of_o they_o and_o such_o as_o do_v their_o interest_n in_o he_o grutch_v crispus_n with_o gaius_n stephanas_n with_o other_o be_v not_o all_o through_o grace_n baptise_v that_o of_o their_o household_n be_v and_o child_n who_o will_v doubt_v be_v there_o then_o let_v we_o not_o to_o they_o deny_v nor_o seem_v as_o if_o we_o do_v envy_v the_o privilege_n which_o god_n from_o heaven_n have_v through_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n give_v nor_o let_v we_o limit_v his_o good_a spirit_n in_o application_n of_o christ_n merit_n who_o blood_n be_v shed_v for_o they_o as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o they_o in_o age_n excel_v if_o such_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n who_o dare_v deny_v they_o his_o disciple_n be_v iii_o thomas_n shepard_n anagr_n more_o have_v poise_v more_o from_o this_o holy_a pen_n dâ—th_v â—asted_v the_o baptism_n to_o defend_v 〈◊〉_d infant_n 〈◊〉_d at_o church_n member_n be_v if_o well_o you_o do_v attend_v then_o any_o anti-baptists_a can_v with_o solidness_n confute_v i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o god_n will_v grant_v these_o labour_n fruit_n as_o good_a or_o better_a than_o the_o pain_n by_o other_o godly_a take_v that_o thereby_o all_o his_o precious_a saint_n be_v will_v please_v to_o awaken_v that_o none_o may_v any_o more_o oppose_v with_o zeal_n preposterous_a the_o truth_n which_o god_n most_o holy_a word_n commend_v unto_o we_o that_o who_o be_v less_o convince_v by_o this_o holy_a shepherd_n voice_n yet_o in_o his_o letter_n leave_v behind_o they_o may_v â—â—e_v more_o rejoice_v he_o be_v a_o shine_a light_n indeed_o few_o other_o such_o be_v leave_v the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v we_o be_v not_o by_o our_o sin_n of_o they_o bereave_v and_o pour_v down_o of_o his_o spirit_n more_o upon_o his_o son_n survive_v that_o will_v be_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o truth_n be_v lover_n a_o revive_n four_o thomas_n shepard_n anagr_n arm_v as_o the_o shop_n arm_a at_o the_o shop_n of_o god_n good_a word_n â—oth_v weapon_n unto_o he_o afford_v â—â—â—â—nd's_v the_o right_a of_o little_a one_o who_o god_n in_o the_o church_n covenant_n own_v the_o childâ—eâ—_n of_o â—is_n church_n among_o to_o who_o 〈◊〉_d kingdom_n do_v belong_v and_o there_o withal_o the_o seal_n thereof_o through_o his_o free_a mercy_n grace_n and_o love_n yet_o be_v there_o some_o which_o they_o forbid_v as_o once_o his_o weak_a disciple_n do_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o scruple_n make_v whether_o thereof_o they_o shall_v partake_v but_o christ_n be_v very_o angry_a for_o it_o as_o for_o such_o zeal_n he_o do_v abhor_v it_o oh_o come_v say_v he_o and_o welcome_v such_o with_o token_n of_o affection_n much_o as_o if_o that_o they_o and_o scarce_o â—hy_a but_o such_o as_o they_o may_v challenge_v any_o or_o part_n or_o portion_n in_o his_o grace_n so_o do_v his_o favour_n thâ—m_n embrace_v his_o babe_n his_o lamb_n his_o little_a creature_n he_o call_v they_o as_o for_o such_o dâ—features_n christ_n they_o defeat_v as_o well_o as_o they_o who_o they_o presume_v so_o to_o contemn_v this_o holy_a shepherd_n be_v like_o david_n from_o lyâ—â—s_n mouth_n and_o bear_n be_v who_o save_v that_o little_a kid_n who_o god_n do_v crown_n with_o great_a and_o singular_a renown_n and_o so_o this_o shepherd_n have_v no_o doubt_n a_o glorious_a crown_n his_o head_n about_o for_o all_o his_o â—_z and_o for_o this_o in_o high_a and_o everlasting_a bliss_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n do_v honour_v he_o for_o christ_n his_o sake_n so_o his_o esteem_n both_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v most_o rare_a amongst_o they_o who_o christ_n hiâ—_n follower_n be_v and_o oh_o how_o shall_v we_o bless_v his_o name_n that_o oâ—â—is_fw-la son_n he_o pour'_v the_o same_o good_a spirit_n that_o be_v in_o the_o father_n or_o double_v it_o upon_o he_o rather_o lord_n these_o epistle_n do_v thou_o bless_v and_o as_o thy_o truth_n they_o do_v confess_v so_o make_v they_o precious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o that_o do_v thy_o gospel_n prize_n amen_o john_n wilson_n senior_n the_o church-membership_a of_o child_n clear_v up_o in_o a_o letter_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o doubt_n of_o a_o friend_n when_o we_o say_v that_o child_n be_v member_n by_o their_o parent_n covenant_n i_o will_v premise_v three_o thing_n for_o explication_n 1._o that_o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n come_v to_o the_o fruition_n of_o their_o membership_n by_o their_o parent_n covenant_n but_o that_o which_o give_v we_o they_o their_o right_n and_o interest_n in_o this_o membership_n be_v god_n covenant_n whereby_o he_o engage_v himself_o equal_o to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o seed_n this_o i_o suppose_v be_v clear_a 2._o that_o according_a to_o the_o double_a seed_n viz._n 1._o elect_a seed_n 2._o church-seed_n so_o there_o be_v a_o double_a covenant_n 1._o exernal_a and_o outward_a 2._o internal_a and_o inward_a and_o because_o the_o covenant_n make_v the_o church_n hence_o there_o be_v a_o inward_a and_o outward_a membership_n and_o church_n estate_n there_o be_v a_o outward_a jew_n &_o a_o inward_a jew_n rom._n 2.28_o 29._o all_o be_v not_o israel_n i_o e._n the_o elect_a seed_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n i_o e._n the_o church-seed_n of_o in_o outward_a covenant_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n say_v belong_v the_o adoption_n the_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v the_o external_a adoption_n whereby_o god_n account_n they_o his_o child_n or_o the_o child_n of_o his_o house_n and_o family_n the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n and_o according_o have_v the_o promise_n belong_v to_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o outward_a dispensation_n although_o they_o be_v not_o child_n