first_o give_v unto_o abraham_n and_o we_o be_v bring_v into_o it_o in_o the_o interest_n of_o relation_n to_o he_o as_o child_n which_o also_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n this_o special_a honour_n do_v god_n put_v upon_o abraham_n by_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o that_o thenceforth_o no_o people_n shall_v be_v take_v into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o but_o as_o his_o seed_n this_o be_v evident_a as_o to_o israel_n after_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o their_o covenant-interest_n be_v derive_v from_o abraham_n and_o it_o appear_v as_o plain_o concern_v the_o spiritual_a seed_n and_o israel_n of_o god_n in_o the_o new-testament_n that_o abraham_n be_v their_o father_n rom._n 4._o and_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v bless_v in_o he_o as_o his_o seed_n gal._n 2._o 8._o &_o 29._o with_o gen._n 12._o 3._o for_o by_o that_o promise_n in_o genesis_n abraham_n be_v ordain_v and_o constitute_v of_o god_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o have_v be_v before_o touch_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o their_o fruition_n of_o paradise_n be_v call_v a_o rest_v in_o abraham_n bosom_n luk._n 16._o because_o as_o they_o have_v their_o entrance_n into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n so_o they_o be_v also_o bring_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n and_o make_v to_o possess_v heaven_n as_o his_o child_n they_o be_v also_o say_v to_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o of_o heaven_n mat._n 8._o 11._o §_o 9_o five_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o shall_v note_v be_v the_o eternal_a settlement_n of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o covenant_n that_o conveye_v the_o grace_n of_o life_n to_o poor_a sinner_n by_o a_o free_a and_o gracious_a promise_n which_o admit_v of_o no_o other_o restipulation_n in_o order_n to_o covenant-interest_n but_o believe_v 〈◊〉_d be_v of_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v of_o grace_n rom._n 4._o 16._o and_o this_o way_n be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o life_n there_o be_v but_o one_o covenant_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n in_o christ_n jesus_n found_v in_o the_o eternal_a decree_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n love_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v now_o reveal_v unto_o abraham_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o seed_n which_o be_v of_o true_a believer_n in_o union_n with_o christ_n promise_v to_o he_o as_o the_o heir_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o the_o grace_n give_v thereby_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o way_n of_o their_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n determine_v not_o by_o a_o natural_a descent_n from_o abraham_n or_o any_o external_a privilege_n appendent_a thereunto_o but_o by_o a_o walk_n in_o the_o footstep_n of_o abraham_n '_o s_o faith_n rom._n 4._o 13._o who_o be_v make_v the_o exemplar_n of_o justification_n unto_o all_o in_o future_a age_n for_o who_o perpetual_a instruction_n this_o be_v record_v that_o he_o believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v account_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n the_o tenor_n therefore_o of_o the_o promise_n now_o give_v unto_o abraham_n can_v never_o be_v alter_v nor_o any_o way_n evacuate_v or_o supersede_v by_o any_o future_a dispensation_n that_o the_o church_n be_v bring_v under_o but_o whatsoever_o law_n or_o covenant_n be_v afterward_o give_v unto_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n lie_v in_o a_o order_n of_o subserviency_n unto_o it_o and_o be_v direct_v towards_o the_o 〈…〉_o ring_z in_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v unalterable_o fix_v thereby_o gal._n 3._o 17._o it_o be_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n that_o be_v now_o preach_v unto_o abraham_n which_o be_v afterward_o to_o break_v forth_o with_o the_o full_a glory_n and_o lustre_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n when_o the_o lord_n perform_v his_o mercy_n to_o abraham_n and_o remember_v his_o holy_a covenant_n luk._n 1._o 72_o etc._n etc._n §_o 10._o i_o shall_v now_o close_v this_o chapter_n with_o some_o coâ—laries_n deduce_v from_o the_o thing_n already_o clear_v and_o then_o proceed_v in_o the_o method_n before_o propound_v 1._o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whereof_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v and_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o new-testament_n have_v so_o remarkable_o point_v out_o 〈◊〉_d we_o whereby_o abraham_n be_v