conditional_o with_o all_o man_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o i_o to_o decermine_v and_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o wave_v all_o controversy_n excentrical_a to_o my_o present_a design_n this_o seem_v evident_a that_o however_o other_o be_v yet_o all_o those_o that_o be_v actual_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o definite_o enter_v with_o they_o be_v de_fw-fr presenti_fw-la free_v from_o it_o see_v there_o be_v a_o absolute_a inconsistency_n between_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o under_o grace_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n the_o apostle_n rom_n 6.14_o set_v these_o two_o state_n in_o a_o direct_a antithesis_fw-la or_o opposition_n the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o whether_o we_o understand_v by_o law_n here_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n or_o the_o law_n as_o give_v at_o mount_n sinai_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o reveal_v of_o the_o law_n of_o work_n make_v with_o adam_n in_o innocency_n or_o that_o first_o law_n or_o covenant_n as_o so_o make_v with_o adam_n yet_o by_o grace_n i_o conceive_v we_o must_v understand_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o they_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o my_o present_a purpose_n no_o man_n can_v be_v under_o two_o covenant_n that_o be_v in_o nature_n or_o kind_n direct_o opposite_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n hence_o i_o say_v the_o infant_n of_o believer_n be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v set_v free_a from_o the_o first_o covenant_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o all_o believer_n be_v and_o as_o for_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o threaten_v condemnation_n against_o none_o but_o either_o final_a rejecter_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o stranger_n to_o it_o or_o total_a and_o final_a violator_n of_o it_o as_o in_o case_n of_o those_o that_o be_v actual_o under_o it_o and_o be_v free_a from_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n and_o not_o under_o any_o obligation_n to_o suffer_v future_a condemnation_n either_o as_o rejecter_n or_o violator_n of_o the_o second_o i_o conceive_v their_o immunity_n from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n yea_o of_o whatever_o sin_n whether_o original_a or_o actual_a they_o fall_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o during_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n must_v necessary_o ensue_v though_o no_o express_a promise_n of_o parden_n which_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o inquire_v after_o shall_v appertain_v unto_o they_o cessante_fw-la obligatione_fw-la legis_fw-la &_o non_fw-la obligante_fw-la novo_fw-la foedere_fw-la there_o can_v be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o any_o sin_n chargeable_a upon_o they_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v may_v be_v reduce_v into_o this_o argument_n arg._n 1._o all_o those_o that_o be_v neither_o under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o under_o the_o curse_n threaten_v in_o the_o first_o covenant_n nor_o condemnable_a by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n must_v needs_o be_v free_a from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n yea_o of_o any_o sin_n they_o be_v at_o present_a chargeable_a with_o but_o such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n during_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n therefore_o during_o that_o state_n they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n yea_o of_o whatsoever_o sin_n they_o during_o that_o state_n be_v chargeable_a with_o the_o major_a proposition_n will_v be_v ready_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n see_v fin_n be_v it_o original_a or_o actual_a receive_v its_o power_n to_o condemn_v or_o have_v its_o strength_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v from_o some_o law_n or_o covenant_n under_o which_o the_o person_n guilty_a be_v as_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n so_o where_o the_o law_n threaten_v not_o condemnation_n there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n and_o condemnation_n must_v be_v either_o threaten_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n or_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n hence_o if_o neither_o of_o these_o law_n or_o covenant_n threaten_v condemnation_n unto_o man_n for_o any_o sin_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o their_o sin_n have_v not_o power_n to_o condemn_v they_o or_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v free_a from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o any_o sin_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o that_o i_o conceive_v the_o major_a proposition_n stand_v firm_a for_o the_o minor_a that_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v the_o law_n threaten_v not_o condemnation_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n because_o they_o be_v not_o under_o it_o they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o sanction_n of_o it_o wherein_o future_a death_n be_v threaten_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n threaten_v not_o condemnation_n to_o they_o because_o they_o be_v neither_o rejecter_n nor_o violator_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o condition_n of_o it_o be_v perform_v though_o not_o by_o they_o yet_o on_o their_o behalf_n which_o the_o covenant_n accept_v as_o though_o perform_v by_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o person_n whence_o the_o conclusion_n be_v undeniable_a again_o that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v free_v from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n may_v be_v prove_v thus_o arg._n 2._o all_o those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o any_o sin_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n with_o god_n or_o have_v god_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o they_o but_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o state_n neither_o have_v they_o god_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o they_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o any_o sin_n and_o consequent_o not_o of_o original_a sin_n the_o major_a proposition_n as_o evident_a thus_o god_n be_v only_o say_v to_o be_v a_o enemy_n unto_o man_n as_o he_o be_v oblige_v either_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o essential_a justice_n or_o some_o law_n give_v to_o or_o covenant_n make_v with_o he_o to_o punish_v according_a to_o the_o due_a desert_n of_o sin_n god_n be_v not_o a_o enemy_n to_o man_n mere_o as_o man_n nor_o yet_o mere_o as_o vitiate_a and_o corrupt_v with_o sin_n for_o than_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o man_n yea_o to_o the_o regenerate_a as_o well_o as_o the_o unregenerate_a but_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n as_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o punish_v according_a to_o the_o due_a desert_n of_o sin_n hence_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o those_o and_o to_o those_o only_a who_o he_o be_v according_a to_o their_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n oblige_v so_o to_o punish_v now_o while_o any_o be_v under_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v have_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n remain_v upon_o they_o god_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o punish_v they_o according_a to_o the_o due_a desert_n of_o their_o sin_n i_o say_v he_o be_v so_o while_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o sin_n remain_v upon_o they_o guilt_n be_v remove_v that_o obligation_n cease_v how_o god_n may_v be_v under_o such_o a_o obligation_n and_o yet_o give_v faith_n and_o repentance_n whereby_o that_o guilt_n may_v be_v remove_v be_v obvious_a to_o all_o and_o need_v not_o here_o be_v declare_v but_o i_o say_v while_o guilt_n remain_v while_o sin_n have_v a_o power_n to_o condemn_v god_n stand_v relate_v as_o a_o enemy_n unto_o man_n or_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n with_o he_o but_o now_o which_o be_v our_o minor_a proposition_n the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o state_n this_o be_v not_o only_o evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v but_o from_o the_o absolute_a inconsistency_n between_o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n and_o that_o mutual_a relation_n between_o god_n and_o they_o as_o he_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o his_o people_n of_o which_o more_o by_o and_o by_o now_o than_o the_o premise_n be_v true_a the_o conclusion_n be_v certain_a i_o may_v further_o argue_v from_o the_o special_a reference_n that_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n whether_o circumcision_n or_o baptism_n have_v and_o have_v to_o the_o remission_n and_o pardon_n of_o sin_n circumcision_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n which_o at_o least_o include_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n say_v the_o apostle_n peter_n to_o these_o awake_v jew_n be_v baptize_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n act_v 2._o arise_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o wash_v away_o thy_o sin_n say_v ananias_n to_o paul_n act_v 22.16_o now_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v such_o a_o particular_a and_o special_a reference_n to_o the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n it_o may_v suppose_v it_o will_v not_o demonstrate_v it_o itself_o yet_o much_o confirm_v we_o in_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v free_v from_o the_o guilt_n
covenant_n make_v with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o mount_n sinai_n and_o his_o affirm_v so_o many_o thing_n and_o proceed_v in_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o his_o book_n upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v all_o mistake_n and_o unsound_a supposition_n his_o whole_a discourse_n must_v needs_o be_v if_o not_o whole_o yet_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n useless_a three_o that_o which_o yet_o further_o render_v his_o treatise_n altogether_o useless_a to_o i_o be_v the_o great_a confusion_n attend_v with_o several_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n that_o it_o labour_v under_o thus_o for_o his_o whole_a discourse_n upon_o that_o of_o gen._n 17.7_o beginning_z page_z 22._o and_o reach_v to_o page_n 39_o this_o confusion_n with_o the_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n attend_v it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o of_o his_o assertion_n and_o compare_v they_o one_o with_o another_o together_o with_o what_o they_o do_v either_o as_o take_v single_o or_o joint_o necessary_o infer_v and_o imply_v thus_o first_o he_o positive_o affirm_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o its_o administration_n be_v two_o distinct_a covenant_n thus_o page_n 23._o and_o tell_v we_o page_n 93._o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n which_o must_v necessary_o intend_v that_o covenant_n which_o before_o he_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v call_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o then_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n may_v be_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o whether_o rational_a and_o congruous_a i_o shall_v leave_v all_o man_n to_o judge_v second_o he_o express_o affirm_v that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v call_v the_o new_a covenant_n thus_o again_o page_n 23._o where_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o have_v reference_n to_o heb._n 8.8_o and_o then_o all_o those_o promise_v there_o mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o god_n put_v his_o law_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o of_o the_o substance_n only_o appertain_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n three_o he_o affirm_v at_o least_o necessary_o imply_v 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 as_o make_v to_o one_o yea_o to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n as_o consider_v under_o one_o notion_n appertain_v only_o to_o the_o administration_n but_o as_o make_v to_o another_o or_o to_o the_o same_o person_n consider_v under_o another_o notion_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n thus_o page_n 26._o he_o tell_v we_o speak_v of_o this_o very_a promise_n that_o in_o it_o god_n promise_v only_o to_o abraham_n fleshly_a seed_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o in_o give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o to_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o in_o give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o he_o take_v isaac_n to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o take_v both_o way_n and_o the_o promise_v as_o make_v to_o abraham_n fleshly_a seed_n he_o call_v the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n which_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v be_v but_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o may_v be_v call_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o what_o confusion_n and_o what_o absurdity_n this_o imply_v let_v every_o one_o judge_n but_o to_o get_v out_o of_o these_o dark_a labyrinth_n four_o he_o affirm_v that_o isaac_n himself_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o fleshly_a descent_n as_o he_o speak_v have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n so_o he_o tell_v we_o page_n 27._o and_o yet_o five_o he_o positive_o affirm_v that_o none_o have_v or_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o through_o a_o personal_a faith_n in_o christ_n thus_o page_n 28._o which_o as_o it_o direct_o contradict_v what_o he_o have_v say_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n its_o be_v make_v only_o with_o the_o elect_n and_o with_o all_o they_o for_o sure_o he_o will_v grant_v some_o be_v elect_a that_o be_v not_o actual_a believer_n so_o it_o utter_o deprive_v isaac_n as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o abraham_n seed_n and_o indeed_o all_o infant_n whatsoever_o of_o any_o benefit_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o which_o yet_o he_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v save_v suppose_v their_o election_n and_o death_n in_o their_o infancy_n let_v we_o see_v then_o what_o a_o good_a god_n promise_v to_o isaac_n as_o one_o of_o abraham_n child_n why_o only_o this_o that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o in_o give_v he_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o yet_o he_o never_o do_v nor_o ever_o intend_v to_o give_v he_o of_o what_o use_n such_o a_o confuse_a absurd_a and_o contradictory_n discourse_n can_v be_v to_o any_o i_o can_v imagine_v i_o may_v yet_o further_o show_v what_o render_v his_o discourse_n useless_a to_o i_o viz._n his_o overlooking_a several_a of_o none_o of_o the_o least_o forcible_a scripture_n and_o scripture-argument_n produce_v by_o his_o opposer_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n but_o i_o shall_v go_v no_o further_o but_o leave_v his_o book_n to_o every_o one_o to_o make_v what_o use_n they_o see_v meet_v of_o it_o and_o proceed_v to_o his_o animadversion_n upon_o my_o answer_n to_o mr._n danvers_n indeed_o will_v but_o reader_n take_v mr._n danvers_n book_n and_o my_o answer_n with_o my_o former_a treatise_n so_o often_o refer_v to_o and_o his_o animadversion_n and_o peruse_v they_o with_o equal_a and_o unbiased_a mind_n it_o will_v be_v all_o that_o i_o desire_v yet_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v how_o needless_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o make_v any_o return_v to_o such_o reply_v as_o these_o animadversion_n carry_v a_o show_n of_o and_o may_v know_v how_o to_o regulate_v their_o expectation_n for_o the_o future_a i_o shall_v with_o much_o brevity_n review_v they_o my_o answer_n consist_v of_o three_o part_n in_o the_o first_o i_o lie_v down_o several_a consideration_n with_o reference_n to_o mr._n danvers_n authority_n in_o the_o two_o first_o which_o mr._n hutchinson_n more_o especial_o take_v notice_n of_o i_o charge_v he_o with_o unfaithfulness_n and_o impertinency_n in_o respect_n of_o both_o which_o mr._n hutchinson_n pretend_v his_o vindication_n for_o the_o former_a viz._n his_o unfaithfulness_n i_o only_o give_v two_o instance_n and_o both_o in_o his_o quotation_n out_o of_o the_o magdi-burgensian_a history_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o charge_n i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o that_o famous_a history_n with_o this_o only_a remark_n beyond_o my_o answer_n itself_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o say_v they_o find_v they_o baptize_v only_o the_o adult_n and_o they_o only_o find_v they_o baptize_v the_o adult_n indeed_o they_o neither_o say_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o but_o the_o direct_a contrary_n yet_o allow_v our_o opposer_n the_o utmost_a they_o can_v with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o reason_n desire_n it_o be_v only_o the_o latter_a that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o and_o sure_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o say_v they_o find_v they_o baptize_v only_o the_o adult_n and_o they_o only_o find_v the_o adult_n be_v baptize_v than_o be_v between_o two_o six_o pence_n and_o a_o shilling_n hence_o no_o man_n can_v excuse_v he_o of_o unfaithfulness_n but_o he_o will_v find_v at_o last_o he_o have_v give_v just_a cause_n to_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o accuse_v himself_o for_o the_o other_o viz._n his_o impertinency_n and_o thus_o mr._n hutchinson_n pretend_v his_o vindication_n two_o way_n first_o by_o way_n of_o recrimination_n second_o by_o acquit_v his_o book_n of_o that_o charge_n for_o this_o latter_a i_o shall_v only_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o my_o book_n with_o the_o instance_n there_o give_v for_o the_o former_a i_o have_v only_o this_o to_o say_v whether_o that_o instance_n give_v by_o mr._n hutchinson_n will_v prove_v his_o charge_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_n but_o this_o may_v be_v say_v for_o i_o to_o be_v guilty_a only_o of_o one_o impertinency_n and_o but_o one_o be_v charge_v upon_o i_o be_v no_o just_a vindication_n of_o mr._n danvers_n in_o the_o multitude_n i_o have_v charge_v upon_o he_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o have_v i_o know_v all_o man_n heart_n as_o well_o as_o mr._n hutchinson_n pretend_v to_o know_v i_o and_o have_v see_v no_o such_o objection_n as_o that_o suppose_a impertinency_n design_n the_o obviate_a of_o i_o have_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o one_o neither_o but_o that_o such_o a_o objection_n may_v possible_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n mr._n hutchinson_n book_n abundant_o confirm_v i_o
a_o essay_n to_o revive_v the_o primitive_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o the_o resolution_n of_o four_o question_n i._o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n appoint_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n ii_o what_o be_v the_o good_a or_o benefit_n they_o receive_v thereby_o iii_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 iu._n what_o be_v the_o improvement_n that_o child_n as_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o make_v of_o the_o token_n as_o apply_v to_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n by_o joseph_n whiston_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n many_o shall_v run_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v increase_v daniel_n 12.4_o nil_fw-la erubescit_fw-la veritas_fw-la nisi_fw-la abscondi_fw-la tertul._n london_n print_v for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden-lion_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1676._o to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n the_o subject_a matter_n treat_v of_o in_o these_o essay_n be_v confess_o weighty_a and_o important_a something_n in_o they_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o many_o if_o not_o to_o most_o in_o this_o age_n will_v seem_v new_a and_o at_o least_o before_o a_o through_o weigh_v of_o the_o whole_a and_o diligent_a collation_n of_o one_o thing_n with_o another_o somewhat_o strange_a and_o no_o wonder_n see_v none_o of_o late_o have_v profess_o handle_v the_o two_o former_a question_n wherein_o what_o be_v dubious_a and_o subject_a to_o censure_n will_v especial_o be_v find_v here_o discuss_v whence_o i_o can_v but_o expect_v that_o some_o possible_o not_o a_o few_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o understand_v how_o high_a i_o have_v carry_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o how_o great_a a_o good_a i_o have_v assign_v to_o they_o and_o that_o universal_o will_v reject_v the_o whole_a as_o novel_a unsound_a and_o erroneous_a though_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n than_o the_o different_a apprehension_n themselves_o have_v hitherto_o have_v together_o with_o a_o prejudicate_a persuasion_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o yield_v so_o much_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o universal_o and_o yet_o maintain_v those_o great_a doctrine_n of_o election_n etc._n etc._n so_o long_o contend_v for_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o protestant_n to_o such_o i_o have_v little_a to_o say_v save_v only_o to_o assure_v they_o that_o i_o hold_v and_o be_o ready_a according_a to_o that_o small_a talon_n i_o have_v receive_v to_o contend_v with_o they_o for_o those_o doctrine_n as_o to_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v just_o jealous_a of_o have_v any_o breach_n make_v upon_o and_o have_v i_o apprehend_v any_o inconsistency_n between_o what_o be_v here_o offer_v and_o those_o doctrine_n these_o paper_n have_v never_o see_v the_o light_n but_o as_o for_o other_o who_o by_o 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baptism_n than_o what_o i_o have_v make_v use_n of_o only_o this_o i_o must_v say_v i_o can_v at_o present_v see_v how_o we_o can_v maintain_v the_o former_a and_o not_o grant_v the_o latter_a it_o be_v true_a the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n i_o have_v assign_v they_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a but_o the_o serious_a consideration_n that_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v extend_v to_o they_o and_o take_v due_a measure_n of_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o show_v forth_o and_o illustration_n of_o which_o be_v design_v by_o his_o enter_a covenant_n with_o man_n will_v be_v of_o no_o small_a use_n unto_o any_o that_o shall_v pursue_v the_o enquiry_n i_o have_v enter_v upon_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v a_o most_o glorious_a expression_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v shall_v extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n with_o themselves_o and_o grant_v so_o much_o good_a to_o they_o thereby_o 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be_v true_a some_o of_o our_o opposer_n to_o the_o prejudice_a of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o for_o the_o lay_v stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o other_o have_v pretend_v that_o we_o hold_v the_o same_o condition_n be_v incumbent_a upon_o infant_n even_o in_o their_o infant_n state_n that_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o the_o adult_n only_o that_o parent_n be_v take_v as_o proxy_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n in_o the_o room_n and_o stead_n of_o their_o child_n a_o great_a mistake_n we_o say_v the_o covenant_n be_v whole_o free_a to_o child_n during_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n and_o that_o no_o condition_n at_o all_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o they_o only_o that_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n hence_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o child_n covenant-interest_n we_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n the_o promise_n be_v to_o abraham_n seed_n and_o such_o confess_o true_a believer_n be_v 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from_o the_o know_a sentiment_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o orthodox_n divine_v contemporary_a with_o he_o to_o evidence_n the_o correspondency_n thereof_o with_o the_o principle_n and_o judgement_n of_o former_a divine_n of_o equal_a repute_n for_o orthodoxy_n and_o soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n may_v be_v useful_a both_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o secure_v himself_o from_o the_o censure_n of_o singularity_n and_o what_o be_v expose_v to_o view_v from_o rejection_n before_o a_o through-enquiry_n be_v make_v into_o it_o as_o for_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v i_o be_o willing_a it_o shall_v undergo_v the_o most_o severe_a scrutiny_n by_o all_o unbiased_a and_o judicious_a lover_n of_o truth_n and_o answerable_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v reject_v or_o embrace_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n it_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o neither_o shall_v i_o make_v much_o search_n after_o the_o judgement_n either_o of_o ancient_a or_o modern_a divine_n neither_o have_v i_o as_o the_o case_n at_o present_a stand_v with_o i_o a_o convenient_a opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o yet_o this_o may_v be_v say_v in_o the_o general_n it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o all_o that_o have_v any_o considerable_a acquaintance_n with_o their_o write_n that_o the_o generality_n if_o not_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o father_n live_v in_o the_o first_o age_n do_v grant_v yea_o assert_v the_o full_a of_o what_o i_o have_v do_v and_o as_o most_o think_v somewhat_o more_o but_o therein_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o i_o have_v now_o a_o special_a respect_n unto_o to_o have_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o truth_n and_o consequent_o that_o what_o they_o have_v allow_v beyond_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v must_v be_v reckon_v inter_fw-la naevos_fw-la that_o wherein_n it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v declare_v their_o judgement_n most_o clear_o and_o full_o in_o and_o about_o be_v those_o two_o benefit_n i_o have_v assign_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n viz._n their_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n and_o a_o right_a to_o future_a salvation_n and_o consequent_o their_o infallible_a enjoyment_n of_o it_o in_o case_n of_o their_o death_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n but_o they_o that_o have_v grant_v they_o these_o two_o benefit_n can_v be_v rational_o suppose_v to_o deny_v the_o three_o viz._n their_o interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o god_n see_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o propriety_n in_o god_n be_v inseparable_a and_o yet_o that_o they_o do_v universal_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o personal_a faith_n and_o closure_n in_o with_o the_o covenant_n when_o come_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n be_v undoubted_a so_o that_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v ready_o grant_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o generality_n if_o not_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o primitive_a father_n lie_v on_o my_o side_n and_o that_o wherein_o i_o dissent_v from_o they_o they_o themselves_o dissent_v from_o the_o truth_n indeed_o it_o must_v not_o be_v deny_v that_o at_o least_o too_o many_o seem_v to_o possible_o some_o real_o do_v ascribe_v these_o thing_n too_o abstract_o to_o baptism_n not_o have_v that_o regard_n to_o the_o covenant_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v have_v but_o that_o all_o yea_o or_o the_o major_a part_n especial_o in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n do_v so_o be_v not_o only_o more_o than_o can_v be_v prove_v but_o the_o contrary_n may_v be_v rational_o conclude_v from_o variety_n of_o passage_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o their_o write_n as_o for_o our_o modern_a divine_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o present_a age_n i_o shall_v ready_o grant_v they_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v as_o to_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o otherwise_o mind_v their_o mistake_n i_o humble_o conceive_v need_n rectify_v in_o order_n to_o a_o through_o establashment_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o practice_n i_o in_o common_a with_o they_o plead_v for_o and_o therefore_o their_o bare_a testimony_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v improve_v against_o i_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o whole_o singular_a some_o in_o this_o present_a age_n and_o more_o in_o the_o age_n last_o forego_n have_v sufficient_o declare_v their_o judgement_n in_o a_o nigh_o if_o not_o exact_a correspondency_n to_o what_o i_o have_v affirm_v the_o 17_o article_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n in_o their_o first_o bead_n of_o doctrine_n viz._n predestination_n come_v up_o full_o to_o part_v of_o what_o i_o have_v affirm_v and_o therefore_o i_o think_v meet_v to_o transcribe_v it_o it_o be_v this_o quandoquidem_fw-la de_fw-la veritate_fw-la dei_fw-la ex_fw-la verbo_fw-la ipsius_fw-la nobis_fw-la est_fw-la judicandum_fw-la quod_fw-la testatur_fw-la liberos_fw-la fidelium_fw-la esse_fw-la sanctos_fw-la non_fw-la quidem_fw-la naturâ_fw-la sed_fw-la beneficio_fw-la foederis_fw-la gratuity_n in_o quo_fw-la illi_fw-la cum_fw
parentibus_fw-la comprehenduntur_fw-la pii_fw-la parent_n de_fw-la election_n &_o salute_v suorum_fw-la liberorum_fw-la quos_fw-la deus_fw-la in_o infantiâ_fw-la ex_fw-la hâc_fw-la vitâ_fw-la evocat_fw-la dubitare_fw-la non_fw-la debent_fw-la which_o seem_v necessary_o to_o require_v as_o may_v easy_o be_v make_v out_o consider_v their_o judgement_n in_o all_o those_o five_o controvert_v point_n that_o they_o shall_v hold_v the_o full_a of_o what_o i_o do_v and_o as_o these_o worthy_a divine_v express_o declare_v their_o judgement_n to_o be_v for_o the_o election_n and_o infallible_a salvation_n of_o all_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n so_o i_o shall_v quote_v one_o famous_a in_o his_o day_n to_o let_v pass_v particular_a divine_n of_o that_o synod_n exact_o concur_v with_o what_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v the_o discharge_n of_o all_o infant_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o original_a sin_n that_o be_v famous_a ursin_n his_o word_n be_v these_o peccatum_fw-la originale_fw-la in_o baptismo_fw-la formale_a tollitur_fw-la sed_fw-la materiale_a manet_fw-la that_o be_v as_o himself_o expound_v tollitur_fw-la quoad_fw-la reatum_fw-la manet_fw-la quoad_fw-la pravitatem_fw-la some_o other_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o i_o as_o to_o the_o main_a good_a benefit_n and_o privilege_n assign_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n may_v be_v mention_v and_o a_o further_a search_n into_o the_o judgement_n of_o author_n concern_v that_o way_n i_o have_v proceed_v in_o to_o secure_v myself_o from_o those_o rock_n border_v upon_o it_o be_v intend_v but_o a_o unexpected_a providential_a removal_n of_o i_o from_o my_o study_n when_o i_o be_v about_o to_o put_v the_o last_o hand_n to_o the_o ensue_a sheeet_n prevent_v by_o mean_n whereof_o the_o book_n appear_v more_o naked_a than_o otherwise_o it_o may_v have_v do_v but_o to_o hasten_v the_o reader_n may_v take_v notice_n that_o the_o first_o draught_n of_o the_o solution_n here_o give_v of_o the_o two_o first_o question_n be_v draw_v up_o about_o four_o or_o five_o year_n since_o but_o i_o be_v not_o without_o some_o hope_n that_o some_o able_a pen_n may_v have_v perform_v this_o work_n and_o when_o i_o see_v a_o call_n to_o it_o i_o be_v willing_a rather_o to_o go_v gradatim_fw-la than_o run_v that_o i_o may_v tread_v more_o secure_o upon_o both_o which_o account_n with_o some_o other_o my_o first_o promise_n have_v be_v so_o long_o unperformed_a and_o now_o at_o last_o it_o be_v perform_v i_o must_v say_v two_o thing_n great_o check_v my_o expectation_n as_o to_o the_o desire_a effect_n of_o this_o my_o undertake_n the_o first_o be_v the_o cursory_a read_n and_o overly_o perusal_n of_o book_n by_o the_o generality_n of_o reader_n how_o few_o shall_v we_o find_v that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n or_o allow_v themselves_o sufficient_a time_n thorough_o to_o weigh_v and_o well_o digest_v what_o they_o read_v and_o with_o the_o noble_a berean_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o the_o thing_n they_o read_v be_v so_o how_o do_v most_o cursory_o read_v book_n come_v to_o their_o hand_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n appear_v to_o correspond_v with_o their_o precedent_a sentiment_n they_o ready_o embrace_v that_o or_o if_o any_o thing_n disagree_v therefrom_o they_o as_o sudden_o reject_v without_o a_o due_a weigh_v of_o what_o be_v write_v and_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o but_o alas_o divine_a truth_n especial_o that_o lie_n more_o towards_o the_o bottom_n of_o those_o golden_a mine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o be_v obscure_v by_o the_o different_a sentiment_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n will_v not_o be_v find_v out_o or_o discern_v in_o themselves_o and_o distinguish_v from_o error_n at_o so_o easy_a a_o rate_n the_o second_o be_v those_o gross_a neglect_n that_o parent_n be_v general_o guilty_a of_o towards_o their_o child_n oh_o the_o murder_n even_o of_o their_o own_o child_n that_o most_o parent_n will_v be_v find_v guilty_a of_o i_o mean_v it_o not_o of_o their_o body_n but_o of_o their_o soul_n causa_fw-la causae_fw-la est_fw-la causa_fw-la causati_fw-la be_v a_o sure_a maxim_n the_o apostasy_n of_o child_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o death_n but_o the_o neglect_n of_o parent_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o their_o apostasy_n parent_n will_v possible_o catch_v at_o what_o make_v for_o their_o comfort_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o child_n especial_o such_o of_o they_o as_o have_v be_v either_o carry_v from_o the_o womb_n to_o or_o take_v out_o of_o the_o cradle_n and_o lay_v asleep_a in_o the_o grave_a yet_o i_o much_o fear_v but_o few_o will_v be_v stir_v up_o and_o effectual_o move_v to_o a_o vigorous_a performance_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o those_o who_o life_n be_v prolong_v and_o that_o arrive_v to_o that_o ripeness_n of_o age_n that_o capacify_v they_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n themselves_o let_v but_o parent_n thorough_o study_v their_o child_n privilege_n as_o confederate_n with_o themselves_o and_o faithful_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o and_o it_o will_v give_v good_a ground_n of_o hope_n that_o both_o he_o that_o have_v sow_o and_o they_o that_o reap_v viz._n both_o parent_n and_o child_n shall_v have_v a_o time_n or_o rather_o a_o eternity_n to_o rejoice_v together_o thou_o in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n for_o thy_o own_o and_o thy_o child_n soul_n jo._n whiston_n december_n 14._o 1675._o the_o principal_a errata_n page_n 42._o line_n ult_n for_o in_o read_v on_o p._n 64._o l._n 32._o for_o visible_a r._n invisible_a p._n 107._o l._n 5._o for_o sense_n r._n love_n p._n 112._o l._n 10._o for_o assure_v r._n offer_v p._n 134._o l._n 5._o for_o not_o r._n at_o p._n 165._o l._n 11._o for_o it_o r._n he_o p._n 189._o l._n 4._o for_o or_o r._n be_v p._n 194._o l._n 25._o for_o for_o r._n or_o p._n 199._o l._n 29._o after_o be_v add_v the._n the_o errata_n of_o least_o concernment_n pag._n 8._o l._n 1._o for_o yet_o p._n 23._o l._n 16._o for_o be_v r._n be_v p._n 25._o l._n ult_n for_o four_o r._n three_o p._n 39_o l._n 12._o blot_n out_o of_o p._n 111._o l._n 3._o for_o application_n r._n explication_n p._n 112._o l._n 16._o for_o usu_fw-la r._n esse_fw-la p._n 151._o l._n 1._o for_o by_o r._n have_v errata_n in_o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n pag._n 110._o l._n 2._o after_o covenant_n add_v state_n p._n 132._o l._n 6._o after_o all_o add_v that_o p._n 162._o l._n 2._o for_o impossibility_n r._n improbà bility_n the_o author_n have_v not_o see_v the_o first_o and_o the_o three_o last_o sheet_n it_o be_v probable_a some_o fault_n be_v there_o escape_v which_o the_o ingenuous_a reader_n be_v desire_v to_o pardon_n or_o amend_v the_o author_n have_v two_o other_o treatise_n entitle_v i._o infant-baptism_n from_o heaven_n and_o not_o of_o man_n or_o a_o moderate_a discourse_n concern_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o infant-feed_n of_o believer_n whereunto_o be_v prefix_v a_o large_a introductory_n preface_n prepare_v the_o reader_n way_n to_o a_o more_o profitable_a perusal_n of_o that_o treatise_n ii_o infant-baptism_n from_o heaven_n and_o not_o of_o man_n the_o second_o part_n or_o a_o answer_n to_o mr._n danvers_n treatise_n of_o baptism_n wherein_o as_o the_o vanity_n of_o his_o authority_n be_v though_o brief_o yet_o sufficient_o detect_v so_o his_o doctrinal_a part_n be_v especial_o examine_v and_o confute_v and_o infant_n right_o to_o baptism_n further_o confirm_v both_o sell_v by_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden-lion_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n a_o essay_n to_o revive_v the_o primitive_a doctrine_n of_o infant-baptism_n chap._n i._n a_o introduction_n to_o the_o whole_a ensue_a discourse_n the_o four_o grand_a inquiry_n propose_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n ordain_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 reduce_v to_o three_o head_n the_o first_o viz._n those_o respect_v god_n enter_v upon_o three_o reason_n respect_v god_n assign_v first_o his_o own_o goodness_n grace_n and_o sovereign_a pleasure_n 2._o the_o reference_n that_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v to_o his_o glory_n the_o way_n how_o it_o refer_v thereunto_o open_v 3._o the_o reference_n it_o have_v to_o the_o supportation_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n that_o all_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n that_o be_v indeed_o of_o divine_a original_a have_v a_o direct_a reference_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o be_v signal_o expressive_a of_o his_o good_a will_n unto_o man_n be_v above_o all_o controversy_n among_o those_o that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n yet_o wherein_o their_o reference_n at_o least_o of_o some_o of_o they_o to_o that_o end_n and_o of_o what_o use_n and_o
advantage_n they_o be_v unto_o man_n and_o consequent_o what_o good_a will_n be_v express_v by_o they_o be_v not_o discern_v by_o many_o who_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v sometime_o that_o some_o ordinance_n who_o claim_n to_o that_o original_a be_v most_o just_a yet_o be_v neglect_v by_o some_o and_o utter_o reject_v by_o other_o and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a fierceness_n of_o opposition_n as_o judge_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a reference_n and_o signification_n this_o especial_o of_o late_a year_n have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o that_o great_a ordinance_n of_o infant-baptism_n the_o main_a reason_n whereof_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o sad_a corruption_n or_o rather_o utter_v loss_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o covenant_n especial_o of_o the_o sign_n and_o seal_n thereof_o under_o that_o antichristian_a darkness_n that_o so_o long_o prevail_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o a_o practice_n which_o be_v not_o apprehend_v to_o have_v any_o reference_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v suspect_v as_o to_o its_o original_a and_o answerable_o reject_v by_o conscientious_a christian_n hence_o the_o revival_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o initiatory_a seal_n and_o token_n hereof_o at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o great_a conducency_n to_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o practice_n itself_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o both_o by_o parent_n and_o child_n some_o small_a essay_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v at_o present_a design_v only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v no_o further_o launch_v out_o into_o than_o the_o resolution_n of_o four_o inquiry_n relate_v to_o the_o application_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o token_n thereof_o to_o infant_n the_o discussion_n of_o which_o have_v be_v sometime_o since_o promise_v make_v necessary_a the_o rosolution_n of_o those_o inquiry_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n whereby_o i_o be_o nor_o without_o some_o hope_n that_o at_o least_o some_o little_a light_n may_v shine_v forth_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o what_o reference_n this_o ordinance_n have_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o how_o great_a a_o signification_n it_o carry_v and_o signal_n expression_n it_o be_v of_o his_o good_a will_n to_o man_n and_o as_o previous_a to_o a_o more_o clear_a procedure_n in_o what_o be_v intend_v it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o three_o thing_n be_v at_o present_a presuppose_a and_o take_v for_o grant_v as_o be_v elsewhere_o prove_v 1._o that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v joynt-confederats_a with_o their_o parent_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o have_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o that_o as_o circumcision_n of_o old_a be_v so_o baptism_n now_o be_v the_o outward_a sign_n or_o token_n of_o that_o covenant_n 3._o that_o infant_n as_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o under_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o aught_o to_o have_v the_o outward_a sign_n or_o token_n apply_v unto_o they_o the_o thing_n be_v already_o prove_v i_o shall_v immediate_o come_v to_o the_o discussion_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a inquiry_n which_o be_v 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 arise_v and_o 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 be_v the_o improvement_n that_o child_n themselves_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o make_v of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o in_o their_o 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obedience_n and_o allegiance_n unto_o god_n we_o shall_v ready_o comply_v with_o they_o as_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o rationality_n as_o command_v by_o he_o who_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o mighty_a in_o power_n or_o authority_n and_o hence_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v our_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o our_o duty_n to_o bend_v our_o inquiry_n more_o after_o the_o will_n of_o god_n constitution_n what_o shall_v be_v our_o duty_n than_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o constitute_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v so_o be_v we_o assure_v of_o his_o will_n his_o wisdom_n secure_v his_o willing_a nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o rational_a or_o what_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n he_o shall_v command_v and_o his_o will_n alone_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o our_o obedience_n but_o yet_o god_n have_v make_v man_n a_o rational_a and_o intelligent_a creature_n and_o give_v he_o eye_n to_o see_v withal_o he_o deal_v not_o with_o he_o according_a to_o mere_a sovereignty_n but_o indulge_v he_o a_o liberty_n or_o rather_o enjoin_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n to_o inquire_v after_o and_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o the_o rationality_n of_o his_o command_n only_o a_o twofold_a proviso_n be_v attend_v unto_o 1._o that_o he_o keep_v himself_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o sobriety_n sapit_fw-la non_fw-la sapit_fw-la qui_fw-la plus_fw-la justo_fw-la sapit_fw-la and_o presume_v not_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v second_o that_o in_o case_n the_o rationality_n of_o this_o or_o that_o command_n appear_v not_o either_o as_o not_o reveal_v by_o god_n or_o as_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o shallow_a understanding_n to_o discern_v it_o he_o yield_v to_o mere_a sovereignty_n and_o answerable_o resolve_v to_o obey_v though_o he_o see_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o only_o this_o that_o god_n have_v command_v it_o and_o for_o christian_n still_o attend_v to_o these_o prouiso_n to_o search_v after_o and_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o divine_a command_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n command_v this_o or_o that_o as_o a_o duty_n conduce_v not_o a_o little_a as_o to_o their_o cheerful_a and_o complacential_a walk_v in_o way_n of_o obedience_n so_o to_o their_o please_a and_o honour_v god_n in_o any_o by_o that_o their_o obedience_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a reason_v as_o darken_v and_o corrupt_v in_o fall_v man_n rise_v up_o with_o a_o strong_a opposition_n against_o what_o ever_o be_v of_o god_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 8.7_o the_o wisdom_n or_o reason_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v carnal_a or_o corrupt_a wisdom_n or_o reason_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n yet_o reason_n sanctify_a and_o regulate_v by_o supernatural_a light_n be_v high_o serviceable_a unto_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o great_o subserve_v their_o yield_n unto_o god_n due_a honour_n and_o glory_n in_o and_o by_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o command_n the_o more_o of_o sanctify_a reason_n any_o man_n have_v the_o more_o clear_o suppose_v his_o due_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o will_v he_o discern_v the_o rationality_n of_o divine_a command_n and_o confequent_o the_o more_o full_o and_o free_o will_v he_o own_v and_o ascribe_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o wisdom_n appear_v in_o the_o command_n and_o cheerful_o submit_v to_o his_o sovereignty_n as_o command_v and_o answerable_o honour_v he_o by_o a_o complacential_a obedience_n dience_n hence_o christian_n of_o the_o high_a reason_n suppose_v they_o proportionable_o renew_v and_o sanctify_a will_v be_v most_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o walk_v with_o the_o great_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o themselves_o in_o his_o way_n to_o bring_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o instance_n before_o we_o though_o the_o alone_a revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v in_o his_o word_n of_o his_o