by_o internal_a adoption_n to_o who_o belong_v the_o promise_n by_o effectual_a and_o special_a communication_n of_o save_a grace_n it_o be_v clear_a than_o the_o day_n that_o many_o who_o be_v inward_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o inward_a covenant_n the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v outward_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o outward_a covenant_n the_o child_n of_o god_n isay._n 1.2_o i_o have_v bring_v up_o child_n and_o yet_o rebellion_n and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n they_o be_v call_v my_o people_n i._n e._n by_o outward_a covenant_n and_o yet_o worse_o than_o the_o ox_n or_o ass_n deut._n 32.19_o 20._o they_o be_v call_v son_n and_o yet_o provoke_a god_n to_o revengeful_a wrath_n and_o child_n and_o yet_o without_o faith_n and_o look_v as_o some_o may_v be_v external_o dog_n and_o yet_o internal_o believer_n as_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o outward_a covenant_n christ_n call_v a_o dog_n and_o the_o jew_n who_o yet_o reject_v he_o child_n mat._n 15.26_o so_o many_o may_v be_v external_o child_n in_o respect_n of_o external_a covenant_n and_o yet_o internal_o dog_n and_o evil_a man_n and_o we_o see_v that_o the_o pure_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v saint_n and_o faithful_a &_o child_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o many_o among_o they_o hypocrite_n and_o unbeliever_n because_o they_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o church_n estate_n and_o outward_a covenant_n and_o profession_n be_v outward_o or_o federal_o saint_n be_v many_o time_n inward_o and_o real_o unsound_a hence_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o when_o we_o say_v that_o child_n be_v in_o covenant_n and_o so_o church-member_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o they_o be_v always_o in_o inward_a covenant_n and_o inward_a church-member_n who_o enjoy_v the_o inward_a and_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o external_a and_o outward_a covenant_n and_o therefore_o outward_o church_n member_n to_o who_o belong_v some_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o their_o inward_a and_o eternal_a good_a these_o thing_n be_v clear_a i_o the_o rather_o make_v mention_n of_o they_o to_o undermine_v divers_a usual_a objection_n againt_v the_o membership_n and_o covenant-interest_n of_o child_n as_o that_o they_o have_v no_o save_a grace_n many_o time_n and_o that_o they_o make_v no_o actual_a profession_n of_o any_o grace_n and_o that_o many_o of_o they_o degenerate_a and_o prove_v corrupt_a and_o wicked_a etc._n etc._n for_o suppose_v all_o these_o yet_o god_n may_v take_v they_o into_o outward_a covenant_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o the_o church-seed_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o into_o inward_a covenant_n in_o bestow_v upon_o they_o save_v grace_n or_o power_n to_o profess_v it_o nay_o though_o they_o degenerate_a and_o grow_v very_o corrupt_a afterward_o 3._o because_o you_o may_v question_v what_o this_o outward_a covenant_n be_v to_o which_o the_o seal_n be_v annex_v and_o under_o which_o we_o shall_v prove_v child_n be_v comprehend_v and_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v exceed_o useful_a and_o very_a pleasant_a i_o shall_v therefore_o give_v a_o short_a taste_n of_o it_o as_o a_o light_n to_o
our_o after-discourse_n especial_o as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o large_a extent_n of_o it_o this_o outward_a covenant_n therefore_o consist_v chief_o of_o these_o three_o branch_n or_o special_a promise_n 1._o the_o lord_n engage_v himself_o to_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n or_o be_v name_n shall_v be_v call_v upon_o they_o as_o it_o be_v isay._n 63.19_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n hos._n 1.10_o and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n deut._n 29.12.13_o thou_o become_v miâ—e_v ezek._n 16.8_o they_o may_v not_o be_v his_o son_n and_o people_n real_o and_o save_o but_o god_n will_v honour_v they_o outward_o at_o least_o with_o this_o name_n and_o privilege_v they_o shall_v bear_v his_o name_n to_o be_v call_v so_o and_o consequent_o to_o be_v account_v so_o by_o other_o and_o to_o be_v reckon_v as_o of_o the_o number_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n and_o people_n just_a as_o one_o that_o adopt_v a_o young_a son_n he_o tell_v the_o father_n if_o he_o carry_v it_o well_o towards_o he_o when_o he_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n he_o shall_v possess_v the_o inheritance_n itself_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n be_v shall_v have_v this_o favour_n to_o be_v call_v his_o son_n and_o be_v of_o his_o family_n and_o household_n and_o so_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o number_n of_o his_o son_n 〈◊〉_d râ—m_n 9_o 4._o 2._o the_o lord_n promise_v that_o they_o shall_v above_o all_o other_o in_o the_o world_n have_v the_o mean_n of_o do_v they_o good_a and_o of_o convey_v of_o the_o special_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n nay_o they_o shall_v be_v set_v apart_o above_o all_o people_n in_o the_o world_n to_o enjoy_v these_o special_a benefit_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n power_n against_o sin_n eternal_a life_n etc._n etc._n â—ndâ—â—_n all_o certain_o have_v these_o by_o these_o mean_a unless_o they_o refuse_v they_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o these_o and_o such_o like_a scripture_n and_o example_n 〈◊〉_d privilege_n have_v the_o jew_n say_v the_o apostle_n râ—m_n 3.1_o and_o what_o advantage_n by_o circumcision_n if_o by_o nature_n under_o wrath_n and_o sin_n for_o upon_o that_o ground_n the_o apostle_n make_v the_o question_n he_o answer_v it_o be_v much_o every_o way_n but_o coâ—sly_o because_o tâ—_n they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n 1._o â—_o the_o word_n promise_n