make_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o all_o believer_n according_a to_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o seed_n that_o god_n will_v give_v to_o he_o be_v confirm_v and_o ratify_v by_o a_o sure_a promise_n unto_o abraham_n a_o considerable_a time_n before_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n be_v give_v to_o he_o viz._n about_o twenty_o five_o year_n before_o it_o and_o have_v then_o no_o outward_a sign_n or_o seal_v annex_v thereto_o and_o indeed_o that_o which_o have_v be_v of_o late_o affirm_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n always_o have_v a_o outward_a sign_n on_o seal_n add_v to_o it_o be_v so_o wide_a a_o mistake_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o may_v be_v affirm_v that_o although_o the_o efficacy_n of_o its_o grace_n do_v reach_v believer_n in_o all_o age_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o fill_v up_o with_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o itself_o until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n nor_o have_v till_o than_o any_o outward_a sign_n or_o token_n immediate_o belong_v thereunto_o for_o have_v it_o be_v so_o this_o sign_n or_o token_n as_o the_o covenant_n itself_o have_v remain_v without_o change_n and_o not_o vanish_v away_o with_o the_o other_o shadow_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a oeconomy_n 2._o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o abraham_n give_v the_o seed_n as_o well_o as_o the_o blessing_n of_o that_o seed_n unto_o he_o believer_n be_v the_o child_n of_o promise_n typify_v by_o isaac_n afterward_o be_v beget_v unto_o god_n of_o his_o own_o will_n by_o the_o efficacy_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o free_a promise_n and_o in_o the_o virtue_n thereof_o yea_o the_o seed_n be_v first_o suppose_v in_o the_o promise_n and_o then_o the_o blessing_n of_o that_o seed_n be_v promise_v which_o be_v of_o grace_n be_v make_v sure_a unto_o all_o of_o they_o rom._n 4._o 16._o and_o as_o the_o blessing_n be_v spiritual_a so_o be_v the_o seed_n also_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v extend_v far_a than_o to_o that_o seed_n which_o be_v the_o promise_a subject_n thereof_o 3._o the_o sum_n of_o all_o gospel_n blessing_n be_v comprise_v in_o this_o promise_n it_o will_v hence_o follow_v that_o the_o proper_a heir_n of_o this_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n have_v a_o right_n not_o only_o in_o some_o but_o in_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o limit_a sense_n and_o as_o suspend_v on_o uncertain_a condition_n but_o in_o a_o full_a sense_n and_o as_o secure_v by_o the_o infinite_a grace_n wisdom_n power_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o according_o they_o be_v in_o time_n make_v good_a to_o they_o all_o and_o this_o will_v be_v more_o manifest_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o covenant_n redound_v upon_o believer_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v both_o the_o head_n and_o root_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n and_o the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o all_o its_o blessing_n be_v derive_v to_o we_o which_o as_o they_o be_v entire_o purchase_v by_o he_o so_o be_v they_o entire_o apply_v to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o he_o and_o to_o none_o other_o the_o limitation_n therefore_o of_o a_o new_a covenant-interest_n to_o the_o grant_v of_o a_o external_a and_o temporary_a privilege_n only_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o even_o such_o as_o these_o isa_n 54._o 13._o chap._n 59_o 21._o jer._n 31._o 33_o 34._o ezek._n 36._o 26_o 27._o with_o heb._n 8._o and_o many_o other_o of_o like_a import_n neither_o will_v these_o text_n admit_v of_o another_o notion_n of_o late_o insist_v on_o for_o the_o commendation_n of_o paedo-baptism_n viz._n that_o the_o infant_n seed_n of_o believer_n during_o their_o infancy_n have_v all_o of_o they_o a_o certain_a and_o definite_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o they_o be_v complete_o justify_v before_o god_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o original_a sin_n both_o originans_n and_o originatum_fw-la and_o yet_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n may_v yea_o must_n by_o their_o actual_a close_n with_o or_o refuse_v the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n either_o obtain_v the_o continuation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o their_o covenant-interest_n or_o be_v utter_o and_o final_o cut_v off_o from_o it_o and_o so_o perish_v eternal_o in_o their_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o rebellion_n against_o he_o and_o as_o the_o promise_v
