Selected quad for the lemma: faith_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
faith_n abraham_n righteousness_n seal_n 9,017 5 9.6941 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59660 The church-membership of children, and their right to baptisme according to that holy and everlasting covenant of God, established between Himself and the faithfull ... cleared up in a letter, sent unto a worthy friend of the author ... / by Thomas Shepard ... Shepard, Thomas, 1605-1649. 1663 (1663) Wing S3108; ESTC R14745 40,639 50

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they_o be_v lineal_o descend_v of_o abraham_n than_o esau_n ishmael_n the_o jew_n rom._n 11.20_o can_v never_o have_v be_v cast_v off_o from_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v always_o the_o natural_a offspring_n &_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n hence_o therefore_o it_o follow_v we_o that_o if_o they_o be_v ingraff_v in_o the_o church_n as_o believer_n the_o father_n as_o actual_o believe_v the_o child_n as_o set_v apart_o by_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v and_o in_o their_o parent_n faith_n account_v believer_n than_o all_o believer_n at_o this_o day_n have_v the_o same_o privilege_n and_o the_o covenant_n then_o be_v make_v only_o in_o respect_n of_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v gospel_n covenant_n the_o same_o with_o god_n covenant_n at_o this_o day_n and_o hence_o also_o it_o follow_v we_o that_o if_o they_o be_v member_n as_o believer_n than_o not_o as_o member_n of_o that_o nation_n they_o be_v not_o therefore_o member_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v descend_v of_o abraham_n and_o be_v in_o a_o national_a church_n and_o be_v by_o generation_n jew_n circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o righteousness_n by_o faith_n rom._n 4._o 11._o therefore_o they_o be_v seal_v as_o believer_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o argument_n wherein_o i_o have_v be_v the_o large_a because_o much_o light_n be_v let_v in_o by_o it_o to_o answer_v divers_a mistake_v i_o shall_v name_v the_o rest_n with_o morerbrevity_n argum_fw-la 2._o if_o it_o be_v the_o curse_n of_o gentile_n to_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n make_v with_o the_o jew_n before_o they_o become_v the_o church_n of_o god_n then_o by_o be_v church_n this_o curse_n be_v remove_v and_o hence_o ephe._n 2.12_o 13._o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n but_o be_v not_o so_o now_o if_o you_o lay_v that_o the_o ephesian_n be_v in_o covenant_n but_o not_o their_o seed_n and_o so_o they_o be_v not_o stranger_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o set_v out_o their_o curse_a estate_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v without_o any_o covenant_n but_o because_o they_o be_v stranger_n to_o that_o covenant_n of_o promise_n which_o the_o israelite_n have_v for_o if_o their_o child_n have_v it_o not_o they_o be_v then_o as_o without_o covenant_n so_o without_o god_n and_o without_o hope_n as_o pagan_n be_v which_o be_v notorious_o cross_v to_o the_o current_n of_o all_o scripture_n as_o may_v afterward_o appear_v argum_fw-la 3._o the_o apostle_n express_o say_v your_o child_n be_v holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o and_o if_o federal_o holy_a then_o of_o the_o church_n for_o real_a holiness_n can_v be_v here_o mean_v and_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o it_o even_o as_o it_o be_v say_v deut._n 7.6_o thou_o be_v a_o holy_a people_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n few_o of_o which_o number_n be_v real_o and_o save_o holy_a but_o they_o be_v all_o so_o federal_o or_o by_o covenant_n and_o so_o become_v god_n special_a church_n or_o people_n if_o you_o say_v that_o this_o holiness_n be_v mean_v of_o matrimonial_a holiness_n viz._n that_o your_o child_n be_v not_o bastard_n but_o legitimate_a the_o answer_n be_v easy_a for_o upon_o this_o interpretation_n the_o apostle_n answer_n shall_v be_v false_a for_o than_o if_o one_o of_o the_o parent_n have_v not_o be_v a_o believer_n and_o so_o by_o his_o believe_v sanctify_v his_o unbelieving_a wife_n their_o child_n must_v have_v be_v bastard_n whereas_o you_o know_v that_o their_o child_n have_v not_o be_v in_o that_o sense_n unclean_a or_o illegitimate_a although_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v believer_n for_o the_o apostle_n dispute_n be_v plain_a viz._n that_o if_o the_o believe_a husband_n do_v not_o sanctify_v his_o unbelieving_a wife_n than_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a ●●e_v say_v you_o bastard_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a t●at_a child_n may_v be_v in_o this_o sense_n clean_a and_o yet_o no_o faith_n in_o either_o parent_n to_o sanctify_v one_o another_o to_o their_o particular_a use_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o all_o child_n of_o heathen_n be_v bastard_n because_o neither_o of_o the_o parent_n believe_v argum._n 4._o rom._n 11.17_o the_o jew_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o fatness_n of_o the_o olive_n tree_n and_o the_o gentile_n put_v in_o or_o ingraff_v in_o their_o room_n now_o this_o engraff_n be_v not_o into_o christ_n by_o save_v faith_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o such_o shall_v ever_o be_v break_v off_o who_o be_v once_o in_o it_o must_v therefore_o he_o mean_v of_o their_o engraff_n into_o the_o external_a state_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o fatness_n and_o privilege_n thereof_o of_o which_o church_n christ_n be_v the_o external_a and_o political_a head_n into_o who_o in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v ingraff_v by_o external_a visible_a fa●●h_n 〈◊〉_d covenant_n hence_o thus_o i_o reason_n that_o if_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o 〈◊〉_d be_v ingraff_v member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o gentile_a 