covenant_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o save_a grace_n and_o eternal_a good_a other_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o these_o in_o outward_a covenant_n enjoy_v â—â—â—â—_o covenant_n and_o promise_n and_o hence_o these_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o principal_o be_v seek_v after_o by_o these_o mean_n and_o therefore_o christ_n forbid_v his_o disciple_n at_o first_o to_o go_v preach_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gentile_n person_n out_o of_o covenant_n but_o to_o the_o lâ—sâ—_n sheep_n of_o â—hâ—_n hâ—use_n of_o israel_n mat._n 10.6_o and_o himself_o tell_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n that_o he_o come_v not_o but_o to_o the_o last_o sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n mat._n 15.24_o and_o although_o he_o bid_v his_o disciple_n go_v preach_v to_o all_o nation_n yet_o act_v 3.26_o it_o be_v say_v unto_o you_o first_o have_v he_o send_v christ_n because_o you_o be_v child_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o covenant_n verse_n 25_o repent_v therefore_o and_o be_v convert_v verse_n 19_o do_v not_o resist_v or_o refuse_v christ_n for_o he_o have_v first_o send_v christ_n to_o you_o to_o bless_v you_o and_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o iniquity_n and_o the_o promise_n be_v full_a and_o fair_a rom._n 11.23_o if_o they_o abide_v not_o in_o unbelief_n i._n e._n in_o refuse_v grace_n and_o christ_n when_o offer_v they_o shall_v be_v graff_v in_o for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o and_o will_v do_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o lord_n give_v his_o people_n up_o to_o their_o own_o counsel_n it_o be_v because_o my_o people_n will_v noâ—e_v of_o i_o after_o all_o the_o mean_v god_n use_v for_o their_o good_a psal._n 81.11_o 12_o 13._o and_o deut._n 7.6_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v you_o above_o all_o people_n on_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v a_o special_a people_n to_o himself_o and_o thou_o be_v a_o holy_a people_n unto_o the_o lord_n how_o a_o holy_a people_n by_o inward_a holiness_n no_o very_o for_o many_o of_o they_o be_v inward_o unholy_a both_o parent_n and_o child_n but_o thou_o be_v holy_a i._n e._n thou_o be_v external_o sanctify_v and_o set_v apart_o by_o special_a mean_n of_o holiness_n to_o be_v a_o special_a people_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o isaiah_n 5.7_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n be_v call_v god_n pleasant_a plant_n i._n e._n plant_v into_o the_o root_n and_o fatness_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o have_v all_o mean_n use_v for_o their_o further_a special_a good_a verse_n 4._o what_o can_v be_v do_v to_o my_o vineyard_n that_o have_v not_o be_v do_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o though_o the_o word_n may_v come_v to_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o church-member_n yet_o it_o come_v not_o to_o they_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n as_o it_o do_v to_o church-member_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o promise_n of_o mercy_n aforehand_o as_o church-member_n have_v nor_o be_v it_o chief_o belong_v to_o such_o but_o unto_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n &_o the_o promise_n as_o have_v be_v say_v and_o hence_o also_o it_o follow_v we_o that_o god_n never_o cutt'_v off_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o servant_n from_o the_o special_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n until_o they_o have_v have_v the_o mean_n thereunto_o and_o they_o have_v positive_o reject_v those_o mean_n and_o hence_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v make_v the_o pattern_n of_o what_o god_n will_v do_v towards_o all_o gentile-churche_n rom._n 11._o be_v never_o cast_v off_o till_o by_o positive_a unbelief_n they_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o break_v they_o off_o by_o reject_v and_o refuse_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o eternal_a peace_n 3._o the_o lord_n promise_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n indefinite_o consider_v shall_v have_v this_o heart_n viz_o which_o will_v refuse_v special_a grace_n and_o mercy_n take_v away_o as_o well_o as_o mean_n use_v for_o that_o end_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o deut._n 30.6_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v circumcise_v thy_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o thy_o seed_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n he_o will_v cut_v off_o the_o uncircumcision_n and_o sin_n and_o resistance_n of_o the_o heart_n against_o god_n he_o will_v take_v away_o the_o stony_a heart_n not_o indeed_o from_o all_o in_o outward_a covenant_n particular_o but_o from_o these_o indefinite_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n to_o do_v this_o for_o any_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n though_o god_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o free_a mercy_n sometime_o do_v so_o but_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o belong_v indefinite_o to_o those_o of_o his_o church_n among_o who_o usual_o and_o ordinary_o he_o work_n be_v this_o great_a work_n leave_v he_o to_o his_o own_o freeness_n of_o secret_a mercy_n to_o work_v thus_o on_o who_o he_o will_v and_o when_o he_o will_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o no_o man_n can_v exclude_v himself_o or_o any_o other_o within_o this_o covenant_n from_o hope_n of_o this_o mercy_n and_o grace_n but_o may_v with_o comfort_n look_v and_o pray_v for_o it_o for_o this_o be_v god_n covenant_n that_o the_o redeemer_n shall_v come_v out_o of_o zion_n and_o turn_v away_o ungodlyness_n from_o jacob_n rom._n 11.26_o 27._o for_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o run_v thus_o if_o thou_o believe_v and_o receive_v grace_n thou_o shall_v have_v it_o but_o thus_o