Mr. Baxter's Directory An Eminent Divine observes that 1. The Gospel relating matters of fact is an history 2. Declaring terms on which God will be served is a law of Grace 3. Discovering promises of Life conditionally it is Gods Covenant 4. As accepted by Man it is a mutual Covenant betwixt God and Man this Law and Covenant of Grace which was purchased by Christs Death is that legacy he left to the World dispensed by his Ambassadours and effectually conveyed to the Legatees or Heirs of Promise by his grand Executor the Holy Ghost This then is the great security of mans Salvation That God worketh in us Phil. 2.13 1 Pet. 1.5 both to will and to do that we are kept by the mighty power of God through Faith unto Salvation This is the excellency of the Gospel dispensation of the New-Covenant the Old-Covenant laid all the stress on the shoulders of mutable man and therefore it is judged that the Covenant of God made with Adam in innocency was peculiar to him in that estate and went no farther is not at all continued in any force since the Fall for if there had been a law given which could have given life then righteousness had been by the Law Gal. 3.21 but it is by the Gospel-Covenant that we are justified and saved Quest What 's all this to the purpose All this seems to be personal not relating to posterity but you told us of grounds of hope for Children from the Covenant how come Children concerned in this Covenant This leads me to the 4th Thing premised viz. What is there in the Gospel-covenant that is ground of support to Parents on the behalf of their Children I answer in general Parents and Children are legally one party and in civil contracts are usually involved in the same bottom so in the first Covenant Adam being a publick person represented all his Posterity for judgment was by one to condemnation Rom. 5.16 18. yea upon all men we smart for Adam's sin And in the Old Testament-dispensation of the Covenant Gen. 17.7 I will establish my Covenant between Me and Thee and thy Seed after thee in their Generations And afterwards in Moses days when God renewed the Covenant he saith Deut. 29.14 15. Neither with you only do I make this Covenant and this Oath with him that standeth here with us this before the Lord our God and also with him that is not here with us this day i. e. With their Posterity and so the People did understand it Deut. 5.3 The Lord made not i. e. only this Covenant with our Fathers but with us even us who are all of us here alive this day And in the New Testament the Apostle saith Act. 2.39 For the promise is unto you and to your Children this is a faedus ad successores transiens a Covenant that passeth to successors Bargains Leases Legacies may pass to Children yea Children may suffer for their Parents faults Traitors Sons lose their Fathers inheritance Now we must look upon Children under a double capacity 1. Children of Heathens or Jews Turks or Infidels 2. Children of Christian Parents concerning the former we have little to say 'T is the latter we treat of and of these also 1. Some are only by an external profession in Covenant 2. Others are sincerely savingly in Covenant with God we can say little concerning the former we insist chiefly on the latter and of both or all these 1. Some Children dye in Infancy 2. Others live to years of maturity I shall hint a word or two of the former though it be the latter that I principally design 1. For Children dying in Infancy if we had any Scripture discovery concerning the Election of all Infants or that Christ had expiated the guilt of such Infants or that effectual saving Grace doth always attend the Ordinance of Baptism though they be brought under it which yet many are not the question were quickly determined but what God doth with the Souls of such Infants we have not sufficient means to understand and therefore leave them to Gods good pleasure But concerning the Seed of those that truly fear God of one or both the Parents we have ground of hope for their Salvation for 1. They are Holy 1 Cor. 7.14 and though it be faederally or relatively holy yet may be really and so be saved 2. Our Saviour saith Mark 10.14 of such is the Kingdom of God or of Heaven Mat. 19.14 not only such as have the disposition of Children but Infants themselves may be Church-members here and glorify'd hereafter 3. Children of Godly Parents are in Covenant with God Now to Abraham and to his Seed were the promises made Gal. 3.16 natural as well as spiritual it 's true there was a Covenant of peculiarity to give his Seed the land of Canaan and it 's as true the text speaks not of Seeds but one Seed that is Christ but the Scripture affirms that in his Seed Christ yea in thee saith God shall all the Families of the Earth be blessed Gen. 12.3 for so doth the Apostle interpret and apply it Act. 3.25 Ye are the Children of the Prophets and of the Covenant which God hath made with our Fathers 4. David had good hopes that his Child was gone to Heaven 2 Sam. 12.25 I shall go to him but he shall not return to me Obs 1. He doth not only mean into the state of the dead where the child is but into Heaven where I shall find him for his Carcass was but part of him and the least part 2. This hope he had of him though the Child was begot in Adultery 3. Though the Child was struck with death as a punishment of David's sin 4. Though the Child had not yet circumcision the Seal of the Covenant for he died on the seventh day ver 18. and we know that Circumcision was not to be till the eighth day Gen. 17.12 So that it seems the stress is not laid on the Seal but on the Covenant so that we see grounds of hope for the Eternal Salvation of the Infants of believing Parents But how and whence this comes to pass that such Infants become capable of Eternal Salvation that 's a great Question Luther thinks that Infants have actual Faith from Mat. 18.6 Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me So reason is in Infants tanquam in principio Radice in its principle root habit virtually though not yet actually produced 2. Others say they are saved by some peculiar unknown unspeakable way without Faith but the text saith Mark 16.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned how far this extends with reference to Infants I know not 3. Others say that Parents Faith is also Childrens according to the Tenour of the Covenant I will be thy God and the God of thy Seed thus Children have faith after a sort So the text saith Rom.
11.16 If the Root be holy the Branches are also holy So in humane Laws the Father and the Heir are but one Person of this opinion is Mr. Perkin's and produceth the testimony of the Antients as St. Augustin and Bernard saying it is meet and for the honour of God that to whom age denies their own Faith Grace should grant to them a benefit by the Faith of another Perk vol. 1. fol. 486. where he answers Bellarmine's objection That by this means Children shall be born Believers and so be conceived and born without original sin Answ Believing Parents sustain two persons one whereby they are men and thus they bring forth Children having Mans Nature with all the corruptions of nature the other as they are holy men and Believers and thus they bring forth Infants that are not so much their Children as the Children of God and Infants are Gods Children not by vertue of their birth but by means of Parents Faith which intitles them to all the blessings of the Covenant Thus he But this is not the subject of our present design and consideration CHAP. IV. What grounds of hope Parents have from the Covenant for their Adult and surviving Children THE second head in the prosecuting of this Doctrine is the proof of the point That notwithstanding the sins and sufferings breaking forth in a godly man's Family or breaking in upon it which occasion much grief to his Spirit yet he is and hath reason to be supported and satisfied from Gods gracious gospel-Gospel-covenant I am very sensible I have undertaken a difficult province and walk in an untrodden path But this I may confidently affirm that whatever befalls a covenanted Soul he may fetch all good out of this blessed treasury for 1. Either his Children shall be laid hold on by converting Grace or 2. They shall not if they be oh what cause will he have to magnifie Covenant-love on their behalf if not still he will exceedingly adore Covenant-grace on his own behalf that hath made him to differ and in the worst case will find something in the Covenant for supporting his Spirit and sanctifying his bitter cup of Affliction in the death of Children As to this latter I shall say nothing but refer you to a small Treatise of Mr. John Flavel's called the Balm of the Covenant applied to the bleeding wounds of afflicted Saints from this text But my present business is to gather up such gracious promises as a Nosegay or Posie out of the Garden of Scripture as may refresh the drooping hearts of Gods poor Children sorrowing for the miscarriages of their Children that they may turn them into Prayer or use them as a Cordial to support them till the Lord shine upon the Souls of their beloved off-spring In general observe that as the Covenant of Grace is a blessed constellation So every promise is an orient refulgent Star to give both light and influence to the weary Traveller in this dark and dismal dispensation wherein he is appalled through sad fears that his Child shall be a cast-away The Question is what grounds of hope from Scripture have godly Parents for their Children that are grown or growing up and likely to survive or out-live them The resolving of this is of exceeding great importance and having searched the Sacred Records I do find twelve sorts of Promises that may incourage Parents Hearts 1. The first and chief is God himself Gen. 17.7 For I will establish my Covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their Generations for an Everlasting Covenant to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee This extends both to Abraham's natural Seed and afterwards to his Spiritual Seed all Gentile-believers Rom. 4.12 18. Oh what a priviledge is this whatever God is hath or can be or do is for believers of all that 's communicable divine power wisdom goodness mercy holiness justice is the portion of Believers and their Seed whatever they can ask or expect in a God shall be in due season laid out in them and for them this one word is the substance and confluence of all good spiritual temporal eternal Deus meus omnia My God is the most extensive and comprehensive word in the World what can a man desire more and no less will give a gracious Soul content for himself and his Seed no less is in the Covenant Jer. 31.33 Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord. Psal 33.12 God in some sense may be the God of Nations Families as well as Persons and if some boast of Pedigree Wealth Honour numerous Posterity Worldly Prosperity yet let David reckon up the Epitome the summa totalis of mans felicity he will thus conclude happy is that People whose God is the Lord Psal 144.12 15. Happy Parents that bequeath such a Legacy to their Posterity though they leave them in Poverty 2. Next to that and a mean to injoy God is Jesus Christ the Mediator of the Covenant Isa 42.6 I will give thee for a Covenant of the People for a light of the Gentiles it 's true God vouchsafed to the Jewish Nation this priviledge Rom. 9.5 that of them as concerning the Flesh Christ came but they cannot monopolize this glorious gift Eph. 2.13 for now in Christ Jesus we who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ and poor Gentiles laying hold on the Covenant are become free Denizons of all Jewish priviledges that are essential to Salvation Gal. 3.28 for we are all one in Christ Jesus and promises are to us that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call Act. 2.39 even Christ himself in whom all the promises of God are yea and in him Amen 2 Cor. 1.0 Nor can any man have an interest in any one promise for himself or seed without an interest in Christ there never was or will be any Covenant betwixt God and Man since the fall but through Christ he then that hath Christ hath something to plead for his Children more than another hath Col. 3.11 he only is all and in all for our selves and ours And they shall hang on him all the glory of his Fathers House the off-spring and the issue all vessels of small quantity Isa 22.24 All believers are Gods family and by Faith in Prayer they may freely hang upon him off-spring i. e. Children Grand-children the smallest and least of the Vessels that are in their house he will not refuse them but lovingly entertain them himself will take Infants into his Arms as himself being an Infant was taken into old Simeons Arms and both old and young are blessed by him Oh happy Parents that lay surviving seed in so warm a bosom they cannot miscarry that have Christ for their Guardian 3. Another Legacy that Parents may leave their Children is the third person of the blessed Trinity the Holy Ghost Isa 44.3 4. For I will pour Water upon him that is