〈…〉_z into_o the_o same_o state_n and_o come_v in_o their_o 〈…〉_z with_o their_o child_n member_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o jew_n hereafter_o shall_v be_v 〈◊〉_d they_o shall_v be_v ingraff●d_v in_o as_o they_o be_v before_o they_o and_o their_o 〈◊〉_d verse_n 23._o in_o 〈◊〉_d mean_a while_n the_o apostle_n put_v his_o no_o difference_n between_o the_o present_a engraff_n of_o the_o gentile_n now_o and_o of_o t●e●s_n past_a or_o to_o come_v and_o therefore_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n be_v ingraff_v member_n now_o argum._n 5._o because_o there_o be_v ●he_v same_o inward_a cause_n move_v god_n to_o take_v in_o the_o child_n 〈◊〉_d believe_v church-member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n now_o to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o his_o people_n as_o there_o be_v for_o ●aking_v the_o jew_n and_o their_o child_n for_o the_o only_a cause_n why_o the_o lord_n take_v in_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o child_n thus_o be_v 〈◊〉_d love_n and_o f●●e_a grac●_n and_o mercy_n de●_n 4.37_o because_o 〈◊〉_d l●ved_v thy_o father_n therefore_o ●●_o cross_a t●●ir_a seed_n which_o choose_v be_v not_o by_o eternal_a election_n or_o choose_n to_o gl●●y_n for_o many_o of_o their_o ●●ed_n never_o come_v to_o glory_n but_o unto_o this_o privilege_n to_o be_v his_o people_n above_o all_o other_o in_o outward_a covenant_n with_o he_o which_o be_v exceed_o great_a love_n if_o you_o remember_v what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o branche_n of_o this_o outward_a covenant_n and_o visible_a church_n estate_n and_o hence_o ●eu_n 10.15_o ●e_v u●_n the_o lord_n have_v ●●●light_n in_o thy_o father_n hence_o he_o choose_v their_o seed_n above_o all_o people_n as_o at_o that_o day_n viz._n to_o be_v his_o people_n ●●_o so_o that_o i_o do_v from_o hence_o full_o believe_v that_o either_o god_n love_n be_v in_o these_o day_n of_o his_o gospel_n less_o unto_o his_o people_n and_o servant_n then_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o if_o it_o be_v as_o great_a that_o then_o the_o same_o love_n respect_v the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n now_o as_o then_o it_o do_v and_o therefore_o if_o then_o because_o he_o love_v they_o he_o choose_v their_o seed_n to_o be_v of_o his_o church_n so_o in_o these_o day_n because_o he_o love_v we_o he_o choose_v our_o seed_n to_o be_v of_o his_o church_n also_o argum_fw-la 6._o because_o our_o saviour_n speak_v plain_o of_o all_o child_n who_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o that_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o none_o be_v ordinary_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o god_n visible_a church_n and_o kingdom_n here_o the_o objection_n against_o this_o place_n i_o think_v not_o worth_a confute_v because_o i_o hope_v enough_o be_v say_v to_o clear_v up_o this_o first_o particular_a to_o prove_v the_o child_n of_o confederate_a believer_n to_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o church-member_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n viz_o to_o answer_v your_o objection_n object_n 1._o if_o child_n say_v you_o be_v member_n as_o it_o be_v in_o abraham_n covenant_n than_o wife_n and_o servant_n and_o all_o the_o household_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o for_o so_o it_o be_v gen._n 17._o &_o gen._n 3●_n 2.3_o and_o than_o what_o church_n shall_v we_o have_v but_o such_o as_o you_o fear_v god_n will_v be_v weary_a of_o &_o angry_a wa●_n answ._n church_n at_o first_o by_o your_o own_o confession_n be_v in_o family_n where_o therefore_o god_n grace_n do_v the_o more_o abound_v by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o it_o do_v abound_v abroad_o and_o hence_o abraham_n family_n and_o household_n be_v a_o church_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o consider_v withal_o that_o all_o be_v not_o of_o this_o family_n church_n mere_o
see_v be_v in_o some_o respect_n absolute_a and_o if_o the_o covenant_n be_v only_o conditional_a than_o the_o lord_n be_v no_o more_o in_o covenant_n with_o church-member_n than_o with_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n for_o it_o may_v be_v propound_v conditional_o to_o all_o such_o that_o if_o they_o believe_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o assure_o god_n grace_n be_v a_o little_a more_o extensive_a to_o the_o one_o then_o to_o the_o other_o 3_o hence_o you_o may_v see_v what_o circumcision_n once_o do_v and_o baptism_n now_o seal_n unto_o even_o to_o infant_n the_o seal_n be_v to_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n be_v that_o god_n outward_o at_o least_o own_v they_o and_o reckon'_v they_o among_o his_o people_n and_o child_n within_o his_o visible_a church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o that_o here_o upon_o he_o will_v prune_v and_o cut_v and_o dress_v and_o water_v they_o and_o improve_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o eternal_a good_a upon_o they_o which_o good_a they_o shall_v have_v unless_o they_o refuse_v in_o resist_v the_o mean_n nay_o that_o he_o will_v take_v away_o this_o refuse_v heart_n from_o among_o they_o indefinite_o so_o that_o though_o every_o one_o can_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o particular_o for_o this_o or_o that_o person_n yet_o every_o one_o through_o this_o promise_n may_v hope_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o so_o feel_v it_o in_o time_n these_o thing_n thus_o premise_v to_o clear_v up_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n i_o shall_v now_o do_v two_o thing_n 1._o leave_v a_o few_o ground_n and_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o child_n be_v in_o church-covenant_n and_o so_o enjoy_v church-membership_n by_o their_o parent_n 2._o i_o shall_v then_o answer_v your_o scruple_n to_o the_o first_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o clear_v