then_o live_v under_o any_o obligation_n to_o incorporate_v themselves_o thereinto_o by_o circumcision_n or_o at_o all_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o sign_n or_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n of_o peculiarity_n that_o god_n now_o make_v with_o abraham_n which_o yet_o without_o doubt_n they_o shall_v have_v do_v if_o in_o its_o first_o institution_n it_o have_v be_v give_v simple_o and_o direct_o as_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o then_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o that_o covenant_n both_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n and_o privilege_n it_o have_v equal_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o to_o the_o seed_n and_o family_n of_o abraham_n §_o 10._o but_o from_o the_o sacred_a history_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o command_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v administer_v extend_v no_o far_a than_o to_o abraham_n and_o his_o family_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o lot_n though_o near_o ally_v to_o abraham_n be_v circumcise_v see_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o command_n of_o god_n or_o first_o institution_n of_o circumcision_n that_o oblige_v he_o thereunto_o or_o interest_v he_o therein_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o his_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n neither_o be_v lot_n the_o only_a righteous_a man_n then_o live_v in_o the_o world_n beside_o those_o of_o abrham_n family_n for_o of_o the_o patriarch_n heber_n salah_n and_o shem_n be_v now_o live_v and_o as_o they_o have_v their_o distinct_a family_n and_o interest_n so_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v maintain_v in_o they_o and_o they_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n while_o they_o live_v yea_o melchisedeck_v be_v in_o be_v about_o this_o time_n whether_o he_o be_v shem_n before_o name_v or_o another_o it_o concern_v not_o we_o to_o inquire_v much_o less_o to_o determine_v but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v he_o who_o be_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o king_n of_o salem_n and_o in_o both_o these_o respect_v the_o most_o eminent_a type_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n a_o person_n great_a than_o abraham_n for_o abraham_n pay_v tithe_n to_o he_o and_o be_v bless_v by_o he_o now_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v both_o king_n and_o priest_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n that_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o and_o for_o who_o he_o minister_v for_o a_o priest_n be_v ordain_v for_o man_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n and_o this_o society_n be_v at_o this_o time_n as_o much_o a_o church_n of_o god_n as_o abraham_n family_n be_v and_o as_o true_o interest_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o any_o therein_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o concern_v as_o party_n in_o this_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n nor_o to_o be_v sign_v thereby_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o circumcision_n be_v not_o at_o first_o apply_v as_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n nor_o do_v a_o interest_n therein_o present_o render_v a_o man_n the_o proper_a subject_n of_o it_o again_o to_o suppose_v that_o all_o good_a man_n then_o live_v shall_v have_v be_v circumcise_v as_o abraham_n be_v and_o their_o offspring_n bind_v to_o keep_v this_o covenant_n in_o their_o generation_n as_o he_o be_v will_v necessary_o frustrate_v one_o great_a if_o not_o the_o great_a end_v of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o covenant_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o separate_n of_o one_o family_n and_o people_n from_o all_o other_o in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o the_o messiah_n that_o promise_v seed_n of_o they_o and_o among_o they_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o all_o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o the_o father_n and_o moreover_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o covenant_n touch_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n can_v never_o have_v be_v make_v good_a to_o they_o all_o and_o yet_o certain_o the_o seal_n of_o that_o promise_n be_v one_o thing_n intend_v in_o circumcision_n from_o the_o whole_a it_o appear_v that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n there_o be_v a_o positive_a command_n which_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o circumcise_v many_o that_o never_o have_v interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n from_o the_o first_o date_n of_o circumcision_n there_o be_v many_o true_o