_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o believe_a parent_n not_o only_o to_o be_v baptize_v themselves_o but_o to_o take_v care_n that_o their_o infant-seed_n be_v also_o baptize_v i_o shall_v distinct_o speak_v to_o these_o five_o thing_n first_o that_o by_o covenant_n in_o this_o place_n be_v main_o if_o not_o only_o mean_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o keep_v the_o covenant_n the_o application_n and_o reception_n of_o that_o token_n second_o that_o the_o covenant_n that_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o always_o have_v and_o be_v to_o have_v a_o token_n annex_v to_o it_o three_o that_o this_o command_n require_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n to_o keep_v the_o covenant_n oblige_v not_o only_a parent_n to_o have_v the_o token_n apply_v to_o themselves_o or_o themselves_o to_o receive_v and_o bear_v it_o but_o to_o apply_v or_o take_v care_n that_o it_o be_v apply_v according_a to_o divine_a appointment_n to_o their_o infant-seed_n four_o that_o as_o circumcision_n be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n during_o the_o old_a testament_n administration_n so_o baptism_n be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n under_o the_o new_a last_o that_o this_o command_n do_v equal_o and_o alike_o oblige_v believe_v parent_n in_o their_o generation_n respective_a to_o baptism_n the_o present_a token_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o it_o do_v the_o jew_n respective_a to_o circumcision_n the_o then_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o the_o first_o that_o be_v past_o all_o rational_a doubt_n evident_a god_n himself_o show_v what_o he_o intend_v by_o covenant_n and_o what_o by_o keep_v of_o that_o covenant_n when_o he_o apply_v this_o command_n as_o more_o general_o lay_v down_o to_o abraham_n and_o his_o natural_a seed_n in_o particular_a verse_n 10._o so_o verse_n 13._o my_o covenant_n shall_v be_v in_o your_o flesh_n plain_o declare_v that_o by_o covenant_n he_o intend_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o keep_v of_o this_o covenant_n the_o application_n and_o reception_n of_o that_o token_n though_o not_o affirm_v circumcision_n to_o be_v the_o only_a covenant_n to_o be_v keep_v and_o consequent_o not_o limit_v the_o command_n to_o it_o and_o here_o let_v we_o a_o little_a inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o this_o term_n token_n the_o hebrew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v usual_o translate_v by_o the_o seventy_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d both_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a signify_v signum_fw-la tam_fw-la nudum_fw-la quam_fw-la prodigiosum_fw-la a_o sign_n both_o ordinary_a and_o prodigious_a and_o so_o be_v express_v by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 4.11_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o sign_n or_o token_n here_o we_o be_v to_o take_v in_o a_o pure_a logical_a notion_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v define_v it_o with_o austen_n to_o be_v id_fw-la quod_fw-la seipsum_fw-la sensui_fw-la &_o preter_fw-la se_fw-la aliquid_fw-la animo_fw-la representat_fw-la or_o as_o a_o late_a author_n signum_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la seipsum_fw-la sensibus_fw-la &_o id_fw-la cujus_fw-la signum_fw-la est_fw-la intellectui_fw-la aufert_fw-la a_o sign_n in_o this_o logical_a notion_n be_v that_o which_o be_v obvious_a to_o or_o perceivable_a by_o sense_n and_o through_o the_o medium_n of_o sense_n present_v to_o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n what_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o term_n token_n or_o sign_n be_v not_o expressive_a of_o all_o the_o use_n or_o end_n that_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n here_o
command_v be_v design_v or_o appoint_v to_o the_o term_n abstract_o take_v only_o express_v the_o general_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o that_o ordinance_n but_o express_v not_o the_o various_a use_n and_o end_v it_o be_v in_o particular_a appoint_v to_o what_o these_o use_n and_o end_n be_v must_v be_v gather_v from_o other_o scripture_n wherein_o god_n himself_o have_v declare_v they_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v when_o i_o come_v to_o the_o four_o particular_a but_o let_v that_o suffice_v in_o brief_a for_o the_o first_o particular_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o second_o that_o the_o covenant_n that_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o always_o have_v and_o be_v to_o have_v a_o token_n annex_v to_o it_o that_o be_v it_o have_v and_o be_v to_o have_v a_o outward_a ordinance_n or_o institution_n annex_v unto_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o which_o though_o of_o various_a use_n and_o serve_v to_o various_a end_n not_o express_o declare_v in_o that_o term_n token_n abstract_o take_v yet_o may_v be_v denominate_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n