i_o suppose_v be_v this_o viz._n to_o show_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v such_o as_o that_o neither_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n or_o of_o any_o other_o believe_v parent_n as_o such_o can_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o or_o right_o to_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o and_o hence_o he_o will_v have_v his_o reader_n conclude_v that_o this_o my_o first_o proposition_n can_v be_v true_a unless_o suppose_v by_o covenant_n i_o mean_v the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n nor_o can_v i_o rational_o make_v that_o use_n of_o that_o promise_n for_o the_o establish_n the_o practice_n of_o infant_n baptism_n that_o i_o do_v now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o he_o have_v perform_v his_o undertake_n in_o order_n whereunto_o i_o shall_v first_o pare_v off_o what_o be_v impertinent_a as_o to_o his_o present_a purpose_n see_v he_o be_v now_o in_o pretence_n confute_v my_o book_n and_o thus_o his_o whole_a discourse_n which_o take_v tip_n upward_o of_o two_o more_o of_o his_o fourteen_o page_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o covenant_n administration_n must_v be_v lay_v aside_o as_o that_o wherein_o my_o book_n be_v no_o way_n concern_v see_v i_o sufficient_o declare_v and_o certain_o mr._n d'laun_n can_v not_o but_o know_v it_o that_o when_o i_o affirm_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o of_o all_o other_o believer_n be_v take_v with_o their_o parent_n into_o the_o covenant_n i_o still_o mean_v the_o covenant_n itself_o and_o not_o its_o outward_a administration_n and_o then_o to_o what_o end_n and_o purpose_n he_o shall_v enlarge_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o covenant_n administration_n remain_v with_o himself_o nothing_o i_o have_v say_v be_v at_o all_o concern_v therein_o now_o then_o take_v the_o covenant_n as_o consider_v in_o regard_n of_o its_o essence_n and_o substance_n and_o let_v we_o see_v first_o how_o far_o mr._n delaun_a and_o i_o be_v agree_v and_o we_o evident_o agree_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n in_o that_o promise_n gen._n 17.7_o intend_v abraham_n natural_a seed_n that_o mr._n d'laun_n agree_v with_o i_o in_o this_o be_v evident_a for_o in_o his_o 12_o pag._n he_o express_o grant_v that_o if_o i_o mean_v the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n as_o it_o be_v call_v act_n 7.8_o neither_o himself_n nor_o any_o body_n else_o deny_v this_o my_o first_o proposition_n now_o i_o have_v sufficient_o declare_v that_o that_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o mean_v and_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n i_o mean_v the_o covenant_n the_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o which_o be_v circumcision_n and_o so_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v do_v mr._n d'laun_n too_o i_o confess_v there_o be_v a_o passage_n or_o two_o in_o his_o paper_n that_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n he_o intend_v circumcision_n itself_o or_o the_o command_n enjoin_v circumcision_n but_o his_o grant_n that_o if_o when_o i_o say_v that_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n respect_v his_o natural_a seed_n i_o mean_v the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n neither_o he_o nor_o any_o body_n else_o deny_v it_o plain_o show_v that_o he_o can_v so_o understand_v the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n here_o see_v that_o be_v a_o command_n lay_v upon_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o not_o a_o promise_n and_o he_o can_v possible_o imagine_v that_o i_o shall_v have_v respect_n to_o that_o command_n because_o i_o not_o only_o speak_v of_o a_o promise_n but_o express_o show_v that_o it_o be_v that_o very_a promise_n v._o 7._o that_o i_o have_v reference_n unto_o so_o that_o mr._n d'laun_n and_o i_o be_v plain_o agree_v in_o this_o 2._o we_o be_v agreeed_o in_o this_o viz._n either_o that_o there_o be_v two_o covenant_n each_o of_o which_o may_v bear_v the_o denomination_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o one_o absolute_a the_o other_o conditional_a or_o else_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o covenant_n usual_o call_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v distinguish_v of_o as_o absolute_a or_o conditional_a and_o that_o we_o be_v agree_v in_o this_o be_v evident_a because_o mr._n d'laun_n have_v speak_v of_o the_o absolute_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v affirm_v that_o this_o covenant_n belong_v not_o to_o infant_n as_o i_o be_o far_o from_o say_v that_o it_o do_v he_o immediate_o add_v the_o conditional_a covenant_n of_o grace_n if_o they_o will_v so_o call_v it_o etc._n etc._n it_o may_v seem_v he_o will_v rather_o have_v it_o call_v a_o mutual_a covenant_n but_o we_o see_v that_o he_o plain_o distinguish_v between_o the_o single_a or_o absolute_a covenant_n which_o he_o say_v be_v make_v with_o the_o elect_n and_o the_o mutual_a or_o conditional_a covenant_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o all_o and_o actual_o make_v with_o believer_n as_o such_o so_o that_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n mr._n d'l_o and_o i_o be_v agree_v and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v wherein_o then_o lie_v the_o difference_n between_o we_o i_o answer_v i_o conceive_v it_o lie_v here_o that_o whereas_o i_o affirm_v that_o this_o covenant_n mention_v gen._n 17.7_o be_v not_o only_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o be_v the_o conditional_a covenant_n of_o grace_n under_o which_o believer_n always_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v mr._n d'laun_n either_o hold_v that_o it_o be_v the_o old_a covenant_n which_o he_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o which_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v vanish_v away_o or_o else_o that_o it_o be_v a_o complicate_v covenant_n both_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o also_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o he_o call_v it_o or_o the_o old_a covenant_n which_o conceit_n suppose_v either_o mr._n d'laun_n or_o any_o other_o have_v embrace_v it_o may_v claim_v the_o primogeniture_n among_o all_o the_o absurdity_n that_o have_v ever_o drop_v from_o the_o pen_n of_o any_o that_o ever_o communicate_v any_o thing_n to_o public_a view_n that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o promise_n shall_v constitute_v both_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o he_o must_v hold_v it_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o promise_n viz._n that_o mention_v in_o gen._n 17.7_o or_o he_o speak_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n be_v so_o extravagant_o absurd_a that_o it_o seem_v very_o harsh_a to_o charge_v any_o man_n with_o it_o unless_o he_o have_v in_o express_a word_n affirm_v it_o yet_o i_o much_o suspect_v it_o be_v mr._n d'laun_n conceit_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v mr._n hutchinson_n before_o he_o but_o i_o shall_v leave_v mr._n d'laun_n to_o explain_v his_o own_o notion_n sure_o he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v i_o have_v so_o express_o declare_v myself_o in_o that_o matter_n see_v book_n 1._o pag._n 51._o that_o both_o in_o my_o first_o proposition_n and_o the_o whole_a use_n i_o make_v of_o that_o covenant_n establish_v with_o abraham_n for_o the_o establish_n the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n i_o still_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o conditional_a covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o the_o covenant_n as_o conditional_o make_v now_o then_o have_v see_v wherein_o we_o agree_v let_v we_o see_v how_o substantial_o either_o this_o my_o first_o proposition_n or_o the_o use_n i_o make_v of_o that_o gen._n 17.7_o for_o the_o end_v mention_v be_v by_o all_o that_o mr._n d'laun_n have_v say_v confute_v and_o in_o confultationem_fw-la the_o sum_n of_o all_o he_o have_v say_v amount_n but_o to_o this_o that_o he_o himself_o and_o some_o other_o both_o paedobaptist_n and_o antipaedobaptists_a have_v such_o a_o sense_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o absolute_a or_o single_a covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o that_o it_o admit_v not_o any_o infant_n as_o such_o to_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o but_o how_o either_o my_o proposition_n or_o any_o use_v i_o make_v of_o that_o scripture_n shall_v be_v concern_v in_o any_o man_n sense_n or_o understanding_n of_o a_o covenant_n i_o neither_o intend_v nor_o have_v any_o respect_n unto_o or_o at_o least_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o fall_v under_o another_o notion_n than_o that_o i_o consider_v it_o under_o i_o shall_v leave_v to_o you_o and_o all_o other_o man_n to_o judge_n and_o determine_v as_o you_o and_o they_o see_v meet_v but_o suppose_v mr._n d'laun_n and_o those_o other_o he_o mention_n shall_v speak_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o covenant_n or_o of_o the_o covenant_n under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o notion_n that_o i_o do_v what_o a_o slender_a confutation_n of_o my_o proposition_n be_v it_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o and_o some_o other_o have_v a_o different_a understanding_n of_o that_o covenant_n from_o what_o i_o have_v and_o yet_o this_o it_o seem_v must_v go_v for_o a_o confutatio_fw-la yea_o a_o rational_a confutation_n of_o my_o book_n but_o who_o know_v not_o that_o