thirsty I will pour my Spirit upon thy Seed and my blessing upon thine off-spring and they shall spring up as among the grass as willows by the water courses There 's no interest in God or Christ but by the operation of the Spirit the Holy Ghost proceeding from Father and Son teacheth believers all things convinceth of Sin reneweth the will Joh. 14.16 26.16.8 13. begetteth faith uniteth the Soul to God filleth the empty vessel with divine gifts graces influences comforts all the good things of Heaven are conveyed into the Soul by our Lords substitute the Spirit assisteth quickneth inlargeth supporteth and satisfieth yea saith the Christian I have had much experience of the Spirits help in my own Soul but what reason have I to hope for the like to my Children Look on the text again I will pour my Spirit upon thy Seed it shall not come on them by drops but be poured on them abundantly they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost see the full promise in Joel 2.28 accomplished Act. 2.17 18. I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh and your Sons and Daughters shall Prophecy It 's true there 's something in that Promise Arbitrary and extraordinary suited to that dispensation but something there is also usual permanent and essentially necessary to true Christianity which God makes good to believers and their seed in all ages Oh happy Children that have the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ the love of God and the communion and communications of the Holy Ghost 2 Cor. 13.14 4. Children of Believers are rightful heirs of all Gospel-priviledges I may in a sound sense say of them as Paul of the Jewish Church Rom. 9.4 who are Israelites to whom pertaineth the Adoption and the glory and the Covenants and the giving of the Law and the service of God and the Promises there are two sorts of priviledges 1. External as the Ordinances they being born within the Pale of the Visible Church have the Prayers of Gods People for them Rom. 4.11 As the Children of Abraham had the Seal of Circumcision at eight days old so Children of Believers are Baptized being Disciples of Christ Mat. 28.19 and so have Gods Sheep-mark set upon them betimes and are taken into his peculiar protection and growing up and owning their Baptismal Covenant they enjoy 2. Those Essential Priviledges that accompany Salvation as Reconciliation Adoption Justification and are in a fair way to Eternal Salvation for they lye in the Road of Free-grace under the droppings of the Sanctuary where the Spirit is wont to breathe the breath of Spiritual Life if any be proper heirs of Gods special care and Ordinances surely it 's the Children of Gods People Psal 69.35 36. For God will save Zion and build the Cities of Judah who shall have the benefit of this Salvation He answers the Seed also of his Servants shall inherit it and they that love his name shall dwell therein Parents have pray'd for the Churches Deliverance and their Children shall reap the fruit of their Prayers so Psal 102.28 The Children of thy Servants shall continue and their Seed shall be established before thee there 's a double mercy here 1. In restoring Ordinances 2. In vouchsafing this priviledge to the Children of Believers Oh what would a Child of God give to know that his Posterity should see better days You have it in the Promise and may have it in the performance if you reach out the hand of Faith to receive it for your selves and yours 5. Children of Believing Parents shall be converted to God by Ordinances Psal 110. 3. The People shall be willing in the day of thy Power i. e. in dispensing of powerful Ordinances in the beauties of holiness for holiness is full of glory from the Womb of the Morning i. e. from the beginning of Christs entrance upon his Kingdom thou hast the Dew of thy Youth i. e. those young men of the Seed of the faithful that shall be born to the Messiah resembling Dew for quality and quantity for number and strange manner of Genaration But a plainer text we have in Isa 29.22 23. Jacob shall not now be ashamed neither shall his Face now wax pale through the loss of good blood or death of godly But when he seeth his Children the work of my hands in the midst of him they shall sanctifie my name Oh blessed sight to behold Gods Image and Workmanship in the Souls of our Children this is far better than to behold our Image upon them Gods Picture is drawn by his own hand with the Pencil of his Word and Spirit the discovery of this will raise high Monuments to the glory of Free-grace Lift up thine Eyes saith God Isa 60.45 Thy Sons shall come from far and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side I know it means Gentlie-converts And 't is so much the more of concern to us Isa 49.22 Another text saith they shall bring thy Sons in their arms with great care and tenderness as nurses carry young infants in their bosoms that they be not hurt Oh what a brave sight is it to see converts flocking to Christ and into his Church like doves to their windows or lockers Isa 60.8 the Seventy Translate it as Doves with their young ones unto me You may hope for your childrens saving conversion having those encourageing promises 6. Godly Persons natural Children may and shall be useful instruments of publick good to the Church of God Isa 49.17 Thy Children shall make haste or as others render it thy builders And her Children were her builders as we read in Ezra and Nehemiah That is a glorious day when destroyers are gone and the Churches Children build Zions Temple and Walls But so it shall be Isa 58.12 And they that shall be of thee i. e. thy Children Spiritual or Natural or both shall build the old Wast places thou shalt raise the Foundations of many generations Is not this worth something to have blessed Instruments of Reformation raised out of your loyns as Magistrates or Ministers how did it glad Davids heart that his Son Solomon must build God an house 2 Sam. 7.13 He shall build an house for my name David ecchos ' verse 18. Who am I O Lord God and what is my house that thou hast brought me hitherto And what if a Zerobbabel or a Joshuah proceed out of thy loyns who knows but some of thy posterity may be raised up as godly Ministers to convert sinners to God hope and pray for all things are possible with God and thou hast incouragement from the Covenant CHAP. V. More grounds of incouragement to Parents from the Promises 7 ANother incourageing word to Parents for their Children is that principles of grace and profession of godliness shall continue to future generations Isa 59.21 As for me this is my Covenant with them saith the Lord my Spirit that is upon thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall
vain I live saith God to make his words take impression on his surviving Children when he is dead For correction you have a notable promise in Prov. 23.13 14. With-hold not correction from the Child for if thou beatest him with the rod he shall not dye I will take care of him thou shalt beat him with the Rod and shall deliver his Soul from Hell O blessed whipping surely such a scourge as fetcheth blood is easier than hell-torments but my benediction shall be upon that correction that 's a cruel Parent that will rather see his Child a flaming Faggot in the scorching fire than try to whip folly out of him that 's cruel pity better he should cry here then roar hereafter yea and curse thee for ever that wouldst not speak a word or give him a tap to prevent these intolerable torments Oh the good that seasonable correction may do if thou prevail not to make thy Child good yet thou wilt have comfort in the discharge of thy duty there 's good hopes of both by the blessing of God Prov. 29.17 Correct thy Son and he shall give thee rest yea he shall give delight unto thy Soul yet take this caution that these promises must not be understood absolutely necessarily and universally producing this effect but ordinarily so it is and this is sufficient motive to Parents to do their duty and incouragement therein 12. The last incouragement to Parents from the Covenant of God for their surviving Children is that God will take care of their outward concerns in the World Prov. 20.7 the just man walketh in his integrity his Children are blessed after him if their Father hath not heaped up riches by cunning and covetous devices and so leaves them but little in the World yet he hath left them in the hands of a good Father who will take care of them when their earthly Parents are gone for this blessed Covenant is not confined to the persons of the Godly but entailed on their Posterity Psal 112.1 2. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord that delighteth greatly in his commandments his seed shall be mighty upon earth the generation of the upright shall be blessed answerable to this I call to mind a passage told me by a Reverend Minister in London who knew a poor and pious Preacher in Wiltshire who had many Children and little to maintain them one askt him how he thought they could shift when he was gone he answered I am not at all afraid of that I am more afraid of them when they shall ride up and down London streets in their Coaches which came to pass for some of them came to be Aldermen of that Famous City our frequent experience confirms this truth what care God takes of his upright-hearted Servants Seed when they are laid in the dust let us take holy David's Experiment Psal 37.25 I have been young and now am old yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread If there have been some few exceptions these yet do not destroy the truth of a general proposition howbeit temporal promises were more express and positive to the Jews of old than to christians in Gospel-times which consists more in spirituals But this will remain a truth that Children of Godly Parents are usually provided for comfortably even in things that concern this life if it tends to Gods glory and their good and if God see it good in his Infinite Wisdom which limitations must always be annexed to temporal promises but if they be poor defamed sick in prisons banished yet all these work together for their good Rom. 8.28 CHAP. VI. An Answer to an Objection against the premises THE third general head in the Doctrinal part is an answer to a main objection which is this Object You have produced many promises as branches of the gospel-Gospel-covenant that the children of godly Parents shall have converting Grace that God the Father Son and Holy Ghost shall be theirs are heirs of Gospel Priviledges shall be sanctified be useful instruments in the Church shall own their profession with an holy conversation if they wander God will reduce them bless Parents instructions corrections take care of their outward concerns c. Now do we not see by daily observation the clean contrary to all these how many worthy Ministers have had worthless sons how many worthless Children are there of gracious Parents nay do we not see some Children of Godly Parents miscarry more than others of their carnal civil neighbours more proud scorners of Godliness companions of Drunkards Swearers Debaucht persons that have proved a great dishonour to God scandal to Religion grief to Godly and Heart-breaking to their Parents yea have so prejudiced the Spirits of wicked men that they say this Religion is but a fancy praying so much is needless and what 's become of the Covenant you so much boast of Nay have we not seen some Children of Godly Parents live and dye visibly graceless under tokens of Gods Wrath yea hastning their death by intemperance and overmuch wickedness How is this consistent with all that you have spoken How is God true to his Covenant This is a sad truth and cannot be denied and an awful consideration and possibly hath staggered the Faith of some and strengthened the hands of some wicked against the power of Godliness and is too palpable an observation to be denied But yet I hope to clear this tremendous providence from the holy Scriptures by propounding these seven considerations 1. Some of the Children of Gods People can set their seal to Gods faithfulness in the Covenant made to their Parents and their Seed this clears Gods truth and the goodness of Religion I doubt not but some Children of the Covenant can speak the language of Solomon in 1 Kin. 8.23 24. Lord God of Israel there is no God like unto thee who keepest Covenant and Mercy with thy Servants that walk before thee with all their heart who hast kept with thy Servant David my Father that thou promisedst him thou spakest also with thy mouth and hast fulfill'd it with thine hand as it is this day will not some stand forth and say I bless God for Godly Parents my Soul hath found the benefit of their Prayers and fruit of Gods Promise I prefer this charter to all earthly priviledges let others say their pleasure I will for ever adore Free-grace that brought me forth under so good a Covenant it 's better to me than to be born of a Royal Race and being Heir to a Crown he is my God Exod. 15.2 and I will prepare him an habitation my Fathers God and I will exalt him and cannot some Parents say 2 Sam. 7.19 God hath spoken well of his servants house for a great while to come behold I see the buds of Grace in this or that Child and a saving growing work in another blessed be Free-grace I can hold forth this token for good against all the