this_o be_v evident_a two_o way_n first_o a_o priore_fw-la from_o the_o command_n of_o god_n enjoin_v abraham_n seed_n in_o their_o generation_n to_o keep_v it_o second_o a_o posteriori_fw-la or_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la from_o the_o actual_a institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o such_o a_o token_n for_o the_o first_o let_v the_o word_n in_o gen._n 17.9_o be_v diligent_o observe_v and_o god_n say_v unto_o abraham_n thou_o shall_v therefore_o keep_v my_o covenant_n thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n now_o god_n will_v never_o have_v enjoin_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n to_o keep_v his_o covenant_n that_o be_v the_o token_n of_o it_o have_v he_o not_o intend_v to_o annex_v a_o token_n to_o it_o and_o observe_v it_o the_o command_n lie_v on_o abraham_n seed_n in_o their_o generation_n without_o any_o limitation_n and_o consequent_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o abraham_n seed_n while_o he_o have_v a_o seed_n upon_o earth_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o as_o god_n intend_v to_o annex_v a_o token_n to_o that_o covenant_n then_o enter_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o natural_a seed_n so_o he_o intend_v to_o annex_v a_o token_n to_o his_o covenant_n whether_o the_o same_o or_o another_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n into_o which_o abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n viz._n believe_v gentile_n in_o after_o age_n shall_v be_v receive_v we_o see_v the_o command_n lie_v upon_o abraham_n seed_n in_o their_o generation_n unlimited_o now_o believer_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v be_v abraham_n seed_n and_o consequent_o must_v needs_o lie_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o command_n whence_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o token_n annex_v to_o the_o covenant_n into_o which_o they_o be_v receive_v for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v lie_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o keep_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o token_n appoint_v they_o by_o god_n to_o keep_v which_o will_v be_v absurd_a and_o that_o this_o command_n be_v oblige_v to_o abraham_n mystical_a or_o spiritual_a seed_n be_v evident_a by_o this_o argument_n the_o same_o person_n intend_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v intend_v in_o the_o command_n enjoin_v the_o token_n but_o abraham_n mystical_a seed_n as_o well_o as_o his_o natural_a seed_n be_v intend_v in_o the_o promise_n therefore_o they_o be_v also_o intend_v in_o the_o command_n we_o evident_o see_v the_o promise_n and_o the_o command_v run_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o there_o be_v the_o promise_n thou_o shall_v therefore_o keep_v my_o covenant_n thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n there_o be_v the_o command_n now_o if_o god_n have_v not_o limit_v the_o command_n to_o some_o of_o abraham_n seed_n than_o we_o must_v not_o do_v it_o but_o god_n have_v no_o where_o limit_v the_o command_n to_o some_o of_o abraham_n seed_n therefore_o must_v not_o we_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v he_o have_v limit_v that_o command_n let_v that_o limitation_n be_v produce_v and_o it_o shall_v suffice_v till_o than_o we_o shall_v conclude_v the_o command_n be_v of_o a_o equal_a extent_n with_o the_o promise_n now_o there_o be_v a_o command_n incumbent_n upon_o abraham_n whole_a seed_n mystical_a as_o well_o as_o natural_a to_o keep_v the_o covenant_n that_o be_v as_o god_n himself_o expound_v it_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o token_n to_o be_v keep_v second_o this_o be_v evident_a de_fw-fr facto_fw-la for_o the_o covenant_n under_o the_o first_o testament_n administration_n that_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v and_o for_o the_o covenant_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n administration_n the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o affirm_v will_v appear_v when_o i_o come_v to_o show_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o present_a token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o three_o that_o this_o command_n require_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n to_o keep_v the_o covenant_n oblige_v not_o only_a parent_n to_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v unto_o themselves_o or_o themselves_o to_o receive_v and_o bear_v it_o but_o also_o to_o apply_v or_o take_v care_n that_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o their_o infant-seed_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v again_o appear_v two_o way_n first_o from_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o command_n thou_o shall_v therefore_o keep_v my_o covenant_n thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n now_o under_o this_o phrase_n thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n