will_n that_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o insant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n do_v not_o reason_n of_o that_o his_o will_v appear_v will_v be_v sufficient_a warrant_n for_o our_o practice_n and_o aught_o to_o oblige_v all_o man_n to_o a_o compliance_n therewith_o yet_o to_o make_v some_o inquiry_n into_o the_o rationality_n of_o that_o practice_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n enjoin_v of_o it_o will_v be_v great_o useful_a as_o to_o the_o establish_v the_o practice_n itself_o so_o to_o believer_n chearsul_n walk_v therein_o and_o honour_v god_n thereby_o the_o reason_n than_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o with_o respect_n unto_o god_n institute_v or_o the_o parent_n to_o who_o seed_n the_o token_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v or_o the_o seed_n to_o who_o the_o application_n be_v to_o be_v make_v 1._o for_o the_o reason_n respect_v god_n and_o thus_o a_o threefold_a reason_n may_v be_v assign_v 1._o his_o own_o goodness_n free_a grace_n and_o sovereign_a good_a pleasure_n one_o special_a reason_n of_o all_o divine_a institution_n yea_o of_o all_o that_o god_n have_v do_v or_o do_v whether_o as_o ligislator_n or_o benefactor_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o fall_a man_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o his_o goodness_n free_a grace_n and_o sovereign_a will_n and_o pleasure_n thou_o be_v good_a say_v the_o psalmist_n speak_v unto_o god_n psal_n 119.68_o and_o do_v good_a god_n do_v good_a because_o he_o be_v good_a he_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o council_n of_o his_o own_o will_n say_v the_o apostle_n eph._n 1.11_o as_o the_o mere_a goodness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n and_o original_a spring_n of_o all_o the_o good_a he_o communicate_v to_o or_o any_o way_n express_v towards_o the_o child_n of_o man_n so_o he_o work_v in_o the_o various_a communication_n and_o expression_n thereof_o after_o the_o alone_a counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will._n hence_o as_o the_o vouchsafement_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o a_o sign_n and_o token_n so_o the_o command_v require_v the_o application_n of_o this_o token_n to_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o adult_n must_v be_v ascribe_v both_o to_o his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n and_o also_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o will._n the_o protomartyr_n stephen_n enumerate_v the_o give_v unto_o abraham_n the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n among_o the_o various_a expression_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n to_o he_o loco_fw-la foedus_fw-la graetia_fw-la quod_fw-la obsignavit_fw-la ei_fw-la circumsione_n piscator_fw-la in_o loco_fw-la and_o his_o seed_n for_o it_o be_v give_v to_o he_o not_o only_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o his_o seed_n also_o act_v 7.8_o he_o give_v unto_o abraham_n the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n the_o covenant_n seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o circumcision_n for_o god_n to_o give_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n the_o covenant_n be_v a_o glorious_a expression_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o he_o and_o they_o but_o to_o add_v a_o outward_a sign_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o that_o his_o goodness_n the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o a_o outward_a sign_n add_v to_o the_o value_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o and_o be_v a_o high_a expression_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n both_o to_o his_o people_n and_o their_o seed_n hence_o for_o patent_n to_o accept_v of_o and_o apply_v the_o covenant_n with_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n thereof_o only_o for_o and_o to_o themselves_o but_o to_o refuse_v to_o do_v the_o like_a for_o or_o to_o their_o seed_n be_v to_o reject_v no_o small_a part_n of_o that_o goodness_n he_o design_v for_o they_o and_o have_v by_o the_o true_a tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n grant_v to_o they_o which_o suppose_v it_o may_v not_o be_v interpret_v such_o a_o despise_n of_o his_o goodness_n as_o the_o apostle_n upbraid_v the_o centiles_n with_o and_o by_o which_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o in_o rom._n 2.4_o 5._o they_o treasure_v up_o to_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o come_v for_n nigh_o to_o and_o participate_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o shall_v make_v all_o tender_a conscientious_a christian_n great_o cautious_a of_o it_o we_o see_v how_o much_o god_n be_v provoke_v by_o ahaz_n in_o refuse_v a_o sign_n when_o offer_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o particular_a promise_n how_o much_o more_o provoke_v may_v it_o be_v when_o parent_n not_o only_o refuse_v the_o sign_n of_o his_o covenant_n but_o his_o covenant_n also_o though_o not_o for_o themselves_o yet_o for_o their_o it_o be_v above_o question_n to_o i_o that_o it_o be_v less_o dangerous_a to_o err_v on_o the_o right_n have_v and_o will_v be_v vast_o less_o displease_v unto_o god_n for_o parent_n to_o claim_v the_o covenant_n for_o their_o child_n and_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o it_o to_o they_o upon_o a_o supposal_n of_o their_o interest_n therein_o suppose_v the_o one_o not_o to_o extend_v nor_o the_o other_o to_o appertain_v to_o they_o than_o to_o reject_v and_o refuse_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o suppose_v the_o one_o do_v extend_v and_o the_o other_o appertain_v to_o they_o favores_fw-la sunt_fw-la ampliandi_fw-la favour_n be_v to_o be_v enlarge_v it_o be_v certain_o more_o dangerous_a to_o narrow_a and_o straiten_v the_o savour_n of_o god_n to_o man_n than_o to_o overamplify_v they_o in_o case_n that_o be_v dark_a and_o doubtful_a though_o here_o i_o conceive_v the_o case_n be_v not_o so_o but_o i_o speak_v upon_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o so_o the_o undervalue_a or_o refuse_v any_o expression_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n unto_o man_n be_v great_o provoke_v to_o he_o esau_n to_o this_o day_n bear_v the_o brand_n of_o a_o profane_a person_n for_o part_v at_o so_o low_a a_o rate_n which_o his_o birth_n right_a heb._n 12.16_o it_o be_v dangerous_a either_o to_o have_v our_o eye_n evil_a because_o god_n be_v good_a to_o other_o or_o to_o undervalue_v or_o reject_v any_o expression_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o ourselves_o or_o we_o but_o that_o be_v by_o the_o way_n now_o i_o say_v it_o be_v from_o the_o goodness_n and_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n guide_v in_o the_o various_a expression_n thereof_o by_o the_o alone_a council_n of_o his_o own_o will_n that_o he_o have_v extend_v his_o covenant_n with_o a_o ourward_a sign_n and_o token_n annex_v either_o to_o believer_n or_o their_o seed_n so_o one_o special_a reason_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o must_v be_v assign_v thereunto_o but_o than_o second_o the_o next_o reason_n respect_v god_n be_v the_o reference_n and_o subserviency_n that_o 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 believer_n have_v to_o his_o own_o glory_n he_o be_v great_o glorify_v thereby_o and_o that_o several_a way_n 1._o his_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n in_o extend_v his_o covenant_n unto_o they_o be_v make_v more_o manifest_a and_o conspicuous_a unto_o man_n as_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v open_o show_v forth_o as_o often_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d you_o open_o declare_v preach_v or_o show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 11.26_o and_o consequent_o both_o the_o grace_n and_o love_n of_o the_o father_n in_o send_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o love_n of_o the_o son_n in_o give_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v public_o manifest_v and_o make_v after_o a_o sort_n visible_a unto_o man_n so_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n whether_o to_o the_o adult_n or_o to_o infant_n the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o be_v public_o solemnize_v and_o thereby_o his_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n in_o enter_v it_o with_o they_o respective_o be_v open_o declare_v and_o make_v more_o conspicuous_a unto_o man_n and_o consequent_o as_o god_n extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n be_v a_o further_o and_o high_a expression_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o love_n than_o his_o enter_v it_o only_o with_o themselves_o so_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n to_o they_o there_o be_v a_o further_a manifestation_n of_o that_o his_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n make_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o clear_o and_o open_o any_o of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v unto_o man_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o meet_a object_n they_o become_v for_o their_o acknowledgement_n admiration_n and_o adoration_n and_o consequent_o such_o a_o manifestation_n of_o his_o attribute_n have_v a_o direct_a reference_n to_o his_o glory_n
and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n to_o yield_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o attribute_n by_o suitable_a acknowledgement_n admiration_n and_o adoration_n according_a to_o the_o manifestation_n he_o make_v of_o they_o oh_o sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n a_o new_a song_n for_o he_o have_v do_v marvellous_a thing_n his_o right_a hand_n and_o his_o holy_a arm_n have_v get_v he_o the_o victory_n the_o lord_n have_v make_v know_v his_o salvation_n his_o righteousness_n have_v he_o open_o show_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o heathen_a say_v the_o psalmist_n psalm_n 98._o 1_o 2._o the_o full_a explication_n of_o this_o scripture_n be_v not_o design_v that_o which_o alone_o concern_v our_o present_a purpose_n be_v the_o psalmist_n exciting_a man_n to_o sing_v a_o new_a song_n unto_o the_o lord_n upon_o this_o ground_n or_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o he_o have_v make_v know_v his_o salvation_n and_o open_o show_v his_o righteousness_n in_o the_o sight_n or_o before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o heathen_a by_o make_v know_v his_o salvation_n he_o have_v open_o show_v his_o righteousness_n the_o more_o visible_a god_n make_v any_o of_o his_o attribute_n unto_o man_n be_v the_o way_n or_o mean_n by_o which_o he_o do_v it_o what_o they_o will_v he_o more_o be_v he_o to_o be_v praise_v admire_a and_o adore_v by_o they_o so_o rev._n 15.3_o 4._o when_o god_n have_v execute_v judgement_n upon_o babylon_n the_o bless_a assembly_n of_o victor_n over_o the_o beast_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o sing_v the_o song_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o song_n of_o the_o lamb_n part_n of_o which_o be_v who_o shall_v not_o fear_v thou_o o_o lord_n and_o glorify_v thy_o name_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v sure_o every_o one_o will_v do_v it_o or_o oh_o how_o great_a be_v the_o stupidity_n of_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o do_v it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n permoventur_fw-la accusant_fw-la mundi_fw-la stuporem_fw-la quod_fw-la consideratione_n mirabilium_fw-la dei_fw-la operum_fw-la ad_fw-la eum_fw-la timendum_fw-la &_o glorificandum_fw-la non_fw-la permoventur_fw-la why_o shall_v man_n fear_v god_n and_o glorify_v his_o name_n now_o rather_o or_o more_o than_o former_o they_o give_v the_o reason_n thy_o judgement_n and_o consequent_o thy_o justice_n holiness_n and_o power_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o they_o be_v manifest_a the_o more_o visible_a god_n make_v his_o attribute_n the_o more_o he_o be_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o man_n and_o the_o more_o inexcusable_a be_v their_o stupidity_n in_o case_n of_o failure_n therein_o now_o i_o say_v by_o the_o solemnisation_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o extend_v to_o and_o enter_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o unto_o they_o the_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n be_v make_v more_o manifest_a or_o be_v open_o show_v in_o the_o sight_n or_o before_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o have_v a_o peculliar_a subserviency_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o let_v it_o be_v far_o observe_v that_o as_o god_n extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o and_o enter_v it_o with_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n be_v a_o expression_n of_o great_a goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n than_o the_o enter_v it_o with_o the_o parent_n alone_o will_v have_v be_v so_o there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o that_o his_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o infant_n for_o the_o illustration_n and_o manifestation_n of_o the_o riches_n and_o freeness_n es_fw-mi his_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n beyond_o what_o there_o be_v in_o his_o enter_v it_o with_o parent_n or_o any_o adult_n person_n whatsoever_o but_o of_o that_o more_o hereafter_o 2._o hereby_o the_o sovereign_a headship_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v public_o own_a and_o practical_o acknowledge_v by_o parent_n who_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o reveal_v will_v have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o their_o seed_n and_o that_o two_o way_n 1._o by_o the_o solemn_a and_o visible_a dedication_n of_o they_o unto_o he_o and_o enter_v they_o as_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o for_o this_o end_n christ_n both_o die_v and_z rise_v and_o revive_v that_o he_o may_v be_v lord_n both_o of_o the_o dead_a and_o live_a rom._n 4.9_o as_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o a_o universal_a headship_n over_o all_o creature_n so_o he_o have_v acquire_v the_o actual_a exercise_n thereof_o by_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n now_o as_o the_o adult_n by_o receive_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o dedicate_a themselves_o thereby_o unto_o christ_n as_o his_o subject_n and_o servant_n do_v public_o own_v and_o practical_o acknowledge_v his_o headship_n over_o themselves_o so_o by_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v unto_o they_o and_o dedicate_a they_o unto_o christ_n thereby_o and_o enter_v they_o as_o joint_a subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n they_o alike_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o headship_n over_o they_o and_o consequent_o open_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o universal_a headship_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v only_o a_o absolute_a power_n over_o and_o right_a to_o dedicate_v themselves_o and_o they_o who_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o or_o of_o they_o unto_o christ_n and_o unto_o god_n in_o he_o and_o hence_o they_o go_v to_o the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o that_o power_n and_o right_n that_o god_n in_o nature_n or_o his_o word_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o promote_v and_o propagate_v the_o headship_n of_o christ_n over_o all_o now_o thus_o public_o to_o own_o and_o practical_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o sovereign_n and_o universal_a headship_n of_o christ_n great_o redound_v not_o only_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n but_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n god_n have_v high_o exalt_v he_o and_o give_v he_o a_o name_n above_o every_o name_n that_o every_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n phil._n 2.9_o 11._o and_o let_v i_o say_v have_v our_o lord_n christ_n deserve_v so_o ill_o at_o their_o hand_n who_o he_o have_v redeem_v with_o no_o less_o price_n than_o his_o own_o precious_a blood_n that_o they_o shall_v grudge_n he_o his_o universal_a headship_n or_o shall_v refuse_v to_o dedicate_v they_o up_o to_o he_o and_o enter_v they_o as_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v invest_v with_o a_o power_n and_o right_v so_o to_o do_v 2._o by_o a_o solemn_a dedicate_a of_o their_o infant_n unto_o christ_n and_o enter_v they_o as_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n by_o a_o right_n or_o ceremony_n of_o his_o own_o institution_n they_o do_v visible_o own_v and_o practical_o acknowledge_v his_o headship_n over_o his_o own_o house_n or_o kingdom_n as_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n thereof_o which_o again_o great_o redound_v as_o to_o his_o so_o to_o his_o father_n glory_n the_o apostle_n enforce_v his_o exhortation_n to_o liberality_n to_o the_o poor_a by_o this_o argument_n that_o they_o viz._n the_o poor_a will_v glorify_v god_n for_o their_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 9.13_o a_o practical_a profession_n of_o our_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o kingdom_n redound_v more_o to_o his_o and_o his_o father_n glory_n then_o a_o mere_a verbal_a profession_n do_v a_o verbal_a profession_n may_v be_v without_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o practice_n evidence_v a_o real_a belief_n of_o what_o be_v profess_v in_o word_n and_o as_o by_o realize_v our_o belief_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o headship_n over_o his_o church_n we_o do_v ourselves_o more_o immediate_o honour_n and_o glorify_v christ_n so_o other_o will_v be_v provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o to_o glorify_v god_n for_o that_o our_o profess_a subjection_n to_o his_o gospel_n and_o here_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o as_o in_o practice_n to_o submit_v to_o any_o command_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o far_o a_o own_n and_o acknowledge_v of_o his_o headship_n and_o sovereignty_n so_o by_o how_o much_o the_o mote_n pure_o such_o a_o command_n or_o ordinance_n proceed_v from_o his_o sovereign_a will_n and_o pleasure_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o full_a and_o apparent_a be_v our_o own_n and_o acknowledge_v of_o his_o absolute_a sovereignty_n hence_o in_o as_o much_o as_o positive_a command_n and_o such_o be_v that_o concern_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v more_o especial_o proceed_v from_o the_o sovereign_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o christ_n we_o by_o our_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o they_o do_v eminent_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o his_o absolute_a sovereignty_n on_o which_o account_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o unworthy_a our_o observation_n that_o all_o
more_o especial_a probation_n or_o trial_n of_o man_n have_v be_v make_v by_o some_o positive_a command_n and_o yet_o further_o some_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o this_o kind_n at_o lest_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la proceed_v more_o pure_o and_o absolute_o from_o the_o mere_a sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n of_o christ_n than_o other_o do_v some_o have_v the_o reason_n yea_o consideratis_fw-la considerandis_fw-la necessity_n of_o their_o institution_n engrave_v in_o legible_a character_n upon_o they_o and_o man_n by_o a_o little_a use_n and_o exercise_v of_o their_o own_o reason_n may_v be_v convine_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o enjoy_n the_o good_a convey_v by_o they_o and_o answerable_o may_v submit_v rather_o out_o of_o self-love_n then_o from_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o christ_n whence_o their_o submit_v to_o they_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n but_o now_o other_o however_o alike_o rational_a and_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o yet_o their_o rationality_n and_o necessariness_n lie_v more_o remote_a from_o ordinary_a observation_n yea_o may_n possible_o seem_v at_o least_o to_o many_o to_o be_v if_o not_o irrational_a yet_o useless_a and_o unnecessary_a yea_o it_o must_v be_v further_o observe_v in_o respect_n of_o most_o if_o not_o all_o law_n of_o this_o kind_n viz._n positive_a law_n though_o satisfactory_a reason_n of_o their_o institution_n may_v be_v assign_v yet_o somewhat_o of_o sovereign_a will_n and_o pleasure_n must_v be_v own_v as_o the_o original_a ground_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o this_o be_v necessary_a that_o as_o man_n behold_v their_o rationality_n and_o see_v how_o they_o be_v adapt_v and_o suit_v to_o that_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v ordain_v shall_v admire_v the_o wisdom_n that_o appear_v in_o they_o so_o be_v nonplus_v in_o their_o inquiry_n after_o the_o full_a reason_n of_o they_o shall_v yield_v unto_o christ_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n by_o a_o ready_a submission_n to_o that_o the_o full_a reason_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o which_o must_v be_v resolve_v into_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a ruler_n in_o jacob._n a_o instance_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o this_o command_n require_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n especial_o as_o these_o particular_a right_n circumcision_n of_o old_a and_o baptism_n now_o be_v and_o be_v the_o token_n and_o infant_n be_v and_o be_v the_o subject_n to_o who_o the_o one_o be_v and_o the_o other_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v for_o though_o a_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o these_o particular_a right_n be_v appoint_v and_o of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o to_o infant_n as_o confederate_n with_o their_o parent_n may_v be_v give_v yet_o the_o command_n must_v be_v grant_v to_o carry_v no_o obscure_a impression_n of_o absolute_a sovereignty_n after_o our_o utmost_a inquiry_n after_o the_o reason_n either_o of_o such_o right_n be_v institute_v or_o of_o their_o application_n to_o infant_n we_o must_v leave_v somew_n hat_n to_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o answerable_o parent_n by_o dedicate_a their_o infant-seed_n unto_o christ_n and_o enter_v they_o as_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n by_o such_o a_o particular_a right_n or_o ceremony_n as_o they_o open_o own_o and_o practical_o acknowledge_v his_o headsip_n over_o his_o own_o house_n in_o common_a with_o their_o subjection_n to_o any_o other_o of_o his_o command_n so_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n they_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o absolutness_n of_o that_o his_o sovereign_a headship_n that_o his_o alone_a will_n and_o pleasure_n instamp_v such_o authority_n on_o his_o command_n as_o that_o on_o the_o sole_a account_n thereof_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o submit_v and_o yield_v cheerful_a obedience_n unto_o they_o by_o our_o cheerful_a and_o ready_a obedience_n to_o such_o command_n as_o we_o eminent_o evidence_n our_o own_o sincerity_n so_o we_o both_o glorify_v christ_n as_o mediator_n and_o god_n the_o father_n who_o have_v put_v all_o power_n into_o his_o hand_n 3._o hereby_o parent_n give_v a_o public_a commendatory_a testimony_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n they_o open_o testify_v their_o approbation_n and_o like_n of_o it_o they_o practical_o prosess_v their_o high_a value_n of_o it_o they_o declare_v their_o willingness_n that_o their_o child_n shall_v come_v under_o the_o bond_n of_o it_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o good_a promise_v upon_o the_o term_n require_v in_o it_o and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a good_a and_o advantage_n unto_o man_n to_o enjoy_v that_o good_a upon_o those_o term_n now_o that_o be_v a_o great_a commendation_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v redound_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n establish_v of_o it_o as_o in_o case_n a_o man_n have_v have_v a_o lease_n of_o a_o manor_n or_o farm_n during_o his_o life_n and_o when_o he_o grow_v old_a and_o come_v to_o die_v he_o be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a his_o son_n shall_v have_v the_o lease_n renew_v to_o he_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o same_o term_n and_o condition_n himself_o have_v possess_v it_o he_o thereby_o give_v a_o commendatory_a testimony_n to_o his_o lease_n so_o when_o a_o believer_n shall_v put_v his_o child_n under_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o interest_n they_o in_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o it_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n himself_o have_v enjoy_v that_o good_a he_o thereby_o commend_v the_o covenant_n and_o open_o declare_v its_o worthiness_n of_o all_o acceptation_n it_o be_v no_o little_a commendation_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o joshua_n to_o make_v that_o public_a profession_n that_o whatsoever_o choice_n the_o people_n shall_v make_v as_o to_o the_o god_n they_o will_v serve_v yet_o not_o himself_n only_o will_v but_o his_o house_n shall_v serve_v the_o lord_n josh_n 24_o 15._o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n he_o will_v not_o only_o continue_v in_o his_o service_n himself_o but_o he_o will_v do_v what_o in_o he_o lay_v to_o oblige_v his_o child_n to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o same_o god_n now_o this_o do_v great_o commend_v the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o the_o people_n hence_o we_o see_v what_o a_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o they_o how_o resolve_o thev_v express_v themselves_o then_o the_o people_n answer_v and_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v forsake_v the_o lord_n to_o serve_v other_o god_n when_o people_n be_v unto_o only_a resolve_o steadfast_a to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n themselves_o but_o be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a that_o their_o child_n shall_v and_o answerable_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n chat_v they_o may_v engage_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o service_n it_o be_v a_o high_a commendation_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n so_o when_o parent_n shall_v enter_v their_o child_n into_o and_o bring_v they_o under_o the_o bond_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o themselves_o have_v already_o take_v hold_v of_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a commendation_n to_o the_o covenant_n they_o thereby_o public_o show_v their_o approbation_n and_o value_n of_o it_o before_o i_o pass_v this_o let_v i_o only_o say_v to_o those_o who_o do_v so_o zealous_o oppose_v their_o child_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o reject_v the_o token_n by_o the_o application_n of_o which_o god_n have_v ordain_v they_o shall_v be_v bring_v under_o the_o bond_n of_o it_o as_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o his_o people_n of_o old_a when_o they_o apostatise_v from_o he_o what_o iniquity_n have_v your_o father_n find_v in_o i_o that_o they_o be_v go_v far_o from_o i_o jer._n 2.5_o so_o let_v i_o say_v what_o iniquity_n have_v you_o sound_v in_o god_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v so_o averse_a to_o your_o child_n being_n bring_v nigh_o unto_o he_o what_o iniquity_n have_v you_o find_v in_o his_o covenant_n that_o you_o be_v so_o willing_a that_o the_o entail_v of_o it_o to_o your_o child_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o sure_o it_o may_v well_o discourage_v sinner_n from_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n when_o you_o that_o profess_v yourselves_o to_o understand_v it_o shall_v put_v so_o low_a a_o value_n upon_o it_o and_o shall_v account_v interest_n in_o it_o such_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n yea_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o averse_a to_o you_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o be_v the_o good_a promise_v so_o small_a or_o be_v the_o term_n require_v so_o hard_a and_o difficult_a as_o that_o the_o good_a be_v no_o worth_n have_v upon_o those_o term_n alas_o that_o professor_n shall_v understand_v the_o covenant_n no_o better_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o parent_n that_o now_o in_o their_o darkness_n reject_v yea_o dispute_n against_o their_o child_n interest_n in_o the_o
promise_n further_o make_v to_o his_o house_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n to_o come_v 2_o sam._n 7.18_o 19_o so_o for_o god_n not_o only_o to_o promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o believer_n themselves_o but_o to_o make_v their_o child_n and_o that_o as_o such_o fellow-heir_n with_o they_o of_o the_o same_o promise_n may_v have_v even_o nonplus_v their_o faith_n have_v he_o not_o express_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v that_o branch_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n to_o their_o seed_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v have_v overcome_v a_o weak_a faith_n have_v it_o not_o be_v suitable_a confirm_v but_o 2._o the_o other_o endand_v use_v of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v the_o ratificatio_fw-la and_o confirmatiou_n of_o the_o promise_v as_o make_v unto_o they_o and_o consequent_o for_o the_o more_o full_a secure_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v to_o they_o and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o look_v upon_o and_o improve_v by_o they_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o now_o then_o to_o bring_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n we_o may_v see_v what_o advantage_n believer_n have_v to_o their_o faith_n as_o to_o be_v act_v with_o reserence_n to_o their_o seed_n or_o the_o good_a promise_v to_o they_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o they_o have_v not_o only_o that_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n respect_v their_o seed_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v to_o themselves_o but_o they_o also_o see_v the_o covenant_n as_o enter_v with_o and_o the_o promise_v as_o make_v to_o their_o seed_n ratiry_v and_o confirm_v unto_o they_o how_o far_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v act_v by_o parent_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o seed_n will_v appear_v when_o we_o consider_v what_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o they_o with_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o and_o consequent_o convey_v to_o and_o settle_v upon_o they_o by_o those_o promise_n but_o how_o far_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n soever_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v act_v we_o see_v believer_n have_v no_o little_a advantage_n for_o it_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o their_o seed_n they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o promise_v as_o make_v to_o themselves_o with_o reserence_n to_o their_o seed_n confirm_v to_o themselves_o but_o those_o promise_v as_o make_v to_o their_o seed_n confirm_v unto_o they_o 2._o another_o reason_n may_v be_v that_o god_n hereby_o may_v provide_v for_o and_o lay_v a_o sure_a foundation_n unto_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o people_n in_o their_o child_n according_a to_o what_o faith_n believer_n can_v act_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o child_n and_o the_o advantage_n they_o have_v to_o that_o their_o faith_n so_o will_v their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o they_o be_v child_n be_v great_a blessing_n choice_a mercy_n and_o peculiar_a comfort_n unto_o man_n we_o see_v how_o jacob_n look_v upon_o the_o gift_n of_o child_n he_o account_v it_o a_o gracious_a gift_n when_o esau_n see_v his_o wife_n and_o child_n put_v the_o question_n who_o be_v these_o say_v he_o they_o be_v the_o child_n that_o god_n have_v gracious_o give_v i_o gen._n 32.5_o he_o account_v his_o child_n as_o a_o effect_n or_o great_a grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o he_o so_o our_o lord_n christ_n tell_v we_o a_o woman_n when_o she_o be_v in_o travel_n have_v sorrow_n because_o her_o hour_n be_v come_v but_o when_o she_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o child_n she_o remember_v no_o more_o her_o anguish_n for_o joy_n that_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n john_n 16.21_o the_o joy_n that_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v swallow_n up_o the_o remembrance_n of_o her_o sorrow_n child_n be_v parent_n joy_n and_o comfort_n but_o now_o be_v it_o so_o indeed_o that_o infant_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v bear_v of_o believe_a parent_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n nor_o any_o security_n thereby_o from_o thedreadful_a effect_n of_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o condition_n the_o apprehension_n and_o consideration_n of_o what_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n be_v must_v needs_o great_o allay_v if_o not_o utter_o destroy_v the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o parent_n in_o they_o for_o parent_n to_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o body_n be_v matter_n of_o joy_n but_o when_o they_o reflect_v upon_o their_o natural_a conditio_n and_o remember_v they_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n this_o must_v needs_o great_o weaken_v or_o rather_o utter_o destroy_v that_o joy_n and_o it_o be_v no_o little_a matter_n of_o admiratio_fw-la how_o any_o that_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o scripture_n declare_v how_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n be_v involve_v in_o the_o guilt_n of_o adam_n sin_n as_o be_v virtual_o and_o seminal_o in_o he_o as_o also_o how_o humane_a nature_n be_v vitiate_a and_o corrupt_v with_o sin_n and_o so_o propagate_v from_o parent_n to_o child_n and_o consequent_o how_o all_o as_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n be_v guilty_a before_o god_n and_o child_n of_o wrath_n i_o say_v how_o any_o that_o know_v and_o believe_v these_o thing_n can_v have_v any_o joy_n or_o rake_v any_o comfort_n in_o their_o child_n unless_o they_o have_v some_o hope_n that_o through_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o under_o at_o least_o a_o probability_n of_o security_n from_o the_o dreadful_a effect_n of_o that_o their_o state_n as_o for_o that_o supposition_n of_o some_o that_o only_o natural_a death_n be_v threaten_v against_o adam_n in_o case_n of_o sin_n and_o consequent_o that_o no_o other_o kind_n of_o death_n be_v come_v upon_o all_o mankind_n through_o his_o fall_n and_o hereupon_o that_o that_o be_v the_o only_a kind_n of_o death_n that_o infant_n be_v subject_a to_o or_o that_o supposition_n of_o other_o that_o the_o guilt_n of_o original_a sin_n be_v whole_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la take_v away_o from_o all_o mank_n by_o christ_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o under_o the_o same_o love_n and_o favour_n that_o adam_n be_v under_o in_o his_o state_n of_o innocency_n what_o relief_n soever_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o yield_v can_v only_o arise_v from_o the_o darkness_n and_o error_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n have_v no_o true_a foundation_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n neither_o be_v they_o grant_v will_v they_o contribute_v in_o the_o least_o degree_n so_o much_o to_o they_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o parent_n in_o their_o child_n as_o the_o covenant_n if_o true_o under_v odd_a will_n do_v and_o as_o for_o those_o which_o fetch_v their_o relief_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n though_o that_o doctrine_n be_v certain_o true_a and_o may_v be_v improve_v as_o a_o considerable_a relief_n against_o that_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n that_o must_v rational_o arise_v to_o believe_a parent_n from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o natural_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o child_n yet_o i_o doubt_v if_o all_o thing_n be_v well_o weight_v it_o will_v be_v find_v great_o want_v as_o to_o the_o yield_v that_o plenary_a relief_n that_o it_o have_v be_v useusl_o endeavour_v to_o be_v improve_v unto_o in_o as_o much_o as_o election_n neither_o secure_v any_o from_o death_n in_o their_o infant-state_n nor_o can_v be_v look_v upon_o according_a to_o any_o scripture-ground_n as_o a_o security_n against_o the_o dreadful_a effect_n of_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o case_n of_o death_n in_o that_o state_n however_o this_o seem_v evident_a that_o the_o relief_n to_o be_v fetch_v from_o thence_o be_v alike_o to_o unbeliever_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o child_n as_o to_o believer_n with_o respect_n to_o they_o set_a aside_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_v thereof_o and_o a_o believer_n have_v no_o more_o assurance_n from_o scripture_n that_o his_o seed_n belong_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n than_o any_o other_o man_n have_v or_o suppose_v he_o sehould_v yet_o that_o such_o as_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n do_v belong_v thereunto_o he_o have_v rather_o ground_n to_o fear_v than_o to_o hope_n yea_o the_o ground_n he_o have_v to_o fear_v they_o do_v not_o be_v vast_o great_a than_o the_o ground_n he_o have_v to_o hope_v that_o they_o do_v and_o for_o believer_n to_o have_v a_o clear_a knowledge_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o lose_a estate_n of_o their_o child_n as_o bear_v child_n of_o wrath_n than_o other_o have_v and_o yet_o to_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o hope_n concern_v they_o than_o other_o have_v muse_v needs_o great_o allay_v their_o comfort_n and_o joy_n in_o they_o yea_o they_o must_v rational_o have_v less_o joy_n and_o take_v less_o comfort_n in_o
paedo-baptist_n in_o care_n and_o diligence_n in_o instruct_v their_o child_n or_o use_v the_o mean_n subserve_v their_o conversion_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o grow_v to_o year_n of_o materity_n let_v we_o then_o set_v aside_o the_o mistake_v of_o some_o and_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o other_o on_o the_o one_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o inquire_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n maintain_v by_o we_o or_o by_o they_o as_o true_o state_v may_v be_v more_o deserve_o charge_v with_o the_o mischief_n aforemention_v and_o here_o two_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o enquiry_n 1._o whether_o paedo-baptist_n or_o anti-paedo-baptists_n according_a to_o their_o respective_a judgement_n and_o practice_n lie_v under_o the_o great_a obligation_n and_o have_v the_o more_o effectual_a motive_n to_o provoke_v and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o all_o mean_n and_o faithful_a performance_n of_o all_o duty_n subserve_v their_o child_n conversion_n and_o personal_a embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n 2._o whether_o have_v they_o great_a and_o sure_a ground_n of_o hope_n or_o be_v under_o a_o great_a probability_n that_o their_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o duty_n shall_v be_v effectual_a to_o the_o end_v mention_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n to_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n and_o use_v of_o all_o mean_n in_o order_n thereunto_o and_o that_o the_o success_n and_o efficacy_n of_o all_o end_n eavour_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o use_v of_o mean_n for_o that_o end_n depend_v upon_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v at_o present_a take_v for_o grant_v our_o only_a enoviry_n be_v whether_o parent_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o perswafion_n have_v the_o strong_a obligation_n and_o more_o effectual_a motive_n to_o provoke_v and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n subserve_v the_o forementioned_a end_n and_o whether_o have_v the_o great_a ground_n to_o hope_v for_o success_n therein_o and_o consequent_o whether_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o duty_n may_v be_v rational_o conclude_v to_o be_v ordinary_o more_o effectual_a and_o successful_a to_o begin_v with_o the_o 1._o first_o which_o how_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v refolve_v will_v easy_o appear_v by_o a_o double_a consideration_n 1._o that_o whatever_o obligation_n anti-paedo-baptists_n can_v plead_v or_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o lie_v under_o or_o whatever_o motive_n they_o can_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n rational_o improve_v to_o proulke_v and_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n the_o same_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o and_o the_o same_o motive_n may_v as_o rational_o be_v improve_v by_o paedo-baptist_n for_o the_o provoke_a and_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o alike_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n i_o can_v at_o present_a call_n to_o mind_n only_o two_o thing_n that_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v pretend_v to_o lie_v as_o obligation_n upon_o and_o be_v improve_v as_o motive_n by_o anti-paedo-baptists_n for_o the_o purpose_n mention_v beyond_o what_o confess_o lie_v upon_o or_o may_v be_v improve_v by_o paedo-baptist_n the_o 1._o be_v their_o profess_a own_v and_o acknowledge_v their_o child_n as_o such_o to_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n or_o right_o to_o the_o token_n thereof_o now_o it_o may_v be_v say_v those_o that_o profess_o disclaim_v their_o child_n have_n a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o right_a to_o the_o seal_n thereof_o and_o answerable_o apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v yet_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n must_v rational_o be_v under_o a_o strong_a obligation_n to_o endeavour_v their_o conversion_n that_o so_o they_o may_v come_v regular_o to_o a_o interest_n in_o both_o the_o covenant_n and_o token_n thereof_o than_o those_o who_o take_v their_o child_n to_o be_v already_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o answerable_o have_v apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o can_v a_o man_n that_o conveive_v his_o child_n to_o be_v already_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o have_v answerable_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o apprehend_v himself_o under_o such_o a_o obligation_n to_o instruct_v they_o and_o use_v the_o mean_n for_o their_o conversion_n as_o a_o man_n must_v needs_o apprehend_v himself_o to_o be_v that_o utter_o disclaim_v any_o present_a interest_n that_o they_o havei_fw-mi in_o it_o and_o anserable_o suspend_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n to_o they_o but_o to_o that_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a the_o judgement_n and_o praactice_n of_o auti-pedo-baptists_n lay_v no_o small_a obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n after_o the_o early_a conversion_n of_o their_o child_n those_o that_o suppose_v their_o child_n to_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o or_o benefit_n by_o the_o covenant_n as_o descend_v from_o they_o sure_o be_v great_o concern_v to_o use_v all_o mean_v the_o scripture_n direct_v they_o to_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n through_o their_o own_o personal_a performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o themselves_o and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o man_n of_o that_o persuasion_n will_v serious_o consider_v the_o obligation_n they_o be_v under_o and_o how_o they_o acquit_v themselves_o with_o reference_n thereunto_o but_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o to_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n and_o that_o they_o do_v personal_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n equal_o concern_v paedo-baptist_n as_o it_o do_v anti-paedo-baptists_n though_o not_o with_o reference_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o end_n anti-paedo-baptists_n be_v to_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n and_o their_o personal_a embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o they_o may_v come_v under_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o it_o paedo-baptist_n be_v to_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n and_o their_o personal_a embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o their_o covenant-state_n may_v be_v continue_v to_o they_o and_o consequent_o that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o that_o both_o be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v their_o child_n personal_a embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n only_o the_o one_o in_o order_n to_o their_o come_n into_o the_o other_o in_o order_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o late_a author_n it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n to_o baptize_v the_o child_n of_o believer_n as_o include_v they_o in_o the_o covevenant_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o after_o teach_v they_o conversion_n to_o keep_v to_o his_o phrase_n but_o this_o imagination_n arise_v mere_o from_o ignorance_n about_o the_o covenant_n as_o enter_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n their_o covenant-state_n simple_o and_o absolute_o of_o itself_o infallible_o secure_v not_o their_o regeneration_n or_o a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o their_o heart_n during_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n the_o condition_n of_o their_o covenant-interest_n be_v whole_o without_o they_o viz._n in_o their_o parent_n but_o as_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n it_o be_v devolve_v upon_o themselves_o and_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o save_v close_o with_o christ_n and_o sincere_a resignation_n of_o themselves_o to_o god_n in_o he_o as_o he_o on_o their_o part_n in_o order_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n which_o that_o they_o may_v do_v their_o parent_n be_v to_o endeavour_v in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_v god_n have_v direct_v they_o to_o and_o the_o necessity_n hereof_o be_v a_o equal_a obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o use_v those_o mean_n in_o order_n thereunto_o that_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o close_a with_o christ_n be_v upon_o those_o who_o disclaim_v their_o present_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n to_o use_v the_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o that_o their_o close_n in_o with_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n so_o that_o i_o say_v both_o paedo-baptist_n and_o anti-paedo-baptists_n be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n or_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o save_v personal_a close_o with_o christ_n though_o the_o one_o do_v it_o that_o his_o child_n may_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n which_o before_o he_o apprehend_v
