reference_n to_o that_o time_n renew_v the_o old_a charter_n of_o abrâ—hams_n cevenant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o in_o which_o promâ—…_n he_o include_v their_o child_n they_o be_v also_o together_o wâ—…_n their_o parent_n scatter_v among_o the_o heathen_a and_o to_o be_v gather_v under_o christ_n as_o their_o prince_n and_o head_n which_o gather_v and_o conversion_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v by_o virtue_n of_o tâ—…_n covenant_n make_v with_o their_o father_n so_o that_o the_o childâ—…_n belong_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o covenant_n belong_v to_o thâ—…_n before_o they_o actual_o believe_v seven_o consider_v the_o great_a absurdity_n and_o evil_a consequence_n which_o must_v needs_o follow_v from_o the_o deny_v 〈◊〉_d believer_n infant_n visible_a right_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o graâ—…_n and_o their_o visible_a church-membership_a 1._o it_o excluâ—…_n they_o all_o from_o the_o ordinary_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o salvationâ—…_n be_v neither_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o whiâ—…_n ordinary_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n nor_o in_o the_o covenant_n 〈◊〉_d grace_n so_o much_o as_o external_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n visible_a â—…pensation_n in_o this_o case_n what_o ordinary_a mean_n be_v leave_v 〈◊〉_d their_o salvation_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n we_o know_v be_v maâ—…_n to_o the_o church_n and_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o order_v 〈◊〉_d spiritual_a good_a thing_n to_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o and_o we_o iâ—…_n covenant_n way_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n 1_o sam._n â—…_n 5._o ephes_n 3.8,9_o isai_n 42_o 6._o isai_n 49.6.7,8_o zach._n â—…_n 11._o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d testament_n heb._n 9.15_o heb._n 12.24_o if_o therefore_o beâ—…ers_v infant_n have_v no_o visible_a interest_n in_o this_o covenant_n 〈◊〉_d they_o have_v no_o visible_a interest_n in_o christ_n as_o mediator_n for_o 〈◊〉_d be_v mediator_n of_o no_o other_o covenant_n but_o this_o the_o business_n â—…ich_fw-mi he_o transact_v as_o mediator_n be_v to_o confirm_v this_o covenant_n 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o all_o those_o for_o who_o he_o be_v mediator_n 〈◊〉_d 9.24_o rom._n 15_o 8._o nor_o can_v any_o partake_v of_o the_o spiâ—…_n of_o god_n and_o influence_n thereof_o but_o by_o and_o from_o the_o â—…enant_n of_o grace_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o nor_o of_o a_o glorious_a reâ—…ection_n and_o bless_a estate_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n â—…ll_v be_v their_o god_n luk._n 20_o 36.37,38_o heb._n 11.16_o act_n 26.6.7_o now_o if_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n i_o mean_v the_o â—…cies_n of_o infant_n be_v exclude_v from_o a_o visible_a interest_n in_o 〈◊〉_d covenant_n and_o promise_n true_o then_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a 〈◊〉_d nor_o mean_n leave_v for_o their_o salvation_n 2._o if_o only_a adult_n 〈◊〉_d gentile_n who_o actual_o believe_v and_o be_v convert_v â—…ade_v nigh_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o coveâ—…t_n and_o ecclesiastical_a holiness_n it_o will_v argue_v that_o that_o sort_n 〈◊〉_d person_n only_o be_v actual_o stranger_n before_o and_o not_o 〈◊〉_d seed_n with_o they_o whether_o individual_o or_o specifiâ—…y_o consider_v eph._n 2.11_o 12,13_o nay_o this_o suppose_v 〈◊〉_d christ_n take_v down_o the_o partition_n wall_n as_o it_o stand_v only_o â—…een_v grow_v jew_n and_o adult_a gentile_n but_o as_o for_o the_o â—…dren_n of_o believe_a gentile_n it_o argue_v that_o either_o there_o 〈◊〉_d no_o such_o partition_n wall_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o infant_n 〈◊〉_d the_o jew_n or_o that_o it_o remain_v untaken_v down_o to_o this_o day_n 〈◊〉_d thus_o to_o suppose_v what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o a_o vain_a imagination_n â—…rary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 3._o to_o deny_v the_o covenant-â—…st_a of_o believer_n infant_n impli_v that_o there_o be_v two_o â—…ct_a covenant_n of_o grace_n beside_o the_o subservient_fw-fr coveâ—…_n on_o mount_n sinai_n one_o covenant_n make_v with_o the_o faith-â—…d_a their_o seed_n of_o old_a another_o with_o we_o exclude_v our_o 〈◊〉_d seed_n and_o these_o two_o covenant_n essential_o different_a 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o other_o but_o this_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v â—…ist_v be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n both_o â—…er_o the_o old_a and_o new_a administration_n thereof_o the_o new_a 〈◊〉_d of_o seal_v the_o covenant_n by_o baptism_n when_o first_o instiâ—…d_v be_v precise_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o jew_n god_n peoâ—…_n old_a joh._n 1.33_o matth._n 3.1_o john_n 4.1_o compare_v with_o matth._n 10.5.6_o to_o show_v we_o that_o no_o other_o covenâ—…_n in_o substance_n be_v now_o seal_v by_o baptism_n than_o what_o be_v maâ—…_n former_o with_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n luk._n 1_o 5â—_n 55,68.69,70,71,72,73_o acts._n 2.38,39_o now_o if_o 〈◊〉_d be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o covenant_n in_o substance_n it_o will_v tâ—…_n unavoidable_o follow_v that_o either_o the_o infant_n of_o the_o jeâ—…_n be_v not_o in_o god_n covenant_n together_o with_o their_o pareâ—…_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v or_o tâ—…_n their_o be_v in_o covenant_n be_v mere_o ceremonial_a and_o tyâ—…cal_a and_o so_o be_v abolish_v but_o grant_v that_o the_o way_n of_o sealâ—…_n the_o covenant_n to_o they_o be_v ceremonial_a yet_o what_o ceremâ—…_n can_v there_o be_v in_o this_o great_a promise_n i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n 〈◊〉_d thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n doâ—…less_v this_o contain_v a_o principal_a substantial_a part_n of_o 〈◊〉_d covenant_n itself_o or_o else_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o infantâ—…_n believe_v gentile_n be_v now_o in_o god_n covenant_n and_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n together_o with_o their_o pareâ—…_n the_o covenant_n be_v still_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o substaâ—…_n 4._o if_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n now_o have_v no_o visible_a righâ—…_n the_o covenant_n and_o church_n of_o god_n will_v not_o god_fw-we heâ—…_n be_v make_v a_o respecter_n of_o person_n look_v at_o the_o jew_n 〈◊〉_d their_o child_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o beâ—…_n in_o covenant_n with_o he_o but_o not_o so_o regard_v the_o infantâ—…_n the_o covenant_a believe_a gentile_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d testament_n and_o whereas_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o all_o 〈◊〉_d family_n of_o his_o people_n jer._n 31.1_o according_a to_o this_o â—…nion_n he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n in_o covenant_n to_o any_o more_o than_o partâ—…lar_a person_n actual_o believe_v and_o profess_v their_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d not_o so_o much_o as_o by_o outward_a ecclesiastical_a administratioâ—…_n the_o child_n of_o his_o people_n which_o be_v the_o choice_a part_n 〈◊〉_d p_o open_fw-mi of_o their_o family_n whereby_o the_o lord_n god_n buildetâ—…_n their_o family_n 5._o this_o will_v also_o abolish_v and_o take_v 〈◊〉_d that_o distinction_n which_o all_o along_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o 〈◊〉_d throughout_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o by_o this_o meanâ—_n 〈◊〉_d seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n in_o the_o yâ—…lings_n and_o branch_n thereof_o will_v be_v mingle_v and_o confoâ—…ed_v together_o there_o will_v be_v no_o distinction_n of_o the_o sâ—…_n god_n and_o of_o man_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o isaac_n and_o ishmael_n iâ—…_n infant_n part_n thereof_o no_o church_n distinction_n of_o chilâ—…_n clean_a and_o unclean_a which_o the_o bless_a apostle_n count_v a_o absurd_a thing_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o else_o your_o child_n be_v unclean_a i._n e._n like_o the_o child_n of_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n in_o no_o better_a case_n than_o they_o but_o now_o they_o be_v holy_a all_o man_n child_n by_o nature_n be_v child_n of_o wrath_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o take_v away_o the_o distinction_n between_o infant_n and_o infant_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o church-membership_a than_o they_o be_v mingle_v and_o confound_v together_o i_o mean_v the_o infant_n of_o turk_n pagan_n and_o christian_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o as_o have_v their_o actual_a stand_n in_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o satan_n consider_v i_o humble_o beseech_v