visible_a covenant-priviledge_n and_o they_o be_v for_o the_o bring_v the_o elect_a home_n unto_o glory_n eph._n 4._o 10_o 11_o 12._o object_n but_o this_o be_v no_o covenant-priviledge_n for_o the_o heathen_a have_v this_o liberty_n we_o keep_v they_o not_o away_o from_o come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n answ_n from_o the_o word_n preach_v we_o exclude_v none_o any_o may_v come_v that_o will_n but_o still_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o other_o ordinance_n which_o we_o admit_v they_o to_o till_o they_o do_v embrace_v the_o covenant_n and_o that_o by_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o so_o they_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n we_o baptise_v they_o not_o we_o admit_v they_o not_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n exercise_v not_o church_n watch_v cover_n or_o discipline_n to_o they_o till_o then_o so_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v unto_o they_o a_o necessary_a medium_fw-la of_o perticipation_n there_o must_v be_v a_o visible_a conversion_n wrought_v in_o they_o from_o the_o heathen_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o though_o the_o word_n may_v be_v preach_v to_o the_o heathen_a yet_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n or_o covenant_n people_n of_o god_n rom._n 3._o 2._o it_o be_v a_o depositum_fw-la that_o god_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n a_o gift_n of_o god_n favour_n which_o he_o have_v give_v his_o church_n possession_n of_o quest_n but_o it_o may_v then_o be_v demand_v why_o then_o do_v you_o not_o admit_v all_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n if_o they_o be_v they_o wrong_a be_v do_v they_o by_o debar_v they_o of_o their_o right_n answ_n that_o any_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v adult_n do_v not_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n be_v their_o own_o fault_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o door_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n stand_v open_a unto_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v in_o to_o it_o and_o be_v regular_o fit_a for_o it_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n they_o shall_v be_v prohibit_v nay_o all_o encouragement_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v set_v before_o they_o that_o they_o may_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n manner_n of_o expression_n be_v compel_v to_o come_v in_o i._n e._n by_o the_o force_n of_o argument_n and_o persuasion_n thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v a_o great_a privilege_n to_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o ordinance_n for_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o to_o mean_n be_v therein_o afford_v they_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n so_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 17._o the_o sacrament_n administer_v have_v abundance_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o afford_v great_a relief_n and_o sttength_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o who_o know_v how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o the_o church_n censure_n be_v medicinal_a and_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o heal_v and_o not_o for_o destruction_n 3._o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v privilege_v with_o much_o more_o of_o the_o presence_n and_o strive_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o other_o ordinary_o enjoy_v the_o spirit_n speak_v direct_o to_o the_o church_n he_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n church_n officer_n be_v star_n in_o christ_n own_o right_a hand_n and_o where_o god_n have_v record_v his_o name_n he_o have_v engage_v his_o presence_n exod._n 20._o 24._o he_o speak_v more_o dark_o obscure_o weak_o to_o heathen_a by_o the_o light_n of_o their_o natural_a conscience_n than_o he_o do_v to_o those_o who_o sit_v under_o the_o word_n and_o mean_n the_o word_n be_v the_o chariot_n in_o which_o he_o choose_v to_o ride_v most_o eminent_o and_o with_o which_o he_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n these_o to_o be_v sure_o shall_v have_v the_o first_o proffer_n of_o salvation_n make_v to_o they_o act._n 13._o 46._o and_o if_o they_o embrace_v and_o accept_v they_o to_o be_v they_o herein_o they_o great_o please_v god_n in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v advantage_v to_o have_v as_o much_o do_v with_o they_o for_o their_o good_a as_o can_v be_v as_o to_z mean_n the_o care_n the_o cost_n the_o pain_n of_o the_o husbandman_n