up_o this_o proposition_n viz_o 1._o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o covenant_n which_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o with_o that_o in_o the_o new_a and_o this_o under_o the_o new-testament_n the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o of_o abraham_n under_o the_o old_a i_o say_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o for_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v something_o proper_a and_o personal_a in_o abraham_n covenant_n as_o to_o be_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n but_o this_o be_v not_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o belong_v to_o all_o the_o covenanter_n and_o unto_o which_o the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n be_v set_v for_o all_o abraham_n seed_n neither_o in_o those_o nor_o these_o day_n be_v the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n nor_o do_v circumcision_n seal_v it_o again_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o this_o one_o &_o the_o same_o covenant_n be_v diverse_a but_o still_o the_o covenant_n for_o substance_n be_v the_o same_o for_o that_o old_a covenant_n be_v dispense_v with_o other_o external_a sign_n sacrifice_n type_n prophecy_n than_o this_o under_o the_o new_a there_o be_v something_o typical_a in_o abraham_n covenant_n concern_v canaan_n a_o type_n of_o heaven_n but_o yet_o the_o same_o covenant_n remaine_n now_o with_o a_o more_o naked_a manner_n of_o dispensation_n or_o promise_v of_o heaven_n and_o hence_o it_o follow_v we_o that_o if_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o now_o as_o then_o then_o as_o now_o than_o it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o if_o the_o new_a covenant_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o a_o carnal_a covenant_n no_o more_o be_v that_o if_o the_o new-covenant_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n no_o more_o be_v that_o which_o be_v make_v with_o abraham_n if_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n than_o this_o very_a covenant_n remaine_n still_o under_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o that_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o covenant_n the_o child_n be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o hence_o have_v a_o church_n privilege_n and_o seal_v administer_v then_o the_o same_o covenant_n remain_v the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o same_o force_n and_o benefit_n our_o child_n also_o be_v take_v into_o the_o like_a membership_n it_o remaine_n therefore_o to_o prove_v that_o which_o all_o our_o divine_n have_v long_o since_o make_v good_a against_o the_o papist_n that_o the_o covenant_n then_o and_o now_o be_v for_o substance_n one_o and_o the_o same_o or_o that_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n be_v a_o gospel-covenant_n and_o this_o gospel-covenant_n the_o same_o that_o be_v make_v with_o abraham_n 1._o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n be_v renew_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o it_o viz_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n heb._n 8.10_o jer._n 31.33_o and_o though_o the_o seed_n be_v not_o express_v yet_o it_o be_v understand_v as_o it_o be_v gen._n 17.8_o &_o if_o need_n be_v shall_v be_v prove_v hereafter_o 2._o because_o abraham_n covenant_n be_v of_o gospel_n &_o eternal_a privilege_n not_o proper_a therefore_o to_o he_o and_o his_o fleshly_a posterity_n for_o righteousness_n by_o faith_n be_v seal_v up_o by_o circumcision_n rom._n 4.11_o which_o be_v a_o gospel_n privilege_n and_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o other_o privilege_n and_o yet_o in_o gen._n 17.7_o there_o be_v no_o expression_n of_o this_o righteousness_n by_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v understand_v therefore_o in_o this_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n so_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o resurrection_n thereunto_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o this_o i_o be_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n 3._o because_o there_o be_v never_o any_o covenant_n but_o it_o be_v either_o of_o grace_n or_o work_n that_o of_o work_n on_o mount_n sinai_n that_o of_o grace_n which_o be_v make_v with_o abraham_n and_o hence_o gal._n 3.17_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v confirm_v afore_o by_o christ_n the_o law_n 430_o year_n after_o can_v disannul_v and_o what_o be_v that_o covenant_n before_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o christ_n and_o what_o be_v this_o covenant_n confirm_v by_o christ_n but_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n for_o of_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v verse_n 14_o 16._o and_o he_o call_v it_o express_o by_o the_o name_n of_o gospel_n or_o the_o gospel-covenant_n verse_n 8_o 9_o 4._o because_o when_o god_n renew_v his_o promise_n and_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n with_o his_o people_n at_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n deut._n 30.6_o it_o run_v in_o these_o word_n viz_o i_o will_v circumcise_v thy_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o thy_o seed_n now_o this_o be_v a_o gospel_n privilege_n and_o a_o gospel-covenant_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v this_o text_n with_o rom._n 10.8_o wherein_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v in_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o this_o covenant_n say_v the_o word_n be_v nigh_o thou_o in_o thy_o heart_n &_o mouth_n deut._n 30.