also_o i_o will_v circumcise_v your_o heart_n i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o stony_a heart_n i_o will_v turn_v away_o ungodliness_n form_n you_o i_o will_v enable_v to_o believe_v and_o hence_o these_o three_o thing_n follow_v from_o these_o thing_n thus_o open_v 1._o that_o as_o the_o covenant_n run_v not_o only_o thus_o viz._n if_o thou_o believe_v thou_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o also_o i_o will_v enable_v to_o believe_v so_o a_o man_n entrance_n into_o covenant_n be_v not_o only_o by_o actual_a and_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n as_o some_o say_n because_o god_n covenant_n run_v a_o peg_n high_o viz_o to_o make_v and_o enable_v some_o to_o believe_v and_o so_o to_o make_v that_o profession_n 2._o that_o the_o very_a outward_a covenant_n be_v not_o mere_o conditional_a but_o there_o be_v something_o absolute_a in_o it_o and_o hence_o it_o follow_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n of_o some_o who_o think_v that_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n seal_v only_o conditional_o the_o outward_a covenant_n be_v â—say_n they_o mere_o conditional_a for_o those_o three_o thing_n mention_v in_o the_o outward_a covenant_n you_o
the_o church_n membership_n of_o child_n and_o their_o right_n to_o baptism_n according_a to_o that_o holy_a and_o everlasting_a covenant_n of_o god_n establish_v between_o himself_o and_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n clear_v up_o in_o a_o letter_n send_v unto_o a_o worthy_a friend_n of_o the_o author_n and_o many_o year_n ago_o write_v touch_v that_o subject_n by_o thomas_n shepard_n sometime_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o cambridg_n in_o new-england_n publish_a 〈◊〉_d the_o earnest_a request_n of_o many_o for_o the_o consolation_n and_o encouragement_n both_o of_o parent_n and_o child_n in_o the_o lord_n genesis_n 17.7_o and_o i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o theâ—_n and_o thy_o 〈…〉_z generation_n for_o a_o everlasting_a â—â—venant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o mark_n 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v acts._n 2.39_o for_o the_o promise_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v aâ—â—râ—_n off_o even_o as_o many_o as_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v call_v 1_o cor._n 7.14_o else_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a but_o now_o be_v they_o holy_a cambridg_n print_v by_o samuel_n green_n 1663._o chemnitius_n that_o eminent_a light_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o those_o elaborate_a work_n of_o his_o against_o the_o papist_n exam_n part_n 2._o can_n 14._o de_fw-la baptismo_fw-la have_v this_o memorable_a say_n viz._n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v free_a to_o the_o choice_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v baptise_a in_o infancy_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v adult_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o will_v have_v that_o confirm_v which_o be_v do_v in_o their_o baptism_n as_o though_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n &_o testament_n of_o peace_n which_o be_v offer_v and_o seal_v up_o to_o little_a child_n in_o baptism_n shall_v then_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v establish_v when_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o will_n when_o adult_n be_v add_v thereunto_o for_o from_o this_o wicked_a foundation_n the_o anabaptist_n simple_o have_v take_v away_o and_o condemn_a paedobaptism_n but_o such_o baptise_a little_a one_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v as_o they_o grow_v up_o what_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o testament_n of_o peace_n it_o be_v which_o god_n have_v enter_v into_o with_o they_o in_o baptism_n and_o by_o what_o promise_n of_o gratitude_n they_o have_v likewise_o oblige_v themselves_o 〈◊〉_d obedience_n to_o god_n with_o the_o renounce_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v exhort_v that_o they_o render_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o that_o wonderful_a great_a benefit_n that_o they_o abide_v in_o that_o covenant_n of_o peace_n and_o endeavour_v to_o fullfil_v that_o obligation_n by_o mortify_a sin_n and_o set_v upon_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o that_o they_o do_v this_o free_o and_o sincere_o or_o if_o they_o shall_v through_o unthankfullness_n depart_v from_o that_o covenant_n and_o engagement_n that_o then_o they_o repent_v and_o return_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o subject_n themselves_o again_o to_o that_o stipulated_a obedience_n but_o we_o for_o they_o that_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o the_o most_o severe_a commination_n of_o the_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v heap_v up_o and_o set_v before_o they_o unto_o which_o say_v he_o excommunication_n be_v to_o be_v add_v for_o these_o be_v the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n 2._o cor._n 10._o a_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n mâ—ght_v i_o have_v have_v i_o own_o choice_n and_o desire_v grant_v some_o other_o shall_v have_v perform_v the_o task_n of_o a_o preface_n to_o the_o follow_a treatise_n of_o my_o precious_a and_o much_o honour_a father_n but_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o by_o divers_a worthy_a friend_n who_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o deny_v i_o shall_v therefore_o humble_o premise_v a_o word_n or_o two_o in_o tenderness_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o out_o of_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o those_o especial_o of_o christ_n poor_a sheep_n how_o ever_o feeble_a or_o disease_a that_o either_o have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o go_v astray_o from_o so_o great_a a_o truth_n as_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v sincere_o