be_v be_v not_o lay_v out_o upon_o the_o open_a forest_n or_o wild_a wilderness_n but_o upon_o his_o vineyard_n isa_n 5._o begin_v prop._n 3._o that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n stand_v in_o a_o very_a difficult_a and_o hazardous_a relation_n many_o be_v prone_a to_o be_v proud_a of_o their_o privilege_n and_o say_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v these_o they_o boast_v themselves_o and_o be_v confident_a in_o their_o church_n relation_n but_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o do_v solemn_o consider_v their_o danger_n as_o it_o be_v a_o precious_a so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a awful_a thing_n to_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n with_o god_n the_o name_n of_o covenant_n relation_n viz._n the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v a_o great_a and_o dreadful_a name_n deut._n 28._o 58._o there_o be_v none_o upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o stand_v upon_o more_o dangerous_a precipice_n than_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n may_v be_v make_v clear_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o few_o thing_n i._o that_o visible-covenant-interest_n will_v not_o afford_v man_n sufficient_a security_n against_o eternal_a damnation_n many_o there_o be_v who_o fond_o think_v the_o covenant_n shall_v save_v they_o but_o they_o do_v but_o put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o their_o own_o soul_n keep_v of_o covenant_n will_v save_v a_o man_n according_a to_o god_n promise_n who_o will_v be_v true_a to_o his_o word_n but_o bare_o be_v outward_o in_o covenant_n will_v not_o do_v it_o the_o covenant_n indeed_o have_v save_v mercy_n in_o it_o but_o they_o be_v exhibit_v or_o propound_v to_o we_o with_o a_o if_o if_o you_o keep_v it_o there_o be_v many_o be_v admit_v to_o tread_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n who_o shall_v never_o be_v entertain_v inthe_n most_o holy_a if_o some_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o plead_v the_o covenant_n with_o christ_n at_o the_o last_o day_n he_o will_v counterplead_v they_o yea_o and_o condemn_v they_o by_o the_o same_o covenant_n by_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v save_v because_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o do_v not_o keep_v it_o this_o position_n be_v so_o notorious_o true_a that_o there_o be_v manifold_a example_n of_o those_o who_o have_v not_o only_o forfeit_v the_o visible_a privilege_n of_o it_o but_o also_o have_v fall_v from_o it_o into_o the_o depth_n of_o hell_n what_o get_v ishmael_n by_o be_v a_o child_n of_o the_o church_n and_o circumcise_v when_o he_o turn_v a_o mocker_n but_o rejection_n from_o the_o church_n and_o exclusion_n out_o of_o heaven_n what_o get_v esau_n when_o he_o become_v profane_a or_o absalon_n when_o he_o prove_v a_o rebel_n if_o child_n grow_v loose_a light_n vain_a wicked_a etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o hide_v of_o themselves_o in_o the_o church_n or_o under_o the_o covenant_n from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n he_o will_v search_v jerusalem_n with_o candle_n and_o his_o wrath_n find_v out_o all_o those_o who_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n god_n see_v we_o not_o zeph._n 1._o 12._o when_o die_v david_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o instruct_v his_o son_n solomon_n about_o the_o covenant_n he_o open_v the_o nature_n and_o hazard_n of_o it_o 1_o chron._n 28._o 9_o if_o thou_o seek_v he_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v cast_v thou_o off_o for_o ever_o a_o noble_a vine_n may_v degenerate_v and_o the_o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n may_v prove_v apostate_n and_o if_o they_o do_v what_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o destruction_n a_o man_n must_v be_v something_o more_o than_o outward_o a_o jew_n or_o church-member_n or_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n else_o this_o will_v deceive_v he_o and_o give_v he_o no_o sure_a title_n to_o heaven_n and_o glory_n 2._o that_o godly_a parent_n can_v by_o their_o faith_n nor_o all_o endeavour_n work_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o secure_v the_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n of_o their_o child_n it_o have_v be_v a_o question_n move_v by_o some_o whither_o godly_a parent_n do_v their_o duty_n to_o their_o child_n faithful_o and_o use_v their_o outmost_a endeavour_n in_o bring_v they_o up_o for_o god_n may_v not_o rely_v on_o the_o covenant-promise_n and_o positive_o believe_v their_o child_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o that_o although_o for_o the_o present_a they_o see_v no_o change_n wrought_v in_o they_o but_o they_o walk_v in_o vain_a course_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v propound_v a_o few_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o divine_a grace_n which_o can_v
