upon_o he_o in_o his_o single_a capacity_n so_o his_o perform_v that_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o he_o as_o a_o parent_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o seed_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o his_o enjoy_n the_o good_a promise_v with_o reference_n both_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o seed_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v evident_a from_o these_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n compare_v together_o gen._n 17.1_o and_o gen._n 18.19_o walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a there_o be_v abraham_n duty_n in_o reference_n to_o himself_o as_o a_o single_a person_n with_o who_o the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v for_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v judgement_n and_o justice_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v bring_v upon_o abraham_n that_o which_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o he_o that_o be_v that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o there_o be_v abraham_n duty_n as_o a_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o a_o family_n and_o under_o this_o term_n command_v all_o other_o duty_n subserve_v or_o refer_v to_o their_o walk_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v employ_v and_o comprehend_v now_o say_v the_o lord_n abraham_n will_v thus_o command_v his_o child_n and_o household_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v bring_v upon_o he_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o he_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o abraham_n performance_n of_o his_o duty_n towards_o his_o child_n and_o household_n be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o god_n bring_v upon_o he_o or_o make_v good_a to_o he_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o reference_n to_o his_o child_n and_o household_n and_o that_o without_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n he_o can_v not_o expect_v according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o god_n shall_v bring_v that_o good_a upon_o he_o or_o do_v that_o good_a to_o he_o and_o what_o be_v say_v of_o abraham_n be_v true_a of_o all_o his_o seed_n suppose_v they_o under_o that_o double_a capacity_n abraham_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o his_o seed_n both_o in_o privilege_n and_o in_o duty_n three_o that_o whatever_o be_v the_o condition_n or_o restipulation_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o abraham_n be_v the_o condition_n or_o restipulation_n require_v of_o his_o natural_a seed_n and_o to_o be_v actual_o perform_v by_o they_o in_o their_o own_o person_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v to_o that_o maturity_n of_o age_n as_o render_v they_o capable_a thereof_o and_o that_o as_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o complete_n and_o continuance_n of_o their_o covenant_n relation_n with_o god_n into_o which_o they_o as_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n be_v admit_v in_o their_o infancy_n though_o god_n be_v please_v to_o enter_v covenant_n not_o only_o with_o abraham_n himself_o but_o with_o his_o seed_n together_o with_o he_o and_o his_o accept_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o himself_o and_o they_o constitute_v a_o covenant_n relation_n between_o god_n and_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o that_o covenant-relation_n be_v continue_v during_o his_o seed_n infant_n capacity_n upon_o abraham_n account_n yet_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o a_o personal_a engage_v with_o god_n in_o a_o covenant_n way_n and_o perform_v the_o restipulation_n require_v now_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o covenant-relation_n between_o god_n and_o they_o indispensable_o require_v their_o personal_a accept_n of_o and_o perform_v that_o restipulation_n or_o condition_n that_o abraham_n in_o their_o infancy_n have_v accept_v for_o they_o and_o their_o non-acceptance_n or_o non-performance_n of_o that_o condition_n do_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la disannul_v the_o covenant_n or_o forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o and_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o god_n stand_v the_o long_a by_o virtue_n of_o that_o promise_v oblige_v to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o they_o and_o for_o they_o to_o have_v suppose_v the_o continuance_n of_o that_o covenant-relation_n between_o god_n and_o they_o into_o which_o they_o be_v afore_o admit_v and_o upon_o that_o account_n expect_v the_o good_a promise_v without_o their_o personal_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o covenant_n do_v oblige_v they_o to_o have_v be_v a_o groundless_a presumption_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v evident_a in_o part_n from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v and_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v when_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o second_o proposition_n abraham_n command_v his_o child_n and_o household_n to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n namely_o their_o enjoy_n the_o good_a promise_v necessary_o suppose_v it_o for_o why_o shall_v he_o command_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o relation_n to_o such_o a_o end_n if_o their_o keep_v that_o way_n have_v no_o necessary_a reference_n to_o that_o end_n but_o the_o end_n have_v be_v attain_v without_o their_o keep_v that_o way_n beside_o be_v not_o this_o true_a there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o breach_n of_o covenant_n find_v among_o any_o of_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n as_o will_v be_v obvious_a to_o every_o ordinary_a capacity_n before_o i_o proceed_v further_o let_v i_o note_v by_o the_o way_n that_o this_o covenant_n now_o establish_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n employ_v a_o twofold_a condition_n necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o order_n to_o god_n make_v good_a the_o promise_n of_o it_o refer_v to_o his_o seed_n first_o there_o be_v a_o condition_n incumbent_n on_o abraham_n himself_o there_o be_v something_o of_o duty_n require_v of_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o seed_n viz._n that_o he_o command_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o forego_n proposition_n second_o there_o be_v a_o condition_n incumbent_n upon_o the_o seed_n as_o grow_v up_o and_o become_v capable_a of_o understanding_n and_o perform_v it_o that_o be_v that_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o suppose_v that_o either_o abraham_n have_v fail_v in_o his_o duty_n or_o his_o seed_n in_o they_o god_n have_v be_v acquit_v of_o any_o charge_n of_o unfaithfulness_n to_o his_o promise_n though_o the_o good_a promise_v with_o reference_n to_o his_o seed_n have_v never_o be_v give_v in_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n seed_n as_o well_o as_o to_o himself_o yet_o with_o this_o condition_n that_o he_o instruct_v and_o command_v his_o seed_n and_o that_o they_o accept_v of_o and_o perform_v the_o duty_n engage_v to_o by_o covenant_n four_o that_o ishmael_n breach_n of_o covenant_n do_v neither_o proceed_v from_o a_o failure_n on_o god_n part_n in_o make_v good_a the_o promise_v make_v to_o he_o nor_o consist_v in_o his_o own_o lose_n or_o fall_v from_o inherent_a grace_n but_o do_v whole_o lie_v in_o his_o non_fw-la performance_n of_o that_o duty_n require_v as_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o complete_n and_o continuance_n of_o that_o covenant-relation_n he_o be_v admit_v into_o with_o god_n and_o transgress_v those_o command_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o in_o brief_a he_o fall_v from_o a_o covenant-state_n but_o not_o from_o covenanted-grace_n for_o that_o he_o never_o have_v a_o actual_a possession_n of_o so_o that_o to_o affirm_v that_o ishmael_n be_v in_o the_o covenant_n now_o establish_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o that_o that_o covenant_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o believer_n be_v sâ—ill_o under_o notwithstanding_o his_o breach_n of_o covenant_n in_o the_o sense_n now_o open_v be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o what_o be_v affirm_v concern_v the_o immutability_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n we_o free_o grant_v and_o our_o opposite_n must_v grant_v it_o too_o unless_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o the_o absurdity_n aforementioned_a verse_n 12._o that_o person_n may_v be_v in_o a_o external_a covenant_n state_n god_n ward_n and_o yet_o want_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n may_v loose_v a_o covenant-state_n though_o not_o loose_a covenanted-grace_n or_o fall_v from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n but_o not_o to_o leave_v any_o doubt_n that_o may_v a_o rise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o about_o what_o have_v be_v say_v unsatisfy_a i_o be_o aware_a of_o one_o objection_n and_o that_o not_o without_o a_o seem_a weight_n and_o strength_n in_o it_o will_v be_v make_v against_o what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o that_o be_v this_o object_n it_o will_v be_v say_v do_v not_o the_o scripture_n plain_o intimate_v it_o not_o positive_o offer_v â—_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n can_v be_v break_v no_o not_o in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o be_v now_o suppose_a ishmael_n do_v break_v it_o and_o be_v not_o that_o at_o least_o one_o