desirous_a that_o they_o may_v be_v restore_v and_o from_o thence_o return_v unto_o the_o shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o may_v in_o nothing_o be_v make_v a_o prey_n to_o he_o who_o be_v our_o great_a adversary_n the_o devil_n who_o walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v for_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o device_n the_o enmity_n put_v by_o the_o lord_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n gen._n 3.15_o soon_o begin_v to_o work_v even_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o family_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n as_o we_o see_v gen._n 4.8_o by_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o righteous_a abel_n no_o small_a portion_n of_o that_o fix_a hatred_n and_o hostility_n of_o the_o old_a serpent_n have_v ever_o since_o be_v discover_v against_o the_o young_a one_o of_o christ_n little_a flock_n the_o multiplication_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o occasion_n why_o pharaoh_n deal_v so_o wise_o as_o we_o read_v endeavour_v first_o by_o the_o midwife_n secret_o to_o destroy_v the_o male_a child_n and_o after_o that_o more_o open_o by_o a_o edict_n to_o drown_v they_o in_o his_o egyptian_a water_n for_o which_o what_o ever_o his_o pretence_n may_v be_v allege_v exod._n 1.10_o yet_o no_o doubt_n as_o calvin_n on_o the_o place_n somewhat_o that_o way_n hint'_v satan_n have_v a_o design_n therein_o to_o cut_v of_o the_o name_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v even_o of_o we_o all_o the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n rom._n 4.11_o 16_o 17._o and_o so_o to_o evacuate_v and_o annihilate_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n even_o that_o great_a promise_n of_o his_o everlasting_a covenant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n for_o ever_o in_o their_o generation_n hence_o also_o afterward_o we_o find_v this_o spite_n of_o the_o great_a accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n vent_v against_o these_o poor_a little_a one_o in_o the_o forbid_v they_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o that_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v institute_v and_o which_o he_o have_v command_v his_o people_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n to_o observe_v exod._n 10.3_o let_v my_o people_n go_v that_o they_o may_v serve_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n but_o hard-hearted_a pharaoh_n seem_v to_o scruple_n whether_o the_o young_a child_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o lordâ—_n people_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o question_n verse_n 8._o but_o who_o be_v they_o that_o shall_v goâ—_n moses_n plead_v for_o the_o young_a as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a for_o the_o son_n and_o the_o daughter_n verse_n 9_o but_o pharaoh_n be_v of_o another_o apprehension_n and_o resolution_n verse_n 10_o 11._o he_o will_v let_v the_o man_n go_v and_o serve_v the_o lord_n but_o not_o the_o little_a one_o again_o haman_n the_o agagite_n we_o find_v be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a generation_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o the_o little_a child_n of_o the_o church_n also_o be_v express_o mention_v and_o design_v to_o the_o same_o condemnation_n and_o massacre_n with_o their_o father_n estâ—_n 3.13_o and_o much_o more_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v allege_v out_o of_o many_o record_v both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o other_o be_v it_o needful_a the_o satanical_a delusion_n of_o those_o heretical_a cataphrygian_o and_o pepâ—zâ—ans_n of_o oâ—d_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o mingle_v the_o eucharist_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o infant_n of_o a_o year_n old_a of_o who_o austin_n speak_v tom._n 6._o do_v haeresibus_fw-la ad_fw-la quodvultdeâ—m_fw-la be_v not_o unknown_a not_o here_o to_o insist_v on_o that_o instance_n of_o herod_n infanticide_n mat._n 2.16_o 17._o we_o need_v not_o so_o much_o wonder_n at_o hazaels_n cruelty_n against_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o slay_v their_o young_a man_n with_o thâ—_n sword_n and_o dash_v their_o child_n and_o râ—pping_v up_o their_o woman_n with_o child_n 2_o king_n 8.12_o see_v satan_n have_v many_o time_n prevail_v with_o those_o who_o be_v church-member_n and_o of_o long_o stand_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n even_o the_o pareâ—â—_n themselves_o to_o murder_v and_o sacrifice_v their_o infant_n and_o little_a one_o which_o be_v the_o lord_n child_n and_o bear_v unto_o the_o lord_n ezek._n 16_o 20_o 21._o etc._n etc._n such_o a_o evil_a eye_n do_v that_o great_a adversary_n of_o our_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n see_v himself_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o
yet_o though_o this_o be_v wickedness_n and_o disorder_n yet_o the_o church_n may_v proceed_v against_o they_o and_o so_o it_o may_v against_o their_o child_n who_o be_v bind_v to_o own_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o god_n and_o of_o god_n with_o they_o in_o their_o parent_n as_o well_o as_o any_o church-member_n be_v to_o own_o their_o own_o covenant_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a profession_n what_o disorder_n therefore_o will_v come_v in_o as_o you_o conceive_v this_o way_n will_v come_v in_o by_o your_o own_o way_n and_o what_o course_n you_o shall_v take_v to_o heal_v the_o one_o by_o the_o same_o you_o may_v heal_v the_o other_o object_n 3._o if_o child_n say_v you_o be_v member_n then_o their_o seed_n successive_o until_o they_o be_v either_o dissolve_v or_o excommunicate_v and_o if_o so_o then_o what_o church_n shall_v we_o have_v answ._n 1._o what_o church_n shall_v we_o have_v true_o not_o allway_o church_n of_o angel_n and_o faint_v but_o mix_v with_o many_o chaffy_a hypocrite_n and_o oft_o time_n