d'laun_n or_o any_o one_o else_o have_v so_o much_o as_o attempt_v to_o show_v the_o weakness_n and_o invalidity_n of_o and_o sure_o all_o man_n must_v needs_o conclude_v it_o be_v a_o strange_a confutation_n of_o book_n when_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o argument_n that_o be_v lay_v down_o from_o first_o to_o last_o the_o invalidating_a or_o weaken_v of_o which_o have_v be_v so_o much_o as_o attempt_v for_o man_n to_o cry_v out_o of_o dictate_v when_o they_o know_v in_o their_o conscience_n that_o nothing_o be_v affirm_v but_o what_o be_v prove_v and_o that_o by_o such_o argument_n as_o they_o dare_v not_o undertake_v to_o answer_v signify_v but_o little_a sure_o i_o may_v do_v with_o such_o confutation_n and_o animadversion_n as_o job_n profess_v he_o will_v have_v do_v with_o any_o book_n his_o adversary_n shall_v have_v write_v against_o he_o viz._n take_v they_o upon_o my_o shoulder_n and_o bound_v they_o as_o a_o crown_n to_o i_o and_o now_o reverend_a and_o belove_a brethren_n bear_v with_o i_o though_o i_o take_v the_o boldness_n earnest_o to_o inteat_fw-la and_o beseech_v you_o have_v lay_v aside_o all_o anticipation_n and_o prejudices_fw-la yea_o all_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n yet_o once_o again_o serious_o to_o receive_v ovid._n est_fw-la aliquid_fw-la spectare_fw-la deos_fw-la &_o adesse_fw-la putare_fw-la ovid._n and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n our_o father_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n thorough_o ponder_v the_o argument_n that_o have_v be_v both_o by_o by_o other_o and_o myself_o which_o in_o part_n be_v here_o again_o in_o love_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v in_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n present_v to_o you_o for_o your_o satisfaction_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o become_v victorious_a captive_n unto_o truth_n than_o to_o lie_v under_o the_o charge_n of_o hold_v fast_o deceit_n and_o refuse_v to_o return_v it_o be_v true_a you_o have_v give_v we_o some_o account_n why_o you_o can_v receive_v that_o for_o truth_n which_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v so_o but_o i_o can_v hardly_o think_v bear_v with_o my_o plainness_n but_o upon_o a_o serious_a review_n yourselves_o must_v needs_o own_v it_o to_o be_v unsatisfactory_a i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o have_v weigh_v again_o and_o again_o the_o argument_n plead_v by_o some_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n draw_v from_o the_o covenant_n but_o let_v i_o say_v have_v not_o some_o mistake_v which_o since_o have_v be_v discover_v and_o rectify_v occasion_v your_o rejection_n of_o they_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o must_v say_v have_v not_o i_o evident_o see_v a_o way_n to_o rectify_v those_o mistake_v if_o i_o have_v not_o be_v in_o your_o tent_n i_o shall_v not_o have_v abode_n in_o your_o opposite_n with_o any_o considerable_a satisfaction_n to_o myself_o have_v it_o be_v so_o indeed_o as_o some_o have_v think_v that_o the_o covenant_n enter_v with_o abraham_n have_v take_v in_o all_o his_o posterity_n at_o least_o descend_v by_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n during_o the_o first-testament-administration_n mere_o as_o such_o i_o can_v not_o but_o have_v judge_v it_o a_o very_a rational_a supposal_n that_o that_o have_v be_v a_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o himself_o and_o not_o continue_v to_o all_o believe_a parent_n or_o can_v i_o not_o have_v maintain_v the_o covenant-interest_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n but_o by_o distinguish_v of_o the_o covenant_n as_o internal_a and_o external_n i_o see_v not_o how_o i_o can_v upon_o any_o solid_a ground_n have_v maintain_v it_o or_o do_v the_o covenant_n only_o convey_v unto_o they_o external_n privilege_n as_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o baptism_n be_v plead_v upon_o will_v have_v appear_v to_o i_o less_o sure_a and_o firm_a so_o i_o shall_v have_v somewhat_o haesitate_v whether_o the_o advantage_n redound_v to_o they_o at_o least_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o that_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n will_v countervail_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o a_o contest_v thereabouts_o or_o have_v it_o be_v so_o that_o that_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n have_v as_o simple_o and_o absolute_o consider_v include_v all_o spiritual_a good_a and_o consequent_o that_o all_o that_o have_v a_o actual_a interest_n in_o that_o promise_n must_v needs_o either_o de_fw-la presenti_fw-la actual_o have_v or_o de_fw-fr futuro_fw-la be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o save_a grace_n i_o shall_v have_v judge_v it_o at_o least_o very_a probable_a that_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o elect_n or_o yet_o can_v i_o not_o have_v allow_v infant_n as_o such_o a_o other_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n than_o a_o visible_a stand_n under_o the_o out_o ward_v administration_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v have_v ready_o grant_v they_o have_v indeed_o no_o interest_n at_o all_o in_o it_o and_o consequent_o not_o to_o be_v baptize_v but_o i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v these_o thing_n be_v mere_a mistake_v it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o and_o hence_o not_o only_o that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v in_o covenant_n but_o the_o consistency_n of_o their_o be_v so_o with_o all_o those_o orthodox_n doctrine_n maintain_v both_o by_o you_o and_o we_o against_o the_o arminian_o with_o the_o very_a great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n they_o have_v thereby_o appear_v with_o so_o much_o plainness_n and_o evidence_n to_o i_o that_o i_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v to_o wonder_v they_o shall_v not_o do_v so_o to_o all_o other_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o any_o competency_n of_o ability_n for_o the_o compare_v one_o scripture_n with_o another_o and_o though_o i_o suppose_v some_o of_o you_o may_v say_v somewhat_o more_o to_o purpose_n than_o any_o of_o those_o who_o since_o these_o mistake_v have_v be_v rectify_v and_o our_o practice_n true_o found_v upon_o its_o right_a basis_n have_v appear_v in_o favour_n of_o your_o cause_n have_v say_v yet_o let_v i_o say_v i_o very_o believe_v they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v either_o some_o of_o those_o argument_n mr._n baxter_n have_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o church-membership_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n or_o that_o i_o have_v offer_v for_o the_o establish_n of_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o right_n to_o baptism_n thereupon_o so_o as_o that_o a_o tender_a conscience_n reside_v in_o a_o heart_n from_o who_o god_n have_v not_o hide_v understanding_n can_v quiet_o acquiesce_v therein_o as_o for_o those_o two_o who_o have_v concern_v themselves_o in_o my_o poor_a endeavour_n to_o let_v in_o some_o further_a light_n into_o this_o controversy_n let_v your_o conscience_n speak_v out_o do_v you_o ever_o read_v such_o insignificant_a animadversion_n and_o confutation_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o attempt_v in_o the_o least_o to_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o any_o one_o argument_n i_o have_v lay_v down_o sure_o neither_o can_v the_o author_n nor_o can_v you_o suppose_v that_o such_o discourse_n can_v yield_v any_o other_o advantage_n to_o your_o cause_n than_o this_o viz._n that_o although_o they_o signify_v nothing_o to_o those_o that_o read_v they_o yet_o will_v give_v rise_v to_o a_o general_a rumour_n that_o such_o a_o book_n be_v answer_v and_o alas_o how_o be_v they_o force_v that_o what_o they_o say_v may_v carry_v some_o appearance_n of_o a_o reply_n to_o our_o argument_n to_o feign_v we_o to_o use_v other_o medium_n or_o to_o argue_v quite_o otherwise_o than_o indeed_o we_o do_v and_o impose_v upon_o we_o such_o concession_n as_o we_o be_v no_o way_n oblige_v to_o but_o do_v express_o reject_v as_o to_o the_o former_a in_o respect_n of_o which_o yourselves_o be_v not_o whole_o innocent_a how_o evident_a be_v it_o both_o in_o that_o supposal_n of_o mr._n hutchinson_n justify_v by_o mr._n d'laun_n that_o the_o main_a ground_n we_o lay_v or_o can_v lay_v to_o the_o church-membership_n and_o baptism_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v their_o relation_n to_o abraham_n as_o his_o seed_n and_o also_o that_o supposal_n that_o i_o argue_v from_o the_o analogy_n baptism_n bear_v with_o circumcision_n which_o be_v apparent_o false_a and_o be_v express_o disow_v by_o i_o it_o be_v the_o command_n to_o keep_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o argue_v from_o and_o only_o mention_v circumcision_n to_o show_v that_o by_o covenant_n be_v there_o mean_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o for_o the_o latter_a take_v two_o instance_n at_o present_a both_o mr._n hutchinson_n and_o mr._n d'laun_n will_v needs_o suppose_v and_o seem_v to_o think_v that_o we_o must_v grant_v that_o that_o covenant_n enter_v with_o abraham_n gen._n 17._o be_v the_o old_a covenant_n say_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v vanish_v away_o 2_o that_o that_o covenant_n do_v reach_v unto_o and_o take_v in_o all_o abraham_n natural_a posterity_n mere_o as_o such_o
particular_o consider_v much_o more_o it_o may_v be_v so_o respect_v of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o promise_n only_o as_o it_o have_v a_o more_o general_a respect_n to_o they_o as_o of_o abraham_n posterity_n but_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o apostle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o deny_v either_o that_o abraham_n own_o child_n or_o isaac_n child_n be_v subject_n of_o this_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o he_o plain_o grant_v and_o suppose_n that_o they_o be_v for_o in_o case_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o suppose_v and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o abraham_n child_n have_v be_v account_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o promise_n with_o isaac_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o isaac_n child_n with_o jacob_n his_o instance_n in_o they_o as_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o account_v for_o the_o seed_n have_v make_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n consider_v the_o question_n he_o be_v now_o resolve_v but_o will_v rather_o have_v make_v against_o the_o resolution_n he_o give_v of_o that_o question_n as_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o any_o that_o shall_v thorough_o weigh_v the_o whole_a context_n so_o that_o this_o text_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o oppose_v that_o it_o do_v great_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o first_o proposition_n the_o apostle_n evident_o grant_v that_o ishmael_n and_o abraham_n child_n by_o keturah_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o promise_n as_o well_o as_o isaac_n and_o esau_n as_o well_o as_o jacob._n object_n 2_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o that_o this_o covenant_n the_o establishment_n of_o which_o with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n be_v record_v gen._n 17.7_o be_v not_o that_o covenant_n of_o grace_n under_o which_o believer_n under_o the_o new-testament_n be_v hence_o though_o this_o covenant_n establish_v with_o abraham_n do_v run_v in_o that_o latitude_n and_o extent_n plead_v for_o viz._n as_o take_v in_o parent_n with_o their_o natural_a seed_n under_o the_o first-testament_n yet_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o thence_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v still_o