evil_n inconvenience_n and_o disadvantage_n suppose_v by_o they_o to_o follow_v upon_o the_o grant_n unto_o they_o such_o a_o covenant-interest_n and_o application_n of_o baptism_n upon_o the_o ground_n thereof_o but_o now_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o this_o be_v as_o for_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n arise_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n from_o both_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o baptism_n as_o apply_v unto_o they_o thereupon_o it_o be_v exceed_o great_a as_o will_v i_o hope_v through_o divine_a assistance_n be_v make_v to_o appear_v if_o providence_n disappoint_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n at_o present_a let_v this_o be_v consider_v as_o for_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o state_n a_o double_a benefit_n arise_v to_o they_o thereby_o first_o they_o be_v as_o distributive_o take_v under_o a_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v their_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n declare_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n second_o they_o be_v as_o collective_o take_v as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n under_o a_o indefinite_a promise_n suppose_v they_o grow_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n of_o be_v to_o teach_v of_o god_n as_o saving_o to_o know_v he_o how_o far_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o future_a salvavation_n suppose_v they_o to_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n may_v be_v conclude_v from_o their_o interest_n in_o these_o promise_n i_o shall_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o judicious_a reader_n this_o i_o doubt_v not_o will_v be_v find_v true_a at_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n when_o these_o secret_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o vast_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o very_a promise_v make_v unto_o they_o will_v be_v find_v the_o heir_n of_o that_o inheritance_n prepare_v for_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n mistake_v i_o not_o i_o do_v not_o say_v the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o each_o particular_a believer_n but_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n general_o take_v or_o as_o take_v one_o with_o another_o but_o however_o methinks_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v account_v a_o small_a matter_n to_o be_v bring_v in_o any_o sense_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o little_o nigh_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n and_o into_o a_o nigh_a capacity_n and_o probability_n of_o enjoy_v the_o good_a promise_v than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v in_o and_o that_o they_o must_v sure_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v by_o that_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o as_o for_o baptism_n the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o that_o be_v hint_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n and_o be_v more_o full_o to_o be_v declare_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v as_o for_o the_o evil_n and_o mischief_n suppose_v to_o follow_v upon_o our_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n they_o be_v real_o none_o at_o all_o whatever_o evil_n may_v be_v observe_v at_o any_o time_n to_o follow_v they_o be_v only_o accidental_a and_o will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v some_o other_o original_a and_o not_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a fruit_n and_o consequence_n of_o either_o the_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n five_o that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o like_a importance_n with_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o mention_v be_v people_n place_v at_o least_o too_o much_o of_o their_o religion_n in_o a_o external_a way_n mode_n or_o form_n attend_v with_o a_o easiness_n and_o facility_n to_o be_v draw_v into_o this_o or_o that_o way_n by_o unsound_a and_o groundless_a motive_n and_o inducement_n too_o many_o think_v that_o if_o they_o be_v but_o of_o such_o a_o way_n they_o be_v good_a christian_n and_o secure_v as_o to_o their_o eternal_a state_n hence_o through_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n and_o deceit_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o overlook_v and_o neglect_v the_o main_a thing_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n do_v indeed_o consist_v and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o and_o fall_v in_o with_o this_o or_o that_o way_n as_o suppose_v themselves_o thereby_o insure_v for_o salvation_n and_o want_v judgement_n to_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n fall_v in_o with_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n under_o consideration_n as_o lead_v thereunto_o mere_o by_o some_o unsound_a and_o groundless_a motive_n and_o inducement_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a true_o conscientious_a christian_n can_v satisfy_v themselves_o in_o a_o bare_a way_n or_o form_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v lead_v by_o any_o motive_n or_o inducement_n without_o any_o regard_n at_o all_o have_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o even_o in_o respect_n of_o many_o of_o they_o especial_o such_o who_o be_v of_o weak_a judgement_n some_o unsound_a and_o groundless_a motive_n and_o inducement_n have_v no_o little_a interest_n in_o their_o embrace_v this_o or_o that_o way_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o and_o thus_o the_o motive_n and_o iuducement_n lead_v professor_n into_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o way_n or_o judgement_n and_o practice_n lie_v opposite_a to_o what_o we_o have_v here_o plead_v for_o be_v exceed_o various_a all_o which_o to_o enumerate_v will_v under_o i_o over_o tedious_a all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v therefore_o be_v if_o we_o will_v come_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n place_n religion_n where_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v place_v and_o then_o set_v all_o such_o motive_n and_o inducement_n aside_o weigh_v impartial_o the_o scripture_n and_o argument_n ground_v thereupon_o ready_o give_v up_o our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n to_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o light_n and_o evidence_n of_o those_o scripture_n and_o argument_n six_o and_o last_o the_o persuasion_n and_o practice_n here_o oppose_v have_v prevail_v so_o far_o among_o christian_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n through_o their_o preposterous_a inquiry_n after_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n relate_v to_o the_o practice_n here_o plead_v for_o take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o product_n of_o those_o inquiry_n in_o and_o upon_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o preposterousness_n of_o their_o inquiry_n lie_v more_o especial_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o their_o inquire_v after_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n before_o they_o have_v seek_v after_o or_o find_v out_o the_o proper_a use_n and_o end_n of_o baptism_n in_o the_o general_n and_o the_o true_a notion_n under_o which_o it_o be_v institute_v and_o command_v by_o christ_n second_o in_o their_o inquire_v after_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n relate_v to_o this_o practice_n without_o any_o precedent_a consideration_n have_v to_o his_o will_n relate_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o by_o these_o preposterous_a inquiry_n man_n put_v themselves_o under_o a_o threefold_a disadvantage_n as_o to_o their_o find_v out_o that_o will_v of_o christ_n they_o be_v inquire_v after_o first_o they_o terminate_v and_o limit_v their_o inquiry_n to_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o suppose_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o christ_n relate_v unto_o baptism_n it_o be_v a_o new_a testament_n ordinance_n must_v needs_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o second_o which_o follow_v hereupon_o they_o search_v not_o after_o nor_o attend_v unto_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o at_o first_o establish_v with_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a nor_o attend_v to_o the_o various_a scripture_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n open_v and_o confirm_v that_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o so_o establish_v with_o he_o three_o which_o follow_v from_o both_o they_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o those_o several_a inference_n that_o may_v rational_o and_o according_a to_o scripture_n warrant_v be_v draw_v from_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n for_o the_o determine_n and_o conclude_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o application_n of_o baptism_n but_o now_o will_v people_n begin_v their_o inquiry_n where_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o proceed_v regular_o therein_o they_o will_v find_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n to_o appear_v with_o much_o more_o clearness_n of_o evidence_n on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o practice_n we_o plead_v for_o will_v they_o make_v their_o first_o inquiry_n after_o the_o proper_a use_n and_o end_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o true_a notion_n under_o which_o it_o be_v institute_v and_o then_o proceed_v in_o a_o impartial_a search_n after_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o here_o again_o begin_v where_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v viz._n at_o the_o first_o establishment_n of_o it_o with_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o so_o proceed_v regular_o as_o the_o covenant_n have_v be_v continue_v from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o to_o abraham_n seed_n whether_o natural_a