were the more knowledge do you lay in The further they were from God the nearer do you get to him The more disadvantages you have had the more pains must you take for your Souls seeing it 's of absolute necessity 4. If God have laid hold on your Hearts be more laborious for the good of your families you have had sad experience of the want of careful education let not your Children have the like but instruct them pray for them do what you can to bring them into Covenant with God give not them occasion to complain of your neglect also 2. Children of Covenanted Parents God forbid you should act contrary to your Baptismal Covenant-relation or contradict your obligations that Thorns should grow instead of Lillies or stinking Weeds where sweet smelling Flowers have been it 's dreadful that cursing should be heard where Prayers have been put up or idle wanton Songs where Hosanna's have been used to the King of Heaven 1. Review and Renew your baptismal-Baptismal-covenant you were timely devoted to God in minority confirm it now at age you took press-money to be the Lords Souldiers to fight against Satan World Flesh Beg the Graces and priviledges exhibited and sealed in that ordinance Regeneration Adoption Mortification Union to Christ Tit. 3.5 Rom. 6.1 2. Gal. 3.26 Act. 22.16 Remission of Sin say Lord didst thou promise before I could ask them and now wilt thou not bestow them when I am become an humble suitor for them I here produce thy Charter the deed of gift under thine own hand thou didst in thy infancy confer a right give me now possession of it let me know the Seed was sown by the crop growing up that I may at last reap the blessed Harvest 2. Repent for your breach of Covenant alas I have not walkt up to my vow in Baptism I have failed by omission trangressed by commission my Conscience condemns me God may justly censure me for transgressing his Laws Isa 24.5 changing his Ordinances breaking the everlasting Covenants I have abused his kindness rejected his gracious offers neglected his Worship and God may justly draw up a black bill of indictment against me pass the Sentence upon me and execute it as against an Apostate but Lord heal my back slidings Hos 14.4 love me freely turn away thine anger from me and deal with me according to the tenour of this New Covenant 3. Plead your Fathers Covenant Prayers Practice The Lord our God be with us as he was with our Fathers 1 Kin. 8.57 let him not leave us nor forsake us Psal 22.4 5. our Fathers trusted in thee they trusted and thou didst deliver them they cried unto thee c. blessed be God the God of my Fathers that gave them a believing praying heart and sigsig experiences of answers of Prayer I will build on that Foundation and surely my Lord will not be worse to me than he was to them How strong a plea this hath been accounted see in David 1 Chron. 12.17 Jehoshaphat 2 Chron. 20.6 thus may you plead Lord my Godly Father was in many straits and still he made thee his only refuge and thou didst not leave him Oh cut not off this blessed entail from me his Child be as good to me as thou wast to him 4. Walk in the steps of your godly Ancestors plead and practise as they did say as Moses Exod. 15.2 He is my God 1 Kin. 21.3 4. Pro. 27.10 and I will prepare him an habitation my Fathers God and I will exalt him God forbid that I should sell the Inheritance of my Fathers My Fathers Friend I will not forsake by sinning or apostatising he never gave me occasion to withdraw from him Jer. 2.5 What iniquity have my Fathers found in God Shall I disoblige an old Friend to gratifie an inveterate Enemy No God forbid Act. 24.14 I will own love and serve the God of my Fathers for ever the God of my Fathers help me to stick close to my dear Lord in duty 3. This Doctrine concerns persons that are married that yet have no Children to Pray and Care for or incourage themselves about for surviving Posterity and under this head I shall also rank unmarried persons both these may learn these four practical lessons 1. Be sure you lay hold of this Covenant for your own Souls Be concerned for your selves if you have none else to care for yet you have a great charge upon your hands You are either Gods or Devils to your selves aut Deus aut Demon either God or Satan is with us even when alone Yea every man is the worst Devil to himself quisque sibi Satan every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed Jam. 1.14 Your business is therefore to secure your best interest whether you shall have Children or no and the only course is to lay hold on this Gospel-Covenant Isa 56.4 5. For thus saith the Lord unto the Eunuchs that keep my Sabbaths and chuse the thing that please me and take hold of my Covenant Even unto them will I give in my House and within my Walls a place and a name better than of Sons and of Daughters Mark it you both secure your own Souls and your name How much is this better than Absoloms Pillar which became an Eternal shame You consult honour to your selves by embracing Covenant terms practising Covenant-duties improving Covenant-promises and Spirituallizing Covenant-seals believing in Christ the Mediator of the Covenant being sprinkled with the blood of the Covenant that you may enjoy Covenant-priviledges then shall your names be inrolled in the sacred Calendar Isa 4.3 and written among the living in Jerusalem God and good men will esteem and honour you yea your name shall be had in everlasting remembrance Your memory shall be blessed on Earth Prov. 10.7 and your Souls happy in Heaven Oh how much is this better than Sons to bear up your name That 's but a Temporal this a Spiritual mercy that Common to all this peculiar to Saints that uncertain this fixed that Temporary this Eternal Be sure of this and you are happy 2. Be humble and mortified You want Children they are an Earthly blessing Psal 127. Psal 128.3 4. 3 4 5. For Children are the heritage of the Lord and the fruit of the Womb is his reward as arrows are in the hands of a mighty man so are the children of Youth happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them These are not contemptible though temporal mercies you must not throw up the head and say tush I care not I have more ease and draw a light harrow I may take my pleasure and make even with my Estate for I have none to leave it to when I dye This is naughtily spoken God would have you humbled under the want of Children tho' but a temporal mercy Gods Servants have lookt on it as an Affliction You may hereby take occasion to
THE Best Entail OR Dying Parents Living Hopes for their surviving Children grounded upon the Covenant of Gods Grace with Believers and their Seed BEING A short Discourse upon 2 Sam. 23.5 WHEREIN Is a Collection of several Covenant-Promises to support the Faith and some Pleas to direct and quicken the Prayers of Gods Covenanted People for their surviving Posterity By O. H. Minister of the Gospel Psal 90.16 Let thy Work appear unto thy Servants and thy Glory unto their Children LONDON Printed for Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside 1693. THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY To the Right Honourable Philip Lord Wharton My Lord THe concernedness your Lordship hath for the worthy Branches of your Noble Family is demonstrated to all whom you esteem Friends by the constant subscription with your own hand Remember me and my Family in your Prayers by which your Lordship at once testifies your natural Affection and true Piety Your earnest desire of the best good and the means by which that must come from God even duon the wings of a believing Prayer Your Lordships request hath the force of a command the obligations laid upon many hundreds of both Ministers and People extort from us in point of Gratitude both many thanksgivings to God and renewed supplications for your Lordship that the blessing of Abraham may successively continue in your Noble Family to be blessed and be a blessing Oh happy Family where the precious Pearl of Covenant grace Enamels the Gold-ring of worldly honour 'T is true the Divine Oracles say Not many Mighty not many Noble are called A good Lady added Blessed be God that it saith not not any Once at last God will have an Emperour a Constantine saved Augustine saith wittily a poor Lazarus is laid in rich Abrahams bosom Sacred Writ records a Noble Theophilus and an Elect Lady And Ecclesiastical History furnisheth us with a large Catalogue of Illustrious Branches of Noble Families planted in the House of the Lord and like fixed Stars of the first Magnitude have shined bright in their proper Orb and conveyed great Influence to their Inferiours In which rank God hath placed your Honour whose Morning Star of early Piety continues still shining bright to a good old Age and hath cast many resplendent Beams of favour upon Indigent Persons to spread the favour of Divine Knowledg amongst ignorant souls in the Country for which the loyns of the Poor and souls of the Instructed will bless you in this and the other world I doubt not my Lord but your gracious spirit Eccho's to the dying speech of holy David to whom a succession of Piety in his seed was more Eligible than of Royalty and large Revenues What can be compared to this one comprehensive promise I will be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee Yet this is the rich priviledg of Gods Covenanted Servants Mines of Gold Mountains of Pearl can bear no proportion to this one word My God This is light in darkness life in death an heaven in the midst of hell The sense of this is the only Cordial to the fainting Spirits of Gods afflicted Children Yea saith one if but one little drop of Divine Love should fall into a Damned Soul in Hell it would sweeten or swallow up those bitter Torments And next to the priviledg of Gods being our God His being our Childrens God claims the Preeminence For Parents anxious thoughts run out for their Childrens well-doing in this and the other world If God help us to own him he will not forsake us or ours It 's true Grace comes not by succession yet oft in succession The Line of Covenant-love reacheth to many Generations and the more numerous pious Predecessours are the greater is the shower of Blessings So a Learned man reads that paternal benediction of Jacob to Joseph Gen. 49.26 The blessings of thy Fathers are strong with the blessings of my Progenitours As the more waters run into one Channel the deeper it grows Your Lordship then may hope for multiplied accumulative blessings on your Noble Progeny If that be found Divinâ—ty which was a Maxime amongst the Jewish Rabbies That the Divine Glory rests on Noble Stemms however beams of love reflect with greatest lustre when descending on honourable Personages Therefore should we pray most ardently for those of highest rank as in the greatest capacity of doing most good and a godly man or Minister must not only with David serve his own generation by the will of God Acts 13.36 but with the blessed Apostle Peter 2 Pet. 1.15 Endeavour that posterity may be able after their decease to have Divine Truths always in remembrance This my Lord hath been the great care of your Honour and as natural motions are quickest towards the end so the nearer your Lordship approacheth to your center and Haven the more sedulous and active are you to lay a foundation of Religion in future Generations thereby also laying up in store for your self a good foundation for time to come 2 Tim. 4.19 so laying hold on Eternal Life for the accomplishing of this great End A poor inconsiderable worm casts his Mite into my Lords Treasury and prostrates himself at your Lordships Feet in this Dedication in testimony of my real gratitude for your unparallel'd kindness and condescention to so ignoble a person Withal recommending this small Treatise to your Lordship to encourage your heart and strengthen your hands in God under the smarting breaches in your Noble Family venturing it into a critical world under your Lordships auspicious Name not doubting a pardon of this boldness and a candid acceptance following it with my poor Prayers that it may obtain its desired success upon the rising Generation and provoking Parents to improve this blessed Covenant hoping that when your Lordship hath filled up your days with Grace and tranplanted your Soul into the Coelestial Paradise some of your Seed shall rise up in your room as Plants of Renown to bear your Image and Name and follow your gracious Example while Sun and Moon endure Which is the daily Prayer of My Lord Your humble and devoted Servant Oliver Heywood A PREFACE OR AN EPISTLE to the READER THere is nothing in the World I am very confident lyes so near the heart of a gracious Christian next to the Glory of God and his own Souls Eternal happiness as the Spiritual good of his dear Children nature binds him to love his own Christianity regulateth and Spiritualiseth this love fondness is not true love but faithfulness love to their bodies is but bruitish without love to their Souls i'ts like a doting on the Case and throwing away the Jewel the Soul is the man the unseen part is the best part where the Soul is lodged when parted from the Body there must the Body lodg in Heaven or Hell Oh that men understood and well digested this surely they would not so unweariedy toil and tread to get Estates for their Children