neither_o be_v preven_v nor_o oblige_v by_o any_o thing_n in_o or_o for_o we_o be_v a_o pillar-truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n rom._n 9_o 16._o it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v etc._n etc._n so_o far_o as_o we_o detract_v from_o god_n sovereignty_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o convert_v and_o save_v grace_n we_o so_o far_o make_v god_n a_o debtor_n to_o the_o creature_n before_o he_o make_v himself_o so_o by_o a_o free_a promise_n 2._o that_o all_o which_o parent_n can_v do_v for_o their_o child_n in_o attendance_n to_o the_o precept_n viz._n in_o bring_v they_o up_o for_o god_n instruct_v they_o in_o his_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o keep_v they_o in_o from_o lewd_a course_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o visible_a attendance_n on_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o their_o duty_n and_o be_v in_o no_o way_n to_o be_v count_v meritorious_a luk._n 17._o 10._o hence_o for_o their_o own_o soul_n safety_n they_o must_v do_v it_o except_o they_o will_v hazard_v the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o it_o outdo_v the_o power_n of_o moral-mean_n and_o endeavour_n though_o never_o so_o sincere_o use_v to_o plant_v or_o infuse_v grace_n into_o any_o soul_n the_o work_n of_o conversion_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n only_o joh._n 1._o 13._o if_o good_a man_n can_v will_n can_v pray_v can_v labour_v faith_n into_o any_o according_a to_o their_o desire_n their_o will_v none_o of_o their_o child_n none_o of_o their_o servant_n none_o of_o their_o neighbour_n none_o in_o the_o world_n perish_v 4._o that_o divine_a faith_n be_v not_o only_o a_o confidence_n but_o a_o ground_a confidence_n the_o rule_n do_v not_o only_o command_v and_o bind_v we_o to_o believe_v but_o it_o also_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o hold_v of_o faith_n be_v the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o any_o thing_n no_o further_o than_o that_o go_v faith_n must_v have_v a_o clear_a word_n for_o its_o trust_n else_o it_o be_v but_o vain_a all_o our_o plea_n be_v in_o the_o covenant-promise_a and_o if_o we_o can_v find_v that_o we_o look_v for_o there_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o build_v upon_o but_o be_v at_o uncertainty_n 5._o that_o believer_n have_v no_o absolute_a and_o illimited_a promise_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o their_o child_n or_o this_o or_o that_o child_n shall_v be_v save_v no_o nor_o limit_v neither_o to_o their_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o if_o they_o do_v their_o best_a he_o will_v infallible_o add_v save_v grace_n this_o will_v appear_v by_o two_o argument_n 1._o because_o god_n be_v faithful_a to_o every_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v or_o repent_v i_o know_v godly_a parent_n may_v be_v remiss_a but_o they_o be_v not_o always_o so_o and_o yet_o have_v have_v their_o child_n who_o god_n have_v reject_v abraham_n his_o ishmael_n isaac_n his_o esau_n david_n his_o ahsolom_n and_o adonijah_n eli_n his_o hophni_n and_o phinehas_n now_o of_o abraham_n we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v trusty_a and_o faithful_a in_o teach_v his_o child_n gen._n 18._o 19_o and_o therefore_o he_o instruct_v and_o discipline_v ishmael_n he_o circumcise_v he_o and_o pray_v earnest_o for_o he_o 2._o because_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n have_v themselves_o thus_o interpret_v the_o promise_n they_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v upon_o supposition_n &_o to_o carry_v a_o condition_n in_o it_o eminent_a for_o this_o be_v the_o forementioned_a instance_n of_o david_n that_o he_o thus_o understand_v it_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o by_o that_o forecited_a warning_n which_o he_o give_v to_o solomon_n 1_o chron._n 28._o 9_o but_o also_o by_o that_o knowledgment_n which_o he_o make_v of_o it_o to_o god_n himself_o psal_n 132._o 11_o 12._o object_n but_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n to_o david_n that_o he_o will_v establish_v his_o covenant_n with_o his_o seed_n and_o not_o violate_v it_o psal_n 89._o 28_o 