incline_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n to_o a_o right_n and_o willing_a compliance_n with_o that_o obligation_n put_v upon_o they_o by_o it_o and_o by_o this_o little_a hint_n we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o god_n have_v weighty_a end_n in_o enjoin_v the_o application_n of_o baptism_n the_o present_a token_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o circumcision_n of_o old_a the_o then_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant_n seed_n of_o his_o people_n and_o that_o the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v of_o admirable_a use_n and_o benefit_n unto_o they_o when_o due_o improve_v by_o they_o and_o certain_o than_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v not_o only_o high_o injurious_a to_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n to_o withhold_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n from_o they_o they_o be_v thereby_o deprive_v of_o a_o special_a mean_n subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o preservation_n in_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o good_a of_o the_o 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parent_n the_o good_a of_o their_o seed_n and_o which_o be_v most_o of_o all_o eo_fw-la the_o supportation_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o interest_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o let_v i_o add_v that_o when_o the_o consequence_n of_o refuse_v or_o claim_v a_o privilege_n be_v of_o a_o even_a size_n the_o refuse_v such_o a_o privilege_n suppose_v it_o be_v indeed_o grant_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v accept_v of_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o more_o displease_v unto_o god_n than_o the_o claim_n and_o appropriate_v of_o it_o suppose_v it_o be_v not_o grant_v nor_o that_o claim_n real_o warrant_v by_o scripture_n be_v as_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o considerate_a person_n we_o see_v how_o much_o god_n be_v offend_v at_o ahaz_n his_o refuse_v a_o sign_n when_o offer_v to_o he_o how_o much_o god_n be_v displease_v with_o moses_n for_o neglect_v to_o circumcise_v his_o child_n therefore_o i_o say_v walk_v with_o a_o holy_a fear_n and_o tremble_a lest_o as_o some_o 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heir_n unto_o depend_v much_o upon_o your_o faithful_a and_o wife_n discharge_v of_o your_o duty_n towards_o they_o as_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n abraham_n must_v command_v his_o household_n that_o they_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n that_o god_n may_v bring_v upon_o he_o the_o good_a promise_v with_o reference_n to_o he_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n a_o great_a discouragement_n to_o minister_n in_o plead_v for_o a_o administer_a infant-baptism_n than_o the_o great_a neglect_n of_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n when_o baptize_v and_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o understanding_n and_o improve_n their_o baptism_n afore_o administer_v to_o they_o therefore_o see_v you_o lay_v claim_v to_o abraham_n blessing_n as_o his_o child_n walk_v in_o abraham_n step_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o your_o own_o personal_a faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o also_o in_o instruct_v and_o command_v your_o child_n that_o they_o may_v 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baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o however_o baptize_v shall_v be_v damn_v be_v one_o of_o those_o unalterable_a decree_n lay_v up_o in_o the_o record_n of_o heaven_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o we_o may_v say_v as_o job_n in_o another_o case_n of_o god_n he_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o who_o shall_v that_o be_v none_o shall_v turn_v he_o job_n 23.13_o your_o abide_n in_o and_o enjoin_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n into_o which_o 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n you_o be_v admit_v in_o you_o infancy_n undispensable_o require_v your_o personal_a faith_n and_o obedience_n therefore_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o in_o so_o do_v you_o may_v upon_o sure_a ground_n apply_v and_o improve_v your_o baptism_n as_o god_n seal_v infallible_o secure_v your_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v finis_fw-la
controversy_n as_o to_o neglect_v thy_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n but_o i_o say_v a_o little_a christian_a prudence_n will_v direct_v in_o this_o and_o obviate_v the_o inconvenience_n suggest_v but_o second_o it_o will_v be_v say_v the_o appear_v thus_o in_o public_a may_v occasion_v the_o revival_n of_o these_o controversy_n which_o seem_v now_o almost_o lay_v aside_o and_o forget_v among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o may_v renew_v heighten_v and_o increase_v those_o division_n which_o heretofore_o have_v be_v of_o such_o sad_a consequence_n as_o to_o their_o unanimous_a and_o concordant_a practice_n of_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o religion_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v answer_v i_o be_o not_o altogether_o without_o hope_n of_o the_o quite_o contrary_a viz._n that_o it_o may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n for_o the_o obtain_n and_o promote_a union_n among_o they_o there_o be_v a_o double_a union_n that_o 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sleeve_n or_o practice_n hand_n over_o head_n whatever_o be_v propose_v to_o they_o by_o any_o mean_v exclusive_a of_o this_o and_o with_o what_o confidence_n soever_o any_o attempt_n may_v be_v make_v to_o effect_v this_o union_n any_o other_o way_n they_o will_v be_v find_v utter_o unavailable_a and_o probable_o issue_v in_o the_o quite_o contrary_a event_n to_o what_o be_v aim_v at_o but_o suppose_v this_o first_o and_o most_o excellent_a kind_n of_o union_n which_o we_o ought_v ultimate_o to_o aim_v at_o and_o endeavour_n shall_v not_o be_v attain_v the_o same_o difference_n in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n shall_v yet_o remain_v yet_o methinks_v i_o may_v yea_o i_o can_v but_o rational_o expect_v that_o the_o latter_a viz._n of_o heart_n and_o affection_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v impede_v and_o obstruct_v that_o it_o will_v be_v considerable_o advance_v and_o promote_v though_o dissenter_n may_v not_o come_v over_o to_o my_o judgement_n and_o practice_n by_o what_o be_v here_o offer_v yet_o sure_o i_o may_v promise_v myself_o without_o concur_v the_o censure_n of_o be_v over_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n assert_v or_o the_o strength_n and_o validity_n of_o the_o argument_n produce_v for_o its_o confirmation_n that_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o in_o case_n i_o do_v err_v it_o be_v cunt_fw-la ratione_fw-la and_o that_o i_o have_v so_o much_o ground_n from_o scripture_n to_o bottom_v my_o judgement_n and_o practice_n upon_o as_o may_v acquit_v i_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n without_o stretch_v it_o beyond_o the_o bound_n allow_v in_o scripture_n and_o warrant_v by_o reason_n from_o a_o wilful_a persist_v in_o error_n and_o i_o hardly_o know_v any_o thing_n more_o effectual_a for_o the_o maintain_v love_n and_o friendship_n among_o dissent_v christian_n then_o for_o they_o to_o be_v mutual_o satisfy_v in_o each_o other_o that_o they_o do_v not_o dissent_v upon_o any_o other_o account_n then_o their_o respective_a conscientiousness_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o god_n which_o satisfaction_n can_v hardly_o be_v give_v in_o a_o more_o effectual_a manner_n than_o by_o hold_v forth_o and_o declare_v each_o to_o other_o the_o light_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n captivate_v their_o judgement_n to_o the_o embracement_n and_o practice_n of_o what_o they_o do_v different_o embrace_v and_o practice_n so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o hope_v the_o send_v abroad_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o revive_v a_o controversy_n almost_o lay_v asleep_a and_o forget_v to_o the_o disunit_a of_o christian_n and_o heighten_v their_o difference_n and_o division_n that_o it_o may_v be_v of_o some_o good_a use_n for_o the_o promote_a the_o quite_o contrary_a end_n viz_o their_o unite_n if_o not_o in_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 1.10_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d perfect_o join_v together_o in_o one_o mind_n and_o judgement_n yet_o they_o may_v live_v together_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ephes_n 4.2_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n and_o yet_o further_o let_v i_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o which_o have_v its_o due_a consideration_n may_v if_o not_o whole_o remove_v yet_o much_o allay_v what_o prejudices_fw-la of_o this_o nature_n may_v arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v this_o time_n of_o affliction_n whether_o come_v immediate_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n or_o mediate_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n be_v special_a time_n for_o every_o one_o to_o take_v a_o more_o through_o and_o impartial_a review_n of_o their_o respective_a way_n and_o practice_n the_o rod_n have_v a_o voice_n which_o all_o be_v command_v to_o here_o hear_v the_o rod_n and_o who_o have_v appoint_v it_o micah_n 6_o 9_o what_o its_o voice_n be_v or_o what_o it_o call_v for_o at_o our_o hand_n may_v be_v gather_v partly_o from_o what_o the_o god_n of_o wisdom_n or_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n declare_v to_o be_v his_o expectation_n from_o those_o either_o over_o who_o it_o be_v lift_v up_o in_o the_o threaten_n or_o upon_o who_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o execution_n and_o partly_o from_o what_o the_o man_n of_o wisdom_n as_o the_o prophet_n there_o speak_v have_v do_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o voice_n what_o be_v god_n expectation_n he_o tell_v we_o jer._n 8.6_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n hearken_v and_o hear_v but_o no_o man_n speak_v aright_o and_o wherein_o they_o fail_v in_o speak_v aright_o he_o tell_v we_o