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o now_o if_o that_o place_n gen._n 17.7_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o be_v obscure_a concern_v the_o promise_n i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thy_o seed_n yet_o hear_v in_o this_o place_n god_n speak_v plain_o which_o by_o compare_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o gospel_n promise_n and_o of_o a_o gospel_n privilege_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v preach_v by_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o 5._o because_o this_o promise_n i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o abraham_n &_o his_o seed_n as_o after_o the_o flesh_n or_o as_o lineal_o descend_v of_o abraham_n but_o as_o believer_n and_o this_o be_v most_o evident_a rom._n 11._o wherein_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o jew_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v break_v off_o make_v no_o people_n no_o church_n by_o unbelief_n verse_n 20._o 2._o that_o by_o faith_n they_o shall_v be_v graff_v in_o again_o verse_n 23._o if_o therefore_o they_o be_v break_v off_o the_o church_n by_o unbelief_n than_o they_o stand_v as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o faith_n and_o if_o by_o faith_n they_o shall_v be_v graff_v in_o than_o they_o stand_v by_o faith_n at_o first_o again_o it_o be_v say_v in_o this_o rome_n 11.28_o that_o they_o be_v love_v for_o the_o father_n sake_n sure_o not_o as_o natural_a father_n but_o as_o spiritual_a by_o faith_n and_o hence_o nehem._n 9.8_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o god_n find_v abraham_n faithful_a before_o he_o and_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o he_o again_o if_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n be_v member_n upon_o this_o ground_n only_o or_o chief_o viz._n because_o
yet_o though_o this_o be_v wickedness_n and_o disorder_n yet_o the_o church_n may_v proceed_v against_o they_o and_o so_o it_o may_v against_o their_o child_n who_o be_v bind_v to_o own_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o god_n and_o of_o god_n with_o they_o in_o their_o parent_n as_o well_o as_o any_o church-member_n be_v to_o own_o their_o own_o covenant_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a profession_n what_o disorder_n therefore_o will_v come_v in_o as_o you_o conceive_v this_o way_n will_v come_v in_o by_o your_o own_o way_n and_o what_o course_n you_o shall_v take_v to_o heal_v the_o one_o by_o the_o same_o you_o may_v heal_v the_o other_o object_n 3._o if_o child_n say_v you_o be_v member_n then_o their_o seed_n successive_o until_o they_o be_v either_o dissolve_v or_o excommunicate_v and_o if_o so_o then_o what_o church_n shall_v we_o have_v answ._n 1._o what_o church_n shall_v we_o have_v true_o not_o allway_o church_n of_o angel_n and_o faint_v but_o mix_v with_o many_o chaffy_a hypocrite_n and_o oft_o time_n profane_a person_n but_o still_o i_o say_v this_o objection_n hold_v as_o firm_a against_o gather_v church_n of_o visible_a profess_v believer_n for_o god_n be_v what_o church_n we_o may_v have_v of_o they_o even_o heap_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o profane_a person_n for_o i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v give_v we_o hope_v of_o their_o not_o apostatise_v but_o only_a god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o and_o to_o preserve_v they_o and_o true_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o their_o seed_n give_v i_o as_o much_o ground_n of_o faith_n to_o hope_v well_o of_o church_n r●sing_v out_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o godly_a as_o of_o the_o profess_v parent_n themselves_o i_o know_v one_o may_v have_v more_o experimental_a charity_n concern_v some_o few_o profess_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o my_o church-charity_n be_v equal_a about_o they_o especial_o consider_v that_o those_o who_o god_n receive_v into_o church_n covenant_n he_o do_v not_o only_o take_v they_o to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o he_o but_o to_o establish_v they_o to_o be_v such_o viz_o for_o time_n to_o come_v and_o hence_o god_n be_v say_v to_o establish_v his_o covenant_n with_o isaac_n not_o ishmael_n who_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v gen._n 17.19_o and_o god_n be_v say_v to_o gather_v they_o into_o covenant_n to_o establish_v they_o to_o be_v a_o people_n both_o young_a &_o old_a present_a posterity_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v deut._n 29.11_o 15._o 2._o god_n be_v as_o holy_a and_o as_o exact_o require_v holiness_n from_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o well_o as_o from_o christian_a church_n now_o do_v you_o think_v that_o the_o covenant_n which_o then_o wrap_v up_o the_o jew_n child_n into_o church-membership_a be_v a_o highway_n of_o profaneness_n and_o unholyness_n in_o the_o member_n thereof_o &_o of_o defile_v &_o pollute_v god_n church_n or_o be_v it_o a_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o holiness_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v profane_a to_o affirm_v the_o first_o be_v something_o blaphemous_a and_o very_o false_a for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v jer._n 13.11_o that_o as_o the_o girdle_n cleave_v to_o the_o loin_n of_o a_o man_n so_o he_o cause_v the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n not_o grow_v man_n only_o to_o cleave_v to_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v to_o he_o a_o people_n which_o be_v by_o covenant_n and_o for_o a_o name_n for_o a_o praise_n and_o for_o a_o glory_n god_n name_n glory_n praise_n be_v the_o end_n and_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o mean_n hereunto_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o way_n or_o mean_n of_o unholyness_n in_o that_o church_n but_o if_o you_o say_v it_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o holiness_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o fear_v the_o pollute_a of_o church_n by_o the_o same_o covenant_n which_o we_o have_v prove_v wrap_v in_o our_o seed_n also_o indeed_o they_o do_v prove_v universal_o profane_a in_o the_o jewish_a church_n so_o they_o may_v in_o we_o but_o shall_v man_n wickedness_n in_o abuse_v god_n grace_n and_o