propriety_n that_o god_n have_v in_o they_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o be_v entrust_v with_o they_o for_o he_o be_v a_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o they_o so_o to_o do_v sure_o it_o must_v be_v grievous_a to_o tender_a heart_n to_o think_v that_o god_n own_o servant_n shall_v prove_v enemy_n to_o he_o especial_o this_o be_v through_o any_o neglect_n on_o their_o part_n that_o those_o that_o god_n have_v design_v for_o himself_o shall_v rebel_v against_o he_o through_o a_o failure_n on_o their_o part_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o but_o 2._o there_o be_v the_o parent_n own_o act_n in_o dedicate_a they_o unto_o god_n and_o ratify_v and_o solemnize_n that_o dedication_n of_o they_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v not_o only_a god_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o choice_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o parent_n resignation_n and_o dedication_n of_o they_o to_o he_o which_o dedication_n they_o have_v make_v of_o they_o to_o god_n they_o have_v also_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v in_o a_o outward_a and_o solemn_a way_n by_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o that_o must_v needs_o suppose_v they_o to_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v more_o strong_o oblige_v and_o more_o effectual_o move_v then_o to_o bring_v they_o up_o for_o god_n they_o give_v they_o up_o to_o god_n to_o be_v his_o under_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o seal_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v now_o parent_n thus_o dedicate_a and_o give_v up_o their_o child_n to_o god_n do_v necessary_o imply_v and_o include_v a_o purpose_n to_o bring_v they_o up_o for_o god_n otherwise_o their_o give_v they_o up_o to_o he_o will_v be_v mere_a hypocrisy_n and_o deceit_n and_o therefore_o when_o elkanah_n and_o hannah_n have_v dedicate_v samuel_n unto_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o in_o the_o tabernacle_n from_o his_o very_a childhood_n they_o bring_v he_o up_o betimes_o to_o the_o tabernacle_n probable_o before_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o perfome_v any_o service_n there_o it_o be_v immediate_o as_o he_o be_v wean_v therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v young_a 1_o sam._n 1.24_o a_o child_n a_o child_n as_o the_o hebrew_n utuntur_fw-la hebrew_n hebraei_n cum_fw-la superlativis_fw-la careant_fw-la pro_fw-la iis_fw-la geminatione_fw-la utuntur_fw-la be_v that_o be_v a_o very_a young_a child_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o bring_v he_o up_o so_o early_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v that_o he_o may_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o law_n and_o thereby_o fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o future_a service_n have_v give_v he_o up_o to_o god_n they_o be_v careful_a to_o bring_v he_o up_o for_o god_n to_o bring_v he_o up_o so_o as_o he_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o his_o service_n and_o this_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n in_o the_o dedication_n that_o parent_n make_v of_o their_o child_n unto_o god_n do_v indispensible_o require_v i_o know_v abraham_n say_v god_n that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o boushold_n after_o he_o gen._n 18.19_o as_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v say_v i_o know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o faithful_a and_o upright_a man_n hence_o have_v give_v up_o his_o child_n and_o household_n to_o i_o he_o will_v use_v the_o mean_n that_o they_o may_v serve_v i_o so_o when_o jepthah_n have_v vow_v that_o whosoever_o come_v first_o out_o of_o his_o door_n to_o meet_v he_o shall_v be_v the_o lord_n though_o it_o prove_v to_o be_v his_o daughter_n and_o she_o his_o only_a child_n yet_o he_o will_v give_v she_o up_o to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o intendment_n of_o his_o vow_n what_o that_o be_v i_o determine_v not_o and_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n i_o have_v open_v my_o mouth_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o i_o can_v go_v back_o judg._n 11.35_o his_o own_o act_n in_o dedicate_a his_o daughter_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o implicit_a dedication_n of_o she_o in_o particular_a be_v to_o he_o a_o indispensible_a obligation_n to_o give_v she_o up_o to_o god_n so_o parent_n actual_a dedication_n of_o their_o child_n unto_o god_n especial_o have_v ratify_v and_o solemnize_v that_o dedication_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o add_v great_o to_o the_o obligation_n that_o they_o be_v under_o to_o bring_v they_o up_o so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o lord_n may_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o serve_v and_o honour_v he_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o capacity_n so_o to_o do_v 3._o there_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n that_o their_o child_n be_v under_o in_o order_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o grace_n benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o a_o further_a obligation_n upon_o and_o motive_n to_o believe_a parent_n diligent_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n and_o perform_v their_o duty_n subservient_fw-fr thereunto_o what_o these_o advantage_n be_v shall_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v show_v hereafter_o at_o present_a i_o say_v for_o parent_n to_o see_v their_o child_n under_o special_a advantage_n in_o order_n to_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o grace_n benefit_n and_o blession_n of_o the_o covenant_n must_v needs_o strong_o oblige_v and_o powerful_o move_v as_o well_o as_o encourage_v they_o to_o endeavour_v that_o they_o may_v come_v to_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o when_o a_o man_n either_o seethe_v himself_o or_o his_o child_n in_o a_o fair_a way_n and_o under_o special_a advantage_n to_o enjoy_v any_o good_a he_o be_v thereby_o provoke_v to_o great_a diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n that_o either_o himself_o or_o his_o child_n may_v enjoy_v that_o good_a this_o be_v that_o which_o at_o least_o in_o part_n quicken_v moses_n to_o so_o great_a importunity_n that_o he_o may_v go_v over_o jordan_n to_o see_v the_o good_a land_n viz._n canaan_n because_o god_n have_v begin_v to_o show_v he_o his_o greatness_n and_o his_o mighty_a hand_n deut._n 3.24_o oh_o lord_n say_v he_o thou_o have_v begin_v to_o show_v thy_o servant_n thy_o greatness_n and_o thy_o mighty_a hand_n i_o pray_v thou_o let_v i_o go_v over_o and_o see_v the_o good_a land_n that_o be_v beyond_o jordan_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v thou_o have_v bring_v i_o through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n of_o the_o wilderness_n thou_o have_v begin_v to_o make_v way_n to_o thy_o people_n entrance_n into_o and_o possession_n of_o this_o good_a land_n and_o must_v i_o now_o when_o so_o nigh_o unto_o it_o and_o in_o such_o a_o fair_a way_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o thy_o people_n to_o come_v to_o the_o possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o never_o come_v to_o it_o the_o loss_n of_o fall_v short_a of_o a_o mercy_n when_o a_o man_n come_v nigh_o to_o it_o and_o be_v under_o peculiar_a advantage_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o trouble_v more_o than_o the_o non-injoyment_n of_o the_o same_o ot_fw-mi like_o mercy_n when_o a_o man_n be_v under_o no_o probability_n or_o have_v no_o peculiar_a advantage_n ever_o to_o in_o joy_n it_o hence_o to_o be_v nigh_o to_o or_o under_o peculiar_a advantage_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o any_o mercy_n quicken_v to_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n that_o we_o may_v not_o then_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o but_o may_v actual_o enjoy_v it_o and_o this_o hold_v true_a whether_o the_o mercy_n respect_v a_o man_n self_n or_o his_o child_n or_o near_a relation_n now_o i_o say_v the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v near_o to_o and_o under_o more_o peculiar_a advantage_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o grace_n benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o the_o seed_n of_o other_o be_v parent_n have_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v some_o kind_a os_fw-la hold_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o those_o blessing_n and_o benefic_n for_o their_o child_n and_o child_n have_v some_o hold_n for_o themselves_o and_o when_o a_o man_n have_v any_o hold_n of_o a_o good_a for_o himself_o or_o he_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o let_v it_o go_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o timothy_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o christian_n fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n lay_v hold_v on_o eternal_a life_n 1_o tim._n 6.12_o the_o latter_a branch_n of_o this_o exhortation_n viz._n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n may_v be_v take_v as_o directive_n to_o christian_n what_o to_o do_v more_o effectual_o to_o engage_v and_o quicken_v themselves_o to_o a_o vigorous_a prosecution_n of_o their_o spiritual_a warsare_n they_o be_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o apostle_n which_o may_v be_v do_v by_o christian_n while_n in_o this_o life_n there_o be_v several_a way_n whereby_o believer_n may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a lfe_n while_o in_o the_o world_n as_o by_o a_o applicatory_a faith_n whereby_o they_o apply_v and_o appropriate_v the_o promise_n of_o
eternal_a life_n to_o themselves_o as_o the_o psalmist_n psalm_n 16._o so_o psalm_n 37.24_o so_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 4.8_o so_o again_o eternal_a light_n be_v lay_v hold_v on_o by_o ardency_n of_o affection_n and_o desire_n by_o possess_v ourselves_o of_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n now_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n these_o or_o the_o like_a way_n put_v lise_fw-fr into_o believer_n endeavour_n so_o to_o fight_v this_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n as_o thereby_o to_o come_v to_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o life_n in_o heaven_n when_o a_o man_n have_v get_v any_o hold_n of_o any_o good_a for_o himself_o or_o he_o he_o will_v strive_v and_o tug_v hard_o rather_o than_o part_v with_o it_o now_o i_o say_v believer_n have_v some_o hold_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o their_o child_n they_o see_v their_o child_n have_v some_o hold_n through_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o hence_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o effectual_o engage_v and_o provoke_v to_o great_a diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n that_o their_o child_n may_v come_v to_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o grace_n those_o blessing_n and_o privilege_n than_o they_o will_v be_v have_v not_o either_o themselves_o or_o child_n any_o such_o hold_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o those_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n 4._o there_o be_v the_o goodness_n love_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n in_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o their_o seed_n and_o vouchsafe_v the_o ratification_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o unto_o they_o as_o a_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o and_o motive_n to_o parent_n to_o use_v their_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o order_n to_o their_o child_n embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n as_o his_o people_n as_o thereby_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v enlarge_v and_o his_o interest_n promote_v in_o the_o world_n the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n how_o or_o which_o way_n soever_o express_v either_o towards_o themselves_o or_o they_o be_v great_o oblige_v to_o sincere_a believer_n to_o endeavour_v to_o their_o utmost_a power_n the_o promotion_n of_o the_o interest_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n love_n be_v of_o a_o constrain_a nature_n it_o have_v a_o compulsive_a force_n and_o power_n in_o it_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o say_v john_n love_n beget_v and_o excite_v love_n and_o love_n be_v industrious_a and_o laborious_a hence_o we_o read_v of_o the_o labour_n of_o love_n 1_o thess_n 1.3_o the_o apostle_n give_v it_o as_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o their_o so_o zealous_a preach_v the_o gospel_n that_o to_o some_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v beside_o themselves_o viz._n because_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n do_v constrain_v they_o 2_o cor._n 5.14_o 15._o it_o be_v true_a the_o love_n that_o god_n have_v express_v towards_o a_o believer_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v do_v for_o and_o the_o good_a he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o himself_o as_o personal_o consider_v in_o and_o by_o christ_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o constrain_a force_n upon_o he_o to_o live_v to_o he_o and_o answerable_o to_o endeavour_v to_o his_o utmost_a power_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n wherein_o he_o stand_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o god_n extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o their_o seed_n and_o confirm_v it_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o unto_o they_o must_v rational_o great_o add_v to_o the_o compulsive_a force_n and_o efficacy_n that_o his_o love_n have_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o for_o a_o twofold_a reason_n 1._o because_o his_o love_n to_o themselves_o be_v great_o heighten_v thereby_o to_o all_o he_o have_v do_v for_o and_o vouchsafe_v to_o themselves_o there_o be_v the_o addition_n of_o that_o grace_n vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o great_a the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v and_o appear_v to_o be_v to_o a_o believer_n the_o areat_a efficacy_n and_o power_n it_o have_v to_o excite_v his_o love_n unto_o god_n and_o constrain_v he_o to_o lay_v out_o himself_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o interest_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o because_o god_n make_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n partaker_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n and_o goodness_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o make_v it_o alike_o reasonable_a that_o they_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n shall_v live_v to_o he_o as_o they_o themselves_o desire_v to_o do_v there_o be_v a_o meetness_n and_o fitness_n that_o those_o that_o partake_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v live_v to_o he_o and_o parent_n see_v their_o child_n make_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o themselves_o do_v partake_v of_o have_v the_o same_o covenant_n extend_v to_o they_o that_o be_v enter_v with_o themselves_o and_o that_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o the_o same_o way_n as_o it_o be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v to_o themselves_o they_o must_v needs_o judge_v it_o alike_o reasonable_a and_o meet_v that_o they_o shall_v live_v unto_o god_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o hence_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o effectual_o stir_v up_o and_o provoke_v to_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n that_o they_o may_v so_o do_v so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o love_n grace_n and_o good_a ness_n of_o god_n in_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n and_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v it_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o to_o they_o be_v a_o very_a great_a obligation_n upon_o and_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v improve_v as_o a_o powerful_a motive_n by_o they_o to_o provoke_v and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o use_v all_o mean_n that_o their_o child_n may_v personal_o embrace_v the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n as_o his_o people_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n as_o thereby_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n be_v promote_v and_o his_o kingdom_n enlarge_v and_o yet_o further_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n the_o consideration_n of_o which_o may_n and_o will_v still_o heighten_v and_o increase_v the_o constrain_a efficacy_n and_o force_n that_o the_o love_n grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o believe_a parent_n to_o move_v and_o provoke_v they_o to_o the_o aforementioned_a diligence_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o redeemer_n that_o be_v promote_v and_o his_o kingdom_n that_o be_v enlarge_v thereby_o 2._o that_o god_n have_v extend_v his_o covenant_n and_o appoint_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n with_o reference_n to_o this_o very_a end_n viz._n the_o increase_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o promise_n make_v to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o heathen_a for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o the_o utmost_a end_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o his_o possession_n 3._o that_o they_o be_v their_o own_o child_n those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o their_o own_o bowel_n towards_o who_o they_o be_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o the_o end_v mention_v the_o love_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v a_o constrain_a power_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n to_o do_v his_o will_n however_o reveal_v or_o whatever_o reference_n their_o do_v of_o it_o have_v but_o when_o the_o thing_n whereabout_o his_o will_n be_v reveal_v relate_v to_o the_o promotion_n of_o the_o interest_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o increase_n and_o enlargement_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v design_v by_o his_o express_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o they_o in_o the_o way_n he_o have_v do_v and_o they_o be_v their_o child_n the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o body_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o duty_n which_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o perrorm_v sure_o now_o the_o love_n grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o have_v the_o great_a efficacy_n and_o power_n in_o it_o to_o engage_v yea_o constrain_v they_o to_o a_o vigorous_a and_o diligent_a performance_n of_o that_o their_o duty_n 5._o there_o be_v the_o aggravation_n that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o not_o accept_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o receive_v from_o their_o precedent_a covenant-state_n further_o to_o oblige_v and_o provoke_v parent_n who_o own_o that_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o have_v apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o the_o account_n thereof_o to_o
endeavour_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n that_o they_o may_v accept_v of_o and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o not_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o covenant_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o reject_v it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o those_o that_o have_v a_o precedent_a interest_n in_o it_o than_o in_o those_o that_o have_v no_o such_o interest_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o esan_n to_o despise_v his_o birthright_n and_o blessing_n than_o the_o bear_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o those_o that_o have_v no_o such_o birth-priviledg_n to_o despise_v or_o reject_v a_o good_a grant_v be_v more_o than_o the_o bear_v not_o receive_v any_o good_a offer_v now_o parent_n consider_v how_o great_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o child_n will_v be_v aggravate_v in_o case_n they_o perform_v not_o the_o condition_n of_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n reject_v the_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o that_o their_o condemnation_n will_v be_v great_a than_o the_o condemnation_n of_o other_o must_v needs_o strong_o oblige_v and_o more_o effectual_o provoke_v they_o to_o great_a diligence_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prevent_v their_o rejection_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o order_n to_o their_o accept_n and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n 6._o there_o be_v the_o reference_n that_o parent_n faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n have_v to_o their_o child_n preservation_n in_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o consequen_o enjoy_v the_o full_a good_a and_o benefit_n thereof_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n as_o a_o far_a obligation_n upon_o and_o motive_n to_o provoke_v they_o thereunto_o god_n have_v take_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o as_o they_o be_v their_o seed_n and_o continue_v their_o covenant-state_n during_o their_o infancy_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o parent_n faith_n but_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n the_o condition_n of_o their_o continuance_n in_o that_o covenant-state_n and_o consequent_o in_o joy_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v devolve_v upon_o themselves_o they_o must_v in_o their_o own_o person_n embrace_v and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o which_o that_o they_o may_v do_v god_n require_v their_o parent_n to_o teach_v they_o his_o way_n and_o command_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o which_o duty_n of_o parent_n in_o teach_v and_o command_v their_o child_n be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a mean_n appoint_v of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o their_o personal_a embracement_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o his_o covenant_n and_o hence_o in_o case_n parent_n fail_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n their_o child_n be_v deprive_v of_o the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a mean_n subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o prefervation_n in_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v hard_a to_o say_v that_o god_n will_v not_o vouchsafe_v other_o mean_n and_o bless_v they_o to_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o end_n yet_o this_o i_o must_v say_v there_o be_v more_o depend_v upon_o parent_n discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n than_o most_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o that_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v other_o mean_n and_o bless_v they_o to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o parent_n duty_n be_v as_o i_o judge_v more_o than_o they_o have_v warrant_v to_o expect_v however_o the_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a mean_n must_v needs_o be_v extreme_o hazardous_a and_o be_v usual_o give_v as_o a_o main_a reason_n of_o so_o many_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o righteous_a prove_v wicked_a and_o do_v parent_n but_o understand_v and_o serious_o consider_v this_o how_o great_a a_o obligation_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o they_o faithful_o to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n 7._o and_o last_o there_o be_v the_o dishonour_n redound_v unto_o god_n by_o child_n reject_v the_o covenant_n and_o fall_v off_o to_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o profaneness_n yet_o far_o to_o oblige_v parent_n to_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o when_o man_n hear_v the_o covenant-interest_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n assert_v and_o see_v the_o token_n thereof_o apply_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o after_o see_v they_o to_o run_v into_o the_o same_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o ungodliness_n with_o the_o child_n of_o other_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o reflect_v upon_o god_n and_o to_o charge_v he_o with_o unfaithfulness_n in_o his_o promise_n or_o delude_v the_o world_n with_o a_o show_n of_o extend_v more_o grace_n to_o believer_n than_o indeed_o he_o do_v and_o this_o very_a thing_n viz._n the_o frequent_a apostasy_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o their_o walk_n in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o impiety_n with_o the_o child_n of_o other_o though_o whole_o groundless_o yet_o i_o conceive_v be_v no_o little_a stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o those_o who_o judgement_n and_o practice_n lie_v opposite_a to_o what_o have_v be_v plead_v for_o now_o the_o prevent_v this_o dishonour_n redound_v unto_o god_n and_o remove_v this_o stumbling-block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o weak_a be_v a_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o a_o faithful_a performance_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n and_o the_o lay_v these_o and_o the_o like_a obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o a_o diligent_a performance_n of_o that_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n may_v be_v one_o special_a 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 they_o and_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v see_v how_o much_o great_a obligation_n be_v upon_o believer_n who_o own_o their_o child_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v the_o token_n thereof_o apply_v to_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n and_o how_o many_o motive_n be_v improveable_a by_o they_o to_o provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o than_o what_o be_v upon_o or_o improveable_a by_o the_o contrary_n mind_v according_a to_o their_o respective_a judgement_n and_o practice_n 2._o the_o other_o enquiry_n be_v whether_o paedo-baptist_n or_o anti-paedo-baptists_n according_a to_o what_o they_o respective_o hold_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o child_n have_v great_a and_o sure_a ground_n to_o hope_n and_o expect_v that_o the_o mean_v use_v or_o duty_n perform_v by_o they_o shall_v be_v effectual_a and_o successful_a or_o whether_o the_o mean_v use_v and_o duty_n perform_v by_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o prove_v effectual_a and_o successful_a for_o the_o accomplish_n the_o end_n aim_v at_o answ_n now_o for_o this_o that_o the_o advantage_n lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o paedo-baptist_n will_v be_v undeniable_o evident_a by_o a_o double_a consideration_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o as_o it_o be_v mention_n because_o they_o must_v both_o be_v more_o full_o insist_v upon_o in_o a_o more_o proper_a place_n 1._o consider_v that_o paedo-baptist_n according_a to_o what_o they_o hold_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o child_n have_v vast_o more_o mean_n to_o use_v in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n and_o embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o it_o than_o anti-paedo-baptists_n have_v they_o have_v many_o more_o motive_n argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o propose_v apply_v to_o and_o press_v upon_o their_o child_n than_o the_o contrary-minded_n have_v and_o where_o the_o mean_n be_v great_a and_o more_o effectual_a in_o themselves_o their_o efficacy_n and_o success_n may_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o god_n work_v upon_o man_n be_v expect_v to_o be_v answerable_a 2._o they_o have_v many_o promise_n both_o make_v to_o themselves_o with_o reference_n to_o their_o child_n and_o household_n and_o to_o their_o child_n as_o under_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n beyond_o what_o the_o contrary-minded_n can_v according_o to_o their_o judgement_n and_o principle_n apply_v to_o themselves_o or_o they_o whâ—â—â—_n promise_n though_o they_o shall_v not_o infallible_o secure_a grace_n to_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n how_o careful_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o how_o faithful_a soever_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v vast_o great_a ground_n to_o hope_v for_o success_n than_o there_o will_v be_v suppose_v no_o such_o promise_n be_v make_v either_o to_o parent_n or_o child_n but_o these_o thing_n shall_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v more_o clear_v up_o hereafter_o now_o then_o let_v all_o man_n judge_v how_o unrighteous_a and_o unreasonable_a that_o charge_v lay_v upon_o paedo-baptism_n
believer_n therefore_o it_o constitute_v the_o same_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o other_o viz._n their_o infant-seed_n it_o be_v equal_o and_o alike_o establish_v with_o they_o as_o it_o be_v with_o believer_n themselves_o this_o argument_n carry_v its_o evidence_n with_o the_o same_o clearness_n as_o the_o former_a for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o establish_v with_o adult_a believer_n differ_v from_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o as_o establish_v with_o infant_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o the_o union_n constitute_v between_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o that_o constitute_v between_o he_o and_o adult_n believer_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o covenant_n accept_v of_o the_o parent_n faith_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o child_n admission_n thereinto_o as_o will_v as_o the_o faith_n of_o grow_v person_n for_o their_o own_o admission_n thereinto_o now_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n as_o absolute_o consider_v and_o not_o as_o require_v such_o and_o such_o condition_n that_o constitute_v this_o kind_n of_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o man_n be_v they_o adult_v or_o infant_n neither_o can_v that_o high_a kind_n of_o union_n viz._n physical_a that_o believer_n have_v with_o christ_n be_v plead_v as_o a_o prejudice_n to_o infant_n enjoyment_n of_o this_o low_a kind_n of_o union_n with_o he_o see_v neither_o the_o antecedent_n operation_n or_o consequent_a indwel_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n whereby_o that_o high_a kind_n of_o union_n be_v effect_v be_v any_o otherwise_o necessary_a to_o this_o low_a kind_n of_o union_n which_o i_o call_v political_n or_o mere_o relative_a than_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o adult_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n appertain_v to_o they_o have_v personal_o perform_v they_o make_v so_o to_o be_v when_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v true_o and_o real_o perform_v without_o such_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n they_o may_v and_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o the_o indwelling_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v also_o their_o case_n there_o a_o political_a union_n may_v be_v real_o constitute_v and_o yet_o no_o high_a union_n grant_v so_o that_o infant_n have_v a_o real_a political_a union_n with_o christ_n be_v evident_a and_o indeed_o to_o grant_v they_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o yet_o deny_v they_o such_o a_o union_n will_v be_v absolute_o contradictory_n what_o objection_n carry_v any_o appearance_n of_o opposition_n against_o what_o have_v be_v now_o grant_v yea_o assert_v shall_v be_v consider_v hereafter_o this_o i_o say_v at_o present_a that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n may_v be_v grant_v yea_o must_v be_v affirm_v to_o have_v a_o true_a and_o real_a political_n or_o relative_a union_n with_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o as_o it_o give_v they_o a_o right_n to_o membership_n so_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o that_o their_o right_n in_o the_o church_n kingdom_n or_o family_n of_o christ_n as_o visible_a here_o upon_o earth_n neither_o be_v we_o concern_v as_o i_o conceive_v to_o inquire_v or_o determine_v how_o far_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n they_o may_v be_v say_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o union_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o invisible_a see_v our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n relate_v unto_o they_o have_v divine_a revelation_n for_o their_o ground_n and_o rule_v this_o objection_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o our_o way_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v what_o good_a benefit_n or_o advantage_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n body_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o first_o which_o i_o shall_v but_o touch_v upon_o they_o as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v comprehend_v in_o and_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o those_o prayer_n that_o be_v continual_o make_v for_o the_o whole_a israel_n of_o god_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o more_o general_a assembly_n so_o of_o each_o particular_a believer_n to_o make_v know_v their_o request_n unto_o god_n for_o themselves_o or_o on_o his_o own_o behalf_n by_o prayer_n supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v phil._n 4._o so_o to_o pray_v for_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o psal_n 122.6_o by_o jerusalem_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o believer_n so_o that_o love_n both_o to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o which_o each_o in_o particular_a be_v a_o member_n that_o be_v the_o inseparable_a effect_n of_o regeneration_n oblige_v and_o constrain_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v but_o seldom_o but_o sincere_a saint_n especial_o in_o their_o more_o solemn_a address_n unto_o god_n 〈◊〉_d leave_v some_o 〈…〉_o in_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 51.18_o so_o in_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 1.16_o though_o the_o one_o be_v only_o make_v application_n to_o god_n for_o relief_n in_o a_o particular_a case_n the_o other_o leave_v his_o valedictory_n benediction_n with_o those_o he_o have_v write_v to_o yet_o zion_n or_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v forget_v by_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o hence_o there_o be_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v a_o stock_n of_o prayer_n not_o treasury_n of_o merit_n continual_o treasure_v up_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v their_o interest_n and_o share_n and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a benefit_n to_o have_v so_o many_o thousand_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v as_o his_o remembrancer_n daily_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o promise_n as_o make_v with_o and_o to_o his_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v make_v with_o and_o to_o they_o in_o special_a as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n and_o this_o if_o due_o consider_v may_v yield_v great_a comfort_n to_o believe_a parent_n that_o they_o as_o well_o as_o themselves_o be_v daily_o present_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n by_o so_o many_o who_o be_v under_o the_o promise_n of_o have_v the_o ear_n of_o god_n open_a to_o they_o 2._o and_o rather_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n or_o family_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n they_o have_v a_o joint_a interest_n with_o all_o other_o member_n in_o that_o special_a providential_a care_n that_o he_o exercise_n over_o his_o own_o house_n that_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o father_n be_v evident_a as_o from_o variety_n of_o other_o scripture_n so_o in_o special_a from_o that_o john_n 5.22_o where_o christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o father_n judge_v no_o man_n but_o have_v commit_v all_o judgement_n unto_o the_o son_n yet_o not_o so_o as_o to_o cease_v to_o work_v himself_o for_o the_o father_n work_v in_o and_o by_o the_o son_n but_o that_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o son_n be_v evident_a and_o this_o work_n of_o providence_n or_o providential_a care_n of_o christ_n be_v twofold_a 1._o first_o more_o general_a and_o so_o it_o extend_v to_o the_o utmost_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n no_o creature_n that_o receive_v its_o be_v from_o god_n but_o it_o be_v under_o providence_n as_o administer_v by_o christ_n as_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o so_o by_o he_o do_v all_o thing_n consist_v 2._o second_o more_o special_a and_o thus_o the_o church_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o special_a providential_a care_n of_o christ_n therefore_o he_o be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o emphasis_n to_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o israel_n psal_n 121.4_o he_o that_o keep_v israel_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v read_v he_o that_o be_v keep_v israel_n neither_o slumber_v nor_o sleep_v as_o we_o have_v here_o the_o special_a object_n of_o divine_a providence_n viz._n israel_n that_o be_v the_o church_n so_o the_o exactness_n and_o speciality_n of_o that_o providential_a care_n exercise_v towards_o or_o over_o that_o object_n intimate_v partly_o in_o the_o word_n keep_v or_o keep_v that_o be_v careful_o and_o diligent_o keep_v connotat_fw-la keep_v curam_fw-la solicitudinem_fw-la &_o diligentiam_fw-la connotat_fw-la more_o full_o declare_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n neither_o slumber_v nor_o sleep_v a_o man_n though_o he_o fall_v not_o
sense_n of_o any_o difference_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o unbeliever_n be_v no_o rational_a ground_n for_o any_o to_o conclude_v either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o special_a care_n extend_v to_o or_o exercise_v over_o the_o former_a or_o that_o they_o receive_v no_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n thereby_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o sea_n his_o path_n in_o the_o deep_a water_n as_o for_o his_o footstep_n they_o be_v not_o know_v psal_n 77.19_o how_o many_o glorious_a design_n do_v our_o lord_n christ_n carry_v on_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o family_n and_o the_o several_a member_n thereof_o when_o yet_o neither_o the_o time_n when_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o they_o be_v lay_v nor_o the_o various_a working_n of_o providence_n in_o their_o accomplishment_n be_v discern_v or_o observe_v either_o by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o or_o by_o saint_n themselves_o only_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o their_o intend_a perfection_n they_o give_v abundant_a cause_n to_o those_o who_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o they_o to_o admire_v and_o say_v it_o be_v good_a for_o they_o that_o they_o ever_o have_v a_o place_n in_o that_o kingdom_n or_o family_n over_o which_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o that_o god_n who_o ride_v upon_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n and_o who_o strength_n be_v in_o the_o cloud_n who_o that_o have_v any_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v his_o sense_n at_o all_o exercise_v to_o discern_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v will_v willing_o be_v remove_v from_o under_o this_o special_a providential_a care_n of_o christ_n though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v set_v over_o the_o great_a empire_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o though_o yet_o continue_v under_o that_o general_a providence_n that_o extend_v to_o the_o whole_a creation_n of_o god_n so_o that_o not_o to_o descend_v to_o particular_n to_o be_v under_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v a_o singular_a good_a by_o all_o those_o that_o will_v not_o disclaim_v christianity_n and_o avow_v themselves_o open_a infidel_n now_o i_o say_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n as_o admit_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n and_o family_n of_o christ_n be_v under_o that_o special_a providential_a care_n he_o exercise_n over_o it_o but_o now_o parent_n by_o disclaim_v their_o seed_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o refuse_v on_o that_o account_n to_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o do_v if_o not_o absolute_o yet_o at_o lest_o what_o in_o they_o lie_v deprive_v they_o of_o this_o privilege_n and_o leave_v they_o under_o only_o that_o general_a and_o common_a providence_n that_o be_v exercise_v over_o the_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v full_a of_o the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n and_o oh_o that_o man_n yea_o that_o christian_n shall_v become_v so_o cruel_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o body_n chap._n iu._n the_o good_a redound_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n from_o their_o admission_n into_o and_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n or_o family_n of_o christ_n further_o open_v in_o a_o three_o instance_n viz._n they_o stand_v nigh_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o and_o be_v the_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n some_o of_o these_o promise_v mention_v the_o full_a good_a contain_v in_o they_o unfold_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v stand_v nigh_o to_o they_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n full_o prove_v a_o exaggeration_n of_o parent_n evil_a in_o reject_v their_o child_n church-membership_a 3._o three_o and_o especial_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n stand_v nigh_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n do_v to_o and_o answerable_o be_v the_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n the_o promise_v i_o have_v reference_n to_o be_v such_o as_o these_o isa_n 54.13_o jer._n 31.31_o that_o the_o very_a first_o special_a or_o save_a grace_n i_o mean_v inherent_a or_o renew_v grace_n whereby_o the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v renew_v in_o and_o reinstamp_v upon_o the_o soul_n be_v original_o from_o god_n and_o not_o from_o man_n himself_o needs_o no_o other_o proof_n than_o the_o bare_a recital_n of_o those_o scripture_n that_o affirm_v it_o john_n 3.3_o 7._o compare_v with_o john_n 1.13_o ephes_n 2.8_o 10._o james_n 1.17_o 18._o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o promise_v aforemention_v and_o unto_o which_o i_o have_v reference_n do_v contain_v and_o hold_v forth_o save_v grace_n and_o at_o least_o that_o isai_n 54.13_o the_o very_a first_o special_a or_o save_a grace_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o the_o word_n themselves_o so_o from_o the_o application_n our_o lord_n christ_n make_v of_o that_o promise_n in_o john_n 6.44_o 45._o where_o we_o see_v our_o lord_n christ_n apply_v these_o teach_n of_o god_n to_o those_o effectual_a teach_n and_o drawing_n of_o the_o father_n whereby_o sinner_n be_v bring_v to_o he_o and_o which_o whosoever_o do_v enjoy_v do_v actual_o come_v to_o he_o and_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o by_o he_o at_o the_o last_o day_n that_o be_v unto_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o yet_o far_o that_o these_o promise_v i_o now_o reser_fw-ge unto_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n in_o new-testament-time_n and_o that_o during_o the_o present_a administration_n be_v undeniable_o secure_v both_o by_o our_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n interpretation_n and_o application_n of_o they_o compare_v those_o forecited_a text_n with_o john_n 6.44_o 45._o heb._n 8.11_o so_o that_o as_o all_o special_a or_o save_v grace_n especial_o that_o first_o whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v and_o unite_v unto_o christ_n be_v original_o from_o god_n so_o these_o promise_n do_v hold_v forth_o and_o assure_v that_o grace_n unto_o some_o in_o new-testament-time_n during_o the_o present_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n now_o i_o say_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n as_o incorporate_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o do_v stand_v nigh_o to_o these_o promise_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n do_v and_o be_v the_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o they_o and_o consequent_o they_o have_v and_o be_v parent_n saithful_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n will_v more_o abundant_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n especial_o among_o they_o but_o that_o we_o may_v more_o clear_o see_v how_o great_a a_o good_a and_o advantage_n the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o respect_n have_v by_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o first_o show_v more_o particular_o what_o be_v the_o good_a that_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o promise_n and_o 2._o second_o prove_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n do_v stand_v nigh_a to_o they_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n what_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o these_o promise_v be_v and_o that_o be_v twofold_a the_o former_a employ_v and_o presuppose_v the_o latter_a more_o plain_o express_v first_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o these_o promise_v be_v the_o vouchsafement_n of_o such_o outward_a mean_n as_o be_v ape_n and_o sufficient_a according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a deal_n of_o god_n with_o and_o his_o ordinary_a way_n of_o work_a grace_n in_o man_n instrumental_o to_o convey_v grace_n to_o and_o work_v it_o in_o the_o heart_n these_o mean_n in_o the_o general_n be_v the_o outward_a communication_n or_o publication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n declare_v the_o way_n of_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n as_o some_o way_n communicate_v to_o the_o understanding_n and_o apply_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o mean_n by_o and_o through_o which_o god_n do_v ordinary_o work_v grace_n in_o those_o who_o salvation_n he_o intend_v i_o mean_v it_o of_o such_o who_o capacity_n admit_v of_o their_o reception_n of_o grace_n that_o way_n now_o when_o god_n promise_v grace_n he_o implicit_o promise_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o may_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o man_n be_v wrought_v in_o those_o intend_v in_o the_o promise_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v it_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o unuseful_a to_o remove_v one_o objection_n that_o may_v possible_o arise_v in_o the_o mind_n at_o least_o of_o some_o man_n obj._n possible_o it_o may_v be_v say_v these_o promise_n seem_v rather_o to_o exclude_v than_o include_v any_o external_a mean_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v when_o these_o promise_n come_v to_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n man_n shall_v not_o teach_v every_o