profane_a person_n but_o still_o i_o say_v this_o objection_n hold_v as_o firm_a against_o gather_v church_n of_o visible_a profess_v believer_n for_o god_n be_v what_o church_n we_o may_v have_v of_o they_o even_o heap_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o profane_a person_n for_o i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v give_v we_o hope_v of_o their_o not_o apostatise_v but_o only_a god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o and_o to_o preserve_v they_o and_o true_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o their_o seed_n give_v i_o as_o much_o ground_n of_o faith_n to_o hope_v well_o of_o church_n râ—sing_v out_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o godly_a as_o of_o the_o profess_v parent_n themselves_o i_o know_v one_o may_v have_v more_o experimental_a charity_n concern_v some_o few_o profess_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o my_o church-charity_n be_v equal_a about_o they_o especial_o consider_v that_o those_o who_o god_n receive_v into_o church_n covenant_n he_o do_v not_o only_o take_v they_o to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o he_o but_o to_o establish_v they_o to_o be_v such_o viz_o for_o time_n to_o come_v and_o hence_o god_n be_v say_v to_o establish_v his_o covenant_n with_o isaac_n not_o ishmael_n who_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v gen._n 17.19_o and_o god_n be_v say_v to_o gather_v they_o into_o covenant_n to_o establish_v they_o to_o be_v a_o people_n both_o young_a &_o old_a present_a posterity_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v deut._n 29.11_o 15._o 2._o god_n be_v as_o holy_a and_o as_o exact_o require_v holiness_n from_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o well_o as_o from_o christian_a church_n now_o do_v you_o think_v that_o the_o covenant_n which_o then_o wrap_v up_o the_o jew_n child_n into_o church-membership_a be_v a_o highway_n of_o profaneness_n and_o unholyness_n in_o the_o member_n thereof_o &_o of_o defile_v &_o pollute_v god_n church_n or_o be_v it_o a_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o holiness_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v profane_a to_o affirm_v the_o first_o be_v something_o blaphemous_a and_o very_o false_a for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v jer._n 13.11_o that_o as_o the_o girdle_n cleave_v to_o the_o loin_n of_o a_o man_n so_o he_o cause_v the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n not_o grow_v man_n only_o to_o cleave_v to_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v to_o he_o a_o people_n which_o be_v by_o covenant_n and_o for_o a_o name_n for_o a_o praise_n and_o for_o a_o glory_n god_n name_n glory_n praise_n be_v the_o end_n and_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o mean_n hereunto_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o way_n or_o mean_n of_o unholyness_n in_o that_o church_n but_o if_o you_o say_v it_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o holiness_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o fear_v the_o pollute_a of_o church_n by_o the_o same_o covenant_n which_o we_o have_v prove_v wrap_v in_o our_o seed_n also_o indeed_o they_o do_v prove_v universal_o profane_a in_o the_o jewish_a church_n so_o they_o may_v in_o we_o but_o shall_v man_n wickedness_n in_o abuse_v god_n grace_n and_o forsake_v hâ—s_a covenant_n tie_v the_o hand_n or_o heart_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n from_o take_v such_o into_o covenant_n what_o â—â—oâ—gh_v some_o do_v not_o believe_v say_v thâ—_n apostle_n rom._n 3.3_o 4._o â—â—all_v their_o unbelief_n make_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n without_o effect_n god_n forbid_v 3._o suppose_v they_o do_v prove_v profane_a and_o corrupt_a church_n yet_o even_o then_o when_o they_o be_v corrupt_v they_o be_v such_o church_n where_o ordinary_o god_n gather_v out_o his_o elect_n and_o out_o of_o which_o till_o pure_a be_v gather_v or_o these_o whole_o reject_v there_o can_v be_v expect_v ordinary_o any_o salvation_n for_o so_o say_v our_o saviour_n salvation_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n john_n 4.22_o even_o in_o that_o very_a corrupt_a and_o worst_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n that_o ever_o it_o be_v in_o object_n 4._o if_o child_n be_v member_n than_o they_o must_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o you_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o member_n and_o member_n in_o point_n of_o privilege_n unless_o they_o be_v under_o some_o sin_n answ._n 1._o yes_o very_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o member_n and_o member_n though_o profess_v believer_n in_o point_n of_o privilege_n though_o they_o lie_v under_o no_o sin_n for_o a_o man_n may_v speak_v and_o prophesy_v in_o the_o church_n not_o woman_n a_o company_n of_o man_n may_v make_v a_o church_n and_o so_o receive_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o woman_n though_o profess_v saint_n 2._o all_o grow_v man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v though_o profess_v believer_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n my_o reason_n be_v a_o man_n may_v believe_v in_o christ_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n now_o such_o may_v be_v baptise_a as_o soon_o as_o ever_o faith_n appear_v mark_v 16.16_o but_o they_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o they_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o they_o through_o their_o ignorance_n can_v discern_v the_o lord_n body_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n but_o ignorant_a person_n may_v be_v as_o well_o suspend_v from_o the_o use_n of_o this_o privilege_n though_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n for_o faith_n may_v consist_v with_o much_o ignorance_n as_o well_o as_o distract_a person_n who_o notwithstanding_o may_v be_v believer_n also_o 3._o if_o therefore_o