inter_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n who_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o be_v circumcise_v so_o far_o it_o be_v from_o truth_n that_o a_o new_a covenant-interest_n and_o right_o to_o circumcision_n may_v be_v infer_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o §_o 11._o i_o shall_v here_o have_v put_v a_o close_a to_o this_o chapter_n but_o that_o i_o judge_v it_o may_v be_v convenient_a in_o this_o place_n brief_o to_o touch_v upon_o that_o notion_n of_o infant_n be_v church-membership_a which_o be_v much_o speak_v of_o with_o reference_n to_o those_o time_n the_o history_n of_o which_o we_o have_v already_o past_a through_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o of_o the_o light_n we_o may_v receive_v from_o the_o thing_n already_o discourse_v to_o guide_v we_o to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n about_o it_o by_o many_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v affirm_v to_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o great_a weight_n be_v lay_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o controversy_n about_o the_o right_a subject_n of_o baptism_n it_o be_v judge_v to_o afford_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o apply_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant_n seed_n of_o believer_n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o find_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n occasion_n give_v for_o any_o long_a discourse_n about_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o few_o word_n to_o represent_v some_o thing_n ground_v upon_o the_o record_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o i_o conceive_v may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v our_o thought_n as_o to_o the_o issue_n of_o our_o present_a enquiry_n about_o it_o and_o they_o be_v these_o that_o follow_v §_o 12._o first_o the_o term_n church_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o that_o i_o find_v apply_v to_o any_o particular_a society_n of_o man_n unite_v in_o one_o body_n in_o order_n to_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o public_a and_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n among_o themselves_o before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v complete_o form_v into_o a_o church-state_n by_o the_o covenant_n that_o god_n make_v with_o they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n they_o be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n act._n 7._o 38._o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o good_a man_n before_o that_o time_n do_v belong_v to_o that_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v redeem_v with_o his_o blood_n and_o make_v the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n and_o i_o grant_v that_o we_o may_v use_v the_o term_n in_o a_o more_o lax_n sense_n call_v any_o family_n or_o society_n of_o man_n true_o worship_v god_n a_o church_n of_o god_n nevertheless_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o the_o different_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o those_o different_a time_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o no_o society_n before_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v form_v can_v be_v call_v a_o church_n in_o so_o strict_a and_o proper_a a_o sense_n as_o they_o may_v for_o no_o other_o be_v so_o form_v into_o a_o church-state_n as_o they_o be_v 2._o before_o abraham_n time_n there_o be_v no_o institution_n of_o a_o outward_a sign_n or_o seal_v of_o any_o covenant_n to_o be_v apply_v either_o to_o infant_n or_o adult_a person_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o inauguration_n of_o this_o kind_n or_o solemn_a right_n of_o initiation_n to_o church_n privilege_n then_o in_o use_n among_o they_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o child_n bear_v in_o those_o family_n and_o society_n must_v issue_v in_o thing_n of_o another_o nature_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v under_o a_o more_o special_a and_o gracious_a providence_n of_o god_n than_o other_o as_o be_v member_n of_o a_o family_n peculiar_o interest_v therein_o they_o have_v also_o the_o benefit_n of_o continual_a prayer_n for_o they_o and_o the_o advantage_n of_o early_a and_o diligent_a instruction_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o preserve_v from_o many_o snare_n and_o temptation_n that_o other_o be_v liable_a to_o by_o the_o discipline_n they_o be_v under_o and_o be_v provoke_v to_o religion_n by_o the_o pious_a and_o holy_a example_n of_o those_o they_o converse_v with_o as_o soon_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o if_o when_o