you_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o christ_n what_o have_v be_v serious_o write_v unto_o you_o and_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o much_o of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o peaceable_a easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v and_o without_o partiality_n i_o will_v now_o condude_v this_o paper_n with_o two_o or_o three_o inference_n or_o confectary_n which_o may_v be_v genuine_o deduce_v from_o the_o forego_n consideration_n first_o hence_o we_o have_v cause_n great_o to_o admire_v the_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o covenant_n as_o extend_v not_o only_o â—o_o we_o but_o to_o our_o child_n also_o o_o the_o tender_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n towards_o our_o little_a babe_n o_o what_o hoâ—our_n have_v god_n put_v upon_o his_o saint_n thus_o to_o entayl_n the_o visible_a administration_n of_o his_o grace_n on_o they_o and_o they_o he_o have_v â—ot_n so_o deal_v with_o pagan_n and_o unbeliever_n what_o advantage_n â—ath_v visible_a believer_n and_o their_o infant_n above_o other_o much_o â—…ery_a way_n to_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n â—hey_n have_v visible_a right_n to_o and_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n rom._n 3.1.2,3_o as_o the_o infant-children_n â—f_o heathen_a and_o wicked_a man_n do_v visible_o belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n so_o the_o infant-children_n of_o the_o godly_a do_v visible_o â—elong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n luk._n 18.16_o ii_o let_v believer_n therefore_o due_o and_o constant_o plead_v and_o â—…prove_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o new_a dispensation_n of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d only_o for_o themselves_o but_o for_o their_o little_a one_o for_o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n in_o this_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a manner_n so_o according_o we_o shall_v plead_v it_o with_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o prayer_n and_o if_o chriâ—…ans_n will_v believe_v more_o and_o dispute_v less_o idoubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v contribute_v much_o to_o the_o silence_v of_o this_o and_o thâ—…_n controversy_n among_o the_o saint_n lord_n thou_o have_v make_v a_o gâ—…cious_a covenant_n not_o only_o with_o i_o but_o with_o my_o poor_a babâ—…_n remember_v thy_o promise_n and_o make_v it_o effectual_a to_o their_o soâ—…_n let_v they_o not_o only_o partake_v of_o the_o outward_a administration_n 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o inward_a save_a grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n although_o 〈◊〉_d house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v yet_o lord_n remâ—…ber_v thy_o gracious_a covenant_n for_o i_o and_o i_o iii_o christian_a parent_n shall_v be_v hence_o encourage_v to_o 〈◊〉_d vote_v their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o educate_v &_o train_v tâ—…_n up_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o nurture_n of_o the_o lord_n eph._n 6.4_o see_v 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v into_o christ_n school_n and_o family_n and_o be_v own_a 〈◊〉_d he_o as_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n o_o let_v not_o parâ—…_n suffer_v their_o child_n to_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a to_o proâ—…_n the_o lord_n day_n to_o abuse_v and_o revile_v his_o servant_n i_o know_v sâ—…_n the_o lord_n that_o abraham_n will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o 〈◊〉_d household_n after_o he_o to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n gen._n 18_o â—…_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n say_v joshua_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v but_o aâ—…_n i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n jos_n 24.15_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v our_o resolution_n and_o according_o we_o shall_v teâ—…_n our_o child_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o instruct_v they_o concâ—…ing_v the_o nature_n property_n privilege_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o â—…venant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o feal_v thereof_o baptism_n and_o the_o lâ—…_n supper_n as_o the_o jew_n instruct_v their_o child_n touch_v 〈◊〉_d institution_n use_n and_o end_n of_o the_o passover_n exod_n 13.14_o iu._n and_o last_o we_o shall_v hence_o be_v admonish_v to_o â—…ware_v of_o and_o avoid_v those_o doctrine_n that_o straiten_v and_o cut_v sâ—…_n the_o saint_n privilege_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n adminiâ—…tion_n and_o exclude_v and_o shut_v out_o our_o infant_n from_o a_o visiblâ—â—…terest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o leave_v we_o withoâ—…â—ny_v visible_a ground_n of_o hope_n from_o god_n reveal_v will_v iâ—…_n scripture_n touch_v their_o salvation_n if_o they_o happen_v tâ—…_n in_o their_o infancy_n for_o what_o visible_a ground_n of_o hope_n can_v tâ—…_n be_v in_o reference_n to_o they_o if_o they_o have_v no_o visible_a right_a tâ—…_n covenant_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n but_o bless_v be_v the_o namâ—…_n the_o lord_n who_o have_v not_o leave_v we_o without_o visible_a ground_n of_o 〈◊〉_d touch_v our_o poor_a infant_n nor_o shall_v we_o mourn_v for_o 〈◊〉_d so_o die_a as_o those_o mourn_n that_o be_v without_o hope_n finis_fw-la
but_o also_o with_o reference_n to_o their_o child_n eyâ—…g_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o comprehend_v both_o themselves_o and_o their_o infant-seed_n and_o accordingâ—…_n they_o have_v improve_v and_o plead_v the_o covenant_n â—ith_o god_n when_o they_o have_v make_v their_o address_n to_o he_o this_o godly_a parent_n have_v former_o do_v and_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v still_o for_o the_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o point_n take_v a_o few_o instance_n out_o of_o scripture_n 1_o we_o find_v david_n 2_o sam_n 23.5_o plead_v god_n covenant_n make_v with_o he_o not_o only_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o his_o house_n and_o child_n though_o my_o house_n say_v he_o be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n yet_o he_o have_v make_v with_o i_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n it_o be_v usual_a in_o scripture_n when_o household_n be_v speak_v of_o to_o intend_v the_o child_n though_o they_o be_v not_o particular_o mention_v gen._n 30.30_o gen._n 45.11,18,19_o exod._n 4.1_o 2_o sam._n 27.3_o prov._n 31.15_o luk._n 12.42_o yea_o the_o child_n be_v chief_o intend_v by_o the_o household_n 1_o sam._n 20.15_o 2_o sam._n 9.9_o 1_o king_n 17.12.13.15_o psal_n 127.1.3_o prov._n 12.7_o isai_n 31.2_o hos_fw-la 1.4_o hab._n 2.9,10_o 1_o tim_n 3,4,5_o and_o 1_o tim._n 5.4,8,14_o compare_v with_o 2_o tim._n 1.16_o child_n be_v the_o ordinary_a instrument_n to_o continue_v and_o uphold_v the_o house_n as_o in_o natural_a and_o civil_a so_o in_o religious_a and_o ecclesiastical_a respect_n and_o hence_o they_o be_v builden_a of_o the_o house_n both_o way_n as_o the_o hebrew_n radix_fw-la signify_v from_o which_o the_o word_n use_v for_o son_n and_o daughter_n be_v derive_v and_o hence_o also_o we_o have_v that_o phrase_n of_o god_n build_v the_o woman_n house_n exod._n 1.21_o and_o here_o in_o this_o instance_n of_o david_n that_o godly_a man_n where_o he_o say_v although_o my_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n yet_o etc._n etc._n he_o exercise_v faith_n in_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v a_o gracious_a covenant_n with_o respect_n unto_o his_o house_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v all_o his_o salvation_n and_o all_o his_o desire_n not_o only_o touch_v himself_o but_o his_o house_n and_o child_n also_o when_o he_o reflect_v upon_o the_o great_a disorder_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o be_v among_o they_o 2._o to_o go_v up_o far_o highâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d high_a than_o david_n time_n our_o great_a grandmother_n eve_n also_o do_v thus_o eye_n and_o improve_v the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o god_n as_o make_v not_o only_o with_o reference_n to_o adam_n and_o she_o but_o to_o their_o infant-church_n seed_n abel_n be_v slay_v and_o cain_n have_v reject_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o promise_n when_o her_o infant_n seth_n be_v bear_v she_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v for_o his_o coveâ—ant's_n sake_n look_v gracious_o upon_o she_o in_o that_o inâ—ant_n of_o she_o and_o she_o call_v his_o name_n seth_n for_o say_v â—…e_a god_n have_v appoint_v i_o another_o seed_n instead_o â—f_a abel_n who_o cain_n slay_v gen._n 4_o 25._o this_o she_o speak_v â—f_v he_o not_o as_o a_o mere_a natural_a child_n bear_v according_o to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n but_o as_o of_o a_o covenant_n â—nd_v church-seed_n and_o therefore_o she_o compare_v