upon you and make your Accounts streight against that great reckoning day and be sure you put on Christ and improve him as your Advocate that he may Answer for you at that day These things I do but touch for my great design is the quickening and incouraging of Parents on the behalf of their Posterity some whereof are left to themselves by the Lord to go astray which occasioned Mr. Lawrence's excellent Treatise of Parents Groans nor is it his case only but many others also some particular instances are fresh in memory which have brought some Godly Parents gray hairs with Sorrow to their Graves some well known Servants of God having never seen any hopeful symptoms of Grace upon some or all ther Children in their Life time and had some sad temptations to question the truth of of God in his Covenant yet even in the very pangs of Death reacht to and claspt hard this Blessed Word dying in the hopes of its Efficacy for themselves and theirs and the subject being recommended to me was accordingly treated on in a Funeral Discourse which upon request I was willing to transcribe for the incouragement of Poor afflicted Parents that are bowed down with heart-grief for their offending Children I confess the subject is novel and singular and such as I have not seen any Treatise upon and having walked in an untrodden path I hope I may obtain a pardon from God and Man of some Erratick motion whilst the tendency is Gods Glory and the good of Souls I hope none will reject this Treatise because it seems a limited Subject as if they were not concerned in it for as 't is handled it is extensive to all Parents Children yea such as have no Children are dealt with in this small Treatise for their Instruction and Consolation such as it is I commend to Believing Praying Parents following it with my poor Prayers that all the Children of the Covenant may be Covenanted Souls and that Parents may be comforted in the Grace of God in their Posterity and both may meet in Glory and if any reap and receive any advantage I have my reward and do humbly beg the Incessant Prayers of all that can Pray For The poor Servant of Christ and the Church O. H. A General Scheme or view of the Chief Contents of this Treatise Chap. 1. The Context cleared the Text explained 10 Doctrines briefly hinted Page 1. Ch. 2. The main Doctrin Propounded Cleared Explained by some things premised 9. Ch. 3. What this Covenant is and who are concerned in it 16. Ch. 4. Six grounds of hope which Parents have from the Covenant for their Children 24. Ch. 5. Six other grounds of Incouragement to Parents for their surviving Children 32. Ch. 6. An Answer to a great objection in seven particular Considerations 39. Ch. 7. An use of Conviction to Irreligious Parents and graceless Children 48. Ch. 8. An use of Exhortation to Children both of Vncovenanted and Covenanted Parents and to such as have no Children 59. Ch. 9. Another branch of Exhortation to all Parents that have Children ten motives to do their utmost to leave them within the Covenant what means to be used 69. Ch. 10. The last mean to be used for Childrens good is Earnest Prayer for them Twelve several Pleas and Arguments helping Parents in Prayers Some Cases of Conscience answered 79. These Books Written and Published by Mr. Oliver Heywood are to be sold by Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside THE Sure Mercies of David being the fruits of some Meditations from Isa 55.3 Christ displayed as the choicest gift and best Master from Joh. 4. â—0 And Joh. 13.13 Written by Mr. Nath. Heywood and published by Mr. Oliver Heywood Israels Lamentation after the Lord Being some Meditations upon 1 Sam. 7.2 The Holy Life and Happy Death of Mr. John Angier Closet Prayer Or a Christians Duty from Mat. 6.6 Baptismal Bonds renewed On Psal 50.5 Meetness for Heaven upon Colos 1.12 designed for a Funeral Legacy Advice to an only Child or excellent Counsel to all Young Persons containing the Sum and Substance of Experimental and Practical Divinity Written by an Eminent and Judicious Divine for the Private use of an only Child now made publick for the Benefit of all Published by Mr. Oliver Heywood Dying Parent 's Living Hopes for their surviving Children c. 2 Sam. 23.5 Although my house be not so with God yet he hath made with me an Everlasting Covenant ordered in all things and sure for this is all my Salvation and all my Desire although he make it not to grow CHAP. I. The Context cleared the Text explained Doctrines raised THese words contain dying Davids living comfort the Covenant was the only Cordial to his fainting Spirits when the World lookt black about him here 's light ariseth out of obscurity just as it was with Oecolampadius dying and clapping his hand on his Breast cried hic sat lucis here 's light enough so David and a Believing Soul looking above sees all good in the Covenant looking within sees the countervain of it saith here here alone is light Job 29.3 by his light I walk through darkness This shall be my vade mecum or companion through this Pilgrimage of the World and this only shall be my viand and viaticum support and supply when I pass through the Valley of the Shadow of Death Farewel empty filthy World welcome the immediate presence of my Covenanted God I am going from a Prison to a Pallace from sorrow to solace from Sin to sweet Injoyment of God and the only foundation of my hopes is this Gospel Covenant A sad and sorry dying Miser ready to breath out his sensual senseless Soul got a Jacobus piece of Gold clapt it to his Breast saying Some wiser than others but I will dye with this Cordial at my Heart but at last pluckt it away saying it will not do alas it will not do Gold it self is no Cordial it cannot disarm death nor arm against it it hath lost its vertue nothing but Gods Covenant will stand in stead the dying Child of God is like a Standard bearer who when the battel is lost wraps himself in his Colours and therein is safe marching triumphantly through Armies of Enemies untoucht into his Fathers Pallace Oh happy Soul that injoys and improves this Covenant The Context tells us that these be the last words of David not absolutely as though he breathed his last after he had uttered them for there are several expressions and transactions after but comparatively they were uttered towards the latter end of David's Life Now the dying words of Pious men are gracious serious ponderous they use not to spend their breath about trifles In the Context we have 1. The Porch or Introduction 2. The Temple and excellency of the Gospel Covenant In the Porch or Introduction we have these two things 1. The Penman instrument or Amanuensis who spoke these words David 2. The Authour
who dictated them 1. The Penman or Instrument David is described these four ways 1. By his natural descent the Son of Jesse 2. By his Royal Dignity raised up on high 3. By his Divine Unction anointed of God 4. By his Employment Exercise sweet-Psalmist of Israel whose breath is sweet to this Day 2. The Authour that dictated to David Viz. 1. The Holy Ghost Spirit spake by me Viz. 2. God the Father the God of Israel Viz. 3. Jesus Christ the Mediator of the Covenant called here the Rock of Israel as he is called 1 Cor. 10.4 2. In the Temple or the Matter David speaks are also two things considerable 1. The nature of David's Regiment 2. The Excellency of the Covenant For the former which unfolds to us the nature and properties of David's Kingdom as the type and of Christs as the Antitype in four particulars 1. The holiness of it he that ruleth over men must be just ruling in the fear of God a brave character 2. The happiness of it he shall be as the light of the morning when the Sun riseth a morning without clouds 3. The fruitness of it as the tender grass springing out of the Earth by clear shining after Rain 4. Here 's an uncomfortable exception with reference to David's Family and Kingdom in these words Although my house be not so with God 2. Here 's an Excellent description of the nature properties and suitableness of the Gospel-Covenant in these four particulars Viz. 1. The dureableness of it Everlasting 2. The orderliness of it Ordered 3. The sureness certainty of it 4. The suitableness to David as to his 1. Present desires in this World 2. Eternal Salvation hereafter You see the Text is a full store house a rich treasury a blessed Magazine whence we may fetch both meat and medicine food and physick work and reward all things that concern grace and glory 1. The Text then presents to us David's case and 2. Cure 1. His Case is presented negatively Although my house be not so with God 2. His Cure positively which is the Covenant that 's a Salve for all Sores a Remedy for all Maladies a Supply for all Wants I am not ignorant that some carry the sense thus Although my house be not so with God i. e. my house is not such an unstable inconstant thing to alter and change as the Weather from a glorious Sun-shine morning to a dark cloudy gloomy evening so it may prove a stormy rainy day no no my House and Family is fixed setled splendid and compleat if not in my outward affairs at present yet in the Messiah to come out of my Loynes in the fulness of time his Kingdom will appear and shine most gloriously and break in pieces all other Kingdoms and it shall stand for ever so you read Dan. 2.44 But though that be a great truth I am apt to incline to those Interpreters that take this as a concession concerning the defects and imperfection of Piety and Tranquillity in David's Family q. d. I must needs confess that neither I nor my Children have lived so exactly or ruled so uprightly in the fear of God as we ought we have had our faults and folly which have clouded our Consciences and Reputation and therefore have not injoyed such uninterrupted prosperity as we might had we walked more closely and exactly and therefore sad Clouds and Storms have darkened and disturbed our Heaven yea oft benighted our state domestical political ecclesiastical as well as personal my Children have not been like tender Grass springing up to maturity but some of them cut off in the prime of their days I have been banisht from my Throne and family not suffered to build God an House nor abide in his Sanctuary my wounded Spirit hath sighed out many heavy groans God hath oft with-drawn his Grace hid his Face and left my Soul on the brink of hellish despair yet for all this I can in my lowest ebbs cast my Eye upon the Gospel-Covenant and fetch relief from that in my lowest state inward or outward Many Doctrines may be drawn out of this large and full Text. Doctrine 1. That it 's a singular mercy to be be trusted with a Family This is implied and owned by David in 1 Chron. 17.16 25. God setteth the solitary in Families Psal 68.6 Doct. 2. House-holders must make inspection into their Families So doth David here and Psal 101.2 3. he had a large Family State-affairs on his hands yet prays with his Family 2 Sam. 6.20 puts it not off to Stewards or Chaplains See Prov. 27.23 Doct. 3. A Religious Family is to be with God Although my House be not so with God he earnestly desires all the members of his Family might be with God laments the contrary for the Lord is with them that are with him 2 Chron. 15.2 Doct. 4. The best Families have their defects and imperfections David's Family for all his care may be far from the rule not only as to individual members but as to the complex body of a Family there were disorders even in Christs own Family Doct. 5. Family-faults bring family plagues family-defects produce family-afflictions God will not spare sinning families though dear to him nay they shall smart soonest and sorest Amos 3.2 You only have I known of all the families of the Earth therefore I will punish you Doct. 6. Family-miscarriages do greatly trouble gracious house-holders He speaks of it with sad resentment Oh what bitterness is it to a godly Father Master to find disorders in such as are under his charge Doct. 7. The Covenant of Grace is extensive and comprehensive The godly have much comfort and content in it with reference not only to themselves but their houses and families Doct. 8. The Covenant of Grace is Everlasting It is from all Eternity in the Covenant of Redemption betwixt Father and Son Tit. 1.1 2. and endures for ever Psal 111.9 Doct. 9. There is a comely and admirable order in the Gospel-Covenant An order of persons in the Fathers Election Sons Redemption Holy Ghosts Application believers reception An order of things supream subordinate causes means instruments promises priviledges principles and practices all keep their places they do not interfere or thwart each other Doct. 10. The Gospel-covenant is sure and stable Things are not left at uncertainties nor depend on the mutable Will of Man as of old it was with Adam but they are the sure Mercies of David Isa 55.2 and 54.9 10. Doct. 11. There 's that in the Covenat that answers a Christian's desires As the Christians desire is mainly carried to it so there is that in it which answers and satisfies those desires desires are vast and immense but the contents of the Covenant run parallel and are every way adequate to just desires Doct. 12. A Christians Salvation is wrapt up in the Gospel covenant Upon this may a Child of God venture his Soul Eternal Life is contained and comprehended in it I wave
1. A wise Son maketh a glad Father but a foolish Son is the heaviness of his Mother Yea 17. 25 he frequently repeats it other afflictions lye on the back this goes to the heart see Rom. 9.1 2 3. 3. Consciousness in Parents of their own guilt makes Childrens Miscarriages more uneasie and afflictive O I read my sin in my Childs folly alas omission of due instruction admonition correction hath brought my Child to this I may thank my self I have taught the young ones by my bad Example I have not watcht over them pray'd for them been so jealous of them to offer Sacrifice for them continually as I find Job did chap. 1. 