no_o man_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v or_o which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n what_o have_v i_o not_o do_v what_o have_v i_o omit_v and_o neglect_v that_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v the_o rod_n call_v to_o we_o to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o impartial_a account_n wherein_o we_o have_v either_o come_v short_a of_o or_o exceed_v that_o rule_n we_o ought_v to_o walk_v by_o what_o man_n of_o wisdom_n have_v do_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o voice_n of_o the_o rod_n see_v in_o that_o lam._n 3.40_o let_v we_o search_v our_o way_n and_o turn_n unto_o the_o lord_n when_o god_n be_v search_v after_o our_o sin_n especial_o when_o the_o search_n be_v make_v by_o affliction_n when_o god_n have_v we_o upon_o the_o rack_n â—s_a job_n seem_v to_o allude_v job_n 10.6_o sure_o it_o be_v our_o concernment_n to_o make_v a_o through_o and_o impartial_a search_n too_o god_n threaten_v to_o search_v jerusalem_n with_o candle_n zeph._n 1.12_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o his_o search_n by_o affliction_n now_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v his_o candle_n in_o his_o hand_n he_o be_v search_v england_n with_o candle_n he_o be_v in_o special_a search_v the_o profess_v party_n in_o england_n with_o candle_n now_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a observation_n of_o that_o worthy_a expositor_n upon_o job_n say_v he_o trouble_n be_v as_o so_o many_o candle_n that_o god_n set_v up_o to_o search_v we_o by_o and_o they_o will_v be_v as_o so_o many_o fire_n enkindle_v to_o consume_v we_o with_o in_o case_n we_o search_v not_o ourselves_o but_o yet_o let_v i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a light_n of_o affliction_n without_o the_o concur_v light_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n that_o can_v discover_v to_o any_o their_o sin_n hence_o when_o god_n hold_v out_o the_o light_n of_o his_o candle_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a seasonable_a time_n to_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o internal_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v discover_v that_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o will_v not_o be_v own_v so_o to_o be_v at_o another_o time_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o can_v but_o hope_n that_o what_o be_v here_o present_v to_o public_a view_n will_v by_o considerate_a person_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v account_v unseasonable_a that_o it_o will_v be_v account_v
not_o isaac_n be_v intend_v not_o exclusive_a of_o other_o but_o inclusive_a of_o himself_o the_o promise_n can_v not_o have_v receive_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o he_o but_o have_v fail_v in_o the_o ejection_n of_o ishmael_n and_o hence_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o abraham_n sojourn_v in_o canaan_n as_o a_o stranger_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n with_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n heir_n with_o he_o of_o the_o same_o promise_n of_o what_o promise_n sure_o of_o that_o wherein_o god_n engage_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n and_o to_o give_v he_o and_o they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o everlasting_a possession_n both_o these_o promise_n be_v join_v together_o as_o one_o promise_n gen._n 17.6_o now_o of_o this_o promise_n isaac_n be_v a_o heir_n with_o abraham_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v include_v in_o it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o second_o that_o ishmael_n be_v intend_v as_o part_v of_o abraham_n seed_n in_o this_o promise_n be_v evident_a by_o this_o one_o consideration_n not_o to_o multiply_v where_o truth_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a viz._n his_o ejection_n out_o of_o abraham_n family_n and_o his_o be_v disinherit_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n thereby_o it_o be_v true_a his_o bare_a ejection_n out_o of_o abraham_n family_n will_v not_o demonstrate_v his_o be_v in_o abraham_n covenant_n and_o under_o the_o promise_n thereof_o while_o in_o his_o family_n he_o have_v servant_n in_o his_o house_n who_o yet_o may_v be_v after_o cast_v out_o but_o that_o will_v not_o conclude_v they_o to_o have_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o his_o covenant_n but_o now_o as_o by_o that_o his_o ejection_n out_o of_o abraham_n family_n he_o be_v disinherit_v of_o or_o disinterest_v in_o the_o promise_n or_o be_v divest_v of_o his_o right_n and_o title_n to_o it_o do_v undeniable_o evidence_n his_o right_n and_o title_n to_o it_o antecedent_n to_o that_o his_o ejection_n for_o he_o can_v not_o be_v divest_v or_o disinherit_v of_o that_o he_o never_o have_v or_o be_v never_o a_o heir_n unto_o now_o that_o ishmael_n with_o and_o by_o mean_n of_o his_o rejection_n out_o of_o abraham_n family_n be_v divest_v of_o a_o right_n and_o title_n he_o afore_o have_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o the_o promise_n thereof_o be_v evident_a by_o these_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o his_o ejection_n be_v typical_a of_o their_o ejection_n out_o of_o the_o gospel_n church_n and_o rejection_n from_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n who_o under_o a_o profession_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o be_v the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n do_v adhere_v to_o the_o law_n for_o righteousness_n and_o life_n that_o ishmael_n cast_n out_o of_o abraham_n family_n be_v thus_o typical_a be_v express_o affirm_v by_o the_o apostle_n gal_n 4.30_o compare_v with_o the_o forego_v context_n now_o his_o bare_a ejection_n out_o of_o abraham_n family_n can_v not_o have_v make_v he_o a_o proper_a type_n of_o the_o person_n beforementioned_a in_o as_o much_o as_o then_o there_o have_v be_v no_o direct_a analogy_n or_o proportion_n between_o the_o type_n and_o antitype_n how_o his_o mere_a cast_v out_o of_o abraham_n family_n shall_v represent_v or_o foreshow_v and_o predict_v the_o ejection_n of_o the_o person_n forementioned_a out_o of_o the_o gospel_n church_n and_o divestment_n of_o all_o title_n to_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n can_v be_v imagine_v for_o as_o much_o as_o other_o may_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o abraham_n family_n who_o ejection_n be_v not_o of_o any_o such_o typical_a signification_n second_o that_o ishmael_n together_o with_o and_o by_o mean_n of_o his_o ejection_n out_o of_o abraham_n family_n be_v divest_v of_o a_o right_n and_o title_n which_o while_o in_o his_o house_n he_o have_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n thereof_o be_v evident_a because_o sarah_n in_o her_o request_n to_o abraham_n to_o cast_v he_o out_o propose_v that_o as_o her_o end_n viz._n that_o he_o may_v not_o iuherit_v with_o isaac_n her_o son_n gen._n 21.10_o cast_v out_o this_o bond_n woman_n and_o her_o son_n for_o the_o son_n of_o the_o bondwoman_n shall_v not_o be_v heir_n with_o my_o son_n even_o with_o isaac_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o good_a promise_v in_o this_o covenant_n that_o she_o desire_v his_o disinherit_n of_o be_v evident_a by_o abraham_n grief_n have_v it_o be_v only_o the_o temporal_a possession_n of_o abraham_n his_o not_o inherit_v of_o which_o she_o propose_v as_o her_o end_n in_o desire_v his_o ejection_n there_o have_v be_v no_o reason_n of_o abraham_n grief_n in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v under_o the_o promise_n of_o outward_a blessing_n notwithstanding_o that_o his_o ejection_n now_o there_o have_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o sarah_n to_o propose_v that_o end_n in_o her_o request_n to_o have_v he_o cast_v out_o unless_o he_o have_v and_o will_v continue_v to_o have_v have_v during_o his_o abode_n in_o the_o house_n a_o like_a visible_a right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o promise_n that_o isaac_n have_v she_o may_v have_v desire_v his_o ejection_n for_o some_o other_o reason_n but_o for_o that_o that_o he_o may_v not_o inherit_v with_o isaac_n she_o can_v not_o rational_o do_v it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o impertinent_a reason_n for_o she_o to_o have_v desire_v his_o ejection_n that_o he_o may_v not_o inherit_v with_o she_o own_o son_n in_o case_n he_o have_v no_o right_a nor_o title_n to_o the_o promise_a inheritance_n whilst_o in_o the_o house_n for_o a_o woman_n to_o desire_v her_o husband_n to_o cast_v out_o a_o servant_n out_o of_o the_o family_n for_o that_o reason_n that_o he_o may_v not_o inherit_v with_o she_o own_o child_n when_o as_o whether_o he_o shall_v continue_v or_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o family_n he_o can_v lay_v no_o claim_n to_o to_o the_o inheritance_n will_v be_v ridiculous_a hence_o sarahs_n plead_v that_o reason_n or_o propound_v that_o end_n of_o her_o request_n plain_o imply_v that_o ishmael_n during_o his_o abode_n in_o abraham_n family_n have_v at_o rest_n a_o visible_a right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o inheritance_n promise_v which_o will_v be_v disannul_v by_o that_o his_o ejection_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a ishamel_n as_o well_o as_o isaac_n be_v intend_v in_o that_o promise_n and_o that_o both_o be_v joint_a heir_n to_o or_o subject_n of_o that_o promise_n as_o external_o make_v to_o abraham_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o seed_n now_o then_o see_v these_o two_o viz._n ishmael_n and_o isaac_n be_v intend_v there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n imagine_v why_o we_o shall_v suppose_v abraham_n other_o child_n to_o be_v exclude_v for_o they_o be_v either_o elect_v or_o not_o elect_v if_o they_o be_v their_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o isaac_n if_o not_o their_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ishmael_n and_o