he_o â—o_o abel_n and_o not_o to_o cain_n and_o call_v he_o by_o such_o a_o â—…me_n as_o signify_v her_o faith_n touch_v the_o covenantâ—ate_n and_o interest_n of_o this_o infant_n nor_o do_v she_o thereâ—…_n fail_v of_o her_o faith_n and_o hope_v as_o appear_v vers_fw-la 26._o â—_o this_o be_v likewise_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o parent_n member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n lamech_v when_o noah_n be_v bear_v look_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n â—…ve_v his_o infant_n the_o name_n of_o noah_n gen._n 5.28.29_o â—…lieving_v that_o that_o child_n shall_v be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o â—…ot_n to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n though_o the_o â—…rrupt_v wicked_a world_n shall_v be_v destroy_v 4._o â—…s_n for_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a there_o 〈◊〉_d no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o he_o exercise_v â—…th_n in_o god_n covenant_n both_o for_o himself_o and_o his_o â—…d_n the_o covenant_n be_v express_o renew_v with_o 〈◊〉_d and_o his_o infant-seed_n gen._n 17.7,8_o etc._n etc._n which_o â—…s_v a_o everlasting_a gracious_a covenant_n and_o this_o â—…venant_n do_v comfort_n and_o support_v abraham_n in_o reâ—…ence_n to_o his_o posterity_n and_o make_v he_o put_v up_o that_o â—…ly_a wish_n and_o prayer_n mention_v for_o 18._o o_o that_o ishmael_n may_v live_v in_o thy_o sight_n but_o yet_o long_o before_o abraham_n be_v bear_v this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n even_o in_o dark_a time_n when_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n be_v not_o so_o clear_o reveal_v and_o much_o more_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v our_o practice_n now_o 5._o it_o be_v further_a evident_a that_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a do_v exercise_v faith_n touch_v the_o foederal_n estate_n or_o covenant-interest_n of_o their_o child_n by_o compare_v psal_n 102.25,26,27,28_o with_o heb_fw-mi 1.10,11,12_o which_o refer_v to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o surety_n and_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o who_o they_o plead_v with_o god_n and_o expect_v a_o blessing_n from_o he_o for_o their_o child_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n gracious_a covenant_n nor_o be_v it_o mere_o a_o temporal_a vanish_v good_a to_o their_o child_n which_o they_o look_v for_o and_o expect_v but_o thaâ—_n their_o child_n may_v be_v establish_v before_o goâ—_n in_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n aâ—_n you_o may_v see_v in_o that_o psalm_n 102._o verse_n 25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o compare_v together_o and_o there_o be_v the_o liâ—…_n ground_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o covenant_n touch_v our_o infant_n now_o under_o tâ—…_n new_a testament_n administration_n for_o the_o full_a satisfaction_n herein_o i_o will_v lâ—…_n down_o these_o five_o proposition_n propos_fw-fr 1._o that_o child_n be_v so_o comprehendâ—…_n and_o involve_v in_o their_o parent_n by_o the_o dispenâ—…tion_n of_o god_n that_o the_o parent_n act_n be_v count_v tâ—…_n child_n act_n and_o the_o parent_n neglect_v thâ—…_n neglect_n as_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o câ—…cumcision_n that_o soul_n shall_v be_v cut_v â—ff_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d circumcise_a for_o he_o have_v break_v my_o covenant_n saâ—…_n the_o lord_n gen._n 17.14_o and_o yet_o the_o infant_n himself_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o personal_a neglect_n and_o though_o our_o saviour_n require_v personal_a faith_n in_o grow_v one_o as_o to_o their_o own_o bodily_a cure_n yet_o as_o for_o their_o child_n it_o be_v accept_v when_o their_o parent_n believe_v on_o their_o behalf_n john_n 4.50,51_o mark_v 9_o v._o 12._o to_o 18._o matth._n 15_o 22._o to_o 29._o not_o that_o the_o parent_n faith_n be_v meritorious_a only_o this_o we_o say_v that_o upon_o a_o believer_n accept_v the_o covenant_n for_o himself_o and_o his_o seed_n there_o do_v result_v in_o the_o sense_n former_o express_v not_o only_o a_o personal_a right_n to_o a_o man_n self_n but_o a_o parental_a right_n also_o to_o his_o child_n so_o as_o to_o render_v they_o capable_a of_o some_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n propos_fw-fr 2._o that_o this_o be_v one_o part_n or_o branch_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v to_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n of_o it_o namely_o that_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n be_v confoederates_n in_o and_o with_o their_o parent_n be_v take_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o covenant_n together_o with_o their_o parent_n what_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n i_o pray_v you_o but_o good_a news_n glad_a tiding_n a_o joyful_a message_n and_o be_v it_o not_o good_a news_n that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o gracious_a covenant_n with_o we_o and_o our_o child_n and_o that_o god_n own_v and_o have_v respect_v not_o only_o to_o we_o but_o also_o to_o our_o little_a one_o as_o when_o one_o convey_v or_o make_v over_o a_o house_n or_o a_o piece_n of_o land_n to_o a_o man_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o his_o body_n it_o be_v a_o far_o great_a privilege_n and_o more_o acceptable_a to_o the_o grantee_n than_o if_o it_o be_v only_o make_v over_o to_o the_o man_n himself_o and_o in_o this_o latitude_n and_o extent_n the_o gospel_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v eye_v and_o improve_v by_o the_o faithful_a from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o gospel_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o power_n of_o antichrist_n be_v destroy_v and_o when_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n rev._n 11.15_o when_o nation_n shall_v flow_v into_o
the_o covenant-interest_n and_o privilege_n of_o believer_n and_o their_o infant_n clear_o demonstrate_v in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o religious_a lady_n by_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n london_n â—…inted_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n 1675._o â—adam_n the_o proposition_n which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o and_o prove_v to_o you_o out_o of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v this_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n under_o the_o new_a administration_n of_o it_o comprehend_v visible_a belieuâ—…_n and_o their_o infant_n or_o thus_o the_o covenant_n â—…endeth_v not_o only_o to_o the_o believe_a parent_n but_o 〈◊〉_d his_o or_o her_o infant_n seed_n also_o that_o we_o may_v â—…vent_v mistake_n we_o must_v here_o distinguish_v beâ—…ixt_v foedus_fw-la internum_fw-la and_o externum_fw-la or_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d may_v apprehend_v it_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n â—…y_v be_v either_o strict_o consider_v as_o a_o absoluteâ—…mise_n â—…mise_z of_o save_a grace_n and_o so_o none_o but_o the_o eâ—…_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n or_o the_o covenant_n â—…y_v be_v consider_v more_o large_o in_o respect_n of_o â—…ernal_a administration_n or_o outward_a priviâ—…ges_n and_o so_o the_o covenant_n in_o a_o true_a scriptureâ—…e_n may_v be_v say_v visible_o to_o comprehend_v and_o beâ—…g_v to_o many_o person_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v infallible_o â—…d_v visible_a believer_n and_o their_o infant_n do_v â—…s_n belong_v to_o the_o covenant_n or_o the_o covenant_n beâ—…gs_v to_o they_o all_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o viâ—…_n church_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o visible_a right_n and_o â—…est_a in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o covenantâ—…ongs_n â—…ongs_z to_o they_o in_o fancy_n visibilis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la now_o â—…y_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o â—…ist_n who_o be_v not_o real_a member_n of_o the_o mystical_a invisible_a body_n of_o christ_n many_o be_v branch_n of_o christ_n the_o vine_n in_o outward_a appearance_n joh._n 15.2_o who_o wither_v and_o be_v cut_v off_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o judas_n simon_n magus_n demas_n and_o those_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n john_n speak_v they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o but_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o â—…_n john_n 2.19_o this_o be_v a_o point_n that_o some_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n seem_v to_o startle_v at_o namely_o that_o infant_n shall_v be_v reckon_v and_o repute_v tâ—_n have_v a_o visible_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o gracâ—…_n and_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n oâ—_n christ_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o their_o membership_n in_o their_o infancy_n but_o there_o be_v