5 3 25. who can tell but if I had been faithful I might have prevented all this Oh my Childs sin brings my youthful vanities to my remembrance thus I dealt with my Father to this pitch I arrived God punisheth my sin with my Childs I am verily guilty this cuts deep Jer. 4.18 4. The affliction is heavier because it doth in some sort weaken Parents confidence in the Covenant and endanger their faith in the Promise Godly Parents are ready to say when a Child is born and baptized as Samuel of Eliab 1 Sam. 16.6 surely the Lords anointed is before him this is a lovely child I hope this may honour God in his day but the child grows up and degenerates answers not expectations but grows debaucht and hopeless old in sin though young in years and now the Godly Parents hopes are dasht and daunted he is put to a stand and knows not what to think or say but concludes sadly with the two disciples in another case we trusted that it had been he this Child Luk. 24.21 that should have been an honour to God a comfort to me and a good instrument in the Church but oh how am I disappointed he proves the greatest affliction I have oh what 's become of the Covenant have I not some reason to question either Gods faithfulness or mine own interest This was the temptation of holy David with whom the Covenant was made expresly and immediately Psal 89.20 yea God gives him all the assurances imaginable his word his oath ver 34 35. yet ver 49. he saith Lord where are thy former loving kindnesses which thou sworest unto David in thy truth A sad expostulation as if God kept not touch with David why what 's the matter the reason was because Providences run counter to Promises crosses seemed to make void Gods Covenant ver 38. to 46. but thou hast cast off and abhorred thou hast been wroth with thine anointed c. Alas David where 's thy Faith But so it is that sense prevails in the best Saints above Faith at some seasons but most of all in this case when the Children of the Covenant cross the Ends of the Covenant and no doubt this becomes a great grief of heart to a godly Soul when he is thus sadly non plust till the light of the Covenant rightly understood unriddle this mystery the poor Christian is in great perplexity David had a promise by Samuel that he should be King yet saith in his heart 1 Sam. 27.1 I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul Why so why his present danger seemed to supersede the performance of that promise Psal 116.11 and though he said in his haste all men are liars yet when he came to himself certainly he would fret and vex himself that he should so wrong himself and Samuel yea and cast such an unworthy reflection upon God himself as though he were unfaithful to his promise thus will the Godly Soul do at last but at present he is upon a strange rack tortured betwixt hope and fear CHAP. III. What this Covenant is and what is in it to support the Christian IT would be superfluous to say much of the nature of a Covenant yet take this short description of it A Covenant is a voluntary mutual compact between two parties containing benefits to be injoyed and duties to be performed 1. It 's a compact between two parties for though a single person may make a promise yet a covenant is betwixt two or more and of parties formerly at distance this is the case betwixt God and Man so Gen. 26.28 2. It 's a mutual reciprocal compact both parties must be ingaged therefore it 's called the Bond of the Covenant Ezek. 20.87 because though they were free before yet now they are become bond 3. It 's a voluntary compact both parties were free before they were obliged by covenant covenanting is an Elective act God is a free Agent nothing but pure love induced him to covenant with Man Deut. 77 8. and though man was not absolutely free being Gods Creature and so bound to his Creator yet his actual entring into Covenant is a voluntary act Psal 110.3 Thy People shall be willing or Volunteers in the day of thy Power 4. Betwixt Covenanters there is mutual obligation to conferring of benefits and performing of duties called the habenda and the agenda things to be conferred by God and received by man and duties on mans part if he expect any benefits from God Isa 1.19 If you be willing and obedient you shall eat the good of the Land Yet in the Covenant of Grace betwixt God and Man there are two things peculiar 1. That there is an interposing Mediator our blessed Jesus the days-man that lays his hand upon both now saith the Apostle a mediator is not of one but God is one Job 9.55 Gal. 3.20 i. e. his business is to reconcile parties not only distinct but different 2. This Mediator is also surety or sponsor to be a susceptor or undertaker for both parties i. e. to perform what is necessary both what concerns conferring of benefits on Gods part not formally and performing conditions on mans part as though Christ believes and repents for us to save us a labour of repenting or believing but meritoriously purchasing these Graces for us and efficiently working them in us thus Jesus is made a surety of a better Testament Heb. 7.22 on Gods part he brings in everlasting righteousness and makes God friends with us and all his attributes amicable to us imploy'd for us on our part working gracious dispositions and actings which are the conditions of the Covenant so the whole lyes upon Christ Col. 3.11 and he is all in all he is responsible for God and Man being only able and capable as God and Man to fulfill necessary terms on both parts thus God promiseth what he requires and gives what he promiseth Jer. 3.19 But I said how shall I put thee among the Children and give thee a pleasant land a goodly heritage of the Host of Nations And I said thou shalt call me my Father and shalt not turn away from me Thou shalt there 's Gods undertaking to give filial disposition and perseverance Oh infinite contrivance of Divine Wisdom and Free grace
not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy sâ—ednor out of the mouth of thy Seeds Seed saith the Lord from henceforth and for ever This is a large and long-lasting charter God Spirits within his children and the owning of his name in their lips and this for ever What can godly Parents desire more Whether this Spirit import a Spirit of Prophecy or a Spirit of Sanctification surely it 's a rich kindness that it shall run in this straight line and channel to many generations that the name of God as well as your name may be kept up in your Family perpetually when you are dead and gone Oh happy Parents that have such Children Happy Children that had such Parents and blessed be God that embraceth both in the bosom of the Covenant That 's a Soul-supporting word in Hag. 2.5 According to the word that I covenanted with your Fathers yea with you when you came out of Egypt so my Spirit remaineth among you Fear ye not be not daunted there were as many and great obstructions in the way of mercy then as now yet grace overcame them and I have not taken away my Spirit from you notwithstanding your multiplied provocations this 2000. years but still it is among you and shall continue to many generations May not faith triumph in this promise 8. That great observations shall be made of and remarks upon the Children of godly Parents Isa 61.8 9. I will make an everlasting Covenant with them and their seed shall be among the gentiles i. e. Gentile Churches and their off-spring among the People all that see them shall acknowledg them that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed Men shall speak to each other Do not you see the faithful child of such a believing Father Oh how many a precious day have we had with such an ones Father Mother or Grandfather this is the Pious Child of a Zealous father you see it 's not in vain to seek and serve God I remember the prayers and tears poured out for his Child and I see the blessed fruit thereof God is a prayer-hearing God of some Children we may say as Paul to Timothy 2 Tim. 1.5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee which dwelt first in thy Grand-mother Lois and thy Mother Eunice and I am persuaded that in thee also His Grandmothers name was Lois which signifies better his Mothers name Eunice signifying victor and Timothy is the fear of God If Parents chuse the better part God will give them victory over the World Sin and Satan yea they shall have power with God and obtain God-fearing Children which others will observe and admire the grace of God in 9. Childrens Children to many generations are remembered with Covenant-kindness So in the second Commandment Exod. 20.6 Shewing mercy unto thousands i. e. of generations of them that love me and keeep my Commandments Deut. 7.9 This is transcendent mercy punishment extending but to three or four of them ver 5. you 'll say mercy and justice are Gods two Arms is the one longer than the other Answer no they are equally infinite but he maketh his Church to feel more of his mercy then of his justice with the Lord there is mercy why so Because with him is plenteous Redemption Psal 130.7 It is a Covenant of Grace and Christ interposeth as Mediator of it Oh! the overflowings of Free-grace to many generations Psal 103.17 18. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him and his righteousness unto Childrens Children Mark it it 's called righteousness to shew it is a discharge of his obligation by which he hath in some sort bound himself to Parents to do good to their Posterity Mic. 7.20 for it was mercy to Abraham to make a Covenant but it is truth and faithfulness to perform it to Jacob. and his rising seed many years after for 't is founded in his Eternal purpose and continues to Eternity and this is the reason of our hopes of the calling the Jews because they are beloved for their Fathers sake or rather because of God's Covenant with their Ancestors Rom. 11.27 28. Oh what incouragement is this to Parents that God will not utterly cast off their seed but will resume thoughts of love to them at last 10. That God will reduce the wandring Children of his People by seasonable and sanctified correction Psal 89.29 35. 2 Sam. 7.14 15. If his Children for sake my Law and walk not in my judgments i. e. if they forfeit the Priviledges promised by non-performance of the conditions then will I visit their transgression with a Rod and their iniquity with Stripes nevertheless my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail God hath adopted Affliction to be a branch of Covenant affection Psa l. 119.75 ' It s a promise I will visit not so much a threatning for in faithfulness he afflicts his Children he will not take so much pains with a slave as with a Son he will make his Children thank God for a whipping Lord saith a godly Parent bring home my Child though it be by weeping cross starve my prodigal son or feed him with husks that he may reflect on his Fathers plenteous Table oh break his Leg or Arm rather than damn his Soul cast him on a sick bed rather than cast him into Hell let his Purgatory be here and his Heaven hereafter now our gracious God answers his Childrens Prayers good Hezekiah's Prayers for his extravagant Son Manasseh were answered by Gods taking him among the Thorns binding him with Fetters carrying him to Babylon till he had humbled him to purpose and made him know that Jehovah was God 2 Chron. 33.11 12 13. doubtless the natural as well as the spiritual Father of the Prodigal will welcome home the Child tho' broken on the Wheel 11. The Covenant ingageth for a blessing on Parents instruction and correction of their erring Children this is of great use 1. For instruction Prov. 22.6 Train up a Child in the way he should go There 's the Parents Duty do thy duty to set him right in the beginning of his way so some read it and when he is old he will not depart from it i. e. not easily ordinarily q. d. if thou that art the Father wilt do thy duty faithfully I will undertake to do my part set thou their faces in the right road and I will keep them in it ordinarily I will bless thy instructions admonitions counsels examples see Gen. 18.19 God saith of Abraham I know him that he will command his Children and his houshold after him you 'll say what is he better for that they 'll chuse whether they 'll obey or no nay saith God but I will undertake for them And they shall keep the way of the Lord to do Justice and Judgment His labour shall not be in
Rom. 1.17 you must enter personally into Covenant with God repent obey the Gospel your selves or else if thou be a breaker of this Gospel-Law Rom. 2.25 thy Circumcision becomes Vncircumcision i. e. thy Priviledges are made void insignificant So God reckons uncircumcised in Heart with uncircumcised in flesh Jer. 9.26 And saith they are as the Children of the Aethiopians unto him Amo. 9.7 and in the Gospel it is repeated again and again 1 Cor. 7.19 Circumcision is nothing and Uncircumcision is nothing but the keeping the commandments of God Gal. 5.6.6.15 but faith which worketh by love but a new Creature You boast of your pious Parents as the Jews once did and bear up big with being Abrahams seed alas you may be a generation of vipers Mat. 3.7 8 9. as John Baptist tells them and of your Father the Devil as our Lord saith Joh. 8.33 44. except you have the Faith and do the works of Abraham A famous Family will avail nothing without personal piety Without holiness in your hearts and lives you cannot be saved think not that God is bound and you loose the Covenant is mutual reciprocal you cannot expect the Priviledges without performing the Conditions 3. It 's an awful observation and often proves too true that if the Children of God's People turn Apostates they become the worst of men and run deeper into sin and further from God then many yea any others The Sons of good old Eli run into unparalleled wickedness 1 Sam. 2. 13 22. We have many sad instances of Cain Cham Ishmael Esau Ammon Absolom yea Solomon Rehoboam Manasseh and few recovered and with great difficulty The Tribe of Dan Jacobs Son turned Idolaters and scarce ever returned to God therefore are not reckoned amongst the Sealed ones Rom. 7. 