take_v into_o covenant_n with_o their_o parent_n see_v the_o covenant_n under_o which_o believer_n now_o be_v be_v a_o covenant_n quite_o different_a from_o this_o establish_a with_o abraham_n this_o be_v the_o old_a and_o that_o the_o new_a covenant_n answer_n this_o objection_n will_v be_v sufficient_o remove_v by_o the_o proof_n of_o these_o two_o proposition_n 1._o that_o this_o covenant_n then_o establish_v with_o abraham_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v a_o covenant_n assure_v of_o spiritual_a blessing_n the_o very_a same_o blessing_n assure_v and_o convey_v to_o believer_n by_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v now_o under_o and_o a_o covenant_n assure_v of_o such_o blessing_n will_v doubtless_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o man_n to_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o this_o be_v such_o a_o covenant_n will_v appear_v by_o these_o four_o consideration_n 1._o that_o in_o case_n this_o covenant_n only_o assure_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n of_o a_o temporal_a good_a then_o many_o thousand_o that_o be_v the_o undoubted_a subject_n of_o it_o and_o that_o as_o personal_o and_o particular_o consider_v may_v and_o do_v never_o enjoy_v and_o good_a or_o benefit_n by_o it_o and_o this_o without_o any_o default_n on_o the_o part_n either_o of_o themselves_o or_o any_o other_o through_o who_o default_n they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v just_o deprive_v thereof_o and_o consequent_o mere_o through_o god_n not_o perform_v his_o promise_n this_o be_v evident_a thus_o because_o many_o thousand_o that_o be_v the_o undoubted_a subject_n of_o this_o covenant_n might_n and_o do_v die_v in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n and_o consequent_o be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o enjoy_v any_o temporal_a good_n hence_o in_o case_n this_o covenant_n only_o assure_v of_o a_o temporal_a good_a all_o those_o so_o die_a must_v needs_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o good_a promise_v and_o this_o can_v not_o be_v through_o any_o default_n of_o their_o own_o see_v they_o be_v as_o in_o their_o infant-state_n uncapable_a of_o do_v either_o good_a or_o evil._n and_o this_o may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v find_v true_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o consequent_o no_o forfeiture_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v by_o their_o parent_n hence_o their_o not_o enjoy_v the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v only_o temporal_a can_v be_v assign_v to_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o mere_o god_n not_o perform_v his_o promise_n but_o now_o it_o be_v certain_a none_o ever_o do_v or_o shall_v fall_v short_a of_o any_o good_a promise_a mere_o through_o a_o failure_n on_o god_n part_n in_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n hence_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o spiritual_a good_a which_o may_v be_v enjoy_v in_o another_o life_n that_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_n good_a intend_a in_o this_o promise_n 2._o consider_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o this_o promise_n or_o the_o good_a promise_v and_o that_o be_v that_o god_n will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n now_o the_o psalmist_n express_o prefer_v this_o above_o any_o temporal_a good_a whatsoever_o psal_n 144._o last_o verse_n and_o consequent_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o spiritual_a good_a see_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o good_a that_o be_v great_a than_o any_o temporal_a good_a and_o yet_o itself_o be_v no_o spiritual_a good_n 3._o consider_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o promise_n only_o intend_v a_o temporal_a good_a yet_o according_a to_o a_o more_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a sense_n do_v intend_v a_o spiritual_a good_a viz._n heaven_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o heb._n 11.9_o 10._o and_o be_v acknowledge_v at_o least_o by_o some_o of_o our_o chief_a opposer_n and_o how_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a be_v it_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o promise_n which_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n intend_v only_o a_o temporal_a good_a shall_v yet_o according_a to_o a_o more_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a sense_n intend_v a_o spiritual_a good_a and_o yet_o that_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o which_o according_a to_o the_o very_a letter_n intend_v a_o spiritual_a good_a shall_v only_o intend_v a_o temporal_a good_n 4._o consider_v that_o this_o promise_n as_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n intend_v a_o spiritual_a good_a as_o make_v to_o abraham_n spiritual_a or_o mystical_a seed_n and_o answerable_o must_v needs_o intend_v the_o like_a good_a as_o make_v to_o his_o natural_a seed_n see_v god_n have_v no_o where_n in_o his_o word_n give_v we_o a_o warrant_n to_o interpret_v it_o of_o one_o kind_n of_o good_a as_o make_v to_o his_o mystical_a seed_n and_o of_o another_o kind_n of_o good_a as_o make_v to_o his_o natural_a seed_n so_o that_o this_o covenant_n must_v necessary_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o good_a contain_v in_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a and_o such_o a_o good_a can_v be_v grant_v to_o or_o enjoy_v by_o man_n as_o now_o fall_v by_o no_o covenant_n but_o what_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o ii_o that_o this_o covenant_n mention_v gen._n 17.7_o be_v the_o very_a same_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o that_o believer_n under_o the_o new-testament_n be_v under_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o very_a covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o believer_n be_v still_o under_o now_o this_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a from_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o gal._n 3._o let_v only_o two_o thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o the_o apostle_n positive_o affirm_v that_o this_o covenant_n be_v never_o disannul_v or_o abrogate_a thus_o vers_fw-la 17._o this_o i_o say_v that_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v before_o confirm_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o law_n which_o be_v four_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n after_o can_v disannul_v that_o it_o shall_v make_v the_o promise_n of_o none_o effect_n that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o this_o very_a covenant_n make_v and_o establish_v with_o abraham_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o the_o whole_a context_n it_o be_v that_o covenant_n the_o grand_a promise_n whereof_o run_v in_o that_o tenor_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n see_v vers_fw-la 16._o which_o must_v needs_o be_v this_o covenant_n no_o other_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n contain_v any_o promise_n to_o his_o seed_n run_v in_o that_o tenor_n now_o say_v the_o apostle_n the_o law_n which_o be_v four_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n after_o can_v not_o disannul_v this_o covenant_n so_o that_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o disannul_v by_o the_o law_n and_o let_v it_o be_v
careful_o observe_v that_o in_o case_n it_o have_v be_v disannul_v at_o any_o time_n before_o our_o lord_n christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n yea_o or_o by_o he_o when_o he_o be_v come_v and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v disannul_v at_o any_o time_n since_o or_o by_o any_o other_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v affirm_v it_o have_v be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n design_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v disannul_v before_o christ_n come_v or_o by_o he_o when_o he_o be_v come_v the_o apostle_n can_v not_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n through_o christ_n as_o believe_v in_o as_o we_o see_v he_o do_v from_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o covenant_n any_o more_o than_o if_o it_o have_v be_v disannul_v by_o the_o law_n so_o that_o undoubted_o this_o covenant_n be_v the_o very_a covenant_n under_o which_o believer_n still_o be_v 2._o let_v be_v be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o very_a promise_n contain_v in_o this_o covenant_n that_o believer_n be_v heir_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n thus_o vers_fw-la 29._o so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v come_v upon_o believe_a gentile_n but_o be_v come_v upon_o they_o through_o this_o very_a promise_n and_o that_o as_o they_o be_v consider_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o abraham_n seed_n which_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o doubt_n when_o believer_n be_v under_o this_o very_a promise_n or_o heir_n to_o the_o good_a or_o blessing_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o they_o be_v abraham_n seed_n who_o can_v doubt_v whether_o the_o covenant_n the_o grand_a promise_n of_o which_o they_o be_v under_o and_o that_o as_o they_o be_v become_v abraham_n seed_n be_v that_o covenant_n that_o they_o be_v now_o under_o so_o that_o that_o covenant_n establish_v with_o abraham_n be_v the_o very_a same_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o believer_n be_v now_o under_o be_v too_o evident_a to_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o that_o be_v but_o endue_v with_o human_a modesty_n and_o whereas_o some_o may_v yet_o say_v the_o scripture_n seem_v evident_o to_o distinguish_v between_o that_o covenant_n the_o jew_n be_v under_o during_o the_o old-testament-administration_n and_o that_o believer_n be_v under_o since_o the_o gospel-administration_n call_v the_o one_o the_o old_a covenant_n the_o other_o the_o new_a the_o answer_n be_v at_o hand_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v ready_o grant_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o a_o covenant_n that_o believer_n now_o be_v not_o under_o but_o that_o be_v not_o that_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n but_o the_o covenant_n make_v at_o mount_n sinai_n hence_o the_o covenant_n the_o new-testament_n call_v the_o old_a covenant_n be_v that_o make_v at_o mount_n sinai_n and_o not_o this_o make_v with_o abraham_n the_o word_n be_v plain_a gal._n 4._o latter_a end_n heb._n 8.8_o so_o that_o it_o be_v pass_v all_o rational_a doubt_n it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o very_a covenant_n that_o believer_n be_v now_o under_o that_o be_v establish_v with_o abraham_n