otheâ—…_n and_o myself_o among_o they_o that_o look_v at_o thâ—_n covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o far_o more_o desirable_a anâ—_n comfortable_a in_o this_o respect_n because_o it_o extend_v not_o only_o to_o believer_n but_o to_o their_o infant_n for_o the_o better_a clear_n and_o confirm_v tâ—…_n covenant-interest_n of_o believer_n infant_n i_o shall_v propound_v some_o serious_a consideration_n first_o consider_v i_o beseech_v you_o that_o euâ—…_n since_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o his_o people_n â—_z be_v include_v and_o comprehend_v in_o tâ—…_n covenant_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o be_v repuâ—…_n and_o reckon_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o family_n and_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n and_o contradistinction_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v tâ—…_n kingdom_n of_o satan_n for_o indeed_o either_o the_o â—_z of_o the_o godly_a do_v visible_o belong_v to_o tâ—…_n kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o they_o visible_o belong_v to_o tâ—…_n kingdom_n of_o satan_n there_o be_v no_o other_o visibâ—…_n kingdom_n beside_o these_o two_o which_o they_o can_v â—elate_v unto_o in_o those_o covenant_n which_o concern_v â—ivil_a affair_n it_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n to_o include_v child_n though_o the_o child_n themselves_o do_v not_o actual_o seal_v or_o give_v their_o actual_a consent_n to_o â—…ch_v a_o grant_n or_o lease_n together_o with_o their_o paâ—ents_n where_o have_v god_n at_o any_o time_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o any_o of_o his_o people_n but_o that_o coâ—enant_n do_v also_o comprehend_v their_o child_n and_o posterity_n the_o lord_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o noah_n gen._n 9_o and_o that_o covenant_n do_v also_o reach_v â—is_n posterity_n he_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o abraâ—am_n gen._n 17._o and_o that_o covenant_n do_v also_o reach_v â—is_n posterity_n he_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o phineâ—…s_n numb_a 25._o which_o do_v also_o reach_v his_o posterity_n god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o david_n psal_n â—…9_n 28_o and_o this_o also_o do_v extend_v to_o his_o posterity_n yea_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o parent_n own_v â—…e_a covenant_n be_v reckon_v not_o only_o as_o own_v 〈◊〉_d for_o themselves_o but_o also_o for_o their_o child_n â—…ough_o the_o child_n themselves_o while_o infant_n â—id_v not_o actual_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o â—wn_a person_n second_o consider_v further_o that_o the_o infant_n of_o â—elievers_n be_v once_o reckon_v and_o repute_v to_o â—elong_v visible_o to_o the_o covenant_n and_o church_n of_o â—od_n and_o do_v receive_v the_o seal_n of_o their_o admission_n â—…to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o speak_v not_o here_o â—…ly_o or_o chief_o of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n â—…t_v of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n the_o â—…ost_o ingenious_a and_o judicious_a of_o our_o dissent_v â—…ethren_n will_v acknowledge_v this_o that_o infant_n â—…d_v once_o visible_o belong_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o kingdom_n of_o god_n well_o then_o the_o infant_n of_o god_n people_n be_v once_o visible_o in_o covenant_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o where_o do_v wâ—_n find_v that_o this_o foederal_a or_o covenant-interest_n and_o church-membership_a of_o infant_n be_v ever_o repeal_v or_o make_v void_a by_o the_o constitution_n of_o god_n it_o concern_v those_o that_o dissent_n from_o we_o to_o prouâ—_n that_o it_o be_v make_v void_a we_o have_v the_o negative_a herâ—_n let_v our_o brethren_n prove_v the_o affirmative_a if_o theâ—_n can_v namely_o that_o the_o species_n of_o infant_n be_v caâ—…_n out_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o church_n of_o god_n certain_o infant_n be_v now_o as_o capable_a of_o a_o visibâ—…_n covenant-interest_n and_o church-membership_a 〈◊〉_d they_o former_o be_v and_o it_o be_v no_o privilege_n 〈◊〉_d a_o believer_n to_o have_v his_o child_n cast_v out_o of_o goâ—…_n visible_a family_n and_o kingdom_n that_o i_o may_v confirm_v this_o to_o you_o and_o silenâ—…_n the_o contrary_a objection_n let_v we_o observe_v these_o sâ—…_n or_o seven_o particular_n 1._o if_o there_o have_v be_v suâ—…_n a_o repeal_n of_o the_o covenant-interest_n and_o churcâ—membership_n of_o believer_n infant_n now_o in_o tâ—…_n day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n doubtless_o it_o wouâ—…_n have_v be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o tâ—…_n new_a testament_n see_v it_o be_v clear_o hold_v forâ—…_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o believer_n infaâ—…_n be_v sometime_o visible_o in_o covenant_n with_o goâ—…_n and_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n i_o will_v bâ—…_n god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n gen._n 17.7_o aâ—…_n god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n not_o only_o with_o tâ—…_n parent_n but_o with_o their_o little_a one_o as_o plain_o appear_v deut._n 29.10.11.12_o where_o we_o find_v tâ—…_n child_n take_v into_o covenant_n with_o their_o parentâ—…_n let_v not_o any_o pretend_v that_o this_o be_v a_o priviledâ—…_n proper_a only_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o child_n undâ—…_n that_o paedagogical_a administration_n for_o infaâ—…_n be_v church_n member_n long_o before_o circumcision_n be_v institute_v and_o they_o be_v so_o in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o circumcision_n be_v omit_v yea_o and_o this_o privilege_n of_o church-membership_a do_v not_o only_o belong_v to_o the_o natural_a jew_n and_o their_o child_n but_o also_o to_o the_o gentile_a proselyte_n who_o own_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n to_o they_o and_o their_o child_n 2._o if_o this_o privilege_n be_v abrogate_a â—nd_v take_v away_o from_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n â—urely_o god_n will_v have_v bestow_v as_o good_a or_o â—etter_n in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o but_o where_o do_v we_o find_v â—n_o the_o book_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o indeed_o we_o find_v that_o some_o of_o the_o branch_n to_o wit_n â—…e_v jew_n they_o and_o their_o child_n be_v break_v â—ff_n by_o unbelief_n from_o the_o visible_a church_n rom._n â—1_n 17_o but_o it_o be_v not_o all_o the_o jew_n for_o as_o â—…uching_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o their_o child_n â—…ey_n be_v not_o break_v off_o but_o do_v still_o remain_v in_o â—…e_a olive_n tree_n nor_o do_v we_o
find_v one_o word_n or_o sylâ—…ble_a in_o the_o scripture_n that_o make_v for_o the_o repeal_n â—…d_v abrogation_n of_o the_o covenant-right_a and_o church-membership_a of_o believer_n child_n 3._o christ_n come_v not_o to_o put_v believer_n and_o their_o child_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o they_o be_v before_o â—e_z that_o will_v not_o accuse_v the_o woman_n take_v in_o adultery_n but_o ask_v she_o where_o her_o accuser_n â—ere_z john_n 8.10.11_o will_v he_o who_o be_v so_o comâ—…ssionate_a and_o tender-hearted_a cast_v all_o infant_n â—…t_v of_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n without_o accusation_n doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o far_o worse_a condition_n to_o be_v out_o of_o â—…e_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n than_o in_o it_o for_o orâ—…narily_o what_o god_n may_v do_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a â—…y_n i_o question_v not_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v â—…tin_n the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o family_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n â—…_n tim._n 3.15_o and_o the_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o add_v to_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act_v 2.47_o and_o they_o that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o christ_n visible_a kingdom_n be_v say_v to_o be_v alien_n and_o stranger_n from_o thâ—_n commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o covenant_n 〈◊〉_d promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o thâ—_n world_n ephes_n 2.12_o 4._o the_o kingdom_n of_o thâ—…_n world_n shall_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n anâ—_n of_o his_o christ_n rev._n 11.15_o which_o undoubted_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o visible_a church-membership_a ordinanceâ—…_n and_o privilege_n and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v we_o otherwiâ—…_n think_v but_o that_o this_o kingdom_n will_v include_v anâ—_n take_v in_o the_o species_n of_o infant_n as_o member_n thereof_o it_o be_v also_o prophesy_v dan._n 2.34.35_o thaâ—_n the_o little_a stone_n cut_v out_o without_o hand_n which_o 〈◊〉_d mean_v of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n though_o