29._o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o in_o that_o place_n david_n represent_v or_o typifyes_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o his_o child_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v only_o those_o that_o be_v give_v to_o christ_n of_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o shall_v obtain_v salvation_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v his._n but_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o subject_n of_o the_o visible_a covenant_n who_o have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n que._n but_o you_o will_v say_v then_o what_o encouragement_n be_v there_o for_o parent_n to_o pray_v for_o to_o instruct_v and_o take_v pain_n with_o their_o child_n and_o give_v they_o up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n if_o they_o can_v do_v all_o this_o in_o faith_n what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v of_o sin_n ans_fw-fr there_o be_v other_o way_n for_o faith_n to_o act_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n beside_o this_o particular_a confident_a persuasion_n of_o this_o fruit_n and_o effect_n consider_v then_o 1._o that_o faith_n be_v to_o eye_n the_o precept_n as_o well_o as_o the_o promise_n faith_n be_v to_o influence_n our_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o our_o assurance_n faith_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v this_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o perform_v because_o god_n command_v it_o and_o be_v hereby_o animate_v to_o our_o duty_n this_o be_v obedience_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o sow_v our_o seed_n in_o the_o morning_n etc._n etc._n although_o we_o know_v not_o which_o shall_v prosper_v this_o or_o that_o because_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n 2._o that_o a_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v engage_v to_o his_o duty_n not_o only_o by_o a_o promise_n but_o also_o by_o the_o precept_n it_o be_v true_a the_o promise_n be_v our_o encouragement_n but_o the_o precept_n be_v our_o rule_n in_o submission_n to_o the_o command_n therefore_o he_o be_v to_o go_v about_o his_o work_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o success_n of_o it_o to_o divine_a dispose_n and_o so_o do_v he_o perform_v his_o duty_n in_o faith_n and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o act_v by_o this_o principle_n but_o do_v all_o mere_o as_o he_o think_v it_o may_v succeed_v be_v true_o mercenary_a 3._o there_o be_v other_o promise_n which_o may_v encourage_v a_o believer_n in_o this_o duty_n viz._n that_o if_o he_o do_v it_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n it_o shall_v be_v accept_v and_o reward_v by_o god_n god_n will_v some_o way_n or_o other_o make_v he_o to_o find_v that_o his_o labour_n have_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a the_o husbandman_n be_v in_o duty_n to_o sow_v his_o seed_n in_o faith_n but_o he_o be_v not_o sure_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o good_a crop_n the_o figtree_n may_v not_o blossom_n though_o he_o manure_n it_o with_o care_n but_o this_o be_v his_o encouragement_n that_o in_o a_o way_n of_o do_v duty_n god_n have_v say_v that_o he_o will_v bless_v he_o 4._o i'faith_o also_o teach_v we_o that_o attend_v the_o mean_n be_v near_o to_o the_o particular_a blessing_n than_o not_o attend_v but_o neglect_v they_o god_n often_o meet_v his_o people_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o ordinary_a then_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a providence_n nor_o do_v god_n always_o though_o he_o may_v sometime_o in_o sovereignty_n deny_v the_o desire_a blessing_n to_o his_o people_n yea_o and_o although_o he_o may_v sometime_o work_v there_o where_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o shameful_a neglect_n as_o in_o convert_v josiah_n the_o son_n of_o a_o wicked_a amon_n yet_o our_o neglect_n be_v inexcusable_a because_o we_o have_v despise_v the_o command_n such_o a_o parent_n as_o have_v faithful_o do_v his_o duty_n may_v die_v in_o hope_n that_o although_o he_o see_v not_o the_o desire_a fruit_n of_o his_o pain_n and_o prayer_n yet_o they_o may_v appear_v when_o his_o head_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n to_o be_v sure_o he_o may_v with_o this_o comfort_n leave_v the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o his_o place_n 3._o the_o provocation_n of_o covenant-children_n be_v most_o heinous_a and_o consequent_o most_o provoke_v to_o god_n the_o sin_n of_o none_o be_v so_o offensive_a in_o his_o sight_n as_o they_o you_o shall_v find_v therefore_o that_o the_o scripture_n set_v a_o note_n observable_a upon_o this_o consideration_n amos._n 3._o 2._o so_o deut._n 32._o 19_o the_o provoking_n of_o son_n and_o daughter_n be_v bitter_a jer._n 5._o 7._o thy_o child_n have_v