child_n be_v able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n they_o may_v then_o eat_v and_o herein_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o this_o privilege_n between_o member_n and_o member_n 4._o child_n not_o be_v usual_o able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o nor_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n hence_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o use_n of_o â—â—is_n privilege_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v such_o member_n as_o may_v enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o other_o privilege_n even_o that_o of_o baptism_n for_o baptism_n seal_v up_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o covenant_n this_o first_o entrance_n be_v not_o allway_o by_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n but_o by_o god_n promise_n of_o work_v or_o of_o vouchsafe_v the_o mean_n of_o work_v of_o it_o now_o child_n as_o be_v prove_v be_v under_o this_o covenant_n as_o we_o see_v all_o the_o posterity_n also_o of_o abraham_n be_v hence_o though_o child_n can_v profess_v faith_n nor_o actual_o examine_v themselves_o yet_o they_o may_v receive_v and_o must_v receive_v baptism_n be_v already_o under_o godâ—_n covenant_n but_o because_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v not_o seal_v up_o this_o first_o entrance_n and_o first_o right_n to_o the_o covenant_n but_o our_o growth_n and_o fruition_n of_o the_o covenant_n hence_o this_o act_n on_o our_o part_n be_v require_v to_o participate_v in_o this_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v self-examination_n and_o the_o act_n of_o takeing_n and_o eat_v christ_n and_o of_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o of_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n which_o every_o baptise_a person_n and_o church-member_n be_v not_o allway_o able_a to_o do_v a_o child_n may_v receive_v a_o promise_n aforehand_o of_o a_o rich_a estate_n give_v he_o and_o this_o promise_n seal_v up_o to_o he_o his_o father_n receive_v it_o for_o he_o but_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o the_o actual_a improvement_n and_o fruition_n of_o that_o estate_n until_o he_o be_v grow_v up_o understand_v himself_o and_o know_v how_o to_o do_v it_o so_o it_o be_v here_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n require_v ability_n 1._o to_o take_v christ_n as_o our_o own_o 2._o to_o eat_v christ_n that_o be_v to_o take_v fruition_n of_o he_o the_o which_o act_n of_o say_v
&c_n &c_n 4._o hereby_o they_o may_v not_o only_a hope_n and_o pray_v but_o be_v encourage_v to_o believe_v concern_v their_o child_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o covenant_n among_o they_o that_o god_n will_v do_v they_o good_a as_o they_o conclude_v mercy_n to_o the_o remnant_n forgiuness_n of_o their_o sin_n with_o faith_n upon_o this_o ground_n thou_o will_v remember_v the_o truth_n to_o jacob_n and_o thy_o mercy_n to_o abraham_n swear_v unto_o our_o father_n in_o day_n of_o old_a micah_n 7.18_o 20._o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o child_n faith_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n but_o so_o it_o may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o parent_n faith_n and_o if_o we_o pray_v for_o our_o child_n why_o shall_v we_o doubt_v leave_v only_a secret_n to_o god_n if_o we_o see_v they_o die_v before_o they_o reject_v the_o gospel_n positive_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o any_o man_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o child_n if_o he_o die_v or_o that_o god_n will_v not_o do_v good_a to_o his_o child_n in_o time_n if_o he_o live_v 5._o this_o stir_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o be_v the_o more_o sincere_o holy_a and_o keep_v in_o with_o god_n because_o of_o their_o child_n and_o to_o educate_v they_o with_o more_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n because_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n child_n as_o well_o as_o they_o they_o be_v not_o common_a but_o holy_a vessel_n and_o therefore_o let_v they_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o defile_v and_o hence_o we_o find_v that_o when_o god_n exhort's_n to_o any_o duty_n of_o holiness_n in_o scripture_n he_o oft_o make_v this_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o i_o be_o your_o god_n and_o hence_o god_n aggravate_v their_o sin_n in_o offer_v their_o child_n to_o molech_n ezek._n 16._o because_o they_o be_v his_o child_n that_o shall_v have_v be_v better_o use_v 3._o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o the_o good_a be_v very_o great_a 1._o it_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o prevent_v sin_n deut._n 29._o i_o make_v this_o covenant_n not_o only_o with_o he_o that_o be_v present_a but_o with_o your_o seed_n also_o who_o be_v not_o here_o verse_n 15_o let_v there_o shall_v be_v among_o you_o man_n or_o woman_n family_n or_o tribe_n who_o heart_n turn_v away_o from_o god_n and_o lest_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o root_n of_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n and_o indeed_o it_o mighty_o work_v on_o the_o heart_n to_o think_v shall_v i_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o be_v his_o be_v my_o own_o or_o be_v the_o devil_n or_o be_v my_o lust_n &_o c_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o strong_a motive_n &_o engagement_n upon_o they_o to_o forsake_v sin_n even_o the_o uncircumcision_n and_o sin_n of_o their_o heart_n as_o be_v evident_a deut._n 10.15_o 16._o the_o lord_n have_v a_o delight_n to_o choose_v the_o seed_n of_o your_o father_n even_o you_o to_o be_v his_o people_n as_o it_o be_v this_o day_n what_o follow_v we_o therefore_o circumcise_v the_o foreskin_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v no_o more_o stiff-necked_a 3._o it_o be_v a_o special_a help_n as_o to_o avert_v their_o heart_n from_o sin_n so_o to_o convert_v &_o