both_o parent_n and_o their_o infant-seed_n be_v include_v they_o be_v both_o include_v in_o the_o promise_n as_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v both_o include_v in_o the_o command_n enjoin_v the_o keep_n of_o the_o covenant_n hence_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v keep_v by_o the_o seed_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o parent_n themselves_o be_v according_a to_o the_o express_a letter_n of_o the_o command_n which_o duty_n of_o keep_v as_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o infant-seed_n can_v only_o intend_v their_o reception_n and_o bear_n of_o it_o and_o so_o far_o the_o infant-seed_n as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o command_n hence_o a_o infant_n not_o receive_v or_o bear_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v say_v to_o have_v break_v the_o covenant_n verse_n 14._o because_o the_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o command_n to_o keep_v the_o covenant_n now_o if_o so_o be_v the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v not_o only_o by_o parent_n but_o by_o their_o infant-seed_n it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o parent_n be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o it_o be_v keep_v by_o they_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o as_o such_o be_v incapable_a of_o take_v care_n of_o it_o themselves_o the_o care_n must_v lie_v upon_o some_o body_n and_o upon_o who_o if_o not_o upon_o their_o parent_n we_o see_v that_o god_n have_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o parent_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o see_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o will_n relate_v to_o their_o child_n as_o may_v be_v evidence_v in_o variety_n of_o instance_n be_v it_o needful_a second_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o appear_v from_o the_o clear_a and_o express_a discovery_n that_o god_n make_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v as_o to_o circumcision_n the_o ancient_a token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o thus_o as_o god_n enjoin_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o covenant-parent_n so_o he_o impose_v the_o care_n of_o the_o application_n of_o that_o token_n unto_o the_o seed_n upon_o the_o parent_n every_o manchild_n among_o you_o shall_v be_v circumcise_v verse_n 10._o he_o that_o be_v eight_o day_n old_a shall_v be_v circumcise_v among_o you_o verse_n 12._o the_o child_n in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n be_v passive_a and_o though_o upon_o who_o the_o care_n of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n be_v lay_v be_v not_o express_o declare_v in_o this_o place_n yet_o that_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o parent_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a throughout_o the_o scripture_n we_o see_v how_o angry_a god_n be_v with_o moses_n when_o the_o circumcision_n of_o his_o child_n be_v neglect_v and_o in_o that_o god_n so_o full_o declare_v his_o mind_n in_o respect_n of_o circumcision_n the_o then_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o
in_o some_o sort_n the_o more_o especial_o seasonable_a at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o but_o suppose_v notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v say_v the_o send_v abroad_o of_o these_o paper_n at_o this_o time_n shall_v by_o any_o be_v judge_v unseasonable_a i_o have_v three_o thing_n yet_o further_o to_o offer_v for_o my_o vindication_n first_o i_o consider_v that_o for_o the_o mind_n to_o hang_v in_o suspense_n and_o lie_v under_o the_o pressure_n of_o fluctuate_a uncertainty_n about_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n relate_v to_o the_o discharge_n of_o duty_n be_v at_o any_o time_n grievous_a but_o more_o especial_o when_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v lift_v up_o and_o that_o i_o know_v be_v the_o case_n of_o some_o true_o conscientious_a christian_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o practice_n here_o plead_v for_o and_o i_o judge_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o yield_v unto_o they_o what_o relief_n my_o mean_a ability_n will_v reach_v unto_o second_o i_o consider_v that_o say_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n he_o that_o observe_v the_o wind_n shall_v not_o sow_v and_o he_o that_o regard_v the_o cloud_n shall_v not_o reap_v eccles_n 11.4_o and_o whether_o i_o may_v live_v to_o see_v a_o more_o seasonable_a time_n be_v altogether_o uncertain_a unto_o i_o and_o for_o i_o to_o observe_v the_o wind_n and_o stand_v gaze_v on_o the_o cloud_n till_o overtake_v by_o the_o night_n of_o death_n where_o no_o man_n can_v work_v and_o lay_v to_o sleep_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o thereby_o have_v lose_v my_o season_n for_o the_o sow_v the_o seed_n that_o seed_n of_o which_o i_o may_v and_o must_v say_v it_o