one_o his_o neighbour_n or_o his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o only_a teach_n they_o shall_v have_v or_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o answ_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n have_v a_o gradual_a accomplishment_n they_o have_v a_o low_a accomplishment_n under_o the_o first_o testament_n they_o have_v a_o high_a and_o more_o full_a accomplishment_n under_o the_o new_a during_o the_o present_a administration_n what_o further_a intendment_n they_o may_v have_v and_o how_o accomplish_v in_o the_o age_n yet_o to_o come_v be_v not_o without_o its_o difficulty_n to_o determine_v be_v sure_a in_o heaven_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o need_n of_o outward_a mean_n promissiones_fw-la novi_fw-la faederis_fw-la inchoantur_fw-la in_o hac_fw-la vita_fw-la implentur_fw-la autem_fw-la in_o vita_fw-la futura_fw-la cam._n in_o heb._n 8.11_o and_o therefore_o 2._o second_o these_o word_n only_o note_v a_o more_o abundant_a pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n beyond_o what_o be_v grant_v under_o the_o first_o glass_n first_o non_fw-fr 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pro_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la frequenter_a accipitur_fw-la &_o in_o altero_fw-la quod_fw-la per_fw-la adversitivam_fw-la opponitur_fw-la quaedam_fw-la praeeminentia_fw-la prae_fw-la priori_fw-la intelligitur_fw-la glass_n and_o the_o meaning_n be_v only_o this_o as_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v say_v they_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v teach_v of_o man_n but_o my_o spirit_n shall_v accompany_v the_o teach_n of_o man_n by_o mean_n whereof_o they_o shall_v have_v my_o law_n put_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o shall_v know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n design_v not_o the_o exclusion_n of_o ontward_a mean_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o our_o lord_n christ_n institute_v the_o gospel-ministry_n at_o that_o very_a time_n to_o which_o these_o promise_n have_v a_o direct_a reference_n and_o be_v to_o have_v at_o least_o a_o low_a accomplishment_n the_o end_n of_o which_o institution_n and_o the_o time_n of_o its_o duration_n the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v in_o eph._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o so_o that_o though_o these_o promise_n seem_v to_o exclude_v yet_o they_o do_v indeed_o include_v such_o outward_a mean_n as_o whereby_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o god_n work_v in_o and_o upon_o man_n the_o main_a good_a intend_a in_o they_o may_v be_v communicate_v to_o they_o as_o when_o god_n command_v any_o duty_n from_o man_n that_o command_n require_v the_o due_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o all_o mean_n necessary_o subserve_v their_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n command_v so_o when_o he_o promise_v any_o good_a especial_o when_o the_o promise_n be_v absolute_a as_o i_o conceive_v these_o be_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o that_o good_a be_v include_v the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o man_n enjoyment_n of_o it_o so_o that_o when_o god_n promise_v that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o he_o and_o that_o so_o as_o to_o know_v he_o from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o and_o that_o he_o will_v put_v his_o law_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n he_o do_v implicit_o promise_v a_o sufficiency_n of_o mean_n whereby_o the_o main_a good_a intend_a may_v be_v communicate_v to_o they_o and_o these_o mean_n in_o the_o general_n as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v the_o communication_n or_o publication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o be_v absolute_o and_o simple_o necessary_a to_o the_o work_n of_o a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n the_o various_a way_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v communicate_v unto_o man_n whether_o young_a or_o old_a be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v insist_v upon_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o ordain_v way_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v be_v already_o intimate_v to_o be_v parental_a instruction_n though_o i_o shall_v not_o say_v god_n have_v confine_v himself_o to_o that_o way_n alone_o but_o let_v it_o suffice_v to_o know_v in_o the_o general_n that_o in_o these_o promise_v be_v include_v the_o vouchsafement_n of_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o mean_n whereby_o these_o spiritual_a blessing_n may_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n be_v communicate_v to_o those_o design_v for_o their_o enjoyment_n 2._o second_o the_o main_a and_o principal_a good_a intend_a in_o these_o promise_v be_v the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o soirit_n of_o god_n in_o a_o concurtence_n with_o and_o by_o those_o mean_n together_o with_o their_o inseparable_a effect_n and_o fruit_n these_o promise_n both_o as_o at_o first_o give_v forth_o by_o those_o two_o prophet_n and_o also_o as_o interpret_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n evident_o intend_v some_o good_a beyond_o the_o bare_a vouchsasement_n of_o outward_a mean_n for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v assure_v of_o nothing_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v give_v forth_o beyond_o what_o be_v enjoy_v by_o the_o people_n of_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o have_v then_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o have_v so_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v some_o good_a that_o be_v princepal_o intend_v in_o these_o promise_n beyond_o what_o be_v vouchsafe_v to_o the_o church_n under_o the_o old-testament-administration_n and_o which_o do_v advance_v the_o new-testament-administration_n to_o a_o excellency_n and_o glory_n above_o that_o of_o the_o old_a which_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o more_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o his_o effectual_a operation_n with_o their_o inseparable_a fruit_n and_o effect_n here_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o abide_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o its_o inscription_n in_o the_o heart_n but_o let_v that_o suffice_v for_o the_o good_a intend_a in_o these_o promise_n 2._o second_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v nigh_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n i_o mean_v that_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v without_z to_z and_o be_v the_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o these_o promise_n now_o this_o will_v appear_v two_o way_n 1._o first_o more_o general_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o more_o general_a object_n of_o they_o and_o that_o be_v the_o church_n or_o house_n of_o israel_n of_o which_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v member_n thus_o in_o that_o isa_n 54.13_o all_o thy_o child_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o god_n who_o child_n the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o be_v evident_a as_o from_o the_o context_n so_o from_o that_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o gal._n 4._o ult_n they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v from_o above_o that_o be_v the_o gospel-church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o gospel-church_n as_o visible_a follow_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrysost_n and_o that_o he_o mean_v the_o church_n as_o visible_a be_v evident_a from_o what_o follow_v be_v evident_a from_o isa_n 54.11_o it_o be_v the_o church_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o tempest_n that_o be_v affliction_n persecution_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v only_o compatible_a to_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a now_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n as_o so_o consider_v that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o this_o promise_n they_o shall_v be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o that_o so_o as_o to_o know_v he_o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a some_o indeed_o have_v understand_v by_o these_o child_n the_o natural_a child_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o though_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v a_o considerable_a respect_n unto_o they_o yet_o i_o conceive_v not_o mere_o as_o such_o but_o as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v usual_a in_o scripture_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n collective_o take_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o mother_n and_o the_o several_a member_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o her_o child_n and_o that_o we_o be_v so_o to_o understand_v it_o in_o this_o place_n be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o context_n and_o that_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o mention_v so_o that_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o this_o promise_n do_v not_o appertain_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n mere_o as_o such_o yet_o as_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v extend_v to_o they_o and_o they_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o it_o do_v appertain_v yea_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n appertain_v to_o they_o so_o again_o in_o that_o
heb._n 8.11_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o these_o promise_n of_o put_v the_o law_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o write_v it_o in_o the_o heart_n be_v contain_v as_o make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o by_o house_n of_o israel_n we_o be_v again_o to_o understand_v the_o visible_a church_n that_o term_n house_n be_v frequent_o apply_v to_o the_o visible_a but_o never_o as_o i_o remember_v to_o the_o invisible_a church_n at_o least_o mere_o as_o such_o now_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o this_o house_n of_o israel_n they_o have_v a_o joint_a interest_n in_o this_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_v contain_v in_o it_o with_o the_o whole_a house_n and_o answerable_o stand_v nigh_o to_o and_o be_v the_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o these_o promise_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v who_o be_v not_o of_o this_o house_n of_o israel_n only_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o though_o the_o church_n or_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o these_o promise_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o exclude_v all_o other_o from_o partake_v of_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o for_o though_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o good_a be_v peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n or_o house_n of_o israel_n yet_o by_o the_o very_a vouchsafement_n of_o it_o other_o that_o be_v without_o be_v convert_v and_o bring_v into_o it_o those_o that_o god_n have_v design_v a_o place_n in_o his_o house_n be_v effectual_o teach_v by_o he_o and_o by_o mean_n thereof_o be_v bring_v into_o it_o but_o though_o god_n do_v vouchsase_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o these_o promise_n to_o foreigner_n as_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o his_o house_n yet_o they_o in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o special_a manner_n belong_v to_o his_o house_n or_o to_o such_o as_o be_v already_o in_o his_o house_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o member_n thereof_o obj._n but_o possible_o some_o may_v say_v if_o so_o be_v god_n have_v make_v the_o covenant_n with_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o therein_o have_v promise_v not_o only_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o concurrence_n with_o those_o mean_n and_o consequent_o save_v grace_n as_o the_o inseparable_a fruit_n of_o those_o operation_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v this_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o extend_v unto_o they_o in_o common_a with_o the_o adult_n member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o it_o may_v seem_v either_o that_o god_n fail_v in_o make_v good_a his_o covenant_n or_o else_o we_o must_v say_v they_o be_v all_o save_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o have_v true_a grace_n wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o if_o so_o we_o must_v necessary_o hold_v fall_v from_o grace_n answ_n this_o objection_n i_o have_v in_o part_n obviate_v already_o in_o a_o fromer_fw-ge treatise_n yet_o let_v i_o speak_v a_o little_a more_o distinct_o to_o it_o at_o present_a and_o for_o a_o more_o full_a answer_n to_o it_o we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o the_o covenant_n thus_o it_o be_v either_o make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n or_o with_o particular_a person_n and_o answerable_o there_o be_v some_o promise_n appertain_v to_o the_o church_n in_o general_a as_o a_o collective_a body_n and_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o promise_v appertain_v to_o particular_a person_n and_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o definite_a notion_n and_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v a_o threefold_a difference_n between_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o as_o so_o make_v and_o as_o make_v with_o particular_a person_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o as_o so_o make_v 1._o first_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o good_a covenant_v or_o promise_v as_o thus_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n contain_v promise_n of_o the_o first_o save_v or_o special_a grace_n as_o the_o promise_v i_o have_v at_o present_a reference_n unto_o these_o appertain_v to_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_a but_o now_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o particular_a person_n contain_v no_o promise_n of_o the_o first_o grace_n but_o only_o of_o consequential_a grace_n such_o as_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n the_o indwelling_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a and_o do_v presuppose_v the_o first_o grace_n already_o wrought_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o on_o man_n part_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o adult_n or_o else_o do_v presuppose_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o some_o other_o way_n perform_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n viz._n by_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o parent_n 2._o second_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o interest_n that_o person_n have_v in_o and_o title_n they_o have_v to_o it_o and_o answerable_o in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o god_n perform_v of_o it_o or_o give_v the_o good_a promise_v in_o it_o as_o it_o be_v make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n so_o none_o have_v a_o particulsr_n actual_a interest_n in_o or_o title_n to_o it_o as_o take_v several_o by_o themselves_o they_o have_v only_o a_o more_o general_a interest_n in_o and_o title_n to_o it_o as_o member_n of_o that_o collective_a body_n with_o which_o it_o be_v make_v but_o now_o as_o make_v with_o particular_a person_n each_o one_o with_o who_o it_o be_v so_o make_v have_v a_o actual_a interest_n in_o and_o title_n to_o it_o as_o take_v apart_o by_o themselur_n without_o respect_n have_v to_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o general_a and_o answerable_o as_o it_o be_v make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n god_n have_v reserve_v a_o liberty_n to_o himself_o to_o and_o answerable_o do_v make_v it_o good_a or_o give_v the_o good_a promise_v to_o particular_a person_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n what_o may_v be_v object_v against_o this_o from_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n have_v be_v answer_v elsewhere_o to_o which_o i_o must_v refer_v the_o reader_n 111._o reader_n infant_n baptism_n from_o heaven_n p._n 59_o 60_o 61._o so_o also_o p._n 108_o 109_o 110_o 111._o but_o as_o it_o be_v make_v with_o particular_a person_n so_o it_o do_v infallible_o secure_v the_o good_a covenant_v and_o promise_v to_o each_o in_o particular_a upon_o supposition_n of_o a_o non-failure_a on_o their_o part_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v 3._o three_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o as_o make_v with_o or_o to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n they_o be_v absolute_a but_o as_o make_v with_o or_o to_o particular_a person_n conditional_a yet_o let_v i_o say_v that_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v absolute_a as_o to_o the_o church_n as_o so_o consider_v that_o be_v no_o condition_n be_v impose_v upon_o the_o church_n in_o general_n or_o as_o collective_o consider_v in_o order_n to_o god_n make_v good_a these_o promise_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o somewhat_o of_o duty_n may_v be_v require_v of_o particular_a member_n in_o order_n to_o their_o own_o or_o they_o enjoy_v the_o good_a promise_v in_o which_o fail_v either_o themselves_o or_o they_o may_v be_v deny_v that_o good_a though_o yet_o the_o promise_n shall_v have_v their_o accomplishment_n and_o other_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o good_a of_o they_o though_o they_o do_v not_o but_o to_o return_v have_v then_o distinguish_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o forego_n objection_n be_v this_o that_o the_o promise_n under_o our_o present_a consideration_n do_v appertain_v to_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o answerable_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n and_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n among_o those_o to_o who_o in_o general_a they_o do_v appertain_v according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n promise_n of_o a_o like_a nature_n with_o these_o frequent_o occur_v in_o scripture_n the_o consideration_n of_o which_o may_v far_o clear_v up_o what_o have_v be_v say_v see_v mark_n 16.17_o 18._o john_n 14.12_o which_o promise_v though_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v definite_a as_o make_v to_o each_o particular_a believer_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v indefinite_o
people_n and_o their_o seed_n successive_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o to_o those_o that_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o promise_n or_o that_o they_o be_v tobe_n interpret_v and_o understand_v not_o in_o a_o definite_a but_o in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n and_o do_v impartial_o observe_v the_o way_n of_o god_n procedure_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o man_n any_o endeavour_n to_o vindicate_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o their_o performance_n will_v be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a for_o though_o some_o have_v contemn_v that_o observation_n that_o other_o have_v make_v viz._n that_o that_o seed_n that_o god_n have_v reserve_v out_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o fall_a man_n to_o serve_v he_o be_v in_o a_o considerable_a measure_n raise_v out_o of_o the_o family_n of_o the_o faithful_a yet_o it_o be_v indeed_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o so_o evident_a to_o unbiased_a observer_n that_o it_o may_v be_v no_o little_a confirmation_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n now_o give_v of_o these_o promise_n and_o be_v a_o abundant_a vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o as_o it_o have_v in_o all_o age_n pass_v give_v so_o still_o give_v he_o the_o just_a name_n and_o repute_v of_o a_o god_n keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n for_o ever_o but_o to_o put_v a_o close_a to_o this_o three_o benefit_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o say_v they_o be_v thereby_o bring_v nigh_o to_o the_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v they_o be_v os_fw-la that_o collective_a body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n unto_o who_o these_o promise_n do_v in_o the_o general_n appertain_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o be_v that_o special_a part_n of_o or_o species_n of_o member_n in_o that_o body_n or_o society_n to_o who_o these_o promise_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n do_v belong_v they_o be_v nigh_o to_o the_o promise_v as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o they_o be_v yet_o nigh_o as_o they_o be_v specify_v and_o point_v out_o to_o be_v the_o person_n peculiar_o intend_v in_o they_o and_o according_a to_o their_o nignness_n to_o these_o promise_n so_o especial_o when_o parent_n be_v faithful_a in_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o be_v their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v how_o rare_o be_v it_o find_v when_o parent_n with_o abraham_n be_v faithful_a in_o instruct_v and_o command_v their_o child_n to_o walk_v in_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o if_o not_o all_o yet_o some_o though_o sometime_o more_o sometime_o sewer_a according_a to_o the_o number_n they_o be_v bless_v with_o be_v find_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n accompany_v of_o those_o instruction_n walk_v in_o these_o way_n yea_o how_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o parent_n so_o perform_v their_o duty_n who_o can_v walk_v in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o strange_a land_n with_o comfortable_a hope_n that_o all_o they_o be_v heir_n with_o they_o of_o the_o same_o promise_n now_o then_o how_o strange_a be_v it_o that_o believe_a parent_n shall_v have_v their_o understanding_n so_o far_o darken_v and_o their_o judgement_n so_o far_o blind_v to_o make_v that_o which_o sometime_o be_v the_o gentile_n and_o be_v now_o the_o jew_n misery_n viz._n to_o be_v far_o from_o god_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n their_o choice_n though_o not_o for_o themselves_o yet_o for_o they_o and_o shall_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v set_v they_o at_o the_o utmost_a distance_n from_o those_o promise_n that_o be_v the_o great_a ground_n of_o hope_n to_o fall_v man_n that_o he_o may_v obrain_n a_o exchange_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o misery_n for_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o take_v their_o lot_n among_o those_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o we_o may_v well_o call_v to_o the_o heaven_n to_o be_v astonish_v at_o this_o and_o to_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v move_v out_o of_o its_o place_n but_o to_o pass_v from_o this_o first_o head_n of_o benefy_v accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n from_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o they_o have_v admission_n into_o and_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o god_n by_o command_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n speak_v to_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o seed_n as_o jacob_n to_o joseph_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o two_o son_n bring_v your_o child_n near_o to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v bless_v they_o bring_v they_o into_o my_o house_n and_o family_n and_o as_o they_o then_o shall_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o prayer_n put_v up_o for_o it_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o special_a providential_a care_n of_o my_o son_n over_o they_o he_o shall_v give_v his_o angel_n a_o charge_n concern_v they_o they_o shall_v come_v into_o a_o nigh_a capacity_n to_o enjoy_v grace_n promise_v than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v you_o faithful_a in_o your_o duty_n and_o i_o will_v be_v faithful_a in_o my_o promise_n now_o shall_v any_o reject_v such_o a_o gracious_a invitation_n how_o just_o may_v child_n cnrse_v the_o day_n they_o be_v ever_o bring_v forth_o by_o such_o parent_n chap._n v._o the_o second_o good_a or_o benefit_n accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n propose_v viz._n they_o have_v thereby_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o appertain_v to_o they_o ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v a_o enquiry_n make_v whether_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n be_v enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n definit_o or_o only_o indefinite_o the_o various_a judgement_n of_o paedo-baptist_n about_o it_o that_o they_o be_v enter_v and_o make_v definite_o prove_v two_o way_n first_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o abraham_n seed_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n where_o two_o reason_n be_v offer_v second_o it_o be_v further_a prove_v by_o three_o reason_n respect_v both_o abraham_n and_o all_o other_o believer_n seed_n the_o forementioned_a good_a accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n open_v in_o the_o resolution_n of_o two_o question_n the_o former_a propose_v viz._n what_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v reference_n unto_o that_o it_o have_v a_o twofold_a reference_n show_v first_o to_o the_o covenant_n as_o abstract_o and_o absolute_o consider_v the_o thing_n ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o it_o as_o consider_v in_o that_o its_o reference_n determine_v to_o be_v their_o covenant_n that_o the_o necessary_a result_n of_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o two_o argument_n to_o be_v their_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o originalsin_n and_o that_o both_o originans_n and_o originatum_fw-la 2._o the_o second_o good_a or_o benefit_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v this_o viz._n they_o have_v thereby_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o appertain_v to_o they_o seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o particular_a unfolding_n of_o this_o good_a or_o benefit_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unuseful_a but_o seem_v necessary_a that_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o different_a apprehension_n of_o poedo-baptists_n themselves_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n as_o enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o judgement_n about_o that_o must_v be_v grant_v and_o according_a to_o their_o different_a apprehension_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n they_o be_v different_o persuade_v as_o to_o the_o good_a accrue_v to_o infant_n by_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o their_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o which_o i_o shall_v also_o brief_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o i_o go_v along_o 1._o first_o some_o conserve_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n only_o indefinite_o and_o anfwerable_o that_o the_o promise_v appertain_v to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n that_o be_v as_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o they_o as_o general_o and_o collective_o consider_v but_o not_o make_v to_o any_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a and_o of_o those_o that_o go_v this_o way_n some_o conceive_v that_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n appertain_v only_o to_o the_o elect_n and_o secure_a to_o they_o only_o the_o future_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o save_a fruit_n and_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o christ_n but_o do_v not_o necessary_o convey_v to_o or_o confer_v
upon_o they_o any_o of_o those_o fruit_n or_o beaefit_n for_o the_o present_a and_o consequent_o that_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n only_o jus_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la not_o jus_n in_o re_fw-la be_v seal_v and_o confirm_v but_o other_o conceive_v that_o as_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o have_v only_o a_o indefinite_a respect_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n so_o that_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o have_v those_o save_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n actual_o grant_v to_o and_o confer_v upon_o they_o and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v actual_o regenerate_v and_o have_v a_o full_a and_o complete_a union_n with_o christ_n the_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o some_o have_v there_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n actual_o confer_v upon_o they_o in_o their_o infance_n we_o be_v to_o presume_v it_o may_v be_v so_o with_o each_o one_o in_o pqrticular_a and_o on_o that_o ground_n be_v to_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o universal_o and_o this_o opinion_n can_v it_o be_v clear_o prove_v from_o scripture_n will_v free_v the_o controversy_n about_o infant_n baptism_n from_o many_o difficulty_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v it_o be_v otherwise_o attend_v with_o and_o on_o that_o account_n i_o shall_v ready_o comply_v with_o it_o but_o for_o the_o reason_n after_o to_o be_v give_v i_o can_v but_o at_o present_a lie_v it_o aside_o cum_fw-la pace_fw-la tantorum_fw-la virorum_fw-la 2._o second_o other_o conceive_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n definite_o and_o answerable_o that_o the_o promise_v appertain_v to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o definite_a notion_n and_o consequent_o that_o as_o the_o covenant_n as_o at_o first_o establish_v with_o abraham_n do_v extend_v to_o ishmael_n as_o well_o as_o to_o isaac_n so_o be_v still_o continue_a to_o all_o believer_n and_o each_o one_o of_o their_o seed_n in_o particular_a and_o some_o of_o these_o that_o go_v this_o way_n conceive_v that_o all_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n have_v true_a grace_n in_o particular_a true_a faith_n wrought_v in_o they_o either_o antecedent_n to_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o application_n if_o not_o by_o yet_o in_o a_o concurrence_n with_o it_o but_o this_o opinion_n necessary_o infer_v a_o possibility_n to_o lose_v and_o fall_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n be_v reject_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o protestant_n especial_o that_o bear_v the_o denomination_n of_o calvinist_n yet_o some_o grant_n yea_o assert_v some_o kind_n of_o supernatural_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o antecede_v at_o least_o accompany_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o whereby_o at_o least_o a_o posse_fw-la agere_fw-la or_o some_o disposition_n facilitate_v their_o save_a act_v of_o grace_n be_v wrought_v but_o other_o distinguish_v of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v say_v they_o internum_fw-la out_o externum_fw-la it_o be_v either_o internal_a or_o external_n by_o the_o internal_a covenant_n they_o seem_v to_o mean_v the_o covenant_n as_o real_o and_o true_o enter_v with_o the_o elect_n ensure_v to_o they_o grace_n and_o glory_n by_o the_o external_n covenant_n they_o seem_v to_o mean_v the_o covenant_n as_o visible_o appear_v to_o be_v make_v with_o man_n whether_o infant_n or_o adult_n when_o as_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o real_o enter_v mutual_o between_o god_n and_o they_o this_o latter_a way_n of_o god_n enter_v covenant_n with_o man_n whether_o young_a or_o old_a be_v express_v by_o some_o by_o enter_v covenant_n with_o they_o in_o or_o according_a to_o a_o ecclesiastical_a dispensation_n that_o be_v as_o they_o express_v themselves_o in_o a_o visible_a churchway_n again_o other_o and_o sometime_o the_o same_o man_n distinguish_v of_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o and_o convey_v by_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n appertain_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n it_o be_v say_v they_o either_o spiritual_a and_o saving_n or_o else_o only_a external_n and_o ecclesiastical_a as_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n a_o right_a to_o the_o outward_a ordinance_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o like_a and_o they_o conceive_v that_o the_o covenant_n as_o contain_v save_v spiritual_a mercy_n only_o appertain_v to_o the_o elect_n but_o as_o contain_v external_n ecclesiastical_a privilege_n it_o appertain_v to_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n hence_o they_o call_v it_o as_o enter_v with_o they_o a_o covenant_n of_o privilege_n this_o latter_a opinion_n concern_v the_o definiteness_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o take_v to_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n though_o to_o distinguish_v either_o of_o the_o covenant_n or_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o it_o as_o enter_v with_o or_o extend_v to_o infant_n i_o see_v no_o ground_n neither_o do_v i_o think_v it_o be_v at_o all_o necessary_a but_o i_o say_v as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v enter_v with_o and_o extend_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n os_fw-la believer_n definite_o and_o answerable_o that_o the_o promise_v appertain_v to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o definite_a notion_n as_o appertain_v equal_o and_o alike_o to_o each_o one_o in_o particular_a i_o speak_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n as_o enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n mere_o as_o such_o there_o be_v it_o be_v true_a some_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n appertain_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n as_o have_v be_v afore_o declare_v but_o those_o appertain_v not_o to_o they_o mere_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n but_o as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o be_v there_o show_v but_o now_o for_o the_o covenant_n as_o extend_v to_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n so_o it_o be_v extend_v to_o they_o definite_o and_o answerable_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n appertain_v to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o definite_a notion_n 2._o infant_n baptism_n from_o heaven_n book_n 1._o chap._n 2._o this_o i_o have_v in_o part_n proy_v already_o yet_o i_o shall_v add_v somewhat_o morefor_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o it_o may_v be_v as_o i_o conceive_v prove_v two_o way_n 1._o in_o the_o instance_n of_o abraham_n natural_a child_n proceed_v immediate_o from_o his_o own_o loin_n 2._o by_o some_o further_a reason_n equal_o respect_v abraham_n and_o all_o other_o believer_n infant-seed_n 1._o let_v we_o see_v it_o in_o that_o particular_a instance_n of_o abraham_n infant-seed_n and_o thus_o i_o shall_v only_o offer_v these_o two_o reason_n beyond_o what_o i_o have_v give_v in_o the_o treatise_n forecited_a 1._o unless_o the_o covenant_n have_v be_v enter_v definite_o with_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n there_o have_v be_v no_o rational_a ground_n for_o ishmael_n circumcision_n that_o circumcision_n be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v express_o assert_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o answerable_o that_o the_o application_n of_o it_o do_v presuppose_v the_o subject_n to_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n at_o least_o according_a to_o visible_a appearance_n or_o according_a to_o arational_a judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v above_o any_o rational_a doubt_n evident_a this_o i_o have_v also_o prove_v elsewhere_o but_o now_o unless_o the_o covenant_n do_v extend_v unto_o ishmael_n in_o particular_a there_o be_v no_o appearance_n at_o all_o of_o his_o be_v in_o covenant_n but_o a_o undeniable_a discovery_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n himself_o by_o promise_v abraham_n a_o son_n of_o sarah_n and_o that_o as_o the_o mother_n of_o that_o son_n she_o shall_v be_v a_o mother_n of_o nation_n he_o do_v set_v aside_o ishmael_n and_o exclude_v he_o from_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v inherit_v the_o good_a promise_v and_o be_v so_o understand_v by_o abraham_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o prayer_n for_o he_o and_o be_v according_o interpret_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o rom._n 9.1_o hence_o have_v not_o the_o covenant_n extend_v to_o ishmael_n in_o particular_a there_o have_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o the_o application_n of_o circumcision_n to_o he_o especial_o under_o that_o notion_n viz._n as_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n under_o which_o notion_n it_o be_v yet_o apply_v to_o he_o he_o can_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o heir_n design_v to_o inherit_v the_o good_a of_o the_o promise_n now_o make_v much_o less_o to_o have_v true_a grace_n already_o wrought_v in_o he_o see_v he_o be_v exclude_v by_o god_n
himself_o from_o inherit_v the_o good_a promise_v the_o rationality_n of_o god_n extend_v the_o covenant_n to_o he_o and_o grant_v the_o token_n of_o it_o when_o yet_o he_o intend_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v inherit_v the_o good_a promise_v be_v no_o way_n difficult_a to_o declare_v but_o be_v not_o necessary_a here_o to_o be_v insist_v upon_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o he_o be_v in_o particular_a take_v into_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o isaac_n and_o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o natural_a seed_n so_o it_o be_v enter_v with_o all_o believer_n and_o their_o natural_a seed_n 2._o this_o be_v further_a evident_a because_o under_o this_o term_n seed_n in_o the_o promise_n abraham_n mystical_a seed_n be_v intend_v and_o include_v with_o his_o natural_a this_o the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v gal._n 3.16_o hence_o look_v under_o what_o notion_n the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o the_o one_o species_n or_o sort_n of_o his_o seed_n in_o the_o same_o notion_n it_o be_v make_v with_o the_o other_o but_o now_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o as_o make_v with_o his_o mystical_a seed_n it_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v definit_o and_o answerable_o be_v so_o make_v with_o his_o natural_a seed_n we_o may_v suppose_v all_o abraham_n mystical_a seed_n as_o well_o as_o his_o natural_a then_o actual_o exist_v as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o who_o thing_n future_a be_v present_a and_o now_o stand_v with_o abraham_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o apprehend_v he_o as_o speak_v to_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o they_o all_o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o these_o that_o be_v thy_o seed_n now_o how_o can_v we_o without_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n as_o here_o we_o have_v none_o interpret_v or_o understand_v he_o as_o promise_v to_o one_o species_n or_o sort_n of_o this_o seed_n of_o abraham_n definite_o that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o but_o to_o the_o other_o only_o indefinite_o so_o that_o as_o without_o great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o comfort_n of_o saint_n we_o can_v interpret_v the_o promise_n as_o extend_v unto_o they_o only_o in_o a_o definite_a notion_n so_o not_o without_o great_a violence_n to_o the_o text_n can_v we_o interpret_v it_o as_o intend_v abraham_n natural_a seed_n any_o otherwise_o then_o we_o do_v as_o intend_v his_o mystical_a seed_n hence_o whatever_o difficulty_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o attend_v our_o expound_v the_o promise_n in_o a_o definite_a notion_n as_o extend_v to_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o believer_n the_o same_o difficulty_n do_v attend_v it_o as_o so_o make_v to_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n and_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v so_o make_v to_o they_o seem_v evident_a from_o the_o reason_n now_o give_v take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o what_o have_v be_v former_o argue_v 2._o but_o second_o let_v i_o yet_o surther_o offer_v some_o reason_n equal_o respect_v abraham_n and_o all_o other_o believer_n seed_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o produce_v all_o those_o reason_n which_o offer_v themselves_o to_o serve_v in_o the_o design_n in_o hand_n i_o shall_v only_o single_a out_o these_o three_o which_o i_o conceive_v sufficient_a to_o confirm_v what_o be_v now_o assert_v 1._o if_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v only_o make_v indefinite_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n than_o there_o will_v be_v in_o variety_n of_o instance_n a_o absolute_a failure_n on_o god_n part_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o this_o appear_v thus_o as_o indefinite_a promise_n do_v not_o infallible_o secure_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o to_o every_o individual_a person_n to_o who_o in_o common_a with_o other_o they_o do_v appertain_v so_o they_o do_v infallible_o secure_v that_o good_a at_o least_o to_o some_o one_o if_o not_o more_o of_o those_o to_o who_o in_o general_a they_o be_v make_v suppose_v a_o man_n come_v to_o another_o and_o say_v i_o will_v do_v good_a or_o i_o will_v be_v bountiful_a to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n suppose_v he_o shall_v do_v good_a or_o be_v bountiful_a according_a to_o the_o utmost_a intent_n of_o the_o promise_n only_o to_o the_o man_n himself_o but_o whole_o neglect_v or_o do_v no_o good_a at_o all_o to_o any_o one_o of_o his_o child_n he_o will_v hardly_o be_v account_v a_o man_n faithful_a to_o his_o promise_n the_o promise_n be_v only_o a_o indefinite_a promise_n will_v not_o its_o 〈◊〉_d oblige_v he_o to_o do_v good_a or_o extend_v his_o bounty_n to_o every_o individual_a child_n yet_o to_o some_o one_o or_o more_o it_o will_v but_o now_o that_o all_o believer_n have_v some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o their_o seed_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o their_o own_o loin_n partake_v with_o they_o in_o the_o spiritual_a and_o save_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o suppose_v can_v be_v affirm_v the_o contrary_n be_v too_o evident_a in_o several_a instance_n and_o how_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o such_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o god_n keep_v covenant_n i_o can_v apprehend_v suppose_v the_o promise_n be_v only_o indefinite_a 2._o if_o the_o promise_n appertain_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v only_o indefinite_a than_o they_o will_v pertain_v to_o they_o when_o adult_n yea_o let_v their_o way_n and_o practice_n be_v what_o they_o will_v as_o well_o as_o while_n in_o their_o infancy_n and_o answerable_o it_o may_v seem_v they_o will_v have_v the_o same_o right_n to_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o that_o they_o have_v in_o their_o infant-state_n that_o the_o promise_n will_v equal_o and_o alike_o appertain_v to_o they_o when_o adult_n as_o when_o infant_n yea_o let_v their_o way_n and_o practice_n be_v what_o they_o will_v must_v as_o i_o conceive_v be_v necessary_o grant_v for_o they_o appertain_v to_o they_o either_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n or_o as_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n themselves_o not_o the_o latter_a for_o than_o none_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n will_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o they_o till_o themselves_o have_v grace_n and_o consequent_o grace_n will_v not_o be_v give_v in_o a_o pursuance_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o must_v precede_v their_o mterest_n in_o they_o and_o therrfore_o they_o must_v needs_o appertain_v to_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n and_o consequent_o must_v necessary_o appertain_v to_o they_o while_o they_o be_v such_o which_o they_o be_v when_o grow_v up_o as_o well_o as_o when_o infant_n be_v their_o life_n and_o conversation_n what_o they_o will_v and_o while_o the_o promise_v appertain_v to_o they_o especial_o while_o they_o visible_o and_o apparent_o appertain_v to_o they_o they_o seem_v evident_o to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n obj._n and_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o will_v not_o follow_v for_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n may_v indefinite_o appertain_v to_o those_o who_o yet_o by_o their_o wickedness_n may_v forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o as_o much_o as_o their_o right_n to_o it_o do_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n ausw_n to_o that_o i_o will_v say_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o i_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o that_o give_v right_a to_o the_o token_n by_o baptise_a for_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n say_v the_o apostle_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o he_o seem_v evidenly_a to_o ground_v his_o exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o be_v bapze_v upon_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n but_o for_o this_o see_v more_o in_o my_o first_o treatise_n concern_v infant-baptism_n pag._n 263._o etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n suppose_v the_o promise_n indefinite_o appertain_v to_o they_o it_o may_v be_v charitable_o hope_v they_o may_v have_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n and_o consequent_o a_o real_a union_n with_o christ_n though_o great_o apostatise_v from_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o at_o present_a walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o ungodlliness_n this_o hope_n may_v be_v rational_o ground_v upon_o the_o promise_n appertain_v to_o their_o i_o speak_v upon_o that_o supposition_n that_o they_o do_v appertain_v to_o they_o indefinite_o and_o that_o god_n in_o a_o pursuance_n of_o they_o do_z so_o frequent_o work_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o be_v a_o rational_a ground_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o universal_o in_o their_o infancy_n with_o respect_n to_o grace_n already_o wrought_v take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o indubitable_a experience_n of_o all_o age_n that_o those_o who_o have_v a_o
real_a work_n of_o grace_n may_v great_o apostatise_v from_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o sometime_o be_v find_v walk_v and_o that_o for_o a_o great_a while_n how_o long_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o ungodliness_n be_v past_o all_o rational_a doubt_n in_o variety_n of_o instance_n as_o that_o of_o solomon_n and_o other_o and_o if_o so_o be_v this_o supposition_n that_o god_n have_v wrought_v grace_n in_o this_o or_o that_o infant_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n why_o may_v not_o the_o same_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v exercise_v towards_o the_o same_o person_n as_o grow_v up_o though_o at_o present_a great_o apostatise_v from_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o suppose_v the_o promise_n alike_o appertain_v to_o they_o as_o they_o do_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o the_o same_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o be_v exercise_v towards_o they_o as_o may_v be_v exercise_v during_o their_o infant-state_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v their_o case_n be_v more_o doubtful_a yet_o i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v hardly_o prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o to_o grant_v they_o this_o privilege_n their_o case_n be_v as_o now_o put_v will_v be_v attend_v with_o no_o small_a inconveniency_n 3._o if_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v only_o indefinite_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n than_o they_o seem_v evident_o to_o appertain_v alike_o to_o their_o mediate_v as_o to_o their_o immediate_a seed_n in_o abraham_n case_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o as_o take_v in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n they_o do_v equal_o and_o alike_o appertain_v to_o his_o seed_n and_o posterity_n mediate_o descend_v from_o he_o as_o to_o his_o immediate_a seed_n neither_o have_v his_o immediate_a seed_n any_o other_o interest_n in_o they_o then_o his_o mediate_a now_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o express_o that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v come_v upon_o believe_a gentile_n or_o suppose_v we_o can_v from_o any_o scripture-warrant_a limit_n the_o promise_v as_o make_v only_o to_o the_o immediate_a seed_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o see_v we_o can_v limit_v they_o to_o abraham_n immdeiate_n but_o must_v grant_v they_o equal_o and_o alike_o to_o respect_v and_o be_v extend_v to_o his_o mediate_v as_o to_o his_o immediate_a seed_n it_o will_v certain_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o this_o very_a day_n have_v a_o equal_a and_o alike_a interest_n in_o the_o promise_n that_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o both_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n child_n have_v and_o if_o so_o i_o conceive_v no_o reason_n can_v possible_o be_v assign_v why_o the_o same_o judgement_n of_o charity_n may_v not_o be_v exercise_v towards_o these_o as_o be_v exercise_v towards_o they_o and_o consequent_o they_o will_v be_v as_o due_a and_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v it_o apply_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o so_o be_v we_o can_v limit_v the_o promise_n to_o the_o immediate_a seed_n of_o believer_n as_o i_o much_o think_v we_o can_v in_o case_n we_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v only_o indefinite_o make_v to_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n then_o there_o will_v be_v lay_v a_o fair_a ground_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o now_o be_v baptism_n to_o all_o infant_n universal_o as_o may_v be_v easy_o show_v if_o necessary_a but_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o these_o reason_n convince_v i_o past_o all_o rational_a contradiction_n that_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o neither_o be_v enter_v with_o nor_o make_v to_o either_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n or_o any_o other_o believer_n in_o a_o mere_a indefinite_a notion_n but_o however_o god_n may_v have_v and_o still_o have_v a_o more_o general_a respect_n both_o to_o abraham_n and_o all_o believer_n seed_n mediate_o descend_v from_o they_o respective_o yet_o as_o enter_v with_o and_o make_v both_o to_o he_o and_o their_o immediate_a seed_n so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v ad_fw-la understand_v in_o a_o definite_a notion_n reach_v and_o take_v in_o each_o one_o of_o their_o seed_n in_o particular_a this_o question_n be_v resolve_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o application_n and_o unfolding_n of_o this_o second_o benefit_n assign_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o here_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o what_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v reference_n to_o or_o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o infant_n thereby_o 2._o wherein_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o have_v that_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v reference_n unto_o ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o outward_a sign_n and_o token_n do_v consist_v 1._o for_o the_o first_o and_o thus_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v a_o double_a reference_n first_o to_o the_o covenant_n it_o fell_v as_o more_o general_o and_o absolute_o consider_v second_o to_o the_o particular_a promise_n contain_v in_o it_o 1._o i_o say_v the_o token_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o covenant_n itself_o as_o absolute_o and_o more_o general_o consider_v and_o hence_o that_o which_o be_v first_o and_o primary_o ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o infant_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o the_o adult_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o be_v the_o covenant_n itself_o as_o more_o general_o and_o absolute_o consider_v and_o consequent_o and_o as_o the_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a result_n thereof_o that_o which_o be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v be_v their_o covenant-state_n they_o be_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v solemn_o invest_v and_o seal_v in_o a_o covenant-state_n with_o god_n they_o be_v absolute_o the_o presenti_fw-la remove_v from_o under_o the_o first_o covenant_n enter_v with_o all_o mankind_n in_o adam_n and_o solemn_o invest_v with_o and_o initiate_v into_o a_o new_a covenant-state_n hence_o circumcision_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o baptism_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o absolute_o consider_v gen._n 17.11_o as_o the_o one_o have_v so_o the_o other_o have_v a_o first_o and_o primary_n respect_n and_o reference_n to_o the_o covenant_n as_o absolute_o take_v and_o consequential_o to_o the_o state_n of_o those_o that_o be_v take_v into_o covenant_n they_o be_v thereby_o solemn_o put_v and_o settle_v in_o a_o new_a covenant-state_n and_o relation_n godward_o though_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o the_o new_a covenant_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v conditional_o make_v with_o all_o or_o rather_o offer_v to_o mankind_n there_o be_v a_o offer_n and_o tender_v of_o christ_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o all_o man_n upon_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n go_v say_v christ_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v in_o that_o mark_n 16.15_o 16._o but_o condionale_fw-la nihil_fw-la ponit_fw-la in_o usu_fw-la a_o conditional_a covenant_n though_o it_o make_v a_o great_a alteration_n in_o the_o case_n of_o man_n they_o be_v not_o now_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n or_o term_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o change_v their_o state_n they_o be_v yet_o heir_n of_o the_o curse_n denounce_v in_o case_n of_o the_o transgression_n of_o that_o covenant_n they_o be_v yet_o child_n of_o wrath_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v upon_o they_o john_n 3.36_o loco_fw-la 3.36_o non_fw-la dixit_fw-la it_o a_o dei_fw-la veniet_fw-la ad_fw-la eum_fw-la sed_fw-la it_o a_o dei_fw-la manet_fw-la super_fw-la eum_fw-la omnes_fw-la qui_fw-la nascuntur_fw-la mortales_fw-la habent_fw-la secum_fw-la iram_fw-la dei._n quam_fw-la iram_fw-la dei_fw-la quam_fw-la excepit_fw-la primus_fw-la homo_fw-la adam_n august_n in_o loco_fw-la but_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v actual_o receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n solemnize_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o from_o this_o change_n in_o their_o state_n i_o conceive_v a_o discharge_n and_o immunity_n from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n whether_o originan_n or_o originatum_fw-la do_v necessary_o arise_v and_o result_v unto_o they_o how_o far_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n mankind_n in_o general_n be_v free_v from_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n by_o the_o new_a covenant_n as_o make_v