5 8. Because they set up Micahs graven Image and it 's observable that Jonathan the Son of Gershom Moses Grandson was Priest to the Tribe of Dan and his Sons after him until the day of the captivity of the land Judg. 18.30 31. But the Heathens observe that though this Jonathan was Moses Natural Grandson by generation yet he is called Grandchild of Manasseh whom he imitated in forgetting God not of Moses as appears by lifing up a letter in the Hebrew to make it no Moses but Manasseh 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He had so far degenerated that his Godly Grandfather must not be named with him Jer. 5.28 Thus Israelites are said to overpass the deeds of the wicked i. e. of Heathens Ezek. 16.47 Ezek. 5.6 yea they go beyond Sodom and her Daughters and change Gods judgments more than the Heathen The reason is clear because these sin against more Light Love Helps Means Convictions Godly Examples Good Education and therefore are justly forsaken of God and left to greater abominations Oh tremble lest this be your case 4. The Children of Godly Parents may be cast into Eternal Torments Abraham the Father of the Faithful may have an houling Son in Hell Torment Luk. 16.24 25. Mat. 8.12 The Children of the Kingdom shall be cast out into utter darkness there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth they that would not weep penitently here must weep despairingly hereafter they that scorned rebukes from Parents must have dreadful rebukes from God and Conscience their Education was with Saints their conclusion with Devils There 's many gone to Hell with Baptismal Water on their Face Baptized Magus Act. 8.13 20 23. is like to perish with his money he was in the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity that dragg'd him to Hell Yea the damnation of such Caitiffs will be endorst with more vengeance than others the Worm of Conscience will bite harder being fed with more materials to strengthen her the Flame will be hotter having more fewel the higher men are exalted towards Heaven Mat. 11.23 and reach it not the lower do they fall to Hell and in Hell if they plead their birth-right as he that pleaded he was a Gentleman the Judge told him he should therefore have an higher Gallows or as Lord Sturton that was hanged for Murder in a silken Halter so must these well-bred persons be dealt with Luk. 12.47 the more they know of their Masters Will the more stripes are laid on them the more they glory in their priviledges the more misery in their loss and the higher their hopes the greater their disappointment these are both hypocrites and apostates whose sin and shame is more aggravated and augmented than others Mat. 24.51 Oh what flaming Faggots and scorching Oil will Parents Prayers Tears Councils Admonitions Exhortations be to dissolute young men when they shall see Parents glorified themselves condemned read Prov. 5.11 12 13. CHAP. VIII An Vse of Exhortation or Instruction THere are four sorts of persons concerned in this Text and Doctrine that may be instructed in their respective duties from it Viz. 1. Children of Uncovenanted Parents 2. Children of Covenanted Parents 3. Persons married without Children 4 Persons that have a Posterity An hint and but an hint to all these 1. There are some Children attending on God in Ordinances whose immediate Parents were not in Covenant knew not God you may lay it to heart and lament it as your infelicity but this is no bar to your entertainment with God for how can you tell but some of your remote Ancestours might be godly and if not Grace is free those that come unto him he will in no wise cast off Joh. 6.37 you may and must venture sinners of the Gentiles are grafted into the true Olive Rom. 11.24 Jud. 11.1 2 27 28. even contrary to nature that were Wild by nature so may'st thou be Jâ—phthah was a Bastard thrust out by his Brethren but received by God Be not discouraged though thou be bad Col. 3.11 Gal. 3.28 and Parents bad yet God is no respecter of Persons Barbarian Scythian all 's one in Christ Jesus Grace makes but regards no difference And if the Grace of God hath leapt over others heads to touch your hearts 1. Adore the Soveraign actings of Free-grace give God glory discriminating Grace shall have the Crown set upon its head I was doubly polluted in my Birth from first and immediate Parents Oh that God should dispense with his ancient law Deut. 23.2 that a Bastard should not enter into the Congregation of the Lord yet God hath entertained me amongst his Saints on Earth and gives me hopes of Heaven oh wonder of Grace 2. Be humble all your days and cast down in your own eyes Young professors are apt to be proud but it ill becomes you of all persons to be proud whom God hath lifted from the Dunghill to sit with Princes the Kings Children read and apply 2 Sam. 7.18 19 20. 3. Make up your Parents defect with your own diligence what time was lost in your child-hood and youth now redeem it the more ignorant your Parents
of Judicature such persons as were not careful in Educating their Children Cicero laid this to the charge of Verres that he had debauched his Son by Intemperance Riot Wantonness it seems it was actionable among Heathens and it were well if it were punished among pretended Christians Wo be to that Town where the Springs are poisoned sad is the case of that Church and State where Academies and Inns of Court are corrupted yea corrupters Isa 1.4 Hos 5.7 where strange Children are begot and brought up no reformation can be expected till publick Schools be reformed It 's said of Protagoras he lived 60 years and spent 40 years in corrupting youth if not only Old Trees in an Orchard be rotten but young also what fruit can be expected It s fit they be digged up by this we may Divine what will become of a Church or Kingdom 10. The consequence is sad of Parents neglect of their Childrens due education a Child left to himself bringeth his Mother to shame Pro. 29.15 throw the Reines on the Childs Neck and whither will he not run A foolish Son is the heavinéss of his Mother Prov. 10.1 Pro. 19.15 Pro. 17.21 the calamity of his Father neither Father nor Mother have joy in a wicked Child and usually they may thank themselves for it the Switzers had a law that if a Child was condemned to dye the Parent should execute him because it 's neglect in Parents that is usually the rack of their Children it 's true a godly Man may have a bad Son but this is most ordinary Oh what shame will cover the Face and horrour fill the Conscience of a bad Father or a good Father conscious of guilt when he shall see his Child running hell-wards or roaring in those unquenchable Torments I advise you therefore to a timely care to prevent these dreadful consequences Quest What course should Parents take to restrain sin in Children principle them with Grace and bring them within the Covenant of God I answer this is a large and ordinary subject that I cannot now insist on practical Divines lay four great duties before Parents for the Education of their Children 1. Provision 2. Correction 3. Instruction 4. Prayer Supplication 1. Providing Food Rayment a Calling This though a great duty I pass as not pertinent to our case only I find this remarkable passage that the Athenians ordered in their laws that if Parents had not brought up their Children in a lawful calling they should not be bound to keep their Parents thus all were set to Trades 2. For correction I shall not inlarge on that only observe it to be done seasonably Prov. 19.18 Chasten thy Son while there is hope some put it off till he become too stubborn do it with self-reflection humiliation moderation prayer instructing them in their fault and the way to mend it I pass this also 3. Instruction this I chiefly aimed at if I had leasure an hint of 1. The Matter 2. The Manner of performing this duty 1. For Matter instruct your Children in the main fundamental principles of our Christian Religion as that there is a God concerning his nature properties persons of the God-head the creation of the World of Man the Immortality of the Soul the Nature of Sin the fall of Adam the sad fruits thereof the Remedy by Christ his Humiliation Offices Exaltation the Duty of Man the nature of a Church priviledges properties of Believers the Ordinances the state of all men after death Rewards and Punishments c. You are likewise to instruct them in the Covenant of Grace the nature use ends of it the difference betwixt this and the old Covenant of Works the Mediator of it the terms properties and conditions thereof the seals of it Baptism and the Lords Supper the priviledge and necessity of Souls being within it press them with Arguments to enter into it give directions about it 2. For the Manner of your instructing your Children you must do it 1. Isa 28.9 Timously as soon as they are capable but drawn from the breasts 2 Tim. 3.15 ab incunabulis that they may suck in knowledge with there mothers milk as Timothy 2. Frequently once is not enough but you must inculcate truths on them whet them as you go oft with the Knife upon the Whet-stone Deut. 6.7 so the word signifies 3. Experimentally not by rote hear-say work things on your hearts Eph. 4.21 learn and speak the truth as it is in Jesus speak feelingly from the Heart as one that believes thy self 4. Wisely Jud. 22.23 Col. 3.21 observe the tempers of your Children some must be drawn others driven provoke not tender-hearted to fretting discontent 5. Seasonably observe candida tempora proper melting seasons Eccl. 8.5 Psa 14.10 as a good humour affliction conviction speak to them words upon the Wheel or in some nick of time when they will be best taken 6. Lovingly winningly meekly not in passion but draw with cords of love Hos 11.3 oil them with kindness and they will go down glibly even bitter Pills rolled in Sugar will be well taken 7. Plainly familiarly not in high flown language but use similitudes speak as they are able to bear it Isa 28.10 11. come on gradually guttatim by drops here a little there a little into these narrow mouth'd vessels 8. Faithfully search the wound do not skin it over a fair hand makes a foul wound Luk. 19.22 a weak dose rather stirs than purgeth out bad humours rebuke sharply Tit. 1.14 9. Scripturally bring your authority along with you shew them chapter and verse Act. 18.24 28. Gods authority joined with yours may prevail much ◠Cor. 10. ◠5. these are Spiritual Weapons 10. Rom. 10.1 Prayingly pray solemnly before an instruction by Ejaculation in speaking it 's not your work but Gods to make it successful Be sensible that all is lost if God give it not the setting on and strike with the great hammer CHAP. X. Directions to Parents and encouragements in their pleading for their Children 4. THE last Exhortation to Parents on the behalf of their surviving Children is prayer and supplication this is a natural duty and catholick relief to the aking hearts of Godly Parents not only to obtain Children as Hanna but for Grace in Children when they go astray hence it was that holy Abraham to whom this Covenant was first made breaths out his longing Soul in a short Ejaculation for his wild Son Oh that Ishmael might live before thee Gen. 17.18 q. d. I thank God for Isaac but I am not satisfied with Isaac only I must beg Spiritual and Eternal Life for my extravagant Son Ishmael though he be not the Son of the Promise yet let him be a Son of Promise if Isaac must have the Earthly Canaan let not Ishmael be excluded out of the heavenly Thus must you plead with the Lord for Children To assist you herein I shall subjoyn
some pleas Arguments and Encouragements not to move God but to quicken your Faith Hope and Importunity Thus then say 1. Lord this Covenant thou hast made with Believers and their Seed did spring only from the Fountain of thy Free-grace this Promise commenced before I had a Being and therefore could not depend on any worthiness in me Deut. 7.7 8. the Lord did not set his love on Israel because they were better than others but because he loved them the love of benevolence produced the love of complacency it 's an Everlasting love both in its original and duration Jer. 31.3 it hath no cause but in Gods breast and shall have no end Lord for thy words sake 2 Sam. 7.21 compared with 1 Chr. 17.19 yea for thy Servants sake viz. Christ who is Gods Essential word and according to thy own heart hast thou done all these great things hadst thou seen any stop or obstruction on my part thou wouldest have forborn making this Covenant But such a Covenant there is and Grace made it look into thine own heart Lord and as Grace only made it so let Grace perform it 2. Lord Thou art true and faithful in the performance of thy promises Mercy made this Covenant with Abraham Mic. 7.20 Numb 23.19 Psal 89.35 Truth performs it to Jacob thou art not as man that thou shouldst lye thou hast sworn by thy holiness that thou wilt not lye unto David well Lord in hopes of the performance of thy Covenant I married begot Children gave them up to God in Baptism wherein thou tookest them as thine own and dost thou now repent of thy choice Oh no thou hast told me in thy word Isa 54.9 10. that thy Covenant-promises are as sure as the Waters of Noah not overflowing the World Jer. 31.35 36 37. yea the Mountains and Hills will sooner depart than God go back from his word yea his Covenant is as sure as the Ordinances of Heaven Sun Moon and Stars as sure as day and night Lord my Soul having got such good hold of thee by Faith I will not let go this hold but stick fast till thou make good thy promise to me and my seed I am resolved to sue thy Bond by Faith and Prayer till thou pay this debt 3. Lord thou hast made this Covenant good to others thou hast performed the mercy promised to our Fathers and remembred thy holy Covenant Luk. 1.45 55 72. there hath been a performance of the things spoken by the Lord never could any stand forth and challenge thee for the breach of promise from the beginning of the World to this day and I humbly hope thou wilt not begin with me Gen. 13.16 17 18. thou madest a promise to Abraham of a numerous off-spring and inhabiting Canaan and thou didst perform all to a tittle yea to a minute the least Iota did not fail or fall to the ground and thou art as great as good as powerful as merciful now as ever Gen. 18.14 Job 42.2 thou sayest is any thing too hard for the Lord My Soul Eccho's No I know that thou canst do every thing with God all things are possible I believe Lord help my unbelief thou art able to reduce my Prodigal Child to convert my stubborn Child Oh give a proof of thy power in this great work 4. Lord thou hast made good the Promise to my own Soul my Parents improved and pleaded thy Covenant for me a sinful wretch and wilt thou not make the same good to mine I must say as once Solomon Thou hast kept with thy Servant David my Father 1 Kin. 8.23 24. that thou promisedst him thou spakest also with thy Mouth and hast fulfilled it with thy hand as it is this day Blessed be the God of my Fathers that hath not cut off his kindness from me that am the Seed of those faithful ones that are now at rest with thee I my self can rise up and bear witness to thy faithfulness Ecce signum Behold a testimony of Divine love Psal 86.16 17. thou hast shewed me a token for good who am the Son of thy handmaid and I take this as a pledge of more kindness to mine Psal 116.16 thou hast loosed my Bonds wilt thou not also knock off the Fetters of sin from my poor Child I was as wicked as any and cost my Father and Mother many a tear and groan but thou heardest their Prayer wilt thou not also hear me 5. Lord I do find all that I want for my self and seed within