it_o be_v small_a at_o first_o yet_o in_o the_o late_a day_n it_o shall_v become_v a_o great_a mountain_n and_o fill_v the_o whole_a earth_n which_o certain_o will_v comprehend_v the_o infant_n 〈◊〉_d believer_n yea_o and_o when_o the_o jew_n be_v re-ingrafteâ—_a into_o the_o olive_n tree_n their_o child_n shall_v be_v re-iâ—grafted_n with_o they_o and_o shall_v be_v as_o aforetime_o roâ—_n 11.24.25_o jer._n 30.20_o by_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o covenant_n interest_n anâ—_n church-membership_a of_o infant_n be_v not_o abrogated_a 5._o if_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n now_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d exclude_v from_o visible_a church-membership_a anâ—_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n they_o will_v be_v in_o â—_o worse_o condition_n than_o the_o very_a child_n of_o tâ—…_n gentiles_n be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o chriâ—…_n for_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n if_o aâ—…_n gentile_n or_o stranger_n do_v accept_v the_o covenant_n and_o own_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n not_o only_o he_o but_o his_o child_n also_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o reckon_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n if_o now_o the_o parent_n accept_v the_o covenant_n he_o himself_o indeed_o shall_v be_v admit_v but_o his_o infant-seed_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o visible_a member-ship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o worse_a case_n in_o this_o respect_n than_o the_o gentile_a proselyte_n be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n 6._o the_o lord_n have_v say_v exod._n 20._o that_o he_o will_v show_v mercy_n to_o thousand_o of_o they_o that_o love_n and_o obey_v he_o which_o certain_o extend_v to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a so_o far_o as_o to_o admit_v and_o entitle_v they_o to_o a_o visible_a member-ship_n of_o his_o church_n do_v god_n take_v care_n of_o ox_n be_v the_o very_a hair_n of_o our_o head_n number_v by_o he_o and_o will_v he_o not_o think_v you_o visible_o own_o and_o bless_v the_o poor_a infant_n of_o his_o people_n who_o be_v so_o dear_a to_o he_o 7._o there_o be_v gospel_n prophecy_n and_o promise_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o child_n and_o seed_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v bless_v psal_n 37.26_o i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n say_v the_o lord_n upon_o thy_o seed_n and_o my_o blessing_n upon_o thy_o offspring_n and_o they_o shall_v spring_v up_o as_o among_o the_o grass_n isaiah_n 44.3,4_o the_o lord_n speak_v of_o his_o people_n in_o gospel_n time_n say_v that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v know_v among_o the_o gentile_n and_o their_o offspring_n among_o the_o people_n all_o that_o see_v they_o shall_v acknowledge_v they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v isaiah_n 61.8.9_o and_o again_o chapter_n 65.17,18,19,20_o the_o the_o lord_n say_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o a_o infant_n of_o day_n nor_o a_o old_a man_n that_o have_v not_o fill_v his_o day_n for_o the_o child_n shall_v die_v a_o hundred_o year_n old_a but_o the_o sinner_n be_v a_o hundred_o year_n old_a shall_v be_v accurse_v and_o verse_n 23._o these_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o bless_a of_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o offspring_n with_o they_o it_o be_v also_o prophesy_v isai_n 49.22_o of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o god_n will_v lift_v up_o his_o hand_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o set_v up_o his_o standard_n to_o the_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v bring_v their_o son_n in_o their_o arm_n and_o their_o daughter_n shall_v be_v carry_v on_o their_o shoulder_n and_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a from_o these_o and_o the_o like_a prophetical_a expression_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o there_o be_v external_a visible_a privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n belong_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o godly_a which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o other_o three_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o whosoever_o deny_v the_o visible_a church-membership_a and_o covenant-interest_n of_o believer_n infant_n and_o hold_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v not_o visible_o belong_v to_o such_o infant_n leaf_n parent_n without_o any_o visible_a ground_n of_o hope_n touch_v the_o justification_n and_o salvation_n of_o their_o child_n that_o die_v in_o infancy_n i_o say_v visible_a ground_n of_o hope_n as_o for_o god_n eternal_a election_n or_o the_o will_n of_o his_o purpose_n this_o be_v a_o secret_a thing_n and_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o god_n but_o reveal_v thing_n belong_v to_o we_o and_o our_o child_n deut._n 29.29_o if_o we_o hold_v not_o that_o the_o species_n of_o infant_n do_v visible_o belong_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o church_n of_o god_n it_o will_v then_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a ground_n of_o hope_n concern_v they_o no_o man_n woman_n or_o child_n do_v or_o can_v appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n unless_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n or_o else_o by_o the_o visible_a profession_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o party_n that_o he_o or_o she_o belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o three_o thing_n may_v be_v note_v 1_o that_o sound_a hope_n and_o charity_n be_v regulate_v and_o guide_v by_o judgement_n they_o must_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o our_o judgement_n must_v have_v some_o scripture_n evidence_n to_o proceed_v on_o or_o else_o it_o be_v but_o rash_a and_o blind_a now_o where_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o outward_a appearance_n or_o visibility_n of_o church-membership_a there_o be_v no_o evidence_n for_o we_o to_o build_v upon_o and_o consequent_o no_o right_a judgement_n or_o well_o ground_v hope_n if_o therefore_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o visible_o and_o external_o belong_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o kingdom_n of_o god_n than_o they_o be_v not_o visible_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a ground_n of_o our_o hope_n touch_v their_o salvation_n 2_o our_o hope_n must_v rely_v on_o a_o word_n of_o promise_n or_o else_o it_o be_v but_o vain_a hope_n it_o must_v have_v a_o word_n from_o god_n to_o bottom_n upon_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o these_o scripture_n rom._n 15.4.13_o eph._n 2.12_o 2_o thess_n 2.16_o 1_o tim._n 1.1_o heb._n 6.18,19_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o rom._n 4.18.20_o now_o take_v away_o the_o visible_a church-membership_a and_o covenant-interest_n of_o believer_n infant_n and_o there_o be_v no_o
promise_n in_o god_n word_n for_o their_o salvation_n for_o we_o find_v not_o any_o promise_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o person_n that_o be_v without_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n 3_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v that_o god_n have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n rom._n 9.18_o and_o our_o child_n may_v be_v elect_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v and_o consequent_o save_v this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o still_o i_o demand_v what_o visible_a ground_n of_o hope_v you_o have_v in_o reference_n to_o your_o infant_n if_o they_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n more_o than_o wicked_a man_n have_v thus_o it_o may_v be_v say_v touch_v the_o child_n of_o jew_n turk_n heathen_n some_o of_o they_o may_v belong_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n the_o child_n of_o the_o most_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v elect_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v but_o we_o speak_v now_o of_o a_o reveal_v declare_v interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n nor_o be_v god_n favour_n to_o believe_v parent_n themselves_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o christian_a hope_n touch_v their_o infant_n but_o as_o it_o be_v bottom_v upon_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v with_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n gen._n 17.7_o quest_n but_o where_o have_v godly_a parent_n visible_a ground_n of_o hope_n may_v you_o say_v touch_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o child_n that_o die_v in_o infancy_n i_o answer_v 1_o god_n have_v assure_v we_o in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o that_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o wicked_a on_o who_o he_o will_v visit_v the_o sin_n of_o their_o father_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v