transient_a rebuke_n may_v be_v enough_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v more_o deliberate_a and_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o they_o more_o gradual_o they_o may_v also_o be_v eminent_o reproachful_a to_o religion_n and_o a_o dangerous_a snare_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v so_o tempt_v our_o connivance_n in_o such_o case_n may_v not_o only_o blemish_v our_o profession_n but_o be_v a_o great_a hazard_n to_o it_o also_o at_o such_o time_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n you_o break_v your_o covenant_n if_o you_o suffer_v sin_n in_o your_o brother_n without_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n which_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v and_o in_o the_o order_n he_o have_v prescribe_v they_o till_o the_o end_n be_v obtain_v if_o private_a admonition_n follow_v with_o gentleness_n and_o patience_n will_v not_o gain_v but_o they_o still_o presi_v in_o evil_a course_n or_o be_v not_o humble_v for_o such_o fault_n you_o must_v proceed_v by_o step_n as_o far_o as_o christ_n have_v bid_v you_o and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o one_o thing_n wherein_o the_o covenant_n be_v more_o universal_o break_v then_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o if_o the_o use_n of_o these_o ordinance_n shall_v once_o come_v to_o cease_v among_o the_o church_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o church-member_n be_v not_o regular_o suppress_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o unfaithfulness_n of_o brethren_n religion_n will_v languish_v and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n fail_v it_o be_v not_o the_o extend_v of_o the_o covenant_n to_o christian_n as_o some_o dream_n but_o it_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o covenant-duty_n towards_o they_o that_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o bane_n of_o our_o profession_n if_o any_o thing_n eli_n indulge_v his_o son_n and_o one_o professor_n indulge_v another_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o if_o this_o be_v search_v to_o the_o root_n and_o bottom_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o original_n of_o it_o be_v self-indulgence_n and_o that_o when_o man_n wink_v at_o scandal_n in_o their_o brethren_n it_o be_v because_o they_o expect_v the_o like_a in_o way_n of_o retaliation_n and_o if_o thing_n once_o come_v to_o this_o pass_n let_v any_o sober_a and_o prudent_a man_n conjecture_v whither_o this_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o cherish_v apostasy_n and_o what_o then_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n 4._o take_v diligent_a care_n to_o secure_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n unto_o posterity_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o natural_a thy_fw-mi lie_v upon_o parent_n to_o their_o child_n but_o there_o be_v also_o a_o covenant-ty_a lie_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o covenant_n to_o after_o age_n as_o god_n have_v take_v the_o child_n of_o his_o people_n into_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o their_o parent_n so_o have_v he_o likewise_o take_v care_n and_o make_v it_o a_o duty_n that_o they_o be_v own_v acknowledge_v and_o look_v after_o as_o his._n and_o though_o i_o know_v there_o be_v various_a apprehension_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v altogether_o silent_a in_o it_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o beside_o the_o family_n care_v which_o be_v due_a from_o parent_n to_o their_o child_n there_o be_v something_o also_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n do_v owe_v to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v the_o lamb_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o that_o be_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v own_v and_o acknowledge_v as_o such_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o their_o infancy_n and_o minority_n by_o apply_v the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n to_o they_o but_o also_o in_o ripe_a and_o more_o grow_v year_n some_o there_o be_v that_o acknowledge_v they_o not_o at_o all_o to_o have_v any_o visible_a covenant_n relation_n and_o interest_n if_o not_o in_o word_n yet_o in_o effect_n they_o deny_v it_o though_o possible_o they_o may_v confess_v it_o