the_o establishment_n of_o which_o be_v record_v gen._n 17.7_o and_o here_o we_o may_v further_o confirm_v what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o plead_v for_o namely_o that_o the_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v continue_v to_o believer_n under_o the_o new-testament_n in_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n viz._n as_o include_v their_o infant-seed_n with_o they_o in_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o make_v to_o abraham_n for_o if_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o same_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o tenor_n in_o which_o they_o be_v at_o first_o make_v unless_o god_n himself_o and_o make_v any_o alteration_n which_o it_o be_v certain_a in_o this_o respect_n he_o have_v not_o do_v these_o thing_n appear_v with_o so_o much_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v to_o admiration_n how_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o any_o contradiction_n from_o any_o that_o pretend_v to_o take_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n object_n 3._o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v yet_o further_o say_v that_o suppose_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o covenant_n then_o establish_v with_o abraham_n be_v not_o only_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n under_o which_o believer_n always_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v you_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n under_o the_o first-testament_n may_v be_v only_o under_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o it_o and_o not_o take_v in_o as_o party_n in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o and_o hereupon_o that_o administration_n cease_v they_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o the_o covenant_n either_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o administration_n or_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o answer_n it_o be_v true_a some_o seem_v to_o think_v so_o but_o their_o discourse_n be_v clothe_v with_o such_o confusion_n and_o obscurity_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v out_o what_o they_o mean_v but_o that_o infant_n be_v not_o only_o under_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o be_v take_v in_o as_o joint-party_n with_o their_o parent_n in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v superabundant_o evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o most_o essential_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n must_v sure_o be_v under_o or_o in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o now_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o infant_n of_o govenant-parent_n be_v from_o the_o first_o establishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n under_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o most_o essential_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n yea_o a_o promise_n that_o virtual_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a good_a contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n so_o that_o undoubted_o they_o be_v not_o only_o under_o the_o external_a administration_n but_o in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o possible_o some_o will_n yet_o say_v grant_v they_o to_o have_v be_v under_o this_o promise_n and_o answerable_o in_o covenant_n yet_o may_v not_o this_o promise_n at_o least_o as_o appertain_v to_o infant_n be_v a_o appendix_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o it_o as_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v to_o that_o i_o answer_v no_o it_o be_v a_o promise_n that_o undoubted_o appertain_v to_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v that_o which_o as_o i_o have_v say_v virtual_o include_v the_o whole_a good_a of_o the_o covenant_n and_o how_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a will_v it_o be_v to_o take_v the_o promise_n as_o make_v to_o parent_n as_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o covenant_n when_o yet_o as_o make_v to_o their_o infant_n as_o only_o a_o appendix_n to_o it_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v but_o one_o promise_n consist_v of_o two_o branch_n make_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n neither_o do_v the_o scripture_n give_v the_o least_o ground_n for_o such_o a_o imagination_n now_o these_o objection_n be_v answer_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o three_o proposition_n only_o as_o previous_a thereto_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o i_o have_v be_v hitherto_o only_o prove_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o special_a in_o that_o grand_a promise_n of_o it_o concern_v god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v prove_v before_o their_o right_n to_o baptism_n be_v prove_v see_v their_o right_n to_o baptism_n follow_v upon_o cheir_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v apply_v to_o they_o on_o that_o ground_n chap._n iu._n the_o three_o subordinate_a proposition_n lay_v down_o prove_v three_o way_n further_o confirm_v from_o those_o instance_n of_o whole_a house_n be_v baptize_v record_v in_o scripture_n prop._n iii_o the_o three_o proposition_n than_o be_v this_o 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 grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n be_v the_o due_a subject_n of_o baptism_n and_o aught_o according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n to_o be_v baptize_v that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o that_o promise_n have_v be_v already_o prove_v i_o be_o now_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v under_o or_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o due_a subject_n of_o baptism_n now_o this_o may_v be_v evidence_v past_o all_o rational_a contradiction_n these_o three_o way_n i._o from_o the_o command_n of_o god_n enjoin_v and_o express_o require_v all_o abraham_n seed_n in_o their_o generation_n to_o keep_v the_o covenant_n the_o word_n be_v express_v gen._n 17.9_o and_o god_n say_v to_o
those_o who_o deny_v infant-baptism_n have_v a_o different_a sense_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o what_o i_o have_v before_o mr._n d'laun_n paper_n see_v the_o light_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v though_o it_o be_v true_a what_o mr._n d'laun_n here_o say_v be_v no_o sufficient_a confutation_n either_o of_o my_o first_o proposition_n or_o of_o the_o use_v i_o make_v of_o this_o covenant_n see_v what_o he_o say_v concern_v a_o distinct_a covenant_n or_o the_o covenant_n as_o consider_v under_o a_o different_a notion_n from_o that_o covenant_n that_o i_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o establish_n the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n or_o the_o notion_n under_o which_o i_o consider_v it_o yet_o take_v the_o covenant_n in_o that_o sense_n that_o i_o do_v and_o mr._n d'laun_n when_o he_o come_v to_o vindicate_v mr._n hutchinson_n have_v prove_v that_o it_o concern_v not_o infant_n so_o in_o his_o 18_o page_n and_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v prove_v it_o by_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o he_o can_v find_v that_o covenant_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v 2_o because_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o conditional_a covenant_n give_v what_o it_o require_v and_o enable_v the_o covenanter_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n require_v which_o can_v be_v affirm_v that_o it_o do_v to_o infant_n while_o such_o in_o reference_n whereunto_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o neither_o of_o these_o reason_n be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n for_o as_o for_o the_o first_o 1._o the_o fault_n be_v in_o mr._n d'laune_n will_v he_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o open_v his_o eye_n to_o the_o light_n hold_v forth_o from_o they_o he_o may_v easy_o see_v the_o covenant_n as_o thus_o consider_v may_v yea_o do_v take_v in_o infant_n with_o their_o parent_n 2._o as_o to_o his_o other_o reason_n it_o amount_v to_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o if_o he_o have_v say_v the_o covenant_n as_o conditional_a concern_v not_o infant_n because_o it_o be_v a_o absolute_a covenant_n to_o say_v the_o conditional_a covenant_n give_v what_o it_o require_v be_v of_o a_o like_a import_n as_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v the_o absolute_a covenant_n require_v condition_n but_o will_v mr._n d'laune_n have_v attend_v to_o what_o i_o suppose_v he_o have_v read_v he_o may_v have_v see_v how_o infant_n may_v be_v in_o the_o conditional_a covenant_n and_o yet_o never_o be_v enable_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o that_o not_o from_o any_o failure_n on_o god_n part_n in_o his_o promise_n see_v my_o first_o book_n pag._n 49_o etc._n etc._n 208_o etc._n etc._n see_v also_o my_o essay_n pag._n 88_o now_o then_o brethren_n whether_o mr._n d'laune_n have_v rational_o reject_v my_o first_o proposition_n or_o confute_v that_o or_o the_o use_v i_o make_v of_o the_o covenant_n enter_v with_o abraham_n i_o shall_v free_o leave_v to_o your_o as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o man_n judgement_n and_o proceed_v to_o his_o confutation_n of_o my_o other_o two_o proposition_n as_o to_o his_o pretend_a confutation_n of_o my_o second_o subordinate_a proposition_n i_o shall_v free_o leave_v it_o at_o the_o bar_n of_o your_o yea_o of_o all_o man_n conscience_n to_o determine_v whether_o what_o he_o have_v say_v carry_v the_o least_o real_a appearance_n of_o such_o a_o confutation_n as_o he_o pretend_v unto_o nay_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o man_n of_o a_o competent_a understanding_n whether_o what_o i_o have_v say_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o second_o proposition_n may_v not_o be_v much_o more_o just_o account_v a_o answer_n to_o and_o confutation_n of_o his_o suggestion_n than_o what_o he_o have_v say_v account_v a_o confutation_n of_o my_o proposition_n alas_o what_o have_v he_o say_v for_o whereas_o i_o have_v prove_v this_o second_o proposition_n four_o way_n he_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o last_o and_o whereas_o i_o have_v quote_v several_a text_n of_o scripture_n from_o all_o which_o as_o compare_v together_o and_o mutual_o explain_v each_o other_o i_o have_v draw_v five_o conclusion_n the_o three_o first_o of_o which_o i_o have_v insist_v more_o especial_o upon_o by_o way_n of_o proof_n as_o make_v more_o direct_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o proposition_n he_o whole_o wave_v those_o argument_n and_o the_o reason_n by_o