so_o that_o the_o communication_n that_o god_n by_o this_o promise_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o make_v of_o himself_o to_o his_o people_n and_o these_o act_n for_o their_o good_a benefic_n and_o advantage_n that_o he_o by_o the_o same_o promise_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o be_v limit_v three_o way_n 1._o by_o his_o own_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o communicate_v his_o deity_n to_o they_o as_o the_o deity_n of_o the_o father_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o son_n and_o the_o deity_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n to_o the_o spirit_n the_o infinity_n of_o the_o deity_n render_v it_o incommunicable_a to_o any_o be_v extrase_n without_o itself_o but_o for_o his_o act_n for_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o people_n they_o receive_v no_o limitation_n from_o his_o perfection_n as_o absolute_o consider_v in_o themselves_o because_o they_o be_v all_o infinite_a in_o themselves_o and_o shall_v he_o act_v ad_fw-la ultimum_fw-la virium_fw-la no_o other_o bound_n or_o limit_n be_v assignable_a to_o they_o by_o the_o creature_n than_o their_o non_fw-la deification_n and_o therefore_o 2._o the_o communication_n of_o god_n to_o and_o his_o act_n for_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o people_n be_v limit_v by_o the_o covenanant_n he_o have_v make_v with_o they_o and_o that_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o good_a he_o will_v communicate_v to_o or_o do_v for_o they_o and_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o will_v communicate_v that_o good_a to_o and_o do_v it_o for_o they_o hence_o no_o more_o good_a can_v be_v expect_v from_o god_n than_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o some_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v either_o indefinite_o with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n in_o general_a or_o definite_o with_o particular_a and_o individual_a person_n though_o it_o be_v true_a the_o full_a good_a contain_v in_o some_o promise_n especial_o those_o relate_n to_o the_o life_n to_o come_v can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o any_o while_o in_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n shall_v come_v to_o be_v admire_v in_o they_o that_o believe_v 2_o thess_n 1.10_o the_o good_a they_o then_o receive_v from_o he_o exceed_v their_o present_a expectation_n but_o yet_o whatever_o good_a they_o do_v or_o then_o shall_v receive_v be_v contain_v in_o some_o promise_n the_o covenant_n be_v norma_fw-la judicii_fw-la both_o in_o respect_n of_o reward_v the_o righteous_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o 2._o as_o the_o communication_n god_n make_v of_o himself_o to_o and_o his_o act_n for_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o people_n be_v limit_v by_o the_o covenant_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o good_a communicate_v to_o and_o do_v for_o they_o so_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o do_v and_o will_v communicate_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o act_n for_o their_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o definite_o make_v with_o particular_a person_n be_v conditional_a or_o do_v require_v somewhat_o of_o duty_n on_o man_n part_n in_o order_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v be_v to_o i_o past_o all_o rational_a doubt_n and_o general_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o prove_v it_o but_o though_o god_n in_o some_o case_n may_v and_o sometime_o do_v give_v the_o good_a of_o some_o promise_n where_o man_n either_o whole_o or_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n fail_v in_o perform_v the_o conditious_a prefix_v to_o they_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v either_o by_o this_o grand_a promise_n nor_o any_o other_o so_o to_o do_v and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a sundamental_a blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o pardon_v of_o sin_n suture_a glory_n etc._n etc._n he_o never_o give_v they_o but_o upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o real_a and_o true_a performance_n of_o the_o condition_n require_v in_o the_o covenant_n on_o man_n part_n hence_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o as_o no_o particular_a person_n whether_o infant_n or_o adult_n have_v ana_n actual_a interest_n in_o this_o promise_n but_o such_o as_o either_o for_o or_o by_o who_o the_o fundamental_a condition_n require_v to_o a_o covenant-state_n be_v perform_v so_o this_o promise_v not_o specify_v any_o particular_a good_a it_o do_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o of_o itself_o confer_v or_o give_v a_o immediate_a right_n to_o any_o good_a contain_v in_o any_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o those_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o it_o only_a constitute_v a_o covenant-relation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o thereby_o give_v they_o a_o mutual_a interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o each_o other_o and_o then_o oblige_v god_n to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o and_o act_n for_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o it_o or_o interest_v in_o it_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n or_o the_o various_a promise_n contain_v therein_o so_o that_o though_o this_o promise_n do_v virtual_o include_v and_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a good_a of_o the_o covenant_n whether_o consist_v in_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a blessing_n yet_o do_v not_o mere_o or_o absolute_o of_o itself_o confer_v or_o ensure_v the_o good_a of_o any_o one_o promise_v appertain_v to_o the_o covenant_n upon_o or_o to_o any_o individual_a or_o particular_a person_n whatsoever_o it_o secure_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o the_o several_a and_o various_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o those_o for_o or_o by_o who_o the_o condition_n or_o duty_n require_v therein_o be_v perform_v but_o do_v not_o absolute_o confer_v or_o ensure_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o any_o one_o promise_n and_o hence_o with_o submission_n to_o better_a judgement_n i_o conceive_v that_o the_o covenant-state_n of_o the_o imfant-seed_n of_o believer_n do_v not_o indispensible_o require_v any_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o their_o heart_n either_o for_o the_o dispose_n they_o to_o act_v or_o facilitate_v their_o act_n of_o grace_n as_o they_o become_v capable_a to_o do_v it_o or_o for_o the_o renovation_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o effect_v grace_n in_o they_o no_o such_o operation_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o their_o have_v or_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o covenant-state_n see_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n be_v without_o they_o and_o be_v their_o parent_n faith_n no_o such_o operation_n be_v include_v in_o or_o assure_v by_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o nor_o as_o i_o conceive_v in_o that_o other_o concern_v their_o future_a salvation_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a regeneration_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o admission_n into_o and_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o heaven_n yet_o that_o may_v be_v wrought_v in_o transitu_fw-la as_o the_o relic_n of_o indwelling_a sin_n be_v purge_v away_o in_o believer_n or_o at_o any_o time_n antecede_v when_o god_n see_v meet_v but_o of_o this_o more_o by_o and_o by_o and_o that_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o his_o people_n whether_o infant_n or_o adult_a believer_n do_v not_o of_o itself_o either_o immediate_o confer_v or_o for_o the_o future_a absolute_o ensure_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o any_o of_o the_o various_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v to_o they_o and_o consequent_o only_o lay_v such_o a_o obligation_n upon_o god_n as_o be_v afore_o express_v i_o shall_v first_o prove_v by_o one_o more_o general_a argument_n and_o then_o clear_v it_o up_o in_o some_o particular_a instance_n arg._n whatever_o good_a be_v either_o confer_v or_o grant_v for_o the_o present_a or_o insure_v for_o the_o future_a by_o any_o promise_n as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o must_v be_v express_o hold_v forth_o or_o necessary_o employ_v in_o the_o term_n in_o which_o it_o be_v make_v or_o else_o must_v in_o some_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o it_o but_o in_o this_o promise_n no_o particular_a good_a etc._n etc._n for_o the_o major_a proposition_n the_o enumeration_n be_v full_a and_o sufficient_a that_o can_v be_v gainsay_v for_o the_o minor_a the_o truth_n of_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o particular_a branch_n of_o it_o first_o that_o no_o particular_a good_a contain_v in_o any_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v express_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o term_n of_o this_o promise_n itself_o be_v obvious_a unto_o all_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o any_o neither_o specify_v nor_o particular_o express_v any_o particular_a good_a he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o or_o bestow_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v only_o a_o more_o general_a assurance_n of_o some_o good_a
but_o what_o that_o good_a be_v or_o upon_o what_o term_n it_o shall_v be_v enjoy_v be_v not_o express_v 2._o that_o no_o particular_a good_a be_v necessary_o employ_v or_o include_v in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v evident_a thus_o it_o must_v be_v employ_v and_o include_v either_o mere_o sub_fw-la notione_fw-la boni_fw-la or_o sub_fw-la notione_fw-la boni_fw-la promissi_fw-la either_o as_o a_o good_a in_o the_o general_n or_o as_o a_o promise_v good_a but_o no_o particular_a good_a can_v be_v employ_v or_o include_v under_o either_o of_o these_o notion_n for_o then_o all_o good_a in_o general_n at_o least_o all_o promise_v good_a must_v be_v employ_v and_o include_v à _fw-la quatenùs_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la valet_fw-la consequentia_fw-la and_o then_o all_o good_a at_o least_o all_o promise_v good_a will_v be_v either_o actual_o confer_v or_o a_o right_a thereunto_o will_v be_v give_v or_o the_o future_a enjoyment_n thereof_o will_v be_v infallible_o secure_v upon_o or_o to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o this_o promise_n the_o contrary_a whereunto_o be_v not_o only_o evident_a to_o every_o one_o observation_n but_o undeniable_o evident_a from_o scripture_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v more_o full_o by_o and_o by_o 3._o that_o any_o particular_a good_a contain_v in_o any_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v declare_v in_o any_o scripture_n to_o be_v employ_v or_o include_v in_o this_o promise_n can_v be_v affirm_v because_o no_o such_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v sound_a whatever_o scripture_n may_v be_v produce_v for_o that_o purpose_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o make_v to_o appear_v they_o prove_v not_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v produce_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o hence_o i_o conclude_v that_o this_o promise_n as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o do_v neither_o actual_o confer_v nor_o give_v a_o right_a to_o nor_o absolute_o secure_v any_o particular_a good_a contain_v in_o any_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n upon_o or_o to_o those_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o but_o be_v only_o a_o obligation_n upon_o god_n to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o act_n or_o improve_v and_o employ_v his_o several_a attribute_n for_o their_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n according_a to_o the_o true_a tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o various_a promise_n contain_v in_o it_o chap._n vii_o that_o the_o foremenioned_a good_a and_o that_o only_a be_v contain_v in_o that_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n further_o confirm_v in_o some_o particular_a instance_n the_o first_o instance_n propose_v no_o special_a or_o save_a influence_n or_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v include_v in_o this_o promise_n so_o as_o by_o it_o as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o to_o be_v confer_v upon_o or_o absolute_o insure_v to_o any_o interest_v in_o it_o the_o several_a use_n and_o end_n of_o these_o influence_n and_o operation_n declare_v what_o be_v affirm_v prove_v first_o more_o general_o second_o more_o particular_o one_o objection_n answer_v a_o second_o instance_n propose_v where_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o no_o love_n that_o be_v peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o elect_n be_v express_v or_o insure_v in_o or_o by_o this_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o to_o all_o interest_v in_o it_o this_o large_o insist_v upon_o what_o may_v be_v plead_v against_o it_o answer_v a_o brief_a recapitulation_n of_o that_o good_a redound_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o receive_v into_o covenant_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o have_v these_o two_o promise_n appertain_v to_o they_o that_o good_a sum_v up_o under_o four_o head_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v all_o good_a prove_v by_o four_o argument_n the_o second_o question_n for_o the_o unfolding_a this_o second_o good_a or_o benefit_n arise_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n from_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n propose_v where_o it_o be_v show_v wherein_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o have_v the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o outward_a sign_n or_o token_n do_v consist_v what_o hazard_n be_v run_v by_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n show_v for_o the_o further_a clear_v up_o and_o confirm_v of_o what_o be_v affirm_v i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o particular_a good_a thing_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o of_o all_o thing_n promise_v may_v seem_v most_o probable_o include_v in_o and_o consequent_o grant_v and_o insure_v by_o this_o promise_n to_o those_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o include_v in_o it_o as_o by_o it_o as_o absolute_o take_v to_o be_v confer_v upon_o grant_v or_o insure_v to_o any_o that_o be_v interest_v in_o it_o 1._o first_o let_v we_o instance_n in_o the_o special_a and_o save_a operation_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n these_o be_v a_o good_a which_o of_o all_o good_a thing_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v most_o essential_a to_o this_o promise_n and_o yet_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o for_o clear_v up_o of_o this_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o these_o save_a influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v vouchsafe_v for_o a_o threefold_a end_n and_o purpose_n in_o the_o general_a 1._o first_o for_o the_o effect_n and_o produce_v the_o first_o grace_n as_o the_o first_o save_v illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o renovation_n of_o the_o nature_n by_o regeneration_n 2._o second_o for_o the_o maintain_v the_o seed_n and_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n whereby_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v continue_v 3._o three_o for_o the_o manage_n and_o carry_v on_o the_o further_a spiritual_a concern_v of_o the_o soul_n consist_v in_o high_a degree_n of_o sanctification_n assurance_n peace_n joy_n the_o due_a performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n and_o the_o like_a now_o that_o these_o save_a influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o any_o of_o or_o for_o all_o these_o several_a end_n and_o purpose_n be_v not_o so_o include_v in_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v 2_o god_n to_o his_o people_n as_o to_o be_v actual_o grant_v or_o insure_v by_o it_o as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o to_o any_o of_o those_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o will_v appear_v two_o way_n first_o more_o general_o and_o we_o may_v argue_v thus_o if_o any_o of_o these_o save_a influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v include_v in_o and_o absolute_o insure_v by_o this_o promise_n as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o then_o they_o be_v all_o alike_o include_v in_o and_o absolute_o insure_v by_o it_o but_o all_o these_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o include_v in_o or_o absolute_o insure_v by_o it_o and_o therefore_o not_o any_o the_o minor_a be_v undeniable_a for_o if_o all_o these_o save_a influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v include_v in_o and_o absolute_o insure_v by_o this_o promise_n as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o than_o all_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n will_v enjoy_v all_o those_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n or_o else_o god_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o fail_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o now_o it_o be_v pass_v all_o rational_a contradiction_n that_o all_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o this_o promise_n do_v not_o enjoy_v all_o these_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n possible_o some_o if_o not_o all_o yet_o in_o a_o very_a low_a degree_n and_o then_o much_o less_o in_o the_o highestdegree_n neither_o can_v it_o without_o blasphemy_n be_v suppose_v that_o god_n do_v at_o any_o time_n fail_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n therefore_o undoubted_o they_o be_v not_o all_o especial_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n in_o which_o they_o may_v be_v enjoy_v by_o man_n in_o this_o life_n include_v in_o nor_o absolute_o insure_v by_o this_o promise_n the_o consequence_n in_o the_o major_a proposition_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o promise_n as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o neither_o specifi_v nor_o particularize_v any_o of_o these_o influence_n or_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o promise_n itself_o nor_o in_o any_o explication_n or_o interpretation_n that_o god_n himself_o in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n make_v of_o it_o be_v a_o ground_n for_o we_o to_o distinguish_v and_o say_v such_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v include_v in_o and_o absolute_o insure_v by_o it_o and_o not_o other_o and_o where_o neither_o
be_v a_o spiritual_a blessing_n or_o a_o promise_n of_o a_o spiritual_a good_a so_o pareus_n or_o else_o that_o blessing_n may_v be_v call_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o to_o denote_v the_o author_n of_o it_o it_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o his_o inspiration_n leave_v upon_o record_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o take_v the_o sense_n which_o way_n we_o will_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v take_v that_o promise_n include_v a_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o let_v that_o suffice_v for_o the_o first_o instance_n second_o let_v we_o take_v another_o instance_n in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n that_o be_v a_o peculiar_a good_a promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o will_v love_v they_o free_o hos_fw-la 14.4_o now_o here_o again_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o promise_v take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o do_v not_o necessary_o imply_v or_o include_v and_o consequent_o do_v not_o absolute_o ensure_v to_o all_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o such_o love_n or_o favour_n from_o god_n as_o be_v peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o elect_a the_o aplstle_n john_n indeed_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v love_n and_o as_o he_o be_v essential_o love_n so_o he_o express_v his_o love_n as_o in_o various_a way_n so_o in_o various_a degree_n and_o measure_n towards_o his_o creature_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n now_o it_o be_v ready_o grant_v that_o god_n do_v express_v more_o love_n or_o do_v vouchsafe_v high_a and_o great_a effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o his_o love_n to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o have_v extend_v his_o covenant_n or_o between_o himself_o and_o who_o he_o have_v constitute_v a_o covenant-relation_n than_o he_o have_v do_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n between_o himself_o and_o who_o there_o be_v no_o such_o covenant-relation_n thus_o the_o very_a extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o give_v they_o a_o present_a propriety_n in_o and_o take_v they_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o himself_o be_v glorious_a expression_n or_o fruit_n of_o his_o love_n to_o they_o beside_o various_a other_o expression_n and_o fruit_n of_o his_o love_n vouchsase_v to_o they_o as_o in_o a_o covernantstate_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o family_n of_o christ_n as_o visible_a here_o upon_o earth_n and_o while_o the_o covenant-relation_n with_o the_o privilege_n attend_v it_o be_v continue_v to_o they_o the_o love_n express_v in_o it_o and_o they_o be_v continue_v to_o they_o but_o yet_o as_o these_o expression_n and_o fruit_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n be_v not_o peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o elect_n but_o may_v be_v common_a to_o other_o with_o they_o and_o may_v be_v and_o answerable_o be_v withdraw_v from_o they_o upon_o a_o failure_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o they_o so_o no_o more_o or_o no_o further_a love_n be_v insure_v by_o this_o promise_n than_o what_o be_v actual_o express_v in_o give_v it_o to_o they_o and_o constitute_v thereby_o a_o covenat-relation_n between_o he_o and_o they_o and_o vouchsafe_v they_o the_o token_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o thereby_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n kingdom_n and_o family_n as_o visible_a here_o upon_o earth_n so_o that_o i_o have_v here_o two_o thing_n to_o prove_v 1._o first_o that_o god_n may_v extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o non-elect_a so_o as_o to_o constiture_n thereby_o a_o true_a covenant-relation_n between_o himself_o and_o they_o and_o may_v thereupon_o vouchsafe_v they_o tjhe_v token_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o thereby_o admission_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o consequent_o that_o what_o love_n and_o favour_n be_v express_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v no_o peculiar_a to_o the_o elect._n 2._o second_o that_o this_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o do_v not_o necessary_o include_v and_o consepuent_o do_v not_o ensure_v any_o further_a love_n or_o favour_n peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o elect_a to_o any_o of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o to_o who_o it_o do_v appertain_v for_o the_o first_o that_o be_v prove_v thus_o if_o for_o god_n so_o to_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o or_o enter_v it_o with_o some_o non-elect_a as_o to_o constitute_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a covenant-relation_n between_o himself_o and_o they_o and_o to_o vouchsafe_v they_o thereupon_o the_o token_n of_o it_o and_o thereby_o admit_v they_o as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o possible_a in_o itself_o and_o be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o what_o himself_o have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v in_o his_o word_n wither_v concern_v the_o subject_n or_o nature_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o concern_v the_o good_a vouchsafe_v or_o to_o be_v vouchsafe_v to_o those_o who_o be_v take_v in_o as_o subject_n of_o it_o than_o he_o may_v extend_v it_o in_o the_o sense_n before_o express_v to_o some_o non-elect_a and_o answerable_o vouchsafe_v they_o the_o token_n of_o it_o but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a the_o minor_a proposition_n alone_o need_v proof_n and_o here_o we_o have_v in_o the_o general_n two_o thing_n to_o prove_v first_o that_o for_o god_n to_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o non-elect_a and_o vouchsafe_v they_o the_o token_n of_o it_o be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o possible_a in_o itself_o now_o for_o this_o that_o this_o be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o possible_a be_v unquestionable_a the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n and_o his_o absolute_a freedom_n to_o deal_v with_o his_o creature_n as_o himself_o please_v secure_v this_o past_a all_o rational_a doubt_n if_o he_o may_v as_o who_o question_n but_o that_o he_o may_v enter_v covenant_n conditional_o with_o all_o man_n why_o may_v he_o not_o go_v somewhat_o further_o with_o some_o and_o actual_o take_v they_o into_o a_o covenant-relation_n with_o himself_o and_o vouchsafe_v they_o the_o token_n of_o his_o covenant_n who_o yet_o he_o have_v not-ordained_n to_o salvation_n second_o that_o for_o god_n thus_o to_o do_v be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v in_o his_o word_n either_o concern_v the_o subject_n or_o the_o nature_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o concern_v the_o good_a vouchsafe_v or_o to_o be_v vouchsafe_v to_o those_o that_o be_v take_v in_o as_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o particular_a branch_n and_o thus_o first_o for_o god_n to_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o some_o non-elect_a and_o answerable_o vouchsafe_v they_o the_o token_n of_o it_o be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o what_o he_o have_v declare_v in_o his_o word_n concern_v the_o subject_n of_o it_o this_o be_v sufficient_o wvident_a because_o whatever_o god_n have_v declare_v in_o his_o word_n concern_v the_o subject_n of_o his_o covenant_n yet_o he_o have_v no_o where_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o take_v in_o any_o as_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o that_o be_v not_o elect_v he_o have_v no_o where_o limit_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o elect._n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o declaration_n in_o the_o scripture_n let_v it_o be_v show_v second_o that_o for_o god_n so_o to_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o some_o non-elect_a be_v no_o way_n inconfistent_a with_o what_o he_o have_v declare_v in_o his_o word_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o that_o which_o alone_o can_v be_v plead_v as_o oppose_v god_n extend_v his_o covenant_n in_o the_o sense_n express_v to_o the_o non-elect_a be_v what_o he_o have_v declare_v concern_v the_o everlastingness_n and_o unchangeableness_n of_o it_o with_o the_o provision_n make_v and_o security_n give_v that_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v break_v by_o those_o that_o be_v take_v in_o as_o subject_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o seem_a inconsistency_n between_o what_o be_v now_o affirm_v concern_v god_n extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o non-elect_a and_o those_o thing_n so_o frequent_o assert_v and_o inculcate_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o thus_o much_o shall_v be_v ready_o grant_v that_o those_o thing_n so_o frequent_o declear_v and_o repeat_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o covenant_n do_v infallible_o prove_v that_o the_o covenant_n as_o enter_v with_o some_o shall_v stand_v firm_a and_o remain_v inviolate_a shall_v never_o be_v break_v yet_o i_o coneive_v all_o that_o be_v delcare_v in_o scripture_n of_o this_o nature_n concern_v the_o covenant_n will_v not_o prove_v but_o that_o god_n may_v and_o that_o in_o a_o consistency_n with_o his_o word_n extend_v it_o in_o the_o sense_n express_v to_o some_o that_o be_v not_o elect_v for_o first_o as_o for_o what_o the_o scripture_n declare_v concern_v the_o everlastingness_n of_o the_o
covenant_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v true_a the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v frequent_o affirm_v to_o be_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n gen._n 17.7_o isa_n 55.3_o jer._n 32.40_o but_o to_o that_o i_o will_v say_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v call_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n on_o either_o of_o these_o two_o account_n first_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v in_o it_o the_o good_a promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a temporal_a or_o temporary_a good_a but_o a_o eternal_a or_o everlasting_a good_a even_o everlasting_a blessedness_n and_o happiness_n thus_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o everlasting_a possession_n because_o the_o good_a typify_v by_o and_o principal_o intend_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o that_o land_n be_v everlasting_a happiness_n and_o blessedness_n or_o second_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o duration_n of_o it_o throughout_o all_o age_n and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o it_o invariable_a whether_o we_o respect_v the_o promise_n on_o god_n part_n or_o the_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v on_o man_n part_n though_o there_o have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v some_o variation_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o so_o shall_v continue_v while_n abraham_n have_v a_o seed_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o on_o either_o of_o these_o account_v it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n obj._n but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v say_v if_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o call_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n from_o the_o constancy_n and_o immutability_n of_o it_o as_o make_v with_o particular_a person_n the_o foundation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n will_v be_v great_o shake_v thereby_o answ_n to_o that_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o its_o true_a we_o must_v have_v a_o equal_a respect_n unto_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o that_o be_v of_o equal_a weight_n and_o importance_n and_o answerable_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o establish_v one_o doctrine_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o another_o that_o we_o do_v not_o by_o end_n eavour_v to_o establish_v one_o doctrine_n shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o another_o and_o hence_o as_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a that_o while_o we_o end_v eavour_v to_o establish_v the_o doctrine_n of_o infant-baptism_n we_o do_v not_o shake_v the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n and_o so_o vice_n versa_fw-la both_o doctrine_n may_v be_v sufficient_o establish_v upon_o scripture_n ground_n without_o prejudice_n each_o to_o other_o and_o therefore_o second_o though_o we_o grant_v the_o scripture_n affirm_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n will_v not_o infallible_o prove_v its_o constancy_n and_o immutability_n as_o make_v with_o particular_a person_n yet_o the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n perseverance_n may_v be_v establish_v against_o all_o rational_a opposition_n upon_o other_o scripture_n ground_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o and_o therefore_o three_o we_o may_v grant_v yea_o affirm_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v say_v to_o be_v everlasting_a from_o its_o constancy_n and_o immutability_n as_o make_v with_o particular_a person_n and_o yet_o hold_v and_o maintain_v that_o god_n may_v extend_v it_o in_o the_o sense_n express_v to_o some_o that_o be_v not_o elect_v and_o answerable_o a_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o this_o property_n of_o the_o covenant_n 50._o see_v my_o infant-baptism_n from_o heaven_n book_n 1._o page_n 50._o viz._n its_o eternity_n for_o the_o establish_n the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o insant-baptism_n only_o than_o we_o must_v dinstinguish_v between_o the_o covenant_n as_o complete_o make_v with_o the_o adult_n and_o as_o less_o complete_o enter_v with_o infant_n as_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n and_o that_o when_o the_o covenant_n be_v call_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o covenant_n as_o complete_o make_v with_o the_o adult_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o way_n it_o come_v to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o be_v by_o god_n put_v his_o law_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o with_o who_o it_o be_v make_v now_o these_o promise_n of_o put_v the_o law_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o write_v it_o in_o the_o heart_n as_o they_o be_v only_o make_v indefinite_o to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o consequent_o secure_a not_o the_o good_a contaive_v in_o they_o to_o each_o individual_a person_n to_o who_o in_o common_a with_o other_o they_o do_v appertain_v so_o they_o be_v at_o least_o ordinary_o only_o make_v good_a to_o the_o adult_n and_o to_o whosoever_o they_o be_v make_v good_a the_o covenant_n abide_v firm_a and_o as_o estabished_a between_o god_n and_o they_o may_v be_v true_o call_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n but_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o three_o branch_n of_o this_o second_o thing_n propose_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o minor_a proposition_n of_o our_o forego_n argument_n so_o that_o what_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o everlastingness_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v very_o well_o consist_v with_o what_o be_v affirm_v concern_v god_n extend_v it_o to_o the_o non-elect_a it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n on_o several_a account_n but_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v so_o call_v on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o constancy_n and_o immutability_n as_o make_v with_o particular_a person_n yet_o it_o must_v then_o be_v take_v as_o make_v only_o with_o the_o adult_n god_n have_v make_v his_o covenant_n conditional_o with_o all_o mankind_n whereby_o though_o all_o man_n as_o absolute_o consider_v be_v put_v in_o a_o capacity_n or_o possibility_n of_o be_v save_v yet_o salvation_n be_v absolute_o secure_v to_o none_o he_o have_v so_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o thereby_o to_o constitute_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a covenant-relation_n between_o himself_o and_o they_o when_o yet_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o full_o complete_a their_o state_n be_v mutable_a when_o the_o condition_n deulve_v upon_o themselves_o they_o may_v fail_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o thereupon_o be_v cast_v out_o but_o when_o once_o the_o covenant_n become_v complete_a be_v mutual_o plight_v between_o god_n and_o a_o adult_n person_n through_o the_o save_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n now_o it_o be_v a_o unchangeable_a and_o everlasting_a covenant_n the_o soul_n performance_n of_o the_o condition_n be_v secure_v by_o the_o abide_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o it_o but_o three_o that_o for_o god_n so_o to_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o some_o that_o be_v not_o elect_v as_o to_o constitute_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a covenant-relation_n between_o himself_o and_o they_o be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o what_o the_o scripture_n declare_v concern_v any_o good_a vouchsafe_a or_o to_o be_v vouchsafe_v to_o those_o that_o be_v take_v in_o as_o subject_n of_o it_o and_o here_o again_o a_o twofold_a good_a can_v only_o as_o i_o judge_v be_v plead_v as_o oppose_v what_o be_v affirm_v first_o their_o discharge_n and_o immunity_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o concemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n result_v from_o their_o covenant-state_n second_o save_v grace_n the_o former_a be_v a_o good_a actual_o vouchsafe_v the_o latter_a may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v necessary_o vouchsafe_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n but_o for_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o god_n have_v no_o where_o declare_v in_o his_o word_n that_o all_o that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v discharge_v of_o and_o have_v a_o immunity_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o any_o however_o of_o original_a sin_n shall_v infallible_o be_v preserve_v in_o a_o covenant-state_n and_o thereby_o bring_v to_o salvation_n at_o last_o i_o know_v in_o part_n what_o be_v say_v as_o to_o this_o but_o let_v i_o say_v to_o bottom_v the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n upon_o such_o a_o supposition_n be_v altogether_o unsafe_a whether_o the_o guilt_n of_o original_a sin_n do_v revive_v and_o be_v recharge_v upon_o such_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o do_v when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n neglect_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o thereby_o forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o it_o be_v a_o question_n of_o more_o difficulty_n to_o resolve_v than_o usefulness_n when_o resolve_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v pass_v it_o by_o for_o the_o latter_a good_a which_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v necessary_o vouchsafe_v to_o all_o that_o be_v take_v in_o
as_o subject_n of_o the_o covenant_n viz._n save_v grace_n i_o have_v say_v so_o much_o to_o it_o once_o and_o again_o i_o need_v add_v no_o more_o at_o present_a that_o may_v suffice_v that_o the_o promise_v contain_v that_o good_a at_o least_o as_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o first_o grace_n be_v not_o make_v to_o any_o in_o particular_a they_o be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o answerable_o secure_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o only_o to_o the_o elect_n and_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o god_n may_v extend_v his_o covenant_n in_o the_o sense_n intend_v to_o some_o that_o be_v not_o elect_v but_o let_v that_o suffice_v for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v second_o that_o this_o promise_n as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o do_v not_o necessary_o include_v or_o secure_v to_o all_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v or_o to_o who_o it_o do_v appertain_v any_o surth_a love_n and_o favour_n from_o god_n that_o be_v peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o elect_a as_o it_o do_v not_o nevessary_o imply_v or_o infer_v election_n or_o that_o all_o these_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v be_v elect_v and_o consequent_o belove_v with_o the_o love_n of_o election_n so_o it_o doew_fw-mi not_o necessary_o include_v or_o secureany_v consequent_a love_n or_o favour_n that_o be_v peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o elect._n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o love_n and_o favour_n be_v peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o elect_n and_o that_o fall_v under_o a_o twofold_a consideration_n first_o as_o a_o love_n of_o beneficence_n second_o as_o a_o love_n of_o complacence_n for_o the_o first_o and_o thus_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o express_v in_o a_o way_n of_o beneficence_n to_o the_o elect_n differ_v from_o that_o common_a love_n and_o favour_n vouchsase_v to_o man_n in_o general_a only_o in_o degree_n and_o those_o fruit_n and_o effect_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v it_o be_v act_v more_o intense_o to_o speak_v of_o god_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o according_a to_o our_o shallow_a apprhension_n of_o he_o and_o in_o different_a effect_n and_o fruit_n than_o it_o be_v act_v and_o express_v towards_o man_n in_o general_a these_o effect_n and_o fruit_n which_o we_o be_v at_o present_a only_o concern_v in_o may_v in_o the_o general_n be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n regeneration_n to_o a_o state_n of_o life_n preservation_n in_o that_o state_n and_o suture_a glorfication_n now_o none_o of_o these_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_o include_v in_o or_o secure_v by_o this_o promise_n as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o this_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v already_o for_o if_o the_o first_o viz._n regeneration_n be_v not_o include_v in_o or_o secure_v by_o it_o neither_o of_o the_o two_o latter_a can_v in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o necessarity_n presuppose_v the_o antecedency_n of_o this_o now_o that_o this_o first_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o that_o special_a love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o elect_n be_v not_o necessarity_n include_v in_o or_o secure_v by_o this_o promise_n be_v sufficiect_o evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v therefore_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o second_o for_o the_o latter_a viz._n the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o express_v in_o a_o way_n of_o complacency_n and_o delight_n and_o under_o this_o head_n we_o may_v comprehend_v all_o those_o thing_n wherein_o this_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v express_v or_o whereby_o it_o be_v signify_v to_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v vouchsase_v as_o the_o signal_n manifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o christ_n in_o his_o smile_n upon_o the_o soul_n the_o shedding_n abroad_o of_o his_o love_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o like_a now_o that_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o express_v this_o way_n be_v not_o necessary_o include_v in_o or_o secure_v by_o this_o promise_n as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o will_v necessary_o follow_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v this_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o man_n always_o suppose_v they_o true_o regenerrte_v and_o sanctify_v and_o consequent_o can_v be_v include_v in_o or_o secure_v by_o that_o promise_n in_o which_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v not_o include_v or_o by_o which_o they_o be_v not_o secure_v or_o at_o lest_o which_o do_v not_o presuppose_v they_o already_o wrought_v and_o be_v act_v and_o express_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o sanctification_n attain_v to_o the_o lively_a exercise_n of_o grace_n due_a performance_n of_o obedience_n and_o the_o like_a hence_o those_o that_o be_v true_o regenerate_v may_v so_o sink_v and_o degenerate_v in_o their_o sanctification_n exercise_n of_o grace_n and_o performance_n of_o obedience_n as_o that_o this_o love_n shall_v be_v act_v and_o express_v if_o at_o all_o yet_o in_o a_o very_a low_a and_o remiss_a degree_n whereas_o be_v it_o include_v in_o and_o secer_v by_o this_o promise_n as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o it_o will_v be_v act_v and_o express_v always_o alike_o towards_o all_o to_o who_o this_o promise_n do_v appertain_v so_o that_o to_o come_v to_o a_o close_a of_o this_o we_o may_v evident_o see_v that_o as_o interest_n in_o this_o promise_n do_v not_o universal_o flow_v from_o the_o eleut_a love_n of_o god_n he_o may_v make_v this_o promise_n to_o some_o that_o be_v not_o elect_v and_o thereby_o constitute_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a covenant-relation_n between_o himself_o &_o they_o and_o answerable_o vouchsafe_v they_o the_o token_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o by_o the_o application_n of_o that_o to_o they_o solemn_o admit_v they_o into_o his_o church_n visible_a so_o no_o further_o or_o consequent_a love_n or_o favour_n that_o be_v peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o elect_n be_v necessary_o include_v in_o nor_o secure_v by_o that_o promise_n and_o consequent_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n assert_v this_o promise_v as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o do_v not_o necessary_o imply_v that_o all_o to_o who_o it_o do_v appertain_v be_v under_o or_o do_v enjoy_v any_o of_o that_o love_n and_o favour_n that_o be_v peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o elect_n neither_o be_v that_o love_n and_o favour_n necessary_o include_v in_o or_o secure_v by_o it_o to_o those_o to_o who_o it_o do_v appertain_v but_o that_o be_v a_o second_o instance_n to_o prove_v what_o be_v affert_v viz._n that_o no_o particular_a good_a contain_v in_o any_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v either_o employ_v in_o or_o secure_v by_o this_o grand_a promise_n as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o to_o any_o to_o who_o it_o do_v appertain_v i_o have_v intend_v to_o have_v proceed_v somewhat_o furcher_n but_o i_o be_o loath_a to_o be_v over_o tedious_a and_o i_o conceive_v what_o have_v be_v say_v may_v suffice_v i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o in_o case_n neither_o any_o of_o the_o save_a influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n nor_o any_o of_o that_o special_a love_n and_o favour_n that_o be_v peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o elect_n which_o be_v two_o of_o the_o most_o essential_a good_a thing_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v employ_v in_o or_o secure_v to_o any_o to_o who_o this_o promise_n do_v appertain_v by_o it_o as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o then_o no_o other_o good_a contain_v in_o any_o other_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v employ_v or_o include_v in_o or_o secure_v by_o it_o as_o so_o take_v and_o therefore_o let_v that_o suffice_v for_o the_o second_o way_n how_o the_o communication_n of_o himself_o to_o and_o his_o act_n for_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o covenant-people_n whereunto_o god_n have_v oblige_v himself_o by_o this_o promise_n be_v limit_v they_o be_v limit_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o various_a promise_n contain_v therein_o and_o consequent_o no_o particular_a good_a contain_v in_o any_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v necessary_o employ_v or_o include_v in_o or_o secure_v by_o this_o promise_n as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o this_o promise_n be_v only_o a_o more_o general_a obligation_n upon_o god_n to_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a the_o whole_a covenant_n yet_o not_o absolute_o but_o according_a to_o the_o true_a tenor_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o various_a promise_n contain_v in_o it_o so_o that_o as_o none_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o any_o good_a but_o what_o be_v somewhere_o promise_v so_o none_o can_v expect_v any_o good_a promise_a but_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o and_o term_n upon_o which_o the_o promise_n