the compass of the Covenant for as thou hast promised to be my God and pardon sin so thou hast undertaken to work the conditions thou requirest as absolutely necessary for obtaining the priviledges of the Covenant thou say'st they shall all know me from the least to the greatest of them Jer. 31.34 i. e. as I understand it young as well as old Deut. 30.6 thou sayst the Lord thy God will circumcise thy heart and the heart of thy Seed to love the Lord thy God Again thou say'st They that dwell under his shadow shall return Hos 14.7 amongst whom are Children and that he will turn the hearts of the Fathers with the Children Mal. 4.6 so some read it this is enough Lord may my Children be savingly converted I have all my desire for this shall be their Salvation and I have these promises under thy hand and surely they are not insignificant 6. Yea Lord thou hast converted some whose immediate Parents were not in Covenant and whether their remote Parents were so who can tell I plainly discern thou sometimes leapest out of the ordinary road reaching over the heads of some nearlier related to lay hold on strangers hearts and I do not grudge them this mercy but adore the freeness of Divine Grace only my Soul fetcheth some encouragement thence Rom. 11.17 23. Hos 2.23 will my Lord graft into the true Olive some wild branches and not take in natural Wilt thou say Ammi my people to them that were not thy people and wilt thou say Lo ammi to such as cling to thee are resolved not to forgo thee Oh my Lord the exuberancy of Free-grace to strangers is an incouragement to me and thus I say will my Father give such lumps of bread to Dogs and can he not afford a crum to a Child I see some whose Parents never spake a word to God for them eminent in Grace and Monuments of free-grace and shall any of my Children which thou hast taken into thy Family be shut out of thy doors I hope not 7. Lord if thou hadst a design to deny my suit thou wouldst have shut my mouth in prayer for thy word saith Psal 10.17 Thou wilt prepare their heart thou wilt cause thine ear to hear An inlarged heart in Prayer is not only a mean but a pledge of gracious audience surely thou wilt not send thy Spirit into my heart and
draw out my heart to thee in vain when a Father bids his Child ask he designs to give thou wilt not let this blessed spirit breathe in vain in my soul Wilt thou inlarge my heart and not grant my request Psal 38.9.15 Lord all my desire is before thee and my groaning is not hid from thee In thee O Lord do I hope thou wilt hear me O Lord my God Thou hast raised my heart in Expectation wilt thou not give me the mercy I expect 8. Lord is not thy Glory concerned in this affair as well as my comfort And yet my comfort is something in thine eye For thou sayst Ps 118.15 The voyce of rejoycing and salvation is in the Tabernacles of the righteous And alas What joy can there be in a family when a foolish Son is heaviness both to Father and Mother Prov. 10.1 and a disturbance to the whole house But oh thy Name is dishonoured by my own flesh wicked men hardened some scandalized by the miscarrying of the Children of the Covenant But on the other hand if covenant-Covenant-grace be spread upon my childs heart by Converting-grace many will glorifie God Gal. 1.24 His own Soul will be the actual lively Trumpet of Divine Glory by confessing sin and turning to God thy Omniscience Grace and Omnipotency will be made glorious And who can tell how many may be won to God by his Example 1 Pet. 2 1â— 2 Thes 1 1â— and every Convert Glorifies God in the day of their visitation and at the great Day God will be glorified in his Saints Lord consult thy Glory 9. Lord thou hast given me some incouragement concerning this Child I am praying for When my Child was young he was very hopeful now he is grown up my hopes are dasht He hath now embraced the world or is fallen into bad company and courses the less are my hopes now because he is a woful Apostate and sins against more light than others and this daunts and damps my spirit however I will pray and wait still for what is a daunting to me Gen. 22.14 is rather an advantage to thee In the mount of the Lord it is seen When the knife is at Isaac's throat Hos 2.14 the valley of Achor is a door of hope When men say our bones are dryed our hope is lost Ezeck 37.11 12. we are cut off for our parts then the graves are opened and there 's life from the dead The case is mine I am saying as Jonah I am cast out of his sight yet will I look again toward thy holy Temple The other look may fetch the mercy There 's a may be in the case Can a Child of so many Prayers and Fears miscarry This brings to mind a passage in Melchior Adamus De vitis Theol. Germ. pag. 724. It is this The mother of Hunnius being with child of him had a Vision She thought she was in the Church and took up a Reed or a Straw or such a small thing While she held it in her Fingers it so increased that she was almost oppressed with its weight even to death She presently saw it turned into a Pillar of the Temple Then she was eased of her burden This was verified in her Son Hunnius who though religiously educated and hopeful in Childhood yet fell into bad Company and then into horrible Temptations and sad Apprehensions That he had committed the sin against the Holy Ghost but by Grace was recovered and proves an excellent instrument in the Church of God This may be of use to poor afflicted desponding Parents 10. Lord If thou deny my suit and glorifie thy Justice in the rejection and damnation of My child I must and will acquiesce in thy Soveraign righteous Will It 's hard to bring my heart to it but I will say Thy Will be done Rom. 11.33 Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledg of God! How unsearchable are thy judgments and thy ways past finding out I my self deserve to be forsaken and cast into Hell I have many a time told thee I must for ever justifie God with flames about mine ears if thy justice be glorified in my destruction for all my abominations And if thou deal thus with my beloved Off spring I will say The Lord is righteous in all his wayes and holy in all his works Dan. 9.7 Righteousness belongeth unto thee but unto me and mine confusion of faces I submit my all to thee and thank thee for grace in my own soul and hopes of Glory and if my wilful child may not bring a revenue of Glory to free Grace I will be content with thy raising up a revenue of Glory to thy Justice in his just condemnation Obj. But what tender-hearted Parent can be contented to see his Child damned Answ You must distinguish betwixt Nature and Grace Nature loves its own and cannot bear to see part of it self in misery Yea grace cannot but desire cannot but earnestly breathe after the spiritual and eternal good of our Children And 't is not only lawfull but duty to desire it Yet if God deny it Grace brings man's Will to a due submission to the Divine disposal for the more a Christian is like to God the more is his Will melted into God's Will and therefore will a Child of God rejoyce in the execution of Gods justice upon dearest carnal Relations at the great Day As sanctified Levi in the cause of God Deut. 33.9 said to his Father and his Mother I have not seen neither did he acknowledg his Brethren nor knew his own Children Nature will be in a sort swallowed by grace in Gods good pleasure That was a remarkable passage of a gracious Gentlewoman that had a vicious Son who fell into many debaucheries and into one hainous Act which sunk her tender spirit But recovering her self she said to him with some warmth Ah! my sinful Son thou hast cost me many a Tear Groan and bitter hour but a day is coming when I shall triumph in seeing the just vengeance of God excecuted upon thee this did so appall the young Gentleman that he laid it to heart repented and became a new man to the joy of his Godly Mother But 2. You must distinguish about Damnation and look on it as under a double notion 1. as a state of compleat Sinning Blaspheming and hating God to the utmost God calls you not to be content with this which is so directly contrary to the Grace of God in the Christian nor yet may you be content to have your Child separated from God the cheifest good which is the worst part of hell But 2. Hell may be considered as a place or state of torment and misery to the Rational Creature and upon this account you must not be contented simply to have your Child tormented which is abhorent to nature but your Souls must be so overr-uled with the Divine pleasure as where his will is
manifested you must rest satisfied in that by which God thinks fit to Glorify himself 11. Yet further say Lord if thou refuse to hear me for this or that particular Child yet I will thank thee for Free Grace expressed to another Child or more of my Children that are-hopefull God forbid that my sorrow for our Child should drown all my Comfort in another or my complaints should silence my gratitude I will praise thee for what I enjoy and hope for more Nature teacheth persons to beg a future by acknowledging a former kindness I Bless the Lord I have a Praying Obeying Child that was born as destitute of Grace as this and I humbly take this as a pledg of more Thou hast Grace enough for all my Children I will not despond but be thankfull such a Child I hope hath embraced the Covenant of God Who am I O Lord God! 2 Sam. 7.18 19 20. and what is my house That thou hast brought me hitherto And this was yet a small thing in thy sight O Lord God but thou hast spoken also of thy Servants house for a great while to come and is this the manner of man O Lord God Thou didst not owe me any thing and yet thou hast given me the best things 'T is true I have a Cain yet I have a Righteous Abel I have a Shem as well as a Cham an Isaac as well as an Ishmael a Jacob as well as an Esau a Solomon as well as an Ammon or Absalon All my Children were born in Sin and God might have suffered all to have dyed in Sin But blessed be Free-Grace that hath pluckt this or that as a brand out of the Fire God hath heard prayers and taken of my Seed to be the Lords he hath not dealt so with all Families I own this as an higher preferment for my Children then if they were the greatest princes on Earth I will be thankful for them yet jealous of them and mix my praises with prayers the heart is very deceitfull I will give God Glory yet not glory in my Children But my jealousie shall not obscure thy Glory of this mercy Ebenezer hitherto God hath helpt I will rejoyce with trembling something God hath done that I may love and praise him and be encouraged to hope for more Much is yet to do that I may still have an Errand to the Throne of Grace thus my Lord keeps me in a waiting depending posture I must have something to evidence that God is my God and an hearer of Prayer I must not have all that I may know I am on Earth and not in Heaven It may be Religion may live in my Family when I am dead and gone And if all my Seed be not happy I hope some may However God hath done my own Soul good and laid a foundation of Grace in my heart and will lay the top Stone in Glory It was a notable speech of that gracious Minister of Christ One Mr. Avery See the life of Mr. Mather p. 131. passing to New-England in a Storm at Sea expecting every wave to bring death he lift up his Eyes to Heaven and Said Lord I cannot challeng of preservation of my life but according to thy Covenant I challeng Heaven Immediatly a wave wasted him to Heaven he his Wife and five Children being then drowned and is this nothing that thou may'st with gratitude and confidence claim a Promise for thy own Salvation If it reach no farther 12. Lastly Lord notwithstanding all the discouragement I have I will Believe Hope and Pray till thou take me off by my own death or the death of my Child As I will follow on to know and love and serve the Lord whatever thou do with me so I am resolved to Pray and Hope and wait whatever thou say to me Lam. 3.26 for I am sure 't is good for a man both to hope and quietly wait for the Salvation of the Lord God is worthy waiting on even upon my Knees I cannot be in a better excercise Say then Oh my dear Lord I am a Sinfull worm have a wicked heart am of polluted lips a sinfull life I deserve not the least crum of Bread or drop of Water I have forfeited my right to all Covenants as well as common Mercys for my self and Seed I have begot a Child in my own Image not thine it is a Child of wrath by nature as well as others but thou in thy love hast made a Covenant with believers and their Seed thou hast brought me into the bond of the Covenant the like mercy I beg for mine my Child must have thine Image as well as mine or it is undone for ever and it is not in my power to convey it but thou canst My dayly errand to the throne of Grace is to beg the blessings of the Covenant of Grace to me and mine I will not go from thy door without an alms thou shalt have a troublesom guest of me till thou grant my request O remember thy word unto thy servant Psal 119.49 upon which thou hast caused me to hope Come Lord let Covenant-Grace enter into the soul of my Child which is part of my self and I will take it as done to my self if I had not the mercy I beg under a promise I durst not ask it but thou hast made thy self a debtor and I will put thy bond in suit by Faith in Prayer Thou canst not deny thine own hand writing Thou art Faithfull and wilst perform it to some and why not to me God loves such importunate beggers and our dear Lord Jesus hath propounded two parables to provoke importunity Luke 11.5 8 9.18.1.8 therefore it is not unmannerly sauciness but holy earnestness and approved impudence wherein God much delights the End thereof is not to move God to alter his purpose but that our own Souls may have the condition of thy Promise thus the Canaanitish or the Syrophenician Woman crys out for her Daughter Have mercy on me O Lord thou Son of David my Daughter is grievously vexed with a Devil Mark 7.24 25. Mat. 15.22 28. She received a first a second a third repulse but She hangs on still and will have no nay and at last obtained her suit with an high Encomium and larg grant O Woman great is thy Faith be it unto thee even as thou wilt go thou and do likewise Obj. Alas Sir but I am faithless had I Faith as that Woman had I might prevail and you say Faith in Gods Covenant is necessary for the parent but I cannot Pray in Faith for my Child and how then should I prevail Ans There is a two-fold faith General and Objective by which you believe God is able and willing to make good his Covenant doth make it good to some and would to thee if thou hadst the condition this is absolutly necessary in all that come to God and this thou hast thou art sure that Christ is able to