therefore_o both_o ishmael_n and_o isaac_n be_v intend_v there_o be_v no_o show_n of_o reason_n to_o suppose_v the_o other_o exclude_v but_o we_o may_v partly_o from_o the_o parity_n of_o their_o case_n with_o the_o case_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o these_o two_o and_o partly_o from_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o forego_n argument_n positive_o conclude_v that_o all_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n according_a to_o the_o intendment_n of_o this_o first_o proposition_n be_v intend_v in_o this_o promise_n as_o the_o first_o and_o next_o subject_n of_o it_o but_o let_v that_o suffice_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o proposition_n chap._n iii_o objection_n against_o the_o first_o subordinate_a proposition_n consider_v and_o answer_v thus_o have_v see_v somewhat_o for_o much_o more_o may_v be_v produce_v of_o that_o evidence_n the_o scripture_n give_v in_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o first_o proposition_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o objection_n i_o have_v yet_o meet_v with_o or_o can_v possible_o imagine_v may_v be_v make_v that_o have_v any_o appearance_n of_o weight_n in_o they_o against_o the_o truth_n hitherto_o assert_v and_o plead_v for_o that_o which_o i_o plead_v for_o be_v this_o that_o god_n in_o that_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o he_o engage_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n intend_v his_o natural_a seed_n and_o that_o indefinite_o one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n as_o the_o immediate_a and_o next_o subject_n of_o it_o now_o at_o least_o some_o i_o suppose_v not_o all_o of_o those_o who_o judgement_n and_o practice_n vary_v from_o the_o truth_n plead_v for_o will_v contend_v that_o this_o term_n seed_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o restrain_a sense_n as_o only_o intend_v of_o one_o or_o more_o of_o abraham_n immediate_a child_n to_o the_o exclude_v of_o
show_v what_o their_o mistake_n be_v that_o do_v suppose_v the_o promise_n will_v be_v make_v void_a in_o case_n the_o jew_n shall_v be_v reject_v and_o show_v this_o to_o be_v their_o mistake_n that_o they_o suppose_v that_o this_o promise_n as_o it_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n do_v appertain_v to_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n as_o such_o now_o this_o mistake_v the_o apostle_n rectify_v and_o show_v that_o as_o such_o a_o spiritual_a promise_n it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o respect_n abraham_n natural_a seed_n as_o such_o but_o be_v make_v only_o to_o the_o elect_n they_o only_o be_v account_v for_o the_o seed_n respective_a to_o this_o promise_n as_o so_o understand_v to_o that_o i_o answer_v two_o thing_n first_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o present_a framer_n of_o this_o objection_n in_o the_o sense_n now_o express_v do_v grant_v that_o the_o promise_n in_o some_o sense_n do_v intend_v abraham_n natural_a seed_n and_o that_o as_o such_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o intend_v not_o only_o a_o temporal_a but_o a_o spiritual_a good_a as_o make_v to_o abraham_n seed_n univerfally_o as_o well_o as_o to_o himself_o of_o which_o by_o and_o by_o than_o our_o first_o proposition_n be_v true_a by_o the_o grant_n at_o least_o of_o some_o of_o our_o opposer_n they_o grant_v that_o in_o a_o sense_n it_o do_v intend_v they_o but_o you_o will_v say_v whatever_o argument_n may_v be_v offer_v yet_o the_o apostle_n show_v plain_o that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n it_o be_v make_v only_o to_o the_o elect_n for_o say_v he_o take_v the_o promise_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v account_v for_o the_o seed_n and_o we_o must_v believe_v the_o apostle_n whatever_o argument_n may_v seem_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_n i_o answer_v to_o this_o second_o consider_v the_o apostle_n do_v no_o more_o restrain_v this_o promise_n as_o a_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n to_o the_o elect_n than_o the_o do_v restrain_v it_o to_o they_o as_o a_o promise_n of_o a_o mere_a temporal_a good_a if_o he_o do_v not_o restrain_v it_o to_o they_o whole_o and_o in_o a_o absolute_a sense_n he_o do_v not_o restrain_v it_o to_o they_o at_o all_o for_o observe_v it_o in_o case_n he_o restrain_v it_o as_o a_o spiritual_a promise_n and_o not_o as_o a_o temporal_a promise_n to_o the_o elect_n that_o limit_a restraint_n must_v be_v express_v either_o in_o the_o word_n themselves_o or_o infer_v from_o the_o context_n or_o the_o apostle_n scope_n in_o they_o for_o the_o word_n themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o intimate_v such_o a_o limit_a restraint_n for_o say_v he_o the_o child_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v account_v for_o the_o seed_n he_o do_v not_o say_v the_o child_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o intend_v in_o that_o promise_n as_o a_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n so_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v account_v for_o the_o seed_n not_o be_v account_v for_o the_o seed_n as_o that_o promise_n be_v a_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v when_o he_o say_v of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o flesh_n they_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v they_o be_v not_o intend_v in_o that_o promise_n as_o it_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n to_o that_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o all_o one_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o person_n may_v be_v under_o a_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n as_o make_v conditional_o to_o they_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o ever_o become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o that_o sense_n so_o that_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o none_o can_v be_v under_o a_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n as_o conditional_o make_v or_o under_o a_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n as_o indefinite_o make_v to_o some_o species_n or_o sort_n of_o person_n collective_o take_v unless_o they_o be_v either_o at_o present_a the_o child_n of_o god_n or_o shall_v infallible_o become_v so_o for_o the_o future_a it_o can_v be_v say_v it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v that_o for_o the_o apostle_n to_o deny_v the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n to_o be_v the_o chilnten_a of_o god_n and_o to_o deny_v they_o be_v intend_v in_o that_o promise_n as_o a_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n because_o they_o may_v be_v intend_v in_o that_o promise_n and_o yet_o never_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n person_n may_v be_v under_o a_o conditional_a promise_n or_o a_o indefinite_a promise_n of_o save_a grace_n and_o yet_o can_v be_v from_o thence_o denominate_v in_o a_o absolute_a sense_n to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n nor_o prove_v thereby_o that_o they_o shall_v even_o become_v so_o so_o that_o such_o a_o limit_a restraint_n of_o this_o promise_n to_o the_o elect_a only_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o intimate_v in_o the_o word_n themselves_o second_o for_o the_o context_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o do_v infer_v such_o a_o limit_a restraint_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o elect_a only_o or_o a_o necessity_n of_o put_v such_o construction_n upon_o the_o word_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v in_o explain_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o the_o word_n as_o afore_o open_v as_o full_o agree_v to_o and_o answer_v the_o apostle_n design_n and_o scope_n as_o if_o they_o be_v understand_v with_o a_o limit_a restraint_n they_o will_v do_v and_o do_v as_o full_o answer_v and_o satisfy_v the_o question_n or_o objection_n he_o be_v to_o answer_v this_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a to_o add_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o word_n themselves_o or_o that_o can_v be_v deduce_v from_o the_o context_n or_o the_o apostle_n design_n and_o scope_n in_o they_o to_o necessitate_v our_o understanding_n the_o apostle_n to_o intend_v any_o such_o limit_a restraint_n of_o this_o promise_n to_o the_o elect_a only_o if_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o and_o absolute_o restrain_v to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o restrain_v to_o they_o at_o all_o for_o aught_o what_o appear_v from_o the_o text_n of_o the_o apostle_n now_o our_o opposer_n themselves_o grant_v that_o in_o some_o sense_n the_o promise_n be_v not_o restrain_v to_o the_o elect_n but_o do_v intend_v abraham_n natural_a seed_n as_o such_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o restrain_v to_o they_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v second_o that_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o this_o promise_n as_o intend_v both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a blessing_n do_v intend_v and_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n and_o that_o as_o such_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o covenant_n do_v take_v in_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n under_o the_o first_o testament_n as_o be_v affirm_v in_o the_o first_o proposition_n yet_o the_o apostle_n here_o show_v that_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n administration_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o no_o long_o now_o the_o child_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o any_o sense_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v true_a believer_n be_v only_o account_v for_o abraham_n seed_n to_o that_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o context_n that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o at_o all_o of_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n in_o which_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v make_v with_o or_o continue_v to_o believer_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o question_n he_o be_v answer_v do_v not_o all_o immediate_o and_o direct_o concern_v believer_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o whole_o immediate_o and_o direct_o concern_v the_o jew_n and_o observe_v it_o what_o a_o answer_n shall_v the_o apostle_n return_v to_o the_o propose_a question_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o make_v this_o reply_n the_o question_n be_v how_o can_v israel_n be_v reject_v and_o god_n remain_v true_a to_o his_o word_n of_o promise_n make_v to_o abraham_n their_o father_n with_o reference_n unto_o they_o now_o what_o do_v the_o apostle_n answer_v to_o this_o question_n why_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o man_n he_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o natural_a seed_n yet_o now_o it_o be_v only_o make_v with_o believer_n themselves_o and_o extend_v not_o to_o their_o natural_a seed_n as_o it_o do_v during_o the_o first_o testament_n administration_n and_o what_o have_v that_o be_v to_o the_o purpose_n not_o only_o the_o jewish_a