to_o be_v parent_n duty_n to_o instruct_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v plain_o anabaptistical_n other_o that_o own_o they_o in_o minority_n yet_o look_v upon_o they_o to_o grow_v out_o of_o that_o relation_n practical_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n but_o that_o such_o as_o be_v relate_v shall_v ordinary_o lose_v this_o relation_n any_o other_o way_n then_o by_o a_o course_n of_o discipline_n seem_v a_o paradox_n and_o have_v be_v elaborate_o confute_v by_o many_o viz._n that_o any_o person_n shall_v cast_v himself_o out_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o contrary_n mind_v to_o we_o have_v very_o good_a intention_n and_o be_v act_v by_o a_o zeal_n of_o holiness_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mistake_n and_o a_o misguide_a zeal_n in_o the_o people_n of_o god_n themselves_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v and_o whither_o they_o or_o we_o be_v in_o a_o error_n the_o day_n shall_v discover_v mean_v while_n as_o we_o believe_v so_o we_o speak_v many_o believe_a jew_n in_o paul_n time_n have_v their_o doubt_n and_o controversye_n about_o circumcision_n but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o yield_v no_o relation_n to_o child_n at_o all_o but_o do_v account_n of_o and_o carry_v it_o to_o they_o as_o stranger_n under_o pretence_n of_o preserve_a holiness_n in_o the_o church_n let_v any_o serious_a and_o understand_a man_n judge_n whether_o that_o be_v a_o way_n to_o propagate_v holiness_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o the_o serious_a &_o solemn_a speech_n of_o the_o two_o tribe_n and_o half_a to_o their_o brethren_n speak_v something_o to_o our_o time_n and_o church_n josh_n 22._o 24_o 25._o if_o we_o have_v not_o rather_o do_v it_o viz._n build_v the_o altar_n for_o fear_v of_o this_o thing_n say_v in_o time_n to_o come_v your_o child_n may_v speak_v unto_o our_o child_n say_v what_o have_v you_o to_o do_v with_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v jordan_n a_o border_n between_o we_o and_o you_o you_o child_n of_o reuben_n and_o child_n of_o gad_n you_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n so_o shall_v your_o child_n make_v our_o child_n cease_v from_o fear_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o fall_a man_n spontaneous_o to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v god_n it_o be_v worth_a our_o serious_a thought_n whether_o not_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o child_n to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a people_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o effect_n to_o say_v they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o put_v a_o occasion_n in_o they_o to_o reject_v his_o fear_n or_o whether_o such_o a_o expression_n as_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o carry_v more_o of_o encouragement_n in_o it_o act._n 3._o 25._o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o our_o father_n it_o be_v doubtless_o let_v man_n say_v or_o think_v what_o they_o please_v some_o privilege_n to_o be_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n there_o be_v in_o it_o great_a motive_n and_o persuasive_a to_o they_o although_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v none_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v this_o or_o any_o other_o argument_n to_o be_v effectual_a with_o they_o for_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n 2._o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v possessor_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n according_a as_o they_o be_v capable_a doubtless_o the_o visible_a privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o only_o a_o honorarium_fw-la to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o they_o be_v also_o and_o principal_o mean_v appoint_v and_o sanctify_v by_o god_n for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v one_o end_n of_o god_n confer_v these_o privilege_n upon_o any_o of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n that_o his_o choose_a may_v thereby_o in_o his_o way_n be_v bring_v to_o partake_v in_o the_o invisible_a the_o work_n of_o conversion_n since_o the_o plant_n of_o church_n by_o apostle_n and_o apostolical_a man_n be_v ordinary_o to_o be_v expect_v within_o and_o not_o out_o of_o the_o visibe_n church_n it_o be_v the_o church_n unto_o who_o the_o ordinance_n and_o office_n be_v give_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o and_o that_o for_o all_o those_o end_n which_o be_v there_o needful_a nor_o be_v we_o to_o presume_v or_o thereupon_o to_o ground_v the_o visible_a covenant-interest_n of_o child_n upon_o a_o presumption_n that_o they_o be_v bear_v convert_v or_o have_v receive_v save_v grace_n in_o the_o womb_n since_o we_o know_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o that_o god_n have_v reserve_v this_o work_n to_o be_v ordinary_o perform_v by_o the_o mean_v instrumental_o in_o such_o as_o live_v and_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o knowledge_n though_o we_o believe_v he_o do_v it_o in_o a_o secret_a way_n for_o those_o that_o die_v in_o