exercise Repentance and enquire what sin he is now punishing you for thus you may make a virtue of necessity Your defect of Children may prove an increase of your graces But take heed of despising the blessing or taking occasion of revelling away your Estates that 's an extream one way as penuriousness is unreasonable in you on the other hand both are sins to be avoided and mortified study Col. 3.5 Mortifie therefore your members which are upon the Earth Fornication Vncleanness Inordinate Affection Evil Concupisence and Covetousness which is Idolatry Away with all licentious practises live Chastly modestly moderately humbly diligently in both callings 3. Adopt some to be a Child or Children to you if you be persons of any Estates this is Mr. Paul Bains advice they must saith he not revel with their Substance nor must they live like idle persons and busy-bodies for want of this imployment but they must save the matter of their Estate and depute some as Adopted Children and be helpful in Educating others Thus he Adoption hath been used in all civilized nations and it is In alienam familiam transitus A passing legally out of one Family into another And amongst the Romans it was Aut per praetorium aut per populum That which was done by the Proetors was called Adoption That which was done by the People was called Arrogation They had many formalities about it needless here to be recounted But by this means you may have children whom you may account as your own you rich men that God hath denied the fruit of your bodies to have you no near kinsmen or poor neighbours to whom God hath granted a lovely off-spring surely it would be acceptable both to God them and your selves to pick out an ingenuous child help him to learning train him up for God bequeath your Estates to make an Experiment of him while you live So may you have comfort of him and he may bear up your name Do good with your Estate and be serviceable in Church and Commonwealth I know some rich men grudg and envy any that are likely to enter into their labours but as their glory will not descend after them so usually those Estates do no good when they are gone Psal 49.17 Eccl. 2.19 For who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool that shall have rule over his labour 4. Take more time and pains for the good of your own Souls and lay out your selves for the good of others if you be unmarried study that Text 1 Cor. 7.33 35. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord how he may please the Lord. Not that married persons have a Supersedeas or Quietus est from Soul-concerns But the un-married have a more leisure and fairer opportunity for immediate acts of Devotion Married persons have some divertisements in themselves lawful which un-married are free from The Married may have numerous Children and so have many distractions which Childless persons are not intangled in and so may Vacare Deo be more at leisure for God or as the word is attend on the Lord without distraction 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sit close to the Lord without Disjunction Indivisâ cum domino conjunctione vivatur like the faithful servants who depart not from their Masters side O happy souls who have an heart and leisure to keep so close to God! You have more time than others see your feet and hands and heart run parallel Your opportunities are double to others Let your improvement be doubled You have no children to lay up for Lay out the more for God He expects more from you than from others You have no children to maintain Honour the Lord with your substance Prov. 3.9 Buy Bibles and Catechisms for poor Children Maintain them at School Relieve the poor Incourage a Gospel Ministry Give the tenth part at least of your yearly incomes to charitable Uses Let your own hands be your Executors Trust not others when you are dead For as it is no thanks to you to bequeath Legacies when you are forced to leave all so you know not how they will be imbezelled or disbursed Besides you lose the opportunity of shewing your charitable Disposition Living Springs send forth streams liberally Dead Pits afford nothing but what is drawn out with Buckets Watch and catch at Objects and occasions of doing good Spare upon your selves but be liberal in good uses Let your Superfluities give way to your Brothers Conveniencies Your Conveniencies to his Necessities Yea your Necessities must go to supply his Extremities Fear not wanting your selves You put all into a good Bank Dare you not trust God upon his Bills of Return Promises If you lend to the Lord doubtless he will repay Do you fear the Alsufficient God will turn Bankrupt Consult the Experiences of Gods servants and see if the Jewish Proverb have not proved true Decima ut dives fias Pay Tythes that thou mayest be rich Remember what our Lord saith Luke 6.38 Give and it shall be given you good measure pressed down shaken together and running over shall men give into your bosomes CHAP. IX An Exhortation to Parents to have their Children within the blessed Covenant I Have dispatched the three first Exhortations 4. The last concerns all Parents to do their endeavour to the uttermost to bring their Children and leave them under this Covenant Alas What signifies your leaving them great Estates Hundreds a Year or Thousands of Gold and Silver in comparison of this David was a King and his many Sons Noble Princes and Solomon one of the most glorious Monarchs that ever the Sun saw so that it became a Proverb Solomon in all his glory Mat. 6.29 2 Chro. 11.15 Laurence Saunder writ to his Wife Riches I have none to endow you with but that treasure of tasting How sweet Christ is which I feel I bequeath to you Fox Mon. And David left him in peaceable possession of the Kingdom and the Lord magnified him exceedingly Yet all this did not cheer up dying Davids heart so much as this blessed Covenant That 's but a carnal heart that can brag of what treasures of worldly riches he leaves his children The gracious soul would rather bequeath a promise to them than all the wealth of the Indies Zenophon tells us that one being asked Where 's your Treasure He answered him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Where Cyrus my friend is Much more may a Christian say Christ is my Friend and my All. Oh that I could leave him in the bosom of my dear Child That is the height of my Ambition to have my Children gracious and glorified As an honest Minister said If I may but see the fear of God in my Children Satis habeo satisque mihi uxori filiis filiabus perspexi I have enough and my self Wife Sons Daughters are all well provided for I need no more Oh! that God would set Parents hearts towards the Covenant
of God! I shall give some Motives and Directions 1. For Motives I beseech you consider Eph. 23. 1. That your Children are Children of wrath as well as others You begot them as Men not as Holy Men for Grace was adventitious Adam begot a Son in his own likeness Gen. 5.3 after his own Image not Gods which he had lost For Grace comes by spiritual regeneration not by natural generation You gave them a sinful and miserable being O study to give them an holy and happy being They are born in sin Travel over them till Christ be formed in them Gal. 4.19 If you cannot make them good yet lament that they are so bad You have done them a dis-kindness Labour to do them this kindness to plant Grace in them 2. Your Children are more inclined to Vice than Vertue they are born like the wild Asses Colt Job 11.12 with a byas Hell-wards and an antipathy in their nature to what is good For the carnal mind is enmity against good Rom. 8.7 Aelian tells of a Whore that boasted she could easily get Scholars away from Socrates but Socrates could get no Schollars from her Wrong is always before right naturally the left hand before the right Children need not be taught what is bad they learn that fast enough but you 'll find much ado to beat into them what is good 3 Yet they must learn Divine Truths and their Duty or never be happy One thing is needfull If they die as they are born Luke 10.4 with their backs on God they are undone for ever they are become like the beasts that perish But it 's better be a beast Eccl. 3.2 than to be a rational man like a beast The one goeth upwards to be judged by God and condemned to eternal torments but the Sensitive spirit of a beast goeth downwards to the Earth And however some think the Beast shall not lose its individuation yet it is not capable of Moral Evil and so of the Punishment of Hell as a rational but a graceless soul is Would you not have them far worse than Beasts Oh! take pains to work grace in them else no salvation Mat. 18.3 4. They are capable of Instruction For this end was the Book of Proverbs written Prov. 14. To give subtilty to the simple to the young man knowledg and discretion Aristotle indeed saith That a young man is not a fit hearer of Moral Philosophy or of Ethicks but he speaks of what is De facto non de eo quod fieri debet what is usually not what ought to be Children can learn Trades Toys why not Scriptures Catichisms It 's not enough to tell the capacity of many Children were they Idiots or Natural Fools destitute of Common Reason it were a lamentable judgment of God and a sore affliction to Parents But they have members of Body use of Reason Oh! do what you can to add Grace You are taken with their outward Feature wit Parts these qualifie them not for Heaven till Gods Image be super-induced 5. Parents have great advantage in beginning with their Children whilst young Now they are young and tender soonest reduced Like young twigs quickly bended or a young Horse easily broken or a young Hawk soonest brought to the lure Take them betimes before they be hardened in sin and you may most likely prevail but if they be let alone awhile they 'll be past dealing with Custom in sin makes them like the Aethiopian in his skin Jer. 13.23 or the Leopard spots Besides teach them betimes and they will more likely retain it It is an usual saying Liquidae sunt puerorum memoriae Quo semel est imbuta recens servabit odoremtesta diu Childrens memories are soft and soonest take impression and clear or free from disturbance and so retain it longest Season a New Vessel and it will keep that favour long Let Cloath be died in Wooll and after in Cloath the colour will be most lively and durable The Application is easie 6. Parents are betrusted with their Childrens Souls as well as Bodies Ezek. 18.4 All Souls are mine saith God and he concredits them to the tuition of Parents as a precious Talent or depositum saying as Pharoah's Daughter to Moses Mother Exod. 2.9 take this child away and nurse it for me and I will give thee thy Wages so saith God when the Child is Born and Baptized to Parents I devolve the charge of this child on thee look to it Ezek. 3.17 if it miscarry through thy default its blood will I require at thy hand thou must give an account of its Soul go then to God and say as Manoah concerning his Son Sampson Judges 13.12 how shall we order the Child And how shall we do unto him Fetch your instructions from God and assistance also for your Childrens good consider of a reckoning day 7. By this you will manifest your own sincerity or sinisterity your love to God and your Children or your hatred Remember no man is really good that is not Relatively good When thou art converted strengthen thy Brethren saith our Lord i. e. Luk. 22.32 evidence the sincerity of thy conversion by endeavouring the good of others Grace is like Fire that turns what it toucheth into its own nature if you do not your endeavour to bring others especially your seed into covenant it 's a shrewd sign you are not your selves in Covenant with God then wo be to you Oh cursed Parents of cursed Children Are you so indifferent whether Christs Kingdom be reared and erected in your Family that you 'll scarce put up a prayer or speak a word to promote it Where is your love to Christ that loved Souls so dearly And where is your true love to your natural off-spring if a Beast be fallen in a Pit will you not help him out Hast thou more care of a Swine than the Soul of thy Child 8. Satan lyes at the catch for your Children that Fiend of Hell hunteth daily for the precious Soul of thy dear Child he got possession when thy Child came into the World and he makes it his business to keep possession and will do till Christ that 's stronger than he cast him out Luk. 11.22 and wilt thou see a Dog a Bear the Lion of Hell hurry away thy Child Man and not cry out to Heaven for aid O heard-hearted miscreant doth not nature teach the Hen to fly at the glade that would take her Chickens yea the Sheep to turn upon the Dog that would catch her Lamb And art thou so far degenerated as to cast of all pity to thine own bowels Oh Monster of Mankind hast thou laid aside Humanity as well as Christianity 9. The Church and Commonwealth require this office of love from you to your Children and if you neglect their Education you take a course to corrupt both It 's worth observing that the Heathen Romans sued in their Courts