bless_v that_o their_o child_n be_v the_o heritage_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o womb_n be_v his_o reward_n psal_n 127.3,4,5_o here_o be_v visible_a ground_n of_o christian_a hope_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o child_n if_o they_o die_v in_o infancy_n or_o live_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n unless_o they_o profane_o reject_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o jshmael_n and_o esan_n do_v and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o visible_a professor_n that_o be_v baptize_v at_o year_n of_o discretion_n for_o if_o they_o apostatise_v from_o god_n as_o many_o have_v do_v the_o lord_n will_v cast_v they_o off_o and_o reject_v they_o 2_o we_o have_v also_o visible_a ground_n of_o hope_n touch_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o infant_n from_o christ_n tender_a and_o love_a carriage_n towards_o infant_n when_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n he_o take_v up_o infant_n in_o his_o arm_n embrace_v and_o bless_v they_o sharp_o rebuke_v his_o disciple_n for_o their_o churlishness_n towards_o they_o and_o declare_v that_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n luk_n 18.15,16_o o_o the_o tender_a compassion_n and_o bowel_n of_o our_o sweet_a saviour_n he_o that_o be_v a_o infant_n himself_o be_v the_o head_n and_o mediator_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v sanctify_v the_o state_n and_o age_n of_o infancy_n peter_n also_o tell_v we_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n acts._n 2.38,39_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v that_o the_o child_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o and_o doubtless_o the_o new_a testament_n administration_n which_o we_o live_v under_o be_v as_o free_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a or_o rather_o more_o free_a and_o merciful_a in_o reference_n to_o believer_n and_o their_o infant_n than_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v and_o be_v not_o here_o visible_a ground_n of_o hope_n god_n be_v love_v itself_o and_o often_o compare_v his_o love_n to_o the_o love_n and_o pity_n of_o a_o tender-hearted_a father_n or_o mother_n towards_o the_o child_n numb_a 11.12_o isai_n 49.15_o psal_n 103.13_o 1_o thess_n 2.7_o 3_o we_o find_v that_o some_o infant_n be_v sanctify_v in_o and_o from_o the_o womb_n as_o jeremiah_n and_o john_n baptist_n and_o child_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n as_o grow_v person_n we_o be_v as_o passive_a in_o our_o regeneration_n or_o first_o implantation_n into_o christ_n as_o a_o little_a child_n and_o must_v receive_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o a_o little_a child_n we_o find_v also_o promise_v of_o salvation_n in_o scripture_n make_v to_o household_n acts._n 16.34_o etc._n etc._n and_o christ_n say_v to_o zacheus_n this_o day_n be_v salvation_n come_v to_o this_o house_n forasmuch_o as_o thou_o be_v a_o son_n of_o abraham_n luk._n 19.9_o and_o we_o be_v sure_o that_o infant_n be_v a_o good_a considerable_a part_n of_o the_o household_n 4_o the_o apostle_n paul_n will_v not_o have_v believer_n mourn_v excessive_o for_o their_o dead_a friend_n as_o those_o that_o be_v without_o hope_n 1_o thess_n 4.13_o be_v it_o their_o child_n that_o die_v in_o infancy_n or_o any_o other_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o dead_a in_o general_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o include_v the_o species_n of_o infant_n parent_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o grieve_v and_o mourn_v for_o their_o child_n than_o for_o any_o other_o and_o here_o paul_n speak_v of_o the_o hope_n of_o their_o glorious_a resurrection_n for_o who_o they_o mourn_v but_o now_o if_o our_o infant_n do_v not_o visible_o belong_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o church_n of_o god_n we_o can_v have_v a_o well_o ground_a hope_n touch_v their_o salvation_n but_o shall_v mourn_v for_o they_o as_o without_o hope_n if_o they_o die_v in_o infancy_n 5_o david_n comfort_v himself_o touch_v his_o dead_a child_n 2._o sam._n 12.23_o that_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o he_o though_o the_o child_n be_v not_o beget_v in_o lawful_a matrimony_n now_o the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o david_n shall_v be_v bury_v with_o the_o child_n for_o what_o ground_n of_o comfort_n do_v this_o afford_v but_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v eternal_o happy_a with_o the_o child_n in_o glory_n and_o doubtless_o the_o like_a or_o great_a ground_n of_o hope_n every_o faithful_a parent_n have_v for_o his_o child_n beget_v in_o lawful_a matrimony_n who_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n we_o shall_v likewise_o remember_v that_o child_n do_v appear_v and_o join_v with_o their_o parent_n in_o stand_a church_n ordinance_n as_o solemn_a fast_n and_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n 2_o chron._n 20.13_o deut._n 29,10_o the_o child_n that_o suck_v the_o breast_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v to_o the_o solemn_a fast_o joel_n 2.16_o which_o do_v further_a evince_n and_o prove_v the_o visible_a church-membership_a and_o covenant-interest_n of_o believer_n infant_n and_o that_o there_o be_v strong_a ground_n of_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v bless_v they_o and_o bless_v these_o ordinance_n to_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o out_o brethren_n that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o godly_a do_v visible_o belong_v to_o the_o covenant_n &_o church_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o have_v visible_a ground_n of_o hope_n concern_v they_o there_o will_v be_v a_o end_n of_o the_o controversy_n about_o infant-baptism_n among_o judicious_a and_o sober_a christian_n see_v baptism_n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o church-membership_a do_v belong_v to_o all_o they_o that_o be_v visible_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o church_n of_o god_n for_o if_o they_o have_v visible_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v the_o great_a than_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o visible_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v the_o lesser_a i_o speak_v now_o of_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o first_o seal_n of_o regeneration_n wherein_o we_o be_v mere_o passive_a for_o as_o touch_v the_o other_o sacrament_n it_o be_v require_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v examine_v himself_o before_o he_o partake_v of_o it_o 1_o cor._n 11.28_o though_o we_o say_v and_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n be_v church-member_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o grant_n and_o aught_o to_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o their_o admission_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o such_o complete_a member_n in_o all_o respect_n as_o to_o capacitate_v they_o for_o â—ll_a church_n ordinance_n and_o privilege_n together_o â—ith_v their_o godly_a parent_n till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o themselves_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o covenant_n â—nd_v promise_n of_o god_n and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o god_n in_o their_o own_o person_n when_o they_o come_v to_o ripe_a â—ears_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o three_o consideration_n the_o four_o consideration_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o â—uty_n and_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o believe_a paâ—ents_n from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n â—o_o take_v hold_v on_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o exercise_v faith_n 〈◊〉_d the_o covenant_n not_o only_o with_o reference_n to_o themselves_o