forsake_v h●s_a covenant_n tie_v the_o hand_n or_o heart_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n from_o take_v such_o into_o covenant_n what_o ●●o●gh_v some_o do_v not_o believe_v say_v th●_n apostle_n rom._n 3.3_o 4._o ●●all_v their_o unbelief_n make_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n without_o effect_n god_n forbid_v 3._o suppose_v they_o do_v prove_v profane_a and_o corrupt_a church_n yet_o even_o then_o when_o they_o be_v corrupt_v they_o be_v such_o church_n where_o ordinary_o god_n gather_v out_o his_o elect_n and_o out_o of_o which_o till_o pure_a be_v gather_v or_o these_o whole_o reject_v there_o can_v be_v expect_v ordinary_o any_o salvation_n for_o so_o say_v our_o saviour_n salvation_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n john_n 4.22_o even_o in_o that_o very_a corrupt_a and_o worst_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n that_o ever_o it_o be_v in_o object_n 4._o if_o child_n be_v member_n than_o they_o must_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o you_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o member_n and_o member_n in_o point_n of_o privilege_n unless_o they_o be_v under_o some_o sin_n answ._n 1._o yes_o very_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o member_n and_o member_n though_o profess_v believer_n in_o point_n of_o privilege_n though_o they_o lie_v under_o no_o sin_n for_o a_o man_n may_v speak_v and_o prophesy_v in_o the_o church_n not_o woman_n a_o company_n of_o man_n may_v make_v a_o church_n and_o so_o receive_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o woman_n though_o profess_v saint_n 2._o all_o grow_v man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v though_o profess_v believer_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n my_o reason_n be_v a_o man_n may_v believe_v in_o christ_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n now_o such_o may_v be_v baptise_a as_o soon_o as_o ever_o faith_n appear_v mark_v 16.16_o but_o they_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o they_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o they_o through_o their_o ignorance_n can_v discern_v the_o lord_n body_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n but_o ignorant_a person_n may_v be_v as_o well_o suspend_v from_o the_o use_n of_o this_o privilege_n though_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n for_o faith_n may_v consist_v with_o much_o ignorance_n as_o well_o as_o distract_a person_n who_o notwithstanding_o may_v be_v believer_n also_o 3._o if_o therefore_o child_n be_v able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n they_o may_v then_o eat_v and_o herein_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o this_o privilege_n between_o member_n and_o member_n 4._o child_n not_o be_v usual_o able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o nor_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n hence_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o use_n of_o ●●is_n privilege_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v such_o member_n as_o may_v enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o other_o privilege_n even_o that_o of_o baptism_n for_o baptism_n seal_v up_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o covenant_n this_o first_o entrance_n be_v not_o allway_o by_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n but_o by_o god_n promise_n of_o work_v or_o of_o vouchsafe_v the_o mean_n of_o work_v of_o it_o now_o child_n as_o be_v prove_v be_v under_o this_o covenant_n as_o we_o see_v all_o the_o posterity_n also_o of_o abraham_n be_v hence_o though_o child_n can_v profess_v faith_n nor_o actual_o examine_v themselves_o yet_o they_o may_v receive_v and_o must_v receive_v baptism_n be_v already_o under_o god●_n covenant_n but_o because_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v not_o seal_v up_o this_o first_o entrance_n and_o first_o right_n to_o the_o covenant_n but_o our_o growth_n and_o fruition_n of_o the_o covenant_n hence_o this_o act_n on_o our_o part_n be_v require_v to_o participate_v in_o this_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v self-examination_n and_o the_o act_n of_o takeing_n and_o eat_v christ_n and_o of_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o of_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n which_o every_o baptise_a person_n and_o church-member_n be_v not_o allway_o able_a to_o do_v a_o child_n may_v receive_v a_o promise_n aforehand_o of_o a_o rich_a estate_n give_v he_o and_o this_o promise_n seal_v up_o to_o he_o his_o father_n receive_v it_o for_o he_o but_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o the_o actual_a improvement_n and_o fruition_n of_o that_o estate_n until_o he_o be_v grow_v up_o understand_v himself_o and_o know_v how_o to_o do_v it_o so_o it_o be_v here_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n require_v ability_n 1._o to_o take_v christ_n as_o our_o own_o 2._o to_o eat_v christ_n that_o be_v to_o take_v fruition_n of_o he_o the_o which_o act_n of_o say_v