which_o i_o have_v confirm_v they_o and_o only_o cite_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o that_o without_o the_o least_o notice_n of_o their_o mutual_a aspect_n one_o upon_o another_o and_o gloss_n upon_o they_o several_o as_o he_o see_v meet_v and_o that_o in_o a_o direct_a opposition_n to_o what_o i_o have_v evidence_v to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o they_o indeed_o he_o set_v down_o one_o of_o my_o conclusion_n but_o how_o wretched_o he_o wrest_v my_o sense_n and_o meaning_n in_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o that_o will_v read_v what_o be_v faith_n and_o turn_v to_o my_o first_o book_n pag._n 124._o and_o to_o my_o answer_n to_o mr._n danvers_n pag._n 113._o alas_o brethren_n can_v you_o think_v your_o cause_n can_v be_v long_o uphold_v by_o such_o shuffle_n yea_o and_o i_o may_v say_v dishonest_a deal_n but_o to_o hasten_v as_o to_o what_o mr._n d'laun_n have_v say_v either_o for_o the_o confutation_n of_o this_o second_o or_o my_o three_o subordinate_a proposition_n i_o have_v only_o this_o further_a to_o say_v my_o book_n as_o well_o as_o what_o he_o have_v say_v either_o in_o this_o sheet_n or_o in_o his_o reply_n to_o mr._n baxter_n be_v extant_a and_o may_v be_v compare_v together_o which_o in_o case_n any_o shall_v neglect_v to_o do_v their_o opposition_n to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n that_o concern_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n suppose_v they_o draw_v thereinto_o or_o establish_v therein_o by_o any_o thing_n mr._n d'laun_n have_v say_v will_v be_v just_o charge_v upon_o themselves_o but_o to_o proceed_v and_o touch_v upon_o mr._n d'laun_n vindication_n of_o mr._n hutchinson_n and_o at_o the_o very_a entrance_n he_o thus_o express_v himself_o where_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o enlarge_v where_o it_o be_v meet_v by_o way_n of_o vindication_n of_o mr._n hutchinson_n be_v animadversion_n upon_o this_o i_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v his_o second_o book_n mean_v my_o answer_n to_o mr._n danvers_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o enlarge_n that_o he_o offer_v not_o one_o word_n or_o syllable_n by_o way_n of_o vindication_n of_o his_o animadversion_n upon_o that_o book_n save_v only_o that_o in_o the_o close_a he_o reflect_v upon_o not_o without_o some_o severity_n some_o as_o he_o judge_n harsh_a passage_n use_v by_o i_o with_o respect_n to_o mr._n danvers_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o and_o consequent_o have_v leave_v mr._n danvers_n utter_o destitute_a of_o any_o relief_n by_o these_o animadversion_n what_o he_o say_v to_o my_o postscript_n be_v mere_o to_o vindicate_v mr._n hutchinson_n treatise_n of_o the_o covenant_n from_o those_o reason_n i_o give_v therein_o why_o i_o judge_v it_o utter_o useless_a as_o to_o the_o design_n carry_v on_o in_o it_o and_o how_o mean_o he_o have_v do_v it_o too_o will_v soon_o appear_v for_o whereas_o i_o give_v three_o reason_n why_o i_o judge_v it_o so_o as_o 1._o because_o he_o proceed_v upon_o such_o gross_a mistake_v about_o the_o ground_n we_o lie_v for_o the_o covenant-interest_n church-membership_n and_o baptism_n of_o infant_n 2._o because_o he_o assume_v and_o take_v for_o grant_v without_o any_o show_n of_o proof_n several_a thing_n which_o he_o know_v or_o may_v have_v know_v be_v deny_v by_o we_o 3._o because_o his_o treatise_n labour_v under_o such_o sad_a confusion_n and_o that_o attend_v with_o several_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n and_o i_o give_v ten_o instance_n to_o make_v good_a what_o i_o affirm_v of_o and_o charge_v his_o treatise_n with_o in_o those_o reason_n he_o only_o single_v out_o four_o of_o they_o and_o consequent_o leave_v his_o book_n just_o chargeable_a with_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o i_o assign_v of_o its_o uselessness_n though_o suppose_v mr._n d'laun_n have_v full_o vindicate_v he_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o four_o instance_n he_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o so_o many_o as_o i_o give_v and_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o instance_n he_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o for_o two_o of_o they_o he_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o vindicate_v mr._n hutchinson_n but_o by_o mere_a falsehood_n thus_o in_o his_o first_o and_o last_o let_v what_o he_o say_v pag._n 15._o ten_o first_o line_n be_v compare_v with_o my_o book_n and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o in_o none_o of_o those_o page_n cite_v by_o he_o there_o be_v any_o mention_n of_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o infant
except_v any_o of_o his_o seed_n in_o particular_a and_o these_o two_o be_v evident_o intend_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n imaginable_a why_o any_o of_o his_o other_o child_n shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o first_o proposition_n appear_v pass_v all_o rational_a contradiction_n whence_o suppose_v this_o covenant_n mention_v gen._n 17.7_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n under_o which_o believer_n now_o be_v and_o that_o this_o promise_v respect_v the_o seed_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o both_o which_o more_o hereafter_o we_o have_v gain_v thus_o much_o viz._n that_o at_o the_o first_o establishment_n of_o it_o the_o first_o person_n viz._n abraham_n with_o who_o it_o be_v establish_v and_o that_o as_o the_o father_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v have_v after_o admission_n into_o it_o have_v his_o natural_a seed_n or_o child_n proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n take_v into_o the_o covenant_n with_o himself_o which_o how_o fair_a a_o foundation_n it_o lay_v to_o our_o general_a conclusion_n be_v plain_a to_o all_o of_o a_o competent_a understanding_n and_o the_o evidence_n give_v in_o to_o this_o first_o proposition_n be_v so_o full_a and_o clear_a and_o the_o objection_n make_v against_o it_o be_v so_o inconsiderable_a or_o if_o any_o thing_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v any_o weight_n in_o it_o it_o will_v be_v meet_v with_o afterward_o i_o shall_v not_o interrupt_v the_o order_n with_o the_o recital_n of_o they_o if_o any_o scruple_n arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o they_o may_v find_v satisfaction_n in_o my_o first_o book_n chap._n 3._o but_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o proposition_n chap._n ii_o the_o second_o subordinate_a proposition_n propound_v brief_o explain_v confirm_v first_o from_o the_o express_a letter_n of_o that_o promise_n gen._n 17.7_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o that_o promise_v state_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o threefold_a consideration_n second_o by_o several_a promise_n and_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o new-testament_n time_n prop._n ii_o that_o this_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v continue_v to_o new-testament-believer_n in_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n in_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o giâ—â—â—_n to_o abraham_n or_o take_v it_o thus_o this_o promise_n always_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v continue_v to_o all_o abraham_n seed_n in_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n in_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o give_v to_o abraham_n their_o father_n look_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o make_v to_o abraham_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o continue_v to_o his_o seed_n or_o to_o those_o whoever_o they_o be_v or_o be_v that_o be_v or_o be_v intend_v in_o this_o term_n seed_n and_o consequent_o to_o new-testament-believer_n they_o be_v undoubted_o intend_v in_o it_o plain_o thus_o as_o god_n in_o this_o promise_n as_o at_o first_o make_v to_o abraham_n have_v a_o particular_a respect_n to_o all_o his_o child_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n and_o only_o a_o more_o general_a respect_n to_o all_o his_o posterity_n mediate_o descend_v from_o he_o and_o answerable_o each_o of_o his_o child_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o he_o have_v a_o actual_a interest_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o it_o whereas_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o posterity_n though_o god_n have_v a_o more_o general_a respect_n to_o they_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o have_v a_o actual_a right_n to_o the_o promise_n neither_o be_v they_o in_o covenant_n as_o particular_o consider_v nor_o can_v have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n due_o apply_v unto_o they_o so_o now_o in_o this_o promise_n as_o continue_v to_o abraham_n seed_n whether_o of_o the_o jew_n or_o gentile_n god_n always_o have_v and_o still_o have_v a_o particular_a respect_n to_o all_o their_o child_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o their_o own_o loin_n and_o answerable_o each_o one_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a be_v under_o the_o promise_n within_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o token_n of_o it_o but_o as_o for_o their_o mediate_a posterity_n to_o god_n always_o have_v and_o still_o have_v a_o more_o general_a respect_n to_o they_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o have_v a_o actual_a interest_n in_o the_o promise_n neither_o can_v they_o rightful_o have_v the_o token_n of_o it_o apply_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v in_o case_n god_n have_v only_o a_o more_o general_a respect_n to_o abraham_n posterity_n mediate_o descend_v from_o he_o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o respect_v none_o of_o they_o be_v actual_o in_o covenant_n nor_o have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v continue_v for_o so_o many_o generation_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o they_o have_v this_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o continue_v successive_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o unto_o they_o i_o answer_v to_o touch_v upon_o this_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v thus_o first_o god_n enter_v the_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o therein_o promise_v not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o his_o seed_n that_o be_v as_o before_z prove_v his_o natural_a child_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n these_o child_n as_o in_o their_o infancy_n be_v under_o the_o promise_n as_o they_o be_v natural_o descend_v from_o he_o and_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n have_v now_o the_o promise_v