the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n shall_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o exalt_v above_o the_o hill_n isaiah_n 2.2,3_o parent_n than_o shall_v not_o only_o offer_v up_o and_o dedicate_v themselves_o but_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o shall_v not_o only_o plead_v the_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o but_o for_o their_o child_n also_o before_o the_o lord_n propos_fw-fr 3._o this_o be_v the_o true_a gospel_n in_o the_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v according_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v and_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o nation_n they_o must_v go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o matth._n 28.19_o compare_v with_o mark_n 16.15_o gal._n 3.8,9_o rom._n 1.16,17_o they_o be_v to_o open_v and_o declare_v the_o whole_a covenant_n in_o the_o largeness_n and_o extensiveness_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v make_v with_o abraham_n whereof_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a branch_n i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o and_o this_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v all_o nation_n whereas_o before_o the_o church_n be_v limit_v to_o one_o nation_n now_o their_o commission_n be_v extend_v to_o all_o nation_n teach_v and_o baptise_v they_o whoever_o in_o the_o gentile_a nation_n shall_v take_v hold_n on_o the_o covenant_n they_o and_o their_o child_n ought_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o baptize_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n only_o one_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v visible_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o covenant_n with_o he_o but_o now_o other_o nation_n be_v take_v in_o likewise_o according_a to_o that_o gospel_n promise_n isaiah_n 19.23,24,25_o and_o indeed_o in_o every_o nation_n the_o child_n make_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o be_v always_o include_v under_o every_o administration_n to_o the_o nation_n whether_o promise_v or_o threaten_n privilege_n or_o burden_n mercy_n or_o judgement_n unless_o they_o be_v particular_o except_v child_n be_v include_v and_o take_v in_o with_o their_o parent_n under_o the_o former_a administration_n as_o have_v be_v clear_o demonstrate_v and_o there_o be_v no_o scripture_n which_o prove_v that_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n be_v except_v or_o leave_v out_o in_o the_o new_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n nay_o it_o appear_v from_o divers_a text_n of_o scripture_n that_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n do_v visible_o belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n school_n and_o family_n of_o christ_n and_o whereas_o some_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n object_n that_o it_o behove_v the_o lord_n to_o give_v a_o precept_n for_o put_v infant_n into_o the_o new_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n if_o he_o have_v intend_v they_o shall_v have_v be_v include_v it_o may_v be_v easy_o answer_v that_o they_o always_o have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v repute_v as_o belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o there_o need_v no_o new_a put_v in_o by_o any_o new_a grant_v see_v there_o be_v no_o bar_n make_v in_o scripture_n against_o their_o visible_a church_n membership_n once_o they_o be_v in_o and_o where_o find_v we_o that_o ever_o they_o be_v put_v out_o or_o exclude_v propos_fw-fr 4._o as_o christ_n command_v the_o gospel_n or_o new_a covenant_n to_o be_v thus_o preach_v as_o extend_v to_o believer_n and_o their_o seed_n so_o it_o be_v according_o preach_v and_o hold_v forth_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n the_o new_a covenant_n be_v good_a news_n and_o glad_a tiding_n not_o only_o to_o the_o believer_n touch_v himself_o but_o touch_v his_o child_n also_o as_o it_o be_v glad_a tiding_n to_o david_n not_o only_o that_o god_n have_v promise_v mercy_n to_o himself_o but_o to_o his_o house_n also_o for_o a_o great_a while_n to_o come_v 2_o sam._n 7.19_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v thus_o preach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v plain_o appear_v when_o zacheus_n be_v become_v a_o child_n of_o abraham_n to_o wit_n by_o faith_n the_o lord_n jesus_n promise_v salvation_n to_o he_o and_o his_o house_n luke_n 19.9_o this_o day_n salvation_n be_v to_o this_o house_n so_o it_o may_v be_v render_v and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n act_v 2.38.39_o exhort_v his_o hearer_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o make_v use_v of_o a_o argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o thereunto_o take_v from_o the_o benefit_n that_o shall_v redound_v to_o their_o posterity_n for_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n if_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v near_o or_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v afar_o off_o obey_v the_o call_n of_o god_n and_o own_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o new_a administration_n thereof_o then_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o only_o make_v to_o they_o but_o to_o their_o child_n also_o and_o thus_o paul_n and_o silas_n do_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o jailor_n believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o thy_o house_n act_v 16.31_o and_o this_o be_v the_o same_o gospel_n in_o substance_n which_o god_n preach_v long_o before_o to_o abraham_n when_o he_o promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n this_o be_v that_o covenant_n which_o be_v confirm_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n long_o before_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n on_o mount_n sinai_n gal._n 3.16,17_o which_o covenant_n be_v so_o confirm_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v come_v upon_o the_o believe_a gentile_n gal._n 3.13,14_o where_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n which_o extend_v to_o believer_n and_o their_o seed_n be_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n propos_fw-fr 5._o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o sinful_a neglect_n and_o undervalue_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o salvation_n and_o great_a privilege_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o covenant_n when_o christian_a parent_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o promise_n that_o be_v make_v not_o only_o to_o themselves_o but_o to_o their_o seed_n that_o salvation_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v and_o which_o those_o neglect_a heb._n 2.3_o it_o be_v not_o bare_o salvation_n itself_o but_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n hold_v the_o same_o forth_o for_o so_o we_o find_v act_n 28.28_o that_o the_o salvation_n to_o be_v preach_v to_o and_o hear_v by_o the_o gentile_n be_v the_o gospel-covenant_n and_o promise_n which_o contain_v and_o hold_v forth_o that_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v that_o mercy_n riches_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n rom._n 11.11,12,17,19,30_o gal._n 3.14_o so_o likewise_o god_n salvation_n in_o isaiah_n 51.6,8_o be_v his_o covenant_n or_o promise_n on_o which_o their_o salvation_n do_v depend_v as_o calvin_n observe_v upon_o the_o text_n so_o david_n speak_v of_o the_o covenant_n in_o reference_n not_o only_o to_o himself_o but_o to_o his_o house_n say_v this_o be_v all_o my_o salvation_n and_o â—ll_o my_o desire_n though_o he_o make_v it_o not_o to_o grow_v 2_o â—am_n 23.5_o this_o covenant_n contain_v all_o his_o salvation_n which_o you_o see_v refer_v not_o only_o to_o â—im_v but_o to_o his_o house_n and_o it_o have_v be_v the_o â—…ivilege_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n all_o along_o â—…us_o to_o plead_v and_o improve_v the_o covenant_n which_o 〈◊〉_d the_o four_o consideration_n that_o i_o have_v now_o do_v â—…ith_n five_o consider_v i_o beseech_v you_o that_o the_o saint_n privilege_n under_o the_o new_a and_o better_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v many_o way_n augment_v and_o enlarge_v of_o what_o they_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n whereas_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o brethren_n who_o deny_v the_o covenant-interest_n and_o baptism_n of_o believer_n child_n do_v exceed_o straiten_v and_o diminish_v the_o privilege_n of_o believer_n it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o comfortable_a privilege_n to_o we_o that_o not_o only_o we_o but_o our_o child_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o visible_a right_n to_o and_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whatever_o be_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a let_v these_o four_o thing_n be_v diligent_o and_o impartial_o weigh_v by_o our_o brethren_n 1._o will_v it_o not_o have_v grieve_v the_o believe_a jew_n exceed_o to_o have_v have_v their_o poor_a babe_n exclude_v from_o the_o outward_a priviledgeâ—_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n when_o they_o be_v sure_a that_o their_o child_n have_v relation_n to_o and_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o church_n of_o god_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n not_o only_a themselves_o in_o their_o own_o person_n but_o theiâ—_n child_n also_o be_v