use_n of_o circumcision_n as_o to_o he_o be_v not_o limit_v to_o that_o covenant_n of_o peculiarity_n unto_o which_o it_o do_v immediate_o belong_v but_o must_v necessary_o reach_v far_o and_o include_v a_o confirmation_n of_o all_o precede_a transaction_n &_o the_o promise_v give_v in_o they_o especial_o of_o that_o which_o be_v repeat_v immediate_o before_o the_o institution_n thereof_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n though_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n do_v not_o interfere_v one_o with_o another_o but_o the_o latter_a still_o employ_v a_o confirmation_n and_o ratification_n of_o the_o former_a this_o covenant_n therefore_o do_v not_o supplant_v but_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n before_o preach_v to_o abraham_n it_o be_v not_o add_v to_o disannul_v the_o promise_n but_o to_o serve_v the_o end_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o circumcision_n do_v not_o only_o seal_v to_o abraham_n the_o promise_v of_o typical_a blessing_n now_o give_v but_o also_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v be_v yet_o uncircumcised_a that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o uncircumcision_n 2._o it_o be_v so_o though_o more_o indirect_o on_o this_o account_n also_o abraham_n faith_n as_o we_o have_v see_v before_o be_v much_o concern_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o isaac_n birth_n and_o the_o separate_n of_o his_o seed_n from_o other_o nation_n for_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o the_o messiah_n and_o he_o know_v well_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n be_v make_v with_o he_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o great_a promise_n before_o give_v and_o so_o the_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n become_v unto_o he_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v before_o and_o confirm_v he_o in_o his_o paternal_a relation_n to_o believer_n in_o all_o nation_n which_o be_v a_o honour_n before_o confer_v on_o he_o it_o be_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o subserviency_n of_o circumcision_n as_o receive_v by_o abraham_n to_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v confirm_v to_o abraham_n before_o he_o be_v circumcise_v that_o the_o apostle_n particular_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o place_n and_o he_o prove_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n be_v so_o far_o from_o exclude_v the_o gentile_n from_o inherit_v the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n by_o faith_n as_o that_o it_o be_v to_o he_o a_o assurance_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o so_o great_a a_o privilege_n to_o they_o as_o also_o of_o his_o own_o justification_n through_o faith_n while_o uncircumcised_a and_o moreover_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n not_o be_v so_o complete_a in_o itself_o as_o to_o bring_v the_o church_n unto_o that_o perfection_n which_o in_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n sovereign_a grace_n be_v intend_v and_o therefore_o not_o capable_a to_o make_v any_o thing_n perfect_a by_o itself_o must_v needs_o be_v establish_v as_o typical_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o a_o temporary_a dispensation_n that_o shall_v usher_v in_o and_o then_o give_v place_n to_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o disposition_n of_o the_o covenant_n now_o make_v the_o sign_n by_o which_o it_o be_v confirm_v become_v ultimate_o and_o in_o its_o typical_a respect_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o abraham_n have_v before_o §_o 12._o it_o be_v no_o way_n difficult_a to_o conceive_v that_o circumcision_n may_v have_v a_o different_a respect_n according_a to_o the_o differ_a circumstance_n and_o capacity_n of_o its_o subject_n yea_o that_o it_o have_v so_o in_o another_o instance_n have_v be_v already_o prove_v it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o canaan_n to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o do_v ensure_v the_o promise_n thereof_o to_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n but_o it_o give_v their_o bond-servant_n no_o such_o right_a or_o claim_n even_o so_o it_o be_v to_o abraham_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v etc._n etc._n but_o this_o arise_v from_o the_o peculiar_a and_o extraordinary_a circumstance_n and_o capacity_n that_o he_o be_v in_o for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o conceive_v that_o circumcision_n shall_v be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v while_o uncircumcised_a that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o uncircumcision_n to_o one_o that_o never_o have_v faith_n either_o before_o or_o after_o his_o circumcision_n nor_o ever_o have_v or_o shall_v