turn_v they_o to_o god_n &_o to_o make_v they_o look_v towards_o god_n that_o he_o will_v turn_v they_o when_o perhaps_o they_o be_v without_o any_o hope_n in_o other_o respect_n of_o mercy_n or_o of_o be_v able_a by_o any_o mean_n they_o can_v use_v to_o turn_v themselves_o this_o be_v evident_a act_v 3.19_o with_o verse_n 25._o repent_v and_o be_v convert_v for_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o our_o father_n this_o draw_v their_o heart_n when_o they_o see_v how_o god_n call_v they_o to_o return_v jer._n 3.22_o come_v unto_o i_o you_o back_o slide_v child_n &c_n &c_n we_o câ—me_v unto_o thou_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n when_o backslide_v ephraim_n can_v not_o convert_v himself_o he_o cry_v unto_o god_n oh_o turn_v i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n jer._n 31.18_o which_o place_n can_v be_v mean_v of_o be_v their_o god_n only_o by_o internal_a covenant_n in_o give_v to_o they_o the_o special_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o have_v remission_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n &c_n &c_n before_o they_o be_v turn_v or_o before_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o be_v a_o god_n in_o outward_a and_o external_a church-covenant_n which_o be_v no_o small_a motive_n and_o load_v one_o to_o believe_v and_o although_o many_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o will_v not_o be_v turn_v yet_o this_o covenant_n be_v a_o high_a privilege_n and_o great_a favour_n fit_a in_o itself_o to_o draw_v to_o god_n though_o many_o believe_v not_o and_o hence_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v great_a in_o have_v god_n oracle_n which_o contain_v god_n covenant_n commit_v to_o they_o though_o some_o believe_v noâ—_n which_o unbelief_n make_v not_o he_o say_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n i._n e._n god_n promise_n or_o covenant_n of_o none_o effect_n or_o a_o uneffectual_a and_o fruitless_a covenant_n for_o this_o word_n of_o god_n covenant_n shall_v take_v some_o effect_n among_o some_o such_o as_o be_v in_o it_o which_o therefore_o be_v a_o privilege_n though_o many_o perish_v as_o be_v evident_a rom._n 9.4_o 6._o 4._o it_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o bind_v they_o fast_o to_o god_n when_o they_o be_v turn_v jer._n 13.11_o as_o the_o girdle_n cleave_v unto_o a_o man_n so_o have_v i_o cause_v the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n to_o cleave_v unto_o i_o that_o they_o may_v be_v for_o a_o name_n and_o glory_n deut._n 30.20_o thou_o shall_v cleave_v unto_o he_o because_o he_o be_v thy_o life_n and_o the_o length_n of_o thy_o day_n he_o be_v not_o their_o life_n spiritual_o and_o save_o for_o many_o thus_o exhort_v be_v dead_a and_o in_o their_o sin_n but_o federal_o or_o in_o outward_a covenant_n 5._o if_o they_o shall_v forsake_v and_o break_v loose_a from_o god_n and_o from_o the_o bond_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o have_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v cast_v themselves_o out_o of_o covenant_n by_o their_o own_o perfidiousness_n &_o breach_n of_o covenant_n that_o one_o will_v think_v now_o there_o be_v no_o more_o hope_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o encourage_v their_o heart_n to_o return_v again_o even_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v utter_o cast_v off_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v jer._n 3_o 1._o though_o thou_o have_v commit_v whoredom_n with_o many_o lover_n whereby_o the_o covenant_n be_v break_v yet_o return_v unto_o i_o so_o deut._n 4._o if_o when_o you_o be_v scatter_v among_o the_o nation_n and_o shall_v serve_v wood_n &_o stone_n and_o be_v in_o great_a tribulation_n if_o from_o thence_o thou_o seek_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n thou_o shall_v find_v he_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v thou_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o viz._n his_o remembrance_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o their_o father_n for_o so_o it_o be_v deut._n 4.27_o 28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o but_o i_o forbear_v to_o name_v more_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o which_o come_v by_o outward_a covenant_n to_o inchurch_v member_n 4._o in_o respect_n of_o other_o their_o good_a be_v very_o great_a for_o 1._o now_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o special_a watch_n and_o care_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o otherwise_o they_o must_v want_v 2._o they_o hereby_o have_v the_o more_o fervent_a prayer_n of_o other_o for_o their_o good_a and_o hence_o rom._n 9.1_o 2_o 3._o we_o see_v how_o paul_n upon_o this_o ground_n have_v great_a zeal_n in_o his_o prayer_n for_o the_o jew_n not_o only_o because_o his_o countryman_n but_o especial_o because_o to_o they_o do_v belong_v the_o adoption_n and_o covenant_n &_o they_o have_v gracious_a father_n etc._n etc._n so_o psal_n 89.49_o lord_n remember_v thy_o former_a love_a kindness_n which_o be_v swear_v to_o david_n in_o truth_n and_o hence_o we_o see_v moses_n oft_o plead_v and_o prevail_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n for_o the_o sin_v israelite_n viz._n oh_o remember_v abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacoâ—_n now_o i_o pray_v you_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o then_o see_v whether_o you_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o say_v what_o profit_n be_v there_o by_o covenant_n and_o church-membership_a of_o person_n not_o yet_o able_a to_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n quest._n 2._o you_o say_v when_o family_n be_v church_n all_o of_o the_o family_n be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o a_o nation_n be_v a_o church_n all_o that_o be_v of_o that_o nation_n be_v of_o that_o church_n but_o now_o believer_n be_v matter_n of_o the_o church_n what_o if_o none_o be_v admit_v till_o