god_n do_v not_o require_v of_o all_o those_o immediate_o who_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o object_n 1._o but_o here_o you_o say_v that_o that_o examination_n 1_o cor_n 1●_n be_v require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v member_n and_o that_o at_o all_o time_n as_o well_o as_o their_o first_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n answ._n this_o examination_n be_v indeed_o require_v of_o all_o those_o member_n who_o shall_v partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o it_o be_v not_o require_v as_o you_o seem_v to_o say_v of_o every_o one_o to_o make_v he_o a_o member_n so_o that_o none_o can_v be_v a_o member_n but_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o examine_v himself_o for_o god_n covenant_n to_o work_v faith_n and_o to_o give_v power_n to_o examine_v one_o self_n afterward_o may_v make_v some_o as_o true_o member_n as_o those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o act_v &_o express_v their_o faith_n now_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o god_n covenant_n be_v a_o forehand_n give_v to_o child_n and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o seal_n of_o their_o first_o entrance_n into_o it_o many_o year_n after_o be_v as_o vile_a a_o thing_n as_o for_o they_o that_o be_v able_a and_o fit_a to_o examine_v themselves_o to_o have_v this_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n deny_v or_o delay_v till_o many_o year_n after_o object_n 2._o but_o you_o say_v it_o be_v leave_v to_o every_o one_o conscience_n to_o examine_v himself_o not_o that_o other_o shall_v examine_v they_o and_o consequent_o if_o child_n be_v member_n thou_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v upon_o their_o conscience_n answ._n we_o know_v in_o our_o own_o conscience_n that_o child_n usual_o can_v examine_v themselves_o now_o if_o the_o elder_n &_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o see_v christ_n rule_n observe_v by_o other_o and_o if_o this_o examination_n be_v the_o rule_n that_o all_o must_v walk_v by_o who_o participate_v here_o than_o they_o must_v not_o suffer_v such_o young_a one_o no_o nor_o person_n grow_v up_o and_o enter_v in_o by_o personal_a profession_n to_o receive_v this_o seal_n as_o they_o know_v be_v unable_a thus_o to_o do_v i_o think_v if_o church_n shall_v degenerate_v in_o these_o day_n this_o course_n of_o discipline_n shall_v be_v attend_v especial_o by_o the_o elder_n towards_o any_o of_o their_o member_n which_o way_n soever_o they_o have_v enter_v whether_o by_o their_o own_o or_o by_o their_o parent_n covenant_n and_o i_o have_v oft_o fear_v that_o there_o be_v some_o need_n already_o of_o it_o even_o towards_o some_o who_o enter_v by_o their_o own_o covenant_n and_o may_v have_v faith_n but_o be_v miserable_o to_o seek_v in_o the_o nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o consequent_o unfit_a to_o d●scern_v of_o christ_n body_n and_o so_o to_o come_v to_o that_o sacrament_n object_n 5._o if_o child_n may_v be_v member_n &_o yet_o not_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n than_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v a_o church_n and_o yet_o not_o have_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v it_o answ._n 1._o so_o there_o may_v for_o a_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n &_o yet_o want_v the_o benefit_n of_o some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o god_n ordinance_n sometime_o pastor_n sometime_o elder_n sometime_o seal_n 2._o a_o church_n of_o profess_v believer_n may_v degenerate_v and_o turn_v profane_a and_o sottish_a and_o so_o have_v no_o just_a right_n to_o the_o seal_n and_o their_o officer_n may_v leave_v they_o and_o so_o have_v no_o use_n of_o the_o seal_n yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n still_o though_o degenerate_a though_o unfit_a to_o enjoy_v seal_n will_v you_o therefore_o think_v the_o way_n of_o their_o membership_n unlawful_a viz._n by_o profess_v their_o faith_n because_o such_o a_o rare_a thing_n as_o this_o may_v happen_v why_o then_o shall_v you_o think_v the_o way_n of_o child_n membership_n unlawful_a because_o of_o the_o like_a rarity_n in_o such_o a_o dark_a and_o gloomy_a state_n of_o they_o as_o you_o mention_n object_n 6._o if_o child_n be_v member_n than_o there_o will_v be_v many_o in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o saint_n by_o calling_n nor_o faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v if_o the_o church_n can_v see_v ●t_a but_o these_o may_v be_v too_o plain_o see_v answ._n 1._o i_o do_v think_v it_o be_v true_a that_o poor_a child_n may_v be_v and_o be_v look_v upon_o with_o too_o too_o many_o deject_a thought_n of_o unbelief_n despise_v of_o they_o as_o child_n of_o wrath_n by_o nature_n and_o not_o with_o such_o high_a thought_n of_o faith_n as_o child_n and_o son_n of_o god_n by_o promise_n as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o i_o think_v herein_o be_v our_o great_a sin_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n own_o disciple_n who_o be_v the_o first_o that_o we_o read_v of_o that_o will_v not_o have_v little_a child_n bring_v unto_o he_o for_o which_o he_o rebuke_v they_o show_v their_o privilege_n and_o for_o want_v of_o which_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n about_o our_o child_n certain_o god_n smite_v and_o forsake_v many_o of_o our_o child_n 2._o if_o therefore_o you_o think_v that_o church-member_n must_v consist_v only_o of_o saint_n by_o call_v so_o that_o your_o meaning_n be_v such_o saint_n as_o be_v so_o by_o outward_a and_o personal_a profession_n from_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v only_o to_o be_v church-member_n this_o be_v a_o error_n for_o 1._o you_o know_v that_o they_o who_o define_v a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o number_n of_o visible_a saint_n they_o usual_o put_v this_o phrase_n in_o and_o their_o s●ed_z who_o may_v not_o profess_v faith_n perhaps_o as_o their_o father_n do_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v all_o of_o they_o say_v to_o be_v adopt_v rom._n 9.4_o choose_v and_o call_v isaiah_n 41.8_o 9_o and_o faithful_a isai._n 1.21_o and_o yet_o we_o know_v they_o be_v not_o all_o so_o by_o personal_a profession_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o joint_a federation_n and_o the_o outward_a covenant_n of_o god_n with_o they_o 2._o the_o outward_a covenant_n be_v not_o all_o way_n first_o enter_v into_o by_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n but_o by_o god_n covenant_n of_o promise_n to_o work_v or_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o work_v faith_n hence_o it_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o as_o many_o may_v be_v in_o church-covenant_n before_o they_o profess_v