have_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o father_n to_o all_o believer_n as_o abraham_n have_v now_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o circumcision_n here_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n and_o capacity_n of_o abraham_n who_o receive_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o scope_n of_o his_o discourse_n in_o the_o context_n in_o which_o the_o argument_n that_o he_o manage_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o neither_o can_v circumcision_n give_v to_o any_o a_o interest_n in_o that_o grace_n that_o justify_v a_o sinner_n before_o god_n nor_o the_o want_n of_o it_o hinder_v any_o from_o obtain_v that_o interest_n in_o the_o way_n and_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n see_v abraham_n himself_o obtain_v it_o not_o by_o his_o carnal_a prerogative_n but_o be_v justify_v before_o he_o be_v circumcise_v and_o the_o whole_a stress_n of_o his_o argument_n lie_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o abraham_n be_v a_o believer_n and_o justify_v by_o his_o faith_n before_o he_o receive_v circumcision_n remove_v this_o and_o his_o discourse_n conclude_v nothing_o of_o what_o he_o intend_v and_o hence_o he_o infer_v that_o abraham_n receive_v circumcision_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v to_o he_o a_o seal_n not_o simple_o of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o the_o new-covenant_n but_o of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v be_v yet_o uncircumcised_a as_o also_o of_o his_o paternal_a relation_n to_o all_o believer_n though_o they_o be_v not_o circumcise_v for_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o it_o be_v equal_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n unto_o all_o its_o subject_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v while_o uncircumcised_a as_o to_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o a_o paternal_a relation_n to_o all_o believer_n unto_o every_o one_o that_o receive_v it_o both_o these_o must_v necessary_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n of_o abraham_n the_o particular_a relation_n he_o have_v in_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o he_o and_o the_o order_n of_o their_o disposition_n and_o not_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o circumcision_n consider_v simple_o and_o in_o itself_o and_o moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o immediate_o after_o in_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o discourse_n in_o rom._n 4._o the_o apostle_n refer_v circumcision_n to_o the_o law_n in_o contradistinction_n from_o the_o gospel_n for_o when_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o circumcise_a jew_n can_v not_o obtain_v the_o blessing_n of_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o abraham_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o circumcision_n unless_o he_o do_v walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o abraham_n '_o s_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v while_o uncircumcised_a ver_fw-la 12._o he_o assign_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o in_o the_o 13_o verse_n for_o the_o promise_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o abraham_n or_o to_o his_o seed_n through_o the_o law_n but_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o i_o can_v see_v how_o the_o conclusion_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v concern_v the_o inefficacy_n of_o circumcision_n be_v enforce_v by_o this_o reason_n if_o circumcision_n immediate_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n have_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o law_n but_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o a_o ordinary_a seal_n thereof_o again_o the_o interpretation_n make_v of_o this_o text_n be_v far_o strengthen_v by_o the_o conference_n of_o other_o place_n in_o the_o new-testament_n where_o we_o find_v that_o circumcision_n be_v style_v a_o unsupportable_a yoke_n act._n 5._o 10._o and_o be_v say_v to_o lay_v man_n under_o a_o obligation_n to_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n gal._n 5._o 3._o and_o the_o complete_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o new-covenant_n be_v constant_o insist_v on_o as_o that_o which_o render_v it_o utter_o useless_a to_o the_o gospel-church_n and_o manifest_v the_o inconsistency_n of_o retain_v the_o practice_n thereof_o with_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o present_a state_n see_v for_o instance_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n and_o in_o chap._n 5._o 13._o