continue_v to_o they_o in_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n it_o be_v give_v to_o abraham_n it_o be_v now_o to_o they_o and_o their_o child_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o their_o own_o loin_n these_o child_n again_o during_o their_o infant-state_n be_v under_o the_o promise_n as_o descend_v from_o such_o believe_a parent_n and_o they_o again_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n have_v the_o promise_n continue_v to_o they_o in_o the_o same_o extent_n in_o which_o it_o be_v give_v to_o abraham_n and_o their_o immediate_a parent_n have_v it_o continue_v to_o they_o and_o so_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o but_o in_o case_n any_o of_o abraham_n immediate_a child_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o ishmael_n or_o of_o such_o parent_n as_o have_v take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o esau_n do_v apostatise_v from_o god_n they_o do_v thereby_o not_o only_o forfeit_v their_o own_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n but_o do_v cut_v off_o the_o entail_v from_o their_o posterity_n themselves_o have_v lose_v the_o promise_n or_o forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o it_o their_o child_n must_v needs_o lose_v their_o interest_n with_o they_o and_o answerable_o they_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n look_v upon_o and_o deal_v with_o as_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v of_o it_o till_o themselves_o shall_v personal_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o in_o some_o case_n be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o death_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o those_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o administration_n of_o church-censure_n be_v put_v but_o so_o long_o as_o abraham_n posterity_n do_v successive_o one_o generation_n after_o another_o embrace_v the_o covenant_n so_o long_a the_o promise_n be_v continue_v to_o they_o in_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n in_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o give_v to_o abraham_n and_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o natural_a posterity_n of_o abraham_n so_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o gentile_n whoever_o under_o the_o first_o testament_n be_v or_o under_o the_o new-testament_n be_v to_o be_v account_v for_o abraham_n seed_n they_o always_o have_v and_o have_v the_o promise_v continue_v to_o they_o in_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o yet_o with_o the_o same_o limitation_n in_o and_o with_o which_o it_o be_v give_v to_o abraham_n though_o it_o be_v true_a abraham_n in_o several_a respect_n have_v a_o pre-eminence_n above_o any_o of_o his_o seed_n as_o in_o respect_n of_o paternity_n or_o fatherhood_n so_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o covenant_n among_o his_o natural_a posterity_n but_o this_o i_o say_v take_v abraham_n as_o a_o believe_a parent_n of_o natural_a child_n so_o as_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v at_o first_o to_o he_o and_o his_o natural_a child_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n so_o it_o always_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v continue_v to_o all_o that_o be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v account_v for_o his_o seed_n
the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o divinity_n have_v a_o more_o full_a suffrage_n from_o the_o scripture_n than_o this_o concern_v the_o covenant-interest_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v how_o many_o plain_a and_o express_v scripture_n have_v we_o for_o it_o and_o the_o evidence_n give_v in_o throughout_o the_o scripture_n to_o these_o two_o proposition_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o express_v it_o may_v seem_v whole_o superfluous_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o they_o to_o suppose_v that_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v just_o object_v from_o the_o scripture_n against_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o scripture_n may_v contradict_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o three_o or_o four_o objection_n which_o our_o opposer_n conceive_v to_o have_v the_o great_a weight_n in_o they_o the_o first_o objection_n that_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v raise_v from_o that_o rom._n 9.7_o 8._o whereunto_o be_v add_v mat._n 3.7_o and_o job_n 8.33_o etc._n etc._n whereas_o the_o apostle_n deny_v that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n so_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v account_v for_o the_o seed_n so_o john_n baptist_n and_o our_o lord_n christ_n show_v the_o insufficiency_n and_o vanity_n of_o that_o plea_n the_o jew_n make_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o enjoiment_n of_o all_o their_o privilege_n benefit_n and_o blessing_n whether_o present_a or_o future_a annex_v thereunto_o ground_v upon_o their_o relation_n to_o abraham_n as_o their_o father_n object_n 1._o thus_o it_o be_v object_v that_o in_o case_n abraham_n own_o natural_a seed_n can_v not_o have_v their_o covenant-state_n with_o the_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n thereunto_o annex_v continue_v to_o they_o under_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o relation_n to_o abraham_n as_o his_o seed_n much_o less_o can_v the_o infant_n of_o any_o believe_a gentile_n be_v receive_v into_o such_o a_o state_n and_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o account_n pf_o their_o descent_n from_o and_o relation_n to_o such_o parent_n answer_n this_o objection_n have_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o very_a same_o mistake_n about_o the_o true_a mind_n and_o meaning_n of_o god_n in_o this_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o he_o promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n seed_n in_o their_o generation_n which_o the_o jew_n themselves_o lay_v under_o the_o rectify_v of_o which_o be_v the_o design_n both_o of_o john_n baptist_n our_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o place_n mention_v and_o the_o mistake_n be_v this_o the_o jew_n think_v and_o the_o framer_n of_o this_o objection_n will_v needs_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o this_o promise_n do_v so_o appertain_v to_o all_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n whether_o immediate_a or_o mediate_a as_o that_o they_o have_v universal_o a_o personal_a and_o particular_a interest_n in_o it_o and_o hence_o the_o jew_n think_v that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v cast_v off_o nor_o deprive_v of_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n without_o a_o failure_n on_o god_n part_n in_o his_o promise_n our_o opposer_n seem_v to_o see_v no_o other_o way_n to_o vindicate_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o their_o actual_a rejection_n than_o by_o affirm_v this_o covenant_n be_v disannul_v at_o least_o the_o tenor_n thereof_o alter_v so_o as_o not_o to_o take_v in_o the_o natural_a seed_n as_o it_o do_v as_o they_o suppose_v during_o the_o first-testament-administration_n but_o the_o mistake_n as_o to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o now_o the_o rectify_v of_o this_o mistake_n be_v the_o design_n both_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n where_o let_v three_o thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o that_o neither_o john_n baptist_n nor_o our_o lord_n christ_n nor_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v deny_v that_o the_o promise_n have_v respect_n to_o they_o yea_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v suppose_v and_o implicit_o grant_v that_o it_o have_v which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o more_o general_a respect_n before_o mention_v 2._o that_o they_o all_o speak_v to_o or_o of_o the_o jew_n then_o in_o be_v 3._o that_o they_o speak_v to_o or_o of_o they_o as_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o hence_o their_o design_n be_v only_o this_o viz._n to_o show_v that_o the_o promise_n as_o make_v with_o such_o a_o respect_n to_o they_o do_v not_o infallible_o secure_v their_o covenant-state_n nor_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o save_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n without_o faith_n repentance_n and_o holiness_n on_o their_o part_n the_o apostle_n withal_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o election_n of_o grace_n as_o he_o after_o speak_v which_o do_v and_o shall_v obtain_v the_o good_a promise_v which_o they_o do_v in_o respect_n of_o those_o who_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n through_o their_o faith_n and_o holiness_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o infant_n it_o be_v through_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o god_n reach_v and_o take_v in_o they_o with_o their_o parent_n and_o hence_o neither_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o speak_v to_o or_o of_o the_o jew_n in_o these_o place_n carry_v the_o least_o show_n of_o opposition_n to_o either_o of_o the_o forego_n proposition_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o what_o the_o apostle_n paul_n speak_v of_o they_o take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o context_n undeniable_o imply_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o first_o proposition_n so_o what_o they_o all_o speak_v add_v no_o small_a confirmation_n to_o the_o second_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v make_v appear_v be_v it_o necessary_a let_v we_o only_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o now_o affirm_v viz._n that_o which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n speak_v of_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o far_o from_o carry_v any_o opposition_n to_o that_o it_o evident_o imply_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o proposition_n for_o the_o make_n of_o this_o plain_a it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o question_v the_o apostle_n be_v there_o resolve_v as_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n and_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o context_n be_v how_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o jew_n can_v be_v reject_v and_o yet_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o that_o promise_n make_v of_o no_o effect_n thereby_o now_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_n he_o first_o more_o general_o assert_n that_o all_o the_o not_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n and_o then_o more_o particular_o 1._o deny_v that_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o