only_a god_n not_o perform_v to_o they_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v though_o god_n do_v deny_v to_o give_v they_o in_o that_o very_a temporal_a good_a contain_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o that_o covenant_n yet_o they_o be_v infallible_o save_v and_o so_o have_v only_o a_o exchange_n of_o a_o temporal_a good_a for_o a_o spiritual_a though_o they_o have_v not_o that_o particular_a good_a covenant_v yet_o they_o have_v a_o better_a good_a viz._n the_o good_a of_o eternal_a life_n but_o to_o that_o i_o answer_v two_o thing_n first_o grant_v it_o be_v so_o yet_o they_o never_o have_v any_o benefit_n by_o this_o covenant_n or_o the_o promise_v of_o it_o the_o actual_a subject_n of_o which_o yet_o they_o be_v neither_o can_v they_o enjoy_v eternal_a life_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o covenant_n or_o any_o promise_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o opposer_n in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n only_o a_o temporal_a covenant_n but_o some_o will_v say_v though_o they_o have_v not_o salvation_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o covenant_n yet_o all_o infant_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n before_o they_o commit_v any_o actual_a sin_n be_v infallible_o save_v and_o consequent_o those_o who_o case_n fall_v under_o our_o present_a consideration_n be_v save_v i_o answer_v suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o yet_o second_o i_o say_v that_o many_o thousand_o may_v live_v to_o commit_v actual_a sin_n and_o yet_o die_v before_o they_o come_v to_o enjoy_v any_o benefit_n by_o this_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_v thereof_o suppose_v it_o be_v only_o a_o legal_a or_o temporal_a covenant_n and_o consequent_o may_v not_o only_o be_v deprive_v of_o any_o benefit_n by_o this_o covenant_n mere_o through_o god_n not_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o but_o may_v through_o their_o own_o sin_n fall_v short_a of_o any_o high_a good_a which_o may_v be_v suppose_v shall_v have_v be_v give_v in_o lieu_n of_o the_o good_a of_o this_o covenant_n but_o now_o for_o any_o to_o fall_v whole_o short_a of_o that_o good_a promise_v to_o they_o especial_o when_o nothing_o be_v give_v in_o lieu_n thereof_o mere_o through_o god_n not_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v style_v himself_o a_o god_n keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o this_o covenant_n can_v not_o as_o make_v to_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n be_v a_o mere_a temporal_a covenant_n promise_v only_o a_o temporal_a good_a but_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n consist_v of_o spiritual_a promise_n as_o justification_n adoption_n the_o indwelling_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n life_n and_o glory_n etc._n etc._n second_o if_o god_n engage_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n by_o this_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_v thereof_o and_o to_o have_v god_n engage_v by_o covenant_n to_o a_o people_n to_o be_v their_o god_n be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o excellent_a good_a than_o it_o be_v to_o enjoy_v any_o mere_a temporal_a good_a whatever_n than_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n as_o such_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a temporal_a covenant_n nor_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o promise_v of_o mere_a temporal_a blessing_n but_o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o promise_v of_o spiritual_a blessing_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a the_o consequence_n in_o the_o major_a proposition_n be_v undeniable_a unless_o any_o shall_v affirm_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o good_a great_a and_o more_o excellent_a than_o any_o temporal_a good_a can_v possible_o be_v which_o yet_o be_v no_o spiritual_a good_a or_o which_o may_v be_v give_v to_o man_n no_o way_n interest_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n if_o any_o such_o good_a can_v be_v find_v out_o that_o excel_v any_o temporal_a good_a whatsoever_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o a_o save_a good_a have_v no_o reference_n and_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o that_o enjoy_v it_o they_o will_v do_v something_o to_o the_o invalidating_a this_o argument_n till_o than_o i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o no_o such_o good_a be_v imaginable_a and_o for_o the_o minor_a proposition_n that_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o that_o gen._n 17.7_o compare_v with_o psalm_n 144._o and_o the_o latter_a end_n we_o see_v from_o this_o gen._n 17._o that_o god_n do_v engage_v himself_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n as_o such_o i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n which_o promise_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v respect_v his_o natural_a seed_n as_o such_o as_o the_o immediate_a and_o next_o subject_n of_o it_o beside_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o opposer_n the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v give_v to_o all_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n immediate_o descend_v from_o he_o by_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n set_v aside_o esau_n and_o his_o posterity_n as_o the_o proper_a and_o special_a good_a intend_a in_o this_o covenant_n as_o respect_v they_o now_o we_o see_v plain_o as_o word_n can_v make_v any_o thing_n plain_a in_o the_o world_n god_n engage_v by_o promise_n not_o only_o to_o give_v they_o that_o land_n but_o to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o they_o gen._n 17.8_o and_o that_o to_o have_v god_n engage_v by_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o any_o people_n be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o excellent_a good_a than_o any_o mere_a temporal_a good_a be_v evident_a from_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o psalmist_n where_o we_o see_v he_o plain_o prefer_v this_o good_a above_o any_o temporal_a good_a whatsoever_o for_o have_v speak_v of_o their_o happiness_n who_o have_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o temporal_a mercy_n and_o blessing_n he_o add_v as_o prefer_v this_o above_o all_o yea_o happy_a be_v that_o people_n who_o god_n be_v jehovah_n now_o how_o can_v the_o psalmist_n prefer_v a_o interest_n in_o god_n above_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o worldly_a felicity_n in_o case_n it_o be_v but_o a_o temporal_a good_a itself_o or_o a_o good_a that_o only_o refer_v to_o man_n temporal_a happiness_n and_o felicity_n or_o have_v no_o reference_n to_o any_o high_a happiness_n than_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n have_v yea_o let_v i_o say_v do_v this_o promise_n import_v only_o a_o temporal_a good_a their_o happiness_n who_o have_v god_n as_o their_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v now_o give_v their_o happiness_n i_o say_v have_v be_v rather_o less_o than_o great_a than_o the_o happiness_n of_o those_o who_o portion_n whole_o lie_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o the_o psalmist_n may_v better_o have_v prefix_v this_o yea_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o other_o than_o to_o their_o happiness_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o may_v have_v say_v happy_a be_v the_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n yea_o happy_a be_v the_o people_n who_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n in_o respect_n of_o worldly_a prosperity_n as_o be_v before_o express_v object_n but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v say_v this_o have_v the_o lord_n engage_v to_o be_v a_o people_n god_n of_o which_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v be_v mean_v of_o their_o have_v he_o engage_v as_o their_o god_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o their_o have_v he_o engage_v as_o their_o god_n by_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o natural_a seed_n and_o so_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o to_o have_v a_o covenant-interest_n in_o god_n be_v a_o good_a vast_o great_a and_o more_o excellent_a than_o any_o temporal_a good_a whatsoever_o but_o to_o that_o i_o answer_v the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o a_o covenant_n interest_n absolute_o without_o distinguish_v of_o the_o covenant_n convey_v that_o interest_n and_o where_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o distinguish_v we_o ought_v not_o and_o consequent_o the_o scripture_n prefer_v a_o covenant-interest_n in_o god_n above_o all_o outward_a and_o worldly_a felicity_n whatsoever_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o conclude_v there_o be_v no_o covenant-interest_n but_o what_o do_v so_o vast_o excel_v any_o temporal_a good_a whatsoever_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o interest_n the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n have_v in_o god_n be_v a_o good_a transcend_v any_o temporal_a good_a and_o answerable_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o spiritual_a good_a whence_o it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o this_o covenant_n convey_v this_o interest_n in_o god_n unto_o they_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o this_o promise_n be_v a_o promise_n of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o save_v good_a three_o argument_n if_o that_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n