contain_v such_o a_o good_a be_v make_v but_o three_o there_o be_v another_o way_n how_o the_o communication_n of_o himself_o to_o and_o his_o act_n for_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o those_o this_o promise_n appertain_v to_o whereunto_o by_o this_o promise_n god_n have_v oblige_v himself_o be_v limit_v and_o that_o be_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o subject_a to_o receive_v vnumquodque_fw-la recipitur_fw-la secundum_fw-la modum_fw-la recipientis_fw-la but_o this_o be_v excentrical_a to_o my_o present_a design_n i_o shall_v whole_o pass_v it_o by_o from_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v as_o to_o this_o second_o good_a or_o benefit_n that_o the_o insant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o we_o see_v what_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o apply_v to_o they_o by_o reference_n and_o relation_n to_o and_o therein_o what_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n appertain_v to_o they_o and_o also_o what_o be_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o and_o consequent_o grant_v to_o or_o settle_v upon_o they_o by_o those_o promise_n and_o that_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n inquire_v into_o now_o as_o a_o close_a of_o this_o and_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n i_o conceive_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o i_o shall_v reflect_v a_o little_a back_n and_o sum_n up_o and_o give_v a_o distinct_a and_o particular_a account_n of_o what_o good_a the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v as_o receive_v with_o their_o parent_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o as_o have_v in_o particular_a those_o promise_n aforementioned_a make_v unto_o unto_o they_o and_o also_o add_v something_o further_a to_o prove_v that_o they_o indeed_o have_v all_o that_o good_a as_o so_o receive_v into_o covenant_n and_o as_o have_v those_o promise_v make_v to_o they_o as_o for_o the_o good_a they_o have_v that_o be_v fourfold_a first_o they_o be_v put_v into_o a_o new-covenant_n state_n they_o be_v absolute_o for_o the_o present_a remove_v from_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n or_o the_o covenant_n enter_v with_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n and_o take_v into_o as_o the_o actual_a subject_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v their_o present_a state_n they_o be_v actual_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o as_o the_o necessary_a effect_n and_o consequence_n thereof_o be_v free_v and_o discharge_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n second_o they_o have_v at_o present_a true_a real_a and_o proper_a interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o god_n as_o they_o be_v his_o so_o he_o be_v they_o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a propriety_n and_o interest_n in_o each_o other_o three_o they_o have_v god_n under_o a_o actual_a obligation_n viz._n of_o his_o promise_n to_o improve_v and_o employ_v all_o his_o attribute_n for_o their_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n according_a or_o in_o a_o way_n agreeable_a to_o the_o true_a tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o various_a promise_n of_o it_o fouthly_a they_o have_v a_o present_a inter_v in_o and_o right_o to_o salvation_n and_o answerable_o in_o case_n of_o their_o death_n before_o a_o sorfeiture_n be_v make_v of_o that_o their_o interest_n and_o right_n they_o shall_v be_v infallible_o save_v this_o promise_n of_o salvation_n be_v make_v to_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n require_v nothing_o on_o their_o part_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o it_o and_o god_n have_v engage_v by_o promise_n to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o they_o he_o have_v thereby_o oblige_v himself_o to_o make_v good_a this_o promise_n to_o they_o now_o though_o upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o appertain_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o they_o definite_o that_o be_v with_o and_z to_o each_o one_o in_o particular_a which_o that_o they_o be_v have_v be_v before_o prove_v and_o be_v now_o take_v for_o grant_v i_o can_v apprehend_v how_o it_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v deny_v but_o must_v necessary_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o have_v all_o that_o good_a now_o declare_v and_o assign_v to_o they_o and_o consequent_o any_o further_a proof_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v superfluous_a yet_o ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la i_o shall_v add_v these_o three_o or_o four_o argument_n arg._n 1._o first_o what_o good_a be_v either_o according_a to_o the_o literal_a and_o most_o proper_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n contain_v in_o these_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o do_v necessary_o and_o inseparable_o arise_v and_o flow_v from_o the_o very_a establishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n that_o good_a they_o have_v as_o receive_v thereunto_o with_o their_o parent_n and_o as_o have_v those_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o but_o all_o that_o good_a aforementioned_a either_o according_a to_o the_o literal_a or_o most_o proper_a sense_n a_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n or_o else_o do_v necessary_o and_o inscparable_o arise_v and_o flow_v from_o the_o very_a establishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n therefore_o they_o have_v all_o that_o good_a as_o receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o as_o have_v these_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o both_o these_o proposition_n carry_v their_o own_o evidence_n with_o so_o much_o clearness_n that_o i_o need_v add_v nothing_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o either_o of_o they_o certain_o when_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n according_a to_o the_o literal_a and_o most_o proper_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o these_o word_n he_o mean_v himself_o and_o to_o interpret_v that_o promise_n of_o any_o low_a good_a will_v be_v to_o offer_v apparent_a violence_n to_o it_o and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o a_o new-covenant-state_n propriety_n and_o interest_n in_o god_n with_o a_o obligation_n upon_o he_o to_o improve_v all_o his_o attribute_n for_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v and_o a_o right_n to_o salvation_n do_v necessary_o arise_v and_o flow_v from_o the_o very_a establishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o make_v these_o promise_n with_o or_o to_o any_o whether_o insant_n or_o adult_n will_v as_o i_o suppose_v be_v question_v by_o none_o and_o therefore_o arg._n 2._o second_o if_o believe_v parent_n have_v all_o that_o good_a as_o receive_v into_o covenant_n and_o as_o have_v those_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o then_o so_o have_v their_o insant-see_a they_o be_v alike_o receive_v into_o covenant_n and_o have_v the_o same_o promise_v make_v alike_o to_o they_o but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a the_o antecedent_n be_v secure_v from_o any_o opposition_n not_o only_o by_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n light_n but_o by_o the_o universal_a acknowledgement_n of_o all_o christian_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v any_o ground_n from_o scripture_n or_o right_a reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o consequence_n this_o be_v undoubred_a to_o i_o that_o poedo-baptists_n assign_v one_o kind_n of_o good_a to_o parent_n and_o another_o to_o insant_n while_o yet_o they_o plead_v for_o insant_n have_v the_o same_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o these_o grand_a promise_n of_o it_o that_o parent_n have_v have_v not_o a_o little_a promote_v the_o error_n of_o anti-poado-baptism_n but_o arg._n 3._o three_o unless_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n have_v that_o good_a afore_o declare_v they_o have_v no_o interest_n at_o all_o in_o the_o covenant_n but_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n have_v a_o true_a and_o real_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n ergo._n the_o consequence_n in_o the_o major_a proposition_n will_v not_o be_v question_v by_o poedo-baptists_n for_o who_o sake_n i_o now_o write_v as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o anti-poedo-baptists_n but_o that_o be_v evident_a thus_o those_o that_o have_v no_o good_a that_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v no_o present_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n but_o unless_o infant_n have_v that_o good_a asore_n declare_v they_o have_v no_o good_a that_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n ergo._n this_o argument_n in_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o ordinary_a understanding_n at_o least_o will_v so_o evident_o appear_v upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n that_o i_o shall_v surcease_v the_o proof_n it_o and_o only_o add_v one_o more_o argument_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n arg._n 4._o if_o the_o insant-seed_n of_o believer_n as_o receive_v into_o coivenant_n and_o as_o
have_v those_o promise_v make_v to_o they_o have_v not_o the_o good_a afore_o express_v than_o the_o covenant_n will_v be_v no_o security_n to_o any_o of_o they_o nor_o any_o ground_n of_o hope_n to_o their_o parent_n as_o to_o their_o future_a happiness_n in_o cafe_z of_o their_o death_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n before_o they_o have_v personal_o take_v haold_n of_o the_o covenant_n themselves_o but_o the_o covenant_n be_v some_o security_n to_o the_o insant-seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n and_o may_v be_v some_o ground_n of_o hope_n to_o their_o parent_n as_o to_o their_o future_a happiness_n in_o case_n of_o their_o death_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n ergo._n if_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v neither_o a_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o original_a sin_n nor_o any_o propriety_n or_o interest_n in_o god_n nor_o right_o to_o salvation_n by_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o enter_v with_o or_o make_v to_o they_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o either_o the_o covenant_n or_o any_o promise_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v any_o security_n to_o they_o or_o any_o ground_n of_o hope_n to_o their_o parent_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v in_o case_n of_o death_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n and_o if_o they_o have_v no_o security_n nor_o their_o parent_n any_o ground_n of_o hope_n as_o to_o their_o future_a happiness_n from_o the_o covenant_n than_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n will_v be_v whole_o insignificant_a and_o of_o no_o use_n or_o advantage_n at_o all_o either_o to_o parent_n or_o child_n in_o respect_n of_o all_o those_o that_o die_v in_o that_o state_n and_o how_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o die_v in_o that_o state_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n but_o now_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v altogether_o unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n and_o seal_v it_o by_o a_o outward_a sign_n or_o token_n and_o yet_o neither_o the_o covenant_n nor_o any_o one_o promise_n of_o it_o be_v of_o any_o use_n or_o advantage_n at_o all_o either_o to_o parent_n or_o child_n in_o respect_n of_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o seed_n from_o all_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o universal_o have_v as_o receive_v into_o covenant_n and_o have_v these_o two_o grand_a promise_n of_o it_o in_o special_a make_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n the_o whole_a good_a afore_o declare_v as_o for_o their_o state_n they_o be_v actual_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v and_o absolute_a discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o original_a sin_n as_o the_o inseparable_a effect_n and_o consequence_n thereof_o they_o have_v a_o present_a actual_a propriety_n in_o god_n he_o be_v their_o god_n and_o as_o such_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o make_v good_a unto_o they_o the_o whole_a covenant_n according_a to_o the_o true_a tenor_n of_o it_o they_o have_v a_o present_a right_n to_o future_a salvation_n and_o answerable_o under_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o enjoy_v it_o suppose_v their_o non-forseiture_a of_o that_o their_o right_n which_o during_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n they_o be_v incapable_a to_o do_v but_o to_o proceed_v second_o wherein_o do_v the_o good_a of_o have_v the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o appertain_v to_o they_o ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n by_o a_o outward_a sign_n or_o token_n consist_v as_o previous_a to_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_n two_o thing_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o general_n first_o that_o adult-believer_n be_v equal_o and_o alike_o concern_v in_o it_o with_o infant_n inasmuch_o as_o whatever_o good_a the_o adult_n have_v by_o the_o ratification_n seal_v and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o unto_o they_o the_o same_o good_a have_v infant_n by_o the_o seal_n ratification_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o by_o a_o outward_a sign_n and_o token_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o vice_n versa_fw-la second_o that_o to_o have_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n of_o it_o ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o outward_a sign_n and_o token_n be_v a_o good_a be_v sufficient_o secure_v by_o the_o very_a institution_n of_o a_o sign_n and_o token_n for_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n institute_v and_o infinite_a wise_a and_o good_a god_n will_v not_o institute_v a_o outward_a sign_n and_o token_n for_o such_o and_o end_v and_o purpose_n do_v it_o not_o as_o serve_v to_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n conduce_v to_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o his_o people_n whether_o infant_n or_o adult_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a be_v certain_a though_o we_o shall_v not_o full_o apprehend_v wherein_o that_o good_a do_v consist_v but_o more_o particular_o and_o direct_o to_o the_o question_n the_o great_a good_a of_o have_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n raâ—ified_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o outward_a sign_n or_o token_n i_o conceive_v consist_v in_o the_o additional_a assurance_n give_v unto_o man_n thereby_o of_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o good_a grant_v to_o and_o settle_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n for_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o verity_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n be_v a_o full_a and_o infallible_a assurance_n unto_o man_n of_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o whatever_o good_a be_v covenant_v and_o promise_v to_o they_o suppose_v the_o performance_n of_o what_o duty_n be_v require_v on_o their_o part_n he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v but_o yet_o the_o ratification_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n by_o a_o outward_a sign_n be_v quoad_fw-la homines_fw-la a_o additional_a assurance_n to_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v that_o good_n the_o case_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o confirmation_n by_o a_o seal_n and_o token_n and_o by_o a_o oath_n the_o promise_v as_o absolute_o consider_v be_v as_o sure_a and_o certain_a before_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n be_v give_v as_o after_o yet_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n confirm_v his_o promise_n with_o a_o oath_n and_o show_v the_o good_a design_v to_o we_o thereby_o viz._n that_o we_o may_v have_v more_o strong_a consolation_n heb._n 6.16_o 17_o 18._o god_n deal_v with_o man_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o present_a state_n of_o imperfection_n now_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o seal_n do_v add_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o any_o promise_n or_o contract_n among_o man_n and_o give_v great_a assurance_n of_o the_o persormance_n of_o they_o and_o consequent_o of_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v to_o who_o or_o with_o who_o such_o promise_n and_o contract_n be_v make_v than_o they_o will_v do_v be_v there_o no_o seal_n annex_v hence_o we_o may_v say_v that_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n as_o take_v absolute_o in_o themselves_o without_o consideration_n to_o their_o author_n be_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o seal_n or_o token_n annex_v and_o consequent_o the_o seal_n or_o token_n be_v a_o further_a assurance_n to_o those_o with_o or_o to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v that_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o good_a covenant_v and_o promise_v and_o beside_o while_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n their_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v imperfect_a they_o be_v apt_a to_o frame_v their_o notion_n of_o god_n by_o what_o they_o see_v and_o experience_n among_o man_n hence_o the_o add_v of_o a_o seal_n or_o token_n to_o the_o covenant_n be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o their_o faith_n object_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v true_a to_o have_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o outward_a sign_n or_o token_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n a_o great_a good_a to_o adult-believer_n who_o have_v a_o capacity_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o sign_n or_o token_n and_o improve_v it_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o what_o do_v this_o concern_v infant_n who_o can_v make_v no_o such_o use_n or_o improvement_n of_o it_o as_o apply_v to_o they_o and_o than_o what_o good_a be_v it_o to_o they_o or_o wherein_o do_v the_o good_a of_o its_o be_v apply_v to_o they_o consist_v suppose_v the_o promise_n to_o appertain_v to_o they_o they_o of_o themselves_o be_v a_o infallible_a security_n to_o they_o as_o to_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v and_o as_o for_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n as_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n to_o strengthen_v so_o have_v they_o any_o yet_o they_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o make_v any_o
improvement_n of_o it_o to_o that_o purpose_n to_o that_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v first_o that_o the_o covenant_n and-promises_a as_o enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o they_o take_v absolute_o in_o themselves_o be_v ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o outward_a sign_n or_o token_n the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o be_v more_o full_o afcertain_v and_o assure_v to_o they_o but_o second_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v what_o reference_n and_o subserviency_n according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o infant_n have_v to_o his_o continue_v unto_o they_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o answerable_o vouchsafe_v they_o the_o good_a covenant_v and_o promise_v to_o they_o the_o lord_n himself_o tell_v abraham_n that_o the_o manchild_n that_o be_v not_o circumcise_v have_v break_v the_o covenant_n gen._n 17.14_o whether_o that_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n their_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o and_o bear_v it_o be_v a_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o their_o hold_v their_o covenant-interest_n and_o state_n and_o enjoy_v the_o good_a promise_v i_o shall_v not_o determine_v only_o this_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o bare_a privation_n or_o want_n of_o circumcision_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o then_o all_o die_a before_o the_o eight_o day_n have_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o david_n can_v not_o have_v comfort_v himself_o by_o that_o consideration_n that_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o his_o child_n and_o not_o it_o return_v to_o he_o say_v gerhard_n eam_fw-la scil_n comminationem_fw-la quae_fw-la de_fw-la circumcisione_n extat_fw-la gen._n 17.14_o non_fw-la ad_fw-la casum_fw-la privationis_fw-la sed_fw-la ad_fw-la contemptum_fw-la sacramenti_fw-la pertinere_fw-la but_o whether_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o from_o error_n as_o well_o as_o contempt_n may_v not_o be_v of_o such_o a_o fatal_a consequence_n to_o the_o child_n will_v appear_v at_o that_o day_n when_o thing_n now_o hide_v be_v bring_v to_o light_n this_o must_v be_v add_v that_o it_o be_v a_o passage_n may_v just_o make_v the_o heart_n not_o only_o of_o contemner_n but_o of_o all_o neglecter_n of_o infant-baptism_n to_o tremble_v we_o know_v not_o but_o that_o god_n may_v have_v make_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 absolute_o necessary_a to_o his_o continue_v his_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o to_o his_o vouchsafe_v they_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o he_o may_v ostablish_v his_o covenant_n upon_o what_o term_n himself_o please_v and_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v find_v true_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v how_o much_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o consequent_o how_o great_a a_o good_a it_o be_v to_o they_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n upon_o the_o door-post_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o israelite_n can_v not_o be_v improve_v by_o any_o of_o their_o first-born_a who_o be_v yet_o in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n yet_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o security_n from_o the_o destroy_a angel_n there_o may_v be_v a_o indispensible_a connexion_n between_o some_o duty_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o good_a promise_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o lie_v in_o the_o alone_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n at_o least_o be_v reserve_v as_o a_o secret_a in_o his_o own_o breast_n two_o thing_n be_v plain_a to_o i_o and_o a_o three_o be_v doubtful_a first_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o in_o case_n the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n nor_o be_v to_o have_v the_o token_n of_o it_o apply_v parent_n have_v no_o other_o ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o their_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v reap_v any_o of_o the_o save_a benefic_n purchase_v by_o christ_n at_o least_o that_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n then_o may_v be_v act_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o heathen_n second_o this_o be_v alike_o plain_a to_o i_o that_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n through_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o and_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o do_v suppose_v their_o death_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n infallible_o enjoy_v all_o those_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n three_o this_o be_v doubtful_a to_o i_o how_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o and_o what_o be_v the_o case_n of_o their_o infant-seed_n who_o through_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o understanding_n disclaim_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o neglect_v thereupon_o to_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o i_o will_v hope_v the_o best_a but_o i_o must_v say_v the_o scripture_n to_o i_o give_v more_o ground_n of_o fear_n than_o of_o hope_n in_o the_o last_o place_n it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n not_o only_o with_o reference_n to_o their_o good_a and_o benefit_n during_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n but_o also_o with_o reference_n to_o their_o good_a as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n when_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v a_o improvement_n of_o it_o and_o how_o great_a it_o may_v be_v and_z if_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o use_n they_o be_v to_o make_v of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v then_o unto_o they_o shall_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v show_v under_o the_o next_o general_n head_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o that_o some_o doubt_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o and_o some_o objection_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o oppose_v what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v must_v be_v satisfy_v and_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n we_o have_v see_v a_o twofold_a good_a and_o benefit_n that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o first_o they_o have_v thereby_o a_o solemn_a admission_n and_o incorporation_n into_o the_o visible_a body_n kingdom_n or_o family_n of_o christ_n whereunto_o and_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o which_o they_o be_v suppose_v and_o grant_v yea_o affirm_v to_o have_v a_o political_a or_o relative_n union_n with_o christ_n the_o head_n second_o they_o have_v thereby_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o in_o the_o ratification_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o have_v consequent_o a_o discharge_n and_o immunity_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o in_o the_o ratification_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o promise_n they_o have_v a_o present_a interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o god_n and_o right_a to_o future_a salvation_n seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o chap._n viii_o several_a objection_n answer_v the_o first_o raise_v from_o the_o impossibility_n that_o god_n shall_v do_v so_o much_o for_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o yet_o not_o regenerate_v they_o that_o answer_v and_o the_o contrary_a thereunto_o show_v to_o be_v high_o rational_a the_o second_o be_v that_o what_o they_o have_v be_v only_o according_a to_o a_o visible_a appearance_n but_o not_o in_o reality_n and_o truth_n that_o answer_v where_o it_o be_v show_v what_o they_o appear_v or_o seem_v to_o have_v they_o must_v needs_o have_v in_o reality_n and_o truth_n the_o three_o raise_v from_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o grant_v the_o infant_n seed_n of_o believer_n so_o much_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n perseverance_n that_o full_o answer_v the_o four_o raise_v from_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o grant_v so_o much_o to_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n that_o full_o answer_v the_o five_o be_v that_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n have_v nothing_o beyond_o what_o the_o seed_n of_o other_o have_v that_o brief_o answer_v obj._n 1_o possible_o some_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v will_v yet_o urge_v utter_a improbability_n that_o god_n shall_v proceed_v so_o far_o in_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o love_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n and_o grant_v they_o so_o great_a and_o so_o many_o privilege_n as_o have_v be_v affirm_v he_o do_v and_o yet_o not_o regenerate_v and_o sanctify_v they_o if_o not_o in_o their_o infancy_n yet_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o consequent_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n as_o ground_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o their_o be_v confederate_n with_o their_o parent_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n will_v very_o probable_o prove_v or_o rather_o absolute_o necessitate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o fall_v from_o and_o
be_v significative_a of_o both_o as_o the_o way_n through_o which_o the_o elect_n be_v prepare_v for_o and_o bring_v into_o glory_n hence_o that_o allusion_n require_v not_o that_o regeneration_n antecede_v nor_o yet_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v conser_v by_o or_o in_o a_o concomitancy_n with_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o only_o suppose_v the_o token_n to_o be_v of_o such_o use_n viz._n to_o signify_v and_o represent_v the_o way_n through_o which_o god_n do_v bring_v his_o elect_n to_o salvation_n and_o it_o be_v only_o a_o sign_n of_o present_a regeneration_n to_o the_o adult_n as_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o they_o do_v suppose_v they_o heir_n of_o salvation_n that_o way_n viz._n through_o regeneration_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o that_o be_v heir_n another_o way_n viz._n through_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n it_o only_o signify_v and_o represent_v the_o way_n how_o they_o shall_v suppose_v they_o ordain_v thereunto_o be_v bring_v to_o salvation_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v already_o regenerate_v or_o yet_o to_o be_v regenerate_v can_v be_v determine_v from_o that_o allusion_n 2._o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n refer_v to_o regeneration_n as_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o regeneration_n but_o than_o it_o can_v only_o seal_v and_o confirm_v those_o promise_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o tenor_n and_o consequent_o the_o promise_n be_v only_o indefinite_a respect_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o general_a as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o seal_n and_o confirmation_n must_v be_v answerable_a and_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o god_n by_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o apply_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n do_v seal_v and_o confirm_v unto_o they_o those_o promise_v of_o divine_a teach_n put_v his_o law_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o seed_n hence_o the_o promise_n deut._n 30.6_o be_v express_v in_o that_o phrase_n i_o will_v circumcise_v thy_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o thy_o seed_n plain_o show_v that_o circumcision_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o baptism_n have_v some_o reference_n to_o the_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n of_o their_o seed_n and_o that_o be_v this_o it_o do_v seal_v and_o confirm_v the_o promise_n concern_v the_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n of_o their_o seed_n which_o promise_v be_v as_o i_o have_v say_v only_o indefinite_a the_o seal_n must_v needs_o be_v proportionable_a so_o that_o though_o we_o grant_v yea_o affirm_v that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o privilege_n afore_o express_v vouchsafe_v to_o they_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o necessary_o follow_v neither_o can_v it_o be_v certain_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v true_o regenerate_v or_o sanctify_v god_n may_v proceed_v so_o far_o in_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o love_n to_o they_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n he_o shall_v proceed_v to_o their_o regeneration_n or_o sanctification_n nor_o yet_o oblige_v himself_o thereunto_o as_o for_o those_o preparatory_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o some_o kind_n of_o predisposition_n towards_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n or_o a_o posse_fw-la agere_fw-la be_v wrought_v in_o they_o though_o i_o conceive_v they_o may_v be_v grant_v without_o prejudice_n to_o those_o great_a doctrine_n of_o special_a grace_n and_o perseverance_n see_v it_o be_v certain_a thore_fw-la be_v many_o common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n grant_v to_o those_o that_o never_o attain_v to_o true_a grace_n yet_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o do_v hold_v they_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o all_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n no_o not_o to_o all_o yea_o or_o any_o of_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o god_n may_v take_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o together_o with_o their_o parent_n and_o thereby_o set_v they_o free_a from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n put_v himself_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o act_v as_o a_o god_n towards_o they_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n into_o which_o they_o be_v take_v appoint_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o they_o and_o thereby_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o visible_a and_o vouchsafe_v they_o all_o those_o privilege_n of_o his_o church_n aforemention_v and_o yet_o not_o vouchsafe_v they_o any_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whether_o special_a or_o common_a 2._o that_o it_o be_v very_o rational_a to_o suppose_v that_o though_o god_n have_v express_v his_o grace_n and_o love_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n in_o all_o those_o glorious_a vouchsafement_n before_o express_v yet_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o proceed_v to_o their_o universal_a regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n but_o shall_v leave_v to_o himself_o a_o liberty_n save_o to_o work_v upon_o who_o he_o please_v in_o a_o compliance_n with_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n and_o that_o when_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o please_v as_o himself_o see_v meet_v this_o will_v appear_v from_o a_o threefold_a consideration_n 1._o first_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v yea_o moral_o impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v constitute_v a_o conditional_a covenant_n between_o himself_o and_o man_n whether_o infant_n or_o adult_n and_o yet_o shall_v include_v the_o condition_n require_v of_o man_n in_o and_o thereby_o secure_v their_o performance_n of_o it_o by_o any_o promise_n that_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o so_o consider_v this_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v for_o this_o will_v quite_o alter_v and_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o will_v not_o then_o be_v a_o conditional_a and_o consequent_o any_o covenant_n at_o all_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n but_o a_o absolute_a covenant_n or_o rather_o a_o compendium_n or_o synopsis_n of_o absolute_a promise_n and_o beside_o person_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n before_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o interest_n be_v perform_v by_o they_o which_o as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v a_o absolute_a contradiction_n hence_o it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o first_o grace_n be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o conditional_o make_v with_o particular_a person_n but_o appertain_v to_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o the_o church_n or_o house_n of_o israel_n collective_o consider_v and_o secure_a to_o the_o elect_a the_o grace_n require_v on_o man_n part_n to_o his_o admission_n into_o or_o continuance_n in_o the_o covenant_n as_o conditional_o make_v with_o particular_a person_n 2._o consider_v how_o rational_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v require_v something_o of_o duty_n from_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n or_o something_o of_o duty_n from_o child_n themselves_o if_o not_o from_o both_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o or_o fail_v in_o which_o he_o shall_v continue_v or_o discontinue_v their_o covenant-state_n when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n the_o rationality_n of_o this_o supposal_n appear_v from_o the_o conformity_n and_o agreeableness_n of_o his_o so_o do_v to_o his_o deal_n with_o all_o those_o he_o either_o offer_v his_o covenant_n to_o or_o enter_v covenant_n with_o take_v it_o of_o unbeliever_n to_o who_o the_o covenant_n be_v offer_v there_o be_v something_o of_o duty_n require_v on_o their_o part_n in_o order_n to_o their_o reception_n into_o covenant_n they_o be_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o it_o take_v it_o of_o believer_n with_o who_o the_o covenant_n be_v actual_o enter_v thus_o there_o be_v no_o good_a promise_v but_o something_o of_o duty_n be_v require_v on_o their_o part_n in_o order_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o their_o non-performance_n of_o that_o duty_n they_o may_v be_v and_o usual_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v alike_o rational_a that_o god_n shall_v require_v somewhat_o of_o duty_n from_o they_o towards_o their_o child_n upon_o the_o non-performance_n of_o which_o he_o shall_v withhold_v the_o good_a promise_v or_o shall_v not_o bring_v upon_o they_o as_o god_n speak_v concern_v abraham_n the_o good_a promise_v yea_o in_o order_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o covenant-state_n between_o god_n and_o themselves_o there_o be_v somewhat_o of_o duty_n require_v on_o their_o part_n the_o performance_n of_o which_o it_o be_v true_a be_v secure_v to_o they_o another_o way_n but_o however_o duty_n be_v require_v on_o their_o part_n upon_o their_o non-performance_n of_o which_o
may_v we_o suppose_v that_o possible_a their_o covenant-state_n will_v be_v discontinue_v or_o they_o will_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o covenant_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v alike_o rational_a for_o god_n to_o require_v somewhat_o of_o duty_n from_o child_n themselves_o in_o order_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o perform_v it_o which_o that_o they_o shall_v universal_o do_v it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a shall_v be_v secure_v to_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v more_o by_o and_o by_o so_o that_o god_n deal_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v altogether_o rational_a as_o suit_v with_o his_o deal_n with_o all_o man_n to_o who_o he_o offer_v his_o covenant_n or_o with_o who_o he_o do_v actual_o establish_v it_o 3._o consider_v that_o in_o case_n either_o god_n have_v not_o proceed_v so_o far_o in_o extend_v his_o covenant_n and_o promise_n and_o thereby_o vouchsafe_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n that_o good_a and_o those_o privilege_n afore_o declare_v or_o have_v proceed_v further_o viz._n to_o their_o universal_a regeneration_n or_o to_o the_o secure_v it_o unto_o they_o one_o of_o these_o inconvenience_n will_v have_v necessary_o follow_v thereupon_o either_o 1._o no_o infant_n must_v have_v dye_v in_o their_o infancy_n which_o yet_o that_o innumerable_a do_v our_o daily_a observation_n assure_v we_o or_o else_o 2._o all_o infant_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n must_v have_v eternal_o perish_v and_o be_v everlasting_o separate_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n or_o 3._o in_o case_n any_o be_v save_v it_o must_v be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n enter_v with_o or_o any_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o but_o mere_o from_o a_o absolute_a power_n and_o prerogative_n in_o god_n to_o save_v or_o condemn_v who_o he_o will_v of_o fall_a mankind_n without_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n establish_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n or_o 4._o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n whether_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n or_o live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n must_v infallible_o be_v save_v or_o last_o some_o may_v be_v true_o regenerate_v and_o have_v a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o yet_o after_o final_o fall_v away_o and_o eternal_o perish_v in_o case_n he_o shall_v not_o have_v extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o our_o opposer_n imagine_v or_o if_o he_o have_v extend_v it_o to_o they_o definite_o and_o yet_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v have_v that_o good_a and_o those_o privilege_n plead_v for_o then_o one_o of_o the_o three_o former_a inconvenience_n will_v have_v follow_v or_o if_o have_v so_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o they_o he_o shall_v thereby_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o work_v grace_n in_o they_o universal_o then_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o the_o two_o latter_a inconvenience_n will_v have_v follow_v obj._n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n may_v be_v make_v indefinite_o with_o and_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o then_o none_o of_o these_o inconenience_n will_v follow_v answ_n to_o that_o i_o answer_v i_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v appertain_v to_o they_o definite_o or_o suppose_v we_o shall_v grant_v they_o to_o appertain_v to_o they_o only_o indefinite_o yet_o this_o inconveniency_n will_v follow_v viz._n that_o as_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n that_o any_o of_o their_o infant_n who_o have_v one_o or_o more_o survive_v their_o pure_a infant-state_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n shalll_v be_v save_v so_o parent_n have_v no_o certain_a ground_n to_o hope_v that_o any_o one_o of_o they_o so_o die_a be_v save_v that_o none_o have_v any_o certain_a ground_n to_o hope_v for_o what_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n of_o will_v be_v ready_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n now_o suppose_v the_o covenant_n or_o promise_n be_v enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n only_o indefinite_o that_o they_o give_v no_o assurance_n that_o all_o yea_o or_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o believer_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n shall_v be_v save_v will_v evident_o appear_v thus_o because_o the_o covenant_n may_v stand_v firm_a and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o full_o accomplish_v in_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o those_o that_o survive_v their_o infant-state_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o hence_o by_o the_o way_n how_o can_v a_o supposal_n of_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o which_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n and_o further_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v and_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o those_o that_o conceive_v the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v only_o indefinite_o with_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n that_o it_o give_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n to_o infant_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n only_o so_o far_o as_o it_o give_v assurance_n to_o they_o of_o regeneration_n in_o their_o infancy_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n of_o regeneration_n to_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o pure_a infant_n state_n if_o it_o give_v assurance_n to_o any_o of_o regeneration_n in_o that_o state_n it_o be_v either_o as_o they_o be_v elect_a or_o as_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o some_o revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o will_v regenerate_v at_o least_o some_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o have_v the_o covenant_n so_o enter_v with_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n but_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a 1._o that_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o assure_v any_o of_o regeneration_n in_o their_o infancy_n as_o they_o be_v elect_a for_o then_o all_o the_o elect_a seed_n of_o believer_n shall_v be_v regenerate_v in_o their_o infancy_n the_o contrary_a whereunto_o be_v evident_a in_o that_o many_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o who_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o show_n or_o appearance_n of_o grace_n from_o their_o very_a infancy_n till_o they_o come_v to_o full_a age_n yea_o possible_o till_o they_o come_v to_o old_a age_n be_v yet_o at_o last_o convert_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o save_v close_o with_o christ_n to_o say_v that_o these_o may_v have_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o infancy_n will_v be_v attend_v with_o too_o bad_a consequence_n than_o to_o be_v grant_v without_o better_a proof_n than_o i_o suppose_v can_v be_v bring_v 2._o that_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o give_v assurance_n of_o regeneration_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o infancy_n as_o such_o will_n i_o doubt_v not_o be_v ready_o grant_v without_o further_a proof_n 3._o that_o god_n have_v no_o where_o reveal_v that_o he_o will_v regenerate_v any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n in_o their_o infancy_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v from_o the_o utter_a silence_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o any_o such_o revelation_n and_o for_o any_o to_o plead_v experience_n or_o observation_n in_o this_o case_n that_o can_v signify_v but_o little_a inasmuch_o as_o that_o grace_n some_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v of_o the_o time_n or_o mean_n when_o or_o whereby_o it_o be_v wrought_v they_o can_v give_v no_o account_n it_o may_v yet_o be_v wrought_v either_o by_o parental_a instruction_n or_o some_o other_o mean_v vouchsafe_v consequent_a to_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n now_o than_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n of_o the_o regeneration_n of_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n it_o give_v no_o assurance_n of_o any_o of_o their_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o parent_n have_v no_o certain_a ground_n to_o bottom_v a_o hope_n upon_o that_o any_o of_o they_o die_v in_o their_o infant-state_n be_v save_v all_o the_o hope_n they_o can_v have_v have_v only_o a_o possibility_n or_o at_o utmost_a a_o probability_n for_o its_o foundation_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v too_o weaken_v by_o a_o great_a probability_n of_o the_o contrary_a it_o seem_v vast_o more_o rational_a to_o i_o to_o suppose_v that_o in_o case_n the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o they_o only_o indefinite_o see_v god_n have_v give_v no_o assurance_n that_o he_o will_v regenerate_v any_o in_o their_o infancy_n and_o in_o do_v it_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n he_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n as_o full_o as_o though_o he_o do_v it_o in_o their_o infancy_n he_o shall_v suffer_v those_o that_o he_o have_v ordain_v to_o salvation_n to_o live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o answerable_o