be_v his_o natural_a seed_n be_v child_n that_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o he_o expound_v it_o vers_n 8._o he_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o some_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n all_o that_o he_o deny_v be_v that_o they_o be_v all_o so_o and_o 2._o on_o the_o other_o hand_n affirm_v that_o in_o isaac_n the_o seed_n be_v to_o be_v and_o answerable_o be_v call_v which_o he_o explain_v in_o vers_fw-la 8._o namely_o that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v count_v for_o the_o seed_n where_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v he_o speak_v not_o of_o that_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o of_o those_o two_o promise_n the_o one_o make_v to_o abraham_n concern_v the_o birth_n of_o isaac_n and_o the_o other_o to_o rebecca_n concern_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o jacob_n above_o esau_n and_o by_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n he_o mean_v the_o elect._n now_o these_o be_v such_o he_o account_v for_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v they_o be_v the_o person_n design_v to_o enjoy_v the_o good_a promise_v for_o the_o illustration_n and_o confirmation_n of_o which_o he_o show_v that_o person_n may_v be_v subject_n of_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o not_o be_v child_n of_o god_n nor_o account_v for_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v not_o appertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n and_o consequent_o may_v not_o enjoy_v the_o good_a promise_v and_o yet_o this_o no_o impeachment_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o then_o show_v it_o be_v so_o 1._o among_o abraham_n child_n descend_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n 2._o it_o be_v so_o among_o isaac_n child_n who_o be_v subject_n of_o this_o promise_n as_o include_v with_o isaac_n their_o father_n in_o that_o phrase_n thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n vers_fw-la 8_o 9_o 10._o hence_o he_o argue_v a_o fortiori_fw-la if_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o in_o respect_n of_o abraham_n own_o child_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o next_o son_n child_n who_o have_v the_o promise_n appertain_v to_o they_o as_o several_o and_o
record_v that_o some_o of_o the_o penman_n do_v teach_v and_o practice_v every_o duty_n appertain_v thereunto_o that_o the_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n appertain_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o all_o to_o who_o those_o promise_n do_v appertain_v aught_o to_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a throughout_o the_o scripture_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n hence_o though_o it_o be_v not_o record_v in_o express_a term_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v either_o teach_v or_o practice_v infant-baptism_n yet_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v they_o do_v both_o object_n 4._o last_o it_o be_v far_a object_v by_o some_o that_o infant-baptism_n can_v be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n because_o of_o their_o incapability_n of_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o baptism_n answer_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o some_o at_o least_o the_o main_a and_o chief_a end_n and_o use_v of_o baptism_n it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a that_o every_o one_o to_o who_o either_o circumcision_n of_o old_a be_v or_o baptism_n now_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v shall_v be_v capable_a of_o all_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o who_o dare_v deny_v yea_o or_o question_n but_o that_o our_o lord_n christ_n may_v appoint_v the_o application_n of_o baptism_n to_o infant_n as_o capable_a of_o some_o of_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o it_o though_o uncapable_a of_o other_o and_o that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o some_o yea_o the_o main_a and_o chief_a end_n and_o use_v of_o baptism_n be_v and_o must_v be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n hence_o their_o incapability_n of_o some_o of_o the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o it_o make_v nothing_o at_o all_o against_o their_o baptism_n now_o than_o our_o three_o proposition_n be_v as_o we_o see_v they_o be_v firm_o establish_v by_o the_o unanimous_a suffrage_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n and_o all_o objection_n of_o weight_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o they_o be_v remove_v we_o be_v safe_o lead_v by_o they_o to_o our_o main_a conclusion_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n that_o the_o infant_n seed_n of_o believer_n shall_v be_v baptize_v they_o be_v under_o the_o covenant_n as_o have_v the_o main_a promise_n of_o it_o appertain_v to_o they_o and_o answerable_o aught_o to_o have_v the_o token_n thereof_o apply_v to_o they_o and_o as_o a_o close_a of_o all_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o as_o believer_n maintain_v and_o cheerful_o proceed_v on_o in_o that_o practice_n so_o both_o they_o and_o their_o child_n as_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n do_v well_o improve_v these_o great_a privilege_n which_o god_n of_o his_o abundant_a grace_n and_o mercy_n have_v grant_v unto_o they_o which_o that_o they_o may_v do_v i_o have_v in_o a_o three_o tract_n according_a to_o divine_a assistance_n give_v in_o endeavour_v the_o resolution_n of_o four_o question_n viz._n 1._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-seed_n of_o his_o people_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o they_o thereby_o 3._o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n as_o bear_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n 4._o what_o improvement_n child_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o make_v of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o apply_v to_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 in_o the_o resolution_n of_o all_o which_o question_n i_o have_v study_v both_o brevity_n and_o plainness_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v how_o what_o have_v be_v say_v can_v be_v well_o contract_v into_o a_o narrow_a room_n without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o end_v aim_v at_o the_o whole_a be_v but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o epitome_n of_o what_o may_v seem_v necessary_a to_o be_v speak_v consider_v the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o those_o question_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v well_o how_o to_o express_v myself_o consideratis_fw-la considerandis_fw-la with_o more_o plainness_n than_o i_o have_v do_v nor_o be_o i_o as_o yet_o make_v sensible_a that_o any_o thing_n propose_v or_o assert_v in_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o they_o needs_o a_o further_a confirmation_n than_o what_o it_o already_o have_v receive_v that_o which_o be_v most_o doubtful_a so_o far_o as_o i_o yet_o understand_v at_o least_o to_o paedobaptist_n to_o who_o as_o well_o as_o to_o antipaedobaptist_n i_o have_v a_o respect_n in_o that_o treatise_n be_v whether_o all_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n that_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o second_o question_n i_o have_v assign_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n do_v real_o and_o true_o appertain_v unto_o they_o or_o only_o in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la or_o in_o visible_a appearance_n to_o who_o i_o will_v only_o say_v that_o in_o case_n the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o and_o the_o promise_v thereof_o make_v to_o they_o definite_o that_o be_v with_o and_z to_o each_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a and_o consequent_o that_o all_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n be_v grant_v and_o do_v belong_v to_o they_o universal_o or_o to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a as_o in_o case_n the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o definite_o they_o must_v needs_o do_v it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v grant_v and_o do_v appertain_v to_o they_o in_o reality_n and_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o in_o outward_a appearance_n grant_v the_o former_a there_o be_v no_o more_o just_a reason_n to_o question_v the_o latter_a than_o there_o will_v be_v suppose_v a_o man_n be_v know_v and_o grant_v to_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n yet_o to_o question_v whether_o all_o this_o good_a or_o all_o these_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n do_v appertain_v to_o he_o in_o reality_n and_o truth_n or_o no_o see_v as_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o true_a believer_n such_o as_o be_v believer_n not_o only_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n but_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o i_o speak_v of_o so_o the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o make_v to_o they_o mere_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n without_o respect_n have_v to_o any_o qualification_n in_o or_o any_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o whence_o suppose_v we_o grant_v the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o and_o the_o promise_v thereof_o make_v to_o they_o definite_o or_o with_o and_o to_o each_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a in_o case_n we_o either_o question_n whether_o all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n be_v grant_v and_o do_v appertain_v to_o they_o universal_o or_o whether_o suppose_v we_o grant_v that_o yet_o question_n whether_o they_o be_v grant_v and_o do_v appertain_v to_o they_o in_o reality_n and_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v either_o because_o we_o question_v whether_o all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n be_v contain_v in_o these_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n appertain_v to_o they_o or_o because_o we_o question_v whether_o god_n be_v faithful_a in_o his_o promise_n that_o be_v do_v indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n grant_v unto_o or_o confer_v upon_o those_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n do_v appertain_v what_o good_a be_v real_o and_o true_o contain_v in_o they_o either_o of_o which_o thing_n why_o we_o shall_v rather_o question_v in_o respect_n of_o infant_n than_o grow_v person_n no_o rational_a account_n can_v be_v give_v and_o to_o question_v much_o more_o to_o deny_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o have_v a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n and_o comfort_n of_o all_o believer_n and_o render_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o the_o various_a promise_n of_o it_o utter_o insignificant_a and_o of_o no_o use_n unto_o men._n indeed_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o cause_v some_o to_o haesitate_n about_o and_o keep_v they_o from_o a_o ready_a compliance_n with_o what_o i_o have_v affirm_v be_v a_o supposition_n that_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n be_v the_o same_o with_o at_o least_o like_a unto_o the_o case_n of_o grow_v person_n because_o grow_v person_n may_v visible_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o have_v the_o promise_v thereof_o appertain_v unto_o they_o and_o consequent_o to_o have_v all_o that_o good_a or_o all_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n grant_v to_o and_o confer_v upon_o they_o when_o yet_o neither_o the_o covenant_n nor_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o do_v indeed_o appertain_v to_o they_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o none_o of_o that_o good_a or_o of_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n do_v appertain_v to_o they_o in_o reality_n and_o