faith_n personal_o so_o many_o may_v be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o this_o profession_n of_o faith_n for_o this_o covenant_n of_o work_a faith_n as_o have_v be_v former_o explain_v do_v not_o only_o belong_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o to_o gentile_a church_n also_o and_o believer_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o may_v further_o be_v confirm_v object_n but_o say_v you_o if_o we_o see_v hypocrite_n we_o be_v to_o cast_v they_o out_o as_o well_o as_o profane_a person_n and_o we_o see_v no_o grace_n in_o many_o child_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v receive_v in_o answ._n 1._o if_o you_o see_v child_n of_o who_o you_o can_v say_v that_o they_o be_v faithful_a personal_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v faithful_a federal_o as_o have_v be_v show_v for_o they_o may_v lie_v under_o god_n covenant_n of_o beget_v faith_n by_o some_o mean_n in_o they_o and_o than_o you_o be_v not_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o but_o accept_v they_o as_o god_n do_v 2._o the_o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n though_o they_o do_v not_o manifest_a faith_n in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v of_o god_n church_n until_o they_o positive_o reject_v the_o gospel_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o parent_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v never_o go_v about_o to_o cast_v off_o ●he_v jew_n and_o their_o seed_n until_o they_o put_v forth_o positive_a unbelief_n the_o lord_n promise_v to_o give_v they_o the_o mean_n of_o faith_n and_o do_v so_o and_o when_o christ_n be_v come_v and_o the_o gospel_n send_v first_o unto_o they_o for_o their_o good_a the_o lord_n herein_o fullfil_v his_o covenant-mercy_n as_o towards_o his_o belove_a people_n but_o when_o they_o reject_v these_o mean_n and_o cast_v off_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n then_o rom._n 11._o they_o be_v break_v off_o and_o not_o before_o now_o hypocrite_n be_v such_o as_o profess_v christ_n in_o word_n and_o yet_o deny_v christ_n in_o deed_n titus_n 1.16_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o hence_o they_o be_v such_o as_o positive_o refuse_v christ_n hence_o the_o case_n of_o child_n in_o who_o no_o positive_a unbelief_n appear_v be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o this_o of_o hypocrite_n or_o profane_a person_n and_o when_o young_a child_n shall_v grow_v positive_o such_o i_o know_v not_o
&c_n &c_n 4._o hereby_o they_o may_v not_o only_a hope_n and_o pray_v but_o be_v encourage_v to_o believe_v concern_v their_o child_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o covenant_n among_o they_o that_o god_n will_v do_v they_o good_a as_o they_o conclude_v mercy_n to_o the_o remnant_n forgiuness_n of_o their_o sin_n with_o faith_n upon_o this_o ground_n thou_o will_v remember_v the_o truth_n to_o jacob_n and_o thy_o mercy_n to_o abraham_n swear_v unto_o our_o father_n in_o day_n of_o old_a micah_n 7.18_o 20._o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o child_n faith_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n but_o so_o it_o may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o parent_n faith_n and_o if_o we_o pray_v for_o our_o child_n why_o shall_v we_o doubt_v leave_v only_a secret_n to_o god_n if_o we_o see_v they_o die_v before_o they_o reject_v the_o gospel_n positive_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o any_o man_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o child_n if_o he_o die_v or_o that_o god_n will_v not_o do_v good_a to_o his_o child_n in_o time_n if_o he_o live_v 5._o this_o stir_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o be_v the_o more_o sincere_o holy_a and_o keep_v in_o with_o god_n because_o of_o their_o child_n and_o to_o educate_v they_o with_o more_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n because_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n child_n as_o well_o as_o they_o they_o be_v not_o common_a but_o holy_a vessel_n and_o therefore_o let_v they_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o defile_v and_o hence_o we_o find_v that_o when_o god_n exhort's_n to_o any_o duty_n of_o holiness_n in_o scripture_n he_o oft_o make_v this_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o i_o be_o your_o god_n and_o hence_o god_n aggravate_v their_o sin_n in_o offer_v their_o child_n to_o molech_n ezek._n 16._o because_o they_o be_v his_o child_n that_o shall_v have_v be_v better_o use_v 3._o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o the_o good_a be_v very_o great_a 1._o it_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o prevent_v sin_n deut._n 29._o i_o make_v this_o covenant_n not_o only_o with_o he_o that_o be_v present_a but_o with_o your_o seed_n also_o who_o be_v not_o here_o verse_n 15_o let_v there_o shall_v be_v among_o you_o man_n or_o woman_n family_n or_o tribe_n who_o heart_n turn_v away_o from_o god_n and_o lest_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o root_n of_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n and_o indeed_o it_o mighty_o work_v on_o the_o heart_n to_o think_v shall_v i_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o be_v his_o be_v my_o own_o or_o be_v the_o devil_n or_o be_v my_o lust_n &_o c_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o strong_a motive_n &_o engagement_n upon_o they_o to_o forsake_v sin_n even_o the_o uncircumcision_n and_o sin_n of_o their_o heart_n as_o be_v evident_a deut._n 10.15_o 16._o the_o lord_n have_v a_o delight_n to_o choose_v the_o seed_n of_o your_o father_n even_o you_o to_o be_v his_o people_n as_o it_o be_v this_o day_n what_o follow_v we_o therefore_o circumcise_v the_o foreskin_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v no_o more_o stiff-necked_a 3._o it_o be_v a_o special_a help_n as_o to_o avert_v their_o heart_n from_o sin_n so_o to_o