bring_v forth_o salvation_n to_o the_o gentile_n that_o so_o there_o may_v be_v no_o colour_n of_o reason_n leave_v for_o interpret_n this_o covenant_n to_o their_o prejudice_n in_o the_o straiten_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v design_v of_o god_n only_o as_o a_o handmaid_n thereto_o 2._o because_o thing_n be_v so_o order_v by_o god_n in_o this_o covenant_n that_o as_o the_o promise_v thereof_o shall_v be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o great_a promise_n so_o also_o spiritual_a blessing_n shall_v be_v mystical_o employ_v in_o they_o so_o abraham_n be_v the_o father_n of_o believer_n of_o many_o nation_n be_v typify_v in_o his_o numerous_a offspring_n by_o isaac_n viz._n israel_n after_o the_o flesh_n and_o hence_o a_o confirmation_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o one_o must_v include_v a_o ratification_n of_o the_o other_o also_o and_o therefore_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o assure_v abraham_n that_o he_o shall_v certain_o become_v the_o father_n of_o 〈◊〉_d of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o multitude_n or_o of_o many_o nation_n his_o name_n be_v change_v into_o abraham_n and_o also_o circumcision_n be_v institute_v for_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o his_o carnal_a seed_n the_o mutual_a respect_n of_o these_o different_a promise_n and_o the_o order_n observe_v in_o their_o establishment_n be_v such_o circumcision_n itself_o be_v so_o far_o from_o evert_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o its_o promise_n to_o the_o gentile_n as_o that_o it_o become_v to_o abraham_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4._o 11._o this_o it_o have_v not_o from_o its_o next_o and_o peculiar_a end_n or_o its_o proper_a nature_n with_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o carnal_a seed_n or_o other_o that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o it_o but_o from_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o which_o it_o be_v annex_v and_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o abraham_n with_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o to_o who_o circumcision_n be_v now_o give_v for_o a_o seal_n thereof_o but_o this_o we_o must_v far_o enlarge_v upon_o in_o speak_v to_o the_o mutual_a respect_n of_o god_n foederal-transaction_n with_o abraham_n and_o at_o present_a it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o remind_v you_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o entanglement_n in_o our_o conception_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o by_o keep_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o distinction_n of_o abraham_n seed_n which_o be_v either_o spiritual_a or_o carnal_a and_o of_o the_o promise_v respective_o belong_v to_o either_o for_o this_o whole_a covenant_n of_o circumcision_n as_o give_v to_o the_o carnal_a seed_n can_v no_o more_o convey_v spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n to_o they_o as_o such_o than_o it_o can_v now_o inright_a a_o believer_n though_o a_o child_n of_o abraham_n in_o their_o temporal_a and_o typical_a blessing_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n neither_o can_v i_o see_v any_o reason_n for_o a_o assignment_n of_o covenant-interest_n in_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n typify_v as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o temporal_a blessing_n that_o be_v the_o type_n of_o they_o to_o the_o carnal_a seed_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o admit_v the_o conveyance_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n to_o hold_v good_a in_o point_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n to_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n see_v as_o some_o conceive_v both_o be_v direct_o include_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o both_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o same_o seal_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v notwithstanding_o the_o respect_n this_o covenant_n have_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n it_o yet_o remain_v distinct_a from_o it_o and_o can_v give_v no_o more_o than_o external_a and_o typical_a blessing_n unto_o a_o typical_a seed_n the_o state_v of_o their_o right_n and_o privilege_n in_o subserviency_n and_o with_o a_o typical_a respect_n to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o elect_n in_o the_o new-covenant_n be_v the_o proper_a end_n and_o design_n of_o this_o transaction_n in_o gen._n 17._o as_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v in_o the_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o promise_v give_v therein_o §_o 9_o the_o sum_n of_o those_o promise_n be_v set_v before_o we_o in_o gen._n 17._o 6_o 7_o 8._o in_o the_o 6_o verse_n the_o promise_n of_o a_o numerous_a offspring_n