forsake_v i_o how_o shall_v i_o pardon_v thou_o for_o this_o god_n have_v take_v such_o as_o these_o very_a near_a to_o he_o he_o have_v give_v they_o such_o privilege_n and_o so_o many_o advantage_n hence_o for_o a_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o live_v like_o the_o child_n of_o heathen_a and_o those_o who_o god_n have_v not_o know_v this_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o a_o deep_a dye_n yea_o far_o deep_o than_o they_o who_o only_o abuse_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o common_a goodness_n of_o god_n if_o you_o read_v ezek._n 16._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la you_o shall_v there_o see_v what_o a_o course_n god_n take_v to_o make_v jerusalem_n sin_n to_o appear_v unparrellele_v viz._n by_o declare_v what_o covenant_n privilege_n and_o favour_n they_o have_v enjoy_v and_o profane_o abuse_v very_o god_n can_v endure_v to_o see_v that_o in_o sodom_n which_o he_o can_v bear_v to_o see_v in_o zion_n 4._o hence_o to_o perish_v from_o under_o the_o covenant_n will_v be_v a_o most_o astonish_a perdition_n if_o judah_n provoke_v god_n to_o destroy_v she_o she_o come_v down_o wonderful_o even_o to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o all_o her_o neighbour_n let_v i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v none_o that_o leave_v the_o world_n with_o such_o amaze_a fear_n and_o terror_n that_o close_v their_o life_n with_o such_o dreadful_a agony_n and_o horror_n as_o such_o do_v who_o have_v be_v relate_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o it_o and_o slight_v they_o the_o remembrance_n of_o their_o church_n state_n their_o baptism_n the_o ordinance_n they_o have_v sit_v under_o the_o threaten_n warn_n counsel_n and_o encouragement_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o they_o have_v despise_v will_v fill_v their_o conscience_n with_o most_o dreadful_a regret_v and_o reflection_n and_o if_o any_o have_v be_v so_o sear_v as_o to_o stifle_v and_o suppress_v all_o these_o remorce_n and_o to_o depart_v this_o life_n under_o a_o sullen_a and_o desperate_a hardness_n or_o a_o self-cheating_a hope_n yet_o in_o the_o great_a day_n when_o the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o deed_n than_o woe_n and_o ten_o thousand_o woe_n to_o those_o child_n of_o the_o church_n that_o shall_v have_v despise_v their_o privilege_n and_o slight_v the_o grace_n proffer_v in_o the_o covenant_n that_o have_v sell_v themselves_o to_o profaneness_n or_o live_v in_o desperate_a hypocrisy_n that_o have_v forget_v their_o covenant-engagement_n to_o god_n and_o bring_v themselves_o under_o the_o curse_n of_o that_o covenant_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o relation_n of_o child_n to_o the_o covenant_n what_o be_v their_o privilege_n and_o what_o be_v their_o danger_n god_n of_o his_o mercy_n grant_v both_o to_o parent_n and_o child_n grace_n and_o wisdom_n to_o make_v a_o right_a improvement_n of_o these_o solemn_a consideration_n use_v ii_o for_o exhortation_n to_o all_o such_o as_o stand_v relate_v to_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v very_o careful_a and_o watchful_a to_o yourselves_o that_o you_o keep_v it_o you_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o boast_v of_o or_o confide_v in_o your_o covenant_n relation_n as_o to_o see_v to_o your_o own_o part_n and_o duty_n in_o which_o you_o be_v next_o concern_v take_v these_o thing_n for_o motive_n 1._o it_o be_v no_o little_a or_o light_a matter_n to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n it_o be_v true_a evangelical_n duty_n be_v easy_a if_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o rigid_a and_o strict_a yea_o impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v demand_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n impossible_a i_o mean_v by_o the_o child_n of_o fall_v adam_n god_n give_v acceptance_n to_o such_o weak_a duty_n and_o withal_o give_v strength_n to_o do_v they_o but_o still_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v