abraham_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o seed_n as_o they_o be_v consider_v under_o that_o potion_n and_o consideration_n as_o his_o seed_n second_o which_o follow_v from_o this_o that_o they_o be_v heir_n to_o that_o promise_n or_o the_o blessing_n contain_v in_o that_o promise_n make_v to_o abraham_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o seed_n which_o blessing_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v before_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o abraham_n himself_o be_v bless_v with_o these_o two_o thing_n can_v be_v gainsay_v but_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o will_v not_o in_o express_a term_n contradict_v the_o apostle_n now_o then_o let_v i_o a_o little_a argue_v with_o our_o opposer_n thus_o either_o that_o covenant_n enter_v with_o abraham_n and_o enter_v with_o believe_a gentile_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o or_o they_o be_v two_o covenant_n specifical_o diverse_a the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o the_o first_o they_o deny_v the_o latter_a they_o affairm_v well_o they_o the_o promise_v contain_v in_o it_o be_v either_o a_o promise_n of_o a_o mere_a temporal_a good_a or_o a_o spiritual_a good_a yes_o say_v our_o opposer_n it_o be_v a_o temporal_a good_a as_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o abraham_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o natural_a seed_n well_o then_o the_o blessing_n or_o good_a contain_v in_o this_o very_a promise_n as_o it_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o spiritual_a or_o mystical_a seed_n be_v either_o a_o temporal_a or_o a_o spiritual_a good_a the_o latter_a here_o must_v and_o i_o suppose_v will_n be_v grant_v by_o our_o opposer_n themselves_o it_o be_v evident_a then_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o opposer_n that_o the_o same_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o natural_a seed_n and_o as_o make_v to_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o they_o only_o import_v a_o temporal_a good_a may_v be_v give_v to_o and_o set_v lead_v upon_o believe_a gentile_n and_o that_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o as_o give_v to_o and_o settle_v upon_o they_o may_v import_v and_o signify_v a_o spiritual_a good_a but_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v make_v with_o believe_a gentile_n be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o believe_v gentile_n be_v heir_n to_o that_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o seed_n be_v express_o affirm_v by_o the_o apostle_n whence_o it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o either_o the_o covenant_n must_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o the_o promise_v thereof_o intend_v one_o and_o the_o same_o good_a as_o make_v both_o with_o reference_n to_o abraham_n natural_a and_o also_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n which_o be_v undoubted_o the_o truth_n or_o else_o that_o the_o same_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o natural_a seed_n according_a to_o that_o covenant_n then_o enter_v with_o he_o and_o that_o as_o so_o make_v with_o respect_n to_o they_o may_v import_v only_o a_o temporal_a good_a may_v yet_o be_v give_v to_o and_o settle_v upon_o believe_a gentile_n by_o another_o covenant_n and_o that_o as_o give_v to_o and_o settle_v upon_o they_o may_v import_v a_o spiritual_a good_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o promise_n may_v run_v in_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n in_o which_o it_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n as_o now_o it_o be_v make_v to_o believe_a gentile_n though_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o that_o promise_n be_v contain_v as_o make_v to_o abraham_n be_v real_o and_o specifical_o diverse_a from_o that_o that_o covenant_n in_o which_o that_o promise_n be_v contain_v as_o make_v to_o believe_a gentile_n for_o if_o so_o be_v the_o same_o promise_n as_o simple_o and_o absolute_o consider_v may_v be_v give_v unto_o and_o settle_v upon_o believe_a gentile_n by_o a_o covenant_n diverse_a from_o that_o according_a to_o which_o it_o be_v first_o give_v to_o abraham_n why_o may_v not_o that_o promise_n be_v give_v unto_o and_o settle_v upon_o believe_a gentile_n in_o the_o same_o latitude_n and_o extent_n in_o which_o it_o be_v first_o give_v to_o abraham_n it_o the_o promise_n be_v give_v to_o believe_a gentile_n why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v give_v in_o the_o full_a extent_n and_o latitude_n of_o it_o certain_o no_o rational_a account_n can_v be_v give_v and_o here_o let_v it_o be_v careful_o observe_v that_o both_o we_o and_o our_o opposer_n be_v agree_v that_o abraham_n blessing_n or_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o that_o promise_n wherein_o god_n engage_v tob_z e_z a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n be_v grant_v to_o believe_a gentile_n all_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o same_o latitude_n and_o extent_n in_o which_o it_o be_v give_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o natural_a seed_n whence_o it_o lie_v upon_o our_o objector_n to_o show_v some_o reason_n why_o suppose_v there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o suppose_a covenant_n the_o promise_n may_v not_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o latitude_n and_o extent_n in_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o give_v as_o well_o as_o the_o promise_n itself_o absolute_o take_v may_v be_v give_v or_o continue_v to_o believe_a gentile_n notwithstanding_o that_o difference_n they_o imagtne_v between_o these_o suppose_a distinct_a covenant_n so_o that_o the_o grant_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v real_o and_o specifical_o diverse_a one_o from_o the_o other_o no_o more_o oppose_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o our_o second_o proposition_n than_o it_o do_v oppose_v what_o the_o objector_n themselves_o do_v hold_v at_o lest_o which_o they_o must_v hold_v unless_o they_o will_v express_o contradict_v the_o apostle_n in_o what_o he_o express_o affirm_v and_o therefore_o i_o say_v upon_o the_o supposal_n of_o what_o the_o objector_n themselves_o must_v grant_v the_o affirm_v and_o maintain_v the_o promise_n to_o run_v in_o the_o same_o latitude_n and_o extent_n to_o believe_a gentile_n in_o which_o it_o run_v in_o unto_o abraham_n do_v not_o necessary_o require_v the_o affirm_v or_o maintain_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o our_o opposer_n must_v grant_v that_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n either_o with_o reference_n to_o himself_o or_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o seed_n and_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o we_o take_v it_o the_o one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o be_v give_v to_o and_o fettle_v upon_o believe_v gentile_n we_o say_v it_o be_v give_v to_o and_o settle_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o same_o latitude_n and_o extent_n in_o which_o it_o be_v give_v to_o abraham_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o natural_a seed_n and_o now_o suppose_v the_o covenant_n believe_v gentile_n be_v under_o shall_v be_v real_o diverse_a from_o that_o enter_v with_o abraham_n how_o that_o shall_v contradict_v what_o we_o affirm_v more_o than_o it_o shall_v contradict_v what_o the_o objector_n themselves_o must_v grant_v be_v impossible_a to_o imagine_v so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o covenant_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o substance_n but_o suppose_v it_o be_v not_o yet_o our_o proposition_n might_n and_o will_v hold_v true_a object_n it_o be_v object_v by_o some_o that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believe_a gentile_n can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v take_v in_o as_o joint_a subject_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o promise_v thereof_o with_o their_o parent_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o parent_n faith_n in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o see_v plain_o that_o the_o jew_n themselves_o though_o they_o be_v the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n who_o seed_n in_o reason_n shall_v have_v enjoy_v as_o great_a privilege_n as_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o any_o believe_a gentile_a can_v not_o upon_o the_o mere_a account_n of_o their_o fleshly_a descent_n from_o abraham_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o gospel-covenant_n but_o for_o their_o unbelief_n be_v reject_v notwithstanding_o their_o relation_n unto_o abraham_n as_o his_o natural_a now_o say_v our_o opposer_n if_o so_o be_v either_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n or_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o believer_n have_v be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o gospel-covenant_n together_o with_o their_o parent_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o parent_n faith_n and_o have_v have_v or_o have_v as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n a_o right_a to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o privilege_n of_o that_o covenant_n than_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n have_v have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o gospel-covenant_n and_o might_n yea_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o gospel-church_n by_o baptism_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o their_o relation_n to_o abraham_n as_o his_o natural_a seed_n and_o can_v not_o just_o have_v be_v refuse_v for_o the_o want_n of_o a_o personal_a faith_n and_o