be_v repeat_v in_o such_o term_n as_o do_v import_n if_o not_o enlargement_n yet_o at_o least_o a_o far_a explication_n of_o what_o be_v before_o promise_v in_o gen._n 13._o 16._o and_o i_o will_v make_v thy_o seed_n as_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n for_o here_o the_o promise_n run_v thus_o i_o will_v make_v thou_o exceed_o fruitful_a and_o i_o will_v make_v nation_n of_o thou_o and_o king_n shall_v come_v out_o of_o thou_o these_o word_n in_o their_o first_o and_o literal_a sense_n have_v their_o accomplishment_n in_o the_o natural_a offspring_n of_o abraham_n and_o be_v particular_o intend_v of_o his_o seed_n by_o isaac_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o other_o nation_n beside_o israel_n do_v spring_n from_o abraham_n yet_o the_o context_n will_v evince_v it_o to_o be_v that_o seed_n with_o which_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n shall_v be_v establish_v that_o be_v here_o mean_v and_o that_o be_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n by_o isaac_n only_o to_o see_v therefore_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o promise_n we_o must_v look_v to_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v as_o so_o many_o distinct_a peoples_n and_o nation_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o power_n and_o number_n though_o with_o respect_n to_o religion_n and_o government_n unite_v in_o one_o polity_n and_o so_o but_o one_o people_n and_o to_o this_o promise_n jacob_n have_v a_o eye_n in_o his_o blessing_n of_o the_o son_n of_o joseph_n gen._n 48._o 19_o where_o he_o say_v that_o manass_v the_o father_n of_o one_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n shall_v be_v a_o people_n and_o shall_v become_v great_a i._n e._n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v numerous_a and_o strong_a and_o shall_v make_v up_o one_o people_n or_o one_o of_o the_o nation_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v shall_v come_v of_o abraham_n and_o yet_o ephraim_n his_o young_a brother_n must_v have_v the_o preeminence_n in_o be_v the_o father_n of_o another_o distinct_a people_n or_o tribe_n that_o shall_v be_v strong_a than_o manass_v and_o more_o numerous_a in_o that_o his_o seed_n shall_v become_v the_o fullness_n of_o nation_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n i._n e._n a_o very_a great_a nation_n and_o people_n that_o distinction_n of_o tribe_n which_o be_v after_o observe_v among_o the_o israelite_n seem_v to_o be_v first_o point_v at_o in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v make_v nation_n of_o thou_o and_o the_o follow_a word_n viz._n king_n shall_v come_v out_o of_o thou_o do_v not_o only_o signify_v the_o eminency_n of_o abraham_n seed_n in_o general_n but_o more_o particular_o respect_v their_o form_n under_o a_o distinct_a polity_n and_o government_n of_o their_o own_o or_o as_o ezekiel_n speak_v chap._n 16._o prosper_v into_o a_o kingdom_n and_o live_v under_o the_o rule_n and_o conduct_v of_o judge_n and_o prince_n raise_v up_o among_o themselves_o as_o they_o be_v from_o moses_n his_o time_n who_o be_v king_n in_o jeshurum_fw-la when_o the_o head_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o tribe_n gather_v themselves_o together_o deut._n 33._o 5._o by_o who_o ministry_n god_n settle_v their_o state_n and_o government_n by_o law_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o and_o fulfil_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n therein_o this_o branch_n of_o the_o promise_n contain_v more_o than_o be_v express_o give_v to_o abraham_n before_o §_o 10._o in_o the_o follow_a word_n gen._n 17._o 7._o we_o have_v the_o assurance_n of_o this_o and_o of_o the_o ensue_a promise_n also_o which_o god_n give_v unto_o abraham_n by_o pass_v they_o into_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o consequent_o a_o interposition_n of_o himself_o and_o engagement_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n and_o property_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n to_o be_v exert_v for_o the_o make_n of_o they_o good_a thus_o you_o read_v and_o i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n for_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o unto_o this_o be_v add_v the_o promise_n of_o their_o inheritance_n ver._n 8._o and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o the_o land_n wherein_o thou_o be_v a_o stranger_n all_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o everlasting_a possession_n and_o i_o will_v he_o thire_v god_n the_o difficulty_n arise_v from_o those_o term_n in_o the_o promise_n which_o give_v the_o right_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o canaan_n to_o abraham_n in_o the_o first_o place_n have_v be_v already_o