be_v meshee_n as_o that_o word_n psal_n 126.6_o be_v render_v by_o junius_n and_o some_o other_o it_o be_v semon_n acquisitum_fw-la semen_n aliunde_fw-la comparatum_fw-la seed_n that_o i_o have_v through_o grace_n obtain_v from_o another_o store_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v true_o say_v from_o he_o who_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v minister_n seed_n to_o the_o sour_a and_o bread_n to_o the_o eater_n and_o that_o to_o use_v the_o author_n aforementioned_a his_o word_n prece_fw-la &_o pretio_fw-la yet_o not_o so_o much_o of_o silver_n and_o gold_n as_o of_o that_o which_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o much_o study_n viz._n weariness_n and_o i_o may_v add_v wear_v away_o of_o the_o flesh_n i_o be_v say_v shall_v i_o have_v observe_v the_o wind_n and_o stand_v gaze_v on_o the_o cloud_n till_o lose_v my_o season_n to_o sow_v this_o same_o seed_n contain_v in_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n i_o can_v not_o have_v expect_v to_o reap_v when_o the_o harvest_n come_v what_o now_o through_o grace_n i_o can_v in_o some_o measure_n live_v in_o the_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o season_v lose_v though_o something_o unseasonable_a prove_v a_o loss_n to_o the_o husbandman_n when_o the_o harvest_n come_v three_o the_o send_v forth_o these_o paper_n be_v necessary_a to_o prepare_v a_o way_n to_o and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o a_o few_o practical_a sheet_n which_o if_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v life_n and_o opportunity_n may_v follow_v wherein_o i_o intend_v as_o the_o lord_n shall_v assist_v to_o make_v a_o more_o full_a enquiry_n into_o these_o four_o thing_n first_o what_o be_v 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_n seed_n of_o his_o people_n second_o what_o be_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n arise_v to_o they_o thereby_o three_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n as_o incorporate_v by_o baptism_n into_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n as_o visible_a and_o fourthly_a what_o be_v the_o improvement_n that_o child_n themselves_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o make_v of_o their_o baptism_n apply_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n which_o thing_n i_o can_v not_o fit_o speak_v unto_o before_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o right_a to_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n arise_v therefrom_o be_v prove_v so_o that_o the_o appear_v thus_o in_o public_a in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n be_v in_o some_o sort_n necessary_a unto_o i_o second_o another_o thing_n i_o conceive_v necessary_a for_o the_o prepare_v the_o reader_n way_n to_o a_o more_o profitable_a perusal_n of_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n be_v to_o make_v some_o inquiry_n what_o may_v have_v have_v and_o still_o have_v too_o great_a a_o interest_n in_o the_o so_o far_o prevail_v of_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o lie_v opposite_a to_o that_o here_o plead_v for_o it_o be_v i_o confess_v something_o strange_a to_o i_o whence_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o and_o those_o at_o least_o many_o of_o they_o true_o conscientious_a christian_n shall_v at_o so_o easy_a a_o rate_n part_n with_o and_o give_v up_o their_o child_n privilege_n as_o to_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o token_n thereof_o and_o so_o ready_o take_v up_o a_o opinion_n and_o practice_n divest_v they_o thereof_o three_o thing_n have_v often_o occur_v to_o my_o thought_n as_o render_v this_o matter_n of_o wonder_n unto_o i_o first_o the_o plain_a evidence_n as_o to_o my_o understanding_n give_v in_o by_o the_o scripture_n to_o that_o their_o privilege_n second_o the_o utter_a silence_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o any_o express_a yea_o or_o plain_o deduce_v consequential_a denial_n of_o it_o to_o they_o three_o that_o tenderness_n of_o affection_n natural_a and_o sure_a grace_n destroy_v not_o nature_n to_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n hence_o notwithstanding_o what_o be_v urge_v on_o their_o part_n from_o the_o scripture_n yet_o i_o can_v but_o conceive_v there_o be_v either_o something_o whole_o excentrical_a to_o the_o question_n itself_o or_o some_o irregularity_n in_o the_o management_n of_o their_o inquiry_n in_o reference_n thereunto_o that_o have_v have_v and_o still_o have_v a_o considerable_a interest_n at_o least_o in_o manye_n rejection_n of_o the_o truth_n plead_v for_o and_o their_o embrace_v the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n opposite_a thereunto_o now_o it_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o unprofitable_a to_o make_v some_o inquiry_n what_o that_o shall_v be_v that_o so_o the_o reader_n be_v forewarn_v may_v disentangle_v himself_o and_o have_v his_o mind_n more_o free_a to_o attend_v to_o and_o