or_o mystical_a still_o regulate_v their_o judgement_n about_o the_o addition_n alteration_n and_o variation_n of_o the_o covenant_n together_o with_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n thereof_o by_o what_o the_o scripture_n declare_v of_o god_n proceed_v therein_o from_o time_n to_o time_n they_o will_v come_v to_o a_o more_o clear_a understanding_n what_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n relate_v to_o the_o practice_n under_o consideration_n be_v but_o when_o people_n shall_v look_v upon_o baptism_n as_o abstract_v from_o its_o use_n and_o end_n and_o the_o notion_n under_o which_o it_o be_v command_v and_o then_o limit_n and_o terminate_v their_o inquiry_n after_o the_o subject_n it_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v unto_o to_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n overlook_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o god_n have_v declare_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n touch_v a_o right_a to_o and_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n throughout_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o ground_n that_o interest_n in_o and_o right_a to_o the_o covenant_n give_v to_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n though_o they_o fall_v under_o so_o great_a mistake_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o usual_a issue_n and_o product_n of_o these_o inquiry_n as_o thus_o preposterous_o manage_v in_o and_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o that_o be_v a_o strong_a conceit_n that_o because_o they_o find_v not_o in_o so_o many_o express_a word_n mention_v make_v of_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n therefore_o undoubted_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v baptize_v and_o people_n have_v their_o mind_n strong_o possess_v with_o this_o conceit_n be_v easy_o persuade_v that_o they_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o or_o right_o to_o the_o covenant_n or_o promise_v thereof_o whereas_o will_v they_o but_o before_o their_o mind_n be_v possess_v with_o such_o a_o prejudicate_a conceit_n search_v after_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o beliver_v in_o the_o covenant_n throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o as_o they_o will_v plain_o discern_v that_o their_o interest_n so_o they_o will_v more_o easy_o be_v persuade_v of_o their_o right_n to_o baptism_n the_o present_a token_n of_o the_o covenant_n therefore_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v come_v to_o a_o clear_a understanding_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n relate_v to_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n let_v our_o inquiry_n after_o it_o be_v regular_a these_o thing_n i_o can_v willing_o have_v speak_v more_o full_o to_o but_o the_o book_n swell_v to_o a_o big_a bulk_n than_o i_o have_v hope_v it_o will_v have_v do_v and_o have_v stay_v something_o long_o in_o the_o press_n these_o brief_a hint_n shall_v suffice_v and_o therefore_o three_o that_o the_o reader_n especial_o that_o be_v less_o able_a to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o a_o argument_n may_v reap_v the_o full_a benefit_n design_v he_o by_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n i_o shall_v here_o give_v he_o a_o brief_a summary_n of_o what_o be_v more_o large_o discourse_v herein_o what_o i_o have_v adventure_v thus_o public_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o as_o the_o reader_n will_v see_v in_o the_o main_a proposition_n lay_v as_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v the_o affirmative_a of_o that_o so_o long_a and_o so_o much_o agitate_a question_n concern_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v at_o present_a engage_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o be_v the_o affirmative_a of_o that_o question_n as_o it_o respect_v the_o infant_n seed_n of_o believer_n whether_o both_o the_o parent_n or_o only_o one_o be_v so_o and_o that_o as_o immediate_o proceed_v from_o their_o own_o loin_n the_o method_n i_o have_v proceed_v in_o the_o reader_n will_v find_v in_o the_o second_o page_n the_o necessity_n of_o proceed_v in_o that_o method_n i_o have_v already_o intimate_v which_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o when_o he_o find_v himself_o lead_v into_o a_o large_a discourse_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o two_o former_a subordinate_a proposition_n there_o lay_v down_o he_o may_v not_o suppose_v himself_o lead_v out_o of_o his_o way_n as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o main_a proposition_n those_o that_o will_v find_v out_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n concern_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n must_v first_o know_v his_o will_n concern_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_v thereof_o and_o those_o that_o will_v know_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o infant_n seed_n of_o believer_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o must_v begin_v at_o the_o first_o establishment_n of_o it_o with_o abraham_n the_o common_a father_n of_o all_o believer_n and_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v with_o more_o clearness_n and_o with_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o reader_n i_o have_v endeavour_v full_o to_o explain_v at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o my_o present_a design_n do_v require_v that_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n unto_o which_o the_o three_o subordinate_a proposition_n do_v refer_v where_o the_o reader_n will_v find_v that_o though_o god_n in_o that_o term_n seed_n do_v intend_v abraham_n whole_a seed_n or_o all_o those_o he_o shall_v sustain_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o father_n unto_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n of_o that_o promise_n he_o have_v a_o direct_a and_o immediate_a respect_n to_o his_o natural_a seed_n yet_o after_o a_o different_a manner_n according_a to_o a_o twofold_a consideration_n they_o fall_v under_o first_o as_o his_o natural_a child_n as_o immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n second_o as_o his_o natural_a race_n and_o posterity_n mediate_o descend_v from_o he_o in_o after_o age_n hence_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v of_o either_o as_o a_o definite_a promise_n make_v to_o his_o seed_n distributive_o take_v and_o so_o it_o do_v teach_v to_o all_o his_o child_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n and_o as_o it_o do_v respect_v his_o natural_a seed_n only_o to_o they_o or_o as_o a_o indefinite_a promise_n make_v to_o his_o seed_n collective_o take_v and_o so_o it_o do_v extend_v to_o his_o whole_a natural_a race_n and_o posterity_n my_o meaning_n more_o plain_o be_v this_o that_o this_o promise_n be_v either_o so_o make_v to_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n as_o that_o each_o of_o they_o as_o severally_z and_o particular_o take_v have_v as_o his_o seed_n a_o actual_a interest_n in_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v only_o make_v to_o his_o child_n as_o immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n or_o be_v so_o make_v to_o his_o seed_n as_o though_o none_o in_o particular_a have_v mere_o as_o his_o natural_a seed_n a_o actual_a interest_n in_o it_o yet_o god_n do_v thereby_o signify_v and_o declare_v his_o will_n and_o purpose_n to_o vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o more_o general_o consider_v and_o that_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o privilege_n of_o a_o covenant-relation_n with_o himself_o in_o definite_a promise_n god_n speak_v to_o particular_a person_n in_o indefinite_a promise_n he_o speak_v to_o none_o in_o particular_a only_o declare_v his_o will_n and_o purpose_n concern_v such_o a_o sort_n or_o species_n of_o man_n to_o who_o he_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o will_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n now_o in_o my_o first_o subordinate_a proposition_n where_o i_o say_v that_o god_n intend_v abraham_n natural_a seed_n as_o the_o immediate_a and_o next_o subject_n of_o that_o promise_n i_o mean_v his_o child_n as_o immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n and_o take_v the_o promise_n as_o a_o definite_a promise_n this_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a chap._n 2._o and_o answer_v what_o objection_n i_o can_v imagine_v may_v be_v make_v against_o it_o chap._n 3._o whether_o i_o must_v refer_v the_o reader_n for_o full_a satisfaction_n and_o this_o first_o proposition_n be_v clear_a the_o way_n lie_v plain_a to_o the_o second_o it_o be_v a_o very_a rational_a supposal_n that_o what_o privilege_n or_o blessing_n the_o father_n enjoy_v shall_v suppose_v it_o alike_o competable_a to_o they_o as_o to_o he_o descend_v to_o his_o seed_n as_o his_o heir_n and_o that_o believe_a gentile_n abraham_n mystical_a seed_n have_v this_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n give_v to_o and_o settle_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o latitude_n and_o extent_n in_o which_o it_o be_v give_v to_o abraham_n himself_o as_o a_o natural_a father_n of_o natural_a child_n only_o allow_v to_o he_o aâ—_n father_n that_o pre-eminence_n mention_v page_n 65._o be_v evident_a first_o from_o the_o very_a tenor_n of_o the_o promise_n