comprehend_v in_o the_o visiblâ—_n administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n true_o in_o thiâ—_n case_n the_o believe_a jew_n may_v well_o be_v offendeâ—_n in_o a_o rational_a way_n with_o the_o new_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n suppose_v a_o man_n in_o his_o former_a graâ—…_n or_o conveyance_n have_v his_o child_n include_v but_o noâ—…_n in_o a_o new_a grant_n they_o be_v leave_v out_o and_o exclude_v will_n such_o a_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o give_v up_o his_o formâ—…_n grant_v and_o accept_v of_o the_o new_a grant_n or_o rather_o wiâ—…_n he_o not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o great_a infringement_n of_o hâ—…_n privilege_n it_o be_v just_a so_o here_o if_o the_o covenant_n noâ—…_n under_o the_o new_a administration_n do_v not_o externalâ—…_n belong_v to_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n as_o it_o do_v to_o tâ—…_n infant_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o may_v well_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o great_a infringement_n of_o their_o privilege_n 2._o whereas_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n say_v that_o the_o jew_n indeed_o have_v this_o privilege_n that_o their_o child_n be_v reckon_v in_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o branch_n of_o the_o olive_n but_o the_o believe_a gentile_n have_v not_o this_o privilege_n be_v not_o this_o to_o abridge_v and_o straiten_v the_o privilege_n of_o gentile_a believer_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o believe_a jew_n themselves_o with_o reference_n to_o their_o child_n who_o take_v hold_v on_o christ_n and_o the_o covenant_n now_o under_o the_o new_a administration_n thereof_o but_o let_v any_o man_n produce_v if_o he_o can_v one_o text_n or_o syllable_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n where_o the_o privilege_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v straighten_a and_o cut_v short_a touch_v their_o infant_n visible_a right_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n thereof_o once_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n have_v this_o privilege_n let_v it_o be_v show_v when_o and_o where_o it_o be_v take_v away_o and_o abolish_v 3._o such_o as_o go_v about_o to_o deprive_v believe_v parent_n of_o so_o great_a a_o share_n of_o their_o comfort_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o poor_a babe_n have_v need_n produce_v clear_a testimony_n out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v they_o because_o next_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n their_o child_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a benefit_n and_o privilege_n which_o believer_n have_v from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n namely_o to_o have_v their_o child_n visible_o to_o belong_v to_o god_n family_n and_o kingdom_n and_o not_o to_o satan_n child_n be_v a_o great_a treasure_n to_o their_o parent_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n very_o dear_a and_o precious_a to_o they_o but_o 4._o the_o apostle_n paul_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v come_v on_o the_o gentile_n through_o jesus_n christ_n gal._n 3.14_o which_o show_v that_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o privilege_n of_o believe_a gentile_n be_v not_o lessen_v or_o abridge_v now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n administration_n what_o be_v this_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n but_o god_n gracious_a covenant_n and_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o seed_n if_o this_o covenant_n and_o promise_n belong_v not_o now_o to_o believer_n child_n in_o their_o infancy_n than_o saint_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v not_o full_o partake_v of_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n then_o be_v they_o deprive_v of_o a_o great_a and_o precious_a privilege_n which_o do_v belong_v to_o believer_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o blessing_n come_v upon_o believer_n child_n when_o the_o child_n themselves_o believe_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o child_n of_o pagan_n who_o when_o they_o actual_o believe_v may_v as_o well_o claim_v the_o promise_n to_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o believer_n child_n may_v when_o themselves_o do_v believe_v and_o therefore_o certain_o this_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n this_o covenant_n blessing_n do_v include_v and_o not_o exclude_v the_o infant_n of_o believer_n otherwise_o they_o have_v that_o advantage_n and_o privilege_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o have_v not_o since_o and_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v break_v down_o the_o partition_n wall_n that_o be_v between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o be_v so_o compassionate_a and_o tender-hearted_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n when_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n do_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o die_v the_o curse_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n that_o he_o may_v lessen_v and_o abate_v our_o privilege_n and_o comfort_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o hope_n touch_v the_o covenant-interest_n and_o salvation_n of_o our_o poor_a infant_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o entertain_v such_o a_o thought_n six_o consider_v further_o that_o the_o jew_n themselves_o in_o the_o late_a day_n shall_v be_v convert_v to_o christ_n with_o â—…ect_n unto_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v â—…e_v with_o their_o father_n rom._n 11.25,26,27,28_o â—…ere_v the_o apostle_n say_v that_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o â—…iles_n be_v come_v in_o then_o shall_v all_o israel_n be_v save_v and_o this_o â—…ll_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o love_n even_o his_o coâ—…nted_a grace_n and_o love_n with_o their_o father_n if_o the_o â—…dren_n of_o godly_a parent_n be_v not_o in_o covenant_n before_o they_o â—…ally_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o disâ—…ing_a brethren_n true_o then_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o difâ—…ties_n in_o this_o eleven_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n which_o â—…ot_v be_v answer_v nor_o clear_v the_o first_o difficulty_n be_v 〈◊〉_d how_o god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v convert_v the_o â—…erity_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n out_o of_o his_o love_n 〈◊〉_d their_o father_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o gracious_a coveâ—…_n make_v with_o their_o father_n and_o yet_o no_o child_n be_v parâ—…er_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o his_o father_n till_o himâ—…_n do_v actual_o believe_v how_o can_v this_o hang_v together_o â—…ot_n conversion_n and_o faith_n here_o make_v a_o fruit_n and_o effect_v 〈◊〉_d god_n love_n his_o convenant_v love_n unto_o their_o father_n and_o 〈◊〉_d the_o father_n sake_n unto_o their_o seed_n second_o if_o god_n â—…is_n covenant_n have_v no_o respect_n here_o to_o the_o natural_a seed_n 〈◊〉_d branch_n as_o our_o brethren_n pretend_v why_o then_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d apostle_n paul_n call_v the_o jew_n the_o natural_a branch_n of_o 〈◊〉_d good_a olive_n tree_n and_o make_v their_o conversion_n much_o â—…e_n kind_o and_o as_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a and_o natural_a than_o 〈◊〉_d conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v three_o if_o the_o â—…trivance_n of_o foederal_a interest_n from_o believe_a parent_n to_o â—…ir_v natural_a child_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v â—…yed_v and_o reject_v how_o can_v the_o apostle_n argument_n here_o 〈◊〉_d answer_v whereby_o he_o prove_v the_o conversion_n and_o â—…iness_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o future_a age_n from_o the_o holiness_n of_o â—…ir_n godly_a ancestor_n in_o time_n past_a if_o say_v he_o the_o â—…ing_v away_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o reconcile_n of_o the_o â—…ld_n what_o shall_v the_o receive_n of_o they_o be_v but_o life_n 〈◊〉_d the_o dead_a rom._n 11.15_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o â—…ceiving_n of_o they_o he_o prove_v from_o the_o holiness_n which_o 〈◊〉_d the_o institution_n of_o god_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o first_o â—…its_n to_o the_o whole_a lump_n and_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n from_o the_o root_n to_o the_o branch_n verse_n 16._o for_o saiâ—…_n he_o if_o the_o first_o fruit_n be_v holy_a so_o be_v the_o whole_a lump_n 〈◊〉_d if_o the_o root_n be_v holy_a so_o be_v the_o branch_n the_o force_n aâ—…_n strength_n of_o this_o argument_n depend_v whole_o on_o the_o covenaâ—…_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o continuation_n thereof_o from_o godly_a pareâ—…_n to_o their_o natural_a child_n now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o this_o receive_n or_o take_v in_o of_o the_o jew_n 〈◊〉_d the_o latter_a day_n do_v take_v in_o their_o child_n also_o by_o veâ—…_n of_o god_n covenant_n make_v with_o their_o godly_a ancestor_n aâ—…_n according_o it_o be_v prophesy_v and_o promise_v that_o the_o jeâ—…_n shall_v be_v convert_v and_o their_o child_n also_o shall_v be_v as_o afoâ—…_n time_n jer._n 30.20_o and_o that_o in_o ezekiel_n chap_n 37._o veâ—…_n 20.21,25,27_o be_v very_o remarkable_a when_o the_o scatterâ—…_n tribe_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n shall_v become_v as_o the_o two_o sliâ—…_n join_v in_o one_o in_o ecclesiastical_a respect_n the_o lord_n wi