for_o matter_n very_o large_a and_o for_o difficulty_n exceed_v all_o our_o own_o power_n in_o ourselves_o and_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o special_a grace_n from_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n comprehend_v in_o those_o two_o short_a word_n believe_v and_o obey_v perseverance_n in_o the_o faith_n maintain_v it_o against_o all_o the_o shock_n of_o temptation_n which_o assault_v it_o and_o constancy_n in_o obedience_n continue_v faithful_a unto_o death_n wait_v till_o afterward_o for_o our_o reward_n these_o be_v great_a work_n to_o do_v all_o we_o do_v for_o god_n as_o be_v his_o servant_n to_o devote_v all_o our_o time_n to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o those_o who_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n require_v care_n diligence_n vigilance_n again_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o duty_n lay_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o covenant_n the_o precept_n be_v of_o great_a latitude_n psal_n 119_o 96._o every_o command_n be_v full_a there_o be_v duty_n to_o be_v do_v sin_v to_o be_v avoid_v there_o be_v affliction_n &_o trial_n to_o be_v undergo_v god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o and_o worship_v our_o neighbour_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o love_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o relation_n which_o a_o christian_a stand_v in_o and_o every_o one_o have_v its_o particular_a respective_a duty_n moreover_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o all_o in_o it_o stand_v engage_v in_o these_o covenant_n duty_n every_o faculty_n and_o member_n owe_v obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v our_o heart_n to_o look_v after_o and_o keep_v with_o diligence_n for_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n prov._n 4._o 23._o our_o tongue_n to_o order_n and_o keep_v within_o bound_n which_o must_v be_v well_o look_v after_o psal_n 39_o 1._o and_o all_o our_o bodily_a action_n must_v be_v conform_v to_o divine_a prescript_n all_o our_o natural_a civil_a and_o religious_a action_n must_v be_v square_v by_o the_o right_a rule_n and_o direct_v to_o their_o proper_a end_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 31._o final_o that_o which_o make_v it_o so_o great_a a_o work_n to_o keep_v covenant_n be_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o strength_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o force_v of_o the_o temptation_n we_o be_v expose_v to_o we_o have_v every_o one_o of_o we_o a_o traitor_n in_o our_o bosom_n beside_o a_o solicitous_a and_o diligent_a enemy_n wait_v all_o opportunity_n to_o tempt_v and_o draw_v we_o aside_o and_o there_o must_v be_v great_a vigilancy_n and_o resolution_n to_o resist_v a_o subtle_a devil_n hold_v correspondence_n with_o a_o treacherous_a heart_n put_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o they_o will_v speak_v thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a work_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a whither_o you_o keep_v covenant_n or_o no._n if_o you_o will_v enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o promise_n you_o must_v have_v the_o witness_n of_o your_o own_o conscience_n unto_o this_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n and_o another_o to_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n positive_o engage_v to_o you_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o great_o with_o this_o opinion_n that_o they_o think_v if_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n they_o have_v christ_n for_o their_o surety_n and_o undertaker_n and_o hence_o can_v maintain_v strong_a confidence_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o own_o careless_a and_o carnal_a neglect_n abuse_v and_o pervert_v many_o scripture_n and_o particular_o that_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 1._o if_o we_o sin_v we_o have_v a_o advocate_n they_o promise_v themselves_o that_o christ_n shall_v answer_v for_o all_o their_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o hereupon_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n with_o they_o to_o neglect_v duty_n and_o live_v careless_o and_o irregular_o but_o we_o must_v beware_v of_o deceive_v ourselves_o for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v 1_o thes_n 4._o 7_o consider_v then_o 1._o we_o may_v be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n and_o yet_o not_o have_v christ_n for_o our_o engage_a undertaker_n it_o be_v only_a believer_n 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