bring_v they_o to_o glory_n according_a to_o his_o ordinary_a way_n viz._n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n call_v thereunto_o by_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v go_v out_o of_o his_o ordinary_a way_n and_o regenerate_v they_o immediate_o by_o his_o spirit_n without_o the_o subserviency_n of_o any_o outward_a mean_n especial_o consider_v what_o inconvenience_n will_v attend_v through_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n a_o supposition_n of_o his_o so_o do_v and_o consequent_o that_o believe_a parent_n if_o they_o must_v not_o mourn_v as_o those_o that_o have_v no_o hope_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o but_o mourn_v as_o have_v but_o little_a hope_n but_o now_o according_a to_o the_o way_n that_o i_o have_v proceed_v in_o allow_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n to_o be_v enter_v and_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n definite_o and_o allow_v they_o to_o have_v all_o that_o good_a assign_v to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o and_o yet_o bound_v that_o good_a as_o i_o have_v do_v unspeakable_a good_a accrue_v to_o they_o by_o that_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o these_o inconvenience_n ensue_v thereupon_o from_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v as_o we_o see_v it_o can_v be_v rational_o conclude_v that_o in_o case_n god_n go_v so_o far_o in_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o to_o grant_v they_o that_o good_a those_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v he_o do_v that_o then_o he_o must_v necessary_o go_v further_o and_o actual_o regenerate_v and_o sanctify_v they_o either_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n so_o that_o it_o be_v very_o rational_a to_o suppose_v that_o he_o shall_v go_v so_o far_o as_o have_v be_v express_v and_o yet_o shall_v go_v no_o further_o but_o shall_v reserve_v a_o liberty_n to_o himself_o as_o to_o regenerate_v and_o sanctify_v who_o he_o please_v so_o to_o do_v it_o when_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v himself_o please_v and_o from_o all_o i_o conceive_v a_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v a_o answer_n unto_o which_o will_v if_o i_o mistake_v not_o be_v clog_v with_o no_o small_a difficulty_n both_o to_o prove_v the_o covenant-interest_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o dueness_n of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o to_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n thereof_o and_o also_o to_o confirm_v their_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n affirm_v to_o accrue_v to_o they_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o stay_v upon_o it_o i_o conceive_v both_o be_v sufficient_o do_v already_o let_v i_o rather_o excite_v all_o man_n to_o admire_v the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o do_v so_o much_o for_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n and_o yet_o provide_v for_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o his_o own_o sovereignty_n over_o and_o among_o they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o his_o justice_n in_o condemn_v none_o but_o such_o as_o wilful_o sin_n away_o their_o own_o mercy_n obj._n 1_o it_o will_v be_v say_v it_o be_v true_a the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o universal_o visible_o appear_v to_o we_o and_o may_v be_v hope_v according_a to_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o have_v all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n afore_o assign_v to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n confer_v upon_o and_o insure_v to_o they_o by_o the_o covenant_n as_o confirm_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o to_o they_o but_o that_o they_o have_v all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n real_o and_o true_o actual_o grant_v to_o and_o confer_v upon_o they_o in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v affirm_v inasmuch_o as_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o god_n but_o thing_n reveal_v to_o we_o and_o our_o child_n answ_n i_o confess_v most_o that_o have_v plead_v for_o infant-baptism_n upon_o this_o ground_n viz._n their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n do_v too_o common_o express_v themselves_o to_o this_o purpose_n but_o it_o seem_v pass_v all_o rational_a doubt_n and_o be_v so_o to_o i_o that_o what_o they_o visible_o appear_v to_o have_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n that_o they_o have_v in_o reality_n and_o truth_n hence_o as_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o visible_o appear_v to_o have_v a_o real_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o promise_n secure_v that_o to_o they_o so_o for_o all_o the_o good_a and_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n afore_o assign_v to_o they_o they_o have_v they_o in_o reality_n and_o truth_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o a_o double_a consideration_n 1._o first_o that_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o true_a believer_n such_o as_o have_v true_o and_o real_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o consequent_o be_v real_o and_o internal_o in_o covenant_n themselves_o 2._o that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n interest_n in_o the_o covenent_n and_o have_v all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o benefit_n grant_v and_o confer_v upon_o they_o thereby_o depend_v not_o at_o all_o upon_o any_o qualification_n in_o or_o any_o act_n or_o duty_n perform_v by_o they_o themselves_o but_o flow_v mere_o from_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n appertain_v to_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n hence_o in_o case_n they_o only_o visible_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o have_v all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o privilege_n before_o mention_v grant_v to_o and_o confer_v upon_o they_o it_o must_v be_v either_o because_o the_o promise_v only_o visible_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o appertain_v to_o they_o or_o that_o all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o blessing_n only_o seem_v or_o visible_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v contain_v in_o grant_v and_o confer_v by_o those_o promise_n or_o last_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v but_o seem_v or_o visible_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a but_o seem_v or_o visible_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o grant_v to_o or_o confer_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v true_o and_o real_o interest_v in_o they_o that_o good_a that_o be_v real_o contain_v in_o and_o intend_a by_o they_o none_o of_o which_o thing_n can_v be_v grant_v not_o the_o first_o for_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o the_o promise_n do_v appertain_v to_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n i_o mean_v it_o still_o of_o true_a believer_n as_o abraham_n be_v and_o that_o definite_o to_o each_o one_o or_o to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a not_o the_o second_o for_o undoubted_o god_n intend_v that_o very_a good_a the_o promise_v mention_v not_o the_o three_o for_o the_o promise_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a they_o do_v real_o and_o true_o convey_v or_o confer_v a_o actual_a right_n to_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o do_v real_o and_o true_o appertain_v and_o from_o hence_o it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o be_v exercise_v immediate_o and_o direct_o towards_o infant_n it_o be_v true_a where_o we_o can_v only_o exercise_v a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n towards_o parent_n there_o we_o can_v only_o exercise_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o charity_n towards_o their_o child_n but_o where_o parent_n be_v know_v to_o be_v true_a believer_n as_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o abraham_n there_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o seed_n and_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n according_a to_o what_o their_o parent_n be_v in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n or_o be_v know_v to_o god_n to_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n can_v only_o be_v act_v towards_o man_n with_o reference_n to_o or_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o have_v perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o consequent_o to_o their_o right_n to_o those_o promise_n but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o infant_n i_o speak_v of_o both_o these_o be_v certain_a hence_o undeniable_o what_o they_o visible_o appear_v to_o have_v they_o have_v in_o reality_n and_o truth_n obj._n 2._o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o to_o grant_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o universal_o all_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n afore_o assign_v to_o they_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n will_v great_o weaken_v if_o not_o utter_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n perseverance_n for_o we_o must_v then_o grant_v that_o some_o who_o have_v a_o
true_a and_o real_a union_n with_o christ_n be_v discharge_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o sin_n have_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a interest_n in_o god_n as_o their_o god_n and_o a_o present_a right_n to_o salvation_n may_v yet_o fall_v away_o and_o final_o perish_v for_o so_o it_o be_v certain_a some_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n do_v now_o if_o union_n with_o christ_n a_o covenant-state_n with_o god_n a_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n propriety_n in_o god_n and_o right_a to_o future_a salvation_n will_v secure_v none_o from_o apostasy_n and_o final_o perish_v what_o assurance_n can_v any_o have_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o fall_v away_o and_o final_o perish_v and_o thus_o while_o we_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o saint_n one_o way_n we_o shall_v destroy_v it_o another_o while_o we_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n by_o establish_v their_o child_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o assign_v they_o so_o much_o good_a and_o so_o many_o privilege_n as_o interest_v therein_o we_o shall_v destroy_v their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n by_o weaken_v the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n that_o themselves_o have_v have_v of_o their_o own_o continuance_n in_o their_o covenant-state_n godward_o while_o we_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v their_o child_n covenant-state_n we_o shall_v leave_v they_o destitute_a of_o any_o sure_a ground_n that_o themselves_o shall_v be_v continue_v in_o they_o answ_n what_o union_n the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n as_o such_o have_v with_o christ_n what_o sin_n they_o be_v discharge_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o from_o whence_o their_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o sin_n do_v arise_v and_o accrue_v to_o they_o how_o far_o and_o upon_o what_o term_n the_o promise_n give_v they_o a_o interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o god_n lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o he_o to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o or_o act_v for_o their_o good_a as_o also_o what_o right_a they_o have_v to_o future_a salvation_n with_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o they_o alone_o can_v actual_o enjoy_v it_o suppose_v their_o growth_n up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n be_v have_v be_v already_o declare_v and_o must_v be_v careful_o remember_v which_o be_v remember_v and_o well_o weigh_v i_o see_v no_o just_a reason_n why_o the_o assignment_n of_o any_o or_o all_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n as_o afore_o explain_v and_o limit_v to_o they_o shall_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o of_o the_o tendency_n mention_v this_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o affirm_v though_o we_o grant_v all_o that_o have_v be_v assign_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o universal_o and_o mere_o as_o such_o yet_o the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n perseverance_n may_v be_v found_v upon_o such_o sure_a base_n and_o maintain_v by_o such_o scripture_n demonstration_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v stand_v firm_a maugre_o the_o utmost_a opposition_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o it_o so_o that_o nothing_o but_o their_o own_o deficiency_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o assurance_n that_o themselves_o be_v such_o and_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o that_o assurance_n can_v just_o deprive_v any_o true_a believer_n of_o the_o high_a plerophorie_n that_o the_o scripture_n give_v a_o encouragement_n to_o endeavour_v after_o to_o attempt_v the_o fix_v of_o that_o doctrine_n upon_o its_o true_a basis_n or_o improve_n and_o manage_v the_o various_a argument_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v establish_v will_v be_v excentrical_a to_o my_o present_a undertake_n yet_o let_v i_o say_v only_o thus_o much_o that_o the_o assurance_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o election_n of_o grace_n not_o only_o of_o person_n so_o and_o so_o qualify_v but_o of_o individual_a person_n to_o be_v so_o and_o so_o qualify_v 2._o that_o all_o appertain_a thereunto_o be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n unto_o christ_n with_o a_o explicit_a expression_n of_o his_o will_n to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v lose_v none_o of_o they_o but_o shall_v raise_v they_o up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n viz._n to_o the_o life_n of_o glory_n 3._o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v immutable_a when_o once_o that_o viz._n the_o spirit_n which_o render_v it_o so_o be_v actual_o give_v 4._o that_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o all_o believer_n be_v lay_v up_o and_o hide_a with_o christ_n in_o god_n and_o that_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o conserve_n cause_n of_o it_o and_o hence_o 5._o that_o there_o be_v a_o unseparable_a connexion_n between_o effectual_a vocation_n and_o glorification_n i_o say_v the_o assurance_n that_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o these_o thing_n with_o several_a other_o of_o the_o like_a importance_n secure_v that_o doctrine_n to_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n yea_o and_o that_o unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n of_o all_o saint_n though_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n afore_o declare_v be_v granied_a to_o all_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n among_o who_o yet_o many_o final_o fall_v away_o and_o perish_v so_o that_o i_o conceive_v that_o as_o what_o have_v be_v grant_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n may_v great_o promote_v their_o parent_n joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o they_o so_o the_o grant_n of_o it_o have_v no_o just_a tendency_n to_o allay_v their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n the_o assurance_n of_o their_o own_o stand_n in_o their_o covenant-state_n godward_o have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o yield_v their_o child_n may_v have_v all_o that_o good_a and_o yet_o their_o own_o assurance_n of_o perseverance_n in_o grace_n and_o infallible_o come_v to_o glory_n be_v no_o way_n weaken_v or_o prejudice_v thereby_o obj._n 3_o possible_o some_o may_v further_o say_v to_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n have_v so_o much_o good_a and_o so_o many_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n by_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o it_o unto_o they_o seem_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n for_o among_o other_o thing_n it_o have_v be_v affirm_v that_o they_o have_v all_o universal_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o election_n or_o preterition_n a_o present_a right_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o ratify_v seal_v and_o comfirm_v by_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o that_o in_o case_n of_o their_o death_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n they_o be_v infallible_o save_v which_o if_o so_o we_o must_v either_o grant_v that_o some_o that_o appertain_v not_o to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n be_v save_v which_o overthrow_v that_o doctrine_n or_o else_o affirm_v that_o all_o that_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n be_v elect_v which_o as_o it_o be_v improbable_a in_o itself_o so_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n answ_n that_o all_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o true_a believer_n die_v in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n be_v infallible_o save_v be_v past_o all_o rational_a doubt_n to_o i_o and_o as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n i_o apprehend_v not_o any_o solid_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v seem_v at_o all_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o see_v it_o be_v very_o rational_a to_o suppose_v that_o all_o such_o infant_n die_v in_o that_o state_n do_v indeed_o appertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n as_o for_o what_o be_v object_v concern_v the_o improbability_n of_o that_o and_o the_o want_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v it_o i_o conceive_v the_o quite_o contrary_a may_v be_v easy_o make_v to_o appear_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o high_o probable_a in_o itself_o but_o have_v countenance_n from_o scripture_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o improbable_a but_o rather_o high_o probable_a appear_v two_o way_n 1._o from_o the_o confess_a deal_n of_o god_n with_o the_o adult_n that_o no_o adult_n person_n can_v be_v save_v without_o regeneration_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v positive_o affirm_v by_o our_o lord_n christ_n john_n 3.3_o luke_n 13.3_o with_o mark_n 16.16_o hence_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v and_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o own_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n that_o god_n do_v so_o order_v his_o providence_n towards_o man_n that_o none_o among_o the_o adult_n that_o appertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n do_v die_v before_o a_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v wrought_v in_o they_o which_o be_v and_o must_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o god_n work_v upon_o man_n by_o the_o word_n as_o some_o way_n communicate_v to_o they_o and_o how_o often_o be_v it_o find_v that_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o lot_n be_v cast_v in_o place_n whole_o remote_a from_o all_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o conversion_n be_v yet_o possible_o after_o many_o year_n either_o bring_v to_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n or_o they_o carry_v to_o they_o whereby_o they_o be_v save_o
wrought_v upon_o and_o thereby_o declare_v to_o have_v appertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n now_o if_o so_o be_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n watch_v over_o such_o man_n whereby_o they_o be_v preserve_v from_o death_n why_o shall_v it_o seem_v at_o all_o improbable_a but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o god_n shall_v order_v his_o providence_n after_o the_o like_a manner_n towards_o infant_n and_o answerable_o continue_v life_n to_o the_o non-elect_a that_o so_o their_o fall_a short_a of_o the_o good_a promise_v shall_v be_v chargeable_a upon_o themselves_o and_o take_v away_o by_o death_n only_o the_o elect_n who_o salvation_n be_v secure_v by_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n hereby_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_n be_v secure_v and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n therein_o great_o magnify_v when_o the_o non-elect_a apostatise_v from_o god_n his_o justice_n in_o their_o condemnation_n will_v shine_v forth_o in_o great_a brightness_n and_o glory_n so_o that_o for_o god_n so_o to_o order_v his_o providence_n towards_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o any_o improbability_n that_o it_o be_v great_o probable_a 2._o this_o will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o infinite_a goodness_n as_o well_o as_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o many_o of_o those_o of_o their_o seed_n that_o live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n do_v apostatise_v grow_v wicked_a and_o consequent_o never_o enjoy_v the_o good_a covenant_v and_o promise_v to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o unusal_o though_o very_o much_o without_o ground_n plead_v by_o our_o opposer_n as_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v embrace_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o they_o can_v see_v little_a difference_n between_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o child_n of_o unbeliever_n the_o child_n of_o the_o one_o prove_v wicked_a as_o well_o as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o other_o now_o though_o this_o be_v groundless_a and_o proceed_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o mere_a prejudice_n a_o evident_a difference_n be_v ordinary_o to_o be_v see_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v it_o may_v be_v very_o rational_o expect_v that_o in_o case_n god_n have_v as_o we_o affirm_v he_o have_v extend_v his_o covenant_n and_o promise_v universal_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n more_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o good_a of_o they_o than_o can_v be_v rational_o hope_v do_v in_o respect_n of_o or_o among_o those_o that_o live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n though_o according_a to_o the_o true_a tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o good_a of_o it_o be_v not_o infallible_o secure_v to_o all_o no_o nor_o to_o any_o that_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o consequent_o the_o apostasy_n of_o some_o no_o way_n reflect_v upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n yet_o when_o he_o have_v extend_v his_o covenant_n and_o promise_n to_o they_o consider_v how_o good_a and_o ready_a to_o do_v good_a he_o be_v it_o may_v not_o without_o the_o appearance_n of_o reason_n seem_v strange_a that_o no_o more_o enjoy_v that_o good_a than_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v of_o those_o that_o live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n hence_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o all_o that_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n or_o such_o as_o do_v indeed_o appertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n and_o answerable_o do_v enjoy_v the_o full_a good_a of_o the_o covenant_n and_o if_o we_o take_v in_o all_o that_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n with_o those_o that_o grow_a up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n do_v give_v assurance_n of_o their_o personal_a take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n not_o only_o the_o faithfulness_n but_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o extend_v and_o make_v good_a his_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n will_v shine_v forth_o in_o their_o glory_n and_o lustre_n and_o how_o great_a a_o good_a be_v it_o for_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n to_o be_v take_v into_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o their_o parent_n will_v abundant_o appear_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v i_o doubt_v not_o full_o vindicate_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n from_o those_o unjust_a reproach_n it_o be_v now_o by_o man_n yea_o by_o some_o good_a man_n in_o their_o darkness_n load_v with_o but_o 2._o as_o this_o viz._n that_o only_o such_o among_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o appertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n be_v take_v away_o by_o death_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o that_o be_v not_o elect_v do_v live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n want_v not_o countenance_n from_o scripture_n for_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n only_o of_o two_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o true_a believer_n who_o preterition_n be_v intimate_v or_o make_v know_v by_o special_a revelation_n from_o god_n and_o both_o these_o express_o record_v to_o have_v live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o to_o have_v forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n by_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n these_o be_v ishmael_n and_o esau_n the_o one_o forfeit_v his_o interest_n by_o persecute_v his_o brother_n the_o other_o by_o a_o profane_a sell_v his_o birthright_n that_o the_o preterition_n or_o nonelection_n of_o both_o these_o be_v signify_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o god_n the_o apostle_n show_v rom._n 9.9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o that_o both_o live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o forfeit_v their_o interest_n the_o way_n foremention_v be_v express_o declare_v gen._n 21.9_o compare_v with_o gal._n 4.29_o gen._n 25.29_o 30_o etc._n etc._n with_o heb._n 12.16_o and_o it_o be_v very_o rational_a to_o suppose_v that_o as_o it_o be_v with_o these_o two_o the_o lead_a instance_n and_o pattern_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o the_o non-elect-seed_n of_o his_o people_n so_o it_o be_v answerable_o with_o all_o that_o be_v not_o elect_v and_o as_o we_o read_v only_o of_o these_o two_o who_o preterition_n or_o nonelection_n be_v signify_v by_o special_a revelation_n and_o we_o see_v both_o of_o they_o live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n by_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n so_o the_o scripture_n particular_o mention_n the_o death_n only_o of_o one_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o true_a believer_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n and_o give_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o that_o do_v appertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n this_o be_v david_n child_n by_o bathsheba_n that_o that_o child_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n david_n question_n not_o but_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v as_o appear_v by_o his_o comfort_a himself_o upon_o its_o death_n and_o profess_v his_o faith_n that_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o it_o and_o not_o it_o return_v to_o he_o obj._n 4._o possible_o some_o will_v say_v what_o have_v be_v plead_v for_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o all_o infant_n universal_o in_o as_o much_o as_o all_o mankind_n universal_o as_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n be_v by_o christ_n free_v from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n restore_v to_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o if_o any_o infant_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o than_o all_o ought_v alike_o to_o have_v it_o apply_v unto_o they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o all_o ought_v not_o than_o none_o ought_v to_o have_v it_o apply_v unto_o they_o or_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o some_o aught_o to_o have_v it_o apply_v yet_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n will_v be_v no_o way_n better_v thereby_o see_v what_o good_a they_o be_v suppose_v to_o receive_v by_o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o answ_n i_o suppose_v this_o objection_n will_v not_o be_v own_v by_o many_o but_o to_o those_o few_o that_o may_v i_o will_v reply_v by_o only_o ask_v this_o one_o question_n viz._n how_o all_o mankind_n come_v by_o all_o that_o good_a have_v they_o it_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o by_o any_o other_o covenant_n or_o promise_v distinguish_v from_o and_o independent_a upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o have_v they_o it_o by_o a_o mere_a resultancy_n from_o christ_n undertake_v and_o perform_v his_o mediatory_a office_n 1._o i_o say_v have_v they_o it_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n sure_o that_o can_v be_v for_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v only_o actual_o establish_v between_o
god_n and_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n behold_v say_v god_n i_o 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 now_o if_o so_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n have_v be_v afore_o establish_v with_o all_o mankind_n here_o have_v be_v no_o new_a privilege_n or_o no_o privilege_n beyond_o what_o be_v common_a to_o man_n in_o general_n grant_v unto_o abraham_n or_o to_o any_o of_o his_o seed_n the_o establishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n as_o contradistinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n evident_o prove_v it_o be_v not_o establish_v with_o all_o mankind_n for_o then_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o with_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n have_v be_v a_o mere_a superfluous_a and_o insignificant_a thing_n see_v it_o have_v be_v afore_o establish_v with_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n as_o of_o the_o number_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o with_o the_o like_a advantage_n both_o to_o he_o and_o they_o as_o now_o it_o be_v how_o far_o the_o covenant_n be_v conditional_o make_v or_o rather_o offer_v to_o all_o man_n concern_v not_o our_o present_a purpose_n see_v as_o so_o make_v or_o offer_v it_o actual_o convey_v not_o the_o good_a promise_v to_o any_o until_o themselves_o have_v perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v actual_o make_v or_o enter_v with_o all_o mankind_n as_o such_o be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o any_o proof_n from_o scripture_n but_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n the_o gentile_n be_v say_v to_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n antecedent_n to_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o thereby_o become_v abraham_n seed_n the_o promise_n be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v to_o christ_n and_o consequent_o appertain_v to_o man_n only_o as_o in_o he_o hence_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v necessary_a to_o a_o right_a to_o the_o promise_n but_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o may_v well_o be_v account_v superfluous_a as_o be_v a_o denial_n of_o what_o no_o body_n have_v affirm_v now_o then_o if_o so_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o all_o the_o good_a aforemention_v be_v contain_v be_v not_o actual_o enter_v and_o establish_v with_o all_o mankind_n as_o such_o than_o neither_o all_o nor_o any_o part_n of_o that_o good_a can_v be_v come_v upon_o all_o man_n mere_o as_o such_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o have_v they_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o other_o covenant_n or_o promise_n contradistinct_a from_o or_o independent_a upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o can_v be_v because_o no_o such_o covenant_n or_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v find_v throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n let_v any_o such_o covenant_n or_o promise_n be_v show_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v attend_v to_o the_o only_a scripture_n so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v call_v to_o mind_n that_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n to_o this_o supposal_n be_v rom._n 5.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o but_o to_o that_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o apostle_n bare_a use_v of_o the_o universal_a particle_n all_o be_v too_o weak_a a_o ground_n to_o lay_v such_o a_o assertion_n upon_o especial_o when_o no_o covenant_n or_o promise_n can_v be_v find_v by_o or_o according_a to_o which_o the_o gift_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v confer_v upon_o all_o man_n and_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o that_o term_n be_v sometime_o use_v when_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o limit_a sense_n i_o need_v not_o cite_v place_n to_o those_o that_o be_v at_o all_o acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n design_n be_v not_o to_o show_v that_o the_o free_a gift_n by_o christ_n be_v of_o equal_a extent_n in_o the_o donation_n of_o it_o with_o the_o condemnation_n arise_v from_o adam_n sin_n but_o his_o design_n be_v to_o compare_v adam_n sin_n and_o the_o purchase_v make_v by_o christ_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o respective_a efficacy_n or_o in_o point_n of_o their_o respective_a causality_n or_o power_n to_o produce_v their_o different_a effect_n in_o brief_a his_o design_n be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o see_v the_o offence_n of_o one_o man_n viz._n adam_n be_v effective_a of_o the_o condemnation_n of_o all_o his_o posterity_n then_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v not_o mere_o man_n but_o god-man_n must_v needs_o be_v more_o effectual_a for_o their_o justification_n and_o life_n who_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o and_o union_n with_o he_o that_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n design_n appear_v two_o way_n first_o from_o his_o assignment_n of_o a_o pre-eminence_n or_o superabundance_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o this_o free_a gift_n by_o christ_n above_o what_o be_v predicable_a of_o the_o offence_n of_o adam_n which_o must_v needs_o respect_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o free_a gift_n by_o christ_n to_o justify_v and_o save_v and_o of_o the_o offence_n of_o adam_n to_o condemn_v for_o if_o so_o be_v we_o consider_v the_o person_n upon_o who_o condemnation_n be_v come_v by_o adam_n offence_n and_o the_o person_n upon_o who_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v come_v unto_o justification_n of_o life_n no_o such_o assignment_n of_o a_o pre-eminence_n and_o superabundancy_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o free_a gift_n by_o christ_n can_v be_v make_v inasmuch_o as_o that_o condemnation_n be_v come_v upon_o all_o by_o adam_n offence_n and_o the_o free_a gift_n can_v come_v but_o upon_o all_o and_o where_o the_o object_n and_o person_n concern_v be_v of_o equal_a extent_n no_o preeminency_n can_v be_v assign_v with_o respect_n unto_o they_o second_o this_o appear_v from_o the_o apostle_n variation_n of_o his_o phrase_n from_o many_o to_o all_o and_o again_o from_o all_o to_o many_o which_o plain_o show_v he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o respect_n to_o the_o person_n upon_o who_o either_o condemnation_n or_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v come_v as_o either_o to_o the_o thing_n come_v upon_o they_o or_o to_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n from_o whence_o or_o whereby_o those_o thing_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o respective_o three_o i_o answer_v though_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v come_v upon_o all_o to_o justification_n of_o life_n yet_o he_o tell_v we_o not_o how_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n or_o upon_o what_o term_n it_o be_v come_v he_o may_v only_o mean_v it_o be_v come_v upon_o all_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o conditional_a offer_n and_o tender_v of_o it_o so_o we_o may_v understand_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n tit._n 2.11_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v bring_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n for_o so_o the_o greek_a exact_o run_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v bring_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o offer_n and_o tender_v of_o it_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n see_v the_o like_a passage_n rom._n 3.22_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o all_o so_o here_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v come_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o offer_n and_o tender_v of_o it_o for_o the_o apostle_n may_v suppose_v the_o condition_n already_o perform_v and_o only_o intend_v its_o be_v come_v upon_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n before_o mention_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v manifie_v unto_o all_o and_o upon_o all_o that_o believe_v and_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n so_o here_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v come_v upon_o all_o to_o justification_n of_o life_n viz._n upon_o all_o that_o believe_v and_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n from_o the_o whole_a we_o may_v evident_o see_v this_o scripture_n will_v not_o prove_v what_o be_v affirm_v viz._n that_o all_o mankind_n and_o that_o universal_o as_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n be_v free_v from_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o restore_v to_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n and_o life_n by_o christ_n so_o that_o as_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o enter_v with_o all_o mankind_n in_o general_a so_o there_o be_v no_o other_o covenant_n or_o promise_v record_v or_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o any_o one_o much_o less_o all_o mankind_n can_v have_v the_o good_a assign_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n grant_v to_o or_o settle_v upon_o they_o three_o have_v they_o it_o by_o a_o mere_a resultancy_n from_o christ_n undertake_v and_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o mediation_n sure_o the_o grossness_n of_o such_o a_o supposition_n render_v any_o reply_n to_o it_o superfluous_a it_o will_v be_v a_o mere_a loss_n of_o time_n
to_o suppose_v that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o too_o absurd_a to_o be_v affirm_v by_o any_o to_o put_v then_o a_o period_n to_o this_o if_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o actual_o enter_v with_o all_o mankind_n and_o that_o as_o such_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o covenant_n or_o promise_n to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o any_o unintere_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o that_o good_a and_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n grant_v to_o and_o settle_v upon_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o confederates_n with_o their_o parent_n if_o that_o good_a and_o those_o benefit_n come_v not_o upon_o any_o by_o a_o mere_a resultancy_n from_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o intervening_a of_o some_o covenant_n or_o promise_n then_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v as_o under_o the_o covenant_n sign_v and_o seal_v by_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n 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himself_o as_o god_n to_o say_v of_o his_o whole_a self_n as_o those_o in_o the_o psalm_n of_o their_o tongue_n i_o be_o i_o own_o who_o be_v lord_n over_o i_o and_o according_a to_o various_a circumstance_n that_o child_n fall_v under_o so_o from_o this_o threefold_a spring_n they_o engage_v in_o one_o or_o another_o of_o the_o way_n mention_v but_o now_o the_o bring_v they_o under_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o engage_v they_o to_o the_o true_a god_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n to_o they_o have_v a_o potent_a tendency_n to_o obviate_v and_o prevent_v their_o engage_v or_o fix_v in_o any_o of_o these_o way_n let_v we_o see_v it_o in_o some_o instance_n 1._o the_o true_a god_n be_v first_o present_v to_o their_o mind_n now_o it_o be_v usual_a for_o man_n as_o through_o the_o fall_n become_v not_o only_o dark_a but_o darkness_n itself_o and_o consequent_o as_o have_v lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o
the_o true_a god_n to_o comply_v and_o fall_v in_o with_o and_o choose_v that_o god_n to_o himself_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o any_o false_a god_n that_o be_v first_o present_v to_o his_o mind_n or_o that_o be_v first_o propose_v to_o he_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o same_o god_n be_v embrace_v and_o worship_v as_o their_o god_n by_o several_a nation_n successive_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o have_v a_o nation_n change_v their_o god_n it_o be_v not_o often_o find_v that_o they_o have_v child_n usual_o fall_v in_o with_o and_o worship_n that_o god_n their_o parent_n have_v do_v and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o true_a god_n be_v own_v and_o worship_v successive_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o in_o nation_n and_o place_n where_o the_o scripture_n be_v receive_v and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n embrace_v they_o own_o and_o worship_v he_o not_o as_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a 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always_o mutual_a hence_o as_o they_o find_v he_o oblige_v by_o covenant_n to_o be_v they_o so_o themselves_o oblige_v to_o be_v his_o which_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o potent_a tendency_n as_o to_o check_v any_o inquiry_n that_o they_o will_v otherwise_o be_v prone_a to_o make_v after_o so_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o attend_v to_o any_o proposal_n that_o may_v be_v make_v by_o other_o of_o any_o false_a god_n and_o also_o from_o the_o choice_n of_o any_o false_a god_n by_o themselves_o to_o have_v the_o true_a god_n first_o present_v to_o the_o mind_n be_v of_o no_o small_a advantage_n to_o prevent_v man_n inquire_v after_o and_o attend_v to_o the_o proposal_n of_o any_o false_a god_n to_o they_o especial_o consider_v the_o suiteableness_n of_o those_o discovery_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o his_o word_n and_o as_o reveal_v therein_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v present_v to_o their_o mind_n to_o those_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n in_o the_o general_n that_o be_v either_o 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to_o his_o people_n and_o their_o seed_n not_o only_o as_o inhabit_v such_o place_n and_o nation_n but_o as_o inhabit_v place_n and_o nation_n where_o false_a god_n be_v own_v worship_v and_o serve_v 2._o god_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o and_o act_n for_o their_o good_a according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n will_v give_v they_o assurance_n of_o a_o fullness_n of_o blessedness_n and_o happiness_n in_o their_o alone_a cleave_v to_o worship_v and_o serve_v he_o whence_o they_o may_v be_v easy_o convince_v of_o the_o unnecessariness_n of_o either_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o any_o false_a god_n or_o to_o the_o world_n or_o any_o way_n of_o sensuality_n for_o the_o gain_v that_o happiness_n they_o find_v themselves_o capable_a of_o but_o insufficient_a unto_o as_o of_o themselves_o man_n so_o soon_o as_o capable_a of_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o or_o take_v any_o account_n of_o his_o own_o case_n and_o condition_n 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now_o corrupt_v will_v certain_o and_o unavoidable_o betake_v themselves_o to_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o aforementioned_a way_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v great_o obstructive_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o their_o embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o now_o for_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n to_o find_v god_n under_o such_o a_o precedent_a obligation_n to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o and_o act_n for_o their_o good_a as_o he_o have_v put_v himself_o under_o towards_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o powerful_a tendency_n to_o obviate_v and_o prevent_v their_o engage_v in_o any_o such_o way_n because_o they_o will_v find_v their_o happiness_n &_o blessedness_n full_o secure_v by_o that_o obligation_n suppose_v they_o not_o to_o reject_v but_o actual_o to_o own_o the_o covenant_n establish_v with_o they_o 3._o the_o covenant_n under_o the_o bond_n of_o which_o they_o already_o be_v strong_o oblige_v they_o against_o apply_v themselves_o to_o or_o engage_v in_o any_o of_o the_o way_n mention_v but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o so_o that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o great_a a_o tendency_n 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 believer_n upon_o a_o precedent_a interest_n they_o have_v in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o have_v to_o the_o obviate_a and_o prevent_v their_o engage_v or_o fix_v in_o any_o way_n obstructive_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o their_o embrace_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n those_o way_n they_o be_v natural_o prone_a to_o engage_v in_o their_o engagement_n in_o which_o will_v oppose_v their_o embrace_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v hedge_v up_o when_o god_n hedge_v up_o the_o way_n of_o his_o people_n after_o their_o lover_n than_o they_o resolve_v upon_o return_v to_o and_o seek_v he_o hos_fw-la 2.6_o 7._o so_o for_o child_n to_o have_v