convert_v &_o turn_v they_o to_o god_n &_o to_o make_v they_o look_v towards_o god_n that_o he_o will_v turn_v they_o when_o perhaps_o they_o be_v without_o any_o hope_n in_o other_o respect_n of_o mercy_n or_o of_o be_v able_a by_o any_o mean_n they_o can_v use_v to_o turn_v themselves_o this_o be_v evident_a act_v 3.19_o with_o verse_n 25._o repent_v and_o be_v convert_v for_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o our_o father_n this_o draw_v their_o heart_n when_o they_o see_v how_o god_n call_v they_o to_o return_v jer._n 3.22_o come_v unto_o i_o you_o back_o slide_v child_n &c_n &c_n we_o c●me_v unto_o thou_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n when_o backslide_v ephraim_n can_v not_o convert_v himself_o he_o cry_v unto_o god_n oh_o turn_v i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n jer._n 31.18_o which_o place_n can_v be_v mean_v of_o be_v their_o god_n only_o by_o internal_a covenant_n in_o give_v to_o they_o the_o special_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o have_v remission_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n &c_n &c_n before_o they_o be_v turn_v or_o before_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o be_v a_o god_n in_o outward_a and_o external_a church-covenant_n which_o be_v no_o small_a motive_n and_o load_v one_o to_o believe_v and_o although_o many_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o will_v not_o be_v turn_v yet_o this_o covenant_n be_v a_o high_a privilege_n and_o great_a favour_n fit_a in_o itself_o to_o draw_v to_o god_n though_o many_o believe_v not_o and_o hence_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v great_a in_o have_v god_n oracle_n which_o contain_v god_n covenant_n commit_v to_o they_o though_o some_o believe_v no●_n which_o unbelief_n make_v not_o he_o say_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n i._n e._n god_n promise_n or_o covenant_n of_o none_o effect_n or_o a_o uneffectual_a and_o fruitless_a covenant_n for_o this_o word_n of_o god_n covenant_n shall_v take_v some_o effect_n among_o some_o such_o as_o be_v in_o it_o which_o therefore_o be_v a_o privilege_n though_o many_o perish_v as_o be_v evident_a rom._n 9.4_o 6._o 4._o it_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o bind_v they_o fast_o to_o god_n when_o they_o be_v turn_v jer._n 13.11_o as_o the_o girdle_n cleave_v unto_o a_o man_n so_o have_v i_o cause_v the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n to_o cleave_v unto_o i_o that_o they_o may_v be_v for_o a_o name_n and_o glory_n deut._n 30.20_o thou_o shall_v cleave_v unto_o he_o because_o he_o be_v thy_o life_n and_o the_o length_n of_o thy_o day_n he_o be_v not_o their_o life_n spiritual_o and_o save_o for_o many_o thus_o exhort_v be_v dead_a and_o in_o their_o sin_n but_o federal_o or_o in_o outward_a covenant_n 5._o if_o they_o shall_v forsake_v and_o break_v loose_a from_o god_n and_o from_o the_o bond_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o have_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v cast_v themselves_o out_o of_o covenant_n by_o their_o own_o perfidiousness_n &_o breach_n of_o covenant_n that_o one_o will_v think_v now_o there_o be_v no_o more_o hope_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o encourage_v their_o heart_n to_o return_v again_o even_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v utter_o cast_v off_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v jer._n 3_o 1._o though_o thou_o have_v commit_v whoredom_n with_o many_o lover_n whereby_o the_o covenant_n be_v break_v yet_o return_v unto_o i_o so_o deut._n 4._o if_o when_o you_o be_v scatter_v among_o the_o nation_n and_o shall_v serve_v wood_n &_o stone_n and_o be_v in_o great_a tribulation_n if_o from_o thence_o thou_o seek_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n thou_o shall_v find_v he_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v thou_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o viz._n his_o remembrance_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o their_o father_n for_o so_o it_o be_v deut._n 4.27_o 28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o but_o i_o forbear_v to_o name_v more_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o which_o come_v by_o outward_a covenant_n to_o inchurch_v member_n 4._o in_o respect_n of_o other_o their_o good_a be_v very_o great_a for_o 1._o now_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o special_a watch_n and_o care_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o otherwise_o they_o must_v want_v 2._o they_o hereby_o have_v the_o more_o fervent_a prayer_n of_o other_o for_o their_o good_a and_o hence_o rom._n 9.1_o 2_o 3._o we_o see_v how_o paul_n upon_o this_o ground_n have_v great_a zeal_n in_o his_o prayer_n for_o the_o jew_n not_o only_o because_o his_o countryman_n but_o especial_o because_o to_o they_o do_v belong_v the_o adoption_n and_o covenant_n &_o they_o have_v gracious_a father_n etc._n etc._n so_o psal_n 89.49_o lord_n remember_v thy_o former_a love_a kindness_n which_o be_v swear_v to_o david_n in_o truth_n and_o hence_o we_o see_v moses_n oft_o plead_v and_o prevail_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n for_o the_o sin_v israelite_n viz._n oh_o remember_v abraham_n isaac_n and_o jaco●_n now_o i_o pray_v you_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o then_o see_v whether_o you_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o say_v what_o profit_n be_v there_o by_o covenant_n and_o church-membership_a of_o person_n not_o yet_o able_a to_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n quest._n 2._o you_o say_v when_o family_n be_v church_n all_o of_o the_o family_n be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o a_o nation_n be_v a_o church_n all_o that_o be_v of_o that_o nation_n be_v of_o that_o church_n but_o now_o believer_n be_v matter_n of_o the_o church_n what_o if_o none_o be_v admit_v till_o