impartial_o weigh_v what_o be_v here_o tender_v to_o he_o and_o upon_o a_o serious_a enquiry_n i_o conceive_v these_o six_o thing_n may_v be_v assign_v as_o of_o the_o importance_n mention_v first_o i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o must_v in_o part_n be_v impute_v to_o a_o want_n of_o that_o tenderness_n of_o affection_n on_o towards_o relation_n attend_v with_o the_o want_n of_o a_o right_a apprehension_n and_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o spiritual_a blessing_n and_o covenant-priviledge_n that_o christian_n ought_v to_o labour_v after_o the_o apostle_n 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incline_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n to_o a_o right_n and_o willing_a compliance_n with_o that_o obligation_n put_v upon_o they_o by_o it_o and_o by_o this_o little_a hint_n we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o god_n have_v weighty_a end_n in_o enjoin_v the_o application_n of_o baptism_n the_o present_a token_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o circumcision_n of_o old_a the_o then_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant_n seed_n of_o his_o people_n and_o that_o the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v of_o admirable_a use_n and_o benefit_n unto_o they_o when_o due_o improve_v by_o they_o and_o certain_o than_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v not_o only_o high_o injurious_a to_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n to_o withhold_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n from_o they_o they_o be_v thereby_o deprive_v of_o a_o special_a mean_n subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o preservation_n in_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o good_a of_o the_o 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discourse_n and_o i_o have_v do_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o one_o or_o both_o believe_a parent_n shall_v be_v baptize_v be_v to_o i_o upon_o the_o ground_n afore_o lay_v down_o unquestionable_a how_o far_o it_o will_v be_v so_o to_o other_o i_o can_v say_v only_o this_o i_o know_v that_o whatever_o light_n be_v hold_v forth_o by_o man_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n relate_v to_o any_o practice_n yet_o unless_o he_o who_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n of_o his_o church_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o prevail_v upon_o the_o heart_n to_o embrace_v and_o submit_v unto_o that_o light_n hold_v forth_o the_o hold_v of_o it_o forth_o will_v be_v whole_o insignificant_a as_o to_o any_o benefit_n accrue_v therefrom_o unto_o man_n man_n may_v according_a to_o what_o assistance_n be_v vouchsafe_v from_o christ_n hold_v forth_o light_a discover_v the_o way_n he_o will_v have_v his_o people_n walk_v in_o but_o it_o be_v whole_o in_o his_o own_o power_n who_o prerogative_n it_o be_v to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n to_o inlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o cause_v that_o soul_n to_o walk_v in_o that_o way_n leave_v therefore_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o to_o his_o blessing_n i_o shall_v wind_v up_o all_o with_o a_o threefold_a advice_n according_a to_o the_o various_a sentiment_n of_o man_n about_o and_o their_o various_a concerment_n in_o the_o practice_n i_o have_v contend_v for_o first_o as_o for_o such_o who_o have_v be_v and_o notwithstanding_o what_o be_v here_o offer_v or_o have_v be_v by_o other_o shall_v still_o remain_v to_o be_v so_o far_o dissatisfy_v about_o the_o practice_n we_o plead_v for_o as_o whole_o to_o omit_v it_o and_o walk_v in_o that_o way_n that_o lie_v in_o a_o direct_a opposition_n thereunto_o let_v i_o advise_v and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n earnest_o beseech_v they_o to_o carry_v it_o under_o their_o present_a persuasion_n and_o practice_v with_o a_o holy_a fear_n and_o tremble_a the_o ground_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o forego_n treatise_n and_o by_o several_a other_o plead_v for_o the_o same_o truth_n seem_v so_o full_a and_o clear_a yea_o to_o i_o so_o convince_a that_o i_o can_v hardly_o fear_v be_v account_v over_o confident_a though_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o most_o confident_a and_o resolve_v of_o our_o opposer_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o infant_n baptism_n stand_v upon_o the_o same_o level_n of_o probability_n if_o the_o advantage_n be_v not_o on_o our_o side_n that_o the_o opposite_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n do_v and_o that_o upon_o supposition_n of_o our_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v find_v agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n the_o opposite_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n must_v needs_o be_v high_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o comfort_n of_o believe_a 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