their_o engage_v in_o any_o destructive_a way_n obviate_v and_o prevent_v high_o conduce_v to_o their_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n ii_o the_o covenant-relation_n wherein_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n stand_v godward_o as_o solemnize_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n subserve_v their_o personal_a embracement_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o answerable_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o it_o by_o way_n of_o obligation_n they_o hereby_o become_v under_o the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o do_v it_o and_o we_o may_v observe_v a_o fourfold_a obligation_n that_o they_o be_v under_o beyond_o what_o the_o child_n of_o other_o be_v 1._o first_o there_o be_v all_o that_o love_n grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n express_v in_o the_o extend_v the_o covenant_n with_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n thereof_o unto_o 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to_o and_o engage_v they_o to_o take_v this_o god_n for_o their_o god_n and_o to_o worship_n and_o serve_v he_o love_n have_v a_o constrain_a power_n and_o child_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v early_a impression_n from_o their_o apprehension_n of_o what_o grace_n and_o love_n be_v express_v towards_o they_o as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n 2._o there_o be_v their_o parent_n acceptation_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o they_o and_o their_o enter_v they_o into_o it_o and_o give_v they_o up_o to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o it_o as_o another_o obligation_n upon_o they_o parent_n act_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o or_o with_o reference_n to_o their_o child_n be_v a_o obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o comply_v with_o and_o stand_v to_o what_o be_v do_v by_o their_o parent_n on_o their_o behalf_n and_o with_o reference_n to_o they_o hence_o samuel_n complye_v with_o hannah_n vow_n and_o give_v himself_o free_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o tabernacle_n according_a to_o the_o dedication_n she_o have_v make_v of_o he_o yea_o jepthah_n daughter_n comply_v with_o her_o father_n vow_n though_o as_o most_o think_v it_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o in_o sacrifice_n my_o father_n say_v she_o if_o thou_o have_v open_v thy_o mouth_n to_o the_o lord_n do_v to_o i_o according_a to_o that_o which_o have_v proceed_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n judg._n 11.36_o as_o parent_n have_v a_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o their_o child_n in_o a_o subordination_n unto_o god_n so_o child_n be_v oblige_v to_o comply_v with_o that_o disposal_n they_o make_v of_o they_o and_o as_o the_o confidence_n nature_n itself_o reach_v they_o to_o have_v in_o their_o parent_n as_o to_o their_o prudence_n love_n etc._n etc._n so_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o oblige_v they_o so_o to_o do_v hence_o their_o parent_n have_v accept_v of_o the_o covenant_n for_o they_o and_o answerable_o enter_v they_o into_o it_o they_o be_v under_o a_o powerful_a obligation_n to_o comply_v with_o what_o their_o 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denomination_n of_o sacrament_n which_o word_n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o ancient_a roman_n among_o who_o it_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o oath_n by_o which_o together_o with_o certain_a right_n and_o a_o prescript_n form_n of_o word_n soldier_n do_v engage_v themselves_o or_o be_v engage_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o the_o emperor_n or_o general_n shall_v command_v and_o not_o forsake_v their_o colour_n till_o the_o war_n be_v end_v tertullian_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o first_o that_o bring_v the_o word_n into_o the_o church_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o a_o spiritual_a use_n but_o however_o the_o word_n be_v not_o improper_a nor_o unfit_a it_o full_o express_v this_o end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v and_o be_v for_o the_o engage_v man_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n god_n by_o they_o engage_v and_o tie_v his_o people_n to_o himself_o now_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n find_v themselves_o under_o this_o bond_n and_o that_o as_o put_v upon_o they_o by_o divine_a institution_n must_v needs_o be_v more_o strong_o oblige_v to_o take_v god_n in_o christ_n as_o their_o god_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o to_o be_v his_o to_o worship_n and_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n god_n have_v press_v they_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v into_o his_o own_o service_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o himself_o by_o such_o a_o solemn_a right_n be_v a_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o give_v themselves_o to_o he_o hence_o we_o read_v of_o the_o martyr_n who_o to_o all_o his_o temptation_n to_o deny_v christ_n make_v no_o reply_n but_o this_o baptizatus_fw-la sum_fw-la 4._o there_o be_v the_o great_a aggravation_n that_o their_o sin_n in_o roject_v the_o covenant_n they_o have_v as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n admission_n into_o and_o forsake_v god_n and_o his_o way_n above_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o in_o neglect_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v admit_v of_o and_o consequent_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o condemnation_n above_o the_o condemnation_n of_o other_o in_o case_n they_o shall_v so_o do_v as_o a_o further_a obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o embrace_v the_o covanant_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n they_o be_v afore-obliged_n to_o their_o sin_n in_o reject_v the_o covenant_n into_o which_o they_o be_v take_v admit_v of_o variety_n of_o aggravation_n beyond_o what_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o in_o not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n admit_v of_o which_o they_o be_v make_v sensible_a the_o apprehonsive_a of_o have_v a_o potent_a tendency_n strong_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o embrace_v it_o but_o of_o this_o i_o may_v touch_v more_o again_o hereafter_o but_o 3._o and_o last_o the_o interest_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v in_o the_o covenant_n as_o ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n high_o subserve_v their_o personal_a embracement_n of_o it_o by_o way_n of_o encouragement_n they_o have_v peculiar_a encouragement_n thereunto_o beyond_o what_o other_o have_v to_o instance_n in_o some_o few_o of_o they_o 1._o first_o they_o find_v themselves_o already_o in_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n with_o god_n their_o work_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o gain_v or_o make_v peace_n with_o god_n as_o to_o maintain_v it_o their_o peace_n be_v already_o make_v by_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o law_n have_v nothing_o to_o charge_n upon_o they_o to_o their_o condemnation_n they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n they_o be_v discharge_v from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o whatever_o guilt_n may_v hitherto_o be_v charge_v upon_o they_o and_o how_o great_a a_o encouragement_n must_v that_o needs_o be_v to_o they_o to_o close_v in_o with_o
christ_n what_o ground_n of_o hope_n have_v they_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o they_o and_o grant_v they_o his_o spirit_n for_o their_o renovation_n and_o sanctification_n it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o discouragement_n to_o adult_v sinner_n to_o come_v unto_o christ_n that_o they_o lie_v under_o so_o much_o guilt_n as_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o be_v they_o assure_v their_o guilt_n be_v remove_v that_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o enemy_n what_o encouragement_n and_o what_o hope_n will_v they_o have_v that_o god_n may_v give_v they_o his_o spirit_n for_o their_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n now_o that_o discouragement_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n find_v themselves_o already_o in_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n with_o god_n how_o can_v they_o then_o rational_o entertain_v any_o jealousy_n about_o his_o readiness_n to_o do_v they_o good_a and_o continue_v they_o in_o that_o state_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o mutual_a love_n and_o friendship_n that_o have_v be_v between_o god_n and_o theri_fw-la parent_n as_o a_o further_a encouragement_n to_o they_o the_o special_a love_n and_o favour_n that_o god_n bear_v to_o their_o parent_n be_v a_o choice_n encouragement_n to_o child_n that_o accept_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v reject_v but_o ready_o accept_v by_o he_o as_o god_n have_v grant_v and_o actual_o vouchsafe_v many_o choice_a mercy_n and_o favour_n to_o child_n for_o their_o parent_n sake_n so_o child_n have_v improve_v the_o consideration_n of_o their_o relation_n to_o such_o parent_n as_o a_o help_n to_o their_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o their_o seek_n unto_o god_n for_o mercy_n thus_o though_o ishmael_n by_o his_o persecute_v of_o isaac_n have_v forfeit_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v cast_v out_o both_o of_o abraham_n family_n and_o the_o covenant_n yet_o god_n promise_v to_o make_v he_o a_o nation_n because_o he_o be_v abraham_n seed_n gen._n 21.13_o so_o we_o find_v god_n for_o the_o sake_n both_o of_o abraham_n and_o david_n show_v mercy_n to_o their_o respective_a posterity_n though_o guilty_a of_o great_a provocation_n against_o he_o psalm_n 105.42_o isa_n 37.35_o hence_o be_v such_o petition_n in_o scritpture_n oh_o turn_v unto_o i_o and_o have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o give_v thy_o strength_n to_o they_o servant_n and_o save_v the_o son_n of_o thy_o handmaid_n psal_n 86.16_o as_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o own_o relation_n to_o god_n as_o his_o servant_n so_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o delcent_n from_o she_o that_o be_v his_o handmaid_n be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o he_o and_o a_o great_a advantage_n to_o his_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o petition_v for_o mercy_n for_o child_n to_o consider_v their_o relation_n to_o such_o parent_n between_o god_n and_o who_o there_o have_v be_v or_o be_v a_o mutual_a special_a love_n and_o friendship_n be_v a_o singular_a encouragement_n to_o they_o in_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o god_n for_o the_o mercy_n and_o blessing_n of_o it_o the_o love_n that_o god_n bear_v to_o believe_a parent_n be_v a_o very_a great_a engagement_n to_o he_o to_o a_o ready_a do_v good_a to_o their_o child_n 3._o there_o be_v all_o that_o god_n have_v already_o do_v for_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n signal_o expressive_a and_o significative_a of_o his_o special_a good_a will_n towards_o they_o as_o a_o further_a encouragement_n to_o they_o god_n extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o thereby_o free_v they_o from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n give_v they_o a_o interest_n in_o himself_o and_o a_o right_a to_o future_a salvation_n and_o thereby_o secure_v their_o salvation_n in_o case_n of_o their_o death_n in_o infancy_n be_v glorious_a signification_n of_o his_o special_a good_a will_n unto_o they_o and_o willingness_n that_o they_o in_o particular_a shall_v be_v save_v and_o consequent_o may_v be_v improve_v as_o choice_a encouragement_n to_o they_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o have_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o suspect_v god_n readiness_n to_o receive_v they_o and_o proceed_v on_o in_o his_o goodness_n and_o kindness_n to_o they_o see_v he_o have_v secure_v their_o salvation_n by_o his_o covenant_n and_o promise_n while_o they_o be_v uncapable_a of_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o in_o their_o own_o person_n be_v sure_a he_o will_v not_o reject_v they_o or_o refuse_v to_o continue_v his_o grace_n to_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o future_a salvation_n when_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o accept_v of_o and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n themselves_o paul_n strengthen_v his_o faith_n and_o hope_n as_o to_o god_n deliver_v he_o from_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o preserve_v he_o to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o he_o in_o deliver_v he_o from_o that_o great_a tyrant_n nero_n 2_o tim._n 4.16_o 17_o 18._o and_o sure_o much_o more_o may_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n encourage_v themselves_o and_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n and_o hope_n as_o to_o god_n acceptation_n of_o they_o and_o give_v they_o grace_n and_o glory_n themselves_o be_v now_o willing_a to_o accept_v of_o and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o he_o have_v already_o do_v for_o they_o 4._o they_o may_v if_o not_o positive_o assure_v themselves_o yet_o comfortable_o hope_v that_o they_o be_v yet_o actual_o under_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o and_o give_v they_o future_a salvation_n and_o how_o great_a a_o encouragement_n must_v that_o needs_o be_v to_o they_o they_o have_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n engage_v to_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n unless_o they_o by_o their_o wilful_a rejection_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n forseit_v their_o own_o interest_n in_o they_o obj._n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v though_o hitherto_o they_o have_v be_v actual_o under_o the_o promise_n and_o consequent_o may_v have_v encourage_v themselves_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n but_o now_o they_o can_v no_o long_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o promise_n but_o upon_o supposition_n of_o their_o own_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n answ_n it_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o let_v this_o be_v consider_v that_o god_n in_o the_o promise_n speak_v more_o determinate_o express_o and_o particular_o to_o they_o than_o he_o do_v to_o other_o the_o language_n of_o god_n to_o each_o one_o of_o they_o be_v this_o i_o be_o thy_o god_n only_o do_v not_o now_o reject_v my_o covenant_n and_o the_o relation_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o shall_v be_v continue_v to_o other_o he_o speak_v more_o general_o and_o indefinite_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v he_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o come_v and_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n now_o though_o it_o be_v true_a these_o general_a and_o indefinite_a promise_n and_o invitation_n be_v sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o all_o to_o come_v unto_o and_o close_o in_o with_o christ_n and_o cast_v themselves_o upon_o he_o for_o pardon_n life_n and_o salvation_n yet_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n poor_a awaken_v sinner_n be_v hardly_o persuade_v that_o themselves_o be_v in_o particular_a intend_v in_o those_o more_o general_a and_o indefinite_a promise_n and_o call_v be_v they_o assure_v themselves_o be_v intend_v it_o will_v be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o believe_v the_o more_o we_o can_v appropriate_v any_o promise_n to_o ourselves_o in_o particular_a the_o great_a efficacy_n they_o will_v have_v upon_o our_o heart_n for_o our_o encouragement_n it_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o the_o jailor_n when_o the_o apostle_n shall_v speak_v particular_o to_o he_o and_o assure_v he_o if_o he_o shall_v believe_v he_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o all_o his_o house_n now_o god_n speak_v particular_o and_o determinate_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o not_o only_o offer_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o but_o assure_v they_o he_o be_v so_o already_o only_o require_v their_o personal_a performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o relation_n between_o himself_o and_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o salvation_n they_o be_v as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n the_o heir_n of_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o they_o may_v have_v forfeit_v their_o covenant-state_n and_o relation_n already_o by_o their_o not_o
facilitate_v their_o reception_n of_o all_o high_a truth_n and_o doctrine_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n 2._o they_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o man_n as_o his_o creature_n that_o it_o always_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v according_a to_o some_o covenant_n wherein_o he_o promise_v somewhat_o of_o good_a unto_o man_n upon_o condition_n of_o their_o perform_v that_o duty_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v and_o enjoin_v have_v always_o annex_v reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o performance_n or_o non-performance_n of_o that_o duty_n for_o parent_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o make_v they_o apprehensive_a and_o sensible_a that_o this_o always_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o man_n will_v great_o conduce_v to_o their_o more_o ready_a entertainment_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v show_v they_o concern_v the_o several_a covenant_n god_n have_v make_v with_o man_n and_o their_o state_n condition_n and_o duty_n as_o interest_v in_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o covenant_n that_o god_n have_v make_v with_o man._n 3._o they_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o and_o about_o the_o covenant_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o law_n of_o work_n establish_v with_o man_n at_o his_o first_o creation_n and_o here_o they_o be_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o that_o happy_a estate_n man_n be_v in_o as_o under_o that_o covenant_n how_o happy_a he_o shall_v have_v be_v have_v he_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o what_o penalty_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o transgression_n of_o that_o law_n how_o that_o covenant_n be_v break_v by_o adam_n the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n how_o far_o all_o his_o posterity_n be_v concern_v in_o that_o breach_n what_o the_o penalty_n be_v that_o all_o mankind_n as_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n be_v under_o and_o far_a subject_n to_o as_o involve_v in_o that_o breach_n how_o the_o guilt_n of_o adam_n sin_n redound_v to_o they_o how_o their_o nature_n be_v corrupe_v and_o deprave_v how_o that_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o their_o nature_n flow_v from_o that_o first_o breach_n of_o that_o covenant_n how_o they_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n as_o under_o that_o guilt_n and_o as_o have_v their_o nature_n so_o vitiate_a and_o deprave_a 4._o they_o be_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o and_o about_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o establish_v in_o the_o sacrifice_n death_n and_o suffering_n of_o a_o mediator_n and_o here_o they_o be_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o person_n office_n and_o work_n of_o this_o mediator_n what_o be_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n how_o far_a themselves_o be_v interest_v in_o it_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n what_o good_a they_o have_v already_o grant_v to_o they_o by_o it_o upon_o what_o term_n that_o good_a be_v grant_v and_o have_v be_v hitherto_o continue_v to_o they_o what_o be_v now_o require_v of_o they_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n 5._o they_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o their_o baptism_n hild._n baptism_n doctrinam_fw-la baptismi_fw-la teneant_fw-la baptizati_fw-la hild._n what_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o how_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v receive_v into_o be_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o it_o what_o assurance_n they_o have_v thereby_o of_o enjoy_v all_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n promise_v unless_o they_o forfeit_v they_o by_o the_o non-performance_n of_o that_o duty_n god_n require_v on_o their_o part_n what_o encouragement_n they_o have_v to_o perform_v that_o duty_n what_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o they_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n what_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n will_v be_v in_o case_n they_o do_v it_o not_o how_o happy_a they_o shall_v be_v in_o case_n they_o do_v it_o thus_o the_o lord_n command_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o the_o passover_n and_o the_o same_o they_o be_v doubtless_o to_o do_v in_o respect_n of_o circumcision_n and_o other_o sacramental_a sing_v in_o use_n among_o they_o exod._n 12.26_o 27._o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v when_o your_o child_n say_v unto_o you_o what_o mean_v you_o by_o this_o service_n then_o you_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v passover_n who_o pass_v over_o the_o house_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o smite_v the_o egyptian_n and_o deliver_v our_o house_n and_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o usefulness_n of_o bring_v child_n to_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n to_o other_o it_o may_v occasion_v their_o enquiry_n after_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o ordinance_n but_o however_o whether_o they_o inquire_v or_o no_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n to_o let_v they_o behold_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o and_o thereupon_o take_v occasion_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o it_o but_o 2._o for_o the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o all_o due_a and_o apt_a mean_n conduce_v to_o their_o embrace_n act_v and_o practise_v according_a to_o these_o instruction_n give_v they_o and_o thus_o 1._o they_o be_v to_o keep_v they_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o any_o notice_n or_o knowledge_n of_o any_o object_n principle_n or_o doctrine_n as_o also_o from_o any_o such_o notion_n or_o apprehension_n of_o and_o about_o earthly_a thing_n as_o by_o mean_n whereof_o they_o may_v be_v obstruct_v and_o prejudice_v in_o their_o close_n in_o with_o god_n in_o christ_n embrace_v the_o covenant_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o it_o preserve_v their_o mind_n and_o affection_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o anticipation_n or_o pre-ingagement_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o their_o embrace_n act_v and_o practise_v according_a to_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v will_v be_v prejudice_v thus_o suppose_v believer_n to_o have_v their_o lot_n cast_v in_o place_n where_o some_o false_a god_n be_v worship_v their_o duty_n will_v be_v to_o keep_v their_o child_n from_o any_o notice_n of_o such_o a_o god_n so_o where_o corrupt_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n whether_o relate_v to_o worship_n or_o manner_n be_v preach_v or_o maintain_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o keep_v their_o child_n from_o any_o knowledge_n of_o they_o lest_o their_o mind_n and_o judgement_n shall_v be_v infect_v with_o they_o so_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o vitiate_v their_o mind_n and_o excite_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n for_o this_o reason_n aristotle_n tell_v we_o a_o lawgiver_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d viz._n lest_o the_o mind_n of_o youth_n shall_v be_v vitiate_a and_o they_o shall_v first_o learn_v to_o speak_v filthy_o and_o then_o to_o act_v filthy_o so_o again_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o any_o such_o notion_n or_o apprehension_n of_o and_o about_o earthly_a thing_n as_o tend_v to_o engage_v their_o affection_n to_o they_o parent_n be_v not_o a_o little_a prejudicial_a to_o their_o child_n to_o appland_n their_o bravery_n on_o the_o account_n of_o fine_a clothes_n and_o the_o like_a so_o by_o insinuate_v the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o money_n estate_n honour_n and_o the_o like_a they_o shall_v rather_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o nothingness_n insignificancy_n and_o vanity_n of_o these_o thing_n when_o child_n mind_n be_v prepossess_v with_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o a_o worth_n and_o excellency_n in_o such_o thing_n their_o desire_n run_v out_o after_o they_o and_o they_o begin_v to_o promise_v to_o themselves_o a_o kind_n of_o felicity_n in_o they_o whence_o they_o soon_o engage_v in_o a_o pursuance_n of_o they_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o inheritance_n above_o they_o be_v bear_v heir_n unto_o 2._o frequent_a repetition_n and_o inculcation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n great_o conduce_v to_o the_o end_v mention_v child_n as_o they_o receive_v but_o little_a at_o a_o time_n so_o they_o need_v frequent_a repetition_n and_o inculacation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n their_o understanding_n be_v weak_a their_o memory_n slippery_a and_o what_o impression_n may_v be_v make_v upon_o their_o heart_n and_o affection_n soon_o wear_v off_o again_o hence_o the_o same_o thing_n must_v be_v often_o repeat_v and_o inculcate_v upon_o they_o indeed_o repetition_n and_o inculcation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v useful_a to_o the_o adult_n to_o write_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o philippian_n to_o i_o indeed_o be_v not_o grievous_a but_o for_o you_o it_o be_v safe_a phil._n 3.1_o man_n it_o be_v true_a be_v desighted_a in_o variety_n and_o in_o the_o newness_n of_o thing_n propose_v but_o say_v the_o apostle_n
those_o mean_n by_o and_o through_o which_o the_o soul_n have_v remission_n of_o sin_n peace_n which_o god_n and_o be_v bring_v to_o future_a salvation_n now_o child_n when_o they_o be_v instruct_v about_o this_o way_n and_o these_o mean_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o reflect_v upon_o their_o baptism_n and_o see_v how_o both_o be_v represent_v and_o illustrate_v thereby_o and_o by_o mean_n thereof_o they_o may_v come_v to_o more_o clear_a notion_n and_o conception_n of_o and_o about_o they_o instruction_n by_o sign_n be_v adapt_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o child_n indeed_o the_o sacrament_n be_v ordain_v in_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o christian_n in_o general_n but_o 2._o which_o follow_v upon_o this_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o baptism_n they_o will_v be_v keep_v under_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o they_o for_o their_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n for_o their_o regeneration_n and_o renovation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o continue_v of_o their_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o future_a salvation_n and_o a_o threefold_a advantage_n will_v arise_v herefrom_o 1._o they_o will_v be_v put_v upon_o serious_a inquiry_n how_o it_o be_v with_o themselves_o whether_o they_o have_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n so_o apply_v or_o no_o and_o whether_o they_o be_v so_o wash_v by_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o no_o 2._o how_o they_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o be_v quicken_v up_o to_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o prformance_n of_o those_o duty_n they_o be_v direct_v to_o subservient_fw-fr thereunto_o 3._o they_o will_v be_v keep_v from_o any_o attempt_n to_o establish_v a_o righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o on_o the_o other_o from_o presumptuous_a confide_n in_o christ_n without_o a_o real_a work_n of_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n baptism_n preach_v to_o all_o the_o way_n of_o pardon_n peace_n with_o god_n and_o future_a salvation_n to_o be_v by_o wash_v by_o wash_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o filth_n of_o sin_n by_o sanctification_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o use_n and_o improvement_n that_o all_o christian_n shall_v make_v of_o their_o baptism_n but_o 3._o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o improve_v their_o baptism_n to_o engage_v provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o closure_n in_o with_o the_o covenant_n and_o use_v of_o all_o mean_n conduce_v to_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o it_o as_o this_o be_v a_o special_a end_n of_o god_n in_o appoint_v the_o applicatio_fw-la of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n so_o they_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v teach_v to_o make_v that_o improvement_n of_o it_o and_o answerable_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o what_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o they_o to_o close_v in_o with_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o appliscation_n of_o the_o token_n to_o they_o have_v be_v already_o declare_v and_o parent_n ought_v diligent_o to_o inform_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o and_o about_o they_o which_o will_v they_o do_v and_o back_o those_o instruction_n with_o a_o due_a use_n of_o all_o the_o forementioned_a mean_n to_o render_v they_o effectual_a it_o may_v be_v rational_o expect_v they_o will_v have_v no_o little_a weight_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a part_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o bring_v under_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o unto_o they_o that_o they_o have_v such_o obligation_n upon_o they_o whereby_o to_o provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o early_o seek_v after_o god_n and_o inquire_v after_o his_o way_n 4._o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o improve_v their_o baptism_n for_o the_o help_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o for_o their_o encouragement_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o also_o to_o seek_v unto_o god_n for_o grace_n to_o enable_v they_o so_o to_o do_v what_o a_o help_v it_o may_v be_v to_o their_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o what_o a_o encouragement_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o have_v thereby_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v and_o i_o must_v still_o leave_v it_o to_o their_o parent_n to_o instruct_v they_o therein_o and_o shall_v hasten_v only_o before_o i_o put_v a_o close_a to_o the_o whole_a i_o shall_v brief_o touch_v upon_o one_o question_n which_o that_o i_o shall_v speak_v somewhat_o unto_o seem_v necessary_a and_o that_o be_v how_o long_o the_o covenant-state_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o consequent_o their_o right_n to_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v continue_v to_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n when_o do_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n become_v incumbent_a upon_o themselves_o so_o as_o that_o upon_o their_o failure_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o their_o covenant-state_n be_v for_o feit_v answ_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v this_o be_v a_o question_n of_o no_o easy_a resolution_n neither_o be_v it_o meet_v upon_o several_a account_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v perfect_o determine_v the_o exact_a resolution_n of_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o that_o day_n when_o all_o secret_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o adventure_v far_o into_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o offer_v some_o more_o general_a thing_n to_o consideration_n which_o may_v sufficient_o obviate_v and_o prevent_v such_o doubt_n and_o fear_n that_o either_o parent_n or_o child_n be_v subject_a to_o concern_v their_o have_v forfeit_v their_o covenant-state_n as_o may_v obstruct_v their_o respective_a due_a improvement_n of_o it_o for_o the_o several_a use_n and_o end_v aforemention_v 1._o let_v the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o the_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v consider_v the_o scripture_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o the_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o investigable_a and_o incomprehensible_a by_o any_o humane_a understanding_n hence_o be_v such_o passage_n oh_o how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n psal_n 31._o how_o precious_a be_v thy_o grace_n psal_n 36._o so_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v past_a knowledge_n and_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o this_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v conclude_v at_o least_o comfortable_o hope_v that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v very_o straight_o or_o rigid_a if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o 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time_n as_o that_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v little_o less_o than_o necessary_a or_o hardly_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n unavoidable_a 2._o it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v so_o extend_v the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o that_o their_o acceptation_n or_o refusal_n of_o it_o shall_v appear_v to_o angel_n and_o man_n just_o and_o rational_o rewardable_a or_o punishable_a this_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o his_o ultimate_a end_n viz._n the_o glorification_n of_o all_o his_o attribute_n in_o his_o deal_n especial_o in_o a_o covenant-way_n with_o man._n now_o this_o seem_v necessary_o to_o require_v that_o so_o much_o time_n shall_v be_v allow_v they_o as_o so_o far_o to_o understand_v and_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o contain_v such_o promise_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o that_o their_o 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sure_o of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n you_o will_v be_v least_o able_a to_o relieve_v your_o self_n under_o your_o misery_n by_o plead_v the_o necessity_n of_o your_o ruin_n that_o it_o be_v adam_n the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n that_o bring_v it_o upon_o you_o you_o be_v discharge_v from_o the_o guilt_n you_o be_v under_o as_o in_o his_o loin_n you_o be_v actual_a receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o law_n can_v condemn_v you_o it_o be_v only_o your_o rejection_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o that_o when_o actual_o enter_v with_o you_o that_o can_v be_v your_o condemnation_n and_o if_o you_o say_v we_o can_v change_v our_o own_o nature_n remember_v you_o be_v of_o that_o house_n or_o family_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n do_v appertain_v yea_o you_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o especial_a manner_n in_o some_o respect_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o house_n or_o family_n the_o object_n of_o these_o promise_n and_o therefore_o know_v your_o own_o mercy_n and_o privilege_n and_o do_v not_o wilful_o cast_v yourselves_o out_o of_o so_o glorious_a a_o estate_n nor_o deprive_v yourselves_o of_o such_o a_o glorious_a inheritance_n or_o inheritance_n in_o glory_n you_o be_v bear_v heir_n unto_o postscript_n so_o great_a and_o glorious_a be_v those_o privilege_n benefit_n and_o advantage_n that_o have_v be_v assign_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_n appertain_v to_o they_o ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o that_o it_o can_v be_v rational_o expect_v that_o what_o have_v be_v say_v shall_v meet_v with_o a_o ready_a embracement_n by_o conscientious_a christian_n while_o either_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o their_o covenant_n interest_n and_o right_a to_o the_o token_n or_o the_o necessary_a redundancy_n of_o these_o peiviledge_n benefit_n and_o advantage_n therefrom_o remain_v obscure_a and_o inevident_a to_o they_o as_o for_o the_o necessary_a redundancy_n of_o these_o privilege_n benefit_n and_o advantage_n from_o their_o covenant-state_n take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o promise_n appertain_v to_o they_o as_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n i_o conceive_v that_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o to_o that_o but_o it_o seem_v somewhat_o necessary_a that_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a reflect_v upon_o both_o the_o ground_n lay_v to_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o the_o dueness_n of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n to_o they_o on_o the_o account_n thereof_o for_o the_o establishment_n of_o which_o i_o have_v among_o other_o cast_v in_o my_o mite_n in_o a_o treatise_n sometime_o since_o publish_v which_o in_o the_o general_n be_v these_o two_o first_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o promissory_a and_o preceptive_a part_n of_o it_o second_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n throughout_o all_o age_n in_o appropriate_v the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o and_o apply_v the_o token_n to_o their_o insant-seed_n notify_v to_o we_o partly_o by_o scripture_n and_o partly_o by_o ecclesiastical_a history_n because_o two_o late_a authot_n have_v endeavour_v to_o raise_v some_o dust_n for_o the_o obscruing_a both_o of_o they_o and_o hide_v their_o evidence_n from_o person_n of_o less_o pierce_a understanding_n and_o weak_a judgement_n as_o for_o the_o one_o of_o they_o viz._n mr._n danvers_n his_o main_a design_n be_v only_o to_o hide_v the_o latter_a of_o these_o ground_n and_o that_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o ecclesiastical_a history_n which_o we_o stand_v not_o much_o upon_o it_o be_v enough_o if_o so_o be_v it_o evident_o appear_v from_o scripture_n that_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v such_o as_o necessary_o infer_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n interest_n in_o it_o and_o right_a to_o the_o token_n of_o it_o and_o that_o answerable_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n during_o the_o time_n scripture-record_n extend_v unto_o be_v to_o appropriate_v the_o covenant_n and_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o it_o to_o their_o infant_n seed_n hence_o i_o shall_v add_v little_a beyond_o what_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o say_v for_o the_o scatter_n of_o that_o dust_n raise_v by_o he_o partly_o because_o the_o main_a design_n he_o have_v see_v meet_a to_o lay_v out_o himself_o in_o pursuance_n of_o be_v but_o of_o a_o inferior_a importance_n and_o more_o especial_o because_o of_o the_o little_a ground_n there_o be_v to_o fear_v that_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o design_n shall_v be_v
muchregarded_a in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o light_a as_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o general_o among_o all_o learned_a man_n know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o he_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v it_o beside_o his_o own_o book_n caâ—â—ies_v a_o sufficient_a antidote_n against_o any_o evil_a influence_n it_o may_v otherwise_o have_v upon_o wise_a man_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v immediate_o come_v to_o the_o other_o viz_o mr._n hutchison_n i_o be_o more_o especial_o concern_v in_o his_o attempt_n which_o be_v to_o obscure_v that_o foundation_n lay_v to_o the_o covenant-interest_n and_o baptism_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o in_o order_n whereunto_o he_o have_v make_v public_a a_o small_a treatise_n concern_v the_o covenant_n and_o baptism_n compose_v dialogue-wise_a between_o a_o baptist_n and_o a_o antipaedobaptist_n with_o some_o animadversion_n upon_o a_o late_a piece_n put_v forth_o by_o myself_o in_o answer_n to_o mr._n danvers_n his_o treatise_n of_o baptism_n as_o for_o the_o gentleman_n himself_o i_o be_o a_o equal_a stranger_n to_o he_o as_o to_o mr._n danvers_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o prejudice_n against_o either_o of_o their_o person_n neither_o will_v i_o in_o the_o least_o discourage_n or_o oppose_v any_o in_o any_o attempt_n to_o further_a the_o decision_n of_o this_o great_a controversy_n why_o shall_v i_o grudge_v any_o the_o eberty_n that_o myself_o have_v take_v only_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o those_o that_o conceive_v themselves_o under_o a_o call_n to_o appear_v either_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o what_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n or_o against_o what_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v opposite_a thereunto_o will_v remember_v that_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o timothy_a where_o he_o exhort_v he_o to_o show_v himself_o a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a it_o be_v true_a unavoidable_a failure_n will_v attend_v humane_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n which_o may_v just_o cause_v somewhat_o of_o shame_n but_o notwithstanding_o they_o the_o design_n and_o intendment_n of_o that_o exhortation_n may_v be_v answer_v whether_o our_o author_n have_v show_v himself_o such_o a_o workman_n will_v present_o appear_v whether_o himself_o be_v so_o free_a from_o gall_n and_o vinegar_n which_o he_o so_o vehement_o impeache_n his_o opposite_n writing_n of_o as_o become_v a_o reprover_n i_o shall_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o it_o be_v what_o he_o have_v write_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o writing_n that_o i_o shall_v concern_v myself_o about_o to_o begin_v with_o this_o treatise_n of_o the_o covenant_n three_o thing_n lie_v so_o obvious_a in_o it_o that_o to_o i_o how_o it_o may_v be_v to_o other_o i_o know_v not_o it_o be_v utter_o useless_a as_o to_o the_o design_n carry_v on_o in_o it_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o remark_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o one_o to_o value_n and_o improve_v it_o as_o they_o see_v cause_n the_o first_o be_v the_o mistake_v he_o proceed_v upon_o to_o give_v only_o a_o twofold_a instance_n first_o he_o suppose_v the_o only_a ground_n that_o can_v be_v lay_v to_o the_o church-membership_a and_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v their_o relation_n to_o abraham_n as_o his_o seed_n hence_o have_v as_o he_o suppose_v prove_v that_o they_o can_v stand_v in_o no_o such_o relation_n to_o he_o he_o conceive_v he_o have_v utter_o overthrow_v their_o church-membership_a and_o baptism_n thus_o page_n 3_o a_o gross_a mistake_n we_o find_v their_o church-membership_a and_o baptism_n upon_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o abraham_n seed_n in_o their_o generation_n that_o be_v with_o they_o and_o their_o natural_a child_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v to_o have_v the_o denomination_n of_o and_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o abraham_n seed_n be_v another_o question_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v obj._n but_o we_o do_v account_v they_o as_o abraham_n seed_n though_o we_o do_v not_o ground_v their_o church-membership_a and_o baptism_n thereupon_o answ_n it_o be_v true_a we_o do_v so_o but_o than_o it_o will_v be_v say_v how_o can_v we_o avoid_v the_o absurdity_n mention_v page_n the_o 5._o answ_n they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o our_o author_n himself_o father_n upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o use_v his_o phrase_n in_o affirm_v some_o infant_n to_o be_v save_v without_o a_o personal_a faith_n for_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o argue_v if_o none_o be_v save_v but_o such_o as_o believe_v than_o no_o infant_n can_v be_v save_v but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a mark_v 16._o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o adult_n the_o same_o suppose_a absurdity_n will_v follow_v for_o according_a to_o our_o author_n than_o christ_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o say_v he_o that_o believe_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v save_v let_v he_o avoid_v the_o absurdity_n in_o the_o one_o and_o we_o shall_v alike_o avoid_v the_o absurdity_n in_o the_o other_o another_o mistake_n that_o he_o proceed_v upon_o be_v that_o at_o least_o some_o paedo-baptist_n may_v ascribe_v their_o child_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n to_o abraham_n faith_n and_o consequent_o may_v plead_v that_o though_o their_o child_n have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o covenant_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o parent_n faith_n yet_o they_o may_v have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o abraham_n thus_o page_n 12_o and_o he_o spend_v about_o ten_o page_n to_o confute_v this_o plea_n that_o he_o suppose_v some_o paedo-baptist_n may_v make_v which_o be_v a_o mere_a mistake_n about_o his_o opposer_n principle_n or_o rather_o a_o mere_a impertinency_n for_o where_o have_v he_o find_v in_o all_o the_o writing_n of_o paedo-baptist_n such_o a_o plea_n manage_v and_o hence_o whereas_o he_o suppose_v himself_o to_o have_v utter_o overthrow_v the_o chief_a ground_n lay_v by_o paedo-baptist_n to_o the_o covenant-interest_n and_o baptism_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o thereupon_o tell_v we_o page_n 22._o he_o may_v end_v the_o matter_n there_o the_o truth_n be_v he_o have_v say_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o proceed_v mere_o upon_o mistake_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o of_o the_o ground_n that_o he_o suppose_v paedo-baptist_n bottom_n their_o claim_n to_o the_o covenant-interest_n and_o baptism_n of_o their_o infant-seed_n upon_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n they_o bottom_n that_o their_o claim_n upon_o whence_o his_o discourse_n hitherto_o have_v be_v utter_o impertinent_a of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o as_o to_o the_o end_n he_o design_n by_o it_o another_o thing_n render_v his_o whole_a discourse_n useless_a to_o i_o be_v his_o assume_v and_o take_v for_o grant_v without_o the_o least_o show_n or_o proof_n what_o he_o know_v at_o least_o may_v have_v know_v be_v absolute_o deny_v by_o at_o least_o some_o if_o not_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o paedo-baptist_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o covenant_n enter_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n do_v extend_v to_o and_o take_v in_o all_o his_o seed_n at_o least_o descend_v by_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n during_o their_o first-testament-administration_n and_o that_o mere_o as_o his_o seed_n upon_o this_o supposition_n he_o proceed_v in_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o his_o book_n but_o now_o he_o know_v at_o least_o may_v have_v know_v that_o this_o be_v absolute_o deny_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v affirm_v that_o jacob_n who_o be_v abraham_n grandchild_n be_v not_o in_o covenant_n mere_o as_o he_o be_v of_o abraham_n posterity_n but_o as_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o believe_v isaac_n include_v with_o he_o in_o that_o phrase_n thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n second_o he_o assume_v and_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v with_o the_o elect_n as_o such_o and_o consequent_o that_o all_o the_o elect_a and_o only_o they_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n hence_o he_o tell_v we_o page_n 23._o that_o the_o covenant_n or_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o he_o call_v and_o i_o blame_v he_o not_o for_o it_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v only_o proper_a to_o the_o elect._n this_o he_o may_v have_v know_v will_v be_v deny_v and_o it_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_n affirm_v that_o no_o covenant_n be_v actual_o make_v with_o any_o of_o the_o elect_a as_o such_o three_o he_o affirm_v and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o that_o covenant_n call_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o old_a covenant_n which_o be_v then_o vanish_v be_v a_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n which_o he_o may_v have_v know_v be_v deny_v and_o that_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o that_o covenant_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v that_o