evident_a that_o it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o any_o pretend_v sobriety_n shall_v deny_v it_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v undeniable_a from_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o promise_n i_o will_v say_v god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n now_o this_o term_n seed_n in_o the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a signification_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o intend_v his_o natural_a child_n and_o have_v not_o the_o holy-ghost_n himself_o show_v we_o that_o abraham_n be_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o a_o spiritual_a seed_n and_o that_o this_o seed_n be_v include_v with_o his_o natural_a all_o man_n must_v have_v rational_o understand_v it_o of_o his_o natural_a seed_n only_o and_o it_o have_v be_v the_o high_a presumption_n to_o have_v apply_v it_o to_o any_o other_o and_o though_o the_o holy-ghost_n have_v show_v we_o that_o abraham_n be_v to_o have_v a_o spiritual_a seed_n and_o that_o that_o seed_n be_v intend_v yet_o for_o any_o to_o exclude_v his_o natural_a seed_n when_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n so_o to_o do_v savour_v of_o no_o small_a presumption_n it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n that_o when_o a_o word_n that_o admit_v of_o various_a interpretation_n and_o be_v applicable_a to_o various_a thing_n be_v put_v absolute_o it_o must_v at_o least_o first_o and_o primary_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o its_o most_o proper_a intent_n and_o signification_n hence_o for_o any_o to_o understand_v this_o term_n seed_n in_o this_o promise_n of_o abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n to_o the_o exclude_v of_o his_o natural_a seed_n when_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n so_o to_o do_v be_v unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a and_o as_o it_o must_v most_o proper_o signify_v his_o natural_a seed_n so_o it_o can_v without_o the_o great_a affront_n to_o common_a speech_n and_o all_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n be_v understand_v of_o his_o posterity_n in_o after_o age_n to_o the_o exclude_v of_o his_o natural_a child_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n so_o that_o as_o for_o any_o to_o have_v understand_v this_o promise_n of_o abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n have_v not_o the_o scripture_n warrant_v they_o so_o to_o do_v have_v be_v presumption_n so_o to_o understand_v it_o of_o they_o to_o the_o exclude_v his_o natural_a seed_n when_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n so_o to_o do_v be_v unreasonable_a and_o to_o understand_v it_o of_o his_o remote_a posterity_n to_o the_o exclude_v his_o child_n descend_v immediate_o from_o his_o own_o loin_n be_v alike_o presumptuous_a unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a with_o either_o of_o the_o former_a and_o hence_o will_v but_o the_o contrary-minded_n keep_v to_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n which_o sometime_o they_o stand_v so_o much_o upon_o a_o good_a foundation_n will_v be_v lay_v for_o the_o end_n of_o this_o controversy_n 2._o that_o abraham_n natural_a child_n be_v first_o and_o immediate_o intend_v in_o this_o promise_n by_o this_o term_n seed_n be_v evident_a from_o abraham_n application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o this_o promise_n be_v one_o special_a article_n on_o god_n part_n and_o that_o under_o that_o very_a notion_n viz._n as_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o this_o also_o according_a to_o the_o express_a will_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o that_o god_n do_v appoint_v abraham_n to_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o under_o that_o very_a notion_n and_o consideration_n as_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o his_o natural_a child_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n and_o that_o to_o all_o of_o they_o without_o any_o limitation_n or_o exception_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v in_o so_o many_o word_n express_o declare_v in_o that_o gen._n 17.9_o 10_o 11._o in_o ver_fw-la 9_o the_o command_n be_v give_v in_o more_o general_a term_n thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o covenant_n and_o what_o he_o intend_v by_o covenant_n in_o this_o 9th_o verse_n he_o explain_v in_o the_o 10_o viz._n the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o under_o the_o first-testament_n administration_n be_v express_o declare_v to_o be_v circumcision_n every_o manchild_n among_o you_o shall_v be_v circumcise_v and_o that_o god_n appoint_v and_o enjoin_v it_o under_o this_o notion_n as_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o god_n tell_v they_o express_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o he_o and_o they_o and_o that_o abraham_n do_v apply_v this_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o all_o his_o natural_a seed_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n and_o that_o as_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v undoubted_a it_o be_v express_o declare_v both_o of_o ishmael_n and_o isaac_n gen._n 17.13_o 21._o gen._n 4.8_o though_o the_o circumcision_n of_o his_o child_n by_o keturah_n be_v not_o mention_v yet_o that_o they_o be_v circumcise_v can_v be_v question_v see_v the_o circumcision_n of_o some_o other_o as_o of_o jacob_n and_o his_o son_n who_o yet_o past_o all_o doubt_n be_v circumcise_v be_v not_o mention_v the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o circumcise_v they_o consider_v the_o testimony_n that_o god_n himself_o give_v of_o abraham_n faithfulness_n as_o also_o his_o circumncise_v his_o servant_n who_o be_v more_o remote_a from_o he_o than_o his_o own_o child_n sufficient_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v circumcise_v though_o their_o circumcision_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o story_n and_o to_o suppose_v that_o he_o shall_v apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n under_o any_o other_o notion_n than_o as_o the_o token_n of_o it_o see_v under_o that_o notion_n it_o be_v command_v will_v be_v unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a now_o abraham_n apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o this_o promise_n be_v a_o special_a article_n on_o god_n part_n and_o under_o that_o very_a notion_n put_v it_o past_o all_o scruple_n that_o by_o seed_n in_o the_o promise_n his_o natural_a seed_n and_o that_o as_o immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n be_v intend_v otherwise_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o under_o that_o very_a notion_n as_o the_o token_n of_o it_o will_v and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v be_v apply_v to_o some_o utter_o unintere_v in_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v yea_o then_o god_n shall_v have_v speak_v that_o which_o have_v be_v utter_o false_a to_o say_v of_o circumcision_n it_o be_v the_o token_n of_o my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o you_o in_o case_n any_o to_o who_o it_o be_v apply_v have_v not_o be_v in_o covenant_n which_o in_o case_n this_o promise_n take_v they_o not_o in_o they_o have_v not_o be_v have_v be_v utter_o false_a so_o that_o to_o imagine_v god_n shall_v appoint_v abraham_n to_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o as_o the_o token_n of_o it_o to_o any_o unintere_v in_o it_o will_v be_v to_o imagine_v he_o not_o only_o guilty_a of_o irrationality_n but_o falshood_n hence_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o they_o be_v abraham_n natural_a seed_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n that_o be_v first_o and_o immediate_o intend_v in_o that_o promise_n 3._o this_o may_v be_v further_o evidence_v be_v it_o at_o all_o necessary_a by_o instance_v in_o such_o of_o abraham_n natural_a child_n as_o upon_o supposition_n of_o who_o be_v intend_v in_o this_o promise_n it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o all_o his_o immediate_a child_n be_v intend_v in_o it_o and_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o intend_v thus_o we_o may_v instance_n in_o isaac_n and_o ishmael_n that_o they_o two_o be_v intend_v in_o this_o promise_n be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n as_o for_o isaac_n that_o of_o gen._n 21.12_o expound_v by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 9.7_o 8._o full_o declare_v it_o hence_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o heir_n with_o abraham_n have_v respect_n to_o this_o very_a promise_n heb._n 11.9_o and_o as_o for_o ishmael_n the_o apostle_n put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n that_o he_o be_v intend_v in_o this_o promise_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o upon_o his_o persecute_v isaac_n he_o be_v cast_v out_o ga._n 4._o latter_a end_n now_o he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o covenant_n have_v he_o not_o be_v before_o in_o it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o cast_v out_o of_o abraham_n family_n but_o together_o therewith_o out_o of_o covenant_n be_v evident_a as_o other_o way_n so_o from_o abraham_n grief_n for_o the_o same_o now_o if_o those_o two_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o promise_n it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o all_o abraham_n natural_a child_n be_v alike_o intend_v in_o it_o we_o see_v the_o promise_n be_v make_v in_o universal_a term_n not_o